WASHINGTON - White House senior adviser Jared Kushner will travel to at least five Arab countries in late February to brief diplomats on the economic portion of a long-awaited U.S. peace proposal for the Middle East and seek their support, officials said Thursday.

Kushner, who is President Donald Trump's son-in-law, and Trump Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt plan stops in Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar on their weeklong trip, two senior White House officials said. They may add two other countries to their itinerary.

Kushner and Greenblatt, joined by State Department envoy Brian Hook and Kushner aide Avi Berkowitz, will not brief the diplomats on the "political component" of the peace plan, which covers all core issues of the decades-old conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, the officials said.

Palestinian aid

Instead, they will gauge the level of support for the economic part of the plan, which is expected to include a combination of aid and investment to help the Palestinian people, the officials said.

"Jared is going to share elements of the economic plan to the region. The economic plan only works if the region supports it," said one official who briefed a small group of reporters. "This is a very important part of the overall equation."

Seeking regional support for the economic plan is a step on the way to the eventual unveiling of Trump's sweeping proposals to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The economic plan is widely expected to include international funding proposals for the impoverished Gaza Strip.

Jason Greenblatt, center, U.S. President Donald Tr FILE - Jason Greenblatt, center, U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, arrives to visit Kibbutz Nahal Oz, just outside the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, Aug. 30, 2017. FILE - Jason Greenblatt, center, U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, arrives to visit Kibbutz Nahal Oz, just outside the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, Aug. 30, 2017.

?Political elements

Officials said they realized that the Arab diplomats Kushner meets will want to know elements of the political component before rendering a judgment on the economic plan.

"They're not going to support the economic plan without making sure they also support the political plan, and we recognize that. So the support, I'm sure in some manner, will be conditioned on whether they are comfortable with the political plan," one official said.

Release of the Trump peace plan was delayed after the Palestinian anger that erupted when Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December 2017.

The current thinking among White House officials is that the peace plan will be unveiled sometime after Israel holds elections on April 9 that will decide the fate of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Jerusalem question

It was unclear how the U.S. plan would deal with the sensitive issue of Jerusalem. Palestinians want the city's eastern part as their future capital.

Palestinian President Mohammed Abbas has refused to talk about any peace plan with the United States in the wake of Trump's recognition of Jerusalem, but White House officials hope that will change.

"We hope Abbas reads the plan, judges it on its merits and comes to the table for negotiations after we release the plan. His people deserve nothing less," one official said.

U.S. officials, meanwhile, have been meeting with Palestinians "from all walks of life" to keep lines of communication open, the official said.
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN - South Sudan President Salva Kiir said Thursday that implementation of the revitalized peace agreement still faced many challenges, largely because of the international community's wait-and-see stance on its implementation.

Kiir told hundreds of ruling SPLM party cadres in Juba that the September deal was "not a good agreement, but I signed it because people have suffered and I do not want that to continue."

The president, meeting with members of the SPLM parliamentary caucus shortly before they left for home on recess, said the government did not have enough money to implement the deal. But his administration gave each caucus member more than $7,500 (1 million South Sudanese pounds) to share details of the peace deal with their constituents.

"The implementation is facing difficulties because there is no funding. If America has refused to recognize the agreement, the other European countries and Western countries will not pay their money, so everybody has adopted the position of 'wait and see,' because they think we will fight as soon as the opposition comes in," Kiir said.

The United States, Norway, and the United Kingdom, known as the Troika, have repeatedly advised the government to use its own resources to implement the deal and show some political will toward moving the implementation forward.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir waves as he greet FILE - South Sudan President Salva Kiir waves as he greets schoolchildren at Juba International Airport, Sept. 13, 2018, after returning from Addis Ababa, where the latest peace agreement with opposition leader Riek Machar was finalized. FILE - South Sudan President Salva Kiir waves as he greets schoolchildren at Juba International Airport, Sept. 13, 2018, after returning from Addis Ababa, where the latest peace agreement with opposition leader Riek Machar was finalized.

?Speak of peace

Kiir urged SPLM party members to accept one another and speak the language of peace for the sake of all South Sudanese.

"Let us focus now on the future of our country. We will do this through peace implementation, sending out positive and reconciliatory messages that [are] aimed at repairing our social fabric," Kiir said.



Kiir said he welcomed back former detainees, but also admonished them for advising the international community to withhold money from South Sudan until the warring parties carried out the terms of the deal.

"I told the FDs [former detainees] when I was meeting them that the distractions that they did are worse than what Riek Machar has done, because he wanted to uproot us violently, which he did not make, but for you, [you] went to Western capitals to backbite us and stop all the money [from coming] to us, so it is you who have really destroyed South Sudan," Kiir told SPLM leaders.

The president concluded his remarks by saying he had forgiven his opponents and welcomed them back to the SPLM party.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday approved President Donald Trump's attorney general nominee, William Barr, and sent his nomination on to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote.

The committee voted along party lines. Republicans praised Barr as well qualified, while Democrats who voted against him said they were concerned he might not make public the findings from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.



A corporate lawyer who previously served as attorney general under Republican President George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s, Barr has been praised by lawmakers from both parties as someone who is deeply familiar with the workings of the Justice Department and does not owe his career to Trump.



He is expected to win confirmation in the Republican-controlled chamber.

If he wins the job, Barr's independence could be put to the test when Mueller wraps up his investigation into the Trump campaign's possible ties to Russia during the 2016 election.



The Republican president has repeatedly criticized the investigation as a "witch hunt" and denies any collusion with Moscow.



Barr criticized the investigation last year in a memo to the Justice Department, but he told the committee in confirmation hearings three weeks ago that he would allow Mueller to conclude his work and said he would make as much of his findings public as possible.



But Barr has refused to promise that he will release the report in its entirety, citing Justice Department regulations that encourage prosecutors not to
NAIROBI, KENYA - Kenyan health officials say unsafe abortions are common in the east African nation with nearly half a million in one recent year.

Abortion is prohibited unless, in the opinion of a trained health professional, there is need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of the mother is in danger.

Advocates for less restrictive policies argue that unsafe abortions contribute to a high level of maternal deaths.

One woman's story

Meet Martha Hope, that's not her real name. She was married with three children when she became pregnant again in 2010. The 33-year-old woman said her husband told her he was not ready to bring up another child in poverty.

At six months, she visited a neighborhood clinic that was willing to provide an illegal abortion. The doctor mixed some concoctions for her to take.

Martha says she started bleeding and that she sat in a bucket full of cold water.

I was sweating and losing strength, the fetus came out, but now the problem was that the placenta did not. I passed out, she said.

Martha is now on medication for depression as a result of the trauma she experienced.

Thousands of unsafe abortions

A 2018 report indicated that nearly half a million unsafe abortions occurred in Kenya in 2012.

Josephine Kamau, a nurse at Provide International Hospital in Dandora, says back alley abortions are all too common.

We get three to four cases in a month in our facility, she said, but remember, there are others who die at home, who may have no one to bring them to the facility. Maybe they opted not to tell anybody.

Maternal health services

For the last 30 years, the Marie Stopes organization has provided a wide range of maternal health services including family planning, safe abortion and post-abortion care in Kenya.

The organization says seven women in Kenya die daily from unsafe abortions.

There are multiple causes for this, said Dana Tilson, the Marie Stopes Kenya country director, including restrictions in the law for safe abortion including lack of information on where to get safe services. There are also particularly for young people, limited access to contraception, and when you have a situation where contraception is limited, there is a stigma around younger people getting pregnant and having sex before marriage.

Last year, the Kenya Film Classification Board banned a Marie Stopes media campaign that sought to raise awareness about unsafe abortions.

According to the board, the campaign encouraged teenagers to obtain the procedure. Marie Stopes was then temporarily banned from providing safe abortions in that country.

Adoption

Virginia Nehemiah of Crisis pregnancy, a faith-based, Christian organization in Kenya, says her group helps women make a different choice.

The issue of choice only considers two choices: carry or abort, she said. There are other choices, but people dont always talk about them. There is adoption. How many families are out there not getting babies and they want children

Tilson, of Marie Stopes, says women terminate pregnancies for various reasons.

When they have an unwanted or an unintended pregnancy, they are often desperate and they do not know where to go, and no matter what, they are going to terminate that pregnancy; they will do anything to do that and often they will go to a backstreet abortionist and these quacks are very dangerous, she said.

Loss of US funding

For decades, the U.S government has been a big donor for family planning services in Africa; however, the global gag rule that President Donald Trump signed when he took office in 2017 bans the U.S. from giving any money in development aid to any overseas organization that promotes or provides abortions.

This has affected operations of NGOs such as Marie Stopes.

When the gag order was signed, Marie Stopes said it lost about $30 million for multiple countries where it had been receiving U.S. funding for family planning.

The World Health Organization estimates 25 million unsafe abortions take place globally each year with almost all in developing countries.
The number of foreign students detained in an alleged visa fraud scheme that involved a fake U.S. university has climbed to 146.



A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official told VOA on Wednesday that the number had risen from 130 at the end of last week, as federal agents detained additional suspects in a nationwide search.



Federal court documents unsealed in Michigan last Wednesday detailed an elaborate plan staged by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to target student visa abuse by foreign students.



The U.S. government contends that those arrested were taking advantage of a university that offered no classes and had no faculty, in order to obtain a type of work authorization available only to students.



Of the eight men facing criminal charges for allegedly recruiting students to the fake university, five made their first appearance in a Michigan court on Monday, according to court documents.



John Brusstar, an attorney representing one of the accused, Phanideep Karnati criticized the federal agents who created the sting operation.

"It is unfair for the government to set up something like this to entrap people," he told the Detroit Free Press.

The 146 detained "students" who enrolled in the University of Farmington do not face criminal charges, but will likely face deportation.



The majority of the students are from India.



"We underlined that students, who may have been duped into enrolling in the university, should be treated differently from those recruiters who have duped them," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release Saturday.

The Indian government has set up a help line based out of its consulate in Washington for those students affected.

In efforts to obtain any of the top four job-based visas available for the United States, Indians face a backlog that in some cases goes back to applications nearly a decade old, according to U.S. State Department data.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Civil Rights Commission recently recommended Congress officially recognize Native Hawaiians, making them eligible for the same government-to-government relationship and benefits given to hundreds of Native American tribes.

But many Native Hawaiians reject that idea and say they wont settle for anything less than complete independence and control of more than a million acres of land.

Polynesian navigators first discovered the Hawaiian Islands more than a millennium ago, and for the next 1,000 years, flourished as a self-sustaining and self-governing people.

Portrait by an unknown artist of King Kamehameha I Portrait by an unknown artist of King Kamehameha III, who ruled from 1825 to 1854 and united Hawaiians under a constitutional monarchy. Portrait by an unknown artist of King Kamehameha III, who ruled from 1825 to 1854 and united Hawaiians under a constitutional monarchy.

In 1840, Hawaiis king Kamehameha III established a constitutional monarchy and later opened up Crown lands for private ownership. Native Hawaiians, whose population had already been decimated by introduced diseases, were now displaced from the land to make way for a prosperous sugar cane industry that came to be dominated by American planters.

In 1887, U.S. and European oligarchs forced King Kalakaua to sign a constitution that stripped him of his authority, removed Native Hawaiians land rights and allowed foreign landowners the right to vote.

Hawaii's Queen Liliuokalani, who was removed from Hawaii's Queen Liliuokalani, who was removed from the throne in a coup with American support. Photographed around 1891 by James J. Williams Hawaii's Queen Liliuokalani, who was removed from the throne in a coup with American support. Photographed around 1891 by James J. Williams

In 1893, Kalakauas successor, Queen Liliuokalani, tried to draft a new constitution to restore the monarchs power. The planters, with help from John Stevens, the U.S. Minister to the Kingdom of Hawaii, and a contingent of U.S. Marines, forced Liliuokalani from the throne and imprisoned her. Five years later, the U.S. Congress annexed Hawaii as a territory, and in 1959, named it the 50th U.S. state.

Then there was a huge rush of settlement by U.S. citizens that coincided with the growth in jet travel, said Noelani GoodyearKa'opua, a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) scholar and expert in Native Hawaiian social movements. After statehood, you had this a massive influx of people, which resulted in a boom in development of housing developments and hotels, leading to even more land struggles.

Waikiki beach, Hawaii, in July 1961. Post WWII set Waikiki beach, Hawaii, in July 1961. Post WWII settlement and tourism led to a boom in housing developments and hotels, leading to more land struggles with Native Hawaiians. Waikiki beach, Hawaii, in July 1961. Post WWII settlement and tourism led to a boom in housing developments and hotels, leading to more land struggles with Native Hawaiians.

Calls for sovereignty

The U.S. government acknowledges Native Hawaiians as a distinct and unique indigenous people with a historical continuity to the original inhabitants of Hawaii. But Congress has never formally recognized them as it has 573 Native American tribes and nations, and Native Hawaiians have never established a formal government.

Native Hawaiians today, like Native Americans on the continent, are politically and economically marginalized. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, they numbered up to a million. Today, they represent only about 20 percent of the state's population and experience discrimination, high rates of poverty and homelessness, and disparities in health and longevity.

A man sleeps on the sidewalk in front of Honolulu A man sleeps on the sidewalk in front of Honolulu Hale, Tuesday, March 28, 2006, in Honolulu after the City evicted groups of homeless people from Ala Moana beach park in order to begin renovations to park facilities. A man sleeps on the sidewalk in front of Honolulu Hale, Tuesday, March 28, 2006, in Honolulu after the City evicted groups of homeless people from Ala Moana beach park in order to begin renovations to park facilities.

But the Kanaka Maoli, as Native Hawaiians call themselves, didnt take colonization sitting down. Even before annexation, they were organizing, petitioning and resisting, according to Kaopua. And the sovereignty movement, always simmering, began to solidify after the 100th anniversary of overthrow, when thousands of Native Hawaiians rallied at Iolani Palace, former home of the monarchy.

From that point, there were really two parallel streams of the movement, said Kaopua. "One is seeking more of a nation within a nation, that is, federal recognition status. The other is asserting the claim for a country independent from the United states.

A lesser deal

In 1993, Congress apologized to Native Hawaiians for its role in overthrowing the monarchy and committing itself to a process of reconciliation. To that end, in 2014, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) held a series of hearings across Hawaii, giving hundreds of Native Hawaiians a platform to express their opinions on federal recognition.

Transcripts of the hearings reveal that the vast majority of those who testified oppose recognition, arguing the overthrow violated international law and the kingdom, in fact, never stopped existing. Watch video of one of those meetings in Waimea, Hawaii, July 3, 2014 (below).

In 2016, the DOI released a final rule to create a framework for formal recognition if Native Hawaiians form a unified government and call for a government-to-government relationship with the U.S.

If you look at that final rule, it basically says no federally controlled lands are on the table, said Kaopua. How is this in any way to our benefit? We wouldnt even be getting the crappy deal that Native American nations have. And once you accept a lesser deal, a better deal is impossible.

Indigenous or race group?

Davianna Pomaika'i McGregor, a Hawaii historian and founding member of the Department of Ethnic Studies at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, views federal recognition as an important step in the right direction toward full sovereignty.

Hawaiians who marched from the Royal Mausoleum in Hawaiians who marched from the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu arrived at Iolani Palace Wednesday Aug. 12, 1998 to begin a somber commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the annexation of Hawaii by the United States in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hawaiians who marched from the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu arrived at Iolani Palace Wednesday Aug. 12, 1998 to begin a somber commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the annexation of Hawaii by the United States in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The acknowledgment of Native Hawaiians as indigenous people with the right of self-governance has nothing to do with acknowledging the independence of Hawaii, she said. They are two separate issues, and one does not preclude the other.

Congress has passed dozens of statutes that recognize a special obligation to Native Hawaiians, and provide for health, education, job and other funding. But McGregor said these programs are vulnerable to court challenges.

Im very much in favor of reorganizing our government as a native people, not the government of the state of Hawaii as a whole, but the quest to reestablish an independent Native Hawaiian government within an independent Hawaii, said McGregor. But I dont think thats going to happen in my lifetime.
Kathryn Tolbert is a journalist, and also one of the directors of the film, Fall Seven Times, Get Up Eight: the Japanese War Brides. Its a subject she knows well, as Tolberts mother, Hiroko Furu-kawa, is a native of Japan. A daughter of privilege, Hiroko became a Japanese war bride, marrying an American stationed in Japan.

My mother married my American father, who was a U.S. soldier. She barely knew him, yet she moved from Tokyo to her in-laws chicken farm outside of Elmira, New York, Tolbert says.

Tolbert says her mom worked at the family egg farm and ran a small grocery store with her father. Tolbert says her father was happy, but her mother was stoic and determined.

Mother raised us not with warmth or expressions of love. It was one of hard work, studying and getting ahead, says Tolbert.

Hiroko Tolbert Hiroko Furu-kawa Tolbert Hiroko Furu-kawa Tolbert

Tolbert says her mother didnt speak or teach Japanese to her children, believing that she was duty bound to integrate as an American.

After college, Tolbert became a journalist, working for the Associated Press in Tokyo.

Being in Japan in the mid-70s right after graduating from Vassar College was wonderful. I was the first woman that AP had as a reporter there, Tolbert says.

In the 1990s, Tolbert worked for the Washington Post, and did a number of stories about Japanese women.

My parents divorced after 30 years of marriage and she continued running the grocery store and turned it into a great success, says Tolbert. She was known in the community. And I thought it was interesting but I didn't fully understand her story. I mean when you grow up with somebody that you're close to. And in one sense you know a lot about them, but I once wrote this little essay about what it was like having her as a mother and the problems with her English and what we couldn't understand what other people couldn't understand. And how she pushed us. How education was so important to her. But I didn't understand it, says Tolbert. I didn't understand the context.

But context would arrive in the form of the film, Fall Seven Times, Get Up Eight: the Japanese War Brides, which Kathryn Tolbert produced with fellow journalists Karen Kasmauski and Lucy Craft, who are also daughters of Japanese war brides.

Kathryn Tolbert and Hiroko Tolbert Kathryn Tolbert and Hiroko Tolbert Kathryn Tolbert and Hiroko Tolbert

While there is a bit of difference in our stories, they are also similar, says Tolbert.

In addition to the film, Tolbert has created an oral history archive of Japanese war brides. To date, she has done over 30 stories and continues to record interviews for it. She plans also to use the material for material for a book.

Traveling around the country and interviewing other families taught me a huge amount and then I understood her (my mothers) story Because there were great outcomes and terrible outcomes. Of these marriages. There were a lot of them. I can tell their stories and some of them mirrors my own experience.
GENEVA - The U.N. Mine Action Service (UNMAS) estimates it could take 10 years to clear Mosul, Iraq, of landmines and decades longer to free this former Islamic State stronghold of thousands of tons of other explosive hazards.

The nearly year-long battle by Iraqi forces to retake Mosul from Islamic State militants has left the city with a legacy of death and destruction. An estimated 800,000 people fled Mosul during the conflict.

Most would like to return to their homes. But officials with the U.N. Mine Action Service say the old city of Mosul has been flattened and they cannot return. They say no buildings are left standing and the city is heavily contaminated with landmines and explosive hazards.

Chief of the UNMAS program in Iraq, Pehr Lodhammer, told VOA these weapons must be cleared before people can return home safely. He said unexploded ordnance, booby traps and other explosive devices are particularly hazardous.

People are getting injured, yes. But there is also more of a tendency that people actually are getting killed by those devices rather than injured because of the explosive weight. And, the fact that many of them are also within a container that is made from metal, creating fragmentation, Lodhammer said.

UNMAS began clearing operations in the fall of 2017, shortly after the conflict in Mosul ended. Since then, Lodhammer says 7.6 million tons of debris from the fighting containing many explosive devices have been removed. Last year, he says 17,000 explosive hazards, including 2,000 improvised explosive weapons were hauled away.

This also included 782 suicide belts. Many of them actually fitted on fallen ISIS fighters in debris, in rubble - gruesome work for operators who were doing this very, [in] very difficult physical and psychological conditions for them, Lodhammer said.

UNMAS reports the clearance of landmines and explosive ordnance is advancing rapidly in many regions, but the amount of new contamination is keeping up with these advances and putting more lives at risk.

The agency is running 146 projects in 19 countries, at a cost of $495 million. More than half that amount is going toward clearance operations in the post-conflict zones of Iraq.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Iran appears to have attempted a second satellite launch despite U.S. criticism that its space program helps it develop ballistic missiles, satellite images released Thursday suggest. Iran has not acknowledged conducting such a launch.



Images released by the Colorado-based company DigitalGlobe show a rocket at the Imam Khomeini Space Center in Irans Semnan province Tuesday. Images from Wednesday show the rocket was gone with what appears to be burn marks on its launch pad.



Iranian state media did not immediately report on the rocket launch, though such delays have happened in previous launches.



Iran has said it would launch its Doosti, or Friendship, satellite. A launch in January failed to put another satellite, Payam or Message, into orbit.



The U.S. alleges such launches defy a U.N. Security Council resolution calling on Iran to undertake no activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.



Iran, which long has said it does not seek nuclear weapons, maintains that its satellite launches and rocket tests do not have a military component. Tehran also says they dont violate a United Nations resolution that only called upon it not to conduct such tests.

In the past decade, Iran has sent several short-lived satellites into orbit and in 2013 launched a monkey into space.



Iran usually displays space achievements in February during the anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution. This year will mark the 40th anniversary of the revolution as Iran faces increasing pressure from the U.S. under the administration of President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump spent 20 percent of the annual State of the Union speech on Tuesday talking about illegal immigration. In fact, he spent more time on the issue than any other previous president, according to a CityLab journalist who documented use of related terms in every one of the annual presidential addresses.

This is not new for Trump, of course. Since he began his presidential campaign, he has made regular comments highlighting what he sees as a crisis at the southern US border, which in his view, requires construction of a border wall. He almost exclusively discusses immigration in terms of the undocumented community, and how dangerous he perceives them to be. (But the link between immigrants and crime is just not there despite Trumps repetition).

Text of the State of the Union Address

Moreover, his insistence on the issue is out of step  especially the wall  with how the majority of Americans see it.

Sixty percent of Americans oppose such new major construction according to Gallup poll results released this week.

And last month, Quinnipiac University Poll data showed that three in five Americans believe the wall is not a good use of taxpayer dollars and that a wall is not necessary to protect the border. More than half believe the border wall is against American values and would not make the U.S. safer.

One of the reasons the president is trying to shore up support for the border wall is because it is unpopular, Todd L. Belt, director of the Political Management program at George Washington University. Two-thirds of Americans do not support the use of an emergency declaration in order to fund the border wall. They would rather see Congress approve of those fundings. And so that's one of the reasons why he remains trying to change the narrative into one of crime, into one of danger, instead of giving immigrants a chance and also giving refugees a chance to come to the United States.

Trump faces another challenge in the coming weeks, as Congress struggles once again with budgetary decision-making in the face of the presidents insistence on funding for a border wall. In December, the issue turned into a 35-day-long partial government shutdown, and lawmakers have until Feb. 15 to finagle a deal in a split Congress.

More legal immigration?

Trump made one outlier comment on Tuesday that raised eyebrows among those who are politically aligned with his generally immigration-restrictionist stance: I want people to come into our country in the largest numbers ever, but they have to come in legally.

This is curious for two reasons: first, Trump almost exclusively discusses immigration in terms of illegal immigration, linking it to crime and violence. Second, he has shown little - if any - indication of wanting to expand legal immigration.

In fact, much of Trumps immigration agenda overlaps with those from groups that advocate for restricting all immigration, so the idea of aiming for record numbers rankles in those circles. One such group, NumbersUSA, responded to the president with incredulity.

Last year Pres. Trump promised to end visa lottery and chain migration, and he endorsed RAISE Act Immigration numbers are already at an historic high. Did he misspeak? Lets hope so.

Last year Pres. Trump promised to end visa lottery and chain migration, and he endorsed RAISE Act.This year he says, "I want people to come into our country in the largest numbers ever." Immigration numbers are already at an historic high. Did he misspeak? Lets hope so.  NumbersUSA (@NumbersUSA) February 6, 2019

Perhaps Trumps comment about legal immigration is a hint at a bargaining chip for discussions with Congress. But while Trump said that he would order more troops to the southern border and reiterated the type of wall he wants built, and why he believes these things are necessary, he offered no policy in the speech that would support welcoming the largest numbers ever of immigrants.

Given that, as VOX reported this week, visa denials have increased under the Trump administration, and Trump has targeted specific legal immigration paths - like the U.S. refugee program - for massive cuts, and threatened to slash others, like the diversity visa lottery, the path toward a compromise with Congress by next week and any attempt to expand legal immigration seems difficult to reach.

I don't see that any white flags went up the during or after the speech on the issue of the wall, said political analyst Sherry Bebitch Jeffe, a professor at the University of Southern California. I didn't see much there that would lead me to believe that particularly on the wall and particularly before February 15 that there would be any compromise.

VOA News Center's producer Jesusemen Oni contributed to this report from Washington.
PARIS - France is recalling its ambassador to Italy over so-called outrageous attacks on the French government by Italy's leaders, further weakening a European Union struggling with Brexit and other divisions.

France's Foreign Ministry said its ambassador to Rome is being brought back for consultations, after what it said were repeated and baseless attacks and outrageous statements by the Italian government, which it suggested were aimed at winning win votes in May's European parliament elections.

Nathalie Loiseau, French Minister attached to the Nathalie Loiseau, French Minister attached to the Foreign Affairs Minister, attends a government session at the National Assembly in Paris, June 13, 2018. Nathalie Loiseau, French Minister attached to the Foreign Affairs Minister, attends a government session at the National Assembly in Paris, June 13, 2018.

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio met Wednesday with French yellow vest protesters  and after mounting tensions between Rome and Paris over issues ranging from immigration to the Libyan crisis.

France's European affairs minister, Nathalie Loiseau, later tried to dial down tensions. In remarks carried on French radio, she called for restarting political dialogue. While Paris and Rome do not share the same political choices, she said, both governments must focus on domestic issues their citizens care about.

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a meeting French President Emmanuel Macron attends a meeting with the cities mayors of the Saone-et-Loire department, as part of the 'Great National Debate' designed to find ways to calm social unrest of the Yellow Vests movement, in Autun, Feb. 7, 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron attends a meeting with the cities mayors of the Saone-et-Loire department, as part of the 'Great National Debate' designed to find ways to calm social unrest of the Yellow Vests movement, in Autun, Feb. 7, 2019.

Italian leaders have directed sharp criticism against French President Emmanuel Macron and his government in recent months. Di Maio has accused France of continuing to colonize Africa and of fueling the migrant crisis. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini described Macron as a terrible president and said he hoped French voters would turn against him. France and Italy also are competing for influence in trying to solve the Libyan crisis.

Italian Deputy PM Luigi Di Maio speaks at the 5-St Italian Deputy PM Luigi Di Maio speaks at the 5-Star Movement party's open-air rally at Circo Massimo in Rome, Italy, Oct. 21, 2018. Italian Deputy PM Luigi Di Maio speaks at the 5-Star Movement party's open-air rally at Circo Massimo in Rome, Italy, Oct. 21, 2018.

The last straw for France came with di Maio's meeting with French yellow vests who plan to run in elections. After the meeting, he tweeted that the wind of change has crossed the Alps into France.

The spat adds to EU worries that include a potentially chaotic hard-Brexit and divisions among other European governments that include rising populist movements.

It is clear the European Union is going through multiple crises, French analyst and former diplomat Philippe Moreau Defarges said. The problem, the challenge is if the European Union could disappear ... if Europe destroys the European Union, there is nothing else.

Italys Leaders Split on High-Speed Rail to France Italys high-speed rail link with France has no future, Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said Saturday, despite his fellow deputy premier in the coalition government saying the line would be completed. The projected 270 km (167 mile) line, which is estimated to cost 26 billion euros ($30 billion) and will be partly paid for with French and European Union funds, has split the coalition government in Rome. Di Maio, leader of the 5-Star Movement, one of the two ruling parties, said in a video on Italys high-speed rail link with France has no future, Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said Saturday, despite his fellow deputy premier in the coalition government saying the line would be completed. The projected 270 km (167 mile) line, which is estimated to cost 26 billion euros ($30 billion) and will be partly paid for with French and European Union funds, has split the coalition government in Rome. Di Maio, leader of the 5-Star Movement, one of the two ruling parties, said in a video on

Defarges said that is why this particular spat between Paris and Rome is so worrying.

The Europeans must be careful about their own future, Defarges said. That is why it is not an important crisis, but it is a dangerous crisis.

Defarges also said Italy's anger over immigration has some merit. Along with Greece, it is shouldering the biggest burden of migrants crossing the Mediterranean, while France and other European nations are not taking on their fair share.
WASHINGTON - A roadmap for partial denuclearization is a realistic goal for President Donald Trump to set for the second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, because Pyongyang is unlikely to give up all its nuclear weapons in the near future, experts said.

During their first summit, Trump and Kim agreed to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. But since then, the two sides have failed to agree on what that means, and how or when it will be carried out. A second summit is scheduled to take place in Vietnam Feb. 27-28.

It is absolutely possible to make progress toward denuclearization, but it is not clear whether the objective of full denuclearization is achievable  on North Koreas current trajectory, said Scott Snyder, director of the U.S.-Korean policy program at the Council of Foreign Relations.

But the job of Trump as a disruptive policymaker is to work with Kim to change the trajectory of the respective policies of the two governments, Snyder added. North Korea has not taken meaningful steps to dismantle its nuclear program, raising doubts about making significant progress toward full denuclearization.

Ken Gause, director of International Affairs Group at the Center for Naval Analyses, echoed Snyder, saying the likelihood that Pyongyang will not give up all its nuclear weapons is entirely possible at least for the foreseeable future.

U.S and North Korean flags are on sale at a flag s U.S and North Korean flags are on sale at a flag shop in Hanoi, Vietnam, Jan. 29, 2019. Vietnam's selection as the venue for the second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is largely a matter of convenience and security. U.S and North Korean flags are on sale at a flag shop in Hanoi, Vietnam, Jan. 29, 2019. Vietnam's selection as the venue for the second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is largely a matter of convenience and security.

However, Gause said, that does not mean that North Korea might not make concessions on its nuclear program and dismantle a part of its nuclear program. So as long as were not talking absolutes here, I think that progress could be made toward denuclearization.

Optimistic tone from Trump

During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Trump used an optimistic tone to announce the second summit.

Trump, North Korea's Kim to Meet in Vietnam Feb. 27-28 U.S. President Donald Trump announced during his State of the Union address Tuesday that he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would meet for a second summit at the end of the month.Watch: Trump announces North Korea summit Sorry, but your browser cannot support embedded video of this type, you can download this video to view it offline. Download File 360p | 1 MB 480p | 2 MB  U.S. President Donald Trump announced during his State of the Union address Tuesday that he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would meet for a second summit at the end of the month.Watch: Trump announces North Korea summit Sorry, but your browser cannot support embedded video of this type, you can download this video to view it offline. Download File 360p | 1 MB 480p | 2 MB 

Much work remains to be done, but my relationship with Kim Jong Un is a good one, he said.

The official announcement came after the president appeared on Face the Nation on Sunday and told Margaret Brennan, host of the CBS show, that there is a very good chance of making a deal with Kim.

To gear up for the second summit, U.S. Special Representative Steve Biegun traveled to Pyongyang to have working-level talks with his North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol on Wednesday.

Ahead of his trip, Biegun laid out several demands Washington wants North Korea to meet including a set of concrete deliverables and a roadmap of negotiations on denuclearization when he gave a speech last week at Stanford University.

U.S. President Donald Trump holds up the document FILE - U.S. President Donald Trump holds up the document that he and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un had signed at the Capella resort on Sentosa Island, June 12, 2018, in Singapore. FILE - U.S. President Donald Trump holds up the document that he and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un had signed at the Capella resort on Sentosa Island, June 12, 2018, in Singapore.

First summit

The first summit Trump held with Kim in Singapore in June has been characterized as a missed opportunity where only vague and ambiguous language came out of the joint statement issued by the two leaders and lacking any follow-up implementation process, according to Robert Manning, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Experts said the ideal deal for Washington at the second summit would be to secure from Pyongyang an agreement to disclose the inventory of its nuclear weapons as a sign of Kims seriousness about eventual full denuclearization.

What the U.S. administration, and also Seoul, has talked about is a declaration of North Koreas nuclear program, Gause said.

Nicholas Burns, former undersecretary of state for political affairs at the State Department during the George W. Bush administration suggested to VOA Korean that Trump should not go to Vietnam without a certainty of obtaining the inventory.

If you are able to establish that [Kims] ready to make those concessions, declare all of his nuclear weapons, fissile material, then you go. Burn said. But if hes not ready to do that, dont go.

FILE - New U.S. special representative to North Ko FILE - U.S. special representative to North Korea Steve Biegun speaks at the State Department in Washington, Aug. 23, 2018. FILE - U.S. special representative to North Korea Steve Biegun speaks at the State Department in Washington, Aug. 23, 2018.

Bargaining chip

Biegun said in his Stanford speech the U.S. must have a complete understanding of the full extent of the North Korean weapons of mass destruction missile programs, but it is unclear whether he has asked for a list during his meeting in Pyongyang this week.

Gause, however, thinks Pyongyang is unlikely to reveal the list that it considers one of its best bargaining chips.

I cannot imagine them for the foreseeable future giving a comprehensive list, Gause said. To do so, would take away leverage and flexibility from their negotiating position.

Some experts believe it is unlikely that Pyongyang will give up its nuclear program.

I do not believe that Kim Jong Un will give up his nuclear weapons because I think that he sees them as an insurance policy for his regime survival, Burns said. He believes he can have the negotiations and keep his weapons.

Evans Revere, acting assistant secretary at the State Departments Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs during the George W. Bush administration, said, The North Korean leader has made a strategic decision to retain his nuclear weapons, even as he seeks to improve relations with the United States.

As a result, he added, getting Kim Jong Un to take the kind of steps that would constitute real denuclearization will likely not be possible.

Their assessment follows the testimony of Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats at a Senate hearing last week. Coats expressed skepticism over Pyongyangs willingness to give up its nuclear weapons.

US Intel Chiefs Warn Washington Risks Losing Friends, Influence U.S. intelligence chiefs are sounding alarms about an ever more perilous future for the United States, one in which the country is in danger of seeing its influence wane, its allies waiver and key adversaries team up to erode norms that once kept the country safe and the world more stable.Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, along with the leaders of five other top intelligence agencies, delivered the grim assessment Tuesday, unveiling their annual worldwide threats report for lawmakers on the U.S. intelligence chiefs are sounding alarms about an ever more perilous future for the United States, one in which the country is in danger of seeing its influence wane, its allies waiver and key adversaries team up to erode norms that once kept the country safe and the world more stable.Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, along with the leaders of five other top intelligence agencies, delivered the grim assessment Tuesday, unveiling their annual worldwide threats report for lawmakers on the

A confidential report by the United Nations Security Council sanctions committee, which Reuters obtained and reported on Monday, assessed North Korea is trying to prevent its nuclear and missile capabilities from being destroyed by any military strikes by using civilian facilities, including airports and dispersing its assembly, storage, and testing locations.

Since last years negotiations that stalled when Pyongyang abruptly canceled a planned meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Washington has softened its initial hard-line approach toward North Korea. At the time, Washington refused to relax its maximum pressure policy until North Korea denuclearized.

U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephe U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun, left, talks with South Korean National Security Director Chung Eui-yong during a meeting at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 4, 2019. U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun, left, talks with South Korean National Security Director Chung Eui-yong during a meeting at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 4, 2019.

But last week at Stanford, Biegun said the U.S. will pursue commitments made at the Singapore summit by taking steps simultaneously and in parallel with the process of Pyongyangs denuclearization.

Washington realizes that final fully verified denuclearization can only be achieved in a series of stages over time and that the U.S. will need to take measures in response to North Korean actions at every stage, said Gary Samore, the White House coordinator for arms control and weapons of mass destruction during the Obama administration.

The U.S. flexibility comes in not insisting on a definitive result on the front end of the process, Snyder said, but instead in being willing to join with North Korea in an experiment in which the desired outcome is not yet completely defined.

Lee Joeun of the VOA Korean Service contributed to this report.
U.S. special envoy for Venezuela, Eliot Abrams, says the time for talks with President Nicolas Maduro "has long passed" except to negotiate his departure.

Abrams told reporters Thursday at the State Department that Maduro has "friends" in Cuba and Russia. He also said several other countries that he did not name have offered him asylum.

Abrams announced the U.S. has revoked visas for some members of the Venezuela's constituent assembly, whose job it is to put together a new constitution.

The opposition and many Venezuelans say the 2017 election called by Maduro to elect members to the body was rigged.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro attends a gat Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro attends a gathering in support of his government in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 7, 2019. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro attends a gathering in support of his government in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 7, 2019.

Meanwhile, the State Department says it is procuring and pre-positioning food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian aid to send into Venezuela at the request of opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido.

It calls on Venezuelan security forces to allow the aid into the country.

Maduro has ordered soldiers to stop supplies from crossing a bridge between Colombia and Venezuela. A giant tanker and two large shipping containers are sitting in the middle of the bridge, blocking any attempted delivery.

Fuel tank blocks the vehicular passage on Tiendita Fuel tank blocks the vehicular passage on Tienditas cross-border bridge between Colombia and Venezuela, in Cucuta, Colombia, Feb. 6, 2019. Fuel tank blocks the vehicular passage on Tienditas cross-border bridge between Colombia and Venezuela, in Cucuta, Colombia, Feb. 6, 2019.

A spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday "humanitarian aid should never be used as a political pawn" and must be carried out in "accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence."

European and Latin American diplomats meeting in Uruguay said Thursday Venezuela's problems need to be solved without violence and foreign intervention. They say it is up to the Venezuelan people to find a resolution.

Maduro has so far refused any suggestions to hold early elections and is refusing to go.

He was inaugurated for a second six-year term last month after an election the U.S. and opposition called a sham.

As head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, Guaido invoked the constitution in pronouncing the Maduro government illegitimate and declaring himself interim president until a new election is held.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared hi FILE - Opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself the interim president of Venezuela, speaks during a press conference on the steps of the National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 4, 2019. FILE - Opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself the interim president of Venezuela, speaks during a press conference on the steps of the National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 4, 2019.

The U.S. was the first to recognize Guaido as the president of Venezuela, followed by many other Latin nations, Canada, and European powers.

President Donald Trump has said a military option for Venezuela is still on the table.

The collapse in world energy prices along with corruption and failed Socialist policies has wrecked the Venezuelan economy. Food, fuel, and many basic goods are in severely short supply and inflation is out of control.

Millions of Venezuelans have fled the country and millions more can be expected to go.

Maduro has shown little tolerance for anti-government protests and blames the United States for backing the opposition and plotting a coup.
MADRID, SPAIN - The recognition by several EU countries of Juan Guaido as acting president of Venezuela this week may further isolate Nicolas Maduro but the hesitation of some European leaders to back the move may have bought Maduro valuable time in which to mobilize and step up repression against his opposition, observers say.

When Guaido invoked his constitutional powers as president of Venezuela's congress to declare himself acting president on Jan. 23, he drew immediate recognition from U.S. President Donald Trump and 14 Latin American governments who have long denounced what they condemn as Maduro's moves towards dictatorship. President Donald Trump this week said U.S. military intervention remains an option.

EU countries waited until Feb. 4 when Spain's socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez delivered a cautious statement recognizing Guaido as "caretaker president" while insisting on "elections in the shortest time possible", safeguards against "external intervention" in Venezuela and a "multilateral contact group" to open a dialogue with Maduro.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivers a st Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivers a statement at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, Feb. 4, 2019.Sanchez told reporters "we are working for the return of full democracy in Venezuela." Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivers a statement at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, Feb. 4, 2019.Sanchez told reporters "we are working for the return of full democracy in Venezuela."

"Maduro has had 12 days in which to regroup and step up repression. There have been killings on the streets, arbitrary arrests and even an attempt to arrest legitimate interim president Juan Guaido" said the leader of Spain's conservative opposition Popular Party (PP), Pablo Casado, who has demanded that Sanchez to appear before Spain's congress to "give explanations."

Spain has been the EU's reference point for Venezuelan policy due to its extensive historical, cultural and commercial ties with its former colony. Other EU leaders had deferred to Sanchez on the decision to give official backing to a self-proclaimed leader who was largely unknown and attacked by Maduro as a U.S. lackey.

Sanchez gave Maduro an 8-day period in which to call elections before recognizing Guaido.

Maduro refused to accept what he called "ultimatums" and has spent the last several days visiting army garrisons to underpin support from the military who are the main pillar of his regime. Soldiers invaded Venezuela's congressional building on Tuesday, according to news reports.

Maduro's ruling PSUV party also organized a mass rally in Caracas where the embattled president spoke last Sunday to eclipse opposition marches led by Guaido.

eiei eee e eiie eie e President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores greet supporters as they arrive at a rally in Caracas, Feb. 2, 2019. President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores greet supporters as they arrive at a rally in Caracas, Feb. 2, 2019.

Crackdown on opposition

Maduro's secret police, SEBIN, has arrested about 1,000 opposition activists and a number of foreign journalists over the past two weeks, according to human rights organizations.

Hundreds of Russian advisers described by Kremlin officials as "military contractors" have also been arriving in Venezuela for the apparent purpose of protecting Maduro. An ex-colonel in Colombia's military intelligence service, Juan Marulanda, now an international security consultant, has told VOA that they are special forces being assigned to elite Venezuelan units to boost their capacity to resist a possible coup.

A Russian government spokesman said that Europe's recognition of Guaido could provoke "civil war."

Maduro has said he is in the process of arming political militias called Colectivos with high-powered weapons supplied by the armed forces.

Despite clear signs that Maduro is digging in, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini is exploring possibilities for a negotiated settlement.

She has refrained from recognizing Guaido and has instead promoted an international contact group due to meet in Uruguay on Thursday to seek a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis in Venezuela.

Demonstrators are seen with the security forces be Demonstrators are seen with the security forces behind them during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 2, 2019. Demonstrators are seen with the security forces behind them during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 2, 2019.

Calling for talks with Maduro

Some European countries including Italy and Greece have not recognized Guaido and called for direct talks with Maduro.

The U.S. position expressed by Vice President Mike Pence rules out any dialogue.

Spanish diplomats say that the Trump administration is influenced by Venezuelan opposition leaders who are highly critical of a former socialist prime minister who mediated in previous negotiations with Maduro which they say Maduro tried to use to legitimize his reelection in a sham poll.

The father of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who has been imprisoned by Maduro, said on Spanish television Monday that it was "senseless" to expect free elections in Venezuela under current electoral authorities which are controlled by the regime.

"The United States is convinced and has let us know that there is no room for more mediation or facilitating further conversations with Maduro," Spanish foreign minister Josep Borrell told Spain's parliament last week.

Press reports said Madrid has yet to grant diplomatic status to the ambassador Guaido has designated.

According to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, the U.S. ambassador in Madrid, Duke Buchan, met with Borrell hours before Guaido proclaimed himself president of Venezuela Jan. 23 to urge the Spanish government to close ranks with the U.S., Canada and the Organization of American States.

But the Sanchez government is also influenced by the far left Podemos party on which it relies for critical parliamentary support. Podemos spokespersons have often praised Maduro and criticized the decision to recognize Guaido as dangerous.

Sanchez has said that his main concern is the well being of about 150,000 dual Spanish nationals who live in Venezuela where major Spanish companies including oil giant Repsol and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya are heavily invested. Italy's oil company Eni also has investments there.

A new test of Europe's solidarity is expected in coming days as international efforts get under way introduce humanitarian aid to Venezuela. Spain, Germany and other EU countries have pledged to lead the effort which Maduro has vowed to block, calling it a "Trojan Horse."
Up to 5 million California customers could temporarily lose power this year in the name of wildfire prevention if regulators approve Pacific Gas & Electrics $2.3 billion safety proposal submitted Wednesday.

PG&E unveiled the preventive blackout strategy for the first time late last year, getting regulatory permission to turn out the lights on 570,000 customers living in wildfire-prone areas during dangerous weather.

In a regulatory filing with the California Public Utilities Commission, PG&E asked for permission to cut power during wildfire threats throughout its entire system serving 5.4 million customers in the northern and central parts of the state.

Emergency, not routine

A consumer advocacy group says its disappointed with the utilitys emphasis on blackouts.

San Francisco-based The Utility Reform Network says PG&Es proposal to shut power during wildfire threats should be an emergency response only rather than a routine preventive measure.

Spokeswoman Mindy Spatt called on PG&E to make improving the safety of its equipment and training of its workers more of a priority than cutting power.

It puts customers in harms way, she said.

Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich, who famously to Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich, who famously took on Pacific Gas & Electric Co. in the 1990s, stands with wildfire victims and speaks outside the state Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Jan. 22, 2019. Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich, who famously took on Pacific Gas & Electric Co. in the 1990s, stands with wildfire victims and speaks outside the state Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Jan. 22, 2019.

?Overhaul wildfire prevention

The utility also promised to overhaul much of its wildfire-prevention measures in response to growing legal, financial and public pressure for its role in starting some of the most destructive blazes in California history.

The embattled utility also vowed to increase inspections, cut more trees and work with forestry experts to lessen its role in starting wildfires.

A new state law passed in response to the destructive 2017 wildfires required the states utilities to file their wildfire-prevention plans with the California Public Utilities Commission. The agency has scheduled several public meetings to review and amend the proposals before they are adopted.

Federal judge steps in

A federal judge who said hes skeptical of PG&Es safety commitment also demanded the wildfire plan.

U.S. District Judge William Alsup is threatening to impose sweeping prevention measures on the utility, proposals PG&E said could cost as much $150 billion. The utility said Wednesday its plan will cost between $1.7 billion and $2.3 billion.

Alsup ruled last month that PG&Es response to a 2017 wildfire violated probation terms included in its felony conviction for a deadly 2010 natural pipeline explosion in a San Francisco suburb.

In response, Alsup proposed PG&E workers inspect, document and rate every inch of its 2,400 square-mile electrical system and remove or trim trees threatening to touch equipment and start fires. PG&E said that could require removing up to 100 million trees. Alsup said he will determine PG&Es sentence later.

Tree removal, wire insulation

On Wednesday, PG&E proposed removing 375,000 trees this year after cutting down 160,000 last year. PG&E also said it would increase in-depth pole inspections from 9,400 last year to 40,600 this year and build 200 weather stations in addition to the 200 existing stations.

The utility said it also planned to bury underground or wrap in insulation 150 miles of bare wire next year and 7,100 miles over the next decade.

State fire authorities blamed PG&Es equipment for starting 17 major wildfires in the last two years. The San Francisco-based utility is facing more than 1,000 wildfire-related lawsuits. The utility filed for bankruptcy last month, saying the lawsuits could cost more than $30 billion.

Seven other utilities, including Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, also submitted plans Wednesday, but none included the significant reforms PG&E was proposing.
DAKAR - The Burkina Faso government claims to have killed 146 jihadists in the country's north this week, but Human Rights Watch says it believes some of the dead are civilians. The military is also implicated in dozens of extrajudicial killings in the same region.

The international rights group says some of the nearly 150 men killed were innocent civilians who were pulled from their homes and executed in front of their families.

"It is entirely possible that a good number of those people that the army are alleging are so-called terrorists are in fact civilians or suspects who were killed unlawfully," said Corinne Dufka, Sahel director at Human Rights Watch. "I spoke with a few people with knowledge of the incidents. One of them described speaking with women who were weeping, talking about how their husbands had been taken from their homes and killed in front of them."

The Burkina Faso military did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations.

The nation's army commander reports Thursday that terrorists killed five paramilitary police and wounded three others in retaliation for this weeks counterterror operation.

Earlier this week, leaders of the so-called G5 Sahel Forces met to discuss regional efforts to combat Islamist militants in the region. The group includes Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger.

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a meeting FILE - French President Emmanuel Macron attends a meeting with Burkina Faso's President Roch Marc Christian Kabore at the Presidential Palace in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Nov. 28, 2017. FILE - French President Emmanuel Macron attends a meeting with Burkina Faso's President Roch Marc Christian Kabore at the Presidential Palace in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Nov. 28, 2017.

Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Kabore said the group will reinforce and accelerate efforts launched in October with the support of France and the United States.

While terror attacks are on the rise in Burkina Faso  there have been more than 200 since 2015  the military is accused of committing human rights abuses in the name of fighting terrorists.

"The local population consistently described to me being between a rock and a hard place, being fearful of the army and the Islamists, wanting to live their lives in peace, but feeling they are blamed by the army for collaborating with the Islamists. But when the Islamists come into town, they felt pressure to sell goods to them," added Dufka.

Rising terrorist attacks

Before 2016 the Sahel country had  on the surface  been a stalwart of peace and stability.

Former and long-serving President Blaise Compaore had a practice of negotiating with terror groups to keep attacks at bay.

"The old system protected them and fed them," said Serge Bambara, spokesperson for Balai Citoyen, a protest group that helped lead the movement to topple Compaore in 2014.

According to International Crisis Group's (ICG) West Africa project director, Rinaldo Depagne, those deals deteriorated after Compaore's government was ousted in a popular movement to sweep in reforms.

"When the insurrection in October 2014 happened, and then when the military transition took place in 2015, it became more and more difficult to keep those deals between Burkina and terrorist groups, and then they started to operate in the country," said Depagne.

The insurrection is led by the homegrown militant group Ansarul Islam, and according to ICG, the attacks continue to take a heavy toll on government forces in the country's north, while in 2018, a second hotspot emerged in the east.

Besides Ansarul Islam, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) are two more groups active in the country.

Bambara added that despite the names of the groups, to simply label them as Islamic terrorists is to fail to grasp the full picture.

The threat is not necessarily based just on religious extremism, he said, but also on the communities' deep frustrations over being denied development.

Despite rising costs of living, the country's minimum wage is capped at $55 per month, and most rural areas lack basic infrastructure.

"There are more important questions, questions of infrastructure, of health centers. The people feel left behind. There are a lot of regions who are left out of the system, and all that can create a form of frustration that feeds into the recruitment for the jihadists," said Bambara.

To compound the issue, the terror attacks are making it harder for residents to get health care, education and more.

Growing humanitarian crisis

The humanitarian situation for residents has only worsened as the attacks have increased. According to the United Nations, more than 80,000 people are internally displaced in Burkina Faso. Attacks on local government buildings have inflamed fears. Hundreds of schools have closed. Health care workers are now afraid to show up for work.

According to Medecins Sans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders, ambulances in the north were recently stolen by armed groups, and now many residents are too scared to take the medical vehicles when they need emergency care.

"There is an area of insecurity, where some health posts are closed or function with very few medical staff," said Sylvien Auerbach, head of MSF's Burkina Faso operations. "And those staff are not sufficient to meet the needs of the population in that area."

When people are displaced and schools closed, it makes it difficult to administer basic health needs, such as child vaccinations.

"We can assume that the coverage of vaccination now is getting low because of the difficulty to reach the points of vaccination outside of the health posts," added Auerbach.

All this could play into the recruiting tactics of the militants.

"We have observed this in some other parts of the Sahel, is that these groups are very at ease when the situation is uncontrolled and to a certain extent those groups are also presenting themselves as service providers, especially in terms of security against other communities," said Depagne.

Besides lack of social services, the terrorist groups are using human rights abuses committed by the military to recruit new members, added Dufka.

Allegations of human rights abuses

In January, Dufka said she recorded interviews with people alleging dozens of additional illegal killings had been committed by the Burkina Faso military since September.

"I heard very credible accounts from families of how their extended family members who were forced to flee northern Burkina Faso, and they believe that some of them have joined with the armed Islamist groups," said Dufka.

The Fulani community is particularly vulnerable, because it is targeted for recruitment by the militias, which also makes the nomadic group an easy target for government retribution.

"It's quite clear that the Islamists since 2015 have targeted the Fulani for recruitment. The Fulani are mobile, they are present in a number of West and Central African countries. They have deep grievances with the state in a number of different places, so I think this is part of their expansion strategy," added Dufka.

Challenges to fighting terrorism

In January, the government resigned and Kabore, who has led the country since 2015, fired his Cabinet and named a new government.

Cherif Sy was appointed as the new minister of defense.

"Sy already made an important declaration and put an important problem directly on the table," said Depagne, adding, "The fight against terrorism in the nation can't be properly done if you don't have a good relationship between these two parts of society - the military and the nation."

One hurdle in their battle is that the militant groups' ideology and long-term goals are hard to pinpoint.

At least 90 percent of attacks are not claimed by any groups, although some investigations by scientific police in the north found that similar improvised explosive device tactics had been used both in the north and the east.

That lets us think that those groups are connected and are sliding from one region of Burkina to another one," added Depagne.

Bambara added that more needs to happen besides killing terrorists if the government is going to truly squash the violence.

"We say that a program, a real strategy of defense must also be put in place with a real will to transform this region, that these solutions exist for the populations so they can not be easily recruited," he said.

Meanwhile, outside analysts fear the violence could continue to spread, beyond Burkina Faso's borders and into neighboring countries.

Later this month, Flintlock, an annual, joint military training exercise between African and Western nations to help combat terrorism, will be held in both Mauritania and Burkina Faso. It is the largest U.S. special operations training mission in West Africa.
In advance of another migrant caravan, the U.S. military is repositioning troops from Arizona to the Texas City of Eagle Pass to reinforce ports of entry (POEs) there.

Acting Secretary of Defense Shanahan has authorized the repositioning of approximately 250 active duty military personnel, Captain Bill Sparks told reporters Wednesday. This ... includes military police, medical personnel, and engineers who will support hardening of these POEs."

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen wrote Tuesday that a caravan of 2,000 migrants is approaching the Texas border. She added that DHS will "take all steps to ensure the safety and security of law enforcement personnel."

The Texas Department of Public Safety has also sent state troopers (police) to Eagle Pass.

We have sent additional military. We will build a Human Wall if necessary. If we had a real Wall, this would be a non-event! President Donald Trump tweeted Tuesday.



National Security correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. Some information came from AP.

Tremendous numbers of people are coming up through Mexico in the hopes of flooding our Southern Border. We have sent additional military. We will build a Human Wall if necessary. If we had a real Wall, this would be a non-event!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 5, 2019



Pulling out the guard

In the meantime, the governor of New Mexico is moving most of the states National Guard troops away from the U.S./Mexico border.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, announced the partial withdrawal Tuesday before Trump's State of the Union address. Her Republican predecessor had deployed National Guard troops in April 2018 after Trump called for the reservist troops to help secure the border.

New Mexico will not take part in the president's charade of border fear-mongering by misusing our diligent National Guard troops,'' Lujan Grisham said in a statement.

New Mexico has 118 Guard troops at the border. The governor left about 12 in the remote southwestern corner of the state where migrants and asylum seekers have been crossing the border into New Mexico. The governor said the Guard troops would help with humanitarian needs. She also mobilized state police to assist local law enforcement.



The Pentagon announced last week it would send 3,750 more troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to put up barbed wire and support the Customs and Border Protection agency. The change boosts the total number of troops to 4,350.


Officials in a small Arizona border city passed a resolution Wednesday night condemning the installation of new razor wire that now covers the entirety of a tall border wall through downtown.

The City Council in Nogales, which sits on the border with Nogales, Mexico, wants the federal government to remove all concertina wire installed within the city limits.

Otherwise, Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino said the city will sue.

City officials say Army troops installed more horizontal layers of the wire along the border wall last weekend.

U.S. Marines stand guard next to a barricade with U.S. Marines stand guard next to a barricade with concertina wire at the border between Mexico and the U.S., in preparation for the arrival of migrants, in Tijuana, Mexico, Nov. 13, 2018. U.S. Marines stand guard next to a barricade with concertina wire at the border between Mexico and the U.S., in preparation for the arrival of migrants, in Tijuana, Mexico, Nov. 13, 2018.

?Dangerous, not meant for a city

The councils resolution says the razor wire would harm or kill anyone who scales the wall and is only found in a war, prison or battle setting and should not be in downtown Nogales.

In a statement, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the wire was added after a request for additional support in high-risk urban areas commonly exploited by criminal smuggling organizations. It did not say who made the request.

The new wire is being added to sections outside city limits, according to a CBP spokeswoman. In locations where there is high pedestrian activity, the concertina wire is limited to only the upper portion of the wall, she wrote.

Signage in Spanish and English has been put in place warning individuals of these dangers and prohibiting access, the statement said.

Not good for business

Garino said he was most concerned that children and others could be injured now that it reaches the ground. The downtown area is also residential, and there are homes that stand a few feet from the border fence.

Aesthetically pleasing  its not. Its very bad. Its not good for business, its not good for what were trying to create, a business-friendly community here in Nogales, Garino told the AP.

Photos published by the Nogales International newspaper show six rows of concertina wire stacked along what looks like a two-story wall.

The Nogales City Councils action came one day after President Donald Trump made his case to the American people about the need for a border wall and how he has ordered 3,750 troops to prepare for what he called a tremendous onslaught.

Nogales, a city of about 20,000 people, is a fraction of the size of its Mexican counterpart, but its economy is largely reliant on Mexican shoppers and cross-border trade. Illegal crossings in that area have dropped steeply in the past several years.

Garino told the newspaper that he asked U.S. Sen. Martha McSally to help the city have the wire removed during a visit to the border last month.

A spokeswoman for McSally said the senator was working on a response to an inquiry from The Associated Press.

In a tweet, U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, a Democrat, called its placement a stunt by the Trump administration, which he said is trying to create the perception of rampant lawlessness and crime.

Concertina wire along the border

Soldiers have installed concertina wire at or near several official crossings at the border. In late November, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the military had sent 36 miles (58 kilometers) of concertina for use in California, Arizona, and Texas.

At the start of November, soldiers in Texas installed lines of wire coils below a major bridge near McAllen.

City leaders were critical of military exercises at the border during the holiday season, saying they believed it scared shoppers.

The city resolution says concertina wire is typically something found in battlefields, and that placing it along the border fence is not only irresponsible but inhuman.

Other city protests

The Nogales measure would be one of the more direct swipes against one of Trumps signature initiatives. In September 2017, the San Diego City Council adopted a resolution that said Trumps walls would be damaging symbols of fear and division that will increase tensions with Mexico, one of the United States largest trading partners and a neighbor with which communities such as San Diego in the border region are inextricably linked culturally, physically, and economically.

It said Trumps proposal could destroy the vitality of U.S.- Mexico relations and act as a separation to our unique, diverse, and beautiful region.

The San Diego resolution passed 5-3, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. Kevin Faulconer, the citys Republican mayor didnt back the statement but didnt veto it either. The mayor often says the U.S. should focus on building bridges instead of walls.

Other border mayors have also been critical.

We have a fence here. The fence is fine. It does what its supposed to do, Dee Margo, the Republican mayor of El Paso, Texas, said last year. I hear the term wall, I think of the Berlin Wall. I think its pretty detrimental to the relationships that have lasted more than 400 years.

The number of arrests by the Border Patrol is the lowest since the early 1970s, while the number of agents has more than doubled.

More than 1.6 million arrests were made by just about 9,200 agents nationwide in the 2000. But those figures tapered off as the government dramatically increased staffing and resources like more surveillance technology and tall, steel fencing.

By last fiscal year, about 19,000 Border Patrol agents made 310,000 arrests.
SEOUL - U.S. President Donald Trump announced during his State of the Union Address Tuesday that he would next meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam on February 27-28.

"As part of a bold new diplomacy, we continue our historic push for peace on the Korean Peninsula, Trump said.

In his speech, the President also acknowledged the road toward denuclearization remains long, Much work remains to be done, but my relationship with Kim Jong Un is a good one," he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump holds up the document FILE - U.S. President Donald Trump holds up the document that he and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un had signed at the Capella resort on Sentosa Island, June 12, 2018, in Singapore. FILE - U.S. President Donald Trump holds up the document that he and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un had signed at the Capella resort on Sentosa Island, June 12, 2018, in Singapore.

The formal announcement of the second U.S. - North Korea summit came as South Korea celebrated the Lunar New Year. While government offices were closed for the national holiday, South Korean presidential spokesperson Kim Eui-kyeom said Seoul hoped the two countries would make progress when they met later this month.

Experts: Plan for Partial Denuclearization Realistic Goal at 2nd Trump-Kim Summit A roadmap for partial denuclearization is a realistic goal for President Donald Trump to set for the second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, because Pyongyang is unlikely to give up all its nuclear weapons in the near future, experts said.During their first summit, Trump and Kim agreed to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. But since then, the two sides have failed to agree on what that means, and how or when it will be carried out. A second summit is scheduled A roadmap for partial denuclearization is a realistic goal for President Donald Trump to set for the second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, because Pyongyang is unlikely to give up all its nuclear weapons in the near future, experts said.During their first summit, Trump and Kim agreed to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. But since then, the two sides have failed to agree on what that means, and how or when it will be carried out. A second summit is scheduled

Kim, speaking to reporters, said, "Vietnam and the United States used to point a gun and knife at each other, but now they are friends. We expect Vietnam to be the best venue to host the event for North Korea and the United States to make history."

Vietnam importance

President Trumps announcement of the summit dates and location were not a surprise. U. S. Secretary of State Mile Pompeo had previously confirmed that President Trump would meet Kim in late February in Asia.

However, analysts told VOA that the length of the next summit and its location have special meaning.

Tufts University Kim Koo-Korea Foundation Professor of Korean Studies, Sung-yoon Lee, said as Saigon was falling in 1975, Kim Il Sung visited Beijing and asked Mao Zedong and other officials to help him do what Hanoi was doing after having compelled the United States to sign a peace agreement to leave.

He said, That is the perfect Vietnam model for the Kim regime.

Lee said Trump is essentially saying, Hey, look at Vietnam. We [the United States] had a very hostile relationship with Vietnam in the past, but we've patched over things, adding, Vietnam has remained single-party communist dictatorship, but it's grown rich. You too can do it.

In addition, the Center for the National Interest Directory of Korea Studys Harry Kazianis said the length of the upcoming summit is of note and may indicate something big.

I think there is work around a peace declaration, Kazianis said. I also think that the North Koreans have been quite serious and telegraphing to the United States, to Seoul, really to anybody, that will listen, that they want some sort of sanctions relief.

As evidence to support his theory, Kazianis points to comments made last week by U.S. SpecialRepresentative for North Korea, Stephen Biegun.

Therefore it is all the more urgent that we engage diplomatically with North Korea to see if we can change the trajectory of their policies, by changing the trajectory of our own. And that's what we're trying to do, said Biegun while speaking at Stanford University.

Kazianis said that from a rational perspective, to move North Korea toward denuclearization, there needs to be an action for action sort of situation, and Bieguns remarks seem to indicate a shift in policy.

In his remarks though, Biegun remained firm, President Trump has made clear, both to North Korea, as well as to our team that he expects significant and verifiable progress on denuclearization -- actions that are bold, and real to emerge from that next summit.

But Lee indicated concern when Biegun said, President Trump is ready to end this war. It is over. It is done. We're not going to invade North Korea.

Lee said that while the Korean War did not end in a formal peace treaty in 1953, that does not mean the peninsula has been in a constant state of war, but rather an imperfect peace.

To say we have to end this war, right now 70 years of hostility. That is to fall right into Kim Jong Un's hands because that's North Korean verbiage, Lee said, adding that a de facto peace has been maintained through deterrence.

S. Korea Removes 'Enemy' Reference to N. Korea in New Defense Report South Korea has dropped a reference to North Korea as its enemy in the militarys updated policy document, reflecting President Moon Jae-ins initiative in achieving detente with Pyongyang. The Defense Ministry has labeled the North as enemy in its biennial policy document since 2010, when 50 South Koreans were killed in separate attacks on an island and a naval vessel blamed on Pyongyang. The absence of the enemy label in the 2018 document, published Tuesday, is likely to anger conservatives South Korea has dropped a reference to North Korea as its enemy in the militarys updated policy document, reflecting President Moon Jae-ins initiative in achieving detente with Pyongyang. The Defense Ministry has labeled the North as enemy in its biennial policy document since 2010, when 50 South Koreans were killed in separate attacks on an island and a naval vessel blamed on Pyongyang. The absence of the enemy label in the 2018 document, published Tuesday, is likely to anger conservatives

If the United States were to initiate a peace agreement with North Korea, Lee said that plays into Kim Jong Uns hands and gives him the advantage in talks.

Kazianis disagrees, noting both Kim and Trump have domestic audiences watching.

You've got to figure out some way to package this (the summit) where both sides get a win, and for Kazianis, that means an end to the Korean War.

Both sides saying that the war is over through a peace declaration makes a lot of sense, and we all know the war is over and both sides get that clear win that they can go back home, he said.

War claims

During the State of the Union address, Trump said, If I had not been elected President of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea."

Lee said the Presidents assertion is untrue, Because everyone says the Korean War ended on July 27, 1953, not with a formal peace treaty, but a ceasefire agreement.

In this image made from video by North Korea's KRT FILE - In this image made from video by North Korea's KRT, a military parade is held in Pyongyang, North Korea, Feb. 8, 2018. North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missiles highlighted the event. FILE - In this image made from video by North Korea's KRT, a military parade is held in Pyongyang, North Korea, Feb. 8, 2018. North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missiles highlighted the event.

Kazianis said when Trump made comments, as he did on August 8, 2017, North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States. They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen; the President inflamed tensions.

He added that looking at the interaction between Washington and Pyongyang from the mid-2000s both nations were on a trajectory, with North Korea testing intercontinental ballistic missiles, that would eventually create some problems in 2017.

But If Hillary Clinton had [won the 2016 election], said Kazianis, there's a lot of archival research... that does suggest that she would have had a tougher line as well [against North Korea]. But I don't think she would be calling for fire and fury and making some of these very, very intense statements.
ISLAMABAD - An international rights group has asked Pakistani authorities to investigate the death of a human rights activist while in police custody and release other activists arrested for protesting his alleged killing.

"There must be an immediate and effective investigation into the death of Arman Luni. There are credible accounts that he may have been beaten to death while in custody," an Amnesty International press release said Wednesday.

Luni, a leader of the rights group Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), died Saturday under mysterious circumstances as police tried to break up a protest. While the government has promised a swift inquiry, PTM activists and opposition leaders are demanding an independent probe.

Police arrested 25 PTM activists Tuesday while they were protesting in front of the capital city's National Press Club. Seventeen were sent to jail for 15 days under a six-decades-old law called the Maintenance of Public Order.

Concern for female activist

Confusion surrounded the whereabouts of female activist Gulalai Ismael as authorities gave conflicting accounts.

"#WhereIsGulalai" became the top trend on Twitter in Pakistan by Wednesday evening, with human rights activists questioning why the authorities were keeping Ismael's location a secret.

"What is her crime that her own family and lawyers are also not allowed to know about her whereabouts?" tweeted activist Meena Gabeena, who uses the handle @gabeeno.

Ismael was released late Wednesday night. Talking to VOA, she said her family was told by the police that she was handed over to "another institution," a pseudonym for Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI.

Finally returned to family

However, Ismael said she was kept in a car all day, which intermittently drove around or parked in secluded spots. Around 11 p.m., she said she was taken to jail in neighboring Rawalpindi. She said she was not shown a warrant or a police report against her. She was also not allowed to contact her family or an attorney.

At the last minute, Ismael said she was brought back to Islamabad and handed over to her family.

"They told me they were releasing me on the intervention of Prime Minister Imran Khan," she said.

PTM is considered anti-military for its belief that Pakistan's military has used the fight against terrorism to carry out human rights abuses against Pashtuns in restive tribal areas and other parts of the country.

The military has been carrying out operations in those areas, often under international pressure, to clear them of militant groups.

Group has many demands

PTM gained nationwide attention after the extrajudicial killing of a young Pashtun male model in Pakistan's largest city, Karachi. The suspect in the killing, police officer Rao Anwar, is out on bail. The case is still pending.

The group's major demands include an end to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, particularly of Pashtuns.

"They are prisoners of conscience and have done nothing but exercise their peaceful and lawful right to protest against human rights violations and call for an end to them," Amnesty International's Wednesday press release said, asking for the release of all arrested activists.

Government officials and ministers contacted for this story did not respond to requests for comments. However, a local journalist Mubashir Zaidi, tweeted that the prime minister had ordered the Interior Ministry to ensure release of the activists as soon as possible.
Emotions are running high among Pashtuns over the alleged killing of a Pashtun regional leader by Balochistan police earlier this week.

Pashtuns have long felt neglected and wrongly targeted in Pakistan by the government, and in particular by the powerful military. The most recent target was Arman Luni, a leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), which advocates for Pashtun rights and an end to militancy in Pashtun-populated regions.

He was reportedly beaten to death Saturday after a clash with police, which followed a four-day protest against a recent terror attack in Balochistan province's Loralai district.

Amnesty International Calls for Release of Rights Activists in Pakistan An international rights group has asked Pakistani authorities to investigate the death of a human rights activist while in police custody and release other activists arrested for protesting his alleged killing. "There must be an immediate and effective investigation into the death of Arman Luni. There are credible accounts that he may have been beaten to death while in custody," an Amnesty International press release said Wednesday. Luni, a leader of the rights group Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) An international rights group has asked Pakistani authorities to investigate the death of a human rights activist while in police custody and release other activists arrested for protesting his alleged killing. "There must be an immediate and effective investigation into the death of Arman Luni. There are credible accounts that he may have been beaten to death while in custody," an Amnesty International press release said Wednesday. Luni, a leader of the rights group Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM)

PTMs leadership has called for protests throughout Pakistan against Lunis killing at the hands of what they called the state. They have vowed not to stay calm until they think justice has been served.

I swear to Quran that we will not let go, and avenge his blood. ... [In our province,] they killed our youth, beheaded our elders, destroyed our homes, dishonored our mothers and sisters, PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen said to a charged crowd after Lunis death.

They still chase our youth. It reached a point where they even prevent us from attending our funerals. In such circumstances, when you block all our options and ways for negotiations, we will forcibly find a way. Then we will show you the power of Pashtuns, he added.

PTM workers in Pakistan staged countrywide protests in reaction to Lunis death on Tuesday. Several PTM workers were arrested in Islamabad following the protests. Authorities have yet to provide a reason for their arrests.

Sister's accusation

Lunis family accuses the Balochistan police force of intentionally beating and killing him.

Arman was participating in the Loralai sit-in and left after talks with the government. But the police then attacked the protesters. One of the policeman hit Arman on his head, due to which he died on the spot, Lunis sister, activist Wranga Luni, told VOA.

Pakistani activists of the PashtunA TahaffuzA Move FILE - Pakistani activists of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement take part in a protest against the arrest of party leader in Karachi on Jan. 23, 2019. FILE - Pakistani activists of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement take part in a protest against the arrest of party leader in Karachi on Jan. 23, 2019.

Balochistans provincial government, however, denies the allegations and maintains that Luni died of a heart attack.

This is a big mishap, an effort to destabilize Balochistan, and to incite hatred. There was no torture on Luni, and I suggest we should wait for the post-mortem and detailed medical report before coming to any conclusion, Mir Ziaullah Lango, Balochistans home and tribal affairs minister, told VOA.

Justice will be served, and I will even form a judicial committee to probe the killing if needed, he added.

Years of targeting alleged

Lunis family and friends say Luni paid the price for his strong criticism of the state institutions, which he accused of not acting against extrajudicial killings of Pashtuns and of violating their rights.

The establishment [military] always eliminates our effective members. We do not know who is effective and who is not but establishment always recognize and eliminates them to make others change their path  the establishment put its policy into practice as it has done so for the past 70 years by eliminating our effective members. Arman was effective and that is why he was eliminated, Wranga Luni told VOA.

Armans aim was to do something for the oppressed Pashtuns, she added.

Some analysts warned against rushing to judgment before the facts from the investigation were available.

I think Luni died on the spot due to a heart attack and not torture. I think the allegations that Luni was killed due to torture are baseless. Lets wait for the post-mortem and everything will be cleared, Mehmood Shah, a Pakistan-based political analyst, told VOA.

But other analysts, such as Hamid Mir, a prominent journalist and commentator, charged that government should not use force to silence people.

Whatever view professor Luni held, whether he was a supporter of PTM or not, you can have differences of opinion with him and be against his political views, Mir said this week on Geo TV, a private TV station in Pakistan, in reaction to Luni's death.

Killing someone to suppress a point of view  particularly when the killing is committed by a police officer, a law enforcer  "is a challenge to the writ of the state, and it is a challenge for Prime Minister Imran Khan and the chief minister of Baluchistan, Mir added.

Pakistani policemen escort an arrested founding me Pakistani policemen escort an arrested founding member of an ethnic Pashtun movement, Alamzeb Mehsud, with his face covered, at a court in Karachi, Jan. 22, 2019. He was arrested the day before on terrorism charges and for making anti-government speeches, police said. Pakistani policemen escort an arrested founding member of an ethnic Pashtun movement, Alamzeb Mehsud, with his face covered, at a court in Karachi, Jan. 22, 2019. He was arrested the day before on terrorism charges and for making anti-government speeches, police said.

?Nothing will stop us

Pashtun activists maintain the military and establishment are afraid of the power of the Pashtun movement.

I have seen the dead body and I can assure you  there were signs of torture on the body, advocate Hassan Agha, a PTM activist from Balochistan, told VOA.

And I assure you nothing will stop us from this point onward. The torture, the police, the jails, the killings  nothing, he added. Nothing will now stop PTM.

The PTM emerged last year after the extrajudicial killing of a Pashtun man in Karachi. The movement has since been regularly mobilizing thousands of Pashtuns against what they believe is the state's marginalization of Pashtuns.

PTM accuses the Pakistani military of forcing evictions of Pashtuns from the tribal region that borders Afghanistan. They say militancy and military operations in the region have claimed the lives of thousands and forcibly displaced thousands more. Pakistans government deny the PTMs charges.

Who was Arman Luni?



Luni, 35, was from the Ziarat district of Balochistan province. His real name was Mohammad Ibrahim Luni.

He was a poet and taught Pashto literature at a government college in Balochistan province. He joined PTM last year in February.

Luni had repeatedly protested alleged targeted killings by the state and had criticized the state for marginalizing Pashtuns. He also raised awareness for those affected by militancy and government military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

Luni was responsible for holding a four-day sit-in in Loralai against a militant attack on police in the city. At least eight people lost their lives in the attack.

VOAs Urdu and Afghan services contributed to this report.
ISLAMABAD - Taliban and influential Afghan opposition leaders concluded a rare two-day peace meeting in Moscow on Wednesday, where they jointly declared that a complete withdrawal of U.S.-led foreign forces was key to a lasting peace in Afghanistan.

A post-meeting declaration noted that participants also agreed to support ongoing U.S.-led direct talks with the Taliban to seek a negotiated settlement to the Afghan war, now in its 18th year.

The Russian Embassy in Kabul said members of the Afghan diaspora in Russia organized the dialogue, though delegates privately acknowledged the host government played a major role in arranging it.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, second from Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, second from right in the foreground, applauds during the intra-Afghan talks in Moscow, Feb. 6, 2019. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, second from right in the foreground, applauds during the intra-Afghan talks in Moscow, Feb. 6, 2019.

A 10-member Taliban delegation from the insurgent groups Qatar office attended the conference under the leadership of their chief negotiator, Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanikzai.

Former President Hamid Karzai led the group of about 40 politicians from Afghanistan, including presidential hopefuls, former officials, warlords, tribal elders and female rights activists.

'Very successful'

This meeting here in Moscow, it was very successful, and we agreed on many points, Stanikzai told reporters at the end of the two-day deliberations.

But the U.S.-backed government in Kabul was not invited to the conference because the Taliban have persistently refused to engage in any talks with Kabul until all foreign forces leave Afghanistan.

President Ashraf Ghani criticized and dismissed the Moscow gathering as an attempt by his political opponents to undermine his constitutionally elected administration.

The rigid insurgent stance also forced Washington to exclude Ghanis government from talks between U.S. and Taliban officials seeking a political resolution to the conflict.

Ghanis former national security adviser and his rival in the upcoming presidential election, Haneef Atmar, defended the Moscow gathering as an important step toward initiating an intra-Afghan peace dialogue.

He told reporters the Afghan delegation was in fact trying to help Ghanis government to become part of the peace process because the Taliban do not want to talk to him.

The intra-Afghan dialogue will be all-inclusive. No Afghan will be excluded from this process. So, it includes people from the government. This is a breakthrough in the [peace] process, said Atmar.

Former national security adviser HaneefA Atmar att Former national security adviser Haneef Atmar attends the intra-Afghan talks in Moscow, Feb. 6, 2019. Former national security adviser Haneef Atmar attends the intra-Afghan talks in Moscow, Feb. 6, 2019.

The effort now is exactly with the purpose to have an integrated peace settlement in which the withdrawal of troops will be one element, Atmar said when asked whether the meeting demanded complete withdrawal of forces by the U.S. and its allies.

U.S.-Taliban talks

The Moscow talks took place days after U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, reported significant progress in his latest round of negotiations with the Taliban in Qatar, where Stanikzai led the insurgent team.

Both sides noted they had agreed in principle to a framework on key issues, including a Taliban guarantee that Afghan soil would not be used in the future for terrorist attacks against the U.S. in return for Washington's withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan.

Khalilzad and his team are due to meet with the Taliban again in Qatar on Feb. 25 for more discussions.

President Donald Trump in his State of the Union speech Tuesday hinted at a possible U.S. military drawdown, saying his administration has accelerated negotiations with the Taliban to reach a political settlement in Afghanistan.

As we make progress in these negotiations, we will be able to reduce our troops' presence and focus on counterterrorism.  We do not know whether we will achieve an agreement, but we do know that after two decades of war, the hour has come to at least try for peace, Trump noted.
ISLAMABAD - Afghan President Ashraf Ghanis denouncement Thursday of the arrest of a group of ethnic Pashtun activists in neighboring Pakistan has triggered a harsh response from Islamabad, reigniting bilateral political tensions.

The unusual reaction by Ghani came two days after authorities in the Pakistani capital arrested about two dozen members of a non-violent group, known as the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) or Pashtun Protection Movement. The detainees were protesting against the death of one of their leaders in an alleged police crackdown.

The Afghan government has serious concerns about the violence perpetrated against peaceful protesters and civil activists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Ghani said in a series of tweets. Ghani named the two Pakistani border provinces with predominantly Pashtun populations and where the PTM has its support base.

PTM leaders repeatedly have alleged in recent months that authorities are suppressing their activists elsewhere in Pakistan to deter them from raising their voice against injustices facing the countrys Pashtuns. Authorities deny the charges.

Members and supporters of the Pashtun Protection M Members and supporters of the Pashtun Protection Movement hold pictures of missing family members during a rally in Karachi, Pakistan, May 13, 2018. Members and supporters of the Pashtun Protection Movement hold pictures of missing family members during a rally in Karachi, Pakistan, May 13, 2018.

We believe it is the moral responsibility of every government to support civil activities that take a stand against the terrorism and extremism that plagues and threatens our region and collective security, said Ghani, who himself is a Pashtun. Several cities in Afghanistan, where Pashtuns are in the majority, also have been the scenes of rallies in support of PTM.

Pakistan claims gross interference

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi swiftly took to Twitter, though, to reject Ghanis comments. Such irresponsible statements are only gross interference. Afghan leadership needs to focus on long-standing serious grievances of the Afghan people, Qureshi insisted.

The Pakistani group says its senior member, Arman Loni, was participating in a protest in the Lorali town of Baluchistan when police attacked and beat him to death in a bid to disperse the rally.

For their part, provincial authorities maintain the 35-year-old university teacher died of a heart attack during clashes between protesters and riot police. The government has promised a swift inquiry, but PTM activists and leaders of opposition political parties are demanding an independent probe.

FILE - Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qur FILE - Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi talks with media representatives in Multan, Pakistan, Dec. 22, 2018. FILE - Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi talks with media representatives in Multan, Pakistan, Dec. 22, 2018.

Afghanistan and Pakistan regularly accuse each other of supporting and harboring militant groups carrying out terrorist attacks on their respective terrorizes. The allegations are at the center of mutual tensions and mistrust.

The latest war of words comes as Pakistan has been facilitating renewed U.S.-led efforts to seek a political settlement with the Taliban to end the Afghan conflict. The insurgent leadership is allegedly sheltering in the neighboring country with the help of Pakistani security agencies  charges Islamabad rejects.

PTM is considered anti-military because of its belief that Pakistan's military has used the fight against terrorism to carry out human rights abuses against Pashtuns in restive tribal areas and other parts of the country. The group has been demanding an end to extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances, particularly of Pashtuns.

The military has been carrying out anti-militancy operations in those areas along the Afghan border, particularly in the northern Waziristan district, the birthplace of PTM.

Pakistani army officials flew a group of reporters to the Waziristan area last week to showcase an improved security situation and ongoing reconstruction projects in an area previously was condemned as the epicenter for international terrorism.
U.S. military is prepared to protect U.S. personnel and diplomatic facilities in Venezuela if needed, the U.S. admiral in charge of American forces in South America said on Thursday.

"We are prepared to protect U.S. personnel and diplomatic facilities if necessary," Navy Admiral Craig Faller, the head of U.S. Southern Command, said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.

He did not provide any details on how the U.S. military might respond.

Venezuela's collapse under President Nicolas Maduro, with the country plunged into poverty and driving some 3 million people to flee abroad, has forced nations worldwide to take a stance, particularly after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself president last month.

Major European Union nations have joined the United States, Canada and a group of Latin American countries in recognizing Guaido as the rightful interim ruler of the South American nation.

Faller said Venezuela had about 2,000 generals and the majority of them were loyal to Maduro because of the wealth they have amassed from drug trafficking, petroleum revenue and business revenue.

Still, he said, rank-and-file soldiers were starving "just like the population" of Venezuela.

"The legitimate government of President Guaido has offered amnesty, and a place for the military forces, most of which we think would be loyal to the Constitution, not to a dictator, a place to go," Faller said.
Cambodias freedom is on the decline as the ruling party strengthens its grip on power and builds a dynasty for Prime Minister Hun Sen, according to Freedom House.

The Washington-based watchdog released its Freedom in the World 2019 report on Tuesday and placed Cambodia as one of the 10 countries in the spotlight, along with China, Iraq, and Sri Lanka, where freedom has declined and deserved special scrutiny.

Cambodias prime minister, Hun Sen, fortified his near-total grip on power in lopsided general elections that came after authorities dissolved the main opposition party and shuttered independent media outlets, the report reads.

Former opposition leader Kem Sokha remains under house arrest and many of his fellow Cambodia National rescue Party officials have fled overseas, fearing for their safety, after the Supreme Court dissolved the party in late 2017.

Cambodias aggregate score dropped 4 points to 26 out of 100. It now stands below Thailand but above Vietnam and Laos.

It's regretful because political activists have been jailed, especially those from an important party that people see as a crucial opponent in Cambodia, said Cambodian human rights activist Suon Bunsak.

This is a legal issue in Cambodia... but politicians should be more tolerant to each other.

The chilling effect is also having an impact on ordinary citizens, according to Bunsak.

I've observed that before and after the elections until now people seem not to freely express their political views, he said.

Phil Robertson, Human Rights Watchs (HRW) deputy Asia director, broadly agreed with the findings of the report.

No ones fault but Hun Sens and his government, he said. Theyre the one who has systematically violated every human rights treaty that government has ever ratified.

HRW urged the international community to take a tougher stance on Cambodia, especially the European Union. The EU has repeatedly warned Hun Sens government of consequences if it does not reverse course.

The European Union needs to stand tough, Robertson said, They have to recognize that Hun Sen is a bully and bullies only stand down if you stand up to them.

In the run-up to elections, Kem Ley, a popular political commentator, was assassinated in broad daylight in central Phnom Penh in 2016; the English-language Cambodia Daily newspaper was shut down over a tax dispute, and civil society organizations came under attack.

Former Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans, one of the authors of the Paris Peace Agreement, said the backslide in democracy was his own failure and that of the international community.

Evans said neither ASEAN nor the UN Security Council nor the US and its allies, including Australia, are willing to apply any serious pressure on Hun Sen, despite knowing that Hun Sen has remained in power through a sham election and built a family dynasty on the web of corruption around him and the nakedly cynical financial support the country has been receiving from China.

There are not many grounds for optimism that this deeply unhappy situation is going to be reversed any time soon, he said in a speech late last year.

But Phay Siphan, a government spokesman, said Cambodia was completely competent and valued democracy.
President Donald Trump gave his second annual State of the Union address on Tuesday, highlighting his successes as president over the past two years. Besides focusing on the sticking firmly to immigration issues, Trump raised many other issues, such as withdrawing from the nuclear deal with Russia, talks with North Korea, abolishing nuclear weapons, the withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan, trade war issues with China, employment and attracting US investors back home.

Cambodian-Americans who spoke to VOA Khmer expressed mixed views after the president's speech, with some feeling supported and satisfied with the issues raised and others disagreeing with some of the president's claims.

Schanley Kuch, a Cambodian-American from Maryland, told VOA Khmer that the annual presidential address was essential for the president to report to Congress and the nation about what the government does and what lies ahead.

But he said the speech was laden with rhetoric and untruths, citing, for example, allegations about the influx of immigrants along the US and Mexico border. In fact, he said, immigration was reported by the Department of Homeland Security to have decreased since 2012.

In addition, he raised the issue of withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan without consultation, leading to the defense secretarys resignation, which Schanley considered a mistake.

"I regretted this last night, seeing what the American president says was lacking truth. He demonstrated the desire to have solidarity between the two major parties, Democrat and Republican, but he was sarcastic and against the Democratic Party as well. For example, saying that the American economy will be much more advanced if there is no hindrance from the Democrats.

Muy Chamroeun, a Cambodian-American supporter of the president, said Trump was a big thinker who would not back down from confronting China on issues like trade.

Trade has been successful. Every person has a job...the wall has to be built and in the next ten days if the Democrats do not help, he will declare a state of emergency, he said.

He added that he supported Trumps plan to withdraw troops from the Middle East.

Jannet Seng, a Cambodian-American from Pennsylvania, said while she was dissatisfied with certain aspects of the speech, such as the wall, promoting national unity could only be a good thing.

"The first thing that caught my eye most was that victory is not winning for my party, but winning for our country. Its meaningful when I think about Cambodia. Success is not a success for any party. Success is a success if we work together to find solutions, to be successful for our nation.
By Hoang Hung Partner, Vietnam Markets leader, PwC Vietnam

In todays economy, financial metrics reflect only part of a companys true value. Intangible assets such as talent, customer reach, and brand are increasingly important factors to consider when deciding to invest in or acquire a business. More stakeholders are starting to include ESG factors when they assess a companys strategy, risk profile, and ultimately, its plan for creating long-term value.

ESG factors can also help stakeholders evaluate a companys brand risks, appeal to customers, and ability to attract talent. Investors realise that ESG factors are important but there is currently a disconnect between what they want to know and what companies disclose. And the reasons behind this disconnect are quite complex.

Information divide

Through our work with diverse clients, we have observed that investors are very interested in ESG factors and that they consider them when making investment decisions. Investors want to know about a companys exposure to climate risks, its efficiency and stewardship in using natural resources, the quality and safety of its products, and how it treats its workers. Many companies have started to report ESG factors in response to these increased expectations for more transparency. However, there is no complete alignment between companies and investors on what, where, and how often to report.

So what is the problem? There are, in fact, several. First of all, companies and investors see different value in disclosing ESG information: while companies focus on growth, investors focus on risks. Investors and companies also speak different languages when it comes to ESG  a challenge made worse by the competing frameworks and standards designed for different audiences. While both investors and companies agree that reporting ESG information is good for the broader stakeholder group, many companies are not sure if and how investors really use this information.

Institutional investors often have professional teams that focus on the risks facing the companies they invest in, yet not all investors are able to connect the ESG data from the stewardship or governance oversight part of the organisation with what is used on the investing side. As a result, chief investment officers and portfolio managers may not focus on the ESG data  which can send a message to companies that ESG information is not a critical factor in the overall investment decision-making.

There are several reasons why chief investment officers and portfolio managers are not using the data. For starters, there is no consistent definition of ESG, making it mean different things to different people. Another issue is that ESG disclosures are voluntary, so companies can choose among different frameworks for reporting  resulting in information that is not necessarily comparable from company to company.

Bridging the gap

So, how should this problem be dealt with? A turning point in embedding ESG data in corporate reporting will happen when institutional investors demonstrate that this data plays a key role in their investment decisions. More available, consistent and reliable information could play a bigger role in portfolio management.

ESG information would certainly be more useful if commonly recognised standards were used when disclosing ESG metrics. According to a study by PwC US in 2016, more than nine out of ten investors (92 per cent) said that S&P500 companies were not disclosing ESG data in a way that made it easy to compare to other companies. Meanwhile, 60 per cent of corporates in the survey said the data they disclosed was comparable to that of other companies. This gap in the way the two groups think about ESG disclosure is a big divide. Corporates are quite confident of the information they are disclosing and its comparability to that of their peers. Most investors, on the other hand, do not think that the disclosed information enables easy comparisons.

Investors would benefit from standard ESG disclosure within a consistent global reporting framework. Having formal and consistent standards can help them better interpret the information. Some investors believe that ESG reporting will support operational and financial performance and how companies manage it to achieve long-term financial sustainability and offset long-term risks. But until we get to a common framework and set of standards, inconsistent disclosure will affect the usefulness of ESG data.

Raising quality of ESG disclosure

According to assessments by local exchanges, the disclosure of ESG information by listed companies in Vietnam has improved over the years in compliance with the provisions set out in Circular No.155/2015/TT-BTC issued by the Ministry of Finance, which clearly stipulates the disclosure of ESG performance of companies. The overall quality of reporting was raised, while the number of companies producing reports also increased. ESG disclosures were also bright spots in the 2018 annual reporting season, reflecting the adoption of international best practices and meeting investors requirements on quality of disclosure.

As part of the 2018 ESG performance assessment review done by the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HSX) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) with technical assistance from PwC, companies were called on to be more focused and proactive in their communications with investors about ESG issues, as well as listen to their concerns and respond appropriately. Disclosing ESG information in a clear, transparent manner will help companies improve medium and long-term growth prospects and reduce risks. Investors are also continually improving their connections and integrating information gained from functional departments into investment analysis and decision-making. The results of the ESG disclosures are the basis for the Vietnam Sustainability Index (VNSI), which was officially launched by HSX in July 2017 and continually revised in 2018. This is a new metric in the stock market, in line with international practices and aimed at promoting responsible investment. Hopefully, with the participation of proactive companies in the VNSI index, there will be more opportunities to access green funds and capital from international investment funds and financial institutions. These will certainly contribute to the sustainable growth of the Vietnamese stock market in the coming time.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong

In 2018, the sector grew by 3.76 per cent on-year, the highest level since 2011. What were the key reasons behind this superb achievement?

According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, despite challenges such as natural calamities and technical barriers imposed by importing markets, the sector grew by 3.76 per cent in 2018, well exceeding the target of 2.8-3 per cent set by the government. This great result has reflected the huge efforts of the sector in conducting agricultural restructuring, along with the great support from the party, the National Assembly, the government, as well as the strong actions by localities and all stakeholders, especially enterprises, co-operatives, and farmers to drastically implement the agricultural restructuring programme.

After five years of agricultural restructuring towards higher-added value and sustainable development, agro-forestry-fishery has been matching market demand, maximising advantages and effectively coping with climate change.

Export markets have been expanded, with an increase in the share of high-quality products. We are exporting to more than 180 economies, with the total five-year (2014-2018) export turnover hitting $157.49 billion, 51.2 per cent higher than in the previous five-year period.

The figure reached over $40 billion in 2018, higher than the $36.37 billion in 2017, with 10 commodities having export turnover of more than $1 billion, and in which five commodities had export turnover of more than $3 billion. These impressive figures show that the sector is on the right track, and reflects the huge efforts of all economic stakeholders.

It is expected that the sector will grow by 3.0 per cent in 2019, with its annual total export turnover of $42-43 billion.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into the sector remains limited compared to others. What are the reasons for this, and how was agro-forestry-fishery FDI like in 2018?

Over the past years, FDI has contributed to the increased total investment in the economy in general and in the sector in particular. The total number of valid foreign-invested projects by late 2018 in the agro-forestry-fishery sector was 491, with the accumulative registered capital of $3.455 billion. These projects covered diversified activities, from the production to processing of agro-forestry-fishery commodities. They have also brought into Vietnam modern machinery and equipment, as well as high productivity and high-quality breeds and varieties to match international standards.

However, the number of projects remains humble, and far below the potential if taking into account the countrys natural conditions, land, labour, and purchasing power.

The government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) are focusing on the development of green and safe agriculture to meet the growing domestic and international demand.

Currently, the whole political system, from top leaders to ministries and localities, are paying special attention to agro-forestry-fishery restructuring, via many resolutions, laws, and regulations in order to attract more resources, including FDI, into the sector.

Vietnam is also boosting international integration, with the inking and implementation of many free trade agreements (FTAs), especially new-generation ones including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which took effect on January 14, 2019.

Japan is one of the CPTPP members with an intensive strategic partnership with Vietnam in many sectors. As of December 20, 2018, Japan had 3,996 valid investment ventures in Vietnam, with registered capital of $57 billion, making Japan the largest foreign investor in the country. From January to December 20 last year, Japan poured money into 429 projects here, with registered capital of $6.59 billion. If stake acquisition and additional capital from operational projects were included, total Japanese investment in Vietnam was $24.24 billion.

Japanese investors are actively and successfully implementing agricultural projects in Vietnam, especially those that apply advanced technology to the agro-forestry-fishery production value chains in order to create competitiveness, added value, and safety for products.

However, the sectors development still relies on small-scale production. We have about 8.6 million households, with nearly 70 million small land plots. This is a very big obstacle to developing large-scale and concentrated production. Meanwhile, the sectors development has also been adversely affected by natural calamities, epidemics, and climate change. It also faces harsh competition from other economic sectors in the use of human resources, land, and water resources. These factors are the main reasons behind low investment in the agro-forestry-fishery sector.

What are the solutions to attract more funding into the agro-forestry-fishery sector?

Encouragingly, over the past two years, the number of agricultural businesses has tripled. As of the end of last year, the number stood at 9,235. If counting enterprises operating in agro-forestry-fishery processing, and foodstuffs trading, the total number is now 49,600.

Vietnam has joined the global agricultural value chain, and has become the worlds 15th largest exporter of farm produce. We have two big markets, namely the domestic one with nearly 100 million people and an average annual economic growth rate of 6-7 per cent, and the global market of 7.5 billion people. This shows that there is big potential for agricultural investment.

The government, ministries, and agencies are revising many regulations to attract more investment into the sector, such as Decree No.57/2018/ND-CP on mechanisms and policies to encourage enterprises to invest into agricultural and rural development, and Decree No.109/2018/ND-CP on organic agricultural development.

In 2018, the MARD continued to reduce and remove many administrative procedures, and truncating specialised inspections via new decrees and laws. This task has exceeded the target set by the government. These solutions have helped attract more investment into the sector.

The CPTPP has taken effect. How will it impact the Vietnamese agro-forestry-fisherysector?

The deal and its related documents were adopted by the National Assembly on November 12 last year. This demonstrates Vietnams strong commitments in economic reform and comprehensive international integration. The CPTPP will reduce import tariffs across 11 member states, whose total GDP value is over $10 trillion, accounting for 13.5 per cent of the global GDP, and 15.2 per cent of the global trade. With a total population of over 500 million people, the CPTPP is one of the biggest trade deals in the world.

The CPTPP will give Vietnam both opportunities and challenges. Vietnam has big advantages in agricultural development, as compared to other CPTPP nations. If we can make the best use of opportunities in market expansion brought about by the CPTPP, the Vietnamese agro-forestry-fishery sector can maintain its trade surplus, especially items with clear comparative advantages such as aquatic products, wood, vegetables, and fruit.

However, within the CPTPP, though participating nations have to reduce import tariffs, they can raise their non-tariff barriers in order to protect their domestic production and meet ever-increasing consumption standards in their local markets. Thus, if Vietnam fails to overcome these obstacles, it will find it difficult to entering the markets of the CPTPP.

What opportunities could also be created in this sector via the EU-Vietnam FTA (EVFTA)?

The EVFTA is expected to help Vietnamese businesses join global supply chains, and access more capital and scientific and technological achievements via FDI. However, to gain these, much needs to be carried out for domestic enterprises. Under the deals commitments, 99.2 per cent of all import tariffs will be reduced to 0 per cent for all European nations. This will greatly benefit Vietnamese businesses. Vietnams raw exports, whose import tariffs are now low at 0-5 per cent, will not be changed greatly. However, processed items will enjoy a tariff reduction to 0 per cent from the existing average 10 per cent. Thus, businesses with heavy investment into intensive processing will greatly benefit from tariff cuts.

The EU is a big importer of Vietnams agro-forestry-fishery products. In recent years, two-way trade in farm produce between Vietnam and the EU has increased continuously, at nearly $5.8 billion in 2017, and $4.9 billion in the first 10 months of 2018. Notably, Vietnam has continuously enjoyed a trade surplus with the EU, including agro-forestry-fishery exports like tea, coffee, and aquatic products.

In terms of investment, as of December 20, the EU had 2,194 valid investment projects in Vietnam, worth $24.3 billion in total. After the EVFTA takes effect, more European funding will continue entering the country, including into the agro-forestry-fishery sector.
Canadian Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen (L, pictured September 2017) said Canada is taking steps to resettle 750 ex-slaves from Libya, as well as 100 refugees from Niger AFP/TONY KARUMBA

The number of migrants traveling through Libya to reach Europe has increased tenfold since the fall of Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, according to the United Nations.

And their fate was highlighted - dramatically in 2017 - by multiple shipwrecks in the Mediterranean and the broadcast of a CNN report showing a Libyan slave market.

"In 2017, the world was shocked to see the harrowing images of people being sold into slavery in Libya," the minister said in a statement.

"Canada was one of the few countries to step up to work with the UNHCR to resettle these refugees directly from Libya and offer them a new home in Canada," said Hussen, himself a former refugee from Somalia.

Canada is "also taking action to resettle 100 refugees from Niger, rescued from Libyan migrant detention centers, including victims of human smuggling," Hussen said.

"Some people have already begun to arrive in Canada," he added.

A year ago, a UN report addressed to the 15 members of the Security Council and seen by AFP, affirmed that due to political chaos, human trafficking was booming in Libya -- and facilitated by rebel and government forces.

"Canadians have always been welcoming to newcomers, and that generosity has helped offer protection to those fleeing persecution, terror and war," Hussen added.


Three Square Food Bank and Papa Johns have partnered to fight hunger in Southern Nevada throughout the month of February.

By using the code THREESQUARE, Papa Johns customers will save 30 percent on all regular menu priced online orders. In addition, Papa Johns will donate 10 percent of those orders to Three Square. Proceeds will benefit the more than 271,000 valley residents struggling with food insecurity.

The promotion applies to all online purchases in February, including National Pizza Day (Feb. 9) as well as Valentines Day (Feb. 14), when specialty heart-shaped pizzas will be served to celebrate the holiday.
Pope Francis is reserving the right to verify the intentions of the two parties in Venezuela, before considering a mediation on the part of the Holy See. Meanwhile, the Church in Venezuela continues to insist on a peaceful solution.

By Benedetta Capelli

Responding to journalists questions regarding the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, and the possibility of a mediation on the part of the Holy See, the ad interim Director of the Vatican Press Office, Alessandro Gisotti, said: "The Holy Father reserves the right to verify the will of both parties by ascertaining whether the conditions exist for following this path.

Mediation if requested by all parties

On the flight back from Abu Dhabi to the Vatican, Pope Francis spoke to journalists on board, in similar terms: We will see what can be done, said the Pope. But for a mediation to happen, you need the will of both sides: both sides need to request it. This is a condition must make them think first, before asking for help or for the presence of an observer, or for mediation. Both sides, always.

During the in-flight press conference, Pope Francis confirmed the commitment of the Vatican Secretariat of State to solving the Venezuelan crisis. He recalled the talks between government and opposition that took place in Santo Domingo, mediated by former Spanish President Zapatero, representative of UNASUR, the Union of South American Nations. He also spoke of how Vatican diplomacy worked through Archbishop Emil Paul Tscherrig, who is presently Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and to the Republic of San Marino, and Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli. Unfortunately, the result, said Pope Francis, was nothing but smoke".

Thinking of Venezuela while in Panama

The crisis in Venezuela reached a turning point on January 23rd when the Leader of the National Assembly, Juan Gerardo Guaido Marquez, declared himself interim President of the country. It was the same day of the Pope arrived in Panama to celebrate World Youth Day. He addressed the people of Venezuela during the Angelus on January 27th: Here in Panama I have thought a lot about the Venezuelan people, to whom I feel particularly united these days, said the Pope. In the face of the current serious situation, I ask the Lord that a just and peaceful solution be sought and reached to overcome the crisis, with respect for human rights and seeking exclusively the good of all the inhabitants of the country. I invite you to pray, placing this intercession under the protection of Our Lady of Coromoto, Patroness of Venezuela.

The Popes appeals



This is not the first appeal Pope Francis has made on behalf of Venezuela. When the crisis began in 2014, he sent a message encouraging dialogue, speaking of "the heroism of forgiveness and mercy": elements we need, said the Pope, to free ourselves "from resentment and hatred" and to take "a truly new path", one that requires patience and courage", but "the only one that can lead to peace and justice", he said.

More recently, in May 2017, Pope Francis wrote to the Venezuelan Bishops, urging them to build bridges. He expressed his "deep sorrow for the clashes and violence" that, according to recent estimates of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, have cost the lives of 43 people and about 850 arrests, in the last few days alone.

A country on its knees



The humanitarian situation in Venezuela is the greatest cause of concern of the Bishops of the country, which has been on its knees for years, despite its massive oil reserves. The latest figures tell the story: according to the FAO, 12% of the population is undernourished, and the rate of malnutrition is at its highest in 25 years. The UN estimates that about 2.3 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2015.

The voice of the Venezuelan Bishops



Bishop Jose Trinidad Fernandez, is Auxiliary Bishop of Caracas and Secretary General of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference. "We don't want bloodshed, for any reason in the world, he says. "We know the people of Venezuela are peaceful, so a negotiated and peaceful solution is needed, one that respects everyone. The commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' is particularly valid at this moment and this must be a process of peace, not of war", he says. Bishop Jose Trinidad Fernandez continues, by saying: "Ours is a request for dialogue that we have reiterated many times in our pronouncements. A dialogue that must lead to that peaceful transition and that political change the people are asking for. A political change, to go to clear and transparent elections".

The humanitarian situation

The Church in Venezuela is also deeply concerned about the dramatic situation of the population, the lack of food and medicine: "We must open the country to humanitarian aid, they say, emphasizing the dramatic and unprecedented situation in which the country finds itself. Speaking on behalf of the Venezuelan Bishops Conference, the Secretary General says: "We bishops are inspired by the recent Message of the Pope for the world Day of Peace, in which he speaks of the need for a good policy in the service of peace. This is what we are trying to do at this moment, he continues, because we no longer want to see people being arbitrarily detained, or children looking for food in the garbage".
Boys near campaign posters for candidates running for office in the 16 Feb. elections, at the Teachers' Village IDP camp in Maiduguri

The Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Zaria in Nigeria, George Jonathan Dodo, has added his voice to calls for Nigerians to vote according to their conscience and not give in to the temptation of selling their votes in the upcoming 16 February presidential and national assembly elections.

Festus Tarawalie  Vatican City

Zaria is a major city of Kaduna State in northern Nigeria.

During a recent press conference on the forthcoming elections, held at the Pastoral Centre in Zaria, Bishop Dodo warned politicians not to resort to fraud and incitement to violence in an attempt to win the elections. He appealed to voting-age Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) for them to use their vote for the good of Nigeria as a whole," the Bishop. He added, "We must say no to vote buying, and (instead) vote for candidates who are God-fearing and accountable."

The Church does not support individual candidates or political parties

The Bishop of Zaria also pointed out that the Church has the duty to sensitise and educate "the lay faithful on their civic responsibilities but stressed that the Church does not support any political party or candidate.

Vote for credible candidates

The prelate of Zaria urged his compatriots to vote for a candidate of their choice, a candidate you think has good qualities and capacity to defend, improve and, or add value to your lives and dignity," he emphasised.

Bishops of Lagos Ecclesiastical Province urge people to vote wisely

A similar call was made last month by the Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos at the end of their Plenary Assembly. The statement signed by the Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins called on citizens to vote with their consciences during the pending polls.

The Bishops urged Nigerians to defend the countrys democracy by electing patriotic and credible leaders who would be sensitive to the plight of ordinary citizens.

To sell ones vote is to sell ones conscience, as good citizens, we must avoid actions that will reduce the credibility of the elections, the statement said, in part.

Burning issues in the election: Corruption, insecurity and the economy

Although there are other candidates, the two leading contenders are incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari who is recontesting for a second term in office. Buhari, a Moslem, is a 75-year-old former military ruler running against former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, 72, also a Muslim.

The issues which led to Buharis victory in 2015 continue to plague Nigeria. They include corruption, insecurity and the economy.

(Additional reporting fom Agenzia Fides)
Valdosta, GA (31601)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 86F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Members of the Yemeni government have received invitations to attend a high-level pledging event, organized by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), that is dedicated to collecting funds that will go toward curbing the humanitarian crisis in the republic, Hamza Alkamaly, the Yemeni deputy minister for youth and sports, told Sputnik on Wednesday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th February, 2019) Members of the Yemeni government have received invitations to attend a high-level pledging event , organized by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), that is dedicated to collecting funds that will go toward curbing the humanitarian crisis in the republic, Hamza Alkamaly, the Yemeni deputy minister for youth and sports , told Sputnik on Wednesday.

On February 26, the United Nations and the Governments of Sweden and Switzerland will convene the third High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen. The event seeks to secure support for the humanitarian response in Yemen and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni population.

"Until now they have not decided, maybe the foreign minister or the prime minister [will attend] ... They have received their invitations," Alkamaly said.

Yemen has been gripped by a civil war between the government headed by Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi and the rebel Houthi movement. The government is backed by a Saudi-led coalition that has been carrying out airstrikes on the Houthis since March 2015.

The intense fighting in Yemen has resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crises, with millions of people in the country suffering from hunger and lack of health care. The military operations by the Saudi-led coalition have produced mass civilian casualties and worsened the humanitarian crisis.
The Yemeni government will refrain from setting a date for a new round of talks on the country's peace settlement until the measures related to the port city of Al Hudaydah, outlined in Stockholm agreement, are implemented, Hamza Alkamaly, a member of the Yemeni government delegation at talks in Sweden and deputy minister of youth and sports, told Sputnik on Wednesday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th February, 2019) The Yemeni government will refrain from setting a date for a new round of talks on the country's peace settlement until the measures related to the port city of Al Hudaydah , outlined in Stockholm agreement , are implemented, Hamza Alkamaly, a member of the Yemeni government delegation at talks in Sweden and deputy minister of youth and sports , told Sputnik on Wednesday.

"The [date for] peace talks has not been set yet. [The government] wants to implement Al Hudaydah agreement, [under] the Stockholm agreement, first, then they will decide whether to have a meeting or not," Alkamaly said.

In December, during UN-sponsored consultations in Sweden, Yemen's warring parties agreed to a ceasefire in Al Hudaydah and pledged to implement various humanitarian measures, including an exchange of prisoners and establishment of humanitarian corridors.

Yemen has been locked in a conflict between the government forces led by President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi and the Houthi rebels. A Saudi-led coalition has been conducting strikes against the Houthis at Hadi's request since March 2015.
(@rukhshanmir)

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov promised on Thursday that he would do everything necessary to ensure that no US missiles are deployed to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th February, 2019) Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov promised on Thursday that he would do everything necessary to ensure that no US missiles are deployed to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

"I will do whatever necessary to prevent this from happening," Ryabkov said at a press conference at the Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency.

In July 2017, the United States deployed its Patriot long-range anti-aircraft missiles to Lithuania to be used in NATO drills, which was the first time the advanced missile defense system had been placed in the Baltics.

Shortly after the start of the exercises, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite reportedly called for the permanent deployment of the systems to the Baltic region, saying that it would provide for greater security.

The Baltic countries do not possess military aircraft suitable for air patrolling. Due to this fact, NATO member states have been helping patrol Baltic airspace since Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia joined the alliance in 2004.
Russia has to take measures, including the deployment of more troops in the country's west, to respond to increased NATO activity in Lithuania, Russian Ambassador to Vilnius told Sputnik Thursday.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th February, 2019) Russia has to take measures, including the deployment of more troops in the country's west, to respond to increased NATO activity in Lithuania, Russian Ambassador to Vilnius told Sputnik Thursday.

"Under the current conditions, Russia is forced to take adequate response measures. These include the deployment of new units and divisions of the national armed forces in the western part of Russia and changing the focus of military planning to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia," the diplomat said.
(@rukhshanmir)

MONTEVIDEO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th February, 2019) Representatives from eight EU member states and four Latin American countries will address ways to resolve the current crisis in Venezuela at the first meeting of the International Contact Group (IGC) in Montevideo, Uruguay on Thursday.

On January 23, Juan Guaido, the head of the Venezuelan opposition-led National Assembly, proclaimed himself the country's interim president and was immediately recognized by the United States, Canada and other US allies. Russia, Mexico, China, Turkey, Uruguay and several other countries came forward to reaffirm their support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as the country's only legitimate democratically elected head of state.

In late January, in response to the political turmoil in Venezuela, the European Union announced the establishment of the International Contact Group (ICG) which is comprised of representatives from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom in addition to Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Uruguay.

ICG leaders earlier this week announced that the contact group's first meeting will be co-hosted by the European Union and Uruguay in Montevideo on February 7 and will be held at the ministerial level.

In a joint statement released on February 3, EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez said the agenda at the ICG inaugural meeting will be focused on finding a solution to help Venezuelans choose their own future.

"The [ICG]... aims at contributing to create conditions for a political and peaceful process to emerge, enabling Venezuelans to determine their own future, through the holding of free, transparent and credible elections, in line with the country's Constitution," the statement said.

The creation of the EU-Latin American ICG came after the expiration of an ultimatum from the European Union which gave Maduro eight days to organize new presidential elections. After the ultimatum elapsed over the weekend many European countries announced support for Guaido.

However, several EU countries have chosen to abstain from backing Guaido including Italy, Ireland, Greece and Slovakia. The Russian government described the decision by certain EU member states to recognize Guaido as "direct interference" in Venezuela's domestic affairs.

The International Contact Group on Venezuela's Terms of Reference, approved by group delegations on January 30 and released the following day, outlines the ICG's objectives and mandate.

One of the group's main objectives is to hold new presidential elections supervised by international independent observers, the document revealed.

ICG members also stated the goal of reaching out to relevant national actors regarding confidence building measures between the two sides in Venezuela.

Confidence building measures, according to the ICG objectives, would include things like release of political prisoners, recognition of the National Assembly's constitutional role, facilitation of external aid, and lifting bans on opposition political parties from participating in Venezuelan elections.

The political appropriateness and results achieved by the ICG, according to the document, will be reviewed after 90 days and the group's work will be terminated "in the absence of sufficient progress."

In addition to the EU-South American ICG, other members of the international community have taken steps to resolve the crisis. Mexico and Uruguay have called for an international conference on Venezuela and the Lima Group recently gathered in Canada for discussing the situation.

After a meeting in Ottawa on Monday, eleven members of the Lima Group - Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru, issued a declaration affirming their support for Guaido.

Maduro has called the opposition leader a US puppet and accused Washington of attempting to organize a coup. Maduro also announced that Venezuela has cut diplomatic ties with the United States.
Sanctions imposed on Venezuela by the European Union differ from US ones in that they target officials rather than the economy, Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva told Sputnik on Thursday

MONTEVIDEO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th February, 2019) Sanctions imposed on Venezuela by the European Union differ from US ones in that they target officials rather than the economy, Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva told Sputnik on Thursday.

"The sanctions that we [the EU] imposed are sanctions approved to cause harm to individuals but not to the Venezuelan economy," the minister stressed.

The European Union has imposed an embargo on arms sales and travel bans and asset freezes on 18 officials since 2017. More recently, the United States slapped sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry, in an effort to deprive its government of its main source of revenue.

"There is a difference between the sanctions that the EU approved and, for instance, the recent sanctions approved by the US administration. For us, what makes sense is to impose sanctions on individuals and not on the population," the Portuguese minister added.

Venezuela has been suffering from years of economic and political crisis after the global oil market crashed in 2014, prompting millions to flee their homes to neighboring countries.

A political crisis erupted in Venezuela after Juan Guaido, the leader of the opposition-led Venezuelan National Authority, proclaimed himself the country's interim president in late January, contesting Nicolas Maduro's re-election last year. Maduro has accused Guaido of acting on Washington's instructions.

The Venezuelan opposition leader was recognized by the United States and several EU member states, among others. Russia and China, as well as several other nations, have backed Maduro as the country's legitimate president.
Memorial services will be held at Northridge Christian Church in The Link at 2 p.m. June 25, 2021. Lt. Col. Leeder was a native of Connellsville, Pa. and had made his home in Milledgeville for the past 25 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Laird Glenn Leeder Sr. and Hazel Mae Brooks L
In this pool image from video, Stacey Abrams delivers the Democratic party's response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019 from Atlanta. Abrams narrowly lost her bid in November to become America's first black female governor, and party leaders are aggressively recruiting her to run for U.S. Senate from Georgia. Speaking from Atlanta, Abrams calls the shutdown a political stunt that "defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people, but our values." (Pool video image via AP)
FINALLY, a fine summer, which we Minnesotans appreciate, having endured winters attempts to depress us, and just when we were about to go into therapy and talk about how emotionally unavailable our dad was, summer came along and here I am on a sunny day with relatives on a porch enjoying a 
Long Beach activist groups are once more calling on the city to fund programs to advance racial equity, affordable housing, language access, immigrant rights and more -- along with defunding the police -- in this year's budget.
Austin Beutner has been an investment banker, first deputy mayor of Los Angeles, and publisher and chief executive of the Los Angeles Times. But none of those jobs were tougher than the position he is soon leaving after the grueling COVID-19 year: superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified Sc
The law neither requires nor prohibits their use by local departments, but it lays down provisions about training, when videotaping can take place, what happens to the data and how long it can be stored.
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Roughly two-thirds of the victims were Dutch.

The Dutch government said on Thursday it was "increasingly confident" that Russian officials will be willing to meet soon for private talks on who was responsible for the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 in 2014.

"We are in contact with Russia over national accountability via diplomatic channels," a foreign ministry spokeswoman said, according to Reuters. "We are increasingly confident that we will sit down with the Russians shortly."

An international investigation led by the Netherlands concluded that the passenger jet  en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur  was brought down by a Russian surface-to-air missile. Moscow has denied any involvement.

Read alsoMH17 tragedy: Largest class-action lawsuit filed against Putin

MH17 was shot down over territory held by Russian-led forces in eastern Ukraine in July 2014, killing all 298 people onboard, roughly two-thirds of them Dutch.

In May 2018 the Dutch and Australian governments said they would hold Russia responsible for the plane's destruction after investigators traced the "Buk" missile system they said was used to bring it down to the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Brigade, based in the western Russian city of Kursk.
The Alliance doesn't want a new arms race, NATO chief stressed.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg commented on Washington and Moscow pulling out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

"We don't want a new arms race and what we will do is to try to convince Russia to come back into compliance to the treaty," Stoltenberg said in an exclusive interview with Euronews.

Noting that there will be a six-month period until the withdrawal process is finalized, Stoltenberg said that, during that period, "Russia can come back."

Read alsoStoltenberg: Russia trying to meddle in Balkan countries joining NATO

"Our responses will be measured, they will be defensive and we will look into not only the military consequences but also how we can take new initiatives on arms control," he said. "But we have to make sure that NATO in a world without the INF Treaty and more Russian missiles are able to provide effective deterrence and defense."

The Treaty was signed 1987 by then-U.S. president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. It bans the production, testing and deployment of land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500km.

Moscow's decision to pull out came after Washington's ultimatum that it would withdraw from the pact if Russia did not end its alleged violations.
That's wrong, NATO chief stresses.

NATO has suggested Russia has tried to meddle and influence whether Balkan countries join the defense alliance.

Jens Stoltenberg, its secretary general, made the comments in an exclusive interview with Euronews in Brussels.

"Russia tries to meddle, Russia tries to interfere in [the] political processes in sovereign nations," Stoltenberg told Euronews on the day the newly-named Republic of North Macedonia signed a pact that will pave the way for the country to join NATO. "And I think that's wrong."

Read alsoNATO jets able to confuse Russia's A2/AD systems  Stoltenberg

"NATO respects, we respected decisions by independent sovereign nations regardless [of whether] they wanted to join NATO or [whether] they don't want to join NATO," Stoltenberg said.

He added that, in Skopje, the majority in the parliament and the majority of the political parties wanted to join NATO.

"But in Serbia, for instance, they clearly stated they don't want to join NATO and we respect that," NATO chief said.

"So Russia should respect the decisions made by sovereign nations, even if they want to join NATO even though they don't want that," Stoltenberg told Euronews.
In December of 2018, Roskomnadzor charged Google a fine of RUB 500,000 ($7,590) for refusing to subscribe to the registry of banned websites.

Google has struck a deal with Russian censors to continue operating in the country by deleting websites that are banned in Russia from its results.

Roskomnadzor, the Russian censorship body, maintains a registry of websites that may not be distributed on Russian territory, but Google is one of a few search engines that does not subscribe to that registry, Meduza recalls.

However, the company regularly deletes links from its search results that Roskomnadzor has banned, sources within both Roskomnadzor and Google told Vedomosti.

In December of 2018, Roskomnadzor charged Google a fine of RUB 500,000 ($7,590) for refusing to subscribe to the registry.

Read also"Okay, Google, whose territory is Crimea?": Company summoned to Russian State Duma over map issues

The company did not challenge the decision and chose to pay the fine. The Russian law that made the fine possible does not allow Roskomnadzor to block sites that fail to comply with its demands, but that did not stop the watchdog from threatening to block Google in Russia anyway.

Google has now reached a deal with the agency to receive on a daily basis an updated list of banned websites before deleting certain links to those sites following own research.

The company has reportedly already removed from its search results nearly 70% of the websites Russian authorities have censored.
He was using a passport whose number differed by only a few digits from the fake passports used under the names of Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov.

The third Russian agent implicated in the Salisbury nerve agent attack aborted his planned exit from the UK, raising the prospect he remained in the country.

The Russian military intelligence officer - using the false name Sergey Fedotov - traveled to the UK on the same day as two hitmen who carried out the attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal, The Telegraph reports.

Fedotov was then booked on to the same flight back to Moscow with the assassins. But it is now understood, according to sources, that Fedotov checked himself and his baggage off the plane before departure.

It is not clear why, but it raises the prospect that Fedotov stayed in Britain, at least in the days after the deployment of military-grade nerve agent in Salisbury. His current whereabouts is unknown.

Read alsoSkripal detectives uncover evidence linking Kremlin to at least two more killings in UK  media

A source told said: "It is not clear why Fedotov did not board the flight. But at the last minute he checked himself and his bags off it.

"He could still have been running around Britain."

It is possible that Fedotov may have stayed in Britain after realizing Skripal had not been killed.

Fedotov, who claimed to be 45, was using a passport whose number differed by only a few digits from the fake passports used under the names of Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov.

It later emerged that Petrov and Boshirov were Alexander Mishkin and Anatoliy Chepiga, senior officers in the GRU military intelligence service who had been awarded Russia's highest honor by President Vladimir Putin for their activities in Ukraine.

Read alsoFSB nabs border guard for "selling" data on Petrov, Boshirov's trips  Russian media

Fedotov's true identity has not been uncovered, and his role in the attack on a former Russian spy Skripal remains unclear.

One theory says he brought the Novichok from Russia and handed it to his two GRU colleagues.

Also, Fedotov could have done reconnaissance to let the other two hitmen know when the Skripals had left their home on the day of the attack.

No CCTV images of Fedotov exist, suggesting he never traveled to the Wiltshire city. Also, no traces of Fedotov have been found in documentary databases or on social media. He has no property, vehicles or telephone registered to his name in Russia, according to an acclaimed Russian news outlet Fontanka.

Fedotov's passport is of the "64 series" linked to not only Chepiga and Mishkin but also to other suspected GRU agents such as Eduard Shishmakov, accused of a failed plot to assassinate the prime minister of Montenegro.

According to Fontanka, Fedotov previously traveled to Britain in March 2016 and March 2017 and again in 2018.

He flew to the Czech Republic with Mishkin in 2014, apparently to monitor Skripal, who was said to be briefing Czech secret services. It raises the possibility that Skripal, who had lived in Britain since a spy swap in 2010, was a GRU target for at least four years.
The Mi-35 was taking part in the drills on repelling U.S. intervention.

Venezuelan media on Feb 6 claimed that Mi-35 combat helicopter of the National Army had crashed near El Pao at least two days ago.

Five people were injured in the incident, according to Defence Blog.

The cause of the crash remains unclear, the report says. According to a source in Venezuela Army, the Mi-35 experienced technical issues while some social media users claim sabotage.

Read alsoFootage emerges of Russia's Tu-22M3 bomber crash

The Mi-35M is a multi-role combat helicopter manufactured by Rostvertol, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. It is an export variant of Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter. Primarily designed for attack and military transport missions, the helicopter delivers a more superior flight performance and maneuverability than its predecessor.

The combat helicopter took part in massive military drills to practice defending the nations territory, coast and rivers from U.S. intervention, according to Venezuela al Dia.

It should be noted that in recent weeks at least 782 military personnel of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) have participated in training sessions of defensive maneuvers ordered by Nicolas Maduro to "defend Homeland".
The vessels was seized on January 30.

There were eight Ukrainian citizens among the sailors of the SEA SCAN 1 vessel seized off the coast of Portugal while carrying 2.5 tonnes of cocaine.

In particular, five out of the eight Ukrainians were sailors from Odesa, the Ukrainian Service of Information (USI) learnt from the Assol Seamen Relief Fund. The suspects are now remanded in a local detention center.

Read alsoInternational drug ring exposed in Odesa sting raid

The SEA SCAN 1 vessel with the crew was stopped in the neutral waters 300 kilometers from Cape St. Vincent near Portugal's Algarve Province on January 30.

Some 2.5 tonnes of cocaine worth about EUR 500 million was found during the inspection of the ship.

All suspects were detained for three months. Under Portuguese law, all detained sailors have been provided with a lawyer and an interpreter. The Ukrainian consul will be able to visit the detainees after the Portuguese side issues permission.

As was earlier reported, Cape Verde police have recently detained 11 Russian sailors for the suspected smuggling of 9.5 tonnes of cocaine.
The grey zone between the warring sides is also a grey zone in terms of information. Russia keeps spreading disinformation, claiming the "DPR" and "LPR" are "separatists" fighting a "civil war".

Ukrainian soldiers repelling Russian proxy forces in Donbas have spoken with EUobserver to tell about the simmering conflict in eastern Ukraine that has been ongoing for four and a half years already.

Ukraine has no doubt who it is fighting against in eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian Army's 93rd Brigade told EUObserver.

"When I say the enemy, you understand this is the Russian Federation," said the colonel in command of the 93rd Brigade, who asked not to be named for security reasons.

"Yesterday's miners can't find a tank in their mines and learn how to drive it without special training," he said, referring to local men in LPR-held territories, many of whom were coal miners.

Russian military officers commanded the "DPR" and "LPR" armies, which Russia has equipped with tanks, artillery, and other systems lieutenant general Serhiy Nayev, the head of Ukrainian ground forces in the region, also said in an interview in the town of Kramatorsk.

"Together with regular Russian troops and Russian volunteers, the number of Russian nationals fighting there is about 11,000," he estimated.

The grey zone between the warring sides is also a grey zone in terms of information. Russia keeps spreading disinformation, claiming the "DPR" and "LPR" are "separatists" fighting a "civil war".

Read alsoOperation Payback: Ukrainian volunteer tells of Ukrainian army's crushing blow on enemy positions in Donbas (Video)

While academics in Brussels and Washington have discussed to what extent Russian "disinformation" posed a threat, there is no debate on the Ukraine front line.

The LPR tower broadcasting Russian narratives in the occupied Luhansk tells people Ukraine is in ruins and its army is perpetrating war crimes.

Russia also brings in EU friends to spread its stories.

Nicolas Dhuicq, a French far-right politician who went via Russia to the DPR last November, told EUobserver in January that "an old man" there said "five of the most beautiful girls in his village [were] raped by the Azov battalion [a Ukrainian unit]".

When asked where and when the alleged crime took place, Dhuicq said: "I don't know ... I just let him [the old man] talk, he was crying". OSCE and UN monitors declined to comment on Dhuicq's story. But neither of them recorded rape allegations in the region in their official reports from that time.

"There were no incidents of sexual assault [in 2018]", Nayev, the Ukrainian lieutenant general, also said. Russia was using people like Dhuicq "to create the impression that there's doubt on the nature of the conflict even in Europe,"

Read alsoDonbas war death toll rises up to nearly 13,000  UN

The fighting is now less intense than in 2014 and 2015, when Ukraine fought the DPR and LPR for control of Avdiivka, Kramatorsk, Marinka, and Severodonetsk.

Things calmed down further when the U.S. gave Ukraine anti-tank weapons called Javelins last April, the 93rd Brigade colonel said.

"As soon as they [Russia] knew we had Javelins, the number of tank attacks significantly went down," he said.

U.S. and Canadian anti-artillery systems and sniper kits, as well as British and German training of Ukrainian soldiers also helped, the colonel added.

Ukraine has warned NATO that Russia could escalate fighting before Ukrainian presidential elections on 31 March. Escalation would help pro-Russian candidates in the Ukrainian elections who dangled prospects of peace with Russia, Yehor Bozhok, head of Ukraine's foreign intelligence service, the SZRU, told EUobserver in an interview in Kyiv.

An uptick in fighting could also help pro-Russian candidates in European Parliament elections in May, he added.

"A lot of people in Europe are also tired of having this constant confrontation [with Russia] ... fatigue is an instrument that will be applied in Ukraine and in wider Europe," Bozhok said.
URUMQI, Feb. 6 -- Fresh beef and mutton, raisins and date, and easy-to-crack walnuts from Xinjiang are selling like hot cakes across the country as people are celebrating the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year.

Since January, Xinjiang's air cargo volume has exceeded 7,000 tons, a year-on-year increase of 49.6 percent. Among them, Xinjiang's shipments to south China, east China, north China and northwest China have increased in volume.

China Southern Airlines air lines have hit a shipping peak in January. The routes to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Changsha and other directions had been at full capacity, according to Yang Fang, a freight department employee in its Xinjiang Branch.

For years, governments at all level of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have been working to promote its specialties. With the development of air transport, more and more Xinjiang specialties are reaching growing numbers of people outside Xinjiang.

Zhang Youcheng, who runs a trading company in Urumqi, said that beef, mutton, yoghurt, fruit and nuts were the items most in demand.

Besides offline stores, e-commerce platforms are also contributing to the Spring Festival sale of Xinjiang's specialties. Some merchants have efficiently cut time and logistics costs by having warehouses in hinterland cities such as Zhengzhou and Xi'an.

East China's Zhejiang Province has built 11 public warehouses for farm produce from Aksu, Xinjiang, which cover 70 percent of cities and counties in the coastal province.

Xinjiang occupies one-sixth of China's territory. It currently has 21 civil airports, the most among provincial-level regions on the Chinese mainland. So far, 49 airline companies operate 257 air routes in Xinjiang. Urumqi is connected with 73 cities in China and 17 countries worldwide.
No one was hurt in the attacks, the report says.

Russian-led forces mounted 11 attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, in the past 24 hours.

"No Ukrainian army casualties were reported in the past day. According to intelligence reports, two invaders were killed and another one was wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said in an update on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on February 7, 2019.

Read alsoUkrainian Stugna-P anti-tank missile destroys enemy armored vehicle (Photo)

During the period under review, the Russian occupation forces opened fire from mortars, grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns, and small arms at the Ukrainian positions near the villages of Lebedynske, Pavlopil, Pisky, Vodiane, Krymske, Vilniy, Pivdenne, Zhovanka, and Stanytsia Luhanska.

At the same time, Ukrainian troops destroyed an enemy Ural truck.

"Since Thursday midnight, Russian-led forces haven't attacked Ukrainian positions yet," the report said.
Ukraine's lavras may become subordinate to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in the coming years, perhaps even a within year, Epifaniy said.

Primate of the newly created Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epifaniy (Epiphanius) says he sets three key tasks for himself.

"The first task is to preserve unity that was declared at the Unification Council [of members of the Ukrainian Orthodox churches in Kyiv]. The second one is to pay particular attention to education. This issue is very important for me since I was rector. Education is our future. And the third task is the attracting young people to church. But without spiritual education, in general, and without the development of education, we won't be able to do this," he told the Novoye Vremya weekly on February 7.

Epifaniy also touched upon the issue of the status of lavras.

"Lavras are the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Ukrainian people. I believe that the Lord will create such conditions where lavras will become part of the local [Orthodox] church of Ukraine. I think that this will happen in the coming years, perhaps even within a year. I'd like Lavra monks to independently come to realize that there is no other way than the unification to create our modern history together," he said.

Read also12 Kyiv priests from Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate join new local church in Ukraine

The Metropolitan also spoke about relations with priests of the former Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP).

"After the Unification Council was held and we received a tomos, I have never crossed paths with the hierarchs and clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. That is, they have no will for dialogue, that's because they have no arguments. But I am ready to communicate with them and find time for dialogue about the unity of all Orthodox Christians in the united church. However, they are not willing to have such dialogue," he said.

Epifaniy added he had not received any threats from Moscow so far.

"The process [of uniting churches into a single autocephalous church of Ukraine] was complicated since external forces interfered in our internal affairs [] It was obvious that Russia was trying (and will try) to destroy from within what we've managed to unite," he said.
The man has been hiding from law enforcement across Ukraine for the past five months.

First Deputy Head of the National Police of Ukraine, Vyacheslav Abroskin, has said a suspect in organizing the murder of a Ukrainian activist Vitaly Oleshko aka "Sarmat" was detained in Lviv on February 7.

According to the top police official, the detainee is a citizen of Ukraine who has been hiding from law enforcement across Ukraine for the past five months.

"This pseudo-Europol police officer, a former Tornado fighter, a resident of Dnipro, whom we suspect of organizing surveillance after and murder of Vitaly Oleshko, has been detained in this night's raid in Lviv," he wrote on Facebook.

As reported earlier, on July 31, a Donbas veteran and activist Vitaly Oleshko aka "Sarmat" was shot dead in Berdyansk. According to eyewitnesses, the victim was shot in the back from a double-barreled rifle in front of his wife and friends. On the same day, police detained five suspects in the murder at a checkpoint in Vasilievka, Zaporizhia region.

On September 15, 2018, law enforcers in Zaporizhia region detained one of the suspects in ordering the activist's murder. According to Abroskin, after the crime was committed, the man immediately fled to the occupied Crimea along with his family, but then decided to return.
The move is aimed at easing local tensions.

Representatives of the occupation administration of Donetsk are spreading these rumors to reduce the irritation from the curfew among the local population.

Rumors about the expected lifting of curfew are being spread among the local population in the occupied city of Donetsk.

Russian proxies claim the curfew could be replaced with some kind of "enhanced patrolling regime," the Information Resistance OSINT group reported.

Read alsoSchool students in occupied Crimea trained to handle firearms  media

Representatives of the occupation administration of Donetsk are spreading these rumors to reduce tensions among the local population caused by the long-imposed curfew.

The invaders imposed a "curfew," a ban on appearing in public places, from 23:00 to 05:00.

People spotted on the streets during this period are detained, taken into custody, and forced to community works.
The 18 EU countries call for measures to counter the "false Russian narrative of Ukraine as a 'failed state.'"

Eighteen European Union member states have called on the bloc to be "ready to act" in support of Ukraine in case Russian tries to undermine the country's presidential and parliamentary elections later this year, according to a document seen by Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

In a discussion paper titled 'Keeping Ukraine On Its European Path,' the 18 countries also say that the bloc should "avoid EU fatigue in Ukraine or Ukraine fatigue in the EU," RFE/RL said.

Read alsoU.S. envoy Volker on Russian observers at Ukraine election: Security concerns are real

The document, which EU officials were not authorized to release publicly, was endorsed by representatives of Austria, Belgium, Britain, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.

It will be debated when EU foreign ministers gather in Brussels on February 18 to discuss the political situation in Ukraine, ahead of the country's presidential election set for March 31 and parliamentary elections later this year.

The discussion paper says that the upcoming elections will be "a test case for Ukraine: its democracy, its reforms, its resilience, and its orientation. It remains a key interest of the EU to keep Ukraine on a European path of reforms and to continue its support."

It states that "the campaign environment is challenging and Ukrainian resilience will be key in case of Russian interference," noting that Moscow is expected to "seek to influence the elections through support to its preferred candidates, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns."

The 18 EU countries call for measures to counter the "false Russian narrative of Ukraine as a 'failed state.'"

According to the document, Brussels should also "provide additional assistance, including humanitarian assistance," to eastern Ukraine where fighting between Ukrainian government forces and Russia-backed forces has killed more than 10,300 people since April 2014.

The paper praises the Ukrainian leadership, which together with "a vibrant civil society and the international community, has made impressive efforts to promote vital reforms and strengthen Ukraine's resilience and European orientation."

"Reforms have been more profound and extensive for the past five years than in the previous 22 years of its post-Soviet life," it says, citing "progress achieved on decentralization, public administration reform, deregulation, pension system, and transparency."

However, it emphasizes that the establishment of a "fully independent and effective" anticorruption court was crucial to give "the anticorruption agenda a vital and irreversible push forward, independently of the political leadership that will emerge from elections."

It urges Kyiv to "protect the striving and vibrant civil society and bring those responsible for intimidating and attacking civil society activists and journalists to justice."

The authorities must also ensure a "pluralist, independent, and accessible media landscape" as well as a "properly financed and operational public broadcaster," the paper says.
Muller met with Suprun to discuss Ukraine's "historical and wide-ranging healthcare reforms."

The World Bank looks forward to continuing "excellent cooperation" with Ulana Suprun, the acting Ukrainian Health Minister who has been suspended by a court decision.

"As the ministry embarks on the next phase of reforms this year, including initiating hospital reform, emergency care, defining a guaranteed benefit package, and scaling up eHealth and telemedicine programs, the World Bank remains firmly committed to continuing support of Ukraine in its goal to provide every citizen with affordable and quality healthcare. We look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with Minister Suprun and build on the successes achieved to date," World Bank Regional Vice President Cyril Muller said during his visit to Ukraine.

Read alsoCourt bans Ukraine's acting health minister from performing minister's functions

Muller met with Suprun to discuss Ukraine's "historical and wide-ranging healthcare reforms."

"Minister Suprun has shown strong leadership in carrying out health reform to improve the lives of Ukrainian citizens," he said. "In just nine months after the start of the primary health care reform, 23 million Ukrainians have selected a primary care doctor, and 76% are satisfied with the quality of that care  up from 10% satisfaction rate for service quality in 2015. In addition, primary care providers contracted by the National Health Service received more funds than in the past, for salary increases for medical personnel to provide affordable primary care, equipment purchases, and renovation of medical facilities."

As UNIAN reported earlier, on February 5, a Kyiv-based court partially satisfied a claim filed by Radical Party MP Ihor Mosiychuk and forbade Suprun to fulfill her duties as acting head of the Ministry of Health. At the same time, the court did not ban the official from fulfilling the duties of a deputy health minister.

A representative of Ukraine's government appealed the court ruling. Hearings on the appeal are scheduled for February 11.

Suprun was appointed acting Health Minister on August 1, 2016.
The draft law was developed to minimize the risks and threats of Russia's interference in Ukraine's election campaign.

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has passed Bill No. 9524 "On Amendments to Certain Laws on Observing the Electoral Process in Ukraine" that bans citizens of the Russian Federation from being recruited as election observers for the presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine.

The document was backed in the first reading and as a whole by 232 MPs, an UNIAN correspondent reported on February 7.

Read alsoUkraine's parliament backs changes to Constitution confirming Ukraine's path toward EU, NATO

The draft law stipulates that a person who is a citizen (subject) of a state recognized by the Verkhovna Rada as an aggressor or occupying state cannot be an official observer at elections of Ukrainian president and members of parliament, as well local elections. In addition, the person suggested by an aggressor or occupying state cannot serve as an observer as well.

According to the author of the draft law, Ukrainian MP and Representative of the Ukrainian president in the Verkhovna Rada Iryna Lutsenko, the document was developed in order to minimize the risks and threats of Russia's interference in Ukraine's election campaign.

The law on peculiarities of the state policy on ensuring the state sovereignty of Ukraine in the temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions stipulates that Russia is an aggressor with regard to Ukraine, as well as an occupying state that temporarily occupied part of its territory. According to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Russia is plotting unprecedented meddling in Ukraine's elections, having allocated about US$350 million for its intelligence services.

As stated in the explanatory note to the bill, the presence of Russian election observers in Ukraine can be a pretext for information attacks by distorting facts about the election campaign, as well as a decline in confidence as for the Ukrainian people's choice.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia has already noted that the Russian Federation will seek admission of its observers to the Ukrainian presidential campaign since it has received an invitation from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Given this, the Central Election Commission of Ukraine on January 23 appealed to foreign states and international organizations that intend to monitor the electoral process regarding the careful selection of candidates when taking decision on official observers," the explanatory note reads.
NATO encourages Ukraine to continue its reform path.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) recognizes Ukraine's desire to join the Alliance and urges the Ukrainian authorities to continue to implement a wide range of reforms.

"We recognize Ukraine's aspirations to join the Alliance and NATO's solidarity with Ukraine is firm," a NATO official told UNIAN in an exclusive comment on the adoption by the Ukrainian parliament of amendments to the Constitution regarding the strategic course towards full membership in the EU and NATO.

Read alsoUkraine's parliament backs changes to Constitution confirming Ukraine's path toward EU, NATO

"We welcome the progress achieved in implementing reforms, and we encourage Ukraine to continue its reform path. This is crucial for prosperity and peace in Ukraine and for stability across the Euro-Atlantic area," the official said.

As reported by UNIAN, the Verkhovna Rada on February 7 adopted a draft law amending the Constitution of Ukraine regarding the strategic course of the state to acquire full membership of Ukraine in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The path of North Macedonia to NATO was very difficult but the country demonstrated unity, the head of state said.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says the Republic of North Macedonia has destroyed Russia's plans to block the accession of the country to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

"The path of Northern Macedonia was very difficult, but the country demonstrated unity and destroyed the plans of Russia, which tried to stop this extremely important move to strengthen security in Europe. NATO has opened 'doors' for the 30th member state," he said at a February 7 session of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, before voting for amendments to the Constitution on Ukraine's path to the European Union and NATO.

The head of state added that on the same day, February 6, the European Commission decided on the membership of North Macedonia in the European Union.

"This is another demonstration of how these processes are interconnected, namely accession to NATO and the EU," the president said.

Read alsoUkraine's army to be able to act under NATO standards in 2020, Poroshenko says

As UNIAN reported earlier, on February 6, in Brussels, permanent representatives of all 29 countries of the Alliance signed a protocol on the accession of the Republic of Northern Macedonia to NATO in the future. Parliaments of all NATO member states shall ratify the protocol. Henceforth, representatives of Northern Macedonia will take part in meetings of NATO and the North Atlantic Council as a guest country's envoys.

Athens and Skopje earlier ratified a historic agreement on a new name for Macedonia, that is the Republic of Northern Macedonia, which put an end to a 27-year dispute that blocked Skopje's intention to join NATO and the EU.

On February 6, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov announced that the new name of the country would finally be approved as soon as the amendments to the Constitution came into force.

On January 8, head of the Mission of Ukraine to NATO Vadym Prystaiko said Ukraine could join the Alliance after Macedonia.
Major combat readiness checks also occasionally affect civil authorities, which reflects a comprehensive approach where other government agencies and ministries are to support the military in wartime.

The Swedish Defense Research Agency, or FOI, made the shocking announcement that Russia is preparing to start and conduct large-scale war.

According to a report from FOI, Russian military exercises have become increasingly extensive during the last ten years, as reported by the Defence Blog online military magazine.

"Although Russia previously focused on managing small-scale conflicts, it now practices how to start and conduct large-scale war," said in a report.

The Russian ministry of defense announced in 2017 that approximately 10,000 Russian soldiers participated in a strategic exercise in western Russia. In 2018, 300,000 were gathered for the corresponding exercise in the eastern parts of the country. But it is not the figures themselves that are interesting, says Johan Norberg, Deputy Research Director for Security Policy at FOI, in Kista.

Read alsoRussia continues creeping offensive not only in Azov, but also in Black Sea  Poltorak

"What is important is what they are doing. They have a lot of personnel. They have a lot of materiel, even if much of it is old and from the Soviet period. But the exercises build capability, that is, units that can carry out assigned missions on combat operations," says Johan Norberg.

The Swedish Ministry of Defence commissioned the report, "Training for War  Russia's Strategic-level Military Exercises 20092017," which deals with Russia's strategic military exercises. These are conducted on an annual basis and concern the ability to wage war across a war theatre, i.e. large parts of a continent. Civilian authorities and other segments of society are also involved to see how they can assist the armed forces.

"Russia is preparing itself to be able to fight a regional and possibly long and drawn-out war, for example against China or NATO."

The report is based on open Russian sources, primarily the Russian Ministry of Defense. They create the impression that the scale of the exercises has increased from 2009 to 2018, the magazine said.

Read alsoRussia puts Donbas conflict on simmering mode to prompt fatigue, promote "peace-seeking" politicians

"They have long conducted strategic-level exercises in term of the ambition for command and control. What is striking is that since 2013 these exercises are increasingly involving matching numbers of troops and equipment in the field."

Russia's armed forces are also determinedly improving their combat readiness, which is to say their ability to shift from everyday peacetime activities to being able to carry out assigned missions on wartime operations. Such large-scale combat readiness checks also occasionally affect civil authorities. This reflects a comprehensive approach where other government agencies and ministries are to support the military in wartime, according to Johan Norberg.

During the last 10 years, the country has used military force in Georgia, Ukraine and Syria.

"Russia is obviously prepared to use military means. It is thus important to understand how, and in the worst case, for what, they might be used. Military exercises provide a hint of this," says Johan Norberg.
The Baltic State has been supporting Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian aggression in 2014.

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania has passed a resolution to donate munitions worth EUR 255,000 to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

"The transfer of assets is a part of consistent and comprehensive Lithuanian support to Ukraine as it strengthens its defense capabilities in order to ensure independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the country," the press service quoted Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Raimundas Karoblis as saying on February 6, according to Kam.lt.

In particular, this refers to ammunition for Soviet-made small arms, which are no longer used by the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

Read alsoU.S. to allocate US$10 mln to Ukraine's Navy

It is noted that Lithuania has been supporting Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian aggression in 2014. The stance has the support of Lithuania's population. Some 64% of respondents in a public opinion poll carried late last year were in favor of Lithuania's military assistance to Ukraine.

"Lithuania and allies assist Ukraine in its reform, training and mentoring of its Armed Forces. Lithuania provides medical care for injured Ukrainian soldiers. Lithuania's transfer of military assistance to Ukraine is within all applicable international agreements and conventions, and EU and national legislation," the press service added.
Ukolov assured the Kremlin's intervention scenario would not succeed.

Political consultant Viktor Ukolov has said the Kremlin is preparing a pretext for intervention against Ukraine with the help of Ukraine's fugitive ex-officials.

"It looks like the preparation of a legend that will allow starting an intervention against Ukraine, the Russian intervention. This is the so-called casus belli  'reason for war.' Such things have already taken place in Ukraine history: when the so-called 'government' was created in Kharkiv opposed to the Central Rada, and from there, in 1919, the Bolsheviks launched an offensive in favor of this 'government,' which, in fact, had almost no Ukrainians in its composition. There were mainly Russians in that 'government', Russian Bolsheviks. And this offensive was carried out largely by the forces of the Bolshevik Russia, although there were also some Ukrainians there," the expert told Pryamiy TV Channel.

According to Ukolov, Russia is preparing another round of aggression against Ukraine.

Read alsoYanukovych: In 2014, I got scammed as a loser

"A scenario of a future attack on Ukraine is being plotted. Both [Viktor] Yanukovych and [Ihor] Markov are taking part in this. Another thing is that Markov... I would like to remind who he isThis is a former Ukrainian pro-Russian politician who was in Odesa, then Yanukovych imprisoned him, and Yulia Tymoshenko very actively stood up for him. She said he was the 'hope of south-eastern Ukraine'," the political consultant recalled.

Ukolov assured the Kremlin would not succeed in implementing the intervention scenario.

"I think, despite this scenario being drafted, the intervention won't happen. That's because they failed to do this back in 2014," the expert said, explaining that, had Yanukovych not fled from Kharkiv, or Donetsk, or Crimea and chosen to remain instead, he could have organized Russian-led offensive on Kyiv from those territories.

It's not Europe who has made him a 'loser,' as he claimed. It's he, himself," the expert said, recalling that Yanukovych personally chose to flee from Ukraine.

He added Yanukovych cheated his voters and finally lost their trust and support.
At Chakmarkul refugee camp in Bangladesh, UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie speaks with Rohingya women who survived sexual violence in Myanmar.  UNHCR/Santiago Escobar-Jaramillo

Visiting Bangladesh this week, Angelina Jolie, the Special Envoy for the UN Refugee Agency, said the world must not turn away from the nearly one million Rohingya refugees who have fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh. She urged continued support for those who have been displaced, until the Myanmar authorities show the genuine commitment needed to end a decades-long cycle of violence and displacement.

Yesterday in the capital, Dhaka, the Special Envoy held official meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, in which she expressed UNHCRs gratitude to the people and Government of Bangladesh for their generosity in receiving over 700,000 refugees since August 2017. She reiterated UNHCRs support for collective efforts to enable Rohingya refugees to live dignified lives in Bangladesh and the pursuit of lasting solutions. She also raised concerns that without an urgent expansion and strengthening of educational opportunities, the future of a generation of Rohingya children would be at risk. While in Dhaka, Jolie also visited two museums  the Liberation War Museum and the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum  where she viewed exhibitions about the countrys history, including its own experience of large-scale displacement.

Jolie began her three-day visit on Monday in Chakmarkul and Kutupalong refugee camps, where she heard testimonies from Rohingya women, children and men who have endured a lifetime of persecution and discrimination. There she witnessed some of the remarkable humanitarian response efforts to date, including a registration process, led jointly by the Government and UNHCR, that is providing many refugees with a legal identity for the first time. She also visited a transit centre for newly arrived refugees and a hospital giving much-needed care and support to women and girls.

While recognizing such achievements, Jolie also observed the limited education available to refugee children. She urged efforts to ensure they can gain access to formal education that leads to recognized qualifications.

On Tuesday the Special Envoy held a press conference in Kutupalong, the worlds largest and most densely populated refugee settlement. She said that until the Rohingya refugees can voluntarily return home to Myanmar, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that they can continue to live dignified lives in Bangladesh.

The Special Envoys visit came just ahead of a new funding appeal, the 2019 Joint Response Plan, to be launched next week by UNHCR, along with other humanitarian agencies. It seeks to raise more than US$920 million to assist Rohingya refugees and affected local communities this year.

News Note:

The Special Envoy focuses on major forced displacement crises, representing UNHCR and the High Commissioner at the diplomatic level. This is her first visit to Bangladesh. Jolie has also met with forcibly displaced Rohingya people during a prior visit to Myanmar in July 2015 and in India in November 2006.

Media contacts:

Video:

Footage from Angelina Jolies visit to Bangladesh is available on Refugees Media: https://media.unhcr.org/Share/t3rtb7q7kbbptq68u4a2ghe770gpqb27

Photos:
The UNDP-led Equator Initiative announces its global call for nominations for the Equator Prize 2019. This worldwide outreach effort aims to identify exceptional local solutions for climate, people, and planet. Nominations are open through 26 February 2019.

This tenth cycle of the UNDP Equator Prize will focus on local communities and indigenous groups in rural areas that have developed innovative, nature-based solutions for climate change and sustainable development. Winning initiatives are taking action to protect and restore ecosystems, promote local models for low-carbon or climate-smart agriculture; or advance low-carbon nature-based alternatives to food, fuel, fiber and building materials.

Local communities and indigenous peoples inspire us with their innovative, nature-based solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss. They protect large swaths of forests essential to keep the planet breathing. They sustainably grow crops in both traditional and innovative ways. They give us hope, and they show pathways to inclusive and sustainable development. Through this global search, the Equator Prize helps us identify groundbreaking community initiatives, and tell their stories to a global audience, said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator.

The Equator Prize will be a contribution to the UN Secretary-Generals Climate Summit, culminating in an Award Ceremony at the beginning of Climate Week. Twenty winning groups will receive USD 10,000 and will be invited to participate in a series of policy dialogues and special events during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, in September 2019.

The selection of winners will showcase community innovation in advancing nature-based solutions to climate change and local sustainable development. Crosscutting themes of the Equator Prize 2019 include advocacy for land and water rights, social and environmental justice, and gender equality. Winning groups join a prestigious network of 223 community-based organizations from 78 countries that have been awarded the Equator Prize since 2002. Past recipients of the Equator Prize have included community-managed forests, inclusive eco-enterprises, community protected areas, agriculture and farming cooperatives, local water committees, mangrove protection and restoration initiatives, and locally managed marine areas, among many others. Collectively, past Equator Prize winners have protected several million hectares of forests, created several tens of thousands of jobs, and contributed to the protection of dozens of endangered species.

The Equator Prize has been supported by former Heads of State Gro Harlem Brundtland, Oscar Arias, and Mary Robinson, Nobel Prize winners Al Gore and Elinor Ostrom, thought leaders Jane Goodall and Jeffrey Sachs, indigenous rights activists Vicky Tauli-Corpuz, and many others.

The Equator Initiative is a UNDP-led partnership that brings together the UN, governments, civil society, businesses, and grassroots organizations to advance local sustainable development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities. Partners include the Governments of Germany, Norway and Sweden; Conservation International; Convention on Biological Diversity; Ecoagriculture Partners; Fordham University; International Union for Conservation of Nature; The Nature Conservancy; PCI-Media Impact; Rare; UN Environment; UN Foundation; the Wildlife Conservation Society, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

For detailed information on nomination and selection criteria, and to submit nominations, please visit www.equatorinitiative.org

Media Contact: Sangita Khadka, Communications Specialist, UNDP New York email:sangita.khadka@undp.org ; Tel: +1 212 906 5043
The Honorary Consulate of Hungary has been opened in the Ukrainian city of Ternopil.

"The opening of the Honorary Consulate of Hungary in Ternopil is evidence of the friendly relations between our states. I would like to thank the ambassador for supporting the territorial integrity of our state due to Russian aggression, as well as for supporting the families of killed and wounded soldiers from Ternopil region," Chairman of Ternopil Regional State Administration Stepan Barna said during the opening ceremony, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

He added that over the past three years about 300 children of Ukrainian soldiers had a holiday in Hungary. He expressed hope that such cooperation will continue in the future.

In turn, Ambassador of Hungary to Ukraine Istvan Ijgyarto noted that the Honorary Consulate in Ternopil was an important tool for the Ukrainian-Hungarian cooperation.

According to him, good economic relations have been established between Hungary and Ukraine. In terms of import and export indicators, Hungary enters the TOP 10 largest trade partners of Ukraine, the diplomat stressed.

The Honorary Consulate of Armenia already operated in Ternopil. Lithuania and Latvia plan to open their honorary consulates in the city.
The Space Logistics Ukraine company intends to build a spaceport on the territory of Ukraine and is ready to invest in research and development in this area. The negotiations with experts are underway.

Founder of Space Logistics Ukraine, Dmytro Leheza said at the Sergey Korolev Space Museum in Zhytomyr within the framework of the all-Ukrainian space tour, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The Space Logistics Ukraine company, which began operating last year, aims to amend the Ukrainian legislation so that the private companies could work in the domestic space industry.

In particular, the Space Logistics Ukraine became the organizer of the tour Space Ukraine. What WE do! 

The main objective of our tour is to popularize the topic of space. We see the active development of the space industry in the USA, China, and India. Ukraine declares itself to be a space state, but we have no satellites orbiting the Earth. If the state does not make any breakthrough in this direction in the next two or three years, we will drop behind, and it will be difficult to catch up. It is important for us to give lectures in different cities of Ukraine, to meet and communicate with people, so that they start to think and believe that developing our space industry is quite real, Dmytro Leheza said.

Leheza is called Ukrainian Elon Musk. He confirmed that he indeed held talks with a native of Zhytomyr, Oleksiy Pakhunov, who now works for SpaceX.

Oleksiy is ready to help. It is important that experts, who have achieved success abroad, help Ukraine to develop the core industries, Leheza added.
Vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers from Trinidad and Tobago will still be subject to the Covid-19 entry protocols in Barbados once its proposed travel bubble with other countries in the Caribbean takes effect on June 30th.
Update (6:30 a.m. Thursday): Meteorologists issued an ice storm warning early Thursday morning for Osage and Washington counties.

While additional accumulations are not expected Thursday morning, existing accumulations may be problematic as winds kick up. Gusts are expected to reach up to 30 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

"This is in addition to slick and hazardous surfaces that will impact travel for the morning commute," meteorologists state in the ice storm warning.

Up to two-tenths of an inch accumulated overnight. Heavier icing occurred in areas northwest of Interstate 44, according to the weather service. Gusty winds Thursday morning coupled with icy powerlines and trees may result in outages and tree damage.

Highway conditions for much of northeast Oklahoma are considered severe with limited visibility and potentially slick bridges and overpasses. This includes state and U.S. highways and interstates.

The existing winter advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. Thursday. Temperatures are not expect to exceed freezing.
Removed from the current political environment, President Trumps State of the Union speech was very good.

The last several minutes of Tuesdays speech were a patriotic hymn to the American spirit. Trump hit familiar notes strongly: The valor of the Greatest Generation rescuing western Europe from Nazism; the unmatched achievement of landing men on the moon; the green farms of Kentucky, the rocky shores of Maine and the golden beaches of California. ...

It was solid patriotic rhetoric delivered at a time when America was ready to hear just that from its leader.

With the notable exceptions of his lengthy argument concerning immigration issues and his discussion of abortion, Trumps speech largely emphasized issues that unify the nation. Who can argue with the necessity of bringing down prescription drug prices, the need to eliminate HIV and the importance of criminal justice reform? Not us.
The public education that we provide to north Tulsa kids is unconscionable. Tulsa lags the state of Oklahoma average by 25 percent to 74 percent on every proficiency measure at every grade level. Oklahoma scores 42nd out of 50 states in pre-K through 12 education quality, and the U.S. scores are mediocre on international assessments.

That is our reality and every conversation about education should start with a clear expression of where we are. Talking about it in less specific terms would make us complicit in the problem.

There is much conversation nationally and in our community about the role of charter schools in public education. High performing charter schools with proper oversight are producing good outcomes for kids and working with the district in a way that does not leave the traditional system with excess fixed infrastructure. They do this by utilizing surplus buildings and leveraging the existing transportation service.

Charter schools that partner with the public district pay a fee to the district to cover the cost of their own oversight. Well run charter schools are providing a good option for families in some of our most educationally underserved neighborhoods as is evidenced by their standardized test scores and that families have chosen to send their kids to them.
Osage County prosecutors doubled down Wednesday on their contentions that the massive shipment of plant material seized in Pawhuska nearly a month ago is marijuana, not hemp.

District Attorney Mike Fisher in a news release cited the results of the same federal testing that defense attorneys argue prove the shipment is hemp  perhaps noncompliant hemp  and is not marijuana. Two truck drivers and two security officers are charged with trafficking marijuana, which carries a prison sentence of 15 years to life.

Fisher said eight of the 11 samples tested above the state and federally mandated THC limit of three-tenths of 1 percent. Defense attorneys contend that only three conclusively tested above that limit.

Their differences come down to the testings margins of error, on which the prosecutors appear to place less emphasis than the defense attorneys do.

If the tests margins of error are taken into account, then five of those eight samples could actually be at or below the legal limit. Three are over the 0.3 of a percent limit, no matter the margin of error, but by slim amounts.
An Oklahoma man accused of stabbing his wife 41 times in front of her young children was arrested Thursday at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, according to federal court documents.

Our 15 Most Wanted list is reserved for fugitives we consider the worst of the worst, said U.S. Marshals Service Deputy Director David Anderson said at the time. It is without a doubt Frias deserves to be on that list. The U.S. Marshals and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners will use every available resource to bring Frias to justice for this heinous crime.
New rules not only need to address setback distances from homes, schools, streams and property lines, but set a public-notice period for planned complexes, plans that show how an operation will grow, and further cooperation between agricultural and other entities that monitor air, land and water issues.

Tuesday saw the end of the new comment period, and the process moves forward under new Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. It is not clear whether the advisory Coordinating Council will be retained for participation in new rule making, according to Agriculture Department spokesman Bryan Painter.

Rob Lawrence, 70, of Poteau also presented comments. The longtime rancher and banker said OK Foods has built farms inside the city limits of Cameron and that he was representing 30 individual homeowners plus the builder of a new housing development that soon could be surrounded by dozens of poultry operations.

I graduated from Oklahoma State University and taught agriculture for 10 years and was an ag and business lender for 25 years, he said. He said he financed many farms and his bank always inspected sites and would not make loans for properties that encroached on existing operations.
Constitutional carry, so called because proponents believe the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution does not allow for state or local licensing for the use of firearms, has in the past sparked intense legislative debate.

Rep. Ben Loring, D-Miami, put the only questions to Roberts on Thursday, though, and those had to do with the fiscal impact on the OSBI. Loring and Rep. Matt Meredith, D-Tahlequah, cast the dissenting votes.

Christine Jackson of the Oklahoma chapter of Moms Demand Action said it is baffling (that) our lawmakers want to pass legislation that will make our state more dangerous.

Law-abiding citizens should have the ability to exercise their constitutional right to carry firearms without government interference, Roberts said in a news release.

Getting the most attention in the committee was HB 1926, which proposes a self-perpetuating grant program to help install exterior cameras on school buses to help catch motorists who pass stopped buses in violation of state law.

Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, said the idea is to send citations to violators with most of the receipts designated for grants to buy additional cameras.

The measure passed 10-1, despite some concern the violation would go against the driving record of the vehicle owner regardless of whether they were the actual violator.

Randy Krehbiel 918-581-8365 randy.krehbiel@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @rkrehbiel

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Schiff said the investigation will include the scope and scale of Russian intervention in the 2016 presidential election, the extent of any links and/or coordination between Russians and Trumps associates, whether foreign actors have sought to hold leverage over Trump or his family and associates, and whether anyone has sought to obstruct any of the relevant investigations.

The announcement came one day after Trump criticized ridiculous partisan investigations in his State of the Union speech. Schiff dismissed those comments Wednesday.

Trump predicts all IS territory clear next week

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump predicted Wednesday that the Islamic State group will have lost by next week all the territory it once controlled in Iraq and Syria. He said the U.S. will not relent in fighting remnants of the extremist organization despite his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria over the objections of some of his most senior national security advisers.

The president told representatives of a 79-member, U.S.-led coalition fighting IS that the militants held a tiny percentage of the vast territory they claimed as their caliphate.
The future USS Tulsa, the Navys newest independence variant littoral combat ship (LCS 16), will be commissioned at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (noon Central) on Saturday, Feb. 16, in San Francisco.

The event at Embarcadero Pier 30/32 is open to the public, but tickets are required.

U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., will deliver the commissioning ceremonys principal address. Former Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor will serve as the ships sponsor.

The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when Ms. Taylor will give the first order to man our ship and bring her to life!  according to a Navy news release issued Thursday.

Cmdr. Drew A. Borovies, a native of Washington, D.C., is the commanding officer of the ship and leads the core crew of 70 officers and enlisted personnel.
Mayor G.T. Bynum on Wednesday presented city councilors with a draft proposal to create an Office of the Independent Monitor to oversee police investigations of use-of-force incidents, make recommendations on police policies, and engage the public.

The mayor said much has been made of the OIMs role in reviewing police investigations, but insisted his proposal should not be interpreted to mean he does not have faith in officers.

The intent of such reviews is not to render judgment on officers actions but to guarantee the integrity of investigations, Bynum said.

My motivation for proposing this is not about a lack of confidence in our officers, it is being proposed because we have made a commitment to community policing in Tulsa  in spirit, not just in words, Bynum said. I believe that these (OIM) entities all help further empower citizens and police to work together in making Tulsa a safer place.

He also stressed that his proposal is not set in stone and could change as he works with city councilors over the next several months to put the program in place by the start of the 2020 fiscal year in July.
A rape victim came forward to law enforcement, nearly four years after agreeing with family members to keep the abuse quiet, after she discovered the man who had allegedly raped and abused her was teaching again.

Jayson Daniel Larremore allegedly sexually abused the girl, who was a relative, when she was between the ages of 9 and 16.

Creek County prosecutors charged Larremore after a joint investigation by Sapulpa police and county sheriffs deputies. Larremore was charged on Wednesday with child sexual abuse, lewd molestation and rape by instrumentation.

After the victim, then 16 years old, disclosed the sexual abuse, the family initially decided to not report the allegations to law enforcement, according to a probable cause affidavit.

(Investigators) learned that after the disclosure of the abuse, a family meeting was conducted to address the allegations, police state in the affidavit.

The victim and Larremore were present at that meeting. Larremore allegedly admitted to the abuse during that meeting, according to an affidavit. Larremore in the meeting reportedly agreed to quit teaching, resign from the ministry and seek counseling.
Firefighters were trying to determine the cause of a fire that burned part of an abandoned hotel and Route 66 landmark in east Tulsa on Wednesday afternoon.

Firefighters were called to the Brookshire Motels main building, near 11th Street and Garnett Road, after it became engulfed in smoke about 5 p.m.

Heavy smoke was coming from the building and blocking visibility across 11th Street when they arrived.

Authorities closed 11th Street in the area while firefighters battled the blaze.

No one was injured.

Although the building was boarded up, firefighters found that at least one entrance was open, a Fire Department spokesman said. An investigator was trying to determine the cause of the fire.

The building is one of several located along historic Route 66  11th Street in east Tulsa  that preservationists are hoping to save.
An Owasso High School student was killed and two others are in critical condition after a crash in Rogers County on Wednesday afternoon.

A 16-year-old girl died at the scene, and two 15-year-old girls were taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa in critical condition with multiple injuries, according to a report from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Amy Fichtner confirmed all three victims were high school students in a news release Wednesday night.

The crash happened about 4:30 p.m. on 96th Street North near 177th East Avenue. The car, a 2005 Honda Accord, was reportedly headed west at a high speed when it hit two trees on the south side of the road. The driver was ejected, according to an OHP report.

District counselors will be available Thursday for students and staff at the Owasso High School campuses, according to a news release.

Stetson Payne 918-732-8135 stetson.payne@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @stetson__payne
OKLAHOMA CITY  Gov. Kevin Stitt thinks the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents needs more diversity, he said Thursday.

His remarks were made in response to a question during the Oklahoma Press Associations Legislative Summit at the Capitol. The event attracted about 85 people.

The University of Oklahoma recently received national media attention after a video appeared on social media showing a now former student in blackface and using the n-word.

In 2015, the university ended its relationship with a fraternity after a video surfaced of members performing a racist chant.

I would love for there to be more diversity on that board, said Stitt, who grew up in Norman. There is not an African-American at this time on that board, and that would be something I would certainly look for. But to me, I am going to, first and foremost, hire the best person, and I would love to find diversity for that board, as well.

Stitts Cabinet has no African-Americans, but he appointed Lisa Billy, who is Chickasaw, as his secretary of Native American affairs. He also re-appointed Maj. Gen. Michael Thompson, who is African-American, adjutant general.

Stitt said people he appoints to the board will have some business acumen.
OKLAHOMA CITY  Cementing his deep-rooted position on abortion, Gov. Kevin Stitt made clear his conviction that life begins at conception.

As I have said all along, I believe that life begins at conception, Stitt said Wednesday on the House floor during the 28th annual Rose Day at the Capitol.

Quoting the Bible, he said, Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I sanctified you. So, God our creator recognizes that life begins in the womb, and he knew every one of us before we were born.

Stitt, a father of six, said one of the reasons he ran for office was to protect life.

This is an issue we want to be No. 1 in, Stitt said. We want to be No. 1 in protecting life in the U.S.

The issue, Stitt said, is more important than ever before.

New York put federal abortion rights in state law, which also allowed a woman to abort a viable fetus after 24 weeks if her life or health were in danger.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam recently said he supported legislation that would relax restrictions on late-term abortions.
In his State of the Union address, President Trump asked Americans to choose greatness. The guests of the White House depicted that message, too. Buzz Aldrin, the astronaut who planted the American Flag on the moon, was in attendance to represent the dominant role the United States played in the Space Race. Irving Locker, Herman Zeitchik, and Private Joseph Reilly, three soldiers who landed on foreign soil on D-Day or shortly thereafter, were in the audience to display the courage of Americans in the face of war and evil.

Life is full of choices and at a turning point in our countrys history, President Trump made a plea that Republicans and Democrats choose greatness. America has always been destined for greatness. But the way in which we allow individual Americans to pursue their own greatness is what sets our government above the rest.

President Trump touched on many ways in which our country can aspire to this greatness, but during the State of the Union, I was most taken with his comments on socialism. I supported them wholeheartedly. I was most surprised by some of my Democratic colleagues reaction to socialism.
Weber started the company, which manufactures carbon steel, stainless steel and other metal tubular products, in 1969 and served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer until his daughter, Dana, took over as CEO in March of 2011. Weber died in September of 2018 at 92.

Born in 1926, Mr. Weber grew during the (Great) Depression, which taught him so many valuable life lessons, Dana said. From those humble beginnings, dad had no idea where life would take himbut no matter where he was or what he was doing, he dedicated himself to giving his all to everything he didthe sign in front of our southwest tube facility, which is our original facility, says where people make the difference and that sums up his fundamental philosophyfrom the beginning, he was dedicated to building a lasting company that would treat employees wellhe also recognized the support he received along the way from the city of Sand Springs, its leadership and the business community.
SAND SPRINGS  Community leaders, employees and family gathered Wednesday to celebrate the legacy of Webco Industries founder and chairman F. William Bill Weber and the company's 50th anniversary.

In 1969, Weber started the manufacturing company, which makes carbon steel, stainless steel and other metal tubular products, and served as chairman and CEO until his daughter, Dana Weber, took over as CEO in March 2011. Bill Weber died in September at 92.

Born in 1926, Mr. Weber grew during the (Great) Depression, which taught him so many valuable life lessons, Dana Weber said. From those humble beginnings, Dad had no idea where life would take him  but no matter where he was or what he was doing, he dedicated himself to giving his all to everything he did.

"The sign in front of our southwest tube facility, which is our original facility, says, Where people make the difference, and that sums up his fundamental philosophy," she said.

"From the beginning, he was dedicated to building a lasting company that would treat employees well.  He also recognized the support he received along the way from the city of Sand Springs, its leadership and the business community.
- The reports claimed seven ambassadors were yet to pick up duties in their respective countries of deployment

- The Qatar embassy had also dismissed claims it had rejected the appointment of Paddy Ahenda as the Kenyan Envoy to Qatar

- Kenyan ambassador to Namibia also dismissed claims the country had rejected his appointment

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed reports doing rounds that seven envoys appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in August 2018, have been rejected by their host countries.

It said the current deployment of envoys is within conventional timelines consistent with global practise.

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READ ALSO: Laikipia Woman Rep proposes free cancer treatment in Kenya amid rising deaths

Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Monica Juma with Kenyan ambassador to Qatar

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Woman arrested for filming police harassing passenger to be arraigned in court

In a press release on Thursday, February 7, the ministry said no Kenyan ambassador has ever been rejected by their host countries.

"In fact all the host countries are ready to receive them and have begun to do so," said the ministry.

It further noted the modalities for preparation of their deployment are ongoing and the alleged push and pull reports doing rounds were imagined.

READ ALSO: List of seven Kenyan ambassadors rejected by their host nations

"Every country schedules their presentation ceremonies at specific times depending on their traditions and the availability of the head of state," the statement went on.

According to the ministry, the deployment of the envoys had been based on careful assessment of the respective envoys' intrinsic and wider value of the promotion of Kenyan values.

The statement came hours after Qatar Embassy in Kenya dismissed claims it had rejected Ambassador Paddy Ahenda's appointment noting he had already picked up his duties.

READ ALSO: Qatar denies claims it rejected newly posted Kenyan ambassador

It was released after reports went round that seven ambassadors were yet assume office after their host countries put their approval on hold and that government working to resolve the same.

They included former DCI boss Ndegwa Muhoro who was appointed to Malaysia, Hassan Wario who was appointed envoy to Austria and Benjamin Langat who was appointed to Namibia.

Lang'at however took to social media to dismiss the claims noting he was currently at work in Namibia where he was posted.

Others were Johnson Kimani Ondieki (Turkey), Richard Ekai appointed to Russia and Sarah Serem (China).

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His mother sold him for 700 shillings Tuko TV

Source: Tuko
- Catherine Waruguru proposed the establishment of a cancer fund

- This will see cancer patients receive free treatment once considered by an appointed board

- According to Catherine, the fund would be financed by Treasury through Parliament and donors

- The proposed bill also indicated all Kenyans who contribute NHIF will quality for the treatment

There is a ray of hope for cancer patients suffering in silence due to lack of funds for treatment should a bill proposed by Laikipia Woman Representative, Catherine Waruguru, goes through.

In the draft bill which is already in Parliament, Waruguru has proposed cancer patients in the country be treated for free.

READ ALSO: DPP requests for information to help arrest pastor alleged to be preying on schoolgirls

Waruguru is also asking for zero taxes on cancer drugs that are quite expensive and also for acceptance of cancer generic drugs to alleviate the medical bill burden on cancer patients.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: List of seven Kenyan ambassadors rejected by their host nations

According to Citizen TV, she maintained cancer should be declared a national disaster given the toll it takes on families who spend all their money on it .

The Woman Rep proposed the establishment of a cancer fund which would draw its cash from Treasury through Parliament, grants and donations.

The bill indicated the fund would have a board composed of a chairperson appointed by the ministries of Health and Treasury.

READ ALSO: Post mortem results reveal how late Mildred Odira died a painful death

It will also have appointees from a cancer organisation, universities teaching medicine, National Council for Science and Technology and the attorney general

For one to qualify for free treatment by the proposed fund, they will have to apply to the board which will then consider the individual circumstances including personal and financial status.

It also indicated all Kenyans contributing to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) scheme qualify for the free treatment.

READ ALSO: Busia deputy OCS arrested for allegedly soliciting KSh 50,000 bribe

The Woman Rep has since proposed the establishment of a cancer fund which will draw its cash from treasury through parliament, grants and donations.

Source: Facebook

Waruguru is also asking for zero taxes on cancer drugs that are quite expensive and also for acceptance of cancer generic drugs to alleviate the medical bill burden on cancer patients.

This follows a report that NHIF spent KSh 1.36 billion in the financial year 2017/ 2018 as payment towards treatment for the same, an increase of 11% within the same period in the previous year.

The NHIF Oncology Cancer treatment package is said to have seen thousands of families save money in hospital bills both in Kenya and abroad, given that cancer is one of the most expensive diseases to treat.

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His mother sold him for 700 shillings Tuko TV

Source: Tuko.co.ke
Six months after President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed new ambassadors to represent the country in various nations, seven of them are yet to report to their host countries.

This was after the countries kept their remission accreditation in waiting although the government is said to be working round the clock to resolve the unprecedented development

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READ ALSO: Nyeri court rules married Kenyan women also entitled to inherit father's land

The former Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had been appointed to represent Kenya in Malaysia.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Another mysterious inferno breaks out at Nairobi's Gikomba Market

It is however alleged their plight was attributed to their previous assignments in government, public service life and questions on personal issues, Mediamax reported.

While other diplomats will be conducting diplomacy with one or more other states or international organisations, the seven will have to be replaced.

The seven include:

1: Ndegwa Muhoro

The former Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had been appointed to represent Kenya in Malaysia.

However, the report indicated his appointment was blocked due to his detrimental record during his tenure as the DCI.

He had reportedly been rejected by Israel even before Uhuru appointed him.

READ ALSO: Over 90,000 students who scored C+ and above to join university on government sponsorship

An anthropologist, politician and diplomat, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and the Arts of Kenya from 2013 to 2018.

Source: UGC

2: Hassan Wario

An anthropologist, politician and diplomat, he was Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and the Arts from 2013 to 2018.

He was then appointed Kenyan Ambassador to Austria but has been rejected.

Wario was entangled in the Rio Olympics corruption saga and was criticised for poor performance while he was CS.

3: Benjamin Langat

Langat was elected as the MP of the Ainamoi constituency in 2008 upon the death of his brother who previously represented the constituency

Uhuru appointed him to represent the country in Namibia but his appointment was rejected.

READ ALSO: Kenyan newspapers review for today, February 7: Police expose counties with highest crime rate

He was sacked for failing to protect civilians in 2016 but defended himself claiming he was sacrificed by the United Nations to save face.

Source: UGC

4:Johnson Kimani Ondieki

Ondieki was appointed ambassador to Turkey. However, his reputation as a former UN commander in South Sudan might have caused his rejection.

He was sacked for failing to protect civilians in 2016 but defended himself claiming he was sacrificed by the United Nations to "save face".

5: Richard Ekai

Appointed to Russia, the former Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts might have been rejected following a corruption scandal.

He had been arrested over the mismanagement of funds during the 2016 Rio Olympics Summer Games.

READ ALSO: Appeal Court suspends order compelling KRA to grant Tom Ojienda Tax Clearance Certificate

Red flags were raised when members vetting her for the appointed claimed she was arrogant and did not deserve a position that requires diplomacy.

Source: Facebook

6: Sarah Serem

The former chair of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission was rejected by China.

Red flags were raised when members vetting her for the job claimed she was arrogant and did not deserve a position that required diplomacy.

She was accused by MPs of not being a team player and having poor negotiation skills which they said contributed to the many cases of industrial actions which rocked the country during her term.

7: Paddy Ahenda

Although Ahenda is not tainted by any known corruption scandal, it is not clear why he was rejected by Qatar.

It is reported the Foreign Affairs ministry is, however, making spirited attempts to have Langat and Ahenda accredited by Namibia and Qatar respectively since they do not have scandals on their names.

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His mother sold him for 700 shillings - On Tuko TV

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- Governor Obado toured Kuria East to inspect and launch various development projects

- He used the opportunity to refute claims he was responsible for denying Kuria region a municipality

- Kuria East MP claimed the governor locked out the community in World Bank projects to upgrade municipalities

- Rongo, Migori and Awendo will be the beneficiaries of KSh 516 million World Bank project

Migori Governor Okoth Obado was forced to cut short his speech at a function in Kegonga in Kuria East and leave in embarrassment when area residents turned violent against him.

Drama started when he attempted to explain why his government settled on Rongo, Migori and Awendo towns as beneficiaries of KSh 516 million World Bank project meant to upgrade municipalities in the county.

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READ ALSO: Migori Governor Okoth Obado arrives to office on a bicycle

Governor Okoth Obado flagging off the distribution of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority-KEMSA's essential medicines county hospital. Photo: Okoth Obado/Facebook.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Migori Governor Okoth Obado officially ditches Raila for Ruto

I have tried to explain to Kitayama the truth about the World Bank project but he has refused to listen. He wants to incite the Kuria people against me so that they can think Obado is such a bad person. He is here and I do not want to speak behind his back, said Obado.

He wen on;

So my brother, on a sober note, let me tell you whoever you are working for, you will not succeed.

Unable to take more of Obado's lectures, an angry Kuria East MP Marwa Kitayama sprang up to the podium in order to snatch the microphone and interrupt the governor who was in the middle of his speech.

The governor's security team quickly swang into action and surrounded him as the MP's jeering supporters armed with stones and rungus shouted Obado down demanding he exits the stage.

The choice of the three towns which are predominantly Luo has been a hot political potato among leaders and residents considering the mega project will lock out the minority Kuria community.

If governor Josephat Nanok of Turkana gave Kakuma refugee camp a municipality what of Kuria which had a municipality at Kehancha since time immemorial? Then when we demand to know we are accused of playing politics, complained Kitayama.

Obado was in the region for a development tour where he launched Kugitimo Water Project, Kegonga Water Project besides inspecting the on going construction of Gwitonge Road in Nyabasi East ward.

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His mother sold him for 700 shillings - On Tuko TV

Source: Tuko Breaking News
- A suspected al-Shabaab militant was reportedly spotted at the high-end mall taking photos

- The suspect hired a motorbike taxi to take him to the mall where he took photos and videos then left

- The boda boda rider became suspicious of the stranger and reported the incident to the police

- After investigation, it was found the stranger was in fact a member of the al-Shabaab group

- US Embassy had also days earlier warned of possible terror strikes in Kenya and urged its citizens to remain vigilant

Security personnel are on high alert in Nanyuki, Laikipia county after receiving intelligence reports that the al-Shabaab militants might be planning to launch another terror strike in Cedar Mall shopping complex.

The intelligence report dated February 6, 2019, revealed a suspected militant toured the upmarket mall in January 2019 and took photos and video clips of the shopping complex which TUKO.co.ke understands is frequented by expatriates.

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READ ALSO: KDF soldiers accuse Kenya police of aiding terrorists along Somalia border

Police in Nanyuki have established that a young man, identified as Hirbo Ahamed Shaller, from Marsabit had visited the mall and took photos and videos of the place. Photo: BAA Architects.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Terror group al-Shabaab claims responsibility for 14 Riverside Drive, Nairobi attack

The intelligence report further revealed a youthful Borana man on January 17, 2019, hired a motorbike taxi to specifically take him to Cedar Mall in Nanyuki.

"On arrival, the man took several photos of the building and inquired from the (boda boda) rider the locations of the various military camps around Nanyuki," read part of the report.

READ ALSO: Detectives term 14 Riverside Drive attack act of terror

After dropping the stranger, the boda boda operator became suspicious and decided to report the matter at Nanyuki Police Station.

Upon investigation, it was established that the man identified as Hirbo Ahamed Shaller, comes from Marsabit and that he had allegedly left home years back to join the al-Shabaab militants in Somalia.

"A chief in Marsabit has confirmed Hirbo comes from the area but left the home to join al-Shabaab several years back. The chief was not aware of his return," the police report indicated.

READ ALSO: 4 suspected DusitD2 terror attack planners surrender to police

The local authorities have since launched a manhunt for Shaller to establish the reason why he was in Nanyuki and why he took pictures and videos of Cedar Mall.

Based on the police's assessment report, it is likely that the militants are targeting the British army officers and other expatiates based in Nanyuki.

This comes few days after US Embassy warned its citizens in major cities and towns including Nanyuki, Nairobi and Naivasha to remain vigilant over another possible terror attack.

"Credible information indicates Westerners may be targeted by extremists in Nairobi, Naivasha, Nanyuki, and coastal areas of Kenya. The US Embassy reminds the public of the continued need for heightened vigilance throughout Kenya, especially in public spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, and places of worship," the embassy said in a statement.

The al-Shabaab militants on January 15, 2019, descended on DusitD2 Hotel complex along 14 Riverside Drive in Westlands, Nairobi and left 21 people dead.

Additional reporting by Enock Ndayala.

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United Against Terror - On Tuko TV

Source: Tuko
In a world where the threat of terror has steadily grown, the need for extreme vigilance among the citizenry has become paramount.

While the government has stepped up counter-terrorism measures, committed more resources to strengthen the security forces and even embraced international partnerships to suppress the threat, this has not been enough.

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READ ALSO: Nairobi: Police arrest two terror suspects at Ole Sereni Hotel

The car which used by the by DusitD2 attackers was discovered at the crime scene. Photo: Nation.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Police reveal identity of prime suspect involved in thwarted Nairobi terror attack

It will take the input of every citizen to win this war and as a result, situational awareness is key.

The following are some of the signs members of the public should look out for in a bid to prevent a potential terror attack.

5 . Suspicious objects and items

Members of the public should be cautious when they come across objects left unattended in public places.

Of particular concern should be items with electric wires sticking out, those with excessive usage of securing materials and those with stains or discolouration or emit an unusual odour.

4. Persons with suspicious behaviour

As you go about your daily business, you should raise alarm if you encounter individuals with suspicious characteristics that suggest ulterior motive.

They include those wearing bulky or oversized attire that may conceal hidden objects, placing an object or parcel in a crowded area and departing immediately, attempting to disguise their identity or loitering for an extended period of time at one location.

It is also a matter of concern when a person takes photos or video recordings of security features or asks specific questions concerning the security of a place or an individual without a reasonable explanation.

READ ALSO: Confusion as another car bearing same registration with one used by terrorist is found in Kitengela

Unattended metal box caused security scare at Odeon Cinema days after blast in same place area. Photo: Security Watch/Facebook.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: 14 Riverside attack: Details of car with explosives used by terrorists during raid

3. Suspicious vehicles

In the modern world, vehicles are a common feature during terror attacks.

Vehicles circling an area repeatedly or on different occasions, a vehicle abandoned abruptly by the driver, overly weighted vehicles with sunken tires and suspensions and vehicles with foreign objects attached all present cause for alarm.

The same applies to commercial or heavy vehicles being operated erratically, at unusual times or in unusual locations, particularly near crowded areas.

2. Signs of radicalisation

As confirmed by the deadly involvement of Salim Gichunge and Violet Kemunto in the recent DusitD2 attack, radicalised natives present real yet an unseen danger in terrorism.

It is thus imperative that you be on the lookout for neighbours, colleagues and others around you who express the belief that violence is justified or openly idolize, express support or sympathise with terrorists and their causes.

Individuals trying to influence others to support terrorism or participate in terrorist activity as well as those displaying insignia or symbols in support of terrorist groups should also be immediately reported.

1. Keep off suspicious objects

When a suspicious metal box was left lying at the Odeon Cinema after the Saturday, January 28, explosion, curious onlookers milled around it oblivious of the danger they were exposing themselves to.

This is common in Kenya.

The box could as well have been a booby trap and such response exposes many to the danger of an attack.

It equally disturbs the crime scene, hampers emergency rescue efforts and police operations since movement becomes difficult.

Members of the public are advised to move as far away as possible from such areas and report the incident.

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CBD Blast Leaves Two Injured - TUKO TV

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- The nuts will be shipped into the country as from Monday, February 4, after the payment

- The company was one of the nine Kenyan firms that had bid to purchase the products in 2018

- Its not clear how the company intends to use the nuts given it has no history of processing them

A little known Kenyan firm has signed an agreement with Tanzania government to buy 100,000 tonnes of cashew nuts at KSh 18.1 billion.

Indo Power Solutions Ltd CEO Brian Mutembei signed the deal on Wednesday, January 30, with the Cereals and Produce Board director Hussein Mansour.

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READ ALSO: Nandi county school suspends student for wearing hijab

Tanzania government bought cashew nuts from the farmers after private investors boycotted the purchase over high prices. Photo: UGC

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Deadly inferno razes down students' cafeteria, several shops at JKUAT's main campus

The deal was signed at the East African Community headquarters in Arusha in the presence of Tanzania misters for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Palamagamba Kabudi and his counterpart in Industry and Trade Joseph Kakunda and Bank of Tanzania Governor Florens Luoga.

The nuts are expected to be shipped into the country as from Monday, February 4, once the company completes paying for the product and the money will be deposited directly to the Central bank.

However, it is not clear how the company intends to use the nuts given it has no history in the production and processing of cashew nuts.

President John Pombe Magufuli during a past event where he was commission 75 lorries that were set aside to facilitate transportation of cashew nuts to government silos. Photo: UGC

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Mombasa Governor Joho writes to Interpol, wants them to clarify his association to drug barons

Indo Power Solutions was one of the nine Kenyan companies that had bid to purchase the nuts from Tanzania farmers in 2018 before President Pombe Magufuli ordered the Agricultural Development Bank to purchase them from the farmers.

On Saturday, November 10, 2018, Magufuli fired two ministers and disbanded the cashew nut board citing dwindling prices of the crop.

He decried that farmers were suffering from exploitative prices singling out that their gross proceeds were not even half the production cost.

He had in October directed that the price of the commodity be increased from KSh 67 per kilo to KSh 134 for the same but the ministries were slow to effect the changes.

Private buyers stopped purchasing the product over high prices leading to Magufuli ordering the government to purchase the nuts from farmers.

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What Kenyans Think About Sidechicks (Mpango wa Kando)| Tuko TV

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Assistant Senior Editor

Nick is the assistant senior editor for The Record, The Saratogian, Community News and the Oneida Daily Dispatch.
Caribbean Airlines plan to cut 450 jobs is a dramatic curtain-raiser on the economic bleakness that awaits the country on the other side of Covid-19.

The post-pandemic shake-out in the job market will only intensify in the coming months as public utilities and State enterprises grapple with the twin challenge of declining income and reduced support from the Treasury.
The total cost of Caribbean Airlines (CAL) severance payment is estimated to be in the vicinity of $110 million, Finance Minister Colm Imbert revealed yesterday.

Imbert said CAL did not have the required finances for the severance payment and therefore the payments would be financed by the Ministry of Finance.
CONSPIRACY theorists with too much time on their hands were the ones who created an issue over the arrival of 80 vials of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine that came to the country last week for use by officials at the National Security Ministry.

So said Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday at the Covid-19 media conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Anns.
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Caracas, February 6

Venezuelan military officers blocked a bridge on the border with Colombia ahead of an anticipated humanitarian aid shipment on Tuesday, as opposition leader Juan Guaido stepped up his challenge to President Nicolas Maduros authority.

The opposition-dominated National Assembly had earlier warned the armed forces, which make up much of Maduros power base, not to cross a red line by blocking aid.

Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting President on January 23, claims that up to 300,000 people face death if the aid is not delivered. You know theres a red line, you know well theres a limit, you know that food and medical supplies are that limit, lawmaker Miguel Pizarro said in a message to the military.

Maduro, though, said humanitarian aid would be the forerunner of a US-led invasion, insisting that no one will enter, not one invading soldier. Venezuelan military officers used a tanker truck and huge shipping container to block access to the Tienditas bridge, which links Cucuta, Colombia to Urena, Venezuela. Franklyn Duarte, an opposition lawmaker from the border state of Tachira, said troops from the armed forces were blocking the crossing.

The aid delivery was being coordinated by Guaido, who has declared himself interim President and now enjoys the backing of some 40 countries as Venezuelas legitimate leader. Maduro, 56, has repeatedly accused the US of fomenting a coup. The US, which has not ruled out a military intervention in Venezuela, was the first to recognise him as acting President, followed by a dozen Latin American nations.  AFP
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

February 7

British Prime Minister Theresa May is preparing to delay the second parliament vote on her Brexit deal until the end of February, the Telegraph newspaper reported late on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister's chief enforcer, or whip, indicated at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that the vote would not be held next week as expected because May will not have renegotiated her deal in time, the report said, without citing its sources.

Last month, British lawmakers rejected May's original deal that set out the terms by which Britain would exit the European Union. They voted to demand May seek changes to the treaty.

But the EU has will make no new offer, European Council President Donald Tusk said on Wednesday.

The vote on a new deal is now being planned for the week beginning February 25, just over a month before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, according to the report.

May is set to travel to Brussels on Thursday to tell EU leaders they must accept legally binding changes to the Irish border arrangements of the divorce deal or face the prospect of a disorderly no-deal Brexit.

London and Brussels are arguing over whether the Brexit deal clinched in November can be changed, raising the possibility of a delay to Brexit, a last-minute deal or a no-deal exit.

On Tuesday, the Telegraph reported that ministers had discussed delaying Brexit by eight weeks. Reuters
sanjiv@tribunemail.com

Washington, February 6

President Donald Trump made yet another strong pitch for merit-based immigration in his annual State of the Union address, saying legal immigrants enrich the US in countless ways, raising hopes of hundreds of thousands of Indian IT professionals who are the worst sufferers of the current per country quota system.

Indian-Americans, most of whom are highly skilled and came to the US mainly on H-1B work visas, are the worst sufferers of the current immigration system, which imposes a 7 per cent per country quota on allotment of Green Cards or permanent legal residency.

In his second State of the Union (SOTU) address, President Trump said: "We have a moral duty to create an immigration system that protects the lives and jobs of our citizens. The address is a traditional annual speech of the US President to a joint session of Congress where he gives an account of the situation in the country.

The lawless state of the southern Mexico border is a threat to the safety, security and financial well-being of all Americans, he said. This (moral duty) includes our obligation to the millions of immigrants living here today, who followed the rules and respected our laws. Legal immigrants enrich our nation and strengthen our society in countless ways. I want people to come into our country, but they have to come in legally, Trump said.

He said his administration has sent to Congress a commonsense proposal to end the crisis on the southern border. It includes humanitariaid, more law enforcement, drug detection at our ports, closing loopholes that enable child smuggling, and plans for a new physical barrier, or wall, to secure areas between our ports of entry. In the past, most of the people in this room voted for a wall  but the proper wall never got built. I'll get it built,he said.

He also called for ending the chain migration, the fastest and easiest way to gain legal entry into America, through sponsorship by a family member who is already a US citizen.  PTI

To meet N Koreas Kim in Vietnam

Trump would hold his second meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam on February 27-28, while giving himself credit for averting a war on Korean Peninsula. He said much work remained to be done in the push for peace with N Korea, but cited the halt in its nuke testing and no missile launches in 15 months as proof of progress.

Reciprocal tariffs

Trump vowed to rectify calamitous trade policies and sought to expand his power to impose reciprocal tariffs, which could have implications on bilateral trade with nations such as India.

Reject politics of revenge

We must reject the politics of revenge, resistance and retribution and embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise and the common good. Donald Trump, US President
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Washington, February 7

President Donald Trump needed barely a day after a soaring State of the Union speech to revert to his usual combative self, branding an opponent a hack and investigations into his allegedly suspicious dealings with Russia harassment.

Trumps address to Congress on Tuesday made repeated appeals to optimism and the spirit of cooperation.

Although he goaded opposition Democrats by lashing out against socialism and insisting, as ever, on his controversial US-Mexico wall project, he spent much of the speech in unusually compromising mode.

At least, until around lunchtime Wednesday.

Asked by reporters about the Democrat-led intelligence committee in the House of Representatives expanding a probe into his Russia connections, Trump reverted to his habit of name calling.

He labelled Adam Schiff, the chairman of the committee, a political hack whos trying to build a name for himself.

Schiff has been a frequent target of Trump, who has referred to him on Twitter as Schitt and Little Adam Schitt.

Trump was infuriated by Schiffs decision to boost an already sensitive look by the committee at Trumps dealings with Russia.

Schiff said that the committee wanted to know whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Donald Trump, his family, his business, or his associates.

The American people have a right to know, Schiff said.

Trump said he is being victimized.

There would be no reason to do that. No other politician has to go through that. Its called presidential harassment and its unfortunate, he told reporters at the White House.

It really does hurt our country.

The intelligence committees investigation will run parallel to a major existing probe run by special prosecutor Robert Mueller into explosive allegations that Russian agents colluded with Trump in his 2016 election campaign.

Trump says he has only had legitimate links with Russian real estate and other partners, calling Muellers efforts a witch hunt.

But the subject needles him and is set to become ever more intrusive, with Mueller believed to be finalizing a report on his findings, Democrats mounting their own probes, and federal prosecutors in New York targeting yet more allegations.

In his State of the Union speech, Trump mentioned the probes only briefly, but emphatically, claiming the ridiculous partisan investigations pose as much danger to the US economy as wars in places like Afghanistan.

Vice President Mike Pence drove home the idea on Wednesday, telling CBS television: We dont object to oversight. Thats the proper role of committees in the Congress.

But when it takes on a partisan tint..., more intent on becoming a forum for invective against the president and against the administration, the American people expect better.

But Chuck Schumer, the senior Democrat in the Senate, accused Trump of trying to intimidate Congress.

The president says if you investigate me Im not going to make progress, Schumer told CNN, accusing Trump of holding the American people hostage.  AFP
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Islamabad/Karachi, Feb 6

A Hindu temple was vandalised in Pakistans Sindh province by miscreants who set the holy books and idols on fire, drawing a strong reaction from Prime Minister Imran Khan, who ordered swift and decisive action against the perpetrators.

The incident happened last week in Kumb, a town in Khairpur district. The unidentified assailants fled after the vandalism. Khan took to Twitter to call upon the provincial authorities to act against the culprits. This is against the teachings of the Quran, he said.

The community has approached the police to register a case against unidentified persons. After the incident, the Hindus in the area held a protest in the city,.

Rajesh Kumar Hardasani, adviser of the Pakistan Hindu Council, has demanded the formation of a special task force for the security of Hindu temples. These attacks are done to disturb religious harmony, he said.  PTI
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Toronto/New York, February 6

One of Canadas largest cryptocurrency exchanges has been granted bankruptcy protection after its 30-year-old founder died unexpectedly in India, taking with him passwords of tens of thousands of customers who are unable to access $145 million in funds.

Quadriga said it was unable to gain access to Canadian dollar 190 million ($145 million) of Bitcoin and other digital assets after Gerald Cotten, its CEO and co-founder, died in December. He died of complications arising from Crohns Disease, an inflammatory bowel ailment, while volunteering at an orphanage in India.

Many of the digital currencies held by Quadriga are stored offline in accounts known as cold wallets, a way of protecting them from hackers. Cotten was the only person with access to the wallets, according to the company.

Cottens sudden death has plunged Quadriga into a crisis and left it struggling to figure out how to refund more than 100,000 of its users, CNN reported. Cottens widow, Jennifer Robertson, described people posting inaccurate speculation on social media about whether he is really dead. I do not know the password or recovery key, she said. Despite repeated and diligent searches, I have not been able to find them written down anywhere, she said.

The company has hired experts in an attempt to hack into Cottens laptop and other devices to retrieve the missing cryptocurrencies, but Robertson warned that at least some of them may be lost. The company had 363,000 registered users, of which 92,000 have account balances. Cotten was the sole officer and director.  PTI
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Tribune News Service

Moga, February 6

A 53-year-old UK citizen of the Indian origin was allegedly strangled to death in the district, police officials said here today.

The NRIs body was found near a drain on the Mothanwali link road at Singhawala village on the outskirts of the city yesterday.

A local farmer, Jasvir Singh, resident of Mothanwali village, found the body lying near the drain and informed the police. Police officials reached the spot and started investigation.

The deceased was identified as Sukhdev Singh, originally hailing from Ghal Kalan village.

Paramjit Kaur, wife of Gurdev Singh, a resident of Ghal Kalan village, identified the body of Sukhdev Singh claiming that he was her brother-in-law. She said Sukhdev had been living in the UK for the past 25 years and had come here for a small stay about three months back. Her husband Gurdev Singh, who is the brother of Sukhdev Singh, had been living in UAE for the past few years.

Paramjit stated that she went to her parents house at Kokri Kalan village leaving behind her brother-in-law at home. When she came back on Tuesday, she found that the room of Sukhdev Singh was locked from outside. She inquired about him from neighbours and later on coming to know about a body lying in the hospital went there. She found that the body was of her brother-in-law. After the post-mortem examination, the body was handed over to family members.

Preliminary investigation conducted by the police revealed that the UK citizen was strangled to death with the help of a plastic rope, which has been recovered by the police from the spot.

Police officials believe that the reason for murder could be a family dispute over division of property.

Meanwhile, a case of murder has been registered against unknown persons at the the Moga City-II police station.
amansharma@tribunemail.com

Smita Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 7

In a significant movement forward, India and Pakistan have zeroed in on a date for the first round of official bilateral talks to operationalise the nearly 4-km Kartarpur corridor.

Days after India proposed dates for talks with Pakistan to finalise the draft, Islamabad today said it will send across its team on March 13 for discussions which the Ministry of External Affairs has now formally accepted.

India has also agreed to the Pak Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) proposal for the Indian delegation to travel across the border for follow up talks on March 28. India had earlier proposed February 26 and March 7 as possible dates for talks.

"In a spirit of constructive engagement #Pakistan has proposed to India that the Pakistan delegation may visit #India on 13 March followed by the return visit of the Indian delegation to Pakistan on 28 March to finalise the draft agreement for the #kartarpur corridor," tweeted MOFA spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal who has also been tasked to be the focal person to lead discussions on the Pakistani side. "We look forward to positive reciprocity from India," he added.

In response MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar wrote, "We welcome the visit of #Pakistan team to discuss and finalise modalities for facilitating visit of pilgrims through #Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on 13 March 2019 to India. Follow up meeting can be held in Pakistan, as required."

India has also proposed that even as the modalities of the draft agreement are being worked out, technical discussions should commence. "For expeditious realisation of #kartarpurcorridor, India has also proposed technical-level discussions between engineers on both sides without waiting for discussion on the modalities. We hope #Pakistan would positively respond & confirm coordinates of crossing point as well," added Raveesh Kumar.

Earlier today, the cabinet meeting chaired by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan also approved the formation of a special committee to oversee the development in Kartarpur and Nanakana Sahib. Governor of Punjab province Chaudhary Mohammad Sarwar will head the committee that will look into developing the area around Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district on the Pakistani side including construction of hotels ,shops and other facilities.

"The Sikh community wants to develop the areas. We want to streamline those offers," said Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, earlier in consultations held in New Delhi this week, hoped that India would share a draft agreement with Pakistan and complete legal modalities for the corridor sacred to Sikh pilgrims within a month. India has already communicated to Islamabad coordinates of the zero point on the International Border while the land acquisition process for the highway and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) is underway in consultation with the Punjab state government.
editorial@tribune.com

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, February 6

Fed up with repeated attacks of stray cattle and damage to their crops, farmers of Pedhni village today loaded these animals on four tractor-trailers and reached the office of Deputy Commissioner (DC) to release them there.

After much persuasion, officers succeeded in pacifying the farmers, who had announced to release the animals in the offices of officers if the authorities failed to check the menace of stray cattle.

Many residents of our village have suffered injuries in attacks by stray cattle in streets and fields. Stray cattle are repeatedly attacking villagers and damaging our crops. We have come here to release these stray cattle inside the DC office to get the officers out of their deep slumber. We have enough stray cattle to release in the offices of each officer, if the authorities failed to take quick action to solve our problem, said Balwinder Singh, a BKU (Ugrahan) leader from Pedhni village.

Farmers parked all four trailers on the main road in front of the DCs office, causing traffic jam. They raised slogans against the Sangrur administration. But when they tried to enter the office premises, the police stopped them and informed senior officers about the protest.

Farmers also had heated arguments with the police when the latter tried to stop them from entering the DCs office.

We have sent the stray cattle brought by villagers to government gaushala at Jhaneri village. We have called a meeting next week to take effective steps to control rising menace of stray cattle and we are fully aware of the problems of farmers, said Avikesh Gupta, SDM, Sangrur.
gspannu7@gmail.com

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 7

The Punjab Police special intelligence cell on Thursday killed dreaded gangster Ankit Bhadu in an encounter at Peer Muchalla near Zirakpur.

The gangster, aged around 23 years, carried a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh which was announced by Rajasthan Police.

Bhadu was a resident of Sherewala village in Abohar district of Punjab.

A school dropout and son of an agriculturist, Shiv Parkash, he jumped his regular bail from Kapurthala jail in October 2017. He had been arrested by Fazilka police in July 2015.

A team of special intelligence cell and Rajpura policemen engaged in a shootout with the gangster near Zirakpur.

Dreaded for extortion-related crimes, Bhadu had a huge list of crimes and had openly threatened police in many states.

A team of organised crime control unit of Punjab led the operation.

A close aide of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, Bhadu had managed to escape after a shootout with police from Sriganganagar and Haryana in August last year.

According to police sources, Bhadu, who is on Rajasthan Polices Most Wanted list, was wanted in connection with numerous cases of murder, extortion, loot and dacoity.

A team led by DSP Bikram Brar  who had killed noted gangster Vicky Gounder  killed the gangster.

Rajasthan DGP has got in touch with his Punjab counterpart to discuss the shootout.

Police had nabbed his girlfriend from Delhi airport a few days ago. She had come back from Canada.

Bhadu had allegedly killed history-sheeter Jordan in Sriganganagar in May last year.

Police also claimed to have rounded up two of the gangsters aides who are also said to be wanted in over a dozen criminal cases.
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Chandigarh, February 7

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday assured External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj that appropriate action would be taken against the travel agents accused of fraudulently sending four Punjabis to Armenia.

According to a media report, four Indians from Punjab are stuck in Armenia and had uploaded a video on social media, requesting Aam Aadmi Party parliamentarian Bhagwant Mann to bring them back.

Singh told Swaraj that a case had been registered by the state police in the matter.

@SushmaSwaraj ji a case has already been registered and Ive instructed the @DGPPunjabPolice to take appropriate action against the suspects immediately. Will keep you informed, Singh tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Swaraj tweeted about the plight of the four Indians from Punjab. The External Affairs Minister said the Indian ambassador in Armenia had reached them and was providing all help and assistance.

Swaraj also spoke to the Chief Minister and asked him to apprehend the travel agents concerned. He (Singh) has promised immediate action in the matter, she added.

The Kapurthala police have booked six people, including an Armenia-based travel agent, for allegedly fraudulently sending the four men to Armenia on tourist visa last December after promising work visa.

On the basis of the statements by the families the trapped persons, Punjab Police have registered two FIRs--one under Section 420 (cheating) of the IPC and another under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act. PTI
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 7

The Congress Lok Sabha nominations carry a substantial cost this season.

All aspirants for the grand old partys tickets for 2019 Lok Sabha elections have been mandated to pay a fixed application fee to be able to enter the candidate nomination process formally.

The application fee for Congress LS nomination in Himachal Pradesh is as high as Rs 50,000 for general category aspirants and Rs 35,000 for reserved category applicants.

This fee is double of Rs 25,000 charged for Congress parliamentary election nomination in 2014.

In Punjab and Chandigarh, the LS ticket application fee for aspirants has been fixed at Rs 35,000 each for general category contestants and Rs 25,000 for Scheduled Caste category.

This is also significantly higher than 2014 LS polls when the ticket fee was a nominal of Rs 10,000 in the general class and Rs 5000 for the reserved class.

All candidates will have to pay this application fee, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee president Kuldeep Singh Rathore told The Tribune.

In Punjab, state unit chief Sunil Jakhar said the idea behind fixing a fee is to ensure candidates interest in the nomination and electoral process and to maintain a level of seriousness in the exercise.

Chandigarh Territorial Congress president Pradeep Chhabra also confirmed to The Tribune that Rs 35,000 application fee was being charged this time.

He added that the candidates who had applied earlier without a fee  including former ministers Pawan Kumar Bansal, Manish Tewari and the wife of Punjab Local Bodies Minister Navjot Kaur Sidhu  had been asked to send the money to complete their applications.

The fee is mandatory. Those who did not submit the fee earlier have been telephonically informed about the compulsory condition for a fee and they are all in the process of sending their cheques, Chhabra said.

AICC sources meanwhile indicated that the decision to enhance Congress LS ticket application fee was mainly rooted in the partys weak financial health.

Its a way to fill AICCs shallow coffers. The party has been struggling for funds for a long time. Mandating a fee with LS ticket applications is one way of ensuring clean money ahead of polls, a Congress source said.

The fee is non refundable.

In an interview to The Tribune last week, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who is part of the Congress core committee for LS election strategy, listed lack of financial resources as the partys biggest challenge in the forthcoming polls.

Asked what the Congress mightiest challenge ahead of 2019 General Election was, Chidambaram said, Resources, the fact that the BJP has got massive resources. Even going by the published figures of electoral bonds, the BJP has got massive resources.
editorial@tribune.com

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 6

Even as the ruling BJP today accused the Congress-ruled UPA-II government (2009-2014) of leaking information of a fake Army coup to the media, records of Parliament show the Manmohan Singh-led government had then made it clear that troop movement was purely for training purposes.

The issue had cropped up in April 2012 when a newspaper ran a story alleging that the Army, then headed by General VK Singh, made an unauthorised movement of troops towards Delhi on the night intervening January 16 and 17, 2012.

Around the same time, the General, who is now a minister in the Modi government, had challenged his date of birth in the Supreme Court.

A reply in Parliament given by then Defence Minister AK Antony on April 25, 2012, said on January 16, 2012, one of the units of 50 Para Brigade carried out mobilisation to practice mounting from an alternative airfield other than Agra, during fogged-out conditions/non-serviceability of the Agra airfield due to operational reasons.

Agra is the home base of the Para Brigade. This column came to the location of one unit at Gurgaon on January 17, 2012. Mobilisation practice was under the 50 Para Brigade. The 33 Armoured Division based at Hisar was to carry out an exercise with troops in March-April 2012, Antony had said.

As a precursor to this exercise, a Mechanized Infantry battalion was mobilised by the formation commander towards Bahadurgarh (north-west of Delhi) to validate its loading, movement and occupation in poor visibility conditions.

The battalion reached the area of Bahadurgarh during morning hours on January 17, 2012, and proceeded to occupy the designated dispersal area as per standard operating procedure. Having validated their mobilisation drills, both Columns moved back subsequently.

There was no report received in the Ministry of Defence from intelligence agencies on January 16/17, 2012, as regards such troop movement, Antony had said.

The movement was aimed at refining the mobilisation drill and ensuring operational preparedness of the Army despite adverse weather conditions.

At a meeting of the parliamentary panel later, Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma said the movement was a routine activity, which did not require any permission from the government. He is learnt to have told the panel that no standard operating procedures had been breached.
amansharma@tribunemail.com

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 7

A Sikh lawyer from Maharashtra is facing problems in entering the Supreme Court as security personnel have objected to his 10-inch 'kirpan'.

Amritpal Singh Khalsa -- who hails from Ulhasnagar, Thane district in Maharashtra -- raised the issue on Thursday before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.

"We will certainly look into it," the Bench told Khalsa who has to appear as a party in person in a PIL seeking ban on production of black film in the top court on Friday.

"Every time I enter the apex court I am humiliated, made to feel as I am an untouchable. I am denied entry to court premises just because I carry a kirpan for which the security denies entry citing its length to be more than six inches," Khalsa said in a letter addressed to the CJI.

He said the only reason he could think of for being stopped from entering the high-security zone of the Supreme Court was "that I being a Sikh carry Kirpan, which the security perceives to be a threat".

He asserted that the Constitution guaranteed the freedom of wearing and carrying 'kirpan' without any restriction on its size.

"The Constitution in plain and crystal-clear terms allows wearing and carrying kirpans, and there is no legislation/rule to regulate the size of kirpan, and this right is a fundamental right guaranteed under Part-III of the Constitution of India," the lawyer said in his letter to the CJI.

Khalsa requested the court "to ensure that young lawyers like me are not humiliated, insulted, tortured, and appropriate instructions are issued to security department, so that not only I but other Sikhs too are allowed to wear and carry Kirpan in court premises".
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Kolkata, February 6

Senior BJP leaders, who are accustomed to crisscrossing the sky in swanky choppers, are getting a taste of road travel, courtesy West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today travelled by road a distance of 140 km, a journey spanning more than three hours, to address a public meeting at Kharagpur.

Chouhan was supposed to address a rally at Baharampur in Murshidabad district, but the programme was cancelled after permission was denied to land his chopper there. It was then decided that Chouhan would address a rally at Kharagpur.

The former CM today flew to Kolkata and from here he travelled to Kharagpur by road. Petroleum and Natural Gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan was originally supposed to address a meeting at Kharagpur on February 7.

Chouhan made a scathing attack at the TMC government for denying permission to the BJP for landing helicopters, resulting in cancellation of a number of public meetings. The more you (Mamata) try and stop us, more often shall we come to Bengal, he said.

Yesterday, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath travelled on the bumpy road connecting Bokaro in Jharkhand to West Bengals Purulia where he addressed a meeting. Denial of permission to land chopper led to cancellation of Adityanaths meetings at Balurghat and Raigaunj on February 3.

For coming to Purulia, he used his chopper to reach Bokaro, which is in BJP-ruled Jharkhand. From Bokaro to Purulia, a distance of 54 km, he travelled by road.

BJP chief Amit Shah had to use a BSF helipad for coming to Malda for a rally after permission was denied to him to land his chopper at Malda airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Mainaguri in Jalpaiguri district on Friday to address a rally. Modi had last visited the state on February 2 when he addressed two rallies at Thakurnagar and Durgapur. Supporters of Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress later filed a police complaint at Thakurnagar for felling of trees for making a helipad for Modis chopper.

After Mamata created hurdles for the BJP to launch its ambitious rath yatra programme in the state, the saffron party made the alternative programme of holding multiple rallies in the state to mobilise support for the Lok Sabha elections. But various strategies have been also deployed to jeopardize the rallies. There have been also instances of owners of grounds selected for BJP rallies objecting to the event by filing police complaints.
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 7

Angry at mishandling of the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual abuse cases, the Supreme Court on Thursday transferred the trial from Bihar to a court in the National Capital.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi ordered the cases would now be transferred from a CBI Special Court in Bihar to a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Court at Saket in New Delhi in two weeks.

The POCSO court has to conclude the trial in six months, it ordered.

The Supreme Court had on October 30 ordered shifting of prime accused Brajesh Thakur from Bhagalpur jail in Bihar to high-security prison in Patiala, Punjab. It was his NGO which uses to run the shelter home where the horrific crime took place.

On Thursday, the top court also pulled up the state for mismanagement of shelter homes.

Enough is enough. Children cannot be treated like this. You cannot let your officers treat children this way. Spare the children, the top court told the Bihar government.

It will summon the Chief Secretary if the state failed to give all information, the Bench said.

It took exception to transfer of CBI officer AK Sharma associated with probe in the Muzaffarpur shelter home sex abuse cases despite an order to the contrary by the court. It sought to know if Cabinet Committee on Appointment was informed about the court order. It asked the CBI to file an affidavit giving an explanation.

The issue came to light in May last year following a report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) that said several girls, including minor ones were allegedly raped and sexually abused at an NGO-run shelter home in Muzaffarpur.

The Supreme Court had on November 28 ordered a CBI probe into 16 more shelter homes abuse cases in Bihar following allegations that the state police was going soft on the accused.

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, had found instances of aggravated offences in 17 shelter homes in Bihar. But criminal cases were registered only in connection with 10 under lesser offences.

In one such case, TISS found sexual violence at a shelter home for boys but the FIR didnt include stringent IPC provisions on sodomy. In another case, a child who refused to cook food suffered a three-inch long scar on his cheek. In both cases, the state police filed a case only under the Juvenile Justice Act.

The top court has been coming down heavily on the Bihar government for its handling of the probe into the Muzaffarpur shelter home, where 30 of the 42 girls were allegedly sexually abused.

Former minister Manju Verma eventually surrendered earlier this month following warning from the court in connection with seizure of ammunition from her home during a raid. She had to resign as Social Welfare Minister in August after it came to light that her husband Chandrashekhar Verma frequented the Muzaffarpur shelter home.
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

New Delhi, February 7

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that the RSS was trying to capture the institutions of the country and his partys governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh will remove the organisations loyalists from the system.

He also launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a coward and challenging him to a debate on issues such as national security, Rafale and the economy.

I know his (Modi) character after fighting him for five years. He is a coward. When someone stands up to him, he runs away, Gandhi said at the partys minority cell convention here.

The Congress chief said fear was writ large on Modis face.

He now knows you cant rule India by dividing people, he said in his speech in Hindi.

The image of Narendra Modi is finished, Gandhi declared.

He alleged that the RSS was attempting to capture institutions, from the judiciary to the Election Commission.

We have not merely formed governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh... we will ensure that RSS people put in institutions in these states are removed, he said.

The Congress chief also alleged that while China sent its army to Doklam, the Prime Minister flew to China and held a summit without an agenda.

He had folded his hands in front of China, Gandhi alleged. PTI
editorial@tribune.com

New Delhi, February 6

The Rajya Sabha continued to remain paralysed for the third straight day, as Samajwadi Party, BSP and RJD members created ruckus raising issues relating to changes in the appointment procedure for the university teachers and the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

The House witnessed two adjournments before the proceedings were completely washed out. As soon as the House resumed at 2 pm, RJD, SP, BSP and TMC members trooped into the well protesting over various issues, including the introduction of roster system in higher educational institutions which they claim limits the scope of reservation for jobs.

The roster system provides that vacancies are considered according to department or wing in a college or university and not total number of posts available for recruitment in any institution. This results in limited seats available for recruitment by each department or wing under reserved categories.

Deputy Chairman Harivansh asked protesting members in the well to return to their seats. However, they did not relent. The Chair then requested SP leader Ramgopal Yadav to end the protest as he will be given a chance to speak during the Zero Hour. He said the government had deviated from its promise made on the issue. Minister Vijay Goel tried to pacify Yadav, but the protest continued.  TNS
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

Hyderabad, February 7

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will draw crowds but not win votes for the Congress as today's electorate back parties, which deliver and are not swayed by "charisma," said the Telangana Rashtra Samiti on Thursday.

"Those days have gone when people with super-charisma come and sway the voters because voters today are educated, especially the youth who are making an impact," spokesperson for the ruling party in Telangana, Abid Rasool Khan, said.

"They (voters) are towards parties, which promise and deliver," Khan told PTI.

The "classic case" in this context is the TRS, which swept the recent Assembly and Panchayat polls in the state because of good governance and delivery on promises, and there was no "charisma", he claimed.

Priyanka took charge as AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East on Wednesday, a fortnight after her formal induction into the Congress party.

"Her (Priyanka's) entry or entry in comparison with any film star or celebrity is only to draw the crowd, but they will not transform into votes because voters have decided they wanted parties which will deliver and keep up promises", Khan said.

On assessment of some analysts that Priayanka's "charisma" is similar to that of her grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, he said "there is a difference".

During Indira Gandhi's days, Khan said, charisma was important because most of the voters were illiterate, and it's not the case now. Thanks to social and other media exposure, people are demanding their rights now, not just charisma.

"So, I don't think personally she will make any impact until and unless the Congress party looks at itself...where it has gone wrong, set right all the problems under her leadership and builds up the party base...," he said.

"Over a period of five years if she works hard, definitely there will be an impact, but not coming just before the elections", Khan said.

As for the perception in some quarters that Priyanka may "overshadow" her brother and Congress President Rahul Gandhi, he said "Anybody who does not perform will be overshadowed."

"Rahul Gandhi has definitely not performed as a national leader, and he has not been assertive, he is not seen to take decisions", he said, adding, the Congress would not have won Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh last year if there was a "third alternative." PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Ramakrishna Upadhya

Bengaluru, February 6

The budget session of the Karnataka Assembly began today on a raucous note, with the eight-month-old Congress-JD(S) coalition government headed by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy facing a severe test of survival.

Sensing that the government had turned shaky with some crucial abstentions in the treasury benches, the Opposition BJP turned aggressive, shouting slogans in the well of the House. It forced the Governor, Vajubhai Vala, to cut short his customary year-opening speech and leave amidst noisy scenes.

As cries of lies, lies grew louder, the Governor discontinued his address after reading only two out of 22 pages and left. Kumaraswamy was seen wiping his tears, disheartened at the developments.

There was more bad news for the Chief Minister as seven Congress MLAs, two Independents and one from the JD(S) remained absent despite being served with whips to attend the session compulsorily.

Congress chief whip Ganesh Hukkeri, had in a circular, asked all the members to be present in the House on all days from February 6 to 15 and to vote in favour of the government, whenever required.

Apart from Ramesh Jharkhiholi, Mahesh Kammathalli, B Nagendra and Umesh Jadhav, who have stubbornly refused to attend party meetings, M Krishnappa, Dr Sudhakar and BC Patil  who have been unhappy at being left out of the ministry  abstained from the days proceedings.

Independent MLAs H Nagesh and R Shankar, who have formally written to the Governor withdrawing support to the Kumaraswamy government, were also among the absentees. Kumaraswamy is scheduled to present his second budget on February 8.

Having failed in its repeated attempts to bring down the government through Operation Kamala, the BJP is now moving cautiously. State BJP president BS Yeddyurappa has maintained that his party was not interested in bringing a no-confidence motion during the current session of the Assembly and would allow the government to fall on its own.

The strategy seems to be to ensure the defeat of the government at the time of passing of the budget by getting around 12 to 14 Congress MLAs to abstain from the House. Right now, as against 104 members of the BJP, the ruling coalition has its nose slightly ahead, but the situation can change quickly.

The BJP onslaught has come at a time when the two coalition partners are in an internecine war, with Congress ministers and MLAs declaring their loyalty to Siddaramaiah and calling him their Chief Minister.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, February 6

Senior leaders of the Maharashtra Congress want the partys central leadership to intervene urgently after infighting in its Mumbai unit worsened. Yesterday, former South Mumbai Member of Parliament Milind Deora indicated that he would not contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections due to infighting in the party.

INC India is leading a powerful, united campaign across India. Infighting cannot, and should not, be allowed to threaten our base in Mumbai. I appeal to all Congress leaders in Mumbai to unite as a team. We owe this much to our party and to Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Deora said on Twitter.

Sources say Deoras comments come after Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief Sanjay Nirupam sought to change his constituency from Mumbai North to Mumbai North-West. Nirupam who lost to BJPs Gopal Shetty from the former constituency in 2014 justifies his shift on the grounds that he lives in Mumbai North-Wests Andheri and has been working with the people for the past 25 years.

Several Congress workers opposed to Nirupam, who moved to the party from the Shiv Sena, are keen on Deora taking over the reins.

Though the Congress under Nirupam fared poorly in the BMC poll, it has not dampened his relations with the party leadership. Nirupams supporters say he would continue in the saddle and play a major role in the distribution of ticket for the LS poll.

On the other hand, Deora, who is voicing opinions of the old guard, told channels that people were feeling left out.
shalender@tribune.com

New Delhi, February 6

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to stay the trial court order to frame charges against former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets worth over Rs 10 crore.

Justice Sunil Gaur also sought the CBIs response on pleas of Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha Singh, challenging the trial court order to frame charges.

The 82-year-old Congress leader and his wife had sought quashing of the December 10, 2018, trial court order directing framing of charges against them and seven others. The matter is listed before the trial court on February 22 for formal framing of charges.

CBI special public prosecutor Anil Grover told the court that the agency has already filed an appeal before the Supreme Court challenging a limited part of the HCs 2017 order in which it had said the consent issue would be adjudicated by the trial court.

Before the apex court, the CBI has sought clarification on the nature of sanction needed to probe any offence committed in the state.

The CBI contended before the HC that there was a general consent granted by the Himachal Pradesh Government on August 24, 1990 to probe offences of Central Government employees in the territory of the state.

Singh, however, contended that the consent order does not take within its scope a Central minister.  PTI
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

New Delhi, February 7

NEW DELHI: Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for the second day on Thursday in connection with a probe into allegations that he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

Vadra, who was grilled for five-and-a half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday, arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers.

After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the session.

Officials said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in United Kingdom.

His statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as was done Wednesday, they added.

He was asked about a dozen questions by a team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case.

His appearance before the ED on Wednesday acquired political overtones with his wife Priyanka Gandhi, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanying him to the investigating agency's office. She took charge of her new post at the Congress' national headquarters on Akbar Road after that.

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka Gandhi said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London on Wednesday.

This is the first time that Vadra is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan told reporters.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency also told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others.

The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra on Wednesday to attack the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime.

Vadra is also supposed to be present before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in another money laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court had directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case. PTI
amansharma@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, February 7

The Congress will scrap the triple talaq law if it forms the government in 2019, the partys women wing chief Sushmita Dev said on Thursday.

However, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said people could not understand Mahila Congress chief Devs statement and the party had made its stand clear even before the decision was made in the Supreme Court, that it is opposed to the practice.

Triple talaq does not have a place in this modern society. We have said that when you will send the husband to jail who will pay for the maintenance of the family. The society and the Parliament has to decide that. We want an amendment to include maintenance for the family, he said.

But Dev, addressing the Congresss Minority Department convention here, had alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pitted Muslim women against Muslim men through the triple talaq law and that her party will scrap this law if voted to power.

A lot of people told us that women will be empowered if the triple talaq bill is passed. But we opposed the law because it is a weapon that Narendra Modi ji has prepared to put Muslim men in jail and make them stand in police stations, the All India Mahila Congress chief said.

The Congress party stood up and opposed it in Parliament. I promise you people that the Congress government will come in 2019 and we will scrap this law. But it is also certain that whatever law is brought for womens empowerment, by whichever government, the Congress will support it, Dev said.

The BJP strongly reacted to Devs remarks, saying Muslim women and the people of India will not forgive the Congress for its perverted mentality. Accusing the Congress of following the policy of appeasement, it also referred to the audacity of Rahul Gandhi in not caring about the Supreme Court.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra stated: What kind of mentality is this? This is only to appease. The people of this country are looking. Neither Muslim women nor the people of this country will forgive Rahul Gandhi for this kind of perverted mentality.

Look at the audacity of Mr Rahul Gandhi? His party...to appease says that if we come to power, we will not care about the Supreme Court (and) we will ban the ordinance, the law, the bill Mr. Modi is trying to bring in consonance to what Supreme Court has said, Patra said at a press conference.

The Supreme Courts constitution bench banned triple talaq, saying it is not constitutional, Patra added.

Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 superseded an earlier bill passed in Lok Sabha and pending in Rajya Sabha.

With the triple talaq bill continuing to face resistance in Rajya Sabha, the central government issued an ordinance in September last year, incorporating certain amendments.

The ordinance was re-promulgated last month as the first one was about to expire.

Women should have right of life. Women should lead a life as anyone else in this beautiful country and beautiful democracy. This is why Supreme Court through a constitution bench struck down triple talaq, Patra said.

The central government maintains that despite the Supreme Court striking down the practice of talaq-e-biddat (instant triple talaq) as unconstitutional, men were divorcing their wives on flimsy grounds and even via WhatsApp.

The opposition has said divorce cannot be made a penal offence and the provisions of the bill are against basic principles of the Constitution.  PTI
Fort Hood, TX (76544)

Today

A few clouds. Low 74F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 74F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
gspannu7@gmail.com

New Delhi, February 7

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar will be questioned by CBI in Shillong on February 9 in connection with the multi-crore Saradha chit-fund scam, officials said on Thursday, two days after the Supreme Court directed him to faithfully cooperate with the investigation.

The CBI wants to question Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as he was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal Government to probe Saradha and other similar ponzi scheme cases, they said.

The CBI has attached 10 officers from its Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow units to its Kolkata office, which is probing the chit-fund scam cases, till February 20 to provide additional manpower during questioning of high-profile suspects, including the Kolkata Police chief.

A team led by Superintendent of Police Jagroop S Gusinha from the special unit in New Delhi will camp in Kolkata, an official order said.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Kumar to appear before the CBI and faithfully cooperate into the investigation of cases related to the Saradha chit-fund scam, but made it clear he will not be arrested.

State police was first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause disappearance of evidence, a senior CBI official said on the condition of anonymity.

The agency, which wanted to probe the SIT members, was not getting positive response from the police as many officials, including Kumar, gave excuses to evade questioning, they said.  PTI
gspannu7@gmail.com

Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, February 7

Sugar mills run by various politicians in Maharashtra, who are yet to clear dues of more than Rs 5300 crore to sugarcane farmers, have announced that they would make payments in kind as they are short of cash.

The decision comes after the Devendra Fadnavis government issued notices for the auction of properties belonging to sugar mills which failed to pay sugarcane cultivators the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of Rs 2,800 per tonne in one go.

More than 180 sugar mills controlled by leaders of various political parties have paid just Rs 2500 per tonne of cane so far on the grounds that the price of sugar has fallen due to a glut in Indian and foreign markets.

With farmers attacking several sugar factories, politicians who head co-operatives have offered to pay the difference in the FRP in kind.

For every tonne of cane brought in by a farmer for crushing, he would be paid Rs 2500 in cash and 17 kilogrammes of sugar.

While several farmers have protested this move saying there was no way they could stock the sugar or sell it in the urban markets, the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana said its members would take payments in kind and sell the same for whatever price the stock would fetch in the markets.

Several sugar mills have invited applications from farmers who are interested in taking payments in kind.

Member of Parliament Raju Shetti, who heads the SSS, told reporters that the farmers would accept payments in kind and sell the sugar below the ex-factory price of Rs 2900 per quintal.

The farmers would also pay some rent for keeping their sugar stock in the warehouses of the sugar mills, Shetti is quoted as saying.
shriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com

Thane, February 7

Nine members of an inter-state gang of car lifters, who allegedly stole more than 100 vehicles from several states, have been arrested by Thane police, a senior official said on Thursday.

As many as 80 cars valued at around Rs 3.4 crore were seized from Pune, Mumbai (in Maharashtra), and some places in Rajastan and Karnataka, Thane's Joint Commissioner of Police Madhukar Pandey told reporters here.

The gang operated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan and the north-east region, he said.

During the probe, the police got information about the gang's involvement in theft of around 170 vehicles, he said.

The police first received a complaint in December 2018 of theft of a car from Thane city. During the investigation into it, they traced the vehicle to Pune and seized it.

All the nine accused were subsequently nabbed in the last few days for their alleged involvement in various cases of car thefts, Pandey said.

The modus operandi of the gang was to first steal the vehicle, take it to a godown in Pune, and then obtain a fake RC (registration certificate) book for it from Nagaland.

They would later change details of the car's engine and chassis before selling the vehicles in Belgaum (Karnataka) and Rajasthan, the police official said.

Following their arrest, the accused were produced in a local court which remanded them in police custody till February 14, he added.  PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Vikram Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 6

Romi Sharma, 42, a writer, artist and social worker, has become the brand ambassador for people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) as her social media effort to reach out to displaced families of 1947 is gaining overwhelming support from people from both sides of the Line of Control.

A native of Poonch and presently in New Delhi, Romi took to uploading her stories and poems on the social media last year when one of her poems in Poonchi language found an earnest reader in PoJK who circulated it far and wide.

It was only my love for language and connect with people of my region that made me upload a poem in Poonchi language on Facebook. It was read by some persons across the LoC and appreciations started pouring in my inbox, Romi said, adding, It became an instant hit among people in PoJK from Poonch origin.

Khan Sharafat Arif Kakazai, a former staff officer of late Mohammad Abdul Qayyum Khan, Prime Minister of PoJK, who contacted her on social media, christened his daughters name after Romi. He wrote in Poonchi, Maray ghara vich kuri paida hoi aj ma us na naam Roomi rakhya. Allah tusey ta tusain nay saray (A daughter is born in my family today whom I have named as Roomi after you. God bless you.)

Besides, a large number of people from Poonch scattered in PoJK have joined Romis community page on Facebook and are exchanging views and old rituals of people that used to be commonly shared before the Partition.

So far, I have been successful in reuniting nine families in the Poonch region, Romi said. The writer said that her endeavour was also inviting hate messages from fundamentalists. My page and community link (Romi Sharma Poonchi-Apna Poonchi Parivaar) also carries some hate messages where people from the other side threatened me to stop and even called me a person from the Intelligence Bureau on some mission, she added.

Romi said she was undeterred by such threats and had a strong support of people from both sides to carry on the work undertaken by her. My only motto is to reunite families who were separated in 1947 irrespective of religion, caste or creed, she said.
editorial@tribune.com

Amir Karim Tantray

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 6

Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was breaking up and its president Mehbooba Mufti shouldnt be taken seriously.

He alleged that Mufti had come to power by doing politics of going against forces and she was again doing the same.

It is election time and Mehbooba might be facing some problems. Just show some sympathy towards her. The PDP is breaking up. The party is in a mess and basically, she came to power with such kind of support. Thats why she is speaking like this, the Governor said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at Jammu University.

You dont need to take her seriously, Malik added.

Replying to a question on whether Mehboobas statement against Major Rohit Shukla would impact the morale of security forces, he said, The morale of security forces dont get down by such statements given by people like Mehbooba and we will not allow it to happen. When we are with them, there is no question of their morale getting down.

He was reacting to Mehboobas statement against Major Shukla, who had allegedly beaten up a youth, Tawseef, in Pulwama after which the he was hospitalised.

The Governor said: I stand by our forces. We have given them directions and they dont do atrocities. In some cases, where the security personnel have been found guilty, they are being shifted. However, we still stand by our forces. If there is a report of atrocity, we will investigate that.

Mehbooba took to Twitter and wrote: Instead of taking cognisance of the brutality that the young boy has been subjected to, and ordering action against the culprits, it is sad that the honourable Governor is talking politics instead. Saddened to see the constitutional authorities taking sides so brazenly.

Former CM Omar Abdullah tweeted: Governor Sb this is an unacceptable statement & an unnecessary interference in politics. At this rate it wont be long before people stop taking Raj Bhawan seriously so please consider the office you occupy before you give statements.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 6

The Vidhan Sabha today witnessed heated exchanges over the issue of setting up of the cement plant at Sikridhar in Chamba with the Opposition Congress accusing the BJP regime of raking up the issue each time there is an election around the corner.

The issue was raised during question hour in the Assembly by Leader of Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri. He pointed out that despite not even a single bid having been received after inviting tenders twice, the BJP was trying to get political mileage out of the issue with an eye on the parliamentary polls.

With Congress legislators locking horns with the Industry Minister Bikram Singh and doubting the intentions of his government, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said all that is required for the setting up of the plant, including construction of road, will be done as the coming up of the project will provide employment and herald economic prosperity in Chamba district.

He also took the Opposition to task for objecting to the statement of his government that road will be made. I am a little surprised as well as perturbed when I see the Opposition object to every statement of ours. Do we need to take your permission before saying something or doing, he quipped. He added that roads have been constructed even in the past and on private land so it is not something impossible that his government intends doing.

The BJP wants to once again befool the people of Chamba by claiming that the foundation stone of the cement plant would be laid soon when the fact is that no firm has shown interest in taking it up, he said. He added that now the government was even willing to make the 26-km road for the investor to reach right up to the deposit site. He accused the government of acting under pressure from one of its MPs, who had always made the promise of setting up the cement plant during every LS election. Congress MLA Asha Kumari too joined Agnihotri in doubting the intentions of the government and using the cement plant issue only as a poll gimmick. Neither has any survey nor demarcation been done, the locals have not been taken into confidence as 70 per cent of land where road is to be made is private, so how can the government talk of laying foundation at such a preliminary stage when no spade work had been done, she said.

Replying to the accusations Industry Minister Bikram Singh said the BJP regime was committed to set up the plant for which bids had been invited twice in August 2018 and January 2019. The Additional Chief Secretary (Industry) had a meeting with potential investors like ACC, Reliance and Ultra Tech and they too pointed out that hurdles like construction of the road must be cleared, the minister said.

Sukhwinder Sukhu also urged the government to incorporate in the agreement for the setting up of the plant a clause where cement would be sold at cheap rates to people of Himachal who give their land and suffer pollution.
editorial@tribune.com

Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, February 6

Last year, Dharamsala became the first city in the country to have sensor-based underground dustbins. The scheme was launched with much fanfare at Dari by then Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma.

As many as 225 dustbins having technology imported from Holland were to be installed in different parts of the city. The total cost was about Rs 12 crore.

It was stated that they have sensor-based technology through which the authorities come to know about the filling status of the dustbins on their mobile phones. It was claimed that the MC authorities would be able to clear the dustbins in a time-bound manner.

However, a year later the multi-crore underground dustbin scheme seems to have failed. A survey conducted by The Tribune revealed that at many places the underground dustbins were overflowing. Ideally, the authorities should have got information regarding filling of the dustbins through sensors. However, it seems that the sensors have either been damaged or the authorities concerned are not sensitive to the new technology.

The undergrounds dustbins near the Tibetan Institute of Arts, which is visited by hundreds of tourists daily, were overflowing and litter had spread all around.

Sukhdev, who has a shop near the institute, alleged that at time the authorities cleared the dustbins after a week. As people try to push in garbage in the already filled up dustbins, even the lids had been damaged, he said.

Overflowing dustbins were a common site at McLeodganj, Bhagsunag and Dharamkot.

Dharamsala MC Commissioner Sandeep Kadam said that whenever a complaint regarding overflowing dustbins was received, he directed the contractors to take remedial measures.

The MC has outsourced the management of solid waste and keeping hygiene in the city. The MC is facing acute shortage of staff. The corporation has no sanitary inspector and the government has not allowed the local body to recruit staff even on contractual basis.
editorial@tribune.com

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 6

The Cabinet has reduced the bank guarantee being taken from doctors from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 5 lakh in a bid to stop them from joining private hospitals and other big institutes outside the state.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today said keeping in mind the demand of the doctors, the bank guarantee that the doctors had to furnish had been halved from Rs 10 lakh. Though we have reduced it, the larger question is that the doctors, who study from our medical colleges, should also have a responsibility towards their state and for this something has to be done, he said.

However, the bond money of Rs 40 lakh for postgraduation or diploma and Rs 60 lakh for superspecialty will remain the same. Now, a post-dated cheque will be taken from doctors as they are facing difficulty in furnishing this.

He said the state faced an acute shortage of specialists and superspecialists and it was only natural that doctors, studying here, must serve the state for some time. We want to overcome their shortage and for this, we are willing to offer some incentives and concessions, he said.

Data collected from the Health Department revealed that till date 36 doctors had left service without any intimation. The department informed the Cabinet that almost Rs 40 lakh was spent on the education of a doctor. A total of 149 doctors, who had studied from IGMC-Shimla and Tanda medical college in Kangra had left for greener pastures outside the state and their bond money could be recovered, if the government wished. Five other doctors, who studied on state sponsorship, had resigned.

The issue was raised during Question Hour by Congress legislator Asha Kumari. She sought the details from the government about the number of cancer patients, seeking treatment within Himachal, how many were going outside and if there was any proposal to set up an exclusive oncology specialty.

Replying to her question, Health Minister Vipin Parmar said efforts were on to provide the latest cancer treatment techniques and get doctors to take up postgraduation in oncology.

Other MLAs, including Rakesh Pathania and Rakesh Singh, too expressed concern over the pitiable conditions in the cancer hospital in Shimla and inadequate facilities for cancer treatment. Pathania pointed out that for the detection of cancer, especially in the lungs, even the basic testing machinery was not there.

149 left for greener pastures
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HANOI, Feb. 6 -- Vietnam welcomes the second summit between the top leaders of the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) slated for Feb. 27-28 in Vietnam.

Spokeswoman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang made the statement on Wednesday when replying to reporters' questions for Vietnam's comment on U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks in his latest State of the Union address on the second summit between him and DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un.

"Vietnam strongly supports dialogues to maintain peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula," the spokeswoman stated.

"Vietnam is ready to make active contribution to and cooperate with relevant sides to ensure the success for the second U.S.-DPRK summit, thus helping realize the above-mentioned goal," she added.

The two leaders met for the first time in Singapore in June last year.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 6

The Congress today accused the BJP regime of misleading the public by distorting facts and taking false credit for the promises made in the last Budget, which remained unfulfilled.

Participating in the motion of thanks on the Governors address, Congress legislator Asha Kumari termed the crop insurance scheme the biggest ever scam. The irony of the much-hyped scheme is that while farmers are being charged a premium, they are not being paid a penny in the name of compensation, she said.

Ashish Butail said despite the Governor starting his address with a Sanskrit shaloka, he failed to find any succour being provided to the people from anarchy and deteriorating law and order situation on the ground.

The one-year BJP regime has only provided conducive environment for criminals and mafias to flourish as they have no fear of the law or its enforcement agencies, he said. The health facilities, especially in the rural and far-flung areas, were far from satisfactory.

Butail said the Jan Manch programme should be renamed as Jhand Manch or even better Lunch Manch. The scheme is the wastage of public money where officials are humiliated. Moreover, there is no fun taking pride in getting problems resolved when these should be done in routine in offices only, said Butail. He sought the support for the tea industry in Kangra.

Despite there being immense potential in the tourism sector, it is unfortunate that we have to issue an advisory, telling tourists not to visit the state as civic facilities crumble with snowfall, he said. Similarly, there were no takers for ropeway projects, cement plants or big investors.

Participating in the debate, Sukh Ram Chaudhary of the BJP said the BJP regime, led by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, had brought relief to every section of society, be it women, the youth, SC, ST, farmers or employees. He said 48,962 gas connections had been provided and the LPG facility to 1.33 lakh families would be provided.

Paramjit Singh Pammi of the BJP said the success of the Jan Manch had shocked the Congress. The lowering of old age pension from 80 to 70 years had benefited many and several schemes for the welfare of the girlchild had been launched, he said.

Others participated in the debate included Mohan Lal Brakta, Rajinder Rana, Surender Shourie, Rakesh Jamwal, Suresh Kumar, Lakhwinder Rana, Kamlesh Kumari, Balbir Verma and Rajinder Garg.

Jan Manch waste of money: Butail

The Jan Manch programme should be renamed as Jhand Manch or even better Lunch Manch. The scheme is the wastage of public money where officials are humiliated. Moreover, there is no fun taking pride in getting problems resolved when these should be done in routine in offices only - Ashish Butail, Cong MLA
editorial@tribune.com

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Rewari, February 6

Indira Gandhi University (IGU) will take disciplinary action against two professors in the history department following recommendations of an inquiry committee, which has found them guilty of appointing an observer in violation of rules.

The development comes at a time when one of the professors has retired and the other has been under suspension for the past several months. Abhay, nodal officer of the CM Grievances Cell at the IGU, has confirmed that the process to chargesheet the professors is underway.

The case pertains to 2013, but came to the fore recently when the authorities took action following the filing of a complaint at the CM Window by a former guest assistant professor in the university.

Gaurav Dalal, the complainant, said his bogus employment as observer at the erstwhile PG Regional Centre, Rewari, of Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, now IGU, by chief coordinator Prof Shri Krishan and assistant coordinator Dr Balkar Singh was in effect from May 20, 2013, to July 2, 2013, for the examinations held in May 2013.

As per university rules, only a teacher was eligible to work as observer at the nodal centre. I was then appearing in the MA (history) examinations from May 19, 2013, to May 22, 2013, to improve my score when my name was used for the appointment. Later, Rs 23,100 as remuneration for observer was deposited into my bank account, he said.

I worked as guest faculty at the regional centre from August 2013 to April 2014. The coordinators described Rs 23,100 as payment for extra classes in addition to my duty. Later, the duo borrowed the money and I transferred the amount online into the bank account of one of the coordinators, he said.

The complainant claimed that he learnt about the bogus appointment when he asked the coordinators to repay the money, to which they refused. He added that they then disclosed that he had been appointed as observer and the amount was for that.

I lodged a complaint against them. A three-member inquiry panel held both coordinators guilty of violation of rules in appointing the observer and misusing the university fund in 2015. No action was taken against the duo, forcing me to approach the CM Window, he further said.
shriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com

Washington, February 7

A bipartisan group of eminent American lawmakers has asked authorities to facilitate consular access to Indians held for enrolling in a fake university allegedly to remain in the US, and treat them fairly and humanely after the community raised concerns over the manner they were detained.

In multiple raids last month, federal authorities arrested 129 Indians are Palestinian enrolled as students in the fraudulent university in Metro Detroit area.

The Farmington University was set up by the DHS's investigating unit in Greater Detroit area to bust the "pay-and-stay" racket.

Immigration attorneys claimed that they knew nothing about the varsity's illegal operation and were trapped.

The US State Department said they were aware that they were committing a crime to fraudulently remain in the country.

In a letter, the lawmakers led by Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure students detained were treated properly and are afforded all rights provided to them under law, including access to an attorney and release on bond for those eligible.

Written by Congressmen Thomas Souzzi, Rob Woodall and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, in addition to Krishnamoorthi, the letter also asks the DHS and the ICE to share full details and regular updates regarding the Indian students with the Embassy and Consulates of India, and to facilitate consular access for the detainees.

The lawmakers express "concerns surrounding the recent undercover operation" conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, in which HSI special agents operated a fake university designed to target recruiters and foreign students believed to be engaged in immigration fraud.

According to the ICE, the investigation began in 2015, and HSI agents have been operating the fake school since 2017. As per the indictment unsealed last week, eight individuals served as recruiters for the school, enrolling hundreds of foreign nationals as students at the university.

These eight recruiters have been indicted for conspiracy to commit visa fraud and harbouring aliens for profit by the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

"The Indian-American community and Indian Consulate have expressed concerns regarding the treatment of these detained foreign nationals," the lawmakers said.

"We urge DHS and ICE to ensure the detained students are treated properly and afforded all rights provided to them under the law, including access to an attorney and release on bond, if they are eligible," the letter said.

"We further urge DHS and ICE to share full details and regular updates regarding the Indian students with the Embassy and Consulates of India, and to facilitate consular access for the detainees, the lawmakers said in the letter.

Noting that India is an important strategic partner and friend to the US, the lawmakers said in 2017, Indian students comprised 17.3 per cent of all international students in the country, numbering over 186,000.

As such, these students are a vital pillar of the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and they come to the US on grounds of merit, they asserted.

"In the spirit of continuing cooperation on educational exchange programmes, which benefit both countries economically and culturally, we ask that you ensure the students involved in this case are treated fairly, humanely, and in accordance with due process, the Congressmen said.

India said on Tuesday it has obtained consular access to 117 of the 129 Indian students detained in the US for enrolling in a fake university and legal assistance was being extended to them.

The Indian government has continued to closely monitor and take proactive measures to deal with the detention of Indian students, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement in New Delhi.  PTI
amansharma@tribunemail.com

Varinder Singh

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 7

Thousands of Indians, including Punjabis, figure among those large number of homeless, jobless and handicapped people who were forced to put up in the government 'supported' temporary accommodations and whose number has swelled by a whopping 160 per cent across the UK during past eight years.

More than 79,000 homeless families and 1.2 lakh children were presently housed in temporary accommodations by the local authorities (like the city councils) across the UK and their condition was deteriorating due to alleged squeezing of funds by the UK governmement.

Though there was a majority of native UK citizens in the government-run shelters, a sizeable number of them were those people of different communities who were originally hailing from Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. They had gone to the UK in search of greener pastures but most of were unable to find jobs to support themselves and their families.

The estimated number of Punjabis who were living in temporary homes was pegged to be around 15 per cent of the total number of temporary shelter dependent families.

Citing a research of the Trussell Trust, the first Sikh UK MP Tan Dhesi said the consequences of continuous 'ideological' fund cuts to city councils was a serious issue and it was proving to be life-changing people across Slough and the country.

He also raised the issue of homeless people and fund cuts with the UK Shadow cabinet minister Andrew Gwynne that the ideological cuts would seriously affect those people who were living in temporary shelters.

Talking to The Tribune and citing a research conducted by the Trussell Trust, Dhesi alleged that the number of homeless people dependent upon temporary homes had surged by 160 per cent during the eight-year Tory regime.

Trussell Trust was an NGO working or ending hunger and poverty across the UK and armed with a nationwide network of food banks. It provides emergency food and support to people locked in poverty and campaign for change to end the need for food banks in the UK. The government puts a large number of the needy under the bread and breakfast system while others were shifted to temporary homes according to their condition and needs.

"More than 10 lakh people are food bank dependent in the UK and it is not a small number for a country like the UK. It has all happened due to wrong and anti-people policies of the Tory government," alleged Dhesi.
Manpreet Badal

Manpreet Badal

Finance Minister, Punjab

EVERY Budget, I am reminded of the famous words of John M Keynes, who said that a master economist must possess a rare combination of gifts. He must be a mathematician, historian, statesman, philosopher  in some degree. One could argue that Keynes talked of these qualities in the context of an economist, and the Budget is ostensibly a fiscal exercise. But Keynes view provides a beautiful prism to look at the economic legacy of any government. Try and look at the Modi governments overall performance on economics on any of these yardsticks and one gets a fair idea of its remarkable failures.

In the role of mathematicians, the economic and fiscal policy managers of a nation need to possess numerical exactitude and respect for statistics. The NDA rule has been marked by its love for inexactitudes. Statistical norms have been flouted, the numbers have been revised as the government has an axe to grind. This statistical skullduggery means that the numbers the government now furnishes are viewed with skepticism. Lies, damned lies and Modi statistics is the prevailing belief in the international media  a mighty fall for the land of PC Mahalanobis and the Indian Statistical Institute.

Economic management of a country requires an understanding of history, an appreciation of quality work done by the predecessors, respect for institutions and commitment to best practices and conventions. Modis PMO has shown an undisguised zeal to undermine the institutions which form the foundation of our great nation. From impairing the RBIs autonomy to presenting an unprecedented sixth Budget in a five-year term via an interim Finance Minister, the government has set terribly bad examples. The governments own economic advisers account seems to reveal that his counsel was ignored, or worse, that he was not in the know of some of the crucial decisions. Similarly, speaking from my personal experience, I can say that the GST Council  formed in true spirit of our consultative democracy  was rarely kept in the loop.

The economic policy requires a statesmans vision  rising above petty politics, showing intellectual finesse and having your ear and feet to the ground. Most importantly, it involves keeping the honour of ones promise. The Modi government was elected largely on the promise of creating meaningful jobs in the organised sector. Not only has it miserably failed in doing so, but it is also guilty of suppressing the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) report that is a scathing indictment of its ineptitude. When the Prime Minister suggests that frying fritters (pakoras) is gainful employment or when the interim Finance Minister offers a pittance as relief to the marginal farmer, it comes across as a cruel joke. The disingenuous replies of the governments spokespersons after the NSSO report was made public cannot hide the fact that India is seeing its biggest ever job crisis. If there is meaningful employment creation, its benefits are for everyone to see. I am often reminded of an instance that goes back around a decade when MNREGA had been implemented and was successful in creating jobs in rural India. Since meaningful jobs were being created for people in their own villages, migration reduced. As a result, there was a severe paucity of agricultural labour in Punjab. I remember then Finance Minister P Chidambaram commenting that if big agriculturists are struggling to find agricultural labour without revising the wages upwards, it shows that farm labour has got better opportunities. He couldnt have been more right. The point is that when gainful employment is created, its evidence is too obvious to be missed. One doesnt need to concoct pakoranomics to convey that people are happy doing what they do.

Finally, good economic policy presupposes the policy-makers to be like Platos philosopher kings  possessing knowledge and showing sound judgement. Their decision-making is neither as non-transparent as the Rafale deal nor as quixotic as demonetisation. It calls for carefully considered decisions and meticulous planning, unlike the tinkering and poor execution which has been the hallmark of GST in India.

Conscious of its own failings, the Modi government breached constitutional propriety by presenting a full-fledged Budget instead of a vote-on-account. It hoped that the tall promises for various sections of society would arrest the slide in its appeal. The citizens, however, have now seen through the sophistry. They understand the devilish details, the insufficiency and the poor timing of the whole affair. In a way, it is fitting that this feigned Budget is the final announcement of a regrettable five-year tenure  a clumsy icing on an unsavoury cake. Mr Modi may have come to power through his mantra of being high on rhetoric (and poor on delivery), but it is unlikely that he will get to do an encore. As Abraham Lincoln is reported to have said, You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.
vinaymishra188@gmail.com

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 6

Members of the Junior Engineers Council central working committee sat on a hunger strike outside the headquarters of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) here on Wednesday.

Our long-pending demands are not being looked into by officials of the power corporation, said Paramjit Singh Khattra, state president, and Davinder Singh, state general secretary of the Junior Engineers Council.

The initial pay of power junior engineers should be at par with their state counterparts by maintaining requisite differential. The stagnation in the cadre, difficulty committee report finalisation, updation of seniorities and certain other critical issues are yet to be settled, said Khattra.

The PSPCL management has not been able to settle promotion issues in the department since long, he added.

We will intensify protest if the authorities fail to take concrete steps for fulfilling our demands at the earliest, he said.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, Febraury 6

A city resident has allegedly been duped of Rs 4 lakh on the pretext of sending his daughter to Singapore.

In a complaint lodged by Gursewak Singh, a resident of Joganand village, it has been stated that the accused, Avtar Singh, a resident of Joganand village, and Rohit Kumar (agent), a resident of Jagadhri in Haryana, had duped him of Rs 4 lakh.

Gursewak said the accused had promised to send his daughter abroad by completing all legal formalities. However, they did not keep their promise once they received the money.

The Thermal Plant police have registered a case against the accused under Sections 420 and 120-B of the IPC. However, no arrests have been made in the case so far.

Cases relating to travel fraud are on the rise in the region. Most of the victims lost a considerable amount of money that they had gathered either by selling their land, working overtime or taking loans. In spite of them approaching the police, there is hardly any chance of getting the money back.

Police officials said the proliferation of unregistered immigration consultants in the region in the past few years and lack of awareness among public had led to the increase in the immigration fraud cases.
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The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes will be rededicated Monday at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, with a Mass at 3 p.m. at the campus Our Lady of Mercy Chapel.
L.A. Parker is traveling in Costa Rica with the STEMCivics students and chaperones Feb. 5-13.. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.
Jeff Edelstein is a columnist for The Trentonian. He can be reached at jedelstein@trentonian.com, facebook.com/jeffreyedelstein and @jeffedelstein on Twitter.
There's a Part of the Brain That Always Says Yes to One More
A new study used DNA testing to reveal shark meat being sold under generic fish names.

When Britons head to the fish and chip shop, they might actually be eating 'shark and chips'. An alarming new study, published in Scientific Reports, has found that almost 90 percent of fish and chip shops in the UK are serving up a species of shark called the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). This shark, which was abundant at the beginning of the 20th century, is now considered endangered in Europe and vulnerable in the rest of the world.

How does shark meat make its way onto diners' plates? The problem lies partly with the UK's seafood labeling system. Fish sold under generic names, such as rock, huss, and flake, are often spiny dogfish, as well as other types of shark, including nursehound and starry smoothhound. (These are at lower risk than the spiny dogfish.) Munchies reported:

"In the United Kingdom, those labels are allowed by EU legislation for a variety of shark species, but they dont make it clear that what youre ordering is, in fact, endangered shark."

Raxpixel Ltd  Spine-backed Shark (Squalus Acanthias) illustration from 'The Natural History of British Fishes' (1802) by Edward Donovan. /CC BY 2.0

The Guardian explained that, in the EU, it was illegal to catch spiny dogfish until 2011, but now it can be sold as bycatch, "when it is brought up in nets that target other species."

The researchers from the University of Exeter tested 117 tissue samples from 78 fish and chip shops (samples were battered and fried when collected) and 39 fishmongers (frozen and fresh) in southern England. They also examined 40 shark fins, some purchased from wholesalers and others provided by the UK Customs Agency. From CNN:

"Researchers determined the species to which the samples belonged by cross-referencing the DNA sequence of a sample with the Barcode of Life DNA database. The species identified included the starry smoothound, nursehound, Pacific spiny dogfish and blue shark. Most common, however, was the spiny dogfish, which 77 of the samples were found to be."



Unfortunately, these findings aren't all that shocking, as seafood is notoriously mislabeled. In 2018 Oceana Canada released a report that found 44 percent of seafood sold by retailers and restaurants across the country to be mislabeled. The British Charity Shark Trust said it wasn't surprised by the study, either, telling CNN, "Sharks and rays are at a substantially higher risk of extinction than most other groups of vertebrates."

It's clear that labeling rules need to be tightened up. Customers have a right to know what they're eating and where it came from, and they should be able to refuse an endangered species. (More precisely, they shouldn't even be offered one!) It's also important to know for health reasons. As study author Catherine Hobbs pointed out,

"Knowing what species you are buying could be important in terms of allergies, toxins, mercury content and the growing concern over microplastics in the marine food chain."



Don't hesitate to ask questions the next time you're buying fish. If a retailer cannot provide a satisfactory answer, choose something else  or, better yet, follow famed marine biologist Sylvia Earle's lead and choose not to eat seafood at all. See full study here.
Luxury travel Packages and Accommodation in Masai Mara for Summer Holidays



(TRAVPR.COM) KENYA - February 7th, 2019

Kenya offers lodges and tented luxury accommodation for visitors into various national parks. Tented Lodges are permanently pitched tents, fully furnished, that provide across between the most expensive lodges and traditional tented Camp.

For the summer holidays and during the migration Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya has tailored a few safari packages that can be booked by single / solo travellers as well as couples or groups. All travel is by Air to major safari destinations from Nairobi.

To mention but a few

Masai Mara Five Days at Base camp and Eagle View https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/africatour

Samburu and Masai Mara 5 Days with night game drive and walking safari in the morning https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/africatour

Amboseli , Samburu and Masai Mara 7 Days https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/single-travel-package

Amboseli and Masai Mara 7 Days https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/serenaafrica

Masai Mara Safari 3 Days with Ballon ride (optional) https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/africasafari

Masai Mara 3 Days at Serena Lodge https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/serena-air-packages

Masai Mara 2 Days at Governors Camp - Can be extended to any number of days https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/governors-main-camp

Masai Mara 3 Days at mara Interpids Camp https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/mara-intrepids-club

Masai Mara 3 Days at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/kichwa-tembo-camp

Turkana 3 days from Nairobi

Kenya and zanibar 9 Days Safari https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/kenya-zanzibarhttps://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/lake-turkana-package

Masai Mara 3 Days Off season April to June at Keekorok Lodge https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/masai-mara-safari-offers

WELCOME TO NAIROBI, KENYA

About Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya

Cruzeiro-safaris.com is established in Kenya, incorporated in 2004. Its core business is Safari Packages and Day Tours complemented by air travel. It has a well-established wealth of experience in arranging memorable tours and safaris and has established a client base who provide with repeat business year after year. Join us on facebook, twitter and youtube. Safaris in Kenya may be tailored to the tourist taste and can extend to Tanzania and Uganda.

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Alpha Destination Management was recently in Madrid to promote its latest products and initiatives at FITUR. Now in its 39th year,



(TRAVPR.COM) UAE - February 6th, 2019 -

Alpha Destination Management was recently in Madrid to promote its latest products and initiatives at FITUR. Now in its 39th year, FITUR is one of the largest global tourism platforms targeted at the Spanish and Ibero American markets attracting over 140,000 trade participants from 165 countries.

Samir Hamadeh, General Manager, Alpha Destination Management, said, Spain is an important market for us. Also, tourism from Latin American countries holds significant potential for growth for our destination with increased direct flights from Dubai as well as greater collaboration between the regions. FITUR presents us a great opportunity to strengthen our relationship with our key trade partners while showcasing our new attractions.

Alpha Destination Management has, recently, entered into a strategic alliance with On the Beach to feature and promote Dubais unique and diverse beach attractions on the hugely popular portal for beach holidays in the UK.

Commenting on development, Samir said, Dubai is ranked among the worlds top sun, sea and surf destinations with pristine white sandy beaches stretching along the coast of the beautiful Arabian Gulf and a wide choice of luxury resorts and seaside adventure sports. We are delighted to collaborate with On the Beach, that is the fifth largest tour operator in the UK and the leading online retailer of beach holidays in the country, to promote beach packages in the emirate. Our partnership with On the Beach will boost sale of Dubais exceptional product proposition to the sites 1.5 million customers while increasing awareness about the citys spectacular beaches.

Alpha Destination Management has also expanded its list of excursions and activities in Dubai with the creation of fascinating new tours such as Guinness Book of World Record Tour of Dubai and Drive a Supercar.

Samir said, At Alpha we offer a wide choice of city tours for travellers to explore Dubais exceptional attractions from iconic landmarks to the most hidden corners as well as an exhilarating mix of adventures. In addition, we are always working on new concepts to provide our customers new experiences. Our aim is to take the travellers beyond and beneath the typical tour experience and offer something unique based on their interest with an emphasis on flexibility and personalisation. Both Guinness Book of World Record Tour of Dubai and Drive a Supercar are a great addition to our list of tours and have been very well received by our customers.

#AlphaTours #AlphaToursDubai #AlphaDMC #AlphaToursAe #Dubai #VisitDubai #Dxb #DubaiTourism #MyDubai #travel #tours #ilovedubai #TravelGram #OntheBeach #BeachHoliday #LifeisaBeach #DubaiBeach #DubaiBeaches #Fitur #Fitur2019 #Madrid #Spain

About Alpha Destination Management

Founded in 1996, by Mr. Ghassan Aridi and his partners, Alpha Destination Management is the leading destination management company and a pioneer in the tourism sector in the Arabian Gulf. Over the last two decades, the company has established itself as one of the most credible and reputed brands not only in the Gulf region but also in the international tourism industry. Controlling a significant market share of the lucrative tourism sector in the GCC, Alpha Destination Management is a market leader in the region with the largest annual turnover and wide network of international partners offering the highest levels of service and innovative and exciting experiences. Our extensive global and local knowledge and network, outstanding expertise and sound reputation is the key to success for us and all our partners.

For more information about Alpha Destination Management visit

www.alphadestinationmanagement.com

Or call +971 4 701 9111

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

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The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road is the Epitome of the Modern Compact Crossover

Its the first really interesting RAV4 since the original and the TRD just looks wicked
Update 02/14/2019: Weve updated this review with images and video of the lime green 2019 Dodge Charger taken at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. Check them out for yourself in the gallery at the bottom of this page!

Dodge vehicles have always been known for their bold, in-your-face looks. To spice things up a little, Dodge has decided to bring back the lime green color that was seen on almost all the Dodge cars in the 1970s, and itll do so at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. With the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 and the Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE being in the news lately, is this a move out of desperation? Perhaps, Dodge has taken up the challenge to charge its range. Bad pun, eh?

Background

The Dodge Charger, without a doubt, is one of the smartest muscle cars on the market today. Its not very-aggressive, its not humble, but it clearly shows its not to be messed around with. It is, however, known to be the center-of-attraction because of its blingy, bold colors. As if colors like Plum Crazy and Go Mango were not enough, Dodge decided to wipe the dust off a lime-green color, that it used to spray-paint on the 1970 Dodges, known as Sublime.

The Sublime color is not just a random color for the automaker. This heritage-inspired color debuted in 1970 and was available on almost all Dodges on sale back then.

It later made a comeback in 2007 for a limited number of Charger R/T Daytona models and then made an appearance on the Challenger lineup as well. This shade was also seen on the limited-edition of the 2018 Ram 1500 Sublime Sport pickup truck. Other than the two models from the Challenger lineup, the Sublime shade will be available on the Charger in the Scat Pack and the SRT Hellcat models. Other than this funkiest new color, the 2019 Dodge Charger will be available in 14 in-your-face colors that include:

B5 Blue

Destroyer Grey

F8 Green

Go Mango

Granite Crystal

IndiGo Blue

Maximum Steel

Octane Red

Pitch Black

Plum Crazy

Sublime

TorRed

Triple Nickel

White Knuckle

Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands  Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and FIAT North America, said,. Our Dodge//SRT muscle cars give our customers what they want, an incredibly wide variety of performance models and high-impact color options. Whether its Sublime paint, all-wheel-drive capability, or 797 horsepower, Charger and Challenger stand out. By bringing back a high-impact color like Sublime across the 2019 Challenger and Charger lineups, were continuing to give our enthusiast customers another way to make their muscle cars even more unique when they showcase the legendary Dodge performance attitude.

2019 Dodge Charger Walkaround Video

2019 Dodge Charger Exterior

The 2019 Dodge Charger comes with a performance hood, a mean front fascia, new side sills, and a spoiler on the boot.

Upfront, Dodge has offered a hood-scoop adds to the muscle-car character of the Charger. What I liked the most here is the minimal use of chrome across the body of the Charger. It is limited just to the badges. In the Scat Pack and the SRT Hellcat, the headlamps units are neatly integrated into the black, slim performance grille with dual air inlets that is exclusive to these two models. The bumper features mesh grille at the bottom and in the foglamp housing. The Sublime Charger is same as the 2019 Dodge Charger and is essentially just a new shade on the existing car. The Dodge Charger looks phenomenal with the new shade and its trademark muscular looks and dont-mess-with-me attitude.

The side profile, in one word, looks sexy! The famed Coke-bottle shape on the side doors, the bulged-out fenders, and the smoking-hot 20-inch wheels look fantastic. And, in the Sublime edition, the 10-spoke alloys are painted in black. While the wing mirrors are body-colored, the window sills also come with the black treatment. At the rear, the Charger is well-sculpted. The design language maintains the whole care-free attitude same as the front.

The decklid spoiler, scooped in bumpers, the LED taillights, the shark-fin antenna on the roof, and a circular exhaust on either side of the bumper make the 2019 Dodge Charger look absolutely dashing.

Be it for the roads, or race-strips, this car will leave everyone in awe.

2019 Dodge Charger exterior dimensions

Wheelbase 120.2 inches Length 198.4 inches Width 75.0 inches Height 58.5 inches Track front/rear 63.4/63.8 inches

2019 Dodge Charger Interior

Compared to the previous models, the SXT does not receive any updates to the standard equipment list. It still comes with the same features like the halogen headlights, electronic stability control, remote start, and a cap-less fuel system, to name a few.

However, the SXT customers can now opt for Caramel Nappa leather and a Cold Weather Package, which includes a heated steering wheel and heated driver and passenger seats.

The SXT comes with regular cloth sport seats and the three above it, the SXT AWD, the GT and the R/T, are offered with cloth performance seats. The seats on Scat Pack are embossed with the Bee logo, while the top trim offers optional Alcantara seats.

Move higher up the trim hierarchy and youll realise the cabin getting filled with more and more features. The cabin looks good overall, but feels cramped. This car seems as though Dodge gives a damn about the last row passengers. Legroom is just about enough, seats lack enough support, and the sloping roofline eats into the headroom. And, if possible, wear knee braces if you plan to, or are forced to be a rear occupant. The heavily-bolstered front seats are not a luxury; they are a need in this powerful beast to keep the passengers in place. Surprisingly, the cargo space is quite spacious at 16.5 cubic feet.

In terms of creature comforts, the Dodge Charger is fairly well-loaded considering that its main selling point is its engine.

If I were in the market for a performance muscle car, I would prefer it the old-school way with few electronic shenanigans. The Sublime trims of the Charger will be well-equipped, but it comes with asterisk. Just like every other car these days, most of the desirable stuff falls under the optional category. And, let me tell you, this is vicious mindplay. The company offers an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system on all the trims other than the SXT. The SXT is offered with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is supported on all the trims. The Scat Pack and the SRT Hellcat models allows you to enable features like Drag mode, transbrake, active suspension, etc. Other features include -

Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control

Electric Power Steering

Power Drivers Seat

Keyless Entry

Parking Sensors

Backup Camera

The things offered on the Scat Pack, such as dual carbon stripes, Satin Black hood, and Bilstein adaptive dampers, to name a few, are absolutely drool-worthy. So, if youre faint-hearted, you will see yourself shell-out a lot of moolah on the add-ons. As for the SRT Hellcat, theres new badging on the dash, and you have an option to upgrade to the 20-inch Monkey Brass wheels and an Alacantra interior.

2019 Dodge Charger interior dimensions

Headroom front/rear 38.6/36.6 inches Legroom front/rear 41.8/40.1 inches Shoulder room front/rear 59.5/57.9 inches Hip room front/rear 56.2/56.1 inches EPA second row interior volume, cu. ft. 49.2 Total Interior Volume, cu. ft. 104.7 EPA Luggage Compartment Volume, cu. ft. 16.5 EPA Interior Volume Index, cu. ft. 120.8

2019 Dodge Charger Drivetrain

The base trim SXT comes packed with a 3.6-liter, V-6 that produces 292 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque.

It is not exactly a fast car, but still has enough punch and handles well. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission. Yeah, thats bummer if you were looking for a budget Dodge with a third pedal. The SXT AWD and the GT come packed with the same engine, but a different power output. The engine produces 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque in both the trims. The GT, however, is offered with a performance suspension, a 3.07 rear axle ratio, and paddle shifters. With these few add-ons, the GT behaves radically different from the SXT AWD. Both the trims are mated to an eight-speed transmission, but the SXT AWD receives power in all the wheels, unlike the GT which sees power being sent to the rear wheels only.

If youre looking for something powerful than the GT and the SXT twins, but dont have the moolah for the Scat Pack or the Hellcat, then the R/T should be your pick.

For around $3,000 more than the SXT AWD, you can get a bigger 5.7-liter, V-8, Hemi engine that churns out 370 horses and 395 pound-feet of torque.

You also get an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission system and a 2.62 rear-axle ratio. So, if you dont care that it looks same as the lower trims and are only concerned about whats under the hood, the R/T is the one for you.

This is where all the action lies and is basically what the Dodge Charger stands for. The Scat Pack comes with a 6.4-liter, V-8, SRT Hemi MDS engine. It churns out 485 horses and 475 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic TorqueFlite transmission with optional paddle shifters. A new launch control and line-lock system come as standard on this model. You can also opt for the adaptive dampers. This car can do a 60-mph sprint in 3.8 seconds flat before losing breath at 203 miles per hour!

The SRT Hellcat, on the other hand, comes packed with a 6.2-liter, supercharged V-8 Hemi engine under the hood.

It develops a mammoth 707 horses and 650 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via the same eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission and paddle shifters. The SRT Hellcat can zoom from a naught to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds flat! Monstrous, right? The SRT Hellcat also comes with adaptive dampers, after-run chiller, and torque reserve as standard. The active dampers allows you to select different suspension tuning with Auto, Sport, and Track modes.

2019 Dodge Charger drivetrain specifications

Engine 3.6-LITER PENTASTAR V-6 WITH 24-VALVE DOHC 5.7-LITER HEMI V-8 WITH FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 6.4-LITER HEMI V-8 POWERED BY SRT 6.2-LITER HEMI HELLCAT V-8 SUPERCHARGED Availability Standard SXT, SXT AWD and GT Standard  R/T and Daytona Standard  Scat Pack, Daytona 392 Standard  SRT Hellcat Type and Description 60-degree V-type, liquid-cooled 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled with variable-cam timing (VCT) 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled Displacement 220 cu. in. (3,604 cu. cm) 345 cu. in. (5654 cu. cm) 392 cu. in. (6,417 cu. cm) 376 cu. in. (6,166 cu. cm) Bore x Stroke 3.78 x 3.27 in. (96.0 x 83.0 mm) 3.92 x 3.58 (99.5 x 90.9) 4.09 x 3.72 (103.9 x 94.5) 4.09 x 3.58 (103.9 x 90.9) Valve System Chain-driven DOHC, 24 valves, hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers Pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves, eight deactivating and eight

conventional hydraulic lifters, all with roller followers Pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves with sodium-filled exhaust valves and hollow stem intake valves, 16 conventional hydraulic lifters, all with roller tips Pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves with sodium-filled exhaust valves and hollow stem intake valves, 16 conventional hydraulic lifters, all with roller tips Fuel Injection Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless; automatic features Fuel Saver mode Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless Construction Aluminum deep-skirt block with aluminum-alloy heads Deep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, aluminum

alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers Deep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, aluminum alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers Deep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, unique aluminum alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers Compression Ratio 10.2:1 10.5:1 10.9:1 9.5:1 Power (SAE net) 292 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm

300 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm 370 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm 485 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm 707 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm Torque (SAE net) 260 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm

264 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm SXT AWD, GT 395 lb.-ft. @ 4,200 rpm 475 lb.-ft. @ 4,100 rpm 650 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm EPA Fuel Economy mpg (city/hwy/cmb) 19 / 30 / 23 16 / 25 15 / 25 13/22

2019 Dodge Charger Prices

The Dodge Chargers has a very wide price bracket. The price for all the trims are as follows:

SXT $28,995 GT $31,364 SXT AWD $33,320 R/T $35,995 Scat Pack $39,995 SRT Hellcat $67,045

Dodge has not yet revealed the prices of the Sublime Charger yet. However, we speculate it to cost around $1,500-$2,000 more than the standard Charger Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat trims.

2019 Dodge Charger Competition

The Impala is an all-around package that ticks all the boxes on paper, but does not excel in anything. The Impala looks muscular, is quite long, and Chevrolet has been more than generous with the Chrome usage. It rides on 18-inch wheels, which look a size small for a car that has a great road presence. We would strongly recommend opting for the 19-inch or 20-inch wheels that are available as an option. On the interior front, the cabin feels very premium for the price you pay. The cabin is precious for the front and rear passengers alike. The Impala is well-equipped and comes with features like:

Power drivers seat

8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple - CarPlay

Leather upholstery

Parking sensors

Bose Speakers

Power Moonroof

Heated Front Seats

Keyless Ignition

The Chevy Impala is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces a mere 197 horses; so, we wont even talk about it. However, the company offers the Impala with a 3.6-liter, V-6 unit that produces 305 horses and 264 pound-feet of torque. The ride and handling is super smooth and thanks to the steering feedback, this car feels brilliant on curves. Push it hard in the corners and the Impala will not break a sweat. Overall, the car is a value-for-money proposition and has enough

grunt to take on the three entry-level trims of the Dodge Charger.

Engine 3.6-liter, V-6 unit Power 305 horses Torque 264 pound-feet Top Speed 155 miles per hour Transmission Six-speed automatic Cargo Space 18.8 cubic feet Mileage (combined) 22 mpg Price $28,000 onwards

Read our full review on the 2018 Chevrolet Impala

This Bentley lookalike is an underrated performer. The 2019 Chrysler 300 is 15-years old, and its not deterred by the fact that it is not anyones first choice. With its long hood and short deck, the 300 is a smart car that grabs the eyeballs. People who like simple, elegant cars with a contemporary design are in for a treat. Even on the inside, the Chrysler 300 exudes class. Opt for the higher trims, and you will realize what luxury actually means -at least in this price bracket, anyway. The legroom, headroom, and overall space in the cabin is more than plenty. In terms of features, the car is very well-equipped with stuff like:

An 8.4-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Bluetooth and USB ports

Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control

Keyless Ignition

Heated steering wheel

Heated front seats

Leather upholstery

Although entry-level variants have hard plastics, the higher trims come with features like an analog clock, quilted leather seats, and natural-toned wood trim work that can put some luxury cars to shame.

The 300 comes packed with a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine that churns out 292 horses. The 300S makes 300 horsepower with the same powertrain. Wait a second! This engine specification sounds familiar, right? Well, thats because the same mill has been used in the Dodge Charger as well! It is good enough to calm the short bursts of adrenaline rush, but not for long spirited driving. For the latter, Chrysler offers a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that produces 363 horses and 394 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Shell out bucks for the top-trim and you can get paddle shifters and a sport-tuned suspension as well. The Chrysler 300C is a viable candidate to go up against the Dodge Charger R/T.

Engine 5.7-liter, V-8 unit Power 363 horses Torque 394 pound-feet Top Speed 155 miles per hour Transmission Eight-speed automatic transmission system Cargo Space 16.3 cubic feet Mileage (combined) 19 mpg Price $29,200 onwards

Read our full review on the 2018 Chrysler 300.

This South-Korean brand is still finding its feet, but has a strong fan-base and the potential to trump the best of the best. The car looks handsome in all its subtle, elegant colors. The front fascia receives a new grille and copper finished headlights that make it look aggressive. On the interior front, the G80 passes with flying colors. If youre looking for a luxury car with features south of the $60,000 price bracket, the Genesis G80 is your best bet. The broad, comfortable wide seats can put you to sleep within minutes - they are that comfortable. The cabin is spacious in terms of legroom and headroom as well, thanks to the high roofline. Even the feature list is strong, with the main highlight being the 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

If safety is your major concern, you will be mighty impressed by the safety spec-list the G80 boasts. All G80s come standard with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, active head restraints, and nine standard airbags including a drivers knee bag that protects lower-limb injuries in a crash.

If you choose the top Ultimate trim, you can get unique a sport-tuned suspension with continuous damping control, 19-inch wheels, a sport steering wheel with ventilated front seats, carbon-fiber interior trim, copper accents throughout, a quad-tipped exhaust, and a suede headliner. The top-trim comes with a 5.0-liter, V-8 engine under the hood. It produces 420 horses and 383 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all the four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-in-all, the Genesis G80, in its ultimate avatar, is a complete package that ticks all the boxes on paper and the heart.

Engine 5.0-liter, V-8 Power 420 horsepower Torque 383 pound-feet Top Speed 155 miles per hour Transmission Eight-speed automatic transmission system Cargo Space 15.3 cubic feet Mileage (combined) 19 mpg Price $42,000 onwards

Read our full review on the 2018 Genesis G80

Conclusion

The Dodge Charger has had a strong fan-base since its inception. The 2019 Dodge Charger ticks all the boxes well, but does not have standout qualities like the Mustang or the Camaro. Its more like jack of all trades and master of none. It is a well-balanced package that gives you a barrage of engine options and variants to choose from. The muscle car segment is the one where the fanboys would go to any extents to prove that their favorite car is the best. Since I dont want to start a rumble here, Ill leave the best car of the lot decision up to you.

The 2019 Dodge Charger is already on sale. The 2019 Sublime Dodge Charger models can be ordered starting February 2019 The Sublime Charger, along with the Challenger, will grace the 2019 Chicago Auto Show with their presence. Maybe the organisers can spend a little less on the lighting since the bright, lime-green color with light up the arena as it is!

Love it The color and the looks, obviously! Spread across a wide price bracket; right from $25,000 to $75,000 A well-packaged car that ticks all the boxes

Leave it You cannot come unannounced with such flashy looks. Not for people who like to live under the radar Being the only four-door car of its segment, the rear space should have been a little more generous Made for tracks and drag-strips. It is not an urban commuter



Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Dodge Charger.

Read our full review on the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.
The current-generation Nissan Pathfinder is six years old, but without an all-new model on the way, Nissan has taken to rolling out special edition packages to keep its SUV as fresh as a daisy. The new package, called the Rock Creek Edition, provides an off-road look to the to three-row crossover to go along with a handful of useful equipment that you can use in the outdoors. The Nissan Pathfinder will be on display at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. Available to the mid-tier SV and SL trims of the Pathfinder, pricing for the special edition SUV starts at $35,265 for the SL trim and $38,915 for the higher-spec SL trim. The Rock Creek Package itself costs just $995.

You have to hand it to Nissan. In the absence of an all-new Pathfinder, the Japanese automaker is turning to the one thing thats in abundance at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show: special edition packages. Its not a bad strategy on the surface, though wed probably be more excited if an all-new Pathfinder arrived considering that the current-generation model is already six years old. But we can wish upon as many stars as we want; theres no next-gen Pathfinder arriving at Chicago. Instead, we get the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition. Expectation versus reality? You bet.

In all seriousness, the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition is actually a rock solid offering from Nissan.

Its mostly an appearance package given to the family-friendly SUV to give it a bit more edge.

It doesnt sacrifice any of the comfort associated with the Pathfinder, but it does give it an extra touch of ruggedness. I can get on board with that. Heck, Nissan even threw in a few non-aesthetic upgrades that should come handy in certain off-road situations.

Best I can tell, there are no fancy exclusive colors available to the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition. No, thatd be too genteel for the identity that Nissans going for. Instead, the exterior is treated to a host of black-finished exterior bits and pieces. The front and rear fascia benefit the most from these touch-ups. The front grille, roof rails, door handles, mirror caps, and badges are all dressed up in black. Look down below and youll see the outdoor-specific add-ons I was talking about, specifically the splash guards that look like theyre dying to get wet, dirty, or a combination of both.

Chunky wheel well fenders are also included in the package, though thats probably due to the new set of meaty 18-inch wheels wrapped in package-specific all-season tires.

If for nothing else, the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition looks ready to hit the trail after it stops for photos in the Windy City. Obviously, no special edition package is complete without the obligatory badges. The Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition has them, and it has them aplenty. Theres the name badge on the front passenger door, and theres another one in the tailgate.

The Pathfinders interior benefits from a different set of upgrades, all of which are also included in the special edition package.

The seats are dressed promptly in a two-tone get-up, and theres even a nice touch of high-contrast stitching found on the seats, center console, steering wheel, and doors.

Fancy. how about metallic trim pieces? Cant leave home without those, apparently. Theyre spread out, evenly, I must say, throughout the Pathfinders cabin. And, of course, the badges. How can I forget about the ultimate form of self-gratifying vanity-piece from these automakers. The Pathfinder Rock Creek Editions interior has them, too. Surprise, surprise. Ok, so maybe Im not a fan of excessive use of badges in a car, but thats a common practice in the industry. Theres no sense getting worked up about it, knowing that theres no alternative in the way.

In any event, Nissans also giving the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition a slew of other packages to round out this package-heavy special edition. The most important of these packages is the Tech Package, which includes embedded navigation, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and heated badges. Ok, so the heated badges arent real, but everything else is, including the $980 youd have to pay to avail of the said package. If youre in the spending mood, you can throw in an extra $2,110 and score the Premium Package, which adds a panoramic glass roof and a 13-speaker Bose surround system into the mix.

Truth be told, Nissan did well for itself with the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition. The exterior upgrades are either useful, eye-catching, or a combination of the two. Its the same thing with the interior upgrades. Theyre not going to bowl you over, but they do provide the kind of fresh alternative to the aesthetic norm that the Pathfinder may or may not need.

Theres very little downside to the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition other than the possibility that it ages quickly once the next-generation Pathfinder arrives.

Fortunately, Nissan appears to be pre-occupied with advancing its electrification efforts that we wont see the next-gen Pathfinder for at least a few more years. Thats good news for you if youre looking to buy the Rock Creek Edition. Should you do end up making the financial commitment, youll receive an SUV thats powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to the wheels via Nissans third-gen Xtronic CVT transmission. All that power should come in handy in the outdoors, especially if the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition has to tow something. Fortunately, the package also includes a trailer hitch and harness that allows the SUV to tow up to 6,000 pounds. Thats more than what rivals like the Toyota Highlander and Infiniti QX60 are capable of towing.

If you end up deciding to buy the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition, youre in the hook for at least $35,265 for the SV trim and $38,915 for the higher-spec SL trim. Those price dont include the aforementioned Tech and Premium Packages, so if you want all of that, youll have to spend more than $40,000 for the SUV. Its still pretty affordable for a special edition SUV, isnt it?

2019 Nissan Pathfinder specifications

Engine VQ35DD Cam design DOHC Orientation Transverse-mounted Cylinders / configuration 60-degree V6 Block / head composition Aluminum/aluminum Displacement (liters / cc) 3.5L / 3498cc Horsepower 284 @ 6,400 rpm Torque (lb-ft) 259 @ 4,800 rpm Bore & stroke (mm) 96 x 81 Compression ratio (:1) 11.0 Spark plugs Iridium-tipped Maximum engine speed 6,600 rpm

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2017 NIssan Pathfinder.
The iconic Jeep Gladiator made a comeback after several decades and its already a popular topic among truck enthusiasts. A true work horse in base trim, the Gladiator can also be order with premium features and loads of accessories through Mopar. Now, you can also add Katzkin leather via a package that Jeep just showcased at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.

You can also own an all-new Katzkin interior on Instagram LISTEN 02:27

Luxury Upholstery

Displayed at the Mopar booth, the Sting Gray Gladiator shows off an interior fitted with Katzkin's rich Tuscany Ink leather highlighted by cool inserts and unique stitching pattern.

Called "hex tech," the hexagonal inserts are made with black stitching on the center of the back seat and looks just as fancy as the diamond-quilted patterns seen in luxury cars, including Aston Martins. The white embroidery above, shaped like the headlamps and vertical-slat grille of the Wrangler, suggests youre still in a Jeep. The white stitching on the side bolsters complements the dark gray leather.

More to Come

This upholstery package is one of the many Katzkin features you can order through Mopar.

Both the Gladiator and the Wrangler are already available with a handful of options from the California-based company and Jeep plans to add even more to the portofolio. Just make sure you check out the Mopar options when ordering your new Gladiator.

Win an All-New Interior

The 2019 Chicago Auto Show also marks the start of a new competition through which you can win an all-new interior from Katzkin Leather.

Of course, you need to own a Jeep thats not older than 2010, as well as an Instagram account, because thats where the competition takes place.

All you need to do is provide a photo of your current Jeep interior and explain why they "need a new Katzkin interior." Each post needs to include a #katzkinjeep hashtag. The Instagram promotion is lead by Chicago car expert and radio personality Paul Brian and his automotive web-series partner and television host Lauren Fix.

One winner will be chosen to receive the new transformation, which will be done by a local shop. Brian and Fix will announce the Instagram competition on their YouTube-based web-series "His Turn  Her Turn." The promotion will run throughout the duration of the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.

2020 Jeep Gladiator specifications

Engine 3.6-LITER PENTASTAR V-6 Type and Description 60-degree, V-type, liquid-cooled Displacement (cu. in. / cc) 220 cu. in. (3,604 cu. cm) Bore x Stroke 3.78 x 3.27 (96 x 83) Valve System Chain-driven DOHC, 24 valves and hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers Fuel Injection Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless Construction Aluminum deep-skirt block, aluminum alloy heads Compression Ratio 11.3:1 Power 285 HP @ 6,400 RPM Torque 260 LB-FT @ 4,400 RPM

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator.

Jeep Gladiator concept

Read our full review on the 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept.
Feds question Jackson County over Rock Island trail | The Kansas City Star Jackson County, in 2016, took control of 17.7 miles of the old Rock Island rail corridor to build a rails-to-trails hiking and biking path. A federal agency questions how the county acquired the property.

This plan was pushed forward by a dude who is now rotting away in a federal pen . . . So maybe transit urban planner hipsters might want to think twice about supporting this land grab vaporware scheme. Here's "reporting" inspired by TKC FIRST NEWS about three years ago . . .
Local attorney calls for investigation of KCK police chief KANSAS CITY, Kan. - A local attorney is calling for a criminal investigation of the KCK Police Chief's lease deal with the Unified Government (UG) to rent a taxpayer owned house as his residence. Henry Service calls that deal for Chief Terry Zeigler problematic.

A longstanding issue over living arrangements resurfaces as more locals question the deal despite political leaders pleading with the public to let it go. Read more:
The Number Of People Resisting Arrest Spiked In Kansas City Since 2015 The number of criminal suspects who resist arrest in Kansas City has risen 60 percent over the past four years, Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith told a city council committee Wednesday. "To me, that's a little bit alarming," Smith told members of the Neighborhoods and Public Safety Committee.

In the mobile phone camera surveillance era, every encounter with police is subject to review by Twitter buddies and pundits looking for a crusade from the comfort of their sofa . . . And so, street life gets tougher for police trying to do their jobs whilst the public increasingly puts their faith in the court of online opinion where every injustice or offense is dismissed in about a week or until the nextcomes along.Read more:
Just Jared: Ana de Armas Shows Off Some Leg at Campari Red Diaries Premiere

The Fix: 15 Million Americans Are Battling Alcohol Use Disorder

Celebrate Local Toast Master

Eric Stonestreet to be grand marshal of Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade Jordan Strauss SOURCE: Jordan Strauss Eric Stonestreet has established himself as a Kansas City icon, so it only makes sense for him to be the grand marshal at one of the city's biggest events.The Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee announced Wednesday they have chosen actor and Kansas City, Kansas, native Eric Stonestreet as 2019 grand marshal.

Talking KC Bike Tyranny

41 Files: KC to hold public forums on BikeKC master plan KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City is ready to move forward on a plan that could transform the city's bike infrastructure. Last week, city leaders briefed a council committee on the details of the long-term plan, which calls for using 658 miles of roadway.

KC Complaints Against South Korea

Hyundai answers when KMBC reaches out about woman's car engine Hyundai says it will cover all but about $1,200 of repairs after a Gallatin woman contacts KMBC 9 Investigates about her problem car engine.

More Deets On Bus Flip

School bus rolls over on icy road in south Kansas City KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - A school bus overturned in south Kansas City Wednesday with students and a bus monitor on board. The incident happened in the area of President Court and Virginia Avenue just after noon. Three students from Center Middle School were on the bus at the time of the incident, along with the driver and a bus monitor.

Northeast Animal House Burned Down

Kansas City house fire kills one animal, displaces several other animals 7 cats and 4 dogs are headed to KC Pet Project after a fire in the northeast. Shortly after 7:30 a.m., a fire occurred in the 100 block of N. Chelsea Ave. A total of 14 animals were affected.

Golden Ghetto Quickly Dispenses Justice

Johnson County traffic court easily handles hundreds of cases after computer glitch Johnson County's traffic court easily handled hundreds of cases that were scheduled on the same day because of a computer glitch.

Kansas City Hearty Eat Out Report

Tonight for our most diligent news readers we've got a peek at pop culture promo with a real life chaser . . .Closer to home, here are just a few of the top news links we're checking right now . . .And this is thefor tonight . . .
(Image credit: Tatiana Shepeleva/Shutterstock)

Microsoft told investors recently that flawed AI algorithms could hurt the companys reputation.

The warning came via a 10-K document that the company has to file annually to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The 10-K filing is mandatory for public companies and is a way for investors to learn about financial state and risks that thecompany may be facing.

In the filing, Microsoft made it clear that despite recent enormous progress in machine learning, AI is still far from the utopian solution that solves all of our problems objectively. Microsoft noted that if the company ends up offering AI solutions that use flawed or biased algorithms or if they have a negative impact on human rights, privacy, employment or other social issues, it's brand and reputation could suffer.

Research Paper Influenced Microsoft on AI Ethics

MIT Media Lab graduate researcher Joy Buolamwini revealed a year ago that Microsofts facial recognition system was much less accurate for women and people of color. Microsoft addressed the issue in its system, but it seems to have learned that there is still much work to be done to ensure its AI solutions don't do more harm than good.

A month after the paper was published, the companys president, Brad Smith, formed the internal AI and Ethics in Engineering and Research (AETHER) group with other Microsoft senior executives as a way to try to prevent potential harmful aspects of the companys AI solutions from materializing.

Hanna Wallach, a senior researcher at Microsoft, wrote in a company blog post at the time: If we are training machine learning systems to mimic decisions made in a biased society, using data generated by that society, then those systems will necessarily reproduce its biases.

Last year, Microsoft also proposed that facial recognition systems should be regulated by governments because the potential for harm is significant.
Update 02/10: Gibbo created a new thread on the Overclockers UK forums confirming that the Radeon VII supply is very limited. However, the British retailer expects several hundred more units to arrive in a few weeks, and around 1000 units by the end of February or early March.

Original Article:

A rumor started spreading around the web a couple of weeks ago alleging that less than 5,000 units of AMD's upcoming Radeon VII gaming graphics card will be available worldwide at launch. New reports this week seemingly lend credence to the claims.

Andrew "Gibbo" Gibson, a representative from British computer hardware retailer Overclockers UK, said yesterday on the company's forum that less than 100 units are being allocated to the UK. Overclockers UK is said to have stacked a total of 44 units with more arriving in the coming days, which would mean the company would have the majority of the UK's allotment.

A report today from French media Cowcotland says France and Spain are getting 20 units each. According to the publication, the price for the Radeon VII has been established at 739 with value-added tax (VAT) included. This translates to $840.06, which falls in line with AMD's MSRP of $699 after subtracting VAT from the price, since France and Spain have a VAT rate of 20 percent and 21 percent, respectively. Although with such a limited amount of units (allegedly), it's hard to picture the Radeon VII selling at that price point.

Rumor has it that due to the restricted time frame, AMD's partners didn't have enough time to prepare their custom models. So whether it be Sapphire, MSI, Asus or Gigabyte, it's expected that every brand will practically sell the same Radeon VII graphics card but in different packaging.

There is no word on when the next wave of Radeon VII shipments will arrive. Chinese factories have halted production in celebration of the Lunar New Year. While the normal downtime is a full work week, some factories extend the period up to three weeks. In a worst case scenario, the next production run could start late February.

At the moment, there isn't any official information about the availability of the Radeon VII on this side of globe, but we'll keep our ears peeled and keep you updated.
Motorola is launching a trio of solid-looking, value-priced phones in the Moto G7, Moto G7 Play and Moto G7 Power, all of which cost less than $300.

But people can't stop talking about the Wall Street Journal report that the company could revive the Razr in a new foldable-display design, with the device selling for a whopping $1,500.

(Image credit: Motorola)

Kalil also took aim at AT&T's practice of rolling out "5GE" logos on phones as Motorola prepares to launch its own 5G mod for the Moto Z3 on Verizon. "We believe in real 5G, said Kalil. "We prefer to give consumers the right experience compared to their expectations."

Last but not least, Motorola defended the price increase on the Moto G7. The new phone will cost $299, compared to $249 for last year's Moto G6.

Check out the full interview below.

What are the key differences between the Moto G7 Play, G7 Power and G7?

Thomas Milner: We do a ton of consumer research, and we rely it a lot not only in our marketing but [also] for our device definitions, and we find that there are certain consumers who do want a more compact phone. That's where the new Moto G7 Play comes in.

People can't get enough battery life. That's why we put an industry-leading 5,000-mAh battery in the G7 Power.

The Moto G7 is definitely the more premium-looking design, with Gorilla Glass on both sides. We also have our new U design display, so it really maximizes the screen-to-body ratio. And [we have] the dual cameras.

Is it an issue that the Moto G7 costs $50 more than the G6, that the price is creeping up?

Rudi Kalil: When you look at the portfolio strategy, it's shifted a little bit. We are definitely bringing the [Moto G7] device up. What we're trying to do is find a solution to every price point while trying to address all the consumer pain points.

If you compare what this [$249 Moto G7 Power] device has right now to the original $249 price point for the Moto G6, you're going to see the three-day battery and the big, 6.2-inch screen. So, there's lots of improvements that we are bringing.

Milner: I'm at 97 percent [battery at 11:20 a.m.], and I took the G7 Power off the charger at 6:30 a.m. And I've been looking through my presentation and going through emails.

Apple and Samsung seem to be struggling on the high end. Do you see flagship fatigue setting in?

Milner: Consumers are becoming more and more aware that they are spending all this money on smartphones, and the innovations are very incremental year over year at this point. So, why am I continually spending this money?

So, I think that's a great opportunity for us at this price point. For 90 percent of consumers, [the G7] is going to have everything you need.

Do you feel like consumers are finally warming up to unlocked phones?

Kalil: Consumers are getting better educated, but the migration from consumers buying phones in retail stores versus carrier stores is still not happening as fast in the U.S. as other markets.

How important is it that your G7 line is multiband?

Kalil: Every device that we introduce to the market works across all the carriers. This is something we've been doing since the fourth generation of Moto G, and it's been very successful and why we've been No. 1 in the unlocked space.

If someone puts an AT&T SIM in your phones, will they see the 5GE logo?

Milner: I've been told no.

Can I ask your perspective on that whole 5GE controversy given you're going to have one of the first 5G phones with Verizon?

Kalil: We believe in real 5G. We are the leading manufacturer on real 5G. We prefer to give consumers the right experience compared to their expectations. The 5G Mod [for the Moto Z3] is the right implementation of 5G.

When the Wall Street Journal report came out about the potential revival of the Razr as a foldable phone, the news exploded on the web

Milner: We have no idea what you're talking about.

Were you guys surprised at the reaction?

Kalil: I think everyone was impressed with the number of articles and the comments, and that is a reflection of everyone being bored with the bars.

People are looking for something that is new.

Milner: There is so much nostalgia for the Razr. It's a phone that redefined what a phone could look like and do with a bigger screen and a sleek form factor, and everybody had one.

That nostalgia  I had no idea it was so alive and well.

(Image credit: Yanko Design)

Why do you think people are excited about the prospect of the Razr's return? And can you confirm you're making it happen?

Kalil: This industry has become all about specs, and it has lost that fancy, charming side of it. This [report] revives that side of it.

Foldable technology, I'm sure multiple companies are exploring that, but unfortunately we do not talk about future products.

What's your take on the foldable phone trend in general?

Kalil: I think the industry is working on it and multiple display vendors are working on it, but we have not seen any device launched yet. It seems like the technology is not yet mature.

Back in 2016, we had this big event called Tech World in San Francisco where we had a showcase of a foldable device that you would wrap around your wrist. So, foldable technology from a prototype perspective you can find in many places, but it's still rough. But everyone will go there eventually.

(Image credit: Yanko Design)

What, if any, influence does Lenovo have on your products. Is it more behind the scenes?

Kalil: We were owned by Google, and Google sold us to Lenovo. We continue to be a subsidiary of the parent company. We are the mobile business group for them. We leverage synergies on supply chain and some functional areas, but the development is pretty much all Motorola.

We have development facilities in Brazil, China and Chicago. Some resources came from Lenovo and some from Motorola. We leverage all the resources we have. We are definitely integrated as a company.

How strong is the Motorola brand now?

Kalil: We are No. 4 now here in the U.S. We are No. 2 in Latin America. We have been making a lot of progress. Last year, just to give you a data point, if you look at the U.S. and Canada combined and you look at absolute volumes, we were the No. 1 player in growth, even ahead of Apple. And most of our growth comes from these [G Series] devices.

Milner: It's growing, and that's why we want to introduce more.



Credit: Tom's Guide


NEW YORK  More often than not, budget phones are the home of chintzy plastics, middling performance and outdated software. But Motorola has always treated its less-expensive handsets with a little more respect than most other phone makers.

In fact, the Moto G7 looks so good, you might wonder why anyone would fork over a grand for an iPhone XS or other ultra-premium flagship.

The range-topping $299 G7, as well as its lower-end variants, the $249 G7 Power and $199 G7 Play, will all hit store shelves in the spring. And for the first time ever, theyll all be available unlocked.

The G7 in particular is impressive, thanks to its premium curved glass design, dual cameras and Snapdragon 632 processor. You also get a bigger screen, more RAM and more storage than on the G6, as well as a headphone jack. The G7 Power impresses with its 5,000 mAH battery. Heres how theyre all shaping up.

Notches for Everyone

Every year, Motorola promises us that its successfully brought flagship phone hallmarks and features to the masses with its latest G-series products. And every year, we nod in agreement, citing the intuitive software experience and respectable performance  but rarely the design.

The G7 is different. Pulling a page from 2018s leading high-end handsets, Motorolas fitted notches into all three G7 models. And while the Power and Play variants get iPhone-aping wide cutouts for the front facing camera and earpiece, the standard G7 receives the teardrop treatment, similar to the OnePlus 6T.

The G7 is also much larger than last years Moto G6. The full-HD+ LCD display now stretches 6.2 inches across a 19:9 aspect ratio, eclipsing the 5.7-inch panel in the G6. The difference may only be five-tenths of an inch, but you can certainly feel it in your hand. As someone who prefers more compact devices and was smitten with the G6s Goldilocks dimensions, Im a bit dismayed Motorolas opted to go super-sized, but the market has spoken and its calling for bigger phones.

The G7 gets Gorilla Glass 3 treatment all around, sandwiching a chrome band that looks like metal, but actually is plastic. Youd be hard pressed to tell the difference, however, and theres a practical justification for the material chosen  it allows the phones radios to work without the need for antenna lines to facilitate the signal.

Raising the Performance Bar

The G7 draws power from Qualcomms Snapdragon 632 system-on-chip and 4GB of RAM. Thats more memory than weve ever seen in a G-series handset, and that 632 chipset should be a good sight faster than the Snapdragon 450 silicon in the Moto G6. For the record, the G7 never acted out of sorts during our limited time with it  though youll have to hang on for our full review for deep analysis and benchmarks that compare it to other sub-$300 phones.

Additionally, the G7 comes with 64GB of storage as standard, with a microSD slot that can accept any card up to 512GB in size. Theres a 3,000-mAh battery onboard  about average for this price range, and matching the battery inside the $349 Nokia 7.1. Motorola has once again brought its dual camera system to the G series, pairing a 12-megapixel main lens on the G7 with a 5-megapixel depth sensor for bokeh effects.

Speaking of photography, many of the G7s camera upgrades have more to do with software than hardware. Motorola is adding Hi-Res Zoom to the G7s shooter  a feature reminiscent of Super-Res Zoom in the Pixel 3 in that it uses post-processing to fill in the gaps when you digitally zoom.

MORE: Best Smartphones on the Market Now

Bonus creative features like Cinemagraph and Spot Color return from previous Motorola handsets, as well as a new Smile Capture setting and Hyperlapse. The former triggers a shot simply when the subject smiles, while the latter speeds up recorded video while adding some motion stabilization for smooth-yet-accelerated clips. And once again, Motorola is leaning on Google Photos and Google Lens as the stock gallery and photo analysis apps on every device in the G7 family.

For Power or Play

Some may be disappointed to learn that Motorola is opting to move upmarket with the Moto G7. The G5 Plus and G6 launched at $229 and $249, respectively, and the G7 starts at $299. The latest iteration offers a compelling list of specs, though its beginning to stretch that budget definition a bit further than past generations.

But fear not  Motorola isnt leaving buyers who have been priced out of the core G7 out in the cold. The G7 Power and G7 Play will cost $249 and $199, respectively, bringing the very same processor found in the regular G7 and similarly notched, 19:9 aspect ratio displays. Best of all, theyll both be sold unlocked directly through Motorolas website, just like the $299 model, and theyll also be compatible with just about every carrier  whether GSM- or CDMA-based.

MORE: Moto G7 Power Packs a Huge Battery for $249

The G7 Power adds a massive 5,000-mAh battery, calling to mind the eternally-long-lasting Moto E4 Plus of a few years back. Motorola claims the Power will last three days on a single charge, while the companys TurboPower charging system will reportedly provide 9 hours worth of juice after just 15 minutes on the adapter.

Moto G7 Play

That said, you can expect a few concessions made to hit those lower prices. The Power variant comes equipped with 3GB of RAM, while the Play makes do with just 2GB. Both phones have single-lens rear cameras that are capable of depth-effect portraits, but only through the help of software. They also have half the storage of the regular G7, armed with only 32GB until you add a microSD card. At least Android 9 Pie is standard on every model.

Outlook

Motorola has seemingly covered all the bases with the new G7 family. In previous years, you might have to spend extra or commit to a year or so of service with a specific carrier to get an exclusive version of a G-series phone with a bigger battery or better performance.

Not anymore. Motorola is giving its customers the freedom to buy any of its midrange handsets and use them however they wish. The G7 in particular wont be sold through carrier channels, though like the G6 before it, it will be one of the featured phones on the pay-what-you-use Google Fi network, which provides a nice alternative to the big four carriers and their prepaid subsidiaries.

As for the G7, the $299 phone looks as compelling as any of its predecessors. The processor and RAM pairing seems as though it will be adequate for a good couple of years, and we appreciate that Motorola is now offering 64GB of storage as standard. As always, we still have some questions  namely surrounding those dual cameras, which have traditionally been Motorolas weakest link. You can expect answers in our full reviews of the G7 family when all three devices begin shipping this spring.

Credit: Tom's Guide
The Huawei P30, the newest in the Chinese company's P smartphone series and the follow-up to the Huawei P20, is due to be announced at the end of March, according to a new report.

(Image credit: The Huawei P20 Pro. Credit: Tom's Guide)

Polish website telix.pl published a report about Huawei Poland yesterday, mainly discussing how it would be hiring 100 people to help support the brands popularity in the country. However the final line of this article stated that (machine translated): At the end of March this year Huawei will present in Paris the latest smartphones from the flagship P series.

Exciting, but not surprising. It was just under a year ago that rumors of the P20s launch began spreading, and sure enough, it took place in Paris in March 2018.

MORE: LG's G8 Will Have a 3D Camera Up Front

The P20 Pro is one of our favorite camera phones. The photography-oriented models world-first triple camera array (40MP main + 20MP monochrome + 8MP telephoto) cant even be bought in the United States, but it still won us over with its abilities, particularly when taking pictures in low light.

GizmoChina notes other rumors about what could be coming to the P30, thanks to leaks from Chinese sites Weibo and qq.com, plus certification information from the Russian and Chinese authorities. These suggest the addition of a TOF (time of flight) sensor to the P30 Pro, alongside an upgraded optical zoom, the Kirin 980 processor, plus a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera.

Its unlikely, considering the current situation between the US government and Huawei, that the P30 will make it to American shelves, considering the P20 never has. Its even possible that it wont come to the UK, since the British government is also expressing doubts about Huaweis motives and its relationship with the Chinese government.

There wont be much we can do if sale bans come into force, but it will still be interesting to see how Huawei updates one of its premier smartphone models come March.
They may not be Apple's flagships anymore, but the iPhone XS deals are still in high demand. After all, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are still two of the best iPhones you can buy. With Prime Day around the corner, better iPhone XS deals may be near.

In fact, some of the best iPhone XS deals we've seen can take from $100 to $500 off the cost of the phone. Carriers like Verizon and AT&T also tend to offer BOGO iPhone XS deals that make it affordable to snag two iPhones for the price of one. (These iPhone XS deals usually require that you open a new line or switch from a competing network).

Here's a look the best iPhone XS deals and iPhone XS Max deals you can purchase right now. Looking for deals on other models? Make sure to check out our iPhone deals coverage for the best discounts on all models or our best Apple deals page for discounts on all-things Apple.

Best iPhone XS deals today

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

It may be dated, but the iPhone XS is still a powerful smartphone for everyday use. The iPhone XS is IP68 rated for dust- and water-resistance. That means it can withstand being submerged in 2 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. (The iPhone XS Max offers the same feature).

Thanks to its A12 Bionic processor, the iPhone XS scored 11,420 in our Geekbench 4 test, which measures overall speed. That beats the iPhone X (10,357) and the OnePlus 6 (9,088). In real world tests, the iPhone XS took 20.8 seconds to open Fortnite, 4.9 seconds for Pokemon Go, and 6.17 seconds for the Asphalt 9 racing game.

In terms of camera performance, the iPhone XS (and XS Max) have dual 12-MP cameras that have bigger and deeper pixels that let in up to 50 percent more light without sacrificing sharpness. The iPhone XS also benefits from a new Smart HDR mode, which Apple says takes advantage of faster sensors, an enhanced ISP and advanced algorithms to offer more highlights and shadow details in photos. The iPhone XS also gives you Depth Control, so you can tweak the depth of field after you shoot a portrait photo.

(Image credit: Future)

The iPhone XS Max is a sight to behold. Not only does it have a ginormous 6.5-inch display, but you can use split-view mode in various Apple apps, such as Mail and Calendar. The phone looks and feels more like a desktop.

Whereas the iPhone XS packs a 2,658 mAh battery, the iPhone XS Max sports a larger capacity 3,174 mAh battery. In our tests, the iPhone XS Max lasted a good 10 hours and 38 minutes. That's above the category average and also beats the iPhone XS, which lasted 9 hours and 41 minutes.

On Geekbench 4, which measures overall speed, the iPhone XS Max scored 11,515, while the iPhone XS hit a slightly lower 11,420. Those scores smoke the fastest Android phones around, including the Snapdragon 845-powered Galaxy Note 9 (8,876) and the OnePlus 6 with 8GB of RAM (9,088).
[February 07, 2019] Bank of America Increases Common Stock Repurchase Program

Bank of America Corporation today announced an increase to its common stock repurchase program by an additional $2.5 billion in common stock to be repurchased by June 30, 2019. The company previously announced plans on June 28, 2018 to repurchase $20.0 billion in common stock from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, plus repurchases to offset shares awarded under equity-based compensation plans during the same period, estimated to be approximately $0.6 billion. The company's Board of Directors approved the additional repurchases, which in aggregate offset an increase in regulatory capital resulting from the sale of certain non-core assets in 2018. The Federal Reserve Board has approved the additional repurchases. Bank of America's common stock repurchase program will be subject to various factors, including the company's capital position, liquidity, financial performance and alternative uses of capital, stock trading price, and general market conditions, and may be suspended at any time. The common stock repurchases may be effected through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including Rule 10b5-1 plans. Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent the current expectations, plans or forecasts of Bank of America Corporation ("Bank of America") based on available information. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements often use words like "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "intends," "plans," "predict," "goal" and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "may," "might," "should," "would" and "could." Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date thy are made, and Bank of America undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statement was made.



Forward-looking statements represent Bank of America's current expectations, plans or forecasts of its future results, revenues, expenses, efficiency ratio, capital measures, and future business and economic conditions more generally, and other future matters. These statements are not guarantees of its future results or performance and involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and are often beyond Bank of America's control. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider all of the uncertainties and risks discussed under Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of Bank of America's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in any of Bank of America's other subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 66 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,300 retail financial centers, including approximately 1,800 lending centers, 2,200 Merrill Edge investment centers and 1,500 business centers; approximately 16,300 ATMs; and award-winning digital banking with more than 36 million active users, including over 26 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom. Click here to register for news email alerts. www.bankofamerica.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005921/en/

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[February 07, 2019] RMG Acquisition Corp. Announces Pricing of $200 Million Initial Public Offering

RMG Acquisition Corp. (the "Company") announced today that it priced its initial public offering of 20,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit. The units will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trade under the ticker symbol "RMG.U" beginning February 8, 2019. Each unit consists of one share of the Company's Class A common stock and one-third of one warrant, with each whole warrant enabling the holder thereof to purchase one whole share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. Once the shares of Class A common stock and warrants begin separate trading, they are expected to be listed on the NYSE under the symbols "RMG" and "RMG.WS," respectively. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. RMG Acquisition Corp., led by James Carpenter, Robert Mancini and Philip Kassin, was formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses in the diversified resources and industrial materials sectors. Deutsche Bank Securities will act as the sole bookrunner for the offering and Stifel will act as the lead manager for the offering. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,00,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.



The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained, when available, from Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Attn: Prospectus Group, 60 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, or by telephone at 1-800-503-4611 or by email at prospectus.CPDG@db.com and from Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Attn: Syndicate Department, 1 South Street, 15th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, or by telephone at (855) 300-7136, or by email syndprospectus@stifel.com. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC (News - Alert) ") and became effective on February 4, 2019. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements," including with respect to the Company's initial public offering. No assurance can be given that the offering will be completed on the terms described, or at all. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's registration statement and prospectus for the offering filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005918/en/

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[February 07, 2019] Michael Nieto Joins WRA as San Diego Office Director

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- WRA, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Nieto as San Diego Office Director. Mike brings more than 16 years of experience in environmental consulting and natural resources management throughout southern California. "I am really excited to have Mike join the WRA family," said Geoff Smick, WRA Chief Executive Officer. "His technical and regulatory experience is a perfect fit for our growing San Diego office. We value his ability to build trust, be responsive to client needs, and provide innovative solutions. He is a great resource for our southern California clients as well as our San Diego team." Beginning his career as a wetland-focused botanist, Mike has spent the past decade leading complex projects on both the federal and regional levels. Through a focus on quality, responsiveness, and innovation, Mike has successfully managed repeat work with agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, regional sovereign tribal nations, San Diego Gas and Electric, and the City and County of San Diego. Mike has built a strong reputation helping clients navigate regulatory and biological challenges from inception to completion. At WRA, his focus will be to continue to support existing public and private clients in key markets while expanding the company's client base nd services in the San Diego region.



"Originally trained as a botanist, I like to help things grow," said Mike. "I am excited to join WRA, a solution-focused company that has a track record of providing creative ecological approaches to solve problems with the regulatory knowledge and staff firepower to back it up." Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, San Diego and is active in a number of professional organizations including the Association of Environmental Professionals, California Native Plant Society, Society of Wetland Scientists, and Society of American Military Engineers.

Mike lives in Ocean Beach with his wife, toddler, and two Chihuahuas. He loves hiking the beaches and canyons of San Diego and takes advantage of the natural beauty southern California has to offer as often as he can. Mike is a former fencer, current surfer, erstwhile actor, incidental musician, and is looking forward to meeting you. Please contact Mike on the WRA website or LinkedIn. WRA, Inc. provides professional consulting services in plant, wildlife, and wetland ecology, regulatory compliance, mitigation banking, CEQA/NEPA, GIS, and landscape architecture. Formed in 1981, the firm is a certified small business (OSBCR ref. #13333) with more than 90 professionals who have completed more than 3,000 projects for public agencies, non-profit, and private organizations. WRA has offices throughout California. For more information, visit www.wra-ca.com. Media Contact:

Liz Agraz

Phone: 415.454.8868

Email: agraz@wra-ca.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michael-nieto-joins-wra-as-san-diego-office-director-300791992.html SOURCE WRA, Inc.

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[February 07, 2019] DealerSocket Wins Five Awards at the 2019 NADA Show

DealerSocket, Inc., a leader in software for the automotive industry, returned from the National Automobile Dealers Association's annual convention in San Francisco with honors in two separate competitions, the DrivingSales 2019 Dealer Satisfaction Awards and from the Automotive Website Awards. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005893/en/ DealerSocket's Julie Lozano accepts the award from DrivingSales (Photo: Business Wire) "DealerSocket has made significant investments in our customer service and support, while also devoting increased resources aimed at creating some of the best innovations in the industry," said DealerSocket's President and CEO Sejal Pietrzak. "Dealers deserve both great service and innovative software to help them succeed. Our strategy has been to focus on both serice and innovation to serve our customers, and winning these awards is a clear testament that our strategy is working well."



The DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards are voted on by thousands of auto dealers and industry professionals who participate in the DrivingSales online community. DealerSocket's CRM solution won the award titled "Top-Rated CRM - Sales Department." The award was presented at the 2019 NADA Conference. The Automotive Website Awards (AWA) reward innovative products in technology, search marketing, design, and social media. Chosen through an extensive review process, the award panels review, research, and rate the best products for auto dealers to incorporate into their process or showroom. DealerSocket's Precise Price platform earned an AWA award in the "Digital Retailing" category, while the company's DealerFire digital website platform won for "U.S. Websites." Honored in the "Fixed Operations" category was the company's service suite, and the company's CRM won for "Sales Process."

The announcements come on the heels of DealerSocket's unveiling of more than 20 innovations and new enhancements at the NADA Show. DealerSocket invested millions of dollars over the past year to create innovations and enhancements that help dealers sell more vehicles, create time-saving operational efficiencies, and forge deeper relationships with their customers to drive repeat business and improved customer satisfaction. DealerSocket's innovations span the company's four core product lines: CRM, DealerFire, Inventory Management, and its independent-geared DMS. A full list of DealerSocket's new innovations can be found at https://dealersocket.com/nada2019-enhancements. About DealerSocket DealerSocket is a leading provider of software for the automotive industry, offering a suite of seamlessly integrated products to help dealers sell and service vehicles more profitably, while improving their customers' experience. DealerSocket's suite of products includes advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM), innovative Digital Marketing and Websites, robust Vehicle Inventory Management, insightful Analytics Reporting, and solutions to streamline dealer operations such as Desking, Credit Reporting, Compliance, and a Dealer Management System (DMS) for dealers of all sizes. DealerSocket employs nearly 1,000 team members serving more than 8,000 dealerships. For more information, visit DealerSocket.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005893/en/

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[February 07, 2019] $750K Grant Helps Fund First Phase of Odyssey House Louisiana's Renovation

Fifth District Savings Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) have awarded a $750,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant to help fund the first phase of renovating housing facilities in New Orleans, Louisiana for low-income residents. The grant was awarded to Odyssey House Louisiana (OHL), provider of addiction recovery programs and treatment in the state of Louisiana. OHL serves more than 900 low-income, formerly homeless and at-risk individuals each month. The AHP grant will be used for gap funding and rehabilitation costs for OHL's facilities. Specifically, the funds will go toward redeveloping three underutilized and structurally unstable historic buildings, that have fallen into disrepair and failed to meet current building codes and standards for safety and care. These buildings will offer housing for OHL clients to reside during their addiction treatment programs. The OHL historic campus, known as the Tonti campus, will be renovated in phases, so there is no interruption to addiction treatment services or need for displacing residents. Besides physical improvements to the more than 150-year-old campus, upgrades will bring OHL facilities up to code, render the facility compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensure that OHL is meeting state and federal licensing standards. "The complete renovation of the Tonti campus will improve the overall quality of treatment of its clients," said OHL Development Manager Anne Tucker. OHL clients will reside in the renovated housing throughout the duration of their long-term treatment. The group bed units will enable a six-month stay for 52 individuals participating in the treatment program. The residents include specia needs, formerly homeless and extremely low-income individuals.



"The renovation of the Odyssey House Louisiana buildings will be an exciting feat to witness," said Fifth District Savings Bank President and CEO Brian North. "For many years, the building has stood as not only a historical landmark to the community, but also a shelter filled with purpose, support and rehabilitation. This is a great example of the types of projects that benefit from our partnership with FHLB Dallas." FHLB Dallas awards AHP grants annually, through members like Fifth District Savings Bank, to support the creation or rehabilitation of affordable housing units, among other uses. In 2018, FHLB Dallas awarded $14 million in AHP grants to 29 projects that will result in 1,853 new or renovated housing units. Of that, $4.7 million was awarded to Louisiana projects, and will result in 319 new or rehabilitated housing units.

"We value our partnership with Fifth District Savings Bank in this opportunity to contribute to bringing much-needed upgrades to a necessary commodity that has helped so many lives in New Orleans," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "The renovations will improve the safety and quality of the housing for those who need it the most." Visit fhlb.com/ahp for more information on the AHP. About Fifth District Savings Bank Established in 1926, Fifth District Savings Bank is a federal mutual savings association with seven locations serving the New Orleans metropolitan area. Our primary mission is to provide a safe, secure place for local depositors to invest their savings and to reinvest their deposits primarily in home mortgage loans which enable our borrowers to buy, build, and repair homes in our local community. For more information, visit fifthdistrict.com. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank system created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $73.7 billion as of September 30, 2018, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 825 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005892/en/

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[February 07, 2019] Scarborough High School Teacher Receives Lenovo's Visionary Teacher Award

MARKHAM, ON, Feb. 7, 2019 /CNW/ - In a surprise ceremony held in Scarborough, Ontario, Lenovo announced the winner of its first-ever Visionary Teachers Contest. Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School teacher, Nicholas McCowan, won a 10-pack Lenovo Virtual Reality Classroom kit for his inspiring submission that focused on ways the technology can offer enhanced learning opportunities and support the cultural diversity of his students. As part of the Lenovo Visionary Teachers Contest, teachers across Ontario were asked to share a written submission explaining how Virtual Reality (VR) would help elevate their teaching and the importance this new technology has in the classroom. Over 140 entries from across Ontario were reviewed, and it was Scarborough's Nicholas McCowan whose submission captured one of the genuine benefits VR technology can offer teachers and students. With many of McCowan's students being new to Canada, his winning submission highlighted the socioeconomic limitations they face, along with the challenges associated with assimilating to a new country. He expressed how, through immersive experiences, his students can learn about the individuals sitting next to them, and why this will connect a classroom, increase participation and lead to better inclusion and engagement. "Being a teacher in Canada, I am lucky to experience and learn from a diverse group of students. But this can sometimes be a setback in their education and connecting with their peers," said McCowan. "With VR technology, we have the opportunity to take virtual field trips to students' native countries, relate and connect with one another differently and ultimately unlock their learning potential in ways we've never seen before." Along with bringing worldwide learning opportunities straight into the classroom, Nicholas highlighted the demand for experiential learning tools and how this is essential in today's digital age for maintaining student engagement in the classroom. "We were absolutely blown away by the positive response and exceptional submisions by teacher's all across Ontario," said Colin McIsaac, General Manager at Lenovo Canada. "We see educational technology shifting traditional classroom learning environments in an incredibly positive way, and the specially designed VR Classroom Kit is our first step in propelling greater learning outcomes for both teachers and students. We look forward to hearing about the learning adventures Nicholas and his class will embark on."



Lenovo has also gifted the three runner-up teachers; Kim Barnes from Korah Collegiate & Vocational School, Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Mary Jeffries from Simcoe Shores Secondary School, Midland, Ontario and Eric Timm from W.F. Herman Secondary, Windsor, Ontario with one VR headset, so their students can experience the world of VR and utilize the learning capabilities of the kit. ABOUT THE VR CLASSROOM KIT

Designed for Classrooms

The Lenovo VR Classroom Kit is the first of its kind to be created specifically for use in the classroom for students grades 7-12. The kit, which come in three, ten or 24 packs, allow teachers to take students through lesson plans simultaneously and is made to be disinfected after each use. VR experiences are delivered using Lenovo's first standalone Mirage Solo, the first all-in-one wireless VR headset with Google Daydream, which means no tethered cables, PCs or smartphones, a hand controller for increased interactivity, motion-tracking technology and 110-degree field view so that students can more freely discover the world around them. Curriculum and Teacher Support

Captivating and curriculum-derived educational content are included with the kit. Custom Scholastic STEM lesson plans, VR videos from the Wild Immersion endorsed by Jane Goodall, and access to 1000+ virtual reality field trips through the Google Expeditions app make it easy for teachers to implement. Teachers are fully supported to implement the technology through a formal onboarding, ongoing training sessions and access to a fully bilingual helpdesk. ABOUT LENOVO:

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$45 billion Fortune Global 500 company and a global technology leader in driving Intelligent Transformation through smart devices and infrastructure that create the best user experience. Lenovo manufactures one of the world's widest portfolios of connected products, including smartphones (Motorola), tablets, PCs (ThinkPad, Yoga, Lenovo Legion) and workstations as well as AR/VR devices and smart home/office solutions. Lenovo's data center solutions (ThinkSystem, ThinkAgile) are creating the capacity and computing power for the connections that are changing business and society. Lenovo works to inspire the difference in everyone and build a smarter future where everyone thrives. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Weibo, read about the latest news via our Storyhub, or visit our website at http://www. lenovo.com. SOURCE Lenovo

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[February 07, 2019] The Crowd is Calling All Entrepreneurs: Four High Profile Investors Will Publicly Evaluate The 20 Best New Business Pitches From Anywhere in the World Live on The Crowd and Everyone Watching is Invited to Join In and Invest

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Unique Opportunity for All Entrepreneurs: Five High Profile Executives will publicly evaluate the 20 best new business pitches from anywhere in the world live on The Crowd and everyone watching is invited to join in and also potentially invest. The Crowd is calling all entrepreneurs with any start-up to pitch their business to the following executives: Manny Weiss , Private Investor, London, England

Richard Galanti , Chief Financial Officer of Costco

Larry Baer , Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco Giants

Bill Johnson , Former Global Deputy and Head of Asset Management of Credit Suisse

Tom Onions , Chief Executive Officer of Clearshore Capital Entrepreneurs from anywhere in the world are invited to upload their 60-second pitch video to The Crowd for free via www.thecrowd.net by the submission cut off date of midnight, CST, Thursday, February 28th. On Sunday, March 3rd at 1 pm CST, The Crowd's interactive virtual panel will go live and simulcast the top 20 most popular pitches while the whole world watches the pitch evaluation via their phone or computer. Anyone can engage with the panel by posing questions to the executies or entrepreneurs directly. These five high profile executives will review and evaluate the top 20 most liked 60-second pitch videos from The Crowd's App, and decide if the idea is a hit, or needs more polishing. Specifically, these executives will offer managerial critical thinking, ask pertinent questions relevant to the existing business model, provide growth recommendations, industry experience, and can potentially invest in any company.



"If you are an entrepreneur its nearly impossible to get in front of high profile investors to make your pitch. The Crowd is your direct way into the offices of people who can immediately muster the resources you need to launch your business. It's the most efficient way for busy people with very limited schedules to find, filter and fund the best new business ideas. Saving time is saving money for both investors and entrepreneurs." Bill Johnson, Former Global Deputy and Americas Head of Asset Management at Credit Suisse The Crowd is an app that enables virtually anyone on earth to invest in new business ideas by eliminating the barriers between entrepreneurs and people with the resources to support them. Regardless of circumstance, entrepreneurs are exclusively judged on the quality of their thinking and their ability to execute. The Crowd's platform also allows virtually anyone to invest in entrepreneurs and ideas they believe can make a difference. To Utilize The Crowd:

Simply download "The Crowd App" from the App Store, or from Google Play

Set your preferences on the App to See The Kinds of Entrepreneurs and Ideas of Interest

Each day based on your preferences, relevant 60-second pitch videos are delivered to The Crowd App

Swipe Right on Videos You Like and Directly Engage, Swipe left to Move On Welcome to The Crowd: The Marketplace for Ideas. Please visit our website to learn more: www.thecrowd.net For further questions, please contact Chase Johnson in Los Angeles 1 650-619-1821, 209050@email4pr.com, or Mark Kavanagh in London, 209050@email4pr.com. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-crowd-is-calling-all-entrepreneurs-four-high-profile-investors-will-publicly-evaluate-the-20-best-new-business-pitches-from-anywhere-in-the-world-live-on-the-crowd-and-everyone-watching-is-invited-to-join-in-and-invest-300791937.html SOURCE The Crowd

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[February 07, 2019] SmartDrive Congratulates 2019 TCA Best Fleets to Drive For, Including SmartDrive Customers Boyle Transportation, Central Oregon Truck Company, Nussbaum Transportation Services and TLD Logistics

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartDrive Systems, a leader in video-based safety and transportation intelligence, congratulates the carriers named to the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) 2019 Best Fleets to Drive For. SmartDrive customers Boyle Transportation, Central Oregon Truck Company, Nussbaum Transportation Services and TLD Logistics are among the top 20 fleets on the annual TCA list, with Boyle and Nussbaum appearing for the fifth consecutive year. Leavitt's Freight Service, another fleet tapping the power of SmartDrive's video-based safety platform, was named a Top Fleet to Watch by TCA. "These fleets represent the best in the industryrecognized for their commitment to driver retention, employee satisfaction and safety," said Steve Mitgang, SmartDrive CEO. "With SmartDrive customers comprising 20 percent of fleets in the top 20, we view this as another proof point for the value of our proven fully-managed service, which provides verified risk fleets can trust." The Best Fleets program aims to publicly honor for-hire carriers that provide the best workplaces for drivers. To be considered for the program, companies must be nominated by their drivers or owner operators. Nominees are evaluated on a variety of criteria, including total compensation, health benefits, performance management, professional development and career path/advancement opportunities. Driver surveys are also conducted to collect inpu from drivers and independent contractors working directly with the fleets.



For a full list of winners, visit: http://www.bestfleetstodrivefor.com/ About SmartDrive Systems

SmartDrive Systems gives fleets and drivers unprecedented driving performance insight and analysis, helping save fuel, expenses and lives. Its video safety, predictive analytics, telematics, compliance and personalized performance program help fleets improve driving skills, lower operating costs and deliver significant ROI. With an easy-to-use managed service, fleets and drivers can access and self-manage driving performance anytime, anywhere. The company, which is ranked as one of the fastest growing companies by Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 for five consecutive years, has compiled the world's largest storehouse of more than 250 million analyzed risky-driving events. SmartDrive Systems is based in San Diego, Calif., and employs over 725 people worldwide.

For more information on SmartDrive Systems, please visit www.smartdrive.net . Contact or Follow SmartDrive on:

Email  tryuson@smartdrive.net

Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/smartdrivesystemsinc

Twitter  http://www.twitter.com/smartdriveinc

YouTube  http://www.youtube.com/smartdrivesystemsinc

LinkedIn  http://www.linkedin.com/company/smartdrive-systems View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smartdrive-congratulates-2019-tca-best-fleets-to-drive-for-including-smartdrive-customers-boyle-transportation-central-oregon-truck-company-nussbaum-transportation-services-and-tld-logistics-300791982.html SOURCE SmartDrive Systems

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[February 07, 2019] The Forbes M+A Group Advises BoldLeads on its Sale to Propertybase

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Forbes M+A Group (Forbes), a leading transaction advisory firm, served as exclusive advisor to BoldLeads.com (BoldLeads), a leading SaaS-based real estate lead generation technology platform, on its sale to Propertybase, a portfolio company of Providence Strategic Growth (PSG), an affiliate of Providence Equity Partners. Founded in 2014, BoldLeads provides lead generation and marketing automation services for residential real estate agents in the U.S. and Canada through its industry leading, scalable, proprietary SaaS technology platform. The BoldLeads platform generates and cultivates online buyer/seller leads for real estate brokers or agents, resulting in the highest lead generation ROI in the industry. By delivering quality leads and driving them through conversion, the Company has seen explosive growth in recent years, servicing thousands of clients in North America and generating over 1 million leads per year. "Given the rapid growth of our Company, we needed an advisor who would tell our story and help us maximize the value we created by finding a partner who intimately understood the SaaS-based real estate lead generation industry and supported our growth," said BoldLeads CEO Christine Crane. "We selected Forbes because of their excellent reputation, and they exceeded every expectation by takin the time to understand our objectives, delivering the best possible partner and terms."



"With real estate tech companies disrupting the traditional real estate ecosystem," said Bob Forbes, President of Forbes and BoldLeads' lead advisor, "Companies like BoldLeads are attracting major interest from investment groups who recognize this growing market opportunity, as well as the real estate incumbents that see the strategic value of RE Tech and PropTech within the industry going forward." In addition to Bob Forbes, the BoldLeads advisory team included Bill Nack, Managing Director & Partner, JJ Lane, Senior Associate, and Tom Willen, Analyst. About The Forbes M+A Group

The Forbes M+A Group is an award-winning Denver-based mergers and acquisitions advisory firm. The firm has a capital formation group and also serves buyers and sellers in middle-market M&A transactions. Forbes applies meticulous attention to detail helping business owners develop and execute M&A strategy, acquire companies and partner with investor groups for growth to maximize value in an eventual exit. Senior advisors at The Forbes M+A Group have more than 200 years of combined experience in transactions across a wide variety of industries. For more information regarding this transaction or The Forbes M+A Group please contact Max Eckstein.

About Propertybase

Propertybase, a portfolio company of Providence Strategic Growth ("PSG"), is a developer of a web-based customer relationship management ("CRM") software intended for real estate agents. The company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. About Providence Strategic Growth

Providence Strategic Growth is an affiliate of Providence Equity Partners and is investing out of its third fund, with $1.3 billion of total capital. Established in 2014, PSG focuses on growth equity investments in lower middle market software and technology-enabled service companies, primarily in North America. Providence Equity Partners is a premier global asset management firm with approximately $60 billion in capital under management across complementary private equity and credit businesses. Since the firm's inception in 1989, Providence has invested in more than 160 companies and is a leading equity investment firm focused on the media, communications, education and information industries. Providence is headquartered in Providence, RI, and also has offices in New York and London. Media Contact

Max Eckstein

Max.Eckstein@ForbesMA.com

303.872.9085 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-forbes-ma-group-advises-boldleads-on-its-sale-to-propertybase-300791958.html SOURCE The Forbes M+A Group

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[February 07, 2019] RPM Outlet to Accept Cryptocurrency Payments Including Bitcoin Diamond

PHOENIX, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Online automotive retailer RPM Outlet is eager to announce that it will accept payments in cryptocurrency as part of the Chimpion network in collaboration with Shopping Cart Elite. This will enable automotive dealers and enthusiasts to purchase parts using Bitcoin Diamond (BCD), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Bitcoin (BTC), Dash, Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Zcoin (XZC). RPM Outlet is an American e-commerce storefront that supplies vast amounts of American muscle and diesel high-performance car parts. Through collaboration with Shopping Cart Elite, RPM Outlet becomes a merchant of the Chimpion community which introduces both RPM and its customers to the many efficient and cost-effective features provided by Chimpion's new cryptocurrency platform. By now accepting payments in cryptocurrency, RPM is providing customers around the world unlimited access to their wide variety of American muscle and diesel high performance car parts. "At RPM Outlet, our motto is 'Online Shopping & Same Day Shipping,'" said CEO Jeremy Thompson. "Since crypto payments are processed almost instantly, we can get our orders out faster tha ever without having to worry about payments bouncing after the products have left our warehouse. Becoming a Chimpion merchant will help us to stay true to our mission and boost our bottom line."



By paying with cryptocurrency, customers around the world now have unprecedented access to RPM Outlet's vast collection of car parts with lightning fast transactions that take just minutes to process. Furthermore, thanks to drastically reduced transaction fees (less than a penny), eliminated currency conversion fees, and freedom from chargebacks, RPM Outlet is able to pass on even more savings to their customers. Over the past several years, cryptocurrency has emerged as the next evolution of currency, thanks to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and decentralization. Designed as a means of transaction as peer-to-peer electronic cash, it matches the functionality of traditional fiat currency and goes beyond in efficiency, accessibility, and security. Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, was launched in 2009, and hundreds of other digital currencies have since followed. In December 2017, the total market capitalization of cryptocurrency reached a staggering $818 billion, subsequently correcting above $200 billion.

About RPM Outlet Under new ownership since March 2017, RPM Outlet is committed not only to providing a vast variety of leading car parts, but to making easy, quick and trusted deliveries. Always on the hunt for new products, RPM Outlet dedicates time to gaining a thorough understanding of every car part before offering it online to assist customers in making informed decisions. RPM Outlet is loyal to its vendors, maintaining longstanding partnerships with brands including DiabloSport, SCT, BBK, Procharger, and K&N. By constantly investing in up-to-date website technology, RPM Outlet sustains a secure online shopping experience which assists customers in a convenient ordering process. About Chimpion Chimpion is a cryptocurrency e-commerce platform that enables any merchant to begin accepting cryptocurrency payments online. By holding Chimpion's Banana Token (BNANA), merchants can gain access to Chimpion's robust crypto e-commerce platform for free, without needing to pay a monthly subscription fee. Chimpion was developed using technology from Shopping Cart Elite, Paytomat, and Bitcoin Diamond (BCD) and combines comprehensive e-commerce features with convenient payment processing. Chimpion's primary goal is to drive the adoption of cryptocurrency as a payment solution by operating a rich e-commerce platform centered around digital assets. New startups and established merchants alike can become part of Chimpion's vast network to take advantage of its fast and affordable transactions and user-friendly infrastructure. About Bitcoin Diamond (BCD) Bitcoin Diamond is a Bitcoin fork that was created to solve the slow transaction confirmations and high threshold requirements of Bitcoin. Through BCD Pay, business owners are able to offer their products to a global market without needing to absorb expensive fees from international payments. Furthermore, with BCD Pay, business owners do not have to worry about costly chargebacks from indecisive or fraudulent customers. Earlier this year, BCD debuted BCD Bazaar, an international marketplace that gives customers access to a wide range of products from across the world by accepting payments in Bitcoin Diamond (BCD) or Bitcoin (BTC). Media Contact:

Jeremy Thompson

Email: service@rpmoutlet.com Related Images rpm-outlet-home-page-with-chimpion.png

RPM Outlet Home Page with Chimpion

RPM Outlet, an online automotive retailer, will now be accepting payments in six different cryptocurrencies, powered by Chimpion. This gives customers around the world access to a wide selection of American muscle and diesel high performance car parts. rpm-outlet-cryptocurrency-checkout.png

RPM Outlet Cryptocurrency Checkout Option

RPM Outlet will now be accepting payments in cryptocurrency. At the checkout, customers can select the option to pay with cryptocurrency. Related Links Chimpion RPM Outlet View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rpm-outlet-to-accept-cryptocurrency-payments-including-bitcoin-diamond-300791775.html SOURCE RPM Outlet

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[February 07, 2019] MassMutual CEO Roger Crandall Advocates New Retirement Savings Incentives for Both Employers and Their Employees

Roger Crandall, Chairman, President and CEO of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual), on Wednesday advocated for legislation before the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee that would make it easier and less expensive for employers to provide workplace retirement plans while encouraging workers to save more for their own retirements. Crandall was invited to speak before the Committee by Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA), who represents the Western Massachusetts congressional district where MassMutual has been headquartered for nearly 168 years. The Committee hosted a hearing on retirement security during which legislation was discussed aimed at making it easier and less expensive for small businesses to offer workplace retirement plans such as 401(k)s. MassMutual is a leading provider of 401(k)s and other workplace retirement plans, serving approximately 30,000 employers and three million retirement savers nationwide. "Workplace retirement plans, like 401(k) plans, are very effective in enabling American workers to save for retirement. But millions of Americans, especially those working for small employers, still do not have access to a workplace retirement plan," Crandall said in his testimony. "There is extensive data that the costs and complexity associated with starting a retirement plan are the biggest obstacles preventing more employers from offering a retirement plan to their employees. With Congressional leadership and private sector innovations, we can address this problem together." In his testimony, Crandall said MassMutual supports the following key legislative initiatives: Enacting the collection of legislative proposals known as the Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act (RESA). RESA would greatly decrease the cost of retirement plans for small employers, and would open up retirement plan coverage options for the growing gig economy. This is excellent bipartisan bicameral legislation and it is time to enact it. RESA would expand workplace retirement plan coverage by allowing so-called open multiple employer plans or "open MEPs," expanding small-employer tax incentives designed to help offset the costs associated with establishing a new workplace retirement plan; and simplifying and streamlining plan administration. "Open MEPs" would permit unrelated employers to join together under a single retirement plan to harness economies of scale and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens. Increasing retirement plan availability and savings by reducing the costs and administrative burdens typically associated with starting a retirement plan. Crandall endorsed legislative provisins to offer tax incentives for small businesses, like the small employer start-up credits improved by RESA. In addition, he proposed making it easier for employers to correct inadvertent plan administration errors; consolidate and simplify disclosures to retirement plan participants; and make it easier for employers to comply with complex rules that can be difficult and costly to administer under current law. Each of those changes would make it less costly for employers of all sizes, but especially small employers, to offer workplace retirement plans, according to Crandall.



Providing new incentives for workers to save more for retirement by enhancing retirement savings credits for those who contribute to retirement accounts and by promoting greater use of automatic savings features. Through automatic contribution features, employees automatically contribute a portion of their paycheck to their workplace retirement plan - and potentially increase savings rates over time - unless the employee expressly elects not to have contributions made on their behalf. Automatic enrollment and automatic escalation have been powerful tools in encouraging employees to save for retirement, Crandall pointed out. Eliminating coverage barriers and increasing savings for populations that currently experience disproportionately lower retirement savings rates. RESA would make it easier for employers offering 401(k) plans to allow long-term, part-time workers to contribute to the plan, enabling them to close their retirement savings gap, Crandall noted.

"These retirement challenges impact everyone, but we also know that certain populations experience disproportionately lower retirement plan participation and savings rates - most notably, women, minorities, low-income employees, and small business employees," he said. "Additional efforts should be made to increase retirement savings for these particular populations." Supporting proposals to facilitate and encourage lifetime income solutions. With ever-increasing life expectancies and the shift away from traditional defined benefit plans, it has become increasingly difficult to predict how much money any given employee will need in order to meet his or her financial needs throughout retirement, and to make those savings last a lifetime, according to MassMutual's CEO. "These problems, like others already discussed, can be particularly troubling for the retirement security of women, who tend to live longer than men," Crandall said. "To combat these uncertainties, steps must be taken to promote lifetime income solutions." The proposals in RESA would do that by making lifetime income options more portable, according to Crandall. In addition, RESA would create protections for employers who make lifetime income options available under their plan but also by including other own innovative solutions, like making it easier for retirement savers to purchase longevity insurance and preventing retirement savers from having to unnecessarily withdraw their savings at age 70 , as required under current law, unless they are ready to do so. Additionally, Crandall recognized Chairman Neal for introducing the Automatic Retirement Plan Act (ARPA) last Congress. Crandall called Neal's bill "a bold and innovative solution - based entirely on a private sector solution - to reduce the coverage gap." Crandall also added that "legislative action" is needed on ARPA and said it was his "hope that the private sector, including the small business community, can participate constructively with the Chairman (Neal) to identify ways to move this bill forward in a bipartisan manner that broadens retirement plans coverage." As part of its mission to promote financial well-being, MassMutual is introducing a new workplace financial and benefits planning tool - MapMyFinances -- to help workers assess their personal financial needs and make the best choices regarding short and long-term financial goals. MapMyFinances will be offered at no charge to the millions of Americans MassMutual serves, providing prescriptive guidance that prioritizes emergency funds, college funding, life and income protection, healthcare and retirement savings in accordance with each worker's individual needs and budget. MassMutual is also working to expand retirement plan coverage among small employers by introducing a new 401(k) plan, Aviator Pro, which is simpler and less expensive for smaller employers. "MassMutual strongly supports the Committee's efforts to eliminate barriers to workplace retirement plan coverage and increase retirement savings," Crandall highlighted in his testimony. "As the Committee continues to develop new ways to help more Americans adequately save for retirement, we look forward to working with Chairman Neal, Ranking Member (Kevin) Brady (R-TX), and other Committee members to help all Americans reach a financially secure retirement." About MassMutual MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyowners. MassMutual offers a wide range of financial products and services, including life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, annuities, retirement plans and other employee benefits. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005736/en/

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[February 07, 2019] Transformative Healthcare/Fallon Ambulance Service partner with Northeastern University for innovative new EMT training

At a time when many medical transportation companies are scrambling to hire enough Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to meet service demand, Fallon Ambulance Service and its parent company, , this month are welcoming six new EMTs trained through an innovative new Fallon- Northeastern University (News - Alert) partnership. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005671/en/ Transformative Healthcare's Fallon Ambulance Service is welcoming six new EMTs trained through an innovative new partnership with Northeastern University in Boston. L to R: Fallon Instruction Coordinator Eric Johnson (News - Alert) ; Training and Education Director Andy DeFrias, Director of Training and Education; Northeastern students Jasmin Jalali-Yazdi, Tyler Brown, Ava Grounds, Dipak Aggarwal, Michelle Heyang, and Keegan O'Hara; Education Manager Scott Morency; EMS Fellowship Manager Tyler Richards; and Danielle Rabickow, Director, Transformative Healthcare Clinical Center of Excellence (Photo: Business Wire) The six new EMTs are all students in Northeastern's Bouve College of Health Sciences who are planning on careers in medicine and medical research. Northeastern is internationally renowned for its "co-operative education," or co-op, education approach, in which students integrate rigorous classroom study with real-world co-op work experiences that create a powerful way to learn. Last month, Fallon and Northeastern launched a new co-op program through which the six students have completed 154 hours of classroom and online education to win their Massachusetts and national certifications as EMTs. For their NU co-op term that runs through June, they will work as EMTs for Fallon, alongside Fallon's industry-leading staff of paramedics and EMTs. Fallon provides medicaltransportation to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities throughout metropolitan Boston and provides municipal ambulance service to Massachusetts communities home to 300,000 residents.



Transformative Healthcare CEO Sean Tyler said: "We are thrilled to welcome these six dedicated young men and women to our team, and it has been an honor to work closely with Northeastern University in developing and implementing this innovative new approach to recruiting and training emergency medical services professionals. It's a testimony to the caliber of these students and their instructors-and to the quality of Northeastern's co-operative education program-that while on average just 66 percent of Massachusetts trainees taking the EMT certification test pass on their first attempt, 100 percent of these Northeastern students successfully won their certification." Deirdre Jordan, Assistant Cooperative Education Coordinator at Northeastern's Bouve College of Health Sciences, said: "We have loved working with Fallon and Transformative to offer this exciting new opportunity for our College of Health Sciences students, and their co-op work experience exemplifies what Northeastern is all about. Whether they are heading into careers in medicine, healthcare management, or medical research, the real-world experience they will gain from working this winter and spring as EMTs with Fallon and Transformative will give them powerful, lifelong insights into the healthcare delivery system."

Commissioned as new EMTs from Northeastern and their respective hometowns are: Dipak Aggarwal of South Jamaica, N.Y.; Tyler Brown of Greenville, S.C.; Ava Grounds of Davidsonville, Md.; Michelle Heeyang of Boston; Keegan O'Hara of South Hero, Vt.; and Jasmin Jalali-Yazdi of Paris, France. Through the Fallon/NU training, the six students are now also eligible to work as EMTs in 46 other states that recognize the national EMT certification. In addition to classroom and practical training, Transformative and Fallon are also teaming up to provide the Northeastern students with a 14-week "EMS Leadership Workshop." Industry leaders will meet with students for four hours per week to teach them about topics including behavioral organization and leadership in EMS, healthcare finance and reimbursement, simulation in EMS education, Mobile Integrated Health, healthcare communications. clinical pathways for the EMS provider, emergency management and preparedness, and tactical EMS. Danielle Rabickow, Director of Transformative Healthcare's Clinical Center of Excellence, said: "Creating leaders of tomorrow within the healthcare industry is our responsibility. Cultivating an environment that builds our bench strength is critical to bringing up the healthcare innovators of tomorrow." About Transformative Healthcare Transformative Healthcare www.transformativehc.com is committed to delivering cost efficient, high quality patient outcomes by innovating how both patients and data move through the healthcare system. Transformative creates customized partnerships with healthcare providers that combine innovative patient logistics services and intelligent data analytics into programs that improve patient experience and outcomes while reducing the overall cost of healthcare. Transformative is the number one medical transportation provider in the Massachusetts/New Hampshire market, measured by patients served. Headquartered in Wellesley, Mass., Transformative's three operating subsidiaries are: Fallon Ambulance Service, which has served Eastern Massachusetts from its 10 locations for 95 years; LifeLine Ambulance Service, operating from 12 locations across New Hampshire and Eastern Massachusetts; and Stewart's Ambulance Service, which has served New Hampshire's Lakes Region from its 3 locations for over 35 years. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005671/en/

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[February 07, 2019] We Have the Technology! TD Ameritrade Institutional Delivers Tools and Capabilities to Make RIAs Better, Stronger, Faster

TD Ameritrade Institutional1 is putting technology front and center at its 23rd annual National LINC conference, where nearly 3,000 registered investment advisors (RIAs) and industry professionals have gathered in San Diego for three days of learning, inspiration, networking and collaboration. TD Ameritrade Institutional today announced new tools, new services and new capabilities that can help RIAs improve the client experience and their business performance, including: New Veo One  enhancements and integrations

enhancements and integrations More Analytics & Insights tools

tools iRebal  on Veo adds options capabilities

adds options capabilities An all-new AdvisorClient portal

portal Amazon Alexa skills for RIAs and investors

skills for RIAs and investors AI-powered Virtual Agent These new offerings continue a long tradition of innovation at TD Ameritrade Institutional, which invests in solutions that can help RIAs satisfy the rising "techspectations" of clients and overcome the demographic and technology hurdles facing the industry. "No trading algorithm or investment app can replace the human connection, yet RIAs must embrace technology that enables them to grow and thrive for years to come," said Tom Nally, president of TD Ameritrade Institutional. "Advanced tools can help advisors deepen relationships, expand their capacity to serve more investors, and build businesses that can weather the challenges that lie ahead." Future-forward advisors can share information quicker and more easily across multiple channels, including smart devices powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Machine-learning fueled by big data will allow advisors to analyze customer insights and deliver a more personalized and compelling experience. Behind the scenes, automation is already handling a growing list of routine tasks, freeing humans to focus on clients and creating new efficiencies. "Superior technology is a must-have for advisors looking to compete and win over the long haul. 'Good enough' is no longer good enough," Nally said. "Consumers today demand broad access to products and services from their providers -- and they want it to be fast, easy, personalized and accessible across multiple channels. That's a tall order, but for RIAs looking to take on the future, we're leading the charge." This year, TD Ameritrade Institutional introduced Innovation Alley to National LINC, a place where advisors can explore advanced technologies such as interactive holograms, virtual reality and augmented reality headsets, even a friendly robot named Pepper -- futuristic ideas that could be everyday business in short order. And in another high-tech highlight, three finalists of TD Ameritrade Institutional's inaugural Innovation Quest competition, chosen from among 135 submissions, are presenting their proposals to move the RIA business forward. Advisors can also attend a fintech conference within a conference by visiting Veo Village, where more than 80 innovators display the latest advisor tools. This close community of collaborators has played a key role helping TD Ameritrade deliver advanced technology and gives RIAs a competitive edge. "Together, we're harnessing technology to help advisors run smoother and faster, while also making it easier for investors to do business with RIAs," Nally said. "Advanced, integrated technology can help RIAs know their clients better, personalize experiences and create those 'Wow!' moments that will grow their business." Veo One Anchoring TD Ameritrade Institutional's integrated tech ecosystem is Veo One, the industry's first single-sign-on advisor desktop. By accessing all their technology in one place, RIAs can move seamlessly among applications, saving time while getting the information they need through a more personalized experience. Today, nearly 15,000 individuals from almost 6,000 RIAs are enjoying the benefits of Veo One. And just as Veo Open Access amassed more than 150 integrations over the past eight years, the Veo One ecosystem continues to grow. Today, Veo One is integrated with 28 third-party technology providers: AdvicePay

AdvisorEngine

AdvisoryWorld

Advyzon

Albridge

Blueleaf

Docusign

eMoney

Envestnet | Finance Logix

Envestnet | Tamarac

Grendel

iRebal

iRetire (Blackrock)

Junxure

LaserApp

Laserfiche

MoneyGuidePro

Morningstar

Orion Advisor Services

Panoramix

Redtail

Right Capital

Riskalyze

SS&C Advent - Black Diamond

Salesforce

Thinkpipes

Wealthbox

YCharts Veo One also continues to add new capabilities that can drive greater productivity for RIA firms. Recently, eight technology firms and several advisory firms integrated with Veo One to streamline new account opening, offering more ways to send account data directly to TD Ameritrade Institutional for faster processing. Veo One Analytics & Insights Through Veo One, TD Ameritrade Institutional continued to build out a suite of data analytics tools that give advisors better insights into their business so firms can be more successful. The FA Insight Benchmarking Tool, launched ast year, lets advisors compare their performance against peers and identify areas for improvement. The latest addition: the Veo One Analytics & Insights Dashboard.



This customizable dashboard draws from FA Insight's data vault and other sources to offer advisors better insights into their firm's performance - from client asset growth and key revenue trends to operational efficiency -- and how they stack up against peers. Advisors can see key metrics such as asset inflows and outflows, or segment their clients based on assets, account types, demographics and other factors. There's also a net new asset goal tracker and a window on recently opened accounts. Veo One users can click on the Analytics & Insights tab to get started.

iRebal + Options Strategies TD Ameritrade Institutional also continues leveraging the power of iRebal on Veo to automate portfolio management and account rebalancing. Last year, TD Ameritrade introduced Model Market Center, an award winning platform that lets advisors import investment models from third-party money managers and apply them to client portfolios through iRebal. Now, in another industry first, iRebal can incorporate covered call option strategies when rebalancing portfolios. For advisors who use covered calls, iRebal automatically determines when option positons need to be closed out when underlying stock holdings are sold. This powerful new feature will make it easier for RIAs to use and manage covered call strategies in conjunction with portfolio rebalancing. No longer must advisors track positions in a spreadsheet and execute options trades through a separate platform. It also saves advisors time by identifying accounts with outstanding option positions. Alexa Skill for RIAs One of the hottest trends in technology today is voice-enabled search combined with machine learning. Adoption of smart speakers is expected to be faster than for any other consumer device, including the smart phone2 as consumers grow comfortable completing tasks without clicks and taps. Amazon alone has sold more than 100 million Alexa-enabled devices.3 TD Ameritrade, an early mover in offering services by phone, Internet and mobile devices, is again taking the lead by introducing two new Institutional "skills." The TD Ameritrade for Advisors flash briefing will offer practice management insights, information about upcoming events and tips on technology, all with an eye toward helping RIAs grow their firms and better serve clients. This skill, which will be tested by advisors and refined over time, can help advisors get the information they need in less than two minutes a day. Advisors are encouraged to provide feedback by leaving comments in the Alexa app. In addition, end-clients with a TD Ameritrade Institutional account can ask Alexa for their balances, positions, quotes, and market updates, offering investors a convenient, new way to stay informed and connected to their accounts. Fewer calls for basic information will create a better experience, and efficiencies, for RIAs. Clients can visit the Alexa app to enable the TD Ameritrade skill, authorize account access and set a voice PIN. These skills join a flash briefing that TD Ameritrade rolled out to individual investors last fall. Digital Service Agent And if advisors don't want to "ask Alexa," TD Ameritrade Institutional is developing a new way for advisors to get the information they need, when they need it, using advanced technology that enhances the client experience. Introducing Virtual Agent, a digital offering built right into Veo One that leverages AI and machine learning to give advisors answers on general questions related to opening new accounts at TD Ameritrade, funding client accounts and taking distributions from an existing account. Advisors will continue to have access to their existing relationship service team; the Virtual Agent adds more ways to contact TD Ameritrade without having to pick up a phone. The agent, moreover, is backed by a dedicated (human) service team providing live chat support during business hours. We're currently testing the functionality with a small number of advisory firms, which will share feedback that will shape the final product to be launched later this year. AdvisorClient.com TD Ameritrade Institutional also delivered a new, enhanced portal site for the clients of advisors. The totally redesigned AdvisorClient.com gives investors the information they need, when they need it, enhancing the client experience while reducing the volume of low-value phone calls. AdvisorClient prioritizes the information clients want to see and places it front and center, including account values and contributions. There's also a document center that lets clients view and retrieve electronic statements and tax information for their accounts. For clients, it's a faster, more secure way to manage critical account documents. Investors today also expect account access anytime, anywhere, so to complement the site TD Ameritrade Institutional offers mobile apps for Android and Apple (News - Alert) devices. Best of all, the new site has been built with an open architecture approach that can adapt to the changing needs of clients and advisors. RIAs over time will be able to add functionality to AdvisorClient through third-party technology integrations. Advisors can ask their TD Ameritrade relationship manager for information on how to access our demonstration site. To Learn More To learn more about any of TD Ameritrade Institutional's industry-leading technology solutions, visit www.tdainstitutional.com or call 800-934-6124. Options are not suitable for all investors as the special risks inherent to options trading may expose investors to potentially rapid and substantial losses. Options trading subject to TD Ameritrade review and approval. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before investing in options. The covered call strategy can limit the upside potential of the underlying stock position, as the stock would likely be called away in the event of substantial stock price increase. Access to the Veo platform's open access capabilities is provided as a service to independent advisors using the brokerage, execution and custody services of TD Ameritrade. Veo Open Access is an indication of potential programming compatibility. It does not imply any TD Ameritrade, Inc. recommendation of, endorsement of, warranty of, or fitness for use of any third party's products or services. TD Ameritrade is not responsible for information, opinions or services provided by a third party. Since TD Ameritrade must ensure that all vendors meet security requirements, integration with new vendors is not immediate and cannot be guaranteed. FA Insight is a product of TD Ameritrade Institutional, Division of TD Ameritrade Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. FA Insight is a trademark owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved. 1. TD Ameritrade Institutional is a division of TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a brokerage subsidiary of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation

2. Activate Tech & Media Outlook 2018 report, October 2017, www.activate.com

3. The Verge, interview with Amazon SVP Dave Limp, Jan. 4, 2019, https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/4/18168565/amazon-alexa-devices-how-many-sold-number-100-million-dave-limp About TD Ameritrade Institutional

TD Ameritrade Institutional empowers more than 7,000 independent registered investment advisors to transform the lives of their clients. It provides powerful technology and resources that help simplify running a business and let advisors spend time more time doing what matters most - serving their clients. Through meaningful innovation, steadfast advocacy and unwavering service, TD Ameritrade Institutional supports RIAs as they build businesses that positively impact their clients and communities. TD Ameritrade Institutional is a division of TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a brokerage subsidiary of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. About TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation

TD Ameritrade provides investing services and education to more than 11 million client accounts totaling approximately $1.2 trillion in assets, and custodial services to more than 7,000 registered investment advisors. We are a leader in U.S. retail trading, executing an average of approximately 900,000 trades per day for our clients, more than a quarter of which come from mobile devices. We have a proud history of innovation, dating back to our start in 1975, and today our team of 10,000-strong is committed to carrying it forward. Together, we are leveraging the latest in cutting edge technologies and one-on-one client care to transform lives, and investing, for the better. Learn more by visiting TD Ameritrade's newsroom at www.amtd.com, or read our stories at Fresh Accounts. Source (News - Alert) : TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation BI# 1082213 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005060/en/

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[February 07, 2019] Logicalis and Youngstown State University Create a Classroom Without Walls

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The leaders of Youngstown State University envisioned a classroom without walls, where students could attend class any time of day, from anywhere in the world, on any device. Logicalis, an international IT solutions and managed services provider, had the tools and experience to make that vision a reality. Together, Logicalis and YSU implemented a collaboration technology system to enable students to attend class, no matter where they are. With this new system, educators can knock down the walls of their classroom by teaching, meeting and interacting with students virtually. Each station features an enterprise video conferencing solution with on-demand collaboration, meeting, and web and video conferencing capabilities. "Traditional collaboration and AV equipment is often limited, complicated and costly, but the Internet of Things and cloud technology help overcome those challenges," said Mike Martin, Senior Vice President, Solutions and Services, Logicalis. "Alongside some of our key technology suppliers, we were able to install a better collaborative learning solution for YSU leveraging these next-generation technologies." Leveraging its expertise in higher education and the broader GovEd sector, Logicalis facilitated the installation and networking throughout YSU. The technology utilizes Logicalis' agnostic and easy-to-use network to power the cloud-based system, ultimately bringing educators and their students together both in and out of the classroom. "Logicalis has beeninvaluable in supporting our Classroom of the Future initiative," said Jim Tressel, President of YSU. "These technically advanced teaching spaces eliminate physical walls and allow the educational experience to occur anywhere and at any time."



Funded through a grant from a university donor, YSU launched the first three collaboration stations in the Fall 2018 semester, including in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the College of Education. As of the start of the Spring 2019 semester, 11 stations (six classrooms, five administration rooms) are installed throughout six colleges in the university, enabling thousands of students to take advantage of the collaborative technology. "The Classroom of the Future initiative underscores Logicalis' commitment to customer engagement," said Mike Houghton, CSO, Logicalis. "We make it a priority to identify areas where our comprehensive network can improve business outcomes. At YSU, these outcomes went beyond the client to the students, and we're excited to see the university and its students reap the benefits of being able to consistently communicate without limitations of distance or location."

"This started as simply a dream and a grant. Now, we have not only expanded the university's reach through this program, but more importantly, we can offer education 365 days a year, 24 hours a day," said Jim Yukech, CIO of YSU. "We've particularly valued Logicalis' expertise in higher education, especially when it comes to identifying use cases and its strong partner relationships, as they helped guide us through from start-to-finish." About Logicalis

Logicalis is an international multi-skilled solution provider providing digital enablement services to help customers harness digital technology and innovative services to deliver powerful business outcomes. Our customers span industries and geographical regions; and our focus is to engage in the dynamics of our customers' vertical markets; including financial services, TMT (telecommunications, media and technology), education, healthcare, retail, government, manufacturing and professional services, and apply the skills of our 5,700 employees in modernizing key digital pillars; data center and cloud services, security and network infrastructure, workspace communications and collaboration, data and information strategies, and IT operation modernization. We are the advocates for our customers for some of the world's leading technology companies including Cisco, HPE, IBM, CA Technologies, NetApp, Microsoft, Oracle, VMware and ServiceNow. The Logicalis Group has annualized revenues of $1.6 billion, from operations in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa. It is a division of Datatec Limited, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with revenues of over $4 billion. Follow Logicalis: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/logicalis-and-youngstown-state-university-create-a-classroom-without-walls-300791150.html SOURCE Logicalis

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[February 07, 2019] Rittal North America Announces Mike Freund as Managing Director for the U.S.

Rittal (News - Alert) North America LLC welcomes Mike Freund as Managing Director. In his new role he will lead an executive team responsible for the growth of the business as well as the company's operations, manufacturing, sales and administrative functions. Prior to joining Rittal, Freund was director of technical sales, support and training at Schneider Electric (News - Alert) . He held various leadership roles across several departments and locations at Schneider, where he worked for more than 30 years. He started his career as a general salesperson in his hometown of Pittsburgh for Square D (News - Alert) Company, which was later bought by Schneider. "Mike brings a wealth of experience to his new role; we are pleased to welcome him to the team," said Koen Wolfcarius, executive vice president for Rittal North and South America. "We're confident that his expertise will help grow Rittal's business in the United States." Across his many roles, Freund has been responsible for starting new business initiatives, overseeing operational success, and growing business with his in-depth experience within the industrial equipment market includng controls and automation.



"I've known the Rittal name for a long time; it is a high-quality product and well-respected company," said Freund. "I'm excited to apply my knowledge of Rittal's customers, channel, and market into action to increase Rittal's globally respected brand awareness and build market share here in the United States." Freund earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech and is a certified energy manager through the Association of Energy Engineers. He lives in the greater Chicago area with his wife and they have two grown children.

Click Here for a High Resolution Image:

http://cts.vresp.com/c/?GoldsteinGroupCommun/22527259f4/TEST/7229811913 About Rittal North America Rittal North America LLC is a global manufacturer of industrial enclosures and accessories, climate control, power management systems, and automation services. Rittal provides innovative, high-quality solutions built to integrate into your equipment and applications. Products are tested and certified to the appropriate standards that apply, including UL, CSA, IEC (News - Alert) , ATEX and others. For more information, visit rittal.us. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005139/en/

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[February 07, 2019] YouTube Climbs to the Top, Ranking Most Intimate Brand among Millennials, According to MBLM's Brand Intimacy 2019 Study

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- YouTube ranked the most intimate brand among millennials for the first time, climbing up from third last year, according to MBLM's Brand Intimacy 2019 Study, which is the largest study of brands based on emotions. Brand Intimacy is defined as a new paradigm that leverages and strengthens the emotional bonds between a person and a brand. "YouTube ranked 10th with millennials just two short years ago and has steadily made its way to the top," stated Mario Natarelli, managing partner, MBLM. "The brand has demonstrated an ability to entertain a diverse millennial audience through its extensive content. It is also continuing its expansion of services, including the launch of YouTube Music in 2018, as it finds new ways to connect with consumers. Millennials in particular bond strongly with the media & entertanment industry and YouTube is doing a good job at building a brand that caters to the wants and needs of this audience."



Apple and Netflix ranked as the second and third most intimate brands for this generation. Comparatively, in MBLM's 2018 study, Apple placed first followed by Disney and YouTube. The other brands that rounded out the top 10 were: Disney, Nike, Target, Xbox, PlayStation, Google and Walmart. Millennial men selected Xbox, PlayStation and Spotify as their top three and millennial women selected Target, Amazon and Disney.

The Brand Intimacy 2019 Report contains the most comprehensive rankings of brands based on emotion, analyzing the responses of 6,200 consumers and 56,000 brand evaluations across 15 industries in the U.S., Mexico and UAE. The full report will be released on February 14, 2019. About MBLM: MBLM has invented a new marketing paradigm, Brand Intimacy, delivering expertise and offerings across three areas of focus: Agency, Lab and Platform. With offices in seven countries, our multidisciplinary teams help clients build stronger bonds and deliver optimized marketing outcomes and returns for the long term. To learn more about how we can help you create and sustain ultimate brand relationships, visit mblm.com. RUBENSTEIN PUBLIC RELATIONS

CONTACT: KATI BERGOU, 212-805-3014

KBERGOU@RUBENSTEINPR.COM View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/youtube-climbs-to-the-top-ranking-most-intimate-brand-among-millennials-according-to-mblms-brand-intimacy-2019-study-300791550.html SOURCE MBLM

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[February 07, 2019] Ryan Chief Market Strategy Officer Jon C. Sweet Appointed to President of European and Asia-Pacific Operations

Ryan, a leading global tax services and software provider, announced today the appointment of Jon C. Sweet to President of European and Asia-Pacific Operations. With 26 years of industry experience, and half of those with Ryan, Sweet has served in a variety of executive roles that have focused on identifying changing client needs in the marketplace and driving expansion of Ryan's global presence. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005542/en/ Jon C. Sweet, President of European and Asia-Pacific Operations (Photo: Business Wire) "Jon is the ideal choice to lead Ryan's international operations and our global growth," said Ryan Global President and COO Ginny B. Kissling. "He was instrumental in the launch of our European operations more than a decade ago and has consistently remained involved in a leadership capacity. We are excited to have him assume this role and contribute to our goal of becoming a billion-dollar global brand in tax."



In his new role, Sweet will lead the Firm's European and Asia-Pacific operations, develop key strategic initiatives for client service, and direct Ryan's organic international growth. He will also assist Ryan's international market leaders in expanding the Firm's tax service lines and cultivating new geographic territories. "Today's global business marketplace is complex and consists of clients with unique, wide-ranging tax requirements that cover multiple jurisdictions," said Sweet. "It is exciting to provide Ryan's multinational clients one partner to give them integrated, global tax solutions. Equipping our team with necessary tools to respond to international tax needs ensures those clients get what they need to manage their taxes and compliance processes."

This move comes on the heels of Ryan's recent acquisitions of Economics Partners and Paris-based VAT Systems. These acquisitions immediately expanded Ryan's International Tax client service offerings and will deliver immediate value to the Firm's clients around the world. Sweet will begin serving in this role immediately. He will split time between his residence in Scottsdale, where he is Principal-in-Charge of the Ryan office, and London where he will be working in the Firm's United Kingdom office. About Ryan Ryan, an award-winning global tax services and software provider, is the largest Firm in the world dedicated exclusively to business taxes. With global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides an integrated suite of federal, state, local, and international tax services on a multijurisdictional basis, including tax recovery, consulting, advocacy, compliance, and technology services. Ryan is a seven-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognized as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan's multidisciplinary team of more than 2,500 professionals and associates serves over 14,000 clients in more than 50 countries, including many of the world's most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at ryan.com. "Ryan" and "Firm" refer to the global organizational network and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ryan International, each of which is a separate legal entity. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005542/en/

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[February 07, 2019] Ripple Announces New University Blockchain Research Initiative Partners, Expands to China and Singapore

Today, Ripple is announcing the latest group of partners that have joined its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI). The global initiative, which launched in June 2018, now supports 29 partners to further accelerate academic research, technical development and innovation in blockchain, cryptocurrency and digital payments. Since its launch, UBRI has helped foster increasing levels of interest and academic activity by leading faculty, post-doctoral and graduate students at many of the world's top universities. The new cohort of partners includes a broader international selection of top-tier university and college partners, representing a wide variety of academic disciplines. New UBRI partners include: Carnegie Mellon University

Cornell University

Duke University

Georgetown University

University of Kansas

University of Michigan

Morgan State University

National University of Singapore

Northeastern University (News - Alert)

University of Sao Paulo

Institute for Fintech Research, Tsinghua University Partners will utilize UBRI resources in unique ways by developing curricula, expanding or launching courses, hosting conferences and awarding scholarships to faculty and students pursuing work in blockchain, cryptocurrency, digital payments and related topics. These programs, driven by the university partners, are poised to prepare the next generation of engineers, business leaders, entrepreneurs and other professionals to apply these technologies in practice. In addition, these programs will increase positive awareness of the transformative impact that blockchain technology will have across various industries. /p>



Since its launch, UBRI has cultivated strong connections between partners and created a global network for advancing and accelerating the field. For example, the partnership with the University of California, Berkeley has resulted in cross-departmental collaboration, as several schools within the University expanded relevant course offerings, funded research projects and supported student-led activities and events, including an upcoming blockchain UI/UX hackathon. In 2018, the 600+ members of the University of Pennsylvania's Blockchain Club benefitted from UBRI through support for their annual conference and Penn faculty received funding for research and curricular development.

This year, a number of UBRI partners will host and collaborate at workshops and conferences centered on topics including blockchain, cryptography, cybersecurity, and regulation. At U.S.-based Duke University and Georgetown University, UBRI will support expanding curriculum and teaching, research and technical projects and collaboration across disciplines. Internationally, the University of Sao Paulo is receiving funding for a blockchain innovation program, which will serve as an interdisciplinary forum across its schools of engineering, law, mathematics, economics and business administration. "In less than a year, our initial UBRI partners hit the ground running with the launch of new research projects, events, course offerings and more. Expanding the ecosystem to a more global, diversified network of UBRI partners will only continue to enrich these projects," said Eric van Miltenburg, SVP of Global Operations at Ripple. "We are excited by the momentum that the Ripple UBRI Partnership has fostered at Berkeley Haas and throughout UC Berkeley in the development of blockchain, digital payments and cryptocurrency-related research and innovation," said Laura Tyson, Faculty Director at Berkeley Haas Blockchain Initiative. "In December, we awarded the first round of Ripple-funded faculty and student blockchain, digital payments and cryptocurrency-focused research grants. Also, we are sponsoring numerous student-led activities this semester, including partnering with Blockchain at Berkeley to host a blockchain/fintech industry Spring speaker series at Haas." For more information about Ripple's University Blockchain Research Initiative and its partners, visit https://ubri.ripple.com. About Ripple Ripple provides one frictionless experience to send money globally using the power of blockchain. By joining Ripple's growing, global network (RippleNet), financial institutions can process their customers' payments anywhere in the world instantly, reliably and cost-effectively. Banks and payment providers can use the digital asset XRP to further reduce their costs and access new markets. With offices in San Francisco, New York, London, Mumbai, Singapore and Sydney, Ripple has more than 200 customers around the world. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005206/en/

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[February 07, 2019] Ameresco, Rhode Island College Partner on Solar Renewable Energy Project

Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, today announced the completion of its latest collaboration with Rhode Island College to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the rooftop of Donovan Dining Center. The $300,000 project is expected to save the college more than $231,000 in energy costs over the next 15 years. Ameresco previously partnered with RIC to provide cost savings through energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to 33 buildings. "Generating clean, renewable energy on campus is a priority for Rhode Island College and Ameresco is a valuable partner in achieving that goal," said Rhode Island College President Frank D. Sanchez. "We are committed to creating a greener, more sustainable campus, as evidenced by our 2017 recognition as a Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. This project is an important step forward in that work." Ameresco installed a solar PV system on the rooftops of the Donova Dining Center and the Student Union, utilizing funding from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. The 110.9 kW system will be tied into the college's electric service and is expected to generate 132,502 kWh in the first operating year. Savings will be in the form of direct reduction of kWh usage.



"Ameresco is once again honored to be working with Rhode Island College, this time to deliver renewable solar power, an environmental and economic win for the college," said, Executive Vice President of Ameresco David J. Anderson. "This project further demonstrates to students, faculty, staff, and the community that Rhode Island College is committed to clean, renewable energy." The solar facility is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 1,358 metric tons of CO 2 annually. That would be equivalent to the CO 2 emissions from 163 homes' energy use for one year or greenhouse gas emissions from 288 passenger cars. Emission reductions were estimated using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.

About Rhode Island College

Established in 1854, Rhode Island College serves approximately 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students through its five schools: the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, the School of Business, the School of Nursing and the School of Social Work. For more information, visit www.ric.edu. About Ameresco

Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC) is a leading independent provider of comprehensive services, energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, asset sustainability and renewable energy solutions for businesses and organizations throughout North America and Europe. Ameresco's sustainability services include upgrades to a facility's energy infrastructure and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy plants. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with federal, state and local governments, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,000 employees providing local expertise in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com. The announcement of a customer's entry into a project contract is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such contract, of the company's overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in the company's overall total construction backlog. This project was reported in our contracted backlog as of September 30, 2018. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005130/en/

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[February 07, 2019] Rebag Announces $25M in Series C Funding

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Rebag, the ultimate destination for buying and selling luxury handbags, today announces $25 million in a Series C funding round, bringing its total funding raised to $52 million. Led by private equity firm Novator, this round also includes existing investors General Catalyst and FJ Labs. Rebag revolutionizes luxury handbag resale with its transparent, instantaneous resale process with upfront payment. Shoppers can refresh their closets as often as they like and access thousands of designer handbags, available online or at one of Rebag's retail locations. Rebag also recently debuted Rebag Infinity, in response to the ephemerality of fashion trends. Infinity allows shoppers to carry a Rebag bag for up to six months and exchange it for credit worth at least 70% of its original purchase price. "This model is not just transformative to the industry but the environment, and consumer buying behavior oerall," said Novator Partner Birgir Ragnarsson. "The luxury resale market holds incredible growth potential. Consumers see high-end bags as investments, and Rebag both provides an entry point to the luxury ecosystem and sustains it. Ultimately resale will become a pillar of the overall luxury ecosystem, as brands and retailers start to recognize the synergies. Rebag can offer fruitful partnerships to key players and become the underlying platform to power the industry."



The funding will serve three main uses. First, it will go toward an accelerated retail expansion plan. Rebag's data-driven approach has led the company to open stores in areas of high online adoption. The digitally-native brand currently operates five "Handbag Heavens" in NYC and LA and plans to increase that portfolio to 30 in the medium term. The retail footprint will include both standalone stores, as well as presence in major luxury malls. Rebag will also invest in scaling its technology and product team to further refine its proprietary pricing and luxury handbag evaluation tools. "We are a technology company first," says founder and CEO Charles Gorra. "Our goal is to become the standard for the luxury resale industry, just like Kelley Blue Book is the main resource for the auto industry. We will make very ambitious releases shortly to provide tools that simplify and standardize the resale process".

Lastly, Rebag will use this funding to attract talent and bolster its leadership team. Recent hires include CTO Jay Winters (Delivery.com, Goldman Sachs) and CMO Elizabeth Layne (Bonobos, Appear Here), both veterans in scaling ecommerce and marketplace businesses. The company currently has 100 employees with plans to triple its team in the near term. For more information on Rebag, please visit rebag.com Press Contact:

FACTORY PR

rebag@factorypr.com

212.941.9394 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rebag-announces-25m-in-series-c-funding-300791536.html SOURCE Rebag

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[February 07, 2019] Collective Medical Appoints Allison Barlow to Head of People

Collective Medical delivering the nation's largest and most effective network for care collaboration, today announced the appointment of Allison Barlow as head of people. Collective is enabling care collaboration across the continuum in ways never before possible-which requires a curious, tenacious and creative team dedicated to innovating. As head of people, Barlow is focused on nurturing a learning growth culture that empowers employees to reach their fullest potential and drive Collective's mission forward. Collective has tripled in size in the past year. As part of a rapid expansion following the announcement of its Kleiner Perkins-led Series A funding round in November 2017, Collective's network now operates in 22 states. Care teams across all points of care are now served by the Collective Platform, including those based in hospitals, ACOs, emergency departments, physician practices, long-term and post-acute care facilities and behavioral health providers. "Allison is deeply attuned to cultivating a culture that empowers employees to learn quickly from mistakes within an environment that promotes trust," says Chris Klomp, CEO of Collective Medical. "She has made her career on developing methods to align on a mission, tap into employees' personal motivations and invite them o help find solutions to really challenging issues that can revolutionize the industry. We're so grateful she has chosen to apply her impressive background and skill set to our collective mission."



Prior to Collective, Barlow ran an HR consultancy working hand-in-hand with growth stage companies to develop strategies to create internal alignment and define company culture to drive workplace productivity. Prior, she honed her methodologies over her 24-year career while working at O.C. Tanner, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Ken Garff Automotive Group. Throughout her career, Barlow has become passionate about creating an employee-centric environment that prioritizes trust, fun, and mutual growth. "I was drawn to Collective because it's beyond rare to find a company working to save lives and literally transform the landscape of an industry," says Barlow. "I'm proud to be among people who work tirelessly every day to achieve that important mission. Every employee is so critical to our success and growth as a company."

Barlow adds that, "I want people to love where they work-a place where we're all aligned to do a critical job-and I'm excited to chase the endless possibility of what we could be and where we could grow." Learn more about Collective's impact at www.collectivemedical.com. ABOUT COLLECTIVE MEDICAL Collective Medical empowers care teams to improve patient outcomes by closing the communication gaps that undermine patient care. With a nationwide network engaged with every national health plan in the country, hundreds of hospitals and health systems and tens of thousands of providers, Collective's system-agnostic platform is trusted by care teams to identify at-risk and complex patients and facilitate actionable collaboration to make better care decisions and improve outcomes. Based in Salt Lake City, Collective is proven to streamline transitions of care, improve coordination across diverse care teams, and reduce medically unnecessary hospital admissions. Learn more at www.collectivemedical.com and Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005263/en/

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[February 07, 2019] Tail Spend Management: Enhancing Savings for Companies by Identifying Maverick Spending and Limiting Scams | SpendEdge

SpendEdge, a well-known procurement intelligence solution provider, has announced the completion of their latest tail spend management study for a consumer electronics manufacturer. The report highlights how expanding middle-class and evolving lifestyle preferences are pressurizing companies to reduce costs and identify sustainable cost-saving opportunities. It also gives a detailed analysis of how implementing tail spend management can help companies understand spend coverage and enhance spend visibility. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005533/en/ Tail spend management study for a consumer electronics manufacturer (Graphic: Business Wire) Digitization, innovation, and dynamic needs of consumers are creating new challenges for consumer electronics manufacturers. They are now facing the need to enhance product offerings and address potential bottlenecks. This is compelling companies to implement tail spend management into their business functions and identify cost-saving opportunities by enabling spend visibility. Also, manufacturers need to set business standards and in-house policies that can help them in identifying maverick spending and limiting scams. According to the procurement experts at SpendEdge, "Leveraging tail spend management solutions can help companies to mitigate business risks and identify opportuniies to enrich processes."



The Business Problem: The client is a well-renowned consumer electronics manufacturer based in the United States. The rising market competition was creating difficulties for the company in terms of consolidating and identifying savings opportunities. Also, they were lacking access to the full data on category spend, which was impacting their process efficiency. The need to optimize their supplier base compelled the client to leverage SpendEdge's spend management solutions and streamline their sourcing processes by adopting best procurement practices. Are you facing difficulties in understanding spend coverage and improving spend visibility? Not any more. Talk to our experts and know how our procurement experts can help you with effective tail spend management solutions.

The Solution Offered: The procurement experts at SpendEdge carried out a detailed analysis of the spend data for different categories and sub-categories and formulated a customized tail spend management framework. They also provided spend management solutions that helped the company to achieve instant visible savings. The solutions offered improved spend management and enhanced the company's bottom line. This facilitated better spend visibility for the company and helped them retain suppliers who were significantly adding value to the organization. Achieving instant savings is a challenging task for many companies. If you are one of them, Request a free proposal and know how our portfolio of tail spend management solutions can improve the bottom line of your organization and result in instant visible savings. SpendEdge's spend management solutions helped the client to: Achieve instant savings.

Retain suppliers delivering value to the organization.

Still not sure about the benefits of tail spend management solutions? Request a free demo and know how our services can help you improve business processes and mitigate risks. SpendEdge's spend management solutions also offered predictive insights on: Analyzing best procurement practices followed by competitor companies.

Improving spend visibility and management for the company.

Read the complete article to know more: https://www.spendedge.com/casestudy/tail-spend-management-consumer-electronics About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more, https://www.spendedge.com/request-free-proposal View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005533/en/

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[February 07, 2019] BioAegis Therapeutics Expands Phase 1b/2a Community-Acquired Pneumonia Study to the Republic of Georgia -Successfully Completes Second of Four Dosing Cohorts

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioAegis Therapeutics Inc. announced that patient enrollment is underway in a Phase 1b/2a study of recombinant plasma gelsolin (rhu-pGSN) in Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) in the Republic of Georgia. The clinical-stage company is focused on a novel approach to address infectious, inflammatory and degenerative diseases through a portfolio built around the supplementation of plasma gelsolin levels. The Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) met on 25 Jan 2019 to review the safety data for the 6 mg/kg multiple dose level (cohort 2). Review of the safety data did not reveal any safety concerns and accordingly the DSMB recommended to start enrollment into the 12 mg/kg multiple ascending dose level (cohort 3).

Severe CAP is a leading cause of death in the US and around the world. According to the American Thoracic Society, mortality due to pneumonia has not changed in the US since antibiotics first became widely available more than a half a century ago. Significant numbers of CAP patients develop short- and long-term complications, placing a significant burden on the health care system. Survivors often require ongoing care for lingering neurocognitive and functional disabilities even after being discharged from the hospital. BioAegis, together with Investigators at Vanderbilt and Northwestern Universities along with CDC scientists had previously demonstrated in human samples that patients admitted to the hospital with Community-Acquired Pneumonia have depressed levels of plasma gelsolin at presentation and that the extent of this depression predicts subsequent adverse outcomes. Therapeutic efficacy of rhu-pGN supplementation has been consistently demonstrated in greater than 25 infectious and non-infectious disease animal models. Moreover, due to its host-based mechanism, rhu-pGSN has further demonstrated effectiveness against both gram-positive and gram-negative infection, including pathogens resistant to multiple antibiotics.



Susan Levinson, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of BioAegis stated, We are very pleased with the professionalism of our Georgian collaborators and the speed and efficiency in opening sites and enrolling patients. Mark DiNubile, MD, Chief Medical Officer, commented, Harnessing the bodys immune system offers a safe, powerful approach that can lead to more effective therapies for serious infectious and non-infectious inflammatory diseases. We eagerly look forward to successfully completing the remaining 2 cohorts in our dose-finding safety trial.

Plasma Gelsolin Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) is an abundant circulating protein that enhances macrophage antimicrobial activity, limits the excessive spread of inflammation, and neutralizes actin exposed by damaged cells. Decreased pGSN levels at presentation are not only found in CAP patients, but also in patients with diverse infectious and non-infectious inflammatory diseases, who are at high risk for developing serious complications. About BioAegis Therapeutics BioAegis Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical stage, private company whose mission is to harness the bodys innate immune system to address adverse outcomes in diseases driven by inflammation and infection. BioAegis platform of opportunities exploits the multifunctional role of plasma gelsolin (pGSN), a highly conserved, endogenous human protein. * https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03466073 This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations of management. These statements relate to, among other things, our expectations regarding managements plans, objectives, and strategies. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. BioAegis assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this press release in the event of changing circumstances or otherwise, and such statements are current only as of the date they are made. For further information: Steven Cordovano, 203-952-6373

Email: scordovano@bioaegistx.com

www.bioaegistx.com

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[February 07, 2019] SentryOne Introduces Database Monitoring Edition Targeted to Smaller Environments

SentryOne launched SQL Sentry Essentials, a new edition of the company's top-rated SQL Sentry database monitoring product that provides core monitoring capabilities for up to five database targets at $995 per targeted SQL Server instance. SQL Sentry Essentials includes the most frequently used features for monitoring, diagnosing, and optimizing SQL Server performance. This new edition is ideal for small and medium companies as well as larger organizations that need to monitor specific data systems within their environment. "SQL Sentry Essentials is a perfect choice when you need to deploy SQL Server performance management at a small scale, or if you need enterprise capabilities but aren't ready to build the case for an investment in a larger database performance management solution," said Jason Hall, SentryOne VP of Product Management. "This new edition gives you the crucial information you need to get to the root of your SQL Server performance problems." SentryOne introduced SQL Sentry Essentials to meet the industry need for a monitoring solution that provides powerful core monitoring capabilities but excludes advanced features valued by larger enterprises. "Everyone needs to monitor their databases, but not everone needs all the advanced features of our flagship product, SQL Sentry," said Andy Mallon, SentryOne Product Manager. "We've distilled the feature list down to the most essential monitoring capabilities, now available as SQL Sentry Essentials. This new edition is a powerful, capable solution for companies who need to monitor up to five instances, all at a very attractive price."



SQL Sentry Essentials includes five of the most frequently used SQL Sentry features, helping data pros view essential real-time performance metrics, identify high-impact queries that are slowing performance, use proactive notifications to prevent problems, analyze SQL Server blocking and deadlocks, and view Windows resource metrics. SentryOne customer David Klee, Heraflux Technologies Founder and Chief Architect, said that one of the features included in SQL Sentry Essentials, the Performance Analysis Dashboard, gives actionable information that helps data pros quickly identify and address problems.

"Lots of other utilities provide 'pretty' dashboards that do not provide much meaning," Klee said. "SentryOne gives you a dashboard that presents vital performance statistics. Anything unusual jumps out at you and helps you refine how you approach that server." SQL Sentry Essentials is priced at US$995 per license, which can be applied to one targeted SQL Server instance, plus US$199 for annual maintenance (first year required). Subscription pricing is available at US$50 monthly (annual commitment required). For more information, visit sentryone.com/sqlsentry-essentials. About SentryOne

SentryOne empowers Microsoft (News - Alert) data professionals to build, test, document, and monitor SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and the Microsoft Data Platform. We help companies accelerate performance across the data lifecycle with unmatched scalability, best-in-industry customer support, and the most powerful data performance management capabilities available. Our team includes a core group of Microsoft MVPs and staff located in Charlotte, NC, Jacksonville, FL, Salem, NH, and Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at SentryOne.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005104/en/

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[February 07, 2019] Virtual Instruments Earns Common Criteria Certification to Meet Stringent Federal Government Security Standards

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virtual Instruments , the leader in hybrid infrastructure management, announced today that its VirtualWisdom Platform Appliance v5.7 has completed the Common Criteria certification process. By achieving the certification, Virtual Instruments provides critical security assurance to customers in highly regulated industries, including federal government, financial services and healthcare.

Corsec



Corsec Logo



As the centerpiece of the VirtualWisdom hybrid infrastructure management and AIOps platform, the VirtualWisdom Platform Appliance holistically monitors, analyzes and optimizes the health, utilization, capacity and performance of IT infrastructure within the context of the application. The completion of the Common Criteria certification under the NIAP-approved collaborative Protection Profile for Network Devices (NDcPP) gives governments and end users confidence that the VirtualWisdom Platform Appliance has passed strenuous documentation and testing requirements. Common Criteria is an internationally recognized set of guidelines (ISO 15408), which define a common framework for evaluating security features and capabilities of Information Technology products. The standard consists of several predetermined evaluation assurance levels, each one more stringent than the last. Common Criteria allows vendors to have theirproducts tested against a chosen level by an independent third-party testing laboratory. The Common Criteria Mutual Recognition Agreement (CCRA) is a pact, which was designed to allow all evaluations up to an EAL 2 to be recognized by all participating countries, regardless of where the evaluation was completed. There are currently 28 countries involved in the CCRA, including the United States and Canada, with others that follow unofficially, such as the EU.



The completion of the Common Criteria certification process for the VirtualWisdom Platform Appliance demonstrates Virtual Instruments commitment to product security, giving federal agencies and regulated industries the ability to purchase a third-party-tested, verified, and trusted hybrid infrastructure management solution, said Jake Nelson, Corsec Security, Inc. Director of Marketing. Corsec, the global leader in product security requirements hardening, assisted Virtual Instruments with its Common Criteria evaluation and helped streamline the certification effort. The U.S. government mandates Common Criteria certification of security products for federal purchases. Through the NSTISSP No. 11, federal agencies are required to purchase only those commercial security products that have met specified third-party assurance requirements and have been tested by an accredited national laboratory.

Federal government agencies rightfully place a premium on the security of their constituents data and information, and expect their hybrid infrastructure solution providers to assure the highest level of security in their products, said Jay Lambke, President, Government Acquisitions, Inc. With Virtual Instruments Common Criteria certification, our federal agency customers gain invaluable peace of mind that they are in compliance with the worlds most stringent security requirements. The Common Criteria certification is a significant achievement for Virtual Instruments, as it provides our customers with invaluable third-party assurance that the VirtualWisdom platform meets the most stringent security requirements, said Jeff Jordan, VP of Federal Sales, Virtual Instruments. The certification underscores our commitment to delivering industry-leading solutions  validated through a rigorous testing process  to the U.S. and other international federal government agencies. In addition, this certification further illustrates the completeness of our hybrid IT infrastructure management solutions versus competitive offerings that lack certification. About Virtual Instruments

Virtual Instruments is the leader in application-centric hybrid infrastructure management. It provides comprehensive infrastructure instrumentation and performance analytics for enterprise data centers. The companys solutions give IT teams deep workload visibility and actionable insights into their end-to-end systems across the hybrid data center. Virtual Instruments empowers companies to maximize the performance, availability and utilization of their production IT infrastructure from the data center to the cloud. The privately held company is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. For more information, visit https://www.virtualinstruments.com . About Corsec Security

For two decades Corsec has assisted companies through the IT security certification process for FIPS 140-2 , Common Criteria (CC) and the DoDs APL . We are a privately-owned company focused on partnering with organizations worldwide to assist with the process of security certifications and validations. Our certification methodology helps open doors to new markets and increase revenue for clients with products ranging from mobile phones to satellites. Our broad knowledge safeguards against common pitfalls and thwarts delays, translating to a swift and seamless path to certification. Corsec has created the benchmark for providing business leaders with fast, flexible access to industry knowledge on security certifications and validations. For further information, please visit www.corsec.com Contact

Anne Stanley

10Fold for Virtual Instruments

virtualinstruments@10fold.com

+1 415 800 5383 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1aba9684-a6a6-48b4-846d-54169f61cfa2 //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d20d7054-fb77-4dde-8761-5ce3e2e5707a

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[February 07, 2019] Dodge Momentum Index Recovers in January

The Dodge Momentum (News - Alert) Index rose 4.7% in January to 157.7 (2000=100) from the revised December reading of 150.6. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Data & Analytics, is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. January's increase reflected similar gains for the two components of the Momentum Index - institutional building, up 5.0%; and commercial building, up 4.6%. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005080/en/ Dodge Momentum Index (Graphic: Business Wire)



The January increase essentially reverses December's decline, and brings the overall Momentum Index back to November's level. January's reading is also consistent with the monthly average for the second half of 2018, and just slightly below the current expansion's high mark set in July 2018. Notably, however, the commercial component remains below the highs set during the summer of 2018, while the institutional component has gained traction as public funding for projects such as schools and transportation terminals remains supportive.

In January, nine projects each with a value of $100 million or more entered planning. The leading commercial building projects were two $300 million CloudHQ data centers in Ashburn VA. The leading institutional building projects were a $235 million arena renovation project in Phoenix AZ and a $140 million academic building at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill NC. About Dodge Data & Analytics: Dodge Data & Analytics is North America's leading provider of analytics and software-based workflow integration solutions for the construction industry. Building product manufacturers, architects, engineers, contractors, and service providers leverage Dodge to identify and pursue unseen growth opportunities and execute on those opportunities for enhanced business performance. Whether it's on a local, regional or national level, Dodge makes the hidden obvious, empowering its clients to better understand their markets, uncover key relationships, size growth opportunities, and pursue those opportunities with success. The company's construction project information is the most comprehensive and verified in the industry. Dodge is leveraging its 100-year-old legacy of continuous innovation to help the industry meet the building challenges of the future. To learn more, visit www.construction.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005080/en/

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[February 07, 2019] Telrad Networks Appoints Eran Shalev as Chief Technology Officer

Telrad Networks, a global provider of innovative LTE (News - Alert) telecom solutions, today announced the appointment of Eran Shalev as the new Chief Technology Officer. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005210/en/ Eran Shalev takes on 5G strategy as CTO at Telrad (News - Alert) Networks (Photo: Business Wire) Shalev will be responsible for the continued development of Telrad's technology roadmap and path to 5G, harnessing his extensive experience of 28 years in the telecom industry. Chris Danies, President of Telrad's Wireless Division, stated, "We are delighted to welcome Eran to our team. For many years, Telrad has been a leader in delivering new and innovative broadband wireless solutions around the world. We believe that Eran's background in telecom, mobility, and software will ensure that we maintain a leadership position as we deliver our next-generation broadband wireless access solutions to operators."



Over the course of his career, Shalev held management positions at Nokia (News - Alert) including Business Development Director. He previously worked at leading companies such as IAF, Cellcom, Golden Lines, and TTI in various roles in engineering, business development and marketing. He founded two Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Israel, where he deployed both 3G and 4G technologies. For the last few years, Shalev served as CEO of Cellact Communications, an Israeli 4G MVNO, where he led the company's team with a future-focused strategy. Eran Shalev, Chief Technology Officer of Telrad Networks, said: "I am thrilled to join this forward-thinking and innovative technology business in the telecom sector. Telrad's technological solutions have been serving operators for many years, helping them deliver connectivity to rural and underserved areas globally. There is tremendous opportunity before us, with 5G on the horizon, and I am excited to help Telrad pave the path to success."

Telrad Networks Telrad Networks is a global provider of innovative LTE telecom solutions, boasting over 300 deployments in 100 countries. With a path to 5G, Telrad stands at the forefront of the technology evolution of next-generation TD-LTE solutions in the sub-6 GHz market. Since 1951, the company has been a recognized pioneer in the telecom industry, facilitating the connectivity needs of millions of end-users through operators, ISPs and enterprises around the world. (www.telrad.com) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005210/en/

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[February 07, 2019] 1st Global Hires Laurie Stack to Lead Enterprise Initiatives

1st Global, an independent wealth management partner to exceptional CPA wealth management firms and financial advisors, today announced the addition of accomplished industry executive Laurie Stack to its senior leadership team. As assistant vice president and head of enterprise initiatives, Stack will be responsible for planning and executing key strategic initiatives across the organization and leading the company's Enterprise Project Management Organization. She will report directly to Chief Operating Officer Paul Stewart and work closely with company President David Knoch. "We are thrilled to add Laurie to our executive leadership team," said David Knoch, president of 1st Global. "1st Global is continuously seeking ways to grow our footprint and enhance the advisor experience we deliver to affiliate CPA and wealth management firms. We believe the depth of Laurie's skills and her experience at some of the industry's largest firms brings invaluable expertise to our company." Stack brings more than 20 years of experience driving successful programs in wealth management, including business development, recruiting, relationship management, training and business operations, to her new post a 1st Global. Formerly she held several senior-level positions at some of the industry's most respected wealth management companies, including Director of Recruiting and Head of Business Development at Wealth Consulting Group, Senior Vice President and Head of Relationship Management at Cetera Advisors, Executive Director and Head of Internal Recruiting and Transition Services at Oppenheimer, and Senior Vice President, Governance, Risk and Compliance at LPL Financial Services.



As the executive overseeing enterprise initiatives, Stack will be responsible for enhancing the new advisor onboarding experience, identifying and installing an advisor dashboard and exploring business expansion opportunities through additional affiliation models and service areas. Stack will also assist in providing succession support and guidance to affiliated firms, as well as executing enhanced customer retention strategies. "I'm excited to be joining 1st Global at such an important time," Stack said. "The company is focused on offering best-in-class enterprise solutions to the CPA and financial advisors we support. I very much look forward to working with these firms and ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed and grow."

About 1st Global 1st Global was founded in 1992 by CPAs who believe that accounting, tax and estate planning firms are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive wealth management services to their clients. 1st Global is a research and consulting partner that provides CPA, tax and estate planning firms with education, technology, business-building framework and client solutions that make these firms leaders in their professions through dedicated professional client relationships built around wealth management. Around 400 firms have chosen to affiliate with 1st Global, making it one of the largest financial services partners for the tax, accounting and legal professions. Securities are offered through 1st Global Capital Corp. which is a member of FINRA and SIPC and is headquartered at 12750 Merit Dr., Ste. 1200 in Dallas, Texas, 214-294-5000. Investment advisory services are offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. Additional information about 1st Global is available at www.1stGlobal.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005456/en/

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[February 07, 2019] Arch Biopartners Awarded NRC-IRAP Funding to Further Develop Metablok Drug Program

TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arch Biopartners Inc., (Arch or the Company) (TSX Venture: ARCH and OTCQB: ACHFF), today announced that the National Research Council  Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) has approved funding totaling $200,000 for Arch scientists to further develop the Metablok (LSALT peptide) program. Metablok is the Companys lead drug candidate for treating acute kidney injury and other organs damaged by inflammation.

The NRC-IRAP funds will be used to advance the drug library that is now emerging at Arch as a result of the initial development of Metablok. About Arch Biopartners Arch Biopartners Inc. is focused on the development of innovative technologies that have the potential to make a significant medical or commercial impact. Arch has established a diverse portfolio that includes Metablok, a potential treatment for inflammation, sepsis and cancer metastasis; AB569, a potential new treatent for antibiotic resistant bacterial infections in the lung, urinary tract or wounds; and, Borg peptide coatings that increase corrosion resistance and decrease bacterial biofilm on various medical grade metals and plastics.



For more information on Arch Biopartners, its technologies and other public documents Arch has filed on SEDAR, please visit www.archbiopartners.com The Company has 58,532,302 common shares outstanding.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, in this news release are forward looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or managements estimates or opinions change. 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. For more information, please contact: Richard Muruve Chief Executive Officer Arch Biopartners, Inc. 647-428-7031 info@archbiopartners.com

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[February 07, 2019] TWOSENSE.AI Awarded DoD $2.42M Security Contract for Behavioral Biometrics

Today TWOSENSE.AI announces it has been awarded a $2.42M contract through Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) by the Army Contracting Command (ACC) to deploy deep neural networks for continuous multifactor authentication. The contract was awarded through the Rapid Innovation Fund on October 25th, 2018. TWOSENSE.AI is the leading provider of AI-based invisible, continuous authentication for the workplace. TWOSENSE.AI is a B2B hybrid SAAS product that invisibly and continuously authenticates users by their behavior, such as how they walk, type, carry their device, or interact with the screen. TWOSENSE.AI will be working with DISA to create a government product to further secure employee identity while improving the usability of secure systems. "Both DISA and TWOSENSE.AI believe that continuous authentication is the cornerstone of securing identity. Behavior-based authentication is invisible to the user, therefore it can be be used continuously without creating any extra work," said Dr. Dawud Gordo, CEO of TWOSENSE.AI.



This work stems from DISA's Assured Identity initiative to create continuous identity security within the DoD, and eventually, replace the Common Access Card (CAC) with traditional and behavioral biometrics. This initiative builds on and leverages existing partnerships between DISA and Qualcomm (News - Alert) for the purpose of hardware-backed device-level hardware attestation, and Samsung to create the mobile Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) as an extension of their existing SoC capabilities with Knox. TWOSENSE.AI's machine learning technology models the unique behavior of each user, such as the way they walk, interact with their phone, commute to work, and how and where they spend their time. Through the power of deep learning, algorithms are highly personalized, learning the personal characteristics that make each user unique on an individual level. The product leverages mobile and workstation behavioral biometrics, as well as proximity, to create invisible continuous multi-factor authentication for the workplace. Continuous authentication drastically reduces the risk of a breach while improving the user experience by removing authentication challenges, creating the world's first secure yet user-friendly employee authentication platform.

About TWOSENSE.AI: TWOSENSE.AI is a New York company focused on a deep learning-based artificial intelligence that recognizes the behavior of the authorized user. TWOSENSE.AI is helmed by a team with PhD machine learning expertise, years of enterprise application building experience and a leadership background in cybersecurity. TWOSENSE.AI offers a b2b SAAS product that invisibly authenticates users by their behavior, drastically reducing organizational risk and improving usability. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005006/en/

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[February 07, 2019] Haven Cyber Technologies acquires Onevinn, the Leading Swedish provider of Microsoft Cloud Services and Solutions

Haven Cyber Technologies ("Haven") today announces its acquisition of Onevinn, the leading Swedish provider of Microsoft (News - Alert) cloud security services and solutions. The acquisition reflects Haven's continued focus on strengthening its solutions, products and consulting competencies and becoming the leading European Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP). Onevinn offers security solutions for the cloud and the mobile connected world. The specialist venture capital firm C5 Capital leads Haven based out of Luxemburg. Haven is one of the fastest growing Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP) in Europe. The acquisition of Onevinn and in particular its work with Cloud Security Services in Microsoft Azure will amplify the product and service offers of the combined Haven group. The common goal of Havens operating companies - ITC Secure and Onevinn - is to provide enterprises with outstanding cybersecurity services and products. Haven will develop a common product and services offering across its operating companies. In addition to Onevinn, Haven acquired G3 Cyber Consulting in London and SBD Advisors in Washington D.C. in 2018 as bolt on acquisitions to ITC Secure. Both contributed to the exceptional growth of ITC Secure in 2018. ITC achieved over 50% top line growth in 2018. Havens exceptional network of cyber security experts combined with outstanding business leaders and company builders is positioning the Company for further acquisitions in Europe in 2019. The Board of Haven includes: Olivier Weddrien , Executive Chairman of the Board - former CEO of DZ Equity Partner in Germany and lead Cranemere LLC, an industrial investment holding company in Germany.

, Executive Chairman of the Board - former CEO of DZ Equity Partner in Germany and lead Cranemere LLC, an industrial investment holding company in Germany. Christoph von Falck , Group CEO of Haven - former Head of Strategic Asset Management for Airbus Defence and Space

, Group CEO of Haven - former Head of Strategic Asset Management for Airbus Defence and Space Andre Pienaar - Founder of C5 Capital

- Founder of C5 Capital Sir Mick Davis - former CEO of Xstrata plc

- former CEO of Xstrata plc Mike Garland - Former Partner of Permira, the global private equity fund

- Former Partner of Permira, the global private equity fund Mark Testoni - CEO, SAP (News - Alert) National Security Services (SAP NS2)

- CEO, SAP (News - Alert) National Security Services (SAP NS2) William Kilmer - former CEO and Chairman of Public Engines and Managing Partner in C5 Capital C5's Senior Advisers Paddy McGuinness, the former UK Deputy National Security Adviser for Intelligence, Security and Resilience, and General Sir Graeme Lamb, the former Director of UK Special Forces, bring unrivalled experience to te Haven Board.



Andre Pienaar, Founder of C5 and Haven said, "It is more important than ever to be able to provide companies and organisations with an integrated platform that can help them cover all their cyber security needs. Haven is led by a Board that has great experience in cybersecurity and in sustainable growth by acquisition. The acquisition of Onevinn expands Haven into Scandinavia and further strengthens our partnership with Microsoft as a leading cloud platform." Olivier Weddrien, Executive Chairman of Haven said, "With the transition to cloud services accelerating and maturing across Europe, the acquisition of Onevinn will enable Haven to be a leader in this space, providing world class solutions to our customers and supporting the geographic reach of the group."

Christoph von Falck, Group CEO of Haven said, "In recent years it has become clear that companies can no longer 'get by' when it comes to cybersecurity. Today, staying safe online is a Board-level issue, and one that requires significant investment. Most organisations don't have the in-house expertise to tackle this growing issue and must look to outside providers. This presents a clear opportunity for Haven, an integrated industrial holding, which provides a wide range of services and applications to keep companies safe and resilient to the rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats faced by every company. We are very pleased to have acquired Onevinn and ensure that Haven is a cutting-edge cyber security tool for companies across Europe and the world. We very much look forward to working with them." Claes Kruse, Founder and CEO of Onevinn said, "We're all very excited and looking forward to this new journey together with C5 and Haven. The culture within C5 and Haven and their impressive portfolio is a perfect match for us." END About Haven Cyber Technologies Haven Cyber Technologies is a pan-European industrial holding which is focused on creating a European champion in Managed Security Solution Providers (MSSP) for enterprise customers. Haven brings together a network of organisations onto its platform, enabling it to offer a bespoke product suite to each client. Companies within Haven maintain their own brands and management and benefit from innovation across the platform, which focuses on cloud computing, machine learning and automation and also provides companies with world-class talent and mentorship. Haven is headquartered in Luxemburg and was launched in October 2018. http://www.havencyber.com/ About C5 Capital C5 Capital Limited (C5) is a specialist venture capital firm, focused on Innovative Technologies in Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing. Headquartered in London, C5 also has offices in Washington, Munich, Luxembourg and Bahrain. www.c5capital.com About Onevinn Onevinn is a Swedish Microsoft cloud services and solutions market leader that enables intelligent security solutions for the cloud and mobile connected world. https://www.onevinn.se/ About ITC Secure ITC provides cyber threat advisory and managed security services to help organisations assess, manage and mitigate their risk - and ultimately to protect their key data assets and the reputation of their brand. We provide independent assessments and clear outcome-based recommendations that assist businesses make the right cyber investment choices. From our dedicated secure operations centre in London, we deliver a comprehensive range of managed security services that enable us to detect and respond to cyber events 24x7x365. https://itcsecure.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005334/en/

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[February 07, 2019] TiECon Mumbai 2019 Concludes With Key Takeaways and Disruptive Ideas

MUMBAI, February 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The 10th TiECon Mumbai concluded on a high note after Mondadas Pai, Chairman, Manipal Global Education, asked Mumbaikars to think, imagine and create startups in content and fintechs because Mumbai is a hub for creativity and financial services. "We have to do things with a sense of urgency. Startups will create $500 billion in value by 2025," said Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Manipal Global Education, speaking at a session. He added, "India will create the maximum amount of value in this part of the world." India's vaulted stock market investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Partner, Rare Enterprises, said, "We are on a growth path that is irreversible, when it comes to the Indian economy." He was speaking at TiECon Mumbai in a fireside chat with Atul Nishar, president TiE Mumbai. He said India would grow irrespective of the outcome of the elections, even as he would like to see the Modi government in power. He concluded by saying, "India is greater thn its political parties."



This year's theme, 'Unexplored' focused on technology-driven innovation and disruption which will reshape businesses, and offer new opportunities and hidden threats. The 2-day program focused on the future of ideas, entrepreneurship and the leadership needed to embrace, navigate through remarkable breakthroughs and journeys which haven't been fathomed so far. TiECon is a key networking and mentor-seeking conclave for startups, and at the same time it brings investors in touch with a range of founders looking for funding.

Held at NCPA, Nariman Point, Mumbai, the closing day saw a raft of sessions on topics from 'The World is Fluid' to 'The Big Power of the Small Screen' and closed with a fireside chat with actor Katrina Kaif. About TiE The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), was founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley by a group of successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals with roots in the Indus region. Since 1992, TiE has been supporting entrepreneurs by offering education, mentorship, networking and funding opportunities. The mission of TiE is to foster entrepreneurship globally through the 5 pillars of TiE: mentoring, networking, education, funding and incubation. Dedicated to the virtuous cycle of wealth creation and giving back to the community. TiE's focus area is to generate enable the next generation of entrepreneurs. There are currently 11,000 members, including over 2,500 charter members in 60 chapters across 17 countries. TiE's mission is to foster entrepreneurship globally through mentoring, networking, and education. Dedicated to the virtuous cycle of wealth creation and giving back to the community, TiE's focus is on generating and nurturing our next generation of entrepreneurs. Media Contact:

Jacqueline Patel

jacquelinepatel@yahoo.com

+91-9967040369

TiE Mumbai



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[February 07, 2019] O3b Satellites Arrive at Kourou for March Launch

Four new O3b Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites have arrived safely at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, in preparation for launch by a Soyuz rocket from Arianespace in late March 2019, SES (News - Alert) announced today. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190206005848/en/ O3b Satellites Arrive at Kourou for March Launch (Photo: Marie Ange Sanguy) The new Ka-band satellites will join SES's existing constellation of 16 MEO satellites manufactured by Thales (News - Alert) Alenia Space, orbiting at approximately 8,000 km from Earth and serving customers based in more than 40 countries. By increasing the size of the constellation from 16 to 20 satellites, SES Networks will offer enhanced coverage while providing greater service availability and reliability to cater to the increasing demand for bandwidth in the government, telecom, cloud, maritime and energy markets. The O3b fleet of MEO satellites is the only proven non-geostationary (NGSO) constellation to provide carrier-grade commercial broadband services today. O3b is the only satellite-based system capable of delivering MEF (News - Alert) Carrier Ethernet 2.0 (CE2.0) certified services, which meet the same stringent functional and performance requirements of CE2.0-certified terrestrial fibre services. The combination of O3b's fibre-equivalent performance and massive geographic reach means the system can deliver high-performance data solutions - including cloud services and applications - across the globe. Enabled by the O3b system, ES Networks is the only satellite-based provider to be certified as an IBM (News - Alert) Cloud Direct Link Service Provider.



With these four new satellites, SES completes the first generation of a unique high-power, high-throughput fleet of 20 satellites operating in MEO. Each satellite has a mass of approximately 700 kilograms at lift-off and provides capacity of more than 10 Gigabits per second. Additionally, the MEO system's next generation, O3b mPOWER, is the only fully-funded NGSO broadband system in development, and will be fully-integrated and backward compatible with the existing O3b system starting in 2021. "Since becoming operational in 2014, the unique offering of the O3b MEO system has transformed communities and disrupted industries by empowering people with new opportunities," said Ruy Pinto, Chief Technology Officer at SES. "Expanding the O3b constellation enables us to continue elevating the connectivity experience, driving digital transformation and increasing cloud-scale adoption, by seamlessly integrating satellite-based services into the broader global terrestrial network."

Follow us on: Social Media Blog Media Library White Papers About SES SES is the world's leading satellite operator with over 70 satellites in two different orbits, Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). It provides a diverse range of customers with global video distribution and data connectivity services through two business units: SES Video and SES Networks. SES Video reaches over 351 million TV homes, through Direct-to-Home (DTH) platforms and cable, terrestrial, and IPTV (News - Alert) networks globally. The SES Video portfolio includes MX1, a leading media service provider offering a full suite of innovative services for both linear and digital distribution, and the ASTRA satellite system, which has the largest DTH television reach in Europe. SES Networks provides global managed data services, connecting people in a variety of sectors including telecommunications, maritime, aeronautical, and energy, as well as governments and institutions across the world. The SES Networks portfolio includes GovSat, a 50/50 public-private partnership between SES and the Luxembourg government, and O3b, the only non-geostationary system delivering fibre-like broadband services today. Further information is available at: www.ses.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190206005848/en/

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[February 07, 2019] OurCrowd Announces Agenda for 2019 OurCrowd Global Investor Summit Highlighting the Global Impact of Startup Technologies

OurCrowd, a leading global investment platform and Israel's most active venture investor, has announced programming for the OurCrowd Global Investor Summit, to be held on March 7, 2019, in Jerusalem, Israel. Reflecting the Summit theme of "Startups: Making a Global Impact," the agenda will highlight the incredible power of breakthrough technologies to make a real and lasting difference in the world. "This year's Summit celebrates how in today's globalized climate, startups are able to amplify their knowhow to tackle the critical, complex challenges facing society," said Jon Medved (News - Alert) , Founder and CEO of OurCrowd. "Our event is the premier showcase of Israeli technology, and a golden opportunity for investors looking to meet the very best that Startup Nation has to offer the world." Keynote speakers include: Prof. Daniel Kahneman , Nobel (News - Alert) Prize-winning economist and author, on the behavior of impact entrepreneurs

, Nobel (News - Alert) Prize-winning economist and author, on the behavior of impact entrepreneurs Nuseir (Nas) Yassin , top Facebook blogger and entrepreneur, on what drives progress around the world

, top Facebook blogger and entrepreneur, on what drives progress around the world David Bonderman , Founding Partner of top-tier private equity firm TPG, on why he created the largest impact fund in history

, Founding Partner of top-tier private equity firm TPG, on why he created the largest impact fund in history Dr. Kira Radinsky, Director of Data Science and Israel Chief Scientist for eBay (News - Alert) , on applying her population research to global health solutions

Director of Data Science and Israel Chief Scientist for eBay (News - Alert) on applying her population research to global health solutions Ron Fisher, President of Softbank Holdings and Vice Chairman of Sprint (News - Alert) , on how mature startups can solve global challenges Mainstage content includes eye-opening sessions on how startup technologies are addressing global challenges, such as AI drone software assisting first responders to locate flood victims, focused ultrasound enabling Parkinsons patients to walk, submarine-based HVAC systems improving air quality and reducing pollution, and innovative AgTech approaches increasing crop yield and conserving water in third-world countries. Throughout the Summit, attendees will understand and engage in discussions of the risks and opportunities brought on by the innovation revolution. Some examples include: The Great Tech Debates: Designer Babies, Big Brother, and the New Plagues," three face-offs between some of the leading minds in tech, business, and science, tackling the ramifications of genetic editing, the risks and opportunities of governments addressing a robotic future, and whether manufactured medicines will save the human race or wipe it out

three face-offs between some of the leading minds in tech, business, and science, tackling the ramifications of genetic editing, the risks and opportunities of governments addressing a robotic future, and whether manufactured medicines will save the human race or wipe it out "Top 10 Tech Impact Trends for 2019," predicting what's going to be impactful, disruptive, and actionable in the coming year

predicting what's going to be impactful, disruptive, and actionable in the coming year "The OurCrowd Impact Master Classes," teaching the art and science (and business) of doing well by doing good, featuring eye-opening insight and nuts-and-bolts tutorials on investing models, defining and measuring impact, and building an impact business

teaching the art and science (and business) of doing well by doing good, featuring eye-opening insight and nuts-and-bolts tutorials on investing models, defining and measuring impact, and building an impact business "The Cannabis Revolution (News - Alert) : Saving Lives and Changing Society," first-person accounts of the incredible ability of cannabinoids to replce addictive painkillers, address development delays caused by autism, alleviate PTSD symptoms, and more



"Two Truths and a Lie," an interactive, entertaining game featuring five masters of the VC world, which will shed light on the mechanics and opportunities of investing through VC funds

an interactive, entertaining game featuring five masters of the VC world, which will shed light on the mechanics and opportunities of investing through VC funds "Demo Theater," showcasing the coolest, most eye-popping technologies from the innovators themselves - popcorn included

showcasing the coolest, most eye-popping technologies from the innovators themselves - popcorn included "Hacked Cars, Stolen Identities, and Short-Circuited Pacemakers: Cybersecurity in a Connected World," in which professionals from five key sectors present rapid-fire presentations on tech defenses that could make the difference between prosperity and failure, life and death

in which professionals from five key sectors present rapid-fire presentations on tech defenses that could make the difference between prosperity and failure, life and death "OurCrowd University," a three-part intensive course on the fundamentals of investing and building startups Summit attendees will enjoy a 360-degree full-day experience, with real-time demos and dynamic sector spaces allowing them to interact with some of the coolest technologies on the market - or not yet on the market. From virtual reality to medical diagnostic devices to consumer products, it's a chance to personally experience the future, including:

SportsTech Arena

MedCheck Lab

Cannabis Greenhouse

Korea Pavilion

Australia Tech Space

Italian Plaza

India Pavilion

Impact Alley (nonprofits and NGOs)

Full-scale model of the SkyTran mag-lev transportation pod In keeping with OurCrowd's model of democratizing venture capital, the Summit will once again host an "Open Mic for Entrepreneurs," providing a stage for startup hopefuls to win over an audience, and a chance for investors to get a first look at some potentially overlooked opportunities. Reflecting the Summit theme of "Global Impact," attendees will also be treated to plant-based burgers and hot dogs presented by breakthrough startup Beyond Meat. All leftover food from the Summit will be given to those in need, facilitated by Summit partner Leket Israel. There are a few tickets still available. RSVP today at summit.ourcrowd.com. For Summit press inquiries email leah@ourcrowd.com / Visit the Summit Press Center," where you can find Summit News, Press Releases, Media Toolkit, and a Make an Announcement page. Press can register at https://summit.ourcrowd.com/press-registration/. Note to Editors - About OurCrowd:

OurCrowd is a global investment platform, bringing venture capital opportunities to accredited investors worldwide. A leader in equity crowdfunding, OurCrowd is managed by a team of seasoned investment professionals and is led by serial entrepreneur Jon Medved. OurCrowd provides support to its portfolio companies, assigns industry experts as mentors, and creates growth opportunities through its network of strategic multinational partnerships. The OurCrowd community consists of almost 30,000 accredited investors from over 150 countries. OurCrowd has raised over $900 million and invested in 170 portfolio companies and funds. To join OurCrowd as an accredited investor visit www.ourcrowd.com and click "Join." About the 2019 OurCrowd Global Investor Summit:

The OurCrowd Global Investor Summit, Where the startup world gathers. The 2019 OurCrowd Global Investor Summit, taking place March 7 in Jerusalem, Israel, is one of the premier events in the tech industry, and the largest business event in Israel's history, with 15,000 expected to register to attend. The Summit provides an interactive, front-row seat to the formerly closed world of startup venture capital, with exclusive exposure to cutting-edge technologies, the entrepreneurs behind them, and the corporate leaders deploying them. Top investors, venture capitalists, corporate partners, entrepreneurs and journalists come from around the world both for Summit day as well as a week of events that include tours of the Israeli ecosystem, corporate meetups, and cultural and historical excursions. Thousands more will participate through livestreaming. Learn more at summit.ourcrowd.com. For Press Materials: http://blog.ourcrowd.com/OCSUMMITNOW 2018 OurCrowd Global Investor Summit Photos / 2018 OurCrowd Global Investor Summit Videos View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190206005011/en/

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[February 06, 2019] HONOR View20 takes users on an unseen journey with 48MP AI Ultra Clarity photography

HONG KONG, Feb. 6, 2019 /CNW/ -- HONOR, a leading smartphone e-brand, today launched a special 'See The Unseen' photography challenge to showcase the capabilities of the HONOR View20's impressive 48MP AI Ultra Clarity camera, which is able to capture an incredible amount of detail. The challenge encourages users to use this revolutionary technology to discover compelling stories, capture vivid experiences, and push the limits of their creativity. For smartphone photography, nothing is more important than photo quality and clarity, and HONOR View20 is bringing these measures to new highs. The rear camera of the HONOR View20 is the first ever to be powered by the Sony IMX586 stacked CMOS image sensor, which features 48 effective megapixels on a 1/2-inch sensor unit to deliver excellent image quality. As a result, you'll see richer details and more vibrant colors in the AI-optimized shots taken with the HONOR View20. In addition, the dual-NPU and dual-ISP Kirin 980 chipset has improved the image and camera processing capabilities of the phone by 134% and 46% respectively. Combined with the already astonishing power of the camera's 48MP sensor, the result is unprecedented mobile photography potential. The 'See The Unseen' photography challenge is supported by star Instagram travel blogger Jack Morris, the face of the travel blog Do You Travel which attracts over 2 million followers; and Murad Osmann, one half of travelling Instagram-couple Murad and Nataly, of the web phenomenon #FollowMeTo.



p> Both Jack and Murad will be campaign mentors and judges during the two-month photo-challenge campaign involving three key themes: 'Unseen Love'; 'Unseen Heroes'; and 'Unseen World', to encourage HONOR users to discover the countless stories and adventures that surround them wherever they are in the world.

Each week during the campaign, mentors Jack and Murad will select the most interesting of the submitted pictures, which will feature on the HONOR Gallery, a dedicated online photographic community for HONOR smartphone users, and HONOR social channels together with a background story to accompanying the shot. Competition entries can win exciting prizes including the latest HONOR View20 smartphones. In 2018, HONOR's strong business performance saw a 170% YoY increase in overseas markets. To further drive the business growth, HONOR officially announced its brand upgrade at the HONOR View 20 Global Launch in Paris, which revealed the new logo with moving color, the new slogan of "HONOR MY WORLD" and all-new partnerships with brands loved by global youth. The 'See The Unseen' photography challenge and HONOR Gallery have also been developed as part of HONOR's brand upgrade to satisfy the growing needs of global youth. To find out more about HONOR and join the 'See The Unseen' photography movement, entrants can post their pictures using the hashtags #SeeTheUnseen and #HONORMade on Instagram, or upload submissions to HONOR Gallery at https://www.hihonor.com/global/events/honorview20-photo-contest/ About HONOR HONOR is a leading smartphone e-brand. The brand was created to meet the needs of digital natives through internet-optimized products that offer superior user experiences, inspire action, foster creativity and empower the young to achieve their dreams. In doing this, HONOR has set itself apart by showcasing its own bravery to do things differently and to take the steps needed to usher in the latest technologies and innovations for its customers. For more information, please visit HONOR online at www.hihonor.com or follow us on: https://www.facebook.com/honorglobal/

https://twitter.com/honorglobal

https://www.instagram.com/honorglobal/

https://www.youtube.com/c/honorofficial/ View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/honor-view20-takes-users-on-an-unseen-journey-with-48mp-ai-ultra-clarity-photography-300790396.html SOURCE HONOR

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[February 06, 2019] CLB Americas Announces New Advanced Silicon Anode & Binder Material Package for NextGen High Energy Lithium Batteries

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- For several years, CLB Americas Inc. and its affiliates have been conducting R&D work optimizing their proprietary silicon carbon anode material (SiCAM) to enhance lithium ion battery performance. Today, CLB is announcing the development of an industry-leading high capacity silicon anode material for next generation batteries to be used in electric vehicles (EV), consumer electronic devices, power tools and energy storage systems. Recent tests conducted by multiple parties show that the combination of the CLB's M Series SiCAM anode material coupled with the Ashland SoterasTMMSi binder exhibits superior (2X+) anode capacity and stable cycle life performance compared to other competing silicon anode materials. According to Dr. Alan E. Goliaszewski, Research and Development Director, Performance Additives at Ashland, "We have seen that the CLB silicon carbon M Series anode material coupled with the Ashland Soteras MSi binder produces an outstanding anode electrode material package with over 90% first cycle efficiency, lower swelling, better charge rates and extended stable cycle life. Used appropriately, it can increase battery energy density by up to 30%." Global efforts to develop next generation high energy Lithium Ion Batteries (LIBs) to enable longer driving range EVs and high-performance battery-powered 3C devices are well underway. Given the need for key materials for next generation LIBs, the industry has seen a worldwide collaborative effort in developing a viable (stable) high capacity silicon anode material. The challenge is that silicon expands and contracts over 360% during charge-discharge cycles and this creates cycle stability problems, causing the battery performance to quickly fade. Many research institutes, university laboratories, and related industries have proposed and studied novel Si materials for use in a LIB anode. "The CLB technology can be used to produce a novel and robust Si dominant electrode that delivers very promising performance and provides a practical solution to battery and EV OEMs looking to incorporate silicon anodes into their next generation high energy density batteries," said Dr. Junbing Yang, CLB's President/CTO and SiCAM inventor. CLB recently announced it will be giving away free samples o SiCAM electrodes containing the Ashland SoterasMSi binder to key prospective customers. This is an effective way for prospective customers to initially validate their new high capacity silicon composite anode material in a timely manner. "The outstanding performance data suggest that our SiCAM anode material coupled with the Ashland binder is a step-change technology to making game-changing next generation EV and 3C lithium batteries," said Phil Roberts, CEO of CLB.



SiCAM is a Silicon Composite that was developed by CLB Americas Inc. as a breakthrough very high specific capacity drop-in anode material for use in most all lithium-ion batteries. The CLB process uniformly embeds and chemically bonds nano silicon particles throughout a proprietary carbonaceous composite matrix, and thus enables a stable, long life Si anode-based LIB with superior performance at a competitive price. Soteras MSi binder is a unique water-based binder for high-capacity silicon-based anodes in lithium ion batteries. It controls swelling, resulting in superior cycle performance at capacities greater than 400 mAh/g when used with silicon oxide (SiOx) and silicon composite (SiC) technologies. Flexible and strong, SoterasMSi binder is compatible with current industry processing requirements.

About CLB Americas Inc. Headquartered at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) CLB is the manufacturer of a high capacity transformational silicon carbon anode material for Nextgen Lithium ion batteries. The CLB Si-C material is now in pilot-scale (MTs) production in California and is ramping up into full-scale commercial production in starting in 2019. Visit www.clbattery.com to learn more. For more information about the CLB Si-C material, global sampling and collaborative opportunities, please contact Mr. Phillip Roberts, CEO of CLB via email phil@clbattery.com About Ashland

Ashland Global Holdings Inc. is a premier global specialty chemicals company serving customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including adhesives, architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical. At Ashland, we are approximately 6,500 passionate, tenacious solvers  from renowned scientists and research chemists to talented engineers and plant operators  who thrive on developing practical, innovative and elegant solutions to complex problems for customers in more than 100 countries. Visit ashland.com to learn more.  Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries. Related Images fig-1-a.png

Fig. 1(a)

SEM image of CLB's SiCAM material fig-1-b.png

Fig. 1(b)

test results of electrode containing Ashland's SoterasTM MSi binder and CLB's SiCAM material View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clb-americas-announces-new-advanced-silicon-anode--binder-material-package-for-nextgen-high-energy-lithium-batteries-300791337.html SOURCE CLB Americas Inc

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[February 06, 2019] Thanachart Bank Agrees New Partnership With Global Fintech Beehive Asia to Launch SME Value Chain Financing Program

BANGKOK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Value Chain Financing Program Partnership - Signing Ceremony First of a kind fintech partnership for Tbank in corporate space

Digitalized supply chain provides improved liquidity for SMEs Mr. Anuwat Luengtawekul EVP, Chief Retail & Small Business Banking, said, "It is our strategic direction to enhance our digital technology capability to deliver a better customer experience. The new Value Chain Financing Program will digitalize the traditional supply chain process and revolutionize SME access to finance." (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818540/TBank_and_Beehive_Partnership.jpg ) SMEs can experience challenges trying to find finance fast enough to maintain good working capital and ensure continued growth. The partnership with Beehive Asia, part of the global Beehive fintech group, will offer enhanced digital financial solutions to SMEs looking to improve liquidity through Invoice Finance. eehive, a fintech pioneer, has considerable experience developing digital finance products for SMEs.



"We look forward to co-operating with Sponsors (large and medium corporates) who have creditworthy SME suppliers that can access loans through the Value Chain Financing Program. This product is unsecured lending, low interest, maximum 90% of invoice value and has no-front end fee. It is also available for businesses that are not currently Tbank customers. "This is an exciting opportunity to combine synergies. Uniting Thanachart brand awareness with Beehive's innovative fintech capabilities, the Value Chain Financing Program will bring greater efficiency and value to customers and put Tbank at the forefront of Thailand's 4.0 digital economy," Mr. Anuwat Luengtawekul added.

Mr. Justin Wright, Beehive's Head of Asia, said: "The Value Chain Financing Program offers significant potential for Tbank to strengthen their SME product portfolio. We look forward to a strong collaboration with a view to further expansion of the partnership in the future." About Thanachart Bank:lssss Thanachart Bank Public Company Limited (TBANK) is Thailand's sixth-largest bank by assets size and the country's leading automobile lender. With more than 500 branches nationwide, Thanachart Bank offers a full range of financial services to over 4 million customers including Retail, Hire Purchase, Corporate and SME banking, Insurance, Life Assurance, Securities Brokerage and Fund Management. As of Mar 31, 2017, Thanachart Bank's total assets exceeded 1 trillion baht. About Beehive Asia: Beehive Asia, part of the global Beehive fintech group, is a digital platform providing smarter finance solutions to businesses, financial institutions and investors. Combining financial market experience with technology innovation, we accelerate efficiency and functionality to deliver new financial solutions to market. SOURCE Beehive Asia (Beehive P2P Ltd.)

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[February 07, 2019] WidePoint Corporation Appoints Richard L. Todaro and Julia A. Bowen to its Board of Directors

FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WidePoint Corporation (NYSE American: WYY), the leading provider of Trusted Mobility Management (TM2) specializing in Telecommunications Lifecycle Management, Identity Management and Bill Presentment & Analytics solutions, has appointed Richard L. Todaro and Julia A. Bowen to its board of directors. The appointments of Todaro and Bowen as Class III directors are in accordance with the terms of the appointment and standstill agreement (dated July 3, 2018) by and between WidePoint Corporation and Nokomis Capital, L.L.C., whereby Todaro is the appointee of Nokomis and Bowen as the mutual appointee. With Todaro and Bowens appointments, WidePoints board of directors expands to seven directors, including six independent directors and one inside director.

Todaro spent 20 years at Kennedy Capital Management, a St. Louis-based, boutique investment firm with more than $5 billion of assets under management, where he held several positions, including portfolio manager and a member of its board of directors. Prior to Kennedy Capital Management, Todaro served as an advisory board member of the University of Missouri  St. Louis Finance Department as well as Gateway Greening. He has also served as a director on public company boards, including Telenav from 2015 to 2016 and B. Riley Finacial from 2014 to 2018. Todaro served in the Air National Guard as a staff sergeant from 1992 to 1998. Todaro received a BSBA in Finance from the University of Missouri  St. Louis and a Master of Finance from Saint Louis University. Todaro is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and passed the Uniform Investment Advisor Law examination.



Bowen is currently senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of The MITRE Corporation, where she advises on all legal matters, including cybersecurity, contracting, international and global presence, intellectual property, HR, and national security. Previously, Bowen held several senior positions in the private sector, including chief legal counsel of DHL Global Mail, vice president, general counsel and secretary of QuadraMed Corporation, and vice president, general counsel and secretary of TREEV. Bowen is an active member of industry, academic and professional groups, including the Executive Circle Advisory Board of the Northern Virginia Technology Council, the Board of Visitors of The Catholic University of Americas Columbus School of Law and the Association of Corporate Counsel. Bowen graduated from The Catholic University of America, where she received her bachelors and law degrees. She is admitted to the bars of Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia. Jin Kang, Chief Executive Officer and President of WidePoint Corporation, stated: We are excited to welcome Richard and Julia to our board, who join us at an important inflection point in our business. Both individuals bring expert strategic experience and perspective to our company, which we believe will be instrumental as we continue to grow our business and solution offerings. We are confident Richard and Julie will make a positive impact on WidePoint, and we look forward to the benefits our organization, customers, and shareholders will receive from their expertise.

About WidePoint

WidePoint Corporation (NYSE American: WYY) is a leading provider of technology-based management solutions, including telecom management, mobile management, access management and identity management. For more information, visit widepoint.com . For More Information: Matt Glover and Charlie Schumacher

Liolios | Investor Relations

(949) 574-3860

WYY@liolios.com

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[February 07, 2019] TRADER Corporation Releases Canada-First, Next Generation Website Solution to Canadian Automotive Retailers

All-new and improved website solution, TAdvantage, now available to automotive retailers across Canada following major upgrades to TRADER's technology stack TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2019 /CNW/ - TRADER Corporation announced today the release of the all-new and improved TAdvantage, the company's flexible and intuitive dealership website solution designed to drive optimal consumer engagement and create website experiences that are truly unique. The launch of the new fully customizable website platform comes as a result of TRADER's vision to bring innovation in-house and to be adaptive and responsive to feedback from customers across Canada. The innovation roadmap begins with TRADER's dealer partners. "We listened to feedback from hundreds of customers nationwide about the challenges they experienced with our third-party website platform, and invited them to share their thoughts on what our new technology solutions should encompass," said David McMinn, Chief Operating Officer at TRADER. "By bringing these technologies in-house and building the new TAdvantage from the ground up with our customers' needs in mind, we are delivering more rapid innovation and the most advanced, Canada-first website solution in market." The new TAdvantage was built by Canadians, for Canadians. It features superior technology, improved performance reporting and analytics, enhanced personalization functionality, and advanced integration with digital advertising campaigns. It is a cohesive solution that is engineered to optimize the entire consumer journey from Marketplace to digital ads to websites. A growing product innovation team and Canada-first technology stack. Organizations evolve over time and the ones who truly care abut their customers' needs adapt to changing market realities. TRADER has made significant investments in building, acquiring and engineering its technology stack and product solutions to ensure every aspect is driven by Canada's unique automotive market needs.



4 Technology innovation hubs in Canada





40+ Digital product experts







200+ Talented developers





400+ Digital and automotive professionals The new TAdvantage is backed by the flexibility and security of the WordPress open-source platform and is responsive across all devices including desktop, mobile and tablets. Major innovations include website personalization, dynamic finance calculator on the Vehicle Details Page (VDP), real-time website customization, and flexibility to build custom landing pages. Future iterations of the website platform will also include integration with Instant Cash Offer, a new online tool that generates certified vehicle valuations for consumers looking to sell or trade-in their vehicles, and connects dealers directly with these pre-qualified consumers. To ensure long term, sustainable traffic growth to dealership websites and inventory, TRADER has developed a premium Search Engine Optimization (SEO) solution that is fully integrated with the new TAdvantage. The SEO solution brings authority to the dealerships brand identity online through content creation, local optimization and in-depth SEO audits conducted by channel experts. TRADER's live Chat solution is also available on TAdvantage dealership websites, enabling automotive retailers to leverage conversational commerce throughout the consumer journey. This will allow retailers to further engage with consumers and shorten the time car shoppers typically spend inquiring about inventory and dealership-related information, helping to improve their car buying experience and get them into the dealership sooner. TAdvantage is also integrated with TRFFK, the market leading digital advertising solution that enables retailers to advertise their dealership and inventory across major Canadian media channels and seamlessly integrate creative and content to promote their brand. Say hello to better with the all-new TAdvantage and 1-SOURCE. The new TAdvantage website platform is accessible through TRADER's new inventory management system, 1-SOURCE. Much like TAdvantage, 1-SOURCE was built from the ground up with Canadian automotive retailers' needs in mind and engineered to optimize workflows and deliver better performance results. It is a single sign-on solution for all TRADER products, and features faster and all-new customization capabilities, enhanced usability, and sophisticated functionality  all designed to make dealers' lives easier and more efficient. TRADER's new TAdvantage website platform is focused on speed of innovation and prompt customer feedback adaptation  all clearly linked to Canadian dealer and consumer needs. The new Canada-first, next generation website solution is now available to automotive retailers across Canada. For more information on the new TAdvantage, visit: go.trader.ca/TAdvantage About TRADER Corporation

TRADER Corporation is the leading digital marketing partner for Canadian automotive retailers and manufacturers. With over 16 million visits a month and more than 4.1 million mobile app downloads, TRADER's automotive marketplace  autoTRADER.ca  is the #1 source for all things automotive in Canada. The company offers retailers and manufacturers access to a robust audience of new and used car shoppers, best-in-class digital advertising, website and software solutions, and rich data insights. For more information, visit: go.trader.ca Follow TRADER on LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube! SOURCE TRADER Corporation

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[February 07, 2019] Smart Parking Solutions Increasingly Palpable in Malls to Increase Footfall, Notes Fact.MR

Advancements in internet of things technology is opening gateways to new opportunities for smart parking solution developers to explore. Innovations in ubiquitous computing coupled with the developments in cloud platforms are opening up new avenues for smart parking solutions companies to venture into. The rising popularity of data-driven operations and the benefits associated with it are causing an increase in the adoption of parking software around the world.







According to a recent Fact.MR study, the smart parking solutions market was valued at over $3000 million in 2018. IoT proliferation, couple with the strengthening wireless infrastructure around the globe continues to uphold demand for system devices in the smart parking solutions market. The system devices segment of the smart solutions market is expected to be valued at over $1500 thousand in 2019. Demand for parking software is anticipated to closely follow the suit of system devices.



A huge inflow and outflow of consumer vehicles in the premises of these institutions makes manual management of parking spaces complicated. Often manual management of parking spaces leads to inefficiencies and leakage of revenues. With parking management software, parking lot owners are being provided with an efficient system to manage their spaces while boosting their revenues.





Request For Sample Report- https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1844 Demand Remains Robust for Valet Parking Management Systems The Fact.MR study opines automated valet parking solutions to witness highest growth in the foreseeable future. Automated valet parking management solutions are gradually replacing the orthodox valet parking systems. Valet parking has become a popular trend in urban areas, and companies are launching automated valet parking management solutions to meet the needs of the urban population.



The automated valet parking system uses a combination of technologies to find the consumer a perfect place to park thus unburdening them of the hassle to find a parking space. Additionally, smart valet parking management solutions offer the convenience of drivers retaining their keys, knowing the exact place of parking and the way to their spot. According to the study, smart valet parking solutions witnessed a Y-o-Y growth of 9.9% in 2018 over 2017.



Browse Full Smart Parking Solutions Market Report with TOC- https://www.factmr.com/report/1844/smart-parking-solutions-market Continued Investment of Government and Municipalities in Smart Parking Solutions A Rapid rise in the number of automobiles coupled with the scarcity of parking spaces is one of the leading causes of traffic congestion in urban areas. Recent studies have concluded that over 25% of traffic congestion incidences around the world can be attributed to the scarcity of parking spaces. Further, the demand for flexible payments systems for parking has been on the rise. In addition to these, smart parking solutions contribute to a healthier environment by ensuring a free flow of traffic which, in turn, aids in the substantial reduction in pollution. Due to these factors government and municipalities are looking to streamline the parking management throughout cities in order to comprehensively reduce commute time while offering the convenience of hassle-free parking systems.



North America will continue to maintain the largest share of the smart parking solutions market owing to the presence of some of the major OEM in the region. Further, increasing investments in smart city solutions in the region will drive smart parking solutions market growth in North America. Owing to these factors, the total investments made on smart parking solutions in the continent surpassed the $900 million mark in 2018.



Request Methodology of this Report- https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RM&rep_id=1844 Apart from North America the smart parking solutions market is expected to grow at an exponential rate in Japan. The upsurge of the smart parking solutions market in the region can be attributed to the rapid technological advancements coupled with the scarcity of parking spaces in the country. Investors in the region are realizing the potential that the smart parking solutions market holds and are investing heavily in it. For instance, SoftBank announced it would be launching its own application that would allow people to book and pay for parking spaces in advance. Akippa, a firm which operates an IoT-based parking lot in Japan, raised $22 million to expand its services and launch a new mobility app to further streamline the parking procedure in Japan.



The Fact.MR report tracks the smart parking solutions market for the period 2018-2028. According to the report, the citrus essential oils market is projected to grow at 9% CAGR through 2028.



To Buy Smart Parking Solutions Market Report, Check- https://www.factmr.com/checkout/1844/S About Fact.MR Fact.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; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.



Contact Us Fact.MR 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Email: sales@factmr.com Web: https://www.factmr.com/ As a community-building service, TMCnet allows user submitted content which is not always proofed by TMCnet editors. If you feel this entry is of inferior quality or wish to report it for some reason, please forward the URL to "webedit [AT] tmcnet [DOT] com" with your comments.

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[February 07, 2019] Smart Greenhouse Market  Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2018  2026

The global market for smart greenhouse is foreseen to observe promising development all through the coming years. The rising ubiquity of the technology is anticipated to support market development in the coming years. Additionally, the utilization of smart greenhouse innovation helps essentially in expanding the yield and productivity of solar and floating controlled greenhouse.







Based on technology, the market is grouped into LED, HVAC, communication technology, grow light, water system framework, irrigation system, control framework, valves and pumps, and others. The kinds of smart greenhouses canvassed in the report are non-hydroponic and hydroponic. The market is classified based on region into Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and Latin America, Middle East and Africa (LAMEA).



Browse The Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smart-greenhouse-market.html The developing requirement for smart cultivating inferable from the massively rising populace is one of the key factors that is anticipated to enhance the development of the global smart greenhouse market in the following couple of years. Moreover, the developing fame for rooftop cultivation and industrial improvements are foreseen to energize the development of the entire market in future. The rise of vertical cultivation in urban regions and the developing awareness among purchasers with respect to the advantages of embracing smart greenhouse are anticipated to quicken the markets development.





In actuality, the high expense of smart greenhouse is considered as one of the key reasons foreseen to confine the development of the global smart in the coming years. Also, the joining of advances and the necessity of high starting venture are evaluated to hamper the development of the market. Nevertheless, the utilization of AI gadgets, control gadgets, and sensors that empower automation, water system, and control of the environment is required to contribute considerably towards the improvement of the smart greenhouse market all over the globe.



Get PDF Sample for this Research Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=5672 Europe is relied upon to lead the general market and record for a key offer in the coming years. The powerful development of this district can be ascribed to the expanding appropriation of smart greenhouse innovation over the most recent couple of years. Moreover, a noteworthy commitment from the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy is foreseen to support the development of the smart greenhouse market in Europe all through the gauge time frame. As a community-building service, TMCnet allows user submitted content which is not always proofed by TMCnet editors. If you feel this entry is of inferior quality or wish to report it for some reason, please forward the URL to "webedit [AT] tmcnet [DOT] com" with your comments.

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[February 07, 2019] Infor Opens New Office in Charleston, West Virginia to Serve U.S. Government Agencies

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Infor , a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry, today announced that it has opened a new office in Charleston, West Virginia, to run cloud applications for U.S. Government Agencies (at the federal, state and local level). The office also will work closely with government contractors supporting these agencies. With more than 17,000 employees, Infor offers purpose-built software applications for select industries, including the public sector. Over 1,500 state, local and federal entities run CloudSuite Public Sector. Infor anticipates that it will hire 100 technical employees in Charleston in the disciplines of software engineering, cloud operations, and consulting and support services to support its public sector customers. The office will expand as Infor adds additional customers. "I am thrilled that Infor has chosen to locate a regional office in Charleston, bringing with it more than a hundred new, good-paying tech jobs to the state," said U.S. Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia. "I'm pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with Infor CEO Charles Phillips and his team on a number of occasions over the last year to discuss our skilled workforce and solidify the positive value of doing business in the Mountain State." Infor is partnering with Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and with West Virginia State University in Institute, West Virginia (just northwest of Charleston), to build a pipeline of skilled talent that is trained in software engineering, cloud operations, and support services related to Infor products. These universiies are part of Infor's Education Alliance Program (EAP), which provides member organizations access to free software used in business computing, as well as hands-on technical training.



"I am thrilled Infor has decided to open a new office in Charleston," said U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia. "This announcement helps reaffirm our ability to compete for high-skilled jobs and attract investment from leading global firms, like Infor." Infor's Coleman Artificial Intelligence Platform is named after the inspiring physicist and mathematician Katherine Coleman Johnson, whose trail-blazing work at NASA helped U.S. astronauts land on the moon. Coleman graduated with highest honors from West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University), earning bachelor's degrees in mathematics and French.

"I can't tell you how proud I am to welcome Infor to the Mountain State," said West Virginia Governor Jim Justice. "I applaud their commitment to hiring West Virginians and to working with our local higher-education institutions to help keep more of our graduates right here at home. With the expansion of Infor, we can better attract other growing tech companies and show them why doing business in West Virginia is a great investment." Infor CEO Charles Phillips said, "I thank Senators Joe Manchin and Shelly Moore Capito and many others who assisted Infor in establishing Charleston as a major cloud operations center. Infor has operations in over 200 countries and territories but selected the great state of West Virginia for this important initiative." The new Infor 12,000-square-feet office is set up to support 100+ employees. It is located on the 6th floor of the 18-story Laidley Tower building at 500 Lee Street East in downtown Charleston  one block away from the Charleston Transit Center and next to numerous downtown businesses. Tweet This:

@Infor opens new office in Charleston, #WestVirginia, to run #cloud applications for U.S. Government Agencies. http://bit.ly/2GpV1FC About Infor

Infor is a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry. With 17,300 employees and over 68,000 customers in more than 170 countries, Infor software is designed for progress. To learn more, please visit www.infor.com. Infor customers include: 19 of the top 20 aerospace companies

9 of the top 10 high tech companies

18 of the 25 largest U.S. healthcare delivery networks

18 of the 20 largest U.S. cities

19 of the top 20 automotive suppliers

17 of the top 20 industrial distributors

15 of the top 20 global retailers

4 of the top 5 brewers

17 of the top 20 global banks

9 of the 10 largest global hotel brands

8 of the top 10 global luxury brands Media contacts:

Steve Bauer

Infor

(628) 444-5101 (office)

(650) 670-7135 (mobile)

steven.bauer@infor.com Samantha Smith

Office of Marketing and Communications

West Virginia Department of Commerce

(304) 558-2234 (office)

samantha.smith@wv.gov View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/infor-opens-new-office-in-charleston-west-virginia-to-serve-us-government-agencies-300790656.html SOURCE Infor

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[February 07, 2019] Banks Award $375K Grant to Rehab 38 Mississippi Homes

A $375,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and member institution, The First, A National Banking Association (The First), will rehabilitate 38 homes in Laurel, Mississippi. The grant was awarded to Laurel Housing Authority, which will provide repairs ranging from minor repairs and painting to substantial roof and structural repairs. Laurel Housing Authority Executive Director Ailrick D. Young said the grant will make a significant impact on the community. "This grant will help residents who have worked their entire lives to own their own homes, yet their retirement funds don't cover the costs of critical repairs," said Mr. Young. "The AHP grant will make life more comfortable for 38 families in an area that so desperately needs it." Senior Vice President and Director of Community Development at The First, Jerome Brown, said partnership and heart are the foundation of community investment. "Our philosophy is rooted in our commitment to the community," said Mr. Brown. "Community investment starts with a passion for paying it forward and utilizing the tools at hand. In this case, the tool we used is the AHP through our FHLB Dallas membership." FHLB Dallas annually returns 10 percent of its profits in the form of AHP grants to the communities served by its member institutions such as The First. 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 comunities and single-family homes.



"We appreciate The First's long-time use of the AHP," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "Many people will be positively affected by their commitment to the improvement of the community." In 2018, FHLB Dallas awarded $14 million in AHP grants to 29 projects that will result 1,853 new or renovated housing units. Of that, $6.2 million was awarded to Mississippi projects, and will result in 897 new or rehabilitated housing units. Since the inception of the AHP in 1990, FHLB Dallas has awarded more than $278 million in AHP and AHP-funded grants to assist more than 51,000 families.

Mr. Young said without the grant, the repairs most likely would not be possible. "We are overjoyed to have received the funding for these repairs," said Mr. Young. "I cannot emphasize how important programs such as the AHP are to our mission." Visit fhlb.com/ahp for more information on the AHP. About The First, A National Banking Association The First, A National Banking Association, headquartered in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, began as a dream on a back porch in South Mississippi. A group of local businessmen talked about creating a bank that would take care of business by taking care of people one customer at a time... and The First was born. Now, that dream has grown from a back porch to cities and towns all over South Mississippi, South Alabama, and Louisiana. The First is more than a bank... because it is still a group of friends building relationships and taking care of business one customer at a time! The First currently has 73 locations and assets of $3 billion. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank system created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $73.7 billion as of September 30, 2018, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 825 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005929/en/

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February 07, 2019

There are millions of white label SEO agencies in the market, so let us not talk about each of them. All it takes to find them is a quick Search.

Instead, lets discuss what you ought to search for. This will help you narrow down the options and make the best decision.

Finding the right one is a pretty daunting task. There are a lot of things to look at such as the agency's credibility, the results they provided to their previous clients and all that. Now in this article, we will look into those factors that make a white label SEO company the right one for your business.







Here are a few things to consider before hiring one without breaking a sweat. What this means is, these are the points every business wants to check.

Always Check the Website

A first-rate white label SEO Reseller does what it claims. To put it differently, they must have their own service site that looks perfectly optimized for their own business.

Not only should it be easier to find the company on Googles (News - Alert) search results for any competitive keyword, but it must also have the best on-page SEO practices. In other words, their website will tell you everything about their competency in the said business. The website reflects their skills and abilities. You should also look into the design of the website and see if it is easy to use and loads speedily.

To get a better perception about a websites backlink quality, you better use Monitor Backlinks Free Backlink Checker tool.

Read Reviews of Their Clients

As a good company, you want to offer your clients the best possible services to help their businesses succeed without compromising on your reputation. Also, it would not do you any good if you mistakenly employ the services of a second-rate SEO reseller. It'll only weaken your brands popularity and wreck all the efforts you put into building its recognition.

Ripoff Report is a website that exposes scams. It also publishes complaints about companies to alert people, so that they can steer clear of them.

Ask The Providers to Show Their Case Studies and Samples

Apart from having an optimized site, the seller must be able to provide proof of their quality services.

There's no doubt that this is actually non-negotiable. So, when they don't show the proof of how superior their professional services are, do not hire them as your SEO reseller. It is that easy.

Test Their Customer Service, Review Their Frequently Asked Questions

To summarize, it is your business that is at stake here. If they do a nasty job of search engine optimization for your clients, then your business will have to bear the impact of the criticism.

So, make sure you get relevant answers to all your concerns and questions before proceeding.
Andrew "Andy" J. Martin, 78, of Gastonia, NC formerly of Fairmont, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. He was born on May 14, 1943 in Fairmont son of the late John and Mary Coughlin Martin. He is survived by his children: Vickie Lynn (John Raymond)
YPrime, a Malvern, PA-based provider of cloud-based eClinical solutions, received an investment from Flexpoint Ford, a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on the healthcare and financial services industries.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

Following the investment, YPrime will continue to operate as an independent company led by its current management team, who will also retain a substantial ownership stake. Ballast Point Ventures (BPV), which has backed YPrime since 2013, will retain a minority stake in the company and invest alongside Flexpoint in the transaction.

Flexpoint Ford will provide the strategic resources and capabilities to strengthen the next phase of growth.

Founded in 2006 by Shawn Blackburn, CEO, and also led by Mark Maietta, President, YPrime provides software solutions and consulting services that enable collaborative clinical trial data collection and information management for biopharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations. The companys eClinical suite includes electronic clinical outcome assessments (eCOA), interactive response technology (IRT) and eClinical consulting and integration services.

FinSMEs

06/02/2019
BETHLEHEM - Three Vermont residents were arrested on Tuesday after trying to buy multiple iPhones from an AT&T store under fraudulent pretenses, police said.

Morgaine Mitchell, 30, Melvin Clarida, 31, and Mark C. Hamilton, 19, were charged grand larceny, a felony, and conspiracy, a misdemeanor. Clarida was also charged aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle for having 24 active suspensions and revocations of his driving privilege, police said.
SARATOGA SPRINGS - A truck that sank to the bottom of Saratoga Lake last month  while it was being used to try to recover another truck stuck on the ice  was retrieved this weekend, the state Department of Environment Conservation said.

Environmental conservation officers were called to the lake on Jan. 27 for reports a truck had fallen into the frozen lake, DEC officials said.

They found a mid-size pickup about a half mile off Brown's Beach with its front wheels stuck in the lake. But this was not the truck they had received the call about.

After an investigation, officers learned that the partially submerged truck had become stuck the night before. The owner of the truck and a friend returned to the lake around 2 a.m. with a full-size pickup in hopes of retrieving the stuck one.

"While traveling across the ice to the stuck vehicle, the larger truck broke through the ice and sunk to the bottom," DEC stated in a press release. Both occupants of the truck were able to escape and get to shore safely, officials said.

The two returned during the day, but because the water had refroze they could not find the sunk truck. Officers, the two men and nearby residents searched for the sunk truck, which was found about a quarter-mile from shore.

The stuck truck had been removed, but due to the cold weather the sunk truck could not be removed until this past weekend. No automotive fluid was observed in the water or on the ice, DEC said.

Officials said DEC will not take any enforcement action as long as no automotive fluids are released.

This is not the first time a vehicle has been recovered from the lake. In 2011 a Kentucky man fled from New York Racing Association security and city police following an alleged domestic dispute at the race track.

The man drove his vehicle to the Saratoga Lake boat launch and into the lake.

The vehicle sank as the man, who told officials he could not swim, stood on top of it.

The man was rescued and the vehicle was removed shortly after.
ALBANY  Lawmakers grilled state Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia for four hours on Wednesday, asking her about everything from measles vaccines to classroom technology to teacher evaluations and school safety strategies. One, freshman Queens Democratic Sen. John Liu, even asked Elia if she believed in ghosts (he was joking).

But one glaring issue legislators didnt address with the commissioner was the state's $2.3 billion budget gap, revealed earlier this week by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The result of lowered tax revenues, the shortfall in this years budget will be of concern as lawmakers and the governor wrangle over how much to spend on education in the upcoming 2019-20 budget year, which begins April 1.

Still, lawmakers, the education establishment and Cuomo already differ on how much should be spent. Cuomo has proposed adding approximately $1 billion more, which would bring the state education budget to $27.7 billion. (This budget is separate from locally raised property tax revenues that go to school districts.)

But the state Board of Regents, which sets and implements education policy, and other members of the education lobby want more than $2 billion in added spending.

It wasnt clear how the newly discovered shortfall will change that dynamic, but some of the lawmakers on Wednesday were prodding Elia to make her opposition to the governors $1 billion proposal crystal clear.

Thats where the ghost question came in  with Liu drawing an analogy between belief in the supernatural and getting more money in the 2019-20 budget.

It's OK to say you're not happy with the executive (governors) budget, Liu said to Elia.

"Let me state it clearly, she replied. We are not happy this is substantially lower than our number."

Awesome, responded Liu. The exchange may be emblematic of the attitude that some freshman members of newly elected Senate Democratic majority may have when it comes to funding battles with the governor. Lawmakers like Liu or Manhattans Robert Jackson, squarely in the progressive camp, have made it clear that they plan to push hard for more money.

This is totally not acceptable, Jackson said, referring to the four librarians that the Schenectady district shares among 11 schools. He represents upper Manhattan, but Jackson was in Schenectady earlier in the week as part of a statewide tour to highlight what he views as inadequate school funding statewide.

Jackson was one of the original participants in a landmark school funding lawsuit, the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, in which litigants argued that New York City schools had been shortchanged by the state. He and other advocates argue that the legal rulings from that suit mean the state still owes billions more to needy schools. Cuomo, though, maintains that the state has moved beyond that lawsuit, which dates to the 1990s and was settled about a decade ago.

Lawmakers also had a problem with Cuomos plan, which was put in the current budget, to have all of the states schools eventually report how much money goes to each building rather than each district, as is required by new federal reporting rules.

The governor has said the reporting measure would add transparency to the states highest-in-the-nation education costs. But Elia argued that complying with the requirement will add burdensome paperwork and lead to confusion. High-cost schools, for instance, may spend a lot because they have many veteran teachers who earn more due to teacher union contracts that include longevity-based raises. That factor would have little to do with what kids are getting in the classroom.

The plan calls for the Division of Budget and the Education Department to hold back funding if districts dont provide reports that are to the states satisfaction. But reviewing those for the thousands of schools in the state is unrealistic, said Elia.

To look at every school it would be an incredibly difficult process, she said.

Its very different from the concept of financial transparency.

Elia did offer some policy thoughts. Ballston Spa GOP Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh asked Elia if she favored funding a resource office, such as a police or security officer, in every school.

Elia said no. She does, however, favor improving security measures at schools through more secure doors and locks to keep out intruders.

rkarlin@timesunion.com  @RickKarlinTU  518-454-5758
Washington

Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said Wednesday that she would be willing to endorse any bipartisan border security agreement that emerges from House-Senate negotiations, leaving the success of those talks largely hinging on President Donald Trump's endorsement.

With administration officials on Capitol Hill for the State of the Union address Tuesday, Pelosi said she told Vice President Mike Pence that she hoped the White House would adhere to "the same hands-off policy" and let the bipartisan group of House and Senate lawmakers come to their conclusion ahead of the Feb. 15 deadline to keep the government fully funded.

Trump has repeatedly scorned the talks as a "waste of time" if a final agreement produced by the group, known as a conference committee, does not satisfy his $5.7 billion demand for a wall at the southwestern border. But Pelosi offered her unqualified support.

"If left to their own devices, if they have a bipartisan agreement, I will support it," Pelosi told reporters Wednesday, adding that she had offered the same assurance to Sen. Richard C. Shelby, R-Ala., a member of the committee.

"Left to their own devices, I think they could have an agreement" by Friday, she added.

That might be optimistic. Leaving a classified briefing with committee members and Customs and Border Protection agents, Rep. Kay Granger of Texas, the ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, offered a slightly more pessimistic prediction.

"No," Granger said when asked if there was a chance to reach an agreement by Friday. But a deal by next week, she said, was "absolutely" possible.

Shelby told reporters after the meeting that he hoped a final piece of legislation could be produced by Monday and voted on later next week. Staff members, he said, were again expected to work through the weekend.

"Time's fleeting, and time's ticking," said Shelby, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The classified briefing with career officials, organized by Shelby, was supposed to detail the immediate needs of law enforcement at the southwestern border. But lawmakers emerged without a consensus on physical barriers, only with renewed insistence that a final deal needs to include money for some kind of physical structures as well as technology and manpower.

Granger, who took a brief trip to a handful of cities along the border this week with her House Republican colleagues on the conference committee, conceded to reporters Tuesday that the structure described by the officials she met would be best categorized as fencing. But she did not retreat from her insistence that physical structures needed to be a part of the final deal.

Those on the trip "came back and said, 'If we're going to do it right, it has to be some kind of physical barrier,'" she said, singling out the examples of bollard fencing she saw.

The group visited McAllen, Texas, along with Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, a fellow committee member whose district includes the city. They also toured the border in El Paso and San Diego.

"The priority is a physical barrier, a change in the system and enough people that our professional security can do their jobs," Granger said.

Some of the conclusions Granger described seemed to align with those of some of her colleagues, who emerged from the closed meeting describing a solution that encompasses both physical barriers and enhanced technology at the southwestern border.
ALBANY  The budget unveiled last month by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo cuts funding for housing preservation programs by about a third, and doesn't replace $20 million for a foreclosure prevention program that runs out on March 31.

During Monday's legislative hearing on the housing portion of the governor's budget proposal, advocates and state legislators raised the alarm about the lack of funds, warning that it could lead to a rash of foreclosures.

The largest missing pool of money is for the Homeowner Protection Program, which provides access to housing counselors and legal services so New Yorkers can avoid foreclosures. The program has been funded for the last seven years with financial settlement money secured by the state attorney general's office.

"It's obviously critical," state Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas testified on Monday.

State Division of Budget spokesman Morris Peters said conversations with the state attorney general's office about funding the program are "ongoing."

Without $20 million in funding  the amount that has been committed in past years  these services will be reduced by two-thirds across upstate, according to a survey conducted by the Empire Justice Center, a statewide legal services organization.

"While the basic needs for housing counseling and legal services for individual homeowners in default and foreclosure have not changed, the foreclosure crisis has evolved, as has the industry and our economic landscape," the group told the Legislature in December. "Homeowners continue to need direct assistance to work with their lenders to get a loan modification or other workout."

Blair Sebastian of NYS Rural Advocates said the governor should commit funding to the program in his 30-day budget amendments  due next week  to ensure their isn't a gap in the services.

He added that there is already a backlog of people waiting for services funded by this program, and evictions would "increase significantly" if funding isn't restored.

The damage could be made worse, Sebastian said, if the state doesn't also restore $6.2 million for rural and neighborhood preservation programs, which provide a range of housing services, including housing counseling.

"Years ago, we figured this crisis would be over by now  it's not," he testified on Monday. "We need to fund those programs."

The proposed cut would diminish the work of rural and neighborhood preservation companies by about a third, Sebastian estimated.

Visnauskas said the decrease was "expected," because the programs had been funded at a higher level recently with financial settlement money. State Senate housing committee Chair Brian Kavanagh said lawmakers didn't necessarily share her view.

While the governor has previously proposed cutting this funding, and the Legislature has restored it during budget negotiations, there is a fear that this year's cut could stick due to the unanticipated $2.3 billion revenue shortfall the governor announced on Monday.

Regarding the likelihood of the legislature prioritizing a restoration of funding, Sebastian said, "If there is a substantial shortfall in revenues, that gets kind of iffy."

David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87
WESTERLO - The Albany County sheriff's office is seeking information about a crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon where the driver fled the scene.

Deputies received a call about a 2007 GMC pickup truck that had crashed on Route 85 around 1:25 p.m., police said.
Tink, a Stockholm, Sweden-based open banking platform, completed a 56m funding round.

The round was led by Insight Venture Partners, with participation from Sunstone, SEB, Nordea Ventures and ABN AMRO Digital Impact Fund. They were joined by new investors Christian Clausen, former Chairman of the European Banking Federation, and Nikolay Storonsky, founder of Revolut.

The company intends to use the funds to double its market coverage and presence in Europe, and further expand its product offering.

Founded in Stockholm in 2012 by Daniel Kjellen, CEO, Tink is a cloud-based platform that provides the infrastructure and data products enabling new financial services. Currently consisting of Account Aggregation, Payment Initiation, Personal Finance Management and Data Enrichment  Tinks products can be used to develop standalone services or be integrated into existing banking applications.

The developer platform is launching in five new markets  bringing its total to nine. Now, developers can get access to financial data in the Nordics, the UK, Austria, Germany, Belgium and Spain through the companys account aggregation API.

To support the expansion and serve local customers, Tink is also increasing in size and market presence. Currently, the company employs 150 people at its Stockholm headquarters. Having recently opened an office in London, it will now look to establish four more offices this year, doubling its European team to around 300.

Its partners include SEB, ABN AMRO, BNP Paribas Fortis, Nordea and Klarna.

FinSMEs

07/02/2019
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced in the annual State of the Union (SOTU) speech a second meeting with the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong Un, on Feb. 27-28 in Vietnam.

U.S. experts believed that the two sides chose the meeting timing and location based on multiple considerations.

WHY FEBRUARY IN VIETNAM?

Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told Xinhua that the two leaders' meeting venue has to be in "neutral territory with enough hotel rooms to accommodate the crowd."

Speaking of the reason for the two sides to choose late February, the expert said that "Trump needs a win after the elections and shut down" and "the SOTU and Tet (lunar new year 2019 holiday) new year makes end February the soonest time."

Kyle Ferrier, a U.S.-based scholar of Korean studies, told Xinhua that Vietnam is the choice because of "logistics and symbolism."

Speaking of the timing, he told Xinhua that the end of February timing for the second summit "seems to be more a function of how quickly both Trump and Kim want to meet."

"Working level talks between the U.S. and North Korea broke down last October soon after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Special Representative for North Korea Policy Steve Biegun visited Pyongyang. These talks have only just recently been restarted and a late February summit date was likely picked to give them some cushion to work out substantive and logistical issues," he explained.

SPECIFIC LOCATION REMAINS UNSETTLED

While announcing the meeting, Trump did not give its specific location in Vietnam.

Jenna Gibson, a Korea expert at the University of Chicago, told Xinhua that it is widely speculated that the second Trump-Kim summit will take place in Da Nang, although the location has not officially been confirmed yet.

"Trump's team may still be working on details to make sure both sides walk in on equal footing despite the location," she said.

The expert also noted that Trump benefitted from good timing in terms of his DPRK policy.

"He was in office during a time when North Korea had finished its nuclear program to the point where Kim was willing to come to the negotiating table. At the same time, our ally South Korea elected a president who was very active and willing to put in the work to make progress on engagement with North Korea," she said. "To his credit, Trump was willing to seize this opening, and agreed to the historic summit in Singapore last year."

"It's good to see North Korea included in this year's speech, but the amount of time Trump spent discussing his North Korea policy has shrunk significantly compared to last year," she said.

Trump met with Kim first in Singapore last year on June 12, reaching several points of general consensus that have led to the improvement of the U.S.-DPRK relations. However, differences between the two sides remain over key issues including the scale of denuclearization, U.S. sanctions on the DPRK and whether to issue a war-ending declaration.

MAJOR CHALLENGES AHEAD

U.S. experts generally expected more substantial results from the second summit concerning trust-building and denuclearization.

Speaking of what the Trump administration wants to get from the meeting, Paal cited the end of conflict declaration, moderation of UN sanctions, and inspection of nuclear and missile test sites, adding that it is possible that the two sides could achieve what they want during the meeting.

However, Dan Mahaffee, senior vice president and director of policy at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, told Xinhua that he doubts the Trump administration could find a solution that will end the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs.

Other experts noted the importance of reciprocity in the process.

Ferrier, for his part, told Xinhua that "going into a second summit, the Trump administration will be looking for Pyongyang to commit to taking real steps towards denuclearization, which will need to be met with reciprocal concessions from Washington."

Gibson, while saying that the Trump administration needs to get from the second summit "something concrete," noted that "for Trump to be successful and for this summit to be worth it both policy-wise and politically, he needs a specific change, not just a promise from Kim."

"One likely candidate for a concrete take-away is movement toward declaring an official end to the Korean War. Stephen Biegun, the U.S. special representative for North Korea, specifically mentioned that President Trump is willing to talk about such a declaration, along with other trust-building moves," she said.
Albany

Three months ago, when I last spoke to state Sen. Michael Gianaris, he wasn't sure critics of the $3 billion Amazon giveaway could stop it from happening. The deal seemed as sealed as one of the company's deliveries.

"Things have evolved since then," Gianaris, a Democrat from Queens, said Wednesday. "The path to having an impact just got a little clearer."

Did it ever. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins has named Gianaris to the board set to approve the deal  and the rules give veto power to any member.

Consider me surprised and encouraged. I didn't think Stewart-Cousins and the Democratic conference would stick such a big, fat thumb in the governor's eye, not on so prominent a matter as the Amazon campus planned for Queens. This is nothing less than a long-overdue declaration of legislative independence. Hooray!

As is usually the case, Cuomo may laugh last: He could still block Gianaris' appointment to the Public Authorities Control Board. And suddenly, he's questioning whether the PUCB even has a role in approving the Amazon deal.

Well, what else would you expect? The giveaway, after all, was crafted to avoid democratic oversight from the grubby minions in the Legislature. It was negotiated in secret and structured to avoid even city planning approvals.

The opinion of taxpayers and Queens residents? Didn't matter.

The fact that Amazon is a retail monopoly with too much economic sway? Unimportant.

The grossness of taxpayer help for a company headed by Jeff Bezos, the world's richest man? Yawn.

On Wednesday, Gianaris made it clear that his opinion of the Amazon deal has not changed. He believes handing billions in cash and tax breaks to a massively wealthy company is improper, if not immoral. It's robber baron stuff, he told me.

Gianaris will not be interested in negotiating around the edges of the existing deal if he makes it onto the board. The kind of negotiation Gianaris has in mind, he said, involves "throwing the deal in the garbage and starting over."

In a weird way, nixing the agreement may save Cuomo a headache.

More Information Contact columnist Chris Churchill at 518-454-5442 or email cchurchill@timesunion.com See More Collapse

The giveaway proved tough to defend when it was announced in November, and the governor seemed caught off guard by a backlash that came from the left, right and center, from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Tucker Carlson to, more recently, Michael Bloomberg.

Defending the giveaway would be even more difficult now, in light of the state's $2.3 billion (and likely growing) budget deficit. How could the governor justify service cuts or tax hikes while preserving an Amazon subsidy that includes more than $500 million in cash grants?

The message that would send: The people shall feel the pain, but Bezos shall not.

That's my view, anyway. Not surprisingly, Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi didn't see it that way. Since the $500 million would be spread over 10 years, he said Wednesday, the budget impact is minimal. What's more, the state's investment is expected to leverage 25,000 jobs.

Azzopardi posed a question: Isn't this an especially wise time to be diversifying New York's economy, given that the country seems headed for an economic slowdown?

Perhaps. New York is too dependent on the financial industry, for sure. A looming question, though, is whether Amazon would have come to New York without generous subsidies.

The reality is that Amazon probably chose New York because of its workforce, the proximity of Wall Street, and the general awesomeness and attractiveness of the city. All that money is icing on an already delicious cake. Taxpayers did the decorating.

Let's return to the Stewart-Cousins declaration of independence. What does it mean?

"The eight-year reign of Cuomo control over all aspects of state government is over," said recent attorney general candidate Zephyr Teachout, a critic of the Amazon deal who thinks may be in real trouble. "There's a lame-duck quality to it, compared to the power he used to have."

If Cuomo shows off his gubernatorial biceps and blocks the Gianaris' appointment, Stewart-Cousins should flex some muscle of her own. She should name another critic of the Amazon deal to the board, because stopping the giveaway is the right thing to do.

Here's why: The agreement is about government helping to create a monopoly, damaging small businesses and workers alike. It's corporate welfare and crony capitalism. It's a global mega-corporation getting benefits that smaller competitors don't receive.

It's the rich getting richer and the big getting bigger, the rest of us be damned.

cchurchill@timesunion.com  518-454-5442  @chris_churchill
The flavors of Puerto Rico will be on display at a special Puerto Rico relief dinner at Schenectady County Community College's Casola Dining Hall program next week. As a collaboration with a Puerto Rican club at the college, proceeds from the student-prepared dinner will be donated to relief efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

Tom Alicandro, an instructor and head of the dining program at the college, said that culinary students in his program learn general Latin preparations, dishes and recipes, but this dinner provides the opportunity for them to explore the nuances of Puerto Rican cuisine. The menu for the buffet-style dinner includes finocchio (a Puerto Rican vegetable and meat soup), pollo guisado (a braised chicken dish), pernil tacos (slow roasted pork, topped with cilantro slaw and fresh radish), rice with red beans, yucca fries with pineapple and jalapeno chutney, and tostones (fried plantains).

Mofongo, considered the unofficial dish of Puerto Rico, will also be featured. Mofongo consists of green plantains that are fried, then mashed with salt, garlic, oil and spices. This paste is formed into a tight ball along with meat (chicharrons, a fried pork skin product, or seafood or chicken are common) then topped with a sauce or dressing. Mofongo has roots in Africa and is common among Caribbean and Central American cultures, but it has deep origins in Puerto Rico that are commonly overlooked.

"I'm not sure people know the distinction in Caribbean food and food of African origin," said Alicia Kennedy, a New York City-based food and drink writer specializing in Puerto Rican cuisine. "The focus for Puerto Rico [after Hurricane Maria] has been on resilience, and not cuisine," Kennedy said. She credited writers like San Francisco Chronicle contributor Illyanna Maisonet and San Juan, Puerto Rico-based chef Jose Enrique for pushing eaters to understand how Puerto Rican food differs from other points in the Caribbean. (Mainly, the Spanish influence of olives and capers and the American influence of streaky pork sets Puerto Rico apart from neighboring territories and nations.)

Puerto Rico became an American territory in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. A statue of an American soldier from that war, known as "The Hiker," stands in Townsend Park in Albany and lists the island as "Porto Rico." As of the 2017 census, 1,112,123 Puerto Ricans lived in New York state (second only to Florida) and more than 5.5 million Puerto Ricans were living in the United States outside of Puerto Rico, accounting for 10 percent of the stateside Latino population (trumped only by Mexican-Americans living in the U.S.).

Still, an understanding of Puerto Rican cuisine is lacking. Some of that is due to overt societal racism and the generalizing of Latin culture, said Kennedy, while other factors include the business model of restaurants. "Many, if not all, restaurants have to subsist by selling other types of food," she said.

The Puerto Rican dinner, held on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the college's Casola Dining Room, was conceived with the help of Jaime Ortiz, the chef/partner of 677 Prime in Albany and an alumnus of the Schenectady County Community College culinary program and current adjunct instructor in the program.

The cost of the dinner is $35 per person. Reservations for the dinner can be made by calling and leaving a message on the Casola Dining Room reservation line at 518-381-1391

Deanna Fox is a food and agriculture journalist. @DeannaNFox, foxonfood.com
As the chef of the Wine Bar of Saratoga and the Yawning Duck Culinary Services, Dominic Colose's professional kitchen is well-stocked with a variety of ingredients. Flavors emerge when he takes his ingredients from raw form to finished product, combining new elements to familiar recipes and techniques to keep his skills keen and palate excited.

The same applies to his home kitchen, where he makes duck egg fettuccine with mushrooms and cream that turn out magazine-worthy in appearance and fill his home with enticing scent. An earthy, citrusy aroma serves as a piercing high note to this rich meal, credited to the new cooking ingredient that seems to be growing in popularity for professional and home kitchens alike: CBD oil.

Chefs like Colose say that it is also delicious and adds a unique herbal flavor to food. Colose first experimented with CBD to relieve long-term depressive disorder and anxiety. While conventional pharmaceuticals took the edge off his depression, the anxiety remained. He began using CBD oil earlier this year and found some relief. As a curious cook always looking for the best flavor, he experimented with CBD oil in his cuisine, leading to sous vide duck eggs cooked in rosemary- and hemp-spiked oil and beech mushroom salad dressed in CBD oil.

"I may use it in the restaurant, but not really push it as a regular ingredient," Colose said. Before cooking with CBD oil he cooked with THC-based products in the past and enjoyed them for "recreational effects," he says, but not as a culinary element.

The oil is derived from the flower of the hemp plant  a cousin of marijuana that was legalized for commercial growth and harvesting on a federal level in the 2018 farm bill. CBD, which is short for cannabidiol and is one of more than 70 compounds within the hemp plant, has gained popularity as the health benefits of hemp and CBD oil are further researched and promoted. The oil is used to treat such varied conditions as eczema, anxiety, epilepsy and chronic pain, according to reports from the World Health Organization. Reporting group Statista states that the CBD industry could approach $1.8 billion by 2022. CBD oil and products made with the oil are available in health food markets,

CBD oil contains 0.03 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the intoxicating substance in marijuana). In comparison, most strains of marijuana contain at least 10 percent THC, and one gram of marijuana typically contains 100 milligrams of THC. As a reference point, the National Center for Biotechnology Information rates a single marijuana cigarette, known as a joint, as containing 0.66 grams or marijuana, while a study by the federal government lists a joint as containing 0.43 grams of marijuana.

At Bacchus Woodfired Pizza in Troy, owner Jim Scully has used CBD oil as a garnish on his unique menu. "People kept saying we need to do weed on pizza, but weed is still illegal," he said, joking, "our customers usually get high before they come in to eat." Last week, Scully added the Honey Badger pizza to the Bacchus menu, which combines caramelized pears, crispy prosciutto, figs, gorgonzola and mozzarella cheese and CBD-infused honey on top of a blistered and chewy pizza crust.

With the heavy snowfall and below-freezing temperatures in January, Scully was eager to give people a reason to come to Bacchus and introducing Honey Badger was a ploy in increase business. He wants to use CBD beyond just a garnish, but knows he will have to do a fair bit of customer education to make sure it is understood. "People need to be informed and understand CBD doesn't necessarily get you high. It can have a placebo effect, but people are confused about what CBD really is."

In some instances, officials are cracking down on the sale of foods containing CBD oil. The New York City Department of Health this week announced it would not allow the sale of food and drinks with CBD until it is "deemed safe as a food additive" by the federal Food and Drug Administration, according to a statement released Tuesday.

Chef Anna Louisa Weisheit said she is considering a CBD-focused dinner at Public House 42 in Albany, where she heads the kitchen. While she has used CBD-based skin care and health products (like lotions and tinctures), she is new to cooking with it. Her early experiments with CBD oil have focused on understanding how it will impact the mouthfeel of certain recipes and whether the flavors will overwhelm the palate and crowd out other ingredients. She is not concerned about the dosage of CBD oil used, since it is classified as a supplement and not a controlled substance, like THC, but does wonder about the repercussions of acceptance of CBD and potential legalization of marijuana in food in New York.

"I think the biggest thing will be identifying everyone. Who is to say a kid won't come in and order a bunch of food with CBD or pot?" said Weisheit. She likens it to cooking with alcohol, but while most alcohol evaporates with cooking, THC in marijuana edibles and the trace amounts of THC in CBD oil do not dissipate and stay stable under heat. If cooking with marijuana were to become legal, she said the limit in serving customers will need to be up to the discretion of the waitstaff, akin to a bartender choosing to cut off a patron who has consumed too much alcohol.

Brewer Sam Pagano of C.H. Evans Ale, located within the Albany Pump Station, said his initial excitement about combining CBD oil and beer was tempered by the legal issues. Putting it into alcoholic products is prohibited. Adding an oil into beer can also lead to issues of slick texture while drinking the beer, he said, and can affect the proteins in beer that give that picturesque frothy, foamy head on a freshly poured beer. For him, releasing a CBD-infused beer would be a gimmick, he said, but with companies like Budweiser maker Anheuser-Busch InBev investing $50 million into cannabis-infused beverages (containing both CBD and THC), Pagano knows it is a matter of time before the law adapts. "Anything that big beer does puts craft beer at a disadvantage. They step on us no matter what, and right now, it is a legally gray area," he said.

Colose will continue to use CBD oil in his home cooking as long as the flavor and medicinal effect are still beneficial, but he is slightly skeptical of the lasting appeal of CBD in restaurants. "I'm sure it will become more popular. Too many chefs like to jump on fad bandwagons and follow trends rather than be original. I think a lot of older diners could be put off by CBD or any hemp product because of a misunderstanding of what it is," he said. "I'm sure people will think chefs are putting marijuana in their food.

Deanna Fox is a food and agriculture journalist. @DeannaNFox, foxonfood.com
Under Four Flags

The 1918 World War I documentary Under Four Flags will screen with live accompaniment by Musicians of Maalwyck in an event scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the University Club in Albany.

A 25-minute American film shot in France in the last months, Under Four Flags was produced by the U.S. Committee on Public Information in one of the governments final propaganda efforts of the war. Musicians of Maalwyck will perform a new score  on violin, cello and piano -- that the ensemble commissioned from composer Max Caplan and premiered in November.
ALBANY  IBM and SUNY Polytechnic Institute are creating an artificial intelligence "hardware lab" in Albany.

The facility will be part of a larger, $2 billion commitment by the company to New York state that will keep IBM in Albany for years to come.

Under the terms of the deal, Empire State Development will provide a five-year, $300 million grant to SUNY Poly for what's being called the AI Hardware Center at the institute's Albany campus. The facility is expected to create hundreds of new jobs.

In exchange, IBM has agreed to extend its presence at SUNY Poly's Center for Semiconductor Research through 2023, with an option for another five-year agreement after that.

IBM's total spending under the deal, both at SUNY Poly and at IBM sites across the state, will be $2 billion over five years  the biggest set of commitments by IBM to the state in nearly a decade.

The deal also lays the groundwork to make SUNY Poly and New York in general a hotbed for AI, which is rapidly revolutionizing how people work, live and interact with their devices.

"New York has always been at the forefront of emerging industries, and this private sector investment to create a hub for artificial intelligence research will attract world-class minds and drive economic growth in the region," Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said in a statement. "Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform how we live and how businesses operate, and this partnership with IBM will help New York stay on the cutting edge developing innovative technologies."

According to IBM's AI Research division, the computer chips and devices of the past  designed to run spreadsheets and databases  are too logical or straightforward to be able to perform the tasks needed to enable artificial intelligence. AI chips must act more like the human brain and be flexible, which means the chips of the future will have to be designed differently and use different materials and chip architecture.

"AI will transform the world in dramatic ways in the coming year," said Mukesh Khare, vice president of semiconductor and AI hardware for IBM Research. "IBM is pushing the boundaries of AI faster  for the benefit of industry and society. By expanding our partnership with New York State, we are creating a global hub of AI hardware research with an ecosystem to innovate, incubate, and lead in the development of disruptive technologies."

The new AI center will not just involve IBM and SUNY Poly. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy will be involved along with Applied Materials and Tokyo Electron, both of which already have operations at SUNY Poly. Applied Materials and the state agreed to jointly fund a $880 million research and development center at SUNY Poly back in November that is expected to collaborate with AI Hardware Center.

IBM has also agreed to spend $30 million on artificial intelligence programs at SUNY schools across the state, with the SUNY system agreeing to contribute $25 million to those program as well.

The idea to spread the research done at SUNY Poly to other SUNY schools and other schools in New York state is part of the new model at the institute that includes closer collaboration with the state system's other campuses.

"Our partnership with businesses continues to foster research breakthroughs and economic growth while working to combat everything from diseases and cancer, to mitigating climate change," said SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson.

"We continue to offer a world class education in innovative fields, and artificial intelligence is just one example of how SUNY is investing in new tech clusters to prepare our students for the good paying jobs of tomorrow," she said.
Colonie

Work will continue on the expansion of the Colonie landfill as two Saratoga County towns appeal a court ruling that tossed their legal challenge to block it.

Last month, a state judge ruled that the towns of Waterford and Halfmoon, as well as a dozen local residents, weren't legally entitled to file lawsuit when they sued the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Colonie, and the landfill's private operator in May.

In the ruling, Acting State Supreme Court Justice Debra Young said those who sued failed to show "specific environmental injury which is in some way different from that of the public at large ... generalized environmental concerns will not suffice."

The judge ruled that meant those who sued did not have legal standing to go to court. That meant Young did not address the environmental issues raised in the lawsuit by the dump opponents. In November, the judge denied the towns' bid to impose a stay, which would have prevented the town from starting expansion work until after the legal challenge was resolved.

Waterford Supervisor Jack Lawler said Wednesday both towns will file notices of appeal this week, which would put the matter before the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court.

"We are very disappointed with the ruling," he said. "We believe that the merits of our case should be heard."

Halfmoon Supervisor Kevin Tollisen could not be reached for comment.

The decision was first reported by the Colonie Spotlight.

The lawsuits claim that DEC ignored risks in approving a 93-acre expansion of the landfill, and illegally denied the towns an opportunity to make their case before a DEC administrative judge.

Meanwhile, crews will continue building the expansion, said Matt McGarry, the Colonie public works engineer at the landfill. The initial seven-acre "cell" was recently completed, and four other cells are scheduled to be built.

The town cannot begin accepting waste in the expansion until after the work is certified by DEC, he added.

Opponents also claim that DEC underplayed the potential threat that was posed by the town piling up more trash atop an unlined 50-acre portion of the landfill that contains hazardous waste, and largely ignored recent tests that found levels of the hazardous chemical perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, in river water near the landfill.

PFOA, a chemical used in making nonstick surfaces, was added to the state's list of hazardous chemicals in 2016 after it was found to have polluted the water supply of Hoosick Falls in Rensselaer County.

As part of a final Environmental Impact Statement for the landfill accepted by DEC, the town's plan would shrink the size of the so-called Area 7 expansion from 105 acres to 93 acres, and keep the edge of the landfill 500 feet from the Mohawk, rather 100 feet from the water's edge as originally planned.

Also, the proposal would allow the town to pile up another 30 feet of trash, rather than the 87 feet that the town was seeking.

The environmental report said there is no evidence that unsafe levels of hazardous chemicals are leaking into the river, and that the expansion would not impair continued monitoring to detect any potential changes to the buried hazardous waste.

The lawsuit claims that there are about 85,000 tons of industrial waste from such companies as Bendix Corp., Ford Motor Co., Norton Co., and the Watervliet Arsenal. An engineer hired by Waterford told DEC the extra weight of additional garbage being piled atop this waste would press chemical contamination through the ground and "ultimately into the (Mohawk) river."

DEC said that risk could be addressed by a plan to inject chemical hardening agents underground in the area of the hazardous waste to better support the weight of the new, additional trash.

The town-owned landfill is operated under a lease by a Texas-based corporation, Waste Connections Inc. The town applied for the expansion in late 2016 and DEC last year took hundreds of public comments on the plan, most of them negative.

In 2011, Colonie agreed to lease its landfill under a 25-year agreement that gave Colonie $23.8 million up front, plus another $33.5 million over the life of the deal, with cash incentives for getting state permission to expand the facility.

DEC also ruled that the Capital Region could not do without the expanded landfill, since the Albany municipal landfill is expected to close in several years and is scaling back the amount of trash it accepts.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump on Wednesday says hes open to talking about revisions in the Republican 2017 tax law that placed a $10,000 cap on deductions for state income and local property taxes.

There are some people from New York who have been speaking to me about doing something about that, about changing things, Trump said in an Oval Office interview with Washington-based regional reporters, including the Times Union. Its been severe on them.

Trump also doubled-down on his comment from 2017 that people in upstate New York who are economically hurting should move out of state for better job opportunities.

I love those people, he said. Those people are my voters. Theyve been treated very badly.

And, he added: If New York isnt going to treat them better, I would recommend they go to another state where they can get a great job.

Trump appeared at ease in the interview, wearing a navy blue suit and customary red tie, his hair in a perfect frontward swoop. He sat in his usual seat by the Oval Office fireplace under a portrait of Thomas Jefferson. And he bantered with reporters about the political figures in their home states and his views on multiple issues of regional issues, such as the impact of tariffs on farmers and forest conservation in California to prevent wildfires.

Trump hit a raw nerve in 2017 when he first said in a Wall Street Journal interview that upstate New Yorker should consider moving out of state. It came just as he was announcing a deal with FoxConn, a Taiwan-based electronic parts producer, to build a plant in Wisconsin.

It particularly irked officials in Oneida County, which had been competing with Wisconsin to land the FoxConn deal. And Gov. Andrew Cuomos office took umbrage, with spokesman Richard Azzopardi saying: "We deal in facts  not fake news. The facts are unemployment has been cut nearly in half and private sector jobs are at an all-time high in New York.

Trump said the FoxConn plant would employ 13,000 and become the eighth wonder of the world. But late last month, a FoxConn executive said the plan had been scaled back and the Wisconsin site would be a research center that employed few blue-collar workers.

An incensed Trump got on the phone to complain. FoxConn said it would make flat-screen TV panels in Wisconsin. But FoxConn has a history of backing out on commitments so it remains uncertain how the Wisconsin deal will work out _ and whether there are any opportunities for economically stressed New Yorkers or others outside Wisconsin.

The cap on local property tax and state income tax deductions, dubbed SALT, appears destined to hit New York hard. This is the first tax season with it fully in place, and many taxpayers are just waking up to the prospect of higher federal taxes  not lower, as Trump promised.

New York, along with Connecticut, New Jersey and Maryland, is challenging the SALT cap in federal court, saying that Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration singled out 12 higher-tax, higher-cost states (most with Democratic governors and most going Hillary Clinton in 2016) for political purposes.

How did they pick these 12 states? Cuomo asked in a conference call last year. Do you really think its a coincidence?

Last week, Cuomo and state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released a report outlining the impact. A total of 52 of New York's 62 counties had average SALT deductions above $10,000, and the average New York taxpayer had SALT deductions that are more than twice the $10,000 cap, they said.

New York has the largest percentage of taxpayers getting a tax hike of any state, they added.

The Government Finance Officers Association calculated that without the SALT deduction, the average New York taxpayer (assuming a 25 percent marginal rate) who currently itemizes would face a tax increase of almost $1,800.

In the Albany-based 20th Congressional District, 33 percent of filers claimed SALT, according to the association. In the North Country 21st Congressional District, 23 percent claim it. And in the Hudson Valley 19th Congressional District, it was 31 percent.

A survey by the non-partisan Tax Foundation found New York leads the nation in terms of the value of the SALT deductions as a percentage of adjusted gross income: 9.4 percent.

Trump expressed surprise that the SALT deduction was an issue for middle-class people upstate. It affects wealthy people, he said.

But after a reporter repeated the perception that working middle-class homeowners who looked to the SALT deduction to make ends meet, Trump said that he might be open to making changes.

It would have to go through (a congressional) committee; it would have to be started by Democrats in the House, he said. Id be open to talking about it. There are some people talking to me about this. The president declined to say to whom hed been talking.

During deliberations over the tax bill that Trump eventually signed into law in December 2017, Republicans from low-tax states mostly in the South and West argued that SALT enabled states like New York to shoulder less of a tax burden at their expense. New York countered that as the nations top donor state  sending Washington $35.6 billion each year  New York is the one subsidizing the low-tax, low-cost states.

Trump repeated much of the low-tax states arguments. It makes all states the same.

He recalled that Ronald Reagan also wanted to end or limit the SALT deduction in the 1980s, but a New York City real estate mogul of the time, Lewis Rudin, fought against it and won.
Pretto, a Paris, France-based online mortgage broker offering instant tailored rates, raises 8m in Series A funding.

The round was led by Alven Capital and Blackfin Tech Fund, which joined historical investor Kernel Capital (Pierre Kosciusko-Morizet). Early stage investors also included Hugues le Bret (cofounder of Compte-Nickel), Christophe Cremer (cofounder of Meilleurtaux.com), Jeremy Harroch (cofounder of Quantmetry) and the Duval real estate group.

This new round of financing will allow the company to recruit experts and fine tune its credit scoring models. By 2019, Pretto plans to triple its activity and recruit 50 additional people.

Co-founded by Renaud Pestre and Pierre Chapon, Pretto has built an innovating simulator allowing borrowers to view instantly the best rate tailored to their credit profile. The tool reviews millions of combinations among banks credit offers, to identify the most suitable financing scheme for every specific real estate project. From simulation to experts optimization and the final signature at the bank, the startup supports the homebuyers at each step for free with customized counselling support.

The company has a team of 40 engineers, product designers and financial experts.

FinSMEs

07/02/2019
Education company Navitashas signed an agreement with Lancaster University in the UK to help it to establish and operate a new campus in Leipzig in Germany.The move adds to its recent agreements in Europe with the University of Twente and The Hague University of Applied Science in the Netherlands.Lancaster University is ranked as a Top 10 UK University across the major league tables and is globally recognised in numerous fields of study.The Leipzig campus will offer Lancaster University degree programs, with the university retaining responsibility over academic matters.Navitas will be responsible for the facilities, student recruitment and support services and administrative staff.Shares in Navitastrading 0.36 per cent higher at $5.63.
Graveside services for Amanda Walker Hall will be held Friday June 25, 2021 at 6PM in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Amanda passed away on July 25, 2020 in Roswell. She was the daughter of the late Margaret and Donnie Walker. Amanda was a graduate of Thomasville High School. She is survived by her da
Tired of celebrating Valentines Day with the expected flowers and a card? This year, try something new.

From a lovely dinner out to classes, tastings and more, Kansas City is rolling out some delicious and exciting ways to celebrate your love this Valentines Day. Consider trying a new restaurant, a cooking class or even a decadent dessert date night.

Here are some sweet ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year.

Valentines Cookie Decorating Workshop Pizza-Making Class at 1889 Pizza Chefs Table Dinner at Lenexa Public Market Vegan Valentines Day Dinner at Pirates Bone Cocktails and Chocolate Tasting at Restless Spirits Wine and Chocolate Pairing at TerraVox Love Birds Package at The Savoy at 21c Hotel
The former global head of sales for Petrofac International Limited pleaded guilty Wednesday to UK Bribery Act violations related to over $50 million in bribes involving projects in Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

David Lufkin, 51, a British national, pleaded guilty in a UK court to eleven counts of bribery under sections 1(1) and 1(2) of the Bribery Act 2010.

The Serious Fraud Office said Lufkin paid bribes to win contracts for Petrofac worth $730 million in Iraq and $3.5 billion in Saudi Arabia.

The SFO opened its investigation into London-based Petrofac in May 2017. The investigation was related to the ongoing investigation into the activities of Unaoil, the agency said.

According to the SFOs statement Thursday, Petrofac paid agents $4 million in 2012 to win oil and gas-related contracts in Iraq.

In Saudi Arabia, Petrofac paid agents $45 million between July 2012 and November 2015, the SFO said.

Petrofac also made more bribe offers to its agents in both Saudi Arabia and Iraq, but the offers were rejected.

Lufkins sentencing date hasnt been set.

The SFO said Thursday its investigation into Petrofacs use of agents in multiple jurisdictions, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia, is ongoing.

In June 2017, the SFO charged Monaco-based Unaoil with paying bribes in Iraq to help companies win energy-related contracts.

___

Richard L. Cassin is editor at large of the FCPA Blog.
Crown Holdings, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells packaging products and equipment for consumer goods and industrial products in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. It offers products for consumer goods, including steel and aluminum cans for food, beverage, household, and other consumer products; glass bottles for beverage product; and metal vacuum closures and steel crowns through its sales organization to the soft drink, food, citrus, brewing, household products, personal care, and various other industries. The company also provides products for industrial products, such as steel and plastic strap consumables and equipment, paper-based protective packaging, and plastic film consumables and equipment to metals, food and beverage, construction, agricultural, corrugated, and general industries. In addition, it offers aerosol cans and ends; and promotional and specialty packaging containers with various lid and closure variations. Further, the company provides industrial film and other related products; transit protection products, such as airbags, edge protectors, and honeycombs; and equipment and tools, such as manual, semi-automatic, and automatic equipment and tools used in end of line manufacturing applications to apply consumables. Crown Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1892 and is headquartered in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

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International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells cosmetic active and natural health ingredients for use in various consumer products in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Greater Asia, North America, and Latin America. It operates through four segments: Nourish, Scent, Health & Biosciences, and Pharma Solutions. The Nourish segment offers flavor compounds; savory solutions, such as marinades or powder blends of flavors, natural colors, seasonings, functional ingredients, and natural anti-oxidants; and inclusions. It also provides nutrition and specialty ingredients primarily consist of natural health ingredients, natural food protection products, and natural colors and flavor ingredients. The Scent segment provides fragrance compounds, which include fine fragrances comprising perfumes and colognes, as well as consumer fragrances; fragrance ingredients comprising synthetic and natural ingredients that could be combined with other materials to create fragrance and consumer compounds; and cosmetic active ingredients consisting of active and functional ingredients, botanicals, and delivery systems to support its customers' cosmetic and personal care product lines. The Health & Biosciences segment develops and produces enzymes, food cultures, probiotics, and specialty ingredients. The Pharma Solutions segment produces and sells cellulosics and alginates-based pharma excipients. The company sells its products primarily to manufacturers of perfumes and cosmetics, hair and other personal care products, soaps and detergents, cleaning products, dairy, meat and other processed foods, beverages, snacks and savory foods, sweet and baked goods, dietary supplements, infant and elderly nutrition, functional food, and pharmaceutical and oral care products. International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. was founded in 1833 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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The property market is one of Britains great soap operas, with plenty of twists and turns and heroes and villains along the way.

At the moment there is a cliffhanger: will house prices start falling?

Steady growth has been swapped for a slide towards stagnation in the headline figures, but how much does that mask a regional divide, with things looking far healthier outside of London and the commuter belt?

In this Investing Show special, Andrew Montlake of mortgage broker Coreco, joins us to discuss whats going on in the residential property and buy-to-let markets.

He also looks at why mortgage rates are near their all-time lows despite a base rate rise and how long that could last.

Shares start the year on a strong run

The stock market has put a bad 2018 behind it and jumped at the start of 2019. Major markets in the UK and US have added between 5 and 8 per cent since the New Year, so whats fuelling that and can it continue?

Richard Hunter, of Interactive Investor, joins Simon Lambert on the Investing Show to discuss it.
Last month, it was revealed by Saga that its popular Platinum card was going to be axed in two months' time, on 28 March.

Customers of the over-50s specialist were told they would have to clear any debts and charges on the card - operated by Allied Irish Bank - by that time or else the debt might be transferred to a third party.

Saga told This is Money the Platinum card 'consists of a small portfolio of customers, of which only a fraction have outstanding balances.'

However, one reader contacted us stating the closure raised a number of issues for cardholders.

Saga's Platinum Card was popular with holidaymakers because of travel discounts and fee-free withdrawals and spending abroad, but there are some alternatives now it's closing

Most importantly, customers lost a card with benefits that are hard to recreate elsewhere.

The Platinum card offered no fees abroad, 55 days of interest-free cash withdrawals, discounts on Saga holidays and cruises, alongside a competitive APR of 11.9 per cent.

What's more, the card was open only to over-50s - and the reader raised the question of whether retired or semi-retired customers would be able to qualify for replacement cards.

Andrew Hagger, of personal finance site Moneycomms, told This is Money that 'just because someone is over 50 it doesn't mean they won't be eligible for a mainstream credit card  as long as they have a decent credit rating and a regular income.

Saga said it 'believed the vast majority should have no problem obtaining a card with similar credit facilities elsewhere.'

The company added it is working on a new card, but while we await more details, This is Money has run the rule over cards that might potentially be a viable replacement, even if the benefits aren't exactly the same.

Halifax Clarity Credit Card

One of two cards recommended by Hagger, this card has no annual fees and comes with a rate of 18.9 per cent APR.

It doesn't offer any interest-free withdrawal period, but you won't pay any charges when you spend abroad, whether that's paying by card or taking out cash, and whatever you spend is converted to sterling at a rate set by MasterCard.

When it comes to requirements for applying for the card, Halifax doesn't specify a minimum required salary but you will need a credit check, while the bank says that 'at least 51 per cent of successful applicants will get a representative rate of 18.9 per cent APR.'

The rest get a rate of 25.9 per cent APR, so bear that in mind.

Barclaycard Platinum Cashback Plus

Hagger's other recommendation, this offers the same headline benefits of no fees on non-sterling purchases and cash withdrawals with no annual fee, but that is currently only until 31 August 2023.

The card has a slightly steeper APR of 21.9 per cent, and Barclays recommends it is 'best suited for customers who have an income of at least 20,000', but it does come with another perk.

It offers 0.25 per cent cashback on all spending until the same date, while it also gives 15 back if you spend 1500 in the first three months.

Santander Zero Credit Card

The clue is in the name: zero annual fees, zero foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad in the local currency, and zero cash withdrawal fees 'anywhere in the world'.

This is a decent card choice if the main attraction of the Saga Platinum card was the ability to use it abroad without incurring charges, but aside from that it is a little bare bones.

That means there also appear to be zero other benefits, including no interest-free period on cash withdrawals. It also requires you to have an income of 7,500 a year if you want to be accepted for it.

Tandem Cashback Credit Card

The most important thing to note is that Tandem Bank is a mobile-only bank. If you're an over-50 Saga customer then you're far less likely to bank this way when it comes to your day-to-day banking, and it'd certainly take some getting used to.

However, don't let that necessarily put you off and Tandem's offer sits in This is Money's 'five of the best holiday money deals' for a reason.

Its Cashback card has an identical headline set of stats as Halifax's Clarity card, with an APR of 18.9 per cent and no fees for making purchases abroad or withdrawing cash abroad.

On top of that, it gives you 0.5 per cent cashback on every purchase above 1 at home or abroad.

On the downside, it doesn't offer a fee-free period on withdrawals in the UK, and comes with a 12 charge if you make a late payment.

Creation Everyday Card

Part of bank BNP Paribas, Creation is also partnered with the likes of Asda, Currys PC World and Marriott Rewards to provide a variety of cashback and rewards cards.

In this case, its Everyday card offers the closest APR to the Saga Platinum, at 12.9 per cent.

It also comes with no annual fees, no fees on spending or cash withdrawals abroad and no fees on cash withdrawals in this country either, which might make it an attractive proposition.
In a recent FCPA Blog post, William Weaver argued that actual corruption is essentially unmeasurable, and that our imperfect measurements of corruption, even more accurate random forced response surveys, have found only a noisy relationship between perceptions of corruption and its reality.

Because these bold statements implicitly reject substantial masses of empirical data from a variety of sources, anti-corruption experts need to analyze them closely.

The fundamental problem with Weavers thesis is his failure to define what he means by actual corruption and unmeasurable. Instead, he sidesteps the definitional problem by asserting that [d]ifferent observers view corruption in different ways: a boon or self-described necessary evil for corrupt individuals, a premodern form of patronage, or various operations of a premodern system of communication now described as criminality.

The broader and more diverse the list of attributes a concept has, of course, the more difficult it becomes to define or measure that concept. But even if there is no authoritative definition that covers every category of corruption, there are various methods by which countries, businesses, and non-governmental organizations can and do measure important dimensions of corruption.

At the grass-roots level, for example, there is now a broad array of experiential surveys that gather voluntary responses from representative samples of people in everyday life about their actual encounters with corruption. While barometer surveys can differ in their scopes and purposes, it is fair to say that the Global Corruption Barometer, Afrobarometer, and the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index (to name a few) provide important current and longitudinal data about actual and perceived corruption in jurisdictions around the world.

Weaver briefly disparages data relating to perceptions of corruption. Yet resources such as Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index should not be summarily dismissed. Even taking into account the possibility that respondent and country characteristics may bias corruption perceptions, there is still value in systematically sampling the views of informed businesspeople and country experts about the levels of public-sector corruption.

Certainly at the grand-corruption level, there is no reliable contemporaneous measurement of the total number and amounts of bribes that corrupt officials around the world are taking. On the other hand, as numerous corruption investigations have demonstrated, in particular cases law enforcement agencies can document, with a fair degree of precision, how much in bribes was paid to officials and how much business the companies paying the bribes received in return.

Establishing the orders of magnitude and patterns of bribery by companies yields data relevant for corporate-compliance teams as well as anti-corruption advocacy groups.

In addition, Weavers commentary takes no note of the increasing use of sophisticated data analytics and artificial intelligence by companies and government agencies. Those technologies make it much more possible to conduct ongoing monitoring of transactions and accounts at all levels of a company, and identify anomalous activity that may be indicative of corruption.

In short, if the standard to be adopted for measuring corruption is perfection, then corruption is no more measurable than the length of the coast of Britain or the volume of water in the Mississippi River. But perfection can never be the standard for anything we seek to measure, regarding corruption or any other phenomenon. Reasonable people can and should work with reasonable estimates of corruption, so long as they recognize the need to keep improving the quantity and quality of those data.

_____

Jonathan J. Rusch, pictured above, is Principal of DTG Risk & Compliance, and former Head of Anti-Bribery & Corruption Governance at Wells Fargo. The views expressed are his own. He can be contacted here.
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 73F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low around 50F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
TDB chief seeks explanation from board commissioner on U-turn

on Sabarimala

Pathanamthitta/Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 7 (PTI) A row

broke out in the Travancore Devaswom Board Thursday as its

chief sought an explanation from the Devaswom Commissioner for

reversing its stand on the Supreme Court's verdict allowing

women of all ages into the Sabarimala shrine.

In a U-turn Wednesday, the board which manages the

Ayyappa shrine supported the apex court's order, joining the

Kerala government to oppose a batch of pleas seeking review of

the historic verdict in the Supreme Court.

The temple board, in earlier round of litigation, had

opposed the PIL by Indian Young Lawyers Association seeking to

throw open the shrine for all women.

TDB chief A Padmakumar Thursday said the board had

actually submitted a plea seeking extension of time to

implement the September 28 verdict permitting women of all age

groups into the shrine.

"Our counsel got only three minutes when the review

petitions were taken up (in the supreme court) on Wednesday.

When the court asked whether the board was accepting the

verdict permitting women's entry, he naturally replied in the

affirmative.

We are yet to know what had actually happened in the

court," Padmakumar told reporters in Pathanamthitta.

"The Devaswom Commissioner (N Vasu) was the one who

was sent to New Delhi in connection with the case. He knows

the things...I have sought an explanation from him in this

regard," the TDB chief said.

Padmakumar's comments assume significance in the wake

of reports that the TDB chief, who had earlier opposed the

entry of young women into the Ayyappa shrine, had differences

of opinion with the CPI(M)-led LDF government and other board

members over the sensitive issue.

Rejecting the charges, Vasu said the TDB had taken no

decision without the knowledge of its president.

"...The Board had already made it clear that it was

bound to abide by the SC verdict. The same stand was repeated

in the apex court Wednesday also," he told reporters in

Thiruvanathapuram.

Vasu rejected media reports that the TDB advocate had

taken a stand contrary to the board's.

He also termed as "incorrect" the reports in a

section of the media that Justice Indu Malhotra, one of the

members of the five-judge constitution bench hearing the

petitions, had asked whether the TDB had changed its earlier

stance on the women entry issue.

The Devaswom Commissioner said the TDB chief had not

sought any explanation from him so far.

"There is no circumstance at present to seek any

explanation over the matter. But I will be meeting him soon to

brief the developments in the apex court.I just came from

Delhi," he added.

When asked about the TDB's earlier petition seeking

more time to implement the verdict, Vasu said the plea was

filed citing the board's difficulties in implementing it in

the recently concluded pilgrimage season due to dearth of

facilities for women.

The board's changed stand had invited strong protests

from various quarters including the Pandalam royal family,

attached to the Sabarimala Temple.

The Pandalam family has been vehemently opposing the

entry of women belonging to the traditionally barred age group

of 10-50 years.

The temple body had told a five-judge bench, headed

by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, that it was high time that a

particular class not be discriminated on the ground of

"biological attributes".

Meanwhile, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala

demanded resignation of TDB president following the changed

approach on the Sabarimala women entry issue.

"TDB president has been wavering right from the

beginning over the matter. First he said review petition would

be filed which was changed after allegedly being threatened by

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan," he said in

Thiruvananthapuram.

Chennithala said a petition seeking more time to

implement the September 28 verdict was filed by the board

later.

Both the government and the board had ignored the

sentiments of devotees, he said, adding the TDB chief had no

moral right to continue in the position. PTI LGK UD BN TVS

BN BN
Jaipur, Feb 7 (PTI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced on Thursday that the monthly pension for freedom fighters would be increased to Rs 25,000 and the medical allowance to Rs 5,000 per month.

Gehlot said the pension for soldiers and war widows of World War II would be more than doubled, from Rs 4,000 per month to Rs 10,000.

The chief minister made the announcement at a function here to mark the birth anniversary of social worker and Gandhian thinker S N Subba Rao.

Gehlot said freedom fighters would get a pension of Rs 25,000 per month instead of Rs 20,000 earlier. The medical allowance would be increased by Rs 1,000 per month to Rs 5,000.

The Congress leader ruled out the possibility of a complete ban on liquor in the state, saying it was not practical.

Citing the example of Gujarat where liquor is banned, Gehlot said alcohol was being smuggled and consumed in that state. He was reacting to some suggestions at the event for a ban on liquor.

The chief minister said a museum on Mahatma Gandhi would be set up to promote the principals and teachings of the Father of the Nation, conducting research on him and for other similar activities.

Speaking on the present situation in the country, Gehlot alleged that the Constitution and democracy was in danger. "Some people use the name of Mahatma Gandhi to come to power, but they are not ready to follow his ideology."

Gehlot also pointed out to the state government's decision to give wheat to 1.74-crore families, who are below the poverty line, at Re 1 per kg.

Social activist Medha Patkar and others also attended the programme. PTI SDA

HMB
Jaipur, Feb 7 (PTI): The CEO of one of largest cryptocurrency exchanges in Canada, whose death left over a lakh of customers without the passwords to access their funds worth USD 145 million, had been admitted at a private hospital here.

He was admitted to Fortis Hospital and died on December 9, a police officer said, confirming the death in Jaipur of Quadriga CEO and co-founder Gerald Cotten.

We gave his wife Jennifer Kathleen Margaret Robertson a No Objection Certificate (NOC) on December 10, allowing her to take the body to Canada for conducting the last rites, Jawahar Circle station house officer Anoop Singh said.

A hospital spokesperson said Cotten was admitted on December 8 with symptoms of diarrhoea.

He suffered a cardiac arrest and died the next day, the spokesperson said.

Quadriga is now unable to gain access to Canadian dollars 190 million (over Rs 1,000 crore) of bitcoin and other digital assets after his death.

Reports from Toronto said he died of complications arising from Crohn's Disease, an inflammatory bowel ailment, while volunteering at an Indian orphanage.

Many of the digital currencies held by Quadriga are stored offline in accounts known as "cold wallets," a way of protecting them from hackers.

Cotten was the only person with access to the wallets, according to the company.

His death has left the company struggling to figure out how to refund more than 100,000 of its users, CNN reported.

Cotten's widow Jennifer Robertson said people were posting inaccurate speculation on social media about "whether he is really dead."

She said the laptop that Cotten used to run the currency exchange is encrypted, according to her affidavit posted online by cryptocurrency news site CoinDesk.

PTI SDA AKJ RAX RAX ASH

ASH
\R New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) Prabhjot Singh who was wanted in alleged murder cases by the Punjab Police and has a red corner notice against him was deported from the UAE on Thursday, officials said here.

Singh was wanted in two cases of murder and destruction of evidence by the Punjab Police, they said.

A red corner notice was issued against him. He was spotted by the UAE authorities and arrested there.

The CBI, which is the national central bureau of Interpol in India, informed the Punjab Police which sent a team to the UAE.

Singh was deported to India Thursday. He landed in Amritsar, the officials said. PTI ABS GVS
New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) The Congress on Thursday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Robert Vadra's questioning by the Enforcement Directorate, alleging he was "blinded by revenge" and taking out his anger fearing an "imminent defeat" in the coming Lok Sabha election.

Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by ED for nine hours on Thursday, the second day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is blinded by revenge. Prime minister Modi is taking out his anger due to the imminent defeat in the upcoming polls," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

"False cases on opposition leaders and their families are being registered... The whole country knows that since 2012 there has been a conspiracy against Robert Vadra by Modi and BJP. Seven years have gone by, but no evidence has been found against Robert Vadra or his associates," he said.

Vadra's wife and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi came to the ED office, in Jamnagar House in central Delhi, in a black SUV to pick him up around 9:30 PM. Her vehicle was guarded by SPG personnel when it went inside the ED office.

Priyanka had also dropped off her husband for questioning at the ED office on Wednesday.

Vadra is expected to be questioned again on either Friday or Saturday. PTI ASK ASK ABH

ABH
Brussels, Feb 7 (AFP) EU President Donald Tusk warned Thursday there was "no breakthrough in sight" in the Brexit deadlock, after talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May.

"Talks will continue," Tusk tweeted after meeting May in Brussels. (AFP) SMJ

SMJ
Lahore, Feb 7 (PTI) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently in a jail for his alleged role in a housing scheme scam, will be indicted on February 18 in the case, a media report said Thursday.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had taken 67-year-old Sharif, the younger brother of jailed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, into custody on October 5 in the Rs 14 billion Ashiana-i-Iqbal housing project scam.

He is accused of allegedly cancelling the contract of a successful bidder in the scheme and awarding the same to his favourite firm.

During Thursday's proceedings of the case in the accountability court, the court inquired why Sharif was not present, stating whether he was ill or had a PAC meeting, the Geo TV reported.

A police officer informed the court that Sharif was not well and also had a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Islamabad.

At this the court stated that the police were just guardians and it was the state which was answerable on who had allowed Sharif to stay in Islamabad, adding that he was not granted the right to a medical so he wouldn't appear in court, the channel said.

NAB prosecutor said it was not the bureau's responsibility to present Sharif but rather the police.

Sharif's lawyer informed the court that his client had an issue with his backbone and his doctor had advised him against long journeys.

The judge hearing the case said Sharif was supposed to be indicted in the case today, to which the lawyer replied that there was no such order.

The court ordered for Sharif to be present at all cost during the next hearing.

The judge added that Sharif could end the meeting and come, and if he was ill he can take an air ambulance.

The judge informed Sharifs counsel that his client would be indicted during the next hearing and there will be no excuses acceptable on his absence.

The hearing of the case was adjourned will February 18.

Sharif served as the chief minister of the politically crucial Punjab province from 2013 to 2018. He became PML-N president after his elder brother was barred from holding the top party position and public posts.

Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Thursday that Sharif should resign from the post of PAC chairman.

He said the government believed that Sharif was using PAC as a shield against corruption cases initiated against him.

"Sharif should step down and face corruption cases against him."

Sharif was elected unopposed as PAC chairman on December 22 last year after months of wrangling between the ruling party and the opposition parties.

PAC is the apex parliamentary watchdog that oversees the audit of revenues and expenditures of the government and is considered to be the parliaments most powerful and important committee. PTI ZH

ZH
New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) Following are the top foreign stories at 1800 hours:



FGN15 US-INDIA-LD MISSILE SYSTEM

US approves sale of two missile defence systems to India to protect aircraft flying President, PM

Washington: The US has agreed to sell two advanced missile defence systems to India for two Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft for an estimated cost of USD 190 million, a decision that will enhance the security of the planes flying the president and the prime minister.



FGN13 US-INDIAN-STUDENTS

US lawmakers seek fair treatment for Indians detained in visa fraud case

Washington: A bipartisan group of eminent American lawmakers has asked authorities to facilitate consular access to Indians held for enrolling in a fake university allegedly to remain in the US, and treat them fairly and humanely after the community raised concerns over the manner they were detained.





FGN20 US-TRUMP-WB-LD MALPASS

Trump nominates David Malpass for World Bank president

Washington: US President Donald Trump has nominated noted economist David Malpass to head the World Bank and ensure that the bank's dollars are spent "effectively and wisely" and to "serve American interests," sparking concerns that he may seek to reduce the role of the global lender.



FGN18 UN-INDIA

India calls for collective quest for revitalised UN General Assembly

United Nations: India has called for a collective international effort towards revitalisation of the 193-member UN General Assembly, saying the "closest institution to a global parliament" must lead the multilateral effort to address challenges face by the world.



FGN8 NDOPAK-BISARIA

Room for leap forward in Indo-Pak trade in absence of violence: Bisaria

Islamabad: There is room for a leap forward in trade between India and Pakistan in an atmosphere free of distrust and violence, India's High Commissioner here has said, insisting that humanitarian and trade exchanges between the two countries must continue despite "roadblocks".



FGN6 US-TRUMP-2NDLD ISIS

Islamic State terror group will lose remaining territory within week: Trump

Washington: The Islamic State (ISIS) will be "100 per cent" defeated in Iraq and Syria by next week, US President Donald Trump has claimed as he boasted his administration's new approach for directly confronting the terror outfit's "wicked" ideology.



FGN17 BANGLA-MYANMAR-REFUGEES

Bangladesh seals off border with Myanmar amid fresh influx of refugees

Dhaka: Bangladesh has sealed off its border with Myanmar to stop further influx of refugees fleeing the troubled Rakhine state, Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen has said and claimed that the country's military is now targeting the majority Buddhists and Hindus after cracking down on minority Rohingya Muslims. PTI



PMS

PMS
Mumbai, Feb 7 (PTI) Alia Bhatt said Thursday she will apologise to Kangana Ranaut on personal level if she was upset with her.

The "Razi" actress' response comes days after Kangana lashed out at her for not responding to her gestures.

In a recent interview, Kangana had spoken out about how people in the

industry, including Aamir Khan and Alia Bhatt, did not support her during the release of "Manikarnika".

Kangana said while she had turned up for the screenings of "Dangal", "Secret Superstar" and "Raazi", Alia and Aamir failed to respond during the release of her film.

Replying to a question, Alia said, "I hope she doesn't dislike me and I don't think she dislikes me. I don't think I have done anything intentionally to upset her. If I have, I will apologise to her on a personal level."

The actor, who is currently promoting her upcoming film "Gully Boy"

with Ranveer Singh, said she has always admired Kangana.

"But I have always said that I have admired her a lot as an actor and

a person. She is very outspoken and it takes courage to be that way. I wasn't aware of this problem or anything, I was busy with the shooting. So yes, what can I say, I don't want to upset anybody," Alia said in an interview Thursday.

Kangana on Thursday claimed that the industry had ganged up against

her for her "nepotism" comment but she was not afraid. PTI KKP BK DPB
Mumbai, Feb 7 (PTI) A R Rahman has defended his daughter appearing in a veil despite facing flak on social media, saying she has the right to choose her outfit.

While interviewing her double Oscar-winning father on the 10th anniversary of "Slumdog Millionaire", Khatija was seen wearing a saree and a veil, which drew sharp reactions on the social media.

The composer, 51, shared a picture of the women of his family where his wife Sairaa and other daughter Raheema are without any veil but Khatija had her face covered.

"The precious ladies of my family Khatija, Raheema and Sairaa with NitaAmbaniji #freedomtochoose," Rahman captioned the picture on Instagram.

Khatija also took to Facebook to address the controversy.

"I would like to say that the attire I wear or the choices I make in my life does not have anything to do with my parents. The veil has been my personal choice with complete acceptance and honour. I am a sane mature adult who knows to make my choices in life" she wrote. PTI BK ZMN
Mumbai, Feb 7 (PTI) Actor Madhuri Dixit says she was shocked to read names of Alok Nath and filmmaker Soumik Sen, people she has previously worked with, in the #MeToo movement as she was not privy to this side of their personalities.

In the #MeToo movement, which hit Bollywood in August last year, Nath was accused of rape by writer-director Vinta Nanda. Sen, who directed Madhuri in "Gulaab Gang", has been accused of inappropriate behaviour by three women.

When asked if it was heart-breaking for her to see their names in the #MeToo movement, Madhuri told PTI, "It is always shocking. Because you've known them and you've not known them like that."

"It is always shocking when something like that comes out. What you've known them and what you're reading is two different people. It was so shocking."

The actor is currently gearing up for her upcoming comedy, "Total Dhamaal".

Post which, she would be seen in Karan Johar's production "Kalank", which features an ensemble cast of Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditya Roy Kapur.

Originally, Sridevi was meant to do the film, before she passed away in February last year. The role eventually went to Madhuri.

The 51-year-old actor said she took time to "digest" that Sridevi was no more.

"What took time was to digest the whole thing that had happened. It was so shocking, I was like 'you want me to do this role?' because even they (filmmakers) were stuck. They had to go on.

"As a person it was hard to deal. As an actor, you know the role, the script. It's a different matter altogether. But to accept the truth was very difficult," she added.

Directed by Indra Kumar, "Total Dhamaal", features Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Johnny Lever, Boman Irani, Sanjay Mishra among others. It is scheduled to release on February 22. PTI JUR RB BK

BK
(Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with PR Newswire. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)

MUMBAI, February 7, 2019/PRNewswire/ --

~The Legendary Portrait of Martim Afonso up for the public auction from February 8-16, 2019~



In a big Goa mansion, F.N. Souza began a series of his paintings that captured his life and emotions; unknown to everyone that they would garner world fame one day. Today, many own his avant-garde paintings and are yet waiting for the rarest one to go under the hammer, the time has arrived now.



The famous Aspire Auction in Cleveland, Ohio, USA is scheduled with an exciting and rare set of Souza's pieces. From February 6, the 'Portrait of Martim Afonso', 1965, Acrylic on canvas will be up for public auction.



In addition, the other paintings that will be up for private sale on Aspire Auction are 'My alter ego' and 'When you are old', the portrait of 'Village mother and child', 'European Cityscape' and 'Townscape of Croatia' are amongst the numerous thousands work that Souza produced in Goa at the Ancestral De Souza Mansion's as well as his home in London.



According to the F.N. Souza International Fine Art foundation and family trust Inc. who has released these portraits for public and private auction, the portrait of 'Martim Afonso' holds great value for F.N. Souza and his family, as it represents Souza's affinity for Goan and Portuguese culture and history. In addition, F.N. Souza is a descendant of Portuguese Nobleman Martim Afonso De Souza.



All the pieces placed for the February auction comes with a specific authenticity certificate which is signed and notarized by F.N. Souza during his last family vacations in Goa and Karwar, just a year before his passing.



In 2008, his painting 'Birth' (1955) set a world auction record for the most expensive Indian painting sold till then by selling for US$2.5 million (INR 11.3 crore) at a Christie's auction. In 2015, the painting 'Birth' was resold at Christie's in New York, fetching more than US$ 4 million.



The F.N. Souza famous masterpiece - 'Honeymoon in Goa' series are available at Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai. Don't miss the big chance to own ones very own FN Souza painting.



Link: http://www.fnsouzafoundation.com/



Date: February 08-16, 2019



Link to the Aspire Auction: https://www.aspireauctions.com/#!/auctions/upcoming_auction/375



About F.N.Souza



Born in to an aristocratic Roman Catholic family in Goa, Francis Newton Souza married Francis Patrick Souza's mother Barbara Maureen Zinkant in 1965 in London; soon after they relocated to New York City in 1967. The Souza lineage can be traced to the Portuguese royal family. Their roots are linked to Martim Affonso De Souza, the 12th Governor of Goa, appointed by Dom Joao the 3rd of Portugal, to rule Goa from 1542 to 1545. The Souza family own properties and mansions in many parts of Goa and are respected members of society that serve as judges, advocates, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs and educationists. Today the De Souza's have settled over the length and breadth of the globe including Mumbai, Goa, Europe, Africa, America and Australia. On his frequent visits to Goa from the UK and New York Souza created thousands of works of art including, 'Women and Phoenix' (1950); 'Nude in Profile' (1952); 'Indian Women' (1954); Untitled 'Head of Man' (1957 & 1960) 'The Roman' (1966) and many more on canvas and cloth.







Source: The F.N. Souza International Fine Art Foundation and Family Trust PWR

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MUMBAI, February 7, 2019/PRNewswire/ --

TFS' Raildhaba, The Irish House and Dilli Streat win big at the awards



Travel Food Services (TFS), India's leading Travel F&B and Retail Company, won big at the prestigious India Food Forum 2019 yesterday, to take home three awards for The Irish House at Terminal 3, IGIA, Delhi Airport, and its in-house concepts -Dilli Streat and Raildhaba. The awards, which were held at Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai, were announced by IMAGES Foodservice Awards 2019 on the second day of India Food Forum 2019.



Travel Food Services concept of Raildhaba won the Images Awards for Excellence in service in-rail. Raildhaba has been recognised by Indian Railways and IRCTC to maintain the strict quality control norms, the same has also received international acclaim at FAB 2017.



Award winning launch of Dilli Streat by TFS was done in May 2018 and was a high-impact first-of-its-kind launch at any Indian Airport, it was widely covered in media including mainlines, trade, regional and bloggers as well.



The third award was bagged by The Irish House by Travel Food Services for Images Most Admired Food Service Chain of the Year: Pubs & Bars.



Gaurav Dewan, COO and Business Head, Travel Food Services, says, "We feel honoured to have successfully represented the evolving Indian travel sector at the prestigious India Food Forum. We are constantly striving to bring together operational excellence and innovative concepts to challenge the existing market parameters and to work towards the transformation of travel experience in India. To be recognised and awarded at such an admired platform motivates us further in this endeavour, and we hope to continue our efforts to put India on the international travel F&B and retail map."



Travel Food Services was awarded in the following categories at the India Food Forum 2019:



Images Most Admired Food Service Chain of the Year: Pubs & Bars - The Irish House by Travel Food Services

Most Admired Food Service Outlet Launch of the Year - Dilli Streat, Terminal 3, New Delhi

Images Award for Excellence in service in-rail - Raildhaba at Travel Food Services

About Travel Food Services



Travel Food Services (TFS) is India's leading travel F&B and Retail Company, with more than 300 outlets across travel-hubs including Airports, Railway Stations and Highways spread across 19 cities. With major concessions across key airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, TFS has been transforming travel experience for over 75 million passengers every year through a variety of cuisines across its diverse formats of restaurants, cafes, bars, food courts and lounges.



TFS has partnered with SSP Plc UK, which brings 50 years of rich experience of the global travel retail market thereby enabling TFS to strengthen its market leadership and continue to accelerate India growth in the years ahead. For more information, visit https://www.travelfoodservices.com/.



Source: Travel Food Services (TFS) PWR

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GENEVA, February 6, 2019/PRNewswire/ --

Recognized as a global environmental leader with a CDP triple 'A' score, Firmenich further reinforced its impact with its top ranking on the CDP Supplier Engagement Leaderboard. This global supply chain recognition is testament to Firmenich's excellence in working with its suppliers to reduce carbon emissions and environmental risks across its value chain.







(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/798187/Firmenich_Logo.jpg )



"It is a great honor to be one of only two companies in the world to reach, the CDP Supplier Engagement Leaderboard, as well as triple "A" status for climate change, water security, and forests," said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich. "These world-class recognitions illustrate how Firmenich's sustainability leadership is well entrenched beyond our business and positively impacting our supply chain."



"Congratulations to Firmenich for setting the pace in environmental management with its recognition on the CDP Supplier Engagement Leaderboard, working to reduce emissions and lower environmental risks across its supply chain. If more businesses follow Firmenich's lead, cascading good practices down their supply chains, we can accelerate a rapid transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy," said Sonya Bhonsle, Global Head of Supply Chain at CDP.



"We started disclosing our environmental performance through CDP Supply Chain 10 years ago and were the first perfume and taste company to ask our suppliers to also disclose through CDP," commented Neil McFarlane, Senior VP Quality, Health, Safety, Security & Environment, Firmenich. "We are very proud of this achievement that highlights the incredible work done by our environmental and purchasing teams. We hope it will inspire other companies to develop their own path towards zero impact."



CDP assessed more than 5,000 companies on their supply chain engagement strategies with 120 (3%) leading companies earning a place on the third annual Supplier Engagement Leaderboard. The Supplier Engagement Leaderboard is released today in Cascading commitments: Driving upstream action through supply chain engagement, CDP's Global Supply Chain Report 2019, written by CDP and Carbon Trust. The report reveals that with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in supply chains on average 5.5 times those of company's direct operations, there has been a step-change in corporate awareness and action on environmental impacts within the supply chain in the last decade.



Learn more about Firmenich's 2020 environmental goals and vision to become carbon neutral in its "Performance and Sustainability Report 2018." To view it, click here.



About Firmenich



Firmenich is the world's largest privately-owned perfume and taste company, founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1895. Driven by its purpose to create positive emotions to enhance wellbeing, naturally, Firmenich has designed many of the world's best-known perfumes and tastes, bringing delight to over four billion consumers every day. Renowned for its world-class research and creativity, as well as its leadership in sustainability, each year, Firmenich invests 10% of its turnover in R&D to understand and share the best that nature has to offer responsibly. Firmenich had an annual turnover of 3.7 billion Swiss Francs at end June 2018. More information about Firmenich is available at http://www.firmenich.com



About CDP



CDP is an international non-profit that drives companies and governments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard water resources and protect forests. Voted number one climate research provider by investors and working with institutional investors with assets of US$87 trillion, we leverage investor and buyer power to motivate companies to disclose and manage their environmental impacts. Over 7,000 companies with over 50% of global market capitalization disclosed environmental data through CDP in 2018. This is in addition to the over 750 cities, states and regions who disclosed, making CDP's platform one of the richest sources of information globally on how companies and governments are driving environmental change. CDP, formerly Carbon Disclosure Project, is a founding member of the We Mean Business Coalition. Visit http://www.CDP.net or follow us @CDP to find out more.



Source: Firmenich PWR

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Hyderabad, Telangana, India(NewsVoir)

Preeclampsia, characterized as a hypertensive disorder, is an undesirable complication in pregnancy and can affect both the mother and the baby. It is a complex disease and affects multiple organs and systems in the pregnant woman. If not detected early or not managed in time, severe preeclampsia can result in maternal and infant mortality. Preeclampsia generally occurs after the 20th week of gestation and can sometimes occur even a couple of weeks after child birth. In woman with certain high risk conditions, it is known to occur very early on, in the pregnancy.



Preeclampsia is a global burden. Incidence rates vary from as low as 2% in the developed countries to as high as 18% in parts of Africa. In Latin America, preeclampsia is the #1 cause of maternal mortality. Ten million women develop preeclampsia each year around the world. Worldwide about 76,000 pregnant women die each year from preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders. The number of babies who die from these disorders is thought to be on the order of 500,000 per annum. In developing countries, a woman is seven times as likely to develop preeclampsia than a woman in a developed country. 10-25% of these cases will result in maternal death. (Source: Preeclampsia Foundation. www.preeclampsia.org)



In India, Preeclampsia is reported to be between 8-10% of the 28 Million pregnancies each year. About 3.5 Million babies are born prematurely in India every year. 45-50% of preterm births are due to unknown causes, 15-20% of these preterm births are due to medically induced or elective pre-term deliveries. (Source: National Health Portal, Govt. of India)



For early detection and timely management of Preeclampsia, antenatal clinics with all facilities capable of dealing with high riskpregnancies, along with trained manpower is an important requirement.



DiabetOmics, a global medical diagnostic company headquartered in Portland, USA, understanding the need for early and reliable assessment of preeclampsia, launched today a new, first-of-its-kind, rapid, point-of-care, test - Lumella. Lumella provides an accurate and reliable estimate of Glycosylated Fibronectin (GlyFN) - a protein biomarker that is elevated in pregnant women with a high risk for developing Preeclampsia. Lumella is a proprietary test developed by DiabetOmics through extensive research. It uses a simple test strip (similar to home pregnancy test kit) and a hand-held quantitative reader. The test can be done with a finger prick blood sample and can be done in the physicians clinic. Test results are available in 10 minutes and therefore the assessment can be completed within the same visit of the pregnant woman to consult with her Obstetrician. The test being simple and easy to use, enables its adoption in any setting  remote, rural or urban. The Lumella test system, has recently received regulatory approval in India, said Dr. Srinivas Nagalla, Founder & CEO of DiabetOmics Inc.



On the launch occasion, Sri. Varaprasad Reddy, Chairman of DiabetOmics, unveiled their first product, Lumella test for Preeclampsia. The first Lumella test systems were handed over to (1) Dr. Ramesh Kancherla, Chairman & Managing Director of Rainbow Hospitals, Hyderabad, (2) Dr. Swapna Yendru, Director of Swapna Healthcare, Hyderabad, and (3) Dr. Sridhar, Managing Director of an Obgyn Hospital in Kakinada.



Dr. Shanthakumari, Immediate Past Chairperson of Indian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ICOG) presided over the function and outlined the magnitude of Preeclampsia in India. Dr. Pratibha, Retd. Professor and HOD of Dept of Obgyn, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, briefed about the situation in a public health setting.



About DiabetOmics

DiabetOmics, Inc, a global medical diagnostics company pioneering innovative, non-invasive point-of-care tests for diabetes and maternal health was founded in 2009 by Dr. Srinivas Nagalla and Dr.PaturiVishnupriya Rao.



DiabetOmics Medical, the Indian arm of DiabetOmics, Inc. is a high capacity test strip and reader manufacturing facility located in Medak, Telangana. This state-of-the-art facility with a capacity to manufacture 5 million tests a year is ISO 13485 certified with necessary regulatory approvals and is fully geared up to meet global sales requirements of Lumella. DiabetOmics is also supported by Technology Development Board, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India for development and commercialization of its range of novel point-of-care tests including Lumella.



Lumella is the first product from DiabetOmics for the Obstetrics and Gynecology specialty, and has a pipeline of other novel, in-vitro diagnostic products targeted at affordable, reliable and non-invasive diagnosis and management of Diabetes.



DiabetOmics has been awarded six key patents and prosecuting both domestic and international patents designed to protect its ownership of the diabetes diagnostic market based on its non-invasive and point-of-care technology.



Image 1: L-R: Dr. Pratibha, Dr. Srinivas Nagella, Founder DiabetOmics, Sri. Varaprasad Reddy, Chairman of DiabetOmics,Dr. Shanthakumari, Dr. Sadasiva Rao



Image 2: Tester and Strip PWR

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Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Business Wire India



The Australian State of Victoria is leading the way in establishing exciting research and development partnerships with Indian institutions through research collaborations.



The partnerships between Indias IITs, TERI and IISc and Victoria based Monash, Deakin, Swinburne and Melbourne universities reinforce the States aim of being a valuable knowledge partner to India.



Victorian Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula said that Victoria deeply values its relationship with India and that these research partnerships are strengthening those ties.



Victorian universities are world leaders in many research fields, and the Victorian Government is excited to partner with leading Indian institutions to drive innovation in both regions  fostering an even closer relationship with the Indian research sector.



Victoria is home to a vibrant university sector, with six of its universities ranked in the top 500 of the 2018 QS University Rankings. Two of them, The University of Melbourne and Monash University, are in the top 100. The State also hosts six major research precincts dedicated to biomedical, agricultural and bio sciences, advanced manufacturing and aerospace technology, manufacturing and materials respectively.



Details of some of the significant research partnerships between Victoria and India



IITB - Monash Research Academy



The IITB-Monash Research Academy is a decade-long joint venture between the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and Monash University. The Academy offers an industry facing joint PhD program where students spend up to one year at Monash University and receive a dual badge PhD degree. The Academy partners with several leading corporations in India and Australia.



CEO of IITB Monash Research Academy, Professor Murali Sastry said, "The Academys industry-centric PhD model has been well received by our industry partners. It exposes our students to problems that need to be solved as opposed to conventional problems. It addresses an important employability gap in the market."



Deakin India Research Initiative (DIRI)



The Deakin India Research Initiative (DIRI) aims to develop Indias research capacity and bridge the gap between academia and industry. Launched in 2009, DIRI offers Indian students, academics and professionals the opportunity to pursue a PhD in India while working with Deakin researchers through co-supervised doctoral programs. Under this model, research projects are identified together with Indian partner companies or institutes and PhD candidates are enrolled with Deakin University. The research is undertaken in the labs of the partner company or institute.



About the partnership Ms. RavneetPawha, Deakin University Deputy Vice President (Global) and CEO (South Asia), said, Deakin has committed over A$10 million to research in India through DIRI, which is in keeping with our ethos of giving back to the communities we serve.



Swinburne  IIT Programs



Swinburne University was the first Australian university to establish a joint PhD program with IIT Madras. In 2018 Swinburne and IIT Madras set up a jointly funded Centre for Creation of Enterprise Eco-system linking research, innovation and commercialisation of the two institutions.



IIT Hyderabad is Swinburnes major research partner and every year, 20 PhD students are selected for partnered PhD program, where the students spend one year at Swinburne Melbourne. Currently, there are 30 students under this program and 20 are under the selection and enrolment process for 2019.



Commenting on Swinburnes relationship with India Professor Ajay Kapoor, Swinburnes Pro Vice-Chancellor (International Research Engagement) said, India is Swinburnes major research partner. We have strong links with the top level IITs, and other institutions. We want to grow the relationships wider and deeper.



Melbourne-India Postgraduate Program



This is a partnership between The University of Melbourne with various Indian Institutes of Technology, like IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Kharagpur, IIT-Madras, and the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore on co-supervised PhD programs. There are about 50 PhD students currently in the program.



Speaking about the partnership, Deputy Director of the Melbourne-India Postgraduate Program Professor MuthupandianAshokkumar said, The University of Melbourne is committed to excellence and supporting the investigation, dissemination and application of research which addresses some of the most pressing global problems.



For more information on research partnerships please contact Annie Santhana, Regional Director, Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office on +91 80 4122 7560 or annie.santhana@ecodev.vic.gov.au. PWR

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Reliance Ind plans Rs 10,000 cr investments in West Bengal

(Eds: with more inputs)

Kolkata, Feb 07 (PTI) India's largest private sector

company Reliance Industries Thursday said it had firmed up Rs

10,000 crore investments in West Bengal which is under

implementation.

"Today, our investments stand at Rs 28,000 crore in

West Bengal alone, and we have firmed up our plan for further

investment of over Rs 10,000," CMD of Reliance Industries

Mukesh D Ambani said at the Bengal Global Business summit here

on Thursday.

Most of the investments would be from Reliance Jio.

Jio network will cover 100 per cent of the state's

population, he said.

In 2016, Reliance made investments worth Rs 4500 crore

and after more funds were pumped, it stood at Rs 28,000 crore

at the moment, which accounted for one-tenth of total

investments in India so far.

Reliance Retail operates 500 retail stores and 46

petro retail outlets in West Bengal, Ambani said adding that

Reliance operates three million square feet of warehouses in

the state.

The company was in the process of setting up a

state-of-the art data centre project in the proposed Silicon

Vally hub in the city.

Reliance had also set up 350 Jio Points which are

operational to be increased to 1000 by the year end, meant for

serving villages of the country with digital connectivity. PTI

dc

NN NN
Student leaders and union members from different universities will take part in a march from the Red Fort to Parliament Street in Delhi on Thursday to demand educational and employment opportunities from the Narendra Modi government.

Some of the demands include filling up of all government vacancies, creation of more government jobs, stopping the policy of fund cuts and seat cuts and spending 10 per cent of the country's GDP on education.

Tomorrow when we are Marching from Red Fort to Parliament Street, we are not going to be asking How's the Josh? We will ask where the jobs? We will ask why aren't vacancies being filled up? We will ask why are universities being destroyed. #7FebDilliChalohttps://t.co/AVOj4hcaf9  Young India Adhikar March (@YoungIndiaMarch) February 6, 2019

Various leaders from opposition parties are expected to address the gathering in Parliament Street. The 'Young India Adhikar March' is expected to start by 10am on Thursday.

Patidar leader Hardik Patel pledged support to the march and tweeted, "I am going to Young India Adhikar March. 24 lakhs govt. Posts lying vacant. Crores of youth on streets unemployed. From SSC to Railway From Bank to UPSC Their voices unite on 7th Feb, Young India Adhikar March Let's support and be part of the student-youth unity! #7FebDilliChalo."

Another prominent young dalit rights activist and independent MLA, Jignesh Mevani, has actively supported the Young India Adhikar March. Psephologist-turned-political activist Yogendra Yadav has also supported the Young India Adhikar March.

Students of Jamia Millia Islamia have said they would boycott the Young India Adhikar March since the demands do not include tracing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed who went missing in October 2016.

Organisers of the Young India Adhikar March have complained the Delhi Police had not given permission for their march.
The Congress has chalked out an elaborate programme for the maiden visit of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia, newly appointed AICC general secretaries in charge of eastern and western parts of Uttar Pradesh, respectively, to the electorally crucial state.

Priyanka and Scindia are scheduled to arrive at Lucknow on February 11, along with Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Then, in what is intended to be a show of strength, the three leaders will proceed to the UP Congress office in a procession from the airport.

The two new in-charges of UP will interact with Congress leaders and workers from February 12 to 14 at the PCC office in Lucknow.

The schedule was finalised at a meeting between Rahul, Priyanka, Scindia and K.C. Venugopal, AICC general secretary in charge of organisation.

Rahul also met with AICC general secretaries and in-charges of states to chalk out the preparation for the coming Lok Sabha polls. He gave the direction that the selection of candidates for the coming general elections should be completed by the end of February so that they, as well as other party leaders, get adequate time to campaign.



The party has decided to quickly complete the process of selection of candidates, campaign strategy and alliances, Venugopal told reporters.

In his opening remarks, Rahul spoke about the alleged misuse of central agencies by the BJP, and the 'false' campaign carried out by the party against its political rivals. Venugopal said that Rahul wants the Congress' campaign to be decent in contrast to the BJP.

The meeting also saw the party firming up its stand on the proposed contentious Citizenship Bill. With an eye on its electoral prospects in the northeast, especially the state of Assam which it lost last year to the BJP, the party has decided to talk to other parties and block the passage of the Bill if it is brought to the Rajya Sabha.

Priyanka, who was the centre of attention today, said at the meeting that she would not rest till she ensured that the Congress flag flew high in UP. This was her first Congress meeting after her formal induction into the party. A large number of party workers had gathered to greet her as she arrived for the meeting.

AICC communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said the party was ready to contest all 80 seats in UP if required. We will not shy away from the responsibility the people have entrusted us with, he said.

To a question on the Enforcement Directorate grilling Priyanka's husband Robert Vadra in a case of alleged money laundering, Surjewala accused the Modi government of political vendetta against Vadra. Modiji is blinded by a feeling of revenge. Faced with imminent defeat, he has filed false cases against leaders and their families, he said.
Exactly an year after a college of the Cochin University in Kerala made national headlines when a group of north Indian students alleged they were deliberately fed beef cutlets, the institution is again facing the ire of Hindutva supporters.

This time, the controversy is over a demand to conduct Saraswati Puja on the campus premises.

On Thursday, a letter from the registrar of Cochin University to the principal of Cochin University College of Engineering Kuttanad (CUCEK) was being circulated on social media. The letter informs the vice-chancellor had declined permission to a request by a group of north Indian students to perform Saraswati Puja on the CUCEK campus on the grounds that it was a secular institution.

The letter has, predictably, triggered outrage among members of the Hindu rightwing on social media.

The letter from the Cochin University registrar to CUCEK on denial of permission for Saraswati Puja | Via Twitter

In late January of 2018, the CUCEK campus briefly saw suspension of classes following scuffles between groups of North Indian and Malayali students. The scuffles were triggered by allegations by the north Indian students that they were deliberately served beef cutlets on the sidelines of a seminar at the campus. The students claimed they were assured the cutlets were vegetarian.

The complainants, who were reportedly associated with the ABVP, had also alleged that the CUCEK principal, Sunil Kumar N., had offended their religious sensitivities. In 2018 also, the north Indian students alleged they were denied permission to conduct Saraswati Puja at the CUCEK campus.

The principal had dismissed the claims of the north Indian students on the grounds that the seminar where the cutlets was served was organised by an external agency.
After the biggest outbreak of Zika in the country, Rajasthan is now grappling with yet another viral diseaseswine flu, or seasonal influenza caused by the H1N1 virus. Out of 6,701 cases, and 226 deaths due to swine flu this year, the state accounts for 2,263 cases and 85 deaths. This is followed by Delhi with 1,011 cases, with no deaths, according to data (until February 3) from the National Centre of Disease Control (NCDC). However, Delhi reported one death from the flu on February 5.

According to the Centre, majority of deaths have been reported from Rajasthan, Gujarat (43) and Punjab (30). Last year, India saw 14,992 cases, and 1,103 deaths due to seasonal influenza, and the year before saw close to 39,000 cases and 2,270 deaths. According to the Union ministry of health and family welfare, higher number of deaths have occurred in persons having co-morbidities such as diabetes and hypertension.

To deal with the situation, the Union health ministry has deputed a team to assess the situation in Rajasthan and assist the states in strengthening the response to a spike in the number of cases. Separate teams have been sent to Gujarat and Punjab to assist the states in outbreak response. The country's Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and its state units have enhanced surveillance for Influenza like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), the health ministry said in a statement.

The main influenza season in India coincides with the monsoon months [June to September]. But, in between, we also see summer peaks in February and March, as we did in 2015. The exception is the state of Jammu and Kashmir, with its temperate climate. In India, influenza occurs through out the year with a major seasonal peak during monsoon, says Dr G. Arunkumar, head of Manipal Centre for Virus Research. The biggest outbreak of swine flu in India occurred in the year 2010, he said.

According to Dr D.S. Chaddha, director, internal medicine, Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Delhi, the clinical manifestations of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, malaise, headache, vomiting and diarrhea. Young children, though, are less likely to have the usual influenza signs and symptoms such as fever and cough, he added. Symptoms of severe disease in infants and young children may include apnea, tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis, dehydration, altered mental status and extreme irritability.

Those at high-risk include children under 5 years, adults over 65 years, those suffering from any chronic pulmonary condition (including asthma), those suffering from cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular or metabolic disorders (including diabetes), as well as those on immuno-suppressants, or suffering from HIV.



Once diagnosed with the flu, patients are advised to stay in for at least 24 hours after the fever subsides, keep themselves hydrated, cover their hands while sneezing and coughing, and wear a face mask at all times to prevent the virus from spreading.
Q/ You are in charge of 112 seats, mostly in tribal...
HumanitarianInitiative Just Relief Aid (HIJRA) is an international African humanitarian anddevelopment organization that positively contributes towards improving theliving standards and conditions of those adversely affected by disasters andconflict in the Horn, East & Central Africa by implementing WASH, Health,Education, Livelihoods, Community service & development and Protectionprograms in the region for a period of more than 20 years.
The Uganda RevenueAuthority (URA) was established by the Uganda Revenue Authority Statute of 1991and set up in September of the same year as a central body for assessment andcollection of specified revenue, to administer and enforce the laws relating tosuch revenue and to provide for related matters. This statute incorporated allthe laws that were in force then regarding tax collection. The new organization(URA) amalgamated the three tax administration departments that wereresponsible for all the taxes collected by the Central Government of Uganda.
TheDriver is responsible for up keep and maintenance of the assigned UNHCRvehicle(s) as per technical guidance and specifications established by theorganization. He/She will be required to follow strict instructions andsecurity guidance provided by the supervisor. While the basic function of adriver is to drive the official vehicles of UNHCR, he/she may be called upon toperform minor maintenance and repair of UNHCR vehicles. The incumbent hasregular contacts with staff within UNHCR office and with service providersoutside UNHCR involving a limited exchange of information.
Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

AUSTIN  House and Senate committees are taking up school and state finance matters Wednesday as they continue to hammer out dueling state budget proposals.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS: In a year when lawmakers are promising to tackle school finance reform, the House Public Education committee will kick off its hearing Wednesday with testimony from the Texas Education Agency. View the agenda here.
ELSAH  People driving or biking on the Great River Road these days should be on the lookout for more than just majestic bald eagles.

Workers with Michels Corp. Construction are prepping the area between Elsah and Chautauqua for the Spire STL Pipeline. That includes clearing a wide swath of woods to the top of the bluff for placement of the underground pipeline.

The St. Louis-based utility company is constructing a 65-mile natural gas pipeline through Scott, Green and Jersey counties in Illinois. The total cost is estimated at between $210 million to $225 million.

Workers recently clear-cut a gash into the bluffs about one-half mile northwest of Mississippi Street in Elsah. The pipeline will go under the river at that point.

Specifically, the Mississippi River will be crossed utilizing horizontal directional drill techniques to lessen the environmental impact.

Work is expected to be completed as soon as July.

Nicknamed the Spire STL Pipeline, construction began this month and, if everything goes according to schedule, will be completed as soon as July.

Motorists and pedestrians should avoid getting too close to the construction.

We take safety very seriously, and have taken great care to clearly mark the construction zone, or right-of-way, for this project, said Jenny Barth, manager of external communications for Spire. These markings can appear as construction entrance signs, stakes along the perimeter or orange safety fencing around open excavations.

Barth also said the work should have little impact on wintering bald eagles.

In preparing for this project, Barth said Spire conducted extensive surveys and research to locate and protect all eagle nests, including consulting with multiple agencies including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Illinois and Missouri Departments of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation. During the surveys, they didnt find any eagle nests within the vicinity of the project and dont anticipate that construction will affect eagle watching, she said.

Spire Inc. will own and operate the pipeline. Spire is a public utility holding company based in St. Louis.

According to Spires website, the new pipeline will provide significant benefits to more than 647,000 homes and businesses in the entire St. Louis region.

After the work is done, the land will be restored.

Restoration efforts will begin as soon as construction work is complete, Barth said.

The corridor above the pipeline will be clear of trees, but planted with grass seed and other native vegetation.

Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-208-6447.
ALTON  From being in the national spotlight on multiple occasions last year to increased and anticipated development, Alton is undergoing what Mayor Brant Walker called a renaissance during his State of the City address.

He spoke to about 40 people at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Alton as part of a meeting of the East End Improvement Association Tuesday evening.

Walkers talk touched on activities in most of the citys major departments, ranging from donations and grants for park projects to the sale of the wastewater treatment plant.

The gist of his talk was that Alton is going through a lot of positive change and moving in a good direction.

If you havent been to Alton lately, you havent been to Alton, he said after his talk. Alton is a city that has definitely, for lack of a better word, turned a corner.

He described it as a major renaissance with new stores opening in droves.

We had to hire more people in our Building & Zoning Department to keep up with inspections, so were very fortunate to be experiencing what our community is experiencing right now, he added.

Walker said the most important aspect of all of it is the national recognition the city has received over the past year.

The feeling of the community and the perception of the city, and how the citys come together, he said. Im always amazed at how this community pulls itself up by its bootstraps. All of that coming together in a 14-16 month period is shining a spotlight on the city that we havent seen in a long time.

That spotlight includes the Small Business Revolution, AARPs listing Alton as a Top 10 place to live (reprinted in Readers Digest), Forbes Magazine listing Alton as the best place to retire in Illinois, and Travel Channel naming Alton one of the 50 most charming towns in America and season-opening appearances on Ghost Adventures.

Its like the city just woke up and sprung immediately to life, he said.

His speech featured segments on each city department, starting with parks.

Walker highlighted numerous projects at Gordon Moore Park; improvements at Killion, Hellrung and Olin parks; the completion of renovations at Riverview Park and other accomplishments.

He also cited a number of Public Works improvements, including sidewalk projects near Lovejoy Elementary and Alton Middle schools and new ADA-compliant pedestrian routes along a number of streets; plans for a major resurfacing of Broadway this year; and other projects including sewer work on Washington Avenue.

He noted the Planning & Development Department has seen a lot of commercial and other activity, ranging from call center renovations at American Water Works to increased jobs at Alton Center Business Park.

Walker also emphasized commercial development, saying the Beltline remains a strong retail route, and major announcements are expected at Alton Square this year.

Alton continues to make strong strides in the tourism arena, he said. We had approximately 82,000 hotel room nights and an estimated $21 million local economic impact for 2017 (2018 figures are not yet available).

Both the Police and Fire departments have made major improvements.

Walker noted that the license plate reader cameras placed on the Clark Bridge have helped solve several homicides, and numerous vehicle thefts; and the Police Departments Juvenile Division has expanded its Second Chance program to allow more children to participate.

He also touched on the implementation of landlord licensing and rental registration.

We want to make the landlords accountable for substandard and deteriorated housing, as well as the tenant to whom they rent to, he said. We also want t facilitate a relationship between landlords, law enforcement and the B&Z Department.

He noted there has been positive feedback from residents.

Walker also said that last year the department issued 472 building permits with a value of more than $14 million.

His talk also touched on the Alton Marina, which has retired its debt and is phasing in a multi-phase capital improvement project to upgrade the fuel dock and to accommodate larger vessels.

He also spoke about the sale of the wastewater treatment plant. The plant is being sold to Illinois American Water Co. for approximately $54 million.

The sale was strictly out of necessity, Walker said.

The biggest issue for the city was increasing unpaid liability in its police and fire pension funds. Without the sale of the system he said there would have to be large-scale cutbacks.

He also noted that residents are also paying higher fees to pay for the separation of the citys sewage and rainwater sewer systems.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told the city in 1994 it had to separate the systems. Walker said by 2013 the city had completed the first of five phases to the project, which has an estimated cost of $50 million to $60 million.

Walker also touched on the success of the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, saying it was a huge success in 2018 and he expects the coming year to mirror that.

The city is on a roll, but we have some legacy issues, he said.

Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-208-6447.
GODFREY  The resurfacing of Clifton Terrace Road could begin by late May, according to Godfrey village officials.

A resolution appropriating $156,000 for the project, which represents engineering costs and a 25 percent local match paid by Madison County, was approved at Tuesdays regular board meeting.

The total construction cost is $414,766.75, with the federal government paying 75 percent of that, according to Village Engineer Richard Beran.

He said bids are expected to be approved in April, with the work to begin by late May or early June.

The project includes the resurfacing of approximately .6 miles of Clifton Terrace Road between Illinois State Routes 100 and 3.

The board also approved a $51,150.28 contract for engineering services on the project with Sheppard, Morgan and Schwaab.

The project includes filling potholes, milling the road and resurfacing it. It is expected to take about six weeks to finish.

The board also approved several bids related to the Warren Levis Equalization Project.

A bid of $59,940 for the tree clearing as part of the project was approved, as well as a contract amendment from Juneau Associates for engineering work for $11,800.

The project is planned to increase the volume of the existing Warren Levis sanitary sewer detention to 13.58 million gallons from the present 6.16 million gallons. The cost is estimated at $2.2 million, with construction to begin in February and be completed by November 2019.

Because of the presence of the endangered Indiana bats, trees in the area cannot be cut down between April to November, so the work has to be completed quickly.

The village will also hold a public hearing on a plan for a $3.5 million loan from the IEPA for the Northeast Interceptor project. The hearing will be held at approximately 6 p.m. March 5, between the Godfrey Township and Godfrey Village Board meeting.

The village has had long-term issues with the U.S. EPA over sewage issues in several areas, and has until 2022 to correct them. The cost has been estimated at up to $14 million.

Although the village is in the process of selling its wastewater sewage system to Illinois American Water Co., it is still moving forward on a number of projects, including the interceptor.

Other road and sewer related action taken included:

 Approved sewer line repair in the 300 block of Nicolet by Seiler Excavating of Alton at a cost of $3,380.

 Approved $1,683.53 payment to Sheppard, Morgan and Schwaab for preliminary work for the next phase of the Lars Hoffman Crossing, with money coming from the Business District funds.

 Approved correcting a drainage issue at 8800 N. Humbert Road by WWCS at a price of $8,466.

Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-208-6447.
GLEN CARBON  Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) is seeking votes to win the Peoples Choice Award for the Google.org Illinois Impact Challenge $250,000 in funding.

Participants can vote today through 11:59 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14 by visiting Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois impact challenge page. With an initial $75,000 in funding from Google already secured, additional funds earned from being selected as the Peoples Choice Award Winner will fuel the expansion of GSofSI STEM programming, through building sustainable programming in rural and urban areas in Southern Illinois. Through this grant, GSofSIs new mobile STEM Lab will bring the engaging hands-on Girl Scout STEM program to the girls who are sometimes hours away from city centers typically providing more community resources for STEM exploration.
For nearly 30 years, Dorianne Laux has written about love and violence, survival and grief, in poems that are clear, compelling and insightful. In "Only as the Day Is Long: New and Selected Poems" (Norton) she begins with memories of her abusive father and her complex, challenging mother, then moves through her early adulthood and relationships to more recent days, when she cared for her elderly mother and grieved her passing. Laux, a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for her 1994 book "What We Carry," shows us how to endure hardships without losing humanity and compassion. This timely, beautifully crafted collection wonderfully balances light and dark.

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Sarah Gambito's "Loves You" (Persea) combines poems and recipes to convey the complex and sometimes difficult of experience of Filipinos living in America. The recipes show how food fosters a sense of community and continuity, as in the recipe Bibingkang Malagkit, which notes that "You're going to have a very certain regard for the people that you make this for as the rice gets very heavy as it cooks and you cannot stop stirring." The book is divided into five sections, each on named after the five basic tastes - umami, sour, salt, bitter, sweet - and the writing reflects a range of emotions, from hope and humor to shame and anger about the way Filipinos and other Asians are often misunderstood and demeaned. In this distinctive, highly anticipated third book, Gambito challenges readers to consider what sustains and nurtures them.

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"The Twenty-Ninth Year" (Mariner), the fourth collection by Palestinian American poet and psychologist Hala Alyan, considers the people, places and experiences that have shaped her past and present. Among those memories are her family emigrating from the tumult of the Middle East to Oklahoma; various lovers and excesses; and her journey out of alcoholism and into a stable marriage. The writing is bold and unrepentant, as in "A Love Letter to My Panic/A Love Letter to My Husband": "I don't get off / on pain anymore. I understand now why the one coast / ripped in two; sometimes what's left of a good house /is its locked door." Along the way, Alyan questions religion, examines various versions of herself, and balances the sacred and the profane in writing that is forceful and vigorous.

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In the fascinating collection "Oculus" (Graywolf), Sally Wen Mao considers exile as a result of time, distance - and modern technology. The title piece reflects on a girl in Shanghai who committed suicide online while "awaiting a hand to hold, / eyes to behold her as the lights clicked on / and she posed for her picture, long eyelashes / all wet, legs tapered, bright as thorns." A series of poems about the first Chinese American movie star, Anna May Wong, shows her traveling through the past and then to the future of film in a time machine. By telling Wong's story, and those of other women of color who have been defined by images in popular culture, the work explores the ramifications of being seen and objectified but never truly known.

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Lund writes about poetry each month for The Washington Post.
A worker checks a man-made diamond at Zhengzhou Sino-Crystal Diamond Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Feng Dapeng)

ZHENGZHOU/BRUSSELS, Feb. 6 -- A diamond is forever but its chemical composition is just carbon, the fourth most abundant element in the universe.

Before being cut and polished to what may cost over 2,000 U.S. dollars per carat -- one-fifth of a gram, or the weight of two grains of rice, diamonds have traditionally been mined from earth where they were forged in extreme pressure and heat over millennia.

But companies in China and elsewhere have mastered the technologies to manufacture them en masse in a matter of weeks or days, with the products practically indistinguishable from those mined from earth.

China, long a major consumer of mined diamonds, now has a realistic chance to become a supplier of man-made ones and shape the industry, analysts said, but the scenario for substitution -- when consumers become indifferent to provenance -- is far from certain and depends on public perception.

OVER ONE MILLION CARATS, FROM ONE FACTORY

By Chinese industry estimates, the country has been producing well over 10 billion carats of diamond annually for almost a decade, but most of the products have gone to industrial use such as in abrasives.

Before foraying into consumer use, Chinese manufacturers provided them for aeronautics, oil rigs and electronic chips and honed their craft, said Hu Junheng, head of gemstone business at Henan Huanghe Whirlwind, which calls itself the world's largest synthetic diamond manufacturer with an annual production of 1.2 billion carats, mostly for industrial use.

As competition intensified and technology matured, these companies, mainly based in central China's Henan Province, have ventured from abrasives to jewelry.

The English-language "product list" of Henan Huanghe Whirlwind now starts with "superhard materials" and ends with "Lab-Grown Diamond (Gem Quality)".

Liu Yongqi, general manager of Sino-Crystal, another Henan-based company, said it now produces between 2 million and 3 million carats a year, over half of which are for jewelry.

"We began our transformation in 2014 to expand to gem-grade diamonds," said Liu, citing over-competition for industry use and a "blue sea" consumer market.

"It is important to understand that even if synthetic diamond production is initially lower quality, the diamonds can be 'enhanced' with processes that turn lower quality goods into higher-quality," Paul Zimnisky, an independent diamond analyst in New York, told Xinhua.

If even a fraction of Chinese production is upgraded to jewelry-quality diamonds, it would have a very significant impact on the global supply which is only in the low-millions-of-carats, Zimnisky said.

"China, and by extension Asia, is the main producer of synthetic diamonds," Margaux Donckier, spokeswoman for Antwerp World Diamond Center, told Xinhua. "Synthetic goods only represent about 3-5 percent of the [consumer] market, but the share is growing rapidly."

ICE IN A FRIDGE, ICE IN A RIVER

A major boost to man-made diamonds, Chinese manufacturers said, came from De Beers, the dominant giant that popularized the saying, "a diamond is forever."

Reversing its previous position of shunning the man-made sector, De Beers took a U-turn in 2018 by selling man-made diamonds through its Lightbox Jewelry brand.

"Since De Beers embraced man-made diamonds, the market has been developing rapidly," said Liu, citing expanding sales in Japan and recent visits to his company from major jewelry brands.

Man-made diamonds' growing prospects are their increasing quality at decreasing cost. It is now impossible to tell a man-made diamond from a mined one with the naked eye, despite the latter's exorbitant price.

Experts with professional equipments can distinguish the two, but that distinction is so irrelevant to the Federal Trade Commission of the United States, that the previously specified "natural" origin within the FTC's definition of a diamond was removed in 2018.

In its Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries, the FTC ruled "based on changes in the market, the final Guides eliminate the word 'natural' from the definition of diamond...because lab-created products that have essentially the same optical, physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds are also diamonds."

Zang Chuangyi, a scholar at Henan Polytechnic University, believes a diamond is a diamond no matter how it was formed -- grown in a lab or mined out of the ground.

"It's like comparing ice in a fridge at your home, with ice in a river," Zang said.

ONLY AS FASHION JEWELRY?

But in the view of De Beers and others with ties to the established diamond profession, there are still insurmountable differences between man-made diamonds and mined ones.

"Our research consistently shows that people see synthetic diamonds as a different product category from natural diamonds, just as they see synthetic rubies, emeralds and sapphires as different product categories from their natural counterparts," the company told Xinhua in a statement.

It is with convictions like this that De Beers decided to wade into men-made diamonds, intending to grab a growing sub-market and in the process solidifying the perception that man-made diamonds are inferior to mined ones, which will also safeguard its original business, experts said.

The Antwerp World Diamond Center largely follows the prevailing rationale in this regard, spokesperson Donckier said. "Diamonds and synthetic diamonds should be seen as two different products. They are certainly not interchangeable."

Current regulations in China and elsewhere require that man-made and natural diamonds are clearly labeled so that consumers know what they are buying.

Man-made diamond jewelry will fall into the category of "fashion jewelry" while natural diamonds will remain "fine jewelry," Zimnisky said.

But there are also outliers who say a diamond should not be forever even from the beginning, and consumers, many of whom are increasingly budget conscious, already have too many bills to pay excluding an overhyped and overpriced stone.

Yonden Lhatoo, the chief news editor at the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, wrote in a scathing column: "Anyone with a basic education should know by now that the ridiculous tradition of men having to buy diamond engagement rings for women before marriage was wholly concocted."

Diamonds are such a waste of money, he wrote: "If you must buy a diamond, it makes much more sense to go for a lab-manufactured one."

HUGE POTENTIAL AHEAD

The man-made diamond jewelry market will grow 22 percent annually from 1.9 billion U.S. dollars to 5.2 billion by 2023, Zimnisky said.

Liu, of Sino-Crystal, said that man-made diamonds might not cannibalize sales of mined diamonds, but that market alone boded well for Chinese manufacturers.

"Could they compete with De Beers? Yes, they certainly could. It just concerns technology that almost anyone can obtain these days, so why could a Chinese manufacturer not make the same product as well as anyone else?" Donckier said.

"The quality of Chinese synthetic diamond production appears to be advancing quite rapidly from what I am seeing. I have seen some Chinese product that rivals that of Lightbox," Zimnisky said.
VANCOUVEROrdinary British Columbians personal information is being improperly scraped by political parties, compiled into demographic databases and handed to social-media giants to harvest the data of even more people.

Efforts to understand party voters can be legitimate, B.C.s privacy commissioner told StarMetro on Wednesday, but its happening without our consent or permission  and that is illegal under provincial law.

Political parties collect a lot of information about voters in the province, which is not surprising, Michael McEvoy said in a phone interview Wednesday. Parties are not allowed to collect whatever they want on people.

He listed examples he documented, including doorstep canvassers recording any religious symbols they spotted in peoples homes as well as homeowners perceived ethnicity. He said parties are also handing bulk email addresses to Facebook so the company can find demographic patterns  and provide them with a larger list of people with similar profiles.

Essentially, they have to have the consent of people theyre collecting information from, said McEvoy. You need to ask permission. Thats the basis of the law.

McEvoys 45-page report, titled Full Disclosure: Political parties, campaign data, and voter consent, comes nearly five months after his federal counterpart warned that information about our political views is highly sensitive, and its clearly unacceptable that federal and provincial parties are not subject to privacy laws.

In B.C., however, parties must heed the provinces information protection legislation. As B.C.s watchdog, McEvoy has the power to launch investigations into alleged violations and recommend charges.

Colin Bennett is a University of Victoria political scientist who has studied parties data use at both the federal and provincial levels. He said the report is just the first step toward Canada joining a global conversation about personal data breaches, documented in the British referendum to leave the European Union  Brexit  and Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

Look, political parties need personal data and they have an important role in our democracy, said Bennett, who has authored several studies on party data use. But they should only be collecting that information with the consent of the individual.

He said his research meant few of McEvoys allegations, including recording ethnic and religious data by looking in peoples houses, comes as much of a surprise.

Quite often in the frenzy of an election campaign, the inclination is to just grab as much information as possible about the voter and get it into the database, Bennett said. But youre not supposed to be fishing around for other information on the doorstep, and its the same with telephone polling.

There has to be better training of volunteers. These practices develop because one party does it, and the other party follows because they think theyre going to be losing out if they dont. Weve got to reverse that trend.

It really shouldnt be controversial. Its in their interests, because it will build trust among voters and allow us to prevent the kind of abuses weve seen south of the border and in relation to Brexit.

McEvoy revealed to StarMetro that exactly one year before the release of his latest report  prior to his appointment as the provinces privacy czar  he was meeting in London, U.K. with former Victoria, B.C. resident turned data whistleblower Christopher Wylie.

McEvoy, then the deputy B.C. commissioner, was temporarily transferred to the U.K. to spearhead the British privacy commissioners investigation into illegal data harvesting by Cambridge Analytica during the Brexit campaign, as revealed by Wylie.

A year ago today I was literally in a room with him while he was making his disclosure to the regulator in London, McEvoy said.

McEvoys explosive probe across the Atlantic offered him lessons he brought to bear in the months his office probed B.C. parties handling of data.

Investigating political parties over there was of some assistance here because there were some similarities between the two (countries) and the questions to ask, he said. (U.K.) voters were being psychologically profiled by an organization.

The good news is thats not happening here. But parties are nonetheless using other means and analytic tools to predict how someone feels  Its fair to say nobody want to see some of those things washing up on our shores.

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McEvoy is giving all parties six months to fix problems he identified in how each misuses data. He said he prefers to encourage best practices before he has to resort to criminal proceedings.

I think thats the sense of it, yes. This report wasnt (done) as a formal inquiry; it was an investigation, he said. There are no orders made here, though I do have the authority to do that.

At the end of the day, after a more formal process, I can make an order. But I hope that is not necessary.

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Ontarios whistleblower protection laws likely will not help the provincial bureaucrat fired after confidential draft health-care reform legislation was leaked to the New Democrats.

That safeguard, as defined in the Public Service of Ontario Act, is intended to ease the path for civil servants who discover illegal behaviour, such as theft, grave danger to life, health or safety of people or the environment, or gross mismanagement.

Thats a pretty high threshold, employment lawyer Joseph Cohen-Lyons, who has written about public sector whistleblower laws in Public Sector Digest, said Thursday. If you disagree with the policy, it probably doesnt meet that threshold, even if youre very against privatized health care.

Another employment lawyer, Doug MacLeod, agreed.

Draft legislation, youre not going to sneak it by the public, MacLeod said, noting bills are introduced in the legislature and must pass three separate votes by MPPs following public debate and hearings.

This would put a real chill on the politicians if they thought anything that they were considering might get leaked before they decided to table it. Its going to really put a chill on people having frank and open discussions about different policy alternatives, he said.

Read more:

Dont panic over Ontarios looming health care overhaul, former top bureaucrat says

iPolitics | NDPs incomplete redaction of health-care document led the Ford government to the whistleblower, sources say

Ontario health minister downplays confidential draft bill that would create super agency and allow more privatization

Employees have a duty of confidentiality and fidelity to their employer and this is a clear breech of confidence. This is confidential information that should not be disclosed without consent.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath has claimed the bill and other leaked documents prove the Progressive Conservative government is creating a new super agency to run the health-care system with new powers to privatize more medical services.

Health Minister Christine Elliott has downplayed the draft legislation as an early version while denying the privatization charge and promising Ontarians will continue to get medically necessary services paid for through their OHIP cards.

The dismissal of the unnamed bureaucrat will be grieved by the Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario.

In announcing the firing, Steven Davidson, the secretary of cabinet and head of the public service, emphasized bureaucrats swear an oath of confidentiality that must be obeyed.

That oath states: I will not disclose or give to any person any information or document that comes to my knowledge or possession by reason of my being a public servant.

The same principle also applies to workers in the private sector. Many employers, including Torstar, parent company of the Toronto Star, expect staff to abide by confidentiality measures.

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After the firing, Davidson notified the Ontario Provincial Police.

Staff Sgt. Carolle Dionne said Thursday that the matter is still under review by the OPPs anti-rackets branch.

Under Ontario law, whistleblowers must report their concerns to an ethics executive or to the office of the provinces independent integrity commissioner.

Michelle Renaud, the watchdogs senior adviser for policy and outreach, said the office does not confirm whether or not it has received a disclosure.

Confidentiality is an important component of the disclosure of wrongdoing framework, said Renaud.

Although the health minister has acknowledged health care in Ontario will undergo a transformation, she has said no plans have been finalized.

But the documents made public by the NDP state that Premier Doug Fords cabinet approved the full health-care transformation plan at a Jan. 16 cabinet meeting.

Titled agency review weekly status report, the document says there will be an announcement this month and that the government has used focus groups to gauge acceptance of the health-overhaul plan.

A schedule for moving forward with the transformation shows cabinet approvals of board members for the new health-care agency must be made by Feb. 20, when ministers will also revoke appointments to the boards of 20 existing health agencies being folded into the new body.

Robert Benzie is the Stars Queens Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie

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OTTAWA Justin Trudeaus government is facing calls for an investigation into damning allegations that senior PMO officials pressed the former justice minister to seek mediation instead of pursuing criminal charges against a high-profile Quebec engineering company, SNC-Lavalin.

Trudeaus adamantly denied the explosive  and politically damaging  story that Jody Wilson-Raybould was pushed out of the justice portfolio after refusing to bend to pressure from his office.

The allegations in the Globe story this morning are false, Trudeau told reporters Thursday in Vaughan. Neither the current nor the previous attorney-general was directed by me or anyone in my office to take a decision in this matter.

Yet that failed to quell the uproar that broke after the Globe and Mail reported Thursday Wilson-Raybould was shuffled out of the job after defying heavy pressure to direct the independent public prosecution office to negotiate a remediation agreement which would have resulted in the firm avoiding criminal liability for actions it said were taken by individual employees.

Former Conservative justice minister Peter MacKay who was also once a criminal prosecutor said in a telephone interview he was completely blown away by what he called unprecedented allegations of political interference.

The problem, said MacKay, is that no one, including the prime minister, should give any instruction, or influence the justice minister as to how any prosecution should unfold.

To have the prime minister or his staff direct her (Wilson-Raybould) to direct the prosecutor? If proven, thats an offence in and of itself, thats an interference with the administration of justice.

Both Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh are expected to turn up the pressure on the government Friday. NDP MP Nathan Cullen said all options are on the table to get answers, from parliamentary committees to a full-fledged independent probe.

We take the attorney generals role very seriously and the idea that anyone would lean on them to not seek a proper conviction of a major and illegal donor to the party is  terrible, he said.

Ian Brodie, who served as chief of staff to former prime minister Stephen Harper, said the allegations of political pressure on a prosecution decision have to be answered right away.

I think we now need to know who talked to whom, when and what they said, Brodie said, suggesting a commission of inquiry as one route.

In Ottawa, it fell to the new justice minister, David Lametti, who took up Wilson-Rayboulds job in a January cabinet shuffle, to respond to opposition charges of political interference by Trudeaus aides in the judicial process.

Lametti deflected questions by repeating the prime ministers denials. In an interview with the Star and later in the Commons, he said no one in the PMO, including Trudeau, directed or pressured him or Wilson-Raybould on the SNC-Lavalin matter.

Asked if he had had any conversations at all with the prime minister or his office about SNC, Lametti said havent had any. None at all.

The Quebec engineering and construction giant has been lobbying for months for Ottawa to negotiate whats known as a deferred prosecution agreement.

SNC-Lavalin sought to avoid criminal fraud and corruption charges based on allegations it paid millions in bribes to win government business in Libya between 2001 and 2011.

The companys stock price plummeted on Oct. 10, after the announcement that the public prosecution service will not at this time negotiate a mediation agreement with SNC-Lavalin.

Company president and chief executive Neil Bruce told Bloomberg News in December that failure to reach a negotiated settlement on the charges had probably cost SNC-Lavalin more than $5 billion in lost contracts. The company did not answer the Stars requests for comment.

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Speaking outside the House of Commons, Scheer rejected Trudeaus denial as words written by a lawyer.

The allegations that are in the media today raise the idea that Jody Wilson-Raybould lost her job for refusing to bow to pressure from the prime ministers office, Scheer said, accusing the prime minister in French of hiding something.

Its up to the prime minister to come clean on this, he said.

During his press conference earlier Thursday, Trudeau said three times in English and twice in French that no one in his PMO directed Wilson-Raybould, or Lametti to take any decision whatsoever in the SNC-Lavalin prosecution. However, he did not directly address questions about whether or how he or his office may have tried to influence Wilson-Rayboulds decision, focusing instead on denying anyone tried to control the outcome. At no time did I or my office direct the current or previous attorney general to make any particular decision in this matter, said Trudeau.

Trudeau side-stepped a direct answer to questions about the exact nature of discussions between his office and Wilson-Raybold, saying, We have a tremendous positive working relationship with all members of our cabinet.

But in question period, opposition Conservatives and New Democrats charged that Trudeau had pushed Wilson-Raybould from the justice post after she refused to bow to pressure on the SNC-Lavalin file.

NDP MP Guy Caron drew a link between the companys illegal donations to the Liberals and the help the company is now seeking.

Illegal donations were made. SNC-Lavalin needs help. The PMO is happy to help. They pressed the minister of justice to try and sweep the accusations of fraud and corruption against them under the carpet, Caron said.

She refuses and shes fired, he said.

The construction giant admitted in 2016 to illegally funneling almost $118,000 to the federal Liberals and Conservatives between 2004 and 2011. More than $100,000 of that went to the Liberal party, party riding associations as well candidates in the 2006 Liberal leadership race. The Liberal party said at the time that it had reimbursed the money.

As Lametti served up denials, Wilson-Raybould, now the minister of veterans affairs, sat silently through it all, even as opposition MPs sought answers from her directly whether she had been pressed by Trudeaus staff. Leaving the Commons, she told reporters no comment when asked about Lamettis claim there was no pressure on her.

When she was bumped from the justice post, Wilson-Raybould released a lengthy letter that laid out her achievements as justice minister, with a telling line that the role of attorney general demands a measure of principled independence.

It is a pillar of our democracy that our system of justice be free from even the perception of political interference and uphold the highest levels of public confidence, she wrote.

The Liberal government changed the law last year to allow deferred prosecution agreements and allow remediation agreements to be reached  a legislative option that MacKay said the Conservatives had also once considered enacting.

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OTTAWAA group of Canadian diplomats and their family members left ill after serving in Cuba are suing the federal government for $28 million, charging that Ottawa badly mishandled a crisis that has left them suffering debilitating brain injuries.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Federal Court, paints a picture of a federal government that was more concerned with keeping a lid on a worsening health crisis that first surfaced for the Canadians in early 2017 in Havana.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Throughout the crisis, Canada downplayed the seriousness of the situation, hoarded and concealed critical health and safety information and gave false, misleading and incomplete information to diplomatic staff, the lawsuit claims.

It says the department failed to provide reasonable or appropriate medical support to diplomats and their families suffering an array of symptoms that has left them struggling to return to work and normal life.

The lawsuit alleges that Global Affairs had medical evidence in the spring of 2017 that diplomats and family members were suffering health problems yet failed to act.

Read more:

Canada reduces diplomatic presence in Cuba after yet another case of mystery illness

Canadians who fell ill in Cuba have brain-injury symptoms, doctor says

Brain-injured diplomats feel abandoned by Ottawa

Indeed, it claims that Global Affairs interfered with the health treatment of Canadians, at one point calling a Miami physician to press him to alter his assessment that one family was determined to have traumatic brain injuries.

Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland declined to comment on the case Wednesday but said that she has met with some of the affected diplomats.

They told me about their situation. Im really concerned about them. They have Canadas utmost sympathy and support, Freeland said in Washington, where she was attending a meeting of nations involved in the fight against Daesh.

They were in Cuba. They were representing us. They were representing their country and their health and safety absolutely needs to be a priority, Freeland said.

The lawsuit covers 14 people in all  five diplomats along with their spouses and children  and alleges that they were targeted and injured, suffering severe traumatic harm.

These mysterious but extremely serious and debilitating attacks have resulted in brain injuries, the lawsuit states.

Its believed the attacks began in late 2016, originally focused on American diplomats and intelligence officers, it said. Individuals were targeted in their homes. For some, symptoms followed unusual sounds or sensations of pressure, it said, such as a loud screeching metallic noise . . . that seemed to bombard and suffocate one Canadian.

For others, there was no warning, leaving an individual gripped in pain, blinded by a headache, or doubled over in dizziness or nausea, confused and disoriented.

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Global Affairs has stated publicly  as recently as last month  that it has no idea what has caused the health symptoms, despite an RCMP-led investigation. But the lawsuit says that the department was immediately concerned that it was some form of sonic or microwave attack, potentially by a hostile foreign power.

The plaintiffs are clearly the victims of some kind of new weaponry, or method of attack, it states.

The incidents left personnel with symptoms consistent with traumatic brain injuries, including headaches, loss of memory, dizziness and balance problems, the lawsuit states. Neurological assessments of victims brains actually show damage consistent with that seen in cases of concussion, it states.

The lawsuit accuses the federal government of putting diplomats and family members in harms way despite knowing the high and growing risk that they would sustain the brain injuries.

It also alleges that the Ottawa kept diplomats in the dark about the risk and gave them false assurances of safety.

And later, federal officials suggested the problem was psychosomatic, leaving ill personnel to contend with rumours that they were faking it.

The lawsuit charges that the federal government has frustrated efforts by the ill diplomats and their family members to get proper medical treatment, restricting what medical professionals they see and what information they can share.

It even alleges that brain experts at the University of Pennsylvania  who were treating American diplomats  were instructed to stop testing the Canadians, cutting short the assessments of individuals who had travelled to Philadelphia at their own expense.

The lawsuit notes that in April, 2018, Global Affairs deemed Havana an unaccompanied post, meaning that family members would no longer be allowed to join diplomats. In November, it gave Havana the same rating as missions based in Iraq and Afghanistan. And in January, Global Affairs announced it would be looking at reducing its embassy staff by half, to eight, after yet another diplomat had been confirmed with health symptoms.

As was first revealed in the Star, the lawsuit notes that an American diplomat had warned his Canadian neighbour about the potential dangers. That information was passed to the Canadian ambassador, along with the symptoms suffered by the Canadians, yet the embassy took no apparent action.

Within weeks, the U.S. embassy officially informed the Canadian embassy that its personnel were getting ill, possibly because of sonic attacks. Yet that information was not shared with the Canadian diplomatic staff nor were steps taken to ensure their safety, the lawsuit states.

Even as the Americans were evacuating staff and family members, Canada took a business as usual approach insisting that there was no reason to believe the Canadians were being targeted, the lawsuit says.
New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh cant catch a break. The mutterings against him from within his party continue. Now the NDP parliamentary caucus has hung him out to dry over Venezuela.

This week, foreign affairs critic Helene Laverdiere announced that the NDP caucus is comfortable with the Liberal governments decision to recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as that countrys legitimate president.

Canada, along with the United States and 10 South and Central American countries, has called on Venezuelas military to overthrow current President Nicolas Maduro and install Guaido instead.

This so-called Lima Group has rejected calls by Uruguay, Pope Francis and the United Nations for a negotiated end to the crisis.

The Canadian governments position is that the time for talking is done and that Maduro must be sent packing. Period.

But until this week, that didnt seem to be the NDP stance. Indeed, the party is split on the issue. Some see Maduro as a villain pure and simple. Others are deeply suspicious of U.S. intentions in Latin America.

In late January, Manitoba MP Niki Ashton attacked the Liberal government for siding with U.S. President Donald Trump and his regime-change agenda.

Read more:

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh seems in the dark about his own partys stance on Venezuela

Opinion | Rick Salutin: Canadas policy on Venezuela plagued by hypocrisy

Trudeau rallies Venezuela's neighbours in support of Guaido

At about the same time, Svend Robinson, a former MP who is running for the NDP in British Columbia this October, called Canadas decision to recognize self-appointed president Guaido ridiculous and shameful.

Meanwhile, others  including Laverdiere  were harshly critical of Maduro. On Jan. 24, Singh issued a carefully worded statement that tried to bridge the gap in his party.

Canada should not simply follow the United States foreign policy, particularly given its history of self-interested interference in the region, he wrote.

The question of who is to lead Venezuela should be in the hands of Venezuelans. All countries should be free to make their own democratic decisions through free and fair elections independent of authoritative (sic) pressure or foreign interference.

Tellingly, his statement supported UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres call for dialogue to end the crisis. Equally tellingly, it did not mention Guaido.

And that seemed to be the party line  until this week when Laverdiere outlined the new, pro-Guaido stance to the National Post.

In Burnaby B.C., where he was campaigning in a byelection race, Singh was left spluttering. Asked whether he agreed with his caucus that Guaido should be treated as president, he kept repeating that this decision is up to the Venezuelan people.

In theory, this was not a foolish answer. In the end, presumably, that decision is up to Venezuelans.

But it helps little in sorting out the immediate question: Who should be treated as Venezuelas president now? Maduro, who won an election last summer that many say was deeply flawed? Or Guaido, who has never contested a national election but who is the choice of a majority of members of Venezuelas Legislative Assembly?

Singh could have pointed out that Canada is usually practical in these matters and offers diplomatic recognition to a government if it controls its countrys territory.

Thus Ottawa recognizes Kim Jong Un as North Korean leader even though he is a dictator. Similarly it recognizes Saudi Arabias autocratic monarchy and Chinas Communist government as legitimate even though they trample on civil rights. Singh could have mentioned that.

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He could have pointed out that Canadas Liberal government is not calling for a military coup in Honduras, even though that country endured what the Organization of American States called a flawed election in 2017.

He could have said that in international relations it makes more sense to deal with whoever is in charge than to prop up pretenders and that to foment regime change is to risk harming the people you are allegedly trying to help. He could have mentioned Libya.

But he didnt. And now, it seems, the NDP is officially in lock-step with the Liberal coup-masters. With or without Singh.

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Whats that crisis in Venezuela about  in which Canada has meddled so unbecomingly? Technically, its Yanqui imperialism  less a political cliche than an empirical reality imprinted over centuries on Latin American territories and bodies. Its not about human misery  which is now widespread there  since the U.S. has been out to crush that regime since it was first elected in 1998, when the economy was thriving.

Its not about democracy  though there are issues of repression  since members of the Lima Group, which Canada convened in Ottawa this week, could also be decried for undemocratic faults: Guatemala, Honduras, Brazil.

U.S. imperialism is always a mix of lust for resources with ideology. In 1954, Guatemala it was bananas and mild nationalism that led to a U.S.-backed coup. In Venezuela today its oil and socialism. Thereve been U.S. invasions: Dominican Republic (1965), Panama (1989), tiny Grenada (1983); U.S.-incited coups: Chile (1973), Argentina (1976); insurrections fed by special American schools for torturers: El Salvador, Nicaragua (1980s); and welcome to Venezuela today.

As for our role: Justin Trudeau says were involved due to a dictatorship willing to use force, fear and coercion to retain power, which is inexcusable and unacceptable  an awesome level of Canadian cant, considering the coups and tyrants weve accepted and excused there  like Honduras recently.

Chrystia Freeland topped him on the hypocrisy chart by saying she opposed a coup but wanted the Venezuelan military to depose current president Maduro and install the unelected U.S. dauphin, Juan Guaido. He hasnt even run for president.

This is Trumpian in its ability to blithely combine opposites but perhaps she took notes during the time she spent in D.C. for NAFTA negotiations. Shes literally asking Latin Americans to embrace their worst demons and nightmares.

Read more:

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh seems in the dark about his own partys stance on Venezuela

Venezuelan democracy activists criticize Canadian unions over Maduro stance

Trudeau rallies Venezuela's neighbours in support of Guaido

Justin says he loves his father but isnt his father and this surely proves it. His dad, Pierre, could be brutally Realpolitikal but wouldnt have gone this route. Perhaps Justins last attempt to embrace that legacy was his response to Fidel Castros death: deep sorrow etc. He was fiercely attacked for it and chose not to attend the funeral, though Fidel had been in Montreal for his dads.

And hows this for authoritarian and anti-democratic: At the Lima Group meeting hosted by us this week, Russian and Venezuelan media outlets were denied access because of concerns they would spread misinformation.

But enough kvetching. What to do? Fortunately theres an alternative to the stale binary of backing the current regime or installing The Manchuzuelan Candidate, Guaido. Its negotiations between the sides and its backed by Mexicos president, Lopez Obrador, along with the Pope (a Latino who lived through the hellish military dictatorship in Argentina), Uruguay, the UN and others. Obrador, by the way, had two previous presidential elections stolen from him but never declared himself president or requested a coup.

Theyre meeting in Montevideo late this week, a counterpoint to Ottawas duplicityfest. The point of negotiations? To prevent economic disaster and political stalemate from turning into slaughter. Venezuela is so divided, and so evenly, that a civil war, with military on both sides, is entirely possible. Guess whose marines would then be ready to invade and impose an imperial peace?

The economic crisis there  famine, medical shortages, three million people leaving  complicates the situation. But those elements exist elsewhere without serving as excuses for regime change on U.S. orders, with Canada barking along behind.

Also adding to the confusion is that the current government has been inept, incompetent (especially on oil policy and the currency), increasingly repressive and in denial. They blame all their problems on U.S. sanctions and threats. Their leader, Maduro, is  one searches for le mot juste  an idiot.

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He told a rally that a bird spoke to him in a chapel and it was the spirit of his much loved predecessor, Hugo Chavez. This week he blockaded bridges to Colombia, to stop aid provocatively sent by right wing U.S. organizations. He and Trump may deserve each other.

Canadians tend to sympathize with nations trying to survive in the face of U.S. pressures. What a shame that were caught in the middle of this mess  or rather, that were not closer to the middle, where we might do some good.

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OKLAHOMA CITY - A man accused of fatally stabbing his ex-wife 41 times in Oklahoma and who was among the U.S. Marshals Services 15 Most Wanted fugitives has been apprehended in Mexico.

Federal marshals said Thursday that 34-year-old Luis Octavio Frias was arrested late Wednesday in a suburb of the western Mexico city of Guadalajara. He was returned to the U.S. on Thursday.

Frias is accused of stabbing 41-year-old Janett Reyna to death in front of her children in August 2013. Reyna was a former police officer in Blackwell, Oklahoma, and was domestic violence prevention co-ordinator for the Ponca Tribal Police Department when she was killed.

Reyna had filed a protective order against Frias two days before she died.

Marshals say they determined Frias whereabouts through an anonymous tip after Frias was profiled on a television show.
WASHINGTON - The Latest on William Barrs nomination to be attorney general (all times local):

1 p.m.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved President Donald Trumps pick for attorney general.

William Barrs nomination was approved along party lines Thursday. It now heads to the Senate floor, where Barr is expected to be confirmed.

Barr, who served as attorney general between 1991 and 1993, would succeed Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was pushed out by Trump last year.

Democrats have largely opposed Barrs nomination, saying they want a stronger commitment from him to fully release special counsel Robert Muellers final report. Barr says he will release as much as he can under the law.

Opponents have also cited a memo Barr wrote to the Justice Department before his nomination in which he criticized Muellers investigation for the way it was presumably looking into whether Trump had obstructed justice.

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12:12 a.m.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is poised to approve William Barrs nomination to be attorney general, a vote that is likely to be mostly along party lines as Democrats have questioned how transparent Barr will be once special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation concludes.

Once the committee approves the nomination Thursday, it will head to the full Senate, where Barr is expected to be confirmed. That vote could come as soon as next week.

Barr would replace Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was pushed out by Trump last year. Barr previously served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993.

Democrats and many Republicans have said Muellers final report should be fully released. Barr has said he will be as transparent as possible under Justice Department regulations, but many Democrats are skeptical.
PHOENIX - A transient has pleaded not guilty to killing a pregnant Lyft driver and her fetus in suburban Phoenix while stealing her SUV.

Court officials say 20-year-old Fabian Durazo entered the pleas Thursday to two counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and auto theft.

Durazo was arrested near Quartzsite, nearly 150 miles (241 kilometres) west of the Tempe parking lot where 39-year-old Kristina Howato was stabbed to death on Jan. 27.

She was in her third trimester of pregnancy.

Police believe Durazo planned to steal her SUV and she was stabbed in a struggle.

Durazo remains jailed in lieu of $1 million bond. His next court hearing is set for March 22.
HARRISBURG, Pa. - A Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice who is the younger brother of an indicted Philadelphia labour leader denied Thursday that he knowingly benefited from any money allegedly embezzled from the union.

The Philadelphia Inquirer cited five unidentified people familiar with the investigation as confirming Justice Kevin Dougherty is family member No. 4 in court documents made public last week.

The 159-page federal indictment said union funds were used to pay to remove snow from the relatives home in 2016, and for construction, repairs and painting there in 2011.

Doughertys lawyer told the newspaper he never knowingly accepted any improper benefits.

The judge, a Democrat elected in 2015, is not accused of wrongdoing in the indictment. His lawyer, Courtney Saleski, said he paid for all the work at his home and had no reason to know who shovelled his snow on the date in question.

Pennsylvanias Republican Party issued a statement Thursday asking federal and state prosecutors and the courts ethics boards to review the serious matter.

Doughertys brother, John Dougherty, is accused in an influence-peddling and embezzling case of misspending $600,000 in union funds for home repairs, sports tickets, trips and luxuries, and using union-funded benefits to illegally elicit official action from a Philadelphia city councilman.

He pleaded not guilty Friday.

John Dougherty has led the 5,000-member International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 since 1993 and more recently took the helm of the citys Building Trades Council, which has 70,000 members.

Under him, the electricians union has become a major political campaign donor, spending more than $30 million through political action committees over the past decade to influence elections, campaign finance records show.

That includes about $1.5 million for Kevin Doughertys 2015 judicial campaign, or about one in three dollars the campaign reported spending, according to the records.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre resulted in criminal and civil court cases and the creation of a state investigative panel examining the shootings causes. A look at where those stand:

CRIMINAL CASE

The murder case against 20-year-old Nikolas Cruz is moving slowly and could take years. Defence lawyers are gradually interviewing dozens of prosecution witnesses, and there have been several legal skirmishes over release of Cruzs medical and school records and attempts to obtain evidence. No trial date has been set, even as prosecutors have pushed to start this year. Cruzs lawyers have repeatedly said he will plead guilty to 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in return for a life prison sentence, but Broward County prosecutors want his guilt and ultimate fate decided by a local jury. They are seeking the death penalty. Meanwhile, Cruz also faces assault and other charges for allegedly attacking a corrections officer in jail.

CIVIL LAWSUITS

The Parkland shootings spawned numerous lawsuits, including a negligence case brought by a victims family against sheriffs deputy Scot Peterson for failing to confront the gunman. More than 100 notices of intent to sue have been filed against the Broward County school system, again for negligence and similar allegations that officials failed to protect students and staff. Shooting survivors have sued in federal court claiming their civil rights were violated. And survivors and victims families alike have sued Cruz, the family he was living with at the time of the shooting, three mental health agencies who evaluated Cruz and the maker of the AR-15 rifle used by the shooter. More lawsuits are likely.

MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION

The 15-member commission issued a 458-page report in January after meeting periodically for nine months to investigate the massacres causes and examine how future school shootings can be prevented. Its most controversial recommendation: Florida teachers who volunteer, pass background checks and undergo extensive training should be allowed to carry concealed handguns. The members argue that seconds count, and waiting for police to arrive allows shooters time to kill more students. Opponents include the Florida teachers union and the state PTA. They say teachers should not also be security guards, and putting more guns on campuses will make schools more dangerous, not less. The commission found numerous failures in the school system, law enforcement and at Stoneman Douglas. Among them: failure of school officials statewide to examine and fix campus security shortfalls; poor training for Broward County sheriffs deputies in confronting mass shooters; and failures by Stoneman Douglas security officers that allowed the shooter to enter the campus. The commission is composed of law enforcement, education and mental health professionals and the fathers of two slain children. The panel will continue periodic meetings for the next four years.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - A Baptist minister in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is accused of repeatedly raping and twice impregnating a child, whose pregnancies were then terminated.

News outlets report 32-year-old Phillip Jerard Buckson was arrested Wednesday at the Cleveland Chapel Baptist Church, where he has worked since 2014. The Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office says he is charged with sexual conduct with a minor and has admitted to the allegations.

Investigators say tips provided through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led authorities to the girl last week; she told investigators the abuse started in 2015 when she was 13 years old.

The churchs website says Buckson has preached in Georgia, Chicago, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Its unclear if he has a lawyer.
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - Police in Pennsylvania say a groom forced himself on a teenage waitress at his wedding reception and then was taken from the hall in handcuffs over a drunken brawl.

The Philadelphia Inquirer says Matthew Aimers, of Willingboro, New Jersey, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of indecent assault, indecent exposure, false imprisonment of a minor and related offences.

An affidavit says the waitress had spurned Aimers advances during the reception. Police allege he followed her into a bathroom and sexually assaulted her.

Hes also charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after police say he fought officers responding to a brawl at the reception.

A worker alleged Aimers punched him after he tried to stop him from bringing alcohol outside.

His attorney Louis Busico says Aimers completely maintains his innocence on all charges.

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Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.inquirer.com
MILWAUKEE - Police are collecting evidence at a Milwaukee home where a police officer was fatally shot while serving a warrant.

Officers have cordoned off part of the residential neighbourhood where 35-year-old Officer Matthew Rittner was killed Wednesday.

The 17-year police veteran was shot as members of Milwaukees Tactical Enforcement Unit served a search warrant on someone suspected of illegally selling firearms and drugs. Investigators say a 26-year-old suspect fired several rounds. He was later arrested.

Police Chief Alfonso Morales says investigators hope to wrap up their work at the scene Thursday. Rittners autopsy also is expected to be completed Thursday.

Ritter is the third Milwaukee police officer killed on the job in the last eight months. The department had previously gone more than two decades without a line-of-duty death.
RAMSEY SPRINGS, Miss. - A Mississippi Gulf Coast man is dead and two other people are facing criminal charges after a high-speed chase Wednesday where officers say someone shot at them.

Mississippi Bureau of Investigation spokesman Capt. Johnny Poulos said the chase began after someone in a Dodge Durango SUV attempted a carjacking at a gas station on the northern edge of Biloxi. A trooper tried to stop the Durango, but the driver fled with two passengers.

A miles-long chase ensued across state highways and through residential neighbourhoods with troopers and sheriffs deputies pursuing.

So, Im standing there, and they come ripping around the corner probably as fast as they can go and just come straight down past my house down the street, DIberville resident Chris Alexander told WLOX-TV .

As the SUV sped north into Stone County, Poulos said someone began shooting at officers, with troopers returning fire.

The chase ended near Ramsey Springs, where Stone County coroner Wayne Flurry said driver Miles Dylan Cooper lost control, ran into a ditch and flipped. Troopers said someone shot at officers again as they exited the wrecked vehicle. Officers fired back, killing Cooper and wounding two passengers  24-year-old Charlie Randolph Grissom of Kiln and 35-year-old Tarrah Lynn Owens of Saucier.

Cooper died before he could be taken to a hospital, while the other two were treated at a Biloxi hospital. Grissom and Owens are each charged with four counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and were jailed in Stone County on Wednesday. Its unclear if the two have seen a judge or have lawyers to speak for them.

Poulos said a weapon was found at the scene of the wreck.

Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesman Master Sgt. Justin Elkins told the Sun Herald that the agency wont be releasing footage from body-worn or patrol car cameras.

It is now a criminal investigation and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is collecting evidence, Elkins said. All of their findings will be turned over to the district attorneys office.

The troopers are on administrative leave until an internal investigation is complete, Elkins said. Poulos said the case is likely to be presented to a grand jury.
BOSTON - Federal prosecutors have charged a Brazilian man living in the U.S. illegally with sending a letter to immigration authorities warning of an armed attack on a Boston school.

Clebio De Lima, who lives in the Boston suburb of Quincy, was charged Thursday with making false statements to federal authorities.

The U.S. attorney says U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offices in Boston received an unsigned letter handwritten in Portuguese last February that said a man named Mario had purchased two guns and was planning an attack on the school.

It was determined that the allegations in the letter were false.

During an interview with agents in September, the 43-year-old De Lima denied any knowledge of the letter.

His public defender did not return a message for comment.
WASHINGTON - Congressional bargainers worked toward a border security deal Friday amid indications that the White House was preparing to accept a bipartisan agreement that would give President Donald Trump a fraction of the money hes demanded for his proposed southern border wall.

Participants said they expect money for physical barriers to end up well below the $5.7 billion that Trump has sought to begin construction of the wall, which has attained iconic significance for him and his conservative supporters. Underscoring the clout hes lost during a battle thats dominated the opening weeks of divided government, the amount seems sure to fall much closer to $1.6 billion, the participants said, a figure that was in a bipartisan Senate bill last year.

Thats what were working toward, said Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., one bargainer.

An agreement would also avert a new partial federal shutdown next weekend. Trump has warned he might trigger a new closure of agencies if he doesnt get his way, but that threat has become toothless because of solid opposition from GOP lawmakers burned by the record 35-day closure that he initiated in December.

One White House aide said Trump was expected to back whatever compromise emerges and acknowledged there is no will among congressional Republicans for another shutdown. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal discussions.

Coupled with a widespread expectation that the agreement would not use the term wall, the pact would represent a significant retreat for Trump, for whom Build the wall! has been a battle cry since his presidential campaign.

Democrats seemed to draw a firm line on spending.

Throughout the talks, Democrats have insisted that a border security compromise not be overly reliant on physical barriers, said Evan Hollander, spokesman for Democrats who control the House Appropriations Committee. We will not agree to $2 billion in funding for barriers.

In another signal that Trump was reluctantly preparing to give ground, the White House has been considering accepting the deal but also using executive action to secure additional barrier funding without lawmakers approval. That plan was described by two people familiar with White House thinking who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Depending on what Trump does, such an action could spark lawsuits or congressional votes of disapproval.

Trump supporters have said there are other executive powers Trump could use to divert money from the budget to wall construction, though it was unclear if they would face challenges in Congress or the courts. One provision of the law lets the Defence Department provide support for counter-drug activities.

Besides the dollar figure, talks were focusing on the type and location of barriers, participants said. Also in play were the number of beds the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency could have for detained migrants and the amount of aid included for natural disaster relief.

Money for high-tech surveillance equipment and more personnel was also expected to be included.

No one ruled out last-minute problems, especially with Trumps penchant for head-snapping turnabouts. But the momentum was clearly toward clinching an agreement that Congress could pass by next Friday. The next day, many government agencies would run out of money and have to close again without a deal.

Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., who leads the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, said he spoke Thursday night to Trump, who he said was in wait and see mode. Meadows said he expects an agreement to provide an amount closer to $1.6 billion.

Im not optimistic itll be something the president can support, Meadows said.

A conservative House GOP aide said Freedom Caucus members wanted at least $2 billion for barriers and no restrictions on new construction, land acquisition or new types of barriers that could be built.

The aide also said the agreement need not contain the term wall, a word that Trump has lately alternated between embracing and abandoning. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private talks.

If there is a bipartisan deal, there would likely be enough votes to pass it without the most conservative Republicans or the most liberal Democrats.

Meadows assessment of Trumps view clashed with one expressed Thursday by Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, the chief GOP bargainer.

He described the emerging deal to Trump in the Oval Office and told reporters the session was the most positive meeting Ive had in a long time. Shelby said that if the final agreement followed the outline currently under discussion, he believed Trump would sign it.

Besides a shutdown, Trump has threatened to bypass Congress and divert taxpayer money to wall construction by declaring a national emergency at the border.

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Lawmakers of both parties oppose that move. It would be certain to produce lawsuits that could block the money. It would also spark likely votes by Congress to block him. Trump could veto it, but the veto would still inflict political damage.

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AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro and Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Catherine Lucey and Zeke Miller contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON - Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker will appear before the House Judiciary Committee on Friday as scheduled, the panels Democratic chairman said.

Whitakers appearance had been thrown into uncertainty after House Democrats threatened to subpoena his testimony about the special counsels Russia investigation.

Whitakers testimony has been highly anticipated by Democrats eager to press him on his interactions with President Donald Trump and his oversight of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into potential ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.

The panel, led by Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, approved a tentative subpoena to ensure that Whitaker appears Friday and answers questions. Whitaker responded by saying he wont appear unless the committee dropped its subpoena threat, which he derided as an act of political theatre.

On Thursday evening, Nadler said no subpoena would be issued if Whitaker appeared before the committee Friday prepared to answer questions. Later, Nadler tweeted that Whitaker had agreed to show up.

The vote by the committee didnt issue a subpoena but allowed Nadler to do so if Whitaker was unco-operative. Nadler said he hoped not to have to use the subpoena, but a series of troubling events over the past few months suggest that we should be prepared. Nadler said that as late as last week the committee had received reports that some at the department were counselling Whitaker not to appear.

Whitaker insisted Thursday that that was not the case, saying he had devoted considerable resources and numerous hours to my preparation and was looking forward to the hearing. He criticized the committee for prematurely and unnecessarily authorizing a subpoena for him even though he had agreed to appear.

Such unprecedented action breaches our prior agreement and circumvents the constitutionally required accommodation process, Whitaker said in a statement.

Based upon todays action, it is apparent that the Committees true intention is not to discuss the great work of the Department of Justice, but to create a public spectacle. Political theatre is not the purpose of an oversight hearing, and I will not allow that to be the case, he added.

Democrats have said they want to talk to Whitaker because he is a close ally of Trump who has criticized Muellers Russia investigation, which he oversees.

They are calling him to testify even though his time leading the Justice Department is ending, with the Senate expected this month to confirm Trumps nominee for attorney general, William Barr. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Thursday to approve Barrs nomination, sending the pick to the full Senate.

Republicans strongly opposed Nadlers resolution to approve a subpoena if necessary. They said it was unnecessary because Whitaker was already appearing voluntarily.

Georgia Rep. Doug Collins, the top Republican on the panel, called the subpoena authorization political theatre before the vote. Collins said it was choreographed by the chairman and starring the acting attorney general as some mythological protector of secrets.

After Whitakers statement, Collins said Nadler had overplayed his hand.

In a quest to score political points against the president, they authorized a pre-emptive subpoena, treating a voluntary witness as hostile, Collins said.

In a separate letter sent to Nadler, Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd demanded a response on the subpoena question. Boyd also responded to Nadlers request for notification if Whitaker planned to assert executive privilege on certain topics.

Boyd laid out an argument for asserting such executive privilege in the letter, saying that administration officials from both parties have declined to answer questions about conversations they have had with the president.

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Rather than conducting appropriate oversight into the departments programs and activities, the committee evidently seeks to ask questions about confidential presidential communications that no attorney general could ever be expected to disclose under the circumstances, Boyd wrote.

Nadler had noted that previous Trump administration officials, including former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, declined to answer questions about conversations with the White House during testimony, saying that the president might want to claim executive privilege on those conversations in the future. Nadler said that is ridiculous and administration officials must provide the committee with answers or a better excuse to withhold them.

Without the threat of a subpoena, I believe it may be difficult to hold Mr. Whitaker to this standard, Nadler said.
MINNEAPOLIS - Prosecutors say a 31-year-old security guard fired five shots into the windshield of a school bus that had scraped his car on a snowy highway near downtown Minneapolis, wounding the driver but not striking a child who was on board.

Kenneth Lilly, of St. Paul, was charged Thursday with attempted second-degree murder and second-degree assault. Hes due in court Friday and remains in the Hennepin County Jail.

According to the criminal complaint, the bus was trying to merge Tuesday afternoon when it apparently scraped Lillys sedan. The bus driver said he was unaware the vehicles had touched, but there was paint from the bus on the car. Lilly stopped his car and tried to get on the bus but the driver refused, telling him there was a child on board.

Lilly, who was wearing his security guard uniform, pulled a handgun from his holster and fired at the bus windshield, wounding the drivers left arm and grazing his head. Police said the wounds werent life-threatening and that his passenger, an elementary school student, was in the rear of the small bus and wasnt hurt.

The actions of Mr. Lilly were outrageous and it was sheer luck that neither the bus driver nor the little girl were killed, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said in a news release.

He said police are still investigating the shooting, and if we can add aggravating circumstances for a longer sentence, should we prove him guilty, we will do so.

According to prosecutors, Lilly called 911 after firing the shots and was arrested at the scene. He told officers that he shot at the bus driver because he had feared for his safety, but the complaint says video footage shows he had retreated to a safe spot before walking back in front of the bus to start shooting.

The complaint does not elaborate as to why Lilly might have feared for his safety. Court records dont list an attorney for him.
RICHMOND, Va. - The discovery last week of a racist photo on Gov. Ralph Northams 1984 medical school yearbook page has served as a glaring reminder that Virginia  a former bastion of slavery and white supremacy continues to struggle with mindsets shaped by its turbulent racial history.

Even as Virginia has grown more socially liberal in recent decades, evidence that its racist tradition is not yet a thing of the past is everywhere. Statues of Confederate leaders remain the defining feature of Richmonds Monument Avenue and the state legislature still honours Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson every year.

When Virginia voted for Barack Obama in 2008, there was talk that Virginia was now moving into a new era. In actuality, Virginia faked left and went right, said Gary Flowers, a Richmond native who is the former CEO of the Black Leadership Forum.

This is a 400-year mode thats going to take some time, but there has to be a radical restructuring of values, Flowers said.

While there is much ugliness to overcome, the commonwealths history is a complex one that has been marked by contrasts.

Virginia was the birthplace of American democracy, but also of enslavement; Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy, but also the home of Douglas Wilder, the nations first elected black governor. A statue of black tennis champion Arthur Ashe sits on Monument Avenue alongside those of the Confederate Generals.

This year, Virginia will mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival in Jamestown of the first Africans to be sold as slaves in North America. Richmonds now-trendy Shockoe Bottom neighbourhood was the site of one of the largest slave trades in the country.

A major blot on the states history is its Massive Resistance, when Virginias governor in the late 1950s closed its public schools rather than heed the U.S. Supreme Courts order to integrate them.

Northams yearbook photo showing someone in blackface standing next to a person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe has been but the latest reminder of the states hateful past.

The picture sparked outrage and widespread calls for his resignation, including condemnation from Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring. But the scandal escalated Wednesday, when Herring too was forced to acknowledge that he had put on blackface in 1980 to look like a rapper during a party as a 19-year-old student at the University of Virginia.

These were not isolated incidents.

A separate photo found in a 1983 UVA yearbook shows an unidentified student dressed up for a Halloween party wearing a blackface mask, a white hooded sheet and a noose around his neck, conjuring up an image of black lynchings.

As recently as 2013 or 2014, students who attended Eastern Virginia Medical School  the same one as Northam  were still posing in Confederate garb for the yearbook.

Virginia, the state with the largest number of Confederate monuments, statues and symbols in the nation, still hasnt come up with a firm plan to respond to years of calls from the black community to remove them. In 2017, Charlottesville became a symbol of racial turmoil after a woman was killed when white nationalists from around the country rallied and rioted to protest the removal of a statue of Lee.

A year later, Republican Corey Stewart campaigned for U.S. Senate by openly embracing Confederate monuments. He won the Republican nomination and garnered 41 per cent of the vote in the general election, which he lost to incumbent Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine.

Christy Coleman, the chief executive officer of the American Civil War Museum, said Virginia struggles with its history but she also sees progress, citing the work of a coalition trying to address the states high eviction rates, which disproportionately affect minority communities.

What youre seeing is sort of this rippling effect, this progress that you talk about is absolutely present, but because we havent fully reconciled our history, we have these things that bubble up, she said.

However, Jerry Falwell Jr., the Christian conservative who leads Liberty University, sought to contrast the current crisis with the states historical values by blaming voters in the states Democratic-leaning D.C. suburbs.

Noting his family has lived in Virginia since the 1600s, he tweeted that the state would never have elected Democrats to the top statewide offices without the votes of federal gov employees in Northern Virginia. They are all an embarrassment to VA, he said.

Historians say attitudes began to slowly change in Virginia by the late 1960s, pushed by civil rights laws mandating desegregation and other social forces.

But deep into the 1960s it was still illegal for Virginians classified as colored to marry those classified as white. The 1967 U.S. Supreme Court case striking down such laws was brought by a Virginia couple sentenced to a year in prison.

In 1989, Wilders election was hailed as a defining moment in the states evolution on racial issues. The states vote for Obama in 2008 was also seen as a step toward progressiveness.

Shawn Utsey, chair of the Department of African American Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, said the black community feels betrayed by Northam because his talk of equality and inclusion during the 2017 election was seen as a welcome contrast to the racially divisive rhetoric of President Donald Trump.

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We had our hopes high and we had the wind knocked out of us, he said.

Centuries of history are hard to escape, said Karen Sherry, a curator at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture who is working on an exhibit on the struggle of black people in Virginia.

While Virginias demographics and politics have been evolving in recent years, social change and change in peoples attitudes is often very slow in coming, Sherry said.
HOOVER, Ala. - The Alabama NAACP is criticizing the states decision not to prosecute a police officer who killed a black man in a case of mistaken identity.

A statement from the civil rights organization says Attorney General Steve Marshalls decision essentially tells Alabamas black residents their lives dont matter.

And the Alabama president of the NAACP, Bernard Simelton, says the state is denying justice for relatives of Emantic EJ Bradford Jr.

The states investigation determined that the police officer in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover was justified in shooting Bradford because Bradford carried a weapon and appeared to pose a threat.

The officer mistook Bradford for the man responsible for gunfire that erupted moments earlier in the shopping mall on Thanksgiving night.
RICHMOND, Va. - Anti-fascist activists in Virginia have published allegations linking a Virginia Capitol Police sergeant to white nationalists. Hes since been placed on paid leave.

Citing a Wednesday release, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports the Virginia Division of Capitol Police is investigating whether Sgt. Robert A. Stamm violated unspecified policy.

On Tuesday, the Antifascists of Seven Hills published links to Stamms social media accounts and described his tattoos. Their blog post said social media activity suggests Stamm follows the Asatru Folk Assembly, which the Southern Poverty Law Center describes as a hate group blending northern European paganism and ethnocentrism.

The anti-fascist group says Stamm caught their attention while monitoring protests calling for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northams removal over a racist photo in his 1984 yearbook.

The newspaper couldnt immediately reach Stamm for comment.

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Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.richmond.com
Los Angeles prosecutors say a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer has been arrested on charges of illegally selling guns.

Wei Xu was due in federal court Wednesday for allegedly selling guns illegally to an undercover officer from the trunk of a car.

Xu is a watch commander at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. A defence lawyer did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Prosecutors say Xu used his position as a law enforcement officer to purchase and re-sell guns not available to the general public.

The FBI says Xu sold or transferred at least 70 firearms in the past five years.

The case is similar to several that prosecutors have brought in the past year against Southern California police officers who were allegedly dealing guns illegally.

Authorities say they seized more than 300 guns from Xus house during a search Tuesday.

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This story has been edited to correct that authorities said Xu either sold or transferred 70 firearms in the past five years.
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Wednesday introduced David Malpass, a Treasury official he has nominated to lead the World Bank, as the right person to take on this incredibly important job.

Malpass, who is now Trumps undersecretary for international affairs at the Treasury Department, has been a sharp critic of the 189-nation World Bank. He has argued that the bank, a lending institution with a focus on emerging countries, has concerned itself too much with its own expansion and not enough with its core missions, like fighting poverty.

Malpass would succeed Jim Yong Kim, who left in January three years before his term was to end.

Malpass, 62, made clear Wednesday that his focus at the World Bank would include furthering the Trump administrations agendas for developing countries.

One major initiative, he said, would be to implement changes to the World bank that he and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin helped negotiate. And in a nod to the presidents daughter and adviser, Ivanka Trump, Malpass said he would focus on improving the status of women.

A key goal will be to ensure that women achieve full participation in developing economies, Malpass said. I know Ivanka has been a strong leader on womens economic empowerment, and I look forward to continuing our work together on her womens global development and prosperity initiative.

In a meeting with reporters after Trump announced his nomination, Malpass sought to put his longtime criticism of the World Bank and its sister lending organization, the International Monetary Fund, into context.

He said his efforts going back to his service in the Reagan administration have been aimed at reforming both institutions. He pointed to the work he had done in the Trump administration to gain approval for a $13 billion capital increase for the bank, the first increase in eight years, a boost that included various lending reforms.

He said his challenge will be to implement the reforms included with the capital increase, including restrictions on World Bank lending to major developing nations such as China and India.

He said loans to those countries took away resources that should be going to poorer nations.

I look forward to working with China and others on what the appropriate pace of that wind-down (of their loans) should be, Malpass told reporters.

The U.S. nomination of Malpass for the top job will go before the banks board of directors on Thursday. He said he did not know whether other countries would put forward their own candidates but he said he would be travelling over the next several weeks to various countries to promote his candidacy, stopping first in China and Japan.

Since the World Bank and IMF were formed in the mid-1940s, the World Bank has always been led by an American and the IMF has always been led by a European. The United States is the largest shareholder in both organizations.

Senior administration officials, insisting on anonymity to discuss plans for the World Bank, said Malpass would evaluate bank programs based on such criteria as whether they helped raise median incomes and improved financial transparency.

Addressing climate change, which has been a priority for the World Bank, was pointedly not among the benchmarks of success that these officials named, though they said Malpass would honour existing initiatives.

Trump, who has been openly skeptical of climate change, announced in 2017 that he was pulling the United States out of the Paris Agreement, an international accord that created a framework for curbing carbon emissions.

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AP Economics Writer Martin Crutsinger contributed to this report.
RICHMOND, Va. - All three of Virginias top elected officials are now mired in their own separate scandals, causing some to question whether any of the three Democrats are fit to lead the state.

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who is facing an accusation of sexual assault , is in line to become governor if Gov. Ralph Northam resigns over a racist yearbook photo. If Northam and Fairfax fall, Attorney Mark Herring would be next in line to govern. On Wednesday, Herring admitted that he wore blackface as a college student . After Herring comes House Speaker Kirk Cox, a conservative Republican.

Here is a timeline of what led to this point.

ABORTION BACKLASH

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam was accused by prominent Republicans of supporting infanticide because of comments he made about late-term abortions in which the infant is severely deformed or unable to survive after birth.

The Democratic governor and pediatric neurologist was defending efforts to loosen abortion restrictions during a Jan. 30 radio interview when described a hypothetical situation where a severely deformed newborn infant could be left to die.

Northam denies advocating for infanticide and said he was trying to answer a question from a medical perspective.

PHOTO UNCOVERED

Hours after a conservative news outlet first reported there is a racist photo on Northams medical school yearbook page, Virginias governor on Friday apologized and acknowledged that he appears in the photo.

The photo in the 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School shows two people looking at the camera  one in blackface wearing a hat, bow tie and plaid pants; the other in white Klan robes.

By late Friday, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus had called for Northam to resign, as had several Democratic presidential candidates.

NORTHAMS DENIAL

Backtracking from his previous statements, Northam held a news conference in which he said he was convinced he is not in the racist photo on his yearbook page.

Despite calls for his resignation growing, Northam on Saturday vowed to stay in office.

At the same news conference, Northam acknowledged putting on blackface decades ago to look like Michael Jackson for a dance contest. And at one point, he seemed as if he might do the moonwalk for reporters before his wife intervened.

YEARBOOK TIPSTER

A concerned citizen upset by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northams recent comments on abortion legislation tipped off a conservative news site about a racist yearbook photo now threatening the governors career, the sites editor said Monday.

The sites editor-in-chief, Patrick Howley, said in an interview Monday that the tipster was absolutely not a political operative, absolutely not  just a concerned citizen but declined to elaborate on their identity.

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A #METOO ACCUSATION

If Northam stepped down, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax would be the second African-American governor in Virginias history.

His supporters have touted him as a fresh face whose charisma has allowed him to connect with voters. His detractors suggest he is unproven and inexperienced.

On Monday, Fairfax was drawn into a controversy of his own. He denied an allegation of sexual assault first reported by a conservative website, calling it a smear. Fairfax said the 2004 encounter with a woman was consensual.

HERRINGS ADMISSION

Attorney General Mark Herring issued a statement Wednesday morning admitting he wore blackface in 1980 to look like a rapper during a party when he was a 19-year-old student at the University of Virginia.

Herring had previously called on Northam to resign and was planning to run for governor himself in 2021. He apologized for his callous behaviour and said that the days ahead will make it clear whether I can or should continue to serve.

ACCUSER GOES PUBLIC

A California woman went public with her sexual assault accusation against Fairfax on Wednesday, saying in a statement that she came forward in part because of the possibility that Fairfax could succeed Northam.

Vanessa Tyson, a 42-year-old political science professor, said Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex in 2004 during the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

Earlier Wednesday, Fairfax issued a statement saying the woman expressed no discomfort at the time, or during the years afterward.

The Associated Press typically does not identify those who say they were sexually assaulted, but Tyson issued the statement in her name.
DETROIT - The Latest on former U.S. Rep. John Dingell receiving hospice care (all times local):

6:40 p.m.

Former Rep. John Dingell has tweeted youre not done with me just yet after a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history is receiving hospice care.

Dingell posted the message Wednesday evening. Referring to his wife, Rep. Debbie Dingell, he wrote, The Lovely Deborah is insisting I rest and stay off here, but after long negotiations weve worked out a deal where shell keep up with Twitter for me as I dictate the messages.

He thanked supporters for all your incredibly kind words and prayers. Youre not done with me just yet.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity wasnt authorized to speak publicly about the 92-year-old Dingells condition.

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11:14 a.m.

A person familiar with the situation says former U.S. Rep. John Dingell, the longest serving member of Congress in American history, is receiving hospice care.

The person was not authorized to speak publicly but told The Associated Press on Wednesday about the 92-year-old Dingells condition.

Dingells wife, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, successfully ran for her husbands Michigan seat in 2014. She tweeted Wednesday morning that she was with him at their home in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn. She said theyve entered a new phase.

Debbie Dingell thanked people for their friendship and support, and asked for prayers and privacy during this difficult time.

John Dingell had a heart attack in September.

Dingell was first elected in 1955 fill the House seat vacated by his late father. The Democrat was considered a master of legislative deal-making and a staunch advocate for the U.S. auto industry.

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Taylor reported from Washington.
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LOS ANGELES - A man who was choked unconscious by an off-duty Los Angeles firefighter who saw him handing out Halloween candy to children will receive $7.4 million to settle a lawsuit, his attorney announced Wednesday.

Samuel Chang suffered a traumatic brain injury, nearly died and still has medical problems from the 2015 attack that was captured on video, attorney David Ring said.

Chang, then 22, was visiting his grandmother in the Chatsworth area and was outside, handing out candy on Halloween night, when he was confronted by five men, including two off-duty firefighters, authorities said.

The men were concerned about a stranger who was passing out candy, refused to go away and was acting suspiciously, their attorneys said after the attack.

Video from Changs iPhone showed the men following him as he walked away and repeatedly accusing him of trying to give away drugged candy.

Video shot by a bystander showed the group surrounding Chang. Video and court records indicate that firefighter Eric Carpenter, who lived nearby, placed Chang in a chokehold for six minutes while he struggled and the other men held him down, the Los Angeles Times reported.

When he went limp, his attackers tried to revive him, but he was hospitalized for several weeks. Chang later told the Times that he still suffers from chronic headaches and has trouble reading and processing information.

Carpenter was charged with felony assault in 2017 and could have faced up to seven years in prison. But he pleaded no contest to misdemeanour assault. The other off-duty firefighter, Michael Anthony Vitar  a former child actor known for appearing in The Sandlot and two Mighty Ducks movies  and a neighbour of Carpenters pleaded no contest to misdemeanour battery. Two other men werent criminally charged.

None of the men served jail time. The firefighters kept their jobs, although each was suspended for six months without pay.

Changs 2017 lawsuit alleged assault, battery, false imprisonment, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Samuel was brutally beaten by these thugs, Ring said in a statement Wednesday. The civil settlement provides him with some justice for what he endured. Yet we remain incredibly disappointed that the district attorneys office failed to hold the defendants accountable for this horrific attack.

The lawsuit was dismissed on Monday after the settlement, and the five men didnt acknowledge any wrongdoing, Ring said.

Carpenters attorney for the lawsuit, Jeffrey Zinder, declined to comment Wednesday, saying that the lawsuit settlement was confidential.

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However, Carpenters attorney in the criminal case, Michael A. Goldstein, said he spoke to the firefighter Wednesday.

This has been a very traumatic and trying time for both Mr. Carpenter and his family. He would prefer to put all of this behind him, Goldstein said. He wishes Mr. Chang the best in all his future endeavours.
NOGALES, Ariz. - The Latest on Nogales City Council condemning used of new razor wire on border wall (all times local):

7:20 p.m.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say the new horizontal layers of razor wire were added to the border wall in Nogales, Arizona at a request for additional support. They did not say who made the request.

In a statement Wednesday night, the CBP says the request was for high-risk urban areas commonly exploited by criminal smuggling organizations.

The CBP response came quickly after the Nogales City Council passed a resolution condemning the use of new razor wire that now covers the entirety of a tall border wall through downtown.

The council is calling on the federal government to remove all concertina wire installed within the city limits. Otherwise, Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino says it will result in a lawsuit.

The CBP says the new wires are on U.S. government property.

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6:45 p.m.

Elected officials in a small Arizona border city have passed a resolution condemning the use of new razor wire that now covers the entirety of a tall border wall through downtown.

The Nogales City Councils resolution Wednesday night calls on the federal government to remove all concertina wire installed within the city limits.

Otherwise, Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino says it will result in a lawsuit.

City officials say Army troops installed more horizontal layers of the wire along the border wall last weekend.

The councils resolution says the razor wire would harm or kill anyone who scales the wall and is only found in a war, prison or battle setting and shouldnt be in downtown Nogales.

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10:36 a.m.

The Nogales City Council is decrying the installation of new razor fencing that now covers a border fence through downtown.

The city sits on the border with Nogales, Mexico, and is contemplating a proclamation Wednesday night condemning the use of concertina wire.

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The vote comes after U.S. military troops installed additional layers of wire along the fence over the weekend, and the day after President Donald Trump highlighted border security in his State of the Union address.

Photos published by the Nogales International newspaper show rows of concertina wire stacked along the approximately two-story wall.

Nogales, a city of about 20,000 people, is largely reliant on Mexican shoppers and cross-border trade. Illegal crossings in that area have dropped steeply in recent years.
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump pronounced himself eager to work with Congress on a plan to rebuild Americas crumbling roads and bridges, but offered no specifics during his State of the Union speech on what kind of deal he would back. The question now is whether lawmakers and the president are finally ready to move beyond complaining about the nations infrastructure problem and actually do something about it.

History says no.

Lawmakers from both parties are expressing hope about reaching an agreement, but the key will be whether they and the president can figure out how to pay for it. Trumps initial proposal made little progress in the last Congress as Republicans were content to rely on their tax cuts and the strong economy to make their case to voters in the midterm elections. Democratic lawmakers, for their part, considered Trumps plan inadequate and unrealistic.

Now, high-powered interest groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are trying to jumpstart momentum on the issue, and congressional committees in both chambers are scheduling hearings.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, said Trumps leadership will be critical because only he can win over enough Republicans to get a deal done. He added that wherever the money for infrastructure is to come from, it will take Trumps full and unqualified commitment to give Republicans enough cover to vote for it, Doggett said.

Trump struck a bipartisan tone during his State of the Union address with pleas for action on infrastructure, prescription drug pricing and ending the spread of HIV that seemed aimed at centrist voters.

For now, it looks like lawmakers will have to come up with many of the details.

The president wants Congress to come together and craft a bipartisan infrastructure package that rebuilds crumbling infrastructure, invests in the projects and industries of tomorrow, and promotes permitting efficiency, said White House spokesman Judd Deere.

Rep. Peter DeFazio, the Democratic chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said hell work to build a bipartisan deal, and hes not concerned about giving Trump a legislative victory before next years elections.

He cant claim all the credit since they had total control for two years and did nothing, DeFazio said of Republicans.

The administrations proposal last year centred on using $200 billion in federal money over 10 years to stimulate $1.5 trillion in total infrastructure spending. The plan was heavily dependent on state and local dollars. But an analysis from the Penn Wharton Budget Model cast doubt on the idea that the proposed federal grants would come anywhere close to generating the extra state and local investments predicted by the administration.

Trump himself didnt sell the plan aggressively and described it initially as a lesser priority than boosting military spending and cutting taxes and regulation. He did not lay out any specific infrastructure proposal Tuesday, but noted the bipartisan appeal of the subject and stressed that he was eager to work with lawmakers. Both parties should be able to unite for a great rebuilding of Americas crumbling infrastructure, he said to applause.

On the same day, Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue laid out what the influential business group could support  and would oppose. Donohue said that paying for infrastructure by rescinding the tax cuts Trump and Republicans passed in 2016 is a nonstarter for the business community and for many in Congress.

Pulling back from tax reform to fund infrastructure is one step forward and two steps back. Were not going to do that, he said.

Donohue made a pitch for a modest increase in the federal gas tax. He said the tax hasnt increased since 1993 and that raising the gas tax by 25 cents would generate $394 billion over the next decade. The federal tax on gasoline now stands as 18.3 cents per gallon and at 24.3 cents per gallon for diesel fuel.

Donohue said dozens of states have passed higher gas taxes over the years to make infrastructure improvements and that people are willing to pay more for safer roads, lighter traffic and less wear and tear on their vehicles.

We believe this is the simplest, most commonsense solution out there, Donohue said.

Congress has been reluctant to go that route. Instead, lawmakers have transferred money from the U.S. Treasurys general fund to supplement the Highway Trust Fund, which finances most federal spending for highways and mass transit. The last highway bill provided $70 billion in transfers through Oct. 1, 2020.

Indeed, GOP leaders have been so opposed to increasing the gas tax that they have even sought to undercut state efforts to do so. Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and former Speaker Paul Ryan financially backed an election initiative California last November that would have repealed an increase in fuel taxes and vehicle fees designed to fund $5 billion in transportation projects a year.

While McCarthy and Ryan lost that effort, its a reminder that lawmakers and political strategists see higher fuel taxes as a potentially valuable weapon during election season.

DeFazio acknowledged that reality Tuesday.

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They are afraid. Theyre scared. My God, if we raise the federal gas tax I might lose my election, DeFazio said of many lawmakers mindset.

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On Twitter follow Kevin Freking at https://twitter.com/APKFreking
PHOENIX - Arizona may boost state oversight of long-term care facilities like the one in Phoenix where an incapacitated woman was raped and later gave birth, reversing a decision more than 20 years ago to drop state regulation.

Lawmakers are considering legislation that would require intermediate care facilities like Hacienda Healthcare to apply for a state license and conduct background checks of employees that care for clients.

Gov. Doug Ducey on Wednesday ordered state agencies to improve protections for people with disabilities. His executive order will require employees at state-funded care facilities to undergo annual training in recognizing and preventing abuse and neglect. Hell also require that group homes and day programs prominently post signs about how to report abuse.

A Senate committee was scheduled to consider the licensure legislation on Wednesday but delayed the vote to clarify bill language amid concerns it might inadvertently apply too broadly.

Arizona in the 1990s created an exemption from state regulation for intermediate care facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities, leaving the oversight to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which funds long-term care. State inspectors still visit the facilities about once a year under a contract with the federal government but can only enforce federal regulations in co-ordination with the agencys regional office in San Francisco.

Were trying to close that loophole that was created decades ago, said Sen. Heather Carter, a Phoenix Republican who is sponsoring the legislation.

Many of the people who work in care facilities have individual licenses from the state nursing or medical board, which requires a background check. Carters legislation would require care facilities to check child and adult abuse databases for anyone who cares for patients, even if theyre not doing work that requires them to be personally licensed.

Intermediate care facilities provide more services than assisted living centres and less than nursing homes, both of which must carry state licenses. Arizona has 11 intermediate care facilities.

Ducey, a Republican who is usually skeptical of state regulations and has touted his record of rolling them back, is open to expanding state oversight.

Ducey on Tuesday asked Attorney General Mark Brnovich to investigate Hacienda for potential violations of the Adult Protective Services Act or civil rights laws.

A spokesman for Hacienda did not respond to requests for comment.

The lack of state licensing was among the issues noted in a report last week by a state panel calling for policy changes to protect vulnerable adults from sexual abuse. The report by the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council was in the works before the rape at Hacienda.

The report also said people who are required to report abuse but fail to do so should face felony charges; currently, the maximum charge is a misdemeanour if the victim is an adult. It found job protections lacking for people who report violations and said high staff turnover can prevent caregivers from recognizing subtle behaviour changes.

Authorities say Nathan Sutherland, a licensed practical nurse at Hacienda, raped the 29-year-old victim, who has been in long-term care since age 3. She gave birth to a boy at the facility on Dec. 29. Employees said they had no idea she was pregnant.

Investigators say Sutherlands DNA matched a sample from the womans newborn son, who is being cared for by her family. Sutherland, 36, has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual abuse.

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The surprise birth triggered reviews by state agencies, highlighted safety concerns for patients who are severely disabled or incapacitated and prompted the resignations of Haciendas chief executive and one of the victims doctors.

The state has required Hacienda to hire a management company to handle operations.
JERUSALEM - Seeking re-election under a cloud of criminal investigations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks to be channeling his inner Donald Trump in an angry campaign against perceived domestic enemies.

Drawing clear inspiration from Trump, Netanyahus Likud party has plastered huge billboards of the two leaders together and launched a Trump-like weekly webcast to counter what it calls the fake news industry.

The campaign reflects Trumps popularity in Israel, one of the few countries where an alliance with the American president is considered a political asset. But it also risks undermining the traditional bipartisan support for Israel among Americans.

Despite his troubles at home, Trump has earned the appreciation of most Israelis by recognizing Jerusalem as their capital and moving the U.S. Embassy there. Trump has further impressed Israelis by backing out of the international nuclear deal with Iran, re-imposing stiff sanctions on the Islamic Republic and vigorously defending Israel in international forums.

This administration, not just Trump, has been the friendliest administration to Israel since 1948, said Michael Oren, a deputy minister and former ambassador to Washington. Netanyahu is just tapping into these current global trends of people living in a world of uncertainty who want strong, sometimes brutally strong, leaders.

Netanyahu and Trump enjoy strong personal rapport. Netanyahu also seems to relish the American presidents attitude toward the Middle East, not only on Iran but also his hands-off approach to the Palestinian issue and Israeli settlement construction. After an icy eight-year relationship with Barack Obama, Netanyahu has gone out of his way to praise Trump at every turn.

He also has held his tongue on Trumps various scandals, even after a neo-Nazi march in Charlottesville, Virginia, when Trump appeared to defend the actions of white supremacists. On a visit to Washington, Netanyahu even implored critics to stop questioning Trump over the supposed anti-Semitism of some of his supporters.

While Trumps isolationism, particularly his planned pullout from Syria, may not be good for Israel, his unabashed pro-Israel rhetoric has made him popular domestically, said Nahum Barnea, one of Israels most influential columnists.

Beyond a confluence of interests, Trump and Netanyahu seem to share a populist streak against their countries more liberal establishments  to the delight of their nationalist bases.

Netanyahu has responded to a series of corruption investigations with Trump-like attacks on Israeli media, law-enforcement, judiciary and other elites he believes are bent on his removal. He is quick to deride any critic as a leftist, and, like Trump, has taken to social media to whip up his base.

Netanyahu is a person who knows how to learn and imitate others and hes been doing it in the past two-three years since Trump rose to power, said Barnea. Hes been far harsher in his domestic expressions and he knows that you create a political victory by pitting one sector against another.

Trump, who endorsed Netanyahu in a fawning pre-Israeli election clip in 2013  even before he got into politics  appears to equally admire the Israeli leader.

On Instagram, Trump shared an image of the giant billboard over the Ayalon highway in Tel Aviv featuring the two smiling and shaking hands under the slogan Netanyahu. In a different league.

More significantly, he is expected to host Netanyahu in a lavish state visit to Washington shortly before the April 9 election in Israel.

In response to the billboard ads, Valerie OBrien, spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Israel, clarified that the U.S. was not involved in Likuds campaign messages or strategy.

While beneficial in the short-term, some warn the tight alignment with Trump could have negative long-term implications.

Israel, once a source of solid bipartisan support, has become an increasingly divisive issue among Americans in recent years. A poll conducted by the Pew Research Center last year, for instance, found Republicans more sympathetic to Israel than Democrats by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. Some fear an eventual backlash from Democrats.

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The more thatDemocrats dont like Trump, the more that anything he associates himself with, in this case Netanyahu, gets drawn into that equation, said Ron Klein, a former congressman who now chairs the Jewish Democratic Council of America. For those of us who are pro-Israel, thats unhealthy.

Netanyahu is not alone in tapping into Trumps appeal.

Likud backbencher Oren Hazan recently said the highlight of his term was the selfie he took with Trump during a 2017 visit. Even Netanyahus top challenger, former military chief Benny Gantz, chose a campaign slogan  Israel Before Everything  that many viewed as echoing America First.

But only Netanyahu has moulded his politics in Trumps image.

He has long had a rocky relationship with the media and accuses it, along with police and prosecutors, of being part of a leftist witch hunt to force him from office. Like Trump, he has also gone after former allies, floating conspiracy theories about an alleged planned putsch by a Likud rival.

The prime minister appears to be modeling his recent launch of Likud TV on Trumps Real News Update, a weekly webcast on Facebook hosted by the presidents daughter-in-law to counterbalance what the administration deems a hostile media. Netanyahus first clip made dismissive references about police investigations into alleged corruption by the prime minister.

Police have recommended indicting Netanyahu on three corruption cases, and Israels attorney general is expected to announce his decision whether to charge him before the elections.

Back in 2009, it was Obama who offered inspiration to Israeli campaigners. An ultra-Orthodox Jewish party translated yes we can into its campaign slogan and Netanyahu designed his Web page after Obamas. But a decade later, Trump is the hot commodity.

Its part of the Americanization of our politics. The difference is that Israeli campaigns stole tactics from Obama but still maintained a certain distance from him, said Barnea. Trump is considered one of us.

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Follow Heller at www.twitter.com/aronheller .
ANKARA, Turkey - Turkey has launched an investigation into eight police officers over the deportation of a wanted Egyptian national back to Egypt, where he could face the death penalty.

The Istanbul governors office said in a statement released late Tuesday that a committee would probe the deportation in January of alleged Muslim Brotherhood member Mohammed Abdel-Hafiz. Eight officers at Istanbuls Ataturk Airport passport control have been suspended pending the investigation, it said.

Turkish newspaper Milli Gazete said Abdel-Hafiz had arrived at Ataturk Airport on Jan. 16 from Somalia. He was detained at the airport and deported on Jan. 18 despite requesting political asylum, the paper said.

Abdel-Hafiz case is the first known extradition of an alleged Muslim Brotherhood member from Turkey to Egypt.

Officials in Egypt say Abdel-Hafiz was sentenced to death in absentia in July 2017 following his conviction along with others for the 2015 assassination of Egypts chief prosecutor. He is likely to face a new trial over the same accusations.

Hisham Barakat was the most senior government official killed by Islamic militants since the 2013 military ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, Egypts first democratically elected president whose one-year rule proved divisive.

Ties between Egypt and Turkey have been tense since Morsis ouster. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly criticized the Egyptian government and has called for Morsis release from detention.

Egypt accuses Turkey of becoming a safe haven for Muslim Brotherhood members who fled Egypt.

The group is banned in Egypt, but many members have been welcomed in Turkey, where they have run satellite television and radio stations.
PARIS - Media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders said Thursday that Iranian authorities arrested, jailed and sometimes executed 1.7 million people around the capital Tehran alone in the first 30 years after the 1979 Islamic revolution.

The organization revealed its count that included regime opponents, Bahais and other religious minorities and at least 860 journalists.

The group said at a news conference that its information was based on a confidential file of judicial proceedings obtained by whistleblowers.

The file registering judicial procedures contains details on some 1.7 million people, including minors, locked up in Evin prison in the first three decades of the Islamic regime that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, shaking the region and the world.

Among the journalists, at least four were executed, according to RSF, as the watchdog group is known. The organization noted that the detailed Iranian file never mentions the professional status of individuals, suggesting this made it easier for the regime to claim it wasnt holding journalists or, more broadly, prisoners of conscience.

RSF set up a committee that combed through the Iranian file. It is headed by 2003 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian human rights lawyer.

The file reveals some previously undisclosed information, RSF said,

After months of verification, we have identified in these files of 1.7 million records, the cases of at least 61,940 political prisoners during the period of 1979 until 2009, only in Tehran, said Christophe Deloire, head of RSF.

Of these, 520 were aged between 15 and 18, he said.

Deloire said the files show the relentless machinations used to persecute men and women for their opinions or their reporting.

RSF is referring these state lies to the U.N. human rights commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, so that Iran can be held to account, he said.
KIEV, Ukraine - Ukraines parliament has barred Russian citizens from serving as election monitors during an upcoming presidential election.

The Supreme Rada voted to exclude Russians from international observers missions that will be monitoring the voting in Ukraine next month.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe submitted a list of candidates for the Ukrainian monitoring missing and it included two Russians. The organizations observers are considered one of the most credible voices on elections in the region.

The U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, Kurt Volker, tweeted before the vote that Ukraine needs OSCE observers, even if some are Russian citizens, to prove it adheres to democratic standards.

Relations between Ukraine and Russia have been tense since Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and backed separatist fighters in eastern Ukraine.
AMSTERDAM - Prosecutors say a man fatally shot by police near the Dutch central bank in Amsterdam was carrying a fake weapon and may have been attempting to incite officers into killing him.

Detectives investigating Wednesday nights shooting say the 31-year-old victim was carrying a replica weapon that could not be differentiated from a real gun.

He was shot after he began walking toward police responding to reports of an armed man walking the streets.

Prosecutors say in a statement Thursday that investigations into the incident have found indications that it could have been suicide by a police bullet. The statement did not elaborate or give any further details of the mans identity.
ATHENS, Greece - A Greek parliament committee is debating whether to sign off on Macedonia joining NATO, the final hurdle to be cleared before its northern neighbour can formally be renamed North Macedonia.

The committee debate on Thursday began a process that is set to lead to a vote in parliament on Friday night. Lawmakers are expected to approve Macedonias accession.

While opposition parties dont support the move, Greeces left-led government controls the necessary majority needed for passage.

In that case, Greece would formally notify Macedonia within days and Macedonia would proceed with the name change.

Greeces support for Macedonia becoming a NATO member was part of a deal that ended a 27-year dispute. Greece had argued that its small landlocked neighbours current name implied claims on Greek territory and cultural heritage.
BERLIN - An American request for the extradition of a Turkish man wanted in the United States on terrorism charges was rejected because there was no other option under German law, authorities said Thursday, in a case that has raised the ire of officials in Washington.

Adem Yilmaz, who was indicted under seal in the U.S. in 2015 on charges of participating nearly 10 years earlier in attacks on U.S. military forces along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, was convicted of membership in a terrorist organization in Germany in 2010.

To extradite him to face trial in the U.S. on terrorism charges would constitute double jeopardy under German law, Frankfurt state court spokeswoman Gundula Fehns-Boeer told The Associated Press.

An extradition could have only occurred if the Americans said they would restrict the charges to crimes not already punished, she said.

After the Frankfurt courts decision on the American request last week, Hesse state officials on Tuesday deported Yilmaz to his native Turkey, said state Interior Ministry spokesman Marcus Gerngross.

Gerngross said there was nothing unusual about deporting a foreign national who had violated German laws, but the decision angered American officials.

American officials filed additional assurances on Monday, attempting to address the Frankfurt courts decision, but the deportation was carried out before those arguments could be considered.

After learning of the deportation, Deputy U.S. Secretary of State John Sullivan called a meeting with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who was in Washington to take part in meetings of the coalition fighting against the Islamic State group, to express American displeasure.

We are gravely disappointed by Germanys decision to deport a dangerous terrorist  Adem Yilmaz  to Turkey, rather than to extradite him to the United States to face justice for his complicity in the murder of two American servicemen, acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said in a statement later Wednesday after the two diplomats had met.

In addition to the allegations of participating in attacks on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Yilmaz was charged with giving advice and instructions on military-type training to a man involved in a 2008 suicide bombing in Afghanistan that killed two American soldiers and injured at least 11 others.

Adem Yilmaz is responsible for the deaths of U.S. servicemembers, U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell said in a tweet on Thursday. This failure to extradite him to the United States violates the terms and spirit of our Extradition Treaty.

The indictment against Yilmaz, brought in the Southern District of New York and unsealed earlier this week, includes charges of providing material support to a terrorism organization and aiding and abetting military-style training.

He had been in prison in Germany until October 2018 after his conviction for involvement in a foiled 2007 plot to attack American citizens and facilities in the country, including the U.S. Air Forces Ramstein base.

Acting in the name of the radical Islamic Jihad Union, he and three others had stockpiled what they thought was highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide, purchased from a chemical supplier, and planned to mix it with other substances to make explosives equivalent to 550 kilograms (1,200 pounds) of dynamite.

But German authorities, acting partly on U.S. intelligence, had been watching them and covertly replaced the hydrogen peroxide with a diluted substitute that could not have been used to produce a bomb.

Following his release, Yilmaz had been kept in custody awaiting the resolution of the American extradition request, which dated back to 2016, Fehns-Boeer said.

Upon his arrival back in Turkey, he was detained by anti-terrorism authorities at Istanbuls Ataturk Airport, a Turkish security official said.

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It was not immediately clear whether he would face charges in Turkey, but he will be questioned by prosecutors, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on security issues.

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Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this story.
BRUSSELS - Two journalists who were taken hostage in Syria testified Thursday that a 33-year-old man who is now on trial for the fatal shootings of four people at a Jewish museum in Belgium definitely was one of their jailers.

French citizen Mehdi Nemmouche is charged with terrorist murder in the 2014 slayings of an Israeli couple and two employees at the Brussels Jewish Museum. The deaths crystalized fears that European extremists would use training or combat experience acquired in the Mideast to sow terror back home.

The French journalists who testified at Nemmouches trial, Nicolas Henin and Didier Francois, were held hostage in Syria for more than 10 months between 2013 and 2014. They told the Brussels criminal court that as their jailer, the defendant expressed hatred for Jews and Shiite Muslims and bragged of torturing his captives.

Hes a sadistic man, full of hate, and particularly full of hate against Jews but also Shiites, Henin told reporters outside court.

Both reporters said their eyes often met Nemmouches while they testified.

We looked at each other several times. Mehdi Nemmouche had a defiant look of contempt on his face, Henin said.

Asked by the presiding judge if he recognized the reporters, Nemmouche chose to exercise his right to remain silent, as he has done often throughout the trial.

I am absolutely sure about who he is, Francois said.

Defence lawyers have confirmed Nemmouche was in Syria but said it was irrelevant to the Belgium case. The trial is scheduled to run until March 1.

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AP writer Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands - Thousands of students skipped classes Thursday and marched past the Dutch parliament, calling for more ambitious climate policies in the Netherlands.

The demonstration by Dutch students follows similar marches in recent weeks in neighbouring Belgium that also have drawn thousands of protesters.

Organizers said they want to send a wake-up call to politicians in the Netherlands who are wrestling with how best to rein in greenhouse gas emissions.

Were here because we want the government to take quicker and better steps to improve the climate, said 16-year-old Maartje Bood, who had travelled 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the northern city of Leeuwarden to take part in the march.

She and her friends were holding up a banner which said in Dutch, We want our 11 cities race back, a reference to a marathon speedskating race over frozen canals in the northern Netherlands that is only staged in very cold winters when the ice is thick enough. The last race was held in 1997.

The Dutch Environmental Assessment Agency said in a report last month that a court-set target of reducing emissions by 25 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020 is out of reach.

A group of about 350 scientists and researchers published an open letter in support of the march, saying it is high time for tough measures to quickly and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Berber Neef, a 17-year-old student who told her school she was sick so she could attend the march, agreed.

The earth is warming up, everyone knows that, she said. We need tougher measures. The government has to act.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - The Vatican is proceeding with an investigation into an Argentine bishop close to Pope Francis who has been accused of improper behaviour with seminarians and sexual abuse.

In a statement posted to its Facebook page, the Argentine Diocese of Oran said Feb. 5 that the Vaticans Congregation for Bishops had entrusted Tucuman Archbishop Carlos Alberto Sanchez with the next phase of the investigation regarding accusations against Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta.

The development is significant because it signals that a preliminary investigation conducted by the Oran diocese and sent to the Vatican was deemed credible enough to warrant further investigation by an outside party.

The Associated Press reported last month that the Vatican received indications of inappropriate behaviour by Zanchetta in 2015 and again in 2017, with reports from his former vicars and the seminary rector.

Zanchetta resigned abruptly on Aug. 1, 2017 but by December had been named to the No. 2 position in the Vaticans financial management office, APSA.The Vatican has insisted that there were no accusations of sexual abuse against Zanchetta when he was promoted to the job.

Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti repeated in late January that the Vatican received the first accusations of alleged sexual abuse by Zanchetta a few months ago.

Zanchettas former deputy, the Rev. Juan Jose Manzano, had previously told the AP that he had sent the Vatican information in 2015 and 2017 of alleged inappropriate sexual behaviour by Zanchetta that included taking naked selfies and reports that he engaged in harassment and misconduct with adult seminarians.

Manzano told the AP those reports didnt constitute formal canonical accusations of sexual abuse, but were merely reports of behaviour that he, another former vicar general and the rector of the seminary in Oran considered important to bring to the Vaticans attention.

He said he didnt believe there had been any coverup and that he considered Francis a victim of Zanchettas manipulation.

Gisotti didnt directly address or dispute Manzanos reports.

In a Jan. 4 statement, Gisotti had confirmed that Zanchetta was under preliminary investigation for alleged sexual abuse, but said that the accusations were first made in the autumn of 2018. He said the reasons for Zanchettas resignation were due to his difficult, tense relations with the Oran clergy and inability to govern them.

He said the current bishop of Oran was gathering testimony that hadnt yet arrived at the Vatican bishops office, and that Zanchetta would refrain from working during the preliminary investigation.
CARACAS, Venezuela - The latest on Venezuelas political crisis (all times local):

8:05 p.m.

Puerto Ricos government says 3,600 pounds (1,633 kilograms) worth of donated supplies are en route to Venezuela as part of a humanitarian aid mission.

Officials said earlier Thursday that they had sent the supplies to the South American country.

Puerto Rico Secretary of State Luis Rivera Marin said in an updated statement that a plane carrying the supplies left the U.S. territory on Wednesday but has not yet delivered them.

It is unclear where the plane and supplies are currently located. Rivera said: (Its) an extremely complex route that is being protected to ensure the safety of those transporting the supplies as well as those receiving them.

Officials have said the humanitarian aid is not part of the $20 million in aid pledged by the United States.

Venezuelan community leader Sonia Cosme told The Associated Press that the supplies including medication to help treat diabetes, blood pressure, asthma and seizures. There also are items for children including diapers, formula, milk, oral serums and protein drinks.

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7:20 p.m.

The Venezuelan foreign ministry is saying that its websites have been hacked in several countries.

We have decided to stop publishing online content until cybersecurity has been restored, read a message posted by the ministry on Twitter.

The Venezuelan government admitted problems in at least Argentina and Mexico.

The home page of the Venezuelan embassy in Washington appeared to be down for several hours on Thursday.

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5:15 p.m.

The U.N. says Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believes humanitarian aid should never be used as a political pawn.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Thursday that humanitarian assistance should be based on needs and carried out in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.

He said humanitarian assistance always needs to be independent of political, military and other objectives.

Dujarric said in the current standoff in Venezuela, it becomes even more clear that serious political negotiations between the parties are necessary for the sake of the people of Venezuela.

He said as a general principle, the secretary-general has been supportive of international efforts to try to bring a solution to the current crisis in Venezuela.

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6:20 p.m.

U.S. special envoy for Venezuela Elliot Abrams wants to see Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro leave the country as he cedes power to a transitional government.

Abrams tells reporters in Washington that the U.S. does not favour a specific country for Maduro to go to but notes that the embattled Venezuelan has friends in Cuba and Russia.

He also said Thursday that other countries that he would not name have offered to take in Maduro if he gives up power.

Abrams says the U.S. has revoked visas for unnamed members of the Venezuelan Constituent Assembly as it seeks to continue pressing Maduro to cede power to opposition-controlled National Assembly leader Juan Guaido.

The U.S. has recognized Guaido as the interim president.

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4:15 p.m.

The home page of the Venezuelan embassy in Washington appeared to be down amid increasing tensions between the United States and the South American nation.

The site http://eeuu.embajada.gob.ve showed an error message on Thursday and was inaccessible to the public.

President Nicolas Maduro has ordered all Venezuelan diplomats home from the United States and said it is closing its embassy.

The Associated Press asked the Venezuelan mission to the Organization of American States about the malfunction without receiving an immediate response.

The mission includes the only diplomatic staff currently present in the U.S. capital.

Watchdog groups say the dominant internet provider in Venezuela, state-run CANTV, has blocked access to social media sites at least four times since opposition leader Juan Guaido pledged to serve as interim president of the country on Jan. 23.

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3:45 p.m.

Trucks carrying U.S. humanitarian aid headed to crisis-wracked Venezuela have arrived at the Colombia border.

On Thursday semi-trailers loaded with boxed emergency food and medicine rolled into the town of Cucuta, which is just across the river from Venezuela.

Venezuelas opposition leaders requested the shipments and vowed to bring them inside the troubled nation despite objections from embattled President Nicolas Maduro.

The focus of Venezuelas political fight now hinges on whether Maduro will allow the aid to pass.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido said the aid is necessary in a country racked by shortages of basic goods.

Maduro denies a humanitarian crisis exists and says Venezuela is not a country of beggars.

The Venezuelan military has barricaded a bridge between the two nations in an apparent attempt to block the aid.

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1 p.m.

Puerto Ricos government says it has sent humanitarian aid to Venezuela for the first time via a plane loaded with 3,600 pounds (1,633 kilograms) worth of supplies that included medication, food and items for children.

A spokeswoman for Puerto Ricos Secretary of State said Thursday that the humanitarian aid is not part of the $20 million in aid pledged by the United States. Ana Santos Pico told The Associated Press that she could not provide additional information such as what kind of plane was used for Wednesdays mission and who owns it.

Santos said: Its a complicated mission, and we cannot provide more details. We need to maintain strict confidentiality.

Venezuelan community leader Sonia Cosme told the AP that the medication sent to Venezuela is to help treat diabetes, blood pressure, asthma and seizures. The items for children include diapers, formula, milk, oral serums and protein drinks. The food items were mostly cereals.

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No further details were available, including where the plane landed.

Cosme said: Humanitarian aid has to be done with a very low profile. They persecute those who send it and those who receive it.

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello announced on Jan. 31 that his administration would be collecting donations as part of an upcoming government-led humanitarian mission.

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12:55 p.m.

A spokesman for the International Monetary Fund says the executive board of the body will delay a planned meeting to determine whether Venezuela has met its obligation to share periodic information.

There was no original date set for the meeting.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido pledged on Jan. 23 to serve as interim president of Venezuela and has been recognized by many countries in the Americas and Europe.

The IMF has not recognized Guaido.

IMF spokesperson Jerry Rice said Thursday: Countries are still establishing position in terms of recognition. The process is ongoing.

He would not say whether the IMF has had any contacts with Venezuelan authorities or the interim government.

The IMFs No. 2 official David Lipton called Venezuelas economic crisis an unprecedented economic storm that will require generous international support.

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12:29 p.m.

The Vatican says Pope Francis is willing to see if Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido would agree to Vatican intervention to help relaunch talks with embattled President Nicholas Maduro to try to end the countrys political standoff.

Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti issued a statement Thursday after Francis told reporters that he would consider Maduros request for Vatican involvement but that the preliminary condition for any external mediation was that both sides requested it.

Gisotti said: The Holy Father has always reserved the possibility, and therefore still reserves the possibility, of verifying the will of both sides to see if the conditions exist to take this step.

Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, has made clear that any offers of dialogue must start with negotiating the terms of Maduros exit.

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12:15 p.m.

A top European Union official is calling for free and transparent presidential elections in Venezuela to bring a peaceful solution to the countrys crisis.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini spoke Thursday in Uruguays capital at the inaugural meeting of an International Contact Group.

The group is meeting amid tensions after Venezuela opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido declared himself interim president and said he was seeking to oust President Nicolas Maduro following a 2018 election that many countries as a sham.

Mogherini says the group holds different views on what led to Venezuelas crisis and doesnt seek to impose a solution.

However, she says the countries share the same objective of seeing the countrys crisis peacefully resolved without violence and a foreign intervention.

Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez is leading the meeting attended by leaders of 14 countries, including Spain, Italy, Portugal and Sweden.

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11:50 a.m.

A Venezuelan man whose wife has advanced breast cancer is urging President Nicolas Maduro to accept humanitarian aid.

Luis Escobar made his plea at the border bridge connecting Colombia and Venezuela where aid is expected to arrive.

In tears, he described how his wife was unable to get treatment in Venezuela and that by the time they were able to see a doctor in Colombia, her illness had significantly progressed.

Escobar says that he doesnt want other Venezuelans to suffer his wifes dire fate.

Humanitarian aid from the United States has arrived in Colombia and is en route to the countrys border with Venezuela.

Maduro has refused to accept the aid, and the military has blocked the bridge where the supplies are expected to arrive.
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica - Two more women have accused former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, a Nobel peace laureate, of sexual misconduct after a criminal complaint alleging sexual assault against another woman was filed against him this week in the Central American nation.

Eleonora Antillon, a well-known Costa Rican journalist and TV presenter, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Arias assaulted her in the mid-1980s when she was working for his fledgling presidential bid.

In a separate interview, Emma Daly, communications director for Human Rights Watch, said Arias groped her in a hotel lobby in Nicaragua in 1990 when she was working as a young journalist based in Costa Rica.

The New York Times also reported that a fourth woman, a 53-year-old book editor, alleged that Arias unexpectedly put his hand on her leg during a meeting in 2012. AP was not immediately able to confirm the report.

While the #MeToo movement swept up a number of powerful men in recent years in the United States, its spillover effect has been more muted in Latin America, where critics say macho attitudes die hard.

In Brazil, starting in December, more than 250 women accused a prominent spiritual healer of acts from unwanted fondling to rape, leading to his arrest and a raft of charges. In Argentina, accusations ranging from sexual assault to sexual harassment have been levelled against the likes of a well-known actor, a senator and a legislative chief of staff.

In this Nov. 13, 2015 file photo, Costa Rican 1987 Nobel peace laureate and former president of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, looks at the media during the opening ceremony of the XV World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates at the University in Barcelona, Spain. Arias has been accused of sexual assault by a nuclear disarmament activist, a charge he denies. She filed a criminal complaint on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019.





But none have had a profile like Arias, who was twice elected president of Costa Rica and in 1987 was honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize for his work bringing an end to Central Americas protracted and bloody civil wars.

The criminal complaint filed Monday in Costa Rica charged that Arias fondled a womans breasts, kissed her and penetrated her with his fingers in December 2014 at his home in the capital, San Jose. The woman, a nuclear disarmament activist whose name was not released, had gone there for a meeting related to her cause.

In a brief statement Tuesday, Arias denied the allegation. He said he never violated the will of any woman and fought for gender equality during his career. He said he would not have further public comment because of the pending legal case.

As more allegations emerged Wednesday, his lawyer, Erick Ramos, echoed that, telling AP that out of respect for the process that is in course, we are not going to make any kind of declaration.

Antillon, a renowned journalist and TV presenter known as Nono, decided to break three decades of silence after the complaint became known this week.

Antillon told AP that in the 1980s, when she was 25 and working for a local TV station, she learned that Arias was interested in having her work for him as he made a preliminary run toward the 1986 presidential election.

She said she expressed disinterest in politics, but Arias insisted and didnt blink when she asked for a salary three times the going rate to try to discourage him.

He laughed and said others were working for free, that later they were guaranteed a political job, Antillon said. I said I wasnt interested, that if he wanted me he would pay me. And he laughed and looked at me and said that he would pay it.

After an agreement was struck, she said, Arias summoned her to a restaurant in San Jose where he met her in a private room. Almost immediately he put his hand on her thigh and tried to kiss her neck, she said. Antillon said she pushed him away and asked what he thought he was doing.

Its just to gain trust, he told me, laughing, she said.

Antillon said she left, rejecting his offer to escort her.

Four days later she was with Arias and another adviser, but he sent the adviser away, she said.

He stood up, he was at his desk, he came over staring hard at me, and he grabbed my hand and put it on his penis, over his pants, Antillon said. I said to him, What are you doing? and he said, What do you think were doing? Look how hard I am.

Antillon said she recoiled, knocking over a chair, and Arias grabbed her shoulders, pushed her into an open closet and again placed her hand on his genitals. She pulled it away. Someone made a noise at the door, he composed himself and she left.

Afterward, Antillon said, she never allowed herself to be alone with Arias, whom she described as someone with serious problems with arrogance.

He sees himself as the master of the world, that everyone has to submit to him, Antillon said. He sees himself as a conqueror.

Since then, Antillon said, she felt physically ill whenever she heard about Arias Nobel prize. She said the experience left a mark and she has tried to dress in a less feminine way, not wanting to show much skin.

Only this week was she emboldened to come forward amid news of the complaint, she said.

I believe her based on what I lived through, Antillon said of the woman whose complaint was filed this week.

Although its been more than 30 years since the incidents she described to AP, Antillon said if any lawyer could find a way to bring a complaint against Arias, she would be willing to do so.

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AP normally does not use the names of alleged victims of sexual assault, but both Antillon and Daly came forward to tell their stories publicly.

Speaking to AP in New York, Daly said she had been in Costa Rica for a couple of years when her encounter with Arias happened in February or April of 1990 in neighbouring Nicaragua. At the time she was in her mid-20s, working for an English-language weekly in Costa Rica and stringing for Reuters.

The lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel was packed with journalists and diplomats when she saw Arias, with whom she had established a cordial relationship in her role as a political reporter, Daly said. They had first met years earlier through her parents, who were diplomats, she said. She called out to him and asked a question.

And instead of answering my question, he stopped and looked at me and leaned forward, and he put his hand on my chest and sort of pulled it down between my breasts and then said, Youre not wearing a bra  or words to that effect, Daly told AP.

I was so shocked, all I could think of to say was, Yes I am wearing a bra, which is a ridiculous reaction but thats what I did in the moment, and he walked on, she continued. A woman next to me, another reporter, said to me: I saw what happened. Ill support you if you want to do something. And I said, No, thats fine, forget about it.

Daly said part of what was upsetting was that it came in a professional setting, surrounded by politicians and journalists.

Youre completely ignored from a professional side, but someone touches you and youre made to feel as if youre nothing, they can do whatever they want, she said.

Daly said Arias had never done anything like this in any prior interaction with her, nor had she seen him do anything to anyone else. She felt the overall environment was one of machismo, and if she complained nothing would happen.

She said she felt angry and then humiliated that she hadnt responded properly, but I didnt really see what I could do or where that could lead. If I had gone to complain about it, I felt I would have been laughed out of whatever office I tried to complain to.

Daly said she told her then-boyfriend as well as several other people about the incident. She doesnt remember seeing Arias again. He left office not long after, and she left the region.

But she said she began thinking about the incident more amid the rise of #MeToo, making an oblique reference to Even a president and Nobel laureate in a comment on a friends Facebook post in October 2017. She said she thought about naming Arias at the time but decided not to.

Daly first told her story publicly to a Washington Post reporter who reached out to her Tuesday.

She said she felt she was in a privileged place  she wasnt going to lose her job, her family support  so it was important to speak out.

She said the difficult thing is that Arias has done good work in his professional life, with the peace plan, but that doesnt give him a pass to mistreat people.

It would be really wonderful if this spurred some kind of a reckoning in Latin America with men who harass women, Daly said, particularly at work ... some kind of moment where they understood that theres a need for systemic change and its really not OK to just touch women because you feel like it.

Arias National Liberation Party announced in a statement Thursday that he was leaving the party pending an outcome of the criminal case.

On social media, users have been posting messages of support for the women using the hashtag yotecreo, which means I believe you.

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Associated Press writer Javier Cordoba reported this story in San Jose, Costa Rica, and AP writer Deepti Hajela reported from New York.
SANTIAGO, Chile - Authorities say a former commander in chief of the Chilean army has been arrested and charged for involvement torturing 24 people following a 1973 military coup.

Retired Gen. Juan Emilio Cheyre was taken into custody Thursday on orders from a local judge.

Cheyre had previously been sentenced to three years for covering up the killing of 15 left-wing militants while a deputy regiment commander. He was the armys commander from 2002-2006.

He has repeatedly denied the charges levelled against him.

But he has acknowledged that human rights abuses occurred during the 1973-1990 dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet.

Official numbers say that at least 3,095 people were killed during the dictatorship.

Pinochet died in 2006 under house arrest without being tried on charges of illegal enrichment and human rights violations.
CUCUTA, Colombia - For Anahis Alvarado, whose battle with kidney failure has become more desperate as Venezuela sinks deeper into crisis, the prospect of bringing in emergency medical and food supplies cant come soon enough.

Shes watched five fellow patients in her dialysis group die over the past few years due to inadequate care. Only a quarter of the dialysis machines where she receives treatment at a government-run clinic in Caracas still work.

And last week she had to spend almost a third of her familys monthly income buying basic supplies like surgical gloves and syringes that President Nicolas Maduros bankrupt government is no longer able to provide.

Were losing time, the 32-year-old Alvarado said.

She hopes relief will soon be on its way.

Some 620 miles (1,000 kilometres) away, in the Colombian border city of Cucuta, opponents of Maduro are hastily putting together plans with U.S. officials to open a humanitarian corridor to deliver badly needed food and medicine.

The aid convoy is seen as a key test for Juan Guaido after the opposition leader declared himself interim president in a high-risk challenge to Maduros authority  a move that has the backing of almost 40 countries around the world.

But getting the food into Venezuela is no easy task.

On Wednesday, a large tanker, mangled fencing and a shipping container were scattered across a bridge connecting the two countries, a makeshift barricade reflecting Maduros longstanding rejection of outside assistance.

We arent beggars, the embattled socialist said Monday in a speech to troops.

The standoff has troubled international relief organizations, many who say the issue of humanitarian aid is being used as a political weapon by both sides.

Maduros government has steadfastly denied the existence of a humanitarian crisis that has forced some 3 million Venezuelans to flee in recent years, even while handing out heavily subsidized food staples to rally support among the poor, especially ahead of elections.

Meanwhile, the opposition is vowing to proceed with its aid plan at all costs in an effort to break the militarys strong support for Maduro.

You have a clear choice, Miguel Pizarro, a lawmaker co-ordinating the relief effort, said in pointed remarks Tuesday to members of the armed forces. Either you are part of the problem, or you put yourself on the side of the people who are in need.

The International Committee of the Red Cross is among groups that have warned about the fast-escalating rhetoric. On Tuesday, it repeated an offer to distribute humanitarian assistance but only if authorities agree to guarantee the aid safely reaches those in need and isnt politicized.

Right now, both sides are comparing muscles to see who is stronger, said Daniel Almeida, an advocacy adviser for the Switzerland-based humanitarian agency CARE. But for the person who really needs the assistance, they dont care where it comes from.

The Trump administration has pledged $20 million in humanitarian assistance to Guaidos government in addition to the more than $140 million it has already made available to South American countries absorbing the exodus of Venezuelan migrants. Canada has pledged another $53 million to Guaido.

National Security Adviser John Bolton last week tweeted a picture of hundreds of boxes of ready-to-use meals for malnourished children, each printed with an American flag, that he said were ready to be delivered.

The show of bravado alarmed some international relief organizations, which worry the real intention is to lay bare Maduros obstinacy and build the case for military intervention on humanitarian grounds  a worst-case scenario that would pile on even more hardships.

Bolton said he was responding to a request from Guaido, who announced at a rally last weekend that he was setting up three collection points  in Cucuta, as well as others in Brazil and the Caribbean  to receive the aid.

The 30 to 40 tons of aid includes baby formula and high-protein biscuits, according to a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to discuss the plans.

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Cucuta has become the top destination for Venezuelans who travel long distances to the city in a desperate search for food and medicine.

Alvarado said if it wasnt for a friend who made the trek for her last week she wouldnt have the antibiotic she needs for an infection. She paid for the medicine with money from an aunt in Argentina because her once middle-class family struggles to survive on her mothers meagre retirement pension of $8 a month.

During dialysis sessions dangerously shortened by an hour to cope with the lack of machines and supplies, Alvarado keeps herself busy by writing poetry. Her latest poem, written the day Venezuelans poured into the street in support of Guaido, is an ode to a Venezuela she dreams of one day being replenished with pharmacies full of medicine.

I want to get better so that I can begin to help others, she said. All of us are victims and all of us need to work hard so Venezuela can resurge.

In Cucuta, volunteers have been on standby for days to help with the aids arrival but have been given no indication of how it will get into Venezuela.

Its creating huge expectations, said Francisco Valencia, a director of CODEVIDA, a coalition of Venezuelan health advocacy groups. If the transition doesnt take place soon, were not going to receive the real humanitarian aid we need.

Caritas, a charity run by the Roman Catholic Church, estimates that child malnutrition more than doubled last year, while 48 per cent of pregnant women in low-income neighbourhoods are underfed.

Among those waiting in limbo is Aminta Villamizar, a retired cleaning woman, who lost her right leg and two toes on her left leg because she cant find enough insulin to treat her diabetes.

Lying in bed in her Caracas apartment building, she waits as her grandson, Antonio, measures her blood sugar levels. Although its above normal, she resists the offer of a shot, preferring to safeguard her scarce supplies and instead pray to an icon of Dr. Jose Greogrio Hernandez, a 19th-century Venezuelan doctor who treated the poor and is revered throughout the country as a saint.

I was a person who worked my entire life, but this sickness destroyed me, she said.

___

Associated Press writer Joshua Goodman reported this story from Caracas, Venezuela, and AP writer Christine Armario reported in Cucuta, Colombia.

___

Joshua Goodman on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjoshgoodman
PLANNED OUT: An attack on Karl Marxs memorial in London. The marble plaque on the sculpture was apparently attacked with a hammer. Remarked the head of Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust: Im really sad that its happened in such an inarticulate way.

UNSTRUCTURED: A lot of presidential hours. An Axios report says Donald Trump spent around 60 per cent of his scheduled time since the midterms in executive time. The White House leapt to his defence. Hes always up to something; its just not what you would consider typical structure.

WELCOMING: San Diego. Mayor Kevin Faulconer, a Republican, is touting a new, $70,000 (U.S.) position in his office to carry out a plan to make the city more welcoming to immigrants. Amid a not-so-welcoming federal climate, one of the mayors staff said: We do it differently here.

WARNING: Norways government. Oslo is advising its citizens against studying in the U.K. Yes, its that Brexit shemozzle. Minister Iselin Nybo warned of so much uncertainty, and she reportedly said some students could miss exams or not finish terms. Norway is not an EU member, but possibly still bitter.

IMPATIENT: A soccer club, for payment for a deceased soccer player. Days after the death of Emiliano Sala in a plane crash, Nantes have urgently demanded full payment for having just sold the player. Cardiff City, the unlucky buyer, is taking its time; the body had not been immediately recovered.

WAITING: Many U.S. federal workers, for money. Nearly two weeks after the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, many federal workers still have not received back pay or most of what they are owed as government agencies struggle with glitches and delays. Another shutdown may loom.

BACKING DOWN: Belgiums Flemish environment minister. Joke Schauvliege has claimed security services told her that kids climate demonstrations were a plot against her. State security denied it, and she later admitted theyre right. Tens of thousands of schoolchildren have been protesting nationwide.

BATTLING: Filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes, with local British authorities. Theyre seeking to film a First World War drama titled 1917, on Salisbury Plain, close to Stonehenge, the Guardian reports. But fears have been raised about potential undiscovered remains as well as ecological harm.

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Police are asking for the publics help finding two men wanted in connection with street robberies.

Police allege that on Nov. 25, 2018, two men threatened a woman near Yonge St. and Finch Ave. W., then proceeded to take her cellphone and cash.

Police say the suspects struck again soon after, this time near Yonge and Tolman Sts. The men allegedly punched and kicked a man, knocking him to the ground before taking his cellphone and jacket.

In both instances, the suspects fled in a white four-door vehicle, police say.

One of the suspects is described as between 57 and 511 with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, jeans, a baseball hat and black shoes. The other is described as from 57 to 511 with a medium build and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black pants and white shoes.
When Erwan Roux set out to work abroad in Canada, the native Parisian envisioned moving into a big North American house.

But when he and his partner, Mikael Martinez, arrived in Toronto this January, they instead opted to move into one of the citys smallest condos  and they love it.

In Paris, there are a lot of very small apartments. Its easy to find one thats only eight square metres (87 square feet). We thought that living in Toronto, wed have a big place. But when we saw this apartment, we fell in love and took it right away, Roux said.

Roux moved into a micro condo in Smart House, a building that recently opened at Queen St. W. and University Ave. Their unit is technically a one bedroom, though its more of a studio because theres only a sliding door that separates the bedroom from the rest of the living space.

It measures 335 square feet, and its not even the smallest unit in the building.

When Smart House, which bills itself as a place for people who love small but well thought-out space, was first announced in 2013, it garnered lots of press because its tiniest units, at 289 square feet, were to be the smallest condos ever built in Toronto. (Floor plans for current rental listings show a unit at only 276 square feet.)

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Critics called it a crazy consequence of the citys red hot condo market and questioned who would ever live in such a small space. Urbanists countered that micro condos are the wave of the future because theyre cheaper, they have lower heating and cooling costs and they allow more people to live downtown.

In the 1950s, the automobile and the creation of highways created this migration out to the suburbs. But theres been a recent return of the population to the centre, said Cherise Burda, executive director of Ryersons City Building Institute.

With more downtown jobs comes more people, and that in turn attracts more jobs, creating a snowball effect of people who want to move downtown, Burda explained. But this also creates affordability issues with skyrocketing demand for existing housing.

Micro units offer affordability and an attractive lifestyle, she said, adding that those who choose to live there trade long, stressful commutes for less personal space.

Micro units shouldnt be thought of as simply small, theyre better designed  a more efficient approach to managing space.

Six years after it was first proposed, the Star decided to visit the newly opened Smart House to find out who ended up living there and why they chose the citys smallest micro condos.

Yes, its very small, laughs Roux. But we love the big windows and the view of the skyline. And you cant beat the location.

Living steps from Osgoode subway station and a short walk from numerous restaurants, bars, nightclubs and theatres means that you dont actually spend that much time at home, he said.

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We are home to eat and sleep but the rest of the time we are out. Its like this in Paris, said Roux. In the summer, it will be even better.

Brian Persaud, real estate agent and author of Investing in Condominiums, said micro condos are the inevitable result of developers having higher land and construction costs, but wanting to keep the price of individual condos down.

In Toronto, condos under $600,000 are more attractive and sell more easily than those priced at $700,000 and up, he said.

But while development costs are rising across the city, micro condos will only fly in the heart of downtown.

Its OK for certain locations but you would not be able to get away with that outside the core, Persaud said. You will always get investors looking at them, but the question is whether end-users will want them.

If youre on top of the subway in the core, youll always have people looking to buy or rent there.

Mehrunisa Kadir has lived in a North York house and a downtown apartment tower. But when the York business student heard about Smart House, she knew she wanted to live there and put down a pre-construction deposit right away.

Three years later, shes freshly moved into her two bedroom, 699-square-foot unit with her best friend as a roommate.

Its not that small, she says. Theyve distributed the space really well.

In her previous lodgings, she had to buy shelves to store all her clothes and kitchen utensils. But at Smart House, the storage is so well designed that she doesnt use all her closets and cupboards, even though she moved from a much bigger place.

Ive never had so much space  even in a house, she said.

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Kadir says she has adapted her lifestyle to make more flexible use of her space. She uses the kitchen island as a dining room table, for example.

One bedroom is really small, she said, and fits a queen bed and not much else. But the other, bigger bedroom has a Murphy bed that converts into a couch, making it a living room when shes not sleeping.

We dont need lots of room because were students, she said. Its obviously too small for a family. But a young couple? Its an ideal space for that.

Like Roux, Kadir says the best thing about her apartment is the easy access to local restaurants.

I used to use Uber Eats. But now I just walk out the front door to get my food.

Three people who opted for micro living

Larissa Costa  After I wake up I just close the bed

Costa has been living in her compact studio apartment in Smart House less than a week. There is a Murphy bed that folds up into the wall. After I wake up I just close the bed, she says. The high ceilings also help to create space.

She wanted to live close to work and her office is a five-minute walk away. She moved to Toronto from Montreal. She had been staying in an Airbnb while she searched for an apartment.

Essentially here you have to choose between price and space, she says of Toronto. There were bigger apartments for the same price further out of the core, but she preferred location.

There is always something going on. She would be bothered being in a place where there is nothing to do. Here and I can just go for a walk.

Vanessa Hojda  When I start making more money Ill get a bigger place

The micro-unit is a small slice of freedom for Hojda. She lived with a few roommates at St. Clair Ave. and Avenue Rd. before moving into Smart House, and she likes the independence of her own place. Her commute to work used to take two streetcars and a subway ride, and now its a 10-minute walk.

Her unit is around 400 square feet and she found the price was more reasonable than other one-bedroom and studio units downtown, which were in the $2,000 a month range when she was searching in December. She pays $1,750 here.

When she walks in the unit there is a kitchen on the left, all tucked away in sleek cabinetry, with a washer/dryer combination machine (I didnt know they existed until I saw it in there, she says.)

The bathroom is on the right, and then straight ahead down a small hallway is her bed, next to a computer desk, a storage shelf and the balcony (shed trade the outdoor space for extra room in the unit.)

She does miss having a couch and a proper living room.

When I start making more money Ill get a bigger place, she says.

Gulrez Khan  Because we are new here ... we dont have a credit score

Khan and two of his friends are sharing a three-bedroom corner unit at Smart House. He says the biggest room fits a queen-sized bed, but the other rooms are smaller.

Khan recently moved to Toronto from Bhopal, India. Because he and his friends are new to Canada, he said an agent helped them find this unit.

We have visited quite a few houses, most of the times because we are new here we dont get it. We dont have a credit score.

When he first moved to Toronto, he was living in a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate he met on Kijiji, but now he is living with two friends.

I feel like its one of the smallest houses that Ive seen, he says.

He hopes the buildings construction finishes soon. He says certain features and amenities, like the gym, are not ready for use.

 Katie Daubs/Staff Reporter
One of the largest labour human trafficking investigations in Ontario has resulted in the rescue of more than 40 foreign workers who were allegedly being paid peanuts and living in squalor.

The workers  predominantly from Mexico on visitor visas and who were working as cleaners at hotels and resorts in Simcoe County  were removed from their residences and many are now being sheltered in a local hotel.

They were exhausted, but relieved to be out of the situation, said a hotel operator, who had employed some of the workers through a temp agency, and who on Thursday freed up some of his rooms to host the rescued workers.

In pre-dawn raids Tuesday, more than 100 officers from Barrie police, Canada Border Services Agency and Ontario Provincial Police targeted six locations in Barrie and Wasaga Beach, and transported the rescued men and women to a church, where they were interviewed and provided with food and clothing.

Its a huge joint operation among the law enforcement agencies, a source familiar with the investigation told the Star. The workers were paid peanuts after all the deductions for food, rent and mattresses, said the law enforcement source, who called the situation exploitative.

In a statement, Barrie police said public safety was not in jeopardy.

We are still doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work and anything specific to the investigation has to wait until a news conference (expected in the coming days.) Persons of interest have been identified and the investigation remains ongoing, said Peter Leon, a spokesperson for Barrie police.

According to the law enforcement source, allegations of a labour human trafficking operation first surfaced in 2015, when complaints by former workers began trickling in. An in-depth investigation ensued at the beginning of last summer after authorities received further leads, the source said.

Investigating human trafficking can be challenging because people often dont speak English, are unfamiliar with their new environment and are afraid to disclose their identities and details of allegations.

The workers were allegedly recruited through Facebook, social media and word of mouth for job opportunities in Canada, said the source.

According to authorities, the workers were regularly picked up from their residences and transported to various job sites throughout Simcoe County aboard yellow school buses.

After Tuesdays rescue, including from a house on Dunlop St. E., in Barrie, the men and women were taken to a temporary victims assistance centre set up at a local church, where they were tended to by Salvation Army workers.

On Thursday, after spending two days at government shelters, most of the workers were chauffeured in VIP vans and moved into a local hotel.

We had a breakfast gathering here this morning and our volunteers gave them a warm welcome, said the hotel owner, who asked not to be identified so as not to reveal the location of the workers.

We decided to pick them up in VIP vans so they wouldnt be paranoid about getting into a school bus again, the hotel owner said. We called the van services and they offered to transport them at no cost.

Although many of the workers had overstayed their visas, they will be issued temporary residence permits, which will allow them to stay and work in Canada on a temporary basis, said the law enforcement source.

They were relieved to be out of that situation, but they didnt think of themselves as victimized, said the source. They were (allegedly) taken advantage of by the traffickers, but said things are still better here because everything is so bad at home.

The hotel operator, who is now housing the workers, said he learned of the police raids on Tuesday when OPP officers arrived at his premises and informed him his cleaners would not be showing up.

We dont speak Spanish. We only knew these workers were Mexicans. We paid directly to a temp agency and had no idea how they were treated. We just assumed they all had proper status and were treated fairly, said the businessman.

We just feel so shocked and sad from a moral and humanitarian point of view, and wanted to do something to support them.

The workers have told volunteers that finding jobs and housing are their priorities, and they hope local employers will give them a helping hand.

I hope other hotels and companies will step up to help, out of love. Im sure some can take rooms out from their business and host some of these workers for free, and just treat them with warmth and dignity, said the hotel owner.

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He noted that the cleaners at his hotel were contracted through a Barrie-based temporary employment agency called RTL Services.

Kevin Kielty, whose name RTL was registered under, declined to comment for the story when reached by the Star by phone on Thursday. In a followup text, Kielty wrote: I will be in touch when the time is right. As recently as January, the company was advertising for full-time hardworking housekeepers.

Barrie Police said the investigation is continuing and no arrests have been made.
Toronto police have arrested a man for allegedly holding two women against their will in his St. James Town apartment in two separate incidents.

The first incident took place on Feb. 1 shortly before 12 p.m., when police said they received a call of a sexual assault in a unit of a residential building near Bleecker and Earl Sts.

When officers arrived at the apartment they found a woman being held against her will, police said in a news release Wednesday. She was taken to hospital with injuries.

Later that same day, police arrested 59-year-old Wallace Walter Pleasant, of Toronto, and charged him with forcible confinement and sexual assault.

After appearing in a Toronto court on Feb. 2, he was released on recognizance. Police could not detail what the conditions of his release were.

Four days later on Feb. 6, officers were called to the same apartment just before 10 a.m. for unknown trouble. Police said they found another woman being held against her will and Pleasant was in the apartment at the time.

He was arrested and charged with forcible confinement, two counts of assault and assault causing bodily harm.

He appeared in court on Wednesday.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Last year Mark Farquharson and his young family were almost evicted. After helping organize strikes against an above-guideline rent increase at his building in Parkdale, the landlord, Nuspor Investments, served him with eviction notices. He was accused of abusing staff and hindering the safety of other tenants. He denied the accusations, and instead accused the landlord of retaliating.

The case went through the hearing process at the Landlord and Tenant Board, and last November the adjudicator sided with Farquharson and dismissed the landlords application. Farquharson, who says his family had been under intense pressure throughout the lengthy process, was relieved but made an ominous prediction about the future of renters.

With Doug Ford in power, its going to be even easier for landlords to force people out and raise the rents, he said at the time of the decision.

Fast forward to Tuesday this week, the Star reported that the Ford government was already looking for ways to speed up eviction processes in Ontario  notably by reducing the waiting periods for eviction notices and using private bailiffs to remove tenants.

The news, which the province in internal government documents portrayed as an effort to make more rental housing available, has sparked strong reactions from both sides. Tenants are worried about being thrown out into the red-hot and increasingly unaffordable housing market, while landlords welcome the proposal as a step toward fixing a broken process.

While Farquharson can see the reasoning behind the proposal  the more people that get evicted for their wrongdoings, the more available homes and rentals for better tenants, he said  hes concerned about the lack of protection for good tenants who could get caught in the greedy system as housing prices continue to skyrocket.

Farquharson said he pays about $1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment, and knows a similar room could go for around $2,000 in the current market. Generally, it is therefore in a landlords interest to try and evict longtime tenants in order to make more money on units, he said.

Its in their best interest to put applications out to evict people for very minimal situations, he said, noting a lot of tenants just give up and leave instead of going to the board to fight the evictions.

This is a vicious loophole and the tenants are on the losing side big time.

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Ebony Menzies, a Toronto west-end resident who has been evicted twice, called the proposal to ease the eviction process unfair and downright cruel.

She said the practice of renovictions  in which a landlords pushes tenants out for housing renovations and increase rent prices afterwards  is already rampant, and the provinces new proposal to speed up the eviction process is only going to make the situation worse for tenants.

It makes me very upset and angry, said Menzies, who is also a member of affordable housing advocacy group ACORN Toronto. She said more evictions will send more people into homelessness and cause even more problems for a shelter system thats operating at full capacity.

I dont think anybody is ready for that, she said. I think its a poorly thought out idea. They should instead invest more in community housing.

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In a statement to the Star, the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) said it welcomes the move and will continue to consult with the province in addressing the housing supply crisis.

The current Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) process is fundamentally broken and does not work for either landlords or tenants, said spokesperson Danny Roth.

He said the board often doesnt meet its timelines to process applications, taking months longer than in other provinces. In places such as Toronto, even enforcing an order after the board has issued it can take an additional two or three months due to capacity issues, he said.

Joe Movassaghi, who owns a condo he rents out in downtown Toronto, said he welcomes the proposal and hopes it will help him get out of a situation hes been stuck in for the past three years.

He said his tenant has been putting the unit on Airbnb, sometimes to 20 or 30 people, despite the contract stating subleasing is not allowed. He took the issue to court, but found out that theres no law against it in Toronto.

I actually have a lot of stress and anxiety because of it. My hands are totally tied as a landlord, he said, noting hes also been given rent cheques that have bounced.

He hopes the proposal can make it fair for him as an investor to have an option to evict a tenant if they misbehave or breach the rental contract.

I respect the rules around rent control but it has to be fair for me as an investor, he said. Otherwise I want out now so I can sleep at night.

At Queens Park, NDP MPP Suze Morrison expressed alarm at the revelations in the Star about the governments proposal to expedite evictions.

At a time when the rising cost of housing is making it harder for Ontario families to find a place they can afford, and keep a roof over their heads, Doug Fords Conservatives are focused on helping landlords toss tenants out on the street faster, said Morrison (Toronto Centre).

Everyday Ontarians need more affordable places to live  not more crackdowns on renters.

With files from Robert Benzie

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Every year, members of council are tasked with approving a balanced operating budget.

Its not unlike what you might do at home  first looking at how much your household will earn in a given year and considering any other income that might be coming your way, and then going through how much youll need for day-to-day expenses each month.

Its a lot like that, except with $13.46 billion, give or take, to work with.

This balancing exercise creates a series of very important choices for council  including what to leave out of the budget in a city of many needs. In some case the city could even choose not to fund programs it has already promised it would.

The Star looked for those programs, services and strategies that are currently unfunded or not fully funded in the 2019 budget. This list, while not comprehensive, comes from looking through initial budget documents, listening to city staff presentations and speaking to those working at city hall.

The list offers a look at the choices council still has ahead of them. The budget on the table today is staffs first attempt at balancing  the beginning of a process that must still wind its way through budget committee, consultations with the public, Mayor John Torys executive committee and finally council in March. Items can be added or removed, as can funding sources. Council has the final say at a meeting March 7.

Its important to keep in mind that we are just at the beginning of the 2019 budget process and the budget committees review of the staff recommendations, said Torys spokesperson Don Peat in a statement when presented with this list. Despite a tough budget year, the staff-recommended budget preserves and invests in city services, like the TTC, Toronto Police and Toronto Public Library, while keeping the property tax increase at the rate of inflation.

Child care

What was approved: Match 20 per cent of the child-care funding provided by the federal and provincial governments

What is proposed for 2019: Stretch the citys 20 per cent contribution over five years

Cost to fully fund in 2019: $14.95 million

In 2017, council approved a child-care growth strategy which committed to increasing the number of children served by both city-run and community-based daycares and reducing fees for parents.

That cost, council agreed, should be largely borne by the provincial and federal governments, with the council committing the city to contribute 20 per cent of whatever is provided by the other governments. In 2017 and 2018, the federal and provincial governments contributed a total $84.8 million, city staff reported  putting council on the hook for nearly $17 million.

However, the city contribution has been spread out over five years, between 2017 and 2022, meaning funding to increase subsidies for low-income parents and money for centres to boost wages and reduce fees for all families would be stretched out over a longer period. Using the phased approach, in 2019 the city would spend $3.74 million, funding 210 subsidies.

If the citys 20 per cent contribution was fully realized, it would create 760 new fee subsidies instead of the planned 210, city staff told budget committee this week. The current wait list for subsidies, staff told budget committee, is around 11,800.

Staff say the citys contribution is being phased in to ensure that as subsidies are added, there is physical space available for care.

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Library hours

What was approved: Increasing library hours across the city as part of a four-year plan

What is proposed for 2019: Nothing

Cost to fully fund in 2019: $3.35 million

Since 2006, Toronto Public Library officials have planned to increase the hours at branches across the city as part of a comprehensive strategy. Though several service improvements have been made and new branches opened, the Open Hours plan has never been fully realized.

After the citys budget committee asked in 2017 what funds were necessary to fully implement Open Hours, a revised plan was approved by the library board in 2018 at a cost of $18.26 million over four years starting in 2019.

The cost of funding the plan in 2019 is $3.35 million and would add weekly hours at 24 branches, Sunday hours at 26 branches and late evening hours at four branches as well as two research and reference libraries.

But library staff, in a 2019 budget note, say the first phase of the plan is currently not funded due to fiscal challenges and will be deferred for consideration next year.

City-run recreation

What was approved: 25,000 new spaces

What is proposed for 2019: 7,500 new spaces

Cost to fully fund in 2019: Unclear

In 2017, council approved a plan to increase the number of city-run recreation spaces by 60,000 as the number of wait-listed spaces grew to more than 198,000  representing more than 62,000 people.

During the 2018 budget process, council decided to double the number of spaces added in the first year, from 10,000 to 20,000, which staff reported would bring the total number of new spaces to 70,000 by the end of 2020.

That three-year plan called for 25,000 new spaces to be funded in 2019.

But this years proposed budget only includes funding for 7,500 new spaces  17,500 fewer than the 25,000 called for in the original plan. And staff now say the original three-year plan will be stretched over five years.

When questioned about this by the Star, city staff in the parks, forestry and recreation division said they have been misrepresenting the plan to council, saying the commitment from council was only ever to 60,000 spaces, not 70,000 as reported multiple times by staff, and that approving 20,000 in 2018 simply fast-tracked the plan.

However, even at 60,000 spaces, the 2019 budget plan would still leave the city with 7,500 fewer spaces than council originally approved in 2017.

The cost of adding the 7,500 spaces is $417,000 in 2019, staff reported. In 2018, the plan to add 25,000 spaces was estimated to cost $769,300. Staff say there have been increases in costs is due to the specialized programs and need to rent third-party facilities for the spaces to be added in 2019.

Implementing 20,000 spaces in 2018 rather than 10,000 was challenging, especially in finding available space and ensuring adequate staffing, a city spokesperson said in an email. Current projections and a recommendation for 7,500 additional spaces in 2019 represents the most achievable approach to growing access to recreation over the coming year.

Climate change action

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What was approved: A series of short-term strategies to reduce the citys greenhouse gas emissions, and direction for staff to come up with a business plan

What is proposed for 2019: Revised 2019 funding of the plan at $5.44 million

Cost to fully fund in 2019: $7.83 million

In 2016, council approved a comprehensive plan called Transform TO to act on climate change, with a list of specific short-term actions to be taken between 2017 and 2020. They asked staff to return with a business plan on how to fund those strategies.

A budget briefing note from staff in 2017 outlined the funding required, totalling $23.77 million over four years and $7.83 million in 2019.

But at councils request, staff reorganized the plan based on a priority scoring in 2018, despite advocates saying that prioritization had been built into the original strategy. Staff presented a revised budget that involved staggering the hiring of staff to do the work approved. They recalculated the cost of the four-year short-term strategy at $15.47 million with a total budget of $5.44 million in 2019  $2.39 million less than the original plan. That funding is in the 2019 budget.

The plan to hire 10 new staff in April 2019 has also now been reduced to hiring just five staff in July 2019 with the other five hires deferred to 2020, staff reported to the budget committee this week.

Senior staff told budget committee Wednesday, Theres no doubt that with less budget our ability to produce the results is less, but could not say specifically what impact it would have on being able to achieve the goals of Transform TO in the timelines set out.

Discounted transit

What was approved: A discounted TTC plan for low-income Torontonians, phased in and gradually expanded over three years

What is proposed for 2019: Extending eligibility to fewer people than planned

Cost to fully fund in 2019: $4.4 million

The Fair Pass discount plan was approved by council in 2016 and was first available in 2018 for Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works clients. The plan for phase two in 2019 was to extend eligibility to those receiving housing supports and child-care supports.

But the 2019 budget only accounts for including those who receive child-care subsidies, not those with housing supports at a cost of $2.37 million. The original plan, reported by staff, estimated phase two would cost $4.4 million.

Staff reported that those receiving housing supports were not included as part of phase two because of logistical difficulties in identifying and verifying eligible residents. Those receiving housing supports are still planned to be included as eligible in the third phase in 2020.

Ravine cleanup

What was approved: Development of a strategy to maintain citys 4,000-hectare ravine system

What is proposed for 2019: Nothing

Cost to fully fund in 2019: $655,400

In 2017, council asked staff come up with a way to deal with the litter in ravine parkland. Though staff have developed a pilot project, the new service was not included in the staff-recommended budget for 2019 due to fiscal challenges, a budget note says.

Drop-in services

What was approved: Enhance the health and safety standards of the Out of the Cold program

What is proposed for 2019: Base funding continued from 2018

Cost to fully fund in 2019: $360,000

Additional funding to allow those administering drop-in services to respond to the emerging needs of their most vulnerable clients, such as access to harm reduction, drug treatment and eviction prevention services is not included in the 2019 budget. Base funding of $500,000 to improve health and safety standards at the drop-ins is included.
SAINT JOHN, N.B.Patterns of use on electronic devices in Richard Olands office are being scrutinized by Crown prosecutors in an attempt to pinpoint what time the multi-millionaire was bludgeoned to death.

Olands son, Dennis, is on trial in Saint John for the second-degree murder of his father on July 6, 2011, and key to his defence is the uncertainty surrounding the actual time of the killing.

Dennis is the last known person to have seen his father alive. He visited Richard at his uptown Saint John office late in the afternoon of July 6, staying an hour and leaving at about 6:30 p.m. He then headed home to the suburb of Rothesay on the outskirts of the port city.

A central question in the case: Was his father dead when he left? Or did he die later, in accordance with an earlier witness at the trial who said he heard loud thumps and crashes coming from Richard Olands second floor office sometime between 7:30 and 8 p.m. that night?

The later time would exclude Dennis Oland, 50, as the killer. He was caught on security video shopping with his wife, Lisa, in Rothesay at that time.

Cell phone and computer experts on the stand at Olands trial on Thursday said computers in Richard Olands office fell idle shortly after Dennis arrived for his visit at around 5:30.

Read more:

Police thought Dennis Oland might flee after his fathers murder, trial told

Court hears Dennis Oland asked for cash advances before fathers killing

Witness bolsters Oland defence on timing of multi-millionaires murder

Payman Hakimian, who is with the RCMPs technological crimes unit in Fredericton, told the trial the last key stroke on Richards personal computer was at 5:39 p.m. on July 6, 2011.

Under questioning by defence lawyer Alan Gold, Hakimian said his analysis cannot detect more subtle computer activity, such as using the up and down arrows on a keyboard to scroll through material.

Hakimian also told Gold that he downloaded hundreds of pages of data from Dennis Olands home computers as well as those of Richard Oland. He said all of the data was sent to the Saint John police for examination. Nothing incriminating was found.

Not only was there no more computer activity in Olands office after Dennis arrived for his visit, the prominent businessman and former executive at Moosehead Breweries Ltd. stopped sending and answering texts and calls on his cell phone  the only item taken from the crime scene.

Sylvie Gill, an investigator with Rogers Communications in Montreal, went through call records at the trial, records which showed the date and time of all phone calls and text messages sent and received on Richard Olands iPhone on July 6 and 7.

The last communication was an incoming text message at 6:44 p.m., Gill told the court, referring to a text sent by Diana Sedlacek, a real estate agent with whom Oland was having an affair.

The court already has learned this last message from Sedlacek, received by Olands phone, read: You there? Gill said the site of the cell tower that message pinged off was Rothesay Road, in Rothesay.

It would have been around the time Dennis Oland was in Rothesay, having left his fathers office a few minutes earlier.

Richard Oland did not answer Sedlaceks message and after that last communication, the phone went dead. All incoming phone calls went directly to voicemail and text messages were not delivered to the device, Gill said.

The phone has never been found.

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Dennis Oland has pleaded not guilty to murder. His father, Richard, died from repeated sharp and blunt force blows, mostly to his head. The 69-year-old businessman was found lying dead on the floor of his office on July 7, 2011.

This is Dennis Olands second trial. He was convicted in a jury trial in 2015 but that verdict was set aside on appeal and the new trial ordered.

The trial is expected to last until mid-March.

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VICTORIABritish Columbias mental health and addictions minister has joined health officials to call for a safer drug supply to fight the rising overdose death toll while urging the federal government to open a courageous conversation on decriminalization.

They are not prepared to do that at this time but were pushing the limits within British Columbia, Judy Darcy said Thursday after the BC Coroners Service reported 1,489 people overdosed last year.

The province is using every available tool to address the crisis but criminalizing people living with addiction has not worked, she said, adding some police forces are co-operating on projects that connect drug users to outreach teams to begin treatment instead of arresting them.

We have some pilot projects that are happening in downtown Vancouver, where we are working to increase peoples access to safe prescription alternatives to a poisoned street supply, she said.

This is a poisoned drug supply that is killing people, she said during a news conference in Surrey, B.C.

The coroners service said 1,486 people died in 2017 despite efforts to combat the provinces public health emergency.

Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, Dr. Evan Wood, of the BC Centre of Substance Use and Leslie McBain, who co-founded Moms Stop the Harm after her son died of a drug overdose, said that more must be done to fight the crisis.

Substance use disorder is a health issue and forcing those attempting to manage their health issue to buy unpredictable and often toxic substances from unscrupulous profit-motivated traffickers is unacceptable, Lapointe said at a joint news conference at the B.C. legislature.

Lapointe said the province must do things differently to save lives, adding the highly potent and addictive opioid fentanyl was detected in 86 per cent of the overdose deaths. She said illicit overdose deaths claimed more lives in 2018 than deaths from motor vehicle accidents, homicides and suicides combined.

Henry said her office is working with the Health Ministry, the Mental Health and Addictions Ministry and the Justice Ministry to find ways to deal with the crisis.

She said she is looking to help supply people with safe drugs and working with law enforcement to steer people into treatment and away from the courts and jails.

These are the people we need to support with regulated pharmaceutical-grade opioids to help them and meet them where they are so that they are able at some point to look at the possibility of recovery, Henry said.

She said the de facto decriminalization of drugs can help people get rid of the shame and criminal stigma that prevents some from seeking treatment.

B.C.s drug death numbers appear to be levelling off, but the crisis is far from over, Henry said.

We need to find something positive in all of the work that has been put into keeping people alive over the last few years, she said. If anything, it tells us that measures were taking are helping out but they are not enough.

The provincial health officer declared a public health emergency almost three years ago in B.C. as the number of drug overdoses and deaths rose.

The figures for 2018 show middle-aged men are overrepresented in the death toll, with 80 per cent of the suspected fatalities involving males. People aged 30 to 59 accounted for 71 per cent of the deaths.

Wood said theres an urgent need to end the harms caused by prohibition.

Its incumbent for all of us to keep the pressure on and not get complacent, he said. Fentanyl, unfortunately, is something thats not going away.

McBain agreed that a stronger response is needed.

Work has been done, but the numbers, almost 1,500 people dying last year, is not good.

A task force involving mayors from 13 cities including Vancouver pushed in 2017 for prescription heroin to be made available to people who have not responded to other forms of intervention. Vancouver has the only clinic in Canada providing prescription heroin but it accepts a limited number of patients.

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Dr. Theresa Tam, Canadas chief public health officer, said in December that creating a safer opioid supply was being reviewed and discussed with provinces and territories.

Officials in cities including Vancouver and Toronto have also called for decriminalization as the number of overdose deaths increases across the country.

Canadian health-care experts have encouraged Ottawa to adopt Portugals approach to drug policy, which decriminalizes limited amounts of drugs for personal use, while offering education and social supports.

Data from a federal task force on opioid deaths said nearly 4,000 Canadians died as a result of overdoses in 2017, a 34 per cent increase from the previous year.

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MONTREALThe man who killed six worshippers inside a Quebec City mosque in 2017 could receive the longest prison sentence in Canadian history when he appears before a judge Friday.

Alexandre Bissonnette, 29, faces a sentence of up to 150 years before being eligible for parole in what is being watched as a possible landmark decision. He will learn his fate at the Quebec City courthouse in a ruling by Superior Court Justice Francois Huot.

Bissonnette pleaded guilty last March to six counts of first-degree murder and six of attempted murder after he walked into the mosque during evening prayers on Jan. 29, 2017 and opened fire.

The charges resulted from his Jan. 29, 2017 attack on the Islamic Cultural Centre that left six men dead: Mamadou Tanou Barry, 42; Abdelkrim Hassane, 41; Khaled Belkacemi, 60; Aboubaker Thabti, 44; Azzeddine Soufiane, 57; and Ibrahima Barry, 39.

Witnesses described the former Universite Laval student entering the mosque and calmly opening fire on the crowd of men who were gathered there for evening prayers.

In addition to the men killed, five other men were struck by bullets, including Aymen Derbali, who was shot seven times and was paralyzed from the waist down. The sixth attempted murder charge related to others who were nearby in the mosque.

Read more:

Two victims of Quebec Mosque shooting receive medals for acts of courage

Quebec honours mosque shooting victims with memorial encouraging dialogue, acceptance

Two years after shootings, recovery continues for Quebec Citys Muslims

The first-degree murder charges carry an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole before 25 years. But under a new provision of the Criminal Code adopted in 2011, a judge can now order that the sentences be served consecutively in cases with multiple victims.

The Conservative government of the day said the change was needed to bring an end to discount sentences for mass murderers.

At Bissonnettes sentencing hearing, Crown prosecutor Thomas Jacques argued that the six sentences should be served consecutively, totalling 150 years before he could seek parole. He called for a sentence that reflects the scale of the crimes committed.

Bissonnettes lawyers said he should be eligible for parole after 25 years in prison. They called a 150-year sentence the equivalent of a death sentence by imprisonment and said it would be contrary to human dignity.

They are seeking to have the section of the Criminal Code permitting consecutive sentences declared unconstitutional, arguing that it infringes the protection against cruel and unusual punishment contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The defence said even two consecutive sentences would violate the Charter because it would exclude any possibility that the accused could be rehabilitated and re-enter society. Even if the judge decides the sentences should be served concurrently, it does not necessarily mean Bissonnette would walk out of prison after 25 years. That decision would lie with the Parole Board of Canada.

Mohamed Labidi, former president of Quebec Citys Islamic Cultural Centre, said the Muslim community is looking for justice in Fridays ruling. He said people in the community are almost unanimous that serving just 25 years would not be enough considering six people were murdered.

Every life is important, he said.

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The longest sentence to date in Canada is 75 years without parole. Justin Bourque in New Brunswick, Dellen Millard in Ontario and Derek Saretzky in Alberta all received that sentence for triple murders.

Benjamin Hudon-Barbeau of Quebec was sentenced to 35 years without parole last year for ordering two murders and two attempted murders. In Ontario, the Crown is seeking 50 years in prison for the Toronto serial killer Bruce McArthur, who pleaded guilty to eight first-degree murders.

By comparison, Robert Pickton, who was sentenced in 2007 before the Criminal Code was changed to allow consecutive sentences, received life with no chance of parole for 25 years after being found guilty of killing six women.

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The Ontario NDP led the Ford government to the source of an embarrassing leak when it released a document last week that wasnt properly redacted, sources say.

On Thursday, the official opposition scooped the government on a major announcement by releasing the draft version of a bill that overhauls Ontarios health-care system and amalgamates several government agencies into one super agency.

While the leak blindsided the government, the document released publicly by the NDP also led the province directly to the leaker, according to three sources who spoke with iPolitics on condition of anonymity.

The sources include someone in government and two people close to the government. Additionally, two privacy experts confirmed to iPolitics that the unredacted information in the document would have helped identify the NDPs source.

The 81-page PDF  marked confidential  includes a URL and a date at the bottom of each page. The sources said those two pieces of information made for quick work identifying who made the leak.

Within four days of the documents release, interim cabinet secretary Steven Davidson released a memo saying the government had found the person responsible, fired them and called the OPP.

The OPP confirmed on Tuesday that its Anti-Rackets Branch is reviewing the case, but hasnt decided yet whether to open a full investigation.

iPolitics repeatedly asked NDP Leader Andrea Horwath on Monday whether her party had done its due diligence to protect the identity of the source when it released the draft bill. She didnt answer the questions and instead deflected to the governments response.

Im very concerned about what may happen to possible potential whistleblowers because of the threats that Mr. Ford has made, she said. Im going to not respond to those kinds of questions particularly because of those threats.

Premier Doug Ford has not made any public comments about the leaked documents or the source of them. Horwaths office later said she was referring to news reports based on anonymous sources that the government had decided to call the OPP.

In a followup statement on Tuesday, NDP spokesperson Erin Morrison said the party received the documents with permission from the source or sources to release them as delivered.

We believe that nothing on them could have revealed the source, and have verified that to the best of our abilities, she wrote.

However, two privacy experts say the party wasnt successful.

Importantly, they said the link at the bottom of the page  which is from the governments remote email website  would have helped the government identify the user.

Sources say a link at the bottom of the document, released by the NDP, led the government to identify who leaked the document to the opposition party. University of Toronto computer science professor Graeme Hirst said with certainty that the URL included a key for the right to access the document through the governments web-based electronic mail system that uniquely identified the user.

Privacy consultant and the former privacy director at Cancer Care Ontario John Wunderlich noted that the link at the bottom of the page is a partial URL. But he said even with that handicap, the government could have used it to search its internal database and then the date would have been used to narrow down the search.

The point is that there are multiple routes by which (the government) could find the document and the person who accessed it or emailed it, Wunderlich said. He said it would have involved relatively straight forward forensic IT work.

He also said the NDP should have redacted other parts of the document, as well, if its goal was to ensure that the identity of the source was protected. Namely, he said the file reference numbers in the top right corner of the first page would have at the very least helped the government narrow down who had access to the specific version of the draft bill.

They didnt exercise as much diligence as they could have, Wunderlich said.

The NDP did not answer direct questions about why the link and the file reference numbers werent redacted.

Wunderlich said the proper procedure for anyone considering releasing leaked information should be to first ask an expert how the document can be scrubbed of all identifying information.

They need to know the limits of their own expertise, he said. This applies to all political parties. Given their lack of digital skills and digital awareness, I would say that this could have happened to any of the parties.

Anybody who wants to receive this kind of material from sources more than once has to protect their sources, he said.

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The NDP refused to say whether it consulted with an expert before releasing the files. The party also maintains that despite the memo from the head of Ontarios public service saying the person responsible was caught and let go, its possible that they werent the real leaker.

We do not know if the person or people who provided (the documents) have been subject to any punishment by the Ford government, Morrisons statement said.

The NDP say the governments investigation into who leaked the confidential documents amounts to a mission to hunt down and punish whistleblowers worried about health care.

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National Ballet of Canada artistic director Karen Kain is being honoured by Britains Royal Academy of Dance.

The academy is giving Kain its Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award, making her the first Canadian to receive its highest honour as well as the first recipient from outside of the United Kingdom.

In a news release, the organization said Kain is being recognized for her 50 years with the National Ballet  she joined the corps de ballet in 1969 and was promoted to principal dancer in 1971  and her incredible contribution to the world of ballet, both as a renowned dancer and one of the most distinguished leaders in dance today.

In the same release, Kain said she was humbled to join the list of accomplished past recipients who have made great contributions to the art form of ballet.

The academy is bringing its annual Genee International Ballet Competition to Toronto Aug. 20 to 29, the first time the event has been held here since 2008.

More than 50 young dancers from around the world, aged 15 to 19, take part in a week of coaching by world-renowned teachers and choreographers, culminating in performances of three solos in competition for the gold medal. The solos will include a world premiere by Montreal choreographer Gioconda Barbuto.

Kain will judge the finals, along with Dame Monica Mason, former director of the Royal Ballet, and Mikko Nissinen, artistic director of Boston Ballet. Magdalena Popa, principal artistic coach of the National Ballet of Canada, will judge the semifinals.

The event will be held at Canadas National Ballet School and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, with the public invited to watch the semifinals and finals. Tickets are on sale at www.royalacademyofdance.org/genee2019 beginning April 1.

Applications for dancers open June 3.
This has been the best year in recent memory for Oscar-nominated short films. Many of the nominees for the Feb. 24 Academy Awards play like mini thrillers, with stories that could leave you gasping for breath.

Its also a banner year for Canadian film brevity. Five of the total 10 nominees in the animated and live action categories for Best Short Film are by Canuck filmmakers, a record haul by a country that has always stood tall by running short. Among the many past Oscar short winners from Canada are A Place to Stand (1967), Ill Find a Way (1977), The Sand Castle (1977), Bobs Birthday (1994) and The Danish Poet (2006).

You can see this years Oscar shorts nominees on the big screen  and consider this a hearty recommendation to do just that. TIFF Bell Lightbox is showing them starting Friday (details at tiff.net), which gives you plenty of time to get a leg up on your office Oscar pool. (TIFF is also screening the Best Documentary Short Subject contenders; there are no Canadian ones this year.)

Whether or not this years Canadian short films take home any gold  and theres an excellent chance they will  they amount to a CanCon gold mine by any measure.

Theyre all really good, and they all coincidentally explore jeopardized relationships, either of family or friends.

For Best Animated Short Film, Disney/Pixars Bao is the most high-profile nominee, having played before Incredibles 2 this past summer. Its written and directed by Torontos Domee Shi, a Disney/Pixar animator who is the first woman to direct a short for the toon titan.

Its a fantasy story about a lonely Chinese-Canadian mother, although its grounded in Toronto reality  you can see the CN Tower in the background. The mom is experiencing the empty-nest blues, since her only child has left the home. She gets a second shot at motherhood when one of the dumplings shes making for dinner springs to life, but what will happen when that dumpling grows up?

Shi, who is an only child herself, says she based her story on her familys reactions and feelings when she left home to go work at Disney/Pixar in California.

There are definitely things I pulled from my own life, from my moms experience and my dads experience in letting me go, she told Anne Brodie of What She Said!, in an interview posted online.

Child/parent separation is also the theme of Weekends, an animated short by Trevor Jimenez, who based it on his stressful episodes as the child of divorced parents in the Toronto of the 1980s. The CN Tower is in this film, too, as is a garbage-scrounging raccoon, probably Torontos No. 2 symbol.

Weekends is the product of 10 years of planning and work, which included a one-year leave of absence for Jimenez from his job at Disney/Pixar. Like Bao, the film uses fantasy elements to impart the surreal feeling of a child torn between parental acts and expectations.

The kids weekends see him shuttling between extremes: his accountant mom, who tries to keep home life tranquil by playing Erik Saties calming Gymnopedies on the piano; and his dad, apparently an actor, whose Kabuki-themed macho pursuits are set to the rock crunch of Dire Straits Money for Nothing.

The third Canadian animated short competing for an Oscar is Animal Behaviour by Vancouver's David Fine and Alison Snowden, who previously won for Bobs Birthday in 1994. The film, which screened at TIFF last September, stuffs anthropomorphic antics into a clinical setting.

A pig, a cat, a bird, a praying mantis and a leech meet with a psychotherapist dog for a group session about social anxiety and self control ... and then an ape named Victor walks in. Sounds like a very strange joke, and it is. Its also the first NFB animated short in 25 years for husband-and-wife team of Fine and Snowden, which makes it an event apart from any Oscar glory.

In the Best Short Film Live Action category, the two Canadian competitors are both from Montreal: Marianne Farleys Marguerite and Jeremy Comtes Fauve.

Marguerite is a story of revealed secrets, shared between the elderly woman of the title (played by Beatrice Picard, a Quebec actress who voices Marge in the French-Canadian version of The Simpsons), and her caregiver Rachel, played by Sandrine Bisson. Its a work of grace and delicacy that reveals much about how times have changed between then and now, especially regarding attitudes toward sexual orientation.

Fauve, which won a special jury prize at Sundance 2018, is based on a recurring nightmare that filmmaker Comte had as a child, growing up in rural Quebec. Its set in and near one of the provinces open-pit mines, where the ground is unsteady and adult supervision is scant. The camera follows two bored and restless boys, played by Felix Grenier and Alexandre Perreault, as they boisterously explore terrain that appears benign but shifts to extreme danger.

There are also great non-Canadian contenders in the short-film categories. The other two animated nominees are Louise Bagnalls Late Afternoon, an Irish film about an elderly dementia patient struggling to recall her youth; and the U.S/China entry One Small Step, by Andrew Chesworth and Bobby Pontillas, about a young Chinese-American girls dreams of becoming an astronaut.

And in the live action category, you wont want to miss the other three nominees, which are at once compelling and horrifying.

The Irish film Detainment, by Vincent Lacombe, uses docudrama to recreate the police interrogation of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, two Liverpool sociopaths who at the age of 10 in 1993, abducted, tortured and murdered a toddler named Jamie Bulger, in a case that shocked the world. Tried and convicted in adult court, Venables and Thompson became the youngest convicted murderers of the 20th century. Its chilling to watch Detainment, and its understandable why surviving Bulger family members have objected to the films Oscar spotlight on a pain that never ends.

Madre, by Spains Rodrigo Sorogoyen, also features an imperilled child. Its the short I most wish was feature length. A single mom receives a cellphone call from her 6-year-old son, whos vacationing with his father in French Basque Country in what we take to be a shared-custody arrangement of a marriage gone wrong. The mom is delighted to hear from her child  until she realizes hes been left alone on an unknown beach, with no word of the dads whereabouts and with night closing in and the phone battery dying.

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Then theres Skin, by Israels Guy Nattiv. Its like an old Twilight Zone episode, but its also disturbingly resonant of modern times. Set in a corner of the U.S. Deep South where racism festers unchallenged, it tilts around an incident where an African-American father innocently smiles at a white boy in a grocery store, prompting a brutal lynching organized by the boys father.

The film is a like a 2019 version of the notorious Emmett Till murder of 1955  but theres a startling twist that will have you wondering if Rod Serling is standing just off-camera.

Incidentally, the boy who is Skins catalyst for racial mayhem is played by Jackson Robert Scott, who is also the title ghoul of this weeks horror opener The Prodigy and who previously co-starred in It. Hes definitely a talent to watch; so are all of these excellent Oscar shorts.

Leading Ladies at Hot Docs: Johanna Schneller, a Toronto film critic and scholar, is teaching a course at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema titled Leading Ladies: The Great Actresses of the Modern Movies. Running Fridays through March 8, it examines such screen icons as Audrey Hepburn, Meryl Streep, Halle Berry and Jane Fonda, and reflects on past and current societal attitudes about women. Part of the ongoing Curious Minds series, the course is guaranteed to educate and fascinate. Details at hotdocs.ca.
Huawei Technologies Co., facing a widening global crackdown on its telecom equipment, is bolstering its presence at the industrys biggest conference in an attempt to land deals. Its plans risk being foiled by a powerful foe: the U.S. government.

U.S. officials are also increasing the size of their delegation to the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this month, saying they want to help other nations focus on the security of next-generation mobile gear. They arent calling the meeting a showdown with Huawei, but that agenda  provided by three officials who asked not to be identified  is a not-so-veiled reference to their concerns about the Chinese tech giant over espionage allegations and sanctions busting.

The American team plans to advocate for other providers of next-generation mobile gear, such as Cisco Systems Inc., Ericsson AB and Nokia Oyj, according to one of the officials. The effort comes amid an intensified campaign by the Trump administration in Europe, Shenzhen-based Huaweis biggest market outside China, where governments in the U.K., Germany, France and other places are weighing whether to restrict its gear from 5G networks.

The American focus on Huawei has extended from its equipment to charges it stole intellectual property and violated sanctions on exports to Iran, in an escalation of tensions between the worlds two biggest economies. Huawei has denied wrongdoing and long maintained it doesnt provide back doors for the Chinese government, pointing out that no one has provided evidence to support such concerns.

Mobile World Congress is a key annual event thats helped Huawei  a major sponsor of the gathering  burnish its reputation as the dominant telecom equipment supplier. Huawei signed several deals last year, including one with Frances Bouygues Telecom to make Bordeaux the first city for a 5G network trial and one with BT Group Plc to do more joint 5G testing.

We are continuing to grow at MWC, Adam Mynott, a spokesman for Huawei, said by phone. This remains our most important trade function of the year.

Foldable Phone

This year, Huawei will unveil a foldable 5G phone, demonstrate how the technology works in a joint presentation with Vodafone Group Plc, and make executives available to network with journalists, politicians and clients. About 100,000 people are expected to attend the four-day conference that starts on Feb. 25, to see the latest phones, artificial intelligence gadgets and autonomous drones exhibited by some 2,000 companies.

Guo Ping, Huaweis rotating chairman, and Richard Yu, chief executive officer of its consumer division, will face a prominent U.S. lineup. State Department staff will be joined by high-ranking officials including Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Manisha Singh and Brian Bulatao, a former CIA executive nominated as Under Secretary of State for Management by President Donald Trump, said one of the officials.

The U.S. wants to convey its conviction that security of 5G networks is paramount because the technology is crucial as the world digitizes, independent of an individual supplier, another official said.

Huawei is a global success story for China - probably the leading one, said Bengt Nordstrom, the head of telecom consultancy Northstream AB. The U.S. sending officials to Mobile World Congress to lobby against the company, he said, sounds to me like an escalation of the problem.
Kristin Lam

Watertown Public Opinion

A decision this week by the San Diego City Council will stop punishing people for living in their vehicles.

Advocates hope other cities will follow the lead and seek more constructive policies on homelessness.

Laws that make it illegal for people to live in vehicles, advocates told USA TODAY, wrongfully penalize people who cannot afford housing or meet their needs at traditional emergency shelter services. Although the unsheltered homeless population, people living in cars or the streets, is rising according to the latest federal report, cities have increasingly fined people living in cars.

More than 550,000 Americans experienced homelessness on a single night last year.

"We're very hopeful that this is the beginning of a turning of the tide," said the center's senior attorney Tristia Bauman, senior attorney for the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty.

Out of 187 cities surveyed in 2016 by the Law Center, 39 percent prohibited people from living in vehicles. The latest report showed such laws had increased 143 percent since 2006, leading cities to ticket people for violations and if they cannot pay fines, impounding their vehicles.

More:How significant are changes to homeless population counts? It depends, West Coast experts say

More:Homeless kids lose their island of stability during the Los Angeles teachers' strike

In San Diego County, many people living in vehicles include families, the elderly and people with disabilities, Bauman said. Families might stay in a recreational vehicle to stay together, since most emergency shelters support only single adults. Shelters may also not be accessible to people with disabilities, said attorney Ann Menasche of Disability Rights California, and college students might lack money to live elsewhere.

The city's repeal followed a federal judge's order last year to stop fining people for living in vehicles, as the law was too vague to enforce. The injunction responded to a lawsuit, which argues the law discriminated against homeless people who have nowhere else to stay.

Although the lawsuit continues because the city still bans oversize vehicle residency, Menasche said the case began in 2015 when a couple living in an RV came to Disabilities Rights California. As attorneys worked their case, Menasche said, they realized it was a larger issue as they connected with other people hurt by the vehicle residency ordinances.

They requested the city give reasonable accommodations for the homeless, Menasche said, but the city denied them. That's when the organization, joined by pro bono attorneys and the Law Center, filed the lawsuit in 2017.

At the Tuesday meeting, City Councilman Mark Kersey said the 1983 ordinance making it illegal for people to live in cars was no longer useful, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Its certainly not a permanent solution to the crisis that we are facing, Kersey said. But 100 percent of the time, Id rather have someone sleeping in a car than on the sidewalk.

The repeal will alleviate a great deal of stress for the at least 800 San Diegans living in vehicles, Menasche said, especially considering many cannot afford to pay for infractions. But she said the city still needs to address other laws that punish homeless people for situations out of their control, including the oversize vehicle residency law.

Los Angeles amended but did not repeal its ordinance on vehicle residency in 2016, also following an injunction triggered by a lawsuit against the city. Bauman said she hopes cities will join San Diego in recognizing that vehicles can be the best shelter and temporary housing option for some people.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'A turning of the tide'? San Diego repeals 35-year-old law that punished homeless people
Staff reports

Watertown Public Opinion

BROOKINGS  Midwest hospitality at its best; thats the philosophy at the Swiftel Center.

That motto has rung true as the Swiftel Center has been awarded the 2018 George S. Mickelson Great Service Award. The award was presented to members of the Swiftel Center staff by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and South Dakota Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen at the 2019 Governors Conference on Tourism.

The Swiftel Center is taking a unique look at motivating and educating their staff to provide high levels of customer service, said Governor Kristi Noem.

Whether a full-time or part-time employee, they are demonstrating what people-first service looks like and are seeing the benefits of their excellence.

Team members including all Swiftel Center full-time and part time staff  are encouraged to continuously consider the four basic needs of any guest: to feel welcome, to feel important, to be understood, and to be safe and comfortable. The staff at the Swiftel Center strives to provide excellence customer service that upholds these four needs.

We are honored to be recognized by the Governor of South Dakota for the George S. Mickelson Great Service Award, said Tom Richter, Executive Director, Swiftel Center. The Swiftel Center Team takes great pride in consistently putting service first for our customers and patrons.

At the Swiftel Center, each department hosts an annual training to introduce part-time staff to new hospitality materials and review policies and procedures. The Swiftel Center also provides yearly training to motivate and teach new customer service skills.

Every staff member can provide a moment of impact for our clients, whether it is opening a door, setting up a table, serving a meal, or just offering a friendly welcome, said Kristina Lankow, Sales & Marketing Manager, Swiftel Center. We always need to be on top of our game. The George S. Mickelson Great Service Award is a major honor for our facility and will motivate us to continuously demonstrate our commitment to our guests to always be our best.

To collect feedback from customers, patrons, guests and clients, the Swiftel Center sends a client satisfaction survey. Employee Appreciation Parties provide an opportunity to recognize staff achievements, while high-five cards are used to let staff members know when they are doing an awesome job.

We are committed to provide the very best experience for every guest who enters our doors, said Ashley Biggar, Event Manager. Our team is nothing short of amazing. Feedback from both our staff and guests is not only heard but is used to take action to make our events better and better. We look forward to utilizing our current training to continue to provide Midwest Hospitality at its Best.

To view the official South Dakota Department of Tourism press release and download high-resolution images, visit travelsouthdakota.com/newsroom/press-releases/tourism-news- releases/Tourism-Industry-Professionals-Honored-by-Governor-Noem.

George S. Mickelson Great Service Award

The George S. Mickelson Great Service Award honors businesses or organizations that have done an exemplary job of exceeding visitors expectations in customer service. It marks the culmination of a yearly hospitality program that involves hospitality training, customer comment cards, an employee recognition program, and an application for the Great Service Star designation.

To learn more about the award and view a list of recipients, visit sdvisit.com/tourism- awards/2017-george-s-mickelson-great-service-awards.

For more information on the Swiftel Center, visit swiftelcenter.com, call 605-692-7539 or follow us at facebook.com/swiftelcenter.
Nick Lowery

Pierre Capital Journal

PIERRE  Two years ago a pair of golden eagle chicks born in Alaskas Denali National Park were fitted with satellite tracking tags. Last week one of those eagles, a male, was shot and killed in Sully County.

The eagles sibling died of natural causes before it turned a year old. Thats actually pretty typical. By many estimates, roughly 70 percent of raptors born in a given year will die before their first birthday. They either starve, get injured while hunting, get killed and eaten by another predator or get sick. High mortality among young raptors is one of the reasons why the killing of the eagle in Sully County is such a big deal.

It was really exciting, said Steve Lewis, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist who was working on the tracking project the eagle was part of. To have it end in a senseless death like this is just really unfortunate.

Scott Larson, USFWS ecological services field supervisor for the Dakotas, said there have actually been three other eagles found dead in and around central South Dakota in the last five weeks.

Its rare enough that an eagle survives its first year and rarer still that one of those survivors carries a tracking tag as part of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study. Lewis said there are three agencies hoping to use data from the study; USFWS, U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service. One application for the studys data could be to help find more eagle friendly sites for wind farms, Lewis said.

Both golden and bald eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle protection act as well as the migratory bird treaty act, so killing one is a felony. The crime can land a person in prison for up to a year or get them a $5,000 fine upon the first conviction. Fines and prison time double for a second conviction.

Over the course of its nearly two years of life, the eagle killed in Sully County had travelled as far north as Alaskas arctic coast and had followed the Rocky Mountains as far south as the Wyoming-Colorado border. Thats actually pretty typical of the eagles Lewis has tracked as part of his study. Theres lots of food up on the arctic coast in the summer, Lewis said, and most of the Alaskan golden eagles stay in the Rocky Mountains or west of them during the winter.

This year, though, the eagle killed in Sully County found the Missouri River while passing through Montana. He followed the rivers course south and east through North Dakota, eventually making its way to the Pierre area.

This is the first one Ive tagged that made a left turn into South Dakota, Lewis said.

The eagle had been hanging around just north of Pierre since October 2018, Lewis said. That is, until one day last week when he was perched in a shelterbelt and got shot. He was the sixth eagle Lewis tagged in 2017 to die. There are three still flying.

The eagles carcass was found on private land Jan. 29, after the tracking tag started broadcasting a dead signal. A USFWS special agent and a biologist from the Pierre office went to check on the signal. The body was later X-rayed and found to be full of shotgun pellets.

Larson said USFWS and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department have opened investigations into the killings but the cases might be hard to solve. It is unclear if all four killings are related, Larson said.

Game, Fish and Parks has asked for the publics help in the investigation and is offering a monetary reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the successful arrest and conviction of the people associated with the shooting of the eagles. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Sharing tips

If you have any information about this or any eagle shooting in South Dakota please contact the Services Pierre, South Dakota, Office of Law Enforcement at 605-224-9045 or lawenforcement@fws.gov as well as the SDGFP Turn In Poachers (TIPs) Hotline at 1-888-OVERBAG (1-888-683-7224) or online at gfp.sd.gov/tips.
Phuket Water Crisis: Governor to call in Royal Rainmakers, water rations lifted

PHUKET: The Phuket Governor has agreed to call in the Royal Rainmkaing Department and ordered water officials to find another way to resolve the islands water supply crisis, leading to an emergency notice being issued late last night announcing that all water restrictions have been lifted.

natural-resourcestourismweather

By The Phuket News

Thursday 7 February 2019, 11:46AM

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana has agreed to call in the Royal Rainmaking Department in the hope of replenishing dwindling water levels Phukets three main reservoirs. Photo: Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation

The notice, issued by the Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) at 10:30pm last night (Feb 6), announced that the impending water restrictions to come into effect in Koh Kaew, Rassada and Rawai from tomorrow until the end of the month would not be brought into force.

The impending water rationing in those areas was announced only on Tuesday (Feb 5). (See story here.)

The reason given in the notice by the PWA was that the Phuket Provincial Irrigation Office had confirmed that the water reserves in the Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu, the Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn and the Khlong Kratha reservoir in Chalong were enough to last the dry season  until the annual rains return in May.

Somsawat Chaisinsod, Director of Phuket Provincial Irrigation Office, this morning told The Phuket News that The PWA has issued a statement on a misunderstanding of the information that we have given them.

However, Mr Somsawat confirmed that the statement was technically accurate.

We can supply the water that the PWA has formally requested us to, Mr Somsawat noted.

Mr Somsawat only two weeks ago warned that the dwindling reserves at Phukets three main reservoirs were in dire need of expanding or some form of replenishing considering the rapid expansion of development across the island. (See story here.)

Phuket PWA Branch Manager Graisorn Mahamad told The Phuket News this morning that the move to cancel the water restrictions followed a meeting with Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana and Phuket Irrigation office chief Mr Somsawat yesterday.

That meeting came just hours after The Phuket News interviewed Mr Graisorn about the current water supply crisis yesterday afternoon, where he said that he was already considering rolling out water rationing in the major tourist areas of Patong, Kata, Karon and Chalong.

The Governor told the PWA to revise its water plan, Mr Graisorn said today.

The Governor also agreed to make a formal request to call in the Royal Rainmaking Department, he added.

The Governor does not want water rations to affect the people. He ordered the PWA to find another way, that we must find other sources (of water) in order to serve the people, Mr Graisorn said.

Governor Phakaphong also ordered the PWA to check the water levels at the three main reservoirs and report to him every 10 days, Mr Graisorn noted.

The Royal Rainmaking Project will help our situation. Our request is to make rain fall in specified areas. We want rain to fall in the Bang Neow Dum, Bang Wad and Khlong Kratha reservoirs, Mr Graisorn said.

However, we especially prefer for rain to fall in Kathu because that is where the main Bang Wad reservoir is and the area has many canals, which makes it easier to manage the water supply we have, he added.

Regarding the consideration of limiting water use in Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong and Kathu, Mr Graisorn told The Phuket News before his meeting with the Governor yesterday, I am thinking about additional water restrictions in Patong, Karon, Kata, Chalong and Kathu, but I have not yet made any decision on that. I need time to think and plan about managing the water reserves we currently have.

However, I suggest that people in those areas make plans to collect their own water from after Feb 28, he warned.

Mr Graisorn confirmed that water rationing brought into force in Cherng Talay last month was in response to information released from the PWA to the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor).

The actual order announcing the water restrictions, mainly in the tourist-popular Bang Tao area, was issued by Cherng Talay OrBorTor Chief MaAnn Samran.

Although the PWA did not request water rationing, Mr MaAnn was the first on the island to take action and order the water-supply restrictions in order to conserve the dwindling reserves at the Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn, which supplies the Cherng Talay area. (See story here.)

Officials at Cherng Talay OrBorTor confirmed to The Phuket News this morning (Feb 7) that the water rationing measures in that area are still in force.

Mr Graisorn explained that PWA officials were working on acquiring water supply from privately owned sources across the island, but noted that the bureaucratic process may delay the actual supply from those sources by as long as three months.

PWA officials just went out to estimate the water that could be supplied from six private water sources in areas such as Chalong, Kathu, Patong and Mai Khao, among other areas, but this will take about 120 days to complete all the process and actually supply this water to people on time.

We cant use these water sources immediately, he confirmed.

In the meantime, the PWA will do their best to make the best use of what water reserves they have, though they are already running low, Mr Graisorn explained.

Right now we have to manage our water reserves as best we can, he said.

Mr Graisorn estimated that the Bang Wad reservoir is currently just under half-full, containing some 4.5 million cubic meters of its 10mn-plus m3 capacity.

Bang Neow Dum contains about 2.4mn m3 of water, he noted. Only two weeks ago PWA officials confirmed to The Phuket News that the reservoir had no more than 2.3mn m3 of water  the least it has ever contained.

Worse, the Khlong Kratha reservoir in Chalong currently contains about 1.42mn m3 of water of its 4.2mn m3 capacity, Mr Graisorn said.

I will announce any further updates regarding water supply across Phuket, Mr Graisorn said.

People need to know that this is better for them. They have to conserve water these days in order to have enough water to last everyone across the whole island for the dry season, he said.
DNA sent to UK police in search for Thai woman

BANGKOK: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has forwarded to the British National Crime Agency (NCA) DNA samples given by the parents of a Thai woman who disappeared in Britain in 2004 after she married a British man and moved to the UK.

crimemurderhomicide

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 7 February 2019, 09:03AM

Jumsri Sikanya, with her husband, Buasa, by her side, on Jan 25 shows the picture of her missing daughter, Lamduan, in her left hand and a sketch of a still-unidentified woman whose body was found in Yorkshire, the United Kingdom, in 2004.

The NCA had contacted the DSI through the British embassy in Bangkok, requesting assistance in a British investigation that was seeking to locate a missing woman called Lamduan Armitage, DSI chief Pol Col Paisit Wongmuang said on Wednesday (Feb 6).

The NCA stated in its request for help that the missing Thai woman could be linked to the discovery about 14 years ago of a corpse of an unidentified Asian woman dumped in the Yorkshire Dales  a national park in northern England  he said.

The DSI had located Chumsi and Buasa Sikanya, the parents of Ms Armitage, and asked them to provide DNA samples to be sent to the UK for testing against DNA samples taken from the corpse, he said.

In December last year, a relative of Ms Chumsi  who lives in England  learned about the discovery of the corpse in Yorkshire from a BBC news report and told Ms Armitages parents about it.

She told them the corpse could be their daughter and advised them to seek help from a Thai womens association in the UK.

The association went to the British police and told them the missing Ms Armitage could hold the key to unravelling the mystery surrounding the identity of the corpse found in the Yorkshire Dales 14 years ago.

The body was found with a gold band on her wedding ring finger.

The ring was later traced to Thailand.

Left without anyone coming forward to identify it, the body, called by the people of Horton in Ribblesdale, The Lady of the Hills, is buried in a plot in the village graveyard.

Ms Armitage met a Briton in Chiang Mai. He was an English teacher at a school in Bangkok. They were married in a wedding ceremony held at her parents house in Phen. The couple had two children and the family later moved to the UK, according to the mother, who said her daughter's last name after the marriage was Armitage.

We miss her and are worried about her, Mrs Jumsri said. I have dreamed of her several times. In one dream, she said she was very cold and wanted to go home.

Mrs Jumsri and her husband have a simple request: If she is dead, we just want to hold a religious ceremony for her, she said. [Solving] the case will be left for the police.

Read original story here.
Beachfront Paradise in the Heart of Patong



By In Conjunction

Thursday 7 February 2019, 01:34PM

Located directly on the soft sands of Phukets most famous beach, The Bay & Beach Club is a new luxury resort in Patong . With a prime beachfront location, luxury services & facilities as well as Phukets coolest beach club, The Bay & Beach Club is one of the hottest spots in Phuket.

Newly constructed, The Bay & Beach Club offers absolute beachfront accommodation in the heart of Patong. The resort is home to 26 brand new luxurious rooms which are modern and contemporary. The open plan design works well with the rooms and gives an airy feel to the already spacious accommodation. All units are equipped with a fully functional kitchenette, and some offer a relaxing Jacuzzi on the balcony which is sure to make your holiday extra special.

The Bay & Beach Club offers a full range of five star luxury services & facilities to our valuable guests. There is a fantastic on-site restaurant that serves up authentic Italian favorites in a fine dining setting. Make sure to have dinner on the second floor of the restaurant while watching the sun set. Its a romantic setting and sure to be an unforgettable holiday memory.

Other luxury services & facilities include a clubhouse, a kids club, and a recreation and fitness center. One of the highlights of The Bay & Beach Club is the well positioned swimming pool . The swimming pool is located directly on the sands of Patong Beach, and offers up lush views of the blue water of Patong Beach. Its the perfect place to laze about during the day, working on your tan or perhaps reading a book or doing some people watching.

Phukets coolest beach club is located on the resort grounds of The Bay & Beach Club. Called KUDO, its a one of a kind bar, restaurant and beach club in Phuket . The location really epitomizes the beachfront paradise in the heart of Patong theme as the club is located right on Patong Beach.

KUDO Beach Club hosts a variety of themed parties and activities every day of the week. There is always something to enjoy at the beach club, whether its dancing to the tunes of a famous international DJ, or f loating in the swimming pool with a luscious tropical cocktail in hand . The beach club can be accessed in just a few steps from the accommodation at The Bay & Beach Club.

When contemplating a holiday to the island of Phuket, enjoy an elegant and luxurious stay at The Bay & Beach Club. Located on a world-renowned beach in the heart of Patong, The Bay & Beach Club truly is a beachfront paradise . Lined with palm trees and just a few steps away from the ocean, The Bay & Beach Club is the perfect retreat destination after a long journey from your home country to Thailand.
Australia: We did not issue red notice for al-Araibi

BANGKOK: The Australian Embassy in Bangkok released a statement today (Feb 7) stating that, contrary to recent reports, Australia never issued a Red Notice against refugee football player Hakeem al-Araibi who has been held in a prison in Bangkok since travelling to the country from Australia for his honeymoon in November 2018.



By The Phuket News

Thursday 7 February 2019, 05:45PM

Hakeem al-Araibi has been held in a Bangkok prison since November 2018. Photo: Bangkok Post

The official statement read:

"Due to misreporting on the matter, the Australian Government would like to clear up confusion regarding the Interpol Red Notice issued against Hakeem Alaraibi.

Australia never issued a red notice against Mr Alaraibi.

This red notice was issued by Bahrain on 8 November 2018, shortly before Mr Alaraibi travelled to Bangkok.

The red notice should never have been issued because of Mr Alaraibis status as a protected refugee. This was a breach of Interpols regulations.

The Australian Government was not initially aware of this, and in line with Interpol procedure notified Thailand of Mr Alaraibis travel.

When the Australian Government became aware of the situation, we ensured the red notice was rescinded as soon as possible. This happened on 30 November, only three days after Mr Alaraibi arrived in Bangkok.

Australia is reviewing our procedures so that this does not happen again.

The Australian Government has said unequivocally on many occasions that Hakeem Alaraibi should be returned to Australia, where he is a permanent resident with protected status, as soon as possible."

The statement comes a day after Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) held a press conference (Feb 6), after issuing a statement saying:

Thailand had previously not been aware of Mr Hakeems case and does not have any prejudice against him. Indeed, we would not have become involved in the issue had we not received the red notice alert from the Australian Interpol and the subsequent formal request by Bahrain for his arrest and extradition, it said.

It took several days after the arrival of Mr Hakeem, before the Australian authorities informed us that the red notice had been cancelled. By that time, legal proceedings in Thailand regarding Mr Hakeem had already started and could not be reversed, it added. (See story here.)
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* Russia will exit the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty in six months as part of a symmetrical response to the United States' pullout, the Interfax news agency cited Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying on February 6.

* The French National Assembly on February 5 gave the green light to the government to implement an anti-riot law which would toughen sanctions against undeclared protests and troublemakers who use rallies to challenge public safety.

* US President Donald Trump said he will get a US-Mexico border wall built when delivering his State of the Union address Tuesday night, as he's trying to strike a unifying tone facing a divided Congress and a bitter fight over the wall funding.

* Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani said on February 5 no peace deal between the Taliban and the United States could be finalised without involving his government as "the decision-maker".

* Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on February 5 that he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow later in February (Feb. 21) for more talks on Syria and Iran's presence in the country.

* Representatives of the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels met in Jordan's capital Amman on February 5 to review the final list of prisoners to be exchanged under a swap agreement.

* Greece will support Croatia's entry into the Schengen area as soon as possible, and next year will be crucial when Croatia assumes the EU Presidency, Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos said on February 5 as he started a two-day official visit to Croatia.

* The UN Support Mission in Libya and the Libyan government on February 5 launched a US$202-million humanitarian response plan for more than half a million people in the country.

* The death toll from the collapse of a tailings dam in Brumadinho in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais reached 142 on February 5, local authorities said. A total of 194 people remain missing.

* Libyan Interior Minister Fat'hi Bashagha stressed in Tripoli on February 5 the importance of Libyan security for the Mediterranean countries.

* H1N1 flu has killed 16 people in Morocco, the government said Tuesday. The Ministry of Health said it is monitoring the situation closely with the WHO.
21 hours ago

| June 22nd | 2021 6:10 AM

Gold is Dead? Should You Opt for Gold (Over Crypto) in Your Portfolio?

When meme coins surged earlier this year (remember Dogecoin mania?) it might've been easy to dump everything you owned  stocks, bonds, gold  for crypto. Then digital currencies took a nosedive again. Young retail investors might deem actual coins  including precious metals  all but dead. But you might not want to
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Female Ugandan activists on Thursday slammed a government campaign to use "curvy women" as a tourism "product", which has sparked a furor in the east African nation.

Tourism Minister Godfrey Kiwanda unveiled the campaign on Wednesday at a press conference attended by a bevy of curvaceous women.

"Uganda is endowed with beautiful women. Their beauty is unique and diverse. That's why we decided to use the unique beauty, the curves... to make this beauty a product to be marketed along with what we already have as a country ranging from nature, the language and food, to make it a tourist attraction," Kiwanda told AFP on Thursday.

Part of the plan to market Ugandan women is a beauty pageant, Miss Curvy Uganda, to be held in June.

"The winner of the Miss Curvy contest was to be part of our tourism campaign brand using beauty as one other product of tourism," Kiwanda said.

Ugandan women were outraged at the proposal and have called for Kiwanda's resignation.

"This is perversion. To think women can be used as sex objects in this age and time is an absurdity and we condemn it," Rita Aciro, executive director of the Uganda Women's Network, told AFP.

Ugandan entrepreneur and activist Primrose Nyonyozi Murungi launched an online petition to stop the campaign, which she said was "totally unacceptable and demeaning to us."

"Women in Uganda have been attacked while on the streets. What happens now that the government is confirming a stereotype that women are sexual objects and can be touched regardless and more so made a product of tourism," she told AFP.

She said that if the campaign was not stopped immediately, the petitioners would take their case to court.

Read also: Malaysia to alter 'hideous' tourism logo featuring ape in shades

In addition to Kiwanda's resignation, she has demanded an apology from the government.

Former opposition leader in parliament Winnie Kiiza told AFP the move came "at the time (when) women face fear and stigma in a male-dominated society."

"We have been outraged by this campaign that a government can parade curves of women as a tourist attraction," she said.

Kiwanda, trying to stem the anger, insisted the campaign was not aimed at demeaning women.

"Diverse as we are as a country we have a message to put out there about the different curves our women have, which we believe is a tourism attraction."
Air France has unveiled new cabins for long-haul flights that will include lie-flat beds and a self-serve bar in business class.

By next year, 15 of the companys Airbus A330s will be reconfigured under the new design to feature 36 business seats, 21 premium economy seats and 167 economy seats.

Business class passengers will see the biggest upgrades, with new two-meter long lie-flat beds and sliding panels designed to provide extra privacy between seats.

Theyll also be privy to an open bar policy, with a fully stocked self-serve bar.

Read also: Lufthansa topples Air France as European No. 1 after 14 years

Both business and premium economy class passengers will also be greeted with new amenity kits filled with toiletries from Clarins and a glass of champagne.

Seats in both economy and premium economy cabins have also been widened slightly for more space between passengers.

The new service will be made available on flights from France to destinations like Accra, Ghana, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and Houston, Texas this winter.

For the summer season, the service will expand to routes like Cotonou, Benin, Lagos, Nigeria, Niamey, Niger, Bengaluru and Delhi, India as well as Seattle, Chicago and Dallas.
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Linkedin Jenny Vaughan and Tran Thi Minh Ha (Agence France-Presse) Vietnam  Thu, February 7, 2019 14:18 867 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b1e2f95 2 SE Asia #Vietnam,#culture,Hmong,ethnic,battles,heritage Free

Vuong Duy Bao surveys his ancestral palace, a vestige of Vietnam's marginalised Hmong ethnic minority that he says was taken from his family by local officials.

The wooden structure is laden with historic markers: opium flowers carved into pillars in a nod to the region's once-booming trade, and an iron fence made with metal imported from former colonial ruler France.

Built in 1903 by Bao's warlord grandfather with his opium fortune, the retired civil servant claims local authorities took possession of the property in the northern Ha Giang province from his family and are now refusing to return it.

"Hmong people all over the world acknowledge this as (our) family home... so we can't lose it," he told AFP from the building, which authorities run as a museum.

Both sides agree it is an architectural treasure since the historically nomadic Hmong rarely stayed long enough in one place to build anything lasting.

Bao had been living in Hanoi, but on return to the family home, he discovered local authorities had taken ownership of the palace and rejected his claim to it because he could not provide deeds.

He branded the request "absurd" and said official documents did not exist when the property was built but his family's connection to it was set out in history books about the local area and even in pictures of it displayed in the museum.

Many Hmong fear the government is simply commandeering their culture to boost tourism dollars.

For Bao, his battle for repossession goes beyond the personal.

He believes Hmong heritage belongs in the hands of Hmong people, a tightknit minority originally from China who proudly cling to customs wherever they settle, from California to Minnesota, Laos and Thailand.

This picture taken on October 29, 2018 shows a Hmong woman carrying her child on her back while harvesting soybeans on a hill in Dong Van district, northern Vietnam's Ha Giang province. The Hmong ethnic group have been largely excluded from Vietnam's glittering economic growth of the past decade, with more than 60 percent of the country's one million minority population living under the poverty line. Nhac NGUYEN / AFP (AFP/Nhac Nguyen)

'Community spirit'

In Vietnam, they have been largely excluded from the economic growth of the past decade, and more than 60 percent of the country's one million Hmong live below the poverty line.

The ethnic group have long been at odds with the central government -- stemming in part from the CIA recruitment of anti-communist Laotian Hmong during the Vietnam War -- which for decades has imposed a series of resettlement, development and assimilation campaigns that have mostly failed.

"More than any other ethnic minority in Vietnam the Hmong have been marginalised by programs that purport to develop them," writes anthropologist Ngo Tam in her 2016 book "The New Way: Protestantism and the Hmong in Vietnam."

Ha Giang authorities are touting tourism as the best way to lift the Hmong out of gruelling poverty, and the province has said in its master plan it wants the area to be a "key attraction" for visitors by 2030.

Officials have opened a series of 'traditional cultural villages' where visitors can peek into old-school wooden houses or take photos of themselves carrying a bamboo basket, a common vessel for Hmong farmers ferrying flowers or grass from the field.

Local Hmong are encouraged to wear traditional hemp clothing and build traditional houses, and have been asked to shorten funeral and wedding ceremonies, days-long, booze-soaked affairs that are among the most sacred of Hmong rituals.

"Sometimes authorities try to impose their ideas on people forcibly, but we resist by refusing to follow," Vang My Sinh, a Hmong man in Ha Giang, told AFP.

"We've always had strong community spirit, we build things together and preserve things together. Nothing can break us," he said.

That community spirit has proven powerful.

Troops were sent to quell a massive Hmong protest in 2011, in which some called for independence.

More recently, Hmong in Vietnam have turned to organised religion and embraced Protestantism, which makes the communist government nervous.

'Die on the rock'

In Ha Giang, some Hmong are happy to comply with government guidelines if it means improving their lot.

"It is good to preserve tradition, for ourselves, for our children, and even for tourists who come out of curiosity and bring us more money," said Va Thi May, who was selling grilled yams at a quiet roadside stop.

Ethnic minorities are not always the beneficiaries of Vietnam's booming tourism sector.

In northern Vietnam's visitor-saturated Sapa, locals complain hotel owners from the Kinh majority earn big while ethnic minority women and children hawk Chinese-made fabric and fake silver.

Regaining control of the Hmong palace could be a small step toward recovering their own history -- and benefitting from local tourist spending.

For some, the loss of the palace is part of a broader issue.

"It's one of the many things that make Hmong feel marginalised and definitely adds to their disenfranchisement," said Sebastian Rumsby, a PhD candidate at University of Warwick whose research focuses on Christianity among the Hmong.

Bao hopes to push back against that by getting his palace back -- so his Hmong clan can regain their spiritual homeland.
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Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta  Fri, February 8 2019

Having ended its MIKTA leadership, Indonesia handed the position back to Mexico on Thursday, as the grouping is trying to preserve the relevance of multilateralism amid global uncertainties and growing unilateralism.



At the 14th MIKTA Foreign Ministers Meeting in Yogyakarta, Deputy Foreign Minister AM Fachir officially handed over the leadership to his Mexican counterpart Julian Ventura Valero.



Formed in 2013 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the consultative forum consists of five middle power countries: Mexico, South Korea, Turkey, Australia and Indonesia. The idea to establish Mikta was first mulled in an informal meeting of the G20 foreign ministers in Los Cabos, Mexico in February 2012.



Since its establishment, the five countries have taken turns in being country coordinator every year and the end of Indonesias term this year mar...
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States  Thu, February 7, 2019 11:22 867 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b1d581d 2 World #USA,#Russia,US,boyfriend,charged,Russia-scandal Free

An American who was dating jailed alleged Russian agent Maria Butina was charged with fraud Tuesday, adding a new twist in the sprawling investigations into Moscow's meddling in US politics.

Republican and National Rifle Association operative Paul Erickson was charged with one count of fraud for cheating investors in companies he controlled that purported to be running assisted living facilities and building homes in North Dakota.

He also allegedly cheated investors in a wheelchair design and production company, according to the indictment.

In all three cases, he took hundreds of thousands of dollars from investors and used some of it for his personal needs, the indictment said.

In addition, he was charged with seven accounts of money laundering for transfers he made using the fraudulently raised funds.

Erickson opened the door to conservative circles for Butina, who built a network of high-level Republican and NRA contacts between 2013 and 2017 before her arrest last year.

With her, he arranged for a high-level delegation from the NRA to visit Russia in December 2015, where they met with senior Russian officials.

That visit has come under scrutiny in investigations into possible collusion between President Donald Trump's election campaign and Russia.

In Washington, Erickson helped Butina gain admission to American University's graduate school and they lived together while she studied and wove her way through Washington's Republican circles.

According to the charges against her and her guilty plea last December, Butina worked for powerful Russian central banker and Vladimir Putin crony Alexander Torshin on an explicit mission to "establish unofficial lines of communications with Americans who having power and influence over US politics."

"Butina sought to use those unofficial lines of communication for the benefit of the Russian Federation," the Justice Department said.

Meanwhile, based on the Russian connections he made through Butina, in 2016 Erickson offered to set up contacts between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign.

According to US media reports, those actions have raised the possibility that he could be charged with illegally acting as an agent for Moscow, and with conspiracy for his work with Butina.

The indictment Wednesday made no direct mention of his relationship to Butina, who is in jail awaiting sentencing.

But there were hints of a connection: money transfers to American University, and to "M.B.", which could be her initials.
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Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi  Thu, February 7, 2019 13:09 867 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b1d8f98 1 National zoo,Taman-Rimba,animal-health,veterinarian Free

Following the recent deaths of an African lion and a Sumatran tiger, Jambi's Taman Rimba has acknowledged that the small zoo is in dire need of more veterinarians to care for its animals.

An African lion named Shiro and a Sumatran tigress named Ayu at the zoo died from illness. Two-year-old Shiro died on Jan. 19 from an enlarged heart and 8-year-old Ayu died on Jan. 26 from pneumonia, according to Antara.

Their deaths have left Taman Rimba with three lionesses and one tiger.

Jambi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) head Rahmat Saleh said that the zoo had only one general practice veterinarian that had started working only a month ago. Ideally, a zoo should have a veterinary specialist assisted by three veterinary nurses.

"We must admit that the officials [at the zoo], including the veterinarian, are not experts in their fields. So the [animals' deaths] are not surprising," said Rahmat.

The head of Taman Rimba's technical management unit (UPTD), Taufik Bukhori, concurred with Rahmat's statement, saying that the zoo needed at least one more experienced veterinarian who could care for the animals and their health.

However, Taufik said that additional veterinarians could not be hired immediately, since the decision needed to meet certain policies and also because it depended on the provincial budget.

The BKSDA had thus urged that the zoo be privatized, he said.

"We met with the Jambi provincial administration last week, and they promised to address the issue," said Taufik.

The UPTD is a regional division of the Jambi administration that manages Taman Rimba and has a budgetary allocation of Rp 2.6 billion (US$184,694) per year for the zoo's upkeep. Of this amount, Rp 1.3 billion is used to feed the animals.

Tiger conservation project manager Yoan Dinata of the Zoological Society of London's (ZSL) Indonesia program said that the deaths of the endangered animals should be a turning point for the zoo to revamp its management.

Yoan said that the most important thing was for the management to prioritize the protection and preservation of the wild animals. "We can't allow the Sumatran tiger to exist only in legend," she said. (afr)
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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang  Thu, February 7, 2019 18:43 866 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b1f17e6 1 National Purbalingga,regent,corruption,Corruption-court,verdict Free

The Semarang Corruption Court has sentenced suspended Purbalingga regent Tasdi to seven years imprisonment and Rp 300 million (US$21,451) in fines for accepting kickbacks and gratuities while serving his post. The sentence was lighter than the eight years sought by the prosecution.

Tasdi, a member of the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), was proven guilty of accepting Rp 115 million in bribes and another Rp 1.19 billion in gratuities from different parties.

Presiding judge Antonius Widjantono said Tasdi had been proven guilty of corruption, alongside other defendants in the case.

The panel of judges also stripped Tasdi of his right to run for public office for three years upon completing his sentence. During the trial, Tasdi admitted to accepting kickbacks from a businessman in relation to the construction of the Purbalingga Islamic Center in Central Java.

Tasdi was caught red-handed by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on June 4 last year as he was reportedly set to accept a commitment fee of Rp 500 million from PT Sumber Bayak Kreasi (SBK), which had been awarded the contract to build the Islamic center.

The project was a multiyear development project worth Rp 77 billion.

Tasdi and his team of lawyers said they were still considering whether an appeal would be filed. (swd)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 7 2019

Gone are the days of people carrying out acts of kindness through brick-and-mortar charities and NGO offices. Social media has provided a means to give to those in need with a single click.



For online charity initiative Kita Peduli (We Care), founder Indah Handayani Hidayah, 34, outreach through social media was overwhelmingly felt in 2015 when she started getting donations after posting pictures of people with medical and financial difficulties on her Facebook page.



Having experienced poverty during my childhood in East Jakarta, I know how it feels to be in their position. Now that I have enough [money] to sustain myself, I would like to expose them on my social media so that more people donate to them, Indah said.



Indah told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that she had been expanding her efforts through Instagram account @kita.peduli_ since ...
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Linkedin Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Surakarta  Thu, February 7, 2019 20:27 866 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b1f3231 1 Politics 212-Alumni,212Rally,Prabowo-Subianto,Jokowi,2019-elections,Bawaslu,KPU Free

The Surakarta Resort Police questioned on Thursday Slamet Maarif, the chairman of an organization calling itself 212 Rally Alumni after, over allegations that he had violated the Election Law for campaigning outside the designated campaign period in Surakarta, Central Java, on Jan. 13.

Hundreds of supporters, including 212 Rally Alumni advisor Amien Rais, Muslim Forum (FUI) secretary-general Muhammad Al Khaththath and his lawyer Mahendradatta, flocked to the police headquarters to show their support for Slamet.

Slamet allegedly campaigned for presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto while delivering a speech at an event in January. The Surakarta chapter of the campaign team for incumbent Joko Jokowi Widodo and running mate Maruf Amin reported Slamet to the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu), which subsequently filed a report with the local police.

His supporter staged a rally in front of the police station on Thursday while holding up the tauhid (core Islamic belief that Allah is the only one true God) flag.

[Slamet] is a decent law-abiding citizen. He came from Jakarta to fulfill the polices summons. We hope the case will be settled soon, Mahendradatta said.

The lawyer maintained Slamet's innocence, saying that Slamet had attended the Jan. 13 gathering as a 212 rally initiator and did not represent any particular presidential candidate pair. The 212 rally was a massive protest held on Dec. 12, 2016, which demanded the prosecution of then-Jakarta governor Basuki "BTP" Tjahaja Purnama for insulting Islam. It has been associated with the Prabowo camp.

Please publish this: Pak Jokowi, what do you want? Amien Rais told the press.

Surakarta Resort Police detective unit chief Comr. Fadli said there were 13 highlighted points in Bawaslus investigation report submitted to the police.

The attachment included a recording of Slamets speech, in which he called on thousands of participants to vote for a particular candidate, he said.

Slamet could be charged under Article 492 and Article 521 of the 2017 Election Law on illegal campaigning, which carries a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment.

Slamet is currently just a witness, Fadli said.

The campaign period for presidential and legislative candidates started on Sept. 23, 2018, and will end on April 13. However, the Election Law also stipulates that campaigns involving a large crowd can only be held in the 21 days before the quiet period starts on April 14. The general elections are set to be held on April 17. (swd)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 7, 2019 14:03 867 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b1e1d1c 4 Business Regulations,synchronizing-institution,bappenas,bambang-brodjonegoro Free

The government plans to establish an institution that will be responsible for synchronizing contradictory and overlapping rules in regulations issued by different institutions, which have been blamed for sluggish investment growth.

National Development Planning Minister/National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) head Bambang Brodjonegoro said in Jakarta on Wednesday that contradictory and overlapping rules in the countrys regulations had long been a serious issue.

Without revealing details about the planned institution, he stressed it was needed to address an issue that hindered business activity, because investors considered it the cause of legal uncertainty that could spoil their business prospects.

Admitted he did not have any detailed record of contradictory or overlapping regulations at hand, Bambang noted that Indonesia had about 150,000 regulations issued by ministries and other institutions.

Speaking about overlapping regulations that could hamper investment, he gave an example quoted by kontan.co.id that prospective investors were referred to nine laws, four presidential regulations (Perpres), two government regulations (PP) and 20 ministerial regulations (Permen) for carrying out investment in the country.

Chandra Hamzah, a founder of the Jantera Law College that carried out a study on overlapping regulations, said the planned institution could help cut red tape for investors.

To establish the institution, the President only needed to issue a presidential regulation, he said, adding that the existing institutions, like the National Legislation Supervision Body and the Legislation Directorate General under the Law and Human Rights Ministry could be integrated with the new institution. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 7, 2019 16:49 866 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b1eb641 1 City traffic,tantrum,South-Tangerang,ticket,police Free

A motorcyclist went into a tantrum and destroyed his own motorbike on Thursday after a South Tangerang police officer ticketed him for wrong-way driving on Jl. Letnan Soetopo, Serpong.

"The scene took place at around 6:36 a.m.[]. A traffic police officer stopped the perpetrator who was driving against the flow of traffic," South Tangerang Police traffic unit head, Adj. Comr. Lalu Hedwin Hanggara said on Thursday.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media after being uploaded by Instagram account @jktinfo. The video shows a man ripping off parts of his motorbike and hitting it with a stone.

When the police stopped the man, identified as Adi Saputra, 21, the latter tried to avoid the police officer, who was conducting traffic management at a U-turn near Pasar Modern Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) market.

The police officer then ticketed Adi.

"The traffic violator got angry and shouted at the police officer. He also destroyed his own vehicle," Lalu said.

In addition to wrong-way driving, Adi was also not wearing a helmet and failed to show his driving license and vehicle registration document.

The police have confiscated the damaged motorbike.

Lalu said his side had promised to return the motorbike once Adi was able to show the required documents.

He added that the South Tangerang Police had deployed 73 police officers to tackle wrong-way driving.

Within a week, the officers have ticketed around 700 violators. (sau)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 7, 2019 12:04 867 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b1d6da2 4 Business ILUC-indirect-land-usage-change,EU,renewable-energy,CPO,Indonesia,Malaysia Free

The Indonesian palm oil industry will boycott any talks on indirect land use change (ILUC) impacts of biofuels initiated by the European Commission, arguing that it was part of a European Union plan to scrap CPO from the list of vegetable oils to produce biodiesel.

Indonesian Palm Oil Council (DMSI) chairman Derom Bangun said in Jakarta on Wednesday that Indonesia and Malaysia could not accept the ILUC parameters of the renewable energy concept devised by the EU.

We have rejected the concept, and we wont take part in discussing it. Let them have their own concept. We have another way, Derom said, as quoted by kontan.co.id.

He said Indonesia and Malaysia, the first and second-largest palm oil producing countries, would lodge a protest with the World Trade Organization (WTO) should the EU refer to the ILUC concept for its renewable energy directive (RED II).

Meanwhile, Indonesian Biodiesel Producers Association executive chairman Paulus Tjakrawan added that the Indonesian biodiesel industry also did not take part in any talks on ILUC. He said Indonesia often got pressure from the EU, including accusations of dumping.

The EU has linked CPO production to land use change, particularly deforestation, that could create additional greenhouse gas emissions, while Indonesia and other CPO producing countries argue that CPO production is the most efficient in terms of land use.

Indonesia issued the results of a survey last week, saying the land needed for oil palm plantations was only one ninth of the land used for other vegetable oil crops, like sun flower or soybean. (bbn)
EDWARDSVILLE  A beloved educator in Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles art therapy counseling graduate program has never faltered from her mission of making a positive difference in the lives of students.

The programs first director, now professor emerita, Patricia Gussie Klorer, PhD, ATR-BC, LCSW, LCPC, has contributed $25,000 to the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) to create an endowment for the Art Therapy Founders Scholarship in support of students pursuing an advanced degree in art therapy.

Klorer, who retired in May 2018, represents a strong heritage of the art therapy counseling program. She began teaching art therapy at the University in 1985 as an adjunct professor, laying much of the foundation on which others have built. The art therapy counseling program combines the therapeutic uses of art-making with the skills of a professional counselor.

I love the field of art therapy and being able to share that with students has meant a lot to me, Klorer said. Teaching is a great gift. We help students meet their visions for themselves, and we help people through art. I feel fortunate to be an art therapist and to be able to teach what I love.

I wish to convey the idea that paying it forward is a responsibility, Klorer added. Just about every student in our program received some sort of financial aid through a graduate assistantship or scholarship. My hope is that this endowment will grow, so that we can give even more each year.

Gussie has been a cornerstone of SIUE art therapy counseling and the field of art therapy, said Megan Robb, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, director and associate professor in the art therapy counseling graduate program. Any donation helps us help students, but this endowment provides funds now and in the future.

Gussie already gave so much of her heart and soul, time and commitment to this program and the Department of Art and Design that giving more seems unfathomable, Robb added. We are called to meet her gift with paying it forward for others.

As a public university, SIUE provides some of the most accessible programs in the country, making it a valuable asset to the state and nation. The art therapy counseling graduate program is the only such program located in southern Illinois and Missouri. Classes are small and experiential learning is integral to the program. In order to ensure individualized instruction, only 10 students are accepted into the program each fall.

According to Robb, this scholarship will offer students more access to the program, the ability to remain in the program and the opportunity to give back to communities in the form of mental health and wellness.

Endowed scholarships are extremely impactful because they provide scholarship support to students annually, and the fund pays out in perpetuity, explained CAS Director of Development Kyle Moore. Gussies gift is a legacy for the art therapy program that will support their students and their outstanding work in our community.

Klorer has been a highly-motivated and active member of her community. Throughout her career, she has authored numerous publications, was named an Honorary Life member of the American Art Therapy Association, operated a community arts post during her sabbatical, exhibited work at the Missouri History Museums Library in St. Louis and more.

For more information on SIUEs art therapy counseling graduate program, visit siue.edu/grad/art-therapy.

To support the Art Therapy Founders Scholarship, please contact CAS Director of Development Kyle Moore at (618) 650-5048 or kymoore@siue.edu.
CASEYVILLE  A Moro woman has been sentenced to spend 33 months in federal prison for embezzling more than $350,000 from the pediatric clinic she managed in Caseyville.

Cassandra D. Eberhart, 49, of Moro, pleaded guilty in October to wire fraud and filing a false federal income tax return.

She committed the crimes while working as the office manager at A to Z Pediatrics in Caseyville from 2011 through 2017.

The U.S. attorneys office says she embezzled over $350,000 from the business by making unauthorized personal charges on medical practice credit cards, overpaying herself salary, reimbursing herself for overtime and mileage that was not authorized, fraudulently adding herself and family members to medical insurance, falsifying business journal entries and diverting electronic payments from the medical practices bank account to a personal credit card account.

Eberhart also failed to report the money she embezzled on her federal income tax returns.

As part of her sentence, Eberhart was ordered to pay full restitution in the amount of $368,308.99 and to serve three years of supervised release, during which time she will not be permitted to engage in any occupation that involves fiduciary responsibility without obtaining prior approval from the court.

The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service  Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
SPRINGFIELD  The efforts of Illinois historic preservation advocates to preserve and promote the states heritage paid off in 2018 with 30 properties being officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, including one in Glen Carbon, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced Thursday.

The places recognized are scattered across the state and include a nationally significant African American art center and nine historic districts that combined include more than 2,800 significant properties.

In Madison County, the Glen Carbon Village Hall and Firehouse, 180 Summit Ave., was listed on April 19, 2018. The announcement was made at a village board meeting in June 2018.

The village hall and firehouse, constructed in 1910, were the communitys first, purpose-built government building. When first constructed, the fire hall was located in the lower level and the upper level was used for meetings and conducting village business. Located at one of the highest points in Glen Carbon, the bell on top of the village hall could be heard for miles and was used to alert the firemen of an emergency at the coal mines and to toll a death knell for the funeral of a firefighter. Over time, the building housed the village offices, a library, the fire department and served as the meeting place of the village board, library and fire department.

This marks the second Glen Carbon building to recieve the designation. The first to be placed on the National Registry of Historic Places was the Glen Carbon Grade School, the current home of the Glen Carbon Museum.

Places are added to the register by the National Park Service based on recommendations from the State Historic Preservation Office, a division of the IDNR. The 30 places were added throughout 2018.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of properties that merit special attention and preservation. Every Illinois county has at least one property or historic district listed in the National Register. Together, they represent a cross-section of the Prairie States history from its early settlement to the mid-20th century.

In general, properties have to be more than 50 years old to be eligible for the National Register. A listing places no obligations on private property owners but does make properties eligible for some financial incentives.

Congratulations on achieving this milestone, Mayor Rob Jackstadt previously told an Intelligencer reporter of the members of the Museum and Historical Commission and its coordinator. It is wonderful news and I know this doesnt happen overnight. It takes a lot of hard work. On behalf of the village board and the residents I want to thank you for your hard work.
Beto O'Rourke seven New York years  four at Columbia University and three after graduation  were, in his own telling, an exercise in recognizing his own averageness. But the city also supplied a proving ground for the kind of personal appeal that would power his political ascent.
The PTL group at Trinity Lutheran School will host a craft and vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the school.

More than 30 vendors will be displaying crafts and other items. Food will be served all day. Proceeds will be used to upgrade the school gym.

The PTL does a number of things for the school including fundraising but also parent outreach and education, family nights, field trip funding and teacher support. For more information, contact Sara Rathjen at (308) 382-5274.
Following news that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's social life in the mid-1980s included parties where white people dressed in blackface, a stream of offensive photos from fraternity parties in the late '70s and early '80s has emerged, implicating not only a few bad apples but also white elites across social and ideological lines. To African Americans who have survived the status quo of American racism, this is hardly a surprise. But it does raise again in our common life the question of what it means to repent of America's racist past and pursue a more perfect union.

Like for any African American, this is personal for me. When my father challenged Jim Crow's inequality in Georgia in the 1950s, a white man put a gun in his mouth and told him what he planned to do to him if he didn't stop talking. When I was a young man in the 1970s, the Ku Klux Klan burned a cross in my uncle's yard because he had married a white woman. My uncle sent me to the back door with a shotgun and told me to shoot anything that moved. When you know in your body the violent backlash that is inevitable whenever white supremacy is challenged, you cannot take its cultural symbols lightly.

But as angry as I can become at those who mock black people and culture to justify their own sense of superiority, I also know that mockery, fear and hatred of black people are the result of a racial caste system, not its causes. White supremacy did not emerge in America because of some innate human understanding that black people are inferior to white people. It was an economic choice that Americans of European descent then created an ideology to explain. "I was taught the popular folktale of racism," American University scholar Ibram Kendi writes, "that ignorant and hateful people had produced racist ideas, and that these racist people had instituted racist policies. But when I learned the motives behind the production of many of America's most influentially racist ideas, it became obvious that this folk tale, though sensible, was not based on a firm footing in historical evidence."

The Bible tells a story about Zacchaeus, a tax collector who participated in the systemic exploitation of people in Palestine. When he met Jesus, he repented of his wrongdoing by committing to pay back the people he had harmed. Whether we are talking about Northam or President Donald Trump - Democrats or Republicans - restitution that addresses systemic harm must be the fruit of true repentance.

If Northam, or any politician who has worn blackface, used the n-word or voted for the agenda of white supremacy, wants to repent, the first question they must ask is "How are the people who have been harmed by my actions asking to change the policies and practices of our society?" In political life, this means committing to expand voting rights, stand with immigrant neighbors, and provide healthcare and living wages for all people. In Virginia, it means stopping the environmental racism of the pipeline and natural gas compressor station Dominion Energy intends to build in Union Hill, a neighborhood founded by emancipated slaves and other free African Americans.

Scapegoating politicians who are caught in the act of interpersonal racism will not address the fundamental issue of systemic racism. We have to talk about policy. But we also have to talk about trust and power. If white people in political leadership are truly repentant, they will listen to black and other marginalized people in our society. They will confess that they have sinned and demonstrate their willingness to listen and learn by following and supporting the leadership of others. To confess past mistakes while continuing to insist that you are still best suited to lead because of your experience is itself a subtle form of white supremacy.

At the same time, we cannot allow political enemies of Virginia's governor to call for his resignation over a photo when they continue themselves to vote for the policies of white supremacy. If anyone wants to call for the governor's resignation, they should also call for the resignation of anyone who has supported racist voter suppression or policies that have a disparate impact on communities of color.

While we must name and resist white supremacy, we can also recall that we are never alone in this work. In the 19th century, there were anti-racist abolitionists - black and white - who worked to subvert and transform a system that considered some people chattel. In the new dawn of Reconstruction, black and white men worked together in statehouses across the South to reimagine democracy. In the 20th century's movements for labor unions, women's suffrage, and civil, human and environmental rights, fusion coalitions of black, white, brown, Native and Asian worked together to pursue a more perfect union that both acknowledges our original sin and holds onto the hope that we might yet live up to the better angels of our nature. Whenever we ask what repentance means, we don't have to start from scratch. We have a long tradition to draw on, full of examples of what true repentance must look like.

In his '20s and '30s, Democrat Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia was a recruiter for the Ku Klux Klan, serving as the exalted cyclops of his local chapter. He continued to support the Klan well into the'40s, but Byrd later said joining the Klan was his greatest mistake. He demonstrated what repentance can look like by working with colleagues in Congress to extend the Voting Rights Act in 2006 and backing Barack Obama as his party's candidate for president in 2008. "Senator Byrd and I stood together on many issues," wrote Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., who nearly died fighting for voting rights in Selma, Alabama. In our present moral crisis, we must remember that real repentance is possible - and it looks like working together to build the multiethnic democracy we've never yet been.

Barber is president of Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.
YouTube users will have some trouble finding an official version of Kendall Jenners 2017 Pepsi commercial. The controversial ad, which featured this popular young influencer navigating through a swath of protestors to offer a police officer a can of soda, was met with condemnation and pulled off the broadcast and digital airwaves not long after its release.

Related:

Critics said it showed disrespect to protestors in the Black Live Matters movement and seemed as though it was trying to mirror the now-famous photo of the young black woman peacefully standing her ground in the path of police.

Overall, the Jenner snafu had consumers and media professionals questioning how brands can effectively advocate for causes, let alone even be dipping their toes into the murky social waters at all.

Still, there's hope: If the Jenner Pepsi advert sits at the catastrophic failure end of the brand social-advocacy spectrum, Gillettes The Best Men Can Be offering rests comfortably at the other more positive end. Described by the mens razor and shaving company as a short film rather than a commercial, The Best Men Can Be -- with its images of men dissuading one another as well as young boys from bad behavior -- made a largely positive, undeniably unignorable impact on the social, consumer and media landscape after its release in January 2019.

Clearly, you needn't be a team of expert researchers or a social scientist to decipher the success or failure, respectively, of Pepsi's and Gillette's advocacy efforts. For the shaving brand, in addition to offering examples of toxic masculinity and solutions for how men can be better, "came to life." Reason: The company emphasized authenticity in its campaign, and in turn, offered a sturdy blueprint for other organizations to follow when choosing to advocate on social causes.

Consumers value authenticity in brands.

According to a Workplace Culture Trends report published by LinkedIn, 71 percent of workplace professionals surveyed said they would be willing to take a pay cut for a company that has a mission they believe in, and shared values. A similar mentality was shared by consumers in a 2018 report from Euclid focusing on brand values and customer loyalty.

Its researchers reported that 44 percent of consumers polled said that, a brands alignment with their personal values was important to them,and 85 percent of consumers prefer[red] businesses that support charities.

One way brands have been successful in reaching consumers through socially conscious ads has been to simply declare their values on screen. In 2017, Audi released an emotionally compelling ad depicting a daughter and her father and stating that the company was committed to equal pay for equal work.

Other times, ads may not be advocating for a larger cause or platform, but simply trying to normalize or address social issues on a smaller scale. In 2017, Bodyform, the U.K. brand of Swedish feminine hygiene product manufacturer Libresse, released an ad helping to quell taboos around menstruation. Periods, the ad said, are "normal; showing them should be, too. The commercials were generally met with acclaim, not necessarily for being clever and creative, but because their message was clear and concise.

Companies likely realize the importance of having strong social values when they try to connect with consumers, but the more difficult achievement for them is being authentic in their advocacy.

For Gillette, the The Best Men Can Be wasnt a quick, multi-million dollar ad buy to capitalize on current topical social issues, but more likely the end result of lengthy in-house conversations over the course of several months. The company has also dedicated ongoing, multi-million dollar donations to groups whose missions ring true with the ideas and themes the ad portrays.

And that action just may prove to consumers and audiences in general that the company's investment in this topic wont diminish -- even after its moment of viral success is long over.

Related:

When Brands Advocate Social Causes, Authenticity Is Key

Hulu Teams With World Record Instagram Egg on a Mental Health Ad

Check Out The 2019 Super Bowl Commercials Before the Big Game



Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
NORWALK  The Walk Bridge project may not be in full swing yet, but it is already angering some nearby neighbors.

Tenants of the SoNo Ironworks apartment complex took to Facebook late Tuesday to sound off on overnight construction work on North Water Street taking place that evening.

This construction is majorly disruptive to all the Ironworks units facing N. Water Street. If this noise continues, my husband and I will need to find an alternative place to sleep, wrote one resident in an impassioned letter to Walk Bridge Project officials.

On Tuesday, workers dug a trench across the North Water Street to identify the extent and locations of multiple utilities ahead of the projected start of the larger project in the fall. The work ran from 3 p.m. Tuesday until about 6 a.m. the following morning.

While residents knew to expect work, many complained that they were not aware how loud the work would be or how late it would run.

Its 10:36 p.m. and the noise is so loud outside its impossible to sleep! Why didnt Matt Brooks (the property manager at Ironworks) warn us that the construction was going to keep us awake all night? No mention of the decibel level, just the hours, wrote another resident in a public Facebook group for the complexs residents.

In the Facebook thread, many cited the citys noise ordinance, which requires construction to occur between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

However, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, which is conducting the work, is not subject to municipal noise restrictions and, instead, operates under its own contractual decibel requirements.

It's outrageous to me that the Walk Bridge Project thinks it can so easily override the city noise ordinance. Like no one cares that residents need to sleep!? said Chris Wahlers, who lives in the complex.

In the wake of the uproar caused by neighbors, the Walk Bridge Projects Public Information Office announced Wednesday that all overnight work on North Water Street had been completed, and all further subsurface work would be conducted during the day.

The project will continue during daytime hours on weekdays, and is expected to wrap up by Feb. 14.

Despite the momentary reprieve, Spinnaker Real Estate Partners, which operates SoNo Ironworks, acknowledged that they were concerned on behalf of their tenants about the noise associated with the Walk Bridge Project moving forward.

Of course were concerned about it. Any time theres construction, especially a large construction project such as this one, theres going to be disruptions, noise and so forth, Kim Morque, the president of Spinnaker Real Estate Partners, said.

Morque urged Ironworks residents to forward any concerns about future construction work to the Walk Bridge Program offices, which are located just down the street at the corner of Marshall and North Water streets.

Residents with questions can also contact the Walk Bridge officials by emailing info@walkbridgect.com or calling 1-833-GO2-WALK (462-9255).
Contributed photo

The Rowayton Arts Center in Norwalk is offering a creative writing workshop, Art as Inspiration, billed as an inspired evening of art and writing, on Wednesday, Feb. 27.

Using the current Abstraction Exhibition as a portal into creativity, the group will engage in individual and collaborative exercises under the guidance of Liz Matthews, the center said in a news release.
A Des Moines man charged with throwing a malnourished dog into a dumpster has pleaded guilty.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa said Wednesday that Derrick Peterson pleaded guilty to animal abandonment and animal neglect.

A good Samaritan found Oscar the Chihuahua in a dumpster in Des Moines' River Bend neighborhood on Nov. 2.

According to the ARL of Iowa, Oscar weighed 4 pounds, had zero body fat, loss of muscle mass, hair loss and intestinal parasites.

Oscar was eventually adopted by ARL Animal Control Officer Tina Updegrove, who investigated the abandonment case.

A judge ordered Peterson to serve 60 days in jail with 55 days suspended and two days of credit for previous time served after his arrest, leaving a remainder of three days to be served.

Peterson was also ordered to pay $130 in fines plus additional restitution. He faces a 12-month probation during which he cannot own any animals and must complete an animal welfare class.

The ARL of Iowa issued a statement that said, in part, While the penalty for animal abusers in horrific cases like Oscars still needs to be strengthened, the ARL applauds the Polk County attorneys office and Judge Dickinson for their creativity in this sentencing.
HARTFORD  Following the headaches experienced in a number of towns last Election Day, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said she is recommending legislative changes.

I would like to see us change our voting system into something thats much more voter-centric than it is today, Merrill said Thursday. We need to change the voter experience.

Merrill said she finds it unacceptable that voters had to wait in lines that were longer than 20 or 30 minutes in some towns.

There were people that I believe were turned away which is the worst thing that can happen, Merrill said.

She was referring specifically to the problems in New Haven with Election Day registration, where some voters may have been turned away because they had not yet registered to vote. If they had registered to vote and were in line before 8 p.m. they would have been allowed to vote.

Hundreds of people who were in line  mostly Yale students  were not able to register and vote before the polls closed.

Some people who were in line before 4 p.m. that day waited four hours to vote.

Merrill said she is supporting legislation that would require cities and towns to provide staffing plans 30 days in advance of an election to the Secretary of the States office. If Merrill found the staffing was not adequate, she could force the town to hire more staff.

Merrill said the plan would have to say how many staff were dedicated to administering Election Day registration.

In New Haven, only two deputy registrars were registering voters. By the end of the day a third had been added, but their efforts fell short, according to Merrill.

Merrill said New Haven wasnt the only town where there were long lines.

There were long lines all across the state.

They should have seen it coming based on how many people were registering to vote, Merrill said. And some of the towns just did not plan appropriately.

The additional staff for elections will have to be paid for by the cities and towns. Its unclear how much that could cost them.

But Merrill doesnt care.

We have to appropriately staff for elections. It is the most important function of government at every level. It is disturbing to me that potentially hundreds of people were denied their right to vote because of inappropriate staffing levels.

Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi said it would be better if the plans could be submitted six months in advance because 30 days isnt enough time to train a poll worker.

He said they dont have any issue with administering their election and turnout in the last election was around 70 percent in his town. He said requiring more staffing will add costs to some towns, but he doesnt see it impacting Ridgefield.

He said Merrill should maybe find a better way to target the towns that continue to fall short.

Aside from a constitutional amendment to allow for early voting, Merrill also wants to prescribe the size and design of the ballots.

Right now cities and towns get to design their own ballots, but Merrill said that caused many towns to have two-sided ballots in 2018 and there needs to be more uniformity.

She also wants to shorten the deadline for finalizing the names of candidates on the ballot.

She wants lawmakers to approve legislation that would require the ballots to be finalized 46 days before an election. Right now its 24 days.

One statewide candidate dropped off the ballot last year and was replaced by another candidate, which caused cities and towns to reprint their ballots.

Merrills proposal means if a candidate drops out 45 days before an election, no other candidate could be substituted.

Merrill also believes the time has come to eliminate Connecticuts challenger statute.

At the moment, a so-called challenger could be appointed under Connecticut law to challenge the right of any person offering to vote, if they didnt believe that a voter was eligible to vote.

Merrill said under Connecticuts law anyone in the polling place can challenge anyone who is in a polling place and since thats true we dont see any need to have a special statute.

She said its just seen as a political maneuver to get another partisan person in the polling place and that was not the intent originally.

She said they also want to eliminate a towns ability to use the same ballot tabulator for two different precincts. Thats what happened in Stratford in the now contested 120th House District race.

It causes vast confusion and youve seen what happens when we try to untangle that, Merrill said. Because theres no way you can tell who got what.

Merrill would also like to allow 16-year-olds to preregister to vote on their 18th birthday.

She supports a constitutional amendment to prepare them to vote. Thirteen states and the District of Columbia allow 16-year-olds to preregister now.

Finally, Merrill is again proposing to allow people on parole to vote, as people on probation are allowed. She said this will eliminate confusion about when electoral rights are restored, and help formerly incarcerated people reintegrate into the civic life of their community.

Legislation was debated on the issue last year, but never approved.

Many of the proposals Merrill is making through lawmakers have yet to be posted on the electronic bill site.
Valerie Reyes, 24, of Rochelle, N.Y., was found dead in Greenwich, Conn., on Feb. 5, 2019, police officials confirmed on Feb. 7, 2019. (Valerie Reyes/Facebook)

Woman Found Dead in Suitcase Identified as Missing New York Woman

A woman found dead in a suitcase was identified as a missing 24-year-old New York woman.

Valerie Reyes was found inside the suitcase with her hands and feet tied on Feb. 5 off Glenville Road in Greenwich.

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner identified the body, the Greenwich Police Department said on Feb. 7. Her family was notified on Wednesday night.

They are obviously devastated by the loss of Valerie and our heartfelt condolences go out to them, police said in a statement obtained by the Rockland/Westchester Journal News.

A town highway worker saw the suitcase about 15 feet off the road on Tuesday morning and told the police. Police believe Reyes did not die at that location and her cause of death has not been released.

Many pieces of possible physical evidence were collected and results from forensic analysis are pending, police said.

After the discovery, police officials said that the case was a murder case.

There was no doubt homicide was involved, Greenwich Police Capt. Robert Berry said at a press conference, according to the Greenwich Time. We do not know the manner or cause of death at this time.

BREAKING: Investigators have identified the body of a woman found dead inside a suitcase in #Greenwich. The victim is 24 year old Valerie Reyes from New Rochelle, NY @FOX61News pic.twitter.com/wsXgHGi66t  Lissette Nunez (@LissetteNunezTV) February 7, 2019

Valerie Reyes lived in the basement of this rental property in #NewRochelle her neighbor tells me. pic.twitter.com/7Vu4mRkMed  Hannah Dellinger (@hdellingermedia) February 7, 2019

Reyes Went Missing

Reyes went missing in late January after she didnt show up for work.

The NYPD shared a missing person poster of her on Jan. 31, describing her as a short woman with black hair, brown eyes, and a half-sleeve tattoo on her left arm.

Suffers from anxiety and depression, the police department stated.

Family members and other loved ones circulated pleas for help on Facebook and Twitter after Reyes went missing. A man who said he was Reyess boyfriend asked for help finding her.

#MissingPerson Have you seen VALERIE REYES? 5 3, black hair, brown eyes, 1/2 sleeve tattoo on left arm. Last seen wearing a green coat, black jeans, and black shoes. Suffers from anxiety and depression. pic.twitter.com/vxvXi40fiV  NYPD Midtown North (@NYPDMTN) January 31, 2019

Hey everyone my cousin Valerie Reyes has been missing for two days. Her last known location was at Gouverneur medical center in the city. Please keep an eye out for her. As well as a retweet to spread the word. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/DQz8kkLW6v  jorge reyes (@Jrys96) January 31, 2019

My girlfriend Valerie is now officially reported as a missing person nationwide by the authorities. Please contact me if there is ANY kind of information, the man wrote in a tweet that was shared thousands of times, reported the Hartford Courant.

Meanwhile, the highway worker who found the body is under investigation, officials said.

Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei confirmed that the worker took pictures of the victim and the crime scene.

Its an egregious lack of judgment and sensitivity to the situation, said Tesei, who serves as police commissioner in Greenwich. Thats someones wife, daughter, sister. To have done something like that shows a disregard for the decedent and their loved ones. It really is unconscionable.

Police were continuing to work to identify the body of an adult woman found dead on the side of the Glenville Road, as they issued another request for any information on the case from the public. https://t.co/1gp6ijS77o  Greenwich Time (@GreenwichTime) February 6, 2019

Reactions

After the body was found, people who live and work nearby said they were nervous.

Its unnerving and a little scary, but hopefully they are good at their job and will get things done, Anthony Zaccagnino, who owns a nearby gas station, told NBC New York.

I open up at 6 oclock in the morning, by 8 oclock, I see cop cars going by. Customers came down and said somebody found a body in a suitcase at the top of the hill, he added.

Its so sad, so tragic, said area resident Susan Whitman. I hope they get to the bottom of it.

I feel like this neighborhood is relatively safe, so its a surprise. Finding a body near where you live, its concerning, Liza Scullin, another resident in the area, told the Time.

Its tragic, an unnamed grandmother added. I have two granddaughters. I worry about this all the time.

Oh my God, this feels surreal, said a 19-year-old Glenville woman. Its not unbelievable, but its shocking that it happened right here.

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Its not always clear where human organs come from in research papers. (Piron Guillaume/unsplash)

Whose Hearts, Livers and Lungs Are Transplanted in China?

Origins Must Be Clear in Human Organ Research

Scientist He Jiankuis claimed use of the genetic tool CRISPR to edit the genomes of twin girls led to international condemnation. His actions have focused a spotlight on research ethicsand what the consequences should be when scientists go rogue.

The Chinese Academy of Science initially looked into Hes conduct, and a subsequent internal government investigation has allegedly identified multiple violations of state laws. He has now been fired by his university.

But beyond just this example, what does happen when scientists fail to comply with globally-accepted guidelines for ethical medical research? We examined this issue focusing on published research involving recipients of organ transplants performed in the Peoples Republic of China.

International professional standards ban publication of research that:

involves any biological material from executed prisoners lacks human research ethics committee approval lacks consent of donors.

But as described in our new paper, we found that research which does not comply with these standards is regularly accepted for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.

Human organ transplants in China

Using a scoping review methodology, we examined 445 studies published in peer-reviewed English language journals between January 2000 and April 2017. The papers reported research involving recipients of human organ transplants (limited to hearts, livers or lungs) taking place in China. The data included 85,477 transplants.

We found that 92.5 percent of the publications failed to state whether or not the transplanted organs were obtained from executed prisoners. Nearly all of them (99 percent) failed to report whether organ donors gave consent. In contrast, 73 percent of papers reported approval from an institutional ethics committee for the research reported in the paper.

Widespread ethical concerns over the inability of condemned prisoners to give informed consent for organ donation are exacerbated in the Peoples Republic of China. Here, the judicial and police system lacks safeguards against procedural abuses. Faulty convictions are extensively documented and extremely difficult to redress.

In addition, a growing body of credible evidence suggests that organ harvesting is not limited to condemned prisoners, but also includes prisoners of conscience. It is possible thereforethough not verifiable in any particular casethat peer reviewed publications may contain data obtained from prisoners of conscience killed for the purpose of organ acquisition.

Who is responsible for ensuring that data based on research involving organs harvested from non-consenting prisoners is banned from publication? We argue in our paper that reviewers and journal editors have a role to play.

Where do the organs come from?

In 19 papers involving 2,688 organs transplanted prior to 2010, the source of organs was reported as voluntary donors. But as widely known in the transplantation community, there was no volunteer deceased organ donor program in China before a pilot started in 2010. It therefore seems reasonable to assume that organs may have been sourced from prisoners, making claims about volunteer donation unreliable.

The two journals that published the greatest number of Chinese transplant papers identified in our study are Transplantation Proceedings, with 65 of the total 445 papers, and PLOS ONE, with 20. Other journals with papers identified by this study include the American Journal of Transplantation, and Transplantation (the official journal of the peak international body, The Transplantation Society). These journals both have policies that explicitly prohibit the publication of research based on organ transplants from non-consenting and/or prisoner donors.

We argue that, if they are not already doing so, reviewers and medical journals should demand information about the source of organs in Chinese transplant research before these are published for the broader public and scientific communities. If they are demanding such information, the responses to those demands should be published. And if they are not satisfied with the responses, they should refuse to publish the research.

When a paper is published without identifying the source of the transplanted organs, it risks sending the message that ethical standards may be ignored or breached. This undermines the incentive to comply with these standards in the future.

Were all responsible

Our findings raise important and disturbing questions about ethical oversight on the part of all of those involved in the process of reviewing and publishing transplantation research.

In response, we propose large-scale retractions of the papers identified by our research that are not consistent with international standards regarding organ donation.

We also propose a moratorium on all clinical transplant publications from China pending an international summit. The summit of transplantation community members and other stakeholders could develop appropriate policies and processes for handling future research.

Our hopes for these retractions are, however, not high. As one of us (Rogers) found, securing a retraction can be a prolonged process even where there is evidence of overt falsehood in the paper.

An article retracted due to concerns about the source of organs used for donation. (Screen shot/John Wiley & Sons Ltd/The conversation)

Journals are reluctant to retract articles, and even retracted articles continue to be widely cited.

Nevertheless, there is growing interest in trying to uphold the integrity of published research, as well as initiatives to demand the publication of all clinical trial data. These initiatives offer some hope that breaches such as the ones we discovered will become less common.

As for the authors involved in retracted or ethically non-compliant research, there is little information about the impact on their careers. Being the author on a paper that is retracted may lead to a ban by the journal, trigger an institutional investigation, or have no effect.

Academic misconduct investigations by universities are rarely reported in the public domain. Apart from high profile cases like that of He, the nature and extent of the consequences for researchers who breach ethical standards is largely unknown.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Chinese media are regularly directed by the Chinese communist regime on how to report on sensitive topics, including the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou (R) and former Canadian ambassador to China John McCallum (L). (The Canadian Press; Liu Jin/AFP/Getty Images)

What Chinas Media Coverage of Huawei CFOs Arrest and the McCallum Incident Tells Us

News Analysis

In a totalitarian regime such as that in communist China, a lot can be read between the lines in how state-controlled media report on topics that are deemed sensitive.

The Epoch Times analyzed reports by media in mainland China on John McCallum, Canadas former ambassador to China, who was forced to resign after speaking in favour of arrested Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou not being extradited to the United States.

On a regular basis, Chinese media are given direction on how to report on sensitive topicswhat to avoid, what to highlight, and how to reflect the party line on issues of importance to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

China Digital Times, a bilingual Chinese and English website founded by Berkeley research scientist Xiao Qiang, keeps track of some of the leaked directives issued to media.

One recent CCP directive published by the site shortly after the arrest of Meng in Vancouver last December tells media that it is currently inappropriate to publicize (Chinas) construction of the worlds first 5G commercial network, or publish materialsuch as seizing speaking rights on international standardsthat could easily fan international resistance.

The federal government is currently reviewing the security implications of allowing Huawei to take part in the development of Canadas emerging 5G network. Most of Canadas allies in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance have already banned Huawei from their 5G infrastructure due to security concerns, given Huaweis close links with the Chinese communist regime.

Another directive issued to media following Mengs arrest was to stay away from reporting on her casesave for a few select state media including CCTV, Peoples Daily, and Xinhua, which were tasked with producing authoritative reports on the topic. The media were also told to avoid reposting articles by these outlets.

However, following McCallums controversial remarks to a gathering of Chinese media in the Toronto area on Jan. 22where he listed potential legal arguments Meng could use in her defence and indicated that her extradition wouldnt be a happy outcome for Canadathe reporting situation in China changed.

Notably, although earlier the CCP had prohibited reporting on Mengs case, a handful of Chinas media published reports on McCallums commentswhich favour Beijings position on the issueand then other Chinese media re-published these articles widely at home and abroad.

Many of the reports pushed the line that McCallums remarks are proof that the United States and Canada are in the wrong regarding Mengs case.

Reference News, one of Chinas largest-circulation papers but less known outside the country, ran an article with a headline indicating that Canadas ambassador to China had changed sides. The article fully quoted McCallums arguments in favour of Meng and quoted a spokesperson of Chinas foreign affairs ministry saying that the U.S. extradition request for Meng to Canada violates international law.

The Observer, another mainland publication, wrote, The Canadian ambassador to China personally came to undermine the [extradition] plan. It also quoted McCallums legal arguments in defence of Meng, saying, The above remarks by McCallum are the clearest statement made by Canadian officials to date, indicating that Meng may not be extradited to the United States.

Following calls by the opposition and others for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to fire McCallum over his remarks, McCallum issued a statement on Jan. 24 saying he regretted his comments.

Shortly after, mainland media came to McCallums defence.

Reference News ran an article on Jan. 25 headlined, Was He Forced to Change His Words? Canadian Ambassador to China Said He Withdraws His Comments on the Meng Wanzhou Incident. The post has since been removed but is available on other websites.

Chinas official media Global Times said in a headline, Canadian Envoys Apology Shows Political Correctness Subverts Rule of Law, suggesting McCallum was punished due to his political incorrectness.

This is how Canada, a country ruled by law, is not supposed to behave. It is politically oriented under the guise of law, the Global Times article stated.

After McCallum repeated comments similar to those he delivered in the Jan. 22 press conference to a StarMetro reporter on Jan. 25, the Observer published an article titled Taking the Risk of Stepping Down, the Canadian Ambassador to China Once Again Expressed His Opposition to the Extradition of Meng Wanzhou.

The Global Times expressed a similar view.

After Trudeau asked McCallum to resign, which was publicized on Jan. 26, both Global Times and China Daily, another official media of the regime, published editorials the following day criticizing and scolding Ottawa for dismissing McCallum and strongly defending the former ambassador.

Those who have attacked McCallum should feel ashamed of themselves, said the China Daily editorial.

The Global Times editorial said Ottawa is as sensitive as a frightened bird over the issue and used a vulgar Chinese saying to show displeasure over how the government reacted to McCallums comments.

According to He Qinglian, a China scholar who has published extensive studies on Chinas media control, the CCPs two main objectives in controlling the media are to maintain the regimes power and to serve the regime in its foreign affairs relations.

The latter objective, He Qinglian says, is to display what the Chinese government needs to showcase to the international societythats really the main task of (Chinas) media.

With reporting by Limin Zhou
President Donald Trump, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Mike Pence applaud during the State of the Union address in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives on Feb. 5, 2019. (Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images)

Trumps SOTU Reminds Us That by Uniting, We Can All Choose Greatness

Commentary

The presidents hopeful State of the Union address was a welcome respite from the ceaseless barrage of division, cynicism, and pessimism that Americans are subject to every day from the swamp in Washington.

The speech served as a reminder that, whatever disagreements our two parties may have, the democratic institutions that allow us to peacefully resolve them remain strong.

While confidently presenting his vision for the future, President Donald Trump pushed aside Washingtons bitter divisions as much as possible. He sought to remind us that Americans, no matter how they vote and which news networks they watch, have much more reason for optimism than fear, and more to gain from unity and patriotism than from partisan animosity.

In 2019, the state of the union is indeed strong, despite our tendency to focus exclusively on the problems we face. America is experiencing the strongest economic growth since the Great Recession, the healthiest job market in almost 50 years, and the strongest wage growth for hard-working Americans in a decade.

Were also making progress in tackling the problems that still plague our country. For example, the data indicate that weve turned a corner on the surge in violent crime we saw in 2015 and 2016, even in particularly hard-hit places such as Chicago.

More impressive still, we were able to achieve that while enacting historic, bipartisan prison reforms that protect our communities while ending decades-old injustices. President Trump was able to invite the first person released under the FIRST STEP Act, Matthew Charles, to the Capitol to hear his State of the Union address. Charles served 23 years of a 35-year sentence imposed for selling crack cocaine, during which time he found God, became a law clerk, and mentored fellow inmates.

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Following President Trumps enthusiastic endorsement of the measure last year, both parties in Congress came together to pass the package of proven, common-sense reforms that will allow prisoners like Charles to earn their way back into societys good graces while helping to reduce the rampant recidivism that drives crime rates up.

The presidents State of the Union address also held out the promise of many more such bipartisan victories, but those can only be achieved if we can set aside what divides us and cling to what unifies us.

Luckily, there is much that we can still agree on, even in the current political climate.

For instance, President Trump proposed a new initiative to fix our countrys outdated and neglected infrastructure, and asked both parties to help find a solution that will bring down the prices of health care and prescription drugs.

Even on the issues that divide us most, such as illegal immigration, border security, and trade, Americans across the political spectrum share a common goal of justice, safety, and prosperity. The president asked Congress to build on those shared ideals, rather than continue to let partisan differences distract from the important work that needs to be done in this country.

Together, we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of Americas future. The decision is ours to make, the president told Congress and the nation.

Whether our elected officials live up to that inclusive vision will be determined over the next two years. But, for this moment at least, the opportunity to do as the president urged and choose greatness is there for the taking by all.

Brad Parscale is the campaign manager for Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Trump Says He and Chinese Leader Xi Wont Meet Before March 1 Trade Deadline

WASHINGTONPresident Donald Trump said on Feb. 7 that he doesnt plan to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping before a March 1 deadline set by the two countries to achieve a trade deal.

Asked by a reporter whether there would be a meeting before the deadline, Trump said: No.

When asked whether there would be a meeting in the next month or so, Trump said: Not yet. Maybe.

The remarks confirmed comments from administration officials who said the two men were unlikely to meet before the deadline, damping hopes of a quick trade pact and sparking a drop in U.S. stock markets. Trump said previously he would need to meet with Xi to seal a final deal.

Late last year, China and the United States agreed to take a 90-day hiatus in their trade war to negotiate an agreement. Another round of talks is scheduled for next week in Beijing.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters that the leaders of the two economic superpowers could still meet at a later date.

At some point, the two presidents will meet, that is what Mr. Trump has been saying. But that is off in the distance still at the moment, he said.

The news prompted a sharp selloff in U.S. stocks, dashing the optimism that had been building that the countries were progressing toward a deal before tariffs on Chinese imports jump to 25 percent after the March 1 deadline.

The S&P 500 Index tumbled to its low of the day, down 1.6 percent, in its biggest drop in more than a month. Treasury bond yields dropped as investors sought safety in sovereign U.S. debt. The benchmark 10-year yield slid 4 basis points to 2.66 percent, the lowest in nearly a week.

I could see where that would impact the markets because, obviously, we had a lift in the month of January from optimism surrounding these trade talks, said Peter Jankovskis, co-chief investment officer at OakBrook Investments in Lisle, Illinois.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are leaving for talks in China next week, one of the administration officials said.

The United States is pressing China to make major reforms, including on structural issues related to how it treats U.S. companies doing business there. Washington accuses Beijing of stealing U.S. intellectual property and forcing American companies to share their technology. China denies the accusations.

Trump said in his State of the Union address Feb. 5 that any new trade deal with Beijing must include real, structural change to end unfair trade practices.

Such reforms have been a sticking point in talks.

Lighthizer told reporters at the conclusion of a round of talks in Washington last week that the two leaders may not meet if the negotiations hadnt progressed sufficiently.

If we dont make headway between now and then, my advice would be we cant fit. But if we do make headway, and the president thinks were close enough that he can close the deal on major issues, then I think hell want to have a meeting and do that, he told reporters. I have complete confidence in the president, both to close a deal if we get to that point, but also to make that judgment.

Trump has vowed to increase U.S. tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports to 25 percent from the current rate of 10 percent if the two sides cant reach a deal by 12:01 a.m. on March 2.

Reporting by Jeff Mason and Steve Holland
President Donald Trump, (L) with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo before speaking at the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS meeting, at the State Department, in Feb. 6, 2019. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)

Trump Predicts Full Defeat of ISIS in Iraq, Syria by Next Week

U.S. President Donald Trump said during a visit to the State Department on Feb. 6 that he is confident troops fighting ISIS will be announcing the 100 percent defeat of the self-proclaimed caliphate within a week.

Nobody thought it was possible to do it this quickly, Trump told members of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS at a meeting in Washington.

It should be formally announced, probably sometime next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate, he said. [T]he ISIS caliphate has been decimated.

U.S. officials have said in recent weeks that ISIS has lost 99.5 percent of its territory and is holding on to less than 2 square miles in Syria, in the villages of the Middle Euphrates River Valley, where the bulk of the fighters are concentrated.

Read More US-backed Syrian Force Declares ISIS Is in Final Moments Turkey Says Nearly 300,000 Syrians Return Home After Military Operations

Trump praised the combined efforts of the United States military, coalition partners, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces who together have eliminated more than 60-mile high-value ISIS leaders and incurred ISIS other significant losses. [T]ens of thousands of ISIS fighters are gone. Theyre gone, he said.

Weve eliminated almost every one of them, he told representatives from the 79-member coalition.

The president said that although ISIS is always going to have people, as there is no military solution to defeat the demented ideology, ISIS can no longer claim widespread ownership over local governments in Syria and Iraq.

Their land is gone, he said.

While recognizing that after the defeat, there will always remain ISIS remnants that can be very dangerous, Trump said that the U.S. coalition will continue to work together with other countries across the region to search them out.

Rest assured, we will do what it takes to defeat every ounce and every last person within the ISIS madness, and defend our people from radical Islamic terrorism, he continued.

Troops to Come Home

Trump also reiterated that his administration is continuing to work toward bringing home the 2,000 U.S. forces who have been helping fight ISIS in Syria as other countries in the region step up their commitments.

We look forward to giving our brave warriors in Syria a warm welcome back home, Trump said.

Trump announced the troop withdrawal in December, citing the upcoming defeat of ISIS and that U.S. forces were no longer needed there. A Department of Defense spokesman confirmed on Jan. 11 that the coalition had started the withdrawal process.

Defense officials have confirmed that some equipment has already has been moved out of Syria, and that plans for the withdrawing of troops are being formulated with the help of allies and partners on the ground.

Commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East Gen. Joseph Votel told lawmakers during a hearing Feb. 5, I am not under pressure to be out by a specific date and Ive not had any specific conditions put upon me.

He said that the United States and its partners will continue to maintain pressure on ISIS cells in Syria and beyond.

Trump sent a tweet that work toward the pullout would continue alongside operations to ensure the complete destruction of ISIS, saying that he did not want the Kurdish forces to provoke Turkey into war.

The decision to withdraw the troops in Syria was met with some resistance. Jim Mattis resigned as defense secretary days after the announcement, citing a difference in views.

Upon learning of the announcement, Trump thanked Mattis for his service and for his work getting allies and other countries to pay their share of military obligations, Trump wrote in his tweet. Patrick Shanahan is currently acting secretary of defense.

White House officials have been insisting that the time has come for other nations to step up their contributions to the fight.

[Trump] doesnt believe that the United States can solve this problem externally, a senior administration official said when asked about delivering ISIS an enduring defeat.

He thinks it is something we can assist with, its something we can encourage, but that that has to come from within the Muslim community, the official added.

The official also said that the withdrawal from Syria would be conditions-based, with U.S. forces staying in the vicinity of the U.S. base at al-Tanf, in southern Syria, until the very end.

And the president himself said Wednesday that even then, U.S. forces would stand ready to assist.

Rest assured, we will do what it takes to defeat every ounce and every last person within the ISIS madness, Trump told ministers from coalition countries.

The struggle against terrorism is a shared fight, he added. Everyone must do their part and contribute their fair share.

The United States has spent $6 trillion on post-9/11 wars in the Middle East, according to the Watson Institute of International and Public Affairs (pdf).

Trump is not alone in viewing that investment as ill-advised. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said of the exit from Syria, All of the naysayers in Washington will be against him. But, guess what? If you ask the American people, this is why President Trump won the election.

The White House and other top U.S. officials have also been working to reassure those concerned that the withdrawal will not impact U.S. allies, like the Kurds, or efforts to deal ISIS a lasting defeat.

Starting the long overdue pullout from Syria while hitting the little remaining ISIS territorial caliphate hard, and from many directions, Trump said on Jan. 13. Will attack again from existing nearby base if it reforms. Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds.

Likewise, do not want the Kurds to provoke Turkey. Russia, Iran, and Syria have been the biggest beneficiaries of the long-term U.S. policy of destroying ISIS in Syrianatural enemies, Trump said in another post. We also benefit but it is now time to bring our troops back home. Stop the ENDLESS WARS!

Tactical Change

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told coalition members earlier on Feb. 6 that while the nature of the fight is changing, U.S. goals remained the same.

It simply represents a new stage in an old fight, Pompeo said in opening remarks at the conference.

The drawdown of troops is essentially a tactical change. It is not a change in the mission, he added. The fight is one that we will continue to wage alongside you.

Epoch Times reporters Ivan Pentchoukov and Bowen Xiao, The Associated Press, and Voice of America contributed to this report.

From NTD News
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs David Malpass during a Roosevelt Room event at the White House on Feb. 6, 2019. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Trump Pick Would Commit World Bank to Reforms, May Cut Off China

David Malpass, President Donald Trumps nominee for the position of World Bank president, said he intends to implement reforms that he helped convince the international institution to accept.

Trump announced Malpasss nomination on Feb. 6, calling him the right person to take this incredibly important job.

Currently the Treasurys undersecretary for international finance, Malpass is responsible for maintaining relations with nearly 100 international organizations and working groups.

Together with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Malpass made it his priority to get the World Bank to accept a number of reforms, including an increased focus on helping poorer countries and reducing lending to richer countries. The Trump administration also has secured a $13 billion funding increase for the bank.

Theres a great opportunity now to implement these constructive reforms that will lead to faster growth and greater prosperity, Malpass said.

The World Bank serves to lend and grant money to poor countries for development projects, as well as help the countries set up institutions to reduce poverty.

The organization is owned by its nearly 200 member countries, but the United States holds a controlling stake of about 16 percent, which includes veto power.

The member countries give the World Bank initial capital that it then leverages to borrow more money, which the bank then lends under favorable terms to countries that would otherwise have trouble getting a loan. If the investment falls through, the member countries are on the hook to cover the losses exceeding the banks capital.

China

However, in practice, the bank has been lending to a number of middle-income countries. One of the largest recipients of World Bank capital has been China, which not only has ready access to capital markets but also runs an international development project of its ownthe One Belt, One Road initiative.

It doesnt make sense to have money borrowed in the U.S., using the U.S. government guarantee, going into lending in China, Malpass said in November 2017 during a Council on Foreign Relations event.

China currently owes the bank over $16 billion, a debt surpassed only by those of Brazil, Indonesia, and India.

Thanks to pressure from the Trump administration, the bank has now committed to directing a bigger share of its lending to poorer countries, Malpass said in his Dec. 12 congressional testimony.

The bank also agreed to work on graduatinggradually cutting offcountries that should be able to manage on their own.

The reforms also aim to increase transparency on the banks lending and constrain the growth of bank staff salaries, which is the largest part of its $4 billion administrative costs. The various boards of the World Bank alone cost nearly $150 million in 2018 (pdf).

Malpass said in 2017 that he and his colleagues met a lot of resistance from the bank but have now been having a good dialogue with them.

Approval

To become president, Malpass still needs to win the approval of the World Banks 12-member executive board. The United States has traditionally chosen the World Banks leader, and though challengers could emerge, its likely that Trump will get Malpass in.

A source from the banks board has said that there was little appetite among member countries to mount a challenge to a U.S. candidate who is seen as qualified and reasonable.

If approved, Malpass would replace physician and former university president Jim Yong Kim in the role. Kim, first nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2012, stepped down on Feb. 1 to join the private equity fund Global Infrastructure Partners more than three years before his term ended, amid differences with the Trump administration over climate change and development resources.

Malpass stands behind Trumps opposition to globalism in its current form.

I want to make a clear distinction between isolation, which we oppose, and our view that multilateralism has gone substantially too farto the point where it is hurting U.S. and global growth, he said in 2017. This viewpoint is sometimes mislabeled populism, but I think it is a pragmatic, realistic response to a multilateral system that often drifts away from our values of limited government, freedom, and the rule of law.

Malpass would likely steer the World Bank more toward U.S. interests under Trumps Make America Great Again policies, and away, in particular, from Chinese interests under Chinese Community Party rulein stark contrast to Kims leadership.

Malpass called it worrisome that Kim voiced support for Chinas One Belt, One Road, which offers poor countries loans for infrastructure projects but, as Malpass testified, often leaves countries with excessive debt and poor-quality projects. If countries default on these debts, China often gains influence over the host government and may take ownership of the underlying assets.

The World Bank will accept nominations from Feb. 7 through March 14, and up to three candidates could advance to a board vote.

Malpass, 62, was an economic adviser to Trump during his 2016 election campaign. He served as chief economist at the investment bank Bear Stearns and Co. prior to its 2008 collapse and served at the Treasury and State departments under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Veterans Affairs Minister Jodie Wilson-Raybould attend a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Jan. 14. The Globe and Mail says former justice minister Wilson-Raybould disappointed the Prime Minister's Office by refusing to help SNC-Lavalin avoid a criminal prosecution. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

Trudeau Pressured Justice Minister to Help SNC-Lavalin Avoid Prosecution, Says Globe and Mail

OTTAWAThe Globe and Mail says former justice minister Jody WilsonRaybould disappointed the Prime Ministers Office by refusing to help SNCLavalin avoid a criminal prosecution.

The Quebec engineering and construction giant has been facing legal trouble over allegations it paid millions of dollars in bribes to get government business in Libya, which would be a crime under Canadian law.

As justice minister, WilsonRaybould could have gotten involved in the case against the company by directing federal prosecutors to negotiate a remediation agreement, a way of undoing damage without admitting the company itself was at fault for things particular employees did.

The Globe reports that SNCLavalin repeatedly lobbied Justin Trudeaus aides for a deal and Trudeaus office leaned on WilsonRaybould to make it happen.

No such agreement was ever reached and WilsonRaybould was moved to be minister of veterans affairs in a January cabinet shuffle.

Neither Trudeau nor WilsonRaybould nor SNCLavalin has immediately responded to questions from The Canadian Press about the story.
South Carolina Senator Reintroduces Bill That Would Ban Abortion

A South Carolina state Senator has reintroduced a bill that would ban abortions and potentially make it a crime to get one.

Republican Sen. Richard Cash introduced the personhood bill, which would grant legal status to the idea that life starts at the moment of conception. The bill would ban almost all abortions in the state.

The bill includes exceptions for medical emergencies that threaten the mothers life.

It would also make it a potential felony crime to solicit or perform an abortion.

Its an intention to recriminalize the killing of unborn babies in this state, Cash told The State of his bill. When you kill an unborn baby in the womb, that doctor is committing murder.

Cash said the bill leaves the decision to charge women who get abortions with a crime up to law enforcement officers and prosecutors.

There is no doubt that many women are pressured (into having an abortion), Cash said. Theyre coerced. Theyre intimidated. Theyre literally threatened.  But if we say a mother is simply a victim  then we, in fact, are denying  moral responsibility to someone for their decision.

The bill, the Personhood Act, is S.485, according to WIS. However, the South Carolina website page for the bill doesnt appear to have been updated.

State Sen. Dick Cash says he plans to file Personhood Bill that would criminalize all abortions in South Carolina, not just a declaration that life begins at fertilization. #scpol pic.twitter.com/0W9jFYCIKr  Tom Barton (@tjbarton83) February 6, 2019

A similar bill was introduced last year but failed after Democrats filibustered it.

Previously, Cash told The State that he believes life begins at conception and thus should be afforded the rights provided of every citizen.

From the moment life begins, it should be protected, as an inalienable right under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, Cash said. I do believe in a moral absolute of right and wrong, and the shedding of innocent blood is a moral evil we need to turn away from.

In a poll by Winthrop University of South Carolina residents, 45 percent of respondents said abortion should be illegal except for a few circumstances, such as when a mothers life is at risk or in cases or rape or incest, reported The State. Further, 68 percent said it should be illegal if the only factor is whether the other or family could afford to raise a child.

If approved, the legislation would allow the possibility for prosecutors to pursue a criminal case against individuals who willfully perform abortions. https://t.co/qRhMnbTVUx  Wes Cooper (@WesWJBF) February 7, 2019

Republican Gov. Henry McMaster supports Cashs bill and at a rally on Wednesday requested lawmakers to vote for it.

You send me that clear, concise perfect, Personhood bill and I will sign it into law, he told lawmakers at the rally, reported WIS.

Another pro-life bill, the Personhood Act of SC, was introduced by Rep. Josiah Magnuson, also a Republican, in the House. Its similar to legislation introduced in 2017 by a state Senator and would grant legal rights to unborn babies starting at conception but includes several exceptions.

GOP Sen. Richard Cash says doctors should be charged with murder for performing an abortion. He wants to charge the pregnant woman as well for having one. Nurses, parents of the mother be charged as accomplices, he says. This is a conversation that the state must have. pic.twitter.com/fNUdjwSkhs  Avery Wilks (@AveryGWilks) February 6, 2019

Abortion, Anti-Abortion Moves

The bills are the latest in a wave of states across the nation attempting to restrict or expand abortion.

In Ohio, lawmakers have been trying to pass a heartbeat bill that would prohibit abortions after a fetus has a detectable heartbeat. The new Ohio Gov., Mike DeWine, said in January that he would sign such a bill if the Legislature passed it, after former Ohio Gov. John Kasich vetoed the bill in December 2018 before leaving office.

On the same day, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that would allow abortions up until the moment of birth, calling the passage a historic victory for New Yorkers and for our progressive values.

Virginia lawmakers tried to pass a bill that would also allow abortions up until birth with the consent of just one doctor, but the bill was shot down. Speaking in support of the legislation, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam described a scenario in which a baby is born and the doctor and mother discuss whether to let it live.

President Donald Trump responded to the controversial comments during his State of the Union speech on Feb. 5, saying Northam stated he would execute a baby after birth.

Lawmakers in New York cheered with delight upon the passage of legislation that would allow a baby to be ripped from the mothers womb moments before birth, he said. These are living, feeling, beautiful babies who will never get the chance to share their love and dreams with the world.

From NTD News
Anti-abortion activists protest outside of the U.S. Supreme Court, during the March for Life in Washington. on Jan. 18, 2019. (Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo)

South Carolina Senator Reintroduces Abortion Ban Bill

COLUMBIA, S.C.A South Carolina senator has reintroduced legislation that would ban abortions in the state and possibly criminalize the act.

Nearly 100 people gathered in the Statehouse on Feb. 7, for an anti-abortion event, calling on lawmakers to pass personhood legislation, which would stipulate that life begins at conception and grant the unborn at that moment all rights as any other citizen.

Republican Sen. Richard Cash of Powdersville said that this years version of the bill ties the matter to South Carolinas criminal code. If approved, the legislation would allow the possibility for prosecutors to pursue a criminal case against individuals who willfully perform abortions.

Were not saying right now today were advocating some sheriff go arrest a doctor, Cash said. But he added that if the bill is upheld in its current version, if youre a doctor and abortions have been re-criminalized and you kill a baby, well youve just committed murder.

Gov. Henry McMaster stood alongside Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and told the pro-life crowd that he originally supported the Personhood Act first introduced by then Sen. Kevin Bryant in 2017 and would reaffirm his commitment to the proposal.

We must stand tall, stand together in what we believe, McMaster said. You send me that clear, concise personhood bill and I will sign it tomorrow.

President Donald Trump, in his State of the Union speech Tuesday night, cited recent controversies in New York and Virginia over late-term abortions, and urged Congress to prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in a mothers womb.

Legislation to achieve that goal failed to win passage even when Republicans controlled both chambers of Congress. It has virtually no chance of success now that Democrats control the House.

Nonetheless, anti-abortion legislators and activists believe Trump has bolstered their cause with his appointments of conservative Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Abortion opponents foresee the possibility that the high court might either reverse Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling establishing a nationwide right to abortion, or uphold specific state laws that would undermine Roe.

This bill obviously has some unintended consequences that would penalize medical providers in a greater extent than one would think, said Malloy who was instrumental in orchestrating last years filibuster. It was only just last session that there was a resounding defeat. I understand this is a new legislative session, but I think that this single issue by the senator is something that should be subordinate to (the) real needs of our state.

The bill currently has five Republican co-sponsors and has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

By Christina L. Myers
Judah Samet waving to everyone at Congress during the State of the Union on Feb. 6, 2019. (Screenshot/CNN)

SOTU Audience Breaks Into Happy Birthday for Survivor of Holocaust and Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting

The audience at President Donald Trumps State of the Union address Tuesday sang Happy Birthday to one of the presidents guests, who survived both the Holocaust and the October shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue.

WATCH:

Just months ago, 11 Jewish-Americans were viciously murdered in an antisemitic attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. SWAT Officer Timothy Matson raced into the gunfire and was shot seven times chasing down the killer and he was very successful, Trump stated. Timothy has just had his 12th surgery and hes going in for many more  but he made the trip to be here with us tonight. Officer Matson, please.

Matson was met with a standing ovation from the chamber.

Just months ago, 11 Jewish-Americans were viciously murdered in an anti-Semitic attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in  Long Beach Police Officers Association  201925

He continued, Thank you, we are forever grateful, thank you very much. (RELATED: Watch Buzz Aldrin Stand And Salute Trump In The Middle Of A Huge Standing Ovation)

Tonight, we are also joined by Pittsburgh survivor Judah Samet. He arrived at the synagogue as the massacre began. But not only did Judah narrowly escape death last fall. More than seven decades ago, he narrowly survived the Nazi concentration camps. Today is Judahs 81st birthday, the president added.

Judah Samet is a #Holocaust survivor from the Bergen-Belsen death camp. He arrived 5 minutes late to services at Tree  Afshine Emrani  201925

The crowd then sang Happy Birthday to him.

Thank you! Samet yelled.

They wouldnt do that for me, Judah, the president quipped.

On Oct. 27, Robert Bowers allegedly opened fire inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, killing 11 people. Bowers had anti-Semitic posts all over his social media accounts, and was allegedly armed with two pistols and an AK-47.

UPDATE: 46-year-old Robert Bowers, the suspect in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting has been charged.Bowers reportedly yelled "All Jews must die" as he fired at random>>https://buff.ly/2zhcuv1  FOX 40 News  WDBD  20181027

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By CNN , Feb . 02, 2019





(CNN)When Europeans arrived in the Americas, they caused so much death and disease that it changed the global climate, a new study finds.





European settlers killed 56 million indigenous people over about 100 years in South, Central and North America, causing large swaths of farmland to be abandoned and reforested, researchers at University College London, or UCL, estimate. The increase in trees and vegetation across an area the size of France resulted in a massive decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, according to the study.

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Savannah Spurlock, in pictures provided by the Richmond Police after she went missing on Jan. 4, 2019. (Richmond Police)

Son of Missing Kentucky Mother Savannah Spurlock Celebrates Birthday as Search Continues

The young son of Savannah Spurlock, a missing Kentucky woman, celebrated his birthday without her as the people searching for Spurlock focused on combing a bridge and cornfields for clues.

Noah celebrated his fourth birthday on Feb. 3 after his mother vanished about a month earlier. Officials revealed recently that she was last seen at a country home with three strangers she met at a bar.

Spurlocks ex-boyfriend and Noahs father Shaquille Smith shared pictures of Noahs birthday celebration on Facebook, writing: Happy Birthday to a real one. Noah Bleu #Big4.

Smith also shared a clip of Noah and friends dancing to music.

Two days after Noahs birthday, family members also marked Spurlocks birthday on Feb. 5 without her.

Its another important day that shes not here for, Spurlocks uncle Mark Thoma told the Louisville Courier-Journal, noting it was the third family birthday since Spurlock vanished. Her absence is that much more obvious.

While relatives have been trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for Noah, theyve also awaited word from search-and-rescue teams who have been scouring Garrard County for clues.

Nobody thought we would be here a month with them still not having many answers, Thoma said.

Happy 23rd Birthday. We Miss You   Missing Savannah  201925

The Cajun Coast Search and Rescue crew has been leading the search and focusing on deserted areas in the county. On Feb. 5, they combed cornfields and a bridge near the house where the mother of four was last seen.

The crew was made up of volunteer K-9 teams and was joined for the first time by three new volunteers, officials told Fox News. Two are former Marines and friends of the Spurlock family.

Another area of interest has been the Kentucky River. Crews planned to keep searching in and along the river on Thursday.

The crew typically resides in Louisiana but has been in Kentucky for about nine days.

Their accommodations were provided for after people heard why they were in the area. Shanna Harrod Fenn, who manages the day-to-day operations at the Courtyard Marriott, said the hotel is paying for the crews rooms.

Eighteen years ago, Fenn said, her brother went missing.

My brother was one of the ones someone was looking for. He died in a helicopter crash and they didnt know where he was, she told LEX 18.

A search-and-rescue team found his body, bringing the family closure. When she heard the Cajun Coast Search Team was coming to Kentucky, she got in touch.

I just said, Have you already secured your lodging while youre here in Lexington? Wed love to be able to help you all out, said Fenn.

Search Update

Earlier this week, law enforcement officials revealed for the first time that the last place Spurlock was seen was at a rural house.

Previously, they had released a surveillance image showing Spurlock walking with two of the three men she went to the rural home with.

We kept thinking maybe this is the break, Thoma told the Courier-Journal. Im just praying that one of these times that we are going to get something concrete that gives a true answer. And I do think that is going to happen.

Lt. Col Rodney Richardson, assistant chief of police with the Richmond Police Department, told Fox News that Spurlock was taken to the house in Garrard County, some 40 miles from the bar before she vanished.

The Cajun Coast Search and Rescue Team and @RichmondPDKY detectives are headed to the Kentucky River this morning to continue the search for Savannah Spurlock whos been missing for more than a month now. Details coming up on #SUNRISE on @LEX18News. https://t.co/OMIlc50tzH  Claire Kopsky (@ClaireMKopsky) February 7, 2019

He also said that the men were strangers. We know that she ended up at a home in Garrard County sometime after leaving the bar with these three men, Richardson said. They did not know Savannah prior to meeting her at the bar.

Spurlock rode in the backseat of a vehicle that one of the men drove, with another in the passenger seat. The third man drove a separate vehicle.

Investigators havent been able to confirm if Spurlock ever left the house. Spurlocks mother, Ellen Spurlock, told Fox News that she spoke to her daughter on FaceTime on Jan. 4.

There was a man driving the car. Savannah was in the passenger seat. There were at least two people in the back seat talking.  I heard one of them tell me to chill, Ellen Spurlock said. They were also hollering other things but I couldnt make it out. I was just checking on my daughter. She added, I do not believe Savannah left this home on her own. She had no car, no money, no phone, and no coat. Where would she go? I dont believe that for a second. From NTD News
So-called Christian Politicians Reject Gods View of Human Life

Commentary

Many U.S. Democratic politicians present themselves to the world as Christians. But their Christianity is completely devoid of a biblical worldview. The most shocking statements come out of their mouths disguised as genuine concern for the suffering of the less fortunate.

Consider the gospel of pro-abortion Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. It contains her favorite scripture, which isnt found in any known translation of the Holy Book. According to armchair theologian Pelosi: The Bible tells us that to minister to the needs of Gods creation is an act of worship. To ignore those needs is to dishonor the God who made us.

This, from someone who hasnt been shy about dishonoring the God who made us in His image.

Offering her expert opinion about abortion, Pelosi has described herself as an ardent, practicing Catholic who considers herself knowledgeable about the issue because she has studied it.

Based on her studies of conception and when life actually begins, which apparently equals her biblical knowledge, she argues, Doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition.  St. Augustine said at three months. We dont know. The point is, is that it shouldnt have an impact on the womans right to choose.

There is no reason to question Pelosi. She strikes me as sincerely confused about her faith and its teachings. A fellow Catholic, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, recently signed one of the most liberal abortion laws in the world, a law that places us in the company of China and North Korea.

We have several prominent Protestants who find support and justification for abortion. One Episcopalian, in particular, takes the cake for most egregious remarks about the deaths of the unborn: Rev. Katherine Hancock Ragsdale, an Episcopal priest and the former president of Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She famously said: Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Let me hear you say it: Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done.

Other Christian abortion supporters who seem quite comfy cozied up under the Democratic Partys all-inclusive umbrella include Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and former President Barack Obama, the latter of whom, as a state senator, once fought against Illinois Infants Born Alive Act.

Northam, a Southern Baptist and pediatric neurologist, stunned many Americans by casually endorsing infanticide. When asked if he would support legislation that would permit abortion of a woman in labor, he said: If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen. The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if thats what the mother and the family desired, and then, a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.

Speaking at a Johnstown, Pennsylvania, town hall in 2008, presidential candidate Obama said: Ive got two daughters, 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I dont want them punished with a baby.

What Scripture Says About Life

The Bible says each unborn child possesses a unique identity and destiny. God told Jeremiah, Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5). King David writes in Psalm 139:1316: For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mothers womb. In the cases of Jesus and John the Baptist, an angel named each child before he was born, giving names later connected with the childs world-changing mission (Luke 1:13; Matthew 1:21).

Exodus 20:317 lists the Ten Commandments that God gave to the Israelites. The Sixth Commandment states, You shall not commit murder (v. 13).

Throughout the Bible, starting with the death of Abel, God distinguishes between murder and other kinds of killing such as that in capital punishment, God-ordained war, and accidents. Murderthe deliberate taking of innocent lifeis strongly condemned. The Bible speaks of innocent blood crying out from the ground, and of lands polluted by the shedding of innocent blood. In Genesis 4:10, we read And the Lord said [to Cain], What have you done? The voice of your brothers blood is crying to me from the ground. Proverbs 6:17 tells us that God hates haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.

In Leviticus 18:21, the Israelites are told, You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God. Likewise, we read in Psalm 106: 3738: They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood.

These scriptures admonished the Israelites not to follow the detestable practices of the Canaanites and neighboring peoples who sacrificed their children to Baal and Molech.

If God exists and is unchanging, as the Bible states, how would he feel about a nation whose government legalized the spilling of the innocent blood of more than 61 million babies? Our national disregard for human life places us on par with the nations God brought into judgment, including his beloved Israel.

Dr. Carol M. Swain is a former tenured professor at Vanderbilt and Princeton universities. Her Be The People News blog and podcast empower individuals to think independently, understand their responsibility, and make a difference in the world.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Senior FBI Lawyer Did Not Read Carter Page FISA Before Signing Off on It

Congressional testimony by Trisha Anderson highlights unusual process used by FBI and DOJ in obtaining FISA warrant on former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page

Trisha Anderson, the principal deputy general counsel for the FBI and head of the bureaus National Security and Cyber Law Branch, signed off on an application for a warrant to spy on former Trump campaign adviser Carter Pagebefore the application went to FBI Director James Comeydespite not having read it, she said.

Anderson, whose division was also assigned the Mid-Year Examthe FBIs investigation into Clintons use of a private email serverwas responsible for legal oversight of the FBIs Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) applications process, and provided a final sign-off before FISA applications were sent to the FBI director level. Anderson, who supervised the FBI attorneys involved in FISA applications, characterized her role as being involved at a supervisory level within the legal chain of command.

Although she did not voluntarily reveal the information, she admitted during questioning that she was the individual responsible at the senior executive service (SES) level for signing off on the original Carter Page FISA application:

Mr. Breitenbach: You had mentioned earlier that all FISAs have to be signed off, have an approver at an SES level. In OGC? Or is that anywhere inside the FBI? Ms. Anderson: In NSLB, in my particular branch. Mr. Breitenbach: In NSLB? Ms. Anderson: Yeah. Uh-huh. Mr. Breitenbach: Okay. Who was that SES approver for the Carter Page FISA? Ms. Anderson: My best recollection is that I was for the initiation.

In her Aug. 31, 2018, testimony, a transcript of which was reviewed for this article, Anderson described her role in the FISA process as a backstop whereby she would serve as a last check in the process to ensure that all necessary elements of the FISA package were present and that it met the basic requirements of probable cause.

However, there appears to be significant latitude in the backstop review process. According to Anderson, the Department of Justice (DOJ) attached a cover note that identified potential issues, if any, for her to review with every FISA application. If no issues were identified by the DOJ, then according to Anderson, there would be no need for her to read the FISA application:

Ms. Anderson: [So] there typically would be a cover note that would summarize the FISA. That cover note is generated by DOJ. And because of the time pressures involved and the sort of very-last-stop-in-the-process nature of the review, the SES review, thats done, I wouldnt read a FISA unless there were some sort of issue that was identified based on the cover note. Mr. Breitenbach: You are, though, reviewing for the sufficiency of probable cause  Ms. Anderson: After many people have reviewed that assessment. And so, as I mentioned, this was essentially a backstop to all of the other processes and the rigor that had been applied by DOJ attorneys and by FBI investigative and legal personnel.

Despite the FISA applications politicized nature and obvious sensitivity, it appears that no issues were identified in relation to it, as Anderson testified that she had not read the application, only the DOJ cover note:

Mr. Breitenbach: Does that mean you read the FISA  Ms. Anderson: No.  Mr. Breitenbach: Okay. So you did not read the FISA, but you wouldve been familiar then with at least part of the FISA with regard to the legal predication for probable cause in the FISA in order to be able to sign it? Ms. Anderson: I would be familiar based on the cover note, yes. Mr. Breitenbach: On the cover note. Okay. So  Ms. Anderson: In the case of the Carter Page FISA, I was generally familiar with the facts of the application  Mr. Breitenbach: Okay. Ms. Anderson:  before I signed that cover note.

Anderson claimed that in the case of the Page FISA, her approval was more administrative in nature because all necessary approvals, including up through and including the leadership of the FBI and the leadership of the Department had been obtained by the time the Page FISA came to her desk for sign-off.

The Page FISA application relied heavily on allegations made in the so-called Steele dossier paid for by Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

At the time of the FISA application, none of these allegations had been verified or validated by the FBI when they were presented to the FISA court in support of probable cause, and the Steele dossier remains unverified to this day.

Former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser Carter Page at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on April 16, 2018. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The dossier extensively cited a Sept. 23, 2016, Yahoo News article by Michael Isikoff, which focused on Pages July 2016 trip to Moscow. This information, which was used by the FBI to corroborate the dossier, was provided to Isikoff by the author of the dossier, former MI6 agent Christopher Steele.

The House Intelligence Committee noted that Deputy FBI Director McCabe testified before the Committee in December 2017 that no surveillance warrant would have been sought from the FISC without the Steele dossier information. According to former FBI counterintelligence head Bill Priestap, corroboration of the Steele dossier was in its infancy at the time of the initial Page FISA application.

Anderson admitted that the Page FISA process was handled outside of normal procedures, receiving early approvals from leadership officials at both the FBI and DOJincluding Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe and Deputy Attorney General Sally Yatesprior to the document reaching her desk:

Ms. Anderson: In this particular case, Im drawing a distinction because my boss and my boss boss had already reviewed and approved this application. And, in fact, the Deputy Attorney General, who had the authority to sign the application, to be the substantive approver on the FISA application itself, had approved the application. And that typically would not have been the case before I did that. Before, I would usually sign the cover note on the FISA application. So this one was handled a little bit differently in that sense, in that it received very high-level review and approvals  informal, oral approvals  before it ever came to me for signature. And so, in this particular case, I wouldnt view it as my role to second-guess that substantive approval that had already been given by the Deputy Director and by the Deputy Attorney General in this particular instance.

Normally, the applications would be presented to Anderson for sign-off and then sent to the FBI director, before being sent to the DOJ for final approval by either the attorney general, deputy attorney general, or assistant attorney general for the National Security Division.

When asked to describe the attention the FISA application received from FBI and DOJ leadership, Anderson testified that the Deputy Director was involved in reviewing the FISA line by line. The Deputy Attorney General over on the DOJ side of the street was similarly involved, as I understood, reviewing the FISA application line by line.

Anderson later appeared to soften her characterization of McCabes level of review, noting that [t]he Deputy Director read it, as I understood.

Notably, during McCabes testimony before the House Judiciary and Oversight committees, with Anderson acting as his FBI attorney, McCabes review of the Page FISA was not addressed at any time.

In particular, Anderson singled out the involvement of her former boss, FBI General Counsel James Baker, in the Page FISA review process. Anderson described Baker as one of the Nations leading experts on FISAone of the best people you could possibly consult about what was contained within the FISA application.

Anderson, while defending her handling of the Page FISA signing, claimed that Baker had personally reviewed and made edits to the FISA.

However, according to Bakers Oct. 3, 2018, testimony, he had only read a small portion of the Page FISA and specifically did not review the underlying Woods Procedure file, which provided documentation for the accuracy of facts represented in the FISA application:

Rep. Meadows: And did you read the whole Carter Page FISA application? James Baker: I  my recollection is that I read the factual part of the initiation of the Carter Page FISA. I am not going to say I read 

Baker clarified that by factual part he meant that he had only read the probable cause section of the Page FISA. He also testified that he had asked Anderson to personally notify him when the Page FISA began moving through the system. Baker noted that he did not believe he reviewed the final document, stating the final would not necessarily have to come to me for approval.

Contrary to Andersons claim, Baker said that he was primarily relying on briefings from his staff, which presumably would have included Anderson in her role as head of the National Security and Cyberlaw Branchthe specific legal division within the FBI that was responsible for the Page FISA:

[W]hatever briefing I received from my folks about what was in the application, my assessment was that the information that we were providing was adequate and consistent, it was adequate to put the FISA court on notice of the important information that it needed to know, and we were doing so in way that was consistent with our practice with the FISA court that I have been involved with for 20 years.

During his testimony, Baker admitted that disclosures regarding the role of DOJ official Bruce Ohr and his wife, Nellie, had been unknown to him at the time of the Page FISA application. Ohr was passing on information from Steele, and Fusion GPS co-founder Glenn Simpson, to the FBI.

Baker also testified that this information, had he known of it at the time, would have been subject to further consideration for inclusion in the FISA application:

Rep. Ratcliffe: But you agree with me, generally speaking, that if the number four person at the Department of Justice and his wife both play roles with respect to the creation of a piece of evidence, that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court should have been apprised of that fact. James Baker: If they played a role in the creation of it, and thats how it came to the Bureau, then that seems like something that at least  again, I would like to know more details about it, but it seems like something that should have been evaluated about whether it should go into the FISA application or not. I would have  what you say concerns me and I would like to know more about it.

Questions Over FISA Process

The issuance of a FISA warrant, which allows for the surveillance of American citizens, has been sold to the public as being subject to a thorough and rigorous process that entails a detailed vetting of the application at multiple levels within the FBI and DOJ. But Anderson provided some startling insights into the actual approval process.

Judging from Andersons testimony, it appears that most of the work, including detailed reviews, are primarily done at lower levels within the FBI. By the time a FISA application makes its way to Anderson, her description of involvement at the SES level invokes something more closely resembling bureaucratic approval than intensive review:

[T]he review by an SESer within FBI OGC, it happens on a very short timeframe. In other words, those SESers often will get a stack of FISAs that are  it could be 10, could be 15, could be 5  you know, perhaps, the morning theyre obligated to go to the Director or the night before.

As Anderson herself noted, Theres not a lot of opportunity for substantive review.

The FISA process does not appear to be any more rigorous at the leadership levels of the FBI. Anderson claimed that the FBI Director might on any particular day receive a stack of as many as 15, 17, 20 FISAs. And the allotted time for the directors review of the applications seems surprisingly short:

[Theyre] very thick. Its not unusual for the Director to receive a stack this tall. Im indicating about a foot and a half between my hands here, for the benefit of the reporter. And so that, obviously, is not commensurate with the 20 minutes the Director has in his schedule for review and approval of the FISAs.

And so he does rely heavily on the process, on the rigor of the process, both on the FBI side and on the DOJ side, as well as on the cover note that is generated by a DOJ lawyer who has read and been involved in the drafting of that FISA application. And so, yes, the Director or Deputy Director, if he signs the FISA, you know, relies on others.

The amount of time spent reviewing and signing off on FISA applications at the leadership level appeared to surprise the House majority investigative counsel involved in Andersons interview:

Mr. Baker: And you said just a minute ago  I thought you said that the Director has 20 minutes set aside to review all the FISAs? Ms. Anderson: Approximately, yes. Mr. Baker: Thats a real number? Ms. Anderson: Its not set in stone, and so we do have a process in place by which the Deputy Director or Director often will get a heads-up about the number  theres an email that goes out every evening that indicates the number of FISAs that are ready for the Directors signature by the next morning.

Despite the fact that Anderson did not read the final FISA application she signed off on, Anderson repeatedly noted the particular importance of the Page FISA and claimed that it received an extraordinary level of scrutiny and preparation:

We understood, because of who Carter Page was, that people would second-guess the appropriateness of submitting the FISA application, and so we were taking extra care with the application itself.

Anderson claimed not to recall if she signed any of the three subsequent renewals of the Page FISA. But she did, toward the very end of her testimonyafter denying multiple times that she had read itsuddenly recall that she had read the FISA at an undisclosed earlier point in the process.

Anderson had testified, however, that her only knowledge of the legal predicate for probable cause came from the DOJ cover letter that was attached to the final version that she signed, not from the actual FISA itself.

Political Bias?

Anderson was asked if she had observed any improper considerations, including political bias that might have affected or impacted the Page FISA process. To this question, she immediately responded that she had not.

Anderson was then asked if she had observed any improprieties in that process that would have required subsequent disclosures to the FISA court about content that the FBI had omitted.

At this point, Anderson halted her testimony and the FBI counsel interjected.

Upon resumption, Anderson testified that she had been advised by the FBI lawyers that I cant answer that question in an unclassified setting. The topic of additional or supplemental information provided to the FISA court would be returned to once more during Andersons testimony:

Mr. Baker: Do you know if any additional information, either supplemental or for clarification, was provided to the court for any of the FISAs in the Russia case? Ms. Anderson: This question raises the same classification issue that was raised by the question a few moments ago by the minority staff. And so, based on my consultation with the FBI lawyers, Im not able to answer that question in this unclassified setting. Mr. Baker: Okay.

Anderson did testify that in the Page FISA process, she was not aware of any attempts by the DOJ or FBI to intentionally mislead the FISA court.

Jeff Carlson is a regular contributor to The Epoch Times. He also runs the website TheMarketsWork.com and can be followed on Twitter @themarketswork.
Senate Intel Committee Chair Says There Is No Evidence of TrumpRussia Collusion

After questioning more than 200 witnesses and reviewing more than 300,000 documents over the course of two years, investigators working for the Senate Intelligence Committee have found no evidence to support the allegation that the 2016 Trump presidential campaign colluded with Russia, according to the committees chairman, Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.).

If we write a report based upon the facts that we have, then we dont have anything that would suggest there was collusion by the Trump campaign and Russia, Burr said.

Burr made the remarks in an exclusive interview with CBS News published on Feb. 7. The senator shared the same conclusion with Fox News in September 2018, noting at the time that more facts may come to light.

The House Intelligence Committee came to the same conclusion in March last year, and found no evidence that any member of the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. The committee instead discovered that the Clinton campaign paid a former foreign spy to compile a dossier of opposition research on then-candidate Donald Trump. The FBI then used the dossier, without due verification, to surveil a former member of the Trump campaign.

Burrs committee unsuccessfully attempted to interview former British spy Christopher Steele.

Weve made multiple attempts, Burr said.

In contrast to the House committee led by Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), Burrs committee operated in a bipartisan fashion and only took steps that both sides agreed on. Burrs committee also did not draw the kind of intense public attention associated with the work of the House intelligence committee.

When you dont do something in public, you dont become the target of criticism or praise. And thats fine with me, Burr said.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is also investigating allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Similar to the House and Senate committees, Mueller has not charged anyone for colluding with Russia.

According to CBS, Burr has often been concerned that his committees findings may conflict with that of the special counsel. He said he is not waiting for Muellers report before releasing his own.

If I can finish tomorrow, I would finish tomorrow, he said. We know were getting to the bottom of the barrel because there are not new questions that were searching for answers to.

Burr said the conclusions of his committees investigation wont satisfy Trumps ardent critics or supporters.

I have no belief that at the end of our process, people that love Donald Trump are going to applaud what we do. And I have no belief that people that hate Donald Trump are going to reverse and say, Well, you know, this clears him. They are solidly in one camp or the other.

Im speaking to what I hope is the 60 percent in the middle that are saying, Give me the facts that I need to make a determination in this one particular instancewhat happened. And thats what our focus is, he said.

Burr concluded by cautioning the media and the American people about false reporting.

My only advice to you is, be careful. There are a lot of false narratives out there, he said.
Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies on the first day of his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 15, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Senate Judiciary Committee Approves William Barr, Trumps Attorney General Nominee

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved President Donald Trumps pick for attorney general, William Barr, on Feb. 7. His nomination now heads to the full Senate, where Barr is expected to be confirmed.

Barrs nomination was passed along party lines, where 12 Republican senators voted for the nomination and 10 Democrats voted against it. Republicans praised Barr as well qualified, while Democrats had largely opposed his nomination, saying that they were concerned he would not fully release the findings of special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation.

If Barr, 68, gets confirmed, he would replace Jeff Sessions, who resigned at Trumps request a day after the November midterm elections. The office is being held in the interim by the former chief of staff under Sessions, Matthew Whitaker. Barr would inherit a department that under Sessions leadership sought to implement Trumps tough stance on illegal immigration and operations against human trafficking, drug trafficking, and transnational gangs, particularly MS-13.

He would also oversee the special counsel investigation into allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to sway the 2016 election. Recently, there have been signs that the investigation is nearing its end after a year and a half and a slew of indictments, none of which have substantiated the allegations.

Barr was first recruited by late President George H. W. Bush to join the Justice Department in 1989. He then served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993, where he provided legal reasoning used by the administration to justify the invasion of Panama and the arrest of Manuel Antonio Noriega, The Washington Post reported in 1991. He also wrote an opinion [piece] that states the administration has the power to arrest terrorists overseas, even in violation of international law.

Before that, he served as deputy attorney general in the Justice Department, and in the CIA while attending law school. Toward the end of his time at the agency, he occasionally helped write [a] testimony for the [CIA] director, who, at the time, was Bush, the paper said.

After leaving the Bush administration, Barr returned to private practice.

He sat on the board at Dominion Energy, a $52 billion power and energy company headquartered in Richmond, Va, since 2009. He also sat on the board at Time Warner between 2009 and 2018.

And since 2017, he has also been on the External Advisory Board to the CIA director. He has also been on Trumps Intelligence Advisory Board (pdf) since 2018.

On Dec. 7, President Trump said he would nominate Barr to return to lead the Justice Department.

He was my first choice from day one, Trump said at the time.

Trump said he hoped for a quick confirmation of Barr by the Senate, calling the man one of the most respected jurists in the country and a terrific man.

Barrs Views on the Mueller Probe

During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 15, Barr addressed how some of his positions were portrayed in the media, particularly regarding the Mueller probe.

He said he took issue with the probe on only two points: Mueller should have had a greater balance of political leanings on his team (most of the team donated to Democrats), and the Mueller team was incorrect in considering a potential obstruction of justice case against Trump.

Mueller was appointed in 2017 by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to take over an FBI probe of Russian interference into the 2016 elections, as well as allegations that Trumps presidential election campaign had colluded with the interference. But so far no evidence of collusion has emerged.

Barr said based on public information, he was under the impression that Mueller was planning to raise the claim that Trump obstructed justice by firing then-FBI Director James Comey in 2017 and by telling Comey he hoped Comey could let  go of further inquiries into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. Trump denied making such a comment.

Barr argued the obstruction statute did not pertain to Trumps actions and warned about serious adverse consequences of stretching the statue beyond what was intended.

Aside from that Barr said it is vital Mueller is free to finish his work.

I think we have to get to the bottom of it, he said, referring to the Russian meddling.

I believe it is in the best interest of everyone, the President, Congress, and most importantly, the American people, that this matter be resolved by allowing the Special Counsel to complete his work, Barr said during the confirmation.

I can assure that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and I will let no personal, political, or other improper interests influence my decision, he added.

He said he has known Mueller for 30 years and trusts him to conduct the investigation properly and fairly to the president.

Barr committed to releasing as much of the expected Mueller report as laws and regulations allow and promised Trump will not rewrite the report.

Epoch Times Petr Svab and Reuters contributed to this report.
San Francisco Gas Explosion Shoots Fire That Burns Buildings

A gas explosion in a San Francisco neighborhood shot flames into the air for hours on Feb. 6 and burned five buildings, sending panicked residents and workers fleeing into the streets.

It took utility crews more than two hours to put out the fire after private construction workers cut a natural gas line, igniting the towering flames, Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said. Authorities initially said five workers were missing, but the entire construction crew was found safe, and no other injuries were reported.

Officials evacuated several nearby buildings, including a medical clinic and apartment buildings, Hayes-White said. Vehicles on a busy street got rerouted as authorities cordoned off the bustling retail and residential neighborhood.

The fire damaged a building housing Hong Kong Lounge II, a popular dim sum restaurant frequented by tourists and students at the University of San Francisco that made many best of lists.

Caroline Gasparini, 24, who lives catty-corner from where the fire ignited, said she and her housemate were in their living room when the windows started rattling. She looked up to see flames reflected in the glass.

We went into crisis mode, Gasparini said. We grabbed our shoes, grabbed our laptops and grabbed our passports and just left.

Gasparini said they saw employees of the burning restaurant run out the back door and people fleeing down the block.

Nick Jalali, 28, was cooking at home when the electricity cut out.

We didnt hear anything, he said. We just felt the shaking, and the next thing we knew, people were banging on the door to tell people its time to start evacuating.

Firefighters worked to keep the fire from spreading while Pacific Gas & Electric crews tried to shut off the natural gas line.

PG&E spokeswoman Melissa Subbotin said state excavation rules required crews to dig by hand around other pipelines before they were eventually able to squeeze a 4-inch (10-centimeter) plastic line.

She said that because the fire was contained to a limited area, the utility had to weigh the threat from the fire with the risk of more drastic action.

Had we turned the gas off to a transmission system, we would have shut off gas to nearly the entire city of San Francisco, she said. The objective of this was to turn the gas off safely and as quickly as possible.

In an earthquake, Subbotin said PG&E would shut off a transmission line. The company stressed that the workers who cut the gas line are not affiliated with the nations largest utility.

The fire began around 1:20 p.m., apparently by crews working on fiber-optic wires, Hayes-White said.

Joseph Feusi lives four blocks away and said he was awoken by what sounded like a jet engine. Feusi, who works nights and sleeps in the afternoon, said he could see the towering flames from his home.

I think the eight guys are really lucky they didnt get blown to bits, he said.

PG&E is under heightened scrutiny over its natural gas pipelines after one exploded under a neighborhood south of San Francisco in 2010, killing eight people and wiping out a neighborhood in suburban San Bruno.

A U.S. judge PG&E $3 million for a conviction on six felony charges of failing to properly maintain the pipeline, and the utility remains under a federal judges watch in that case.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen standing by a section of the Berlin Wall at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, U.S. on Aug. 13, 2018. (Ringo Chiu/Reuters)

Republican US Senators Want Taiwan President to Address Congress

WASHINGTONAmid tensions between the United States and China, a group of Republican U.S. senators asked House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to invite Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen to address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, an invitation that would anger Beijing if it were extended.

The senators, including Cory Gardner, Marco Rubio, Tom Cotton, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, released their letter to Pelosi on Feb. 7, ahead of a March 1 deadline for Washington and Beijing to reach a trade deal.

Relations between China and Washington have been tense in recent months. Many U.S. lawmakers have been critical of Chinese business practices and accused its government of espionage and human rights abuses.

The two countries have taken a 90-day hiatus in their trade war to hammer out a deal, and another round of talks is scheduled next week in China.

A spokesman for the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in the Taipei Times that there is no plan for the president to visit Washington and deliver a speech at the U.S. Congress.

Aides to Pelosi, a Democrat, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

By Patricia Zengerle
Supporters of Lebanon's Shiite movement Hezbollah wave national, Iranian as well as the movement's yellow flag during celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the Iranian revolution in the capital Beirut's southern suburbs on February 6, 2019. ANWAR AMRO/AFP/Getty Images

Radical Irans 40th Year: The Legacy of the Left

Why the apparent fatal attraction between Democrats and radical Islam?

Commentary

Democrats seem to have an enduring fancy for despotic, radical Islam. The more radical and anti-American the regime, the more they wish to support it. Of course, the poster child of leftist love for all things radical Islam is Iran.

Not that youd know it from the mainstream media, but last week marked the 40th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution. This utterly tragic foreign policy blunder turned a crucial Middle Eastern ally and dominant regional power into a nation determined to make war against Israel (the Little Satan) and the United States (the Great Satan).

That event was brought to the world by none other than former President Jimmy Carter. He decided that it somehow would be better to abandon the Shah of Iran in favor of the radical Islamic Ayatollah Khomeini, who had just returned from exile in Francein short, exchanging a pro-American despotic regime for a virulently anti-American despotic regime that also exports terrorism.

Shortly thereafter, radicalized students took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Fifty-two Americans were held hostage for the remaining 444 days of Carters failed presidency. Weve been living with the consequences of such monumental stupidity ever since.

American power and credibility in the Middle East were severely damaged by Carters policy toward Iran that took decades to repair. Even with the U.S.-brokered Camp David Accord between Egypt and Israel, Americans were viewed as weak and vulnerable by the Iranian regime. Iran wouldnt wait long to act under that perception.

The 1983 bombing in Lebanon that killed 241 U.S. Marines and 58 French citizens was carried out by Hezbollah with direct help from Iran. Critical guidance in the attack came from a man named Hossein Dehghan, a commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and who would later become the Iranian defense minister. Scores of American deaths were the direct result of Carters Iran policy.

Unfortunately, since the 1980s, Irans radical influence and terror attacks have metastasized well beyond the Middle East to Europe, Latin America, and even in the United States. Thats why, in 1984, the U.S. government designated Iran as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The radical Islamic dictatorship is responsible for more American deaths than any other terrorist groupbarring al-Qaidaand has been waging proxy wars against Israel for decades. It channels hundreds of millions of dollars to Islamic terror groups such as Gaza-based Hamas, Hezbollah, of course, and other lesser-known groups.

Obamas Love for Radical Islam

Fast forward to 2009. One of former President Barack Obamas first acts was his refusal to support Irans Green Movement that was exploding in major cities. University students were demonstrating against the fraudulent election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the theocratic oppression of the country by the radical mullahs.

But Obama didnt support those seeking to throw off the dictatorship. Prior to the election, hed written a letter to the Iranian leadership seeking improved relations.

Then, in 2011, Obama withdrew U.S. support from Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak, an ally since the assassination of Anwar Sadat by the Muslim Brotherhood. Obama threw U.S. support behind Mohamed Morsi, a former leader in the radical Muslim Brotherhood.

Does any of this sound tragically familiar?

Morsi ran an Islamic dictatorship in Egypt until Egyptians, despite Obamas support, threw him out in 2013.

Then, in 2016, over the objections of his own justice department, Obama violated our own sanctions prohibiting currency transactions with Iran by paying $1.7 billion in ransom money to the radical mullahs in Tehran; $400 million of it was in cash on pallets in an unmarked plane.

Why cash? Why in an unmarked plane if everything was on the up and up?

Despite his insistence that he didnt break the law or pay ransom, the money arrived on the same day the mullahs released four American hostages. This violated the American policy of not paying ransoms to hostage takers to prevent a repeat of the same. Predictably, Iran has taken more Americans hostage since the ransom was paid.

But Obamas love for the radical Iranian regime didnt stop there. He also gave the Iranians additional access to $5.7 billion, along with a path to a full nuclear arsenal within a decade.

Predictable Results

What has the radical Islamic regime done with the money Obama illegally handed over to them? Funded more terrorist attacks against Israel and the United States.

How did Iran act under Obamas much-touted nuclear agreement?

They cheated on it almost immediately. But really, it doesnt matter. Iran is determined to remain a terrorist state, destroy Israel, and become a nuclear powerand not necessarily in that order.

To this very day, it continues to sponsor terrorism, kill Americans and Israelis as well as other peoples around the world, and threaten to make a first strike against Israel and to wipe Israel off the map.

When you cut out all the rhetoric, the 40th anniversary of all of this terror, death, and destruction is owned by two American presidents: Carter and Obama. Without their love and support of radical Islam, the Middle Eastand the rest of the world, no doubtwould be a much different and better place.

Radical Islams escalating war on the rest of the world and the United States and Israel, in particular, is a major legacy of the left.

Curiously, no one asks them one, simple question: Why?

James Gorrie is a writer based in Texas. He is the author of The China Crisis.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: U.S. President Donald J. Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives January 30, 2018 in Washington, DC. This is the first State of the Union address given by U.S. President Donald Trump and his second joint-session address to Congress. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

NY Q&A: New Yorkers on State of the Union Address

President Donald Trump gave his second State of the Union address on the evening of Feb. 5 to Congress and the nation.

Trumps 82-minute speech centered on imploring listeners to choose greatness for America over partisanship. He notably took a strong stance against socialism, saying we renew our resolve that America will never be a socialist countrya statement that was met with applause from Republicans, and some Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

The Epoch Times took to the streets of New York to ask people about their thoughts.

Dianne-Britt Ellis, 67, retired

It was nice. I liked the way they respected his wife last night, because they should. I had a lot on my mind, though. My son never got paid after having to go back to work.

I blame Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. I was hoping that Nancy and Chuck would think about what they are doing. If they want to call him an idiot, then what are they?

A lot of things have happened over the year and theyre trying to blame [President Donald Trump], where he has nothing to do with them. If I can blame anyone, I would blame Bernie [Sanders] and Hillary [Clinton].

Hes the president of the United States. He deserves respect and help. Theyre not making it easy for him, theyre making it harder for everyone else.

They claim theyre patriotic, but a true patriot does whats best for the country and theyre not doing whats best for the country. If they were, then they would assist him.

I dont believe theres [any] collusion [between Trump and Russia]. It cant take that long to find evidence. I think he was just taken advantage of, but hes the president now and we need to get down to business as usual.

I tell my son, Dont be fooled by what people say. Hes an ordinary man, he won the elections of the United States of America, hes the president, and any patriot would respect that and defend the country.

There are real people that want to put something into this system, but theres nothing to get out. From what Ive heard, this president actually seems to be doing it, but they wont leave him alone and they wont help him because theyre not true patriots.

Cancer, AIDS and homelessness are big business in this country and there is a lot of corruptionmaybe with this gentleman, there will be a change.

Gridlock Thursday! thats all thats going to happen when those Democrats get there. Theres so much that can be changed here, and theyre not looking at those problems.

Ive been a Democrat since I was registered and Ive crossed the lines and voted Republican many times.

I didnt vote for Mr. Trump for president last time, but I might be voting for him next time.

Guilherme Henrique, 32 researcher and scientist at NYU

It was a good speech, very well articulated. But I think he exaggerates a little bit when he talks about various issues.

Mike M, 30, health care

He did better than I thought he was going to do, to be honest. I love his mannerisms.

I read a little about it beforehand, so there are some key points that he definitely hit on that Im in agreement withthe childhood cancer. I wasnt expecting that in the address. Maybe that was an initiative of [First Lady] Melanias. It was decent.

He spoke about tackling pharmaceutical drug prices, which Im a huge fan of. Weve got to be able to lower the costs immediately.

Vladimir Lukyanov-Cherny, 56, architect

I liked it very muchit was exactly what I was expecting.

I came from the former Soviet Union, so I liked the part where he said were never going to be a socialist country, because I know what its like to live in a country like that. I dont want this country to go in that directionits very important for me to hear our president say this.

Sergey Krik, 55, IT

Hes great! Hes my president! I feel so ashamed about the Democrats.

Robert Morgan, 24, political director (R)

I thought the president gave a good speech, in the sense that he had a more unifying tone than he has in the past. Hes still sticking with the hard line on certain things. I think he did have a few touching moments with respect to the World War II veterans that he introduced and the young girl who had a battle with cancer.

You saw him make much more of an effort to strike tones that everybody agreed with, than he has in the past, in respect to recognizing the anniversary of the womans suffrage movement and commemorating the fact we have record low unemployment rates with minority groups. I dont know if the fundamental dynamic will shift, but I think youll see him get a few points of an increase in the approval rating. I think some moderate people will be a little more willing to listen to him than they have been.

Hopefully, therell be a little bit more compromising in Washington than there has been in the past few months.

Cassandra Cheraquit, 41, nurse

Hes just Donald Trump.

There were some things that he said, about there being a record amount of women in Congress. I liked that part, I found it unifying.

On the whole, it was OK. I didnt watch all of it though.

All interviews edited for clarity and brevity
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) vehicles make their way on a dirt road on Jan. 28, 2019, in the town of Sousa, in Syria's eastern province of Deir Ezzor. (DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP/Getty Images)

North Carolina Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Supporting ISIS

A North Carolina man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to the ISIS terrorist group.

Erick Jamal Hendricks, 38, was convicted via jury trial in November, in Akron, Ohio. His prison sentence was announced Feb. 4 by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio.

This defendant posed a very real threat to the safety of our community and nation, said Herdman.

In many ways, the case is symbolic of the ongoing terror threat as outlined by FBI Director Christopher Wray in October.

Speaking before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Wray warned that homegrown violent extremists, or HVEs, are the greatest terrorism threat to the homeland.

These individuals are global jihad-inspired individuals who are in the U.S., have been radicalized primarily in the U.S., and are not receiving individualized direction from foreign terrorist organizations. We, along with our law enforcement partners, face significant challenges in identifying and disrupting HVEs, Wray said.

A leading factor in homegrown radicalization is the worldwide proliferation of the internet and social media, which have changed the nature of the post-9/11 terror threat.

Due to online recruitment and indoctrination, foreign terrorist organizations are no longer dependent on finding ways to get terrorist operatives into the United States to recruit and carry out acts of terrorism, Wray said.

According to court documents, Hendricks is a U.S. citizen who became radicalized online and attempted to recruit and train others to commit jihad, all while living in the United States.

Hendricks admitted his goal was to create a sleeper cell that would be trained and housed at a secure location, and conduct attacks on vulnerable Americans. He claimed to have 10 recruits when arrested.

Hendricks planned to target members of the U.S. military whose information had been released online by ISIS, and an activist named Pamela Geller.

Geller, who is culturally liberal, is an abrasive critic of Sharia law. She organized a Draw the Prophet cartoon contest in Garland, Texas, in 2015, creating the controversial free-speech event after a Danish newspaper cartoon sparked widespread protests and violent riots across Europe and the Middle East in 2005.

On April 23, 2015, Hendricks used social media to contact an associate named Elton Simpson. Ten days later, Simpson and a second individual, Nadir Hamid Soofi, launched an ISIS-inspired attack on Gellers cartoon event.

Simpson and Soofi, both U.S. citizens, arrived at the Curtis Culwell Center, the contests venue, and opened fire. The attackers were killed in a shootout with police, but not before wounding an unarmed security guard.

According to court documents, Hendricks also had been unwittingly communicating via social media with an undercover FBI employee who was supposed to film the attack as it happened so it could be posted on social media. If you see that pig [Geller] make your voice heard against her, he said.

Hendricks also asked the undercover agent a series of questions: How big is the gathering? How many ppl? How many police/agents? Do you see feds there? Do you see snipers? How many media?

ISIS went on to claim responsibility for the Garland plot, which was the first time the terror group took credit for an attack on U.S. soil.

Separately, Hendricks was connected to another man, Amir Al-Ghazi, who was arrested in Ohio in June 2015, after attempting to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition a month after the Garland shooting.

Al-Ghazi had pledged allegiance to ISIS on social media and made statements expressing interest in conducting attacks inside the country, records show.

Hendricks had connected with Al-Ghazi over social media to recruit him in the spring of 2015, with Hendricks allegedly telling him that he needed people and that there were several brothers in Texas and Mexico.

Their plan was to train together, but first, Hendricks tested Al-Ghazi on his religious commitment to jihad, his willingness to die as a martyr, and his desire to enter jannah, or paradise.

Al-Ghazi is now serving 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempting to provide material support for ISIS, and for being a felon in possession of firearms.

Erick Jamal Hendricks represents the significant online ISIS threat that we face daily, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith on Feb. 4.

According to the FBI, the internet and social media have allowed international and domestic terrorists to gain unprecedented, virtual access to people living in the United States.

ISIS, more so than any other foreign terror group, encourages sympathizers to carry out simple attacks against so-called soft targets, or unprotected people and places, and to travel to ISIS-held territory in Iraq and Syria.

The Epoch Times contacted the FBI for current information about the scope of the issue, but didnt immediately receive a response. However, Wray told NBC News in March 2018, that the agency had more than 3,000 open terrorism investigations.

The FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force is a major aspect of the agencys counterterror and national security activities. Its comprised of members of the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and members of local law enforcement.

In January, the JTTF made 15 major announcements, with seven of them involving domestic terrorism linked to ISIS and Al Qaeda.

As recently as Jan. 30, an Ohio man named Damon M. Joseph, also known as Abdullah Ali Yusuf, was charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, in addition to attempting to commit a hate crime and possessing firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Joseph had planned to conduct a mass-casualty attack on a synagogue in Toledo, Ohio.

This man allegedly spent months planning a violent terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS here in the United States, and targeted a Jewish synagogue in the Toledo area specifically because of the faith of the people who worship there, Herdman said.

We will work to identify and arrest anyone who take steps to use violence to spread their ideology and to interfere with the free exercise of our essential rights, he said.
It became known that on November 26 the Prosecutor General's Office of Russia sent an official request for the extradition of Yaroslav Sumbaev, who was detained in Tbilisi.As a reminder, Yaroslav Sumbaev is the head of the hacker group , consisting of 29 people, earned 258 thousand dollars on fictitious refunds of tickets of Russian Railways and S7 airlines in 2013-2014. The case of hacker group was conducted by Evgenija Shishkina, the senior investigator of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who was shot on October 10.Georgian police detained Sumbaev on November 5, as a result of a special operation. He was accused of illegally acquiring firearms and using a fake passport.The Prosecutor General's Office of Russia guarantees that Sumbaev will be prosecuted only for those crimes for which his extradition is requested: the creation of a criminal community, theft committed by a group of persons.However, according to a secret source, the Russian hacker will be interrogated in the case of the murder of the investigator Shishkina. The lawyer of Sumbaev said that his client partially admitted the allegations of cybercrime, however, categorically denied any involvement in the murder of the investigator.The Prosecutor General's Office was unable to comment on Sumbayevs extradition request.It is interesting to note that the Ukrainian hacker Yuri Lysenko , accused of stealing more than a billion rubles (15.15 million $) from commercial Banks in Russia, was sentenced to 13 years in a maximum-security colony.
Speaking to a joint session of Congress in the House of Representatives, Trump said that "as part of a bold new diplomacy, we continue our historic push for peace on the Korean Peninsula."

"Much work remains to be done, but my relationship with Kim Jong-un is a good one. Chairman Kim and I will meet again on February 27 and 28 in Vietnam," he added.

US State Department said earlier on February 4 that Stephen Biegun, US special representative for DPRK-related issues, will travel to Pyongyang later on February 6 for meetings with his DPRK counterpart, Kim Hyok Chol, to lay the groundwork for the second

Trump-Kim summit and to "advance further progress on the commitments the President and Chairman Kim made in Singapore: complete denuclearization, transforming US-DPRK relations, and building a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula."

Trump met with Kim for the first time in Singapore in June, reaching several consensuses that have led to the improvement of the US-DPRK relations.

However, differences between the two sides remain over key issues including the scale of denuclearization, US sanctions on the DPRK and whether to issue a war-ending declaration.
File photo of a New York Police Department police car patrolling an area that had witnessed an explosion in the use of K2 or "Spice," a synthetic marijuana drug, in East Harlem, New York City, on Sept. 2, 2015. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

New York Police Unions Oppose Legalizing Recreational Marijuana

The New York state association of police unions has expressed its unanimous opposition to Gov. Andrew Cuomos plans to legalize recreational marijuana.

The groups president was cited by the New York Post as saying that plans to legalize pot in the state amounted to an irresponsible money grab.

We wanted to be on the record that we oppose it because its an act of total irresponsibility, Michael Palladino, the head of the New York State Association of PBAs, said on Feb. 6.

The Governor and lawmakers are trading public safety for a money grab to plug a budget deficit arising from mismanagement of taxpayer funds, Palladino said. Jeopardizing the publics safety is not something cops support.

The New York State Association of PBAsformerly known as Metropolitan Police Conferencetook the decision to voice its opposition to Cuomos proposal at the groups meeting in Albany on Tuesday, the Post reported.

Cuomos Push for Pot

Gov. Cuomo, who previously denounced recreational marijuana as a gateway drug, has reversed his position on the issue.

The New York governor, who clinched an electoral victory in November for a third term, laid out a sweeping plan on Jan. 15, that includes establishing congestion pricing in New York, adopting an environmental platform known as the Green New Deal, and legalizing recreational marijuana.

The pot legalization plan would allow marijuana for use by those over 21 and include some form of wiping clean the records of those convicted for possessing the drug. The concept would also tax marijuana, projected to generate around $300 million per year.

Counties and large cities could, however, choose to opt out.

Here it is: Gov. Cuomos plan to legalize recreational use of marijuana for adults. pic.twitter.com/2eRnLEGYnw  WXXI News (@WXXINews) January 15, 2019

The governor is operating with the first Democratic monopoly in the State Legislature in his eight years in office, facilitating legislative approval of Democrat-led initiatives.

High Anxiety

Former New York City Mayor Micheal Bloomberg has called legalization perhaps the stupidest thing weve ever done.

Last year, in 2017, 72,000 Americans ODd on drugs, he said, according to CNNs Donald Judd. In 2018, more people than that are ODing on drugs, have ODd on drugs, and today incidentally, we are trying to legalize another addictive narcotic, which is perhaps the stupidest thing weve ever done, he stated, presumably referring to marijuana. Weve got to fight that, Bloomberg added.

Attendees at a Nassau County hearing on Feb. 6 voiced their fears that legalization would threaten public safety, Newsday reported, and that easy access to the drug would drag down the communitys quality of life.

According to the Newsday report, speakers at the legislative chambers in Mineola opposed Gov. Cuomos plan and urged the county to opt out of retail sales.

James McDermott, president of the Nassau Police Benevolent Association, said, Lets use that opt-out clause if there is one, if its a viable option. Children will be able to access marijuana, just as they access cigarettes, if this law is passed.

Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said, Its a challenge for the law enforcement, a challenge that weve never seen in my 35 years in law enforcement.

I would opt out, Ryder said.

Concern Among Physicians

The effort to legalize weed is also seeing opposition from doctors.

There is not enough long-term evidence to demonstrate this is something that is safe and wont harm our communities, said Sarah Ravenhall, executive director of the state Association of County Health Officials, according to Newsday. There is a lot of short-term evidence and journal articles that suggest we should be concerned.

Physicians, the Medical Society of the State of New York stated, are very concerned that marijuana is an addictive drug that can have significant adverse public health impacts if it were to be legalized for nonmedicinal purposes.

Clinical psychologist Jonathan Stea told The Epoch Times that in his 10 years of treating patients with a marijuana use disorder, he has seen a substantial minority of people that are addicted to cannabis.

Although cannabis addiction doesnt have such severe symptoms as heroin, fentanyl, or cocaine, he said, it can nevertheless be very disruptive.

He also said pot addiction can be downplayed or overlooked in society.

I think there is confusion out there among some people with what addiction actually means and what it looks like and especially what cannabis addiction looks like versus, say, heroin addiction.

He said some of the addictive symptoms pot users can experience include cravings, a sense of loss of control, compulsive use, negative consequences, habitual behaviors, and functional impairment.

Stea said evidence of cannabis addiction can also be seen in withdrawal symptoms in those who quit, such as loss of appetite, disruption in sleeping patterns, irritability, depression, and anxiety. This dispels the myth that cannabis is only psychologically addictive, he said.
Nashville Man Tries Robbing Woman Before Her Husband Shoots Him

The husband of an attempted robbery victim in Nashville chased down the would-be thief and opened fire on the suspect, police said.

The suspect, 19-year-old Jordan Ponce, approached a 25-year-old woman walking home on the night of Feb. 4 at about 9:30 p.m., Metro Nashville Police said in a press release cited by Fox News. The incident took place at the Baker Station Apartments in South Nashville, according to local outlet WKRN.

Ponce allegedly ran up to the woman from behind and tried to steal her purse. But when she wouldnt let go, the suspect bashed her head against a building wall, according to the release, prompting her to scream.

The womans 29-year-old husband heard the screams and rushed out of the apartment to intervene.

Police spokesman Don Aaron was cited by the Tennessean as saying that the husband leaped over a railing and landed on top of the suspect, after which the two men struggled.

Ponce reportedly disengaged and fled running toward a parking lot, police said. The husband ran after him, and the two men reportedly got into a second fight. At one point Ponce hit the womans husband in the head and got up, according to the Tennessean.

The husband told the police that he was concerned about what Ponce might do then, so the husband pulled out a gun and opened fire.

One bullet struck Ponce in the abdomen.

Police said Ponce then fled the area in a silver Acura. He was later dropped off in the same vehicle at TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center, police said, adding that Ponce is understood to have suffered a serious injury.

The 25-year-old attempted robbery victim was treated at Summit Medical Center for cuts and bruises to her head, according to ScoopNashville.

Stolen Silver Acura

Police later discovered that the silver Acura that Ponce was dropped off in at the medical center had been stolen.

Fox reported that the police said the vehicle was stolen 90 minutes before the attempted robbery. Investigators reportedly located the car the following day.

A police representative told Fox News on Tuesday that Ponce remained in hospital and was being treated for wounds to his hands and stomach.

Ponce is expected to face charges, the department representative told Fox, adding that she was not aware of any expected charges against the husband who intervened and shot the suspect.

UPDATE: Warrants have been issued for 19-year-old Jordan Ponce, who is accused of attacking a woman in an attempted robbery in Antioch. He will be booked when he's released from the hospital. https://t.co/EKwJH96e2a  WSMV News4 Nashville (@WSMV) February 6, 2019

The outlet reported that Ponce has one previous charge dating back to 2017, for no drivers license. That charge was later dismissed.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol told WKRN that the individual who contacted the Metro police to call in the incident was an off-duty trooper.

Nashville Crime Rates

According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, which compiles yearly crime statistics, the Nashville area saw an increase from 2016 to 2017 (the most recent year of available data) in multiple categories of crime.

The Metro police explained that the statistics provided dont include all types of crime, explaining that these Part I crimes include eight selected crime classifications (murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson ) because they are the crimes most likely to be reported, they are most likely to occur with sufficient frequency to provide an adequate basis for comparison, and are serious crimes by nature.

The police noted that the above types of crime are the immediate focus of police activity.

The figures show that motor vehicle theft grew between 2016 and 2017 by 49.06 percent. This is the category that saw the most dramatic rise.

The second most substantial growth in crime rates in Nashville pertained to murder and nonnegligent homicide, which grew from 83 incidents in 2016 to 111 incidents in 2017. This represents a growth of 33.73 percent.

Aggravated assaults using firearms are up 25.6 percent, the category seeing the third-highest uptick.

Instances of aggravated assaults using Hands, Fists, etc.Aggravated injury, however, saw the most substantial fall in frequency, with figures showing a drop of 18.10 percent.
Missing NYC Mother Found Dead at New Jersey Home, Son and His Girlfriend Charged

A missing New York City mother was found dead in New Jersey, and her son and his girlfriend were charged with concealing her body, said police.

Paula Chin, 65, of Manhattan, was found at a home she owned on Bailey Hollow Road in Morristown, New Jersey, reported NBC New York.

Officials believe she was stabbed to death in her lower Manhattan apartment on Vestry Street after a fight over money. Her body was then driven across the Hudson River by her alleged killer, the NBC affiliate reported.

The woman's son and his girlfriend have been charged with concealing a corpse as police investigate how and why the woman may have been murdered.  NBC New York  201926

Jared Eng, 22, who lives at the Vestry street address where she lived, and his girlfriend, Caitlyn ORourke, 21, were charged with concealing her body. A third woman, Jennifer Lopez, 18, of Manhattan, was also charged, officials said.

None of the three have been charged with murder, officials said.

However, authorities told NBC that murder charges may be filed in connection with the womans death this week.

Missing New York City Mother Found Dead at New Jersey Home, Her Son Among Those Charged https://t.co/1Ck1C348mr  People (@people) February 7, 2019

Eng told reporters that [he] did not kill his mother when he was being led to a police station in handcuffs, according to the report. He said he loved his mother.

ORourke and Lopez didnt respond, NBC reported.

Officials said they believe Chin was stabbed in the throat during an argument over money. NYPD detectives are expected to carry out a search warrant of Chins apartment as well as a parked car nearby.

People who work on the block said Chin was the landlord at 17 Vestry.

I got nothing bad to say about her. I got nothing bad to say about her son, because I liked him, said Robert Jones, a neighbor who knew Chin and Eng.

Im in shock, said local woman Emma Greis. I cant believe that it would happen in an area like this.

Jared Eng, 22, his 21-year-old girlfriend and other woman were arrested in connection to concealing the body, police said.  New York Daily News  201926

The New York Daily News reported that Eng was remanded without bail, and ORourkes was held on $50,000 bail, and Lopezs was held on $100,000 bail.

The New York City medical examiner is now scheduled to perform an autopsy because prosecutors have strong evidence she was murdered there, a spokesperson for the medical examiners office told the Daily News.

ORourkes brother told the newspaper that he believed Eng was dating his sister, but he didnt know anything about the crimes.

This is the first Ive heard about this, the brother said. I havent even talked with my sister, shes at college.

According to their Facebook pages, Both ORourke and Eng go to SUNY New Paltz located in the Hudson Valley, New York.

#Developing: A 22-year-old man is under arrest for allegedly disposing of his mothers body. Her cause of death is under investigation. https://t.co/dH2q2QqPAA  CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) February 6, 2019

People who live on Bailey Hollow Road in New Jersey noticed police and other officials swarming their neighborhood.

We got a bit nervous yesterday, said local Mark Abbott, CBS New York reported. It was a very strange day here yesterday at about 6 a.m. All these emergency vehicles pulled in and they were here through the night.

What happened that made him do this? I really cant see him doing this, said Jones.
Mind Your Energy

Modern medicine struggles to understand the essential energy that animates the body

In Western culture, when you see your doctor for an annual physical, he or she will most likely chat with you for a few minutes to see if anything major is going on in your life, then proceed to check your heart, lungs, head, neck, and abdomen for visible abnormalities involving the skin, muscles, connective tissues, and internal organs.

They check for any skin conditions such as rashes, any mass that could indicate a tumor, and tender areas that may indicate internal abnormalities.

They might also run a urine analysis and other routine tests checking the biochemical status of your metabolism, hormones, organ functions, and blood cells, noting any differences from your last visit.

They are looking for problems that may require medication or further investigative procedures. If they find an abnormality that they arent equipped to handle, the doctor would refer you to a specialist who would examine the issue and prescribe either a pharmaceutical treatment or a surgical treatment. Either route would most likely target the removal of the abnormality and relief of the symptoms. Very little interest is put into finding the root cause of the condition or measures to prevent a recurrence.

When your visits and tests show nothing abnormal, you will be given a clean bill of health and asked to come back in a year. In this case, very little will be discussed about what you should be doing before your next visit so you can maintain your health. If you have symptoms but nothing is discovered by physical exam or medical investigation, you will be advised you are under stress, or worse, that its all in your head.

The reason that modern medicine is practiced this way is because of a lack of understanding of the bodys energy circulation. When people talk about their health, they focus on physical exercises, body weight, and nutrition. Very few people ever think or talk about their energy or know how to properly take care of their energy.

Every time I mention the word energy, I get an immediate reaction: Energy? What do you mean? Well, energy is what supports the bodys biochemical process and physiological functions. It is the bodys energy that provides us a body temperature, maintains a steady heartbeat, circulates the blood and breath, digests food, regulates movements of bowels, controls muscle contractions and the ability to move, and allows us to speak, think, and feel.

Without this energy in the body, we would be dead even if nothing was deemed physically abnormal. If your energy were obstructed or out of balance, you would suffer from all kinds of mental and physical dysfunctions.

By discussing the knowledge of energetic medicine exampled by ancient Chinese medicine, I really want to engage patients in a different way of communicating with their bodyand with their doctorsfor the sake of their overall health, well-being, and countenance.

But to subscribe to the theories of Chinese medicine effectively, you must embrace the idea that maintaining good health is not necessarily about catching problems in time. Its about actively cultivating good health so problems dont develop in the first place. Its also about being in touch with your body on a much deeper level than just noticing symptoms when they first appear.

While its encouraging to see that some Western doctors are moving away from the troubleshooting approach and administering far better preventative care, they are still a long way off from understanding the human condition as well as practitioners of Chinese medicine comprehend it. They consistently fail to check one of the most important determinants of how well we are functioning because it simply isnt within their philosophy, scope, or study. This determinant can be found in our energy level.

If you have ever engaged in energy-based therapies such as Qigong, meditation, or acupuncture, then you know how effective attending to your energy can be. Yet, despite the consistent good health of people who incorporate these therapies into their lives and the remarkable recoveries of people who have turned to them in crisis, there are still many skeptics out there, particularly in the modern medical community. They just cant imagine how such results are possible.

In some ways, their reactions are understandable because energy isnt something we can easily see. But what they must understand is that energy is just like the air we breathe. We live in it and it lives in us. If we condition ourselves properly, we can feel the difference when its quality and quantity changes.

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have been attuned to human energy and have successfully worked with it for centuries as a means of restoring and retaining good health. We call this energy qi (Pronounced chi).

In everyday living, and certainly in clinical practice, we encounter qi all the time. Whenever you hear people say things such as, Im so tired, or I feel nauseous, or Im so angry, or my hands and feet are always so cold, or Im having hot flashes and sweating a lot, what they are describing is the imbalance or disruption of the energy inside them. Qi is not unique to Chinese medicine; its the biological energy we obtain through breathing air and eating food. Our life started by obtaining qi and ends with the depletion of the qi.

In between, the qi has to flow smoothly and in the right direction along the channels that reach every part of the body, even where there are no arteries or nerves.

The challenge for modern medicine is that it has yet to visualize human energy the way Chinese medicine has. Modern medicine can only measure some of our energys activity through various high-tech scans, such as an electroencephalogram, while ancient Chinese medicine actually provides a detailed description and a complete map of our energetic anatomy, physiology, psychology, and pathophysiology.

We know exactly how our energies travel through the body, in the same way that we all know how blood flows through veins, arteries, and capillaries. We can track our energies movement through defined channels we call Jing Luo, often translated as meridians. We know which organs these energies connect with and what function they serve along with their route. We see this dimension of the human condition in addition to what modern medicine is capable of seeing.

By looking exclusively at the structural and biochemical aspects of health, modern medicine only sees a portion of your complete wellness picture. It can only identify health problems when your condition has worsened to the point where the problems are evident and can be measured by the naked eye or modern imaging technology.

By contrast, Chinese medicine teaches us that health issues dont just occur overnight. They begin within the deeper energetic levels of our body. Becoming attuned to your energy levels and learning to keep them in balance is how you avoid the development of disease and how you truly maintain good health inside and out.

For example, If you experience chest pain but your doctor says you are fine, you should look into a blocked energy flow to your heart. If you feel fatigued and sluggish but no abnormalities are found in your blood work, you should look into deficient qi in your spleen. If you want to know how you are doing energetically, you can do a self-assessment using the scales in my book: Facing East: Ancient Beauty & Health Secrets for Modern Age.
This undated photo provided by the Milwaukee Police Department shows Officer Matthew Rittner. The 17-year police veteran was shot and killed as he served a warrant in Milwaukee on Feb. 6, 2019. (Courtesy of Milwaukee Police Department via AP)

Milwaukee Officer Killed While Serving Warrant Has Been Identified, Suspect in Custody

A Milwaukee tactical officer died in the hospital on the morning of Feb. 6 after being shot while executing a search warrant.

Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales identified the fallen officer as Matthew Rittner, WISN reported.

This is a very, very, very difficult time for our city, for the Milwaukee Police Department, obviously for the family thats been affected, and we ask for your prayers at this time, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said, according to WISN. I am filled with sorrow over this needless loss. At the same time, I am filled with anger at the individual who took the life of this police officer.

Rittner, 35, was a member of the Milwaukee Police Departments Tactical Enforcement Unit, which was conducting a search warrant on someone wanted for illegally selling firearms and drugs, Sgt. Sheronda Grant said in a news release on Feb. 6.

The suspect fired several rounds after officers announced themselves as police. Rittner was struck by gunfire. Residents near the scene told Fox affiliate WITI they heard several gunshots ring out.

Rittner was rushed to Froedtert Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. He is survived by a wife and child.

This is the third time in eight months that Ive had to stand at a podium and talk about the loss of a life of a police officer, Barrett told reporters, WTHR reported. We need all residents of this community, all residents of this state, to be thankful and appreciative of every single law enforcement official in this state.

Assistant Police Chief Michael Brunson was cited by Fox News as saying that Ritter was well-loved by everyone on the department, adding that the loss was tragic and impactful for the Milwaukee Police Department.

Grant noted in the release that prior to the three officer deaths in the recent eight-month period, the Milwaukee Police Department had gone approximately 22 years without a line of duty death.

The suspected gunman, identified as a 26-year-old Milwaukee man named Jordan P. Fricke, was taken into custody without incident, the department said in a statement.

The members on scene utilized tremendous restraint during the suspects apprehension, which is a true testament to the character and professionalism of the men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department, Morales said.

Morales said Fricke was wanted for illegal sale of firearms and drugs.

Decorated 17-Year Veteran

Rittner, who has a record of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, began his career as a police aide in 2001. He was part of a team that helped free hostages on two separate occasions in one month in 2015.

He and his colleagues confronted a gunman who had tied a man and woman with electrical cords in a basement on Dec. 7, 2015. The gunman had threatened to kill the hostages when police rushed into the basement. The suspect was apprehended and the hostages werent harmed.

Then on Dec. 27, 2015, Rittner was part of a team that responded to a hostage situation where a man was holding a woman at gunpoint. The suspect surrendered but officers noticed smoke coming from the home and feared there was a fire. The officers went into the house and found the woman in the bathroom.

The officers received awards for bravery and courage in both cases.

Six months ago, Officer Michael Michalski was fatally shot while trying to arrest a convicted felon wanted on drug and domestic violence offenses. Last June, 23-year-old Officer Charles Irvine Jr. was killed in a squad car crash during the high-speed pursuit of a suspect. Irvine was the first Milwaukee officer killed in the line of duty since 1996.

I am filled with sorrow over this needless loss and at the same time I am filled with anger at the individual who took the life of this police officer, Barrett said. The mayor said the officer was doing his job and working to make our city safe when he was killed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Dakota Theriot, center, is escorted to the Ascension Parish Courthouse East in Gonzales, La., on Feb. 1, 2019. (Matthew Hinton/AP Photo)

Man Accused in Parents Slay Faces More Charges in 3 Deaths

LIVINGSTON, La.A grand jury in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, is set to consider formal charges against a man accused of killing his girlfriend, her family, and his parents before fleeing to Virginia.

The Advocate reports District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says hes seeking three counts of first-degree murder against 21-year-old Dakota Theriot in the deaths of Summer Ernest, her brother, and her father. The jury met on the morning of Feb. 7.

Authorities say Theriot fatally shot the Ernests and then killed his parents at their neighboring Ascension Parish home.

He was arrested the next day at his grandmothers home in Virginia. Fearing he would show up, she had checked into a hotel and asked authorities to check her home.

Authorities in Louisiana have said Theriot confessed to investigators who had traveled to Virginia, although they said his motives remain unclear.

Attorney Steve Barnette said He knows he could face the death penalty, Barnette added. I think hes resigned and understands his fate.

Man accused in parents slay faces more charges in 3 deaths https://t.co/FsxjdDGfdR  WAFB (@WAFB) February 7, 2019

Elliott Brown, a staff attorney at the Louisiana Capital Assistance Center, had also traveled to Virginia and met with Theriot. Brown did not speak during the hearing and declined to comment. His organization represents low-income defendants charged with capital crimes.

Authorities in Louisiana have said Theriot provided a lot of information to investigators about how the killings unfolded, but a motive remained elusive.

We dont really know what the motive is. We just know what he did, Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard said at a news conference Tuesday.

Ard said Theriot told investigators he used a gun he stole from his father to kill her. The other victims were identified as her father, Billy Ernest, 43; brother, Tanner Ernest, 17; and his parents, Keith Theriot and Elizabeth Theriot, both 50.

People who lived with Keith and Elizabeth Theriot said their son had struggled with drugs and had violent outbursts. His relationship with Summer Ernest also raised red flags with her family and friends.

Theriot already is charged with offenses including first-degree murder in his parents deaths in Ascension Parish.
Iowa Woman Found Guilty of Killing Infant Found Dead in Swing

Warning: Article contains potentially disturbing details

A mother has been found guilty of killing her 4-month-old son whose body was found in an infant swing in Iowa in 2018.

Cheyanne Harris, 21, was found guilty on charges of first-degree murder and child endangerment resulting in death, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reported on Feb. 6.

The body of Sterling Koehn, the infant, was partially decomposing when he was discovered in a bedroom at his parents Alta Vista, Iowa, apartment. Deputies and paramedics found the boy when they were called to the home.

After four hours of deliberation, jurors found 21-year-old Cheyanne Harris guilty of first-degree murder and child endangerment causing death.  Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier  201926

An autopsy showed the boy died of malnutrition, dehydration, and an E. coli infection, according to KCCI.

The boys father, Zachary Koehn, was also convicted Nov. 6, 2018, of first-degree murder and child endangerment.

Officials said that the baby had been in his swing between nine and 14 days in the same diaper, according to Des Moines Register.

Sterling Koehn was found dead on a mechanical swing, weighing less than seven pounds, in an apartment. Feces in his diaper ate through his skin.  The Des Moines Register  201926

She did make the statement to me that at the time, as she looks back, that she thought that Sterling was the reason her family was messed up, said psychiatrist Dr. James Dennert about Harriss mental state, according to the Sioux City Journal. She told me now she looks back on that and she realizes that was illogical.

The state medical examiner also found the boys death was a homicide, saying that his cause of death was listed as failure to provide critical care, the Des Moines Register reported, which added that a deputy said the case goes far beyond neglect.

Assistant Iowa Attorney General Coleman McAllister told jurors on Oct. 30 that the baby died of diaper rash and included other grim details, reported The Associated Press.

The prosecutor then said the diaper rash led to broken skin, leading to an E. coli infection, contributing to the childs death.

He died of diaper rash. Thats right, diaper rash, McAllister said.

A report from the local coroners office said the boy died of dehydration, malnutrition, and the infection.

Koehns attorney said the babys death was tragic, but it was not a crime. He stated that while Koehn was a drug user, he had a 2-year-old daughter and also denied the prosecutors claims.

Toni Friedrich, an EMT nurse, said she was the first to arrive on the scene of the parents apartment in Alta Vista, Iowa.

The babys eyes were open, and it was a blank stare, Friedrich said of the boy. She said Koehn showed no emotion when he led her to the room where the baby had died.

Brandy Harris, a grandmother of the child, told KCRG that she said the 4-month-old was small but in good health.

He was a relatively happy baby, she said, KCRG reported.

Zachary Koehn, 29, was sentenced Dec. 4 in Chickasaw County District Court.

Abuse Cases

According to a report published by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (pdf), approximately 3.5 million children nationwide in 2016 were the subjects of at least one maltreatment reports to authorities. Child abuse is one of the nations most serious concerns, the authors of the report wrote in the introduction.

About 17 percent of those reports were substantiated; the department said that there were an estimated 676,000 victims of child abuse and neglect, or 9.1 victims per 1,000 children.

Children in their first year of life had the highest rate of victimization at 24.8 per 1,000 children of the same age in the national population.

About three-quarters of the cases were neglect while about 18 percent were physical abuse. Some children suffered from multiple forms of maltreatment. Of the perpetrators of the abuse, more than four-fifths were between the ages of 18 and 44 and more than one-half were women.
A human foot found on New Year's Day has been identified as belong to Antonio Neill who has been missing since 2016. (Snohomish County Sheriff's Office)

Human Foot Inside Boot Found Washed Up on Island Belongs to Missing Man

A human foot found washed up on an island in Washington belonged to a man that had been reported missing since 2016, police said in a statement.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner identified the foot that was inside a boot as belonging to Antonio Neill, who is now presumed dead. Neill was 22 years old at the time of his disappearance.

The foot, which appeared to have been in the water for a long time before washing up on shore, was discovered on New Years day by beachgoers who were walking along Jetty Island, reported KOMO News. The island is located 30 miles north of Seattle.

Neill was reported missing on Dec. 12, 2016. At the time he was described as homeless, with a history of depression. His 2000 Volkswagen Jetta was found a short time after he disappeared, according to the news station.

The examiner office said they have yet to determine the cause and manner of death. Neills mother, Jenny Neill, said she suspects foul play.

I think he was murdered and disposed of, she told KOMO News.

She told Q13 Fox that she needs the public help to bring justice to her son.

Antonio does not deserve to have no answers and neither does his family, she told the news station.

Detectives are still investigating the case and are conducting searches of the area where the remains were found.

Since 2007, at least 14 human feet have been found washed up on beaches in western Canada. Most of these remains are found inside boots or sneakers. Authorities do not believe foul play is involved in any of the cases or that the cases are linked. They believe the deaths are due to suicides or drownings, reported Radio Canada International.

Why do human feet keep washing ashore in the Pacific Northwest?  This article unravels the mystery.https://t.co/aG5oHxK2VG pic.twitter.com/wj1A5ah5uH  humanOS.me (@humanOS_me) December 21, 2017

The latest of these grisly discoveries was in May 2018, where authorities said a man found a disarticulated human foot inside a hiking boot lodged between logs.

According to the radio station, the foot naturally separates from the body when a body decomposes. As the foot is protected by modern materials, from the shoes, it acts as a floatation device allowing it to make it to shore.

Video: Human foot in sock and shoe found on Vancouver Island beach https://t.co/G2wFZ7xg1P From @GlobeBC pic.twitter.com/0Wr0DQZHQk  The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) February 10, 2016

Some of the remains found have been identified as belonging to people who were reported missing.

Anyone with information about Antonio Neills disappearance is asked to call the Sheriffs Office anonymous tip line 425-388-3845.
Conservative talk radio host Glenn Beck endorse Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz before Cruz made a speech to supporters during a campaign rally Feb. 28, 2016, in Oklahoma City, Okla. (J Pat Carter/Getty Images)

Glenn Beck Gets A Call: Doc Thompson, Friend and Radio Host, Killed by Train

Glenn Beck received a devastating call from the head of his company, who told him that Doc Thompsonhis friend and radio hostwas struck and killed by a train while jogging in Haltom City, Texas, on Feb. 5.

MoJo 5.0 mourns the loss of a great friend and mentor, Michael Doc Thompson. Rest in peace, brother.#DocThompson #MoJo50Radio #WhatILearnedToday pic.twitter.com/NezsoF2MvR  Doc Thompson  (@DocThompsonShow) February 6, 2019

And it took me a while to even process, said Beck in a memorial video on YouTube, describing the moment he was given the bad news. The Doc was one of the more talented and gregarious guys that I know.

Thompson, who was the former host of The Morning Blaze radio show, was said to be jogging along the train tracks around 3:45 p.m., according to Dallas News. Because headphones were found on Thompson, Beck believes that Thompson didnt notice the train due to the high volume of his headphones.

Although headphones were found on Thompson, it is still unknown if he was using them when he was struck by the train.

Ive Got An Idea, Ive got An Idea

Beck honored Thompson as the ultimate entrepreneureven starting his own broadcast unit after leaving The Blaze.

Because of Doc, many businesses are flourishing, because he cared deeply about people who were trying to do business, said Beck.

Thompsons friends and partners from his radio show, Daily MoJo, tried their best to keep the broadcast as lighthearted as possible. Its what Doc would have wanted, said Brad Staggs in a recorded radio session with Ron Phillips.

He hated AmtrakAmtrak got him, said Staggs. Damn it, if Amtrak didnt get him.

Phillips, the producer of Daily MoJo, had the unfortunate, but honorable position of giving Thompsons wife the news that he wasnt coming home from his jog, and he said, It was one of the hardest things [hes] ever had to do.

In order to clear the air of any possible doubt from their listeners and viewers, Phillips emphasized that this was not a joke and that Thompson had no punchline in that broadcasteven though they wished that that was the case.

Doc Thompsons Daily MoJo  20190206 Tuesday  2/5/19  Please join us this morning for some important information.#TheDailyMoJo #Mojo50 #LiveFree #DailyMoJo  Doc Thompson  201926

Lets keep @DocThompsonShow alive on the internet. Heres a favorite moment from our adventures in the 2016 Presidential Campaign  from Philly and the madness outside the DNC  https://t.co/AjTo3qAOJE  Mike Opelka (@stuntbrain) February 6, 2019

Staying Strong for Thompson

Their voices cracked, their bloodshot eyes resembled sad puppies, and the viewers shared their sentiment and disbeliefbut Phillips said that they had to stay strong for Thompsons family, who were dealing with a heavy burden.

A wife and two children were left behind by Thompson. And according to Beck, Thompson invested every penny he had into his own broadcast unit.

A GoFundMe campaign was started to help his family pay for their expenses and necessities. Beck asked viewers who listened to Thompson or appreciated any of his work, to donate to his GoFundMe if they would like to help.

Beck ended the video with a cliche, but fatherly note: There is nothing more important than your familynothing more important than your family. I dont care how important your job isIve learned thistake care of your family and spend the time with your kids.
San Francisco firefighters battle a fire on Geary Boulevard in San Francisco, on Feb. 6, 2019. A gas explosion in a San Francisco neighborhood shot flames high into the air and was burning four buildings as utility crews scrambled to shut off the flow of gas. (Jeff Chiu/AP Photo)

Flames From San Francisco Gas Explosion Damage 5 Buildings

SAN FRANCISCOA gas explosion in San Francisco shot a tower of flames into the sky and burned five buildings including one of the citys popular restaurants before firefighters brought the blaze under control. There were no injuries.

The explosion on Feb. 6, and fire sent panicked residents and workers in the citys Inner Richmond neighborhood fleeing into the streets as flames shot above the rooftops of nearby three-story buildings.

We just felt the shaking, and the next thing we knew, people were banging on the door to tell people its time to start evacuating, said resident Nick Jalali, 28, who was cooking at home when the electricity cut out.

Utility crews put out the fire about three hours after private construction workers cut a natural gas line, which ignited the fire, San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said. Authorities initially said five workers were missing, but the entire construction crew was found safe, and no other injuries were reported.

Hayes-White said the construction crew was apparently working on fiber-optic wires.

Five buildings were damaged, including a building housing Hong Kong Lounge II, a reservations-required dim sum restaurant that is a fixture on the citys best of lists. The fire began on the street in front of the restaurant.

Officials evacuated several nearby buildings, including a medical clinic and apartments, Hayes-White said. Vehicles on a busy street were rerouted as authorities cordoned off the bustling neighborhood.

Caroline Gasparini, 24, who lives kitty-corner from where the fire was, said she and her housemate were in their living room when the windows started rattling. She looked up to see flames reflected in the glass.

We went into crisis mode, Gasparini said. We grabbed our shoes, grabbed our laptops and grabbed our passports and just left.

Gasparini said they saw employees of the burning restaurant run out the back door and people fleeing down the block.

Firefighters worked to keep the fire from spreading while Pacific Gas & Electric crews tried to shut off the natural gas line.

Its complicated, Hayes-White said of stopping the flow of gas through the damaged pipe. Though she later acknowledged that as a fire chief and a resident, yes, I would have liked to see it mitigated.

PG&E spokeswoman Melissa Subbotin said state excavation rules required crews to hand dig around multiple subsurface pipelines of various sizes before they were eventually able to squeeze a four-inch plastic line.

She said since the fire was contained to a limited area, the utility had to weigh the threat from the fire with the risk that would come from more drastic action.

Had we turned the gas off to a transmission system, we would have shut off gas to nearly the entire city of San Francisco, she said. The objective of this was to turn the gas off safely and as quickly as possible.

Subbotin said PG&E would shut off a transmission line in an earthquake.

PG&E spokesman Paul Doherty stressed that the workers who cut the gas line are not affiliated with the utility, which is under heightened scrutiny over its natural gas pipelines. A PG&E pipeline exploded under a neighborhood south of San Francisco in 2010, killing eight people and wiping out a neighborhood in suburban San Bruno.

A U.S. judge PG&E $3 million for a conviction on six felony charges of failing to properly maintain the pipeline and the utility remains under a federal judges watch in that case.

By Janie Har
Two pictures of the same door posted on Jan. 29, 2019. (New Fairfield Volunteer Police Department)

Fire Department Issues Two Pictures as a Warning to Parents Over Doors

Two pictures of the same door show the difference between life and death in the event of a house fire, according to a U.S. fire department.

The Cold Spring Fire Department in New York posted the pictures on social media, suggesting parents get their kids to shut their bedroom doors at night, stirring up a lot of discussion.

The pictures, posted on Jan. 30, show the same door, from outside in the corridor, and inside the bedroom. Inside, the white door has remained virtually untouched as the surrounding frame has turned black. Outside, the door is black with charring and soot.

As a parent its hard to convince little kids to sleep with the door closed, they always want it open just a little, wrote the fire department in the post accompanying the pictures.

I do a lot of fire prevention at schools, so one thing I try and stress to the kids is, how important it is to sleep with the doors closed.

The photographs are from a house fire in Fairfield, NY.

The photos below are a great example of the importance of keeping bedroom doors closed while sleeping.

The door pictured in both photos is a hollow core door to a bedroom. While the front of the door is severely damaged the closed door protected the bedroom and its contents. If this were an occupied bedroom the closed door could have saved a life.

The cause of the fire is being investigated, and the homeowners and family dog are all doing well, reported fire department.

Although a few commented that it was impractical to keep kids bedrooms doors closed for other safety reasons, most of the hundreds of comments were thankful to the fire department for raising awareness.

As a parent its hard to convince little kids to sleep with the door closed, they always want it open just a little. I  Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department  2019129

Escape Times Plummet Over 40 Years

One person commented.: Had a kitchen fire a few years ago. It was put out before it spread but whole house was filled with smoke me and my now husband were asleep in our room with our then newborn son. Our room was the only one smoke didnt get to until my brother in law opened the door to tell us to grab the baby and vacate the house til it cleared. I can only imagine if it had spread.

Despite more modern fire safety equipment, such as sophisticated electronic and smoke alarms, house fires take hold a lot fast these days than they did 40 years ago.

According to researchers Underwriters Laboratories, the escape time for a house fire has dropped from 17 minutes in the 1980s to just three minutes. The reason is the array of modern materials, and the trend towards open-style spaces which remove the inbuilt fire-breaks of older design builds.

According to a September 2018 report by the National Fire Protection Agency, modern approaches and fire safety awareness have had some effect, but overall the number of deaths has changed little over the decades.

There has been significant success in reducing the number of reported home fires, states the report. But once a serious fire starts, deaths are almost as likely to occur in a home fire as they were 40 years ago.

Over the last ten years, the number of fires each year in the United States dropped from 1.45 million to 1.32 million, according to FEMA. However, the number of deaths has been rising, reaching 3,400 in 2017 from 3,010 in 2009.

Including volunteers, there are altogether over 1 million firefighters in the United States, with 345,000 career firefighters documented in 2015.

87 died on active duty in 2017.
Ram 1500 trucks are offered for sale at a dealership on January 12, 2017 in Elmhurst, Illinois. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Fiat Chrysler Recalls Over 660K Trucks; Steering Could Fail

DETROITFiat Chrysler is recalling over 660,000 heavy-duty trucks worldwide because a loose nut can cause a loss of steering control.

The recall covers Ram 3500 pickups from 2013 through 2017, as well as 2500 pickups and 3500 Chassis cabs from 2014 through 2017.

The company says its aware of eight crashes and one injury that could be related.

Fiat Chrysler doesnt have a date yet for owners to be notified. Dealers will inspect a steering linkage nut. If its properly tightened, it will be welded to a sleeve to keep it in place. If its loose, a steering assembly will be replaced.

Most of the trucks are in the U.S. and Canada.

The recall comes after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in December began investigating steering failures on some Ram trucks. The agency opened the probe after getting two complaints from owners that the linkage between the steering box and the front wheels can come apart.

Owners with questions can call (800) 853-1403 or go to https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls/search.html to find out if their vehicles are included.

The Ram brand also is recalling nearly 194,000 light-duty trucks in the U.S. because the brake pedals can fall off.

Covered are certain 2019 Ram pickups with adjustable brake pedals. More than one third are still at dealers and will be fixed before theyre delivered. The 2019 Ram Classic is not affected.

Adjustable brake pedals are activated by a switch in the cab and powered by an electric motor. Fiat Chrysler says an investigation found that if people move the pedals to their rear-most position, the brake pedal can detach.

The company says it doesnt know of any crashes or injuries. Its urging people not to adjust pedals until the trucks have been fixed and to never adjust pedals while driving.

Fiat Chrysler doesnt have a date for notifying owners. Dealers will install a fastener and spacer to restrict travel of the pedals and fix the problem.

Ford Recalls Over 953,000 Vehicles to Replace Inflators

DETROITFord is recalling more than 953,000 vehicles worldwide to replace Takata passenger air bag inflators that can explode and hurl shrapnel.

The move includes over 782,000 vehicles in the U.S. and is part of the largest series of recalls in U.S. history.

Included are the 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, the 2010 and 2011 Ford Ranger, the 2010 to 2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, the 2010 and 2011 Mercury Milan, and the 2010 to 2014 Ford Mustang.

Some of the recalls may be limited to specific geographic areas of the U.S.

Takata used the chemical ammonium nitrate to create an explosion to inflate air bags. But it can deteriorate over time due to heat and humidity and explode with too much force, blowing apart a metal canister designed to contain the explosion. At least 23 people have been killed worldwide and hundreds injured by the inflators.

Ford says it doesnt know of any injuries in vehicles included in this recall. Dealers will replace the inflators.

Ford will notify owners about the recall starting on Feb. 18, and the company has replacement parts available for dealers to order, said spokeswoman Monique Brentley. In previous Takata recalls, parts availability had been an issue.

Owners can go to https://owner.ford.com/service/frequently-asked-questions-regarding-takata-airbag-inflator-recalls.html and key in their vehicle identification number to see if their cars and SUVs are being recalled. The same information will be available soon at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.

More than three years after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration took over management of recalls involving Takata inflators, one third of the recalled inflators still have not been replaced, according to an annual report from the government and a court-appointed monitor.

The report says 16.7 million faulty inflators out of 50 million under recall have yet to be replaced. And 10 million more inflators are scheduled to be recalled this month, including the Ford vehicles.

Safety advocates said the completion rate should be far higher given the danger associated with the inflators.

The recalls forced Takata of Japan to seek bankruptcy protection and sell most of its assets to pay for the fixes.

The inflators grow more dangerous as they get older because ammonium nitrate deteriorates due to high humidity and cycles from hot temperatures to cold. The most dangerous inflators are in areas of the South along the Gulf of Mexico that have high humidity.

By Tom Krisher
Exclusive: Senator Dr. Bill Cassidy on How Cartel Money Can Fund the Border WallAmerican Thought Leaders

U.S. Sen. Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) explains the U.S. border crisis and the need for a physical barrier advocated for by President Donald Trump. With the two political parties in gridlock, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) unwilling to entertain funding options that include a wall, Sen. Cassidy spoke with The Epoch Times about his creative approach to funding border security, namely by using money confiscated from Mexican drug cartels.

Jan Jekielek: In the State of the Union, the president called whats happening at the border right now a national crisis. He also said its a threat to the safety, security, and financial well-being of all Americans, but some are actually calling it a manufactured crisis. What do you call it?

Sen. Cassidy: I think the president put it very well. He said, if youre wealthy, living behind fences with guards protecting your property, things are OK. But if you are in the working class having to have a tattered safety net, people competing for your jobs and lowering the wage base, maybe its not quite so good. I would add that if youre somebody whose son, daughter, or spouse died from a fentanyl overdose, maybe its not so good. I would also add, if youre a child from Central America whos being trafficked, because youre brought here by a coyote, its not so good. So, maybe it depends upon your perspective. Wealthy behind a wall: manufactured. Tattered safety net, being trafficked, son died of drugs: it is a crisis.

Jan Jekielek: I want to focus a little bit on your constituency and specifically how this crisis affects the people of Louisiana. Can you speak to that?

Sen. Cassidy: Theres different aspects to it. And one aspect, of course, is the contraband which is coming across. There was a recent seizure, I think, of 232 pounds of fentanyl. That could kill the entire state of California. So my state, as every other state, has a death rate from opioids, and a measure of that is from fentanyl from south of the border. If we seize this, obviously, we decrease supply, death rates should go down. You could say, well, we seized it. I went to McAllen, Texas, a couple of years ago and they showed me this big room with contraband. They had drugs, guns, marijuana, and you name it. And I asked them how much of that which is coming through do you think youre seizing, and they kind of scratched their chins and said, Probably a third. This big room is only a third? So two-thirds still coming through, filtering across the nation and into my state, with people dying; its not hard to make that connection.

Jan Jekielek: How does the physical structure fit into this? There have been some arguments made that, yes, we need some more border security, but we definitely dont want a physical structure.

Sen. Cassidy: So the president makes it clear hes not talking about a concrete wall from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean. Hes talking about certain high-trafficked places, and theres areas where every reasonable person concedes that its important. He used the example of San Diego, which used to have an incredible amount of foot traffic coming across. And now, they cannot. Theres a YouTube video that showed about 1,000 people south of the border and they just rushed across; the guards tried to tackle them. So maybe, they got 100 of them but 900 got through and merely melted in. Again, going back to McAllen, Texas, they had a wall. It forced people coming up to go one way or the other, making it easier for the agents to capture them when they came across. So they are in an urban setting. Walls, barriers, clearly make a difference. They make a positive difference.

Jan Jekielek: Speaking of which, we have a number of caravans from what I understand, coming up right now from South America, and a lot of these people probably, based on precedent, arent going to actually qualify for asylum. What do you see happening here?

Sen. Cassidy: We have to look at why folks are leaving. A friend of mine is from Guatemala. And I asked her about it. And I said, folks come here they dont have a job or maybe theyre working for cash, a kind of tough situation. She says, However bad it is here, it is better than it is for them in Guatemala. So we have to look at that which is driving people to leave their homes. We can also look at success stories. I went to Mexico recently and I asked folks about the first big wave of folks coming from Mexico, when Pancho Villa was marauding across northern Mexico and folks fled to the safety of the United States. Now, we have cartels marauding across. Why arent people leaving? And they said that the economic development among northern Mexico, creating jobs for families, gives a stickiness. They dont want to leave their home because they have a job, so they dont leave, even though there is a lack of security. That could be a model. Can we go down and create economic opportunity for people in Central America? A stickiness, if you will, that will keep them there in their community with their jobs and their families, as opposed to migrating into the United States. We have to start thinking of the bigger picture.

Jan Jekielek: So you actually introduced a new bill on Feb. 2: Securing the Border and Making Drug Cartels Pay for It. Can you give us an overview of the bill?

Sen. Cassidy: So cartels move anywhere from $60 billion-$100 billion dollars from the United States to Mexico annually from the sale of drugs and other things. We confiscate, as a U.S. government, about $5 billion of it. Thats not very much, but we are getting $5 billion. Now, theoretically, the more barriers we have, the more security, the more we would capture some of this money. So my thought was, lets just take this money were confiscating and use that to build the barrier. It wouldnt be the Mexican government, it wouldnt be the U.S. taxpayer, it would be the cartels. And that would be poetic, sweet justice. But it would also hopefully increase the amount that we are seizing. So thats my hope. Secondly, that money is already within the executive branch, so Congress wouldnt have to appropriate. So if we are at this impasse, where Pelosi doesnt want one more dollar for a barrier, then we actually have dollars within the executive that could be used. Ms. Pelosi could keep her word, but we could still strengthen our security.

Jan Jekielek: So what was the genesis of the idea?

Sen. Cassidy: Im looking very much at trade-based money laundering; the means by which Hezbollah, for example, has moved billions out of the United States to the Middle East in order to finance terrorism and the way that Hezbollah and the Mexican cartels will work together. But the cartels will move money down to Mexico to further criminal activity. And when you start looking at it and realize the sums involved, thats when it seemed to present a solution as to what we could do.

Jan Jekielek: So Ive heard that this is somehow sometimes confused with the El Chapo Act that was introduced by Sen. Cruz. Could you just tell us the distinction?

Sen. Cassidy: Its the same concept, but we probably have a little bit more robust kind of presentation of it. You have to change the law a little bit. The money were currently confiscating by law can be used for law enforcement to share with local police or state police as they cooperate with our border agents. So, we actually have in our provision, a change in the law that would allow it to also be used for barriers.

Jan Jekielek: And do you have any sense of what the president thinks of this bill youve been proposing?

Sen. Cassidy: Ive spoken to the president and Ive spoken to other members of his administration about this. I think they want a congressional appropriation. So were just trying to give the conferees, the negotiators, one more, Well, what about this? What can we do to break this impasse? I dont want a government shutdown. Id rather not have an emergency declaration. So how can we secure our southern border and get everything else done.

Jan Jekielek: So youre not necessarily pushing to pass this bill per se, youre looking at it as a tool, perhaps, for the conference.

Sen. Cassidy: Correct. The conferees are going to come back with a solution. So this is the way you highlight it, giving them one more chance to say Maybe we can use this.

Jan Jekielek: Wonderful. The conference committee report comes out in, I think, a couple of days and are you aware of any progress that was made there?

Sen. Cassidy: You know youre reading headlines, with the probably the most important headline is that even though Democratic negotiators apparently are open to money for protection, for barriers, Ms. Pelosi is still dug in. So the president clearly has signaled a willingness to compromise. Democratic negotiators have signaled a willingness to find common ground. Its Ms. Pelosi who is the outlier, who is kind of No, we cannot. She would rather another government shutdown and/or drugs continuing to come across our border at the rate they are, rather than coming up with something which has been adopted by multiple presidential administrations, which is that barriers work.

Jan Jekielek: What do you think the issue is with that?

Sen. Cassidy: I cant speak for her, of course. But I can imagine, there is a wing of the Democratic Party which is truly for an open border, and wishes to abolish ICE. They see nothing wrong with the entirety of the rest of the world pouring across that border. Now if you push them on No, we dont want MS-13 and if we push them on No, we dont want folks coming from Southeast Asia just coming across for no other reason theyd rather be here. But you have to push them and they will not adopt the policies to limit that. And the idea that people seriously talked about abolishing ICE is just absurd. Theyve never been to McAllen, Texas, to see that which Ive seen, which is the confiscated drugs, guns and money.

Jan Jekielek: The president called, during the State of the Union, this whole situation a moral issue. What are your thoughts on that?

Sen. Cassidy: Again, Ill go back to an earlier exchange we had. If youre a working-class family, and the social safety net is tattered, and theres school systems that are overburdened with teachers who are underpaid relative to the number of students they see, or maybe, you feel as if your jobyour wage baseis being undercut. Arent you upset? Shouldnt you be upset? If your standard of living is less so your child has to go to a school which isnt quite as good, or your marriage has more tension because money is tighter. Shouldnt we be upset? Can we perceive that as a moral issue? I think we can. Its a basic issue of fairness.

Jan Jekielek: Feb. 15 is the deadline that the president put in place. What is your ideal scenario on Feb. 15?

Sen. Cassidy: I think they want to have, by this Friday, an initial outline. I like it that the president has shown a willingness to compromise. He is willing to make a deal for the DACA kids and even for those on temporary protected status. Most Americans have a sense that theyre willing that there be an accommodation for these two groups, in return that the Democratic Party would come forward to agree to funding for a barrier. I think both sides get something that theyve been advocating for. If the Democrats are serious that they want something positive done for the childrenthe DACA childrenand they agree that Obama built fences, why shouldnt President Trump be able to build fences, then that should be the deal.

And there was a sense that the new president of Mexico, hes called by AMLO, and our President Trump would not get along well; but theyve actually collaborated very well. When I was in Mexico, I was informed by our embassy that the Mexicans, with our assistance, have recently stood up a way to monitor everyone coming from south of their border into Mexico. And they found that many of those coming into Mexico are the type of folks that Mexico does not wish to have. Some of them will transit all the way to the United States, some stay in Mexico. And like I said, Mexico doesnt want some of these folks. They also found that people were coming from Somalia, and Pakistan, and Korea, and India, and not just from Guatemala or the Northern Triangle.

So, I think the president needs to be complimented for this cooperation hes gotten in a relationship that is critical to our country, with Mexico, to limit the migration and to otherwise process people in a way which doesnt force our hand. Its a little bit against type, but the president commonly goes against type.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

American Thought Leaders is a new Epoch Times show available on Facebook and Youtube.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
EU Rebuffs May as Frustrations Boil Over

BRUSSELSThe European Union will make no new offer on Brexit and those who promoted Britains exit without any understanding of how to deliver it deserve a special place in hell, European Council President Donald Tusk said on Wednesday.

The United Kingdom is on course to leave the EU on March 29 without a deal unless Prime Minister Theresa May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce agreement she reached in November and then sell it to skeptical British lawmakers.

But as Tusks pointedly blunt language showed, frustration runs deep among European leaders over the British parliaments rejection of the divorce deal and Mays demands that the EU now give up on key principles or face disruption in just 50 days.

As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for a disorderly no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said Britain now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit.

Rebuffing Mays bid to renegotiate just a day before she is due in Brussels, Tusk said he had abandoned the hope he has often expressed that Britains exit might be stopped and said his priority was now to avert a fiasco when it leaves.

Ive been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely, Tusk said at a joint news conference with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.

The remark by Tusk, who chairs summits of the EUs national leaders, angered Brexit supporters in Britain.

Veteran Brexiteer Nigel Farage retorted: After Brexit we will be free of unelected, arrogant bullies like you  sounds like heaven to me.

While Tusk was clear the EU would not reopen the divorce deal, he also said he still believed a common Brexit solution was possible.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker rammed home Tusks message, saying the legal withdrawal agreement would not be reopened, and May knew that.

Varadkar said Britains political instability further proved the need for a backstop insurance policy  the main obstacle to a deal  to keep the border between EU member Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland open after Brexit.

May will visit Dublin on Friday, Varadkar said.

For May, failure to deliver a revised deal would shatter the fragile unity in her Conservative Party, leaving her already-diminished authority in tatters, and ramping up uncertainty in financial markets over the fate of the British economy, the worlds fifth largest.

Rating agency Standard and Poors said a no-deal Brexit could result in negative revisions of their outlooks on Britains credit ratings, but that there remained a very strong incentive for both sides to reach a deal.

Irish Unity

In another stark indication of the stakes for Britain of a disorderly Brexit, Irish nationalists warned May that if she allowed a no-deal Brexit then there would have to be a referendum on Irish unity.

In the event of a crash she must as a democrat return to the Good Friday Agreement and she must begin preparation for a referendum on Irish unity, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said, referring to the peace accord signed in 1998 that ended three decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.

The United Kingdoms decision to leave the EU has strained ties between its constituent parts: England and Wales voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay.

May has said she will seek an alternative arrangement which avoids the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland, or legally binding changes to the backstop to introduce a time limit or create an exit mechanism.

Brexit has snagged on the 310-mile (500-km) frontier because there is disagreement on how to monitor trade without physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before the Good Friday peace agreement.

Under the divorce deal agreed in November, the backstop would come into effect if the two sides failed to come up with a better idea to keep the border open.

Alternative Ideas

But the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up Mays government says it could endanger the provinces place in the United Kingdom, while Brexit supporters in Mays Conservative Party worry it locks the country into EU rules.

At a meeting in Belfast on Thursday, DUP leader Arlene Foster told May the backstop needed to be replaced, but said their discussion had been useful.

The Sun newspaper said British ministers were examining a plan drawn up by Japans Fujitsu to track trade across the border. The Telegraph said ministers had discussed delaying Brexit by eight weeks.

EU officials are asking May to embrace a proposal by the opposition Labour Party to join a permanent customs union with the bloc.

Such a move could remove the need for the backstop and, some in the EU believe, may win approval in Britains parliament. But officials have low expectations ahead of the prime ministers visit to Brussels on Thursday.

Theresa May is not delivering on what she agreed with us, a senior EU diplomat said. Her inability to build a cross-party agreement is staggering.
Eastern Libyan forces take over El Sharara oilfield

BENGHAZI, LibyaEastern Libyan forces loyal to Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar captured the closed El Sharara oilfield on Feb. 6, officials said in a challenge to the Tripoli government.

El Sharara was taken over on Dec. 8 by groups of tribesmen, armed protesters and state guards demanding salary payments and development funds.

But some tribesmen demanding development funds remained at the 315,000 barrel-per-day oilfield, one of their protest leaders told Reuters.

Haftars Libyan National Army (LNA) group, which is based in the east, called oil firm NOC to lift force majeure, a contractual waiver, it had declared when it shut down production.

NOC declined to comment.

The LNA said it had met no resistance. Our forces arrived safely at the field, a spokesman for the forces, Ahmed Mismari, told a news conference in Benghazi, where the LNA is headquartered.

A tribal protest leader told Reuters: With the army (LNA) we can find an understanding as they are military people. He did not elaborate and it was impossible to get more details.

Libyas oil industry has faced disruption since unrest began, with rival power centers in the west and east. Protesters and armed groups have often targeted oilfields and energy infrastructure.

Haftar is a dominant figure in the east where his LNA seized the second-largest city of Benghazi in 2017 by expelling Islamist and other fighters.

Last month, his forces started an offensive in the south to fight militants and secure its oilfields, and on Feb. 6 made good on the promise by moving on the El Sharara field.

A video posted online showed jubilant soldiers at the oilfield which is located deep in Libyas south and had previously belonged to the Tripoli-based internationally recognized government.

A resident confirmed LNA solders were inside the oilfield, a vast complex stretching for kilometers.

A Tripoli official, asking not to be named, acknowledged that the LNA was holding El Sharara. He declined further comment and there was no statement from the Tripoli government.

By Ayman al-Warfalli
Driverless Cars and the Open Road to Serfdom

Commentary

About once a week, I pull my phone out to send a text message and someone will explode with surprise, exclaiming, Whoa! Is that a Razr flip-phone? I used to have that! Evidently, I am one of the two out of 10 people in the United States who doesnt own a smartphone.

I do have an iPad, which is basically a giant smartphone, but my favorite feature is that it cant fit into my pocket. I like the distance it puts between me and the imperious vortex we call the internet. Even though it costs me a little convenience, I believe it helps me retain some liberty.

Most people, though, like the convenience of a smartphone. Who am I kidding? They love the convenience. And more and more they need it. This drive for convenience is rapidly taking new forms. With driverless cars and smart-cities on the horizon, soon we may not have the option to choose inconvenience. This prospect makes it important to consider the question: What is the difference between convenience and happiness?

Security and Liberty

The caravans of migrants risking life and limb to come to the United States are a testament to the blessing of the rule of law that we have in our country and the misery that prevails among those in want of it. Its easy to forget that corrupt government and the rule of thugs is the historical norm, and the rule of law the exception. Civil society provides safety through well-enforced laws. Every law, however, limits what we can do. Even soas the horror stories of recent immigrants remind uswe gladly give up some liberty in order to gain necessary safety.

Having life and liberty secure allows us to pursue happiness or the good life. As the Declaration of Independence asserts, all three of these are purposes for which people consent to government.

There is a point, however, when measures to secure safety frustrate liberty to such an extent that they prevent any pursuit of happiness. China, for example, employs face-tracking technology, combined with a social credit system, in order to control the minutiae of citizens lives. This technology allows the government to regulate everything from jay-walking to how much toilet paper you can use in public restrooms. They say its all done for the sake of improving safety, of course, but we all know that its also used to crack down on political dissent.

This raises the point that, while maintaining mere life is, of course, necessary, it is ultimately a means to the higher goal of living a good life, or pursuing happiness. Furthermore, the example of China shows that, with the capabilities of modern technology, certain means destroy the very ends they exist to serve. There must be a balance between liberty and security.

Americans are famously paranoid about the government taking away their liberty. Hence, the fervor surrounding the Second Amendment. This is generally healthy for a republic. Founding Father James Madison described this American feature, declaring that it is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties, adding, we hold this prudent jealousy to be the first duty of Citizens, and one of the noblest characteristics of the late Revolution.

Liberty and Convenience

These days, however, there are lots of temptations to give up a little liberty to gain, not security, but convenience. Who bothers to read the fine print that details all the rights we waive when we sign up for Facebook or agree to an update on an iPhone? Most people probably assume that Google is tracking them through their smartphone and that Amazon is listening to them through their smart-speaker. Less and less, though, do people care.

Matthew Crawford, author of Shop Class as Soulcraft, is currently writing a book about driverless cars and what we may unwittingly be relinquishing by giving up the wheel. A theme in Crawfords writings is a concern for preserving individual agency in a world that increasingly confuses mere efficiency for excellence. The virtue of a human isnt the same as the virtue of a robot.

Agency involves the freedom to do and to act. Yet, the more agency we hand over to what Crawford describes as a cartel of a few tech companies in exchange for more convenience, the less scope we have to exercise judgment. Further, giving up agency to an oligarchy of tech companies is different in kind from giving up liberty to a republican government that is guided, in part, by our own political judgment. The result is that we give up not just agency, but autonomy, or self-government.

Madison wrote that our Constitution is consistent with that honorable determination in the American character to rest all our political experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government. This determination, though, might be slipping.

Once driverless cars are readily available, you can bet that tech companies will lobby lawmakers to ban traditional cars. They will cite legitimate statistics showing how many lives may be saved with driverless cars. What they wont be able to measure, however, is how much scope for self-government will be lost, not only in the physical space of the road, but in the character of the people themselves, their capacity for self-government.

Benjamin Franklin supposedly wrote that those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. This seems even more true with regard to convenience. Preserving individual agency and scope for judgment by refusing technology that is available is very difficult, but it just might be in accord with nature. Liberty is indeed inconvenient sometimes, but then tyranny is even more inconvenient.

Real happiness includes the ability to make choices that are in accord with our best self. Take the opportunity for choice away, and though we may experience a kind of satisfactionthe kind an animal may feel after a hearty mealits impossible to be happy.

Clifford Humphrey is originally from Warm Springs, Georgia. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate in politics at Hillsdale College in Michigan. Follow him on Twitter @cphumphrey

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Venezuelan military forces stand guard as they block with containers the Tienditas Bridge, which links Tachira, Venezuela, and Cucuta, Colombia, on Feb. 6, 2019. (RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/Getty Images)

Documents Reveal Venezuelan Soldiers Deserting, as Tensions Rise

Embattled Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro still has the backing of the military, despite new documents revealing that thousands of soldiers had deserted him in recent years as the regime struggled to temper the erosion of its armed forces.

Two documents obtained by Bloomberg highlight how Maduros regime was already attempting to stop a growing number of desertions even before U.S.-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido had called on the military to break from Maduro.

One document listed some 4,300 National Guard members who had abandoned their posts over the past five years. Signed by the Guards commander, Maj. Gen. Jesus Lopez Vargas on Dec. 21, the document orders the removal of their ranks and serial numbers from military rolls. All the names were non-commissioned officers or enlisted men and women.

The National Guard is just one of four main Venezuelan military branches, which include the army, navy and air force.

The second document ordered personnel at entry and exit points to prevent soldiers and retirees on reserve duty from going abroad without authorization. The order was signed on Nov. 13 by Luis Santiago Rodriguez Gonzalez, the director of the countrys immigration service.

Though there have been mass protests in the streets across the country calling for Maduro to step down, mass defections from the military have not yet started. However, two high-ranking military officials recently broke with Maduros regime and recognized Guaido, leader of Venezuelas National Assembly. Jose Luis Silva, Venezuelas defense attache to Washington and a key military official, said he broke with Maduros regime on Jan. 26, while Gen. Francisco Yanez, a high-ranking Venezuelan air force general, also sided with Guaido.

Weeks ago, Maduros regime claimed to have foiled an attempted military insurrection. In a statement, the country accused a small group of assailants from the Bolivarian National Guard of betraying their oath of loyalty to the homeland by kidnapping two officers and two National Guardsmen in an attempt to steal weapons in the early hours of Jan. 21. The government blamed the mutiny on dark interests of the extreme right.

Maduro was inaugurated on Jan. 10 amid worldwide condemnation that his leadership was illegitimate. He first gained power in the oil-rich nation in 2013 and is now in his second term.

Military Blockade

Efforts from the United States to send food and medical supplies to Colombias border with Venezuela were prevented after the Venezuelan military blockaded a major highway link on Feb. 6.

In response, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Maduros regime to let the supplies through.

The Venezuelan people desperately need humanitarian aid, he said on Twitter. The U.S. & other countries are trying to help, but #Venezuelas military under Maduros orders is blocking aid with trucks and shipping tankers. The Maduro regime must LET THE AID REACH THE STARVING PEOPLE.

The Venezuelan people desperately need humanitarian aid. The U.S. & other countries are trying to help, but #Venezuelas military under Maduro's orders is blocking aid with trucks and shipping tankers. The Maduro regime must LET THE AID REACH THE STARVING PEOPLE. #EstamosUnidosVE pic.twitter.com/L4ysYJaM6H  Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) February 6, 2019

Truck trailers and shipping containers were placed to block the lanes of the Tienditas Bridge on Venezuelas northwestern border with Colombia. And two shipping containers and a fuel tanker were used to block a three-lane border crossing from the Colombian town of Cucuta. Venezuelan soldiers stood guard and vowed to turn away any humanitarian aid.

Socialist policies introduced by Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez, have crippled the nations once-thriving economy. Almost 90 percent of Venezuelas population live below the poverty line and over half of families are unable to meet basic food needs, according to the humanitarian group Mercy Corps. The UN estimates that by the end of 2019, there will be 5.3 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants.

Rising Tensions

A U.S. admiral, in the meantime, has said the U.S. military is prepared to protect diplomats in Venezuela if needed.

We are prepared to protect U.S. personnel and diplomatic facilities if necessary, Navy Adm. Craig Faller, the head of U.S. Southern Command, said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Feb. 7.

Faller did not provide any additional details on how the U.S. military would respond, but he said their rank-and-file soldiers were starving just like the population of Venezuela. The admiral also noted that Venezuela had about 2,000 generals, most of whom were loyal to Maduro because of the wealth they gained largely from drug trafficking, petroleum revenue, and business revenue.

The legitimate government of President Guaido has offered amnesty, and a place for the military forces, most of which we think would be loyal to the Constitution, not to a dictator, a place to go, he said.

The Trump administration also said they were contemplating whether to lift sanctions on military members who side with Guaido.

The U.S. will consider sanctions off-ramps for any Venezuelan senior military officer that stands for democracy and recognizes the constitutional government of President Juan Guaido. If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely. Make the right choice!  John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) February 6, 2019

The U.S. will consider sanctions off-ramps for any Venezuelan senior military officer that stands for democracy and recognizes the constitutional government of President Juan Guaido, White House national security adviser John Bolton said on Twitter on Feb. 6.

If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely. Make the right choice!

It comes as global pressure against Maduros regime continues to mount. Nine major European nations, including Britain, Germany, France, and Spain, are among the more than 20 governments that have since recognized Guaido as the interim president. But Maduro still appears defiant, hinting in a speech to supporters on Feb. 5 that the young opposition leader could soon be sent to prison for his presidency challenge.
Conservatives Weigh In on Late-Term Abortion and Infanticide

WASHINGTONPresident Donald Trump used the State of the Union podium to unequivocally denounce infanticide and late-term abortion.

There could be no greater contrast to the beautiful image of a mother holding her infant child than the chilling displays our nation saw in recent days, Trump said on Feb. 5, right after announcing he had included paid family leave in his budget.

The president rebuked both New York and Virginia politicians in his comments.

Lawmakers in New York cheered with delight upon the passage of legislation that would allow a baby to be ripped from the mothers womb moments before birth, he said. And then, we had the case of the governor of Virginia, where he basically stated he would execute a baby after birth.

On Jan. 22, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that allows for late-term abortions, up to birth, if the health of the mother is at risk or the fetus isnt viable.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said on Jan. 30 that if a mother were in labor, the infant would be delivered.

The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if thats what the mother and the family desired, and then, a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother, Northam said.

Trump asked Congress to pass legislation that would prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mothers womb.

On Feb. 4, the Senate failed to pass a bill that was introduced by Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) after Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) voted against it. The measure would have required infants who survived late-term abortions, where birth is induced, to receive the same care expected for any other newborns by on-scene health care practitioners.

Trump said, Let us work together to build a culture that cherishes innocent life. And let us reaffirm a fundamental truth: All childrenborn and unbornare made in the holy image of God.

Trump received resounding approval from Republican lawmakers during this part of his speech, most Democrats, however, sat silently.

The Epoch Times asked Trump supporters from around the country, What does recent legislation for late-term abortion and infanticide signal to you about America?

Answers may have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Catrina Albo, homemaker, New Jersey

I believe all the recent legislation on late-term abortion signals entering into a dark, black hole for our country. When a governing body within a society no longer values the life of the truly most innocent among us, we have accepted a lie that breaks down the very fabric of our morality and decency.

That clump of cells is a life, no matter how you look at it. Killing it does not change that fact.

The passing of these barbaric bills in many states just confirms and establishes that human life is not important. People absorb this ideology into their thinking if they do not have a strong religious faith or sense of morality. They believe that they have control of human life, including their own and that of an unborn child. They feel no conviction with taking life, because our society condones it.

Taking God out of our society is now clearly on display for the world to witness.

Catrina Albo before a Make America Great Again rally in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., on Aug. 2, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Rita Eveland, retired, Nashville, Tenn.

Life is precious, at any age. While our society has made great strides in achieving equality and recognizing the rights of a free people, the devaluing of human life that started with Roe v. Wade has exponentially increased to the point we find ourselves today.

Listening to leaders extolling the process of killing live children, and celebrating their ability to do so, is horrifying. We are inside of another Holocaust and the monsters that hold this up as good should be removed from public office. What sort of society murders its young? There is deep evil at work here.

Floyd Conaway, veteran

Do the politicians that lead the way for the legislation get any of the [Planned Parenthood] funds, directly or indirectly?

I would also like to point out that the Democrats are pushing this infanticide and late-term abortion legislation and that their supporters applaud it. I guess this is population control for minorities and poor. Hitler and the Nazis couldnt have done a better job themselves thinking this up. But abortion has taken far more lives than even Hitler himself.

I, for one, am both saddened by whats happening and afraid of what the future holds for mankindof course, for those aborted babies, there is no future.

Floyd Conaway in Wheeling, West Va., on Sept. 29, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Del Oakes, electrician, Johnson City, Tenn.

The recent legislation is a sad reflection on America. The fact we place so little value on human life only proves our selfishness and that disposable consumerism has corrupted the soul of America.

All life is valuable. I mourn this legislation as much as I mourn the death of the children and adults who are perishing to reach our borders. The church must step up to meet both crises and stop relying on the government to do the job the church is called to do.

Dan Cooley, forester, West Virginia

It is so sad to see these liberal leaders with no morals, ethics, or common sense. We are human beings at the moment of conception. Abortion is murder, no matter what stage of growth the unborn baby is in.

It is extremely sickening and disturbing to think that some of the elected officials have no regard for human life. Imagine taking a baby and cutting it up into little pieces and throwing it in the garbageis this any different than the ancient heathens who sacrificed babies to their false gods?

Our country is in sad shape morally and ethically, and it will only get worse if we continue to leave Almighty God out of it.

Sabrina Corns, Ohio

I believe the new abortion bill is a disgrace. Where have we come as a nation to the point abortion is legal to the point of dilation? I mean, even to a leftist, this should be concerning. Democrats have children. Why is this OK for anyone? That is a life! Its murder! It really blows my mind that this is even being discussed.

You know, I am pro-life. I believe in God and his word. I also believe I dont have the right to judge others and what they do with their life, even if I disagree with it. However, this late-term abortion bill just crosses all lines. It is flat-out wrong.

Jo Ann Gould, fitness club manager, West Virginia

My husband and I find it unbelievable that a baby could be born and kept comfortable until the mother decides if she wants it.

Personally, I feel abortion is murder. If a pregnant woman gets murdered, the killer is accountable for two lives. Why is this different? I dont like the idea but do understand rape, incest, or if mother could die giving birth have validity.

How could you look at an ultrasound photo and not see life? Cannot imagine a baby born, then murdered. It actually seems insane to me.

Jo Ann Gould (R) and friends before a Make America Great Again rally in Wheeling, West Va., on Sept. 29, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Ed Halland, retired

The [legislation] highlights the increasing confidence of the anti-Christian left. What was unthinkable 10 to 20 years ago is now openly advocated. Christians are becoming a minority, both in society and in our churches. The next step is on the other end of life, where states like Oregon have laws that allow physician-assisted suicide.

Social Security was implemented with the expectation that 40 workers would support one retiree. We are having fewer children and have aborted about 60 million potential workers since 1973; the number is down to three workers for each retiree.

The trend will be to put down the elderly earlier, denying end-of-life care to increasingly healthier individuals as a cost-saving measure. We reap what we sow. The generation that champions abortion will be the generation that experiences euthanasia.

Becky Cline, manufacturing, Rosehill, Va.

Its very sad. Not only are late-term abortions and infanticide allowed to occur, but people are celebrating the fact that they can kill their children. It sickens me and signals to me a decline in morality, compassion, and human decency. We should be alarmed, and praying for our country.

Tiffany Short, manufacturing, Rosehill, Va.

It means that we as human beings have lost all of our compassion. People have got so far from being caring moms and dadsto ones who are willing to kill their own baby as it is being born.

This is so sick and deranged that it is considered legal, but if someone kills a woman and her unborn baby, it is murder. Why would people want to kill their own flesh and blood? This world is letting so much evil take over. I do not even understand why people would support this.

Instead of pushing for more abortion laws, why dont these people push for more birth control? This signals to me how far of a downward spiral America is on. President Trump is for things that are conservative, pro-lifesomething we need more of in Congress. Pray for America.

Mike Alicea, retired banker

On principle, I dont believe in abortion. I have a hard time believing God is thinking this is a good idea. That being said, abortion is the law of the land and we must abide by the laws of the land and change them by Constitutional amendments, the way Prohibition was abolished.

I respect the right of a woman to be the determinant of her body.

While it is a womans right, I dont believe that this is something that should be federally funded at all.

Let me just say, a womans right for an abortion to save her life is unquestionably justifiable in my opinion. But it seems to me that passing laws that say you can abort a baby till the day it is born seems contradictory to the fact that a criminal can be charged with homicide of a pregnant mothers baby.
Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA) (L) and Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI) appear on Urban View's Helping Our Heroes Special, moderated by SiriusXM host Jennifer Hammond at the Cannon Building on Capitol Hill on May 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Larry French/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Congressmen, Military Leaders, Experts Question US Relationship With Qatar

WASHINGTONSpeaking before a conference on Qatar in Washington, members of Congress joined military leaders and experts in questioning current U.S. policy toward the gas-rich petrocracy. The U.S. currently maintains extensive ties with Qatar, centered around Al Udeid Air Base southwest of Doha, the nations capital.

Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), a retired lieutenant general, criticized Qatar for spying and hacking on U.S. soil, and for sponsoring Middle East terrorism.

Bergman stated that Al Jazeera, Qatars propaganda outlet, ran a months-long spy operation aimed at U.S. Jews and pro-Israel groups. He also noted that Qatar hacked Americans, including an American rabbi and allies of a GOP megadonor. Worse, Qatar sponsors terrorism, including in the United States and European Union, and continues to fund Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.

Bergman said the Palestinian terror group regularly praises as martyrs those who murder innocents and gives money, often provided by Qatar, to terrorists families. Hamas fires rockets into Israel and digs tunnels from Gaza into Israel, all with financial backing from Qatar.

Likewise, Qataris fund al-Qaeda in Syria and the Muslim Brotherhood, and paid a ransom of up to $1 billion to an al-Qaeda affiliate and Iranian security officials.

Bergman said the Anti-Defamation League point[ed] to abhorrent, hateful anti-Semitic cartoons that demonize Jews and often appear on editorial pages, calling on Qatar to follow its own law banning anti-Semitic propaganda.

Bergman called for passage of The Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act, H.R. 2712, which is intended to prevent Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad from accessing international support networks. Under the bill, the administration would be required to impose two or more sanctions on those who assist the organizations, including denying Export-Import guarantees, credit, or insurance; defense sales or services; munitions export licenses; exports of goods or technology controlled for national security reasons; or credit of more than $10 million.

Moreover, the bill would require the administration to impose a one-year suspension of U.S. assistance, international loans, technical assistance, and munitions exports for foreign governments that provide support for acts of terrorism or material support to Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Finally, it would prohibit such governments transactions in foreign exchanges subject to U.S. jurisdiction and transfers between financial institutions subject to U.S. jurisdiction that involve any interest of such a government.

Bergman also voiced support for [enabling] U.S. victims of terrorism to sue in U.S. courts the Gulf nations or entities they support. Iran already has billions of dollars frozen in U.S. banks as victims attempt to claim its assets for restitution.

He argued that the law should allow a terrorism exception to the jurisdictional immunity of a foreign state, whether for physical terrorism or cyberterrorism, empowering families to use civil litigation to shut down foreign governments dabbling in both. So long as Qatar sponsors terrorism, it should not be protected.

Likewise, Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) stated, Qatar insists that it only sends humanitarian aid to Israels region, yet Hamaswhich he noted has killed more than 400 Israelisrejected grants recently in part because of such limitations.

Qatar, he said, also serves as a source of funding for the Nusra Front, a radical Syrian group aligned with al-Qaeda. He echoed Bergmans support for H.R. 2712.

Similarly, retired Air Force Gen. Charles F. Wald said, My personal opinion is that Qatar has to decide: It can either work with Western-aligned countries in the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council], or it can be aligned with Iran. It cant do both.

If they want to become isolated or aligned with Iran, I think that would be a big mistake. I think the objective for the United States is to help the Qataris understand that. Wald expressed concern over Qatar proving a haven for both the Taliban and the Muslim Brotherhood. You just cant accept it.

Rep. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), a second-term congressman from the home state of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, agreed with other conference participants that Qatars well-documented support for extremism has fueled bloodshed throughout the region and around the world.

According to Marshall, that support calls into question the long-term partnership between the United States and Qatar.

We have a significant investment in intelligence in Qatar, and Pompeo and fellow senior administration figures understand the complexity of this issue, he said.

In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Bahrain issued a list of individuals and organizations linked to Qatar and terrorism. The countries charged the list demonstrates Qatar announces fighting terrorism on one hand and finances and supports and hosts different terrorist organizations on the other hand.

According to Marshall, this support will not be tolerated.  A realignment of military support may be long overdue.
Freshmen practice fighting skills during a military training at a university in Gaochun County in coastal China's Jiangsu Province, on Sept. 25, 2008. (China Photos/Getty Images)

Chinese Student Sentenced for Photographing US Military Base, Raising Questions About His Military Ties

A Chinese exchange student who was recently sentenced for illegally photographing a U.S. naval facility in Florida hailed from a Chinese university with deep ties to Chinas military.

Zhao Qianli, 21, a Chinese national from Shanxi Province, was sentenced to a year in federal prison after pleading guilty to photographing defense installations at the U.S. Naval Air Station Key West, according to a Feb. 5 press release by the U.S. Department of Justice. He also must complete a year of supervised release.

Zhao was arrested on Sept. 26, 2018, after trespassing at the Navy base and using his cellphone and a digital camera to take pictures. He was found to have overstayed his visa after studying at a summer exchange program.

The program had ended in September, according to a Feb. 5 article by the Miami Herald; the U.S. school where Zhao was studying wasnt disclosed.

After serving his sentence, Zhao will be deported. If hes allowed to reenter the United States by officials, he must report to a U.S. probation office within 72 hours of arriving.

The judge handed Zhao the statutory maximum term of one year, higher than the sentencing guidelines of zero to six months for his offense. The U.S. attorneys office in Miami had submitted a memorandum requesting that Zhao be given a nine-month sentence, due to his atypical behaviors and to reflect the seriousness of the offense.

Zhao had claimed that he was just a tourist who got lost while visiting the area. But according to court documents, none of the photos and videos found on his cell phone and digital cameras were of any tourist attraction sites in Key West. There were only photos of the Navy base and an antenna field on the base.

Witnesses said they saw Zhao walk directly toward the restricted area where the antenna field was located and took photosdespite a sign clearly indicating the area was restricted.

Zhao wasnt forthcoming about many details when questioned by U.S. officials. Regarding his education background in China, Zhao stated that he was in the fourth year of his music undergraduate study at the North University of China. Yet, his visa application showed that he began his studies there in 2017, according to court documents.

During questioning, Zhao admitted to having received military training as a university student in Chinaa fact he failed to disclose on his visa application.

U.S. officials also found photos on his phone of uniformed individuals, in what appears to be military training in China, as well as documentation of a university engineering course curriculum. When questioned, Zhao said he had no recollection of how those photos and documents got onto his phone.

Officials also confronted him with a police blouse and a belt buckle indicating it belonged to a Chinese government ministry; both were recovered at the Miami Beach hotel where he was staying.

Zhao claimed the items were given to him by his father so he could have nice clothes to wear while in the United States.

Chinese Military Ties

The North University of China, which Zhao attended, has deep ties to Chinas military, going back more than 50 years to the founding of the Chinese regime.

According to the universitys official website, the school was founded by the Eighth Route Army, a division under the command of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The school was later renamed Taiyuan Institute of Machinery in 1958.

In 1963, the school was transferred to the administration of the National Defense, Technology, and Industry Committee, a central government agency. It became one of eight colleges considered key to Chinas defense industry at the time.

Since 2011, the Shanxi provincial government and Chinas State Administration for Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) have had joint administration over the school. The latter is a central government agency tasked with drafting guidelines and policies that strengthen Chinas military forces with more advanced equipment.

In June 2015, North University made headlines in Chinese media when the school hosted a ceremony to transfer its research results to the Chinese military: a new 125mm multi-purpose cannon with anti-aircraft and anti-tank capabilities. The school headed development of the new cannon, with support from more than 10 other Chinese defense technology research centers, according to the Chinese Communist Partys mouthpiece newspaper Peoples Daily.

The school continues to enjoy close ties to the military. In October 2018, the schools president, Shen Xingquan, signed agreements with Chinas state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry (CASIC)known for developing Chinas missilesto enhance the transfer of technological development to the military from academia, according to the school website.

The school also announced in December last year that two professors were awarded a total of 2.48 billion yuan (about $367 million) in funding by SASTIND for defense-technology related projects.

Beijings National Policies

North University also participates in Beijings current national development and recruitment policies, Made in China 2025 and the Thousand Talents Plan.

On Jan. 13, 2019, Shen, while giving a speech at the school about the establishment of a provincial association for scientists and entrepreneurs to foster artificial intelligence-enhanced manufacturing, said that its vital for the association to help implement the Made in China 2025 policy.

He said he envisioned the association taking the lead in improving the time it takes to turn patented technologies into actual products, so that the province would not lag in the progress of Made in China 2025. According to the schools website, Shen was appointed to be the associations deputy chairman.

The Made in China 2025 industrial policy was announced in 2015, with goals for China to achieve self-sufficiency in 10 tech-manufacturing sectors by 2025, including advanced information technology, robotics, and automated machine tools.

The plan, however, has been criticized by the U.S. administration for undermining fair competition in the global market, and abetting the theft of technology and trade secrets.

In December 2008, Beijing rolled out the Thousand Talents Plan, a state recruitment program to attract primarily Chinese science and technology talents who studied or lived abroad to work in China. Since then, the plan has recruited more than 7,000 people for employment at a university, research institute, or state-owned enterprise, according to the programs website.

According to the official website of Chinas Ministry of National Defense, two staff members were recruited under the plan to North University by July 2011.

In an April 2015 article, Chinas state-run Shanxi News Net reported that Wang Wanjun, a professor at North University, was recruited by the talent program from Louisiana State University. Upon Wangs return to China, North University established a lithography center, as well as a lithography companyafter successfully obtaining 10 million yuan (about $1.48 million) in funding. Lithography is an important manufacturing step in the production of semiconductor chips.

In the Shanxi News article, Wang said the reason he decided to return to China was because the school provided him with the platform to serve his country and start a business.

According to Chinese news portal Baidu, Wang was recruited by the talent program in 2010.

The Thousand Talents Plan has since been flagged by U.S. officials as a means to transfer U.S. technology and intellectual properties to China.
Men install a CCTV camera in a shopping street in the old town of Kashgar, in the Xinjiang region of China on March 23, 2017. (Reuters/Thomas Peter)

China Forces Uyghur Muslims to Eat Pork, Drink Alcohol During Lunar New Year

Chinese authorities are forcing Uyghur Muslims to eat pork, drink alcohol, and observe the Lunar New Year holiday, according to reports by Radio Free Asia (RFA).

Uyghurs are a Turkic ethnic minority, the majority of whom practice Islam and reside in the northwestern region of China known as Xinjiang. They dont traditionally celebrate the Lunar New Year, and consumption of pork and alcohol is strictly forbidden in Islam.

Chinese authorities have, in recent years, stepped up persecution of the minority group, including rounding up Uyghurs and placing them in detention facilities, where they undergo political indoctrination and are forced to denounce their faith. The United Nations estimates that there are about 1 million Uyghur and other Muslim minorities detained in these so-called vocational re-education centers.

Former detainees have recounted human-rights abuses inside the facilities, such as torture, drugging, and rape.

Local officials in the prefecture of Ili Kazakh in Xinjiang invited residents to a Lunar New Year dinner where pork was served, and threatened to send the invitees to the re-education centers if they refused, according to a Feb. 6 RFA report.

Another resident told RFA that attempts to force Muslims to eat pork began in late 2018.

Officials have been sticking Lunar New Year poetic couplets on the doors of Uyghur and Kazakh households and giving them pork, according to a woman by the name of Kesay who belongs to the Kazakh minority.

If we wont put up the couplets or hang lanterns, they say we are two-faced, and they send us to re-education camps, she said.

The latest effort to force Uyghur Muslims into disobeying their religious tenets is part of the Chinese regimes campaign to repress their faith. The Chinese regime has used the excuse of fighting terrorism and radicalization to persecute Uyghur Muslims.

Dilxat Raxit, spokesman for the World Uyghur Congress, an organization for Uyghurs in exile, told RFA he had received similar reports regarding Uyghur households.

According to our information, the Chinese government is stepping up its campaign to assimilate Uyghurs into Han Chinese culture, he said. Han Chinese are the majority ethnic group in China.

Amid international criticism of the re-education centers, Shohrat Zakir, the Communist Party chairman of the Xinjiang region, made similar justifications for their existence.

We are teaching the national common language, law, and regulations to aware them about the country and world as well as their legal rights, obligations, and duties, Zakir told a small group of foreign journalists who were given a tour of facilities in southern Xinjiang in early January.

He further claimed that the centers were constructed to transform and educate those the Chinese Communist Party deems at risk of the three evil forces of extremism, separatism, and terrorism.
Australia Denies Citizenship for Chinese Billionaire Who Swayed Politicians with Donations

Huang Xiangmo, a Chinese billionaire accused of attempting to influence Australian politicians on behalf of the Chinese regime, has been denied Australian citizenship. The Canberra government also cancelled his permanent residency.

Fairfax Media, an Australian media group, first reported on Feb. 5 that officials have denied the citizenship application of Beijings former top lobbyist in Australia. This is the governments first direct action against a suspected Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence agent since new laws targeting foreign interference were introduced in 2018.

The Australian Associated Press reported on Feb. 6 that Huang is currently stranded in Beijing and will not be able to return to his luxury mansion in Sydney.

Huang, 49, was born in Jieyang City of southern Chinas Guangdong Province. Australian media reported that he donated roughly AU$2.7 million ($1.94 million) to major Australian political parties over the past five years.

Huang founded his real estate developer firm Yuhu Group in 2006, according to the companys website.

In 2007, Huang was appointed a member of the standing committee representing Jieyang City to the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, an advisory body to the CCP, before he immigrated to Sydney in 2011 with his wife and children.

In 2012, Huang founded Yuhu Group Australia, a real estate development and investment company based in Sydney. He also became president of the Australian Council for the Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification of China (PPRC Australia), a group under the umbrella of the United Front Work Department, a CCP agency tasked with spreading Beijings agenda overseas.

Huang wasnt the topic of media headlines until he bought a luxury hilltop mansion in Sydneys wealthy north shore in 2012, which cost him AU$12.8 million ($9.2 million). Five more multi-million-dollar houses on the same hill were later sold to Huangs friends within a short period, according to Fairfax Media.

The recent report said Huangs role as president of PPRC Australia helped him to reach top-level leaders. Since 2012, through political donations, Huang has managed to build relationships with Australias two major political parties, the center-left Labor Party and center-right Liberal Party.

In 2015, Huang paid AU$55,000 ($39,150) to the fundraising arm of the Labor Party in order to have lunch with Bill Shorten, leader of the Labor Party, amid a heated political debate on a trade deal with China, ABC reported. The Labor Party had opposed the deal.

In 2017, Sam Dastyari, then-Labor senator, hosted with Huang a press conference for local Chinese-language media and talked about the South China Sea issue in favor of the Chinese regime, the ABC reported. This contradicted the Labor Partys stance which supported the United States critique of Chinas aggression in the region.

It was later revealed by the outlet that Huangs company paid for Dastyaris legal bills in 2014.

Dastyari resigned in January 2018 after repeated allegations of his close ties with Beijing, including a Fairfax report that Dastyari warned Huang that his phone was probably being tapped by spy agencies during a secret meeting.

According to Fairfax, two weeks prior to the 2016 federal election, Huang attempted to use a AU$400,000 ($284,440) donation to the Labor Party as leverage to influence the partys policy on China.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the countrys chief intelligence agency, had warned several politicians of Huangs links to the Chinese regime, including Malcolm Turnbull, the Liberal Prime Minister from 2015 to 2018, Tony Abbott, the Liberal Prime Minister from 2013 to 2015; and Shorten, the outlet reported.

The most recent Fairfax report quotes senior government sources saying that the Australian Home Affairs Department denied Huangs citizenship application due to a range of reasons, including his background and concerns over the reliability of his answers when interviewed by Australian security officials.

Huang, in a statement released on Feb. 8, denied he violated any Australian laws or regulations.

For Huang to return to his harborside mansion, he would have to challenge the citizenship denial at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or request an internal review, but these processes could take a long time.
Terraces and stands were empty at Doncaster Racecourse after racing was canceled due to an equine flu outbreak in the United Kingdom on Feb. 7, 2019. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

All Horse Races in UK Canceled After Equine Flu Outbreak

LONDONAuthorities in the UK have canceled all horse racing after an outbreak of highly contagious equine influenza.

Three horses belonging to one British trainer were affected, with all three racing on Feb. 6 against dozens of other horses, potentially exposing them to the disease.

All three of the horses had been vaccinated against the flu, which is endemic in the UK, leading to questions about how they could have contracted the virus.

Equine influenza is highly contagious among horses that havent been vaccinated and causes fever, coughing, and nasal discharge. It takes at least a few weeks for horses to recover, and potentially up to six months.

Although it rarely kills adult horses, it can be fatal to young foals and debilitated horses.

Humans arent affected by the virus, but they can transmit it. Similar to human influenza, the virus can go airborne and spread when horses cough.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which is investigating the scale and severity of the outbreak, took the precautionary measure of shutting down all racing in the UK to prevent the spread of the virus.

We are working quickly to identify the extent of the infection and will have more information when further test results are returned today, the BHA said in a statement. Following these results being known, a call will be convened to discuss the implications and a decision will then be made as to the impact on racing in the coming days.

The BHA has contacted all trainers who could have had contact with the infected horses to advise them on biosecurity measures.

They said the fact that the virus had affected vaccinated horses was a significant concern, but that the vaccine should help reduce to a certain extent the effect and spread of the disease in thoroughbreds.

Similar to human flu, the virus is constantly evolving into various different strains, making it difficult to vaccinate against.

Outside of racing, up to 70 percent of horses in the UK arent vaccinated against equine flu, the BHA said.

Since January, there have been eight outbreaks in the UK, according to the Animal Health Trust (AHT), which is monitoring the viruss status.

Just a few days ago, on Feb. 4, eight thoroughbred horses that had also been vaccinated were confirmed to have the virus in Suffolk County, along with six unvaccinated non-thoroughbreds.

Of particular significance is that one of the two recently confirmed outbreaks involves multiple vaccinated horses and provides the first evidence of failure of vaccine effectiveness in the UK, said equine veterinary association BEVA in a statement.

They added that the characterization of the virus is being confirmed, and will be reported to vaccine manufacturers in the next few days.

How the outbreaks occurred in vaccinated horses is currently being ascertained, with the AHT saying that vaccines arent necessarily designed to prevent the virus entirely.

There is often the expectation that vaccines protect horses completely from flu but theyre actually designed to reduce the severity of clinical signs, as well as duration, an AHT spokesman said in an emailed statement. Importantly, they reduce virus shedding from the horse, so that they are less likely to transmit the virus to other vaccinated horses.

Outbreaks of equine flu have been observed in other European countries since December 2018. Though they havent so far been linked to the UK cases, they are the most likely source, the BHA said.

The last outbreak of equine flu in the UK was in 2003, when 21 training yards were affected.

In 2007, there was a widespread outbreak of the virus in Australia where horses werent vaccinated, leading to an overhaul of the countrys quarantine procedures. It took months before the outbreak was contained.
Alabama Officer Shoots Wrong Suspect: Attorney General Rules Not Criminal

A court in Alabama ruled the actions of a Hoover officer, who killed Emantic E.J. Bradford Jr., not criminal, on Feb. 6.

Bradford, 21, was shot by the officer at the Riverside Galleria mall, after the officer identified him as a threat to civilians, as he had a gun in his hand.

BREAKING: A Hoover police officer was justified in fatally shooting Emantic Fitzgerald EJ Bradford Jr. Thanksgiving night inside the Riverchase Galleria, state officials announced today https://t.co/0FohVlMFAY pic.twitter.com/fHB6z2z7Bl  AL.com (@aldotcom) February 5, 2019

Two shootings took place on Nov. 22, 2018: the first shooting alerted on-duty mall officers, which ultimately lead to Bradfords shooting, according to a report by the Alabama Attorney General.

Surveillance Footage & Key Evidence

After two officers at the mall heard two gunshots, they went to the location immediately, where 18-year-old Brian Wilson was found wounded, and attended by a person named AC (whose full name is undisclosed).

The officers then saw Bradford running toward Wilson with a gun in his handprompting the officers fire.

Initially, the officers believed that they shot and captured the shooter, but further investigation revealed that the real shooter, 18-year-old Erron Brown, fled the scene after he shot Wilson twice. Brown can be seen escaping through JC Penney in the video.

According to USA Today, the police department initially issued a statement, affirming that Bradford was responsible for the shooting. The statement was later retracted.

Final Report by Alabama Attorney General

For more than two months, the case was under review by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. It was found that although the officer mistakingly believed that he shot the shooter, he identified E.J. Bradford as an immediate deadly threat to innocent civilians and thus shot Bradford to eliminate the threat.

Talking with @AGSteveMarshall now that his report is released, finding a Hoover police officer was justified in fatally shooting Emantic Fitzgerald EJ Bradford Jr. Thanksgiving night. pic.twitter.com/iffftpX2vc  Reshad Hudson (@ReshadHudson) February 5, 2019

The officer believed that E.J. Bradford was going to murder Brian Wilson and AC, read the report. An Officer estimated that E.J. Bradford was only 10 feet away from Wilson and AC as he was running toward them with a firearm.

One of the eyewitnesses stated that she heard the officer say, Drop your weapon, drop your weapon Sir, put your weapon on the ground, before the officer shot Bradford. Two other witnesses also heard the officers demand.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall ruled Tuesday the Hoover police officer who shot and killed E.J, Bradford was justified in the shooting Thanksgiving night at the Riverchase Galleria. pic.twitter.com/DUNf1bgxRN  Jamiese Price (@ThePriceReport) February 5, 2019

Although the officers mistakingly thought that Bradford shot Wilson, Bradford still posed a threat because the gun he was holding was loaded.

Suspect Now in Custody

Brown has been arrested and charged with attempted murder. He has admitted to shooting Wilson by claiming that he did it in self-defense.

Because Browns case is pending, the report could not fully disclose the cases details, such as the relationship between Brown and Bradford. The report focused on the officers decision to fire his weapon and the details prompting that decision.
The attorney for the Brazos County district clerk, who is being sued for a number of alleged campaign violations made during last years race for the position, said in a press release this week that a trial court had dismissed a majority of the claims against his client.

The plaintiff, local attorney Margaret Meece  who lost the Republican primary runoff election in May to Gabriel Garcia  says thats not the case.

Meece sued Garcia in December, saying that the oil and lube center owner took illegal campaign contributions and questionable loans, filed incomplete and late campaign finance reports and told employees in the district clerks office that they would need to vote for him in order to keep their jobs, among other allegations. Meece has said she is seeking monetary relief between $100,000 and $200,000 to recoup her losses, not to change the outcome of the election.

Garcias attorney, Gaines West, issued a press release Tuesday after a judge granted part of Garcias motion to dismiss the lawsuit. West, in the statement, said that most of Meeces baseless claims had been dismissed and that Garcia will appeal the decision not to dismiss the few remaining claims.

In response, Meece said in a written statement thats just not true.
Every White House in the modern era has sought to be prepared in case a vacancy arises on the Supreme Court. President Donald Trumps legal advisers dont know much more than anyone else about the likelihood of a vacancy this year, but they are making contingency plans. Those plans center on the possibility that Ruth Bader Ginsburg, at 85 the oldest justice, will leave the court.

At the moment, there appear to be seven leading contenders, who can be loosely grouped into a first and second tier based on how much attention they are getting. Trump has released a public list of his potential Supreme Court nominees, the most recent version of which came out in November 2017. All seven candidates are drawn from that list.

The four candidates under most serious consideration are all appeals-courts judges who were placed on the bench by Trump. Amy Coney Barretts confirmation to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals became a national news story in September 2017 when Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein and a few other critics made an issue of the nominees religious views. In large part because of that experience, Barrett has become a favorite of social conservatives. She was considered for the Supreme Court nomination that ultimately went to Brett Kavanaugh.
 Employers dont have to show they have a labor shortage to apply. They dont even have to try recruiting an American to fill the job.

Cutting labor costs is clearly the paramount need. In Silicon Valley, computer systems analysts make on average just more than $116,000 a year. But companies can hire H-1B workers at a lower skill level, paying them only about $77,000 a year to do the same work, the report says.

And its not unheard-of for companies to ask American workers to train the H-1B workers taking their jobs. 60 Minutes featured Robert Harrison, a senior telecom engineer at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. Asked whether training his replacement felt like digging his own grave, Harrison responded:

It feels worse than that. It feels like not only am I digging the grave but Im getting ready to stab myself in the gut and fall into the grave.

Why does this program continue without serious reform? Mainly because its big boosters include such marquee tech names as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Michael Bloomberg and Eric Schmidt. Big Tech has showered think tanks with funding to brainwash Americans into believing that their country is starving for tech expertise.
The level of political polarization in America has almost never been as high as it is now, except for the years prior to the Civil War, Putnam said. The level of social isolation, disconnection and loneliness, is probably the truly highest ever measured. Our culture has become very narcissistic, and we are very much focused on the I, not the we. 

According to Putnam, people today do not know their neighbors, nor do they trust each other. Americans do not socialize at the church or synagogue anymore, nor do they join clubs or bowling leagues, as his book relays. They do not donate toward charitable causes to the extent they did in the 1960s and 1970s. And, just as the Americans of the early 1900s felt hatred toward the influx of Russian, Jewish, Slavic and Italian immigrants that poured into the ports, Americans today have a deep resentment toward newcomers crossing the border, he said.
A home just east of Smetana was destroyed by fire Wednesday afternoon.

According to Brazos County Volunteer Fire Department Precinct 4 firefighter Dani Vacek, around 3 p.m. Wednesday, first responders were summoned to a one-story home off Texas 21, across from the intersection of Stanley Train and Walter Banks Road in the Cottonwood Branch area. By the time the first firefighters arrived, the front half of the home was engulfed in flames. Vacek said the large home appeared to be older and mainly comprised of wood.

The houses resident had been visiting a family member when the fire broke out and was not home. Vacek said it took first responders nearly 90 minutes to control the flames.

No injuries were reported, and firefighters kept the flames from spreading to a vehicle and propane tanks on the property.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced resident.
With Valentines Day right around the corner, online dating sites may be calling your name. These days, online dating is a common and convenient way to find that special someone. Online romance scams are a very real way that consumers find themselves defrauded over the internet, but they can be prevented. Better Business Bureau serving the Heart of Texas is here to help make sure youre safe while you search for that perfect match.

What is an online romance scam? They usually consist of fake profiles (using a real, unsuspecting persons pictures) on a dating site. The fraudster will take weeks, months or even years to groom the victim, often isolating them from their friends and family. During this time, they may start requesting small favors or sums of money before they inevitably have some sort of emergency that causes them to ask you for a very large amount of money. Often these scammers will pretend to be service members or business executives traveling abroad for an extended period of time. They take time to cultivate what the victim believes is a real relationship, so they feel obligated to send their loved one money in their time of need.
In his presentation, Kolbe credited the most recent phase of the Expo Complexs expansion with letting the Expo competitively bid for the annual Texas State 4-H Show, at which more than 350 4-H youth compete, learn and showcase numerous skills.

The Expo will host the annual event for five years beginning in July after its 35-year run at the Taylor County Exposition in Abilene. The expo won the bid to host the state show from 2019-2023, beginning with this years show, scheduled for July 20-27.

Your investment has allowed us to attract larger events, and to bring in more people over more days who spend more money. We are competing at a new level, Kolbe said to the commissioners.

Multiple members of the court praised the Expo following Kolbe and Dudensings presentations. Brazos County Judge Duane Peters said the Expos positive economic impact on local businesses has motivated the county to continue to invest in the facility.

The Expo staff does a great job. There are great employees out there, and we appreciate your work, Peters told Kolbe, Dudensing and other Expo employees present. Peters and Precinct 3 commissioner Nancy Berry praised what they referred to as the staffs ability to hold multiple events at once and maintain the facilitys visual appearance.

The Expo, located on Leonard Road in Bryan, was initially paid for by a tightly contested $18.5 million bond issue that was narrowly approved by voters in 2000. Its expansion came in three phases. The second and third phases of Expo expansion were paid for through the hotel occupancy tax to the tune of approximately $12 million and $9 million, respectively.

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Texas A&M University police are investigating the report of a sexual assault this morning at a dorm on campus.

According to authorities, a woman reported she was sexually assaulted around 11 a.m. in her dorm. The woman said a man she knew arrived at her dorm room around 10:30 a.m. and she allowed him inside. Once in the dorm room, police say the man sexually assaulted the woman, who asked him repeatedly to leave.

The victim texted her roommate and asked her to return to the dorm room. Police said when the victim told the man her roommate was on the way, he left.

No further information was immediately released. It was not clear in which dorm the assault occurred.

Anyone with information is asked to contact UPD at 979-845-2345.
Melanie joined The Daily Times in the early 90s and has served as the Life section editor since 1993. A William Blount and UT alum, Melanie is generally the early arriver who turns on the lights in the newsroom.

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Sarah Eames | The Daily Star Burlington Flats residents Cathy and Lee Mayne look at a plaque installed at the Otsego Area Occupational Center honoring their son, Michael, who was killed in Iraq in 2009 while serving in the Army.
Elk Grove, CA (95624)

Today

Clear skies. Low around 55F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low around 55F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.
Sarah Eames | The Daily Star Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES instructor Doug Anderson gives prospective student Michaela Bateman and her mother, Laura, a tour of the building trades program at the Career Expo and Job Fair Open House program at the Milford campus Wednesday.
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Two people were transported to hospital on Thursday morning after a collision between a SUV and semi in the RM of Piney.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 7/2/2019 (866 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two people were transported to hospital on Thursday morning after a collision between a SUV and semi in the RM of Piney.

Sprague RCMP responded to a report of the crash around 8 a.m.

Investigation determined that the SUV rear ended the semi while travelling on Highway 12 near Road 73E, about five kilometres west of South Junction.

Visibility was a factor due to the recent snowfall, police said.

The SUV's 20-year-old male driver, a resident of Winnipeg, and 43-year-old female passenger, a RM of Piney resident, suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries.

The 32-year-old male driver of the semi-trailer, an Elma resident, was not injured.

Sprague Deputy Fire Chief Amanda Ruttle told The Carillon that the semi was hauling peat moss and beginning to turn onto Road 73E when the collision occurred.

She added that the passenger in the SUV had to be extricated from the vehicle and that both its occupants were transported to hospital in Roseau, Minnesota.

A spokesperson for STARS said the air ambulance service was stood down after initially being called to the scene.

Update 3:45 p.m.: Adds comments from Sprague deputy fire chief. Adds more detail on location of collision.






US soy sets export record in market year ending September



US farmer investments in international markets produced strong results in the 2017/2018 marketing year, despite trade dynamics developing as the export period closed, the United Soybean Board said.



According to the US Census Bureau, US soybean farmers exported a record-breaking 2.6 billion bushels of US soy and soy products, valued at more than US$28 billion in the last market year. The US also set a new record high in combined volume of the whole soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil exported in 2017/2018, with soybean meal exports accounting for the greatest growth.



Derek Haigwood, chairman of US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and director for United Soybean Board (USB), said he expects to see the impact of trade issues in the next, 2018/2019, marketing year. The official marketing year runs from October 1 to September 30. Exports during the 2017/2018 marketing year would not have been largely impacted by the tariffs introduced by China as shipments abroad normally take place after harvest (October-December).



USSEC recently initiated the "What it Takes" strategy to grow US soybean demand worldwide and mitigate export losses to China. The programme provides opportunities for industry experts and farmers to remind buyers about the intrinsic feed value of US soy, mainly its exceptional amino acid content, the nations reliable transportation system and sustainable farming practices.



"Particularly at a time when global trade flows have dramatically changed, it is critical that we ensure access in all markets that want to purchase US soybeans and soy products," Haigwood said.



Keith Tapp, chair of USB, said that the dedication to opening new markets for soy has been and will remain a priority USB investment and support.



"Our work to build the preference for US soy is more important than ever," he added. "Soy production is growing worldwide, and we continue to work across borders, industries and disciplines to find and develop markets for US soy products."



In cooperation with USB and USSEC, the American Soybean Association (ASA) is a key partner in the collaboration to expand international markets for soy. ASA continues to advocate that US President Donald Trumps administration and Congress maintain current market access through passage of the USMCA as well as negotiate new free trade agreements to build additional market access for US soybeans.



"US soy is exported to more than 100 markets today," Liz Hare, executive director of ASA's World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program (WISHH) said. "...there are opportunities in emerging markets with lots of room to grow."



In 2017, the US soy industry launched an effort to shift a sizable portion of its efforts to markets where there is significant future potential due to factors such as large populations, improving economic conditions, and currently low per capita protein and oil consumption.



As a result of the coordinated work by these three soy organisations through programmes such as WISHH and "What It Takes," sizable export growth was seen in developing markets including Pakistan, Egypt and India. Globally, demand is forecasted to grow by about 15 million tonnes in 2019, according to economists at the USSEC.



- United Soybean Board
Find these stories and more in the Feb. 7 issue of The Carillon.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 6/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Find these stories and more in the Feb. 7 issue of The Carillon.

Playoffs beckon

Sports editor Terry Frey sets up the final games of the HTJHL season as the playoffs loom.

Digging deep

Reporter Jordan Ross talks to a Zhoda-area resident concerned about drainage.

Budget crunching

Reporter Dave Baxter takes in Hanover School Division's public budget consultation, following the province's education funding announcement last month.
SEE ALSO: 2019 Chicago Auto Show Press Pass Coverage From The Auto Channel

WATCH: Toyota TRD Chicago Auto Show Press Presentation

Toyota RAV4 Drivers Earn Trail Cred Thanks to New TRD Off-Road Treatment

February 07, 2019

CHICAGO, February 7, 2019  The all-new, fifth-generation Toyota RAV4, which launched just two months ago, is already looking ahead with the unveiling of the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road model at the Chicago Auto Show. Arriving in the fall, the newest addition to the RAV4 family will be outfitted with a full array of special Toyota Racing Development engineering and design features for greater trail-driving capability and standout style.



The vehicle that started the segment 22 years ago is now the best-selling non-pickup truck in the U.S. With the latest generation, it is bringing even more sport and more utility. For 2020, the new TRD Off-Road is designed for customers who make the great outdoors a second home.



For the first time, the RAV4 will join a formidable team of Toyota TRD Off-Road SUVs and pickups inspired by the brands legendary off-road and desert racers. Beneath the new-generation RAV4s bolder design, the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform provides an ideal base for TRDs renowned go-anywhere capability and style. Building on the 8.6-inch ground clearance and design features of the RAV4 Adventure grade, the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road goes above and beyond with suspension, wheels and tires engineered specifically for trail driving.



The Dynamic Force 2.5-liter, 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine, paired with an 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission, provides get-up-and-go-anywhere performance and exemplary fuel efficiency. The driver can choose from Sport, Normal and Eco modes. To take more equipment along, such as personal watercraft, dirt bikes or a small enclosed trailer, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.



Standard Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, as well as distribute torque to the left or right rear wheel to enhance handling on or off pavement. When AWD isnt needed, such as on long highway stretches, Rear Driveline Disconnect optimizes fuel economy.



Using standard Multi-Terrain Select, the driver can maximize traction by matching the drive mode to the conditions -- Mud & Sand mode for beach driving, or Rock & Dirt mode for trails, and Snow for wintery conditions, for example. The Multi-Information Display (MID) shows torque allocation and slip control data. The new-generation RAV4s short front and rear overhangs enhance trail-driving capability. In addition, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road will include Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) for optimal on-road and off-road performance and safety.



Thoroughly TRD



The 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road takes cues from Toyotas rich off-road racing history. It shares high-rise roof rails, large over-fenders, and aggressive bumper, grille designs and fog light surrounds with the RAV4 Adventure grade, but with a uniquely TRD personality.



Inspired by TRDs successful learnings with Ryan Millens Rally RAV4, TRD Off-Road suspension is engineered to enhance body control and small-bump isolation to help smooth out trails and rough city streets. Unique red coil springs are tuned for an off-road focus. The twin-tube shocks are re-valved and feature new internal rebound springs to improve rebound control. New bump stops maximize compression direction wheel travel and help improve body control over large bumps and dips.



The 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road exclusively rolls on lighter and more rigid flow-formed 18x7-inch matte black TRD alloy wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires. These all-terrain tires mean business, with a unique tread pattern and compound developed to TRD technical requirements. A rugged square shoulder design helps protect against punctures, on or off road, and the tires are Severe Snow Rated with open shoulder grooving to shed debris, mud and snow.



Available in an exclusive two-tone Magnetic Gray Metallic w/Ice Edge Roof combination, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road is accented by dark gray front and rear lower fascias, and front LED fog lights are standard. TRD Off-Road is also available in Midnight Black or Lunar Rock, both of which are available with optional Ice Edge Roof. Other available colors include Ruby Flare Pearl and Super White.



Inside, striking red stitching and red trim accent the cabin. Seat surfaces are covered in comfortable SofTex, which is lighter than leather yet highly durable, and the front seats have TRD stitched into the headrests. Exclusive TRD all-weather floor mats and rear cargo mat capture the mud, sand and water dragged in from the outside and easily shake out for cleanup.



Next-Generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0)





Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0), which is already standard on all 2019 RAV4 models, includes a long roster of active-safety technologies and capabilities:

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)

Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)

Automatic High Beam (AHB)

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)

Road Sign Assist (RSA)
Ralph Northam's yearbook page containing the controversial "blackface" photograph. Credit:AP The allegations have further enveloped Virginia in chaos as Governor Ralph Northam, a Democrat, resists calls to resign over a racist photo that appeared on his medical school yearbook page and his acknowledgment that he darkened his face for a dance competition in the 1980s. Attorney-General Mark Herring also acknowledged, unprompted, on Wednesday that he dressed in blackface while in college, plunging the state Democratic Party into crisis as all three Democratic state-level officeholders are now embroiled in controversies. Fairfax, who is next in line to be governor if Northam resigns, on Monday described the encounter as consensual, called the allegations false and threatened legal action against Tyson. Justin Fairfax is next in line to become governor if Ralph Northam resigns. Credit:AP

In her statement, Tyson said she decided to come forward after those remarks. "My only motive in speaking now is to refute Mr Fairfax's falsehoods and aspersions of my character, and to provide what I believe is important information for Virginians to have as they make critical decisions that involve Mr Fairfax," she said. Democrats have tread carefully with the allegations against Fairfax, with many declining to comment or saying that they take the allegations seriously and are monitoring the situation. But after Tyson publicly shared her story on Wednesday, US Congressman Bobby Scott, the dean of the Virginia congressional caucus, released a statement in her support. "Allegations of sexual assault need to be taken seriously," Scott said. "I have known Professor Tyson for approximately a decade and she is a friend. She deserves the opportunity to have her story heard."

Loading Democratic Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton also voiced her support of Tyson, tweeting that she believed her. Tyson said she first met Fairfax on the first day of the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and the pair soon realised they had a mutual friend. On the third day of the event, Tyson said Fairfax suggested she accompany him to his hotel room to pick up some documents. It was in that hotel room, she alleges, that he began to kiss her. "Although surprised by his advance, it was not unwelcome and I kissed him back," she said. But then, she alleges that he forced her to perform oral sex as she cried. "Mr Fairfax put his hand behind my neck and forcefully pushed my head towards his crotch," she said. "Utterly shocked and terrified, I tried to move my head away, but could not because his hand was holding down my neck and he was much stronger than me."

"To be very clear, I did not want to engage in oral sex with Mr Fairfax and I never gave any form of consent. Quite the opposite," Tyson said, adding that she never spoke to Fairfax again. Tyson said she did not talk about the encounter with Fairfax for years and suppressed the memories in order to focus on her academic career. She said she found it "especially degrading" in part because she regularly worked as a volunteer at a local rape crisis centre at the time. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, pictured with his wife, Pam, is resisting calls to resign. Credit:AP "After the assault, I suffered from both deep humiliation and shame," she said. Then, in October 2017, she learned about Fairfax's campaign for lieutenant governor of Virginia and the news "hit me like a ton of bricks", Tyson said.

At that point, she said she began telling close friends in Virginia about the assault. Since then, "I have never wavered in my account because I am telling the truth," she said. After Fairfax won his November 2017 election, Tyson had reached out to The Washington Post because she said she felt an obligation to report the incident, particularly amid the #MeToo movement. Scott's aides said Tyson told Scott of the encounter shortly after she went to The Post. It's unclear what Scott did with the information. Loading The Post did not run a story at the time because it could not corroborate the woman's account or find similar complaints of sexual misconduct. On Friday, amid the news that Fairfax could be elevated to governor, Tyson said she vented her frustration on Facebook in a private post, which did not identify Fairfax by name.

On Sunday night, while she was still undecided about publicly sharing her story, her private Facebook post was published by Big League Politics, the same conservative website that published a racist photo from Northam's medical school yearbook page. Tyson pointed out an apparent attempt by Fairfax to discredit her by mentioning a 2007 educational video interview, in which Tyson describes being the victim of incest and molestation as a child. She made no mention in the video of the allegations against Fairfax. "This, of course, is not proof that he did not assault me. His reliance on this video to say the opposite is despicable and an offence to sexual assault survivors everywhere," Tyson said in her statement. In her current fellowship at Stanford University, Tyson's research focuses on the politics surrounding sexual violence, according to her biography. She has been a vocal advocate for sexual violence prevention, as a founding member of the Boston Area Rape Crisis Centre Survivor Speakers' Bureau. She has a bachelor's degree in politics from Princeton University and master's and PhD degrees in political science from the University of Chicago.

Tyson is scheduled to speak at a symposium at Stanford University on Tuesday titled "Betrayal and Courage in the Age of #MeToo". Loading Jennifer Freyd, also a fellow at the Centre for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, is scheduled to speak with her. Freyd said Tyson spoke to her about the 2004 incident last fall but did not identify Fairfax. "She's a very open person," Freyd said. "She shares things about herself when they're relevant to what we're talking about." More than two dozen fellows at the Centre for Advanced Study of Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University signed a letter Wednesday saying they were proud to call Tyson a colleague.

Tyson has hired the District of Columbia law firm Katz, Marshall & Banks, the same legal team that represented Christine Blasey Ford when she accused then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct. After some criticism for his aggressive response, Fairfax released a statement later on Wednesday that struck a softer tone. "I would like to encourage the media, my supporters and others to treat both the woman who made the allegation and my family with respect for how painful this situation can be for everyone involved," Fairfax said in a statement. Fairfax's statement also addressed his Monday remarks about the allegations, in which he insinuated that supporters of Northam and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, a potential political rival, were behind the assault allegations going public. "This has been an emotional couple of days for me and my family," Fairfax said. "And in my remarks on Monday, I think you could hear how emotional dealing with an allegation that I know is not true has been for me."
The four embassy staff sheltered in the basement bunkers of the embassy building during an 18-hour barrage of rockets and artillery shells which reduced much of West Beirut to rubble.

The Australian staff of the Beirut Embassy at Sydney Airport after being evacuated. From left: Jill Mortimer, Michelle McAnulty, John McAnulty and Perry Nolan. Credit:The Age Archives

Even if we wanted to, we couldnt move out, the Australian Charge dAffaires in Beirut, Mr. Perry Nolan, said last night. Australias diplomatic staff in the ravaged city say it is impossible to predict how long they will stay now that rocket fire has severely damaged the Australian embassy.

Speaking by telephone from Beirut last night, Mr. Nolan calmly described the past two days. The fire went on continually for 18 hours. We were up and down. I stayed in my apartment for some time until the sound of crashing masonry around me got too much and I went down to the basement.

The situation in Beirut on February 8, 1984. Credit:The Age Archives

I think the same applies to the others who were in the embassy apartments. Quite frankly, after a while you go to sleep through nervous exhaustion.

All our sleeping quarters have been hit either by shrapnel or glass. They have all been damaged. Id have to say we were concerned for our safety even when we were down in the bunkers.

It is impossible to describe the sound of heavy continual artillery and the vibrations and the blasts from it. It is quite unnerving.
Beijing: Chinas second biggest medical blood products company has been forced to issue an emergency recall for its blood plasma amid concern up to 12,000 units may be contaminated with HIV.

The latest medical scandal to hit China has seen the Shanghai Xinxing Pharmaceutical Company told to stop production after the discovery of HIV antibodies in its intravenous immunoglobin product.

The scandal is the latest to hit China's medical products. Credit:James Davies

The pooled blood plasma product is used to treat rabies, leukaemia and hepatitis.

The National Health Commission on Tuesday ordered hospitals to seal any products in the contaminated batch and monitor patients who had used it, as investigators were sent in.
Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas says a meeting to discuss soaring population growth with the federal government is a sham because the state is being short-changed $5 billion that should go towards infrastructure.

In comments set to further inflame tensions before the countrys treasurers meet in Canberra on Friday, Mr Pallas said the Morrison government should hand over $3 billion for the dumped East West Link if it cares about Victorias booming population.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas. Credit:Eamon Gallagher

Mr Pallas argued that based on population share, Victoria was entitled to an extra $4.9 billion over the budget and its four-year forward estimates period.

The minority Morrison governments population agenda is a sham  you cant slash funding to Victorian schools and hospitals and short-change infrastructure funding and have a meaningful conversation about population, he said.
In the lead-up to Premier Daniel Andrews successful 2014 state election campaign, Crown Casino founder Lloyd Williams was caught on camera telling the then opposition leader that Mr Packer would do everything he could for Labor. "You should probably know I am the executor of the Packer estate, and James is going to kick every goal he can for you," Mr Williams said. The request to Labor to approve Crowns tower was made without public notice in 2016, and approved by Mr Wynne in 2017 despite strong opposition from Melbourne City Council. A spokeswoman for Mr Wynne confirmed Crown had recently made the request to extend Mr Wynnes planning approval for two years. We have received the request for an extension of time and will now assess this request through the normal process and keep the community informed of the outcomes, she said.

. Credit:Matt Golding Melbourne City Council's former chair of finance, Stephen Mayne, who is now an anti-gambling campaigner, said it was a disgrace Crowns tower was ever approved. It was a dark day for planning in Victoria and it should now not be renewed in any way, shape or form - it was worse than anything Mr Skyscraper Matthew Guy did [as planning minister], because it was a corporate sweetheart deal negotiated personally between James Packer and Daniel Andrews. Mr Mayne said Mr Wynne had personally not liked the tower plan, but had approved it out of Cabinet solidarity. Dick Wynne always hated this, and the Premier should now let Dick Wynne cancel it, he said.
The Coalition is using a taxpayer-funded inquiry into Labors franking credits policy to raise funds for the Liberal Party, as the committee prepares to meet with dozens of angry retirees for the final time before Parliament returns.



Letters to self-managed super fund trustees from Liberal MP Jason Falinski, seen by the The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, show the House economics committee member using the inquiry to entice voters to donate to the Liberal Party in exchange for an audience with committee chair Tim Wilson.

Liberal MP Tim Wilson, chair of the House Economics Committee. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr Wilson is facing calls to resign after shadow treasurer Chris Bowen accused him of "collusion" with private interests to maximise political pressure on a Labor policy.

The Victorian MP discussed co-ordinating protests at the inquiry with his relative, Geoff Wilson, the founder of a company with $3 billion in funds under management, including two funds that Mr Wilson has declared an investment in.
Business groups are pushing for a federal takeover of the troubled vocational education and training sector in a historic reshaping that could face resistance from some state governments.

The calls for the national shake-up are contained in submissions to a review called by the Morrison government late last year to improve the $12 billion sector that trains and educates 4.2 million Australians a year.

Vocational education has faced funding cuts and policy dysfunction for a long time. Credit:Nick Moir

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Council for Private Education and Training are among those proposing that Canberra take responsibility for the sector from the states and territories.

The Commonwealth and COAG should address declining investment in VET and increasingly uneven investment across jurisdictions, by examining the possibility of moving towards a nationally funded and nationally operated tertiary education system, the Australian Industry Group said in its submission.
An elderly Canberra man was forced to backpay 15 years worth of land tax to the ACT government, despite advice from the ACT Revenue Office in 2000 that he was not liable to pay the charge.

Lino Rovere bought his Mawson home in 1973 with a self-contained but attached granny flat, which he has periodically rented out over the years.

Lino Rovere had to pay $11,000 in land tax for his granny flat, despite a letter from the government in 2000 saying he was exempt from the charge. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong

He has always reported his rental income to the Australian Tax Office, and asked the territory government in 1993 and in 2000 whether he had to pay land tax.

In 1993 he was told he did not have to pay as he occupied the property, and in 2000 he received a letter saying he was not liable because the property was not a separate dwelling.
Go nuclear. Ban Islamic full-face coverings from government buildings. Just a few of the show me the money conditions a newly minted Mark Latham MLC might put to a minority Coalition or, possibly, Labor government after the NSW election.

Make no mistake, the former Labor, then Liberal Democrat, now One Nation loyalist will be elected to the upper house on March 23. And he will be front-and-centre among the swollen ranks of crossbenchers wholl decide the fate of many policy deliberations until, wait for it, 2027.

Peace in our times? Mark Latham with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Credit:AAP

How will he weigh the legislative conundrums brought before him? What motivations might he bring to bear? The answer could lie in some of his ruminations on US politics.

Explaining in August 2016 why he wanted The Donald to win, Latham mused it would be a poke in the eye for the self-interested political elites, for establishment figures everywhere ... who cravenly guard their power at the expense of regular people. Egalitarianism with a figurative dash of ocular retribution? Check.
Loading They also included that severe FASD be separately recognised as a disability within the National Disability Insurance Scheme, that the government consider covering FASD treatment under Medicare and that GPs in burdened areas get support to improve diagnosis and services. Professor Carapetis said the stories of the children, told in the report, were heartbreaking. He commended the coroner for the comprehensive recommendations that recognised the complexity of the causes of these tragic stories, and the urgency of the issues with FASD. 'A system that typecasts them as criminal kids and isnt equipped to deal with them'

Alcohol is a toxin, Professor Carapetis said. Its a particular toxin to your brain cells. If a baby in the womb is exposed to alcohol that damages the growing brain. In severe cases if a pregnant woman drinks a lot the baby is born with essentially a severe impairment to their ability to learn and in some cases it affects the way they look: thats Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder recognises that even lesser amounts can do damage, so the baby may look normal but end up with subtle problems in the biology of their brains. You are dealing with someone without the capacity to learn from their own mistakes and with an impaired ability to benefit from education. Messages about being a good person, about the consequences of bad behaviour, arent easily comprehended by someone with FASD. Professor Carapetis said this led to difficult behaviours, poor impulse control and children seeming argumentative or bad. This led to typecasting at school, then disengagement and tendency to get into trouble.

Loading They were more likely to struggle with anxiety and depression and at higher risk of suicide. Professor Carapetis said the Coroner had outlined the incredible problems with alcohol and drugs as likely contributors to suicides and the recommendations  for universal streaming, diagnosis and care, diagnostic capacity  were all within this states power. We have the tools to diagnose and manage FASD. We are ready to help ... we have been partnering with Aboriginal communities for a while in this space, he said. While in the long term, the solution was prevention of drinking during pregnancy, and the Institute was trying to raise awareness and help local elders support young women not to drink, if children were being born with FASD right now it was crucial they be diagnosed early and supported.

If they were, they could do much better and live with their FASD as productive members of society  not get left to a system that typecasts them as criminal kids and isnt equipped to deal with them. How this time, things could be different Professor Carapetis said numerous previous reports had recommended changes in the same vein as this report, including previous reports on FASD from the Telethon Kids Institute itself. In every study we have done, we have recommended the things in this report and by and large they havent been implemented. Always, the first question is how much is it going to cost. You will not deal with a FASD problem for free.

Loading It should be not an issue of how much it costs, but how much benefit you get. If you get in early, diagnose these kids, provide support, give them a better education, keep them out of child protection and the justice system, in the long term you will save money. If you want to drop the incarceration rate, tackle FASD properly. He said the Coroners report was a potential game-changer in its sheer comprehensiveness.

If there is ever a report that is a blueprint for change its this one, he said. It recognises this will not be solved in Perth. The Kimberly people must be empowered to implement these recommendations. They must be front and centre and asked to do things, not just advise. He said the solutions were not easy and they were not cheap, but how difficult or expensive they were shouldnt be the first concern. To properly support a young person with FASD you need a lot of support services; and every young person born with FASD deserves those, he said. 'An almost unparalleled opportunity' for change: if the government will make it
A relative of a man charged with murder has been charged with driving the accused killer from the scene of a shooting and trying to provide him with an alibi.

Police allege Jason Lee Ashman, 48, fatally shot Dwayne Wright near the front door of the latter's home in Altona, in Melbourne's west, between 10pm and 11pm on December 23 last year.

Dwayne Wright, who was found dead in his Altona unit just before Christmas.

But charge sheets released by Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday allege Rosanna Ashman told police that Mr Ashman arrived at her Kensington home about 9.30pm that night. The exact relationship between Mr and Ms Ashman is not known.

Ms Ashman, 66, is charged with perjury and being an accessory after murder, in that police allege she drove Mr Ashman and the gun away from the scene of the shooting.
Victoria Police have confirmed they have spoken with numerous women about allegations of sexual assault against former Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle.

The force offered a brief statement on Thursday without naming the 65-year-old, or detailing the number of women interviewed so far.

"Victoria Police has spoken with a number of women in relation to historical sexual assault matters," it said.

Former Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle. Credit:Penny Stephens

"At this time it is only in the preliminary stages and the matter is under assessment."
Aside from Informer 3838, police fear for the safety of five other secret informers. Credit:Jo Gay

Victoria Police are drawing up emergency plans to protect five new secret informers uncovered by the royal commission amid safety concerns if their identities are exposed.

The names remain a closely guarded secret for now, but a recent High Court precedent in the Informer 3838 case means police will be unable to prevent the eventual disclosure of their identities to criminal clients who may have grounds for appeal.

The list of registered informers who may have breached professional privilege could include lawyers, doctors and other legal and medical professionals.

The revelation that Informer 3838 is not the only professional who may have violated obligations of confidentiality by secretly working for police is driving intense speculation about informers' identities in the legal community and criminal underworld.
"Suspected illegal rooming house operators can go to extreme lengths to avoid detection," she said. The council investigate about 50 complaints of suspected illegal rooming houses each year. However, only four cases have been prosecuted in the past decade, due to the difficulty of investigating and sustaining a charge of "unregistered rooming house" activity. A bedroom with a bunk bed and single mattress currently being advertised on Gumtree. Credit:Gumtree

Up to 10 beds were found in one unit following a fire at the Neo 200 apartment block on Spencer Street on Monday. Residents have since told The Age overcrowding has been a problem at the block for some years, with some seeing tents erected on balconies and beds in stairwells. The NEO 200 building in Spencer Street. Credit:Google Maps One resident of the Neo 200 tower has told The Age there were several signs many people were living in one apartment. "It is kind of like that scene in The Life of Brian where all of the guards come in and out. There are a couple of apartments on my floor, you see lots of people coming and going, they never use keys to enter, which are all signs there are more people than expected living there," one resident, who did not want to be named, said.

"From the Spencer Street outlet centre I have even seen a tent erected on a balcony." Another said there was an apartment on level 24 with seven beds in it. "This is not uncommon and it is worse in the adjacent building," he said. "What is happening is a tenant moves in without the vendor knowing. The tenant sub-leases so basically they collect the money which, at the end of the day, means the tenant ends up paying very little, if nothing." Advertisements on Gumtree list apartments in the Neo 200 apartment block, with one looking for several female room-mates and charging $160 in rent a week. Photos show a bunk bed and single bed in a small bedroom. "The living room is very spacious that can easily accommodate 6 people," the listing reads.

The MFB's Trent Curtin said firefighting efforts at the Spencer Street building on Monday was hampered by overcrowded units. Credit:Jason South Stephen Raff, the founder of Ace Body Corporate Management, said overcrowding occurring across the city and was a health and safety issue. "Sometimes, what you'll find is shift workers rotating on the same bed, one will sleep there at night and one will come home from work and sleep there early in the morning when the other one leaves. "If you have 10 beds in an apartment where people are doing that then you can just imagine how many people are coming in and out of there," Mr Raff said. "I do think the best approach really to prevent overcrowding and people living in these complexes is anyone living in these buildings needs to get on the back of council and accurately record how many people are coming in and out. They need to start reporting this whenever they see it and maybe that will put pressure on councils to do something."
A waste-to-energy plant planned for the Latrobe Valley could burn the equivalent of more than half of Victoria's domestic rubbish.

Garbage from 1.4 million Victorian homes could be converted to energy under the joint proposal from the owner of Victorias biggest paper mill and waste giant Suez.

Australian Paper announced late on Thursday that it would team up with Suez to build the huge energy plant, powered by hundreds of thousands of tonnes of household waste.

The plant at Maryvale would burn an estimated 650,000 tonnes a year of rubbish from Melbourne and Gippsland - roughly enough in cubic metres to fill three-quarters of the MCG, or 468 Olympic swimming pools.
A north Queensland coroner has returned a finding of an undetermined cause of death after a 71-year-old woman with Alzheimer's was found dead with a doona over her head, after one of her adult children reportedly told a nurse she would go quicker if her head was covered.

The woman had been a resident of the aged care facility for about seven months after her Alzheimer's and other medical issues saw her deteriorate rapidly.

The woman was "very very ill" according to the coroner investigating the cause of her death.

Her condition worsened to the point that her children agreed to begin palliative care. She was placed on high doses of morphine to manage her increasing pain.

The womans three children, the coroner found, provided around-the-clock dedicated care and expressed deep love and loyalty to their mother. One of her daughters described their mother in court as a strong woman, an unbelievable nurse, an incredible mother (and grandmother) who gave up everything to raise her three children.
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Farmers in Queensland's north-west are helpless as their cattle, some bogged in waterlogged paddocks, starve to death by the hundreds.

More than 1000 livestock are expected to perish and the situation has become so desperate the military will drop fodder into isolated homesteads that have become islands in the wake of record rain.

The swollen Flinders River at the 20 Mile Reserve on Thursday morning. Credit:Grant Hickmott - Richmond Shire Council

Rachael Anderson, at Eddington, west of Julia Creek in north-west Queensland, was one of the emotionally exhausted landholders who woke up to water surrounding her homestead.

She felt broken by the thought of how her stock was coping.
Townsville mayor Jenny Hill has condemned the "scumbags" who have put the community at risk by stealing 100 litres of diesel from the council's sewage pump station during the flood recovery.

A back-up generator set was placed at the sewerage and waterpumps station to ensure the sewage did not flood into homes at Toomulla, about 50 kilometres north-west of Townsville.

Townsville mayor Jenny Hill has urged the people who stole fuel from a generator to turns themselves in. Credit:Madura McCormack, Twitter

This came as six Townsville buildings were believed to have been looted in the past week after residents fled their homes and businesses in the wake of the flood event.

Cr Hill said they were unsure how many homes were affected by the theft of the diesel but council and police were aware of the tractor used in the theft on Wednesday night.
A Queensland man who twice buried the body of his wife will give evidence in his trial for her murder.

Edmund Ian Riggs, 60, denies murdering Patricia Anne, whose skeletal remains were found buried at their family's former home in 2016, 15 years after her death.

Patricia Riggs disappeared after a weekend of arguments with her husband.

At the start of his Brisbane Supreme Court trial this week, Mr Riggs admitted through his lawyers he first buried her body at an undisclosed spot after her death on September 30, 2001.

He dug up the remains a few years later and buried them again at the home at Redcliffe, north of Brisbane.
Brisbane's office vacancy rate has seen the largest drop of any state capital in the past six months, according to data from the Property Council of Australia.

The latest office market report by the peak property body shows Brisbane's office vacancy rate decreased from 14.7 per cent in July last year to 13 per cent in January this year.

The Brisbane Transit Centre on Roma Street is closing, removing office space from the Brisbane market. Credit:Jocelyn Garcia/Brisbane Times

The closure of the Brisbane Transit Centre contributed to the drop, the Property Council's Queensland executive director Chris Mountford said, along with positive tenant demand.

The transit centre will be demolished to make way for the new Cross River Rail, with a new underground train station and the Brisbane Live entertainment precinct being built in its place.
Queensland Rail fears a stowed Pacific National freight train tipped over by the force of the flood in the state's north-west has leaked chemical cargo into the water.

A helicopter crew conducting an aerial inspection of the flood impact on the Mount Isa line spotted the train on Thursday afternoon, which had been stowed on high ground.

The flood was still impacting the train on Friday with no access available to the site.

QR chief executive Nick Easy said the 80-wagon train left at Nelia in Julia Creek on January 31 was carrying a mixture of chemicals including zinc, lead and copper anode.
The peak body for the legal profession in Australia has called for better "communication and understanding of the Islamic faith" by lawyers and judges, days after a NSW Supreme Court judge courted controversy by urging Muslims to publicly disavow violence in the Koran.

Justice Desmond Fagan, who has presided over a number of terrorism-related cases, said last week the "unqualified acceptance" of the Koran by Australian Muslims "without explicit repudiation of verses which ordain intolerance, violence and domination ... will embolden terrorists to think they are in common cause with all believers".

Members of the legal profession and Muslim community arrive at the 2019 Opening of Law Term Service at Auburn Gallipoli Mosque. Credit:James Brickwood

"If Australian followers of the religion, including those who profess deep knowledge, were to make a clear public disavowal of these verses, as not authoritative instructions from Allah, then the terrorists moral conviction might be weakened," he said.

Justice Fagan was sentencing Sameh Bayda and Alo-Bridget Namoa, a young couple, both 21, found guilty in October last year of conspiring to do an act in preparation for a terrorist act between December 8, 2015 and January 25, 2016.
Mould covers the walls, carpet, clothes and furniture of Natalie Nawaikalous Wahroonga rental house.

She's tried everything to get rid of it - scrubbing surfaces, replacing furniture and hiring a professional mould cleaner - but to no avail.

Natalie Nawaikalou is battling a mould infestation in her Sydney home.

She often can't sleep in the downstairs bedroom because the smell from the mould is so "pungent, especially during summer when the humidity is high or whenever it rains," she said.

"I hate it, my throat gets all itchy and I choke and cough at night," she said. "If I sleep downstairs where the mould is the worst I end up with a rash all over my face and legs.
A former Coffs Harbour teacher is facing charges of indecent assault and common assault against his teenage students.

Police allege that Howard Spearing, 60, committed two indecent assaults - victim under the authority of offender - and five counts of common assault against four teenage girls at Orara High School.

The Department of Education reported the allegations to police in 2018, suspending Mr Spearing from teaching duties at the same time."He no longer works for the Department," said a spokesman.

Detectives from the Coffs Harbour Child Abuse Squad worked with local police to investigate the claims of the students, who were aged 12, 13 and 14 at the time of the alleged offences.

Mr Spearing, who was a legal studies teacher, fronted Coffs Harbour local court on Wednesday, where he was granted strict conditional bail.
A Sydney court has heard how a primary school teacher allegedly pushed an eight-year-old student against a wall and told him to "f--- off".

The boy gave evidence on Thursday at Liverpool Court via an audio-visual link, stating that the 58-year-old teacher reminded him of the character "Miss Trunchbull" from the movie Matilda.

A female teacher at a school is facing allegations of abuse against students.

"I feel every time I see her, I feel like she's Miss Trunchbull," he told police in a video from 2018.

The boy also said the teacher had allegedly used her fingers to push him "very hard" near the "middle of his heart" into a wall.
The reality is, it is just another way that companies effectively avoid paying company tax on part of their income to the unjustified benefit of a very small segment of the community. If this was a rational system, it would also be rational that the tax office refund my GST bill for the year. It is not a rational system. Tony Liston, Middle Park Corporations Act needs amending Meg Paul is surely correct (Letters, 6/2) when she pointed out that we should not be surprised by the outcomes of the banking royal commission. Until the Corporations Act is amended with respect to banks and financial institutions so that they have to put the interests of customers ahead of those of shareholders, we will certainly be back in the same mess in a few years. It's axiomatic. Presently bankers and other financial institutions can claim they are always required to put the interests of shareholders above everyone else. As long as this continues within a competitive and exploitative environment unfortunately the same problems are bound to occur.

Tony Adami, Caulfield South Time for watchdogs to wake up Surely Kenneth Hayne's referral of our biggest financial institutions to ASIC and APRA is absurd. These are the organisations that were set up in 1991 and 1998 respectively to protect our interests and to make sure that the financial institutions "toed the line". The present situation is, in large measure, due to both their failure and their inertia. Now they are to be given more money to act as watchdogs. It is good to read that Mr Byres (APRA) now has a "roadmap" and that Mr Shipton (ASIC) will consider "these matters" as a priority. The former has presumably been lost without his map, while the latter has, at the very least, been "asleep at the wheel". Peter Valder, Toorak FORUM

Fairness in eye of beholderIt would be interesting to hear Bill Shorten or Chris Bowen attempt to refute the lucid argument presented by Tony Dillon (Comment, 7/2). Dillon says there is no difference between a PAYG wage earner getting a refund from the ATO and a shareholder getting a refund of franking credits. If they are both under the tax-free threshold, neither of them would be required to pay any income tax and should have any tax that has been withheld refunded to them. In principle, Dillon is quite correct, but the ALP is unlikely to agree. It will imply that income derived from share ownership is not as legitimate as that earned from paid employment and hence should be taxed differently. And shares are only owned by rich people who do not vote Labor anyway. The ALP claims its policy is based on fairness, but as Dillon shows fairness is very much in the eye of the beholder. Rod Wise, Surrey Hills Flaw in Dillon's argument There is a flaw in Tony Dillon's argument. The $3000 paid to the ATO by the company and thus not paid to Person A is the company's tax liability, whereas the $3000 paid to the ATO by the employer of Person B is Person B's tax liability calculated on the basis that Person B earned $10,000 per month for the entire year. In the first case, there is no evidence that a refund is owed to the company  let alone to Person A. In the second case  as Person B has no other earnings over the year in question  a full refund is due to Person B.

Colin Smith, St Kilda Whining tedious I am over the boohooing of letter writers about their prospective loss of cash refunds for tax they haven't even paid for franking credits. We all look at these things from our own perspective, but I don't remember this much fuss over this government reducing the value of assets assessed in order to receive the age pension. We, along with a lot of friends and acquaintances, were affected to quite a degree by this decision. I would like the government to explain why it was OK to take from our group of taxpayers, but not apparently from far more affluent taxpayers with their franking credit refund rort. Jane Bushby, Flinders Island

Ending barbaric practices Shirley Macleish (Letters, 5/2) on gay conversion therapy, says "you might as well insist on left-handed people becoming right-handed". Indeed. A southpaw friend of mine, "educated" by Catholic nuns in the 1950s, used to have his left arm strapped to the desk to prevent him using "the Devil's hand" when writing. It didn't "cure" my friend. I hope this barbaric practice has ended. Well done, Mr Andrews, for putting an end to the even more barbaric practice of gay conversion therapy. Mike Puleston, Brunswick Fires and climate change The Black Saturday commemoration ceremony paid tribute to profound personal and community losses and the trauma suffered by hundreds of victims. We heard of the courage, generosity, kindness and resilience of ordinary people coming together to survive and support each other. There were uplifting stories of healing, hope and lessons learnt from Australia's worst natural disaster.

But what about the underlying causes of Black Saturday? We know that global warming is driving an increase in drought, dangerous fire weather and the frequency and severity of bushfires. Climate change has driven catastrophic fires in California, Greece and elsewhere in Europe, and climate change is driving massive fires in Tasmania, where ancient forests, never before burned, are ablaze right now. Surely, what we must learn from Black Saturday, before it is too late, is the need to tackle climate change. Jill Sanguinetti, Narbethong PM doesn't get link It's sickening to see Prime Minister Scott Morrison hugging a Townsville flood resident when these extreme events are precisely the impact of burning the lumps coal he loves so much. When on earth are we going to get serious about aggressively reducing greenhouse gas emissions? Indy Lingam, Alphington

Enough with the drums As a rock'n'roller for over 50 years, I remember being overjoyed back in the late 1970s when drum solos finally became passe; daggy. Alas, as I switched on for my first edition of The Drum for the year, expecting to hear that catchy old ripper of a theme, I was assaulted by a never-ending drum solo. On and on it went. As Ellen Fanning tried to outline the evening's subjects, the pounding accompaniment made it a challenge to understand anything she was saying. Hey ABC: turn the drums down! Billy Miller, Yarraville

Facile statements Facile motherhood statements are alive and well, and currently residing in the White House. Terry Boseley, Moonee Ponds We can pay more Ross Gittins argues that structural problems in the economy, including weak wages growth, require us to pay more tax rather than less (Comment, 4/2). Kelly O'Dwyer's reforms aimed at reducing welfare for the wealthy are welcome, but they don't go far enough. Like many retirees, I'm more than willing to give up imputation credits because there are so many better and fairer ways for those funds to be spent.

So many policies that would improve well-being for both rich and poor alike can't be implemented because we pay too little tax. We are a wealthy nation, yet our taxes are low by international standards. We can afford to have world-class infrastructure, best-practice healthcare and education and a safety net for those in need. For too long greater private affluence has been achieved via lower taxes at the cost of public goods. If we want better public transport, reduced waiting time in traffic, national parks we can be proud of, improved mental health outcomes, and an all-of-life education system that takes into account the changing world of work, then we need a system based on fairness in the way taxes are collected and expended. Mary Sweeney, South Yarra Money's real purpose key The Coalition campaign to counter foreign interference and influence, has resulted in Beijing's former top lobbyist in Australia, billionaire political donor Huang Xiangmo (despite his intensive lobbying of several politicians to back his efforts to become an Australian citizen) being denied an Australian passport and permanent residency.

Apparently this has raised questions about whether the almost $2.7 million donated by Mr Huang to Labor and the Coalition should be repaid. If this largesse was a donation, why should it have to be repaid? However, if it was fee for service, then it probably should be  unless of course, we apply the maxim, "caveat emptor". Deborah Morrison, Malvern East Thorburn's case weak If Andrew Thorburn, the indignant CEO of NAB, could point to some carelessness where the bank had carelessly given customers a hundred million, or ten million or one million or even a measly few thousand  his case for carelessness would be stronger. Carelessness that only operates in one direction is very suspect.

Frank Mitchell, Northcote Watchdogs breeding Brilliant idea having a regulator to regulate the banking regulators. But just to make sure, shouldn't we have a regulator to regulate the regulator that is regulating the banking regulators? That is until the banks give a sufficiently high donation to the government of the day so that said government deems that, really, no regulator is actually needed and that self-regulation will do just nicely. The most definitive verdict on the final report was made by the markets  that is that the final report was more heft than substance. Erica Grebler, Caulfield North Engineering's perils

Tony Featherstone (Business, 7/2) is the latest in a line of commentators lamenting why young Australians flock into law or journalism degrees rather than, say, engineering. Let's go back 20 years. I did a PhD in engineering in the late 1990s, when it was trendy for important-sounding people, usually with law/commerce backgrounds, to lecture academics on why there were too many engineers and too many engineering schools. We'd just experienced the wholesale "de-engineering" of once-formidable public institutions such as the SECV, Gas and Fuel, Telecom, MMBW and CSIRO that previously employed and trained much of the country's engineering and technical workforce. That's arguably all in the past, but it doubtless influenced a generation of schoolkids, parents and careers advisers. Cynical as it is, perhaps it's hoped that avoiding skilled technical careers in favour of an MBA or a degree in law or spin-doctoring (most journalism graduates go into corporate PR) will improve one's chances, in the next downturn, of being the one doing the sacking rather than the one being sacked. Perhaps if governments were to rehabilitate the status of public-interest subject-matter expertise in this country, engineering studies wouldn't be left largely to the overseas students. Tony Morton, Coburg

A multitude of sins If the sins of omission don't get you the sins of commission will. Jim Pilmer, Camberwell Doesn't add up If Peter Dutton is correct and the ASIO Act is too weak to stop the borders re-opening, why is it stopping the borders re-opening now?

Mike Molloy, Shepparton It's hit the fan In the news: lawyers, cops and banks. Time to revive Lawyers, Guns and Money? Linelle Gibson, Williamstown AND ANOTHER THING

Banking Good luck changing banks' culture. It's the year of the snouts in the trough . Bryan Fraser, St Kilda Maladministration, malfeasance, mismanagement but not failure. Too big to fail? Peter Hansford, Ripponlea

Banks aren't at fault  it's the people in them. Richard Sykes, Bell Park From the mouth of a banking executive  "With the benefit of hindsight, looking back". A tautology or just the usual double-speak of banks. Dennis Fitzgerald, Box Hill Climate

Has anybody else noticed the weather is now defined in terms of "events" and "activity"? Andrew McNicoll, Kew Scott Morrison fiddles while Australia burns. Therese Footner, Wendouree Racing

The jig is up Darren. Paul John, Brighton East How could anyone prod a horse with a jigger? What would it achieve, make them run faster? Merle Mitchell, Mt Eliza Furthermore

Shouldn't an investor be satisfied when a tax liability on earnings has already been paid by the company? Malcolm McDonald, Burwood Democracy relies on an independent judiciary, and lawyers acting as registered police informants is unacceptable. Rod Matthews, Fairfield In China, Big Brother is very much alive and well and appears to be getting stronger.
You can forgive some nervous Liberals for forward planning and laying the foundations for a potential new life, and income stream, after the federal election.

Credit:Matt Golding

But we take comfort from the fact that some enterprising MPs already have options in play.

Parliamentary disclosures have long revealed Victorian MP and multiculturalism crusader Jason Woods side hustle as an antiques dealer.

What is news to us though, is how seriously the La Trobe MP takes the business.
On an unremarkable hill outside Fyshwick is one of only four sites in the world where the Ginninderra peppercress exists.

It's not the prettiest plant, but it was assumed to be extinct up until 1989, when a small batch was found in Belconnen.

ACT park ranger Alison Rowell has found the very rare Ginninderra peppercress. Credit:Karleen Minney

Since then, three more sites have been found, with ecologist Alison Rowell discovering the most recent one near Symonston in January.

Ms Rowell said the herb's reduced population was a sign of the human hand's effect on Canberra's native landscape, and as we changed the environment more and more, we risked losing all our native flora and fauna.
The police union says ACT Policing should be part of the proposed National Integrity Commission, continuing its calls to keep local police separate from the territory scheme.

Police officers in the ACT are already subject to three oversight bodies, the Australian Federal Police Association says, making it both unnecessary and unfair for them to also be subject to the ACT's new integrity commission.

Australian Federal Police Association president Angela Smith. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Throughout last year's debate in the lead up to the commission's introduction, both ACT Policing and the association that represents its officers argued they should not be subject to the new local watchdog.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr wrote to both Prime Minister Scott Morrison and former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, requesting for changes to federal laws to allow local police to be included.
Canberra Airport's high level of business passengers could result in it getting more attention from the Productivity Commission, but it's so far being saved by Murrays buses.

The commission's draft report into the economic regulation of airports around Australia also acknowledged the spat between Canberra airport and Qantas that played out in 2017, but found it wasn't an example of the airport exercising market power.

Around 2600 people fly between Sydney and Canberra each day. Credit:Karleen Minney

It said Canberra Airport and other "second-tier" airports did not have a level of market power that was of concern. However, it identified Canberra Airport as the one most likely to require closer attention in the future.

In the meantime, there's a chance it could actually get even less oversight. The commission said it did not need to look over second-tier airports like Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Cairns and Hobart because they did not wield unreasonable market power.
The original costumes from the film The Dressmaker will be unveiled at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia in Canberra on April 18.

The exhibition, designed by Marion Boyce, features a range of haute couture worn by the films stars and will be on show at the archives until August 18. Tickets are now available at nfsa.gov.au/thedressmaker.

Sarah Snook as Gertrude, Amanda Woodhams as Nancy and Hayley Magnus as Prudence in 'The Dressmaker'. Credit:Ben King



The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition celebrates "the artistry of the films sumptuous designs, as well as the transformational power of fashion". Audiences will be able to go "behind the seams" of vintage fashion worn by stars including Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth, Hugo Weaving, Sarah Snook, Judy Davis and Rebecca Gibney.

NFSA chief executive officer Jan Muller said he was excited to host the exhibition.
The wetlands that provide Canberra with 80 per cent of its drinking water have been declared endangered due to the threat of feral horses across the ACT border.

The ACT government made the announcement on Thursday to help protect the alpine wetlands, which sit along the Brindabella Ranges in Namadgi National Park.

The high-country wetlands provide Canberra with its clean drinking water supply but the delicate bogs - which naturally filter the water - could be devastated by feral horses.

A view of the wetlands in the valley below Mount Gingera in Namadgi National Park. Credit:Finbar O'Mallon

Last year, NSW parliament passed laws which gave feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park cultural heritage status to protect them from lethal means of of population control.
The ACT government is in the midst of a heated stoush with a Canberra business owner who claims he has been left more than $50,000 out of pocket because of new festival regulations.

Javid Osman, who owns the East Row IGA, is a regular stallholder at Canberra's National Multicultural Festival and says he's spent $100,000 sponsoring the event over five years.

East Row IGA owner Javid Osman is demanding a personal meeting with Multicultural Affairs Minister Chris Steel over an alcohol ban for commercial retailers at the National Multicultural Festival. Credit:Dion Georgopoulos

Following backlash from community clubs about restrictions on alcohol sales in 2018, the festival's new terms and conditions state that commercial retailers can only sell locally produced alcohol.

Mr Osman was not made aware of the changes until after he'd purchased $40,000 worth of imported alcohol to be sold at this year's stall, and spent more than $10,000 on administration fees, he said.
Thousands of investors who did not lodge a claim with the Financial Ombudsmen Service after receiving what they say was negligent financial advice will have another chance to receive compensation for their losses.

Earlier last week, in response the recommendations of the royal commission into misconduct in the financial services sector, the government said it would extend the limitation period of six years between when money was lost and making a claim to 11 years.

John Unitt will lodge a fresh complaint under the government's new compensation scheme. Credit:Paul Harris

Allowing claims for losses made since January 1, 2008, will capture many of those who lost their savings in a spate of investment scheme failures during the global financial crisis.

John Berrill, of Berrill & Watson, a lawyer who specialises in financial services, says many of those who allegedly received negligent financial advice did not make a claim with the Financial Ombudsman Service because they saw no point, as their planners went bust or entered bankruptcy.
We are only one month into the year and Crocs, probably the most polarising shoe label of this decade, has already come up with another spin-off design to divide the internet: a unisex crossbody bag.

Currently available in yellow and black, the body of the bag resembles Crocs rubber clog design and is adorned with seven 90s-inspired "Jibbitz" (charms), including one that says "Ugly But Honest".

The bag which comes in two colour will set you back $421. Credit:Pizzaslime/Instagram

The area where a person would usually put their foot replaced with a pouch and zipper.

In recent years the Crocs brand has seemingly been searching for ways to expand their offering from daggy shoes to products for fashion-forward consumers.
A senior Nationals minister says the impact of climate change on farming is now undeniable, conceding his views differ from "many of my colleagues".

NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said the "sands were shifting" on the climate change debate as he prepared for a Council of Australian Governments meeting of agriculture ministers in Adelaide on Friday.

Niall Blair, the NSW Primary Industries Minister, says climate change's impact on his state's agriculture is undeniable. Credit:Mark Jesser

"We've got to start showing that we take climate change and its impacts on the agricultural sector seriously," said Mr Blair, the NSW Nationals deputy leader.

The NSW Nationals - and their state Liberal counterparts - have been attempting to distance themselves from some of the federal colleagues on climate change in the lead up to the March election. Senior party figures such as Barnaby Joyce, the former federal Nationals leader and agriculture minister, have been outspoken on the issue, demanding Australia ditch its commitment to the Paris climate agreement.
You might expect former Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears to feel like he has nothing to prove musically to anyone anymore, but that isn't how he sees it.

New York outfit Scissor Sisters were one of the most successful bands of the previous decade, with a deep discography of four albums, multi-platinum chart success, arena-filling live shows and Shears becoming one of the best-known openly gay musicians in the world.

But, approaching 40 last year, Shears still felt like he - and his work with Scissor Sisters  wasn't being taken very seriously.

Jake Shears is touring nationally and performing with Kylie Minogue next month.

"I mean, you can look at Scissor Sisters in a certain way!" he laughs. "I think we could be painted as being very frivolous and silly. And there is an absurdity to my music, a very celebratory, optimistic ... some call it campy ... thing. The fact of the matter is, Im a f------ killer songwriter and I can write all sorts of songs, but sometimes the image, the big hits that Scissor Sisters had and the camp and flamboyance overshadowed the musicianship."
Trauma, violence, the body and family relationships are recurring themes across the diverse, often genre-defying, books on the longlist for this year's Stella Prize.

Twelve writers have made the longlist for the $50,000 prize, awarded annually to an Australian woman for a work of literature in any genre.

Eggshell Skull author Bri Lee. Credit:Paul Harris

Seven works of fiction and five of non-fiction including three by debut authors made the list, with small literary presses holding their own against the bigger publishing houses.

Stella Prize co-founder and chair of the judging panel Louise Swinn said there were names on the longlist, announced on Thursday night, that would be new to many readers.
In 2002 the university was concerned about the future of MUP and was determined to find a way forward in the rapidly changing publishing world. Loading It chose an enlightened approach, making MUP an independent company with an independent board, which then appointed an editorially independent publisher. MUP Ltds constitution has among its objects, Publish the best scholarly writing from Australia and overseas within and independent of the tertiary sector, and, Develop a book-based list of largely commissioned works for a wide readership and published in association with other publishers and institutions. Since 2003, Louise Adler as CEO and publisher has pursued these objects assiduously and successfully to the board's satisfaction.

In parallel to an ongoing stream of academic monographs from academics from many universities, MUP has commissioned and published exceptional works from both academics and general writers who have demonstrated the ability to write well for the broader reading public. A quick look at MUPs website www.mup.com.au will provide ample evidence. I detail all this to provide the context in which the decision of the University of Melbourne can be viewed. In addition to the sustained editorial achievement of MUP, the business and financial side has never been in better shape. Historically high profits were achieved in 2017 and 2018, the cash position is sound, the backlist has been digitised and an online selling capability added, all of which ensure MUP has managed and can manage the winds of change in the publishing industry. The ambition of academics to achieve scholarly publication is well understood, as it quite properly enhances their reputation, subsequent promotion and long-term careers.

The problem is there is simply not enough publishing capacity within university presses, or the broader publishing industry, to satisfy the demand and I doubt there ever will be. The frustration, disappointment and resentment of those who dont make it is understandable. Loading The majority of academics and the general public do not have the gift of being an easily read writer. Most academic monographs sell in very small numbers due to both the subject matter and the restricted writing style. Writing a book length work of 60,000-80,000 words is a really difficult task and very few successfully pull it off. If you have the gift of writing, then working with an editor will bring out the best and ensure there is a reading public for the work. Thats what an experienced, quality publisher will do. Thats what MUP does.

David Malouf thoughtfully commented to me during my 20-year tenure as CEO of University of Queensland Press, Writing doesnt become literature until enough people have read it. That is well worth reflecting upon when considering this imbroglio. Given the gravity of what is planned for MUP, the communication from the new vice-chancellor has been minimal. It began mid-December in the form of a brief phone call to me as chairman to advise I would receive a document detailing the universitys decision. Following a meeting of directors, further clarification was sought and the response was to do as directed, or consider your positions on the board. This resulted in the resignation of the five independent directors and the CEO. Until Professor Maskells long statement appeared in The Australian's Higher Education Supplement this week, we had no knowledge of his views. The contrast between the civility of the former vice-chancellor, Glyn Davis, and the new one is marked.
The national union movement has offered an olive branch to business, calling for a better relationship to build a stronger wages system "that works for everyone".

Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) general secretary Sally McManus will tell the Melbourne Press Club on Friday that unions are ready to work with business to deliver fairer pay rises.

"We are ready to work with those businesses and business leaders who also want a fair and equal country, instead of one driven with suspicion, division, inequality and anger," she will say in her speech.

"We want business to be successful, working people want to be part of that success and share in its benefits. We want rules that mean good businesses giving workers a fair go are not undercut by unethical operators."
The influence that big companies wield through their supply chains makes them strongly placed to lead the eradication of modern slavery, says Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott.

Ms Westacott will use a speech on Friday to argue that the international scourge of modern slavery was "often shielded by the complexities of global trading relationships" and that big business could change that through their global supply chains.

Jennifer Westacott, chief executive of the Business Council of Australia. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

"This is why business is best placed to take the lead on ending this odious practice. Australian businesses have to - and are - taking the lead on this issue," she will tell the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney on Friday.

"Increased global trade has lifted millions out of poverty and delivered higher standards of living to all Australians. But it has also increased the risk that supply chains are tainted by the use of forced labour.
Optometrist Jim Kokkinakis became bored with optometry in the 1980s. So much so, that he enrolled in computer science.

But as computerised optometry equipment started to take off, Kokkinakis dived back into optometry.

Today, he sits at the progressive end of the spectrum of optometrists. I get bored doing the same old thing, so I drifted out of traditional optometry pretty early in my career, he says.

I love gadgetry  and every year there is a new instrument coming out. I do not collect stamps; I do not play golf; I play optometry.
Microsoft's Australian chief executive Steven Worrall has a message for the nation's tech sector: grow up.

OK, those are my words, and definitely not his. But speaking to Worrall on the sidelines of a Microsoft event this week - the software giant unveiled a new hub in Sydneys CBD where clients can experience its technologies - you get the sense he is a bit frustrated with the state of the discourse over innovation in this country.

Apple or Microsoft: Which is the world's most valuable company right now? Credit:Bloomberg

"Disruption is here to stay, and it's been here for some time," he says. "There are many opinions...but if you are not looking at ways to adapt technology and find ways to utilise technology, you are probably on the wrong track."

The $US822 billion ($1.1 trillion) company behind Windows software, Excel spreadsheets and X-Box gaming consoles is in the midst of a remarkable resurgence. It is currently vying with Apple and Amazon for the mantle of the world's most valuable company, a title it last held in 2002. People are no longer dismissive (in fact, they're supportive) of its Surface tablets. Even a SuperBowl commercial it aired on US TV this week won plaudits.
Wagering outfit Lottoland has entered talks with the online betting regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, over its controversial new gambling product known as "jackpot betting" following a series of complaints from rival companies.

The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age has confirmed Australian Securities Exchange-listed betting giant Tabcorp has added its name to a series of complaints about Lottoland lodged with ACMA and other regulators including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Lottoland chief executive Luke Brill said legal advice found its new "jackpot betting" product was legal. Credit:Wolter Peeters

"Jackpot betting" determines winners by taking specific numbers from financial markets like the ASX and New York Stock Exchange at particular times of the day, arranging them into one long number, and using a computer calculator to convert it into the winning lottery numbers.

Tabcorp and a coalition of online gaming companies and newsagents won a lengthy battle last year to have Lottoland's main product, the ability to bet on overseas lotteries like the American Powerball, declared illegal in a bipartisan move from the Coalition and Labor.
Some of Australias biggest building materials companies are stepping up pressure for an urgent review of minimum construction standards in the wake of a blaze that ripped through a high-rise tower in Melbournes CBD this week.

About 200 residents had to be evacuated after fast-moving flames raced up combustible cladding on the side of the 41-floor apartment complex on Spencer Street, Neo200, about 5.30am on Monday. The building was constructed with the same sort of cladding that ignited at Londons Grenfell Tower in 2017 and killed 72 people.

This comes as Victoria's Planning Minister Dick Wynne calls for a nationwide ban of combustible cladding.

At the Building Ministers Forum in Hobart on Friday, Mr Wynne will push for states, territories and the Federal government to join together to ban aluminium composite cladding.

Weve seen how quickly fires spread up buildings fitted with combustible cladding and we have a responsibility to stamp out these sub-standard building materials," Mr Wynne said.
The complex  a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in Hue city  is open with free admission for domestic visitors during February 5-7, the first three days of the 2019 Lunar New Year (Tet). The occasion features royal games, calligraphy performances, concerts, and dragon dances, among others.

According to the provincial Tourism Department, the number of travellers to Hue city is estimated to reach 230,000 during the Tet holiday (January 31 to February 11), of whom about 70,800 are foreigners. The average occupancy rate is about 59.6%, while tourism revenue of the entire province is estimated at VND140 billion (US$6 million).

In 2018, the complex earned VND381.7 billion (US$16.4 million) from 3.5 million visitors, including 2.27 million international arrivals. It is expected to attract 4.5  4.7 million tourists, with 40-45% foreigners, and earn VND4.7 trillion  VND4.9 trillion (US$202.8 million  US$210.6 million) from tourism this year.

The same day, people from across the country also visited the relic site commemorating late President Ho Chi Minh in his hometown of Kim Lien village, Nam Dan district, the central province of Nghe An. They came to pay respect to their beloved leader, who was the founder of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Police have frozen nearly $8 million in assets owned by the former chief of staff to outgoing National Australia Bank boss Andrew Thorburn, including a $1 million NAB bank cheque as part of an investigation into alleged fraud inside the bank.

The NSW and Victorian supreme courts slapped freezing orders over Rosemary Rogers' $6.2 million property portfolio, three of her bank accounts and the $1 million cheque following a proceeds of crime application by the NSW Crime Commission last year.

Outgoing NAB CEO Andrew Thorburn and his former chief of staff Rosemary Rogers.

The orders are part of an investigation by NSW police into allegations Ms Rogers and a corporate event contractor were involved in running a massive fraud against the bank. Ms Rogers has not been charged and the investigation is ongoing.

Ms Rogers is suspected of rorting more than $500,000 from NAB to fund an extravagant overseas family holiday that included first class travel and a luxury resort.
Charter school leaders set to take control of McDonogh 35 High School later this year laid out their plans last week for turning around the struggling school, pledging to improve academic performance and to keep parents well-informed about school issues.

+4 After McDonogh 35 vote, N.O. will be 1st in US without traditionally run public schools Following a hotly contested 5-2 vote on one school's future by the Orleans Parish School Board on Thursday night, New Orleans is slated to bec

Jamar McKneely, chief executive of the charter school network InspireNOLA, said at a town hall meeting Wednesday that he plans to introduce ACT preparation and advanced placement classes starting in ninth grade, to require struggling students to enroll in after-school tutoring and to increase opportunities for students to tour colleges outside of New Orleans.

He also committed to hiring certified teachers and continuing to use the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana state pension plan.

He asked parents and school supporters, some of whom had fought against the Orleans Parish School Board's move to hand over the school to a charter operator, to help him.

McDonogh 35, whose 4-year-old campus in the former St. Bernard housing complex neighborhood, is the last school directly run by the OPSB to be handed over to private management.

"It's time for the differences to end," McKneely told the crowd. "We have an academic model that can hopefully work if we have the support where were focusing our energy on the right things, on what we need to do for our students, and leave the politics behind."

The meeting, which drew about 50 people, was organized by McDonogh 35 alumni and sought to bring together officials from Inspire NOLA with parents, alumni and others with ties to the historic school, which has seen student performance decline in recent years.

The school, which enrolls 450 students, has earned a D grade from the state for the past several years. In addition to poor test scores, parents have complained about inexperienced teachers, truancy and fights erupting in the hallways.

McKneely noted that of 30 students he interviewed recently, none said they would recommend the school to a peer or sibling, and only two said they felt ready for life outside of high school once they graduate. The school's average ACT score is 16.7, he said, well below the city and state averages of 18.6 and 19.3, respectively.

The highest possible ACT score is 36.

+2 OPSB Superintendent Henderson Lewis touts unity, but community remains divided Parents shouted protests and some were escorted away from the podium, spewing scorn at school leaders. On the dais, members of the Orleans Pa

"I'm concerned when I look at the youth currently at this school," he said. "They will tell you that they don't feel like they're prepared."

As part of his pitch, McKneely pointed to InspireNOLA's record. The organization runs six public schools in New Orleans, enrolling more than 4,500 students in prekindergarten through 12th grade.

He stressed the group's success with Edna Karr High School in Algiers, an A-rated school, and Eleanor McMain Secondary in Uptown, a B school.

Just 37 percent of the citys high schools earned an A or B grade in the past school year, McKneely noted.

InspireNOLA also has experience transforming failing schools, he said. It took over Andrew Wilson Charter in 2015, bringing the F-rated elementary school in Broadmoor up to a C last year. Other InspireNOLA schools are Alice M. Harte Elementary and Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary in Algiers and McDonogh No. 42 in the 7th Ward.

Next year, with the school district's other direct-run schools set to close or convert, the system will be run solely by charters and other nonprofit organizations.

For most of its history, McDonogh 35  which opened in 1917 as Louisianas first public high school for black students  enjoyed a strong reputation and graduated many notable local leaders, including former Mayor Ernest Dutch Morial and Judge Israel Augustine. However, its reputation dimmed in recent years as its academic achievement began to slip.

Orleans Parish School Board partners with foundation to find ways to increase equity in schools For the first time, the Greater New Orleans Foundation is partnering with the Orleans Parish School Board to figure out how to increase equity

The school was last named a School of Academic Achievement by the Louisiana Department of Education in 2001, and it had dropped to a D letter grade by the time the state released 2016-17 school performance scores.

Leaders have promised that when InspireNOLA takes over next school year, the charter management company will preserve the school's name, as well as other aspects of its legacy, including its colors and mascot.

Letters: Make the new McDonogh 35 a success Where did you go to school? is a question heard regularly here in New Orleans. This simple question tells so much about you: your upbringing

Many parents blamed the School Board for not providing resources needed to give the flailing school new life, but some still thought the district was a better steward than a charter network.

Jason Hughes, a member of the alumni organization, said he was disappointed with the decision to hand the school over. However, he said, "OPSB has spoken. Our presence here tonight doesn't signify we agree with the decision, but a decision has been made."
A son of the Louisiana Supreme Courts former chief justice pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiring to have sex with a 14-year-old trafficking victim in 2017 as well as setting her up to have sex with other men.

Pascal Calogero III, 59, is due to appear in front of Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown in New Orleans federal courthouse on June 5 for sentencing. In theory, Calogero could receive up to life in prison, but it is suspected his punishment will be substantially lighter because he pleaded guilty as part of a deal with prosecutors rather than push for a trial.

Calogero was charged in September, and the following month he signaled his intent to plead guilty on Wednesday to the bill of information spelling out the case against him. Defense attorneys Joseph Raspanti and Billy Gibbens are representing him.

Calogero is the namesake of the late Pascal Calogero Jr., who retired as the state Supreme Courts chief justice after 36 years on that courts bench. Calogero III, who has several siblings, was working as an information technology employee for the city of New Orleans when he was charged.

While Calogeros admitted acts could fit the definition of state charges including felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, he is not directly charged with sex acts on the girl.

In other matters recently handled by local authorities:

 The Plaquemines Parish Sheriffs Office on Wednesday morning arrested a Belle Chasse High School student on allegations that he used social media to threaten violence following a fight at the campus Monday.

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 Sheriffs Office did not identify the student, who was described as an underage boy. The alleged threat didnt specify any locations or people, and the boy didnt have any weapons in his possession; but he was arrested on a count of terrorizing, according to the Sheriffs Office.

 New Orleans police investigated three robbery cases between Tuesday and early Wednesday, one of which victimized a bank.

About 2:10 p.m. in the 4500 block of Gen. DeGaulle Drive in Algiers, two men  with one wielding a gun  entered a First Bank and Trust branch and successfully demanded money out of the registers. After the robbers fled, officers said they arrested a suspect in the case in the area  Eugene Lewis, who turned 25 on Monday.

About 7:30 p.m. at the corner of South Robertson and Thalia streets in Central City, a 19-year-old man was beaten by several other men. The victim was punched, slammed on the ground, stomped and robed of his wallet, among other things, police said. The manager of a nearby store eventually helped the victim get his wallet back, police said.

About 3:55 a.m. in the 100 block of Carondelet Street on the edge of the Central Business District, a 50-year-old mans money was snatched from his hand by another man to whom the victim was giving a dollar bill, police said.

 About 7:55 a.m. Tuesday in the 2600 block of Gentilly Boulevard in Gentilly, an unidentified man reported being raped by an unknown person, New Orleans police said.

 Romalice Webster, 19, is wanted for questioning in connection with the July 21 shooting that left Jaleel Sino, 21, dead in the 2200 block of Louisa Street. Webster is not subject to arrest in connection with this incident, said police, who asked anyone with information to call Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.
When 8-month-old Valery arrived at Childrens Hospital in New Orleans from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, last month, she was undernourished, having trouble breathing and essentially in a state referred to by doctors as failure to thrive.

Her doctors in Central America had diagnosed her with a condition called patent ductus arteriosis. Simply put, two blood vessels leading to her heart, which should have closed shortly after birth, had remained open, creating a critical situation in which she was expending all of her energy just trying to pump blood through her body.

Valery needed surgery, but there are no surgeons in her home country who treat congenital heart defects  that is, those that are present at birth.

Enter HeartGift Louisiana, an organization that rescues children from developing countries with life-threatening medical maladies.

HeartGift Louisiana was formed in 2010 as a satellite of a program in Texas. The organization partners with Childrens Hospital. No child is turned away, regardless of their family's ability to pay.

In this country, we have Medicaid, which takes care of low-income families, and even programs for those who dont qualify for that aid," said Stephanie Berault, executive director of HeartGift Louisiana. "But many developing countries dont have government programs, and often dont have the medical expertise to treat complicated heart defects.

Time is of the essence when treating such cases, because with each passing month in an infants life, the heart and lungs risk malfunction and infection.

In the United States, the condition would be treated when a baby is just a few months old, said Dr. Danielle Gottlieb Sen, assistant professor at LSUHSC and the pediatric cardiovascular surgeon at Childrens Hospital who performed the surgery on infant Valery.

If that duct doesnt close shortly after birth, then an intervention is required. Without it, the heart is compromised, there is destruction of the small arteries in the lungs over time, and life expectancy is shortened, the doctor said.

The success of the HeartGift program is dependent upon the pediatric surgeons, cardiologists and anesthesiologists who all donate their time. Along with that, donations from corporations and the public to HeartGift Louisiana help defray the $25,000 price tag associated with bringing each patient and a family member to this country for every procedure.

An essential part of this program involves host families who welcome patients into their homes during the postoperative recovery. Valerys surgery took place on Jan. 18, and she was discharged from the hospital on Jan. 20. Since then she and her mother, Heidy, have been staying in the home of Children's CEO John Nickens.

Nickens didnt just pay lip service to the program; he stepped up to the plate when he and his wife Marye, a nurse, offered to sponsor little Valery and take her and her mother into their home during the childs recovery.

When I came to Childrens Hospital in New Orleans, I was informed that we participated in the HeartGift program, and I was on board immediately," Nickens said. "I was told they were doing six to 10 procedures a year in the Texas programs, and I said, 'Lets beat those Texas guys  well do 12 a year.'

The Nickenses have three daughters of their own, 26 to 28 years old, so having an infant in their home brought back a lot of memories.

The difference in Valery since the surgery is remarkable, said Marye Nickens.

Before the surgery, she couldnt even finish a bottle without resting, and now its no longer a problem. She is rolling over, laughing and playing. Her energy and her strength are notably better," she said.

Valery had no options in her country," John Nickens said. "She couldnt even hold her head up and was extremely pale. Now, she looks wonderful."

For the Nickenses, communicating with Valerys mother has been an exercise in pantomime since she speaks no English and they describe their Spanish as halting, at best.

"But we just love having them both here, and Moms extremely grateful and honored to be in this country, John Nickens said.

Speaking in Spanish, Heidy admitted that it was difficult to see her baby hooked up to medical equipment and monitors.

But I saw that she was quickly improving after the surgery," she said, speaking in Spanish. "The care and attention she received were outstanding. Everyone was so kind and thoughtful, and I feel so blessed by God to have had everyones support.

HeartGift keeps patients' last names confidential to guard their privacy in their home countries.

Dr. Kiran Malullah, Valerys cardiologist at Childrens, has cleared the baby to go back to Honduras on Tuesday, now that her lung, which had to be collapsed during surgery, is fully functional and can withstand the pressurization of an airplane.

Follow-up will be done by Valerys Honduran physician, and she can look forward to a normal childhood and life.

For more information about HeartGift Louisiana, visit HeartGift.org.
La. Dept of Corrections Secretary James LeBlanc, left, and Assistant Secretary Rhett Covington, right, discuss Louisiana's decline in reincarceration rates and information in the reports 'Reducing Recidivism: States Deliver Results' and 'Reentry Matters' and the impact of Second Chance Act, a federal grant that funds programming to help reduce recidivism rates, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019 at DOC headquarters.
Rapper Dee-1 performs for students from Benjamin Franklin High School during a Saints pep rally before the team's NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams in New Orleans, La., Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. The rally included tables of black and gold king cakes as well as an appearance by rapper Dee-1, a Benjamin Franklin graduate.
Around the same time someone  perhaps Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam  posed in blackface for a medical school yearbook, Louisiana House members were putting on elaborate productions that had white members wearing blackface to portray their black counterparts, and black members painting their faces white as part of the same show.

Members of the Louisiana House of Representatives used to put on "The Opera," staging a self-parody every four years. The 1983 show was recounted by John Maginnis in his 1984 book "The Last Hayride" as a boozy, raucous celebration with a margarita machine.

"The fun of the show is in the casting, as the black representatives are in white face, playing the most conservative reactionary legislators and vice versa," Maginnis writes, describing one bit that featured long-time state Rep. Peppi Bruneau, who now serves on the state Ethics Board, dressed in blackface as the Rev. Avery Alexander, a civil rights leader who was one of the founding members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus after his election to the House in 1975. "(T)he crowd and cast, black and white, cheer the racist humor."

A photograph of Bruneau in blackface as The Rev, as Alexander was known, appears in the book, which makes it clear that other white lawmakers also partook but doesn't identify or include photos of them.

Last week, it was discovered that Northam's 1983 medical school yearbook page included a photo of a person dressed in blackface and a person in a Ku Klux Klan robe. Northam, a Democrat, initially said he was in the photo but has since retracted his admission, but said he had once darkened his face to dress as pop icon Michael Jackson. Virginia's Democratic Attorney General Mark Herring has also admitted to costuming in blackface in 1980. Both have apologized as they face calls for their resignation, including from Gov. John Bel Edwards, who said Northam should resign if he appeared in blackface or KKK robes.

As the nation reckons with the racist history of blackface and people in politics who engaged in it, the since-ended Louisiana House "Opera" illustrates how some politicians who embraced it here during the same time period have escaped the same sort of backlash over the years.

Asked this week to reflect back on the event as blackface in politics has sparked a national dialogue, Bruneau said, people in public life today no longer follow the Shakespearean model  Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.

Any criticism of the totally integrated Louisiana House event today would be much ado about nothing, he said.

Read the book. We switched roles, Bruneau said. The Rev told me once that imitation was the sincerest form of flattery.

Bruneau, a Republican lawyer who left the Legislature in 2007, was appointed to the Ethics Board in 2013 by the state Senate, which unanimously picked him out of seven candidates that the state's private colleges submitted.

Virginia's Gov. Northam drama is a reminder of how problematic things have also been in Louisiana politics through the years. Peep this excerpt + pics from the book The Last Hayride (1984) by the late John Maginnis. #lalege #lagov pic.twitter.com/S7JUz3PkpV  Elizabeth Crisp (@elizabethcrisp) February 4, 2019

Recalling Alexander, who died in 1999 at the age of 88, Bruneau said the New Orleans lawmaker gave probably one of the best speeches Ive heard in my life over right-to-work legislation, even though they were on opposite sides of the issue.

He had a booming voice and he was very good at using words, Bruneau said.

He said Alexander also had a wit about him that added levity to the chambers proceedings.

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It broke up tensions at a very tense moment, and I always admired him for that, he said.

"The Last Hayride" continues with more details of how the House treated race at the time:

"When the first black legislators outside New Orleans were elected to the Legislature in 1972, the differences between the races were no laughing matter. Each side kept to itself, a social segregation that reflected real life. Tonight this group can laugh at the raw black and white humor because they have shed some old attitudes during the past decade of working and playing together."

The racist revelry continued to the House floor that year.

"Racial harmony and racial jokes are the rage this last week of the session, climaxing in the final hour of the final night, as black legislators call Peppi Bruneau to the mike (sic) to present him with a white sheet and hood," Maginnis writes. "A touched Peppi appropriately responds, 'I consider this gift from my colleagues as something of an honor. It's been a long time since someone in this uniform could stand at this mike (sic).' 

The book also contains a photo of Bruneau being presented the robe by several black lawmakers who appear to be laughing. A search of Advocate and other newspaper archives did not produce any contemporary reports of the scene.

The book's tale of "The Opera" ends with Bruneau's closing words to the audience: "If you were insulted by tonight's performance, it was intentional. If you weren't, go do something in the next four years."

Rep. Ralph Miller, of Norco, then-Gov. Dave Treen and former House Speaker and Senate President John J. Hainkel, who were all white, are recounted as having a "good time" at the event. All have since died.

Most of the black members identified in the book are since deceased. Former state Rep. Louis Charbonett III, who is identified as being there, couldn't immediately be reached by The Advocate for comment.

The book also details straight-laced former state Rep. Woody Jenkins, a teetotaler from Baton Rouge, as being in attendance (though not in blackface and actually the subject of mocking by a black legislator whose face was painted white).

Jenkins said this week that he didnt recall specifics of The Opera.

It didnt mean a big deal to me, he said.

A 15-page chapter devoted to "A Night at the Opera" notes the event was sponsored by a group of 31 different lobbyists and lobbying groups, ranging from the powerful Louisiana Association of Business and Industry to the AFL-CIO and the Mobile Housing Association. (And if you haven't read the book, it's truly an illuminating portrait of Louisiana politics, anchored by Edwin Edwards' 1983 political comeback after taking a term-limited break from the Governor's Mansion.)
The U.S. Supreme Court has stopped a law that threatened to shutter Louisiana abortion clinics from taking effect this week, but the fight over whether abortion providers should be required to have admitting privileges at local hospitals is likely far from over.

In a brief late-night message Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the admitting privileges law be put on hold pending a "timely filing" of a petition for the high court to act on the law itself. It would immediately expire if that doesn't happen. If a timely petition is filed, then the stay remains in effect until the high court rules on the law.

The emergency stay was issued on a 5-4 vote, with Chief Justice John Roberts voting with the more liberal wing of the court  Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.

Louisiana abortion law won't take effect Monday, after U.S. Supreme Court intervention A law that would require abortion providers to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals wont go into effect on Monday as scheduled, afte

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the newest member of the court who faced a rocky confirmation after President Donald Trump nominated him to replace the retiring Anthony Kennedy, wrote a dissent to the ruling that was more than 10 times longer than the majority remarks.

In it, he argued doctors would have a 45-day period to attempt to obtain admitting privileges, as required by the law, and if unsuccessful the court could revisit the issue.

If the doctors, after good-faith efforts during the 45-day period, cannot obtain admitting privileges, then the Fifth Circuits factual predictions, which were made in the context of a pre-enforcement facial challenge, could turn out to be inaccurate as applied, Kavanaugh wrote.

Only one of the state's three abortion clinics currently would meet the admitting privileges requirement, and critics of the 2014 law argued that it would shutter the other two, effectively crippling access to abortions for thousands of Louisiana women.

Louisiana abortion law could set tone for future U.S. Supreme Court's decisions At the request of a pair of unnamed doctors, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide in the coming days whether to temporarily block a law tha

Supporters, largely those who generally oppose abortion, argued that it was intended to make abortion safer for women.

Abortion has known medical risks, and the women of this state who are often coerced into abortion deserve to have the same standard of care required for other surgical procedures, state Rep. Katrina Jackson, a Monroe Democrat who authored the legislation, said in a statement.

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Act 620 is being challenged in court by a pair of Louisiana doctors, backed by the Center for Reproductive Rights, who say its too onerous.

Because the emergency hold was reviewed by the full court, it is widely being viewed as the first major test of how President Donald Trumps appointees to the U.S. Supreme Court could ultimately impact abortion laws across the country. Justice Neil Gorsuch and Kavanaugh, both Trump appointees, were not on the bench when a similar law in Texas was ruled unconstitutional nearly three years ago.

Both voted against the petition for an emergency stay.

The Texas law that, like Louisiana's, sought to require admitting privileges, was rejected on a 5-3 Supreme Court vote in 2016.

Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican, has been fighting for the law to take effect. He vowed to continue after the stay was granted Thursday night.

"In 2014, our duly elected legislators almost unanimously passed Act 620 to require doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, he said in a statement. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court today put enforcement of this pro-woman law on hold for the time being. We will not waver in defense of our state's pro-woman and pro-life laws; and we will continue to do all that we legally can to protect Louisiana women and the unborn."

The crux of the argument against the law has been that it's modeled after the Texas law that the high court already struck down. But the 5th Circuit majority that agreed to uphold Act 620, ruled that unlike in Texas, (Louisiana's law) does not impose a substantial burden on a large fraction of women and would affect, at most, 30 percent of Louisiana women.

Louisiana, which tends to be among states with the toughest restrictions on abortion access, has three remaining abortion clinics  one each in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport. There were five when Act 620 passed the Louisiana Legislature in 2014.

The Supreme Court has stepped in under the wire to protect the rights of Louisiana women, said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights. The three clinics left in Louisiana can stay open while we ask the Supreme Court to hear our case. This should be an easy caseall thats needed is a straightforward application of the courts own precedent.
Groton, CT (06349)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly this evening. Low 52F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly this evening. Low 52F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
The famously politically-at-odds couple James Carville and Mary Matalin urged an auditorium full of teenage girls at St. Josephs Academy in Baton Rouge to follow their example and seek out people they disagree with and learn from them.

Always test the way that you think, Carville said at the Wednesday event. At the end of the day, you may very well conclude that you were right in the first place, but at least you came to that conclusion yourself.

Carville went further, saying to hang out not just with people who disagree with you, but also with people who are smarter than you.

If youre the smartest person in the room, get out of that room; theres nothing there for you, he said.

Matalin bemoaned that political mixing like theirs is so rare today that their marriage probably wouldnt have happened if they had been born to later generations.

Democrats and Republicans dont speak to each other, which is anathema to me, Matalin said.

Clearly brains was part of Republican-turned-Libertarian Matalins attraction to Carville, a Democrat.

He is a genius, Matalin said. He is frequently wrong, but that doesnt make him not a genius.

For his part, Carville, who was the campaign manager for Democratic President Bill Clinton, crossing the political aisle to date the deputy campaign manager of Clinton's opponent, George. H.W. Bush, was in part a necessary strategy.

If youre as ugly as I am, you cant just date anyone, he quipped. Youve got to expand the playing field. And, I think I did pretty good.

Can't see video below? Click here.

The couple had their share of disagreements Wednesday. Matalin, in particular, joked repeatedly at the expense of her husband, who was unfazed. They differed over whether girls these days are doing better in society at the expense of boys, and on the merits of President Donald Trump.

Matalin, who has been married for 25 years to the man she affectionately calls Serpent Head, said she takes the lead in many aspects of the relationship.

People frequently suggest that our marriage is some type of solution for the partisanship that ails us, to which I say our marriage is not a democracy, its a mom-o-cracy, she said.

Carville and Matalins talk was the last in a speaker series the all-girls Catholic school has held for its 150th anniversary.

The school had an inside track in booking the New Orleans-based couple; Carvilles younger sister, Pat Hoffman, sits on St. Josephs Academys board of directors and is a 1973 graduate of the school. Carville, for his part, went to Ascension Catholic School in Donaldsonville.

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Matalin, a native of Chicago, took her first tour Wednesday of St. Josephs Academy and came away impressed: This is truly an amazing place.

The tour clearly stirred the couple, who have two daughters who also went to Catholic school. The couple were bullish on the opportunities the girls at the academy have ahead of them, thanks to what they are learning now.

There is no reason that any of you girls cannot succeed to the extent of your dreams, Carville said. This is a world thats welcoming of you, welcoming of your talents, and you go get em.

He added that boys gotta game up.

Matalin took issue with that line of thinking.

I want to disagree with my brilliant husband, she said. Im more concerned. I dont think this is a buck up boys time. I think it is a facet of feminism that has gone awry.

She said feminism in the #metoo era has created a very, very disturbing time for men, leaving men in a quandary about how to act: Were not teaching them in the way that they need to accommodate girls.

She pointed to suicide and dropout rates among boys as signs of the problem.

Its time for us to help bring young men into our future with us, Matalin told the girls. Because, I say again, were leaving you with a very big mess, and we need all hands on deck.

Carville was unmoved.

The boys are going to have to catch up, he said. Its just a fact of life. Its competition that I never had to deal with when I entered the workforce.

Im happy Im a male, and I never wanted to be anything other than a male, Carville went on. I kind of like it. Im partial to it, but I dont run the world anymore.

He never ran the world, Matalin jabbed back, sparking laughter.

+2 Well-known political strategist Mary Matalin defends Kavanaugh amid public outburst The strong feelings over the Senate hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh spilled over at a public radio luncheon Friday as a hec

On Trump, the couple were even more at odds. Matalin change parties from Republican to Libertarian in 2016, largely she says because of her dissatisfaction with the Republican Congress at the time, but she said Trump is different.

We have the best candidate, and hes going to win in 2020, Matalin said, adding MAGA!

Trump "is not an ideologue. He's not a conservative, she said looking at her husband. He just wants to get things done. We just have to agree on what those things are. Infrastructure?  Im not going to fight.

Im not going to fight, either, Carville said. Whatever you think I think of Donald Trump, you have no idea. You can multiply it times a hundred.
LIVINGSTON  The man accused of killing five people in suburban Baton Rouge last month was indicted on first-degree murder charges by a grand jury in Livingston Parish on Thursday.

The three-count indictment was the first set of formal charges filed against 21-year-old Dakota Theriot in the shooting rampage that authorities say ended the lives of his girlfriend, Summer Ernest, 20; her father, Billy Ernest, 43; her brother Tanner Ernest, 17; and the suspect's own parents. The indictment handed up Thursday covers the deaths of the three Ernests.

The first-degree murder charges open up the possibility that Theriot could face the death penalty, although prosecutors have not yet said whether they will seek to execute him.

Why death penalty prosecution is murky in case of Dakota Theriot, accused of killing 5 On its face, the man who authorities say admitted to killing five people, including his own parents, in a two-parish shooting rampage last mon

Authorities have said Theriot was living with the Ernest family in a trailer outside Walker when, on the morning of Jan. 26, he shot each of the victims in the head. He then drove, authorities have said, to Ascension Parish and shot his own parents in the same fashion before fleeing to Virginia, where he was arrested the following day outside his grandmother's house.

According to the Livingston sheriff and the Ernests neighbors and relatives, Summer Ernest had recently started dating Theriot, who moved into her familys home a few weeks before the killings, after his parents had kicked him out.

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Law enforcement officials brought Theriot back to Louisiana on Friday to face murder charges in both parishes. Authorities have said he confessed but did not offer a motive.

The grand jury foreperson and Livingston Parish Assistant District Attorney Kurt Wall delivered the indictments Thursday to 21st Judicial District Judge Elizabeth Wolfe.

Wall said the grand jury heard from one witness.

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The district attorney in Ascension Parish has not yet taken the case to a grand jury there. He has been booked on two counts of first-degree murder in that parish in the deaths of his parents, Elizabeth and Keith Theriot, both 50 years old.

Law enforcement reports show Theriot struggled with mental illness, possibly schizophrenia, and interacted with law enforcement in at least three parishes in the years leading up to the slayings.

Records obtained Thursday from the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office show that deputies encountered Theriot in November, when he was reported as a suspicious person in Holden. The report says Theriot was knocking on an apparent stranger's door and saying three people were chasing him and he needed help. At the time, Theriot was listed in law enforcement records as homeless.

The deputy noted in a report that Theriot "seemed to not be in his right state of mind" and called an ambulance. The medical personnel decided to take him to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Walker for evaluation.

Nine months prior, Livingston Parish deputies had issued Theriot and his father, Keith, summonses for possession of a marijuana pipe after a traffic stop, records show.

What role Theriot's apparent mental illness or drug use played in the shootings remains unknown.

+3 Dakota Theriot booked on murder counts; state mum on whether it will seek his execution Accused mass murderer Dakota Theriot was booked on five counts of first-degree murder Monday and ordered held without bail in the Jan. 26 shoo

Livingston Parish District Attorney Scott Perrilloux has said reports of Theriot's mental illness are a reason he is taking a hard look at whether to seek the death penalty. Perrilloux said he also wants to consult with the family and consider the likelihood of a unanimous jury verdict in favor of lethal injection.

Although Theriot does not have an officially appointed attorney, Elliott Brown, a lawyer from the Louisiana Capital Assistance Center, has enrolled in a limited capacity and filed several motions in the case.

The motions ask 21st Judicial District Judge Robert Morrison III to protect various rights for Theriot, including that law enforcement officers preserve evidence and do not interview him again without an attorney present.

Morrison agreed to those requests, as well as one to grant Theriot a bond review hearing. But he wrote in a court order that it was premature to formally appoint a capital defender, since the state has not declared whether it will seek the death penalty.

Richard Bourke, who directs the center, declined to comment Thursday.

Theriot is being held at the Livingston Parish Detention Center without bond. The filings say Theriot is indigent and cannot afford a lawyer.
CONVENT  Shouting "shut it down" on the front lawn of Mosaic Fertilizer's administrative office, a collection of St. James Parish residents, outside environmental activists and pastors called Wednesday for the state to close the Uncle Sam plant with its endangered lake of hazardous water threatening surrounding land and waterways.

Company officials and state regulators have been scrambling for several weeks to prevent a catastrophic release of more than 700 million gallons of the acidic process water held inside an enormous lake atop a 200-foot high pile of the company's waste byproduct outside Convent.

Mosaic officials said they realized at the turn of 2019 that the north face of the pile has been shifting since sometime in the spring and, as of Wednesday, continued moving about 0.6 of an inch per day, on average.

Dump trucks are working a 24-hour-per-day operation to haul in enough dirt to buttress the slipping gypsum wall while company workers try to drain the lake of process water and lessen the weight pressing on the moving wall.

The 25 to 30 activists charged Wednesday that the fertilizer company on River Road is part of a petrochemical complex along the Mississippi River that exposes poor and minority communities to health risks and contributes to global climate change.

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More pointedly, the local group Rise St. James and other activists urged the state to halt continued permitting of any new industrial operations in St. James Parish, like the $9.4 billion Formosa complex proposed across the Mississippi River in Welcome or the $1.2 billion Wanhua complex proposed across the street from the Mosaic waste pile.

"As Rise St. James and as the residents of St. James have said repeatedly, St. James is full, and nothing shows it more clearly than this facility that needs to be shut down now," said Anne Rolfes, director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade. "You can't handle what you got, don't bring in any more."

Gail Leboeuf, a Convent resident who grew up near the pile, said she watched the plant being built and watched the pile rise higher and higher through the years.

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And it could possibly go higher: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality permit records show the company has in years past asked to bring the waste pile along La. 3125 and La. 3214 to a maximum of 300 feet high for the long term.

"This is not right. This should not be going on," Leboeuf said. "It's time for all of this to stop, this shenanigans. We know it's Louisiana, good, old-fashioned Louisiana shenanigans," Leboeuf said.

+23 Potential disaster at huge St. James waste pile has crews racing to prevent massive wall collapse CONVENT  Hundreds of trucks a day will be traveling this week through a mushy cane field north of Mosaic Fertilizer's huge phosphogypsum wast

Mosaic, meanwhile, is planning to build up another, lower section of the nearly 960-acre pile to match the 200-foot height of the section containing the endangered lake. Those plans would allow the company to continue its production for another decade, but company officials have acknowledged the current emergency will force a re-evaluation of the waste pile's operations.

The waste pile is made up of phosphogypsum, a byproduct of Mosaic's production of phosphoric acid. The white powdery waste material, which can harden with time, has trace radioactivity and other contaminants and has had limited ability to be reused.

The activists, who called themselves the "Louisiana No Name Coalition," also sent letters to President Donald Trump, Gov. John Bel Edwards and top environmental officials Tuesday demanding the shutdown.

In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to the environment and workplace safety, adding it has no plans to stop producing fertilizer that helps feed the world.

Closing Mosaic's Uncle Sam plant, company officials said, could affect the jobs of the 400 people employed there and at the Faustina plant also in St. James Parish, as well as slowing the removal of the process water pressing down on the slipping gypsum wall.

+2 DEQ on alert in St. James: Wall holding back acidic water inside Mosaic waste pile might collapse Environmental regulators are engaged in emergency mode in monitoring the stability of a large waste pile at a Mosaic Fertilizer plant in St. J

"You'd exacerbate the water management situation," said Russell Schweiss, Mosaic vice president of mine permitting and land management.

In addition to efforts to drain the lake, the plant's production of phosphoric acid also consumes 1,100 gallons of water from the lake for every ton of acid created.

The reason the lake at the top of the waste pile even exists, company officials have said, is that it is an integral part of the acid's production loop. The lake and other ponds collect needed rainfall for the plant and also cool used process water returning from the plant. Yet, with each ton of acid created, that process also continues to add more gypsum to the waste pile.

DEQ officials have said a release of the lake water could threaten Blind River and the freshwater swamps that surround it. But on Wednesday, they noted Mosaic is trying to seal off and buttress a large cane field adjacent to the slipping north wall in case the field is needed to contain escaping water.
A Baton Rouge physical therapist has been accused in a second case of sexual battery committed under the guise of medical treatment, and authorities are investigating more allegations brought by a number of other females, according to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office.

Philippe Veeters, 54, was arrested on a second count of sexual battery this week, accused of touching another patient inappropriately  without consent, gloves or another medical professional in the room  during a 2017 physical therapy appointment for a shoulder and neck pain.

Veeters was arrested Monday on two counts of sexual battery. In the first case, a woman said that during her first physical therapy appointment, which was scheduled to address a curve in her spine, Veeters pulled up her dress, pulled down her underwear and touched her genital region without her consent or a warning, according to the first arrest warrant.

Baton Rouge physical therapist arrested, accused of sexually abusing patient A Baton Rouge physical therapist booked on sexual battery Monday is accused of a June incident involving a patient.

The second woman who came forward to authorities alleged that during her third physical therapy appointment, which was scheduled for neck and shoulder pain, Veeters pulled down her pants and underwear exposing her, and then began touching her pubic region, the second arrest warrant says. Then, Veeters "suddenly placed his hand down into her pants and underwear," the report says, directly touching her genitals.

The incident involving the first woman occurred in 2018 and the incident involving the second woman was in 2017.

Neither woman ever returned for another physical therapy appointment with Veeters, the reports say. The reports also reference other ongoing investigations of similar allegations involving Veeters.

Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Casey Rayborn Hicks would not specify how many allegations they are investigating or how victims have come forward, but said there are a few.

We certainly always felt there were more just from the way he operated with my client," said Sarah Wagar Hickman, the attorney representing the first woman who accused Veeters of sexual battery. "There was no hesitation to do what he did, and it was her first appointment. Weve always felt that there were going to be more."

Hickman said the Sheriff's Office told her there were four other victims, bringing the total to six.

Hickman is also representing her client, who asked to not be publicly identified, in a federal lawsuit filed in October against Veeters and his company, Dutch Physical Therapy. The lawsuit alleges Veeters both sexually battered and assaulted the woman, without warning or consent, under the guise of medical treatment, which is a violation of her rights under federal patient protection and Title IX laws.

The Advocate typically does not identify victims of sexual assault.

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My client's biggest point of emphasis has been for him to stop," Hickman said. "He doesnt need to be practicing physical therapy ever again.

Veeters is currently serving a nine-month suspension of his physical therapist license, handed down in November by the Louisiana Physical Therapy Board after they investigated the first case.

The state Physical Therapy Board, which conducted a separate investigation from the Sheriff's Office, determined Veeters' procedure was clinically unnecessary and needlessly invasive of the victims privacy. The boards decision also notes the patient should have been draped, he should not have removed her undergarments for the exam, and that other personnel should have been present.

According to the Physical Therapy Boards records, a similar complaint was made against Veeters in 2012.

"Prior to others coming forward, we werent getting the response that I thought was deserved," Hickman said, noting they brought the allegations to the board and authorities months ago. "As soon as another victim came forward, things started to move. Its sad that it takes multiple women for people to listen.  (But) I think now authorities are aware that its a pattern of behavior.

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III said he is also aware of other allegations that have recently come in about Veeters, both through calls to his office and the Sheriff's Office. He said they will investigate each one, but is concerned some may fall outside of the statute of limitations to prosecute sexual battery. Even if cases fall outside of the prescription period, he said, those cases could be used as additional evidence during a trial.

"We would ask that if anybody has any information or feel that similar things have happened to them, that they contact this office or the sheriffs office," Moore said. "We surely knew that theres a potential  that other people would come forward. Wed like people to come forward but its an extremely personal decision.

Hickman said she believes Veeters' company, Dutch Physical Therapy, should also be held responsible for his abuse.

Veeters name and photo were removed this week  in conjunction with his arrest  from the Dutch Physical Therapy website, where he was previously listed as a practicing physical therapist and the co-owner with Mirjam Maassen. Both Veeters and Maasen were born and educated in the Netherlands, according to the previous website.

A court filing responding to the federal lawsuit denied the assault or wrongdoing by Veeters.

"Defendants deny that an intentional tort occurred, deny that plaintiff sustained any injury and deny any and all liability," the filing on Veeters' behalf reads. The attorney who filed that response in December said she no longer represents Veeters, and asked not to be named in this article.

The attorney who represented Veeters before the Physical Therapy Board, Floyd Falcon, also said he no longer is representing him. It was not immediately clear if Veeters had retained new counsel, as he could not be reached for comment Wednesday. A call to Dutch Physical Therapy was not answered, and a message was not returned Wednesday.


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State Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, changes his 8-month-old sons diaper on his legislative desk at the state Capitol. Dollens said the mens bathrooms at the state Capitol were not equipped with changing tables when his son visited him at work last month.
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A new study involving honeybees is challenging the assumption that brain size corresponds to brain power. A team of scientists has found that the tiny creatures can do basic math.

Building on the previous discovery that honeybees can understand the concept of zero, scientists from Australia and France tested whether the insects can perform addition and subtraction. Using color-coded shapes, the researchers found that honeybees can be taught simple arithmetic and solve mathematical problems.

Their findings published in the journal Science Advances on Wednesday, Feb. 6, has implications on the future of artificial intelligence, particularly in the development of rapid learning,

Honeybees Do Math

In their study, the team of scientists from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University trained 14 honeybees to recognize colors as different arithmetic operations: blue means addition and yellow means subtraction. The honeybees were made to visit a Y-shaped maze where they were either rewarded with sugar water if their answer is correct or quinine solution if their answer is wrong.

At the entrance of the maze are 1 to 5 blue or yellow shapes, which means that they have to either add or subtract. The bees then fly through a whole where they have to decide to head to the left or right of the maze. One side had the correct answer while the other had the wrong answer. The placement of the correct answer was changed constantly so the bees do not just learn to fly to one side of the maze.

At the start of the experiment, the bees just randomly flew to whichever side of the maze. Eventually, however, they learn how to solve the problem and choose the correct answer.

After over 100 trials, the bees learned that blue meant +1 and yellow meant -1.

"You need to be able to hold the rules around adding and subtracting in your long-term memory, while mentally manipulating a set of given numbers in your short-term memory," said Adrian Dyer, an associate professor at RMIT. "On top of this, our bees also used their short-term memories to solve arithmetic problems, as they learned to recognize plus or minus as abstract concepts rather than being given visual aids."

Honeybees Are Smarter Than Initially Thought

Honeybees, which have brains that are the same size as sesame seeds, can understand the abstract mathematical notion of zero, a study from the same team found last year. The scientists stated that their recent findings prove that advance numerical cognition is not special to humans; it can be found in more animals.

They also believe that the study can help improve rapid learning by incorporating new ways of interactions between long-term rules and working memory into designs.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
LG's next flagship phone, called the G8 ThinQ, will have something akin to Apple's Face ID. The company has confirmed that its upcoming handset will boast a 3D time-of-flight camera on the front for facial recognition.

This lines up with recent alleged renders of the device in question that showed two cameras in the phone's display notch. Yes, it will have a notch.

What Does A Time-Of-Flight Sensor Do?

For the uninitiated, time-of-flight sensors bounce infrared light off subjects. Primarily, this system can be used for object recognition, which leads to a number of implementations from more secure facial recognition to nicer-looking background blur for selfies. It also paves the way for potentially more augmented reality applications.

While LG has confirmed that the ToF sensor on the G8 ThinQ is Infineon's REAL3 chip, it has yet to share how it's going to be used in the G8's software. But LG nonetheless says that users can expect "a new level of front camera capability in a smartphone."

LG isn't the first company to release a smartphone with a ToF sensor, and it's highly likely more handsets like this will be released throughout the year. The Honor View 20 is one such phone, its ToF sensor placed on the back. The Vivo Nex Dual Display Edition is another example. Sony, which produces ToF sensors, says it plans to increase production of its own versions of the technology. Rumor has it that it's going to supply 3D cameras for the iPhone 11.

LG G8 ThinQ Rumors

The official unveiling of the G8 ThinQ is scheduled later this month at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. For quite some time, LG has been dropping hints here and there. One such hint teases the G8 will focus more on more dynamic gestures instead of plain touch-based navigation. One rumor alleges that the phone will have an optional attachment that adds a second screen.

That rumor might seem silly, but it's not unprecedented  LG has released phones that have, sort of, two screens: the V10 and V20. Both those had a tiny strip up top for notifications and quick access to certain features. Since LG is no stranger to this setup, the G8 ThinQ might very well experiment with more than one display.

Make sure to check back with Tech Times as we learn more. In the meantime, feel free to sound off in the comments section below if you have any thoughts!

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Microsoft just confirmed that this year's Build developer conference is set to happen in May, and the event will return to its usual venue in Seattle, Washington.

The conference is happening in the same month as Google's I/O developer conference in Mountain View, California, also the same place where the said event is held annually.

What To Expect

Being Microsoft's main event that's focused on developers, the Build conference is the venue where updates on the company's software and other products such as Windows and Office are usually announced.

This year, it's expected that the company will talk about the latest in the AI world, including updates on its very own Cortana. Rumors even say that the company could be gearing up to unveil the Windows Lite OS  a Chrome OS competitor  during the event, and announcements about the Azure cloud and other developer tools are also expected.

The company is currently working on a Windows 10 update and plans to release it later this year. As such, it's also possible that Microsoft could underline some changes, new features, and UI improvements in this update during the Build developer's conference.

Build 2019

Microsoft's Build developer 2019 will take place on May 6 until May 8 at the Washington Convention Center in Seattle. Registration for the event opens on Feb. 27. The Build 2019 website is now live, so make sure to check that out as the event draws nearer.

As of the moment, no session list has been provided, but Build's FAQ page indicates that it'll be released in late February.

Microsoft's Build developer conference kicks off one day before Google's I/O, which is scheduled to start on May 7. I/O is also focused on developers, so looks like they're going to have a field day once these events start.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
U.S. President Donald J. Trump wants to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030, a pledge he announced on Tuesday's State of the Union Address in Washington, D.C.

War Against HIV/AIDS

During his speech, he promised to allocate budget to fight the epidemic that is affecting more than a million Americans.

"In recent years we have made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS," stated the 45th President of the United States. "Scientific breakthroughs have brought a once-distant dream within reach. My budget will ask Democrats and Republicans to make the needed commitment to eliminate the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years. We have made incredible strides, incredible."

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) targets the infected person's immune system by destroying cells that fight diseases. The virus is transmitted via sexual contact, sharing a needle, blood transfusion, or from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If left unchecked, HIV can lead to AIDS, the most serious stage of the infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2017 alone, a total of 38,739 people have received an HIV diagnosis in the United States, 66 percent of which are gay and bisexual men. Meanwhile, African Americans account for 43 percent of the new diagnosis from the same year.

To this day, there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS. However, there are treatment options available for those who have been infected. A combination of drugs called antiretroviral therapy can slow the progression of the virus within the body.

Criticism After Trump's State Of The Union

Right now, the details of how the Trump administration will eradicate HIV/AIDS have not been made publicly available or did he quote an exact budget that will go toward stopping the epidemic.

Some are already feeling skepticism over the president's grand pronouncements. After the news that he will call for ramping up the efforts to eradicate AIDS in the United States leaked on Monday, Feb. 4, many advocates voiced their criticisms. ACT UP New York, a nonprofit organization, for example, published a list of how the Trump administration has "further marginalized" people living with HIV. GLAAD, the world's largest LGBTQ media advocacy group, said that the announcement was "undermined by the administration's record and rhetoric."

While experts say that eradicating the epidemic within 10 years is realistic, the challenge lies within the president and his policies.

"The challenge is that the White House and GOP policies so far run counter to any way you should approach [ending HIV]," said Gregg Gonsalves, a public health professor who studies epidemiology at Yale University.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Researchers have probed how the trillions of microbiota, the bacteria that live in the gut, influence the mental health, particularly how they affect a person's likelihood of having depression.

A team led by Jeroen Raes of KU Leuven University examined the fecal microbiome of over 1,000 participants from the Netherlands and compared them to diagnoses of depression. They found that people who lack a certain gut bacteria are more likely to experience depression.

The study is part of a bigger effort to study the relationship between gut flora and quality of life.

Depression And The Gut

In the paper published in the journal Nature Microbiology, the researchers identified the two kinds of bacteria that were less common in people who reported that they were depressed: Dialister and Coprococcus. They found that the individuals were depleted of the two bacteria whether they take antidepressants or not.

The researchers also identified the microbiota's capacity to produce or degrade molecules that interact with the nervous system. They found a correlation between quality of life and the potential of the microbiome to synthesize 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, the principal metabolite of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

"The relationship between gut microbial metabolism and mental health is a controversial topic in microbiome research," stated Professor Raes in a press release. "The notion that microbial metabolites can interact with our brain  and thus behavior and feelings  is intriguing, but gut microbiome-brain communication has mostly been explored in animal models, with human research lagging behind. In our population-level study we identified several groups of bacteria that co-varied with human depression and quality of life across populations."

Does The Microbiome Influence Mental Health

The study, however, does not prove that the gut flora or the lack of certain bacteria cause depression or other mental health issues. It only establishes a correlation that needs to be further probed.

According to Professor Raes, to prove causality, they would need to isolate the bacteria, culture them, and use them in animal models to see if they will trigger symptoms similar to depression.

The researchers also admit that the study has limitations. They could not say whether their findings are also true of the microbiome of people in Asia and Africa.

For now, the study adds to the growing evidence that microbiota shapes certain aspects of the brain and might contribute to conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
What just happened? Admitting defeat is never easy but in this instance, it was the right move. Google said it would have had to rebuild its entire network in Louisville to fix an issue created by an experimental trench system and that simply wasn't feasible.

Googles fiber rollout is coming to a premature end in one major market.

The search giant on Thursday announced that it is saying goodbye to Louisville, a city that joined Googles fiber family in 2017. Its nothing personal  according to a post on the official fiber blog, Google trialed a lot of new things in Louisville including a different type of construction method.

Specifically, Google laid its fiber lines in much shallower trenches than theyve done elsewhere. It was an experiment that unfortunately failed, resulting in service disruptions for customers.

In short, the experimental infrastructure didnt live up to Googles standards. To fix the issue, they would have to rebuild the entire fiber network in Louisville and thats just not the right business decision.

Google will take its network offline on April 15. For the next two months, the search giant is waiving all service fees for impacted customers.

The silver lining is that Google has learned a lot from its failed experiment, knowledge that has already helped to improve service in other fiber cities.

Lead image via bluebay via Shutterstock. Second image via WDRB.com


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Powerful technologies like deep data, artificial intelligence and quantum computing should be introduced into society carefully, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty declared in Tuesday's keynote address kicking off CES in Las Vegas.

"These tools are so powerful they will solve some of the most enduring problems -- like food safety, waste," she said, "but like all powerful tools, we've got to usher them in safely into society."

In order for those technologies to thrive, trust and security will be necessary, Rometty observed. "A competitive differentiator for all ... will be trust."

She urged development teams to "always remember the purpose of these technologies is to augment man. It is not to replace man."

Rometty also made a case for people owning the data they create.

All data belongs to the owners, she suggested, and it is with their permission that we use it to gain insights.

Openness and Transparency

Rometty called for the new technologies to be open and transparent, "but more than anything, that they are explainable, and they are free of bias."

The biggest challenges to the adoption of emerging technologies, like AI and quantum computing, are creating transparency and preventing bias, suggested Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT, a technology advisory firm in Hayward, California.

"In the former case, many or even most people don't fully understand how these technologies work, so they're unlikely to fully trust systems to perform important or crucial tasks," he told TechNewsWorld.

"Moreover, in compliance-regulated areas, like banking, insurance and healthcare, decisions and findings need to be provably correct for businesses to avoid penalties and fines," King pointed out.

"As a result, IBM is working on a range of solutions designed to make AI systems and results explainable to business owners and other interested parties," he said. "The company also offers solutions -- like AI OpenScale, that is designed to automatically determine if AI systems have become biased, and to then take corrective measures."

A Great Message

Rometty's cautious optimism about artificial intelligence contrasts with the attitudes of some other high-profile tech leaders, who see AI as the beginning of the end for humanity.

"The message that we all need to look at how to use technology for the good of society as a whole is a great message," said Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research, a high-tech research and advisory firm in Phoenix, Arizona.

"Everyone who says that, though, almost has to put that disclaimer in there of 'We have to be careful. We have to use it wisely,'" he told TechNewsWorld.

"IBM's view is that for something as potentially volatile as artificial intelligence, it's almost like nuclear technology," noted Roger L. Kay, president of Endpoint Technologies Associates, a technology advisory firm in Boston, Massachusetts.

"We can't just let it come completely out of the bottle. It has to be managed in some way," he told TechNewsWorld. "There's a submessage in there, too. It's inevitable that it comes out. It's coming no matter what."

A reminder to proceed cautiously may be in order, given the pace of business today.

"There is a race to capture and analyze data at massive scale because the information that results can redefine competitions, ranging from political and military areas, to healthcare, to weather, to all aspects of business," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group, an advisory services firm in Bend, Oregon.

"People racing often take shortcuts, and shortcuts in data integrity, accuracy or bias could change what should be incredibly powerful, helpful tools into disasters at near-epic scale," he told TechNewsWorld.

Mankind's Little Helper

For the near future, Rometty's vision of artificial intelligence augmenting mankind, not replacing it, seems like a good bet.

"When I talk about AI with people, I talk about assisted intelligence," said Jack E. Gold, principal analyst at J.Gold Associates, a technology consulting firm in Northborough, Massachusetts.

"If you look where AI is going, at least over the next decade, it's about making our lives easier and helping us do stuff, not replacing us," he told TechNewsWorld.

"Sometime in the future, is there a possibility that we'll be replaced by certain things? Sure, but automation always replaces things," Gold added.

Over the past half century, computing technologies have caused massive disruptions in many industries and professions, Pund-IT's King observed, but they also have created new companies, jobs and workplace benefits.

"By focusing on how new technologies will augment man, Rometty is taking -- and asking others to take -- the long view on these developments," he said. "The changes won't happen overnight, but when they do occur, disruptions in some places will be offset by new opportunities in others."

Retraining the Workforce

To deal with displacement by technology, workforces must be retrained, Rometty said in her keynote. She cited one public-private partnership program IBM is involved in, called "P-Tech," a six-year program that combines a high school diploma with an associates degree. Students graduate from the program debt free.

There are 400 P-Tech schools with 125,000 students in 11 states and 13 countries.

"We've been at now it a while -- graduation rates are 400 percent greater than community colleges," Rometty said.

The graduates are on a new career path, one to fill "new collar" jobs, she added. "We're trying to say there's not a stigma in not necessarily having to have a four-year college degree."

Although retraining is seen as a way to address job displacement due to technology, it's had minimal impact in the past.

"Politicians are always saying they're going to retrain the workforce. It never happens," Tirias' McGregor remarked.

"So whenever you have a technology shift, you always have displaced workers," he said. "It's left for society to evolve the workforce, because governments are very ineffective at doing that."

Canceling Cancellations

Appearing with Rometty during her presentation were Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines and Charles Redfield, executive vice president of food for Walmart's U.S. stores. Both had stories to tell about efficiencies their organizations have gained through technology.

In 2010, Delta had a canceled flight on every day of the year, including 5,600 maintenance cancellations, Bastion noted. By 2018, thanks to technology, the airline had 251 cancellation-free days, and only 55 maintenance cancellations.

In the past, Walmart had problems tracing the origin of food, Redfield recalled. For example, it took seven days to trace a package of mangoes from the shelf to the farm. However, with the use of blockchain technology, the trace took 2.2 seconds.

"Blockchain is one of those technologies that is going to drastically change the market because it's going to cut out a lot of the people in the middle in a lot of transactions," McGregor said. "The market is latching onto blockchain faster than I would have predicted."

John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John.




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The e-ticketing systems of eight airlines, including Southwest Airlines and Dutch carrier KLM, have a vulnerability that can expose passengers' personally identifiable information (PII), mobile security vendor Wandera reported Wednesday.

They use unencrypted links that hackers can intercept easily. The hackers then can view and, in some cases, even change the victim's flight booking details, or print their boarding passes.

Air France, Vueling, Jetstar, Thomas Cook, Transavia and Air Europa also have this problem, according to Wandera.

"Wandera investigated the e-ticketing systems in use by over 40 global airlines," said Michael Covington, the company's VP of product.

"Only those organizations that had adequate time to respond to our responsible disclosure are included in the list of affected airlines at this time," he told TechNewsWorld.

Wandera gives vendors up to four weeks to provide a patch or relevant fix before publicly disclosing a vulnerability.

The company has been communicating with "some of the affected airlines" but has not been able to verify that any fixes have been implemented, Covington said.

Discovering the Flaw

Wandera identified the vulnerability in early December, after learning that a customer who accessed the e-ticketing system of one of the eight airlines had been sent travel-related passenger details without encryption.

It then looked at whether other airline e-ticketing systems were similarly vulnerable.

Wandera notified the airlines affected as it was documenting the vulnerability.

It also shared its findings with government agencies responsible for airport security.

Vulnerability Details

Unencrypted check-in links from the named airlines direct passengers to a site where they automatically are logged in to the check-in feature for their flight. In some cases, they can make certain changes to their booking and print out their boarding pass.

Once a passenger accesses the vulnerable check-in link, a hacker on the same network can intercept the credentials that allow access to the e-ticketing system.

Using those credentials, a hacker can visit the e-ticketing system at any point, even multiple times, prior to the flight taking off and access all the personally identifiable information associated with the booking.

"This vulnerability does not require a man-in-the-middle attack or malware installation in order to be exploited," Covington said. "Anyone using the same network as the passenger -- wireless or wired -- would be able to intercept the credentials for the e-ticketing site."

Airlines "should never give out links in email which present PII data without authentication," said Anthony James, chief strategy office at CipherCloud.

"This just doesn't make sense to us," he told TechNewsWorld.

Different airlines' systems expose different types of data.

The exposed data could include the following:

Email addresses

First and last names

Passport or ID information -- including the document number, the issuing country and the expiration date

Booking references

Flight numbers and times

Seat assignments

Baggage selections

Full boarding passes

Partial credit card details

Details of booking travel companies

Dangers Posed

After accessing a passenger's check-in, the hacker not only gains access to the victim's PII, but also can add or remove extra bags, change allocated seats, and change the mobile phone number or email associated with the booking.

The questionable quality of boarding pass screening at the gates of some airports raises the possibility that a hacker or criminal could print a victim's boarding pass and try to board a scheduled flight with it, Wandera said.

On the other hand, hackers go for targets that offer a high return on investment, CipherCloud's James pointed out. "Intercepting the email with the ticket link gets the PII of just one traveler."

Further, "everything depends on a boarding and a picture ID to get past security," James noted. "The picture ID remains the backstop of the security procedure."

Clear and Present Network Dangers

Security experts for years have advised travelers to avoid using public WiFi networks and hotel networks for important communications.

"Network traffic is more easily intercepted on an unencrypted wireless network or on a typical wired hotel or office network," Wandera's Covington pointed out.

It is "more challenging for an attacker to observe connections taking place over a carrier network," he noted, but airlines should "address some fundamental security issues" themselves.

Coming to America

KLM and AirFrance "are closely integrated as part of the same company," noted Colin Bastable, CEO of Lucy Security.

They partner with Delta Airlines through SkyTeam, "introducing a potential third-party risk to the United States domestic market via Delta's eight U.S. hubs," he told TechNewsWorld.

Code-sharing with Air France and KLM "might have expensive consequences for Delta should a data breach occur as a result of this problem" said Bastable, because GDPR regulations "take a bite out of global earnings for data breaches."

Further, new compliance regulations proposed in the U.S., such as the American Data Dissemination Act and the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 may make vendors liable for penalties and violations if they expose PII data without requiring authentication, CipherCloud's James said.

How to Keep PII Safe

Following are some steps Wandera recommended that airlines should take:

Encrypt the entire check-in process;

Require user authentication for all steps where PII is accessible, especially when it can be edited; and

Use one-time tokens for direct links within emails.

"If the link takes you directly to the passenger name record without login, it's absolutely a potential problem," CipherCloud's James said. "You must always require login and authentication."

Users should have an active mobile security service deployed to monitor and block data leaks and phishing attacks, Wandera advised.

Passengers on the eight airlines named "should print their boarding pass at home," Lucy Security's Bastable suggested, "and avoid using mobile check-in at the airport."

Richard Adhikari has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2008. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, mobile technologies, CRM, databases, software development, mainframe and mid-range computing, and application development. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including Information Week and Computerworld. He is the author of two books on client/server technology. Email Richard.


From left to right, Northwest Mississippi Community College band directors John Ungurait and Jared Brownlee listen as Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl welcomes junior high and high school band students to the annual I-55 Band Clinic, which was held on Feb. 1-2 on the Senatobia campus. For over 30 years, Northwest has hosted the event. Nearly 300 junior high and high school students from 18 area schools attended this year.
A judge in Kansas is facing criticism after he said two teenage victims in a sex crime case were the "aggressor" and partially at fault.

I do find the victims in this case in particular were more an aggressor than a participant in the criminal conduct, Leavenworth County District Judge Michael Gibbens said during a sentencing hearing in the case in December, according to The Washington Post. They were certainly selling things monetarily thats against the law for even an adult to sell.

The Kansas City Star obtained a transcript of the sentencing hearing this week.

Gibbens ended up sentencing the defendant in the case, 67-year-old Raymond Soden, to five years in prison, which is about eight years short of the minimum recommended by Kansas sentencing guidelines, the Post said. Police arrested Soden last year on charges of soliciting sex from minors.

The victims in the case are two girls, ages 13 and 14. Gibbens said he was not convinced the girls, who are sisters, suffered substantial harm, according to the Post.

Prosecutors are considering appealing the sentence, according to CNN.

Soden contacted the girls through Facebook and offered them money for nude photos and sexual favors, the Post said. He was charged with lewd fondling and soliciting sex from a child under 14.

Prosecutors agreed to drop the fondling charged and Soden pleaded no contest to the solicitation charge, meaning he neither accepted nor denied responsibility, according to the Post. A judge then found him guilty of the solicitation charge.

Gibbens noted during the sentencing hearing that Soden is physically and mentally impaired, is of advanced age and lacks "substantial capacity for judgment," according to CNN. A prosecutor asked the judge at one point to clarify why he referred to the victims as the aggressor.

"Yes. I think a 13-year-old who offers what she offered for money is certainly an aggressor," the judge said, according to CNN.

Soden knew the sisters through their mother, who regularly cleaned his apartment, according to the Post.

The judge said the 13-year-old was certainly an aggressor because she traveled to Sodens home, according to NBC News. He also noted they were not present at the sentencing hearing.

Gibbens did not return a request for comment from CNN.

Clearly, 13- and 14-year-old children cannot be aggressors, said Julie Donelon, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault in Kansas City. Children do not have the capacity to consent and I think we need to make that very clear.

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598
Phoenix  Cindy McCain is apologizing after a story she told of thwarting a human trafficking incident at an airport proved to be false.

McCain, widow of Sen. John McCain, discussed the incident in an interview with KTAR in Phoenix on Monday. She said it began when she noticed something she thought was odd at Sky Harbor International Airport on Jan. 30.

"I came in from a trip I'd been on and I spotted - it looked odd - it was a woman of a different ethnicity than the child, this little toddler she had, and something didn't click with me," McCain said, according to KTAR. "I went over to the police and told them what I saw and they went over and questioned her and, by God, she was trafficking that kid.

She was waiting for the guy who bought the child to get off an airplane.

Her story was later debunked.

Phoenix police said officers did respond to the incident, but were able to determine there was no evidence of criminal conduct or child endangerment, according to KPHO in Phoenix.

McCain did not respond to requests for comment on the matter from several news organizations, but later tweeted an apology.

At Phoenix Sky Harbor, I reported an incident that I thought was trafficking. I commend the police officers for their diligence. I apologize if anything else I have said on this matter distracts from if you see something, say something  Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) February 7, 2019

McCain has frequently urged travelers to be aware of the signs of human trafficking and speak up if they notice something suspicious, according to The Washington Post.

Trafficking is also a focus for the McCain Institute at Arizona State University. The institute has several partnerships and programs in place to combat human trafficking, WPHO said.

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WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump is urging Upstate New York residents to leave for better jobs in other states, the second time in two years he has suggested that residents abandon the region.

Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday that hes still a huge fan of Upstate New Yorkers, who voted for him in 2016. He blamed state government for the regions economic challenges.

I love those people, Trump said of Upstate New York residents. Those people are my voters. Theyve been treated very badlyIf New York isnt gonna treat them better, I would recommend they go to another state where they can get a great job.

Trump made his comments when asked about a July 2017 interview in which he said Upstate New Yorkers should leave their homes behind and move to other states facing labor shortages.

When you have an area that just isn't working like upper New York state, where people are getting very badly hurt, and then you'll have another area 500 miles away where you can't get people, I'm going to explain, you can leave, Trump told the Wall Street Journal in 2017. It's OK. Don't worry about your house."

His earlier advice set off a firestorm in Upstate New York, prompting rebukes from both Democratic and Republican members of Congress.

Trump, who has feuded with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, on Wednesday said the states government has failed its residents.

The problem is that states that have been really well run and dont have debt, those states have a big advantage over states that have been poorly run -- like New York and others -- and have a tremendous amount of debt, Trump told reporters from regional news organizations across the country.

Earlier this week, Cuomo blamed Trump and his tax policies for a $2.3 billion shortfall in the states estimates for personal income tax revenue over the last two months. An analysis showed other factors could be holding back tax receipts.

When Trump campaigned across Upstate New York in 2016, he embraced the region, saying residents think hes like the most popular person that has ever lived. He promised to help bring back manufacturing jobs.

But later in the campaign, Trump offered a blunt assessment when he called Upstate New York a ghost town during a campaign rally in Iowa.

Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said Thursday that President Donald Trump is wrong to write off Upstate New York and should instead help lead the regions revival.

McMahon made his comments after Trump urged Upstate New Yorkers to seek better job opportunities in other states that arent as poorly run as New Yorks government.

Instead of giving up on us, he should partner with us in Onondaga County, McMahon said in an interview Thursday after reading about Trumps latest call for Upstate New Yorkers to abandon the region.

Dont write off a community that is deep and rich in history and culture, McMahon said. We get that New York has regulatory challenges compared to our Sun Belt neighbors, but there is light at the end of the tunnel here where I think we are poised for growth.

McMahon, a Republican who took office in November, said the president should spend more time in the region to learn about its economic opportunities.

He pointed to more than 500 open jobs in Onondaga County at defense firms Lockheed Martin, SRC Inc. and Saab Defense as evidence of the regions strength. The firms have been recruiting engineers from across the nation.

We cant even fill the engineering jobs we have open right now, McMahon said.

The 38-year-old county executive said he is preparing to lay out a vision for the county that will help fuel the regions growth.

He said Trump could play a role in that growth by moving forward with his long-promised investments in the nations infrastructure, rather than simply telling Upstate New Yorkers to leave.

It would be more constructive for the administration to dive in and help us grow, McMahon said. We need partners and we would welcome a strong partnership from Washington, D.C., particularly with our infrastructure challenges.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh declined through a spokesman to comment on Trumps advice for Upstate New Yorkers.

We have no interest in drawing more attention to it, said Greg Loh, the director of city initiatives.

Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. John Katko has changed the location for his planned town hall meeting Saturday in DeWitt to discuss the future of Interstate 81.

Katko, R-Camillus, initially announced that the public meeting would be at DeWitt Town Hall, 5400 Butternut Drive. But the congressmans office said Wednesday the town hall is too small to accommodate a crowd that could number in the hundreds.

Instead, the event will now take place 10 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 9) in the gymnasium at St. Matthews School, 214 Kinne St., East Syracuse. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m.

DeWitt Deputy Supervisor Kerry Mannion will moderate the town hall meeting, one of four Katko is holding across Central New York to hear what the public wants to do about Interstate 81 in Syracuse.

The state plans to demolish an aging 1.4-mile stretch of elevated highway that carries Interstate 81 through downtown Syracuse. One of the options is to replace the section with a street-level community grid and send non-local traffic to Interstate 481 in DeWitt to bypass the city.

Katko held the first of the town hall meetings Monday in Auburn. He plans to hold similar public meetings later this month in Syracuse and Salina, but the dates have not been confirmed.

Representatives from the state Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration have been invited to attend Saturdays meeting in DeWitt.

Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
An adviser to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo pushed back Thursday on President Donald Trumps blunt assessment of Upstate New Yorks economy, suggesting the presidents view is from the 1980s.

Trump urged Upstate New Yorkers to seek better job opportunities in other states and blamed a poorly run state government for the regions economic challenges.

Rich Azzopardi, a senior adviser to Cuomo, said the president is misinformed about the economic trends in Upstate New York since the end of the Great Recession.

Unemployment dropped in every part of Upstate, reversing a 40-year trend and -- unlike previous recoveries -- every region is participating while weve created the most private sector jobs of all time, Azzopardi said Thursday.

Also, the trend for 40 years was young people were moving away while older people retired to warmer climates, he said. Young people are now moving back. I know the president's entire worldview is trapped in 1988, but these are the facts on the ground.

Several surveys over the last two years have shown Upstate cities like Albany and Buffalo have become hot spots for millennials drawn by comparatively low housing costs and job opportunities.

Trump told a group of regional reporters at the White House on Wednesday that he likes Upstate New York, but he sees no reason for people to stay in the region if they want better jobs.

I love those people, Trump said. Those people are my voters. Theyve been treated very badlyIf New York isnt gonna treat them better, I would recommend they go to another state where they can get a great job.

The president has feuded with Cuomo, who this week blamed Trumps tax policies for a $2.3 billion shortfall in tax revenue. Azzopardi said Trump should be helping to boost Upstate New Yorks economy, rather than encouraging people to leave.

The man who spoke about unity Tuesday is the great divider in chief, Azzopardi said. No one will forget the utter contempt he has shown for his fellow New Yorkers, nor will they believe his empty rhetoric to help fix what he broke."

Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
DEWITT, N.Y. -- A Syracuse common councilor and other proponents of a community grid to replace Interstate 81 are saying that the moderator for U.S. Rep. John Katkos DeWitt town hall is the wrong choice because he is biased.

Kerry Mannion, deputy DeWitt town supervisor, was selected to moderate the event, where hell screen questions from the audience to pose to the congressman. Katko is holding the second of four town halls regarding the Interstate 81 topic.

Mannion is a vocal opponent of the community grid to replace the elevated highway, which entails taking the viaduct down and diverting through traffic onto what is now Interstate 481. Mannion has said the option will force thousands more vehicles onto DeWitt highways and roads, causing pollution and congestion, among other concerns.

The councilor, Joe Driscoll, in a letter to Syracuse.com, said Katko should have chosen some more neutral to moderate the hot-button topic. Supporters and opponents of the grid option are expected to show up in full force.

If (Katko) wishes to get the facts out there, there are a number of impartial moderators who are not clearly operating with an agenda and bias that would be willing to facilitate his event, Driscoll wrote.

Katkos office said Mannions role will be limited as moderator, and he wont express his preferences for the highways future.

Thats the way it worked during the first town hall in Auburn, where county planner Steven Lynch clarified and posed audience questions. He appeared to ask every or almost every question the audience had for Katko.

"We select regional moderators for all town hall meetings,' Katkos spokeswoman Erin OConnor said. ...The role of the moderator is simply to call on individuals present to engage with the Congressman. It is not to insert his or her personal opinion.

Mannion also denied that hell have any way to distort the audience questions in a way that favors his view.

Im not the emcee. Im the moderator. This is a listening session for Congressman Katko, he said.

Driscoll said he and other grid supporters will be paying attention to whether grid supporters questions are treated equally to those in opposition.

The town hall meeting is happening at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the gymnasium at St. Matthews School, 214 Kinne St., East Syracuse. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m.

The venue changed due to high interest in the event.

The grid is one of three options the state is considering for the 1.4-mile section of Interstate 81 in Syracuse that has reached the end of its useful life and falls outside of modern federal highway standards. Other options include rebuilding the viaduct or building a tunnel.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Three black contractors settled their discrimination lawsuit against Onondaga County and its former comptroller, state Sen. Bob Antonacci, in return for commitments from Antonacci and the county to promote minority employment. No money will change hands.

The settlement resolved a federal lawsuit filed in 2016. Syracuse.com/The Post-Standard obtained a copy of the deal through a Freedom of Information request.

County officials and Antonacci agreed to undertake several initiatives:

The county will provide training in "diversity, harassment prevention and sensitivity'' to all of its employees within the next year.

The county will offer unpaid eight-week summer internships for "diverse'' high school and college students in each county department.

The county will assess its minority hiring track record and publish the results by May 15.

The county will develop a new minority hiring policy based on the results of the assessment.

Antonacci will serve as a panelist at three forums for minority-owned businesses looking for contracts with government agencies. The information sessions could be sponsored by the state, the county or the city of Syracuse.

Under the settlement, neither Antonacci nor the county admitted any wrongdoing, nor did the plaintiffs retract their complaint.

County Executive Ryan McMahon, who took office in November, two years after the lawsuit was filed, said the settlement terms requested by the plaintiffs meshed with minority hiring initiatives already under way at the county. He cited as an example the vast expansion of the city/county summer youth jobs program in 2018, while his predecessor, Joanie Mahoney, was in office.

McMahon said he has been working on initiatives to expand minority hiring that go beyond what is required in the settlement. He will outline those efforts in the State of the County Address in several weeks, he said.

"We were doing this anyway,'' McMahon said. "We had no concerns with the request that it be a part of the settlement, because we are doing it anyway.''

The federal lawsuit was filed in October 2016 by three county contractors who accused then-Comptroller Antonacci of violating their civil rights by creating an intimidating work environment. Antonacci and the county were named as defendants.

The plaintiffs -- Dino Dixie, Eli Smith and Cheyenne Talbert -- claimed Antonacci singled them out because they are African American, making surprise visits to work sites, delaying payments and sending checks in differently marked envelopes. Each man owned a business that provided services under contract to the county.

Settlement talks started last August, said New York City attorney Regina Calcaterra, of the Wolf Haldenstein firm, who represented the plaintiffs. Since the lawsuit began, one of the three plaintiffs, Smith, has stopped doing business with the county. Dixie and Talbert continue to do business with the county, she said.

Antonacci said its not clear yet which minority business forums he will attend. His role will be to provide information or helpful guidance, he said.

"Im happy with the resolution'' of the lawsuit, said Antonacci, who was elected to the state Senate in November 2018.

The settlement prohibits the parties from discussing the case or making disparaging comments about each other. Each party will cover its own attorney fees.

The county law department represented Onondaga County in the case. An outside law firm, paid for by the county, defendend Antonacci. The total cost of the lawsuit to county taxpayers was not immediately available, McMahon said.

News tips? Contact reporter Tim Knauss | email Twitter | 315-470-3023
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Young people in Onondaga County who are charged with felonies are being deprived of a crucial right to a private meeting with their attorney, a lawsuit filed this week in federal court alleges.

Officers and sheriffs deputies refuse to leave the meeting room when teen clients are meeting their attorneys -- often for the first time, the lawsuit states. This deprives the teen defendants of their Sixth and Fourteenth Amendment rights to adequate counsel, the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit, filed by Legal Services of Central New York, names as defendants Onondaga County, County Executive Ryan McMahon and Sheriff Eugene Conway. The suit is on behalf of two teens, identified by their initials, and their guardians, though the plaintiffs will argue that it should be a class-action lawsuit on behalf on all teenagers.

The sheriffs office and McMahons office declined to comment due to the litigation.

The lawsuit is seeking designation as a class-action suit on behalf of all teens treated in this fashion. It will then seek to get a judge to immediately prohibit the practice while the lawsuit plays out. The suit is not seeking compensation for the teens, said attorney Josh Cotter, the attorney bringing the lawsuit.

The issue has arisen in city courts in the wake of the Raise the Age law passed during the 2017 state legislative session and went into effect in October. That law raised the age at which teens could be prosecuted as adults except for the most serious of crimes.

Previously, teenagers as young as 16 or 17 were charged as adults for minor crimes, like marijuana possession. Critics said criminal charges like that at an early age could ensnare teens into a life of crime and make it difficult for them to find jobs.

Here in Onondaga County, a Youth Part Criminal Court was created to handle young people charged with serious crimes. Beginning in October 2018, 16-year-olds charged with felonies were arraigned in Youth Part. On October 1 of this year, 17-year-olds will be, as well.

Teens charged are arraigned in a court room at the bottom floor of the courthouse in a room typically used for misdemeanors or civil cases. Their cases go before Judge Vanessa Bogan.

Upstairs in the courtroom, adult defendants can meet privately with their attorneys if the defendants are transferred from the jail. Theyre able to do so because adult clients, incarcerated at the jail, are brought to a secure holding area with access to the courtroom. There they can meet privately with their clients without an officer or deputy in the room.

On the bottom floor defense attorneys meet their young clients for the first time in their case, often about 10 minutes before attorneys are expected to defend their young clients in a bail hearing. They meet in an arbitration room outside of the courtroom. The teens are handcuffed, Cotter said.

This is a crucial meeting, attorneys say. Its when they ask their clients about their ties to the community and about some aspects of the alleged crime, and its when they work to establish trust.

And during each of the dozens of cases brought in Youth Part so far, a sheriffs deputy or Syracuse police officer has refused to leave the room, according to the lawsuit.

If the case stays in Youth Part, which means it is serious enough to not be sent to Family Court, and teens are sent to Hillbrook Juvenile Detention Center, teens never get a private meeting with their attorneys, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit does not calculate how many 16-year-olds have been subject to these meetings, though it notes that more than 200 16- and 17-year-olds were charged with felonies in 2017. The numbers have likely stayed roughly the same since then, Cotter said.

An officer staying in the room might confuse a young defendant about the role of his or her attorney, which is to argue vigorously in their defense. And anything the teen says could potentially be used against him or her in court.

Cotter said defense attorneys have complained to police about them refusing to leave the interview room. Officers respond that its for safety reasons that they have to say, Cotter said.

That doesnt make sense to Cotter, he said, as the teens are handcuffed in the room.

The lawsuit seeks to end the practice, saying the officers presence prohibits teens from speaking freely and honestly with their attorneys.

Maintaining a relationship of confidence and trust is important in all criminal representations, but is especially important for adolescents and juveniles, the lawsuit states. As the Supreme Court has recognized, juveniles and adolescents do not possess the same cognitive, emotional, decision-making or behavioral capacities as adults.

In one instance alleged in the lawsuit, a 16-year-old girl was detained for several hours after allegedly committing a crime and then brought to Youth Part for a hearing. When her attorney arrived, two officers stayed inside and refused to leave.

One officer told an attorney that he had no information about the teens case, but he later spoke up at the arraignment to say that the injuries the girl allegedly inflicted on a victim could be more serious than initially documented.

The attorney was unable to refute the officers statement, the lawsuit alleges, because the attorney could not meaningfully get information from her client due to the officers presence.

Another client in the lawsuit told his attorneys he was confused about whether the attorney worked for the police department.

The teens whose cases arrive in Youth Part stay there if their crimes are serious enough. The serious cases include:
Young Caleb and Carson Boggess of Hernando are the young businessmen behind FlameBros, where they sell fireplace starters and scented candles they make at home. Ten percent of their profits go to support St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis. The products are sold online and at Blue Ribbon Cleaners in Hernando.
AUBURN, N.Y. -- A second doctor has come forward, claiming Auburn Community Hospital retaliated against her for complaining about a physician who was endangering patients.

Dr. Karen Odrzywolski says in a lawsuit filed Wednesday hospital officials punished her after she blew the whistle on Dr. Jeremy Barnett, an intensive care doctor whose behavior and medical care have triggered a slew of complaints from hospital employees. She was not available for comment today.

Read our continuing coverage

Her suit comes on the heels of a federal lawsuit filed by another former Auburn doctor that says the hospital looked the other way when Barnett needlessly admitted patients, overbilled and often provided lousy care that led to one patients death.

Syracuse.com broke the story last week after uncovering a state health department inspection report that shows the hospital dragged its feet for months before investigating complaints about the doctor.

Barnett has not returned phone calls and email messages. A woman who answered the phone in the hospitals intensive care unit Monday said Barnett no longer works at the hospital.

Odrzywolski is a neurologist who ran Auburns stroke program until she resigned in September.

After Odrzywolski blew the whistle on Barnett, top hospital officials smeared her reputation and tried to oust her so they could give her job to Barnett, according to the lawsuit.

Auburn hospital refused to comment on her lawsuit. In addition to the hospital, the defendants named in her suit include: Scott Berlucchi, hospital CEO; Dr. John Riccio, chief medical officer; Dr. Patsy Iannolo, emergency room director; Dr. Barnett and Auburn Memorial Medical Services, a doctors group.

Odrzywolski complained to hospital officials last February when Barnett refused to transfer a patient having seizures who needed testing Auburn hospital is not equipped to provide, according to the lawsuit.

I am gravely concerned that the patient may die or suffer permanent neurological damage due to inability to have these tests completed at our hospital, and that a potentially treatable cause of the condition may therefore be missed, she wrote in an email to Riccio. I have found that he (Barnett) endangers patient care by refusing to follow protocol, consider the opinions of consultants, or transfer patients when required.

Riccio defended Barnett and told Odrzywolski to learn how to work with him, the lawsuit says.

In the email Odrzywolski also accused Barnett of bungling another case when he violated hospital rules by not quickly giving a clot-busting drug to a stroke patient. Odrzywolski said she had to intervene to make sure the patient got appropriate care. By the way, the patient was a prominent attorney, and fortunately had an excellent outcome, she wrote.

Odrzywolski said she could no longer work with Barnett. I cannot expose myself to the liability that will occur when patients are harmed by his actions, she wrote in an email.

She also sent her complaints to the hospitals medical staff president, who did not respond, the suit says.

After hospital officials retaliated against Odrzywolski and tried to oust her, she gave them 60 days notice of her resignation.

Berlucchi later told her it was a crap move to give a 60-day notice" and you will get your head handed to you if you treat executives like that, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also accuses the hospital of discriminating against Odrzywolski because she is a woman. She was paid less than a male neurologist and deliberately excluded from weekly meetings convened by Berlucci, the suit says.

The federal lawsuit filed by Dr. Gregory Serfer also alleges he was retaliated against.

His suit says Barnetts lousy care led to one patients death.

Barnett rejected the advice of a surgery team that recommended a patient with a blocked artery be transferred to another hospital, according to Serfers lawsuit. Dr. Barnetts decision ultimately removed any chance the patient had of recovering, and the patient later died after his care, the lawsuit says.

Auburn Community Hospital is not talking about this case. If you know any details, contact James T. Mulder at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com
Syracuse, NY -- Vladimir Brown had complained for months that the murder case against him was spiraling out of control.

The shackled suspect had once pulled a note from his sock in court in protest. He maintained he didnt kill Charles Nichols in a fight that started over $25.

Today, an Onondaga County jury delivered Brown a partial victory.

The jury found him not guilty of shooting Nichols to death May 5, 2018. But the jury did convict Brown of illegal weapon possession and concealing the victims corpse in its split decision.

The victim, Nichols, was found days after the shooting outside a vacant house. His body had been moved twice from the Lawrence Street crime scene.

Everyone agrees that the dispute the night of Nichols death started between other people over a $25 debt. One of the adversaries pulled Nichols into the fray.

During a subsequent struggle at 106 Lawrence St., Nichols was shot to death.

Afterward, Brown left the scene. Another man, Nicholas Costello, admitted moving the victims body, first to a shed and later to an abandoned house on Oberst Street. .

Costello pleaded guilty to his role in hiding the body, but expressed no remorse and said the victim and another unnamed man were also at fault.

Brown had fought for months with his previous lawyer, Ben Coffin, who had sought to have him examined by a psychiatrist. His eventual trial lawyer, Paul Carey, instead argued that Brown was not the shooter at all.

Prosecutors Melinda McGunnigle and Jarrett Woodfork called witnesses who painted Brown as an aggressor who convinced Nichols, the victim, to come inside and then shot him to death.

Carey painted a picture of Nichols as a violent person who went by the nickname Khadafi, after the former Libyan dictator.

Hes a terrorist who walks through the neighborhood with a reputation of shooting people, Carey said during opening statements, adding: Hes a big, bad, dangerous guy.

After Nichols entered the house, there was a struggle between him, Brown and Costello, Carey argued. A gun went off and Nichols was killed.

The body of Charles E. Nichols, 37, of Syracuse was found May 7, 2018 at 108 Oberst St. (tan house) in Syracuse.

Carey argued that Brown did not possess the gun and did not shoot Nichols. He sought to blame Costello, who had already admitted trying to hide the body.

The jury deliberated for a day and a half before deciding there wasnt enough evidence to convict Brown of murder. But they did find that Brown possessed the deadly weapon and helped Costello move Nichols body.

Brown remains jailed until sentencing on the illegal weapon and corpse concealment charges. But Carey said his client was ecstatic that the jury had come back not guilty on the murder charge.

Brown will not face the specter of 25 years to life in prison -- the maximum sentence for murder. Instead, hell face up to 15 years in prison for the gun charge and another possible 1 1/3 to 4 years for the corpse concealing charge.

County Court Judge Thomas J. Miller will sentence Brown March 1.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Sheriffs from across the state, including Central New York law enforcement leaders, are speaking out today against legalizing recreational marijuana.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has made it a top priority to get quick passage of a law to make recreational marijuana legal in New York. Cuomo recently changed his stance on recreational marijuana. He previously said he believed it was a gateway drug.

Recreational marijuana has been legalized in 10 other states and Washington, D.C.

Several sheriffs across the state attended news conferences this morning to spread a unified message that they are against the legalization of recreational marijuana.

I strongly oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana use in New York State because I know that the public health and safety of our community would suffer as a result, said Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck in a news release.

Schenck joined Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, the president of the New York State Sheriffs Association, in Albany. Other CNY leaders gathered in Utica. There were also news conferences held in Watertown and Rochester.

Onondaga County Sheriff Eugene Conway did not respond immediately to inquiries as to where he stands on the issue.

Schenck said he believes that legal recreational marijuana use will result in an increase in drugged driving, traffic deaths, crime rates and use by our children.

Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood said the state Sheriffs Association voted on this issue last month.

It was unanimous, Hood said of those in attendance at the meeting, which was about 40 sheriffs. We are all opposed to the recreational marijuana use.

The sheriffs cited stats from the study, The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact, by the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area to show the impact that legalization has on a community. The HIDTA program was established by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in 1996.

The Colorado study finds that marijuana-related traffic deaths when a driver was positive for marijuana more than doubled from 55 deaths in 2013 to 125 deaths in 2016.

Also, past month marijuana use for youths increased 12 percent in the three-year average (2013-2015) since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana compared to the three-year average prior to legalization (2010-2012), the study found.

In recent years I have personally investigated deaths on our local highways caused by drunk and impaired drivers and I have witnessed the impact on the victims families, Schenck said.

Legalizing marijuana will certainly result in an increase in these incidents<" he said. "The social cost of legalization is too high and the strain on our resources too great as we continue to fight the worst drug epidemic in our local history. We cannot make it easier for our children and youth to obtain and smoke marijuana and we cannot support policies that will undoubtedly result in an increase in crime rates.

What do you think about the legalization of recreational marijuana? Do you share the concerns of the sheriffs? Share your comments and thoughts in a comment.
SYLVAN BEACH, N.Y. -- New York State Police are seeking the publics help in finding a person who robbed the Adirondack Bank in Sylvan Beach.

At 12:46 p.m. on Wednesday, an individual walked into the front entrance to the bank at 808 Main St. in the village of Sylvan Beach, state police said. The person approached the teller counter and showed a hand-written note demanding money, but didnt show a weapon.

The suspect was last seen walking down Main Street and turning left onto 8th Avenue, police said.

State police ask that anyone with information about the robbery contact them at 315-366-6000.
The community is welcome to attend funeral services for Trooper Lucas Dowell, showing their respect for the Chilhowie native and support for those who cared for the 28-year-old officer, who was killed Monday night in the line of duty.

The Virginia State Police announced that the services for Trooper Dowell will take place at Chilhowie Christian Church, 172 Apple Valley Road.

Two periods for visitation will take place tomorrow, Feb. 8, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. with interment following at St. James Lutheran Church Cemetery, 538 St. James Road in Chilhowie.

A reception for family, friends and law enforcement will be held at Chilhowie Christian Church immediately following the burial.
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By Ishaan Tharoor

6 February 2019

(The Washington Post)  President Trumps State of the Union address Tuesday night zigzagged between paeans to unity and sops to his hardcore base. He eulogized World War II soldiers and then wheeled on immigrants and leftist rivals at home. But absent amid the nativist demagoguery and partisan jockeying was any reference to the threat looming above all others: climate change.Thats no surprise. Trump is an avowed climate skeptic who casts environmentalist efforts as challenges to American sovereignty, not ways to stave off a planet-wide disaster. As much of the United States endured a deep freeze last month, Trump took to Twitter to plead for more global warming.Experts quickly noted that the president was confusing weather with climate  and that the warming of the Arctic could lead to sharper, snowier cold spells in the North American winter.Only with an ill-informed citizenry could you plausibly dismiss the consensus of the worlds scientists based upon a single cold spell, wrote climate scientist Michael E. Mann. Trump and, more to the point, the fossil fuel interests whose bidding he is doing have weaponized the publics poor understanding of science.Trump is certainly at odds with the global scientific community  including leading scientists in the United States and even in his own government. In November, the Trump administration tried to bury the terrifying findings of its own National Climate Assessment by releasing it the day after Thanksgiving. In that report, researchers affiliated with a number of federal agencies offered alarming conclusions about the increased risk of natural catastrophes because of the changing climate.The U.S. assessment landed just a few weeks after the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued its own stark warning. The global scientific body wrote that humanity has barely more than a decade to slash carbon emissions on an unprecedented scale to avoid calamity. Absent aggressive action, many effects once expected only several decades in the future will arrive by 2040, the New York Times wrote in October.Now, with Democrats in control of the House of Representatives, Trumps climate denial is being thrown in his face. Democrats will hold the first House hearing on climate change in six years on Wednesday. And at the State of the Union itself, they brought in a host of academics and activists focused on the climate as their guests. [more]
The Judiciary Committee of the Nebraska Legislature is reviewing a Bill called the "Limited Immigration Inquiry Act."

The Bill is sponsored by Sen. Megan Hunt.

The purpose of the bill is to "promote the health and safety of all residents of Nebraska by encouraging immigrants to cooperate with the government, especially in reporting violations of the law."

The Bill says the Limited Immigration Inquiry Act is not intended to prevent peace offices or government employees or officials from knowing a person's immigration status, so long as the person has offered the information. It also says that a peace officer may inquire about a person's immigration status if required by state or federal law. However, if a peace officer or government official learns about a person's immigration status, it cannot be shared with anyone including other peace officers. The exception is if the peace officer is required by court order, or federal law, or is required or permitted by state law to share the immigration status with a third party.

The Bill also keeps law enforcement from inquiring into the immigration status of anyone who interacts with law enforcement, unless required by court order or federal or state law. The Bill clarifies that an officer may inquire into a person's immigration status if it is required by state or federal law. The Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice would be expected to provide training for law enforcement and other government agencies.

The Bill was introduced Jan. 22 and referred to the Judiciary Committee Jan. 24.
A total of 88 young people aged 15-24 died on New Zealand roads in 2018.

Last year is being described as a tragic year, with 379 people losing their lives on our roads, up 16 per cent compared to 2016 and up nearly 30 percent overall since 2014.

For the first time in Tauranga, year 12 students from Mount College, attended RYDA  a potentially lifesaving road safety education programme - and learnt skills and tips all about driving.

As students make their way through high school, they also get to the age when they are able to get their license.

Road Safety Education are providers of the RYDA programme, a series of practical and powerful workshops for high school students that challenge students to change the way they think about road safety and lay the foundation for safe road use throughout their lives.

Statistics show that the most dangerous time for any young road user is in the first six-to-12 months of being a solo driver.

Road Safety Education Programme Manager Maria Lovelock says young people continue to be over represented in deaths and injuries on our roads.

Its a national tragedy that 88 young people aged 15-24 died on our roads last year.

For each of these fatalities about 10 more suffer life changing situations, such as brain and spinal injuries.

At todays workshop, students worked their way around six different workshops, with them being as interactive as possible.

We want the students to be able to walk away from here with some key skills, says Maria.

We want them to think about the decisions that they are making and that their mood, personality and if they are a risk taker or not all effect how they drive.

We want them to think about all of that and how they can change or make better decisions to become a better driver.

Throughout the workshops, students are shown videos, have a presentation done by police, and a chat with a serious crash victim.

Resources are also given out to teachers to take back to school, so its not just a one day thing, they can bring it back to the classroom and continue to learn.

More than 7000 pupils across New Zealand partake in the RYDA programme, with the second set of workshops being held on March 25, where students from Tauranga Girls College, Papamoa College and Katikati College will attend.

There are a number of reasons, some outside a young drivers control, why they are at such high risk. Their brains are still developing, they exhibit sensation-seeking behaviour, they are greatly influenced by peer pressure, they often drive less road-worthy cars, can be sleepy and often drive at night or for fun, says Maria.

Most importantly, they lack experience in the broad range of driving situations and road conditions. Its up to us as a community to bridge that gap of inexperience and underdevelopment with as many tools as we can for better planning and decision making. Thats what the RYDA programme is all about.

The RYDA programme is a community based initiative coordinated through local Rotary Clubs to help make our roads safer, with the support from corporate sponsors including BOC, NZ Steel, Bridgestone, AMI and the Alexander Group.

In Tauranga the programme has been supported by the Tauranga Te Papa Rotary Club, The Warehouse Tauranga, Tauranga Crossing and Papamoa, as well as a COGS grant which has helped all students attend the live saving course for free.

The Tauranga Te Papa Rotary Club, made sure that all the costs were covered for the students including the bus fare so if they had zero costs, it meant zero excuses not to attend.

To date, more than 50,000 students have completed the RYDA programme in NZ. RYDA teaches drivers how to manage distractions, gives them an understanding and acceptance of the rules of the road and the laws of physics.

It helps them to plan their journey and gives them strategies to avoid risk. It teaches passengers how to contribute positively to the cars environment and speak up if they are uncomfortable.
Theres a rise in the number of million dollar properties being sold in the Bay of Plenty.

The latest figures from the Real Estate Institute shows 428 properties were sold for more than a million dollars last year.

Thats more than a 16 per cent rise from 2017.

Eight of those properties were sold for more than $3 million.

One was sold for more than $5 million.

Institute chief executive Bindi Norwell says all regions except Auckland and Southland reached record numbers of properties sold for $1 million or more in 2018.

She says 10,615 properties were sold around the country for a million dollars or more during 2018.

Thats an increase of 4.5 per cent when compared to 2017.

But this figure is down significantly on 2016, when 11,648 million-dollar plus properties were sold around the country, says Bindi.

In the Auckland market, the number of million-dollar properties sold during 2018 fell by -1.6 per cent when compared to the previous year (7888 down from 8014).

This was the lowest number of million-dollar-plus properties sold in Auckland for four years.

Looking at sales around the country excluding Auckland, the number of million-dollar plus properties increased year-on-year by 26.9 per cent (2,727 up from 2149  an additional 578 properties).

The region with the largest year-on-year increase was Marlborough which saw an increase of almost 91 per cent from 11 properties sold for $1 million-dollars or more in 2017 to 21 properties sold for $1 million-dollars or more in 2018.

However, these numbers are inflated due to the small sample size.

Thirteen out of 15 regions saw year-on-year increases in number of properties for $1 million plus, with Southland remaining steady, and Auckland being the only region with a decrease.

All regions except Auckland and Southland reached record numbers of properties sold for $1 million or more in 2018, says Bindi.

Regions with the strongest increases in the number of million-dollar plus sales year-on-year in addition to Marlborough were Manawatu/Wanganui up 83 per cent from 12 to 22 properties, Northland up 62 percent from 69 to 112 properties, Gisborne up 50 per cent from 4 to 6 and Nelson up almost 46 per cent from 35 to 51.

Canterbury was one of two regions with an annual rise in the number of properties sold for $3 million plus in 2018, up from five to 12 properties.

Across the country, 71 properties were sold in the $5 million plus category  63 in Auckland compared to 76 in 2017, five in Otago compared to 6 in 2017, one in Bay of Plenty, the same as in 2017, one in Canterbury, also remaining the same, and one in Wellington.
More than $10,000 has been yielded for the Te Puna Quarry.

The money was handed over to Te Puna Quarry representatives at a presentation on Tuesday after being raised at the recent spring Quarry Fest.

The spring Quarry Fest has been running for 10 years, with the organisation side of the event being taken over by the Bethlehem Te Puna Lions Club.

The spring Quarry Fest is designed for all proceeds to go back to the quarry, whereas the autumn Quarry Fest is designed for the money to go back to the lions for them to put money back into the community.

President of the Bethlehem Te Puna Lions Club, Doug Morris says more than $10,000 was given back to the quarry following the spring Quarry Fest.

This is the biggest amount of money that we have raised.

President of the Te Puna Quarry, Ian Cross, says the amount of money is a far greater amount than they had imagined.

It is fantastic, he says.

The money will go towards track upgrades, as they have been damaged with the heavy rain.

It will also go towards hiring contractors to spray weeds.

The Bethlehem Te Puna Lions Club have preparations underway for this years autumn Quarry Fest.

More than 2000 people attended in November and they are hoping the one in April will be just as big.

DMS have been a big support in sponsoring Novembers Quarry Fest, says Doug.

They provided sponsorship which made the organising the event less stressful.

There will be stall holders selling things from food and coffee to plants and everything in between.

The Quarry Fest is hoping that their April draw card will be New Zealand Jazz Band Nairobi Trio.

Live music will be echoing throughout the Quarry all day, but they hope that most festival goers will stay and watch Nairobi Trio.

Tickets to watch the Nairobi Trio live are $25, but watching them live at the Quarry fest, entry is only $5.
Turkey Eyes Arms Export Deal with Qatar Worth Hundreds of Millions of Dollars (excerpt)

(Source: Yeni Safak; posted Feb 06, 2019)

The T-155 Firtina self-propelled howitzer is a Turkish-developed variant of South Koreas K9, fitted with Turkish equipment and a heavily modified turret. Turkey is negotiating a major deal to provide these vehicles to Qatar. (Twitter photo)

Turkish [Firtina 155mm self-propelled] howitzers set to be exported to Qatar could come with domestically-produced motors, according to military analysts, after Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar revealed that Ankara is on the verge of signing a major arms export agreement with Doha.The deal could be worth at least hundreds of millions of dollars, according to military experts. Qatar had previously signed a similar agreement with Germany, ordering 2,000 howitzers from the EU giant.If the deal stipulates delivering the howitzers within three years, that could mean they can possibly come with made in Turkey motors, pointed one military analyst to Yeni Safak daily.A summit organized by Turkish defense giant ASELSAN gave momentum to Turkeys forward trajectory on the issue of nationalizing the countrys defense industry by bringing together 2,000 of Turkeys leading industrialists under one roof. (end of excerpt)-ends-
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In the northeast, government officials, including president Buhari, admit the troops are suffering from poor morale. This is the result of stress from the continued threat of Islamic terrorist attacks as well as the increasing number of effective Boko Haram attacks that feature surprise and larger numbers of heavily armed attackers. When these attacks are launched on towns the troops will often flee along with the civilians. President Buhari has not replaced the most senior leaders of the military, but these senior generals presided over the replacement of five commanders of operations in the northeast over the last two years.

The turnover in commanders is largely because the Boko Haram ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) faction known as ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) has stuck with its strategy of concentrating on the security forces and doing so by assembling a large enough number of gunmen to ensure, most of the time, to ensure a quick victory. The dramatic impact of these new tactics could be seen in 2018. There were four ISWAP attacks on military bases in the first seven months of the year, but after that, the number of such attacks increased so that over the last five months of 2018 there were at least 30 such attacks. The military suffered nearly 2,000 dead, wounded, desertions and missing and morale got a lot worse. The army didnt help by trying to play down the combat losses because the families of the missing soldiers were not quiet, nor were the civilians who fled the region after these attack. Army efforts to hide the truth only made the impact on morale worse. The ISWAP attacks continued into 2019, fueled by a reputation for success and large quantities of captured weapons, vehicles, equipment and supplies. This provided the air force with more targets to bomb but those air strikes did not halt the growth of ISWAP.

The continued prevalence of corruption and incompetent officers in the army has contributed to continued chaos and lawlessness in northern Borno State, where most of the population was displaced by Boko Haram violence in 2014-15 and when Boko Haram control was broken by 2017. After that government programs to revive the economy and restore law and order collapsed under the usual corruption and incompetence of local officials and security forces. It is now worse because the ISWAP is being perceived as less of a threat to civilians than the security forces, who tend to be brutal with civilians when there is even the slightest suspicion that civilians are collaborating with the enemy. The increased violence in the last three months has created nearly 60,000 more refugees in the northeast. Since 2015, when Boko Haram power was at its peak in the northeast, Islamic terrorist activity has caused nearly two million people to flee their homes to avoid continued violence. Most Nigerians do not want to live in areas under Boko Haram control or threatened with continued Boko Haram attack.

Even a reform-minded president who was a former general and Moslem was unable to push military reforms far enough and fast enough. Boko Haram is not winning, but the government is failing to finish off a defeated Boko Haram and take advantage of an opportunity to regain the trust and loyalty of the local population. ISIL took advantage of similar conditions to quickly overrun more than a third of Iraq in 2014. Many Nigerian leaders are well aware of how that worked, but the corruption is so entrenched and widespread that reform moves slowly and that left the army and government officials vulnerable to a well-organized Boko Haram comeback.

ISWAP is also known as the Barnawi (or Albarnawi) faction of Boko Haram. ISWAP has apparently received a lot of useful technical and tactical advice from ISIL veterans of fighting in Iraq, Syria and Libya. Boko Haram persists in the northeast in large part because of its willingness to experiment, innovate and take advice from foreign ISIL veterans. The Barnawi faction follows the current ISIL doctrine of concentrating attacks on security forces and government officials (preferably the corrupt ones). That makes it easier to extort (raise taxes) cash and other goods from the local population. The Barnawi faction has over 3,000 active gunmen and operates mainly in the far north of Borno state near Lake Chad and the borders of Niger and Chad. The smaller Shekau faction has about half as many armed men and operates further south near the Borno State capital of Maiduguri and the Sambisa Forest. Both factions rely on the fact that the years of Boko Haram violence in Borno State (where Boko Haram originated in 2004) has increased the poverty and corruption the Islamic terrorist organization was founded to eliminate. While many potential recruits are discouraged by stricter standards and more fanatic approach of ISIL (compared to the original Boko Haram) faction the most hard core Islamic radicals are drawn to the more extreme groups and that way Boko Haram persists.

Some army commanders in Borno State try to blame foreign NGOs who provide a steady flow of reports, documented with pictures and video, of army misbehavior and mistreatment of civilians. This evidence is seen as a problem by the military, who are accusing some of the foreigners of spying for Boko Haram and deliberately spreading false reports of army misbehavior to hurt the morale of troops and loyalty of local civilians. These accusations tend to be quickly withdrawn when senior officers back in the national capital hear of it. The generals in the high command know the NGO reports are true because these reports are often quietly double-checked by high command investigators. Such retractions are just another reminder of the problems the military faces and are unable to fix, in the northeast.

The Big Picture

Worldwide, Islamic terrorism-related deaths have fallen by over 50 percent since 2014, when there were 35,000. Global deaths hit 19,000 in 2017 and under 14,000 for 2018. Since 2014 five nations (Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria and Pakistan) have accounted for most of these deaths. In 2016-17, however, al Shabaab in Somalia accounted for more of the deaths in Africa than Boko Haram. But in Nigeria, there is another major source of terrorist deaths and this is the growing violence between Fulani herders and largely Christian farming communities in northern and central Nigeria. The largest source of Islamic terror deaths during that period was ISIL, a more radical faction of al Qaeda that currently is where the most radical practitioners of Islamic terrorism are found. Islamic terrorists continue to be, as it has been since the 1990s, the main source of terrorism-related deaths, accounting for about 90 percent of the fatalities. The remainder of the terrorist-related deaths are ethnic (often tribal) conflicts in Africa and Asia. Purely political terrorism accounts for a fraction of one percent of all terrorist-related deaths and are outnumbered by terrorism deaths inflicted by common (often organized) criminals.

Hiring Hunters

President Buhari responding to a plea from the governor of Borno state ordered the army to worth with the Borno government and its call for an expansion in the used of local defense volunteers. The governor was particularly keen on hiring more professional hunters to act as scouts and experts on what is going on (normally or right now) in rural areas in Borno state. The hunters are part of what is officially called the Civilian JTF (Joint Task Force or CJTF). The strength of CJTF peaked at about 30,000 volunteers in 2017 and with the decline in Boko Haram activity in early 2018 about a third of the force has been disbanded (or at least no longer recognized and supported by the military). There is some danger to being a defense volunteer. About two percent of those who joined CJTF have been killed and many more have been wounded or injured while on duty. In effect, about ten percent of the CJTF men have been injured. But the soldiers respect them, the local civilians depend on and support them while Boko Haram has come to fear them. The more senior army commanders do not support the CJTF because these civilians often confront misbehaving soldiers and embarrass the army by exposing the bad behavior. Buhari agreed that the CJTF were part of the solution, not another problem.

As early as 2014 some CJTF groups were launching attacks on Boko Haram and usually winning because they knew the area and people better and often were able to launch a surprise attack at night. A major factor in this was that in the more remote areas, like near the Sambisa Forest, the CJTF groups contained a lot of local hunters. These men are professional hunters who thrive in rural areas where there is a lot more game than people. CJTF first demonstrated to the army the skills of local hunters who tracked game for a living. The army noted that the success of CJTF attack units was largely because of local hunters. Soon the army began to hire some of the hunters who were exceptional trackers as well as offering bounties if they could track down certain Boko Haram men or groups. At first, Boko Haram fought back and attacked trackers or their families. That backfired because the CJTF have better information about their home areas which made it difficult for Boko Haram to make revenge attacks. The attacks were made anyway and failed so often that most Boko Haram were advised by their leaders to stay away from CJTF, especially those groups with professional hunters. There were still parts of the Sambisa Forest were Boko Haram could establish bases and avoid the CJTF but these were areas where there was less game and less of everything. That meant fewer Islamic terrorists and their captives could survive there and had to leave their sanctuaries more frequently to raid villages for supplies. Thats when the Boko Haram were most vulnerable and many of their losses were to desertion (because of hunger and frustration) rather than combat casualties. The CJTF groups with a lot of hunters have remained useful for the army but only because there is no alternative when you have to track the enemy on the ground. The military never has enough helicopters or UAVs to provide overhead views and that is less useful in forest areas where trackers on the ground are still the best solution.

At the end of January 2019 the governor presided over the induction of 500 hunters into the CJTF. Many are veterans of CJTF but all are willing to work full time for a while to reduce Boko Haram violence. In addition to $28 a month pay (double that for leaders of hunter teams), there is some free food for hunters families. The monthly pay is OK for war-torn areas of Borno but also recognizes that the hunters can still hunt and dont have to abandon their usual work. In many rural parts of Borno, the police and army can use someone who will regularly report what they see or agree to look out for specific things.

Another reason for hiring more hunters is to prevent Boko Haram from doing so. Boko Haram doesnt exactly hire the hunters but will negotiate working arrangements with hunters to prevent clashes. In the absence of army or police presence, the hunters will make deals to prevent being driven out of their usual hunting areas. These deals mean not reporting the Boko Haram activities to anyone. Some of the newly sworn in (on Korans or Bibles as appropriate) hunters have cooperated with Boko Haram before, but the point of swearing the hunters in was to make it clear that now these hunters were officially fighting Boko Haram. This is also supposed to include those businessmen who buy (loot) or sell (fuel, ammo and other supplies) to the Boko Haram. These suppliers often work with Boko Haram to remain unmolested and also to make more cash trading with Boko Haram. The army has been cracking down on the charcoal bootleggers (who cut down trees illegally in state forests, convert it into charcoal and then sell the charcoal in villages or urban areas). These guys try to avoid the security forces and if confronted profess ignorance of Boko Haram activities. If caught with goods for Boko Haram the charcoal makers will try to talk their way out of the mess, or even bribe their way out. Hiring more hunters makes it easier to convince the charcoal men that you cant fool a hunter and if you try the hunters will hunt you down.

Oil

Oil production for 2018 was up nine percent over 2017. Daily production in 2018 was 2.09 million BPD (barrels per day). By the end of 2017 production had hit 2.03 million BPD and while it fluctuated a lot in 2018 the trend was upward despite the continuing problems with oil theft gangs and repair/maintenance backlogs (especially of the pipelines). The long-delayed maintenance and refurbishment of the oil production facilities in the Niger River Delta (where most of the production is) remains a problem although some of the foreign companies that control various oil fields and pipeline are more successful at keeping their infrastructure in good shape. At the end of 2018 Nigerian oil production was rising to levels not seen for years. That has been the trend for most of 2017 because the new government had negotiated a peace deal with the local rebels (who opposed corruption and bad treatment of locals in general). Production rose and is on the way to the goal of 2.5 million BPD by 2020 but achieving that level of production depends on keeping the peace in the Delta. Continued corruption and rampant oil theft make it difficult to increase production and sustain those higher production level goals. The oil theft gangs in the Niger River Delta continue to flourish with the help of corrupt government officials (civil and military.) In addition to the damage thieves do to pipelines (punching holes in them and quickly collecting oil before the police show up) the truce with some of the Delta rebels fell apart with the New Year and there has already been one attack on a pipeline (a loud bomb that damaged but did not penetrate a pipeline.)

Corruption

Nigeria has made an effort in the last year to deal with its massive internal corruption. More senior officials have been prosecuted and recently the U.S. and Britain agreed to deny visas to Nigerians suspected of corruption (theft or vote rigging). These visa restrictions would have a major impact on the wealthy and corrupt Nigerians who often have second homes in America and/or Britain and also use those countries to hide their stolen wealth. Bankers in the U.S. and Britain can, for a fee, hide a lot stolen cash. Most corrupt officials are using more and more of that stolen money to fight back and are having some success. Despite positive press releases from the government for anti-corruption efforts like this, outside observers cannot see any real progress. In 2018 Nigeria ranked 144 out of 180 nations in a worldwide survey of corruption compared to 148 in 2017 and 136 out of 176 countries for 2016. Progress, or lack thereof, can be seen in the annual Transparency International Corruption Perception Index where countries are measured on a 1 (most corrupt) to 100 (not corrupt) scale. The most corrupt nations (usually North Korea/14, Yemen/14, Syria/13, South Sudan/13 and Somalia/10) have a rating of under 15 while of the least corrupt (New Zealand and Denmark) are over 85.

The current Nigeria score is 27 (same as in 2017) compared to 34 (35) for Ethiopia, 27 (28) for Kenya, 26 (26) for Uganda, 24 (20) for Eritrea, 14 (16) for Yemen, 13 (12) for South Sudan, 16 (16) for Sudan, 17 (17) for Libya, 32 (31) for Mali, 43 (40) for Morocco, 43 (42) for Tunisia, 19 (20) for Chad, 34 (33) for Niger, 70 (71) for the UAE (United Arab Emirates), 62 (64) for Israel, 61 (61) for Botswana, 72 (75) for the United States, 35 (33) for Algeria, 25 (25) for Cameroon, 40 (39) for Benin, 41 (40) for Ghana, 43 (43) for South Africa, 20 (21) for Congo, 45 (45) for Senegal, 41 (40) for India, 72 (73) for Japan, 38 (37) for Indonesia, 57 (54) for South Korea, 18 (18) for Iraq, 41 (40) for Turkey, 49 (49) for Saudi Arabia, 28 (28) for Lebanon, 28 (30) for Iran, 16 (15) for Afghanistan, 33 (32) for Pakistan, 28 (29) for Russia and 39 (41) for China. A lower corruption score is common with nations in economic trouble and problems dealing with Islamic terrorism and crime in general. Nigerias corruption score has not changed much since 2012 when it was 27.

February 6, 2019: The United States has finally agreed to allow the sale to Nigeria of twelve Brazilian A-29 Super Tucano warplanes Because some key components are American made the U.S. government has to approve export sales of the A-29. The Nigerian military has been trying to buy A-29s since 2015 but the U.S. refused to approve the same because of the corruption and Nigerian security forces tendency to kill a lot of civilians. The A-29 can be used for pilot training as well as air support of soldiers and police. Such support includes surveillance and reconnaissance as well as bombing. The Super Tucano is a single engine turbo-prop trainer/attack aircraft that is used by over a dozen nations. This aircraft carries two internal 12.7mm (.50 caliber) machine-guns along with 1.5 tons of bombs, rockets, camera/signal collection pods or even a 20mm autocannon pod. It can stay in the air for 6.5 hours at a time. It is rugged, easy to maintain and cheap. These cost about $18 million each when you include training, spare parts and support equipment. These aircraft are more useful than jet fighters, which are much more expensive to buy and operate and are not as effective for ground attack.

February 5, 2019: In the northwest (Zamfara State), 26 people were killed by Fulani raiders carrying out revenge attacks. Zamfara state is experiencing the same sort of tribal violence as in central Nigeria except in Zamfara everyone involved is Moslem. This generally involves fighting between Fulani herders and Hausa farmers. To make matters worse the area is notorious for groups of bandits that steal cattle as well as raid farming villages. That, plus the Fulani violence has caused at least 3,000 deaths in the last two years. Most of the attacks are raids for the purpose of looting and leaving. The Fulani raiders often run into Hausa self-defense militias and the resulting battles leave many on both sides dead or wounded. The Fulani raids are usually after cattle and other loot. Moslem leaders want attention paid to the growing tribal feuds between Moslem tribes, especially like the battles between Fulani and Hausa in Zamfara. The violence in Zamfara state has led to the national police sending in hundreds of additional paramilitary personnel to deal (or try to deal) with that situation. The police have not had much impact and usually, leave after conducting some operations that are avoided by the local bandits.

In the south (Lagos) police seized a shipment of ten stolen police uniforms, plus rank badges and ID cards with no names. All this was being smuggled out of the port city of Lagos and apparently on its way north where criminal gangs or Boko Haram pays well for this sort of thing, especially with national elections coming up on February 16th.

February 4, 2019: In the northeast (Borno and Adamawa states) ,Boko Haram carried out several looting raids near the Cameroon border. The raiders were from the Shekau faction and that meant there were civilian casualties (six dead, many more wounded).

In central Nigeria (Benue State), armed Fulani herders raided several villages killing at least two villagers. The army has troops stationed in the area and they have pushed many of the raiders back into neighboring Nasarawa State.

February 1, 2019: In the northeast (Borno state), Boko Haram attacked a village across the border in Niger killing six people. The attackers were on foot.

January 31, 2019: In the northeast (Borno state), Boko Haram attacked the market town of Rann near the Cameroon border after Cameroon and Nigerian troops had left. This attack left 60 civilians dead. The troops had arrived after a January 14th attack and left when it appeared that Boko Haram had left the area. The military denied that there had been an attack on Rann today despite foreign NGOs insisting that there had been. Over 80,000 Rann residents fled the area after the earlier attack and refugee camps in neighboring Cameroon and farther south neat the state capital can attest to that.

January 29, 2019: In the northwest (Zamfara State), police and Hausa defense volunteers killed 21 Fulanis suspected of raiding Hausa villages. Another 17 Fulani were arrested and 89 kidnapped villagers were freed. In the previous week, the Fulani raiders had killed 11 Hausa civilians and one defense volunteer.

January 28, 2019: In the northeast (Borno state), Boko Haram attacked Molai village five kilometers from the state capital Maiduguri killing four people and abducting several others.

In northern Borno, the air force bombed a Boko Haram base in the Sambisa Forest. This remote and thinly populated area is still a popular refuge for Boko Haram bases. But the air force has obtained more UAVs and manned aircraft that can constantly watch the forest and detect minute differences that indicate a hidden (from aerial observation) Boko Haram base. Once the bombs and rockets hit the ground it becomes obvious whether or not a base is there and in this case, there was.

Elsewhere in Borno, across the border in Niger Boko Haram attacked Bosso killing four civilians.

January 26, 2019: In the northeast (Borno state), Boko Haram raiders traveling in four trucks attacked two towns near the Cameroon border. One attack was just after dark against a small army base outside Gamboru and the other was after midnight against Pulka. Troops repulsed both attacks with about ten soldiers wounded. Boko Haram losses were unknown as they tend to take their dead and wounded with them when they can.

January 25, 2019: In the northeast (Borno state), soldiers raided a Boko Haram camp 25 kilometers southeast of the state capital Maiduguri. Four Boko Haram men were at the camp who refused to surrender and were killed after a gun battle. Soldiers seized documents weapons and ammo.

January 24, 2019: In the south (Niger River Delta), security forces confirmed that they had arrested veteran oil theft gang leader Suaibu Ogunmola after a lengthy investigation. Ogunmola has been at it for decades and used bribes, informants and a network of sanctuaries and hideouts to evade arrest.

January 23, 2019: In the northeast (Yobe state), Boko Haram attacked the market town of Gaidam. The raiders came in several vehicles, firing their weapons as they moved towards the market place and looted it for supplies. Boko Haram said they notified the army earlier and advised them to stay away and the few soldiers available in Gaidam fled the attack as did most civilians. Two people were killed, over a dozen wounded and several were kidnapped. Two army vehicles were destroyed,

January 22, 2019: Cameroon has sent more troops to the north (the border with Nigerias Borno state) and the southwest (where separatist Anglophone/English speaking Cameroonians are becoming more violent.

January 20, 2019: In the northeast (Yobe state), Boko Haram attacked a military base at Buni Yadi, killing four soldiers. The attack was repulsed.

January 19, 2019: In the northeast (Borno state), Cameroon has been forcing Nigerian refugees out of Cameroon and back into Nigeria. The growth in Boko Haram violence in the last six months has sent more refugees into Cameroon and Cameroon does not want them. Cameroon does not have oil wealth and has a hard time paying for all the military and police operations along the border of northeast Nigeria. Even though foreign aid pays for some of the refugee camps, those foreign contributions do not cover all the costs. Also, Boko Haram will hide out in the camps, often terrorizing the refugees into keeping quiet. Cameroon also has growing problems with separatists in their own southwest, English speaking Cameroonians living near the Nigerian border want to form a separate state and threatening a civil war. Even with the 100,000 or so Nigerian refugees gone Cameroon still has over 250,000 refugees from other war-torn neighbors, in particular, the Central African Republic.

January 18, 2019: In the northeast (Borno state), Boko Haram attacked a small army base near Kamuya. The attack was repulsed but not before six soldiers were killed, 14 wounded and six vehicles were lost (two destroyed, four stolen).

January 14, 2019: In the northeast (Borno state), Boko Haram attacked the market town of Rann near the Cameroon border and about 175 kilometers northeast of the state capital Maiduguri. The raiders came in several vehicles, firing their weapons as they moved towards the market place and looted it for supplies. The raid killed 14 people, including three soldiers and 11 civilians. Other soldiers in the area fled and the attackers apparently suffered no casualties. Several buildings were set on fire as the Boko Haram men left.

January 10, 2019: In the northeast (Borno state), the growing Boko Haram violence has sent over 25,000 more refugees to the camps around the state capital. Meanwhile, soldiers have recaptured Baga, a town and naval base on Lake Chad that Boko Haram had briefly held.
On Monday, February 5th, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland announced that the 14 countries of the Lima Group  who had actually formed themselves under her direction into this new group on 8 August 2017 in order to overthrow and replace Venezuelas current President Nicholas Maduro  have now been joined (though she didnt say to what extent) by the EU, and by 8 other individual countries. She stated:

"Today, we have been joined by our Lima Group partners, from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Saint Lucia. We have also been joined in our conversations with our partners from other countries, for this Lima Group ministerial meeting. These include Ecuador, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States."

She, along with US President Donald Trump, had, all along, been the actual leaders of this international diplomatic effort, to violate the Venezuelan Constitution blatantly, so as to perpetrate the coup in Venezuela.

Her active effort to replace Venezuelas Government began with her formation of the Lima Group, nearly two years ago.

Canadas Ottawa Citizen headlined on 19 August 2017, Choosing Danger, and their reporter Peter Hum interviewed Canadas Ambassador to Venezuela, Ben Rowswell, who was then retiring from the post. Rowswell said that Venezuelans who wanted an overthrow of their Government would continue to have the full support of Canadas Government: I think that some of them were sort of anxious that it (the embassys support for human rights and democracy in Venezuela) might not continue after I left, Rowswell said. I dont think they have anything to worry about because Minister (of Foreign Affairs Chrystia) Freeland has Venezuela way at the top of her priority list.

Maybe it wasnt yet at the top of Trumps list, but it was at the top of hers. And she and Trump together chose whom to replace Venezuelas President, Nicholas Maduro, by: Juan Guaido. Guaido had secretly courted other Latin American leaders for this, just as Freeland had already done, by means of her secretly forming the Lima Group.

On 25 January 2019, the AP bannered AP Exclusive: Anti-Maduro coalition grew from secret talks and reported that the man who now claims to be Venezuelas legitimate President (though he had never even run for that post), Juan Guaido, had secretly visited foreign countries in order to win their blessings for what he was planning:

In mid-December, Guaido quietly traveled to Washington, Colombia and Brazil to brief officials on the oppositions strategy of mass demonstrations to coincide with Maduros expected swearing-in for a second term on Jan. 10 in the face of widespread international condemnation, according to exiled former Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma, an ally.

Playing a key role behind the scenes was Lima Group member Canada, whose Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland spoke to Guaido [9 January 2019] the night before Maduros swearing-in ceremony [on 10 January 2019] to offer her governments support should he confront the socialist leader [Maduro], the Canadian official said. Also active was Colombia, which shares a border with Venezuela and has received more than two million migrants fleeing economic chaos, along with Peru and Brazils new far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

To leave Venezuela, he sneaked across the lawless border with Colombia, so as not to raise suspicions among immigration officials who sometimes harass opposition figures at the airport and bar them from traveling abroad, said a different anti-government leader, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss security arrangements.

During the last days in office of Canadas Ambassador to Venezuela Rowswell, US President Donald Trump went public with his overt threat to invade Venezuela. On 11 August 2017, McClatchys Miami Herald bannered "Trump was making friends in Latin America  before he raised Venezuela military option, and Patricia Mazzei reported that President Donald Trumps unexpected suggestion Fridaythat he might rely on military force to deal with Venezuelas pressing political crisis was an astonishing statement that strained not only credulity but also the White Houses hard-won new friendships in Latin America. Even a spokesperson from the Atlantic Council (which is the main PR agency for NATO) was quoted as saying that US diplomats, after weeks of carefully building the groundwork for a collective international response, suddenly find their efforts completely undercut by a ridiculously over the top and anachronistic assertion. It makes us look imperialistic and old-time. This is not how the US has behaved in decades! However, Perus Foreign Minister, Ricardo Luna, was just as eager for a coup in Venezuela as were Trump and Freeland.

On 26 October 2017, Perus Gestion TV reported that Luna was the co-Chair of the meeting of the Lima Group in Toronto, which Freeland chaired, and that (as translated into English here) Luna added that the objective of the meeting of the Group of Lima is to create a propitious situation so that the regime of Nicolas Maduro feels obligated to negotiate' not only an exit to the crisis, but also an exit to his own regime. This gang were going to make Maduro an offer that he couldnt refuse. So, the Lima Group, which was founded by Luna and by Freeland, was taking the initiative as much and as boldly as Trump was, regardless of what NATO might think about it. The topic of that news-report, and its headline, was Peru proposes Grupo de Lima to involve the UN to face the Venezuelan crisis. Four days later, Freeland and Luna met privately at the UN, in New York, with the Secretary General, Antonio Guterres. Inner City Press reported that The title of the meeting is the situation in Venezuela and efforts by regional organizations to resolve the crisis per Chapter VIII of the UN Charter [see it here] and the briefer will be not USG [Under Secretary General] Jeffrey Feltman but his Assistant, ASG [Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs] Miroslav Jenca. Jeffrey Feltman was the person who, in the secretly recorded 27 January 2014 phone-conversation in which US President Barack Obamas agent, Victoria Nuland  planning and overseeing the February 2014 coup that overthrew Ukraines democratically elected President  instructed the US Ambassador to Ukraine, that, after Ukraines President is ousted, Arseniy Yats Yatsenyuk was to be appointed as Ukraines interim leader as the new Prime Minister, to replace the President. She also said: I talked to Jeff Feltman this morning; he had a new name for the UN guy Robert Serry.  Hes now gotten both Serry and Ban ki-Moon to agree that Serry could come in Monday or Tuesday. That would be great, I think, to help glue this thing, and to have the UN help glue it, and, you know, fuck the EU. So, the still Under Secretary General of the U.N, Mr. Feltman, is still Americas fixer there, who glues whatever the US President orders the UN to do, and his Assistant was filling in for him that day. Therefore, if Trump and Freeland turn out to be as successful as Obama was, then the UN will glue the outcome. Chrystia Freeland happens also to be a friend of Victoria Nuland, and a passionate supporter of her coup in Ukraine.

Freelands parents were Ukrainian and supported the Nazis during World War II. Cameron Pike headlined about Freeland at The Saker, on 2 February 2019, "Canadas Nazi Problem and opened:

In the 1960s the Polish government, still reeling from their role as the main course of the European meat-sandwich that was the second world war, went on the hunt for Nazi aiders and abettors who destroyed their people. Contrary to what mainstream readers are allowed to know, WWII Nazi and Waffen SS leaders, Goebbelss publishers and editors (otherwise known as propagandists), willing and outright Nazi collaborators and vicious killers, made their way out of conquered Germany to the United States [under CIA direction] and to Canada, under MI-6 direction, [and Canada] took in 2000 of them. Most of them made their way to Ontario and Alberta. One of them even became the President of the University of Alberta. I repeat, one of them EVEN BECAME THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA.  It was this former Waffen SS soldier-turned University President who created the Ukrainian Studies department at the U of A.  Michael Chomiak, another of these significant Nazis who were never caught, lived out his days after the war as a farmer in Alberta. His Nazi identification documents were uncovered by the Polish Government in the 1960s. Chomiaks records show he was trained in Vienna for German espionage and propaganda operations, then promoted to run the German press machine for the Galician region of Ukraine and Poland during the 4-year occupation. So high-ranking and active in the Nazi cause was Chomiak that the Polish intelligence services were actively hunting for Chomiak until the 1980s  without knowing he had fled for safety to an Alberta farm in Canada. [Editing note: Please see link for John Helmers extensive work on uncovering Freelands Nazi family history.] Poland was on the hunt but lost the trail because he was well hidden by their WWII ally, the British, unbeknownst to my fellow peaceful Canadians.

Chomiac was Chrystia Freelands father. Chrystia Freeland loves him very much and is unshakably loyal to his memory and to his far-right beliefs, which she proudly supports. She also is a close friend of George Soros, who likewise is entirely unembarrassed at, and unapologietic about, his having, as a supposed Christian child in Hungary, helped the Nazis take the property of other Jews, before they were sent off to the concentration camps. He chose to do that  help the Nazi regime  rather than die as a Jew himself. Of course, subsequently, he founded the rabidly anti-Russian Open Society Foundation and other political charities to tax-exempt his global political donations. Soros, too, is a passionate supporter of the US coup in Ukraine and of Ukraines far-right, and helped to finance (tax-exempt via his International Renaissance Fund) Obamas Ukrainian coup by being one of the three top donors to Hromadske TV, which propagandized for slaughtering at least one and a half million of the people in the far eastern region of Ukraine, where Obamas imposed far-right Ukrainian government was totally rejected. Its the region that had voted over 90% for the Ukrainian President whom Obama-Nuland overthrew, and George Soros was a top funder of such exterminationist propaganda. So, its reasonable that his fellow anti-Russian fanatic, Freeland, is a friend of his.

Thats the liberal side of fascism. The conservative side of it is represented by such people as John Bolton and the Koch brothers.

Of course, the man whom the US and Canadian regimes and the Lima Group are trying to install as Venezuelas President, Juan Guaido, had been well groomed for that job, but not by political and electoral experience, of which he has almost none, but by his foreign sponsors. On 29 January 2019 the Gray Zone Project bannered The Making of Juan Guaido: How the US Regime Change Laboratory Created Venezuelas Coup Leader, and their two star investigative journalists, Dan Cohen and Max Blumenthal, opened: Juan Guaido is the product of a decade-long project overseen by Washingtons elite regime change trainers. While posing as a champion of democracy, he has spent years at the forefront of a violent campaign of destabilization. This report also noted that The 'real work' began two years later, in 2007, when Guaido graduated from Andres Bello Catholic University of Caracas. He moved to Washington, DC to enroll in the Governance and Political Management Program at George Washington University, under the tutelage of Venezuelan economist Luis Enrique Berrizbeitia, one of the top Latin American neoliberal economists. Berrizbeitia is a former executive director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) [and the IMF is a central part the operation thats described in John Perkinss now-classic Confessions of an Economic Hit Man] who spent more than a decade working in the Venezuelan energy sector, under the old oligarchic regime that was ousted by Chavez. Moreover, Stratfor and CANVAS  key advisors of Guaido and his anti-government cadre  devised a shockingly cynical plan to drive a dagger through the heart of the Bolivarian revolution. The scheme hinged on a 70% collapse of the countrys electrical system by as early as April 2010. Etc. This is how democracy now functions. Its not democracy  it is fascism. The euphemisms for it are neoliberalism and neoconservatism.

Regardless of whether or not the Trump-Freeland-Luna program for Venezuela succeeds, democracy and human rights wont be advanced by it; but, if it succeeds, the fortunes of US-and-allied billionaires will be. Its part of their global privatization program.

PS: If you want to understand what was the historical context where Inner City Press reported that The title of the meeting is the situation in Venezuela and efforts by regional organizations to resolve the crisis per Chapter VIII of the UN Charter; then Luk Van Langenhove has summarized that context, by saying: Few invocations of Chapter VIIIs provisions were made during the cold war period. But when the bipolar world system collapsed and spawned new global security threats, the explosion of local and regional armed conflicts provoked a renewed interest in regional organizations and their role in the maintenance of regional peace and security. The United Nations was forced to acknowledge its inability to solely bear the responsibility for providing peace and security worldwide. So, during the cold war period, this provision of the UN Charter remained virtually inactive. Then, suddenly, after 1991, when the Soviet Union and its communism and its Warsaw Pact military alliance to counter Americas NATO military alliance, all ended (with no concessions being made on the American side), America could no longer use communism as a justification to invade or perpetrate coups against foreign governments that were friendly toward or else allied with Russia. So, now, this provision of the UNs Charter became activated by the US and its allies, in order to be able to say that The Wests coups and invasions arent actually to build-out the US empire, but are instead for (in the terms of this part of the UNs Charter) the maintenance of international peace and security  so as to authorize coups and international invasions by the US and its vassal nations, such as are the members of NATO. This is what US President G.H.W. Bush had in mind to rely upon, when he told the leaders of the US regimes vassal states, secretly at Camp David, on the night of 24 February 1990, that the Cold War would now continue secretly on the US-allied side, against Russia and against any nations leaders (such as Saddam Hussein, Muammar Qaddafi, Bashar al-Assad, and Viktor Yanukovych) that arent hostile toward Russia, by Bushs saying then to them, that no compromise must ever be allowed with Moscow, because To hell with that! We prevailed, they didnt." In other words, whereas the UN had been set up by FDR to evolve ultimately into the global democratic federation of nation-states  a democratic world-government  so as to become the sole possessor of control over all strategic weaponry, and thus to become the democratic republic of the entire world authorized to settle international disputes peacefully, the subterranean Nazis and other fascists whom US President Truman and the Bilderberg group represented, were determined that the US and its vassal nations would ultimately become the dictatorship over all nations, the entire world. Thats what Ukraine, and now Venezuela, and many other US coups and invasions, are  and have been  really about. Its about the peace of the graveyard, NOT any democracy, anywhere at all.

Thats their dream. They want to monopolize the corruption everywhere, not to end it, anywhere. And thats why they distort and blatantly lie about Venezuelas democratic constitution now, just as they did about Ukraines democratic constitution in February 2014. Its, essentially, a lawless international gang of billionaire thugs. It is the international Deep State. It consists of the under 2,000 people who are international billionaires in the US and secondarily in the US-allied countries, and of those billionaires millions of hirees. 585 of those under-2,000 are Americans. But the wealthiest person on the planet isnt even listed on any of the standard lists of billionaires, and he is the King of Saudi Arabia. That person is the US aristocracys #1 international ally, because ever since the 1970s when gold no longer backed the US dollar but instead oil did, that persons decisions have enabled the US dollar to continue as being the worlds reserve currency, no matter how big the US economys trade deficits are, and no matter how high the US Governments fiscal deficits are.

Below those billionaires (and trillionaire), and below their millions of hirees, are the billions of serfs; and, below those, at the very bottom, are the approximately 40 million slaves, and the many millions imprisoned  virtually all of whom have extremely low (if any) net worth at all, since slavery and imprisonment are, in the real world, only for the very poor, not at all for the international gangsters, except for a very few exceptions (such as, perhaps, El Chapo).

The billionaires command, and the governments obey; thats democracy, and its the rule of law, today. Everything to the contrary is propaganda, such as that what Trump-Freeland-Luna want for Venezuela is to decrease corruption and to increase democracy and human rights.

At least the more blatant fascist John Bolton was honest when he said on January 28th: It will make a big difference to the United States economically if we could have American oil companies invest in and produce the oil capabilities in Venezuela. But he would have been lots more honest if he had acknowledged, instead, that It will make a big difference to the United States billionaires economically if we could have American oil companies invest in and produce the oil capabilities in Venezuela. This is all that the fascists ever really cared about. Mussolini called it corporationism. Now, decades in the wake of the Allies supposed victory against fascism  against the Axis powers  in WW II, we all (at least the realists) are acknowledging that we clearly are staring in the face the raw fact that fascism has finally won, or at least very nearly totally won, in the world.

Hitler, Mussolini, and Hirohito, died; but their ideological followers today rule the world, and FDR would be turning in his grave.
The corrupt and racist Henry Jackson Society has been up to its old tricks with extreme xenophobia, ignorance and intellectual hogwash being spewed forth around the British Parliament. This time it has not been all things Israel related or Russia which has provoked the little man syndrome and deep insecurities which lay behind the thinking of the HJS. It is now the world's most ancient civilisation, oldest single unified state and once again rising superpower, China, which has become of recent times the warped obsession and vitriol target of the Henry Jackson Society.

The Henry Jackson Society for some time now have been running event after event in the House of Commons and publishing policy paper after policy paper propagating the most crude, primitive and stupid anti-China bigotry. The Henry Jackson Society are devoid of China and Asia specialists and have no deep scholarly experience and expertise in the field of China and Asia more generally. They have no personnel who have actually ever visited China or have studied Chinese history, culture, politics and indeed speak the language and have worked with Chinese people. These huge intellectual and academic gaps and cultural, historical and social limitations exemplify themselves in the prejudices, ignorance and child like assertions in the HJS's Asia Studies Department which are glaring when one actually wastes time studying the crass, teenage style nonsense that the HJS write about China.

Whether this is down to the fact that the Henry Jackson Society has been exposed for being paid by the Japanese Government to run a PR smear campaign against China is for the HJS to answer and account for. The Charity Commission in the UK have been utterly useless (as per usual with the so-called checks and balances of British institutions) in properly investigating how the Henry Jackson Society can be a registered Charity when clearly engaged in such hyper partisan political campaigning activities. Despite stating that the Charity Commission would assess whether to conduct a regulatory review into whether the HJS was in violation of UK Charitable law way back in 2017, the Charity Commission, strangely never bothered to do so. How convenient given that its then Chairman William Shawcross was also a Trustee of the Henry Jackson Society.

It is now required to know with the amount of anti-Chinese propaganda emanating from the Henry Jackson Society and flowing around the British Parliament, if the Japanese Government is still funding the HJS Asia Studies Department to conduct a deeply offensive and slanderous malign campaign of disinformation against the Chinese people. Indeed, the HJS must come clean completely on who its funders are, something it has always refused to do. For a society that campaigns on transparency and democratic good governance it has consistently refused to disclose who its financial backers are, despite being ordered to do so by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. Stanley Kalms of Dixons has given generously to the HJS and it would be in line with standard democratic practices of transparency and freedom of information to know who else are the paymasters of the Henry Jackson Society.

Just recently the HJS held the most ridiculous and childish event in the House of Commons attempting to assert in the most intellectually vague, weak and frankly offensive manner that Britain has every god given right to do whatever it likes in the South China Sea with its Navy because, in that disgusting, hackneyed and utterly pathetic English imperialist mindset, the South China Sea is ripe in the eyes of the HJS for renewed British maritime economic and political exploitation as was the case in the 19th century and if Britain proclaims it has strategic interests thousands of miles away in an area of the world it has no major claim to or involvement with, then so be it because, according to this HJS neo-imperialist mindset, Britain says so. That is how primitive and simplistic the logic behind the HJS's assertion that Britain has 'strategic interests' in the South China Sea is, as if it were still some great imperial power that could behave anyway it liked in other peoples territory and territorial waters because of riches and resources there which have not been produced and worked hard for by Britain but it wants and feels entitled to for some bizarre parasitic English psychological reason.

The EU Referendum has brought to the surface many unappealing and unattractive aspects of the English, their institutions and systems of government and politics, how they do business and behave as a nation and their history. One of the least attractive has been the legacy of the British Empire and the inability of the English to come to terms with the loss of their Empire and their much reduced status in Europe and the world which has produced an identity crisis among them as a society. England's inability to come to terms with its reality and engage with the rest of the world and Europe in terms of equals has driven a great deal of the Brexit madness in the UK, and it is a political and social madness on a collective national scale, most vividly illustrated by the behaviour of MPs in the House of Commons with ever more deranged, ill tempered, angry and nonsensical debates over phantom issues such as the Prime Minister's dead exit deal and alternatives to the Irish backstop. The state of domestic British politics has become utterly deluded and irrational due to the English induced Brexit crisis.

Yet, what the HJS and British State must understand is that attempting to whip up false and laughable narratives regarding Britain's 'strategic interests' in the South China Sea and slandering the second largest economy on the planet and pre-eminent ancient civilisation of the Chinese people, will only further isolate and weaken an already badly damaged UK. Every recommendation and suggestion put forth by the HJS regarding British involvement in the South China Sea is a non-starter and would lead to serious repercussions for the strengthening of China-UK relations if adopted by the British Government. The task before the UK as it leaves the EU on such bad terms and seeks to negotiate new trading relationships and remake itself in Europe and the world as an independent, sovereign, self governing nation-state is a mammoth task that will now consumer the energies and efforts of generations of British Governments. That task will only be further complicated and made even more painful and difficult if the British Government travels down the path that the Henry Jackson Society is proposing regarding China-UK relations.
Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Le Thi Thu Hang made the statement on February 6 in reply to reporters questions on Vietnams comment on US President Donald Trumps remark in his latest State of the Union address on the upcoming summit, planned for February 27 and 28 in Vietnam.

Vietnam stands ready to actively contribute to and cooperate with relevant sides to ensure the success for the second US-DPRK summit, thus helping achieve the above-mentioned goal, the spokesperson concluded.
The most dangerous place for black people to live is in white peoples imagination.

So says comedian D.L. Hughley. And surely Tamir Rice and Trayvon Martin would concur if they were alive to do so.

But if white peoples imagination is the most dangerous place for black people, it is also the most denigrating. Fresh but superfluous evidence of that arrived last week in the form of a photo on the med school yearbook page of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam. The image, taken in 1984, the year Northam turned 25, depicts two young men, one wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood, the other painted in blackface.

Northam, a Democrat who attends a black church, has trotted out shifting explanations. First he apologized, though he failed to say which man in the picture was him. Then he said neither man in the picture was him. Then he admitted that he did once darken his skin  to imitate Michael Jackson in a dance contest.

By now its immaterial whether either man in the picture is Northam. The very fact that he thought it could have been, never mind that he admits to having worn blackface at least once, speaks to how ubiquitous this sort of thing  white people pretending themselves black  must have been in his circle.
One Florida woman brought a heated argument with her boyfriend to a quick and cold end with the use of a most unusual weapon.

Jennifer Brassard, 54, faces a misdemeanor domestic battery charge after police say she threw a frozen pork chop at a man Saturday night, hitting his left eyebrow and leaving a cut about a half-inch long. Police say Brassard then left the couple's Brooksville home in west central Florida.

According to a police report, officers determined Brassard was the "primary aggressor" after hearing statements from both Brassard and the man, who have dated for the past year and live together. The report also noted officers did not seize the meaty weapon.

Brassard was booked into Pasco County jail and was released after posting $250 bond. She was ordered to have no contact with the man, according to The Smoking Gun.
The divide and conquer strategy proved successful. In 2008, the year Zuckerberg hired Sandberg away from Google, Facebook generated $272 million in revenue, but failed to turn a profit. Ten years later, Facebook's annual revenue topped $55 billion -- and it posted a $22 billion profit.

The pair helped to firmly establish Facebook as an internet behemoth with vast influence over the media and advertising worlds, a trail of vanquished rivals and a market valuation hovering around $500 billion.

As Facebook flourished, so did their personal brands. At various points in recent years, both executives have been floated as possible presidential candidates in the press. Zuckerberg met with world leaders and started a book club; Sandberg wrote bestselling books -- first about women in the workplace and then, after losing her husband, on grief.

The pair were so close that Zuckerberg took a lead role in planning the funeral for Sandberg's husband, Dave Goldberg, the former CEO of SurveyMonkey. The Facebook founder's involvement didn't stop there. Zuckerberg helped Sandberg deal with the anxiety of returning to work and even invited Sandberg and her kids to join them on a vacation a few months after Goldberg's death.
Dr. Fredrick Echols has been hired to serve as director of the St. Louis Department of Health, Mayor Lyda Krewson announced Thursday.

Echols, 37, currently is director of communicable diseases at the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. He previously held the same role in the Illinois Department of Public Health and has worked as a doctor with the Navy.

Im thrilled to welcome Dr. Echols, Krewson said in a statement. His medical background, his expertise in public health and his management experience make him a perfect fit to lead our health department.

Echols earned a bachelors degree from Clark Atlanta University and a medical degree from Boston University. He is not licensed to practice medicine in Missouri.

Echols start date with the city is Feb. 19, and his salary will be $151,814, according to officials. Echols is the first person with a medical degree to hold the city post since 2007.

Jeanine Arrighi has served as acting director of the health department since July, when Melba Moore left for the same position in Cincinnati.
ELLISVILLE  Ellisville officials on Wednesday night approved having Mayor Mike Roemerman and City Manager Bill Schwer write to city officials elsewhere in Missouri to express opposition to a proposal to put a merger of St. Louis and St. Louis County before voters statewide.

The nonprofit advocacy group Better Together is behind the effort to secure state approval for a reunification initiative.

Councilman Dan Duffy, at a council work session, said there's a need to counter a top-down, well-financed power grab.

We should take a populist message to others in the state, stating our opposition  we don't want to lose our independence, he said, asking for the letters to be drafted.

Roemerman agreed the Better Together effort would dismantle St. Louis County government and every municipality  Better Together wants a state vote because this would never pass in St. Louis city and county. He said he feared future efforts could consolidate fire protection districts and school districts.

Councilman Vince McGrath said he felt some Missouri city officials are scared to death there could be more government consolidations allowed under the Better Together plan.
A Chester, Ill., man has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly rigging a booby trap that left a man with a fatal gunshot wound last year.

Union County, Ill., States Attorney Tyler Edmonds said Wednesday that William P. Wasmund was indicted in connection with the death of Jeffery A. Spicer, of Murphysboro, Ill.

Spicer, 53, was found dead Sept. 16 along Illinois 3 in rural Union County, near the southern tip of the state.

The charges allege that Wasmund set up a shotgun with a trigger set to fire when the door of a shed opened knowing that such act created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm to any person opening the door of the shed.

A press release from Edmonds says the shed was on the property where Spicer was found dead.

Wasmund is jailed in Jackson County with his bail set at $1 million. He is set to have his first court appearance Thursday.

According to an online obituary, Spicer was a married father of three who liked to be outdoors.
JEFFERSON CITY  The defeat of an increase in Missouris gasoline tax has lawmakers considering a change in vehicle registration fees that could pump an extra $88 million into the states road and bridge fund.

Under legislation sponsored by Sen. Gary Romine, R-Farmington, the fees paid to license cars, SUVs and light trucks would be based on miles-per-gallon, rather than horsepower.

For someone driving a car that gets 40 mpg, that would bump the annual fee paid to the state to $90, rather than the $24 that is paid by about 61 percent of motorists under the current set-up.

Fees for someone driving a hybrid or electric vehicle getting more than 61 mpg would be $250.

Weve had a hard time with getting our fuel tax up to modern day terms, Romine said.

The proposal has the support of the Missouri Department of Transportation, which uses the proceeds from motor fuel taxes to finance road and bridge construction projects.

This is really about equity, McKenna told members of the Senate Transportation Committee Thursday.

McKenna said improvements to fuel efficiency in vehicles have affected the amount of money the state collects.
What theyre going to start doing instead of going around because its become so difficult, is start to change whos down here, Rizzo said.  Theyre going to have [their voices] heard at some point, it just depends on when and where.

Saters bill was voted out of committee Wednesday.

Sen. Eric Burlison, R-Battlefield, is among those who say the process to change the sacred document that is Missouris constitution has become too easy. He says issues like medical marijuana do not have a place in the document.

The constitution is about rights, Burlison said. Its about very fundamental issues. To me getting into that issue is, not to use a pun, but getting in the weeds of something. To me thats what statutes are for.

To get into such detail about a particular product or good I think is an error. We made that error with alcohol in the U.S. Constitution and reversed it.

Petitions proposing changes to the state constitution are required to field signatures from 8 percent of voters in two-thirds of the states eight congressional districts. Statutory changes need signatures from just 5 percent of voters from these regions to get on the ballot.
She noted that the county, with about 1 million residents, is much larger than the city, with around 300,000.

"I understand why it's set up like that," she said. The plan calls for a two-year transition period in which Stenger and Krewson continue in office, followed by Stenger as metro mayor from 2023 to 2025.

She pointed out that the plan calls for Stenger, as a carryover official, to serve with the new entity's council that would be elected in 2022. "That makes some sense as a practical aspect" so everyone in office isn't new, she said.

Regarding the role of Better Together's chief backer  philanthropist and political donor Rex Sinquefield  Krewson said "I've seen and met with Rex one time in the last three years."

Krewson also said she had not received any campaign contributions from Sinquefield.

"I look at it strictly on the basis of whether what's being put forward is good for the city and good for our residents," she said of the merger proposal.
WASHINGTON  Stephen Clark, the St. Louis lawyer whose nomination to a federal judgeship for the Eastern District of Missouri has been held up for more than 300 days, is headed for a full confirmation vote on the U.S. Senate floor.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved him, 12-10, on a party-line vote for the second time. His nomination had also been passed through the Judiciary Committee last year, but did not get full Senate consideration  one of scores of nominations held up in partisan fights in Congress.

Clark appears headed toward final confirmation, again largely along party lines, but no vote has yet been scheduled for the full Senate. His likelihood of approval increased in November when Republicans gained two Senate seats and now hold a 53-47 majority.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., a new member of the Judiciary Committee, voted for Clark. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., a veteran member of the committee, voted no.
He was turned away three times  on Sept. 28, Sept. 30 and Oct. 4  from Mid America Arms at 8205 Gravois Road as he tried to buy guns and ammo, according to Zackery Harder, who worked there.

Forster was able to buy the gun that killed Snyder from a private seller Oct. 1, according to testimony. He told the seller, Michale Hendricks, 33, of St. Louis, he needed the gun because there were some people after him. Hendricks sold him a 9 mm handgun.

Hendricks said Forster was excited but not acting crazy. The sale included two magazines, ammunition and a gun lock, Hendricks said. A few days later, Hendricks arranged for Forster to buy a .22-caliber rifle from a friend who needed money.

Prosecutors have said Forster eventually bought ammunition at a Walmart.

Also testifying Wednesday was a toxicologist who said tests showed anti-anxiety drugs, prescription pain medications and marijuana in Forsters system the day of the shooting.

A friend, Sabriya Faleh, said Forster had come to her house the night before the shooting and seemed pretty hysterical, pretty depressed. He talked about just taking a bag of pills he had, suggesting suicide.
He gave me the peace sign and drove down the street, William Forster said. Then the elder Forster called police.

Both Forsters parents and other relatives testified about Trentons troubled childhood, drug and alcohol use and efforts to get him help. Family members spoke of their anguish as they tried to help him or give him a place to live.

William Forster said his son was persistent and wouldnt stop until he got what he wanted. Once, William Forster locked the door to his home office. He said Trenton knocked on the door for hours until his father finally let him in.

William Forster said he had his own addiction  to pain pills  when Trenton was 9 or 10.

Trenton was suspended from the eighth-grade football team after he was caught with alcohol.

William Forster said the custody battle during his divorce from Trentons mother went on for three or four years before he was awarded custody. In 2013, he moved to St. Louis. He wanted to get Trenton out of Hannibal, he testified, because of drugs there.

Initially, Trentons anger and talk of suicide eased, but then he started doing drugs, his talk of suicide increased and he had meltdowns that would last for hours, William Forster said.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis man pleaded guilty in federal court here Wednesday to carjacking a woman and using the car in an armed robbery of a 7-Eleven store in 2017.

In addition to the carjacking and robbery charges, Ahmaad Ali, 24, also admitted to brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence before U. S. District Judge Ronnie L. White. Sentencing is set for May 8.

On Oct. 17, 2017, a woman who was parked at the curb in the 3800 block of Meramec Street when someone knocked on her driver's window, a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office says. The woman saw a man standing there with a military-style weapon pointed at her.

When she opened the door and attempted to give him her purse, the suspect refused the purse and ordered her out of the vehicle, prosecutors said. She got out of the SUV and the man, identified as Jevante Phillips, got into the driver's seat. Ali then got in the passenger side of her vehicle. The vehicle then took off east on Meramec.

The next day, Ali and co-defendants Phillips and Travion Lindsey arrived the 7-Eleven store on Christy Boulevard in south St. Louis in the vehicle taken the day before, prosecutors said.
SUNSET HILLS  A man asking for water and an accomplice forced their way into a Sunset Hills home last week, took a womans jewelry at gunpoint and fled when they noticed a 10-year-old calling 911, police said after charges were filed Wednesday in the case.

The men, armed with handguns, broke into a home in the 100 block of Deane Court about 2 p.m. Jan. 30, according to Sunset Hills police. A woman and her three grandchildren  ages 6 months to 10 years old  were inside.

One man knocked on the door and asked for water and then he and the other man burst in, forcing the woman to the floor while they stole her jewelry, injuring her hand in the process, police said.

Court documents say a gun was also pointed at the children, who police say fled to a bedroom. The 10-year-old began to call 911, and one of the gunmen entered the room and saw the child making the call.

Both of the men then fled the home. No shots were fired and none of the children were injured.

Sunset Hills police did not say whether the home was specifically targeted, but described it as an isolated incident.
Thats not fair, Hilbrenner argued when it was her turn to address the court.

These monthly hearings, which in some cases have gone on a decade or longer, are an opportunity, Hilbrenner told the judges.

Jones used the same word in trying to defend the process.

This is an opportunity for the defendant to come to the court and explain his situation, he argued.

An opportunity.

Thats not how defendants forced to find baby sitters and rides and get time off from their minimum-wage jobs see it. Not Cory Booth, of Caldwell County, who fretted over whether he could find a ride to a recent hearing. Not Brooke Bergen of Dent County, who sometimes calls me freaking out before her hearings because she is afraid she will be sent back to jail because she has no money to pay a $15,000 board bill that emanated from a stolen $8 tube of mascara.

These defendants, the ones represented by Mueller, or on their own, in nearly every rural county in Missouri, are depending on the seven judges of the Missouri Supreme Court to give them the opportunity to escape a system that has been abusing them for too long.
Joe Holleman Joe Holleman is a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Joe Holleman 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

If your valentine's fancy turns toward classic architecture, or hotel tours, then the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation has just the ticket.

The non-profit building-lovers group will host an event  romantically and factually billed as "For the Love of Louis  starting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Hotel St. Louis, 705 Olive Street.

The 14-story building formerly was the Union Trust Building, designed in 1892 by architect Louis Sullivan and opened in 1893.

Sullivan also designed the nearby Wainwright Building, considered by some to be the worlds first steel-reinforced skyscraper.

The Union Trust Building had sat vacant since 2013, until being bought in 2015 by Amy and Amrit Gill of Restoration St. Louis.

Now it holds a 140-room hotel operated by the Marriott chain; 14 luxury apartments; a three-bedroom penthouse; and a street-level restaurant.
Q  My wife and I saw the first three episodes of the second season of The Sinner, and we were hooked. Then it disappeared. Even on demand all we can find are those three episodes. Any idea where it went, or is it coming back?

A  The second season consisted of eight episodes, which premiered on USA last August and September. Those episodes are available on Amazon, iTunes and other services. You can find out more at usanetwork.com/thesinner. The first season is also available on Netflix, DVD and Blu-ray.

Q  Did I miss The Peoples Choice Awards? I thought they were in early January. I dont recall seeing any ads for the show.

A  The awards have a new home  E!  after more than 40 years on CBS. CBS traditionally aired the show in January, but E!s first telecast of the awards was in November. Still, if you really need to see an awards show that called The Spy Who Dumped Me the best comedy of 2018, you can watch the entire program at eonline.com. (You need to use your password for your cable or satellite provider to access the show.)
The movie delivers, in its chosen way. But its a soulless way. The violence may be for laughs, and many Neeson fans will likely respond to the larky brutality of Cold Pursuit, which is very different from the stars previous midwinter vehicles (The Grey is my favorite). But I dont get much psychic recreation from this sort of action movie. In the original, Stellan Skarsgard played the avenging snow angel, and with him, at least, you got the sense of a solid if vaguely unsettling citizen unraveling, by degrees, one killing at a time. With Neeson its different: Hes like the wedge at the front of his own plow, taking care of business efficiently and not for a moment anything resembling human.
Zahra Spencer and Telie Woods could imagine their first restaurant  a beachfront shack in St. Thomas in Spencers native U.S. Virgin Islands where they would sell jerk chicken and braised oxtails to cruise-ship tourists. Spencer found the actual shack, all 500 square feet of it, and Woods moved to St. Thomas from his hometown, Chicago.

It was September 2017, days before Hurricane Irma surged through the Caribbean, wreaking widespread, catastrophic damage. Spencer and Woods beachfront dreams were, Spencer told me in a phone interview, washed away, so to speak.

Hurricane Maria followed in Irmas wake. Spencer remained with her family in St. Thomas. Woods family wanted him to return to the U.S., so he took a boat to Puerto Rico and, working with a good friend in St. Louis, managed to get a seat on one of the last flights off the island before the second hurricane hit.

To be honest, he said in a phone interview, my mental state at the point, I didnt care what city I was going to be coming to.

Woods came to St. Louis and crashed with his friend here. His mind still in restaurant-opening mode, he immediately began looking for a commercial property to rent.

That (restaurant) dream didnt get swept away with the storm, he said.

He found a space on only his third day in town, on the ground floor of a standalone building in the citys Hyde Park neighborhood, just southwest of the park itself. Spencer moved here from St. Thomas, and in April of last year, the couple opened Jerk Soul.

The restaurant is carryout-only. On most of my visits, I ordered at the counter and didnt wait long for my food. This isnt fast food, though. Once, I phoned in an order and, between the drive there and time at the restaurant, waited about 50 minutes because the jerk chicken wasnt ready to come off the grill.

Listen: You want Jerk Souls jerk chicken right off the grill, even if it requires an unexpected wait. Both dry-rubbed with the restaurants own jerk-seasoning blend and marinated overnight, smoked at a low temperature for four to six hours and finished with a tangy, spicy sauce, the chicken is juicy and smoky, with notes of allspice, paprika and thyme. It isnt the hottest jerk chicken Ive eaten, but its among the most complexly flavored  and delicious.

The most straightforward way to order the jerk chicken is Judahs Jerk Entree ($10), half a bird with two sides. But jerk chicken is also the basis for much of Jerk Souls Fusions menu: jerk-chicken tacos and nachos; a Philly cheesesteak with jerk chicken as the meat. The Jerk Chicken Pizza ($9) tops two small, oval flatbreads with an appealingly rough-hewn tomato sauce, mozzarella and chopped chicken, its smoky essence clear against the sauce and cheese.

I find myself drawn back to the Classics menu, though. The curry chicken ($10) is a sublime balance of coconut-milk sweetness, warming spices and a spine of chile heat. The meat in Ashers Oxtail Entree ($15) falls off the bone into a thick, intensely savory tomato-based sauce kissed with 12 different fresh and dried herbs and lightened with the sweetness of cooked carrots.

Like the jerk chicken, the curry chicken and the oxtails include two sides. My favorites are the buttery Caribbean corn, served on the cob (cut into pieces), and the fragrant coconut rice and peas.

Vegetarians neednt avoid Jerk Soul. There is a meatless menu, with a sharply seasoned black-bean patty as the base of a rice bowl, tacos and the Jibarito Plantain Sandwich ($8). This last dish serves the patty with lettuce, tomato, avocado and salsa between planks of fried plantain, its texture just crisp enough and its flavor just the right hint of mild sweetness to stand up to the patty.

As Jerk Soul is carryout-only, I should note that the foods texture and temperature held up well both on the short drive from Hyde Park to the Post-Dispatch downtown and on a longer drive (15 minutes) to my house. And if you want to close your eyes while you eat and imagine yourself on the beach in St. Thomas, I wont stop you.

Know, however, that Spencer and Woods have found a home here in St. Louis.

It feels good, Spencer said of Jerk Souls place in the revitalizing Hyde Park.

And as for the hurricanes that rerouted Woods from St. Thomas to St. Louis?

I knew there had to be some kind of reason why, he said.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this review incorrectly stated the size that Spencer and Woods' St. Thomas restaurant would have been.

Where Jerk Soul, 2016 Salisbury Street  2 stars out of four  More info 314-601-3871; facebook.com/jerksoulstl  Menu Jerk chicken and more Caribbean fare  Hours Noon-8 p.m. Sunday-Friday (carryout only; closed Saturday)

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Neel Bhatt, a UW assistant professor of otolaryngology, specializes in treating patients with voice problems. Through his work, he began to realize people did not like the sound of their own voices. With the transition to school over Zoom, many students can relate to the discomfort of hearin
The combined company will operate under a new name and have around $442 billion in assets, $301 billion in loans and $324 billion in deposits. It will rival U.S. Bancorp, which has about $467 billion in assets.

Its footprint will cover the East Coast, with new corporate headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. The combined company will retain operations in Winston-Salem, N.C., and Atlanta, the home markets for both companies.

The two banks have long been considered natural partners and advisers said they do not expect another bank to make a bid. Hostile takeovers are rare in the banking world.

Powerful company

The banks struck the deal from a position of strength, analysts said. Each reported strong fourth-quarter earnings last month and there were no signs of pressure near to midterm, said Terry McEvoy, managing director at Stephens.

The end result of the transaction is a very powerful company in some of the best markets in the United States, he said.

Analysts largely expect regulators to approve the deal, although it will likely draw scrutiny from vocal bank critics like U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.
A U.S. bankruptcy judge approved on Thursday Sears Holdings Corp. Chairman Edward Lamperts $5.2 billion takeover of the beleaguered retailer, allowing the department store chain to avert liquidation and preserve tens of thousands of jobs.

Judge Robert Drain approved the sale after a hearing spanning several days in a White Plains, N.Y., federal bankruptcy court. He overruled objections, including from an unsecured creditors committee, which said the process for selling Sears was unfair to them and argued for a liquidation.

Lampert, who arranged an $11 billion merger between Sears and discounter Kmart in 2005 and tried for years to boost business, wins another chance to try to revive what once was the biggest U.S. retailer.

Lampert, the only bidder offering to keep Sears alive through his hedge fund, ESL Investments Inc., agreed to a deal for 425 stores after round-the-clock negotiations in January. The takeover aims to preserve about 45,000 jobs. After closing multiple stores locally, the chains last remaining mall-based store is at Mid Rivers Mall in St. Peters.

I conclude that the process here was proper and appropriate, Drain said in his reasoning for approving the sale.

Terms of the sale allow for some litigation to continue against Lampert and ESL.
"Do you have any comment on this?" MacCallum asked.

"I really don't," Abramson replied.

MacCallum pressed on, telling Abramson she was "going to be asked to respond."

Abramson replied by denying charges of plagiarism, and saying that her book includes "70 pages of footnotes" at the end "showing where I got the information."

MacCallum questioned whether Abramson simply forgot to insert footnotes in the areas where she stands accused of plagiarism.

"No, I don't think it's an issue at all," Abramson replied.

Abramson added, "Many people from Vice have been taking issue with the book it seems...I think they don't like the portrayal of Vice."

Abramson did not respond to a request for comment from CNN Business Wednesday night.

Cary Goldstein, executive director for publicity at Simon & Schuster, which published Abramson's book, said "Merchants of Truth" was "published with an extraordinary degree of transparency toward its subjects; each of the four news organizations covered in the book was given ample time and opportunity to comment on the content, and where appropriate the author made changes and corrections."
Dan Wiese Dan Wiese is a freelance automotive writer. He is a regular contributor for Brand Ave. Studios and to AAA Midwest Traveler magazine's online Web Bonus. Follow Dan Wiese 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Somebody just paid $2.1 million for a 2020 Toyota Supra. But, don't worry, you can get one for a lot less.

That very first, regular-production fifth-generation Supra was auctioned off for charity late last month. And every dime of that two-mill-plus price tag, Toyota says, will go to the American Heart Association and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which benefits post-9/11 impacted veterans and their families.

In addition to its good-cause connection, several things make that first Supra supremely valuable. Some, like a braggin'-rights VIN number that ends in "20201" -- that is, "model year 2020/unit No. 1," and the carbon-fiber interior badge that reads "1 of 1,500" (1,500 "Launch Edition" Supras will be built) are unique to that $2.1 million production car. Others, like its looks, power, performance and panache, can be had for a price that starts at . . . oh . . . about $2.05 million less. And that may have American Supra fans, who've waited more than 20 years for the return of this icon, saying, "Thanks a million!"

Intriguingly, this new edition -- the Toyota Supra was offered in the U.S. from 1979 through 1998. It was the fourth-generation Supra turbo, referred to in the story, that was offered from 1993 to 1998. And is a close relative of the revived BMW Z4, which itself is slated to start showing up in showrooms next month as a 2019 model. Z4 can be had only as a drop-top roadster while the Supra is offered exclusively as a coupe.

That said, both cars are manufactured in the same Graz, Austria, plant and share a BMW-developed rear-drive platform, along with a turbocharged, BMW-sourced, 3.0-liter inline six and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Prime Minister Viorica Dancila on Thursday hailed in Brussels during a meeting with the European Commission's Vice President Frans Timmermans the good cooperation and the constructive, constant dialogue between the government of Romania and the EC, mentioning in this respect the substantial talks held during the visit of the College of Commissioners to Bucharest 10 to 11 January 2019, informs a release by the gov't sent to AGERPRES.

The Romanian gov't head also brought to mind the fact that the first month of Romania's presidency of the EU Council was the occasion of intense discussions dedicates to advancement of EU agenda. The PM stressed that Romania's presidency objective to act from the position of an impartial mediator to identify the best formulas of compromise that would ease the faster advancement of underway negotiations on the European files in discussion, the release reads.

Viorica Dancila reiterated Romania's intention to act together with the European Commission, for the strengthening of unity and cohesion.

The rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Romania was another topic approached by the two dignitaries.

Premier Viorica Dancila promised that the gov't of Romania will act for the observance of the values and principles that are at the very bottom of the European construction: defence of the citizens' rights and liberties, of the rule of law, of the independence of the judiciary and yet, in equal measure, it will act for the Romanian citizens enjoy the same rights and liberties any European citizen has, in accordance with the general guiding principles, from the respect for the common values, for the fundamental rights and liberties, for the rule of law, the source adds.
The Senate's president Calin Popescu-Tariceanu received Hans Klemm, ambassador of the United States of America to Romania, on Thursday, to discuss the common priorities in political, diplomatic, economic and strategic areas "which give substance to the solid strategic partnership between the two states."

Tariceanu reaffirmed the importance for Romania of the close cooperation in all areas with the US and the role of the strategic partnership in the safe development of a prosperous society in which respect for the law and the rights and freedoms of the citizens is given, informs a Senate's press release sent to AGERPRES.

In turn, the US ambassador addressed congratulations on taking over the Presidency of the EU Council and pointed out that Romania is an important ally whose role in promoting stability and democracy in the region is particularly appreciated by the US.

According to the cited source, the issue of the exploration of offshore gas reserves and the developments in the regional security environment were addressed as well. Calin Popescu-Tariceanu welcomed the announcement of Black Sea Oil&Gas regarding the decision to invest USD 400 million in the exploitation of the gas deposits in the Midia project, and stated that the Romanian authorities are counting on the continuation of the involvement of the other companies that have obtained the exploitation rights of the gas deposits from Black Sea.

Regarding the regional security environment, the Senate's speaker has stated that the Romanian Presidency of the EU Council will pay special attention to the stability of the Western Balkans and support the candidate countries in this region on their European path.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the signing by the Republic of Macedonia of the NATO Accession Protocol on February 6 in Brussels.
European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos on Thursday called on the EU member states to conclude a comprehensive agreement regarding the European asylum system, so that Europe may be better prepared for future challenges, including migration.

We have to find temporary solutions regarding the migrants' debarkation, but, at the same time, we need to reach a comprehensive and structured agreement regarding our common asylum system. We've done a lot of things on the migration topic. We are not longer at the same point as we were three years ago, but we have to do more in the future, because we don't know what the future holds for us. Europe should be better prepared for future challenges. As I've said, we did a lot, but we can do more in the future. In this sense, we need solid political will from all member states, European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos stated upon his arrival at the Palace of Parliament in order to attend the informal meeting of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Ministers of the EU, organised by the Romanian Presidency at the EU Council.

The European official has shown optimism in relation to the files on the agenda of the European home affairs ministers during the Romanian Presidency at the EU Council.The European elections are getting close, but allow me to say something very important in my view: the upcoming elections shouldn't paralyse us, but, on the contrary, this is why we are today in Bucharest, we must unite our forces in order to show a solid political will and advance, the high dignitary said. As I said, all the elements are on the table. All the governments are inspired by the same feeling of duty toward our Union. The [European] Commission fulfilled its part of responsibility and it is here to endorse the member states. I am counting very much on the Romanian Presidency to reach an agreement, Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos mentioned.On the other hand, Dimitris Avramopoulos underscored the necessity to strengthen Schengen, which in the diplomat's view represents the greatest achievement of all times.Regarding security, we must work together in order to solve the security issues, especially the online and offline terrorism. We have to do more regarding this matter, it's what the citizens want from us, the European official added.Also attending the informal meeting of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Ministers of the EU are European Commissioner for Security Union Julian King, EU Counter-terrorism Coordinator Gilles de Kerchove, Chair of the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (LIBE) Claude Moraes, Director of Frontex Fabrice Leggeri, Director of the European Union Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) Michael O'Flaherty and representatives of some European agencies.After the conclusion of the Home Affairs section of the informal meeting of the JHA Council, Interior Minister Carmen Dan and European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos will hold a joint news conference.
Romania has become today a regional model in combating Anti-Semitism and xenophobia and, also, a model in what concerns education and measures meant to keep the memory of the Holocaust, Prime Minister Viorica Dancila stated on Thursday in the opening of the conference "Fight against Anti-Semitism: a joint approach for a better protection of the Jewish communities in Europe - from practices to action," organised by Romania, in the context in which Romania is currently holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.

"The international conference I had the pleasure to open today represents a very special event of the Romanian presidency of the Council of the EU, as a direct illustration of our priorities. One of these is an Europe of common values efficiently fighting racism, intolerance, xenophobia, populism, Anti-Semitism and discouraging hate speech. In the current European context, marked by a concerning increase of intolerance phenomena, this event is aimed at promoting a substantial debate among the members of the Jewish communities in Europe and in the United States, representatives of the European organisations and institutions, as well as national representatives," stated Viorica Dancila.

The PM brought to mind that Romania exercised the presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance between March 2016 and March 2017."The decision to take over the presidency of this organisation reflected Romania's strong commitment in acknowledging its own past, honoring the victims of the Holocaust and getting involved in the international actions against Anti-Semitic, extremist and xenophobic manifestations. Also, by implementing the recommendations of the Wiesel Commission, Romania wants to contribute to the strengthening of education in the Holocaust field, preserving public memory of the Jews suffering, as well as the Roma genocide, so that the lessons of the past become our foundation for peace and stability," stated Dancila.The PM underscored that one of the important achievements of the Romanian presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance is "the adoption of the working definition of the Anti-Semitism.""The Romanian diplomacy had a major contribution to this, through the involvement of the late Ambassador Mihnea Constantinescu, former President of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, in the memory of which we organised this very event," said Dancila.She also announced, on the same occasion, that steps are made for the Romanian Diplomatic Institute to be named after Mihnea Constantinescu.She pointed out in the same context that the echoes at world level of the adoption of this definition were significant."The European Parliament in June 2017 adopted a resolution regarding the fight against Anti-Semitism, which I also signed in my capacity as MEP on behalf of the Social Democratic group, through which the EU member states were invited to adopt the definition at national level. Romania marked thus an important step in combating Anti-Semitism at European and world level. Our country's approaches are in line with the drafting by the European Commission of a behavior code for combating online hate speech and for the adoption of the declaration of the Council regarding the fight against Anti-Semitism and the creation of a common security approach to protect the Jewish communities and organisation as best as possible. Despite all these existing instruments and initiatives, however, as the recent survey conducted by the European Agency for Fundamental Rights also discovered, Anti-Semitism continues to be an increasing problem in the European societies. I believe that the promotion of an exchange of opinions, the permanent consultation of the Jewish communities, as well as their involvement in the measures considered for fighting Anti-Semitism are absolutely necessary," said Dancila.The PM underscored that "Romania became a regional model in combating Anti-Semitism and xenophobia and, also, a model in what concerns education and measures taken in preserving the memory of the Holocaust.""Many of you here in the room are friends of Romania, who were close to us during this extraordinary journey of recovering our memory and understanding our peers. I thank everyone again and I hope that we will have them close in the future too. Which is why I invite you to see each other again in the first part of March at an event organised in Bucharest, where we will have the occasion to discuss, especially, about the preservation of the memory of the Holocaust," said Dancila.Participating in the event organised in Romania were, among others, First Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans and the president of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald Lauder.
Prime Minister Viorica Dancila on Wednesday reiterated that Romania had met ever since 2011 the technical criteria for joining Schengen and underscored it was high time for the political decision to be one bringing Romania to the free movement space.

"Ever since 2011 Romania has met all technical criteria to join Schengen. A thing, whatsoever, stated by the European Commission. Unfortunately, the decision is political. Romania has met all its objectives as if it were a Schengen area member. I believe it is high time for the political decision to be one bringing Romania to Schengen. I am confident and I count in this respect on the statements of European Commission President Jean-Clause Juncker, who said that Romania must join Schengen this year, and the same statement was made by European Parliament President Antonio Tajani. I hope we find the political decision, because if we speak of unity and cohesion this must also be reflected in Schengen," Viorica Dancila pointed out in Brussels, at the plenary session of the European Committee of Regions, asked by a representative of the locally elected from Romania if in the period when Romania is holding the semestral rotating presidency of the EU Council the Schengen accession matter will also be pushed forward.
Rule of law is observed in Romania, Prime Minister Viorica Dancila gave assurances in Brussels, at the plenary session of the European Committee of Regions.

"In Romania rule of law is observed. I will reiterate what I told the European Commission President - in any member state, rule of law, citizens' rights and the fight against corruption must be a priority. I, in my capacity as prime minister, must take all these aspects into account and I guarantee you that the fight against corruption and the rule of law, as well as the citizens' rights will be a priority for me. In respect to what the Venice Commission said, I want to say that Romania's Government has only made one decision in the justice area, one emergency ordinance of Romania's Government to put into practice recommendations of the Venice Commission. As for the rest, all these accusations regarding Romania's Government, that we don't enforce certain aspects aren't proved by reality," the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Dancila thus replied to a question addressed by Guido Wolf on the situation of the rule of law in Romania."Cohesion reflects in our common values and common principles. The rule of law principle is central, an independent justice and the fight against corruption are very important for the functioning of democracy. My plea for the Romanian Government is to take into account everything the European Commission and the Venice Commission say, to take them seriously. They don't want to interfere in domestic matters, this is only about confidence in the rule of law in Europe, because without this confidence nothing can be done," Guido Wolf said within the plenary session of the European Committee of Regions.
President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday sent a letter to Prime Minister Viorica Dancila informing her of his decision to reject the appointment of Lia Olguta Vasilescu as Deputy PM, Minister of Regional Development and Public Administration.

I decided to reject the proposal to appoint Lia Olguta Vasilescu as Deputy PM, Minister of Regional Development and Public Administration, reads the letter.

The head of state asked the PM to make another proposal for the respective office."Therefore, according to the provisions of art. 85 paragraph (2) of the Constitution and considering the jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court you need to make a new proposal for the office of Deputy PM, Minister of Regional Development and Public Administration, to meet the criteria established by the law and also the requirements regarding the general training and experience in the respective field of activity, skills, clean reputation and morality," said Iohannis.The President explained he rejected the appointment of Lia Olguta Vasilescu as Minister of Development for she didn't have the necessary training and experience for this field."After analyzing the activity of the person whose name was proposed, as resulting from the documentation I received, I saw that Mrs Lia Olguta Vasilescu does not have the necessary training in any of the fields corresponding to the activity of the Ministry she is supposed to lead. Moreover, the same documentation shows that Mrs Lia Olguta Vasilescu does not have the necessary experience to promote and manage public policies at national level in the complex field of regional development and public administration. In her capacity as city mayor, Mrs Lia Olguta Vasilescu did not promote or manage public policies at national level, while in her capacity as MP she only activated in such parliamentary committees that, through their object of activity, were directly related either to her professional training, which is culture, art and mass information means, either related to her experience as Minister in the labour and social protection field," he argued.According to the head of the state, in her capacity as Labour Minister, Vasilescu promoted a "lack of transparency" in the relation with the civil society and in the social dialogue process and made a series of "controversial" statements.
Prime Minister Viorica Dancila on Thursday met the President of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald Lauder, in the context of her current working visit to Brussels, reads a press release of the Executive sent to AGERPRES.

The meeting occasioned a "substantial" exchange of opinions on Romania's cooperation with the Jewish organisations, as well as on education of the civil society at European and international level in the spirit of tolerance, non-discrimination, combat of Anti-Semitism and cultivation of the memory of the Holocaust.

Also, both parties showed concern related to some populist-extremist and Anti-Semitic trends seen in Europe in the recent while, which are also reflected at political level, while appreciating at the same time the need for strengthening efforts to combat them, including through educating the younger generation.Dancila reaffirmed, on the same occasion, the constant commitment of Romania to the fight against Anti-Semitism and thanked the World Jewish Congress for its involvement in the Laude-Reut Complex in Bucharest in developing educational projects for the younger generation.At the same time, both parties highlighted their wish to amplify this cooperation and strengthen the relation of confidence and honest and open dialogue. The Romanian official informed about the Bucharest Government's intention to invite all the special representatives for fighting Anti-Semitism to Romania for a meeting.The President of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald Lauder, thanked Romania for the constant and dedicated effort made in acknowledging its historic past, as well as in honouring the memory of the victims of the Holocaust.He also invited the Prime Minister of Romania to pay a visit to New York, in this year's autumn.Ronald Lauder became the President of the World Jewish Congress, which represents the Jewish communities and organisations in more than 100 of the world's states, in June 2007. The Jewish World Congress was founded in 1936, in Geneva, and negotiates, in the name of the communities, with governments, parliaments and other international organisations.In 1986, Ronald Lauder was designated Ambassador to Austria by President Reagan. Later, his activity focused on revitalizing the Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe, affected by what happened during the Holocaust and also during the communist regime.In 1987, he laid the foundation of the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation, which now has 37 branches in different states.
One of Romania's priorities during the presidency of the Council of the EU is to intensify European joint efforts to combat anti-Semitism, Prime Minister Viorica Dancila said on Thursday, during a meeting she had, in Brussels, with the Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee, David Harris, informs a press release issued by the Government.

The discussions took place in the context of Dancila's attending the conference "Fighting Anti-Semitism: A Common Approach for Better Protection of Jewish Communities in Europe - From Policy to Action."

"Prime Minister Viorica Dancila presented the priorities of the Romanian Presidency to the EU Council, focusing on intensifying European joint efforts to fight anti-Semitism and denial of the Holocaust, and the Prime Minister thanked the interlocutor for the substance of the conference. In this context, the Romanian Prime Minister has enumerated Romania's recent projects on promoting Holocaust education and combating anti-Semitism and conveyed thanks for the continued involvement of the American Jewish Committee in supporting these projects," the release reads.

Dancila expressed satisfaction with the longstanding partnership with the representatives of the American Jewish Committee and with the constant support of the organization for the development and deepening of the Romanian-American dialogue and "reaffirmed Romania's commitment to participate in international efforts to combat anti-Semitism and any form of extremism, racism and highlighted the achievements recorded lately," reads the said press release.
Prime Minister Viorica Dancila on Wednesday met in Brussels Daniel S. Mariaschin, CEO and Executive Vice President of B'nai B'rith International, among the topics discussed being also Romania's role in combating Anti-Semitism.

The meeting took place in the context in which the Romanian PM participates in the conference "Fight against Anti-Semitism: a common approach for a better protection of the Jewish communities in Europe - from policies to action," a high level event of the Romanian presidency of the Council of the EU, specified a release of the Executive sent to AGERPRES.

Dancila presented the priorities of the Romanian presidency of the Council of the EU on Anti-Semitism and combating denial of Holocaust. "The Romanian official voiced her satisfaction with the activity of the American Jewish organisations in supporting the democratic values and hailed their relation with Romania," showed the same source.In this context, she reiterated Romania's commitment and active role in combating the Anti-Semitism phenomenon at international level, through the development of such efficient instruments for combating and preventing discrimination, hate speech and hate crime.The Romanian PM and her interlocutor also voiced concern with respect to the public trends re-capitalizing on xenophobic and Anti-Semitic actions, which could be seen in the recent while in some European states and condemned them, reads the same release.The head of the Executive presented the current projects carried out in Romania in this area, with an emphasis on the opening of a history museum of the Jews and Holocaust in Romania.Daniel S. Mariaschin is CEO and Executive Vice President of B'nai B'rith International. In this capacity, he coordinates all the programmes and activities carried out by the organisation at world level. He dedicated his entire professional activity to the Jewish organisation and to the promotion of the protection of the rights of Jewish communities across the world, while also cultivating good relations with the State of Israel.B'nai B'rith International is an organisation whose mission is to promote human rights, promote Israel, promote unity and continuity of the Jewish, and also to ensure safe and accessible homes to the low-income elderly and diversified education. Ever since 1843, B'nai B'rith International played a vital role in supporting the Jewish community in the entire world, with representative offices in more than 58 states and being present in many international organisations, among which the UN, UNESCO and the European Council.
Premier Viorica Dancila met on Thursday, in the context of her visit to Brussels, with President of the European Council Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister reaffirming Romania's support for a strong and unitary Europe, free of divisions among its members, while the European official stressed the importance of conveying a strong message of European unity in the next period, the government said in a release.

Premier Dancila voiced appreciation for the active engagement of the EU head in the debates on the future of Europe and for his commitment to the strengthening of the European project and the shaping of the future strategic agenda of the Union.

The PM reiterated Romania's support for a strong, division-free Europe that stays united in all its political, economic and social dimensions.

The sides also pointed out that the motto of the current Presidency of the Council of the EU - "Cohesion - a European common value" - fully reflects this priority, which must guide the action of member states and of the European institutions, the cited source said.

With regard to the Brexit process, Premier Dancila said that the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union will particularly pursue the further observance of the citizens' rights after Great Britain's departure from the European Union.

In the context of discussions on EU action in the Eastern neighborhood, Viorica Dancila reaffirmed support for maintaining a substantive engagement of the Union towards its partners who expressed the option to further develop relations with the EU.

The Romanian Prime Minister reiterated the support of the Romanian government for organizing the Sibiu Summit due on May 9 in the best possible conditions, emphasizing that the necessary budget is also in place.

In his turn, the European Council President Tusk stressed the importance of conveying a strong message of European unity in the next period, including under the prospect of the Sibiu informal Summit, the government said.

Donald Tusk commended Romania's efforts to advancing the European agenda and assured Romania and the Council of the EU of the European Council's support for the goals of the Romanian Presidency aimed at consolidating the European Union in an inclusive manner that generates concrete results for the citizens, the release concludes.
Gunther Krichbaum, CDU MP and chairman of the Bundestag's Committee on European Union affairs, said on Thursday in Bucharest that if all the sentences handed down in the last four years by Romanian courts were declared as non-compliant following an appeal for annulment, and would consequently be referred to retrial, there would be a "jamming of the cases" in the dockets that would even result in the lawsuits being barred under the statute of limitations.

Noting that Romania has a very high economic potential, Krichbaum said prospects should be created for the young generation, while on the other hand he remarked that recent developments in Romanian justice are aimed at relativizing the situation of the rule of law and rule of law standards. He went on to cite the recent example of the appointments to the supreme court judge panels, where the magistrates were appointed by random draw, yet without considering the role of the president. If all the rulings handed down in the past four years were declared as non-compliant following an appeal for annulment, and would all enter retrial, there would be a jam of the cases in the courts' dockets and this would even end in the lawsuits being barred under the statue of limitations, Krichbaum told a press conference delivered after a meeting earlier in the day with Justice Minister Tudorel Toader. According to Krichbaum, it is clear who would benefit from such a situation.

In other news, referring to certain statistics according to which some 6 million Romanians are living abroad, he said this brain drain must be reduced, as replacing a Romanian with a Vietnamese cannot be a long-term solution. We need to make Romania attractive, for the people from abroad to return home and maybe others come to Romania too, said the chairman of the Bundestag's Committee on European Union affairs.
Deputy Gunther Krichbaum (CDU), chair of the European Affairs Committee in the German Bundestag, said on Thursday that Romanian citizens are also European citizens and as such, they have rights, that is why the European Commission and the European institutions watch over their observation, and this is not about interfering with internal affairs.

Asked, in a press conference, how would he assess Romania, currently holding the rotating presidency of the EU Council, he replied that it is not an evaluation. We are all in the EU as equal partners, it is about shared values and European standards to be further observed. In this context, maybe we must reiterate these things from time to time. It is not a question of interference in internal affairs, but the fact that Romanian citizens are also European citizens and, as European citizens, they have rights, and that is why the European Commission and the European institutions are watching over their observation, he said.

The German official said that, from the point of view of the content of the rotating presidency program, things must somehow be distinguished. We have to admit that external factors are not simple, we have topics such as Brexit, elections to the European Parliament, (...) it is clear that there is already an electoral campaign . (...) Another big challenge is the Multi-Annual Financial Framework. A presidency can only be evaluated at the end of it, added Krichbaum.

Detlef Seif, another member of the delegation, said in turn that the rule of law within this presidency is a very important topic, but infrastructure is equally important. I cannot understand how no progress has been made in the economic field in this respect, as infrastructure is essential for companies. We are not here to give lessons, but as friends, he said.
Minister of Interior Carmen Dan on Thursday stated that Schengen is an important topic on the agenda of the informal meeting of ministers of justice and home affairs.

"Regarding Schengen, we included this important topic on our agenda not only because it is of interest for Romania and Bulgaria, but also because it refers to other important aspects too, such as keeping controls at the internal borders for long periods of time. This is true, Europe has been facing a series of events, and I mean now the numerous terrorist attacks, which endangered the safety of the citizens in some member states, which is precisely why we must find a balance between maintaining security and safety of the citizens in the states exposed to the terrorist risk and the migration pressure and the fundamental value represented by the free movement area," the Minister of Interior said before the meeting hosted by the Parliament Palace in Bucharest.

In respect to migration, she underscored that the process of completion of the procedures regarding the temporary arrangements must be accelerated."I really wish that today's meeting will improve some solutions that we wish to implement in the next period. The Romanian presidency has already been working on important files related to migration management and border security. We have been facing in the past couple of days a situation regarding the migration ships in the Mediterranean Sea and I believe it is necessary that we speed up the process of completion of the procedures regarding the temporary arrangements. The temporary arrangements are a solution in such crisis situations, a solution based on solidarity and volunteering. Romania has repeatedly voiced its belief that the European Union's response must be based on these two principles, which is why we agreed to contribute to the joint effort of other states," said Carmen Dan.The informal meeting of the justice and home affairs ministers takes place on Thursday and Friday at the Parliament Palace in Bucharest.
Gunther Krichbaum, CDU MP and chairman of the Bundestag's Committee on European Union affairs, called on Romanian Justice Minister Tudorel Toader to back Laura Codruta Kovesi for the position of head of the European Prosecutor's Office.

Explaining that former Chief prosecutor of the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) Laura Codruta Kovesi is on the first position of the shortlist, followed by a candidate from France and a German one on the third spot, Krichbaum said that Mrs. Kovesi's competence is beyond doubt and she is practically predestined for this position. I could imagine, for instance, that Germany and France could reach a compromise and find a mutually agreed solution in favor of the Romanian candidate. I also addressed a request to the Romanian Justice Minister to support the Romanian candidate, because she has good chances and her bid for a high European position would practically be snagged a bit by her fellow nationals, Krichbaum told a press conference in Bucharest on Thursday.

The German official said that at the meeting with the Bundestag delegation, the JusMin had said that it wasn't him, but the President who had removed Kovesi from office as anti-graft chief prosecutor.

We know how things worked in Romania, and it would be simpler - to use a plastic example - make a camel go through the eye of a needle, than for the Venice Commission to accept such a violation of the rule of law, Krichbaum said, and went on to cite Tudorel Toader textually saying: "It would please me if Mrs. Kovesi would do to you what she did to us here in Romania," noting that such a blunt statement had actually left him exposed. Everything that Mrs. Kovesi has done was to fight for the rule of law, to combat corruption and she actually deserves support and not something else, Gunther Krichbaum told the news conference.

We are the Committee on European Affairs of the German Bundestag. We came to visit the country that has just taken over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, but in the case of Romania there is also a second theme, namely rule of law and democracy. We arrived Tuesday evening. On Wednesday morning we were supposed to have a meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs, who however did not consider it necessary to attend and handed over the chairmanship of the meeting to a Secretary of State. One of the subjects approached were the August 10 events and the fact that the context has not yet been elucidated, then we had a meeting with Foreign Minister Melescanu and a lunch with representatives of the German business environment. One of the German companies deplored the fact that the legislative amendments, for instance through emergency ordinance, challenge the business environment which is unable to make due preparations, said the official.

The CDU MP cited as an example the political decision to transfer social contributions from the employer to the employee at the end of the previous year, and argued that German companies are unable to include the additional costs arising in the product cost, while deliveries still must be honored, which is why some companies are concerned and contemplate their possible departure from Romania.

Gunther Krichbaum also said the members of the Bundestag Committee had met with their peers from the Romanian Parliament's European Affairs Committee, and then had a discussion with former Prosecutor General and former DNA head Laura Codruta Kovesi.

This morning we had a more engaged discussion with Minister of Justice, Mr Toader, followed by a meeting with the President of the Constitutional Court, Mr. Dorneanu, then we visited the Magurele-based ELI project, an impressive project that would have deserved much more international attention, added the German official.
European Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans and Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila agreed at a meeting in Brussels on Thursday to "relaunch the operational dialogue to implement the recommendations" of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM), informed a spokesman for the EC, Christian Wigang.

Frans Timmermans and Viorica Dancila had "an open and constructive discussion." "The First Vice President (Timmermans) reiterated the Commission's concerns and recommendations regarding Romania," according to the spokesperson.

"The Commission is expecting the answer to the letter sent by the First Vice President Timmermans on January 24, 2019. The Prime Minister (Dancila) promised that this answer will be sent by the end of the week," said Christian Wigang.
The Dancila Government firmly endorses the fight against terrorism and opposes all forms of extremism and fundamentalist behaviors and actions, because there is no justification for any kind of terrorism, regardless of whether is based on ideological, religious, political, racist, ethnic reasons or any other reason, Deputy Prime Minister Ana Birchall stated, while representing Romania at the meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIL/Daesh.

The event, within which US President Donald Trump is a guest of honor, was hosted on Wednesday in Washington by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a Government release sent to AGERPRES informs.

According to the quoted source, the meeting analysed the results of the of the four-year Coalition and Partner actions, the next stages of the campaigns in Iraq and Syria, which will focus on preventing the terrorist group's resurgence through stabilization and security assistance, as well as the ways of destructuring the ISIL / Daesh global network.Ana Birchall delivered a speech to the first plenary session called "Syria and Iraq- liberated from ISIL," context in which she underscored Romania's commitment for the international efforts to fight terrorism."The Dancila Government firmly endorses the fight against terrorism and opposes all forms of extremism and fundamentalist behaviors and actions, because there is no justification for any kind of terrorism, regardless of whether is based on ideological, religious, political, racist, ethnic reasons or any other reason. Prime Minister Viorica Dancila and Romania's Government welcome the Coalition's progresses in the military campaign, as well as those of the Iraqi authorities, obtained the after the liberation of the Iraqi territory from the ISIL / Daesh terrorist group and support the territorial unit and sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq," reads the message delivered by Deputy PM Birchall, according to the press release.Furthermore, the Romanian Deputy PM conveyed Romania's concern regarding the increase of terrorist risks and threats in the extended region of the Middle East and North Africa, through foreign terrorist fighters and latent cells, context in which she underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach, that takes into account the social-economic and political causes leading up to radicalisation and the emergence of terrorist groups.Moreover, Ana Birchall highlighted the need for political settlement of the conflicts in the region, in view of ensuring peace and stability, as well as for combating terrorist groups, the quoted source shows.The Deputy PM also pointed out Romania's commitment to fight against cyber aggression and terrorist activities in the digital space."Romania believes that the observance of the international legislation is essential for the promotion of a free, open and safe cyber-space and the observance of the right to free speech should correspond to the security risks induced by the activities related to terrorism," the Romanian Deputy Prime Minister stated, as quoted in the release.On this occasion, the Romanian dignitary carried out talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. During these discussions, Ana Birchall underscored the "excellent collaboration and coordination between Romania and the US on topics of shared interest, including the efficient strategic cooperation in view of managing threats on the Eastern Flank and the Black Sea region." Furthermore, the Romanian Deputy PM said that "the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the US plays an essential role in strengthening our country's role as a capable and active supplier of security and stability at regional and global level."Deputy PM Birchall is invited to participate in the inner circle lunch offered by US State Secretary Mike Pompeo and she will also attend the second plenary session called "Coalition against ISIL 2019" where US President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a speech.
Deputy Prime Minister Ana Birchall had a working meeting with US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, with the agenda of talks including subjects such as strengthening the economic dimension of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the US, investment opportunities in Romania, the follow-up to the Three Seas Initiative Summit held in Bucharest last year, as well as support for Romania's candidacy for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a government release informs on Thursday.

"During the meeting, I conveyed to the US Secretary of Commerce Premier Viorica Dancila and the government's full commitment to the further development and strengthening of the bilateral economic relations between Romania and the US, and to supporting and promoting an environment conducive to business development and attracting as many as possible American investors in areas of common interest such as IT, energy or the film industry. We also want to promote a strengthened partnership between the EU and the US at all levels, in the context of Romania's holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU," Ana Birchall said, as cited in the release.

According to the cited source, Romania - US trade increased by a significant 18.5 percent in 2018.

The two officials also discussed Romania's participation in SelectUSA, a highly successful program aimed at promoting, attracting and retaining foreign investment in the US, as well as the promotion of new opportunities for bilateral and regional cooperation with a strong US participation, including within the interconnection projects agreed upon at the September 2018 'Three Seas Initiative' Summit.

"The government of Romania considers that supporting and implementing the priority interconnection projects agreed upon at the Bucharest Summit in the three key areas: transport, energy and digital, are paramount. Increasing regional interconnectivity has strategic implications that are both in the interest of the EU and the US, the more so as the involvement of the US partners could mean capitalizing on US expertise in the field of energy security," Ana Birchall said.

The Deputy PM also reaffirmed the government's commitment to Romania's accession to the OECD as a major goal, highlighting the support offered by the US partners in this respect.

"I thanked the Secretary of Commerce for the United States' continued support for Romania's bid for OECD membership, and highlighted our country's economic performance as a stability factor in the region. Wilbur Ross reiterated the strong support of the US for our country's joining the OECD, appreciating and highlighting the important role Romania can play inside this organization," the Romanian Deputy PM said.
The 'Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP)' project is the "most important" European research investment in Romania, European Commissioner for regional development Corina Cretu said on Thursday, adding that she hopes that the project, which is currently blocked by a contract dispute, will be "saved".

"I confess that I am very concerned about the latest developments regarding the Magurele-based ELI project, and I am referring specifically to the dispute between the project's beneficiary, the 'Horia Hulubei' National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), and the European consortium EuroGammaS (EGS) on the implementation of a gamma-ray system, which puts at jeopardy the project's completion," Cretu wrote on Facebook.

She announced having instructed the DG REGIO Directorate-General she is heading to provide technical support for the parties involved "to overcome the hindrances in the implementation of this project caused by the termination of the contract."

Cretu reminded that together with EU Research Commissioner Carlos Moedas she organized this January a meeting in Brussels with all the parties involved, and held talks with the Romanian Minister of Research, Italy's Deputy Minister of Education, Universities and Research, the Secretary General of the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and representatives of the Swedish government.

"At that meeting, I asked the Romanian authorities and their counterparts to make every effort to settle this dispute, so that the works be resumed as soon as possible and the project is completed in the 2014 - 2020 programming period," Cretu informed.

After the meeting, Commissioners Cretu and Moedas sent the Romanian PM and all the other parties involved a letter "inviting them to meet the commitments undertaken at the January meeting in Brussels."

According to Corina Cretu, "from the European Commission's standpoint, the only common base for finding a solution that allows the project's completion is provided by the joint conclusions of the January meeting in Brussels, as well as by the commitments pledged at that time."

"In absence of a fast response by the government of Romania to the European Commission, there is a risk that this project is no longer completed in the current programming period (2014 - 2020), which will cause significant financial losses and will also affect the credibility of the entire investment. This would also undermine EU's efforts to promote cooperation among research and innovation institutes and the business environment," Cretu said.

The Commissioner for regional development described the Magurele-based ELI-NP project as "the most important European research investment in Romania, part of a pan-European research infrastructure that has Romania, the Czech Republic and Hungary participating, and which has about 800 million euro assigned in European funding.
The Board of the National Bank of Romania (BNR) will go on Tuesday 12 February to the Parliament, on Thursday announced governor Mugur Isarescu, in a press conference.

"Absolutely, yes. On 12, we have decided, the Board, will go to Parliament. The invitation is also from the Budget-Finance Committee. So, we have finally received a valid invitation," Mugur Isarescu said.

The central bank's governor added that so far he didn't answer an invitation because of a series of uncertainties.

Moreover, the BNR head asserted that he did not understand the persistence for his presence to the Parliament, because says he, the BNR is collectively led (...), has a clear law (...), its Board counts for nine persons (...), the BNR operates within a union treaty and cannot even receive suggestions from other state bodies.
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The N.C. Highway Patrol said it suspects alcohol impairment contributed to a crash near Harmony Wednesday night that killed one person and injured two others.

Master Trooper Jeffrey Swagger said a 1989 Toyota pickup truck was traveling south on Chief Thomas Road, about 1.5 miles south of its intersection with U.S. Highway 21, when it ran off the right side of the road.

The driver, Samuel Pierce Vanhoy 22, of Harmony, overcorrected, lost control and struck a tree, Swagger said. The crash occurred around 8:30 p.m.

Vanhoy died at the scene, Swagger said. He and the two passengers were not wearing seat belts, he said.

The identities of the two passengers in the truck were not immediately available, but Swagger said that both of them were injured and transported to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem for treatment.

Their conditions were not available.

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A little over 75 years ago, Pfc. Joseph Reilly, Staff Sgt. Irving Locker and Sgt. Herman Zeitchik took part in the invasion of Normandy. They stormed the beaches, dropped out of the sky, and helped win World War II.

The three heroes were announced Tuesday night as guests of President Donald Trump for his State of the Union address.

Gentlemen, he said, we salute you.

Before saluting these great men, he asked the politicians to, Work not as two parties but as one nation.

Our president has not always been a good unifier, but neither has those on the opposite side of the aisle.

As soon as he finished, Democrats were criticizing, Republicans praising him, which is not surprising.

Our diversity is one of our greatest assets as a nation; however, when we bury our feet so deep into the ground, neither side is willing to give even an inch  our division is scary.

The president highlighted a couple of bipartisan bills, criminal justice reform and the First Step Act, that have passed and have been positives. So it is possible for politicians to find middle ground.
When I was a young fellow, right there in the short window between post-toddler and preschooler, I had an invisible pet squirrel I kept in my pocket.

You might think thats nuts and I could say youre close, but in my post-toddler/ preschooler imagination, that invisible squirrel in my pocket was just as real as Bugs Bunny and Captain Kangaroo.

I was a bit of precocious child, some might say deeply troubled and in desperate need of help, but I prefer precocious. I spent a good deal of time hanging out at a Shell service station on the hill above the oil company where my dad worked, breathing in the 1970s leaded gasoline fumes, scooting around on a mechanics creeper and standing on the counter near the cash register reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for anyone who would listen.

And, of course, I showed off the invisible squirrel I kept in my pocket, pulling him out and opening my hand with an upturned palm for everyone to see.

This is my pet squirrel, I would announce.

The reply was usually, Thats nice, son. Is my car ready yet? or That boy up on the counter aint right.
The application process is thorough. Students must complete applications for nominations, which includes an interview process with my military academy advisory board. Over four days, members of my staff conducted over fifty interviews in multiple locations throughout Nebraska. Once students receive their nomination, the application process begins with their respective academy.

Cadets at service academies are the best of the best, and it would be an honor to challenge myself and other students, one applicant wrote. She continued, I believe that the military bonds people together in a way that is unmatched by any university or camp. When I saw all the platoons marching together between the stone buildings of West Point, the synced footsteps created an incredible echo against the buildings. It was in those moments I knew that I wanted to spend my college years at a military academy.

Years of hard work has paid off for these nominees. They have shown leadership in their communities and readiness to serve our country. I am confident that if they are selected, the nominees will represent our state and the United States of America with distinction. I am grateful to these individuals for stepping forward to take part in Nebraskas long-standing tradition of service to our country.
But most of the license plate bills this year are looking to expand Nebraskas lineup of specialty plates:

Sandhill cranes, bighorn sheep and cutthroat trout For wildlife conservation, up to three license plates would feature cranes, sheep and trout, under LB 128, introduced by Sen. Dan Hughes of Venango.

Three-quarters of the $40 fee would go to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions Educational Fund. Some proponents said the money would be better put to its Wildlife Conservation Fund.

There was debate from proponents on the best animals to be featured the plates. Testifiers from the Nebraska Wildlife Federation and the Sierra Club said the cutthroat trout is not native to Nebraska, but the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission disagreed.

Spay and neuter your pets Presumably, this one would have extremely cute dogs and cats on it.

LB 546 is for all of our four-legged constituents, said Lincoln Sen. Anna Wishart, who introduced the bill.

Funds raised would go toward a new low-income spay and neuter program.

Ornate box turtle
NORTH PLATTE  A school bus driver in Hayes Center, Nebraska, thought he smelled burning wires while out on his route.

Within minutes after he and seven students got off the bus Monday afternoon, flames broke out and consumed the vehicle.

The drivers quick actions prevented what could have been a disastrous situation, Superintendent Tony Primavera said.

Primavera said he was in a meeting with the Hayes Center school principal, Megan Soundy, around 4 p.m. when the 911 call came through.

"Shes an EMT, and were sitting in this meeting and she goes, One of our buses is on fire," Primavera said.

He asked her if an ambulance had been called to the scene.

"She said, 'Its just the fire department,'" Primavera said. "Thank God, no ambulance was called.

"We didnt know it at the time. The kids had already been off the bus for several minutes."

Smoke started to come out of the bus' electrical panel after all the students were off the bus, Primavera said. The driver grabbed the fire extinguisher, but the smoke got too thick and the driver decided to get out.
Scottsbluff Police arrested a Colorado man who police report had large quantities of methamphetamine in his possession.

According to Scotts Bluff County Court documents, Robert Broderick, 54, has been charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, more than 28 grams but less than 140 grams of methamphetamine, a Class IC felony.

A Scottsbluff Police officer stopped a vehicle driven by Broderick at about 11:41 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5, in the 000 block of West 25th Street. According to an arrest affidavit, Broderick exited the vehicle so it could be searched and a officer reported that he observed holding his right arm tight to his side and the officer thought he was concealing something. The officer also said in the affidavit that Broderick turned and shielded his right side.

The officer conducted a pat search of the man, who denied he had anything on him except a pocket knife. When the officer reached into a pocket to retrieve the knife, he also allegedly located a clear glass pipe that appeared to contain meth residue.
MORRILL  When Randall Ritz bought a storage shed to store his snowmobiles, he had no idea it would eventually become a car dealership, about to celebrate its 37th year in business.

My employer, John R. Jirdon, offered to sell me the building if Id either tear it down or fix it up. Ritz said. My office is where the old storage building used to be.

Ritz said he wanted to do something different on the side, so in 1982, he opened a car lot on Webster Street, the highway through downtown Morrill. He named it C&R Motors, for Ritz and Calahan, his daughter Kathys married name.

Ritz started with just a 15-car inventory, but after the railroad moved into South Morrill, business really picked up and has been good since. He attributed part of his success to being at a great location on Highway 26 with easy access for customers from both Nebraska and Wyoming, just a few miles to the west.

My mentor was John R. Jirdon and I had a lot of respect for him, Ritz said. His business model was honesty, service and integrity. Ive tried to live by that rule. Along the way we need to help others that are less fortunate and Ive tried to do that, too.

Ritz has seen auto trends change over the years.
ALLIANCE  One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions.

That quote from Navy Rear Admiral and computer pioneer Grace Murray Hopper opened the Wednesday morning session of Precision Plantings Planter Technology Institute (PTI).

We have to measure and monitor before we can manage, said Precision Region Manager Ivan Lentsch. Before we can manage something or make any adjustments, we have to know how close we are to our targets.

Using lessons learned at its 200-acre PTI test farm near Pontiac, Illinois, during the 2018 growing season, Precision Planting has combined agronomy, technology and equipment and packaged the data and demonstrations of its products into an immerse, technology-rich classroom inside a mobile climate-controlled semi trailer.

Weve got to have data, and ideally, its good data, Lentsch said.
After that, the dogs will go on tour for two months, making appearances in the Oregon Trail Days Parade, Camp Clarke Days and at different public buildings around the area.

Morgheim said that each dog will have a dog tag identifying the artist along with the name the artist gave to the dog and its sponsor.

PAWS 4 PAWS wraps up on July 26 with a public auction of the dogs with proceeds going to Skippers Cupboard.

Were hoping to attract artists from across the Panhandle to showcase the level of talent we have here locally, he said. With the public seeing the finished work, we hope the artists will also pick up some new assignments.

Morgheim said it was actually his partner, Hale, who came up with the idea for the event. As the organizations social media person, she learned about a similar event in North Platte staged by an animal rescue group. After sharing ideas with that group, PAWS 4 PAWS became a reality.

Skippers Cupboard, a pet food bank, has expanded during its first 10 years to serve pet owners in need across the Panhandle and eastern Wyoming. Records show that 128,000 pounds of food have been distributed. Their vans have made some 5,000 deliveries, racking up enough mileage to go around the world three times, Morgheim said.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a Spring Festival reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2019. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping extended greetings to Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and overseas Chinese on Sunday, ahead of the Spring Festival.

"In the past year... we have made efforts and achieved a lot," he said while addressing a festival reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, extended the greetings on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.

Party and state leaders Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan attended the reception, with Li Keqiang presiding.

In the speech, Xi noted that Chinese people had a hard but fulfilling year.

The Chinese economy remained steady while making progress, with new steps taken in reform and opening-up, he said.

The country actively pushed forward campaigns to defuse major risks, carry out targeted poverty alleviation and prevent and control pollution, with poverty alleviation projects achieving remarkable outcomes, he said.

Defense and military reforms extended to a deeper level, major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics opened a new chapter and Party governance further improved, he said. "Chinese society has been stable, and the people have enjoyed a stronger sense of fulfillment, happiness and security."

Xi spoke of the need in the new year to adhere to the new development philosophy, advance high-quality development, continue the earnest fight in the "three critical battles" against risks, poverty and pollution and take coordinated steps to ensure steady growth, advance reform, make structural adjustments, improve living standards and guard against risks.

Xi called for efforts to create a growing sense of fulfillment, happiness and security in people, promote sustained and sound economic growth and maintain law and order to lay a crucial foundation for building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with great achievements.

After working so hard for a whole year, it is time for family members to gather for New Year's Eve dinner and stay up all night to usher in the new year, Xi said.

Xi spoke of the need to enhance people's love for the family and the country, nurture and practice core socialist values, promote the spirits of patriotism, collectivism and socialism and advocate combining the love for family with the love for the country so that every individual and every family can make contributions to the big family of the Chinese nation.

Having become an aging society, China should make great efforts to ensure the elderly are well respected, taken care of, and supported, and promote programs for the elderly so that they can all enjoy a happy life, Xi said.

He called for hard work to bring a happy life for the Chinese people and a great future for the Chinese nation as well as further efforts to work with the people of countries across the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
Ogden jazz icon Joe McQueen may be gone, but his memory and legacy live on. One physical reminder of his life, McQueen's lifelong home at 3158 Grant Ave., has now become available for sale. The house received extensive remodeling, but as investor Richard Casperson has said, "Joe's energy is 
G one are the days when sex toys came in lurid colours and naff packaging, hastily bought as a joke in a dimly lit sex shop and then shoved in a drawer.

Todays stylishly designed, Instagram-friendly products have as much tech innovation as your smartphone, look just as good on your bedside table and make that Rampant Rabbit seem as primitive as a Nokia 8210 by comparison.

The sex tech industry will reach 22 million in revenue by 2020, says Grace Gould, founder of Soda  the School of the Digital Age  a female-focused technology and e-commerce platform which is hosting a month-long series of events around womens sexual wellbeing.

The sex tech edit on the site features Crescendo (129), which can be moulded  Silly Putty-style  into the shape of your choice and comes with an app controlling its 12 different settings; and Bean, a 29 palm-sized vibe which looks more like a beauty compact.

This movement is part of an expanding acceptance of sex toys and the positive impact they have on womens health. Im so excited about the innovation happening in this space. Female pleasure shouldnt have this Victorian stigma around it and sex tech is an amazing way for a woman to explore herself.

Fem-tech, such as period-tracking apps, wireless breast pumps and digital pelvic floor trainers, is set to be worth $50 billion by 2025 and proves that womens health is finally being taken seriously by the tech industry. The outcry over the decision to withdraw an award for sex toy start-up Lora DiCarlo and its hands-free micro-robotic massager from the Consumer Electronics Show last month shows sexism and gender-bias in tech is being called out.

Clearly hacking the female orgasm is long overdue. A recent study showed heterosexual women orgasm less than any other demographic when having sex, and 47 per cent of women have never used a vibrator. This revolution in sex toy design could finally change that.

Janet Lieberman was working in 3D printing when she bought an expensive sex toy and couldnt figure out how to use it. That made me realise Id never expected the same value for money from sex toys that I did for any other product, she says. What was missing from the industry was what Id been learning to do for past seven years: designing to make an emotional connection with the user, user interface development and quality assurance. I questioned why Id never expected more.

Lieberman crowdfunded 500,000 to set up her company, Dame, which aims to close the pleasure gap between men and women during sex with products such as finger-vibrator Fin. I realised that companies were profiting off a sense of shame I didnt even realise I felt, she explains. It didnt seem fair that pornography drove the state of the art for technology, but sex toys lagged behind. I wanted to change it.

Jacqueline Husin, from Smile Makers, which Goop describe as the worlds chicest vibrators, says: More and more women are aware how their sexual health is linked to their overall wellbeing.

Smile Makers personal massagers have the kind of stylish packaging youd associate with a luxury beauty brand and cute names such as The Frenchman (29.99). And, come to think of it, it makes sense to read the instructions on your bottle of lube in the same way you would your moisturiser. The company offers a Stay Silky Serum, which is fragrance-free, vegan and contains natural liquorice extract. The brand is about to be stocked in Selfridges.

Jacqueline Husin, from Smile Makers

Meanwhile, minimalist online sex-positive store Maude already has an international waiting list for its Quickie Kit, containing bottles of lube, condoms in easy-to-open packaging like sachets of butter, and a dove-grey vibrator that could pass as a ceramic sculpture. You just bought a 7 juice. Lets spend some time taking care of yourself in other ways that have similar benefits, says co-founder Dina Epstein.

Alongside looking pretty, 2019 will be the year a new generation of sex toys get seriously smart. The Lioness (223) calls itself the worlds most advanced vibrator and allows you to track your orgasms like a Fitbit for sex.

With sensors that measure tension (to detect arousal and orgasm), temperature (to track when you put it in and take it out), and motion (to keep track of how youre moving the toy), it connects to an app which displays each session. You can even tag sessions with anything from five-star to drunk, to learn how different situations affect you.
A ctor Steve Bean has died aged 58 after a long-term battle with nose cancer.

The comedian, real name Steven Joseph Levy, died on January 21 in Los Angeles, according to Variety.

He had been battling a rare form of nose cancer, known as sino-nasal squamous cell carcinoma, which resulted in him losing his nose.

Levy was best known for his roles as Abe in Shameless and Mr Marcioni in Ray Donovan.

His fellow Shameless co-star Rebecca Metz shared an emotional tribute to the actor on Twitter hailing him an extraordinary friend.

She wrote: We've lost an extraordinary friend, husband, father, actor, & human being. I'm so grateful to have had Steve Bean Levy in my life & I hope he's somewhere funny and free of pain.

As a comic, Levy made his name in 1980 when he teamed up with Chris Zito in a duo that became known as Zito and Bean.

The duo later enjoyed a three-year run with their own show Play It Again Sams and gained a large following in the Boston comedy scene.

After a decade Levy split from the duo where he explored his acting career and went on to land roles in Quantum Leap, Murder She Wrote and Married with Children.

Last year, Levy opened up on losing his nose in an article for Mel Magazine titled My Year Without a Nose.

He revealed how had not only lost his nose but also a number of his facial features, including his tear ducts, all but four of his teeth and the motor control of the right side of his face.

Levy went on to admit that the impact of the hole in his face led to him losing his sense of humour, which he later regained after making peace with the physical stuff.

He wrote: I also lost about 40 pounds, and worst of all, I lost my sense of humour. All of that physical stuff aint ever coming back.

Luckily, my sense of humour came back about a month ago. Not a moment too soon either: The latest scans show yet another recurrence of the cancer. The doctors tell me I have nine to twelve months to live.
J ustin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin have revealed the secret to their happy relationship: celibacy.

The US couple saved themselves throughout their 12 week courtship until they tied the knot in a private ceremony last year.

Bieber admitted he had a legitimate problem with sex and that his religious beliefs led him to abstain as he wanted to rededicate himself to God.

Speaking in their first joint interview since getting married, Bieber told Vogue: I think sex can cause a lot of pain. Sometimes people have sex because they dont feel good enough. Because they lack self-worth. Women do that, and guys do that.

Cover stars: Newlyweds Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin on Vogue / Annie Leibovitz

I wanted to rededicate myself to God in that way because I really felt it was better for the condition of my soul. And I believe that God blessed me with Hailey as a result. There are perks. You get rewarded for good behaviour.

The couple first met on the Today Show in 2009 but didnt develop a friendship until they met at a Hillsong church service in Manhattan a few years later.

Happy marriage: Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber remained celibate until tying the knot / 247PAPS.TV / SplashNews.com

Recalling the reunion, Baldwin, who said she had never been a crazed Belieber, said: One day Justin walked into Hillsong and was like, Hey, you got older. I was like, Yeah, whats up? Over time he became my best guy friend. I was running around with him as his homie, but we werent hanging out [romantically].

Despite getting romantic, Baldwin said the pair went through a very dramatic excommunication as Bieber battled with issues in his career and his personal life, resulting in him outright blanking Baldwin if ever they met.

Kiss me quick: Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin share a kiss for the cameras / Annie Leibovitz

Baldwin said church has always been the common denominator in their relationship and that on meeting in June last year they hugged it out and started dating after Beiber told her they would never be friends.

When I saw her last June, I just forgot how much I loved her and how much I missed her and how much of a positive impact she made on my life, he said. I was like, Holy cow, this is what Ive been looking for.

Baldwin's uncle, Alec Baldwin, appeared to confirm the young couple had wed in September 2018 after telling Access: They just went off and got married and I don't know what the deal is. We text Hailey every now and then. We met him one time.

Bieber previously dated Selena Gomez while Hailey was reportedly linked to Shawn Mendes.

Vogue's March 2019 issue is available on newsstands nationwide February 19
K im and Kourtney Kardashian were among stars to step out for the AmfAR Gala in New York.

The reality superstar sisters were colour co-ordinated as they posed for photographs ahead of the bash on Wednesday night.

Models, celebrities and socialites were out in force for the event, which marks the unofficial beginning of New York Fashion Week.

Among others to make an appearance at the gala, was Victorias Secret supermodel Candice Swanepoel.

Kim Kardashian arrives for the star-studded bash in New York (REUTERS) / Reuters

She joined the likes of American actress and model Milla Jovovich, who was honoured at the charity event.

The star thanked AmfAR, which raises funds for the fight against HIV and AIDS, for recognising her work

Milla Jovovich, who was honoured at the charity event (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) / Invision/AP

Jovovich wrote on Instagram: So unnecessary and so, so kind of them to acknowledge my dedication to the cause.

People are living long and fulfilling lives today because of the research that AmfAR has funded and I am so thankful to them for that.
V enezuelas president has blocked a border bridge where humanitarian aid was set to arrive claiming we are not beggars.

The move by President Maduro has sparked anger among desperate Venezuelans in need of medicine and food.

Security forces blocked the three-lane border with Colombia on Tuesday using two shipping containers and a fuel tanker.

Armed guards are stood at the customs building vowing to turn back any attempt to cross the border.

Venezuelan military forces stand guard as they block a bridge with containers / AFP/Getty Images

The aid supplied by the US has been rejected by the president after the Trump administration recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the rightful interim ruler of the South American nation.

This image taken from video, shows a fuel tanker, cargo trailers and makeshift fencing, blocking the border bridge / AP

In the Venezuelan border town of Urena, residents signed up to unofficial waiting lists for aid.

Venezuela: Tienditas Bridge Border Block - In pictures 1 /11 Venezuela: Tienditas Bridge Border Block - In pictures Aerial view of the Tienditas Bridge, in the border between Cucuta, Colombia and Tachira, Venezuela, after Venezuelan military forces blocked it with containers AFP/Getty Images Venezuelan military forces stand guard as they block a bridge with containers AFP/Getty Images A fuel tank blocks the vehicular passage on Tienditas cross-border bridge between Colombia and Venezuela, in Cucuta, Colombia Reuters This image taken from video, shows a fuel tanker, cargo trailers and makeshift fencing, blocking the border bridge AP A Venezuelan man holds a sign that reads "Humanitarian aid, now" in front of the entrance of the Tienditas cross-border bridge, in Cucuta, Colombia Reuters Venezuelan military forces stand guard as they block with containers the Tienditas Bridge, which links Tachira, Venezuela, and Cucuta, Colombia, AFP/Getty Images Aerial view of the Tienditas Bridge, in the border between Cucuta, Colombia and Tachira, Venezuela, after Venezuelan military forces blocked it with containers AFP/Getty Images Aerial view of the Tienditas Bridge, in the border between Cucuta, Colombia and Tachira, Venezuela, after Venezuelan military forces blocked it with containers AFP/Getty Images View of the Tienditas Bridge, in the border between Cucuta, Colombia and Tachira, Venezuela, after Venezuelan military forces blocked it with containers AFP/Getty Images Venezuelan military forces stand guard as they block with containers the Tienditas Bridge, which links Tachira, Venezuela, and Cucuta, Colombia AFP/Getty Images Journalists cover the blockade of the border bridge of Tienditas between Colombia and Venezuela, in Cucuta, Colombia EPA

"We're desperate. Our money is not worth anything. Maduro may not like the help, but he should think about people who do not have anything to eat," said Livia Vargas, 40. "I signed up on a list to receive aid but then they told us that it would not work like that."

Venezuelan head of state Nicolas Maduro gestures during a press conference / EPA

International pressure is growing on Mr Maduro to step down after major European Union nations this week joined the United States, Canada and a group of Latin American countries in recognising Mr Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader following Mr Maduro's re-election last year in a vote critics called a sham.

Mr Guaido, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, has urged the military to turn on Mr Maduro and support a transition to democracy.

U.S. officials said aid was on its way this week.

Opposition activists pour to the streets to back Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's calls for early elections / AFP/Getty Images

Colombian and U.S. authorities have remained silent on how they plan to distribute the aid without Mr Maduro's approval.

Shipments are also due to come from Venezuelan companies abroad, Colombia, Canada and Germany.

Venezuela's opposition leader and self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaido attends a session of the National Assembly in Caracas / AFP/Getty Images

Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said on Wednesday airplanes had arrived in Colombia and paperwork was being handled to send the aid to the border town of Cucuta. It was not clear where they arrived or what was on board.

Peering through cracks in a sheet metal fence to an area where U.S. humanitarian aid is due to be stockpiled in Cucuta, Venezuelan Yesica Leonett pleaded for information on how her four children can benefit from the donations.

"People need help. My children eat boiled banana skins, shredded like meat," said Leonett, 31, who fled Venezuela eight months ago.

Colombia has received more than 1.1 million Venezuelans, with about 3,000 entering each day. Government estimates reach 4 million by 2021 if the crisis in Venezuela is not resolved.
A huge gas blast in San Francisco has sent towering flames shooting into the sky as five buildings caught fire and panicked residents fled into the streets.

Fire crews battled for three hours to bring the blaze under control as smoke billowed into the air above 40-foot flames in the shocking scenes on Wednesday.

Diners in a nearby restaurant ran for their lives after they heard a boom, with witnesses telling how they felt a rumble and the windows shake after the explosion.

Dramatic images from the scene showed firefighters tackling the enormous blaze. The blast was sparked by a natural gas line being struck in the area at about 1.20pm (local time).

Firefighters battle a fire sparked by a ruptured gas line / REUTERS

Dozens of residents were displaced and thousands were left without power after explosion, according to local media. No one was injured or missing, officials said.

Firefighters battle the flames that followed a gas blast in San Francisco / REUTERS

Workers had been digging to install fibre-optic cables when they struck the gas main, San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said. Officials evacuated several nearby buildings, including a medical clinic and apartments, Hayes-White added.

Vehicles on a busy street were rerouted as authorities cordoned off the city's Inner Richmond neighbourhood.

Fire chief Joanne Hayes-White is seen as firefighters battle a fire following the explosion / REUTERS

"We just felt the shaking, and the next thing we knew, people were banging on the door to tell people it's time to start evacuating," said resident Nick Jalali, 28, who was cooking at home when the electricity cut out.

Five buildings were damaged, including a building housing Hong Kong Lounge II, a dim sum restaurant that is a fixture on the city's "best-of" lists.
N asa plans to knock an asteroid out of orbit by launching a spacecraft to deliberately crash into it in what is thought to be the first ever test of a planetary defence system.

The ambitious mission is set to prove whether the Earth could be defended if an asteroid was on course to devastate the planet by smashing into its surface.

A project called Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), which aims to throw an asteroid off course in three years time, has been approved by the space agency.

Nasa expects to launch the probe into space between December 2020 and the following May, and will eventually collide with an asteroid known as Didymoon.

(Shutterstock ) / Shutterstock

Didymoon is a 150-metre moon asteroid and is part of a double asteroid system which will be within 11million kilometres of Earth upon impact, Nasa has said.

The collision will change the speed of the moonlet in its orbit around the main body by a fraction of one percent, enough to be measured using telescopes on Earth, the space agency added as it released a description of the mission.

Amazing NASA Space Images - In pictures 1 /60 Amazing NASA Space Images - In pictures Astronaut Buzz Aldrin walks on the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 NASA This 1969 photograph of the eclipse of the sun was taken with a 16mm motion picture camera from the Apollo 12 spacecraft during its trans-Earth journey home from the moon. The fascinating view was created when the Earth moved directly between the sun and the Apollo 12 spacecraft NASA Astronaut Bruce McCandless II photographed 320 ft from the Space Shuttle Challenger during the first untethered EVA, made possible by his nitrogen jet propelled backpack (Manned Manuevering Unit or MMU) in 1984 NASA The brilliant tapestry of young stars flaring to life resemble a glittering fireworks display in the 25th anniversary NASA Hubble Space Telescope image NASA Space shuttle Atlantis blasts off from Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida in 2011. This lift off is the last in the 30-year-old shuttle program Getty Images The first teklevision image of Earth from a weather satellite taken by the TIROS-1 satellite in 1960 NASA The Echo 2 satellite in 1960. Once the balloon was launched into orbit, a prerecorded message from President Dwight Eisenhower was transmitted from California and heard with clarity in New Jersey NASA The original seven Mercury astronauts and pioneers in human space exsploration pose in their silver spacesuits in 1961 NASA President John F. Kennedy calls for a moon landing in 1961 durning Congress NASA Astronaut John Glenn climbs into his Friendship 7 space capsule in the Atlas rocket in 1962. Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth NASA A close-up view of an astronaut's bootprint in the lunar soil, photographed with a 70mm lunar surface camera during the Apollo 11 extravehicular activity (EVA) on the moon in 1969 NASA Man's first landing on the Moon. Lunar Module, "Eagle," touched down gently on the Sea of Tranquility on the east side of the Moon. Astronauts Edwin Aldrin and Neil Armstrong wre the first men to walk on the Moon in 1969 NASA After an 8 month voyage to Mars, Mariner 4 makes the first flyby of the Mars (the red planet) in 1965 and became the first spacecraft to take close-up photographs of another planet NASA Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot on the Gemini-Titan 4 spaceflight, is shown during his egress from the spacecraft. His face is covered by a shaded visor to protect him from the unfiltered rays of the sun. White became the first American astronaut to walk in space. He remained outside the spacecraft for 21 minutes during the third revolution of the Gemini-4 mission in 1965 NASA The X-15 completed 199 flights to the edge of space from 1959-1968. Neil Armstrong was one of it's budding young pilots NASA Earthrise over the moon from Apollo 8 in 1968 NASA American astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin and Michael Collins lift off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, in the mammoth-sized Saturn V rocket on their way to the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 Astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, Jr. saluting the US flag on the surface of the Moon during the Apollo 11 lunar mission in 1969 NASA Home View of Moon limb with Earth on the horizon in 1969 during the Apollo 11 mission NASA Apollo XI astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin laugh with President Richard Nixon aboard the USS Hornet in 1969 Richard Nixon Foundation via Getty Images Lunar mission Astronaut John W. Young, commander of the Apollo 16 lunar landing mission, leaps from the lunar surface as he salutes the United States flag at the Descartes landing site during the first Apollo 16 extravehicular activity (EVA) in 1972 NASA First image of Viking 1's foot plantid on martian soil foot in 1976 NASA The first ever long distance image of the Earth and Moon together. The image photograph was taken by Voyager 1 in 1977 NASA A dramatic view of Jupiter's Great Red Spot and its surroundings in 1979 NASA The first space shuttle launch Columbia lifts off in 1981 NASA Astronaut Sally Ride on the flight deck of the space shuttle Challenger in 1983. She became the first American woman in space NASA One of the most celebrated images taken by the Hubble called 'Pillars of Creation' NASA Space shuttle Challenger destructs after lift off in 1973 NASA NASA's Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope aboard ESA's SOHO spacecraft took this image of a huge, handle-shaped prominence in 1999. Prominences are huge clouds of relatively cool dense plasma suspended in the Sun's hot, thin corona NASA Trailing a column of flame and smoke that dwarfs it, Space Shuttle Endeavour leaps into the clear blue Florida sky on mission STS-99 in 2000 Space Shuttle Atlantis clears the tower as it roars into space on mission STS-106 after a perfect on-time launch in 2000 NASA 2004 The deepest view of 10,000 galaxies taken by the Hubble Space Telescope called the Hubble Ultra Field Deep (2004) NASA 2005 A new view of the Eagle Nebula, one of the two largest and sharpest images Hubble Space Telescope has ever taken (2005) NASA International Space Station pictured by the crew of Atlantis in 2008 NASA The rim of Gale Crater is visible in the distance, through the dusty haze, in this view of NASA's Curiosity rover of a sloping hillside on Mount Sharp NASA Taken on June 03, 2008 and released by NASA on June 4, 2008 shows US space shuttle Discovery Mission Specialist Michael Fossum being photographed by US Mission Specialist Ronald Garan (reflected in Fossum's face shield) as they work outside The International Space Station during the first of three planned space walks. AFP/Getty Images In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, NASA's Great Observatories -- Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Chandra X-ray Observatory -- have produced a matched trio of images of the central region of our Milky Way NASA A striking black and white image showing the detail of the planet Saturn NASA This majestic false-color image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope shows 'mountains' where stars are born. These towering pillars of cool gas and dust are illuminated at their tips with light from warm embryonic stars NASA The space shuttle Atlantis is seen over the Bahamas in 2011 prior to a perfect docking with the International Space Station NASA Aurora Australis, seen from a point over the southeast Tasman Sea near southern New Zealand. in 2011 NASA NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, Expedition 32 flight engineer, appears to touch the bright sun during the mission's third session of extravehicular activity (EVA). During the six-hour, 28-minute spacewalk in 2012 NASA Behold one of the more stunningly detailed images of the Earth yet created. This Blue Marble Earth montage, created from photographs taken by the VIIRS instrument in 2012 on board the Suomi NPP satellite, shows many stunning details of our home planet NASA Numerous recognizable features appear in this detailed view of London, photographed by an Expedition 10 crew member on the International Space Station (ISS). The most striking visual features are green open spaces such as Regent's Park, Hyde Park and St. James's Park east of Buckingham Palace NASA International Space Station image of London at night NASA This image of Tropical Storm Anna taken from the International Space Station in 2015 NASA Pluto's haze layer and its blue colour, taken by the New Horizons Ralph/Multispectral Visible Imaging Camera (MVIC) in 2015 NASA NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, dark, narrow streaks on the slopes of Hale Crater are inferred to be formed by seasonal flow of water on surface of present-day Mars. These dark features on the slopes are called "recurring slope lineae" or RSL NASA Earth observation taken during a night pass by the Expedition 49 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2016 NASA The moon rises in low Earth orbit by NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik from the International Space Station in 2017 NASA Hurricane Harvey is pictured off the coast of Texas in 2017 NASA The International Space Station continues its orbit around the Earth as Expedition 50 astronauts captured this night image of sparkling cities and a sliver of daylight framing the northern hemisphere in 2017 This composite image made from a series of 2018 photos shows a self-portrait of NASA's Curiosity Mars rover in the Gale Crater NASA US. National Parks From Space. Mt Saint Helen's looking spectacular from above NASA SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft as it lifts off on a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida in 2018 NASA NASA's Juno spacecraft captures Jupiter's southern hemisphere, as the spacecraft performed its 13th close flyby of Jupiter in 2018 NASA The stunning iamge was shared on social media by astronaut Paolo Nespoli NASA The Bailey's Beads effect is seen as the moon makes its final move over the sun during the total solar eclipse NASA The Moon is seen passing in front of the Sun during a solar eclipse from Ross Lake, Northern Cascades National Park, Washington NASA Swirling cloud belts and tumultuous vortices within Jupiter's northern hemisphere picture taken by NASA's Juno spacecraft as it performed it's 13th flypast. Juno was about 9,600 miles (15,500 kilometers) from the planet's cloud tops. NASA

[The spacecraft] will intercept Didymos moonlet in early October 2022, when the Didymos system is within 11 million kilometers of Earth, enabling observations by ground-based telescopes and planetary radar to measure the change in momentum imparted to the moonlet.

The spacecraft will also be accompanied by a European Space Agency (ESA) spacecraft called Hera, which will be responsible for collating data about the asteroid.

The DART probe is set to launch as soon as next year and will make impact in 2022 / NASA

Following the crash, scientists are to study how Didymoon's path around its parent rock changes. This will help researchers understand how to develop strategies humans could use to deal with a space rock that is aimed directly at Earth.
A survey has found India has more fake news and internet hoaxes than anywhere else in the world.

The report, by Microsoft, found 64 per cent of Indians had encountered fake news, compared to the global average of 57 per cent.

Meanwhile, 54 per cent had come across internet hoaxes, in comparison to 50 per cent worldwide.

Internet hoaxes in particular have had murderous consequences in India. The Standard reported how more than 40 people were killed in the country last year amid a plague of smartphone-fuelled mob murders by ordinary citizens.

A police officer inspects a damaged vehicle in which two men were lynched in Karbi Anglong, India, in July last year. Abhijeet Nath and Nilotpal Das were beaten to death following the spread of child abduction rumours on WhatsApp / Biju Boro/AFP/Getty Images

Experts said fake WhatsApp warnings about child abductors would whip up fear in communities, leading to brutal lynchings.

It led to WhatsApp enforcing new rules which limited the number of times messages could be forwarded to new people.

The platform is also gearing up for this years national elections, the biggest in the world with 800 million eligible to vote. CNN reported how the app is using artificial intelligence to detect accounts which spread problematic content.
A lexandria Ocasio-Cortezs climate change blueprint has been labelled a green dream by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Mrs Pelosi welcomed the New York freshman lawmakers enthusiasm but stopped short of supporting the Green New Deal.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez said she was not offended that her resolution was branded a dream by the House Speaker and fellow Democrat, saying she did not consider it a dismissive term.

She also downplayed her absence from a select committee studying climate change.

'Green dream': Nancy Pelosi on the climate blueprint / EPA

The Democrat said she was asked by Mrs Pelosi serve on the committee, but declined because it focuses on investigations.

Mrs Pelosi said: "It will be one of several or maybe many suggestions that we receive.

The green dream, or whatever they call it, nobody knows what it is, but they're for it, right?"

The Green New Deal aims to develop a carbon-neutral economy in 10 years, but does not set a date for ending fossil fuel use.

It also endorses universal healthcare, a jobs guarantee and free higher education.

Sixty members of the House and nine senators are reportedly co-sponsoring the resolution, including some presidential candidates.

The deal goes far beyond the Clean Power Plan proposed by President Barack Obama.
Tuesday evening, Trump missed several opportunities to guide Americans gaze toward policies that seem to have widespread support. He spent little time talking about the benefits of the tax overhaul he signed at the end of 2017 that was aimed at providing relief to the middle class and small businesses. And he only briefly mentioned the $1.5 billion in infrastructure projects that he unveiled during his 2018 State of the Union.
D onald Trump has claimed that he expects 100 per cent of the Islamic State caliphate to be reclaimed by next week.

The president said the US-led coalition fighting the militant group had already liberated virtually all of the territory ISIS previously held in Syria and Iraq.

Speaking at a meeting of coalition members in Washington, Mr Trump said a formal announcement is likely to come probably next week.

Mr Trump added: "But I want to wait for the official word. I don't want to say it too early."

The president said the US will not relent in fighting remnants of the extremist organisation despite his decision to withdraw troops from Syria over the objections of some of his most senior national security advisers.

He told representatives of the 79-member US-led coalition fighting IS that the militants held a tiny percentage of the vast territory they claimed as their "caliphate."

"It should be formally announced sometime, probably next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate," Mr Trump said.

US officials said IS has lost 99.5 per cent of its territory and is holding on to fewer than two square miles in Syria in the villages of the Middle Euphrates River Valley, where most of its fighters are located.

But there were fears the impending US pull-out would imperil those gains. Mr Trump told coalition members meeting at the State Department that while "remnants" of the group were still dangerous, he was determined to bring US troops home.

He called on coalition members to step up and do their "fair share" in the fight against terrorism.

Even as Mr Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the withdrawal decision, which shocked US allies and led to the resignations of Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and the US envoy to the anti-IS coalition, Brett McGurk, some military leaders renewed their concerns.

While the withdrawal would fulfil a goal for Mr Trump, top military officials have pushed back for months, arguing IS remains a threat and could regroup.

US policy had been to keep troops in place until the extremists are completely eradicated.

Fears that IS fighters are making a strategic manoeuvre to lay low ahead of the US pull-out fuelled criticism that Mr Trump telegraphed his military plans - the same thing he accused former president Barack Obama of doing in Afghanistan.
S hamed TV star Bill Cosby has said his wife and daughter have not visited him in prison once since he was jailed.

The former Cosby Show actor said he does not want his family in that environment at the Pennsylvania Prison.

Cosby is serving a three to 10 year sentence after the pensioner was convicted for a sexual assault in 2004.

A spokesman for the 81-year-old said he considers himself a political prisoner, much like his heroes Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela.

Spokeman Andrew Wyatt said Cosby wont express remorse for his crime, even if that leaves him to serve the 10-year maximum sentence.

Cosby has insisted the assault he was convicted on was consensual.

The star has recently been moved to a general population unit in prison, after he spent about four months in special housing.
M illions of unvaccinated children in the Philippines are at risk of catching the highly contagious measles virus, as health bosses issued warnings over a major outbreak.

So far this year, there has been a 74 percent increase in measles cases and deaths compared to 2018, according to the country's Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau.

As of January 26, there have been 1,813 measles cases and 26 deaths from the virus.

The disease can be deadly for young children and babies. There is now concern for 2.4 million unvaccinated children.

Vaccination rates have dropped dramatically after complications related to the dengue vaccine made parents reluctant to have their children immunised, according to the BBC.

Dr Gundo Weiler, World Health Organisation (WHO) representative to the Philippines, said immunisation rates were well below the target of 95 percent and decreasing.

In 2016 the rate was about 75 percent, but fell to 60 percent in 2017 and has likely fallen further in 2018.

"In this scenario we have a pool of children building up over time who are not protected and who are susceptible to measles," Dr Weiler told the broadcaster.

Measles is transferred from person-to-person by sneezing, coughing, and close personal contact. Its signs and symptoms include cough, runny nose, red eyes/conjunctivitis, fever, skin rashes lasting for more than 3 days.

Complications from the disease can also lead to death in some cases.
A third Russian agent involved in the Novichok attack on Sergei Skripal is believed to have aborted his planned exit from Britain.

The Russian military intelligence officer, using the false name Sergey Fedotov, travelled to the UK on the same day as the two hitmen who carried out the attempted assassination in Salisbury.

Fedotov was booked onto the same flight back to Moscow with the would-be assassins but checked off the plane before its departure, according to reports on Wednesday night.

Why he checked off the plane was not immediately clear but it raised the prospect he remained in the country after the nerve agent attack in March last year.

Fedotovs real identity remains unclear and his role in the attack is not known.

Ruslan Boshirov and Alexander Petrov, the two men who carried out the Novichok attack / PA/Met Police

Speaking to the Telegraph, an unnamed source said: It is not clear why Fedotov did not board the flight. But at the last minute he checked himself and his bags off it. He could still have been running around Britain.

Mr Skripal, 67, and his daughter Yulia, 33, survived the attack.

Alexander Mishkin and Anatoliy Chepiga, both senior officers in the GRU who Vladimir Putin had awarded Russias highest honour, carried out the attack.
P rince Harry joked about the size of Meghans bump and said theres a big baby in there as the couple greeted guests at a glitzy awards ceremony tonight.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were at an awards ceremony honouring military veterans on Thursday night.

And as they chatted to guests before the ceremony, Harry pointed to Meghans bump and joked theres a big baby in there, according to ITVs royal editor Chris Ship.

Meghan is said to have replied: Hes going to be the best dad!

The couple are expecting their first child in April after announcing the pregnancy in October.

Meghan Markle cradles her bump / AFP/Getty Images

Many fans of the royal couple had hoped that the size of Meghans bump suggested that she was expecting twins.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were guests of honour at the Endeavour Fund Award a day after it emerged Meghan had made an emotional plea to her father to stop his "victimising".

Meghan shares a joke with a guest at the ceremony / AP

Harry and Meghan were honouring those who, despite life-changing injuries, accidents or illnesses, have excelled in a sporting or adventure challenge.

Cradling her baby bump the heavily pregnant duchess, who wore a Givenchy outfit, met nominees alongside her husband at the historic Drapers' Hall in the City of London.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive to attend the Endeavour Fund Awards in the Drapers' Hall in London / REUTERS

Harry and Meghan chaired the judging panel which deliberated over who would receive the three awards - recognising achievement, celebrating excellence, and the third named in memory of adventurer Henry Worsley, who died trying to complete the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic.

Close friends of the duchess have spoken to a US magazine in support of Meghan to counter the "global bullying" directed at the royal.

One of the five unnamed women told People magazine: "Meg has silently sat back and endured the lies and untruths."

All smiles: Meghan and Harry / PA

Another friend said the duchess had penned a message to her father Thomas Markle after she married Harry in May last year, pleading with him to stop his public criticisms.

Meghan's confidante told the magazine: "After the wedding she wrote him a letter. She's like, 'Dad, I'm so heartbroken. I love you. I have one father. Please stop victimising me through the media so we can repair our relationship."'

Meghan and Harry are hand in hand as they arrive at the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall / AFP/Getty Images

The Endeavour Fund is a body set up by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex to fund inspiring projects aiding the recovery of veterans.
T he Duke and Duchess of Sussex were all smiles at an awards ceremony honouring military veterans a day after it emerged Meghan had made an emotional plea to her father to stop his "victimising".

Harry and Meghan were guests of honour at the Endeavour Fund Awards honouring those who, despite life-changing injuries, accidents or illnesses, have excelled in a sporting or adventure challenge.

Cradling her baby bump the heavily pregnant duchess, who wore a Givenchy outfit, met nominees alongside her husband at the historic Drapers' Hall in the City of London.

Harry and Meghan chaired the judging panel which deliberated over who would receive the three awards - recognising achievement, celebrating excellence, and the third named in memory of adventurer Henry Worsley, who died trying to complete the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive to attend the Endeavour Fund Awards in the Drapers' Hall in London / REUTERS

Close friends of the duchess have spoken to a US magazine in support of Meghan to counter the "global bullying" directed at the royal.

One of the five unnamed women told People magazine: "Meg has silently sat back and endured the lies and untruths."

All smiles: Meghan and Harry / PA

Another friend said the duchess had penned a message to her father Thomas Markle after she married Harry in May last year, pleading with him to stop his public criticisms.

Meghan's confidante told the magazine: "After the wedding she wrote him a letter. She's like, 'Dad, I'm so heartbroken. I love you. I have one father. Please stop victimising me through the media so we can repair our relationship."'

Meghan and Harry are hand in hand as they arrive at the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall / AFP/Getty Images

The Endeavour Fund is a body set up by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex to fund inspiring projects aiding the recovery of veterans.
F ears of a major explosion or toxic gas leak have sparked the evacuation of homes near the Ocado warehouse blaze.

An exclusion zone was in place in the area surrounding the Hampshire warehouse, which went up in flames on Tuesday morning.

The huge fire took more than 24 hours to bring under control.

The Walworth industrial estate is now being evacuated due to the risk of toxins being released or a large cylinder exploding, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

Inferno: The fire rages at the Ocado warehouse / PA

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andy Bowers said: "We have a risk of a toxic release or a large cylinder explosion.

"There is a phased evacuation of Walworth industrial estate taking place as a precaution and a rest centre has been set up.

Warehouse blaze: the huge fire took more than a day to bring under control / Fareham Fire Station

"We are working extremely closely with all of our partners to keep the public safe."

On Wednesday evening the fire service said properties will be evacuated overnight within a 500-metre exclusion zone and a 1.6km stretch based on wind direction.

Ocado said operations at the site had been suspended / PA

A rest centre has been set up at Harrow Way Community School.

Around 200 firefighters had been drafted in to tackle the blaze at the site in Andover, which broke out at 2.44am on Tuesday and spread overnight, causing substantial damage.

Conservative MP for North West Hampshire Kit Malthouse said a number of homes will be evacuated overnight and that alternative accommodation has been provided.

He posted on Facebook: "The fire has come and gone during the day, flaring up at times, and I understand it has recently receeded, however I would urge people nearby to check online for advice.

"This is obviously a terrible event and thankfully no one has been hurt although some firefighters have been treated for smoke inhalation."

A fire service spokeswoman said around 20 families were currently in the rest centre.

Firefighters working to control the blaze today / PA

She added that it was a "strong possibility" that those working within the exclusion zone would not have access on Thursday morning.

The fire was declared a major incident as it swept through the Ocado warehouse and locals were urged to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke.

Ocado said the fire, which started in a corner of the ambient grid, caused substantial damage to the majority of the building and its contents.

Part of the roof collapsed, but the firm confirmed no members of the Ocado team or the public were injured.

Fire damage: robots at the 'fulfilment centre' where the fire broke out / REUTERS

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said four firefighters had been treated for slight smoke inhalation.

One local tweeted during the blaze: "Just streets away - the noise, heat, smell and light pouring from the Ocado warehouse is frighteningly real.

"120+ firefighters are risking their lives tackling the blaze. Makes you truly appreciate the brave men and women of the Fire Service!! Thank you. Stay safe."

Ocado stressed it has comprehensive insurance for the property, stock and equipment and for business interruption losses.

"Once we have had time to assess the damage and prepare a plan to return the CFC (customer fulfilment centre) to operation we will update further as appropriate," Ocado said.

The online grocer saw its shares tumble by 8% on Wednesday as it said it would see a fall in sales growth until it can shift operations to other warehouses.

Its hi-tech robotic warehouse provides around 10% of Ocado's warehouse capacity, processing more than 30,000 orders a week.

Ocado said it had been forced to cancel some customer orders because of the fire and it was "working hard to resume normal service as soon as possible".
T he Duchess of York today told how she and daughters Beatrice and Eugenie found online abuse really frightening as she called for action against cyber bullying.

Sarah Ferguson said it was important for parents to speak to their children and offer support, especially when they become teenagers and are more likely to struggle with their emotions.

It came as Health Secretary Matt Hancock was today due to meet Instagrams boss to demand action on the posting of harmful and distressing images on social media in the wake of the suicide of 14-year-old schoolgirl Molly Russell.

The Duchess of York, speaking during a visit to Sierra Leone to promote the education work of her London-based charity Street Child, was asked about the online trolling of the Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie / Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse

She told ITVs Good Morning Britain: I find it really frightening. I find the whole of this social media bullying just really frightening, for myself, let alone for my girls, Beatrice and Eugenie.

They fight all the time to stop cyber bullying, to stop the pressure of social media. Its a really big issue and we really must address it.

Although suicide rates in the UK are at their lowest for almost 40 years, Mr Hancock says it has become the leading cause of death for people under 20. He said it was appalling how easy it was to access distressing content online.

Mollys Instagram account contained posts on depression and suicide, and her father Ian said the website helped kill my daughter.

The Duchess of York told the Standard that it was important for young people to be secure in your own self.

She added: As a mother I feel so strongly [that its important] to talk openly to your children and face any fears they may have  This is important to allow discussions which will highlight the underlying problem faced in todays very bullying time on social media.

Street Child, which the Standard is supporting, is aiming to raise 1 million by February 21 to help rebuild or renovate 1,000 schools over the next five years. Sarah appealed to the British public to donate 1,000 to sponsor a school. Donations will be matched by the Government up to 2 million.
T he cost of the Equine flu outbreak for horse racing stakeholders could run into "tens of millions" if it extends beyond next Wednesday.

All horse racing in Britain will be postponed until Wednesday February 13 at the earliest after the outbreak in a huge blow for the sport.

Racing across the country was abandoned on Thursday morning after three horses at Donald McCains yard in Cheshire tested positive for the virus.

Racing in Ireland continued but British horses were banned from competing.

Races was initially cancelled on Thursday / Getty Images

A spokesman for Betfair has warned the impact of cancellations could be very costly for stakeholders. He said if the cancellations extend beyond Wednesday, the costs could run into tens of millions.

The spokesman for the betting website said: While the projected hiatus of racing until Wednesday will have a detrimental effect on the industry, it would not be profound but a prolonged period of cancellations would obviously have a negative impact on all stakeholders, the cost of which could run into the tens of millions

The BHA says it will take a decision next Monday as to whether racing can resume on Wednesday.

The BHA said it was working with the Animal Health Trust / Action Images via Reuters

This decision, however, will mean this weekends Betfair Super Saturday meet at Newbury, which includes two Grade 2 races and the 155,000 Betafir Hurdle, will not take place.

Thursday's fixtures at Huntingdon, Doncaster, Ffos and Chelsford City have also all been cancelled.

There are fears the eagerly anticipated Cheltenham Festival, which is due to take place on March 12, could be cancelled because of the outbreak.

The racing event, one of the most looked forward to events of the year, is due to take place across four days and attracts scores of visitors.

The British Horseracing Authority said: "This precautionary approach is intended to ensure we put the health of the horse population and control of the virus first, and avoid any unnecessary risk that might come from returning to racing too quickly.
A man who helped establish 1,000 winter climbing routes has died in an accident on Ben Hope.

Aberdeen-born Andy Nisbet, 65, was climbing the mountain with his partner Steve Perry, 47, from Lancaster, when they ran into trouble.

Their bodies were recovered from the mountain in Sutherland after being discovered shortly after 2am on Wednesday.

It is believed the two men had finished their ascent and fell while on the upper slopes of Ben Hope, Scotlands most northerly Munro, which rises to a height of 927m (3,041ft).

Mr Nisbet and Mr Perry were both renowned in the climbing community and many have paid tribute to the pair.

Remembered as a pioneer with boundless enthusiasm, Mr Nisbets appearance earned him nicknames such as Honey Monster and The Droid.

Mountaineer and broadcaster Cameron McNeish said he was "utterly devastated" at the news of the men's deaths.

He told BBC Radio Scotland: "They were both gargantuan characters."

Mr McNeish said climbers knew there would be risks tackling Scotland's mountains in winter and the pair would have "managed the risks as well as they could".

David Whalley, a former RAF mountain rescue team leader said Scottish Mountaineering had lost two of the best.

Andy was always climbing especially in winter with his many friends many who are some of the best winter climbers in the UK, that was who and what he lived for, he wrote on his blog Heavy Whalley.

He was the most active prolific Mountaineer that Scotland has ever produced.

Never in the history of Scottish Mountaineering has anyone been so prolific or enthusiastic and introduced so many to the mountains especially in winter.

Writing in a UK Climbing blog, climber Natalie Berry, who was winner of 2016's Scottish Youth Ambassador for Mountain Culture award, said the men had a "strong" climbing partnership.

They were driving forces in the late development of Ben Hope, a mountain largely neglected until recent seasons, she wrote.

The tragedy is the latest in a number of mountain casualities this winter.
A former accountant died today in the Swiss clinic Dignitas, writing an open letter to the government calling for laws surrounding assisted suicide to be changed.

Geoff Whaley, 80, of Chalfont St Peter in Buckinghamshire, took his own life at 10am today to avoid a protracted death from motor neurone disease, which he was diagnosed with two years ago.

He penned an open letter to the government ahead of travelling to the clinic in Switzerland.

He wrote: "By the time you read this, I will be dead.

"On Thursday 7th February 2019, I will have taken medication that will end my life, surrounded by my wife, Ann, my children, Alix and Dominic, and a couple of my dearest friends at the Dignitas facility in Switzerland. With their love and support I have been able to fulfil my final wish: to be in control of my end, rather than endure the immense suffering motor neurone disease had in store for me...

"The law in this country robbed me of control over my death. It forced me to seek solace in Switzerland. Then it sought to punish those attempting to help me get there. The hypocrisy and cruelty of this is astounding."

His wife Ann, 76, supported his decision, but found herself being interviewed under caution by Thames Valley Police after someone tipped them off.

Helping someone commit suicide is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

She faced the possibility of criminal charges having booked flights to Switzerland and a hotel because her husband can no longer use his hands.

Ann Whaley kisses her husband as she says goodbye prior to his death / BBC

She said she told everything to police because she "didn't feel like she'd done anything wrong."

"My whole attitude through Geoffrey's illness is that I'm here to protect him from all the slings and arrows from the outside world so that he can enjoy the time he's here.

"It was so ridiculous to put us through this when he was in the final few days of his life."

Police later dropped the case but it may be reopened if new information comes to light.

In an interview with the Times, Mr Whaley said: "I really wanted a quiet few weeks to reflect on what is happening and that's when the bomb dropped."

He said the added stress of police involvement had "destroyed everything we had done to prepare ourselves".

Mrs Whaley said: "In 52 years of married life, Geoff has never cried, but that day, he put his head down and sobbed. That made me very angry.

"I wasn't frightened because I didn't feel like I'd done anything wrong. I wasn't ashamed. I was cross.

"My whole attitude throughout Geoffrey's illness is that I'm here to protect him from all the slings and arrows from the outside world so that he can enjoy the time he's here.

"It was so ridiculous to put us through this when he is in the final few days of life."

The couple - who have two adopted children and four grandchildren - want to see the law changed to allow assisted dying in some circumstances.

They believe the law can be written to ensure vulnerable people are still protected from abuse.

At least three Britons have faced a police investigation after returning from a loved one's assisted death at a Dignitas clinic, the Times reported, although no-one has been prosecuted.

When asked if he is concerned about the consequences his wife could face, Mr Whaley replied: "Ann can handle anything.
T his is the moment a protester jumped in front of Theresa Mays vehicle as she arrived at the EU headquarters in Brussels.

In the video, a male protester can be seen holding a sign reading dont crash out and launching towards the bonnet of the prime ministers car.

He is quickly bundled away by security and Mrs Mays car continues on its journey.

Theresa May is in Brussels for crunch talks after insisting the UK must not be trapped in a backstop deal.

The protester jumped in front of the car outside the EU's headquarters (Sky News ) / Sky News

She is meeting with EU leaders in the latest war of words between the two sides.

The spat was triggered by European Council president Donald Tusk who said there was a special place in hell for those who pushed for Brexit without a plan.

The PM was greeted by European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker at EU headquarters.

Theresa May stares down European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker / AFP/Getty Images

Both leaders struck a business-like stance as they posed for pictures, but did not answer questions.

One reporter asked: "Is this hell Prime Minister?"

Mrs May's latest diplomatic offensive comes as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to the PM setting out five demands, including joining a customs union, that would need to be met for Labour to back the Government on Brexit.

The PM is using the top level Brussels talks with Mr Juncker, Mr Tusk and other prominent EU figures to press for legally binding guarantees on the Northern Ireland backstop.

At present the backstop, which is intended to prevent the return of a hard border in Ireland, would see the UK continue to obey EU customs rules after a transition period if no wider trade deal had been reached.
B usiness chiefs today issued their strongest warning yet on the crippling damage that a no-deal crash-out from the EU would wreak on Britain.

They said that a chaotic departure could not only spark mayhem in the short term but also lead to a long-term decline in much of Londons economy, as well as in other towns and cities.

The threat of no-deal is already chilling investment and starving growth, with firms also being forced to spend hundreds of millions of pounds to prepare for a crisis that may not happen.

CBI chief economist Rain Newton-Smith told the Standard: In the short term, no deal would likely lead to a sharp fall in the pound and higher prices in the shops, which would hit lower-income households hardest.

TODO: define component type apester

Longer-term, London  and the wider UK economy  would be weaker. All this explains why a no-deal Brexit would be so crippling for UK competitiveness, companies and consumers.

Much of the focus so far has been on the immediate impact of the UK quitting the EU with no deal. However, the CBI, which represents 190,000 businesses, is deeply concerned about the feared longer-term harm, particularly on the giant services sector in London and other regions, which represents four-fifths of the economy.

The reality is that no deal would not be a short, sharp shock  it could spark a long-term decline in the capitals competitiveness, with severe knock-on effects for London and the rest of the UK, added Ms Newton-Smith.

Anti-Brexit protesters jumps in front of Theresa May's motorcade

While the number of jobs moving to the EU are currently at lower than expected levels, there is a significant flow of assets from the UK and London in particular, happening right now.

An acorn planted in Paris or Frankfurt could grow into a mighty oak  or not  but it wouldnt be in London.

Hardline Brexiteers are still pushing for a no-deal, rather than make a compromise with Labour or Brussels, claiming any disruption will only be temporary.

However, Jake Berry, minister for the Northern Powerhouse, said: I dont think there is a majority in Parliament for no deal without transition.

Londons services exports, excluding the City, to the EU totalled 16 billion in 2017, according to the CBI.
S peaker John Bercow told MP Peter Bone he was not aware the Conservative was a delicate flower when he complained over Donald Tusk's jibe about a "place in hell" for Brexiteers.

Mr Bone spoke in the Commons after European Council president Mr Tusk saying he wondered what the "special place in hell" looked like for those who promoted Brexit without a plan for carrying it out.

He asked the Speaker if there were any means of Parliament responding to the completely outrageous insult.

Mr Bone only partially quoted Mr Tusk and said he said there was a special place in hell for Brexiteers.

Peter Bone said the comment was "outrageous" / AFP/Getty Images

In response, Mr Bercow said he was not responsible for the statements of the president of the European Council before embarking on a meandering analysis of Mr Bone.

He said: I was not hitherto conscious that the honourable gentleman the member for Wellingborough was notably sensitive, that he was in any sense a delicate flower, that he was capable of being a quickly and severely injured soul by the ad hominem remarks of others.

However, he said he was sorry for the gentleman if he felt wounded.

Some in the House raised that they felt Mr Bone misquoted Mr Tusk and SNP MP Joanna Cherry addressed this to the Speaker.

Donald Tusk said there was a special place in hell for those who promoted Brexit without a plan in place / REUTERS

She first read out the full quote: I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely.

After this she said: Sometimes the truth hurts doesnt it?

This prompted jeers from many in the Commons.

TODO: define component type apester

After Mr Tusks comments, European Parliament's Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt said "Lucifer would not welcome" Brexiteers who backed leaving the EU with no plan.

He retweeted Mr Tusks statement and said: Well, I doubt Lucifer would welcome them, as after what they did to Britain, they would even manage to divide hell.

The furore comes on the eve of a visit from Theresa May to Brussels.

She will see EU leaders and discuss plans for Britain leaving the bloc.

Mr Tusk has faced multiple calls to apologise for his statement, which further raised tensions between Westminster and Brussels.

On Wednesday, Mrs May's official spokesman was asked whether the comment from Mr Tusk would contribute positively to the atmosphere of the Prime Minister's visit to Brussels.
T heresa May was accused of causing self-harm to the nation by former Tory premier Sir John Major as an exclusive poll revealed just one in five of the public think she can get a good Brexit deal.

Her predecessor echoed the EU leader Donald Tusk by saying the public would neither forget or forgive those responsible for a Brexit that would hit the poor hardest.

Mrs May flew to Brussels this morning in an attempt to rescue her stalled withdrawal agreement by pleading for changes to the controversial Irish border backstop.

But exclusive research by Ipsos MORI for the Standard revealed that the public has lost confidence in her ability to pull it off.

Moreover, over half think that she is guided less by the national interest than party or personal interests, and half the public think she should postpone Brexit, due on March 29, if she cannot get a deal.

Mrs May meets with EU leaders today in Brussels / Reuters

In other key developments today:

Jeremy Corbyn was hit by a backlash after he make a landmark offer to support a Brexit agreement in return for changes, including a customs union. Mrs Mays effective deputy David Lidington said he hoped to have talks with members of the shadow cabinet to break the impasse.

Business group the CBI gave its strongest warning yet of the damage to the powerhouse service sector if Britain crashes out of the EU without a deal, saying Londons vital media, law and finance companies would be hard hit.

Donald Tusk, the European Council president meeting Mrs May, was called on to apologise by the head of the Green group at the European Parliament for his comment that a special place in Hell should be set aside for Brexiteers.

Mrs May was greeted on her arrival at the Brussels headquarters of the EU by European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker.

Mrs May flew to Brussels this morning in an attempt to rescue her stalled withdrawal agreement / Reuters

Government sources indicated she was not likely to ask for a specific change to the backstop today, but for an agreement in principle that it should be changed to prevent it lasting indefinitely.

But Sir John, in a speech at Newcastle Cathedral, said he had never known any Government deliberately inflict such damage to the nation.

Theresa May stares down European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker / AFP/Getty Images

It is the first time in our long history that any British Government has embraced a policy of self-harm, despite their own advisers warning that it will make our nation weaker  and our people poorer, he said.

He said the poorest and young people stood to lose most. In advance of Brexit, they fear for their future, he said. Post Brexit  if they turn out to be right  they may neither forget nor forgive those responsible.

TODO: define component type apester

The public verdicts on Mrs Mays Brexit preparations and her chances of success in todays poll were damning.

Over three-quarters say the Government has done a bad job on preparing for a no-deal, including 63 per cent of Conservative supporters. Seven in 10 think the Government will be forced to ask for a delay.

Only 37 per cent would oppose a delay to Brexit if no deal has been done by March 29, while 50 per cent say ministers should delay Brexit rather than just crash out.

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Woundingly for the Premier, most people think Mrs May puts her partys interests or her own interests ahead of the national interest. A third think she puts party before country and a quarter thinks she puts herself first, while 36 per cent believe she makes the countrys interests her priority.

Just 35 per cent of people think Mrs May is providing strong leadership on Brexit, while half say she is weak.

Only 21 per cent of the public feel confident she will get a good deal. An overwhelming 77 per cent majority think she will fail, which is up from 69 per cent in December. A third trust May to make the right decisions, while nearly two-thirds do not.

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Public confidence has tumbled since last March when 37 per cent thought Mrs May would pull off a good deal. Among Conservative voters it has plunged over 11 months from 67 per cent to a mere 36 per cent.

Despite the turmoil, the Conservatives and Labour remain level-pegging on voting intentions, at 38 per cent each, with the Lib Dems on 10 per cent.

The research found the public gloomy about Britains economic prospects for the year ahead, with 57 per cent expecting things to get worse, and just 14 per cent believing they will improve.

Just a third of the public say they are satisfied with the way Mrs May is doing her job as PM.

Gideon Skinner, head of political research at Ipsos MORI said: After Parliaments rejection of her deal, public confidence to get a good Brexit deal is as low as weve seen, and trust in her judgement has also fallen.

Even among her own party supporters confidence is low, although they at least trust that she is trying to do the right thing for the country.
Justice secretary David Gauke hinted his support for a delay to Brexit if it was needed to ensure a "smooth and orderly" exit.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We need to leave the European Union in a smooth and orderly way, and our objective is to do that on March 29, but I think it is important that it is a smooth and orderly departure and that is key.
A Government health minister has suggested he could resign to vote against a no-deal Brexit next week.

Stephen Hammond said he would be "clear where my responsibilities lie" if a series of votes on February 14 turn out to be the last opportunity to block withdrawal from the EU without an agreement.

Mr Hammond was a vocal backbench opponent of a hard Brexit until he was appointed to the Government in November.

Prime Minister Theresa May is due to report back to the Commons on February 13 on progress in Brexit negotiations, setting the scene for MPs to table a series of amendments in the hope of securing a parliamentary majority on the way forward the following day.

TODO: define component type apester

Among proposals expected to be tabled are a repeat of the cross-party plan, drawn up by Labour's Yvette Cooper and Tory Nick Boles and defeated by 23 votes last week, which would extend the negotiation process as late as the end of 2019 to avoid a cliff-edge departure without a deal.

Frosty: Theresa May and Donald Tusk in Brussels today / Getty Images

Asked if he would resign to back a similar amendment next week, Mr Hammond told The House magazine: "We will all have to look into our conscience at that stage. But I don't think anyone can doubt my principles and what my view would be if that is the last opportunity.

"I'm pretty clear where my responsibilities lie, much as I love this job, much as I think the NHS is a wonderful, wonderful institution.

"I'm also very clear that as Members of Parliament we have a moral duty to our country and our constituencies. If you look at my record over the last year, no one can question my moral view on that."

Mr Hammond said he remained "hopeful" that the Prime Minister would be able to secure a deal with Brussels.

Brexit: Leave and Remain supporters gather in London on 29 January 1 /25 Brexit: Leave and Remain supporters gather in London on 29 January Pro-EU and pro-Brexit protestors discuss the vote and ongoing political processes as they demonstrate near to the Houses of Parliament Getty Images A man holds a 'Stop Brexit' sign aboard a campaign bus travelling down Whitehall in Westminster, London PA Pro-Brexit demonstrators chant slogans outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters Anti-Brexit demonstrators protest outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters A leave supporter vapes electronic cigarette in front of a group of remain supporters AP Pro-Brexit protestors dressed as suffragettes demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images An anti-brexit supporter holds banners in London AP Pro and anti Brexit protestors discuss the vote and ongoing political processes as they demonstrate near to the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Pro-Brexit and anti-Brexit protesters hold banners in London AP A campaigner dressed as Charlie Chaplin walks by the Houses of Parliament PA A leave supporter holds banners at the parliament gates AP Pro-Brexit, left and anti-Brexit protesters hold banners in London AP Pro-Brexit demonstrators protest outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters A leave supporter holds banners in front of remain supporters during demonstrations in London AP Police officers stand near Pro-Brexit and Anti-Brexit posters outside the Houses of Parliament, in Westminster, London Reuters Leave supporters hold placards in front of remain supporters during demonstrations in London, AP A pro-Brexit protestor sets fire to a roll of toilet paper decorated with the EU flag as she demonstrates near the Houses of Parliament Getty Images A pro-Brexit protestor sets fire to a roll of toilet paper decorated with the EU flag as she demonstrates near the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Leave supporters hold placards as they take part in demonstrations near the parliament in Londo AP Leave and remain supporters hold placards as they take part in demonstrations near the parliament in London AP Pro-Brexit activists hold placards and wave flags as they demonstrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London AFP/Getty Images A remain supporter, left and a leave supporter, center, discuss during demonstrations in London AP Pro-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster Getty Images v Reuters Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate on a double decker bus outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster Getty Images

But he said that, if she had not reached that point by next week, the votes on February 14 would offer "the opportunity to ensure that no deal doesn't happen by mistake".

He said: "I have no doubt that many of my colleagues and I will take that opportunity if that appears to be the eventuality."
D onald Tusk has said that Jeremy Corbyns proposals for the UK to remain in a customs union could be a promising way out of the Brexit impasse.

He told the PM that the Labour leaders plan for the UK to remain in a Customs Union with the EU could be a way out of the current Brexit deadlock.

If the UK stayed in a Customs Union with the EU, it would meaning the UK remaining on largely the same trade terms with the bloc.

A Downing Street officials said the PMs office were looking at the proposals but that there were considerable points of difference.

Frosty: Theresa May and Donald Tusk in Brussels today / Getty Images

Under pressure on Brexit: Theresa May / REUTERS

A senior No 10 source said: "It is welcome that the Leader of the Opposition is engaging in this. It is important that we continue to hold discussions to find a way forward to deliver Brexit.

"We are looking at those proposals with interest but there are obviously very considerable points of difference that exist between us.

"The PM continues to believe that an independent trade policy is one of the key advantages of Brexit. Her position on the customs union hasn't changed."

Mrs May clashed with European Council president Mr Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker as she met them for talks in Brussels today.

Jeremy Corbyn signs a letter he wrote to Theresa May laying out Labour's five Brexit demands / PA

Mr Juncker was insistent that the withdrawal agreement was no open for renegotiation, while Mrs May scolded Mr Tusk for his "hell" jibe that he made on Wednesday.

But in a significant step, a joint statement from Downing Street and the European Commission announced new talks to find a way through on Brexit.

Mrs May said she raised Mr Tusk's remark about there being a "special place in hell" for Brexiteers who backed leaving the EU with no plan as she met with him on Thursday.

The PM said the comments had caused "widespread dismay in the UK" and branded it "unhelpful".

Donald Tusk's comment caused outrage in Westminster / AFP/Getty Images

She had travelled to Brussels on Thursday to discuss Britain's departure from the bloc and state that legally binding changes were needed on the withdrawal agreement. The EU has refused to back down and said renogotiations will not be reopened.

Mrs May said she addressed with the president of the European Council "the language that he used yesterday, which was not helpful and caused widespread dismay in the United Kingdom".

Mr Tusk heightened tensions between Westminster and Brussels on Wednesday when he said: "I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan on how to carry it out safely."

He gave a bleak take on his meeting with Mrs May on Thursday.

After their meeting, he tweeted: "Meeting PM Theresa May on how to overcome impasse on Brexit. Still no breakthrough in sight. Talks will continue."

Mr Tusk made the hell remark while speaking alongside Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar following talks in Brussels on Wednesday.

MPs including leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom and veteran Conservative Peter Bone expressed their anger at the remark.

The furore was compounded later that day when European Parliament's Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt has said "Lucifer would not welcome" the Brexiteers Mr Tusk described in hell.

Guy Verhofstadt also made a hell jibe / AFP/Getty Images

Mr Verhofstadt retweeted Mr Tusk's comment alongside his own and ended the post with a smiling face emoji.

He previously served as the prime minister of Belgium and is known for his repeated spats with staunch Brexiteer and former Ukip leader Nigel Farage.

TODO: define component type apester

Mrs May's discussions with the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, were described as "robust but constructive".

During talks he stated the European Union will not renegotiate the Brexit deal.

He added the bloc was ready to work more on the accompanying political declaration of EU-UK new ties after Brexit, which is seperate to the withdrawal agreement.

A joint statement said Mrs May "raised various options" to address MPs' concerns about the Irish border backstop.
E uropean Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has told Theresa May during "robust but constructive" talks that the European Union will not renegotiate the Brexit deal.

He added that the bloc was ready to work more on the accompanying political declaration of EU-UK new ties after Brexit, which is seperate to the withdrawal agreement.

A joint statement said Mrs May "raised various options" to address MPs' concerns about the Irish border backstop and that the two agreed their teams would work together on "whether a way through can be found".

The statement said: "The discussion was robust but constructive.

"Despite the challenges, the two leaders agreed that their teams should hold talks as to whether a way through can be found that would gain the broadest possible support in the UK Parliament and respect the guidelines agreed by the European Council."

TODO: define component type apester

Mr Juncker and Mrs May will meet again before the end of February.

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and EU negotiator Michel Barnier will hold talks in Strasbourg on Monday.

During Thursday's talks, that lasted about 90 minutes, Mrs May set out MPs' demands for a "legally binding change to the terms of the backstop", while Mr Juncker "underlined that the EU27 will not reopen the withdrawal agreement".

But he "expressed his openness to add wording to the political declaration" to be "more ambitious in terms of content and speed when it comes to the future relationship".

Theresa May meets with Jean-Claude Juncker as she arrives in Brussels

In diplomatic statements, the description "robust" often indicates a heated row.

European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said that the word was "something that both sides agreed was an accurate way to describe the tonality of the meeting".

It comes as both she and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn were criticised over their handling of Brexit.

Anti-Brexit protesters jumps in front of Theresa May's motorcade

The PM was accused of causing self-harm to the nation by former Tory premier Sir John Major, who echoed the EU leader Donald Tusk by saying the public would neither forget or forgive those responsible for a Brexit that would hit the poor hardest.

Exclusive research by Ipsos MORI for the Standard revealed that the public has lost confidence in her ability to secure a good deal with the EU.

Moreover, over half think that she is guided less by the national interest than party or personal interests, and half the public think she should postpone Brexit, due on March 29, if she cannot get a deal.

Mr Corbyn was hit by backlash from his own MPs for setting out five demands, including joining a customs union, that could see Labour support Mrs Mays Brexit blueprint.

He was accused of allowing his party to pave the way for a Tory Brexit and abandoning their second referendum plans.

Mr Tusk said on Wednesday there was a "special place in hell" for those who pushed for Brexit without a plan.
D onald Tusk said there was "no breakthrough in sight" for the Brexit impasse after he was confronted by Theresa May over his hell jibe.

Mrs May said she raised Mr Tusk's remark about there being a "special place in hell" for Brexiteers who backed leaving the EU with no plan as she met with him on Thursday.

The PM said the comments had caused "widespread dismay in the UK" and branded it "unhelpful".

She had travelled to Brussels on Thursday to discuss Britain's departure from the bloc and state that legally binding changes were needed on the withdrawal agreement. The EU has refused to back down and said renogotiations will not be reopened.

Mrs May said she addressed with the president of the European Council "the language that he used yesterday, which was not helpful and caused widespread dismay in the United Kingdom".

Mr Tusk heightened tensions between Westminster and Brussels on Wednesday when he said: "I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan on how to carry it out safely."

Donald Tusk's comment caused outrage in Westminster / AFP/Getty Images

He gave a bleak take on his meeting with Mrs May on Thursday.

After their meeting, he tweeted: "Meeting PM Theresa May on how to overcome impasse on Brexit. Still no breakthrough in sight. Talks will continue."

Mr Tusk made the hell remark while speaking alongside Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar following talks in Brussels on Wednesday.

MPs including leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom and veteran Conservative Peter Bone expressed their anger at the remark.

The furore was compounded later that day when European Parliament's Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt has said "Lucifer would not welcome" the Brexiteers Mr Tusk described in hell.

Guy Verhofstadt also made a hell jibe / AFP/Getty Images

Mr Verhofstadt retweeted Mr Tusk's comment alongside his own and ended the post with a smiling face emoji.

He previously served as the prime minister of Belgium and is known for his repeated spats with staunch Brexiteer and former Ukip leader Nigel Farage.

TODO: define component type apester

Mrs May's discussions with the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, were described as "robust but constructive".

During talks he stated the European Union will not renegotiate the Brexit deal.

He added the bloc was ready to work more on the accompanying political declaration of EU-UK new ties after Brexit, which is seperate to the withdrawal agreement.

A joint statement said Mrs May "raised various options" to address MPs' concerns about the Irish border backstop.
T heresa May faces a potentially bruising encounter with EU leaders today as she travels to Brussels for crunch Brexit talks.

The Prime Ministers trip comes in the wake of a bitter war of words between the two sides. European Council president Donald Tusk said there was a "special place in hell" for those who pushed for Brexit without a plan.

Mrs May will use the top level talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, Mr Tusk and other prominent EU figures to press for legally binding guarantees on the Northern Ireland backstop.

Her latest diplomatic offensive comes as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to her, setting out five demands, including joining a customs union, which would need to be met for Labour to back the Government on Brexit.

Donald Tusk said there was a special place in hell for those who promoted Brexit without a plan in place / REUTERS

At present the backstop, which is intended to prevent the return of a hard border in Ireland, would see the UK continue to obey EU customs rules after a transition period if no wider trade deal had been reached.

Downing Street said that Mrs May is "open to different ways" of achieving her objectives on the backstop.

The PM will use the meetings to state that Parliament has sent "an unequivocal message that change is required".

Donald Tusk: Special place in hell for Brexiteers without a plan

One of the PM's key messages for EU leaders will be that the Commons has now made it clear it could support the Withdrawal Agreement as long as concerns about the backstop are addressed.

Mrs May also intends to stress that Labour leader Mr Corbyn also has concerns about the backstop, so it is not just an issue for the Tories and their DUP allies.

In Mr Corbyn's letter to the PM, which follows their Brexit meeting last week, he insists that Labour's Brexit demands must be enshrined in the Political Declaration setting out future relations with the EU.

Brexit pressures: Theresa May / REUTERS

Mr Corbyn said that securing in law the demands is the only way of achieving Labour support and uniting the country.

He calls for a "permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union" that gives the UK a say over future trade deals, and close alignment with the single market, underpinned by "shared institutions".

Theresa May delivers Brexit speech in Belfast while connection cuts out

Mr Corbyn also calls for "dynamic alignment on rights and protections" in order that UK standards do not fall behind those of the EU, as well as commitments on participation in EU agencies and funding programmes, and "unambiguous agreements on the detail of future security arrangements, including access to the European Arrest Warrant and vital shared databases".

The letter drew criticism from some pro-EU Labour figures who said it went against Labour's Brexit stance.

Theresa May with European commission President Jean-Claude Juncker / EPA

Among the prominent EU figures Mrs May is set to meet is European Parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt who joined in with Mr Tusk's Brexit "hell" analogy.

Mr Verhofstadt tweeted that Lucifer would not welcome such Brexiteers because "after what they did to Britain they would even manage to divide Hell".
A mbitious plans to redevelop a huge site for housing in west London have been scrapped, dealing a major blow to the capitals biggest regeneration project at Old Oak Common.

Secondhand motor dealer Cargiant, the single largest private landowner in the area, has axed the 5 billion proposal to redevelop the site. It blamed a track record of appalling waste and failure at the official body responsible for the revival of the huge tract of railway lines and industrial estates.

This comes three-and-a-half years after Cargiant first revealed plans to turn 46 acres near Willesden Junction into a canalside town with 9,000 new homes, though this was later reduced to 6,500.

However, its managing director Tony Mendes said its Old Oak Park vision had been rendered unviable by the actions of the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), which was set up by previous Mayor Boris Johnson in 2015.

Mr Mendes said: Old Oak Common is fast becoming known as Old Oak Cock-up. The area was supposed to help meet the housing crisis in London with 25,000 new homes, but it is going to fail to deliver all but a fraction of that number, at an outrageously high cost to the public purse.

He called on ministers to pause the corporations bid for 250 million of government funding for infrastructure at Old Oak to help the delivery of new homes. He asked them to investigate the 30 million of public money spent. He said the bid needed to be properly scrutinised by the London Assembly and MPs to test whether it actually represents value for money.

Tony Mendes, managing director of Cargiant / PR handout

Cargiant claimed it had spent 10 million of its own resources trying to get Old Oak Park off the ground, but had been thwarted by the development corporation.

It said the OPDC had refused to meet the costs for new infrastructure needed and had changed its planning policies to make the scheme less commercially attractive, adding: In short, no developer could afford to meet the costs of developing the Cargiant site.

The setback comes days after images were released of the planned HS2 station at Old Oak Common, designed to handle 250,000 passengers per day.

A spokesman for Mayor Sadiq Khan said Old Oak Common was a flagship regeneration project and Mr Khan and OPDC have been working to deliver a scheme that requires careful planning and investment.
C hildhood vaccination rates in London are continuing to fall amid concerns about the spread of anti-vaxxer misinformation about the safety of jabs.

Only 81.2 per cent had received the first MMR vaccination by the time they were two, according to the most recent figures from Public Health England (PHE).

There were also falls in the proportion of babies receiving the diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib and Hepatitis B six-in-one vaccine, the rotavirus oral vaccine and the Meningitis B jab.

The MMR figures, for the three months to September last year, were down on the 85.1 per cent rate in London in 2017-18, which was already the lowest in England. MMR protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

Experts told the Standard that anti-vaccination propaganda was adding to problems caused by the capitals higher mobility rates, which can lead to notifications from GPs being missed.

Last month a Royal Society for Public Health report warned that social media was a breeding ground for misleading information and negative messaging around vaccination and called for an online crackdown on fake news.

Its survey of 2,600 UK parents found that almost one in 10 had chosen not to give a child the MMR vaccine. The most common reason was fear of side-effects.

Opposition to vaccines has grown across Europe. In the first half of last year 41,000 measles cases were reported on the continent with 37 deaths. There were 4,042 cases in Italy and 9,076 in Romania, and 10,082 cases of mumps in Spain.

The anti-vaxxer movement in the US is thought to have gained ground after Donald Trump tweeted the belief that vaccines cause autism. This dates to a discredited and now withdrawn article by Andrew Wakefield in 1998 which wrongly linked the MMR vaccine with autism.

Many measles cases in England have been among the so-called Wakefield generation of teenagers and young adults who were not vaccinated as children and then contracted the disease while travelling abroad.

Dr Doug Brown, chief executive of the British Society for Immunology (BSI), said the anti-vaxxing movement definitely remains a concern.

He said: There is a spectrum of vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine views. We are aware of the growth in anti-vaccine views in countries around Europe, such as Italy and France.

We need to ensure people have access to evidence-based, accurate information. There could be complacency out there as well. Because vaccines are so effective, they have pretty much wiped out diseases that were pretty common a couple of decades ago.

We dont want to scaremonger to get a reaction to have people vaccinate, but we do want to give people the facts. These are real diseases, and with complications that can lead to death.

Figures obtained by the Standard reveal that GPs reported a 53 per cent year-on-year increase in suspected measles cases in England and Wales, up from 1,693 in 2017 to 2,599 cases last year, though only 913 have been confirmed as measles by laboratory tests to date.

Coverage of 95 per cent is needed to ensure herd immunity to prevent infectious diseases spreading among communities. MMR coverage has declined for four successive years across England, with 91.2 per cent having the first dose and 87.2 per cent having the second dose, according to figures for 2017-18.

The first MMR jab is administered at 12 months, and the second between three years four months and five years. A total of 74.8 per cent of London five-year-olds had received both doses by last September. This was up on the 72.2 per cent in the previous three months.

There was a measles outbreak among the Orthodox Jewish community in north Hackney last October. Up to 50 people were infected and two children had to be treated in hospital. GPs in Hackney were able to halt the outbreak by holding vaccination clinics in the community, including on Sundays. They found residents queuing up to take part.

Public Health England said the vaccination figures for London were under-estimated due to problems with data collection.

Dr Deborah Turbitt, deputy director for PHE London, said: While rates of vaccination are lower in London than other parts of England, there has not been a statistically significant decline in rates in the capital.

London has population movement of 10 per cent each year between boroughs, and a third of children will have moved house at least once by the time they are one.
M assachusetts highest court has upheld the involuntary manslaughter conviction of a young woman who, at the age of 17, encouraged her boyfriend through a series of text messages to kill himself.

The Supreme Judicial Court said in a unanimous decision in the novel case that Michelle Carter's actions caused Conrad Roy III to die in a truck filled with toxic gas in a deserted parking lot nearly five years ago.

"After she convinced him to get back into the carbon monoxide filled truck, she did absolutely nothing to help him: she did not call for help or tell him to get out of the truck as she listened to him choke and die," Justice Scott Kafker wrote.

Carter's lawyers said in an email they are disappointed in the ruling and will consider appealing to the US Supreme Court, among other legal options.

Conrad Roy was found dead in his car from carbon monoxide poisoning

In 2017, Carter, now 22, was sentenced to 15 months in jail, but has remained free while she pursues her appeals.

"Today's decision stretches the law to assign blame for a tragedy that was not a crime. It has very troubling implications, for free speech, due process, and the exercise of prosecutorial discretion, that should concern us all," said Attorney Daniel Marx, who argued the case before the high court.

A spokesman for the Bristol County District Attorney's office said it will file a motion in the coming days asking the trial court to impose Carter's jail sentence now that the state high court has ruled.

"This case is a tragedy for all of the people impacted by this case," District Attorney Thomas Quinn III said in a statement.

"However, as the court found in two separate decisions, her conduct was wanton and reckless, and caused the death of Conrad Roy," he said.

Carter and Mr Roy both lived in Massachusetts but met in Florida in 2012 while both were on vacation with their families.

Both teens struggled with depression and their relationship consisted mainly of texting and other electronic communications.

Carter had been treated for anorexia, while Mr Roy had made earlier suicide attempts.

The grieving family of Conrad Roy in court / AP

The case has raised thorny legal questions about free speech and provided a disturbing look at teenage depression and suicide.

"I thought you wanted to do this. The time is right and you're ready - just do it babe," Carter wrote in one message.

"You're finally going to be happy in heaven. No more pain. It's okay to be scared and it's normal. I mean, you're about to die," she wrote in another.

The juvenile court judge who first convicted Carter 18 months ago said she caused Roy's death when she told him to get back in after he climbed out of his truck as it was filling with carbon monoxide, telling her he was scared.

The judge said Carter had a duty to call the police or Roy's family when she knew he was killing himself.

The justices said Carter preyed upon Roy's "well-known weaknesses, fears, anxieties and promises" and overcame the "mentally ill, vulnerable" young man's will to live.
T he son of a former Conservative minister crushed toddler Alfie Lamb with his car seat after insisting he wasnt being told what to do by a three-year-old, a court heard today.

Stephen Waterson, 25, is accused of killing the youngster during a journey in his Audi convertible, allegedly pushing the electric car seat backwards to give himself more leg room.

Alfies mother, 23-year-old Adrian Hoare, told the Old Bailey today she did not realise Alfie was in serious danger but said she had pleaded with Waterson to give her son more room.

She said Waterson had shouted at Alfie for crying as he sat in the backseat footwell between Hoares legs, and then pushed his seat back as he didnt have room for his legs.

On trial: Stephen Waterson and Adrian Hoare / PA

He made another comment, something like he wasnt being told what to do by a three-year-old, because we had asked for the chair to be moved and he moved his chair back again, she said.

Alfie didnt like the chair going back on him so he got annoyed at it. He had calmed down but he started crying again because the chair came back again.

I asked Stephen to move the chair forwards again, I asked him a few times, and he hadnt answered me.

Alfie Lamb and his mother, 23-year-old Adrian Hoare

Waterson, the adopted sAlfies mother, 23-year-old Adrian Hoareon of former MP Nigel Waterson who was a junior minister in John Majors government, is on trial alongside Hoare accused of Alfies manslaughter.

Hoare told the court Alfie had been tired before the car journey from Sutton to Croydon last February 1.

But she said she did not appreciate that he was in peril and struggling to breathe during the car ride, telling the court if she had I would have done anything I could have to get him out of there.

Hoare, who has told jurors she was scared of Waterson, added: I didnt think there was a way that I could move the chair.

She said the group panicked when they realised Alfie was not breathing, and Hoare said she had not realised Waterson left the scene when they were waiting for the paramedics.

Hoare said Waterson later told her to say that he hadnt been there and that we got a taxi there, telling the court: At the time I didnt think of why that mattered.

Him saying he hadnt been there, I didnt really think of why he would want to have not been there.

Hoare, who works as a hairdresser, and Waterson, both from Croydon, south London, deny manslaughter.

Hoare also denies child cruelty and common assault, and Waterson denies a charge of witness intimidation.
P olice are hunting three men who tied up a family as they burgled a London family home armed with knives and a gun.

Officers said the men forced entry to a home in Cockfosters at 5pm on Wednesday and tied up the four occupants before stealing their jewellery.

The suspects, who wore balaclavas, were seen fleeing the scene in a car. One person reported they saw one man carrying a firearm.

No one was harmed during the incident.

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley from North Area said: This was a terrifying ordeal for the individuals at home.

Thankfully none were harmed although they were very alarmed by the nature of the break in and subsequent burglary."

Police are looking at CCTV footage and forensic analysis from the scene for more information and are appealing to the public to report anything suspicious from the time.

Mr Ridley added: We need to catch the culprits. If you were passing the area or perhaps in traffic nearby and saw anything suspicious, we would like to hear from you.

He said there would also be more police presence in the area.
A man who stole a watch from another mans wrist as he danced with him on New Years Eve has been jailed for 11 months.

Police said Zajaria Lalouii, 29, was convicted of two counts of robbery after stealing watches from peoples wrists in central London during New Year celebrations.

Westminster's Operation Bobcat, which tackles violent crime in and around the borough, caught Lalouii in the act of taking a Burberry watch from a mans wrist on Heddon Street.

Police said Lalouii had pretended to dance with the victim, wrapping his legs around the 23-year-old mans legs to distract him, and then took his watch.

The man was not injured during the incident.

Police arrested and searched Lalouii, and found he was also holding a Rolex watch, which he had stolen earlier in the evening from the wrist of a 35-year-old man on Marylebone lane.

PC Andy Marsh, of Westminster Borough, said: "While nobody was injured as a result of these thefts, the effects of becoming a victim of robbery run far deeper than a loss of property.
B ritain's first black chief constable today questioned why more ethnic minority officers have not been promoted to top police roles, saying there is still evidence of subtle racism within the ranks.

Michael Fuller, a former senior Met officer, who was promoted to chief constable of Kent in 2004, said the issue was not a shortage of talented black and ethnic minority officers in the police.

Now retired from policing, Mr Fuller said: I know lots of talented people from ethnic minority backgrounds who could easily be running police services. I cannot see any good reasons why those officers have not become chiefs of police.

He added: There are no black chiefs of police in the UK in the way there are in America. There it is no big deal. Americans are always shocked when I say this.

Mr Fuller, 59, has written a memoir about his Met career, Kill The Black One First, a title that refers to a comment by a member of a mob when he was standing in a line of officers during the Brixton riots in 1981.

In the book he describes the routine racism he encountered as a black officer, particularly in the late Seventies and Eighties, such as a senior officer from the Flying Squad telling his new team: Get out there and make lots of stops and make sure theyre black.

Another time, Mr Fuller arrived late at a police social event and a comedian paused in mid-flow, then said: Oh ho! A spear chuckers just walked in!

Mr Fuller, who helped to establish the Trident gangs squad, joined the Met at 16 after being brought up in care in south London. He said of racism in the force now: I think it has got better but it still exists.
S he worked in a bar, she posts Instagram stories about

everything from White House meetings to her skincare regime, and she proves members of Congress can dance. New Yorks Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the woman bringing much-needed hope to American politics  and she goes against everything Trump stands for: campaigning to keep immigrant families together, make the country more equal, and battle climate change.

On Tuesday she joined female Democratic colleagues, who were wearing white as a tribute to the suffragettes,in a protest against Trump at his State of the Union address  she refused to stand up and applaud him, sitting still and unsmiling.

At 29, shes the youngest woman ever to serve in the US Congress; and theres already been a Saturday Night Live sketch fondly mocking her precocious ascent. Her fresh, frank approach has won her allies on this side of the Atlantic, with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn spending 45 minutes on the phone to her last Sunday evening. Heres how the woman known as AOC is making America great again.

Making a statement

AOC picks her friends carefully (so Corbyn should count himself lucky). Her plus-one at the State of the Union, Ana Maria Archila, was designed to provoke Trump. Archila, co-director of New Yorks Center for Popular Democracy, became famous last year for confronting then-senator Jeff Flake in a lift to urge him to oppose the nomination of judge Brett Kavanaugh, who was accused of and denied accusations of sexual assault, to the Supreme Court. AOC posted their rendezvous on Instagram, with them both in white and the caption: Walking into #SOTU like

The Congresswoman also wore a badge with an image of Jakelin Caal, a seven-year-old Guatemalan girl who died in US custody after crossing into America from Mexico in December.

Trump gave AOC no cause to smile or applaud during his speech. She posted a picture that showed her despairing of him, captioned: When you have to sit through a meeting that should have been an email. She said he had touched a nerve by tying socialism to unrest in Venezuela and declaring America will never be a socialist country. The President, she added, has no vision for the nation. He has no substantive proposals... hes scared Everything is about what he doesnt want. Everything is about the boogeyman.

AOC watches Trumps speech this week with Representatives Nydia Velazquez and Judy Chu / REUTERS

The Corbyn connection

The British Left is keen to capitalise on AOCs popularity and begin transatlantic collaboration. Jeremy Corbyn made sure everybody knew about his 45-minute phone call with her by sending a tweet about it (a bit like when a kid wants everyone to know theyve been invited to the popular girls birthday party). JC congratulated her on her campaigning work and they discussed working across borders to build a movement that promotes a fair tax system, builds the case for investment in public services, takes action to tackle climate change and ends the hostile environment for migrants. They also discussed the US government shutdown.

AOC has been invited to speak at Momentum events and there is a Bernie Sanders connection. She worked on his 2016 presidential nomination campaign and Corbyn has credited Sanders with some of his campaign ideas. But while AOC makes Corbyn look like hes engaged with new ideas, and forging new foreign alliances (untainted ones, unlike some of his others), he hasnt been as good for her. There was a backlash about AOC speaking to someone like the Labour leader, who has been accused of anti-Semitism. She dealt with it, tweeting we cannot + will not move forward without deep fellowship and leadership with the Jewish community. Ill have my team reach out. Chris Mills Rodrigo, a reporter at American political news website The Hill, says: A lot of Corbyns perception in the US is tied to Bernie Sanders. In that sense it seems like AOC is talking to another person who is not part of the mainstream Left in their country. I would imagine that many people will now try to publicise Corbyns anti-Semitism associations to make AOC look worse.

AOC with supporters in The Bronx last year

The social media star

As Trump showed, a deft command of social media is now essential in politics. AOC has 2.8 million followers on Twitter and 2.1 million on Instagram. Of course she talks politics  her Twitter bio is in a modern, moral, + wealthy society, no American should be too poor to live, and she keeps followers up to date on Insta with the briefings she is reading. But shes also human. Telling us about cleanser and responding to criticisms of her college dance routines may seem trivial but is actually an integral part of her success. No subject is too trivial, and this makes her relateable.

AOC originally wanted to be a scientist  she has a small asteroid named after her as a prize for a microbiology project. Born in the Bronx to a Puerto-Rican family, her father is an architect and her mother a cleaner and bus driver. She majored in international relations and economics at Boston University, graduating with honours.

President material?

For AOC, being congresswoman is the start of a movement. Her views may be, as Corbyn recognises, a challenge to the status quo, but that need not stop her from reaching the top  after all, hardly anyone predicted that Trump would be elected.

AOC has confounded expectations before. She defeated fellow Democrat Joe Crowley, congressman for 10 terms, in a primary to earn the chance to run for her New York district, then beat Republican Anthony Pappas in the election itself. Her victory took hard graft  she tweeted a picture of her worn out & Other Stories campaign shoes, saying: I knocked doors until rainwater came through my soles. Respect the hustle. We won (because) we out-worked the competition. The shoes are to be exhibited at the Cornell Costume Collection in an exhibition called Women Empowered: Fashions from the Frontline.
I t's almost Pancake Day, which means we now officially have an excuse to eat as many pancakes as we want.

Shrove Tuesday, as it's more formally known, is the perfect reason to get your friends and family round for stacks of delicious pancakes.

Whilst some people's pancake flipping skills are better than others, any pancake fanatic knows no matter what they taste like, it's all about the toppings.

Some people like to go fancy with fresh berries and cream or keep it simple with lemon and sugar.

Whatever your pancake preference, what could be better than an entire day dedicated to them?

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Here's everything you need to know about Pancake Day, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday:

When is Pancake Day?

Every year the city of London turns into a pancake haven with restaurants and homes cooking up delightful variations of the highly addictive batter cakes and crepes. However, given that this day changes date every year according to Easter, it can be hard to remember when it is, and why exactly we celebrate it.

This year, Shrove Tuesday falls on 5 March.

How to make vegan pancakes

Why do we celebrate Pancake Day?

For Christians, Shrove Tuesday marks the last day before Lent, traditionally a period of abstinence, associated with clearing your cupboards of goods such as sugar, fats and eggs.

Traditionally, pancakes were eaten on this day to use up these foods before the 40-day fasting season of Lent began. Some believe the four ingredients used in pancakes may actually represent the four pillars of the Christian faith - flour as the staff of life, eggs as creation, milk as purity and salt as wholesomeness.

Although the day is important in Christian tradition, Pancake Day is widely celebrated by those outside of the faith.

How to make Espresso Martini pancakes

What does Shrove Tuesday mean?

The word 'shrove' derives from the English word 'shrive', which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of confession and penance. The day gets its unique name from the custom for Christians to be 'shriven' before the start of Lent. They would be called to confession by the ring of a bell which came to be known as the 'pancake bell' and it is still rung in some churches today.

Why do we flip pancakes?

The pancake has a very long history and is featured in cookery books as far back as 1439. The tradition of tossing or flipping them is almost as old. According to legend, the tradition was born in the 15th century when a woman in Buckinghamshire rushed to church to confess her sins while mid-way through making pancakes.

Need some Pancake Day inspiration?

Check out these varied foodstagrams...
The court has said that although Ginsburg missed oral arguments last month, she will vote in the cases based on briefs and transcripts and that she has participated from home in deciding which cases the court has accepted or rejected for its docket, as well as in some emergency decisions.
A mbience: 3/5

Food: 4/5

Do you have certain parts of London that your brains operating system can only process in highly specific circumstances?

Corners eternally associated with an incredibly subjective mood and context? The Sun & 13 Cantons in Soho is one of those pubs that lives perpetually in my mind as a noisy, rammed, summer Friday night of a place; where sweltering afternoon drifts quickly to chilly, jacketless night, chain-smoking TV development producers accidentally kick over stacked pint glasses and exasperated bar staff ask you to please  please  step off the road and back behind the barrier on the pavement.

And so, when I arrived there on a bright, biting Wednesday lunchtime to try out freshly installed Filipino barbecue pop-up, Sarap, and began peeling off January layers in the peaceful quiet of the green-tiled venue, it felt a touch surreal. God, I dont even think Ive been in this bit, said my old mate, Charlie, when he arrived, echoing my feeling that we were in some hidden area of what we had long assumed was basically an overcrowded patch of kerb with a bar attached.

Of course it has long been more than that. From Asma Khan of Darjeeling Express to Mandy Yin of Sambal Shiok, the Suns revolving-door kitchen has emerged in recent years as one of the more potent seedbeds for soon-to-be-massive London restaurant talent. And now Sarap (which, straightforwardly, means delicious in Tagalog) will spend three months in this culinary fame academy.

Road-tested in Dalston last year  and gaining prominence around the same time as similarly pitched My Million Pound Menu success story, BBQ Dreamz  it is the brainchild of Sydney-raised Filipino chef Ferdinand Budgie Montoya. And it was Montoya, wry and amiable in a stiff-brimmed snapback cap, who directed us to our place, hurriedly cleared vacated tables and took our choices from the snappy menu (there are also express weekday rice bowls for an Itsu-like 8.50). Market fish kinilaw  essentially, Filipino ceviche  brought fat, flaking pieces of cured bream, neon pink ribbons of red onion, the sweet, electric zing of lime-like calamansi alongside precise, well-salted curls of crisp cassava for scooping. Fried chicken wings, densely covered in vinegary banana ketchup, brought further, unusually addictive gradations of tang, salt and sweetness.

Lechon (stuffed, patiently cooked pork belly famed for its glazed shards of crispy skin) is the unmistakable headliner and it arrived as a lust-making pyramid of fatty, flame-scorched pig hunks, carrying the lingering waft of lemongrass. This was served with all-purpose barbecue sauce: a diabolically effective house-made version of a Filipino condiment staple, with the warming prickle of allspice and a bright, astringent slash of vinegar. The little, lacquered squares of crackling were a mixed bag. Some cracked like mini-thunderclaps, others required the sort of effortful chew that would prove a mood-killer if, looking to next week, you chose Sarap as a Valentines venue. Happily, sides of rice topped in fragrant, nutty fried garlic, and cassava chips  terrific, fluffy clubs of starch that spoke profoundly to the Nigerian in me  softened any disappointment.

The available puddings included a subtly sweet cassava tart and a brain-chilling, icy wedge of caramelised pineapple topped with rough, zippy lychee granita, which both provided a blast of tropical sun. Throughout, Montoya educated us about Filipino dining habits (the sanctity of rice, the importance of DIY dips and accompaniments). But this is big-hearted food that mostly speaks for itself, naturally nudging you towards an intensely pleasurable, unprissy way of eating. The Sun may have done it again.

Sarap

1 Kinilaw, 6

1 Chicken wings, 36.50

1 Sarep lechon, 15

1 Cassave chips, 3.50

1 Garlic rice, 3

1 Cassava tart, 5.50

1 Caramelised pineapple, 5.50

Total: 45
I n this weeks ES Magazine, there are four collectors cover posters, created exclusively by a quartet of acclaimed artists.

Choose from Christabel MacGreevys two lovers intertwined in Very Tender, Anthony Burrills graphic You & Me  a poetic statement of intent  or the beautiful, loving couple celebrated in Erwin Wurms Organization of Love.

Finally, we have the bold and graphic Love Heart created by the godfather of British pop art and the genius behind The Beatles legendary Sgt Pepper album cover, Sir Peter Blake.

Pull them out, frame them, love them forever, and hear the inspiration behind the posters from the artists themselves.

Anthony Burrill

Anthony Burrill

Anthony Burrill is a graphic artist, print-maker and designer whose work, often text-based or typographic, is held by the V&A and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and has been shown at the Barbican. He has worked for clients including Apple, Google, London Underground and Hermes. He lives in Kent.

What does love mean to you?

My wife, children and friends.

How does London spark your creativity?

By being London: fast-moving, energetic, fun and chaotic.

What inspired your ES artwork?

A simple approach to human relationships  its all about you and me.

What are you currently working on?

Two large-scale typographic commissions for the inaugural Harewood Biennial: 26 contemporary craftspeople exhibiting throughout Harewood House from 21 March.

Sir Peter Blake

Sir Peter Blake / Luke Walker

Sir Peter Blake was born in Dartford in 1932 and became a leading light of the pop art movement. He is arguably most famous for creating the album cover of The Beatles Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.

His work is in the collections of the Tate and Pallant House Gallery, and he was made a CBE in 1983 and knighted in 2002. He lives in London.

What does love mean to you?

LOVE: one dictionary definition of love is to be in love. I am lucky to be in love with my wife, Chrissy, and to love my daughters Liberty, Daisy and Rose.

How does London spark your creativity?

London is an inspiring city and just to live here encourages creativity.

What inspired your ES artwork?

I often use a heart as a motif, and it was entirely appropriate for this cover.

What are you currently working on?

A group of paintings of fictitious wrestlers, for an exhibition in New York at Garth Greenan Gallery, which is staging Waddington Custots recreation of my studio at Frieze Masters in 2017. I am also working on a portrait of Michael Eavis for the National Portrait Gallery.

Christabel MacGreevy

Christabel MacGreevy

Christabel MacGreevy was born in west London and trained at Central Saint Martins and the Royal Drawing School.

Her work has appeared in Love magazine, she set up fashion brand Itchy Patchy Scratchy with her friend, model Edie Campbell, and last year exhibited Glut, a sell-out show of drawings, wall hangings and sculptural installations at Lamb Arts, Mayfair. She lives in Mile End.

What does love mean to you?

Love is seeing someone in the round  warts and all  and not minding.

How does London spark your creativity?

When I need inspiration I go to galleries or museums and wander around. It always makes me feel better.

What inspired your ES artwork?

Rodins sculpture The Kiss.

What are you currently working on?

A body of drawings for my booth with Cob Gallery at the Drawing Now Art Fair in Paris at the end of March.

Erwin Wurm

Erwin Wurm

Erwin Wurm is an Austrian photographer and sculptor whose work is held in the Solomon R Guggenheim collection and the Centre Pompidou, among others. He is well known for his Fat Car series and his One-Minute Sculptures, some of which were recreated in the Red Hot Chili Peppers music video for Cant Stop.

He lives in Vienna and Limburg.

What does love mean to you?

It is one of the most, maybe the most, important part of someones life. Love means everything.

How does London spark your creativity?

There are so many great artists and musicians in London who always inspired me, often indirectly. I grew up with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones  a really long time ago  and artists like Deakins and Cragg.

What inspired your ES artwork?

Its an abstract form of a kiss. When you look at an orange, it has nothing to do with a kiss, but when you bite into an orange and it gets juicy and sweet and wet and a bit sour  thats what a kiss should be.

What are you currently working on?
C hristophe Guilluy is a French geographer who takes a highly original, territorial approach to the social, political and cultural divisions in France. In a series of books he has developed the increasingly influential concept of a France peripherique, made up of some 60 per cent of the population, living in the countryside, suburbs and small and medium sized towns, squeezed out of the 15 or so key citadels by rising property prices and the decline in traditional working-class jobs, left behind by globalisation, struggling to survive on small pensions, modest and uncertain wages or none.

Guilluy believes they have become invisible to the elites, including the new liberal bourgeoisie who have moved into what were traditionally workers quarters in cities, serviced by the cheap and unskilled labour of immigrants who commute from depressed housing estates in the banlieues. He has an especial horror of bobos  bourgeois bohemians.

Felicitating themselves on their multiculturalism, the rich protect their privileges more assiduously than ever, Guilluy argues, effectively practising self-segregation. Meanwhile, those whose livings have been scrapped by globalisation and free markets no longer trust the ruling classes or government. There has been a calamitous social fracture, a collapse of faith in the Republican assimilationist ideal. France, he says disgustedly, has become an American society, like all the rest, inegalitarian and multicultural.

Trouble is looming on a scale that might lead even to restrictions on democracy, he warns. The twilight of the French elites now dawns at last. Published in France in 2016, before the Gilets Jaunes movement, but only now translated, Twilight of the Elites predicts this mutiny by the lower France against the higher France remarkably and stands as one of the best explanations of the movement, indeed, almost a manifesto for it (in France, Guilluy has already published a successor, No Society).

Yet this is a book with direct relevance outside France. Observing that metropolisation is the domestic corollary of globalisation, Guilluy cites London as the quintessential ... citadel city. Condemning elites, speaking up for the disregarded, he writes scathing, analytical Marxist class history very effectively.

But what can be done? Here he has less to offer. He notes wistfully that public sector employment has long been an essential lever of resource redistribution in peripheral France. Yet government spending in France is already 56.5 per cent of GDP, way ahead of European norms. He notes the new ruralism movement, and suggests ENA, the elite Ecole Nationale dAdministration, could have been relocated to a medium sized city rather than Strasbourg.

Guilluys real sympathy is for what he calls sovereignism, which he describes as a rational response to a neoliberal global model that destroys all sense of community. This means reverence for the ancestral home, localism, renewed nationalism and, no doubt, protectionism. So this is where Left and Right meet, in fantasy exceptionalism. Nonetheless, essential reading.
T he news business has been caught in an endless whirlwind ever since the arrival of the internet. Newspapers have seen their traditional business models collapse and only a few have figured out ways to survive, let alone thrive. All that juicy advertising money which once sent correspondents overseas and covered bar tabs around the world has long since been sucked up by the remorseless machines of Silicon Valley.

Jill Abramson stood briefly at the centre of this chaos. As editor of The New York Times from 2011 to 2014, the first woman to hold the position, her tenure ended in a managerial dust-up involving the Times digital strategy.

She was scuppered, she alleges, by the duplicity of Mark Thompson, former director-general of the BBC , who had been appointed chief executive. Smart as an Oxford don and proud of it, she writes of her loathed British overlord. With a shadow of facial stubble and reddish hair, his casual dress concealed a command-and-control ferocity. His English accent, she says, intimidated the papers owners.

Despite this flash of professional score-settling, though, Abramsons book is mostly a story of four news organisations during these past two decades of media upheaval, two old, the New York Times and the Washington Post, and two new, Vice and BuzzFeed.

The travails of newspapers are well known, and Abramson does a thorough job of describing the contortions at The Times and The Post. Not so long ago senior editors would leave meetings if business issues were raised. It would have been unthinkable to have technologists sitting on the newsroom floor monitoring web traffic.

Yet, here we are, with Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, owning the Post, impatient for both a strong, tech-driven business and challenging reporting of Donald Trump . His example, albeit lubricated by the worlds largest personal fortune, is showing how the news business can be done.

BuzzFeed originated at The Huffington Post as an investigation into what makes certain pieces of content go viral, just at the moment when social media was taking off. Its earliest content, Abramson writes, included a compilation of the seven best links about gay penguins, four clips on Snoop Doggs new clothing line for pets, 20 celebrity nipple slips, and 15 links to animal pornography. To Jonah Peretti, BuzzFeeds magnetic founder, it was all about uncovering peoples subliminal interests, the things which really caused them to click and share. People would never search for videos of basset hounds running, for example, but would inevitably click on them if they saw them.

"Vices corporate culture has proved inconsistent with the #MeToo era, and it recently announced lay-offs."

BuzzFeed made an art form out of lists and quizzes designed to hook users. It created an eight-question quiz  preferred holiday, hobby, etc  to establish which billionaire tycoon are you? Rupert Murdoch took it and discovered he was none other than Rupert Murdoch.

Vice started out as a nasty, sexist, violent Canadian lad mag, but evolved into a swaggering digital content farm. It pioneered a form of immersive, sensationalist documentary, as extreme as the personality of its co-founder Shane Smith, who once described his approach to life as lets have 14 bottles of wine at dinner, roast suckling pig and a story about chopping a dudes head off in the desert.

For years Vices bad-boy act and its appeal to young audiences was irresistible to advertisers. It was cavalier about blending editorial and advertising. But its run appears to be coming to an end. Its corporate culture has proved inconsistent with the #MeToo era, and it recently announced lay-offs.

BuzzFeed has also announced recent cuts to its news division, which has hounded President Trump. So Abramsons story ends in the middle of another big shift, as the old lags find new life and the digital tyros hit an uncomfortable adolescence. A physical book about this constant re-sorting of merchants and guardians of truth, however interesting, seems oddly analogue.
W e become what we see. We morph into our sexual selves by internalising any and all of the information about sex around us. I, like many women, had internalised some pretty disempowering stuff when it came to sex.

Having grown up in the Eighties, one key influence in my life was The Suns Page 3. This was a biggie for me as a child, a daily picture of a teenager in her pants in the family newspaper and all the cor, look at the tits on that that went with it. It taught me that my body was there for men, not for me.

Then there were lads mags, which were big in the Nineties. They ladled this on a bit more, reiterating the fact that I had to be desirable but also up for it. You were there for the bloke to have fun with.

And then we get to online porn. This is where I learned to perfect the uncomfortable performance bit. Sex was something that was done to you. Pounding penetration in different positions, and you had to pretend to enjoy it.

Yet these were just the more explicit images of female sexuality that were influencing me. There were words, too. You were frigid, a prude, or you were playing hard to get if you didnt want to be sexual. If you were violated you were asking for it. You heard the word slut for all of the above. History, literature and theatre tells you tale upon tale of the sexual women being damned, spurned and murdered.

But all the versions of female sexuality presented to me had been created by men. If sex feels like an unwinnable game for women, it is because men have been making up the rules for thousands of years.

You know you are done for when holy men write holy scriptures that advocate stoning women to death and when laws of the land say men can rape their wives.

Think about your ancestral line of women: your grandmother, her mother, going back and back and imagine what these women will have been through. Hear them all saying me too. We have a duty to them and to the women coming after us to empower ourselves sexually. For me this empowerment didnt come from wearing sexy underwear or learning to pole dance, it came from tuning into what I really wanted and learning to say no or Could you touch me here very softly, please.

How do you go about unlearning these damaging beliefs around female sexuality? Here are my rules.

Always talk about yours and other womens bodies respectfully. Never say you hate this or hate that.

Touch your body tenderly. Healing can occur when we do this. Often we crave tender touch from a lover but dont think to offer it to ourselves. Tender touch on your vulva and vagina can be cathartic, often causing tears.

Explore your own pleasure. The female body is capable of incredible orgasmic sensations. Take your time and discover what works for you.

Practise asking for what you want with lovers. Not with blame, ie, you never do this but in invitation  ie, Would you be willing to touch me really tenderly here for a few minutes? This might feel clunky at first. Keep practising. Take a School of Consent workshop or check out their resources online.

Try not to take part in sex that feels uncomfortable, and dont allow penetration before you feel ready. Know that you deserve pleasure.

Think about your personal sexual story, how you got to where you are, whether you are experiencing your sexuality as you would like to now, and if there is anything you would like to change or explore.

Learn new ways. Read a book, do an online course, go to workshops. An introduction to tantra or intimacy workshop is a good place to start.

Never criticise a woman for being sexual. It is like throwing a rock.

Know that if we are not able to be free sexually, we are not really free.

My personal journey was cringe-making and hilarious at times, at others deeply moving, but it led me to knowing myself and being able to be so much braver in the world. Good luck with your own sexual revolution.
Nothing says I love you more than a bunch of flowers on Valentine's Day - especially when they cost 20,000.

Artists behind Endura Roses, the UK's leading preserved flower company (yes, that is indeed a thing) have truly outdone themselves by creating the Cullinan, the world's most expensive bouquet.

Inspired by the Cullinan Diamond, a gem which now sits in Her Majesty's Crown, the delightful spruce contains no less than 100 specially preserved flowers.

So what's in it? Lush black hydrangea, a towering forest of roses, including six grandeur roses encased in 24-carat gold (obvs); a grande rose sourced all the way from the volcanic-rich soils of Cayambe, Equador; a trio of handmade heart roses and a large, uber rare and lavishly shaped Juliette Rose with double petal galore.

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If that's not enough, the bouquet has been finished off with Diamond Dust, a semi-precious kind of fairy spray containing multi-faceted diamonds. In other words, it's v. bling.

The piece de resistance? A Mon Cherie curved glass cloche sits at the centre and hides two Cullinan diamonds, one 0.5 carat and the other 0.3 carat. Casual.

And if 20,000 seems a little steep for a bouquet, designer Oliver Hibbert says the it lasts for "between three and five years, though if you want it to last forever you can have it encased in glass" (all very Beauty and The Beast).

Now if that doesn't make your partner want to bed you, we don't know what will.

For those that want to buy it, visit Endura's website to find out more or email contact@enduraroses.com.
Z awe Ashton was trying to leave acting altogether when she was cast in Velvet Buzzsaw, Dan Gilroys new high-camp horror-satire of the art world (try saying that after a hit on the polished hash vape that Ashtons character carries in her handbag). Id been doing it for a really long time, she shrugs. I started as a kid and internally Im ready for someone to throw me a retirement party.

Ashton, 34, is probably still best known for her role as hard-living, anarchic Vod in Fresh Meat  Channel 4s smart, sweet comedy about six housemates at university, which co-starred Jack Whitehall and captured the anxieties of the graduating millennial generation. Last year, she starred in the BBCs meandering polyamory drama Wanderlust; on film, she has played a small role in Tom Fords Nocturnal Animals in 2016, and was mesmerising in Carol Morleys 2011 award-winning drama-documentary, Dreams of a Life. She has written and directed four short films; her first, Happy Toys, was nominated for Best British Short at Raindance in 2014.

By the time Velvet Buzzsaw came knocking, duly, Ashton was wondering if directing is more her bag. Moreover, she was disenchanted. The chasm between independent film and commercial film is now so wide. You either have to be super-famous and get a first-time director or writers indie script off the ground, or youre a newcomer and go and put a cape on for four years.

Velvet Buzzsaw trailer

There is a pleasing symmetry, then, that it was Velvet Buzzsaw that snatched her from the brink. Gilroys film is a twisted send-up of the international art crowd: a meditation on the relationship between art and commerce and the potent ways that money corrupts and distorts art.

Ashton plays Josephina, an ambitious gallery assistant, who uncovers a trove of undiscovered art and  alongside critic Morf Vandewalt, played by an arch Jake Gyllenhaal, and tough gallery owner Rhodora Haze (Gilroys wife Rene Russo)  plots to sell the paintings. The art crowd is in paroxysms over this genius who has emerged from the ether, though soon people start meeting grisly, high-concept deaths.

The film has had middling reviews, though the details are acutely observed. It opens at a sterile, expensive showroom at Miami Basel, where Vanderwalt is assured by a sycophant that an exhibit called Hobo Man is the hit of the show. People are called things such as John Dondon, and have hairless cats, and threaten former colleagues in expletive-driven eruptions, before departing in a spritz of Byredo and with the salutation: Kisses. Ashtons Josephina is as venal and odious as the rest of them. I grabbed hold of her with a real relish.

Ashton had met Gilroy, who directed 2014s Oscar-nominated Nightcrawler, once, on another project  a genius  and its an extraordinary ensemble cast: John Malkovich, Toni Collette, Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Daveed Diggs and Tom Sturridge. Im a competition winner in this, Ashton quips. The girl who must have applied from the back of the magazine. Hollywood Reporter magazine!

The film was produced by Netflix, the streaming giant fast disrupting established studios: one of this years numerous awards season talkings point is the many Oscar nominations received by Roma, the Netflix drama directed by Alfonso Cuaron.

Ashton is unambiguous. Netflix is bridging a gap, she says, firmly. And to work for? You never see them! Theyre not breathing down your neck. You dont want to feel like youre in something thats already being edited, cut, judged... Im a cinema girl  the idea of people watching films on their phones makes me feel physically uncomfortable. But theres a way for the two to co-exist. It doesnt mean you drop your standards.

Weve met in Soho: Ashton is in town for a few months for a run of Betrayal, Pinters pitch-black tale about an affair, modelled on his own eight-year liaison with Joan Bakewell. Its showing at the Harold Pinter Theatre in March, co-stars Tom Hiddleston and Charlie Cox, and is directed by Jamie Lloyd.

Its nice to be the only woman around, she says, eyes flashing with mischief. Today  the second day of rehearsals  was heavy, hence the glass of Rioja shes drinking. She grows animated, trying to describe the effect of Pinters writing. I hate using the word dark for things that are negative. Im going to get my thesaurus. Regretfully, she refers not to a hard copy but to an app. Lets find a really juicy word for it. She squints at her phone. Murky. She looks satisfied. Its murky and obscure and real.

Ashton is both intense and introspective, and wickedly funny and self-deprecating. She says shes a natural weirdo  people can feel it when I go into an audition  though shes not quite Vod.

Arts picks of the week: 4th-10th February 1 /5 Arts picks of the week: 4th-10th February Pinter 7: A Slight Ache/The Dumb Waiter Danny Dyer and Martin Freeman join the Pinter season.



Harold Pinter Theatre; Jan 31Feb 23



Buy tickets with GO London Marc Brenner Don McCullin The photographer of the defining Vietnam War image  and more.



Tate Britain, SW1. Feb 5May; tate.org.uk



Image: Homeless Irishman, Spitalfields, London 1935 Don McCullin Mandela: The Official Exhibition An immersive exhibition about the late South African leader.



Leake Street Gallery, SE1. Feb 8Jun 2; mandelaexhibition.com Jon Ball Come From Away How a small town in Canada welcomed the world after 9/11.



Phoenix Theatre, WC2. Until May 25



Buy tickets with GO London Matthew Murphy Soft Animals A new play about two women brought together by a tragic accident.



Soho Theatre, W1. Feb 6Mar 2; sohotheatre.com

I wonder if thats the result of starting out as a child: she must have been very self-possessed, very brave?

I was a brave kid, yeah. She smiles. She studied at The Anna Scher Theatre school in Islington, under the eponymous teacher (Daniel Kaluuya namechecked Scher in his Bafta acceptance speech), and still has the typewriter-typed letter from the BBC notifying her that, aged six, shed been given her first role, in boisterous Nineties sitcom Game On. Thank you so much, were so glad that youll be joining us playing ... Little Girl. A cackle. I should probably get that framed at some point.

For now, shes actings gain, though shes pushing for change. She has a book, Character Breakdown, expected in the spring, a mash-up of autobiography and a meditation of women and performance. If its an actors memoir I will be so unhappy. Its never what I would ever want to write in my life. Hopefully, its a slightly more universal musing on womens relationship to performance.

These are lessons learned in a lifetime in the industry: she remains frustrated by the rank shallowness of Hollywood. There [shouldnt] be a delineation between character actor and leading actor. These are just terrible categories we were all put into round about drama-school time. All the quirky people with moles are character actors, all the girls with long brown hair are leading actors What the hell does that mean?

I hope my unique perspective is in some way interesting, or at best enlightening. I didnt grow up with a lot of role models necessarily when I started out  there werent many people who looked like me on TV. Not in England. Some people shun the idea of role models but I think its one of the most important things people have in life  role models, to look up to.
T he Berlin Film Festival returns today for another year. The 10-day spectacle is one of the most significant European events in the industry and showcases work from auteurs across the globe.

Known as the Berlinale, the festival celebrates its 69th year in 2019 and will feature up to 400 screenings until February 17.

A total of 20 films will compete for the prestigious Golden Bear award, with the festivals top prize recognising excellence in the industry. The award is currently held by Adina Pintilies Romanian drama Touch Me Not, with previous winners including Paul Greengrasss Bloody Sunday, Hayao Miyazakis Spirited Away and Paul Thomas Andersons Magnolia.

This years event has already been the subject of controversy, after the Chinese film Better Days was pulled from the festival at the last minute. The film, which focuses on a mysterious death at a university, failed to receive the requisite permits from Chinese authorities in light of tightening censorship laws.

While Better Days definitely wont be showing, here are five highlights from the festival to watch out for.

Varda by Agnes

AFP/Getty Images

Film icon Agnes Varda is regarded as one of the most influential European filmmakers of all time and a pioneer of politically charged French New Wave cinema. She returns to the Berlin Film Festival with Varda by Agnes, her first project since the Oscar-nominated 2017 documentary Faces Places. The new movie isnt competing for the Golden Bear, but will be screened at this years festival and promises to be a must-watch for fans. The retrospective project follows Varda as she travels across France, visiting the places most significant to her and her career, discussing the creative motives behind her works. It captures Varda, now 90-years-old, at her most candid, and explores the essence of one of the most inimitable characters of European film.

Mr Jones

One of Polands leading filmmakers is Agnieszka Holland, who made an international impact with 1990 film Europa Europa. She returns with her new drama Mr Jones, based on harrowing true events. The film follows Welsh journalist Gareth Jones, who ventures into the Soviet Union in 1933, learning of the sinister truths hidden by the communist regime and uncovering details of the Holodomor famine that killed millions of Ukrainians in the 30s. The film stars James Norton as the title role alongside Vanessa Kirby, Peter Sarsgaard and Game of Throness Joseph Mawle, who plays George Orwell.

The Golden Glove

One of the most nihilistic and violent offerings at this years festival is sure to be The Golden Glove, from German director Fatih Akin. The filmmaker is never afraid to pursue challenging subject material  his 2017 work In The Fade starred Diane Kruger as a woman whose husband and son are killed in a neo-Nazi bomb plot  and The Golden Glove looks to be just as demanding on audiences. The film focuses on the life of a serial killer in 1970s Hamburg, who stalked his victims in the citys red light district. If Akins past works are anything to go by, fans can expect the film to be bleak, but brilliantly done.

The Kindness of Strangers

Lone Scherfig is one of the most internationally renowned directors in the competition this year, having achieved success in the UK and the US with her films Their Finest and An Education.

Their Finest star Bill Nighy teams up again with Danish director for her new project The Kindness Of Strangers, set in contemporary New York. The romantic drama follows a mother of two, played by Zoe Kazan, who arrives in the city in a bid to escape her abusive husband, eventually finding comfort in the company of a nurse and an ex-con. The film explores the unlikely relationships that develop in the most challenging of circumstances, and features an impressive ensemble cast (Jay Baruchel, Tahar Rahim, Andrea Riseborough and Caleb Landry Jones are all involved).

Goldie
V isitors will have seen hundreds of pictures of overwhelming horror by the time they get to the final room of Tate Britains major Don McCullin retrospective. Its a surprise, then, to find a collection of photographs of local landscapes, which surely have no right to be as beautiful as they are. I am sentencing myself to peace, read the words of the Finsbury Park-born war photographer, who is now 83.

After more than six decades of capturing harrowing conflicts around the world, McCullin has turned his camera closer to home. The photographs, of landscapes and still lifes, are still in his signature black and white, but these ones dont feature any people. But ghosts remain.

For the casual viewer, his pictures of Northumberland, France and Somerset feel meditative, peaceful even. But for McCullin, they are haunted by the pain hes witnessed on former assignments. He hears the whistle of the wind in Yorkshire, and thinks he might hear gunfire in the distance, or the wails of dying soldiers. Ill never get that out of my mind, he says, in a caption beneath one of the works.

Its a deeply affecting end to an collection of work thats almost relentless in atrocity. Here youll see a man who has been shot through the brain in Biafra, the moment a woman in Turkey discovers her murdered husband, and one image where the title is enough: Sixteen-year-old boy with no possibility of survival. The boys glare is unflinching, but hes also looking straight through us into something beyond.

One of McCullin's most iconic pictures is of a shell-shocked US Marine in Vietnam - who reportedly never blinked whilst being photographed - but hanging a few steps away is an image of three US soldiers taunting elderly Vietnamese locals. In such extremes, McCullins non-judgemental lens shows that when the world gets ugly, people can get ugly too.

If you dont feel exhausted, youre not really looking. McCullin has photographed some of the worst of humanity - and kept looking when he doesnt want to look. His gift is to make himself invisible - to find the sorrow, panic, fatigue and outrage in each face and remain neutral. But like his subjects, hes a human being, and the restraint he harnesses for the sake of his journalism cant be sustained indefinitely.

Theres much more here than a front row view of some of the worst horrors in recent history. That's why the shows emotional culmination is where we understand that this is also a human story of one man and his unwavering courage to continue. McCullins stoical attempt to see something different with his camera, but finding himself stuck with the imprint of the past, shows how trauma is inherited and indiscriminate. The pursuit of storytelling feels like the ultimate sacrifice.

McCullin has risked his life multiple times to take these pictures; in Cambodia he was hit by a mortar bomb and others around him were killed. (A new film about the late war correspondent Marie Colvin is a stark reminder of the dangers of this field of work.) But, whatever the personal cost of acquiring them, the images were always taken back to McCullins darkroom, where he developed each of them himself. When he returned from dispatches abroad, he would capture pictures of poverty in East London and the North of England. His haunting landscapes and still lifes are another day of McCullin seeing it through to the end, of refusing to look away.

In words that accompany his photographs, McCullin explains what he does simply. He believes in going right up to the precipice... Thats the only place to be if youre going to see and show what suffering really means. It doesnt seem like he has yet found the peace he sentenced himself to. But hes going back to the precipice, regardless.

Don McCullin runs at Tate Britain until May 6; tate.org.uk. Read our ultimate guide to Tate Britain
F rom museums inaugurated by President Obama to moving Holocaust memorials, Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye is known for using his buildings to tell stories of the past.

A new exhibition at the Design Museum explores some of his best works and, more specifically, how they capture certain moments in history.

Making Memory, which opened on February 2, also suggests that the way these memorials are experienced is constantly changing.

It features a number of Adjayes projects and, while the works themselves are too large to be exhibited, each is represented through photos, video interviews and art.

To mark the new exhibition, weve rounded up some of Adjayes standout works  many of which are still in the process of being built.

Gwangju River Reading Room

Gwangju River Reading Room / Kyungsub Shin

Adjaye and writer Taiye Selasi created this striking structure in memory of the students and citizens who lost their lives to South Korean armed forces, at a pro-democracy demonstration in 1980  an event known as the Gwangju Uprising. The exact death toll is still disputed, and while government figures state it was close to 200, others estimate significantly more. Adjaye and Selasi have gone with official numbers to create a pavilion that is home to a library of 200 books  one for every life lost. Topics cover social justice and protest, and the space also acts as a reading room. Primarily made out of concrete and timber, this collaborative project sits on the banks of the Gwangju river.

The exhibition in Kensington pays homage to the memorial with its own replica reading room, featuring many of the same books selected for the Gwangju monument.

Smithsonian National Museum

Brad Feinknop

Inaugurated by President Obama in 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture acts as a symbol for the African-American contribution to US history and identity. Located on one of the undeveloped sites on Washingtons National Mall, the three-tiered structure is covered in bronze panels, with references to the history of African-American craftsmanship. Back in London, prototypes of these panels are on display.

UK National Holocaust Memorial

UK National Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre / Adjaye Associates & Ron Arad Architects

This piece, which is yet to be built, is a collaborative project between Adjaye Associates and two other architect firms. It will be the first significant building in the UK dedicated to the Holocaust. Plans for the memorial were confirmed late last year, more than 70 years after the Second World War.

Structurally, the piece will consist of 23 flat bronze surfaces with gaps in between them to represent the 22 countries where the Holocaust destroyed Jewish communities. At the Kensington exhibition, a handful of these bronze surfaces will be on show, offering a glimpse of what's to come. Adjayes design also includes a learning centre, which will act as an educational space and a place for reflection.

National Cathedral of Ghana

National Cathedral of Ghana / Adjaye Associates

A room in the London exhibition features an assortment of Akan objects and a canopy of ceremonial umbrellas  details from the proposed plans for a cathedral in the Ghanaian capital of Accra. Set to be one of Adjayes most ambitious works yet, the cathedral will house a 5,000-seat auditorium beneath its dramatic roof  a space which, with the addition of two podiums, will accommodate 15,000 in total. Serving as a community hub and a place for worship, the site will feature a series of chapels, a music school, art gallery and a bible museum. It's not the first work from Adjaye on the continent: his portfolio also includes a children's cancer treatment centre in Rwanda and a plant-covered apartment block in Johannesburg.

Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr Memorial

Ed Reeve

Another of Adjaye's upcoming projects includes his entry for the Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr Memorial in Boston, which will be engraved with text from the pairs iconic speeches and engraved in typography by African-American artist Adam Pendleton and type designer David Reinfurt. Though a winner for the competition is yet to be announced, Adjaye hopes for it to be placed over the highest point of Boston Common, to serve as a place for action and gatherings.

As a nod to the project, exhibition curators in London have placed two screens playing rolling speeches made by both Kings, as well as a silkscreen from Pendleton.

Mass Extinction Memorial Observatory

Ed Reeve

Books and documents exploring biodiversity will be on display at the Kensington exhibition, to reflect Adjayes plans for a monument in memory of extinct species. A carving of an extinct gastric brooding frog can also be seen at the show  with the intention for it to be installed within the actual memorial itself.

As well as being a visual spectacle, the 30 metre tall stone spiral on the Isle of Portland will house an information centre with details of 860 species that have already become extinct. Perched on the cliffs edge, the memorial will also contain an observatory, granting visitors great views over the Bower Quarry.

Making Memory runs until May 5, designmuseum.org
The Immanuel Christian School has been criticized for its policy barring gay students, parents and employees. A document posted on its website says the school can refuse admission or discontinue the enrollment of any student "if the atmosphere or conduct within a particular home, the activities of a parent or guardian, or the activities of the student are counter to, or are in opposition to, the biblical lifestyle the school teaches," including "participating in, supporting, or condoning sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity."
A nti-plastic warriors in London are being asked to join forces to rid the Thames of single-use plastic in a bid to save the UK's seal population.

The nine day Great Global Nurdle Hunt, organised by environmental charity Fidra, will take place all around the world as people pick up pieces of plastic from river banks and shores.

A nurdle is a tiny plastic pellet that is made by melting pieces of plastic and putting them together - often appearing like little beads.

Nurdles pose a serious threat to seals, who have been known to swallow microplastics when eating prey that has itself ingested plastic.

Ed Marshall / Ed Marshall

A study from conservation organisation Fauna & Flora found that popular seal birthing grounds in the UK have been polluted by nurdles - including in Norfolk and Horsey.

Dilyana Mihaylova, marine plastics project manager at Fauna & Flora, said: All companies that make, use and transport nurdles must take action to stop these microplastics polluting Britains beaches and damaging critical habitats for our iconic seal colonies.

"It is clear that nurdle pollution continues to be a chronic problem despite some voluntary efforts to prevent it. The plastics industry needs to implement robust measures across its entire supply chain to stop nurdle pollution.

Ed Marshall

The 2017 Hunt searched 279 UK sites and found nurdles on 73 per cent of them. The most polluted site was Tregantle in Cornwall where more than 400,000 nurdles were found.

A nurdle hunt in 2016 in Crabtree Wharf and Queen Caroline Drawdock found hundreds of nurdles scattered across the river bank which were removed.

Plastic pollution in the Thames 1 /9 Plastic pollution in the Thames Polluted beach in Rainham, Kent Getty Images Plastic and debris which had washed up onto the beach Getty Images A child's toy was included in the debris Getty Images Traffic cones washed up on a beach in Rainham, Kent Getty Images Man walks along the polluted beach Getty Images Plastic debris on Polluted beach in Rainham, Kent Getty Images Traffic cone washed up on the beach Getty Images In the UK the amount of single-used plastic wasted every year would fill 1,000 Royal Albert Halls. Getty Images plastic bear among the debris Getty Images

As plastic collectors take to UK shores for the Great Global Nurdle Hunt from February 8-17, Londoners can do their bit by heading down to the Thames.
L ondon is home to the world-renowned West End, which attracts millions of tourists from all around the world every year to see musical performances on stage.

While the capitals stunning theatres in central London are certainly worth a visit, the city also has a vibrant fringe theatre scene with dozens of great venues putting on shows throughout the year.

One of these venues sits just south of the river where thousands of theatre lovers can see some of the best of the arts in the capital.

Where is the Battersea Arts Centre?

The Battersea Arts Centre occupies an old town hall building on Lavender Hill in Battersea. According to its website, the venue has about 160,000 visitors every year.

A long-running legacy of radicalism is attached to the building, with Emmeline Pankhurst reportedly holding meetings in its chambers during the fight for womens suffrage.

The last year has seen the reopening of the Centres Grand Hall, which was destroyed in a fire in 2015  and it has just won the Stage award for Theatre Building of the Year.

Battersea Arts Centre theatre shows

1. Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster

Joyce Nicholls

Six performers take on Mary Shelleys 1818 novel, Frankenstein and apply it to the modern world  considering the monsters of the digital age.

This performance has been devised by BAC Beatbox Academy using the BAC Scratch programme, which takes feedback and ideas from audiences over time.

2. Im a Phoenix, B*tch

Richard Davenport - The Other Richard

Bryony Kimmings one-woman performance will come back to the BAC for a run later this month.

The play combines personal stories with different art forms to tell a story about motherhood and heartbreak, as well as finding inner strength.

3. High Rise Estate of Mind

High Rise eState of Mind

Created by Conrad Murray, this play focuses on young people and their fears about how and where they will live in the future, challenging the fairness of the housing system in the UK.

It is part of Homegrown Festival: Occupy which will give underrepresented voices a home at BAC for four weeks.

High Rise Etate of Mind, March 20-30

4. No Kids

Alex Brenner

Brought to you by Bristol-based theatre company Ad Infinitum, this play centres around a same-sex couple trying to decide whether or not they should have children.

The play uses physical theatre and cabaret to look at the considerations people must make when they decide to have children.

No Kids, February 5-23

5. Status

Richard Davenport - The Other Richard

This performance challenges the idea of national identity and what it means to people  focusing on those who do not want their national identities anymore.

Written and performed by Chris Thorpe and directed by Rachel Chavkin, the play looks at the notion of being a citizen of nowhere if you do not adopt a national identity.
T he mother of a nine-year-old schoolgirl whose death has been linked to air pollution has said she is optimistic, but not victorious after she won the right to a second inquest.

Rosamund Kissi-Debrahs daughter, Ella, died in February 2013 after suffering from a severe asthma attack. She had been admitted to hospital with asthma-related problems 27 times in three years before her death.

After receiving evidence of air pollution spikes in Hither Green  where the family lived  during many of Ellas asthmatic episodes, Ms Kissi-Debrah campaigned for a second inquest into her daughters death.

In January, the former teacher was given the right to a second inquest by attorney general Geoffrey Cox. Explaining his decision, Mr Cox said: "I have concluded that there is new evidence which may alter the substantial truth of Ella's death."

However, Ms Kissi-Debrahs battle is not over yet  as she now must take her request to the High Court, which has the power to quash the findings of the original inquest.

Speaking to Future London, Ms Kissi-Debrah said: It will be very nerve wracking. Its not a victory yet and we dont want to come across as victorious.

The mother and campaigner also spoke of her surprise when Mr Cox delivered his decision.

To say I was shocked when [Mr Cox] came back is an understatement, she said.

To raise money for her High Court challenge, Ms Kissi-Debrah set up a crowdfunding page which has now reached a staggering 25,000.

Rosamund Kissi-Debrah campaigned for a second inquest into her daughter's death. / Steve Reigate

I kept seeing the total go up by a fiver at a time and it made me smile, she said.

I like the fact that when you look at the comments, some people have donated 10 and said: Its all Ive got, which is really sweet.

Ms Kissi-Debrah added she was pleased to see lots of people donate small amounts because it meant Ellas story was reaching far and wide.

When we succeeded [in raising the money], everybody was happy because everyone was involved. I want people to be a part of Ellas story.

The crowdfunder for the Ella Roberta Foundation will now continue so the charity set up in Ellas name can continue to raise awareness of the dangers of air pollution.
I WAS unsurprised by Chief Superintendent Ade Adelekans statement about children and knife crime [Kids behind half of all knife crime, February 4].

He warned us that we cannot enforce our way out of this; prevention and intervention is key.

He is right. The long-term answer is early intervention.

The most important forms of learning in pre-school education build aspiration, motivation, social skills and encourage and develop self-esteem. Without these, successful schooling and adult learning is unlikely.

Instead, the opposite is happening: we watch childrens centres close, while nursery education continues to be underfunded and recruitment remains challenging  all for lack of investment.

When are we going to wake up and recognise our combined responsibility to look after our children?

June OSullivan MBE, CEO, London Early Years Foundation

The police reports are frightening, showing knife crime to have deep roots in the early years of poorer people.

We already know that poorer communities are deeply affected by health issues, including mental problems, obesity and all the other modern ills.

There is not much the police can do to change these fundamentals and help prevent such crimes, all they can do is catch the perpetrators.

David Reed

Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor, replies

Dear June and David

I agree that addressing the underlying reasons leading young people to engage in knife crime offers the best long term solution and that police enforcement, while necessary, is a response to a problem that it would be better to have avoided in the first place.

You are right, too, that education can play a valuable role in achieving this, both by providing young people with the skills that will allow them to see a route to success through a law-abiding life and by making clear the perils of carrying a knife.

But at the same time its important to recognise that teachers cannot do this alone and that families and communities have a critical part to play.

Too many of those involved in knife crime are exposed to negative influences around them, whether coming directly from their friends and associates or from social media and its dangerously glamorised portrayal of gangs and the money that can be made from selling drugs. They need to be given positive role models instead for the current depressing, life-squandering violence to be curtailed.

Martin

Open Irish border is vital for peace

Preservation of the free movement of people across the Northern Ireland border post-Brexit is rarely discussed by Brexiteers or Remainers. However, it is as important as free movement of trade and is a key underpinning of the Good Friday Agreement.

Even if modern technology could make it possible to maintain free movement of trade, which is doubtful, it could not possibly enable individuals to continue to cross freely the extensive North-South border as they do today. This freedom is essential for fostering the relationships on which the peace process depends.

Furthermore, the free movement of people across that border is incompatible with one of the prime objectives of Brexiteers  restriction of immigration.
T wisted mutilated bwana. Colonialist missionary. Racist.

These are just some of the insults thrown at former Labour councillor Ann John when she dared oppose a Brent council motion calling for female genital mutilation (FGM) to be legalised.

The councillors tabling the motion thought they were doing the right thing by being culturally sensitive. They wanted FGM  the violent mutilation of a girls vagina  to be protected as a right specifically for African families who want to carry on their tradition.

John disagreed. She put down an amendment to the motion, calling FGM barbaric and describing it as no more a valid cultural tradition than cannibalism. Thankfully, John prevailed  although she had to endure the most horrible abuse along the way.

All this happened in 1993, but in many ways the battle waged by John still isnt over. Not by a long way.

Every year in Britain women and girls are held down and forced to endure their genitals being cut  often without anaesthetic.

The pain can be beyond comprehension, with victims suffering from excessive bleeding, painful urination, menstrual problems, sexual issues and many other terrible consequences.

But even though there are more than 100,000 victims of FGM in the UK, there has only ever been one conviction, which happened last week. And just last year, West Midlands police declared that it would not seek to prosecute parents caught carrying out the violent act, preferring instead to focus on educating them.

In France, politicians and activists are appalled by Britains timid stance. There, more than 100 people have been convicted for carrying out FGM, putting our record to shame.

What explains the gulf in convictions? In contrast to the UK, French authorities have refused to tiptoe around cultural sensitivities, so doctors there are encouraged to examine all young girls to check whether their genitals have been cut, and immediately report any evidence to the police.

Isabelle Gillette-Faye is one of many French FGM experts who have expressed incredulity at Britains failure to intervene. As she puts it: You [British] have a tradition of multiculturalism, but you cannot accept everything in the name of tolerance, and certainly not the abuse of girls through mutilation.

I couldnt agree more, and this week my company Second Home hosted the launch of a major new #EndFGM initiative by feminist campaigners The Pink Protest.

The campaigns aim is to convince people that FGM cant be justified by religious or cultural traditions  its nothing less than gender-based violence, and the Government needs to take urgent action to stamp it out.
S hock and awe: that was the overwhelming reaction in Dublin last weekend to the dismemberment of the Ireland pack by Eddie Joness England at Lansdowne Road. Shocked and suitably awed Irish rugby supporters retired with their visitors to the myriad of pubs around the stadium for good natured post-match analysis.

One banker acquaintance remarked waspishly to a London client that the last time the English acted so devastatingly in Dublin was in 1916, when HMS Helga steamed up the Liffey to bombard Irish rebels near the GPO. That street rebellion culminated three years later in a War of Independence, the centenary of which has been marked over the past few weeks.

This 100-year anniversary of the 1919-21 war between Britain and Irish Nationalists is one of the silent backdrops to the Brexit negotiations. Indeed, it is testament to the way Anglo-Irish relations have warmed so much in the past few decades that the ceremonies are devoid of any bitterness.

As in the UK, Brexit has been impossible to escape. Even the commercial breaks on radio and TV are interspersed by ads from various arms of government urging business to put in place contingency arrangements for no-deal.

As some of the England fans took to the skies over Dublin on their way home last Sunday and Monday, they may have noticed the cargo ships queuing up to get into the harbour. Here industry is stockpiling at great cost in the event of no-deal. Food manufacturers, for example, who normally keep two days of ingredients in reserve, are importing two weeks of raw materials, incurring extra refrigeration and storage costs.

Most Irish people are still incredulous that Britain should want the leave the EU. There is also regret, if not sadness, in the political and media classes about the impending separation. After all, the UK has been our staunchest supporter in Brussels and vice-versa, sharing a common law, language, interests and culture. Europe without Britain is equally a great step into the unknown for Ireland, requiring civil servants to build up new and less certain alliances among smaller nations and in the Nordics, Baltics and Central Europe.

There have, of course, been gains, such as the arrival of financial institutions moving headquarters out of London to Dublins International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)  but the lions share of the exodus has been to Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. Any gains will be set against predicted downturns in exports, particularly in the agricultural and food sector. In other words, there wont be a Brexit bounce for Ireland.

All of which brings us to the backstop. Shared membership of the EU meant there was no need for a customs border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. The arrival of peace on the island after the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 meant the police and military checkpoints and hilltop surveillance towers dotted all along the 300-mile-long frontier could disappear too.

The demilitarisation of the border has transformed the region in terms of growth, building strong and seamless cross-border trade and tourism. More importantly, it has accelerated the healing of sectarian and political divisions.

The backstop  an insurance policy between the EU and Britain to avoid a hard border  is necessary to prevent any descent back to political and sectarian violence. Up to now the men of violence have been marginalised but havent completely exited the stage. A car bomb attack in Derry city last month and the discovery of an arms dump belonging to dissident Republicans near the border last week prove that. Any re-emergence of a hard border would undoubtedly play into their hands and again divide communities.

"The men of violence havent completely exited the stage  and any hard border would play into their hands"

The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, was widely castigated at the World Economic Forum in Davos when he said no-deal would mean sending police and troops back to the border. Despite the criticism, what he said was wholly valid as no-deal will mean the border between Britain and the EU on the island of Ireland will have to be checked; it would be Europes most westerly land border.

It would probably have to be co-ordinated by the EU border agency, Frontex, on one side (Ireland has already hired 400 new customs officers) and HMRC on the other. Commentators have described how the lack of a border lets people identify as Irish or British or both, but the re-emergence of frontier checks would again force people to choose sides.

There is grudging admiration for Theresa May here, particularly her resilience in the face of so much adversity within her own ranks. The same cannot be said for Boris Johnson and David Davis, both members of her Cabinet when the backstop was first mooted but now disavowing any responsibility for it. It is, indeed, peculiar how the so-called Irish Question comes to the fore at major points in British history.

Now that Britain is at once-in-a- lifetime crossroads, the Right-wing DUP and its Brexiteer MPs from Northern Ireland are holding sway over the Conservatives. That is ironic, since the majority in Northern Ireland, just like London, voted Remain. Moreover, no-deal would likely plunge the Northern Irish economy into a downturn and require potentially billions of pounds in a bailout from the Treasury.

Ireland has benefited greatly from EU membership, transforming what was predominantly an agricultural economy 30 years ago to a tech and pharmaceutical capital in an open trading nation.

Our future is in Europe but nobody wants to see our ties with Britain, our closest neighbour, friend and trading partner, weaken. Choosing sides in this battle for minds is not easy. The former Irish deputy PM Mary Harney used to speak about whether Irelands most important sphere influence was in Brussels or Boston. Now weve got to decide between Brussels and Battersea.
I f theres one lost adage which sums up how public life has changed, its this one: Never complain, never explain. The phrase, usually attributed to 19th century Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, was adopted as a favourite maxim by 20th-century icons including Winston Churchill, Henry Ford II and Katharine Hepburn but its long since fallen out of fashion. Now, complaining and explaining describes 95 per cent of internet expression, with the other five per cent given over to Niall Horan stalker fan accounts.

Donald Trump, world leader and tweeter extraordinaire, prefers another rhyming couplet: If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. Its from this weeks delayed State of The Union address and, judging by the smug look on Trumps face when he delivered it, its this line which best expresses his general attitude towards recognising and redressing wrongs.

A straight-up apology to the 800,000 federal workers who went without pay during the government shutdown was never going to happen. Still, given that Trump previously said hed be proud to take the mantle, we might have at least expected some acknowledgement of the situation. Instead, he simply complained about the ongoing Mueller investigation, reiterated his call for a border wall, and took credit for the record number of women serving in Congress.

The same women who were standing right there in the House, wearing white to protest against his record on women.

Public apologies used to be a near-daily feature of our lives  Nick Clegg, Bill Clinton and Tiger Woods have all issued famous ones  but in recent months the flood has slowed to a trickle. Behaving outrageously, then brazening it out a la Trump, is now the done thing. This weeks viral New Yorker profile of frequently fibbing, best-selling author Daniel Mallory includes this line: Nobody I spoke to remembered a Mallory reckoning or an apology.

Mallorys book, The Women in the Window, is on the UK bestsellers list, where it seems likely to remain for the foreseeable. The title of the Oscar-nominated film Can You Ever Forgive Me? is also ironic; literary fraudster Lee Israel was unrepentant before her time.

Apologising is old hat, and its easy to see why. The righteous rage of social media has made it impossible to ever move on from a mistake, however earnestly regretted, so why bother saying sorry at all? The real problem, though, is not with the intransigence of the wronged but with the sorry state of apologising in general. Has everyone forgotten how to do it? Did we ever really learn?

"The righteous rage of social media has made it impossible to move on from a mistake, however earnestly regretted"

A quick refresher course, then: an effective apology must identify and directly address the wronged party  and not, as in Mallorys case, adoring audiences at literary festivals. An effective apology must fully understand the nature of the wrong. Forty years after Liam Neeson contemplated murder, hes still tied up in the ethics of revenge and seems hardly to have considered his confessions undercurrents.

So complain and explain all you want  but dont confuse it with an apology.

Remember the evil ex on Valentines Day

Theres only a week to go, and we still havent solved the serious image problem of Valentines Day. Does anyone except Lindt shareholders still celebrate the 14th? Single people hate the reminder of their failure to conform to coupled-up heteronormativity, for unhappily-ever-after couples its just an invitation to compare ones relationship unfavourably with others. Even misty-eyed lovebirds are wont to turn their noses up at all the commercialism. How could a bunch of wilting roses from a petrol station forecourt ever reflect the true depth of our feelings?

Just in the nick of time, then, comes an idea to save the day. Wild Life Sydney Zoo is raising money for a conservation fund by inviting donors to name a snake after an evil ex. Competitors must explain what their old flame did to deserve such a (dis)honour, and the winning name will be announced on the 14th.

Similar things have been done before (Bronx Zoo probably has at least five cockroaches named Offset), but its the linking of this to Valentines Day thats the stroke of genius. It should be a time to fondly reflect on our romantic failures and celebrate the most significant non-relationship-relationships in our lives: the exes. Because screw the lovers  arent theyre having enough fun already?

*There is a hierarchy of cool in the world of musical instruments. When I was at school it was the guitar that rocked but mum made me learn the recorder instead. Thats why youre reading this instead of buying tickets to my sellout stadium tour.

Lizzo (Getty Images ) / Getty Images
Q uestion: How come Britain risks a no-deal Brexit in 50 days time when the European Union and four-fifths of the House of Commons say they are against one? Answer: because of the railway timetables.

That would be the warning from the late British historian AJP Taylor, who came up with an original theory of how the First World War started when none of the major powers at the time wanted a conflict.

He taught us to look beyond the diplomatic wrangling of that summer of 1914 and study instead the intricate mobilisation plans for the huge armies at the time. Once the trains of soldiers were on their way to the frontlines, he explained, they could not be turned around.

So war was all but inevitable, whether the governments at the time wanted it or not.

Something similarly alarming, if not quite as fatal, is happening with Brexit.

The Brexit politicians and media seem to think they can call the European leaders drunks, fools and modern-day Nazis with impunity but then feign outrage the moment those same leaders dare suggest that the people who led us into this national disaster without a plan will face a harsh final judgment.

More relevant, as it happens, was Mr Tusks shrewd observation that the chances of stopping Britain leaving the EU were now close to non-existent because of the pro-Brexit stance of the leader of the Opposition and the lack of effective leadership for Remain.

It is because of that sad truth that the proverbial railway timetables are starting to play out.

Banks are beginning to move hundreds of billions of pounds of assets out of the UK because financial service regulations will soon lapse. Exporters in the Far East whose ships take weeks to get to Britain are getting ready to divert their cargoes to continental ports, the Business Secretary warns us, because trade arrangements will soon be suspended. The economic data shows our factories are now stockpiling supplies, and the NHS is busy hoarding medicines.

Today we learn that our own passport agency is texting citizens to renew their travel documents, because movement restrictions are about to be imposed.

In short, away from the paralysed House of Commons and the Prime Ministers panicky trips to Brussels , the real people and real businesses are making hard decisions about the future.

They have worked out that it is the legal default that Britain leaves the EU at the end of March without a deal unless someone comes up with a majority for an alternative  and there is no sign of the leadership required from either Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyn to assemble that majority.

As the timetable runs down, Britain risks being railroaded into the hard Brexit that few want but no one seems able to avoid. And like the Great War, we know that this tragedy wont be all over by Christmas.

TODO: define component type apester

Energy cap doesnt fit

How do you turn a Marxist plan to cap energy bills into a pledge to help people ripped off by energy companies for far too long? You cant, as 11 million unlucky households are finding out today.

The energy price cap was a terrible idea when Labours Ed Miliband proposed it in 2013. And it was still a terrible idea when the Conservatives stole it four years later.

Now everyone can see why: because it doesnt work. Announcing a cap doesnt make gas or power any cheaper. It lasted only three months and goes up by 10 per cent today, taking average bills on variable tariffs to 1,254 a year  a total 1.71 billion rise.

In August it will change again. Thats not a cap  its a flexible price missold to voters.

The better way to keep energy bills low is to shop around in a competitive market.
O il firm Petrofac was hammered today after a former executive pleaded guilty to 11 counts of bribery as part of an ongoing Serious Fraud Order investigation into the company.

David Lufkin, 51, ex-global head of sales for Petrofac, entered his pleas at Westminster Magistrates Court yesterday.

The indictments relate to corrupt offers made to influence the award of contracts to Petrofac worth in excess of $730 million (565.9 million) in Iraq and more than $3.5 billion in Saudi Arabia. The SFO investigation has already wiped billions from Petrofacs share price and it lost another 14% today, down 80p at 478p.

The SFO said its probe will continue into Petrofacs use of agents in multiple jurisdictions, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Lufkin will be sentenced later.

The fraud-busters first swooped on Petrofac in May 2017 arresting the oil service companys chief executive Ayman Asfari and chief operating officer Marwan Chedid as part of a wider probe into Monaco-based oil and gas consultancy Unaoil.

The SFO alleges that Petrofac secured lucrative service contracts between 2002 and 2009 via Unaoil. Asfari and Chedid were released without charge and returned to the firm in March last year, but its top management has continued to be interviewed by the SFO.
T he worlds biggest steelmaker ArcelorMittal on Thursday said global demand would slow in 2019 due to a slowdown in China.

The Luxembourg-based firm, a good proxy for global industry, said steel demand would still motor forward this year but at a much slower pace than in 2018.

Fears over the health of the global economy have been rising due to trade wars and concerns over China, which grew at the slowest pace in 28 years last year.

ArcelorMittal said global demand will rise between 0.5% and 1% in 2019, much lower than the 2.8% increase in 2018.

China will be worse hit, with falling demand between minus 0.5% to minus 1.5% versus growth of 3.5% last year.

Chief executive Lakshmi Mittal said: Although the issue of global overcapacity persists and there are well-publicised macro-economic risks, we expect further, moderate global steel demand growth this year.

Having considerably strengthened the company in recent years, we are in a strong position to generate healthy levels of free cash and prosper through the cycle.

Underlying earnings rose 22.1% to a near-decade high of $10.3 billion (8 billion) but the company missed quarterly estimates after a poor end to the year.

The business disappointed last year with lower shipment levels due to operational disruptions at factories from Europe to Kazakhstan.

Production is estimated to have been two million tonnes lower in 2018 although it said the problems will not occur in 2019. The worst-hit area was its Acis businesses, which cover Kazakhstan, South Africa and Ukraine, where steel shipments fell 10.6%.
"I am sure we all have done things at one time or another in our lives that show poor judgment, and worse yet, have caused some level of pain to others, Herring said in his statement. I have a glaring example from my past that I have thought about with deep regret in the many years since, and certainly each time I took a step forward in public service, realizing that my goals and this memory could someday collide and cause pain for people I care about, those who stood with me in the many years since, or those who I hoped to serve while in office.
W hen cult skincare line Ole Henriksen relaunched in the UK on Friday after an 18-month hiatus, fans of the brand rejoiced.

In fact, the waiting list at Boots, now the exclusive retailer of the brand, numbered over 13,500.

Evidently the affordable skincare brand (prices start at 13) loved by Hollywoods A list, had an army of loyal UK followers gagging for its return.

And here's why...

1. The brand founder, Danish-born, California-based Ole Henriksen, has extensive experience as a facialist.

After studying cosmetic chemistry in London, Henriksen moved to America where he opened his first Beverly Hills spa in 1975, and quickly developed a cult following of celebrity clientele who relied on him for their red carpet Ole Glow. In 1984 he launched his own affordable skincare line to bring the salon experience to the masses.

What I aim to do is give the population the same potency in consumer skincare that they would receive at a professional level which I used in the treatment room, on the likes of Katy Perry, Madonna, Cher, Daniel Craig, David Bowie, Henriksen tells the Standard. We always aim to put the highest levels of active ingredients into the formulations and that is the way we are going to carry on.

2. He was an early champion of the brightening powers of Vitamin C.

Ole was an early adopter of vitamin C in skincare, believing that its antioxidant properties and role in promoting collagen make it a crucial ingredient. After meeting Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling and learning about his research on the effects for Vitamin C on the immune system, I chose to incorporate this into my skincare philosophy, says Henrikssen. I was in fact a pioneer in using Vitamin C in skincare.

The brands number one bestselling product is the vitamin C-rich Truth Serum (42), which contains Stabilized vitamin C derivatives (to help brighten the skin and fight signs of aging), collagen (to improve elasticity) and Aloe Vera to soothe.

3. It's fun, fruity and easy to use.

Oles products all smell deliciously fruity  I want it to be a joy when you open a joy or apply a serum, I want it to have an uplifting aroma  and come in fun colourful packaging - we use colours because colours make me happy. As I always say a happy face is a beautiful face, when a woman or man smiles from the heart they look their most beautiful, regardless of age.

Following a recent rebrand, the range is now divided into four colour-coded sections, to make it easy to shop. The Balance Collection (green) targets pores and oily skin and with the blends of actives, eucalyptus and acids, while the Truth Collection (orange) is for those who want to brighten, illuminate and strengthen the skin's collagen. The Transform products (blue) are for evening out skin tone and texture while Nurture (pink) is all about hydrating and soothing sensitive skin.

Ole Henriksen Balance Collection / Ole Henriksen

Here's what happened when the ES team tested out some of the brand's key products...

Truth serum, 42  Rosie Fitzmaurice

I love this serum. First for its consistency. My skin is naturally quite dry and drinks up moisture so lots of serums dont feel thick enough for me. I apply two pumps after cleansing and let my skin soak it all up. At first it tingled a bit as all that vitamin C and citrus ingredients got to work, but that seems to have worn off now. It doesnt feel sticky afterwards and Ive noticed my skin looking more hydrated than usual come my 4pm slump. To top it off it smells like fruit salad, win.

Henriksen says:

The reason Truth Serum is such a huge best seller is because the product instantly brightens and illuminates the skin whilst the aroma is so uplifting and energising when you use it in the morning. The formulation strengthens the skin and it is also clinically proven to firm the skin It is an investment for your skin's future because of the way it strengthens the skin thanks to the stabilised Vitamin C derivatives, and natural collagen and botanicals within the formulation.

Banana Bright Eye Creme, 30  Chloe Street

This eye cream is a pot of sensory surprises. First up it smells (yup, you guessed it) fairly pungently of banana, and secondly the colour, rather than the usual creamy white, is slightly brown. Both are due to the fact it contains banana powder, traditionally used by makeup artists to correct discolouration, which targets the dark circles under your eyes. And honestly, after a week, I have noticed a slight change. The bluey-grey tone under my eye seemed to have been reduced. Its also packed full of vitamin C, aloe juice and green tea extracts, which all help not only to moisturise but really brighten things up. Warning though, if, like me, youre not big on bold banana scents, this one might not appeal.

Henriksen says:

I think the product I am most excited to share with the Brits and Irish is the Banana Bright Eye Creme. One of the first areas of the face to show signs of ageing is the eyes, so I wanted to create something that brightened the eye area whilst also tackling fine lines and wrinkles. You can also apply to the brow bone, temple regions, down the middle of the nose and on the cupids bow for a subtle glow.

Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum, 50 - Suzannah Ramsdale

Retinol is a powerful ingredient, and is much hyped in the skincare world, but I've been hesitant to use it because it can, they warn, make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. For years I've been reading articles about how the one thing you must do to prevent skin damage is avoid UVA so, for me, retinol was a no-go area. Enter this clever product which uses a retinol alternative. Bakuchiol (pronounced "bah-coo-chee-all), it's claimed, has all the benefits of retinol (diminishing fine lines, increasing firmness, improving uneven skintone, resurfacing the skin) without the irritation. The serum is purple and one pump dispenses a generous amount which sinks into skin easily. It's a little more on the expensive end of Ole Henriksen's range but I really rate it. After just a week, my skin felt smoother and brighter.

I created the Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum with Bakuchiol, an amazing alternative to retinol, which acts in a similar way to retinol without any of the negative side effects. It is a ground-breaking, age defying natural ingredient which helps to target the look of fine lines, wrinkles, look of pores, dark spots and brightens the skin. It is powered with AHAs and Edelweiss stem cell, to help firm and improve elasticity. The serum is great to use in the morning or at night, and as it does not contain retinol it means there is no worry of sun sensitivity when used in the morning.

C- Rush Brightening Gel Creme 36  Luke Abrahams

I have been blessed with olive European skin  the wondrous oily kind that helps combat age, but makes me look like a tragic grease ball come 5pm. Naturally, I am always on the lookout for a face cream to help reduce the shine. The C- Rush Brightening Gel Creme smells a bit like summer in a jar. Packed with vitamin C, Rose of Winter  an antioxidant-rich flower found on Jeju Island in South Korea  and plumping collagen and fatty acids, the jelly-like orange-scented cream has been an industry favourite because it claims to keep the wrinkles at bay. After a week of using the product, the results were noticeably visible. My skin was clearer, plumper, tighter and, to my amazement, oil free.The usual oil problem areas (temples and lower forehead) were totally clear, firm and moisturised. Verdict? Well worth the 36 price tag, especially if you are looking for something to make you look fresh and clean 24 hours a day. Ideal for city types plagued by pollution and stressful jobs too.

Henriksen says:

This cream enhances circulation in the skin, retains moisture all day long and is clinically proven also to dramatically improve the skins firmness. 100% vegan and infused with 3 sources of Vitamin C and Rose of Winter from South Korea to instantly improve hydration, giving you a beautiful glow and illumination, just like sunshine.
Ten states and Washington D.C. already have some form of adult-use weed legalization -- and the next states to legalize cannabis have a lot to learn from them. Legalizing weed brings massive new tax revenue, but it also requires navigating a messy road of creating, regulating and enforcing a brand new industry that will have significant demand from its inception. On top of that, cannabis remains federally illegal.

To avoid disappointing residents and costing millions in tax revenue, the next states to legalize cannabis should avoid these seven big mistakes.

Legalization has three big problems, the biggest of which is federal.

Federal restrictions remain the biggest obstacle for the next states to legalize cannabis. Normal business considerations are much more complex for marijuana companies. This means not having access to banking services, which can include everything from loans to bank accounts to exit strategies.

Other complications resulting from weeds federal classification include only being able to operate a business within your region, which can be as small as a municipality. Taxes are also astronomically high for legal cannabis businesses. Federal roadblocks aside, the next states to legalize cannabis faces two other obstacles:

1. Incentivizing black and grey market businesses to join the legal, tax-paying market.

2. Creating and sustaining a legal market customer base.

To varying degrees, each state that has legalized recreational use has struggled with these obstacles. In order for the next states to legalize cannabis to succeed, legislators should avoid these seven big problems.

Don't tax too much.

By August 2018, California fell $100 million short of its projected annual tax revenue following marijuana legalization. It isnt a coincidence that California has high marijuana taxes. An eighth-of-an-ounce (approximately 3.5 grams) that would cost $40 on the black market is around $70 in stores.

To capitalize on legalization, the next states to legalize cannabis should stay clear of 40 percent taxes on weed, which is what they were in some part of California before reforms. As is predictable, high cannabis taxes encourage consumers to return to the black market.

Conversely, levying high taxes on weed businesses, rather than on the consumer, can short supply. An earlier iteration of Washington state legislation levied 25 percent tax on cultivators, producers and retailers. To avoid taxation at each level of the supply chain, cultivators and producers integrated with one another.

If states want to follow New York Mayor Bill de Blasios vision for legalization and not create "big cannabis," theyll need to discourage vertical integration by not levying significant taxes at each step fo the supply chain.

Related: Study Warns Sky-High Marijuana Taxes Drive Consumers Back to the Black Market

Dont make it too easy to ban dispensaries.

Weed is legal statewide in California and Massachusetts. However, this does not mean that you can buy weed in all municipalities across the state. Just 33 percent of Californian municipalities have legalized recreational sales. The Boston Globe reported that 189 of Massachusetts 351 municipalities banned weed shops before legalization.

If the next states to legalize cannabis want tax dollars and equal access to recreational and medical marijuana, then they have to make sure local governments cant create "pot deserts." For example, New York Governor Andrew Cuomos proposed legalization currently states that only cities and town of over 100,000 residents will have that authority.

Set safety standards that smaller producers can meet.

In the fall of 2018, approximately 20 percent of Californias weed failed lab tests. A product can fail for reasons ranging from pesticide contamination to mislabeling products. Requirements for tinctures and edibles are typically more stringent. The cost of these tests range into the thousands of dollars, which can leave producers with wares that they cannot sell in the legal weed market. As a result, they often turn to the black market.

Related: Pesticide Contamination Is a Growing Cannabis Safety Concern

Make sure there are enough testing labs, and that theyre prepared.

Everyone agrees that the next states to legalize cannabis should give people access to safe products. This means that each state has to create a comprehensive infrastructure for lab testing. Without enough well-equipped labs, the market will be throttled by a testing bottleneck. Californias packaging and testing regulations left dispensaries struggling with customers dissatisfied with the lack of products (and high prices for what they did have).

Not only are unhappy customers less likely to return when their needs are not met, but lower sales translates to less tax revenue for the state.

Do not overlook the importance of distributors.

According to New Yorks current version of the Cannabis Law, you cannot hold a distribution and a retail license at the same time. You can, however, legally produce and distribute products. This means that large scale operations will both produce and distribute their own product. Smaller farms that focus on growing the plant may not have a plan for distribution.

To prevent the creation of big cannabis in the next states to legalize cannabis, each must make sure to license enough distributors so as not to leave small farms without a means to get their product to retail locations. For example, Trinity County in California's fabled Emerald Triangle has more than 200 licensed marijuana growers but no distributors. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, for farmers to legally sell their products.

Related: Many Licensed California Marijuana Growers Face Regulatory Roadblocks Getting Their Harvest to Market

Have enough supply to meet demand.

Were on the verge of creating some of the worlds biggest legal weed markets. For example, just New York Citys retail cannabis market will be worth $1.1 billion -- that estimate does not include the rest of New York state.

But meeting demand will be a massive challenge nationwide. In order to meet it, the next states to legalize cannabis will have to make sure there are enough licensed weed producers, distributors, lab testers and retailers. This means making sure that obtaining a license is neither too complicated nor too expensive. If either is the case, producers and consumers will return to black market weed.

Use a single supply chain tracking system.

One of the biggest forthcoming complications for the next states to legalize cannabis is creating a verifiable system for tracking product from "seed to sale."

This is complex when you have a supply chain that has to adhere to strict health and safety requirements and is forced to deal almost entirely in cash. Additionally, all states mandate that the entire process cannot occur all under one roof. For example, weed has to be tested by a third party.

There are software options on the market specifically designed for this purpose. Another solution for avoiding the paperwork, expense and hassle of seed to sale tracking is putting the marijuana supply chain on the blockchain. Some cannabis cryptocurrencies strive to do just that.

Legalizing weed can mean many different things.

There are states that have legalized weed and those that have not. However, legalization has vast distinctions across states and even municipalities within those states.

Cannabis legalization is, most importantly, what the majority of Americans want. It is also one of the most important steps to counteract the War on Drugs, the opioid epidemic and many more of our nations problems. But how we tax weed, how we regulate and record its quality, and how we license producers, distributors and retailers will determine whether the next states to legalize cannabis are as successful as they can be.

Related:

The States Planning to Legalize Cannabis Should Avoid These 7 Big Mistakes

WHO Cannabis Rescheduling Recommendations Are Too Little for Some

World Health Organization Recommends Rescheduling Cannabis and Provides Clarity on CBD



Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
A Senate panel voted on party lines Thursday to advance President Donald Trump's attorney general nominee William Barr, setting up a confirmation vote next week that will underscore the deep partisan divide over the nomination, particularly concerning how Barr would oversee the special counsel investigation.

Republicans and Democrats on the Senate Judiciary committee have said that Barr, the former attorney general under President George H.W. Bush, is qualified for the position. In 1991, he was confirmed to it without opposition.

But Democrats said Thursday that Barr, 68, has to be scrutinized under what Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont called the "extraordinary circumstances" of 2019, as special counsel Robert Mueller has obtained 37 indictments on various charges during his investigation.

All 12 Republicans on the panel voted for Barr, while all 10 Democrats voted against him.

In supporting Barr's nomination, Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina, said, "I think we need a steady hand at the Department of Justice."

The Justice Department told the House Judiciary Committee that acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker will not appear at Friday's closely-watched oversight hearing unless he receives a written assurance that he will not be served with the subpoena the committee preemptively authorized to use if he avoids questions.

The House Judiciary Committee voted to authorize a subpoena for Whitaker ahead of his Friday testimony.

Democrats approved the subpoena over the objection of Republicans, who accused Nadler of authorizing a preemptive subpoena as "political theater" with questions designed to embarrass the acting attorney general.

The resolution passed on a party-line vote, 23-13.

The threat of a subpoena now hangs over Friday's hearing with Whitaker, in what is likely to be his only congressional testimony while leading the Justice Department, with Barr on a path to be confirmed as the permanent attorney general by the Senate next week.

In their opposition, Democrats cited a memo Barr wrote last year to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein before he was nominated objecting to the obstruction aspect of the Mueller probe as "fatally misconceived" and said, "Mueller should not be permitted to demand that the president submit to interrogation about alleged obstruction."

Barr argued that Trump asking then-FBI director James Comey to let go of the investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn and later firing Comey were within his powers as head of the executive branch.

On Thursday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Judiciary committee, called the memo "disqualifying," saying Barr's theory would leave the president "above the law in most respects." She also criticized Barr for not committing to publicly releasing Mueller's findings.

In his hearing, Barr pledged to release "as much as I can" of Mueller's findings to the public, to provide Mueller with the resources and time to finish the job, to not terminate Mueller without good cause and to notify Congress if he denied a major request during the investigation. He said he would resign "if someone tried to stop a bonafide, lawful investigation to try to cover up wrongdoing."

Graham said that he agreed with Barr's position, saying the president has "a lot of latitude" in firing somebody. He added that his "main goal" is to make sure that Mueller finishes his report "without interference" and trusts that Barr would "share as much as he reasonably can," while protecting confidential information.

In January, two senators on the committee, Sens. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, and Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Democrat, introduced legislation requiring a special counsel to submit a report to Congress. On Thursday, Sen. John Kennedy, Republican of Louisiana, said that he would vote for it even though he said the "only question" is whether the Mueller report is going to leak "in toto" or in part.

"The American people are entitled to see the facts and judge for themselves," Kennedy said.
NEW HAVEN  About 14 percent of Yale University undergraduates admitted they cheated while at Yale but few of them were caught, according to a Yale Daily News survey of more than 1,400 students published Thursday.

Two percent admitted cheating on an exam during their time at Yale, and fewer than one percent reported cheating on an essay or paper last fall, the Daily News reported.

The Daily News also reported that 24 percent of those surveyed said they had copied answers from another students problem set during the fall 2018 semester.

Of 191 students surveyed who said they had cheated at Yale, 8 percent said they had been caught and 82 percent said they had not been. Ten percent did not answer the question.

Also, according to the Yale Daily News survey, 26 percent of undergrads said they had caught someone cheating. Four percent did not respond to the question.

Freshman Ernestina Hsieh, who studies architecture at Yale, said that coming from a high school where cheating was common practice, she actually was impressed by the 14 percent figure, though she acknowledged that incidents could be underreported.

Hsieh also questioned the nature of problem set copying reported in the study, noting that many students might use other problem sets either for guidance when they are struggling or to correct their own answers. That doesnt mean theyre not doing work, and many classes actually provide answer keys as a guide to students, she added.

A sophomore studying economics, who would not give her name, said many professors encourage collaboration, and if thats the kind of copying students were reporting, the idea that 24 percent said they did so last fall is unremarkable.

If the rate of students who copied problem sets without doing any work was even as high as 12 percent, however, she would be surprised, the student said. Hsieh expressed a similar sentiment, saying she thought it would be unusual for someone with that attitude to learning to make it to Yale.

But, she acknowledged, everyone has bad weeks, which may lead to sporadic problem set copying among students.

Professor Yair Minsky, chairman of the Mathematics Department, said problem sets can be a grey area, the Yale Daily News reported, especially for nonmath majors, but said students should do their own work.

Kari, a sophomore at Yale, said she was not surprised by the survey results, and suspected that if applied only to science, technology, engineering and math majors, the number would be higher. In fact, the survey did show higher rates of cheating reported among math and science majors but not engineering, the humanities or social sciences, the Daily News reported.

Kari said she frequently has seen students who copy problem sets in order to meet a deadline and go back later to learn the material.

People get stressed. I think theres a lot of pressure on campus to do well, said the sophomore economics major, when asked why she thought students might resort to cheating.

Survey respondents who admitted cheating on tests said they [looked] stuff up in bathroom on phone, opened up [their] book in the middle of a test or [looked] at other peoples papers, the Daily News reported. The responses were anonymous.

The Daily News also asked 117 athletes recruited by Yale and 22 percent reported cheating while at Yale, 31 percent reported copying problem set answers last fall and 18 percent reported using study drugs.

University consequences

In addressing academic dishonesty, Kari said a more flexible deadline policy could help, adding that hard deadlines are not always conducive to learning. She acknowledged that implementing a flexible policy can be difficult in large lectures, however.

Kari pointed out that Yale recently implemented a policy making it easier for student athletes to receive extensions.

When asked whether the policy was fair, Kari said that that was hard to judge  plenty of students, herself included, are heavily involved in extracurricular activities. Still, she was not opposed to the policy, and suggested that greater understanding toward students with extracurricular commitments would help the situation.

Kari also said academic pressure is a nationwide cultural problem, and a shift to a more holistic educational approach could help improve problems such as study-drug use.

In the meantime, students who have engaged in academic dishonesty face consequences dictated by university policy

According to the university website, Yale regards cheating as a serious offense, for which the standard penalty is two semesters of suspension. However, penalties can range from a reprimand to expulsion.

According to the Handbook for Instructors of Undergraduates in Yale College, Any form of academic dishonesty, whether it be cheating on a test or an examination, plagiarism, improper collaborating on assignments, or the submission of the same essay to two instructors without the explicit consent of both, must be reported to the secretary of the Yale College Executive Committee, either directly or through the students residential college dean.

The Executive Committee is made up of eight faculty members and 12 undergrads and is responsible for enforcing Yale College regulations and determining disciplinary action.

The handbook discourages informal sanctions by teachers. For the sake of consistency, impartiality, fairness, and due process in treating cases of academic dishonesty, it is essential that all such cases be referred to the Executive Committee rather than being settled privately between instructor and student, it states.

In the committees fall 2017 report, the most recent available, 46 students were reported for academic dishonesty, including 13 for plagiarism, 15 who shared problem sets or copied others and three who cheated on exams. Penalties included eight suspensions, 13 students put on probation, five reprimands and four charges withdrawn and 16 carried over to the spring semester.

According to the Daily News article, Some of those who were caught had to meet with their professors, their director of undergraduate studies, the dean of their residential college or the Executive Committee before facing the possibility of punishment  such as a zero on the assignment, a citation or being put on academic probation.

Yale College Dean Marvin Chun said, Im shocked, and Im very sorry to hear that, according to the Daily News. When students cheat, theyre also cheating themselves out of an education. We have many people working on Executive Committee very diligently to ensure academic integrity of all the work that happens at Yale, but it sounds like a lot of cases are going undetected.

According to the Daily News story, 8 percent of respondents have used a non-prescribed study drug  a prescription drug such as Adderall, Ritalin, etc.  to enhance their studying. The story did not say how the students obtained the medications. A 2005 study in the journal Addiction found that of 10,904 students at 119 four-year colleges and universities surveyed in 2001, 6.9 percent had reported nonmedical use of prescription stimulants, such as Adderall, Dexedrine and Ritalin, which are prescribed to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Another small survey reported in the May 2018 issue of the journal Pharmacy found that the drugs may not improve students ability to concentrate. Contrary to common belief, Adderall had little impact on neurocognitive performance in healthy college students, the study reported. While the researchers hypothesized that student performance would be enhanced, findings indicated that Adderall lead to mixed effects including both impairment in cognitive functioning (working memory) and improvement in attention performance.

Reporters and editors at the Yale Daily News were asked to comment on the survey and their methodology and Chun and Minsky were asked to comment on the story. The Yale communications office also was asked for comment. None had responded as of midday Thursday.

Yale University has 5,453 undergraduate students, according to its website.

edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com, 203-680-9382; meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com
When Texas officials announced in late January that as many as 58,000 noncitizens may have voted illegally in state elections over nearly two decades, top Republicans - including President Donald Trump - quickly warned about the prevalence of voter fraud and the need to crack down on it.

But just as quickly, the numbers stopped adding up.

First, on Jan. 25, the secretary of state instructed counties to give voters 30 days to prove their citizenship before canceling their registration. Then, four days later, the office began calling local election officials to say that thousands of people on the list were in fact U.S. citizens, eligible to vote.

The episode is the latest in bungled attempts by states to show that huge numbers of noncitizens are registered to vote and have cast ballots in U.S. elections. In North Carolina, legislative leaders said in 2014 that more than 10,000 suspected noncitizens were registered to vote, but state election officials found that that number was vastly overstated and determined that 11 noncitizens voted that fall.

In Florida in 2012, a list of 180,000 possible noncitizens ultimately led to the removal 85 voters from the rolls. Similar claims have been made in Colorado, Indiana and Kansas.

Those touting the large numbers, almost all Republicans, say the hunt for evidence of voter fraud is necessary to protect the integrity of elections. But the pattern of overblown proclamations also shows the data is easily misinterpreted - prompting voting rights activists to accuse Republicans of using the numbers to discourage eligible voters to cast ballots.

One Texas Democrat joked bitterly that Republicans were conjuring images of "caravans of voters" to alarm Texans about the threat of immigrant voters - an allusion to Trump's claims that thousands of undocumented immigrants are walking toward the southern border.

"This raises justifiable concerns that this is an effort to suppress voting and purge voter lists, and there are people that ought to be ashamed of how we've gotten here," said Kirk Watson, a Democratic state senator in Texas. Watson hopes to question Texas Secretary of State David Whitley about the voter list at a committee hearing Thursday morning in Austin.

Across the country, many noncitizens have legal driver licenses, and driving records typically list their citizenship status. Many such drivers have subsequently become citizens, but their driving records might not have been updated. If out-of-date driver data are cross-referenced with a list of registered voters, that could show incorrectly that the registered voter is not a citizen.

In North Carolina, election officials used a database maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to eliminate thousands of suspected noncitizens from the original list of 10,000. Several anecdotal examples in Texas show similar circumstances; one woman, a reporter for The Dallas Morning News, wrote last week that she hasn't renewed her driver license since becoming a citizen in 2016 because it does not expire until 2020 - so her records with the state are outdated.

Whitley announced on Jan. 25 that his office had discovered about 95,000 noncitizens registered to vote, and that about 58,000 of them had voted at least once over an 18-year period. The numbers resulted from a yearlong investigation in which names provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety, he said, were matched against a state database of voters.

"I would like to thank the Department of Public Safety for providing us with this valuable information," Whitley announced, "so that we can continue to guarantee the right to vote for all eligible Texas voters, who should not have their voices muted by those who abuse the system."

The announcement prompted an avalanche of outrage about the threat of voter fraud. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, tweeted, "VOTER FRAUD ALERT" and promised to deploy the election fraud unit he created last year and to "spare no effort in assisting with these troubling cases." Republican Gov. Greg Abbott described the news as evidence of "illegal vote registration." And Trump weighed in with a tweet: "These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. All over the country, especially in California, voter fraud is rampant. Must be stopped."

Whitley has provided no explanation for how his office determined the citizenship status of the people on the list - for instance, whether it used the federal database that helped North Carolina dramatically reduce its list. Neither his office nor the Department of Public Safety have responded to repeated requests for comment. The attorney general's office declined to answer questions about the voter list, citing an ongoing investigation.

Local officials in Texas quickly realized many of the names they were sent belonged to naturalized citizens. El Paso's list included a woman who works at the elections office and whose colleagues threw her a naturalization party at the office when she became a citizen in 2017, The Texas Tribune reported last week.

In Galveston, election administrators removed duplicates before sending a first batch of letters to 92 of the approximately 830 people listed as noncitizens. Then the Secretary of State's office called to tell them there were problems with the list. Sixty-four of those 92 voters were citizens.

That story played out in counties across Texas, with state officials calling the county election administration to remove thousands of names from the original list. McLennan County, home to Waco, was told to disregard all 366 names originally sent. It is unknown how many suspected noncitizen voters remain on the statewide list.

Critics of the effort, including Watson, the state senator, say its real purpose is to purge eligible voters from the registration rolls for political advantage. Polls show that naturalized immigrants overwhelmingly supported Democratic candidates in the 2018 midterm elections.

Voting rights advocates also noted a bill in the Texas Legislature that would require voter-registration applicants to prove their citizenship. In addition, Paxton, the attorney general, is seeking additional funding to investigate election crimes.

Beth Stevens, of the Texas Civil Rights Project, said she believes the secretary of state's first announcement was designed to help win support for these measures. She noted that one version of the citizenship bill was filed Jan. 28, three days after the announcement - and pointed to a tweet from Abbott promising to "work on legislation to safeguard against these illegal practices."

"There definitely is a broader purpose to restrict access to voting in Texas and affect in a very real way the ability of eligible voters to cast ballots," Stevens said. At least one lawsuit has been filed in Texas seeking to block the removal of voter names from the rolls.

Others accused officials of trying to gin up support for more state funding for border security - a function of the Department of Public Safety, which produced the original list of possible noncitizen voters.

Texas Republicans might not have anticipated the anger of U.S. citizens who discovered their names were on the original list - anger that voting rights activists said could prompt a backlash of heightened political engagement by naturalized Americans.

Michael McDonald, a political science professor at the University of Florida who focuses on election law, said the school did a study when a similar purge attempt happened in Florida.

"We had actual administrative records of people who had been flagged for similar purging," he said. "But people became offended that they had been flagged in this way. And they turned out in higher numbers."
Patty Perreira and I started Barton Perreira in 2007 after working together at Oliver Peoples. OP sold to Oakley in 2006. I moved on at the closing of the sale and Patty stayed for a few months but decided that it wasnt for her. We got together and were very confident that we could start our own brand. We wanted to continue and improve from where we left off at Oliver Peoples.

Its a very difficult process -- that's what I can tell you! Often it's trial and error. As a startup brand you are always looking for international sales, but getting a bad distributor can be very detrimental for your brand. I would advise people to be careful and patient.

Can you explain the process of finding the right international distribution partner?

What does the word entrepreneur mean to you?

That you have a vision for what you want to do and are willing to take the risks needed to accomplish those goals.

How did it feel the first day you opened for business?

Getting Barton Perreira to become a reality had so many different aspects that its hard to say there was an opening day. But, starting your own brand is awesome -- tons of work and scary all at the same time. Plus, once you jump on the spinning wheel it never stops!

Related: Finding the Right Idea Is Like Falling in Love, According to This Entrepreneur

What was your toughest challenge and how did you overcome it?

We launched into retail stores in December 2007. By September of 2008, the financial markets collapsed. Business came to a halt -- for everyone. We tightened everything we could and focused on making the best product. Slowly sales picked up and by the end of 2009 things were really going in a great direction.

Is there a particular quote or saying that you use as personal motivation?
WESTPORT  State Sen. Will Haskell and state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, both D-Westport, will join members of the Reusable Bag Alliance on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Compo Beach to discuss their proposed bills that would ban single-use plastic bags across the state.

The environment plays a vital role in the daily lives of everyone in Connecticut, and we should take every step possible to protect it, said Haskell in a news release. Single-use plastic bags pose a threat to wildlife and clutter our parks and streets, not to mention the devastating impact they have on ocean life if they enter bodies of water. By banning the use of these bags, we can fight to pull waste out of our landfills and protect the natural beauty of our state.
If you think back 10 or 15 years, "maintaining diversity" meant getting people of color, women and other underrepresented groups around the table. But just getting them through the door does not mean you get to keep them, and it certainly doesnt accelerate their growth as employees.

In fact, in todays millennial-driven society, more and more workers will merely ghost the workplace rather than endure working for a company theyre not happy with, according to the Washington Post. This might mean a job candidate agreeing to take a job and just never showing up, or a full-time employee walking out one day, never to return.

This drives recruiters crazy.

What's interesting is that ghosters tend to be young, and one reason for their alarming actions may be the historically low unemployment rate. Another big reason is simply that they're unhappy with their current work setting, particularly its lack of diversity and inclusion. In fact, this is something many millennials prioritize: According to a study our company conducted with the Institute of Public Relations and KRC Research, 47 percent of millennials surveyed said they considered diversity and inclusion an important factor during job searches.

Need more evidence that these efforts are worth pursuing at your company? McKinsey & Co. found that gender-diverse companies examined outperformed their peers by 15 percent, while ethnically diverse business did so by an amazing 35 percent.

Related: How to Create a More Inclusive Workplace

As an entrepreneur, then, you should probably see these as important statistics that might mean the difference between your company thriving or dying. Not only that, but using inclusion metrics can speak to enhancing your retention rates, promoting diverse individuals and improving overall employee engagement.

To ensure your own company is not only diverse but also inclusive, use these strategies:

1. Leave the dictionary at home.

You need to establish the difference between diversity and inclusion before you can move forward with any plan, and that doesnt mean cracking open the Oxford English Dictionary. According to Gallup, millennials have a broader definition of "diversity" and "inclusion." Because so many of this age group are the ones ghosting jobs and because 75 percent of the workforce will be made up of them by 2025, its important to establish your own definitions.

How do you define "inclusion"? What indicators will be meaningful to your organization? Consider your size, location and demographics. For example, startups tend to have informal cultures, which can accidentally leave out new employees or make the founding employees into a kind of clique.

Don't let this happen: Redefine diversity and inclusion for your company by being self-aware about what makes you susceptible to risk.

Related: Diverse Hiring and Inclusive Leadership Is How Startups Thrive

2. Break out that No. 2 pencil.

Measuring inclusion can seem nebulous; you might not know what to include in your assessment. And you wouldn't be alone: Most run-of-the-mill employee-engagement surveys barely tackle inclusion, or do it inadequately.

Some questions, such as Are you satisfied with your advancement opportunities? touch on it, but the data is rarely segmented by gender, ethnicity, age, tenure or other demographic categories.

Writing in the Harvard Business Review, diversity/inclusion consultant Karen Brown described a company that had to both break down its engagement surveys by segment and send a secondary questionnaire, just to learn why there werent as many women in a clients partner roles.

Instead of creating multiple team surveys at your company, create a custom set of metrics based on the way you've defined inclusion for your specific culture. Questions should ask how attentive team members are during meetings, whether all employees are invited to informal get-togethers, etc. Without these assessments, you may have programs in place that don't address your organization's needs.

3. Follow the syllabus.

Just as teachers create lesson plans or a syllabus for a class, companies need to create strategies for building inclusive environments. This includes making a continued investment beyond hiring a set number of women or people of color.

Now that youve evaluated how your own company is doing with inclusion, create programs that will put embedded biases to bed. Consider AT&T's strategy: The company has created employee resource groups that help employees learn more about, and support, communities across various demographics. The widespread participation that's occurred in these groups proves that employees find them valuable.

Then, once you have programs in place, create an internal performance review system that measures your leaders following the initial assessment. Ensure theyre being put on the hook to sponsor across lines of gender, age and ethnicity. Make sure theyre leading teams that allow everyone -- not just one particular group of people -- to speak up and contribute.

4. Ensure everyone is involved.

Create three different training programs: one for managers only, one for everyone but managers and one for all of your employees. Managers need to know how to conduct an inclusive meeting to ensure everyones voice is heard. All-hands meetings that train employees how to identify scenarios where others are being mistreated and how to intervene will help guarantee your strategies are followed.

In addition, provide assertiveness training for employees so used to being ignored that they feel they can no longer speak up. This one might be more difficult, as speaking up can destroy relationships with supervisors or result in negative performance reviews, according to Harvard Business School behavioral scientist and author Francesca Gino. Your own culture might not be toxic, but a company's previous culture may still affect how your employees react now, so be patient with this training.

5. Showcase inclusivity in action.

After youve established a strategy and offered training for your whole team, you need to monitor your companys progress. While you want to keep an eye on noninclusive behavior, of course, showing your team examples of inclusivity will also help demonstrate what the concept looks like in action so that employees are more conscious of their own behaviors.

According to an MIT study that discovered the brain circuit needed for observational learning, learning by example is a critical part of the human experience -- and that includes social behaviors. You can provide these examples by filming meetings and pulling out the best of moments to showcase inclusivity in action. You might also hire an improv or comedy troupe to demonstrate the difference between inclusive and noninclusive behaviors with humor.

Related: Debunking 'Diversity' by Amplifying Inclusion

While diversity seems pretty straightforward, inclusion is a critical part of the equation for creating a company culture that people want to work for. Don't just invite people to the table -- ensure that they can speak and are listened to as well. If not, you might watch some of your best employees walk out the door, "ghosting" you for forever.

Related:

Don't Get 'Ghosted': How Inclusion Will Keep Your Millennial Employees From Walking

Why LGBTI Equality Still a Distant Dream at the Workplace

Companies That Discard Old Thinking About Ability Are Ahead of the Curve



Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
GREENWICH  For many, the grisly discovery of a young woman bound at her hands and feet, stuffed into a suitcase and dumped on the side of a Greenwich road Tuesday was more than a singular traumatic occurance. It was a reminder of the violence women regularly face in communities across the nation.

Police have called the egregious crime an isolated incident. The reassurance may quell public fear of another death occurring at the hands of the same killer, but in the larger context of violence against women, the brutal act was not isolated. Greenwich, Connecticut and the nation are impacted by violence against women every day.

This incident tells us that so much more needs to be done around how we change the way the culture in our society views violence against women, said Karen Jarmoc, president and CEO of Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Clearly this is (indicative) of an element of our culture in which some men feel violence against women is a justified behavior.

The woman, found by road workers early Tuesday morning off Glenville Road, still has not been identified. Authorities have indicated she was not killed at the site where she was found. No motive for the killing is known yet, but advocates say no matter what facts may come to light, the crime is undoubtedly another tragic example of a deadly reality in society.

Were all horrified by the violence associated with the situation, said Mary Lee Kiernan, president and CEO of YWCA Greenwich. One incident in which we dont know the circumstances doesnt make a trend. But, as part of a larger context, it is alarming that violence against women continues.

The nature of the way in which the woman was found displays an extreme example of the objectification of women, said Lucy Nolan, director of policy and public relations at the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence.

Its disgusting, she said. As women, weve always been taught  and some men believe  that our bodies are for their gratification. Women are taught our whole lives that we have to look over shoulders, have to be careful.

Since the year began, Connecticut has been deluged with news of murdered women.

On Sunday, Fairfield resident Catherine Taylor, 70, was shot to death. Police arrested her ex-husband James Taylor for the murder. She was reportedly fearful of him and tracked his movements on an iPad app. Police responded to help settle a dispute between the the two just two days before Catherine Taylor died.

Alice Marie Figueroa, a 28-year-old Middletown woman, was found shot dead in her home on Monday. Police are still searching for her boyfriend, Benjamin Morales, who they charged in the killing.

Maryann Kibbe-Stanisz, 70, died from blunt impact injuries to her neck and head in her Watertown home on Jan. 9. William Boyarinas, 48 was charged with her murder.

Emily Todd, 25, of Bethel, was shot in the back of the head on Dec. 9 in Bridgeport. Ohio man Brandon Roberts, who detectives said met Todd on a dating website, was charged in her murder. In an unrelated case, police said Roberts drove up to another woman this summer in Bridgeport, told her he wanted to have sex with her and shot her from behind when she turned him down.

I dont know why I did it, I had a lot of hate in me, man, police said Roberts told them.

Nearly half of all female homicide victims in the nation are killed by a current or former male intimate partner, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control report.

Since 2000, there have been about 14 deaths related to domestic violence each year in Connecticut, said Kiernan.

That statistic is holding steady, she added. Its deeply disturbing.

Nearly 40,000 people a year reach out for help from the statewide domestic violence hotline, Jarmoc said. In Greenwich, domestic violence is the number one reported violent crime. YWCA Greenwich reported it received more than 3,500 crisis calls last year.

In the past 44 years, Greenwich has seen 21 murders. Of those victims, 15 were women. Seven of the murders are known to have involved domestic violence and two involved apparent sexual assault.

Advocates say the attention drawn to the unidentified womans murder may glean some positive outcomes.

Im hoping, if any good can come out of this, people can be made aware that (fear of violence) is always there in the back of womens minds, said Nolan. I hope people will realize this can happen anywhere and we need to always be aware of it.

Jarmoc said she hopes the message to come out of the tragedy is that violence can escalate in ways that take lives.

The good news is there is help available 24/7 in the state of Connecticut, she said. You can call and immediately, have conversations with an advocate about your safety before it reaches the level of risk of death.

If you are someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the statewide crisis hotline at 888-774-2900. In Greenwich, The YWCA hotline is 203-622-0003.
STAMFORD  A Stamford judge on Thursday found a city man who killed a woman as she was putting gas into her stalled out food truck guilty of a lesser offense.

The ruling by Judge Richard Comerford means that newspaper delivery driver Victor Medina-Fajardo was found guilty of misdemeanor negligent homicide with a motor vehicle for wandering over the double yellow line and killing Angela Lopez, 34, on the morning of Oct. 18, 2014 on Hope Street in Springdale. Medina-Fajardo, 37, was on trial part of last week and this facing a felony charge of misconduct with a motor vehicle, a charge that sounds a less serious than the lesser charge he was convicted of.

Because the proceeding was a bench trial, instead of a jury deciding the verdict, Comerford was the trier of fact in the case.

As a result, when he returns to court April 17, Medina-Fajardo will be facing a possible year in jail, instead of the five he was exposed to with the more serious misconduct charge.

Medina-Fajardos attorney Darnell Crosland said he was aiming for the lesser charge, although he said he may appeal the verdict.

We approached this trial as though there was a jury present and covered every aspect legally and factually. We are pleased with the split verdict. A not guilty for the felony charge was our goal, he said.

Outside the courthouse Medina-Fajardo thanked Crosland and said over the past four years, Crosland wasnt just his attorney, but his friend. He also said that he prayed for the family of Lopez.

Alex Martinez, the attorney representing the estate of Lopez and her husband Rafael Escobar, said he understood how Comerford came to the decision he did.

I think the judges decision was sound. Based on the evidence presented he made the correct judicial decision, Martinez said. I dont fault him for the decision. It was a tough case to hear.

Martinez said just a month before Lopez was killed, she and Escobar were married after being together for four years.

Escobar testified during the trial that he was with Lopez that morning as she was putting gasoline in the food truck that was stalled in the northbound lane of Hope Street near the corner of Hyde Street.

He said he did not see the southbound Ford Explorer being driven by Medina-Fajardo bearing down on he and his wife before it hit him and Lopez, pinning her between the Fords bumper and the food truck. Lopez was pronounced dead at Stamford Hospital.

Escobar testified that when Medina-Fajardo jumped out of the Explorer, he put his hands to his head and screamed, What did I do? What did I do? I killed somebody.

Medina-Fajardo told police accident investigators that he had been delivering newspapers that morning and may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

Crosland argued that his client had sleep apnea, which probably caused him to doze off and loose control of the SUV.

Martinez said he suspects Medina-Fajardo probably knew he was having trouble sleeping and still took the chance on driving that morning.

He made a decision to get behind the wheel with no sleep. When you decide not to sleep and you know you may have an issue, you are making a conscious decision to put yourself and others in danger. The unfortunate thing is that Mrs. Lopez life was lost that did not have to be lost and her daughter and son lost their mother, Martinez said. (Escobar) lost everything. ... His whole world was taken away.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
For the first time in its 80-year history, a prominent Fairfield County-wide school dance will be open to all same-sex couples starting next year.

Following repeated inquiries from Hearst Connecticut Media, the County Assemblies said in an email that all same-sex couples would be allowed to attend in 2020.

We have welcomed same-sex female couples for years and value their participation in our events, the organization said in an emailed statement to Hearst. We now whole-heartedly welcome all same-sex couples.

The required dress code will also change to be more inclusive, the organization said. Girls were allowed to wear either dresses or a tuxedo while boys were required to wear a tuxedo, a policy LGBTQ advocates said was exclusionary.

We find that problematic, said Conor Pfeiffer, development officer for Norwalk-based Triangle Community Center. It would influence someones ability to express their gender identity.

In order to attend the Counties, as the annual County Assembly Charity Ball is called colloquially, a girl in her junior year of high school must invite an escort. No stag attendees are allowed.

The Counties, and the Red and White Charity Ball held for high school seniors, is run by The Counties Assemblies, Inc., founded by Mrs. Willem Schilthuis in 1938. It originated with the planning of a Christmas dance held at the Red Barn for a group of young people from Westport, according to the organizations website.

Students had started to agitate in recent years over policies they felt excluded the LGBTQ community, according to Chris Fray, a Mandarin and Spanish teacher at Westports Staples High School, and the schools Gay-Straight Alliance advisor.

The Counties was certainly gender normative, Fray said. There was always a sense of exclusion, and I think thats why they felt so strongly about it.

Students involved in the Gay-Straight Alliance had written an article in the school newspaper and emailed dance organizers, though the response had been polite but noncommittal, Fray said: The students said this is one of our goals this year, to get a response from the Counties.

The dance is actually two dances. Students from Easton, Fairfield and Redding attended last Friday; Westport, Weston and Wilton on Saturday.

Both are very well attended. Board member Rosanna Alfero said Saturdays event alone drew close to 800 students.

The purpose, the organization said, is to creating space for girls to feel comfortable and empowered to take a leading social role and independently ask an escort to accompany them to this event, in the hopes of furthering the equality of power in these relationships.

That being said, board members said they recognized policies had to change.

We are not blind to the fact that young men, especially LGBTQ men, can be marginalized, too, the organization said. We have struggled to balance our commitment to empower women with our intention that no student feel excluded from our events based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This event was never designed to be exclusionary to young men, especially LGBTQ men, but, more recently, designed to combat a specific imbalance of power in social and dating relationships.

LGBTQ advocates hailed the decision.

County Assemblies Charity events is right to revise its policies around gender for 2020, Pfeifer said. As we understand it, Counties Assembly Charity is headed up largely by parents who care about the kind of world they want to shape for their kids.

Jordan Fenster is digital products editor for Hearst Connecticut Media. Jordan.Fenster@hearstmediact.com.
STAMFORD  Former city Public Safety Director, Chairman of the Stamford Police Foundation and mayoral candidate William Callion Jr. died Saturday. He was 73.

Bill Callion was and will always be remembered by me as being a true humanitarian who, without question, put other peoples needs ahead of his own, said Stamford Police Chief Jon Fontneau. He will always be remembered to me as a person who led by example. Personally, I held Mr. Callion in very high esteem and will miss him.

Born in Chicago, Callion came to Stamford where he became IBMs worldwide manager of market opportunity after he earned an MBA in management and finance from the Pace University Lubin School of Business. Then-Mayor Dannel P. Malloy appointed Callion as the citys director of public safety, health and welfare from from 2003 to 2009, a position in which he was responsible for the administration, supervision and performance of municipal functions related to police, fire, health, social services, rescue, emergency medical services and emergency management.

Mayor David Martins Chief of Staff Michael Pollard said Callion was the first African-American public safety director and possibly the first to run a mayoral campaign in the city.

Bill was one of the great ones, said Fire Chief Trevor Roach. Always a smile and a firm handshake. He was the visionary behind the radio system we installed in 2008. A great ally of the fire department and a friend. I will miss him.

Callions service to the community included posts as chairman of the Urban League of Southwestern Connecticut, member of the Economic Development Charter Revision and Fire commissions for the city of Stamford, chair of the citys Board of Finance and chair of the Ferguson Library Board of Trustees. He was a past president of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and lifetime member of the Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Kappa Psi fraternities.

Former Police Chief Robert Nivakoff, who served under Callion as deputy and then chief from about 2005 to 2012, said he remembered long talks the two shared.

I love Bill Callion. He was a great man. He loved his family, the church, the community and the cops, Nivakoff said.

Nivakoff said Callion had a great sense of humor and he knew how to laugh. During some very serious times he always maintained his optimism. And Nivakoff said Calliom excelled in bringing to the city a high level of emergency management.

All he cared about was what was good for the community. He was a very bright, caring man and Ill miss him, Nivakoff said.

Former Fire Chief Robert McGrath said he never heard Callion say anything bad about anyone.

I have to tell you, it was a pleasure and a honor working for him. He knew how to handle the people who worked for him. He let us make our decisions. He was a very, very knowledgeable guy and one of the smartest men I have ever met, McGrath said. He will be sorely missed.

Former Police Union President Sgt. Joseph Kennedy said Callion was always a good friend to the police.

He was a real genuine guy who had a real concern for the police officers and the citizens of Stamford. He was a true friend to us, Kennedy said. He was just a nice man, a very nice man.

Callion was a dedicated member of Union Baptist Church for more than 30 years. He served as chairman of the Deacon Ministry and as a member of the Sanctuary, Mens and Mass choirs of the church. He was the founding board chairman of Union Enterprises, Inc., and a former board member of the Union Social Services Corporation.

He is survived by his wife, Melvina, sons William and Wesley, and granddaughters Tiffany and Bethany.

A wake will be held Saturday at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral at 11 a.m. at Union Baptist Church, 805 Newfield Ave., Stamford.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
David Alvarezs symptoms started when he was in kindergarten.

He walked on the tips of his toes. He was slower than the other kids in gym class. He required regular breaks, even after walking a short distance. Increasingly, he struggled ascending stairs. And, as he got older, he began to lose his balance and fall.

It wasnt like I was in pain, Alvarez, 18, says. It was just, I felt very weak.

He kept telling me, Im getting weaker, says his mother, Madeline, seated next to her son at a Bridgeport coffeehouse, just a few miles from the University of Bridgeport, where Alvarez is now a freshman.

For 12 years, Alvarezs decline was a part of life for his mother, father and little sister. It controlled where they went as a family and what they did. And as symptoms persisted with no answers, it weighed on Madelines mind.

You dont want to see your child having to face any difficult challenges, Madeline says. I would think, why couldnt it be me and not him?

For much of Alvarezs childhood, he was poked and prodded by doctors. One believed the tendons in his legs were too tight. Another posited muscular dystrophy was the cause. One, flummoxed by a series of negative test results and Alvarezs continued deterioration, estimated that hed be wheelchair bound by 13.

The physical effects of the disease were draining. For his family, it was psychologically taxing, too. But Alvarez  always quick to flash a grin, even when speaking of his own health  denies any trauma.

I was happy, I didnt really let it get to me, Alvarez says. I never was like, This is my life. I still did what I wanted to do.

He still does.

When the conversation shifts from his illness to his nascent brand, Made Clothings, he leans forward, rubs his palms together and widens his darks eyes.

The whole point of this is to represent those who have made it, or are in the process of making it, through any hardship in life, Alvarez declares.

Alvarez always loved fashion. But it didnt occur to him that he could start his own brand until his senior year at Seymour High School. A classmate had found a hustle: buy blank T-shirts, sew a logo on, and sell it to friends at a profit. Respecting his peers DIY spirit, Alvarez decided to adopt the concept and strengthen it by incorporating his own story.

He crafted a simple, eye-catching design  a red, black and white color scheme with the word Made over the left breast (the Japanese symbol for made stands in for a). Alvarez began peddling to family and friends.

Get Made David Alvarez's shirts are unisex designs and come in every size from small to extra large. They retail for $24.99 at madeclothings.com. See More Collapse

All the while, Alvarez was receiving regular spinal taps to treat what was deemed a rare genetic disorder.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is caused by a deficiency of a motor neuron protein called SMN, which promotes normal motor neuron function. Without the protein, nerve cells located in the spine, that control much of our movement, cant send signals to muscles, which wither from lack of use.

It was a grave diagnosis, but not one without hope.

We cried, Madeline remembers. But then the doctor introduced us to the medication. I went from crying to so happy because there was a treatment.

Two months later, on July 17, 2017, Alvarez received his first in what will be a lifetime of injections of the drug Spinraza (approved by the FDA in December 2016), which is shot into his spine four times a year.

His mother applies an anesthetic cream to his back before each injection, but its an unpleasant, 10-minute long process nonetheless.

I dont feel the actual puncture, but I feel it moving around in my back, Alvarez says. It definitely is something invasive.

Still, as Alvarez is wont to do, he doesnt dwell on the discomfort of the treatment. He marvels at its effectiveness.

With each successive treatment, Alvarez feels himself growing stronger. He is sturdier on his feet, getting in and out of chairs has become increasingly easy, and hes now able to lift weights.

With his newfound strength, hes also hoping to expand his business and offer a greater variety of clothing options for men and women. And hes working to set up speaking engagements at local high schools where he can share his story.

To hear him tell it, his struggle with SMA was a gift.

I feel like its made me stronger if anything, Alvarez says. Nothing really gets to me.

Justin Papp is a staff writer.

Email: justin.papp@scni.com; Twitter: @justinjpapp1
Patricia Kalember recalls being asked to play iconic femi ni st activist Gloria Steinem in the off-Broadway play, Gloria: A Life.

Intimidation and total fear were my first reactions, says the actor, who lives in Weston with her husband, Daniel Gerroll.

Kalember succeeds Christine Lahti in the role in popular show, which has an all-female creative and producing team. The play by Emily Mann not only details Steinhems personal life and activism with a full cast, but for its second act invites the audience into a talking circle. There the ideas of the play continue with conversations, led by Kalember, now as herself and often with a guest to kick off the story sharing  sometimes its even Steinem.

The actor and her husband worked with the shows director  Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus, in a play last year at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Mass., where Paulus is artistic director.

Diane made it clear this was not going to be Nicole Kidman turning into Virginia Woolf in The Hours, says Kalember, who adds that in this presentational play, she relies on evoking the spirit of Steinem. But yes, shell be wearing Steinems familiar look of the 70s when she helped launch the feminist movement: Tinted aviator glasses, black bell bottoms pants, large rings and an outsized belt.

The casting is a good fit for Kalember, who is known for strong woman roles such as Georgie in the popular NBC drama series Sisters, which ran from 1991 to 1996, as Susannah in thirtysomething, which ran from 1987 to 1991 and as Kate Egan, the force-of-nature mom in the series Power, now in its fifth season.

The opportunity to get to know Gloria and her work and then act it out is beyond even an ego thing, says Kalember, 62. I feel like Im in service to something bigger.

Kalember says she did take notes of personal details when she met Steinhem for the first time recently.

The funny thing about Gloria is if you come up to her and say how fabulous she is, she immediately turns the conversation around to you, she says.

Anything else?

She has very long fingernails  and she uses her hands a lot to talk. So I just looked for little stuff like that as an actor. Im not doing a full-on impersonation. I focus on her manner mostly because I always felt she leads with her intelligence and her humor more than anything. Theres also something fun-loving-but-contained about her  until she laughs.

Kalember says Steinem still leads an active activist life. Its remarkable. Her staff sends me her schedule for the week and  well, come on. Shes 84 and shes busier than I ever was or will be.

Kalember relates to much of Steinems beginnings. The actor was born in Schenectady, N.Y., but because of her fathers job at General Electric, the family moved a lot: to Detroit, Louisville and Westport for a few years, and then back to Louisville.

I wish I had more Gloria in my life back them because the South is not always the most open place for strong women, lets just put it that way.

Like Steinem during her teen years, Kalember tried to fit in and be nice to everybody and wanting to be liked. But I also wanted to not be just the pretty girl but to be smart. I got out of there pretty fast.

In college in the mid-1970s, as the feminist movement was flourishing and an Equal Rights Amendment seemed possible, Kalember was not a subscriber to Ms. Magazine, though she followed its progress. I was not fully woke, she admits.

In the play, Kalember as Steinem, talks about when she was starting out in journalism at the New York Times and an editor told her she could choose to either come to his hotel room or deliver his mail. She said, Ill deliver your letters, says Kalember, and she realized she was lucky she didnt get fired.

As an actor, Kalember says her experience with sexual harassment was limited. I really didnt have the predatory #metoo things happening. Just the usual things, like if they thought there was a problem with the show they would say, Its probably the girl. In the daytime soap Loving, I pushed back when I was told to be a certain way physically, like stuffing my bra and using tons of makeup and getting bigger hair. I said no because I was playing a news reporter. And not only was I fired, I was told I needed years of therapy because I was cold. Interesting, right?

Kalember say the post-feminism period was to be expected. Gloria always says there is always a backlash and you have to expect it. Its part of the struggle. Progress is incremental.

Kalember says that she thinks the feminist backlash has to do with having a black president. Gloria also says you cant separate sexism from racism.

When asked about return visits to characters from her two most popular series  Sisters and thirtysomething  she is not optimistic.

We tried to get a TV movie of Sisters and the ladies were all interested, but I think we just couldnt get the rights.

And as for a sixtysomething, the actors are all involved in other projects and careers other than acting.

Still she envisions personally what her character is like now.

I think Ive come out and she and her lesbian partner have adopted another daughter and they are all living in the whole totally hipster Brooklyn life  but she still believes in social justice.

Frank Rizzo has covered Connecticut arts for nearly 40 years.
Washington, Feb 07, 2019 (SPS) - - Occupied Western Sahara remains a non-free territory where the respect of political and civic rights is significantly declining, according to the non-governmental organization Freedom House.

In 2018, the Sahrawi territories illegally occupied by Morocco recorded no progress in terms of democratic liberties, said the American NGO in its 2019 report on democracy in the world, presented Tuesday in Washington.

Freedom House gives a score of 4 out of 100 (4/100), one of the worst in the world.

The situation of liberties in occupied Western Sahara, under the Moroccan occupation, hasnt improved, the territories get every year negative rating.

The report, which covers the democracy in terms of civil liberties and political rights, is interested, amongst others, in political pluralism and participation, as well as freedom of expression and rights of association.

Last year, Western Sahara recorded the worst scores in terms of civil liberties and political rights, accumulating 7/7 for these two indicators as well as for the indicator relating to the evaluation of freedom in general.SPS

125/090/700
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A photo from DigitalGlobe of Iran's Imam Khomeini Space Center shows, according to company representatives, people and launch vehicles at the launchpad on Feb. 5, 2019, as well as the two-stage Safir rocket, a truck with possible propellant tanks and a barrier to restrict access to the launch site.

Satellite images from the company DigitalGlobe reveal a likely launch of an Iranian satellite between Feb. 5 and 6.

Industry experts have suggested the launch failed just after liftoff. If true, this would be the second Iranian launch failure in less than a month.

Iranian officials announced that the Doosti satellite  whose name means "friendship" in Persian  was ready to be launched on Feb. 4, according to Iran Daily. And new images shared with Space.com by the satellite imaging company DigitalGlobe reveal activity at the Imam Khomeini Space Center launch site on Feb. 5  including people and launch vehicles at the site, the two-stage Safir rocket and a truck with possible propellant tanks  with a scorched scar on the launchpad and runoff from a post-launch washdown visible on Feb. 6. However, officials have not announced a successful launch to an English-speaking audience. The Doosti satellite, which according to AP News is a remote-sensing satellite, was developed at Tehran's Sharif University of Technology.

A DigitalGlobe image from Feb. 6, 2019, shows the seeming aftermath of a launch, with a blast mark on the launchpad and runoff from a post-launch washdown of the site. (Image credit: Satellite image Copyright 2019 DigitalGlobe, a Maxar company)

Michael Elleman, a senior fellow for missile defense at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told NPR that satellite imagery suggests the small Safir rocket made it at least 10 seconds into the flight. David Schmerler, a senior research associate at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, told NPR it likely went up and failed to insert the satellite into orbit. Writer and international affairs analyst Ankit Panda tweeted that a source had confirmed the effort "failed shortly after launch."

The Iranian news site Hamshahri appears to confirm that the spacecraft launched.

An overview of the Imam Khomeini Space Center in northern Iran. (Image credit: Satellite image Copyright 2019 DigitalGlobe, a Maxar company)

A previous Iranian launch failed on Jan. 15, according to a report from AP News. That imaging satellite, called Payam ("message"), failed during operation of the rocket's third stage. This was a newer, larger rocket than that used for the Doosti launch.

The U.S. government has criticized Iran's space program for possibly helping the nation develop nuclear weapon capabilities, according to the AP. Iranian officials have classified both failed launches as non-military.

Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook. Original article on Space.com.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has named its next Mars rover, due to touch down on the Red Planet in March 2021, in honor of British scientist Rosalind Franklin, whose research was crucial to scientists' determining the structure of DNA.

The rover was built in the U.K. and is designed to search for traces of habitability and of life itself by roaming around on the Martian surface and drilling within the top 6.5 feet (2 meters) of the planet's surface. If it successfully lands  never an easy feat with Mars' strong gravity and thin atmosphere  the Franklin rover would be Europe's first presence on the Red Planet's surface.

"Rosalind Franklin is one of science's most influential women, and her part in the discovery of the structure of DNA was truly groundbreaking," Alice Bunn, international director of the U.K. Space Agency, said in a statement. "It's fitting that the robot bearing her name will search for the building blocks of life on Mars, as she did so on Earth through her work on DNA." [How Europe's ExoMars Missions Work (Infographic)]

An artist's depiction of the Rosalind Franklin rover, which Europe plans to place on the Martian surface in March 2021. (Image credit: ESA/ATG medialab)

In order to name the Franklin rover, which is part of the ExoMars series of missions and will succeed a failed lander called Schiaparelli, ESA pored through suggestions from 36,000 people. The agency chose to commemorate Franklin for her work as an X-ray crystallographer during the 1940s and '50s. Franklin captured structural images of substances like viruses and coal, as well as the crucial biological compounds DNA and RNA, which both carry genetic information.

James Watson and Francis Crick used her research without permission and with little credit when publishing their model of the structure of DNA in 1953. In Watson's book "The Double Helix," which shaped the narrative around the discovery of the structure of DNA for decades, he painted a vituperative picture of Franklin, whom he referred to as "Rosy." She died in 1958 at age 37, and her work went mostly unacknowledged until the 1990s.

"Rosalind the rover captures this spirit and carries us all to the forefront of space exploration," ESA Director General Jan Woerner said in a statement. (For the record, most spacecraft named in honor of a person are referred to by their honoree's last names; the other key exception was the Sojourner Mars rover, named for Sojourner Truth.) "This name reminds us that it is in the human genes to explore. Science is in our DNA, and in everything we do at ESA."

Editor's note: This article has been updated to include the Sojourner rover. Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her @meghanbartels. Follow us @Spacedotcom and Facebook. Original article on Space.com.
NASA has its sights set on returning to the moon, first with robotic landers and then with humans. Here, the Apollo 12 lunar module orbits before landing.

The first commercial U.S. landers to touch down on the moon should do so by the end of 2021, and they have a long list of scientific questions to tackle when they do.

That's the takeaway from two reports released today (Feb. 7) by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. The reports address the status of lunar science after President Donald Trump's Space Policy Directive 1 (SPD 1), which put NASA focus on returning to the moon  first sending robots, then humans  with the help of commercial partnerships.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced nine U.S. companies that will compete for the first contracts to place NASA payloads on the moon, but details have been scarce about what precisely such landers could bring with them and what those payloads would do. One of the new papers, which deals exclusively with how the commercial program can contribute to lunar science, helps fill in those details, based in part on information provided by companies that have expressed interest in the program. [NASA's Exploration Mission 1: A Step-by-Step Return to the Moon in Pictures]

Those discussions suggest that the first wave of commercial lunar landers could carry payloads of between 22 and 220 lbs. (10 to 100 kilograms). The payloads would likely remain where they landed (except perhaps for some small hoppers that could move around) and would be unable to survive the harsh lunar night, which lasts two weeks in Earth time.

But such payloads could still do valuable science, the panel behind the new report argued. The science community has agreed on nine top-priority topics they want to better understand about the moon, from its formation to how it has been hit by meteoroids over the millennia to what resources humans may be able to tap into if they visit. And those topics are profiting from NASA's pivot in response to SPD 1, the first paper concluded.

The first step in response to SPD 1 may well be science cubesats that could fly to the moon on NASA's own Exploration Mission-1, the first flight of the massive Space Launch System rocket. One such instrument is already due to map hydrogen across the moon's surface.

Even the first generation of commercially ferried instruments could make important contributions to those questions, the second paper concluded. For example, the first commercial landers could place retroreflectors, which are basically sophisticated mirrors, that scientists could use to more precisely measure how Earth and the moon interact. Other early payloads could also take snapshots of lunar environmental factors, like the solar wind, radiation and dust.

Once those landers can survive through the frigid lunar nights or deploy rovers able to explore the surface, they will open up still more scientific potential. Rovers, even short-lived ones, could explore lava tubes, which people in favor of human exploration of the moon hope could protect astronauts from harmful radiation. And once longer missions become possible, payloads can mimic the work NASA's InSight lander's seismometer does on Mars, monitoring lunar meteorite impacts.

But the new papers also raise some concerns that NASA's lunar program  in conjunction with commercial partners and on its own  will need to address. In particular, the experts said they worried that without careful communication between NASA and commercial providers, there could be mismatches between the landers and instruments. Any such miscommunications could cause schedule and budget overruns. [Building Apollo: Photos from Moonshot History]

And the committee was clear to emphasize that while all of these initiatives will be valuable for lunar science, the moon-focused SPD 1 has yet to push forward a crucial class of missions. For 15 years now, scientists have endorsed two specific mission concepts for lunar science, each of which would cost up to $850 million.

One of those missions would bring a sample back from the South Pole-Aitken Basin region, the same area of the moon where China's Chang'e 4 mission is currently exploring; the other mission would place a network of landers on the moon to help researchers understand the lunar interior. Neither mission is currently on NASA's docket, and the smaller commercial missions discussed so far would not provide the same scientific returns, the reports noted.

Scientists interested in participating in the commercial lunar program are currently preparing proposals for scientific instruments to fly on the commercial landers. The proposals were originally due last month, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 27 after the federal government's 35-day partial shutdown.

Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her @meghanbartels. Follow us @Spacedotcom and Facebook. Original article on Space.com.
Planet Earth doesn't have a birth certificate to record its formation, which means scientists spent hundreds of years struggling to determine the age of the planet. So, just how old is Earth?

By dating the rocks in Earth's ever-changing crust, as well as the rocks in Earth's neighbors, such as the moon and visiting meteorites, scientists have calculated that Earth is 4.54 billion years old, with an error range of 50 million years.

Related: How Big is Earth?

Related: What's the Speed of Earth Around the Sun?



How old are your rocks?

Scientists have made several attempts to date the planet over the past 400 years. They've attempted to predict the age based on changing sea levels, the time it took for Earth or the sun to cool to present temperatures, and the salinity of the ocean. As the dating technology progressed, these methods proved unreliable; for instance, the rise and fall of the ocean was shown to be an ever-changing process rather than a gradually declining one.

And in another effort to calculate the age of the planet, scientists turned to the rocks that cover its surface. However, because plate tectonics constantly changes and revamps the crust, the first rocks have long since been recycled, melted down and reformed into new outcrops.

Scientists also must battle an issue called the Great Unconformity, which is where sedimentary layers of rock appear to be missing (at the Grand Canyon, for example, there's 1.2 billion years of rock that can't be found). There are multiple explanations for this uncomformity; in early 2019, one study suggested that a global ice age caused glaciers to grind into the rock, causing it to disintegrate. Plate tectonics then threw the crushed rock back into the interior of the Earth, removing the old evidence and turning it into new rock.

In the early 20th century, scientists refined the process of radiometric dating. Earlier research had shown that isotopes of some radioactive elements decay into other elements at a predictable rate. By examining the existing elements, scientists can calculate the initial quantity of a radioactive element, and thus how long it took for the elements to decay, allowing them to determine the age of the rock.

The oldest rocks on Earth found to date are the Acasta Gneiss in northwestern Canada near the Great Slave Lake, which are 4.03 billion years old. But rocks older than 3.5 billion years can be found on all continents. Greenland boasts the Isua supracrustal rocks (3.7 to 3.8 billion years old), while rocks in Swaziland are 3.4 billion to 3.5 billion years. Samples in Western Australia run 3.4 billion to 3.6 billion years old.

Research groups in Australia found the oldest mineral grains on Earth. These tiny zirconium silicate crystals have ages that reach 4.3 billion years, making them the oldest materials found on Earth so far. Their source rocks have not yet been found.

The rocks and zircons set a lower limit on the age of Earth of 4.3 billion years, because the planet itself must be older than anything that lies on its surface.

When life arose is still under debate, especially because some early fossils can appear as natural rock forms. Some of the earliest forms of life have been found in Western Australia, as announced in a 2018 study; the researchers found tiny filaments in 3.4-billion-year-old rocks that could be fossils. Other studies suggest that life originated even earlier. Hematite tubes in volcanic rock in Quebec could have included microbes between 3.77 and 4.29 billion years ago. Researchers looking at rocks in southwestern Greenland also saw cone-like structures that could have surrounded microbial colonies some 3.7 billion years ago.

A fist-size sample of the Acasta Gneisses, rocks in northwest Canada that are the oldest known rocks on Earth. (Image credit: Mike Beauregard/Creative Commons.)

Meet the neighbors

In an effort to further refine the age of Earth, scientists began to look outward. The material that formed the solar system was a cloud of dust and gas that surrounded the young sun. Gravitational interactions coalesced this material into the planets and moons at about the same time. By studying other bodies in the solar system, scientists are able to find out more about the early history of the planet.

The nearest body to Earth, the moon, doesn't experience the resurfacing processes that occur across Earth's landscape. As such, rocks from early lunar history still sit on the surface of the moon. Samples returned from the Apollo and Luna missions revealed ages between 4.4 billion and 4.5 billion years, helping to constrain the age of Earth. How the moon formed is a matter of debate; while the dominant theory suggests a Mars-size object crashed into Earth and the fragments eventually coalesced into the moon, other theories suggest that the moon formed before Earth. [Related: How Was Earth Formed?]

In addition to the large bodies of the solar system, scientists have studied smaller rocky visitors that have fallen to Earth. Meteorites spring from a variety of sources. Some are cast off from other planets after violent collisions, while others are leftover chunks from the early solar system that never grew large enough to form a cohesive body.

Although no rocks have been deliberately returned from Mars, samples exist in the form of meteorites that fell to Earth long ago, allowing scientists to make approximations about the age of rocks on the Red Planet. Some of these samples have been dated to 4.5 billion years old, supporting other calculations of the date of early planetary formation.

A 4.4 billion year old zircon crystal from Australia is the oldest piece of Earth yet found. The source rocks for the small shards have not yet been identified. (Image credit: John Valley, University of Wisconsin.)

More than 70 meteorites that have fallen to Earth have had their ages calculated by radiometric dating. The oldest of these are between 4.4 billion and 4.5 billion years old.

Fifty thousand years ago, a rock hurled down from space to form Meteor Crater in Arizona. Shards of that asteroid have been collected from the crater rim and named for the nearby Canyon Diablo. The Canyon Diablo meteorite is important because it represents a class of meteorites with components that allow for more precise dating.

In 1953, Clair Cameron Patterson, a renowned geochemist at the California Institute of Technology, measured ratios of lead isotopes in samples of the meteorite that put tight constraints on Earth's age. Samples of the meteorite show a spread from 4.53 billion to 4.58 billion years. Scientists interpret this range as the time it took for the solar system to evolve, a gradual event that took place over approximately 50 million years.

By using not only the rocks on Earth but also information gathered about the system that surrounds it, scientists have been able to place Earth's age at approximately 4.54 billion years. For comparison, the Milky Way galaxy that contains the solar system is approximately 13.2 billion years old, while the universe itself has been dated to 13.8 billion years.

Further reading:

This article was updated on Feb. 7, 2019, by Space.com contributor Elizabeth Howell.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Mostly cloudy...isolated thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. High 82F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.
Georgetown, SC (29440)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.
Berrien County Sheriffs Deputy Jessica Frucci testifies during the John Lewis murder trial using a life-size replica of the marijuana grow room where Lewis wife, Carla Lewis, was found shot to death at their home in Niles Township. The trial is taking place in St. Joseph.
South Bend Tribune Report

South Bend Tribune

LaPORTE  The LaPorte County Sheriffs Department is investigating the death of an injured eight-week-old infant.

The sheriffs office was contacted last Friday by Franciscan Health Hospital in Michigan City, according to a news release.

Hospital officials told officers the baby was being transported to Comer Childrens Hospital in Chicago. The baby, which had no brain activity, died about 11:41 a.m. Tuesday, according to the sheriffs department.

An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday by the Cook County (Ill.) Medical Examiners office.

The hometown and sex of the baby have not been released, nor any details about the babys family.
Areas in focus are tourism, real estate, industrial and economic infrastructure, non-tariff areas, manufacturing industry, health care, education  training, support industry for textile and garment and others in value chains in Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific.

At Phu Bai industrial zone in Thua Thien-Hue (Source: VNA)



Amid the fourth industrial revolution, the province gives top priority to developing information technology workforce, high-tech agriculture and bio technology.

It will also prioritise investors with major brands, banks prestigious partners, domestic and foreign investment funds, and successful domestic enterprises.

Further attention will be paid to calling for investment from traditional markets such as the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong (China), the US, Europe, countries benefiting from Vietnams entry to bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements, and investors in China who are impacted by the US  China trade war.

In January 2019, Thua Thien-Hue licensed 8 projects, including four foreign ones worth over USD60 million and four domestic ones valued at more than VND5.7 trillion. Meanwhile, an existing project adjusted its investment capital up by over VND7.4 trillion./.
National Academy of Engineering elects 86 members and 18 foreign members

WASHINGTON -- The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has elected 86 new members and 18 foreign members, announced NAE President C. D. (Dan) Mote, Jr., today. This brings the total U.S. membership to 2,297 and the number of foreign members to 272.

Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to "engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature" and to "the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education."

Individuals in the newly elected class will be formally inducted during a ceremony at the NAE's annual meeting in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 6, 2019. A list of the newly elected members and foreign members follows, with their primary affiliations at the time of election and a brief statement of their principal engineering accomplishments.

New Members

Agonafer, Dereje, Jenkins Garrett Professor and director, mechanical and aerospace engineering department, University of Texas, Arlington. For contributions to computer-aided electro/thermo/mechanical design and modeling of electronic equipment.

Ahuja, Krishan K., Regents Professor, Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Tech, Atlanta. For the development of quieter aerosystems and contributions to aeroacoustics research, literature, and education.

Aizenberg, Joanna, Amy Smith Berylson Professor of Materials Science and professor of chemistry and chemical biology, School of Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. For contributions to understanding of biological systems and bioinspired materials design.

Antonsson, Erik K., president and chief executive officer, aiPod Inc., Pasadena, Calif. For leadership in the development of aerospace/defense systems, formal methods of engineering design, and active learning in engineering education.

Axelrad, Penina, Joseph T. Negler Professor, Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder. For application of multipath GPS signals to improve satellite navigation and new approaches to remote sensing.

Baker, Mary, chairman and president, ATA Engineering Inc., San Diego. For computer simulation methods for structural mechanics problems and engineering leadership.

Balta, Wayne S., vice president, corporate environmental affairs and product safety, IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y. For advancing corporate environmental sustainability practices worldwide.

Barabino, Gilda A., Daniel and Frances Berg Professor and dean, Grove School of Engineering, City College of New York, New York City. For leadership in bioengineering research and inclusive models of bioengineering education and faculty mentoring.

Barrangou, Rodolphe, Todd R. Klaenhammer Distinguished Scholar in Probiotics Research, and professor, food, bioprocessing, and nutrition science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh. For discovery of CRISPR-Cas genome editing and engineering microbes, plants, and animals for food and other applications.

Barros, Ana P., James L. Meriam Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, N.C. For contributions to understanding and prediction of precipitation dynamics and flood hazards in mountainous terrains.

Benioff, Marc R., chairman and co-chief executive officer, Salesforce, San Francisco. For leadership in cloud computing and corporate philanthropy.

Bishop, David J., director, CELL-MET Engineering Research Center, and head, division of materials science and engineering, Boston University, Boston. For contributions and leadership in high-capacity optical switch technology.

Biswas, Pratim, Stanley and Lucy Lopata Professor and chair, department of energy, environmental, and chemical engineering, Washington University, St. Louis. For advancing the science of aerosol dynamics and particle removal technologies.

Braatz, Richard D., Edwin R. Gilliland Professor of Chemical Engineering, chemical engineering department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. For contributions to diagnosis and control of large-scale and molecular processes for materials, microelectronics, and pharmaceuticals manufacturing.

Broadbelt, Linda J., Sarah Rebecca Roland Professor, department of chemical and biological engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. For contributions to complex kinetic modeling, particularly for understanding the pathways by which hydrocarbons and polymers undergo pyrolysis.

Chen, Wei, Wilson-Cook Professor in Engineering Design and professor of mechanical engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. For contributions to design under uncertainty in products and systems, and leadership in the engineering design community.

Clark, Douglas S., dean, College of Chemistry, and professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, University of California, Berkeley. For advances in biocatalyst and bioreaction engineering for drug discovery, drug screening, and bioprocessing.

Conger IV, Harry M. "Red," president and chief operating officer, Americas, Freeport-McMoRan Inc., Phoenix. For contributions to copper mine/plant design and leadership of Freeport to become the world's top private copper producer.

Deisseroth, Karl, D.H. Chen Professor, bioengineering and psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Stanford University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, Calif. For molecular and optical tools for discovery and control of neuronal signals behind animal behavior in health and disease.

Deligianni, Hariklia, retired research scientist, IBM Corp., Tenafly, N.J. For electrochemical processes used by major microelectronic chip producers worldwide.

Eccles, Thomas J., rear admiral, U.S. Navy (retired), and chief executive officer, Trident Maritime Systems, Arlington, Va. For service in naval engineering and advances in submarine technology.

England, Paul, director, Microsoft Research, Redmond, Wash. For defining the hardware foundations of secure computing, Trusted Platform Module, and secure enclaves, and for conceiving the darknet.

Erdemir, Ali, Distinguished Fellow and program lead, materials for harsh conditions, applied materials division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne Ill. For contributions to the science and technology of friction, lubrication, and wear.

Fascetti, Robert J., retired vice president, global powertrain engineering, Ford Motor Co., Bloomfield Hills, Mich. For leadership in powertrain products with improved fuel economy, superior performance, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Gallimore, Alec D., Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering and professor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. For advanced spacecraft electric propulsion, especially Hall thruster technology.

Glotzer, Sharon C., Anthony C. Lembke Department Chair of Chemical Engineering and professor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. For development of computer-based design principles for assembly engineering and manufacturing of advanced materials and nanotechnology.

Grejner-Brzezinska, Dorota A., Lowber B. Strange Endowed Professor and chair, civil, environmental, and geodetic engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus. For contributions to geodetic science and satellite navigation, including integration with artificial intelligence.

Halpern, Joseph Y., Joseph C. Ford Professor of Engineering, computer science department, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. For methods of reasoning about knowledge, belief, and uncertainty and their applications to distributed computing and multiagent systems.

Hassan, Yassin A., Sallie and Don Davis '61 Professor in Engineering, departments of nuclear engineering and mechanical engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station. For experimentally validated thermal hydraulic analyses of multiphase flow fields for nuclear reactor operations.

Heritage, Jonathan P., professor emeritus, department of electrical and computer engineering, University of California, Davis. For contributions to optical pulse shaping and wavelength selective optical switches.

Hudson, Linda P., chairman and chief executive officer, The Cardea Group, Charlotte, N.C. For leadership in development and production of military systems, and for mentoring and developing future engineering leaders.

Ingebritsen, Steven E., research hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Interior, Menlo Park, Calif. For contributions to understanding the role of groundwater in geologic processes.

Jordan, William C., principal, Jordan Analytics LLC, Beverly Hills, Mich. For development of analytic methods to improve manufacturing systems and for quantitative analysis of future mobility systems.

Katz, Joseph, William F. Ward Sr. Distinguished Professor, department of mechanical engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. For development of optical methods in experimental fluid mechanics for turbomachinery, cavitation, turbulence, and environmental flows.

Khoshnevis, Behrokh, president and chief executive officer, Contour Crafting Corp., El Segundo, Calif. For innovations in manufacturing and construction, including the application of 3D printing methods.

Kiesler, Sara, program director, division of social and economic sciences, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, Va. For leadership, technical innovation, and identification of social trends with the adoption of computers and robots in work and society.

Kircher, Charles A., principal, Kircher & Associates, Palo Alto, Calif. For advancing structural engineering practice in earthquake engineering and loss prevention in building design.

Kiss, Robert, vice president, process and analytical development, Sutro Biopharma Inc., South San Francisco. For contributions to mammalian cell culture and microbial processes that produce recombinant proteins and antibodies.

Kogel, Jessica E., associate director for mining, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta. For sustainable development and innovation of industrial clay products and processes.

Koon, John H., president, John H. Koon & Associates, Atlanta. For contributions to the design of systems to treat chemically complex industrial wastewaters.

Kuehmann, Charles J., vice president of materials engineering, SpaceX and Tesla Motors, Palo Alto, Calif. For contributions to the creation and commercialization of computational materials design.

Kumar, Anil, associate fellow, specialty coatings and materials, PPG, Monroeville, Pa. For contributions in photochromism and variable polarization and leadership in commercialization.

Lam, Monica S., professor, computer science department, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif. For contributions to the design of advanced compiler and analysis systems for high-performance computers.

Lievense, Jefferson C., senior adviser to the chief executive officer, bioengineering and technology, Genomatica Inc., San Diego. For leadership in biomanufacturing of sustainable chemicals.

*Lorenz, Robert D., Elmer and Janet Kaiser Chair and Consolidated Papers Professor of Controls Engineering, department of mechanical engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison. For contributions to modeling and control of cross-coupled electromechanical systems for high-performance electric machines and drives.

McCarthy, Kathryn A., vice president, research and development, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada. For leadership in research and data analysis in support of licensing extensions for light water nuclear reactors.

McGill, Laura J., vice president, engineering, Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz. For technical leadership of missile systems for the United States and its allies.

McKinley, Gareth H., mechanical engineering department, School of Engineering Professor of Teaching Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. For contributions in rheology, understanding of complex fluid dynamical instabilities, and interfacial engineering of super-repellent textured surfaces.

Moghaddam, Mahta, William M. Hogue Professorship in Electrical Engineering and professor of electrical engineering-electrophysics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. For development of physics-based computational algorithms for mapping of subsurface characteristics.

Mokhtari, Sasan, president and chief executive officer, Open Access Technology International Inc., Minneapolis. For development of software for web-based electric power transmission access, including tagging and scheduling.

Morel, Thomas A., president, Gamma Technologies Inc., Westmont, Ill. For development of computer-aided engineering tools for engines and vehicles.

Morris, Robert T., professor, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. For contributions to programmable network routers, wireless mesh networks, and networked computer systems.

Moyer, Mary Pat, founder, chief executive officer, and chief science officer, INCELL Corp. LLC, San Antonio. For entrepreneurship and development of cell lines, cell media, and testing technologies for regenerative medicine and biopharma products.

Nunes, Sharon L., retired vice president, smarter cities and big green innovations, IBM Corp., Falmouth, Mass. For corporate leadership in development of next-generation green technologies, focusing on novel materials and processes.

O'Sullivan, Stephanie L., consultant and retired principal deputy director, U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Duck Key, Fla. For science, technology, and leadership in national security.

Picard, Rosalind, professor and director of affective computing research, Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. For contributions to effective and wearable computing.

Pines, Darryll J., professor and dean, A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park. For inspirational leadership and contributions to engineering education excellence in the United States.

Prather, Kimberly A., Distinguished Chair in Atmospheric Chemistry, department of chemistry and biochemistry and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, Calif. For technologies that transformed understanding of aerosols and their impacts on air quality, climate, and human health.

Reid, John, director, product technology and innovation, Moline Technology Innovation Center, John Deere, Moline, Ill. For innovation in automation technologies for agricultural systems.

Samuel, Clifford M., senior vice president, access operations and emerging markets, Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, Calif. For innovations in supply chain management and manufacturing technologies central to delivering medication in developing countries.

San Martin, A. Miguel, chief engineer, guidance, navigation, and control, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. For technical contributions and leadership in guidance, navigation, and control leading to successful Mars entry, descent, and landing.

Sarter, Nadine B., professor, industrial and operations engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. For innovation in the design and use of tactile displays for improved safety in aviation, automobiles, and health care.

Schuh, Christopher A., department head and professor, materials science and engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. For contributions to design science and application of nanocrystalline metals.

Scott, Robert A., vice president, technology transfer, surgical research and development, Alcon, Lake Forest, Calif. For contributions in ophthalmological biomaterials for intraocular lenses, glaucoma implants, and surgical equipment.

Seltzer, Margo I., Herchel Smith Professor of Computer Science, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. For engineering contributions to databases, file systems, and operating systems.

Semiatin, Sheldon Lee, senior scientist, materials/processing science and research leader, Metals Processing Group, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. For contributions to thermomechanical processing of aerospace alloys and emerging intermetallic materials.

Shanahan, Patrick M., acting secretary, U.S. Department of Defense, Washington, D.C. For aerospace industry leadership in commercial aircraft, missile defense, and rotorcraft and for service to the Department of Defense.

Shoop, Barry L., dean and professor of electrical engineering, Albert Nerken School of Engineering, The Cooper Union, New York City. For leadership in developing engineering systems solutions for national security and contributions to military engineering education.

Shyu, Heidi, president and chief executive officer, Heidi Shyu Inc., Arlington, Va. For development of innovative radar/electro-optics/infrared systems in support of the U.S. Army and Air Force.

Sigur, Wanda A., retired vice president and deputy general manager, civil space, Lockheed Martin Corp., Seabrook, Texas. For contributions to human spaceflight exploration systems.

Smith, Jane McKee, senior research scientist for hydrodynamic phenomena, Engineering Research and Development Center, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Miss. For leadership in coastal engineering research and development resulting in improved infrastructure resilience.

Speer, John G., John Henry Moore Distinguished Professor and director, Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center, Colorado School of Mines, Golden. For the conception, invention, and reduction to practice of quenching and partitioning steel.

Stanney, Kay M., president and founder, Design Interactive Inc., Orlando, Fla. For contributions to human factors engineering through virtual reality technology and strategic leadership.

Stein, Robert M., consultant, Brookline, Mass. For contributions to electronic systems for national security applications.

Stephens, Daniel B., chairman of the board and principal hydrologist, Daniel B. Stephens & Associates Inc., Albuquerque, N.M. For innovations in vadose zone hydrologic practice and theory.

Tabors, Richard, president, Tabors Caramanis Rudkevich, Boston. For development of technologies for real-time locational pricing of electricity for reduced electric transmission congestion.

Tarokh, Vahid, Rhodes Family Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, N.C. For contributions to space-time coding and its applications to multi-antenna wireless communications.

Thapar, Hemant K., chairman and chief executive officer, OmniTier Inc., Milpitas, Calif. For contributions to theory and practice of coding and signal processing for high-density magnetic recording.

Tom, Jean W., group director, process research and development, Bristol-Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, N.J. For leadership in the process development of multiple commercialized drugs.

Tomlin, Claire J., Charles A. Desoer Chair and professor, electrical engineering and computer sciences, University of California, Berkeley. For contributions to design tools for safety-focused control of cyberphysical systems.

Trolier-McKinstry, Susan, professor of ceramic science and engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park. For development of thin film multilayer ceramic capacitors and piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems.

Tsividis, Yannis, Edwin Howard Armstrong Professor of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City. For contributions to analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit technology and engineering education.

Udren, Eric A., executive adviser, Quanta Technologies, Raleigh, N.C. For leadership in advancing protection technologies for electric power grids.

Vaidyanathan, P.P., Kiyo and Eiko Tomiyasu Professor of Electrical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena. For contributions to digital filter bank theory and design.

Wang, Christine A., senior staff scientist, Laser Technology and Applications Group, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, Mass. For contributions to epitaxial crystal growth of III-V compound semiconductors and design of organometallic vapor-phase epitaxy reactors.

Wu, Margaret M., retired senior scientific adviser, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co., Odenton, Md. For contributions to synthetic lubricants for improved energy efficiency and machine protection.

New Foreign Members

Betin, Pierre Claude, retired senior vice president, Safran S.A./SNECMA, Villenave d'Ornon, France. For leadership of Europe's solid rocket propulsion industry and contributions to launch and missile systems.

Brignole, Esteban A., professor emeritus, chemical engineering, Universidad Nacional Sur/CONICET, Bahia Blanca, Argentina. For contributions to molecular design of solvents, modeling of high-pressure phase equilibria, and leadership in research and academic-industry collaborations.

Cates, Michael E., Lucasian Professor of Mathematics and Royal Society Research Professor, department of applied mathematics and theoretical physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. For research on the rheology, dynamics, and thermodynamics of complex fluids, and for scientific leadership in the European Community.

de Geus, Aart J., chairman and co-chief executive officer, Synopsys Inc., Mountain View, Calif. For leadership and technical contributions to logic synthesis for integrated circuits.

Dordain, Jean-Jacques, consultant and former director general, European Space Agency, Paris. For contributions to complex space systems and leadership of space exploration programs worldwide.

Dyson, James, chairman and founder, Dyson Technology Ltd., Malmesbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. For development of advanced technologies and innovative products and for contributions to design and engineering education.

Jonah, Samuel E., executive chairman, Jonah Capital, Accra, Ghana. For leadership and technical contributions in advancing the mineral industry in Africa.

Laporte, Gilbert, Canada Research Chair in Distribution Management and professor, department of decision sciences, HEC Montreal, Montreal, Canada. For domain-defining contributions to the theory and practice of vehicle routing, facility location, and distribution management.

Mair, Robert, emeritus professor of civil engineering and director of research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. For contributions to underground construction and smart infrastructure and for leadership in government, engineering practice, research, and education.

Mazumdar-Shaw, Kiran, chairperson and managing director, Biocon Limited, Bangalore, India. For development of affordable biopharmaceuticals and the biotechnology industry in India.

Murray, Christopher B., Richard Perry University Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. For invention and development of solvothermal synthesis of monodisperse nanocrystal quantum dots for displays, photovoltaics, and memory.

Qu, Jiuhui, professor, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing. For development of water treatment technology and leadership in improving water quality in China.

Ramamoorty, Mylavarapu, former chancellor, K L University, Vijayawada, Nacharam, Hyderabad, India. For technical leadership of power engineering research, development, education, and establishing national laboratories in India.

Rudnick, Hugh, emeritus professor, electrical engineering, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. For leadership in South American electric power markets, resource and transmission planning, and standards.

Sohrabpour, Saeed, professor, mechanical engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran. For establishing Sharif University as an academic Center of Excellence and advancing engineering and science education in Iran.

Spaldin, Nicola A., professor for materials theory, ETH Zurich, Zurich. For theoretical contributions to advance the field of multiferroics.

Stevens, Molly, professor of biomedical materials and regenerative medicine, Imperial College - London, South Kensington, United Kingdom. For contributions to materials-based approaches for tissue regeneration and biosensing.

Zheludev, Nikolay, head of nanophotonics and metamaterials, Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom. For leadership and technical contributions to optical metamaterials and nanophotonics.

*Elected posthumously

###

Contacts:

Randy Atkins, Senior Program Officer Media/Public Relations

202-334-1508; e-mail atkins@nae.edu>

Kim Garcia, Membership Elections Manager

202-334-2195; e-mail kgarcia@nae.edu>

National Academy of Engineering

This story has been published on: 2019-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Caleb Bauer South Bend Tribune

South Bend Tribune

SOUTH BEND  Could online retail giant Amazon be coming to South Bend?

A document filed recently with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, and others filed with the South Bend Building Department, suggest an Amazon Delivery Center may indeed end up near the airport, on the citys northwest side.

The state document says the Amazon Delivery Center would be located in a warehouse at Adams and Mayflower roads, as part of a Great Lakes Capital business park. The Amazon facility would fill 84,200 square feet of the building and employ 103 people.

Documents filed with the city also suggest Amazon has plans for South Bend.

The citys building commissioner, Chuck Bulot, said in an email that although we were not given confirmation that this renovation (build-out) is for Amazon, the submitted plans indicate the project is indeed for Amazon.

A site plan review, conducted before issuing permits, was completed Wednesday and notes were forwarded to the developers, Bulot said.

Representatives from Amazon and Great Lakes Capital did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

An Ohio-based design firm, Civil Engineers of Southwest Ohio, is also listed on the state form as part of the project. Benjamin Bell, architectural director for the company, said he could not comment.

Its a confidential project as far as were aware, Bell said.

Located near South Bend International Airport, the distribution facility was built as a spec, or speculative site, by Great Lakes Capital, with the hopes of attracting tenants.

In an interview late last year, Great Lakes Capital managing partner Ryan Rans said the 210,400-square-foot warehouse was mostly leased.

We expect any day to have confirmation that we have it 100 percent leased, Rans said in November.

The warehouse is one of three distribution facilities at Great Lakes Capitals business park, which is adjacent to Holladay Properties Ameriplex at Interstate 80/90 that already holds FedEx, Pepsi and ChasePlastics distribution facilities.

Amazon has multiple Fulfillment Centers near Indianapolis; they are typically larger than the distribution centers and are used to store, package and ship thousands of products.

The company also signed a lease to open a Receive Center in Greenwood, Ind., which is expected to employ 1,250 people, according to the Indianapolis Business Journal.

In other cities, Amazon has gradually rolled out centers as a way to streamline order deliveries. In the Denver area, an 80,000-square-foot delivery center was unveiled late last year, according to the Denver Post.

The delivery centers allow Amazon to circumvent the need for some packages to go through traditional carriers, such as the U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx. Instead, more than 75 centers across North America are used as hubs for contract delivery drivers.

Those drivers can perform tasks that traditional parcel services dont, such as in-home delivery for customers.
Mary Shown

South Bend Tribune

Ratified 100 years ago on Jan. 17, the 18th Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors, inadvertently jump-starting what is still considered one of the most colorful times in United States history  Prohibition in the 1920s.

And the drinking world was never the same.

Well-known cocktail concoctions, the Jazz Age and even the simplicity of allowing women in bars all began because people had to get creative in where they got their next booze kick. And though the amendments lifetime was relatively short-lived, lasting only 13 years, the impact could be seen everywhere in the country, including here. To celebrate, understand and relive the history, The History Museum plays host to the traveling exhibit Spirited: Prohibition in America through March 17.

The self-guided exhibit is a condensed version of a national exhibit titled American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, which debuted in 2012 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Sarah Winski, the manager of exhibition development with the center, worked closely with curator Daniel Okrent, as well as Center employees Stephanie Reyer and Beth Van Why, and explored the importance of revisiting the information.

With this exhibit, we track it back all the way to the founding (of Prohibition), Winski says. Prohibition changed the way we drink with alcohol, so its important to understand pre-Prohibition and also the aftereffects.

The History Museums deputy executive director, Kristie Erickson, worked closely with Mid-America Arts Alliance from Kansas City, who partnered with the Constitution Center to bring the exhibit to South Bend. Erickson said the timing was too good to pass up.

This is very timely for people to learn about (Prohibition because of the anniversary), Erickson says. It is extra timely for people in Indiana, because Indiana was a dry state even before (the) Prohibition amendment passed and it was obviously important to the folks here.

Thats right  according to Erickson, even before it was a national law, Indiana had strict alcohol laws. And as we know, ricocheting effects can still be felt in todays state laws.

Magnified South Bend Tribune articles dating back to the era line the walls of the exhibit. Each article details stories of cops busting gambling and speak-easy operations around the area and arresting organized crime members.

But there was a rhyme and reason behind the necessity of Prohibition.

Before Jan. 17, 1919, the world was a grimy place. Vaccines were limited and diseases ran rampant through dirty water. Alcohol, then, was one of the few ways to ensure you were consuming something that was not only safe, but also tasty, Erickson says. In the exhibit, statistics detail the highest consumption of alcohol in the U.S. topped out in the 1830s, when the average person older than age 15 consumed an average of 90 bottles of 80 proof alcohol per year. If youre not a math whiz, that equals seven gallons per year, or four shots a day.

With all the drinking, it soon became a public health crisis, and groups such as the Anti-Saloon League and suffragettes soon began to lobby to limit the amount of consumption. Those particular details took Winski by surprise.

The thing I didnt know about Prohibition was that it was Protestants and women suffragists (who) were the thrusts behind this movement and the women had very good reasons, Winski says. Then, they didnt have rights or property rights, so when their husband or father went to the bar and was gambling everything away, what could you do? The right to vote and the Prohibition movement were very closely tied together.

But women werent the only driving force behind Prohibition. Clergy and political men such as Andrew Volstead and Wayne Wheeler championed the limitation of alcohol sales.

When a lot of people think about Prohibition today, they think of very stern women who look like they dont want people to have fun and drink alcohol, Erickson says. But it was really a big problem then.

And you can find it all during a stroll through the exhibit, which is structured in a timeline. In the exhibit, attendees can explore the importance of strong characters of the era who voiced opinions on the amendment, each adding their own flavor to history. That includes Carry A. Nation (yes, she legally had her named changed from Carrie to Carry), who held hatcheting meetings to spread news against alcohol consumption and would ax barrels of liquor and pass out mini-hatchet pins to spread the word. Another character was the Rev. Billy Sunday, an evangelist who orated influential sermons about Booze, or, Get on the Water Wagon, and convinced many to give up liquor. Exhibit attendees can also have an interactive experience by playing dress up with makeshift protest signs and watching a video on the wall.

It was an exciting time, a time of changed where World War I had ended and four constitutional amendments were created in a decade. And it can all be seen in about an hour walk-through.

Thats a lot of work and hard to imagine, Erickson says. They were all about changing things then.
Happy, engaged employees are the key to a profitable business

It is a truism that in the physical security industry your workforce and your reputation are the businesss largest and most important assets. Managing your workforce with empathy to ensure happy, engaged employees can be a balancing act. However, providing flexible working practices that are still profitable for your business is achievable, and something that every security business should be aiming for. SmartTask CEO, Paul Ridden discusses the hidden benefits of an engaged workforce and the role that good workforce management has to play. The importance of an engaged workforce cant be stressed enough because motivated employees are what makes a business successful. Highly engaged staff According to Gallup, disengaged employees are a drain on any business. On average, they have 37% higher absenteeism, 18% lower productivity and 15% lower profitability. When the impact to the bottom line is calculated, you're looking at the cost of 34% of a disengaged employee's annual salary. Conversely, highly engaged staff show a 40% reduction in absenteeism, and almost 60% less turnover. Engaged employees show up every day with enthusiasm and purpose Engaged employees show up every day with enthusiasm and purpose. They tend to work harder, treat customers well (leading to more business), and, are more likely to remain with the company. Employee engagement is determined by factors such as feeling clear about your role at work, and having the right tools to enable you to do your job to the best of your ability. Being recognised for your hard work and diligence is also a key factor. Enabling security businesses Workforce management, when done well, can make a significant difference to all of these factors, and therefore help to foster an engaged workforce, which is good for business. Traditionally, workforce management and time & attendance (clocking on and off) systems may have seemed a bit big brother, however, this is no longer the case. In a world where almost everyone carries a smartphone, people are quite used to the idea of constant connectivity. This can be harnessed to enable security businesses to run more smoothly and efficiently, benefitting everyone. Indeed, being able to prove that a contracted service has been delivered is not only good for customer service, and invoicing, it is also provides recognition for hardworking staff. Workforce management solution Staff that feel empowered in such a way are more likely to feel happy and engaged Providing Flexibility and Work/life Balance - While we all know that contracts are contracts, and security businesses must deliver, ditching paper based systems in favour of an electronic workforce management solution, can provide additional flexibility to workers, supporting work/life balance. For example, shifts and rosters, which can be designed in a fraction of the time with a purpose-built solution, can be published further in advance, giving employees enough notice of work patterns to plan their lives around their shifts. People are more easily able to swap shifts or sign up for additional work, and the control room still has oversight to see exactly who is working where and when. In addition, staff can see their accrued holiday entitlement more easily, and request leave from their smartphones. Staff feel more in control of their lives when they can discuss their work patterns and holidays with family while at home simply by referring to an app on their device. Staff that feel empowered in such a way are more likely to feel happy and engaged with the business. Delivering work schedules Task lists for completion while onsite sent directly to their mobile device is convenient for all Convenience and Duty of Care - Using an app to deliver work schedules and assignment instructions provides your employees with the tools and information they need to do their job while removing the stress of dealing with paper-based forms. Task lists for completion while onsite sent directly to their mobile device is convenient for all, and helps to prove compliance with any regulatory requirements, including Duty of Care. Check calls are part of daily life for security workers. Remembering to make them can be cumbersome, but with an app, they can be built into the employees Actions for the day/shift, with an automated prompt to make the call. Managing finances better Payroll Visibility and additional Services for Staff - With an online time & attendance solution where people clock in and out electronically, they are able to check their hours accrued and see what their salary will be. If a shift is missed, for example, they are able to query with the payroll department much sooner, leading to more accurate and timely pay. Additional services can be provided, such as pay in advance schemes, where workers are able to draw down a percentage of their earned salary before payday. This enables staff to manage their finances better and avoid taking payday loans. Keeping electronic records The benefits to the business of a workforce management solution are many The benefits to the business of a workforce management solution are many. Saving time on back office processes such as designing rosters, managing shifts/attendance/service delivery, holidays and absence. Reducing reliance on manual systems, keeping electronic records provides audit trails, proves compliance and streamlines invoices for all work completed. Having detailed records also means better analysis of the business. Managing rosters and schedules is one thing, ensuring that every shift is profitable is much more complex. However, with electronic workforce management all the variables, fixed costs, recurring costs, salaried people, hourly people and the cost of equipment required, that go into costing a shift can be analysed to ensure every shift is profitable. Providing better safeguards In a post-COVID world, people have embraced technology at a pace not previously imagined. Technology has enabled us to keep in contact with loved ones, enabled those that can to work remotely, and provides better safeguards to key workers that cannot work remotely. In a post-COVID world, people have embraced technology at a pace not previously imagined Providing people with the right tools to do their job is a major step forward in empowering your workforce to do well. Electronic systems that reduce paperwork, also reduce the drudgery of form filling. At head office that frees people up for more proactive, strategic and customer facing work, that really makes a difference to your business. Affordable software solutions Out in the field, electronic systems keep people safer, more informed and helps them to manage their work/life balance. A winning combination for everyone. Paul has spent most of his working life in the computer industry, with the last ten years spent focusing on software solutions for the security, cleaning, FM and logistics sectors. Part of Pauls role is to use his passion and entrepreneurial approach to build a technology team that can develop and deliver affordable software solutions that take advantage of the latest technologies and help deliver value to all SmartTask users, large and small.
Save the date and mark your calendar to experience a bit of Slovakia at Eastertime on Pittsburghs South Side. On Saturday, April 13, 2019, Prince of Peace Parish will host the 29th Annual Slovak Mass and Easter Customs Breakfast.

The celebration of Slovak religious culture begins at St. Adalbert Church, South 15th Street, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:45 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 a.m., with prayers and hymns sung in Slovak.

After Mass, everyone is invited to the Prince of Peace Parish Center, 81 South 13th Street, to sample traditional foods one might enjoy in a typical Slovak home on Easter morning paska (sweet bread), sunka (ham), kolbasy (sausage) sirek (cheese), hrin (beets and horseradish) and kolace (nut and poppy seed rolls).

Take some time to browse authentic Slovak treasures -- books, crystal, linens, dolls, pottery and costumesand learn a bit of the history, daily life and customs of our Slovak ancestors. Watch crafts people demonstrate their art, including decorating colorful Easter eggs (kraslice or pysanky), weaving palms or braiding bread.

Take home homemade nut and poppy seed rolls, paska and cookies, or purchase unique handmade or imported gift items.

Make plans to attend the 29th Annual Slovak Mass and Easter Customs Breakfast on Saturday, April 13 at Prince of Peace Parish. There is no charge for admission, but donations are sincerely appreciated.

For more information, to sponsor a table or to make a donation, call Connie Zatek at 412-657-6364.
Attorney General Josh Shapiro has filed 161 criminal charges against the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority for failing to notify residents when the agency replaced lead water lines  creating health risks for affected households. The attorney general also charged the authority with failing to sample water lines following the replacements within the time frame required under state law.

Mr. Shapiro charged the Water & Sewer Authority with multiple violations of the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act. The charges are third-degree misdemeanors, and the 161 counts correspond to 161 households in Pittsburgh neighborhoods where the authority failed to notify residents of its water line replacements and failed to conduct sampling.

The Water & Sewer Authority knew it was required to notify residents of its plans to replace service lines, and it knew it was required to sample the lines for lead content  yet it failed to do so. That makes PWSA criminally liable under the Safe Drinking Water Act, Attorney General Shapiro said, at a news conference at a recreation center in Lawrenceville  a neighborhood impacted by the authoritys violations.

The problems involving elevated lead levels in Pittsburghs drinking water  and the authoritys handling of the problems  are well-known.

The water lines installed years ago to deliver water to Pittsburghers were constructed of lead pipe. While lead pipes last for a long time, they can also leach dangerous amounts of lead into drinking water.

 Children are especially sensitive to lead, which can have adverse health impacts on developing brains and lead to nervous system damage, learning disabilities and impaired hearing.

 Its also not safe for adults  potentially leading to kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive issues.

Under Pennsylvania law, if the lead level in a water system exceeds 0.015 mg/L, the water systems operator is required to take three action steps to address the high concentration.

Replace seven percent of its water lines, until there are two consecutive monitoring periods which are at or below the action level.

Notify residents using the system at least 45 days prior to doing the line replacements.

Replacing the service lines can cause temporary, and potentially significant, increases in lead levels in residents drinking water. The notice requirement is to provide residents with information on how to minimize their exposure to lead, including how to flush your faucet, bathtub and shower to get rid of any potential lead, and a recommendation not to consume any tap water during the procedure, and more.

3. Collect samples from the replaced lines to analyze lead content within 72 hours of the new pipes being installed.

In 2016, PWSA conducted lead level tests of its system on two separate occasions, and the results each time showed lead levels in excess of the level allowed under state law.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) advised PWSA it must begin replacing seven percent of their service lines to lower the lead levels in drinking water.

PWSA estimated that it needed to replace 1,341 lead lines by June 30, 2017 to meet the seven percent requirement. However, on June 30, PWSA reported it had only replaced 415 service lines.

PWSA also admitted its failure to provide many residents with advance notice of the lines replacement. And, PWSA acknowledged it had not collected water samples from those same residences with new pipes within 72 hours of installation.

DEP fined PWSA $2.4 million and entered into a civil consent order and agreement in November 2017. DEP also referred the matter for criminal investigation to the Office of Attorney General, and the referral was narrowly tailored to review PWSAs failure to notify residents and its failure to sample water after replacement lines were installed.

The Attorney Generals office began a criminal investigation, leading to todays charges against the Authority for 161 counts of violating the state Safe Drinking Water Act.

The maximum penalty for each count is one year in prison and a fine of not less than $1,250 nor more than $12,500.

Attorney General Shapiro said the charges were being filed against the authority alone because his agents found no evidence of any one single person intending harm to any users of the system.

Mr. Shapiro said he has arranged that whatever fines which PWSA is ultimately required to pay, the monies will be targeted by DEP to programs in Pittsburgh to protect and enhance the public health.

This money isnt going to a fund in Harrisburg  its coming back here to neighborhoods like Lawrenceville that were affected by these violations, Shapiro said. I hope that, with these charges, we can shine a light on these violations and force the necessary reforms to take shape to keep Pittsburghs drinking water safe.
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PHILIPSBURG:--- Nature Foundation Sint Maarten is again urging Parliament to ban single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, cups and cutlery, and Styrofoam food containers. Recently many neighboring Caribbean island have already banned or announced to ban single-use plastics in order to protect the environment and decrease plastic pollution. Single-use plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental catastrophes of this generation and these plastics are abundantly littered on St Maarten. Single-use plastics are also a major contributor to the current situation at the Philipsburg landfill.

On St Maarten, we see massive amounts of single-use plastics in our natural areas, including the ocean and Simpson Bay Lagoon, along roadsides and on our beaches every single day. The day after we conduct a beach clean-up, beaches are flooded with our trash and plastics all over again. We keep on cleaning our beaches and nature areas; however, it is an endless fight as people keep on littering and leaving single-use plastics behind. Several nations who banned single-use plastics are seeing significantly cleaner neighborhoods and environments, creating a healthier and more attractive nation. St Maarten needs a ban on single-use plastics, we do not have any more time and we cannot afford to wait until tourists stop visiting our island due to the disturbing waste and littering situation explained Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern coordinator of Nature Foundations Reduce and Reuse Project.

Three Caribbean countries; Dominica, Jamaica and Turks and Caicos, started the New Year environmentally and banned single-use plastics since the 1st of January. Several Caribbean Nations were ahead of these islands and already implemented bans on single-use plastics in the past couple of years. Since 2012 Haiti issued a ban on the importation, manufacture or sale of plastic bags and disposable foam products, in an attempt to address the massive litter problem and protecting the coastline, shore and remaining mangrove forests. St. Vincent and the Grenadines already banned the import of Styrofoam since May 2017, as Styrofoam is made of fossil fuels and synthetic chemicals, which may leach if they come in contact with hot, greasy or acidic food, adding an unwanted dose of toxins to your drink or food. Aruba followed and banned single-use plastic bags since 2017 and will extend its ban to a total ban on all single-use plastics in 2020. Grenada had begun with a ban on the import of Styrofoam in 2018, in February this year, they will ban all single-use plastics such as shopping bags, cutlery, plates, straws, and cups. Already in 2016, Antigua and Barbuda started its ban of single-use plastic grocery bags and recently their Prime Minister called on all nations to join them in banning the use of single-use plastics.

Recently many countries and also several Caribbean Nations announced their bans on single-use plastics and are taking their steps to protect our environment and marine life against plastic pollution. But so far St Maarten stays behind as no concrete steps are taken yet to ban single-use plastics from our island and safeguard our nature, environment marine life, wildlife and protect our own health against these destructive plastics stated Meijer zu Schlochtern.

The Bahamas will ban single-use plastics, such as shopping bags, food utensils, straws and Styrofoam food containers in 2020. The Bahamas also want to make the release of balloons into the air illegal, as they end up in our oceans, releasing toxins and injuring marine life. Likewise, Belize pledged to ban single-use plastic items by April this year, which has been welcomed by residents as Belizean shores are at risk from the enormous floating island of plastic in the Caribbean Sea and plastic harms marine and wildlife. Also, Anguilla started the process to ban single-use plastic items; the prohibition will include single-use plastic shopping bags, utensils, and polystyrene foam containers. Furthermore, Barbados declares a complete ban on the importation, retail, sale, and use of petro-based single-use plastic products within effect of 2020.

Not to speak about countries outside the Caribbean which already banned single-use plastics, such as Rwanda, a pioneer in banning single-use plastic bags, is now one of the cleanest nations on earth. Even the European Commission is in the process of banning single-use plastic products and putting the burden of cleaning up waste on manufacturers in an effort to reduce marine litter. Governments in more than 60 countries have introduced levies and bans to combat single-use plastic waste, according to U.N. Environment; it is time for St Maarten, which struggles with poor waste management and large amounts of littering, to do the same.

At least 9 million tons of plastic enters the worlds oceans each year, a rate that has increased 100 times in the past 40 years. 96% of all marine biodiversity is vulnerable to this plastic pollution. Half of all sea turtles mistake plastic for food and 90% of all seabirds ingest plastic. If current trends continue, a lot of marine life will die and there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. Single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, plastic cups, balloons, cutlery and Styrofoam food containers are some of the most environmentally damaging products on our island; these items do not biodegrade and stay in the ecosystem and oceans forever. They release a variety of chemicals during degradation, which has a negative impact on organisms, us and our ecosystems. New research even shows that plastic breakdown accelerates greenhouse gas production in the environment.
Experts from the Caribbean, Harvard Medical School and American University of the Caribbean converge in Sint Maarten, March 8-11, to address disaster medicine issues

CUPECOY, Sint Maarten:--- International and Caribbean experts on emergency preparedness and disaster healthcare will gather in Sint Maarten for an international conference aimed at helping to prepare the Caribbean region to better respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters. Leaders, first responders and healthcare professionals in the Caribbean and from around the globe are welcome and encouraged to attend to add their perspective to these important discussions.

The International Conference on Disaster Medicine and Hurricane Resiliency will be held March 8  11 in Sint Maarten, on the campus of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC). As a part of the conference, notable speakers from the Caribbean, including hospital leaders, public health officials and climate/weather experts will lead crucial discussions on issues facing the region.

AUC, in cooperation with Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (HMFP), and in close coordination with Caribbean experts, has launched the Caribbean Center for Disaster Medicine (CCDM), a regional center of excellence to foster education, research and training on disaster preparedness and response.

The CCDM was created in the wake of Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm that devastated the island of Sint Maarten during the 2017 hurricane season. Through collaborations with international experts, the Sint Maarten government, Caribbean emergency management agencies, academic institutions and others, the CCDM intends to develop partnerships that build capacity to prepare for and respond to major disasters, drawing on global expertise and experiences.

For the conference, the CCDM has assembled a group of highly regarded experts in the field of disaster medicine, led by Dr. Gregory Ciottone, MD, FACEP, FFSEM who directs the Division of Disaster Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, where he holds an Associate Professor appointment.

This conference is a Continuing Medical Education event approved by the American Academy of Family Physicians. This event is intended for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals; professionals of emergency management agencies; first responders; public health professionals; veterinarians; animal emergency teams; and others interested in disaster medicine, natural disaster preparedness, and the safety and security of people during a disaster. Professionals in the conferences host country of Sint Maarten and the Caribbean will be admitted at a discount. Please contact the conference at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to express interest in attending. For complete conference information, visit the conference website: https://ccdm.aucmed.edu/.

AUC is part of an alliance of Adtalem Global Education institutions in the Caribbean, which also includes Ross University School of Medicine on Barbados and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on St. Kitts. Adtalem Global Education institutions also include Chamberlain University School of Nursing in the United States.
ST. PETERS:--- On behalf of the Dutch Representation Office (VNP), head Chris Johnson, presented members of the Sint Maarten Youth Brigade with ten new bikes to support their recently launched bike team.

The bike team will play an essential role in ensuring order, safety, and assistance during youth-related events, such as parades and sports-tournaments, explains Rupshen Long, Sargent Major. Long will lead a team of selected youngsters through rigorous training in the next few months to instill the necessary skills to be a member of the bike team.

The Sint Maarten Youth Brigade has 60+ members between the ages of 12 and 21. The members commit to full-time training with the Youth Brigade, which includes mental, physical and social sessions four times a week for three years.

Doris Wilson, President of Sint Maarten Youth Brigade: Some think that we only focus on physical trainings, while actually, teaching life-skills plays a much bigger role.

All members must live by the seven (7) core values of the St. Maarten Youth Brigade: good conduct, responsibility, team spirit, professionalism, reliability, and commitment and leadership skills. I believe that its through these core values, in addition to creating a safe environment, that we manage to see big positive changes in our participating youngsters, Wilson adds.

Im very impressed with all of the work that Sint Maarten Youth Brigade is doing for our community. Coordinating such an extensive after-school program, takes a lot of dedication. I am happy our office was able to support their work, commented Johnson, as he presented the bikes to the Sint Maarten Youth Brigade bike team.
t a time when South Asian regional cooperation is all but forgotten, a symposium was held Tuesday at the BMICH in Colombo, highlighting the importance of South Asian cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity.

This article was based on my presentation at the seminar organised by the Pakistan High Commission. The seminar was also addressed by Islamabad-based Centre for Global and Security Studies president Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery, and Pakistan High Commissioner Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat.

We see hardly any headlines or topics related to South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in the media nowadays. If some five years ago, a Google news search had produced hundreds of articles published within a week, today such an exercise churns out only about five.

South Asian cooperation was conceived in 1981 in a bid to uplift the living standards of its teeming millions living in abject poverty. It bloomed as SAARC in 1985.

But today, South Asian leaders believe that there are avenues other than SAARC to achieve the main goal of SAARC.



This is largely because the global and internal factors today are different from what existed in the 1980s when SAARC was being formed. It was a bipolar global order then; today it is multipolar. Regional cooperation was seen as a way forward for rapid development then. Today, Brexit and the rift among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries point towards a tendency for regional disintegration, underscoring what is paramount in international politics is the individual self-centred interest of the nation state. Today multilateralism is being seen by some big powers as an impediment to achieve national interest goals. The United States President, Donald Trump, has undermined multilateralism, by withdrawing from several international treaties and UN bodies and warning International Criminal Court judges of severe consequences if they try US soldiers for war crimes.

With the conditions today being different, SAARC needs to change to keep up with the times. ASEAN, while maintaining its identity, has moved forward and become a powerful voice in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Instead of looking at SAARCs past 34-year journey as largely a failure, lets learn from our past mistakes and chart a new course that will help us to achieve our unfulfilled goals.

Basically, the progress of SAARC was stymied by three factors:

Inter-member state disputes

Internal political underdevelopment

Geopolitical realities

Now let us go into detail on each of these factors.Inter-member state disputes are many: Kashmir, India-Lanka disputes, the Nepal-Bhutan refugee issue and the India-Nepal border blockade, to name a few. Most SAARC analysts blame the India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir for SAARCs slow progress. Some pin the blame on the asymmetrical structure of SAARC, with Indias dominance in regional affairs being overwhelming. Yet SAARC has weathered the turbulent sea and reached many a port.

But the present deadlock is the longest and it is a cause for worry. Since 2014, SAARC has not met at summit level.

The 2016 summit to be held in Islamabad has been put off indefinitely, following Indias decision to boycott the SAARC summit after it accused Pakistan of having links with the terrorists who attacked an Indian military base in Indian-administered Kashmir. Three India-friendly SAARC nations -- Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan  also announced a boycott of the summit. Sri Lanka was more diplomatic and called for a postponement of the summit.

Differences between India and Sri Lanka over the presence of Indian peace keeping forces in Sri Lanka saw the sixth summit being hit by Indias unofficial boycott. The summit scheduled to be held in 1989 was finally held in 1991 after two postponements, following behind-the-scenes peace moves by other member-states.

But with regard to the present impasse, there appears to be little effort by member states to persuade India and Pakistan to put their disputes aside and allow the summit to be held.



Perhaps, the member-states have lost faith in SAARC. After all, intra-regional trade among SAARC members is still an abysmal 5 percent of the global trade despite all the big talk about South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA), bilateral Free Trade Agreements and South Asia being home to more than one fifth of the worlds population. We do not have much SAARCness. Do we have a SAARC passport? Mercosur which was set up as a Latin American regional cooperation body, years after SAARC was set up, has one. Mercosur took bold moves and within years intra-Mercosur trade rose by ten fold.



Political underdevelopment

Sad to say, SAARC nations are still politically underdeveloped. True, theres democracy, but the word democracy has a wider connotation. Have we overcome racism, communalism and bigotry? Have we achieved gender equality? The deficiency in our sociopolitical development has led to internal conflicts which have sapped our energy and eaten into our scarce resources, denied us development and made us debtor nations and underprepared for regional cooperation. Basically, its our lack of political maturity that is preventing us from overcoming mutual suspicions and embracing regional cooperation wholesale. Instead, we prefer a cautious approach. This has been a negative SAARC feature since inception.



Geopolitical factors

Countries come together to form regional groupings mainly with the aim of improving their economies and the living standards of their peoples. They suppress their political differences to make progress on the economic front. The European Union and ASEAN have succeeded because they worked within such a framework. But SAARC lacks the political will to take this bold step.

Sri Lanka had, since independence, wanted regional cooperation. In the late 1970s, it wanted to become a member of ASEAN. But India applied pressure on ASEAN to reject Sri Lankas application.

With little option left, the then Sri Lanka President J.R. Jayewardene decided to team up with General Hussain Muhammad Ershads Bangladesh and other South Asian nations to form a South Asian regional grouping. More than economic cooperation, the hidden objective of the move was to check India, which had by then been aggressively pursuing its policeman role in South Asia.

Named the Indira doctrine, the policy called on Indias neighbours to first consult India before they invited an outside power to solve an internal problem.



Positives

By pointing out the negatives, I am not trying to undermine SAARCs positives. The summit has provided an opportunity for detente between member nations, although SAARC charter prohibits open discussion of bilateral disputes. Examples were many. The Rajiv Gandhi-Benazir Bhutto dialogue and the India-Pakistan handshake following the Kargil crisis, which took South Asia to the brink of nuclear war, were peace moves connected to SAARC.



The way forward

The 2014 SAARC Summit in Kathmandu was held amid the undercurrents of India-Pakistan one-upmanship. It took place just months after Indias prime minister Narendra Modi revived the hopes for SAARC unity by inviting all South Asian leaders to his inauguration. At the summit, there were two key proposals from India and Pakistan. India proposed South Asian connectivity via a network of roads and a common power grid. Pakistans proposal was to make China a full member of SAARC.



Both these proposals could have given the South Asian regional grouping the much-needed boost to move forward. Unfortunately Pakistan and India opposed each others proposal. Later Pakistan agreed to Indias pproposal after talks between the two leaders.

The move to promote Chinas entry as a full member was seen by Indian analysts as an attempt to challenge Indias dominance within SAARC. Pakistan fully supported the move. Of course, Sri Lanka, too, appeared supportive of the proposal then.



However, for China to enter SAARC, the consensus of all member states is required. If India can work with China within BRICS and become a partner in the China-led Asian Investment and Infrastructure Bank, there is no reason other than Indias ambitions to be South Asias big brother for it to oppose Chinas membership.

SAARC could benefit from Chinas economic growth and the grouping could extend its trade links to Central Asia and the Asia Pacific region via China, especially in view of Chinas Belt-and-Road initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Also if China is given full membership, the India-Pakistan issues that stymie SAARCs growth can be overlooked and the South Asian grouping could make progress. Its potential will be humongous.

We need to restructure SAARC. Thats the need of the hour and the way forward.

From peace to political stability and prosperity

The panellists and the section of the audience at the seminar on Tuesday

Maj. Gen. (R) Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery, while speaking on the occasion, noted that the Kashmir issue is not just a dispute between Pakistan and India but it was a regional as well as an international issue pertaining to right of self-determination of many million Kashmiris. The adverse effects of non-resolution of Kashmir dispute are felt regionally and internationally. He said the Kashmiris are suffering for last seven decades. The International Community must respond to this humanitarian crisis with full responsibility.



High Commissioner of Pakistan, Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat, in his concluding remarks, said that integration of regional economies is the best way for peace, prosperity and economic growth in this age of globalisation. ASEAN and EU are good role models for other regions to achieve accelerated economic growth and social progress. SAARC, if made more effective could become an engine of growth for South Asia, which will be possible only after the resolution of all disputes in the region including the Kashmir Dispute. The High Commissioner also asserted that Pakistan is seeking peaceful resolution of the Kashmir Dispute through meaningful and comprehensive dialogue with India. The resolution of disputes can be attained through bilateral negotiations and regional and international mediation. If there is no peace, there will be no political stability, and if there is no stability, no economic progress can take place, he underscored.
Excellency,

I would like to congratulate your excellency and the secretariat on attending the upcoming meeting in Montevideo, Uruguay. In reference to the escalating Venezuela crisis and our previous letters of June 11, 2018 urging the CARICOM and the Caribbean region to intervene and object to prevent an armed conflict in the Caribbean and recent letter dated January 29th, 2019, as the crisis and conflict is deepening we herewith would like to request your urgent attention and call to action on behalf of the peoples of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Curacao and Aruba.

By now it is very clear and obvious that the provocation and escalation is initiated and led by mayor world powers headed by the UK, France and the Netherlands and backed by the US as we witnessing a continuing military build up in Curacao, the ABC islands. We the people of the ABC islands highly object to be dragged into this conflict.

As the discussion is fundamentally based on the issue of democracy and human rights, the so-called ultimatum headed by these colonizing powers is directed towards a new election to re-elect a democratic president and government for the peoples of Venezuela we would like to illustrate herewith the hypocritical position taken by the government of the Netherlands (member of the UN Security Council) a front-runner in this provocation and escalation of this crisis.

The autonomous democratic Caribbean islands forming the country Netherlands Antilles in the Dutch Kingdom was dissolved and disintegrated on October 10, 2010. The Netherlands which maintained ultimate unilateral legislative and judiciary powers in the Dutch Kingdom abused these powers to continue with colonialism in the Caribbean region.

The more dense populated islands Aruba, Sint Maarten and Curacao, something what is not so obvious to outside world, they were all stripped from their autonomy and are back under Dutch control and rule. The Dutch which controls and decides on the budget (and judiciary) of the Curacao government, headed by the Secretary of State Mr. Knops, a ex-military and ex-lieutenant active in the Iraq war, forced the prime minister of Curacao, Mr Rhuggenaath which is subordinated to the Hague powers to escalation of the crisis. Curacao Prime Minister Rhugenaath publicly sided with the ultimatum for a new election causing a direct interference in the sovereign neighboring country Venezuela internal affairs. Curacao which as Aruba, the closest Caribbean islands to Venezuela, are equipped with a full US military forward base and with international harbors and airports of military standards are at the moment converted in the most strategic war-campaign-bases. War planes are already landing and troops are deployed from the Netherlands towards the ABC islands under guidance of Dutch brigade-general Peter Jan de Vin which was deployed to Curacao to overseer this military operation along with State Secretary Mr Knops.

The less populated in-defensive islands of Saba, Sint Eustatius and Bonaire were annexed, integrated and incorporated in the Dutch constitution without equal rights, with all administrating, democratic, judiciary, powers unilaterally re-positioned under the Dutch parliament in the Hague and at the moment are being governed in a colonial status against the free will of the peoples and not of their choosing.

As the Dutch government is preaching or claiming to support democracy and human rights in Venezuela meanwhile Bonaire is in a heavy humanitarian crisis by neutralizing and erasing their democratic and human rights. Imposing unilaterally laws for a systematic institutionalized ethnic cleansing of the local population, explosion of the crude death rate over 60% and massive immigration over 400% increase of non-Bonerians. At the moment in a short period, the local Bonerians became a minority on their own island and there is no stopping to this displacement and extermination process.

On Sint Eustatius, the democratically elected local government were un-democratically removed from power, with claims of corruption without proof or formal investigation by the Dutch government with abusive use of legislative , military and police powers. The Dutch appointed a non-democratic ruler to govern and erased the peoples democratic rights by stopping elections on the island till further notice. Note that the government of Sint Eustatius is the only Dutch Caribbean island which stood up against the Dutch government because illegal annexation on October 10, 2010 and presently are in court-proceedings against the Dutch government.

These mayor developments are contributing to re-establishing colonial regiments back in the Caribbean and these re-colonized territories are misused as this Venezuela case and crisis is unfolding to destabilize the region and vision towards a united and integrated Caribbean.

Our urgent call to attention and action is towards the Caricom countries and our Caribbean and Latin American brothers and sisters for supporting our islands of Bonaire and Sint Eustatius in our quest to get re-inscribed back on the list of the Non-Self-Governing-Territories of the United Nations and fall back under the scrutiny of the international community on our way back to regain and restore our fundamental human and democratic rights.

Yours sincerely,

James Finies, president Foundation We Want Bonaire Back

Excellency,

I would like to congratulate your excellency and the secretariat on attending the upcoming meeting in Montevideo, Uruguay. In reference to the escalating Venezuela crisis and our previous letters of June 11, 2018 urging the CARICOM and the Caribbean region to intervene and object to prevent an armed conflict in the Caribbean and recent letter dated January 29th, 2019, as the crisis and conflict is deepening we herewith would like to request your urgent attention and call to action on behalf of the peoples of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Curacao and Aruba.

By now it is very clear and obvious that the provocation and escalation is initiated and led by mayor world powers headed by the UK, France and the Netherlands and backed by the US as we witnessing a continuing military build up in Curacao, the ABC islands. We the people of the ABC islands highly object to be dragged into this conflict.

As the discussion is fundamentally based on the issue of democracy and human rights, the so-called ultimatum headed by these colonizing powers is directed towards a new election to re-elect a democratic president and government for the peoples of Venezuela we would like to illustrate herewith the hypocritical position taken by the government of the Netherlands (member of the UN Security Council) a front-runner in this provocation and escalation of this crisis.

The autonomous democratic Caribbean islands forming the country Netherlands Antilles in the Dutch Kingdom was dissolved and disintegrated on October 10, 2010. The Netherlands which maintained ultimate unilateral legislative and judiciary powers in the Dutch Kingdom abused these powers to continue with colonialism in the Caribbean region.

The more dense populated islands Aruba, Sint Maarten and Curacao, something what is not so obvious to outside world, they were all stripped from their autonomy and are back under Dutch control and rule. The Dutch which controls and decides on the budget (and judiciary) of the Curacao government, headed by the Secretary of State Mr. Knops, a ex-military and ex-lieutenant active in the Iraq war, forced the prime minister of Curacao, Mr Rhuggenaath which is subordinated to the Hague powers to escalation of the crisis. Curacao Prime Minister Rhugenaath publicly sided with the ultimatum for a new election causing a direct interference in the sovereign neighboring country Venezuela internal affairs. Curacao which as Aruba, the closest Caribbean islands to Venezuela, are equipped with a full US military forward base and with international harbors and airports of military standards are at the moment converted in the most strategic war-campaign-bases. War planes are already landing and troops are deployed from the Netherlands towards the ABC islands under guidance of Dutch brigade-general Peter Jan de Vin which was deployed to Curacao to overseer this military operation along with State Secretary Mr Knops.

The less populated in-defensive islands of Saba, Sint Eustatius and Bonaire were annexed, integrated and incorporated in the Dutch constitution without equal rights, with all administrating, democratic, judiciary, powers unilaterally re-positioned under the Dutch parliament in the Hague and at the moment are being governed in a colonial status against the free will of the peoples and not of their choosing.

As the Dutch government is preaching or claiming to support democracy and human rights in Venezuela meanwhile Bonaire is in a heavy humanitarian crisis by neutralizing and erasing their democratic and human rights. Imposing unilaterally laws for a systematic institutionalized ethnic cleansing of the local population, explosion of the crude death rate over 60% and massive immigration over 400% increase of non-Bonerians. At the moment in a short period the local Bonerians became a minority on their own island and there is no stopping to this displacement and extermination process.

On Sint Eustatius the democratically elected local government were un-democratically removed from power, with claims of corruption without proof or formal investigation by the Dutch government with abusive use of legislative , military and police powers. The Dutch appointed a non-democratic ruler to govern and erased the peoples democratic rights by stopping elections on the island till further notice. Note that the government of Sint Eustatius is the only Dutch Caribbean island which stood up against the Dutch government because illegal annexation on October 10, 2010 and presently are in court-proceedings against the Dutch government.

These mayor developments are contributing to re-establishing colonial regiments back in the Caribbean and these re-colonized territories are misused as this Venezuela case and crisis is unfolding to destabilize the region and vision towards a united and integrated Caribbean.

Our urgent call to attention and action is towards the Caricom countries and our Caribbean and Latin American brothers and sisters for supporting our islands of Bonaire and Sint Eustatius in our quest to get re-inscribed back on the list of the Non-Self-Governing-Territories of the United Nations and fall back under the scrutiny of the international community on our way back to regain and restore our fundamental human and democratic rights.

Yours sincerely,

James Finies, president Foundation We Want Bonaire Back
Washington: US President Donald Trump has told Australia and other anti-Islamic State coalition members the terror group's caliphate in Syria and Iraq will be erased in the coming week.

His bold declaration came as he addressed representatives from Australia and more than 70 other nations forming the global coalition fighting IS.

"It should be formally announced some time, probably next week, that we will have 100 per cent of the caliphate," Trump told the gathering at the State Department in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, Washington time.
An issue with a cargo door has caused a Qantas flight from London to Singapore to abruptly turn back to Heathrow shortly after taking off.

Twenty minutes after flight QF2 left London on Friday morning, Australian time, a cargo door hold warning began to flash in the cockpit, signalling a cabin pressure issue.

The problem was originally attributed to a suspected faulty indicator, but Qantas later confirmed that there was indeed a "minor" issue with one of the cargo doors - but not a pressure issue.

The plane did several loops above the English Channel to dump fuel before turning back the way it came.
London: Cheaper Australian beef could flood the British market under a no-deal Brexit, it has been warned.

Currently Australia faces a cap and high tariffs on the beef it exports to the EU, most of which goes to the UK, making it difficult to compete with the EU's largest beef producers, which include Ireland and France.

But British Trade Secretary Liam Fox has flagged the radical possibility of the UK waving all goods through tariff-free, if there is a no-deal Brexit, to prevent food shortages and large price rises. This would free up Australian exporters to sell into the UK a far greater quantity of goods, at no tariff.

Fox said that if this happened it would affect up to 39 per cent of British farmers.
Labor has accused Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton of "lying" about high-level security briefings on a crucial asylum seeker bill, prompting experts to call for more transparency in how government deals with classified information.

In a rapidly escalating battle over independent MP Kerryn Phelps' bid to give doctors greater powers to get refugees off Manus Island and Nauru, Mr Dutton revealed on radio the contents of briefings he claimed had been given to both the government and the opposition.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton accused Labor leader Bill Shorten of ignoring top-level security briefings. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

He said security agencies - having looked at the bill - had warned "that in a matter of weeks everybody [on] Nauru and Manus, essentially regardless of their medical condition, would be in Australia", and that "if you do that, the boats will restart".

Extracts of a classified Department of Home Affairs briefing to that effect, reportedly based on agency advice, appeared in The Australian newspaper on Thursday, which Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen said "appears to be further politicisation of government agencies".
National security agencies are continuing to scour the Parliament's computer network for threats to MPs' data after what is being described as a "sophisticated" hack attack that could be the work of a foreign government.

Alastair MacGibbon, head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, said the government's cyber experts would work over coming days and weeks to make sure all the breaches had been detected and the hackers' presence removed.

The hacking comes just three months ahead of the federal election, prompting fears that if MPs emails or data were stolen they could be used to cause political interference of the style Russia perpetrated against the United States in the 2016 presidential campaign.

Sources said the fact that Parliament had significantly upgraded its cyber defences since an attack by Chinese intelligence agencies in 2011 suggested the latest hackers were highly skilled, potentially pointing to a foreign government.
The barrister who represented one of the men convicted of the Silk-Miller police murders says an allegedly false statement became critical in the trial of his client.

Ian Hill, QC, acted for Jason Roberts who, along with Bandali Debs, was convicted of the 1998 murders of Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller in Moorabbin.

A memorial to the murdered officers. Credit:Joe Armao

Mr Hill, who has been both a defence lawyer and prosecutor for police in his career, said the words added to policeman Glenn Pullins statement were crucial.

An inquiry by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission this week heard Mr Pullin made two statements, but the original was hidden and only the second was used in the trial. The second included more of Senior Constable Millers dying declaration that there were two offenders, rather than one.
The United National Party (UNP) yesterday rejected the remarks made by President Maithripala Sirisena on Independence Day and in Parliament on Wednesday.

Addressing a news briefing, UNP MP Mujibur Rahman said the speech made by the President on Independence Day was a political speech and added it was not suitable for such a remarkable day.

It became obvious that the President delivered the speech in order to gain political advantage rather than delivering a speech which would help the country to move forward,

He said the President criticised the UNP saying that he would not agree with forming a national government.

It means that the President does not agree with the policies of his government. We feel sorry for the President, Mujibur Rahman said.

The Presidents remarks clearly depict that he is canvassing for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and working against the UNP.

Therefore, the MP said there was a necessity to strengthen the UNP in number which was why they pondered of going for a national government.

Meanwhile, UNP MP Ashu Marasinghe said the remarks made by the President in parliament could not be condoned and added they totally rejected them.

His speech in parliament was unbecoming of a President and rather reflected the role of the SLFP chairman. He criticized the Speaker, Constitutional Council and the Human Rights Commission in public, he said. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Video by RM
We will have more for you today on the massive drug haul that was seized before it reached Aussie shores. And there is plenty happening in Melbourne's legal precinct, with Craig McLachlan due to arrive at court shortly.

And don't forget to plan your journeys this weekend, with substantial road and rail works going on around the city.

Have a lovely weekend!
A relative of a six-month-old boy found dead in a car on Wednesday has lashed out at the justice system, claiming it had let the child's mother down and that his death "should never have happened".

Katie Buckingham, a cousin of the child's mother, set up a GoFundMe campaign to support her a day after the boy was found dead with his father near a campground in Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

The six-month-old baby found dead in a car with his father near a Sunshine Coast camping ground on Wednesday.

The child's death was described by police as domestic-violence related.

"It is with greatest sadness that I have to open up this go fund me page," Ms Buckingham wrote.
The mayors of three Sydney councils have seized on a "farcical" community consultation process to launch a fresh attack on plans to raze Allianz Stadium, weeks before hard demolition works begin.

City of Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore, Waverley mayor John Wakefield and Randwick mayor Kathy Nielson claim the government breached its own guidelines for the project's community consultative committee, which is set to meet on Thursday night.

Thousands of seats at Allianz Stadium have been removed in recent days as part of "soft demolition" works. Credit:Nick Moir

The mayors wrote to Planning Minister Anthony Roberts, demanding the crucial meeting be delayed until their "serious concerns" with the community meeting process have been addressed.

But a spokesman for Mr Roberts said on Thursday afternoon that the committee had been set up "fully in accordance with the [Planning Department's] guidelines" and the meeting would go ahead.
NSW Police were forced to conduct an internal audit of almost two decades' worth of covert sources in the wake of shocking revelations in Victoria that an unnamed lawyer had been a secret police informant, bringing hundreds of convictions into doubt and threatening to discredit the criminal justice system.

NSW Police insist their inquiry has found: "no evidence of alleged breaches of legal professional privilege have been identified nor has any conduct similar to that alleged in the Victorian Lawyer X matter become apparent".

NSW Police say they can find no evidence of lawyers being recruited to become police informers. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

Lawyer X or Informer 3838 first started working covertly for Victoria Police while she was still a law student in 1995, more than a decade before police had previously admitted to recruiting the gangland barrister.

"NSW Police Force are obliged under the law to disclose to the Director of Public Prosecutions all material relevant to the prosecution of an alleged indictable offence if the DPP is involved," said a statement on Thursday afternoon.
A toddler suffered more than two dozen wounds including burns from a cigarette lighter to her face, limbs and genitals in the lead-up to her death, a Sydney jury has been told.

Forensic pathologist Lorraine du Toit-Prinsloo on Thursday testified there were about 28 human bite marks on the two-year-old's arms, legs and buttocks as well as burns in the shape of a cigarette lighter, inflicted before her death caused by "blunt force trauma".

Mohammed Khazma has pleaded not guilty to murdering his then-girlfriend's daughter in December 2016 in Sydney. Credit:AAP

But the doctor could not say what injuries caused the child's death or when they were inflicted.

Dr Toit-Prinsloo was giving evidence at the NSW Supreme Court trial of Mohammed Khazma, 25, who has pleaded not guilty to murdering his then-girlfriend's daughter in December 2016 in Sydney.
A former AMP contract worker who tried to install a dark web browser on his work laptop after downloading personal identification of 20 customers has pleaded guilty to taking the sensitive data from the financial services company.

Detectives and Australian Border Force officers arrested Yi Zheng, 28, as he was boarding a flight to China on January 17 with his wife and six-month-old baby.

Yi Zheng, a former contractor for financial services company AMP, has pleaded guilty to the unauthorised access of customers' identity-related documents. Credit:Danny Casey

During a search of Mr Zheng and his luggage, police seized mobile phones, SIM cards, a laptop and electronic storage devices. Police said they are continuing to examine the items.

The Chinese national faced the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, charged with possessing identification information with the intention of committing and facilitating the commission of an indictable offence.
The visa status of seven foreign prostitutes is being investigated after they were bound during a hold-up in a Perth brothel.

Police spokesman Graham Clifford said three men entered the Inglewood brothel, in Perth's eastern suburbs in the early hours of Sunday morning where they tied up the seven staff there.

"It seems they have held the place up and then left empty handed," Sgt Clifford said.

It was unclear how the prostitutes were discovered.

Police said they were now investigating the credentials of the women working at the brothel, who are believed to be Korean.
Planning Minister Mick Gentleman says Downer will be largely untouched by the ACT government's urban infill agenda, seemingly contradicting information included in documents mapping out the strategy.

Mr Gentleman said there were no plans to rezone Downer to allow for greater housing density, except for on Northbourne Avenue and the Federal Highway.

ACT planning minister Mick Gentleman, who has moved to allay fears Downer could soon be swamped with high-density housing developments. Credit:Fairfax Media

He met with the Downer Community Association on Wednesday amid concerns the government's planning strategy - which seeks to increase housing density in suburbs adjacent to the light rail route and town and group centres - could dramatically reshape their neighbourhood.

A map included in the strategy identifies more than three quarters of the suburb as an "urban intensification locality" - but doesn't specify what, if any, zoning changes might be introduced to allow more housing density.
Think about what you wore to your high school blue light disco.

Chances are for women of a certain age it involved a boob tube, low-slung jeans (as an aside: the style most likely to strike dread into the heart of most women is set to make a comeback by 2020) and a whole lot of hair clips.

Perhaps it was an artful smattering of glittery butterfly clips, or all of your hair bunched into a shark clip apart from two tendrils left at the front or held back with barrettes or snap clips. There was probably a scrunchie involved.

So it might be a source of bemusement to discover that the painstakingly constructed hairstyles of the '80s, '90s and early 2000s, styles which might have previously been a source of cringing, have inexplicably made a comeback.
Di Montague, a member of Groundswell Gloucester, told fellow anti-mine campaigners, "we've won, we've won". Gloucester residents are jubilant after their win in the Land and Environment Court. Credit:Janie Barrett The result should "reverberate across every community fighting coal and coal seam gas in Australia", Ms Montague told the Sydney Morning Herald ahead of the result. "It's a very strong judgment," David Morris, EDO NSW's chief executive, said after the judgment was released to a packed court room. Planning Minister Anthony Roberts declined to comment on the judgment's wider importance, saying only: "Thats the legal process and we respect the courts decision.

A spokesman later added that Mr Roberts was "gratified that the Land and Environment Court agreed with his original decision to refuse a mining licence on the grounds that the proposal did not meet environmental and social requirements. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis." Loading Brian Clifford, chief operating officer for Gloucester Resources said the company was disappointed by the court's decision after the mine had "met all the non-discretionary criteria". "Gloucester Resources Limited will assess the implications of todays decision and consider its

next steps," Mr Clifford said. Stephen Galilee, chief executive of the NSW Minerals Council, said his organisation did not accept that the verdict amounted to a "landmark case" because the Planning Department had already recommended against the project's approval.

"Well take a close look at the judgment, including what appears to be a range of different reasons for the outcome," Mr Galilee said. 'Shutting the door' The result was being watched with interest internationally. Climate litigation, particularly in the US and European nations such as the Netherlands, is growing as climate campaigners frustrated by insufficient political action seek alternative routes to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Hunter Valley coal mines: will it be harder to expand or dig new ones after NSW court ruling? Will Steffen, an adjunct professor at the Australian National University who gave evidence in court about the climate impacts of coal, welcomed the result.

"It is absolutely clear that the Paris climate targets cannot be met if we continue to open up new fossil fuel reserves," Professor Steffen said. Loading "This landmark decision sends a clear message to the fossil fuel industry that it cannot continue to expand if we are serious about tackling climate change." "Shutting the door on new fossil fuel developments will be a major turning point in the battle to stabilise the climate system - and will add further momentum to the shift to clean, reliable renewable energy systems," he said. 'All emissions contribute'

Justice Preston elaborated on his judgment, noting that "all of the direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions of the Rocky Hill Coal Project will impact on the environment". "All anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change," he said. In aggregate, the mine would have contributed 37.8 million tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent, "a sizeable individual source" of such emissions, Justice Preston concluded. "It matters not that the aggregate of the Project's greenhouse gas emissions may represent a small fraction of the global total", he said. "The global problem of climate change needs to be addressed by multiple local actions to mitigate emissions by sources and remove greenhouse gases by sinks." 'Wrong place, wrong time'

In summarising, Justice Preston said an open-cut coal mine in "this part of the Gloucester valley would be in the wrong place at the wrong time". It was the wrong place because of "this scenic and cultural landscape", including indigenous ones, and its proximity to home. However, it was also the "wrong time because the greenhouse gas emissions of the coal mine and its coal product will increase global total concentrations of [those gases] at a time when what is now urgently needed, in order to meet generally agreed climate targets is a rapid and deep decrease" in those emissions, Justice Preston concluded. Such a judgment "will be generally applicable to any coal mine in Australia", Mr Morris from the EDO said. Mr Morris also drew attention to Justice Preston's recognition and apparent acceptance of the need for a carbon budget to keep global average temperatures from rising more than 1.5-2 degrees compared to pre-industrial times, as agreed in the Paris climate accord.

That budget meant "most fossil fuel reserves will need to remain in the ground unburned", Justice Preston wrote. Justin Field, a NSW Greens MP, said the decision put the government and miners "on notice". "NSW's contribution to climate change from the burning of fossil fuels mined here has been recognised by the court's decision and should rightly be a consideration in any proposed developments," he said. Long battles The town of Gloucester and its campaigners are no strangers to the spotlight.

Groundswell Gloucester successfully saw off energy giant AGL and its plans to develop at least 330 coal seam gas wells in the valley, with the anniversary of that result three years ago last Monday. Loading "There's been so much angst" over the CSG and coal mines in the region, Julie Lyford, president of Groundswell Gloucester and a former mayor of the town, said. Licences, including for coal and CSG exploration near Gloucester, "had been handed out like confetti" by the previous state Labor government, Ms Lyford said. "The Gloucester community has been living with the results of that disgraceful period" for more than a decade. It was now important for the planning, environment and resources departments to "take a serious look" at how they have colluded to promote mining over other interests, she said.
Known to be one of the iconic landmarks in Colombo, the Beira Lake has added much attraction and historical significance to the cityscape. However over the recent past, the Lake has been frowned upon due to the continuous stench emanating from the polluted body of water, which makes life difficult for those working and residing in close proximity.

Allegations have been levelled against the authorities by concerned parties, including environmental activists, that the once tranquil Beira is yet again suffering from neglect and desecration. For over six weeks, one of the main sewage lines has ceased to function due to a breakdown, releasing sewage into the lake. With this leak, sections of the lake, lying between high profile development properties, have turned into an unnatural green colour with dark spots, but the authorities dont seem to be taking prompt action. Activists also levelled allegations that the growth formations on the surface of water in these areas have now resulted in the formation of methane.



Harmful algal bloom

The Daily Mirror, learned that the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) engineering team was aware of this incident and that they were working on rectifying the situation. However according to information received by a source, who wished to remain anonymous, the team of engineers had revealed that since they were repairing the sewage pumping stations, they had to divert the sewage to the lake as they had no option.

When contacted, the Head of Engineering at CMC was not available for an explanation as he required permission from the Commissioner. This has raised doubts among engineers as to why the CMC couldnt divert the sewage to one of the three sewage outfalls situated in Ratmalana, Wellawatte and Modara. Officials at the Ports Authority and the Urban Development Authority too were not available for comment.

"However according to information received by a source, who wished to remain anonymous, the team of engineers had revealed that since they were repairing the sewage pumping stations, they had to divert the sewage to the lake as they had no option"



Speaking to the Daily Mirror, General Manager of the Marine Environment Protection Authority Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara identified the growth visible on the surface of sections of the lake as an algal bloom. An algal bloom, also known as algae bloom, is a rapid increase in the population of algae in an aquatic system. They occur in both freshwater and marine environments and are often recognised by the discolouration of the water, as a result of the high density of pigmented cells.

When colonies of algae  simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater  grow out of control and produce toxic or harmful effects on living organisms in the water and surrounding area, it is usually identified as a harmful algal bloom. In ocean and freshwater environments, an algal bloom will eventually lead to a hypoxia condition, Dr. Kumara noted. Hypoxia refers to low or depleted oxygen in a water body and is often associated with the overgrowth of certain species of algae, which can lead to oxygen depletion, followed by the death of all organisms, he explained.



Only responsible for cleaning

The Daily Mirror, also contacted the Deputy General Manager (Drainage and Reclamation) of the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (SLLRDC) S.P. Muthumala to inquire into the development. Muthumala said that the SLLRDC has not been notified of any breakdown related to sewerage lines. Were only responsible for the cleaning of the water body of the Beira lake. We have not been informed of a breakdown of a sewerage pipe or a requirement to clean the water body, as a result of such a leakage, he said. However we have been carrying out dredging activities of the Beira lake on the east and west, for over a month now. Since the dredging too involves pipes, anyone can easily be misled that theres a breakdown of a sewerage line, he added.

Dredging is a the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of water bodies such as lakes and harbours. It is a routine necessity in waterways, as sedimentation or the natural process of sand and silt accumulation, can decrease the depth of a body of water, especially when water bodies in and around cities are often contaminated with a variety of pollutants. It is also carried out to minimise the effects of exposure of fish and other organisms to contaminants and also to prevent the spread of contaminants to other areas of the water body.



While the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development was granted approval to implement a major development project known as the Beira Lake Intervention Area Development Plan last year in June, the authority was also granted approval to conserve and develop the banks of Beira, prior to any construction. At the time, officials revealed that more than 70 Government and private institutions with over 1,000 smaller private bodies and residential properties in the area dumped garbage and waste in the lake. The dumping of medical waste in the Beira was observed as another significant factor contributing to the degrading ecological system in and around the lake, over the years.



Meanwhile the Colombo sewage disposal system is believed to be over 85 years old; overloaded and out-dated. Although the need for its urgent upgrade has been highlighted in different forums, tangible action on the issue is yet to be witnessed. A sewage consultant speaking to the Daily Mirror underscored that while the sewage disposal system of the city is complex, the breakdown of sewage lines and the resultant release of sewage into the Beira is only an eventuality. It is evident that a lack of coordination not only among responsible authorities, but also industry stakeholders, who are contributors to the issue, is leading to growing concerns over health and sanitation standards of Colombo.

Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe
The #MeToo movement has led to the ouster of powerful men, the revelation of long-secret bad behaviour and the emergence of an empowering social movement.

But it has also led to unintended consequences. As several media reports have chronicled, the movement has struck fear in the hearts of some professional men, leading them to avoid close relationships with, or distance themselves from, women at work in a way that could hinder their female colleagues' careers.

It is rare for people to choose proteges who don't look like them. Credit:Jessica Hromas

Nowhere is this more important than at the top, where leadership consultants have long touted the importance of being "sponsored" by a senior executive who's willing to do more than just offer informal "mentoring" advice, and instead put their own reputation on the line and advocate on behalf of a more junior rising star.

A new report from the Center for Talent Innovation, a think tank focused on research about leadership and diversity issues, offers a reminder of just how rare it is for people to choose proteges who don't look like them.
National Australia Bank's leadership crisis has sparked fresh calls from the federal opposition and governance advisers to argue for broader change.

Chairman Ken Henry and chief executive Andrew Thorburn both sensationally resigned on Thursday night in the wake of damning criticism in the banking royal commission's final report and a mounting crisis over alleged rorts by a senior staffer in Mr Thorburn's office.

Outgoing National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Thorburn speaks to the media outside his home on Thursday. Credit:Eddie Jim

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten urged the Coalition government to recall Parliament to speed up implementation of the banking royal commision's 76 recommendations.

"We must start legislating on these recommendations before the election. I will not let Scott Morrison off the hook on this," he said.
"Initially I was surprised by that commentary," Dr Henry told Sales of the criticism. "Quite surprised. And I was upset by it. The more I thought about it ... I can't tell you how many times I've relived that appearance, I understand the criticism. "I really should have performed quite differently. I should have been much more open." He told media he was "sad to be leaving NAB" under the current circumstances, "but it's absolutely the right thing to do, it gives NAB the opportunity to reset". Despite NAB's board backing Mr Thorburn earlier this week, the CEO said he had been speaking with Dr Henry, and decided to resign because of a realisation the bank had "fallen short". He referred specifically to a page in the royal commission's final report that said commissioner Hayne was "not as confident as I would wish to be that the lessons of the past have been learned."

I have always sought to act in the best interests of the bank and customers and I know that I have always acted with integrity," Mr Thorburn said. Outgoing National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Thorburn speaks to media outside his home on Thursday. Credit:Eddie Jim "However, I recognise there is a desire for change. As a result, I spoke with the board and offered to step down as CEO, and they have accepted my offer." It is highly unusual for a bank chairman and chief executive to leave at the same time, and Mr Chronican said it would have been "massively disruptive" for Dr Henry to leave earlier. Mr Chronican said it had been an "extraordinarily difficult week for everyone involved", but the board would now launch a global search for a chief executive.

Loading Former NSW premier Mike Baird, a senior NAB executive, is seen as a leading internal candidate to succeed Mr Thorburn, although there may be pressure on the bank to bring in an external CEO. There is also set to be renewal of the banks board, something that has occurred at other scandal-plagued financial institutions. Earlier this week, Mr Thorburn cancelled plans to take long service leave to deal with the fallout from the royal commission, and on Tuesday said he had the full support of the board. Separately, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age reports on Thursday about suspected large-scale fraud by Mr Thorburn's former chief of staff, in which insiders described a culture of largesse and extravagant spending in his office, put his executive oversight in question. Asked about the scandal, Mr Thorburn said the bank had co-operated with the police and that his pay was cut last year in response, adding "no one in the bank, including myself, is being investigated" by the NSW police.

Loading NAB's latest annual report said Mr Thorburn could be eligible for a termination payment of $1.05 million. A spokesman said this was yet to be finalised. Mr Chronican, 62, spent more than three decades in banking, most recently as the chief executive of ANZ Bank's Australian business, a role he left three years ago. Before ANZ, he was a former chief financial officer of Westpac and head of its institutional division. When Dr Henry was asked if customers should take their business elsewhere, he replied: "Of course they shouldnt. We are building the best bank in Australia and one of the best banks globally." Dr Henry said the board should have the opportunity to appoint a new chairman as it tries to "reset" its culture.

"I am enormously proud of what the bank has achieved and equally disappointed about what the royal commission has brought to light in areas where we have not met customer expectations. Andrew and I are deeply sorry for this," he said. Mr Chronican backed the bank's existing strategy to focus more on customers and regaining their trust. "I recognise the important responsibility in stepping into this role at a difficult time for NAB, he said. I'm sad to be leaving NAB in these circumstances, but it's absolutely the right thing to do, it gives NAB the opportunity to reset. Ken Henry The bank also released its first quarter profit result on Thursday, a day earlier than scheduled, showing a 3 per cent dip in cash earnings to $1.65 billion.

Illustration: Matt Golding Credit: The leadership upheaval comes after NAB suffered a horror year in 2018, with the royal commission exposing the fees for no service scandal, questions over alleged rorts by Mr Thorburn's chief of staff, a bribery ring in the bank's mortgage business and a record-breaking shareholder revolt against the bank's executive pay report. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said the resignation's would not assuage public anger at the banks and pledged to push for an accelerated response to the commission's 76 final recommendations. "For Australians sitting at home tonight that have been victims of banking industry misconduct this news will be little comfort," he said. "They dont want to just see a couple of bankers kissed goodbye with golden handshakes. They want real change to cut the rot out of our banks.

"Australians have a choice for the upcoming election. Only Labor can be trusted to clean up the banks. The Liberals will do nothing more than look after their mates at the top end of town." Vas Kolesnikoff, head of Australia and New Zealand Research for Institutional Shareholder Services, said rest of the board should consider their positions. "The other board directors should take a hard look at themselves," Mr Kolesnikoff said. "You have to credit to Thorburn and Henry in that they resigned. There are other people including in management who have tarnished the bank." Governance expert Dean Paatsch, who is chief executive of proxy advisory house Ownership Matters, said the resignations were inevitable. "It's an example of governance working as it should," Mr Paatsch said.
Speaker Karu Jayasuriya today dismissed criticism levelled by President Maithripala Sirisena on the Constitutional Council (CC).

Making a special statement in Parliament, Speaker Jayasuriya who is also the head of the CC, said it never informed the President that it does not consider the seniority when appointing judicial officers and other members of the other Independent Commissions.

We never informed the President that we dont consider seniority but we did tell him that we consider other aspects as well other than the seniority. Therefore, the statement made by the President was wrong , the Speaker said.

I have never said the CC does not consider seniority even in my speech made in the House on January 2, 2019," he added.

The Speaker said the CC only considered the nominations sent by the President and does not consider outsiders. He said no one has been subjected to unfair treatment by the CC.

The statement made by the President that 12 names which sent to the CC has been rejected was also wrong. The CC only considers one name when three and four names are sent. It is an insult to the CC to say that it has rejected the nominations sent by the President.

A CC is not needed if only seniority is considered when appointments are made. It is the duty of the CC to nominate the right kind of persons as per the 19th Amendment. Our belief is that we have performed this duty well. Members of the CC are allowed to voice their opinions. No political party had a majority in CC. It does not come under any influence in such circumstances at any time,.

All decisions taken by the CC were collective decisions. The CC can consider appointments to the Supreme Courts and Court of Appeal. It does not have the power to go into the appointments of Primary Courts, Magistrate Courts and District Courts,

The CC has boost the image of the country. Our Judiciary has won the praise of the international community. The actions of the CC will help Sri Lankas cause in the next UN Human Rights Commission sessions this year.

The Speaker also dismissed claims made by the President on National Human Rights Commission.

The Human Rights Commission had asked for a report on sending of the STF to Agunakolapellassa Prison as many parties have raised questions on it, he said.

Further, the Speaker said the delay in getting the Sri Lankan security forces stationed in Mali took place according to an agreement which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UN and the security forces.

The Speaker also went on to say that he had tabled the criteria followed in approving appointments on December 8, 2016. However the guidelines followed by the CC will be re-tabled in Parliament tomorrow. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  And things were going so well for the Democrats in Virginia.

Hillary Clinton won the state in the 2016 election, the third Democratic presidential win in a row after decades of GOP victories.

The states two U.S. senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, are Democrats, and Virginias congressional delegation is controlled by the Dems.

The houses of the state legislature are held by Republicans, but just barely.

The governor, Ralph Northam, is a Democrat. So is the lieutenant governor, Justin Fairfax.

At least, Northam and Fairfax are still in office for now. The entire state government has been plunged into chaos amid separate scandals engulfing both men.

Northam is battling charges of racism after a photo on his page in his 1980s medical school yearbook showed a man in blackface and another in a KKK outfit.

Northam at first admitted that he was in the photo, but then he backtracked. But in backtracking, the governor pre-emptively admitted that hed donned blackface while appearing as Michael Jackson in a dance content way back when. He almost showed off his moonwalking skills for reporters before being gently restrained by his wife.

A Northam resignation would put Fairfax, who is black, in the governors mansion.

But Fairfax has a big problem of his own. Hes been accused of sexually assaulting a woman during the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. Fairfax has denied the allegation. His accuser, Vanessa Tyson, has retained the same law firm that represented Christine Blasey Ford when she accused Supreme Court designee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault.

So Fairfax is in some tall weeds. And it gets better: Fairfax has accused Northam of spreading the sexual assault rumor in a bid to take the heat off of himself.

Its a mess.

Collateral damage has already accumulated as Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring resigned on Wednesday after saying that hed dressed in blackface at a 1980 college party.

The white guys do seem to like their blackface in Virginia. It makes you wonder how many other officials in the South, Democrats and Republicans, have blackface lurking in their past. You can bet that old yearbooks and photo albums are being very closely scrutinized all over the former Confederacy.

Dems have universally called on Northam to resign. Hes resisted so far. Theyve yet to turn the heat up on Fairfax, but you can bet that thats coming.

Because whats the alternative? For the party to say that racist blackface is OK as long as a Democrat dons it? This is the same party that screamed over the Confederate flag and demanded that Civil War statues be torn down.

And what about Fairfax? Are you going to say you dont believe a woman who claims to have been sexually assaulted because she accuses a Democrat?

The Democrats drew a bright and shining line during the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings. The allegation against him was unsubstantiated. But in the era of #MeToo, Democrats made it clear that that the accusation alone, trumpeted initially by the Washington Post, was disqualifying. That and the fact that the judge liked to drink a lot of beer.

Fairfax should be grateful that he managed to avoid the same treatment for a while. The Post had been on his story too, but declined to publish because they couldnt corroborate Tysons account, and couldnt find other similar accusations against Fairfax.

If only Kavanaugh had gotten the same benefit of the doubt. Well, what comes around goes around. Sen. Elizabeth Warren is learning the same lesson after it was shown yet again that the Massachusetts Democrat had claimed American Indian heritage, this time on a form with the Texas bar association.

The past never goes away. But will justice be meted out equally?

And we thought our Internet shenanigans were going to be our downfall.
Update: The 21-year-old victim died alongside the family dog Friday morning.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A civilian woman died and four firefighters were injured in a house fire in Port Richmond on Thursday morning, according to police and fire sources.

The woman, thought to be in her 20s, was taken to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton where she was pronounced dead, according to an NYPD spokeswoman.

The four firefighters who suffered minor injuries also were taken to Richmond University Medical Center.

The fire was called at 5:49 a.m. for a multifamily dwelling at 170 Hatfield Place, according to an FDNY spokeswoman and information posted on the departments Twitter feed.

At least 60 firefighters and EMS personnel and 12 units brought the all-hands fire under control at about 7:02 a.m., the spokeswoman said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A borough man who authorities said helped an accomplice rob two hotels on Staten Island three years ago has avoided further time behind bars but is on the hook for more than $13,000 in restitution.

Angel Santiago, 25, has been sentenced in Brooklyn federal court to time served and two years supervised release stemming from his role in the holdups in the summer of 2016.

Authorities said Santiago and fellow Staten Islander Marc Luna, 26, held up the Hylan Inn at 1274 Hylan Blvd. in Grasmere and the Ramada Inn at 535 N. Gannon Avenue in Willowbrook.

The defendants also attempted to stick up the West Shore Motor Lodge at 2600 Veterans Road West in Charleston, said court papers.

The Hylan Inn heist occurred on July 30, 2016, and the other two on Aug. 5 of that year, an indictment said.

According to Advance reports, two men robbed the Ramada Inn at around 6 a.m., then bolted on foot. One suspect was armed with a gun, a police spokesman said at the time.

An attempted armed robbery also was reported at the West Shore Motor Lodge a few hours earlier, at around 4 a.m., police said. The suspects allegedly confronted the desk clerk at the motel, police said then.

The clerk said the two men ran into the check-in area and held up a gun to the bulletproof office glass, the Advance reported.

The suspects then tried to open the door to the office but couldn't, because it was bolted shut.

"They said, 'Open the [expletive] door.' I told them to get the [expletive] out of here," said the employee.

The defendants left empty-handed. The incident was over within seconds, the clerk said.

In January 2018, Luna pleaded guilty in Brooklyn federal court to robbery, robbery conspiracy and possessing and brandishing firearms during a crime of violence.

Under the firearms plea, he admitted to sticking up the Hylan Inn with a gun and stealing cash.

Luna was later sentenced in October to nine years behind bars, along with five years post-release supervision, online federal court records show.

Previously, in September 2017, Santiago had pleaded guilty to the same charges as Luna later did.

As part of his sentence handed down Tuesday, Santiago must shell out $13,215 in restitution while on supervised release, online federal court records show.

The defendant, who had been incarcerated since his arrest in 2016, was released from prison on Tuesday, per online federal Bureau of Prisons records.

Eric M. Schlosser, Santiagos lawyer, declined comment on the case.
UPDATE -- Woman killed in blaze was a nursing grad from big family.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 21-year-old woman pronounced dead Thursday after being pulled from a fire in Port Richmond was alone in the house at the time of the incident, and died alongside the family dog, authorities said.

Neighbors said the woman lived at the house with her mother and father, and was the youngest of multiple siblings. The father, sources said, was in Florida at the time of the fire attending a memorial service for another close family member who had just died.

Fire marshals are investigating the cause of the blaze, according to an FDNY spokesman.

Of course were devastated to hear something like this happened to one of our neighbors, said Kim, a neighbor who asked her last name not be used. I would always see her walking the dog.

A woman who lives next door said she smelled smoke, then, heard sirens moments later. Others on the block said they slept through a majority of the early morning blaze.

The womans aunt said the extended family had gathered Thursday in mourning, and declined to comment any further.

Authorities have yet to officially release the name of the victim.

Five firefighters were also injured battling the blaze, which was called in at 5:49 a.m., according to the FDNY.
CITY HALL -- The Islands $4.1 million, three-year-long deer vasectomy program has finally come to an end, but the city wants to spend at least $2.5 million more for another five years of vasectomies.

The Parks Department is currently looking to award a contract to continue the vasectomy program for five more years.

The $4.1 million effort ended at the end of January, and the Parks Department says it plans to release an updated deer population count by spring.

We are on track to meet our goal of sterilizing 98% of bucks. In order to preserve the high percentage of sterilized males, Parks is soliciting Expressions of Interest from vendors for a five-year contract to continue the population control study, said Parks spokeswoman Meghan Lalor, referring the vasectomy program.

When the vasectomy program was launched three years ago, the initial contract that was awarded to White Buffalo Inc. was not supposed to exceed $3.3 million over the three-year research study.

MORE DEER THAN EXPECTED; HIGH SALARIES

However, because the contractor kept finding more deer than expected on the Island, each year, the contractor had to keep asking the city for more money until the contract ballooned to $4.1 million.

A detailed cost breakdown of the three-year program obtained by the Advance through a Freedom of Information Law request showed that just 7.6 percent of the $4.1 million program went toward supplies to sterilize the boroughs bucks and bait to lure them.

The rest of the $3.7 million in funding for the program was used to pay senior scientists, wildlife biologists and technicians, and veterinarians charged with capturing and sterilizing the deer from city contractor White Buffalo Inc.

Many of those scientists earned six-figure salaries often for less than half a year of work, and in some cases, earned more than the median household income of New York City residents for just a month of work.

The Parks Department said the contractor performed a total of 1,577 vasectomies in the third year of the program.

So far, the city has said the Islands vasectomy program has proven successful. Despite rising costs, Mayor de Blasio has said he is willing to spend more on the program if needed.

But despite the drop, Islanders report seeing deer around the Island and in their backyards almost everyday.

In April, the city announced the Islands deer population dropped by 8 percent from 2,053 in 2017 to 1,884 in 2018.

ODDO WANTS TO CONSIDER CONTROLLED HUNT

Meantime, Borough President James Oddo recently said he is working on bringing state and federal officials back to the table to discuss the possibility of bringing a cull -- or a controlled hunt -- to the Island to better manage the deer population.

Additionally, he is looking into using a deer avoidance technology on Island roads to prevent deer vehicle collisions around the Island. A town in Essex County, N.J., has been experimenting with the technology along certain roadways for the past two years, and Oddo said he plans to visit the town later this year to see how it works.

When the mayor was asked during a recent visit to the Island whether he would be open to a cull once the vasectomy program wraps up, he said he wouldnt rule it out.

I dont rule out anything when it comes to new approaches, de Blasio said. If we dont see the progress we need, initial progress is promising, but I will remind you, it was not just a question of the city. there was also a lot of resistance at the state level. I think it is a complex issue, there are real complex environmental issues and other issues here, bottom line -- the current [vasectomy] approach will work, but well never take off the table other options if it doesnt work.

FOLLOW SYDNEY KASHIWAGI ON TWITTER.
Update: The NYPD has charged two men with murder in connection with the body and identified the victim. Click here for the story.

--

By MAURA GRUNLUND and EDDIE DANNA

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Detectives are questioning two males in connection with the skeletal remains discovered in a shallow grave in a wooded area of Greenridge Wednesday afternoon, according to multiple law enforcement sources.

There have been no charges filed in connection with the incident at this time.

The remains found in the woods in the vicinity of Ilyssa Way and Arthur Kill Road are believed to be male in his 50s, sources told the Advance.

However, the medical examiner still needs to determine the identity and cause of death.

An NYPD canine found the burial site after detectives received a tip, one source said.

The New York Post is reporting that a man visited an NYPD precinct on Staten Island and reported the dead body. The body was thought to have been buried for about six months, according to the report.

On Thursday morning, a spokeswoman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information was unable provide information about the age and gender of the victim or verify the story about the tipster.
Page Content

On Feb. 6, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a proposed rule to lower prescription drug prices by encouraging drug manufacturers to pass their rebates directly to consumers instead of to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which act as intermediaries between health plans and pharmacies.

While the proposal primarily targets Medicare and other government health plans, it could eventually alter rebate practices involving employer-sponsored group plans, policy experts said. That's because of the size of the Medicare prescription drug market: In 2017, 42.5 million Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Part D prescription drug plans, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. If drug makers change their rebate practices for Medicare Part D plans, they may be likely to change them for all plans, including employer-sponsored coverage.

Comments on the proposed rule can be filed with the HHS through April 8. If finalized, the proposed rule would go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.

PBM Rebates Condemned

As third-party administrators of prescription drug programs, PBMs develop and maintain the formulary that lists drugs covered by the plan and the amount of coverage provided (often specified by tiers for generic, formulary-brand, nonformulary-brand and specialty drugs), contract with pharmacies, negotiate discounts and rebates with drug manufacturers, and process and pay prescription drug claims.

Advocates of greater price transparency for prescription drugs argue that drug makers pay higher rebates to PBMs for expensive medications, giving PBMs an incentive to include higher-cost medications on plan formularies when less-expensive alternatives are available.

"Every day, Americansparticularly our seniorspay more than they need to for their prescription drugs because of a hidden system of kickbacks to middlemen" that, while not illegal, is unfair to consumers, HHS Secretary Alex Azar stated.

According to an HHS fact sheet released with the proposal, "PBMs play an important role in negotiating with drug companies. But if the negotiation favors higher rebates instead of lower cost drugs, it can lead to higher list prices." Prescription drug rebates amount to, on average, 26 percent to 30 percent of a drug's list price, the HHS said.



"It is important to remember that in addition to PBMs, these 'rebates' benefit both insurance companies and drug makers by allowing them to charge even higher pricesleaving the patients and taxpayers to ultimately to foot the bill," wrote Kevin R. Campbell, CEO of PaceMate, a health care data management company based in Sarasota, Fla.



To counter this incentive to favor higher-cost drugs, the proposal would:

Exclude the prescription drug rebates that manufacturers pay to PBMsthose working with Medicare Part D plans and Medicaid managed-care organizationsfrom safe-harbor protection against legal actions under the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. The statute prohibits payments in exchange for services under a federal health care program.



Create a new safe harbor for prescription drug discounts offered directly to patients under these programs.



[SHRM members-only toolkit: Managing Health Care Costs]

Employers Also Target Rebates

"The proposed rule exercises HHS's regulatory authority to address the rebate system as it relates to federal health care programs," said Brian Marcotte, CEO of the National Business Group on Health (NBGH), a Washington, D.C.-based employers coalition. "However, actions implemented in Medicare often spill over to the private market, and I suspect employers will be watching this proposal closely," he noted.

When negotiating pharmaceutical benefits, large employers have already begun to require that PBM rebates be passed along to consumers at the pharmacy counter, Marcotte pointed out. "The administration's proposal tracks with efforts many of our members have taken to pull the value of rebates forward to benefit patients at the point of sale," he noted. "Thus, HHS's proposal picks up on the momentum from large employers and, more importantly, underscores the inefficiency of the pharmaceutical supply chain."



More than 90 percent of employers would welcome an alternative to the current rebate-driven approach, according to NBGH's Large Employer 2019 Health Care Strategy and Plan Design Survey, conducted in May and June 2018 with 170 large U.S. employers.

"If finalized in its current form, this proposed rule would almost certainly be the largest change to the prescription drug pricing system the administration has put forward so far," blogged Rachel Sachs, an associate professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis. However, "as with previous efforts, it remains to be seen whetherand how aggressivelythe administration will move to finalize and implement any of these changes."



Other Administration Efforts

A major initiative by President Donald Trump's administration seeks to lower drug prices and reduce out-of-pocket costs for consumers, and the proposed rule is part of that effort.

In October, Trump signed into law the Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act, which makes it illegal for insurers or PBMs to enact "gag clauses" that prevent pharmacists from discussing cheaper price options with consumers who have individual-market or employer-sponsored drug coverage. A similar law was enacted to protect enrollees in Medicare Part D plans.





Related SHRM Articles:

Navigating the Changing Prescription Drug Market, SHRM Online, November 2018

For 2019, Employers Adjust Health Benefits as Costs Near $15,000 per Employee, SHRM Online, August 2018

Trump's Drug Blueprint Could Alter PBM Contracting, SHRM Online, May 2018

Negotiating Price Transparency with PBMs Pays Off, SHRM Online, January 2017






Since the TNA is not a part of the Government, the Government might collapse anytime

Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella was frank when he said on Wednesday that they were going to form a National Government under the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in order to increase the number of Ministers of the Cabinet from 30 to 48.

In a way, he had been compelled to tell the truth finally to the country after attempting to pull the wool over the eyes of the people with regard to the purpose of the National Government, which the Government was attempting to form.



Earlier leaders of the Government were claiming that the Government wanted to form a National Government with Parliament members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) with a view to having a stable Government. It was not clear whether there were SLFP members of Parliament who at the time were willing to join the Government.

However, the whole country knew that the move to form a National Government was a ploy to increase the number of Ministers and the interesting part of the scenario was that the Government members also knew that everybody knew what their intention was.

Yet, they continued to pretend that they were unaware that people were aware of their intention and kept on talking about stabilizing of the Government.



Attempting to do what people do not like, while pretending not to know that others know your intention is the best kind of shamelessness. Nevertheless, the best way to do what others do not like is also pretending not to know that others know

your intention.

However, the Government later realized that their pretention is of no use and thus Minister Kiriella shifted his tone and admitted that they were to form a National Government in order to puff up the size of the Cabinet.

Kiriella handed over a motion to the Secretary-General of Parliament last Friday to form a National Government with 48 Cabinet Ministers.



The motion was required under the 19th Amendment an Article of which says that Parliament will decide the number of Ministers under a National Government. Later, the leaders of the Government argued that they had formed a National Government with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), which has only one member in Parliament and a motion was presented in the House to increase the number of Ministers to 48.

It is a well-known fact that the Government is not as stable as it was before October 26 last year as the members of the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) withdrew from the United National Front (UNF) led National Government on that day.

After the Constitutional coup launched by President Maithripala Sirisena was defeated, the UNF-led Government was reinstituted on December 16, but as a minority Government with the outside support of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA).

Since the TNA is not a part of the Government, the Government might collapse anytime.

Therefore, attempts by the leaders of the UNF to form a coalition Government with the help of members of other parties are logical. Yet, here what the Government was attempting to do was just to declare a National Government formed in association with a single member of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), who is already in the Government.



That coalition does not provide any strength or stability to the Government afresh, but only clears the way for the Government to increase the number of Ministers.

It is not clear whether forming a National Government by the UNF with Batticaloa District MP Seyed Ali Zahir Moulana, the only SLMC MP is legally valid.

There are another six SLMC members including the party leader Rauff Hakeem, who had been returned to Parliament as members of the UNP/UNF and not considered in the House as those of the SLMC.

However, Mr Hakeem can decide the fate of the Parliament membership of Moulana any time. Then, can Moulana be considered as a member of a separate party?

There is another issue in term of ethics as well. The Government plans to form the National Government coalescing with a single member party with the intention of increasing the number of Ministers by 18. (from 30 to 48). Isnt it outrageous?

Limiting the number of Cabinet Ministers to 30 was a major promise by the UNF during the last Presidential and Parliament Elections.

Nevertheless, the UNF Government instituted by President Sirisena upon his assumption of office in January 2015 hoodwinked the country in this regard by intruding a concept of National Government to the Constitution.



An Article had been introduced to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which was adopted in April 2015 providing for a 30 Member Cabinet. But another Article that made provision for a National Government with any number of Ministers, as approved by Parliament, followed it.

The National Government has been defined by the 19th Amendment as a Government formed by the political party that has obtained the highest number of seats in Parliament with other parties.

It is an obvious fact that one or the other party would obtain the highest number of seats in Parliament after any General Election.

And that means any party can get the support of smaller parties to form the so-called National Government and increase the number of Ministers. This negates the very purpose of the previous Article of the Constitution.

And it is also an obvious fact that any future Government would be a National Government which would have more than 30 Ministers.

There might be rare cases where the National Government thus formed would not be able to pass a resolution in Parliament to inflate the Cabinet beyond the 30 member limit due to lack of an absolute majority in Parliament.



The current goverment is also in such a predicament

There must be a nationally important reason for the political parties to form a National Government.

If in fact there is such a reason the parties joining the main party to form a National Government should not expect portfolios.

If the main party is so magnanimous, it can share the 30 portfolios with other parties that come forward to form the Coalition Government.

If a smaller party would not join the main party without portfolios in return, that is nothing but a bribe at the expense of the taxpayers.

Here the very Constitution, presuming (In fact knowing well) that no party would join another party to form a Government without such a bribe, has legitimized that bribe.

"Kiriella handed over a motion to the Secretary-General of Parliament last Friday to form a National Government with 48 Cabinet Ministers"



An ironic situation has now arisen in the country with respect to the appointing of a large number of Ministers. On the one hand, the UNF led Government without having the moral right to increase the number of ministers in the light of its promise to the people in 2015 is trying to do so.

On the other, the two factions of the UPFA led by President Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa do not have the moral right to criticize the Government now for puffing up Ministerial Portfolios after having a jumbo Cabinet, with more than 60 Ministers during their Government, before 2015.

Everyone must be reminded that some of those now with the former President had crossed over to the UNP protesting against the Chandrika Kumaratunga Governments move to limit the Cabinet to 20, under the Parivasa Aandu agreement with the JVP, in 2001.

Yet, it is also ironic that the unethical move by the current Government could be stopped only with that immoral opposition by the UPFA.

The whole world knows that there is no need for a large Cabinet and the Government is hell-bent in increasing the portfolios just to satisfy its MPs by providing them with an opportunity to plunder the public coffers by way of perks and privileges.



There had been Cabinets in the past with less than 20 Ministers. According to a story published on August 20, 1961, in the now-defunct Rividina, a Sinhala weekly which had a high circulation then, the Cabinet consisted of only 12 Ministers.

Some might argue that the population has increased several fold since 1961 justifying the larger Cabinets of Ministers since

the eighties.

But the population has nothing to do with the number of Ministers. It is the subjects that have to be handled that matter, when it comes to the size of the Cabinet.
HERMITAGE  The owners of Shenango Valley Mall, now in control of the retail facilitys operations, are pursuing national retailers to fill vacant spaces, but that effort might not bear fruit immediately.

Hopefully, were going to find some national tenants, said Matt McConnell, a spokesman for property owner GFM 23. If we want to see the commercial district thrive, we have to attract some national tenants.

GFM 23, a group comprised of 23 descendants of former owner George McConnell, won the malls retail lease in a court decision Jan. 18 issued by Mercer County Senior Judge Christopher St. John. The judge stripped New York state-based Iowa Square Realty of control of the lease after it failed to post a $25,000 bond ordered a month earlier.

With control of the lease, McConnell said GFM 23 has hired a management firm, Pittsburgh-based Penn Commercial, to oversee the malls day-to-day operations, and is soliciting proposals from national leasing agents.

That agent, when one is hired, will be enlisted to find retailers with national profiles to fill spaces in the mall. In 2017, Sears and Macys closed their stores at the Shenango Valley Mall. The spaces they occupied have remained vacant since.

McConnell said the most likely outcome for the mall search is for it to continue operating as an indoor mall.

If we stray too far from the existing structure, the demolition and additional construction would be cost-prohibitive, he said.

In a statement Wednesday, McConnell said the mall faces challenges beyond attracting retailers to fill vacant spaces. The retail climate overall is changing as it adapts to online commerce and consumers changing tastes. But the mall also has advantages, including Pennsylvania sales tax law, which exempts clothing, while nearby Ohio levies taxes on clothing purchases.

Were doing well HERMITAGE  Two managers of stores in Shenango Valley Mall gave the same word-for-word respo

The mall sits at the junction of state Route 18, State Street and U.S. Route 62, which McConnell called another advantage.

What we will see here in the future may surprise everyone, including myself, McConnell said. I know the family will be working hard to make sure the corner remains a vibrant and relevant part of the community.

GFM 23 had sought control of the mall lease last year after Iowa Square failed to pay rent and taxes, as required in its lease contract, to the property owners. Court testimony on Dec. 21 determined that Iowa Square owed GFM 23 about $106,000 in rent, and an estimated $137,000 in delinquent property taxes to Hermitage, Hermitage School District and Mercer County.

Iowa Square had assumed control of the lease July 28.

St. John decided on Dec. 21 not to strip Iowa Square of the lease, but he did order the company to pay a $25,000 bond to ensure its interest in the property. When Iowa Square did not post the bond by Jan. 4, GFM 23 refiled for immediate control of the lease, and St. John granted the request.

With the order, GFM 23 still owes the property taxes, and McConnell said the mall is not profitable on a month-to-month basis. Those losses might continue in the near future.

When the owners designate a leasing agent, that entity will pursue retailers, most likely at retailer events and expositions. But the process of finding tenants could be an extensive one.

Were hoping to get someone in ASAP, McConnell said. But my guess is that its going to be a little more drawn out than I hope.

Follow Eric Poole on Facebook or Twitter @HeraldEricPoole. Email him at epoole@sharonherald.com.
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MOSCOW  The U.S. has promised to withdraw half of its troops from Afghanistan by the end of April, a Taliban official said Wednesday, but the U.S. military said it has received no orders to begin packing up.

Taliban official Abdul Salam Hanafi, speaking on the sidelines of a meeting in Moscow between the Taliban and other prominent Afghan figures, said that U.S. officials promised the pullout will begin this month.

The Americans told us that from the beginning of February to the end of April, half of the troops from Afghanistan will be withdrawn, he said.

Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Rob Manning said, however, the U.S. military had received no orders to begin withdrawing.

Hanafi said the U.S. and the Taliban will each create a technical committee that will work on a timetable for the withdrawal of remaining troops.

The Pentagon has reportedly prepared plans to withdraw half its 14,000 troops by the summer.

Efforts to find a negotiated end to Afghanistans longest war have accelerated in recent months since the appointment last September of Zalmay Khalilzad as Washingtons peace envoy. He has held several meetings with the Taliban.

Talks have focused mostly on a U.S. troop withdrawal and guarantees from the Taliban that Afghanistan would not again be used as a safe haven for terrorists to attack other countries, according to both Khalilzad and Taliban officials.

In his State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Trump said the U.S. has been holding constructive talks with a number of Afghan groups, including the Taliban.

As we make progress in these negotiations, we will be able to reduce our troop presence and focus on counterterrorism, he said.

Until now, Khalilzad has been unable to get the Taliban to hold direct talks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghanis government, whom the insurgents routinely refer to as a U.S. puppet.

Such deep divisions highlight the difficulty of finding a negotiated end to a war that has already cost the U.S. more than 2,400 lives and $1 trillion. Yet 17 years on, the Taliban control or hold sway in roughly 50 percent of the country and carry out near daily attacks, mostly targeting the countrys beleaguered security forces.

Francesca Ebel is an Associated Press writer.
SEOUL  A senior American negotiator arrived in North Korea on Wednesday to sort out crucial details for a nuclear summit meeting in Vietnam between President Trump and the Norths leader, Kim Jong Un, with only three weeks to go before the talks take place.

Stephen Biegun, the Trump administrations special representative for North Korea, arrived in Pyongyang, the Norths capital, around the time that Trump announced in his State of the Union address that he and Kim would meet for a second time on Feb. 27-28 in Vietnam.
BRUSSELS  The small Balkan country of Macedonia took a big step Wednesday toward becoming the 30th member of NATO, the worlds biggest military alliance.

In a move that marked the end of a long dispute with Greece over Macedonias name, and less than two decades after NATO deployed troops to the country as it teetered on the brink of civil war, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov led an accession protocol signing ceremony at the alliances Brussels headquarters.
In the wake of the arrest of underworld drug kingpin Makandure Madush in Dubai, Anti-Corruption Force Operations Director Namal Kumara said he was ready to work as hangman to execute Makandure Madush or any other criminal sentenced to death.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said he was pleased and convinced with the positive remarks made by President Maithripala Sirisena that he would implement the death penalty in near future, irrespective of any obstacles.

There is a visible progress in the move initiated by President Sirisena in the endeavor to create a society with anti-corruption. Therefore, there is a necessity to fill the vacancy of hangman as well, Namal Kumara said.

He said he could become a model of that and continue to function as hangman.

I would regard this as a social service rather than a profession. That is way I am happy to work without being paid, he said.

He said the death penalty should be given to mastermind criminals like Makandure Madush.

Some people in power are scared of Makandure Madush, which is why he was easily evading arrest for about two years, he added.

Meanwhile, a senior prison official told the Daily Mirror that the position of hangman was still vacant and added they had published paper advertisements but nobody had yet expressed willingness to join.

Moreover, Prisons Department Spokesman Thushara Upuldeniya said if Namal Kumara or anybody would like to apply for the position of hangman, they would be subject to certain criteria and training programme prior to enrollment. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Video by Saliya Gamasingharachchi
BEIRUT  The Islamic State gunmen came out of hiding in the middle of the night and set up a checkpoint on a rural road in eastern Syria. For several hours, they stopped those passing and searched through their mobile phones to check their allegiances, until they vanished again into the desert.

One young man, an education worker, got through the checkpoint safely. But when he got to his destination in the next village, the threat was waiting for him. An Islamic State loyalist told him: Dont remove pro-Islamic State graffiti from school walls or you will pay the price.

The incident, one of many similar ones in past weeks, sent a bigger message  the Islamic State may have lost almost all its territory, but it hasnt left.

The groups once-sprawling caliphate has been reduced to a remote scrap of land in Syrias eastern desert, where a few hundred battle-hardened fighters are making a final stand against U.S.-backed forces.

But in liberated areas across Syria and Iraq, sleeper cells are carrying out assassinations, setting up flying checkpoints and distributing fliers as they lay the groundwork for an insurgency that could gain strength as U.S. forces withdraw.

President Trump has vowed to withdraw American forces from Syria, saying the militants are all but defeated.

As we work with our allies to destroy the remnants of ISIS, it is time to give our brave warriors in Syria a warm welcome home, he said in his State of the Union address Tuesday, referring to the group by another acronym.

At the State Department Wednesday, Trump told foreign ministers and senior officials from a 79-member U.S.-led coalition battling the Islamic State that he expects to be able to announce next week that the U.S.-led coalition has reclaimed all of the Islamic State caliphate.

But his own Defense Department has warned that Islamic State could stage a comeback in Syria within six months to a year if the military and counterterrorism pressure on it is eased. Gen. Joseph Votel, the commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, told a Senate committee Tuesday that battlefield gains can only be secured by maintaining a vigilant offensive, saying Islamic State still has leaders, fighters, facilitators, resources and the profane ideology that fuels their efforts.

He estimated there are between 1,000 and 1,500 Islamic State fighters in the small area they still control, but said others have dispersed and gone to ground.

Activists who closely follow the conflict in Syria already point to signs of a growing insurgency.

Rami Abdurrahman, head of Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, says Islamic State still has 4,000 to 5,000 fighters, many likely hiding out in desert caves and mountains.

The Observatory said the militants have assassinated more than 180 people since August.

Sarah El Deeb is an Associated Press writer.
RIO DE JANEIRO  President Jair Bolsonaro is taking his anti-leftist ideological war to Brazils classrooms and universities, causing angst among teachers and education officials who say the government wants to fight an enemy that doesnt exist.

Bolsonaro and top officials have announced plans to revise textbooks to excise references to feminism, homosexuality and violence against women, say the military will take over some public schools and frequently bash Paulo Freire, one of Brazils most famous educators, whose ideas had worldwide influence.

One of the goals to get Brazil out of the worst positions in international education rankings is to combat the Marxist rubbish that has spread in educational institutions, Bolsonaro tweeted on the eve of his inauguration.

While students may not yet find many differences as they return to school this month, changes are afoot.

We are still waiting to see how, in practice, all this is going to turn out, said Nilton Brandao, president of one of Brazils largest teachers unions, PROIFES Federacao. Right now, it does not make any sense.

For the government, the ideological battle begins with the removal of Freires legacy in schools, which Bolsonaro and other conservatives say turns students into political militants.

Freire, who died in 1997, was one of the founders of critical pedagogy. Conservatives contend Freires method encourages students to challenge traditional values such as family and the church. A socialist, Freire was briefly imprisoned during the 1964-1985 military dictatorship that Bolsonaro has repeatedly praised.

On the campaign trail, Bolsonaro said he wanted to enter the Education Ministry with a flamethrower to remove Paulo Freire.

Bolsonaro and his education minster appear to be looking for inspiration in philosophers like Olavo de Carvalho, a Brazilian who lives in the U.S. and is known for his anti-globalism and anti-socialist views.

While Freire believed in the states mission to educate the Brazilian people, including poor rural farmers and the illiterate, de Carvalho advocates reducing the states role in education, favoring private or religious schools.

The government does not have to educate anyone; it is the society that has to educate itself, de Carvalho said last year on his YouTube channel. He added that proposals based on the idea that the federal government is the great educator I am going to fight to the death.

After Bolsonaro took office Jan. 1, the Education Ministry dismantled its diversity department and published a new set of guidelines for textbook publishers that eliminated references to topics such as violence against women and sexism.

Last year, 39.5 million students attended a public school, while private institutions, which can cost several thousand dollars a month, served 9 million.

Diane Jeantet is an Associated Press writer.
All lanes of Interstate 580 on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge were closed for hours Thursday morning after large chunks of concrete started falling from the upper deck onto the lower level, according to the California Highway Patrol.

By 3 p.m., one lane had been opened in each direction, with Caltrans saying they hoped to fully reopen the bridge by 6 p.m.

But by 4 p.m., officials were forced to close all lanes again as the limited flow of traffic "caused additional pieces of roadway to come loose and fall."

"As our patrol unit was sitting there monitoring the traffic that was flowing, concrete started coming back down  chunks large enough that he immediately closed the lanes," said Officer Andrew Barclay, a spokesman for the CHP. "I asked him for the size, he said anywhere from pebble-sized to slightly larger than a baseball so obviously, safety concern there again."

He added that the falling concrete was linked to the activity of Caltrans crews on the bridge.

One eastbound lane was reopened about 4:30 p.m., with a second lane welcoming traffic shortly before 6 p.m. All lanes in both directions were reopened by 8:20 p.m. Traffic is expected to be severe.

WHAT TO DO: Your (extremely limited) options for getting around the bridge

The issues began at 10:35 a.m. when the California Highway Patrol received a panicked 911 call from a driver en route to the airport, who said a large chunk of concrete had fallen onto their car as they drove east across the bridge, causing major damage to the vehicle.

"Obviously with a call like that, we sent officers out to inspect," said Barclay. "They were able to find large chunks of concrete and could see more concrete falling from the upper deck onto the lower deck."

All eastbound lanes of the bridge were closed, and the westbound lanes were also closed shortly thereafter. The concrete was falling about a quarter mile west of the toll plaza, stranding eastbound drivers on the majority of the span of the bridge after lanes were closed.

Once the upper deck of the bridge was also closed, Barclay said, officials were able to verify that with no more traffic flowing across the upper deck, the chunks of concrete stopped falling on the lower deck.

MORE: Richmond-San Rafael bridge was not considered 'structurally deficient'

"Once we were able to sit there and watch it for a minute, and verify there was no concrete, we were able to get that eastbound traffic moving and on their way," he said.

The trapped cars were gradually escorted off by highway patrol vehicles, with all cars off the bridge by 1 p.m.

Caltrans engineers were on the scene by 2 p.m., and determined that it would be safe to open one lane in each direction while doing the necessary inspections and repairs.

A Caltrans spokesman did not want to speculate as to the cause of the falling concrete, but confirmed that there is a construction project currently taking place on the bridge and that the bridge is well-trafficked.

"Obviously the bridge gets used a lot, so there's a heavy usage of the bridge and just like anything, if you use it a lot, there's a lot of wear and tear," he said. "There's no good time to close a bridge, but obviously we want to be safe."

Barclay noted at the time that the number one lane was reopened in each direction, so the eastbound and westbound traffic are on opposite sides of the bridge.

"You don't have one lane on top of the other right now on the bridge," he said."After we saw what we saw earlier today, we don't want to have cars right on top of each other."

The lanes have since been closed again.
The government is likely to put off the parliamentary debate that that was due to take place today (7) on the resolution to form a national government, the Daily Mirror learnt.

The government backed down after the opposition protested against the move to increase the size of the Cabinet by the act of forming a 'national government'.

The government initially planned to suspend the Standing Orders for the day and move the resolution.

Once the Standing Orders are suspended, parliamentary businesses can be carried out regardless of the stipulated procedures.

However, the Daily Mirror also learnt that Speaker Karu Jayasuriya was not in favour of the move to suspend the Standing Orders in such a scenario.

With the government deciding to cancel the debate today the formation of a national government seems unlikely at the present moment. (Kelum Bandara)
Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga hands over appointment letters to Kishu Gomes in the presence of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Ministry Senior Advisor Dinesh Weerakkody

Pic by Nisal Baduge

SLTPB board approval secured for detailed plan of campaign

Kishu Gomes appointed as head of both SLTDA and SLTPB



The Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Ministry is preparing to present the detailed plan of the long-delayed Rs.3 billion global promotion campaign to the Cabinet shortly, after incorporating the views of corporate personality Kishu Gomes, the newly appointed Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga yesterday handed over the appointment letters to Gomes.

At a gathering, last week, Gomes was scheduled to be appointed only as Chairman of the SLTPB, while industry figure Ranjit De Silva was scheduled to take over as Chairman of the SLTDA.



However, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe ordered Amaratunga to postpone the appointments at the eleventh hour, as he needed more time to study the suitability of the nominees for the posts.



Amaratunga said Wickremesinghe wanted to have better coordination between the two key bodies, hence, instructed to appoint Gomes to head both bodies, amalgamating the two intuitions.



Speaking to media, Gomes said that he would announce his plans for the SLTDA and SLTPB in a short while.Speaking to Mirror Business, SLTPB Acting Managing Director Dushan Wickramasuriya said the detailed plan recently received the approval of the board of directors of the SLTPB.



However, he said it would be unlikely to launch the campaign at ITB Berlin this March, as originally planned and instead, it might get pushed to be launched at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, in late April.



Mirror Business learns that the industry representatives on the board of the SLTPB however are insisting at least part of the campaign to be launched at ITB Berlin, pointing out that the campaign will be able to gather momentum, being launched at the worlds largest tourism trade fair.



The three-year campaign will focus on promotional activities of Sri Lankas key tourism source markets, which have a minimum of 50,000 arrivals per annum.

Accordingly, the campaign will be launched in India, China, Germany, France, the UK, Australia, Benelux and Russia.



After securing the Cabinet approval for the detailed plan, the SLTPB plans to call for requests for proposal from advertising agencies to carry out the campaign.

Wickramasuriya said the advertising agencies would have to include the mixture of media platforms that the campaign should be carried out in their proposals.

Sri Lanka tourism expects to achieve three million tourist arrivals and US $ 5 billion in tourism earnings this year, with a special focus on Sri Lankas largest tourism market India.



(NF)
Parliament was plunged into chaos this morning after Speaker Karu Jayasuriya made a statement regarding the Constitutional Council (CC) which he heads.

The Speaker, in his address, dismissed several claims made by President Maithripala Sirisena.

Chief Opposition Whip Mahinda Amaraweera said the remarks made by the Speaker on the President were not acceptable.

UPFA MP Dinesh Gunawardene said the President could be criticised only by bringing in a motion.

However, the Speaker responded saying it was his right to clarify what the President said about the CC. I have the right to make a clarification as of the head of the CC. I dont intend going into a conflict with the Executive, he said.

The Speaker also said the issue could not be turned into a debate as the government was prepared to give a debate next week.

Mr. Gunawardene said his party still addressed him as the Honourable Speaker despite the way he was acting.

I dont want to earn respect and do not expect anyone to call me honourable," the Speaker said.

Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said the government was prepared to give a debate on the CC issue. However, the House flared up at that time. We will not give any debate if the opposition misbehaves, the Speaker said.

The Speaker then suspended sittings, calling for a party leaders meeting to decide on the next course of action.

The session resumed after 15 minutes but the House then focused on the sudden malfunctioning of the lift.( Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)
The idea was first raised by a group of Vietnamese students in Turin in June 2018. The Honorary Consular has worked with several partners, such as the Vietnamese student association in Turin, the Italy-Vietnam science-culture centre and the Italy-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce, to conduct necessary procedures for the Vietnamese cultural space.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Thi Bich Hue speaks at the Tet gathering in Turin (Photo: VNA)



To be located right inside the complex of the Vietnam Honorary Consulars Office in Turin, the Caffe Viet will introduce to locals various coffee specialties of Vietnam, such as egg coffee, coffee with coconut milk and organic coffee.

Not stopping there, the shop is expected to become a gathering for the Vietnamese community in the northern region of Italy and also Italians who love the Vietnamese culture, offering Vietnamese food, music along with book and newspapers.

At the Tet gathering, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Thi Bich Hue praised the contribution made by the Vietnamese community and the Honorary Consular of Vietnam in Turin to the strategic partnership between the two countries.

A representative from the Turin administration, Anna Merlin, said cultural exchange events such as the Tet gathering provide good opportunities for Italians to gain a better understanding of the Vietnamese culture and people, thus cementing the friendship between the two countries./.
Experiencing Sri Lanka, the Top Destination recommended to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet, can be done in many ways. Motorhoming is a unique and yet to be popularized way to travel around the island, offering both a mode of transport and comfortable accommodationas well as flexibility to plan the trip at ones convenience.

The UK based Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays, a camping and caravanning club visited Sri Lanka recently on a 15 day long tour across the country on motorhomes by Go Outdoors, the first and only provider of caravans and motorhomes in Sri Lanka and a subsidiary of Fairway Holdings.

Their journey began from Colombo to Wilpattu and continued to Sigiriya via Dambulla and Habarana, where the travelers experienced wildlife, ancient ruins and rustic village life.The historical experience continued as the next stop of the tour was Kandy, where the group enjoyed a taste of heritage, culture and religion and the travelers were charmed by the scenic beauty of the hill country as they proceeded to NuwaraEliya. On the 11th day the tour progressed southwards to Yala National Park whilst the final stop was a day of relaxation at one of the best, most unspoiled beaches in Talalla. On the 15th and final day, they stopped in Galle en route to Colombo, culminating a half a month long tour that covered the best experiences Sri Lanka had to offer.

Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays is in a partnership with Go Outdoors to promote Sri Lanka as a travel destination and experience it through camping and caravanning. Go Outdoors owns a range of motorhomes that accommodate 2  6 passengers in comfort and are equipped with all necessary features and facilities. The company also provides exclusive access to motorhome parks located across the island where users will have facilities such as electricity connections, a water line, chemical toilet dump point, grey water pit along with recreational facilities.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



The National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday announced it was sending a team to the scene of Wednesday's three-alarm natural gas fire in San Francisco's Lone Mountain neighborhood to investigate.



About 300 residents remain without gas, but PG&E crews are working to restore the service, PG&E spokeswoman Andrea Menniti said Thursday.



Crews worked through the night to repair some of the damage caused by the fire as well as to restore the electricity to all of the 2,500 customers who lost power. Crews are now focusing on removing water and debris from the line before gas service can be returned, she said.



The incident, first reported at about 1:10 p.m. near Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue, left two buildings with major structural damage and three others with extensive water damage, according to police and fire officials.



Flames shot in the air for more than two hours before crews stopped the flow of gas at 3:36 p.m.



Third-party contractors working on fiber optics struck a 4-inch gas line, causing the rupture and subsequent explosion and fire, PG&E officials said.



Mayor London Breed confirmed Wednesday that no one was injured.



It was not immediately clear how many residents or businesses have been displaced.



Menniti said the contractors had called 811 to check for any utilities underneath the area before they started digging. PG&E crews then sent a locator to the scene on Jan. 28 and made markings in the area, she said.



A reason for the breach despite the markings remains under investigation, she said.





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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



A crew working on fiber optics in a road in San Francisco's Lone Mountain area Wednesday afternoon struck a gas line, sparking an explosion and a three-alarm fire, according to fire officials.



PG&E officials said they were alerted at 1:15 p.m. to the situation at Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue. Fire officials said they were alerted three minutes later.



"No one was injured or hurt," Mayor London Breed said at a news conference late Wednesday afternoon after the fire was under control.



City officials did not know how many people had been displaced. At least some of the buildings had homes above businesses.



Breed said a number of city departments are at the scene to help residents and merchants.



District Supervisor Catherine Stefani said her office is available to help residents.



Two buildings sustained major structural damage and three more sustained extensive water damage, according to preliminary information from fire and building officials.



Flames shot in the air before crews stopped the flow of gas at 3:36 p.m. PG&E officials said a crew unaffiliated with the city or PG&E struck a 12-inch gas distribution line.



Five workers were briefly unaccounted for, and medical personnel responded to the scene.



Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said the fire was under control at 4:18 p.m. But she said the incident is still active.



She is asking people to avoid the area unless they have a reason to be there.



A one-block area around the fire scene will be closed overnight.



Emergency officials said Mel's drive-in at 3355 Geary Blvd. is a place where people can go to reunite with family and friends.



The fire has left about 300 customers without gas service and about 2,500 customers without electric service.



PG&E spokesman Blair Jones said crews are working to restore service to those customers.



Jones said the response to the fire was complex, as it's possible there were multiple gas lines, water, electric and fiber optic cable all in the area of the fire.



"It's a complex array of utilities down there," Jones said.



He said state law requires workers to hand-dig through the street's asphalt as part of their response.



Evacuation orders were given for about a block in each direction around the fire, and police and firefighters knocked on doors advising people in the area to leave. Drivers and residents were asked to avoid the area.



Jones said the crew that struck the gas line had called 811 before digging.





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A gas leak Wednesday afternoon in the area of Chase Street and Olive Avenue in Novato has been shut off, PG&E officials said.



PG&E spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said about 20 to 30 customers will be without gas service until about 8 p.m. while repairs are made and the residents' pilot lights are re-lit.



A third-party construction crew hit a 2-inch plastic gas line while digging around 2 p.m., Contreras said. The gas leak was stopped at 4:40 p.m.



Police said there was no threat to the public but people were advised to stay away from the area. Police advised some residents to shelter in place.



Novato police and firefighters responded to the gas leak.



Gas lines were also ruptured Wednesday afternoon in San Francisco and Sunnyvale. The rupture in San Francisco caused an explosion and three-alarm fire that damaged five buildings. No one was injured.





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A crew working on fiber optics in a road in San Francisco's Lone Mountain area Wednesday afternoon struck a gas line, sparking an explosion and a three-alarm fire, according to fire officials.



PG&E officials said they were alerted at 1:15 p.m. to the situation at Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue. Fire officials said they were alerted three minutes later.



"No one was injured or hurt," Mayor London Breed said at a news conference late Wednesday afternoon after the fire was under control.



Two buildings sustained major structural damage and three more sustained extensive water damage, according to preliminary information from fire and building officials.



Flames shot in the air before crews stopped the flow of gas at 3:36 p.m. PG&E officials said a crew unaffiliated with the city or PG&E struck a 12-inch gas distribution line. Five workers were briefly unaccounted for, and medical personnel responded to the scene.







Police released new details Wednesday about the cold case suspect they call the "Doodler," who is believed to have attacked and killed several gay men in San Francisco more than 40 years ago.



The first two attacks happened within two weeks of each other in July 1976 inside the Fox Plaza Apartments at 1390 Market St. Both victims were gay, white men, and one told police he had met the suspect at a diner.



The suspect was described by both victims as a black man between 19 and 25 years old. Police were told he was drawing caricatures at the diner, leading to the name the "Doodler."



Police then connected the suspect in the attacks to a man who allegedly killed five gay, white men between January 1974 and June 1975 in the area of Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park.



The suspect likely lived in the Bay Area outside of San Francisco and would come into the city at night on weekends, according to police. There may have been additional victims who were attacked and did not tell police.







Oakland civil rights attorney John Burris said on Wednesday that he has filed a wrongful death suit on behalf of the mother of a homeless man with mental health issues who was fatally shot by four Oakland police officers last year.



Burris said he believes the officers had no justification for shooting 32-year-old Joshua Pawlik multiple times in the 900 block of 40th Street at about 7 p.m. last March 11 because he didn't point a gun at them or threaten them in any way.



Burris said officers William Berger, Brandon Hraiz, Craig Tanaka and Francisco Negrete never had a gun pointed at them and their lives weren't in danger.



Burris said the fatal shooting of Pawlik "is unconscionable to me."



Oakland police said last year that a large number of officers were dispatched to the 900 block of 40th Street on March 11 after they received reports of an armed, unconscious man lying between two houses.







Two people were arrested following a standoff, pursuit and a report of shots fired Wednesday afternoon in unincorporated Marin County, sheriff's officials said.



Two deputies were flagged down at about 4:30 p.m. following a report of shots fired on Cole Drive in Marin City, sheriff's Sgt. Brenton Schneider said.



While with a witness, at least one deputy saw a vehicle that may have been occupied by the suspects. Deputies tried to stop the vehicle but it kept going and a pursuit started. Schneider said that during the pursuit deputies saw what they believe was a gun thrown from the vehicle.



The pursuit ended at Drake Avenue and Pacheco Street. Schneider said that one suspect stayed in the vehicle and was taken into custody.



A second suspect ran into a nearby house and barricaded himself inside. Following negotiations, the suspect surrendered peacefully.







East Contra Costa Fire Protection District crews are on the scene of a 1-alarm blaze at mobile home park in Bethel Island in unincorporated Contra Costa County early Thursday morning, according to fire dispatch.



The blaze was first reported at 12:56 a.m. at the Santiago Island Village located at 3505 Gateway Road. There are no initial reports of injuries.



According to the company's website, the mobile home park is a short- and long-term RV and mobile home park community.



No further information is immediately available.





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OAKLAND (BCN)



Three reputed gang members were convicted on Wednesday of murder and a fourth was convicted of voluntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old man in East Oakland in broad daylight in 2016.



The fatal shooting of Anthony Stevens in the 1400 block of 92nd Avenue at about 10:30 a.m. on July 9, 2016, attracted widespread community attention and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf attended a news conference three weeks later when police announced the arrests of four of the suspects in the case.



Joining Schaaf at that news conference, Oakland police Lt. Roland Holmgren said the suspects fired multiple shots at Stevens "without regard for the safety of anyone" and said they are members of the Five Kingdom Mafia, which he said is a hybrid gang that conducts operations in Berkeley and Oakland and commits a lot of robberies.



After deliberating for two and a half days, jurors convicted Aoderi Qwai Samad, 25, of Berkeley, of first-degree murder, Anthony Roy Wilson, 27, of Vallejo, and Tyrone Anthony Terrell Jr., 23, who's originally from Berkeley, of second-degree murder and Derrick Lee McFadden, 22, of Berkeley, of voluntary manslaughter.



Samad, Terrell and Wilson were also convicted of being ex-felons in possession of guns.



A fifth defendant, Kermit Tanner, 23, of Richmond pleaded no contest on Nov. 15 to his role in the shooting and is expected to be released from custody when he's sentenced on March 22. His lawyer said Tanner didn't fire any shots at Stevens.



Samad, Wilson, Terrell and McFadden reacted calmly when the verdict was announced at a packed hearing guarded by six bailiffs but Samad's mother cried loudly.



Stevens' parents appeared to be pleased with the verdict.



In her closing argument last week, Alameda County prosecutor Stacie Pettigrew asked jurors to find the four defendants guilty of murder and ridiculed the contention by defense lawyers that the men acted in self-defense when they surrounded and shot Stevens.



Showing jurors photos of the four defendants during the shooting, Pettigrew said, "This is not the picture of self-defense" and said surveillance video footage doesn't show any fear on their faces.



Pettigrew said the four men were "armed and ready to fire" when they approached Stevens, who was alone in his parked car.



Stevens, who had addresses in both San Leandro and Oakland, was armed with a gun but Pettigrew said there's no evidence that he fired it.



Pettigrew said the fatal shooting of Stevens the morning of July 9, 2016, occurred next to a street memorial for Wilson's half-brother, Roderick Tucker, 21, who died after he was shot multiple times in that area at about 7 p.m. the previous night.



No one has been arrested or charged for that shooting.



Pettigrew said the motive for the shooting of Stevens was revenge and told jurors, "These defendants went to that area armed and ready to do whatever was necessary and acted with hostility in their hearts."



But Samad's attorney Steven Alpers said the men simply wanted to talk to Stevens "about the situation" and said there's no evidence to show that they believed he was the person who killed Tucker.



Alpers said the shooting occurred only after Stevens appeared to reach for his gun when the men approached the car.



Alpers said the shooting "was not an organized action" and instead was "a random attack on the spur of the moment."



Samad, Wilson, Terrell and McFadden are scheduled to be sentenced on April 19.





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OAKLAND (BCN)



Oakland schools superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell said on Wednesday that she still hopes to avoid a strike by the district's 3,000 teachers even though 95 percent of them have voted to authorize a strike.



Speaking at a packed news conference at school district headquarters, Johnson-Trammell said, "I'm an internal optimist" when she was asked if the district and the Oakland Education Association, which represents teachers and other employees, are making any progress in their contract talks, which have been going on for more than a year and a half.



OEA President Keith Brown said when he announced the strike authorization vote on Monday that no strike date has been set yet because the union and the Oakland Unified School District are still awaiting a non-binding report that's expected to be issued by Feb. 15 by a state-appointed neutral fact-finder who is tasked with helping to resolve the contract negotiations.



But Brown said that unless the school district moves significantly from its current position, "We expect to be on strike by the end of the month."



Johnson-Trammell said the two sides met on Thursday and Friday and she hopes they will meet again on Wednesday.



Johnson-Trammell said that in the event that teachers go on strike, "Our intention is to do our best to keep our schools open."



She said the district will do that by bringing in substitute teachers and have employees in the central school district office assume teaching duties.



However, Johnson-Trammell acknowledged that a strike "definitely will have an impact on students' education because it's a disruptive event."



She also said it's "a possibility and a reality" that some services, such as nurses and librarians, may not be available if there's a strike.



The teachers' union is asking for a 12 percent raise over three years while the district is offering a 5 percent pay hike.



Brown said the union also is asking for smaller class sizes and additional student resources that educators are fighting for, including more counselors and school nurses.



Johnson-Trammell said the school district is joining the teachers in calling for more state funding for Oakland's schools.



But she said the district faces hard choices because it has a $30 million budget deficit and declining student enrollment.



Johnson-Trammell said the district must close some schools because there are 12,400 empty seats at its schools because of the declining enrollment.



"The costs are not sustainable and we have significant issues to address," Johnson-Trammell said.



Community groups such as Oakland Community Organizations, Californians for Justice and Public Advocates will hold a news conference to support teachers at La Escuelita education complex at 1050 Second Ave. at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday.



The Oakland school board will meet at that site at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.





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A recent increase in gas taxes and vehicle fees will fund a new package of improvements for highways across California including some in San Mateo and Monterey counties, Caltrans announced this week.



The state's department of transportation announced that $54.8 million in funds approved by the California Transportation Commission will be used for 46 highway projects in California.



The "fix-it-first" projects come from a gas tax increase approved by the California Legislature under Senate Bill 1 in 2017. Last November, California voters rejected a measure to repeal the gas tax increase under Proposition 6.



"As a new year begins, we continue our commitment to improve California's highways, providing drivers with a smoother ride," Caltrans Director Laurie Berman said in a statement. "SB 1 is not only allowing us to fix our highways and local roads, but it is also reducing congestion, which allows residents and visitors to get where they need to go more safely and reliably."



The newly approved package of improvements includes repairs to or replacements of 16 bridges, 168 lane miles and 150 drainage systems across the state, according to Caltrans. The agency said it will also install 248 measures to improve traffic flow, including highway message signs, cameras and loop detectors.



In San Mateo County, state Highway 1 is slated to get $15.3 million for 21.2 lane miles of pavement maintenance.



In Monterey County, Highway 1 will get $1.4 million in SB 1 money toward a $4.3 million project to replace drainage culverts south of the Limekiln Creek Bridge. State Highway 68 will also get $1.9 million toward a $12.2 million project to improve 6.5 lane miles of road and upgrade curb ramps within the county.



SB 1, which went into effect in November 2017, raised gasoline taxes by 12 cents a gallon and diesel taxes by 20 cents. The bill also introduced a vehicle registration fee, ranging from $25 to $175 depending on the value of the vehicle, as well as a $100 fee for zero-emission vehicles that consume less gas.



Proponents of Proposition 6, the measure to repeal SB 1, that failed in the election in November, said the distribution of the tax and fee increases lacked oversight, and that the actual cost to taxpayers was higher than SB 1 proponents claimed.



According to Caltrans, SB 1 will raise $5.4 billion per year for state and local improvements for roads and transit. By 2027, the agency said those funds are expected to help improve more than 17,000 lane miles of pavement, 500 bridges and 55,000 culverts.





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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



A 32-year-old Petaluma man was sentenced Wednesday to 60 months in prison for possession of heroin for sale, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration officials said.



Steven Roberson pleaded guilty in October to the charge, one week before 29-year-old Kelly Olson of Petaluma pleaded guilty to a similar charge, officials from the DEA and the United States Attorney's office said Wednesday.



DEA officials said that in February 2018, Roberson and Olson drove together from Petaluma to Sacramento, where they obtained heroin from a supplier. The pair was pulled over by police on their way back to Petaluma; a search of their car revealed 156.8 grams of heroin, along with digital scales and plastic baggies.



Last May, a federal grand jury indicted Roberson and Olson with one count each of conspiracy to possess heroin with intent to sell, and one count each of possession of heroin with intent to sell. Both persons pleaded guilty to possession, and the conspiracy charges were dismissed.



Olson was sentenced in January to 64 months in prison for her role in the scheme.





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At least one person has died and four others have been displaced following a fire at a mobile home park at Bethel Island in unincorporated Contra Costa County early Thursday morning, according to fire officials.



The fire was first reported at 12:56 a.m. at the Santiago Island Village located at 3505 Gateway Road, per fire dispatch. East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Craig Auzenne said five people were inside a double-wide mobile home when the blaze started.



The victim who died was a woman, Auzenne said. Her name and age wasn't released. Another woman was transported to a hospital for an unrelated medical issue. The American Red Cross assisted three others displaced. A dog and four cats were also killed in the blaze.



Auzenne said the blaze was contained within an hour of it being first reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation and Auzenne expected crews to remain on the scene until at least 7 a.m.



According to the company's website, the mobile home park is a short- and long-term RV and mobile home park community.





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OAKLAND (BCN)



Oakland civil rights attorney John Burris said on Wednesday that he has filed a wrongful death suit on behalf of the mother of a homeless man with mental health issues who was fatally shot by four Oakland police officers last year.



Burris said he believes the officers had no justification for shooting 32-year-old Joshua Pawlik multiple times in the 900 block of 40th Street at about 7 p.m. last March 11 because he didn't point a gun at them or threaten them in any way.



Burris said officers William Berger, Brandon Hraiz, Craig Tanaka and Francisco Negrete never had a gun pointed at them and their lives weren't in danger.



Burris said the fatal shooting of Pawlik "is unconscionable to me."



Oakland police said last year that a large number of officers were dispatched to the 900 block of 40th Street on March 11 after they received reports of an armed, unconscious man lying between two houses.



Police said the officers asked Pawlik to put his gun down but he didn't comply and they opened fire because they decided he posed an immediate threat with the risk of death or serious bodily harm.



The suit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco on Tuesday on behalf of Pawlik's mother, Kelly Pawlik, alleges excessive force, negligence, a violation of civil rights and intentional infliction of emotional distress.



Burris said the large number of officers who responded to reports of an unconscious man initially were patient with Pawlik but eventually overreacted when he made small movements as he was waking up.



He said, "Police did a good job initially and they took plenty of time until they didn't."



Burris said that although Pawlik had a handgun near him and may have slept on top of it he never grabbed it or pointed it when the officers responded to the scene.



Burris said at one point an officer told officers "If the gun moves bag him (shoot Pawlik) and the four officers opened fire after he slightly lifted himself off the ground.



"The officers claimed he (Pawlik) did something but he barely moved," Burris said.



The officers weren't in danger because they barricaded themselves behind a military vehicle and armed themselves with AR15 assault rifles, Burris said.



A spokesman for the Oakland City Attorney's Office couldn't immediately be reached for comment on the suit.



Burris said Pawlik grew up in Virginia but left home as a teenager and lived in the Tenderloin district in San Francisco before moving to Oakland a short time before the shooting.



Burris said Pawlik had a history of mental health problems but didn't have a history of violence.



The attorney said Pawlik had $100,000 in cash with him at the time he was fatally shot.



Burris said Pawlik called his mother, who still lives in Virginia, shortly before he was killed to tell her he had the money but "didn't give her a real answer" when she asked how he had gotten it.





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A gas leak has shut down the area of Olive Avenue and Chase Street in Novato Wednesday, the Novato Police Department said.



Chase Street is shut down at Railroad Avenue for emergency services responding to the leak.



Police said there is no threat to the public at this time but people are advised to stay away from the area.



PG&E spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said a third-party construction crew accidentally hit a gas line in the middle of the intersection around 2 p.m.





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SANTA ROSA (BCN)



A nitric acid spill early Wednesday afternoon caused the evacuation of 25 employees from two businesses in southwest Santa Rosa, the Santa Rosa Fire Department said.



One of the employees went to a hospital with unknown injuries before firefighters arrived around 12:30 p.m. at 1201 Corporate Center Parkway, Santa Rosa Battalion Chief Matt Dahl said.



A 55-gallon drum containing the strong liquid acid was leaking inside a truck loading bay of a commercial building and several gallons escaped the container, Dahl said.



Firefighters wearing full protective equipment and air packs entered the building multiple times to test, contain and neutralize the acid, Dahl said.



The Santa Rosa fire and police departments are investigating the acid spill.



Nitric acid is a highly corrosive and toxic mineral acid used in the production of fertilizers, explosives and dyes.





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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



Police released new details Wednesday about the cold case suspect they call the "Doodler," who is believed to have attacked and killed several gay men in San Francisco more than 40 years ago.



The first two attacks happened within two weeks of each other in July 1976 inside the Fox Plaza Apartments at 1390 Market St. Both victims were gay, white men, and one told police he had met the suspect at a diner.



The suspect was described by both victims as a black man between 19 and 25 years old. Police were told he was drawing caricatures at the diner, leading to the name the "Doodler."



Police then connected the suspect in the attacks to a man who allegedly killed five gay, white men between January 1974 and June 1975 in the area of Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park.



The suspect likely lived in the Bay Area outside of San Francisco and would come into the city at night on weekends, according to police. There may have been additional victims who were attacked and did not tell police.



On Wednesday, police announced they would be offering a $100,000 award for anyone who has information about the suspect. Police also released forensic sketches of the suspect using age-progression to depict how he may look today.



Additionally, police released a transcript of a phone call from Jan. 27, 1974, detailing an exchange between a dispatcher and a witness reporting a body at Ocean Beach. The caller did not share their name with police.



Anyone with information can share it anonymously by calling (415) 575-4444 or texting TIP411.





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Elizabeth City, NC (27909)

Today

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 64F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 64F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
"Before we can have a conversation about changes to our constitution  especially changes which voters already rejected  we need to talk about how to ensure any new system will be protected from fraud,'' said Senate Republican leader Len Fasano of North Haven. "I have concerns about changing the constitution without having a full vision to implement early voting in a way that guarantees fraud cannot occur. I look forward to discussing these concerns with the Secretary of the State and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Sen. Mary Abrams of Meriden, co-chair of the committees on children and public health, said she does not think thats a valid reason to allow the sale of flavored e-cigarette products, which she described as an insidious conspiracy targeted at our children." During the news conference, she cited a recent Stanford University study that looked at three years worth of marketing by popular vaping company Juul, and concluded it was patently youth-oriented."
The photograph, from 1972 when Lamont was attending the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, shows the future governor with a mop of hair that juts out over his ears and curls up at the bottom of his neck.
But Stewarts statement, intended as an apology, sounds some loud notes of victimhood. Let me say that first we are living in a culture where social media has become the public justice system for many who choose to utilize it daily, he wrote. That may be true for Stewart and other loudmouth boors, but most people are able to use it responsibly and without incident. The vast majority of Facebook users are happy to keep in touch with friends and family, send some birthday greetings and share the normal events of life. Most users do not see it as a bludgeon to magnify their endless war with the world.
WASHINGTON  President Trump is planning to introduce an initiative Thursday that will seek to help bring economic security to 50 million women across the world by 2025, a program that his eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, has hailed as a nonpartisan and generous approach to womens empowerment.

The plan, which the White House is calling the Womens Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, will draw from a $50 million starter fund from the U.S. Agency for International Development, and will team up with several private companies, including UPS and Walmart, Ivanka Trump said. The White House is expected to officially announce the initiative Thursday afternoon.

The Trump administration has often been guided by an isolationist credo espoused by the president and his advisers: Last year, an administration plan to cut USAIDs foreign aid budget was met with a bipartisan backlash.

Ivanka Trumps initiative was meant to strike a subtly different tone.

America First does not mean America Alone, Ivanka Trump, a senior adviser to the president and a champion of the initiative, said in a call with reporters Wednesday as she detailed the rollout. We are proud to be the most generous nation in the world.

She hosted the call the evening after her fathers State of the Union address, which included a standout moment when the president talked about gains in womens employment in the United States. The caucus of Democratic congresswomen, many of whom ran on platforms opposing Trumps policies, stood and cheered.

Ivanka Trump will attend the Munich Security Conference next week in Germany to promote the program as a plan to help bolster the global economy and to draw a stronger link between womens economic empowerment and national security, a senior White House official with knowledge of the plan said Wednesday.

Trump, 37, first became interested in gender equality when she worked in the corporate world  she once started a Women Who Work hashtag to sell her branded merchandise. During her time at the White House, she has had her fathers ear on issues regarding women and families.

Last year, Trump helped start a World Bank fund with the goal of generating $1.6 billion in capital for female entrepreneurs in developing countries, and she has tried to work with members of Congress to advance initiatives she cares about, including the Womens Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act.

Katie Rogers and Maggie Haberman are New York Time writers.
BOSTON  The involuntary manslaughter conviction of a young woman who encouraged her boyfriend through dozens of text messages to kill himself was upheld Wednesday by Massachusetts highest court.

The Supreme Judicial Court agreed with a lower court judge who found that Michelle Carter caused Conrad Roy IIIs death when she told him to get back in his truck that was filling with toxic gas after he told her he was scared.

The judge said Carter had a duty to call the police or Roys family when she knew he was killing himself.

And then after she convinced him to get back into the carbon monoxide filled truck, she did absolutely nothing to help him: she did not call for help or tell him to get out of the truck as she listened to him choke and die, Justice Scott Kafker wrote in the Supreme Judicial Courts ruling.

Carters lawyers said in an email they are disappointed in the ruling and will consider appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court, among other legal options. Carter, now 22, was sentenced to 15 months in jail, but has remained free while she pursues her appeals.

Carter was 17 when Roy, 18, was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in July 2014. Her case drew international attention due to its thorny legal questions and the insistent tone of Carters text messages to Roy.

I thought you wanted to do this. The time is right and youre ready  just do it babe, Carter wrote in one message.

Youre finally going to be happy in heaven. No more pain. Its okay to be scared and its normal. I mean, youre about to die, she wrote in another.

Prosecutors argued Carter could have stopped Roy from taking his own life, but instead bullied him into going through with his plan through text messages that became more forceful as he delayed.

Alanna Durkin Richer is an Associated Press writer.
WASHINGTON  A divided Supreme Court stopped Louisiana from enforcing new regulations on abortion clinics in a test of the conservative courts views on abortion rights.

The justices said by a 5-4 vote late Thursday that they will not allow the state to put into effect a law that requires abortion providers to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.

Chief Justice John Roberts joined the courts four liberals in putting a hold on the law, pending a full review of the case.

President Donald Trumps two Supreme Court appointees, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, were among the four conservative members of the court who would have allowed the law to take effect.

Kavanaugh wrote a dissenting opinion in which he said the courts action was premature because the state had made clear it would allow abortion providers an additional 45 days to obtain admitting privileges before it started enforcing the law.

If the doctors succeed, they can continue performing abortions, he said. If they fail, they could return to court, Kavanaugh said.

The law is very similar to a Texas measure the justices struck down three years ago. Roberts dissented in that case.

But the composition of the court has changed since then, with Kavanaugh replacing Justice Anthony Kennedy, who voted to strike down the Texas law. Trump had pledged during the campaign to appoint pro-life justices, and abortion opponents are hoping the more conservative bench will be more open to upholding abortion restrictions.

Louisiana abortion providers and a district judge who initially heard the case said one or maybe two of the states three abortion clinics would have to close under the new law. There would be at most two doctors who could meet its requirements, they said.

But the federal appeals court in New Orleans rejected those claims, doubting that any clinics would have to close and saying the doctors had not tried hard enough to establish relationships with local hospitals.

In January, the full appeals court voted 9-6 not to get involved in the case, setting up the Supreme Court appeal.

The law had been scheduled to take effect Monday, but Justice Samuel Alito delayed the effective date at least through Thursday to give the justices more time. He and Justice Clarence Thomas were the other dissenters Thursday.

The justices could decide this spring whether to add the case to their calendar for the term that begins in October.

Mark Sherman is an Associated Press writer.
WASHINGTON  Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker told lawmakers Thursday that he would not testify before the House Judiciary Committee as scheduled Friday without a written assurance that they would not issue a subpoena for his testimony during the hearing.

The jostling called into doubt whether Whitaker  installed by President Trump in November after he ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions the day after the midterm elections  will appear as planned before the committee. Some Democrats consider Whitakers appointment to be illegitimate.

The latest turn in the political drama started Thursday morning, when the committee voted to give its chairman, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., the authority to subpoena Whitaker if he did not answer questions during the hearing or if he chose not to show up.

Democrats want to ask Whitaker about matters related to the Russia investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller and whether Trump replaced Sessions with Whitaker in order to interfere with that inquiry.

I hope not to have to use the subpoena, Nadler said Thursday. Unfortunately, a series of troubling events over the last few months suggest that we should be prepared.

While Whitaker had agreed to testify voluntarily, the potential that Nadler could subpoena him in the middle of the hearing was essentially a threat to initiate contempt-of-Congress proceedings if Whitaker refused to answer questions without a legal right to balk.

But on Thursday afternoon, the Justice Department sent Nadler a letter demanding that he not use that power during the hearing.

We seek a written assurance from your office that the committee will not issue a subpoena to the acting attorney general on or before Feb. 8, and that the committee will engage in good-faith negotiations with the department before issuing such a subpoena, the Justice Department wrote.

The letter has raised the possibility that Whitaker may not testify before William Barr is confirmed as the next attorney general. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Thursday to send Barrs nomination to the full Senate. The committees debate and subsequent 12-10 vote revealed how fraught the politics around the Justice Department have become after two years of unrelenting attacks by Trump.

Many Democrats are privately eager for Barr to be confirmed, believing he would be an improvement over Whitaker, who is relatively inexperienced and loyal to Trump.

Barr, who previously served as attorney general in the 1990s, presented himself in his confirmation hearing last month as a set of steady hands who would guard the departments independence. He said he would permit Mueller to finish his work, and he pledged to allow as much transparency as possible around the investigations findings.

But some Democrats remain mistrustful over a 2018 memorandum in which Barr strongly criticized one of Muellers main lines of inquiry  whether Trump had obstructed justice. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the panels top Democrat, called it disqualifying.

Katie Benner, Charlie Savage and Nicholas Fandos are New York Times writers.
Theres a range of things that could happen to the case. Oliver could dismiss the case, which is what the defense lawyers want, or take lesser actions, such as excluding some witnesses or state troopers from the case. Should the case survive the challenge, it is expected to be transferred to the Hartford Judicial District.
Apples top retailing executive is stepping down amid a slowdown in iPhone sales that has raised doubts about the companys future growth prospects.

The shake-up announced this week ends Angela Ahrendts five-year stint overseeing Apples 506 retail stores and e-commerce operations. She is being replaced by Deirdre OBrien, a longtime Apple executive who also runs the companys human-resources department. Ahrendts will remain with Apple until April.

During her 30 years at Apple, OBrien also helped gauge product demand. That issue has become a problem now that customers are holding onto their current iPhones longer instead of buying the latest models. Its one reason Apple posted disappointing iPhone sales during the past holiday shopping season.

Although Apple sells iPhones and other products such as the iPad and Mac computer through a wide variety of merchants, its own elegantly designed stores have become a pivotal outlet, especially during the first weeks after a new device hits the market.

It was clear that Apple needed new strategies and a potential change on this front to catalyze demand in and outside the all-important retail stores, Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives.

OBrien, 52, already handles human resources for more than 100,000 employees. She will add responsibilities that include strategy, real estate and development, and operations of Apples physical stores, Apples online store and contact centers, according to Apples website. One of her focuses will be stimulating demand in China, Ives said in a note with Wedbush colleague Strecker Backe.

The company didnt give a reason for Ahrendts departure, saying only that she is leaving for new personal and professional opportunities.

Ahrendts, 58, joined Apple amid great fanfare in 2014 after CEO Tim Cook persuaded her to leave a glamorous job running the fashion brand Burberry. To lure her away, Apple gave Ahrendts company stock valued at $70 million in 2014. In her last full year at Apple, she received a compensation package valued at $26.5 million, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ahrendts arrival at the Cupertino company coincided with the introduction of the Apple Watch, which the company designed to be a fashion statement in addition to a wearable piece of technology.

While at Apple, Ahrendts engineered renovations of high-profile stores, including the new San Francisco store on Union Square, as well as those in New York, Chicago and other cities, in an attempt to transform them into hip places to hang out while shoppers checked out the companys latest innovations.

Her lofty description of the stores as the equivalent of town squares became the subject of derision among some analysts and media commentators, with many wondering how she could suggest that a store with $1,000 products could be a community gathering place.

The New York Times contributed to this report.

Michael Liedtke is an Associated Press writer.
A Canadian cryptocurrency exchange said it could not repay at least $250 million to clients after its chief executive died suddenly while visiting India. The company, QuadrigaCX, said in court filings that the CEO, Gerald Cotten, was the only person who knew the security keys and passwords needed to access the funds.

The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia approved the companys request this week for protection against creditors for 30 days and the appointment of accounting firm Ernst & Young to sort out Quadrigas finances and explore a possible sale.

The companys inability to release its clients money has created an uproar among angry  and highly suspicious  investors.

Cotten, a co-founder of the firm in 2013, died of complications from Crohns disease while traveling to open an orphanage for needy children, the company said in a Facebook post Jan. 14. The note said Cotten, 30, had died Dec. 9.

In an affidavit, his widow, Jennifer Robertson, wrote that her husband had run the business from an encrypted laptop, working mostly out of their home in Fall River, Nova Scotia. It says that she does not know the password or recovery key, and could not find them written down anywhere despite repeated and diligent searches.

Robertson said she had hired an expert to find the cryptocurrency in cold wallets stored offline, with little success.

While other crypto exchanges have lost their clients money, this appears to be the first one that has said it actually lost the keys to its accounts.

Quadriga went offline Jan. 28, and frustrated investors have taken to Reddit and Twitter to discuss their investigations into the companys claims and potential lawsuits. Some questioned whether Cotten had indeed died  or whether, perhaps, he had faked his death to pull off what is known as an exit scam.

The death came at a very odd time in the history of that company, said Emin Gun Sirer, a professor at Cornell University and co-director of the Initiative for CryptoCurrencies and Contracts.

He noted that online sleuths had been searching the blockchain, a ledger that can be updated by decentralized networks, for evidence of where Quadriga had stored its assets, but had found none, which raised red flags.

When it shut down, Quadriga had 363,000 users, and 115,000 of them had balances in their accounts: about $180 million in cryptocurrency and $70 million in Canadian currency, the court documents state. The exchange enabled trades of bitcoin, litecoin and ether, plus other types of cryptocurrency. The largest user claim is valued at about $70 million.

Quadriga was one of 237 widely recognized public cryptocurrency exchanges worldwide, Sirer said. In terms of daily trade volume, it was ranked in the middle of the pack as of October, according to the CoinMarketCap website.

The exchange kept currency in hot wallets, which were connected to the internet and could quickly fulfill withdrawal requests, and cold wallets, which were kept offline and stored physically, such as on a USB stick, making them more secure, according to court papers.

Robertson wrote in her affidavit that after her husbands death, his employees tried to get into the cold wallets but failed or found only small amounts of money. Other cryptocurrency investors, on social media and in interviews, questioned why a CEO would be the sole point of access to such a vast sum.

In an initial report to the court, Ernst & Young wrote that it is facing an extraordinary set of case facts. Quadriga had no discernible accounting system and no bank account, according to the filing. Cotten typically sent directions to release payments, which were made through third-party payment processors, to employees by email, and payment inflows and outflows were not systemically tracked, Ernst & Young wrote.

The court papers state that the company has substantial assets in various cryptocurrencies, and that unreleased bank drafts in the companys name total about $30 million, with $375,000 in cash held by others. Several firms have come forward with offers to buy the business, which could be valuable to competitors, the papers state.

Will Dias, chief technology officer at Zabo, which calls itself an emerging cryptocurrency bank, said he began to have trouble withdrawing his own funds from Quadriga in the fall.

He had been receiving his paycheck in cryptocurrency, and liked using Quadriga because the company had low rates. But the delays worsened, and he eventually took most of his money out, save for a couple thousand dollars in Canadian currency, he said.

At this point, I dont believe I will ever see that money again, he said.

The Globe and Mail reported that Cotten had signed a will on Nov. 27 appointing Robertson as the executor of his estate and designating $100,000 for the care of his two pet Chihuahuas, Nitro and Gully. His assets included an airplane and property in British Columbia and Nova Scotia, the newspaper reported.

Robertson, who was also appointed to the board of Quadriga after her husbands death, did not return a call seeking comment. In the affidavit, she wrote that Cottens Crohns, an inflammatory bowel disease, had been diagnosed when he was 24. The disease is not normally fatal, but it can lead to life-threatening complications.

The documents submitted to the court included a Statement of Death from J.A. Snow Funeral Home in Halifax, which states that Cotten died in Jaipur, India. The funeral home would not provide any additional information, citing its clients privacy.

On Tuesday afternoon, the news site CoinDesk posted what it said was a death certificate for Cotten from the government of Rajasthans Directorate of Economics and Statistics. (Earlier, the police in Jaipur and several large hospitals in the region had told the New York Times that they had no information about Cottens death.)

Guillaume Berube, a spokesman for Global Affairs Canada, which oversees diplomatic matters, said the office had provided assistance to the family of a Canadian who died while visiting India, but he could not comment further because of privacy laws.

The companys Facebook post said Cotten had traveled to India to open an orphanage. A photo circulating online showed the couples names on a banner for Angel House, an Orange County organization that builds orphanages, but the group did not return a call seeking comment.

Dean Skurka, vice president for finance and compliance at Canadian cryptocurrency site Bitbuy, said the case highlights the need for regulation of crypto exchanges, which must comply with laws regarding money laundering and terror financing but are otherwise largely ungoverned in many jurisdictions.

But others involved in cryptocurrency, including Sirer at Cornell, are wary of regulation, fearing it could stifle innovation.

Karen Zraick is a New York Times writer.
Update: PG&E spokesperson Blair Jones said shutting down the gas pipeline was a "very complex situation" that was "not as simple as digging right in and pinching" off the flow of gas. Jones said the utility, in conjunction with the San Francisco Fire Department and other agencies, decided to manually dig down to the pipe on two sides in order to stem the leak.

"There is a complex web of utilities beneath us," Jones said. "We want to be methodical about which lines we shut off."

"We're trying to do this in a way that's safe, first and foremost," he continued, "and that is the least disruptive to people."

As of Wednesday at 5:20 p.m., approximately 2,500 people in the area were without electricity and about 300 were without gas. Jones said they were working "around the clock" to restore utilities to the neighborhood.

End of update.

It took over two hours to shut off the gas at the site of a large fire in the Inner Richmond, which authorities say was caused by a gas pipeline breach. The length of time the fire burned left many wondering why it took so long to stop the flow of gas.

The blaze started near the intersection of Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue at approximately 1:18 p.m. It burned in front of the restaurant Hong Kong Lounge II, which was damaged along with the units above the restaurant. The flames were extinguished around 3:38 p.m.

San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said the entire perimeter was evacuated and no injuries were reported. As the fire burned, she said firefighters could not get the blaze under control "until PG&E manages the gas."

PG&E spokesperson Paul Dougherty would not immediately comment on the process for shutting down the gas pipeline.

"Every situation is different," he said.

Click here for the full story on the Inner Richmond fire.

In 2010, it took between 60 and 90 minutes to shut off the gas after the deadly PG&E gas line explosion in San Bruno. San Bruno Fire Chief Dennis Haag cited a complex shutoff system as the reason for the delay.

Lacking further information from PG&E, one can only speculate as to why the gas flowed for more than two hours at the Inner Richmond fire, said Captain James Colburn with the Alameda Fire Department.

"There are a variety of reasons for why the gas would still be on," Colburn said. "It could be a problem with the shut-off valve, or the operator might not be able to reach the valve." He also said factors such as the diameter of the pipe, as well as the distance between isolation valves, affects the shut-off time.

LATEST FIRE NEWS: What's at Geary and Parker, where a possible gas explosion caused a massive fire

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration said in a statement it was "gathering information and evaluating the situation in San Francisco, California."

"Based on that information, the agency will determine whether or not to deploy investigators to assist California state officials at the site of the incident," the statement continued.

A 2011 paper by the American Gas Association said the amount of time for a section of pipeline to depressurize is determined by the speed with which the block valves are closed. Some valves must be shut down manually by an operator, others automatically close after sensing a change in pressure, and some are operated by remote control from a central operating center.

MORE FIRE NEWS: Thousands in San Francisco lose power after explosion

"Depending on these physical parameters, a pipeline may take a considerable amount of time to reach 0 psig (depressurize) after the valves are closed," the paper said. It estimated the process could take anywhere from "tens of minutes to several hours."

Between 2011 and 2016, PG&E crews installed 235 automatic and remote-controlled valves within its jurisdiction, it said in a press release. The automatic valves are installed where transmission pipelines cross major fault lines, the utility said. It was not immediately known if the valves controlling the flow of gas at the site of the Inner Richmond fire were automatic, remote-controlled or manually operated.

The Chronicle reported high-voltage wires are "compromised" in the area. [Read the full Chronicle story here.]

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"Workers doing fiber optic work might have breached the gas line," Hayes-White said, discussing the circumstances surrounding the start of the fire.

"I'm told there were eight workers in that vicinity, all were accounted for," she said. "We have medical personnel on scene. We have not had to use them at this time."

During a press briefing at 4:45 p.m., San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott announced Geary Boulevard would be closed at Parker overnight. SFMTA also tweeted that the 38 Geary was being re-routed due to the fire. Muni riders should expect delays.

About 3,000 PG&E customers in the area were without power as of 3 p.m. A reunification site for those affected by the fire has been set up at Mel's Drive-In at 3355 Geary Blvd., across the street from Hong Kong Lounge II, according to SFFD.

Dianne de Guzman contributed to this report.

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.

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The sight was enough for the CHP officer to do a double take. In front of him, cruising down Highway 99 was a small box truck about to give birth to 5,000-pound bouncing baby Ram pickup.

CHP Modesto posted a photo of the ultra-tight squeeze on Facebook with the caption, "Where do we start?"

It showed the Ram sticking its massive grille out the back of a box truck of the size you might rent if you didn't have much furniture. Mere inches separated the sides of the full-size pickup from the box truck's walls. The mirrors must have been removed to fit its girth.

But what concerned the officer was that the Ram was lurching back and forth, CHP spokesman Officer Thomas Olsen told the Fresno Bee. The patrolman saw that there was only one tie-down strap holding the pickup at the mouth of the box truck and feared that the pickup could roll out. So he pulled over the driver.

Olsen said the 41-year-old driver, Zamora Dagoberto of Hialeah, Fla., explained that he'd driven the Ram from Texas to Stockton, where he bought the box truck, and was on his way back Tuesday.

But how on earth did he shoehorn the Ram inside the box truck? And how did he get out once it was inside?

Dagoberto said he had gingerly backed the pickup up a ramp into the back of the box truck and somehow squeezed through the driver-side window and out over the hood.

MORE: Honda Civic driver miraculously survives insane collision with truck in Central Valley

He was cited for not having a four-point tie-down and barred from driving farther until he got one.

As for packing the truck like a Russian doll, that's completely legal, CHP said. There was no weight violation and driving with the rear door up is permitted.

CHP-Modesto/Facebook

The Facebook post inspired a flurry of jokes and bad puns.

"I think I've seen enough Rams fails this week," one commenter quipped.

---

Read Mike Moffitt's latest stories and send him news tips at mmoffitt@sfchronicle.com.

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A main theme of the objection was that theres nothing wrong with the procedure as it stands now, that the families of only about 1,255 schoolchildren out of 83,000 pupils a year invoke the religious exception, that the school nurse should remain in the mix because they are bound by HIPAA laws, and that no one was clamoring for clergy members to be added.
A few months ago, UC Davis professor emeritus Linda Bisson  who has some great quotes in my column this week  told me something that completely blew my mind.

Bisson taught an introductory wine production course at Davis for some 30 years. One of the class objectives was to teach students to identify wine flaws, such as 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), otherwise known as cork taint. Students would be given a sampling of corks, some infected with TCA and some not, and asked to separate them.

In the beginning it was one out of 100 students, maybe one out of 200, who couldnt detect TCA, says Bisson. But then, over time, it started to be higher and higher percentages of the students. Was an entire generation becoming immune to that aroma  revolting to many wine drinkers, including yours truly  that makes a wine smell like wet cardboard and chlorine?

Then Bisson realized the culprit: baby carrots.

Those plastic bags of baby carrots  they spin them down, shape them, then bleach them, before putting them in plastic, Bisson says, which puts them at a high risk for developing TCA. The same chemical compound that can infect wine corks, in other words, has infected bags upon bags of processed carrots at the grocery store. Her students had grown up eating these carrots and had become inured to the taste and smell of TCA. In fact, they liked it.

To them it wasnt negative, she continues. Baby carrots, for her students, connoted snacks packed by mom in the lunchbox; the taste was linked to pleasant memories of childhood. They were perfectly happy drinking this wine that would turn our stomachs.

This TCA discussion brings up many of the same issues I encountered when researching my column for this weeks Food section, about the spoilage yeast brettanomyces. Why, I wondered, has a growing contingent of craft brewers embraced brett, which most wine and beer drinkers have long associated with offputting flavors like horse manure and Band-Aid? I became especially interested in this question when I found out that Napa winemaker Mandy Heldt Donovan, of Merisi Wines, is making an intentionally bretty Pinot Gris. (Maybe not coincidentally, Donovan worked in Bissons lab as a graduate student.)

My central question is: Can our tastes collectively change over time, as baby carrots seem to have shifted the palates of the latest generation of Bissons students? And is it possible to unlearn what we find disgusting  to rewrite those emotional associations we have with certain flavors or aromas?

Funny enough, these questions intersect with another story Im publishing this week  and this one isnt a wine story at all. Its about a different Mandy, Mandy Aftel, a well-known producer of natural perfumes in Berkeley who now operates a smell museum, the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents. I highly recommend a visit to the museum, where you can smell substances including hyraceum (the urine and feces of the hyrax, a small, furry mammal) and ambergris (essentially, whale vomit). Trust me when I tell you that both smell amazing  floral, earthy, sweet, fruity.

I definitely never thought Id find the smell of animal poop preferable to a baby carrot.

Sign Up for the Newsletter Want to get the wine world in your inbox every week? Subscribe to Drinking with Esther. See More Collapse

Where Im drinking

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

The cider revolution seems long overdue. Cider checks all the boxes of current culinary trends: its fermented, its low in alcohol, and its got small-scale agricultural credentials. As our culture embraces flavors of funk with increasing enthusiasm (see above re: whale vomit, horse manure, etc.), the traditional, bacterial ciders of Spain and France seem ideally poised for a big debut.

Enter Redfield, a new cider bar and bottle shop in Oakland that aims to make cider approachable and enjoyable for all sorts of palates  for lovers of sour beer and natural wine as well as lovers of off-dry Moscato. If the cider revolution has a chance of catching on in the Bay Area, Redfield looks like the one to make it happen. Check out my review of the bar in this weeks Drink Up column.

What Im reading

Its happening: For the first time, California has a truffle season, writes my colleague Tara Duggan. Black Perigord truffles, long considered a pipe dream in California, are now starting to proliferate, including at a Jackson Family Wines property in Santa Rosa.

Planning to make a Valentines Day trip to Wine Country? Chris Macias has suggestions for romantic winery visits in The Press.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

In a piece for the BBC, Martin Guttridge-Hewitt argues that the seeds of Armenias 2018 Velvet Revolution can partly be traced back to a single wine bar, which became breeding grounds for progressive ideas.

Jason Wilson takes a hard look at our era of hyper-credentialism  in which one can become a sommelier of tea, mustard, honey, olive oil, pretty much anything  in a terrific (and very funny) Washington Post story.

That was interesting! Eric Asimovs suggestion that readers try three of Americas most popular supermarket wines  Apothic Red, Meiomi Pinot Noir and the Prisoner  appears to have incited a lot of strong feelings. Asimov raises a very important question. Are these processed, industrial wines gateways to a more thoughtful kind of wine drinking? He says no: These represent the two alternate universes of the wine business.

Katherine Cole has a very detailed profile of Martine Saunier, who was a hugely influential importer of French wines and is now enjoying retirement in San Rafael.

Happy (belated) Chinese New Year! Heres Jonathan Kauffmans definitive guide to regional Chinese cuisine in the Bay Area, and an essay by April Chan (it has generated a lot of heated conversation) about why Chinese food has largely been excluded from the organic food movement.

Finally, we learned this week that Mary Ann Graf, the first professional woman winemaker in California after Prohibition, died after a battle with cancer. Heres my obituary for this trailblazer. If youre interested in learning more about Grafs life, I strongly suggest reading Martin Meekers rich oral history, conducted last year through UC Berkeley.

Drinking with Esther is a weekly newsletter from The Chronicles wine critic. Follow along on Twitter: @Esther_Mobley and Instagram: @esthermob
SACRAMENTO  A fight over when police officers should be allowed to open fire on suspects has returned to the state Capitol after negotiations between civil liberties advocates and law enforcement groups hit an impasse.

Despite months of discussions led by state Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, intended to produce compromise legislation, the two sides announced competing bills this week. One, backed by police, emphasizes more training. The other raises the legal standard for deadly use of force, making it easier to prosecute officers.

That measure is nearly identical to a proposal that Atkins shelved at the end of the last legislative session. Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, D-San Diego, and the American Civil Liberties Union had sought to raise the standard, established by a 1989 U.S. Supreme Court decision, that the use of lethal force is justified if an objectively reasonable officer in similar circumstances would have acted the same way.

Their bill would have tightened that standard to make the use of lethal force legal only in necessary circumstances  when an officer or a bystander is facing an imminent threat of serious injury or death and police have no reasonable alternatives, such as a verbal warning. It was introduced amid public outrage over the death of Stephon Clark, who was unarmed when police fatally shot him in the backyard of his grandmothers Sacramento home in March.

Law enforcement organizations argued that the change would make it more dangerous for police to do their jobs by causing them to second-guess their actions. They lobbied aggressively to keep the bill from even getting a floor vote.

The new version introduced Wednesday by Weber, AB392, specifies that officers could plead self-defense for killing a civilian, but says courts could also consider whether an officers actions contributed to the need to use deadly force.

California is known to be on the cutting edge of change and that which is good, yet our law enforcement policies are old, outdated and deadly, Weber said.

She said she ran out of time last year to get her bill through the Legislature, but was returning in a stronger position because of new support from some labor unions. Even without reaching common ground with law enforcement, Weber said, we realized that we had to move forward.

After finding themselves on the defensive last session, police groups tried to get ahead of the announcement by unveiling legislation Tuesday that focuses on creating use-of-force protocols for departments across the state.

The bill would direct the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to develop minimum guidelines for using de-escalation techniques and requiring law enforcement to report excessive force by colleagues.

The key is focusing on training, so that when an officer is faced with a life-or-death situation, you revert to what you know, said David Mastagni, an attorney for the Peace Officers Research Association of California. What were all looking for, and where theres common ground, is we all want to make sure theres fewer deaths.

Atkins said in a statement that she would continue to engage to find common ground between the two measures.

As part of our discussions, I have asked both sides to acknowledge two key principles, Atkins said, that peace officers make incredibly difficult decisions in rapidly evolving situations and deserve our protection and that we have a problem with disproportionate police use of force.

The sticking point will be what kind of accountability officers face. Police killed 172 civilians in California last year, according to state Department of Justice statistics, but few of those cases were prosecuted.

Law enforcement said their bill addresses that concern by giving departments the ability to discipline or fire officers who break their guidelines. That was not enough for supporters of Webers bill at a news conference Wednesday.

Lets have a fair, objective, unbiased conversation about the disproportionate rates at which people of color are being murdered at their hands. Step up to the plate, law enforcement, and lets have a dialogue about whats just and right in our society, said state Sen. Holly Mitchell, D-Los Angeles.

Cephus Uncle Bobby X Johnson said more training means nothing if state law provides no way of holding officers accountable when they disregard that training. Johnsons nephew Oscar Grant was shot and killed on New Years Day 2009 by a BART police officer at Fruitvale Station in Oakland.

The power of police officers to use deadly force is perhaps the most important, significant responsibility that we give to any public officials, Johnson said. The loss of Oscar and the pain we suffered from that loss, I dont wish that on anyone.

Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff
SACRAMENTO  President Trump asserted Wednesday that Gov. Gavin Newsom agrees with his belief that California has not done enough to prevent severe wildfires.

Speaking to a group of regional newspaper reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said Newsom had recently called him and he was very nice. He was extremely nice.

He was very respectful as to my point of view. I think he agrees with me, Trump said. I respect the fact that he called. The forests are, because of whatever reason, are extraordinarily flammable, to put it mildly.

Trump has repeatedly blamed the states environmental protections for making wildfires worse by blocking the clearing of trees, brush and other potential fuel.

Forestry experts dispute his assertions, pointing to factors such as climate change and drought. They also note that the federal government owns the majority of Californias forestland.

When asked about the phone call, Newsoms spokesman Nathan Click said, They had a respectful conversation about the critical federal-state partnership necessary for emergency preparedness and disaster relief. The governor will continue doing everything in his power to help the survivors of wildfires and make sure the state is prepared for future disasters.

Trump alarmed California officials last month when he threatened to halt disaster recovery funding for the wildfires that have swept the state the past two years. The Camp Fire in Butte County, where Trump visited in November, was the deadliest and most destructive in state history.

Billions of dollars are sent to the State of California for Forest fires that, with proper Forest Management, would never happen. Unless they get their act together, which is unlikely, I have ordered FEMA to send no more money. It is a disgraceful situation in lives & money! Trump tweeted in January.

He said again Wednesday that the federal government cannot continue to spend billions of dollars, billions and billions of dollars addressing wildfire damage in California.

Were spending a tremendous amount on those forest fires, and the forest fires are totally preventable, they shouldnt happen, Trump said.

Nearly 60 percent of forestland in California is managed by the federal authorities. But Trump said that in many cases, because of the state environmental rules, the federal government isnt even allowed to go in and clean them out.

Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff
WASHINGTON  Newly empowered House Democrats convened the first congressional hearing on gun violence in nearly a decade Wednesday, setting the stage for likely passage of gun control legislation sponsored by a Bay Area lawmaker.

If Wednesdays hearing is any indication, its going to be an emotional journey.

From the outset, the testimony of the witnesses before the House Judiciary Committee was moving and personal. The first person to speak was Aalayah Eastmond, a survivor of the mass shooting last February at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., who detailed her experience hiding under the body of a slain classmate to avoid the killers bullets.

Enough, said Eastmond, now a senior at the school. We have all had enough. I hope you have had enough, too, and use the power the people have vested in you to do what is right. Our lives depend on you; our lives are in your hands.

Eastmond received a standing ovation from a crowd stocked with gun control advocates, prompting committee Chairman Jerry Nadler of New York to remind audience members that they could not interrupt the hearing.

Other witnesses who offered personal testimony included an activist and organizer from Chicago, Diane Latiker, who opens her home to at-risk youths; Johns Hopkins Hospital trauma surgeon and anti-gun violence activist Dr. Joseph Sakran, himself a survivor of a gunshot wound; a Baltimore police domestic violence unit commander, Maj. Sabrina Tapp-Harper; and Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo.

Republicans invited a sexual assault survivor and gun rights advocate, Savannah Lindquist, who argued a case for a right to self-defense that she says she was denied because of campus gun bans.

Included on the committee also were members who have been touched by gun violence. Newly elected Democratic Reps. Lucy McBath of Georgia and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell of Florida each spoke of loved ones who had been shot to death. McBaths son was killed in an argument over loud music, prompting her to become an activist, and Mucarsel-Powells father was gunned down in Ecuador when she was in her 20s.

Far too many families experience tragedy like ours every single day. The pain of losing a child to gun violence never ends, McBath said. Our community and our nation cannot wait any longer.

The hearing served as a precursor to a fight over legislation sponsored by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, that would expand the requirement for background checks of gun purchasers to those buying firearms in private sales. Those would include gun shows and online sales. His bill is likely to become the first major gun control measure to pass either chamber of Congress in several years, now that Democrats are in the House majority.

Thompson, who is not a Judiciary Committee member, watched from the audience as the panels Democrats praised his legislation and Republicans argued against it, though five GOP House members are co-sponsors of the bill.

Republicans argued that the bill would mainly be an added burden for legal gun buyers and sellers and that criminals would simply ignore it. They repeatedly made the case, as Lindquist did, that access to guns is important for self-defense.

Because of so-called common-sense gun laws, I was left defenseless that night, Lindquist testified, recounting an attack that occurred while she was a Temple University student. I obeyed the law as a responsible gun owner, and it ended in me being raped.

The committees top Republican, Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia, said Congress anti-gun violence efforts would be better directed at boosting access to mental health treatment.

These are the things that we can continue to find common ground  at the same time not offering a palliative exercise to say, Heres something that will make you feel better but not help you in the end,  Collins said.

But Democrats signaled they would be gearing up for far more than the background check legislation, which could move toward a vote by the end of the month but faces an uphill climb in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Witnesses and Democratic lawmakers also made the case for a federal law that would allow a court to confiscate guns from people who are a potential danger to themselves or others, similar to a law in California. They also argued for increasing funding to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to enforce gun laws, and removing a prohibition on federal funding for research on guns as a public health problem.

Although much of the attention at Wednesdays hearing was on mass shootings, witnesses also noted that gun violence disproportionately affects minority communities and escalates many cases of domestic violence.

Eastmond, the Parkland survivor, said she has focused her activism on the elephant in the room, to share the platform I didnt ask to have with those marginalized communities.

She told lawmakers, Black and brown youth are disproportionally impacted by gun violence  and we cannot continue to have hearings and not address those issues.

That sentiment was echoed by Latiker, the Chicago activist, who said in response to a lawmakers question, As I sit here, I listen to the back and forth about gun violence and to me it leaves out the most important part, and thats those who have to deal with it on a daily basis.

Communities that are most affected by gun violence, Latiker said, are always talked around.

She opens her home on the South Side of Chicago as a community center for neighborhood children and founded an organization to help youths find an alternative to gang activity. But she said its hard to get support.

Nobody wants to help because of the color of their skin or where they come from or where they live at, or the conditions, Latiker said. Youre fighting a losing battle not only to give hope to the people youre trying to help, but to the community you live in because they believe that the violence is more prevalent than the hope is.

Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan
Most California voters approve of Gov. Gavin Newsoms budget priorities, believe hell work well with the Legislature and are optimistic about the states overall direction, according to a new poll.

That flash of enthusiasm is the opposite of what they feel about the rest of the country, according to the survey released Wednesday by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California.

Two-thirds of likely voters surveyed say the country is on the wrong track, 47 percent say race relations in the U.S. are worse than they were a year ago and only 18 percent believe the new Congress and President Trump will be able to work together and accomplish a lot in the next year  the lowest level the institute has recorded on that question in 12 years of polling.

Their mood was sunnier about the future in California, where 51 percent of likely voters thought the state was generally going in the right direction.

Many voters are still sizing up Newsom, who was sworn in to office in January. The poll found that 43 percent of likely voters surveyed approved of the governor so far, 29 percent disapproved, 21 percent didnt know enough about him to venture an opinion, and the rest replied dont know.

But strong majorities like the spending priorities Newsom laid out in his budget last month. The poll found that 72 percent of those surveyed support Newsoms plan to spend $1.8 billion to expand pre-kindergarten and early childhood programs, and 70 percent back his proposed $832 million increase for public colleges and universities.

Among likely voters, 65 percent feel Newsom will work well with the Legislature, where his fellow Democrats hold a supermajority of more than two-thirds of members of both chambers.

The survey offered some conflicting opinions on other issues, particularly immigration.

Asked what issue they wanted Newsom and the Legislature to work on together, poll respondents most popular response was immigration/illegal immigration, at 18 percent.

Yet only 28 percent of respondents described illegal immigration as a crisis, as Trump refers to it. Forty-two percent said it was a serious problem but not a crisis. The poll found that 62 percent of likely voters opposed the presidents signature proposal for dealing with immigration, building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Housing, despite the states soaring prices, was the top priority for only 6 percent of those polled.

The institute surveyed 1,154 likely voters, in English and Spanish, via landlines and cell phones from Jan. 20-29. The margin of error was 4 percentage points.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
It has been said that the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is that good people do nothing. The good people of San Francisco now have the opportunity to demand that an evil in our midst be held accountable for a terrible injustice.

On Friday, the San Francisco district attorney dismissed a case against a former employee and two current employees of the San Franciscos Sheriffs Department who were charged with orchestrating brutal and sadistic gladiator-style fighting between inmates. The district attorney was forced to do so after possible evidence in the case was destroyed by the Sheriffs Office.

The San Francisco public defenders office first became aware of these events in 2015 when a few inmates stepped forward with barbarous stories of their treatment at the hands of guards at County Jail No. 4. The stories we heard sounded like they were right out of an episode of Locked Up Abroad, but were in fact taking place right here in our city.

Specifically, Deputy Scott Neu  who was fired in the wake of the scandal  was accused of pitting inmates in fights in which bets among the guards were placed. The inmates  all of whom were people of color  described having food withheld until they fought, being threatened with transfer to a worse jail or losing jail privileges, and even being threatened with beatings and sexual assault if they did not comply. The accusations were more than credible. The city had already settled a sexual assault case against Neu in 2009.

The public defenders office investigated the inmates claims fully, even going so far as to hire an outside investigator to interview witnesses. All of the information compiled was handed over to then-Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi and the district attorney so that they could stand up for what was right and enforce justice.

Instead, the criminal case was botched. The Sheriffs Department claims that a computer hard drive with possible evidence favorable to the defendants was destroyed with a hammer to eradicate a virus.

Theres certainly a virus invading its host, but its not biological: Its bureaucratic. The Sheriffs Department has existed with its own set of rules and with no real oversight for far too long. It is imperative that we bring reform to this blighted but powerful entity. Neu has slipped through the cracks and has evaded accountability for his crimes. This flies in the face of everything that our criminal justice system is supposed to stand for.

If we grade a society by how it treats the least of its members  including those who are incarcerated  then San Francisco gets a solid F. If we allow those who are entrusted with upholding the law to somehow escape justice for their own wrongdoings, then we are enabling evildoers in law enforcement.

As we honor our past during Black History Month and reflect on the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., we must replace rote platitudes with real actions that he would advocate. King fought against racism and poverty, two things that bind the vast majority of our citys inmates to their jailers. He himself was jailed.

Neu has shown that the content of his character is vacant, but allowing such appalling behavior to be covered up and ultimately go unpunished is a far worse travesty of justice.

Neu and his co-conspirators Eugene Jones and Clifford Chiba werent the first accused of preying on inmates and wont be the last. That is why it is imperative we demand oversight of the sheriffs office from the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability or some other independent agency. The Board of Supervisors must hold a hearing about what has happened and take the appropriate steps to rectify it.

We cannot continue to look away while people in power abuse their privilege. Good people must do something.

Shamann Walton is a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Jeff Adachi is the public defender of San Francisco.
Catholic bishops from across the globe will meet Feb. 21-24 at the Vatican for a much anticipated conference to discuss global clerical sexual abuse. While clerics might know a lot about theology, church history and church law, they arent experts on research and best practices in child protection, child abuse or pedophilia. Those experts arent invited to the conference. And it is a shame.

Without experts in attendance and actively involved, we can expect that the most conservative voices in the church will try to blame the clergy sexual abuse crisis on homosexual clerics or liberal approaches to church teachings that began to get traction after Vatican II. The most liberal voices may blame the problem on mandated clerical celibacy or the fact that only men can be priests in the Roman Catholic Church.

Both groups would be wrong. And their views may lead to unproductive or counterproductive directions for interventions and resolutions of this problem that have plagued the institution for too long.

What the experts might say, if invited and allowed to speak, would be that best practices in child protection and screening adults who work with children are readily available and can be enlisted to make the church and other organizations much safer than they are now. Among the most commonsense solutions: incorporate careful screening and training of those who work with children and teens into any plan to protect minors both in and outside of church communities.

Additionally, social engineering strategies, such as using the two-deep rule, where adults cant be alone with children or vulnerable others unless another responsible adult is present, should be required as well as the use of lay review boards of experts to review all accusations of clerical misbehavior  including those of bishops.

Certainly, a uniform plan can be a challenge when you think of the remarkable diversity in resources, perspectives and traditions across the global church, but experts could over time help develop policies and procedures that keep children safe and prevent at-risk adults from entering the ministry and having access to vulnerable children and teens.

Much progress already has been made since clergy sexual abuse became front-page news in 2002. More progress can continue if these high-ranking clerics could listen to those who actually specialize in this area. After all, if you want someone to fly your aircraft across the country, youll want a skilled and experienced pilot.

Sadly, much misinformation and too many myths on clergy sexual abuse in the Catholic Church continue to dominate the press and elsewhere, including among some high-ranking bishops. One can only hope that those who have the power to keep children safe in the church and other institutions will use the best and readily available research data and not hysteria or particular political agendas to make their decisions.

Clergy sexual abuse is a generally solvable problem, but only if level heads, best practices and quality data are used. It is high time that the church use it.

Thomas G. Plante is the Augustin Cardinal Bea professor of psychology at Santa Clara University and an adjunct clinical professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine. He has evaluated and treated both clergy abuse victims and offenders and has conducted research on clergy abuse for more than 30 years.
Reality  a new reality  is hitting home as Californians work on their 2018 federal income tax returns.

Some are seeing smaller federal tax bites and bigger refunds, thanks to a more generous standard deduction in the tax overhaul that a Republican Congress and President Trump enacted in 2017. But those accustomed to writing off state income tax and local property tax payments are feeling the pinch due to one of the most contentious aspects of the revised system.

It limits deductions for state and local taxes to $10,000 on a joint return, which has the intended effect of increasing federal taxes, particularly on residents in high-taxing states such as California.

This week, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared that his state collected $2.3 billion less in income tax revenue during December and January than the state budget expected and blamed the shortfall on a flight of high-income taxpayers to states that have low or no state income taxes, especially Florida.

If even a small number of high-income taxpayers leave, it has a great effect on this tax base, Cuomo said. You are relying on a very small number of people for the vast amount of your tax dollars.

Cuomo and governors of other high-tax states  whose politics tend to be, of course, deeply blue  grumbled as the tax overhaul was being written that it would encourage high-income residents, unable to write off their state and local taxes, to flee.

It was politically diabolical and also highly effective, Cuomo said this week. And if your goal is to help Republican states and hurt Democratic states, this is the way to do it.

They are investors, they have accountants, they are making informed decisions, Cuomo said of the New Yorkers who headed south. This is going to be the tipping point and people will now be making a geographical change.

After Cuomo complained, the Wall Street Journal reported that Florida is, indeed, seeing a wave of well-to-do transplants from New York, New Jersey and other high-taxing states, sparking a real estate boom.

So what about California and neighboring Nevada, which, like Florida and Texas, doesnt have a state income tax? The Wall Street Journal noted that both Nevada and Arizona are seeing their populations grow rapidly.

Former California Gov. Jerry Brown sponsored an increase in income taxes on those in higher brackets, generating a windfall of revenues and helping him balance the state budget. But later, he worried aloud that the federal limit on state and local tax deductions could entice the rich to flee his state.

There have been anecdotal accounts about such flight, but no one has documented a mass migration. That said, it wouldnt  as Cuomo pointed out  take much of an exodus from California to have an impact, given that California is similar to New York, where a few high-income residents generate so much of that states revenue stream.

The top 1 percent of New Yorks taxpayers supply 46 percent of the states income tax revenues. In California, the 1-percenters share of income taxes is slightly higher, and our top marginal income tax rate, 13.3 percent, is considerably higher than New Yorks 8.82 percent.

California Controller Betty Yee tracks state tax receipts and expenditures monthly and reported recently that through December  the first six months of the 2018-19 fiscal year  general revenues were $2.5 billion under budget estimates, including a $1.9 billion income tax shortfall. Preliminary data indicate the monthly shortfall continued in January.

A blip or a trend?

Dan Walters is a columnist for CALmatters, a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how Californias state Capitol works and why it matters. For more stories by Dan Walters, go to www.calmatters.org/commentary
The now 82-year-old Perrault  who, records show, once wrote a letter to a victims family claiming he had molested their son because he had cancer when he didnt  fled the United States in 1992 when he learned that a series of lawsuits alleging he had sexually assaulted as many as 38 boys in New Mexico were about to be filed, court records show. He lived in an apartment in Tangier teaching at an all-boys school, until FBI agents  after getting the King of Morocco to agree to expel him from the kingdom  swooped in and arrested him in September of 2017. He has been held in a federal prison ever since, after a judge ruled him a flight risk and a danger to society.
A federal appeals court in San Francisco granted the Trump administrations request Wednesday to reconsider its ruling that ordered a ban on the widely used farm pesticide chlorpyrifos, a chemical that, according to recent studies, can cause brain damage in children.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 in August that President Trumps Environmental Protection Agency had presented no evidence or legal justification to delay a ban on chlorpyrifos.

The EPA under President Barack Obama, after years of inaction, had announced plans in 2015 to ban the pesticide by March 2017. But when that deadline arrived, then-EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said further study was needed and granted an extension for as long as five years.

If last years ruling had become final, it would have required the EPA to prohibit all uses of chlorpyrifos within 60 days. But the court said Wednesday that a majority of its judges had granted the administrations request for a new hearing before an 11-judge panel the last week in March.

For now, the rehearing order is a rare victory for the administration in a court that Trump has called disgraceful because of its rulings against him.

Chlorpyrifos, first developed as a nerve gas in World War II, had been in commercial use since 1965 to kill insects on more than 80 crops, including apples, strawberries, corn and soybeans. Research showing that the chemical caused brain damage in rats prompted the EPA to ban its use as a household product in 1998, but it is still used in agriculture.

Environmentalists and farmworker organizations have been pressing the EPA to outlaw the pesticide since 2007. Their lawsuit has been joined by California and six other states. Pesticide manufacturers and agriculture groups have supported the Trump administrations position and contend chlorpyrifos can be used safely.

The appeals court panel, in its ruling last year, said EPA studies from at least 2008 onward found that chlorpyrifos was a likely cause of low birth weight, delays in mental development, and attention and behavior problems in children who had been exposed before birth or in early childhood. Once the EPA finds that a pesticide is potentially harmful to children, the court majority said, it must ban all uses on food products unless there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from repeated exposure.

The dissenting judge, Ferdinand Fernandez, said the court lacked authority to review the issue while the EPA was still considering it. Lawyers for the Trump administration made a similar argument in seeking a new hearing, saying that even if the EPA had acted illegally in postponing the scheduled March 2017 ban, the court should have sent the dispute back to the agency for further consideration.

Attorney Patti Goldman of Earthjustice, the nonprofit representing environmental and farm labor organizations that filed the suit, said the EPAs strategy under both Pruitt and current Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler is to delay having to ban the pesticide as long as they can.

The agency has released no new studies contradicting the Obama administrations findings and has not formed a scientific advisory committee, Goldman said. Meanwhile, she said, children exposed to chlorpyrifos are going to have damage to their brains that will be with them their whole life.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Nigel Jones knows the soft, yellowish flesh of the African fruit ackee is almost as rare a sight on a Bay Area restaurant menu as saltfish, a Caribbean staple usually made from cured cod.

The same can be said for fesenjan, a deeply flavorful Iranian stew, or nasi lemak, a fragrant Malaysian rice dish.

The Bay Area restaurant scene might be hailed as one of the countrys most vibrant, but theres a problem with the widely accepted sentiment, according to Jones  it dismisses the regions notable lack of Afro-Caribbean, Malaysian and Persian food businesses.

Theres just no representation, really, for these places, said Jones, who is the chef-owner of Caribbean spots Kaya in San Francisco and Kingston 11 in Oakland. So, the question is how do we start to fix this?

After two years of contemplation, Jones has an answer: Calabash, a restaurant and marketplace in Oakland. The name is a reference to the gourd commonly found in Africa and the Caribbean. Depending on when its harvested, the calabash can be used for various functions.

It can be food as a fruit, or it can be dried out and used as a bowl to carry water. Some Jamaicans have used it as a pipe. In the Middle East it can be used to make a setar, Jones said. Calabash goes across a lot of different cultures and nationalities. It represents more than just a fruit or vegetable. Thats why we picked that name.

The project will open as part of a housing development on the 2300 block of Valdez, essentially right behind Oaklands popular AlaMar Kitchen. The business at this point is little more than blueprints and renderings, which depict a 3,000-square-foot dining area and a nearly 900-square-foot mezzanine, but Jones and his team are hoping to open it by September.

Russell Yip / The Chronicle

Joining Jones in the Oakland venture is Malaysian chef Azalina Eusope, the chef-owner of Azalinas in San Francisco. Calabash is just the latest project for Eusope, who grew up in Penang, an island in northwest Malaysia. She operates a permanent counter in the Market Street food hall and is heading to Noe Valley with a new restaurant at 1320 Castro St., the former home of Contigo.

Rounding out the group of Calabash talent is Iranian chef Hanif Sadr who runs Komaaj, a pop-up restaurant and catering company in Berkeley. Sadrs food focuses on the flavors of northern Iran  think tea, rice and citrus from the Caspian Sea that are all turned into the flour for gluten-free breads.

Theres no place like this in the entire country, Jones said, speaking of the project.

Calabash, on the restaurant side, will have one menu, Jones said. All of the chefs will contribute dishes to it. Where theyll branch apart will be in the marketplace.

Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle

If you look at places like Whole Foods, the prepared foods component is really successful. Its something that just works in the industry today because people want to be able to grab something and get home, Jones said. With this, we can give more of a platform to Afro-Caribbean food, to Malaysian food, to Persian food. Now people can pick these things up and take them home, become more familiar with them.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Calabash will have a counter-service area and eventually, the business will incorporate take-out and delivery app-ordering services, Jones said. There will also be a full bar, the cocktails, beers and wines the trio of chefs plan to select together.

Jones said he sees Calabash as more than a restaurant and market. Its a platform for chefs of color, a place where Afro-Caribbean, Malaysian and Iranian families will be able find homespun comfort food.

Calabash, he said, is about inclusion. And he believes it could change the Oakland restaurant industry.

From here, these other chefs can open spin-offs and side projects, Jones said. This is only the beginning.

Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips
What would happen if thousands of San Franciscans showed up at the library on a rain-soaked Saturday night and brainstormed about the future of the city until the wee hours of the morning? The French Consulate in San Francisco, SFMOMA and the San Francisco Public Library joined forces to find out. The result was, in a word, crowded.

Night of Ideas, which took place at the Main Library on Feb. 2, was part of a global movement organized by the French government in which citizens in more than 100 cities gather to debate, discuss and philosophize on the metropolises of the future. Saturday nights capacity event in San Francisco ran until 2 a.m. and included breakout panels led by local thinkers and artists, dance, music, poetry, open-mike spoken word, and $4 doughnuts.

The evening was broken into one-hour segments and required guests to use a program and map to select their itinerary. Each hour featured a variety of hosted breakout sessions in different sections of the library, while the atrium stage (located under the big Library Cards sign) showcased headliners.

Six thousand people attended throughout the night. Many of them were audibly French, and all of them seemed to be gathered in the librarys atrium, seated or standing or leaning over the railings three stories high. I went looking for breathing room.

I found it at the 8 p.m. Litquake-hosted discussion titled Fiction City. It took place in the librarys Deaf Services Center. The panel featured authors Meg Elison and Charlie Jane Anders. Together, they pondered whether San Francisco is a utopian or dystopian city (its both, apparently) and whether futuristic fantasy writing has the power to change us and our environments. The crowd, eclectic in every way a crowd can be eclectic, nodded in approval at all of the science fiction references that flew over my head. I sneaked out in search of another session.

Upstairs near the braille center, modern dancers dressed all in white performed among the crowds. Later, acrobats would dangle over the atrium. People from the rainy line outside continued to file in well after the free event had begun. Still dripping from the storm, they roamed past live music and breakout panels, past the empanadas table and the silent disco. Despite the storm and the lines, everyone was in a very good mood  even the man trying to maneuver a cello case through thousands of people.

In the echoey atrium discussion on what San Francisco should look like in 2030, Tenderloin Housing Clinic Executive Director Randy Shaw spoke of the need for more housing. Behind the makeshift stage, a man dressed in platform boots and a suit covered in comic book quotes (POW!) prepared his slideshow on Burning Man.

Once they began, each session was standing room only. Guests crowded the back of the Koret Auditorium for a talk on Resilient City with KQEDs Michael Krasny and environmental experts, and they sat on the carpeted floor against the Chinese Centers bookcases for Media City, with The Chronicles Kevin Fagan, along with Lydia Chavez of Mission Local and Corine Lesnes from Le Monde.

Sharing City, Queer City and Equitable City took place elsewhere. A man led yoga near the computer lab and drama therapy students working with the Neighborly Project offered guests four different modalities of therapy.

The non-binary restrooms, still in full public library mode, were covered in signs announcing a 10-minute limit for using the toilet.

Few endured the entire seven-hour affair  I sure didnt. But it was fun to be surrounded by enthusiastic people crowded in the library on a dark and stormy night. One group of women, with perhaps one of the best ideas of the evening, sipped beer and ate Girl Scout cookies at a bank of research desks.

It remains to be seen whether this collective jam session will result in real and positive change for the San Francisco of the future. But its intentions were pure, its panels packed and its doughnuts delicious. The citys artists and thinkers had united thousands in an egalitarian night of discourse. I walked outside and into the storm, back into the city that were all trying to save.

Beth Spotswoods column appears Thursdays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.com
San Francisco police cold-case investigators and DNA analysts are taking a fresh look at a 45-year-old serial murder case involving a killer called the Doodler who terrorized the gay community and left at least five bodies strewn along beaches and in parks before disappearing.

Police Inspector Dan Cunningham, who has been examining old records and new evidence for a year, on Wednesday released a new sketch, a $100,000 reward offer and an old 911 tape in an effort to generate new tips.

The sketch is an age-enhanced version of the depiction drawn in the mid-1970s with the aid of two witnesses.

Were here to ask for help so we can bring justice to the victims of these horrendous homicides that happened in the 1970s to gay white men, Cunninghams supervisor, police Cmdr. Greg McEachern, said in a meeting room at police headquarters.

Cunningham told The Chronicle he has dug up new investigative leads, including DNA from at least one murder scene and information from a foreign diplomat who was attacked by the Doodler.

Weve made some progress, but this one has been frustrating, Cunningham said.

The Doodler hunted gay white men in diners and bars, and got his name because he would lure them in by drawing sketches of them as he sat nearby. After showing them the doodles of their faces, the killer would ask them to go away with him to have sex  and then, once away from prying eyes, he would attack them with a knife. The killings happened along Ocean Beach and in Golden Gate Park.

Homicide inspectors turned up an abundance of clues back then, including eyewitness accounts from as many as three surviving Doodler targets. According to Chronicle accounts at the time, detectives even had a purported confession passed on to them by a psychiatrist who said a patient copped to the killings  and on Wednesday, McEachern said he and Cunningham are eager to find the name of that psychiatrist, which has been lost to time.

Michael Short / Special to The Chronicle

He likely worked in the East Bay, and was likely to have the last name of Priest, McEachern said. We would like to talk with him now.

Investigators back then also had the recording of a 911 call made in the early morning of the first Doodler murder, on Jan. 27, 1974, made either by the attacker or a witness, telling police of the killing.

Cunningham and McEachern played a recording of that call on Wednesday. In it, an apparently male voice calmly says, I believe there might be a dead person on the beach ...  The caller refuses to give the dispatcher his name.

Now Playing: During a news conference on February 6, 2019, SFPD homicide investigators released new information on the "Doodler" cold case investigation, including an age progression sketch of the suspect based on a 1975 forensic sketch and audio from a January 27, 1974 call to SFPD dispatch reporting a body along Ocean Beach. Video: San Francisco Chronicle

The new sketch released on Wednesday shows a bald African American man in his 60s or 70s. The original sketch was generated by descriptions from two victims who survived after being knifed in July 1975 at the Fox Plaza Apartments on Market Street in downtown San Francisco. They described their attacker as being 19 to 25 years old, about 6 feet tall, with a lanky build, a medium complexion and smooth skin.

McEachern said DNA from the murder scenes was sent at various times over the past year to the state crime lab, but no matches have been made.

According to Chronicle accounts at the time, one survivor, a European diplomat, told police he took the Doodler to his apartment and was stabbed six times. Another victim, described as an entertainer, left town after being attacked. Both were reportedly too embarrassed in the antigay climate of that time to reveal their names.

The diplomat told police, according to a Chronicle story, that just before lunging at him with a knife his assailant said, All you (gay) guys are alike.

Cunningham said he has talked with the diplomat, who had promising new information. He cant locate the entertainer, whose name has been lost like the psychiatrists, but he has confirmed it was not Rock Hudson, a prominent closeted gay actor of the time.

The murders sent chills through San Franciscos burgeoning LGBTQ community, but mainstream media coverage was thin. Not only were the murders overshadowed by the more infamous Zodiac and Zebra killings that were terrorizing the city at the time, but the Doodler targeted gay men at a time when being gay was stigmatized, and gay sex was illegal.

The first victim, 50-year-old Gerald Kavanaugh, was found Jan. 27, 1974, on Ocean Beach with 16 stab wounds. Six months later, 27-year-old drag queen Joseph Jae Stevens was stabbed to death and dumped in Golden Gate Park. Three more bodies turned up in the same area between then and June 4, 1975. Klaus Christmann, Frederick Capin and, lastly, Harald Gullberg, like the first victims, were gay, white, male and attacked with a knife.

A few stories on the murder spree appeared in The Chronicle and other mainstream newspapers, but they were not extensive. Gay publications, including the Sentinel, gave the killings more coverage, but their stories, too, dribbled out only after the final confirmed Doodler killing.

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Speculation put the Doodlers death count over the years at 14, but investigators have stuck with five victims  with a possible addition of one more found a month after the final confirmed kill. The man had been battered to death with a rock.

The fact that the case didnt get much attention doesnt surprise LGBT activists and historians.

People were just too scared to speak out, and the establishment just didnt want to pay attention, said Anne Kronenberg, campaign manager in the 1970s for Harvey Milk, the first openly gay member of San Franciscos Board of Supervisors, who was assassinated in 1978. She called the Doodler crimes horrifying.

Even police were so hostile back then, Kronenberg said. Gay people would be beat up and police would look the other way.

As a result, Kronenberg said, Milk and and others started the so-called whistle program in the mid-1970s, encouraging gay people to carry whistles so they could call for help, with the idea that they couldnt count on police protection.

It was a whole different era, Kronenberg said.

And that conspired against solving the case, Cunningham said.

There just wasnt as much attention back then to this case overall because it involved gay people, he said. And some of the people involved were reluctant to come forward because of the gay aspect, and the conditions at the time.

Its baffling, frustrating. But Ive been digging around for a year, looking into a lot of different places, and weve made some headway, he said. I do believe this can be solved.

Anyone with information in the case is encouraged to call the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at 415-575-4444.

Chronicle staff writer Steve Rubenstein contributed to this report.

Kevin Fagan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kfagan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KevinChron
Pacific Gas and Electric Co.s self-portrait as a safety-first company was sharply disputed Wednesday by lawyers for wildfire victims, who told a federal judge that the utilitys own records and state investigations have shown PG&E ignored dangerous conditions and gave priority to its public image and finances.

In a court filing earlier Wednesday, PG&E detailed its latest efforts to remove vegetation near its power lines, inspect its equipment and take other actions to prevent fires. Its goal, the company said, was not simply reduction of the dangers, but rather elimination of ignition risk to the greatest extent, and as fast as, possible.

Hours later, U.S. District Judge William Alsup of San Francisco received a much different filing from Frank Pitre of Burlingame and Steven Campora of Sacramento, lawyers for victims of fires that state investigators, for the most part, have linked to PG&E equipment. Alsup is overseeing PG&Es probation for its felony convictions on charges related to the 2010 San Bruno gas pipeline explosion, which killed eight people, and is considering ordering the company to institute far-reaching fire-safety measures.

PG&E accepts a high risk of wildfires in its electrical operations and causes significantly more wildfires than other comparable utilities, Pitre and Campora told Alsup.

Jeff Chiu / Associated Press

In June 2017, the filing said, PG&E had more than 6,000 trees near its lines that its inspectors had identified as potentially dangerous in 2016 but had not been removed. On Oct. 3, 2017, as winds were rising, one unnamed PG&E employee told another in an email quoted by the lawyers that work to remove some of the 2016 hazards had been canceled that day because there were no available PG&E line crews.

That was five days before the start of wildfires that swept through North Bay counties, burning more than 240,000 acres and killing 44 people. State investigators have concluded that the worst of the blazes, the Tubbs Fire in Sonoma County, was ignited by power lines at a private home rather than PG&E equipment, but victims are still suing the utility.

After the 2017 fires, the lawyers said, PG&E announced it would install about 200 new stations in its territory to supply real-time weather data to a wildfire-safety team. But the company did not plan to complete those installations until the end of 2018, the lawyers said  too late for protection from the deadliest blaze in California history, the Camp Fire, which in November leveled the town of Paradise in Butte County and killed 86 people.

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The filing compared PG&Es response to that of San Diego Gas and Electric Co., whose power lines ignited a series of fires in 2007. SDG&E then started replacing its wooden poles in fire-prone areas with steel poles, better able to withstand wind gusts, and proposed plans to shut off power to customers in high-risk areas during emergency conditions.

The utilities commission initially rejected the shutoff proposal, but approved it in 2012. PG&E recently started a shutoff system modeled on the one in San Diego.

Since 2014, Pitre and Campora said, SDG&Es electrical equipment has caused 109 wildfires, only one of them burning more than 10 acres. During the same period, they said, PG&Es equipment has touched off 1,552 wildfires, 68 of them larger than 10 acres.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Oracle has responded to claims of workplace discrimination, saying the U.S. Department of Labor is tacking new allegations onto a complaint it filed against the tech company two years ago to bolster a doomed case.

Labor officials began investigating the Redwood City company several years ago for allegedly discriminatory pay practices that the department said cost Oracles female and minority employees more than $400 million in lost wages.

The department is seeking to amend its complaint with new claims that Oracle showed preference to job candidates whom it could underpay. Once on the job, labor officials say, black, Asian and female employees were paid as much as 25 percent less than their peers doing similar work. Oracle denies the claim, saying it is based on the inaccurate premise that employees at Oracle who share the same job title or job code perform similar work.

Oracle said in a notice of opposition filed in California administrative court that labor officials have two possible reasons for amending its complaint, and that neither justifies the pending motion.

Labor officials added these claims, Oracle said in the new court papers, because the department realizes its existing claims against Oracle are doomed to fail, and it therefore wants some alternative theories. Second, regulators want the media to spread unflattering claims about Oracle to apply pressure on the company, its lawyers told the administrative court Wednesday.

This meritless lawsuit is based on false allegations and a seriously flawed process within a branch of the Labor Department overseeing employers doing business with the federal government that relies on cherry-picked statistics rather than reality, Oracle general counsel Dorian Daley said in a statement.

At the same time Oracle tussles with the Labor Department, it faces a similar complaint from former employees who say Oracle paid women less than men who perfomed similar work.

Female workers earned on average more than $13,000 less per year than similarly employed men, according to a complaint the plaintiffs filed in San Mateo Superior Court in 2017. Attorneys representing those former Oracle employees filed a motion for certification as a class action in January, just days before federal labor officials lodged new claims against Oracle.

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The tech company raised concern about the Labor Department and private counsel for the former Oracle employees working together to bolster their respective claims.

The two parties entered into a common interest agreement in 2017, which lets them share information without fear of waiving attorney-client privilege. Its a routine legal practice, said Adam Pulver, a former Labor Department litigator who is now a public interest attorney at Public Citizen Litigation Group in Washington and is not involved in the case.

People who share a common interest should be able to communicate with each other to more effectively prosecute claims, Pulver said. Its not nefarious; its just more efficient.

An attorney representing the former Oracle employees did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Melia Russell is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: melia.russell@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meliarobin
The Trump administration is going to court to stop a safe injection site from opening in Philadelphia, saying it would violate federal drug laws  the same action it has threatened to take against San Francisco, which plans to open one or more spaces offering clean needles, syringes, medical care and counseling to drug users.

The proponents of the injection site share our goal of ending this terrible (opioid) epidemic, U.S. Attorney William McSwain said Wednesday in announcing the suit against a nonprofit that plans to open the Philadelphia injection site. But allowing private citizens to break long-established federal drug laws passed by Congress is not an acceptable path forward.

The suit relies on a federal law that makes it a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, fines and forfeiture of the property, to knowingly operate a place for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, or using a controlled substance. Passed at a time of rising crack cocaine use in inner cities, it was directed at private drug houses, and no court has yet ruled on whether it applies to government-supervised sites aimed at reducing drug addiction.

The Philadelphia site would be operated by a recently incorporated nonprofit called Safeside, with supervision from the city and support from the mayor and district attorney. The San Francisco facilities would be directly managed by the city under current plans, although Jeff Cretan, spokesman for Mayor London Breed, said Wednesday that the mayor is open to any solution to get people off the streets and into treatment.

The mayor is aware of how this administration feels on these sites, but shes still committed to working on this and moving the site forward, Cretan said.

No U.S. community has opened a place to supervise drug injections, but they have been legalized in 10 nations.

As a Bay Area lawmaker noted, President Trumps Justice Department filed the Philadelphia lawsuit less than 12 hours after the president, in his State of the Union speech, pledged to defeat AIDS.

Safe injection sites are a proven HIV prevention strategy, in addition to reducing overdose deaths and helping people into recovery services, state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, said in a statement.

The president is a hypocrite, and his words mean nothing, he said. We are fully committed to legalizing safe injection sites in California and piloting them in San Francisco.

Wiener is a co-author of legislation, AB362, that would amend state law to allow San Francisco to operate an injection site for three years. The lead author, Assemblywoman Susan Eggman, D-Stockton, won passage of a similar bill last year, but Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed it in September.

Enabling illegal and destructive drug use will never work, Brown said in his veto message.

But Gov. Gavin Newsom, Browns successor and a former San Francisco mayor, has said he is very open to the idea. The city has put its plans on hold to await legislative action.

The day after the Legislature approved Eggmans bill in August, the New York Times carried an opinion piece by the Trump administrations deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, promising swift and aggressive action against San Francisco or any other community that opens an injection site.

It is a federal felony to maintain any location for the purpose of facilitating illegal drug use, Rosenstein wrote. He argued that the sites encourage addiction by sending a powerful message to teenagers that the government thinks illegal drugs can be used safely.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
The telecommunications company whose workers struck a natural gas line Wednesday  leading to an explosion that sent people running for their lives in San Francisco  was previously connected to another gas explosion in 2012 in West Haverstraw, N.Y., where a ruptured gas line destroyed a townhouse and left four people injured, according to court records.

MasTec, which was hired by Verizon to install fiber optic lines this week in San Franciscos Jordan Park neighborhood near the intersection of Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue, had another explosive incident on Jan. 16, 2012, when one of its own subcontractors, FGC Communications, Inc., improperly installed a two-inch conduit for fiber optic cables at a housing complex.

The conduit was being used to install Verizon Fios fiber optic cables, according to court records.

Fidel Padilla, the owner of FGC Communications, was using a pneumatic device called a mole or missile when he struck and punctured a natural gas main owned by Orange & Rock Utilities, resulting in a gas leak, according to the Rockland County district attorneys office.

The gas leak erupted in an explosion that destroyed a condo unit and seriously damaged several other nearby homes, prosecutors said.

Four people  two West Haverstraw volunteer firefighters and two Orange & Rock Utilities workers  were seriously injured when the explosion occurred.

Padilla and FGC Communications were both found to have violated applicable regulations and industry standards, said Thomas Zugibe, Rockland Countys district attorney at the time of the incident.

FGC Communications, of Cortlandt Manor, N.Y., pleaded guilty to one felony charge of assault, and Padilla pleaded guilty to one felony charge of reckless endangerment.

When asked about the 2012 incident, a spokeswoman for MasTec referred The Chronicle to a statement provided Wednesday evening about the blast that occurred in San Francisco.

John Higgins, the group president of the companys utility services group, said MasTec is working with public safety officials to investigate Wednesdays incident.

On behalf of all of us at MasTec, we want to express our deep concern for those affected by the gas line rupture earlier (Wednesday), he said.

The 2012 incident is similar to what occurred Wednesday afternoon in San Francisco. Contractors from MasTec crews were digging into the street at Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue when they struck a Pacific Gas and Electric Co. gas line.

Fire shot up several stories out of the ground for more than two hours until PG&E crews were able to shut off a gas valve. On Thursday, PG&E officials said the lines were properly marked in advance of MasTecs work in San Francisco.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. adequately marked its underground infrastructure at the site of a gas explosion that burned five buildings and sent people running for their lives in San Franciscos Jordan Park neighborhood, the company said Thursday.

A PG&E locator responded to the site near Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue on Jan. 28 and properly marked the utilitys underground lines there, capturing the work with photography, according to PG&E spokeswoman Andrea Menniti.

California law gives PG&E two days to respond to excavators requests to locate and mark its underground pipelines, unless the two parties mutually agree on a different timeline. PG&Es locating and marking practices are currently under heavy scrutiny after a California Public Utilities Commission staff investigation concluded the utility repeatedly falsified internal records about its responses to excavators requests.

But the utilitys statement Thursday sought to dispel any connection between that regulatory issue and the recent explosion, which occurred after construction workers for MasTec, a Florida company hired by Verizon, hit a gas main the day before while digging to install fiber-optic cables. No one was injured in the blast.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

PG&Es comments instead raised questions about whether MasTec and its subcontractors were following proper procedures. MasTec was also connected to a 2012 gas line explosion in New York, records show.

State law requires contractors to hand-dig within 24 inches of a gas line, and contracted workers may have come into contact with the line in question while using heavy equipment, Menniti said. But she stressed the incident is still being investigated, including by the National Transportation Safety Board and the state Public Utilities Commission.

In a statement Thursday, MasTec named two subcontractors it said were involved in the work, Advanced Fiber Works Inc. and Kilford Engineering Inc. The Chronicle could not reach representatives of either firm for comment.

We continue to fully support the work of the authorities as they carry out the investigation, said John Higgins, a MasTec executive, in a statement. MasTec has deployed a fully staffed response team to address the important needs of those in the immediate vicinity of the incident with temporary housing, food and other necessities.

The incident could have been far worse, said Mark McDonald, a natural gas explosions expert with NatGas Consulting in Boston. He was critical of PG&Es response to the explosion, particularly the fact that flames shot out of the ground for more than two hours before utility crews shut off a gas valve to stop it.

Theyre lucky no one was killed. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, McDonald said. But the risk and the hazard to first responders  I can't say that strong enough. They should not be out there fighting and dealing with a fire thats three stories tall engulfing four or five different buildings when the gas company should have the ability to control their leaking gas.

The 4-inch gas line where the explosion occurred is among numerous distribution lines in the city that cant be shut off remotely or automatically, according to PG&E. Unlike the larger, higher-pressure transmission lines  the kind of infrastructure implicated in the deadly 2010 San Bruno pipeline explosion  PG&Es lower-pressure distribution lines have to be turned off manually, Menniti said.

But gas companies should be able to shut off the gas within minutes of arriving on scene, McDonald said.

PG&E did not have that access or ability, and thats their fault, he said.

Federal regulations require distribution pipelines to have valves that can control the flow of gas during an emergency, McDonald said. The regulations also require the valves to be easily accessible in an emergency and checked and serviced at least once each calendar year.

But gas companies are allowed to decide how far apart to space those valves, which can hamper the response to an emergency, he said.

As of Thursday morning electricity had been restored to all 2,500 people who lost power, PG&E said. Gas was restored to the line at about 4 p.m., and PG&E said it was making about 34 gas service representatives available until all customers had their service restored. PG&E representatives or qualified professionals have to restore service for safety purposes, the company said.

The federal Pipeline and Hazardous Safety Materials Administration had been evaluating the situation, but it is now deferring to the National Transportation Safety Board, which said Thursday it was sending a team of investigators to the scene, the agency said Thursday.

On Thursday, fire crews remained on scene to keep watch for any rekindling, said Lt. Jonathan Baxter, a Fire Department spokesman.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Charcoal still covered the streets, hours after the fire had been extinguished. There were remnants of yellow police tape streaming from hydrants and streetlight poles.

A mix of residential and commercial buildings were affected by the blaze, including Hong Kong Lounge II, which was shuttered due to damage from the fire.

A woman who identified herself only by her last name, Kwong, said Wednesday that she was the owner of the property that housed the dim sum restaurant and two residences on a higher floor.

The restaurant would have been so busy, because its just the second day of the Lunar New Year, Kwong said. Theyll probably have to tear it down. I think well try to rebuild.

Workers sipped on coffee and stood near nine PG&E trucks that were parked by the Mels Drive-In on Beaumont Avenue and Geary. Rosie LaVere was walking her dog, Plaza, a day after the blaze. She surveyed the charred building that once housed Hong Kong Lounge II.

The restaurant was a major part of the neighborhood, LaVere said.

Irina Galafutnik, who was standing near the barricades and police tape, was at work at a nearby dental practice when the blaze occurred.

It was the first time in my life I saw such a terrible fire, Galafutnik said, shaking her head.

J.D. Morris, Sarah Ravani and Gwendolyn Wu are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com, sravani@sfchronicle.com, gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com, Twitter: @thejdmorris, @gwendolynawu, @SarRavani
Since Landrys arrest on July 6, his wife has filed for divorce in Washington, where they were married in 2000. Landry has also asked the judge handling the divorce case to change his name, but he has not yet listed a new name on a court form, according to online court records. His wifes September divorce filing gave North Carolina as Landrys state of residence. Landry resigned his position on the Farmington Town Council in January 2018 because of the police investigation that led to his arrest.
The battle lines for the 2020 presidential campaign are forming. On one side are Democrats who want Medicare for All, tuition-free college and a Green New Deal that would cut way back on fossil fuels, and call for raising taxes on the wealthy to pay for it all.

On the other side: billionaire possible candidates who deride such ideas as not a practical thing (ex-New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Medicare for All,) un-American (former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz on same) and, of course, President Trump. He road-tested a 1950s-style attack line for 2020 in his State of the Union address when he declared, America will never be a socialist country.

Historically, when Democrats are accused of being too far left, they roll up into a weepy ball. In the 1988 presidential race, President George H.W. Bush dogged Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis as a card-carrying member of the ACLU. Dukakis complained weakly, I resent it.

Resenting it isnt the same as fighting back, which is what a new generation of progressives is doing. They are embodied by Rep. Pramila Jayapal.

In just her second term, the 53-year-old Seattle Democrat has become one of the nations leading left-wing voices as co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus. Shes writing one of the Houses soon-to-be-introduced Medicare-for-all bills and is on the forefront of progressive battles on immigration, impeachment, green energy jobs and ending U.S. military involvement in Yemen.

And shes got the respect of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco, who calls Jayapal a champion for her advocacy.

Jayapal doesnt hide from the left label. Instead, she turns opposition to progressive causes into deal-breakers.

Shes not afraid to take on allies like Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, a fellow progressive who, like most Democrats in the Western Hemisphere, is exploring a White House run.

Instead of supporting Medicare for All, Brown wants to lower the age for Medicare eligibility from 65 to 55. That sets him apart from other White House hopefuls like Sens. Kamala Harris of California, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and former Obama administration official Julian Castro.

During a recent trip to Iowa, Brown said, Democrats simply arent talking to working-class families. ... Its almost like this view that you either talk to the progressive base to excite them or you talk to working-class families and you hear about their families and their problems. And, no, youve got to do both."

In an interview for The Chronicles Its All Political podcast, Jayapal was dismissive.

I dont know what Sherrod Brown has eaten for breakfast that he is separating progressives and working people, Jayapal said. The last time I looked, progressives are working people. There are lots of people struggling to make it every day.

She has little patience for those who say now isnt the time for big ideas. Not when 40 percent of the population is underinsured for health care.

People are dying because they cant afford health care, she said. Of course, big ideas take time to push along. Some of the greatest things weve achieved in this country have been called absurd and ridiculous and outrageous at the time.

We went to space. We finally got rid of slavery. We finally got black folks and women the right to vote. Those things were crazy at the time, Jayapal said. If providing health care to every American is crazy, call us crazy.

When he told Congress and the country in his State of the Union speech that we are alarmed by new calls to adopt socialism in our country, Trump was simply running with a line that was first tried out by Schultz. Besides blasting Medicare for All as un-American, the possible independent candidate labeled Warrens proposal to slap a 2 percent tax on household net worth above $50 million and 3 percent above $1 billion as punishing people.

Then again, Schultz is a little touchy on the subject. He doesnt think billionaires should be referred to as billionaires. He prefers people of means or people of wealth. He assured an audience at the San Francisco Jewish Community Center last week that hes a self-made guy who grew up in a housing project in Brooklyn. But thats not enough to make him want government to become more involved in health care delivery or college tuition or green jobs.

Trumps socialism dig the other night earned a standing ovation from Republicans and a few red-state Democrats such as Montana Sen. Jon Tester. But socialism doesnt pack the same sting in an era when Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez can get elected by identifying as democratic socialists.

Call someone born after the Cold War a socialist, and theyll shrug. They came of age during the great recession, when capitalist institutions were on the verge of collapse. Doing something about public-university tuition that tripled in the past 30 years sounds OK to people carrying six-figure debt from their student days. As for single-payer health care, an Associated Press-MTV survey last fall found that 69 percent of respondents under age 34 support it.

Another survey, this one by Harvard Universitys Institute of Politics, found that 39 percent of voters under 34 dont care if a candidate identifies as a democratic socialist, and 1 in 4 said it would make a candidate more appealing.

And young voters are fired up. A new study by Sacramento data expert Paul Mitchell found that turnout by young voters last fall in California soared to 46 percent of those eligible, up from 16 percent in 2014.

The initial wave election we just saw, Mitchell wrote, could be a precursor to a larger swell of voter turnout and engagement than we have seen in California.

Such voters are looking for the type of bold changes Jayapal is backing. In 2016, she was one of the first legislators to support Sanders. She is uncommitted for 2020.

There is no savior for the Democratic Party or for America, Jayapal said. What we need are people who are bold, who are listening. We want people who are not going to back down in the face of powerful interests. Because that is what were facing.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
You can walk down any street in Seattle and see construction. But youll also probably see some Craftsman-style homes.

Theres no singular strict definition, but you know it when you see it (you know the kind, even if you dont know the kind): Exposed support beams; big, covered porches; low-pitched roofs. These homes are the type that feature built-in cabinetry and are made of natural materials like wood and stone  and Seattle is littered with them.

So what made Craftsman style so popular in Seattle? Theres a lot to love about a craftsman-style home, but timing, it seems, was key.

The American Craftsman style was adapted from the Arts and Crafts movement in Great Britain, becoming popular in the U.S. during the beginning of the 1900s. That places it about the time Seattle was seeing a boom just after the 1909 Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition.

Street cars had just been installed, allowing folks to more easily move out from the industrial city center to homes further away. The local lumber industry made for easy home materials. Seattles population tripled between 1900 and 1910, to a whopping 230,000 people. And  unlike the east coast, where many people were moving from  there was actually room to spread out.

The land was cheap here, Knute Berger, local writer who grew up in the area, told KUOW. Back East people were living in denser apartment high rises. When they came here, they could live cheaply but also own homes. Its sort of Seattles secret appeal  that you could find the best of urban and suburban life in the city.

The Craftsman style was easily recreatable, with do-it-yourself kit Craftsman kits even being sold at Sears or a local company owned by Seattle entrepreneur Jud Yoho.

Of course, what was the dime-a-dozen of yesteryear is now highly sought after, as modern Seattle undergoes another population boom and transit upgrade. Theres still plenty of Crafstman-style homes hitting the market, but buyers will have to be a lot quicker with their offers.

Take a look through the slideshow above to find three quaint Craftsman-style homes listed in Seattle today. These days a Craftsman doesnt come cheap, but those good bones may just be worth it.
This time of year, there are a lot of shots between couples and singles: Science says this is a perk for being single, but a different study says that coupled people have the edge. Unfortunately, in the realm of home ownership, couples seem to have the advantage.

This may not shock you, but it will take single people longer to save up for a down payment on a house than it will take their coupled counterparts.

"Nearly two-thirds of Americans agree that buying a home is a central part of living the American Dream, but for unmarried or un-partnered Americans, that dream is increasingly out of reach," said Zillow senior economist Aaron Terrazas.

"Single buyers typically have more limited budgets, which means they are likely competing for lower-priced homes that are in high demand. Having two incomes allows buyers to compete in higher priced tiers where competition is not has stiff."

1125 93rd St. #2, listed for $299,000. See the full listing here.

The shocking part is how much. According to a new report from Zillow, it would take a single homebuyer 17.1 years to save for a 20 percent down payment in the Seattle metro area, compared to 7.6 years for a couple.

That's a good bit more than the national average for singles, which is 11 years. And the numbers don't get better from there: Zillow's report says that just 12 percent of the housing stock is affordable for singles, compared to 68 percent for couples.

6904 47th Ave. S.W., listed for $628,500. See the full listing here.

Of that stock, Zillow estimates that the maximum value of the home afforded by a single person is $234,656, as opposed to a couple's $529,317.

Of course, there are single people who can afford more-expensive homes and couples who can't afford any home. These Zillow numbers are merely an analysis of the combined home values and income data from the U.S. Census, estimating how long it would take to save a 20 percent down payment on the median-priced home, assuming they save 10 percent of their income every year.

4324 Thackeray Pl. N.E., listed for $1,379,888. See the full listing here.

And hey, it could be worse; at least we're not Los Angeles (26.8 years for singles, 13.4 years for couples).

Click through the slideshow above to see some of the best homes listed in Seattle this week. Then go hit Zillow's data to see whether you can afford them.
Newington is Artichoke Basilles first free-standing store, with seating for 35. It marks the first of five Connecticut locations to be opened by franchisee Matthew Rusconi, according to the company.
A looming weekend winter snowstorm wasn't distracting state Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz this week from her appointed task, dealing with the ever-lengthening spring, summer, fall wildfire seasons to come.

The state experienced a record 1,850 fires in 2018. Along with other public lands managers in the West, Franz is in a race with climate change.

"We do have a growing fire season here," Franz said in an interview Thursday. "The (2018) season ramped up in early April and went to early October."

Franz is asking the Legislature for $55 million, to boost the state's force of full-time firefighters, do training with other agencies, add helicopters for faster aerial response and reduce hazardous wildfire fuels.

There's nothing like record fires to focus the mind, or minds, up and down the Pacific Coast.

RELATED: Wildfires blazed across Washington

"We have just experienced, in 2017 and 2018, the two worst fire seasons in the history of our province," British Columbia Premier John Horgan, on a Seattle visit, said in an interview Wednesday.

At a Vancouver conference of fire experts from across North America, Sarah Henderson, senior scientist at the B.C. Center for Disease Control, said Thursday: "We need to go into every wildfire season expecting it to be awful, because if we do that we'll be ready for whatever comes."

Seattle has experienced consecutive smokey summers. Arriving air passengers have been treated to Mt. Rainier sticking out above a pall of smoke. A hiking party of Seattleites drove 635 miles from Seattle to Banff last August, entirely in smoke.

The smoke is not healthy for forests, but also irritates the lungs, triggers asthma, keeps kids indoors, even heightens chances of stroke.

Franz refuses to accept Horgan's prediction last year that smokey summers are "the new normal." "We can reduce our wildfires, we can reduce the smoke," she said.

RELATED: Connelly: Thank you, Paul Allen, for the view atop Chopaka Mountain

She believes the state can do that by being fast off the mark and limit the size of fires. Over 1 million acres burned in 2015, with 1,700 fires. Compare that to 2018, when with 1,850 fires, the total burn last year came to 440,000 acres.

"We need to leverage aircraft early on fires to contain fires," she said. "Historically, we held back. We are trying to locate planes closer to places likely to burn, which experience dry, hot winds."

One big change: Western Washington is experiencing more fires. Forty percent of the 1,850 fires last year were west of the Cascades. At one point, 96 percent of the state was in drought, with 70 days without moisture.

One of the wettest towns in America, Forks, has experienced drought. The upper Queets River in the Olympic rain forest had a fire that burned for weeks. A hard-to-fight fire broke out in the upper Skagit River canyon above Newhalem.

MORE FROM CONNELLY: As orcas ail in the Sound, contiguous United States loses its last woodland caribou from Washington

"Many on the west side are not thinking of fires," Franz said. "We have a compounding of drier, hotter temperatures and humans not as familiar with fire dangers."

The Department of Natural Resources wants to add seven "outreach specialists who will be strategically located throughout the state" to educate communities and reduce the number of human-caused fires.

The DNR's budget request will increase from 43 to 73 the number of year-round firefighters. Two helicopters will be added. The state has in place a 20-year Forest Health Strategic Paln for Eastern Washington that calls for treating 1.25 million acres of forest. "Treating" means removing dead and dying trees, thinning where necessary and prescribed burns.

It is, in the end, a process of catching up with climate change and trying to keep up with its impact.

"We are seeing a change in our forests," said Franz, "due to changes in climate and due to a management philosophy that has not kept up."

Denial and/or doing nothing is not an option, given what global warming is doing to this corner of the world. And we can no longer count on firefighting help from California whose fire season, in Franz's words, now extends "from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31."

As Henderson put it, "We need to change the conversation about smoke. There's this deep drive for those things to go away and not come back again. But we will have more bad wildfire seasons. We may have worse wildfire seasons."
Detroit 67 is part of Morisseaus Detroit Project trilogy, which examines African-American life in Detroit at key points in the 20th century. Paradise Blue, which was directed by Awoye Timpo at New Havens Long Wharf Theatre in November/December, is set at a jazz club in the citys Paradise Valley region in the 1940s. Skeleton Crew, which will be staged at Westport Country Playhouse in June (the director has not yet been announced) is set at a soon-to-close auto stamping plant somewhere around year 2008, according to the script.
A river living up to its moniker "the Mighty Fraser" carries winter cold and gusty winds across the border from British Columbia, at times giving us blizzards and even creating the water condition called "freezing spray."

The latest storm forecast for this weekend from the National Weather Service defines where Fraser River weather hits hardest: "Preliminary Wind Forecast: Strongest winds expected across western Whatcom County, San Juan County, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Gusts may peak to 50-60 miles per hour at times."

What is this river and why does it have so much impact on us?

University of Washington climate expert Cliff Mass explained in a 2009 post. Two great river systems penetrate the Cascade Range. The Columbia River creates ice storms in the Portland area. As to the Fraser, Mass wrote:

"The most substantial weakness in the Cascades north of the Columbia River is the Fraser River valley, located just north of Bellingham.

"When cold, dense air fills the interior basin of British Columbia, a big pressure difference occurs down the Fraser, and as a result cool, dry air pushes along its axis to the southeast."

RELATED: Seattle still cold, more snow expected Friday, Saturday

The winds out of the Fraser River can, at times, meet a cold moist system moving south out of the Gulf of Alaska. The result can be the mother of all snow events.

The Trans-Canada Highway, headed east out of Vancouver, traverses the 81-mile-wide flood plain of the "Mighty Fraser." The highway can experience white-outs and the occasional multi-vehicle collisions.

The winds pay scant heed to the 49th Parallel. A story out of Whatcom County oral history is of a Honda Civic headed to a farm near Sumas. The driver was unable to navigate due to blowing snow, and was close to home.

The Civic was parked by the side of the highway. It was completely buried in snow. A new, powerful snow blower rig was clearing the highway, did not spot the Civic, and created a new piece of modern art.

In decades past, snapping flags at the Peace Arch in Blaine served as a backdrop for reports on the arrival of a "snowpocalypse" by Jim Forman of KING-5 news.

A nationally known U.S. campaign adviser, Frank Greer, has a home on Orcas Island. High winds from the north caused Washington State Ferries to shut down service to the San Juans. KIRO-TV sent a camera crew to cover the last arriving boat. Mr. Greer, friend of Presidents Clinton and Obama, became the first American political consultant to spin a storm.

At times, when powerful winds are coming down the "Mighty Fraser," Bellingham can be snowbound with temperatures below freezing, while it's the usual low 40's in Seattle.

One of the world's most magnificent birds, the Great Snowy Owl, gets carried down to our lowlands by Fraser River winds. It is frequently seen at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary near the mouth of the river.

The entrance to Snowy Owl Theater outside Leavenworth is decorated with a photo by Paul Bannick showing an owl sitting at Boundary Bay with 10,778-foot Mt. Baker as backdrop. Bannick has snapped the owl as far distant as Bowerman Basin near Hoquiam.

The "Mighty Fraser" is a BIG river, its headwaters in the Canadian Rockies and Cariboo Mountains adjoining upper reaches of the Columbia. Glaciers from the highest peak in the Rockies, 12,972-foot Mt. Robson, feed upper reaches of the river.

RELATED: Ice, snow linger in Western Washington with frigid overnight temperatures

Far to the west, Fraser River tributaries, notably the Chilcotin and Nechako Rivers, drain the eastern flanks of the Coast Range. Salmon bound for remote Stuart Lake migrate nearly 900 miles, equal to the longest migration up the Columbia/Snake/Salmon River system.

Unlike the "Mighty Columbia", the Fraser River is undammed, largely because of great sockeye salmon runs of the Thompson/Adams, Quesnel/Horsefly, Nechako/Stuart, and Chilcotin/Chilko River tributaries. Even the late, dam-happy British Columbia Premier W.A.C. "Wacky" Bennett did not lay hands on the Fraser.

One more aspect to icy cold weather out of the Fraser River.

It is gorgeous. The Coast Mountains, seen from Bellingham, appear to rise up from the border. Viewed from North Vancouver's Lighthouse Park, Mt. Baker looms as the "great white watcher" over Canada's great western population center.

The greatest view? It's from Westminster Abbey, the Benedictine monastery above Mission (north of Sumas), where monks, seminarians and those on retreat can look out as the big, muddy stream plows out of the Fraser Canyon into the flood plain ... with Mt. Baker and a supporting cast of 7,000-foot peaks as backdrop.

A river be transfixing, along with shaping its surroundings.
He then laid out a unifying governing agenda  from empowering women at home and abroad to confronting China's predatory trade practices, making new investments in crumbling infrastructure, lowering the cost of health care and prescription drugs, and defeating AIDS and childhood cancer.

"We must reject the politics of revenge, resistance and retribution," the president said, "and embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise and the common good." This is exactly what a majority of Americans want.

Even when he had to tackle divisive issues, he did so smartly. He made an impassioned case for the border wall but did so by citing the harm illegal immigration does to unlawful migrants, especially women and children who are victimized by smugglers, cartels and human traffickers. He introduced Americans to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Elvin Hernandez  a legal immigrant from the Dominican Republic  who has helped rescue migrant girls from the horror of forced prostitution and human slavery.

"Tolerance for illegal immigration is not compassionate  it is cruel," Trump said. "I want people to come into our country in the largest numbers ever, but they have to come in legally."

Reasonable Americans in the center nodded in agreement.
When Washington voters legalized marijuana in 2012, many parents found themselves with a new teachable moment.

Though illegal for anyone under 21, the drug presented a dilemma similar to alcohol: Retailers sold it, people openly consumed it -- sometimes to excess -- and parents themselves struggled with how to talk to their kids about their own use, past or present.

Unlike with alcohol, research on the health and developmental effects of marijuana is still emerging. And the law's complexity, along with the accessibility of marijuana products and stores, has left parents thinking more deliberately about how and why to set some ground rules.

Most parents agree that marijuana should be off-limits to children and teenagers, but they want information and advice from trustworthy sources, said Nicole Eisenberg, a research scientist with the University of Washington's Social Development Research Group. Those findings come from a study published online Jan. 16 in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, by Eisenberg and a team of researchers.

"What I heard a lot of parents saying is, essentially, 'I can tell my kids not to use it, but I just don't know how to enforce and reinforce that message,'" Eisenberg said. "Parents are having a hard time reconciling societal norms with personal norms. Society has become more permissive, but at home, most parents don't want their children to use marijuana. It's a challenge that leaves them feeling like they don't know what to do."

To that end, parents said they want guidance, she added.

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"Parents are eager to learn, and open to materials and programs that can help them. They're open to factual, unbiased, scientific information, and they want to know how to talk to their kids," Eisenberg said.

Based on focus group interviews with 54 adults, the study examined parents' attitudes and challenges around marijuana use. Researchers grouped parents according to the ages of their children and by their own usage of marijuana during the past year (as measured by a prior confidential survey); those who had used during the past year, to any degree, were in one group, and those who had not were in another. That separation was designed to better identify differences in how these groups parent; participants were not told anything about other group members' marijuana use.

Yet, in both groups, there were common themes that emerged which can be useful in delivering educational and prevention-oriented messages, Eisenberg said.

For parents, talking to kids about marijuana can mean many things: explaining its risks and effects, deciding on rules and consequences, and choosing whether to share their own history. Researchers didn't offer answers -- that wasn't their role, or the purpose of the study -- but parents appeared to appreciate hearing from each other, Eisenberg said.

Among the challenges parents discussed were adequate and appropriate consequences for breaking house rules, while a few parents of older kids, especially in the user-groups, described a harm-reduction approach, such as discussing with their teens how to use marijuana safely. Parents who chose this strategy said that while they didn't want their children to use marijuana, they figured that if the children were going to try it anyway, they might as well educate them.

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What makes the issue so thorny is the relatively rapid legal and cultural change around marijuana, said Rick Kosterman, a co-author of the study from the Social Development Research Group. While marijuana has become even more available since these interviews were conducted in 2014, parents' questions are unlikely to have changed.

"In many ways, parenting around marijuana use is similar to that of alcohol use, since they're both legal for adults," Kosterman said. "A key difference is where I think parents and society in general have accepted that some people can become dependent on alcohol and it can ruin people's lives if used in excess. Parents and kids aren't so clear about risks of marijuana use -- like the potential for misuse or effects on adolescent brains.

"We are still learning about the risks of teen marijuana use, as well as potential medical uses."

The study's conclusion points to how parents might seek answers, whether through community-oriented drug prevention programs or through information from health care providers, public health agencies or school programs.

"The fact that parents in this study openly asked for guidance highlights an opportunity for the prevention science community to work with medical professionals, schools and policymakers to fulfill this vital need at a critical time of policy transition in the United States," the authors wrote.

Alongside this study of parenting practices is a companion study by the same research team, forthcoming in the Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, about parent perceptions of teens' exposure to marijuana use following legalization in Washington state.

The parents who agreed to participate in both studies came from a longitudinal study the research group launched in the 1980s called the Seattle Social Development Project. The focus group sample was 39 percent white, 37 percent African American, 17 percent Asian American and 7 percent Native American. Of these groups, approximately 5 percent were Latino.

The study on parenting practices was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Additional authors were Tiffany Jones, a postdoctoral researcher at the UW School of Social Work and an affiliate at Colorado State University; Jennifer Bailey and Kevin Haggerty, of the Social Development Research Group; and Jungeun Olivia Lee of USC.
Researchers have found bees can do basic mathematics, in a discovery that expands our understanding of the relationship between brain size and brain power.

Building on their finding that honeybees can understand the concept of zero, Australian and French researchers set out to test whether bees could perform arithmetic operations like addition and subtraction.

Solving maths problems requires a sophisticated level of cognition, involving the complex mental management of numbers, long-term rules and short term working memory.

The revelation that even the miniature brain of a honeybee can grasp basic mathematical operations has implications for the future development of Artificial Intelligence, particularly in improving rapid learning.

Led by researchers from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, the new study showed bees can be taught to recognise colours as symbolic representations for addition and subtraction, and that they can use this information to solve arithmetic problems.

RMIT's Associate Professor Adrian Dyer said numerical operations like addition and subtraction are complex because they require two levels of processing.

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"You need to be able to hold the rules around adding and subtracting in your long-term memory, while mentally manipulating a set of given numbers in your short-term memory," Dyer said.

"On top of this, our bees also used their short-term memories to solve arithmetic problems, as they learned to recognise plus or minus as abstract concepts rather than being given visual aids.

"Our findings suggest that advanced numerical cognition may be found much more widely in nature among non-human animals than previously suspected.

"If maths doesn't require a massive brain, there might also be new ways for us to incorporate interactions of both long-term rules and working memory into designs to improve rapid AI learning of new problems."

There is considerable debate around whether animals know or can learn complex number skills.

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Many species can understand the difference between quantities and use this to forage, make decisions and solve problems. But numerical cognition, such as exact number and arithmetic operations, requires a more sophisticated level of processing.

Previous studies have shown some primates, birds, babies and even spiders can add and/or subtract. The new research, published in Science Advances, adds bees to that list.

A school for bees? How the honeybees were trained

The experiment, conducted by PhD researcher Scarlett Howard in the Bio Inspired Digital Sensing-Lab (BIDS-Lab) at RMIT, involved training individual honeybees to visit a Y-shaped maze.

The bees received a reward of sugar water when they made a correct choice in the maze, and received a bitter-tasting quinine solution if the choice was incorrect.

Honeybees will go back to a place if the location provides a good source of food, so the bees returned repeatedly to the experimental set-up to collect nutrition and continue learning.

When a bee flew into the entrance of the maze they would see a set of elements, between 1 to 5 shapes.

The shapes were either blue, which meant the bee had to add, or yellow, which meant the bee had to subtract.

After viewing the initial number, the bee would fly through a hole into a decision chamber where it could choose to fly to the left or right side of the maze.

One side had an incorrect solution to the problem and the other side had the correct solution of either plus or minus one. The correct answer was changed randomly throughout the experiment to avoid bees learning to visit just one side of the maze.

At the beginning of the experiment, bees made random choices until they could work out how to solve the problem. Eventually, over 100 learning trials that took 4 to 7 hours, bees learned that blue meant +1, while yellow meant -1. The bees could then apply the rules to new numbers.

Scarlett Howard said the ability to do basic maths has been vital in the flourishing of human societies historically, with evidence that the Egyptians and Babylonians used arithmetic around 2000BC.

"These days, we learn as children that a plus symbol means you need to add two or more quantities, while a minus symbol means you subtract," she said.

"Our findings show that the complex understanding of maths symbols as a language is something that many brains can probably achieve, and helps explain how many human cultures independently developed numeracy skills."
In a remote area of British Columbia's Vancouver Island, Kennedy Lake's deep blue waters stretch over 25 square miles. The lake is home to the threespine stickleback, a diminutive fish species that has provided rich fodder for evolutionary study.

These sticklebacks thrive in both marine and freshwater habitats and exist in most of the inland waters that dot the northern coasts of North America, Europe, and Asia. Significant to scientists, the species has a conspicuously variable trait governed by a single gene: the amount of bony plating, or "armoring," on their bodies.

Variations in this gene in this tiny fish species have the potential to alter the broader aquatic ecosystem, according to new research led by University of Pennsylvania postdoctoral researcher Seth Rudman. Fish with more armoring released more phosphorus into the water around them, the researchers found. Because phosphorus is such a key element in aquatic ecosystems, such a difference may have trickle-down effects on microbes, plants, and algae in freshwater or marine area.

"Genomics has played such a large role in advancing biological research in many, many disciplines and subdisciplines," says Rudman, the lead author on the work, who completed the investigations with colleagues during his doctoral studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC). "But the thing that I think about most and is the motivation for this study is how do we apply genomics to help us better understand ecosystems? In a way I view this work as a proof-of-concept that there are scenarios in which changes in individual genes can have effects on ecology."

The team used novel methods to assess how evolution influences the elemental make-up of individual fish, essentially viewing the organisms as a sack of atoms -- carbon, calcium, strontium, and the like. What they found indicated that evolution has acted not only to differentiate the elemental composition of marine fish compared to their freshwater counterparts but has also influenced their ability to take up elements from the environment.

"I think the fact that evolution really did affect ion movement for these fish is surprising," Rudman says of the work, which appears in the journal Ecology Letters.

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Generally, sticklebacks in marine waters have more plating, while sticklebacks in freshwater have less. But Kennedy Lake's stickleback population is unusual in having stable populations of both "low-plated" and "high-plated" fish, traits governed by the Eda gene, making it an ideal site for study.

When Rudman and colleagues collected both types of fish from the lake and placed them in filtered water, they found the high-plated fish excreted more phosphorus compared to low-plated fish. Using methods more often associated with toxicology studies to track radio isotopes, they also found the high-plated fish took up more calcium.

The finding suggests that the version of the Eda gene a fish possesses influences how it interacts with its surrounding environment, potentially triggering ecosystem-wide effects.

In a second part of the study, Rudman and coauthors looked at fish in other areas of British Columbia, collecting them from either marine environments, where fish tend to be more plated, or freshwater ones associated with low-plating, to look for signs the populations had adapted to their local environment and the ecological implications of those changes. To do so, the researchers examined what the fish were made of chemically.

"I think one of the newer components of this paper is we're able to think about these organisms as a chemical cocktail," Rudman says, "and when we do that we're able to explicitly link changes in them to changes in the way they're interacting with the environment."

Wild-caught marine and freshwater fish differed considerably in their so-called "ionome," the composition of elements they contained, the team discovered. These differences persisted even when marine fish were rasied in freshwater and freshwater fish were raised in saltwater.

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However the fish also showed signs of adapting to their new environments.

"We found that when marine fish were placed in freshwater, their ability to assimilate phosphorus increased," says Rudman. "This makes a lot of sense because phosphorus is really a limiting element in freshwater systems."

Taken together, the study points to a rare case where scientists have been able to link a genetic difference to a physical trait and then link that trait to a potential ecosystem effect, since other organisms could make use of the elements the fish extrude or take up. Rudman also notes that the findings underscore how quickly evolutionary changes that influence these ecological effects can occur.

"Darwin said that evolution is slow, happening over eons, and ecology is happening today in our backyards," Rudman says. "But that is not true. Evolution is happening fast in many systems, within a summer for a fruit fly or across a decade for sticklebacks."

Rapid evolution, a feature of changing conditions like those we see today, will have ecological consequences, he adds, and may one day help scientists predict how species will respond to challenges to come.

"This presents a way in which evolution and ecology could be very tightly coupled in determining the fate of populations and species under future conditions," Rudman says.
Good and evil may spring from the human mind, but new research reveals how they extend beyond humans to the artificial and supernatural.

Good Ghosts on the Mountains, Evil Spirits in the Caves

Gray shows how good and evil lead to immortality, and what that means for the afterlife. Pulling from their research To Be Immortal, Do Good or Evil, Gray will discuss why people believe evil spirits reside in places like caves and good spirits are visualized as being in places like mountains.

"People especially see the minds of good and evil people as continuing to exist -- that's why there's a heaven and hell but no place where great bowlers go," says Gray.

Gray will also discuss how people's perceptions of good and evil in the afterlife influence their perceptions of paranormal events.

Moral Governments

How does good and evil play out for a government? Based on five studies, governments are rated as more moral than nonprofit organizations, corporations, or individuals after a moral transgression, according to research being presented by Rebeca Harpster (University of Texas of the Permian Basin).

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"Governments have more 'moral credentials' in people's minds than organizations or corporations, and this comes from a perception of shared values," says Harpster.

In the studies, Americans rated the ethicality of behaviors, as well as rated positive motives and shared values across several scenarios. One scenario involved the funding a terrorist group. In a stable government situation, people were more willing to overlook a moral transgression by their government than they did for corporations or nonprofits.

The effect may not hold if replicated with participants who do not feel that their government share their important core values, notes Harpster.

She hopes to focus additional research on real world scenarios and possibly look at differences within unstable governments.

Mindless Machines

Recapping their recent study on machines making moral decisions, Bigman says people have an issue with machines decision making is the "perceived lack of mind" in a machine.

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From self-driving cars to automated delivery robots, the devices offer convenience and the potential increased safety. However, people don't think it is OK for machines to make life and death decisions will affect humans, such as cases when an automated vehicle kills a person or is involved in an accident.

Bigman notes these concerns may limit what jobs machines can take over or do in the future, and should be considered by those making polices and decisions.

"People are ok with machines making a decision when the machine is better than people at it, so there's room for growth," says Bigman.

Bigman's future research may look at understanding why people hold the machines, rather than the programmers, responsible for harm caused by machines.
The bookstore opened at the end of July on the Silas Deane Highway. A few months after Opper and her daughter, Belle, opened the shop, Opper went to the town plan and zoning commission to request permission to serve alcohol. She then went to the state and applied for a liquor license and tavern permit, which went into effect this month.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, has said Uganda has made adequate preparations to host the 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC).

The Conference scheduled for 23  29 September 2019 will be held under the theme: Adaption, Engagement and Evolution in a rapidly changing Commonwealth.

This conference is important for Uganda because we last hosted this conference in 1967. We should encourage the delegates to come in early and take time to enjoy the tourist attractions, said Kadaga.

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Kadaga, who is the CPC President Designate 2018 to 2019, made the remarks while meeting Mr. Akbar Khan, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), at Parliament Building.

Akbar Khan is in Uganda to assess the progress by the CPA Branch in preparations to host the week-long event. The Conference is expected to be attended by Speakers and Members of Parliament from the different commonwealth countries.

Kadaga said that the conference will extend the brand of Ugandas tourism, owing to the number of delegates expected to attend the conference from the 53 commonwealth states.

Akbar Khan requested the Speaker to engage government institutions not to impose stringent visa requirements and to provide visas on arrival to delegates.

I would suggest a provision of delegates getting their visas on arrival in Uganda, because most countries do not have a Ugandan consulate, which could cause delays in getting visas if they apply through other states, said Akbar Khan.

He also raised concerns about security and transportation within the city for conference delegates, adding that Uganda was doing well on the ease-of-access to transport vis-a-vis traffic congestion.

In Bangladesh we had a challenge of security and traffic, which are the biggest selling points for delegates. We do not have those issues in Uganda and that will be a positive aspect for delegates to enjoy, Akbar Khan said.

Kadaga committed to follow up on the issues surrounding visa issuance saying that We can send a message out to the airlines because some cannot let you board without minimum travel requirements.
You asked. We listened. Your daily crossword, Sudoku and dozens of other puzzles are now available online. Play them or print them here.

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The Simsbury episode comes amid a scandal involving Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, who is under pressure to resign because of a photograph depicting one man in blackface and another in Ku Klux Klan robes that appeared on his medical school yearbook page. Northam apologized but denied that he was either man in the photograph. He did, however, admit to wearing blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume for a dance contest when he was in the Army in the 1980s.
Chandigarh, February 7: In order to give further impetus to the education, training and skill development sector, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday inked an MoU with the Government of Alberta, Canada. The two sides also agreed to explore information exchange and cooperation in other priority areas of energy, agriculture, environment management and technologies, beside aerospace, defence, hospitality and retail.

The MoU was signed between Minister of Technical Education and Industrial Training Charanjit Singh Channi and Chief Assistant Deputy Minister Government of Alberta Matthew Machielse in the presence of the Chief Minister. Captain Amarinder Singh also asked the Technical Education department to tie up with the Government of Alberta to leverage their experience and expertise in tackling opioid addiction.

Giving details, an official spokesperson said the MoU would primarily concentrate on exchange of best practices and engagement of subject matter experts for enhancing capacity building for training and skill development. Commercial as well as government missions and tours will also be conducted in the territory of the participants, with a sharpened focus on trade, education, training of technology.

Apart from this, the MoU would also provide strategic advice on joint research opportunities and emerging technologies for improving innovation and mutual cooperation. Underlining the complementary nature of both Indian and Canadian societies, the Chief Minister stressed on the need to aggressively share the existing information in other vital areas of mutual importance like Agriculture and engineering to ensure holistic development.

Captain Amarinder Singh also asked the visiting Canadian Minister to further explore the possibility of arranging more educational exchange programmes between the two countries to enhance learning opportunities for education policy makers, students and educators. Reaffirming the state's commitment to empower students to become employable, Captain Amarinder Singh highlighted the success of various state drug abuse prevention programmes like Drug Abuse Prevention Officers (DAPO) and Buddy, which had proved to be a boon for bringing the affected youth back into the mainstream.

Over 160 OOAT Clinics set up by the state government were proving to be instrumental in effectively treating the youth inflicted with drugs, he added. The visiting Canadian minister assured the Chief Minister of full support and cooperation in helping the state through exchange of expertise and technology transfer in the field of education, horticulture and skill development. The meeting was attended, amongst others, by Media Advisor to CM Raveen Thukral, Chief Principal Secretary to CM Suresh Kumar, Director Technical Education Praveen Thind. The delegation included Consul General Canada Mia Yen.
Chandigarh, Feb 7: Dinkar Gupta, a 1987 batch officer of the IPS, was on Thursday appointed as the Director General of the Punjab Police. He succeeds Suresh Arora, who had been on an extension after his retirement on September 30 last year. His appointment was cleared by the Chief Minister this morning. A decorated officer, Dinkar Gupta is the senior most of the three officers, all of the same batch, to be empaneled for appointment to the top post by the UPSC earlier this week.

In his previous stint, Gupta was posted as Director General of Police, Intelligence, Punjab, which involved the direct supervision of Punjab State Intelligence Wing, State Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Organized Crime Control Unit (OCCU). An experienced and distinguished officer, Gupta was empanelled on 26.4.2018 for appointment to Additional Director General level post at the Centre- one out of the twenty 1987 batch IPS officers to be so empanelled, and the only one from Punjab.

He did an eight-year stint on central deputation with the MHA, from June 2004 to July 2012, where he held many sensitive assignments, including Head of the Dignitary Protection Division of the MHA. He had served as Senior Superintendent of Police (District Police Chief) of Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur districts for more than 7 years during the terrorist phase in Punjab. He also served as DIG (Jalandhar Range), DIG (Ludhiana Range), DIG (Counter-Intelligence), Punjab and DIG (Intelligence), Punjab till 2004.

Dinkar Gupta new DGP of Punjab

Among his other past assignments in the state were ADGP Administration & Community Policing (2015-17), ADGP Provisioning & Modernization (2014-2015), ADGP Law & Order (2012-2015), ADGP Security (2012-2015), ADGP Traffic (2013-2014) DIG Range (over 1 year in 2002 & 2003-04), SSP (7 years from January 1992 to January 1999).

Dinkar Gupta was decorated with Police Medal for Gallantry (1992) and Bar to Police Medal for Gallantry (1994) for display of exceptional courage, conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty of a high order. He was also decorated with the Police Medal for Meritorious Services by the President and the Presidents Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2010).

DGP Dinkar Gupta calls on CM after taking over

Gupta has also been a Visiting Professor (2000-01) at the George Washington University, Washington DC (USA) and American University, Washington DC, where he was invited to design and teach a course titled Governments under Siege: Understanding Terrorism and Terrorists in January-May 2001. In 1999, Gupta was awarded the British Chevening Gurukul Scholarship by the British Council to attend the 10-week Gurukul Programme in Leadership and Excellence at London School of Economics, London.

He has trained with many International Police Forces, including the Scotland Yard, London and New York Police Department. He has also lectured at leading American think tanks and universities. He represented India at a Symposium on International Terrorism organized by INTERPOL in 1996.

DGP Dinkar Gupta calls on CM after taking over

He visited the UK in November 1997 on the request of the Crown Prosecution Service as an expert on Indian Criminal Law in connection with the trial of a double murder committed by a British citizen of Indian origin. He again visited the UK to attend a Conference on Responding to International Terrorism in 2002. In 1997, he was invited to make a presentation during the DGPs/IGPs Conference of India on SuperCop, a Software developed by him for crime database management and Village Information System.
Chandigarh, February 7: The Punjab Governments farm debt waiver scheme on Thursday got a major fillip with Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh enhancing the allocation of funds to Rs. 5500 Crores. The Chief Minister announced the decision while chairing the 45th meeting of the state Rural Development Board here this afternoon.

Captain Amarinder Singh also directed the Secretary Mandi Board to expedite the ongoing project of repairing rural link roads across the state for ensuring its time-bound completion. Disclosing details of the meeting, an official spokesperson later said the increase in funds for farm debt waiver would enable expansion of the scheme, bringing more debt-ridden farmers into its ambit.

The Chief Minister told the meeting that his government would not allow financial crunch to undermine its commitment to provide relief to the distressed farmers in the state. His government was already working on a plan to cover even landless farmers under its waiver scheme, he added.

During the meeting, Secretary Mandi Board apprised the Chief Minister that a comprehensive road repair programme had been drawn up, under which the first phase of around 15,000 KMs of repair was already under implementation and would be completed by June 2019.

Phase II of rural link roads repair had also been initiated to repair another 15,000 KMs of rural roads, for which the tendering process had been started and work would be allotted by February this year, with completion scheduled for June 2020. The meeting was also attended by Revenue Minister Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria, Rural Development Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Media Advisor to CM Raveen Thukral, Chief Principal Secretary to CM Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to CM Tejveer Singh, and ACS Development Viswajeet Khanna.
New Delhi, Feb 7: UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi Thursday led the Congress in Lok Sabha in appreciating Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari for the "wonderful" work he has been doing in improving the country's infrastructure. During the Question Hour, the House took up two questions related to Gadkari's ministry in which he gave detailed description of the works being executed and works being undertaken for expanding the country's network.

"I must say here that all MPs, cutting across political affiliations, have been appreciating me for the work being done by my ministry in their respective constituencies," he said. As Gadkari completed the answers amidst thumping of desks by ruling BJP members, saffron party member from Madhya Pradesh Ganesh Singh stood up and told Speaker Sumitra Mahajan that the House should appreciate the "wonderful" works being carried out by the Union Road Transport Minister.

Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari

At this, Sonia Gandhi, who all through was patiently listening to Gadkari and often seen nodding in response to his replies, smiled and started thumping the desk as a sign of appreciation. Seeing this, Congress MPs, including party leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, too started thumping the desks appreciating Gadakri's work. There were reports in August last year that Sonia Gandhi had written to Gadkari thanking him for his "positive response" to road issues she had raised relating to her constituency Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh.

Sonia Gandhi's son and Congress President Rahul Gandhi too recently had complimented Gadkari for his remarks that "one who cannot take care of home, cannot manage the country", saying he has guts and should also comment on the Rafale deal, "farmers distress and destruction of institutions". "Gadkari Ji, compliments. You are the only one in the BJP with some guts. Please also comment on: The Rafale scam and Anil Ambani, farmers' distress and destruction of institutions," he tweeted and tagged with it the report on Gadkari's comments.

Anil Ambani

The Union minister had made the remarks last week while addressing former workers of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the BJP's student wing, in Nagpur. Incidentally, Rahul Gandhi was seen exchanging notes with Gadkari while being seated along with him during the Republic Day parade at Rajpath.
Sothebys diamond auction marks another bitcoin milestone The 101.38-carat pear shaped flawless diamond - The Key 10138, which carries a pre-sale estimate of $10 million - $15 million, will be sold by Sotheby's on July 9 in Hong Kong.

The Jewellers Guild of Russia held its reporting and election meeting The Association "Jewellers Guild of Russia" held its reporting and election meeting on June 18. Due to the difficult situation regarding the incidence of coronavirus infection, the meeting was held in the format of a video conference.

Norilsk Nickel on ecology, indigenous peoples of the North, and public control The implementation of events within the strategy pursued by Norilsk Nickels production divisions in the field of ecology and climate change will require up to $ 1 billion per year, said Andrey Bugrov, the companys Senior Vice President for Sustainable...

Lesotho auctions diamonds collected from illegal miners The government of Lesotho recently auctioned diamonds collected from illegal miners, according to media reports. The countrys National Assembly passed a law last year that granted amnesty to people in possession of illegal rough diamonds should they...
Aslam was sentenced at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Wednesday

A PASSENGER who assaulted a taxi driver was slapped with a curfew  but he won't have to start it for ten days because he's going on holiday with his girlfriend.

Amin Aslam (36), of Leatham Avenue, Kimberworth, was ordered by a judge at Sheffield Magistrates Court to serve an eight-week curfew for assualting a taxi driver following a dispute over the fare.

But after being sentenced, Aslam told his solicitor, Mr Mark Carter, that his girlfriend had booked him a holiday from February 13 to 15, and asked if his curfew could be delayed.

District Judge for Sheffield Mr Paul Healey agreed that Aslams 7pm to 7am curfew could begin at 7pm on Saturday, February 16, instead of the day of his sentencing hearing yesterday (Wednesday).

Aslam hit taxi driver Mr Ghanzanfar Ali at 4.30am on Sunday, June 24 last year, Mr Mark Hughes, prosecuting, told the court.

The defendant struck him because there was a dispute regarding the fare, said Mr Hughes.

It seems the defendant was really reluctant to pay what was required.

Aslam was interviewed by officers on October 4 and admitted the offence.

Mr Ali suffered a cut and a swollen lip, Mr Hughes said.

CCTV footage of the assault was played to the court.

The victim said in a statement read to the court: I would like to see the male who assaulted me prosecuted by the courts.

I have done nothing wrong and I do not deserve to be hit in this way.

Mr Hughes said Aslam initially did not respond to a postal requisition but pleaded guilty to assault by beating at a hearing at Sheffield Magistrates Court on January 4.

Mitigating, Mr Carter said Aslam had delivered a single blow with the back of his hand which was clearly serious but at the lower end of the scale.

He added: Genuine remorse was expressed by him at the police station during his interview with a police officer."

Mr Healey said: Its an assault on a taxi driver  someone going about their business, trying to earn a living.

Its a difficult job, they are in a vulnerable position and they have a right to do their job.

Aslam was also given a 12-month community order and was ordered to pay 200 compensation to Mr Ali.
Police believe she is with Benjamin Morales, who is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of Alice Marie Figueroa. Detectives are not saying whether the missing woman and the victim are related, nor are they saying what the relationship is, if any, between her and Morales.
Twenty questions that may help Virginians make sense of the blackface scandal that has engulfed Gov. Ralph Northam and now Attorney General Mark Herring.

1. Which do you believe  Northam when he apologized on Friday for being in a racist photo or Northam when he said on Saturday that wasnt him? (Northam says he was so taken aback when he saw the photo on his medical school yearbook page that showed one person in blackface and another in Klan robe that his first instinct was to apologize.)

2. If that is Northam in the photo from 1984, is that enough to disqualify him from public office in 2019? (Of course, if it is him and hes being untruthful about it, thats a separate political offense).

3. How should we weigh a racist photo from 35 years ago against Northams subsequent public service, which has been devoid of charges of racism? This might be a good time to point out that when he ran for governor, he called for taking down Confederate statues on the grounds that they celebrated white supremacy.
The whole thing started in mid-December when that old LeSabre wouldnt. If youve ever been held captive by an unreliable beater  Ive owned several  you know the story. Peoples sure does.

Id spend money to have it fixed, and itd run for three or four months, he said. And then you have to spend more money.

That last conk-out was the final straw. Peoples was able to borrow his girlfriends car for a few days but that was only a temporary fix. He told his boss that the car had finally died and that it might take a while to figure out a next move.

The boss, he said, was understanding and covered his shifts for a few days.

But he couldnt hold my job open forever, Peoples said. I understand that.

Johnson and other parents noticed the absences piling up. She said the traffic turned unruly, and Peoples smiling, familiar face created a vacuum. There were even Wheres Mr. Peoples? posted on our PTA and neighborhood (Facebook) pages.

When the word about his predicament began to make the rounds, Johnson and some other parents turned to social media to see what could be done. Donations piled up quickly, and one family offered up the Acura.
Teresa Chafin told the Senate panel that House members had asked her earlier about possible favoritism because of her brother, so she wanted to address the elephant in the room.

She noted that she served as a general district judge from 2002 to 2005, and then a judge in Tazewell County Circuit Court from 2005 to 2012. She pointed out that her judgeships preceded her brothers election to the General Assembly in 2013.

It has been said I am here or perhaps receiving some type of nepotism, and I want to point out that perhaps Senator Chafin is receiving some type of nepotism, Teresa Chafin said, which drew laughs from the senators on the committee.

When asked if he considered whether it was appropriate for Ben Chafin to be participating in the interviews, Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Rockingham, the chairman of the committee, waved his hand at a reporter and turned away.

Teresa Chafin said after her interview that as a sitting judge, she couldnt answer questions from a reporter.

The panels also interviewed Judge Clifford Athey Jr. of the 26th Judicial Circuit and Judges Randolph Beales and Wesley Russell, both of the Virginia Court of Appeals.

Athey served as a Republican in the House of Delegates from 2002 to 2011.
Virginia State Police said a Richmond man died at the scene of a tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 81 on Wednesday.

Joseph Daniel McDowell, 53, was driving north on I-81 when at 3:11 p.m. his truck ran off the right side of the road, hit a guardrail and went down an embankment, according to a news release.

The crash happened at the 140.5 marker, half a mile south of Exit 141 (Virginia 419) in Roanoke County.

The tractor-trailer was carrying wood products and caused a fuel spill, which crews worked to clean up well into the evening.

Virginia State Trooper C.V. Cintron is still investigating the incident. Police said McDowell was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.

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The Roanoke Times is not identifying the victim in this case.

In Radford, she testified, she shared a large bottle of cherry-flavored vodka with five people. Soon she was having trouble with her vision and balance, she said.

Hash had come from Wytheville with a group of young men to visit friends who went to school at Radford University and to try to get into parties. While they did have some beer at one gathering, they testified, it was difficult to get into other parties because they did not have the ratio  for entry, several witnesses explained, a group of men had to be accompanied by at least an equal number of women.

Some parties required that each man be accompanied by three women, the Roanoke teen testified, adding that she had helped by taking men into a party, then going back outside to bring more in.

Hash, then 21, and the Roanoke teen both testified that about midnight they met for the first time on a sidewalk near a convenience store, and after less than three minutes of flirting and trying to exchange social media contacts, slipped behind a row of apartments and  with a fraternity party going full blast next door and people wandering through a lit parking lot beside them  had sex on a set of concrete porch steps.
Rifkin has spent the past two days working with Virginia Tech and regional leaders in coming up with ways to improve the region.

Rifkin spent much of his talk discussing work to fight stagnating economies and threats from climate change, mostly as an economic adviser in Europe but also some American communities such as San Antonio.

He called for individuals to come together and create a cooperative network where people can share renewable solar and wind energy to improve economies and avert climate change.

The people of Southwest Virginia will have to come together in a peer assembly that governs the exchange of energy, transportation and ideas.

We can have real power to the people, he said.

In Germany, hes worked with energy titans and the government to increase renewable energy use, saying that country already gets 40 percent of its energy from renewable sources with a goal to get all of its energy from renewable sources by 2040.

Basic economics mean that the falling costs of renewable energy will nudge the rest of the world away from fossil fuels, Rifkin said. It just might need to happen a little more quickly, he said.
In the days after she went missing, scores of friends and family took to social media asking for help locating Reyes, sharing pictures of the woman and describing what she wearing last. Some said she was last seen walking to the train, others said she was spotted in lower Manhattan, but no one had heard from her since Jan. 29.
My school mate and lifelong friend hurled a piece of fudge wrapped in cellophane to me, Waid wrote. The edge of the candy cut into the pupil of my eye and blinded me completely. I was about 8 or 9 years old.

Later that day, two other doctors in Fincastle rushed Waid to the Gill Memorial Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital in Roanoke.

Dr. Elbyrne Gill operated on me once or maybe several times in the following two weeks, Waid added. He performed a miracle (as it was conceived at that time) by saving my vision! I wore an eye patch for weeks after the operation and returned to Dr. Gill several times over the next several months for examinations to be sure of the operations success.

My left eye is still not quite as clear as the right eye but almost as clear, thank God and Dr. Gill! Without the two of them, Im sure I would only have one eye. Dr. Gill was way ahead of his time in his field of medicine, all my other doctors agreed.

Well round this out with a note I received Monday from Brian Wishneff of Roanoke. He brought to my attention a passage from a wire-service news obituary this paper (and others) published about Leonard Dinnerstein, the distinguished historian who died Jan. 22.
A half-dozen firearms were stopped at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airports passenger checkpoint in 2018, according to a Transportation Security Administration report issued Thursday.

Thats an increase from the three confiscated in 2017, but a fraction of the more than 80 firearms seized from passengers boarding at airports across the state last year.

According to TSA, the civil penalty for first offenders is $3,900.

TSA frequently issues news alerts about firearms stopped at local airports, but it typically does not identify the person cited. A federal Freedom of Information Act request, filed by The Roanoke Times in November and seeking citations and penalties against the nine people stopped in Roanoke over the past two years, has not yet been fulfilled.

Violators also face criminal prosecution, but in Roanoke General District Court, the three people cited in 2017 all saw their state charges dismissed. One of those defendants, a Franklin County man, had been found guilty of the same offense in 2012 and was ordered to pay a $200 court fine.
CHRISTIANSBURG  Joey Landon Ritenour told police that he felt disrespected by the women he ended up stalking, a prosecutor said Thursday in Montgomery County Circuit Court.

Ritenour, a 49-year-old Blacksburg resident and a former safety inspector at Virginia Tech, said that one woman had flipped him off as he worked painting signs during the universitys move-in day, Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Chris Dorsey said. Other women had cut Ritenour off in traffic, Dorsey said.

Ritenours response was to track women to their vehicles or homes, and leave his seminal fluid on the vehicles and in one case, inside a womans residence, according to Dorseys account Thursday and to court records. Ritenour also stole womens underwear, leaving underwear under the door handle of a womans vehicle and on the back porch of a womans home, Dorsey said. Ritenour wrote rude sexual messages on womens vehicles, Dorsey said.

Charged in a string of incidents that ran from October 2017 to August 2018, Ritenour pleaded guilty to one felony charge of breaking and entering and four misdemeanor counts of stalking.
Virginia Health Information has published the annual report on hospitals efficiency and productivity.

The agency gathers financial and operational data on hospitals, nursing homes and surgical centers and then publishes reports that include data on charity care, profit margins and performance.

The data is for 2017.

Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association said the information shows the number of hospitals with negative operating margins rose 43 percent from 2016 to 2017. Across the state, a third of all hospitals operated in the red. The association said 57 percent of rural hospitals reported negative margins, and more than half of all hospitals showed declines.

Seven of the 21 hospitals the Virginia Health Information groups in the southwestern region had negative operating margins for 2017. They were Bedford Memorial Hospital, Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital, LewisGale Hospital Pulaski, Russell County Medial Center, Smyth County Community Hospital and Twin County Regional Hospital.
American fugitive arrested, deported from Cancun airport

Cancun, Q.R.  In a coordinated effort between US and Mexican authorities, an American fugitive has been arrested in Cancun.

Federal agents, in coordination with Agregado Adjunto en Mexico of US Marshals, says they have detained a man of American nationality at the Cancun International Airport.

The man, identified as Omar Antonio N, was considered an American fugitive, wanted for escaping prison in the US on drug trafficking and money laundering charges.

Through a statement, federal authorities reported the arrest of Omar Antonio N, adding that with support of Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM), his illegal entry into the country was verified resulting in his arrest and deportation.

Omar Antonio N was transferred to Terminal 3 of the Cancun International Airport and placed on board an American Airlines flight bound for Dallas, Texas where he will be returned to federal prison.
Richmond, KY (40475)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 79F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable.
This year, the FBI will roll out a national Rapid DNA network  with police using portable DNA testing in a magic box the size of a desktop printer. These magic boxes can analyze a swab, produce a profile in about two hours, and query the local or federal DNA databank.

The federal government is aggressively supporting this effort though funding and legislation, as it hopes to expand the coverage of its national DNA databank. The appeal of speedy DNA results is completely understandable, particularly where crime labs can be backlogged by many months.

Yet, as recent coverage of the police rollout of these devices makes clear, the advent of Rapid DNA introduces a host of concerns. We lack much meaningful oversight of forensic science or police technology in this country. These machines are unvalidated. They use proprietary black box technology, so that no one, least of all the people using them, knows precisely how they work. They make errors and destroy samples, but we do not know how often.

And yet they are still being introduced at police stations around the country. Quick and dirty forensic tests will inevitably cause criminal cases to go terribly wrong; innocent people may be convicted.
If youve ever lived in the Norfolk area, youve probably been asked the question that inevitably comes from newcomers to the region, Where, exactly, are the Hampton Roads? Its an understandable mistake. Of course, Virginians know that the name originally defined the body of water that the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth rivers flow into. One of the worlds largest natural harbors (actually, its a roadstead), the waterway is located between Old Point Comfort and Sewells Point at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

But long ago, the name Hampton Roads also came to define to the large metropolitan area around Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Hampton. The entire region is known for its shipyards, military presence, ice-free harbor, and its miles and miles of sandy beaches and waterfront properties  all of which contribute to a thriving economy and diverse population.

But, according to Bryan Stephens, president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber, theres a problem with the moniker. He says that very few people who live in the region actually call it Hampton Roads. And, the name has little recognition outside the state, apparently.
Northam said Friday that he was in the photo and apologized, but the next day he said he was sure he was not in the photo, although he admitted he had used blackface the same year while portraying Michael Jackson in a dance contest. He said he had learned in 2017 from an aide that what he had done was hurtful. The photo led to near-universal calls from Democrats for Northams resignation. His news conference Saturday prompted further calls for him to step down.
A bipartisan effort to develop a funding mechanism to fix the safety and congestion problems along Interstate 81 has come to a halt.

Proposals to install tolls on the 325-mile highway or increase the gas tax barreled toward a collision with legislators who couldnt agree on how to fund improvements in a fair way.

The General Assembly session started with six bills related to I-81. Only two proposals remain that once included a funding stream, but they have been gutted, setting in motion studies on how to pay for billions of dollars in I-81 upgrades. With less than three weeks left in the session, it appears unlikely lawmakers will leave Richmond with a funding stream to begin improvements on the crash-plagued highway.

Allen advocating for redistricting measure

Former Gov. George Allen spoke about his experiences with gerrymandering and the importance of bipartisan redistricting at a standing-room-only town hall in Albemarle County on Saturday.

The stop was one of five Allen is making with OneVirginia2021, a redistricting advocacy lobby, to educate Virginians about gerrymandering and urge support of Senate Joint Resolution 306.
When were reacting to blackface, were not reacting to the act. Were reacting to what the act represents.

Sharpton did not call for Fairfax to resign, saying instead that both Fairfax and his accuser, Vanessa Tyson, should be heard.

Northam originally apologized for appearing in a photo on his page in his 1984 medical school yearbook that showed one person in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan robe. He retracted his story the day after, saying it wasnt him in the photo, but he admitted to a separate instance that same year in which he darkened his face and dressed up like Michael Jackson for a dance contest in Texas.

Whether you blackfaced in Virginia or blackfaced in San Antonio, you are a blackface user, Sharpton said. Hes got to deal with how he dealt with this, and I think that is part of what added insult to injury.

Sharpton said he hadnt met with Northam, Fairfax or Herring since the start of the scandals.

The governor isnt the only elected leader he wants gone. He also called for Herring, who apologized for his blackface use, to step down.

Forgiveness without a price is not forgiveness  its a pass, Sharpton said.
The Senate Courts of Justice Committee on Wednesday interviewed four people who are interested in filling an upcoming vacancy on the Virginia Supreme Court, including the sister of one of the senators on the committee.

Earlier in the day, the House Courts of Justice Committee interviewed the same four candidates, including Judge Teresa Chafin, who has served on the Virginia Court of Appeals since 2012. Shes the sister and former law partner of state Sen. Ben Chafin, R-Russell.

Justice Elizabeth McClanahan announced last month that she will retire from the seven-member Supreme Court, effective Sept. 1. Because Republicans control both the House and Senate, they will choose her replacement.

On Wednesday, Ben Chafin remained in the room, seated with the rest of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, to listen to his sisters interview as well as those of the other three candidates. Chafin nodded at his sister while she spoke to the legislators. He didnt ask questions of any of the candidates.

Im not going to comment on her interview. Im a member of the courts committee, Ben Chafin said when asked why he stayed for the interviews.

He also said he would not comment when asked whether he would weigh in on the candidates or advocate for his sister.
Despite calls for Northams resignation by both Republican and Democratic leaders in the assembly, the chairmen of the assemblys money committees say they expect no delay in producing a budget by the legislatures scheduled adjournment on Feb. 23.

The throngs of cameras notwithstanding, this has been a productive budget process so far, and I and our conferees will be committed to completing our work on time, said Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment, R-James City, also Senate Finance co-chairman.

House Appropriations Chairman Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, said he expects the House and Senate to approve their budgets as scheduled on Thursday afternoon and establish a conference committee next week to reconcile differences in their spending priorities by the end of the session.

Escalating scandals also threaten Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and Attorney General Mark Herring, elected with Northam in a Democratic sweep just 15 months ago, but Jones said, It will have no impact on what were doing.

Legislators say they are relying on Layne, a former Virginia Beach businessman and certified public accountant who previously served as secretary of transportation under Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

Hes always been an honest broker, Jones said.
Fairfax took a softer tone in a new statement released Wednesday morning. Fairfax said Tyson never expressed any discomfort or concern during the sexual encounter or in the months that followed.

I would like to encourage the media, my supporters, and others to treat both the woman who made this allegation and my family with respect for how painful this situation can be for everyone involved, Fairfax said. I wish her no harm or humiliation, nor do I seek to denigrate her or diminish her voice. But I cannot agree with a description of events that I know is not true.

In her statement, Tyson said she met Fairfax at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston and realized they had a mutual friend. On July 28 of that year, Tyson said, Fairfax asked her to accompany him to his hotel room to get some papers. He then began kissing her, she said, and she kissed him back.

What began as consensual kissing quickly turned into a sexual assault, Tyson said.

Tyson said Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex on him by grabbing her by the neck as she cried and gagged.
Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico announced Thursday the launch of a new $100,000 campaign to raise awareness about opioid abuse and community resources for prevention and treatment.

The campaign, Opioid Solutions RVA, is aimed at raising awareness of regional efforts to combat the epidemic and connect those struggling with addiction to resources that could save their lives.

In his remarks at a news conference at the Henrico government center, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said there have been six overdose deaths in as many weeks in the city.

This highlights that this is a real and serious problem. This is something ... that can no longer be spoken about just behind closed doors, Stoney said. We must have an all-hands-on-deck approach to address this serious problem.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, opioid overdose deaths rocketed from 51 in 2010 to 238 in 2017, mirroring a national trend.

From 1997 to 2017, there have been nearly 400,000 deaths due to overdoses involving the use of prescription painkillers such as OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin and fentanyl.
Kizzie says he doesnt remember anything about the photo.

The best that I can say about myself  other than being an idiot for doing it  is this is not a picture of life at the University of Richmond, he said. I never felt pressured, I never felt intimidated. I cant remember a racial incident that made me feel bad. This is not reflective of my tenure there. This is me being stupid.

This was a party where young men were being stupid, not realizing the impact of something like this at this time, he said.

The University of Richmonds statement came as several yearbooks from Virginia institutions have come to light for racist content following the public discovery of a racist image on Gov. Ralph Northams 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook page last Friday.

Heres Crutchers full statement:

Last night we became aware that a racist yearbook image had been shared on social media. The image that was shared from the yearbook is repulsive to us. Images of this sort, and the behavior and attitudes they represent, are appalling and antithetical to the values of the University today. No one should have to experience the pain caused by such vile images, or evidence of such behavior, either at the time the incident occurs or thereafter.
A New Zealand man was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday on four counts of production of child pornography and one count each of kidnapping and attempted kidnapping.

Troy George Skinner, 25, was shot and wounded by the mother of a 14-year-old girl while allegedly trying to break into their Goochland County home last summer. Court records indicated that Skinner and authorities had been discussing a plea deal in recent months.

According to the U.S. attorneys office, the grand jury alleges that Skinner used the Goochland teenager to produce two videos of child pornography and two image files of child pornography. The indictment alleges that the acts occurred on four days in February and March last year.

The grand jury also alleges that Skinner traveled from New Zealand to Virginia in June. After arriving, he seized and confined the girl and attempted to seize, confine and kidnap her for ransom or another reason, the indictment says.

If convicted, Skinner could receive life in prison.

Charges of breaking and entering with a deadly weapon with the intent to commit rape were withdrawn in Goochland County when the federal charges were issued in October.
In September, Stjepanovic filed a motion for the release of seized and restrained money needed to support his family.

In an affidavit filed with the motion, Stjepanovic said he also needed the funds to pay a lawyer to represent him in the federal criminal case as well as before the Virginia Board of Medicine and at an unspecified juvenile and domestic relations court over arrears in paying child support.

U.S. Magistrate Judge David J. Novak denied the motion in November but said it could be renewed when Stjepanovic got a new lawyer.

Stjepanovic could not be reached for comment. He reported in his affidavit that he came to the U.S. as a refugee from Yugoslavia in 1999 and became a U.S. citizen in 2004.

Court records show that he is free pending further proceedings. The next step would be an indictment and then an arraignment. His lawyers said he will plead not guilty but could not comment further.

In an unrelated case involving a physician, Dr. Claudine H. DuPont, 44, a Fredericksburg-area podiatrist, pleaded guilty last month to fraudulently obtaining controlled substances including hydromorphone, tramadol and alprazolam.
MANSFIELD -- Even a veteran local elected official like Cliff Mears is a bit shocked by the sudden influx of new political blood into the Mansfield scene in 2019.

Almost a dozen new faces, most of them Democrats, will appear on the May or November election ballots, depending on how the primary shakes out on May 7.

The deadline to file petitions with the Richland County Board of Elections for the primary election was today at 4 p.m. The elections board still must certify the petitions.

"We could have a very different make-up of City Council in November," said Mears, an at-large council member for the past seven years, seeking to become council president in November.

"I am shocked. Several of the candidates from both parties I have known and known well. Some are complete unknowns to me. It's quite surprising," Mears said.

"I hope voters do their due diligence and research the backgrounds of these candidates, because there are a couple of them I really don't know myself," said Mears.

The Republican Mears, unopposed in May, will face off in November with Democratic newcomer Aurelio Diaz, a community development coordinator for Downtown Mansfield Inc.

The council president slot is opening with current President Phillip Scott departing the seat due to term limits.

Scott, a Democrat, faces a newcomer for an-large seat in the May primary -- local educator and entrepreneur Joel Vega.

The winner of that primary race will face current 1st Ward Councilman David Falquette, a Republican.

There are no contested primary races on the Republican side of the aisle. There are three other contested Democratic contests, in addition to Scott vs. Vega:

-- In the mayoral race, current at-large councilman Don Bryant will face newcomer Victoria Norris-Diez, an entrepreneur and marketer. The winner will face incumbent Republican Mayor Tim Theaker.

-- In the 4th Ward, incumbent Walden Jefferson has primary competition from newcomer Alomar Davenport, a former public policy analyst and then sales analyst in the private sector. In November, the winner faces Republican newcomer Amanda Stanfield, a licensed paraprofessional at The Richland School of Academic Arts.

-- In the 6th Ward, there are three Democratic candidates on the ballot, including current representative Jean Taddie, appointed in January to complete an unexpired term. Her competition will come from newcomers Doug Caldwell and Easther McNeil. The winner will run against Republican newcomer and entrepreneur Stephanie Zader, who is unopposed in May.

There is no primary contest in the 2nd Ward. A pair of newcomers, Democrat Cheryl Meier and Republican Jason Crundwell, will square off in November to decide the seat now held by Jeff Rock.

There is no opposition in the primary or general elections for Mansfield Finance Director Linn Steward and Democratic Law Director John Spon.

In Ontario, there is no primary or general election opposition for any of the municipal incumbents and all will be re-elected in November.

In Shelby, all of the municipal incumbents have filed for re-election and as of today, there are no challengers. Potential candidates have until Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. to file petitions in Shelby.

In typical, off-year primary elections, the voting plan is a little jumbled. Paulette Hankins, elections director for Richland County, issued the following statement after today's filing deadline:

"Not all precincts will be open for the May 7th Primary Election. As it stands now, unless more candidates in Shelby take out petitions and file, there will only be a full Primary on the Democratic ballot in the City of Mansfield. Since no Republican candidates are opposed in the City of Mansfield, our Board will nominate those candidates on through to the General without a Primary Election at the board meeting on Tuesday, February 12th at 3:00 p.m. Voters in the City of Mansfield precincts will have a choice at the polls to vote either a Democratic ballot, or a non-partisan "Issues Only" ballot. The Issues only ballot will only have the City of Mansfield Income Tax issue on the ballot. The Democratic ballot will have all the Democratic candidates plus the Income Tax issue on that ballot. There will not be a Republican ballot in the May Election.

"The Shelby City Charter, Section 53A, states "In the event there are no more than two candidates for each elective office, the city council may, at its option, declare the primary election unnecessary and said primary election shall not be held." Therefore, unless more than two candidates for any position file for any office in Shelby, their candidates will also be nominated on through to the General without a Primary Election. Since no issues have been filed for any subdivision in Shelby, the Shelby precincts will not be open for the Primary Election. A small portion of Shelby precinct 3-B, which has 4 active and 5 inactive voters in it and is in the Cass Township corner of the precinct will have an issue in the Primary. We will be asking our board to allow us to notify these 9 voters that they may go to Cass Township polling location to vote (or they can vote early in our office or request an absentee ballot by mail.) This will save the county the expense of opening Shelby precinct 3-B for only 9 voters.

"In the City of Ontario, no candidates are opposed for the Primary, and thus will be nominated through to the General without a Primary Election on May 7th, with board approval. No issues were filed for any subdivision in Ontario or Springfield Township. Therefore, no precincts in Ontario or Springfield will be open for the Primary of 2019.

"Jackson Township Precincts A & B will be open since they have a Township Only issue on the ballot. Plymouth Township will be open with 2 Village issues and 1 Township Only issue on the ballot. Cass Township will be open due to the fact that a Township Cemetery levy was filed.

"No other villages or townships will be open for voting on May 7th, 2019. If the precincts in Shelby are not required to be open, only 32 of Richland County's 83 precincts will be open for the May 7th, 2019 Primary. A complete list of open and closed precincts will be provided at a later date."

Below is the list of Mansfield primary races in for the May 7 election (unopposed where noted):

MANSFIELD

MAYOR

Democrat

Don Bryant, 913 Brookfield Dr.

Victoria Norris-Diez, 595 Woodhill Road

Republican

Tim Theaker, 685 Woodhill Road (unopposed)

CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Democrat

Aurelio V. Diaz, 32 N. Walnut St. (unopposed)

Republican

Cliff Mears, 641 Bigelow Road (unopposed)

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Democrat

No candidates filed

Republican

Linn Seward, 212 Richland Ave. (unopposed)

LAW DIRECTOR

Democrat

John Spon, 1568 Lexington Ave. (unopposed)

Republican

No candidates filed

COUNCIL AT LARGE

Republican

David Falquette, 567 Birchlawn Blvd. (unopposed)

Democrat

Phillip Scott, 1196 Devonwood Road

Joel Vega, 655 Gilbert Ave.

MANSFIELD CITY COUNCIL -- 2nd Ward

Democrat

Cheryl Meier, 594 Andover Road West (unopposed)

Republican

Jason Crundwell, 485 Forest Hill Road (unopposed)

MANSFIELD CITY COUNCIL -- 4th Ward

Democrat

Alomar Davenport, 575 Stocking Ave.

Walden Jefferson, 601 Bowman St.

Republican

Amanda Stanfield, 133 Rowland Ave. (unopposed)

MANSFIELD CITY COUNCIL -- 6th Ward

Democrat

Doug Caldwell, 536 S. Diamond St.

Easther McNeil, 304 E. Arch St.

Jean Taddie, 282 2nd Ave.

Republican

Stephanie Zader, 385 Greenlee Road (unopposed)

Local questions and issues

City of Mansfield -- Continuation of a 1/2 percent income tax for four years for operating costs in the police and fire departments

Cass Township -- Renewal of a 1-mill, 5-year tax levy for maintenance and operations of cemeteries

Plymouth Township (excluding City of Shelby and Village of Plymouth) -- Renewal of a 1.5-mill, 5-year tax for fire maintenance

Jackson Township (excluding City of Shelby) -- 0.5-mill, additional, continuing tax levy for fire maintenance

Village of Plymouth -- 1-mill, additional, continuing tax levy for road maintenance

Village of Plymouth -- 0.25-mill, additional, 5-year tax levy for the demolition of blighted structures
MANSFIELD  The Richland County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) officially added three new properties to its growing collection on Wednesday afternoon. That comes on the heels of acquiring the Swan Cleaners location on Park Avenue West last month.

The Lank Bank voted to take possession of properties at 624 Burns St., 65 Sturges Ave. and 63 Sturges Ave. The properties will be evaluated and possibly placed in a public auction the board expects to hold in 10 to 12 weeks.

The Sturges Avenue properties were a topic of conversation among the board due to their potential. Though not much to look at on the outside, the board was impressed with the woodwork inside both properties.

In addition, the properties' proximity to Park Avenue West was particularly attractive, in an area that land bank manager Amy Hamrick said the Land Bank has focused on as a priority for clean-up.

"We will see what the market says," said Madison Township trustee Tom Craft.

In other news, the Lank Bank officially took ownership of the former Swan Cleaners property at the end of January, following permission from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

As such, ownership qualified the Land Bank to apply for the U.S. EPA Brownfields Clean Up Grant, which could award up to $500,000 for the remediation of environmental issues at the property. Grant applications will be notified of acceptance by late spring.

"It was going to cost $200,000 more to demolish the building than to save the building," Hamrick explained. "So that to me means the building has value and we should probably insure it. We own it now. We're going to be responsible for it."

The board voted to insure the Swan Cleaners building as recommended by Gary Walters. Eventually, the intention is to transfer the property to the Little Buckeye Children's Museum after clean-up of the property.

The Little Buckeye Children's Museum has anticipated a $75,000 to $100,000 investment to begin its own cleanup and basic renovations to the building, once it takes ownership, according to a letter from the museum's executive director Fred Boll.

"It seems reasonable considering the component this adds to the Imagination District," said Jeff Parton of Richland Bank. "And if we don't do it, no one ever will."

If the Land Bank does not receive the U.S. EPA Brownfields Clean Up Grant, nothing may be done with the building. If the grant is received, the Land Bank will need to address cleaning out the building and removing and possibly replacing some of the windows, which have asbestos. Further, the Land Bank will need to maintain ownership for at least one year to monitor indoor air quality.

The grant application process is competitive, Hamrick said. She estimated only 40 of 800 applicants would receive the grant.
MANSFIELD -- U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) encourage Ohioans interested in 2020 admission to U.S. military service academies to apply to each senators office for a congressional nomination.

Ohios students have the integrity, courage, and knowledge needed to enroll in our nations prestigious military academies and I am honored to nominate students for this high honor, said Brown. These academies develop the next generation of leaders who will serve our country as military officers and national leaders.

Portman said, "Our nation has never had to look further than the Buckeye State to find those individuals who exhibit the sterling qualities of leadership, daring, and the sense of adventure needed to turn their biggest dreams into reality, and to rise to any occasion.

Each year, Brown and Portman nominate up to 10 students for each service academy: the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Interested students who meet the eligibility requirements should send their completed application packet to Browns Cleveland office and Portmans Columbus office no later than Sept. 20.The application process is time-intensive and applicants should plan well in advance.

For more information or to request an application, please contact Browns academy coordinator at the Cleveland office at 1-888-896-6446 or visit Browns website.

Brown and Portman will co-host 17 seminars throughout the state for all students interested in learning about the application processes.

One of those seminars will be in Mansfield April 30 at North Central State College in the Bryon Kee Hall Center, Room 128. There will be an academy open house from 5:30 to 6 p.m. with a presentation from 6 to 8 p.m.
AQSAI, Kazakhstan -- Striking workers at an oil and natural-gas pipeline producing company in western Kazakhstan have been promised a salary increase by the firm's management.



Hundreds of workers of the KKS-SICIM company in the West Kazakhstan region launched a strike in the early morning hours of February 7.



The companys executive director, Altyn Qulbaeva told RFE/RL the strike lasted for three hours.



She said workers decided to stop the strike after management promised salary increases of up to 50 percent.



Strikes by workers in Kazakhstan's oil, copper, and coal industries have become frequent in recent years.



In May 2018, dozens of workers at the firm Kazpromlogistic received pay raises after going on strike. That firm maintains oil pipelines in Kazakhstan's western region of Manghystau.



In January 2017, hundreds of workers at the Oil Construction Company (OCC) held a two-week strike to protest the closure of a trade union alliance.



Oil and natural gas revenues are crucial for Kazakhstan's economy and budget. President Nursultan Nazarbaev's government tolerates little dissent.

Critics say the government has been subjecting labor unions to pressure since deadly protests staged by oil workers in western Kazakhstan in 2011.



After a months-long protest in 2011, at least 16 striking workers in the town of Zhanaozen were killed by police who opened fire on their demonstration.
KYIV -- As she slipped from the top spot in preelection polls, Ukrainian presidential candidate Yulia Tymoshenko has offered explosive and seemingly unsubstantiated claims this week in an apparent effort to climb back atop an expanding field.

The first accusation came on February 4, when the former prime minister accused President Petro Poroshenko's reelection campaign of attempting to buy Ukrainians' votes for 1,000 hryvnyas ($36). Without providing proof, she urged Ukraine's interior minister and prosecutor-general to launch probes into the matter.

Members of Poroshenko's party, in turn, accused Tymoshenko's camp of bribing voters and improperly collecting their personal data.

But it was at the kickoff of Tymoshenko's nationwide campaign tour on February 5 in her hometown of Dnipro that especially resonated with her critics on social media. She told a crowd of supporters waving blue-and-yellow posters adorned with her "I Believe!" slogan that U.S.-born acting Ukrainian Health Minister Ulana Suprun was "sent by foreigners" who want to "experiment on Ukrainians."

The full video of the campaign stop was published on Tymoshenko's Facebook page.

But it was a clip that highlighted the "experiment" comment shared by activist group EuroMaydan that quickly spread across Ukrainian social media.

Tymoshenko's campaign has not commented on the remarks since.

Earlier that same day, a district administrative court in Kyiv had ruled that Suprun could no longer head the Health Ministry. It cited a Ukrainian regulation that says a person may be acting minister for only one month and another that stipulates that government officials may not hold foreign passports.

Suprun, who was born in Detroit, Michigan, was granted Ukrainian citizenship by Poroshenko in July 2015 and appointed acting health minister in August 2016. She has been hailed by officials and activists in Ukraine and the West for implementing crucial health-care reforms that reportedly have dealt a blow to corrupt practices within the industry.

Tymoshenko's allegations came after five of six independent polls showed her falling behind Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a comedian who portrays a president on a popular TV series and is now running to be the actual president of Ukraine. Many of the same polls showed Zelenskiy defeating Tymoshenko should the two advance to a second round.

Poroshenko, a businessman and compromise candidate in a special election after pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych fled and war with Russia-backed separatists broke out in 2014, has polled third in four of the same surveys and second in the other two. All of them put his popularity below 18 percent.

'Distorted' Data

The first round of Ukraine's presidential election is set for March 31, with a possible two-candidate runoff on April 21.

Critics, including some who have researched her tactics in two decades of politics, suggest Tymoshenko's colorful accusations were not necessarily out of character.

Tymoshenko occupied the top spot in an analysis of "populists and liars in Ukrainian politics" conducted by the Kyiv-based think tank Vox Ukraine in February 2018.

Vox Ukraine wrote that Tymoshenko "corroborates her statements with statistics: 70% of her quotes contain data." However, it continued, "patent untruth can be found in 26% of Tymoshenko's statements" and "manipulations were discovered in nearly half of [the Fatherland party] leader's quotations."

"[Tymoshenko]'s favorite rhetorical technique is to take correct statistical data and distort it beyond recognition," Vox Ukraine alleged.

Among the issues that Vox Ukraine accused Tymoshenko of speaking about manipulatively: health care. It cited Tymoshenko as having said, "Today, Ukraine is Europe's leader in terms of infant and maternal mortality rates."

But that's not the case, according to Vox Ukraine.

"Maternal mortality rate in Ukraine is close to that in other CIS [Commonwealth of Independent States] countries: 24 maternal deaths per 1,000 births and 5.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births," the think tank wrote. "But in Romania, for example, the situation is much worse: 31 maternity deaths and 6.3 infant deaths per 1,000 births."
KYIV -- The Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has approved in its final reading a constitutional amendment that reflects the country's strategic goal of becoming a member of NATO and the European Union.

During a February 7 session, the amendment passed 334-17.

Addressing the lawmakers ahead of the vote, President Petro Poroshenko said February 7 was a "historic day for Ukraine" and called the measure "another important step" toward eventual membership in the Euro-Atlantic structures.

The bill was approved in its first reading on November 22 and it will come into force after it is made public.

Poroshenko said Russia was able to launch an attack against Ukraine because certain Ukrainian politicians had been promoting neutrality "talking about the necessity for Ukraine to...stay away from all alliances."

Poroshenko, who is up for reelection this year, came to power after Moscow-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych was pushed out by large protests and fled to Russia.

The protests began in November 2013 after Yanukovych made a last-minute decision to scrap a key Association Agreement with the EU under pressure from the Kremlin.

One month after Yanukovych fled to Russia in February 2014, Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.

Shortly thereafter, Moscow began supporting separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict in which more than 10,300 people were killed since April 2014.

The EU Association Agreement was signed in 2014 by Poroshenko and came into force in 2017.

Joining the EU or NATO requires support from all existing members, and many EU and NATO countries are wary of taking in Ukraine or believe it will not be ready to join soon.
Ukrainian lawmakers have voted to ban Russian citizens from serving as election monitors in the country.



The draft legislation was passed by the Verkhovna Rada on February 7, ahead of next months presidential election and parliamentary polls later in the year.



According to the bill, Russia will not be able to send observers to the elections -- even under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), of which both Ukraine and Russia are member states.



The OSCE has submitted a list of candidates for the presidential election observation mission, and it included two Russians.



But the proposed legislation, which must now be signed by President Petro Poroshenko to go into effect, says that election observers cannot be citizens of a country recognized by the Ukrainian parliament as an "aggressor state or occupying state."



Ukraine's parliament declared Russia an "aggressor state" in January 2015, after Moscow illegally annexed Ukraines Crimea Peninsula in March 2014. Russia is also backing armed separatists in a conflict in eastern Ukraine that has killed more than 10,300 people since April 2014.



Following the passage of the bill, the head of the State Dumas Foreign Affairs Committee called into question the openness and democratic nature of the election process in Ukraine.



Moscow will raise the issue at the next OSCE Parliamentary Assembly session later this month, Leonid Slutsky said.



Meanwhile, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, Kurt Volker, said that Ukraine "needs" OSCE observers, even if some are Russian citizens, "to prove it adheres to democratic standards."





Ukraine "needs to have confidence in its own democratic institutions," he tweeted.

Based on reporting by dpa, AFP, AP, and Interfax
The U.S. ambassador to Kosovo has criticized Kosovo's government for hiring a former commander of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) convicted of war crimes to work as an adviser to the prime minister.



U.S. Ambassador Philip Kosnett said in a Twitter post late on February 6 that "convicted war criminals have no place in Kosovo's government."



Sylejman Selimi was sentenced to seven years in prison for war crimes he and his troops committed during the 1998-99 war in Kosovo.



Selimi was released on probation on January 25 ahead of the end of the sentence in September 2020.



He was named as an adviser to Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj just days after his release from prison.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Taliban representatives and an Afghan delegation led by former President Hamid Karzai have said that after two days of negotiations in Russia they aim to continue their "intra-Afghan" dialogue in Qatar "as soon as possible."

Karzai led a delegation of about 40 Afghan politicians -- although without representatives of the current government in Kabul -- at the two-day round of talks in Moscow on February 5-6.

The two sides said in a joint statement quoted by Afghan broadcaster Tolo News that they agreed to meet again in Doha, the capital of Qatar, where the Taliban has a semiofficial office.

The Moscow meeting came as broader peace talks involving the U.S. and Taliban representatives in Doha appear to be gaining momentum.

U.S. and Taliban negotiators are scheduled to meet again on February 25 in Doha, weeks after Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, said a framework peace agreement had been reached with the militants.

Khalilzad, who also did not attend the Moscow meetings, is due to speak in Washington on February 8 about the status of the Afghan peace process.

Karzai said at the end of the Moscow meeting that those talks had been "very satisfactory."

Despite the absence of any Afghan government representatives, the Moscow meeting has been described as part of an "intra-Afghan" peace process.

However, the gathering has been criticized by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. "Those taking part in the talks are independent individuals," Ghani said, according to Tolo News.

"When Mr. Karzai returns from Moscow we will see what he has brought.... I wish the best for him," Ghani said.

Karzai said the main issue under discussion in Moscow was that Afghanistan should be free of foreign forces, adding that there was a near-consensus on this matter.

Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the head of the 10-member Taliban delegation in Moscow, said the meetings had been "very successful."

"We agreed on many points and I am hopeful that in future, we can succeed further, and finally we can reach a solution, we can find a complete peace in Afghanistan," Stanikzai told reporters.

Stanikzai also said the timeline for a U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan had not yet been fixed and that negotiations on the issue were continuing.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, AP, Interfax, and TASS
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to Hungary next week to meet with leaders of the government of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is facing a growing number of protests on the streets against his right-wing policies.

U.S. national security adviser John Bolton on February 6 said he met at the White House with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto for discussions on "defense cooperation, energy diversity, confronting Russian malign influence, and maintaining our ironclad commitment to NATO."

Bolton called it a great preview of our 2019 goals and Secretary Pompeo's trip next week." Bolton did not specify if Pompeo would meet with Orban or the exact date of the visit.

Pompeo is scheduled to visit neighboring Poland for a conference on the Middle East on February 13-14. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is also scheduled to attend the conference.

Critics have accused Orban of dismantling democracy in Hungary and repressing independent media. He's also been accused of being too accommodating to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The State Department in November criticized Hungary for sending two suspected Russian arm dealers back to Russia rather than to the United States to face prosecution.

U.S. officials also expressed disappointment after Hungary's Central European University said late in 2018 that it was forced to move key study programs to Vienna because of tough requirements imposed by Orban on universities it considers foreign.

The university was founded by U.S.-Hungarian billionaire philanthropist George Soros, who has pressed for liberal values in Hungary and elsewhere and is a frequent target of right-wing politicians.

Recent protests in Hungary have centered on opposition to a controversial reform of workers' overtime hours that the opposition has called a "slave law."

Based on reporting by AP and Hungarian Free Press
Azat Miftakhov, a postgraduate mathematics student at Moscow State University who says he was tortured under detention on bomb-making accusations, has been rearrested after a brief release from custody.

Miftakhov's release from a pretrial detention center in the Moscow region on February 7 came two days after a human rights group said it had seen evidence of torture on his body.

Miftakhov's lawyer, Svetlana Sidorkina, said Miftakhov had been released on February 7 without being formally charged, but was detained again several hours later by Moscow regional police.

It was not immediately clear whether formal charges were filed against him upon his rearrest.

Valery Borshchyov, a member of a Russia-based nongovernmental group called the Public Monitoring Commission, said on February 5 that he and other members of his organization visited Miftakhov in pretrial detention and saw signs that he'd been tortured with an electric-powered screwdriver on his neck and other parts of his body.

According to Borshchyov, who is also a co-chairman of the Moscow Helsinki Group, Miftakhov said he did not know who his torturers were at the detention center because they were wearing civilian clothes.

Borshchyov has said the Public Monitoring Commission will ask the Moscow prosecutor's office to investigate Miftakhov's torture complaint.

The 25-year-old Miftakhov was arrested on February 1 on allegations that he was involved in making a handmade explosive device found in January in the town of Balashikha near Moscow.

Miftakhov denied the charges, calling the allegations fabricated.

He said his torturers tried unsuccessfully to force him to confess to the charges.

Based on reporting by Interfax, TASS, MBKh Media, and Dozhd
Police in two Russian regions have detained more members of the Jehovah's Witnesses, a day after a Russian court sentenced a Danish adherent of the religious group to six years in prison.

The group was banned by Russia's Supreme Court in April 2017.

The local branch of the Interior Ministry in the Khanty-Mansiisk region in northwestern Siberia said in a statement on February 7 that the detained individuals were suspected of "preaching their superiority over other citizens who are not Jehovah's Witnesses."

According to the statement, the suspects held illegal gatherings, "propagating extremist ideas and recruiting new members to the banned religious group."

The statement gives neither the number of people detained nor the exact date of the arrests.

INFOGRAPHIC: Countries Where Jehovah's Witnesses' Activities Are Banned (click to view)

Meanwhile, the ministry's branch in the Mordovia region, located some 550 kilometers southeast of Moscow, said on February 7 that "a wide-scale operation" took place on February 7 "to stop the illegal activities" of the Jehovah's Witnesses, during which "organizers of the group were detained, and an investigation was opened."

The statement did not give the number of people detained.

Both statements came a day after a court in the western city of Oryol found Dennis Christensen, a Danish citizen and a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, guilty of "organizing the activity of an extremist organization" in Russia and handed him a six-year prison sentence.

President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on February 7 that the Kremlin could not comment on the court ruling but said officials would be looking into the situation surrounding the Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia.



"This will be happening. This is a process. This is not an easy subject," he told reporters.

Human rights organizations, the European Union, and the United States condemned Christensen's conviction and called on Russia to respect freedom of religion.

Christensen was arrested in Oryol in May 2017, a month after the religious group was banned.

He was the first Jehovah's Witness to be detained in Russia following the ban. Since then, dozens of other members of the group have been detained and face similar charges of extremism.

With reporting by Interfax
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold talks in Bratislava with the prime ministers of host Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary to mark 30 years since the fall of the Iron Curtain.

The German government said on February 6 ahead of the meeting that the political shift in the countries of the so-called Visegrad Four group "made a considerable contribution to the fact that German reunification could proceed in peace."

Merkel is scheduled to meet first with Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, then the two will join the others for lunch to discuss economic matters, foreign policy, and European issues.

"Germany is our biggest economic partner, and the talks at the highest level are thus extremely important," Pellegrini was quoted as saying by the TASR news agency.

Still, Merkel has received resistance from countries in the Visegrad Group -- particularly Poland and Hungary -- over her relatively open policy toward refugees, and some leaders in the countries feel they are being pushed around by Germany and the European Union.

Poland, the United States, the Baltic states, and several other EU countries have also expressed concern about the Nord Stream 2 project, the second gas pipeline linking Russia directly with Germany under the Baltic Sea.

It would avoid existing gas pipelines through Ukraine and critics say would increase Europe's energy dependence on Russia.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawieck has called the pipeline a weapon of hybrid warfare that Moscow wants to use to undermine European energy security and the EU and NATO solidarity.

The Visegrad Four is a political and cultural grouping named after the Hungarian city where it was established in 1991.

Based on reporting by dpa and The Slovak Spectator
NATO says it is now ready for North Macedonia. But is North Macedonia ready for the Western security alliance?

At the center of a tug-of-war for influence between Russia and the West, Skopje signed a protocol on February 6 that could see another successor state of Yugoslavia become the military alliance's 30th member if the move is ratified by all current NATO members -- foremost among them Greece.

The signing was made possible after Athens and Skopje settled a decades-old name dispute through a compromise that changes Macedonia's moniker to the Republic of North Macedonia, thus allaying Greek fears of any claim to its region of Macedonia.

The only remaining hurdle could be cleared as soon as February 8, when Greece is expected to ratify the NATO accession protocol and truly open the path to the official name change.

Privileges And Costs

While membership in the world's most powerful military alliance has its privileges, it also has its costs. And many of Macedonia's 2 million inhabitants are worried the price may be too steep.

Macedonia's economy is struggling, the rule of law is weak, corruption is rampant in the public sector, the budget deficit is rising, and less than 1 percent of economic output is earmarked for defense spending, less than half of what NATO demands from its members.

"The major economic concern -- because it is so nonquantifiable -- is how the country will pay for implementing all of the changes it pledged to do in last year's Prespa Agreement with Greece, which was the price of admission for NATO and possibly EU membership," says Chris Deliso, an American political and security analyst based in what will soon be North Macedonia.

"These costs are expected to fall entirely on the Macedonian taxpayer. This is a question that no one can answer as it includes both tangible and intangible costs. But it is bound to be quite high and have long-term ramifications beyond the control of this or any future Macedonian government," he adds, saying he's "optimistic" politicians will find a way to fulfill the financial obligations that come with NATO.

The landlocked country's accession into the alliance follows its former Yugoslav-republic peers Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania, and Croatia.

Successive Political Crises

And though it may have caught up to some of its neighbors on one diplomatic front, Macedonia hasn't had the same fortune in terms of its economic development.

It has been rattled by successive political crises marked by intense rivalry between the political parties in recent years.

The battles and a two-year financial crisis have left a sputtering economy, unemployment above 20 percent, and an average monthly net salary of about $400, the lowest in the region.

The country's economy posted the slowest growth in the region last year, according to estimates from the World Bank, while the budget deficit widened to 2.85 percent of gross domestic product.

"The country finds itself in an extremely difficult economic, political, interethnic and military situation," says Biljana Vankovska, a professor at Saints Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje.

Vankovska says the current administration not only lacks the funds needed to prepare the armed forces for NATO, it has even less experience in executing reforms to modernize a military that analysts at GlobalFirepower rank 118th out of 136 in the world.

Most Macedonians see NATO as "heaven on earth," but "it won't take long before the current government will prove unable to manage the extremely high expectations," Vankovska tells RFE/RL.

"To [the] great disappointment of the Macedonian citizens, it will soon become clear that the NATO membership does not mean better life quality, rule of law, higher employment rate, internal stability, and progress," she adds.

Bitter Pills

That would be another bitter pill to swallow for a country that has already been prodded to relinquish many of its cultural claims -- along with statues, signs, and memorials -- to the classical warrior-king Alexander the Great.

Macedonia's politicians are meanwhile playing up the "historic" NATO accession, one of the few triumphs they can point to in recent history.

"We're happy, and rightfully so, because we have secured lasting stability for our country. We've secured safety, security, and peace," Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said after the signing ceremony in Brussels.

"Progress and development cannot be stopped now. Our contemporaries and our contemporaries' children will live better, in a country and a region that beam with hope," he added.

A key hurdle should come on February 8 or in the following days, when Greece should ratify the NATO accession protocol.

'A Thumb In Russia's Eye'

For Ljupco Nestorovski, a pensioner from Skopje, the cost of that hope can't be counted solely in objective terms. "The move is upsetting to the Russians -- it's like we're sticking a thumb in their eye," Nestorovski says.

Macedonia's entrance into NATO -- and its drive toward European Union integration -- is seen as another in a series of blows to Moscow, which has battled to maintain influence in the Balkans.

Russia's Foreign Ministry has accused the alliance of pulling Macedonia into its sphere "by force."

But a majority of Macedonians support NATO entry, even if they have concerns.

Some expect membership will bring stability to part of the Balkan "powder keg" that has reeled from the political and financial crises that sparked four elections, none of which produced a stable Macedonian government.

Membership will increase investments as well as economic and security stability, says Dragan Dimitrovski, a state employee in Skopje.

"I hope that it will be safer in the country, the economy will be more stable, there will probably be real investments, not like those before," he says.
Iranian authorities arrested, imprisoned, or executed at least 860 journalists in the three decades between the 1979 revolution and 2009, the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on February 7, citing leaked Iranian justice department documents.

At a February 7 news conference in Paris attended by Iranian human rights lawyer Shirin Ebadi, the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, RSF said whistle-blowers had passed on 1.7 million records detailing judicial proceedings against Iranian citizens -- including minorities, opposition members, journalists, and individuals accused of nonpolitical crimes.



RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire said his media-rights group had spent months cross-checking the records against its own documentation and from other rights groups.



He said the evidence shows that hundreds of journalists have been targeted by Iran's clerical establishment.



"The file is a register of all the arrests, imprisonments, and executions carried out by the Iranian authorities in the Tehran area over three decades," RSF said.



RSF released a report on its findings on February 7 amid celebrations in Iran marking the 40th anniversary of the revolution that ended the monarchy and led to the creation of an Islamic republic.

"After months of detailed research work on the file's entries, RSF is in a position to say that at least 860 journalists and citizen-journalists were arrested, imprisoned, and in some cases executed by the Iranian regime between 1979 and 2009, the period on which RSF focused its research."



Among those arrested were 218 women, the report said.



RSF said journalists have been detained on "spurious charges" such as collaborating with an enemy foreign state, activity against domestic security, antigovernment propaganda, and spying.



Charges of insulting what is sacred and Islam and insulting the supreme leader have also been used to imprison journalists.



The watchdog said most of the journalists were denied basic rights, including access to a lawyer and contact with their families. They were also subjected to mistreatment and torture, RSF said.



Deloire said his organization would refer the file to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in the hope further steps could be taken to hold Iran accountable.



"The very existence of this file and its millions of entries show not only the scale of the Iranian regime's mendacity...but the relentless machinations it used for 40 years to persecute men and women for their opinions or their reporting," he said.



In its report, RSF said it had identified at least four journalists who were executed, including Simon Farzami, a Swiss-Iranian of Jewish origin who was bureau chief of the French news agency Agence France-Presse when he was arrested in 1980.



RSF said the files also showed that 61,900 political prisoners had been held since the 1980s. At least 520 of them were aged between 15 and 18 at the time of their arrest, the rights group said.



It said the files added to evidence of a prison massacre in 1988 in which several thousand political prisoners were executed following a fatwa by Iran's revolutionary leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

With reporting by Reuters
Kyrgyzstan's top security official says Bishkek is not looking into the possibility of having a second Russian military base on its territory.

Russia's air base at Kant, in northern Kyrgyzstan, was opened in 2003 under the auspices of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which includes Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

Talking to journalists in Bishkek on February 7, Security Council Secretary Damir Sagynbaev said that the issue was not being considered either by his council nor by the president's office.

Sagynbaev added, however, that the issue might be under consideration at some point in the future.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on February 4 said during a visit to Kyrgyzstan that Moscow was open to discussing the idea of opening a second military base in the Central Asian country if Bishkek was interested.

Earlier on February 1, Kyrgyz Ambassador to Russia Alikbek Jekshenkulov told the TASS news agency that his country did not rule out opening a second Russian military base in southern Kyrgyzstan.

Reports and rumors about the possibility that Russia could open a second military base have been circulating in Kyrgyzstan and Russia for months.

Based on reporting by Interfax, TASS, and RIA Novosti
Hundreds of people protested outside of police headquarters in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, demanding strong action against sexual abuse. The rally on February 7 came in response to the reported rapes of a 16-year-old girl in the town of Drenas. Local media reports said she had allegedly been raped by a teacher, then by a police office who was investigating her rape case. The reports said the girl became pregnant but was forced to have an abortion by the police officer. The policeman has since been detained for questioning by prosecutors. Slogans at the protest included: "Rapists in prison" and "Hands off, no rape!"
A jailed former Russian intelligence officer's conviction for incitement of hatred has been annulled after the extremism article in the Criminal Code was partially decriminalized.

A court in the Russian region of Mordovia said on February 7 that the motion by Vladimir Kvachkov's lawyer to cancel the conviction due to the amendment to the extremism-related article in the Criminal Code had been satisfied.

Lawyer Andrei Vikanov told the Mediazona news portal that his client will be most likely released on February 19.

In late December, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that removed the possibility of a prison sentence for first-time offenders found to have incited ethnic, religious, and other forms of hatred and discord in public, including in the media or on the Internet.

Kvachkov was initially arrested in December 2010 and sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2013 after a court in Moscow found him guilty of creating a terrorist group and plotting to overthrow the government. The term was later cut to eight years.

In August 2017, Kvachkov was found guilty of inciting hatred and handed down an additional two years in prison in August 2017.

The additional conviction stemmed from a video in which Kvachkov was calling for the government to be toppled and which was smuggled out of the prison.

Earlier in 2005, Kvachkov was arrested for allegedly planning to murder former Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Chubais. He was acquitted on that charge twice, in 2008 and 2010.

Based on reporting by Mediazona and TASS
MOSCOW -- Google has begun censoring websites blacklisted by the Russian government after Russias communications watchdog threatened to block the search-engine giant for not following its increasingly stringent rules, the Russian daily Vedomosti reported.

An unnamed source at Roskomnadzor, the watchdog, told the paper on February 6 that Google has in recent weeks begun to comply with requests to block certain websites, and is now censoring around 70 percent of those included on a list provided by Russian authorities.

Another source with ties to Google explained to Vedomosti that under the terms of an agreement with Roskomnadzor, the American company receives a daily updated list of blacklisted websites from the government watchdog and is expected to act on it.



The anonymous source added that Google looks into the reasons given for each sites inclusion on the list before deciding whether to remove it from search results.



On February 7, Roskomnadzor spokesman Vadim Ampelonsky told state news agency RIA Novosti that the watchdog has no complaints about its cooperation with Google.



We have developed a constructive dialogue with Google and this dialogue currently satisfies us, he said. He did not confirm the reports published in Vedomosti.



Since 2017, Roskomnadzor keeps a list of websites that search engines operating in Russia are legally obliged to censor. The list includes websites carrying content deemed extremist or that promote things like suicide or drugs.



Illegal gambling and certain pornographic sites are also on the blacklist.



If true, Googles move to censor results is the latest stage in a protracted battle between the Russian government and the worlds largest Internet search engine, which until now has been reluctant to filter its results in line with Russian demands.



In July 2018, Russia introduced a law mandating fines of up to 700,000 rubles for search engines that fail to censor content blacklisted by Roskomnadzor. Google has since received several warnings, and in December the company was fined 500,000 rubles ($10,600) for noncompliance.



Earlier this year, Roskomnadzor issued an official warning that the website may be blocked in Russia, Vedomosti reported.



In its latest Transparency Report on government requests to remove content, Google noted a steep rise in the number of such requests from Russia.



In the first half of 2018, 19,192 were received from authorities, representing over 75 percent of the 25,534 requests made in that six-month period. Almost three quarters concerned content on YouTube, the video-sharing site owned by Google.



In the latest high-profile case, Ukraine alleged on February 6 that Roskomnadzor was pressuring YouTube to remove a video showing a Crimean Tatar activist being detained on the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized and annexed from Ukraine in March 2014.



In a statement, Amnesty International said YouTube should uphold its responsibilities according to international human rights standards and push back on the Russian governments censorship demands. YouTubes stated company values include protecting freedom of expression and freedom of information and we call on them to uphold these values today.
A conservative U.S. political activist who has been identified as the boyfriend of admitted Russian agent Maria Butina has been indicted by a federal grand jury in South Dakota, officials say.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in South Dakota on February 6 said Paul Erickson, 56, was indicted on 11 counts of wire fraud and money laundering.

He pleaded not guilty in a court appearance and was released on bond. No trial date has been set.

The charges do not appear to be related to the matters involved in a separate U.S. case against Butina.

An attorney for Erickson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Erickson, a well-known figure in Republican politics, was romantically linked to the 30-year-old Butina, who pleaded guilty in December to conspiring to act as a foreign agent in a case that Washington said highlighted Moscow's efforts to influence U.S. foreign policy.

Prosecutors have alleged that Butina, who received a graduate degree from American University in Washington and who publicly advocated for gun rights, sought to build relationships with influential conservative political groups, including the powerful National Rifle Association (NRA).

In Russia, Butina had established a group that advocated for Russians to own firearms, something strictly proscribed under Russian law.

Butina admitted working with a top Russian official to infiltrate the NRA and to make inroads with American conservatives and the Republican Party as an agent for Moscow.

Erickson's name did not appear in those court filings. However, the descriptions given by prosecutors match up with Erickson's background and past activities.

The South Dakota indictment against Erickson alleges that Erickson between 1996 and 2018 made "false and fraudulent representations" to people in the state and elsewhere about his business deals in an effort to raise money from potential investors.

Among Erickson's career accomplishments, he served as an executive producer in 1989 for an anticommunist action movie, Red Scorpion, and worked as national political director for the 1992 Republican presidential campaign of Pat Buchanan.

He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count and possible fines.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and The Rapid City Journal
France says it supports European Union energy-rules amendments that could potentially threaten the completion of an underwater natural-gas pipeline between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea.



EU member states were set to discuss extending EU gas-market regulations to offshore pipelines such as the planned Nord Stream 2 pipeline at a meeting in Brussels on February 8.



On the eve of the talks, the French Foreign Ministry said that France "intends to support the adoption of such a directive."



"Work is continuing with our partners, especially Germany, on the changes that could be made to the text," it added.



The move puts Paris at odds with Berlin, which has championed the planned 1,230-kilometer project, which is also being pushed by the Kremlin.



However, the project faces opposition from the United States and many countries in Eastern and Central Europe, because it would avoid existing gas pipelines through Ukraine and increase Europe's energy dependence on Russia.



"We are not for or against Nord Stream 2," a French diplomatic source told the AFP new agency. "We are asking that there are guarantees for the security of Europe and for the security and stability of Ukraine."



An EU source has said that France's vote will be decisive, likely leaving Germany short of a blocking minority, according to Reuters.

The EU executive wants a say over how Nord Stream 2 is used before its construction, which involves European companies, is completed.

In the United States, a bipartisan group of senators drafted a resolution calling for the cancelation of the pipeline project, and leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said they would take up the resolution at their next meeting.

In its current form, Nord Stream 2 is fully owned by Russian state energy giant Gazprom and would not be compliant with the proposed new rules.



In a joint op-ed published by Germany's Deutsche Welle, the U.S. ambassadors to Germany, Denmark, and the European Union on February 7 urged EU member states to support the proposed change in the EU regulations.



"Nord Stream 2 would further increase Europe's vulnerability to Russian blackmail in the energy sector," the ambassadors wrote.



Russian officials and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have insisted that the pipeline is a purely economic project.



Speaking during a visit to Slovakia, Merkel said on February 7 that Nord Stream 2 would not make Germany dependent on Russia for gas "if we diversify at the same time."



Germany considers it important for Ukraine to maintain its role as a transit country for Russian gas, she added.



In Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed "hope that when making [their] decision, EU member countries will be guided by their own national interest."

With reporting by dpa, AFP, Reuters, and Interfax
As the prospect of a negotiated end to the war in Afghanistan is closer than it has ever been, the peace process with the Taliban could be derailed by competing agendas.



Longtime rivals Russia and the United States have backed separate negotiations with different stakeholders, muddling the complex process.



To highlight the confusion, the Taliban first sat down for talks with American negotiators in Qatar last week before meeting a delegation of powerful Afghan power brokers in Moscow for "intra-Afghan" talks this week.



Why Two Simultaneous Negotiating Processes?

U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has held a series of direct talks with Taliban negotiators in the Qatari capital, Doha, from January 21-26, culminating in the basic framework of a possible peace deal.



Meanwhile, the Russian government has backed two peace conferences -- the latest on February 5-6 -- that have drawn representatives from Afghanistans neighbors, opposition politicians, and the same Taliban negotiators that met with the American delegation in Doha.



Moscow denies organizing the meetings, which are being hosted by a Moscow-based organization of Afghan diaspora leaders. But it's highly unlikely such a high-profile event would be allowed to take place without the Kremlin's blessing.

Both processes have frozen out the Afghan government, which the Taliban has refused to meet. The militants see the Kabul government as a Western puppet and have said they will negotiate directly with Washington.



Analysts say Moscow is trying to promote itself as a power broker to challenge the U.S.-backed peace process.



Thomas Ruttig, co-director of the Afghanistan Analysts Network, an independent think tank in Kabul, says the Russian peace talks are fueled by "Russian political sniping against the [United States]."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on February 4 that the United States was trying to "monopolize" peace talks with the Taliban and was conducting talks in secrecy while keeping regional countries "in the dark."



Haroun Mir, an Kabul-based political analyst, says it has been the Taliban's strategy to have two simultaneous tracks for negotiations.



"The Taliban has insisted on negotiating first with the United States and then bypassing the Afghan government and initiating a dialogue with different Afghan political groups," says Mir. "Thus far they have been successful in dividing the Afghan political elite who have supported the constitutional process in the past 18 years."



What Are The Consequences Of Having Two Tracks?



Analysts say a major consequence is deepening divisions inside Afghanistan between President Ashraf Ghani's administration and a host of powerful opposition politicians, including former President Hamid Karzai.



Among those who attended the Moscow meetings were key power brokers who have announced their candidacy to run against Ghani in the July presidential election.



Ruttig says for Moscow not to include the Afghan government was an "affront" and has the strong feel of election campaigning and Russia taking sides.



"A united 'Kabul camp' would be better, but maybe this is an illusion anyway," says Ruttig. "But [unity] was clearly not the desire of the Russian government: this is divide and interfere."

Ghani is reportedly furious about his administration being left out of both the U.S. and Russian talks.

The president's office criticized the meeting in Moscow, saying that Afghan politicians attending the gathering were doing so "in order to gain power." Meanwhile, Kabul fears Washington will make a deal in Doha with the Taliban behind their back.



Analyst Mir says by keeping the Kabul government out of the U.S.- and Russia-backed talks the Taliban wants to "reduce the legitimacy of the Afghan government to a minimum and thus further strengthen [its] bargaining position vis-a-vis the United States and extract maximum advantage."



Who Are The Likely Winners And Losers?



Graeme Smith, an Afghanistan analyst and a consultant for the International Crisis Group, says no one has won or lost because all of the actors have stakes in the outcome.



"If these talks give birth to an inclusive intra-Afghan process, the people of Afghanistan could finally gain relief from the world's deadliest war," says Smith. "If the talks fail to include all sides and no durable peace results [from them], the people could suffer another collapse into civil war."

Sidelined and frustrated, the weak, deeply unpopular Afghan government may feel it is the biggest loser so far.



Mir says it's not just the government that stands to lose, but "all of those who have defended the constitutional process for the past 18 years."



Analysts say the talks have given Russia the chance to burnish perceptions of Moscow's global significance while dealing a fresh blow to Western influence.



Ruttig says Moscow's role is another assertion that it is "back in the strategic game."
BRUSSELS  Eighteen European Union member states have called on the bloc to be ready to act in support of Ukraine in case Russia tries to undermine the countrys presidential and parliamentary elections later this year, according to a document seen by RFE/RL.



In a discussion paper titled Keeping Ukraine On Its European Path, the 18 countries also say that the bloc should avoid EU fatigue in Ukraine or Ukraine fatigue in the EU.



The document, which EU officials were not authorized to release publicly, was endorsed by representatives of Austria, Belgium, Britain, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.



It will be debated when EU foreign ministers gather in Brussels on February 18 to discuss the political situation in Ukraine, ahead of the countrys presidential election set for March 31 and parliamentary elections later this year.

The discussion paper says that the upcoming elections will be a test case for Ukraine: its democracy, its reforms, its resilience, and its orientation. It remains a key interest of the EU to keep Ukraine on a European path of reforms and to continue its support.



It states that the campaign environment is challenging and Ukrainian resilience will be key in case of Russian interference, noting that Moscow is expected to seek to influence the elections through support to its preferred candidates, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.



The 18 EU countries call for measures to counter the false Russian narrative of Ukraine as a failed state.



According to the document, Brussels should also provide additional assistance, including humanitarian assistance, to eastern Ukraine where fighting between Ukrainian government forces and Russia-backed separatists has killed more than 10,300 people since April 2014.



The paper praises the Ukrainian leadership, which together with a vibrant civil society and the international community, has made impressive efforts to promote vital reforms and strengthen Ukraines resilience and European orientation.



Reforms have been more profound and extensive for the past five years than in the previous 22 years of its post-Soviet life, it says, citing progress achieved on decentralization, public administration reform, deregulation, pension system, and transparency.



However, it emphasizes that the establishment of a fully independent and effective anticorruption court was crucial to give the anticorruption agenda a vital and irreversible push forward, independently of the political leadership that will emerge from elections.



It urges Kyiv to protect the striving and vibrant civil society and bring those responsible for intimidating and attacking civil society activists and journalists to justice

The authorities must also ensure a pluralist, independent, and accessible media landscape as well as a properly financed and operational public broadcaster, the paper says.
The detention of ethnic Pashtun activists in Pakistan this week has reopened long-standing tensions with neighboring Afghanistan, with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani expressing serious concerns about Islamabads treatment of the peaceful protesters.

At least 19 members and supporters of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) were detained during an Islamabad protest against police violence on February 5 -- the latest move against the civil rights group.



One of them, prominent human rights activist Gulalai Ismail, was later released.



Ghani, himself a Pashtun, tweeted on January 6 that the Afghan government has serious concerns about the violence perpetrated against peaceful protesters and civil activists in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

Pakistan rejected Ghani's comments, with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi saying in a tweet: "Such irresponsible statements are only gross interference."



Afghan leaders should focus on long-standing serious grievances of the Afghan people," Qureshi added.



PTM, whose support comes mainly from the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, has been holding rallies across Pakistan since early 2018 to protest against what it says are human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings by security forces in the tribal regions.



Islamabad's crackdown against the group has drawn criticism and protests from over the border in Afghanistan, where ethnic Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group.



We believe it is the moral responsibility of every government to support civil activities that take a stand against the terrorism and extremism that plagues and threatens our region and collective security, Ghani also wrote in a separate tweet. Otherwise there could be long-standing negative consequences.





Afghanistan has long had troubled relations with Pakistan, which Kabul and Washington accuse of harboring the Taliban leadership, a claim Islamabad has denied.

The latest dispute between Islamabad and Kabul comes as Pakistan has been supporting efforts to open a peace process with the Taliban to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan.



The February 5 protest in Islamabad followed the death of PTM regional leader Muhammad Ibrahim Arman Luni in the southwestern province of Balochistan. The authorities ordered an inquiry into the death, which PTM blamed on police.

PTM leader and lawmaker Ali Wazir told the Reuters news agency that 18 activists were still in custody after Ismail, the 2017 winner of the Anna Politkovskaya award, was released this week.

"It was very painful for my family, who took 30 hours to know where I was," the activist told the AFP news agency.



"They didn't charge me with anything. They didn't let me contact my lawyer. They just kept moving me around," she added.



Amnesty International on February 6 urged the authorities to " immediately and unconditionally release the protesters, who it said had been arbitrarily detained.



"It is shocking that the Pakistani authorities have resorted to such heavy-handed methods," the London-based human rights watchdogs South Asia researcher, Rabia Mehmood, said in a statement.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
A court in Britain has ordered the son of former Prime Minister Vladimir Filat to hand over $650,000 following an investigation by Britains National Crime Agency (NCA).



Luca Filat, who has prepaid $500,000 in rent for a penthouse in West London, obtained his wealth from illegal activity by his father, the NCA said in a statement on February 7.



Vladimir Filat is serving a nine-year prison sentence in Moldova after his conviction in June 2016 for his role in the disappearance of $1 billion from Moldovan banks while heading the government between 2009 and 2013.



The missing money was equivalent to nearly 10 percent of the country's entire GDP.



Luca Filat, 22, came under scrutiny because he had spent significant sums of money on luxury goods and services, including a $259,000 Bentley, since moving to the British capital in July 2016 to begin his studies, the NCA said.



With no registered income in Britain, the agency said, bank records showed that his three accounts were "funded by large deposits from overseas companies, mainly based in Turkey and the Cayman Islands.



The accounts were frozen in May 2018 as NCA investigators probed where the funds came from.



And on February 7, a court in London granted forfeiture orders on the frozen accounts, under provisions of a new law designed to crack down on money laundering.



"I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the cash was derived from his father's criminal conduct in Moldova," Judge Michael Snow said.



A British-based anticorruption nongovernmental organization is now calling on the NCA to investigate the entities that received payments from Luca Filat.



"The National Crime Agency should now be asking the bank, the university, the estate agent, and the car dealer what checks they made on this suspicious spender and his Cayman Island companies," Global Witness's Ava Lee said.



Bank-account freezing orders were introduced in Britain in the Criminal Act 2017, along with unexplained wealth orders (UWO).



Under a UWO, the NCA can apply for a court to seize property when a suspected corrupt foreign official, or their family, cannot identify a legitimate source of the funds used for buying it.



The NCA last year secured Britains first-ever UWO to target the wealth of Azerbaijani national Zamira Hajiyeva.



Hajiyeva is now fighting an extradition request from Azerbaijan, where she faces two charges of embezzlement.



Her husband, Jahangir Hajiyev, is serving a 15-year prison sentence in Azerbaijan after being found guilty of fraud and embezzlement, charges he denied.

With reporting by AFP, Bloomberg.com, and The Guardian

NOTE: This article has been amended to correct the amount that British authorities have seized from Luca Filat.
Another U.S.-Russian nuclear treaty could soon expire without renewal following Washington's withdrawal from a Cold War-era arms-control pact, a senior Russian diplomat has said.

Talks to renew the 2011 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) agreement on nuclear-missile reduction must begin this year, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the TASS news agency on February 7.

Ryabkov warned that time was running out to save the pact, which was signed in 2010 by U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and is set to expire in February 2021.

Ryabkov said that Washington had shown "no readiness or desire" to engage in negotiations on prolonging the treaty that limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers.

Ryabkov said that campaigning for next year's U.S. presidential election could disrupt negotiations for renewing New START.

"This is why we need to do it this year," he said.

The White House announced that the United States was withdrawing from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty as of February 2, setting the stage for the treaty to terminate in six months. Russia has followed suit.

The United States has repeatedly accused Russia of violating the INF -- something Russia has repeatedly denied.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa
Mahmud Ahmadinejad's eulogy to Hugo Chavez might have come from the heart, but it has drawn the Iranian president criticism at home.



Some Iranian religious figures and media did not take kindly to condolences that Ahmadinejad posted on his personal website following the death of his Venezuelan counterpart.



Specifically, they were piqued at his prediction that Chavez would one day return alongside Jesus Christ and the Hidden Imam "to establish peace and justice in the world."



The Hidden (or 12th) Imam is a revered figure among Shi'ite Muslims, many of whom believe he will return to save humanity. Jesus is a prophet in Islam who Muslims believe will return to Earth on Judgment Day to defeat the false messiah.



Giving a firebrand leftist political leader messiah status -- no matter how much popularity Chavez enjoyed among Iranians -- was seen as a step too far by some.



"My strong opinion is that what the president said in his statement was exaggeration," Ayatollah Sayyid Ahmad Khatami, Tehran's Friday Prayer leader, was quoted as saying by the semiofficial news site Khabar Online on March 6.



"Logically, our president should express his condolences," said the conservative Khatami. "But I think it is not appropriate to make it ideological." The senior cleric added that Ahmadinejad was aware that his comments would attract strong reactions from religious figures and advised the president to refrain from causing "tension" in the future.



'Guided By The Hidden Imam'



Tabnak, a popular news website in the Islamic republic, lamented that Iran's political atmosphere had been influenced by Chavez's death.



"The president sent a message in which he named him as a Messiah-like figure," the website wrote, "and afterwards a day of mourning was declared."



It is not the first time Iranian clerics have criticized the president over comments about the Hidden Imam, also known as Imam Mahdi. When Ahmadinejad came to power in 2005, he pledged to "hasten the return" of the Imam. He has also angered religious figures by hinting that his government's actions, including its foreign policy, are guided by the Imam.



Ahmadinejads constant references to the Hidden Imam have struck a chord with ordinary Iranians. Every Tuesday night, the predicted day of his return, thousands of Iranians come together at the shrine of Jamkaran, in the city of Qom. Locals write their wishes on pieces of paper and throw them into a well where the Imam is believed to have once appeared.



Ahmadinejad and his entire cabinet make their way to Jamkaran several times a year. The president is reported to have thrown copies of the government's budget and other decrees into the well for the Imam's consideration.



Such actions have raised the ire of Ahmadinejad's opponents, who say the president uses the Hidden Imam to his political advantage and as a means of deflecting criticism of his government.

Frud Bezhan Frud Bezhan covers Afghanistan and Pakistan, with a focus on politics, the Taliban insurgency, and human rights. He has reported from Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Turkey. Prior to joining RFE/RL in 2011, he worked as a freelance journalist in Afghanistan and contributed to several Australian newspapers, including The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. BezhanF@rferl.org FOLLOW Subscribe via RSS
Demonstrators rally to demand that the Myanmar government permanently stop the construction of Myitsone Dam, in Myitkyina, capital of northern Myanmars Kachin state, Feb. 7, 2019.

About 10,000 people in northern Myanmars Kachin state staged a massive protest Thursday against the controversial Chinese-backed Myitsone Dam and recent calls by China for the suspended project to resume.

Kachin activists, leaders from Kachin political parties, religious leaders, local civil society groups, Buddhist monks, and residents of Waingmaw and Myitkyina townships marched in the state capital Myitkyina demanding the complete halt of the hydropower project.

The U.S. $3.6-billion dam was put on hold in 2011 because of widespread opposition to its environmental and social impacts, much to the dismay of China, which has since been pushing the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) government to allow it resume.

This is a call for a permanent halt of Myitsone dam project, said Duwa Gumgrawng Awng Hkam, leader of the Kachin Democratic Party. We consider [Chinas move] an act of bullying because it looks like they are trying to get what they want, so Id like to urge the government to address the issue decisively.

Ashin Pyinnya Wuntha, a monk from Mandalay Monastery said that State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi previously remarked that popular sentiment would determine the fate of the 6,000-megawatt hydropower project that originally entailed building seven dams around the confluence of the Mali and NMai rivers that form the Irrawaddy River.

Daw [honorific]Aung San Suu Kyi had said it would be subject to the will of the people, he told RFAs Myanmar Service. So, we need to show in strength that people have a total objection toward the Myitsone Dam project.

A resident of Aung Myin Tha San Pya village who gave her name as Lura said, The ruling government said before assuming power that it would be up to the people, but it is changing now. We want to demand that the government keep its promise and scrap the Myitsone Dam project for good.

Former President Thein Sein had stopped the project amid protests over its enormous flooding area and detrimental environmental effect, as well as anger over the fact that most of its electricity would be exported to China.

Aung San Suu Kyi, who as opposition NLD leader at that time was one of the dams most vocal opponents, assured Beijing after the party won the 2015 general elections that Myanmar was willing to come up with an appropriate resolution that would suit both countries.

However, the lack of a decision on whether the project can now proceed has strained relations between the two countries.

They should know how important Myitsone is to us, Lura said about the Myanmar government. We also want to tell the Chinese to withdraw.

Respect the peoples wishes

A statement issued by protest organizers called on the two Chinese companies implementing the project to respect peoples wishes and maintain good relations between the two nations by giving up plans to continue the project.

We would like to request that CPI [China Power Investment Corporation] and SPIC [State Power Investment Corporation] completely stop of the project for the sake of friendship between two countries, said Mu Ra, a resident of Mali Yan village.

We are ready to express our desire more aggressively if they fail to stop the project, he added, but did not elaborate.

Ethnic Kachins and leaders from local political parties and social organizations blasted a statement issued by Chinas embassy in Myanmar on Jan. 13 following a visit to the state by Ambassador Hong Liang, claiming that local residents did not object to the project, with opposition coming from individuals and social groups abroad.

The statement also said that the CPIC provided social, education, and health services to area residents forced to relocate from the dam site to Aung Myin Tha model village.

More than 1,000 villagers displaced by the project have been forced to move into housing built by the Chinese company, according to the online journal The Irrawaddy.

During his visit to Kachin state in late December, Hong was said to have cautioned Kachin political parties and civil society groups that the ongoing delay of the Myitsone hydropower project could affect future Chinese investment in Myanmar.

I wonder if they were unaware of us when the Chinese ambassador said that we, the local people, didnt object [to the project], or if they only see [our position] when we protest, said Myitsone resident Jhar Khun, referring to Myanmar government leaders.

Thats why were protesting, she added.

Locals have reported that vehicles from Chinese companies are being spotted more frequently in the Myitsone area, though the project has not officially restarted.

CPI also held a contest in which local children at schools in Myitkyina township were asked to read a book about the benefits of the hydropower project and rewarded those who gave correct answers, residents said.

We know that its just an excuse to say its difficult to make concessions in investment matters between the two countries, and that it could harm bilateral relations, Tsa Ji of the Kachin Development Networking Group told RFA on Wednesday.

Its not difficult to make a decision after seeking the consent of all people living in Kachin state, he said. A decision could be reached once the Kachin state government is granted administrative and judiciary authority.

Toxic cognac for chronic war

Representatives of the Kachin Baptist Convention and the Catholic community called for the termination of the Myitsone project during a meeting with Myanmar military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on Tuesday.

Rev. Hpauyawng Tu Mai, who attended the meeting, told the Myanmar Times that Min Aung Hlaing said the project would be subject to the peoples will even though it would be an important source of electricity generation.

In late January, Catholic Cardinal Charles Bo, the archbishop of Yangon, issued a statement appealing to project stakeholders to stop the dam, calling it a death sentence for the people of Myanmar in terms of the environmental damage it would cause and its negative impact on the countrys prospects for peace after decades of civil war.

This dam is an environmental disaster, he said in the statement. [The] Myitsone dam is a toxic cognac for chronic war. Peace will fade [on] the horizon. A bleak future awaits the people of Myanmar. We do not deserve this.

Reported by Elizabeth Jangma for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Nandar Chann. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
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February 07, 2019: This report studies the global Industrial Electric Heating Element market status and forecast, categorizes the global Industrial Electric Heating Element 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 major manufacturers covered in this report

NIBE

Watlow

Chromalox

Zhenjiang Dongfang Electric Heating Technology Co.,Ltd

Freek GmbH

OMEGA

Download sample Copy of This Report at: https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-industrial-electric-heating-element-market-research-report-2019/request-sample

Zoppas Industries

Thermowatt

Tutco Heating Solutions Group

Tempco Electric Heating Element Corporation

CCI Thermal Technologies

Headway Electric Heat Components CO.,LTD

Hotset GmbH

Minco

Durex Industries

Holroyd Components Ltd

Honeywell

Thermal Corporation

Winkler GmbH

Industrial Heater Corporation

Delta MFG

Browse Complete Summary Click Here @ https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-industrial-electric-heating-element-market-research-report-2019

Wattco

Heatrex

Phillips & Temro Industries

Warren Electric Industrial Electric Heaters

Cetal

Thermal Transfer Systems, Inc.

CIRCOR

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, covering

North America

Europe

China

Japan

Southeast Asia

India

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, including

Chemical & Plastics Industry

Pharmaceutical Industry

Appliances

Others

The study objectives of this report are:

To analyze and study the global Industrial Electric Heating Element capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025);

Focuses on the key Industrial Electric Heating Element 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 market

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Industrial Electric Heating Element are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2025

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Table of Contents



Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Market Growth 2019-2024



1 Scope of the Report

1.1 Market Introduction

1.2 Research Objectives

1.3 Years Considered

1.4 Market Research Methodology

1.5 Economic Indicators

1.6 Currency Considered



2 Executive Summary

2.1 World Market Overview

2.1.1 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2014-2024

2.1.2 Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption CAGR by Region

2.2 Cakes Frosting & Icing Segment by Type

2.2.1 Packaged Cakes Frosting & Icing

2.2.2 Unpackaged Cakes Frosting & Icing

2.3 Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Type

2.3.1 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

2.3.2 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Revenue and Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

2.3.3 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sale Price by Type (2014-2019)

2.4 Cakes Frosting & Icing Segment by Application

2.4.1 Bakery

2.4.2 Restaurant

2.4.3 Residential

2.5 Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Application

2.5.1 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

2.5.2 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value and Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

2.5.3 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sale Price by Application (2014-2019)



3 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing by Manufacturers

3.1 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales Market Share by Manufacturers

3.1.1 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

3.1.2 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

3.2 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers

3.2.1 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Revenue by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

3.2.2 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

3.3 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sale Price by Manufacturers

3.4 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types by Manufacturers

3.4.1 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales Area by Manufacturers

3.4.2 Players Cakes Frosting & Icing Products Offered

3.5 Market Concentration Rate Analysis

3.5.1 Competition Landscape Analysis

3.5.2 Concentration Ratio (CR3, CR5 and CR10) (2017-2019)

3.6 New Products and Potential Entrants

3.7 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion



4 Cakes Frosting & Icing by Regions

4.1 Cakes Frosting & Icing by Regions

4.1.1 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Regions

4.1.2 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value by Regions

4.2 Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth

4.3 APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth

4.4 Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth

4.5 Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth



5 Americas

5.1 Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Countries

5.1.1 Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Countries (2014-2019)

5.1.2 Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Value by Countries (2014-2019)

5.2 Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Type

5.3 Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Application

5.4 United States

5.5 Canada

5.6 Mexico

5.7 Key Economic Indicators of Few Americas Countries



6 APAC

6.1 APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Countries

6.1.1 APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Countries (2014-2019)

6.1.2 APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Value by Countries (2014-2019)

6.2 APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Type

6.3 APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Application

6.4 China

6.5 Japan

6.6 Korea

6.7 Southeast Asia

6.8 India

6.9 Australia

6.10 Key Economic Indicators of Few APAC Countries



7 Europe

7.1 Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing by Countries

7.1.1 Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Countries (2014-2019)

7.1.2 Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Value by Countries (2014-2019)

7.2 Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Type

7.3 Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Application

7.4 Germany

7.5 France

7.6 UK

7.7 Italy

7.8 Russia

7.9 Spain

7.10 Key Economic Indicators of Few Europe Countries



8 Middle East & Africa

8.1 Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing by Countries

8.1.1 Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Countries (2014-2019)

8.1.2 Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Value by Countries (2014-2019)

8.2 Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Type

8.3 Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Application

8.4 Egypt

8.5 South Africa

8.6 Israel

8.7 Turkey

8.8 GCC Countries



9 Market Drivers, Challenges and Trends

9.1 Market Drivers and Impact

9.1.1 Growing Demand from Key Regions

9.1.2 Growing Demand from Key Applications and Potential Industries

9.2 Market Challenges and Impact

9.3 Market Trends



10 Marketing, Distributors and Customer

10.1 Sales Channel

10.1.1 Direct Channels

10.1.2 Indirect Channels

10.2 Cakes Frosting & Icing Distributors

10.3 Cakes Frosting & Icing Customer



11 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Market Forecast

11.1 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Forecast (2019-2024)

11.2 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Forecast by Regions

11.2.1 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Forecast by Regions (2019-2024)

11.2.2 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Forecast by Regions (2019-2024)

11.2.3 Americas Consumption Forecast

11.2.4 APAC Consumption Forecast

11.2.5 Europe Consumption Forecast

11.2.6 Middle East & Africa Consumption Forecast

11.3 Americas Forecast by Countries

11.3.1 United States Market Forecast

11.3.2 Canada Market Forecast

11.3.3 Mexico Market Forecast

11.3.4 Brazil Market Forecast

11.4 APAC Forecast by Countries

11.4.1 China Market Forecast

11.4.2 Japan Market Forecast

11.4.3 Korea Market Forecast

11.4.4 Southeast Asia Market Forecast

11.4.5 India Market Forecast

11.4.6 Australia Market Forecast

11.5 Europe Forecast by Countries

11.5.1 Germany Market Forecast

11.5.2 France Market Forecast

11.5.3 UK Market Forecast

11.5.4 Italy Market Forecast

11.5.5 Russia Market Forecast

11.5.6 Spain Market Forecast

11.6 Middle East & Africa Forecast by Countries

11.6.1 Egypt Market Forecast

11.6.2 South Africa Market Forecast

11.6.3 Israel Market Forecast

11.6.4 Turkey Market Forecast

11.6.5 GCC Countries Market Forecast

11.7 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Forecast by Type

11.8 Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Forecast by Application



12 Key Players Analysis

12.1 Pinnacle Foods

12.1.1 Company Details

12.1.2 Cakes Frosting & Icing Product Offered

12.1.3 Pinnacle Foods Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.1.4 Main Business Overview

12.1.5 Pinnacle Foods News

12.2 Betty Crocker

12.2.1 Company Details

12.2.2 Cakes Frosting & Icing Product Offered

12.2.3 Betty Crocker Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.2.4 Main Business Overview

12.2.5 Betty Crocker News

12.3 CSM Bakery Solutions

12.3.1 Company Details

12.3.2 Cakes Frosting & Icing Product Offered

12.3.3 CSM Bakery Solutions Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.3.4 Main Business Overview

12.3.5 CSM Bakery Solutions News

12.4 Wilton Industries

12.4.1 Company Details

12.4.2 Cakes Frosting & Icing Product Offered

12.4.3 Wilton Industries Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.4.4 Main Business Overview

12.4.5 Wilton Industries News

12.5 Rich Product

12.5.1 Company Details

12.5.2 Cakes Frosting & Icing Product Offered

12.5.3 Rich Product Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.5.4 Main Business Overview

12.5.5 Rich Product News

12.6 Dixies Icing

12.6.1 Company Details

12.6.2 Cakes Frosting & Icing Product Offered

12.6.3 Dixies Icing Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.6.4 Main Business Overview

12.6.5 Dixies Icing News

12.7 Dawn Food

12.7.1 Company Details

12.7.2 Cakes Frosting & Icing Product Offered

12.7.3 Dawn Food Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.7.4 Main Business Overview

12.7.5 Dawn Food News

12.8 Lawrence Foods

12.8.1 Company Details

12.8.2 Cakes Frosting & Icing Product Offered

12.8.3 Lawrence Foods Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.8.4 Main Business Overview

12.8.5 Lawrence Foods News



13 Research Findings and Conclusion



List of Tables and Figures



Figure Picture of Cakes Frosting & Icing

Table Product Specifications of Cakes Frosting & Icing

Figure Cakes Frosting & Icing Report Years Considered

Figure Market Research Methodology

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth Rate 2014-2024 (K MT)

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth Rate 2014-2024 ($ Millions)

Table Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption CAGR by Region 2014-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Product Picture of Packaged Cakes Frosting & Icing

Table Major Players of Packaged Cakes Frosting & Icing

Figure Product Picture of Unpackaged Cakes Frosting & Icing

Table Major Players of Unpackaged Cakes Frosting & Icing

Table Global Consumption Sales by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Revenue by Type (2014-2019) ($ million)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Type (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sale Price by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumed in Bakery

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Market: Bakery (2014-2019) (K MT)

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Market: Bakery (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Figure Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumed in Restaurant

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Market: Restaurant (2014-2019) (K MT)

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Market: Restaurant (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Figure Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumed in Residential

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Market: Residential (2014-2019) (K MT)

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Market: Residential (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Global Consumption Sales by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sale Price by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales by Manufacturers (2017-2019) (K MT)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales Market Share by Manufacturers in 2017

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales Market Share by Manufacturers in 2018

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Revenue by Manufacturers (2017-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers in 2017

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers in 2018

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sale Price by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Sale Price by Manufacturers in 2018

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales Area by Manufacturers

Table Players Cakes Frosting & Icing Products Offered

Table Cakes Frosting & Icing Concentration Ratio (CR3, CR5 and CR10) (2017-2019)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Regions 2014-2019 (K MT)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Regions 2014-2019

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Regions 2014-2019

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value by Regions 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Regions 2014-2019

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Regions 2014-2019

Figure Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Countries (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Value by Countries (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Type (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Type in 2018

Table Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Application (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Application in 2018

Figure United States Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure United States Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Canada Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Canada Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Mexico Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Mexico Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Countries (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Value by Countries (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Type (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Type in 2018

Table APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Application (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Application in 2018

Figure China Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure China Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Japan Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Japan Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Korea Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Korea Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Southeast Asia Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Southeast Asia Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure India Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure India Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Australia Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Australia Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Countries (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Value by Countries (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Type (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Type in 2018

Table Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Application (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Application in 2018

Figure Germany Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Germany Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure France Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure France Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure UK Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure UK Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Italy Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Italy Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Russia Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Russia Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Spain Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Spain Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Countries (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Value by Countries (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Type (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Type in 2018

Table Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption by Application (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share by Application in 2018

Figure Egypt Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Egypt Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure South Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure South Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Israel Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Israel Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Turkey Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Turkey Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure GCC Countries Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure GCC Countries Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Cakes Frosting & Icing Distributors List

Table Cakes Frosting & Icing Customer List

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024) (K MT)

Figure Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024) ($ Millions)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Forecast by Countries (2019-2024) (K MT)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Forecast by Regions

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Forecast by Countries (2019-2024) ($ Millions)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share Forecast by Regions

Figure Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Americas Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure APAC Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Europe Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Middle East & Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure United States Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure United States Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Canada Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Canada Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Mexico Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Mexico Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Brazil Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Brazil Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure China Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure China Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Japan Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Japan Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Korea Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Korea Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Southeast Asia Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Southeast Asia Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure India Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure India Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Australia Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Australia Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Germany Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Germany Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure France Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure France Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure UK Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure UK Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Italy Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Italy Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Russia Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Russia Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Spain Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Spain Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Egypt Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Egypt Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure South Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure South Africa Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Israel Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Israel Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Turkey Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Turkey Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure GCC Countries Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure GCC Countries Cakes Frosting & Icing Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Forecast by Type (2019-2024) (K MT)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share Forecast by Type (2019-2024)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Forecast by Type (2019-2024) ($ Millions)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share Forecast by Type (2019-2024)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Forecast by Application (2019-2024) (K MT)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Consumption Market Share Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Forecast by Application (2019-2024) ($ Millions)

Table Global Cakes Frosting & Icing Value Market Share Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

Table Pinnacle Foods Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Pinnacle Foods Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Pinnacle Foods Cakes Frosting & Icing Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Betty Crocker Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Betty Crocker Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Betty Crocker Cakes Frosting & Icing Market Share (2017-2019)

Table CSM Bakery Solutions Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table CSM Bakery Solutions Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure CSM Bakery Solutions Cakes Frosting & Icing Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Wilton Industries Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Wilton Industries Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Wilton Industries Cakes Frosting & Icing Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Rich Product Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Rich Product Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Rich Product Cakes Frosting & Icing Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Dixies Icing Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Dixies Icing Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Dixies Icing Cakes Frosting & Icing Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Dawn Food Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Dawn Food Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Dawn Food Cakes Frosting & Icing Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Lawrence Foods Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Lawrence Foods Cakes Frosting & Icing Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Lawrence Foods Cakes Frosting & Icing Market Share (2017-2019)
Table of Contents



Global Alfalfa Hay Market Growth 2019-2024



1 Scope of the Report

1.1 Market Introduction

1.2 Research Objectives

1.3 Years Considered

1.4 Market Research Methodology

1.5 Economic Indicators

1.6 Currency Considered



2 Executive Summary

2.1 World Market Overview

2.1.1 Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2014-2024

2.1.2 Alfalfa Hay Consumption CAGR by Region

2.2 Alfalfa Hay Segment by Type

2.2.1 Alfalfa Hay Bales

2.2.2 Alfalfa Hay Pellets

2.2.3 Alfalfa Hay Cubes

2.2.4 Others

2.3 Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Type

2.3.1 Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

2.3.2 Global Alfalfa Hay Revenue and Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

2.3.3 Global Alfalfa Hay Sale Price by Type (2014-2019)

2.4 Alfalfa Hay Segment by Application

2.4.1 Dairy Cow Feed

2.4.2 Beef Cattle & Sheep Feed

2.4.3 Pig Feed

2.4.4 Poultry Feed

2.4.5 Others

2.5 Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Application

2.5.1 Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

2.5.2 Global Alfalfa Hay Value and Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

2.5.3 Global Alfalfa Hay Sale Price by Application (2014-2019)



3 Global Alfalfa Hay by Manufacturers

3.1 Global Alfalfa Hay Sales Market Share by Manufacturers

3.1.1 Global Alfalfa Hay Sales by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

3.1.2 Global Alfalfa Hay Sales Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

3.2 Global Alfalfa Hay Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers

3.2.1 Global Alfalfa Hay Revenue by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

3.2.2 Global Alfalfa Hay Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

3.3 Global Alfalfa Hay Sale Price by Manufacturers

3.4 Global Alfalfa Hay Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types by Manufacturers

3.4.1 Global Alfalfa Hay Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales Area by Manufacturers

3.4.2 Players Alfalfa Hay Products Offered

3.5 Market Concentration Rate Analysis

3.5.1 Competition Landscape Analysis

3.5.2 Concentration Ratio (CR3, CR5 and CR10) (2017-2019)

3.6 New Products and Potential Entrants

3.7 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion



4 Alfalfa Hay by Regions

4.1 Alfalfa Hay by Regions

4.1.1 Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Regions

4.1.2 Global Alfalfa Hay Value by Regions

4.2 Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth

4.3 APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth

4.4 Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth

4.5 Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth



5 Americas

5.1 Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Countries

5.1.1 Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Countries (2014-2019)

5.1.2 Americas Alfalfa Hay Value by Countries (2014-2019)

5.2 Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Type

5.3 Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Application

5.4 United States

5.5 Canada

5.6 Mexico

5.7 Key Economic Indicators of Few Americas Countries



6 APAC

6.1 APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Countries

6.1.1 APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Countries (2014-2019)

6.1.2 APAC Alfalfa Hay Value by Countries (2014-2019)

6.2 APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Type

6.3 APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Application

6.4 China

6.5 Japan

6.6 Korea

6.7 Southeast Asia

6.8 India

6.9 Australia

6.10 Key Economic Indicators of Few APAC Countries



7 Europe

7.1 Europe Alfalfa Hay by Countries

7.1.1 Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Countries (2014-2019)

7.1.2 Europe Alfalfa Hay Value by Countries (2014-2019)

7.2 Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Type

7.3 Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Application

7.4 Germany

7.5 France

7.6 UK

7.7 Italy

7.8 Russia

7.9 Spain

7.10 Key Economic Indicators of Few Europe Countries



8 Middle East & Africa

8.1 Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay by Countries

8.1.1 Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Countries (2014-2019)

8.1.2 Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Value by Countries (2014-2019)

8.2 Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Type

8.3 Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Application

8.4 Egypt

8.5 South Africa

8.6 Israel

8.7 Turkey

8.8 GCC Countries



9 Market Drivers, Challenges and Trends

9.1 Market Drivers and Impact

9.1.1 Growing Demand from Key Regions

9.1.2 Growing Demand from Key Applications and Potential Industries

9.2 Market Challenges and Impact

9.3 Market Trends



10 Marketing, Distributors and Customer

10.1 Sales Channel

10.1.1 Direct Channels

10.1.2 Indirect Channels

10.2 Alfalfa Hay Distributors

10.3 Alfalfa Hay Customer



11 Global Alfalfa Hay Market Forecast

11.1 Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Forecast (2019-2024)

11.2 Global Alfalfa Hay Forecast by Regions

11.2.1 Global Alfalfa Hay Forecast by Regions (2019-2024)

11.2.2 Global Alfalfa Hay Value Forecast by Regions (2019-2024)

11.2.3 Americas Consumption Forecast

11.2.4 APAC Consumption Forecast

11.2.5 Europe Consumption Forecast

11.2.6 Middle East & Africa Consumption Forecast

11.3 Americas Forecast by Countries

11.3.1 United States Market Forecast

11.3.2 Canada Market Forecast

11.3.3 Mexico Market Forecast

11.3.4 Brazil Market Forecast

11.4 APAC Forecast by Countries

11.4.1 China Market Forecast

11.4.2 Japan Market Forecast

11.4.3 Korea Market Forecast

11.4.4 Southeast Asia Market Forecast

11.4.5 India Market Forecast

11.4.6 Australia Market Forecast

11.5 Europe Forecast by Countries

11.5.1 Germany Market Forecast

11.5.2 France Market Forecast

11.5.3 UK Market Forecast

11.5.4 Italy Market Forecast

11.5.5 Russia Market Forecast

11.5.6 Spain Market Forecast

11.6 Middle East & Africa Forecast by Countries

11.6.1 Egypt Market Forecast

11.6.2 South Africa Market Forecast

11.6.3 Israel Market Forecast

11.6.4 Turkey Market Forecast

11.6.5 GCC Countries Market Forecast

11.7 Global Alfalfa Hay Forecast by Type

11.8 Global Alfalfa Hay Forecast by Application



12 Key Players Analysis

12.1 Anderson Hay

12.1.1 Company Details

12.1.2 Alfalfa Hay Product Offered

12.1.3 Anderson Hay Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.1.4 Main Business Overview

12.1.5 Anderson Hay News

12.2 Standlee Hay

12.2.1 Company Details

12.2.2 Alfalfa Hay Product Offered

12.2.3 Standlee Hay Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.2.4 Main Business Overview

12.2.5 Standlee Hay News

12.3 ACX Global

12.3.1 Company Details

12.3.2 Alfalfa Hay Product Offered

12.3.3 ACX Global Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.3.4 Main Business Overview

12.3.5 ACX Global News

12.4 Aldahra Fagavi

12.4.1 Company Details

12.4.2 Alfalfa Hay Product Offered

12.4.3 Aldahra Fagavi Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.4.4 Main Business Overview

12.4.5 Aldahra Fagavi News

12.5 Grupo Oses

12.5.1 Company Details

12.5.2 Alfalfa Hay Product Offered

12.5.3 Grupo Oses Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.5.4 Main Business Overview

12.5.5 Grupo Oses News

12.6 Bailey Farms

12.6.1 Company Details

12.6.2 Alfalfa Hay Product Offered

12.6.3 Bailey Farms Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.6.4 Main Business Overview

12.6.5 Bailey Farms News

12.7 Barr-Ag

12.7.1 Company Details

12.7.2 Alfalfa Hay Product Offered

12.7.3 Barr-Ag Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.7.4 Main Business Overview

12.7.5 Barr-Ag News

12.8 Gruppo Carli

12.8.1 Company Details

12.8.2 Alfalfa Hay Product Offered

12.8.3 Gruppo Carli Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.8.4 Main Business Overview

12.8.5 Gruppo Carli News

12.9 Alfa Tec

12.9.1 Company Details

12.9.2 Alfalfa Hay Product Offered

12.9.3 Alfa Tec Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.9.4 Main Business Overview

12.9.5 Alfa Tec News

12.10 Border Valley Trading

12.10.1 Company Details

12.10.2 Alfalfa Hay Product Offered

12.10.3 Border Valley Trading Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.10.4 Main Business Overview

12.10.5 Border Valley Trading News

12.11 Qiushi Grass Industry

12.12 Beijing Lvtianyuan Ecological Farm

12.13 Beijing HDR Trading

12.14 Sacate Pellet Mills

12.15 Accomazzo

12.16 M&C Hay

12.17 Inner Mongolia Dachen Agriculture

12.18 Huishan Diary

12.19 Oxbow Animal Health

12.20 Modern Grassland

12.21 Inner Mongolia HuangYangwa Grass Industry



13 Research Findings and Conclusion



List of Tables and Figures



Figure Picture of Alfalfa Hay

Table Product Specifications of Alfalfa Hay

Figure Alfalfa Hay Report Years Considered

Figure Market Research Methodology

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth Rate 2014-2024 (K MT)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Value Growth Rate 2014-2024 ($ Millions)

Table Alfalfa Hay Consumption CAGR by Region 2014-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Product Picture of Alfalfa Hay Bales

Table Major Players of Alfalfa Hay Bales

Figure Product Picture of Alfalfa Hay Pellets

Table Major Players of Alfalfa Hay Pellets

Figure Product Picture of Alfalfa Hay Cubes

Table Major Players of Alfalfa Hay Cubes

Figure Product Picture of Others

Table Major Players of Others

Table Global Consumption Sales by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Revenue by Type (2014-2019) ($ million)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Type (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Sale Price by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Alfalfa Hay Consumed in Dairy Cow Feed

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Market: Dairy Cow Feed (2014-2019) (K MT)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Market: Dairy Cow Feed (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Figure Alfalfa Hay Consumed in Beef Cattle & Sheep Feed

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Market: Beef Cattle & Sheep Feed (2014-2019) (K MT)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Market: Beef Cattle & Sheep Feed (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Figure Alfalfa Hay Consumed in Pig Feed

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Market: Pig Feed (2014-2019) (K MT)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Market: Pig Feed (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Figure Alfalfa Hay Consumed in Poultry Feed

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Market: Poultry Feed (2014-2019) (K MT)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Market: Poultry Feed (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Figure Alfalfa Hay Consumed in Others

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Market: Others (2014-2019) (K MT)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Market: Others (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Global Consumption Sales by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Value by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Sale Price by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Sales by Manufacturers (2017-2019) (K MT)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Sales Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Sales Market Share by Manufacturers in 2017

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Sales Market Share by Manufacturers in 2018

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Revenue by Manufacturers (2017-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers in 2017

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers in 2018

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Sale Price by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Sale Price by Manufacturers in 2018

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales Area by Manufacturers

Table Players Alfalfa Hay Products Offered

Table Alfalfa Hay Concentration Ratio (CR3, CR5 and CR10) (2017-2019)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Regions 2014-2019 (K MT)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Regions 2014-2019

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Regions 2014-2019

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Value by Regions 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Regions 2014-2019

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Regions 2014-2019

Figure Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Americas Alfalfa Hay Value 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure APAC Alfalfa Hay Value 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Europe Alfalfa Hay Value 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Value 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Countries (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Americas Alfalfa Hay Value by Countries (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Americas Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Americas Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Type (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Type in 2018

Table Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Application (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Application in 2018

Figure United States Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure United States Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Canada Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Canada Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Mexico Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Mexico Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Countries (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table APAC Alfalfa Hay Value by Countries (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table APAC Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure APAC Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Type (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Type in 2018

Table APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Application (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Application in 2018

Figure China Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure China Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Japan Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Japan Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Korea Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Korea Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Southeast Asia Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Southeast Asia Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure India Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure India Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Australia Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Australia Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Countries (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Europe Alfalfa Hay Value by Countries (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Europe Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Type (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Type in 2018

Table Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Application (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Application in 2018

Figure Germany Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Germany Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure France Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure France Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure UK Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure UK Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Italy Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Italy Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Russia Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Russia Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Spain Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Spain Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Countries (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Value by Countries (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Type (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Type in 2018

Table Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption by Application (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share by Application in 2018

Figure Egypt Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Egypt Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure South Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure South Africa Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Israel Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Israel Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Turkey Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Turkey Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure GCC Countries Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure GCC Countries Alfalfa Hay Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Alfalfa Hay Distributors List

Table Alfalfa Hay Customer List

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024) (K MT)

Figure Global Alfalfa Hay Value Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024) ($ Millions)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Forecast by Countries (2019-2024) (K MT)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Forecast by Regions

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Value Forecast by Countries (2019-2024) ($ Millions)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share Forecast by Regions

Figure Americas Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Americas Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure APAC Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure APAC Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Europe Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Europe Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Middle East & Africa Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure United States Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure United States Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Canada Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Canada Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Mexico Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Mexico Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Brazil Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Brazil Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure China Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure China Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Japan Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Japan Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Korea Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Korea Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Southeast Asia Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Southeast Asia Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure India Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure India Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Australia Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Australia Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Germany Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Germany Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure France Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure France Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure UK Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure UK Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Italy Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Italy Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Russia Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Russia Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Spain Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Spain Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Egypt Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Egypt Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure South Africa Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure South Africa Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Israel Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Israel Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Turkey Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Turkey Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure GCC Countries Alfalfa Hay Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure GCC Countries Alfalfa Hay Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Forecast by Type (2019-2024) (K MT)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share Forecast by Type (2019-2024)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Value Forecast by Type (2019-2024) ($ Millions)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share Forecast by Type (2019-2024)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Forecast by Application (2019-2024) (K MT)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Consumption Market Share Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Value Forecast by Application (2019-2024) ($ Millions)

Table Global Alfalfa Hay Value Market Share Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

Table Anderson Hay Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Anderson Hay Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Anderson Hay Alfalfa Hay Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Standlee Hay Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Standlee Hay Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Standlee Hay Alfalfa Hay Market Share (2017-2019)

Table ACX Global Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table ACX Global Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure ACX Global Alfalfa Hay Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Aldahra Fagavi Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Aldahra Fagavi Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Aldahra Fagavi Alfalfa Hay Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Grupo Oses Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Grupo Oses Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Grupo Oses Alfalfa Hay Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Bailey Farms Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Bailey Farms Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Bailey Farms Alfalfa Hay Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Barr-Ag Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Barr-Ag Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Barr-Ag Alfalfa Hay Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Gruppo Carli Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Gruppo Carli Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Gruppo Carli Alfalfa Hay Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Alfa Tec Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Alfa Tec Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Alfa Tec Alfalfa Hay Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Border Valley Trading Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Border Valley Trading Alfalfa Hay Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Border Valley Trading Alfalfa Hay Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Qiushi Grass Industry Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Beijing Lvtianyuan Ecological Farm Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Beijing HDR Trading Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Sacate Pellet Mills Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Accomazzo Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table M&C Hay Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Inner Mongolia Dachen Agriculture Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Huishan Diary Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Oxbow Animal Health Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Modern Grassland Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Inner Mongolia HuangYangwa Grass Industry Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors
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February 07, 2019: This report focuses on the global Image Analysis Software status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players. The study objectives are to present the Image Analysis Software development in United States, Europe and China.

In 2017, the global Image Analysis Software market size was million US$ and it is expected to reach million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of during 2018-2025.

The key players covered in this study

Olympus

PerkinElmer

Biocompare

Download sample Copy of This Report at: https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-image-analysis-software-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025/request-sample

Digimizer

ADCIS

PAX-it

Media Cybernetics

Bio-Rad Laboratories

ScienceSoft

TotalLab

Silk Scientific

Click For Report Details @ https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-image-analysis-software-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025

Market segment by Type, the product can be split into

Linux

Windows

Mac OS

Android

IOS

Other

Market segment by Application, split into

Education

Santific Research

Manufacturing

Other

Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers

United States

Europe

China

Japan

Southeast Asia

India

Central & South America

The study objectives of this report are:

To analyze global Image Analysis Software status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players.

To present the Image Analysis Software development in United States, Europe and China.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their development plan and strategies.

To define, describe and forecast the market by product type, market and key regions.

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Image Analysis Software are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2025

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Im happy to report I learned a few things enduring for your sake Tuesday nights 90-minute State of the Union address. It wasnt that Donald Trump had become presidential. It was a manic speech that managed also to be tedious. It ping-ponged between everything being great and everything being terrible.

My neck still hurts.

As I said, I learned something. First, that the president did not declare a national emergency with respect to the border. This was something of intense focus at The Editorial Board and elsewhere. Invoking a set of statutes permitting Trump to use the military to build a wall was seen as a viable exit from his self-made political crisis. He didnt. Well what happens after the government runs out of money next week.

Two, he did not threaten to close the government if the Democrats did not provide $5.7 billion in wall funding. That was oversight or he meant to take the option off the table. Its sometimes hard to tell with him. What I can say is Mike Pence did not rule out shutdown. I cant make that guarantee, he said Wednesday.

If the president cant get a wall by shutting down the government (that would be another self-inflicted wound), and if he cant get a wall by declaring a national emergency (the Republicans really dont want him to go there), what then?

Well, this is a president who would very much like to remain president (because, as Ive said, not being president puts him under immediate criminal scrutiny). The wall still animates the 40 percent or so of Americans who approve of the job hes doing. Therefore, common sense would suggest that hell make the wall a 2020 theme.

Another thing I learned is Trump is very worried about the Democrats investigating him, his administration and his family. If there is going to be peace and legislation, he said, there cannot be war and investigation. He could be saying nothing will get done if the Congress investigates him. (Thats false.) He could be tying, in the minds of his supporters, his fate with the countrys. The implication is whatever bad thing the Democrats do, they do to America.

The latter is what he meant. It was met with groans among the Democrats, according to Chris Coons on Bloomberg TV. In those groans resides something important the Democrats arent afraid of Trump. For that matter, neither are the Republicans. Remember, this president takes more than he gives to his party, and even when he gives, as he did when he signed the GOP tax law, its not the Republicans who will suffer when middle-class tax filers start feeling pain.

It bears repeating: most people most of the time dont know much about politics, dont know they dont know much about politics, or if they do know how much they dont know, they dont care. But all that changes after something concrete happens, as when middle-class tax filers realize that nearly everything Trump told them about the historic tax code overhaul was false. Not only did it not create jobs or grow the economy, it gave billions back to the billionaires while sending the country deeper in debt. More concretely, it raised taxes on lots of Republicans.

So even when the president vows to protect the country from the rising tide of socialism  as he said, We were born free and we will stay free  that must compete with what people know to be true about this president. One, that socialism might not be so bad when the rich are stealing from people who earn an honest living. Two, there are good reasons the Democrats are investigating Trump, a big one being Russia.

So, the more this president rails against socialism in the coming months, the more Id expect the Democrats to bring up Russian sabotage of our republic. Not so much to foment hysteria, as leftist critics allege, but to remind voters that something is seriously wrong with this guy. For over two years, hes told us to trust him.

Dont.

John Stoehr is the editor and publisher of The Editorial Board, a daily newsletter about politics. He lives with his family in Westville.
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Global Solar Water Pumps Market - Overview

A Solar Water Pump is a device, which runs on the electricity generated by photovoltaic panels. Solar water pumps are not connected with the grid and result in very less emission compared to conventional pumps. Solar water pumps are increasingly used in regions where grid electricity is unavailable and alternative sources such as wind do not provide enough power for operations. Solar pump components consists of solar panels, a controller and a pump while the size of the PV system determines the operating capacity of the pump.

Acknowledging the potential, the market is demonstrating currently; Market Research Future (MRFR), in its recently published study report asserts that the Global Solar Water Pumps Market will reach exponential heights by 2023, registering a 5.6% CAGR during the anticipated period.

Stringent government regulations to reduce carbon footprints into the atmosphere is the factor driving the growth of the solar pumps market. Solar energy used for water pumps does not emit any carbon footprints into the atmosphere and provides a clean source of energy. Additionally supportive government incentive schemes to farmers and solar pump manufacturers is also fuelling the growth of the market. However, high initial investment is the factor may restrict the growth of the market.

Global Solar Water Pumps Market  Competitive Analysis

The Solar Water Pumps Market is highly competitive yet consolidated. Mergers & acquisitions, Innovation, brand reinforcement, and partnership remain the key trends for leading players. They strive to develop pumps that can reduce the downtime and maintenance with longer life lowering the total costs. Due to the expected extensions in product, service, and product innovations, the market is soon expected to witness a fierce competition.

Key Players:

Some of the Eminent Players leading the market include

SunEdison, Inc. (US)

Lorentz (Germany)

CRI Pumps Pvt. Ltd (India)

Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd. (India)

Solar Power & Pump Co LLC (US)

Shakti Solar Pumping System (India)

Bright Solar Pvt. Ltd. (India)

Wenling Jintai Pump Factory (China)

American West Windmill and Solar Company (US)

Grundfos (Denmark)

A Sample of This Report is Available upon Request @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3980

Study Objectives of Global Solar Water Pumps Market:

To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next five years of the various segments and sub-segments of the global solar water pumps market

To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth

To analyze the global solar water pumps market based on various tools such as Supply 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 material type, product, 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 solar water pumps market

Global Solar Water Pumps Market  Segments

The MRFR analysis is segmented into three key dynamics for the convenience of understanding;

By Products

DC Surface Suction

AC Submersible

DC Submersible

AC Floating

By Applications

Agriculture

Drinking Water

By Region

North America

Europe

APAC

Rest-of-the-World

Browse The Full Research Report At@ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/solar-water-pumps-market-3980

Industry News:-

In August, 2016  The Indian state of Haryana is set to offer 90% subsidy to promote solar water pumps of 2 horsepower, 5 HP and 10 HP in the current financial year. Under the initiative, farmers will need to bear just 10% cost while the rest will be shared between the central and state governments as financial assistance for setting up 3,050 such pump sets.

In March, 2018  India and France have committed more than US$2 billion to fund solar-energy projects in developing countries. The money will be potentially spent on developing solar technologies such as solar water pumps to help people in the developing nations to have access to clean water and for irrigation purposes.

In September, 2018  Patanjali Ayurved (India), one of the largest business empires, announced various plans to launch new solar street lights, solar hybrid inverter and solar water pumps. These plans were revealed during the launch of 60-megawatt solar panel plant, being established to achieve self-sufficiency for the brands energy demands.
BRIDGEPORT  The citys Beardsley Zoo welcomed a pair of Mexican gray wolves back in December that recently came out of necessary quarantine to be viewed by the public, according to a news release Wednesday.

The wolves were born on May 13, 2017, at the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, Missouri. They joined the Beardsley Zoo family on Dec. 6, 2018. The two were in quarantine, required for any new zoo arrival, until recently.

The two males are brother and will remain unnamed.

This serves to emphasize their wild status, and helps to prevent human/wolf interaction so that a re-introduction to the wild at some point may be possible, the news release said.

The brother join the zoos remaining female to begin a small pack after the zoo lost a second female gray wolf to a medically untreatable condition last month. The female wolf the brother joins was born in 2007 at the California Wolf Center in Julian, California.

There is no breeding currently planned for the new pack, the zoo said.

Guests can see the three Mexican gray wolves at the Wolf Observation Learning Facility at the zoo daily between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Were pleased to add two new wolves to our Wolf Observation Learning Facility, and offer our guests an incredible opportunity to see these beautiful and fascinating animals up close, said Gregg Dancho, zoo director.

The zoo is also home to two red wolves  a male named Peanut and a female named Shy. The two wolf breeds are two of the rarest mammals in North America, according to the zoo. In the mid-1980s, hunting, trapping and poisoning caused the extinction of the Mexican gray wolves in the wild. At that time, only a handful remained in human care.

Both species of wolves at Connecticuts Beardsley Zoo are imperiled. It is only through managed breeding and reintroduction that they survive in the wild today, Dancho said.

In 1998, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released 11 Mexican gray wolves back into the wild in Arizona and New Mexico. Today, there is a population of 114 individual Mexican gray wolves in the wild.


the complete review - fiction

The Man Who Couldn't Die



by

Olga Slavnikova



general information | review summaries | our review | links | about the author

The Tale of an Authentic Human Being

Russian title: 

Translated by Marian Schwartz

With an Introduction by Mark Lipovetsky

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Our Assessment:



B : fine little dark tale of post-Soviet Russia

See our review for fuller assessment.

Review Summaries Source Rating Date Reviewer TLS . 19/4/2019 Natasha Randall

From the Reviews :

"The novel was first published in Russian in 2004, and now delivers Olga Slavnikovas pitch-perfect descriptions of the first post- Soviet decade in Marian Schwartzs deft translation." - Natasha Randall, Times Literary Supplement

Please note that these ratings solely represent the complete review 's biased interpretation and subjective opinion of the actual reviews and do not claim to accurately reflect or represent the views of the reviewers. Similarly the illustrative quotes chosen here are merely those the complete review subjectively believes represent the tenor and judgment of the review as a whole. We acknowledge (and remind and warn you) that they may, in fact, be entirely unrepresentative of the actual reviews by any other measure.



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The complete review 's Review :

The title-character of The Man Who Couldn't Die is Alexei Afanasievich Kharitonov, a World War II veteran bedridden now for fourteen years after a debilitating stroke. The welfare payments he receives help keep the family -- wife Nina Alexandrovna, his step-daughter Marina, and, for a while, her husband Seryozha -- afloat, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the transition to the wild west version of capitalism that followed, which none of the family members seems to have managed to adjust to yet. Since: "no matter how burdensome his recumbent body might be, it consumed far less than it contributed", it's important to keep him alive -- and Marina thinks it's best to try to avoid any shocks to his system, by keeping him from finding out what's going on in the outside world. So, in essence, they put Alexei Afanasievich in a (Soviet-)time bubble, not allowing any change to intrude, feeding him fake news -- such as carefully edited articles from Pravda, with handwritten revisions added by Marina read aloud to him -- and doctored video tapes (at least as long as the TV still works), even creating a Twenty-Ninth Congress of the Soviet Communist Party to play out for him (though the actual party only got to twenty-eight).

It's a neat and amusing idea, and Slavnikova plays it out quite well. But the focus isn't entirely, or even predominantly on the unmoving Alexei Afanasievich, as it is also very much on the two women in the household. The artificial world they've created, the bubble they also regularly retreat into -- Nina Alexandrovna spending most of her time there, Marina returning after her long workdays -- affects them as well. In short order, the bifurcation leaves two almost entirely different, and separate, worlds:

Evidently, nothing from outside time could serve as an event for inside time anymore; communication between the two times had ceased

If you looked at present-day capitalism from that distant fork in time, then this looked more like a puppet show or the nightmare of a convinced Communist who finds himself inside his own dream. The sole basis for that figure's existence, if only in men's minds, was the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

- M.A.Orthofer, 7 February 2019

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:

Olga Slavnikova at the Nibbe & Wiedling literary agency

See Index of literature from Russia

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About the Author :

Russian author Olga Slavnikova ( ) was born in 1957.

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Mary Sue Hesselberg, 86, of Beckley, WV, passed away Friday, June 18, 2021. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 25, 2021, in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow in the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Ve
Source:

Last updated on: February 07, 2019 22:49 IST

'People do not want a 'maha milavat' (highly adulterated) government of those who assembled in Kolkata.'

'Congress had left the Army handicapped. It was not in a position to carry out surgical strikes.'

'You want this Rafale deal to be cancelled, on whose behest? For which company?'

In a frontal attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday alleged that those who imposed Emergency, bullied the judiciary and insulted the Army were accusing him of destroying institutions.

"The Congress imposed Emergency, but they say Modi is destroying institutions. Congress insults Army, calls the Army chief a 'goonda' but they say Modi is destroying institutions," the PM said in a hard-hitting reply to a debate on motion of thanks to President's address in Lok Sabha.

The Congress misused Article 356 to dismiss state governments several times. Indira Gandhi herself dismissed state governments 50 times, Modi said.

In a marathon reply to the debate, the prime minister said in a poll year, leaders have compulsions to make charges but lamented that while slamming Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party, some people start attacking India.

He alleged that the Oppositions ability to listen to the truth has diminished.

The Congress, he said, questioned the Election Commission and Electronic Voting Machines but is accusing him of destroying institutions.

"The Congress bullies the judiciary but they say Modi is destroying institutions. Congress calls Planning Commission a bunch of jokers (a reference to Rajiv Gandhi)... but Modi is destroying institutions," Modi said.

Modi compared the work under his '55-month' rule to the Congress' record of '55 years' in power, while making a re-election pitch in what was likely his last speech in the House before the general election.

The motion was passed by a voice vote following the prime minister's 100-minute reply, in which he highlighted his anti-corruption plank and targeted the opposition parties that had come together at a recent Kolkata rally saying their leaders are 'out on bail in wholesale'.

While the Congress' rule of 55 years was about 'satta bhog' (enjoying power), his government was all about 'sewa bhav' (sense of service), Modi said, adding that the opposition party's main grouse against him was that he had challenged its 'sultanate' and shaken it up despite coming from a poor family and being from outside Delhi.

"This intoxication (of power) is the reason of your problem," he added.

"I want to remind the voters of 21st century how power was enjoyed and abused for 55 years," he said, claiming the Commonwealth Games, held in India in 2010 when the Congress-led UPA was in power, were used to augment personal wealth.

Crooks and those who looted public money had ceased to be scared and his government has put in them the fear of law, he said.

"I have no baggage. I don't give favours or depend on favours from others for survival....

"Those who have looted the nation will continue to be scared of Narendra Modi," he said.

Citing his government's report card at the outset, he said India became the sixth largest economy in the world from 11th, second biggest steel producer, record producer of milk and grains and biggest consumer of internet data.

Comparing his government and previous Congress dispensations, he said the sanitation coverage is now 98 per cent compared to 40 per cent in 2014 and 13 crore new LPG connections were given compared to 12 crore allotted by 2014.

In its manifestoes in 2004, 2009 and 2014, the Congress always spoke about electrifying villages and building houses for the poor but never did it and repeated the same promises.

"The task of fulfilling these was to left to me and my government has done it," he said.

The PM also hit back at the Congress over the Rafale issue, which has been repeatedly raised by its chief Rahul Gandhi, as he alleged that the Congress did not want the Indian Air Force to be strong and asked which companies are they bidding for that they are acting so shamefully.

"Congress does not want our Air Force to become powerful. I am levelling a serious allegation," the prime minister said.

"I want to say it on the floor of Parliament that the Indian National Congress doesn't want our armed forces to be strong. They don't want our security apparatus to be strong. Which companies are they bidding for that they are acting so shamefully," he said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been intensifying attack on Modi, accusing him of corruption in the multi-billion dollar jet deal with a French company.

The prime minister said that the armed forces were adversely affected due to delay in procurements under the Congress rule and its personnel did not have bullet-proof jackets, proper shoes, communication equipment or even helmets.

"You had left the Army unarmed. It was not in a position to carry out surgical strikes," he said, adding it is a great dis-service to the nation.

Modi wondered why advanced jets were not procured for 30 years when India's neighbours were equipping themselves with latest weaponry.

"The nation will not forgive you for this sin," the prime minister said.

Taking a swipe at the Congress, he said, "They are surprised that there is a defence deal without kickbacks... they assume that a defence deal cannot happen without commission."

With opposition parties joining hands to build a grand alliance against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, he said the country has seen for 30 years such 'milawat wali' (adulterated) governments and the new combination against him is 'maha milawat' (highly adulterated).

"A healthy society keep away from adulterated food. Our healthy democracy will keep away from this maha-milawat," he said.

He also took a dig at the recent opposition rally in Kolkata organised by the Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.

"People do not want a 'maha milawat' government of those who assembled in Kolkata," he said.

"A government has to work for the people of India, a government has to be sensitive to the people's aspirations. There is no room for corruption.

"We speak the truth, be it in country or outside, in Parliament or outside but your ability to listen to truth has diminished," he said, targeting the opposition.

Expressing confidence that the BJP will return to power, he took a swipe at the Congress and said it should carry on its preparations against his government so as to bring a 'no confidence' motion against it in 2023 as it had done in 2018.

As he said so, Congress leaders were heard accusing him of arrogance, to which he retorted that his confidence was driven by his party's 'sewa bhav' as this brought the BJP to power with a majority in 2014 after it had fallen to two seats in 1984 polls.

"You fell to 44 seats from over 400 due to your arrogance," he said pointing to Congress leaders in the House.

Taking a dig at Gandhi without naming him, Modi said he was 'crying' over EVMs on the day the country was discussing the budget.

"What has happened to you?" he asked.

In an apparent reference to liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, who is wanted in cases of defrauding banks and whose extradition from London is being pursued by India, he said, "People who have fled the country are crying on Twitter that 'I had left with Rs 9,000 crore but my assets of Rs 13000 crore have been seized'".

Referring to development figures cited by the Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge to list achievements of its past governments, Modi said the opposition party's 'suffered from 'BC- before Congress' and 'AD- after dynasty'' as it believed nothing was done in the country before its advent and everything was done after the (Gandhi) dynasty came to power.

Modi referred to the two phases in years denoted in the Julian and Gregorian calendars while responding to assertions by Congress leaders on the country's achievements since Independence.

Modi said the Congress keeps bringing up 1947 like BC and AD whenever the current government speaks about its achievements since 2014 when it came to power.

"When we speak about history, we use BC and AD. We heard speeches which kept mentioning the periods from 1947 to 2014.

"BC and AD have their meanings. BC means 'Before Congress' which means there was nothing before the Congress came to power and AD 'After Dynasty' which means whatever happened was after the dynasty," Modi said in a veiled reference to the Nehru-Gandhi family.

The terms AD (anno Domini) and BC (before Christ) are used to label or number years in the Julian and Gregorian calendars.

Modi also accused the Congress of defaming the nation.

"In discussing Modi and in discussing BJP, they end up defaming the nation. That is why their leaders go to London and do press conferences to show India in bad light," the prime minister said.

Modi made this remark in an apparent reference to a news conference in London by a self-proclaimed cyber expert who claimed that the 2014 Lok Sabha polls were rigged through hacked electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Congress leader Kapil Sibal was present at the conference last month through skype by an US-based Indian who identified himself as Syed Shuja.

Sibal had said he attended the event in personal capacity, in response to the BJP's allegation that he was there on behalf of his party.

Modi also said the Congress did not have vision and has not worked for the benefit of the nation.

"Modiji will frighten the people who are corrupt, said Modi, adding, the nation has put me in this position to end corruption.

In the 100-minute speech, he accused successive governments of the Congress of indulging in corruption and harbouring the corrupt.

"I assure you, those who have looted the nation will continue to be scared of Narendra Modi," the PM said as he vowed to come down hard on those indulging in corruption and expressed confidence that his government will return to power in the coming general elections.

Referring to the Commonwealth Games of 2010, Modi said while the players were working hard to win medals for India, the event was an opportunity for a few in the Congress to boost personal wealth.

The Congress used 'loan waiver' for farmers as a '10-year scheme' to win elections but in reality did nothing for small peasants, he alleged, asserting that his government is dedicated to national interest and rooting out corruption and black money.

In an oblique reference to the Enforcement Directorate's probe against Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra on corruption charges, he said details of properties are being unearthed in investigation of graft cases.

"For whom, where, when... details are coming out," he said, and then referred to recent extradition of people wanted in corruption cases by central agencies.

Congress leaders are downcast as they are not sure what these 'raazdar' (ones having secrets) will reveal, Modi said.

To the charge that his government was destroying institutions, he hit back at the Congress saying it was a case of 'ulta chor chowkidar ko dante' (thieves scolding the watchman).

He also said the extradition of some of the accused in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal was giving jitters to many in the opposition as 'razdars' were returning and will spill the beans.

He alleged that during the previous United Progressive Alliance regime, there have been instances when people availed loans from banks following phone calls from higher ups in the government.

"The phone banking of the UPA did wonders for the friends of their leaders. Due to such favouritism, our banking system witnessed many problems," the PM said.

Referring to the action taken against thousands of NGOs who have been getting foreign funding but not utilising them properly, Modi said the NDA government has completely overhauled the process of foreign funding.

"We sought transparency in the process, but about 20,000 such organisations had to close down. Why was such money allowed to come in without accountability.

"The tried to influence decision-making process as well as judiciary," he said, and warned of action against more such entities.

He also attacked the Congress over price rise during its tenure.

"Price rise and Congress are a team. When Congress comes, so does price-rise. The NDA government has worked to keep prices under check," he said.

Rejecting allegations of rising unemployment, Modi said crores of new jobs have been created in formal and unorganised sectors including transport, hotels and infrastructure.

Jobs have been created both in informal and formal sectors, he said in Lok Sabha, citing data from provident fund and National Pension System (NPS), Income Tax filings and sale of vehicles among others.

The strong rebuttal came amid allegations of jobless growth under the Modi government.

Modi said informal sector accounts for 85-90 per cent while the formal sector provides only 10-15 per cent employment in the country.

The prime minister said in 15 months till November 2018, 1.8 crore people got enrolled in the Employees Provident Fund for the first time.

Of these 64 per cent were below 28 years of age. As many as 65 lakh employees were part of NPS system in 2014 which has increased to 1.2 crore by October 2018.

About 6.35 lakh new professionals have filed income tax returns in the last four year.

"Isn't this indication of job creation, the PM quipped on the repeated barbs of opposition leaders on employment situation in the country.

Referring to the informal sector, he said, 36 lakh new large trucks/commercial vehicles, 1.5 crore passenger vehicles and 27 lakh new autos were sold.

Have those been bought for parking, he said, adding they are not included in the job data. Modi said there is no correct system of collecting job data at present and his government is trying to put one in place.

He said 1.25 crore opportunities were created in hotel industry, 1.5 crore in tourism, besides a large number of jobs have been created by cab aggregators and through Mudra scheme.

Cab aggregators are app based but vehicles are not driver-less, Modi said as he reeled out data on jobs created in different sectors.

He also took a jibe at previous non-BJP governments saying that in earlier times odd jobs created even in STD booths were cited in Parliament.

The government has launched several initiatives like Skill India, Stand-Up India and Digital India aimed at promoting self employment in the country.
Last updated on: February 07, 2019 17:58 IST

With the political slugfest between the government and opposition parties intensifying, it seems like the budget session of Parliament is headed for yet another washout.

Watch all the action in both houses LIVE here.
February 07, 2019 10:21 IST

Islamic State has been decimated, United States President Donald Trump has said, adding that sometime probably next week, he will formally announce to have 100 per cent of the caliphate.

Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters Rediff.com IMAGE: US President Donald Trump addresses a gathering of foreign ministers aligned toward the defeat of Islamic State at the State Department in Washington.

The United States military, its Coalition partners and the Syrian Democratic Forces have liberated virtually all of the territory previously held by ISIS in Syria and Iraq, Trump said on Wednesday.

"It should be formally announced sometime probably next week that we will have 100 per cent of the caliphate. But I want to wait for the official word. I don't want to say it too early," Trump said in his address to the Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

He said the new approach developed by his administration, empowered US commanders in the field, enabled partners on the ground, and directly confronted ISIS's "wicked" ideology.

Over the past two years, US and its partners have retaken more than 20,000 square miles of land, he said.

"We have secured one battlefield. And we've had victory after victory after victory, and retaken both Mosul and Raqqa. We have eliminated more than 60 mile high-value ISIS leaders," he said.

"Now, they re-form; we know that. But they're having a hard time re-forming, and I wouldn't say it's a great job to have because of us. It's not exactly - hopefully will not be a sought-after occupation," he said.

"More than a hundred other top ISIS officials have been eliminated, and tens of thousands of ISIS fighters are gone. They're gone," he stressed.

US and its international partners, he said, have freed more than five million civilians from the grip of these bloodthirsty killers.

"Thanks to the Global Coalition, including all of you here today, and to our other partners, the ISIS caliphate has been decimated. Nobody thought it was possible to do it this quickly," Trump said.

Observing that the struggle against terrorism was a shared fight, Trump said: "We do it together. If we don't do it together, it can never be the same. Everyone must do their part and contribute their fair share."

"We must also recognise that immigration security is national security, and that foreign fighters must not gain access into our nations," he said.

Later in a statement, the Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/DAESH said that the territorial defeat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria will mark a significant milestone in the war against ISIS.

But this does not mean the campaign against ISIS is over, it said.

Further engagement was needed in Iraq and Syria, where the terrorist group is still resilient, it added.

ISIS's leadership, affiliates, and its supporters view its territorial losses in Iraq and Syria as a setback, not as defeat, the statement said.

In 2019, with the conventional military effort against ISIS in Syria nearing culmination and shifting to a supporting rather than a central role, the Coalition members will open a discussion to plan the next phase of the campaign, it said.

This could involve an effort to counter ISIS's reversion to insurgency in Syria and Iraq, the statement said.

"The Coalition is determined to increase the pressure to disrupt ISIS's trans-regional network through increased information sharing and complementary efforts in counter-finance, strategic communication, law enforcement, the justice sector, and security for our homelands," the statement said.

The meeting was attended by foreign ministers and representatives from more than 70 countries.

Afghanistan was the only South Asian country to be present in this international coalition to defeat ISIS.
Source:

February 07, 2019 23:38 IST

IMAGE: Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav raise slogans as students and youth from over 50 organisations participate in Young India Adhikar March against government policies from Red Fort to Parliament Street, in New Delhi, on Thursday. Photograph: Arun Sharma/PTI Photo

Thousands of students from varsities across the country braved the winter chill to march from the Red Fort to Parliament Street in Delhi on Thursday to demand better employment and educational opportunities.

More than 50 youth groups, students' unions and organisations came together in December last year to form the Young India National Coordination Committee, under whose banner the 'Young India Adhikar March' was held this afternoon.

Starting with the historic Red Fort in the background, students carrying red flags, placards with messages like 'Enact Rohith Act', 'End 13-point roster' and 'Where is Najeeb?' walked through the busy Daryaganj-Barakhamba Road stretch to the Parliament Street.

Slogans of 'Inquilab zindabad', 'ab jumlebaazi nahi chalegi' resonated in the heart of Delhi as students from institutions like Ambedkar University, Delhi University, Allahabad University, Hyderabad University marched, bringing traffic to a halt on several major roads and intersections.

The protesting students claimed that when they reached Red Fort, police did not allow them to take out the march but they did not budge and said they would make their voices heard.

A senior police officer said, "We did request them to not take out the march since it was a huge gathering and there was no permission for it. But then we allowed them since it might have created a law and order issue, if we had not allowed them."

The officer said that 11 companies of outside force, with each comprising 70 personnel, accompanied the students along with local police personnel from north, central and New Delhi police districts.

Police said the gathering was of around 4,000 people.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi, who addressed the students at the end of the march, said many young Indians have come to free the country from 'this fascist government'.

"We know how students have been silenced ever since this government came to power. Today we are here to say in one voice that we won't tolerate this anymore. I am so happy to see you coming together against this government and intolerance," she told the gathering.

Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav said the 'JP movement' had dislodged the government and this movement by the students also has the same potential.

"We stood with Kanhaiya, Shehla in 2016 when no parties supported them. Our party has always taken up the issues of jobs, privatisation of education and students," he said.

Former Jawaharlal Nehru University students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar also took to the stage to express solidarity with the students. Kumar's one-liners revved the crowd with loud cheers and slogans.

"It seems Modi-ji has been in election mode right from the time he was elected. He speaks but has not been working. In the first year, Modi-ji was talking about cleaning Ganga and in the second year, he was talking about his own mother but when demonetisation came, he made his own mother stand in the queue. Then the issue was about 'gai maata'," he said.

Kumar said the government's 'anti-people policies' will be shattered.

Gujarat MLA and Dalit activist Jignesh Mevani said there are only 100 days left for the election and this elections will ensure 'ghar waapsi' for the prime minister. "But we do not want to keep him in Gujarat," he quipped.

He said the government which will come to power after the Lok Sabha polls should employ people in the 24 lakh sanctioned government jobs within 100 days and if it failed to do so, they would again come back to Parliament Street to register their protest.

"They sent CBI after Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee... Why don't they send CBI after Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Vijay Mallya?" he questioned.

All India Students Association national president Sucheta De said students from all the universities who have been branded 'anti-nationals' have come to New Delhi to place their demands.

Several issues were raised at the march including the disappearance of JNU student Najeeb Ahmed, bringing back the 200-point roster for faculty appointments, absence of adequate facilities at the Delhi School of Journalism despite the students being charged high fees and removal of hostel curfews for women.

"Fill all vacant government jobs and end the regime of paper leaks and corruption in recruitment. Spend at least 10 per cent of the budget on education. Stop the policy of school closure, seat-cut, fund-cut, fee-hike and reservation-cut in higher education," the 'Young India Charter' released by the students' groups said.

"End gender discriminatory rules, ensure girls' hostel and effective anti-sexual harassment cells.

"End saffronisation of education. Ensure academic freedom and freedom of expression in campuses. Fulfil constitutionally-mandated reservation. Institute anti-discrimination cells in all campuses," it added.
Source:

February 07, 2019 23:06 IST

A row broke out in the Travancore Devaswom Board on Thursday as its chief sought an explanation from the Devaswom Commissioner for reversing its stand on the Supreme Court's verdict allowing women of all ages into the Sabarimala shrine.

In a U-turn on Wednesday, the board which manages the Ayyappa shrine supported the apex court's order, joining the Kerala government to oppose a batch of pleas seeking review of the historic verdict in the Supreme Court.

The temple board, in earlier round of litigation, had opposed the public interest litigation by Indian Young Lawyers Association seeking to throw open the shrine for all women.

TDB chief A Padmakumar on Thursday said the board had actually submitted a plea seeking extension of time to implement the September 28 verdict permitting women of all age groups into the shrine.

"Our counsel got only three minutes when the review petitions were taken up (in the supreme court) on Wednesday. When the court asked whether the board was accepting the verdict permitting women's entry, he naturally replied in the affirmative.

"We are yet to know what had actually happened in the court," Padmakumar told reporters in Pathanamthitta.

"The Devaswom Commissioner (N Vasu) was the one who was sent to New Delhi in connection with the case. He knows the things...I have sought an explanation from him in this regard," the TDB chief said.

Padmakumar's comments assume significance in the wake of reports that the TDB chief, who had earlier opposed the entry of young women into the Ayyappa shrine, had differences of opinion with the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front government and other board members over the sensitive issue.

Rejecting the charges, Vasu said the TDB had taken no decision without the knowledge of its president.

"...The Board had already made it clear that it was bound to abide by the SC verdict. The same stand was repeated in the apex court Wednesday also," he told reporters in Thiruvanathapuram.

Vasu rejected media reports that the TDB advocate had taken a stand contrary to the board's.

He also termed as 'incorrect' the reports in a section of the media that Justice Indu Malhotra, one of the members of the five-judge constitution bench hearing the petitions, had asked whether the TDB had changed its earlier stance on the women entry issue.

The Devaswom Commissioner said the TDB chief had not sought any explanation from him so far.

"There is no circumstance at present to seek any explanation over the matter. But I will be meeting him soon to brief the developments in the apex court. I just came from Delhi," he added.

When asked about the TDB's earlier petition seeking more time to implement the verdict, Vasu said the plea was filed citing the board's difficulties in implementing it in the recently concluded pilgrimage season due to dearth of facilities for women.

The board's changed stand had invited strong protests from various quarters including the Pandalam royal family, attached to the Sabarimala Temple.

The Pandalam family has been vehemently opposing the entry of women belonging to the traditionally barred age group of 10-50 years.

The temple body had told a five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, that it was high time that a particular class not be discriminated on the ground of 'biological attributes'.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala demanded resignation of TDB president following the changed approach on the Sabarimala women entry issue.

"TDB president has been wavering right from the beginning over the matter. First he said review petition would be filed which was changed after allegedly being threatened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan," he said in Thiruvananthapuram.

Chennithala said a petition seeking more time to implement the September 28 verdict was filed by the board later.

Both the government and the board had ignored the sentiments of devotees, he said, adding the TDB chief had no moral right to continue in the position.
Source:

Last updated on: February 07, 2019 22:53 IST

Rain, hailstorms and snowfall lashed several parts of northern India on Thursday, disrupting normal life at many places, officials said.

The Kashmir region remained cut off for the second consecutive day due to heavy snowfall.

The arterial Srinagar-Jammu road was closed after snow accumulated around the Jawahar Tunnel and landslides at several places in Ramban district

All flights at the Srinagar airport were cancelled for the day, an official of the Airports Authority of India said.

Authorities have issued an avalanche warning for 16 of the 22 districts of Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours.

The Valley and high-altitude areas of the state have been experiencing heavy snowfall over the past 24 hours, officials said.

Several parts of Delhi and adjacent areas reported heavy rain and hailstorm in the evening.

As many as 38 flights, including 23 domestic and nine international, were diverted from the Delhi airport to nearby cities between 6-8.45 pm.

The remaining six flights that were diverted during this time period were either private jets or belonged to the Indian Air Force, an official said.

'Looks almost like snow in Delhi! Massive disruption to flights with multiple diversions across airlines. Customers are requested to be patient, really not in staff or airline control,' tweeted Sanjiv Kapoor, Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer, Vistara airlines.

A Delhi airport official said that 23 domestic flights and nine international flights were diverted to nearby cities between 6 pm and 8.45 pm. Remaining six flights that were diverted were either private jets or belonged to the Indian Air Force.

Among those diverted was a chartered plane carrying Haryana Chief Minister Monohar Lal Khattar.

Khattar's chartered plane was flying from Jodhpur to Delhi but it was diverted to Jaipur. He later left for Delhi in a regular flight, Jaipur airport director J S Balhara said.

"In between 6 pm and 7 pm, nine flights were diverted to Jaipur airport. In the same time period, three flights each were diverted to Lucknow airport and Amritsar airport. Two flights were diverted to Varanasi and one flight to Indore in this one-hour period," the Delhi airport official said.

"Due to extremely bad weather, many of the flights are facing a departure delay of more than two hours," he added.

According to another airport official, four out of the nine flights diverted to Jaipur were of Air India.

"These four flights of Air India were heading to Delhi from Varanasi, Kathmandu, Dubai and Kabul," he said.

Vistara airlines said that its flight from Guwahati to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur. Its Bangalore-Delhi flight was diverted to Lucknow and its Kolkata-Delhi flight was diverted to Varanasi.

In Uttarakhand, cold conditions intensified as the hilly districts received fresh snowfall and the lower areas were lashed by rains.

It has been raining intermittently in Dehradun since Wednesday evening. Schools and colleges in several districts remained closed in view of the inclement weather, officials said.

According to the state emergency operation centre, the Sonprayag-Kedarnath trek route to the Himalayan shrine was closed after being clogged with snow.

The weather office has forecast heavy-to-very-heavy snowfall in the hilly areas over the next 24 hours.

Moderate-to-heavy rains also lashed parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, the meteorological department said.

Widespread rainfall occurred in Himachal Pradesh during the past 24 hours.

The weather change was caused by a western disturbance, an official said.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh ordered for a assessment of possible crop damage.

In Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district, a hailstorm damaged potato crops in over half-a-dozen villages, said Buddha Singh Pradhan, state vice-president Bharatiya Kisan Union.
Source:

February 07, 2019 23:21 IST

IMAGE: Congress president Rahul Gandhi addresses the national convention of AICC minority department, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, on Thursday. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo

Mounting a fresh offensive on Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Thursday called the prime minister a 'darpok' (coward) and dared him to a five minute face-to-face debate on issues such as the controversial Rafale jet deal and national security.

Addressing the Congress' minority department convention in New Delhi, a combative Gandhi also alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was trying to capture the institutions of the country and said his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh will remove the organisation's loyalists from the system.

In his speech covering a range of topics, Gandhi slammed Modi for his China policy, saying the prime minister flew to the country and held a summit without an agenda while Beijing sent its army to Doklam, a reference to the China-India border standoff in 2017.

Modi folded his hands before China, the Congress chief claimed, adding that China realised within two months that 'leave alone 56 inches, he doesn't even have a four-inch chest'.

"I know his (Modi) character after fighting him for five years...I say to BJP leaders... make Narendra Modi stand with me on stage for five minutes and debate on national security, Rafale," Gandhi said in his speech in Hindi.

"I want to say he is a darpok (coward) person. I have recognised him. He gets scared when he faces someone who says I will not back off, he backs off," the Congress president said, walking away dramatically from the mike for visual effect, eliciting applause from Congress workers.

In a speech laced with sarcasm, Gandhi did not spare Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, mocking him for allegedly taking instructions from the British.

Gandhi urged his party's workers to face the RSS, the Bharatiya Janata Party and Modi with all their might. If Congress workers stand together, they (RSS, BJP, Modi) will run away as 'they are cowards', he added.

The Congress chief said fear was writ large on Modi's face and asserted that those who spread hatred will be defeated.

Declaring that the 'image of Narendra Modi is finished', Gandhi said, "He now knows you can't rule India by dividing people."

The Congress chief alleged that the RSS was attempting to capture the country's institutions, from the judiciary to the Election Commission.

"We have not merely formed governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh... we will ensure that RSS people put in institutions in these states are removed," he said.

Gandhi claimed that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath informed him that there was a special ministry in the state under the BJP rule to which Rs 800 crore were given and it was full of RSS people.

"In these states (MP, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan), one by one, we will do the work of removing RSS people from government's institutions. The bureaucracy of these states should know and India's bureaucracy should know that you are not RSS' bureaucracy, but India's bureaucracy," Gandhi said.

He asserted that irrespective of language, religion, and caste, the Congress party will always protect all Indians.

The aim of the RSS is to set aside the Constitution and run the country from Nagpur, he alleged.

"The RSS puts its people in the judicial system, in the Election Commission. The CBI chief if he wants to probe Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he is set aside and an RSS person is put in his place. Their aim is to finish all institutions in the country," Gandhi alleged.

He also alleged that Modi was the face but the government was being run by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

"With Narendra Modi as PM, four Supreme Court judges come out and say that 'we are not being allowed to work' and in the same line take the name of Justice Loya and indirectly say that BJP president Amit Shah is not allowing the Supreme Court to do its work," Gandhi said, referring to CBI judge B H Loya who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh and died in Nagpur on December 1, 2014.

The RSS and the BJP think that they are above India, but in three months the country will make them understand that it is not so, Gandhi said.

He alleged Modi snatched the Rafale contract from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and helped Anil Ambani to make a profit of Rs 30,000 crore.

The government, as well as Anil Ambani, have strongly denied any wrongdoing in the fighter jet agreement with France.

"Do you accept that five years ago PM Narendra Modi's reputation was very good. Do you accept that today Narendra Modi is a thief. He can't even speak openly," Gandhi said.

In his tenure Modi gave Rs 3.5 lakh crore to 15 industrialists, Gandhi alleged.

"I asked the team framing the Congress manifesto to give something that shakes up the country. I asked them to give me something that I could offer loudly and change the mood of the people," he said of his party's minimum income promise for the poor.

The minimum income amount will be deposited in the bank accounts of the poor across the country by the Congress, he said.

"If Modi ji can give lakhs of crores of rupees to 15 individuals, we can also put money in the pocket of the poor people," he said.

This decision will be first of its kind in the world, where a big country like India will directly transfer money in the accounts of poor people, Gandhi said, adding that this will eradicate poverty.

Gandhi again brought up the Rafale deal while talking to reporters after his meeting with the party's general secretaries.

"The Prime Minister has helped steal Rs 30,000 crore from the defense forces and handed it to Anil Ambani and he has done it personally. Please remember what I have said. He has done it personally," he alleged.
February 07, 2019 08:18 IST

The festival is billed as the largest gathering of humanity on earth, with 110 million people expected to attend over 49 days. But for the thousands who get lost among the crowds, help is at hand and has been since 1946.

Manik Gupta/PTI reports

IMAGE: An aerial view of Sangam at early hours on the auspicious Mauni Amavasya during the Kumbh Mela. Photograph: PTI Photo

Hundreds of people mill around the Bhule Bhatke Camp, lost in the teeming crowds of the Kumbh Mela and hoping desperately to be found -- a familiar trope of many a Hindi film but also an everyday reality in the largest gathering on earth underway at Pragyaraj in Uttar Pradesh.

The humble tin settlement that is the headquarters of the camp has already found 20,000 people since the Kumbh Mela started on January 15, said Umesh Tiwari whose father started the lost and found movement.

Many writers of the 1960s and 1970s shot to fame by penning stories themed on separation in the Kumbh Mela and unification several celluloid hours later. But it was Raja Ram Tiwari, famously known as Bhule Bhatke Tiwari, who gave real life to their stories.

He dedicated 70 years of his life to help reunite 12,50,000 adults and over 20,000 children lost in Kumbh with their families, said his proud son.

Tiwari Seniors success rate was close to 100 per cent, he added.

And unlike the movies, a child did not have to wait for 20 years to meet his or her parents or siblings.

Sometimes it could take days and sometime it was just matter of some hours. My father, in most cases, did manage to reunite lost people with their families. When he couldnt help the lost person, he would take the help of police, Umesh said.

WATCH: Digital lost and found camps set up in Prayagraj

The formula for success, devised way back in 1946, continues in this digital age with loudspeakers blaring out the names of those queuing up outside -- and inside -- the camp.

The rudimentary camp, set up in Triveni Marg of the Mela grounds, is furnished with just a few chairs and tables.

Its basic but effective, said Umesh, happy to back age-old methods of locating the bhule bhatke in the mela rooted in tradition that goes back thousands of years.

IMAGE: A Bharat Seva Dal member writes a lost complaint of a devotee at Bhule Bhatke Camp during Kumbh Mela. Photograph: PTI Photo

For Raja Ram, it all started when he attended the Magh Mela, an annual fair on the banks of the Sangam at Allahabad, in 1946 with his friends, recounted the son who carries on his fathers work.

In that mela he saw an old woman crying. He asked why and learnt that she was lost. After three hours, he found her home. That incident made my father very happy.

The next day, he came again and started announcing the names of lost people with a handmade tin loudspeaker. He would move around the whole mela with a caravan of lost people following him. That year alone, he helped reunite 800 people, Umesh said.

There has been no looking back since.

Raja Ram participated in six Ardh Kumbh Melas, six Kumbh Melas and over 60 Magh Melas in Allahabad. When he died in August 2016, at the age of 88, he passed on the baton to his son Umesh, who now heads the Bhartiya Seva Dal -- the organisation running the Bhule Bhatke camp.

The youngest among Raja Rams four sons, Umesh has been helping his father since he completed his graduation in 1995 from Allahabad University.

Bhule Bhatke toh humare khoon mein hai bhai sahab (Bhule Bhatke runs in our blood, brother), said Umesh, who when not re-uniting people in melas works as a farmer.

IMAGE: Naga Sadhus take a dip during the second "Shahi Snan" (grand bath) at the Kumbh Mela. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Cool as cucumber, 43-year-old Umesh is a genial fellow who welcomes everyone entering the tin shelter set up.

Theres a woman from Jammu and another from Jharkhand who have been separated from their groups.

Umesh gave a patient hearing to both before making the announcements.

Mata ji aap parchi mein sab likhwa dijiye, aapka anouncement kar denge. Ganga maiya sab theek karegi (Please write your names on paper. Your announcements will be made. Mother Ganga will set everything right), he told the visitors gently.

WATCH: Approximately 12.5 crore people took holy dip at Triveni Sangam

The personal touch is perhaps why Bhule Bhatke still holds its own despite 15 digital lost-and-found centres.

Modis ji slogan is Chalo Kumbh Chale, mine is Wapsi Ghar Surakshit. Yes, we use traditional methods only and we plan to stick with it. However, I welcome the inclusion of the hi-tech lost-and found centres this time. Hope they get to help and serve the people better, he added.

Theres absolutely no money involved. In fact, even a cup of tea from their money is not acceptable, said Umesh.

They are our guests till the time we help them find their relatives. When it is done, we request them to leave and make way for our other guests. The only thing we ask from them when they leave is permission to take their smiling photo and one loud chant in the praise of Ganga Maiya, he added.

Theres a trace of regret that the governments through the years have done little to recognise the contribution of his father.

People from different countries come here and talk highly about my father. They take interviews, make documentaries... do so many things. But here, with due respect to everyone, I feel he didnt get the respect he deserved, Umesh said.

IMAGE: The Kumbh Mela is considered as the biggest gathering of human beings and this year the festival is expected to attract over 10 million people. Photograph: PTI Photo

But Bollywood recognition is nigh.

According to reports, producer Siddharth Roy Kapur has already acquired the life story rights of Allahabad social worker and his family.

When asked, Umesh said with a smile, Will find you and tell you first as soon it is confirmed.
Source:

February 07, 2019 19:28 IST

IMAGE: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy talks with former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other leaders in the House during the first day of the Budget Session of Assembly, at Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru, on Wednesday. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo

Playing hardball, disgruntled Congress MLAs skipped the assembly session for the second day on Thursday, even as the Bharatiya Janata Party blocked proceedings of the House, claiming the ruling coalition has lost majority.

Anxiety-gripped Congress has convened a legislature party (CLP) meeting on Friday ahead of budget presentation and warned its MLAs that absence would invite action under the Anti-Defection Law.

Opposition BJP continued its protest against the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition government from the Well of the assembly for the second consecutive day, forcing the speaker to adjourn the House without transacting any business.

"Nine MLAs from the ruling side have not signed the assembly attendance register today," official sources said.

Though a couple of legislators had given prior intimation about inability to attend, absence of legislators allegedly in touch with the BJP to switch sides, continued to be a cause of worry for the ruling coalition leaders.

Four MLAs- Ramesh Jarkiholi, Umesh G Jadhav, B Nagendra, Mahesh Kumathalli, who had skipped the January 18 CLP meeting and were issued notice, continued to remain absent from the House on Thursday too.

J N Ganesh, who is declared absconding after an alleged brawl with a colleague lawmaker at a resort recently, was also among the absentees.

From JD-S, lawmaker K C Narayana Gowda, who has not been attending the assembly since Wednesday, was allegedly in touch with BJP, according to top coalition sources.

However, Gowda speaking to a local channel has cited health reasons for his absence.

Senior Congress MLAs have expressed confidence about Jarkiholi, Jadhav, Nagendra and Kumathalli, along with B C Patil, being present at the CLP meeting.

Congress legislators have been asked to attend the 'special' CLP meeting 'without fail' to discuss the budget session, approval to the budget, legislation and other related matters by CLP leader Siddaramaiah.

The letter to all party MLAs also states that absence from the meeting would be viewed seriously and action taken against them under the Anti-Defection law.

A similar notice was issued to legislators ahead of the CLP meeting on January 18, which four of them had skipped,leading to resort politics in the state, amid alleged renewed bid by BJP to topple the government by poaching Congress MLAs.

Ignoring whip, nine Congress and one JD-S MLA had skipped the legislature sitting on Wednesday, that saw BJP members disrupting the address of Governor Vajubhai Vala to the joint sitting of the state legislature.

BJP, with numbers in the assembly still not in their favour, has decided not to move no confidence motion against the government and is expected to continue with disruption questioning the legitimacy of the coalition government.

As the assembly met for the day Thursday, slogan shouting BJP members trooped into the well of the House.

"Down down to the government that lost majority. Go back go back-CM go back, step down step down-CM step down," slogans reverberated in the House.

Hitting back, coalition ministers challenged the BJP to move a no confidence motion against the government.

As the BJP's sloganeering continued, Ministers B Z Zammeer Ahmed Khan, Priyank Kharge and Krishna Byre Gowda challenged the opposition to bring in no confidence motion.

Speaker Ramesh Kumar then asked Congress member S T Somashekhar to move the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address that was seconded by H K Kumaraswamy (JD-S).

However, Somashekhar could not initiate the discussionas the BJP's sloganeering continued, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House for some time.

Again as the House resumed, BJP members continued withtheir protest from the well and said the government has lost both trust of the people and majority.

As the chaos continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till Friday.

The BJP is expected to continue its protest in the House on Friday too, when Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who holds the finance portfolio, will present his coalition government's second budget, with an intention to disrupt it.

Speaking to reporters, BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa while defending disruption, flayed the government and Chief Minister for starting a new practice of distributing budget copies to MLAs and media, only after completion of presentation, citing Lok Sabha practice.

Yedyurappa, who is also the leader of opposition, also said the government that doesn't have majority has no moral right to table the Governor's address.

Not wishing to comment on ongoing political developments, Kumaraswamy said he would present the budget on Friday as per schedule.

"Let BJP protest, I can't do anything..I will answer to it on Monday," he said.

On the decision to distribute budget copies to MLAs only after he completes reading it, he said it was the Speaker's decision to follow the Lok Sabha practice.

Challenging the BJP to move a no confidence motion against the government, Coordination committee chief and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked them to resign if they don't want budget presentation.

Siddaramaiah alleged that BJP was protesting as a face saver after not being able to topple the government despite all their efforts even after giving money to some MLAs.

He also expressed hope that all Congress MLAs will attend the CLP meeting that he has called on Friday.

However, amid reports that BJP was planning to defeat the finance bill, some BJP leaders sought to downplay it by saying, there has been no discussion on this yet.

"Let the budget be presented first tomorrow.. we will discuss all those things later," a senior BJP legislator said.
February 07, 2019 14:19 IST

Congress leaders are confident that Priyanka would act as a catalyst for the party and boost the sagging morale of cadres to put up a spirited fight against the BJP and also the SP-BSP pre-poll alliance which had already shut its door on the Congress, reports Virendra Singh Rawat.

IMAGE: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attended her office in the Congress headquarters in New Delhi for the first time after her appointment to the party post, on February 6, 2019. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo

In the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and sister of the partys heir apparent Rahul Gandhi, had courted a controversy by using the word 'neech (lowly)' while making a statement on then Bharatiya Janata Party prime ministerial bet Narendra Modi.

Replying to Modis diatribe against former PM and her father, the late Rajiv Gandhi, Priyanka, who was then overseeing poll management for Sonia and Rahul in Rae Bareli and Amethi constituencies respectively, had flayed the BJP leader for indulging in neech rajniti (lowly politics) and said the people would give a befitting reply to him.

However, her comment was appropriated by the BJP as a casteist slur against Modi and his humble background.

The top Congress leadership, including Rahul, later sought to downplay the controversy by saying she referred to deeds and ideology and not caste, yet it proved too little, too late.

The saffron party went on to sweep the general election, and the Congress was reduced to two seats in Uttar Pradesh, down from 22 in 2009.

Priyanka has now been anointed the partys general secretary in charge of eastern UP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, which is morphing into a tri-polar contest between the BJP, the Congress and a loose coalition of regional parties.

Since the emergence of Priyanka on the political scene almost two decades back, there have been constant rumours of her entry into active politics beyond the Congress pocket boroughs of Amethi and Rae Bareli.

Occasionally, posters have come up demanding pitching Priyanka against Modi as the BJP's rollicking election machinery won one state after the other following the 2014 polls. In her new avatar, she is expected to make the partys organisation in eastern UP fighting fit, and also woo the Muslims, Dalits and upper caste voters.

The Congresss recent successes in the Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where it dethroned the BJP, have already lifted the sagging morale of the partys cadres in UP, which elects 80 Lok Sabha members and is key to any party hoping to form the government at the Centre.

The Congress, the resident ruling party in UP, got reduced to a pale shadow of its glorious past with the emergence of caste-based politics in the late 1980s, especially after Mulayam Singh Yadav became chief minister on December 5, 1989, in the Janata Dal government.

Thereafter, it had been a perpetual decay for the party in UP.

In the recent polls, the Congresss tally continued to dwindle thick and fast with the vote share in the 2012 and the 2017 UP polls standing at a lowly 13.26 per cent and 6.2 per cent, respectively.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the partys vote share stood the lowest at 7.53 per cent among the BJP, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party.

While Priyanka has been anointed eastern UP in charge, former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has been assigned western UP for a turnaround.

Although the party is yet to officially announce the respective constituencies, the two leaders would manage, according to sources, 40 constituencies each.

Nonetheless, her elevation has already recharged the partys UP unit, which was habituated to getting bruised at the hustings every successive election.

Congress leaders are confident that Priyanka would act as a catalyst for the party and boost the sagging morale of cadres to put up a spirited fight against the BJP and also the SP-BSP pre-poll alliance which had already shut its door on the Congress.

In fact, the SP-BSP alliance minus the Congress was one of the major factors, which prompted the grand old party to deploy all at its disposal to contest the polls.

However, Priyanka has a tough task cut out for her.

In fact, the past performances of the Congress in Amethi and Rae Bareli, under her wing, were not stellar either.

For example, Rahuls victory margin in Amethi has consistently slid from 370,000 to 290,000 to 100,000 in the 2004, the 2009 and the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, respectively, although she never let her guard down during all these polls.

Political commentator Sharat Pradhan said Priyanka would re-energise the party.

The Congress has been down in the dumps in UP and its cadre base has depleted beyond a few party strongholds such as Amethi and Rae Bareli. If Priyanka taking up an active election management role in UP is of no consequence, then why are the BJP and its leaders so rattled? Pradhan wondered.

On Priyankas baggage of a string of controversies involving her husband, Robert Vadra, Pradhan opined such cases did not affect the voting pattern.

Every party has its set of leaders fighting cases of corruption, be it the BJP, the SP or the BSP. In fact, Priyankas active role has the potential to even wean away the Muslim votes of the SP-BSP combine, since the minorities are wary of Mayawati, who had in the past thrice joined hands with the BJP, he said.

All India Congress Committee spokesperson and former UP legislator Akhilesh Pratap Singh told Business Standard it was the collective aspirations of tens of millions of people to see Priyanka take up an active role in politics, especially UP.

Her entry will mark the beginning of the end of the BJPs self-centred and hate politics, which would be replaced by the Congresss generic polity of peoples welfare, Singh said.

Whereas time will tell whether she is able to recreate Indira Gandhis magic, the SP-BSP combine, which was looking to sweep the Lok Sabha polls in UP, is now likely to restructure its pre-poll alliance road map to factor in Priyanka and her (over)hyped charisma.
February 07, 2019 08:59 IST

'The procurement cycle still consumes too much time; little has changed.'

'There is still no level playing field for the private sector.'

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi addresses the NCC rally in New Delhi, January 28, 2019. Also seen: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Defence Dr Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, the chief of the naval staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra.

Baba Kalyani, chairman, Kalyani Group and chairman Confederation of Indian Industry's defence committee, tells Ajai Shukla that while some government initiatives like the Defence Procurement Procedure of 2016 and the defence licensing policy have helped the sector, problems remain.

As the National Democratic Alliance government approaches the end of its five year term, what are its successes and failures in defence?

The NDA government has had hits as well as misses in defence.

It has instituted a defence planning committee, under the national security advisor to coordinate macro-level planning.

It has announced a defence production policy in 2018, revised offset guidelines and incorporated a 'Make-2' procedure that simplified participation of the private sector in developing indigenous defence equipment.

The first proposals under Make-2 are being processed.

Next, the department of industrial policy and promotion has revised the public procurement policy, giving preference to Indian companies for revenue procurement.

In global procurements, it will now be mandatory for defence public sector undertakings to offer an Indian company half the order at the L-1 price as long as its bid is within 20 per cent of the winning bid.

This is the policy in many countries, including the US, but was so far missing in India.

The defence procurement procedure of 2016 simplified procurement and gave preference to 'Make in India'.

The defence licensing policy has been simplified and made less restrictive.

The technology development fund has been operationalised. It does not have a lot of money, but even we have one project running under it.

Finally, the government has recently set up two defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

And what are the misses?

The procurement cycle still consumes too much time; little has changed there.

There is still no level playing field for the private sector, with orders continuing to flow on 'nomination' basis to DPSUs.

In the last four years, the private sector has received no major orders except for the K-9 self-propelled gun won by L&T.

The few policy changes instituted to level the playing field are inadequate. In my view, 'adequate' means a completely level playing field for private and public sectors.

Separately, the government needs to expedite the 55 mission-mode development projects the Defence Research and Development Organisation is pursuing.

How do you bring them to fruition? Industrialising successful products remains a problem, with the private sector required to undergo multiple trials -- first development trials, then user-assisted trials, then user trials, then production agency trials.

Why can't we have one consolidated trial, which all these agencies oversee? It will save time.

Is industry optimistic about the strategic partner policy, in which private firms are selected to build major defence platforms like aircraft, guns and armoured vehicles?

There is little clarity on the SP policy. Despite many government statements, not one contract has been awarded, nor a single firm chosen as SP.

I don't even know what the policy is. Industry would appreciate a focus on implementing this policy.

DPSUs are proposing that they also be allowed into the SP policy...

That is a ridiculous demand. The SP policy is intended to build private sector capability in defence production.

Is there a case for reverting to the Raksha Udyog Ratna model that the Kelkar Committee proposed in 2006?

Why beat a dead horse? It would be better to focus on implementing the defence production policy of 2018 in letter and spirit.

Have offsets brought work to the private defence industry?

The problem is that many of our purchases are government-to-government deals that come without offset obligations, so domestic industry does not benefit.

Should India introduce mandatory 'Make in India' for defence kits like France and the United States?

It is already there in various forms. DPP-2016 mandates that, for procuring any equipment, if an IDDM (Indian designed, developed and manufactured) option is available, it has to be taken.

Separately, the defence production policy has specified that, in seven years, all major platforms like aircraft, helicopters, warships and tanks must be built in India. After 2025, we can't import these platforms.

Is that at all realistic?

Of course, seven years is more than enough.

Over the last five years, most private defence firms have created capability by forming joint ventures with foreign partners.

Now the government needs to signal seriousness by placing orders.

How can industry bodies create an enabling environment

My focus as chairman of the CII defence committee this year will be: How do we get 'Make in India' to work? How do we make the defence production policy operate in the way it is conceived?

And how do we make the positive elements of DPP-2016 happen which deal with the Make-2 procedure in which private firms -- especially micro, small and medium enterprises -- can take suo moto proposals to the MoD to develop products and platforms for the military.

That will be a key boost to indigenous defence manufacture.
February 07, 2019 10:45 IST

'Mamata did not stand up for those who suffered owing to the chit fund scam, but only stood up for Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar because he has all the knowledge about the chit fund case.'

IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sat on a three-day dharna protesting the Central Bureau of Investigation action against Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters

Why is West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at loggerheads with the Centre?

What is this chit fund scam all about?

And why did the Trinamool Congress chief go on a dharna for three days?

If these questions puzzle you, here are some answers, courtesy Dr Sujan Chakraborty, the Left Front legislative party leader in West Bengal who has organised protest rallies by the Chit Fund Sufferers's Unity Forum.

"The BJP is using the chit fund scam as a political game," Dr Chakraborty -- a former Communist Party of India-Marxist MP -- tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com.

The TMC blames Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Mukul Roy and Himanta Biswas Sarma while the BJP blames TMC leaders involved in the chit fund scam. Can you give us a clear picture as to what is happening?

This is not a tussle between the Centre and state as it is being portrayed. This issue is of complete corruption and lakhs of people who have been looted and cheated in the country because of the chit fund scam.

The leadership and the administration of the ruling party in the state are identified and known in the chit scam.

Along with them other leaders from different parties too are involved like BJP leader Himanta Biswas Sarma from Assam and some people from Orissa. But the difference is that all the other states agreed to the CBI probe except West Bengal. They opposed the CBI investigation.

One wonders why the CBI did not take any action for the last five years in the chit fund scam and woke up all of a sudden.

The CBI has knowledge of many things and has arrested many people. When they started making arrests, Mamata Banerjee opposed it in different ways.

For example, when her cabinet minister Madan Mitra was arrested, they (the TMC) took out a rally (in his support). In this case concerning Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, she sat on a dharna.

In your opinion, why did Mamata sit on a dharna?

All documents regarding the chit fund scam have been hushed up by Rajeev Kumar. He knows many details and he even knows of the criminality and corruption of the supreme leaders of the TMC. Therefore, she is apprehensive of Rajeev Kumar's arrest.

When those who suffered in the chit fund scam were in trouble, she said what is done is done to them.

Mamata did not stand up for those who suffered owing to the chit fund scam, but only stood up for Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar because he has all the knowledge about the chit fund case.

And to answer your earlier question of why is the CBI taking action after four years. It is because the BJP wants to use this case for political advantage. They are not sincere or serious (to recover the money of the chit fund investors).

Mukul Roy, who was with Mamata, has now gone to the BJP and is now being protected by them. Similarly, Bharati Ghosh, the ex-cop, has now joined the BJP for protection.

The BJP is using the chit fund scam as a political game.

What role has Rajeev Kumar played in this chit fund scam due to which Mamata has come out in his support?

He was the heading the SIT (Special Investigation Team) probing the chit fund scam. He was supposed to investigate it in April 2013. The CBI inquiry was ordered in May 2014.

He had a year to probe; he was instrumental in destroying or tampering evidence etc. That is why he is so important.

When the CBI targeted then Gujarat chief minister Modi, he used it as a political opportunity, saying the CBI under the central government is hurting Gujarat's asmita (pride). Is Mamata not doing the same?

Bengal people understand Mamata's politics. They are not fools.

The BJP is trying to portray that it is fighting against corruption, but that is not a true picture.

What has happened to the investors? Where are they? And what do they say?

In West Bengal, it is complete autocracy. The media is not allowed to speak. The investors (those who lost money in the chit scam) are having programmes in every district of West Bengal and demanding payback of their invested money.

They are organised and have gone to court to recover their money, but they are poor people. They cannot come out for protests every time. Many of them are poor people and they have to earn a livelihood.

Do these poor people who have invested money in the chit funds expect their money back?

Some people feel the money is lost forever. The chief minister has not done anything for the last four, five years.

She is opposing the CBI inquiry and is also indifferent (to the investors's lost money).

The Trinamool Congress and the administration are running a police raj in Bengal.

Even if you go to lodge a police complaint, it will not be lodged.

Permissions for political meetings are not given.

When the prime minister of India comes to Bengal, whether a helipad will be allowed for him or not is being questioned.

Such is the state of affairs. These things never happened in Bengal. The political space to oppose is getting lost.
February 07, 2019 10:29 IST

The West uses asanas as a therapy for physical wellness, but Indians look at yoga as one of the nine Darsanas or schools of philosophy.

Why must Indians adjust their time-tested system because of what the West needs, asks Sanjeev Nayyar.

IMAGE: Yoga on Mumbai's Marine Drive promenade. Photograph: Shailesh Andrade/Reuters

In the last week of December I attended the 9th International Conference 2018 at Kaivalyadhama, where the theme was 'Yoga as therapy: scope, evidence, and evolution'. Among the many insightful conversations was a discussion on 'Standardisation in yoga as therapy -- to be or not to be' by a panel consisting of eminent yoga gurus and teachers from India and abroad.

The issue came up for discussion because, with yoga therapy's popularity and the corresponding increase in number of therapists, a need is being felt that pre-determined therapy standards be laid down so that every patient is reassured of quality treatment -- just like in allopathic medicine.

According to Pondicherry-based yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, "Yoga aims at enabling the individual to attain and maintain a dynamic sukha sthanam that may be defined as a dynamic sense of physical, mental and spiritual well-being." A yoga therapist is one who helps another achieve these goals.

Some of the views expressed in this very stimulating discussion were:

Modern medicine has standards, so should yoga.

In the US the increasing number of people becoming yoga therapists has made the International Association for Yoga Therapists develop educational standards for the training yoga therapists, provide accreditation services for programmes that meet those standards and certify individuals that meet IAYT standards.

A panellist asked for standards because a therapist asked a patient to do an asana without knowing that he had recently undergone a hernia operation.

Another said standardisation of therapy was not possible, but what was required were 'standards for therapy'. Prescribed treatment should be documented and record maintained, just as done by allopathic doctors or in a hospital.

Yet another stated that there were so many different schools of yoga in India, each teaching yoga in a different way, so how practical would it be to have standards for therapy because every school has a different solution?

In Europe leading yoga practitioners have got together and are trying to have an informal agreement on therapy standards.

It was generally agreed that we need standards (for maintaining excellence and safety in patient care) but not within the modern medicinal framework.

The obvious question was, who would lay down these standards?

If India were to have a certifying body like IAYT, who would create that body and appoint the members to run it?

If the body allowed back-door entry to the government, it would lead to interference, lobbying for posts and become one more bureaucratic body.

A panellist said yoga had survived and prospered for over 2,000 without standardisation or standards as the West knows it, so what was the need now.

Another said that incorrect diagnosis or the patient not disclosing medical information happens in modern medicine too, so should a few incidents necessitate the need for standards? Incidentally, my own mother died due to medical negligence by a leading allopathic hospital.

There were a few light-hearted remarks on allopathic doctors recommending asanas and therapists making tall claims.

Based on the above I have the following observations to make:

One, it appears that the need to have standardisation in yoga as therapy is felt more in the West, where it has become a highly lucrative profession.

However, India has a rich yoga tradition with a large number of yogis (not even referring to the ones before the 19th century) like T Krishnamacharya, Paramhamsa Madhavadasji, Yogendraji, B K S Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, T K V Desikachar, Swami Kuvalyananda, Swami Sivananda, Sri Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Dr Swami Gitananda Giri, Swami Rama and O P Tiwari -- not to forget the modern day gurus.

For these yogis, yoga was a vehicle to achieve self-realisation unlike in the West where the asanas aspect of Yoga is emphasised and therapy is a source of livelihood.

Simply put, the West uses asanas as a therapy for physical wellness, but Indians look at yoga as one of the nine Darsanas or schools of philosophy.

The moot point is, why must Indians adjust their time-tested system because of what the West needs?

Two, what differentiates yoga and ayurveda from modern medicine is that the former is customised to individual needs, looks at the real cause of an ailment and your body as an integrated being, while the latter focuses primarily on symptomatic management.

Note that standardisation would go against the basic grain of yoga where the constitution of each person is understood and a solution suggested.

The minute one has a standard, we shall kill the creativity, freedom and experimentation, which is the essence of Sanatana Dharma.

Yoga might then become like a 'one book religion'.

Three, if each therapy is documented like in modern medicine, it would suffer from the issue of standardisation as referred to above.

Note that knowledge of yoga comes through following Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga or eight-fold path (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi) and is not something that can be learnt from a book.

So documenting for worldwide sharing would go against the essence of yoga Darsana, not to miss issues of copyright thereafter.

Pravrajika Brahmaprana, resident minister of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Texas, wrote that 'It is no mistake that Swami Vivekananda's Raja Yoga, his commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, along with his related Raja Yoga classes, were presented in London and the US, as they comprise one of the Vedanta movement's greatest gifts to the contemporary Western world.'*

It is widely known that neither have US nor Europe or any company there offering yoga therapy paid any royalty to India for using its yogic knowledge. It took Prime Minister Modi to flag this issue during a recent US visit.

The newly released 2016 (external link) 'Yoga in America' study by the Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance shows that the annual spend on yoga classes, clothing, equipment and accessories has gone up from $10 billion to $16 billion in the past four years.

This gives you a sense of the monies involved, hence the desire to create a standard, ownership of copyright flows from that.

Four, India has so many schools of yoga, like Classical Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Viniyoga to name a few. Every yoga guru used insights to create their unique way of doing asanas and interpreting the Yoga Sutras.

Getting various schools to follow a sort of standardisation is like saying there should be only one commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.

Chandigarh-based author and Kriyaacharya Jyoti Subramaniam says 'In Sanatan Bharat everything is alive... whether a practice or philosophy, so cementing yoga in a box may not be the answer. Keeping the basic text the same, the Bhagavad Gita can be interpreted and understood by a child of nine to an adult of 90 according to their own stage of evolution. We could look at a similar system in understanding yoga sadhana, so the original Sanskrit terminology of Patajali kept intact while teaching.'

'Recently I was teaching the moolabandha and a foreign student exclaimed, 'Oh Kegel exercise', which I later realised was a complete rip-off of the various bandhas in yoga! By strongly emphasising the use of original words for techniques rather than diluting them to other languages will lead people to the source and keep it uncorrupted.'

'The way to counter plagiarism is for our acharyas and gurus to write more. All associated with yoga must showcase India's knowledge worldwide.'

Surely, there would be cases where a particular asana is not done correctly or patient's past history ignored. The solution lies in, at the outset, asking every patient for their medical history. After all, one does not stop flying because of one plane crashing.

Having said that, Mumbai-based consulting general surgeon Dr Amit Thadani says, 'What individual yoga schools in India must do is to ensure that the yoga instructors follow the methods and techniques perfectly. Some standardisation of the training course for yoga instructors, for example, to help ensure that the trainer has a functional knowledge of anatomy and the musculoskeletal system and hence knows which asana to avoid in which patient, apart from knowing the correct techniques of performing the asanas.'

The issue of trying to fit Indian thought (yoga as therapy) into a Western framework (modern medicine) is symptomatic of a deeper malaise. We try to adjust ourselves to others needs and lack the ability to hold our ground.

Instead of asking the world to pay India royalty for using the knowledge of yoga we are debating 'standardisation in yoga as therapy', which is not an Indian need. Debates are healthy, but not when we are trying to change our thinking to suit another.

Indians must also realise that some in the West use Indic knowledge and package as it as their own. As US-based scholar and author Rajiv Malhotra said, 'The Anthroposophical Society that was founded by Rudolf Steiner, was formerly with the theosophists where he picked up his main ideas from Hinduism, and where J Krishnamurti later became the head. The huge movement known as 'Mindfulness Meditation' is nothing other than Vipassana and its American copyright claimant Jon Kabat-Zinn learned it from S N Goenka. 'Lucid Dreaming' is a technique widely taught in the USA including the US army and various medical centres, but it is in fact Yoga Nidra.'

Let me humbly state that Indians suffer from a basic problem, we respond rather than create.

If one keeps on publishing our understanding of the truth, history and Darsanas, others will be careful with what they write. Instead, we are forever responding.

Our response creates controversy and makes their books sell more. But I must add that things are changing.

The purpose of this article is not to find fault with the debate, thoughts expressed therein or the panellists. It only seeks to make a deeper point on why Indians must stand up for what is theirs, focus on creating and sharing knowledge aggressively without losing the essence of Sanatana Dharma.

The author is not bothered about countries not paying royalty for yoga. Bharat ka Swadharma is to selflessly share its knowledge with the world.

Sanjeev Nayyar -- founder of www.esamskriti.com, an independent columnist and chartered accountant -- tweets @sanjeev1927

* Yoga's Gifts to the Contemporary Western World -- Prabuddha Bharata, January 2019, issue titled 'Thoughts on Yoga'.
February 07, 2019 22:47 IST

How unbranded hotels are hitching a ride on branded ones for growth. Overall, Indias hospitality market has seen close to 7,133 hotel rooms being converted into organised, branded space over the last 36 months, said Jain.

Rohith Naidu, owner of Marks Granduer, has never been so satisfied with the occupancy rate or average room rent (ARR) of his mid-market hotel at Yashwantpura in Bengaluru.

But thanks to a deal he inked with Ferns Hotels & Resorts last year, he is converting his unbranded, standalone property into a branded one.

It is now one of the 40-odd properties managed by Ferns across the country.

Naidu is not alone. Earlier this month, Ramakant Sharma, managing director at IRA Resorts, got into a similar brand franchising agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts that runs the multinational hotel chain, Ramada.

Known as conversion, this trend is catching up in Indias hospitality market as asset owners are looking at optimal utilisation levels and a brand recall.

On the other hand, branded hotel chains seek to expand faster and cut the project development time to meet the burgeoning demand.

The potential is huge, says Nandivardhan Jain, chief executive officer at Noesis Capital Advisors.

Of the 4.3 lakh rooms that India has, only 1.3 lakh are branded, he adds.

Of this, 5.5 per cent is through conversion. Given the success rate of conversion, Noesis expects it to reach 10 per cent by 2020.

Noesis has concluded 58 hotel advisory assignments in the last 12 months.

Room for more After being taken care by Ferns, brand value got a boost. 430,000 Total number of rooms in India 130,000 Of this, number of rooms in branded properties Rooms converted to organised space in the last 3 years (5% of branded properties) By 2020, percentage of conversions in the branded properties to double to 10% Source: Noesis Research

Of this, 37 were conversions from standalone to branded hotel chains.

Overall, Indias hospitality market has seen close to 7,133 hotel rooms being converted into organised, branded space over the last 36 months, said Jain.

So, what is prompting such agreements?

The asset owners are realising that there is value to join hands with an operator, says Anshu Sarin, chief executive at Keys Hotel.

The trend, she adds, is being driven by multiple factors, including the need to attract and retain talent and customers.

Talent is a huge paucity in our industry and it chases brands, says Sarin.

Secondly, you get a network effect that allows you to cross-sale rooms across properties for guests, thereby bringing down costs for acquiring customers.

The attitude is changing even of those owners who have been running the hotel for a period of time, she says.

Keys plans to have close to 2,000 rooms by the end of 2019, up from 1,500 now.

The need to align with chains is also being fuelled by lack of quality rooms and a long development cycle of four to five years with regard to a new project, points JB Singh, president and chief executive at InterGlobe Hotels (IGH) that owns Ibis and Novotel, among other brands.

Singh says that the supply of quality rooms has slowed down in most key markets and is expected to grow only by 5 per cent between 2019 and 2022.

This lags the demand growth that remains strong at 10-12 per cent.

A widening gap between demand and supply has resulted in improved performance which is reflected in improved occupancy (66 per cent) and steady ARRs, pan India.

Hence, shorter time to market structures such as conversions of existing building, acquisition and re-fitment of operating hotels and operating leases are being explored, says Singh.

While IGH keeps an eye on conversion deals, it's careful about the deals it chooses, says Singh.

It has a healthy pipeline of six hotels, and will take its inventory up to 4,000 rooms by 2022, he added.

Meanwhile, its also the cost dynamics that is driving change.

Running a hotel is a rich mans business. Its a return on ego and not a return on capital, says Noesis Jain.

The average yield on the asset class is around 6-8 per cent and the debt is around 10-11 per cent.

This makes the survival difficult. But the brand has to grow and the best way to do that is to convert existing non-branded hotels into a branded one, he said, adding its a win-win for everyone as it improves the overall eco-system.

No one can vouch for this better than Naidu, who has seen the average room rent of his 55-room property under Ferns management increase from an average Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 plus and occupancy levels also shoot up by similar proportions over the last six months.

Even online bookings have jumped from 30 to 40 per month to 400 to 500.

The customer satisfaction level was something I was always worried about, says Naidu.

Image used for representation purpose only

Photograph: Vijay Mathur/Reuters
Innovative, new curriculum advances learner efficiency and effectiveness

Washington, D.C., February 7, 2019  The American Red Cross, the premiere provider of resuscitation and first aid training, today announced its new resuscitation education program that meets certification and licensing requirements for healthcare, EMS and other public safety professionals.

The Red Cross Resuscitation Suite program consists of Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) courses that leverage the latest learning technologies to surpass current available options. The Red Cross courses are scientifically equivalent and educationally superior to those currently available.

Innovative learning methodology advances include:

Online adaptive learning which allows participants to customize their learning path and save up to 50 percent of instruction time by using pre-assessments to test out of content already mastered;

Actual physicians, nurses and other healthcare staff in hospital settings who use critical thinking, decision-making and teaming concepts in videos and simulations;

The ability to access online content on any computer, tablet or mobile device anywhere, anytime - enhancing learner efficiency; and

Enhanced ADA compliant materials making this the most inclusive resuscitation curriculum in the nation.

The Red Cross curriculum reduces instruction time, organizational costs and improves resuscitation outcomes, said David Markenson, MD, FACEP, FAAP, FCCM, FACHE, Chair of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and First Aid Task Force member of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). The Red Cross is proud that this new curriculum has been adopted by the Military Health System and Department of Defense (DoD). To date, more than 9,000 of their instructors and 30,000 students have been certified using the new curriculum. By year-end, we expect more than 250,000 to be certified.

As previously announced, the American Red Cross and HealthStream have signed a long-term agreement to work together to improve resuscitation outcomes in healthcare organizations. As part of this collaboration, the Red Cross Resuscitation Suite program provides a fundamental element of HealthStreams overall resuscitation solution for hospitals and healthcare professionals. The Red Cross Resuscitation Suite program, which is now available on HealthStreams platformthe most widely adopted workforce development platform among the nations hospitals and health systems, offers certification to hospital-based healthcare professionals.

Additional program details are available at www.redcross.org/healthcare..
University of Georgia President Jere Morehead held the first University Cabinet meeting of the spring semester on Feb. 27 and discussed UGAs recent accomplishments in fundraising, awards, admissions and faculty hiring. Later in the day, Morehead led the first University Council meeting of the semester. Here is everything you need to know.
While Stacey Abrams made history as the first black female to give the official Democratic response to the State of the Union address, Athenians, UGA students and employees gathered around a screen at Hendershots Coffee Tuesday to view both Trumps and Abrams speeches.
The Three Minute Thesis competition is an annual competition for masters and doctoral students to communicate their research in just three minutes. On Feb. 25 at 12:15 p.m. in room 200C of the Geography/Geology room, the graduate school is holding an information session for interested students to learn more about 3MT. The competition provides students with more than just a chance to win a cash prize. It allows students to develop their presentation and research communication skills.
As of Feb. 1, Eduardo Samaniego has agreed to voluntarily leave the U.S. and return back to Mexico, a country he left a decade ago. He has a month to leave the U.S.
Bicycle Benefits, a national program that aims to maximize alternative transportation, first made its Classic City debut at Daily Groceries Co-op on Prince Avenue in November. Since then, the program has grown to 24 total participating businesses. Heres how it works: Anyone with a Bicycle Benefits sticker on their bicycle helmet can enjoy discounts and deals at participating businesses.
On the block containing The Varsity, zoning changes have opened up the possibility for redevelopment ranging from demolition of the restaurant to small-scale construction in the surrounding area.
Members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discuss the future of the Success Dam with a concerned local Monday, Feb. 4 at the Porterville Veterans Memorial Building in Porterville.
A deadly car bomb at a Bogota police academy claimed by Colombias National Liberation Army, or ELN, is the latest sign that Colombias civil war is not over. President Ivan Duque called the January attack, which killed 21 military personnel and wounded 68, a crazy terrorist act.

The leftist ELN became Colombias largest guerrilla group after the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, disbanded following a peace agreement with the government in September 2016.

As I write in my new book on the counter-insurgency efforts leading up to the peace deal, there were already clear signs that neutralizing the FARC would not end Colombias 52-year armed conflict.

A complex conflict

What Colombians call el conflicto  the conflict  was never a simple two-way fight of everyone versus the FARC. It was, and remains, a set of overlapping and interrelated conflicts involving the government, Marxist rebels, right-wing militias and drug cartels, staggered across the decades from 1964 to today.

The 2016 FARC deal was a historic achievement. After its signing, armed conflict-related fatalities in Colombia dropped from about 3,000 a year to just 78.

But an ever-changing array of criminal gangs still operate in Colombia, profiting off drug production, illegal mining and extortion. The landscape of their territorial control has simply changed, with the ELN, Autodefensa Gaitanista de Colombia and other armed groups spreading into areas once run by the FARC.

Other political violence has ticked up since the 2016 accord, too, including the targeted killing of indigenous and Afro-Colombian activists.

The FARC is not entirely defunct, either.

Colombian research groups Fundacion Ideas para la Paz and Insight Crime report that ever more former fighters are dissatisfied with the FARCs reincarnation as a political party. Up to 3,000 guerrillas  one-quarter of the roughly 12,000 demobilized after the peace accord  have re-armed alongside their former comrades.

Others have joined the ELN, which has doubled in size since the FARCs disarmament.

Januarys car bombing was a show of force.

Colombias tense border

The attack likely snuffs out any chance of a peace deal with the ELN, which Colombias government has pursued for years.

The ELN is primarily active along the Colombia-Venezuela border. If Colombias government cracks down on the group, violence could escalate quickly.

Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro is in a power struggle to save his embattled presidency, and the U.S. has threatened military intervention. That would probably involve using Colombian territory as an operations base.

Colombias border region is a tinderbox of geopolitical tension. A flare-up with the ELN may be the spark that sets it off.

Alexander L Fattal, Assistant Professor, Pennsylvania State University, Departments of Film-Video and Media Studies and Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Invoking the moral authority derivative of their vocation, prominent Roman Catholic clerics and their emboldened allies are getting a lot of attention for criticizing the capitalist economic system, sometimes quite pointedly. In particular, they are harshly critiquing capitalism in seemingly failing to deliver for the most materially needy among us, as well for the negative effects spiritually for both the needy and those who materially benefit from it. Those lay faithful and their allies who disagreeand would normally be inclined to introduce the many positive aspects of free-market economics into public discoursefeel as if they are on quite the defensive.

This has all become a familiar state of affairs now, but it was the 1980s. We have been here before: a debate about capitalism between clerics and capitalists occurred during preparation of a bishops pastoral letter on the economy in America almost four decades ago. This debate presaged the ongoing global debates about what is essentially the same subject. A high-quality, intellectually serious lay letter was prepared as part of the 1980s debate in the U.S. The lay letter, along with the way it came about and was presented, all warrant serious re-examination given the new debates into which the lay letters concepts should be re-introduced.

Bishops and Economics

The idea of an American bishops letter on the economy was first proposed at a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in November 1980, just after Ronald Reagan was elected President. A committee to draft the letter was appointed in January 1981. It was to be chaired by Milwaukees then-Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland. Well-staffed and with the help of many external consultants, the committee publicly presented and discussed three drafts before submitting its final draft in November 1986 to the USCCBs full membership, which voted to formally adopted it, 225 to 9.

Some people argue that an unfettered free-market economy, where owners, workers, and consumers pursue their enlightened self-interest, provides the greatest possible liberty, material welfare, and equity, according to the final draft, Economic Justice for All: Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy. The policy implication of this view is to intervene in the economy as little as possible because it is such a delicate mechanism that any attempt to improve it is likely to have the opposite effect.

On the other hand, Others argue that the capitalist system is inherently inequitable and therefore contradictory to the demands of Christian morality, for it is based on acquisitiveness, competition, and self-centered individualism, the bishops letter continues. They assert that capitalism is fatally flawed and must be replaced by a radically different system that abolishes private property, the profit motive, and the free market.

The 90-page pastoral attempted to even-handedly place itself between these positions. Catholic social teaching has traditionally rejected these ideological extremes because they are likely to produce results contrary to human dignity and economic justice, it says. In short, the Church is not bound to any particular economic, political, or social system.

When the U.S. bishops published Economic Justice for All in 1986, some thinkers on the political right urged them to leave economics to the economists and focus on the purely religious realm, according to the new Catholic Bishops in the United States: Church Leadership in the Third Millennium, by four scholars at Georgetown Universitys Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. The political left has been perhaps equally vociferous in its critiques of the bishops, except the problem in this case is that the churchs leaders have remained too silent.

The lay faithful on the right inclined to defend capitalism in the 1980s, of course, did not consider themselves on any ideological extreme. They still do not, though current papal and papally inspired pronouncements in various forms seem even more dismissive of them and their ideas. Quoting a fourth-century bishop during remarks in His native Latin America, Pope Francis called unfettered capitalism the dung of the devil. That was in 2015.

Philosophically, the 1986 American prelates pastoral could be evidence of that which Daniel J. Mahoney considers the Christian acceptance of the religion of humanity in his new The Idol of Our Age: How the Religion of Humanity Subverts Christianity. In the book, Mahoney laments that Christianity becomes an instrument for promoting egalitarian social justice, usually in the name of an ideological conception of the poor (clearly, Pope Francis increasingly fits into this category).

Regarding policy, the 1986 pastoral actually made several specific proposals that would have increased governmental interven[tion] in the economy and had the opposite effect of economic improvement, just as some of the supposed extremists feared. The letter included economic-policy recommendations, for example, on fiscal and monetary policy, employment programs, the minimum wage, the tax system, education policy, welfare and income-support programs, the viability of family farms, aid to developing nations, and international trade and finance. His present Holiness, one can plausibly presume, would endorse them.

In short, Weakland really did not leave economics to the economists, just as the bishops attention-getting 1983 pastoral on nuclear weapons did not leave national security and foreign policy to national-security and foreign-policy experts. Rather, the bishops letters on nuclear weapons and the economy were and are plausibly considered by many on the left to constitute something of a model framework for social-justice policy advocacyand a morally bolstered, if not outright blessed, one.

It was considered such in the 1980s, and it still is in 2019.

Another Model

There is another, helpful model of contributing to public discourse from the 1980s. A Lay Commission on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy was formed in 1984 to bring its expertise and analysis to bear on discourse surrounding preparation of the economic letter by Weakland and his the bishops, who always invited such dialogue. In several ways, the Lay Commission should be considered a model toosubstantively and stylistically, and procedurallyperhaps particularly now.

The commission was philanthropically supported by the Olin and Scaife Foundations, among others, with grants to the American Catholic Committee. It was quintessentially good grantmaking by those foundations. The commissions letter, Toward the Future: Catholic Social Thought and the U.S. Economy, was completed and released in November 1984, before the bishops first public draft later that year.

The 29-member Lay Commissions chairman was successful businessman and philanthropist William E. Simon, a former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and, at the time, Olins president. Simon was assisted in the task by Olin program staffer Michael S. Joyce, who went on to become president of the Bradley Foundation.

The commissions vice chair and principal author of the lay letter was Reagan Democrat theologian Michael Novakauthor of 1982s seminal The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism, editor of Crisis Magazine and a fellow of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). A November 2018 tweet from National Review senior editor Jay Nordlinger asked, and answered, You know what the conservative movement could use today? A team of Michael Novaks. People who will defend the morality of capitalism and explain how a free economy benefits ordinary men and women.

The commissions other distinguished members included Mary Ellen Bork, wealthy industrialist J. Peter Grace, former U.S. Secretary of State Alexander M. Haig, Jr., Clare Booth Luce, Conservative Party of New York founder and future federal Court of Appeals Judge J. Daniel Mahoney, former CBS Television president and future U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Frank Shakespeare, and eminent political scientist James Q. Wilson.

We lay men and lay women, in addressing our reflections on the future to all our fellow citizens, recognize that Christianity cannot be identified with any one earthly system, political party, or partisan purpose, the 106-page letter began, before offering what seems to have been a gentle chide of the bishops. We recognize, too, that Christian Scripture does not offer programmatic guidance for the concrete institutions of political economy.

A sense of balance is sometimes lacking in the language of those who either choose individual liberty over all other concerns, and hence a kind of radical individualism, according the lay letter, or, on the other hand, seek to enlarge the power and scope of government, and hence embrace a kind of statist meddlesomeness.

The lay letter has three parts. Its first part well-surveys the principles of Catholic social thought, and examines the great significance of the American experience in particular. By its own terms and implying at least some moral authority derivative of the laitys own vocation, its second part reflects on the lay vocation of co-creation, especially as it is now being lived by millions of lay persons in economic activities. Co-creation in this context is defined as bringing forth from each part of creation the economic possibilities with which the Creator unequally endowed each, as the letter puts it.

One strongly senses here the Novak for whom Nordlinger now pines by tweet. The lay letter argues, in-depth and with evidence, that political economies should liberate the creative energies of each human person within them. This liberal democracies set out to do. Specifically, Catholic social thought needs to examine more carefully the institutional causes of economic creativity. Creativity does not just happen; in world economies, it is relatively rare, according to the lay faithful. Presaging St. John Paul IIs 1991 encyclical Centesimus annus, the lay letter holds that, properly understood and practiced, liberal democratic capitalism allows for and even encourages that creationwith other notable benefits to boot.

[T]he record of capitalist societies in providing personal liberties, a creative economy, high wages, and unprecedented standards of living for the formerly poor is beyond dispute, the 1984 lay letter continues. The aim of capitalism has been to overcome the tyranny of poverty not solely for the few (who did not need such liberation), but for all, and not solely in one nation, but in all nations.

An au courant term for this kind of beneficial co-creation might be human flourishing, about the proper degree of economic and policy emphasis on which some within the right are intelligently arguing. This is a healthy debate implicitly occasioned in part by Oren Casss new The Once and Future Worker: A Vision for the Renewal of Work in America. Earlier, conservative skepticism of capitalisms effect on politics, culture, and society was well-catalogued by Peter Kolozis Conservatives Against Capitalism: From the Industrial Revolution to Globalization. More-recent cutting commentary from Fox News Tucker Carlson is consistent.

The 1984 lay letters third and final part makes several proposals, including many on policy that would, for the most part, decrease governmental intervention in the economy. The recommendations are regarding the family, poverty and welfare, job creation, free trade and global interdependence, and social cooperation and providence.

In December 1986, Simon and Novak released a separate report on the final draft of the Economic Justice for All pastoral letter, thanking the bishops for their invitation to engage in dialogue, complimenting some parts of the pastoral, continuing to critique other parts, and urging that the larger discussion remain ongoing.

Simons and Novaks 1986 report specifically credited the bishops with ensuring that language regarding the importance of the family was added to their letter. Under Joyce, the Bradley Foundation was just beginning its philanthropic investments in the family and welfare reform, including with a major joint project of AEI and Marquette University on the relationship between the two topics led by Novak. The effort laid the intellectual foundation for successful welfare reform in Wisconsin, which envisioned a renewal of work and which in turn ultimately led to similarly successful federal work-based welfare reform in 1996.

A Model in Other Ways, as Well

It was the mid-1980s, but the Lay Commission on Catholic Social Teaching and its "Toward the Future" letter should be considered a model in other ways as wellagain, perhaps particularly now. In addition to its substantive arguments, the tone of the commissions activities and the letter was always respectful and engaging. The letter civilly cited concepts and tried to fairly apply them to historical and contemporary factual situations, relying on actual evidence. It was making an argument, yes, but on the merits of the issues; it was not personal.

The replicability of the privately funded lay-commission vehicle should perhaps be explored, too, whether it be in the discourse about the economy, the environment, or any of the other myriad difficult and sometimes-embarrassing issues facing the church and its laity.

Given the substance and nature of current episcopal and public discourse surrounding capitalism and free markets, the Lay Commission is probably an idea whose time has come again. This discourse is occurring between Weaklands successors on the left, including at the Vatican, and those defenders of capitalism properly understood on the right. It is also happening among those on the right itself, about that which should be the proper understanding of capitalism. While easily revisable with updated facts, figures, and communications techniques, many of the themes of and thoughts in 1984s "Toward the Future" may be even more relevant in 2019.

Daniel P. Schmidt is the retired vice president for program at The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation in Milwaukee. Michael E. Hartmann is a senior fellow and director of the Center for Strategic Giving at the Capital Research Center in Washington, D.C. He is a former program officer and director of research at the Bradley Foundation.
Following the first meeting in November 2017 of the resurrected Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, the U.S. has been consistent in discussing the security objectives it seeks to promote through the consultations. However, U.S. interactions with other Quad partnersincluding fellow democracies Australia, India and Japanhave likely convinced Washington to repackage public presentation of the dialogue proceedings and manage its expectations of what the Quad can realistically achieve.

For now, the U.S. is probably content with simply using the Quad as a way to signal unified resolve against Chinas growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific without directly antagonising Beijing. That may change in the future if U.S.China relations deteriorate further or Beijings behaviour towards regional neighbours becomes even more aggressive.

In todays context of the Trump administrations policy to keep the Indo-Pacific free and open from coercion, Washingtons participation in the Quad makes much sense. According to both the U.S. national security strategy and national defence strategy, China is an adversarial power seeking to displace the U.S. from the Indo-Pacific to reorder the region in its favor. In response, Washington has been reinvigorating its alliances and strengthening ties with its partners, not only bilaterally, but multilaterally as well, and the Quad is one such multilateral mechanism.

Washingtons key objective when contending with Beijing in the Indo-Pacific is to preserve the liberal international order that has been in place since the end of World War II. Its no coincidence, then, that the Trump administration gravitated towards Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abes democratic Asian security diamond concept, encapsulated in an essay in 2012, as the blueprint for Quad 2.0s activities. Abes security diamond concept is a values-based foreign policy approach structured around shared democratic norms, which have been highlighted in every Trump administration statement or comment on the Quad talks. (For the record, Quad 1.0 had a similar backstory under the George W. Bush administration.)

For example, after the first Quad 2.0 meeting in November 2017, the U.S. released a statement noting that the Quad rests on a foundation of shared democratic values and principles and that all sides pledged to continue discussions to further strengthen the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. The next two Quad meetings, in June 2018 and November 2018, reiterated the same desire to preserve the rules-based order.

When asked informally about the Quad, Trump administration officials have similarly highlighted the need to bolster the rules-based order through consultations with like-minded democratic partners. While then Secretary of Defense James Mattis was attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in June 2018, he observed how all four [Quad members] are democracies. Thats the first thing that jumps out at you. At Indias Raisina Dialogue in January 2019, the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Philip Davidson, characterised the Quad as a burgeoning relationship rooted in some 25 years now. He further offered that the rules-based order is important because it is advocacy for free nations in terms of security, values, political systems, and the freedom to choose their own partners.

Washingtons strategy of working through the Quad to express resolve probably has its limits, as other members have shown discomfort in going too farparticularly to avoid giving the impression that the Quad is a military alliance designed to contain China. As Ive discussed elsewhere, India likely has serious reservations. Since meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping for an informal summit at Wuhan in April 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has seemingly softened his position on China to make good on their reset in bilateral ties. During his Shangri-La Dialogue keynote speech in June 2018, Modi argued that India does not see the Indo-Pacific region as a strategy or as a club of limited membersan implicit criticism of the Quad. He also said that New Delhi prioritises regional inclusiveness and highlighted the centrality of ASEAN to any ordering and decision-making in the Indo-Pacific.

As a result, after the second Quad 2.0 meeting in June 2018, the U.S. began including India-friendly language on the centrality of ASEAN in its Quad press statements. The shift might negatively affect Washingtons values-based approach. But, as Ive argued previously, its likely to bolster the Quads legitimacy by bringing an ASEAN maritime counterclaimant, such as Vietnam, into the conversation to coordinate pushback against Beijings violation of international law and norms of behaviour in the South China Sea. New Delhi has also sought to keep the visibility of the Quad low by arguing against increasing the seniority of leadership participation to cabinet or ministry level from assistant secretary or director-general level.

India is almost certainly not the only Quad partner with concerns, judging from the fact that all four countries have yet to issue a joint communique. In addition, in the military domain, Quad 2.0 is yet to conduct joint military exercises or joint freedom-of-navigation operations to challenge Chinas growing assertiveness in the region, which the U.S. would likely welcome and has probably been encouraging. The first Quad iteration conducted a joint exercise in 2007 and included Singapore, so such a move wouldnt be unprecedented. But instead of symbolic shows of force, this Quad has opted to keep a very low profile (no Quad partner has even referred to the Quad as the Quadmerely as quadrilateral consultations). In fact, U.S. policymakers tend to describe the Quad as an example of one multilateral mechanism, among many others, that the U.S. has at its disposal. In other words, the Quad is nothing specialunless the others collectively come to the conclusion that it is.

The U.S. probably believes the Quad has served the basic purpose of signalling unity of resolve among democracies and like-minded partners to counter Chinas growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. However, if U.S.China competition continues to heat up, particularly in the South China Sea, Washington will likely increasingly look to the Quadand specifically the military dimension of the cooperationto defend the liberal international order.
The US cable operator, which serves key markets on the north east of the US, announced on 6 February 2019 that it had partnered with SES to use its Ultra HD platform to acquire channels for its Ultra HD bouquet. RCN began rolling out its 4K-ready set-top boxes to subscribers in 2018. Its device, made by ARRIS, is powered by TiVos software and user interface.As part of the deal, Insight TV UHD content will be on offer along with seven 4K channels hosted by the SES Ultra HD Platform, available to all subscribers of RCNs digital basic tier package that have the 4K-ready box. Channels will be offered in conjunction with RCNs 4K-enabled set-top boxes (STBs), and the TiVo with voice remote.Insight was one of the first channels to join the SESs Ultra HD platform in North America, which now hosts the worlds largest source of 4K linear content and live events coverage, remarked Steve Corda, vice president of media platforms for SES in North America. Insight TV is on the leading edge of Ultra HD programming, with content shot natively in 4K and transmitted in HLG-HDR. We are pleased to take yet another next step in Ultra HD together, enabling RCN to offer an immersive television viewing experience like no other.Were partnering with the worlds leading distribution providers to ensure that our 4K UHD content is delivered globally, adds Angela Borrillo, Vice president business and legal affairs, Insight TV. Were delighted to kick off 2019 with this announcement, which further highlights our growing presence in the US. We seek to connect audiences worldwide with exciting stories based on topics that are trending around the world.
The initial report of the Rail Industry Decarbonisation Task Force led by former Angel Trains Chief Executive Malcolm Brown was published on January 31. The report suggests it would be possible to replace diesel for passenger trains, but only diesel offers the power and go anywhere flexibility for freight to ...
Howard Schultz talks to the audience in Stewart Center about his campaign plans.
The bad news coming out of the Book Catapult in San Diegos South Park neighborhood is that co-owner Seth Marko underwent emergency surgery immediately following his return home from Winter Institute 14 in Albuquerque, after suffering chest pains while there. Plus, the two-year-old stores only full-time employee, Vanessa Diaz, came home from WI14 with a case of bird flu, or as she called it, the Albuquerque swine flu.

The good news is that six booksellers from four other San Diego-area bookstoresThe Library Shop, Warwicks Bookshop, the University of California-San Diegos bookstore, and Adventures by the Bookhave volunteered their time for more than a week to keep the Book Catapult open during its regular hours, while Markos spouse, store co-owner Jennifer Powell, tends to him. (Marko left the hospital Wednesday). Another pair of booksellers, John Evans and Alison Reid, the two co-owners of Diesel: A Bookstore in Los Angeles, have committed to volunteering at the Book Catapult this weekend.

Its a story of redemption and hope, joked Library Shop manager Scott Ehrig-Burgess, who coordinated the volunteers and, he says, trained them on the stores POS system even with my remedial knowledge. Burgess said that he took the lead in organizing and training the volunteers because it was a good way not to stress out about Seth being in the hospital, as were doing something about it. Ehrig-Burgess and Marko worked together for 10 years at Warwicks, and have remained friends since.

Ive had to turn away volunteers, from former booksellers to people who know nothing about books but want to help out, Ehrig-Burgess said. Were a close-knit community.

As for Evans, he says that he and Reid are driving down from L.A. to help out because Marko and Powell "are great people, fellow booksellers, [who] created a wonderful bookstore in their neighborhood and this health crisis just came out of nowhere. They are much-loved in the book community in Southern California, with Seth having various roles over the years in keeping the book culture vital, fun, and interesting."

Andrea Vuleta, the head of the Southern California Independent Booksellers Association, told PW, I am so pleased to see such warmth, community, and fellowship among our bookseller membership. I think it is one of best things about indies, the mutual support. Definitely something to be thankful for these days."

On Thursday, Diaz was recovered enough from her illness to return to work, although the volunteer network remains in place for the time being. "I'm still figuring out what the heck happened while I was out," she said, when asked how sales were during her absence.

Update: Marko is also a full-time house field sales rep for Ingram Publisher Services. Other IPS personnel are "pitching in," according to a company representative, to cover Marko's territory on the West Coast while he is on medical leave.
This years ALA Midwinter conference, held January 2429 in Seattle, brought together librarians and publishers, educators, authors, and illustrators. The meeting also featured the much-anticipated annual announcement of the ALA Youth Media Awards , including the 2019 Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz Awards . Weve assembled a selection of photo highlights from the event.

The Caldecott committee stopped by the Candlewick booth to celebrate Juana Martinez-Neals Caldecott Honor win for her picture book Alma and How She Got Her Name.

Cori McCarthy (l.) and Amy Rose Capetta, co-authors of the YA novel Once & Future (LBYR/Jimmy Patterson), just before their galley signing.

At the Bloomsbury booth, childrens school and library marketing Manager Brittany Mitchell (l.) and executive editor Mary Kate Castellani hanging out with Croc from Mike Wohnoutkas picture book Croc & Turtle.

Trudi Truett signed The Nebula Secret, first in her Explorer Academy series that National Geographic Kids launched last fall.

Members of the Stonewall Book Award committee holding a copy of Hurricane Child by Kheryn Callender (Scholastic Press), winner of this years award along with Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love.

Lynne Kelly posed with a poster for her new novel, Song for a Whale (Delacorte), sporting a whale purse for the occasion.

Virginia Duncan, v-p and publisher of Greenwillow Books, placing the Newbery Honor sticker on Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock.

HMH Books for Young Readers celebrated the forthcoming launch of Kwame Alexanders Versify imprint with a cocktail party that featured presentations from the authors and artists on the debut Versify list: (l. to r) Kadir Nelson (The Undefeated), Kip Wilson (White Rose), Raul the Third (Vamos! Lets Go to the Market!), Lamar Giles (The Last Last-Day-of-Summer), and Alexander (The Undefeated).

Author Jacob Kramer and illustrator K-Fai Steele signing copies of their picture book Noodlephant (Enchanted Lion), which celebrated its launch at Midwinter.

Author Xelena Gonzalez greeting visitors to the Cinco Puntos Press booth.

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson signed copies of her new picture book Let Er Buck!: George Fletcher, the Peoples Champion, illustrated by Gordon C. James (Carolrhoda), in the Lerner booth.

Chronicle Books hosted a Paint and Play with Herve Tullet event at the Seattle Public Library to celebrate his upcoming book, I Have an Idea! Guests created works of art on the spot using scraps of paper that Tullet hand-painted for the event. Here, librarian and ALSC board of directors member Amy Sears assembled a creation.

American Indian Youth Literature Awards winners Lisa Charleyboy (l.) and Mary Beth Leatherdale signed copies of their picture book, #NotYourPrincess, at the Annick Press booth.

Author Deb Caletti putting a Printz Honor sticker on her YA novel, A Heart in a Body in the World, at the Simon & Schuster booth.

Ishta Mercurio (l.) and Jen Corace, author and illustrator of Small World (July 2019), signed early copies at the Abrams Childrens Books booth.

Danielle Dufayet (l.), author of You Are Your Strong, visited with Kristine Enderle, director of Magination Press.

Emily Duncan signing her debut novel, Wicked Saints (Wednesday Books), which launches her Something Dark and Holy trilogy.

Elizabeth Partridge signing Boots on the Ground: Americas War in Vietnam (Viking), a finalist for this years YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction.

And for those with ALA stress, DK held a yoga and meditation event hosted by Dianne Bondy, author of Yoga for Everyone, to give attendees an opportunity to relax, stretch, and get away from the bustle of the conference.
T'Shura Gibbs, Douglas Gordon and the Zimmer Team "CanEx is a terrific brand and we see some tremendous opportunities from this acquisition that will accelerate our current expansion plans at Zimmer." - T'Shura Gibbs

Health & wellness distribution company, Zimmer & Co, has announced the acquisition of CanEx Jamaica Business Conference & Expo. The transaction will see the distribution company accelerating its expansion plans as it looks to grow its retail footprint. The company presently specializes in hemp-based CBD wellness products with a current portfolio of more than 100 products ranging from CBD capsules to Skincare. Zimmer began sales in August 2018 and currently sells a range of hemp-based CBD products into 300 outlets in 5 markets. The company holds a pharmacy distribution license and has distribution rights for approximately 50 of the 60 medicinal cannabis products approved for sale in Jamaica.

The acquisition is aimed at bolstering Zimmers global expansion plans through the extensive network that CanEx has assembled since its inception in 2016. Zimmer CEO TShura Gibbs stated: CanEx Jamaica has done an excellent job of providing a platform for the advancement of the medicinal cannabis industry in Jamaica. The conference has developed a strong brand and with 23 countries represented at the last conference in September, provides a strategically valuable opportunity to support the expansion efforts of our distribution business. There are a number of synergies in bringing these two ventures together and I am confident this will help to accelerate our expansion throughout the Caribbean and LATAM, in particular.

The CanEx Jamaica Business Conference & Expo has been held annually since 2016 at the Montego Bay Convention Center. The most recent conference hosted 1400 attendees from 23 different countries over 3 days with prominent keynote speakers in the form of Vicente Fox (former President of Mexico), Bruce Linton (Chairman and CEO of Canopy Growth) and Montel Williams (TV host and Founder Lenitiv Labs). CanEx Jamaica 2019 will be held September 26-28 at the Montego Bay Convention Center. This year will also see the introduction of CanEx Investment Summits which will be held in May in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and the Cayman Islands. Later in the year, will see the introduction of the CanEx Business Workshops which will be held initially in Jamaica.

CanEx Founder Douglas K. Gordon, who also sits as the Chairman of Zimmer & Co. stated: There are tremendous synergies in this transaction with benefits expected both in terms of revenue growth and direct cost savings. The operational efficiencies will also help to enhance the expected financial performance and I believe that this will play a very positive role in supporting Zimmers global distribution objectives. CanEx has forged a number of strategic partnerships with other regional conferences, particularly in Mexico and Colombia and this will certainly benefit Zimmers expansion into LATAM.

Zimmer is privately held and the value of the transaction was not disclosed.

About Zimmer & Co.

Zimmer & Co. is a health and wellness distribution enterprise presently focused on hemp-based CBD products. The company has a portfolio of over 100 products including 51 that have been approved for sale in Jamaica by the Ministry of Health. Zimmer & Co. is a fully licensed distribution pharmacy approved by the Ministry of Health and the Pharmacy Council of Jamaica. Zimmer & Co. is the leading Caribbean distributor of medicinal cannabis products and presently sells into 300 retail outlets in 5 different markets. Through partnerships, the company will begin manufacturing products, under license, in Jamaica in 2019 for export. For more information, visit http://www.zimmerglobal.com.

About CanEx Jamaica

The CanEx Jamaica Business Conference and Expo is a business-to-business (B2B) conference that brings together cannabis industry professionals from over 20 countries across North America, the Caribbean, Europe, South and Central America and Africa to discuss the latest advances in the medicinal, health/wellness, legal, regulatory, business and investment landscapes. The event features presentations, panel discussions and exhibitions from experts, policymakers, researchers and business people, and provides a professional platform for knowledge sharing and high-level business networking. For more information, visit http://canexjamaica.com/


Vendavo Our intelligent, user-friendly CPQ cloud solution puts customer expectations first and ensures higher win rates with a standardized, guided workflow for product configuration, pricing and quoting.

To help companies better meet rising customer expectations and make improvements to their bottom-line profitability, Vendavo, a leading provider of commercial excellence solutions, today announced new enhancements to Vendavo CPQ Cloud that further empower sales teams.

An integral part of the quote-to-cash business process, Configure, Price and Quote (CPQ) Application suites enable the enterprise to win more deals, while still maximizing the profit of every quote. Vendavo CPQ Cloud is a SaaS solution that helps B2B organizations coordinate, control, and streamline their quote-to-cash processes by making sure sales reps have the right combinations of products and pricing for every selling situation.

Its not enough anymore to simply automate your commercial sales process, said Alex Hoff, Vice President, Product Management and Marketing, Vendavo. Having accurate and timely quotes are still important, but your omnichannel sales process needs to be informed with the right information at the right time to maximize both sales and margins. Our intelligent, user-friendly CPQ cloud solution puts customer expectations first and ensures higher win rates with a standardized, guided workflow for product configuration, pricing and quoting.

The new CPQ Cloud enhancements announced today enable a selling and self-service buying experience thats enriched with 2D, 3D, and Augmented Reality product visualizations, which are easily incorporated into quote documents and proposals. Other in-app visualization capabilities include a built-in price waterfall so the sales team and quote approvers can easily evaluate the quality of the deal.

Because some enterprise businesses have invested a lot in their SAP ERP system, they want to leverage that investment to the greatest extent possible. To support that need, the new Vendavo CPQ Cloud enhancements also allow seamless integration with SAP Variant Configurator. This means that companies can leverage the complex configuration logic they may have resident in SAP Variant Configurator, while taking advantage of the omnichannel, intelligent, and user-friendly user experience of Vendavo CPQ Cloud.

New price agreements and sales agreements enhancements are also included in the offerings, allowing sales to negotiate, revise, and renew longer-term negotiated sales agreements. Importing data in and out of the system has also been made easier through new import/export enhancements. Lastly, a completely re-designed administrative console makes configuring and administering the application simple and easy, ensuring the sales team gets the most out of the systems capabilities, while keeping cost of ownership low.

Supporting Resources:



About Vendavo

Vendavo powers the shift to digital business for the worlds most demanding B2B companies, unlocking value, growing margin and accelerating revenue. With the Vendavo Commercial Excellence platform, companies develop dynamic customer insights and optimal pricing strategies that maximize margin, boost sales effectiveness and improve customer experience. With an annual margin improvement totaling more than $2.5 billion across companies in chemicals, distribution, high-tech and manufacturing, Vendavo delivers cutting-edge analytics and deep industry expertise that help companies stay one step ahead. Vendavo is headquartered in Denver, CO and has offices around the globe. Learn more at http://www.Vendavo.com.
Mayor Emanuels unwavering support has been invaluable. He has raised the bar amongst his constituents to invest in a quality education for our youth, said Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO UNCF.

WHAT: UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is hosting the 5th annual Chicago Mayors Luncheon today, an event fostering the valuable partnership between Mayor Emanuel and UNCF throughout his tenure. Benefitting historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), close to 300 business, civic and community leaders are expected to come together to equip students of color with the resources necessary to transition into college and ultimately the workforce. The luncheon celebrates the mayors latest Star Scholarship transfer partners, UNCF member-institutions Florida Memorial University and Stillman College. The Star Scholarship has helped thousands of hardworking Chicago students access a college education no matter their background or financial needs.

Mayor Emanuels unwavering support has been invaluable. He has raised the bar amongst his constituents to invest in a quality education for our youth, said Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO UNCF. As we celebrate his last luncheon as mayor of Chicago, we also applaud his work on behalf of Chicago students, and HBCUs.

The new Star Scholarship partnership agreements include:



Florida Memorial University will offer guaranteed admission to all Star Scholars providing they meet admission requirements and will provide $8,000 in scholarships to each student admitted.

Stillman College will emphasize teacher education and will offer 10 Star Scholars who are interested in pursuing a degree in the field of education a $4,000 annual scholarship and up to $500 per year for online courses.

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WHERE: Hyatt Regency Chicago

151 W. Wacker

Chicago, IL

For more information, visit UNCF.org/chicago. Follow the discussion on Twitter @UNCF #UNCFChicago
Trident Systems, headquartered in Fairfax Virginia, has been awarded a contract by the DARPA Tactical Technology Office (TTO) in the highly competitive payload segment of the Blackjack Program. Blackjack has become one of the most talked about DoD space projects as it is a significant departure from the norm, combining highly networked, resilient and persistent DoD payloads on affordable commercial small satellite busses.

The Trident payload features its 3U VPX UltraScale+ Digital RF Transceiver (UDRT) which combines a heterogeneous processing system with industry leading ultra-high speed data converters for an on-orbit reprogrammable transceiver. The new Trident transceiver will be paired with a high-performance 3U VPX GPU card from Cubic Aerospace and a wideband antenna from FIRST RF Corporation for a multi-function RF payload capable of hosting emerging and future massless payloads thanks to its open architecture and highly capable hardware. Tridents capable small business team also includes Blue Ridge Envisioneering to support mission firmware and software design.

Trident has invested heavily in this new generation of affordable high-performance RF electronics for space, said Nick Karangelen, President of Trident. Were looking forward to demonstrating multiple RF modalities, on-board processing, and on-orbit reprogrammability from a payload that meets DARPAs very aggressive constraints on size, weight, power, and cost for Blackjack.

About Trident

Trident Systems is a veteran-owned small business that delivers innovative and affordable technology solutions for critical government and commercial needs. Founded in 1985, Trident continues to harness technology and provide leading-edge solutions to every Military Service, the Intelligence Community, and a broad spectrum of government and industry partners. Trident develops products in three primary focus areas: Integrated C4I Systems, Radar & RF Systems, and Assured Collaboration Systems. Trident also provides an array of systems engineering and collaboration services including a full range of design / build services for state of the art facilities including supporting of the Integrated Air Defense System in the National Capital Region. Trident has offices in Fairfax, Virginia (HQ), Raleigh, North Carolina, and Concord, New Hampshire. For more information, visit http://www.tridsys.com/.
Thomas Moore, a career soldier and Midwestern writer, has completed his new book My Life: The Realest Story Ever Told: an intimate and unique exploration of the authors life.

Moore shares, I am sitting on top of a hill, with a lot of trees and bushes for cover. My setup is good for the short amount of time, before sun sets. The target is six blocks, a half a mile away, easy shot with an M16 rifle. These days, I dont even bat an eyelash, its like taking a breath and someone has lost their life.

We have loaded up and march in under cover of darkness. Up the hill halfway and then get set up. We can use the thick grove of trees for overhead cover. The bushes and dense vegetation will provide the concealment. Now to clear a space big enough to lie down and position myself for the shot

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Moores gripping life story jumps off the pages as he pulls no punches in describing the physical and emotional tolls of war in aggressively lucid detail.

Mr. Moore takes readers on a whirlwind ride, starting with his premature birth and extending through his entire honorable military career. From the Persian Gulf War, to the Berlin Operation, and ending with the War on Terror, the authors breadth and depth of experience paints a portrait of the author that is both intimate and expansive.

As much as his love of country, his love of God shines through in this carefully-considered compendium of personal experience and acquired wisdom. He doesnt shy away from sharing both the good times and the bad, and his faith is clearly an important source of strength and inspiration to the author.

Readers who wish to experience this inspiring work can purchase My Life: The Realest Story Ever Told at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional New York based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex and time consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
The Women of the House of Andrias have completed their book Ask No Questions: a spellbinding tale of immortality, love, and the eternal battle between good and evil.

It is 2029, a time of apocalypse and dystopia. One great family, two clans, Andrias and Ross, Scots and Norman, on opposite sides of the world are the change up! Supernal and of the Eudaemon race, they are known throughout their ancient history as the Sidhe, the Mneumonics and the Good People. The women of the family, who write this memoir and autobiography are angels and have a superb mien born in Liberte' Feminin and Vesta's Fire. In serial first person they write of the many millennium of their history: Governments, economics, warfare, domestic lives, high technology, romance and erotica. They relate the story of their husbands and fathers, who are archangels: The gods who became men and the giants of Genesis. Paladins, they are the greatest knights in Christendom. To be such, makes these same undefeated knights the greatest killers in Christendom!

They face a world where the Empire of China and the United States of America fought a horrific sea war, leaving the United States the single greatest nation ever. A world where: Russia has collapsed; the European Union has isolated itself behind walls with firing stations; where North and South Korea are one; where the third world countries of Africa and Asia are outlaws. This world sees the technological marvels of the US, yet where hedonism prevails. Where powerful companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook have been fractured into many pieces. Where choking deflation smothers employment, manufacturing, and productivity. This magnificent family, immortal and prevailing into eternity have as their mission to destroy the root of all evil on earth: Lucifer, Mastima the Omega, and the stars of the dragons tail, the Spectrals...

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Ask No Questions is a mesmerizing saga bringing immortal gods past and present to life in a sweeping story spanning the ages.

Readers who wish to experience this gripping and potent work can purchase Ask No Questions at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional New York-based, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not overwhelmed with logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of accomplished authors and publishing professionals allows writers to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Traackr's State of Influence for Gaming Gaming companies are now looking for ways to stand out by partnering with influencers who stream and play video games or participate in esports events in these unique communities.

While Fortnite won the hearts of gamers in 2018, Ubisofts Tom Clancys The Division 2 is the most anticipated game of 2019, according to a new report released today from influencer marketing platform Traackr. From the most talked about gaming categories of the year to the food and beverage that fuel gamers, Traackrs State of Influence Gaming report provides insights into the most popular brands among gaming influencers in 2018.

Based on a segment of about 14,000 top influencers in gaming, The Division 2 secured the most mentions (8,235) and video views (26,589,423) in 2018 ahead of its 2019 release date. While The Division 2 received more mentions (39.4 percent) and engagements (16.3 percent) among influential male gamers, Square Enixs Kingdom Hearts 3 - the latest in a series of games set in the world of Disney/Pixar - received more posts (26.8 percent) and engagements (40.9 percent) from female influencers.

Gamers dont fall for traditional advertising and regularly frequent niche platforms where they have built highly engaged networks, like Twitch, said Pierre-Loic Assayag, CEO and co-founder of Traackr. Gaming companies are now looking for ways to stand out by partnering with influencers who stream and play video games or participate in esports events in these unique communities.

The report also highlights the most discussed gaming trends by gender, favorite products and categories:



Although the most highly discussed gaming trends among male gamers was esports (28.8 percent), followed by Battle Royale games (28.4 percent), Battle Royale received higher engagement rates (74.9 percent) as opposed to esports (3.56 percent). Among female influencers, virtual reality was the most discussed (31.2 percent) and received the most engagements (38.3 percent).

Traditionally marginalized by a male-dominated category and lack of representation in video games, female gamers have built a sizable and growing influence in the gaming community despite these challenges. While male gamers in this panel have a higher potential reach (10.6 billion versus 1.04 billion), female influencers have a higher engagement rate than male gamers overall (3.46 percent versus 1.81 percent), which indicates that they earn more trust and authenticity with their followers.

Looking beyond video game trends and manufacturers, popular snack and energy drink companies played an important role in sponsorship opportunities with influential gamers. While Starbucks had the most unique activated influencers (1,857), Red Bull dominated social engagement with the largest number of total mentions (6,957) and video views (more than 118 million) in 2018. When compared by gender, Red Bull was the most popular among male gamers with the largest share of brand mentions and engagements, while female gamers preferred Starbucks.

The gaming industry has been a gateway for female influencers to discuss other interests and trends outside of games. Female gamers have discussed topics on beauty (66 percent) and fashion (50 percent) and participate in paid collaborations (28 percent) with brands such as Forever 21, Olay and Puma. With high engagement rates and a variety of interests, female gaming influencers are becoming valuable for all brands - not just those selling gaming products.

As the gaming landscape changes and grows - with the recognition of female gamers and new gaming and esports trends going mainstream - brands in beauty, fashion, auto and tech can make a splash with this highly engaged community by partnering with trusted influencers in their circles, said Assayag.

To view the full report, download here.

About Traackr

Traackr is an influencer marketing platform for global influencer strategies, which enables influencer discovery, vetting, management and measurement influencer programs. The platform gives marketing teams the ability to make strategic influencer marketing decisions with unparalleled access to global data, market performance benchmarks and competitive insights. Traackr powers influencer marketing for beloved global brands, including LOreal, The Coca-Cola Company, Microsoft, Samsung, USAA, Merck, Roche and Capital One. Headquartered in San Francisco, Traackr has offices in New York, Boston, London and Paris.
Strengthening its dedication to the growth of the patient experience across the continuum of care, The Beryl Institute announces three newly aligned patient experience boards: Strategic Advisory Board, Patient Experience (PX) Advisory Board and the Solutions Advisory Board.

Strengthening its dedication to the growth of the patient experience across the continuum of care, The Beryl Institute announces three newly aligned patient experience boards: Strategic Advisory Board, Patient Experience (PX) Advisory Board and the Solutions Advisory Board. - Joining the Institutes existing Global Patient and Family Advisory Board, the newly aligned boards bring valuable insights to guide the Institute forward as the independent, central voice and global community of practice for the experience movement.

The Strategic Advisory Board serves as a key advisor to operations of the Institute. The board provides practical advice on strategy, growth opportunities and future plans, along with valuable insights into market and industry trends. The Strategic Advisory Board members include:



Michael Bennick, MD, Medical Director of the Patient Experience, Chairman, Patient Experience Council, Yale-New Haven Hospital

Joanne Carrocino, President and CEO, Cape Regional Medical Center

Neil Churchill, Director for Patient Experience, Participation and Equalities, NHS, England

Rick Evans, SVP and Chief Experience Officer, New York-Presbyterian Hospital

Sven Gierlinger, Chief Experience Officer, Northwell Health

Pam Guler, CPXP, Vice President, Chief Experience Officer, Advent Health

Wendy Leebov, Partner, Language of Caring

Victoria Niederhauser, PhD, Dean & Professor, University of Tennessee Knoxville, College of Nursing

Dan Prince, Vice President, Healthcare, SMG

Colleen Sweeney, Founder, Sweeney Healthcare Enterprises

The Patient Experience (PX) Advisory Board members provide insights and input on the direction of the Institute and review the Institute's current resources, offering suggestions on new opportunities and areas of focus. The purpose of this group is to ensure the Institute maintains its focus on the topics of greatest importance to healthcare leaders and has a finger on the pulse of the critical issues influencing patient experience efforts. The PX Advisory Board members include:

Co Chairs:



Sven Gierlinger, Chief Experience Officer, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park

Pam Guler, CPXP, Vice President, Chief Experience Officer, AdventHealth, Altamonte Springs, FL

Board Members:



Tena Alonzo, Director, Education and Research, Director Comfort Matters, Beatitudes Campus, Phoenix, AZ

Marcelo Alvarenga, CPXP, Chief Experience Officer, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Dexter Janet Borrowman, CPXP, Director, Care Experience, Maui Health System Affiliated w/Kaiser Permanente, Wailuku, HI

Nicole Cable, CPXP, Chief Experience Officer, Innovacare Health, Fort Lee, NJ

Kate Clarke, Manager, Patient Relations/Interpreter Services, Northwestern Medicine, Winfield, IL

Kathi Cox, Senior Vice President, Integrated Experience, Texas Health Resources, Arlington, TX

Bryanna Gallaway, CPXP, System Director, Patient and Family Engagement, Sutter Health, San Mateo, CA

Kevin Hill, CPXP, Director, Office of Experience, Vidant Health, Greenville, NC

Joan Kelley, Chief Experience Officer, Yale New Haven Health, New Haven, CT

Tammy Marshall, Chief Experience Officer, Thrive Senior Living, Atlanta, GA

CJ Merrill, Patient Experience Officer, Mission Health System, Asheville, NC

Tony Padilla, Vice President, Patient Experience, City of Hope, Duarte, CA

Elizabeth Paskas, Vice President, Human Experience, Hackensack Meridian Health, Edison, NJ

Kim Pedersen, CPXP, Director, Patient Relations, MarianJoy Rehabilitations Center, Wheaton, IL

Jennifer Purdy, Executive Director for VA Patient Experience, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, VEO, Washington, DC

Walter Rojenko, CPXP, Director Customer Care, Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Maple, Ontario Canada

Sandra Rush, Senior Director, Patient Experience, Dignity Health, Henderson, NV

Carol Santalucia, Director, Business Development, Patient Experience, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH

The Solutions Advisory Board serves to integrate market intelligence and insights into the strategic and tactical direction of the Institute. The Solutions Advisory Board ensures a breadth of innovative insights from the healthcare marketplace to inform the strategic direction and resource offerings of the Institute. The Board will review the Institutes areas of focus and current resources and offer suggestions on new opportunities and topics of interest ensuring the Institute maintains a leading-edge perspective on the patient experience. The Solutions Advisory Board members include:

Co Chairs:



Dan Prince, Vice President, Healthcare, SMG, Nashville, TN

Colleen Sweeney, Founder, Sweeney Healthcare Enterprises, Apollo Beach, FL

Board Members:



Samir Batra, Founder & CEO, BAHA Enterprises, Campbell, CA

Richard Corder, Partner, Wellesley Partners, Ltd., Ipswich, MA

Anne Freeman, Consultant, Press Ganey Associates, Inc., La Mirada, CA

Janiece Gray, CEO, Founding Partner, DTA Associates, Inc., Edina, MNN

Senem Guney, Founder & Chief Patient Experience Officer, NarrativeDx, Austin, TX

Joe Inguanzo, President and CEO, Professional Research Consultants, Inc. Omaha, NE

Gautum Mahtani, Founder and CEO, Care Experience LP, Dallas, TX

Susan Mazer, Presider/CEO, Healing Healthcare Systems, Reno, NV

Jake Poore, President and Chief Experience Officer, Integrated Loyalty Systems LLC, Orlando, FL

Avi Ratnanesan, CEO, Energesse, Bondi Junction, New South Wales, Australia

Mary Beth Resimisius, Business Leader, Healthcare Experience Solutions, McCall, ID

Bill Roberts, VP of Sales, ImageFIRST Healthcare Laundry Specialists, King of Prussia, PA

Ed Shin, CEO Quality Reviews, Inc., New York, NY

Dorothy Sisneros, Partner, Language of Caring, Washington, DC

Eileen Smith, Vice President, Marketing, GetWell Network, Bethesda, MD

Tim Travis, Co-Founder and President, Truthpoint, Eden Prairies, MN

Ralph Wiegner, Head of Improving Patient Experience, Siemens, Healthineers, Erlangen, Bavaria Germany

To view the list of members and learn more about The Beryl Institutes Patient Experience boards and councils, visit: https://www.theberylinstitute.org/page/BOARDSCOUNCILS

###

About The Beryl Institute:

The Beryl Institute is the global community of practice dedicated to improving the patient experience through collaboration and shared knowledge. We define patient experience as the sum of all interactions, shaped by an organizations culture, that influence patient perceptions across the continuum of care.
What's Included

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If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 319-352-3334 or email legals@waverlynewspapers.com.
"Whether youre planning for a romantic getaway or a nice dinner, Swagbucks is your partner to make sure youre getting the best deals on everything you purchase online.

Would you consider going on a blind date on Valentines Day? A new survey from Swagbucks, a rewards- and loyalty-program company operated by Prodege, LLC, found that 43 percent of Americans would consider it. And 28 percent would be willing to spend the holiday speed dating. The national survey of 2,000 U.S. adults was conducted online by Prodege in January 2019.

Valentines Day is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your significant other, said Chuck Davis, CEO and Chairman of Prodege, LLC. Whether youre planning for a romantic getaway or a nice dinner, Swagbucks is your partner to make sure youre getting the best deals on everything you purchase online.

Valentines Day Dos and Donts

Valentines Day can be a pretty romantic holiday, but is it romantic enough for a proposal?

More than a third of Americans (36 percent)  including 44 percent of men  would consider proposing marriage on Valentines Day. However, only 39 percent of Americans would want to be proposed to on Valentines Day.

As for Valentines Day dating:



Almost 1 in 10 Americans, including 14 percent of men and 4 percent of women, have had a one-night stand on Valentines Day

5 percent of men and 3 percent of women have used a dating app to find a date on Valentines Day

Very few Americans have broken up with a significant other (5 percent) or been broken up with (6 percent) on Valentines Day

Not All Americans in Love With Valentines Day

However, not all Americans love Valentines Day: Almost 1 in 3 (31 percent) would be happy if the holiday no longer existed. Furthermore, most of the pressure Americans feel to participate in Valentines Day is cultural (39 percent) rather than familial (10 percent).

Of those Americans who will be celebrating, most plan to keep their Valentines Day plans to themselves  54 percent say they will not be posting on social media. They would, however, be slightly more willing to share their dates on social media if a brand sponsored their date (56 percent).

Valentines Day celebrators can use Swagbucks Local to find deals and cash back on local restaurant outings across the U.S. Shoppers can also earn Swagbucks on all their purchases from a wide selection of popular retailers through the Swagbucks site or by downloading the SwagButton.

About Swagbucks

Swagbucks.com is the webs most popular rewards program that gives you free gift cards and cash for the everyday things you already do online. Earn points when you shop at your favorite retailers, watch entertaining videos, search the web, answer surveys and find great deals. Redeem points for gift cards to your favorite retailers like Amazon and Walmart, or get cash back from PayPal.

Swagbucks has already paid out more than $300 million in cash and free gift cards. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Swagbucks is owned by Prodege, LLC, a leading internet and media company that operates multiple customer engagement brands.

About Prodege, LLC

Prodege (pro-de-gee) is an internet and media company that is dedicated to Creating Rewarding Moments for its members, by rewarding our members with over $600 million in cash and free gift cards since its inception. Prodege is comprised of three consumer brands  Swagbucks, MyPoints and ShopAtHome  which deliver engaging content and valuable rewards to more than 60 million members. Prodege's complementary suite of business solutions helps brands boost engagement with consumers by making it easy to gather insights, listen to their audience and gain further exposure to drive brand loyalty. Visit http://www.prodege.com for more information.

Media Contact:

Hannah Ruark

hannah@bospar.com


MOMENT OF GLORY: The winners, judges, and presenters of the 2019 SPIE Prism Awards With two new categories  Transportation and Vision Technologies  added to the award-lineup, the Prism Awards continue to reflect the exponential growth, exciting developments, and rich technical innovations across photonics and photonics-enabled industries.

On February 6, at the annual Prism Awards, an evening invitation-only event held during the Photonics West Symposium in San Francisco, SPIE and Photonics Media honored the best new optics and photonics products on the market.

At a ceremony where long-established companies such as Leica shared the winners stage with disruptive startups like Double Helix  champion of the SPIE Startup Challenge in 2016  all the winners and finalists at the 11th annual Prism Awards hold common ground: whether they are working in healthcare or security, transportation or scientific discovery, all the companies and products are dedicated to advancing technologies with optics and photonics.

With two new categories  Transportation and Vision Technologies  added to the award-lineup, the Prism Awards continue to reflect the exponential growth, exciting developments, and rich technical innovations across photonics and photonics-enabled industries. For consideration of this years Prism Awards, SPIE received 120 applications from 15 countries. Finalists and winners were selected by a panel of international judges that includes leaders from both the technology commercialization and funding sectors.

Presenters of the Prism Awards, drawn from across the photonics industries, include President of MKS Instruments John Lee; Ball Aerospace VP & General Manager, Civil Space, Makenzie Lystrup; Coherent Vice President of Strategic Marketing Magnus Bengtsson; Morf3D Chief Technology Officer Melissa Orme; General Manager of Osram Opto Semiconductors Sensor Line Markus Arzberger; Lumentum Vice President of Product Line Management Andre Wong; and Digilens Founder, Chairman & CTO Jonathan Waldern, among others.

"SPIE proudly recognizes and honors our Prism winners, finalists, and applicants, said SPIE CEO Kent Rochford. Across various areas critical to our daily lives, these engineers and inventors are building, creating and innovating products that will improve fields such as healthcare, transportation, consumer safety, and scientific research. The mission of SPIE, to partner with researchers, educators, and industry to advance light-based research and technologies for the betterment of the human condition, finds one of its most concrete embodiments in this industry-focused event: Im delighted to celebrate our Prism Awards for Photonic Innovation.

"In rising to the top of an impressive field of finalists, the 2019 award-winning products and the companies behind them are taking the photonics industry to new heights," said Thomas Laurin, president and CEO of Photonics Media and Laurin Publishing Inc. Photonics Media is proud to stand with SPIE in supporting breakthroughs such as these, which continue to transform the photonics industry and the world."

Below, is the complete list of the award categories, the winners, and their winning products:



Detectors & Sensors: CloudMinds, XI AI Raman Spectrometer

Diagnostics & Therapeutics: Double Helix, SPINDLE

Imaging & Cameras: Leica, BLK3D

Industrial Lasers: nLIGHT, Corona Fiber Laser

Light Sources: Smart Vision Lights, NanoDrive

Optics & Optomechanics: Modular Photonics, Omplex Passive Silica Chips

Scientific Lasers: TOPTICA Photonics, DLC TOPO

Test & Measurement: 4D Technology, 4D InSpec XL

Transportation: Blackmore, Automotive Doppler Lidar System

Vision Technology: QD Laser, RETISSA Display

About SPIE

SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics, an educational not-for-profit organization founded in 1955 to advance light-based science, engineering, and technology. The Society serves 257,000 constituents from 173 countries, offering conferences and their published proceedings, continuing education, books, journals, and the SPIE Digital Library. In 2018, SPIE provided more than $4 million in community support including scholarships and awards, outreach and advocacy programs, travel grants, public policy, and educational resources. http://www.spie.org.

Contact:

Daneet Steffens

Public Relations Manager

daneets@spie.org

+1 360 685 5478

@SPIEtweets
USMCA will permit more U.S. protein import, leading to lower protein prices in Canada, which will reduce the price dairy farmers receive

During the NAFTA renegotiations earlier this year, President Trump targeted Canadas supply managed dairy sector particularly as needing to be reformed. Canada already exports skim milk powder (a protein product), because the supply managed system leads to too much milk to satisfy the domestic protein demand while satisfying the domestic butter fat demand. The USMCA will permit more U.S. protein import, leading to lower protein prices in Canada, which will reduce the price dairy farmers receive.

In the new article Reforming Canadas Dairy Sector: USMCA and the Issue of Compensation, released in AEPP, G. Cornelis van Kooten from the University of Victoria looks into the winners and losers of the new trade agreement.

Author van Kooten says, The EU implemented supply management in the early 1980s to reduce its export subsidy costs, which it had to eliminate in any event as a result of the 1995 WTO Agreement on Agriculture. In contrast, Canada started supply management in dairy in the early 1970s and was not an exporter, which made the analytical analysis of the two situations different and thus the income redistribution consequences of dairy reforms. Assuming the government wished to compensate dairy producers, I applied three methods to estimate the potential cost of a quota buyout. The cost is estimated to be much lower than what had been anticipated.

The article Reforming Canadas Dairy Sector: USMCA and the Issue of Compensation is available online for a limited time. If you are interested in setting up an interview, please contact Allison Scheetz in the AAEA Business Office.

ABOUT AAEA: Established in 1910, the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) is the leading professional association for agricultural and applied economists, with 2,500 members in more than 60 countries. Members of the AAEA work in academic or government institutions as well as in industry and not-for-profit organizations, and engage in a variety of research, teaching, and outreach activities in the areas of agriculture, the environment, food, health, and international development. The AAEA publishes two journals, the American Journal of Agricultural Economics and Applied Economic Perspectives & Policy, as well as the online magazine Choices. To learn more, visit http://www.aaea.org.
Moments in Time: a soul-stirring emotional experience, is the creation of published author S. Carolyn Boyette, a passionate writer who as a manager of three California elderly homes encouraged retirees to write out their life stories for posterity. She has also worked as a teacher and in the Department of Education in Washington, D.C.

Boyette writes, Many of the Moments in Time inclusions were taken from life experiences and some from inspiration. The Experience of Dementia as a Journey gives some insight as to what one who goes through it feels and for a caregiver to understand their loved one. Humor is found in Handling a Cat in Heat, the Turkey Poem, The Hospital, The Little Mommy, and others. There are projects to consider like making prayer shawls and writing your own life story. The author enjoyed writing poetry and other forms of discovery in writing such as her cinquain verses. Included is a card game, a recipe, and a Bible study, and much more. Be ready to find humor, whimsy, insight, inspiration, and suggestions. The labor of love in this is hopefully a blessing to all who have similar desires.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, S. Carolyn Boyettes new book is a multifaceted view of life as seen, heard, and felt through the senses of a poet.

At once somber, then joyful, humorous, then serene, Boyette writes with an unfettered heart that will inspire readers with its authenticity and depth of feeling.

View a synopsis of Moments in Time on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Moments in Time at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Moments in Time, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Astrid von Oetinger, RGF's International Sales Manager, makes a visit to see Lulu the King Penguin in Ski Dubai's Penguin Encounter What these types of exhibits require is a non-chemical solution to manage bacteria, viruses, and odors within the habitats said Liju Thomas Eapen, Managing Director for Al Arif A/C Systems LLC.

RGF Environmental Group LLC., a leading manufacturer of air, water, and food purification systems, expands their global reach with a solution for a unique application, Ski Dubais penguin encounter. Ski Dubai is an indoor mountain-themed winter ski resort located in Dubai, U.A.E., which houses over 30 Gentoo and King penguins. To make sure their penguins, trainers, and visitors are breathing the best air possible, RGFs Guardian Air units were installed by our distribution and installation partner, Al Arif Air Conditioning Systems LLC.

What these types of exhibits require is a non-chemical solution to manage bacteria, viruses, and odors within the habitats, said Liju Thomas Eapen, Managing Director for Al Arif A/C Systems LLC. The Guardian Air purifies the air the same process that nature uses to cleanse the air outside. This process gently, yet proactively purifies the air without it needing to pass through the HVAC system.

Guardian Air purification systems have been used in applications all over the world from Australia to Grand Cayman and work to purify the environments of many different animals including turtles, primates, fish, and polar bears. This technology is used unique applications such as zoos, rescues, fisheries, and aquariums but also in homes and businesses where an alternative to using harsh chemicals for odor and microbial mitigation is desired.

About Al Arif Air Conditioning Systems LLC

Al Arif Air-Conditioning Systems LLC was established in 2004 as a service provider for the air conditioning industry in Dubai. The company has grown into a well-established MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) contractor in UAE offering specialized HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) solutions with products for air purification, including high efficiency, low-noise fan coil units and practical energy recovery systems. They are a total solution provider in the design, installation and commissioning of MEP systems and services. Al Arif Decor, its sister company, is a reputed interiors and soft furnishing company based in Dubai, proudly serving the UAE community since 1995.

About RGF Environmental Group, Inc.

RGF manufactures over 500 environmental products and has a 33+ year history of providing the world with the safest air, water and food without the use of chemicals. RGF is an ISO 9001:2015 certified research and innovation company, holding numerous patents for wastewater treatment systems, air purifying devices, and food sanitation systems. Situated in the heart of the Port of Palm Beach Enterprise Zone, RGF Headquarters span 7.5 acres, with 106,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehouse and office facilities. RGF has recently upgraded their facilities, creating an increased vertical approach to manufacturing, further allowing the company to provide the highest quality and best engineered products on the market.

For more information, go to https://www.rgf.com or contact RGF Environmental Group, Inc. 1101 West 13th Street, The Port of Palm Beach Enterprise Zone, Riviera Beach, Florida 33404 USA Tel: (561) 848-1826 or (800) 842-7771; Fax (561) 848-9454.
There was no better way to celebrate this milestone than by thanking the people who helped make this possible.

On February 1, 2019, Raines International Inc. celebrated its 50th anniversary as one of the countrys premier executive search firms. Held at Current at Chelsea Piers, the firm commemorated the event with cocktails and dinner for 150 current and former Raines consultants dating back to the firms founding. Since 1969, Raines International Inc. has offered clients unparalleled access to exceptional C-Suite talent around the globe in all major industries and functional areas.

Founder and CEO Bruce R. Raines has led the firm since its inception. For decades, Raines International Inc.s team of search consultants has successfully placed thousands of C-Suite executives, with clients including privately-held companies, publicly-traded corporations, leading private equity and venture capital firms, and not-for-profits.

There was no better way to celebrate this milestone than by thanking the people who helped make this possible, said Bruce Raines. Fifty years is a major accomplishment in our field, but I am equally proud of the culture we have established at our firm and our vision for the future.

With offices in New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Bentonville, as well as an upcoming office in Latin America, the firm continues to broaden its impact and remain at the forefront of the executive search industry. Raines International Inc. looks forward to continually serving the needs of its diverse client base and expanding its expertise across all facets of the executive talent process.

"Were proud to have Raines International Inc. as a long-standing member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC). The firm's commitment to quality standards is evidenced by founder and CEO Bruce Raines' 2018 AESC Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations to all of Raines!" commented AESC CEO Karen Greenbaum. The AESC is the professional association for consultants who represent exemplary standards in executive search and leadership advisory worldwide, comprising over 9000 consultants across more than 350 firms in 70 countries.

About Raines International:

Founded in 1969, Raines International Inc. is one of the countrys leading retained executive search firms, conducting global searches for C-Suite executives and their direct reports. Raines International Inc. offers unparalleled access to exceptional talent across the globe, leveraging over 50 years of experience building exclusive relationships. With expertise in all major industry sectors and functional areas, its client base includes privately-held companies, publicly-held corporations, leading private equity and venture capital firms, and not-for-profits. The firms collaborative partnership with its clients, global reach, and industry and functional leadership allow Raines International Inc. to engage the worlds top talent to serve each clients unique leadership needs. A pioneer in the executive search industry, founder and CEO Bruce Raines leads the firm across offices in New York City, Bentonville, Boston, and San Francisco. In recognition of his achievements in the industry, Bruce Raines was honored as the recipient of the AESC 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award.

For more information about the firm, please visit http://www.rainesinternational.com.
Prof. Justin B. Mudekereza is a Congolese national who fled violence in his native country in 2006, has worked on behalf of the oppressed in a variety of African nations as well as in the US, where he currently serves as Executive Director of New Neighbor Relief, a nonprofit organization working to help refugees starting a new life in San Diego, California. He has completed his book Sh*thole Countries: The Shocking Truth That Should Have Served as a Lesson: an exploration of the notorious characterization and whether it may be applied to certain developed countries as well.

Prof. Mudekereza shares, During an Oval Office meeting, the U.S President grew frustrated with lawmakers. It was due to the discussion revolving around protecting immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador, and African countries as part of a bipartisan immigration deal. As a result, the President aired out remarks that have since generated global attention.

Inviting people to accept the truth, this book depicts scenarios which made the author to confirm that his country, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as well as other African countries and beyond, was actually a sh*thole country. The book further discusses systems turning African countries into shitholes and looks if developed country could be called shithole countries as well.

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Prof. Justin B. Mudekerezas book is a fascinating perspective on an off-handed comment that rocked the world.

Readers who wish to experience this provocative work can purchase Sh*thole Countries: The Shocking Truth That Should Have Served as a Lesson at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional New York-based, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not overwhelmed with logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of accomplished authors and publishing professionals allows writers to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
We are delighted to have found the perfect fit in 21 Invest France, which shares our entrepreneurial culture and vision for the future.

The new shareholding structure, actively supported by the management team, will enable PLG to:



pursue strategic acquisitions and joint ventures to further broaden and deepen its portfolio of expertise, and expand international coverage

develop new service offerings for adjacent markets such as medical device

accelerate new service innovation and create additional value for clients

ProductLife Group (PLG), has announced that 21 Invest France has taken a majority capital stake in the business, facilitating a new phase of expansion and innovation. PLGs founder and management team have also invested significantly in the operation, which concluded on January 18th.

ProductLife Group is a respected expert in regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance outsourced management for the healthcare and life sciences industries. The 25-year-old group has a solid and diversified base of Life Sciences clients, including 36 of world top 50. It offers its services in more than 100 countries through a competitive global outsourcing model.

PLG had been actively looking for the right partner to support a next phase of robust business growth and value creation for clients. The new shareholding structure is a positive boost for all employees, stakeholders, and clients, as it will ensure continuity and enhanced resourcing, thus evolving its services to clients. The move will also enable PLG to take its offerings to a broader market globally, and into adjacent markets such as medical devices a dynamic industry segment which is seeing new regulations.

Commenting on the announcement, Pierre Cuny, PLGs Founder and Executive Chairman, said, We are delighted to have found the perfect fit in 21 Invest France, which shares our entrepreneurial culture and vision for the future. Our investors fully support our strategy to expand our activities globally, and will help take our offering to more international markets and move the business to the next level.

Members of PLGs management team have also invested in the new company. The core team at PLG remains committed to successfully delivering value to its clients and is eager to break new ground, Sebastien Schmitt, the Groups Executive VP for Commercial and Delivery, said.

We are thrilled to see 21 Invest France joining forces with us: together we are investing in PLGs long-term corporate goals. As well as extending our reach to deliver services globally, we believe it is very important to be able to offer a high-quality localised service. Having 21 Invest France with us will help to ensure that we succeed.

What a fantastic start to 2019, Laurent Couston, Executive VP and CFO, added. With all of the regulatory developments in life sciences, there has never been a greater need for the solutions and services PLG provides. Now we can take that proposition and expand it, offering it to a broader market. The future looks very exciting for our clients, our prospects, our staff, as well as our partners and the market at large.

Reflecting the growing demand for its solutions and services, PLGs global annual turnover has grown rapidly - to a current level of 25 million. Thanks to its clients continuous loyalty, and irrespective of any future acquisitions, the business is on course for double-digit growth over the next few years.

About ProductLife Group

ProductLife Group is one of the European leaders in global Regulatory and Safety outsourcing and consulting services for life sciences. Structured on a unique and functional business model of technical platforms and geographical hubs, ProductLife Group offers its customers global support through its subsidiaries and network of certified partners covering more than 100 markets.

About 21 Invest

21 Invest is a European investment firm, investing in mid-market companies based in Italy, France and Poland, through local funds. The Group, created by Alessandro Benetton and Gerard Pluvinet, has completed more than 100 investments in the mid-market over the past 27 years.

Astou Ciss - +33 (0)1 56 88 33 00 - a.ciss(at)21centralepartners.com

http://www.21invest.com

PR Contact

Sarum PR  PR for ProductLife Group

+44 7970 006624

carina(at)sarumpr.com
We are pleased to see Ryan Lutz recognized for his considerable talents and achievements, said Co-Founder and Managing Principal Ernest Cory. He is a tremendous asset for Birmingham and our firm.

Cory Watson Attorneys is proud to announce that firm Principal Ryan Lutz has been selected to the Birmingham Business Journals Top 40 Under 40 list for 2019.

The list is comprised of up-and-coming business leaders who are intent on shaping the future of Birmingham and their industries. The winners were chosen from hundreds of nominations submitted last year at BBJ.com, and only a small fraction of the nominees were selected as this years finalists.

We are pleased to see Ryan Lutz recognized for his considerable talents and achievements, said Co-Founder and Managing Principal Ernest Cory. He is a tremendous asset for Birmingham and our firm.

About Firm Principal Ryan Lutz

Ryan Lutz is a Birmingham native who earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University before returning to study at the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

Since joining the firm in 2006, Lutz has served Cory Watson clients by winning multi-million dollar verdicts such as a $25 million verdict in a faulty brakes product liability case against Nissan.

He has served as Co-Lead Counsel for nationwide consumer fraud class actions and settlements, taken leading roles in multidistrict litigations involving defective medical devices and pharmaceutical products, and led cases that resulted in changes to national safety standards for glass-front fireplace screens.

One of his most notable accomplishments is representing nearly every city and county in the state of Arkansas against opioid manufacturers and distributors in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

A father of two boys, Lutzs concern for children extends beyond the courtroom. As a board member and current president of the TumTum Tree Foundation, he oversees fundraising efforts exceeding $12 million for local childrens charities through an annual live wine auction.

On behalf of Cory Watson Attorneys and our thousands of clients nationwide, we thank Ryan Lutz for his dedication to our firm, clients, profession, and his community.

About Cory Watson Attorneys

Cory Watson Attorneys is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm based in Birmingham, Alabama with more than $2.7 billion in recoveries for clients. Attorneys are frequently appointed to leadership positions in national cases involving pharmaceuticals and defective medical devices. Practice areas include product liability, class actions, mass torts, pharmaceutical litigation, wrongful death, asbestos, mesothelioma, car accidents, truck accidents, catastrophic injury, aviation, recalled products, and environmental litigation. To learn more, visit http://www.CoryWatson.com.
"...I am grateful to all of TCA for believing in me and guiding me throughout our company's growth. Our recent acquisition is a direct reflection of the valuable business expertise provided to me by TCA..." - Lori A. Torres, CEO, Parcel Pending

Tech Coast Angels (TCA), one of the worlds largest angel networks, today announced some of its members realized a successful exit (80% IRR) of their investment in Parcel Pending, the countrys leading provider of simplified and secured package management solutions. The original funding round of $1.25 million in 2014 went through due diligence and funding in about half the time, and double the capital raise, of a usual angel investment.

On January 22 of this year, Parcel Pending announced it had been acquired for over $100 million USD by Neopost, a Paris-based mail solutions leader. TCA members who invested in the first funding round of Parcel Pending realized a return of 19 x plus an upside upon attainment of certain goals.

TCA members were extremely impressed with the leadership and experience from Parcel Pendings CEO, Lori A. Torres. She had done property management on a $1B real estate portfolio, she had invested her own money, and she was an interesting mix of strong competence and a willingness to understand the difference between the corporate world and entrepreneurism.

Lori came to us with a great idea for package delivery in multi-family housing. And she had put her own money and insight into developing an impressive prototype, said Grant Van Cleve, Chairman of TCAs board of governors and co-deal lead with Hans Imhof. Hans and I provided a tag-team of experience and energy. We were able to study the opportunity and circulate a report that led to a large round in a quick period. There was a real sense of partnership with Lori that let us come up with a win-win deal in good time.

"Working with Tech Coast Angels has been a positive, seamless and empowering experience from start to finish," stated Ms. Torres. "I was able to secure funding within just seven weeks of my pre-screening and received personal, hands-on support from a number of TCA members as I got Parcel Pending off of the ground. Hans Imhof, a TCA member and Parcel Pending board member, has been an inspiring advisor throughout the process and I am grateful to all of TCA for believing in me and guiding me throughout our company's growth. Our recent acquisition is a direct reflection of the valuable business expertise provided to me by TCA and I share this milestone with them."

National studies show that angel groups have higher returns than individual angels. Much of that stems from the breadth of their membership which can add key value to the diligence process, said Van Cleve. In the case of Parcel Pending, I was able to link their value proposition with my experience leading Apartment Life locally, and Hans brought unique insights from manufacturing and real estate. Mix that with recommendations from local links to executives who had worked with Lori previously and we had a solid foundation for vetting the compelling concept she presented.

About Tech Coast Angels:

Tech Coast Angels is one of the largest and most active angel investor networks in the nation, and a leading source of funding for seed-stage and early-stage companies across all innovation industries in Southern California. TCA members are accredited investors who individually invest in startup companies. Companies go through well-structured, transparent, and time efficient screening and due diligence. As founders and executive-level business leaders, TCA members provide companies with more than just capital; they also contribute counsel, mentoring and access to an extensive network of investors, customers, strategic partners and management.

TCA is a catalyst in the growth of the thriving Southern California entrepreneurial ecosystem of innovation. A recent Halo Report rated TCA as #2 nationally in a number of funded deals, and a recent analysis by CB Insights ranked TCA #1 out of 370 angel groups on Network Centrality and #5 overall in Investor Mosaic. Since its founding in 1997, TCA has invested over $218 million in more than 380 companies and has helped attract more than $1.66 billion in additional capital/follow-on rounds, mostly from venture capital firms. http://www.techcoastangels.com
Today

Scattered thunderstorms this evening. A steady rain arriving overnight. Low 61F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms this evening. A steady rain arriving overnight. Low 61F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High near 85F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.
North Media in Copenhagen, Denmark, has purchased Newscycles Digital Writer, Dashboard and Open Content Solutions. We have some tough competition, and the Newscycle software will let us concentrate on quality, which makes all the difference. - Dorthe Carlsen, Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Helsingr Dagblad

NEWSCYCLE Solutions (Newscycle), a leading provider of software solutions for the media industry, announces that North Media in Copenhagen, Denmark, has purchased Newscycles Digital Writer, Dashboard and Open Content Solutions. The products are part of the suite of software systems by Newscycles recent acquisition, Infomaker.

North Media Aviser publishes Helsingr Dagblad, Lokalavisen Nordsjlland and eight local newspapers in the Copenhagen region. The Infomaker Content Management Suite is a key part of North Medias goal to expand its digital titles.

They needed a digital authoring tool for the new digital world, said Jonas Bringle, Newscycles Managing Director of the EMEA region. Their goal was to give journalists a real mobile, flexible capability that also lets them write from anywhere and work with any media to create great digital content.

North Medias objectives have always been to provide its readers the best content about products as well as important news and information, and in order to best fulfill that mission, we need to maximize our digital capabilities, said Dorthe Carlsen, Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Helsingr Dagblad. We have some tough competition, and the Newscycle software will let us concentrate on quality, which makes all the difference.

Digital Writer is Newscycles digital-first content solution and has been praised by publishers throughout Europe for its ease-of-use and versatility. In addition, North Media purchased the Infomaker Dashboard to handle planning and scheduling. Finally, Open Content will serve as the central repository to store all North Medias content, making it accessible to any of its publications.

The project is expected to go live in April. This is a relatively quick implementation time, which brings credit to the modern architecture of the software. Its one of the strengths of the Infomaker products. North Media can easily bolt this onto their existing system and hit the ground running, Bringle said.

About NEWSCYCLE Solutions

NEWSCYCLE Solutions is the leading provider of software and services powering the global media industry. Our content management, advertising management, subscription management and mobile solutions help companies drive profitability and accelerate digital business models. With headquarters in Bloomington, MN and regional offices throughout the world, Newscycle Solutions a trusted partner serving over 2,500 customers in 45 countries.
Were excited to work with Noodle Partners because they have the expertise and experience to help us deliver first-class programs while staying true to our identity and core academic values, said Dr. Selma Botman, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Yeshiva University.

Noodle Partners, the nation's fastest growing online program manager (OPM), will partner with Yeshiva Universitys Katz School of Science and Health and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law to launch three online masters degrees in Fall 2019: Data Analytics and Visualization, Digital Marketing and Media, and a new Master of Studies in Law.

Its a privilege to work closely with Yeshiva University, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country to help them expand and solidify their online course offerings, said John Katzman, founder and CEO of Noodle Partners.

The centerpiece of Noodle Partners and YUs partnership is the Convertible Revenue Share (CRS) model, an exclusive offering of Noodle Partners and a first in the online program management industry, which has traditionally been dominated by long-term, high-percentage revenue-share contracts. Instead of taking a percent of revenue Noodle Partners will fund the program and then charge small management fees once its initial investment is recouped via revenue share.

Were excited to work with Noodle Partners because they have the expertise and experience to help us deliver first-class programs while staying true to our identity and core academic values, said Dr. Selma Botman, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Yeshiva University.

About Noodle Partners

Founded by a team of education and technology veterans, Noodle Partners creates innovative online and hybrid programs while improving traditional classroom models. Noodle Partners has the capability to work with universities on every aspect of building a certificate or degree program that they choosemarketing, student recruitment, enrollment, curriculum design, student engagement, support services, graduate placement, and alumni engagementand provides a high level of fit and finish. For more information, visit noodlepartners.com or follow us on Twitter @NoodlePartners or LinkedIn.

About Yeshiva University

Founded in 1886, Yeshiva University brings together the ancient traditions of Jewish law and life and the heritage of Western civilization. More than 7,400 undergraduate and graduate students study at YU's four New York City campuses: the Wilf Campus, Israel Henry Beren Campus, Brookdale Center, and Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus. YUs three undergraduate schools  Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, and Sy Syms School of Business  offer a unique dual program comprised of Jewish studies and liberal arts courses. Its graduate and affiliate schools include Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, the Katz School of Science and Health and Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. YU is ranked among the nations leading academic institutions.

Media Contacts:

Yeshiva University

Mechal Haas (mechal.haas(at)yu(dot)edu, 212-960-5400, x5861)

Noodle Partners

Alyssa Miller (alyssa(at)ammediaworks(dot)com, 973-615-1292)
Indigenous Modern Joaquin Torres-Garcia I am proud and excited that the renovated galleries will allow for the display of a broad range of works that demonstrate and engage with genuine diversity.

The Newark Museum will reopen its re-envisioned permanent galleries of modern and contemporary American art on March 9. The culmination of a two-year project supported by the Henry Luce Foundation, the new installations create open and inviting spaces to showcase the Museums world-class collections, and promote a more expansive view of American art.

Titled Seeing America, the new modern and contemporary galleries complete the reinstallation of the American collections that began with the addition of Native Artists of North America in 2016. Works by well-known American artists such as Max Weber, Andy Warhol and Helen Frankenthaler are spotlighted alongside contemporary works by living artists, including Willie Cole, Mickalene Thomas and many others. The project encompasses an extensive remodeling of the permanent collection galleries, making the space more open and the art work more accessible to visitors. The reopening will also include the unveiling of several new acquisitions and recently conserved major works; bilingual wall labels in English and Spanish throughout the second floor galleries; a special exhibition by Los Angeles photographer and multimedia artist Matthew Brandt; and the publication of two new illustrated catalogues.

Visitors to the new Seeing America galleries will be able to view works by seminal American artists and discover an expanded and inclusive view of American art. This is my first experience with the reopening of a major portion of the Museum. I am proud and excited that the renovated galleries will allow for the display of a broad range of works that demonstrate and engage with genuine diversity, said Linda Harrison, the Museums CEO and Director. Among the collection highlights are Georgia OKeeffes Abstraction of 1919 and her celebrated flower paintings; Edward Hoppers The Sheridan Theatre, depicting a dramatically lit movie theatre populated by solitary figures; and Joseph Stellas machine-age masterwork, the five-paneled Voice of the City of New York Interpreted.

The strengthening of the Museums holdings of Latin American art is an example of the Museums efforts to present a broader view of American art. Among the new acquisitions featured will be large-scale works by the Uruguayan modernists Joaquin Torres-Garcia and Francisco Matto, leading figures of the Taller Torres-Garcia. In addition, the new galleries will draw widely from the Museums global collections, bringing pre-Columbian textiles, folk art, and contemporary craft into conversation with modern and contemporary painting, sculpture and photography to explore broad and multi-disciplinary themes, including the influence of religion on popular culture, and the connections between Indigenous art and American modernism.

The Museums selection of mid-century and contemporary art includes Andy Warhols iconic Pop-art sculpture Campbells Tomato Juice as well as Warhols 1953 book A is an Alphabet; a groundbreaking sculpture by Isamu Noguchi featuring abstract organic forms; and important paintings by Abstract Expressionist and Color Field painters, including Mark Rothko, Robert Motherwell, Norman Lewis, Sam Gilliam and Helen Frankenthaler. Standout works by contemporary artists will also be featured in the new galleries, including the hyper-realistic sculpture Man on a Mower by Duane Hanson, photography by Dawoud Bey and Cara Romero, and a monumental mixed media painting by Mickalene Thomas titled Afro Goddess Looking Forward, on long-term loan to the Museum.

Community Involvement

To accompany the reinstallation, the Museum developed a companion project titled American Voices, inviting distinguished community members to write personal reflections for wall labels to accompany specific pieces displayed in the gallery. Notable individuals participating in the project include Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger Leon, rap artist Rah Digga (Rashia T. Fisher), poet-critic Robert Pinsky, supermodel Tracey Africa Norman, Newark mural artist Layqa Nuna Yawar, co-founder of WGBO radio station Dorthaan Kirk, art historians Midori Yoshimoto and Jonathan Katz, and Imam Wahy-ud Deen Shareef.

Luce-funded Artist-in-Residence

Over the past two years the Luce grant has also supported an Artist-in-Residence, Los Angeles artist Matthew Brandt. Brandts residency has led to a new body of work, which will be showcased in a special exhibition, Matthew Brandt: Rocks and Eagles on long-term view in the Seeing America contemporary galleries. A photographer and multi-media artist, Brandt has explored and photographed the New Jersey landscape on extended visits over the past two years. His practice combines photographic techniques with unconventional materials often incorporating natural history and the environment. For Rocks and Eagles, Brandt used New Jersey rocks and minerals, crushed to a fine pigment and fused to glass to create large-scale images of the Pine Barrens, an area rich in silicaa material central to glass production. Matthews interests in geology and industrial and natural environments led him to create works that are uniquely linked to the New Jersey landscape and to the Museums collections, said Tricia Laughlin Bloom, the Museums Curator of American Art. Other materials featured in Rocks and Eagles include Fine Silver United States Liberty coins and silver ingots manufactured by the Newark metal refinery Engelhard Industries, melted down to create daguerreotypes.

A workshop with the artist titled Photograms with Matthew Brandt: An Experiment with Light and Glass will take place on March 9 from 12:30-4:30pm. For more information, visit the Museums website at http://www.newarkmuseum.org.

New Publications

Funding for the project also provided for the publication of two new collection catalogues that will allow for the dissemination of information about, and inspiration from, the Museums collections to audiences beyond the metropolitan region. Seeing America: Native Artists of North America and Seeing America: The Arc of Abstraction each features essays by a diverse and distinguished group of contributors. Native Artists of North America documents the Museums holdings of Native American art, from the 19th century to the present, and is distinguished by contributions from seven Indigenous artists and scholars. The Arc of Abstraction includes abstract art in a range of styles and media, also from the late-19th century to the present. The catalogues will be co-published with Lucia Marquand and distributed by Rutgers University Press.

Ongoing transformations

Over the past three years, the Newark Museum has conducted a series of transformative projects to improve its galleries and facilities. First, the Museum implemented a full renovation and reinterpretation of its Native American galleries in 2016. In 2018, the Museum reopened its original front doors on Washington Street and created a fully accessible entrance along with a state-of-the-art welcome center to enhance the visitor experience. The Museum also reinstalled its African and Ancient Mediterranean art collections in newly renovated galleries on its first floor to better showcase the range of its global collections. In addition, a 5,000 square-foot Special Exhibition Gallery was created on the second floor to accommodate popular, large-scale shows such as the upcoming exhibition, Wendy Red Star: A Scratch on the Earth, opening on February 23.

Lead support provided by Henry Luce Foundation. Major support provided by PSEG Foundation; Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation ; Josh and Judy Weston Family Foundation, Inc.; and The Elizabeth Richards Family Exhibition Endowment Fund. Additional support provided by The Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation, Monica and Carlos Ramin, Patricia and James L. Bellis, and Ann and Melvyn Shaffer.

For further information, visit http://www.newarkmuseum.org.
This webinar will help close the gap, bringing everyone up to speed on the latest market conditions, regulatory guidance, and OZ Fund best practices.

NES Financial, the award-winning fund administration provider to the Opportunity Zones (OZ) industry, has announced that it will host a State of the OZ Industry webinar on February 13th. Intended for current and aspiring fund managers, developers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and tax and securities attorneys, as well as OZ Fund investors, the webinar will bring expert panelists from each facet of the industry together to report on the evolving market and regulatory conditions in the OZ space.

The Opportunity Zones program was born in late 2017 under the Investing in Opportunity Act, which established capital gains tax incentives for long-term investments into economically distressed areas across the U.S. With over $6 trillion in unrealized gains held by U.S. taxpayers, the program has opened up enormous potential for developers looking to raise capital at attractive rates and use it to build or improve properties within the qualified zones.

However, though the past year has seen tremendous growth in the Opportunity Zones industry, the programs potential has only just begun to be realized  and nebulous market and regulatory factors have left many with unanswered questions.

This 90-minute webinar, titled State of the Opportunity Zones Industry: Q1 2019, is intended to answer some of those questions. It will be held on February 13, 2019, at 11 a.m. Pacific Time, and will be hosted by Reid Thomas, Executive Vice President at NES Financial. Registration is free of charge.

The speed with which the Opportunity Zones industry has established itself, and the pace at which it continues to evolve, has created an information gap among program stakeholders, Mr. Thomas said. Weve found that many individuals are struggling to find specific guidance, beyond the program basics, on how best to create and manage their OZ Funds, and how to attract investors. Likewise, community leaders want to know how to maximize the programs effectiveness in their local areas. This webinar will help close the gap, bringing everyone up to speed on the latest market conditions, regulatory guidance, and OZ Fund best practices.

Thought leaders from across the industry  including Steven Polivy (Akerman), Clem Turner (Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi), Ira Weinstein (CohnReznick), Christopher Fontaine (Veterans Investing) and Larry Perkins (Gateway Opportunity Funds)  will join Mr. Thomas in this effort.

Mr. Thomas will present on Opportunity Zone Fund setup and management best practices  the important roles that tracking, reporting, and third-party oversight will play in the success of individual OZ Funds and the industry as a whole. Since NES Financial introduced its purpose-built Opportunity Zone Fund Administration Suite, its solutions have quickly become the benchmark for institutional-grade OZ Fund administration, offering the maximum in security, transparency and compliance to fund managers and their investors.

Those interested in attending the webinar may register here. For additional information about the Opportunity Zone Fund Administration Solution, please visit the NES Financial website.

About NES Financial

NES Financial is a Silicon Valley financial technology (FinTech) company providing technology-enabled solutions and services for the efficient back- and middle-office administration of complex financial transactions. Serving private equity, commercial real estate, and Fortune 1000 clientele, NES Financial offers industry-leading private equity fund administration, loan servicing, specialized EB-5 and Opportunity Zone Fund Administration, and 1031 tax-deferred exchange services. Our unwavering commitment to data security, operational redundancy, and compliance reporting is evidenced by 12 consecutive years of successful independent audits of our technology, processes, and financial controls. Today, NES Financial services over 190 funds, administers over $20B annually, and has worked with more than 675 EB-5 projects. For more information, visit nesfinancial.com.
The new online page allows persons interested in the bull to view details online.

Moreno Ranches, the leading producer of Brahman bulls for sale in both Texas and Florida, is proud to announce an important key win in the Brahman bulls category at the recent Fort Worth Stock and Rodeo Show 2019. The Ranch is announcing a specific web page so that persons who were not able to attend the Fort Worth Stock and Rodeo Show can view more information on the bull online at https://www.morenoranches.com/portfolio/moreno-mr-bobs-793/.

At the recent 2019 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, MORENO MR. BOBS 793 was acclaimed as the Intermediate Champion Gray Brahman Bull. Years prior, this bull was awarded with the prize of Summer Brahman Bull Calf Champion.

"The achievement of an award in the intermediate champion gray Brahman bull category is a major news announcement by Moreno Ranches," explained Kelvin Moreno, owner of Moreno Ranches. "Our team worked hard to propel the bull, Moreno Mr. Bobs 793 to victory, and the industry responded favorably to this achievement."

Those who are seeking more general information on Brahman bulls online can visit http://www.morenoranches.com/brahman-bulls-for-sale/, and click up to the "About" tab to schedule a Ranch tour or secure more information. It should be noted that Moreno Ranches is a leader in both the red and gray Brahman categories. Those who are specifically interested in the bull, Moreno Mr. Bobs 793, and/or genetic products are encouraged to reach out to the Ranch as soon as possible.

MORE ON MORENO RANCHES BRAHMAN BULLS

Moreno Ranches comprehends the importance of purebred Brahman Bull genetics. Many southern states like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana prefer Brahman bulls from Moreno Ranches for many reasons, including to breed for F1 hybrids, use for commercial markets, or simply to have a top-notch herd sire. The Ranch takes pride in their Brahman Bulls and their performance is often rewarded. At the recent 2019 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, for example, MORENO MR. BOBS 793 was acclaimed as the Intermediate Champion Gray Brahman Bull. Years prior, this bull was awarded with the prize of Summer Brahman Bull Calf Champion. This is just one of the many examples that Moreno Ranches' Brahman bulls, both red and gray, are here to perform and stay.

The adaptability of Brahman bulls afford it a great place in the beef industry in the coming years, not only for purebred markets but also for commercial. When only the best will do, you can rely on our Brahman bull "Mcheck" certified genetics.

Interested parties are referred particularly to the page on Red Brahman cattle at http://www.morenoranches.com/red-brahman-cattle-for-sale/ as the Ranch is experiencing high demand for its Red Brahman bulls and heifers. Those in the Fort Worth and North Texas area hopefully were able to visit the Ranch at the show; others can use the website to obtain information on the Ranch and its Brahman Cattle.

ABOUT MORENO RANCHES

Moreno Ranches is a top producer of Brahman cattle for sale. Customers come to the company for genetically superior Brahman bulls for sale and Brahman semen (seed stock) as well as Brahman embryos. The company produces both Brahman heifers and calves for sale, including for use as show cattle or to produce Brahman F1 hybrids. Visit the company's website to browse stock. The company is a trusted source of Brahman cattle whether a buyer is in Florida, Texas, or Louisiana - Latin America, or anywhere in the world.

Web. http://www.morenoranches.com/

Tel. 863 444 8745
The AVA Digital Awards announced the winners of its 2019 international awards competition last week, and Marlin received the highest honors for its industrial safety and crystalline silica dust content.

AVA Digital recognizes outstanding achievement by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of media that is part of the evolution of digital communication. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

Marlin received Platinum Honors for their crystalline silica dust series for the excellent use of motion graphics explanation and for their industrial safety series for excellence in internal employee communications, said Ed Dalheim, Executive Director of the AVA Digital Awards. These awards represent the expertise, talent, and creativity of Marlins content team.

Were proud to receive recognition for our industrial safety content, said Carolyn Voelkening, Chief Content Officer. Our team of professional designers and writers also includes an OSHA-certified content strategist, and every day we work to move the needle on employee safety by converting complex safety issues into emotionally engaging content that will resonate with todays workers.

Voelkening was equally enthusiastic about the crystalline silica series award. As a performance-based regulation, OSHAs new crystalline silica standard requires that employees must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of hazards if questioned during an onsite visit. Its vitally important that companies make sure their safety information is accessible, visual and easy to understand. The AVA award confirms what were hearing from our customersthe Marlin crystalline silica series is an effective tool to add to your safety communication tool box.

Marlin also received 2019 AVA Digital Awards Gold Honors for a series of human resource videos dealing with sexual harassment and bullying, and for a transportation video on preventing cargo theft.

For every industry we coverwhether its transportation or manufacturing, warehouse or sanitation, healthcare or hospitalitywe formulate our content to address the whole person and to promote a healthy workplace culture, said Voelkening. Its great to get recognition for both the HR content and the theft video because the videos reflect our broad, inclusive view of employee safety.

About Marlin

Marlin, a global leader in workplace digital signage, helps managers reach employees using the latest SaaS-based technology solutions to deliver visual communication. Designed specifically for the workplace, Marlins patented digital signage products are known for their ease of use, robust content options and flexibility. For 105 years, Marlin has developed and delivered visual communication programs that engage, inform and motivate employees. Learn more about Marlins digital signage products and services at http://www.themarlincompany.com.

About the AVA Awards

AVA Digital Awards is sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The international organization consists of several thousand production, marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, and freelance professionals. AMCP administers recognition programs; provides judges and rewards outstanding achievement and service to the profession. As part of its mission, AMCP fosters and supports the efforts of creative professionals who contribute their unique talents to public service and charitable organizations.

Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. The full list of winners can be seen at https://enter.avaawards.com/winners/.
Maria Riofrio Awarded with Financial Education Instructor of the Year After struggling to understand United States financial culture as a new immigrant twelve years ago, Maria Riofrio is committed to ensuring that others have easy access to the knowledge she once lacked.

The National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) has honored Maria Riofrio with its Financial Education Instructor of the Year award for her work in financial literacy. As Assistant Director at the LiSA Initiative (https://lisainitiative.com), the financial literacy platform of First Financial Security, Inc. (https://firstfinancialsecurity.com), Riofrio has empowered individuals to work toward greater financial security and has expanded the LiSA Initiative to train a network of financial education instructors.

Each year, the NFEC recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to promoting financial literacy over the previous year with the Financial Education Instructor of the Year award. As a national trainer for First Financial Security, Inc., Maria Riofrio has trained dozens of agents to engage their communities with a dynamic curriculum she helped develop. After struggling to understand United States financial culture as a new immigrant twelve years ago, Maria Riofrio is committed to ensuring that others have easy access to the knowledge she once lacked.

Since Riofrio joined the LiSA Initiative in 2014, she has educated youth in correctional facilities, trainers on military bases, teenagers at a transitional home as well as Cambodian, Laotian, Hmong and Hispanic communities around the country on financial literacy. She has dedicated her career not only to directly educating diverse communities, but to empowering other educators as well. Maria Riofrio is an inspiration to her students, colleagues and her First Financial Security, Inc. agents. She has been instrumental in developing the LiSA initiative, is passionate about the curriculum and cares about her message of financial empowerment. Her story is remarkable, and she has inspired so many to take financial education seriously, noted Debbie Gerlicher, Director of the LiSA initiative.

About the LiSA Initiative:

The LiSA Initiative is a grassroots movement created by First Financial Security, Inc. to address the financial concerns that women and their families experience every day in the United States through financial literacy education. Launched formally in 2015, LiSA brings financial literacy to Americans and their communities where they live and work. LiSA has evolved into First Financial Securitys financial literacy platform. It aims to help all people  women, men, families, communities who want to take control of their lives and build a better future through financial education. LiSA does this by providing financial literacy curricula, training, mentoring, advocacy and empowerment.

Join the conversation and stay updated about the latest industry, LiSA and First Financial Security, Inc. developments by visiting LiSAs Facebook Page, First Financial Security's Facebook Page, and following First Financial Security on Twitter @FFSNews. Also, feel free to stop by the FFS YouTube Channel. Maria Riofrio is also on Instagram as @FFSMariaRiofrio.

For more information, contact:

Camille Cohen

Marketing Director

First Financial Security, Inc

camillec(at)firstfinancialsecurity(dot)com

770-662-8025 T
Lutronic's New Genius Intelligent RF Delivery System. It has a quiet motor, a more ergonomically friendly handpiece, and it also has real-time feedback. The intelligent interrogation of the skin allows you to be assured that you are precisely delivering the energy that you intended at your chosen depth.

Lutronic, a top-tier global business focused on developing intelligent energy-based medical devices, announces the US FDA clearance of the Lutronic Genius platform.

This revolutionary medical device, based upon Lutronics seven-year leadership in radiofrequency microneedling, transmits energy more precisely into the skin. To develop the ideal platform to harness the full potential of RF microneedling uniquely, Lutronic invested countless hours of research, development, clinical trials, and laboratory testing.

The Lutronic Intelligent Care products incorporate smart features to help practitioners provide outstanding care.



The Genius system is the best system that Lutronic has come up with, shared E. Victor Ross, M.D., Director Laser and Cosmetic Center at Scripps Clinic San Diego, CA. It has a quiet motor, a more ergonomically friendly handpiece, and it also has real-time feedback. The intelligent interrogation of the skin allows you to be assured that you are precisely delivering the energy that you intended at your chosen depth.

The genius is in the innovation:



The systems sophisticated sensing and feedback algorithms provide novel real-time feedback to deliver more consistent energy during the treatment.

Treatments can be optimized for age, skin type, sun exposure habits, anatomical area, tissue thickness and depth, and other variables.

The neocollagenesis and neoelastinogenesis resulting from a Genius treatment can lead to healthier tissue and desired patient outcomes.

Genius is our newest flagship device in our suite of Lutronic Intelligent Care systems which are optimized for the perfect combination of comfort, recovery, and outcomes, stated Lee Pannell, COO of Lutronic Global. Furthermore, we are excited about the collaboration between our Korean and USA teams which has yielded our first system to be assembled in the USA.

For more information on Genius, visit https://us.aesthetic.lutronic.com/us/products/genius

Lutronic, Lutronic Genius, Lutronic Intelligent Care, and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Lutronic Corp. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.

About Lutronic Corp.

Effective. Innovative. Intuitive. Dependable. These four core tenants fuel Lutronics development of intelligent laser and energy-based systems. Their robust products include proprietary features to help optimize care in aesthetic, ophthalmic, spinal, and surgical procedures. Committed to this mission, Lutronic partners with key opinion leaders to advance scientific efficacy of Lutronics systems. To develop unrivaled systems with smart features, Lutronic devotes as much as four times what competitors invest in research and development, resulting in more than 535 current and pending patents worldwide.

In addition to operations and manufacturing in the Boston area, Lutronic has a major manufacturing and research center in South Korea, offices in Germany, France, China, and Japan, and a worldwide network of direct sales teams and distributors which is ever expanding.

For more information on Lutronic and its products, visit https://us.aesthetic.lutronic.com/us .

Important Safety Information

The Lutronic Genius radiofrequency system is intended for use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures for electrocoagulation and hemostasis. The Lutronic Genius is not appropriate for patients with certain medical contraindications. For detailed benefit and risk information, please consult your practitioner.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties, including statements about the use of Lutronic products. There can be no assurance these products will achieve the benefits described herein or that such benefits will be replicated in any particular manner with respect to an individual patient, as the actual effect of the use of the products can only be determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition, there can be no assurance that these products will be commercially successful or achieve any expected level of sales. Lutronic expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements presented herein to reflect any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such data or statements are based.

This information is not intended as a product solicitation or promotion where such activities are prohibited. For specific information on what products are available for sale in a particular country, please contact a local Lutronic sales representative or write to contact@lutronic.com.

Lutronic: Intelligent Design for Intelligent Care

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A Gust of Wind: a beautiful story of loves redemptive power, is the creation of published author LuAnn Henry, a great-grandmother who lives in western New York with her husband and their cat.

Henry shares, Within the pages of this book is a story of a lady who is 30 years of age searching for something she knows is missing in her life. Katrina travels west to find the farm her father and uncle started years ago. She yearns to have a piece of the roots from her family and desires to be a part of the mid-west farm life. She is determined to stay and help her uncle keep the farm and a place for her to have a future. This move to the farm brings her into the presence of the Whitaker family and most of all the man of her dreams, Jack; all living at a nearby successful ranch.

Katrinas deceased father guides her in spirit in the direction of learning what is good and true during her trials of daily living in a life completely different from her previous years. She finds the whispering love of her father, meets a handsome man who never expected to find love again and who truly adores her, as well as finding the missing love and faith of her Lord and Father in heaven that she lost during a troublesome time in her life before coming to Widows Peak. Through all the days of finding this love, she blossoms into a lady who gives back to those who care about her along with the folks of a desolate town who gain renewed faith.

Jack and Katrina share a bond that is only known to them and her father. Also, they both have mysterious lives from their pasts that they eventually discover about each other. Time together helps them maneuver toward a future that is full of caring, tender, loving moments and time that is pure with the love of the Father above.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, LuAnn Henrys new book is a passionate tale that demonstrates the importance of being in tune with Gods heart and following his loving guidance through every decision in life.

View a synopsis of A Gust of Wind on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase A Gust of Wind at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about A Gust of Wind, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Logistyx Technologies Our goal has remained straightforward, to provide store associates, warehouse employees, call center agents, and other fulfillment leaders with multi-carrier global shipping solutions that are second to none in the industry.

Logistyx Technologies, the leader in Transportation Management for parcels, today marked the fifth anniversary of its global partnership with Manhattan Associates, a technology leader in supply chain and omnichannel commerce. For the last half-decade, the two companies have worked together to greatly expand the number of parcel shipping options for Manhattans retail and warehouse customers.

Logistyxs solutions give Manhattans customers the ability to implement blended carrier strategies, deploy a wider array of carriers (particularly smaller regional carriers), and support an international footprint by ensuring compliance for multiple fulfillment centers around the globe. This powerful parcel shipping system minimizes delivery time, optimizes transportation spending, and connects users to a vast carrier network that includes all major carriers and thousands of regional carriers across 160 countries.

Manhattan Associates is extremely proud of the multi-carrier global shipping solutions that we teamed with Logistyx Technologies to bring to market and look forward to offering our customers even more innovative solutions in the future, said Adam Kline, director of Product Management for Manhattan Associates.

On the immediate horizon, one such solution is TME 3, the industrys first true global engine for shipping. TME 3 will enable shipping from anywhere to anywhere leveraging Transportation Management for parcels. TME 3 will better serve customers with improved functionality, seamless integration with their existing systems and Logistyxs robust proprietary interface, which utilizes 23 different data elements to support more extensive business rules and international carrier process flows.

By all measures, our partnership with Manhattan Associates has been exceedingly successful, said Geoffrey Finlay, Chief Executive Officer of Logistyx Technologies. Our goal has remained straightforward, to provide store associates, warehouse employees, call center agents, and other fulfillment leaders with multi-carrier global shipping solutions that are second to none in the industry.

About Logistyx Technologies:

Logistyx Technologies is the leader in Transportation Management for parcel shipping, providing an unmatched global multi-carrier network, predictive analytics and full visibility into customer deliveries. Its software boosts parcel shipping efficiencies and other business KPIs for many of the worlds top brands, manufacturers, retailers and logistics providers. Headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Logistyx Technologies also has U.S. offices in New York, Philadelphia, San Diego and St. Louis, and international offices in Canada, the Netherlands, the UK and Singapore. For more information, visit http://www.Logistyx.com.
What's Included

With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 319-283-2144 or email circ@oelweindailyregister.com.
Liberty Safe and Black Rifle Coffee Company Giveaway Liberty Safe and Black Rifle Coffee Company have joined forces to offer a giveaway for two of Americas favorite things: top-of-the-line home safes and delicious coffee.

Liberty Safe and Black Rifle Coffee Company have joined forces to offer a giveaway for two of Americas favorite things: top-of-the-line home safes and delicious coffee. From now through February 25, you can enter to win a Liberty Safe filled with Black Rifle Coffee.

Liberty Safe is giving away its popular Lincoln 40 model. This safe offers 90 minutes of certified fire protection, Libertys exclusive super strong locking bars, heat-activated expanding fire door seal, interior lighting system, velvet-lined jewelry drawer, outlet kit, premium door storage panel, and more. Plus, the giveaway winner will get to choose from any of the available Lincoln 40 color options.

Black Rifle Coffee Company is contributing a huge collection of its premium coffee, including AK Rounds, Big Brown Rounds, Ground and Whole Bean Coffees, Hazelnut, Chocolate Rounds, and more. The total approximate retail value of the prize package is $5,350.

For all the details and to enter the giveaway, visit http://www.LibertySafe.com/coffee.

Liberty Safe is Americas #1 home safe manufacturer. The company has been in business for more than 30 years and has sold over 2 million safes. Liberty is known for its innovation, American-made quality, and high-tech approach to improving home safe security. The company developed a specialized two-piece, roll-form safe body that increases the strength and durability of its safes by reducing the number of welds required to hold the safe body together. They also revolutionized the safe industry in 2018 by introducing military-style locking bars. These 4-inch, solid-steel locking bars are less susceptible to pry attacks and offer an increased level of protection for consumers valuables.

Black Rifle Coffee Company is a premium, small-batch, roast-to-order, veteran-owned coffee company. BRCC imports its high-quality coffee beans from Colombia and Brazil, then personally blends and roasts every one of their coffees and ships them directly to customers. The BRCC team develops their explosive roast profiles with the same mission focus they learned as military members serving this great country.

To learn more about Liberty Safe, visit http://www.LibertySafe.com or follow the company on Facebook (@LibertySafe) or Instagram (@liberty_safe).

To learn more about Black Rifle Coffee Company, visit http://www.BlackRifleCoffee.com or follow the company on Facebook (@blackriflecoffeeco) or Instagram (@blackriflecoffee).
Our new features will increase professionals productivity and improve their client decision-making.

JETNET LLC, the leading provider of corporate aviation information, will be demonstrating new features at the 2019 HAI HELI-EXPO in Atlanta, Georgia. Subscribers can customize reports for clients and internal using their popular Market Reports tool, letting them choose which parameters to display under their own logo and branding. JETNET will also be demonstrating their full suite of software products and services at this years HELI-EXPO. JETNETs exhibit will run March 4th-7th in booth #B6735.

Our new features will increase professionals productivity and improve their client decision-making, said Mike Foye, JETNET Director of Marketing. Nearly all of our improvements are based on client and industry input, so we are providing tools our users want and need.

The Market Reports feature yields booklet-style customized outputs from JETNETs intelligence software. Inspired by improved research and visual data presentation tools in JETNETs products, the tools were designed with formal presentations in mind, and can be customized to include a clients header and logo, along with selected data sets determined and configured by the user. The Market Report function also includes the ability to compare three makes/models on the same range map, details key flight utilization information, and includes a dashboard detailing the Market Absorption Rate. With dozens of serial-number-specific and make/model fleet overviews, subscribers can customize data sets for a more sophisticated audience.

The Market Report format provides approximately 20 pages of model intelligence, including model specifications, range maps, fleet composition, market characteristics and insight, buying habits, and sales trends. The report function was designed with both novice and sophisticated subscribers in mind.

JETNETs comprehensive helicopter database contains nearly 32,000 in-service airframes worldwide, and information on transactions for more than 52,000 retail helicopter sales over the last two decades, along with 12 makes and 143 models of both turbine and piston airframes. Subscribers also have access to detailed individual aircraft specifications, and an operator/airport utilization feature that provides information on more than 24,800 flights registered over the last 24 months.

JETNET employs a full-time staff of approximately 50 research specialists who contact industry professionals around the world each business day. They make real-time updates to the most comprehensive database of its kind.

The company will be offering demonstrations of all their software, including the Market Report feature. JETNET has invited HELI-EXPO attendees to learn more about their products and services in booth #B6735.

As the leading provider of aviation market information, JETNET delivers the most comprehensive and reliable business aircraft research to its exclusive clientele of aviation professionals worldwide. JETNET is the ultimate source for information and intelligence on the worldwide business, commercial, and helicopter aircraft fleet and marketplace, comprised of more than 110,000 airframes. Headquartered in its state-of-the-art facility in Utica, NY, JETNET offers comprehensive, user-friendly aircraft data via real-time internet access or regular updates.
Anything that is new in the field of veins and interventional radiology and cosmetics, we will be the first to do... I pride myself on results.

Dr. Amjad Alkadri is excited to announce the opening of his newest facility in downtown Hinsdale, IL. He brings more than 20 years of experience to patients seeking surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures and vein treatments. Hinsdale Vein and Laser offers a wide range of services including vein therapies, platelet rich plasma therapies, thread lifts, fat grafting and liposuction, and many other treatment options for patients of all needs and ages.

As a co-founder of Vein Center of NW Indiana, which now has four locations across Northwest Indiana, Dr. Alkadri offers his patients a significant depth and breadth of experience with aesthetic medicine and vein therapy. He prioritizes innovation and advanced technology to provide his patients with the most comfortable, effective treatment methods available. His reputation for successful varicose vein treatments precedes him and makes him a valuable addition to the Hinsdale area.

Dr. Alkadri is an Interventional Radiologist and Vein Specialist with a focus on minimally invasive surgery. He has been practicing medicine for over 20 years and has not only performed thousands of complex procedures using state of the art technologies, but has also been involved in FDA-sponsored treatment studies and research publications. He also serves on the advisory board for BTG, reviewing and recommending revolutionary varicose vein treatments. He is an accomplished physician-scientist determined to deliver patient experiences and results that continue to raise expectations. In his free time, Dr. Alkadri provides humanitarian medical aid in Syria.

Treatment Options at Hinsdale Vein and Laser



Platelet rich plasma treatments - PRP (platelet rich plasma) is concentrated from the patient's blood sample. This concentrated plasma is injected in a variety of areas to accomplish hair restoration, skin rejuvenation, and other forms of cell growth and skin renewal.

Stem cell harvest and injections - Stem cells can be used in the treatment of joint pain and osteoarthritis. Cells are injected into the damaged area and help to reduce inflammation, develop new cartilage cells and reduce pain.

Liposuction and fat grafting - Fat tissue is removed from target areas and grafted to other areas to accomplish body contouring and pair fat reduction with desired shaping. Fat grafting and liposuction can be used in a Brazilian butt lift, to increase volume in the face and cheeks, improve the appearance of veins on the hands, and many other applications.

Silhouette InstaLift - Threads are inserted below the surface of the skin and gently guided through to both immediately lift the skin and stimulate future collagen growth.

Varicose vein and spider vein treatments - Dr. Alkadri offers a wide range of state-of-the-art therapies for varicose and spider veins. Depending on the patient's needs, Dr. Alkadri may recommend endovenous laser ablation, sclerotherapy, Varithena vein ablation, Venaseal, mechanico-chemical ablation of the vein, or ambulatory microphlebectomy.

Cosmetic injections - Dr. Alkadri provides Botox, dermal fillers and other cosmetic injections for treatment of wrinkles and volume loss.

...as well as other cosmetic procedures to combat aging in non-invasive, effective ways.
At the end of the day, we all want the same thing, for ourselves, and our clients  happy, healthy, financially secure lives. We empower advisors to choose their own ideal path forward, and then offer the support they need to see their vision realized. - Paul Saganey

Integrated Financial Partners, a national financial planning and registered investment advisory firm, welcomes Brad Tedrick, Jeremy Gottlieb, Saleah Hewitt, Brian Dawahare and Jay Dortch to a rapidly expanding group of independent advisors nationwide. The advisors selected Integrated as their home of choice for a variety of reasons including comprehensive entrepreneurial support, a commitment to true independence and access to client-centric growth mechanisms designed to take their businesses to the next level.

The newest members of the Integrated family are part of a wave of twelve recent advisor additions to the firm, nine of which came from the IBD channel, two from the fee-only RIA community and one from the wirehouse realm. Integrateds platform welcomes advisors from every corner of the financial advisory industry, in line with the firms belief in advisors, and that ones preferred model should not be pre-judged but rather, understood in the context of the advisors (and their clients) unique needs.

A transition to a new support system for any advisor and their clients is a massive decision," said Jeremy Gottlieb, MBA, RFC, president and CEO at Gottlieb Wealth Management. But it is one made easier when you discover a partner dedicated to a) empowering you to run a truly independent business and b) offer access better growth catalysts than you can find anywhere else. There is no question I made the right move.

I run a bi-coastal business, and am at a crucial tipping-point in the trajectory of my firm, said Saleah Hewitt, managing director at InvestEd Consulting. Integrated Financial Partners has the infrastructure and depth of experience to support advisors like me  100% dedicated to adding firm value for my clients while adhering to my entrepreneurial vision.

Jay Dortch, AIF CBEC LUTCF, managing partner at FSG adds: We partnered with Integrated to add depth, additional resources and innovative programs so that we can help our clients navigate the challenges we all face at some point in our financial lives. Integrated has a team of seasoned professionals on staff that are there to help us and our clients.

I have a rapidly growing business that requires a fully-engaged partner in growth, said Brad Tedrick, CFA, CFP, president of Vantedge. And we have a young, high energy team that has no intention of slowing down  we need a team behind us that can not only keep up, but can add value in terms of our strategic and tactical needs along the way. I think weve found that team.

The firm has plans for continued national expansion in 2019 and beyond. In addition to strong concentrations of advisors in the northeast and southwest, the firm is looking for advisors across the US.

Robert Sandrew, senior vice president and head of recruiting continues: Our latest group of advisors is the physical embodiment of our message to the industry  which is that were the best choice for those that want to grow their way, choosing the path that best suits their business, their clients and their lifestyle.

Integrated Financial Partners is on pace to surpass 2018 advisor and asset growth, by mid-2019 if not before.

Paul Saganey, founder and president, concludes: At the end of the day, we all want the same thing, for ourselves, and our clients  happy, healthy, financially secure lives. Life is too short to spend worrying about ones path forward. We empower advisors to choose their own path, and then offer the support they need to see their vision realized.

For more information, please visit http://www.ifpadvisor.com

About Integrated Financial Partners

Since 1996, Integrated Financial Partners has been helping financial advisors to achieve their entrepreneurial vision. We offer comprehensive business building services, designed with the truly independent advisor in mind. With over one hundred advisors and thirty-six regional offices across the United States, Integrated Financial Partners has built our reputation advisor by advisor, client by client. Constructed and grown upon a foundation of empowerment, integrity and trust, we believe in the power that financial advisors have to make a positive impact on peoples lives. Integrated Financial Partners supports advisors by offering a completely customizable open architecture business environment: technology, investment management, advanced planning, CPA partner program, family office platform, custody, marketing, public relations, M&A, succession planning and comprehensive business counsel.

We believe in advisors. Let us prove it to you.

The financial consultants of Integrated Financial Partners are also registered representatives with, and securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Integrated Wealth Concepts, a registered investment advisor. Integrated Wealth Concepts and Integrated Financial Partners are separate entities from LPL Financial.
Increased recognition of NF is critical to driving the life-saving research that will benefit NF patients and their families.

Over 2.5 million people worldwide are affected by the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis, also known as NF, a condition that surprisingly few have heard of. The Childrens Tumor Foundation is working to change that by leading a movement to Wear Blue & Green on May Seventeen. May 17 is World NF Awareness Day, and this commitment to wear blue and green, the official colors of NF, is aimed at raising awareness for a disease that needs more attention, and even more importantly, a cure.

Neurofibromatosis is a life-changing disease that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, and it affects all populations equally. For some, the tumors appear on the outside and are highly visible, and for many others, they grow internally but are no less devastating. NF can lead to deafness, blindness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, intense pain, and even cancer. The Childrens Tumor Foundation, through its stated mission of driving research, expanding knowledge, and advancing care is the largest nongovernmental funder of NF research in the world.

"Increased recognition of NF is critical to driving the life-saving research that will benefit NF patients and their families, said Simon Vukelj, Chief Marketing Officer of the Childrens Tumor Foundation. By encouraging everyone to wear blue and green on May 17, were looking to make the NF movement even more accessible. The campaign will open to all, and be creative and engaging and draw lots of attention, but for NF patients, their friends, and their family, its also a chance to unite their voices and declare that NF is a serious condition that deserves everyones attention, and that NF patients deserve a cure.

The wear blue and green on may seventeen effort takes place alongside the Foundations month-long May is NF Awareness Month initiative, including the campaign to Shine a Light on NF, in which hundreds of buildings, bridges, monuments, and landmarks around the world show their support in the fight against NF by lighting up in blue and green, the official colors of the campaign. Launched by the Childrens Tumor Foundation in 2014, the Shine a Light on NF campaign grew to 205 landmarks around the world last year, lighting up in recognition of the NF cause. In addition to well-known locations in the United States, including Niagara Falls, light-ups took place in the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Austria, and New Zealand.

Other NF Awareness Month activities will include both online and community events designed to boost both education and funding for the cause, and are outlined at ctf.org/nfawareness. Ideas for how to wear blue and green on may 17, including how to show a passion for fashion will be available as well.

The official hashtag, or social sharing rally cry that connects the NF community globally for all of these efforts, is #EndNF.

Partners can join the growing Shine a Light on NF campaign by visiting ctf.org/shinealight or contacting the Childrens Tumor Foundation at media@ctf.org.

Exclusive blue and green merchandise can be purchased at http://www.ctf.org/store.

For more information on the Childrens Tumor Foundation, as well as all NF Awareness Month campaign initiatives, please visit http://www.ctf.org/nfawareness.

About Childrens Tumor Foundation

The Childrens Tumor Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding effective treatments for the millions of people worldwide living with neurofibromatosis (NF), a term for three distinct disorders: NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis. NF causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and may lead to blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, learning disabilities, disabling pain, and cancer. NF affects 1 in every 3,000 births across all populations equally. There is no cure yet  but the Childrens Tumor Foundation mission of driving research, expanding knowledge, and advancing care for the NF community fosters our vision of one day ending NF. For more information, please visit http://www.ctf.org.
Chaa Creek's Sustainable Tourism programs bring travellers and school kids together in Belize Its always so touching to see the kindness of our guests and the gratitude of the children who benefit from it

This years first delivery of donated school supplies to three rural Belizean primary schools shows how sustainable tourism and responsible travel can benefit local communities, according to The Lodge at Chaa Creek.

Denise Duran, the popular Belizean eco-resorts public relations officer, said Chaa Creeks Pack-a-Pound initiative kicked off the new year by distributing some 125 pounds of school supplies donated by guests in the last months of 2018.

Its always so touching to see the kindness of our guests and the gratitude of the children who benefit from it, Ms Duran said.

Pack-A-Pound, a long-running program under the resorts Chaa Creek Cares initiative, encourages guests to add a pound or more of school supplies to their luggage, or post a package before leaving or after arriving home.

Ms Duran and her team then work with local educators to distribute those donations to Belizean schools and students with the greatest needs.

This years Pack-a-Pound effort kicked off on January 21, 2019, with Chaa Creeks volunteers visiting three primary schools in some of Belizes more rural communities with boxes filled with crayons, paper, pens, glue, arts and crafts materials, calculators, colouring and story books, and other learning resources, Ms Duran explained.

In these more remote communities, people place a high value on their childrens education, but money for anything beyond the basic necessities can be hard to come by. Things like colouring books, crayons, or a new book bag encourages young students to learn, and can make a big difference in their education.

To see how excited these kids are when we arrive, and then the huge smiles when they open their boxes, really shows how much Pack-a-Pound means to them, Ms Duran said.

The program also benefits the guests who participate in it, she added.

People who participate in Pack-a-Pound invariably comment on how it adds to their Belize vacation. Fostering understanding and creating bonds between visitors and local people is one of the goals of true sustainable tourism, and that can give vacations deeper meaning and satisfaction.

Lucy Fleming, who with her husband Mick founded Chaa Creek, agrees.

Bringing visitors and local people together in ways that support their communities, while at the same time making vacations richer and more rewarding, is one of the many benefits of sustainable tourism, and one of the reasons why so many of todays travellers are embracing responsible travel.

As someone once said, doing good feels good, and that can be a very satisfying part of travel, Ms Fleming said.

Denise Duran said she and her team also find plenty of satisfaction in the program.

Bouncing down a long dusty, bumpy road and then being greeted by so many exited kids always feels great. And having a teacher say, your visit today made a huge difference in our childrens lives, as youre leaving is the best reward you could ask for.

Were already organising a new round of donations, and cant wait to make the next delivery to schools, she said.

Mr Duran said people can learn more about Pack-a-Pound, and how the Chaa Creek Cares initiative directs ten percent of all accommodation revenue into environmental and community projects, by speaking with their travel agents or Chaa Creek directly.

Guests say they sleep even better knowing that one out of every ten dollars they spend on their lodgings goes to support the land and people of Belize. That says a lot about todays travellers, she added.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a multi-award winning eco resort set within a 400-acre private nature reserve along the banks of the Macal River in Belize. It was recognised by National Geographic with first place honours at the 2017 World Legacy Awards held in Berlin.
Increasing mobile app downloads isnt a one-size-fits-all approach. Brands need to work with top app development agencies to ensure their platform provides the best experience possible. - DesignRush Founder and Executive Director Gabriel Shaoolian.

Mobile phone usage has surpassed desktop usage, with Americans spending more than three hours each day on their mobile devices, but only 2.2 hours each day on desktop computers or laptops. This data shows the reliance consumers place on their mobile devices.

However, despite the ever-growing shift towards mobile everything, upwards of 60 percent of apps that have been created have never been downloaded.

Plus, 57 percent of apps that are downloaded are deleted within 30 days or less.

Therefore, its clear that brands must formulate stronger strategies to foster higher app download rates and ensure that mobile apps are not deleted quickly.

DesignRush.com, an agency directory and ranking site, determined the top tips to help brands increase mobile app downloads effectively and ensure that those apps remain on a consumers mobile device for a long period of time.

The 3 leading best practices to increase app downloads include:

1. Encourage Existing Consumers To Refer Your App To Relevant Users

The Nielsens Global Trust in Advertising Survey found that users trust personal recommendations from people they know or authentic user reviews more than any form of advertising.

Therefore, by cultivating many reviews from various consumers and encouraging existing users to refer your app to their family and friends, youll mitigate the need for expensive advertising but still reach untapped audiences relevant to your business.

To increase the number of valuable mobile app reviews you receive in the Apple App Store, Google Play and other mobile app stores, incorporate strategic tactics such as:



Ask users who have had a positive experience if they want to leave a review through an automatic notification.

Request reviews on social media channels.

Dont delete negative feedback  it will make reviews look fake, and users will not trust them.

Embrace all feedback, respond to applicable reviews and find solutions for issues that users bring to a brand's attention through reviews. Many negative reviews can be rectified this way, and brands can then create a happy customer.

To encourage existing users to refer your app to people they know, try:

Gamifying the experience by unlocking features through in-app referrals.

Creating an app referral program that rewards consumers who refer the platform.

Utilizing push notifications to encourage referrals.

Promoting app referrals on other channels, such as websites, mobile sites, and social media platforms.

Designing an on-brand and visually appealing app referral message, using icons, relevant imagery and friendly language.

2. Optimize Your Mobile App Within Each App Store

Much like search engine optimization helps websites rank higher in search engine listings, mobile apps should be properly optimized to rank highly in app store listings. This will help brands automatically target their demographic and enable consumers to better discover and, thus, download an app.

Mobile apps that are posted on any app store should undergo App Store Optimization (ASO) with the help of a dedicated and experienced mobile app agency. When an app is posted online to download, it should include strategically crafted information such as:

Targeted keywords

Mobile app description

For example, apps that have their keyword in the title of the app rank more than 10 percent higher than those that do not.

In addition, the following factors influence app store rankings, meaning brands and partner app development agencies should pay special attention to them:

Ratings and reviews

Category

App name

Thumbnail icon

And more!

3. Track And Analyze Mobile App Performance, Then Optimize Accordingly

Encouraging users to download a mobile app is only part of the battle. Afterward, brands need to ensure that their app works properly and provides a strong user experience to ensure that consumers continue using the app regularly.

Brands should work with a reliable app design and development company to create an app that, first and foremost, works well and solves some sort of user problem. They should take special care to make certain the mobile app is:

Well-branded

Easy to navigate

Does not crash

Provides helpful information or services

Then, brands should track their app's:

Time spent in the app

Most frequented pages

Least popular sections of the app

Download and uninstall rates

Retention rates

Conversion rates, if applicable

And more!

When brands understand how an app is performing, they can better optimize it to create an even more positive user experience, helpful features, effective functionalities and more  all of which will help to increase downloads.

Increasing mobile app downloads isnt a one-size-fits-all approach, says DesignRush Founder and Executive Director Gabriel Shaoolian. There are a lot of factors users are looking at when they decide to search for an app, download one, and make the choice to continually use it. Therefore, brands need to work with top-rated app development agencies to ensure their platform has all of those qualities and is constantly being improved upon to provide the best experience possible.

DesignRushs Agency Listing section features the top local and global mobile app design and development companies. Some of the top mobile app development agencies from around the world include:

1. Sneakers Agency

Sneakers Agency is a full-service digital product development agency focused on helping brands launch and grow their businesses. Their core branding, product, and marketing services help brands at every stage of their journey not only survive but thrive. Sneakers Agency has been trusted by 50+ brands since 2014 from start-ups to enterprises to non-profits and partner agencies. They are located in Soho, NYC.

Visit Sneakers Agency at: https://sneakersagency.com/

2. Seamgen

Seamgen designs and develops best-in-class web and mobile applications for clients, from growing startups to the largest enterprises. They are an industry-leading mobile and digital agency on the forefront of technologytheir team specializes in full-stack development and they are experts in user experience design, web, and mobile applications. Seamgen works with brands from many different industries, including healthcare, hospitality, and automotive. When a client partners with Seamgen, they get to know the clients business and customers, and intimately craft custom software solutions that provide cutting edge experiences and produce value for each brands customers and business.

Visit Seamgen at: https://www.seamgen.com/

3. Techuz InfoWeb

Founded in 2013, Techuz is a software development company based in India, the USA and Singapore. The company of 60+ professional designers and developers is fueled by the motto "to deliver nothing less than best and create value for their clients' business." With this philosophy and by using cutting-edge technology, they have helped 60+ start-ups and enterprises to achieve their business goals. Their purview of expertise ranges from mobile app to web development and all the industry-leading technologies under the sun.

Visit Techuz InfoWeb at: https://www.techuz.com/

4. AppIt Ventures

AppIt Ventures was established in 2012, and over the past 6 years has developed over 350 apps for clients, ranging from local startups to Fortune 500 companies. Since AppIts conception, they have earned recognition from their clients, the press, and the community for being a world-class organization, delivering high-quality applications and having a customer-focused process. With an eye toward the future, AppIt Ventures has opened offices in Denver, London, and Hyderabad. Their strategically placed global locations have given them the opportunity to serve clients with condensed project timelines. This allows AppIt to work around-the-clock in order to deliver applications quickly without sacrificing quality.

Visit Appit Ventures at: https://appitventures.com/

5. Blue Label Labs

Blue Label Labs is a 64-person digital product development agency headquartered in NYC, with offices in Seattle and San Francisco. Over at the past six years, they have designed, developed and marketed over 250 digital products. Blue Label Labs is one of the largest and most experienced product creation agencies in the world. Their clients range from startups and entrepreneurs to small businesses and large enterprises. They guide their clients through the process and make sure to treat every engagement as the creation of a business, not just the product. Blue Label Labs' services include design, customer testing, development, marketing/PR and post-launch maintenance.

Visit Blue Label Labs at: https://www.bluelabellabs.com/

6. Creative27

Creative27 is a high-caliber app agency located in the heart of Los Angeles. They have been the leader behind some of the most successful apps, many of which have brought awards to Creative27, from WMA, AWWWARDS, MUSE Creative Awards, The Webby Awards, Communication Design Awards and many more. Creative27 prides itself on having the best designers and developers in the app industry. Creative27 aims to turn the digital landscape into a playground, creating an exciting way to reach and wow their customers.

Visit Creative27 at: https://creative27.com/

7. Dogtown Media

Dogtown Media creates impactful mobile apps that solve real-world problems. They harness the transformational power of creative technology to make a positive impact, using the latest developments in the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) and more. Focused on dynamic design and disruptive development, Dogtown Media delivers innovative iOS, Android, and web-based mobile app solutions to VC-funded startups and enterprises including Google, Citi, and Red Bull. The company has been included on Inc. Magazines 5000 List of Americas Fastest Growing Private Companies for two years in a row. To date, Dogtown has created over 200 mobile apps across multiple industries, including healthcare, finance, and robotics.

Visit Dogtown Media at: https://www.dogtownmedia.com/

8. Dreamr

Dreamr develops software, builds marketing campaigns and launches businesses. Technology has the power to inspire and enrich lives in a positive and meaningful way  and Dreamrs mission is to create the most innovative and thought-provoking products in the world. Each clients project is their canvas. Based in the heart of Manchester, they design and develop mobile applications for iOS and Android, providing solutions for all types of business.

Visit Dreamr at: https://dreamr.uk/

9. Eight Bit Studios

Eight Bit Studios specializes in mashing up research, design, and code in playful and savvy ways. Their nimble and diligent guild of developers, project managers, QA engineers, visual designers, and user experience designers work together to shape the digital products and services people love to use every day.

Visit Eight Bit Studios at: https://eightbitstudios.com/

10. Factory

Factory designs and develops native mobile and web applications that people can't stop talking about! Factorys tools include unique Android and iOS application, fresh technologies, responsive web app development, brand-new designs, and the highest level of professionalism and client support.

Visit Factory at: https://www.factory.hr/

11. Five

Five is a mobile design and development agency building award-winning digital products that generate returns on investment for their clients. Major brands trust Five with their core mobile products and strategies, including Rosetta Stone, Marriott International, Crestron, AccuWeather, Penguin Random House, Napster, and Choice Hotels.

Visit Five at: https://five.agency/

12. Hakuna Matata Solutions PVT LTD

Hakuna Matata is a leading digital transformation solutions provider with services across mobile, web, IoT, cloud, and analytics. They focus on making mobility a game changer for businesses and consumers. Hakuna Matata is passionate about creating apps that look great, engage the user and deliver tangible ROI. Their clients include some of the most respected business houses, exciting start-ups, as well as global enterprises. Hakuna Matatas apps are being used by more than 25 million customers across the world.

Visit Hakuna Matata Solutions at: https://www.hakunamatata.in/

13. Imperium Apps GmbH

Imperium Apps is an innovative app development company based in Berlin, Germany.

They are focused on iOS, Android, Alexa, wearables and TV apps. They are passionate about the latest technologies and have a proven track for developing complex and critical iOS apps that have been featured by Apple worldwide.

Visit Imeprium Apps at: https://imperiumapps.com/

14. Intelivita

Intelivita is a leading digital transformation company based in Leeds, UK. Intelivita provides concept-driven interactive and scalable software development solutions for businesses to streamline the work process and improve customer engagement. They are experts in creating effective and innovative enterprise mobile applications, eCommerce solutions, augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality, web applications, and 2D/3D mobile games.

Visit Intelivita at: https://www.intelivita.co.uk/

15. Mobikasa

Mobikasa is a New York-based mobile, tablet and web design and development company. They offer custom web and app development services to worldwide customers. Mobikasa is certified by Apple, Google, Microsoft, Shopify, Magento and many more. Mobikasa provides your business with expert insights and experience across a wide range of marketing channels. Their top-notch developers and engineers design and create innovative web app solutions that engage the target audience and generate traffic, leading to increased revenues. Mobikasa offers Android and iOS app development, WordPress web design, Magento web development, Shopify website design, Ruby on Rails web development, eCommerce website design and much more.

Visit Mobikasa at: https://www.mobikasa.com/

16. Monstar Lab

Monstar Lab is one of the top digital product development firms, with 23 offices in 13 countries. Monstar Lab builds innovative digital products with mobile apps, web applications, and IoT products for their clients, such as Pokemon, UOB, Sony and many startups.

Visit Monstar Labs at: https://monstar-lab.com/

17. Punchkick Interactive

Punchkick is digital innovation for the worlds brightest brands. They build custom platforms and everything that supports them, including user research and business intelligence. Punchkirk Interactive specializes in mobile apps, web experiences, user experience design, and business analytics. Punchkick Interactive exists to put their clients at the forefront of the digital future and keep them there. Punchkirk Interactive helps brand marketers connect with their communities through powerful, enterprise-level digital experiences. They keep brands competitive in todays mobile landscape by integrating lean UX design, user research and testing, and strong mobile strategy into the agile development process. Over the course of a decade, Punchkirk Interactive has created mobile strategies, apps, and responsive sites that provide end users with the experiences theyve come to demand.

Visit Punchkick Interactive at: https://www.punchkick.com/

18. Reinvently

Reinvently is a mobile strategy, design, and app development agency. Harnessing the power of their unique mobile product delivery methodology and expertise in user-focused design, machine learning and AI, Reinvently aims to make your mobile product stand out.

Visit Reinvently at: https://reinvently.com/

19. Synergo Group

The Synergo Group is a Canadian mobile and web app development agency with offices in Canada, U.K., USA, Romania, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Mongolia and South Africa. Their main development center is located in Romania. The Synergo Group provides full-service, end-to-end technology solutions for mobile and web platforms.

Visit The Synergo Group at: https://www.synergogroup.net/

20. The Distance Agency Ltd

The Distance is a team of digital natives, specifically focused on developing cutting-edge, disruptive apps for start-ups or mobile/digital transformation solutions for national and global enterprises. The Distance's developers are platform-focused experts in Apple iOS, Google Android and Facebook React Native. Supported by their own bespoke backend-as-a-service (BaaS) called The Core, they are perfectly positioned to deliver an end-to-end mobile solution.

Visit The Distance at: https://thedistance.co.uk/

21. Two Words

Two Words is a solutions engineering company, formed by merging two diverse tech companies -- binarywebworks.com and goldenmace.com. Using technology, they aim to enthuse organizations in branding, automation, and efficiency. Two Words works with artists, businesses, multinational organizations, start-ups, visionaries and beyond.

Visit Two Words at: http://twowords.io/

22. Unified Infotech Inc.

Unified Infotech is a global technology consulting and services company working with enterprises, small businesses, and startups to improve their efficiency through digital innovation. Unified Infotech believes that the growth of any business is directly proportional to the success of the client, and that success can only be achieved by discovering new possibilities and maintaining constant innovation.

Visit Unified Infotech Inc at: https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/

23. urteam

Urteams core foundation is to provide their clients with a premium-level service that is more akin to an in-house project rather than using a third-party web development agency. They are contracted by their clients for their experience and expertise. However, to ensure projects exceed all expectations, urteam works with their clients collaboratively as one team. This consultancy style service ensures that, together as a team, urteam delivers total satisfaction.

Visit urteam at: https://www.urteam.uk/

24. Wave Digital

Wave Digital is a Melbourne-based iPhone app, Android app and web app development agency. Wave Digitals local design and development team creates quality custom apps, delivered efficiently with reliable technology and flawless design. Their aim is to build mobile and web apps that make lives better.

Visit Wave Digital at: https://wavedigital.com.au/

25. Wezom Mobile Company

Wezom Mobile Company helps founders and CEOs of logistics companies to reduce costs through the creation of an integrated effective system of regulation and control of material and information flows. Their mobile expertise includes iOS, Android app development using Native (Swift, Kotlin), and mobile app development. However, it is worth noting that Wezom Mobile Companys web team has expertise in building responsive front-end platforms using React JS, Angular JS, Javascript, Bootstrap in conjunction with PHP, .Net, RoR, and Python development. Wezom Mobile Company can partner with brands to make their idea a reality or act as a primary delivery team or extension of a brands in-house already-existing team, adding more brain power to any brands current development effort.

Visit Wezom Mobile Company at: https://wezom.mobi/

Brands can view the best app development firms by pricing, portfolios, case studies, reviews, leadership and more on DesignRush. Users can easily filter to compare mobile app agencies and find the best app developers that will create a successful platform and increase mobile app downloads effectively.

About DesignRush: DesignRush.com is B2B marketplace connecting brands with agencies.

DesignRush features the top agencies around the world, including the best Mobile App Development Firms, Digital Agencies, Logo Design, Branding, Digital Marketing, Website Design, eCommerce Web Design Companies, and more.
Timothy Norman Tamura, managing partner at VALIA Properties, has achieved his success on the premise that investing in client relationships is the key to developing a fulfilling, long-term connection with the community.

Haute Residence welcomes acclaimed real estate, agent Timothy Norman Tamura to its invitation-only real estate network. As a Haute Residence partner, Timothy Norman Tamura exclusively represents the high-end real estate market in Corona del Mar, California.

Timothy Norman Tamura, managing partner at VALIA Properties, has achieved his success on the premise that investing in client relationships is the key to developing a fulfilling, long-term connection with the community.

VALIAs origins date back to the mid 1990s when Tim, an executive with a Fortune 50 company with a global reach, began investing in local real estate. Tims business travels and experiences have taken him to the far corners of the world; yet as he contemplated marriage and family, his search for where he would live brought him back to the place he loved the most, Corona del Mar, California.

In the past decade, Tim and a core group of seasoned brokers with deep ties to the community set out to elevate the experience of luxury real estate and those who seek it. Aggregate sales under Tims tenure as managing broker have exceeded $2 billion. The benefit of technology has brought the world of luxury real estate onto every desktop computer and smartphone; yet true global connectivity comes through nurturing enduring relationships that begin at home and extend far beyond our shores.

VALIA Properties has been recognized by The Wall Street Journal in the top 100 of the Top 1000 Sales Teams in the United States for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

VALIA [vuhleeah] noun, Latin/Greek 1. Theres Value in Truth

About Haute Residence:

Designed as a partnership-driven luxury real estate portal, Haute Residence connects its affluent readers with top real estate professionals, while offering the latest in real estate news, showcasing the worlds most extraordinary residences on the market and sharing expert advice from its knowledgeable and experienced real estate partners.

The invitation-only luxury real estate network, which partners with just one agent in every market, unites a distinguished collective of leading real estate agents and brokers and highlights the most extravagant properties in leading markets around the globe for affluent buyers, sellers, and real estate enthusiasts.

HauteResidence.com has grown to be the number one news source for million-dollar listings, high-end residential developments, celebrity real estate, and more.

Access all of this information and more by visiting: http://www.hauteresidence.com


The Garavel Auto Group, Garavel Subaru and Garavel Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM, is proud to announce its 2019 Charity of the Month Program.

The goal of this program is to financially assist non-profit organizations whose efforts directly benefit Norwalk and local area communities, while increasing awareness and visibility for the mission of those organizations.

Giving back to the community and supporting worthy efforts is instilled in the culture of The Garavel Auto Group. Each month Garavel will recognize a different local organization with a charitable contribution to support their mission. The program will provide awareness and exposure for the chosen non-profit within each Garavel dealership and via the Garavel websites (GaravelSubaru.com and GaravelJeep.com), on TV and in Garavels social media channels.

Selling cars is what we do, but helping the community is who we are, said Paul Garavel, the President of the Garavel Auto Group. Every month, we will make a donation to that months Charity of the Month for every vehicle we sell.

At the conclusion of every month, the Garavel Team will invite representatives of the charity in for a check presentation event to bestow the proceeds to be donated to the charity.

The Garavel Giving Programs Charity of the Month Program is ongoing and continues the dealerships long time financial commitment and support for local educational programs and service organizations. Connecticut 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations can learn more and apply online at https://www.garavelsubaru.com/garavel-subaru-charity-of-the-month/.

CONTACT:

Michelle Margo

community(at)garavel.com

203-916-4469
Kimberly Chaney, Chairman "Im excited about the opportunity this new position brings me, and I feel lucky to have such a strong Board presence behind me." - Kimberly Chaney, Chairman, Frederick County Bank Board of Directors

Frederick County Bancorp, Inc. (OTC Pink Marketplace: FCBI), the parent company for Frederick County Bank (FCB), is excited to announce the appointment of Kimberly Chaney to Chairman of the Board of Directors (the Board), and Nicholas Damoulakis to Vice Chairman of the Board.

This news comes as the previous Chairman of the Board, Raymond Raedy, steps down to serve as a member of the Board. He joined the Board when the bank opened in 2001 and was appointed Chairman in 2012. He has decided to take on a smaller role within the bank due to his permanent residency in North Carolina. Former Vice Chair, Denny Crum, will also continue to serve the bank as a member of the Board.

Chaney has been a member of the Board since 2013 and has served as the Chairman of the Boards Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring the bank is operating in a safe and sound manner. Chaney has been a Certified Public Accountant for 35 years, and has owned her own business for 11 years. As a lifelong resident of Frederick County, she has donated her time to many local organizations, previously serving as the president and treasurer of the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, Chairman of the Board at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, Co-Chair of Endowment Development for the YMCA of Frederick County and the Chair of the Womens Giving Circle.

I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on the banks Board under the leadership of Raymond and Denny for several years now. Im excited about the opportunity this new position brings me, and I feel lucky to have such a strong Board presence behind me, said Chaney. And as a small business owner myself, I can appreciate the hard work that goes into owning and operating a business, like many of the banks clients do. Im looking forward to working with our clients and shareholders, and getting to know their stories.

Damoulakis joined the banks Board of Directors in 2016 and has been a member of the Boards Audit and Risk Committee, alongside Chaney. Damoulakis is the president of Orases, an interactive business and technology solutions provider, and was recently inducted into the Forbes Technology Council. He has served as the president and treasurer of his church and participates in several volunteer activities and community programs including Tech Frederick, Vistage and Accelerent.

Kims extensive leadership and Board experience will continue to be extremely beneficial to our bank, said President and CEO Bill Talley. I have worked with both Kim and Nick for many years, and they have proven to be invaluable assets for our organization. Im looking forward to continuing our partnership and working together to support the bank, its employees and its clients.

Frederick County Bank is headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, and conducts full service commercial banking services through five bank centers, four of which are located in the City of Frederick and one in Walkersville, Maryland.
A manufacturers car warranty helps drivers keep their repair and maintenance costs low. But what happens when a Ford warranty expires? autopom! is now offering Vehicle Protection Plans to drivers of Ford vehicles with expired warranties.

Vehicle Protection Plans from autopom! are accessible and affordable alternatives to an extended vehicle warranty. Plans from autopom! start at $1,488 in California and $2,500 in other states nationwide. Benefits include roadside assistance, rental vehicle assistance, nationwide breakdown coverage, choice of repair shop, and more. Some plans even include tire protection and interest-free payment options.

Our goal is for drivers not to worry about the potentially high expense of unexpected mechanical breakdown, says Mike Jones, president and CEO of autopom!. We call that automotive peace of mind.

In addition to replacements for expired Ford extended vehicle warranty plans, autopom! also offers Vehicle Protection Plans for Dodge, Honda, Chrysler, Chevrolet, and more.

To learn more about the extended car warranty replacements available from autopom! and to request a free quote from the companys team of agents, visit http://extended-vehicle-warranty.com/ or call 1.800.724.8141.

About autopom! autopom!, LLC is a BBB accredited, A+ rated provider of vehicle protection plans for both new and used cars, as well as a licensed California agency. autopom! sells mechanical breakdown insurance in California and vehicle service contracts in most other states. When your original manufacturer warranty, extended auto warranty, or used car warranty is about to expire, autopom!s team of licensed agents can help you find a protection plan designed to protect your vehicle and your budget. Learn more about autopom! and request a free quote by calling 1.800.724.8141 or by visiting http://extended-vehicle-warranty.com/. autopom! Insurance Services llc CA DOI Lic.#0I13220
Netflix, for example, uses a method called video multimethod assessment fusion, or VMAF. VMAF makes use of machine learning to determine video quality, as opposed to the human visual system method known as SSIMPLUS. The suitability of both methods was discussed at Streaming Media East last year.

New technologies that mimic the human visual system and predict viewer satisfaction can help the media industry provide consistent, uniform user experiences across any video distribution platform, according to a new article from a Forbes Technology Council contributor.

In How Technology Is Improving The Video Streaming Experience, Dr. Abdul Rehman, CEO and co-founder of SSIMWAVE, discusses how broadcasters, cable system operators and content providers can use systems built on an Emmy Award-winning algorithm, artificial intelligence and machine learning to see what the viewer is experiencing.

Using probes deployed at every stage of the delivery chain, the technology allows media companies to overcome the diversity and fragmentation of todays video networks to generate data that quickly can produce a single quality score that can be compared against an accepted industry norm. Moreover, the technology can quickly identify proposed solutions when Quality of Experience (QoE) is being jeopardized.

The system that moves a video from camera to end user consists of a linked network of pieces, with each link is controlled or owned by an individual player, writes Dr. Rehman. Each of those players has a unique task and a vested interest in the performance of their own equipment and the ultimate success of their own task, and therefore less of an interest in the entire chain.

By working together, by agreeing on a single quality metric that begins and ends with the satisfaction of the viewer, significant improvement of video quality is achievable. By deploying this technology across the entire delivery chain, the video arrives intact, on time and with the quality that was originally intended when the content was created.

In the article, Dr. Rehman describes differing ways that the video industry is addressing the Quality of Experience issue, including Netflixs use of video multimethod assessment fusion that utilizes machine learning to determine video quality. He notes VMAFs utility for pre-recorded programming, when time exists to check and re-check files, but adds that SSIMPLUS excels in such cases as the Super Bowl and other livestream events, when there is no margin for error.

SSIMWAVE will be demonstrating the SSIMPLUS human visual system at Mobile World Congress February 25-28 in Barcelona, and at the NAB Show April 8-11 in Las Vegas.

You can read the full article at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/01/25/how-technology-is-improving-the-video-streaming-experience/#32e924f06dd6
Retrotone is our way of having fun turning mainstream news on its ear, and were introducing a whole new generation to the way news was delivered decades ago on the silver screen.

Evergreen Podcasts (Evergreen), a Cleveland, Ohio-based podcast publisher, is proud to announce its most outrageous podcast to date  Retrotone News (Retrotone)  a snappy summary of weekly headlines.

Modeled after Movietone newsreels of the 1930s, Retrotone is chock full of color commentary from beloved host and commentator, Rodge Bigsby. Each show takes listeners on a wild ride through Bigsbys delivery of top stories, op-editorial, music picks, politics, and hollywood scuttlebutt. Retrotone is an infectious flash digest of the news and the makings of one blockbuster short-form podcast.

Rodge Walker Bigsby was born to read the news. When he was 3, he rode his toy wagonette down to the local AM 1940, and wiggled his way into the booth, unbeknownst to producers of the Capital Hour, an early flash news bulletin featuring top headlines from the Windy City. A magna cum shouty graduate of the Ernie Pyle School of Journalism at Indiana University, Bigsby soon cut his teeth on a chance broadcast internship at CBS. That day, a legend was born.

Who is Rodge Bigsby? Only the man who made the news minute real again, says Bigsby.

"Retrotone is our way of having fun turning mainstream news on its ear," offered Michael C. DeAloia - CEO of Front Porch Media, "and were introducing a whole new generation to the way news was delivered decades ago on the silver screen."

Episode List

New episodes are available every Thursday on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play Music, and EvergreenPodcasts.com/Retrotone-News.

Episode 1 Preview

Great Scott! Should old acquaintance be forgot? Why... of course not! Its here in Episode 1, Rodge Bigsby ushers in the New Year with some familiar faces. From Trump's government shutdown, to Chipotles big splash for a modern menu, Rodge takes us on a tour of big news, and adventures on the high sea. Catch stories of French Adventurer, Jean-Jacques Savin, and Bibsby's break down of recent Twitter scuttlebutt on all things Kardashian and West. Then take pause to reflect on resolutions and whatnot. Yoo-haa! Hashtag #RodgeBigsby!

About Evergreen Podcasts

Evergreen Podcasts is a proud member of the Front Porch Media Network. Evergreen is a community where people think big without talking down. We are boots on the ground storytellers, who love capturing the color and diversity of modern makers. From entrepreneurs and musicians, to philosophers and artists  we are in the business of uniting audiences through podcasts and great conversations. EvergreenPodcasts.com hosts a diverse and dynamically curated blend of creative shows, featuring a wide range of lifestyle and niche programming.

Listen up. Listen in. Listen good.

Follow us:

Instagram:

http://instagram.com/retrotonenews

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/retrotonenews

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/RodgeBigsby

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/retrotone-news
Following on the heels of our solar system installation, which powers our manufacturing facility, we continue to try to innovate to reduce our impact on the environment.

In 2018, a public spotlight was placed on the use of plastic straws and their eventual fate as ocean waste. In response to public concern, legislative action in California has sought to tackle this problem head on. Since then, another persistent environmental issue is back in the forefront of consumers minds: plastic waste from bottled water.

Although Americans rejoiced in the fact that bottled water finally replaced soda as a favorite beverage in 2018, concerns of its contribution towards disposable plastic waste rose. In December 2018, the Royal Statistical Society announced the International Statistic of the Year. Unfortunately, the winning statistic was a shocking one; 90.5% of plastic has never been recycled. Of that, about 38 billion water bottles contribute to this waste.

Sadly, as a result, government mandates and water bottle bans are surfacing as the solution to this problem. Fortunately, prominent bottled water companies are slowly starting to catch on. One of the nations largest bottled water companies recently announced that they are planning on using 25% recycled plastic by 2021. Others are following suit, claiming that they will make the shift to recycled material by 2025.

Eldorado Natural Spring Water, a locally owned company specializing in bulk water delivery in Colorado, is pleased to hear that its competitors are slowly starting to adopt this sound practice, while proudly reaffirming their long-held commitment to using only 100% recycled plastics for its products. As an example to others, Eldorado seeks to raise consumer confidence that water bottle companies can be sustainable and ecologically sound.

According to vice president and cofounder Jeremy Martin, Following on the heels of our solar system installation, which powers our manufacturing facility, we continue to try to innovate to reduce our impact on the environment. No stranger to innovation, and in a commitment to the environment, Eldorado Natural Spring Water has been utilizing a solar electric system since 2009 that covers 50% of its manufacturing facilitys energy needs. Additionally, they recycle 96% of the waste from their plant including paper, cardboard, and plastic. In 2010, Eldorado Natural Spring Water became the first U.S. bottled water company to use 100% recycled plastic water bottles.

Fortunately, consumers are becoming more educated and passionate about environmental issues. As a result, they are demanding more accountability from the companies they buy from. This alignment of industry values to customer values is sure to produce positive outcomes and cause the attrition of those companies less values-minded. For more information about Eldorado Natural Spring Water and its environmental efforts, please visit them at http://www.eldoradosprings.com/environmental-stewards.
Yad Vashem Leaders Ron Meier, Eliad Moreh-Rosenberg, and Bill Bernstein

In a week-long series of lectures throughout Los Angeles, Yad Vashem Art Curator and Art Department Director Eliad Moreh-Rosenberg thrilled Los Angeles audiences with a presentation on the work of artists and stories from the period of the Holocaust.

Ms. Rosenberg, a world-renowned art expert and scholar, had her largest audience in Los Angeles at a special evening at the prestigious Skirball Cultural Center Auditorium on Thursday January 31, 2019. The center, which opened to the public in 1996, is devoted to sustaining Jewish heritage and American democratic ideals.

Direct from Israel, Ms. Rosenberg, a passionate advocate on preserving art from the Holocaust period, drew a large crowd to her lectures, where she shared photographs from the worlds largest collection of Holocaust-related art. Yad Vashem houses the world's largest collection of Holocaust-related art with over 10,000 items. These works, some of which are on display in the Museum of Holocaust Art, were created by Jewish artists who were murdered during the Holocaust or by survivors and other artists after the Second World War. Ms. Rosenberg, who toured Los Angeles for a week, explained her unique journey to retrieve from oblivion artists who created art during the Holocaust and make their unique visual testimonies known to the world.

It goes without saying that we are very pleased and so honored to have had Eliad Rosenberg visit Los Angeles in January, states Bill Bernstein, Director of Institutional Advancement  Western Region for the American Society for Yad Vashem. The process of setting up the busy schedule for Ms. Rosenberg included community-wide programs, parlor meetings, meetings with students and parents of students, and ASYV major donors. The setting provided significant opportunity to develop relationships and meaningful connections to Yad Vashem.

Ms. Rosenberg is the author of, Art from the Holocaust: 100 Artworks from the Yad Vashem Collection, which pays tribute to the fortitude of the human spirit during the Holocaust. Yad Vashem, in Jerusalem, is the global center for Holocaust education, remembrance, research and documentation. The shown 100 drawings and paintings, a representative core of Yad Vashem's art collection were created in the camps, the ghettos, in hiding and by partisans. These rare artworks by some 50 artists, half of whom were murdered, reflect the tension between the cruel reality the artists experienced and their desire to take flight. Presented thematically, and supported by substantial research on the annals of the artists, the artworks shed light on the artists' experience under the harshest of circumstances.

"Most Jewish artists who created art during these horrific years did so at risk to their lives, in order to leave their testimonies for future generations, explains Ms. Rosenberg, The fact that these Jewish artists and their subjects, who were persecuted and murdered, are being remembered in Berlin over 70 years later sends a clear message that their voices are still being heard and are a continuing source of inspiration.

Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev remarked: "It is clear that the Holocaust in general, and the idea of the indestructible human spirit in particular, has captured the interest of an international and intergenerational audience. Art is a unique medium that highlights the personal perspective of the horrors of the Shoah, and the attention it engenders illustrates the abiding commitment of the global community to keep the memory alive."

Eliad Moreh-Rosenberg has worked at Yad Vashems Museums Division since 2003. She received her master's degree in Art History from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and studied Museology at the Tel Aviv University. She previously served as a researcher and lecturer at the Hebrew University's Center for Jewish Art.
Dia Demmon, President, North American Title Company With several decades of experience in title and settlement, and a demonstrated track record in expanding her responsibility across the North American footprint, Dia was the natural choice to lead our national agency.

States Title, Inc. has named Dia Demmon president of its newly acquired subsidiary, North American Title Co. (NATC). She will oversee the companys extensive title insurance, escrow and closing operations throughout the country.

With several decades of experience in title and settlement, and a demonstrated track record in expanding her responsibility across the North American footprint, Dia was the natural choice to lead our national agency, said States Title CEO Max Simkoff. She will be supported by an amazing group of senior executives, whom she already knows well, in managing our affiliated retail agency revenue and operations across the country.

States Title acquired the majority of NATCs retail business along with North American Title Insurance Company (NATIC) from Lennar Corp. on Jan. 7, with Lennar retaining a minority interest. A Silicon Valley-based insurtech startup, States Title uses predictive analytics to underwrite the title on a property nearly instantaneously, helping customers close real estate transactions safely, quickly and inexpensively.

Demmons professional credentials include extensive experience in the title insurance, real estate and financial services industries, encompassing a broad spectrum of disciplines, including sales, marketing, operations, public speaking, employee training and development, customer relations, real estate sales, and property management. Her previous positions at North American Title include Western Region President, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, President of North American Exchange Company, and Vice President, Division Manager of National Title Services.

Prior to joining NATC, Demmon was President of WaMu 1031, a wholly owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual, Inc. In that role, she led the post-acquisition merger and integration of three national 1031 exchange companies and had oversight and responsibility for all departments. She also served five years as Assistant Vice President and Sales Manager at Fidelity National Title Insurance Co. in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Demmon received her Bachelor of Arts in management from St. Marys College of Moraga and currently serves on the California Land Title Association Board of Governors. She works out of the companys western region corporate office in Concord, California.

About North American Title

With close to 1,000 associates and a network of branches from coast to coast, North American Title Company (NATC) is among the largest real estate settlement service providers in the United States. Through its relationship with an expanding affiliate network, NATC provides or is able to coordinate real estate settlement services in all 50 states. With more than 100 offices across the country, NATC offers a depth and breadth of local expertise and knowledge in many of the premier real estate markets. NATCs parent company is States Title Holding Inc., headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded by Max Simkoff and backed by a significant financial investment from Lennar and leading venture capitalists in Silicon Valley, States Title uses cutting-edge technology to deliver a modern title and escrow platform.
Dell Anno Canada Brings Their Fusion of Italian and Brazilian Style to Canada We want to help people make their homes something to marvel overto make their space an experience that inspires joy, pride, and awe.

Bold, Brazilian, and breaking into a new market, Dell Anno Canada is opening the doors of their showroom in Surrey, BC on February 14th, 2019, and bringing their Bossanova style to North America in a big way.

Branded as Dell Anno Canada and spearheaded by Claudia Duffield, this new cabinetry company is backed by Dell Anno, an international designer and manufacturer of Italian cabinets and high-end finishes with more than three decades of experience in the industry. But thats not all Dell Anno Canada is bringing to the Canadian market. In addition to carrying exclusive lines of Dell Anno cabinetry and accessories, Dell Anno Canada has partnered with established North American manufacturers and brands who share their passion for quality and lifestyle, offering clients a fusion of Brazilian, Italian, and North American options to choose from.

In the eyes of CEO Claudia Duffield, Dell Anno Canada is more of a lifestyle brand which happens to sell cabinetry:

Were inspired by the world, passionate about design, and determined to share our style with Canada. We want to help people make their homes something to marvel overto make their space an experience that inspires joy, pride, and awe. Through our custom Italian-Brazilian kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, media, and home office furniture, we create a rich experience full of design and creativity.

Nowhere is this position more evident than in the experience of their showroom. Complete with a fully functioning kitchen, colourful closets, and a blend of modern and traditional cabinetry, Dell Anno Canada is living up to their mission statement which is to live like a Bossanova. Its their mission statement, but it doesnt end there its a trend they are bringing to North-America, and its about more than a carefully crafted cabinet collection. Bossanova is the belief we choose to embody when conveying our Brazilian point-of-view.

After their grand opening Gala on February 13th, 2019, Dell Anno Canada will be open to the public forin their wordsa trip to Brazil without the plane ticket. Showroom tours can be scheduled on their website, dellanno.ca, where clients are invited to discover what their home could look like over a glass of wine. For all other inquiries, Dell Anno Canada can be contacted at info@dellanno.ca or 778-327-6865 and found at #201  5529 192nd Street, Surrey, British Columbia.

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King Cake Celebration at Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel! From parades to seasonal dishes, it's all here.

Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel is excited to announce an all-new offering just in time for carnival season. The King Cake Celebration is an ode to carnival season and South Louisianas love of all things king cake. The king cake is originally a New Orleans tradition, but has made its way around the United States. The oval-shaped bakery delicacy can be best described as a cross between a cinnamon roll and coffee cake with various fillings for additional flavor. Guests can indulge in king cake inspired menu items throughout the property through the end of carnival season.

Mr. Lesters Steakhouse is featuring a Mardi Gras cocktail, which consists of premium vodka, peach schnapps, melon flavored liquor, orange bitters, sweet and sour, served on the rocks for $9. Enjoy a King Cake Martini at Loco Mexican Grill & Cantina for only $6.

Guests can purchase traditional and filled king cakes from Mabels Kitchen for $14.95. Additionally, king cake bites are available $2 per order of eight.

South Louisiana takes carnival season very seriously and we love to be a part of it. From parades to seasonal dishes, its all here, said Richard Picard, Director of Public Relations and Advertising at Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel. We have as much fun as our guests during this time of the year and we have a blast developing new takes on classics, continued Picard.

The king cake tradition originated in New Orleans in 1870 from France. The cake is decorated in the royal colors of: purple, representing justice; green, representing faith; and gold, representing power. Today, a plastic baby is hidden inside the cake and served. Traditionally, the guest who finds the baby is named king for a day and is obligated to host the next king cake party.

About Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel

Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel, the first land-based casino in Louisiana, is located in Charenton, Louisiana off US Highway 90 and features over 1,000 slots and more than 30 tables including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Mississippi Stud, and 3-Card Poker just to name few. Enjoy dining at any of the five unique venues and stay in the modern 102-room hotel. Call 1-800-234-4386 or visit http://www.cypressbayou.com for more information.
A very big thank you to our customers for recognizing the dedication of the Creation team going above and beyond. As a team we remain committed to expanding the boundaries to be our customers most trusted business partner. said Creation Technologies President and CEO, Ashley Dafel.

The Service Excellence Awards (SEAs) are judged entirely on third-party, customer feedback across the categories of Responsiveness, Value for Price, Dependability, Quality, and Technology. As the Highest Overall Customer Rating Award Winner, Creation Technologies received the highest score in all five of the individual service categories.

A very big thank you to our customers for recognizing the dedication of the Creation team going above and beyond. As a team we remain committed to expanding the boundaries to be our customers most trusted business partner. said Creation Technologies President and CEO, Ashley Dafel. We are so honored to celebrate 5 years of consecutive SEA awards. We are extremely excited about what 2019 holds for Creation and for our customers.

The Service Excellence Awards are sponsored by leading industry analyst, Circuits Assembly, and are open to EMS providers and electronics assembly equipment, materials and software suppliers worldwide. The EMS companies with the highest scores in each of five individual service categories also received awards. (Overall winners like Creation Technologies were excluded from winning individual categories).

Creation Technologies congratulates all category winners for their achievements.

About Creation Technologies

Creation Technologies (http://www.creationtech.com) provides total product lifecycle solutions including turnkey design, rapid prototyping, manufacturing and fulfillment to its customers around the world. Since 1991, Creation has been focused on making it easy for OEMs to say yes to their customers.

The company of approximately 3,000 people operates nine manufacturing locations, two design centers and a rapid prototyping center in the USA, Canada, Mexico and China. Its OEM customers are in the Industrial & Instrumentation, Medical, Communications, Transportation, Aerospace, Defense & Security, and Energy & Environmental markets.
A vote for Corsicana is a vote for Texas. - Karie Denny, Main Street Corsicana

Corsicana, Texas, a small town between Dallas and Houston is the only Texas city in a national competition to win $500,000 and a television feature. Its population cant generate the number of votes it will need, so Corsicana is asking every Texan to help.

Deluxe Corporations "Small Business Revolution  Main Street" named Corsicana as one of the Top Ten towns in the annual competition. Next week, the announcement will be made if the town makes it into the Top Five  and then public voting begins.

We need a million votes to win, so we are asking every Texan to help us. Just text the word 'Corsicana' to 55222, said Karie Denny, Main Street Director who is heading up the movement. Well do the rest  and remind you every day to vote.

To receive email notification, send an email with subject line "Vote for Corsicana" to corsicanamainstreet(at)gmail(dot)com.

Denny devised the get ready to vote idea to help the city win against nine other towns outside of Texas. We have one major advantage in this contest over every other city: Were in Texas, and Texans Win.

Shes asking that everyone in Texas take 20 seconds to subscribe to the text notification. On February 12, subscribers will be notified if Corsicana makes it to the Top Five, when voting will take place everyday for a week.

The winning city will be featured in Season 4 of HULU televisions Small Business Revolution  Main Street show featuring Amanda Brinkman, Chief Marketing Officer for Deluxe Corporation. The winning city also receives $500,000 in revitalization marketing assets and funds.

Mayor Don Denbow, a native of Corsicana, is not surprised that the city caught the attention of Deluxe Corporation and their Small Business Revolution program. Corsicana is going through a revolution of its own, becoming a choice for people to open businesses, for artists to enjoy an inspiring environment, for people who choose to build their own community, he said. Now, with the possibility of a national television show featuring all that is great here, visitors considering a trip to Texas will make sure their route includes Corsicana.

Corsicana will find out the names of the Top Five cities at the same time as the other cities in the running. Karie Denny isnt waiting for the announcement. We are in it to win it, she said. Now get your phone out and subscribe. A vote for Corsicana is a vote for Texas.

All announcements regarding Season 4 can be found on SmallBusinessRevolution.org and Corsicana updates will be on Corsicana Main Streets Facebook #mycorsicana

About Deluxe Corporation

Deluxe is a growth engine for small businesses and financial institutions. Nearly 4.4 million small business customers access Deluxes wide range of products and services, including customized checks and forms, as well as website development and hosting, email marketing, social media, search engine optimization and logo design. For approximately 5,600 financial institution customers, Deluxe offers industry-leading programs in checks, data analytics and customer acquisition and treasury management solutions including fraud prevention and profitability. Deluxe is also a leading provider of checks and accessories sold directly to consumers. For more information, visit http://www.deluxe.com or http://www.facebook.com/deluxecorp.
Moscow, ID (83843)

Today

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. Low 64F. SW winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. Low 64F. SW winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
Construct-A-Lead is an online construction lead service that helps contractors, service providers, manufacturers and suppliers gain information on all large scale construction projects. The service features apartment construction, hotel construction, retail construction, medical construction, school renovations & more, including those hard-to-find private project leads, to help bid on construction, from planning stage- completion.

Construct-A-Lead, the industrys most comprehensive construction lead service, announces the following Illinois projects will go forward. Construct-A-Leads advanced search feature allows the user to find their leads or key contacts by project type, location, bid stage, dollar value, company, or keyword.

Users are able to track projects status, save searches, put personalized notes on projects, email a project to a colleague or customer, reach out directly to the decision maker and download construction leads with a one-touch feature.

Interested parties are invited to visit Construct-A-Lead.com and sign up for a no obligation test drive, where they will be able to experience these newly integrated features. Users will be able to receive regular alerts on new and updated construction projects, in accordance with the individuals preference.

An example of the Illinois construction leads available within the database is listed below. Reference the Project ID to utilize the new site features and to obtain direct contact information for each construction lead:

OFallon, IL  Fairfield Inn & Suites - Plans include a new Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel with 108 rooms, a fitness center, and indoor pool, and meeting space. Construction start: Q2 Q3, 2019. $10,000,000. Project ID: 1426171

Springfield, IL  University of Illinois at Springfield Expansion - Plans include a new 35,000-40,000 square foot university building. Construction start: Q4, 2019, Q1, 2020. $6,000,000. Project ID: 1428125

Wheaton, IL  Jefferson Early Childhood Center - Plans call for an ADA compliant, early childhood intervention building with approximately 20 classrooms, diagnostic areas, therapy rooms and play areas. Existing building to be demolished once the new structure is completed. Construction start: April, 2019. $16,200,000 Project ID: 1427132

Chicago, IL  Lake and Stetson - Plans call for the development of a 74-story high-rise tower including 252 hotel rooms and 360 condos. Construction start: Q4, 2019, Q1, 2020. $100,000,000. Project ID: 1427714

Danville, IL  Carle Surgicenter  Plans call for the addition of four surgical specialties to the existing Ambulatory Surgery Treatment Center. Construction start: Q2, 2019. $1,500,000 Project ID: 1428291

Vernon Hills, IL - Hawthorn Middle School North- Plans call for renovations to the building serving 6th - 8th grade students to include 20,275 SF of additions for PE, music, student support. Plans include 7 additional classrooms. Construction start: Summer, 2019. $9,800,000 Project ID: 1427125

Construct-A-Lead is an online database that connects users to large-scale commercial construction projects, including those hidden, private project leads.

The service features hotel construction, office buildings, retail construction, medical facilities, school renovations and much more, to help bid on construction including those hard-to-find private project leads, from planning stage through completion. Construct-A-Leads daily updates of commercial construction project leads are an ideal solution for those who want to put their product or service into commercial, government and religious structures.

For more information, visit Construct-A-Lead.com online or call 855-874-1491.
Coalision Transforms Digital Infrastructure with Centric PLM Centric is going to transform the way we think about products.

Coalision, the Canadian company behind activewear brand Lole and outdoor clothing brand Paradox, has selected Centric Softwares Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to fashion, retail, footwear, outdoor, luxury and consumer goods companies to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.

As David Turcotte, Retail System Administrator at Coalision explains, competition was the driving force behind the companys decision to look for a PLM solution.

Our main challenge involves Lole, our major brand, he says. We needed to upgrade our design processes to be even more effective. Two years ago, we began a complete examination of our IT infrastructure. It became clear that to gain a share in the digital world, we needed PLM. We had been working with a process in our ERP system but the way we were creating wasnt seamless or collaborative enough. We wanted a PLM solution that could help us work better internally, reduce time to market and analyze our sourcing and materials more effectively.

Coalision considered several PLM solutions from major vendors but ultimately made their choice based on Centrics fashion expertise and flexibility.

We found it really interesting that Centric PLM is a web-based application. Our team liked the softwares flexible approach and user-friendly interface. Centric PLM is specifically created for apparel and footwear, whereas other solutions originated in industries such as automotive or manufacturing. The Centric team has deep apparel and footwear knowledge and they were extremely understanding of our business needs throughout the decision-making process.

Centric is going to transform the way we think about products, says David Turcotte. As Retail System Administrator at Coalision it is my mission to make sure that the company uses the latest technology to meet business needs and to always try to give our employees the best possible technology and tools. Centric PLM will re-centralize our product data and completely overhaul the way our design and product teams work. We expect to see better collaboration and faster time to market.

Everything will be more visual, he concludes. Well be able to get a holistic view of the products in development each season. Because well have a centralized single version of truth, we will reduce errors. We have a really good relationship with the Centric team and were looking forward to getting started.

We would like to welcome Coalision as our latest partner in Canada, says Chris Groves, President and CEO of Centric Software. Like Centric, Coalision is a company focused on innovation, performance and progressive product development. We are delighted to support the evolution of their digital infrastructure with Centric PLM.

Request a Demo

Coalision (http://www.coalision.com)

Coalision, with 300 employees across offices in Canada, the USA and France, is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The company produces and distributes the Lole brand, innovative and functional activewear inspired by wellness and Paradox, which offers high-performance base layers and outdoor clothing, in Canada, in the United States, and in Europe and Asia.

Lole is long known for taking a stand on smart consumption, designing versatile and long-lasting every day clothes; made to make people feel good, day and night, to work or to practice. At Lole, well-being is a way of life. Inspired by this philosophy, the brand organizes wellness initiatives all over the world, such as Lole White Tour yoga events. Since 2011, more than 70,000 people have come together during impressive yoga sessions in mythical places. From Paris to New York, from Barcelona to Montreal to Toronto, the Lole White Tour unites communities around the world.

Lole is sold in 15 countries through specialty stores, department stores and outdoor retailers, and the brand operates over 40 retail stores in Canada, the United States and Europe. Paradox can be found online and in selected Costco stores in 10 countries.

Centric Software (http://www.centricsoftware.com)

From its headquarters in Silicon Valley and offices in trend capitals around the world, Centric Software provides a Digital Transformation Platform for the most prestigious names in fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor and consumer goods. Centric Visual Innovation Platform (VIP) is a visual, fully digital collection of boards for touch-based devices like iPad, iPhone and large-scale, touch-screen televisions. Centric VIP transforms decision making and automates execution to truly collapse time to market and distance to trend. Centrics flagship product lifecycle management (PLM) platform, Centric 8, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, business planning, quality, and collection management functionality tailored for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric SMB packages extended PLM including innovative technology and key industry learnings tailored for small businesses.

Centric Software has received multiple industry awards, including the Frost & Sullivan Global Product Differentiation Excellence Award in Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM in 2016 and Frost & Sullivans Global Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM Product Differentiation Excellence Award in 2012. Red Herring named Centric to its Top 100 Global list in 2013, 2015, and 2016.

Centric is a registered trademark of Centric Software. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contacts:

Centric Software

Americas: Jennifer Forsythe, jforsythe(at)centricsoftware.com

Europe: Kristen Salaun Batby, ksalaun-batby(at)centricsoftware.com

Asia: Lily Dong, lily.dong(at)centricsoftware.com
Inspirational Stew: Poems, Educational Catchphrases, Literature Gems: a riveting read that holds a trove of positive values necessary in facing and understanding life. Inspirational Stew is the creation of published author, Claritha Draper Ingram, a native of Memphis, and a former teacher in the Memphis City School System.

Ingram shares, Inspirational Stew is a book that includes uplifting expressions, educational catchphrases, inspirational poems, literary gems, and pearls of wisdom. The encouraging motivational language in this collection of metaphorical adages in this book can be used to speak to a wide range of situations which include academics, ethical behavior, and education. Each feature contains messages of positivity and encouragement to boost academic growth and ethical behavior. That unique blend of inspirational language integrated into the text in this book promotes pride, courage, confidence, and the joy of being an astute scholar. This kind of motivation can be used to capture the hearts and minds of a wide range of students. Something they so desperately need to get through each long and busy day.

Inspirational Stew is a book that teachers and parents will be able to acquire a close kinship working together with students/children to reinforce educations link to opportunity, develop character, and acknowledge their uniqueness. That means teacher and parent communication regularly about the poems and expression in the book and how they use them to help children/students flourish academically, enhance social skills, and perform their best behavior. This can make an increasingly significant difference in the behavior and the learning of each child. The populace of those who mentor, guide, and teach children in the community can use the book to continue to light the fire of hope.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Claritha Draper Ingrams new book truly fills its readers with vibrant notions of compassion, hope, and faith as they tread lifes enchanting path.

This book also conveys a dedication to all types of readers and emphasizes the importance of communication in solidifying ones personal conviction in life.

View a synopsis of Inspirational Stew: Poems, Educational Catchphrases, Literature Gems on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Inspirational Stew: Poems, Educational Catchphrases, Literature Gems at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Inspirational Stew: Poems, Educational Catchphrases, Literature Gems, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
British Territory 1770: an engrossing fictional history, is the creation of published author Charles M. Dean Sr., a master rifle-maker and avid student of early American history. Before retirement, he served as a nurse anesthetist and captain in the US Air Force.

Dean shares, An exciting adventure story of two young men from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, traveling to Fort Pitt to spend the winter of 17701771.

Traveling across Pennsylvania in 1770 is very risky event. Though the French and Indian war was over, the Indians hate the colonials, because we are still British subjects.

Jeremiah and Jim have different lives and sweethearts that they leave behind, hoping to return next year and resume where they have left off.

The exciting stories they generate out in the wilderness, making friends and a few enemies, with some fatal robberies and Indian attacks. For two young pilgrims, they need the protection of Providence more than they realize.

On the lighter side, like Jeremiah stepping into some pots and pans full of dishwater at midnight while leaving the tavern. No one is sleeping then.

There are rumors of Jeremiah instigating some shooting matches just to earn extra money; he is an excellent shot.

Financially, they do well while crossing the wilderness. Jeremiah is a gunsmith, and Jim is a very good cook. They make money every time they come to a settlement or a fort.

When they return to Lancaster, their party increases from them to five additional people. The sweethearts have serious plans for a double wedding; Jeremiah and Jim dont see that coming.

This is a compelling story loaded with adventure, thrill, excitement, and romance.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Charles M. Dean Sr.s new book is a highly readable adventure story highlighting the fun and drama that happens in between wars when every step of the way is rife with rivalry, resourcefulness, and maybe even a bit of romance to keep things interesting.

Charles Dean Sr. offers an immersive, fun-filled glimpse into the lives of American Soldiers from a lost time in history.

View a synopsis of British Territory 1770 on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase British Territory 1770 at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about British Territory 1770, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Brad Schmett Real Estate Group Marks market expertise, industry connections, sales acumen, and ability to build relationships fit perfectly with our drive to continue to be the Palm Springs Areas #1 Real Estate Team.

Brad Schmett, of Brad Schmett Real Estate Group, today announced the promotion of Mark Wasserman to Chief Operating Officer. Mark will oversee the sales and administrative teams in addition to managing overall day-to-day operations.

Im excited about my new role with the Brad Schmett Real Estate Group and I look forward to working with our agents and staff to enhance our standing in the Palm Springs Area, said Mark Wasserman, Chief Operating Officer of Brad Schmett Real Estate Group.

Mark joined the company in October 2018 as Vice President of Business Development. He has over 20 years of leadership experience in community relations, business development, and the real estate industry. Marks in-depth knowledge and his proven ability to build high-performance teams are key in growing Brad Schmett Real Estate Group.

Marks market expertise, industry connections, sales acumen, and ability to build relationships fit perfectly with our drive to continue to be the Palm Springs Areas #1 Real Estate Team. We've been busy this year growing our team and streamlining our systems and Mark is another fantastic addition to our already successful team. We are thrilled to promote him to this important position, said Brad Schmett, CEO/President of Brad Schmett Real Estate Group.

Brad Schmett Real Estate Group, brokered by eXp Realty of California, Inc., is an exclusive and sophisticated group of real estate consultants raising the bar for service in the Greater Palm Springs Area real estate market.

eXp Realty provides 24/7 access to collaborative tools, training, and socialization for real estate brokers and agents through its fully-immersive, virtual campus environment. As a public company subsidiary, eXp Realty uniquely offers real estate professionals within its ranks opportunities to earn company stock for production and contributions to overall company growth.

eXp Realty is one of the fastest growing real estate brokerages in the United States with more than 16,000 agents in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces.
Alex Van de Wark, CEO of UP, LLC. and the creator of MixMat, joined the Board of Directors of Bright Light Volunteers in January of 2019. All five of our newest Board members embody the spirit of community...to carry the torch forward as we continue to scale operations... We continue to make the world a brighter place, one student at a time! Catherine Greenberg, Founder and Co-Executive Director.

Joining the Board of Directors are Alma Garcia (Texas),Kyla Parker (Tennessee), Alex Van Dewark(California), Dr. Sharon Thomas-Parker (Maryland), and Kodi Henderson(Alabama).

Between the five new members to BLVs Board of Directors, the new team has participated and/or led eight student programs, and three are career educators. It is a diverse Board with membership residing across the U.S. in Baltimore, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, and California.

All five of our newest Board members embody the spirit of community and bring significant talent, expertise and energy to carry the torch forward as we continue to scale operations. We are very fortunate to have them by our side as we continue to make the world a brighter place, one student at a time! Catherine Greenberg, Founder and Co-Executive Director.

Rotating off the existing Board: Margaret McMillan, C. Scott Jennings, and Professor Stacie Freeman. Key details about the newest appointees below:

Alma Garcia, one of BLVs newest board members, is a leader who has a history of supporting initiatives that empower young girls and women. Inspired by her experience volunteering as a mentor for Big Brothers & Sisters of Central Texas, she went on to serve as the Executive Director of Dream Angels, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on empowering at-risk girls and providing the support and opportunities necessary to provide them with the best tools possible to achieve their professional and personal dreams. Alma has served, unpaid, as BLVs Community Engagement Specialist in the past, as well as a seasoned Program Leader guiding groups in our host communities abroad.

Kyla Parker, one of BLVs newest board members, is a veteran educator from West Tennessee. She has witnessed, first hand, the power of our leadership programs and is a proponent for equalized access to such programs as ours for Title One schools.

Alex Van Dewark, one of BLVs newest board members, is an entrepreneur and a firefighter/paramedic based out of Chico, CA. Founder and CEO of UP, Inc. (UP: Unlocking Potential), Alex has worked hard to make the MixMat available as an easy and affordable solution to the need for concrete on our service learning programs. Having past experience working as a Business/Leadership trainer for Odyssey Teams, Inc., Alex is well positioned to help BLV expand into serving corporate sector clients to meet their need for cultural sensitivity, cross-cultural collaboration and leadership training.

Dr. Sharon Thomas-Parker, one of BLVs newest board members, holds a Doctorate of Education focusing on Higher Education Leadership and has an illustrious and varied career as a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She has served in a variety of cross-disciplinary roles such as Program Director for Redefining Refuge, a nonprofit dedicated to serving victims of sexual trafficking and Director of Behavioral Health at the Family Health Centers of Baltimore.

Kodi Henderson Niehaus, one of BLVs newest board members, is the Coordinator of Education Abroad and International Exchange at the University of North Alabama (UNA). She joined the Office of International Affairs (OIA) in August 2018. Kodi has a M.A. in Postsecondary Education and Administration and a B.S. in Journalism, Mass Communications, Geosciences, and Television Production. Kodi has worked in a variety of roles in the news industry as an associate producer, reporter, videographer, photographer, and journalist. Furthermore, she has worked several offices of higher education as a graduate assistant in the Student Disability Services office at Murray State University, a graduate intern in the Office of Global Studies at Bethel University, an intern in the Study Abroad Office at the University of Evansville, and as a volunteer in the Office of Education Abroad at Murray State University. She has traveled to Austria, Belize, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, and Switzerland.

Bright Light Volunteers is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization, designed to empower program participants and community partners through education and service. Specifically, our programs adhere to global service-learning best practices, which combine community service with both experiential learning in the field and online coursework through our university partner. Our vision is to make the world a brighter place by creating a more peaceful, just, interconnected world where global challenges and opportunities are met by educated, compassionate, global citizens and leaders.
Asset Panda announced today that Rex Kurzius, CEO and Founder of Asset Panda -- a cloud-based asset tracking and inventory management solution -- has been named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce.

This recognition makes all the hard work, perseverance and grit it takes to build a successful company worth it, said Kurzius, I hope others see this success and are inspired to believe in themselves and know that anything is possible.

Led by Kurzius, Asset Panda achieved a three-year growth rate of 3,552%, earning the company an Inc. 5000 award in 2018 for being the 104th fastest growing company in America. He sees nothing but continued growth in the companys future.

Kurzius nomination for the award came from Jason W. Taylor, President of Code Authority -- a custom software development company.

[Rex] has always been available to mentor and guide me at Code Authority, said Taylor, Now Asset Panda is soaring, and this is truly a fitting recognition for one of Friscos most important entrepreneurs.

Asset Panda was also a finalist for the Chambers Medium Business of the Year and Employer of the Year awards.

The Frisco Chamber of Commerce hosted the 35th Annual Frisco Number Ones Gala on Friday, February 1, at the Embassy Suite Dallas-Frisco Hotel to commemorate the businesses and individuals who contribute to the growth of Friscos economy and community.

About Asset Panda

Asset Panda is a cloud-based asset tracking and management platform designed to help the world work smarter. Asset Panda provides a simple, strategic solution that saves companies an average of two hours per day with an 800% ROI. It supports integrations with Active Directory, G Suite, ZenDesk and more. Asset Panda is committed to providing its customers with outstanding customer service and a constantly improving product.
The field of eating disorders is always evolving with the development of new treatment methods, new research and the complications of new policies and laws of the healthcare system, says Bonnie Harken, Managing Director of the iaedp Foundation.

The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals, provider of educational programs and training standards for eating disorder specialists and other healthcare professionals caring for those with the full spectrum of disordered eating, proudly announces the opening day of its 33rd annual iaedp Symposium at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, California. The conference runs through February 10 with more than 900 attendees registered to attend.

The 2019 Symposium kicks-off with the start of core courses and will continue with nine keynote speakers and events as headliners, interactive workshops as well as the reveal of the Imagine Me mannequin art competition winners.

The field of eating disorders is always evolving with the development of new treatment methods, new research and the complications of new policies and laws of the healthcare system, says Bonnie Harken, Managing Director of the iaedp Foundation. The purpose of our Symposium has always been to provide a forum for eating disorder professionals to discuss these changes as well as to educate, network and exchange information.

The 2019 Symposium offers four days of training sessions, instructive presentations and special events. Highlights of over 60 sessions include: family involvement in eating disorders, the use of body language to interpret the relationship between exercise and eating disorder etiology and insights into the relationship of brain development and eating disorders, among many others.

Due to its extreme popularity, iaedp once again is offering core courses onsite at Symposium 2019. With these courses, professionals who are new to the field or do not specialize in eating disorders can receive a live and first-hand introduction to eating disorder treatment.

The 2019 Symposium also will reveal the winners of the 8th annual Imagine Me Beyond What You See body image mannequin art competition. Five finalists will be presented, including a Professionals Choice Award, with winners being announced and showcased at the Symposium.

For this years Symposium, the iaedp Foundation once again offers its mobile app, a free interactive app that makes it easy for attendees to plan and participate at the 2019 Symposium. The app allows Symposium attendees to easily point and click on the different areas that encompass the iaedp annual conference event.

We couldnt be more excited about this years Symposium, says Harken. With the return of core courses, record attendance and the amazing submissions for Imagine Me Art Competition, plus the renowned keynote speakers and featured workshops, the 2019 Symposium is sure to be our best yet.

Exhibit space is still available for purchase for latecomers. Blanche Williams can be contacted at blanche(at)iaedp.com for more information. Registration information, the 2019 program schedule and specific information about each presentation and all presenters at the 2019 iaedp Symposium can be found at http://www.iaedp.com.

About the iaedp Foundation: Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions. MemberSHARE.iaedp.com is an iaedp business journal and online member resource to learn about noteworthy member achievements, continuing education webinars and U.S. and international chapter activity and events; for more information, visit MemberSHARE.

The iaedp Foundations Presidents Council, which provides organization support, includes: Alsana; Center for Change; Center for Hope of the Sierras; Center For Discovery; Eating Recovery Center; Laureate Eating Disorders Program; McCallum Place Eating Disorder Centers; The Meadows Ranch; Rogers Behavioral Health; Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders; Selah House; Silver Hill Hospital; The Renfrew Center; Timberline Knolls; Turning Tides Eating Disorder Treatment Center; Veritas Collaborative; and Willow Place.

The iaedp Foundation proudly announces the supporting sponsors for the 2019 iaedp Symposium:

Bronze Sponsors: Montecatini Eating Disorder Treatment Centers and Pine Grove Behavioral Health

More information about all aspects of iaedp and the 2019 Symposium can be found at iaedp.com.
BNP Paribas REIM acquired a newly-built grade A warehouse located in the logistics park Perfekter Standort (Perfect location), between Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, from Greenfield Development GmbH. The asset has a net lettable area of ca. 15,200 sqm and is fully let to a global logistics service provider. The asset manager

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Washington, Feb 8 : A US Senate panel voted on party lines on Thursday to advance President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, William Barr.

The nomination now heads to the Senate floor, where Republicans have a 53-47 majority over Democrats and Democratic-caucusing independents.

Barr, who served as attorney general between 1991 and 1993 under President George H.W. Bush, is expected to be confirmed in a vote that could come as early as next week.

All 12 Republicans on the Senate Intelligence Committee voted for Barr Thursday, while all 10 Democrats voted against him, Xinhua news agency reported.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the panel's chair, urged his colleagues to confirm Barr, allowing him to take the helm of the Department of Justice, which has been led by acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker since Jeff Sessions was ousted in November.

"We need a new attorney general," Graham said on Thursday.

"I appreciate what Mr. Whitaker has done, but I think the time has come for new leadership at the department," Graham added.

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, the committee's ranking member, opposed Barr's confirmation, citing a memo he wrote the Justice Department last year before he was nominated criticising the wide-ranging Russia inquiry led by special counsel Robert Mueller.

"Mueller should not be permitted to demand that the President submit to interrogation about alleged obstruction," according to the Barr memo.

Feinstein called the memo "disqualifying," claiming Barr's theory would leave the president "above the law in most respects."

If confirmed by the full Senate, Barr will assume oversight of Mueller's investigation, which has focused on possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow during the 2016 US presidential election and whether the president obstructed justice, among other things.

The special counsel has so far indicted or gotten guilty pleas from 34 people, including six former Trump associates and over two dozen Russian nationals, as well as three Russian entities. Trump has repeatedly dismissed any collusion between his campaign and Moscow, while slamming the Mueller probe as a "hoax" or "witch hunt."

Whitaker said late last month the Mueller-led investigation is "close to being completed," although there has been no confirmation of this from the special counsel's office. Democrats have also criticized Barr for not committing to publicly releasing Mueller's findings.

During his confirmation hearing earlier this year, Barr, 68, assured senators of his independence and said that he would not be bullied by anyone into doing something he believes is wrong if he becomes the attorney general.

Barr also said he will not allow any interference with the Mueller probe, adding that he will release the special counsel's final report as much as he can under the law.
New Delhi/Mumbai, Feb 8 : Financially troubled Jet Airways on Thursday said that four of its aircraft have been grounded for non-payment of dues to lessors.

According to a regulatory filing to the BSE, the airline said that it is actively engaged with all its aircraft lessors and "regularly provides them with updates on efforts undertaken by the company to improve its liquidity".

"The company is making all efforts to minimise disruption to its network...and is proactively informing and re-accommodating its affected guests," it said in the filing.

"The company also continues to provide required and periodic updates to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in this regard."

The airline also said that three aircraft that were grounded for engine normalisation are back in commercial operations.

Lately, Jet Airways has been in a tight spot financially as a rescue plan is being stitched between its partner Etihad and a consortium of banks.

The airline has a loan burden of over Rs 8,000 crore and it could see some of that amount being converted into equity by the banks.

Last month in a filing, Jet Airways said an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the company would be held on February 21 where a special resolution would be put forth to consider and "approve conversion of loan into shares or convertible instruments or other securities".

The question about the financial health of Jet Airways was also raised in the Lok Sabha.

Replying to a question on the airline, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha in a written reply informed the Parliament that efficient operations and financial performance is the responsibility of each airline and their shareholders.

"As informed by Jet Airways, it is in the process of resolving its financial problems through negotiations with banks, financial institutions, lessors, etc," the Minister said.

"Each airline prepares its own business plan on the basis of its own market assessment and financial resources. Based on its business plan, efficient operations and financial performance is the responsibility of each individual airline and its shareholders."
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani and JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal at Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2019 in Kolkata, on Feb 7, 2019. (Photo: Kuntal Cha Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani and JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal at Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2019 in Kolkata, on Feb 7, 2019. (Photo: Kuntal Cha Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, Feb 7 : West Bengal has bagged over Rs 40,000 crore worth of investment proposals on the opening day of the flagship business summit, which was inaugurated by state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday.

Over 4000 delegates from over 36 countries are participating in the two-day summit, being held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Rajarhat here.

Addressing the fifth edition of the investors' meet, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani said the group has firmed up Rs 10,000 crore of investments in West Bengal, which is already under implementation.

"In 2016, when I first attended the Bengal Global Business Summit, Reliance's investments in the state were Rs 4,500 crore. Today, our investments stand at Rs. 28,000 crore in West Bengal alone," he said.

Ambani said this accounts for about one-tenth of our total investments in India so far.

"Now, we have firmed up our plan for a further investment of over Rs 10,000 crore. This plan is already under implementation," he said.

FMCG major ITC Ltd also proposed to make new investments of Rs 1,700 crore in the state in its various businesses.

The company's committed investments in the state, with an outlay of Rs 4,000 crore across agriculture, manufacturing and services, are "a reality and on the ground", said its Managing Director Sanjiv Puri.

"...we propose to make new investments of Rs 1,700 crore in the near future, taking our recent total investments to Rs 5,700 crore (in the state), which includes a FMCG personal care products manufacturing facility, investments in the decor paper manufacturing capacity in Tribeni to substitute imports, expansion of the Dhulagarh facility and others as well as milk productivity improvement and procurement programme across 300 villages in the state," he said.

JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal felt that West Bengal could become a trillion-dollar economy by 2032 and the group is in the process of "doubling" the capacity of its cement manufacturing plant to 4.8 million tonnes per annum at Salboni in West Midnapore district.

According to state officials, the group proposed an investment of Rs 7,000 crore (one billion dollar) in a pump storage (electricity) facility but the venue for the project has not yet been announced.

H-Energy, part of the Hiranandani Group, also announced a prospective investment of Rs 2,000 crore towards new gas pipeline network in the state.

"...we have already committed investment of Rs 3,000 crore in this sector and we also bid for pipelines, which will add another Rs 2,000-crore investments in the next couple of years," Goup's co-founder Niranjan Hiranandani said.

Great Eastern Energy Corporation Ltd (GEECL), leading Indian coal bed methane (CBM) company, recently announced an upgrade in its resources at its Raniganj (South) block.

It is planning to take up the initial exploration programme for exploiting shale in its block after the Central government allowed exploration and exploitation of all types of hydrocarbons including shale resources under the existing CBM contracts.

"We have invested close to Rs 2,000 crore and our reserves are around 2.6 tcf. The Central government has allowed shale gas production from our licence. Our company has decided to go ahead with this," company's Executive Chairman Y.K. Modi said.

He further said: "We have done our preliminary studies and found that 6.63 tcf of gas is available in our block, which means we will have about 9.25 tcf of gas... To exploit this, huge capital is needed. The investment would be around Rs 15,000 crore in the next 5-6 years to complete this project."

Sharing his experience of investing in the state, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group's Chairman Sanjiv Goenka said the group, which invested Rs 23,000 crore over the last few years, found these investments fruitful.

He said the leadership in West Bengal is "clear and decisive" while the administration is "transparent".

Another Rs 500 crore worth of investments is being considered by Coca Cola and the details about the project are awaited, state Industries Minister Amit Mitra said.

Construction of the riverine port at Kulpi at an investment of Rs 3,000 crore is expected to start with UAE's DP World expressing interest in it, he said.

Luxmi Tea's chief Rudra Chatterjee also announced a Rs 350-crore health-city project in the state.
New Delhi/Mumbai, Feb 7 : Financially troubled Jet Airways on Thursday said that four of its aircraft have been grounded for non-payment of dues to lessors.

According to a regulatory filing to the BSE, the airline said that it is actively engaged with all its aircraft lessors and "regularly provides them with updates on efforts undertaken by the company to improve its liquidity".

"The company is making all efforts to minimise disruption to its network... and is proactively informing and re-accommodating its affected guests," it said in the filing.

"The company also continues to provide required and periodic updates to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in this regard."

The airline also said that three aircraft that were grounded for engine normalisation are back in commercial operations.

Lately, Jet Airways has been in a tight spot financially as a rescue plan is being stitched between its partner Etihad and a consortium of banks.

The airline has a loan burden of over Rs 8,000 crore and it could see some of that amount being converted into equity by the banks.

Last month in a filing, Jet Airways said an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the company would be held on February 21 where a special resolution would be put forth to consider and "to approve conversion of loan into shares or convertible instruments or other securities".
Chennai, Feb 7 : Changing gears, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) floated by actor Kamal Hassan will not align with Dravidian parties in the Lok Sabha polls, he said.

Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore, about 500 km from here, Kamal Hassan said his party will contest all the 39 Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

He said by not aligning with the Dravidian parties, the MNM is keeping its "hands clean".

The actor-turned-politician has been openly critical of AIADMK and BJP.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 7 : Odisha Finance Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera on Thursday presented a Rs 56,921 crore vote-on-account for the first four months of 2019-20 fiscal while tabling the Rs 1.32 lakh crore interim budget for the full year of 2019-20 in the Assembly.

"Keeping in view the requirement of funds for expenditure on payment of salary, pension, interest, old-age pension, scholarship for SC and ST students, a sum of Rs 56,921 crore has been proposed in the vote-on-account to defray the expenses during the first four months of the financial year (April to July)," said Behera.

It would cover 100 per cent of budget estimates for calamity and election-related expenses and 40 per cent of budget estimates for all other schemes, said Behera.

The term of the 15th Assembly will expire in June. The new government will seek appropriation for the full financial year 2019-20.

The Finance Minister said Odisha's economy was expected to grow at 8.35 per cent in 2018-19, surpassing all-India growth rate of 7.2 per cent.

This comes on top of a robust average growth of 8 per cent plus in the last six years compared with the national average of 7.1 per cent.

"Going by the trends in the external and domestic economic environment, the state economy can be expected to grow in the range of 8-8.5 per cent during 2019-20," the minister said.

IANS

cd/rs/pcj
Bhopal, Feb 7 : Several posters appeared in the city on Thursday describing Congress President Rahul Gandhi as 'Ram Bhakt,' a day ahead of his visit to Madhya Pradesh to express "gratitude to voters" after the party succeeded in dislodging the BJP government in the state, party sources said.

"Gandhi will reach Bhopal in a chartered plane and will take helicopter to reach Jamboori Maidan where the 'aabhaar rally' is being organised," Congress said in release.

"He will be in the state capital between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will also meet party legislators and farmers," the release said.

Many poster welcoming Gandhi have been placed across state capital of which some are describing him as 'Ram Bhakt'. In some posters, promises to built Ram Temple read : "Will build Ram temple in Ayodhya with consensus, we welcome such Ram Bhakt".

Besides, in some posters Gandhi has been addressed as "future Prime Minister".

During the Assembly election party leaders had promoted him by saying 'Ram Bhakt' and Shiv 'Bhakt'.
New Delhi, Feb. Feb 7 : The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board's plea against December 15, 2018, National Green Tribunal's (NGT) order asking it to give its consent to Vedanta for restarting operations at its copper smelting plant in Thoothukudi.

The bench of Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Navin Sinha reserved the order upon the competition arguments which saw TNPCB telling the court that the copper smelting plant which was the cause of near irreversible ground water pollution can't be allowed to resume operation.

On the other hand, Vedanta described as "political" the decision to put the plant under the lock.

The copper smelting plant was shut down permanently on May 28, 2018, in the wake of violent incidents that claimed many lives. Reserving the order, the court gave both the parties time till February 11 to file their written submissions.

Coupled with TNPCB and TN government's plea was an application by Vedanta seeking direction to the state government to take steps, including restoration of electricity to the plant as directed by the green tribunal for the plant to commence its a operation.

The order was reserved today on the conclusion of the hearing that lasted for two weeks.
New Delhi, Feb 7 : Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, was grilled for over nine hours by the Enforcement Directorate as he appeared for the second round of questioning on Thursday, and also confronted with his mails exchanged with a relative of absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, sources said.

Vadra was asked about the mails he exchanged with Sumit Chadha in reference to a London property, the ED sources said.

The source also said that Vadra was also asked how he knew Bhandari and Chadha and what were the business transactions they did.

According to sources, Vadra was confronted with the emails he exchanged with Chadha for the payment of the renovation of a London property.

The ED officials also asked Vadra about his account details.

The case relates to the ownership of 1.9 million pounds of undisclosed assets abroad, allegedly belonging to Vadra.

A money laundering case was registered against Vadra's close aide Manoj Arora after his role surfaced during a probe by the Income Tax Department into another case under the new Black Money Act and tax laws against Bhandari.

The London property was allegedly bought by Bhandari and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses on its renovation.

Vadra arrived at ED's Jamnagar House office in central Delhi at 11.20 a.m. Unlike the first day, the businessman was not accompanied by his wife Priyanka Gandhi, who had dropped him off at the office on Wednesday.

He stepped out for lunch at around 1.30 p.m. and returned to join the probe at 2.20 p.m.

The questioning went on till 9.30 p.m.

Priyanka Gandhi arrived at the ED office at around 9.20 p.m. and left with him at 9.30 p.m.

The financial probe agency source said that the ED also asked Vadra about his transactions and business dealings.

On Wednesday, Vadra was questioned by the ED for six hours, in the first time he daced any of the investigating agencies.

On December 7, 2018, as part of the investigation, the ED conducted searches at a number of premises in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.

The ED told a city court earlier that the London property was part of the kickbacks received in a petroleum deal. The money was transferred by Santech International, FZC, a UAE-based company controlled by Bhandari.

Arora, who is an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, is a key suspect in the case as he is aware of the overseas investments and purchases made by his employer.

The questioning came in the wake of an order by a Delhi court on February 2 directing Vadra to appear before the ED for questioning while hearing the anticipatory bail plea filed by him.

Vadra was on February 2 granted interim bail for a fortnight.
New Delhi, Feb 7 : The Delhi government on Thursday approved the framework of Entrepreneurship Curriculum, which will be launched in about 20 schools in April as a pilot while the full-fledged launch will take place in all Delhi government schools in July.

The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in its governing council meeting chaired by the Education Minister Manish Sisodia approved the framework, the government said in a statement.

The framework, formed by a 16-member committee comprising experts and teachers, will be released formally on February 13 by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the presence of several entrepreneurs from different fields, it said.

The curriculum will be activity-based and there would be no evaluation, examination and books for the curriculum.

The thought of the Education Minister behind the launch of the entrepreneurship curriculum is to make the students of Delhi government job creators rather than being job seekers, it added.
Kolkata, Feb 7 : In a bizarre incident, a middle-aged man from Kolkata has moved court against a popular television actress accusing her of raping him for nearly three years on the false promise of marriage.

Abhishek Talukdar, an employee of a city-based multinational company, moved Alipore Court on Wednesday, claiming that the actress had promised to marry him after their relationship started in 2016.

"I had a relationship with that woman in spite of her being married. I was also married at that time but later I divorced my wife to get married to her. She also promised to do the same but that did not happen," Talukdar said.

"Our relationship deteriorated as she did not divorce her husband as promised. Later she dumped me without citing any specific reasons," he alleged.

When he went to talk to the TV star to sort out the disputes between them, she lodged fake cases against him with the police, the complainant further claimed, adding that he felt cheated as the two had physical relationship.

"I am in a disbalanced state, both physically and mentally. I invested a lot for her acting career and painting exhibitions. I invested a lot of my money and time for her. Hence, I have come to seek justice from the court," he added.
New Delhi, Feb 7 : Around 100 fresh cases of swine flu, recorded on Thursday, pushed the total number of people affected by the disease here this year to 1,196, according to Directorate General of Health Services.

So far, only one swine flu death that occurred on Tuesday has been reported in the national capital.

Only 205 cases and two deaths were reported in 2018.

The number of swine flu cases increased significantly last week. Till January 29, only 512 cases had been reported.

The Delhi government has asked all its hospitals to ensure continuous supply of medicine, vaccine and kits.

"All government hospitals are equipped with the necessary logistics required for the management of seasonal influenza A (H1N1)," the government said in a statement.

Health advisory in Hindi and English has also been issued and are being carried out regularly.

H1N1, a self-limiting viral, airborne disease spread from person-to-person through large droplets generated by coughing and sneezing, indirect contact by touching a contaminated object or surface, like telephone, cell phones, computers, door handles, door bells, pens, toys, and close contact (including handshaking, hugging and kissing).

"The symptoms include fever and cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, difficulty in breathing. Other symptoms may include body aches, headache, fatigue, chills, diarrhea and vomiting, and blood-stained sputum," it said.

The advisory also stated that children with mild illness but with pre-disposing risk factors, pregnant women, persons aged 65 and above, patients with lung, heart, liver, kidney disease, and blood disorders, diabetes, neurological disorders, cancer and HIV/AIDS, patients on long term cortisone therapy fall in the high risk group.
New Delhi/Islamabad, Feb 7 : A team from Pakistan will visit India on March 13 to discuss and finalise the modalities for visit of pilgrims to the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahab through the Kartarpur corridor with New Delhi on Thursday accepting the dates proposed by Islamabad.

"We welcome the visit of Pakistan team to discuss and finalise modalities for facilitating visit of pilgrims through Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on March 13, 2019 to India. Follow up meeting can be held in Pakistan, as required," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

India has also proposed technical level discussions between engineers on both sides and hoped that Pakistan will respond positively.

"For expeditious realisation of Kartarpur Corridor, India has also proposed technical level discussions between engineers on both sides without waiting for discussion on the modalities. We hope Pakistan would positively respond & confirm coordinates of crossing point as well," Kumar said in another tweet.

Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan on Thursday offered to send a delegation to India on March 13 to finalise the draft agreement for the Kartarpur corridor.

"In a spirit of constructive engagement Pakistan has proposed to India that the Pakistan delegation may visit India on 13 March followed by the return visit of the Indian delegation to Pakistan on 28 March to finalise the draft agreement for the Kartarpur corridor," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said in tweets.

"We look forward to positive reciprocity from India," he added.

The proposal from Pakistan, which had earlier been seeking talks be held in the country and had pitched for Kartarpur Sahab itself as a site, came after reports that India would will soon send a draft proposal for the corridor.

India, which had last month shared with Pakistan the coordinates of the Kartarpur Corridor zero point, had also proposed two sets of dates, February 26 and March 7, for the visit of Pakistan delegation to New Delhi to discuss and finalise the modalities so that Indian pilgrims can visit the gurdwara using the corridor at the earliest.

The shrine, located about 3km from the international border near the town of Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, is highly significant for the Sikh community as it is here that Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years of his life and is his final resting place.

On Tuesday, Indian Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a high level meeting in New Delhi to fast-track the implementation of the corridor project.

Punjab Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh, Border Security Force Director General R.K. Misra, Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Ajay Bisaria and senior officers of other agencies attended the meeting where they discussed acquisition of land for the highway as well as for the integrated check-post.

The meeting was informed that the preliminary notification for land acquisition for the highway has been issued.

Home Ministry officials said the Punjab government has assured that land for both the projects would be made available by mid-March.

The land to start preliminary work would be made available to the National Highway Authority of India and the Land Ports Authority of India.

The Indian government had in November 22, 2018 decided to develop the Kartarpur Corridor from Gurdaspur to the International Border to facilitate pilgrims' passage to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahab as part of the 550th birth year celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, later this year.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, while Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 on their side of the border, in presence of Indian ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 7 : Former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph on Thursday dismissed as baseless the media reports that he would be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Kerala.

Justice Joseph, however, said he was approached by political parties.

Speaking to IANS, Joseph who retired from the apex court last year, said he has been informally approached by people from both the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).

"Several people have informally approached me from both the political fronts asking if I would be interested in contesting polls. From the UDF, it was the Kerala Congress (Mani) that asked my opinion. From the other front also, I was approached. But my answer to all has been I am not at all interested," he said.

Interestingly, both the fronts are in search of suitable candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, which is just few months away.

Joseph, 65, was in the news when he along with three of his colleagues, in January 2018, addressed a press conference against then Chief Justice Dipak Misra.

Joseph, in his student days, was active in politics.

In 1996, he was designated a senior advocate and in 2000 appointed judge of the Kerala High Court.

In February 2010, he was made the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court. On March 8, 2013, he became a judge of Supreme Court.
Yavatmal (Maharashtra), Feb 7 (IANS) On February 8, 1995, an enthusiastic, 35-year-old engineering-cum-management graduate arrived at Paradh, a small village in the Yavatmal district, to address a group of around 2,000 farmers - an event that would bring their plight onto the world stage.

Sadly, nothing has changed as around 110,000 farmers have committed suicide in the state in the past 25 years. Of this, around 18,000 suicides have occurred in the past five years.

Kishore Tiwari, the technocrat, who had learnt of the farmers' plight through the local vernacular media stressed the 'right to exist' and not the "government doles' at the meeting.

The tiny spark lit 25 years ago by Tiwari and his supporters turned the global attention towards farmers' suicides and also made it one of the biggest social, economic and political issue after the 1989 Mandal Commission report.

"Tomorrow (February 8) I am going to the same village to meet farmers and pass the same resolution that we did 25 years ago. Nothing has really changed," said Tiwari.

Ancestors of Tiwari, 60, migrated from Uttar Pradesh to Pandharkavda, Yavatmal, nearly seven decades ago. He lost his father to the plague when he was barely two years old. His grandparents sold vegetables in the local markets for a living.

Stung by the huge farmers' turnout in a remote village, then Chief Minister Sharad Pawar put Tiwari behind the bars along with around 1,000 farmers. Female members of the congregation were detained and let off later.

A month later, a Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition led by Chief Minister Manohar Joshi took office. For the next three months it refused to release Tiwari, until the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court freed him.

Over the years, Tiwari set up the Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS), an NGO, that ventured deep into the agrarian crisis in Maharashtra, its neighbouring as well as other states across the country.

To help resolve the crisis, Tiwari gradually adopted a holistic approach, which included promoting related issues like food security, health security, right to education, problem of unwed tribal mothers, rehabilitation of farmers' widows and orphans through education, jobs and entrepreneurship.

"As per official records and our own data, in the past 25 years, more than 110,000 farmers, including 10,000 women farmers, have committed suicide in Maharashtra. There are 125 recorded cases of young girls ending their lives as their debt-ridden parents could not bear the cost of their education or marriage. It shook me to the core. Now I have dedicated myself to the cause of farmers' upliftment," said Tiwari.

Initial studies revealed while earlier farmers' suicides were largely limited to Vidarbha (eastern part of the state), it spread to entire Maharashtra, barring the lush Western parts of the state.

"Today the scenario is pretty bad. Besides Maharashtra, the issue now affects practically every state in India. The worst-hit are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and surprisingly, even Punjab, which was the cradle of the Green Revolution around 1960," said Tiwari.

Plight of farmers affected him so deeply that Tiwari, also a lawyer, who had worked in several companies, decided to dedicate his life to the cause despite stiff opposition from family.

For political parties, Tiwari's passion became a handy tool to be exploited during elections to come to power and then "forget about it", he lamented.

"In the past 25 years, only one panel, led by M. S. Swaminathan, was set up in 2004 to enquire into the agrarian crises by then Agriculture Minister Rajnath Singh in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-headed BJP government at the Centre.

The panel submitted its report in 2008 to then Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar (NCP), but it was left on the self to gather dust.

"It suddenly catapulted into national limelight when Narendra Modi raised the issue, promising to implement the Swaminathan report, as part of his 2014 election campaign. Naturally, sensing hope, farmers voted hugely for the BJP. Once again the matter was relegated to backstage, and now has now been revived for the 2019 elections," Tiwari rued.

Tiwari has, so far, has spent nearly 16 months in jail for espousing the farmers causes.

His agitations brought the farm crises to the front pages of the Indian media and into living rooms in urban centres. Today, most Indians are aware of the farmers' plight, he said.

"In fact, after reading several series of articles in IANS, many people from all over the world have connected with us to help the cause. They include prominent personalities like Cyrus Guzder (Mumbai), Krishnakumar Taori (Dubai), Rohit Shelatkar (the UK) and Suresh Ediga (the USA)," Tiwari said.

The revelations were shocking, which forced the global media outlets to cover it extensively. The US, German and Australian television networks have made documentaries on the subject, including "Bitter Seed" and "Dying Fields", while several Indian films and television serials were made on the topic.

Though he claims that he has not been able to do as much as he wanted to ease the life of farmers, he turns to wife Smita in gratitude who stood by him through all his stints in jail and hardships to keep the family and ensure decent education for two daughter -- Abha, now an engineer with a US multinational company, and Apoorva who works in Brisbane.

The high-profile campaign for farmers earned him nominations for various national-international awards/honours, but Tiwari politely declined them, saying "it belittles my cause".

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)
Mumbai, Feb 7 : In a move to aid the non-performing assets (NPAs), or bad loans, resolution process under the Bankruptcy Code, the RBI on Thursday proposed to allow bidders to raise funds through External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) to enable them to repay their existing lenders.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies issued following the fiscal's last bi-monthly monetary policy review announcement noted that under the existing guidelines, the proceeds of ECBs, denominated in either foreign currency or the rupee, are not permitted to be used for repayment or for on-lending for repayment of domestic rupee loans.

The resolution applicants under Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 may find it attractive to borrow abroad to repay the existing lenders, the statement said.

"In view of the above, it is proposed to relax the end-use restrictions under the approval route of the ECB framework for resolution applicants under CIRP and allow them to utilise the ECB proceeds for repayment of rupee term loans of the target company.

"Your decision gives no room to fly-by-night operators to bring in money just for the sake of bringing in money. There are other openings of bringing in money -- we have ECB route, we have FPI (foreign portfolio investor) route," Das said.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is the final arbiter in the insolvency cases brought before it after exhausting the out-of-court resolution process with the Committee of Creditors.

"It's a well regulated process and only those companies which have been identified under the resolution process will be able to tap this route," the Governor said.

The RBI guidelines in this regard would be issued by the end of February 2019.

The central bank also said that as part of the review of FPI investment in corporate debt done in April 2018, it was stipulated that no FPI should have an exposure of more than 20 per cent of its corporate bond portfolio to a single corporate, "including exposure to entities related to the corporate".

"FPIs were given exemption from this requirement on their new investments till end-March 2019 to adjust their portfolios. While the provision was aimed at incentivising FPIs to maintain a portfolio of assets, further market feedback indicates that FPIs have been constrained by this stipulation," it said.

"In order to encourage a wider spectrum of investors to access the Indian corporate debt market, it is now proposed to withdraw the exposure limit."

A circular to this effect will be issued by mid-February 2019, the RBI said.
New Delhi, Feb 7 : The government is going to introduce a four-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed) course from next year with an aim to improve the quality of teaching, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Thursday.

"We are going to launch a four-year integrated course from next year. The standard of teaching has gone down because it tends to be last option for those who join. This should be first choice. This should be a professional choice, not some leftover," Javadekar said while addressing principals of Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas on the second day of the two-day conference.

The B.Ed course, in works for over a year, will be conducted in three streams -- BA, B.Com and B.Sc. The curriculum has been reworked by the National Council for Teacher Education, a statutory body responsible for coordinating teacher education.

The course, when implemented, will save one year of aspirants' since they can join it right after their Class 12, against the current system of first doing graduation and then the two-year B.Ed.

The Minister also said 15-20 states will be conducting examination from Class 5 to 8 after the scrapping of the no-detention policy, a part of the Right to Education Act in January.

"We lost 10 years of education because of the no-detention policy. It was a mistake. But now, about 15-20 states will start conducting exams from this year," Javadekar said.

Twenty-five states supported the scrapping of the clause. An amendment was passed in both Houses of Parliament last month leading to the abolition of the clause that proscribed examinations for students from Class 5 to Class 8.
Lucknow, Feb 7 : Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh slammed the budget presented by the state's Yogi Adityanath government on Thursday and said it was aimed at appeasing the ruling party's vote bank ahead of the general elections.

State Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal tabled a Rs 4.79 lakh crore budget in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Thursday. This is the third budget by the Adityanath government.

In a statement, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati termed it an election-oriented budget.

The Rs 4.79 lakh-crore allocations, she said, were not enough to right the wrongs done by the Adityanath government, which had failed miserably in maintaining law and order and public welfare.

People are very intelligent and will see through the machinations of the BJP, she said.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav called the budget uninspiring and directionless.

"This was the third budget of the state government, two more are left...there is nothing in the budget for the youth and the distressed farmers," he said.

Accusing the Adityanath government of cheating the farmers, Yadav said the budget had provisions of only Rs 436 crore for 'malin bastis' and the arrears of sugarcane growers continue to go unpaid. This reflected the government mindset, he said.

The former CM also slammed the state government for doing precious little for improving and strengthening healthcare in the state.

"The reality of the smart cities is for all to see. And the police department and schemes like Dial-100 rolled out by the SP government are in shambles," the SP chief alleged.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Raj Babbar said the budget was "low on substance" and did not show the way on how unemployment in the state would be tackled.

Veteran Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said that even as the Modi government at the Centre breaks all records of unemployment in the country with its wrong policies, the UP government's budget has very little to offer to the unemployed youth of the state.

"This is an election budget which had only slogans and poor vision, and nothing to offer either to the poor, the farmers or the youth," the former Rajya Sabha member said.
Bengaluru, Feb 7 : Global software major Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy's Catamaran-owned Cloudtail, a leading seller on the Indian arm of e-tailer giant Amazon, returned to the platform on Thursday after a week.

Several of Cloudtail India Pvt Ltd's products, which were not accessible on Amazon India since February 1, the day when the revised norms for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in e-commerce were implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, were back on the platform from Thursday.

The revised norms barred e-commerce platforms providing a marketplace from exercising control or ownership over the inventory and prevent any company to sell its products exclusively on an e-commerce platform.

"On February 6, Catamaran has effected the required changes to be 100 per cent compliant (with the revised FDI in e-commerce norms). We regret the inconvenience caused to our suppliers and customers due to stoppage of operations of Cloudtail between February 1 to 6," its Chief Executive Abhishek Laxminarayan said in a statement shared with IANS here.

The statement, however, did not elaborate on the changes the company made in order to comply with the policy revisions.

Cloudtail is a wholly owned arm of Prione Business Services Pvt Ltd, which is a joint venture between city-based investment firm Catamaran and Amazon formed in 2014.

The joint venture Prione had Catamaran, which was founded by Murthy in 2010, owning 51 per cent and Amazon a 49 per cent stake.

The revised stakes of Amazon and Catamaran in Prione for the companies to comply with the new FDI in e-commerce norms was not disclosed in the statement.
New Delhi, Feb 7 : Corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar has links with fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) told a Delhi court on Thursday while seeking extension of his custody for interrogation.

"Investigation has revealed his (Talwar) links with fugitive Vijay Mallya when both the said persons were evading the process of law and the investigation on the said aspect is ongoing for determining the trail of the tainted money in the instant case," Special Public Prosecutors D.P. Singh and Nitesh Rana told the court.

Investigation on routing of the funds through various entities registered in India and other countries will enable the agency to determine the beneficiaries of money laundering, they said.

"It would also throw light on the involvement of the public officials and other persons connected to generation of proceeds of crime by the said accused (Talwar)/his associates as a syndicate," the ED said adding that further custody of Talwar will help in ascertaining key elements of the case.

Special Judge Santosh Snehi then allowed the ED to quiz Talwar till February 12.

Talwar was presented before the court on expiry of his seven-day ED custody.

The ED told the court that Talwar's custody is required as he needs to be confronted with documents as well as his son Aditya Talwar, who is abroad and his associate Yasmine Kapoor.

It also told the court that the probe has disclosed Talwar and his family members were owners of eight offshore companies and the credit into the bank accounts of these companies are under investigation for uncovering the money trail.

"The custody of Talwar is required to unearth the proceeds of crime laundered through these companies," ED's counsel said.

Talwar's counsel opposed the plea, saying that Talwar was forced to take names of politicians and that some companies were his.

Talwar was deported from the UAE on January 30 night. He was presented before a court on January 31 which sent him to seven days ED custody.

The ED said that Rs 200 crore was allegedly received in one of the bank accounts of a company of Talwar in Singapore and that he is being probed for his suspected role in the irregular seat sharing on Air India's profitable routes with some international airlines.

Talwar had fled to Dubai after the Indian agencies started probing his role in concealing the income of more than Rs 1,000 crore as well as facilitating aviation contracts during the UPA regime.

He is accused of brokering aviation sector deals, getting government approval for foreign companies, and securing favours for clients due to his ties with UPA functionaries.
San Francisco, Feb 7 : Electric vehicle maker Tesla, which officially started deliveries of its Model 3 in Europe late last month, is facing some delays as several buyers were turned away from its Tilburg factory despite being invited to collect their vehicles.

Tesla Founder and CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter on Thursday to explain the delay: "Sorry, many unexpected challenges with cars coming through Zeebrugge first time. Cars will start moving out in volume tomorrow."

The EV maker is expected to push up to 3,000 Model 3 vehicles through Belgium's Zeebrugge port every week in the coming months to fulfil high demand from European buyers.

"Tesla has officially started deliveries in Europe today -- though only in low volume as they ran into some issues during their first day. As we reported earlier this week, the first massive shipment of Tesla Model 3 vehicles arrived at the Zeebrugge port in Belgium.

"Many Model 3 buyers were surprised to be quickly invited to take delivery of their vehicles in Belgium and the Netherlands," the Electrek reported.

The carmaker announced Model 3 as its mass-market offering at $35,000 with a new Mid-Range battery pack that is expected to go about 200 miles.

The Long-Range Battery version of the car is priced a bit higher at $49,000 and can go 310 miles on a single charge.

The company received almost 14,000 Model 3 orders in Europe early January.

With the launch of the new battery pack option, Tesla is making several changes to the Model 3's option structure.

In major changes the rear wheel drive option is now available only with the new Mid-Range pack and the Long-Range pack only comes with a dual motor all-wheel-drive powertrain.
Mumbai, Feb 7 : Actor Sonu Sood has penned an emotional note on his father Shakti Sood's second death anniversary, thanking him for inspiring him to be helpful to others.

"The date (February 7) I don't want to remember but the date I will never forget! It has been two years dad... life has never been the same," Sonu wrote.

"The vacuum that you left in our lives will never be filled. We miss you everyday, every minute, every second. My hands shiver when I write this, my heart sinks when I realise I will never see you again.

"Just want to thank you dad for teaching us the lessons of our lives, for inspiring us to be helpful to others. We can never be like you but will try to follow your foot steps. Stay happy whereever you are papa. Will miss you always... till I see you someday," he added.

After the success of "Simmba", Sonu is currently shooting for a Tamil film in Chennai.
Shimla, Feb 7 : Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Rajeev Bindal has been diagnosed positive for swine flu on Thursday.

"I am diagnosed swine flu and the members are requested to take due medical precautions," he informed the House after a day-long business.

Earlier, Congress legislator and former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh was also diagnosed positive for swine flu.

Swine flu has claimed 16 lives in the state so far this year against just two in 2018, state Health Minister Vipin Parmar told the Assembly on Tuesday.

Two swine flu patients died on Monday.
Patna, Feb 7 : Sixteen minor students of a government-run middle school in Bihar fell ill on Thursday after they were mercilessly beaten up by the school Principal for not sweeping the school floor, the police said.

The incident took place at Pakdi Middle School under Mahua Police Station of Vaishali district in the state.

Enraged over the incident, villagers ransacked the school and demanded action against the accused school Principal, Rajesh Kumar.

A police officer posted in Mahua, Sunil Kumar Singh, told IANS that about 16 children of the school had to be admitted to a local hospital after they were mercilessly beaten up by the Principal.

"Following the beating by Rajesh Kumar, they fell ill and were taken to the hospital."

Singh said that villagers, mostly parents and guardians of school children, staged protest at the school on hearing about the incident.

"Others teachers fled the school fearing reprisal from villagers. Rajesh Kumar managed to escape," he added.
New Delhi, Feb 7 : It's been a long journey for India and champagne, going back over three centuries and in 2017, over 400,000 bottles of the bubbly were shipped to India in spite of the high taxes, says the head of a key French organisation that ensures that only the original product is served around the world.

"Champagne and India have a long story that dates back to the first shipments in the 18th century. Maharajas were the most important consumers of this new wine at that time. Since then, shipments have continued and Champagne enjoys a great recognition, which was confirmed with the registration of the Champagne appellation by India in 2008," Vincent Perrin, Directeur General of Comiti Champagne, told IANS in an email interview.

How would he describe the journey over the past decade and how have the two sides benefited?

Noting that one of the Comiti Champagne's key missions is to ensure that the name Champagne is reserved only for sparkling wines produced in the Champagne region of France to give "to our winegrowers and houses the best environment to sell their wines", Perrin added: "To achieve this objective, education programmes and protection of the Champagne name are two levers that we continuously use."

To this end, the registration of the Champagne appellation, which was renewed recently, "is a recognition of the reputation of Champagne wines on Indian territory. It's also a guarantee for Indian consumers of the origins of the wines," added Perrin, who joined the Comiti Champagne in September 2014 after an extensive career in diplomacy and international business development.

Speaking about the impact of the association on India-France relations, Perrin said Champagne has had a strong connect with India "and it perhaps showcases best the French art de vivre. We hope that this relation will only grow and strengthen in the future".

How does he foresee the roadmap for the future?

"As India emerges as a global economic power, Indians who are likely to consume luxury products should increase in the coming years and wines play a growing part in the drink sector. There is a strong potential, despite high taxes, for Champagne wines which have grown steadily over the years.

Educational tools, including e-learning like the 'Champagne Campus' app, have been developed by the Comiti Champagne to educate a wide audience, both in France and abroad, about the wine-growing region of Champagne the vines, winemaking process, tasting et al. These will help more Indians approach champagne with more confidence.
New Delhi, Feb 7 : Corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar has links with fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) told a Delhi court on Thursday while seeking extension of his custodial interrogation.

Without giving any further details, the Directorate said: "Investigation is going on over the link between Talwar and Mallya."

Special Judge Santosh Snehi allowed the ED to quiz Deepak Talwar till February 12.

Talwar was presented before the court on expiry of his seven-day ED custody.

The Directorate told the court that Talwar's custody is required as he needs to be confronted with documents as well as his son Aditya Talwar and his associate Yasmine Kapoor.

Talwar counsel opposed the plea, saying that Talwar was forced to take names of politicians and forced to say that some companies were his.

Talwar was deported from the UAE on January 30 night. He was presented before a court on January 31 which remanded him to seven-day ED custody.

The ED said that Rs 200 crore was allegedly received in one of the bank accounts of a company of Talwar in Singapore and that he is being probed for his suspected role in the irregular seat sharing on Air India's profitable routes with some international airlines.

Talwar had fled to Dubai after the Indian agencies started probing his role in concealing the income of more than Rs 1,000 crore as well as facilitating aviation contracts during the UPA regime.

He is accused of brokering aviation sector deals, getting government approval in foreign companies, securing favours for clients and having ties with UPA functionaries.
New Delhi, Feb 7 : In an innovative punishment, the Delhi High Court on Thursday directed Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa and four others to plant 15,000 trees in the Delhi South Ridge, observing that they have failed to file a response on an ED appeal challenging their acquittal in the 2G case.

Justice Najmi Waziri, while granting a final opportunity to Balwa, businessman Rajiv Agarwal and three companies -- Dynamix Reality Pvt Ltd, DB Reality and Nihar Constructions -- asked them to plant 3,000 trees each in Delhi's South Ridge forest area.

The court has listed the matter for further hearing on March 26. The court also directed the parties to submit photographs of their plantation drive on the next date of hearing.

It has also asked former Union Telecom Minister A. Raja's close aide R.K. Chandolia to plant 300 trees for not filing a reply to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) appeal challenging his acquittal.

The directors of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd Asif Balwa and Rajiv Agarwal were asked to plant 500 saplings each.

The court has asked them to appear before the Deputy Conservator of Forests on February 15, which will allocate land for the plantations.

The court said that the trees should be of indigenous variety and must be taken care of till the monsoon.

It added that the trees are to be of nursery age three-and-a-half years and six feet in height.

The court was hearing an appeal challenging the acquittal of former Telecom Minister A. Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and others in the 2G spectrum allocation case.

A special court here had acquitted Raja, Kanimozhi and the others on December 21, 2017.

The others acquitted included DMK supremo M. Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal, Shahid Balwa, Asif Balwa, Vinod Goenka, Rajiv Aggarwal, film producer Karim Morani, P. Amirtham and Sharad Kumar.

The probe agencies approached the court in March 2018 challenging the trial court order.

In the last hearing on October 9, 2018, the Delhi High Court had granted the persons the last opportunity to file their responses on the agencies' plea, warning that no more delays would be allowed.

However, when Balwa and the others failed to file a reply despite repeated reminders, it asked them to carry out a plantation drive instead of imposing monetary costs on them.

Mostly in such circumstances, the court imposes costs on the litigants.

But this time, stressing on the need to revive 48,000 acres of the Delhi ridge, it said it has passed similar orders for planting of thousands of saplings since Thursday morning.

The judge said that the forest must be revived as it can help in reducing pollutants in the environment.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta welcomed the decision and said that it was the best way to impose costs.

However, he informed the court that the survival rate of saplings planted is low as they die due to lack of care.

The court said that the persons will have to take proper care of the plants till the monsoon.
Chandigarh, Feb 7 : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh enhanced the allocation of funds for farm debt waiver scheme to Rs 5,500 crore, on Thursday.

The announcement was made during the 45th meeting of the State Rural Development Board here.

The increase in funds would enable expansion of the scheme, bringing more debt-ridden farmers into its ambit, a government statement said.
New Jersey, Feb 7 : An Indian-American man and his girlfriend have been charged with trying to hire a hitman to kill the man's estranged wife.

Narsan Lingala, 55, was charged with one count of murder-for-hire. He appeared before US Judge Michael A. Hammer in the Newark federal court and was held without bail on Wednesday, NJ.com reported citing a news release from US Attorney Craig Carpenito.

Lingala's former girlfriend, Sandya Reddy, 52, appeared before Hammer on the same charge and was also detained.

Their court appearance came five months after Lingala and Reddy, both residents of Nobleville, Indiana, appeared before a Middlesex County Superior Court judge on attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges. The case is now being handled at the federal level.

According to the federal complaint, Lingala was in a holding cell at the Middlesex County Courthouse in May 2018 awaiting a court hearing when he asked another inmate if he knew anyone who could kill his estranged wife. The inmate indicated he knew a person, according to Attorney Carpenito's release.

The following month on the directions of law enforcement authorities, the inmate introduced Lingala to an undercover officer posing as a hitman. Over several weeks Lingala and the alleged hitman spoke on the telephone and planned to meet in person when Lingala travelled from Indiana to New Jersey, the release stated.

Lingala and Reddy met the alleged hitman in August last year and had a conversation inside his vehicle that was video recorded, the report said.

"I want that woman (his former wife) to be out of my life ... totally. Never again. She never comes back," Lingala said, according to the news release.

Lingala and his former wife, a North Brunswick resident, married in December 1995 and had two children before he filed for divorce in May 2011. He then spent several years unsuccessfully contesting the financial terms of the matrimonial settlement.

Lingala also allegedly showed the undercover hitman photos of the exterior and interior of his former wife's home, while Reddy allegedly provided him information about the intended victim.

The three also discussed the price that the undercover hitman would be paid. The "hitman" said the job would cost between $5,000 and $10,000, Lingala and Reddy were arrested in Woodbridge after the meeting, the news release stated.

If convicted of the murder-for-hire charge Lingala and Reddy could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the news release.

The Indian-American had also been arrested in the past for violating a restraining order.
Bengaluru: BJP MLAs create ruckus during Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's joint address to the state assembly Budget Session, in Bengaluru on Feb 6, 2019. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala delivers his joint address to the state assembly during the Budget Session, in Bengaluru on Feb 6, 2019. Also seen Karnataka Assembly Speaker K. R. Ramesh Kumar(Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Bengaluru, Feb 6 : Implementing the crop loan waiver scheme, the Karnataka government wrote off loans worth Rs 1,611 crore borrowed by 3.28 lakh farmers till January 31, said state Governor Vajubha Vala on Wednesday.

"The waiver scheme is being implemented on fast track basis to cover all crop loans taken from cooperative and state-run banks, mostly by small and marginal farmers," Vala said in his address to the joint session of the State Legislature here.

As the BJP legislators disrupted Vala's address by trooping in the well of the House and raising slogans against the ruling allies, he cut short his speech by reading the last page of the booklet and left the premises.

Before leaving the House amid the din, the Governor told Assembly Speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar to table his address as read for motion of thanks by the 225-member Lower House.

"My government has also ensured payment of farmers' arrears by sugar factories and reduced them (arrears) to Rs 5 crore by January from a peak of Rs 2,135 crore in April 2018," the Governor said.

Expressing concern over the prevailing drought conditions in 24 of the 30 districts of the state, Vala said deficit rainfall affected around 100 talukas (sub districts) during the kharif season (June-October) and 156 talukas during the rabi season (October-January).

"The government has taken steps to ensure drinking water supply, availability of fodder and employment generation in the sub-districts in distress through various central and state government schemes." said Vala.

The state government has also released funds to the drought-hit sub-districts for providing relief to the affected people.

"The state government has distributed 8.11 lakh fodder mini kits free to farmers for growing green fodder," said the Governor.

"The state agriculture department has estimated 30 lakh tonnes green fodder from the flagship programme.

"A long-term action plan should be drawn to tackle the distress due to prolonged and recurring drought conditions. We will continue to promote micro-irrigation systems and rain water harvesting to ensure conservation of water resources," said the Governor in his address.

As employment in rural areas is vital to provide livelihood to in the drought situation, over 812 person days were created in fiscal 2018-19 up to January 31 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA).< fast track basis to cover all crop loans taken from cooperative and state-run banks, mostly by small and marginal farmers," Vala said in his address to the joint session of the State Legislature here.

As the BJP legislators disrupted Vala's address by trooping in the well of the House and raising slogans against the ruling allies, he cut short his speech by reading the last page of the booklet and left the premises.

Before leaving the House amid the din, the Governor told Assembly Speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar to table his address as read for motion of thanks by the 225-member Lower House.

"My government has also ensured payment of farmers' arrears by sugar factories and reduced them (arrears) to Rs 5 crore by January from a peak of Rs 2,135 crore in April 2018," the Governor said.

Expressing concern over the prevailing drought conditions in 24 of the 30 districts of the state, Vala said deficit rainfall affected around 100 talukas (sub districts) during the kharif season (June-October) and 156 talukas during the rabi season (October-January).

"The government has taken steps to ensure drinking water supply, availability of fodder and employment generation in the sub-districts in distress through various central and state government schemes." said Vala.

The state government has also released funds to the drought-hit sub-districts for providing relief to the affected people.

"The state government has distributed 8.11 lakh fodder mini kits free to farmers for growing green fodder," said the Governor.

"The state agriculture department has estimated 30 lakh tonnes green fodder from the flagship programme.

"A long-term action plan should be drawn to tackle the distress due to prolonged and recurring drought conditions. We will continue to promote micro-irrigation systems and rain water harvesting to ensure conservation of water resources," said the Governor in his address.

As employment in rural areas is vital to provide livelihood to in the drought situation, over 812 person days were created in fiscal 2018-19 up to January 31 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA).

"Though we have provided jobs to 18.56 lakh families during the fiscal, work will be provided for 150 days for every job cardholder in the drought-hit areas," said the Governor.
Washington, Feb 7 : A US federal judge has sentenced a Chinese student to a year in prison after he pleaded guilty to illegally taking pictures at a restricted US Navy base in Florida, the media reported on Thursday.

Zhao Qianli was given the maximum sentence after his guilty plea on Tuesday of one count of photographing defence installations, CNN reported.

According to court documents, Zhao entered the Joint Interagency Task Force South military property, located on Naval Air Station Key West, on September 26, 2018, without permission "by circumnavigating the installation's primary fence line, and entering the military property from the beach".

"The primary installation fence line contained multiple signs that stated the Farm area was a 'Restricted Area' and the 'Keep Out'."

Zhao was in the US to study musicology as part of a summer exchange programme from North University of China.
Washington, Feb 7 : A US House panel has announced that it would conduct a broad investigation into President Donald Trump's finances and Russia.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said on Wednesday that the probe would "allow us to investigate any credible allegation that financial interests or other interests are driving decision-making of the President or anyone in the administration", CNN reported.

"That pertains to any credible allegations of leverage by the Russians or the Saudis or anyone else," Schiff told the media after the House Intelligence Committee's first meeting in the new Congress.

In a statement, Schiff said the investigation would include a continued probe into Russia's actions during the 2016 presidential election and contacts between Moscow and Trump's team, as well as an examination of "whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Trump, his family, his business, or his associates".

Schiff said the investigation, which could involve additional congressional committees, would also look at whether the President or his associates have "sought to influence US government policy in service of foreign interests" and any potential obstruction into the various investigations.

Trump reacted on Wednesday to Schiff's announcement by slamming the California Democrat and saying he has "no basis to do that".

"He's just a political hack trying to build a name for himself," Trump said in the Roosevelt Room on Wednesday after announcing his new nominee to be World Bank President.

"It's called presidential harassment and it is unfortunate."

Trump's comments followed his State of the Union speech on Tuesday in which he warned Democrats against undertaking "ridiculous partisan investigations".

Schiff responded to Trump's attack on Twitter, saying: "We're going to do our job and won't be distracted or intimidated by threats or attacks."

The House Intelligence Committee met for the first time in the new Congress on Wednesday and took its first action by voting to send more than 50 transcripts from its Russia investigation interviews to Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
Brasilia, Feb 7 : Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was sentenced to nearly 13 additional years in prison on corruption and money laundering charges, judicial sources said.

Lula, who served as President from 2003 to 2010, is currently serving a sentence of 12 years and one month on charges of accepting a luxury beachfront apartment from a construction firm in exchange for government building contracts, Xinhua news agency reported.

Wednesday's sentence, which lasts for 12 years and 11 months, also stems from a property deal and renovation project which prosecutors claim was actually a bribe.

According to the new charges, construction companies spent hundreds of thousands of dollars renovating a hacienda or apartment that Lula and his family often used for getaways.

In exchange, the government turned a blind eye to fraud and corruption schemes by the companies, which were involved in a corruption scandal centred on state oil giant, Petrobras.

Lula, 73, was initially sentenced to nine years and six months in 2017 for the luxury triplex.

He has denied all the charges, alleging that they were politically motivated to keep him from running again for office.

With Lula behind bars, Brazil's left-leaning Workers' Party was forced to name a substitute candidate in the 2018 presidential elections, who was handily defeated in October by conservative Jair Bolsonaro, who took office on January 1.
New Delhi, Feb 6 : Four days after a Delhi court ordered Robert Vadra to join the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation, he appeared before the agency here on Wednesday.

Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, arrived at the ED's office located in central Delhi's Jamnagar House at 3.45 p.m.

He was accompanied by his wife and Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

However, after dropping Vadra at the ED office, Priyanka left the premises.

The case relates to the ownership of 1.9 million pounds of undisclosed assets abroad, allegedly belonging to Vadra.

The ED also lodged a money launderi>

Four days after a Delhi court ordered Robert Vadra to join the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation, he appeared before the agency here on Wednesday.

Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, arrived at the ED's office located in central Delhi's Jamnagar House at 3.45 p.m.

He was accompanied by his wife and Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

However, after dropping Vadra at the ED office, Priyanka left the premises.

The case relates to the ownership of 1.9 million pounds of undisclosed assets abroad, allegedly belonging to Vadra.

The ED also lodged a money laundering case against Vadra's close aide Manoj Arora after his role surfaced during a probe by the Income Tax Department into another case under the new Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

The London property was allegedly bought by Bhandari and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses on its renovation.

On December 7, as part of the investigation, the ED conducted searches at a number of premises in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.

The ED counsel told the court earlier that the London property was part of the kickbacks received in a petroleum deal. The money was transferred by Santech International, FZC, a UAE-based company controlled by Bhandari.

There were a few more properties that needed to be probed, the counsel said.

Vadra was not present in the court. Vadra's counsel informed the court that he was in London to take care of his ailing mother.

A Delhi court had on Saturday granted interim bail to Vadra till February 16 while hearing an anticipatory bail plea filed by him.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar directed Vadra to join the ED investigation on February 6.
Montevideo, Feb 7 : Mexico and Uruguay on Wednesday in this capital proposed the so-called "Montevideo Mechanism," a four-stage process consisting of immediate dialogue, negotiation, commitments and implementation to achieve peace in Venezuela.

"We're proposing the Montevideo Mechanism as per our legitimate interest and readiness to contribute to helping the Venezuelan people and the involved actors find a solution to their differences," the two nations said in a joint communique backed by the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

If Venezuela's elected government, headed by President Nicolas Maduro, and the opposition -- unified behind the figure of self-proclaimed interim President Juan Guaido -- agree to dialogue in accord with this plan, the head of the Ibero-American General Secretariat (Segib), Rebeca Grynspan, former Uruguayan Foreign Minister Enrique Iglesias and former Mexican Foreign Secretary Bernardo Sepulveda would be invited to accompany the process.

In addition, a top Caricom representative and "figures of recognized international experience and moral quality" would also be called upon to participate, reports Efe.

In that regard, the tripartite initiative is being established as a "peaceful and democratic alternative that favours dialogue and peace to foster the necessary conditions for a comprehensive and lasting solution."

According to the proposal, the first phase -- that of immediate dialogue -- is designed to generate the conditions for direct contact among the involved actors "within a secure environment."

Immediately thereafter, the process would move to the negotiation phase where a "strategic presentation of the results of the dialogue phase" would be made to the parties in which points in common and areas of opportunity would be sought to make their positions more flexible and identify potential areas of agreement.

The third phase, that of commitment, would consist of constructing and signing the agreement based on the results of the previous phase.

Finally, the implementation phase would be undertaken with international monitoring and support.

Although Mexico and Uruguay, along with the Caricom countries, recognize "the level of complexity and the circumstances" in Venezuela, they also said in the document that they feel this is "no reason to reject diplomatic routes to the solution of controversies."

In addition, they reiterated their concern over the serious humanitarian situation in Venezuelan and "respectfully" urged the parties to guarantee the preservation of human rights.

Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez and his foreign minister, Rodolfo Nin Novoa, met in Montevideo on Wednesday with Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard to discuss the Venezuelan crisis.
Washington, Feb 7 : US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that by next week he may be able to formally confirm that the Islamic State terror organization has lost all the territory it once controlled.

At present, the group commonly referred to as ISIS is clinging to just 1 per cent of the territory it claimed as its "caliphate" in western Iraq and eastern Syria, the 79-member international coalition fighting the extremists says.

At the height of the group's power in late 2014 and early 2015, it controlled a vast swath of territory that stretched from the outskirts of Baghdad to central Syria, including the major cities of Mosul and Raqqa, reports Efe.

"It should be formally announced sometime, probably next week, that we will have 100 per cent of the caliphate," Trump said at a summit of the coalition in Washington. "But I want to wait for the official word. I don't want to say it too early."

The coalition-backed Syrian Democratic Forces alliance, which is led by Kurdish militias and has made major gains against ISIS, has reported in recent weeks on its progress fighting the militants in their last sliver of territory in Syria's Deir al-Zour province.

The campaign to wrest control of that ISIS foothold on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River began in September.

"The ISIS caliphate has been decimated," Trump said, adding that "you're always going to have people, they'll be around. They're sick. They're demented. But you're going to have them no matter how well we do militarily."

Trump gave his speech at the State Department to representatives of the coalition, which is made up of 75 countries and four international organizations, including the European Union, Interpol and NATO.

Earlier on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo began Wednesday's summit with a speech aimed at calming allies, stating that Trump's decision -- announced in December -- to withdraw 2,000 US troops deployed in Syria does not mean the end of the struggle against the extremists.

Trump had initially said the soldiers would leave immediately but later said the drawdown would be gradual.

Pompeo on Wednesday provided further reassurances.

"The fight is one we will continue to wage alongside you," the secretary said. "The drawdown of American troops is essentially a tactical change. It is not a change in the mission. It does not change the structure, the design or authorities on which campaign has been based."

"It simply represents a new stage in an old fight," he said, adding that the troops' departure would be well coordinated and that the US would remain engaged with its allies in Syria.
Caracas, Feb 7 : The self-proclaimed interim president of Venezuela, Juan Guaido, on Wednesday ordered the country's armed forces to allow the entry of international humanitarian aid, which is beginning to be collected at storage centers.

"Once again, a direct order to the armed forces at this time: Allow the necessary humanitarian aid to enter to take care of your families, your sister, your mother, your wife, who surely need supplies and some of whom, unfortunately, surely also have certain health conditions," said Guaido at a meeting with agricultural producers.

Specifically, on Wednesday morning opposition lawmaker Franklyn Duarte complained that a military convoy was blocking the border crossing point at Tienditas, a modern facility linking Venezuela and Colombia and where humanitarian aid is slated to be brought in.

"What is blocking ... the Tienditas bridge, where (the soldiers) are expecting the humanitarian aid to pass, is a cistern (truck), a container and today in the morning a convoy of the National Armed Forces arrived," Duarte was quoted as saying to Efe.

Later, in remarks to reporters, Guaido said that he knew that container trucks were blocking the bridge, which he said he considered to be "an absurd reaction by a regime that is not interested in the public."

"Despite that, we're going to do everything possible so that this aid can come in," said Guaido, reports Efe.

He also reiterated that "if part of the aid does not come in" in an urgent manner and is not distributed among 250,000 and 300,000 Venezuelans "they are at risk of dying," and for this reason he emphasized that when the opposition speaks about "a life or death fight" that is meant quite "literally."

"The regime still doesn't know what to do. The first information we had is that they were going to steal it. The next is that they're not letting it come in, the next is that they're letting it enter and stealing it later on," the interim president said.

However, he emphasized that the opposition is determined to "seek every mechanism" whereby the humanitarian emergency can be alleviated and the attitude of the Nicolas Maduro government to block the entry of the aid is "another stupid thing" that it's doing.

The humanitarian aid for Venezuela was requested by Guaido, despite the refusal of the Maduro government to accept it, claiming that allowing it to come in could open the door to a foreign invasion of the country.

Although it's still not clear how the aid will get into Venezuela, the opposition-controlled Parliament has already reported that collection and staging centers for the aid were set up in Cucuta, Colombia, by a group of Venezuelans on Tuesday.

According to the National Assembly, which Guaido heads, additional staging centers will be established in Brazil and on an as-yet-undetermined Caribbean island to collect and ship the aid coming from Venezuelan-capitalized firms abroad, particularly in Colombia and the US.
Yaounde, Feb 7 : At least 15 people were killed and several others injured on Wednesday in Bole-Bakundu, a locality in Southwest, one of the two troubled English-speaking regions of Cameroon, sources said.

"I personally counted 15 dead bodies, men and women. All of them were shot in the market. They were not armed," a local resident was was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying.

There were conflicting reports of who committed the act. Locals claimed that they were shot by government forces but government said they were killed in a clash between the military and armed separatists.

"They (separatists) blocked the road to the locality and the military opened fire to scare them. They retaliated and soldiers decided to invade the area. Most of those killed died in the crossfire," a local official who preferred not to be named told Xinhua.

The army is yet to comment on the incident.

On Tuesday, at least four civilians were shot dead in the two war-torn Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest as armed separatists began what they called a "10-day lockdown".

Separatists have banned all sorts of activities in the regions from Tuesday to February 14 as a move to disrupt National Youth Day activities expected to be celebrated on February 11.

Since November 2017, government forces have been clashing with armed separatist forces who want the two regions to secede from the largely French-speaking nation and form a new country called "Ambazonia".
VOA 365 builds on Voice of America's Persian Service and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's top-rated Radio Farda to provide 24/7 live and unfiltered coverage of global news and events through its expanded pool of studios and correspondents in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, London, Iraq, Prague, and other European cities. The new network is modeled after USAGM's highly successful 24/7 Russian-language digital network, Current Time .

Designed to improve the quality of U.S. and world news for Iranian audiences and build on USAGM's already market-leading audience share within Iran, this new global network will focus on the news of the day, including live content from Capitol Hill and programs from across the United States.

A content relationship with ABC News will allow VOA 365 to air This Week with George Stephanopoulos, Nightline, ABC News Specials and more. Commissioned and original content programs will round out the schedule, including a weekly program on health and technology and VOA's foreign policy program Plugged In with Greta van Susteren.

In making the announcement, USAGM CEO John F. Lansing said, "Despite the difficult media environment in Iran, we have seen an amazing 57 percent growth in audience reach. VOA 365 will play an essential role in expanding our impact by providing critical objective news and information about the United States, Iran and the world to Persian speakers around the world targeting young, future leaders. The USAGM Board and I are very excited about this engaging venture that combines VOA with RFE/RL's Persian-language content. We are proud of our staff for their hard work and dedication to creating this fresh, multiplatform news brand."

VOA 365 has already seen an increase in followers on all digital platforms in Iran such as on Instagram, Facebook and Telegram - a popular encrypted instant messaging service. A series of public rollout events for VOA 365 are planned for March 2019.

The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is an independent federal agency, supervising all U.S. government-supported, civilian international media, whose mission is to inform, engage and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. USAGM networks include the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti), Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa). USAGM programming has a measured audience of 345 million in more than 100 countries and in 61 languages.

Contact:

USAGM Office of Public Affairs

202-203-4400

[email protected]



SOURCE The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM)
MONTVALE, N.J., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, Susan E. Bos, CMA, CPA, CFE, board liaison to IMA's (Institute of Management Accountants) Committee on Ethics, has been named to Trust Across America's 2019 Thought Leaders in Trust list. Jeff Thomson, CMA, CSCA, CAE, president and CEO of IMA was named to the list for the eighth consecutive year and is also a Lifetime Achievement recipient for his continued dedication to supporting his profession and organization by upholding the highest standards of trust. The Trust Across America awards program, now in its ninth year, celebrates professionals who are transforming the way organizations do business.

Bos has been a member of IMA since 1986, currently serving on its Global Board of Directors, the Governance Committee, Ethics Committee, Nominating Committee, IMA's 100-Year Anniversary Committee, and as president of the Stuart Cameron McLeod Society. Her prior volunteer experience within IMA includes multiple terms on the Global Board of Directors, chair of the Ethics Committee, chair of Performance Oversight & Audit, chair of the Women's Leadership Forum and chair of the Finance Committee.

Shortly after assuming his role as president and CEO of IMA in 2008, Thomson introduced IMA's Global Core Values, which have solidified the association's reputation as a trustworthy and valuable business partner. Thomson has led the development of a strategy resulting in IMA crossing the 100,000-member mark for the first time in the organization's history while celebrating its 100-year anniversary this June at the organization's Annual Conference and Expo in San Diego.

"Now more than ever, the finance and accounting profession needs champions  individuals to advocate for professionals as the tides of business change," said Virginia "Ginger" R. White, CMA, CSCA, Chair of IMA's Global Board of Directors. "This recognition reflects Jeff and Sue's dedication not just to IMA, but the profession at large. We're proud to have them as leaders."

Trust Across America previously recognized the late Curtis C. Verschoor, CMA, CPA, who was named to the list for seven consecutive years and was a Lifetime Achievement recipient. Verschoor will be remembered for his many years of service to IMA in various roles including chair of IMA's Committee on Ethics.

About IMA (Institute of Management Accountants)

IMA, named the 2017 and 2018 Professional Body of the Year by The Accountant/International Accounting Bulletin, is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) program, continuing education, networking and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. IMA has a global network of more than 100,000 members in 140 countries and 300 professional and student chapters. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., USA, IMA provides localized services through its four global regions: The Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Middle East/India. For more information about IMA, please visit www.imanet.org.

SOURCE IMA

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NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

The Middle Eastern temporary power and cooling market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.12% from 2018 to 2023.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05732370



The Middle Eastern temporary power market is projected to reach USD 1,102 million by 2023 at a CAGR of 12.12% from an estimated USD 622 million in 2018, whereas the Middle Eastern temporary cooling market is projected to reach a size of USD 305 million by 2023 at a CAGR of 5.78% from an estimated USD 230 million in 2018. This can be attributed to a large number of events in the region, lesser turnaround time, power shortage during high-demand periods, and growing construction and infrastructure investments. The rise in T&D investments, growing environmental concerns, and rigorous environmental norms can hinder the growth of the market.



The above 1,250 KVA segment is expected to dominate the Middle Eastern temporary power and cooling market from 2018 to 2023.

The above 1,250 KVA segment held the largest market share in 2017 and is estimated to be the largest segment during the forecast period.Increasing construction, manufacturing, and utility activities across the region are expected to drive the above 1,250 kVA segment.



For instance, In Saudi Arabia, the construction industry is estimated to rise from USD 105.6 billion in 2015 to USD 148.5 billion by 2020 owing to the increased government contributions and investments in sectors such as healthcare, education, and construction, as per Timetric's Construction Intelligence Center (CIC). Such factors are expected to drive the above 1,250 KVA segment in the Middle East.



Air Handling Unit (AHU) segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment in Middle Eastern temporary power and cooling market during the forecast period.

The air handling unit (AHU) segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate between 2018 and 2023.Increasing industrialization, infrastructure projects, and district cooling/heating projects in the Middle East are some of the major factors driving the AHU segment.



Also, increasing construction activities such as shopping malls, hospitals, universities, data centers, and server room, which require AHUs to regulate and circulate air across the room, would create demand for AHUs in the region.



Saudi Arabia: The fastest growing Middle Eastern temporary power and cooling market.



Saudi Arabia is expected to be the largest and fastest Middle Eastern temporary power and cooling in 2023 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR.Earlier, Saudi Arabia was mostly dependent on the oil & gas sector, but due to a drop in oil prices, it became a challenge for the country to maintain its economy.



Thus, in order to maintain its economy growth, the country primarily focuses on increasing the number of construction and event activities.The construction industry of the country is expected to grow with a number of upcoming projects in the transport, utilities, education, and healthcare sectors, among others.



Moreover, the government of Saudi Arabia plans to invest USD 293 million in major infrastructure projects across the country, which include 16,000 drainage connections to homes. Therefore, increasing focus on construction and event activities would drive the Saudi Arabian temporary power and cooling market.



Breakdown of Primaries:

In-depth interviews have been conducted with various key industry participants, subject-matter experts, C-level executives of key market players, and industry consultants, among other experts, to obtain and verify critical qualitative and quantitative information, as well as to assess future market prospects. The distribution of primary interviews is as follows:

 By Company Type: Tier 1- 60%, Tier 2- 25%, and Tier 3- 15%

 By Designation: C-Level- 40%, Director Level- 35%, and Others- 25%

 By Region: Saudi Arabia- 40%, UAE- 21%, Oman- 15%, Bahrain- 13%, Kuwait- 11%, and Qatar- 12%



Note: Others includes product engineers, product specialists, and engineering leads.

Note: The tiers of the companies are defined on the basis of their total revenues as of 2017. Tier 1: >USD 1 billion, Tier 2: From USD 500 million to USD 1 billion, and Tier 3:

The leading players in the Middle Eastern temporary power and cooling include Aggreko (UK), RSS (UAE), Altaaqa (UAE), Cummins (Saudi Arabia), Byrne (UAE), Johnson Controls (Ireland), Geo Rental (UAE), and Argonaut (UAE).



Research Coverage:

The report defines, describes, and forecasts the Middle Eastern temporary power and cooling market by power rating, equipment, application, and country.It also offers a detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market.



The report provides a comprehensive review of the major market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges.It also covers various important aspects of the market.



These include an analysis of the competitive landscape, market dynamics, market estimates in terms of value, and future trends in the Middle Eastern temporary power and cooling market.



Key Benefits of Buying the Report

The report will provide the leaders/new entrants in this market information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall Middle Eastern temporary power and cooling market and the subsegments.This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to better position their businesses and plan suitable go-to-market strategies.



The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.



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An acclaimed U.S. preview of the festival was performed on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at the celebrated Schomburg Research Center in Black History in Harlem, New York. Sponsored by the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board, the preview concert featured 15 musicians from the Saint-Georges International orchestra and for the first time in the U.S. Guadeloupean Soprano Leila Bredent, under the direction of conductor Marlon Daniel, the festival's Artistic and Music Director.

"We are thrilled about this second edition, as the CTO has declared 2019 'The Year of Festivals for the Caribbean.' This Festival is unique because it celebrates the musical heritage of the first known Black composer and the most diverse orchestra in the world. The Saint-Georges International Music Festival is the symbol of Excellence in Diversity and we are looking forward to welcoming classical music lovers on the occasion of the 220th Anniversary of Guadeloupe's first Champion, virtuoso and Hero," said The Honorable Ary Chalus, President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe.

Marlon DANIEL, one of the most dynamic conductors of his generation will be directing the festival and internationally renowned artists such as Soprano Janinah BURNETT, rising stars mezzo-soprano J'Nai BRIDGES or bass Solomon HOWARD (who has just received the Kennedy Center Marian Anderson Vocal Award) and musicians Romuald GRIMBERT-BARRE, Sami JUNNONEN, just to name of few of the 40 musicians that will compose the Saint-Georges' International orchestra.

More info about the festival: www.guadeloupe-islands.com

SOURCE Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board

Related Links

http://www.guadeloupe-islands.com


WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The ESOP Association (TEA) announced today that James J. Bonham will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on March 1. Founded in 1978, TEA is America's largest national trade association focused on advancing employee ownership through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) model.

Bonham will also serve as President of the Employee Ownership Foundation, an affiliated non-profit with a mission to encourage, educate, and catalyse new research in support of employee ownership nationwide.

"Jim has a long and successful track record of high-level, transformational leadership advising some of the most widely recognized companies and leaders in the nation. When combined with his deep familiarity with employee ownership rooted in his family's history, he was the perfect choice to lead TEA into the future," said David Fitz-Gerald, Chair of the TEA Board. "Jim is well-versed in the legislative and regulatory priorities of ESOPs and our members and we're thrilled to welcome him aboard."

More than 14.5 million Americans are beneficiaries of ESOPs that grant them ownership shares in the companies where they work. The ESOP Association counts nearly 2,900 corporate and professional members, supporting their work through a national headquarters in Washington, DC as well as 18 state and regional chapters across the nation. TEA is the leading advocacy voice for employee ownership and hosts several national employee ownership conferences each year, including its Annual Conference in Washington, DC each spring and the Las Vegas ESOP Conference & Trade Show each fall.

"I am excited for the ESOP Association to talk to more employers and Americans about employee ownership and the benefits it brings to our economy," said Bonham. "My grandfather's personal and professional relationship with James Cash (J.C.) Penney, incubated a shared business philosophy. One of their beliefs was granting a form of ownership to their employees in the small mercantile businesses they ran. It was an excellent model that had great success, and I'm proud to have the privilege of attaching my work today to that legacy."

In his new role as CEO, Jim will be responsible for leading TEA's dedicated team of professional staff while growing the value of the organization to its members, donors, sponsors, partners, and other stakeholders. He will lead efforts to expand awareness of ESOPs as an organizational model, increasing the organization's involvement with its partners, and growing and strengthening its membership base.

Bonham brings extensive experience in executive leadership, including strategic planning, public policy and advocacy, plus government and community relations. Previously, Jim served nearly eight years as the Chairman of Public Policy and Government Relations at Manatt, Phelps, & Phillips, LLP, a nationally recognized law and business consulting firm where he Chaired the firm's highly regarded bipartisan public policy and advocacy division in Washington. Bonham also served in multiple senior staff positions in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate and is a former Executive Director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).

Bonham will be replacing Michael Keeling, who is retiring after serving as President of TEA since 1991. The search was conducted by association and non-profit search experts Vetted Solutions.

About The ESOP Association

The ESOP Association is America's largest employer-sponsored advocacy and education association focused on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Founded in 1978, the Association seeks to enhance and streamline federal laws and regulations governing ESOPs, provide members with expert information, and fund useful research via the Employee Ownership Foundation (an affiliate). The ESOP Association's members include ESOP companies, companies considering an ESOP, academics, and service providers that assist in setting up and maintaining ESOPs. To learn more, please visit www.esopassociation.org.

SOURCE The ESOP Association

Related Links

http://www.esopassociation.org


TAMPA, Fla., Feb 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The 13 Ugly Men Foundation, a 501c3 volunteer-based charity, is known for throwing some of the largest events in Tampa Bay, with the slogan "Party for a Purpose." In 2018, these purposes included BeatNB, Gasparilla Music Foundation, Onbikes, and Clothes to Kids with donations ranging from $13,000 to $25,000 from specific themed events throughout the year. The Foundation also found ways to raise money for Junior League of Tampa Bay, Children's Dream Fund, Children's Cancer Center, Savvy Giving by Design, The Pinnacle Academy, Nomad Art Bus, Respect 90 Foundation, and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Each of these causes are Tampa Bay-centric, and round out various needs and initiatives in the community.

Images from a tremendous 2018.

"2018 was a big year for the 13 Ugly Men," said President, David Moyer. "Being able to donate $100,000 is a great milestone, and we have donated nearly $2 million over the years. However, some of our greater achievements are the community outreach programs from building bikes at Amalie Arena and making meals at Ronald McDonald House, to painting with foster children in St. Pete. Those memories will mean more to us than any party."

The Foundation was able to donate over $100,000 in 2018 through funds raised by hosting and selling tickets to some of the largest events in Tampa Bay with the support of sponsors, such as Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Castellano Cosmetic Surgery. The events included the Kentucky Derby Party, the Halloween Party, a new 70's concept called the Vinyl Party, and the third annual Ugly Sweater Party. The Foundation has been around for over 20 years, and people have come to love its signature party, "The White Party," which will return in 2020.

The 13 Ugly Men Foundation plans to repeat its success in 2019, with events and benefiting charities already lined up including a Spring Break Party in the upcoming months. For more information regarding upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities, please visit 13UglyMen.com.

About the 13 Ugly Men Foundation:

The 13 Ugly Men Foundation first began in the early 1990s as a group of 13 members, and steadily grew to 35 members. Over the years, the Foundation has raised nearly $2 million for deserving charities in the Tampa Bay area. The 13 Ugly Men's passion lay with charities and organizations that support children's issues, women's issues, crisis intervention, law enforcement, and our service men and women. The 13 Ugly Men operate their Foundation with a 0% administrative overhead, meaning zero of the proceeds from their events go towards paying for operational expenses incurred by the Foundation in the normal course of business. In addition to the annual Halloween party, The 13 Ugly Men host other signature events throughout the year to raise money for charities. The Foundation has been honored with numerous awards throughout the years, including the Champions for Children Award (2009), presented by Voices for Children, the Business Partner of the Year Award (2012), presented by the Tampa Police Department, the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Honor (2015), and the Children's Dream Fund as DreamMaker of the Year (2016). For more information about The 13 Ugly Men, please visit http://13uglymen.com.

Media Contact

David Moyer, President

13 Ugly Men Foundation, Inc.

P. 727.469.3914

E. [email protected]

Related Links

Website

Facebook

SOURCE 13 Ugly Men

Related Links

https://13uglymen.com


RESTON, Va., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science, information technology, and engineering leader, announced that 10 employees will be recognized at the 33rd Annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Conference in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 7-9. The conference allows students, educators and a wide variety of STEM professionals to connect and share their experiences and information.

Paul Engola, Leidos Chief Human Resources Officer, will present eight of the Leidos employees with a Modern Day Technology Leader Award during a Technology Recognition luncheon on Friday, Feb. 8. This recognition identifies exceptional professionals who are developing cutting-edge technology or doing vital research in science for the government, private industry, and local communities. Leidos employees receiving this honor include, Scott Ball, George Boone, Clayton Crosby, Merinda Elliott-James, Quana Frost, Lacresha Nelson, Tedena Wheeler, and Vonda Williams.

Engola will also present Ursel Allen with the Stephanie C. Hill Legacy Award during the HBCU Engineering Deans' Power Breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 9. Ursel is directly responsible for managing a budget of $47 million in addition to leading a team of 26 data engineers.

Roger Krone, Leidos Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will present Gerald Gaskins with the Technical Sales and Marketing Award during the BEYA Awards Gala. Gerald manages some of the company's largest IT contracts for the federal government and has captured billions of dollars in new business.

"It's never been more important to have dynamic, talented minds focused on solving the complex challenges that we face today," said Krone. "Our BEYA award winners exemplify our culture of innovation and are leaders in science and technology, working to shape the industry for tomorrow's generation."

To read more about this year's Leidos BEYA award winners, click here.



About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500 information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $10.17 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2017. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 29, 2017, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

SOURCE Leidos

Related Links

http://www.leidos.com


WHIPPANY, N.J., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE: SPH), a nationwide distributor of propane, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity, today announced earnings for its first quarter ended December 29, 2018.

Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 was $27.7 million, or $0.45 per Common Unit, compared to net income of $37.2 million, or $0.61 per Common Unit, in the prior year first quarter.

Net income and EBITDA for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 included a $4.8 million loss from the sale of certain assets and operations in a non-strategic market of the propane segment. Excluding the effect of the foregoing item and unrealized (non-cash) mark-to-market adjustments on derivative instruments in both years, Adjusted EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below) of $93.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 was essentially flat to the prior year first quarter.

In announcing these results, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael A. Stivala said, "Positive momentum from fiscal 2018 carried into the fiscal 2019 first quarter. The first quarter of fiscal 2019 was characterized by colder-than-normal temperatures early in the quarter followed by significantly warmer temperatures during the month of December as compared to the prior year. Despite this inconsistent weather during the quarter, we were very pleased to deliver another solid performance with results that were flat to the prior year first quarter. Our operations personnel continue to do an excellent job delivering outstanding service to our customers and the communities we serve, adapting our business plans to the weather-driven demand and executing on our customer base growth and retention initiatives."

Mr. Stivala continued, "There is still a significant amount of the heating season in front of us. Our business is extremely well-positioned to meet the needs of our customers while, at the same time, pursuing growth through new market expansion and strategic acquisitions. In fact, earlier this week we invested approximately $12.0 million to acquire a propane business operating in strategic markets in our West Coast territory. We also remain focused on continuing to strengthen our financial position to support our long-term growth initiatives."

Retail propane gallons sold in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 of 124.1 million gallons decreased 0.7% compared to the prior year first quarter. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, average temperatures (as measured by heating degree days) across all of the Partnership's service territories for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 were 3% warmer than normal and 5% cooler than the prior year first quarter. While average temperatures for the quarter were reported as cooler than the prior year, the majority of the cooler temperatures occurred during October and November, which generally has less of an impact on customer demand than heating degree days in December. Cooler weather in the early part of the quarter was followed by significantly warmer temperatures during December 2018, which had a slight negative impact on volumes when compared to the prior year.

Revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 of $377.1 million increased $3.8 million, or 1.0%, compared to the prior year first quarter, primarily due to higher average retail selling prices. Cost of products sold for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 of $182.6 million increased $17.4 million, or 10.5%, compared to the prior year first quarter, primarily due to the impact of mark-to-market adjustments on our derivative instruments which contributed to a $15.9 million unrealized (non-cash) loss in the fiscal 2019 first quarter, compared to a $1.5 million unrealized (non-cash) loss in the prior year first quarter. These unrealized mark-to-market adjustments are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA for both periods in the table below. Average posted propane prices (basis Mont Belvieu, Texas) for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 were 17.2% lower than the prior year first quarter.

Combined operating and general and administrative expenses of $115.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 increased a modest $0.7 million, or 0.6%, compared to the prior year first quarter, primarily due to higher vehicle maintenance and fuel costs.

As previously announced on January 24, 2019, the Partnership's Board of Supervisors had declared a quarterly distribution of $0.60 per Common Unit for the three months ended December 29, 2018. On an annualized basis, this distribution rate equates to $2.40 per Common Unit. The distribution is payable on February 12, 2019 to Common Unitholders of record as of February 5, 2019.

Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. is a publicly-traded master limited partnership listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban has been in the customer service business since 1928. The Partnership serves the energy needs of approximately 1.0 million residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers through approximately 700 locations in 41 states.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to future business expectations and financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership, based on management's current good faith expectations and beliefs concerning future developments. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed or implied in such forward-looking statements, including the following:

The impact of weather conditions on the demand for propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels, natural gas and electricity;

Volatility in the unit cost of propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels, natural gas and electricity, the impact of the Partnership's hedging and risk management activities, and the adverse impact of price increases on volumes sold as a result of customer conservation;

The ability of the Partnership to compete with other suppliers of propane, fuel oil and other energy sources;

The impact on the price and supply of propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels from the political, military or economic instability of the oil producing nations, global terrorism and other general economic conditions;

The ability of the Partnership to acquire sufficient volumes of, and the costs to the Partnership of acquiring, transporting and storing, propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels;

The ability of the Partnership to acquire and maintain reliable transportation for its propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels;

The ability of the Partnership to retain customers or acquire new customers;

The impact of customer conservation, energy efficiency and technology advances on the demand for propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels, natural gas and electricity;

The ability of management to continue to control expenses;

The impact of changes in applicable statutes and government regulations, or their interpretations, including those relating to the environment and climate change, derivative instruments and other regulatory developments on the Partnership's business;

The impact of changes in tax laws that could adversely affect the tax treatment of the Partnership for income tax purposes;

The impact of legal proceedings on the Partnership's business;

The impact of operating hazards that could adversely affect the Partnership's operating results to the extent not covered by insurance;

The Partnership's ability to make strategic acquisitions and successfully integrate them;

The impact of current conditions in the global capital and credit markets, and general economic pressures;

The operating, legal and regulatory risks the Partnership may face; and

Other risks referenced from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and those factors listed or incorporated by reference into the Partnership's Annual Report under "Risk Factors."

Some of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in more detail in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended September 29, 2018 and other periodic reports filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date made. The Partnership undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as otherwise required by law.

Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Three Months Ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 (in thousands, except per unit amounts) (unaudited)



Three Months Ended

December 29, 2018

December 30, 2017 Revenues









Propane $ 321,360

$ 322,130 Fuel oil and refined fuels

28,909



25,315 Natural gas and electricity

13,404



13,147 All other

13,431



12,685



377,104



373,277











Costs and expenses









Cost of products sold

182,585



165,189 Operating

99,409



98,439 General and administrative

16,505



16,775 Depreciation and amortization

30,071



31,131



328,570



311,534 Loss on sale of business





4,823 Operating income

48,534



56,920 Interest expense, net

19,488



19,514 Other, net

1,176



1,172











Income before provision for (benefit from) income taxes

27,870



36,234 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

151



(934)











Net income $ 27,719

$ 37,168











Net income per Common Unit - basic $ 0.45

$ 0.61 Weighted average number of Common Units outstanding - basic

61,637



61,333











Net income per Common Unit - diluted $ 0.45

$ 0.60 Weighted average number of Common Units outstanding - diluted

61,903



61,525























Supplemental Information:









EBITDA (a) $ 77,429

$ 86,879 Adjusted EBITDA (a) $ 93,340

$ 93,233 Retail gallons sold:









Propane

124,053



124,986 Refined fuels

9,136



9,122 Capital expenditures:









Maintenance $ 3,001

$ 3,959 Growth $ 4,704

$ 4,540

(a) EBITDA represents net income before deducting interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA excluding the unrealized net gain or loss on mark-to-market activity for derivative instruments and other items, as applicable, as provided in the table below. Our management uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as supplemental measures of operating performance and we are including them because we believe that they provide our investors and industry analysts with additional information that we determined is useful to evaluate our operating results.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized terms under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP") and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or net cash provided by operating activities determined in accordance with US GAAP. Because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as determined by us excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income, they may not be comparable to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA or similarly titled measures used by other companies.

The following table sets forth our calculations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:



Three Months Ended

December 29, 2018

December 30, 2017 Net income $ 27,719

$ 37,168 Add:









Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

151



(934) Interest expense, net

19,488



19,514 Depreciation and amortization

30,071



31,131 EBITDA

77,429



86,879 Unrealized (non-cash) losses on changes in

fair value of derivatives

15,911



1,531 Loss on sale of business





4,823 Adjusted EBITDA $ 93,340

$ 93,233

The unaudited financial information included in this document is intended only as a summary provided for your convenience, and should be read in conjunction with the complete consolidated financial statements of the Partnership (including the Notes thereto, which set forth important information) contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K to be filed by the Partnership with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Such report, once filed, will be available on the public EDGAR electronic filing system maintained by the SEC.

SOURCE Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.

Related Links

http://suburbanpropane.com


Overholt will be responsible for advancing Savoy's marketing, sales and retention strategies in the Medicare and Individual markets, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D, individual health and personal life insurance. He will also oversee Savoy's Delaware-based contact center and the MySavoyBenefits.com website, bringing new capabilities to Savoy's broker partners to grow their business.

"I am excited to join the Savoy team to support their efforts to elevate broker services. The consumer and senior segments are rapidly growing markets and require a consumer-centric set of capabilities. Savoy has shown its strong commitment to broker success by investing in its people, technology and infrastructure to support broker revenue growth," said Overholt.

With more than 20 years' experience, Overholt brings extensive knowledge of customer relationship management (CRM), analytics, long-term planning and revenue growth to Savoy's brokers.

"As we continue to broaden our broker capabilities, Scott's strong background in Medicare and individual health sales and marketing complements Savoy's goal of creating new opportunities for growth for our broker partners," said John A. Selby, Executive Vice President.

About SAVOY

Savoy is an innovative benefits consulting firm and general agency with offices in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. With over 30 years' experience, Savoy's strategic partnerships bring continued growth to brokers, carriers and vendors. Savoy provides best-in-class products and services including comprehensive health and specialty benefits, compliance, HR services, technology solutions, research, education and other employer-related services.

SOURCE Savoy

Related Links

http://www.savoyassociates.com


BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The newly redesigned, premier SalonSpa300.com in the Royal Palm Plaza Shopping Center of Boca Raton promises to bring the finest European style ambiance and beauty treatments to South Florida. New owners Svetlana & Olivier Zaugg completely remodeled the premises and made their Grand Re-Opening Celebration Dec. 4, 2018. Attendees were treated to delicious food and spirits. More importantly, they got to tour the premises and discover the hi-tech beauty and elegance surrounding each area. Svetlana's mission was to convert this Day Spa into Boca Raton's most luxurious address for beauty pampering. They set out to create an amazing private room area for services of bridal parties, sweet sixteen, princess birthdays or just about any other special celebration where a group wants to relax, have fun, share appetizers & drinks while getting beautiful for that special occasion. This party room includes plush robes, wrap-around comfortable sofas, styling booth, its own lighted Hollywood style make-up area and a giant backdrop complete with a red-carpet for the perfect picture.

From peerless design to meticulous craft and superior spacing, no detail has been spared. Svetlana and Olivier the owners started the planning with an open-concept of a white clean vision surrounding the hair stylists' chairs, barber area, tranquil spa, manicure section and super hi-tech pedicure chairs. The welcoming, warm smiles and comfortable surroundings provides a dreamy state of relaxation.

SalonSpa300 provides the most advanced European technological services for microblading, permanent makeup, skin care, waxing, facials, teeth whitening, massage therapy, top-notch experienced manicurists and hair stylists. The website chat support is wonderful, and beauty questions or consults are encouraged. New customers visiting the premises for a new consult walk away with a courtesy product. Beautifully crafted gift certificates are perfect to impress a loved one. "Boca Raton is a top shopping and dining destinations. Now, combined with this exclusive one-stop beauty and relaxation spa, is becoming a must destination for visitors, snowbirds and locals alike. For more information contact Olivier at (561) 334-4806.

Related Images

salonspa300.png

salonspa300-private-party-salon.png

salonspa300-hair-styling-and.png

salonspa300-pedicure-area.png

Related Links

https://salonspa300.com/

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh_PUz1aQHY

SOURCE Salon Spa 300

Related Links

https://salonspa300.com


FAIRFIELD, Conn., Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sally Cohn, EVP is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Consulting and Information Technology in recognition of her role as EVP of Recovery Planner.

Established since 1999 in an effort to formulate organizational resiliency solutions, Recovery Planner is a frontrunner within the industry of information technology, software and professional services. RecoveryPlanner.com is in the Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery field. A Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Plan (BC/DRP) will address the impact an incident may cause, prevent loss by quickening recovery, improve communications during a time of chaos, and intangible items such as bringing confidence and peace of mind to members, shareholders, and employees that the organization has a plan to continue business when faced with an incident, as well as preventing harm to an organization's reputation. Dedicated to offering their customers superior service, the consulting firm utilizes the latest advancements in information technology to ensure customer satisfaction. Having implemented the foundation of a , "web-based Business Continuity solutions," since then the firm has, "gone on to define other emerging trends in the industry, such as comprehensive integration services, a true enterprise-wide planning platform, unparalleled flexibility, and assistance with compliance and governance." The recipient of the Service Provider and Planning Software of the Year award, Recovery Planner has become a coveted name in the industry. Offering a wide array of services to their clients, the team at Recovery is equipped in handling matters in regards to, RPX Software, COOP Planning, Operational Risk, Vendor Management, Compliance, Continuity apps and more. RecoveryPlanner's solutions are designed to accommodate the full complement of organizational resiliency, recovery, and continuity requirements of organizations, regardless of location and size. RecoveryPlanner's world-class web-based software "RPX," has All-in-One functionality for Business Continuity Management (BCM), Disaster Recovery (DR), Operational Risk Management, Emergency Management, Automatic Notifications, Cyber Security Response Planning, Vendor Management and Compliance. RecoveryPlanner also offers experienced and certified professionals who provide Business Continuity Management, Disaster Recovery and Risk consulting to organizations, both foreign and domestic, and of all sizes, across all industries.

With over seventeen years spent in her current position as EVP of Recovery Planner, Sally Cohn is a renowned expert within the field of consulting. Amassing over thirty years of experience in the industry, throughout the course of her career, Cohn has gained expertise within the areas of Business Resiliency Solutions, Disaster Relief Project management, interviews/assessments, presentations, and the creation, documentation, and maintenance of plans. In addition to her role as EVP of Client Services, Sally is founder and part owner of RecoveryPlanner.com. She assists in the development of a web-based business recovery software known as RPX. As a BCP Consultant, Sally ensures that the steps taken during the Business Continuity process meet the guidelines for best practices as set forth by DRII (Disaster Recovery Institute International) and BCI (Business Continuity Institute). Looking to the future, Ms. Cohn states, "At my age (I am a senior citizen), my future goals are to continue working as a Consultant, contributing to ongoing software development, and to enjoy my grandchildren."

Throughout the course of her education and training, Cohn attained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from the City College of New York and her Master's degree in Information Technology from Pace University.

To further her professional development, Cohn is a MBCP (Master Business Continuity Professional) with Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII) since 2003 and a AFBCI (Associate Fellow) with Business Continuity Institute (BCI) since 2015. As a testament to her website, RecoveryPlanner.com is certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE). Giving back to the community, Sally is a contributor to Wounded Warriors and the Huntington's Disease organization.

Respected amongst her peers, Ms. Cohn was awarded with the 2016-2017 NAPW VIP Woman of the Year Circle.

When she is not working, Cohn enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren. She has always been interested in seeing new places, and in her position, she has traveled the world to meet with clients and partners.

Cohn is dedicating this recognition to her husband, Joseph Zein, and her daughters, Monica, Jessica, and Rebecca. Cohn also dedicates this recognition in loving memory of her parents, Arthur and Ethel Cohn.

For more information, please visit www.recoveryplanner.com

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE Continental Who's Who

Related Links

http://www.continentalwhoswho.com


WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- This morning at the National Association of Realtors' GSE Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., CEOs from the American Bankers Association, Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Home Builders gathered to discuss industry priorities for reforms to the nation's housing finance system. At the panel moderated by Politico's Lorraine Woellert, the future of the GSEs was discussed by the leaders of some of the nation's preeminent housing finance and real estate trade groups.

"NAR was thrilled to have the CEOs from ABA, MBA and NAHB join us to evaluate challenges facing America's housing finance system as an end to conservatorship is debated," NAR CEO Bob Goldberg said. "The industry is united in our desire to ensure any reforms to the GSEs secure a government guarantee, ensure equal access for lenders of all sizes, promote consumer affordability, maintain broad consumer access and protect the 30-year fixed rate mortgage. NAR is grateful to have the opportunity to continue working toward these goals with ABA, MBA and NAHB."

Goldberg was unable to participate in the forum due to a sudden and unavoidable back procedure. In his place, NAR President-Elect Vince Malta joined Rob Nichols, Bob Broeksmit and Gerald Howard of ABA, MBA and NAHB, respectively. Late last year, Malta testified before the House Financial Services Committee during its hearing, A Legislative Proposal to Provide for a Sustainable Housing Finance.

"While the housing market has generally improved since the financial crisis, there remains a need for policymakers to address challenges that may arise in another economic downturn," said Malta, a third-generation Realtor in San Francisco, CA. "Thoughtful reform of the secondary mortgage market will not only safeguard the interests of taxpayers, but will also ensure the availability of affordable mortgage options for creditworthy Americans. In addition, NAR firmly believes that comprehensive housing finance reform should be done in a bipartisan manner."

While pursuing bipartisan reforms, NAR will continue to work with industry experts and other housing finance and real estate trade groups to develop solutions that are supportive of the broader industry.

The National Association of Realtors is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

SOURCE National Association of Realtors
NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- QBE North America, an Integrated Specialist Insurer, today announced that its Premiums4Good (P4G) program made its first impact investment of 2019, demonstrating its continued commitment to sustainability. The P4G program allocates a portion of policyholder premium towards impact investments that have a social or environmental objective.

Issued by Reinvestment Fund, a S&P-rated Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the bond will support loans to organizations focused on one of the following community impacts: education, food commerce, commercial enterprise, healthcare, housing, community resources, or climate solutions.

"It's in QBE's DNA to support the communities where we live and operate," said Russ Johnston, CEO, QBE North America. "By allocating Premiums4Good to support community loans that enable economic inclusion, we can deliver good returns for our shareholders while also doing good in the world."

This investment is in-line with QBE's commitment to sustainability and aligned with the UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, this initiative supports the achievement of SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.

As a global leader in sustainable investing, our ambition is to grow impact investments, like this one, to US $1 billion by 2021.

While QBE has been on the forefront - making these kinds of investments since 2014 - impact investments are a new approach to sustainable investing and we are proud to continue this initiative by announcing an investment update regarding our Premiums4Good (P4G) program. This program allocates a percentage of policyholder premiums toward those impact investments that have an added social or environmental objective alongside generating a positive financial return.

"Ensuring access to financial services for all communities is core to helping our communities thrive and promoting economic sustainability," said Harpreet Mann, Vice President, QBE North America and North America Executive Sponsor of Premiums4Good. "Through these types of investments, the QBE and likeminded corporations can find innovative ways to support creating resilient communities."

"Our Impact Investment Bonds allow us to partner with investors to transform struggling neighborhoods by channeling capital into community-strengthening projects," said Andy Rachlin, Managing Director, Lending and Investment, Reinvestment Fund. "These projects create opportunities for new jobs, affordable housing, quality education and healthy food accessthe critical elements of healthy, thriving communities. QBE North America shares this commitment with us and we are excited to be able to count them as an investor."



Globally, QBE invested in bonds focused on economic inclusion with multilateral organizations such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a division of the World Bank. One such social impact bond, the IFC Social Bond program, provides financing to women-owned enterprises and businesses operating in low-income communities in emerging markets. Learn more here.



For a copy of QBE's Sustainability Report, click here.

About QBE

QBE North America, an integrated specialist insurer, is part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, one of the largest insurers and reinsurers worldwide. QBE NA reported Gross Written Premiums in 2017 of $4.6 billion. QBE Insurance Group's 2017 results can be found at www.qbe.com. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, QBE operates out of 31 countries around the globe, with a presence in every key insurance market. The North America division, headquartered in New York, conducts business through its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries. The actual terms and coverage for all lines of business are subject to the language of the policies as issued. QBE insurance companies are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best and "A+" by Standard & Poor's. Additional information can be found at www.qbe.com/us, or follow QBE North America on Twitter.

SOURCE QBE

Related Links

http://www.qbe.com/us


FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Property Damage Appraisers (PDA), the nation's leading independent damage appraisal firm, has expanded its guaranteed same-day and next-day damage estimates for standard auto claims to more than 200 cities across the United States.

PDA developed this expedited service to help its clients deliver outstanding customer service by processing claims faster. The company initially launched Same-Day and Next-Day Service to 11 pilot markets in August 2018, and has since expanded the offering across its national team of appraisers.

Since launching the Same-Day Service and Next-Day Service program, PDA has averaged an appraisal cycle time of just over four hours for Same-Day Service assignments. The company is able to deliver completed damage estimates so quickly thanks to its proprietary Optimizer tool, which analyzes claim data and dispatches the closest qualified appraiser to a damaged vehicle.

"In today's fast-paced business environment, our clients are always looking for ways to close claims faster," said Tom Dolfay, CEO. "PDA not only leads the industry in damage estimate cycle times, but we're the only independent appraiser that offers guaranteed Same-Day and Next-Day Service."

After assigning a claim to PDA, clients are notified if it's eligible for Same-Day or Next-Day Service. Same-Day Service guarantees a completed damage estimate by the end of the day it's assigned, while Next-Day Service guarantees an estimate by the end of the next business day. Delivery times for both services are backed by a money-back guarantee.

"We continue to redefine the value an independent appraisal firm can offer by consistently delivering fast, accurate damage estimates across the country," Dolfay said. "Same-Day Service is proving to be a powerful tool that helps our clients reduce downtime, lower costs, close claims faster and improve the customer service experience."

PDA was the first independent appraisal company to offer Same-Day Service. The product is the result of a multi-year effort to improve efficiencies and reduce the time it takes to deliver damage estimates across the company's national team of more than 650 local appraisers.

More information about PDA's Same-Day and Next-Day Service is available at www.pdacorporation.com/same-day.php .

About Property Damage Appraisers

Property Damage Appraisers, Inc. (PDA) is a leader in providing fast, accurate estimates for auto, over-the-road truck, specialty equipment, RV, boat, motorcycle and property damage. We complete nearly 400,000 damage estimates and lease turn-in inspections a year, thanks to our national team of more than 650 local appraisers. Established in 1963, PDA's corporate headquarters is in Fort Worth, Texas. More information is available at www.pdacorporation.com .

Justin Metz

[email protected]

330.498.0753

Mandy O'Brien

[email protected]

312.340.9103



SOURCE Property Damage Appraisers

Related Links

https://www.pdacorporation.com


ATLANTA, Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- PREMIUM FRANCHISE BRANDS (PFB), an Atlanta-based franchisor specializing in service brands and office solutions, is proud to expand its franchise portfolio with the acquisition of INTELLIGENT OFFICE (IO). A key player in the virtual office movement, IO offers tailored, turnkey solutions for businesses looking to customize elements of traditional office spaces and staffing.

Premium Franchise Brands

Revolutionizing the way businesses are run, Intelligent Office offers a la carte Intelligent Assistant services that are performed by highly trained professionals who are ready to answer calls, schedule appointments, manage calendars and handle digital communications on a flexible, on-demand basis. In addition, IO provides businesses with a prestigious address and immediate access to fully equipped office spaces and meeting rooms; all to help businesses operate at a professional level while lowering overhead to a fraction of the usual cost. "We offer the industry's most customizable professional services and work environments to fit your needs and budget," states Jake Nordquist, COO of Intelligent Office. "We're local, personalized and an extension of your team."

The acquisition includes all of IO's 59 locations throughout North America and merges IO's innovative solutions with PFB's dedication to providing unparalleled support. "The addition of Intelligent Office aligns with our core strengths at Premium Franchise Brands as well as our continued investment in brands that provide differentiated services to business," states Russ Reynolds, president and CEO, Premium Franchise Brands. "Intelligent Office has over 20 years of history and innovation and we look forward to growing the franchise materially over the next few years by investing and supporting the brand and its franchisees."

PREMIUM FRANCHISE BRANDS is an award-winning, global franchise platform. The company's premier commercial cleaning franchise brand JAN-PRO Franchising International has served the market for over 25 years and consistently ranks among the nation's fastest-growing franchise concepts. An established leader in the commercial cleaning industry, PFB now offers additional B2B services with their newest brand, Intelligent Office, a leading franchisor in the virtual office space that provides highly trained administrators, flexible service offerings and executive office suites. To learn more about Premium Franchise Brands, visit premiumfranchisebrands.com.

Media Contact:

Elaine Shin

678-336-1798

[email protected]

Related Images

io-office-space.jpeg

IO Office Space

io-office-space.jpg

IO Office Space

Related Links

Premium Franchise Brands

Intelligent Office

SOURCE Premium Franchise Brands

Related Links

http://premiumfranchisebrands.com


NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

Company Overview, Marketed Products, Product Pipeline, Revenues, Forecast



The global asthma & COPD therapies market was valued at $36.21bn in 2018 and is projected to grow to $47bn by 2029.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05731227



How this report will benefit you

Read on to discover how you can exploit the future business opportunities emerging in this sector.

In this brand new 160-page report you will receive 86 charts all unavailable elsewhere.

The 160-page report provides clear detailed insight into the Top 20 asthma & COPD companies. Discover the key drivers and challenges affecting the market.

By ordering and reading our brand-new report today you stay better informed and ready to act.



Report Scope

 Global Asthma & COPD Therapies Market forecasts from 2019-2029



Profiles of the leading 20 asthma & COPD companies:

 Aerocrine (Circassia)

 ALK-Abello A/S

 Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

 AstraZeneca

 Boehringer Ingelheim

 Chiesi Farmaceutici

 Cipla

 GlaxoSmithKline

 Lallemand Pharma International

 Merck

 MundiPharma

 Novartis

 Pulmatrix

 Roche

 Sanofi/Regeneron

 Sunovion

 Teva

 Theravance Biopharma|Mylan Inc.

 Vectura Group plc

 Verona Pharma plc



The content of each profile differs, depending on the organization. In general, a profile gives the following information:

 An overview and analysis of the company

 A portfolio of the company's marketed product and product pipeline

 Financial Information

 Revenue forecast from 2019-2029

 Recent developments

 Future Outlook

 This report discusses factors that drive and restrain the asthma and COPD market.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05731227



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


"We recognize the importance of expressing our appreciation to our tenured drivers," said Gregg Troian, President, PGT Trucking. "It truly does pay to stay, to work hard, and most importantly, to drive safe. We put these programs in place to make sure our drivers feel valued for their work, and we are certainly seeing the benefits of this investment, as our turnover rate has been reduced by 14% in the last year. We are a pay to stay company."

Isaac Cannon, an Independent Contractor from South Carolina, has 15 years of service with PGT Trucking and over 43 years in the industry, "I was drawn to PGT because of how the company operates and how they treat their drivers. I began as a Company Driver, went through the Lease Purchase program and am now an Independent Contractor. They stood behind me every step of the way. They care! And that is why I've been here for 15 years."

Lease Purchase Operators, Independent Contractors and Company Drivers are eligible for the annual service bonus. Drivers are rewarded for tenure with a base bonus, and have the opportunity to multiply the amount by meeting both safety and active work status criteria. On average, the PGT fleet received $1,700, with more than half of all drivers qualifying for the safety multiplier - no CSA points, no cargo claims and no preventable accidents. Some of the top individual retention bonus amounts included $8,500 for 34 years of service, $7,250 for 29 years of service, and $7,000 for 28 years of service.

PGT Company Driver Frank Nathanson from New Jersey celebrated his ninth anniversary with the company, "PGT has great incentive programs  you make money! I have been in this industry for 17 years, and PGT sets itself apart through its focus on safety and community feel. I have found a company that works for me."

PGT celebrates these successes by welcoming their most tenured drivers to the corporate office in Aliquippa, PA, to receive bonus checks in-person from senior management and CEO Pat Gallagher.

"Our drivers are the foundation of our business, and because of their loyalty to PGT, we have been able to grow and develop programs that foster the family atmosphere we are known for," said Troian. "Drivers want to stay with a company where they feel appreciated, and it is very important for us to continue to invest in our drivers who work so hard in the communities we service."

About PGT Trucking:

PGT Trucking, Inc., is a multi-service transportation firm offering flatbed, dedicated, international and specialized services. PGT operates in excess of 1,000 power units and over 1,500 trailers and is headquartered in Aliquippa, PA. At PGT Trucking, "Safety is Everyone's Job  All the Time." For more information visit www.pgttrucking.com.

Contact: Katie Irvine, PGT Trucking

Phone: 724.987.1812 Email: [email protected]

SOURCE PGT Trucking, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.pgttrucking.com


WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today on Capitol Hill, the National League of Cities (NLC), federal leaders and representatives from state municipal leagues held a briefing on the federal-local partnership needed to solve the most pressing challenges of our time, including infrastructure, public safety, workforce development and housing. At the briefing, members of Congress and their staffs heard from U.S. Representative Dan Kildee (D-Michigan), NLC Immediate Past President Matt Zone, councilmember from Cleveland, Ohio, Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities Vice President Daniel Corona, mayor of West Wendover, Nevada, and Maryland Municipal League President Bridget Donnell Newton, mayor of Rockville, Maryland.

"As local leaders, we see firsthand what policies work and the solutions our residents need from all levels of government," said National League of Cities (NLC) Immediate Past President Matt Zone, councilmember from Cleveland, Ohio. "We'll need to work together to address our nation's toughest challenges, including rebuilding our nation's infrastructure. Building a strong federal-local partnership can result in solutions for our residents that will strengthen local economies for generations to come."

At the briefing, Rep. Kildee discussed the need for the 116th Congress to prioritize policy that invests in America's cities, towns and villages.

"Cities are the United States of America, not a special interest group. The state of the union is the state of our cities," said Rep. Dan Kildee from Michigan's fifth district. "There is not a circumstance where our nation is prosperous and our cities are struggling. We have an opportunity right now for a major federal infrastructure investment. I'm going to push for a very specific, very clear Marshall plan to rebuild our cities."

Local officials also shared stories of how strong federal-local partnerships have improved the lives of their residents.

In Cleveland , the city is hoping to see Opportunity Zones spur private investment in low income areas. City leaders stand ready to work with federal agency partners to ensure the program is implemented carefully and effectively for the residents in their communities.

, the city is hoping to see Opportunity Zones spur private investment in low income areas. City leaders stand ready to work with federal agency partners to ensure the program is implemented carefully and effectively for the residents in their communities. In West Wendover , a community development block grant (CDBG) is being used alongside city funds to develop downtown infrastructure for new small businesses and residences. The area is expanding to provide affordable housing and create economic opportunities, primarily for low income residents.

, a community development block grant (CDBG) is being used alongside city funds to develop downtown infrastructure for new small businesses and residences. The area is expanding to provide affordable housing and create economic opportunities, primarily for low income residents. In Rockville , there is a renewed emphasis on community broadband access to bridge the digital divide. The city is looking for federal legislation to combat the preemption of local authority in the deployment of broadband networks.

In 2019, NLC's top legislative priority is rebuilding and reimagining America's infrastructure. NLC's Rebuild With Us campaign has prioritized 50 ways Congress can work with cities, towns and villages in six key areas:

Transforming transportation infrastructure

Preparing a skilled workforce

Improving broadband access

Ensuring clean and safe water

Supporting community resilience

Investing in infrastructure

The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. Learn more at www.nlc.org.

On March 10  13, city leaders from across the nation will gather at the Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C., to speak up for city priorities and rebuild America's infrastructure. Learn more at ccc.nlc.org.

SOURCE National League of Cities

Related Links

http://www.nlc.org


LONDON, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Corporation plc (NYSE: NE) today announced that its report of drilling rig status and contract information has been updated as of February 7, 2019. The report, titled "Fleet Status Report," can be found on the Company's Website www.noblecorp.com, under the "Investor Relations" section of the Website.

About Noble Corporation plc

Noble is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. The Company owns and operates one of the most modern, versatile and technically advanced fleets in the offshore drilling industry. Noble performs, through its subsidiaries, contract drilling services with a fleet of 24 offshore drilling units, consisting of 12 drillships and semisubmersibles and 12 jackups, focused largely on ultra-deepwater and high-specification jackup drilling opportunities in both established and emerging regions worldwide. Noble is a public limited company registered in England and Wales with company number 08354954 and registered office at 10 Brook Street, London, W1S 1BG England. Additional information on Noble is available at www.noblecorp.com.

SOURCE Noble Corporation

Related Links

http://www.noblecorp.com


MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- "Nextep continues to expand, and Minnesota is a place that we knew we wanted to be," said Brian Fayak, president and CEO of Nextep, Inc. "Minneapolis is growing rapidly and it's a great opportunity for us to serve and connect with businesses. We can't wait to contribute to the already rich community."

Nextep is a CPEO, or certified professional employer organization. It partners with community businesses and supports them with benefits, payroll processing, risk management, and human resources. To make things even easier, Nextep developed a technology platform that fully streamlines the way a business manages its team. When businesses partner with Nextep, they worry less about their administrative burden and can focus more on their important work, leaving the headache behind.

Nextep has been in business for more than 20 years and accreditation from the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) assures clients that Nextep is ethically and operationally sound. It has received many recognitions as a "Best Place to Work in Oklahoma" and its experts are dedicated to elevating the employment experience. Jenna Cohen, Nextep's regional sales manager in Minneapolis, recently made the move from Denver to Minneapolis to kick-start the location opening. "I am back in my home state, opening a market for a company that I love working for," Cohen said. "'Minesota Nice' is the best way to describe Nextep's culture and their commitment to people."

With Nextep's expansion to Minneapolis, there's an excellent opportunity to serve the incredible communities in Minnesota alongside the talented people that live there. "When you see a region that is not only growing but thriving, that's something you want to be part of," said Breanna Honeycutt, Nextep's VP of Sales. "People are relocating to Minneapolis in droves, and we want to assist the people there that are building something amazing."

Nextep looks forward to serving businesses and the communities in Minneapolis.

About Nextep

As a certified professional employer organization (PEO), Nextep provides comprehensive HR, benefits, payroll, and risk & compliance solutions for businesses throughout the United States. Through the PEO relationship, clients and their employees gain access to big-business benefits, technology, and support delivered by friendly experts. For more information about how PEO helps small business, visit https://www.nextep.com/services/peo.

The IRS does not endorse any particular certified professional employer organization. For more information on certified professional employer organizations, please visit www.IRS.gov.

Nextep, Inc.

1800 N. Interstate Dr.

Norman, OK 73072

www.nextep.com

Phone 888.811.5150

[email protected]

Contact

Adam Graham

Office 405.928.2361

[email protected]

SOURCE Nextep, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.nextep.com


FREEHOLD, N.J., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation (NYSE:MNR) reported Net Loss Attributable to Common Shareholders of $(32,364,000) or $(0.36) per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders of $13,313,000 or $0.17 per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2017, representing a per share decrease of 311.8%. The large decrease in our net income this quarter was primarily due to the implementation of a new accounting rule requiring that unrealized gains and losses resulting from our securities investments be reflected on our income statement. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, we recognized $42,627,000 of unrealized losses or $(0.47) per diluted share. Prior to the adoption of the rule unrealized gains and losses were reflected as a change in our shareholders' equity. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, we reported realized gains of $5,488,000 or $0.07 per diluted share, including realized gains of $5,388,000 from the sale of real estate and $100,000 from the sale of securities. Excluding all non-cash unrealized losses and realized gains, our Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders for the three months ended December 31, 2018 is $10,263,000 or $0.11 per diluted share as compared to $7,825,000 or $0.10 per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2017, representing a per share increase of 10%. Core Funds from Operations (Core FFO), which excludes unrealized gains or losses from our securities portfolio, were $21,429,000 or $0.24 per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $16,934,000 or $0.22 per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2017, representing an increase in Core FFO per share of 9.1%. Adjusted Funds from Operations (AFFO), which also excludes unrealized and realized gains or losses from our securities portfolio, for the three months ended December 31, 2018 were $21,022,000 or $0.23 per diluted share versus $16,472,000 or $0.22 per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2017, representing an increase in AFFO per share of 4.5%.

A summary of significant financial information for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:





Three Months Ended December 31,



2018

2017 Rental Revenue $ 32,617,000 $ 27,692,000 Reimbursement Revenue $ 6,530,000 $ 5,772,000 Lease Termination Income $ -0- $ 210,000 Net Operating Income (NOI) (1) $ 32,319,000 $ 27,443,000 Total Expenses $ 19,825,000 $ 16,991,000 Dividend and Interest Income $ 4,368,000 $ 2,864,000 Unrealized Holding Losses Arising During the Period $ (42,627,000) $ -0- Gain on Sale of Securities Transactions $ -0- $ 100,000 Gain on Sale of Real Estate Investments $ -0- $ 5,388,000 Net Income (Loss) $ (27,943,000) $ 17,630,000 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders $ (32,364,000) $ 13,313,000 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders Per Diluted Common Share $ (0.36) $ 0.17 Core FFO (1) $ 21,429,000 $ 16,934,000 Core FFO per Diluted Common Share (1) $ 0.24 $ 0.22 AFFO (1) $ 21,022,000 $ 16,472,000 AFFO per Diluted Common Share (1) $ 0.23 $ 0.22 Dividends Declared per Common Share $ 0.17 $ 0.17









Weighted Avg. Diluted Common Shares Outstanding

90,660,000

76,587,000











A summary of significant balance sheet information as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018 is as follows:





December 31, 2018

September 30, 2018 Net Real Estate Investments $ 1,617,888,000 $ 1,512,513,000

Securities Available for Sale at Fair Value $ 145,810,000 $ 154,921,000

Total Assets $ 1,829,357,000 $ 1,718,378,000

Fixed Rate Mortgage Notes Payable, net of Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs $ 771,705,000 $ 711,546,000

Loans Payable $ 125,815,000 $ 186,609,000

Total Shareholders' Equity $ 905,556,000 $ 797,906,000



Michael P. Landy, President and CEO, commented on the results for the first quarter of fiscal 2019,

"This is the first quarter in which we adopted the new accounting rule ASU-2016-01. This new rule effectively moves the non-cash changes in our unrealized gains/losses from our balance sheet onto our income statement. Unfortunately, this rule change can result in large quarterly swings, both up and down, in our net income. The performance of our securities portfolio has improved substantially since quarter end. We will continue to report our Core FFO and AFFO results as we always have, as these metrics back out these items, and are more indicative of our recurring performance."

"We are pleased to report continued growth across multiple fronts. During the quarter we:

Increased our per share Core FFO to $0.24 , representing a 9.1% increase over both the prior year period as well as sequentially;

, representing a 9.1% increase over both the prior year period as well as sequentially; Increased our per share AFFO to $0.23 , representing a 4.5% increase over both the prior year period as well as sequentially;

, representing a 4.5% increase over both the prior year period as well as sequentially; Increased our Gross Revenue by 20% over the prior year period to $43.5 million ;

; Increased our Net Operating income by 18% over the prior year period to $32.3 million ;

; Completed our first common stock offering since 2014, with the sale of 9.2 million shares raising net proceeds of $132.3 million ;

; Acquired two new Class A built-to-suit properties comprising 474,000 square feet, for an aggregate cost of $113.1 million ;

; Increased our gross leasable area (GLA) by 13% over the prior year period to 21.6 million square feet;

Grew our pipeline to include two new build-to-suit properties containing approximately 882,000 total square feet representing an aggregate cost of $122.4 million , and both are leased for 15-years to Investment Grade tenants;

, and both are leased for 15-years to Investment Grade tenants; Renewed five of twelve leases scheduled to expire in Fiscal 2019. These five leases consist of 803,000 square feet and have a substantial weighted average lease term of 8.4 years;

Maintained a high occupancy rate, currently at 98.9%;

Extended our weighted average lease maturity to 8.0 years from 7.9 years in the prior year period;

Extended our weighted average debt maturity to 11.8 years from 11.5 years in the prior year period;

Reduced our Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA to 6.3x from 7.1x in the prior quarter;

Raised $22.1 million (including dividend reinvestments of $4.5 million ) from our Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, representing a 29% participation rate; and

(including dividend reinvestments of ) from our Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, representing a 29% participation rate; and Subsequent to the quarter end, completed a 154,800 square foot building expansion for a total of $9.1 million , which resulted in a new 15-year lease. This expansion increased annual rent by approximately $900,000 , to $1.8 million total annual rent, with 2% annual escalations."

Mr. Landy stated, "This quarter saw our first common stock offering since 2014, with the sale of 9.2 million shares that generated $132.3 million in net proceeds. We put a portion of these proceeds to work with the acquisition of two brand-new, Class A properties leased to FedEx Ground with a weighted average lease term of 12.8 years. These acquisitions were purchased for an aggregate cost of $113.1 million and comprise 474,000 total square feet. Subsequent to quarter end, we completed a 154,800 square foot building expansion that effectively doubled the revenue generated from this asset."

"Our acquisition pipeline increased during the quarter. We now have agreements to acquire two new build-to-suit properties containing 882,000 total square feet, representing $122.4 million in acquisitions. Each of these properties is leased for 15 years. One property is leased to Amazon and the other property is leased to FedEx Ground. In keeping with Monmouth's business model, these Class A assets will be situated in major industrial markets."

"Notwithstanding the 13% increase in our total common shares outstanding during the quarter, our Core FFO per share increased by 9.1% from the prior year quarter as well as by 9.1% sequentially and our AFFO per share increased by 4.5% from the prior year quarter as well as by 4.5% sequentially. This results in a conservative 74% AFFO dividend payout ratio. As we continue to put the proceeds from our recent equity offering to work, we anticipate continuing to generate meaningful AFFO per share growth going forward."

"Our portfolio is currently 98.9% occupied, reflecting the mission-critical nature of our properties. Our weighted average lease maturity increased during the quarter to 8.0 years and our weighted average debt maturity increased during the quarter to 11.8 years. With approximately 80% of our rental revenue derived from Investment Grade tenants our income streams have proven to be highly dependable over the long-term. We have put together a very high-quality industrial property portfolio that has and will continue to benefit from the opportunities presented by the digital economy and the evolving global supply chain."

"Our new annual report is now featured on our website. This report represents an excellent resource for understanding our Company and our future outlook. We strongly encourage you to read it. Please contact our Investor Relations department if you would like to receive a hard copy. We look forward to reporting continued progress throughout the year."

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation will host its First Quarter FY 2019 Financial Results Webcast and Conference Call on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Senior management will discuss the results, current market conditions and future outlook.

Our First Quarter FY 2019 financial results being released herein will be available on our website at www.mreic.reit in the Investor Relations section, under Filings and Reports.

To participate in the Webcast, select the 1Q2019 Webcast and Earnings Call "Link to Webcast" on the homepage of our website at www.mreic.reit, in the Highlights section, which is located towards the bottom of the homepage. Interested parties can also participate via conference call by calling toll free 1-877-510-5852 (domestically) or 1-412-902-4138 (internationally).

The replay of the conference call will be available at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, February 8, 2019. It will be available until May 1, 2019, and can be accessed by dialing toll free 1-877-344-7529 (domestically) and 1-412-317-0088 (internationally) and entering the passcode 10126909. A transcript of the call and the webcast replay will be available at our website on the Investor Relations homepage, www.mreic.reit.

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation, founded in 1968, is one of the oldest public equity REITs in the world. We specialize in single tenant, net-leased industrial properties, subject to long-term leases, primarily to investment-grade tenants. Monmouth Real Estate is a fully integrated and self-managed real estate company, whose property portfolio consists of 113 properties containing a total of approximately 21.6 million rentable square feet, geographically diversified across 30 states. In addition, we own a portfolio of REIT securities.

Certain statements included in this press release which are not historical facts may be deemed forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any such forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and involve various risks and uncertainties. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can provide no assurance those expectations will be achieved. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from expectations are contained in our annual report on Form 10-K and described from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Notes:

(1) Non-U.S. GAAP Information: FFO is defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") as net income applicable to common shareholders, excluding gains or losses from sales of depreciable assets, plus real estate-related depreciation and amortization. FFO includes unrealized gains and losses arising during the period from our securities investments and includes gains and losses realized from sales of securities investments. We define Core FFO as FFO, excluding unrealized holding gains or losses arising during the period. We define AFFO as Core FFO, excluding stock based compensation expense, depreciation of corporate office tenant improvements, amortization of deferred financing costs, lease termination income, net gain or loss on sale of securities transactions, effect of non-cash U.S. GAAP straight-line rent adjustments and subtracting recurring capital expenditures. We define recurring capital expenditures as all capital expenditures that are recurring in nature, excluding capital expenditures related to expansions at our current locations or capital expenditures that are incurred in conjunction with obtaining a new lease or a lease renewal. We define NOI as recurring rental and reimbursement revenues less real estate taxes and other operating expenses. FFO, Core FFO and AFFO per diluted common share are defined as FFO, Core FFO and AFFO divided by weighted average diluted common shares outstanding. FFO, Core FFO and AFFO per diluted common share, as well as NOI, should be considered as supplemental measures of operating performance used by real estate investment trusts (REITs). FFO, Core FFO and AFFO per diluted common share exclude historical cost depreciation as an expense and may facilitate the comparison of REITs which have different cost basis. However, other REITs may use different methodologies to calculate FFO, Core FFO and AFFO and, accordingly, our FFO, Core FFO and AFFO may not be comparable to all other REITs. The items excluded from FFO, Core FFO and AFFO per diluted common share are significant components in understanding our financial performance.

FFO, Core FFO and AFFO per diluted common share (A) do not represent cash flow from operations as defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; (B) should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities; and (C) are not alternatives to cash flow as a measure of liquidity. FFO, Core FFO and AFFO per diluted common share, as well as NOI, as calculated by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other REITs.

The following is a reconciliation of the Company's U.S. GAAP Net Income to the Company's FFO, Core FFO and AFFO for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:



Three Months Ended

12/31/2018

12/31/2017 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders $(32,364,000)

$13,313,000 Plus: Depreciation Expense (excluding Corporate Office Capitalized Costs) 10,438,000

8,445,000 Plus: Amortization of Intangible Assets 500,000

344,000 Plus: Amortization of Capitalized Lease Costs 228,000

220,000 Less: Gain on Sale of Real Estate Investments -0-

(5,388,000) FFO Attributable to Common Shareholders (21,198,000)

16,934,000 Plus: Unrealized Holding Losses Arising During the Period 42,627,000

-0- Core FFO Attributable to Common Shareholders 21,429,000

16,934,000 Plus: Depreciation of Corporate Office Capitalized Costs 40,000

39,000 Plus: Stock Compensation Expense 129,000

131,000 Plus: Amortization of Financing Costs 317,000

294,000 Less: Gain on Sale of Securities Transactions -0-

(101,000) Less: Lease Termination Income -0-

(210,000) Less: Recurring Capital Expenditures (557,000)

(219,000) Less: Effect of Non-cash U.S. GAAP Straight-line Rent Adjustment (336,000)

(396,000) AFFO Attributable to Common Shareholders $21,022,000

$16,472,000

The following are the Cash Flows provided (used) by Operating, Investing and Financing Activities for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:



Three Months Ended

12/31/2018

12/31/2017







Operating Activities $21,912,000

$17,090,000 Investing Activities (153,079,000)

(61,963,000) Financing Activities 134,611,000

45,402,000

SOURCE Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation

Related Links

http://www.mreic.reit


More than 50 local vendors will be stationed on the U-Haul Midtown Campus along Roanoke Avenue, just east of Central Avenue. Vendors will feature sizzling lunch specials, fresh produce, handcrafted sauces, Arizona-made goods and much more.

U-Haul organized the farmers market in 2018 after recognizing that Midtown Phoenix lacked such an event. The farmers market aligns with the Company's endorsement of healthy living and sustainable practices.

"The Midtown Farmers Market hosted by U-Haul has returned for its second year, and we are happy to welcome our neighbors in the name of local food and healthy living," stated Monique Wantland, U-Haul wellness program manager. "It offers people the luxury of completing their weekly grocery shopping on their lunch breaks."

WHAT: Midtown Farmers Market hosted by U-Haul

Midtown Farmers Market hosted by U-Haul WHERE: 2727 Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004

2727 Central Ave., 85004 TIME: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

DATES: Upcoming events Feb. 12 , March 26 and April 23

Upcoming events , and PARKING: Paid lot 85 E. Thomas Road Parking, behind Panera Bread

City of Phoenix police officers will attend the Feb. 12 event to offer information on the Bicycle Registration Program, bicycle safety and laws of the road.

"The Bike ID event at the Midtown Farmers Market is in anticipation of the City of Phoenix's Bike to Work Day of April 17," Wantland noted. "U-Haul Team Members will be joining the City of Phoenix staff on April 17 for a bike ride and breakfast to commemorate Bike to Work Day, which promotes physical fitness."

U-Haul charity partners St. Vincent de Paul, Andre House and St. Mary's Food Bank will benefit from the upcoming Midtown Farmers Markets. A portion of the proceeds from each event go to that month's charity partner. Information on the nonprofit receiving help will be available.

About U-Haul

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 21,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 now offers customers access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the self-service options on their internet-connected mobile devices. U-Haul customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to 161,000 trucks, 118,000 trailers and 42,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers nearly 632,000 rooms and 55.2 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S.

Contact:

Andrea Batchelor

Jeff Lockridge

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 602-263-6981

Website: uhaul.com

SOURCE U-Haul
AACHEN, Germany, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- MainConcept, a leading provider of video codec technology, today announced the availability of a cross-platform SDK enabling developers to ingest Apple ProRes video from MOV and MXF containers in any software solution or workflow.

Apple ProRes is a major format used in professional production environments. The bitstream syntax of this intra-frame codec was publicly released as SMPTE RDD-36 in 2015. While ProRes video was originally designed to be carried in QuickTime's MOV containers, SMPTE RDD-44 adds storage of ProRes in MXF file format for IMF-based workflows.

The MainConcept ProRes Decoder SDK 1.0 is now available for licensing to support native ingest from both MOV and MXF container formats for use in transcoding, editing and player applications without the need to install any 3rd party tools. MainConcept is first to offer a SDK for professional licensing that allows import and real-time playback of ProRes footage on Windows, macOS and Linux.

"MainConcept's professional customers have been requesting support for Apple ProRes for quite some time," said Thomas Kramer, VP Product Management for MainConcept. "We are elated to be the first to solve real-world video production workflow challenges, like decoding of ProRes on Linux, in addition to supporting native ingest of ProRes in both MOV and MXF containers on all major operating systems."

For more information about MainConcept ProRes Decoder SDK 1.0, please visit https://www.mainconcept.com/prores-decoder

The MainConcept ProRes Decoder SDK and other codec packages are available for immediate licensing. Contact us for a free evaluation trial.

About MainConcept

MainConcept is a leading provider of video codec technology, ranging in offerings from software development kits, microservice modules and transcoding applications serving professional video production, multimedia, broadcast, digital signage, medical, and security industries. Our engineering and development teams focus solely on creating encoding and decoding components for video and audio content, enabling us to provide best of breed solutions to our customers. In addition to outstanding products, our attention to detail and devotion to customer support and satisfaction is geared to not only meet, but exceed the expectations of even the most demanding customers. MainConcept is headquartered in Aachen, Germany. For more information about MainConcept, visit www.mainconcept.com.

Press Contact: Thomas Kramer | [email protected] | +49 241 401080

Copyright  2019 MainConcept GmbH or its affiliates. All rights reserved. All trademarks, trade names and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.

Related Links

More information

SOURCE MainConcept

Related Links

https://www.mainconcept.com


SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- LRS Consulting Services announced today that, for the fourth straight year, it has won Inavero's Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to clients and job seekers.

Chris Walters, Vice President of LRS Consulting Services, expressed his pride in achieving the milestone. "These awards are definitely a reflection of the passion our team has for working with clients and consultants. I have always said that I have the good fortune of working with the best team in this business, but it means so much more when your clients and consultants confirm it year after year," Walters said.

Presented in partnership with CareerBuilder, Inavero's Best of Staffing awards are based completely on the ratings given to staffing firms by their clients and the permanent and temporary employees they've helped find jobs. On average, clients of winning agencies are 2.3 times more likely to be completely satisfied and talent of winning agencies are 1.7 times more likely to be completely satisfied with the services provided compared to those working with non-winning agencies.

Consulting Services received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 86.7 percent of their clients, which was a 17 percent increase from last year. The group also got high marks from 60 percent of their candidates. Both of these results are significantly higher than staffing industry averages, which are 32 percent for high client satisfaction and 45 percent for high candidate satisfaction.

"Winning this award four years in a row while improving our results reaffirms the commitment of our team to deliver the best possible service to our customers and consultants," Walters said. "We cherish our relationships with both our customers and our consultants. We take neither for granted, and awards like this confirm that the investment we make in these relationships is valued."

Winners of both the client and candidate awards make up less than two percent of all staffing agencies in the U.S. and Canada.

Inavero administers more staffing agency client and talent satisfaction surveys than any other firm in the world. Inavero's team reports on over 1.2 million satisfaction surveys from staffing agency clients and talent each year and the company serves as the American Staffing Association's exclusive service quality partner.

LRS Consulting Services is the IT and engineering staffing division of Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. (LRS), a privately-held U.S. company with corporate headquarters located in Springfield, IL. Remote offices are located throughout the United States and in key geographic regions around the world. Industry analyst groups recognize LRS as a global IT leader. For more information, visit www.LRS.com.

2019 Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. All rights reserved. LRS is a registered trademark of Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. Best of Staffing is a registered trademark of Inavero, Inc.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Chris Walters

Vice President

LRS Consulting Services

314-748-7009, ext. 3380

[email protected]

SOURCE LRS Consulting Services

Related Links

http://www.lrs.com


ALLEN, Texas, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Lewis & Ellis (L&E) was once again recognized by Best's Review magazine as being one of the leading actuarial firms in the U.S. and Canada. The ranking reflects its continued success at meeting clients' needs in a professional and efficient manner.

Lewis & Ellis earned its highest actuarial ranking (based on loss reserves opined upon) in the life insurance field, where it continued to be ranked second with an industry-leading client count of 52 and client reserves totaling nearly $9.2 billion. This figure accounted for nearly 14 percent of the 25 top life actuarial consultants analyzed by A.M. Best.

L&E ranked third among health actuarial firms, similar to previous rankings, but the firm still accounted for more than 10 percent of the total health insurance industry with respect to client reserves and count of the firms reviewed by A.M. Best.

This year, the A.M. Best study examined those U.S. and Canadian insurance companies that listed external actuarial actuaries as their opining actuary and filed their statements with AM Best "It is an honor to be recognized as one of the leading actuarial firms by A.M. Best," said Cabe Chadick, President of Lewis & Ellis, Inc. "We have a lot of great people who work very hard to meet the needs of a diverse group of clients, many of whom have utilized L&E services for more than 20 years."

Lewis & Ellis is an actuarial firm with clients not only in life, health, and property and casualty insurance fields, but also providing consulting services for regulatory compliance, employee benefits, life settlements, risk management, and more, with offices in Dallas, Kansas City, Baltimore, Denver, Indianapolis, Omaha, Trenton and London.

Since its founding in 1968, innovative thinking and use of technology has been a cornerstone of L&E's ability to provide cost-effective solutions to difficult problems insurers face in their markets today. Despite our growth over the past five decades, L&E has retained rigorous standards of professional excellence and objectivity. L&E is committed to developing innovative tools and products and providing expert solutions that focus on our clients' objectives.

Website address: www.lewisellis.com

Media Contact:

CABE W. CHADICK, FSA, MAAA

President & Managing Principal

Consulting Actuary, Dallas

[email protected]

Allen, Texas Office Overland Park, Kansas Office

700 Central Expressway South, Suite 550 11225 College Blvd, Suite 320

Allen, TX 75013-8125 Overland Park, KS 66210

(972) 850-0850 (913) 491-3388

SOURCE Lewis & Ellis

Related Links

http://www.lewisellis.com


JERSEY CITY, N.J., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- IT By Design, a market leader of providing engineering talent to IT Service Providers, concluded participation at the ConnectWise IT Nation Evolve 1st Quarter meetings last week. This event launched an exciting year of sponsorship around the globe, as the company met with members of the Evolve Peer Group Community in Phoenix, AZ.

"Working with Arlin Sorensen and the rest of the Evolve Team is always such a pleasure," said Sunny Kaila, IT By Design Chief Executive Officer. "As an MSP owner, and peer group member of the Evolve Community, it's always a great week of strategic conversations focused on business improvements and efficiencies for MSPs across the country."

As honored recipients of the "Evolve 2018 Influencer of the Year Award", IT By Design was especially excited to start the calendar year with these members. The company's leadership was in attendance for many educational sessions, and served as subject matter experts focused on talent, culture, and employee development.

Kam Attwal, IT By Design Chief Culture Officer added, "We're always excited to spend time with the Evolve Community, especially on the heels of receiving the member-voted Influencer of the Year award. Additionally, while not quite ready to announce full details, this type of recognition and growth for IT By Design in the IT Channel has led to hosting our own event later this year. This event will focus on providing a foundation for MSPs to build culture, purpose, and the type of business that attracts and keeps quality Talent."

IT By Design will be sponsors of MSP-focused events throughout 2019. In addition to Evolve, the company will be participating at other ConnectWise events, including IT Nation Connect in both Orlando and Gold Coast Australia. Additionally, the company will be sponsoring events hosted by Taylor Business Group, Robin Robins, and others.

About ITBD: IT By Design provides high-quality MSP-Ready Talent to Information Technology Solutions Providers that consistently exceed partner expectations. IT By Design is the go-to provider for Dedicated Remote Engineers, 24x7x365 NOC services, and Helpdesk solutions. Having been a successful MSP ourselves since 2003, we guarantee our peers accountability, reliability, and integrity.

http://www.itbd.net

SOURCE IT By Design

Related Links

http://www.itbd.net


"Our fans and viewers did it again! The first fugitive on the very first episode of IN PURSUIT has been captured and will be brought to justice," said host and executive producer, John Walsh. "A victim's family doesn't have to look over their shoulders anymore. Luis Frias, wanted for the murder of his ex-wife Janett Reyna, has been apprehended in Mexico from a direct tip from one of our brave ID viewers and thanks to our great partners, the U.S. Marshals. Keep looking out for each other out there, and I promise, we will keep listening."

"We are thrilled that our ID audience has helped lead to the arrest of fugitive, Luis Frias, hopefully beginning a path of healing to the Reyna family," said Henry Schleiff, Group President, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, American Heroes Channel and Destination America. "Investigation Discovery is honored to be the home of IN PURSUIT WITH JOHN WALSH where we can shine a klieg light on some of the most wanted fugitives in this country. I am so very proud of our viewers for taking a stand, today, to actively engage in the justice system and believe this is only the beginning of our incredibly profound work with John to help bring fugitives to justice and, hopefully, recover some missing children."

Suspecting some fugitives have fled the country, IN PURSUIT WITH JOHN WALSH is being broadcast globally with Investigation Discovery's worldwide reach as part of Discovery, Inc. The series is simulcast in Canada, while Mexico began broadcasting on January 31. The rest of Latin America began broadcasting on January 30, and the series will rollout globally throughout February. IN PURSUIT WITH JOHN WALSH airs domestically on Wednesdays at 10/9c on Investigation Discovery.

ABOUT IN PURSUIT WITH JOHN WALSH

John Walsh joins Investigation Discovery on their joint mission to track down fugitives on the run and find missing children with IN PURSUIT WITH JOHN WALSH. Each week, John Walsh leads viewers through unsolved violent crimes that urgently need to be closed  where time is of the essence and vigilant viewers could bring these criminals to justice. Joining John in every episode is his son, Callahan Walsh, who leads the operation on the ground, working in tandem with the community and local authorities to search for persons-of-interest. In partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), the series will also feature two missing children each hour, providing age-progression photos and descriptions in the hopes that viewers can provide new leads to their whereabouts.

Investigation Discovery is tapping into its uniquely engaged audience to help track down these persons of interest. An active call center at 1-833-3-PURSUE and dedicated online hub at InPursuitTips.com are staffed by trained English and Spanish-speaking operators, who accept anonymous tips and alert the proper authorities. To engage with the show, viewers are encouraged to connect using the hashtag #TeamInPursuit, join the IN PURSUIT WITH JOHN WALSH Facebook page at Facebook.com/InPursuitwithJohnWalsh, and connect on Instagram @InvestigationDiscovery or Twitter @DiscoveryID.

IN PURSUIT WITH JOHN WALSH is produced for Investigation Discovery by Zero Point Zero with Chris Collins, Lydia Tenaglia, Craig H. Shepherd, Ted Schillinger, Shawn Cuddy as executive producers. For ID, Lorna Thomas is senior executive producer, Sara Kozak is senior vice president of production, Kevin Bennett is general manager, and Henry Schleiff is Group President of Investigation Discovery, American Heroes Channel and Destination America.

SOURCE Investigation Discovery

Related Links

https://www.investigationdiscovery.com


NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- New York Fashion Week participating fashion brand, HIROMI ASAI debuts 2019-20 Autumn/Winter menswear collection on February 11, 2019 at the retail store, Flying Solo in SoHo. The theme of the collection is "Savile Row", representing the traditional British style impregnated with modern tastes. This collection was highly acclaimed at Pitti Uomo 95 in Florence, Italy in January.

HIROMI ASAI 19AW collection - Savile Row HIROMI ASAI menswear collection

Following this kickoff event, HIROMI ASAI's present and past signature collection is available for sale at Flying Solo at affordable prices for a limited time from February 10 to 19.

For 2019-20 Autumn/Winter collection, HIROMI ASAI develops new textile suitable for suits and jackets with craftsmen in Japan, who usually manufacture textiles for Kimono by traditional techniques. HIROMI ASAI would like to propose "slow fashion and slow lifestyle" with sophisticated design and comfort.

HIROMI ASAI 2019-20 Autumn/Winter collection features British-styled jackets and double-breasted suits. The double-breasted suits made of Kimono silk textiles look formal, but stylish with the outstanding character of Kimono silk textiles. The Jackets are created in collaboration with one of the Japanese greatest authorities on handmade bespoke, Mr. Teruo Hirokawa, whose works were provided to the British Royal Families. Sanyo Industry Inc., which is a subsidiary company of Sanyo Shokai Ltd., also collaborates with expertise of manufacturing pret-a-porter fashion. Japanese Kimono silk textiles manufactured by traditional craftsmanship and British traditional bespoke style are beautifully integrated in the collection.

"We have always been challenging new to revive the essence of Japanese Kimono for modern fashion. I am honored to work with Mr. Hirokawa and Sanyo Industry Inc. for completing this wonderful collection. I am excited to show this British-style collection in New York and make available for sale at Flying Solo," Ms. Asai, a designer of HIROMI ASAI said. "We are planning to return to the runway during the New York Fashion Week in September. Hope many people in New York visit us to see beautiful integration of fashion and traditional arts."

DETAILED INFORMATION

- HIROMI ASAI 19AW Kickoff Party

Time and Date: 5pm  8pm, February 11, Monday

Venue: Flying Solo, The Store

Location: 434 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012

Press, preferably RSVP: [email protected]

- HIROMI ASAI Signature Collection Sale

Date: February 10  19

Open Time: 10:30am  8pm

Venue: Flying Solo, The Store

Location: 434 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012



HP: http://www.hiromiasainy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiromi.asai

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modeandclassic

Pitti Uomo: http://www.pittimmagine.com/en/corporate/fairs/uomo/specials/make91/hitomiasai.html

Flying Solo: https://flyingsolo.nyc/



ABOUT HIROMI ASAI

Hiromi Asai is a New York-based fashion designer. Hiromi Asai established New York based fashion brand, HIROMI ASAI, in 2016. HIROMI ASAI creates simple and sophisticated men's styles, all made by finest Japanese textiles, which are produced by traditional Kimono manufacturing techniques.

HIROMI ASAI first presented a womenswear collection on the runway at 2016-17 autumn/winter New York Fashion Week in February, 2016. HIROMI ASAI expanded her collection to menswear and debuted the first menswear collection at Pitti Uomo in January, 2017. Then, HIROMI ASAI presented men's collections at Pitti Uomo, Capsule Show New York Men's, Liberty Fair New York, and Liberty Fair Las Vegas in 2017 and 2018. HIROMI ASAI collections were covered by international media including NBC News, Newsweek, The Independent, AFP, and SOMA Magazine. The collection is available in US retailors, including Amazon.com.

Media Contact:

Hiromi Asai

646.242.4156

[email protected]

SOURCE HIROMI ASAI - MODE & CLASSIC LLC

Related Links

http://www.hiromiasainy.com


ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Patientory, Inc. is excited to announce that they will be attending the 2019 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Conference (HiMSS) in Orlando, Florida. The company's CEO, Chrissa McFarlane, will also be conducting a presentation. Her session, "Unlocking Healthcare Data: The Evolution and Ramifications of Blockchain," will take place on Wednesday, February 13th, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am in the Orange County Convention Center - W230A (Session ID 92).

Patientory CEO, Chrissa McFarlane

"We always look forward to attending HiMSS. The Blockchain Taskforce which meets virtually on a monthly basis has come a long way since starting with a little over 5 attendees in Summer 2017," said McFarlane. "Having the opportunity to discuss progress of blockchain in the healthcare space with fellow innovators in the space is such an honor."

Patientory, Inc. is the company behind the Patientory app, which allows users to easily view, manage, and share their medical information with healthcare providers. The app is built on PTOYNet a HIPAA-compliant, blockchain storage network. Users can record and transfer data seamlessly between wearables, smartphones, and desktops. The goal of Patientory is to give patients more ownership over their healthcare data for insights and improved healthcare quality.

Patientory was recently recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies according to the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). Every year, TAG searches for Georgia-based companies doing great things in the tech industry, and Patientory is thrilled to be recognized as a 2019 Top 10 Innovative Company.

The startup also recently partnered with Georgia State University for a clinical affiliation with their College of Nursing and Health Professions. Patientory hopes this partnership will enrich student learning experiences and aid them in the understanding of up-and-coming medical trends before they advance into their careers.

The company is one of the first to integrate iris-scanning technology into a mobile healthcare-focused application. IrisGuard, a company currently employing their iris-scanning platform to aid the United Nations in Jordan, is collaborating with Patientory to bring the identification technology to the app. This could help cut down on the rampant fraud that costs healthcare insurance payers billions in the United States alone.

To learn more, visit patientory.com.

About Patientory

Patientory, Inc. is a fully HIPAA-compliant, cybersecurity healthcare data solution that allows users to securely store, transfer and receive actionable insights into their health information. Its enterprise healthcare software aggregates data and provides population health management solutions for the health industry. Patientory, Inc. incorporates a dApp stack and integrates with PTOYNet blockchain network and PTOY token administered by the Patientory Association as well as other blockchains/distributed ledger technology to secure online medical information across platforms. It was incorporated in 2015 by Chrissa McFarlane, and is available on iOS, Android, and on desktop browsers. Patientory, Inc. is a member of the Patientory Association, a 501c(6) trade organization that connects the healthcare industry to emerging technology applications.

Contact:

Candice Stokes

[email protected]

www.venturepr.co

424-230-3770

SOURCE Patientory

Related Links

http://www.patientory.com


SILICON SLOPES, Utah, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Catalyst, Inc., a leader in next-generation data, analytics and improvement, announced the closing of a Series F equity and debt funding round led by OrbiMed, a leading healthcare public and private market investment firm. This equity and debt funding will provide Health Catalyst with access to up to $100 million in capital. Several existing investors including Sequoia Capital, Norwest Venture Partners, Sands Capital Ventures, UPMC Enterprises and Kaiser Permanente Ventures also contributed to the financing, which lifts Health Catalyst's value above $1 billion.

Proceeds from the financing will support continued expansion of Health Catalyst's technology and services offerings for healthcare transformation. The company is on a mission to unleash data as a catalyst for massive, sustained clinical, financial and operational improvements in the performance of healthcare organizations. In support of that mission, the Health Catalyst Data Operating System (DOS) is the foundation upon which the company has built an expanding library of analytics applications, supported by world-class services.

"As more healthcare organizations are coming to understand, the future of healthcare will rely on the broad and more effective use of their vast stores of data," said Health Catalyst CEO Dan Burton. "This additional capital will enable us to continue developing the technology and expertise necessary to offer health systems a path to systematically use data to analyze their performance, and then work to make measurable improvement in clinical, financial and operational areas. It will also help to support our expansion, already underway, into the life sciences and international markets."

2018: A Breakthrough Year

The market's rising valuation of Health Catalyst as a leader in data, analytics and improvement was secured through the company's strong performance in 2018. During the year, Health Catalyst experienced over 65% growth in its annual recurring revenue, over 50% growth in revenues, and over 80% growth in its gross profits. The company also added sixteen new health system customers in 2018, more than in any previous year in the company's 10-year history. Health Catalyst also added over 200 team members in 2018, to end the year with nearly 750 team members throughout the US. Also during the year, Health Catalyst's customers realized over 250 documented clinical, financial and operational improvements, by far the most of any year in the company's history.

The company's strong business performance in 2018 was mirrored by the high ratings it received from industry analysts, whose findings were based on surveys of Health Catalyst customers. Industry bellwether KLAS Research awarded Health Catalyst its "Best in KLAS" ranking for Business Intelligence, marking the second year in a row that Health Catalyst has been recognized by KLAS as the top-performing solution in the category for its ability to help turn raw data into clear insights that drive improved clinical, financial and operational performance. KLAS also named Health Catalyst to its exclusive "A-List" of Healthcare IT companies that combine high customer satisfaction with high rates of customer retention, in its April 2018 report, Decision Insights 2018: National Trends & Best Practices. And in December, KLAS ranked Health Catalyst second overall in its report on population health management vendors, Population Health Management 2018, Part 1.

On the product development front, Health Catalyst released several new applications in 2018 including Touchstone, a breakthrough analytics application featuring next-generation benchmarking and prioritization capabilities powered by Artificial Intelligence to supercharge healthcare improvement initiatives; and the Patient Safety Monitor Suite: Surveillance Module, the industry's first comprehensive patient safety application to use predictive and text analytics combined with concurrent clinician review of data to monitor, detect, predict and prevent threats to patient safety before harm can occur.

The year also saw Health Catalyst add significant new capabilities, talent and customers with its acquisition of Medicity, one of the nation's largest population health management companies with solutions for health information exchange (HIE), business intelligence, and provider and patient engagement. Medicity added to the Health Catalyst customer base more than 50 clients, including state and regional HIEs, large employers, health plans, health systems and providers in physician groups and extended care facilities. The combination is empowering connected communities with the insights required to improve healthcare outcomes, control costs, and advance population health management.

Long recognized as a "best place to work" by top healthcare and technology publications, Health Catalyst continued to add to its world-class leadership team in 2018 with several significant new hires. These included William Caldwell, M.D., former Senior Vice President of Clinical Integration at Novant Health; Jason Jones, formerly a senior analytics leader at Kaiser Permanente; Cathy R. Menkiena, former Senior Director of EHR Solutions at Encore Health Resources, an emids company; Ryan Smith, former Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Banner Health; Elia Stupka, formerly a bioinformatics leader at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Director of Computational Biology and Genomics at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma; and Steven Vance, former regional Chief Financial Officer and Compliance Officer at Intermountain Healthcare.

Also joining Health Catalyst in 2018, as strategic advisors, were healthcare luminaries Brent James, M.D., a global leader in bringing quality improvement science and methods to clinical care and the first Chief Quality Officer of Intermountain Healthcare; Eric Topol, M.D., Executive Vice President and Professor of Molecular Medicine at The Scripps Research Institute, and the Founder and Director of the Scripps Translational Science Institute; and Timothy Zoph, the former Senior Vice President of Administration and CIO at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. Dr. James is also an investor in this latest round of financing.

About OrbiMed

OrbiMed is a leading investment firm dedicated exclusively to the healthcare sector, with approximately $13 billion in assets under management. OrbiMed invests across the spectrum of healthcare companies worldwide, from venture capital start-ups to large multinational companies. OrbiMed manages a series of private equity funds, public equity funds, royalty and credit funds and other investment vehicles.

About Health Catalyst

Health Catalyst is a next-generation data, analytics, and decision-support company, committed to being a catalyst for massive, sustained improvements in healthcare outcomes. We are the leaders in a new era of advanced predictive analytics for population health and value-based care with a suite of machine learning-driven solutions, decades of outcomes improvement expertise, and an unparalleled ability to unleash and integrate data from across the healthcare ecosystem. Our Health Catalyst Data Operating System (DOS)a next-generation data warehouse and application development platform powered by data from more than 100 million patients, and encompassing over 1 trillion factshelps improve quality, add efficiency and lower costs for organizations ranging from the largest US health system to forward-thinking physician practices. Our technology and professional services can help you keep patients engaged and healthy in their homes, communities, and workplaces, and we can help you optimize care delivery to those patients when it becomes necessary. We are grateful to be recognized by Fortune, Gallup, Glassdoor, Modern Healthcare and a host of others as a Best Place to Work in technology and healthcare. Visit www.healthcatalyst.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Media Contact:

Todd Stein

Amendola Communications

510-417-0612

[email protected]

SOURCE Health Catalyst

Related Links

http://www.healthcatalyst.com


The title was handed out as part of the BWM 2018 Global Corporate Excellence Awards which identify and honour the most respected companies and their C-Suite executives, rewarding outstanding performance, innovation and ethics across international business and finance communities.

Growcentia is an up-and-coming agriculture bio-tech company working to revolutionize the way the industry works. With the world population set to top 9.6 billion by 2050 and increasing concerns about the environmental impact of the agriculture business, there's a pressing need to change the way we produce crops. Rising to the challenge, the Colorado based company has developed a new, eco-friendly solution to industry problems, in partnership with Colorado State University. The research team, led by company Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer Colin Bell PhD, received grant funding from the US Federal Government to identify biological solutions for crop farming; producing stronger, better and healthier crop yields in the process. Growcentia's patented organic phosphorous solubising microbial technology is 100% natural, offering a sustainable, nature-friendly alternative to GM crops.

The company's core values are value creation, education, health, integrity, consistency, community and environment, working with stakeholders from impact investor to farmers. By creating new microbial technologies and delivering nutrient-rich foods to the market, Growcentia is part of an important global movement that is revolutionising the way people think about farming.

Gregg Steinberg told BWM's reporter, "Ours is a big vision, but it's big visions that make the difference. We at Growcentia are a small team of committed individuals with a common interest in making a difference in the world and bringing nature back to agriculture."

To find out more about Growcentia's work, visit https://growcentia.com

An article on the company can be found on the BWM website:

https://www.bwmonline.com/2019/01/30/beneficial-bacteria-to-revolutionise-global-agriculture/

Further details about Business Worldwide Magazine and the Global Corporate Excellence Awards can be found here https://www.bwmonline.com/awards

About Business Worldwide Magazine



Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few.

https://www.bwmonline.com/about-us/

Contact

Robert Weinberg

Awards Department

E: [email protected]

W: www.bwmonline.com

SOURCE Business Worldwide Magazine
ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that IBM (NYSE: IBM), a long-time anchor tenant at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute campus in Albany, plans to invest over $2 billion to grow its high-tech footprint at the campus and throughout New York State. This includes the establishment of an "AI Hardware Center" at SUNY Poly for artificial intelligence-focused computer chip research, development, prototyping, testing and simulation. Once established, the AI Hardware Center will be the nucleus of a new ecosystem of research and commercial partners, and further solidify the Capital Region's position as "Tech Valley" - a global hub for innovative research and development.

"New York has always been at the forefront of emerging industries, and this private sector investment to create a hub for artificial intelligence research will attract world-class minds and drive economic growth in the region," Governor Cuomo said. "Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform how we live and how businesses operate, and this partnership with IBM will help ensure New York continues to be on the cutting edge developing innovative technologies."

"This investment by IBM will continue to grow New York's high-tech industry in the Capital Region and across the state," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The artificial intelligence hardware center will expand research and partnerships at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and ensure Tech Valley attracts innovative business and development that drives economic development in the region."

IBM's expected $2 billion investment will be made at SUNY Poly and other IBM facilities in New York State. IBM plans to provide at least $30 million in cash and in-kind contributions for artificial intelligence research across the SUNY system, with SUNY matching up to $25 million for a combined total of $55 million. Empire State Development will provide a $300 million capital grant over five years, to the Research Foundation for SUNY to purchase, own and install tools necessary to support the AI Hardware Center.

IBM also plans to expand and extend its partnership with SUNY Poly for the Center for Semiconductor Research (CSR), which is set to expire at the end of 2021, through at least 2023, with an option to extend the CSR for an additional five years through 2028.

The AI Hardware Center will attract new AI industry companies and federal research to the state, while fostering economic development and working to create several hundred new jobs and retain hundreds of other existing jobs at the SUNY Poly campus and at IBM's and its collaborators' facilities.

Mukesh Khare, Vice President, Semiconductor and AI Hardware, IBM Research said, "AI will transform the world in dramatic ways in the coming years. IBM is pushing the boundaries of AI faster - for the benefit of industry and society. By expanding our partnership with New York State, we are creating a global hub of AI hardware research with an ecosystem to innovate, incubate, and lead in the development of disruptive technologies."

Steve Ghanayem, Senior Vice President of New Markets and Alliances at Applied Materials said, "We are excited to expand our long-time technology partnership with IBM as a member of the new AI Hardware Center. Achieving the levels of computing performance and efficiency needed in the AI era requires innovation in chipmaking materials and methods. Applied is focused on using our expertise in materials engineering to help the industry accelerate development of advanced technology."

New York State research facilities have been at the center of significant technological advancements and breakthroughs, from developing the machinery and equipment for next-generation wafers to inventing some of the smallest and most advanced computer chips in the world.

Over the past two decades, the State has partnered with leaders in industry and academia to establish the infrastructure, workforce and ecosystem necessary for high-technology companies to thrive in the Capital Region and Upstate New York. The results have been significant, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and, according to a 2018 report by Georgetown University, more than 60,000 total direct, indirect, induced, and construction jobs in the region are attributable to nanotechnology. These efforts have transformed the region into Tech Valley - a global hub for nanotechnology and semiconductor R&D and manufacturing.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Establishing the AI Hardware Center will solidify New York State's position at the forefront of artificial intelligence, one of the world's fastest-growing and most socially transformative technologies which is driving unprecedented opportunities within the high-tech sector. By investing in the infrastructure necessary to support innovation, this partnership between New York State and IBM will add to SUNY Poly's remarkable record of industry-leading research, and continue to attract thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity across the Capital Region and New York State."

SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson said, "Under the Governor's leadership, our partnership with businesses continues to foster research breakthroughs and economic growth while working to combat everything from diseases and cancer, to mitigating climate change. We continue to offer a world-class education in innovative fields, and artificial intelligence is just one example of how SUNY is investing in new tech clusters to prepare our students for the good-paying jobs of tomorrow. We are proud to collaborate for this transformational work at SUNY Poly."

In support of the project, New York State will partner with neighboring Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). The AI Hardware Center is also expected to recruit and collaborate with a growing number of other high-tech companies, with initial partners including Applied Materials, Samsung and Tokyo Electron Limited (TEL).

This research partnership between New York State and IBM is part of the recently-announced New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology Engineering and Science (NY CREATES). NY CREATES represents a new partnership between ESD and SUNY to lead industry-oriented R&D and economic development projects that grow the state's high-tech economy. In addition to advancing new projects with an expanded roster of industry and university partners, NY CREATES will streamline the management of SUNY Poly's former economic development portfolio while continuing to ensure that State supported high-tech projects will operate more effectively and with transparency, integrity and accountability.

Dr. Douglas Grose, Future President of NY CREATES said, "We are proud to promote New York State's leadership in the high-tech sector through this new and enhanced partnership with IBM. This initiative will drive significant investments and job creation that will benefit the local, regional, and state economy while laying the groundwork for important artificial intelligence-focused research, development, and commercialization, supporting continued collaborative opportunities within this fast-growing field."

SUNY Polytechnic Institute Interim President Grace Wang said, "We look forward to even greater collaboration with IBM and other partners in artificial intelligence research, providing opportunities for our faculty and researchers, as well as hands-on educational opportunities for our students. SUNY Poly is thrilled to play a critical role in attracting leading-edge innovation-focused economic engagement activities such as the Artificial Intelligence Hardware Center, in addition to training the next-generation workforce to maintain New York and the United States' dominance in this strategically important technological area."

John Kolb, Vice President for Information Services and Technology and Chief Information Officer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute said, "Our partnership with New York State builds on the deep expertise Rensselaer has in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and computation. The work we do together will keep New York in the forefront of next generation computing."

Senator Neil D. Breslin said, "SUNY Poly has been at the forefront of numerous technological breakthroughs and has been a continuous economic driver here in the Capital Region. Aligning SUNY Poly's vision with industry leaders and academic institutions like RPI, the creation of this new AI Hardware Center will ensure our region's position as a global hub and leader in technological advancement."

Assembly Member Patricia Fahy said, "I applaud IBM's investment in a new AI Hardware Center for SUNY Polytechnic Institute, a key driver of economic development and growth in our region. As Chair of the NYS Assembly's Commission on Science & Technology, I'm excited by the research potential of this new center. Automated systems will play a crucial role in workforce development and combating climate change in the near future. I thank the Governor for his support - this investment will spur even greater job growth and further our region's desire to be the nation's Second Tech Valley."

Assembly Member John T. McDonald III said, "The Capital Region is home to scientific innovation and research making it a logical choice for the AI Hardware Center. I am confident that this investment will build upon investments in the past and will lead to even greater growth in the Capital Region."

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, "Today's announcement shows that right here in Albany County, we are leading the way in high-tech. I commend Governor Cuomo for his continued investment and leadership in creating rewarding partnerships with industry leaders like this one with IBM."

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "IBM's groundbreaking investment affirms SUNY Poly's status as one of the country's premier research and development institutions, and the new AI Hardware Center is a welcome addition to Albany's growing technology sector. I'd like to thank Governor Cuomo and the talented and dedicated teams at Empire State Development and SUNY Poly for their continued commitment to New York's 'Tech Valley.'"

Contact:

Press Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

[email protected]

Albany: (518) 474-8418

New York City: (212) 681-4640

Angela Sullivan

IBM Research Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE IBM

Related Links

http://www.ibm.com


Preston, a native of Janesville, WI, selected Goodwill Northern Illinois as one of his first stops as he visits many Goodwill organizations across North America in his first months on the job. His itinerary included a tour of Goodwill Northern Illinois' warehouse, outlet store, ecommerce operations, a Rockford retail store and The Workforce Connection, Goodwill of Northern Illinois' partner in operating Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) adult and youth grants.

"Too many people begin their days without the stability, dignity and purpose employment can provide," said Preston. "Every day, local Goodwill organizations embedded in our communities advance our mission one person at a time. The Goodwill in Rockford is a shining example of that."

"Goodwill Northern Illinois grew its number of people served by nearly 450 percent over the past five years to 24,560, providing counseling, credentialing, training and employment opportunities with any number of challenges." he continued. "The Goodwill has expanded its mission in part by growing the profits in its stores, which are used to fund its community programs."

Goodwill Northern Illinois has seen significant growth in people served, sales, donations and partnerships over the last ten years, which Preston and his staff viewed first hand. This work includes its valuable mission programs, such as its Let's Go to Work and Supported Work programs, and revenue-generating operations such as its retail stores and ecommerce operations.

"We are extremely proud to have been selected for the visit," said Ben Bernsten, president of Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois. "It not only speaks well of our organization, but also of Steve's focus on building on GII's successes and impact. His vast experience in the private, public and nonprofit sectors will take our organization to an even higher level. We are excited for the journey ahead under Steve's leadership."

About Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois is a community-based not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with barriers to enhance their lives. Goodwill funds job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in its 12 retail stores located in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. In 2018, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois served 24,560 people in the communities in which it resides. A three-year CARF accreditation  official recognition that the organization is guided by internationally recognized service standards and best practices  was awarded to Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois for its employment programs in 2018. Goodwill has stores in Northern Illinois (Rockford, Machesney Park, Freeport, Sterling, DeKalb, Ottawa, McHenry, Huntley, Crystal Lake, and Algonquin) and Beloit, WI, and employs more than 550 people. Visit www.goodwillni.org to learn more.

SOURCE Goodwill Industries International

Related Links

http://www.goodwillni.org


DUBLIN, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Train Control Management System Market by Component, by Train Type, by Solution, by Network, by Geography - Global Market Size, Share, Development, Growth, and Demand Forecast, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Train control management system market is projected to reach $4.9 billion by 2023, the market is predominantly driven by rapid urbanization, increasing demand for safety and security in railway systems, infrastructural growth, and advancements in the rail technology.

On the basis of component, the train control management system market has been categorized into vehicle control unit, mobile communication gateway, human-machine interface (HMI), and others. In terms of value, the category of vehicle control units held the largest market share in 2017 and is poised to continue dominating the market in the coming years as well. However, the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period is expected from the mobile communication gateway category. This can be attributed to enhanced safety and security, better operational efficiency, and on-board video surveillance facilitated by mobile communication gateway.

Based on network, the train control management system market has been categorized into multifunction vehicle bus (MVB), ethernet consist network (ECN), wired train bus (WTB), and others. Of these, WTB generated the largest revenue in the market in 2017, accounting for over 35% share. However, it is the ECN category that is expected to witness faster market growth, as compared to other categories, during the forecast period. This can be mainly attributed to the benefits offered by the ECN, such as reasonable ownership cost, efficient train traffic management through on-board network data transmission, and improved passenger safety.

Globally, Europe led the train control management system market during the historical period, accounting for over 45% revenue in 2017. The region is expected to continue leading the market in the coming years as well. However, during the forecast period, the market is expected to witness the fastest growth in the Rest of the World (RoW) region, primarily due to the increasing urban population in the developing countries of the region, which, in turn, is generating the demand for rapid public transit systems.

With the world being rapidly transformed by technological advancements, conventional mass transit systems, particularly railways, are also being affected. Conventional railways are phasing out gradually, especially in developed countries, and are being replaced by high-speed trains and metros. The introduction of rapid mass transit systems, such as metros and subways, has led to the demand for control and maintenance systems that can manage the system operation in these railways, in addition to keeping the passengers updated about their journey through data monitoring and utilization.

The new technologies have made the railways more reliable and comfortable, thus enhancing the passenger experience. Besides, these advancements have helped prevent accidents or casualties through operation monitoring and data transmission, thereby making the railways safer. Hence, technological advancements are expected to continue driving the growth of the train control management system market in the coming years.

Key Topics Covered:

Chapter 1. Research Background

1.1 Research Objectives

1.2 Market Definition

1.3 Research Scope

1.4 Key Stakeholders

Chapter 2. Research Methodology

2.1 Secondary Research

2.2 Primary Research

2.3 Market Size Estimation

2.4 Data Triangulation

2.5 Assumptions for the Study

Chapter 3. Executive Summary

Chapter 4. Introduction

4.1 Definition of Market Segments

4.1.1 By Component

4.1.1.1 Vehicle control unit

4.1.1.2 Mobile communication gateway

4.1.1.3 HMI

4.1.1.4 Others

4.1.2 By Train Type

4.1.2.1 Metro & high-speed train

4.1.2.2 EMU

4.1.2.3 DMU

4.1.3 By Solution

4.1.3.1 CBTC

4.1.3.2 PTC

4.1.3.3 ITC

4.1.4 By Network

4.1.4.1 MVB

4.1.4.2 ECN

4.1.4.3 WTB

4.1.4.4 Others

4.2 Value Chain Analysis

4.3 Market Dynamics

4.3.1 Trends

4.3.1.1 Deployment of CBTC systems in new trains

4.3.2 Drivers

4.3.2.1 Increasing demand for safety and security

4.3.2.2 Rapid urbanization and infrastructure growth

4.3.2.3 Advancements in the railway technology

4.3.2.4 Impact analysis of drivers on market forecast

4.3.3 Restraints

4.3.3.1 High infrastructure and maintenance costs

4.3.3.2 Impact analysis of restraints on market forecast

4.3.4 Opportunities

4.3.4.1 Growing demand for TCMS in developing nations

Chapter 5. Global Market Size and Forecast

5.1 By Component

5.2 By Train Type

5.3 By Solution

5.4 By Network

5.5 By Region

Chapter 6. North America Market Size and Forecast

Chapter 7. Europe Market Size and Forecast

Chapter 8. APAC Market Size and Forecast

Chapter 9. RoW Market Size and Forecast

Chapter 10. Competitive Landscape

10.1 Market Share Analysis of Key Players

10.2 Competitive Benchmarking of Key Players

10.3 Global Strategic Developments of Key Players

10.3.1 Mergers and Acquisitions

10.3.2 Product Launches

10.3.3 Partnerships

10.3.4 Client Wins

Chapter 11. Company Profiles

Alstom S.A.

Bombardier Inc.

Toshiba Corporation

Siemens AG

Construcciones y Auxiliar de

Ferrocarriles S.A.

China Railway Signal & Communication Corporation Limited

EKE Group

Knorr-Bremse AG

Strukton Groep N.V.

Rockwell Collins Inc.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/q4fsbl/global_train?w=5

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

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DUBLIN, Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Repair Construction - Global Market Outlook (2017-2026)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global Repair Construction Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period

The market growth is triggered due to the increase in the remodelling and the repairing activities happening around the world. Finding skilled and efficient labour, raw material cost and the additional expenditure to break and make are some of the factors hampering the market.

Repair construction is the process of refining or enhancing a construction to stay strong and in good condition. The repair for a construction is necessary to avoid risks such as collapsing. In many situations repairs are even made to preserve the original beauty and texture of the construction. The repairs in constructions have become so common due to the early decoration of the construction sites.



By application, residential application segment has a prominent effect on the global repair construction market. The residential repair industry is triggered due to high in number of existing home sales, increasing consumer expenses, urbanization, and rising middle class population all over the world.



With respect to geography, Asia-Pacific predicted to be the largest regional market for repair construction. Major expansion in the building & construction section of emerging economies, like India and China and growing consumer spending on revamp and maintenance in developed economies like Australia and Japan are playing a major role in fuelling the major growth.



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 advancements

Key Topics Covered:



1 Executive Summary



2 Preface

2.1 Abstract

2.2 Stake Holders

2.3 Research Scope

2.4 Research Methodology

2.5 Research Sources



3 Market Trend Analysis

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Drivers

3.3 Restraints

3.4 Opportunities

3.5 Threats

3.6 Application Analysis

3.7 Emerging Markets

3.8 Futuristic Market Scenario



4 Porters Five Force Analysis

4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers

4.2 Bargaining power of buyers

4.3 Threat of substitutes

4.4 Threat of new entrants

4.5 Competitive rivalry



5 Global Repair Construction Market, By Type

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Retrofit

5.2.1 Concrete Jacketing

5.2.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Wrapping

5.3 Crack Repair

5.3.1 Polyester Mortars and Sealants

5.3.2 Epoxy Mortars and Sealants

5.3.3 Polyurethane Mortars and Sealants

5.3.4 Other Crack Repairs and Sealants

5.4 Restoration

5.4.1 Waterproofing Chemicals

5.4.2 Sealants

5.4.3 Rust Removers

5.4.4 Protective Paints and Coatings

5.4.5 Insulation Foams

5.4.6 Flame Retardants

5.4.7 Concrete & Cement Admixtures

5.4.8 Adhesives



6 Global Repair Construction Market, By Application

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Residential

6.3 Infrastructure

6.4 Industrial

6.5 Commercial



7 Global Repair Construction Market, By Geography

7.1 Introduction

7.2 North America

7.2.1 US

7.2.2 Canada

7.2.3 Mexico

7.3 Europe

7.3.1 Germany

7.3.2 UK

7.3.3 Italy

7.3.4 France

7.3.5 Spain

7.3.6 Rest of Europe

7.4 Asia Pacific

7.4.1 Japan

7.4.2 China

7.4.3 India

7.4.4 Australia

7.4.5 New Zealand

7.4.6 South Korea

7.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific

7.5 South America

7.5.1 Argentina

7.5.2 Brazil

7.5.3 Chile

7.5.4 Rest of South America

7.6 Middle East & Africa

7.6.1 Saudi Arabia

7.6.2 UAE

7.6.3 Qatar

7.6.4 South Africa

7.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa



8 Key Developments

8.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures

8.2 Acquisitions & Mergers

8.3 New Product Launch

8.4 Expansions

8.5 Other Key Strategies



9 Company Profiling

9.1 3M Company

9.2 Albemarle Corporation

9.3 Asian Paints

9.4 Bechtel Corporation

9.5 Bostik

9.6 Bouygues S.A.

9.7 Cementaid International Group

9.8 E. I. Dupont De Nemours & Company

9.9 Fosroc International Ltd

9.10 Grupo ACS

9.11 Hochtief AG

9.12 Leighton Holdings

9.13 Pidilite Industries Ltd

9.14 RPM International Inc

9.15 Shanghai Construction Group (SCG)

9.16 Strabag SE

9.17 Terraco Holdings Ltd.

9.18 The Dow Chemical Company

9.19 Uretek

9.20 Vinci S.A.



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9tzw8z/global_repair?w=5

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:



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

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DUBLIN, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Co-development Partnering Terms and Agreements in Pharma, Biotech and Diagnostics 2012 to 2018" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Co-development Partnering Terms and Agreements in Pharma, Biotech and Diagnostics 2012-2018 report provides comprehensive understanding and unprecedented access to the co-development deals and agreements entered into by the worlds leading life science companies.



This report provides details of the latest Co-development agreements announced in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostic sectors. Fully revised and updated, the report provides details of Co-development agreements from 2012 to 2018.



There is an increasing willingness for parties to enter co-development deals; such deals enable both parties to benefit from the upside of a big product win, whereas traditional licensing deals forfeit upside for near term upfront, milestone and royalty payments.



Co-development partnering allow the parties to securitize value and reduce risk, but keep a part of the potential upside should the product reach the market. Event if the licensor does not commercialize the project they can either sell those rights to the licensee partner or another partner for an amount higher than would have been achieved at an earlier stage licensing deal.



There are mainly two forms of co-development deals; Either the parties agree on a certain division of ownership, or decide that one party gets the rights to commercialise the drug in a certain geographical area, and the other side gets the other geographical area rights. Typically, the ownership division applies when it is likely that the project will be licensed at a later point in time. The geographical split usually applies when the two companies are determined to commercialise the drug themselves.



Another reason for co-development deals is the joint origin of a project. Drug development projects often require various scientific and technological novelties that stem from different companies. If both companies contributed to the origination of the project, then both have from the beginning a stake in the project.



Understanding the flexibility of a prospective partner's negotiated deals terms provides critical insight into the negotiation process in terms of what you can expect to achieve during the negotiation of terms. Whilst many smaller companies will be seeking details of the payments clauses, the devil is in the detail in terms of how payments are triggered - contract documents provide this insight where press releases and databases do not.



This report contains a comprehensive listing of Co-development deals announced since 2012 as recorded in the Current Agreements deals and alliances database, including financial terms where available, plus links to online copies of actual Co-development contract documents as submitted to the Securities Exchange Commission by companies and their partners.



Key benefits



In-depth understanding of co-development partnering deal trends since 2012

Analysis of the structure of co-development agreements with numerous real life case studies

Comprehensive listing of all co-development deals since 2012, together with deal terms, value and press release

Comprehensive access to actual co-development contracts entered into by the world's leading life science companies

Analysis of key deal financials including headline value, upfront, milestone payments and royalty rates

Insight into the terms included in a co-development agreement, together with real world clause examples

Understand the key deal terms companies have agreed in previous deals

Undertake due diligence to assess suitability of your proposed deal terms for partner companies

Key Topics Covered:



Executive Summary



Chapter 1 - Introduction



Chapter 2 - Trends in Co-development dealmaking



2.1. Introduction

2.2. Definition of co-development deals

2.3. Success factors for co-development deals

2.4. When co-development can be useful

2.5. Attributes of co-development deals

2.6. Aligning partners to make the co-development work

2.7. Trends in Co-development deals since 2012

2.7.1. Co-development dealmaking by year, 2012 to 2018

2.7.2. Co-development dealmaking by phase of development, 2012 to 2018

2.7.3. Co-development dealmaking by industry sector, 2012 to 2018

2.7.4. Co-development dealmaking by therapy area, 2012 to 2018

2.7.5. Co-development dealmaking by technology type, 2012 to 2018

2.7.6. Co-development dealmaking by most active company, 2012 to 2018

2.8. Option to co-develop

2.9. The future of co-development deals



Chapter 3 - Overview of Co-development deal structure



3.1. Introduction

3.2. Pure versus multi-component co-development deals

3.3. Pure co-development agreement structure

3.3.1. Example co-development agreements

3.3.1.a. Case study 1: Ambrx - Zhejiang Medicine

3.3.1.b. Case study 2: UniQure - Chiesi



Chapter 4 - Leading Co-development deals



4.1. Introduction

4.2. Top Co-development deals by value



Chapter 5 - Top 50 most active Co-development dealmakers



5.1. Introduction

5.2. Top 50 most active Co-development dealmakers



Chapter 6 - Co-development deal term financials



6.1. Introduction

6.2. Co-development partnering headline values

6.3. Co-development deal upfront payments

6.4. Co-development deal milestone payments

6.5. Co-development royalty rates



Chapter 7 - Co-development deals including contracts directory



7.1. Introduction

7.2. Co-development deals with contracts 2012 to 2018



Appendices



Appendix 1 - Co-development dealmaking by companies A-Z

Appendix 2 - Co-development dealmaking by industry sector

Appendix 3 - Co-development dealmaking by stage of development

Appendix 4 - Co-development dealmaking by therapy area

Appendix 5 - Co-development dealmaking by technology



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/894pt5/global_pharma?w=5

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

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


"The ongoing favorable reception our all-new 2019 G70 is receiving from third-party industry experts including the staff at MotorWeek continues to inspire and motivate our entire global team," said Erwin Raphael, Chief Operating Officer, Genesis Motor America. "G70 was designed and engineered to delight serious drivers and exceed the expectations of luxury sedan owners. This is our goal as we develop all new Genesis vehicles for their respective segments."

MotorWeek has distributed its "Drivers' Choice Awards" for nearly four decades, recognizing trends and innovations in the automotive industry. Its list of winners serves as a practical guide for car shopping from a buyer's point of view. Creator, Host and Executive Producer John Davis presented the award at the auto show.

"The Genesis G70 is simply stunning, and not just at first glance," said John Davis, Creator, Host and Executive Producer of MotorWeek TV. "Designers took an expertly well balanced chassis, wrapped it in some of the most handsome body work to come along in years, and filled it with a gorgeous, high tech interior. One that can even include a clutch pedal and a terrific manual shifter if you choose. The G70 is our kind of luxury car indeed."

All Drivers' Choice Award winners are featured on Motorweek.org, and will appear on a special episode #3823 of MotorWeek airing on public television stations beginning February 9, and on cable's MotorTrend Network beginning February 19.

As the first Genesis model in the highly competitive entry luxury segment, G70 outperforms legacy luxury sport sedans with driver-focused performance. G70, which was named 2019 North American Car of the Year, resets benchmarks and expectations among luxury sport sedans, with holistic integration of performance, body strength, refined luxury and aerodynamic design. Pricing starts at $34,900.

Genesis Motor America

Genesis Motor America, LLC is headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. Genesis is a global luxury automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of performance, design and innovation. All Genesis vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by an industry-leading warranty with enhanced roadside assistance and concierge services. Within the past year, Genesis has won highest-ranked brand in the automotive industry awards for quality and owner satisfaction from industry experts such as J.D. Power, AutoPacific, and Strategic Vision. The newest Genesis product, the G70 luxury sport sedan, has garnered broad acclaim being named the 2019 North American Car of the Year, the MotorTrend 2019 Car of the Year, as well as a category winner in the Car and Driver 2019 10Best awards, among several others.

For more information on Genesis and its new definition of luxury, please visit www.genesis.com.

Please visit our media site for the latest news at www.genesisnewsusa.com.

Genesis Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

SOURCE Genesis Motor America

Related Links

https://www.genesis.com/us


NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- FULLBEAUTY Brands Holdings Corp. ("FULLBEAUTY" or the "Company"), today announced that it has successfully emerged from its Chapter 11 restructuring with approximately $35 million in new financing after eliminating approximately $900 million of debt. The reorganized Company's largest shareholders are now investment vehicles managed or advised by the Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. Affiliates of the Company's equity sponsors, Apax Partners and Charlesbank Capital Partners, will receive minority stakes in exchange for providing advisory services to the reorganized Company. Other holders of the Company's prebankruptcy first-in, last-out loan claims, its first lien claims and its second lien claims also hold stakes in reorganized FULLBEAUTY. The Company's new asset-based loan will be provided by Citizens Bank, N.A.

The Company's turnaround, which started in early 2018 with the arrival of a new senior management team headed by Chief Executive Officer Emilie Arel, will accelerate following the completion of its restructuring. FULLBEAUTY has already made significant progress to improve its merchandise assortment, expand distribution, strengthen the customer experience, rationalize costs and transform its corporate culture. FULLBEAUTY will continue working to evolve into a multi-channel, customer-focused retailer optimized for the future.

CEO Emilie Arel said: "Through the restructuring, we have strengthened our balance sheet and gained additional financial flexibility. Going forward, FULLBEAUTY is well-positioned to create sustainable value for our stakeholders, including customers, employees, suppliers, business partners and lenders.

"FULLBEAUTY has highly relevant brands and our new owners share our confidence in the power and potential of those brands. The market for plus-size apparel is growing faster than the apparel market overall, and FULLBEAUTY in particular benefits from our position at the high end of the size curve as well as our ability to drive strong results without the burden of brick and mortar retail stores."

During the restructuring process, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, PJT Partners, and AlixPartners served as advisors to the Company. Working with the management team, these advisors ensured that FULLBEAUTY obtained court approval of its plan of reorganization in less than 24 hours and emerged from Chapter 11 in less than four days, a record-breaking pace which has helped to preserve the Company's relationships with key stakeholders and which will position the Company for future success.

ABOUT FULLBEAUTY BRANDS

FULLBEAUTY Brands Holdings Corp. is the fashion authority for plus-size women and men seeking fashion inspiration, style advice, and clothing tailored to their individual needs. Proprietary brands under the FULLBEAUTY Brands Inc. umbrella include: Woman Within, Roaman's, Jessica London, Swimsuits For All, Ellos, KingSize, BrylaneHome, and fullbeauty.com, an online marketplace that offers a curated collection of countless brands and thousands of products, serving as the premier fashion and lifestyle destination for women in sizes 12+.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Steve Cohen or Rachel Posner, Teneo

[email protected]

[email protected]

SOURCE FULLBEAUTY Brands Inc.
CALGARY, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - Foundation Automotive Corp., one of Canada's newest and fastest growing automotive groups, announced early signs of growth with their first two dealership acquisitions have them looking forward to a strong 2019. Both stores are located in Western Canada and since being acquired in the second half of 2018, have shown early and steady improvements.

"When we acquired these stores, back in October and November of 2018, they were not broken stores. They were good stores with room for improvement. And we like that," said Chuck Kramer, Chief Operating Officer of Foundation Auto. "What we're doing is coming in and re-working some of the key processes, creating efficiencies and providing much needed support. Our early efforts are already showing rewards."

"In addition to our first two Canadian acquisitions, Foundation Auto looks forward to closing seven more dealership acquisitions in the 1st quarter of 2019. These future acquisitions will be in the US." added Kevin Kutschinski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Foundation Auto. "The second quarter will be even better and more aggressive, as we plan on adding an additional nine US locations."

Foundation Drayton Valley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, in Drayton Valley, Alberta is the Company's most recent dealership acquisition, and is Managed by Mr. Travis Van Spronsen (Dealer Principal/Managing Partner). Mr. Van Spronsen has a positive personality and steady hand and comes equipped with years of operational experience and was previously at Browns' Chevrolet Buick GMC in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. While in Dawson Creek he built a deep-rooted culture of service with a passionate staff who were focused on delivering a high level of customer service excellence. He has brought this same passion and focus to the Drayton Valley store and it's showing with the store's solid and steady growth.

Foundation Squamish Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, in Squamish, British Columbia was Foundation Auto's first acquisition. The dealership is Managed by Mr. Adam Mounzer (Dealer Principal/Managing Partner), who has over twenty-five years of industry experience, with over five of those years in Management roles at prominent Dodge dealerships across Western Canada. Mr. Mounzer has a relentless focus on operational management, along with a strong, proven sales process. He practices an effective and efficient approach to managing, improving, and sustaining a successful dealership, and has revitalized the Squamish location already. Going into 2019, Mr. Mounzer has identified further improvements that will no doubt improve the store's traction in the Squamish area.

Foundation Auto has an all-star executive management team with the perfect mix of operations specialists and analytical professionals. Their vision is to be the North American benchmark for top-tier automotive solutions and a company of trust, excellence, and innovation for their customers and employees. Each team member has the skills and dedication to successfully implement the company's business and growth plans. Learn more about Foundation Auto online at www.FoundationAuto.com

SOURCE Foundation Automotive Corp

Related Links

foundationauto.com


ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE: FRT) announced a series of promotions within its leadership team to support the company's continued growth in 2019 and beyond.

Senior Executive Team: Wendy Seher and Jan Sweetman have been promoted to executive vice president and will serve as members of the Trust's executive committee, in addition to their existing roles as members of the investment committee.

Wendy Seher , a 30-year industry veteran who has been with the Trust for nearly two decades, has been appointed executive vice president, Eastern Region president. In this capacity, Ms. Seher is responsible for leading the leasing, development, and asset management teams for the Trust's East Coast portfolio, which comprises over 18 million square feet of real estate from Boston to Miami , and Chicago .

, a 30-year industry veteran who has been with the Trust for nearly two decades, has been appointed executive vice president, Eastern Region president. In this capacity, Ms. Seher is responsible for leading the leasing, development, and asset management teams for the Trust's East Coast portfolio, which comprises over 18 million square feet of real estate from to , and . Jan Sweetnam , a seasoned executive with more than three decades in the industry who joined the Trust in 1997, has been promoted to executive vice president, Western Region chief operating officer overseeing the asset management, operating and development activities for the Trust's West Coast portfolio, which represents nearly 5.5 million square feet of real estate.

Additionally, the Trust has promoted key personnel in its leasing, development, operations and finance teams.

Leasing:

Stuart Biel has been appointed senior vice president, regional leasing. Mr. Biel, who joined Federal Realty in 2005, leads the leasing and merchandising efforts for existing mixed-use assets on the East Coast, in addition to properties with large-scale redevelopment potential.

has been appointed senior vice president, regional leasing. Mr. Biel, who joined Federal Realty in 2005, leads the leasing and merchandising efforts for existing mixed-use assets on the East Coast, in addition to properties with large-scale redevelopment potential. Liz Ryan is now vice president, regional leasing. Ms. Ryan joined Federal Realty in 2015 and has over 15 years of retail leasing experience. In this role, she leads the leasing and merchandising activities for the Trust's Northeast and Chicago assets.

Development:

Patrick McMahon has been appointed senior vice president, regional development. Mr. McMahon joined Federal Realty in 2013. With nearly 20 years of real estate development experience, he is responsible for the management of the Trust's development pipeline in the Northeast.

has been appointed senior vice president, regional development. Mr. McMahon joined Federal Realty in 2013. With nearly 20 years of real estate development experience, he is responsible for the management of the Trust's development pipeline in the Northeast. Seth Bland , a 30-year development veteran has been promoted to senior vice president, regional development. In this capacity, Mr. Bland, who joined the company in 2014, oversees the strategy and execution of the Trust's development activities on the West Coast.

, a 30-year development veteran has been promoted to senior vice president, regional development. In this capacity, Mr. Bland, who joined the company in 2014, oversees the strategy and execution of the Trust's development activities on the West Coast. Mark Brennan is now vice president, regional development. Mr. Brennan, who joined the Trust in 2017, has been active in real estate development for over 15 years. In this role, he is responsible for all phases of development for the Trust's New York assets.

is now vice president, regional development. Mr. Brennan, who joined the Trust in 2017, has been active in real estate development for over 15 years. In this role, he is responsible for all phases of development for the Trust's assets. Brad Dutton is now vice president, regional construction. Mr. Dutton joined Federal Realty in 2015 and has over 20 years of construction experience. In this capacity, he manages all phases of construction for the Trust's Northeast portfolio.

is now vice president, regional construction. Mr. Dutton joined Federal Realty in 2015 and has over 20 years of construction experience. In this capacity, he manages all phases of construction for the Trust's Northeast portfolio. Stuart MacDonald has been promoted to vice president, regional development. Mr. MacDonald joined Federal Realty in 2008. With over 30 years of development, construction and design management experience, he is responsible for the delivery of a variety of projects for the Trust's Western Region.

Operations and Finance:

James Milam , who joined the Trust in 2016 with an extensive background in investment management, has been promoted to senior vice president, regional finance and portfolio manager responsible for the financial management, strategy and performance of a select group of complex assets in the Eastern Region.

, who joined the Trust in 2016 with an extensive background in investment management, has been promoted to senior vice president, regional finance and portfolio manager responsible for the financial management, strategy and performance of a select group of complex assets in the Eastern Region. Ronald Becker is now vice president, national operations and sustainability. With over 25 years of real estate experience, Mr. Becker, who joined the Trust in 2015, is responsible for providing tactical leadership to property management across the portfolio and oversees the sustainability program at Federal Realty.

is now vice president, national operations and sustainability. With over 25 years of real estate experience, Mr. Becker, who joined the Trust in 2015, is responsible for providing tactical leadership to property management across the portfolio and oversees the sustainability program at Federal Realty. Matt Ehrie has been promoted to vice president, regional portfolio manager. Mr. Ehrie joined Federal Realty in 2015 and has over 30 years of asset management experience. In this capacity, he oversees the strategy and performance of the Trust's Northeast portfolio.

has been promoted to vice president, regional portfolio manager. Mr. Ehrie joined Federal Realty in 2015 and has over 30 years of asset management experience. In this capacity, he oversees the strategy and performance of the Trust's Northeast portfolio. Angela Lee is now vice president, regional finance. Ms. Lee joined Federal Realty in 2006 and has over 18 years of real estate finance experience. In this role, she is responsible for the overall financial management of the Western Region, providing strategic direction, planning, analysis and reporting.

"For more than 50 years, Federal Realty has been driven by its commitment to sustainable, long-term growth through the ownership of best-in-class real estate, which can only be backed by industry-leading management of our assets," said Don Wood, president and chief executive officer of Federal Realty. "As we set the company up for the next 50 years, our focus on this critical advantage will not waver. Promoting from within is the ultimate proof of our strength, and I congratulate Wendy, Jan and the rest of the team on their well-deserved promotions as they assume these important new roles."

For additional information, please visit the leadership section of our website.

About Federal Realty

Federal Realty is a recognized leader in the ownership, operation and redevelopment of high-quality retail based properties located primarily in major coastal markets from Washington, D.C. to Boston as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Founded in 1962, Federal Realty's mission is to deliver long term, sustainable growth through investing in densely populated, affluent communities where retail demand exceeds supply. Its expertise includes creating urban, mixed-use neighborhoods like Santana Row in San Jose, California, Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, Maryland and Assembly Row in Somerville, Massachusetts. These unique and vibrant environments that combine shopping, dining, living and working provide a destination experience valued by their respective communities. Federal Realty's 105 properties include approximately 3,000 tenants, in approximately 24 million square feet, and over 2,600 residential units.

Federal Realty has increased its quarterly dividends to its shareholders for 51 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty is an S&P 500 index member and its shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT. For additional information about Federal Realty and its properties, visit www.FederalRealty.com.

Investor Inquires: Media Inquiries: Leah Andress Brady Brenda Pomar Investor Relations Manager Corporate Communications Manager 301.998.8265 301.998.8316 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Federal Realty Investment Trust

Related Links

http://www.federalrealty.com


FREEPORT, Bahamas, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Emmy nominated underwater cinematographer Evan Kovacs has joined the PO8 team in search of billions of dollars' worth of artifacts in The Bahamas. Kovacs brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in cinematography from the depths of the ocean, stemming from a 20-year career that includes projects like the R.M.S. Titanic and the Apollo 11 Rocket Engine Recovery with Jeff Bezos, to underwater expeditions of wrecks and archaeological sites worldwide.

Matthew Arnett CEO of PO8 said, "We're extremely lucky to have such an accomplished underwater cinematographer like Evan join the team. He is not only a talented story teller, but Evans brings a wealth of experience with deep submersibles and remotely operated vehicles. We're excited to have him spearhead our VR division to create unique IPs for us to monetize with gaming giants like EA and Tencent."

The shallow waters of The Bahamas will provide Kovacs with yet another exotic location to film the recovery of underwater artifacts from the Golden Age of Piracy through VR imagery, taking people on a virtual swim through shipwrecks. "We will tell the story of not just the shipwreck, but the local culture and the people involved, which ties into a big story of humanity. There are so many elements to the ships that went down, and from a historical point of view being able to relate that in a new way would be pretty exciting," said Kovacs.

To date, Kovacs is one of the few people to film the R.M.S. Titanic and her sister ship, H.M.H.S. Britannic in both 2D and 3D. Among some of the broadcast networks featuring his work, include National Geographic, History Channel, Discovery Channel, PBS and NOVA.

About PO8:

PO8 is a marine archaeology tech company utilizing blockchain technology to excavate underutilized sunken artifacts from ocean floors, generating untapped sources of revenues for funding social programs, creating jobs and jumpstarting local economies.

Press Contacts:

PO8

Raul Vasquez

[email protected]

https://www.po8.io

Statements made in this press release that express the Company or management's intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations or predictions of future events, are forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "will" and similar expressions are intended to further identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. No information in this press release should be construed as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future revenues or results of operations.

SOURCE PO8

Related Links

https://po8.io


After successfully raising 4.7 million in October of 2017 through a token sale, DOVU is now looking to raise 2 million in the form of a sale of tokenised equity. The use of funds will enable DOVU to further develop its platform, build user growth and facilitate creating a larger customer base. With recent news of a partnership deal with FTSE 250 company Go Ahead , and the recent launch of its consumer wallet, DOVU now seek to raise capital in order to expand its smart mobility platform for global adoption.

DOVU's raise will see TokenMarket issue the business' equity in a tokenised format via a crowdfund and private placement memorandum on the TokenMarket investment portal. Upon completion of the FCA Regulatory Sandbox test, DOVU will become the first regulated retail STO by TokenMarket, making it the second raise of its kind to be carried out in the UK as well as one of the first STOs in Europe. This means that DOVU's platform users along with the wider public will have the chance to become investors in the business, a unique opportunity in this growing market space.

"We've had great success launching our public wallet where users are earning DOV tokens, as well as signing a number of partner deals which will drive our platform forward. Given our strong position, we feel now is the right time to offer equity ownership to our growing community. TokenMarket was crucial in ensuring that our first raise in 2017 was a success and we are pleased to be working with Ransu and Mikko's dedicated team once again to run our STO." - Irfon Watkins, Founder and CEO, DOVU.

DOVU has previously received seed funding from Jaguar-Land Rover's investment subsidiary, InMotion Ventures and has been supported by Creative England, a scheme backed by the UK Government's 'Public Growth Fund'. DOVU will look to further develop the high calibre of partnerships it forges throughout 2019.

"STOs mark the new future of issuing equity in a business and we at TokenMarket are looking to set the standard. By using blockchain technology and bringing investment opportunities to the retail sector, we are confident that tokenised equity will become the norm. Having previously worked with Irfon and the DOVU team, we are thrilled to continue this great business relationship." Ransu Salovaara, CEO and Co-Founder, TokenMarket.

To find out more information and keep up to date with the DOVU STO, visit http://dovu.io/sto

About DOVU

DOVU creates a new value exchange between people and global mobility providers. The DOVU platform allows users to earn DOV tokens for sharing and improving the way that they travel, allows mobility companies to get closer to their customers and ultimately helps cities get smarter.

SOURCE DOVU
NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Wolf Popper LLP - To: All former Class A shareholders of PHC, Inc. ("PHC") who either abstained from voting, did not vote, or voted against the merger between PHC and Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. ("Acadia") (the "Merger") in connection with the October 26, 2011 PHC shareholder vote who held their Class A shares immediately prior to October 26, 2011, and whose PHC Class A shares were converted into Acadia shares after the effective Merger date and who are not Defendants, or affiliated with any of them, in the litigation referred to below (the "Class").

In or about January of 2017, a Notice of Pendency of Class Action was circulated to Class members. The Notice advised that the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts had certified the action In re: PHC, Inc. Shareholder Litigation, C.A. No. 11-11049-PBS, which alleges breaches of fiduciary duty in connection with the Merger, as a class action.

On July 27, 2017, following trial, the Court entered judgment in favor of the Class and against Defendant Bruce Shear in the amount of $3,021,949. Following the conclusion of appeals, on January 15, 2019, Shear caused the transfer of $3,076,190.09 ($3,021,949 plus post-judgment interest due, the "Judgment Amount") into an escrow account that will invest in interest-bearing U.S. treasury securities.

In order to receive a check, claimants must fill out and return a Proof of Claim Form ("Claim Form') by June 6, 2019, where, among other things, claimants will verify their names and addresses and that they are members of the Class. A Claim Form may be obtained on the claims administration website for this action, which is www.PHCShareholderLitigation.com. Shareholders who voted their shares in favor of the Merger are NOT members of the Class and will not receive checks.

The attorneys representing the Class ("Class Counsel") spent thousands of hours over more than seven years achieving and defending the Judgment, and they also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. For their efforts, Class Counsel intend to request that the Court award them one-third of the Judgment Fund (the "Judgment Fund" constituting the "Judgment Amount," plus any accrued interest on the escrowed Judgment proceeds), and also reimbursement of their litigation expenses. The representative plaintiff will also request a service award of $25,000 for its significant time and effort invested in the case.

The hearing on these requests is currently scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on April 2, 2019 in Courtroom 19 of the United States Court for the District of Massachusetts, 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210. Class members do not need to attend the hearing. If Class members wish to object to the requests, they must file with the Court a written objection with any necessary supporting papers. Any objection must comply with the requirements described in the answer to Question 13 in the full-length notice to Class members (the "Notice"), which is available at www.PHCShareholderLitigation.com.

This release is a summary only. Please visit www.PHCShareholderLitigation.com for additional information and court documents concerning this action, the Notice, as well as updates concerning the hearing.

SOURCE Wolf Popper LLP

Related Links

http://www.wolfpopper.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Clark Construction recently toasted the accomplishment of graduates of its Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) during the firm's first ever "Cheers to Your Success" happy hour and networking event at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. The company has offered the eight-month professional development course in San Francisco since 2014. The intensive, MBA-style curriculum is aimed at local small businesses, including minority-, women-, and veteran-owned firms. To date, 54 small business leaders from the San Francisco Bay area have completed the program.

The Strategic Partnership Program provides underrepresented or disadvantaged small business leaders with access to fundamental business and project management skills training to prepare them for their next big opportunity. Weekly evening classes focus on topics including estimating, understanding contracts, purchasing, and finance and accounting  to refine and enhance the skills that participants use to run and grow their businesses every day. Clark offers the program to small business owners at no cost.

One of the goals of the Strategic Partnership Program is to increase the capacity of small businesses so they are highly qualified to contribute to large-scale construction projects in the Bay Area.

"Clark has provided me with a network of smart, phenomenal individuals who are going to transform how construction is done in San Francisco," stated Jeanine Cotter, owner of Luminault, a solar energy solutions firm based in Potrero Hill.

Tana Harris, owner of Harris Hoisting, joined select alumni in sharing words of inspiration during the event. As the only African-American woman in San Francisco to own and operate a hoisting company, Harris is breaking industry barriers. She previously worked as a hoist operator on Clark's Salesforce Tower construction site, and credits the company for offering her the opportunity to develop the skills she needs to succeed as a contractor, as well as for giving her the confidence to pursue her dream of entrepreneurship. "I am going to make you proud," she said.

Stated Nick Colina, co-principal of Anco Iron & Construction, a steel and metal fabricator based in San Francisco's Bayview neighborhood, "Clark is one of the best contractors in terms of including the community and expanding local growth."

SOURCE Clark Construction Group
OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Cal/OSHA has scheduled an advisory committee meeting on the electronic submission of injury and illness records. The public meeting will be held on Thursday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elihu Harris Building, 1515 Clay Street Suite 1304, Oakland.

On January 25, federal OSHA published a final rule to amend its recordkeeping regulation by rescinding the requirement for establishments with 250 or more employees to electronically submit information from OSHA Forms 300 and 301. Cal/OSHA has determined that by rescinding the requirement to electronically submit Forms 300 and 301 data, OSHA has substantially diminished the requirements that were originally set forth in OSHA's May 12, 2016, "Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses" rule.

Pursuant to California Labor Code section 6410.2(b), Cal/OSHA has scheduled this advisory committee meeting to evaluate how to implement the changes necessary to protect the goals of the Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses rule.

Information on the advisory committee meeting has been posted online. Members of the public are invited to email their written comments [email protected]. The comment period is open until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 24.

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA, is the division within the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) that helps protect California's workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace.

Cal/OSHA's Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their safety and health programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR's Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR

https://twitter.com/CA_DIR

http://www.youtube.com/CaliforniaDIR

http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1

The California Department of Industrial Relations , established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency . For general inquiries, contact DIR's Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations; Cal/OSHA

Related Links

https://www.dir.ca.gov


MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- OMNICOMMANDER , a financial technology firm specializing in Website Design, Social Media, Branding and Outsourced Marketing for credit unions, announces the partnership with California Bear Credit Union.

The website features custom video, content areas focused on the credit union's community involvement, and seamless navigation to ensure the ability to make well-informed decisions about current and future member's financial needs and goals.

OMNICOMMANDER Founder and CEO, Eric Isham said, "I'm thrilled about our partnership between California Bear Credit Union and OMNICOMMANDER. The first stage of our relationship was the successful launch of their amazing new website www.calbearcu.org . The second stage will be to introduce their new marketing campaign "Where LA goes for loans." It is our goal to ensure that everyone in Downtown Los Angeles knows that California Bear provides the easiest, friendliest loan process in town."

California Bear 's Chief Lending Officer, William Hernandez, said, "I've been impressed with OMNICOMMANDER and their dedication towards getting everything launched in a timely manner. Our website was live in 30 days, and we are very happy with the outcome. We are looking forward to our new marketing campaign with OMNICOMMANDER to effectively get our messaging out. Judging by their work on our website, I know great things are ahead, and we're looking forward to our future relationship with them."

About OMNICOMMANDER

OMNICOMMANDER is a veteran owned and operated credit union website design and social media marketing firm. With a focus on member experience, the company ensures every touchpoint has an identical user interface. Along with incredible design, OMNICOMMANDER creates sites with built-in mobile responsiveness, SSL encryption, and observance of ADA guidelines. OMNICOMMANDER provides marketing services including targeted marketing, branding, and social media.

Visit OMNICOMMANDER on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram .

About California Bear Credit Union

Originally founded and chartered as California State Employees Credit Union No. 3 on August 31, 1933, California Bear Credit Union's mission is to provide the best quality financial and credit products and services to our members. These products and services are offered at fair, competitive prices with intent to invest excess funds to return on those investments to contribute to capital growth and financial stability of the credit union. In 1983, the credit union changed its name to California Bear Credit Union to acknowledge the service of a broader field of membership.

Contact: Melanie Tucciarone, (800) 807-3109, [email protected]

SOURCE OMNICOMMANDER

Related Links

https://www.omnicommander.com/


CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Burns & McDonnell is expanding operations in Chicago and plans to double the size of its local workforce  hiring 300 diverse professionals  within the next three years. The growth in the region is part of the 100 percent employee-owned engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting firm's nationwide effort to hire more than 1,000 professionals annually.

Burns & McDonnell has two offices in Chicagoland: a 75,000-square-foot space in the heart of downtown at 200 W. Adams St, and another in Downers Grove, Illinois. The downtown office was recently expanded to accommodate growth and will be undergoing a second 25,000-square-foot expansion in 2022.

"We've been a part of and supported the Chicago community for more than two decades," says Scott Newland, senior vice president and general manager of Burns & McDonnell in Chicago. "We're committed to creating new STEM career opportunities in the region and building a talented team of professionals to help design and construct the infrastructure that serves as the backbone of our city."

Backed by an international network of 7,000 professionals, the Chicago team provides a wide range of aviation, design-build, electrical transmission and distribution, power generation, manufacturing, mission critical, facility, transportation, water and environmental services.

Known for its dynamic company culture, Burns & McDonnell has been recognized as one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For, Daily Herald's Best Places to Work in Illinois, and by more than 20 additional publications across the U.S. as a best place to work. The firm was also recognized for its commitment to the community with the United Way of Metro Chicago's 2018 Growth & Innovation Award and the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association's 2019 Mentor/Protege Award. Newland says the secret to the award-winning culture is employee ownership.

"Employee ownership is at the core of our firm. We act like we own the place  because we do. It fosters a culture of accountability, entrepreneurship, inclusion and teamwork. In turn, this environment helps us attract and retain the most creative, technical and client-focused professionals in the industry  a team ready to take on the toughest challenges our communities and clients face."

In addition to hiring experienced professionals, Burns & McDonnell will be focused on hiring new graduates and inspiring the next generation of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals through its K-12 outreach and internship programs.

"Through mentorship and our STEM programs, we're building a deeper talent pipeline and hoping to spark interest in STEM careers at an early age," Newland. says "These types of programs are crucial in diversifying our industry. The connections and collaborations among a diverse workforce make us stronger, smarter, more efficient and more creative."

The firm has two offices in Chicagoland: a 75,000-square-foot space in the heart of downtown at 200 W. Adams St., and another in Downers Grove, Illinois. The downtown office was recently expanded to accommodate growth and will be undergoing a second 25,000-square-foot expansion in 2022.

For photos and support materials, please visit our MEDIA KIT.

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies made up of 7,000 engineers, architects, construction professionals, scientists, consultants and entrepreneurs with offices across the country and throughout the world. We strive to create amazing success for our clients and amazing careers for our employee-owners. Burns & McDonnell is 100 percent employee-owned and is proud to be on Fortune's 2018 list of 100 Best Companies to Work For. For more information, visit burnsmcd.com.

Contact: Elle Martens, Burns & McDonnell

816-651-7826

[email protected]

SOURCE Burns & McDonnell

Related Links

http://www.burnsmcd.com


PANAMA CITY, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. ("Bladex" or the "Bank") today announced the successful closing of a US$131.5 million senior Acquisition Finance bridge facility (the "Facility" or the "Loan") for Corporacion Favorita C.A. ("Corp. Favorita" or the "Borrower"). The Facility was secured by liquid deposits of the Borrower in Ecuadorian banks.

Corp. Favorita is a leading Ecuadorian Company, with over US$1.9 billion in sales and US$1.6 billion in total assets. The Borrower is primarily engaged in the sale of mass consumer products through its network of more than 150 supermarkets (Supermaxi, Megamaxi, Aki, Gran Aki, Super Aki, Jugueton, Supersaldos and Titan) located throughout the country's provinces.

The Loan was structured as a club deal between Bladex, Banco General and Grupo Promerica, acting together as Joint Lead Arrangers. Bladex is also the Administrative Agent under the Facility.

Proceeds of the Facility were used to support Corp. Favorita's cross border acquisition for a majority interest in Rey Holdings Corp., a holding company owner of supermarket chains (Rey, Romero and Mr. Precio), convenience stores (ZAZ), and pharmacies (Metro Plus) in Panama, generating over US$700 million in sales.

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. Costa del Este,

Panama, Republic of Panama

SOURCE Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex)

Related Links

http://www.bladex.com


DAVENPORT, Iowa, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Visitors to stand C3-009 at IDEX, Abu Dhabi, will have the opportunity to learn how to reduce vehicle downtime and limit equipment and maintenance costs with the new APS-500 Alternator Regulator.

The new APS-500 from American Power Systems, Inc. represents the state of the art in DC charge controllers, providing optimal battery charging and care. Unlike most multi-stage regulators, the APS-500 can use both current and voltage to regulate charging. These advanced units use multiple data pointsincluding battery voltage, current in/out, and battery and alternator temperatureto charge virtually any commercially available battery type, including the latest in lithium-ion technology.

"We are pleased to present our new, highly configurable alternator regulator. The APS-500 is able to communicate via control area network communication and may be used with 12-, 24- and 48-volt systems, among others. These units are customizable with no hardware changes and represent ideal battery charging for marine- and land-based applications," says Amy Lank, President of American Power Systems, Inc.

American Power Systems, Inc. will introduce the APS-500 during IDEX, the only international defense exhibition and conference in the Middle East and Northern Africa region. The event will be held Feb. 17-21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. American Power Systems, Inc. will exhibit in the USA Pavilion, which is hosted by the Association for the United States Army.

A military-style variant of the APS-500 with MIL-SPEC connectors will be released later in 2019. For more information, interested parties are invited to join a first-to-contact list here: www.americanpowerinc.com/m-reg.

APS-500 Benefits and Capabilities

Ideal vehicle battery charging and care through innovative, dynamic use of current and voltage.

Reduces costs for equipment replacement, maintenance and associated downtime.

Unique approach to charging based upon battery voltage and temperature, current in/out and alternator temperature.

Highly configurable for use with virtually any commercially available battery type through control area network (CAN) communication.

For use with vehicle systems at 12, 24 and 48 voltsup to 60 volts.

100% customizable with no hardware changes.

Programmable field output control.

For more information about American Power Systems, Inc., visit www.americanpowerinc.com.

SOURCE American Power Systems, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.americanpowerinc.com


SAN MATEO, Calif., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Applitools (applitools.com), the leader in Application Visual Management (AVM), today was named in CB Insights' third annual AI 100 list for applying artificial intelligence to software development. The AI innovation presented by Applitools has solved the automated visual UI testing problem in software delivery that otherwise would take a company numerous resources and days to complete through traditional and manual testing practices. Applitools was selected to the AI 100 from a pool of more than 3,000 companies through an evidence-based approach taking into account several factors including patent activity, investor quality, news sentiment analysis, proprietary Mosaic scores, and more.

In addition to disrupting multiple industries, 2019 AI 100 companies are revamping the broader enterprise tech stack at a number of firms. These companies span the globe, from the US, UK, Israel, Japan, China, Germany, Sweden, and Canada, and are supported by more than 680 investors from 29 countries.

"After being named to the AI 100 in 2018, last year's honorees raised nearly $4.5 billion across 45 deals with 6 going on to be valued at $1 billion or more," said CB Insights CEO Anand Sanwal. "The data we compiled on this year's nominees, ranging from their customers to their patents to their CB Insights' Mosaic scores, revealed 100 AI companies that are driving transformation across a number of industries and which are taking on a variety of large societal issues ranging from disaster management to cancer diagnosis to detecting fake news. We expect these companies will see similar levels of momentum and progress in 2019 and are excited to continue to track their progress."

Consumer interactions with businesses are occurring more frequently through digital user interfaces. To improve the quality of this experience, Applitools helps enterprise IT organizations implement visual testing easily to find bugs much faster than traditional testing tools and practices. Mimicking the human eye and brain, the Applitools Eyes platform can instantly analyze entire application pages and report differences to the user. Applitools has over 400 enterprise customers from a range of verticals, including Fortune 100 companies in software, banking, online retail, insurance, media, and pharmaceuticals.

"We are thrilled to receive the CB Insights AI 100 recognition for the second year in a row for our AI-powered visual testing and monitoring technology," said Gil Sever, CEO of Applitools. "Providing a valuable and dependable service to our customers is our top priority. By continuously improving the productivity of software developers, test automation engineers, and QA teams, we're making it possible for companies to achieve visual perfection across all digital properties, regardless of operating system, screen size, device type, or browser."

Share This: Application Visual Management creator @Applitools listed a second year in a row in the @CBinsights #AI100 for software development and #VisualTesting! https://applitools.com

#AI #testautomation

About CB Insights

At CB Insights, we believe the most complex strategic business questions are best answered with facts. We are a machine intelligence company that synthesizes, analyzes and visualizes millions of documents to give our clients fast, fact-based insights. Serving the majority of the Fortune 100, we give companies the power to make better decisions, take control of their own future, and capitalize on change.

About Applitools

Applitools is the creator of Application Visual Management (AVM) to help companies release, test and monitor flawless mobile, web, and native apps in a fully automated way. Founded in 2013, Applitools uses sophisticated AI-powered image processing technology to ensure that an application appears correctly and functions properly on all mobile devices, browsers, operating systems, and screen sizes.



Applitools' Visual AI engine mimics the human eye and brain to avoid undetected visual bugs, minimizing false positive bug alerts. Applitools Eyes can instantly validate entire application pages and detect layout issues on even the most complex and dynamic pages. When development teams are confident they can fix visual bugs faster, they are unleashed to push more high-quality code than ever before.



Applitools is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with an R&D center in Tel Aviv, Israel. For more information, please visit applitools.com.

CONTACT:

Jeremy Douglas

Catapult PR-IR

303-581-7760, ext. 16

[email protected]



SOURCE Applitools

Related Links

http://applitools.com


TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - Adventus Zinc Corporation (TSXV: ADZN,OTCQX: ADVZF) ("Adventus") is pleased to announce that is has entered into a heads of agreement to vend its Lismore, Fermoy, Millstreet and Charleville exploration projects in Ireland to the privately-owned Australian exploration company BMEx Limited ("BMEx") in return for shares in BMEx (the "Transaction"). The Transaction is to be formalized in a share sale and purchase agreement between the parties, whereby BMEx will acquire shares of a subsidiary company owned by Adventus. Adventus shall retain its Rathkeale and Kingscourt exploration project interests in Ireland.

Under the Transaction, BMEx will issue 2,650,000 ordinary shares priced at A$0.20 per share to Adventus, subject to additional shares being issued to Adventus if BMEx does not complete its planned initial public offering and listing on the Australian Securities Exchange by July 1, 2019.

Sam Leung, Vice President Corporate Development of Adventus, commented: "Following Adventus' Newfoundland consolidation transaction with Canstar Resources Inc. in 2018, we are pleased to announce this transaction with BMEx to consolidate and advance several prospective exploration projects in south-western Ireland. This transaction also provides exposure to additional quality base metal projects in Ireland, world class base metal regions in Australia, and a team with a track record of successful discoveries  while allowing Adventus to further focus its efforts on its advanced-stage Curipamba project and exploration in Ecuador."

The Transaction will be subject to approvals from the Exploration and Mining Division  Department of Communications, Climate Actions and Environment of the Republic of Ireland, and TSX-V approval for Adventus.

About BMEx

BMEx is a privately-owned exploration group and project generator focused on zinc, silver and cobalt in Australia and Ireland. Its current portfolio comprises of four projects in Australia (Broken Hill, Mt. Isa, McArthur River, and Amadeus Basin) and two projects in Ireland (Midlands and Southern Ireland). BMEx completed private financing in 2018 and plans to complete its initial public offering on the Australian Securities Exchange in the first half of 2019. BMEx is based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

About Adventus

Adventus is a well-financed exploration and project development company, focused primarily in Ecuador. Its strategic shareholders include Altius Minerals Corporation, Greenstone Resources LP, Resource Capital Funds, and Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.; as well as other highly respected investors in the mining business. The focus of Adventus is the advancement of the Curipamba copper-gold-zinc project in Ecuador as part of an earn-in agreement to obtain a 75% ownership interest. In addition, Adventus is engaged in a country-wide exploration alliance with its partners in Ecuador, incorporating two projects to date. Elsewhere globally, Adventus owns a large prospective mineral land package in Ireland totalling 1,950 km2 and, through its ownership interest in Canstar Resources Inc., is actively participating in the exploration upside of a prospective mineral land package in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada totalling 550 km2. Adventus is based in Toronto, Canada, and is listed on the TSX-V under the symbol ADZN and on the OTCQX under the symbol ADVZF.

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.

This press release contains "forward -looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "pending", "intends", "plans", "forecasts", "targets", or "hopes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "will", "should" "might", "will be taken", or "occur" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking information herein includes, but is not limited to, statements that address activities, events or developments that Adventus expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including statements about entering into a definitive agreement with BMEx and the listing of BMEx's shares on the Australian Securities Exchange. Although Adventus has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Adventus undertakes to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Adventus Zinc Corporation

Related Links

adventuszinc.com


HAMILTON, Bermuda, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- tribeOS, a digital advertising marketplace that uses distributed ledger technology to provide a new level of transparency with online ad fraud, has launched FIRE, a Security Token Offering approved by the Bermuda Minister of Finance under new digital asset laws.

Bermuda continues to elevate its leadership position in digital currency adoption with the approval of the tribeOS Security Token Offering (STO). This marks the second token (or ICO) to be approved under new cryptocurrency regulations developed earlier this year, and the first Security Token approved under the ICO Act.

CEO Matt Gallant added, "Bermuda's approval of the FIRE Security Token Offering is yet another signal of our rapid trajectory of innovating new solutions for investors, advertisers and publishers. And we're just getting started."

As one of the world's most respected and reputed centres of international finance and asset regulation, Bermuda provides the highest level of transparency, compliance, cooperation and exchange of information. The economic and industrial climate in Bermuda offers a pragmatic and forward-thinking regulatory approach, making it one of the most desirable offshore financial centres in the world, attracting major interest from FinTech, banking, insurance, and corporate services companies.

Bermuda has set itself apart in recent years in its substantive commitment to legitimizing digital assets like cryptocurrencies and token offerings. It has made considerable investments in developing a substantial regulatory body to help integrate digital assets into global markets, and passed two new acts of legislation designed to govern digital currencies: the Initial Coin Offering Act, 2018 (the "ICO Act"), which provides a legal framework for token sales and ICOs, and the Digital Asset Business Act, 2018 (DABA), which governs the financial practices of token-based businesses like digital asset exchanges and digital asset brokers.

With the STO approval, tribeOS innovated a new model and structure for a digital asset. In fact, the FIRE security token provides IPO-type protections within a cryptographic asset. This, along with a high level of regulatory rigor, discipline and transparency, immediately makes tribeOS more attractive in securing an additional private placement capital raise. Such additional funding will help fuel the development and deployment of the tribeOS digital advertising marketplace in 2019.

tribeOS is the only digital marketplace that makes stopping ad fraud its number one priority. Currently, no existing advertising marketplace can make this claim. This solution will let entrepreneurs and corporations gain a significantly higher return on ad spend from digital advertising programs while protecting their precious campaign budgets from rampant fraud.

tribeOS will cost-effectively solve the ad fraud problem via a full-featured suite of breakthrough software tools. The tool suite features AdShield, that stops bots and fraudulent clicks; Gold Lantern, which provides bullet-proof tracking and analytics; and a blockchain-based immutable ledger that delivers radical transparency of transaction data that can't be manipulated or faked.

The company previously received a $3 million seed investment from Bitmain Technologies, the leading developer of Bitcoin mining products which includes ASIC Chip technology. The initial source of funding for tribeOS originated from Exponential Ventures, a company focused only on startups with the potential for exponential growth.

For media inquiries, an expert quote from CEO Matt Gallant on ad fraud or digital currencies, contact tribeOS here .

To discover how much marketers really know about ad fraud, gain no-cost access to this ad fraud awareness research study . To learn more about the Bermuda-approved, FIRE Security Token Offering, visit http://www.tribeos.io.

ABOUT:

tribeOS, is a blockchain-based, digital advertising marketplace designed to help advertisers and publishers run secure, ad fraud-free campaigns online via a fully transparent platform. The tribeOS mission: create the fairest, most transparent, most profitable digital advertising marketplace in the world by ending ad fraud, increasing accountability, and ease-of-use for advertisers and publishers.

http://www.tribeos.io/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Marc Harty, PR Director, tribeOS

[email protected]

469-879-5323

SOURCE tribeOS

Related Links

http://www.tribeos.io


DUBLIN, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) - Global Market Outlook (2017-2026)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) market accounted for $690.0 million in 2017 and is expected to reach $1128.11 million by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 5.6%.



Growing geriatric population, rising incidences of skin and neurology based disorders, demand for non-radiation imaging modalities and increasing patient awareness are some key factors propelling the market growth. However, factors such as insufficient clinical data and lack of reimbursement facilities are inhibiting the growth of the market.



Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a promising technology for performing high-resolution cross-sectional imaging. OCT is analogous to ultrasound imaging, except that it uses light instead of sound. OCT can provide cross-sectional images of tissue structure on the micron scale in situ and in real time.



Based on application, ophthalmology segment commanded considerable share during the forecast period owing to the rising prevalence of eye diseases and technological advancements in ophthalmic devices. By End user, hospitals and clinics segment is likely to register significant share due to increasing rate of supplying OCT imaging to hospitals to boost efficiency and improve brand image.



Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a steady rate during the forecast period and the growth of this region can be attributed to increasing adoption of OCT system for diagnosis and expansion of competitors and establishment of manufacturing units in the region.



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 advancements

Key Topics Covered:



1 Executive Summary



2 Preface

2.1 Abstract

2.2 Stake Holders

2.3 Research Scope

2.4 Research Methodology

2.4.1 Data Mining

2.4.2 Data Analysis

2.4.3 Data Validation

2.4.4 Research Approach

2.5 Research Sources

2.5.1 Primary Research Sources

2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources

2.5.3 Assumptions



3 Market Trend Analysis

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Drivers

3.3 Restraints

3.4 Opportunities

3.5 Threats

3.6 Technology Analysis

3.7 Application Analysis

3.8 End User Analysis

3.9 Emerging Markets

3.10 Futuristic Market Scenario



4 Porters Five Force Analysis

4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers

4.2 Bargaining power of buyers

4.3 Threat of substitutes

4.4 Threat of new entrants

4.5 Competitive rivalry



5 Global Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market, By Device Types

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Doppler OCT devices

5.3 Tabletop OCT devices

5.4 Handheld OCT devices

5.5 Conventional OCT systems

5.6 Catheter based OCT devices



6 Global Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market, By Technology

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Frequency Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (FD-OCT)

6.3 Spatially Encoded Frequency Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

6.3.1 Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (FDOCT)

6.3.2 Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SDOCT)

6.4 Time Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (TDOCT)

6.5 Swept-Source



7 Global Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market, By Application

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Ophthalmology

7.2.1 Central serous retinopathy

7.2.2 Macular edema

7.2.3 Macular pucker

7.2.4 Vitreomacular traction

7.2.5 Preretinal membranes

7.2.6 Age-related macular degeneration

7.2.7 Diabetic retinopathy

7.2.8 Macular hole

7.3 Oncology

7.4 Cardiology

7.5 Dermatology

7.6 Bronchoscopy

7.7 Dentistry

7.8 Other applications



8 Global Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market, By End User

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Physicians' offices

8.3 Hospitals and clinics

8.4 Ambulatory surgical centers(ASCs)



9 Global Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market, By Geography

9.1 Introduction

9.2 North America

9.2.1 US

9.2.2 Canada

9.2.3 Mexico

9.3 Europe

9.3.1 Germany

9.3.2 UK

9.3.3 Italy

9.3.4 France

9.3.5 Spain

9.3.6 Rest of Europe

9.4 Asia Pacific

9.4.1 Japan

9.4.2 China

9.4.3 India

9.4.4 Australia

9.4.5 New Zealand

9.4.6 South Korea

9.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific

9.5 South America

9.5.1 Argentina

9.5.2 Brazil

9.5.3 Chile

9.5.4 Rest of South America

9.6 Middle East & Africa

9.6.1 Saudi Arabia

9.6.2 UAE

9.6.3 Qatar

9.6.4 South Africa

9.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa



10 Key Developments

10.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures

10.2 Acquisitions & Mergers

10.3 New Product Launch

10.4 Expansions

10.5 Other Key Strategies



11 Company Profiling

11.1 Abbott Laboratories

11.2 Heidelberg Engineering GmbH

11.3 Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

11.4 Agfa Healthcare

11.5 Imalux Corporation

11.6 OPTOPOL Technology S.A

11.7 Ninepoint Medical

11.8 Novacam Technologies Inc.

11.9 NIDEK Co., Ltd.

11.10 Agiltron Incorporated

11.11 Shenzhen MOPTIM Imaging Technique Co., Ltd.

11.12 Oct Medical Imaging Inc.

11.13 Heliotis AG

11.14 Phoenix Research Labs

11.15 Thorlabs Inc.

11.16 Michelson Diagnostics

11.17 Leica Microsystems

11.18 Topcon Medical Systems

11.19 Optovue

11.20 Koninklijke Philips N.V.



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/s8s2zl/1_12_bn_optical?w=5

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

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


MAMARONECK, N.Y., Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Young America Capital ("YAC"), the 56 person licensed investment bank and broker-dealer based in Mamaroneck, NY is pleased to announce the successful sale of substantially all assets of Green Meadows Wellness (dba Infinite Wellness Center), a fully vertically integrated adult and medical cannabis company in Colorado.

Green Meadows Wellness was purchased by LivWell Enlightened Health a vertically integrated cannabis company with one of the largest footprints in the United States.

"We were very pleased with the professionalism of Young America Capital, under the leadership of Peter Formanek and Michael Huttner who handled this transaction," stated Cristine Romarine who founded Green Meadows Wellness.

LivWell purchased Green Meadows Wellness, a vertically integrated cannabis company based in Fort Collins, Colorado which has licenses, grow/cultivation facilities, medical and adult use manufacturing facility, and a retail dispensary with both medical and adult use licenses. Recently the company won a key "best of" award for the entire state for its dispensary. The company has a premiere brand for both medical and adult use.

"We so appreciate the opportunity to broker this deal between two leaders in the cannabis space," stated Peter Formanek, the President of Young America Capital. "Our extensive network of investors in the cannabis industry allowed us to provide Green Meadows Wellness with some excellent options and we are very pleased that they sold to LivWell one of the strongest leaders in the cannabis industry."

Young America Capital was advised in the transaction by Vicente Sederberg LLC.

Young America Capital has had a history of brokering deals in the cannabis space. In December 2018, Young America also closed the sale of a $65 million license Florida/company mega-license. YAC has a team of seven brokers who are experts in brokering deals in the cannabis and hemp space.

About Young America Capital:

Founded in 2000, Young America Capital is a New York-based FINRA/SEC/MSRB licensed independent investment bank and broker-dealer which provides capital raising, M&A advisory and fund marketing services for companies and alternative investment fund managers. www.yacapital.com.

Media Contact:

Peter Formanek

914-777-0100

[email protected]

SOURCE Young America Capital

Related Links

http://www.yacapital.com


UnCruise Adventures' 36-guest Safari Explorer has operated Hawaii cruises from November through April since 2011. A new weeklong summer itinerary visits four islands with included activities exploring land and seakayaking, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, wildlife searches and skiff excursions. Cultural heritage is a key component of the UnCruise experience in the islands.

"We've had our eye on operating in Hawaii during the summer, and with current demand, the time is right," said UnCruise Adventures' owner and CEO Dan Blanchard. "Hawaii is a popular vacation destination all year, and now summer travelers can take advantage of the convenience of traveling between islands by yacht."

The new Aloha Hawaii Adventure Cruise sails roundtrip Moloka'i, a lesser visited island with an authentic Hawaii culture and vibe. A local Halawa Valley family with ancient Hawaiian lineage invites guests to their home to "talk story" about island lore and learn how to make poi from taro root. A hike guided by locals meanders past taro patches and ends at a waterfall where those inclined can take a dip. An evening pa'ina feast in town is a true Hawaiian celebration with traditional local cuisine, music and dancing.

On the island of Lana'i, hike to Sweetheart Rock for sweeping views and visit the Lana'i Culture and Heritage Center. Snorkel off West Maui at a turtle cleaning stationwhere turtles visit for shell cleaning by small fishand find yourself swimming with green sea turtles and other colorful fish. An evening snorkel in Honomalino Bay draws Giant Pacific Manta ray's up close in a feeding area. Kayak through lava tubes off the Big Island of Hawai'i and stroll through historic Kailua. Marine life abounds with sightings of colorful reef fish, turtles, whales, dolphins, reef sharks and manta rays.

Meals on board are fresh and innovative with produce and meat sourced on Moloka'i. Sustainable seafood is sourced from local fishermen at the Honolulu fish market.

Cruises start at $5,195 per person based on double occupancy and are inclusive of meals; all beverages, including alcohol; adventure activities and transfers day of cruise. Port taxes and fees are additional. Bookings confirmed prior to March 29 receive a $600 per couple Aloha savings. To book or to request additional information, contact a travel agent or UnCruise Adventures at 888-862-8881 or [email protected]. The summer 2020 Hawaii cruise schedule will be announced soon.

About UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures' boutique yachts and small ships carry 22-90 guests on voyages in Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, coastal Washington, Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica and Panama. In 2018, UnCruise was picked as the top small ship cruise line in Alaska by Cruise Critic members. Travel & Leisure also named UnCruise to its list of top 10 small ship ocean cruise lines in its 2018 World's Best Awards.

SOURCE UnCruise Adventures
Steve has been a licensed Realtor on Maui since 1998. He started his career as a sales team member of Wailea Fairway Villas. Steve came to Maui in 1992 as a member of the active duty U.S. Air Force after growing up in Pennsylvania. Upon retiring from the Air Force in 2007, Steve joined the management team of a local real estate brokerage and has been involved in senior management positions since then. Transition from the Air Force to Real Estate was an easy transition for Steve as integrity was an integral part of his 20-year career, which is one of the most important qualities in a real estate agent.

Steve met and married his wife Miriam here on Maui and they lived in Kihei over 23 years raising two children.

"When Steve became available, we knew we could not pass up the opportunity to add one of the most experienced and successful brokers on Maui to our team," said Steve Houle, President of Island Properties. "We are looking to Steve to help us build and train our agent team on all of Maui. In particular, we intend to focus our growth on Maui's west side to build our market share using the top real estate brand in Hawai'i and America."

"I look forward to working with the largest real estate brokerage on Maui to build market share by attracting the best agents and helping them to become more productive through training and mentoring," added Steve Baker.

About Coldwell Banker Island Properties:

In order to provide the best client experience, Coldwell Banker Island Properties has the most and best office and floor locations on Maui and is continuing to add additional locations on Kauai and Big Island  including the upcoming 6,000 square foot Kukui Mall, Kihei location and new 2,900 square foot Ali'I Drive location in Kona. The Company continues to develop and create new support and marketing services for its realtors with a view to providing the absolute best agent platform on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island to maximize agent productivity. The company also provides additional residual income revenue streams to agents with the goal of being the premium brokerage for the best real estate professionals on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.

For further information, please contact:

Steve Houle, President

E: [email protected]

P: 808-264-4328

Steve Baker, BIC

E: [email protected]

P: 808-268-2770

SOURCE Coldwell Banker Island Properties
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Dimension Data recently began implementing Sparkcentral's technology, after the two companies signed an agreement for the EMEA region. Dimension Data is currently the only technology integrator that distributes Sparkcentral's innovative software in EMEA. The collaboration demonstrates the two firms' strong focus on improving customer experience.

Both companies are firm believers in the future of direct messaging. Sparkcentral grew out of the need to communicate via social media but has increasingly focused on direct messaging in recent years. Dimension Data agrees that contact via social media and messaging apps is where the future of customer communications lies.

"Customer Experience is of paramount importance," says Christoph Neut, Vice President EMEA at Sparkcentral. "In 2019, customers want contact with companies through their preferred communications channels. We meet this need and offer software that not only enables contact through live messaging, social media, and WhatsApp, but also does so by making agents more productive and letting them serve more customers."

Dimension Data believes in Sparkcentral's product, so it decided to collaborate in the entire EMEA region. "Telephony will never disappear completely, but we are seeing other communications channels claiming an ever-bigger slice of the pie," says Philippe Urbain, Solutions Director at Dimension Data. "Many people prefer to make contact using WhatsApp than to wait for interminable minutes in a phone queue."

One of the biggest advantages of Sparkcentral's software is its ease of access for staff and customers alike, but it is also straightforward to implement. "Sparkcentral is a product that runs entirely in the cloud, so it's really simple to get the platform up and running," Urbain explains. Yet companies get a great deal in return. "With WhatsApp and other messaging channels you can do all sorts of things that you can't do over the phone. You can send messages, of course, but you can send photos and videos too. The possibilities are endless."

"Our customers tell us that messaging channels now deliver the highest level of customer satisfaction across all channels," adds Neut. "And at the same time, they are also more efficient, because messaging communication is easier to combine with bots and AI, which enables you to work more cost-effectively," Neut concludes.

Sparkcentral's platform is currently used by a number of well-known names in the Belgian business world. Engie, KBC, Brussels Airport and Argenta Bank are among those who already use the software.

About Dimension Data

Founded in 1983, Dimension Data is a USD 8 billion global leader in designing, optimising, and managing today's evolving technology environments. This enables its clients to leverage data in a digital age, turn it into information, and extract insights.

Headquartered in Johannesburg, Dimension Data employs 28,000 people across 47 countries. The company brings together the world's best technology provided by market leaders and niche innovators with the service support that clients need for their businesses  from consulting, technical, and support services to a fully-managed service.

Dimension Data is a proud member of the NTT Group.

Visit us at http://www.dimensiondata.com

About Sparkcentral

Based in San Francisco, California, and Hasselt, Belgium, Sparkcentral is a messaging customer service platform company with a mission to change the way customer service is delivered around the world. 1.5 billion people around the globe send tens of billions of messages on WhatsApp alone - per day. Yet very few of those messages go to businesses. Sparkcentral aims to change that. The company wants to spark a movement to connect businesses with customers through messaging, whether through social media or private messaging channels such as WhatsApp, Messenger, SMS text, live chat, or any other digital messaging means. Leading brands around the world rely on Sparkcentral's Messaging Customer Service platform, including Netflix, Slack, citizenM, Goodbaby, KBC Bank, and Argenta Bank. Learn more at www.sparkcentral.com.

To learn more, visit www.sparkcentral.com

Media Contact:

Len Fernandes

[email protected]

1-888-317-4687 ext. 702

SOURCE Sparkcentral

Related Links

https://www.sparkcentral.com


CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Registration is now open for The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's (TCSPP) Social Impact Awards Luncheon taking place on March 7 at 11:30 a.m. at Maggiano's Banquets. Launched to honor the outstanding work happening in the Chicago community by mental health professionals and advocates, the luncheon is in its second year and is one of many events The Chicago School has planned to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The Chicago School is a leading nonprofit, private university devoted exclusively to psychology, and related behavioral health sciences.

SHE radio host and mental health advocate Jay Styles will emcee the event honoring:

Dan Bigg , co-founder and director of Chicago Recovery Alliance (CRA), whose mission is to directly serve, support, educate and advocate with others for reducing drug related harm. Named "Chicago Magazine's" 2017 Chicagoan of the Year, Mr. Bigg was co-developer of Mobile Opiate Substitution Therapy, a program designed to destigmatize methadone services and make them more accessible. Mr. Bigg passed away in 2018.

, co-founder and director of Chicago Recovery Alliance (CRA), whose mission is to directly serve, support, educate and advocate with others for reducing drug related harm. Named "Chicago Magazine's" 2017 Chicagoan of the Year, Mr. Bigg was co-developer of Mobile Opiate Substitution Therapy, a program designed to destigmatize methadone services and make them more accessible. Mr. Bigg passed away in 2018. Armand R. Cerbone , Ph.D., ABPP, LGBTQ mental health advocate. In the late 1970s, Dr. Cerbone he was among the first openly gay psychotherapists to advocate and offer appropriate and affirmative care for LGBT clients. He is the founder of the Sexual Orientation Section of the Illinois Psychological Association.

, Ph.D., ABPP, LGBTQ mental health advocate. In the late 1970s, Dr. Cerbone he was among the first openly gay psychotherapists to advocate and offer appropriate and affirmative care for LGBT clients. He is the founder of the Sexual Orientation Section of the Illinois Psychological Association. Captain Jeffrey Coady , Psy.D., ABPP, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Regional Director. Captain Coady represents the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use in fulfilling the agency's mission to reduce the impact of mental illness and substance use disorders in communities in the states of Illinois , Indiana , Michigan , Minnesota , Ohio , Wisconsin and 34 Federally-recognized Tribes. Captain Coady is a TCSPP alum.

"We are thrilled to honor these courageous individuals who have been on the cutting edge of behavioral health issues that impact Chicago. These three remarkable individuals have led the way through innovation and advocacy. I am confident that many TCSPP students will follow in their footsteps and become leaders as well," said Margie Martyn, Ph.D., TCSPP Chicago Campus Dean.

All proceeds from the Social Impact Leaders Awards luncheon will go to scholarships for continuing students on The Chicago School's Chicago Campus, and the Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education.



About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Founded in 1979, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) is a nonprofit, private school devoted exclusively to psychology, and related behavioral health sciences. The Chicago School is an affiliate of TCS, a nonprofit system of colleges advancing student success and community impact. The institution serves approximately 4,300 students across campuses in Chicago; Southern California (Los Angeles, Irvine and San Diego); Washington, D.C., and Dallas, as well as through online programs. The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, (WSCUC), and its Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles are accredited by the American Psychological Association. With more than 20 graduate degree programs, thousands of hours of real-world training, and a wealth of international opportunities, TCSPP is the leader in professional psychology and behavioral health education. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu.

Media Contact: Lisa Riley

312.410.8963

[email protected]

SOURCE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Related Links

http://www.thechicagoschool.edu


In April 2016, Delta announced its order of 75 firm A220 aircraft with options for up to 50 additional aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. In January, Delta added 15 firm aircraft, increasing its total firm order to 90 A220 aircraft. Delta also announced selection of the GTF engine to power its order of 100 firm A321neo aircraft in December 2017 with options for up to 100 additional aircraft. Additionally, Delta TechOps joined Pratt & Whitney's growing MRO network which supports the GTF engine fleet and Pratt & Whitney customers worldwide.

"Delta has been a pioneer in the aviation industry for decades and today we celebrate another milestone with the Delta team as their new A220 aircraft enters service," said Rick Deurloo, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. "Delta's GTF-powered A220 joins more than 330 other Pratt & Whitney powered aircraft already in service with Delta. Pratt & Whitney and Delta have built a strong and trusted relationship over the years and we are confident that Delta will enjoy the GTF engine's proven economic and environmental benefits on the A220 aircraft."

The A220, exclusively powered by the GTF engine, offers double-digit improvement in operating costs compared to current generation aircraft. It's 20% more fuel efficient and provides a 75% reduction in noise footprint and NOx emissions 50% below the ICAO CAEP 6 regulation.

About Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website at www.utc.com, or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC. To learn more about the GTF engine, visit www.pwgtf.com. To receive press releases and other news directly, please sign up here.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in levels of demand in the aerospace industry, in levels of air travel, and in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production support, performance and realization of the anticipated benefits of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corp.'s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Pratt & Whitney

+1 (860) 565-9600

[email protected]

SOURCE Pratt & Whitney

Related Links

http://www.pratt-whitney.com


SEATTLE, Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Possible Finance, the company with the mission of expanding financial access to underserved Americans, announced that it recently completed a $4.3M round of financing between equity and debt. Existing investor Unlock Venture Partners and Columbia Pacific Advisors led the latest investment, which brings Possible Finance's total funding to $6M since the company incorporated in November 2017. Backers of the company also include FJ Labs, Seattle Bank, Hustle Fund, Union Bay Partners, and various angel investors.

Possible Finance's initial product is a small dollar installment loan that's designed to be easily repaid and to build credit history. Using the Possible Finance iOS or Android mobile apps, anyone can apply for up to $500 without a credit check and receive funds next day. Rather than relying on the FICO credit score like traditional lenders, the app links with a customer's existing bank account to analyze the financial transaction data using machine learning to make credit risk decisions. Repayments are reported to the major credit bureaus to help build credit history. Possible Finance is available to residents in Washington, Idaho, and Utah, and is announcing today that it has launched in California.

Possible Finance first released its product in April of 2018 and has seen tremendous organic growth since then. The founders of the company, Tyler Conant, Prasad Mahendra, and Tony Huang, were the original software team members of Axon where they pioneered police body camera technology. Their work helped correct abusive practices and increased equality for minority and lower income communities in the US. With Possible Finance, the team continues to serve lower-income individuals by expanding financial access and building software tools to help improve financial well-being over time.

"More Americans than ever before are financially unhealthy due to volatile income and lack of access to credit," said Tony Huang, Co-Founder and CEO of Possible Finance. "The traditional credit score locks 94 million Americans out of the mainstream credit system and the available options today such as payday loans are terrible. Using new technologies, we're expanding financial access to Americans that need it most. Furthermore, we're improving long-term financial wellness by reporting to the credit bureaus and helping our customers build credit history with each loan."

"We're incredibly excited to continue our investment in Possible Finance and double down on the team," said Andy Liu, General Partner of Unlock Venture Partners. "Evident by the thousands of satisfied customers, they have demonstrated clear product market fit and an extraordinary ability to execute against their vision of improving financial access for middle-class Americans."

The company also recently made key hires to its deep technical team and brought on Sanchit Arora, a machine learning veteran, to lead its data science efforts. Sanchit Arora was Co-Founder and CTO of Dextro, a venture-backed machine learning company that was acquired by Axon and became Axon's AI division. "Possible Finance's novel approach of using transaction data has the potential to become the standard for consumer credit risk and eventually replace the existing credit score system," said Sanchit Arora. "I am incredibly excited to be a part of this team and to use machine learning to help middle-class Americans."

Moving forward, Possible Finance will focus on increasing access of their flagship product by launching in additional states. Over time, the company plans to build a suite of software experiences to help everyday Americans improve their financial wellness.

About Possible Finance

Possible Finance is a technology company that improves financial wellness for everyday Americans. Through a mobile app, Possible Finance provides an installment loan that, compared to other short-term lending options, is less expensive, easier to repay, and builds credit history. Possible Finance has built a unique credit assessment model that leverages novel data sources to effectively stratify risk for credit-challenged individuals. The company is based in Seattle. For more information, please visit www.possiblefinance.com.

Contact Information:

Possible Finance

Tony Huang, Co-Founder and CEO

Email: [email protected]

Related Links

Website

SOURCE Possible Finance

Related Links

http://www.possiblefinance.com




Space News space history and artifacts articles Messages space history discussion forums Sightings worldwide astronaut appearances Resources selected space history documents





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Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo pilots awarded FAA astronaut wings



February 7, 2019  The United States now has two new Commercial Astronauts.



Virgin Galactic test pilots Mark "Forger" Stucky and Frederick "CJ" Sturckow were awarded Commercial Astronaut Wings by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday (Feb. 7). The two were recognized during a ceremony held at the Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C., for their Dec. 13, 2018 flight aboard Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo "VSS Unity," which was the first time that the vehicle had flown into space.



Stucky and Sturckow piloted the commercial suborbital craft to an altitude of 51.4 miles (82.7 kilometers) above Earth, surpassing the 50-mile threshold that the FAA and U.S. Air Force use to award astronaut wings.



"These astronaut wings celebrate so much more than technological achievement," said Elaine Chao, U.S. Secretary of Transportation. "They are a testament to your skill, your professionalism and your persistence. You are true American patriots."



Thursday's presentation to Stucky and Sturckow was only the third and fourth time that the FAA has bestowed Commercial Astronaut wings. The distinction was introduced in 2004 to recognize Mike Melvill and Brian Binnie, who piloted Scaled Composites' SpaceShipOne on the suborbital spaceflights that led up to and won the Ansari X Prize competition.



Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo was built upon the design of SpaceShipOne to be suited to fly passengers on commercial launches.





Commercial Astronaut Wings presentation. Click to view video in a pop-up window. (DOT) Stucky, who became the 568th human to fly above 50 miles, has been a pilot with Virgin Galactic since 2015. Previously, he flew for the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force. From 1993 to 1999, Stucky served as a research test pilot for NASA at the Dryden (now Armstrong) Flight Research Center in California, flying the SR-71 "Blackbird," among other aircraft. He also worked as a commercial airline pilot for United Airlines.



"Receiving Commercial Astronaut wings is an honor for me as it is acknowledgment of a personal achievement. But it goes beyond that, it's really an acknowledgment of a company achievement," said Stucky, referring to Virgin Galactic, but also the engineers who built and tested SpaceShipTwo at Scaled Composites and The Spaceship Company. "And these wings are really dedicated to them."



Sturckow is the only person to date to be recognized as an astronaut by both NASA and the FAA, as well as the only person to receive both Naval Aviator and Commercial Astronaut wings. A space shuttle pilot and commander, he joined NASA with its 15th group of candidates in 1994 and logged more than 50 days in Earth orbit on four missions to the International Space Station. Prior to becoming a NASA astronaut, Sturckow was a combat and test pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps. He joined Virgin Galactic in 2013.



Sturckow is one of only four people in history to fly both suborbital and orbital spaceflights, including the first Americans in space, Alan Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom, as well as X-15 rocket plane and space shuttle pilot Joe Engle.



"It was a great flight and I can't wait to do it again," said Sturckow.



The FAA's Commercial Astronauts wings are gold with a representation of NASA's astronaut symbol at its center. The wings are inscribed "Commercial Space Transportation." (The original wings awarded in 2004 had a blue field and green globe, in addition to the astronaut symbol, at their center.)



According to the FAA, its Commercial Astronaut Wings Program "recognizes crew members who further the FAA's mission to promote the safety of launch vehicles designed to carry humans." Astronaut wings are awarded to flight crew who safely fly to and from space on an FAA-licensed mission.



"While today's awards ceremony is, of course, a proud moment for our wonderful pilots and the whole Virgin Galactic team, it is also symbolic of an enabling regulatory framework that allows for innovation while prioritizing safety," said Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic founder, in a statement. "It is this which has allowed us to pursue our dreams and which will ultimately underpin our commercial success as we seek to democratise space for the benefit of humankind."



To be eligible for Commercial Astronaut wings, pilots and flight crew members on FAA-licensed launch or re-entry vehicles must fly beyond 50 miles above Earth.



Although recognized by the FAA, Stucky's and Sturckow's Dec. 13 flight fell short of the internationally-recognized altitude of 62 miles (100 km), referred to as the Karman line, used to establish astronaut status by NASA and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), the latter the ruling body on world air sports.



Virgin Galactic pilots Mark Stucky (second from right) and Frederick Sturckow (at center) pose with Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation Jeff Rosen (at left), Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson after being awarded Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Astronaut wings on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 at the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, DC. (Virgin Galactic)





The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Astronaut wings as presented to Virgin Galactic pilots Mark "Forger" Stucky and Frederick "CJ" Sturckow on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (DOT)





Virgin Galactic pilots Mark "Forger" Stucky (at right) and Frederick "CJ" Sturckow seen prior to the Dec. 13, 2018 SpaceShipTwo flight into space at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. (Virgin Galactic)





Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo pilots Mark Stucky's and Frederick Sturckow's view from space, which earned them FAA Commercial Astronaut wings as awarded on Feb. 7, 2019. (Virgin Galactic)





Virgin Galactic pilots Mark "Forger" Stucky (at left) and Frederick "CJ" Sturckow are joined by company founder Richard Branson following their Dec. 13, 2018 SpaceShipTwo flight into space at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. (Virgin Galactic)





U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao presents Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo pilot Mark "Forger" Stucky with Commercial Astronaut Wings as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation Jeff Rosen (at left) and Sir Richard Branson look on at the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (Virgin Galactic)





U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao presents Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo pilot Frederick "CJ" Sturckow with Commercial Astronaut Wings as Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson look on at the U.S. Department of Transportation on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (Virgin Galactic)



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VANCOUVER and TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - NexTech AR Solutions (the "Company" or "NexTech") (CSE: NTAR) (OTC: NEXCF) (FSE:N29) announced today it has achieved milestone revenue generation for the month of January 2019. The Company reported revenue of $284,000 USD OR $375,000 CDN, its highest monthly result to date.

The Company attributes the strong revenue generation to its successful eCommerce acquisition previously announced in January of this year and looks forward to continued revenue growth. The acquisition of an established eCommerce business provided the Company the opportunity to generate immediate revenue, while also offering a platform to showcase its own patent pending web-enabled augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to key partners and well-known brands.

"We are pleased to reach a record revenue milestone for the month of January and to highlight immediate success from our growth by acquisition strategy," said Evan Gappelberg, CEO of NexTech. "When targeting companies to acquire, we are seeking out opportunities for immediate revenue but also key partnerships and innovative technologies which we can utilize for both our customers and ourselves. He continues "We are actively working to identify additional opportunities to grow our business and provide value to our shareholders, while also building out a powerful and dynamic AR/AI platform which helps online retailers increase customer engagement and boost sales."

The company is continuing to develop its new business pipeline, targeting high-growth verticals such as eCommerce, Education & Training, and Live Streaming & Telepresence, with an initial focus on the global retail eCommerce market, projected to reach $4.8 trillion in 2021. Recent research has shown that 40% of online shoppers would be willing to pay more for a product if they could experience it through AR, while 71% of shoppers indicated they would shop at a brand more often if it offered AR experiences.

NexTech's AR platform for eCommerce provides online retailers with a frictionless 3D shopping experience that empowers shoppers to make purchasing decisions, which ultimately drives conversions and spend, and reduces returns leading to higher ROI. To see how NexTech's AR eCommerce platform works, view our demo site or contact us to learn more.

About NexTech AR Solutions Corp.

NexTech is bringing augmented reality (AR) to the masses by creating an AR ecosystem featuring eCommerce solutions for websites, AR learning and education tools, and AR live streaming for events. With just a few lines of embed code, the Company's patent-pending technology can integrate into existing eCommerce platforms, providing retailers with a highly scalable platform that increases customer engagement and sales. To learn more, please follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit our website: https://www.nextechar.com.

On behalf of the Board of NexTech AR Solutions Corp.

"Evan Gappelberg"

CEO and Director

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "will be", "looking forward" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the Company increasing investors awareness are based on the Company's estimates and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of NexTech to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including capital expenditures and other costs. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. NexTech will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Nextech AR Solutions Corp.

Related Links

www.nextechar.com


WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA invites media to its headquarters in Washington Thursday, Feb. 14, to learn more about agency partnership opportunities with American companies to develop reusable systems that can land astronauts on the Moon.

Events will begin with a media roundtable at 12:30 p.m. EST with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator of the agency's Human Exploration and Operations Missions Directorate, and Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate. The roundtable will be streamed live at www.nasa.gov/live.

At 1:30 p.m., Bridenstine will kick off an industry forum with remarks, followed by Gerstenmaier, who will provide an overview of the agency's lunar human architecture solicitation requests. These remarks will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website, as well as Facebook Live, Twitch TV, YouTube, and Twitter/Periscope.

Media who would like to participate in the roundtable in person or by phone must send a request with their name, affiliation and phone number by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, to Cheryl Warner at [email protected]. The full agenda and registration details for industry representatives are available online.

As the next step under Space Policy Directive-1, NASA will work with industry to study and refine the agency's approach to landing on the Moon. This includes using a system of three separate elements that will provide astronauts transportation, landing and safe return. A key aspect of this proposed approach is to use the Gateway in lunar orbit for journeys to and from the surface of the Moon.

The agency published a solicitation Thursday inviting American companies to discuss specific opportunities within these activities and submit proposals. The first phase of proposals are due March 25, and the agency anticipates making initial partnership selections in May.

NASA will lead an innovative and sustainable program of exploration with commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the solar system and to bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities.

To learn more about the agency's Moon to Mars exploration plans, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/moontomars

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


PLANO, Texas, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Magna5 today announced it will deliver voice and cloud services with VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud to provide optimal voice quality and application performance over WAN networks. The turnkey, cloud-based Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solution will make it easier for branch locations and remote users to more effectively optimize call traffic and delivery of all forms of cloud-based applications, voice and rich media over their WAN branch network traffic without congestion or downtime. Users can enjoy noticeably higher quality voice and application performance.

Many multi-location organizations are still using WAN technologies and private circuits from the 1990s. These private circuits, such as Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), do provide good quality service, yet they are not designed to provide the high-capacity bandwidth or architecture for cloud migration needed in today's bandwidth-intensive workforce environment. To overcome these traditional WAN shortcomings, new enterprise WAN transport solutions are emerging, including the hybrid WAN, which refers to using a mix of public Internet with private circuits. Magna5's SD-WAN solution combines the economies and flexibility of the hybrid WAN with the deployment speed and low maintenance of cloud-based services. This dramatically simplifies the WAN by delivering virtualized services from the cloud to branch offices and mobile users everywhere.

VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud, a powerful branch and edge connectivity platform, combines the economics and flexibility of a real-time network overlay with the deployment speed, scale and automation of cloud-delivered services. With VMware SD-WAN organizations of all sizes, and in any industry, can support application growth, network agility, and simplified branch implementations; and can optimize access to cloud data centers and SaaS applications.

SD-WAN enables multiple links, devices and services to co-exist and interoperate together in the cloud. Using the VMware SD-WAN Orchestrator by VeloCloud, Magna5 will centrally monitor the characteristics and performance of each customer's connections. Also, application performance can be improved by running the Dynamic MultiPath Optimization capability where traffic can be steered on a per packet basis or to remediate links. This way, customers can realize quality voice and critical application performance with no interruptions.

Offered as a Network-as-a-Service, Magna5's SD-WAN solution can manage the routing of multiple types of connections  from traditional MPLS to broadband to the latest wireless technologies. The solution supports multiple types of deployment: Internet-only Cloud SD-WAN, Hybrid Cloud SD-WAN or on-premises Hybrid SD-WAN. All are managed by certified engineers in our 24/7/365 Operations Center.

"We are excited to bring our customers a simplified way to connect their branches using SD-WAN. This gives them a cost-effective way to improve application performance for demanding, real-time voice and video over any transport," said Justin Cameron, Magna5 SVP Managed Services. "Active monitoring and real-time traffic orchestration and remediation enable high-bandwidth availability and faster response for application flow."

The solution is ideal for multi-location organizations with critical voice and data connections, such as medical centers, contact centers and government agencies, as well as large organizations needing high voice and data reliability against blackouts or brownouts.

"We are pleased to be working with Magna5 as it continues to offer its customers the best possible voice and application performance," said Sasha Emmerling, senior director of marketing, VeloCloud business unit, VMware. "With VMware SD-WAN, partners can deliver enterprise-class network performance with full visibility, metrics, control, and automation of all device and user endpoints, and lower overall costs."

To learn more, see Magna5 SD-WAN.

ABOUT MAGNA5

Magna5 delivers network services, unified communications (UC), infrastructure technology and managed services to more than 7,500 mid-market enterprise customers nationwide, including leaders within the education, healthcare, government, financial services and beyond. Magna5 offers voice and data services, as well as a host of "above the net" cloud services and operates a proprietary, secure network designed to leverage diversified carriers and infrastructure in targeted points-of-presence (PoPs) throughout the United States, a key strategy for network reliability. Within the managed services offerings, Magna5 provides security services, data backup, recovery management, hosting services, and IT Consulting from their 24/7/365 fully staffed Operations Center. Headquartered in Plano, TX, Magna5 operates office and network facilities across the country, including Albany, NY; Los Angeles; Pittsburgh; Portland, OR; San Antonio; Seattle, and Troy, NY. Magna5 is NewSpring Holdings' voice and data managed services platform. For more information, visit www.magna5global.com.

VMware, VMware SD-WAN, VMware SD-WAN Orchestrator, and VeloCloud are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions.

Media contact: Amanda Wheeler // [email protected] // 518-268-1787

SOURCE Magna5

Related Links

https://www.magna5global.com


Since the company's inception in 2012, Liquid I.V. had cumulatively donated just over 500,000 servings, but their rapid growth in 2018 allowed them to expand their Giveback Mission at the end of the year. This catapulted their donation numbers to well over a million in January 2019. Their increased pledge comes on the heels of key partnerships including their recent national launch at Costcoan event that furthered their status as the fastest-growing hydration company in the country.

"We've always been rooted in giving back," Cohen said. "That's what drives our team, that's what excites us. So as our growth rapidly expanded in 2018, there was no question that our Giveback Mission would too."

Liquid I.V. works with top humanitarian organization Direct Relief to donate product to places like Honduras, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Armenia, and India. Last year, the company also donated product to Butte County, a community in the U.S. that was devastated by the Northern California wildfires, and to communities in Florida and North Carolina that were affected by hurricanes.

Communities and clinics that have received Liquid I.V. donations have written to Direct Relief to express their gratitude, and to convey the incredible impact the product has had on the health of their patients. "The population [surrounding Hospital Ruth Paz] lives in extreme poverty and, as a consequence, are at a high risk for gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea and dehydration," said one Direct Relief partner in Honduras. "The hospital sees multiple patients a day with these conditions, mostly children, and the Liquid I.V. rehydration solutions are of great help in treating them."

The company is preparing for another Giveback Mission trip in 2019 to get their feet on the ground and further connect with communities where people are benefiting from their product.

Liquid I.V. is set to donate over 2 million sticks by the end of 2019.

About Liquid I.V.

Liquid I.V. is a health-science nutrition and wellness company based out of El Segundo, CA, created to fuel life's adventures. The product line is great tasting, non-GMO, made in the USA, and utilizes Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) to deliver hydration and other key nutrients rapidly into the bloodstream  helping consumers feel better, faster. For more information, please visit www.liquid-iv.com .

Media Contact:

Glenn Rich

[email protected]

SOURCE Liquid I.V.

Related Links

https://www.liquid-iv.com


KELOWNA, BC, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - Liht Cannabis Corp. (CSE: LIHT) (OTCQX: LIHTF) or the "Company") is pleased to announce, further to news releases dated June 25, 2018, August 21, 2018 and September 26, 2018, the Company has entered into a development agreement (the "Development Agreement") dated January 30, 2019 with 1186626 B.C. Ltd., a private British Columbia corporation for its project in Celista, British Columbia.

The Development Agreement with 1186626 B.C. Ltd., provides Liht with C$10,000,000 of non-dilutive financing to build-out operations in British Columbia. Funding will be provided in tranches over a two-year period based on certain development and production milestones. The Company is not selling an interest in the Celista project.

The Company has agreed to, over time, pay back the capital contributions, plus interest at a rate of prime plus 5% and 50% of the potential distributable cash from the Celista cannabis operations, if any, for three (3) years after the date that all ten (10) facilities (each 10,000 square feet) are concurrently in full production and fully operational. The estimated timeline to complete the construction of all ten (10 facilities) is conservatively two (2) years at an approximate cost of C$2,500,000 per facility.

The first two (2) 10,000 sq. ft buildings continue to meet early construction milestones.

Building 1

HVAC, plumbing, electrical and security installations are in progress. All equipment installation will be complete in approximately six (6) weeks.

Building 2

Design and construction of the foundation is complete. Erection of the pre-fabricated structure has begun. The building will be complete to lock-up in approximately six (6) weeks.

Construction progress can be viewed at www.lihtcannabis.com

The remaining eight (8) buildings will be constructed with non-concrete base foundations. The Company anticipates completion to full build-out prior to the estimated two (2) year construction schedule.

Further to our news release dated January 17, 2019, Liht's wholly-owned subsidiary, Full Spectrum Medicinals ("FSM"), has secured the exclusive rights to the S5 Agro Technology Suite (the "S5-ATS") proprietary technology. This includes Quick Response Holographic Labeling System, Agro-View, Agrowavetech, Agro-Array. The S5-ATS instruments are so advanced that they have the potential to revolutionize a new standard in agricultural analysis allowing crop insurance to be secured.

Liht will use this technology in all of its cultivation facilities in Canada.

"This opportunity, supported by our propriety cultivation technology, positions us to take full advantage of the organic market once licensed and certified." Linda Sampson, President & COO

ABOUT LIHT CANNABIS CORP.

www.lihtcannabis.com

Liht Cannabis Corp. is a publicly traded company investing in the medical and recreational cannabis space, since 2014. Liht has rapidly expanded to include cultivation, production and dispensary locations in the key North American states of Washington, Nevada, and California, and are seeking expansion opportunities worldwide.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

twitter.com

facebook.com

STOCK EXCHANGES:

Liht trades in Canada, ticker symbol LIHT on the CSE, in the United States, ticker symbol LIHTF on the OTCQX.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider, nor the OTCQX has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE 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.

Liht 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 Liht's ability to access private and public capital could be affected and or could not be available to support continuing operations.

Liht's business is conducted in a manner consistent with state law and is in compliance with licensing requirements.

Liht 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 in this release are forward-looking statements, which includes, the financing under the Development Agreement, the build-out of the Celista project (including the ten facilities), the expected outcomes of its business, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. Forward-looking statement are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, present and future business strategies, the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events, level of activity, performance or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: that laws and regulations may become more onerous; the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing; the economy generally; the future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospectus and opportunities; changes in and the effect of government policies; demand for products; competition; anticipated and unanticipated costs; reliance on management; claims and legal proceedings; conflicts of interest; and market price and volatility of the common shares. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants, technology failures, failure to obtain a license from Health Canada or from other government agencies, failure to develop new and innovative products, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, fees charged by service providers, litigation, changes in laws, competition, and an increase in operating and constructions costs. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, nor approved the contents of this news release.

SOURCE Liht Cannabis Corporation

Related Links

https://lihtcannabis.com/


NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- HiberCell, a biotechnology company developing therapeutics focused on preventing cancer relapse and metastasis, launched today with $60.75M in Series A funding led by ARCH Venture Partners. HiberCell is the first company exclusively focused on tumor dormancy detection and therapeutics.

Most patients who succumb to cancer do so because of metastatic cancer. Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that cancer recurrence is driven by dormant disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) that persist undetected in the body for prolonged periods of time. In approaching cancer as a systemic disease, the company seeks to detect and therapeutically target the 'Achilles heel' of patient DTCs to prevent or delay metastasis. The company is developing first-in-class therapeutics targeting DTCs originating from solid and liquid cancers.

"HiberCell is the foundational tumor dormancy company," said Alan Rigby, Ph.D., co-founder, president and chief scientific officer. "We know that dormant disseminated tumor cells are critical drivers of cancer metastasis. In translating this biology into the clinic, our work will be focused on further defining the characteristic genetics and transcriptomics of dormant disseminated tumor cells and charting a course to leverage our dormancy therapies to improve patient outcomes and survival. We believe that this approach provides a differentiated opportunity to change the paradigm of cancer treatment."

"While we have made great strides in treating primary tumors, the unfortunate and painful truth is that relapsed or metastatic cancer still claims the lives of most people with cancer, even when their primary tumor has been successfully treated," said Julio Aguirre-Ghiso, Ph.D., HiberCell's scientific founder and professor of Medicine (Hematology and Medical Oncology), director of Head and Neck Cancer Basic Research and Solid Tumor and Metastasis Research and co-leader of the Cancer Mechanisms Program at The Tisch Cancer Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "HiberCell will build on the foundational biology that is in place by focusing on novel tools to better detect, isolate and annotate the survival mechanisms in these dormant disseminated tumor cells. By targeting these mechanisms with therapeutics, we believe it is possible to extend disease-free intervals and improve the chance of survival through lower rates of relapse and metastasis."

"We're launching HiberCell at an exciting time for cancer treatments," said Ari Nowacek, principal at ARCH Venture Partners. "Recent advances in cancer treatment that take advantage of a patient's immune system are providing prolonged survival advantages to patients, but cancer metastasis represents a significant unmet medical need across the cancer landscape."

In addition to backing from ARCH Venture Partners, investors include Hillhouse Capital, 6 Dimensions Capital, Celgene Corporation, the NYC Life Sciences Fund and undisclosed institutional investors, family offices and private individuals.

HiberCell represents a significant investment by the NYC Life Sciences Fund. Established by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the Fund is at the forefront of initiatives designed to champion New York City's early-stage life sciences ecosystem. Separately, Dr. Aguirre-Ghiso received the 2016 BioAccelerate Prize for work that has been licensed by HiberCell. The Prize is awarded by the Partnership Fund for New York City to provide funding for the commercialization of research at New York academic institutions.

"HiberCell exemplifies the high caliber innovation that New York's life sciences ecosystem can support and foster," said James Patchett, president and CEO of NYCEDC. "The HiberCell team has the scientific and financial backing needed to advance cutting-edge science and make a meaningful difference in cancer patients' lives. NYCEDC is proud to foster that kind of work here in New York City."

"HiberCell is slated to be one of the more prominent academic new ventures in New York City this year, and demonstrates Mount Sinai's commitment to developing innovative therapies," said Erik Lium, Ph.D., executive vice president of Mount Sinai Innovation Partners. "This groundbreaking partnership between HiberCell's leadership team, Mount Sinai, ARCH Venture Partners, the NYCEDC and other prominent investor groups seeks to bring novel therapies to the fight against cancer."

HiberCell will occupy state-of-the-art lab and office space in The Hudson Research Center, a partnership between Taconic Investment Partners and Silverstein Properties located at 619 West 54th Street.

Leadership Team

HiberCell's rapidly expanding, multidisciplinary team consists of world-class cancer scientists, venture capitalists and drug developers who are leaders within their respective fields. At launch, Alan Rigby, Ph.D., will lead the company as president and chief scientific officer. Ari Nowacek, Ph.D., M.D., principal at ARCH Venture Partners, will serve as vice president of operations and business development, and Mark Mulvihill, Ph.D., will serve as vice president of chemistry and drug discovery.

Board of Directors

Steven Gillis , Ph.D., chairman of the board at HiberCell, managing director at ARCH Venture Partners

, Ph.D., chairman of the board at HiberCell, managing director at ARCH Venture Partners Alan Rigby , Ph.D., president and chief scientific officer at HiberCell

, Ph.D., president and chief scientific officer at HiberCell Ari Nowacek , M.D., Ph.D., principal at ARCH Venture Partners & vice president, operations and business development at HiberCell

, M.D., Ph.D., principal at ARCH Venture Partners & vice president, operations and business development at HiberCell Kevin Heyeck , Ph.D., venture partner at 6 Dimensions Capital

, Ph.D., venture partner at 6 Dimensions Capital Michael Yi , Ph.D., partner at Hillhouse Capital

Scientific Advisory Board

Julio Aguirre-Ghiso , Ph.D., director of Solid Tumor and Metastasis Research, director of Head and Neck Cancer Basic Research, co-leader of the Cancer Mechanisms Program and professor of Oncological Sciences, Otolaryngology, and Medicine (Hematology and Medical Oncology) at The Tisch Cancer Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine

, Ph.D., director of Solid Tumor and Metastasis Research, director of Head and Neck Cancer Basic Research, co-leader of the Cancer Mechanisms Program and professor of Oncological Sciences, Otolaryngology, and Medicine (Hematology and Medical Oncology) at The Tisch Cancer Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine Christoph Klein , M.D., Ph.D., head of the Department of Experimental Medicine and Therapy Research at the University of Regensburg, head of Personalized Tumor Therapy, a division of Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM)

, M.D., Ph.D., head of the Department of Experimental Medicine and Therapy Research at the University of Regensburg, head of Personalized Tumor Therapy, a division of Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM) Ruggero De Maria , M.D., professor and director of the Institute of General Pathology at the Catholic University of Rome , president of the Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine in Turin, Italy and president of the Italian Alliance Against Cancer network

About HiberCell

HiberCell is the first company exclusively focused on tumor dormancy detection and therapeutics. The company is developing first-in-class therapeutics that target dormant disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) from solid and liquid cancers, with the ultimate goal of preventing cancer relapse and metastasis. For more information, please visit http://www.HiberCell.com.

Media Contact

Danielle Cantey

Glover Park Group

[email protected]

(202) 295-0155

SOURCE HiberCell
WE ARE CREATORS  the first video in the series  launched today and features hip hop artist A$AP Ferg; fashion designer Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss; DJ and son of Jam Master Jay, TJ Mizell; and vintage designer Sami Miro. The five-minute video brings viewers into a candid conversation about the importance of art as a platform of expression, and how each artist uses their medium to push the limits of potential.

"I have always challenged myself to give 100% in everything that I do  to always strive and prosper  to never settle," says artist and hip-hop visionary A$AP Ferg. "I am excited to work alongside Hennessy to inspire a rising generation of talent to do the same."

In addition to the debut WE ARE CREATORS video, Hennessy will release additional content throughout February celebrating other influential voices of today.

WE ARE PROUD: Producer and performer George Twopointoh, education advocate Lincoln Stephens , and founder of TheBlackManCan, Inc. Brandon Frame discuss the importance of family and how they push the limits of their own potential

Producer and performer George Twopointoh, education advocate , and founder of TheBlackManCan, Inc. discuss the importance of family and how they push the limits of their own potential WE ARE DISRUPTORS: Musician Kenneth Whalum , co-founder of LISNR Rodney Williams, celebrity wardrobe stylist Rachel Johnson and co-founder of Driven Society Travis Weekes discuss how their individual efforts and organizations are aiding in economic equality and education within the African American community

Musician , co-founder of LISNR Rodney Williams, celebrity wardrobe stylist and co-founder of Driven Society Travis Weekes discuss how their individual efforts and organizations are aiding in economic equality and education within the African American community WE ARE AMBITIOUS: The series will culminate later this month during an intimate event in NYC where select participants will come together for a live discussion that puts a spotlight on the importance of ambition in building an enduring legacy

Hennessy has a long history of supporting the African American community in the United States, dating back to the late 1800s. William Jay Schieffelin, the visionary behind stateside marketing for the Cognac brand at the turn of the century, pushed the brand into unchartered territory with a formal partnership with a highly regarded Historically Black College and University. In 1909, Hennessy became the first corporate sponsor of one of the most pivotal civil rights organizations and, years later, became among the first advertisers in two of the world's most prominent African American publications. More recently, in 2012, Hennessy launched its "Wild Rabbit" campaign designed to inspire and celebrate those who "Never stop. Never settle." Over the years, faces of the campaign have included several cultural luminaries such as Nas, and, most recently, world champion cyclist, Marshall "Major" Taylor.

Hennessy invites consumers to toast to their continued "Never stop. Never settle." journeys with the Hennessy V.S Ginger cocktail.

Ingredients

1  oz. Hennessy V.S



3  oz. ginger ale

oz. ginger ale

Lime wedge



Ginger slices

Method

Pour Hennessy V.S into highball glass, add cubed ice and top with ginger ale. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh slices of ginger.

For more information and to watch the content series, visit Hennessy.com or YouTube.com/HennessyUS, Facebook.com/Hennessy or Instagram.com/hennessyus.

ABOUT HENENSSY

In 2019, the Maison Hennessy celebrates over two and half centuries of an exceptional adventure that has linked two families, the Hennessys and the Fillioux, for seven generations and spanned five continents. It began in the French region of Cognac, the seat from which the Maison has constantly passed down the best the land has to give, from one generation to the next. In particular, such longevity is thanks to those people, past and present, who have ensured Hennessy's success both locally and around the world. Hennessy's success and longevity are also the result of the values the Maison has upheld since its creation: unique savoir-faire, a constant quest for innovation, and an unwavering commitment to Creation, Excellence, Legacy, and Sustainable Development. Today, these qualities are the hallmark of a House  a crown jewel in the LVMH Group  that crafts iconic and prestigious Cognacs.

Hennessy is imported and distributed in the U.S. by Moet Hennessy USA. Hennessy distills, ages and blends spanning a full range: Hennessy V.S, Hennessy Black, V.S.O.P Privilege, X.O, Paradis, Paradis Imperial and Richard Hennessy. For more information and where to purchase/ engrave, please visit Hennessy.com.

SOURCE Hennessy
MEXICO CITY and GREENWICH, Conn., Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo MYT, one of the largest portfolios of fully owned restaurant brands in Mexico, today announced that it has received a significant strategic investment from the Latin America fund of L Catterton, the largest and most global consumer-focused private equity firm. L Catterton's investment will be used to support and accelerate Grupo MYT's expansion and growth throughout Mexico. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2003 by brothers, Carlos, Andres and Alfredo Mier y Teran, Grupo MYT designs, builds and operates restaurant models for the casual food segment in Mexico. Through its collaborative culture, Grupo MYT offers unique restaurant experiences built around excellent food, friendly and attentive service, distinctive architecture and innovative branding concepts. Grupo MYT's distinct portfolio includes Moshi Moshi, an innovative Japanese casual dining restaurant; La Imperial, a polished casual Mexican restaurant and cantina; Cocina Abierta, a full-service multi-genre food hall; and La Crepe Parisienne, a kiosk format offering freshly made sweet and savory crepes and coffee bar.

"This partnership recognizes the tremendous efforts and hard work of the Grupo MYT team and demonstrates the high growth potential of our distinctive restaurant concepts," said Carlos Mier y Teran, Chief Executive Officer of Grupo MYT. "With global resources and a local focus, L Catterton has a deep understanding of the Latin American consumer. Their team brings unparalleled expertise in the restaurant space, and with their support, we look forward to further enhancing the culinary experience for our customers, growing our operations, continuing to build and grow our brands in Mexico and expanding our talented team at all levels."

"Grupo MYT offers unique casual dining experiences with broad consumer appeal," said Julio Babecki, Managing Partner, L Catterton Latin America. "With a proven track record of creating, developing and successfully operating experiential restaurant concepts, Grupo MYT is poised for continued success in Mexico's growing casual dining category. We are delighted to partner with Carlos, Andres, Alfredo and Grupo MYT's growing team to accelerate their expansion and bring new and innovative restaurant concepts to life."

"With an impressive portfolio of restaurant concepts focused on the most relevant and fastest-growing cuisine genres in Mexico, Grupo MYT is ideally positioned for continued growth," said Farah Khan, Partner, L Catterton Latin America. "We look forward to partnering with Grupo MYT's talented management team to capitalize on the brand's significant white space growth opportunity in the years to come."

L Catterton has significant experience investing globally in the restaurant sector, including investments in P.F. Chang's, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, Chopt Creative Salad Company, Hopdoddy, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, PIADA, First Watch and Velvet Taco. In Latin America, current investments include Cholula, Luigi Bosca, St. Marche, Rapsodia, Femme  Laboratorio da Mulher, Espacolaser, and Bodytech.

About L Catterton

With over $15 billion of equity capital across six fund strategies in 17 offices globally, L Catterton is the largest consumer-focused private equity firm. L Catterton's team of more than 150 investment and operating professionals partners with management teams around the world to implement strategic plans to foster growth, leveraging deep category insight, operational excellence, and a broad thought partnership network. Since 1989, the firm has made over 200 investments in leading consumer brands. L Catterton was formed through the partnership of Catterton, LVMH and Groupe Arnault. For more information about L Catterton, please visit lcatterton.com.

About Grupo MYT

Grupo MYT designs, builds and operates innovative, fun and scalable casual restaurant brands in Mexico. The company currently operates 36 units across four different concepts, each curated and managed by a multidisciplinary team of nearly one thousand talented, passionate, and impact-driven individuals focused on executing a superior level of hospitality and service. The company's casual dining brands include: Moshi Moshi, an innovative Japanese casual dining restaurant; La Imperial, a polished casual Mexican restaurant and cantina; Cocina Abierta, a full-service multi-genre food hall; and La Crepe Parisiene, a kiosk concept offering freshly made sweet and savory crepes and coffee. Grupo MYT was founded by brothers Carlos, Andres and Alfredo Mier y Teran in 2003 and is headquartered in Mexico City. For more information about Grupo MYT, please visit www.grupomyt.com.

Media Contacts:

L Catterton

Andi Rose / Julie Oakes / Kate Clark

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

212-355-4449

Grupo MYT

Jorge Moreno / Sebastian Celada

Wish&Co

[email protected]

52 1 55 3676-5979

SOURCE L Catterton

Related Links

http://www.lcatterton.com


WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Dole Packaged Foods, LLC, a premier provider of fruit products including shelf stable fruit, dried fruit, frozen fruit and juice, announced today another successful annual delivery of 1.5 million pounds of sunshine nationwide. With its "Let Sunshine In, Drive Hunger Out" campaign, the company helped hundreds of underserved communities provide nutritious high-quality food for their families.

Dole Packaged Foods is dedicated to hunger relief and stocking food banks across the country with more sunshine where it's needed most. More than 46 million Americans, including 12 million children and 7 million seniors, rely on food pantries and meal programs to feed themselves and their families.1 Of those U.S. households receiving hunger relief assistance, 79 percent report purchasing inexpensive and unhealthy food to feed their families. Dole Packaged Foods is on a mission to combat the rampant food insecurity issues in underserved communities by supporting the concept of culinary dignity  the right of every family to have access to high-quality, nutritious foods regardless of where they shop for groceries.

"At Dole, we believe every day deserves more sunshine. But for millions of families, that sunshine is dimmed by the impacts of hunger," said Stan Stuka, Senior Director of Marketing, Dole Packaged Foods. "Food insecurity has affected communities throughout America for generations, and the concept of culinary dignity is Dole's way of going one step further to eliminate the stigma many families and individuals may feel when they turn to community resources to help make ends meet during their times of need. Our goal with culinary dignity is to instill a sense of pride among food bank patrons around the high-quality, nutritious ingredients and products they bring home to their families."

Dole Packaged Foods is committed to changing the discussion around food insecurity and culinary dignity. To inspire new and easy ways to incorporate more sunshine into everyone's kitchen, the company will continue to donate packaged fruit and will also share recipe booklets with food banks across the country. For more details on how to create accessible, on-trend recipes using ingredients and products found at food banks, visit DoleSunshine.com/HungerRelief.

About Dole Packaged Foods, LLC

Dole Packaged Foods, LLC is a world leader in growing, sourcing, distributing and marketing fruit and healthy snacks. Dole sells a full-line of packaged ambient fruit, frozen fruit, dried fruit, and juices. The company focuses on four pillars of sustainability: water management, carbon footprint, soil conservation and waste reduction. For more information please visit DoleSunshine.com or Doleintlcsr.com.

1 Feeding America, "Hunger in America 2014 National Report," http://help.feedingamerica.org/HungerInAmerica/hunger-in-america-2014-full-report.pdf?s_src=W191DIRCT&s_subsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.feedingamerica.org%2Fresearch%2Fhunger-in-america&_ga=2.112327748.177917153.1548285852-769749368.1548285852

SOURCE Dole Packaged Foods, LLC

Related Links

https://dolesunshine.com/


NOVI, Mich. and KOTZ, Germany and MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- DexKo Global Inc., a global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear and chassis assemblies and related components, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to acquire Preston Chassis Industries Pty Ltd. ("PCI") through its wholly-owned Australian subsidiary AL-KO International Pty Ltd. ("AL-KO").

PCI has a long history in the Australian caravan industry, supplying high quality chassis for over 40 years under the direction of its founders, Fernando "Fred" Pasquale and Orazio "Ozzie" Mammola. PCI manufactures chassis and other products from multiple facilities in Campbellfield, Victoria, and has earned a well-regarded reputation in the industry for its high-quality products and leading customer service. Fred and Ozzie sought a strategic buyer who would continue their legacy and continue to grow the business upon their retirement.

Fred Bentley, CEO at DexKo Global, said: "We are pleased that PCI will become part of DexKo Global. PCI has built an impressive legacy based on its commitment to provide high quality products to its loyal customers reliably. We look forward to building upon PCI's success by offering existing and new customers more complete and innovative running gear solutions. This acquisition brings us closer to delivering our DexKo 2020 plan by growing the product offerings available to our customers."

"As a long-time business partner & supplier, AL-KO, as part of DexKo Global, understands and values what is special about the PCI business and has the ambition and expertise to build upon our reputation and drive the business further," said Founder Fred Pasquale. "I know that our customers will be in excellent hands."

"PCI has established a remarkable reputation in the caravan industry over the last several decades," said Harald Hiller, global President and CEO of AL-KO Vehicle Technology, who also emphasized the benefits for mutual and new customers "Adding PCI to our Australian business allows AL-KO to offer our collective customers a broad portfolio of products and systems to meet their quality and service requirements."

"I am excited by the opportunity to integrate PCI into the DexKo organisation," said AL-KO's Australian Managing Director Peter Mannfolk. "I look forward to the already successful PCI business continuing to service customers, whilst adding the additional support of AL-KO in Australia and the global chassis manufacturing expertise of the DexKo group to take chassis manufacturing in Australia to new heights."

Financial details concerning the deal will not be disclosed. The transaction is subject to standard conditions and regulatory approval.

DexKo Global is a portfolio company of KPS Capital Partners, LP ("KPS"). KPS is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $5.4 billion of assets under management.

KPS Capital Partners, LP

KPS is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $5.4 billion of assets under management. For over two decades, the Partners of KPS have worked exclusively to realize significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, including basic materials, branded consumer, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment and general manufacturing. KPS creates value for its investors by working constructively with talented management teams to make businesses better, and generates investment returns by structurally improving the strategic position, competitiveness and profitability of its portfolio companies, rather than primarily relying on financial leverage. The KPS Funds' portfolio companies have aggregate annual revenues of approximately $5.5 billion, operate 110 manufacturing facilities in 27 countries, and have nearly 21,000 employees, directly and through joint ventures worldwide. The KPS investment strategy and portfolio companies are described in detail at www.kpsfund.com.

DexKo Global Inc.

DexKo Global is the world's leading supplier of advanced chassis technology, chassis assemblies and related components with more than 130 years of experience in trailer and caravan components. DexKo Global was founded at the end of 2015 through the combination of Dexter and AL-KO Vehicle Technology. With its headquarters in Novi, Michigan, the company employs more than 5,000 associates with 42 production facilities and 22 distribution centers. DexKo Global Inc. has a turnover of more than US$ 1.5 billion.

ALOIS KOBER GMBH

Founded in 1931, AL-KO Vehicle Technology is now a global technology company with sites in Europe, South America, Asia and Australia. A supplier of high quality chassis components for trailers, leisure vehicles and light commercial vehicles, AL-KO is synonymous with ergonomic and functional excellence, superb comfort as well as innovations to enhance road safety. The company specialises in sophisticated innovation processes and has received many awards for this. ALOIS KOBER GMBH is a wholly owned subsidiary of DexKo Global, Inc., a portfolio company of KPS Capital Partners, LP.

Thomas Lutzel

Corporate Communication

Fon +49 8221 97-8239

Mobil +49 170 9252099

[email protected]

ALOIS KOBER GmbH

Ichenhauser Strae 14

89359 Kotz

www.alko-tech.com

SOURCE DexKo Global Inc.
NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than three decades, American Skin Association (ASA) and its affiliates have funded more than $50 million in grants to address the causes and treatments of melanoma, vitiligo, and psoriasis, as well as other skin diseases, and to search for much-needed cures. Today, ASA continues its tradition of awarding significant research grants by funding 18 promising new grants for 2019.

This year, the much sought-after ASA Milstein Research Scholar Award for Melanoma/Non-melanoma Skin Cancer has been awarded to Neda Nikbakht, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for her research on Genomic Profiling of Early Stage Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma.

ASA renewed its commitment to Roger Lo, MD, PhD of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Lo is midway through his work on a three-year award of the Abby S. and Howard P. Milstein Innovation Award for Melanoma/Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Research (MIA). The grant of $750,000 was initially funded in 2018 and focuses on the field of cancer genetics and genomics, using next generation sequencing approaches to uncover the basis of resistance to both molecularly targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

These grants were made possible through the generosity of the Milstein Family. Howard P. Milstein, Chairman of ASA, and his family are devoted to funding vital dermatological research in an effort to discover cures for skin cancers and diseases.

"We are proud to continue our funding of crucial research through ASA. Although the skin is our largest and perhaps most vulnerable organ, dermatological research remains one of the most underfunded areas of medicine," said Mr. Milstein. "Through these grants we improve the chances of finding cures and bring hope to those suffering from devastating skin diseases."

Dr. Roger Lo, the MIA awardee, said, "I am very grateful for the continued generosity of Howard Milstein and his family. My lab is conducting patient-oriented melanoma research, the knowledge from which we will be able to use to directly impact patient management and care. This would not be possible without the support of individuals like Mr. Milstein."

ASA's Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) is comprised of leading physicians and scientists who oversee the annual grant review and award process. Through MAC's leadership, ASA's grant program has supported the work of nearly 300 investigators, ranging from talented young researchers in the early phases of their careers to recognized leaders in the field of dermatology.

ASA President and Co-Chair of its MAC, Dr. David A. Norris, added, "We have a wonderful group of grant awardees this year. ASA's Medical Advisory Committee is excited for the future findings of these important studies."

ASA provides significant special research awards to established investigators and medical students studying melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer and skin diseases. Through these grants, ASA has promoted the early careers of many gifted young investigators and has had a profound impact both on dermatology research and clinical care of dermatologic disease. In particular, ASA-funded researchers have had a broad impact on melanoma research, improving our understanding of its diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. With an exclusive focus on skin disease research, ASA has helped open new frontiers in skin science, producing results that can change how we understand and treat skin disease.

The following are the recipients of the 2019 MIA, ASA Research Scholar Awards, Research Grants, and Medical Student Grants:

Abby S. and Howard P. Milstein Innovation Award for Melanoma/Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Research (MIA)

Roger Lo, MD, PhD (2018-2020)

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Epigenetic and Immunologic Basis of Melanoma Initiation and Progression

ASA Milstein Research Scholar Award in Melanoma/Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Neda Nikbakht, MD, PhD

Thomas Jefferson University

Genomic Profiling of Early Stage Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma

Daneen & Charles Stiefel Investigative Scientist Award for Melanoma Research

Willy Hugo, PhD

The Regents of the University of California, Los Angeles

Single-Cell Analysis of Gene Networks Driving Immunotherapy Resistance in Melanoma



Hao Chang, PhD

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Dual Role of Frizzled 7 in Melanoma Development and Progression

ASA Calder Research Scholar Award Vitiligo/Pigment Cell Disorders

John Harris, MD, PhD

University of Massachusetts, Worcester

CCL5  Induced Clustering of T cells Modulates Vitiligo Progression

ASA Research Scholar Award

Xiying Fan, PhD

University of Colorado Denver

A Novel Mouse Model for Visualizing Cancer Development and Immune Evasion

ASA Research Grant for Skin Cancer and Melanoma

Markus Schober, PhD

New York University School of Medicine

Defining AMIGO2 Function in Chemotherapy Resistance and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression

ASA Research Grant for Vitiligo and Pigment Cell Disorders

Rupali Gund, PhD

Columbia University Medical Center

Role of Syntaxin17 in Melanosome Maturation and Alopecia Areata Pathogenesis

ASA Research Grant for Psoriasis/Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Sarah Whitley, MD, PhD

University of Pittsburgh

IL-23 Regulates Cutaneous Resident Memory T Cell Development

ASA Research Grant for Quality of Life/Health Services/Outcome Studies

Rebecca Hartman, MD, MPH

Brigham and Women's Hospital

The Role of Inflammation in Melanoma Risk  Does Sex Matter?

ASA Research Grant for Childhood Skin Diseases/Disfigurement

Elena Bernardis, PhD

University of Pennsylvania

Quantifying Alopecia Variations from Images via Artificial Intelligence

ASA Hambrick Medical Student Grants Targeting Melanoma and Skin Cancer

Zizi Yu

Harvard Medical School

Characterizing the Role of Mast Cells in the Inflammatory Synapse of Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma

Jamie Hu

Yale School of Medicine

Biodegradable Bioadhesive Nanoparticle (BNP) Drug Delivery in the Treatment of SCC

Jihoon Lee

University of Washington

CRISPR-Cas9-Based Epigenome Editing to Inhibit Skin Cancer

Kristina Navrazhina

Weill Cornell Medicine

The Role of AMPK Signaling in Melanoma Metastasis



Alicia Mizes

University of Pittsburgh

Novel Intratumoral Delivery of Chemotherapeutics for the Immunotherapy of Cutaneous Neoplasms

Catherine Baker

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing for Cutaneous Oncoviruses

Kevin Yang

University of Alabama at Birmingham

The Role of STING Agonists in UVB-Induced DNA Damage

ABOUT AMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION

A unique collaboration of patients, families, advocates, physicians and scientists, ASA has evolved over thirty-two years as a leading force in efforts to defeat melanoma, skin cancer and other skin diseases. Established to serve the now more than 100 million Americans  one third of the U.S. population  afflicted with skin disorders, the organization's mission remains to: advance research, champion skin health particularly among children, and drive public awareness about skin disease. For more information, visit americanskin.org.

American Skin Association is a 4-Star Charity Navigator rated foundation.

SOURCE American Skin Association

Related Links

http://www.americanskin.org


First of a kind fintech partnership for Tbank in corporate space

Digitalized supply chain provides improved liquidity for SMEs

Mr. Anuwat Luengtawekul EVP, Chief Retail & Small Business Banking, said, "It is our strategic direction to enhance our digital technology capability to deliver a better customer experience. The new Value Chain Financing Program will digitalize the traditional supply chain process and revolutionize SME access to finance."



(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818540/TBank_and_Beehive_Partnership.jpg )



SMEs can experience challenges trying to find finance fast enough to maintain good working capital and ensure continued growth. The partnership with Beehive Asia, part of the global Beehive fintech group, will offer enhanced digital financial solutions to SMEs looking to improve liquidity through Invoice Finance. Beehive, a fintech pioneer, has considerable experience developing digital finance products for SMEs.

"We look forward to co-operating with Sponsors (large and medium corporates) who have creditworthy SME suppliers that can access loans through the Value Chain Financing Program. This product is unsecured lending, low interest, maximum 90% of invoice value and has no-front end fee. It is also available for businesses that are not currently Tbank customers.

"This is an exciting opportunity to combine synergies. Uniting Thanachart brand awareness with Beehive's innovative fintech capabilities, the Value Chain Financing Program will bring greater efficiency and value to customers and put Tbank at the forefront of Thailand's 4.0 digital economy," Mr. Anuwat Luengtawekul added.

Mr. Justin Wright, Beehive's Head of Asia, said:

"The Value Chain Financing Program offers significant potential for Tbank to strengthen their SME product portfolio. We look forward to a strong collaboration with a view to further expansion of the partnership in the future."

About Thanachart Bank:lssss

Thanachart Bank Public Company Limited (TBANK) is Thailand's sixth-largest bank by assets size and the country's leading automobile lender. With more than 500 branches nationwide, Thanachart Bank offers a full range of financial services to over 4 million customers including Retail, Hire Purchase, Corporate and SME banking, Insurance, Life Assurance, Securities Brokerage and Fund Management. As of Mar 31, 2017, Thanachart Bank's total assets exceeded 1 trillion baht.

About Beehive Asia:

Beehive Asia, part of the global Beehive fintech group, is a digital platform providing smarter finance solutions to businesses, financial institutions and investors. Combining financial market experience with technology innovation, we accelerate efficiency and functionality to deliver new financial solutions to market.

SOURCE Beehive Asia (Beehive P2P Ltd.)
A 27-year-old Zimbabwean man almost died fasting for a Lamborghini A young man in Zimbabwe almost died after fasting for 33 days and 33 nights for

Ghana to establish cocoa processing plant in Rwanda Ghana is collaborating to establish a chocolate production plant in Rwanda to
South Africa gems that sparked rush are quartz not diamonds The South African government says that stones found in a village last month are

EU to lift restrictions on Burundi The European Union is in the process of removing financial restrictions on
A 27-year-old Zimbabwean man almost died fasting for a Lamborghini A young man in Zimbabwe almost died after fasting for 33 days and 33 nights for

Euro 2020: Denmark crush Russia to join Belgium in round 16 Denmark produced a scintillating performance to book a spot in the last 16 of

EU to lift restrictions on Burundi The European Union is in the process of removing financial restrictions on
Judiciary not above criticism  NDC tells CJ, stands with Dr Ayine The NDC has jumped to the defense of Dr Ayine after the Chief Justice seeks to

South Africa gems that sparked rush are quartz not diamonds The South African government says that stones found in a village last month are

Euro 2020: Denmark crush Russia to join Belgium in round 16 Denmark produced a scintillating performance to book a spot in the last 16 of
The family of Francis E. Carter will receive guests from 11 a.m. to 12 Noon, Thursday, June 24, 2021, at St. Joseph's Church in Dannemora. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Noon. Burial will follow with military honors provided by the U.S. Marine Corps in the parish cemetery. 
Now that COVID-19 cases are declining and the majority of Minnesotans have received vaccinations, what activities are you most looking forward to resuming this summer?

You voted:
And it was an emotional moment when the woman who became a minister while incarcerated for life on a drug charge, then was pardoned by Trump, stood up with tears in her eyes, he said.

That reminded everyone, regardless of whether you like the president or dislike the president, that this is a great place, we do extraordinary things, said Van Drew.

He was happy to see Democrats get up on their feet to applaud.

I always do, said Van Drew of applauding leaders from the other party. Some fellow Democrats would get aggravated with him, he said, in the state Senate when former Republican Gov. Chris Christie would say something in the State of the State address, and Van Drew would stand up and applaud.

Congress and the president now have a second chance to work together and avoid another government shutdown, said Van Drew.

I have always said that bipartisanship is the only way to move our country forward and get past the political gridlock, said Van Drew. You could feel the energy from both sides of the aisle. I hope our government can carry that energy forward to work together on the issues that face our country.

He said the recent 35-day shutdown was a low point for the country.
Some of the reasons companies want to refuse cash are not beneficial to the public. It would let them eliminate some jobs. They could track customers and their purchases, market to them and even sell information about them to others. They could push consumers to spend more, which some studies have shown theyre more likely to do when paying with cards than with cash.

The credit card companies would love a world in which everyone had to use their cards and pay them a big fee  about 2 percent of each purchase  so theyre pushing for cashless stores too and lobbying against protecting consumer using cash.

So far, the corporations are winning on this issue. New Jersey would become only the second state to prohibit retailers from refusing cash from customers paying in person. Massachusetts had the foresight to do so 40 years ago.

New Jerseys law would fine cash-banning businesses up to $2,500 for the first offense and $5,000 for the second. It would be considered an unlawful practice under the states Consumer Fraud Act.

Frankly, this consumer protection shouldnt be a problem for the overwhelming majority of businesses. Theyre glad to have customers however they wish to pay.
Whatever overflow they have, we can handle. Its not a problem at all. Glad to help, he said Thursday.

The future of Sister Jeans remains unknown. Officials from the state, city and the kitchen met Wednesday to discuss solutions.

There are plans to move forward with the discussions with the city administration and (with) the DCA looking over our shoulder, said the Rev. John Scotland, executive director of the nonprofit that operates Sister Jeans, adding a promise was made to find a long-term home and to work out a temporary solution. We have more meetings to do.

Bill Southrey, a board member for Friends of Sister Jean Webster Inc. and former director of the Rescue Mission, said many of those who used the nonprofits services are from the city. Because of that, Southrey believes city officials will find a solution so Sister Jeans can continue to help those in need.

I dont think (Sister Jeans) is done at all, he said. Theres a lot of people with need in the city. And until they fulfill the need and make sure everyone has a meal, she needs to be there. Her legacy needs to stand.
ATLANTIC CITY  After losing nearly $23 million in its first seven months of operation, Ocean Resort Casino was approved by state regulators Wednesday for a complex financial deal so it can continue to operate during an ownership transition.

But, even after reviewing the proposal to keep the $2.4 billion megaresort open, gaming regulators expressed reservations about its viability going forward.

This property has clearly had (a) very challenging (past), and Im very, very concerned about its future, said Casino Control Commission Vice Chairwoman Alisa Cooper. I sincerely hope that this arrangement before us today will be successful and enable this property to survive.

The three-member commission unanimously approved a joint petition for a divestiture trust agreement between the casinos former principal owner, Bruce Deifik, and Luxor Capital Group, a New York-based hedge fund that provided significant funding for the propertys purchase in January 2018.

The commission also approved a request that the arrangement be administered by a designated trustee, Eric. J. Matejevich, a former chief operating officer of the closed Atlantic Club Casino Hotel.
Lisa Ryan, a spokeswoman for the DCA, said in a statement Tuesday that officials from the state, the city and the CRDA tried to set up a meeting with representatives from Sister Jeans about a month ago, but the 28-year-old charity rebuffed those efforts.

Throughout this process, the city has sought to work with Sister Jeans on alternate means of serving meals, including considering other sites to work from and engaging other service providers of meals, Ryan said in a follow-up statement Wednesday. Those efforts have not produced a resolution, and the condition of the building reached the point that it is no longer safe for use and/or occupancy. From the city and the states perspective, the most important thing right now is taking care of residents who need assistance.

Scotland said the group declined to meet with the city and state in January because he believed it would have mirrored a previous meeting they had in June during which the two groups could not reach an agreement.

He said that at the June meeting the charity had hoped to discuss moving to the former St. Monicas Catholic Church on North Pennsylvania Avenue.

However, he said, city and state officials had a different agenda.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
The remaining two-thirds of customer supply requirements for the 12-month time period beginning June 1, will be met by electric supply secured in the BGS Auctions of 2017 and 2018.

The supply acquired through the commercial and industrial auction is for one year.

The states electric distribution companies do not earn a profit on the cost of the electric supply secured in the auctions, according to the board, but pass the costs directly to ratepayers.

In other energy news, the state Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee unanimously approved a resolution (AR107) Thursday affirming the importance of modernizing and replacing natural gas pipelines in the state.

There is an urgent need to replace more than 6,000 miles of aging iron and unprotected steel pipelines that crisscross our state, said state Assembly Republicans in a news release.

Older pipes need replacing, said Ronald Dancer the sponsor of the resolution. More than 70,000 miles of pipelines cross the state and some of it is more than 100 years old. It really is time that we get everything modernized.
MILLVILLE  Its been decades since the freshmen at Millville High School attended the same building as the juniors and seniors, but in a little more than two years, that will change.

Watching this moment unfold now proves that the wait has been worth it, Superintendent David Gentile said Thursday during a ceremonial groundbreaking on what will be an 82,000-square-foot addition at the senior high school.

The exterior of the senior high school is faded, and in areas, paint and cement are chipping away from the facade. Trailers set up on the north side of the building  a temporary fix that has lasted years longer than expected  contain 17 classrooms to accommodate the large student population. In recent years, student population in the district has been on the decline, but the crowded halls remained.

The multiphase, $137.5 million project funded through the New Jersey Schools Development Authority will renovate and update the aging and overcrowded building, and bring unity to the high school, Gentile said.

In all, the project will include 230,000 square feet of additions and 55,000 square feet of renovations, according to the SDA.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday said it has uncovered a baby factory in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

A baby factory in the Nigerian parlance refers to an illegal maternity centre where newly delivered babies are bought off their mothers by the operators of the centre.

According to the NIS, the centre discovered in Ibadan was owned by a woman identified only as Mrs Stella. It is located at Block B, House 8, Adebayo Oke Street, around Sharp Corner in the Oluyole area of Ibadan.

The agency said its officials rescued two female victims, including a pregnant woman, at the centre and arrested three suspects.

NIS Comptroller in the state, Saleh Abdullahi, disclosed this to journalists on Thursday. He said the Zone F unit of the state command discovered the centre.

According to him, the alleged operator of the factory is now at large.

Mr Abdullahi said officials discovered the centre on January 28 while trying to rescue a 16-year-old girl, Mary Yawa, allegedly held by a woman, Kehinde Omotoso, in Awolowo Bashorun area, Ibadan.

The girl was said to have been delivered of a baby at the centre on August 28, 2018.

In the process of investigation, Yawa, a Togolese, revealed that she was impregnated by one Adewale when she was a housemaid to one Alhaja from Saki, Mr Abdullahi said.

A few days to her delivery, the Alhaja took her to Stella, who is not a nurse, where she was delivered of a baby on August 22, 2018.

After her delivery, precisely on August 27, 2018, the Alhaja, her master from Saki, came to the house with another Igbo woman and took her child away, while Yawa was, thereafter, given to her end user, Omotoso, where she was rescued.

The Nigeria Immigration Service visited Stellas house but did not meet her. Officers met a 25-year-old girl, Odunayo Abiodun, who claimed to be Stellas area sister, and another 21-year-old pregnant lady, Esther Hadji.

Mr Abdullahi said the pregnant Miss Hadji, also a Togolese, claimed she was brought to Mrs Stellas baby factory by her brother, Kodjo.

He added that the NIS and the police had been on the search for Mrs Stella and the Alhaja from Saki.

According to him, Mrs Stellas house was met under lock and key.

He vowed the two women would soon be arrested and prosecuted.

The two victims and three accomplices were later handed over to the representatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

One of the victims, Miss Yawa, whose baby was taken from her, said the Alhaja lied to her that the baby had been given to Adewales mother.

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She said she did not know the whereabouts of her baby and the said Adewale.

The other victim, Miss Hadji, said Mrs Stella told her brother, Kodjo, that she would assist her to take care of the baby whenever she gave birth.

She said Stella later told her after four days of living with her that the baby would be collected from her after birth and given to the mother of the person that impregnated her.
UE // Concurs de propuneri de proiecte in cadrul Programului de granturi locale al Uniunii Europene (EU) Fii schimbarea: Cetateni implicati - comunitati durabile in regiunea de dezvoltare Centru
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The Police in Anambra State have commenced investigation into the cause of the suicide committed by one Daniel Okafor after bathing his wife, Pauline with acid on Tuesday at Nsugbe, near Onitsha.

The Commands Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, said the suspect seemed to have drank some quantity of the chemical he poured on his wife after the incident.

He was later certified dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment and his corpse deposited at Apex Mortuary for autopsy, Mr Mohammed said.

NAN gathered that the victim, a nurse, who suffered the acid attack from her husband, was referred to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi from Immaculate Heart Hospital, Onitsha, for proper medical care.

A doctor at the Accident and Emergency ward of the Teaching Hospital, who pleaded anonymity, said she was received at about 7p.m. on Wednesday.

Due to her critical condition, we cannot allow visitors near her now, but I can assure you that she is responding to treatment, the source said.

The incident occurred at about 8p.m. on Tuesday at Chinonso Chemist shop close to Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

A witness, Clement Ekwenugo, who expressed shock at the development, told NAN that the couple had disagreements before now concerning the choice of their son as the next of kin on a land and house which belonged to the nurse.

The nurse bought the land from her in-law and used her sons name as next of kin, but this angered her husband.

Pauline was in her Chemist shop when the husband came in from behind the house through a fence to bathe his wife with the acid, who then ran out for help. This is the first time we are experiencing this type of incident in Nsugbe.

Another source, Miss Ogochukwu Chukwulobe said, We thought the matter was over when this incident occurred.

He seemed prepared for his own death after pouring the acid on my madam because he drank another acid in a small container in his pocket and went outside where he fell into a drain.

This has not happened in this town before; I am not happy because my madam who I am learning chemist business from is the victim, she added.

(NAN)
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Ferdinand Orbih, counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the political matter involving PDP, the ruling party, APC, and the electoral commission, INEC in Rivers State, says he has withdrawn his legal services to the party.

Mr Orbih, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, announced his withdrawal on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, during the Court of Appeal sitting.

He said his withdrawal from the political matter was personal and on compassionate grounds.

The counsel had on February 5 argued that the court should not entertain APCs appeal against the judgment of Justice Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court Judgment of January 7, barring APC from presenting candidates for the general elections.

Mr Orbih had argued that APC brought the lower court record of proceeding directly, instead of through the court registrar.

He said his withdrawal did not affect the applications he had filed before the court.

My name is on the applications, he said, highlighting that it was the withdrawal of appearance and not (the) withdrawal of any application.

If there is the need to contribute, I will. I am not a frivolous person, he said.

Prince Azunda and Mustapha Ibrahim, counsel to APC, argued that there should be consequence for the withdrawal.

They contended that Mr Orbihs withdrawal amounted to a defeat of his applications.

There must be a consequence of his withdrawal, they said.

Ruling on the issue of withdrawal, Justice Ali Gumail, the lead judge, said it was the SANs constitutional right. There is no urgency in this matter, he said.

The court adjourned until February 13, for pending motions to enable PDP to get a replacement for Mr Orbih.

The SAN told reporters outside the courtroom that there was no undercurrent in his withdrawal, adding that he had his professional philosophy.

(NAN)
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the return of peace in Benue is a proof that God answers prayers.

Mr Osinbajo said this while addressing congregants at the 15th National Biennial Delegate Conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) tagged `Benue-2019 in Makurdi on Thursday.

He said the conference would not have come to fruition if peace had not returned to the state.

Mr Osinbajo, who started with a praise and worship song, acknowledged that it was God that spared his life in the recent helicopter crash.

It is a special pleasure to be here; I have a special reason to be grateful to God; I bring to you very warm greetings from President Muhammadu Buhari for a successful conference, he said.

My reason for being excited is because Benue, in many senses, is a proof that God answers prayers; it is a proof that Nigeria is in the hands of God.

I have been here on three previous occasions, to sympathise with flood victims, to attend funeral of priests and thirdly to visit Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the farmers/herders clash.

All the three were occasions of mourning; of course, for those of us who know the history, Benue has had clashes, killings, farmers/herders clashes every year since 2011.

Today, because of your prayers, prayers of saints, PFN is gathered here in a peaceful Benue, he said.

The vice president said families of the congregants would not have allowed them to attend the conference if tales of clashes and killings were still the case in the state.

He said the state which is the food basket of the nation, deserves prayers.

According to Mr Osinbajo, it is righteousness that exalts a nation; hence the need for Christians to stand on the side of truth not that of corruption.

He urged PFN members to always love and pray for Nigeria.

The vice president told the congregants that there was need for them to also fast and pray for him.

PFNs President, Felix Omobude, led the congregation on a special prayer session for Mr Osinbajo.

Mr Omubude assured Mr Osinbajo that PFN would continue to pray for him.

Cosmos Ilechukwu, the PFN National Vice-Chairman, South-East, said the fellowship had no fewer than 40 million members which he encouraged to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming election.

He called on stakeholders to ensure that the elections are free and fair, while urging security agents to respect human lives.

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Gov. Samuel Ortom, chairman, Benue State Traditional Council, Tor Tiv, James Ayatse, were among dignitaries who attended the conference.

(NAN)
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The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kwara State, Olajide Adebola, has promised to grant full autonomy to the 16 local council areas in the state if elected.

Mr Adebola made this promise on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin.

The governorship candidate said he would make governance at the local government level more accountable and accessible to the people.

He promised to revive the Local Government Administration System in the state to make them functional and viable.

The local government is supposed to be close to the people and serve those at the grassroots.

Unfortunately, this has not been the case in Kwara because local government is dead in this state.

I will revive the system to make it more accessible to the people living in the rural areas and stem urban migration, Mr Adebola added.

He also condemned the arbitrary deduction of local government funds by the state government. He said the practice was impeding development at the local government level.

According to him, the current practice where local government funds are withheld by the state government is undesirable.

A situation where local governments always run cap in hand to the state capital is unacceptable and detrimental to growth.

One of my top priorities will be to revive the local government administration so that what is meant for them goes to them, to enhance development.

That is the only way we can bring development to the doorsteps of the people.

Currently, local government chairmen have no say in the management of their resources. This is not right and we cannot continue like this, the SDP governorship candidate said. (NAN)
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Nigerias Senate president, Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday mocked the ruling All Progressives Congress over what he described as the incessant replacement of police commissioners in Kwara State.

While addressing a crowd of supporters during a rally at Balogun Fulani ward in Ilorin South local government area of the state, Mr Saraki, a Peoples Democratic Party senator, said the APC prefers to change police commissioners instead of seeking peoples support.

They (the opposition) are scared to come and meet our people that is why they are busy changing police commissioner every day but that wont change our peoples resolve to continue to support us, Mr Saraki was quoted as saying in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES by Olu Onemola, his aide on New Media.

On Tuesday, the Nigeria Police announced a massive redeployment of its officers.

In Kwara, Kayode Egbetokun, a former Chief Security Officer to the former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, was appointed as the commissioner of police to the dissatisfaction of PDP.

The APC, on the same day, debunked allegations that the police hierarchy had compromised police posting for the purpose of providing election security in its favour.

Even though Mr Saraki did not mention names of individuals, he was subtly referring to politicians of APC, he said.

Unlike him, he said the APC politicians only visit the people during elections.

The support we received shows that we are on (the) ground with the people and they are still fully supporting us.

Let other parties come and meet our people and see if people will receive them the way they received us.

We are always with the people, unlike them who are usually home during elections to deceive our people.

If the APC is popular as they claim let them come home and show their strength just like we did. They cannot intimidate our people with police, he was quoted as saying.
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Ibrahim Oloriegbe, the Kwara Central Senatorial District candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has vowed to unseat the Senate president, Bukola Saraki.

Mr Saraki is contesting the seat under the flagship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Oloriegbe, while speaking at a press conference in Lagos recently, said Mr Saraki does not share the Islamic values of his people and hence should not be returned to the Senate.

He boasted that he would defeat Mr Saraki and end his political dynasty in Kwara State in the February 16 election, adding that the people of Kwara were tired of Mr Saraki and his hold over the state.

In the past 16 years, our society has been in the grip of people who do not share our common values and heritage. They are dealers whose concerns are at variance with the peoples aspirations. They are leaders with (an) inordinate appetite for wealth acquisition.

They are political voyagers and power merchants. They dont share our Islamic values and culture of leadership, he said.

Our communities and indeed, Kwara State have been poorly represented at the federal level; poor representation and advocacy (have) deprived us of legitimate human, fiscal, economic and developmental entitlements, Vanguard quoted him as saying.

The reason for Mr Oloriegebes allusion to the Islamic religion is not immediately clear given that the Senate president is a Muslim and at no time did he renounce his faith.

He, however, expressed confidence in defeating Mr Saraki given that the Senate presidents sister, Gbemisola Saraki, supports his aspiration, as well as having the full support of Kwara APC.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson to Mr Saraki, Yusuph Olaniyonu, dismissed the threat, describing Mr Oloriegbe as a seasonal politician.

Mr Olaniyonu said the candidate does not have the full support of APC as he claimed.

He dismissed the APC candidate as a joker, who, he claimed, addressed the press to cause a distraction for Mr Sarakis leadership of the PDP campaign to unseat the APC federal administration.

Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe is not a candidate in the senatorial election. Rather, he is the candidate of a faction in the APC, the Bolarinwa faction, which the court, in a subsisting and unchallenged judgement, rejected and rather, recognised the Balogun-Fulani faction. Okowa urges Nigerians to contribute Community Devt.

Oloriegbe belongs to a group of people known in Kwara State as seasonal or visiting politicians. The people do not see them. They dont relate with the people. They dont help the people and their community until six months to the election when they move in noxious money and they start printing posters.

They have done this every election period. His present noise, as well as that of Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, Lai Mohammed and the rest, is not different from what they have been doing since 2003. The result will also not be different, he added.

If he, like others, has the sole agenda to destroy that dynasty without promising the people any developmental agenda, then, he has failed. He never promised the people anything good or developmental in nature. They only target (is) Saraki. That bring him down syndrome, empty envy, petty jealousy are unislamic and contradictory to the true values of an Ilorin man.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, was on Wednesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, in continuation of his campaign.

Mr Abubakar is seeking to unseat President Muhammadu Buhari in next weeks general elections.

The former vice president called on the people of Borno State to vote out Mr Buhari, and the APC because they have failed the state and entire Nigerians.

Mr Abubakar had earlier visited Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, before attending the campaign rally in Maiduguri.

The PDP flag-bearer was received by a large crowd of supporters who gathered all day at Ramat Square Maiduguri, the venue of the rally.

Though Borno is generally believed to be a stronghold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the former vice president was still received by an impressive crowd of supporters.

Mr Abubakar and his campaign team arrived at the Maiduguri International airport at about 11 a.m. before heading to Damaturu, Yobe States capital by road.

He returned to Maiduguri and arrived at the venue of the rally at about 5 p.m.

He was accompanied by the Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo; a senator Abdullahi Ningi, and a spokesperson of his campaign team, Buba Galadima.

Addressing the mammoth crowd at the Ramat square, the former vice president said he was almost at the point shedding tears of joy upon seeing the large turnout, which, he said, exceeded his expectations.

I thank you all for this great show of love and support, Mr Abubakar said, in Hausa.

What I see here is a clear testimony that Borno is indeed the home of the PDP and you people here have clearly demonstrated your readiness to vote out the other party.

The entire Nigerians have agreed that it is the turn of Northeast to produce the next president of the country. And if you, the people of Borno, key into this agreement and vote PDP I will make some key promises to you all here. Which by the grace of God I must fulfil.

My first promise to you is that we will ensure peace returns to the Northeast Nigeria and the country at large. Everyone that knows me can testify that I am not a person that engages in triviality and I am not a coward.

After the return of peace, I will ensure that everyone who is displaced will return to his or her local government area while we provide them with businesses to pick up the pieces of their lives. We will reopen schools, markets, and hospitals.

The United Nations has said it long ago that the Northeast of Nigeria is the poorest of all places in the world. And by the time we assume office we shall bring to end poverty in this region. We are going to do this by investing in our agriculture, in small and medium scale entrepreneur and empower our youth.

Borno voted APC to power over three years ago and they promised to restore peace and security. They also promised to provide jobs for the youth. They also promised to even revive our economy. But three and half years later they have failed Nigerians. They are nothing but liars.

APC has betrayed the trust of Nigerians and they deserve not to be re-elected.

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He also called on the Nigerian security agencies to stay away from politics and concentrate on protecting the people of the country, as mandated by the law.

Earlier, the national chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, had in his speech, commended the party supporters for turning out such a large number, which exceeded their expectations.

Now we know Borno is truly a PDP state and we congratulate the people of Borno for the show of courage and solidarity for all our candidates, especially the PDP flag bearer, Dr Atiku Abubakar.

The APC has planned to rig the election and we call on the people of Borno not to allow them. We heard during the APC rally in Ekiti and the APC leadership confirmed that they want to rig the election. But Nigerians will reject them because they cannot be allowed to rig this election. Any rigged election will be rejected by Nigerians because the vote is for PDP.

Mr Secondus also called on the APC-led federal government not to politicise Nigerias security. He alleged that the ruling party is planning to win the election using security operatives.

APC leadership is not the Inspector General of police and it cannot be allowed to be posting police officers of their choice. You are not the IG. The APC leadership cannot interfere in the posting of police commissioners and military officers. You must (not) destroy our country and our democracy. Exhaust your remaining time and allow the man, Atiku Abubakar to come and restore our economy and our security.

The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the flag to the governorship candidate of the PDP in Borno State, Muhammed Imam, by the PDP national chairman.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Monguno, has assured Nigerians that the forthcoming general election would not be compromised by security agencies.

Mr Moguno, a retired major general, gave the assurance at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Stakeholders Forum for 2019 General Election on Thursday in Abuja.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to credible and peaceful election, saying the election is not a do-or-die affair for him.

During the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, Buhari clearly stated that he is committed to ensuring that elections are free and fair.

I want to re-emphasise for the benefit of any doubting Thomas that the election will not be compromised by security agencies in this country. I believe that the heads of security agencies are men of honour, Mr Monguno said.

He assured that every Nigerian would be allowed to exercise his civic responsibility in an atmosphere devoid of intimidation.

Gone are the days in which people will be gagged, people will be suspicious of security agencies. Nobody is allowed to be partisan, to take side with anybody, any political group or organisation.

He warned security personnel that in discharging their responsibilities, they should not allow themselves to be used by those who want to disrupt the peace of the election.

Mr Monguno also urged those planning to cause trouble during the election or pseudo military to have a rethink.

Secondly those who want to use the media to spread poison, please think twice because that can exacerbate the already very delicate situation.

We do not want any unnecessary trouble in the country. Whatever can be avoided should be avoided.

He said individuals caught causing violence or violating electoral law would be arrested and prosecuted, and if traced to anybody such person would be arrested.

Mr Monguno also urged religion leaders not to be emotional in spreading the gospel, but allow Nigerians to choose for themselves so that the election process can be peacefully.

I want to assure that we will do everything within our means to ensure the protection of lives and property of every Nigerian. Our doors are opened to those who want to help, he added.

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, speaking on security arrangements for the election, assured that level playground would be provided for all political parties and candidates.

Mr Adamu said security agencies had already identified flash points across the country, while arrangements had been perfected for the deployment of police officers to secure the election.

Apart from regular police officers and other security personnel that are being posted.

We have our Tactical Units like the Mobile Police Force, the Counter Terrorism and Special Protection Units which are all been deployed for additional security.

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In the tactical unit over 34,000 police personnel will be deployed, 4,000 counter terrorism personnel and about 8,000 special protection units will also be deployed.

He said security personnel had also been deployed to protect INEC offices, staff, ad hoc staff, election materials, NYSC lodges as well as public infrastructure.

Mr Adamu, however, warned against vote buying adding that security personnel deployed for election would look for anybody who may involve in vote buying and selling.

He said restriction of vehicular movement would be enforced on election days, adding that erection of tents near polling units would not be allowed.

There should be no erection of tent within the vicinity of polling units. We shall not allowed it.

He added there shall be no escort of vehicle by police officers, warning that anybody found of doing that would be punished.

He advised voters not to cluster around the voting units beyond the distance allowed by INEC.

(NAN)
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A former Nigerian military head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, said on Thursday that by accepting defeat in 2015, ex-Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, saved the country from political crises.

Mr Abubakar spoke at a one-day peace conference organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, with the theme Peaceful Elections and National Development.

Dignitaries at the event include Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener National Peace Committee of Nigeria; Al-Hassan Conteh, Liberia Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as Fidele Sarassoro, Chief of Staff to the President of Cote dIvoire.

Mr Abubakar, who was the chairman of the conference, said Mr Jonathan kept to his words that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

He called on key political actors in Nigeria, particularly those seeking elective positions, to do everything possible to ensure peace in the forthcoming general elections because Nigeria is not a stranger to electoral violence.

He urged all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful nation because, Without peace, there would be no nation, and without a nation, there would be no election.

The period of election in the country is often tension-soaked because of the competition involved. Nigeria is not a stranger to electoral violence. Jonathan kept his word that his presidency is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

He graciously conceded defeat. He saved the country from falling into political crisis. Nigerians and indeed, the world are praying that the election would be peaceful. Without peace, there would be no nation, and without a nation, there would be no election, he said.

Speaking earlier at the event, Mr Jonathan spoke about the need for unity in Nigeria.

We experienced the civil war that ended since 1970. But up to date, the feelings are still in even children who were not born at that time because of the stories they get told. And that is why we must do everything to avoid conflict because it is always difficult to erase these feelings, the former president said.

Mr Jonathan, before the announcement of the final results of the 2015 general presidential elections, in a move that shocked many political pundits, conceded defeat to the current president, Muhamadu Buhari, after a keenly contested poll.

That was the first time an incumbent would be losing the top seat (and conceding victory) to an opposition party in Nigeria.

Mr Jonathan has been celebrated globally for his action, which many believe saved the country from political turmoil.
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The Wole Soyinka Centre For Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) on Tuesday honoured female journalists who were part of its Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship Programme.

The journalists were officially named fellows of the leadership programme. The best three fellows also received special prizes. The event took place at Leola hotel, Maryland, Lagos State.

The Leadership Fellowship, supported by the Free Press Unlimited, was designed to empower female journalists with the skills, finesse, support and tools to take bold steps that help position them for the highest leadership roles in their various media houses.

According to the organisation, the initiative, which is a part of the WSCIJ Report Women programme, is helping to mobilise a network of female journalists that are oriented for leadership as well as create a train-the-trainer team who better appreciate the importance of mainstreaming gender in news.

The fellowship which began in October 2018, included a four-day training, three-month mentorship, a fair-share as well as leadership and story fellowship projects for the fellows.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Motunrayo Alaka, the programme director at the centre, explained that the media is like a magic mirror which reflects the society. Mrs Alaka said the media also has the capacity to go into that mirror and make changes as it can set agenda, narratives and frame perspectives.

She, however, added that the project was not meant to promote matriarchy but to sensitise the media on the imbalance in the different structures across newsrooms.

The media itself has its own challenges and one of those things is the gender issues. We are not saying we want a takeover. What we are saying is, if theres space for the men, there should be space for the women too, she said.

She added that the impact of the leadership programme is intended to go further than the newsroom.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the participants, including awards to three of them.

Adejoke Fayemi, a journalist with RayPower FM, Kaduna, emerged winner of the Leadership Programme for an investigative story on the rape of a minor in Kaduna State. She was awarded a prize of N200,200 and a laptop.

Ejiro Umukoro of Trend FM, Delta State, was the first runner up for a story on cultism among minors in the state. She took home a prize of N150,000 and a laptop while Enato Isukul of Niger Delta TV emerged the second runner up for a story on drug abuse among minors in the state. She was awarded a prize of N100,000 and a laptop.

All 19 fellows were given certificates confirming them as fellows of the programme.

In her remarks, veteran broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede, advised the fellows to remain outstanding journalists and role models to young females in their respective capacities. She said she was excited to know that what she has done over the past few decades have not been in vain.

Similarly, the resource persons who took the fellows through the three-month programme, Lekan Otufodunrin and Nneka Okekearu of Pan-Atlantic University admonished the participants to maximize the opportunity offered them by the centre through the training.
The special election to elect New York Citys next public advocate is happening with more fanfare than might be expected for a job whose primary role is to act as a government watchdog. What draws so much attention  and so many candidates  to the race is the fact that the office is widely seen as a stepping stone to higher office, including mayor of New York City. Mayor Bill de Blasio, for example, served as public advocate before taking on the citys highest office, and Letitia James created the need for this special election when she vacated the role to become New Yorks attorney general last month.

Ten of the 17 public advocate candidates qualified to participate in a debate on Wednesday night, where the conversation was dominated by the planned Amazon headquarters in Long Island City, as City & States Jeff Coltin writes. City Councilman Rafael Espinal Jr. came out against the deal during the debate, as did Assemblyman Ron Kim, who represents Flushing. But dont take those positions to mean that all candidates are hostile to all tech.

Espinal Jr. is a sponsor of the Council bills proposing the legalization of e-bikes and e-scooters in New York City. That effort has been met with some pushback from de Blasio over his concerns about their safety. Another councilman with his hat in the public advocate ring is Ydanis Rodriguez, who has also been a staunch supporter of legalizing e-bikes. He has not only pushed for their legalization, but also for the creation of more protected bike lanes, which could address some safety concerns. Finally, theres Benjamin Yee, a candidate who is on the ballot for the Feb. 26 election, but who did not qualify for Wednesdays debate. Yee has industry cred, having worked for Barack Obamas 2008 campaign as a digital director for New York state, and launching two of his own startups.

For the rest of today's tech news, head over to First Read Tech.
A faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has adopted President Muhammadu Buhari as its candidate for the 2019 election.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party made the surprise announcement on Thursday in Abuja, just nine days before the presidential election on February 16.

Mr Buhari is seeking reelection on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

There is a yet unresolved dispute over the presidential ticket of the SDP between a former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, and a former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana.

Mr Duke won the presidential primary of the party held in Abuja in October last year. He polled 812 votes to defeat Mr Gana who polled 611 votes.

But the runner up, Mr Gana, challenged the result in court, claiming Mr Dukes participation in the primary was in contravention of the partys constitution.

According to the claimant, the constitution of the party stipulates a power-sharing arrangement which does not allow the National Chairman and the presidential candidate to come from the same half of the country.

Olu Falae from Ondo State in the South-west is the National Chairman, while Mr Duke hails from the South-south region. Mr Gana is from Niger State in the North-central region.

A Federal High Court in December 2018 granted Mr Ganas prayers and declared him the winner of the presidential primary election of the party.

But Mr Duke filed an appeal following which the Court of Appeal in January overturned the judgment of the lower court and reinstated Mr Duke as the SDP presidential candidate.

However, Mr Gana said he was still consulting with the partys National Working Committee on the decision of the Court of Appeal in order to arrive at the next line of action.

It was against this backdrop that the announcement emerged on Thursday that the party had decided to back Mr Buhari for reelection.

However, the partys spokesperson, Alfa Muhammed, told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview that the endorsement was by a faction led by the National Secretary of the party, Shehu Gabam.

Mr Gabam is also the running mate to Mr Duke in the SDP presidential ticket.

It is a fraction of the party that did that because they had their meeting which I did not attend, Mr Muhammed said.

Even the national chairman was not in the meeting so it is a fraction and many state chairmen did not come. We were aware of the meeting and we are going to respond tomorrow.

I can tell you categorically that the action was perpetrated by the faction led by the national secretary who is voted to be the running mate to Donald Duke.

They ganged up and did that with Mr Duke who is nowhere to be found. We have not gotten the details but we are aware that the fraction has been into something since yesterday.

He emphasised that it was not the entire NEC meeting that came up with the decision to support President Buhari in the coming general elections.

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It is not the NEC, I am a member of the NEC. How can you have a NEC meeting where you do not have the National Chairman, the publicity secretary, the youth leader and numbers of the zonal vice chairmen and Prof Jerry Gana who is also a senior stakeholder?

Messrs Falae, Gana and Duke could not be reached as at the time of this report. Mr Gabam also did not pick his calls.

This development came less than a month after the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) also announced its decision to back Mr Buhari for reelection.

ACPN made the announcement a day after its presidential candidate, Oby

Ezekwesili, pulled out of the presidential race and announced her resignation from the party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission later said the deadline for withdrawal from the race had passed and that it would continue to recognise Mrs Ezekwesili as a candidate.

The SDP was once considered the main party in the group of parties then said to be considering forming a coalition as a Third Force as an alternative to the dominant APC and major opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

INEC said 31 parties will be on the presidential ballot on February 16.
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Sani Usman is retiring as the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army after more than three decades in the military.

I am leaving highly fulfilled after contributing my best to national development, the Nigerian Army, gaining great wealth of knowledge, experience, inestimable network of friends which I will treasure forever, Mr Sani said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

I am thankful to the Nigerian Army also for giving me wonderful opportunities and work exposure to practice public relations to the point of being a fellow of the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Member of the National Institute (mni), among other honours, awards and qualifications, as well as attaining the highest level of command of the Directorate of Army Public Relations twice, he added.

Mr Usman said he would proceed on a terminal leave on February 8. He has handed over to AA Yusuf, a colonel and chief of staff, Directorate of Army Public Relation, until a substantive successor is named.

Born February 2, 1965, Mr Usman had his primary and secondary education in Kukasheka and Kafanchan, in Kaduna State, respectively. He joined the Nigerian Army as recruit in 1983 and was posted to Headquarters 82 Division Army Public Relations, Enugu.

After a few years in the Army, he went to Bayero University Kano to study mass communications, and was awarded a bachelors after three years, graduating in 1991.

He took public relations courses at different institutions, and held positions as Army spokesperson at different commands within and outside the country throughout his career.

Mr Usman was appointed acting spokesperson of the Nigerian Army on January 30, 2015, while a colonel. His appointment was confirmed in June 2017, months after he was promoted as a brigadier-general in December 9, 2016.

He was sent on a year-long course at the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), returning in late November 2018. Texas Chukwu, a brigadier-general, was the Army spokesperson while Mr Usman was away at NIPSS.
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The Defence Headquarters on Thursday ordered members of the Nigerian armed forces to desist from wearing their uniforms or other official kits on February 16 when the presidential election will hold.

Defence spokesperson John Agim, said personnel of the Army, Navy and Air Force would exercise their civic rights to vote, but they should not be seen intimidating civilians in the process.

All military persons must approach their polling units in mufti, devoid of any military accoutrements, Mr Agim, a brigadier-general, told reporters at a pre-election briefing in Abuja Thursday morning.

Any military personnel who is not on essential duty that is found on military uniform on election day will be arrested and face the full wrath of military justice system.

The directive affects all soldiers, ratings, airmen and women.

Mr Agim admonished all military personnel to remain neutral and exhibit exceptional professionalism before, during and after the upcoming elections.

To this end, with the exception of those on essential duties, no military personnel should be found wearing uniform on the elections days, he added.

Mr Agim said electorate in the South-East should not entertain any fears about the ongoing Operation Python Dance III, saying it was only aimed at keeping peace rather than suppress voters.

The police have the primary duty to provide security on election day, but a limited number of soldiers might be deployed to man some areas of intense security risk, especially in the North-East where Boko Haram remains a threat to civilians.
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The federal government has approved the purchase of new scanners for examination of cargoes in major customs ports, an official said.

Bashir Abubakar, the controller of Apapa Customs Command, stated this while honouring some officers of the Command for diligence in the discharge of duties.

Mr Abubakar said efforts put towards securing the scanners have started yielding results.

I want (you) to understand one thing, operations in the ports are multidimensional. The issue of security of the nation cannot be toyed with. We are talking to different government functionaries to get us scanners.

Right now, the service is doing it best. I am happy the government has approved the purchase of new scanners to major customs commands, he said.

While reviewing the commands last year performance, Mr Abubakar said they generated N404 billion as revenue in 2018, an increase of N53 billion from the 2017 figure.

He also said he introduced a 24-hour dispute resolution team, one spot examination at all unit and agencies, and strategies such as advanced system and monitoring, collaboration between internal and external units of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other government agencies.

He said the implementation of these strategies had helped to block most revenue leakages and enhance trade facilitation and security.

In the area of anti-smuggling, Mr Abubakar said, In the year under review, the command also seized and condemned 41 of 40ft containers or controlled pharmaceutical drugs including tramadol in excess of the allowable milligrams with Duty Paid Value (DPV) N8.812 billion.

Furthermore, the command also intercepted and seized one export-bound used helicopter with registration number 5BN valued at N210.6 million, in addition, another import bound Aircraft Cessna 182A in CKD with serial no. 3400 valued at N486.9 million was also seized in accordance with the provision of the extant laws and guidelines.

All these times were seized owning to various infractions such as false declaration, concealment and complete disregard to import and export guidelines,

He said the command recorded high level of compliance on export declaration while 2,500 containers were blocked for non-compliance.

Mr Abubakar said his command recorded 1,26649.67 metric tons of exported good in 2018 valued $239,467,926.23 which was equivalent to N73.157 billion.

He noted that the commands achievement in 2018 earned them the World Customs Organisation (WCO) award during the WCO day in January 2019.
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President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the Church to continue to stand for righteousness and truth, and preach against all forms of corruption.

Mr Buhari made the appeal on Thursday in Makurdi at the 15th Biennial Conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). He was represented at the event by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo.

He said it is important for the Church to always stand on the side of righteousness and truth, as it is only righteousness that can elevate our country.

He lamented the recurring crises in Benue since 2011 and called on herders and farmers to sheath their swords and live in peace.

It happens without exceptions. In fact, without exceptions. But with your prayers, there is peace and your meeting here is in peace. With your prayers, it has been put under control.

If it were before now your families would have discouraged you from visiting Benue because of the clashes. God will make Benue a point of contact to all nations, the president said.

On the forthcoming general election, Mr Buhari said its outcome was in the hands of God and urged all Nigerians to play their part within the confines of the law.

Earlier, National President, PFN, Felix Omobude, assured that the Church would continue to pray for the president and his administration.

Mr Omobude pledged that the Church would not leave the countrys leaders out of its prayers.

(NAN)
The raging scandal over the multi-billion contract procurement fraud by the Border Communities Development Agency (BDCA) is yet to abate as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has queried the agency seeking explanations.

The query conveyed in letter No. BPP/S.1/CCM/19/Vol.1/042 and dated January 23, 2019, was signed by Babatunde Kuye on behalf of the Director General, BPP, Mamman Ahmadu.

A copy of the letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Junaid Abdullahi, was obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Abdullahi is President Muhammadu Buharis son-in-law.



Query

In the query, the BPP demanded the BCDA to furnish it with the reason(s) why it opted to set aside its mandatory requirements spelled out for the selection of prospective bidders in the procurement process.

Besides, the procurement agency sought BCDAs clarification on details concerning consultants pre-qualified for the award of the contracts under the 2018 Constituency projects.

The clarification was to be accompanied with each consultants tender documents, including technical drawings, bill of quantities and specifications used for the procurement process.

The various procurement processes included those for the construction of various works; supply of drugs and medical equipment; extension of electrification and supply and installation of electrical transformers.

Deadline for the submission of the response was Monday, January 28, 2019.



Confirmation

When contacted, BPP spokesperson, Segun Imohiosen, confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday the authorities of the BCDA responded to the query before the expiration of the deadline.

Mr Imohiosen, who did not give details of the BCDAs response, said the documents submitted were currently being reviewed.

Thank you very much for seeking clarification on the matter. Yes, they (BCDA) have responded, and in record time also as I found out from the relevant departments handling the matter. BPP is presently reviewing the response, Mr Imohiosen said in a text message sent in response to a PREMIUM TIMES inquiry.



Background

In its invitation-to-tender advertisements, the BCDA had spelled out the criteria for bids from prospective experienced and competent contractors/suppliers.

The tenders were published in various national newspapers as well as the Federal Tenders Journal of Monday, July 30-Sunday, August 5, 2018.

Accordingly, bids by prospective contractors were to be accompanied by a three-year tax clearance certificate validated by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Also, the bids were to be submitted along with a cumulative average annual turnover of a minimum of N50 million for the period 2015, 2016 and 2017 as well as their companys audited accounts for the same period.

Other mandatory documents attached to the bids were current Industrial Training Fund (ITF) compliance certificate and Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) compliance certificate, all valid till December 31, 2018.

Again, companies were required to produce evidence of registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by submitting the Interim Registration Report (IRR) expiring January 1, 2019, or valid certificate issued by the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).

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Besides, submitted bids must be accompanied by the companys audited accounts for 2015, 2016 and 2017, along with other documents attesting to their professional and technical competences.



PREMIUM TIMES revelation

On January 11, 2019, PREMIUM TIMES had reported exclusively how the agency shortlisted about 815 contractors for several hundreds of constituency projects despite not meeting federal contracting requirements.

The report uncovered how BCDA procurement officials disregarded key criteria for selection of prospective contractors, as well as some requirements for the award of contracts, in violation of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007.

Section 23 (1) of the PPA (2007) does not allow federal agencies or their management to manipulate procurement guidelines to favour any party during a contracting process.

Analysis of procurement documents used for the story revealed the bulk of the prequalified contractors fronted by National Assembly members for the 2018 intervention projects did not meet the most basic criteria spelt out in the invitation-to-tender advert by the BDCA.

A list by a technical evaluation team constituted by the BDCA to select qualified contractors for the award of the contracts showed no fewer than 987 bids from various contracting firms were prequalified.

A closer review of the procurement documents revealed only about 173 bids met the minimum threshold for the award of the contracts, out of around 988 bids received from various contractors and prequalified by the BDCA technical evaluation team.

The 173 bids were the only applications accompanied with both evidence of current Pension Compliance Certificate (PCC) and the Company Incomes Tax Clearance Certificate validated by the FIRS, both valid till December 31, 2018.

The list contained names of companies shortlisted for nearly 400 self-enrichment projects for execution under the 2018 budget by the agency established in 2003 to develop the countrys border communities.

The BCDA has the mandate to provide social and infrastructural amenities to international border communities in 21 states of the federation, spanning over 105 local government areas.

Following the report, various civil society groups urged the federal government to immediately order the BDCA not to proceed with the flawed contracting process, which they described as brazen defiance of the countrys extant procurement regulations.

Some of the groups said if officials at the BCDA were allowed to award the contracts to the prequalified companies the governments anti-corruption posturing would be gravely undermined.

The report was the second in the series following a previous publication on December 14, 2018, which revealed how the agency also shortlisted 18 unqualified companies for various constituency projects.
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The trial of Jide Omokore and five others over an alleged fraud of $1.6 billion took a different turn on Wednesday when the fourth defendant, Victor Briggs, recanted his earlier statements.

Mr Briggs, a former managing director of the National Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), made the statements to the prosecuting agency, the Economic and Financial Crimea Commission (EFCC).

His recant necessitated a trial within a trial.

Mr Omokore is an ally of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke.

Following Mr Briggs change of tone, a prosecution witness, Abdulrasheed Bawa, who is an operative of the EFCC, insisted the statements he made to the EFCC on July 23, 2015, and on February 12, 2016, were both voluntary.

In cross-examination by the EFCC counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, Mr Bawa said the statements were not made under duress but out of free will. Mr Bawa added that they even threw banters at the end of the question and answer session.

Although, Mr Bawa told the court that the defendant had no legal representation at the time of interrogation, he was cautioned, we explained to him, which he said he understood before signing the caution note.

He wrote the statements which he signed. The statements were recorded in the presence of other investigators, he said.

Mr Bawa said, prior to the investigation, he had never met Mr Briggs.

Mr Omokore is being prosecuted alongside Mr Briggs and Abiye Membere, former Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Also listed with Mr Omokore as a defendant is David Mbanefo who is deceased. He was a former Manager, Planning and Commercial at NNPC.

They face a nine-count amended charge of criminal diversion of about $1.6billion alleged to be proceeds of petroleum products belonging to the Federal Government.

Other defendants in the suit are two corporate entities, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited, allegedly owned by Mr Omokore.

The companies were alleged to have been used by the defendants to commit the alleged fraud.
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A federal court in Lagos has issued a warrant for the arrest of the former director general of the National Intelligence Agency, Ayodele Oke, and his wife, Folashade.

Chukwujekwu Aneke, the judge, gave the order after hearing an application to that effect from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

I have carefully considered the oral application for the arrest of the person mentioned herein and I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the said application is meritorious, Mr Aneke said.

Accordingly the application is hereby granted as prayed.

It is hereby ordered that Ambassador Ayodele Oke and wife, Folasade Oke be arrested anywhere they have been sighted in the world.

Details later
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In a bid to resolve the ongoing strike embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige, will hold another conciliatory meeting with the leadership of the union on Thursday.

The lecturers embarked on an indefinite strike on November 4, 2018, demanding improved funding of universities and implementation of previous agreements with the government.

The conciliatory meeting is scheduled to hold at the federal ministry of labour and employment.

The meeting is scheduled for 3:30pm.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the meeting between the federal government and leaders of the ASUU, on Friday, ended without a resolution of the strike.

The meeting was then adjourned to February 7.

Prior to last Fridays meeting, at least eight other meetings held between both parties.

Speaking with journalists on Friday, the national president of ASUU, Biodun Ogunyemi, said the union will not share the outcome of the meeting with journalists until he communicates with his members.

According to him, We have another set of information for our members and we will like to hear from them before saying anything.

Mr Ngige, however, claimed all the demands of the unions have been met.

But we will offer something reasonable which they are taking back to their members, he said.

Although both parties refused to give any specific details of what was discussed in the meeting, Thursdays meeting will shed more light on the position of the union on the strike.

A major issue dragging the negotiations forth and back is the revitalisation of the universities.

At present, the government is yet to release the N1.1 trillion it agreed to release as part of the funds for the project.

The 2013 MoU stipulated that public universities need N1.3 trillion for a modest revitalisation.

The fund was to be released in tranches of N200 billion in 2013; N220 billion 2014; N220 billion 2015; 220 billion in 2016; N220 billion in 2017 and N220 billion in 2018.

The Goodluck Jonathan government released N200 billion in 2013. Since then, no major bulk sum has been released.
The State Security Service (SSS) on Thursday arraigned two Staff of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Monday Ifiesimama and Beesor Sorle before a Chief Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt for alleged electoral offences.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Darlington Ogolo, was also arraigned alongside the INEC officials.

Messrs Ifiesimama and Sorle were accused of attempting to steal 3,097 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and selling them to Ogolo, whose identity was still under investigation.

Mr Ogolo, on his part, was accused of bribing Messrs Ifiesimama and Sorle with sum of N300,000 and N120,000 respectively as payment for the PVCs.

The accused persons are facing eight counts charge of conspiracy, bribery, theft and fraud in suit number PHC/313C/19.

Calistus Eze, the Prosecuting Counsel said the accused persons allegedly committed the offences between May and August 2018.

He said their acts contravened Sections 98 (4) (1) and Section (A) (1) of the Criminal Code Law of Rivers state.

He said the offence also violated Section 120 (1) (d) and Section 117 (1) (e) of the Electoral Act 2010.

NAN reports that the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

Chief Magistrate, S.D. Andrew-Jaja, however, admitted the three accused persons to bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with a surety each in same amount.

Mr Andrew-Jaja ordered that the sureties must be Civil Servants on not less than Grade Level 12 in Rivers State Civil Service.

He thereafter adjoined the matter until February 20, for hearing.

In another development, the SSS arraigned one Philemon Lawrence, 25, who allegedly paraded himself as INEC official.

Mr Lawrence was accused of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public after promising his victims jobs as INEC ad hoc staff.

The SSS alleged that the accused person collected N3, 800 each from members of the public after advertising his bank account online.

He was handed a three counts charge bordering on conspiracy, impersonation and fraud.

Mr Andrew-Jaja also admitted him to bail in the sum of N300, 000 with surety in like sum.

The chief magistrate adjourned the case until February 19 for further hearing.

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(NAN)
As President Donald Trump has attacked Mexican-Americans with false, racist smears  such as calling them rapists  New York Citys top elected leaders have responded with sharp condemnation of Trumps comments and public demonstrations of solidarity with New Yorkers of Mexican descent.

This backing, however, has not translated into appropriating adequate resources for the only public research institute that supports and empowers the Mexican community in the city  City University of New Yorks Jaime Lucero Mexican Studies Institute.

New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson must properly fund the Mexican Studies Institute, especially at time when Mexican-Americans are under attack. New York City has the largest Latino population of any city in the United States. According to the 2017 American Community Survey, over 2.5 million New York City residents identified as Hispanic or Latino. Puerto Ricans, Dominican-Americans and Mexican-Americans are the largest Latino groups in the city.

Each year, CUNY research institutes, including the Center for Puerto Rican Studies, the Dominican Studies Institute and the Mexican Studies Institute, receive funding from the speakers initiatives to promote research, cultural events and student services.

The Mexican Institute has been underfunded for years. It receives a fraction of what the Dominican and Puerto Rican institutes receive, even though the Mexican population both in the city and CUNY student body are growing. The Mexican Institute received only $235,000 in 2018 and $285,000 in 2019. The Center for Puerto Rican Studies and Dominican Studies Institute both received a whopping average of $1,000,000 each in the same time frame.

Its true that New York Citys more than 335,000 Mexican-Americans are only about half the number of Puerto Ricans and Dominican-Americans in the city. But thats still a higher ratio than the Mexican Institute gets relative to its counterparts. Meanwhile, a majority of Latinos in the United States claim Mexican ancestry. Mexico is the third-largest country of origin for foreign-born New Yorkers and their proportion of New Yorks population is rapidly growing. According to a 2017 study by the CUNY Graduate Center, Mexican-Americans went from 3 percent of New York Citys Latino population in 1990 to 15 percent in 2015.

Founded in 2012, the CUNY Mexican Studies Institute became the first major institute east of the Mississippi River specifically devoted to Mexican and Mexican-American studies. Housed at Lehman College in the Bronx, the Mexican Institute was the culmination of nearly a decade of work by advocates, faculty, administrators, staff and students to boost enrollment of Mexican and Mexican-American students in CUNY and promote research and programs that would support the Mexican community in the city.

While the Dominican and Puerto Rican institutes do have more years under their belt, it's hard to ignore the politics involved. Puerto Ricans and Dominican-Americans have a major political presence and influence in the city, state and federal elected delegations.

Mexicans have only one elected official in the entire state  New York City Councilman Carlos Menchaca, who was the only member of the council to allocate some resources from his local discretionary funding to the Mexican Institute. As chair of the Immigration Committee, Menchaca champions issues of special importance to the Mexican-American community, including funding for day laborers, adult literacy, worker cooperatives, census outreach and legal representation for immigrants.

Representation matters. In fact, Puerto Rican-born Melissa Mark-Viverito thankfully increased support to Puerto Rican causes when she was council speaker. When the funding to the Center for Puerto Rican Studies was slashed in 2018, another fellow Puerto Rican, City Councilman Rafael Salamanca, said getting the center its funding restored was his No. 1 budget priority.

This is not about taking money from one research institute to give to another. Protecting and creating opportunities for the whole Latino community is a priority that should be shared by all Latinos.

This is about Speaker Johnson showing leadership and appropriating more money based on the demographic need of a community, especially in light of todays xenophobia targeting Mexicans.

The speaker should increase funding to the Mexican Institute and ensure the funding to the three Latino institutes is fixed so our communities can properly confront the challenges for years to come. The budget is an opportunity to lay out a blueprint for New York City and to set forth the priorities and principles by which the city should operate.

In contrast to the New Yorker in the White House, Johnson could send a message to the entire nation that New York City will stand with and support the Mexican community.

Cesar Vargas is a national activist for immigration reform and New York's first undocumented attorney.
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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has condoled with the families and friends of those died in the tragic incident at the presidential rally of the ruling party, APC, in Jalingo, Taraba State.

The Thursday accident happened due to a stampede at the venue of the APC presidential rally. PREMIUM TIMES reported how President Muhammadu Buhari earlier condoled with the families of the victims.

A statement signed by Mr Abubakars media adviser, Paul Ibe, quoted the PDP presidential candidate to have expressed sadness over the loss of lives.

All Nigerian lives matter whether they are of the APC, PDP or any other party, he quoted Mr Abubakar as saying from Katsina where he was holding a rally himself.

Mr Abubakar also expressed his deepest condolences to the APC and its presidential candidate and the government and people of Taraba State over the tragedy.

The PDP presidential candidate prays for strength and comfort for the affected families and for God to grant the deceased eternal rest, Mr Ibe wrote.
A couple earlier reported to have ended their marriage over the wifes insistence on voting for President Muhammadu Buhari has denied the report.

BBC Hausa had reported that Abdullahi Yadau of Unguwan Gero, Kanaam Local Government of Plateau State, divorced his wife for vowing to vote for Mr Buhari. Mr Buhari is seeking reelection on February 16 on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The report said Mr Yadau insisted they should both vote Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but the woman refused.

The report was republished by other media platforms, including PREMIUM TIMES on January 24.

However, Daily Trust on Sunday said its reporter who visited Unguwar Gero village found that the story was not true. The newspaper did not state the time of the visit.

According to Daily Trust, the reporter met Mr Yadau and the wife, Fatima, in their home in Unguwan Gero. They both told the reporter that there was never a fight between them, the newspapers reported.

The reporter gathered that the people who spoke to BBC Hausa where not members of the couples family. They lied to the BBC on record, the newspaper reported.

The reporter said he met Mrs Yadua bathing one of the couples three kids to get him ready for afternoon classes. She said her name is not Hafsat as stated in the BBC report.

Expressing anguish that a fallacious report about her marriage had travelled far and wide, Mrs Yadua said she and her husband did not listen to the BBC report.

She said their home was besieged by sympathisers and angry acquaintances after the report.

We have been married for seven years. I feel the report was an attempt to disgrace my marriage, she said.

My husband and I live peacefully and happily, we have never invited a third party into our affairs and he has never raised a finger to my head not to mention beating me up to the point of knocking out my teeth.

They claimed my husband had pronounced the divorce on me twice and assaulted me because he had asked me to vote for Atiku, and I insisted on Buhari. That was a lie, it never happened, both my husband and I are supporters of Baba Buhari, she said.

Mr Yadau, however, said that he is still in pains over the story.

We have a place where young men assemble to discuss issues. So on that fateful Wednesday around 1:30 pm, they were discussing the presidential election and I suggested that it would be good for someone to put up the discussions on the internet.

Khamisu Maidankali quickly said using radio would be better and he suggested the BBC. Shortly before I left the assembly, Khamisu Maidankali approached me and requested that we phone in the BBC together. But I told him I was only joking and had nothing to say. He later approached me again and I declined. I picked my motorcycle and left for Gajinduguri village.

But that evening, he said unknown to him, Mr Maidankali and an accomplice made their way to the foot of a baobab tree on a hill where the villagers usually find cellular phone signal and communicate.

He said the accomplice, identified only as Hamisu, impersonated him, while Maidankali disguised his voice to pose as Ibrahim Suleiman.

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Mr Yadau also said he had to make a statement at Dengi Police station confirming that he was not part of the concocted story.

I was invited by the Dengi police station and I made my statement there. I was so scared after what my friends did and was thinking of even running away. I felt really bad. The two people involved in this are at large at the moment because the Dengi police are looking for them, Mr Yadua said.
Asuquo Archibong, the Presidential Candidate of Nigeria for Democracy (NFD) party, has urged foreign countries not to interfere in the internal affairs of the country ahead of the forthcoming general election.

Mr Archibong said this at a news conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, saying that the country has the capacity to conduct credible election without any foreign interference.

He warning is coming two days after Governor Nasir El-Rufai said the country will not accept any foreign intervention during the forthcoming general elections.

The governor has since come under criticisms for his outburst.

According to Mr Archibong, any foreign interference or intervention in the nations electoral process will be a slight on the countrys sovereignty.

Observations from outside the country are welcome, but statements that could affect the outcome of the election are distractions, he said.

Mr Archibong warned politicians to be wary of invitations from foreign countries designed to intervene in Nigerias electoral process.

We must not have any foreign country interfere in the electoral process in Nigeria. They should stay out of the business of the country.

They should not interfere. We welcome all observers to our election but we do not welcome interference.

I will not accept any invitation from foreign country. No candidate should sit with any foreigner to be instructed on how to behave.

Our party is a peaceful party. We will ensure that there will be no violence on election days, Mr Archibong said.

He disclosed that the party had governorship candidates in 23 out of the 36 states of the country.

Mr Archibong said if elected president, his emphasis would be on power supply, economic recovery, and revamping education.

Constant power supply is sine-qua-non for economic development of any country. Nigeria is a unique country. I have visited a lot of countries and this is the only country that has given up hope in terms of power supply.

So how do we resolve this, we know what the challenges are but what we do not really pay attention to them.

When we know how to resolve the challenges, we lacked the political and financial will for the resolution.

We have a negligible generating power. In every developed country, there are five sources of generating power and in Nigeria we generate from one source.

So we have to diversify our sources of generating power. We also have to strengthen the financial sector, he explained.

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(NAN)
Gani Arobo, counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the suit seeking the disqualification of President Muhammadu Buhari from the February 16 presidential election, has asked the court to consolidate all similar suits.

When the matter came up on Thursday before Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Mr Arobo told the judge that justice would be better served if all the suits were consolidated.

My lord, we have an application with respect to the consolidation of all these matters.

We have several of these matters in regards to the same subject matter in different courts, there is one before Justice Binta Nyako, one in Port Harcourt and another one before this court.

We have made an application to the Chief Judge of the court to consolidate all these matters; We need to consolidate to prevent a situation where we will have conflicting judgments on the same subject matter at the end of the day.

Mr Arobo thereafter asked for an adjournment to enable him to finalise the process of consolidating the suits.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Godwin Haruna, opposed the call for consolidation of the cases, saying it was a delay tactic as there was nothing before the court to show that similar suits existed.

Saying that there are several cases with the same subject matter seeking the same reliefs in different courts is mere speculation, he said.

In the interest of justice, counsel should furnish the court with the evidence that such other cases are in the courts he mentioned.

The judge before ruling, said that he was aware of a similar case even before him.

He noted that it was in no ones interest to have such cases scattered in different courts.

The judge said that if such was allowed, it would be the judiciary that would be brought to ridicule as different judges would give judgments based on the facts before them.

He, however, noted that it was only the chief judge that had the powers to consolidate the suits.

He adjourned the matter until February 14 for hearing unless otherwise directed by the chief judge.

The plaintiffs, Messrs Kalu Agu, Labaran Ismail and El-Kuris, filed the suit alleging that Mr Buhari lied in his Form CF 001 submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding his educational qualification.

They asked the court to disqualify Mr Buhari from presenting himself and or contesting for the Office of President in the 2019 general elections.

The suit which was filed on their behalf by Okpai Ukiro, has Mr Buhari, APC and INEC as first, second and third defendants respectively.

(NAN)

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The absence of a Lagos State counsel has stalled the trial of Afeez Baruwa, an ex-lecturer of the University of Lagos, accused of raping an 18-year-old admission seeker (name withheld).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Baruwa was scheduled to open his defence at an Ikeja High Court on Thursday, a year after the prosecution closed its case against him.

The trial has experienced setbacks caused primarily by the unavailability of counsel and the court not sitting for other reasons.

The lecturer arrived at the court at 9 a.m. on Thursday with his defence team and was ready to give evidence.

At 2.11 p.m. when the case was to commence, O. A Azeez, state counsel, present in court, informed the judge that Y. G Oshoala, the lead prosecutor, wanted to cross-examine Mr Baruwa himself as he was most familiar with the facts of the case.

Mr Oshoala had been prosecuting the case since Baruwa was first arraigned over alleged rape.

No reason was given for Mr Oshoalas absence in court on Thursday.

My Lord, if it is convenient for the court, I can take the examination-in-chief of the defendant as Mr Oshoala left instructions that he wants to personally cross-examine the defendant, Azeez said.

Responding, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, Mr Baruwas counsel, said the lecturer was ready to give defence.

My Lord, learned counsel for the prosecution said Mr Oshoala wants to personally take the cross-examination of the defendant.

However, I want to be assured that, on the next adjourned date, the trial will go on, Mr Ajanaku said.

Justice Josephine Oyefeso expressed displeasure at the delay caused by the prosecution and reluctantly granted an adjournment.

Very reluctantly, I accept the proposal of the prosecution.

This case is adjourned till March 14 for trial, the judge said.

NAN reports that the prosecution had on January 23, 2018, closed its case against the former lecturer.

Four prosecution witnesses testified during the trial, including the alleged victim, her father, a medical doctor and the investigating police officer.

Mr Baruwa, father of two and former part-time lecturer in the Department of Accounting in UNILAG, is facing a count charge of rape.

The prosecution alleged that the former lecturer raped the teenager at 9.25 a.m. on July 23, 2015, in Room 8, the Faculty of Business Administration Annex building, UNILAG.

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Mr Baruwa, who was a friend of the teenagers father, was requested by the man to help his daughter to secure admission into the institution.

The alleged rape occurred when she was in his office to make arrangements for her admission into the university.

UNILAG has, however, put up a disclaimer in respect of Mr Baruwa.

Rape violates Section 258 of the Criminal Law of Justice, Laws of Lagos State 2011, and can be punished with up to life imprisonment.

(NAN)
Civil society groups working on tobacco control in Nigeria on Thursday called for firm enforcement of the National Tobacco Act which prohibits the sale of tobacco to minors.

They made the call in Abuja at the public presentation of the Tobacco Sales Violation report. The report shows a worrying level of Tobacco sales to minors (people under the age of 18) in Nigeria.

Tobacco is one of the most dangerous recreational drugs abused across the world. The worrying trend is spreading in Nigeria, especially among underage (below 18 years) people. This is despite the mandatory warning on the packet of cigarettes by the Federal Ministry of Health that smokers are liable to die young.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasised this disturbing trend in its global report on epidemics in 2017. The report shows that about 15.4 per cent of the Nigerian youth, male and female, use tobacco.

To curb the menace, Nigeria in 2015 signed the National Tobacco Act (NTC Act), a law which prohibits the sale of cigarette to minors and sale in single sticks.

The law prohibits sales to and by minors, and sale of cigarettes in single sticks and Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

The WHO report titled Tobacco vs the People found that two of the prohibited actions were still very prominent in the four states where the study was carried out.

The survey was carried out in Ekiti, Katsina, FCT and Edo states.

The report was presented by Gatefield in collaboration with the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK) and National Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA).

It shows that 89 per cent of cigarette vendors in the states are unaware of the law banning cigarette sale in single sticks.

It also found out that a substantial percentage of the vendors (more than half) sell cigarette to minors.

Speaking at the event, Abraham Agboms, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, said the report came at a most appropriate time when Nigeria is focusing on the reduction of noncommunicable diseases

He said everyone needs to be an advocate of the smoke-free environment as the effect of the smoke is hazardous to health.

Mr Agboms said much has do not been done in the enforcement of the law because of technicalities among the enforcement agencies.

The ministry is doing so much to see that tobacco use and sales are controlled to the barest minimum. We have a law, and unlike every other law, the regulation has to go back to the National Assembly before we can implement it. This is a drawback. But we are doing as much as we can to fight tobacco sales especially to minors, he said.

Speaking in a similar vein, Hilda Ochefu, the Sub regional Coordinator for West Africa, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said the fight against tobacco, especially the sales to minors, must be won.

Nigeria needs to take its rightful place to provide an example for other African countries on tobacco free country. Tobacco use is the single most preventable causes of death worldwide. The enforcement of the law is something everybody should be interested in.

Mrs Ochefu said as smokers have a right to smoke, non-smokers also have a right to breathe in smoke-free air.

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She said tobacco has a propensity to cause different diseases for both the direct and second-hand smokers.

She lamented that even with the law against tobacco passed since 2015, little or nothing was being done about the menace of tobacco use in the country.

She, however, commended the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) on its recent raid of Jabi Park in Abuja where cigarettes are sold to minors.

Mrs Ochefu called for more sensitisation programmes and awareness campaigns, especially to the rural areas and vendors of tobacco.

Still speaking on the issue, Batho Ugwu, a representative of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) at the event, said the organisation was working with the Federal Ministry of Health to regulate the standardisation of tobacco products in Nigeria.

He, however, disclosed that Shisha, a popular tobacco-flavoured smoke, though not banned under the NTC, is illegal as it is not a registered product in Nigeria.

He said the agency was working on a modality to phase out shisha and other flavoured cigarettes, which have been flooding the Nigerian market.

Some of the findings of the report was that one in four vendors sell cigarette and tobacco products to people under the age of 18.

It also observed that 49.6 per cent of cigarette vendors in Abuja sell cigarette to people under the age of 18.

Also, the report stated that the majority of vendors supported the ban of cigarette and tobacco sales to minors. But almost half of the vendors (41 per cent) are unaware of the law banning the sales of tobacco to minors.

It also noted that the majority of the vendors, 89 per cent, were unaware of the law banning cigarette sale in single sticks.

Among the four states observed, the Federal Capital Territory had the highest prevalence of tobacco sales to minor with almost half of the vendors admitting to the sale of the product to persons less than 18.

The second was Ekiti, followed by Katsina and Edo states.
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday issued a bench warrant for the arrest and production in court of a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke, and his wife, Folashade.

They were both charged with 205 million dollars concealment.

The accused were charged before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on counts of money laundering, fraud, concealment of crime proceeds and criminal breach of trust.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendants arraignment was billed for February 1 and later February 6, but it couldnt hold as the case was not listed in the cause list for those days.

Mr Aneke adjourned the case until Thursday for the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, to make necessary applications.

On Thursday, Mr Oyedepo informed the court that the defendants were not in court, adding that there had been several attempts at serving the charge on the defendants to no avail.

My lord, the defendants are not in court, are not represented, and have not been served with the charge.

In the course of investigation, the defendants gave us an address; we have gone to that address and did not find the defendants.

We have also made repeated calls to the phone of the defendants; it rang and was not picked.

The security confirmed to us that they were living there, but said they were not around.

I will, therefore, be praying the court for an instrument, a warrant to arrest these defendants, for the purpose of compelling their attendance to stand trial.

Section 114 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) empowers the court to do so.

When we had this challenge, we wanted to declare them wanted but I was mindful of the pronouncement of your brother judge, Justice Dimgba, who held that, for a defendant to be declared wanted, it has to be by an order of court, he said.

In response, Mr Aneke said that he agreed with the decision of Mr Dimgba, but added that he would not declare the defendants wanted, but would issue a bench warrant.

According to him, if the warrant fails, the defendants can then be declared wanted.

Having carefully listened to the oral submission of counsel praying the court for a warrant against the two defendants, Mr Ayodele Oke and Mrs Folashade Ayodele, consequent upon difficulty to compel their attendance, I am convinced that the application is not without merit.

I hereby, order a warrant for the arrest of the defendants in accordance with the provisions of Sections 114 of the ACJA.

This case is adjourned until March 18 for report of compliance, Mr Aneke said

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According to the charge, on April 12, 2017, the accused indirectly concealed the sum of 43.5 million dollars, property of the federal government of Nigeria at Flat 7B, No. 16, Osborne Road, Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The accused were also alleged to have, from August 25, 2015, and September 2, 2015, in Lagos, indirectly used 1.7 million dollars, property of the Federal Government of Nigeria, to acquire Flat 7B, No. 16, Osborne Road, Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The prosecution also alleged that the accused directly converted 160.8 million dollars property of the Federal Government of Nigeria, to their own use.

The prosecution said that the accused reasonably ought to have known that the said sums were proceeds of an unlawful act, adding that their acts constituted a criminal breach of trust and concealment of crime proceeds.

The alleged offences contravenes the provisions of Sections 15, 15 (2), 15(2)(d) and 15 (3) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2015.

(NAN)
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has denied what it described as the purported endorsement of the presidential candidate of the opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, in the forthcoming general elections.

A statement issued by ASUU branches across the Ogun State-based universities including the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, and the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, described the report as a figment of the imagination of the reporter, and an attempt by the PDP to drag the union into partisan politics.

The statement, which was signed by the chairmen of the branches including Joel Okewale, Olatunji Ettu and Adebayo Oni for OOU, TASUED, and FUNAAB respectively, noted that ASUU members are free to associate with whichever political party they may decide to choose, but should not do so in the name of the union.

According to ASUU, a report by Tribune newspaper had announced the endorsement of Atiku by the union leadership in Ogun State after a purported meeting with former governor, Gbenga Daniel, in his house.

The unions statement reads in part; Our attention has been drawn to a news item in the Tribune Online of Wednesday, February 6, 2019, titled; #NigeriaDecides: Ogun ASUU, Academics Pledge Support For Atiku.

The said article claimed that members of ASUU along with other stakeholders in the educational sector resolved to work, canvass and mobilise in support of the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar to ensure his election in the forthcoming presidential election in February.

In refuting the involvement of ASUU in the said resolution, we wish to state the following that: ASUU does not operate along the state divide. Therefore, there is no Ogun ASUU, just as there is no ASUU for other states. Our union has a national charter with branches in universities.

The union described the purported Ogun ASUU as a fabrication, completely nonexistent and a figment of (the) imagination of the newspaper reporter.

Whilst respecting the interest of individual academics and their political leanings, our union wishes to state categorically that ASUU has no part in the said meeting where the resolution was made and also disclaims the involvement of ASUU in the said resolution.

ASUU views the use of its name in the newspaper item as a deliberate mischief by the newspaper correspondent who is aware that ASUU has branch executives in each of the public university in Ogun State, and should have verified the news item before publishing.

For the avoidance of doubt, ASUU states unequivocally that at no time were any of its representatives involved in any political gathering where support was declared for any political party or candidate.

We, therefore, dissociate ourselves from this extant Tribune Online news and any such mischievous news item. We call on the public to be wary of such news with the intrinsic frivolity and cheap attempt to ride on our Unions integrity.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said its decision on the participation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State election still stands.

This, the commission said, is because both sensitive and non-sensitive material for the elections have already been dispatched to states in readiness for the polls.

In preparation for the February 16 Presidential and National Assembly elections, INEC had released the official list of participating parties, excluding the APC in Rivers and Zamfara States.

This was in obedience to a court order given based on the parallel primaries and dispute within the APC in Rivers State.

However, four days ago, an Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt, granted a stay on the earlier judgment.

The APC in the state has since been celebrating, asking INEC to list its candidate, Tonye Cole, recognised by the party at the national level.

INECs national commissioner and chairman, voter education and publicity, Festus Okoye, said the commissions position is yet to change but if there is a change in the situation of things, the commission would meet to review its stand.

He made this known at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.

We have taken a decision relating to the issue of Rivers and if anything changes before we take our final decision, the commission will meet and also take a decision, said Mr Okoye.

But we have not taken any other decision and we have not repealed our position on the issue of Rivers.

Speaking on INECs preparedness for the forthcoming general elections, Mr Okoye said the commission has started the deployment of sensitive materials and non-sensitive materials to states.

Due to this, he said the commission has asked Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to beef up security at the various local government offices.

Some of these ones have gone to the various local governments.

These materials are being delivered on daily basis to the various Central Bank branches in the various states of the federation. So, we are gradually getting ready for the conduct of the elections.

Reacting to the burnt permanent Voters Card (PVC) in Abia State, Mr Okoye said the commission would look at the possibility of printing new PVCs for those affected.

Expressing disappointment, he said the commission, thought that the era of burning offices of the commission had come to an end.
The Nigerian government is insisting that its military has successfully defeated Boko Haram insurgents, but says the country is now facing a fresh crisis, which it called a global insurgency.

The government stated this when it launched a national campaign to rally the support of the citizens behind the troops, especially those fighting the insurgency in the northeast.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, announced the launch of the campaign on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Mohammed said Nigerian troops have successfully cleared the remnant of the home-grown insurgency called Boko Haram and are now being confronted by a fresh crisis, a global insurgency.

A faction of Boko Haram has aligned with the global terror group, ISIS, to form ISWAP, the Islamic States West African Province. In other words, ISIS now has a strong foothold in West Africa  with Nigeria at the forefront of the battle against them.

With ISIS largely dislodged from Iraq and Syria, there is undoubtedly a flush of fresh fighters and weapons to ISWAP. Therefore, our military is fighting a global insurgency, without the kind of global coalition, including the United States, that battled ISIS in Syria and Iraq, he said.

There has been a resurgence in attacks on Nigerian soldiers by the insurgents since last year. The latest attack occurred only a few weeks ago.

The minister said the videos and pictures being circulated on social media purporting massive military casualties were doctored by those who do not understand the fresh threat facing the country nor appreciate the sacrifice of the military and their aim is to wage a campaign of disinformation against the military.

He said, those involved in the act are few, and do not represent the majority of Nigerians who appreciate the patriotism and the sacrifice of the gallant military troops.

Mr Mohammed said it is high time all Nigerians joined in and support the global war against insurgency, as it is a usual practice that when a country is faced with this kind of challenge, people will sink their differences and work together.

He said the new campaign is a follow-up to the hugely-successful National Campaign against Insecurity which we launched on February 16, 2016, with the punchline If You See Something, Say Something.

Mr Mohanmmed said the government believes that the military who are risking all and making a huge sacrifice to keep the citizens safe do not deserve defamation, or any action that can smear their morale rather, they deserve support and prayers of all Nigerians.

He said the government was introducing the campaign to encourage and mobilise Nigerians, irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic leanings, to show support for our military.

He said the campaign will be multi-faceted. It will include the production and airing of special jingles on radio and television, social media intervention and advocacy.

The jingles are ready and also the materials for newspaper and social media, the jingles will start airing on radio and television this week.

Mr Mohammed appealed to the media to seek clarification before reporting casualty figures as they will play the lead role in the campaign. He urged them not to reveal national security as well as military plans since such acts can put the troops in harms way.

The minister refused to answer questions not related to the launch of the campaign.

John Agim, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, said the military will sometimes keep information from media so as to avoid giving information away that would favour the insurgents and also to avoid unnecessary fright among citizens.

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He cited an incident around 2015 and 2016 when the pictures of about 18 Boko Haram members were published and they all escaped to Lagos.

He said the military did not bother to announce that they were being arrested one after the other because the arrests would not have been possible if the information had been published.

The event was witnessed by top military officials, including the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Ibikunle Daramola; the outgoing Director of Army Public Relations, Sani Usman; and the Director of Information of the Nigerian Navy, Suleman Dahun.
Posted Thursday, February 7, 2019 11:46 am

Note: This story was among those published in a special section titled SW Washington Weddings 2019. It's included in Thursday's edition of The Chronicle.

On a clear autumn night in a few years ago, Cassi Spencer went on a run in Capitol State Forest with some friends. Part of that group was Craig Emerson, who Spencer had been getting to know during their regular runs with the Oly Trail Runners club. The two had been getting close, but had yet to discuss their feelings.

I remember coming through a clear-cut on this night run under the harvest moon, Spencer said. I remember being very overwhelmed in this moment. ... I saw his silhouette in the moonlight, and I knew in that moment that he was someone I wanted to have in my life forever.

In October 2017, after the pair had been dating for awhile, they organized another run with the Oly Trail Runners, venturing to the same clearing on the Mima Falls Trail, once again under a harvest moon. When the group came around the corner, they found a small cluster of the couples family and friends lingering by a stump, holding lanterns.

Cassi and I have decided to get married, Emerson told their running buddies, and youre all guests.

The unwitting wedding party may have been shocked, but they quickly got in the spirit.

I remember hearing some gasps and some sounds of glee and excitement, Spencer said. Everyone stepped into formation, and they created this circle.

Neither Spencer nor Emerson were very interested in a traditional wedding, and Spencer said that if they were to get married, she wanted it to be sacred and personal. After talking it over, the plan made sense. Who better to witness their commitment than the group that had fostered their relationship from the beginning?

It was really special to have all the people there who had seen our relationship develop and who had shared this common interest and knew us as a couple the best, Emerson said. While it was unconventional, it was perfect.

So there in the forest, in sweaty running clothes, Emersons hat on backward, shocked friends standing around, Spencers brother officiating from atop a stump, the couple said their vows.

Once we came up the hill on the last switchback and the lanterns were glimmering, and all the people who have been a part of Craig and Is friendship and our relationship  just to see their faces and the harvest moon, it was the most perfect moment ever, Spencer said. It felt like a dream.

Thinking it was just a regular weeknight run, another member of the running club had posted earlier on the Facebook event, suggesting that the group gather for post-run beers at the Littlerock Saloon. So they did.

Dave inadvertently planned our reception, Emerson said.

The wedding reflected the couples shared passion, but it was also made special by the people who were there  even if they had no idea it was coming.

Everyone wanted to share something about Craig and I, Spencer said. That setting allowed for everyone who was present to share a story. Thats probably what I treasure most.

The couple lives in Tenino, and Emerson  who grew up in Morton  said looking back on the wedding only reinforces the way they approach life.

The overarching thing that always sticks out to me is how awesome it is to do things that are spontaneous and a little bit unknown, he said. I dont think the best wedding planner could have designed a more perfect event.

Emerson and Spencer are part of a growing number of people who choose to have their wedding in non-traditional places  and in Washington, that often means the forest or the mountains.

The Pacific Northwest has become a destination for this kind of stuff, said Benj Haisch, a Tacoma-based wedding photographer. I end up having people from other parts of the country come out here.

Haisch specializes in elopement weddings, where couples bring a small party to a special location  often a scenic vista  to hold their vows. Its not the run-off-to-Vegas elopement most people envision, but a deliberate choice to avoid the logistical headaches and massive costs of a wedding in a traditional venue with a triple-digit guest list.

After growing up hiking and camping, Haisch had been disappointed when he found himself spending his summers shooting photos in churches in downtown Seattle. Surely, he thought, some people would want have their special moment amid Washingtons natural beauty.

In 2013, Haisch shot a couple who opted to get married on the stunning overlook from Rattlesnake Ridge in the Cascades. The photos went viral, and suddenly Haisch found himself booking more and more couples who wanted to go somewhere epic for their wedding.

Katelynn Hunter had seen Haischs work on Instagram, and when she and her fiance Ethan began planning their wedding, she knew she wanted an elopement.

I know how much planning and energy and money goes into (a traditional wedding), she said. I want this day to be what its supposed to be about  just me, you and God. I didnt want any other distractions.

It didnt hurt that the couple share a love for the outdoors, so why not incorporate that into their wedding?

We wanted to hike a mountain wed never been to and have a whole new adventure, she said. We wanted to come out West, because we wanted a honeymoon out there anyway.

The couple formally got their marriage certificate in New Hampshire, where they were living at the time, with a small gathering of close family and friends. Then they got on a plane to Seattle. Haisch took them to the High Rook Lookout, the jaw-dropping Gifford Pinchot National Forest icon with an up-close view of Mount Rainier.

When I saw Mount Rainier right up close for the first time, I was like, Oh, my word, said Ethan Hunter. I thought a lot of the views around New Hampshire were really cool, but this was my first time hiking out in the West Coast.

Katelynn Hunter, who hiked the whole way up in her dress, said she wanted her wedding to be a new experience  and not a large, overwhelming affair  because she wanted the day to stick out in her memory.

Its definitely a day where I remember every detail, she said. The whole day was just what we wanted.

The Hunters  who now live in Nashville  said the wedding was largely free of stress, and even the challenges like getting lost on the way to the trailhead made it a fun adventure. They recently bought a van they plan to live out of as they travel, and they noted that they could have spent almost as much on a wedding as they did on the vehicle. Instead, they spent a memorable week traveling around the Pacific Northwest, and getting wedding photos that made all their friends gasp.

Haisch said that financial reasoning motivates many of his clients.

The cost ends up being a quarter of what a traditional wedding would be, he said. You get this really amazing looking experience for a fraction of the cost.  I think people are just sort of realizing more and more, they dont have to do it the same way their parents and grandparents did it.

About half of Haischs clients  like the Hunters  approach him based on his reputation, hoping hell help them find the perfect spot. For that, he has a secret Pinterest board of locations wheres he never shot, a list of epic spots where he hopes to one day shoot a wedding. For those weddings, he becomes the default wedding planner, often organizing logistics and arranging other facets of the wedding for people unfamiliar with the region. Others, more often locals, already have a location in mind, often one with special personal meaning.

The elopement option isnt without its challenges. Sometimes Haisch tries to schedule weddings for Tuesdays, just so they can be moved to Wednesday if the weather doesnt cooperate. Sometimes people prefer to just venture out into the rain, all part of the adventure.

At times, couples will want to bring family or friends who arent up to a hike, and hell choose a location with parking lot access. Some spots, though, have become so crowded (for which Haisch notes his Instagram posts may bear some responsibility) that theyre better off avoided.

Im often just trying to find a spot where no ones been before, he said. Its not like you can reserve these places.

Though most people are understanding when couples opt for an elopement, Haisch advises explaining the choice to family and friends who may be expecting a wedding invite. Its also good to check ahead on entry permits for public lands, and to obtain a wedding permit for marriages within a national park.

For those considering an elopement wedding, Katelynn Hunter said its not worth worrying about the opinions of others.

Do whatever you want, because its your day, she said. You have to trust your heart and what you want. It turns the focus more toward what the days really about  each other.
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Striking Nigerian university lecturers have accepted the proposal of the federal government but asked to be given until Thursday evening for words on ending their strike.

Biodun Ogunyemi, the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) stated this on Thursday evening after a three-hour meeting with a government delegation.

Our members are waiting for us currently at the and you will hear from us before the end of the day. We have signed a document on behalf of our members, Mr Ogunyemi said.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, said the government had resolved the eight contentious issues with ASUU. He said some of the issues have already been implemented.

ASUU embarked on an indefinite strike on November 4, 2018, demanding improved funding of universities and implementation of previous agreements with the government.

As at the time of this report, neither ASUU nor the federal government had provided details of the agreement signed.

However, Mr Ogunyemi had in November said to suspend the strike, the government must fully implement the Memorandum of Action (MoA) the two parties willingly signed in October 2017, he said.

So the MoA must be implemented fully before we can even talk of suspension of the strike. If they implement the outstanding issues in the MoA fully and change the leadership of the negotiating team, then we can go back to the negotiation, Mr Ogunyemi said.

According to Mr Ogunyemi, the unions position is aimed at repositioning the nations universities for global relevance.

As they (schools) currently stand, they can neither attract competent foreign lecturers or foreign students who could add to their global rating.

He also said ASUU was not happy going on strike but had no choice.

Unfortunately, that is the language the government understands. Each time ASUU goes on strike, our work is disrupted. But what work are we doing under unfavourable conditions? Mr Ogunyemi said.
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At least three people are reported dead after a stampede at a campaign rally by President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, APC.

The rally held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Taraba State.

The presidency has already blamed overcrowding for the deaths but did not confirm the casualty figure.

A statement by President Buharis spokesperson, Garba Shehu, noted that Mr Buhari expressed profound sadness over of loss of lives at the All Progressives Congress, APC Presidential Campaign Rally in Jalingo, Taraba State on Thursday.

Mr Buhari is seeking re-election in the presidential election scheduled to hold on February 16. He has 72 opponents including a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar.

Read Mr Shehus full statement below on the Taraba tragedy below.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed profound sadness over of loss of lives at the All Progressives Congress, APC Presidential Campaign Rally in Jalingo, Taraba State on Thursday.

Reacting to reports of the tragic death of some APC supporters due to the overwhelming crowd at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, the President said:

I always feel very sad and distressed when ordinary Nigerians who love me and our party because of what we stand for and have done, make personal sacrifices by taking the pains to show their support, end their lives tragically.

While appreciating the massive support he is receiving all over the country, President Buhari calls for restraint on the part of his supporters to avoid such tragic incidences, and improved crowd management at rally grounds.

I want them to stay alive and witness the dividends of purposeful governance that the APC administration will unfold when they renew our mandate, he said.

Commiserating with the families of the victims and the APC family, the President prays Almighty God to grant peace to the souls of the departed and speedy recovery to the injured.
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The Nigerian Presidency has thrown its weight behind Nasir El-Rufais comments that foreigners who seek to intervene in the nations forthcoming elections will leave in body bags.

Mr El-Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State, said the country will not accept any foreign intervention during the forthcoming general elections.

He said this while appearing on a Tuesday Live program which aired on the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA).

Those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the person to come and intervene. They would go back in body bags because nobody would come to Nigeria and tell us how to run our country, he said.

Many interpreted his remarks to mean calling for violence against foreigners during the elections but Mr El-Rufai later said he was only insisting that Nigerias sovereignty be respected.

The presidency, in an email to PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday, said it is satisfied with the clarifications made by Mr El-Rufai.

President Muhammadu Buhari [Photo: Presidency]

In the email, sent President Muhammadu Buharis spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the presidency also said the federal government, under Mr Buhari, would cooperate with election observers and would not let the international community down in the coming elections.

The Presidency assures Nigerians and the international community that the President would do everything within his power to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the country.

We have taken note of the clarification to a reported earlier statement by the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai concerning opposition call for foreign interference in our domestic affairs and to say that latest statement by him should rest the issue for good, the presidency said.

It also said the governor spoke strongly in defence of national interest. It is clear that El-Rufai, our party the APC and all its candidates have reposed their faith in democracy through general elections.

Mr Shehu said all concerned in the administration and the governing party are of the view that there is no place for violence against local people or foreign citizens in Nigeria.

He also said the major opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ought to own up to the mistakes of their own policies for 16 years.

He alleged that these policies have led the country to a sorry state and have cost lives, jobs, and growth.
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The Cameroon Army said on Thursday that ten armed separatists were killed and six soldiers wounded in a clash in Ndawara, a locality in the North-west of the country.

Ndawara is one of the countrys two strife-torn English-speaking regions.

Secessionist terrorists ambushed a military truck in Ndawara.

They stood on a hill and started rolling down stones to hit the vehicle. Six soldiers were wounded, among whom three were seriously injured, the army said in a statement.

The army regularly refers to armed separatists as secessionist terrorists.

On Tuesday, armed separatists began what they called a 10-day lockdown banning all sorts of activities in the two war-torn Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest from Tuesday to February 14.

This ban is a move to disrupt National Youth Day activities expected to be celebrated on February 11.

An armed insurgency started in the regions in November 2017, after separatists declared the independence of a nation they called Ambazonia complaining of systematic marginalisation of minority anglophones in the largely French-speaking country.

Fighting is escalating in the two regions despite repeated appeals by President Paul Biya for the separatists to give up their weapons and follow the right track.

(Xinhua/NAN)
Nigeria and India can benefit from each other through cooperation in transportation, power, infrastructure and agriculture, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma, said on Thursday.

The minister was speaking when the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhay Thakur, visited him in Abuja.

Mr Udoma said Nigeria has lots of potentials India could tap into.

He also said Nigeria has a lot to learn from Indias successes in the areas of technology, particularly in rail and power, as well as human capital development.

The Buhari administration, he said, is focused on bridging the huge infrastructure gap in the country, particularly in the areas of transportation and power infrastructure.

He said the administration desires to create avenues to lift majority of Nigerians out of poverty through agricultural development and other empowerment programmes.

President Buhari has a vision and dream of connecting every city and town in Nigeria with standard gauge rail lines. And Nigeria would stand to benefit from Indias experience and assistance to achieve the goal in the rail sector, he said.

This is an area we will like to collaborate with you to see how we can tap from Indias experience, the minister told the visiting envoy.

Like India, he said Nigeria has been working hard to bring down its poverty level, which is why government is putting a lot of resources to empower poor and vulnerable persons, by lifting them out of poverty.

He said about N500 billion is provided by government annually in the national budget for social intervention programmes targeted at empowering the people so that they can be useful to themselves and the society.

Mr Udoma said under the Social Intervention Programme (SIP), the government is not just giving the people fish, it is also teaching them how to fish.

Although India is one of Nigerias largest trading partners, especially in crude oil, Mr Udoma said the government would want the Asian country to buy more of the countrys oil as well as develop interest in the gas sector.

He assured the High Commissioner that the tempo of economic activities in the country will not slow down due to the forthcoming general elections.

President Muhammadu Buhari is not looking at the next election, but looking at the next generation with the purpose of taking Nigeria to the next level, he said.

India willing to partner

The High Commissioner, who resumed work in Nigeria last month, said India was willing to strengthen its development cooperation with Nigeria.

He said India would be glad if Nigeria could take advantage of some of the assistance programmes the Indian government has made available to the African continent.

Mr Thakur said although the leaders of the two countries had some dreams about cooperation in some critical areas, some of those dreams are yet to be transformed into real projects on the ground.

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He specifically said India would like to collaborate further with Nigeria in the rail and power sectors as well as any other areas of interest to Nigeria.
Wealthy tax defaulters who are yet to clear their liabilities with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are in for rough times ahead as the executive chairman of the agency, Tunde Fowler, says it will go after them in 2019.

Mr Fowler said the Service will work with security agencies like the Nigeria Police Force, to recover the outstanding liabilities from defaulters.

The chairman was speaking on Thursday when the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, visited him in Abuja.

So far, he said following close scrutiny of the financial records of over 45,000 tax defaulters with over N100 million turnover each in their accounts, the Service realized about N23 billion.

He said the Service will soon go after another set of 40,000 tax defaulters with a minimum million Naira account turnover in 2019.

To realise its objective, the chairman said the FIRS has already requested the Nigeria Police to help bring the tax defaulters to pay their taxes.

Last month, Mr Fowler hinted during the FIRS management retreat in Lagos about plans to identify and tax bank account holders with over N100 million as turnover, but without any evidence of tax payment:

We looked at businesses, partnerships of any activity that has banking turnover between N100 million and N999 million, he said.

He said the agency has already reviewed the businesses of these groups, while about seven banks are still waiting for returns to review their information.

The chairman said the service has so far identified about 45,361 with the tax identification number (TIN) and making payments.

We have 40,611 with TIN, and paying tax. We also have 44,504 with no TIN and not paying tax. So, at a glance, there are close to 75,000 who are not taxpayers.

We have said payment of tax is not only for the civil servants. Its for all Nigerians, including millionaires and billionaires, Mr Fowler said.

Successful year

Mr Fowler thanked the Nigerian Police for its support and collaboration over the years and requested for more to enable it to recover due taxes from more than 40,000 rich tax evaders in 2019.

Describing 2018 as a successful year, Mr Fowler said the FIRS realized over N5.320 trillion of tax revenue during the year, the highest revenue collection in its history.

He said the achievement was significant given that it was a period oil prices averaged between $50 and $70 per barrel.

Details of the collection showed oil revenue was N2.467 trillion (46.38 percent), against the non-oil element of N2.852 trillion (53.62 percent)

In his response, the Police IG, said the Police will continue to support the FIRS since the nation depends on its revenue generation for survival.

Mr Fowler said the various initiatives implemented by FIRS to enhance tax administration and make taxation as easy as possible included the deployment of ICT to enhance tax payment at any time from anywhere in the world.

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With the e-payment channel, one can pay taxes with the click of a button and download receipts. Other e-Services are the e-Registration, e-Filing, -Stamp Duty and e-Tax Clearance Certificate, he said.

The Chairman said the FIRS is automating the collection of Value Added Tax, in key sectors to facilitate a reduction in compliance cost in the long term.

Also, the service is doing a System to system integration between banks and FIRS, with about 25billion (about 31 percent) increase year-on-year in VAT collection in the banks realized between January 2017 and December 2018.

In addition, there is the Government Information Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), which links FIRS to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for real-time exchange of information and data.

We are also automating the payment of VAT by states through the State Offices of Accountant General Platform (SAG). This will ensure deductions at source and remittance of VAT and withholding from State governments contract payments directly to FIRSs account, from which N13billion has so far been collected.

Tax clearance on the automated platform has grown from 9,574 to 59,350 within a year of its introduction.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the  Winter Tires Market Revenue and Value Chain 2017-2027 report to their offering Upcoming

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Winter Tires also known as snow tires are specialty tires with specific tread design appropriate for traction on snow and ice. These tires can be used in temperatures lower than 7 degree Celsius and are often equipped with metal or ceramic studs that jut out from the tires to further increase traction in condition of closely packed snow or ice. Different countries and regions across the globe have specific regulations for winter tires, and its usage, and govern the design and availability winter tires in that region.The global winter tires market is expected to expand with an impressive CAGR over the forecast period.Winter TiresMarket: Drivers & RestraintsThe major factors boosting the growth of Winter Tires market is rising growth in the automobile industry, particularly in countries with cold climates. With the growing number of automobiles for both personal and commercial uses, the market for Winter Tires grows hand in hand with vehicle production and is projected to grow on a positive scale in the upcoming years. Vehicles have become more of a commodity than a luxury product owing to higher disposable incomes of the consumers leading to higher demand for automobiles thereby directly influencing the growth of Winter Tires market. Almost all countries with cold climates are gradually mandating the usage of winter tires, amid safety concerns and fuel efficiency. Further many companies offer discount on insurance premiums for vehicles equipped winter tires, further driving people to prefer winter tires over conventional tires. Increasing number of stringent norms for the same is expected to drive the global winter tires market. Further, with increasing purchasing power of customers, demand for winter tires is increasing as many car owners are replacing their legacy tires with winter tires. Rapid Innovation by global tire manufacturers, in their winter tire offerings is also fuelling the sale of costlier products and driving more revenues in the global winter tires market.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4552 Winter TiresMarket: Market SegmentationThe Winter Tires Market is segmented on three factors, on the basis of stud presence, sales channel and in terms of vehicle type.Based on stud presence, the Winter Tires market is segmented into:StuddedStudlessBased on sales channel, the Winter Tires market is segmented into:OEMAfter MarketBased on vehicle type, the Winter Tires market is segmented into:Passenger CarsLight Motor VehiclesHeavy Motor VehiclesWinter Tires Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, Winter Tires market has been categorized into seven key regions including North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Western Europe is expected to be the global leader in terms of demand for winter tires, amid presence of countries such as Finland, Sweden, Norway, UK, and Iceland, which offer several incentives and impose certain regulations for the adoption of winter tires. Eastern Europe is also a prominent region, due to presence of snowy regions of Russia and Poland. In the US, incorporation and laws regarding winter tires is under states discretion, and many states are expected to mandate the use of winter tires in near future. Canada has high demand for winter tires in North America, and is expected to remain a prominent market through the forecast period. Further, China is expected to emerge as another important market for winter tire manufacturers due to increasing demand for vehicles in the countries cold regions. Japan is also a prominent market for winter tires, amid presence of some of the worlds most snowy cities. Middle East and Africa, however attracts niche demand for winter tires. In Latin America, Peru is expected to drive the demand for winter tires.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4552 Winter Tires Market: Key PlayersSome of the players identified in Global Winter Tires market are:-Bridgestone CorporationCooper Tire & Rubber CompanyHangzhou Zhongce Rubber CO., LTD.Cheng Shin Rubber Ind. Co., Ltd.Continental AktiengesellschaftNexen Tire CorporationNokian Tyres plcPirelli & C. S.p.A.Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyThe Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Toyo Tire & Rubber CompanyHankook Tire Co. Ltd.N.V. Apollo Vredestein BeLux S.A.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Vehicle Jump Starter Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013 - 2017 and Opportunity Assessment; 2018 - 2028" report to their offering.

Vehicle Jump Starter Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:27:05

In the automobiles, giving a boost to a discharged or dead battery of a vehicle via a temporary connection, such as a battery or another external power source, is commonly known as vehicle jump starter. Lithium ion and lithium acid battery types are the two main types of batteries used in a vehicle jump starter. Vehicle jump starter is handy in case of bad weather, or if the driver/passenger is in a stranded area and need to recharge the battery, in that case, one can restart the engine by giving a boost to the battery by vehicle jump starter. Vehicle jump starters are usually of two types - Jump Boxes and Plug-in Units. Jump box type has maintenance free lithium batteries with a jumper cable, and plug-in unit type is capable of delivering higher amperage.Vehicle Jump Starter: Market Drivers and ChallengesLithium acid battery type vehicle jump starters are the traditional ones that offer additional benefits, such as protection against current overload, reverse connection and overcharging. However, Lithium acid battery type vehicle jump starters are heavier and bulky, thus its buyers are limiting to repair and maintenance shops, which in turn, is augmenting the growth of the other type of vehicle jump starter i.e. lithium ion battery type. Lithium-ion battery type vehicle jump starters are lighter in weight and smaller in size, and they are easy to carry. Therefore, over the forecast period, lithium ion battery type vehicle jump starters are expected to have high growth rate as compared to lithium acid battery type vehicle jump starters. However, it is suggested that jump-starting a vehicle should be done by an experienced person or professional, as it can cause serious accidents, which in turn, is expected to slow down the unit sale of vehicle jump starters for personal use, thus restraining the growth of the market to some extent.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7862 Vehicle Jump Starter: Market SegmentationOn the basis of product type, the global vehicle jump startermarket can be segmented into the following:Jump BoxesPlug-in UnitsOn the basis of battery type, the global vehicle jump startermarket can be segmented into the following:Lithium Ion BatteryLithium Acid BatteryOn the basis of output voltage, the global vehicle jump startermarket can be segmented into the following:Below 12 VoltsBetween 12 Volts and 24 VoltsAbove 24 VoltsOn the basis of vehicle, the global vehicle jump startermarket can be segmented into the following:Passenger CarsCompact Passenger CarsMid-Sized Passenger CarsSUVsCommercial VehiclesLCVsHCVsVehicle Jump Starter: Regional Market OutlookThe growth of vehicle jump starter and automotive industry are coextensive, sales of vehicle jump starter will grow as the unit sale of automobiles will increase. Under the regional segment, Chinas automotive industry has been experiencing unprecedented transformation in recent years, and it is stipulated to remain the same in coming years. Further, North America is anticipated to holds a sizable share of the vehicle jump starter market owing to the growing trend of DIY (do-it-yourself). In Western Europe, Germany is estimated to lead the vehicle jump starter market whereas, in Eastern Europe, Russia is expected to accounts for a significant portion of the vehicle jump starter market, owing to increasing unit sale of automobiles Thus, the vehicle jump starter market is expected to witness a healthy demand over the projected period in Europe.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7862 Vehicle Jump Starter: Key Market PlayersThe global vehicle jump starter market is anticipated to be highly fragmented owing presence of numerous local manufacturers.Examples of some of the market participants in the global vehicle jump startermarket identified across the value chain include:Schumacher Electric CorporationAntigravity Batteries LLCTacklifeBillet Proof DesignsThe NOCO CompanyPARIS CORPORATIONGoolooBoltpowerClore Automotive
Vascular Ulcer Treatment

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 10:40:16

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Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531

Ulcers are commonly diagnosed in people with age more than 65 years. The ulcers of lower extremities are a typical reason for visits to the primary care doctor, wound care expert, vascular specialist, or dermatologist. Majority of vascular ulcers occurring in individuals are recurrent or chronic in nature. These are responsible for considerable amount of sickness particularly among patients with peripheral vascular disease that includes work incapacity and intense pain. A substantial burden has been put on the patient and healthcare system in order to treat chronic vascular ulcers. These chronic ulcers, at times, subject patients to advanced risks for lower extremity amputation. Generally, vascular ulcers are treated moderately with non-operative treatment techniques. In cases where vascular ulcers are treated surgically, STSG (Split-Thickness Skin Grafts) are applied to the affected areas as per the standard techniques. The prevalence rate of vascular ulcers increases with the rise in obesity rate owing to the number of morbidities associated with obese patients.Vascular Ulcers Treatment Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe rising prevalence of peripheral vascular disease and hypertensionare the primary factors propelling the growth of vascular ulcers treatment market. Vascular ulcers are caused by both arterial and venous disease. The rise in chronic diseases such as diabetes and vascular disease owing to the change in lifestyle of people coupled with growing obesity rates globally is anticipated to drive the growth of vascular ulcers treatment market. Additionally, rising senior population with previous surgery to leg including hip replacement and knee replacement are more likely to upsurge the growth of vascular ulcers treatment market. Furthermore, technological advancement and increasing trend to combine different treatment modalities for more efficient ulcer treatment is likely to drive the growth of vascular ulcers treatment market. However, high cost of products associated with treatment of vascular ulcers is anticipated to restrain the market growth to some extent. Also, prolonged surgical care put patients at risk of developing new ulcers in other places.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4294 Vascular Ulcers Treatment Market: SegmentationThe global vascular ulcers treatment market is segmented on the basis of disease type, treatment type, distribution channel and geographic region.Based on diseases type, vascular ulcers treatment market is segmented into following:Arterial UlcersNeurotropic UlcersVenous UlcersDiabetic UlcersOthersBased on treatment type, vascular ulcers treatment market is segmented into following:CompressionGradual CompressionIntermittent Pneumatic CompressionDrugsAntibioticsPentoxifyllineTopical SteroidsAspirinDressingsSurgical TherapySkin GraftingOthersBased on distribution channel, vascular ulcers treatment market is segmented into followingHospital PharmaciesRetail PharmaciesOnline Pharmacies and E-commerceDrugstoresOthersVascular Ulcers Treatment Market: OverviewThe vascular ulcers treatment market is anticipated to show a moderate growth over the forecast period owing to the rising geriatric population globally. American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) estimated that more than 200 million people are prevalent to Peripheral artery disease (PAD) in 2016, out of which around 8.5 million people are residing in United States, which includes including 12-20% of individuals older than 60 years of age. This number in projected to grow at fast pace over next few years owing to increase in number of smokers and diabetic patients across the globe. The vascular ulcers treatment market is classified on the basis of diseases type, treatment type and distribution channel. By disease type venous ulcers segment is expected to dominate the market for vascular ulcers treatment. However, compression treatment is anticipated to be most common treatment type for vascular ulcers. Whereas, retail pharmacies segment is projected to grow at faster CAGR than other distribution channel segments.Vascular Ulcers Treatment Market: Regional OverviewOn the basis of geography, Vascular Ulcers Treatment market is segmented into seven key regions, including North, America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America holds the largest market share for vascular ulcers treatment market due to high PAD and obesity rate in U.S., followed by Europe and APAC. Growing old age population coupled rising expenditure in healthcare infrastructure are some of the factors accounting for high growth of vascular ulcers treatment market across Western Europe.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4294 Vascular Ulcers Treatment Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players involved in vascular ulcers treatment market include Angiodynamics, Sigvaris Global, Medi GmbH & Co. KG, Activa Healthcare, 3M, Medtronic, B. Braun and others.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 05:33:26

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Research Report Insights (RRI42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/Email: sales@researchreportinsights.comCEO6317214201http://www.. researchreportinsights.com

The global forage seed market is expected to witness a stable growth during the forecast period. Owing to, increasing demand for forage feed from various agricultural farms and livestock farms the demand for forage seed is expected to increase throughout the forecast period. In addition, increasing number of poultry birds and cattle is also expected to boost the demand for forage feed. Increasing global meat consumption and demand for dairy products are also fueling the demand for forage seed. Livestock farmers in order to improve productivity are focusing on good quality of forage goods in order to meet changing customer requirements. The scope of the global forage seed market also provides an insight into value (USD Million) and volume (Kilo Tons) of forage seeds across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the world.Forage feed manufacturers use legumes and grass seeds to plant pastures and hayfields. Based on product types, the forage seed market is categorized into alfalfa, clover, chicory, ryegrass, lablab, and fescue among others. Increasing meat consumption is one of the major factors driving the demand for forage seeds globally. Nowadays, consumers are very health conscious, and they prefer to consume organic food and meat products. To meet consumer requirements, producers are focusing on using high-yielding forage crops for feeding livestock instead of using additives and crop protection chemical products in forage crop production. Forage feed producers prefer to avoid additives and crop protection chemical products in forage crop production. Owing to these factors, the demand for forage seeds is expected to boost the demand for forage seed in the forecast period.Request For Report Sample: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/sample/110114592/Forage-Seed-Market In addition, high yielding, forage seeds also help agricultural producers in crop rotation and risk diversification by enhancing the soil quality. These forage seeds are used for feeding livestock including poultry, cattle, swine, and aquaculture animals. Farmers prefer to use forage seeds for feeding purpose, as these are available at lower prices and cultivation of these seeds generates some economic benefits such as crop rotation, risk diversification, and improve soil structure and prevention of soil erosion.The global forage seed market, by livestock type is segmented into  poultry farms, cattle farms, pork or swine farms among others. Due to increasing demand for poultry meat and eggs, poultry farms are focusing on providing good forages to the poultry birds that increases the demand for forage seeds. In addition, the growing dairy industry is further contributing to the growth of forage crops that helps to increase the demand for forage seeds. Increasing livestock size helps to increase the demand for forage seed that are used for animal feeding.In this report, the market has been segmented into by product type, by livestock type and by geography. It also includes the drivers, restraints and opportunities (DROs), and supply chain of the forage seed market. The study highlights current market trends and provides the forecast from 2014 to 2020. We have also covered the current market scenario for forage seeds and highlighted its future trends that will affect the demand for forage seed.Request For Report discount: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/discount/110114592/Forage-Seed-Market By geography, the market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and RoW. The present market size and forecast till 2020 have been provided in the report.Geographically, the U.S. in North America is expected to experience robust growth in the coming years followed by France and China in Europe and Asia Pacific respectively. Currently, the market for forage seed in India and China are comparatively smaller as compared to other countries, but the forage seed market is expected to witness a decent growth in forecast period with a high CAGR growth rate.The report also analyzes different factors influencing and inhibiting the growth of the forage seed market. The market attractiveness analysis provided in the report highlights key investing areas in this industry. The report will help the agricultural and livestock farmers, suppliers and distributors to understand the present and future trends in this market and formulate their business strategies accordingly.Report Analysis: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/rd/110114592/Forage-Seed-Market
Posted Thursday, February 7, 2019 10:04 am

Im writing about my recent visit to Providence Centralia Hospital. What a great experience I had and I wanted to share it with you.

I had day surgery and was greeted by registered nurse Tamara Nedry, who put me at ease with her kindness and professionalism.

Then on to certified registered nurse anesthetist Ted Gavel and anesthesiologist Dr. (Francis) Prescott. They were so great to explain everything to me and let me decide what I wanted and were with me through it all. I cant thank these two enough for making me feel so at ease.

Most of all thanks to Dr. (Scott) Slattery for all he has done to fix my shoulder. He is the best, as well as his staff, the rest of the staff at the hospital and the doctors office. I would recommend any of them and know you will be in great hands.

Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart.

Stacie Blodgett

Aberdeen
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 05:41:13

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Research Report Insights (RRI42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/Email: sales@researchreportinsights.comCEO6317214201http://www.. researchreportinsights.com

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) equipment market refers to the tools and equipments used to detect, dispose and provide protection during explosive disposal operations. The global Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) equipment market has been segmented by equipment type, application and geography. On the basis of equipment type the market has been segmented into portable X-ray systems, projected water disruptors, bomb containment chamber, EOD suits and blankets, EOD robots, explosive detectors and search mirrors among others. The EOD market on the basis of application has been categorized into defense and law enforcement. North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America are the various regions covered within the scope of research. Furthermore, a cross sectional analysis has been provided for each of the reports covered within the scope of research.Factors such as police forces modernization programs and defense modernization programs are also expected to drive the demand for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) equipment. Various defense agencies across the globe are striving to equip their forces with modern equipment in order to counter terrorist intrusions. For example, large numbers of military organizations and law enforcement organizations have adopted military EOD robots. These robots can be programmed according to a given situation and can also be repurposed in a short time. Moreover, recent surge in number of terrorist attacks have also boosted the demand for EOD in recent years. The rise of various terrorist outfits such as ISIS and Boko Haram are constantly conducting coordinated country-wide attacks against the governments across the globe.Request For Report Sample: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/sample/110114589/Explosive-Ordnance-Disposal-Equipment-Market These organizations are targeting malls, schools and embassies among others. As a result of these factors, defense organizations are increasingly adopting EOD equipment to counter the terrorist attacks. Furthermore, the joint efforts taken by various countries such as the U.S., Russia and France among others to curb terrorism have further resulted in an increased demand for EOD equipments. These factors in combination are expected to propel the demand for EOD equipment throughout the forecast period.However, defense budget cut by governments of various countries is restraining the demand for EOD equipment globally. For example, there has been a 31% defense budget cut in the U.S. military spending from 2010 to 2016Significant opportunities exist for the EOD equipment market as a result of continuous research and development initiatives undertaken by various manufacturers. Research and development is directed toward improving existing features as well as developing new advanced features. For example, in January 2014, DetectaChem launched a handheld explsoive detector called the SEEKERe. The SEEKERe has been designed and developed in accordance to the specifications requested by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).The company profiles of the major players in the global Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Equipment market across five major geographic regions namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa and Latin America has been extensively covered under the purview of the study. Moreover, the business strategies being adopted by the major players in the market have also been included in the report. The market attractive analysis has also been provided in the report for providing a detailed insight into the global EOD equipment market.The market dynamics, which includes the market drivers, restraints and opportunities, has also been included under the scope of the report. Market dynamics help to understand the current trends in the global market by providing insights of the distinctive factors that influence the growth of the specific market. Thus, this report provides an inclusive study of the global Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Equipment market and also provides forecast of the market for the period from 2015-2023Request For Report discount: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/discount/110114589/Explosive-Ordnance-Disposal-Equipment-Market Some of the major players operating in EOD market are: iRobot Corporation, Safariland, LLC, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Scanna Msc Ltd., NABCO, Inc., United Shield International Ltd, Reamda Ltd., API Technologies Corp., Du Pont (E.I.) De Nemours and Cobham plc among others.The global Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Equipment market has been segmented into:Global Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Equipment market, by Equipment Type Portable X-ray Systems Projected Water Disruptors Bomb containment chambers EOD Suits and Blankets EOD Robots Explosive Detectors Search mirrors OthersGlobal Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Equipment market, by Application: Defense Law EnforcementGlobal Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Equipment market, by Geography: North Americao U.S.o Canadao Others Europeo United Kingdomo Franceo Germanyo Russiao Others Asia Pacifico Chinao Indiao Japano Others Middle East and Africao U.A.E.o Israelo Others Latin Americao Brazilo ArgentinaReport Analysis: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/rd/110114589/Explosive-Ordnance-Disposal-Equipment-Market
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 13:10:41

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From x-ray to MRI imaging and from endoscopy to interventional radiology, medical physics has been playing a crucial role in medical research, diagnosis, and treatment. Evolution of physics concepts and their application in healthcare is transforming the medical technologies at an ever-accelerating pace. Medical physics involves the application of fundamental physics concepts, theories or methods to medicine. Healthcare professionals who are responsible to bring these medical physics theories into medical practice are called as medical physicists. Medical physics covers wide frontiers including key areas of cancer diagnosis & treatment, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders. In cancer medical physics explains the basic mechanism of biological changes upon the intervention of radiation with a biological system or cellular mechanisms and develops new techniques for precise measurement of radiation and dose calculation. In Cardiovascular diseases, medical physics applies to the measurement of blood flow, oxygenation etc., while in neurology it applies to recording and interpretation of bioelectric potential. Medical physics also employs to an application of computers in medicine and diagnostic issues. Medical physics departments are located in hospitals and universities. Medical physics involves continuous research that can be translated into practice. Typical examples of biomedical equipment that apply this medical physics concepts include surgical lasers, magnetic resonance imaging scanners (MRI), computed tomography (CT), X-ray, positron emission tomography scanners (PET), PET/CT, ultrasound equipment, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), Electrocardiography (ECG) devices, Electroencyclograhy (EEG) devices, 2D echo, etc. among others.Medical Physics Market: Drivers and RestraintsTremendous research and development activities in medical devices industry are the prime factor driving the growth of global medical physics market over the forecast period. Development of new technologies and instruments for use in diagnostics such as magnetic and electro-optical devices for manipulation of diagnostic images, digital computer techniques for qualitative analysis of static and dynamic images, imaging procedures utilizing infrared and ultrasound sources etc. would fuel the growth of global medical physics market. Moreover, science and technology are dramatically being exploited for techniques such as laser surgery, endoscopic procedures, radiation and nuclear medicine which would escalate the growth potential for medical physics market. However, medical physicists and other healthcare professionals operating in the medical physics require years of specialized training to understand how to utilize these concepts in routine diagnosis and treatment protocols and a limited number of such resources limits the growth of global medical physics market.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5274 Medical Physics Market: SegmentationTentatively, global medical physics market has been segmented on the basis of application, end user, and geography.Based on application, global medical physics market is segmented as below:Medical ImagingDiagnosticsintervention radiologyMedical OpticsRadiation TherapeuticsRadiation OncologyNuclear MedicineLaser MedicineBiomechanicsHealthcare informatics and computational physicsBased on the end user, global medical physics market is segmented as below:HospitalsDiagnostic CentersAcademics & Research CentersMedical Physics Market: OverviewThe synergy between rapidly evolving medical physics technologies and understanding of genome & biochemistry has resulted into the emergence of molecular medicine. Imaging technologies thus now are able to monitor biological processes such as metabolism, the biology of receptors, tumor mapping etc. Introduction of tomographic reconstruction i.e. a computerized method for imaging slices in the body has enabled the use of SPECT/CT and PET/CT imaging tools to diagnose diseases such as Alzheimers disease and to create color maps of the brain. An idea of employing light energy for surgery is specifically beneficial to ophthalmology.Medical Physics Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, global medical physics market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America clearly dominates the global medical physics market due to high degree of intelligence and pace of R&D activities in medical devices industry and majority of the best research institutes are located in the U.S.,Europe is expected to be the second largest market for medical physics as large number of global medical devices players are based in Western Europe. Japan medical physics market is expected to grow at significant CAGR.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-5274 Medical Physics Market: Key PlayersSome of the players identified in global medical physics market include Siemens Ltd., GE Healthcare, Shimadzu Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Hitachi Ltd., Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, FUJIFILM Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Varian Medical Systems, Teleflex Incorporated, Ion Beam Applications SA, Mevion Medical Systems etc. among others.
Tamper Evident labels Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027

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PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:08:13

Over the past few years, labelling has become one of the important component of product packaging. Labelling not only provides essential information regarding products feature and the usage process, but also has become an imperative marketing tool for promoting the product. Product counterfeit has become an important issue today, with approximately 5-7% of all world trade is being affected by counterfeiting and tampering. Therefore, for big brands fraud and counterfeit mitigation is no longer optional and has become a very important parameter to maintain its brand image and protect its customer, this is where the tamper evident labels is getting acceptance among the many manufacturers of foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic & personal care products. Tamper evident labels are prepared of good quality adhesives, which are suitable for almost all surfaces including outdoor or indoor applications. All the companies are adopting tamper evident labels to enhance customer security along with creating a stronger brand image with this type of labelling.Tamper evident labels: Market DynamicsThe medicines manufacturers are widely using tamper-evident labelling for their products to protect the consumers against any possible criminal tampering. Additionally, the growth in the electronic industry, food and beverage industry, rising manufacturing activities also fuels the growth in the tamper evident labels market. Furthermore, growing possibilities of bioterrorism and other threats to the food supply chain which can create massive loss to the processors, retailer and as well as to the consumer are driving the demand in the tamper evident labels market. The manufacturers in the tamper evident labels market operate in a competitive industry, due to which they keep on improving their current offerings and developing new products. This factor together with increase in government regulations to overcome counterfeits and thefts provides growth opportunities in the tamper evident labels market.Request to Sample of Report @Tamper evident labels Market: Regional outlookIn terms of geography, the global tamper evident labels market has been divided in to five key regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at a healthy rate during the forecast period primarily driven by the growth in the developing countries such as India and China. North America and Europe are also expected to witness an above average growth in the tamper evident labels market. However, some developed countries in Europe are anticipated to grow at a slower pace as compared to the developing countries owing to the market saturation in food & beverage industry. While, the demand of tamper evident labels is expected to be high in the U.S. owing to stringent rules and regulation of FDA. Middle East and Africa are expected to witness stagnant growth in the tamper evident labels market over the forecast period.Request Report for Table of Contents @Tamper evident labels Market: Key playersSome of the key players in the global tamper evident labels market are Tesa SE, 3M Company, Avery Dennison Corporation, Sticky things limited, Labeling Systems, Dunmore Corporation, Arjobex Ltd., Peter Lynn Limited, Adampak, Avery Dennison Corporation and others.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, technology and applications.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Report Methodology @
Sustainable Palm Oil Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:08:36

Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil extracted from the reddish pulp of the oil palms. Sustainable Palm oil is naturally reddish in color because it has the component of high beta carotene. Sustainable palm oil means the palm oil which is manufactured under the guidance and rule of the Roundtable on sustainable palm oil (RSPO). To produce certified sustainable palm oil, manufactures has to follow the environmental and social criteria set by RSPO. It can also be kept in the room temperature. Palm oil also contains very little cholesterol. It is also used in products where animal fats are not accepted for the religion issues. It has been noticed that the palm oil is used in several industries to make the ultimate product. Those industries are also growing. So the demand of the palm oil will be more. So the market will expand very fast in the stipulated period of time.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1374 Global Sustainable palm oil Market Dynamics:-The market of sustainable palm oil market is anticipated to be driven by the various used of the product in a different way. It has a great cooking properties, even it can be used in the high temperature. Its smooth and creamy texture and having no smell make it a perfect ingredient for many recipes like it is used in the bakery (specially for biscuits). It has a natural perspective effect which helps the longevity of the food byresisting the oxidation that spoils them. It is also the highest producing vegetable oil crop which makes it very efficient. It needs less land required by other oil crops to produce same quantity of oil. It makes this cheaper than the other oil in the market. Sustainable palm oil is also used in the cosmetic industry. Sustainable Palm oil ingredients are used in the skin care products, make up products. Due to have the rules and regulations of RSPO the producers are not able to destroy the environment and wild life. It keeps the social interest towards sustainable palm oil production and the conflict cannot be created between the communities and workers. Palm oil is available as an ingredients such as palm kernel oil, palm kernel stearin, palm kernel olein, partially hydrogenated palm oil, asorbyl palmitate, Palmate, Sodium Laureth Sulphate etc. Palm oil used as a frying fat for many food items, as a shortening in bakery products.Global Sustainable Palm oil Market Segmentation:Sustainable palm oil market can be segmented on the basis of application of the palm oil such as food, soap and detergents, pet food and cosmetics. Then food also can be sub segmented such as bakery, ice cream & other frozen desserts, confectionery products and margarine. Palm oil market also can be segmented on the basis of types of the palm oil availability in the market such as palm kernel oil, red palm oil, fractional palm oil, white palm oil.Request For TOC@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1374 Global Sustainable palm oil Market: Regional Outlook:Geographically, the global palm oil industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Indonesia and Malaysia captured the highest market share in terms of the production of palm oil. Other production countries are Thailand, Columbia, Nigeria and Ecuador. China got the first position in terms of consumption of palm oil followed by EU, India, Indonesia and United States. Malaysia was the highest exporter of palm oil.Global sustainable palm oil Market Players:The major players identified across the value chain of global sustainable palm oil market include New Britain palm oil limited, Golden agri resources limited, IOI corporation Berhad, Wilmer international limited, Cargill, SIPEF group Belgium, Kulim berhad, Sime Darby plantation sendirian Berhad, Hap seng Plantation Holdings Berhad, Kuala lampur kepong Berhad.and United Plantation Berhad
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:30:29

Sunset yellow FCF or Orange yellow S is synthetic acid orange azo dye derived from petroleum. Sunset yellow FCF is used as an artificial color additive in food to give orange-yellow color. In U.S. when it is added to food products and sold it is denoted as Yellow 6, where else in Europe it is indicated by E 110 (E Number). The additive is similar to Allura red and tartrazine. The color of food is essential for buyers as it is the primary characteristic to be seen and one of the fundamental methods for outwardly evaluating food item before it is consumed. The bright color gives a sign of the natural taste of food item. If the kind of a food item is conflicting with the color, the flavor can often be seen incorrect; for instance, an orange flavored drink hued green could be seen to taste of lime. Numerous raw food has a brilliant appealing color such as vegetables and fruits. However, it is observed that the color of a few foods is diminished when food is processed. Sunset yellow FCF helps in to enhance the appeal of food color attracting the consumers. Different beverage items, such as soda and soft drink will appear to be colorless or gray if color is not added to them during the manufacturing processRequest For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4324 Sunset Yellow FCF Market: DynamicsSunset yellow FCF is an azo dye, and azo dyes are accounted for a considerable market share of all dyes used in the food and textile industries. The potential factor for the demand of sunset yellow FCF market is growing due to its availability at low cost and properties of being more stable than naturally available color additives. The sunset yellow FCF demonstrates more stability to the food item which is the primary key driver in the overall growth of the dye in food and cosmetics items. Another potential growth factor is achieving right color through sunset yellow FCF which is difficult in the natural color additive in food that is heated and exposed to oxygen and has longer shelf life. However certain synthetic food colors may act as a trigger to individuals who are genetically predisposed, is a factor restraining to use of sunset yellow FCF.Sunset Yellow FCF Market: SegmentationBased on applications, sunset yellow FCF market is segmented into:FoodCosmeticsDrugsBased on end-use industry, sunset yellow FCF market is segmented into:Pharmaceutical industryCosmetic industryFood & Beverage industrySunset Yellow FCF Market: Region wise OutlookThe global sunset yellow FCF market is divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Based on application, dye is projected to show higher growth rate in the market due to wide acceptance and applications in food, cosmetic and drugs to propose brighter coloring than most natural coloring. North America currently holds dominant market share due to large consumption capacity of food colorant products. APEJ is estimated to show relatively higher CAGR in sunset yellow FCF market. This is attributed to most favoring policies adopted in the region that has less impose on the use of synthetic dyes for coloration of food and other products. Japan is estimated to grow due to rising demand for more attractiveness in food & beverages. Moreover, the region is estimated to grow due to the wide application of sunset yellow FCF in food products. Regions in Europe is estimated to show stagnant or sluggish market share of sunset yellow FCF. The sluggish rate is accredited to seeking ban of various synthetic food colorant in food by the government as it possesses a threat to the individuals after consumption of food item assorted with sunset yellow FCF.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4324 Sunset Yellow FCF Market: Prominent PlayersSome of the prominent players identified in the global sunset yellow FCF market include:GNT International B.V.Sensient Colors LLCCathay IndustriesDynemic Products Ltd.Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
Government Initiatives to Boost Adoption of Smart Railway System throughout the Forecast Period (2015 - 2025): FMI Study

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 08:46:03

In order to tackle the new challenges and meet the customer expectations in the railway system, governments along with financial firms are putting their effort to upgrade this system with smart technologies. With the smart railway system, several challenges such as customer safety, security, ticket booking issues & other problems in transportation sector can be resolved to the entirety across the globe. In a published report on the global smart railway market by Future Market Insights (FMI), it is predicted that the market is likely to rake in US$ 160 Bn revenues through 2025.Global Market for Smart Railway: TrendsThe report has focused on the new key trends of the global smart railway market that include integrated ticketing system, Big data & IoT and government assistance. In the present world, where the demand for paper-tickets are decreasing, the adoption of paperless integrated ticketing system is surging robustly. This is because smart ticketing system takes less time, is customer friendly and allows customers to book or buy tickets from any place and for any destination with a transparency in information. Besides, for purchasing any paperless ticket, hard cash is not required as anyone can buy it through online transactions. Henceforth, customers can experience a suitable journey according to their requirements.Coming to the second trend, which is about the adoption of Big data and Internet of things (IoT), the report projects that this trend is the most effective feature for smart railway safety and security system. The smart railway system is shifting from analog to digital, which is witnessed by the transformation of computer-based point machines and positive train control (PTC).On the basis of governments assistance and funding, the railway system is updating rapidly by smart technologies. In some countries, such as China, the government is actively taking up some regulations for improving railway infrastructure to make it faster and safer. Even more, several banks in China are collaborating to fund over US$ 28 Bn in PPP projects for the smart railway system.Additional key trends that are leading the global market for smart railway system are digital payment methods, cloud computing, GSM-R systems and fibre optic technology especially for safety purpose.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-231 Segmentation & Regional ForecastThe global market for smart railway has two major segments which include, offering type and region. Based on offering type segment, the market has further three more sub-segments that include, devices & components, services and solutions. Devices & components includes several tools, such as VSC, smart cards, devices for networking & connectivity, rail sensors and others. In 2015, US$ 2.1 Bn revenues were raked from networking and connectivity solutions in global smart railways market. During the forecast period, the revenues accounted by this segment are estimated to expand robustly at a CAGR of 20.1%.Based on the service offerings segment, the market for smart railways has cloud services, professional services and integration & implementation services. Furthermore, solution sub-segment has rail communication & networking systems (RCNS), advanced security management system (ASMS), smart ticketing system (STS), railway traffic management system (RTMS), rail operations management system (ROMS), passenger information system (PIS), and others, which include rail analytics system (RAS) and freight information system (FIS). The report has anticipated that the solution segment will be procuring the highest revenue during the forecast period, leaving behind devices & component and services segments. Besides, the service segment is expected to expand the market at the highest CAGR in the years to come. More detailed information is given in the report on the segments.As per the FMI report, the global smart railway market has been segmented majorly into Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Western Europe and North America. It is estimated through 2025 that after Western Europe and North America, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan will be the leading region in the global market for smart railways. As China and India in APEJ are adopting the smart technologies vigorously, this region is likely to bring in an approximate US$ 50 Bn revenues by 2025. Furthermore, U.S will be the leading country in North Americas smart railway market in the coming future. In Europe, EU5 countries are expected to showcase an increasing growth in the assessment period.Ask the Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-the-analyst/rep-gb-231 Key PlayersThe global smart railway market has profiled some key players, which include Ansaldo STS, S.A., Alstom S.A., Bombardier Inc., IBM Corporation, ABB Group, Indra Sistemas, Hitachi, Ltd., General Electric Co., Cisco Systems, Inc., Alcatel-Lucent S.A., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and Siemens AG, among others.
Silage Bags Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027

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PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 10:59:25

Silage bags are packaging and storing systems for silage, which is a green fodder stored in compact and airtight conditions. Silage bags prove to be cost-effective storage systems for farmers who require additional storage capacity. Silage bags substitute other silage storage alternatives such as piles, bunkers and silo systems which require high investment cost. The market for silage bags is driven by awareness among farmers to prevent wastage of fodder and other agricultural produce used to feed animals during the dry seasons.Silage is produced by the actions of microorganisms especially bacteria that degrades materials such as chopped feed, pressed grass and pulps, which require storage conditions with atmosphere barrier and compacting functionality. Silage bags used to store silage are made of 3 layers of coextruded polyethylene comprising of 2 white layers to make the bag weather proof and 1 black layer which protects the grain from sun light. The silage bag prevents the product from water and atmosphere contact, thereby increasing the shelf life of the product.Request to Sample of Report @Silage bags prove useful in the preventing the wastage of agricultural products, thus coping up the demands of increasing world population for food supply.Silage Bags Market: DynamicsSilage bags market is expected to witness hike in terms of demand due to its convenient storage qualities. Silage bags are used for the storage of agricultural products like food grains, crops, etc. apart from feed and fodder. The increasing demand of the agricultural products and reduction in the production of the feed and fodder crops is expected to fuel the demand for silage bags market.The attributes of silage bags that are support its demand includes low cost investment, minimum space requirement, ease of handling, etc.Regions with high agricultural activities like India and Australia have increasing preference for silage bags for easy and safe techniques for the storage of their farm products.Small farmers with inadequate capabilities to invest in larger silo systems prefer silage bags for their short term requirements. Silage bags, in addition, offer the comfort of storage at an appropriate location during shortage of permanent locations. However, the existing options like bunkers, ditches, containers etc., due to their greater storage capacity, appear to be the restraints in the silage bags market.Silage Bags Market: Region Wise OutlookOn the basis of geographical regions, the silage bags market is divided into following regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East.Asias large and growing population coupled with rising incomes and a rapidly growing middle class is expected to drive the demand for silage bags market. Silage bag market is therefore anticipated to be dominated by Asia Pacific region during the forecast period. The worlds growing economy like India and China is also expected to boost the silage bags market in the coming years.In addition, Australia is also expected to put a positive impact on the silage bags market as the country is majorly dependent on agriculture for its economy. However, Europe and North America is going to witness slower growth than Latin America. Middle East and Africa is also going to face a sluggish growth in silage bags market throughout the forecast period.Request Report for Table of Contents @Silage Bags Market: Key PlayersThe key players in the silage bags market includes RKW groups (Germany), Silo Bags International limited (China), Silo Bags India (India), Flex Pack (Holland), Silo bag grain (Australia), Grain Bags Canada (Canada), The Panama Group (India), Ipesa - Rio Chico S.A. (Argentina), etc.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types, technology and applications.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Report Methodology @
Self-Sealing Bags Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027

fmi

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:04:43

Self-Sealing Bags are carrier pouches adopted for packaging of small to medium sized commodities. Self-Sealing Bags are made of thin flat material containing a strip of adhesive component near the opening of the bag or at the flap, used for sealing the bags. Self-sealing bags can be opened and closed a number of times depending upon the strength of the adhesive provided. Self-sealing bags acts as an excellent barrier against foreign contaminants and protects the contents from moisture and excessive dampness. They are durable, water-resistant, able to resist puncture and possess high strength in order to improve the longevity of the components it holds. These bags are usually primary packaging material that is in direct contact with the component itself. Self-sealing bags with a bubble exterior known as bubble bags are also widely used bags for the purpose of protecting fragile components from breaking.Self-Sealing Bags Market DynamicsThe prime factor that drives the growth of global self-sealing bags market is the desire for improved standard of living pertaining to increase in disposable income of the consumers. Materialistic ownership of various commodities by the consumer is also an important factor driving the surge of global self-sealing bag market over the forecast period. The advancements in packaging technology has influenced the growth of self-sealing bags market across the globe. The global increment of production output of various products has directly boosted the growth of self-sealing bags market. Plastic is a non-biodegradable material and has negative impact on the environment, therefore, stringent Governmental and Environmental regulations can affect the growth of seal-sealing bags market. These bags are also dangerous to human health which can lead to suffocation and choking hindering the growth of the self-sealing bags market. Alternative materials for the manufacture of self-sealing bags such as textile, metallic plane bags etc. can come across as a restraint for the growth of self-sealing bags market on a global level.Request to Sample of Report @Self-Sealing Bags Market: Regional OutlookThe Global Self-sealing bags market can be segmented into seven geographical locations such as North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan and MEA. The Asia Pacific and the Japan region are anticipated to dominate the self-sealing bags market owing to increased manufacturing activities. North America region is also expected to be close on the heels of the Asia Pacific market as a result of advancements in packaging technology and increased spending of the consumers.Request Report for Table of Contents @Self-Sealing Bags Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players identified in the Global Self-Sealing Bags market are : Proficient Packaging CC,,Checker Bag Co.,,Ampac Holdings, LLC,,Weldbank Plastic Co Ltd.,,Universal Plastic,,Prism Pak, Inc.,,Ernest Cummins Printers Ltd.,,Mapol S.L.,,Polytec Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH & Co. KG,,Beaufy Group Ltd.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types and applications.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Report Methodology @
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Sandwich Panel System Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013 - 2017 and Opportunity Assessment; 2018 - 2028" report to their offering.

Sandwich Panel System Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:03:20

Sandwich panel systems are insulated roofing systems manufactured by combining layers of insulated composite materials with binding agents. The composite material between the layers of metals is of low density and is bonded under high pressure. Sandwich panel systems have the ability to protect the interior from extreme weather conditions, sound and fire hazards. Moreover, the durability, structural integrity, strong insulation properties and light weight of sandwich panel systems make them the preffered solution a number of applications. These systems are easy to install, require no maintenance and are cost effective, which make them a viable option over traditional panels, particularly in certain applications such as cold storage warehouses and rural area construction. Commercial, residential and industrial sectors and cold storage facilities and warehouses are prime end users of sandwich panel systems.Sandwich Panel System Market: Drivers and ChallengesThe growth of the sandwich panel systems market is predominantly driven by the expansion of infrastructural projects in developing economies. Housing recovery and new constructions are estimated to contribute significantly to commercial and residential construction sectors. Also, the need for easy and rapid construction solutions is slated to augment the growth of the sandwich panel systems market over the forecast period.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8658 With consumer inclination towards better integrated building solutions with lower carbon emission and reduced lifetime costs, sandwich panel systems are estimated to witness widespread adoption in the coming years. Further, the market is expected to witness potential demand in rural areas, owing to the cost effectiveness and durable qualities of sandwich panel systems.Government efforts towards rural development are also expected to contribute towards the growth of the sandwich panels market. Sandwich panel systems offer quite a level of thermal and water insulation. Thus, increasing awareness regarding energy efficient infrastructure and establishment of energy conservation rules by regulatory bodies, coupled with the enhanced thermal performance of these panels via innovation, could create notable opportunities for market players in the global sandwich panel system market over the projected period.Sandwich Panel System Market: SegmentationOn the basis of composite type, the global sandwich panel system market has been segmented as:Glass Wool Sandwich Panel SystemRock Wool Sandwich Panels SystemPolyurethane/ Polyisocyanurate Sandwich Panels SystemExpanded Polystyrene (EPS) Sandwich Panels SystemOn the basis of application, the global sandwich panel system market has been segmented as:ResidentialCommercialIndustrialSandwich Panel System Market: Regional OutlookSouth East Asia Pacific, China and India are expected to emerge as prominent regions in the sandwich panel system market, owing to the increasing number of large-scale residential as well as industrial infrastructural projects in the region, coupled with the increasing number of government subsidies for rural buildings. Post the recession in North America, the construction industry has been gaining momentum and is expected gain traction and witness positive trends in the coming years, specifically in the residential sector, which in turn is anticipated to drive the market for sandwich panel systems in the region, especially in the United States. The population in Europe is inclined towards the consumption of packaged foods and beverages, which require temperature-controlled infrastructures (warehouses). This has been fueling the unit sale of sandwich panel systems in the region. Thus, prominent players in the sandwich panel system market are strategically expanding their presence in Europe to gain better opportunities and a high market share. For instance, in the first quarter of 2018, Areco Group announced the acquisition of TPE Spirit Oy, a manufacturer of finished sandwich panel systems.In the Middle East Africa, countries such as Oman, Iraq and Sudan register extremely high temperature areas and a sandwich panel system offers the ideal solution for new constructions. Therefore, the region is estimated to witness above average growth in the sandwich panel system market during the forecast period.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-8658 Sandwich Panel System Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants in the global sandwich panel system market identified across the value chain include:SintexTata SteelAreco GroupMulticolor Steels (India) Pvt. Ltd.NCI Building SystemsRomakowski GmbH & Co. KGZhong Jie GroupManni GroupArcelorMittalHoeschbausysteme GmbHAssan Panel A.S.Nucor Building SystemsKingspan GroupInvespanelDANA Group of Companies
Metalized Barrier Film Packaging Market

Metalized Barrier Film Packaging Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:13:51

All forms of flexible packaging has a drawback of permeability wherein at some level they allow oxygen or gasses to penetrate through the packaging. To overcome this drawback, packaging manufacturers innovated high barrier coatings to prevent the external environment from influencing the internal atmosphere of packaging. These high barrier coatings are commonly made of metal or combination of metal and plastic to achieve barrier properties for specific or general factors such as moisture, gasses, UV rays, heat, etc.The combination of coating is applied to various form of packaging such as pouches, bags, films, over wraps, liners, etc. Metalized barrier film provide technological advantages to the flexible packaging market as compared to rigid packaging market by making it efficient for insulating the products at lesser cost.Metalized Barrier Film Packaging Market: Market DynamicsMetalized barrier film packaging market is sustained by the flexible packaging market. Flexible packaging market is estimated to be about US$ 238 Bn and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period. The ability of the metalized barrier film from not letting the light, moisture to penetrate the packaging is driving the metalized barrier film packaging market. The use of metalized barrier film offers chemical manufacturers the ability to reduce the carbon emission as the material required by the films is lesser than the rigid packaging.Products which may get spoiled even with little moisture exposure can be stopped with the use of metalized barrier film hence metallized barrier films are efficient in raising the shelf life of the product in comparison with the other form of packaging. However, metalized barrier film is expensive than the regular films which curb out the profits of shifting to flexible packaging from rigid packaging. The metalized barrier film are non-microwavable, which may limit the proliferation of metalized barrier film packaging market.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3735 The main property of the metalized film is its high barrier property, and the packaging industry is moving towards the non-metalized high barrier films to achieve transparent property in packaging hence hampering the metalized barrier film packaging market. The innovations in metalized barrier film to develop new glue applied film bases for labeling and achieving transparency in packaging can provide new opportunities for metalized barrier film packaging market.Metalized Barrier Film Packaging Market: Key Players:Some key players of metalized barrier film packaging market are Cosmo Films Ltd., Uflex Ltd, SRF Limited, Polyplex Corporation Ltd, DUNMORE Corporation, Toray Plastics (America), Inc, Jindal Films Americas LLC, Hongcheng Telecommunication Material Co., Ltd., Dongguan City Best Craftwork Products Co., Ltd., Wenzhou Starlead Film Material Co., Ltd., Tianjin TEDA Ganghua Trade Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Pengyuan New Material Co., Ltd., Shanghai Kingsign International Trade Co., Ltd, Huizhou Yang Rui Printing And Packaging Co., Ltd.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3735
Posted Thursday, February 7, 2019 10:03 am

There are many things that contribute to our quality of life here in Lewis County  everything from where you live or work, to what you eat for breakfast, or how much stress you have in your day-to-day life. Its common sense that your health affects your quality of life. Find out just how much at http://bit.ly/2T38SW8. However, its also true that your quality of life can affect your health. See what how much of an impact stress can have at https://mayocl.in/2Decu20.

We know we can improve our quality of life by changing what were eating, where were living, or even where we work. But for many veterans those changes are difficult, and for others, there are unique hurdles that might be holding them back.

In fact, according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, nearly 200,000 American veterans face this reality every year (http://bit.ly/2U0qNNh ). Military service members, some who may have been away from home for long stretches of time, can be dealing with everything from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (http://bit.ly/2Cp5xJJ) to pain and depression. There may be injuries they have to overcome (visible or not) on top of the stress of navigating health care, finances and family life.

The South Sound Community Based Outpatient Clinic (Sterling Medical) at 151 NE Hampe Way in Chehalis offers health care support for veterans in Lewis County. Download a brochure with location, hours and services at http://bit.ly/2STOhmS. Additional Lewis County resources are listed at the end of this column.

Finding work can be a major hurdle for veterans, and one which impacts all areas of their lives, including their health. Service members from all walks of life converge on the civilian job market annually after serving with distinction and honor. Through adverse conditions, deployments, battlefield environments and personal loss, veterans are trained to carry out their mission regardless of the circumstances.

Yet it can be difficult to translate their skillset into the civilian equivalent. Many may feel they have to re-invent themselves. Their skills, although sharp, are hard to define to a new employer. They may need to find a new industry, learn new jargon, or even move to a new place. Worse, because the skill set may be different, veterans looking for new civilian positions may have to start at a near entry-level position. In those circumstances, stress and depression may become issues, and veterans may feel alone and isolated from the rest of society.

Transitioning out of the military can be the hardest mission that a service member will have to endure. The stress it causes resonates through the entire family, further straining relationships.

There are numerous programs to help veterans make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining their dignity in the process. While its true that the civilian world lacks machine gunners and nuclear weapons technicians, many managers are seeking leadership, initiative and motivation in their workers. Luckily for us, there is a deluge of veterans with these intangible qualities seeking employment each day. Both veterans and civilian managers can benefit greatly by simply learning to speak a similar language.

There are tools, and people, who can help. Veterans looking to find a new job can use a skills translator tool: available at https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/ to help reframe their experience in a way civilian employers will understand. Titles such as Squad Leader and Section Chief can be retooled to highlight leadership qualities, for example, and provide an understanding of the responsibilities that are embedded in those unfamiliar titles.

The Lewis County emergency Veterans Relief Fund can offer vouchers for assistance with food, rent, utilities, and transportation to help veterans over a rough patch or to get back on their feet while transitioning to civilian life. Details are available at http://bit.ly/2FEZVyb.

Veterans have worked diligently for their country around the globe. With the right tools and available resources to support veterans in re-integrating to civilian society, positive contributions to an individuals quality of life are possible. Follow us on Twitter @LCPHSS.

Health care resources for veterans in Lewis County:

South Sound Community Based Outpatient Clinic (Sterling Medical) at 151 NE Hampe Way in Chehalis, 360-748-3049 - https://www.pugetsound.va.gov/locations/SouthSound.asp

Eugenia Center, 212 NW Chehalis Ave., Chehalis, 360-740-9767 - http://eugeniacenter.org/

Cascade Mental Health Care, 135 West Main Street, Chehalis, 360-748-4339 - https://www.cascadementalhealth.org/

American Behavioral Health Systems, 500 SE Washington Avenue, Chehalis, 360-748-4776 - https://www.americanbehavioralhealth.net/

CORE Health Centralia, 1616 S. Gold St. #4, Centralia, 360-807-4929 - https://www.corehealthservices.org/
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 13:46:10

Sales of specialty paper will reach nearly 25000 thousand tons in 2017, and this number is further estimated to exceed 40,000 thousand tons by 2027-end, according to a report by Future Market Insights (FMI). FMIs report projects the global specialty paper market to register a steady 5.2% volume CAGR during the forecast period 2017 to 2027. The market is estimated to exhibit an absolute $ opportunity of US$ 21.59 Bn during the forecast period.Speciality paper sales in Western Europe, the largest market for specialty paper, are expected to surpass 10,000 thousand tons by 2027-end, followed by North America and Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ). However, APEJ is projected to be the fastest-growing market at 6.7% volume CAGR in the global specialty paper market, followed by Japan and Eastern Europe. North America will hold highest share of the market in terms of value (Bn).Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-683 Kraft Paper to be the Most Attractive Product by 2027-EndWidespread availability of a variety of application-specific specialty paper including decor paper, thermal paper, label paper, carbonless paper, release liners, and kraft paper have been driving the growth of the market. FMIs report states that kraft paper will be the most attractive product in the market, followed by decor and label. Sales of Kraft paper is expected to reach 10,582.7 thousand tons by 2027-end. Decor and label are projected to register 5.7% and 5.4% volume CAGRs respectively through 2027.Based on end-users, packaging & labelling industry is expected to remain dominant over the global specialty paper market during the forecast period. This industry is projected to exhibit largest demand for specialty paper and register a highest volume CAGR of 5.9% through 2027, followed by building & construction, and food & beverage industries. In contrast, electrical industry is anticipated to exhibit the lowest 3.9% volume CAGR through 2027.Growing Consumption of Beer to Drive Demand for Specialty Paper in LabellingGrowing sales of pharmaceutical products is influencing the growth of packaging & labelling industry. Thermal paper caters to labelling requirements of pharmaceutical products for providing information including expiry date, price, and other related data of the product in brief. Growing consumption of beer has influenced the growth of beer bottle and specialty paper manufacturers globally. These manufacturers focus primarily on innovation in labels for gaining consumer attraction. These factors are expected to drive the growth of the global specialty paper market during the forecast period. In addition, widespread application of glassine paper, which is resistant to water and grease, as a protection to food including meat and baked products is further fuelling the market growth.Developed economies are inclining toward polyethylene terephthalate packaging owing to its property of multi-layer protection. This offers longer shelf life and sustainability to products as compared to specialty paper. In addition, regulatory authorities are focusing on overcoming deforestation and carbon emissions- . Reduced tree cutting will directly impact the availability of wood for specialty paper production. The aforementioned factors are estimated to restrain market growth during the forecast period.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-683 Key players identified in FMIs report include Mondi Ltd., Nippon paper industries Co., Ltd., Domtar Corporation, Stora Enso Oyj, International Paper Co., P.H. Glatfelter Co., UPM-Kymmene Oyj, AhlstromMunksjo Oyj, Oji Holdings Corp., Fedrigoni Spa.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the  Releases New Report on the Super Swamper Tires Market report to their offering Upcoming

Future Market Insights

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:32:18

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Super Swamper Tires are specialty tires used for rough surfaces, and are prominently incorporated in SUVs and off the road vehicles. These tires are used for exhaustive crawling and mud bogging, and enable better traction on dirt surfaces, thus enabling better safety and control while driving. These tires have specific tread design that are prefect for all sort of light trucks and off the road vehicles.As the demand for SUVs, Light Trucks and ATVs increases, demand for super swamper tires is on the rise. Thus, the global super swamper tires market is expected to expand with an impressive CAGR over the forecast period.Super Swamper TiresMarket: Drivers & RestraintsThe major factors boosting the growth of Super Swamper Tires market is rising growth in the demand for SUVs and large vehicles. Globally, consumers in developed nations are showing high preference for more powerful and bigger vehicles, thus significantly fuelling the demand for super swamper tires. Furthermore, with moderate crude oil prices consumers are spending on these vehicles without worrying about gasoline prices and poor mileages. Moreover, as companies in SUVs and Light Truck space are rapidly innovating and coming up with newer models, demand for these vehicles is further increasing. Thus, fuelling significant demand for super swamper tires from the OEM segment. However, as in many regions usage of these vehicles become unavoidable demand from after market segment is also on the rise.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4551 With increasing concerns regarding fuel efficiency, and rising trends towards electric vehicles, demand for super swamper tires is expected to get a sluggish growth in the first few years of the forecast period. However, as PHEVs SUVs flood the market, growth in the demand for super swamper tires is expected to revive.Super Swamper TiresMarket: Market SegmentationThe Super Swamper Tires Market is segmented on the basis of two factors, on vehicle type and sales channel:Based on vehicle type, the Super Swamper Tires market is segmented into:SUVLight TrucksHeavy Motor VehiclesAgricultural & Industrial TiresATVOthersBased on sales channel, the Super Swamper Tires market is segmented into:OEMAfter MarketSuper Swamper Tires Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, Super Swamper Tires market has been categorized into seven key regions including North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.North America currently dominates the global super swamper tires market, amid presence of large number of SUVs and high preference for light trucks and ATVs in many states. The classic American lifestyle often incorporates the usage of such vehicles, and demand from the US is expected to witness continuous growth over the forecast period. However, as Asia Pacific Exc. Japan (APEJ), is becoming a global leader in automotive production as well as consumption, demand from the region is expected to see continuous growth on the back drop of Chinas and Indias ever growing disposable income, and rising preference for automotive vehicles. Many countries in Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, particularly such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, are prominent market for the sales for super swamper tires, amid regions high preference for powerful and bigger vehicles. The region is expected to retain its market share over the forecast period, due to lack of environmental norms regarding fuel efficiency, which is the prime restraint for growth in other markets such as Western Europe. In Western Europe, demand for super swamper tires is expected to be sluggish throughout the forecast period, amid stringent norms and high preference for fuel efficient vehicles.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4551 Super Swamper Tires Market: Key PlayersSome of the players identified in Global Super Swamper Tires market are:-Bridgestone CorporationContinental AGThe Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyMichelin TyresInterco Tire CorporationCheng Shin RubberBFGoodrich TiresPitbull Tires Company
Persistence Market Research has announced the addition of the  Rapid Advancements in Defense Robotics Market to Fuel Revenues Through 2021" report to their offering.

Defense Robotics Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:06:34

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CONTACT:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: http://www.persistencemarketresearch.comteam lead8009610353

Most of the countries utilize the defense robotic system or are in the process of acquiring or building the technology to incorporate into military programs. These robots are used in form of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned group vehicles (UGVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Unmanned group vehicles are robots that move on wheels or tracks and perform the function of sentry duties and examine the potential hostile location. Unmanned aerial vehicles are essentially remotely controlled or automated robots. The use of all these robotic system includes same purpose of replacing or supplementing human in battlefield situations. Deployment of autonomous or semi autonomous robotic system in the battle field helps in improving the military efficiency, operational performance and accuracy.Defense robotics has many advantages, the important one being performance similar to human being without danger of human casualties. Robots can endure damage done by bombs or other types of weapons that can destroy the human body. Another advantage includes various sizes of robots which enables them to fit into spaces that are not accessible for humans. Other advantages include transportation, drones and bomb disposal. The defense robotic system market across the globe is expected to show a substantial growth with a single digit increase in CAGR by the year 2019. The growth is due to the procurement of robotic vehicles for control, communication, simulation, training and other applications for military purposes.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/5087 The market for defense robotics system is driven by factors such as desire to reduce the casualties in the field of operation and reduce the military spending. Development in the field of computer programming, sensing technology and material science help to create more advanced tools. Some of the factors restraining the market growth include reduced spending on defense system due to weak economic conditions, and high cost required in manufacturing of robots. Technological availability is enabling diverse applications of robots besides improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the system. Applications such as border patrolling are creating an increasing demand for UAVs and UGVs in countries such as Israel, South Korea, China and United States.The segmentation of defense robotics market can be done on the basis of product type, application and geography. On the basis of product type, the market for defense robotics can be segmented as unmanned group vehicles (UGVs), unmanned underwater vehicle (UUVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). On the basis of applications, the market can be segmented as simulation, control command and security, training and others. Global defense robotics market can also be segmented based on geographical markets as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the world. North America is the most technological advanced region in defense robotic system and Asia Pacific represents a strong opportunity due to the availability of technology in countries including China, Japan and India.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/5087 Some of the players in the defense robotics market include iRobot Corp., Allen-Vanguard Corporation, Honeywell Aerospace, GeckoSystems Intl. Corp., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Bluefin Robotic Corp., AB Electrolux, Deep Ocean Engineering Inc., ECA Hytec SA, McArtney Group, Fujitsu Ltd., Toyota Motor Corp., AeroVironment, Lockheed Martin and others.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Precision Bearing Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013 - 2017 and Opportunity Assessment; 2018 - 2028" report to their offering.

Precision Bearing Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:30:04

A precision bearing is type of bearing which is manufactured according to the set standards given by Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (ABEC) of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA). According to the tolerance of a bearing it is classified under ABEC scale from the largest to the smallest tolerance bearing. There are five classes in ABEC standard scale such as, ABEC 1, ABEC 3, ABEC 5, ABEC 7, and ABEC 9. The high class precision bearing provides, greater speed capabilities, and better efficiency.Furthermore, the precision bearing have applications in many end-use industries. High class precision bearing is used in aerospace industry, and other class precision bearing is used for majority of applications in different industries such as, automotive industries, marine industry, infrastructure and transportation industry etc.Additionally, the precision bearing comes in different types as per the requirement and end-use application such as, ball bearing, roller bearing and spherical bearing are some of the major types of precision bearing.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8057 Precision Bearing Market: Dynamics:The precision bearing is an essential component for a machinery or equipment and widely used in different industries. In the growing aerospace industry the demand of machinery and equipment with precise dimensional specifications, better tolerance and efficiency is increasing, which is expected to push the demand of precision bearing over the forecast period. Increasing industrial machinery and automation require new precision bearing for better performance and work output. Additionally, the globally increasing vehicle production is projected to increase the growth of precision bearing market over the forecast period.Furthermore, the technological innovations and increasing reliability in precision bearing and increasing adoption of high end technologies and growing industrial automation is expected to create new opportunities for the precision bearing in the global market over the forecast period.However, there are other alternative products are coming in the market for precision bearing. The increasing counterfeit products for precision bearing is anticipated to hamper the growth of the precision bearing market over the forecast period.Precision Bearing Market: Segmentation:Precision bearing market can be segmented into product type, ABEC scale, end-use industries, and region.On the basis of product type, global precision bearing market is segmented into:Ball BearingsBall Screw Support BearingsAngular Contact Ball BearingsPrecision Deep Groove Ball BearingsPrecision Steel Ball Bushing BearingsRoller BearingsCylindrical Roller BearingsSpherical BearingsOn the basis of ABEC scale, global precision bearing market is segmented into:ABEC 1ABEC 3ABEC 5ABEC 7ABEC 9On the basis of end-use industries, global precision bearing market is segmented into:Aerospace IndustryAutomotive IndustryOil & Gas IndustryMarine IndustryInfrastructure and Transportation IndustryPrecision Bearing Market: Regional Outlook:Asia Pacific region is expected to have a prominent growth in the precision bearing market over the forecast period owing to increasing automotive and aerospace industries in the that region. China, India, Japan etc. is expected to register significant growth in the precision bearing market due to growing industrial automation and increasing demand of industrial machinery. Furthermore, increasing demand of standard quality products in machinery and equipment due to government regulations about standard quality products are the major factors to drive the growth of precision bearing market in Europe region over the forecast period.North America is expected to register significant growth in the precision bearing market owing to increasing demand of high standard products in aerospace and automotive industries. Middle East & Africa region is anticipated show promising growth in the precision bearing market over the forecast period.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-8057 Precision Bearing Market: Market Participants:Some of the market participants in the global precision bearing market are:Daido Metal Co., Ltd.Thomson Industries, Inc.GGB Bearing TechnologyNSK Ltd.THE TIMKEN COMPANYSKF GroupJTEKT CorporationNTN CorporationRexnord CorporationRBC Bearings IncorporatedSchaeffler GroupASAHI SEIKO CO., LTD.Thyssenkrupp AGWafangdian Bearing Co. LtdNew Hampshire Ball Bearings, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:22:08

Polyols are defined as sugar-free sweeteners, which are used in the same amount as sugar is used in food and beverage products. The chemical structure of polyols is partially sugar and alcohol thus, called as sugar alcohols. Different polyols available for use in food and beverage products include erythritol, sorbitol, maltitol, isomalt and others. Owing to demand for low calorie food and beverage products among consumers to overcome obesity, weight management and type-2 diabetes, the polyols market is predicted to witness significant growth in next five to six years.Also, benefits such as non-cariogenic nature, low insulin level for metabolism, less energy utilization and others have led manufactures adoption towards polyols as a replacement with sugar in the food and beverage products. Application of polyols as blends in food and beverage products, resulting in improved taste and stability is predicted to increase usage of polyols in food products. In addition, blending polyols offers flexibility to food manufacturers to take each sweeteners individual taste in the food product.Polyols Market SegmentationThe global polyols market is segmented on the basis of polyols type, application and regions. The polyols segmentation includes erythritol, sorbitol, maltitol, isomalt and others. Among, all the polyols type, sorbitol is expected to witness considerable growth in the near future. This is primarily attributed to versatility, low caloric value and other health benefits resulting in low fat or calories.On the basis of application, polyols market is segmented into food and beverage, pharmaceutical and personal care. In addition, food segment is further sub-segmented into candies, frozen desserts, syrups, cookies and others. Pharmaceutical sub-segmentation includes breath mints, cough medicines and chewing gum. Personal care is sub-segmented into mouthwash and toothpaste, perfumes, make-up, deodorants and lotions.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1025 On the basis of regions, the global polyols market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Of which, currently North America dominates the market in terms of % share contribution. However, Asia Pacific excluding Japan and South America are expected to record high growth as compared to the other regions by 2025. This is attributed to increasing health concerns among consumers, changing lifestyle particularly in countries such as India, China and Brazil.Polyols Market DynamicsConsumer inclination towards low calorie food, growing health concerns and changing consumer lifestyle are key factors fuelling the global polyols market growth. In addition, increasing obesity levels and diabetes concerns among population are anticipated to drive the demand for low calorie food products, resulting in significant contribution of these products among consumes. Moreover, increasing awareness among manufacturers of processed food products regarding benefits of polyols such as suspension, thickness and stabilization offered by xanthum gum is predicted to increase uptake of polyols in food and beverage products.Request For TOC@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1025 Although, raw material availability in developing regions is restraining the market growth; strategic alliances among players in the global polyols market is expected to increase the growth in the near future. There are numerous benefits associated with application of polyols in food and beverage products, regulatory approvals is a major factor hampering the complete use of all polyols in food and beverage products.Polyols Market Key PlayersSome of the prominent players operating in the global polyols market include Mitsubishi-Kagaku Foods, Cargill Inc., Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Ecogreen Oleochemicals Gmbh, American International Foods and Archer Daniels Midland among others.
Plastic Jar Packaging Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027

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PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:13:45

For many decades, plastic jars have been adopted widely for packaging of materials like food, detergents, and other consumer goods. Plastic Jars are made from compounds such as polyethylene terephthalate, HDPE, LDPE, polystyrene etc., known to have an impressive clarity, and a good ability to withstand impact. They are known to act like a barrier that can resist oil and grease, and temperature changes which may affect the product within, especially food products. Attributed to their properties which include economic price point, improved product insulation, its recyclability, resistance to UV, and minimized need for coatings to prevent dissolution with food, the preference for plastic jar has increased substantially, translating into value proposition for players operating in the plastic jar packaging market.Plastic jar Packaging Market: DynamicsGlobal consumer packaging market has transformed over the past few years, creating the need for absolute customization in terms of package design and formulations. Since, retail sector growth in developed market is staggering around 5%, and that in developing markets it has already surpassed over 8% annually, it is anticipated that it would translate in meteoric growth for the plastic jar packaging market. The global plastic jar packaging market is also growing on the backdrop of FMCG industry growth along with changing food consumption pattern. Global ready to eat food market grew at CAGR of over 6.8% over the past three years and is likely to gain momentum with growing urbanization and increasing disposable income. Despite all the positive market conditions for plastic jars packaging market, stringent policy framework and regulatory landscape are likely to impede the growth, along with developing alternate packaging options such as bag in box or bag in tubes. Concerns for the environmental effects of plastic also restrain the growth of the plastic jar packaging market. Plastic being known to take centuries to decompose, paves way for an increasing demand for new recyclable forms of plastic, which makes the market a competitive one. Request to Sample of Report @Plastic jar Packaging Market: SegmentationAccording to the Society of Plastics Industry, a plastic Jar or any other plastic container with a code of 1 indicates that it is made out of PET. A plastic jar with a code of 2 represents HDPE, 3 represents PVC, 4 represents LDPE, 5 represents PE, 6 represents Styrofoam (or PS), a code of 7 may represent that the Plastic jar is made out of miscellaneous plastics that are not represented any of the other six codes.Plastic jar packaging market: Geographical and Competitive dynamicsBeing the most developed of all with a well-informed consumer population, North America is the largest market for plastic jars. It is closely followed by Europe, the Asia Pacific region and RoW. However, economic powerhouses like China and India represent markets that have shown the growing need for economical products that also promise quality. Rapid economic development of these countries, in addition to a large consumer base, plastic jars are anticipated to face sizable demand in the next decade. These, combined with the added benefits of plastic jars like inert nature and resistance to impact damage, protection from UV etc., increase the need for such products in these markets.Request Report for Table of Contents @Key PlayersSome of the key players in the market for plastic jars are  Alpha Packaging, Constar International, Ontario Plastic Container producers Ltd, Gepack, Cospak, Amcor, Container Corporation of Canada, Graham Packaging Europe, Olcott Plastics and M & H Plastics.The report offers a competitive evaluation of the market for plastic jars. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data and verifiable projections in 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 for plastic jars, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types and applications. The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Report Methodology @
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:27:23

The photoluminescent films are films that absorb light and convert that light energy into visible wavelength of light. Photoluminescent in films is one of the form of light emission which is initiated by excitation of photons. They are ideal solution for emergency exits and directional signage in hips, airlines, buildings, ferries, railcars due to its superior luminosity and conformability. There are several factors that influence the photoluminescent films to glow for long in the dark the biggest factor would be how much amount of light energy it absorbs before the source of light is removed, if the photoluminescent film is left in light for a longer period of time it will glow for significantly longer period of time than left in the light for brief time. Initially if the source of light is removed the photoluminescent film will emit the energy rapidly as the photons move quickly, where about 80-85% of light emery will be exhausted for the first thirty minutes of being removed from the source of light and the glow will eventually fade as the energy is used. The photoluminescent films can be recharged as many times as required as the phosphor in those tapes can take absorb light and emit energy as many times as required.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4350 Global Photoluminescent film Market: Market DynamicsPhotoluminescent films market is driven by safety product applications, as they provide safety way guidance system as they dont need electricity to glow in the dark if they are properly maintained. in emergency situations where there is power failure the photoluminescent films will immediately light the way to safety even in smoke condition. The photoluminescent films are most effective in areas that are frequently exposed to light and have shorter periods of darkness, like the photoluminescent films are used widely in warehouse where lights are always on which ensures that that photoluminescent films will be always charged and would glow in the event of power failures. The restrain to photoluminescent film market would be that the light energy might only last for few hours.Global Photoluminescent film Market: Market segmentationOn the basis of product type, the global photoluminescent film market is segmented into:SheetsRollsOn the basis of end users, the global photoluminescent film market is segmented into:Automobile IndustryFood & Beverage IndustryPharmaceutical IndustryTransport & logistic IndustryManufacturing IndustryOn the basis of material finishing, the global photoluminescent film market is segmented into:Satin finishMatt finishOn the basis of material, the global photoluminescent film market is segmented into:PaperPlasticPPPEPETOn the basis of composition, the global photoluminescent film market is segmented into:FacestockRelease linerAdhesiveGlobal Photoluminescent film Market: segmentation overviewManufacturing industry has higher rate of usage of photoluminescent film, similarly photoluminescent films are widely used in safety applications, followed by Transport & logistic Industry. The photoluminescent films market has sluggish growth rate in the food and beverage industry.Global Photoluminescent film Market: Regional overviewBased on the geographies, the global photoluminescent film market is fragmented into seven key regions- Latin America, North America, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia-Pacific except Japan and Japan. Among the regions mentioned above Asia Pacific is expected to have a higher growth rate in the forecasted period due to the growing demand for photoluminescent films from the manufacturing industry, followed by Western Europe and Eastern Europe. Middle East and Africa and Latin America are expected to grow at a sluggish rate over the forecasted period.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4350 Global Photoluminescent film market playersSome of the market players identified in the global photoluminescent film market includes:Steinhauer + Co3MDHgateZhejiang Minhui Luminous Technology Co.,Ltd Innova Solutions.Jessup Manufacturing CompanyEverGlow NA Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:49:19

Active pharmaceutical ingredients are a key component of the pharmaceutical industry in the 21st century. Filters are essential in a number of cases during the course of API creation and are necessary in bioscience laboratory applications as well. An increased production of large biologics and molecules, nano fibre technological advancements, generic market growth, and regulatory guidelines for cleanroom pharmaceutical production are the main factors driving the pharmaceutical filtration market. Additional funds diverted towards R&D expenditure by major biopharmaceutical organizations also boost the profile of the pharmaceutical filtration market. According to Future Market Insights, the pharmaceutical filtration market is expected to record a robust CAGR of 6.1% for the period from 2017 to 2022.A Sample of this Report is Available upon Request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5028 Manufacturing has the major portion of the revenue share in the pharmaceutical filtration market by operation in 2017 and is likely to remain so throughout the duration of the forecast period. The manufacturing segment is expected to cross a value of more than US$ 9.3 billion by end 2022 making it imperative for companies to be present in this operation segment of the pharmaceutical filtration market. The pilot scale segment follows at a considerable distance but cannot be overlooked entirely in favour of manufacturing. The pilot scale filtration segment has strong scope in North America as the continent represents a little over a third of the pharmaceutical filtration market and is estimated to retain this share going forwardThe cell separation segment comprises slightly above a sixth of the pharmaceutical filtration market by application and is predicted to lose popularity in the future. Nonetheless, the North America cell separation market alone is on track to push past a billion dollars by end 2022 and companies are advised to take this into account while devising their business strategies. The water purification segment has a similar revenue share to the cell separation segment in the pharmaceutical filtration market by application. After North America, the water purification segment is particularly prominent in EuropeIn terms of technology, microfiltration is quite popular as it contributes nearly half the revenue share in the pharmaceutical filtration market in the year 2017. Furthermore, microfiltration is anticipated to witness a high CAGR of more than 5.5% for the period 2017-2022 ensuring that all key stakeholders have ample opportunity in this lucrative technology. Ultrafiltration is not as prominent as microfiltration in the pharmaceutical filtration market but is gaining traction recently. Ultrafiltration technology has the greatest scope in both North America and Europe as these two continents are projected to cross a billion dollars in terms of value by end 2022North America is the largest region in the pharmaceutical filtration market and is poised to grow to more than US$ 6 billion by end 2022Read Comprehensive Overview with Methodology of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-5028 The report has profiled a few of the companies in the pharmaceutical filtration market. These include The Marmon Group LLC, Sartorius Stedim Biotech, Meissner Filtration Products, Parker Hannifin Corporation, Pall Corporation, Merck KGaA, GE Healthcare Inc., Eaton Corporation Plc., Amazon Filters Ltd., and 3M Companies.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 18:19:17

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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: www.futuremarketinsights.comMANAGER8455795705

Part Feeder Market:IntroductionMajority of the manufacturers in automated industries use part feeders to automate the assembly system and production line. A part feeder, incorporating precision mechanisms, helps in the alignment of scattered parts and conveys them in a consistent posture. Further, storage, alignment and feeding are the three major functions of a part feeder, making it more reliable for production enhancement. Alignment of parts is the most important feature of a part feeder, which uses physical sensors within a series of shaped tracks to ensure consistent production quality regardless of the parts size and shape through automated lines.Electronic equipment, medical equipment, food, metal, rubber and plastic, among others are aligned and fed by part feeders through matching vibration characteristics. Moreover, part feeders include bowls, control boxes, drive units, bowl centers and base plates, among other accessories as standard components for optimum operations. Stepped bowls, cylindrical bowls, conical bowls and polyamide bowls are the bowl types used in part feeders across different industries. Moreover, factors such as material properties, product volume, and industry and application type must be considered while selecting a part feeder for optimum solutions and results.Part Feeder Market:DynamicsSignificant use of part feeders across industries such as pharmaceutical, construction, automotive and electronic to provide cost-effective alternatives to manual labor, saving manufacturers labor costs & time and to enhance the overall plant output. This factor is estimated to fuel the part feeder market growth during the forecast period. Furthermore, strict assembly line of process offered by part feeder and thus leaving conveyor one-by-one, in all same orientation is further expected to drive the global part feeder market during the forecast period.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7110 Moreover, special attention and care is given to the track depth, length and width to suit each components shape, size and application, which is expected to lessen the chances of errors and thus, may enhance the overall sales of the part feeder market during the forecast period.Most of the part feeders are integrated with 3D CAD to ensure quick redesigns, less waste, tighter fits, and repeatable patterns. Furthermore, return pan feed feature may reduce load height, which is further expected to drive the global part feeder market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, technological advancement and product up gradation have enabled extremely quiet operation and thus, reduced noise typical to part feeder systems.Part Feeder Market:SegmentationThe global part feeder market can be segmented on the basis of product type, bowl type and end-use industry.On the basis of product type, the global part feeder market can be segmented into:Rotary FeederPneumatic FeederVibratory BowlMagnetic FeederProgrammable FeederOn the basis of bowl type, the global part feeder market can be segmented into:CylindricalSteppedConicalPolyamideOn the basis of end-use industry, the global part feeder market can be segmented into:ConstructionAutomotivePulp and PaperPharmaceuticalOthersPart Feeder Market:Regional OutlookNorth America is estimated to witness relatively steady growth in the global part feeder market during the forecast period, owing to the considerable emphasis on reducing noise in the plant or the workplace with enhanced productivity and output. Furthermore, stringent regulations imposed by governments to lower the noise level and worker safety are further expected to contribute towards the growth of the part feeder market in the region. Europe, over the last few decades, has been witnessing significant growth in manufacturing, automotive assembly and production as well as the construction industry where the installation of part feeders was significant.Moreover, growing automation in China, India and ASEAN countries along with the significant construction and pharmaceutical industries are estimated to augment the growth of the global part feeder market during the forecast period. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are further estimated to enhance the overall sales of part feeders, owing to the increasing demand for production output and installations across end-use industries during the forecast period.Part Feeder Market:Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the players operating in the global part feeder market include,Hoosier Feeder CompanyATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.NTN CorporationMultifeed Parts Feeding System Sdn BhdPerformance Feeders, Inc.Tecnicas de Alimentacion Dinamica, S.L.AlphamationRNA Automation LtdSikora AutomationUnite AutomationRhein-Nadel Automation GmbHRequest to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7110
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:21:04

The certified organic cocoa market represents a very small share of the total cocoa market, estimated around 0.5% of total production. However, the demand for organic cocoa products are growing at a very strong pace, the supply side faces a strong challenge to meet the demand of organic cocoa. Since, farmers are paying ample amount for producing organic cocoa, production of organic cocoa is more in least developed countries. Organic cocoa has many nutritional benefits such as more fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and many other minerals. Moreover it also contains antioxidants, which helps to protect skin. Organic cocoa also helps to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Demand for organic cocoa products are very high in U.S, U.K and Germany, hence organic cocoa are supplied to developed economies of North America and Western Europe to manufacture organic cocoa products. Currently, Dominican Republic is dominating the organic cocoa market in terms of production that holds around 70 percent of the total market share; Peru, Ecuador and Mexico together hold around 20 percent of the market share in terms of production; rest around 10 percent is held by Bolivia, Ghana, Brazil and others.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1058 Organic Cocoa Market Segmentation:On the basis of product type the organic cocoa market is segmented into cocoa powder, cocoa paste, cocoa butter, cocoa beans and others (products containing cocoa). Products containing cocoa holds the highest market share in terms of value followed by cocoa beans and cocoa butter.On the basis of application organic cocoa market is segmented into confectionaries, bakery, functional food, health drinks, home cooking use and others (pharmaceuticals, ointments, and toiletries). Organic cocoa is majorly used in food industry as a main ingredient of chocolate.Geographically, Organic cocoa market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Latin America is dominating worldwide followed by Middle East and Africa (MEA) in terms of organic cocoa production. Majority of organic cocoa is exported to Western Europe followed by North America. U.K and U.S are the largest manufacturing countries of organic cocoa products in the world, since organic chocolate is more popular in U.K, U.S and Germany and consumers from those countries owe a significant inclination towards organic chocolates irrespective of high pricing of organic products.Organic Cocoa Market Dynamics:Chocolate is the main application of organic cocoa which is the main growth driver of organic cocoa market. Also, the organic cocoa market is expected to be largely driven by the health consciousness among consumers. However, lack of proper supply of organic cocoa restrains the global organic cocoa market which also leads to increase in price of organic cocoa. There is a huge opportunity in the North America and Western Europe and Japan. Asia Pacific excluding Japan is an untapped market which is also a potential market for organic cocoa. This is attributed to increasing inclination of consumers towards organic products, rapid urbanisation, strengthening supply chain for organic cocoa and rising health consciousness among consumers.Ask the Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/organic-cocoa-market#engage_analyst Organic Cocoa Market Key Player:Some of the leading players are Kraft Foods Inc., Cargill Incorporated, Tradin Organic Agriculture B.V., Ciranda, Blommer Chocolate Company, Artisan Confections Company, PASCHA Company, InterNatural Foods LLC and Wilmor Publishing Corp.
Posted Thursday, February 7, 2019 9:52 am

Washington state lawmakers may for the first time require all school districts to test their drinking water for lead and notify parents when the toxin is discovered at their childrens school.

State Rep. Gerry Pollet, D-Seattle, last week filed legislation that also would establish a new statewide limit on lead and trigger an immediate set of fixes to any water source with elevated levels of the heavy metal.

The measure would require schools to notify parents if any water source tested had more than one part per billion of lead. It would trigger remediation if the level exceeded five parts per billion.

In California, schools dont have to take any action if water tests at or below 15 parts per billion. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also sets its own action limit at 15 parts per billion.

Pollet filed House Bill 1860 on Friday, the same day The Seattle Times reported on the persistence of lead in the water of Seattle Public Schools, Washingtons largest school district. By Monday, an additional 17 representatives  all Democrats  had signed on as co-sponsors.

No one had lead on their minds before the weekend, Pollet said Monday. A lot of people are shocked that theres a problem in Washington.

In 2009, the State Board of Health issued a rule that would have required schools to test for lead. But the Washington Legislature never provided the money to enforce that mandate, leaving some districts, including Federal Way, Seattle and Tacoma, to voluntarily conduct and pay for their own testing and remediation programs.

While poisonous to everyone, lead poses a particular risk to children. Their growing bodies more readily absorb the toxin, the exposure of which can lead to learning disabilities and behavioral problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, elevated levels of lead can also damage kidneys, blood and the nervous system.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned that no level of exposure to lead is safe for children. States and districts, however, set different standards, if they set one at all.

Once every three years, Seattle Public Schools staff test the fountains, sinks, faucets and other sources of drinking water at each campus for levels of lead above the districts threshold of 10 parts per billion. And as of early 2018, the districts own test results showed at least one water fixture failed that standard at 41 schools and Memorial Stadium in Seattle Center.

District officials told The Seattle Times that the high lead readings dont pose a danger to students, because the failed fixtures are classroom sinks, not drinking fountains  an idea that assumes kids drink exclusively from the fountains.

HB 1860 would require every district to test a third of their schools for lead each year, similar to Seattles schedule.

But under the new bills one part per billion standard, in Seattle, the districts data show parents would receive a lead notification for 89 of 99 facilities with test results as of early last year.

The bill also would require every district to adopt its own policy or action plan to add water filters to or remove any fixture from service if it tests above five parts per billion.

Pollett, a faculty member at the University of Washingtons School of Public Health, said his bill is based on the medical science to prevent harm to our children and to prevent the loss of IQ.

HB 1860 hasnt yet received a fiscal note, but Pollet estimated it would cost the state about $1 million a year to pay for testing in every district. He also noted lawmakers would have to debate whether to set aside capital budget money to pay for remediation.

In a news release, the Environment Washington Research & Policy Center cited the pediatrician groups review of medical research that found more than 24 million children in the country are at risk of losing IQ points due to even low levels of lead.

Schools should be safe places for our kids to learn and play, but Washington is failing to protect our kids from lead in drinking water, Steven Gilbert, director and founder of the Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders. Its time to get the lead out.

Education Lab is a Seattle Times project that spotlights promising approaches to persistent challenges in public education. It is produced in partnership with the Solutions Journalism Network and is funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and City University of Seattle.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:31:58

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MRI-guided Radiation Therapy System Market: InsightsRadiation therapy is evolving with new technologies and techniques. Most of these new methods are focused on maximizing the dose to the tumor site and protecting the surrounding tissue. Image guided radiation therapy offers dose distribution accuracy along with real-time treatment effect. CT-guided radiation treatment is one such image-guided radiation therapy system. However, this requires repeated exposure to X-rays, and has a relatively poor contrast in soft tissue. An MRI-guided radiation therapy system overcomes the drawbacks of a CT-based radiation system, as it gives better contrast images in soft tissue, and does not require radiation. These MRI-guided radiation therapy systems are suitable for a number of targeted cancer treatment procedures. Some of the areas studied include the brain, head & neck, breasts, reproductive systems, rectum, liver, and lungs.Get Free Exclusive Sample Copy of This Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=2572 ViewRay was the first to enter the MRI-guided radiation therapy system market, with MRIdian. One of the emerging applications of MRI-guided radiation therapy is stereotactic body radiation therapy that offers more precise targeted treatment at higher dosages and in fewer fractions. The company also plans to launch a linac version the MRIdian soon. The first preclinical system has been installed in the Siteman Cancer Center at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Washington University in St. Louis. Philips, and Elekta has entered the market through collaborative efforts. The two companies (Philips & Elekta) have been working together since 2012, by gathering eight leading institutions for the development and testing of an MRI-guided radiation therapy systems. The MRI-guided radiation therapy system developed by the two companies is a Linac based MRI-guided radiation therapy system.A number of investments are also driving the growth of the MRI-guided radiation therapy system market. For instance, Henry Ford spent US$ 10 million for advanced MRI-guided radiation therapy system programs in Grosse Point Farms. The MRIdian Linac is the first Linac-based MRI-guided radiation therapy system installed in the world. These MRI-guided radiation systems are said to offer precision medicine with real-time view of the target.MRI-guided Radiation Therapy System Market: Drivers and RestraintsGrowing incidences of cancer is one of the major driving factors for the growth of the MRI-guided radiation therapy system market. Additionally, other factors such as increasing awareness towards cancer and its treatment options, as well as the advancements in technology also drive the growth of the MRI-guided radiation therapy system market. However, due to the high cost of an MRI-guided radiation therapy system, the growth of the MRI-guided radiation therapy system market may be hindered during the forecast period.MRI-guided Radiation Therapy System Market: OverviewThe global MRI-guided radiation therapy system market is expected to witness moderate growth over the forecast period. There are very few products in the market for MRI-guided radiation therapy systems. However, the competition seems to slowly growing with the introduction of new MRI-guided radiation therapy systems, as well as a number of them being under development with more advanced technologies.Ask For Customized Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=2572 MRI-guided Radiation Therapy System Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global MRI-guided radiation therapy system market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America is expected to be a dominant region in the global MRI-guided radiation therapy system market, owing to various technological advancements, high awareness of the general public, and ever-increasing healthcare spending, and substantial reimbursement facilities. The MRI-guided radiation therapy system market in Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to grow at a significant CAGR, due to increased R&D spending and advancements in technology.MRI-guided Radiation Therapy System Market: Key PlayersThe global MRI-guided radiation therapy system market is highly fragmented. Examples of some of the key players operating in the global MRI-guided radiation therapy system market are ViewRay Inc, Elekta, and Philips Healthcare.For more information on this report, please visit: https://www.factmr.com/report/2572/mri-guided-radiation-therapy-system-market About Fact.MR Fact.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; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFactMR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@ factmr.com Web: www.factmr.com/ Read Industrial News : http://insiderstribune.com/
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 13:56:06

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Research Report Insights (RRI)42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website: https://www.researchreportinsights.comEmail: sales@researchreportinsights.com+1-631-721-42016317214201

Demand for mobile phone protective cases continues to grow steadily in Asia Pacific, as more consumers move from basic mobiles to mid-tier smartphones. The Asia Pacific mobile phone protective case market, valued at nearly US$ 9.9 billion in 2016, is projected to grow at 5.9% CAGR through 2026. China will remain the largest market during the forecast period.Smartphone penetration is steadily growing in APAC on account of rising disposable income among the behemoth middle class in China and India. Collectively, the middle class in these two countries is estimated to be over 700 million, a lucrative statistic for manufacturers looking to increase volume sales. As more consumers migrate from a basic phone to a smartphone, the tendency to invest in protecting the phone is also gaining traction. Owing to these factors, demand for protective case market in Asia Pacific is witnessing steady gains.Protective case sales are also anticipated to be driven by fashion-conscious millennials, who use the cover as a style statement. The millennial demographic will continue to drive sales of protective cases during the forecast period.Request For Report Sample: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/sample/110114933/Mobile-Phone-Protective-Cases-Market Although the outlook on the APAC protective case market is positive, lack of standardization has been identified as a major impediment.Undefined standards create high product and price differentiation, hindering the growth of the market.Multi- and single-brand stores account for bulk of sales of the APAC mobile phone protective case market. These two segments collectively accounted for over 70% revenue share of the market in 2016. However, sales through these channels will witness a significant dip in the future, as e-commerce channels offer tempting discounts and free home delivery to consumers.Request Report Discount: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/discount/110114933/Mobile-Phone-Protective-Cases-Market The China mobile phone protective case market was valued at over US$ 5 billion in 2016. It is projected to grow at 6.4% CAGR through 2026, and surpass US$ 9.4 billion in revenues through 2026.Leading players in the Asia Pacific mobile phone protective case market are Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Reiko Wireless Inc., Pelican Products Inc., and Moshi.Key players in this market are focusing on a multi-pronged strategy, channelizing their efforts on both value and volume. The protective case portfolio of leading companies involves a range of products across the price spectrum. This strategy is aimed at catering to all the ends of the spectrum. However, several local companies are copying the logo and design of these leading companies and selling off the dummy products at a fraction of the cost. This is eating into the revenue share of leading players. Lax copyright laws and poor implementation will continue to be a concern for leading companies.Report Analysis: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/rd/110114933/Mobile-Phone-Protective-Cases-Market
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 05:44:06

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Military personal protective equipment has become a crucial and standard element of soldier equipment. One of the major factor driving the market is the increasing role of ground troops in different parts of the world such as Iraq, Afghanistan and India among others. The demand for military personal protective equipment is anticipated to be driven by modernization initiatives undertaken by several large defense spenders globally and various internal security threats, such as organized crime and terrorism among others.One of the major factor driving the market is the increasing role of ground troops in different parts of the world such as Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq among others. As of 2014, there were 8 active military conflicts and 10 official wars known by the United States. In addition, there were also other violent clashes relating 64 countries and 576 separatist and militias groups. In 2016, in wars between Syria and Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, the Lake Chad basin and Yemen helps the military personal protective equipment market to grow at a high CAGR which in turn is expected to boost the market.Body armor (IBA), improved outer tactical vest (IOTV), advanced combat helmet (ACH), pelvic protection systems (PPS), life safety jacket, military combat eye protection (MCEP) and others sectors are the various product types of the military personal protective equipment market. Among various product types of the military personal protective equipment market body armor (BA) is the held the major market share in 2015 and expected to be the same during the forecast period of 2016  2024.Request For Report Sample: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/sample/110114595/Military-Personal-Protective-Equipment-Market The military personal protective equipment market has been segmented on the basis of application into army, air force, navy and others. Among various application of the military personal protective equipment market army held major market share in 2015 followed by navy and is expected to be remain the same during the forecast period of 2016  2024. Several countries are focusing on manufacturing better military personal protective equipment such as lightweight under suits, ballistic inserts, combat helmets and advanced night vision equipment that provide the benefits of enhanced protection and comfort to ground, navy and air forces. In 2015, the market is expected to be dominated by North America followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. In addition, Asia Pacific occupies more than 20% of the global market share, is driven by developing economies such as India, South Korea, Japan and China among others which are performing soldier modernization programs.By geography, the military personal protective equipment market is classified into five regions namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America. In 2015, North America holds the largest market share in the military personal protective equipment followed by Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. However, in 2024 Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the largest market for military personal protective equipment market followed by North America. China held the largest share for the military personal protective equipment market in Asia Pacific in 2015. It is also expected to experience healthy growth in the coming years. Growing research and development activities started by different research organizations acts as a driving factor of the market. In addition, growing concerns over the safety and protection of the forces is expected to propel the growth of the market.Request For Report discount: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/discount/110114595/Military-Personal-Protective-Equipment-Market Key players profiled in this report include 3M Ceradyne (United States), ArmorWorks (United States), Eagle Industries Unlimited Inc (United States), BAE Systems (United Kingdom), DSM Dyneema (United States),Armorsource (United States), Du Pont (United States), Honeywell Advanced Fibres and Composites (United States), Revision Military Inc. (United States) and GentexCorporatio Corporation (United States) among others.The segments covered in the Military Personal Protective Equipment market are as follows:Global Military Personal Protective Equipment Market: By ProductType Body Armor (IBA) Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) Pelvic Protection Systems (PPS) Life Safety Jackets Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP) OthersGlobal Military Personal Protective Equipment Market: By Application Army Air Force Navy OthersGlobal Military Personal Protective Equipment Market: By GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaMexicoEuropeU.K.GermanyFranceItalyRest of EuropeAsia PacificIndiaChinaJapanRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin America Middle East and AfricaSaudi ArabiaUnited Arab EmiratesRest of Middle East and AfricaReport Analysis: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/rd/110114595/Military-Personal-Protective-Equipment-Market
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 10:00:29

Valuable insights on the global scenario of microscope digital cameras have been presented systematically in a recently carried out research on microscope digital cameras market by Future market Insights in its new publication titled Microscope Digital Cameras: Global Industry Analysis (2012-2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017-2027). This research focusses on key players, trends, growth drivers, opportunities, developments and restraints across several key geographies of North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Latin America, Japan and Middle East and Africa (MEA). On the basis of a structured research process and taking into consideration the past and present scenario, forecasts are provided in the research report from the period 2017 to 2027, a ten year forecast model, across each and every segment of the market.Request to View Sample of Research Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3523 Global Microscope Digital Cameras Market: Forecast HighlightsAccording to the insightful market survey on microscope digital cameras, the global microscope digital cameras market is anticipated to grow at a high pace to register a robust 9.2% CAGR during the assessment period. During the 2017-2027 period, the global market is estimated to reach a market evaluation of about US$ 1.2 Bn by the end of 2027.Global Microscope Digital Cameras Market: Segmental InsightsGlobal microscope digital cameras market is segmented by product type (biological microscope cameras, industrial microscope cameras), by sensor type (CMOS, CCD), by mount type (C mount, eyepiece mount/ocular mount), by end user (hospitals, research laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, clinics) and by region.North America region shows high lucrativeness and is expected to dominate the global microscope digital cameras market during the forecast period with respect to high market valuation. This region is estimated to grow at a stellar growth rate to reach a valuation of about US$ 353.3 Mn by 2027 end. Japan region is expected to grow at the highest rate, a shade higher than North America to register a 10.3% CAGR throughout the forecast periodBiological microscope cameras segment by product type, is projected to register a higher CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period and is more likely to lead the global market by product type in terms of high market valueBy mount type, C mount segment shows high potential as it grows at a comparatively high rate to reach a 9.4% CAGR and is likely to show dominance over eyepiece mount/ ocular mount segment. The C mount segment shows a market value almost seven times that of the eyepiece mount/ ocular mount segmentThe CCD segment by sensor type is expected to lead the market with a high value share. The CMOS segment shows high growth rate to register a stellar CAGR of 11.3% throughout the assessment periodBy end user, research laboratories (clinical and non-clinical) segment dominates the global market with a valuation of about US$ 645.7 Mn in 2027, growing at a robust growth rate. With respect to growth rate, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 9.7% during the period of forecast 2017-2027Global Microscope Digital Cameras Market: DynamicsVarious factors favour the growth of the global microscope digital cameras market and the impact of these factors changes from region to region. Diverse application of microscope imaging technology, rising preference for CMOS and CCD, increasing penetration of international players through mergers, growing partnerships for direct distribution, higher spending on academic research along with focus on digital pathology, emergence of digitalization in the life science research, rising demand for microscopy cameras in scientific applications, new product innovations and launches, advancements in microscope digital cameras and rising laboratory automation are supporting the growth of the global microscope digital cameras market. However, factors such as premium pricing limiting market penetration ability, limited manufacturing facilities for microscope cameras, high equipment cost and entry barriers for small players to enter the consolidated market are posing growth restraints to the growth of the global microscope digital cameras market.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-3523 Global Microscope Digital Cameras Market: Competition AnalysisThe global microscope digital cameras market has profiled key players such as Danaher Corporation, Nikon Corporation, Roper Technologies, Inc., Carl Zeiss AG, Olympus Corporation, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K, Basler AG, Guangzhou Micro-shot Technology Co., Ltd., BMS microscopes bv., and Euromex Microscopen bv.Browse More Information about this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/microscope-digital-cameras-market
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A recent research study by Fact.MR finds that the microreactor sales reached 294 thousand units in 2018 and are projected to grow at a Y-O-Y of nearly 9% in 2019. Increasing competition among manufacturing companies in order to develop finer products remains a key aspect spurring the demand for microreactor technology. Ability of microreactor technology to facilitate effective and efficient drug synthesis is one of the key factors responsible for its rising adoption in the pharmaceutical industry.The report finds that increasing demand for process intensification has inspired various chemical industries to adopt microreactor technology. Capability of microreactor technology to enable continuous reactions in small channels instead of large-scale components, which results in effective mixing of the reagents and seamless heat transfer, is enhancing its visibility as compared to the conventional technologies. Moreover, inherently safer design with high efficacy has also been identified to boost utilization of microreactor technology in challenging applications areas of the chemical industry.Request For Sample Report- https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=2815 Microreactor Technology Gains Ground as Key Enabler of One-Step Reactions with Minimal WastageUse of microreactor has witnessed a notable rise in multiple industrial ecosystems, such as chemical and pharmaceutical, on the wake of its ability to offer high-throughput with use of minimum amount of materials. Moreover, the one-step reactions enabled by microreactor technology aids in elimination of the risk associated with waste products, resulting in high-quality end-products, which drives its adoption across end-use verticals to achieve unparalleled productivity.Microreactor technology is also being widely acknowledged by various end-use industries for its ability to catalyze faster reactions, which also ensures higher yields of up to cent percent with no compromise in terms of quality. Microreactors have evolved as a standard tool for end users for ameliorating quality via accurate control of crucial operation parameters, ranging from pressure to space velocities, Senior Analyst, Fact.MR Browse Full Report on Microreactor Technology Market with TOC- https://www.factmr.com/report/2815/microreactor-technology-market With 157 thousand units sold in 2018, the demand for falling film microreactor thrives on the back of its larger specific surface area as compared to the conventional reactors, finds Fact.MR . Asia micro reactor remains the most prominent mixing type and is likely to witness remarkable growth in the forthcoming years, driven by efficacy in terms of resistance and transparency.The report further states that sales of each material type will remain highly influenced by the specific advantages and disadvantages offered by in terms of price and compatibility with the reagents or heat conductivity. Glass microreactor remains the top-selling variant on the wake of its superior compatibility with aggressive media and reagents. Moreover, benefits of glass microreactors in terms of transparency and convenience has been widely acknowledged, which has further triggered their adoption across various end-use industries.Request Methodology of this Report- https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RM&rep_id=2815 Significant Benefits over Batch Processing to Foster PopularityMicroreactor technology is becoming highly appealing to the production departments in the pharmaceutical industry, followed by specialty chemicals. Benefits of continuous-flow processes over batch chemistry remain instrumental in heightened adoption of microreactor technology in both pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals landscape, translating into fast-paced synthesis of organic compounds amidst hazardous conditions with minimized waste. Moreover, the adoption of microreactor technology also offers additional benefits in terms of capital investment and operating expenses with notable reduction of the time-to-market aspect, which is bolstering its adoption across diverse end user industry verticals.According to the report, microreactor technology market remains consolidated at the bottom, with the tier 3 or emerging players holding a considerable revenue share. Specific product segments and augmentation of volume sales remain two of the key focal points of these emerging players. Fact.MRs report offers actionable intelligence with a comprehensive opportunity assessment of the microreactor technology market. The report finds that the microreactor technology market is likely to grow at a volume CAGR of around 8% through 2028.To Buy Microreactor Technology Market Report, Check- https://www.factmr.com/checkout/2815/S About Fact.MR Fact.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; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 01:47:19

WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2019 / MEMRI is releasing a multi-part investigative report series on Qatari school textbooks that encourage jihad and martyrdom. The first installment was published today: QatariTextbooks, Part I  Islamic Education: Encouraging Jihad And Martyrdom.The Qatari Islamic education textbooks for grades 6, 8, 9, and 12 focus extensively on the Islamic ethos of jihad and martyrdom. The books present jihad as having led to the victories of Islam during its early history, as proof of true piety on the part of the Muslim, and as an honorable act to which the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad aspired with all their hearts  so much so that they were devastated if prevented from engaging in it. The books also depict jihad and martyrdom as noble acts of sacrifice decreed by Allah, which entitle the believer to special rewards and a place in the highest level of Paradise.The study content is accompanied by questions and exercises requiring students to elaborate on the importance of jihad for the individual and for society, and to memorize Quranic verses encouraging jihad and martyrdom. This report reviews the indoctrination of these values in the Qatari Islamic Education textbooks for the aforementioned grades.Study of the topic of jihad begins in Grade 6. A chapter in the Religious Education textbook for this grade is devoted to the Battle of Badr (624), in which the Muslims defeated the Quraysh tribe. It states that this was Muhammad's first battle against the Quraysh; that it took place after Allah permitted him to wage jihad against this tribe's oppression and in defense of Islam; and that in it Allah granted the outnumbered Muslims victory over their enemies.The importance of jihad for the sake of Allah is stressed further in the Islamic Education textbook for Grade 8, which presents it as an act of sacrifice that confers an advantage with Allah and is rewarded more than any other act. The Grade 12 textbook reiterates that jihad is an honorable aspiration and that martyrs who die for the sake of Allah attain the highest reward there is.MEMRI will publish additional reports in this series examining Qatari school textbooks' promotion of jihad and martyrdom.To stay up to date with all of MEMRI's content, join over 500,000 daily readers and viewers of MEMRI content on social media. Follow us now on our YouTube channel and on Instagram and Vimeo to view all our new videos. You can also follow us on our established social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for all MEMRI videos, reports, and analysis.Along with its English social media presence, MEMRI maintains Facebook accounts in French, Spanish, Polish, andHebrew, and Twitter accounts in French, Spanish, and Hebrew.MEMRI translations from the Arab and Muslim world and MEMRI research provide crucial resources to assist policymakers, and inform the public at large. Please help us continue this important work by making a tax-deductible donation.ABOUT MEMRIMEMRI is currently marking its 20th year of publishing timely translations from Arabic, Farsi, Urdu-Pashtu, Dari, and Turkish print, TV, and social media and original analysis of ideological, social, cultural, and educational trends. MEMRI research is translated into English, French, Polish, Japanese, Spanish, and Hebrew. This year, MEMRI will be rolling out new initiatives and expanding existing ones, including its Reform Project.Founded in February 1998 to inform the debate over U.S. policy in the Middle East, MEMRI is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. MEMRI's main office is in Washington, D.C. and it has branch offices in various world capitals.For information on how to support MEMRI's research, please visit our donation page and consider becoming a sustaining monthly donor.MEMRI - Middle East Media Research Institute: https://www.memri.org MEMRI In The Media:MEMRI TV - MEMRI: https://www.memri.org/tv Contact Information:MEMRImedia@ memri.org 202-955-9070 www.memri.org SOURCE: MEMRI
Twin Pouch Packaging Market

Twin Pouch Packaging Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:31:39

Pouches are flexible containers usually used to store product and are one of the most widely merchandised commodities across the globe. One of such is the twin pouch which is largely used in flexible packaging industry. Twin Pouch has consist of two compartments which are co-joined with a center perforation for easy tear and thus aiming to provide handiness to the consumers while preparing for meals at home. Also, center perforation between two compartments helps in prevention of packed products from getting in contact with each other as well as exposure to external factors such as moisture.Twin pouch is a reliable, simple and economical packaging solution readily available across in various formats such as stand-up twin pouches, multi-sealed twin pouches. Excellent resistance from internal as well as external factors provide a long shelf life is leading consumers to opt for twin pouches. Customization of twin pouches in terms of design, space, and capacity can boost the global market over the forecast period.Twin Pouch Packaging Market: Drivers & RestraintsWith an increased inclination of customers towards lightweight, flexible and convenient packaging, there has been a substantial growth in demand for twin pouches packaging from the manufacturers end. Rise in dependency on packed ready to cook food due to varying lifestyle has mobilized the flexible packaging chain to match as per product offerings. Twin pouches are available in back-seal, bottom-seal and top-seal thus offering larger space for products with less amount of film been used thus powering the growth of twin pouch packaging market.Also, there has been a significant increase in the number of hypermarkets, supermarkets and superstores. Thus, the global twin pouch packaging market is estimated to witness steady market growth over the forecast period. On the contrary, raw-materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polyethylene, etc. required for manufacturing of pouches usually suffer cost-fluctuations generating ambiguity in production and thus hindering the growth of twin pouch packaging market.Twin Pouch Packaging Market: Segmentation OverviewTwin pouches made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material type segment are anticipated to drive the growth of twin pouch packaging market. Also, in terms of end use application, ready-to-cook food packaging, consumer goods and cosmetics are expected to a propel the demand for twin pouches over the forecast period.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3901 Twin Pouch Packaging Market: Regional OverviewGeographically, the twin pouch packaging market is segmented into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The growth of the Asia-Pacific market is supposed to be comparatively high as compared to other regions across the globe due to increasing inclination of consumers towards convenient and attractive packaging in the regions. Twin pouches packaging market in the fast-developing nations such as China and India are estimated to witness robust revenue growth and trend to continue over the forecast period.Production of polymers such as polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate used in manufacturing in flexible pouches is highest in North America and Europe region. Additionally, the growing food & beverages industry is expected to create latent opportunity for twin pouch packaging market over the forecast period. Also, Middle-East and Africa region are projected to witness positive growth in twin pouch packaging market due to swing in preference of customers towards novel forms of packaging thus fueling the revenue growth of the market over the forecast period. Twin Pouch Packaging Market: Key PlayersSome key players that currently operate in the twin pouch packaging market are SN Maschinenbau GmbH, Amcor Limited, Swiss Pac Pvt Ltd, Macwell Group, Anzu Technology LLC. The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3901
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 23:22:57

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Lingerie market has occupied a significant position in the apparel industry in recent years as it not only serves its functional benefits but also is considered as an basic necessity to every woman. The the global lingerie market has been bifurcated on the basis of product types into bras, knickers and panties, lounge wear, shape wear and others which includes baby doll, corsets, chemises and chemisoles among others. Bra as an essential necessity and also a fashion accessory to every women and it has captured the largest market share in 2015. Knickers and panties also occupied a significant position in the same year, thus contributing significantly to the overall market size of the lingerie industry.The market is further segmented on the basis of distribution channel into online stores and storefront. Online stores captured the largest market in 2015 due to high penetration of internet services and rapid advancements in the field of technology, thus creating a strong platform for the manufacturers of lingerie Further, the e-commerce giants are engaged in strong promotional activities due to which they provide with continuous discount options and various other offers which attract both consumers and manufacturers to avail this platform.Request For Report Sample: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/sample/110114599/Lingerie-Market Females in the developing countries are experiencing latest trends towards carrying themselves in public. They are changing their outlook towards accepting innerwear as a casual affair and take time to choose and make a purchase. The outerwear of women has undergone a dramatic change and due to this women prefer selecting inner wear, especially bras that can match with their attire. They try to purchase lingerie depending on the occasion or event, such as there are special sport wear bras for gymnasium purpose. It can be demonstrated from the product differentiation brought by the lingerie manufacturers over online and retail stores. Thus this is a key factor complementing the growth of the global lingerie market.Lingerie has witnessed a rapid acceptance in the fashion industry. Women from all backgrounds want to try out the latest trends in the inner wear segment. Most of the large brands have exclusive stores in shopping malls or independent stores. In developing countries like India and China, brands like Jockey try to reach out to customers through small roadside innerwear shops. Additionally, lingerie is available at stores as well as online. Brands like Victoria Secret have country specific websites for easier transactions and shipment.However, the lingerie wear maintains high cost for advertisement and other marketing promotions. This is due to the cost of celebrities or models that are hired for being featured in the photo shoots. Moreover, the destination or location cost of the photo shoot depends and therefore larger brands do not compromise in keeping high cost for their lingerie wear. Therefore, this factor is majorly hindering the growth of the market and the impact of the same is likely to reduce by the end of the forecast period.Moreover, the global lingerie market is experiencing moderate growth in the apparel segment as nowadays individuals are more inclined towards branded items, most of which are usually priced on the higher end. People from all backgrounds and income group want to avail a comfortable and lasting inner wear that can be fashionable as well as skin-friendly. There are many local brands or companies that manufacture cheap quality products to cater to the wide population in the under developed or developing countries. Mergers and acquisitions are a strategic way of entering the market and understanding the current needs and preferences of the population. Through this, the large companies will benefit in capturing the market and at the same time, will enable the small companies to fight for a better position in the market..Moreover, in this report the study provides different countries included in different regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa. North America includes U.S. and Rest of North America. Europe includes U.K., Germany, France, Russia, Italy and Rest of Europe. Asia Pacific includes countries such as India, China, Japan and Rest of Asia Pacific. In addition, Middle East and Africa includes country such as UAE, South Africa and Rest of Middle East and Africa. Latin America comprise of countries such as Brazil and Rest of Latin AmericaAsia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Transition in the lifestyle of the consumers which is backed by rapid urbanization and increasing purchasing power is a major factor behind the high growth of this market in Asia Pacific. Further, consumer exposure to the same by way of advertisements through televisions, and print media among others is another key factor responsible for the growth of the Lingerie Market in this region.Some of the major key players operating in the global contact lens market are, Jockey International Inc. (Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S), Hanes (North Carolina U.S.), Groupe Chantelle (Cachan, France), LVMH (Boise U.S), L Brands Inc. (Columbus, Ohio), MAS Holdings Limited (Colombo, Srilanka), Ann Summers (London, U.K.), Marks and Spencer (London U.K), PVH Corporation (New York, U.S) among others.Request Report Discount: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/discount/110114599/Lingerie-Market The report analyzes the factors that are driving and restraining the growth of the lingerie market. This report will help manufacturers, distributors and suppliers to understand the present and future trends in this market and formulate strategies accordingly.The global lingerie market can be segmented as follows;-Global Lingerie Market, by Type Bra Knickers and Panties Lounge wear Shape wear OthersGlobal Lingerie Market, by Distribution Channel Online Stores Store FrontGlobal Lingerie Market, by Geography North America U.S. Rest of North America Europe U.K. Germany France Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Rest of Latin America Middle East and Africa UAE South Africa Rest of Middle East & AfricaReport Analysis: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/rd/110114599/Lingerie-Market
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Learn Global Specifications of the Vacuum Insulation Panels Market  report to their offering Upcoming

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PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:48:23

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Vacuum insulated panels (VIP) are a type of thermal insulation equipment which comprise a gas tight enclosure which surrounds a rigid core from which air is evacuated to create near vacuum. These vacuum insulated panels find applications in building constructions as they deliver superior thermal insulation performance as opposed to conventional thermal insulation materials.Vacuum insulated panels have been finding increasing applications in construction and refrigeration. Besides, stringent regulations imposed by various government agencies & regulatory bodies with regards to energy conservation and carbon emissions are anticipated to drive the growth of this market during the forecast period. Vacuum insulated panels do not only contribute to energy conservation but also help in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. International agencies, such as the International Energy Agency, have been promoting & recommending the use of vacuum insulated panels to reduce carbon emissions. Hence, the vacuum insulated panels market, driven by these factors, is expected to grow at a significant pace during the next few years.Considering these important aspects of vacuum insulation panels, the study of the vacuum insulation panels market becomes an important read.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5204 Market SegmentationOn the basis of material type, the vacuum insulation panels market is segmented as follows:Silica vacuum insulation panelsFiberglass vacuum insulation panelsOther vacuum insulation panels materialsOn the basis of design type, the vacuum insulation panels market is segmented as follows:Flat vacuum insulation panelsSpecial shaped vacuum insulation panelsOn the basis of raw material type, the vacuum insulation panels market is segmented as follows:Fiber glass based vacuum insulation panelsSilica based vacuum insulation panelsMetal based vacuum insulation panelsPlastic based vacuum insulation panelsOther raw material based vacuum insulation panelsOn the basis of application, the vacuum insulation panels market is segmented as follows:Building constructionRefrigeration & cooling appliancesTransportOthersKey Trends and DriversGiven their long life, silica-basedvacuum insulated panels have witnessed increased demand from the building construction industry in recent times, thereby fueling market growth substantially. Besides, fiberglass based vacuum insulated panels have also been experiencing increasing demand from the refrigeration industry. Furthermore, rapid urbanization, on a worldwide level, is contributing to market growth as well.On a global level, with the rapidly rising quantities of frozen food being transported across vast distances, requiring thermal insulation for a large time period, there has been increasing demand for vacuum insulated panels from the cold storage and frozen transportation industry. That apart, refrigerated transport of pharmaceutical products & medicines across the globe has also been contributing to the rapid growth of the vacuum insulated panels market in recent times. Liberal import-export policies by governments across different global regions are expected to drive market growth even further in near future. Efforts are being made to develop new production processes for the manufacturing of vacuum insulated panels that would successfully minimize manual involvement through the use of increased automation. This will further reduce prices of vacuum insulated panels in near future, thereby fueling their demand at a global level.However, vacuum insulated panels involve expensive manufacturing costs and hence, are expensive. They also have a short shelf life due to their aging characteristics. Also, for certain applications, vacuum insulated panels must be custom built and designed in specific sizes, which essentially leads to higher costs for end users, limiting sales volumes. Besides, in transport applications, the relatively higher weight of vacuum insulated panels renders them unfavorable vis-a-vis other thermal insulation materials. Also, vacuum insulated panels are fragile and hence, have some limitations in terms of applications. These factors are expected to dampen the growth rate of the vacuum insulated panels market during the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-5204 Market ParticipantsSome of the examples of the market participants identified across value chain of the vacuum insulation panels market are as follows:Dow Corning CorporationPanasonic CorporationVa-Q-Tec AGMorgan Advanced Materials Porextherm Dammstoffe GmbHKnauf InsulationKingspan InsulationEvonik Industries AGLG Hausys Ltd.TURNA d.o.o.ThermoCor
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 19:36:52

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Research N Reports newly added a report, titled as Global Surveillance Cameras Market Research ,industry, analysis, research, share, growth, sales & trends and forecasted to 2025. The influence of predominant economic and directing scenario athwart the leading markets has been scrutinized in detail. Apart from this, the report also revives about the competitive landscape of the market. This report provides a complete synopsis of the market, presenting acumens into the key factors driving and limiting its growth.Get Sample Copy of Report: https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=175133 The scrutinized report offers numerous approaches to view the Surveillance Cameras market from a different perspective. The approaches include descriptions, analytics in terms of value & volume, several events and chain assembly of the industry for various practices in the global market. The section assimilates a broad analysis of progress strategies to sway the market in an industrialized process.Key companies profiled in this reports:Sony, AXIS, Vaddio, Panasonic, Pelco, Canon, Indigovision, Cisco, Aventura, Hikvision, Redvision, Vicon, Videotec, Dahua Technology, Zhejiang Uniview Technologies, Kedacom, Infinova, Guangzhou Liande Intelligent System, Yaan Tech, Tiandy, Videotrec Industrial, Shenzhen Safer, Wodsee Electronics, Goldo Tech, Shenzhen KingCCTV Technology, Shenzhen Guowei Security, Rekeen, Shenzhen Enerson Technology CompanyThe overview of the market includes the applications of the global market along with the regional outlook and industry policies. It also summarizes about various provisions and descriptions from it. The report scrutinizes the production index of the Surveillance Cameras market in terms of region, technology, types, end-users and materials. Along with this, it also comprises of an opening that is dedicated to analyze the new items in the market.Get Discount on this Report: https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=175133 In this research report the analysts have employed the arduous primary and secondary research procedures of the Surveillance Cameras market which can increase the product demand in the market. Along with a precise analysis and forecasts, it also scrutinizes the market from a wide-ranging perspective. The report scrutinizes the development of the market for a few end users. The report positions that it signifies another extensive trend that will impel the progress of this market.Precisely, the report emphases on the competitive landscape of the Surveillance Cameras industry and abides the persuasive development policies and plans that will decide the markets trail in the forecast period. An exploration of the major players functioning in the Surveillance Cameras market is included in the report, segmenting and unfolding them on the constraints of manufacturing procedures and business strategies, information related to product classification and profit margins regarding the same. The cost dynamics of the market are also scrutinized and related to the ample breakdown of the markets competitive landscape which provides a complete generous range of price dynamics in the Surveillance Cameras industry for the readers to comprehend it clearly.Different verticals are considered while analyzing the leading key players of Surveillance Cameras market. Finally, it focuses on drivers and opportunities, which are the pillar of business development. The report also gives detailed information on the global market in terms of its competitors, public growth, mergers & acquisitions and new product launches. The manufacturers in the Surveillance Cameras market are defined in terms of their product and shares in the annual volume of the market.For More Queries: https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=175133
Posted Thursday, February 7, 2019 10:09 am

A move to initiate state regulation of salmon-killing hot water in the Columbia and Snake rivers has been iced by the Trump Administration  for now.

The state Department of Ecology has initiated a public comment process on draft permits that would enable it to enforce state water-quality standards at federal dams, including temperature.

But on Friday night the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wrote to the department to announce it is yanking the draft permits that were under review. That has the effect of stopping, at least for now, Ecologys effort to enforce its water quality standards at federal dams for the first time.

Ecology was surprised by the move and is seeking more information  and not backing down.

Im surprised at EPAs unusual request, said Maia Bellon, director of Ecology, in an email to the Seattle Times. Weve asked EPA to explain their motives, but I am concerned that this may signal the federal government backing away from a commitment to protect the water quality of the Columbia and Snake rivers. Washington state has no intention of abandoning our rivers and our salmon. We have no plans to halt our current public comment period.

A spokesman for EPA declined to comment.

Gov. Jay Inslee wants Ecology to stand firm. the governor is fully committed to partnering with Ecology to ensure both federal and state clean water standards are upheld and enforced, Tara Lee, spokeswoman for the governor wrote in an email. The Trump Administration must do its part to protect our states salmon and waters.

The issue first arose when the nonprofit Columbia Riverkeeper sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over oil discharges into the Columbia and Snake rivers from federal dams. The Corps in a legal settlement was required to seek pollution discharge permits from the EPA. Draft permits for nine federal dams were issued by EPA, and were until last Friday night before Ecology for review.

Under the Clean Water Act, the state has the option to invoke its authority to condition the federal permits on also meeting all of its state water quality standards. It was former Washington Attorney General and later Gov. Christine Gregoire who fought all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to secure the states ability under the Clean Water Act to assert the states standards in its waters.

At stake is this situation is the states ability to act on a range of issues that directly affect salmon survival in the Columbia and Snake, including water temperature. Both rivers in places during the summer routinely exceed the states uppermost temperature standard of 68 degrees  often for weeks at a time. That is because of the cumulative warming caused by climate change since 1960, combined with the effects of the dams, a separate draft EPA analysis has determined.

But in a letter from Daniel Opalski, director of the EPA office of Water and Watersheds, the agency asked for return of its materials and the draft permits they support, and stated the agency would be back in touch when we determine that a renewed request for water quality certification is appropriate. No time frame was provided as to re-initiating the process to issue the pollution discharge permits.

Brett VandenHeuval, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, said he hopes the state wills stick to its guns on improving water quality in the Columbia and Snake.

It feels like the Trump Administration is trying to bully the state of Washington, and Washington is not easily bullied, VandenHeuval said. They dont like Ecology saying they are going to assert some authority and they (EPA) are taking their ball and going home.

In her response to EPA sent Feb. 5, Heather Bartlett, manager for Ecologys Water Quality Management program, stated Ecology is continuing its public comment process on the draft-pollution permits.

Further, she wrote, the department is not waiving its authority to condition the permits, so the state can regulate water quality standards at the dams.

What happens next is anyones guess, Keltz said. This is all very unusual, and by no means following a regular process. Do they intend to come back quickly with permits or not?
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:29:48

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A tunable diode laser analyser is a sophisticated device used to identify the concentration of sample gas with high selectivity of gas components. A tunale diode laser analyser identifies the chemical composition of compounds and measure the concentration of the element without any contact. This measuring device identifies the proportion of methane, water vapour, carbon dioxide and many other gaseous mixture by irradiating the sample with light from a tunable diode laser.Tunable diode laser analyser measures corrosive and highly hazardous gases. The tunable diode laser analyser uses accurate and highly responsive measuring signals for process control systems and hence helps in improving yields, safety and energy efficiency in various industrial processes.A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-513 Tunable Diode Laser Analyser Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe key market driver for tunable diode laser analyser is the growth in the industries such as oil & gas, cement, metal and power which demands for analysers, emission monitoring and incineration. Tunable diode laser analyser has high component selectivity, easy maintenance, low installation cost and fast response which makes it a preferred device in broad range of industrial processes. Tunable diode laser analyser is one of the critical factor which provides crucial information about the chemical composition in the process industries. Tunable diode laser analyser has large opportunity in process industry as its applications are not restricted to monitoring only. It also contribute towards the preservation of environment and reduction of running cost. However the key challenge faced by tunable diode laser analyser is the rising infrastructure cost which may inhibit the market growth.Tunable Diode Laser Analyser Market: SegmentationOn the basis of end user industry, the global tunable diode laser analyser market is segmented into,chemical/petrochemicalPower/ utilityWater and Wastewater TreatmentFood and BeveragesFertilizerPharmaceuticalsPulp & PaperMiningCementGlassOn the basis of application, the global tunable diode laser analyser market is segmented intoGasesSyngasCoke-oven GasRefinery Fuel GasNatural gasGreen House GasFlare GasTail GasFertilizer Off GasDeNOxIncinerationEmission MonitoringBoilersCarbon Black ProducersBFOBOFSRUFTC/GTC for AluminiumNuclearFertilizer UreaElectric Arc FurnaceOthersTunable Diode Laser Analyser Market: Region-wise OutlookCurrently APAC has the largest market share for tunable diode laser analyser, followed by North America. It is expected that Europe will have the fastest growth rate as compared with other regions. As the demand of chemical industries is increasing, North America is also expected to have a significant market share in global tunable diode laser analyser market during the forecast period.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-513 Tunable Diode Laser Analyser Market: Key PlayersSome of the market participants in the global tunable diode laser analyser market are Yokogawa, Servomex, Siemens AG, Honeywell, Sick AG, Emerson Process Management, ABB ltd, Neo Monitors, Mettler Toledo, Ametek Process Instruments.
Eyewear Packaging Market

Eyewear Packaging Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:08:19

Eyewear has now besides being necessity as in the case of power glasses or spectacles have also gained traction due to emerging fashion trend as well as changing environment in the form of sun glasses and goggles. Eyewear are fragile commodities and hence require safe packaging that ensures the product safety during transportation and storage. The manufacturer of the eyewear packages are therefore involved in producing user friendly, attractive packaging that can ensure product safety as well as gain customer attention.The various materials used for manufacturing eyewear packages include paper, plastic, leather and fibers. These materials are designed to best suit the product and ensure the product delivery without any tamper. Attributed by these properties the global eyewear packaging market is anticipated to grow both in value and volume throughout the forecast period.Eyewear Packaging Market  DynamicsEyewear has become a commodity that is used by almost everyone irrespective of age and gender. This has contributed in the burgeoning growth of eyewear market globally. This rise in global eyewear market is expected to translate into the increasing demand for allied products such as packages for eyewear between 2017 & 2025. The increasing demand for power glasses in parallel with the emerging trend for sun glasses and goggles are expected to drive the eyewear packaging market over the forecast period.The eyewear packages are manufactured in various styles and designs which includes eva cases, soft pouch, round boxes, bespoke boxes, triangle boxes and slide open boxes. The various materials used to manufacture eyewear packages includes kraft paper, plastic and leather. Leather is extensively used material for glasses and spectacle cases due to its hard wearing nature and flexibility. Leather glass cases offer a luxurious aesthetic and tactility. However, cases manufactured using plastics are relatively cheap and therefore are in higher demand in most part of the world. The use of these materials helps the manufacturer to design the product in more attractive manner contributing to the increasing demand for the eyewear packages throughout the forecast period.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3673 Eyewear Packaging Market  Region Wise OutlookOn the basis of geographical regions, the global eyewear packaging market is divided into following regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa.The increasing use of the eye glasses across all age group is anticipated to drive the market of eyewear packaging across the globe throughout the forecast period. The two emerging economies, India and China contributes about 36% to the global population and therefore is expected to witness a hike in the demand for the eyewear packaging over the forecast period.North America is anticipated to follow Asia Pacific in terms of demand for the eyewear packaging owing to its established market. Latin American countries is also expected to show relatively slower growth in the eyewear packaging market owing to its prevailing economy. However, European countries and Middle East & Africa are anticipated to witness a sluggish growth in the market of eyewear packaging throughout the forecast period attributed by the prevailing stagnant economy in these regions.Eyewear Packaging Market  Key PlayersThe key players in the eyewear packaging market includes Aesop Technologies, Inc., Well Packaging Limited, PROCESSO PLAST ENTERPRISE PVT. LTD., Kling GmbH, Wuxi Tianen Spectacles Case Co.Ltd The report offers an accurate evaluation of the market through detailed qualitative insights and verifiable projections about market size. The projections presented in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3673
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 10:03:38

DIDCOT, UK / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2019 / Altus Strategies Plc (AIM: ALS & TSX-V: ALTS), the Africa focused exploration project generator, announces that on 5 th February 2019 it signed a non-binding Term Sheet ("Term Sheet") for a Joint Venture ("JV") with Indiana Resources Ltd ("Indiana") which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX"). Subject to entering a definitive agreement ("Agreement") with Altus, Indiana will have the option to earn up to an 85% interest in Legend Mali (BVI) II Inc. ("Legend"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Legend holds a 100% interest in the Lakanfla and Tabakorole gold projects ("Projects") located in western and southern Mali respectively. Indiana may earn its interest by funding the exploration and development of the Projects. The Term Sheet is subject to exclusivity provisions for 60 days following signing.Highlights:JV Term Sheet signed with ASX listed Indiana Resources LtdIndiana may earn up to an 85% interest in the Lakanfla and Tabakorole gold projects:Lakanfla historical drill results include: 26.0m at 5.10 g/t Au and 12.0m at 9.78 g/t AuLakanfla is located 6km southeast of the Sadiola gold mineTabakorole historical drill results include: 60.0m at 2.92 g/t Au and 44.0m at 3.30 g/t AuTabakorole and Lakanfla are two of six exploration projects owned by Altus in MaliSubject to entering a definitive agreement:Altus to receive milestone based cash and equity in IndianaAltus to retain a 2.5% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royaltyAltus will be the operator of the JV during initial earn-in periodsAgreement remains subject to due diligence and other conditions precedentSteven Poulton, Chief Executive of Altus, commented:"We are delighted to have signed this Term Sheet with Indiana for a JV on our Lakanfla and Tabakorole gold projects in Mali. Upon entering a definitive Joint Venture agreement, Indiana will have the option to acquire up to an 85% interest in the projects. In return it is anticipated that Altus will receive an upfront equity payment in Indiana shares, future milestone based payments of cash and Indiana equity and a 2.5% NSR on the Projects. Indiana is a dynamic ASX listed exploration company with existing gold projects in Mali. We look forward to concluding the final agreements and to working with them thereafter. This transaction underscores the Companys project generator strategy of making and monetising mineral discoveries in Africa, while building and growing a valuable portfolio of royalty interests.Strategically located adjacent to the world renowned Sadiola gold mine in western Mali, at which oxide resources are reportedly being exhausted, the Lakanfla project contains a major area of historical artisanal gold workings and historical drilling results including 5.10 g/t Au over 26.0m, 9.78 g/t Au over 12m and 5.61 g/t Au over 14.5m. Based on our review of historical data, we believe that Lakanfla hosts a potentially substantial karst-style gold target, analogous to the adjacent FE3 and FE4 pits of the Sadiola mine. Separately the Tabakorole project, which is located in southern Mali targets a shear zone which has reportedly been mapped for 2.7km long and up to 200m wide. Historical drilling results to date at Tabakorole include 2.92 g/t Au over 60.0m and 3.30 g/t Au over 44.0m.In addition to this transaction, discussions are continuing with Canyon Resources Ltd in respect of the Company's existing bauxite joint venture in Cameroon as announced by the Company on 11 October 2018. We look forward to updating shareholders on the progress with these transactions in due course".Headline JV TermsSubject to the execution of the Agreement, Indiana will have the option to earn up to an 85% interest in the Projects on the following headline JV terms.Stage 1 (Exploration): Indiana will have the right to earn an initial 25% interest in the Projects by undertaking 3,000m of drilling at the Lakanfla project and by completing an exploration programme at the Tabakorole project within 12 months of entering the Agreement. Altus will receive US$100,000 of Indiana shares on the commencement of Stage 1.Stage 2 (Resource Definition): Within 30 days of the completion of Stage 1, Indiana will have the right to increase its interest in the Projects (or Lakanfla only) to 51% by undertaking 9,000m of drilling at the Lakanfla project (or publishing a JORC compliant resource of more than one million ounces of gold) and 2,500m of drilling at the Tabakorole project, within 18 months of electing to enter Stage 2. Altus will receive US$100,000 in cash and US$200,000 of Indiana shares on the commencement of Stage 2.Stage 3 (Definitive Feasibility Study): Within 30 days of the completion of Stage 2, Indiana will have the right to increase its interest in the Projects (or Lakanfla only) to 70% by completing a Definitive Feasibility Study at the Lakanfla project and, if it elects to continue with the Tabakorole project as part of the JV, publishing a maiden JORC compliant resource at Tabakorole within 24 months of electing to enter Stage 3. Indiana will relinquish its interest in Tabakorole if it does not so elect. Altus will receive US$100,000 in cash and US$200,000 of Indiana shares on the commencement of Stage 3.Stage 4 (Mine Construction): Within 30 days of the completion of Stage 3, Altus will have the option to co-finance Stage 4 pro rata to its interest in the JV, or grant Indiana the right to sole finance Stage 4 and increase its interest in the Projects (or Lakanfla only) to 85% by commencing gold production on either of the Projects (or the Lakanfla project only if the Tabakorole project is no longer part of the JV) within 24 months of electing to enter Stage 4. Altus will receive US$500,000 in cash and US$750,000 of Indiana shares on the commencement of Stage 4 if Indiana is sole funding Stage 4.Altus will be the operator of the Joint Venture during Stages 1 and 2 on an "at costs plus 10%" basis. Exploration budgets and work programmes will be agreed by a JV committee consisting of up to two representatives of each of Indiana and Altus. Each party shall have one vote, however any party sole-funding will have a casting vote. If co-funding, each party shall vote in accordance with its participating interest in the JV.Indiana may withdraw from the JV at any time. If Indiana elects to withdraw from the JV at any stage after the completion of Stage 2 it will receive a 0.75% NSR royalty on future gold production from the Projects in exchange for withdrawing. This NSR
Interlocking Boxes Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027

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PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:10:37

Interlocking boxes have accurately fixed flaps that are interlocked and allows smooth transportation of products. These boxes are suited for storing heavy products or for items stored in bulk. Interlocking boxes are better than the traditional cardboard boxes as the overlapping flaps provide dust protection and still allow to get into the box with ease. In addition, these boxes have double layered bottom which provides extra strength. The interlocking boxes are also made up of wooden cases that provide safety to component for long route transportation. Interlocking boxes can be manufactured in different shapes and sizes and are used for packaging across several industries.Interlocking Boxes Market Dynamics:The global interlocking boxes market is primarily driven by the growth in the electronics and apparel industry, whereas the growth in cosmetic and personal care market is further expected to drive the demand in the interlocking boxes market in future. Moreover, the rubber wood interlock boxes which are majorly used for industrial and bulk transportation are expected to be driven by growth in the auto-mobile industries and forging industries. Additionally, rising ecommerce is also one of the major factors that is fueling the growth in the interlocking boxes market. Furthermore, interlocking boxes does not require packing materials like gum and other adhesives, therefore are comparatively cost effective in comparison to other types of packaging boxes. These boxes are easy to handle, have high bearable capacity, they are durable which makes it a preferred way of packaging. All the mentioned features associated with interlocking boxes clubbed with constant innovation in designs accelerates the growth in the interlocking boxes market. However, growing prices of raw materials and increasing competition due to availability of several alternate products can act as restraining factors for the interlocking boxes market.Request to Sample of Report @Interlocking Boxes Market- Regional Outlook:Geographically, the interlocking boxes market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The global interlocking boxes market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 3% during the forecast period (2016 -2024). North America is expected to witness an above average growth in the interlocking boxes market primarily driven growth in U.S. as it is the largest market for interlocking boxes because of huge ecommerce presence and increasing cross border trade. However, Asia Pacific is expected to witness the maximum growth in the interlocking boxes market over the forecast period primarily driven by the growth in the developing countries like India and China. The factor such as rising population, increasing disposable income, growing manufacturing activities, together with expanding ecommerce fuels the growth in the interlocking boxes market in these developing economies. Further, MEA is expected to witness a stagnant growth in the interlocking boxes market, whereas Latin America is expected to experience an average growth in the interlocking boxes market majorly due to rapid industrialization in the developing countries like Brazil, Argentina etc.Request Report for Table of Contents @Interlocking Boxes Market- Key Players:Some of the leading players identified across the globe in the Interlocking Boxes market are: DS Smith Packaging Limited, The Mondi Group Plc., International Paper Company, All Packaging Company, Smurfit Kappa Corporation Limited, WestRock Company, Bell Incorporated and Amcor Ltd etc.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types, technology and applications.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Report Methodology @
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:29:11

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Hysteroscopy Systems Market: InsightsHysteroscopy is a medical procedure which helps to look inside the uterus in order to diagnose and treat causes of abnormal bleeding. In the hysteroscopy procedure, doctors insert a small-diameter device into uterus known as hysteroscope. Hysteroscope is a thin device with a light and a small camera attached to it. Hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina into uterus. Hysteroscope transmits the captured image of the uterus onto a LED screen. Hysteroscopy is performed for various reasons such as investigating problems related with heavy periods, pelvic pain, postmenopausal bleeding, etc. Hysteroscopy systems are also used for diagnostic hysteroscopy & operative hysteroscopy purposes. The hysteroscopy system comes with various types of hysteroscopes. Hysteroscopes are rigid attached with a camera, flexible without inbuilt camera system. With technological advancements new hand-held hysteroscopy systems have been launched in the hysteroscopy system market in recent years. The new hand-held hysteroscopy system is designed in a way that it is easy to carry it anywhere for diagnostic hysteroscopy procedures. The hand-held hysteroscopy system is compact and also contains video processor to view the captured images. It comes with dock for battery change and data transfer so as to save the patient data for records.Get Free Exclusive Sample Copy of This Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=2577 Hysteroscopy Systems Market: Drivers and RestraintsAccording to a report of the American Cancer Society, 22,240 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. The prevalence of PCOD in adolescents is increasing day by day due to unhealthy life style and improper eating habits, which may lead to complications in the uterus, e.g., growth of fibroids and polyps in cervix. The rising incidence of gynecological diseases is expected to drive the growth of the global hysteroscopy systems market. The growing female geriatric population is also projected to propel the growth of the hysteroscopy market as women aged 65 years and above are more prone to postmenopausal complications such as endometrial polyps. The growing adoption of office hysteroscopy is also expected to fuel the growth of the hysteroscopy systems market. However, the availability of alternative diagnosis options and various treatments for gynecological conditions are projected to hamper the growth of the global hysteroscopy systems market.Hysteroscopy Systems Market: OverviewThe global market for hysteroscopy systems is expected to witness noteworthy growth over the forecast period. Based on product type, the hand-held hysteroscopy systems segment is expected to lead in the global hysteroscopy systems market over the forecast period. Among the application segments, the diagnostic hysteroscopy segment is expected to witness the high growth in the coming years due to increasing number of diagnostic procedures for uterine abnormalities. Based on end users, the hospitals end-use segment is expected to hold maximum share in the global hysteroscopy systems market. Ask For Customized Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=2577 Hysteroscopy Systems Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global hysteroscopy systems market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, CIS & Russia, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America is expected to hold maximum share in the global hysteroscopy systems market due increasing health care spending and increasing incidence of gynecological diseases in the region. This is followed by Europe due to presence of leading market players in the region. Asia Pacific is projected to be the fast-growing market for hysteroscopy systems due to increasing incidence of uterine disorders in the developing countries of the region. However, other regions such as Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are expected to grow at significant CAGRs over the forecast period.Hysteroscopy Systems Market: Key PlayersExamples of some of the key players operating in the global hysteroscopy systems market are Olympus, KARL STORZ, Stryker, Richard Wolf, Hologic, Ethicon, B. Braun, Boston Scientific, MedGyn Products, CooperSurgical, Cook Medical, Medicon, Maxer Medizintechnik, Hospiline Equipments and Medtronic. The key players in the global hysteroscopy systems market are focusing on geographical expansion by adopting new strategies, including acquisitions, agreements, collaborations, and mergers, among others.For more information on this report, please visit: https://www.factmr.com/report/2577/hysteroscopy-systems-market About Fact.MR Fact.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; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFactMR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@ factmr.com Web: www.factmr.com/ Read Industrial News : http://insiderstribune.com/
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the  Hydraulic Cab Tilt System Market with Current Trends Analysis 2017-2027 report to their offering Upcoming

Future Market Insights

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Hydraulic Cab Tilt Systems are used to tilt the cabin for serviceability of the engine, and enables to take out engine and accessories without hindrance. A typical cab tilting system consists of a hydraulic pump, a tilt cylinder, and a safety stop on the tilt cylinder. Most of the prominent truck manufacturing companies such as Daf, Iveco, Renault, Scania and Volvo, equips their trucks with hydraulic cab tilting systems.Prominent manufacturers in the hydraulic cab tilting space often manufactures and offers tailored systems to meet the weight and specs of different cabs. A specific customization offered by most manufacturers is to choose from electric, air, or manually powered pump. Companies are developing products to improve the performance, ergonomic efficiency and safety required to access critical under cab systems.The global hydraulic cab tilt system is expected to expand with a moderate CAGR over the forecast period, parallel to the demand for automotive industry, and growth in logistic industry.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4549 Hydraulic Cab Tilt SystemMarket: Drivers & RestraintsThe major factors boosting the growth of Hydraulic Cab Tilt System market is rising growth in the automobile industry coupled with the growth in transportation and logistics industry. As new trade routes open and companies globalize, demand for hydraulic cab tilt system is expected to increase. Further, as companies often incorporates hydraulic cab tilting system with their HMVs demand from OEMs is also on the rise. Moreover, companies which were earlier reluctant to incorporate these systems with their models, are considering this as an important addition, and partnering with various hydraulic cab tilt system manufacturers. Further, as usage increase wear and tear is an inherent part, and most HMVs often requires regular engine maintenance, fuelling the demand for hydraulic cab systems.Hydraulic Cab Tilt SystemMarket: Market SegmentationThe Hydraulic Cab Tilt System Market is segmented on three factors, on the basis of component type, and power source:Based on component type, the Hydraulic Cab Tilt System market is segmented into:Hydraulic PumpCylinderSafety Stop/LatchHydraulic HosesBased on power source, the Hydraulic Cab Tilt System market is segmented into:ElectricAirManually PowderedHydraulic Cab Tilt System Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, Hydraulic Cab Tilt System market has been categorized into seven key regions including North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America and Western Europe currently dominates the global hydraulic cab tilting systems market, amid high presence of HMVs in the region, due to robust roadways based logistic in the region. Asia Pacific Exc. Japan Hydraulic Cab Tilt System market is expected to be another prominent market global market, amid presence of large number of automotive manufacturers in the region. In Asia Pacific region, the number of heavy motor vehicles produced per year in China and India are higher than the numbers attained by major manufacturers in the Western Europe and North America regions. Furthermore, Heavy Motor Vehicle production in these countries is steadily growing on a yearly basis. Emerging countries in the Latin America region such as Mexico and Brazil create attractive opportunities for the automotive Hydraulic Cab Tilt System market as many well-known automobile manufacturers have set up their automotive plants in these countries and rising logistic trade in the region. North America and Western Europe are anticipated to present high growth for technologically advanced Hydraulic Cab Tilt Systems, as these regions has endorsed some of the most advanced technologies in vehicle automation, and have high focus on improving ergonomics and efficiency. Middle East and Africa is also a rapidly growing market for hydraulic cab tilt system, and is expected to witness unprecedented growth over the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4549 Hydraulic Cab Tilt System Market: Key PlayersSome of the players identified in Global Hydraulic Cab Tilt System market are:-Ozteknik A.?Power-Packer, IncNorden GroupWipro Infrastructure EngineeringPricol Private LimitedPRODI S.a.r.lContiTech AGOlipes, S.LDNR ComponentsPennWell CorporationParker Hannifin Corporation
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 13:10:44

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Humeral implants designs have changed significantly as a result of improved understanding of prosthetic biomechanics and proximal humeral anatomy. The primary goal of humeral implant design includes the replication of the articular anatomy to restore physiologic soft-tissue tension and to avoid complications such as periprosthetic fracture, aseptic loosening, and proximal humeral bone loss and to provide early implant stability and long-term bony fixation. Trauma is the main reason for humerus fractures. The humerus is mostly fractured due to fall or motor vehicle crash. Physical rehabilitation is also an important part of recovery to regain the use of the upper arm and shoulder. Humerus fractures are of different types depending on the name of the area of bone that is broken. These are proximal humerus fractures, mid-shaft fractures, and distal humerus fractures. If the bone is moved out of the position, surgery is recommended. Surgery is used to readjust the bone and secure them in a position with surgical hardware, such as pins, plates, wires, and screws. For severe proximal humerus fractures, shoulder replacement surgery is done to remove the injured bone and insert an artificial implant. Both non-cemented and cemented fixation are used, as both techniques have different advantages and disadvantages. Humeral implants have grown from monoblock to modular implants, from diaphyseal to metaphyseal fixation, from press-fit to ingrowth non-cemented designs and from fixed to variable implants.Humeral Implants Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global humeral implants market is anticipated to register a significant CAGR over a forecast period. The rise in geriatric population and increased number of accidents is anticipated to boost the demand for the humeral implants and drives the global humeral implants market. Changes in lifestyle such as lack of exercise and increased prevalence of obesity in global population are attributing to the weakening of bones, fuelling humeral implants market growth. Increase in the adoption of advanced technologies and ongoing technological advancements also anticipated to drives the global humeral implants market.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6002 However, high complication rates such as aseptic loosening and need of humeral revision associated with the procedures may hamper the demand for the humeral implants and restrain the growth of the global humeral implants market. Additionally, stringent FDA policies for the approval of implants will restrain the growth of humeral implants market.Humeral Implants Market: SegmentationThe global humeral implants market is segmented on the basis of product type and end user:On the basis of product type, the global humeral implants market is segmented into:Proximal humerous implantsHumeral shaft implantsDistal humerous implantsOn the basis of end user, the global humeral implants market is segmented into:HospitalsAmbulatory surgical centersClinicsHumeral Implants Market: Regional OutlookOn the basis of regional presence, the global humeral implants market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Currently, North America is contributing the leading shares to the global systems humeral implants market in terms of value and anticipated to register a significant CAGR over a forecast period. APEJ is also contributing moderate shares to the market due to the newly developed products and growing incidence of injuries is expected to show a robust growth to the global humeral implants market. Europe is the most lucrative market for the humeral implants market. MEA is at a nascent stage to the global humeral implants market and anticipated to register a decent growth to the market over a forecast period. Overall, the global humeral implants market is expected to show significant growth over a forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-6002 Humeral Implants Market: Key PlayersSome of the major market players in humeral implants market globally include B. Braun Ireland, Arthrex, Inc., Exactech, Inc., medartis, Zimmer Biomet, Smith & Nephew plc., Stryker, Wright Medical Group, DePuy Synthes and others. These companies are highly focused on the development of advanced humeral implants further contributing to the growth of humeral implants market globally.
Pie Packaging Market

Pie Packaging Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:09:36

Pies are essentially baked from pastry dough consisting of various sweeteners. Depending on the region, they vary in terms of ingredients. For instance, people in UK prefer to have pies using steak, kidney, minced beef, and chicken as ingredients, while in Australia, people prefer it as take-away. Pies have been a favorite confectionary food item for many decades, and with the changing consumer habits across the globe, more handy items such as small pies or cupcakes are becoming more common in the list of favorites of many. This very trend is expected to increase the global pie packaging market.It is important to note that the presentation of a pie may vary across regions. The large sized traditional pies may not be commonplace in Asia Pacific. Similarly, pie, as a savory food item, has undergone large segmentations with many regions coming up with their own versions. The large sized pies are consumed only on certain occasions in the west. The consumption of pies is directly related to the global pie packaging market.Global pie packaging market: DynamicsThe increase in demand for pie has led to the introduction of many home delivery services for pie. This factor is expected to drive the global pie packaging market. Other factors that are expected to act as drivers for the global pie packaging market are utilization of some of the latest trends in the global packaging industry. Many suppliers offer the option for custom printing and labeling, which can also be used to target certain groups of consumers, most notably kids. The global food packaging market has shown meteoric growth over the past few decades, leading to an increased demand for absolute customization in terms of package design and formulation.Also, many suppliers are starting to offer to-go containers as pie packaging options. Owing to the recent pattern of food consumption and fast paced lifestyle, to-go containers have a strong appeal as the most suitable form of packaging for any food item. Another factor that contributes as a driver to the global pie packaging market is the introduction of new and innovative package designs for pies. This is expected to result in increased competition among manufacturers to come up with more innovative designs.Despite the decent conditions for the growth of the global pie packaging market, there are certain factors that might prove to be a potential hindrance to the growth of the market, such as, environmental concerns regarding the type of packaging material used. Also, an increased number of local players results in competitive pricing which might reduce net market value.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3705 Global pie packaging market: Geographical and Competitive dynamicsThe global pie packaging market is segmented in the following seven regions  North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, and Middle East and Africa (MEA)North America, Western and Eastern Europe are the highest contributors to the global pie packaging, owing to a large consumer base. Countries in the Asia Pacific region have seen a recent increase in the number of people moving to urban centers. The increased disposable income and the evolving lifestyle has led people to shift towards on-the-go packaging solutions. Small sized of pies, also known as cupcakes are becoming popular across the world, owing to their small size and convenience in carrying. Middle East and Africa and Latin America are also expected to see a growth in the sales for pie, although, as mentioned above, pie may be presented in a very different way depending on the region.Global pie packaging market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global pie packaging market are - Shijiazhuang CHUANGMEI Paper Products Co., Ltd., Jessica Liu Dongguan A1 Packing&Stationery Co., Ltd, PieBox, LTD, Albany Packaging and Cassel Bear, LtdThe report offers an accurate evaluation of the market through detailed qualitative insights and verifiable projections about market size. The projections presented in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3705
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Increasing burden of infectious diseases on healthcare system is a main concern across the globe and developing countries have heavy share of infectious disease burden. Burden of hepatitis C virus infection is growing over the years. According to Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences India, approximately 3% of global population is infected with hepatitis C virus infection. HCV leads to chronic infection in 80% of infected patients. Initial testing for hepatitis C virus uses serological assays to detect antibodies against HCV in blood samples. As per recent guidelines for hepatitis C screening by Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC), cut-off ratio for anti HPV antibodies is added which helps to decide additional assays for confirmation of screening results. Nucleic acid amplification test (NAT) is used as a confirmatory test and to determine viral load. All positive antibody tests are followed by RNA test. Genotyping tests for HCV are used in clinical management of HPV to determine viral load and optimal duration of treatment. Long term Use of injection drugs, use of non-sterile needles for tattooing and body piercing etc. are common causes for spread of hepatitis C virus infection.Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing Market: Drivers and RestraintsGrowing incidence of hepatitis C virus infection is the major factor driving growth of global hepatitis C virus testing market. Inappropriate practices of blood donation is the major cause for spread of hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatitis C screening is the mandatory screening test prior to organ donation, and growing organ donation programs across the globe is expected to push the market growth. Launch of point of care testing products for HCV testing increases demand for HCV testing kits. In 2010, OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test was approved by FDA which is now largely being used as an alternative to enzyme immunoassay testing for HCV. Application of new electrochemical immunosensor and genosensor technologies in HPV testing are expected to change conventional HPV testing practices. However, inadequate insurance coverage for hepatitis C testing and limited access to regular health care are the factors restraining the growth of global hepatitis C virus testing market.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4388 Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing Market: SegmentationTentatively, global hepatitis C virus testing market has been segmented on the basis of test type, technique, end user, and geography.Based on technique, global hepatitis C virus testing market is segmented as below:ImmunoassaysPolymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)OthersBased on test type, global hepatitis C virus testing market is segmented as below:HCV Antibody TestsHCV Viral Load TestsHCV Genotyping TestsBased on end user, global hepatitis C virus testing market is segmented as below:HospitalsDiagnostic CentersBlood Donation CentersHepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing Market: OverviewPrevalence of hepatitis C is low when compared to hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Thus little efforts are being taken to develop novel tests for hepatitis C virus testing. Among all 3 test types, HCV antibody testing is expected to take highest share in global hepatitis C virus testing market, as antibody testing is the primary screening test for HCV testing and large population undergo routine HCV antibody testing. Among end users, diagnostic centers end user segment is expected to contribute highest market share in global HCV testing market.Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, hepatitis C virus testing market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Western Europe is expected to dominate global hepatitis C virus testing market over the forecast period due to high incidence of HCV. Asia Pacific is expected to be the second largest market for HCV testing. According to WHO, Eastern Mediterranean and European region have the highest prevalence of HCV with the prevalence of 2.3% and 1.5%, respectively. HCV virus shows significant genetic variations in global population due to high rate of viral RNA mutation.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4388 Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing Market: Key PlayersSome of the players identified in global hepatitis C virus testing market include OraSure Technologies, Inc., Abbott Laboratories Inc., Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Bio Rad Laboratories Inc., Ortho Clinical Diagnostic Inc. (Johnson & Johnson), Bayer AG, QIAGEN N.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., BioGenex, AccuQuick, Roche Diagnostics (H. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd.), STD Rapid Test Kits etc. among others.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 18:25:28

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Roll-to-roll printing provides flexibility to manufacture advanced electronic products. This technology transforms manufacturing process and enables high volume production of technology products.The research study provides a detailed overview of the global roll to roll printing market and throws light on the market dynamics that are estimated to influence the development throughout the forecast period.Roll-to-roll printing market for flexible devices is expected to grow from USD 16.31 Billion in 2018 to reach USD XX.XX Billion by 2025, at a CAGR of XX.XX% between 2018 and 2025Important factors for high adoption rates include high volume and economical process, expanding consumer sector, flexible transparent sensor in industrial sectors, multimodal-based sensors in the healthcare area, and usage of flexible sensors in wearable medical devices.Failure risks and mass production needs are restraints that may hinder roll-to-roll printing market size. Huge R&D investments, challenges associated with manufacturing techniques, andRequest For Report Sample with Table of Contents@ https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upsample/120124785/Roll-to-Roll-Printing-Market flexible electronics performance may limit the growth. The absence of standardized infrastructure, much lower resolutions, and identification of materials for roll printing are key challenges for this industry.Inkjet is expected to dominate the market in the future owing to the benefits it offers such as non-contact printing, increased scalability, and potential to meet the rising market demand for customized flexible electronics solutions. Inkjet printing also facilitates the small feature size with less weight and is suitable for applications such as manufacturing flexible devices such as photovoltaics and sensors.Request For Report Discount@ https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/updiscount/120124785/Roll-to-Roll-Printing-Market Some of the key segments are Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. As per the report, the North America market for roll to roll printing is anticipated to lead the global market and account for a large share in the coming few years. A significant contribution from the U.S. is one of the major factors predicted to fuel the growth of this region in the near future.North America currently contributes the maximum demand for roll-to-roll printing among all the regions, which is a reflection of continuous technological development in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The report expects Asia Pacific to offer new opportunities to the players as the adoption of roll-to-roll printing method is increasing.Some major players include Sumitomo Electric Industries Inc., Konica Minolta Inc., GSI Technologies LLC, LG Display Co., Ltd., 3M Company, Thinfilm, Multek Corporation, Linxens, E Ink Holdings, Inc., Fujikura Ltd., and Nippon Mektron Ltd.Report Analysis@ https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upcomming/120124785/Roll-to-Roll-Printing-Market
Posted Thursday, February 7, 2019 10:13 am

Ask an elected leader in Lewis County about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and youre likely to hear some complaints. Like many tales of bureaucratic woe, the stories often center around permitting delays and poor communication, issues that have hampered public works projects and development.

Much of that frustration is centered around the Seattle District, which many believe is to blame for the Corps poor reputation in Southwest Washington. The Corps is responsible for handling permits under the National Environmental Policy Act, the blanket federal statute that covers a wide range of projects. It must determine whether proposed work will have an environmental impact, studying alternatives and possible mitigation options.

That NEPA review process is where many say their projects have gotten bogged down, a concern theyve taken to congressional leaders. Staff members for Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, met with Seattle Corps leaders recently, delivering a stern message, if not an ultimatum.

Folks have had difficulty in getting timely permits, good communication and good customer service, said Dena Horton, Cantwells Southwest Washington outreach director.

Horton said the congressional staffers had a chance to lay the cards on the table with both the Seattle District and the Corps Northwest Division, which oversees the district. She spoke Friday at a gathering of Lewis County leaders, including county commissioners, staff and mayors from most of the countys cities and towns.

She credited the local leaders with helping to apply pressure on the Corps, saying that did actually make an impact. The Northwest Division is now watching the Seattle Corps, as are the congressional offices.

What frustrates many who have dealt with the Seattle District is that permits processed in the Portland District seem to move much more quickly, which Horton said the Corps itself affirmed with an independent review, showing deficiencies in Seattle. That has led some locals to push for a boundary change, moving Southwest Washington into the Portland District. Horton said congressional leaders have put that option on the table as motivation for Seattle to improve.

They know that if they dont quickly course correct, that we do have the option to look at legislative options for potentially redrawing the boundaries for the Portland District to include Southwest Washington, she said.

Amid that local frustration, the Corps is holding a series of outreach events throughout Southwest Washingtons counties. On Feb. 20, Corps leaders will host the Lewis County meeting in Centralia at the Timberland Library.

This is part of our overall strategy to be present in the communication for the folks who come to us for permits, to have some transparency for what the regulatory process is, to make sure people have faces and names, said Bob Thomas, a regulatory branch section chief for the Corps.

Thomas attended the meeting in which congressional staff voiced their issues with the Corps, and he said hes aware of historic concerns in Southwest Washington.

At the meeting and in the preparation for that meeting, the District and Division leadership certainly take the concerns seriously, he said. They're interested in what the local perspective is.

Part of the Corps response has been to increase staffing by about 25 percent in the Seattle District, allowing for more efficient workloads. Horton said that has allowed the District to decrease permitting backlogs and move closer to the national standard of processing 80 percent of permits within 60 days.

Dale Lewis, district issue work director for Herrera Beutler, also noted concerns with the agency during the Friday Mayors Meeting. He said that the Seattle District is working to incorporate a process for expedited permits thats already in use by the Portland District.

If that gets instituted later this year, that will really help with permits too, he said.

Chehalis Mayor Dennis Dawes, a vocal critic of the Corps, said he had little faith in any promised reforms from Seattle and calling for eventual redistricting.

The proof will be in the pudding. Im a little bit pessimistic, he said. I still think our ultimate goal should be to get Southwest Washington into the Portland region. Thats the only way its going work. But well give them a try. I dont want to pooh-pooh the work thats been done so far.

Horton said the Seattle District now clearly knows expectations, but it would be premature to redraw the boundaries without giving the branch a chance to improve its standing. She noted that it would be hard to get congressional approval for the move without first showing that the Corps had been given time to try to change.

Were giving them time, not a whole lot of time, but some time, to get up to the level of customer service, communication and timely permits that we would expect if it was the Portland Corps, she said.

Thomas said he found the Corps January outreach meeting in Skamania County to be productive, and hes expecting the same in Lewis County as well.

We had a good cross-section of folks who came to the meeting, he said. I'm anticipating well get a good turnout (in Lewis County) from folks who are interested.  I'm interested in getting faces and names and improving our lines of communication.
Greek Yogurt Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016 - 2026

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:09:30

Currently, greek yogurt is one of the most popular dairy products across the globe. Since greek yogurt is prepared through the straining process in order to separate the yogurt from the excess watery whey, it is also known as strained yogurt. The straining process makes the yogurt much thicker and creamier as compared to the regular or traditional yogurt. Greek yogurt contributes significantly to the growth of the global yogurt market. This is mainly attributed to its benefits such as higher protein and lower carbohydrates value as compare to traditional yogurt. Presently, greek yogurt is the highest growing product category among others including regular yogurt and yogurt drinks and second holds largest market share in terms of revenue, after traditional yogurt in the overall yogurt market. Demand for greek yogurt market is expected to increase in the next five to six forecast years owing to increasing lunch of new product with variety of flavours such as blueberry, vanilla, honey, chocolate and others.Global Greek Yogurt Market Segmentation:On the basis of product type, the global greek yogurt market is segmented into regular greek yogurt and non-fat greek yogurt, which is made from skim milk. Owing to increase the consumption of fat free and healthy products, non-fat greek yogurt products are gaining increasing popularity among the consumers.On the basis of distribution channel, the global greek yogurt market is segmented into supermarket/ hypermarket, grocery stores, convenience stores, and online retailing. In terms of revenue contribution, supermarket / hypermarket is expected to hold the highest share among all the other segments. However, online retail for global greek yogurt market witnesses steady growth in the forecasted years. This is attributed to increasing visibility of greek yogurt especially through online retailing.Geographically, global greek yogurt market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, and Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America and Western Europe are the two most lucrative market for greek yogurt in the world. In North America around half of the yogurt sold is greek yogurt.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1308 Global Greek Yogurt Market Dynamics:Increase in health consciousness among consumer has led to shift in eating preference towards healthy and nutrition food products. Availability of high nutritional value, which includes high protein, probiotics, vitamin such as vitamin D, B12, minerals such as potassium, iodine and calcium in greek yogurt is key factor that has led to increased adoption of greek yogurt among consumers and thus, fuelling the global greek yogurt market growth.Increasing application of greek yogurt is another growth driver for greek yogurt market since it is used for various medium in different countries. For instance, in Mediterranean region greek yogurt is mainly used as savoury but in the US, Mexico and Canada it is used as sweet snack with added fruits and flavours. Greek yogurt is also used in making many sauces for instance beef and lamb sauces. Greek yogurt is also used as a substitute products, for instance it is used as a substitute product for sour cream, cream cheese and butter. Thus, increasing its application among food products.Among dairy products, greek yogurt is a good option for the consumers who have slight lactose intolerance, since in the production process much of the lactose is removed from the greek yogurt. This leads to drive the scope of greek yogurt among such consumers globally. However, high lactose intolerance is restrain for adoption of greek yogurt, thus restricting the market growth. There is a high opportunity to expand and increase the revenue for greek yogurt in the Asia Pacific excluding japan and Middle East countries.Ask the Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/greek-yogurt-market#engage_analyst Global Greek Yogurt Market Key Players:Some of the key players operating in the global greek yogurt market are Chobani LLC, Stonyfield Farm, Inc, FAGE International S.A., GROUPE DANONE, and General Mills, Inc. Owing to have strong distribution and marketing strategies companies are able to meet the increasing demand for global greek yogurt.
Graphene Infused Packaging Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027

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PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:07:00

Packaging is used everywhere, from wrapping fruits or vegetables to products like electronics. The standard plastic films protect the product from bacteria, water and, dust. However, moisture sensitive products cannot be protected only by a plastic film as this kind of packaging does not restrict water vapor from entering the device, this is where the Grapheme infused packaging comes into the picture. The research has shown that an organic photovoltaic device wrapped in the graphene-infused packaging has a lifetime of more than one year, as compared to less than 30 minutes if packaged in the plastic film without the graphene. Besides, Graphene can enhance a variety of other products made from polymers, ceramics, and metals. Graphene is a sheet of carbon, arranged in a regular hexagonal pattern, one-atom-thick and extremely light. Despite being small in size, graphene possesses strength and withstands heat.Graphene Infused Packaging Market: Market DynamicsThe Graphene infused packaging is a new concept and is expected to be primarily driven by the adoption in the healthcare and electronics industry. The graphene-infused packaging helps in reducing products exposure to moisture and expands the packaging lifespan for moisture-sensitive products, which is the major factor which no other form of packaging enjoys and this is expected to be the most important driver for the Graphene infused packaging market. Healthcare and Electronic industries are critical to moisture and hence are expected to benefit most from this new form of packaging. Further, Graphene infused packaging is expected to unfold several growth opportunities for the overall packaging industry and is also expected to have a broad application coverage and acceptance in several other industries like food and beverage. However, Graphene infused packaging is in its initial stage and has not been proven on a larger scale, which might make packaging companies cynical about the adoption of this new type of packaging, and therefore can act as a major hindrance in the growth of the Graphene Infused Packaging market.Request to Sample of Report @Graphene Infused Packaging Market: Regional outlookGeographically, the global Grapheme infused packaging market has been divided into five key regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to account the highest market share in the Graphene Infused Packaging during the forecast period, driven by the growth of pharmaceutical and electronics & semi-conductor industry in the US. Moreover, the compliance requirements and rules and regulation by FDA to protect food items from damage can also positively impact the demand of Graphene infused packaging in the future. Europe is also expected to witness an above average growth of Graphene infused packaging market. The Graphene infused packaging is a new concept, therefore it is expected to be adopted initially in the developed economies of Europe and North America.Request Report for Table of Contents @However, once the new form of packaging witnesses the success in the North America and Europe, Asia Pacific is the next region that is expected to witness a healthy rate in the Graphene infused packaging market. The growth in the Asia Pacific region is primarily expected to be driven by increasing industrialization, rising GDP in developing countries like India and China, further fuelled by the growth in the pharmaceutical and electronic industry in these countries. The Middle East & Africa region is anticipated to witness a sluggish growth in the Graphene infused packaging market throughout the forecast period.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, technology and applications.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Report Methodology @
Trifold Packaging Market

Trifold Packaging Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:05:24

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Contact Us616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/Manager9898989898

The global packaging market is driven by an enormous number of packaging innovations undertaken by manufacturers to sustain in the highly competitive market. Trifold packaging is a result of such innovative product development activities. Trifold packaging provides the product an all-round visibility which is not possible using a one piece packaging. A trifold package is hinged in 2 places to form a triangular base. Trifold packaging is one of the unique forms of packaging which helps in merchandising the product by shelving it or hanging it on a wall.It is mainly suitable for products which need to stay in vertical position. In trifold packaging, the location where the product has to be stored is important as it lays its effect on the stability of the product. Trifold packaging is extensively used in retail stores and supermarkets to hang the product and allowing more versatility.Trifold Packaging: Market DynamicsTrifold packaging is preferred, by manufacturers as it increases the product visibility by incorporating the products shape and hence contributing to marketing and brand identity of the product. This is one of the key factor driving the global trifold packaging market. The trifold packaging also enhances the product flexibility which is also fuelling the growth of the global trifold packaging market. Factor restraining the growth of the global trifold packaging market is the high cost of the packaging as compared to other types of packaging due to the requirement of more plastic material as compared to standard packages.Government regulations that ban the use of plastic is also a restraining factor for the global trifold packaging market. Manufacturers are reluctant on incorporating trifold packaging in their product packaging line. Moreover, a larger mold is required for manufacturing trifold packaging due to their increased size. Since a large amount of plastic is used for manufacturing, increasing emphasis on the use of bioplastics is a key trend prevailing in the global trifold packaging market. Sustainable packaging solutions is also a key focus of the manufacturers making trifold packaging.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3591 Trifold Packaging: Market SegmentationGlobal trifold packaging market is segmented on the basis of raw material, end use, and geography. On the basis of raw material, the global trifold packaging market is segmented into PVC, PP, PET, and polystyrene. PVC is the most extensively used raw material for trifold packaging. On the basis of end use, the global trifold packaging market is segmented into Food & Beverages, Electronics, consumer goods, healthcare, and others. In the food & beverage segment, the trifold packaging is mainly employed for storing eggs, and packaging nutraceuticals. In healthcare, the trifold packaging is used for packaging medical devices and in electronics, for circuit board packaging.Trifold Packaging Market: Regional OutlookOn the basis of geography, the global trifold packaging market is segmented into Latin America, North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. North America is leading the global trifold packaging market followed by Asia Pacific region. The boom in the healthcare sector of developing economy like India is anticipated to boost the trifold packaging market of the Asia Pacific region. Latin America is expected to exhibit moderate growth over the forecast period owing to an increased market penetration of retail companies. The demand for Trifold packaging is anticipated to show sluggish growth due to the economic downturn in the leading European countries.Trifold Packaging Market: Key playersKey players of the global trifold packaging market are Transparent Container Inc., Berkeley Sourcing Group, Panic Plastics Inc., Smurfit Kappa, and Plastic Ingenuity.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3591
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:42:29

Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the global sodium reduction ingredient market in its latest report titled, Sodium Reduction Ingredient Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015  2025. According to the published research study, the global sodium reduction ingredient market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period owing to multiple driving factors which are explained in detail in the sodium reduction ingredient market report.Sodium Reduction Ingredient Market: Segmental AnalysisBased on application, sodium reduction ingredient market has been segmented into sauce/dips/dressings, snacks, bakery products, cheese/butter, frozen food, and others. Others include beverages, baby food, and breakfast cereal. The snacks segment is expected to register a higher growth rate of 11.0% in terms of value during the forecast period. In addition, snacks segment is estimated to hold 26.9% of revenue share in sodium reduction ingredient market in 2015. Apart from snacks, frozen food segment is also estimated to contribute maximum revenue share as compared to other segments over the forecast period in the sodium reduction ingredient market. New product launches by major players of sodium reduction ingredient will trigger the market growth in coming years. Among the application segments in sodium reduction ingredients market, bakery product segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 12.8% during the forecast period.Sodium reduction ingredient market is segmented into amino acid, mineral blends, yeast extract and others based on different ingredient types. Others segment include hydrolyzed vegetable protein, trehalose, and nucleotides. Magnesium sulphate, calcium chloride, potassium sulphate, potassium chloride, and potassium lactate are also taken into consideration and are placed as sub-segments under mineral blends segment. Mineral blends segment is expected to dominate the sodium reduction ingredient market with a market share of 53.9% in 2015.Sodium Reduction Ingredient Market: Factors Boosting DemandVarious demand and supply side factors are expected to trigger the growth of sodium reduction ingredient demand. Rising awareness regarding health benefits of reduced sodium in products and rising preference for processed food will drive the demand growth for sodium reduction ingredients. In 2014, Lebanese Action on Sodium and Health (LASH) group, under the patronage of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, launched a national health campaign to generate awareness regarding sodium intake in the country. The growing demand for sodium reduction ingredient is also backed by the introduction of government laws regarding the sodium intake in certain countries. In line with government regulation and market scenario, Kerry Foods reduced salt levels by 32 percent and fat by 21% in its cheese slices in 2013.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-470 Sodium Reduction Ingredient Market: Regional InsightsThe global sodium reduction ingredient market report covers global market trends and offers detailed analysis and insights into the potential demand in the coming years for each geographic region. Among the geographic areas analyzed in the sodium reduction ingredient study, North America is estimated to dominate the sodium reduction ingredient market with 32.0% value share by the end of 2015 and is expected to continue the dominant position in the sodium reduction ingredient market up to 2025. In terms of value, North America and Western Europe are collectively estimated to account over 59.9% of the sodium reduction ingredient market in 2015. Although, the sodium reduction ingredient market is dominated by the aforementioned geographic areas, the highest CAGR of 13.2% is expected to be seen in the Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) during the forecast period in the sodium reduction ingredient market.Sodium Reduction Ingredient Market: Competition AnalysisFew of the major players participating in the global sodium reduction ingredient market are Kerry Group PLC, Associated British Foods plc., Sensient Technologies Corporation, Tate & Lyle PLC, E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company, Givaudan SA, Cambrian Solutions Inc., Innophos Holdings, Inc., and Jungbunzlauer Suisse A.G. Active major sodium reduction ingredient industry participants are expected to invest a huge chunk of revenue share into research and development related activities to come up with new innovative products which will help them to maintain sustainable position in the industry for a longer time.Ask the Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-the-analyst/rep-gb-470 Major players in the sodium reduction ingredient market are focusing on launching new products frequently to meet the changing consumer preferences. In addition, companies operating in sodium reduction ingredient market are investing in the technological up gradation of the existing processes to meet changing manufacturing needs.
On-Shelf Availability Solutions Market: SaaS Deployment Type Expected to Grow Globally During the Forecast Period: Global Industry Analysis (2013 - 2017) & Opportunity Assessment (2018 - 2028)

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 08:29:06

On-shelf availability solutions are the technological tools that help retailers maintain, analyse and monitor the availability of various products in their store. On-shelf availability solutions are generally based on RFID technology & Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and help in inventory management by monitoring the status of inventory and supply chain. On-shelf availability solutions help reduce out-of-stock situations by identifying potential issues and help in quickly resolving them to improve the overall profit margins.The global on-shelf availability solutions market is expected to grow from US$ 2,486.9 Mn in 2018 to US$ 6,028.3 Mn by 2028 at a CAGR of 9.3% in terms of revenue during the forecast period (2018-2028). In this report, the global on-shelf availability solutions market is tracked in terms of value, and is calibrated to obtain the market revenue estimates of on-shelf availability solutions & services.Increasing technological advancements in the retail sector, increasing collaborations between retailers & suppliers, accurate demand opportunity assessment and the rising need for business automation are some of the major factors fuelling the growth of the on-shelf availability solutions market. However, the risk of unauthorized access to data, higher deployment cost and operating in a dynamic environment are some of the major challenges that are hampering the growth of the on-shelf availability solutions market.To understand and assess the demand and opportunities in the on-shelf availability solutions market, the on-shelf availability solutions market report is categorically split into five major sections: on-shelf availability solutions market analysis  by component, by deployment type, by application, by end user and by region.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-759 On the basis of component, the on-shelf availability solutions market is segmented into software and services. The software segment of the on-shelf availability solutions market is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period with a market share of 75.0% and 75.7% in 2018 and 2028 respectively.On the basis of deployment type, the on-shelf availability solutions market is segmented into on-premise and SaaS segments. The on-premise segment of the on-shelf availability solutions market is expected to dominate the market for the maximum duration of the forecast period owing to the high CAGR associated with it. The SaaS segment of the on-shelf availability solutions market is expected to grow from US$ 729.7 Mn in 2018 to US$ 2,210.0 Mn in 2028.On the basis of application, the on-shelf availability solutions market is segmented into historical data analysis, response time analysis, vendor pattern analysis, potential risk analysis and others. The response time analysis application segment of the on-shelf availability solutions market is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period and enjoy a market share of 27.6% % and 31.5% in 2018 and 2028 respectively.On the basis of end user, the on-shelf availability solutions market is segmented into Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers, retailers, online retailers, suppliers, warehouses and others. The supplier end user segment of the on-shelf availability solutions market is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period owing to the high CAGR associated with it. The CPG manufacturer end-user segment of the on-shelf availability solutions market is expected to grow from US$ 725.0 Mn in 2018 to US$ 1,811.1 Mn in 2028.The section on-shelf availability solutions market analysis by region includes an in-depth country-level analysis of all global regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, SEA and Others in Asia Pacific, Japan, China and MEA, by component, by deployment type, by application, by end-user & by country, and provides market data in terms of value for 2018-2028. In 2017, the market in North America dominated the overall global on-shelf availability solutions market, and it is also the fastest-growing region in the on-shelf availability solutions market.Ask the Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-the-analyst/rep-gb-759 The key players reported in this study on the global on-shelf availability solutions market are Panasonic Corporation; International Business Machines Corporation; SAP SE; Impinj, Inc.; MindTree Ltd.; Retail Solutions Inc.; Retail Velocity; Market6, Inc.; Lokad; Verix; Frontier Field Marketing; NEOGRID; eBest IOT and Enterra Solutions LLC.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:26:58

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Contact UsFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comsales manager3479183531

Fiber cement, formerly known as a composite building and construction material, is used in the manufacture of facade and roofing products owing to its properties such as high durability and strength. Cement is a substance which reacts chemically with water therefore, forming a hard stone. The presence of fiber reinforcement in cement contributes in making strong and long lasting building and construction material. At present, fiber cement has great scope for construction products such as roofing and cladding due to its primary function, i.e., enhancing performance and decreasing commercial value. Fiber cement siding market is expected to be the fastest growing market because of its product features and high demand from construction professionals.A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-366 The key drivers for the growth of fiber cement market include factors such as growing construction activities in various regions on global basis and rapid industrialization which are poised to register demand of fiber cement products. Huge demand for fiber cement in terms of construction activities is reported from Asia Pacific. In addition, there is a growing demand for fiber cement from developed economies of North America and Europe due to the presence of stringent regulations and turnaround of manufacturing industries in these regions. The U.S. and Japan are stated as the fastest growing market for fiber cement with huge demand for the product. However, fiber cement market is expected to face competition from other products in the market such as vinyl siding.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-366 The key players in the fiber cement market includes Akzo Nobel NV, Building Materials Corporation of America, Central Fiber LLC, Canfor Corporation, Dow Chemical Company, Elementia SA de CV, Ecolab Incorporated, Hardie (James) Industries plc, Mercer International Incorporated, Imerys SA, PPG Industries Incorporated and US Silica Holdings Incorporated among others. The market is highly fragmented in nature owing to the presence of several manufacturers. This research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data and statistically-supported and industry-validated market data and projections with a suitable set of assumptions and methodology. It provides analysis and information by categories such as market segments, regions, product types and distribution channels.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:38:33

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Contact UsFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comsales manager3479183531

Increase in demand for reliable sensors, low cost along with high performance feature is anticipated to fuel the growth of global air pressure sensor market.Air pressure sensor is a measuring converter of the pressure of a gas or liquid into pneumatic, electric, and other kinds of output signal. It is also used for measuring pressure drops and rarefaction. The demand for air pressure sensors market is rapidly increasing as they are widely used across various applications such as petrochemicals, building, shipbuilding, aircraft, and medical sector, among many others. In building, medical and automotive sector, MEMS-based pressure sensors (technology) are widely used. Additionally, on account of industry shift from analog to digital, air pressure sensors have become smarter in terms of sensing and efficiency performance. Advancements in ICT technology as well as Nanotechnology applications are emerging as new trends for the global air pressure sensor market.A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-600 Air Pressure Sensor Market: Drivers & RestraintsImproved sensitivity in pressure sensors has strongly contributed to the demand of the global air pressure sensor market. Fast growth in Asia-Pacific region, increasing governmental regulation and vehicle production are the key factors driving the growth in the global air pressure sensor market. Advancement in technology is opening new doors to the growth of pressure sensors for medical and automotive applications. In coming years, it is anticipated that penetration of MEMS technology is going to lead the overall global air pressure sensor market. However, higher cost of the investment for production, could act as a major restraint in the global air pressure sensor market.Air Pressure Sensor Market: SegmentationOn the basis of technology, the global air pressure sensor market is segmented as:ElectromagneticCapacitivePiezoresistiveOpticalOthers (Resonant solid-state)On the basis of applications the global air pressure sensor market is segmented as:Automotive Pressure SensorsMedical SectorIndustrial SectorConsumer ElectronicsOthers (Refineries, Chemical plant, Pulp & paper, etc)Air Pressure Sensor Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global air pressure sensor market is expected to register a favourable growth for the forecast period, 2015?2025. On the basis of region, Asia Pacific, Japan and Latin America are expected to be the growth engines of air pressure sensor market in the near future. Asia-Pacific is anticipated to dominate the global air pressure sensor market. The key countries mentioned in the Asia-Pacific region are India, South Korea, and China as an outcome of growth in application sectors. Also, the region is expected to generate higher revenue as compared to North America (is practically maturing). Japan also contributes to the global air pressure sensor market remarkably. In Latin America, Brazil is expected to be the largest opportunity in terms of revenue of the air pressure sensor market. The remaining regions are expected to grow at a steady rate over the forecast period.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-600 Air Pressure Sensor Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market participants in global air pressure sensor market are ABB Ltd., Analog Devices, Inc., Analog Devices, Inc., Analog Devices, Inc., Emerson Electric, General Electric, Freescale Semiconductor, Honeywell International, Robert Bosch GmbH and others.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:44:16

According to the market report published by Future Market Insights titled Functional Food Market: GCC Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014-2020, the revenue generated from functional food is estimated to be valued over US$ 4,894.8 Mn in 2014, which is projected to increase at a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period (2015-2020).People have become more fitness and health conscious, and prefer to spend more on food or other products that promote or improve health for better future living conditions. Improved living standards have resulted in a rise in consumer spending on health- and fitness-related products. Consumers in the GCC countries have started becoming more interested in understanding the role of functional food and the part that it plays in preventing and reducing the impact of diseases. Therefore, more consumers are purchasing functional food & beverages, not only to treat health problems such as joint pain, bone health and general well-being, but also to prevent illnesses such as heart diseases and others.Functional food products, which enhance health, are typically advocated as alternatives to traditional medication. However, one of the major challenges is the formulation of functional food in traditional food and beverages. Moreover, consumers are seeking more variety in functional food products apart from traditional options. These challenges have resulted in the introduction of innovative new functional food products to ensure ingredient viability and stability. The market for functional food is expected to witness high demand in specific countries such as the UAE and Kuwait. Healthcare spending in GCC is expected to increase at a double-digit growth rate between 2015 and 2020 due to the rising concerns about health and wellness, which is expected support the growth of functional food market in the region during the forecast period.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-sa-28 Due to the preference for functional food, retail chains are coming up with new variants of functional food products especially in cereals and dairy products. Leading brands are continuously gaining traction by launching a wide range of functional food products, thus creating a long-term growth opportunity all over the region. Moreover, the growing cost of healthcare products has influenced consumers to adopt preventive measures. These factors are supporting the demand for functional foods in GCC countries.In GCC functional food market by product type segment, the cereals, flakes & confectioneries segment accounted for relatively high value share of almost 41% in 2014 and is expected to remain dominant in terms of value during the forecast period. The segment is expected to register a CAGR of 12.1% by the end of 2020. Cereal bars, fortified pasta, noodles and corn/oat flakes are some of the key products in demand across the GCC countries. On the basis of distribution channel, in GCC functional food market the hypermarket & A-class store segment accounted for the maximum value share of 39.6% in 2012. However, the consumer co-operatives and grocery stores segment is expected lose its popularity across the region. Overall, these distribution channels segment contributed 28.3% in 2012 and is expected to lose its share further in 2020 due to greater consumer preference towards hypermarkets & A-class stores. On the basis of region in GCC functional food market, KSA is expected to register a revenue share of 48.3% in 2014. Kuwait and Qatar are among the most lucrative markets for functional food in terms of revenue as compared to other GCC countries.Ask the Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-the-analyst/rep-gb-sa-28 Key Players in GCC Functional Food MarketDetailed profiles of companies are also included in the GCC functional food market report to evaluate their strategies, key product offerings and recent developments. Some of the key players profiled in the functional food market study include Almarai, Danone, AL Rawaby Dairy, Pinar, Anchor, Kraft Foods, IFFCO, Nestle, Oman Flour Mills Company, The Modern Flour Mills and Macaroni Factories, Al Ghurair Foods, Alyasra Foods, AL Jazira Poultry Farm LLC NEZO, ZAD INDUSTRIES & TRADING CO and Savola Foods. To increase their sales in GCC functional food market, major players based in the region are focusing on generating awareness and launching new product variants.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Floating Docks Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013 - 2017 and Opportunity Assessment; 2018 - 2028" report to their offering.

Floating Docks Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:01:39

A floating dock, also known as dry-dock, is a part of a dock system. It has the ability to submerge to a sufficiently adequate depth, which enables cargo or a vessel to coast in and be anchored in position close to the entryway and push out the water. Another benefit of a floating dock is that proprietors do not need to tie up the dock systems at the harbourfront. Instead, they can put it on the floating dock. Floating docks are used for residential, commercial and industrial applications for ferry landings, fuelling cargos, helicopter landing pads and others. Furthermore, they are also used for the repair or maintenance of large cargo tankers, carriers or icebreakers.Floating Docks Market: Drivers and ChallengesDock systems, such as floating docks, are important as they benefit in making tasks, such as loading or unloading, repair and maintenance, easier for export and import business. The efficient transportation of goods has always been a topic of concern in the export and import business, which is increasing year-by-year, thereby fuelling the demand for these docks. The to or fro movement of cargo can cause the separation of the cargo from the doc, in which case, these docks help stabilise the cargo or the ship, thus offering the smooth transition of goods or passengers from the ship/cargo to the dock or the shore.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8657 In addition, these docs eliminate the necessity of hiring either expensive skilled labour or economical less-qualified manpower, which is likely to result in hampering the quality of port operations. Moreover, these docs offer cost-efficiency as they provide a solution that is safer, offers better performance and can also be considered a good return on investment. With state-of-the-art design features, floating docks are built to last and deliver maximum performance in minimum downtime, hence, the aforementioned factors are expected to significantly drive the market during the forecast period.The supply chain scenario for floating docks market can be perceived both strong as well as weak. In the recent years, the integration of the supply chain has emerged as a trend in the import-export business. Terminal operators, shipping companies and logistics providers are going global and gaining more bargaining power. In addition, globalisation and the developing world economy are estimated to fuel the growth of the global freight transport market in the years to come, which is, in turn, expected to drive the market.Moreover, these docks are replacing old dock systems, which is, in turn, stipulated to drive the demand for the same during the forecast period.Floating Docks Market: SegmentationOn the basis of type, the global market can be segmented into the following:Concrete Floating DocksMetal Floating DocksWood Floating DocksPlastic Floating DocksOn the basis of application, the global market can be segmented into the following:ResidentialCommercialIndustrialFloating Docks Market: Regional Market OutlookEuropean standard EN 1398 focuses on the quality of products during handling as well as the safety of employees. Hence, the usage of floating docks is estimated to gain significant traction over the forecast period in the region. The Middle East Africa is expected to witness a higher CAGR by value as compared to Japan over the forecast period. Furthermore, the growing e-commerce industry in North America and the role of freight forwarding for the transportation of goods via the sea is estimated to fuel the growth of the market in the coming years. Moreover, increasing private-public partnerships in Latin American, countries, such as Colombia and Ecuador, has resulted in the expansion of the coastal lines, which is contributing to an increase in the unit sales of these docks. Asian countries, such as India, China and Japan, are expected to witness above-average market growth owing to an increase in export and import businesses.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-8657 Floating Docks Market: Key Market PlayersExamples of some of the market participants in the global market identified across the value chain include:Bellingham Marine IndustriesEZ Dock, Inc.SF Marina SystemsMarinetekWALCON MARINE AUSTRALASIAINGEMAR S.r.l.Flotation Systems Aluminum Boat DocksTechnomarineWahoo Docks
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the  Factory Automation And Industrial Controls Market Poised for Steady Growth in the Future  report to their offering Upcoming

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Automation refers to the use of information technology in combination with mechanical technology for manufacturing processes to create an efficient and smart manufacturing infrastructure. Factory automation & industrial controls systems can help in decreasing the operational cost of manufacturing. They also help in standardizing the manufacturing process for improving quality. The initial front end cost of the setup is high. However, in the long run, investment in automation can help any firm save on manpower cost by reducing labour in factories and quality control and auditing and minimizing the cost of rework as robots are highly effective and low on errors. Use of automation also increases the goodwill of the company as the end product almost always has a quality finish.However, due to high capital expenditure and backlash from worker unions, the penetration of factory automation and industrial controls is not growing at an expected pace. Since the developed nations, especially US and Europe, are witnessing a slowing down, the sales of most of the traditional manufacturing companies has slowed down too. This is precisely why many companies are in two minds regarding the decision to invest in automation.Factory Automation & Industrial Controls Market:Market DynamicsThe main factor behind the growth of the factory automation & industrial controls market is growing use of automation in industries. The growing need to use better technology equipment to gain better results is leading to the growth of the factory automation and industrial controls market. Products made using automation do not only have improved quality, they are also produced at a decreased operational cost, increasing the overall profitability margin of the product. Automation also helps in saving energy. Other factors promoting the growth of factory automation & industrial controls market are need for high yield and production, scarcity of labour and enhanced focus on increasing efficiency and accuracy to achieve high yield and productivity. Automation has become an important component of the manufacturing, power, oil & gas, mining, railway and shipping industries and thus, the growth of these industries will also contribute towards the growth of the global factory automation & Industrial Controls market. Moreover, government initiatives to help industries adopt new technologies will also boost the market of factory automation & industrial controls market over the forecast period.However, the high initial cost of installation of factory automation & industrial controls systems and lack of awareness regarding the quality of finished products made using automation can act as a restraint for the global factory automation & industrial controls market. Other than this, the limited availability of skilled professionals for the implementation of automation and control processes can also act as a restraint for this market.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4623 Factory Automation & Industrial Controls Market:Market SegmentationThe automation & industrial controls market can be segmentedon the basis of the product used as follows:Field devicesIndustrial Control SystemsManufacturing Execution Systems (MES)Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)The segmentation of Factory Automation & Industrial Controls Market can be doneon the basis of End-User Industry as follows:AutomotiveOil & GasPlasticPowerChemical & PetrochemicalMining & MetalsOthersFactory Automation & Industrial Controls Market: Regional OutlookEurope holds a major share in the global Factory Automation & Industrial Controls market. It is followed by Asia-Pacific, North America and Latin America. Europe is projected to be a major consumer owing to the extensive applications of Factory Automation & Industrial Controls in the automotive industry. Similarly, rising automotive and manufacturing industries in APAC region, especially in countries such as China, India and Japan, are also expected to give a significant boost to factory automation and industrial control market. With increasing country integration or globalisation, which is evident from the increase in international trade and inbound-outbound FDI, positive growth in one economy leads to positive growth in correlated economies. Increase in industrial production in countries, such as China, India and Germany and strong growth purchase manager index numbers from Australia, China and UK will influence the growth of end-user industries in Asia Pacific, which in turn, will influence the demand for Factory Automation & Industrial Controls systems in the region during the forecast period. Rest of the world market is estimated to account for a relatively small share of the Factory Automation & Industrial Controls market.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4623 Factory Automation & Industrial Controls Market: Market ParticipantsSome of the examples of the market participants identified across the value chain of the global Factory Automation & Industrial Controls Market are:Honeywell International IncABB LtdSiemens AGAspen Technology Inc.Emerson Electric CompanyBosch AutomationRockwell Automation, IncSchneider ElectricGeneral Electric CoMitsubishi Electric CorporationYokogawa Electric Corporation
Posted Wednesday, February 6, 2019 5:10 pm

Twin Transit General Manager Derrick Wojcik-Damers pleaded guilty to a felony theft charge in Chehalis in 1996  in which he was accused of stealing from his employer  but failed to disclose the conviction when seeking employment here in 2017, according to Twin Transit Advisory Board member Chad Taylor.

Wojcik-Damers, then known as Derrick Perona, was initially charged with first-degree theft after being accused of stealing at least $1,500 from the Sears department store where he worked from November 1995 to January 1996. He later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree theft, a Class C felony, ordered to pay more than $2,000 in restitution and sentenced to 45 days in jail, most of which was to be served via community service and other means.

The county filed multiple petitions in following years accusing Wojcik-Damers of failing to fulfill his financial and community service obligations. He did not complete his repayments until 2004, according to court filings.

Twin Transit documents list Jan. 26, 1975 as Wojcik-Damers birthday. The same date is given for Derrick Peronas birthday on the document he signed affirming his guilty plea.

A 2014 personal injury lawsuit in Weld County cites Derrick Wojcik-Damers as an alias of Derrick Perona. Voter registration records list a Derrick Wojcik-Damers as having registered in Sept. 2015 in Strasburg, Colorado.

As Perona, Wojcik-Damers has been pursued more than 10 times by creditors in Washington and Colorado for defaulting on student loans, failing to make car payments and unpaid rent. Those cases span nearly two decades, from 1996 to 2017.

This is an absolute shock to me and I would have thought the recruiting company we used would have found something like this, Taylor said. If it bears out to be true, we absolutely would not have hired him. I believe that everyone deserves second chances, but sometimes, depending on what they did, you dont give people the opportunity to  I would never put someone in a position where they could do that again.

Wojcik-Damers did not respond to requests for comment from The Chronicle.

Advisory Board Chair Bobby Jackson said, I cannot comment on any of this at this moment and this conversation is over, when contacted by Chronicle staff.

Taylor and former board member John Elmore each confirmed the hiring packet provided by recruiter The Prothman Company, which charged $17,000 plus expenses for its services, not to exceed $24,000, did not include the conviction or information about the earlier name.



According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Lewis County Superior Court on Jan. 26, 1996, Sears loss prevention staff cataloged 14 incidents in which Wojcik-Damers, then called Perona, fraudulently used customer credit card information to falsify merchandise returns. He then either pocketed the cash himself or transferred it to his own Sears account, according to court documents.

Wojcik-Damers pleaded guilty to the reduced charge in March 1996. Case files obtained by The Chronicle show Wojcik-Damers had 30 days of his sentence converted to community service, 14 days changed to either work release or electronic home monitoring, and was given credit for one day spent behind bars.

It is unclear when exactly Wojcik-Damers moved to Colorado and changed his name.

When he was hired at Twin Transit in late 2017, Wojcik-Damers cited work experience with public transit company TransDev in Denver and a degree in business administration from the University of Colorado conferred in 2010.

Taylor, a Chehalis city councilor and the advisory board chair when it hired Wojcik-Damers, told The Chronicle he does not recall any mention of a felony within Wojcik-Damers application materials and that all applicants would have been asked to disclose arrests and convictions as part of the application process.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed the Fair Chance Act into law during the 2018 legislative session, prohibiting most employers from asking applicants about their criminal records. It took effect June 7 of that year, well after Twin Transit hired Wojcik-Damers.

According to Taylor, Wojcik-Damers did not list an alias, or past name on his application. State law dictates that potential employees can only be required to disclose felony convictions up to 10 years in the past, but a section of the application asking about past controversies or other information the agency should be aware of was also left blank.

The Prothman Company, a search firm that assisted Twin Transit during the hiring process, was unable to be reached for comment prior to press time.

Along with the felony theft case, Wojcik-Damers, then Perona, was named as a defendant in three additional Lewis County civil cases from 1996 to 1998.

The Chrysler Credit Corporation sued him and LeDucs Service Center in February 1996 alleging Wojcik-Damers of failing to make payments on a 1994 Nissan truck. Superior Court Judge John Hall ordered LeDucs, which had possession of the truck, to turn the truck over to the creditor in April of that year.

The following year, a man sued Wojcik-Damers alleging he had failed to pay two months of rent and utilities for a Chehalis apartment, then did not obey an eviction notice. The case was dismissed in October 1998 following a period of inactivity.

In January 1998, the State of Washington claimed Wojcik-Damers had received an overpayment of unemployment benefits worth nearly $1,100. The state Employment Security Department vacated $822 of its claim in March 2006.

Wojcik-Damers, then Perona, found himself the target of additional civil claims after he moved to Colorado. The Chronicle reviewed information for a dozen case files there. Not all resulted in judgements against Wojcik-Damers, but they follow a similar pattern to those contested in Washington.

For example, a payday loan store filed suit in December 2000 against a Derrick Perona in Jefferson County, Colorado. American Express, HBSC Bank, Discover Bank and Target National Bank all sought restitution.

The most recent court cases against Wojcik-Damers in Colorado are three separate filings on behalf of the National Collegiate Student Loan Trust against Derrick Perona. All three cases were closed in 2017 with judgements against Wojcik-Damers, then Perona, totaling about $100,000
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 18:13:56

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Extensometer Market: IntroductionExtensometer was invented by Charles Houston in 1879. Houston later gave rights to Fairbanks & Ewing (a manufacturer of scales and testing machines). Traditionally, extensometers are the most convenient and widely used instruments for the measurement of strains in a material test specimen. These extensometers are based on contact techniques. However, non-contacting optical techniques are becoming more important. An extensometer is an instrument used to check the changes in the dimension (especially length) of an object. Extensometers are useful for stress strain measurement and tensile tests. The extensometers are divided into two categories: contact and non-contact. In recent years, significant developments have happened in the area of noncontact extensometers  extensometers based on laser and video technology have been developed.In the mining industry, extensometers are used to measure displacements on high/batters. Plotting time verses displacement enables engineers to determine if walls are failures about to happen. And for difficult failures, equipment such as lasers and radar scans are used, which allow three-dimensional and four-dimensional analysis. Some of the standards associated with extensometers are ASTM E83 Standard for classification and verification of Extensometers and ASTM D4403 standard for the extensometer used in rock.Extensometer Market: DynamicsIncreasing mining activity across various regions will spur the demand in the extensometer market. Mining industry contributes a healthy share to a countrys GDP. Even mining done on a small scale contributes a healthy share to the entire mineral production. However, various rules and regulations associated with extraction of minerals could hamper the growth of the extensometers market. Increasing scope of applications involving integrity test of materials such as metals, composites and polymers in construction, automotive and other industrial sectors are deemed to offer future growth opportunities for the Extensometers marketRequest Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7103 Over the years, the mining industry has developed through a year-long process that has brought together more than hundreds of stakeholders from governments, private sector, non-governmental and international organizations. Moreover, growing urbanizations & industrialization, particularly in emerging economies, will lead to demand for commodities from metal and mining industries. People living in cities consume higher share of resources  their population is expected to get doubled in near future. Due to the aforementioned reasons, the demand for mining will increase, which in turn, will increase the demand in the extensometers market.Extensometer Market: Trend/ Regional OutlookNorth America and Europe have beenthe traditional markets adopting the extensometers in related uses since inception. These regions are expected to find a fair share of extensometers with an optimal growth rate. However, with the crux shift of manufacturing and construction sectors towards developing countries and emerging economic regions of South East Asia is projected to witness a significant growth over the forecast periodExtensometer Market: SegmentationContact extensors measure extension accurately and are cost-effective. Though, clip-on extensometers need more physical involvement and, without maintenance, can present incorrect test results. Sensor arm extensometers provide high accuracy and ease of use owing to their entirely automatic operation, which includes the setting of variable gage lengths. Non contacts extensometers are required when the specimen is sensitive to knife edges or when the extensometer may get damaged in case of a test specimen failure. Next laser extensometers are used for materials where traditional clip on an extensometer or mass of clip affects the materials properties due to being physically attached to sample. Laser extensometers can be used for testing at sub-zero or elevated temperatures. A video extensometer is a device which is capable of performing stain/stress measurements of certain materials, by taking continuous images of the specimen during tests, using a digital video camera or frame grabber attached to a personal computer.On the basis of type, the Extensometer market can be segmented into:ContactClip OnSensor ArmNon-ContactLaserVideoOn the basis of function, the Extensometer market can be segmented into:Rod Extensometer (consist of anchor set at specified depths)Magnet Extensometer (consists of series of magnet that are installed with an access pipe)Tape Extensometer (monitor convergence in undergroundopenings, such as tunnel)Sensors arm ExtensometersOthersOn the basis of application, the Extensometer market can be segmented into:MiningOthersExtensometer Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants/vendors operating in the Extensometer market across the globe are:MechatronicsTinuis OlsenIllinois Tool Works Inc.Zwick Roell3REchoLABShenzhen Wance Testing MachineReliant TechnologyVolumec Mechanical InnovationsLIMESS Messtechnik und Software GmbHMagtrolAgisco s.r.l.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7103
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Contact UsFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comsales manager3479183531

Epoxy resins which are also known as polyepoxides belong to the category of reactive prepolymers and polymers that contain the epoxide group. Epoxy resins are one of the most versatile compounds that are widely used in the orthophthalic and polyester family. Epoxy resins usually react either with themselves or with other co-reactants which include phenols, acids, alcohols, polyfunctional amines and thiols among others. Epoxy resins are either low molecular weight pre-polymers or high molecular weight polymers which usually contain at least two epoxide groups. The epoxide group is also known as oxirane and glycidyl group. The raw material required to industrially manufacture epoxy resins are largely derived from petroleum.However, some of the plant derived sources are becoming popular in manufacturing epoxy resins. Epoxy resins being polymeric or semi-polymeric materials and thus, are rarely exist in their pure state. Epoxy resins are known for their excellent electrical, mechanical and heat resistance properties. The epoxide content in the epoxy resins is the most crucial factor which determines the characteristics of epoxy resins. Different grades of epoxy resins are usually blended with various additives, plasticizers and fillers. Epoxy resins find wide range of applications in paints and coatings, electrical and electronic components and structural adhesives manufacturing industries. The paint and coatings industry is one of the major applications of the epoxy resins market.A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-168 Growing population coupled with changing lifestyle is expected to boost the overall growth of the construction industry. The growing construction industry is expected to augment the growth of the paints and coatings industry. The paints and coating industry is expected to further grow owing to the rising demand from the automobile industry. The rising demand for high end luxury automobiles is further expected to enhance the overall growth of the paints and coatings industry. Thus, the growing paints and coatings industry is expected to drive the overall growth of the epoxy resins market. Epoxy resins are w9idely used by the paints and coating industry on the heavy duty metal substrates. In addition, paints and coatings containing epoxy resins use less energy than that compared to other heat-cured powder coatings. Moreover, paints and coatings containing epoxy resins are also considered environmental friendly than other chemicals.Asia Pacific is the largest manufacturer of epoxy resins owing to the presence of large manufacturers in China. The presence of many manufacturers coupled with their huge production capacities is expected to boost the overall growth of the epoxy resins market. Europe is one of the major consumers of the epoxy resins market. Epoxy resins being environmental friendly are further expected to augment the overall demand in the market. The demand for epoxy resins is gradually growing in North America. Thus, the growing consumer awareness towards environment friendly products coupled with the presence of stringent environmental regulations is expected to further boost the overall growth of the market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-168 Momentive Performance Materials, Kukdo Chemical (South Korea), Huntsman Corporation (U.S.), The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.), Atul Ltd (India), Sika AG (Switzerland), Cytec Industries Incorporation (U.S.), DuPont (U.S.), 3M (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), Aditya Birla Chemicals (Thailand) Ltd, NAMA Chemicals (Saudi Arabia), LEUNA-Harze GmbH (Germany), and Spolchemie A.S. (Czech Republic) among others are expected to some of the major participants of the global epoxy resins market. The companies are mainly focused towards developing bio based epoxy resins in order to comply with the stringent environmental regulations.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 13:10:41

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Dyslexia is neurologically based and often hereditary. It is associated with difficulties in reading, writing, spelling and organization. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging shows that the brains of people with dyslexia develop and function in a different way.3 Dyslexia makes fluent reading difficult, which affects not only academic success but also self-esteem and social-emotional development. The long-term effects of dyslexia on young adults include school failure, depression and increased risk of suicide, delinquency and reoffending. Indeed, surveys show that amongst the high percentage of illiterate people in prison, a disproportionate number have dyslexia.The systems.Dyslexia treatments Market: Drivers and RestraintsTreatment for dyslexia is expected to propel owing the cost incurred by the public from the failure to master basic literacy skills in the primary school years. For instance in the UK, the cost incurred is between US$ 6,746 and US$ 58,015.60 per individual to the age of 37, and between US$ 6,746 over a lifetime. This brings to a total of US$ 267.14 Mn to US$ 3.37 Bn. Moreover, there are number of market players trying to leverage the dyslexia treatment market potential through undertaking clinical trial. There are also research undertaken to understand the different traits of the brain.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5281 Dyslexia treatments Market: SegmentationOn the basis of drug type the dyslexia treatments market can be segment as:CyclizineMeclizineDimenhydrinateMethylphenidateOn the basis of distribution channel the dyslexia treatments market can be segment as:Hospital PharmaciesRetail PharmaciesOnline PharmaciesDyslexia treatments Market: OverviewDyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterised by slow and inaccurate word recognition. Developmental dyslexia causes difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition and spelling. No two dyslexic students present the same set of symptoms and hence there are many efforts undertaken by researchers to overcome these challenges. This challenge sometime makes it difficult for the educators to identify the most effective teaching solutions. Researchers hence, now group the commonly forms observed into different categories to make finding treatment easier.Dyslexia treatments Market: Region-wise OutlookIn terms of geography, dyslexia treatments market has been divided into seven regions including North- America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia- Pacific excluding Japan, Japan Middle-East & Africa and Latin America. North America is expected to remain the dominating region while Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as a fastest growing region. Neuroscientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The researchers discovered that in people with dyslexia, the brain has a diminished ability to acclimate to a repeated input  a trait known as neural adaptation. Europe is the second largest region with market players using the strategy of acquisition to mark its market position. These players are using technology development to distinguish themselves from the rest of the players. For instance, Nordic private equity house Verdane Capital acquired Norwegian software business Lingit, which provides literacy support for people with dyslexia. The software helps an individual with spelling, reading and vocabulary in text processing programs for computers and tablets.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-5281 Dyslexia treatments Market: Key Market ParticipantsSome of the dyslexia treatments market participants are The Himmel Group, DK Pharmachem, Pfizer Inc., RPG Life Sciences Ltd, Wallace Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Cian Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Rhodes Pharmaceuticals, L.P., Purdue Pharma, Apotex Corporation and Unither Pharmaceuticals.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:31:39

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Drug-Loaded Oral Thin Films Market: InsightsThe oral route for drug administration takes up more than 50% of the available drug in the market. Drug-loaded oral thin films have composed drug quantity that is administered via mouth. The composition of drug-loaded oral thin films not only require API but need supporting biocompatible ingredients such as strip forming polymers, plasticizers, sweetening agents and saliva stimulating agents. Pharmaceutical companies are banking on oral agents to mark their product portfolio as oral consumables are more consumer friendly in terms of using it. By todays standard, drug-loaded oral thin films are a recognized and accepted technology for the total delivery of active pharmaceutical agents for OTC medications and are in the early phase of development for prescription drugs.Get Free Exclusive Sample Copy of This Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=2574 Drug-Loaded Oral Thin Films Market: Drivers and RestraintsThere are clinical benefits associated with drug-loaded oral thin films that make it a diverse product category, they provide large surface area for dissolution of the required formulation. Rapid absorption rate summed with faster action and biocompatibility makes the drug-loaded oral thin films market more prominent one to cash on. Though there are clinical differences for the of use drug-loaded oral thin films as high dose of solution cannot be infused into the strip. Hence, examiners have confirmed that the concentration level of active substance can be improved up to 50%. The expensive packaging cost in developing drug-loaded oral thin films is also effecting the production and adoption of such product. These drug-loaded oral thin films are best suited for paediatric and geriatric patients who display a large patient pool and opportunity for other companies.Major pharmaceutical companies and consumers alike have embraced drug-loaded oral thin films as a more sustainable and positive approach to other traditional over-the-counter medicine forms. Drug-loaded oral thin films offer accurate dosing in a safe and fast environment. Drug-loaded oral thin films have an effective format that is suitable and manageable, without the need of other supporting product.Drug-Loaded Oral Thin Films Market: OverviewIn North America more than 80 drug-loaded oral thin films brands have been launched since 2003. The drug-loaded oral thin films are marketed through all corners, be it a prescription drug or over the counter drug. The global market for drug-loaded oral thin films is expected to witness a continuous growth over a period due to technological differences. The market is expected to grow with growing incidence of HIVAN cases, but the drug-loaded oral thin films type could easily expect new technologies with better patient response.Among the drug types, NSAIDs segment is expected to experience a robust growth with range of indications being covered by the formulation.Ask For Customized Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=2574 Drug-Loaded Oral Thin Films Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global drug-loaded oral thin films market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America is expected to be the dominant regional market for drug-loaded oral thin films owing to presence of key players and developed healthcare infrastructure. The drug-loaded oral thin films market in Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to grow at a significant CAGR due to expansion of offerings by the key providers and rise in generic medicines. Europe is expected to have a large share in the global drug-loaded oral thin films market throughout the forecast period due to its quality healthcare facilities and modern outlook for drug-loaded oral thin films use.Drug-Loaded Oral Thin Films Market: Key PlayersThe global market for drug-loaded oral thin films is highly fragmented. Examples of some of the key players operating in the global drug-loaded oral thin films market are Labtec, BioAlliance Pharma, MonoSol Rx, Hughes Medical Corp., Paladin Labs, ZIM Laboratories Limited, Indivior plc, Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc., Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., IntelGenx Corp., Pfizer, Inc., Novartis AG, Allergan plc, and NAL Pharma.For more information on this report, please visit: https://www.factmr.com/report/2574/drug-loaded-oral-thin-films-market About Fact.MR Fact.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; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFactMR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@ factmr.com Web: www.factmr.com/ Read Industrial News : http://insiderstribune.com/
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 10:01:48

Downstream processing is used to manufacture antibiotics, antibodies, hormones, vaccines and also used for the production of industrial enzymes. In downstream processing, the purification and recovery of biosynthetic products is done that are derived from natural sources such as tissues of animals and plants. The growth of the downstream processing market is fuelled by the ever growing demand for biopharmaceuticals and increasing R&D spending on the development of such products. However, the high cost of the instruments involved in downstream processing and a dearth of skilled workforce is hampering the growth of this market.Request to View Sample of Research Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5070 The global downstream processing market is slated to touch a value of about US$ 25,800 Mn in the year 2022 and display a robust CAGR during the assessment period.4 Forecast Highlights on Global Downstream Processing MarketAs per the forecast of Future Market Insights, the filters product type segment is slated to touch a value of nearly US$ 5,700 Mn in the year 2022. This represents a robust CAGR during the assessment period of 2017-2022. The filters product type segment is estimated to account for more than one-fifth of the revenue share of the product type segment by the year 2017 and is forecasted to lose market share by 2022 over 2017.As per the forecast of Future Market Insights, the contract manufacturing organizations segment will reach a value of nearly US$ 5,500 Mn in the year 2017. This represents a robust CAGR growth during the forecast period. The contract manufacturing organizations segment is forecasted to account for more than one-third of the total revenue share of the end users segment by the end of the year 2017 and is expected to lose in market share by 2022 as compared with the year 2017.As per the forecast of Future Market Insights, the monoclonal antibody production segment is slated to reach a value of about US$ 8,300 Mn in 2022. The monoclonal antibody production segment is expected to gain market share by the end of the year 2022. The largest share is contributed by the North America region in the monoclonal antibody production segment.Future Market Insights forecasts the gel chromatography segment to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 15.0% from 2017 to 2022.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-5070 The report has also included the profiles of some of the leading companies in the downstream processing market like Sartorius Aktiengesellschaft, Repligen Corporation, Merck & Co Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Eppendorf AG, General Electric Company, Corning Incorporated, 3M Company, Lonza Group Ltd. and Danaher Corporation.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 08:36:05

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305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,Telephone - +1-646-568-7751USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: http://www.persistencemarketresearch.comManager6465687751

D-limonene is a chief constituent in numerous citrus oils such as grapefruit, mandarin, orange, and lemon. It is a pleasant lemon like aroma commonly used as terpene. It is an isomer of limonene used as a chemical. D-limonene has a wide application in air care and furnishing products, cleaning products for electric and electronic items, personal care products, etc. due to its pleasant aroma. It is also used as a food additive as a flavouring agent. Therefore the compound is experiencing wide demand in the food and beverages segment across the globe. The demand for D-limonene is growing at a rapid rate over the forecast period attributed to relatively high demand for the compound in products used on a daily basis such as creams, lotions, perfumes, soaps, etc. The global D-limonene market is expected to grow at a significant growth rate, attributed to increasing application of the compound in food and personal care industry. The market in North America is expected to register a relatively high growth rate over the forecast period followed by Asia Pacific.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/17428 The major factors driving the growth of the global D-limonene market include growing industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care, electronics and electrical, etc. Other applications such as furnishing products, air care products, and cleaning products are anticipated to enhance the growth of the global d-limonene market. High use of D-limonene for reducing the risk of potential pollutants as an alternative to chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and ozone-depleting chemicals is also an important factor fuelling the growth of the compound across the globe. Companies manufacturing D-limonene products can leverage potential opportunities in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, attributed to rapidly growing demand for personal care and food products, and the trend is expected to continue over the forecast period.The global D-limonene market is segmented on the basis of end-use, source, and region. Among the end-use segments, personal care products segment contribute for significant value share over the forecast period in global D-limonene market owing to high demand for the compound in daily used products such as creams, lotions, perfumes, soaps, etc. Food products segment is followed by personal care products segment, owing to the significant growth of food additives across the globe over the forecast period. On the basis of source type segmentation, orange segment accounts for a relatively high share in the global D-limonene market over the forecast period, attributed to the comparatively high content of D-limonene in the orange.On the basis of geography, the global D-limonene market is fragmented into seven regions namely, 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 D-limonene market in terms of revenue contribution owing to the relatively high demand for D-limonene from the personal care industry. North America is followed by Asia-Pacific, attributed to growing personal care and food and beverages industry particularly in the countries such as China and India. Eastern Europe and Japan account for a relatively low-value share in the global D-limonene market. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to represent a moderate opportunity in the global D-limonene market, owing to the moderate economic as well as industrial growth in the region. Overall, the outlook for the global D-limonene market is positive over the forecast period.Some of the players in the global D-limonene market include Florida Chemical Company, Bramha Scientific, Aredale Chemical Company Limited, Norkem Group, Shamrock Chemicals, A. B. Enterprises, Aroma Aromatics & Flavours, Mentha & Allied Products Pvt. Ltd., Banner Chemicals Limited, Parchem fine & specialty chemicals, Seidler Chemical Co, Inc., Scandinavian Formulas, Inc., Univar Inc., and FBC Chemical Corporation.Request for Sample Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/17428
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 07:43:19

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A new research report presents an overall analysis of Indias construction chemicals market. This report depicts every detail related to the market and the dynamics impacting revenue growth. The general observation of the market shows that India is progressing rapidly in every industry sector. With rapid advancements taking place in every sphere, an exponential growth is foreseen in Indias construction and construction chemicals market. This research report titled Construction Chemicals Market: India Industry Analysis 2012  2016 and Forecast 2017  2025 reveals that the market is expected to reach a valuation of over US$ 2,600 Mn by the end of 2025, growing at a robust CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period.Companies Targeting Admixtures and Plasticizers to Experience a Better and More Lucrative FutureThe Indian construction chemicals market is believed to be dominated by the four brothers, i.e. BASF India Limited, SIKA India Private Ltd., Fosroc Chemicals India Pty. Ltd, and Pidilite Industries Limited, which together contribute around 30%-80% of the market revenue. Among these companies, Pidilite marked the highest revenue generation of around US$ 840 Mn in 2016. There are other companies too, which are expected to expand vigorously in Indias construction chemicals market, with concrete admixtures emerging as the most preferred product type. The research report suggests that the companies capitalizing on concrete admixtures will have a positive growth trajectory as this particular product is expected to hold a market value of over US$ 1,200 Mn by the end of 2025. However, in terms of growth rate, water proofing chemicals leads the market and is expected to register a higher CAGR of 14.4% during the forecast period.Request for sample report: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/22522 Key Players Focusing on Expanding Their Manufacturing Capacity and Product Line GloballyIn order to maintain their position in the Indian market, several companies are aiming at expanding their manufacturing capacity in different parts of India. This will also allow them capture a larger market share and enhance their brand identity. These companies were seen inaugurating their 3rd or 4th office in various parts of India during the past few years. Their expanded product line includes a wide range of products and solutions that facilitate the construction of buildings that are more durable and energy efficient and require less maintenance. This is also assisting market companies to meet the rising demand for construction chemicals and reinforce the supply chain in India.Expansion and innovation has also given rise to the adoption of eco-friendly and cost-effective products. Latest market trends suggest that stringent regulations have pushed several manufacturers towards improvising their existing product line and exploring opportunities to introduce new and innovative products in the market. Major focus is being laid on service-life performance of protective coatings, introduction of multipurpose and hybrid coatings and eco-friendly advanced products such as nano-coatings, green coatings, etc. This shift is expected to create a profitable impact on the market and also open new vistas for companies in the construction chemicals market in India.Request Report TOC @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/22522
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Color Detection Sensors Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025" report to their offering.

Color Detection Sensors Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 04:12:05

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 to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-806 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 Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-806 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.
Cardiac Surgery Devices Market: North America Expected to be the Most Lucrative Regional Market Throughout the Forecast Period: Global Industry Analysis 2012 - 2016 and Opportunity Assessment 2017 - 2027

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:29:23

Nearly a third of all the global deaths can be attributed to cardiovascular diseases and it is the main cause of death in the U.S., responsible for 17% of national healthcare expenditure. The American Heart Association estimates that 40% of the American people will suffer from cardiovascular ailments in 2030 and the direct cost of these would skyrocket to approx. US$ 820 Billion. Such sobering statistics are the main reason that cardiac surgery devices have seen continued uptake in the past decade and should likely remain so during the course of the next 10 years. Future Market Insights in its comprehensive report titled Cardiac Surgery Devices Market: Global Industry Analysis 2012  2016 and Opportunity Assessment 2017  2027 has studied the cardiac surgery devices market and expects it to record a CAGR of 3.7% and be worth over US$ 2 Bn by end 2027.Perfusion Disposables Dominates the Cardiac Surgery Devices Market by Product TypeThe perfusion disposables segment represents a considerably larger market opportunity than either catheters, beating heart surgery systems, or heart lung machines in the cardiac surgery devices market. The perfusion disposables segment is predicted to be worth more than US$ 800 Mn in 2017 alone with oxygenators contributing the lions share of this. By the end of the forecast period, the segment is on track to push past US$ 1.1 Bn, making it a particularly lucrative segment in the cardiac surgery devices market as its attractiveness index is 2.0. A greater acceptance of heart lung machine tables is expected to benefit the adoption of perfusion disposables in the cardiac surgery devices market.Request to View Sample of Research Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4602 Well-developed Medical Infrastructure Makes North America Keep its CrownNorth America has a world-class medical infrastructure coupled with a population that is rapidly ageing and suffering from cardiopulmonary disorders. This combination all but ensures that the region is larger than both Western Europe and APEJ combined in the year 2017 with a value of just under US$ 555 Mn. North America is on track to witness a CAGR of 4.1% for the period 2017-2027 that should see the market in the region touch US$ 830 Mn by end 2027. Most new developments are centred in North America and its high acceptance of modern technology make it an extremely lucrative region in the global cardiac surgery devices market.Minimally Invasive Surgery Gaining Traction in Cardiac Surgery Devices MarketCoronary artery bypass grafting is anticipated to be the largest contributor in the cardiac surgery devices market by procedure in 2017 and it is unlikely to cede this position anytime soon. However, modern advancements in cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, surgical approaches and incisions have made minimally invasive surgery increasingly popular in recent times. Minimally invasive surgery has the advantage of reduced surgical trauma and decreased pain and this is anticipated to propel the cardiac surgery devices market in the long term. In terms of CAGR these two segments hold the top position in the global cardiac surgery devices market, with coronary artery bypass grafting recording a value CAGR of 3.5% and minimally invasive surgery registering a 4.1% CAGR in terms of revenue during the forecast period.Focus on Hospitals over Ambulatory Surgical Centres in the Cardiac Surgery Devices MarketThe hospitals segment is larger than the ambulatory surgical centres segment by end user in the cardiac surgery devices market and this trend is predicted to continue for the foreseeable future. An attractiveness index of 1.1 and a market opportunity of almost US$ 1.2 Bn by 2027 end should make all major companies actively target the hospitals end user segment in the cardiac surgery devices market.Company DashboardThe companies actively involved in the global cardiac surgery devices market that have been profiled in the report include Biotronik, Braile Biomedica, Cook Medical Inc., Estech, Abiomed, Smith Medical, MicroPort Scientific Corporation, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, Angiodynamics, Teleflex Incorporated, C. R. Bard, Inc, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Getinge-Maquet Germany Holding GmbH, Terumo Corporation, LivaNova PLC, Lepu Medical technology Co ltd., Boston Scientific Corporation, Medtronic, and Abbott Laboratories.Need more information about Report methodology ? @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-4602 Important takeawaysThe increasing preference for minimally invasive surgical procedures is one of the recent trends seen in the cardiac surgery devices market. In the last decade, minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery has grown by leaps and bounds mainly because of the reduced pain and surgical trauma after this procedure. Even though coronary artery bypass grafting is much larger at present, key stakeholders are advised to focus on minimally invasive procedures as patients will almost certainly prefer this form of treatment. In addition to this, the beating heart surgery system type could see widespread adoption in the days ahead.Browse More Information about this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/cardiac-surgery-devices-market
Car Lube Container Market

Car Lube Container Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:11:00

The automobile industry plays a crucial role in the overall business cycle development of industrial growth. The automobile industry to some extent is highly correlated with the supply of lubricant. Of it, one such form of lubricant packaging which is predominantly used to suffice the demand of lubes are containers which are commonly known as cans. Traditionally metal cans were mostly used as a form of packaging which over the last decade have been replaced by plastic, containers, pails, drums, totes, etc.As lubricant market is witnessing a steady year on year growth of more than 5%, the need for a smart and efficient form of packaging is warranted. Also, advancements which are technological in nature are related to development and innovation and have led to change in design to make it more cost effective for plastic packaging of car lube container. HDPE and PET are primarily used for car lube containers owing to higher durability and cost- efficiency as compared to other plastic materials.With the rising purchasing power capacity of middle-income household, the number of new car purchased have increased which has directly pushed the demand of lubricant, subsequently the need for lubricant packaging. In terms of consumption, the car lube container market in Asia- Pacific excluding Japan region is projected to register a comparatively higher volume than the other regions, while in terms of production North America and Western Europe market are expected to dominant the global car lube container market over the forecast period.Car Lube Container Market - Market Dynamics:Companies such as RPC Promens, Industrial Plenmeller and other leading car lube manufacturers have enhanced the convenience of its lube container by adding a flexible spout that is used as a dispensing mechanism. This has created a mass awareness among the car lube container manufacturer, who are able to provide ease to the user, driving product penetration into the untapped market.Some of the factors expected to fuel the demand for car lube container markets include growing demand in the steel industry which is an important component for automobile industry. Secondly, technological advancement in production of automobile industry results in cost- efficiency, ultimately triggering a high demand for lubricant packaging products. The emerging economies such as India, China, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Argentina are anticipated to be the key contributing region in car lube container packaging. Apart from this the factors which are expected to hamper the production of car lube container are stringent legislative regulation with regards to the use of plastic material for packaging.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3706 Car Lube Container Market - Market Segmentation:Global Car Lube Container market is segmented on the basis of material type and lubricant type.On the basis of material type, the global car lube container market is segmented into, metal and plastic. The metal segment is further sub-segmented into tins and aluminum, and the plastic segment is sub-segmented into polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS).On the basis of lubricant type, the global car lube container market is segmented into process oils, transmission & hydraulic fluids, general industrial oil, gear oil, greases, etc.Global Car Lube Container Market - key Players:Some of the players operating in the global car lube container market include Balmier Lawrie & Co. Ltd., Mold Tek Packaging, RPS Promens, Komal Packaging, and Bright Containers.The report offers an accurate evaluation of the market through detailed qualitative insights and verifiable projections about market size. The projections presented in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3706
Posted Thursday, February 7, 2019 9:55 am

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Vehicle Prowls

 At 12:35 p.m. Monday, two vehicle prowls were reported in the 300 block of Linda Lane. Multiple items were taken.

 At 8:43 p.m. Tuesday, a vehicle prowl was reported in the 1400 block of View Avenue. Someone stole some clothing items.

Thefts

 At 1:20 p.m. Monday, police went to the 1100 block of Harrison Avenue, where a male subject left a store with stolen deli items, and was last spotted running away from the area.

 At 3:27 p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the 1100 block of Harrison Avenue where a female subject left without paying for deli items.

 At 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, a theft of a pair of shoes was reported from a retail store in the 1300 block of Lum Road. A male suspect entered the store wearing a pair of slippers, and left wearing a new pair of Nikes.

Suspect Damages Washing Machine, Takes Coins

 At 2:38 p.m. Monday, a caller in the 1000 block of North Scheuber Road reported someone damaged a coin-operated washing machine and took the change inside.

Suspect Arrested, Released After Trespassing, Berating Individuals

 At 6:52 p.m. Monday, police responded to the 600 block of Harrison Avenue and arrested and released a 28-year-old transient man on suspicion of criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after he allegedly went to a business where he had previously been trespassed and started to berate the staff.

Rochester Man Referred for Alleged Protection Order Violation

 At 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 100 block of Maple Street and referred a 65-year-old Rochester man to the Centralia Prosecutors Office on suspicion of violating a protection order.

Caller Reports Phone Scam

 At 12:32 p.m. Tuesday, a caller in the 3100 block of Borst Avenue reported someone called claiming to be from Apple Inc., wanting access to the persons computer. Police said this is a scam, and that no one should allow access to any electronic device over the phone.

Handgun Lost at Restaurant, Then Stolen

 At 1:47 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 900 block of Harrison Avenue, where a person said a Glock pistol was lost at a local restaurant and then stolen.

Suspect Booked for Probation Violation

 At 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 100 block of West Maple Street and arrested Tyler J. Carbaugh, 28, of Rochester on suspicion of DUI probation violation.

CHEHALIS POLICE DEPARTMENT

Vehicle Destroys Fence Overnight

 At 8:08 a.m. Monday, a caller in the 2500 block of Northeast Kresky Avenue reported someone drove a vehicle into a chain link fence overnight, leaving a lot of debris behind.

Vehicle Theft Reported

 At 11:46 a.m. Monday, a theft of a black 2003 Dodge Ram was reported in the 2100 block of North National Avenue.

Group of People Causing Problems Outside Bank

 At 3:27 p.m. Monday, a group of about five people were spotted yelling and causing disturbance by a banks outdoor ATM in the 400 block of North Market Boulevard.

Caller Believes Someone Entered House, Used Bathroom

 At 10:11 p.m. Monday, a caller in the 300 block of Southwest Third Street reported finding a broken bracelet in their bathroom that wasnt there before. The caller said they had been gone for about 45 minutes, and the door was unlocked.

Burglary Suspect Booked

 At 2:14 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 600 block of Northwest Quincy Place and arrested Kevin W. Harris, 39, of Chehalis on suspicion of second-degree burglary.

Theft

 At 12:20 p.m. Tuesday, a theft of pills was reported in the 300 block of South Market Boulevard.

Caller Reports Suspected Meth Use

 At 3:41 p.m. Tuesday, a caller in the 1300 block of Northwest Louisiana Avenue reported a couple people smoking from a pipe of what appeared to be methamphetamine.

LEWIS COUNTY JAIL STATISTICS

 As of Wednesday morning, the Lewis County Jail had a total system population of 230 inmates, with 199 in general population, 29 in the work ethic and restitution center and two on work release. Of general population inmates, 163 were male and 36 were female and of WERC inmates, 24 were male and five were female. A total of 28 inmates were booked through contracts outside Lewis County.



By The Chronicle Staff

Please call news reporter Cody Neuenschwander with news tips. He can be reached at 807-8208 or cneuenschwander@chronline.com
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Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a chronic respiratory disease, which is most commonly occurs in premature infants and who received supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. It is also called as respiratory distress syndrome. In addition, bronchopulmonary dysplasia can also occur in infants who experience abnormal lung development or had pre-birth antenatal infection. Most of the infants recover from bronchopulmonary dysplasia, however, some of those have continued lung function and structure abnormalities during adolescence and adulthood. This condition can cause serious complications during infancy and might requires hospitalization and intensive medical care, during the first 2 years after birth. The signs and symptoms for BPS includes shallow, rapid breathing, chronic cough, shortness of breath, flaring of nostrils while breathing, and discoloration of skin owing to low blood oxygen levels. Many cases of BPD are associated with excess oxygen levels and mechanical ventilation. The disease can cause from other conditions such as antenatal infection, maternal complications, preeclampsia, and inflammation of the fetal membranes, that affects the development of the lungs.Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Treatment Market: Drivers and RestraintsAccording to the Airway estimates, in Europe and the U.S. up to 160,000 infants are at highest risk for the development of BPD collectively, each year. Similarly, With 73.6 million live births in Asia and a preterm rate 32 weeks of approximately 2.2%. Government initiatives, favorable reimbursement policies, increasing prevalence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and raise in cases of premature births leading to bronchopulmonary dysplasia are boosting the growth of bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment market over the forecast period. Growing research and development activities by pharmaceutical companies to develop innovative treatment option for bronchopulmonary dysplasia would boost the market in near future.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4389 Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Treatment Market: SegmentationThe global bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment market is classified on the basis of drug class, therapy type end user, and geography.Based on drug type, the global bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment market is segmented into the following:BronchodilatorsDiureticsAntibioticsSteroidsImmunomodulatorsSurfactant HomeostasisBased on therapy type, the global bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment market is segmented into the following:Nitric Oxide TherapyProtein replacement therapyStem Cell TherapySupplemental OxygenBased on end user, the global bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment market is segmented into the following:HospitalsNursing HomesCritical Care CentersBronchopulmonary Dysplasia Treatment Market: OverviewCompanies are focusing on the development of novel treatment option for bronchopulmonary dysplasia for the faster action and quick relief than the conventional dosage forms. For instance, Airway Therapeutics, LLC developed AT-100, a recombinant form of human surfactant protein, for maintaining healthy lung function in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. On the other hand, research are developing stem cell therapy for novel therapeutic modality for attenuating BPD severity. Moreover, the first phase I clinical trial of stem cell transplantation for bronchopulmonary dysplasia is successfully conducted by proving its safety and feasibility in the preterm infants.Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Treatment Market: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the global bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East and Africa. North America expected to dominate the global market for bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment due to favorable government policies, increased in awareness about the bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and high treatment rate are expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. Large patient pool in the Asia Pacific excluding Japan market are expected to boost the growth of the bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment market growth in APEJ region over the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4389 Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Treatment Market: Key PlayersSome of the players in global bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment market include Airway Therapeutics LLC, Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, Insmed Incorporated, MediPost Co., Ltd., Meridigen Biotech Co., Ltd, Syntrix Biosystems, Inc., Therabron Therapeutics, In,
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Bromine market has seen various regulations owing to the production of the bromine as this product is largely a part of various segments such as flame retardant, precision cleaning, monomers, oxidizing chemical, and bleaching chemical. During the last quarter of the year 2017, Gulf Resources Inc., one of the leading bromine market players in China announced their rectifications in the bromine business. With an order from the government of Yangkou County, Shouguang City in China, the company halted its bromine production. The company is all set to support the process of rectification and inspection of their bromine production process in regulations with the new environmental policies of the China.The regulations implicated on the bromine business to improve the safety of citizens, environmental protection, and pollution, are the major milestones in the way towards a streamlined bromine business. Gulf Resources are looking forward to complete the process and recover their drop in sales over the past months. On the other hand, the bromine market is expected to grow with Lanxess, a specialty chemicals company seen investing around 50 million dollars in the bromine market, which is a part of their greater investment strategies in U.S. sites through the year 2022.A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-658 The Global bromine market has made remarkable growth over the past few decades. This market has largely been driven by the increased usage of bromine in various applications such as flame retardant, photographic chemical, bleaching & oxidizing chemical, precision cleaning, monomers for specialty polymers, organic intermediates and lot more. The growing demand for flame retardants by textile and electronic industries is anticipated to offer outstanding opportunities for bromine market.Bromine belongs to halogen group and is the only liquid nonmetallic element. It is volatile element that is reddish-brown in color and is extracted from seawater, salt lakes, and brine wells. In seawater bromine appears in very small amount and it is recovered through the treatment of seawater with chlorine gas. There is no need to produce the bromine in laboratory as it is present commercially in the market. The bromine vapor may cause throat and eye irritation so maximum precautions are taken while handling it.The growing consumption of bromine in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, Pesticides and water treatment industry is poised to show an impressive growth for global bromine market during the forecast period 2015-2020.Bromine Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe demand for global bromine market is anticipated to show considerable growth during the forecast period 2015-2020 due to its increased demand in several applications such as biocides, flame retardants, oil & gas drilling, plasma etching, and PTA synthesis. The growth in Bromine consumption by numerous industries such as cosmetic industry, textile industry, pharmaceuticals and Agro-Fumigants is set to fuel the demand for bromine market. Though bromine is very vital element for various industries and used in large scale, it has some negative effects also. Brominated flame retardant are considered toxic in nature. Thus, rising environmental concern such as water and soil pollution due to bromine may affect the demand for global bromine market.Bromine Market: Market SegmentationThe global bromine market is broadly classified into six segments by applicationsFlame retardantsBiocidesOrganic IntermediatesPTA synthesisPlasma etchingOil & Gas drillingFlame retardants is the biggest application among all other bromine applications and expected to show tremendous growth during the forecast period.The global bromine market is broadly classified into five segments by end user industryPharmaceuticalsCosmeticsTextilePesticidesAutomotiveOthersThe global bromine market is broadly classified into five segments by derivativesClear brine fluidsHydrogen bromideOrganobrominesAmong all Organobromines is the largest derivative for bromine.Bromine Market: Regional OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global endoscopy visualization systems and components market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. As of 2015, Asia-pacific is the largest market in global bromine industry followed by North America and Western Europe. In Asia Pacific region China is the largest market for bromine and it is the worlds third largest producer of Bromine after U.S. and Israel. Growing automotive and construction industries in Asia Pacific region and their increasing consumption of bromine are the major drivers for Asia Pacific bromine market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-658 Bromine Market: Market PlayersMajor players operating in Global bromine market are, Israel Chemicals Limited (Israel), Albemarle Corporation (U.S.), Tosoh Corporation (Japan), , Tata Chemicals Limited (India), Chemtura Corporation (U.S.), Jordan Bromine Company Limited (Jordan), Gulf Resources Inc. (China), and Hindustan Salts Limited (India), Tetra Technologies Inc. (U.S.), are some of the major manufacturers of bromine in the world.
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Global bottled water market was valued at $198.4 million in 2017, and is expected to reach $307300 Million by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period 2024 End. Bottled water is packaged drinking water that is purified and free from contamination. It is available in plastic and glass water bottles, and is the most convenient way for the body to fulfill its hydration needs being easily available in nearby retail stores and supermarkets. The market driven by the rise in healthcare awareness about waterborne diseases such as malaria, typhoid, diarrhea, food poisoning, and others. Moreover, bottled water is more portable and convenient to use as it is handy, thus supporting the market growth. In addition, tap water is available at a lower cost, which also poses a restrain to market growth.Bringing about extensive innovations in bottled water manufacturing processes, and striving towards increasing awareness among masses regarding benefits of using recycled bottles are prime strategies implemented by businesses working in the global bottled water market. Many companies are developing advanced and cost-effective techniques of producing water bottles, so that they can efficiently function while causing least harm to the environment. Such businesses are also receiving tremendous support from most governments all over the globe. Mountain Valley Spring Company LLC, GroupeDanone, PepsiCo Inc, Icelandic Water Holdings, The Coca Cola Company, Nestle Waters, Unicer - Bebidas SA, Grupo Vichy Catalan, Suntori Beverage & Food Ltd, and CG Roxane, LLC, are key players operating in the global bottled water market.Request For Report Sample: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/sample/110114577/Bottled-Water-Market The continued increase in per capita consumption indicates that consumers see bottled water as a healthy alternative to other packaged beverages. Consistent with this view, sales revenues for the U.S. bottled water market in 2017 were nearly $16000 Million in wholesale dollars, a 7.4% increase over the previous year.Nearly all of the bottled water sold in the U.S. is sourced domestically. In fact, imported bottled water accounts for only 1% of the U.S. market. The vast majority of bottled water companies in the U.S. are small, community-based companies using local water sources and distributing their products within an average radius of 300 miles from their bottling facilities.Segment Review:Request Report Discount: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/discount/110114577/Bottled-Water-Market The global bottled water market is segmented based on type and geography. Based on type, it is classified into still water, carbonated water, flavored water, and functional water. In 2017, the still water segment held the largest market share, accounting for three-fifths of the total market share and is expected to maintain this trend during the forecast period. In terms of geographical analysis, in 2017, Asia-Pacific dominated the market, occupying 35.6% share, followed by Europe with 27.1%. Geographically, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.The mounting concern of large carbon footprint of the manufacturing processes as flagged by environmentalists is another critical factor likely to negatively impact the market to an extent. Stricter imposing of unfavorable regulations is a key factor likely to hamper its production in some states. Nevertheless, the introduction of products that have a variety of health benefits and innovative flavors are key trends impacting the growth of the U.S. market. The growing popularity of mineral laced water and low-calorie flavored drink bodes well for the market.Report Analysis: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/rd/110114577/Bottled-Water-Market
Boston Round Glass Bottle Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027

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Boston round glass bottles are also known as Winchester bottles, one of the indispensable product of the packaging industry which has been recognized for its versatile application across industries. Boston round glass bottles are preferred over other traditional plastic bottles, as these bottles are made up of glass which offers more strength, compatibility in comparison to plastic containers. Boston round glass bottles are mostly preferred in personal care and pharmaceutical industry, as these bottles can package high quality solid and liquid applications. Among the three categories of glass, the Boston round glass bottle comes in type III which are made of untreated commercial soda-lime-silica glass. These bottles are available in different styles and colors among which amber and flint color provide the opportunity to select the best packaging for dissimilar contents.The Boston round glass bottles provide robust resistance to successfully store any liquid, powdered specimens or solid samples. These bottles also allow to monitor filled levels as it provides complete clarity. Easy to use designs make these bottles compatible with several process. Assembled with the best material grade, the glass bottles frequently feature a broad-mouthed design for the practical addition and removal of materials.Request to Sample of Report @Boston Round Glass Bottle Market: DynamicsThe pharmaceutical packaging industry is projected to witness an enormous growth and Boston round glass bottles are expected to primarily drive this growth. The Boston round glass bottles are being used for high quality liquid and solid applications and the market for these bottles will continue to grow as due to increasing research and development in biotechnology which is expected to fuel the growth in the pharmaceutical industry which in turn will accelerate the growth of the Boston round glass bottle market. Further, the increasing demand for biologics will fortify demand for innovative product packaging solutions such as Boston round glass bottles. Moreover, the broad application of these bottles across cosmetics and personal care industry will also escalate the growth in the Boston round glass bottle market. However, the price volatility of raw materials and varying health regulations together with rising competition from alternate products can act as hindrances for the growth in the Boston round glass bottle market.Boston Round Glass Bottle Market: SegmentationOn the basis of capacity, the global Boston round glass bottle market is segmented into, 15 ml  60 ml, 60 ml  177 ml, 177 ml  414 ml, 414 ml  950 ml. on the basis of cap style, the global Boston round glass bottle market is segmented into, dropper, fine mist sprayer, lotion pump, and others. On the basis of neck finish, the global Boston round glass bottle market is segmented into, 18  400, 18  410, 20  400, 22  400, 24  400, 28  400, 33  400. On the basis of neck width, the global Boston round glass bottle market is segmented into, 18 mm  22 mm, 24 mm  33 mm. On the basis of End use industry, the global Boston round glass bottle market is segmented into, personal care, pharmaceutical, Chemical Industrial, Food & beverage and others.Boston Round Glass Bottle Market: Region Wise OutlookOn the basis of geography, the global Boston round glass bottle market is divided into majorly five regions namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. North America accounts the largest market share for the consumption of Boston round glass bottle market. Next Europe is one of the leading regions for the Boston round glass bottle market. Asia Pacific is expected to witness a significant growth in demand for Boston round glass bottle in the near future. Further, Latin America and Middle East & Africa are anticipated to witness sustainable growth over the forecast period.Request Report for Table of Contents @Boston Round Glass Bottle Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players in the global Boston round glass bottle market are The Cary Company, Salbro Bottle Inc., Cole-Parmer India Pvt. Ltd., MJS PACKAGING, BASCO, Inc., B.T.I. Packaging Co. Ltd, Empire Industries Ltd., Yiwu Huicheng Glass Products Co., Ltd. and many more.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, technology and applications.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Report Methodology @
Black Pepper Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:14:55

Black Pepper is a pungent hot-tasting powder spice prepared from dried and ground peppercorns, used to flavor food. It is also known as king of spices because it contains rich anti-oxidants and other nutrients. The high demand for pepper presents an attractive market opportunity for new vendors to enter the market. In the present market scenario, it is estimated that the new crop of black pepper accounts for nearly 30% to 35% of the market. The high demand is expected to increase the price of black pepper, thereby increasing the profit margin of the vendors in this market.Apart from this, black pepper powder is also used to make medicines. It often used to cure stomach upset, bronchitis, and cancer. It is sometimes applied directly to the skin for treating nerve pain(neuralgia) and a skin disease called scabies. Black peppers are also used typically as a counterirritant for pain.Black Pepper Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe black pepper market is directly influenced by the growing processed food industry. The rise in consumption of bakery products, confectionery products, and ready-to-eat and ried food in the developed economies is driving the market for the spice. The recent trend of using natural flavor enhancer has also catalyzed the growth of the global market. In the year 2013-15, the global pepper consumption is estimated at around 400,000 tons and has been increasing steadily. Increasing demand from Far East countries, which have started using more pepper in cooking, has been quite significant in driving the global black pepper market. Growth in the cosmetics industry is also directly influencing the pepper market. Due to the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of black pepper, it is often included in skin care products.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1274 As stated earlier, that the market is experiencing a major year on year increase in demand for black pepper. But unfortunately, this demand is not backed by adequate supply, which has proved to be a major restraint in this market. This is majorly due to the intensive crop losses in various parts of the world, especially in India & Brazil. Sudden climatic changes and untimely rainfall has significantly led to the fall in the yield of black pepper.Black PepperMarket: SegmentationThe global black pepper market can be broadly segmented on the basis of; type, end use and application. On the basis of type, the market can be further segmented into  organic and inorganic. Based on end use, the market can be segmented into bakery and confectionery products, frozen products, soups, sauces & dressing, beverages, meat & poultry products, snacks and convenience food, and others. Based of application, the black pepper market can be segmented into food & beverages, health care and personal care & cosmetics.Black PepperMarket: Region Wise OutlookGeographically, the global black peppermarket is segmented into seven regions which are ; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Japan.Vietnam, followed by Brazil, India & Indonesia are the leading producer of black pepper in the year 2014 globally.India saw a fall in its average production in the same year. The leverage of large scale production and productivity helps Vietnam growers to offer world's lowest price tags.In terms of export, Vietnam leads the market globally. U.S. market continues to be the largest importer of black pepper from Vietnam. While most markets like India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Netherlands, Spain have seen an increase in their imports, except Germany. German market recorded a drop in imports from Vietnam. Thus, with a market share of approximately 50% per cent in the global market, Vietnam has been able dominate the market.Ask the Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/black-pepper-market#engage_analyst Black PepperMarket: Key PlayersSome of the major companies operating in global black peppermarket are Baria Pepper, British Pepper and Spice, Catch, Everest Spices, McCormick, MDH, Agri food Pacific, Akar Indo, Brazil Trade Business, DM AGRO, Gupta Trading, Pacific Production, PT AF, Silk Road Spices, The Spice House, Vietnam Spice Company, Visimex, and Webb James, Olam International Limited.
Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market: Oncology Segment by Therapeutic Area to Dominate the Global Market Through 2027: Global Industry Analysis 20122016 and Opportunity Assessment 20172027

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:33:48

A new study by FMI titled Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market: Global Industry Analysis 20122016 and Opportunity Assessment 20172027, has listed out the key points being considered by Biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies to emerge and stay sustainably profitable in the long run. The North American Biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing market is expected to expand at a CAGR of close to 10%, and is expected to remain as a main sink market for revenues, as most of the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing facilities are located in this region. Europe is expected to remain as the main source market for biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing services. However, with the increasing demand and availability of large sterile spaces required for biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing in countries such as China, the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing market is witnessing a move to Asia, to countries such as China and South Korea.Request to View a Sample Copy of This Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2982 The report finds that Biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing capacity is tight across the industry, regardless of the location. Globally, biopharma companies have spent over US$ 50 Bn in just the past five years on new plants and equipment. Much of that has been in tax havens like Ireland and Singapore, and in emerging markets. About a quarter of the projects have been in the U.S. There just arent enough facilities, and those that are available are too old for modern drugs. It takes nearly four years to design, build, and qualify a new plant. Large-scale plants can cost between US$ 1 Bn and US$ 2 Bn. Patheons recent acquisition of Roches small facility in biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing sector was attractive because it was inexpensive, but is far from the norm. Much of the ongoing capacity expansion in the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing industry is customer-funded.Biosimilar and biologics manufacturing are presenting strong growth opportunities for biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing organizations. The global biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing market is in a state of large consolidation, as participants in the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing market look to inorganic growth strategies to offer integrated solutions to customers. For instance, leading players in biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing market  Patheon, Catalent, and AMRI have acquired IRIX Pharmaceuticals, Pharmatek, and Euticals, respectively. These biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies have been aggressive in expanding their products/services/capabilities through strategic alliances. Similarly, Aenova maintained its market position in the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing market after the acquisition of Haupt Pharma AG, and by selling its Temmler business in 2015. Both, biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies  Fareva and Famar have successfully adopted an integration strategy of acquiring manufacturing facilities in Europe from large pharmaceutical companies.Reinventing the European advanced therapies sector may fuel outsourcing activities to biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing players in the region. The next generation therapy market is driven by biological treatment options. These biologics demand more research and clinical trials, and hence, to reduce the cost, most research activities are outsourced to biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing players. The region is richly endowed with venture capitalists, which makes the availability of funding easier for biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing organizations. Potential margins for biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies are better in Europe as compared to the U.S. Factors noted by customers while approaching a biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing company are various. As per a NICE survey, a biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing company is selected based on location, quality of service, cGMP compliance, specific expertise in therapeutic area of focus, reputation and area of expertise, and infrastructure.The top activity outsourced to biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies is analytical testing, followed by toxicity testing and fill/finish operations. Dominant outsourcing activities across the biopharmaceutical sector are restricted to services where a high degree of specialization may be required. While outsourcing to biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies can address a host of limitations, it comes with its own set of problems  protecting intellectual property rights, effectively handling cross-contamination issues, and complying with quality standards.Rising focus on cost-effective biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing and the popularity of biosimilar added with the existence of patent cliff of blockbuster biologic drugs in the near future is expected to boost the growth of the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing market. Big biopharmaceutical companies focusing on reduction in operating costs through the outsourcing of R&D and commercialization of biologic drugs to biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies could also increase the growth of the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing market during the forecast period. However, complex manufacturing guidelines & regulatory processes, limited capacity for large-volume biopharmaceuticals, and high investments requirement to establish a biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing facility will continue to pose challenges to widespread adoption of outsourcing services in biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing market.Read Comprehensive Overview with Methodology of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-2982 Some of the key biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies analyzed in this report titled Biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing market include Lonza Group Ag, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Samsung Biologics Co., Ltd., Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Patheon N.V., Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH, Biomeva GmbH, ProBioGen AG, Cytovance Biologics Inc, Kbi Biopharma Inc, WuXi Biologics (Cayman) Inc., Abzena Plc, Vetter Pharma International GmbH, Sandoz International GmbH, Catalent Inc, and AbbVie Contract Manufacturing.Browse More Information about this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/biopharmaceutical-contract-manufacturing-market
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 18:08:48

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Research Report Insights (RRI)42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website: https://www.researchreportinsights.comEmail: sales@researchreportinsights.com+1-631-721-42016317214201

Today the market for any given product is governed by the awareness among the consumers. An average buyer concentrates on the personal priorities and needs, apart from the overall notoriety of the product. These factors often administer the commodities of personal hygiene like diapers to a great extent. The modern day parents analyse the products for the infants more soberly than ever before. The material, costing, comfortable level are significant factor for making a diaper brand popular. Thus research and development are imminent part of baby diapers manufacturing. Also, the market for baby diapers is rising at an enormous pace, following rise in global demand.In recent years, the demand for baby diapers has grown fixedly in various nations of East Africa.The report provides a thorough acument into the key market dynamics, emerging trends, recent design innovations, and competitive landscape. The study offers a detailed statistical analysis related to the market share and size of segments and analyzes the key factors configuring the competitive acts. Recent attempts by governments of various countries and private players in East Africa are highlighted and their impact on the costing strategies of vendors are evaluated.Request For Report Sample: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/sample/110114564/Baby-Diapers-Market East Africa Baby Diapers Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe East Africa baby diapers market is principally driven by a continuous slump in the toddler mortality rate in developing nations, an upswing in urban population with significant expendable incomes, and increasing awareness related to the hygiene of infants. Coupled with this, in-depth and persistent efforts made by several governmental and non-governmental organizations to create awareness among rural population have led to an increasing use of baby diapers to promote the healthy growth of infants.Increasing shift toward the use of eco-friendly and viable materials in manufacturing baby diapers has resulted in various product innovations. The onset of ultra-soft and hypoallergenic diapers made without the use of any supplements is expected to shoot the market over the forecast period. However, the growing run of parents embracing longer in-between changing times of diapers has resulted in skin rashes and bugs among babies. Various study reiterating the role of disposable diapers in causing testicular cancer among males are likely to hinder the growth of the market to an extent.East Africa Baby Diapers Market: Provincial VisionThe major countries considered in the research report are Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Kenya becomes top lucarative market for baby diapers in East Africa. The dramatic demand for baby diapers in Kenya is driven by the significant rise in birth rate included a substantial decline in the infant mortality rate as compared to other developing nations of East Africa. After Kenya,Tanzania is the second largest revenue contributing country in the East Africa diapers market. Other Countries Involved are Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.East Africa Baby Diapers Market: Companies InvolvedRequest Report Discount: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/discount/110114564/Baby-Diapers-Market Leading players are also establishing feasible products made with biodegradable materials to entice parents who are vigilant of the environmental brunt of adapting diapers. Major manufacturers are making product modernization and operating boosting their distribution channels to centralize their presence across major countries. Key players accomplishing in this market include Johnson and Johnson, INDEVCO Group Procter and Gamble, Unicharm Corporation, SCA Hygiene Products GmbH, Mega Soft (Fujian) Hygiene Products Co. Ltd., and Interconsumer Products Ltd.This report gives you approach to definitive data such as: Market growth drivers, Factors hindering market growth, Current market trends and Market extensions for the coming decade.Key highlights of this reportOverview of key market forces propelling and forbiddingmarket growthUp-to-date analysis of market trends and technological advancementsPin-point analysis 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 segments.Report Analysis: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/rd/110114564/East-Africa-Baby-Diapers-Market
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 09:27:31

Green Development is the first priority for large scale industries around the world, with the purpose of reducing their carbon footprint. The aviation industry contributes 2% in the emission of greenhouse gases, which may rise to 3% in coming future. Air transport, being a fast growing transport medium that carries around two billion people and employs 30 million people, plays a crucial role in accounting for carbon emission. It is thus important for the aviation industry to incline towards green development and switch to biofuels.The aviation biofuel market offers second generation sustainable biofuel as first generation biofuel could not meet cost expectations. The aviation biofuel market offers an alternative for current traditional jet fuel, and it is produced from natural feedstock and plant material, such as algae, jatropha and halophytes without acquiring agricultural land or fresh water resources. Thus, the aviation biofuel market is expected to dominate the aviation market throughout the forecast period, owing to its stability in operational cost and the reduced carbon emission advantage.Initiatives taken by the European Commission and by aviation industries involved in aviation biofuel production have introduced advancement in aviation biofuel in the European region, in order to achieve consumption of 2 million tonnes of biofuel in the European Civil Aviation sector over the forecast period. With the availability of sustainable raw materials at low prices, it is expected that the supply of aviation biofuel will be accessible across the Europe and on an international platform by 2030. Thus, aviation biofuel is projected to gain remarkable opportunities over the forecast period.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3768 Aviation Biofuel Market: Drivers and RestraintsIn the aviation sector, traditional jet fuel is used, which is extracted from the kerosene fraction of crude oil under stringent regulations. Air transportation accounts for more than 10% in energy consumption on a global level. Among gaseous biofuels, electrification, and liquid biofuels, the most advanced substitute for the aviation sector is liquid biofuel, owing to its high specific energy content. With the objective of reduction in CO2 gas emission, the aviation biofuel market is expected to witness robust growth over the forecast period. The rising demand for bio jet fuel, with increasing international trade are expected to drive the aviation market globally, where hydrogenated esters and fatty acids (HEFA) is expected to become a promising alternative to supple ample amount of biofuel in the aviation biofuel market.European airlines, such as British Airways, Air France and Lufthansa, in co-ordination with Airbus and European aviation biofuel producers have initiated the endorsement of aviation biofuel in Europe. Also, the U.S. Federal government is evolving as an active promoter and buyer of aviation biofuel. An interagency biofuel partnership has been made between the Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy in order to avail biofuel for the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy.However, strict regulations to maintain standard specifications in producing aviation biofuel may affect growth of the aviation biofuel market. This challenge can be overcome with innovative technologies over the forecast period.Aviation Biofuel Market: SegmentationThe aviation biofuel market can be segmented based on the certified production technology:Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO)Fischer-Tropsch (FT)The aviation biofuel market can be segmented based on the feedstock:SugarcaneCassavaGrassesIndustrial and Municipal WasteJatrophaAlgaeSweet SorghumAviation Biofuel Market: Region-Wise OutlookBased on geography, the aviation biofuel market is expected to remain predominant in the U.S. over the forecast period. Being a fast growing region in the aviation market, the U.S. civil aviation sector is estimated to account for a significant value share in the aviation biofuel market over the forecast period. The strategic expansion of aviation biofuel producing industries, along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are expected to increase the consumption of biofuel by 1 Bn gal/Yr of sustainable aviation biofuel by 2018. Followed by the U.S., European nations are expected to witness robust growth in the aviation biofuel market in the coming decade.Oslo city, Norway has become worlds first airport to deliver jet biofuel, offering it on-tap to all airlines. Such a trend, of swapping into bioport to supply aviation biofuel is anticipated to boost the aviation biofuel market in this region over the forecast period. Other countries, such as Australia are taking initiatives to study the novel concept of bioport. Developing nations in Asia-Pacific region, such as India and China are expected to gain significant opportunities in the supply chain for providing feedstock to produce aviation biofuel in near future. Also, the target of attaining 7.5 billion gallons per year of aviation biofuel promoted by China is expected to offer significant opportunities for the aviation biofuel market in the coming future.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3768 Aviation Biofuel Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants in the aviation biofuel market are listed below:Honeywell International Inc.Red Rock BiofuelsTargray Technology International Inc.Vega BiofuelsArgent Energy
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the  Automotive Door Latch Market Growth, Trends and Value Chain 2017-2027 report to their offering Upcoming

Future Market Insights

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:35:12

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U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesManager+1 03479183531

A new research report by Future Market Insights (FMI) has projected the global automotive door latch market to register a moderate expansion over the forecast period (2017-2022). Revenues from the global market for automotive door latch are estimated to surpass revenues worth US$ 6,500 Mn by 2022-end.Global Leaders focusing on Provision of Smart Lock Solutions in VehiclesVehicles have witnessed a significant transformation from being a luxury product to becoming more of a commodity, on the back of rapid economic growth globally. A large portion of this increased demand for vehicles is currently accounted by developing economies of Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) and Latin America. Global leaders in the automotive door latch market are shifting their focus towards making advancements in their technology, in a bid to provide smart lock solutions to enable vehicle owners in controlling door latches by using a tablet, smartphone, or any other Bluetooth device. The development of technologically advanced automotive door latches, vehicle manufacturers are considering replacement of existing door latches in vehicles, in order to offer better control & safety features.The global automotive door latch market has witnessed adverse conditions over the past few years, stemming significantly from surging international competition. The market is anticipated to gain higher traction in the upcoming years, with production of vehicles gradually picking up pace. For automotive manufacturers, developing more advanced automotive door latches is becoming a high priority, with robust increase in demand for personal as well as commercial vehicles, along with rising safety concerns.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4556 Key Research Findings from FMIs Report on Global Automotive Door Latch MarketIn terms of revenues, Europe and North America will remain most lucrative regions for the automotive door latch market. Germany and the U.K. are expected to dominate the automotive door latch market in Europe, while the U.S. will remain the largest market for automotive door latch in North America. The market in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) is projected to register a robust expansion through 2022. This can be highly attributed to increased demand for luxury cars in APEJ countries, such as India and China, owing to rising disposable income of the population.Based on sales channel, aftermarket is projected to account for the largest revenue share of the market during 2017 to 2022. However, automotive door latch sales in OEM will register the fastest expansion through 2022.On the basis of application, side door latch and hood latch are projected to register a parallel expansion in the market through 2022, with the former being more lucrative than the latter. Revenues from side door latch and hoot latch applications of automotive door latch are expected to collectively account for nearly half share of the market over the forecast period. Tailgate latch will continue to be the second most lucrative application of automotive door latch, with sales estimated to exceed US$ 1,500 Mn in revenues by 2022-end.By function, electronic automotive door latch is projected to register the fastest expansion in sales through 2022. Revenues from electronic automotive door latch are estimated to account for over one-third share of the market throughout the forecast period. However, non-electronic automotive door latch will remain preferred among vehicle owners across the globe.Based on vehicle type, sales of automotive door latch are projected to witness fastest expansion in light commercial vehicles. In addition sales of automotive door latch for compact passenger cars and premium passenger cars will exhibit similar CAGRs through 2022. Mid-sized passenger cars will remain dominant in the global automotive door latch market, in terms of revenues.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-4556 FMIs report has listed key companies operating in the global automotive door latch market, which include WITTE Automotive GmbH, U-Shin Ltd., STRATTEC Security Corp., Shivani Locks Private Limited, Minda Vast Access Systems Pvt. Ltd., Magna International, Inc., Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft, Inteva Products LLC, Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co., and Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Automotive Brake Linings Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013 - 2017 and Opportunity Assessment; 2018 - 2028" report to their offering.

Automotive Brake Linings Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:25:43

An automotive brake lining is a layer of frictional material bonded to the brake shoes. The material used for the manufacture of automotive brake linings is heat resistant to prevent friction from causing sparks or fire. Automotive brake linings are made from soft although tough heat resistant materials and are mounted over the brake shoe using high temperature adhesives. Recent technological advancements have led to the development of advanced braking systems. The use of automotive brake linings prevents the wear and tear of other braking components.With growing concerns towards safety and security and the need for enhanced performance efficiency of brake systems, there has been a rise in the demand from OEMs for advanced automotive brake linings. There has also been a rise in the demand for advanced braking systems to achieve improved braking capability and a pleasant braking sensation. Growing vehicle production and rising fleet on road are driving the demand for automotive brake linings, both in the OEM and aftermarket.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7861 Global Automotive Brake Linings Market DynamicsAutomotive Brake Linings Market DriversWith passenger cars emerging as favored means of transport, the average miles driven per vehicle has increased over time. This increase in miles driven per vehicle is closely associated with the wear and tear of parts, which in turn necessitates timely maintenance and repair and thus, drives the demand for automotive brake linings.There has also been a rise in the demand for automotive brake linings from heavy commercial vehicles such as construction and agricultural equipment.Automotive brake linings are critical components that need to be replaced from time to time, owing to the growing concern for vehicle safety. On an average, automotive brake linings are replaced once a year or for every 12,000 miles driven. When the automotive brake lining has reduced by 1/8 inches, it needs to be replaced.Growth in automotive production and increase in vehicle fleet on road are expected to impact the demand for global automotive brake linings. From a macroeconomic point of view, rising population, increasing disposable income and rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to the significant growth of the automotive industry, which in turn is projected to create noteworthy demand for automotive brake linings over the forecast period.Automotive Brake Linings Market RestraintsOne of the major restraints faced by the global automotive brake linings market is technological advancement in braking technologies to eliminate the use of frictional materials. Additionally, players have been focusing on improving the life of friction products to reduce the demand for replacement of parts, which may impact the sales for automotive brake linings in the long run.There are also stringent regulations pertaining to the use of light-weight materials in the automotive brake linings and also related to the alloy composition of the frictional materials used as automotive brake linings.Automotive Brake Linings Market TrendsThere has been a rise in the demand for non-asbestos based automotive brake linings, which are environment-friendly and durable. A number of different material types such as rubber, glass and resins are being used in the manufacturing of automotive brake linings.The global automotive brake linings market is a relatively fragmented one and manufacturers are focusing on the development of high temperature, reliable and durable brake linings. Manufacturers of automotive brake linings are also entering into long-term supply contracts with automakers to ensure reliable supply and gain market share.There has also been a rise in the demand for automotive brake linings in electric vehicles. The growing demand for electric vehicles is expected to generate significant growth opportunities for the automotive brake linings market.Global Automotive Brake Linings Market: SegmentationThe global automotive brake linings market can be segmented on the basis of vehicle type, sales channel material type and region.On the basis of vehicle type, the global automotive brake linings market has been segmented as:Passenger carsLight commercial vehiclesHeavy commercial vehiclesElectric vehiclesOn the basis of material type, the global automotive brake linings market has been segmented as:Asbestos based automotive brake liningsNon- asbestos based automotive brake liningsOn the basis of sales channel, the global automotive brake linings market has been segmented as:Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)AftermarketGlobal Automotive Brake Linings Market: Regional OutlookIn terms of regional outlook, the global automotive brake linings market is anticipated to be dominated by Asia Pacific. The growing automotive production and increasing automotive fleet are anticipated to drive the demand in the region. North America and Europe are also projected to hold significant shares in the global automotive brake linings market. Japan also has a major production base for automotive and thus, there has been a rise in the demand for automotive brake linings. Regions such as Latin America and Middle East and Africa are anticipated to remain low volume  high growth regions and growing investments in the automotive sector in the region are anticipated to drive the global automotive brake linings market growth.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7861 Global Automotive Brake Linings Market: Market ParticipantsSome of the market participants identified across the value chain of the global automotive brake linings market are:Federal-Mogul CorporationASK Automotive Pvt. Ltd.Nisshinbo Holdings Inc.SGL GroupMiba AGAkebono Brake IndustriesTaiwan Brake Technology Corp.BremboMasu Brake Pads Pvt. Ltd.Rane Brake Lining Limited
Posted Thursday, February 7, 2019 10:08 am

A male subject was found dead in a vehicle along Interstate 5 in the Toledo area Wednesday evening, according to the Lewis County Sheriffs Office.

The cause and manner of death, as well as the persons identity, are still to be determined, according to a sheriffs office press release.

Deputies and Washington State Patrol troopers, at 5:16 p.m., were dispatched to the area of milepost 60 on southbound I-5 after an employee with the Washington State Department of Transportation discovered the vehicle.

The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder of the interstate and the sole passenger appeared to have head trauma, according to the press release.

Deputies were able to gain entry to the secured vehicle and determine the male was deceased, reads the press release.

The sheriffs office is not seeking any involved individuals, according to the release, which indicates no further information will be released at this time.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the sheriffs office at 360-748-9286 or Lewis County Communications at 360-740-1105.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Automotive Additives Market Forecast Research Reports Offers Key Insights  report to their offering Upcoming

Future Market Insights

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 12:41:37

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An automotive additive is a chemical matter which when added to fuel or oil in a small quantity improves the quality of the fuel or the oil. The automotive additive can be a fuel additive or an oil additive. Fuel additives increase the octane rating of the fuel. Fuel additives can also act as lubricants and can also help in preventing corrosion, thus increasing the efficiency of the automobile. Thus, fuel additives decrease the problems related to stumbling or weak acceleration. Oil additives are compounds that help in increasing the efficiency of base oil. Nearly all the commercially available Motor oils contain additives. These oil additives are highly essential for proper lubrication of the motor. Automotive additives can be in the form of liquid or powder.The Automotive Additives Market is expected to grow at a moderate CAGR during the forecast period.Automotive Additives Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe demand for fuel efficiency is increasing gradually. This can be achieved by adding automotive additives to the fuel. Also, now people prefer high segment cars instead of low segment cars. Hence, the demand for automotive additives is also increasing due to the requirement of lightweight materials in an automobile, to achieve fuel efficiency. According to Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations, emissions need to be decreased, and lightweight materials are to be used in vehicles. This factor is also expected to drive the growth of Automotive Additives Market in the forecast period.Due to growing concern about comfort, durability, quality, safety and color, demand is increasing in the interior application of the Automotive Additives Market. With the increase in the electrification of the cars, Automotive Additives Market is expected to growth at a fast pace.Volatility in prices of additives, the high price of the oil and fuel automotive additives and the engine downsizing trend going on in the automobile industries, are the factors that are expected to affect the growth of Automotive Additives Market.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4625 Automotive Additives Market: Market SegmentationAutomotive Additives Market can be segmented by Plastic, by Plastic Additives, by Vehicle type, by Automotive Application, or by region.By PlasticPolypropylene (PP)Polyurethane (PUR)Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC)Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)By Plastic AdditivesPlasticizersAnti-ScratchStabilizersAntioxidantsOthersBy Vehicle TypePassenger CarLight Commercial VehicleHeavy Commercial VehicleElectric VehicleBy Automotive ApplicationExteriorInteriorUnder the HoodElectronics & ElectricalBy RegionNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificRoWAutomotive Additives Market: Regional OutlookIn the forecast period, Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow and become the largest market for automotive additives by the end of the year 2017. The reason behind this is that the Asia-Pacific region is the hub for the production of passenger cars and electric automobiles. The fastest growing segment in the Automotive Additives market is expected to be Polypropylene Plastic. This is because the use of Polypropylene Plastic has increased in the automobile industry. This growth is expected to occur in all the regions- North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World, but majorly in China, US, and Japan. As the use of plastics is increasing, Interior Application Market of Automotive Additives Market is expected to have the greatest market share. The use of plastics is increasing in the automobile industry due to the emission regulations and laws for the use of lightweight materials in vehicles led by the government.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4625 Automotive Additives Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players in the Automotive Additives Market are:-Akzo Nobel N.V. (Netherlands)BASF SE (Germany)ClariantCovestro AG (Germany)The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.)Evonik IndustriesExxonMobil Corporation (U.S.)Kaneka CorporationLanxessPolyOne CorporationSabic (Saudi Arabia)Solvay
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 15:05:01

Paris, February 7, 2019,

Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, and Worldline, the European leader in the payments and transactional services industry, announce the signature of the United Nations' Standards of Conduct for Business and the L'Autre Cercle Charter of LGBT+ Commitment - pledging their support to LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and others) people at work worldwide.

Drawing on good practices, the United Nations' Standards of Conduct for Business set out actions to protect the rights of LGBT+ employees, such as eliminating workplace discrimination; making sure business operations do not contribute to discrimination against customers or suppliers; and working with business partners to address discriminatory practices up and down the supply chain. The Charter of LGBT Commitment also supports company LGBT+ diversity policies and encourages the exchange of good practices between business corporations.

Atos and Worldline have already set out actions to protect the rights of LGBT+ individuals: the AtosPride LGBT+ and allies community gathers more than 1,200 members in 30 different countries with networks in the UK, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, the Philippines, the U.S., Mexico and Brazil. Moreover, they are Stonewall global diversity champions and ensure all LGBT+ staff are accepted without exception throughout the Group.

By signing these two charters, Atos and Worldline are highlighting their commitment to making the working environment a place where LGBT+ employees can be themselves, driving performance, engagement as well as inclusion and diversity. The two companies will help LGBT+ employees find support and community within the organization across the whole of Atos Group.

"We believe at Atos that diversity drives business performance and as a company, we are fully committed to sexual orientation and gender identity equality," said Denise Lamoreaux, Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Atos. "We want to embody what can be achieved when a firm embraces progressive values and we want to demonstrate how diverse insights benefit our clients and our daily activities. We believe eliminating discrimination is the key to unlocking talent."

"At Worldline, we focus on creating a work environment in which people can be efficient by being themselves, whatever their sexual orientation or gender, and we reject any kind of intimidation or discrimination", said Olivier Burger, Head of Human Resources at Worldline.

Read the pledge and learn more about the UN's work to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace for all, click here.

More information about AtosPride, click here.

***

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 120,000 employees in 73 countries and annual revenue of  13 billion. European number one in Cloud, Cybersecurity and High-Performance Computing, the Group provides end-to-end Orchestrated Hybrid Cloud, Big Data, Business Applications and Digital Workplace solutions through its Digital Transformation Factory, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting-edge technologies and industry knowledge, Atos supports the digital transformation of its clients across all business sectors. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos Syntel, Unify and Worldline. Atos is listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index. Atos.net

Press contact

Lucie Duchateau - lucie.duchateau@atos.net - +33 7 62 85 35 10

About Worldline

Worldline [Euronext: WLN] is the European leader in the payment and transactional services industry. With innovation at the core of its DNA, Worldline's core offerings include pan-European and domestic Commercial Acquiring for physical or online businesses, secured payment transaction processing for banks and financial institutions, as well as transactional services in e-Ticketing and for local and central public agencies. Thanks to a presence in 30+ countries, Worldline is the payment partner of choice for merchants, banks, public transport operators, government agencies and industrial companies, delivering cutting-edge digital services. Worldline's activities are organized around three axes: Merchant Services, Financial Services including equensWorldline and Mobility & e-Transactional Services. Worldline employs circa 11,000 people worldwide, with estimated pro forma revenue of circa 2.3 billion euros on a yearly basis. Worldline is an Atos company. worldline.com

Press Contact

Anne-Sophie Gentil - asgentil@teamfluence.eu - +33 6 32 92 24 94





This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: ATOS via Globenewswire


Growth of the global ambulatory surgical centres market is principally driven by a growing focus on containment of healthcare costs and increased Medicare spending on ASCs. ASCs are primarily focussed on increasing number of facilities and types of procedures performed.

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 10:03:08

Future Market Insights delivers key insights and presents a revised forecast of the global ambulatory surgical centres market for a 10 year period from 2017 to 2027 in the report titled Ambulatory Surgical Centres Market: Global Industry Analysis 20122016 and Opportunity Assessment 20172027. The revision in the market size and forecasts have been carried out taking into account the impact of various macroeconomic indicators and other industry-based demand-driving factors, as well as the recent developments of key market participants. The global ambulatory surgical centres market is projected to expand at a healthy CAGR of 4.0% in terms of value during the forecast period, revised from the previous CAGR of 3.9%, due to factors regarding which FMI offers useful insights in detail in this report.Request to View Sample of Research Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5071 The report broadly segments the global ambulatory surgical centres market on the basis of centre type, modality, services speciality area and region. Based on centre type, the global ambulatory surgical centres market has been segmented into single speciality centres and multispecialty centres.Multispecialty Centres Segment is the Most Lucrative SegmentMultispecialty centres segment is estimated to dominate the ambulatory surgical centres market by product type with 65% value share of the market by 2017 end. Multispecialty centres segment is expected to reach US$ 76,028.6 Mn by 2027 end and will grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.4% over the forecast period.Hospital-Based Ambulatory Surgical Centre Segment Accounts for Higher Market DemandAmong modality types, hospital-based ambulatory surgical centre segment is expected to dominate the global ambulatory surgical centres market with 59.5% value share in 2017. Hospital-based ambulatory surgical centre segment is expected to reach a market value of US$ 69,700.4 Mn by 2027 end, growing with a CAGR of 4.4% over the forecast period.Surgical Services Segment Dominates by Service TypeSurgical services segment is estimated to dominate the global ambulatory surgical centres market by service type with higher value share of the market by 2017 end. Surgical services segment is expected to reach US$ 77,664.3 Mn by 2027 end and will grow at a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period.Gastroenterology Segment is the Most Attractive Segment by Speciality AreaAmong speciality areas, gastroenterology is expected to dominate the global ambulatory surgical centres market in terms of value share during the forecast period. Gastroenterology is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% over the forecast period.North America Will Continue to Grow at an Exponential RateFMI has analysed the ambulatory surgical centres market across seven key regions namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America is expected to dominate the market value share for ambulatory surgical centres and is expected to reach US$ 61,588.4 Mn by 2027 end. The Western Europe market is expected to account for the second largest market value share, followed by APEJ. North America and Europe are collectively expected to constitute more than 82% of the market share over the forecast period. MEA is predicted to be the least attractive region in the global ambulatory surgical centres market.Key Insights from FMIs Report on the Ambulatory Surgical Centres MarketGrowing focus on containment of healthcare costs and increased Medicare spending on ASCs are driving the global ambulatory surgical centre market.Number of outpatient surgeries have increased significantly in the recent years, thereby impacting the ambulatory surgical centres market worldwide. Also, a significant share of outpatient procedures have shifted from hospitals to free-standing ambulatory surgical facilities over the same period.Over the last decade, various constitutes across healthcare continuum, including private insurance companies, self-insured employers, and government payers, are implementing meaningful cost-containment measures.Leading manufacturers are focussing on setting up manufacturing facilities in emerging markets and this would substantially increase the chances of growth, as there would be no import-export glitches.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-5071 Ambulatory Surgical Centres Market: Key PlayersKey competitors covered in the report include AmSurg Corp., HCA Holdings, Inc., Tenet Healthcare, Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc., Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America, Surgery Partners, Medical Facilities Corporation, Healthway Medical Group and Community Health Systems, Inc.
Aluminum Slugs Market

Aluminum Slugs Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 11:28:30

The global packaging market has introduced an extensive collection of single-serve packaging systems into the market, inferable of the growing request from the working population. Aluminum slugs play a crucial role in the packaging industry with easier, faster, safer, efficient and effective way of impact extrusion of the slug. Aluminum slugs are also eco-friendly and recyclable which gives an advantage over other types of metal slugs. They come in different sizes and can be converted to any shape for the convenience of customers.Aluminum slugs are also rust resistance and lighter which have extended the scope for aluminum slugs market. Aluminum slugs market is expected to get demand from several application segments including food & beverages industries, healthcare, paint industries, pharmaceutical, etc. where slugs are being used.Global Aluminum Slugs- Market Dynamics:The aluminum slugs market is expected to witness a healthy growth over the forecast period due to the rising demand for smaller and convenient slugs for extrusion. Aluminum slugs market is anticipated to be exceptionally concentrated into personal care and beauty products as their end products. Fantastic properties of aluminum slugs, for example, have an extended shelf life and a safe approach to administering a wide assortment of items. In addition, the increase in the per capita disposable income for developing economies and shift in the mindset towards convenient packaging.Rapid industrialization in the field of paint, food & beverages, etc. have seen the increment in spending to offer items by using aluminum slugs. Recyclability properties of aluminum are few of the components to be specified which can drive the development of aluminum slugs market. The increment in power rates which will expand the cost of manufacturing for aluminum directly impact the cost for slugs is the restraint hampering the market for aluminum slugs. Instability in the raw material prices of aluminum combined with stringent norms from local government is also few of the challenges faced by aluminum slugs market.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3877 Global Aluminum Slugs  Key players:Few of the key players in the aluminum slugs market are Ball Corp, Neuman Aluminium Austria GmbH, Impol, d.o.o., Aluminium-Werke Wutoschingen AG & Co.KG , Jindal Aluminium Limited, Haomei Aluminum Co., Ltd., Nansen Industry Co., Ltd., Alucon PCL, Rheinfelden Semis Gmbh & Co. Kg, Aluman Sa.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types, technology and applications.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights : Detailed overview of parent market,Changing market dynamics in the industry,In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintRequest to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3877
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 21:43:40

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 4, 2019 / Alchemist Mining Inc. (CSE: AMS) ("Alchemist" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr. Rascan, a director of the Company, and CEO of Liberty Leaf Holdings, has decided to take payment of the $80,000 in consulting fees that he has accrued, in the form of the Company's common shares. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Rascan will receive 1,600,000 common shares of Alchemist at a deemed value of $0.05 per share."Mr. Rascan's decision to take payment in stock is a great testament to what we are doing and what we have achieved in the last few months, and we thank Will for his on-going support and confidence in the Company and our roadmap," said CEO, Paul Mann.Mr. Rascan stated: "I am excited to be a part of this Company's current trajectory and business plan and I am very positive about its future growth." The closing of the debt settlement is subject to the approval of the CSE Exchange and all common shares issued to Mr. Rascan will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day.On Behalf of the Board,Paul Mann, CEOFor further information on this release, please contact:Sukh Sandhu. V.P. Investor RelationsInvestors@ alchemistinc.ca 604-601-2093About Alchemist Inc.Upon affecting the Fundamental Change as announced on September 25, 2018, Alchemist's goal is to be a global provider of technology solutions to the cannabis sector. It will be primarily focused on investing and building a sustainable portfolio of business entities, by actively identifying opportunities in the developing global cannabis market, through a combination of acquisitions, incubations and investments, with a goal to create shareholder value.NoticeRegarding Forward Looking StatementsNeither 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. This news release may contain 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.SOURCE: Alchemist Mining Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 13:10:39

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African Horse Sickness (AHS) is an acute or mild infection which is non-contagious disease, primarily affecting equine species. The disease is spread by a virus African Horse Sickness Virus (AFSV). African Horse Sickness can cause a mortality rate as high as 95 percent in horses, which are most susceptible to the disease, while mules are less likely, and donkeys are exceptions to African Horse Sickness Disease. A preventive method for African horse sickness treatment is good vaccination program, apart from a good nutritional program and regular deworming which forms an integral part of horse health. Prevention programs are an efficient method and cost effective way to prevent common infectious diseases in a horse.African Horse Sickness Treatment Market: SegmentationAfrican horse sickness disease is found in four clinical forms and the diagnosis and disease symptoms varied from one form to another. On the basis of various clinical forms of the disease, we can segment the market into the following:Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4397 Pulmonary Form or DunkopCardiac Form or DikkopMixed FormHorse Sickness FeverOn the basis of diagnosis of the disease and prevention strategies, we can segment the African horse sickness market into:Diagnosis Tests:Laboratory Tests for Viral AntigensEnzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA)Reverse-transcription PCR assaysSerological TestsPrevention TreatmentVaccinesCurrently, there is no specific therapy for the treatment of African horse treatment disease and prevention of horses from the disease is recommended. The treatment for African horse sickness is recommended from supportive treatment therapy.African Horse Sickness Treatment Market: DynamicsAfrican horse sickness treatment (AHS) market is a growing market for various preventive vaccines in research and development. Additionally, the multivalent, modified-live vaccine does not guarantee the protection of horses from African horse sickness and only decreases the probability of a horse getting the disease.African Horse Sickness Treatment Market: Region-wise OutlookBased on geography, the African horse sickness treatment market can be segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. At present, North America holds a leading position in the African horse sickness treatment market followed by Europe. The major driving factors which have driven the growth of the African horse sickness treatment market in these regions are the presence of guidelines and standard operating procedures for African horse sickness disease. In U.S.A., organizations such as United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), issues standard operating procedures for the African horse sickness disease. Following North America, European countries are also anticipated to show steady growth in the African horse sickness treatment market. In the next few years, Asia-Pacific would show remarkable growth in the African horse sickness treatment market as it is developing at a very rapid pace and has shown the emergence of many regional players. The factors which would fuel the growth of African horse sickness treatment market in Asia-Pacific are increasing awareness regarding vaccination of horses, rising healthcare infrastructure, and rapid development of the healthcare infrastructure across the Asian countries. African horse sickness treatment market would evolve at a rapid rate across the regions. However, North America would maintain its position in the overall African horse sickness treatment market.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4397 African Horse Sickness Treatment Market: Key PlayersIt is expected that with due course of time, there will be an influx of well-established players in the African horse sickness treatment market. One of the top players operating in the African horse sickness treatment market is Onderstepoort Biological Products SOC Ltd which manufactures polyvalent African horse sickness vaccine and is licensed in South Africa. Various institutes are manufacturing vaccine for African horse sickness treatment such as Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute which is based out in Egypt is manufacturing Bivalent Adjuvant Inactivated African Horse Sickness Vaccine for Type 4, 9 strain. African horse sickness treatment market has a presence of many regional players and research institutes manufacturing vaccines which have a huge market share in emerging countries
Addison Disease Testing

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-07 10:42:38

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Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531

Addison disease also called chronic adrenocortical insufficiency occurs because of the damaging of adrenal cortex resulting in insufficient production of hormone cortisol & aldosterone. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as weight loss, decreased appetite, extreme fatigue, hyperpigmentation, low blood pressure and several others. Not treating the disease for the long time results in Addisonian crisis which is a life threatening medical emergency. People suffering from anticoagulants, having cancer, chronic infections, tuberculosis are more likely to be affected by the disease. Doctors look for the medical history and do physical examination as well as various laboratory tests for diagnosing the disease. Idiopathic autoimmune Addison disease is found to be more common in children, females and in the people with age group of 30-50 years. Delaying in diagnosis and treatment of the disease may lead to high chances of morbidity and mortality.Addison disease is considered as rare disease in many parts of the world. The testing service includes a number of laboratory as well as imaging studies.Addison Disease Testing Market: Drivers & RestraintsIncreasing rate of adrenal insufficiency is also increasing cases of Addison diseases and thus increase the testing service market. Increasing government initiatives in improving the healthcare sector and providing access to large population with the diagnostic service facilities increases the market. Furthermore, increase in the number of private diagnostic service providers, will in turn increase the overall testing service market. Limitation of accessing the healthcare facilities in various parts of the globe curbs the market to grow. The ignorance of symptoms and lack of healthcare facilities for every segment of society also restricts the market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4296 Addison Disease Testing Market: SegmentationSegmentation by Testing TypeLaboratory TestingComprehensive metabolic panelThyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levelsACTH stimulation testInsulin-induced hypoglycemia testAutoantibody testingProlactin testingImaging StudiesChest radiographComputed tomography (CT) scanSegmentation by End UserHospitalsClinicsDiagnostics LaboratoriesAddison Disease Testing Market: OverviewThe average incidence rate of Addison disease is roughly three in 1 million population in the world and is considered as one of the rare disease, however variation can be seen in different regions. Recently, The Endocrine Society has also issued its first ever clinical practice guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of primary adrenal insufficiency. Huge competition in the market is due to the increased number of service providers. High efficiency and less price on the testing service are the factors for survival in the market.Addison Disease Testing Market: Region-wise OutlookNorth America is owing to high concerns for human health and growing awareness with the benefit of government initiative in this direction, thus represents a largest market for the testing services. This is followed by Europe because of higher prevalence rate and good diagnostic services available in the region. Asia pacific is expected to be the highest growing market in the world because of higher risk factors of developing the disease as well as increasing healthcare and diagnostic services in the region. Middle East and African region also have the opportunities for the testing service market but require investments in the sector.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4296 Addison Disease Testing Market Treatment Market: Key PlayersSome of the players in the Addison Disease Testing service market involves Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc., Any Lab Test Now, Dr Lal PathLabs, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Sonora Quest Laboratories, Core Diagnostics Private Limited, Ayumetrix and others.
Our top intelligence officials presented their unclassified threat assessment at a January 29 hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats testified with CIA Director Gina Haspel, Defense Intelligence Agency director Robert Ashley, National Security Agency director Paul Nakasone, and National Geospatial Agency director Robert Cardillo. According to Coats et al. (as Jeff Jacboy put it in his emailed Boston Globe Arguable column), the world looks rather different from the one President Trump tends to describe.

President Trump reacted to the media reports on Twitter in his usual fashion. He was not amused. His Twitter outburst, however, did not constitute his last word on the subject. On Sunday he responded on Face the Nation in the course of his interview with Margaret Brennan. The transcript is posted here. Quotable quote: I am going to trust the intelligence [officials] that Im putting there, but I will say this: my intelligence people, if they said in fact that Iran is a wonderful kindergarten, I disagree with them 100 percent.

I didnt really understand what was happening until I read Fred Fleitzs column Its time to end unclassified threat briefings. It provides necessary context.

Here I want to limit my comments to Iran. According to the threat assessment, Iran continues to abide by the JCPOA agreement from which we have exited thanks to President Trump. The JCPOA was the crowning humiliation of the United States administered by President Obama and Secretary Kerry. The lies and deceptions they perpetrated to promote it dwarf Trumps wayward way with the truth. I remain grateful that he was moved beyond criticism to undo our participation in it.

Among other things, threat assessment testimony omitted any reference to the monumental intelligence coup pulled off by Israel with the capture of a treasure trove of documents from Irans nuclear archive. I should think that it might bear on the current intelligence assessment.

As it happens, just a few days before the intelligence chiefs testimony last week, Iranian nuclear majordomo Ali Akbar Salehi had discussed Irans subversion of the JCPOA on Iranian television. Salehi bragged about deceptive pictures of cement poured down the Arak plutonium reactors core (as required by the JCPOA agreement). Salehi revealed that the photographs had been photoshopped.

Salehi added that Iran did pour concrete down the pipes of the heavy water reactor, but only after replacement pipes had been procured. The invaluable MEMRI posted Salehis remarks (video here, transcript here, tweet below). In the video, Salehi is bursting his buttons with pride in the measures taken to circumvent the requirements of the JCPOA. Check it out.

Iran's Nuclear Chief Salehi: We Had Secretly Purchased Replacements for Nuclear Equipment That the JCPOA Had Required Us to Destroy; Yellowcake Production Facilities are Operational; We Are Advancing in Nuclear Propulsion https://t.co/s6Vr8dcwe5  Scott Johnson (@scottwjohnson) February 5, 2019

Last week IDF Lt. Col. (retired) Michael Segall of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs provided his own assessment. According to Segall, Iran continues with its nuclear activities unabated. Segall drew on Salehis remarks to note the points above while adding that Salehi said he was thankful to Allah for the way in which the discussions relating to the technical aspects of the nuclear talks were conducted, as they left so many breaches in the agreement that Iran was able to exploit.

Iran has lost nothing as a result of signing the agreement, Salehi continued, and history will prove this. We have preserved our capabilities in the field of enrichment. We arecontinuing to manufacture new centrifuges. We are doing everything we need to do. Iranian compliance with the JCPOA, if true, therefore seems to be meaningless.

Today the the Wall Street Journal caught up with Salehis comments (editorial here on Outline), though the Journal states that the estimate of Iranian compliance is technically true. (The editorial doesnt mention the photoshopped photographs.) One can only wonder whether the CIA has anyone monitoring Irans Channel 4 and, if so, what it makes of Salehis comments.

ON A RELATED NOTE: Obama lied repeatedly to Israel about our intentions with Iran. See Michael Orens memoir Ally. Obama and Kerry also knifed Israel in the back with the assistance of Samantha Power at the United Nations on their way out the door. Speaking this past Tuesday night at Sutton Place Synagogue in New York City, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer addressed our withdrawal from the JCPOA in these terms: That has been, to my mind, the single most important decision that any U.S. president has made that affects the national security of the State of Israel. The only other decision that is close is a decision that Nixon made in 1973 to re-arm us Im sure people have big disagreements with President Trump on a lot of issues, but on this decision, President Trump took that decision against the wishes of his Secretary of State at the time, Secretary of Defense at the time, National Security Advisor at the time, and all the allies Thats why I have a great deal of respect for the boldness of making this decision that is so critical for our security.
We now know who it is that has accused Justin Fairfax, Virginias lieutenant governor, of sexual assault. The accuser is Vanessa Tyson. Shes a professor of politics at Scripps College in California and a fellow at Stanfords Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences.

Tyson describes herself as a proud Democrat, which suggests (but does not prove) she has no motive to make false allegations against a rising star Democrat.

This is another distinction between Tysons allegation against Fairfax and Christine Blasey Fords allegation against Bret Kavanaugh. Ford is a Democrat who accused a Republican who was on his way to becoming the Supreme Courts fifth conservative.

Tyson, through her legal team, has released a statement detailing what she says happened between her and Fairfax back in 2004 and explaining why she didnt come forward earlier. Here are some of the key passages:

What began as consensual kissing quickly turned into a sexual assault. Mr. Fairfax put his hand behind my neck and forcefully pushed my head towards his crotch. Only then did I realize that he had unbuckled his belt, unzipped his pants, and taken out his penis. He then forced his penis into my mouth. Utterly shocked and terrified, I tried to move my head away, but could not because his hand was holding down my neck and he was much stronger than me. As I cried and gagged, Mr. Fairfax forced me to perform oral sex on him. I cannot believe, given my obvious distress, that Mr. Fairfax thought this forced sexual act was consensual. To be very clear, I did not want to engage in oral sex with Mr. Fairfax and I never gave any form of consent. Quite the opposite. I consciously avoided Mr. Fairfax for the remainder of the Convention and I never spoke to him again. After the assault, I suffered from both deep humiliation and shame. I did not speak about it for years, and I (like most survivors) suppressed those memories and emotions as a necessary means to continue my studies, and to pursue my goal of building a successful career as an academic. . . . Years later, in October of 2017, I saw a picture of Mr. Fairfax accompanying an article in The Root about his campaign for Lt. Governor in Virginia. The image hit me like a ton of bricks, triggering buried traumatic memories and the feelings of humiliation Id felt so intensely back in 2004. Prior to reading the article, I had not followed Mr. Fairfaxs career and did not know that he was seeking public office. Unsure of what to do, I felt it was crucial to tell close friends of mine in Virginia, who were voters, about the assault. . . . By December 2017, I not only told many friends that Mr. Fairfax had sexually assaulted me but I also reached out to a personal friend at The Washington Post and spoke to his colleague about the assault. After The Washington Post decided in March 2018 not to run my story, I felt powerless, frustrated, and completely drained. Again I tried to bury memories of this painful incident and focus on my work and my students. On Friday, February 1, 2019, as stories appeared in the media suggesting that Governor Northam would have to resign and that Mr. Fairfax would be sworn in as Governor, I felt a jarring sense of both outrage and despair. That night I vented my frustration on Facebook in a message that I wrote as a private post.

This triggered the chain of events that led to Tysons accusation against Fairfax becoming public and publicized. Tyson concludes:

Since October 2017 when I first began telling friends about the assault, I have never wavered in my account because I am telling the truth. I have no political motive. I am a proud Democrat. My only motive in speaking now is to refute Mr. Fairfaxs falsehoods and aspersions of my character, and to provide what I believe is important information for Virginians to have as they make critical decisions that involve Mr. Fairfax. With tremendous anguish, I am now sharing this information about my experience and setting the record straight. It has been extremely difficult to relive that traumatic experience from 2004. Mr. Fairfax has tried to brand me as a liar to a national audience, in service to his political ambitions, and has threatened litigation. Given his false assertions, Im compelled to make clear what happened. I very much wish to resume my life as an academic and professor. I do not want to get further embroiled in this highly charged political environment.

(Emphasis added)

Tyson has now made credible allegations of sexual assault, to use the phrase employed by the mainstream media when the allegations are against figures the media dislikes or disagrees with politically. The credible allegation standard has been adopted by the #MeToo movement. Under that standard, it is now Fairfaxs burden to prove he didnt sexually assault Tyson.

I have never subscribed to the credible allegation standard. I think the burden is still on Tysons team to present corroborating evidence, presumably in the form of another victim.

But Virginia Democrats need to understand that if Northam steps down or is removed, the governor Virginia will be, by the standards of the #MeToo movement and quite possibly even in reality, a sexual predator.
Glenn Reynolds notes the Washington Post editorial calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. According to the Post: [Northams] shifting and credulity-shredding explanations for the racist photograph on his medical school yearbook page, and the silence into which he then succumbed for days  after initially promising to do the hard work of atonement and apology to restore his standing with Virginians  is simply too much.

Glenn responds (my italics): Hey, WaPo editorial board  remember how you pushed Northam as some sort of racial healer, while gleefully spreading the bullshit claims that longtime milquetoast GOP pol Ed Gillespie was some sort of Stormfront stalking horse? Maybe you should resign, too, hacks. Dont try to pretend this is just about the rottenness of Virginias Democratic Party. Youre part of the rot yourselves.

Before we move on, here for the record is the 2017 Washington Post editorial endorsement supporting Glenns analysis.
Posted Thursday, February 7, 2019 10:16 am

The previously anonymous tenant for Centralias incoming grocery distribution center has finally revealed itself  United Natural Foods, Incorporated.

Developer Tom OKeefe, CEO of OKeefe Development, announced Wednesday that UNFI is the tenant for the companys $100 million grocery distribution center, located in the Port of Centralia Park I.

Its a neat company and a neat story in terms of what they do in the community, OKeefe said. ... Their whole idea of delivering organic, sustainable food types is a big part of their corporate culture.

In October 2018, UNFI acquired SUPERVALU  another food wholesaler and the original company OKeefe began building the distribution center for  in a $2.9 billion deal. UNFI, combined with SUPERVALU, is the largest publicly-traded grocery distributor in the U.S., with expected sales of over $21 billion, according to a press release from the company.

UNFI plans to consolidate its five distribution centers in the Pacific Northwest into the one currently under construction in Centralia and one that it is expanding in Ridgefield. According to the press release from the company, once the two distribution centers are complete, UNFI plans to close its warehouses in Tacoma, Portland and Auburn.

OKeefe said the company informed employees at the Portland and Tacoma warehouses on Tuesday.

According to OKeefes contract with the tenant, UNFI will be inside the building by July. However, OKeefe said he would like to deliver the building at the end of May or in June.

OKeefe also said that while he previously expected UNFI to bring about 350 jobs to the area, he now believes the number will be significantly higher than that.

Officially, right now, they are still pegging the number at 350 people, but they think it will be more, OKeefe said.

When The Chronicle asked a spokesperson for UNFI how many people the company expects to employ at the Centralia location, the spokesperson wrote back with the following statement:

Weve just announced our plans and have begun discussions with associates at our Portland, Tacoma, and Auburn facilities about the job opportunities and their interest in joining us in Centralia, the statement reads. Were excited about our role in the Centralia community and the jobs we will bring to the area as we will need a great workforce to help operate this facility. Well begin the hiring process in the near future and will share details at that time. We expect to begin receiving goods later this summer and shipping to customers this fall.

OKeefe announced the tenant at a private reception with community members, as well as city and county officials at the grocery distribution center site. OKeefe showed attendees aerial video footage of the distribution center and took everyone on a virtual tour of the building and site.

The project is so large that OKeefe Development used two different contractors. OKeefe said Poe Construction is the main contractor, building the dry warehouse and doing all of the site work. The second contractor, Bethlehem Construction, is based in Cashmere and specializes in cooler and freezer building, OKeefe said.

OKeefe said Centralia is a great location for the distribution center because of its proximity to Seattle and Portland.

Those are the two markets of the Northwest that they send their cornflakes to, so that was a big part of it, OKeefe said. The second part of it (is) the size of the site was great.  In first place is I gave them such a hell of a deal  for a 20-year lease with options that they would have been foolish not to do it.

The grocery distribution center is a more than $100 million project, located at 4002 Galvin Road in Centralia. The site is approximately 1.2 million square feet on about 77 acres.
The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Secretary of Labor Alex Acostas role in negotiating a disgraceful plea deal with Jeffrey Epstein, who has been accused of molesting dozens of underage girls. Thanks to Acosta, then the U.S. attorney in South Florida, Epstein, who could have faced life imprisonment for sex trafficking, managed to plead to only two state prostitution charges.

Epstein served served just 13 months in state prison, where he was housed in a private wing at the Palm Beach County jail and allowed work release privileges. Epsteins year of incarceration reportedly included trips to New York and the Virgin Islands.

The Department of Justices decision to investigate the Epstein-Acosta deal is the result of Sen. Ben Sasses efforts. In early December, after the Miami Herald reported on the scandalous deal, Sasse sent a letter to the DOJ requesting an inquiry into the investigation and subsequent plea deal. He has continued to bang that drum. Now, the DOJs Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has informed Sasse that it will investigate.

Unfortunately, the OPR has limited power. For example, it apparently lacks the ability to subpoena witnesses.

Ideally, the DOJs inspector general, Michael Horowitz, would investigate the Epstein-Acosta deal. Horowitz has said he would like to investigate, but that for this to happen, Congress will have to change the law to give him that power.

Congress should do so. The inspector general general should have this power, not just for the Epstein-Acosta matter, but in general.

In any case, the scandal over this matter isnt going away. It has too many juicy angles. Check out this breathless three minute report by NBC News to see what I mean.

Expect Sen. Sasse to continue applying pressure. It would be nice if other Republicans joined him. Loyalty to President Trump need not extend to protecting a Secretary of Labor who gave a sweetheart deal to a pedophile.

Indeed, I find it stunning that, with all the original members of the Trump cabinet who have moved on, Acosta, who has done little if anything to advance a conservative agenda, remains in place.
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Carl Hessler Jr. is a multi-media reporter who writes about crime and justice from the Montgomery County Courthouse for 21st Century Media Newspapers Greater Philadelphia area publications. Follow Carl on Twitter: @MontcoCourtNews
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Evan Brandt has been a staff reporter for The Mercury for more than 20 years. He covers municipal, school district, political, state government, federal government and environmental news.
Opposition is "due to the fact that this is an organization of color. "My concern is not with the Elks, but with the attitude of this community. If this request was being made three blocks away, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

-- Bishop Everett Debnam, Invictus Ministries Inc.

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"The township is at the point where shelters are needed as many residents use public transportation." -- Limerick Supervisor Thomas Neafcy

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Terry Thomas is a wildlife biologist and naturalist. You can read more of his work on his website, www.nature-track.com , or pick up a copy of, The Best of Nature, a collection of more than 100 of Thomass best nature essays at the Post Register. Follow him on Facebook, Nature-track.
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Benson Guam Enterprises Inc. was cited by the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration for failing to secure stored materials that resulted in the death of one of its workers.

This companys failure to comply with materials handling and storage requirements led to this preventable tragedy, said OSHA Honolulu Area Office Director Roger Forstner. Following safety procedures is essential for protecting employees safety.

Sofar Pwechar, 56, died from injuries he sustained when unloading wooden doors in a cargo container.

OSHA cited the company for exposing employees to struck-by hazards and failing to secure stored materials to prevent accidental movement or shifting, provide a place of employment free from recognized hazards, and conduct performance evaluations of powered industrial truck operators at least once every three years.

The company faces $16,575 in penalties and has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference, or contest the findings before a review commission.
A Post-Native Perspective

I have a confession to make. For many years, Ive blamed my inability to hang out with people on cats. Gotta go, Im allergic to them. That was me. Read more
When it comes to beer, what it tastes like is the most important thing.

But what about the names of the beer? They can be as creative and intriguing as the brews themselves. And if they have a good story behind them? Even better.

Take LTS for instance.

"Most of our beers are named for concepts or ideas loosely associated with our "Lifes Too Short" motto," LTS co-owner Brandon Schulz said. "There are a few others that have different inspiration. Our CTRL+ALT+DELETE beer name comes from the PC computer world, where that key sequence is used to break out of a misbehaving program or, in some cases, to restart the computer entirely."

Kinney Creek founder and brewer Donovan Seitz said their offering, Sunny Days, hearkens back to his homebrew days.

"It was one of my original homebrews that my wife named as we were sitting on the deck, having that beer on a sunny day," Seitz recalled. "The name will always remind (us) of sunny days."

Sometimes the names are a little less casual. While some people want politics to stay out of business, others realize that cant happen, and never has. And more importantly, that it shouldnt.

Foragers head brewer Austin Jevne says the restaurant/brewery will name an upcoming beer Freedom of Peach to call attention to the current socio-political climate.

"We live in a great country with a wonderful and beautiful spectrum of diversity, which makes America great," Jevne says. "We are fortunate to all have a voice and I am hoping to keep it that way. I believe we as Americans should invest in children and their education, our crumbling infrastructure, the arts and sciences. I think we as a nation should tear down the walls of fear and hate before building them based off those same emotions."

Beer can be fun, political, or personal. For Little Thistle, one of its beers is an ode to the head brewers family.

Once upon a time, co-founder and head brewer Steve Finnies great-great-grandmother saved 15 sailors from a thrashing ocean during a Scottish storm.

"She heard screaming and ran to the beach," Finnie explained. "The fishermen threw her a line. She dove into the freezing cold North Sea, grabbed the line, made it back to the beach, and wrapped the line around her waist. All 15 fishermen made it to shore. One of the fishermen wrote a poem about her entitled, "A Brave Woman." Its also such a fitting name for the world were living in right now."

Thus, the Brave Woman ale at Little Thistle  on tap now.

Whatever the name or the reason behind it, chances are the brewer naming it has a story to tell.

"Naming beers is fun, but its actually really difficult because beer-related references for naming beers are all taken," Little Thistle co-founder Dawn Finnie said. "We use a combination of fun names, names that relate to the beer style, and sometimes just the beer style, because we cant come up with anything interesting."

Labels and words help tell the story of the beer, though it is the liquid inside that finishes the journey.
FARIBAULT, Minn.  Randal Hauptmanns apartment door in Monterey, Calif., opened up to the beach, with temperatures ranging in the 50s and 60s during the winter. Still, he moved to Faribault.

He left bagged-salad pioneer Fresh Express after more than a decade to take a position as chief science officer for Living Greens Farm, convinced he was getting ahead of the curve in the farming industry.

Living Greens Farm, an indoor farm in an industrial park, has been in Faribault since 2012.

The company uses aeroponics to grow lettuce, microgreens and herbs vertically and make better use of space. In its 7,000-square-foot space, it produces a harvest of 1,500 plants every four weeks.

Hauptmann said everyone in Faribault has been "very friendly" and said its a "great place to live," but he wouldnt be here if he wasnt convinced indoor farming is the future of the industry.

"I came here because of the opportunity," he said. "I am convinced this is the future and its the right technology."

Within the next year, Living Greens hopes to tighten its grip on that industry and become a world leader.

The Living Greens facility has two grow rooms, the equivalent of 30 Minnesota acres in 7,000 square feet. The new grow room, which opens Feb. 22, will be the equivalent of 75 acres.

That additional production will allow the company to expand its reach. It currently sells its products in Minnesota, Wisconsin and some parts of Iowa, but the plan is to expand as far as Chicago and St. Louis, CEO/Chairman Dana Anderson said.

Anderson, who started the now 25-employee company out of his garage in 2010, said the goals are even bigger than that. With its patents, aeroponics use and years in the relatively new industry, he has big things in mind for Living Greens.

"All of those things really point to us as a company thats really primed to lead the industry," he said. "Were not just looking to be a 30-person employer in this farm. This is our first farm and its where we have our home office, but were working on global projects."

Within a year, Anderson said he expects the farm in Faribault will be the largest indoor farm in the world. Once the new grow room is up and running, plans are in place to expand.

Living Greens is on 5 acres in the industrial park, leaving it room to continue to build. With that could come additional product offerings such as melons, peppers and more, Anderson said.

"We are making improvements and discoveries daily in regard to energy efficiency, lighting, growth of the plants  many, many different things," Hauptmann said. "The innovation pipeline is so full we cant keep up with it."

Indoor growing advantages

Growing in greenhouses isnt new, Anderson said, but growing the way Living Greens does is. With climate controls, plants can grow on the equator or North Pole, he said.

It also reduces the amount of land and water use, and reduces the risk of disease, Anderson said. By its own estimates, the farm uses 200 times less land and 95 percent less water.

The farm does not use herbicides, pesticides or chemicals. Theres no risk of contamination from birds or other animals since the farm is indoors, so the product is free from those potential hazards, Anderson and Hauptmann said.

Quicker and fresher

Its also fresher. According to 2002 research from Iowa State University s Leopold Center for Sustainable Architecture, the average distance traveled by romaine lettuce arriving at the Chicago Terminal Market was 2,143 miles, with few states supplying the product. When grown in Minnesota, it can be on a store shelf in the Midwest much quicker.

On a day with winds howling and snow falling outside, Living Greens plants were growing like it was summertime. Hauptmann picked up a bag of lettuce he had purchased recently for a test. On it, the package showed it was harvested in Arizona on Dec. 30, nearly three weeks earlier.

"Who wants to eat lettuce three weeks old? Were on the store shelf the very next day," Anderson said. "We have incredible shelf life and taste."
Looks like it's political free speech in South Carolina to call yourself an ocean engineer even when you aren't working as one.

In an overriding example of First Amendment protection, Charleston's recently elected Democratic congressman, Joe Cunningham, can continue calling himself an ocean engineer.

The state agency responsible for regulating professional licenses has dismissed multiple complaints against Cunningham for his use of the term "ocean engineer" in his 2018 political ads and campaign materials.

According to an email obtained by The Post and Courier, the S.C. Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors declined to pursue disciplinary action or formal charges.

The recommendation to disregard the objections came from investigators at the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, according to the email from LLR attorney Donnell Jennings.

LLR spokeswoman Lesia Kudelka declined to comment, citing state law that imposes a confidentiality requirement on board proceedings. While final board decisions are posted publicly, Kudelka said dismissals and private reprimands are not.

Cunningham does not have a professional engineers license in South Carolina, and never obtained one when he moved to the Palmetto State in 2014.

What Cunningham does have, according to his lawyer Jim Griffin, is constitutional protection.

"The basis for their decision not to go forward with any of it is that all of this was political speech," said Griffin, a Columbia attorney who has represented licensing disputes for health care professionals in the state.

"In this case, the term was being used in a noncommercial matter," Griffin said. "He was running for office."

Cunningham's use of the engineering label isn't unique and was recently debated in court. In December, a federal magistrate judge in Oregon ruled a man who held a degree in engineering from Sweden could call himself an engineer after the state's licensing board fined him for doing so after citing his lack of a professional engineer license in Oregon.

"Unlike 'M.D.' or 'certified public accountant,' there is no fixed meaning to the title 'engineer,'" U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman wrote in her 25-page written ruling.

She continued, "Courts have long recognized that the term 'engineer' has a generic meaning separate from 'professional engineer,' and that the term has enjoyed 'widespread usage in job titles in our society to describe positions which require no professional training.'"

Griffin cited that case ruling as being pivotal in LLR's decision not to pursue further investigation.

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In one of his TV ads, Cunningham invoked his experience as an ocean engineer while treading water in a wet suit.

"As an ocean engineer, I've spent a lot of time on the water and in it. And Ive always opposed offshore drilling, Cunningham said in the 30-second TV spot.

The claim drew ire from James Island engineer Keane Steele, who filed one of the complaints against Cunningham. Repeated attempts to reach Steele for comment by phone and email about the LLR's decision to dismiss the complaints were unsuccessful.

Cunningham told The Post and Courier he was glad the matter has been settled.

"Politics can be incredibly petty and these frivolous complaints were just that," he said. "The people of the Lowcountry are tired of political stunts from their leaders, and I'm glad voters chose not to fall for this one."

Political speech historically has been constitutionally protected against challenges under the First Amendment, and gives candidates broad protections about what they can say while running for office. In 2014, federal courts struck down an Ohio law that banned lying in political campaigns and gave the Ohio Elections Commission the power to determine whether disputed claims were true or false.

"There is no clear way to determine whether a political statement is a lie or the truth, and we certainly do not want the government deciding what is political truth," U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Black wrote in his ruling on the case.

As for candidates inflating parts of their resume while downplaying others, that's just politics.

"Candidates have always pushed the envelope in any way that increases their appeal among voters," said Jeri Cabot, College of Charleston dean of Students, whose expertise includes South Carolina politics and the media.

"If you once had some training, what's wrong with saying you had that training?" Cabot continued, who then invoked her own resume to make her point.

She has a Ph.D. in political science but is now working in the college's Office of the Dean of Students.

"But it doesn't negate the training I've had," she said.

Before becoming an attorney in South Carolina, Cunningham was an engineer intern in Florida, as well as a project engineer. Cunningham also has a degree in ocean engineering from Florida Atlantic University.
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For parents of children with special needs, its about utilizing local resources
Isaac Woodard just wanted to get home and see his wife.

Hed been in the Army more than three years, a longshoreman for the Pacific fleet in the waning days of World War II.

Finally, on Feb. 12, 1946, he was on a Greyhound bus bound for Winnsboro. But he wouldnt make it  or ever see his wife again.

Because he was Black, Woodard wasnt allowed to fight during the war, but the decorated soldier would become one of the most infamous casualties of an ugly chapter in American history.

That night, Woodard asked the bus driver for a bathroom break just outside of Aiken. The driver was rude to him, later claiming the soldier was drunk and disturbing other passengers. Woodard took umbrage, but didnt make a scene. When the bus stopped in Batesburg, however, the driver called the police. Woodard  still wearing his Army dress uniform  protested hed done nothing wrong. But he was beaten and arrested.

And just outside the jail, the police chief took his blackjack and gouged out Woodards eyes.

The story shocked the country, and ultimately led President Truman to desegregate the military. But more than 70 years later, almost no one in the town where it happened knew about Woodards plight until researchers requested records pertaining to the incident.

Such stories arent proudly passed down from one generation to the next. Unlike some small Southern towns, which often ignore the troublesome elements of their past, Batesburg-Leesville (the two towns merged in 1993) has embraced Woodards tragedy and tried to make amends.

In June, the town expunged the sergeants 73-year-old criminal record. Our Town Attorney Chris Spradley, Police Chief W. Wallace Oswald and Town Judge Robert Cook got together, reopened the case and dismissed the charges against Isaac Woodard, Mayor Lancer Shull says. Although Sgt. Woodard died in 1992 and has no direct descendants, we wanted to do something to make it right. As right as it can be.

It is more justice than Woodard ever got in life. After his beating, Batesburgs municipal court sentenced Woodard to 30 days in jail and fined him $50 before Police Chief Lynwood Shull (no relation to the current mayor) hurriedly delivered him to a veterans hospital in Columbia.

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His family found him three weeks later, blind and suffering from partial amnesia. Woodards wife left him, unwilling to face a life as caregiver. Woodards parents took him to New York.

Because South Carolina officials refused to prosecute the chief, Truman ordered the Justice Department to charge Shull with violating Woodards civil rights.

Charleston Judge Waties Waring presided over that case and, like Truman, was appalled by Shulls inevitable acquittal. It drove the judge into civil rights advocacy, culminating in a plot that eventually forced the U.S. Supreme Court to desegregate public schools in Brown v. Board of Education.

Ted Luckadoo, town manager of Batesburg-Leesville, says the community has been talking about the significance of Woodards story to the history of the civil rights movement, most people amazed to learn that such a horrific incident occurred on their streets. On Saturday, the town, which is 35 miles west of Columbia, will join with veterans groups to dedicate a historical marker to the Blinding of Isaac Woodard on the site of the old jail, which is now an empty lot.

Don North, a former Army major and military historian, led the charge to erect the marker along with help from U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel, whos just published a book about the Woodard case, Unexampled Courage. The state approved the wording of the marker, and the town signed on as a sponsor.

We jumped at the chance to be a part of this, Luckadoo says. Its time to right the wrong and commemorate the progress that resulted from this.

The president of the Disabled American Veterans will attend the ceremony, and says other vets from around the country will take part. The town bought a plane ticket for Woodards nephew, who cared for his uncle, to come from New York.

Judge Gergel, who often presides from the same bench where Waring once held court, says hes been amazed by the thoughtful and empathetic reaction of the town. They just thought it was the right thing to do, and everything theyve done has been exemplary, Gergel says. You never know how good people can be.

No, but Batesburg-Leesville is setting an example for the rest of the country.

Reach Brian Hicks at bhicks@postandcourier.com.
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The bad news for Donald Trumps approval rating keeps getting worse. A new Morning Consult poll released today shows that in January Trump had the worst monthly approval rating of his presidency.

The report from Morning Consults Trump Tracker found a record-low 40 percent of respondents saying they approved of the president.

A majority of participants 55 percent  also said that they disapprove of the presidents performance, which is also a monthly record.

The number of Republicans participating in the poll who said they approve of Trump is also at a low point. It is still a large majority at 83 percent, but Trump is used to over 90% of Republicans giving him favorable approval ratings.

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The Morning Consult survey was conducted among a very large number of American voters (156,104) throughout the month of January. This, of course, was when the longest-ever government shutdown was taking place, and every poll showed that the majority of Americans blamed Trump for the shutdown, due to his unreasonable demand for southern border wall funding.

During January was also when Democrats took control of the House and when Trump harshly criticized (and was contradicted by) his intelligence leaders on foreign policy. Both Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and CIA Director Gina Haspel contradicted Trumps foreign policy conclusions on North Korea, Iran and ISIS.

The new poll also analyzed responses based on what states the participants reside in. This analysis showed that a majority of voters in 27 states said they disapprove of Trump, while a majority of voters in just 12 states say they approve of his performance.

These results do not bode well for Trumps prospects of being re-elected as president in 2020.

Other polls taken in January also showed Trump with historically low approval ratings. One especially disturbing poll for Trump, from Quinnipiac, indicated that he has fallen into negative territory on economic issues, as more voters disapprove than approve of his handling of the economy right now. A poll from POLITICO two weeks ago showed him with record high disapproval ratings. And an AP poll from mid-January showed that Trumps approval rating had fallen six points lower than the lowest approval rating ever given to President Barack Obama.

As another shutdown looms, as the Mueller probe intensifies, and as House Democrats begin new investigations into Trump and his family, it is almost certain that Trumps approval will continue to plummet. Dont be surprised if at some point in the near future his approval rating hits new lows, possibly falling into the 20s.

If Trump is accused of crimes in coming months, and if his approval ratings continue to fall, dont be surprised if Republicans in Congress give up on him. The Trump presidency is a sinking ship, and very few people in Washington will want to go down with him.
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Yesterday House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff announced a broad investigation by his committee into all aspects of Donald Trump, opening up an intense and prolonged battle between Congress and the White House.

The statement released by Schiff stated that it would continue the Russian probe but would also include an examination into whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Donald Trump, his family, his business or his associates.

In response, Trump on Thursday posted a strange rant on Twitter attacking House Democrats for expanding their investigations into his personal businesses.

So now Congressman Adam Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so, Trump wrote on Twitter. Never happened before! Unlimited Presidential Harassment The Dems and their committees are going nuts.

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The president then made an even stranger statement about Democrats stealing White House employees while pursuing their investigations.

The Republicans never did this to President Obama, there would be no time left to run government, he wrote. I hear other committee heads will do the same thing. Even stealing people who work at White House! A continuation of Witch Hunt!

So now Congressman Adam Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so. Never happened before! Unlimited Presidential Harassment.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 7, 2019

.The Dems and their committees are going nuts. The Republicans never did this to President Obama, there would be no time left to run government. I hear other committee heads will do the same thing. Even stealing people who work at White House! A continuation of Witch Hunt!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 7, 2019

Schiffs announcement yesterday came one day after Trump slammed Democrats for ridiculous partisan investigations in his State of the Union address. Early Wednesday morning Schiff said he would not be intimidated by the president when he discussed with the media his plans for a sweeping investigation into Russias election interference and Trumps finances.

Trump responded by blasting Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) as a political hack whos trying to build a name for himself and as having no basis for launching the probe. Its just presidential harassment, and its unfortunate and it really does hurt our country, Trump told reporters in the White House after hearing about Schiffs announcement.

As if Schiffs Wednesday announcement wasnt enough to make Trump crazy, House Democrats will hold their first hearing Thursday on his tax returns.

Democratic lawmakers want to see Trumps tax returns to ensure hes complying with tax laws and untangle his financial connections, but administration officials and other Republicans are threatening to oppose any efforts to examine those documents, reported Bloomberg.

On MSNBC this morning, Morning Joe co-host Joe Scarborough laughed out loud in response to what Trump tweeted. He said:

Just for a little comic relief, we have a tweet from the president of the United States.

The tweets were then read aloud and Scarborough stopped after the complaint about Obama, saying:

All right, lets just stop right there. Where was he? This Benghazi investigation, how long did it go on? They literally kept it going until Hillary Clintons campaign was over. For four years they investigated.

CLICK HERE to watch the Morning Joe video on YouTube.
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By Valerie Volcovici

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  Rising Democratic star Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Democratic Senator Ed Markey on Thursday laid out the goals of a Green New Deal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in 10 years, setting a high bar for Democrats, who plan to make climate change a central issue in the 2020 presidential race.

The resolution is the first formal attempt by lawmakers to define the scale of legislation to create large-scale government-led investments in clean energy and infrastructure to transform the U.S. economy.

The platform outlines more-aggressive climate and socioeconomic goals than sweeping climate change legislation introduced by Markey a decade ago, which passed in the House but stopped short in the Senate.

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The Green New Deal fully tackles the existential threat posed by climate change by presenting a comprehensive, 10-year plan that is as big as the problem it hopes to solve while creating a new era of shared prosperity, according to a summary of the resolution released by the lawmakers on Thursday.

Ocasio-Cortez said she will immediately begin to work on legislation that would fully flesh out the projects involved in the Green New Deal.

Republicans have been quick to criticize the initiative, waving off any kind of proposal as heavy-handed. The Trump administration does not believe action on climate change is necessary and is focused on increasing production of oil, gas and coal on federal and private land.

Doug Lamborn, a Republican from Colorado, said at a climate change hearing in the House natural resources committee on Wednesday that the policy was akin to a Soviet five-year plan.

The non-binding resolution outlines several goals for the United States, including meeting 100 percent of power demand from zero-emission energy sources.

The goals outlined in the Green New Deal respond to the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which said global temperatures must be kept less than 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels to avoid the most severe impacts of a changing climate, its authors said.

The plan also calls for new projects to modernize U.S. transportation infrastructure, de-carbonize the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, make buildings and homes more energy efficient and increase land preservation.

The Green New Deal also aims to create an economic safety net for frontline communities that will be affected by the impacts of climate change and by a radical shift away from fossil fuel use. In addition, it calls for universal healthcare and federal job and training guarantees.

We need to be sure that workers currently employed in fossil fuel industries have higher-wages and better jobs available to them to be able to make this transition, and a federal jobs guarantee ensures that no worker is left behind, according to a summary of the plan.

The Green New Deal was put into the media spotlight by a youth coalition called the Sunrise Movement and Ocasio-Cortez, 29, the youngest woman to serve in Congress.

Members of the group have already put pressure on Democratic presidential hopefuls over the last few weeks.

Sunrise activists showed up at California Senator Kamala Harris presidential campaign launch last month and dropped a banner urging her to back the Green New Deal. Sunrise activists also showed up with signs and banners at a recent event in New York for former Texas Congressman Beto ORourke.

Harris and other Democratic presidential hopefuls  Senators Corey Booker, Bernie Sanders, Jeff Merkley, Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand  as well as Julian Castro and independent Michael Bloomberg, have endorsed the Green New Deal concept, without outlining specific policies.

Sunrise activists will turn their attention to members of Congress next week and urge them to support the resolution. If they fail to support the resolution by Feb. 26, the group said its members plan to storm their offices, hold rallies and make it clear that young people are ready to hold our politicians feet to the fire.

Greg Carlock, Green New Deal director of think tank Data for Progress, said lawmakers who seek middle ground policies that fall short of Green New Deal goals will lose youth support in future elections.

The GND movement are way smarter than that  they will not accept vague endorsements, Carlock told Reuters.

(Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Nick Macfie and Dan Grebler)
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Opinion by PoliticusUSAs Editor-in-Chief Sarah Jones.

Nothing to be alarmed about, but oh, hey, The Daily Beast has an exclusive up about the president of New Yorks Metropolitan Republican Club who advises a far-right group in Germany that endorses shooting migrants, forgetting the Holocaust, and is Nazi-friendly.

No, really.

The new president of New Yorks Metropolitan Republican Club says he advises a far-right group in Germany that is Nazi-friendly and endorses shooting migrants and forgetting the Holocaust.

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Ian Walsh Reilly heads group that invited Proud Boys to New York and did work for Alternative fur Deutschland, which wants to shoot migrants and forget about the Holocaust, Davis Richardson reported.

Sure, the Republican Party often looks, behaves, and speaks like a club of white-supremacist, Neo-Nazis gathering on the fringe of society, but not to worry, Reilly told The Daily Beast on Wednesday night that said he supports border security in the U.S., but does not agree with AfDs stance of shooting migrants.

Apparently we are to be impressed that his hate has boundaries that stop somewhere around shooting migrants.

Whats underneath all of this? Certainly the prevalent undercurrent of racism isnt contained to Republicans. The Democrats in Virginia are dealing with decades old blackface photos and posing with someone in a Klan outfit found by a conservative site in the medical yearbook of the Governor. Its a fact that our country has not dealt honestly or well with racism.

And its a fact that our preferred method of denial isnt working.

Racism is a social and political construct that is designed to be used by the elite to maintain power. Its used to keep the have-nots fighting among themselves, while the plutocrats steal from us all. Donald Trump wields racism as a weapon with the ease of someone who has long used it.

Racism is a problem all over America, not just the South. But it is an identifier, as in identity politics, in the South more than it is elsewhere, deriving from their loss of economic strength when African Americans were freed from slavery.

There is no form of racism that is not poisonous. Not even a little joke. Its all meant to feed division and harm one group of people over the color of their skin. But we should also not allow the media to equate modern day embracing of neo-Nazis with decades old photos. Neither is acceptable. But they do not pose the same current danger. They should not be conflated with one another.

We have a president who said of neo-Nazi white supremacists after one of them murdered an innocent women, people that were very fine people, on both sides.

Trump also identifies as a nationalist.

So it shouldnt be a surprise that (n)early 16 percent of the 4,131 incidents in 2017 involving race or ethnicity were fueled by anti-black or African-American bias, increasing to 2,013 from 1,739 in 2016, the FBI said.

In October of 2018, the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre became the worst attack on Americas Jewish community.

U.S. anti-Semitic hate crimes spiked 37 percent in 2017 according to the FBI, Hate crimes in the United States jumped 17 percent in 2017, with a huge 37 percent spike in anti-Semitic attacks, marking the third year in a row that such attacks have increased.

When held accountable for his rhetoric, the Trump White House misses the opportunity to lead and instead indulges in self-centered outrage.

This is not a test. This is actually happening. This is why there can be no compromise with people enabling and supporting this hate. The President of the United States enables and at times condones and even echoes this hate.

The time to speak up and out is now. The time to insist on change is now. Doing nothing while playing games with false equivalencies wont help.
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WASHINGTON (Reuters)  The chairman of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee said its Russia investigation has found no proof that President Donald Trumps presidential campaign colluded with Moscow, an assertion that congressional sources said puts him at odds with Democrats on the largely bipartisan panel.

If we write a report based upon the facts that we have, then we dont have anything that would suggest there was collusion by the Trump campaign and Russia, Republican Richard Burr told CBS News in an interview published on Thursday.

Burr said the committee, which has been investigating alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. election two years, has not begun drafting its final report. He also could not say how much of it ultimately would be declassified, according to CBS.

While there has been extensive bipartisan cooperation on the Senate panel, including between Burr and ranking Democrat Mark Warner, Democrats seriously disagree with Burr on evidence of collusion, according to congressional sources familiar with internal committee discussions.

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A spokesperson for Warner said he had no comment on the CBS report.

The Senate Intelligence Committee is among several congressional panels investigating Russian interference and the potential collusion with Trumps 2016 campaign, along with the U.S. Special Counsels Office under the U.S. Department of Justice.

Trump, saying he is a victim of presidential harassment, has repeatedly blasted the federal investigation being led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller as a witch hunt while denying collusion. Moscow also has denied interference in the U.S. political system, counter to U.S. intelligence agency conclusions that it sought to sway the election in favor of Trump and undermine Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Burrs panel also is examining whether former Democratic President Barack Obama did enough to follow up on official government reporting of Russian election interference, as well as the U.S. intelligence communitys January 2017 assessment of Russia role in election, the impact of social media and election security.

DIFFERENT DEMOCRATIC VIEW

Members of the panel are in sync on those topics but differ on the collusion issue, the congressional sources said, adding that Democrats likely would write their own counter-report if Republicans produce a report saying there was no collusion.

Burr told CBS that despite media reports regarding a number of interactions between Trump and his associates and Russia, he was unpersuaded that they could be called collusion given the panels findings. He said it was difficult to ascertain peoples motives.

Burr did not say when his panels work would wrap up.

Other congressional committees have ramped up their oversight with Democrats in the House of Representatives vowing to take a closer look at the Trump administration and the presidents other dealings.

Republicans chair the committees in the Senate, where they have a majority, while panels in the House are led by Democrats, who won a majority in that chamber in the November election.

Trump, in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, called investigations into him and his administration ridiculous and told lawmakers their probes would stall legislative efforts and, without offering evidence, endanger the nations economy.

Despite the warning, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff on Wednesday vowed to pursue a wide investigation into attempts to influence the 2016 election that included looking at Trumps financial transactions.

A House tax oversight subcommittee will hold a hearing on presidential tax returns on Thursday. Trump bucked tradition during his 2016 campaign by refusing to disclose his returns, which could shed light on his finances.

Trump on Thursday reiterated his objections, tweeting that Schiffs move was a continuation of the witch hunt and saying there was no reason for the top Democrat to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal.

Trump also faces a widening range of investigations by New York State prosecutors into his private business, now-shuttered charitable organization and his inauguration committee.

(Additional reporting by Mark Hosenball in London; Writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Bill Trott)
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A new report from CNN shows that federal prosecutors in Manhattan are going after not just Donald Trump but also his three oldest children.

This report has not gotten any media attention because of other news, such as the State of the Union address and Adam Schiffs announcement that the House Intelligence Committee is beginning to investigate all aspects of Donald Trumps life.

Heres what CNN reported:

Federal prosecutors in New York have requested interviews in recent weeks with executives at the Trump Organization, signaling a growing potential threat to President Donald Trump and those in his orbit from criminal investigations by the Manhattan US Attorneys office.

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Trump and his legal team have long harbored concerns that investigations by New York federal prosecutors  which could last throughout his presidency  may ultimately pose more danger to him, his family and his allies than the inquiry by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Prosecutors recent interest in executives at Trumps family company may intensify those fears.

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) has at least two ongoing investigations into Trump-related entities that could result in criminal charges against three of the presidents children: Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Eric Trump.

The first one, which grew out of the case against Trumps former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, is examining possible criminal violations by executives at the Trump Organization.

One Trump Organization executive, chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg, was granted immunity by federal prosecutors to provide information concerning Cohen. This means he is free to testify against the other Trump Organization executives.

Other than Weisselberg, the only Trump Organization executives are Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Eric Trump.

The second investigation concerns the Trump inauguration committee and financial abuses related to the $107 million in donations raised for his inauguration.

On Monday, prosecutors issued a lengthy and detailed subpoena to the inauguration committee. The subpoena disclosed that prosecutors are investigating a long list of potential financial crimes, some of which may implicate the presidents children also.

Although the Trump inauguration committee had some indirect ties to Donald Trumps kids, this new reporting from CNN is all about Trumps children.

The SDNY has subpoenaed the top Trump Organization employees, i.e, Trumps kids, to testify in a criminal investigation. They wouldnt do this unless the real targets of their criminal probe are these people who are running the company.

The Trump Organization IS the Trump family. Its only real executives, other than Weisselberg, are all named Trump.

Since the SDNY already gave Weisselberg immunity months ago in exchange for his cooperation, we know that hes not the target of their criminal investigation.

Weisselberg has worked for Donald Trump for several decades, cutting all the checks and keeping the books of the company. And even he is cooperating with prosecutors now. He had no choice but to cave, once he realized he could go down for the Trump familys crimes.

The evidence Weisselberg provides to the SDNY prosecutors will be invaluable in making their criminal cases against the other executives, meaning Ivanka, Don Jr, and Eric, as well as the president.

The only logical conclusion from this new information is that the SDNY is accumulating evidence against Trumps kids and is planning to indict them.

Remember that the SDNY is working very closely with the Mueller probe. If they charge Ivanka, Don Jr, and Eric Trump with serious crimes, then Mueller can use that as leverage against the president. It may be enough leverage, in fact, to force Trump out of office.

Bob Mueller knows that an indictment of the president  as well as impeachment proceedings against the president  would create a firestorm of political backlash. He also knows that the president does not want to see his three oldest children spend time in prison.

Therefore, the easiest way to get Donald Trump out of office may be to do exactly what he is doing: bring criminal charges against his kids. And this new information shows that he and the SDNY prosecutors plan to do exactly that.
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The Republican Tax Scam of 2017  also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act  was filled with tricks and gimmicks designed to hide the fact that it was a massive giveaway to large corporations and the super-rich.

And now that Americans have started to file their 2018 tax returns, the extent of the GOP deception is being seen for the first time.

Writing in Vox, Matthew Yglesias explained that the backlash being seen from many Trump supporters now filing their taxes is a direct result of unconscionable accounting trickery from the IRS.

The Republican tax law means you might be hit with a surprise bill this year. Here's why. https://t.co/eyMuOoEMS7  Vox (@voxdotcom) February 7, 2019

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What the IRS did was intended to make the Tax Scam more popular with American voters, but it is now backfiring spectacularly, and making Trump more unpopular than ever.

The tax law changes did lower tax rates for some Americans right now, although these will reverse in the future. However, the Tax Scam did not lower the actual tax obligations for most workers.

But instead of telling the American people the truth, the administration tried to tweak the IRSs withholding guidelines. This reduced the amount of tax withholding throughout the year, to increase monthly take home pay. But it didnt reduce the amount of total tax they owe for the year.

So for most of 2018 the administration did succeed in making it look like taxpayers got a bigger tax cut than they actually did. The IRS reduced the amount of taxes withheld from workers weekly paychecks throughout 2018. And, predictably, this had the unfortunate result of people owing taxes at the end of the year.

Millions of Americans are now paying their taxes and either getting smaller refunds than they expected or owing the government more money than they had expected.

According to Yglesias:

If this was intended to give Republicans a boost in the midterms it obviously didnt work, in part because the once-a-year tax filing process is a lot more salient than the biweekly process of automatic withholding.

In fact, they are now facing a backlash from an angry public that includes millions of people who were expecting tax refunds that they are now not going to get.

Brad Setser, a former deputy assistant secretary in the Treasury Department, explained in the New York Times that while American workers are getting less than they had hoped for from tax reform, corporations are getting even more from the GOP Tax Scam than they were promised.

He pointed out that the tax bills corporate rate cuts were promoted as a tool to reduce the incentive for companies to move operations offshore. In fact, it has done the opposite.

He said that the bill Trump signed into law includes a sweetheart deal that allows companies that shift their profits abroad to pay tax at a rate (10.5%) well below the already-reduced corporate income tax (21%).

The result, Setser wrote, was this:

Overall, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act amounted to a technocratic sleight of hand  a scheme set to shift an even greater share of the federal tax burden onto the shoulders of American families.

Trump probably didnt know about this, but his advisers surely knew what the result of the Tax Scam would be. They left open huge loopholes that allowed large corporations to get away with exactly the kind of abusive tax behavior Trump had promised to stop.

On top of the deception about the effect on personal tax rates, this trickery has left millions of Trump voters feeling let down by what their president has done to them.

Trump promised to bring a flood of business investment from overseas, but its not happening. The overhyped Foxconn factory plan in Wisconsin is turning out to be a bust, for example.

All of Trumps promises are turning out to be lies. He promised to end the corporate tax practices that Americans dont like, but these practices have actually increased.

While some of his supporters still believe Trumps lies and misinformation, eventually they will see the truth when forced to confront economic reality.

And the economic reality that millions of Americans are now facing thanks to Donald Trump is an unexpected tax bill.

Its no surprise that Trumps approval ratings have fallen to historic lows. There is real pain for working class Americans if they have to come up with thousands of dollars to pay their taxes.

Millions were counting on refunds that they will never receive, and its all because they were tricked into supporting the Tax Scam which from the very beginning was intended to hurt them while benefiting the super-rich.

To reverse the horrible impact of the GOP Tax Scam on America, it is necessary for Democrats to win both the Senate and the presidency in the 2020 elections. Hopefully enough Americans now see how they were tricked  and how they must now vote for Democrats if they want to give control of the U.S. government back to the American people instead of to the super-rich and big corporations.
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By Ginger Gibson

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  Democrats vying to challenge U.S. President Donald Trump in the 2020 election moved quickly to attack his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, saying it lacked substance and did nothing to unite the country.

About 10 Democrats have already launched campaigns to challenge Trump, and a dozen more could enter the race for their partys nomination.

U.S. Senator Cory Booker, who announced his own bid last Friday, said Trumps call for unity on Tuesday was hollow.

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It takes more than a nod to unity at the top of a speech to bring our country together. Our president has spent the last 2 years trying to drive us apart, he wrote on Twitter. Actions speak louder than words.

Stacey Abrams, who fell just short in her bid last year to become the first African-American and first woman governor of Georgia, delivered the official Democratic response to Trumps speech.

But many of the partys presidential hopefuls chimed in afterward with their own critiques.

He wasnt moving us forward and rising to the challenges of the day, Senator Amy Klobuchar said on MSNBC. She also hinted at a likely run for president, saying she would hold a rally in Minnesota on Sunday to announce her decision.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who has launched her own White House bid, solicited campaign donations after a video of her shaking her head at Trump drew attention on Twitter.

President Trump has had years to bring this country together, but instead he has chosen to divide the country across every single line he can imagine, Gillibrand said in a statement.

Trump used his speech to highlight a strong economy, but drew criticism by vowing to build a wall on the border with Mexico despite Democratic opposition.

Angered by criminal and congressional probes into his 2016 election campaign team, Trump also told Democrats that ridiculous partisan investigations could damage American prosperity.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is not running for president but has emerged as a leading liberal progressive voice within her party since she was elected to the House of Representatives in November, said Trumps speech lacked policy substance.

I think the president was unprepared. I dont think he did his homework.  There was no plan, Ocasio-Cortez said on MSNBC. Is this a campaign stop or a State of the Union?

Other Democratic hopefuls railing against Trump included Senator Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

Senator Sherrod Brown, who is weighing a presidential campaign, said Trump had not done enough for working people.

The reality is that for far too many people in this country, hard work isnt paying off like it should, Brown said. President Trump doesnt understand that, and hes used the White House to enrich people like himself.

(This story corrects day of Klobuchar announcement)

(Reporting by Ginger Gibson; Editing by Peter Cooney)
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The House Intelligence Committee has voted to turn over the transcripts of witness testimony to Robert Mueller for a perjury investigation, which means that the clock is ticking on Donald Trump Jr. being indicted.

It was a simple announcement, but one that sent shockwaves through the White House:

As its first act, the Committee has voted to release to the Department of Justice and its components, including the Special Counsels Office, transcripts of testimony taken before the Committee during the 115th Congress, with no restrictions on their use.

The Committee also plans to release to the public all investigation transcripts, as it is committed to providing the American public with greater transparency and insight into Russias operations and the U.S. governments response. To protect ongoing investigative interests and information that remains classified, the Committee will release transcripts in a manner and according to a timetable that allows continued pursuit of important leads and testimony, while ensuring that the American people have faith in the process and can assess for themselves the evidence that has been uncovered, while legitimate national security interests continue to be protected.

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Donald Trump Jr. Looks Certain To Be Indicted

Trump blew a gasket and launched a personal attack against Schiff because even he is worried that his son is going to be indicted. Rep. Schiff has been signaling for weeks that he has a great deal of suspicion that Donald Trump Jr. lied to Congress.

The presidents son was thinking that he was in clear, but that all changed once Intel Democrats turned the testimony transcripts over to Robert Mueller. There is evidence that Donald Trump Jr. lied about the Trump Tower Russia meeting. If there is one person within the Trump inner circle who is likely to be indicted, its Don Jr. with Jared Kushner being right there with him.

The countdown has begun as a future Mueller indictment could soon feature the name, Trump.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

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By Lawrence Hurley

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  President Donald Trump urged lawmakers in his State of the Union address to put new limits on abortion, but partisan division in the U.S. Congress means the Supreme Court likely will set the agenda on the divisive issue, as it has for decades.

Bolstered by Trumps appointment of two conservative justices, the nine-member court could soon begin to pare back abortion rights, starting with a major case from Louisiana that is one of several similar pending appeals.

The addition of Trump appointees Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch could alter the conservative-majority courts approach to abortion. Kavanaugh replaced Justice Anthony Kennedy, a conservative who backed abortion rights in key rulings in 1992 and 2016.

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Jennifer Popik, director of federal legislation for the anti-abortion National Right to Life Committee, said her group hopes Kavanaugh and Gorsuch will interpret the Constitution more narrowly on abortion rights.

In Congress, legislation backed by Trumps fellow Republicans already has been introduced to restrict late-term abortions along the lines discussed by Trump, but there are not enough votes to pass it given Democratic opposition.

Abortion is one of the most contentious issues in U.S. politics. Trump, whose abortion views have been fluid over the years, has emerged as an advocate of more restrictions, a position that appeals to his conservative voter base.

His address on Tuesday night in some ways kicked off his 2020 re-election campaign. His call for new limits on late-term abortions was welcomed by anti-abortion activists.

When he ran for president in 2016, Trump said he would appoint anti-abortion judges who would vote to overturn the landmark 1973 Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade that recognized a womans constitutional right to abortion and legalized the procedure nationwide.

In his State of the Union address, Trump criticized a New York law and legislation in Virginia that would in limited circumstances allow for late-term abortions when the mothers health is endangered.

To defend the dignity of every person, I am asking the Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mothers womb, Trump said during the speech, without specifying details.

A White House spokeswoman said Trump backs legislation pending in Congress that would ban abortions after 20 weeks.

SMOKE AND MIRRORS

Jennifer Dalven, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, which backs abortion rights, called Trumps comments smoke and mirrors.

This is really just a distraction. The goal is not to end a certain class of abortion. His goal is to end all abortions, Dalven added.

There is no nationwide law setting a specific limit on when in a pregnancy abortions can be performed. Each state has its own laws, with conservative states imposing restrictions and liberal states more broadly backing abortion rights.

Republicans have embraced the federal legislation to ban abortion after 20 weeks. But past bills have failed to overcome Democratic opposition, even when Republicans controlled both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

With the House now led by Democrats and the Senate by Republicans, there is even less chance of such legislation passing, though Republicans said on Wednesday they would press for a vote.

As of the end of last year, 17 states had laws banning abortions 20 weeks after fertilization, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit research organization that supports abortion rights. No states categorically ban all late-term abortions in all circumstances and 43 states have laws that impose at least some restrictions, it said.

The Roe v. Wade ruling, reaffirmed by the high court in 1992, concluded that abortion could not be banned before the fetus is viable, but gave states leeway to impose greater restrictions on it toward the end of a pregnancy.

In 2007, the court upheld a federal restriction on partial-birth abortions that involve a physician removing most of the fetus intact rather than dismembering it.

In its most recent major abortion ruling, the Supreme Court  with Kennedy joining the courts four liberals in the majority  in 2016 struck down regulations in Texas that abortion rights advocates said would shutter many clinics.

The Louisiana case pending before the justices resembles the Texas case. It involves a requirement that doctors who perform abortions have a difficult-to-obtain arrangement called admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles (48 km) of the clinic.

The provision was challenged by abortion rights advocates. If the court rejects their request, it would represent a shift away from the 2016 ruling following Kennedys retirement.

The court will also decide soon whether to hear Indianas bid to revive a state ban on abortions performed due to the sex or race of the fetus or evidence of disability. Indiana this week asked the Supreme Court to hear another abortion case concerning a law to require fetal ultrasounds before abortions take place.

(Additional reporting by Alexandra Alper and Susan Cornwell; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Will Dunham)
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Millions of Americans may be denied a refund check during tax season this year due to the tax scam enacted by Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress.

According to The Huffington Post, The rush to write and carry out the new tax law could have bad consequences for millions.

The report cited one example of a New York resident, Ben Williams, who received a $750 refund last year and now owes $4,600 this year  a turnaround of over $5,000.

HuffPo noted that while the Trump-GOP tax scheme did simplify the tax code and cut rates, the savings could be offset by the number of deductions that were eliminated, which Americans rely on to reduce their taxable income.

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More from the report:

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cut rates for taxpayers at every income level and simplified the tax code for most filers. Part of that simplification meant getting rid of a lot of deductions, which people use to reduce the amount of their taxable earnings. One of the most controversial changes limited the amount of state and local tax payments that could be deducted. Previously, a tax filer could reduce their taxable income by subtracting the income taxes they paid to their state and local governments. The law capped such deductions at $10,000. Williams said he usually pays more than three times that amount in state and local levies. While preparing to file his taxes through the H&R Block website this week, Williams said the blood drained from his face when he realized how much he would owe. He had anticipated getting another refund that he would put toward a vacation.

Blue state residents will be hit hardest

One key element of the Trump-GOP tax scam is that those who will be harmed most are blue state residents.

According to the Huffington Post report, one reason Williams owes the government money this year, as opposed to getting a refund check, is because Republicans targeted wealthy (and heavily Democratic) metropolitan areas for tax hikes and also because of how President Donald Trumps administration implemented the law.

As a result, millions more households will be getting a bill from the IRS and many of those households just so happen to be clustered in states where people tend to vote for Democrats.

So not only was the Trump-GOP tax scheme a handout to the wealthiest individuals and corporations, but it was a hastily crafted political document that will disproportionately hurt this presidents political opponents.

Its bad economics and despicable politics.

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Rachel Maddow pointed out on Wednesday that the Democratic Partys post-State of the Union address strategy is essentially to pretend Donald Trump never gave the address at all.

As the MSNBC host said, even though Trump demanded during his speech that Congress shouldnt investigate him  or else!  the Democrats have quickly turned around and launched a major probe into the presidents potential crimes.

I dont know what the president was hoping for last night when he decided to say in his State of the Union address that Congress shouldnt investigate him anymore or the country gets it, but I cannot imagine this was the desired result, Maddow said.

Video:

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Rachel Maddow says the Democrats are essentially pretending Trump never gave his State of the Union address. #ctl #p2 #maddow pic.twitter.com/E8xnmEFHdN  PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) February 7, 2019

Maddow said:

I dont know what the president was hoping for last night when he decided to say in his State of the Union address that Congress shouldnt investigate him anymore or the country gets it, but I cannot imagine this was the desired result of that now indelible and permanent line that will always be part of the history of the Trump presidency and the history of the State of the Union address in America. And these five threads that the Intelligence Committee says theyre going to investigate, this isnt just a Democratic wish list for what they hope people might look into. This isnt just like a table of contents for stuff to worry about and sweat over in the night. This is now the stated parameters of the new active Intelligence Committee investigation in the House of Representatives under Democratic leadership who have subpoena power.

Trump is under investigation, and he looks weaker than ever

Donald Trump likely assumed he would look tough in his State of the Union address on Tuesday when he demanded Congress stop investigating his potential crimes.

But less than 24 hours later, he looks weaker than ever as Rep. Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, announced a wide-ranging investigation into Trumps financial entanglements with Russia and beyond.

As PoliticusUSAs Jason Easley noted earlier, through this investigation the committee has the power to bring Trump and his family down.

Donald Trumps tough talk on Tuesday night has already been torn to shreds by Democrats. Not only is this president facing a very serious and new congressional investigation, but he looks weaker than ever.

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By Sonia Elks

LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation)  Donald Trumps pledge to halt all new HIV infections in the United States within a decade was dismissed as an empty gesture by activists who said his administration had stripped resources from those fighting the epidemic.

Critics said the promise made in the State of the Union address was at odds with actions including cutting funding for research and firing the entire White House presidential advisory council on HIV and AIDS.

This pledge is nothing more than an empty gesture following a series of actions that have ignored the needs of the communities most affected by HIV, said Scott Schoettes, HIV project director at civil rights group Lambda Legal.

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We need action, not just words, to solve the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States, he said in a statement.

Nearly 40,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with HIV in 2017, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with numbers remaining roughly stable since 2012.

Gay and bisexual men accounted for two thirds of all those newly infected, with black gay and bisexual men at highest risk.

Trump hailed the remarkable progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS in his State of the Union speech and said his new budget would lay out commitments to halt the disease within a decade.

Together, we will defeat AIDS in America, said Trump, giving no details of how this would be achieved.

Activists said his administration had left HIV risk groups more exposed.

They pointed to actions including cutting funding for health research, working to roll back healthcare for vulnerable groups and offering support for medical staff who to refuse to treat LGBT+ patients on religious grounds.

President Trump once again presented a broad strokes narrative that people with HIV and AIDS, including LGBTQ Americans, simply cant trust, tweeted Sarah Kate Ellis, chief executive of U.S. LGBT+ advocacy organisation GLAAD.

The only way our world could end HIV transmissions and prioritize proper treatment and prevention is through an exhaustive, across-the-board investment, but President Trumps words do not back up his administrations actions.

Britain also said last week it aimed to end new HIV transmissions by 2030 through better healthcare measures to prevent, detect and treat the condition.

The United Nations warned last year that rates of new HIV infections threatened to derail global efforts to defeat the disease, blaming a funding crisis.

Aid prevention, as the number of new infections threatened progress even as the number of deaths decreased.

(Reporting by Sonia Elks @soniaelks; Editing by Claire Cozens. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, womens and LGBT+ rights, human trafficking, property rights, and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org)
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By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  A U.S. Justice Department office is investigating whether department attorneys committed professional misconduct in a criminal case involving a wealthy Florida financier accused of sex crimes, the department said in a letter to a senator released on Wednesday.

The investigation comes after the Miami Herald published a report looking at U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acostas role in negotiating a non-prosecution agreement for hedge fund manager Jeffrey Epstein, when Acosta was U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida.

In a letter to Senator Ben Sasse, Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd revealed that the Justice Departments Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), a unit that looks into internal misconduct, has now opened an investigation into whether lawyers mishandled the Epstein settlement.

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OPR will thoroughly investigate the allegations of misconduct that have been raised and, consistent with its practice, will share its results with you at the conclusion of its investigation as appropriate, Boyd said.

The letter does not mention Acosta by name. The Miami Herald reported that its investigation found that Acosta gave Epstein a preferential settlement that effectively shut down an FBI probe into Epsteins crimes.

A Labor Department spokesperson said in a statement that Acosta welcomes the OPRs additional review of this matter.

For more than a decade, this prosecution has been reviewed in great detail by newspaper articles, television reports, books, and Congressional testimony, the spokesperson said.

Department of Justice leadership, likewise, reviewed the matter at the time, and the Department has continued to defend the Southern District of Floridas actions across three administrations and several attorneys general on the grounds that the actions taken were in accordance with Department practices, procedures, and the law.

The Miami Heralds three-part series Perversion of Justice said Epstein was facing a federal indictment and possible life sentence for masterminding a sex scheme that targeted underage girls. Under the agreement with Acosta, Epstein agreed to plead guilty to felony prostitution in state court in exchange for not being prosecuted on federal sex trafficking charges.

His alleged co-conspirators were never prosecuted.

The investigation identified nearly 80 possible victims. Some of them said in interviews they felt betrayed by federal prosecutors, particularly after the deal was kept a secret from them so they could not raise objections before his sentencing.

Lawmakers in the U.S. House and Senate have raised grave concerns about the lenient treatment Epstein received. Last year, some asked the Justice Departments inspector general Michael Horowitz to investigate Acostas actions.

In a letter released late last month, Horowitz said his office cannot do its own probe because investigations of misconduct related to how department lawyers handle litigation and legal decisions can only be handled by the OPR.

Horowitz also urged Congress to change the law to expand his offices jurisdiction, saying the limitations can help shield prosecutorial misconduct from review by an independent watchdog.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and David Alexander; editing by David Gregorio and Sonya Hepinstall)
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By Doina Chiacu

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  The House Intelligence Committee is set to pursue a wide investigation into attempts to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election, including a look at Donald Trumps financial transactions, the panels Democratic chairman Adam Schiff said on Wednesday.

A day after the Republican president warned Democrats against ridiculous partisan investigations in his annual State of the Union address, Schiff said they would not be intimidated.

Were going to do our proper oversight, he told reporters after the intelligence panels first meeting, which was closed.

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The committee voted to provide transcripts of testimony it took behind closed doors in its probe of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election to the special counsel for use in any prosecutions, something Schiff promised to do last month after a second Trump associate was charged with lying to Congress.

Schiff has said that an area of particular interest related to investigations of Trump are allegations that Russians might possess financial leverage over him.

Our job involves making sure that the policy of the United States is being driven by the national interest  not by any financial entanglement, financial leverage or other form of compromise, he said told reporters on Wednesday.

Trump, asked about Schiffs comments at a White House appearance, retorted: Under what basis would he do that? He has no basis to do that. Hes just a political hack.  There would be no reason to do that.

Schiff, who assumed the committee chairmanship after Democrats won control of the House of Representatives in November elections, outlined lines of inquiry it intends to pursue on Russian election activities, possible Trump campaign ties and matters relating to Trumps business dealings.

Congress has a duty to expose foreign interference, hold Russia to account, ensure that U.S. officials  including the President  are serving the national interest and, if not, are held accountable, Schiff said in a statement.

Schiff said the panel would release transcripts of all interviews after Roger Stone, a longtime ally of Trump, was charged with lying to Congress.

Stone is accused of lying to Congress about the 2016 campaigns efforts to use stolen emails to undercut Trumps Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. He has pleaded not guilty.

Schiff said Special Counsel Robert Mueller had access to the transcripts but a formal release was necessary for him to be able to use them in any prosecutorial proceedings.

Trumps longtime self-described fixer, lawyer Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to charges including lying to Congress.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason and Patricia Zengerle; editing by James Dalgleish)
Written by Marlon Slack

In a place where bigger is always better, its surprising to see a shop like the Moto Conspiracy. The Dallas-based workshop is a neat little operation that specialises in ultra-clean little cafe racers. But this time theyve branched out, with their first street tracker  a 1964 Honda Superhawk designed to look like a factory optioned build.

Thats right, The Moto Conspiracys Isiah Booth is new to the whole tracker thing. It all started a few years ago when made a trip from Texas up to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to check out a motorcycle show. And he was blown away by the flat tracking scene in the cheese state. All those wide-bar, fat-tired, left-and-left-again bikes had him drooling. I decided I wanted to build one for myself, he recalls.

It was a little later, Isiah recalls, after lacing up Sun rims to a Harley rear hub and front spool, that I decided on a Honda CB77 Superhawk as a base for the build. And then his brain started ticking over one night on the internet. I was scrolling through Facebook and an original CYB came up on the screen. Ive always loved those bikes.

For those of you not familiar with the CYB, its simply a CB77 equipped with a factory race kit available at Honda dealers at the time. Similar to a HRC kit available today, Isiah explains. Thats when I thought, since Honda offered a road race kit, why not a flat track kit for the same bike, using interchangeable parts? So I decided to build what I imagined Honda would have offered a flat track enthusiast way back when.

[superquote]For those of you not familiar with the CYB, its simply a CB77 equipped with a factory race kit.[/superquote]

And Isiah was lucky, having a womble-like tendency to accumulate old bits of British and Japanese iron. So the Superhawk youre seeing here is a medley of different parts. I honestly cant remember where I found this particular Superhawk, he says, and Ive built a few over the years as its one of my favourite designs. Im pretty sure this is at least three or four mixed up together, with some Ducati, Harley, Norton and Yamaha parts thrown in for good measure.

But almost immediately there was a problem with his plan. Isiahs huge wheels wouldnt fit the original Honda forks and swingarm. So he swapped out the forks for a larger pair, redesigned the rear half of the frame and built a custom swingarm for the larger wheel and whopping four pot Brembo caliper.

While I was doing all that I utilized as many original frame parts as I could, so I could keep a stock feel, he says. Theres still a fair bit of trickery going on here. The seat, a CYB fibreglass copy, was modified to fit, while a set of period Works Performance Shocks help raise the rear end of the bike. Tidy lights are hidden away in the front number plate and a small LED projector in the rear.

Isiahs understandably ecstatic with the way the CYB turned out. The CB77, in my opinion, has some of the best lines of any bike from that era. I simply tried improving on an already gorgeous motorcycle. The hardest part was trying to keep it looking like a factory option, give or take a few modern conveniences.

And what a job hes done! The Moto Conspiracys CYB is a gorgeous example of a build that straddles the line between out-and-out custom and a respectful restoration. And the best thing? Isiah and the team are going through some big changes at the moment. Theyve moved to a new shop and theyve got a whole bunch of really cool projects in the pipeline. So watch this space!

[ The Moto Conspiracy  Facebook | Photos by Dat Mai ]
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump called Democratic investigations into his administration and business "ridiculous" and "presidential harassment." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in turn accused the president of delivering an "all-out threat" to lawmakers sworn to provide a check and balance on his power.

The oversight wars officially kicked into high gear this week as House Democrats began investigating the Trump administration in earnest. With Thursday hearings scheduled on presidential tax returns and family separations at the Mexican border, and a Friday session to question acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker, the lights are about to shine brightly on a president who has, until now, faced little examination from a Republican Congress.

But Democrats are moving carefully after spending weeks forming their committees, hiring staff and laying the groundwork for coming probes - mindful that Trump is eager to turn their investigations into a political boomerang as his critics demand swift action to uncover various alleged misdeeds.

In his State of the Union address Tuesday, Trump lambasted "ridiculous partisan investigations" and built a case that undue Democratic oversight would impede progress for the American people.

"If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation," he said. "It just doesn't work that way."

Pelosi, D-Calif., reacted sharply to Trump's insinuation that there could be no progress on legislation while lawmakers pry open the doors of his administration.

"Presidents should not bring threats to the floor of the House," she said. "It's not investigation; it's oversight. It's our congressional responsibility, and if we didn't do it, we would be delinquent in our duties."

On Wednesday, Trump dismissed a new probe launched by the House Intelligence Committee into his foreign business entanglements, calling its chairman, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., a "political hack."

"No other politician has to go through that," he said. "It's called presidential harassment. And it's unfortunate. And it really does hurt our country.

While Democrats show no sign of being cowed by Trump, leaders are trying to walk a deliberate line - wary of being seen as haphazardly tilting at presidential windmills or being too timid in uncovering potential misdeeds.

"We're going to do our homework first," said House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings, D-Md., whose panel is scheduled to receive testimony from Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross next month. "What [Republicans] would do is, they would go out and make headlines a week or two before the hearing and then look for some facts to prove the headlines. We're not doing that."

This week's hearings offer a snapshot into the different approaches committees could ultimately take as they plumb the Trump orbit.

On Thursday, a House Ways and Means subcommittee is set to examine the disclosure of presidential tax returns - a subject clearly aimed at Trump's failure to disclose his own returns.

While Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass., is empowered under federal law to inspect any federal tax return, he has not yet moved to invoke that authority and request Trump's returns - citing the need to build a factual record justifying the request in the expectation that Trump will sue to block it.

The hearing, Democratic aides say, is part of the effort to build that record, but it has frustrated some lawmakers and activists who believe Trump will resist the request whether it comes sooner or later.

"If we're gonna have a legal fight about it, better to start sooner rather than later," said Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-Va., reflecting a pervasive sentiment among many Democrats.

But Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-N.J., another Ways and Means member who has spearheaded the effort to publicize Trump's taxes, said it was prudent to move deliberately to avoid the perception of a politically tainted process. He said he expected Neal to request the returns "within the next two or three months or sooner."

"This needs to be done methodically," he said. "There cannot be an ounce of 'let's go get him.' "

A House Democratic leadership aide said the go-slow approach on the tax returns was part of a "holistic approach" to investigating Trump's finances - one that involves not only Ways and Means but also at least five other House committees.

"The tax returns are only one evidentiary piece of the larger puzzle about Trump's finances," said the aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy. "In the end, we'll likely need greater visibility into his finances beyond his tax returns to get the American people the answers they deserve."

A White House spokesman declined to comment on the potential request for Trump's tax returns or the larger spate of House oversight requests. A Treasury spokesman said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin "will review any request with the Treasury general counsel for legality."

But other Republicans were not shy about criticizing Democrats and preemptively accusing them of overreaching.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., called the effort "political" Wednesday and urged Neal and Democrats to focus on strengthening the economy. Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the top Ways and Means Republican, said it would be an "abuse of power in weaponizing the tax code to seek any individual's private taxpayer returns" and publicize them.

The comments ignored the multiple investigations by Republicans into the Obama administration and the hours of testimony from Hillary Clinton before her presidential bid.

Other Democratic investigators are adopting more-aggressive tactics. In one sign of potential conflict, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., plans to have his panel preapprove a potential subpoena on Thursday for Whitaker, who is set to voluntarily give testimony Friday.

Nadler said in a statement that the subpoena was being arranged out of an "abundance of caution" to prevent Whitaker from improperly refusing to answer questions at Friday's hearing, in which Democrats are expected to ask questions about the irregular circumstances that led to Whitaker's appointment as former attorney general Jeff Sessions's replacement.

Meanwhile, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., last week publicly threatened to issue a subpoena for Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen if she did not agree to testify voluntarily. On Monday, Thompson announced that Nielsen would testify on March 6.

Other Democratic chairmen have had less trouble securing testimony. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., said administration officials have been "relatively cooperative" in his role as overseer of U.S. foreign policy. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, he said, is tentatively scheduled to appear before the panel next month.

Its nice to have academics and other very fine witnesses, but we want to hear from the administration, Engel said.
Brianna Robbins had no idea she hadnt voted.

As far as she was concerned, she had done her civic duty. She had requested an absentee ballot before the deadline, since she lives in Philadelphia but works in Delaware. She had considered the candidates, filled out the ballot, and dropped it in a mailbox outside a nearby school.

It was a week before Election Day. All done, she figured. She had voted, and with time to spare.

Or so she thought.

But as was the case with thousands of other would-be voters last election, Robbins ballot arrived too late. It showed up in City Hall that Saturday, three days before the election. She had just missed Pennsylvanias deadline: Absentee ballots must be received by county election officials by 5 p.m. the Friday before the election.

That really sucks, she said. And while the election generally turned out the way Robbins, a Democrat, wanted, she said, thats still a really big shame that I tried  I followed the rules  and it still didnt work.

Robbins had followed the law  but by law her vote couldnt be counted. And she had no idea.

Nor do thousands of other Pennsylvanians who attempted to vote by mail in November.

As turnout surged to record levels in the November 2018 election, data show, so too did the number of requests for absentee ballots. But with Pennsylvanias tight deadlines, the number of rejected ballots also increased, far surpassing recent midterm elections.

Statewide, there were 2,162 rejected late ballots in 2010. There were 2,030 in 2014.

Last election?

More than 4,600 ballots were rejected because they came in late to Philadelphia and Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. (Statewide figures arent yet available.)

Isnt that a shame? said Susan Carty, president of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania. And thats a weakness of that system, where ideally, the concept of absentee ballots should be to help support and encourage voters who are not able to be there on Election Day.

Pennsylvanias absentee ballot deadlines are set by the state Election Code: Ballots can be requested until the Tuesday before Election Day, and they must be in the hands of election officials by 5 p.m. that Friday.

Its a ridiculous deadline, said Kevin A. Kelly, the acting supervisor of elections in Philadelphia who has overseen elections for a decade.

For voters who do not request ballots until the deadline, that leaves almost no room for delays. And the problem has only grown in recent years after changes to mail delivery times.

 READ MORE: Pa.s absentee-ballot problem: Votes come in late because of tight deadlines

As a result, Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of voters missing the deadlines

In Bucks County, 777 domestic civilian absentee ballots arrived after the deadline and were not counted. There were 935 in Chester County; 636 in Delaware County' 1,327 in Montgomery County; and more than 1,000 in the city, where officials stopped counting after a while.

Its a problem thats receiving increased attention.

After losing her bid for state Senate by 74 votes in November, State Rep. Tina Davis, a Democrat from Bucks County, sued to have counted at least 216 late absentee ballots that arrived between the deadline and Election Day. A judge dismissed the challenge without providing an explanation.

While Davis said she believed she had a decent chance of winning if those votes were counted, she doesnt attribute her loss to the uncounted ballots. But the encounter with the deadlines was eye-opening, she said.

To be honest with you, I didnt realize," she said. "I knew we were tough on these laws, I always knew that, but after doing homework I found out we were the strictest in the whole country.

Davis is preparing legislation that would change the absentee-ballot deadlines to give voters more time to submit their ballots. She expects to introduce it in a few weeks, she said, and hopes it will find bipartisan support.

Obviously, being in the minority, we dont get as many bills through, so I have to look through my bills and decide what are the most important for this year and decide what to prioritize. And thats one of them, she said. I feel like its an issue we can get through this year.

Meanwhile, litigation is ongoing.

In November, the ACLU of Pennsylvania and nine voters, with lawyers from the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, sued over the deadlines, saying they disenfranchise voters in violation of the state and federal constitutions. They request the court overturn the current deadlines and set new ones.

 READ MORE: ACLU sues over Pa.s tight absentee ballot deadlines

The defendants responded last week with their preliminary objections.

State Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R., Jefferson) and House Speaker Mike Turzai (R., Allegheny), in separate filings, argued the court cannot impose new deadlines without violating separation of powers and legislating from the bench. They also seek to remove the ACLU as plaintiffs because the organization does not itself vote and cannot be disenfranchised.

Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, and other defendants from the executive branch raised multiple objections, including that the lawsuit fails to include county officials, who actually run elections, that overturning the deadlines would not fix the voters inability to cast ballots in November 2018, and that the voters cant prove the deadlines will disenfranchise them in the future.

Wolf and the two other executive defendants, former acting Secretary of State Robert Torres and Elections Commissioner Jonathan Marks, seek to have the lawsuit dismissed.

Here, there is no allegation that [the state] prevented or delayed Petitioners from applying for absentee ballots. Indeed, the Petition makes clear that there are many Pennsylvanians who vote by absentee ballot, they wrote in their filing last week. Put another way, it was Petitioners conduct  not seeking an absentee ballot until very late in the process  that contributed to their disenfranchisement. 

This original version of this article contained an incorrect reference to the law regarding the submission deadline. The deadline is stipulated in the Election Code.
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, now a Democratic presidential candidate, on Wednesday called the accusations of sexual assault made by Scripps College professor Vanessa Tyson against Virginia Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax deeply, deeply disturbing.

I have not read the allegations but it takes tremendous courage for someone to come forward in the way that she did, Booker told CNNs Manu Raju on Wednesday. This is a deeply disturbing allegation that should be thoroughly investigated.

Tyson came forward to accuse Fairfax of forcing himself on her during a July 2004 encounter at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. What began as consensual kissing quickly turned into a sexual assault, Tyson, who previously taught at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., wrote in a statement. After the assault, I suffered from both deep humiliation and shame. I did not speak about it for years.

Fairfax has repeatedly denied Tysons allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual and accusing Tyson of engaging in a smear campaign. He also reportedly used profane language in a private meeting when referring to Tyson.

Despite Bookers comments, he was blasted by Fox News primetime hosts Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson. Both incorrectly told their millions of viewers that Booker had remained silent on the issue, suggesting the decision was based on the fact that Fairfax was a Democrat.

Wheres Kamala Harris tonight? Where is Spartacus Cory Booker? Where is Elizabeth Warren? Hannity asked. Do they believe this accuser? Do they stand with all survivors of sexual abuse or only when its made against a Republican or a conservative? Is it just about politics, not about the cause?

Hannity issued an update at the end of his show to note that Booker had in fact spoken up about the allegations, but continued to mock Booker as Spartacus," a nickname he earned after announcing he released confidential documents during hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Hannity echoed comments made by Carlson an hour earlier, who suggested Bookers silence was also due to race politics because Fairfax is also black.

Bookers got better things to focus on than some girl in California whos alleging sexual assault against one of his partymates. The Cory Booker of just a few months ago would be disgusted by the Cory Booker you just saw, Carlson said. Back then sexual politics seemed more important than race politics. And now, its the other way around.

 READ MORE: Cory Booker 2020: How he could win. And why he might not.

 READ MORE: As surprising as the sun rising: Reactions to Cory Bookers 2020 campaign for president

Unlike Hannity, Carlson did not later correct his report. Neither Harris nor Warren  also 2020 Democratic presidential candidates  have spoken publicly about the sexual assault allegations made against Fairfax, and neither immediately responded to a request for comment.

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, who is also making a bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, said it was important for Democrats to address the issue, regardless of the political affiliation of the individuals involved.

I read through Dr. Tysons statement, and Im inclined to believe her statement. I believe its credible, Castro said on MSNBCs All In Wednesday night. If we dont take these claims seriously, then were going back to a time when in every workplace in America, they can be dismissed. We cannot go back to that place.

The allegations against Fairfax come as Virginias governor, Ralph Northam, faces calls from both parties to resign over the controversy surrounding a photo of a man wearing blackface in his medical school yearbook. Northam denied wearing blackface in the yearbook photo, but he did admit to darkening his face with shoe polish to play Michael Jackson during a dance contest in 1984.

Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring also admitted to wearing blackface at a party as an undergraduate student in 1980. Herring is third in line to become Virginias governor, following Northam and Fairfax.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Sen. Elizabeth Warren is on the verge of launching a presidential campaign that should be all about her vision for the future. But first she has to explain her past.

For the second time in two weeks, the Massachusetts Democrat apologized Wednesday for claiming Native American identity on multiple occasions early in her career. The move followed a report that she listed her race as "American Indian"  in her own handwriting  on a 1986 registration card for the Texas state bar.

By providing fresh evidence that she had personally identified her race, the document resurrected the flap just as she's trying to gain momentum for her 2020 presidential bid, which she's expected to formally announce on Saturday. Warren didn't rule out the possibility of other documents in which she identified as a Native American.

In a Democratic primary already dominated by candidates expressing remorse for past actions, Warren's repentance stood out, both for the distraction the controversy has become for her candidacy and the complexity of her efforts to move beyond it. While her competitors are fine-tuning their messages and trying to demonstrate competence and polish, Warren has repeatedly opened herself up to criticism by relitigating the past.

"It's not exactly how you'd want to enter the arena" as a presidential candidate, said Paulette Jordan, a former Democratic state representative in Idaho and a member of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe who became the party's gubernatorial nominee last year. Jordan warned that Warren's treatment of her heritage raises "a whole lot of questions and doubt" about her integrity: "If you cannot uphold that, then it makes things challenging."

Questions about Warren's heritage date to at least 2012, when her Republican opponent seized on the issue during her first Senate campaign to wrongly argue she identified as a Native American to advance her career. President Donald Trump frequently deploys a racial slur to criticize Warren.

Still, Warren has sometimes compounded the problem. In October, she released a DNA analysis that purported to bolster her claims to Native American heritage. Instead, it drew quick criticism from some Native Americans, including a Cherokee Nation official, as insensitive and fumbling.

She apologized in private last week to the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation for causing confusion on tribal sovereignty and tribal citizenship and the harm that resulted, said tribal spokeswoman Julie Hubbard. And after the Washington Post reported on the Texas state bar registration, Warren addressed the issue publicly Wednesday, telling reporters outside her Senate office that her answers in the past were based on my understanding of my familys story.

"I am not a tribal citizen. Tribes, and only tribes, determine citizenship," Warren said, adding, "I have apologized for not being more sensitive to that distinction. It's an important distinction."

The episode threatens to undermine the progress Warren has made since she launched a presidential exploratory committee in December. She was well-received in Iowa, home to the nation's first caucuses, last month. She's also appealed to the Democratic base with arguments that wealthy politicians shouldn't self-fund their campaigns and proposed an "ultra-millionaire tax."

Warren's allies are hopeful that she can focus on the substance of her campaign, but they acknowledge she may have more work to do.

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D., Hawaii), a vocal critic of the double standards facing women who seek executive office, said in an interview that now, everybodys being scrutinized over their pasts.

"There's a tremendous sensitivity to that, with regard to Elizabeth," Hirono said, referring to relationships with Native American communities. "She is going to need to address it, deal with it. But she has a lot of other issues that she cares about and has fought for for decades. And I hope people will look at that, too."

Waleed Shahid, a spokesman for the liberal group Justice Democrats, praised Warren's apology as confidence-building "with people in the Democratic Party electorate who are skeptical about the way she's handled this issue." He suggested the flap "could be a moment for her to do a landmark speech" addressing blind spots that have beleaguered white candidates  making a subtle allusion to the racism scandal that is engulfing Virginia's Democratic leaders.

The GOP is seizing on the moment to sow doubt among voters about Warren. The Republican National Committee filed a formal grievance with Texas bar officials on Wednesday, requesting that Warren be disciplined for making "false claims."

But it's unclear whether the controversy will wound Warren with Democratic voters. Some of her primary rivals have also aired regret for their past decisions. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, for example, has disavowed her previously right-leaning approaches to immigration and guns. Others, including California Sen. Kamala Harris, have made more limited attempts to patch perceived trouble spots.

Reuben DSilva, a Democrat in North Las Vegas, Nev., and former congressional candidate, said hes not sure how much the average voter is paying attention to Warrens apology. But among primary voters, it seems to be a cause of concern.

D'Silva, a history teacher whose family is from India, said he could give Warren the benefit of the doubt because he understands that people often don't have extensive records about their family history.

"But if there's proof she used this to land jobs or advance her career or maybe profit off it in some way, then maybe that could become a problem," he added.

Warren reiterated on Wednesday that she did not exact any career benefit from her Native American self-identification. But not every tribal citizen is assuaged.

David Cornsilk, a member of the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, pointed out that Warren previously identified as a minority in professional settings beyond the Texas state bar.

"The conclusion I draw is that she may not have gotten benefit from it, but I believe she certainly was trying to," he said.

Fawn Douglas, a Democratic activist, professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a member of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, said she thought Warren cleared up the matter with her DNA test because she made no formal claim to tribal membership. But Douglas now sees the Texas document as a detriment.

"I really don't like that further evidence was just introduced after her apology" to the Cherokee Nation, Douglas said. "It's just one of those smack-my-head kind of moments."

Douglas said Warren can recover by speaking about issues important to Native American communities, such as tribal sovereignty and missing and slain women.

Bob Mulholland, a Democratic National Committee member from California who's backing Harris, warned that the distraction would likely follow her to the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire. But, he said, "every story is an opportunity for you, the candidate, to have a conversation with the voters."

Not to mention, he added, Warren's issues are "nothing like the problems the Democrats are having in Virginia," where the state's top Democrats are engulfed in scandal over racism and sexual misconduct.

Associated Press reporters Michelle Price, Felicia Fonseca, Meg Kinnard, Michael R. Blood, and Michael Biesecker contributed to this article.
NEW YORK (AP)  Some of the most influential forces in Democratic politics revolted Monday against former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz's prospective presidential bid, insisting that an independent run would unintentionally help President Donald Trump win another four years in office.

The critics included the Democratic chairman of Schultz's home state, another billionaire businessman who long flirted with an independent run of his own, former President Barack Obama's chief strategist, and the most powerful super PAC in Democratic politics.

"If Schultz entered the race as an independent, we would consider him a target... We would do everything we can to ensure that his candidacy is unsuccessful," said Patrick McHugh, executive director of Priorities USA, which spent nearly $200 million in the 2016 presidential contest.

Specifically, he seized on Schultz's apparent willingness to cut entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security to narrow the federal deficit.

"The bottom line," McHugh said, "is that I don't think Americans are looking for another selfish billionaire to enter the race."

The intense pushback in the early days of the 2020 campaign reflects the passion Democrats are bringing to the race to deny Trump a second term. Rank-and-file voters and party officials alike are anxious about any hurdle that would prevent them from seizing on Trump's unpopularity.

While no independent has won the presidency since George Washington, Democrats fear that Schultz would almost certainly split their vote and give Trump an easier path to re-election. Yet Democrats concede that they had few tools to dissuade Schultz from launching an independent campaign  as he told CBS' "60 Minutes" on Sunday he was considering  though many were skeptical that he would actually follow through.

Schultz felt the passion of the anti-Trump resistance moments after he took the stage Monday evening in New York City to promote his new book.

"Don't help elect Trump, you egotistical billionaire!" a protester shouted before being ejected by security.

The mood was tense for the rest of his question-and-answer session in the Manhattan Barnes & Noble as the packed audience applauded at times both for Schultz's insistence he could win the presidency if he ran and suggestions that he couldn't.

"If I decide to run for president as an independent," Schultz told his interviewer, "I will have the courage and conviction to believe I can win."

Asked if there was anything Democrats could do to convince him not to run, he responded simply, "No."

Shultz plans to spend the next month traveling around the country  in part promoting a new book  to test whether there's interest in an independent presidential candidate, according to a person familiar with his planning. However, the former Starbucks CEO may not make a final decision on running until the fall, when the direction of the Democratic primary may be somewhat clearer.

Schultz's team has polled on the viability of a third party run and believes there is an opening, though they have not shared the specifics of their internal surveys.

Schultz is being advised by a team with experience in both parties, including Steve Schmidt, who worked on Republican John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign, and former Obama adviser Bill Burton, who joined Schultz at his Monday appearance in New York.

Schultz's team also includes Republican pollster Greg Strimple, GOP strategist Brooks Kochvar, and Rajiv Chandrasekaran, a former journalist who has worked closely with Schultz since 2015.

Schultz has discussed with his team how much of his own money he's willing to plunge into a campaign, though the person familiar with his planning would not disclose the amount. That person insisted on anonymity in order to discuss Schultz's private conversations.

Yet history  and the reality of a political system designed to favor major party candidates  suggests that Schultz may do little more than play spoiler should he decide to run. Bloomberg, who studied the possibility of an independent run of his own in the past, offered Schultz a direct message based on his own experience.

"The data was very clear and very consistent. Given the strong pull of partisanship and the realities of the electoral college system, there is no way an independent can win. That is truer today than ever before," Bloomberg, who is considering a Democratic 2020 bid, said in a statement.

He continued: "In 2020, the great likelihood is that an independent would just split the anti-Trump vote and end up re-electing the president. That's a risk I refused to run in 2016 and we can't afford to run it now."

The angry voices were far and wide, and they included Obama's former chief strategist, David Axelrod, along with Democrats from Schultz's home state.

"If Schultz decides to run as an independent," Axelrod tweeted, Trump "should give Starbucks their Trump Tower space rent free! It would be a gift."

Tina Podlodowski, the Democratic chairwoman in Washington state, where Schultz has lived for decades, discouraged him from running as an independent.

"A billionaire buying his way out of the entire primary process does not strengthen democracy," she said. "It only makes it more likely that our democracy will be further strained under another four years of President Donald Trump."

Perhaps trying to elevate Schultz, who is not well known among Democratic primary voters, Trump himself weighed in on Monday, tweeting that Schultz "doesn't have the 'guts' to run for President!"

The 65-year-old Seattle billionaire launched a tour Monday to promote his latest book, "From the Ground Up: A Journey to Reimagine the Promise of America." After New York, he has stops this week in Tempe, Arizona; Seattle; and San Francisco  but no dates listed for the early voting states of Iowa or New Hampshire.

On paper, Schultz offers a number of qualities that might appeal to voters. He grew up in public housing in New York City's Brooklyn borough and became the first person in his family to graduate from college.

He's also been a longtime Democratic donor, contributing to the campaigns of Obama, Hillary Clinton, New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, and Washington Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, among others. He has also criticized Trump, telling employees that the president was creating "chaos" and hurting business; calling Trump's tax cuts for corporations unnecessary and reckless; and vowing to hire 10,000 refugees after Trump issued an executive order banning travel from seven mostly Muslim nations.

But some of his views might clash with a Democratic Party gearing up to unseat Trump.

Schultz on Monday criticized proposals for single-payer health care and free tuition at public colleges as unrealistic and instead emphasized expanding the economy and curbing entitlements to get the national debt under control.

"If I ran as a Democrat I would have to say things in my heart I do not believe," he said of the increasingly popular liberal policies.

The Democratic National Committee declined to address Schultz directly. Spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa offered only this response: "We are focused on defeating Donald Trump, and anyone who shares that goal should vote for the Democrat nominee in 2020."

___

Johnson reported from Seattle. AP writer Julie Pace in Washington contributed to this report.
And its not true that Democrats showed up to the polls while Republicans stayed home, either  turnout was high across the entire state, including in Republican areas.

So the rural areas making up Red Pennsylvania shifted further to the right as cities cemented themselves as the anchors of Blue Pennsylvania and suburbs continued their long march to the left.

Sometimes you think, Wow, can you get more polarized? In some ways, the answer is yes. Weve seen that in the last race, said Chris Borick, a political science professor at Muhlenberg College in Allentown.

This analysis uses certified election results for the more than 9,000 precincts in Pennsylvania, providing the most complete, granular geographic picture available of official 2018 election results. A comparison with previous years reveals an ongoing division of the state, especially over the last decade.

Pockets of blue have been disappearing from Central Pennsylvania, and areas that previously leaned Republican have now become solidly so.

In Southwest Pennsylvania, hemorrhaging people and jobs, a one-time Democratic stronghold has turned Republican.

In the suburbs, especially outside Philadelphia, a mix of Republican and Democratic votes have become more concretely Democratic.

Visually Comparing 2014 and 2018 Move the slider in the middle to compare the results of the 2014 and 2018 gubernatorial races. 100% D 50% D 0% 50% R 100% R SOURCE: Pa. Dept. of State NOTE: Areas in gray indicate missing data. See methodology at the bottom for more information.

We often talk about the sorting of America, and how we tend to now congregate even more amongst those like us, Borick said. When I see data like this, I think its prime evidence of just that fact.

That geographic sorting is a national and international trend that has profound implications for politics and governance, said William Galston, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution whose research includes reports on geographic polarization and the Democrats path to victory in 2020.

Wherever you look, the center of the populist revolt is in the small towns and rural areas, he said. The center of the resistance to that is in the big cities.

In Harrisburg, lawmakers worry that middle ground is eroding beneath them as their voters push them into their respective corners. While compromise is still possible, they say, they warn of Congress-like gridlock.

And the map is increasingly perilous for Republican candidates running for higher office.

Traditionally, the path to statewide victory has run through the Philadelphia suburbs. To win the state, President Donald Trump defied the trend by winning just enough votes there and winning or closing the margins in historically Democratic areas like Northeast Pennsylvania.

But the midterm results showed possible cracks in that coalition and a return to the longer-term trend, with Democrats up and down the ballot performing well in the same counties that delivered Trump the state in 2016.

The 2018 election results suggest Trumps 2016 victory in a handful of key states, Pennsylvania chief among them, may well have been a one-off in response to a very particular, special set of circumstances, Galston said.

Moving forward, said Galston and Brookings co-author Clara Hendrickson, geographic sorting and polarization make it easier and more effective than ever for politicians to focus on mobilizing their specific bases, rather than persuading swing voters.

Theres a clear temptation now for candidates to sort of double-down on a strategy of mobilizing the geographic base, but were not even sure if that will work in 2020, Hendrickson said. And it is certainly likely to produce a legitimacy crisis within our democracy that is dangerous.

Galston similarly warned of the dangers of deepening divisions. If youre only governing for one part of the country, the other part of the country is going to get really angry, he said. Its unclear what would slow or reverse the trend.

Blue Pennsylvania is bluer and better-defined than ever. Red-Pennsylvania is redder and better-defined than ever. And the leftward blue wave and its rightward counter in 2018 were a stark continuation of the long-term trend.

Consider where we were just a few years ago.
WASHINGTON - Congressional negotiators worked toward a deal Wednesday that could increase fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border without delivering President Donald Trump the wall money he wants, as pressure built to reach agreement ahead of a government shutdown deadline next week.

A bipartisan committee of House and Senate lawmakers traded offers behind the scenes, with committee Democrats saying money for border barriers was on the table, and Republicans acknowledging they won't get Trump the $5.7 billion he has sought for his wall.

Lawmakers hope to have a tentative deal by Friday or soon thereafter, to allow time for it to pass the House and Senate by Feb. 15. That's when funding runs out for a large portion of the federal government, causing another partial shutdown, if Congress and Trump don't act first.

Leaders of both parties made clear that, after the nation's longest-ever government shutdown ended late last month with Trump signing a short-term spending bill that includes no new money for his wall, they want to reach finality soon to avoid another funding lapse.

Conference committees have negotiated budget deals for years, but these talks are occurring at a moment of high anxiety and enormous stakes. Lawmakers are loath to revisit another shutdown, but even as they negotiate a possible deal, neither side has any idea what Trump wants or will accept. In recent weeks, some White House and congressional officials, including presidential adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, have floated the idea of expanding the talks, but the discussions remain narrowly focused.

There is no guarantee that Trump will agree to the deal, raising the prospect of a repeat of late December, when lawmakers thought they had averted a shutdown until the president changed his mind. If a deal emerges but does not swiftly earn Trump's backing, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would face a dilemma over whether to bring it to a vote anyway and potentially force Republicans to decide whether to support legislation that falls short of Trump's wall.

But few on Capitol Hill are eager to prolong the uncertainty by passing another stopgap spending bill. McConnell argued in a private meeting with senators Wednesday against passage of another short-term bill, according to a Republican with knowledge of the exchange who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe it.

"We've got to find some place in the middle," said Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., who sits on the 17-member conference committee that is trying to produce a deal. "We know the Dems are absolutely not going to do 5.7 (billion dollars). But what can they do - and what can we accept?"

Committee members declined to divulge details of their negotiations. But after Democrats started out last week offering no money for physical barriers of any kind along the border, House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y. - who is leading the conference committee negotiations - said Wednesday that "everything is on the table."

Another committee Democrat, Rep. Henry Cuellar, who represents a Texas border district, spoke of enhanced fencing or other types of barriers along portions of the 2,000-mile border - as long as local residents and authorities agree, and sensitive areas such as butterfly habitats are protected.

"I'm hoping we can avoid certain sensitive areas that I've mentioned, and we can put language there that they're going to work with the local entities," Cuellar told reporters. "If we do that, I'm telling you a lot of these things can be solved by the end. Hence, barriers."

There already are hundreds of miles of walls and fences of various kind along the border, which lawmakers of both parties have been funding for years. Trump's $5.7 billion request would build 230 additional miles of steel barriers.

Trump's advisers are hopeful that congressional negotiators can reach a deal, but he has not shown any willingness to back down from his insistence that taxpayer money be used to construct parts of a wall along the Mexico border. The president renewed his demands for a wall in his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, and is expected to make the case again on Monday during a rally in El Paso, Texas.

Inside the Capitol there is cautious optimism that the conference committee, which is stacked with experienced negotiators from both parties, can reach a deal. But members acknowledge that they cannot be certain that Trump will support their product, especially after his change of heart in late December.

Trump has dismissed the committee's negotiations as a "waste of time" and suggested that he might declare a national emergency that he said would allow him to circumvent Congress and use the military to build his wall.

Many Republicans are opposed to that approach, saying it would set a bad precedent for future Democratic presidents and could put GOP lawmakers in the uncomfortable position of having to vote on a resolution overturning the emergency declaration.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said he believed lawmakers should find a legislative solution.

"I think the president was very clear even last night that we are a legislative body, and we should use our power to solve this," McCarthy said, referring to Trump's State of the Union speech. "He has a responsibility as well to protect this nation, but he's giving us the time to get the job done . . . I believe at the end of the day we should get this done legislatively, and I'm looking forward to making that happen."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said she thinks House and Senate negotiators could reach a deal by the end of this week if "left to their own devices." She said that she would be willing to support any compromise border security that they produce, and that she has urged the White House to adopt the same "hands-off" posture.

Pelosi said she relayed to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., one of the lead negotiators, that "whatever you all come to an agreement on, bipartisan agreement, I will support it."

She added that she had relayed her hope to Vice President Mike Pence "that the White House will have the same hands-off policy as I have vis-a-vis the appropriators."

Shelby later said that Pelosi did not promise to put the committee's possible work product on the House floor but "said she would like to see a legislative solution, the sooner the better."

Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus released a letter to members of the conference committee Wednesday, asking them to oppose spending increases for Trump's wall or for immigrant detention. "The Trump administration has carried out its anti-immigrant agenda with appropriated funds from Congress," the letter says.

Shelby and other Republicans on the conference committee organized a closed-door briefing Wednesday with Border Patrol and customs representatives that Democrats agreed to attend. The briefers were career professionals, including U.S. Border Patrol Chief Carla Provost, as opposed to Trump administration political appointees.

But the briefing didn't appear to produce any breakthroughs, and Democrats on the conference committee said the briefers seemed determined to support Trump's $5.7 billion request for the wall.

In an echo of some of the arguments often heard from Trump, Shelby said that there was discussion in the briefing about how "terrorists are coming across the border, not just people looking for a better way of life . . . but people who could really do us harm" from "all over the world."

In a statement Wednesday, Michael Glassner, chief operating officer for Trump's re-election campaign, said that El Paso was chosen as a rally site to highlight the president's message.

"As the president continues his fight to secure our border, there's no better place to demonstrate that walls work than in El Paso," Glassner said. "President Trump looks forward to visiting with the patriots of Texas who are on the front lines of the struggle against open border Democrats who allow drugs, crime, and sex trafficking all along our border every day."

Glassner's statement echoed a claim made by Trump during his State of the Union address that the construction of a "powerful barrier" along the border in El Paso had dramatically reduced violent crime.

In a fact check, the El Paso Times found that the crime rate had fallen long before the construction of fencing authorized under President George W. Bush and completed in mid-2009.

Pence on Wednesday defended Trump's tactic of shutting down the federal government in a bid to gain leverage for border wall funding and said he could not guarantee that another closure will be averted next week.

The Washington Posts Damian Paletta, Seung Min Kim and Philip Rucker contributed to this report.
Democrats rebounded Tuesday in some of the Rust Belt and Midwestern states that helped deliver Donald Trump the presidency, scoring statewide wins in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin  and offering the party hope that it might be able to reclaim a vital piece of the president's coalition.

En route to landslide victories, Gov. Wolf and Sen. Bob Casey carried key Pennsylvania counties rich with white working-class voters who flipped from Barack Obama to Trump in 2016.

Their reelections, plus big Democratic victories in the other states, provided evidence they could still compete in the states where many of those voters favored Trump two years ago. Winning those three states, along with each one carried by Hillary Clinton in 2016, would enable Democrats to win back the White House in 2020.

"What shocked Democrats in 2016 and what led to the election of Donald Trump was Democrats losing not Ohio, not Florida, but part of the so-called blue wall in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin," said J.J. Balaban, a Philadelphia-based Democratic strategist. "And the results on Tuesday night showed very clear signs of Democratic strength in Pennsylvania and Michigan," with more of a mixed verdict in Wisconsin, he said.

Of course, Trump wasn't on the ballot, and his unique brand defies easy comparison to other Republican candidates. But there were warning signs nonetheless.

In Wisconsin, Democrats knocked off Republican Gov. Scott Walker and swept other statewide races, though the GOP maintained its sizable majority in the legislature.

Democrats in Michigan easily won the governor's office, retained a U.S. Senate seat, flipped two House seats, and made inroads in the state legislature.

And alongside Wolf and Casey, Pennsylvania Democrats won three GOP-held U.S. House seats and ousted incumbent state Senate and House Republicans in the Philadelphia suburbs.

"I think it always was going to be a challenge" for Trump to hold the Rust Belt states, said John Brabender, a Republican consultant based in Virginia. "That was the only path, but it's not a path that's easy to repeat."

Trump won Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin by the narrowest of margins, so even a small decrease in support or increase in opposition could rewrite the electoral map.

And, Brabender noted, Trump won't have the benefit in 2020 of running against the deeply unpopular Clinton, who became "the poster star of everything that's wrong with Washington."

The Democrats who won Tuesday, like Wolf, don't come with heavy baggage, Brabender said.

"If the election were held today and it was Trump and Joe Biden, Biden's winning Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania," said U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, a Chester County Republican who didn't seek reelection.

Analyses by Fox News and CNN both showed a majority of voters Tuesday had unfavorable opinions of Trump in the three states. He had better ratings in Ohio, where Democrats lost the governor's race, and where the GOP's grip appears more secure.

In a sign that some Trump voters are still open to voting for Democrats, 1 in 7 Trump voters who participated Tuesday voted for Wolf, according to exit polls, and 1 in 8 voted for Casey. Nearly all Clinton voters backed the Democrats again.

At the same time, Republicans and Democrats alike cautioned against reading too much into the midterm results. Democrats had established incumbents running in the Rust Belt Senate races. In addition, Trump's unique persona is difficult if not impossible to replicate, and the Democrats could well nominate another flawed candidate in 2020.

Nevertheless, the results were cause for concern for the GOP, especially in Pennsylvania, where the party's support among college-educated suburbanites continued to erode.

Consider Casey: He won the four suburban counties outside Philadelphia by 13 percentage points in his previous reelection, in 2012. On Tuesday he won the same counties by 25 points.

The Republican candidates at the top of the ticket represented two strains of Trumpism, Balaban said: Gubernatorial candidate Scott Wagner embraced Trump's blunt style, and Senate nominee Lou Barletta ran on Trump's hard-line immigration policies.

Both were defeated soundly  Wagner by 17 points and Barletta by nearly 13. Trump recruited Barletta to run and held rallies in the state during the campaign. Vice President Pence campaigned here and helped raise money.

Traditionally, Philadelphia's four Pennsylvania collar counties have been the bellwether for statewide campaigns. But in Pennsylvania and other swing states, Trump offset big losing margins in suburbs by drawing out droves of white, working-class voters who had traditionally supported Democrats.

The election hinted at cracks in that coalition.

After Trump captured three counties that Obama carried in 2012, Wolf and Casey won back two of them  Erie and Northampton.

In Barletta's home county of Luzerne  which Trump carried by 20 percentage points  Casey lost but held down the margin to 8 points. Wolf won the county narrowly.

Republicans also suffered defeats down ballot in these counties. Democrat Susan Wild, the Allentown lawyer who won a GOP-held House seat in Pennsylvania's Seventh District, carried Northampton, and Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright won Luzerne as he was reelected.

Democrat Ronald DiNicola lost the 16th District congressional race by a slim margin, but he carried Erie County by nearly 20 percentage points. Turnout in the county was the highest for any midterm election since 1994.

"We want to put to rest the notion somehow that Erie turned red," said Jim Wertz, chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party.

Democrats say they can cut into Trump's rural advantage by playing up issues like health care, opioids, and infrastructure. Speaking Thursday in Washington, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez pointed to Tony Evers, who defeated Walker, as a prime example.

"He has spent a lot or time in rural Wisconsin and we were all organizing," said Perez, noting that voters there cared about protections for pre-existing medical conditions, and fighting opioid addiction.

Casey, in an interview, noted that health care has turned from a liability to an asset for Democrats, now that the party has pressed it more vigorously and that voters have seen a House repeal vote that would have brought real consequences, rather than earlier GOP protest votes.

When Democrats held the White House and could block the repeal efforts, he said, voters "never really felt the urgency of that threat."

Staff writer Jonathan Lai contributed to this article.
During the State of the Union address, between statements on hot-button issues such as immigration and abortion, President Donald Trump proclaimed: Together, we will defeat AIDS in America. ... My budget will ask Democrats and Republicans to make the needed commitment to eliminate the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years.

Ending HIV transmission in 10 years is an achievable goal. However, a closer look at Trumps overall agenda, as well as the members of the administration who are likely to lead the effort, makes experts skeptical that the effort will fail.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.1 million people were living with HIV in the United States at the end of 2015. That number has likely grown in recent years as injection drug use has increased. In 2016, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the city had the highest rate of new infections compared with other large cities. Both in Philadelphia and nationally, black men who have sex with men or inject drugs are at the highest risk.

Though Trump did not provide details about his plan, looking at the response to an HIV outbreak in Indiana while Vice President Mike Pence was governor could provide clues to what might come.

Starting in 2014, Scott County, Ind., went through an HIV outbreak that by 2015 led to 215 new cases. Gregg Gonsalves, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health and a former AIDS activist, studied the response to the outbreak. According to Gonsalves, a prelude to the outbreak was a 2013 decision by Pence to cut public funding to Planned Parenthood in Indiana, forcing the only HIV testing provider in Scott County to shut down. During the time, Indianas health commissioner was Jerome Adams, who is serving as Trumps surgeon general.

It took Pence and Adams months after the first reports of the cluster of patients to respond to the outbreak. Eventually, Pence allowed a temporary syringe exchange program that received no public funding.

Gonsalves and his Yale colleague Forrest Crawford wanted to see what would have happened if Pence and Adams had acted earlier. Using epidemiological modeling, they found that if instead of closing the Planned Parenthood in 2013, Pence had increased funding for testing, only 56 or fewer people would have been infected in total. Just testing and diagnosis alone would have severely blunted the epidemic. Gonsalves explained that opening a syringe exchange program would have reduced the number of infections even more.

The lesson from Indiana is simple. HIV infections do not happen in a vacuum. Pences anti-choice zeal and War on Drugs mentality, which led to shutting down Planned Parenthood and the criminalization of syringe exchanges, exacerbated the crisis.

What this shows us is that the Trump administrations positions on drug laws, health care, education, and reproductive rights all stand as barriers to an effort to defeat HIV/AIDS.

Take health care. The first thing to do to prevent HIV infection is to make sure that anybody who has an HIV infection cant transmit, and the way to do that is to make sure that theyre on treatment, Gonsalves said. Many people who live with HIV depend on Medicaid. And yet, the Trump administration allowed states  including Indiana  to impose work requirements on Medicaid, risking thousands losing insurance in a time of need.

HIV is also a preexisting condition  protected under the Affordable Care Act, which the Trump administration is intent to repeal. Any action that contracts health insurance coverage instead of expands it adds fuel to the next HIV outbreak.

And then there is the War on Drugs. It is still up to states whether they allow syringe exchanges  even though they are proven to be effective in reducing HIV transmission without increasing drug use, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In most states, syringe exchange programs are not explicitly authorized under the law. There is also a ban on federal dollars for syringes and needles.

But the most obvious clue that the Trump administrations effort to fight HIV could likely fail is the overlap between the people who are harmed by the Trump administration and the people most impacted by HIV.

HIV still targets gay men and people who use drugs, Gonsalves said in pointing out Pences past support of conversation therapy and Trumps attacks on the rights of transgender people. If you are going to try to develop a health response to a community that you revile, despise, and try to destroy through conversation therapy, you are probably heading again in the wrong direction  the same with substance use.

HIV harms the most marginalized people in America  people in addiction, sex workers, gay men, transgender people, and mostly people of color. A fight against HIV/AIDS is a fight for the lives of these people. Will Trump and Pence believe those people are worth fighting for?
Although they may appear to be innocuous collections of school memories, yearbooks have fueled major political controversies in recent months. Whether it be the racist photograph of a student in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan costume on Virginia Gov. Ralph Northams medical school yearbook page or Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaughs high school yearbook jokes about drinking and sex, decades-old school publications have returned to public scrutiny for politicians, and its guaranteed that Northams will not be the last.

But these shocking pages arent as much of an outlier as they may have seemed. During my research on women in medicine in the 20th century, I came across the seemingly peculiar incident of a Playboy centerfold in a medical school yearbook. I soon discovered similar pages in yearbooks from this time across the United States. The books  as yearbooks always do  reflected the contemporaneous culture of the institutions that published them. In medical school in the 1960s and 70s, that culture was often roiled by a backlash against women and minorities, as the medical world increasingly opened for people other than white men.

My research found that editors at that time deliberately deployed sexism in yearbooks as women fought to enter coeducational medical schools in higher numbers. In 1965, women made up less than 10 percent of medical college matriculants. By 1975, that figure had increased to nearly 25 percent. To wrestle with the significance of this change, predominantly male yearbook editors drew upon the template and vocabulary of Playboy magazine.

If you flick through the 1969 yearbook from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, youll find a centerfold featuring a naked model wearing only a nurses cap, posed on a bed contemplating medical diagrams of vaginal surgery. This image was far from unique. In the same year, the University of Kansas medical school yearbook adopted a PlayDoc theme, with a front cover showing a blond, humanized, and feminized illustration of the Jayhawk mascot in a white coat, as well as Playboy-style and centerfold features. Medical school yearbooks most explicitly associated this sexual imagery with nursing.

That sexy nurse trope had become a staple of American culture by mid-century, because of wartime propaganda and pornography. Playboy regularly featured it in the late 1960s in depictions of Playmates in nursing roles and cartoons showing medical scenarios as moments of erotic possibility. For the nursing profession, such depictions had real consequences, depressing recruitment rates, and contributing to physical and verbal mistreatment of nurses.

The dismissive attitude toward nursing and the assumption that it was a womans place was readily apparent to women attempting to enter medical school. In an oral history, Nadine Bruce recalled an admissions interview at St. Louis Medical School in the 1960s where a physician asked, Your grades are OK, but youve gone to a small girls school. Youre nothing special, so why dont you just go and be a nurse? She replied, If your foot itches, you dont scratch your shoe. A week later, she received her rejection.

Teaching practices nurtured this focus on male heterosexual desire. Female students from numerous medical schools remembered professors using dirty jokes and photographs of naked women in lectures to hold the attention of male students, which implied that a womens place in the lecture theater was not to learn but to be leered at by men. This practice extended beyond individual classrooms. In 1971, Williams and Wilkins published The Anatomical Basis of Medical Practice, an anatomy textbook written by three professors from Duke University School of Medicine that illustrated anatomy through pinup photographs of women, taken by Playboy photographers Peter and Alice Gowland.

African American women were especially marginalized in medical schools. In 1980, African Americans constituted just 6 percent of medical students and at that time were mostly trained at Howard University College of Medicine and Meharry Medical College. Therefore, black women entering white-majority coeducational medical schools faced particular challenges. At medical school in the 1970s, Vanessa Gamble was often the only black person in her class, and was made to feel like a fly in the bowl of buttermilk.

Sharon Brangman recalled one white male professor who smoked a pipe and would purposely stand behind black students as they took tests and blow smoke over them. The same professor used a photo of a black athlete and adopted a black dialect to teach about muscles, while also using Playboy photos to illustrate anatomy.

This culture could also shape black womens experiences on the ward. One male patient didnt believe Gamble when she introduced herself as a student physician, insisting she was a maid and asking why she hadnt cleaned his room.

The culture of misogyny included physical harassment and assault, also memorialized in the yearbooks. Like many others, the 1969 Columbia medical school yearbook included sections dedicated to students extracurricular sporting activities. The sport branded hunting involved male students attempting to grab nurses and female physicians buttocks while their backs were turned.

Although perhaps some women posed for such photos or found the Playboy references sexually liberating, many more female students and professors contested this culture. Estelle Ramey of Georgetown School of Medicine led a boycott of The Anatomical Basis of Medical Practice, and consequently Williams and Wilkins published no further editions.

Yearbooks also contain evidence of this resistance  and of male editors mockery of it. The 1972 University of Southern California Dentistry School yearbook adopted a PlayDent theme, complete with a centerfold featuring a graduating dental assistant posing naked in a dentistry chair, alongside many other images and crude cartoons featuring naked women. Lynette Emiko Kagihara was a yearbook staff writer and photographer, and as a woman of color, she was the particular target of male editors contempt. Editors infused her profile with irony, writing that Kagihara was never one of the guys and that the editorial staff being 100 percent male needed to lay aside its natural inbred chauvinism to praise her. Editors also captioned one of her photographs Let me make myself perfectly clear, which suggests Kagihara often tried to protest over editors misogyny, even if her voice was drowned out.

However, by the late 1970s, womens voices were less frequently alone. When in the late 1970s, a University of Pennsylvania physician told a lecture theater that medicine is the profession that separates the men from the boys, he was met with hisses so loud that he announced that he couldnt keep lecturing like this  to which a student shouted, Thats right.

Yearbooks provide a window into how students created professional identities as they moved from school to work. For decades in medical schools, this creative process emboldened pervasive misogyny and racism. In turn, this shaped the treatment of patients, namely systemic pain bias against women, especially African American women.

Apologists too often resort to bad cliches to explain these examples away: They can be a case of a few bad apples or boys being boys or the byproduct of a different time. But these excuses minimize the significance of the hostility that women and people of color navigated every day in these student cultures. Editors commemorative work on yearbooks was part of a system that subordinated women and people of color within the highly stratified and hierarchical structures of universities and hospitals that promoted discrimination and harassment. Our medical world is still struggling to overcome those structures today.

Elizabeth Evens is a Ph.D. student at University College London researching gender, sexuality, and medicine. This piece first appeared in the Washington Post. @Lizzieevens
On January 23, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia held the grand opening of its Healthy Weight Food Pharmacy  one of the first pediatric hospital-based hunger-relief programs of its kind in the country. This in-house fresh food pantry is the result of the collaborative efforts of CHOP, Philabundance, and Giant Food Stores and will be administered through CHOPs Healthy Weight Program, which is designed to treat and prevent childhood obesity. Saba Khan, M.D., will serve as its director.

The Food Pharmacy is built on years of research conducted by Khan and researchers at PolicyLab at CHOP, whose findings include a link between poor health outcomes and food insecurity, particularly in underserved populations. This link is thought to be the result of a lack of access to healthy food and safe places, compared with easy access to food that has little nutritional value.

The Food Pharmacy will screen all patients  both new and returning  for food insecurity during each visit to the Healthy Weight Program. We use a two-question survey developed by the Department of Agriculture shown to identify food-insecure families with 97 percent accuracy. Families who dont know where their next meal is coming from will be given immediate access to healthy food from the pharmacy, along with a referral to a social worker to identify longer-term solutions. We anticipate that 12 percent to 20 percent of the families seen through the Healthy Weight Program will access the Food Pharmacy.

Both childhood obesity and hunger are highly complex societal problems. According to the latest Feeding America Map the Meal Gap study, almost 200,000 children are food insecure in the Delaware Valley  75,000 in Philadelphia alone.

The Food Pharmacys cutting-edge approach to such immense challenges is only possible through mission-driven partnerships between the corporate and the nonprofit sectors, such as the one between CHOP, Philabundance and Giant. The partnership allows CHOP to tap Philabundances expertise as the regions largest hunger relief organization while relying on Giants financial commitment.

Giants $173,500 grant to CHOP for the Food Pharmacy is not the companys only contribution to improve childhood health or tackle hunger-related issues in the region. As part of Giants 95th anniversary celebration, the company awarded $1 million to Philabundance to support childrens programs, the Philabundance Community Kitchen culinary program for low-income adults, and an endowment that will continue to fund the fight against hunger. Over the course of Giants 22-year partnership with CHOP, the company has contributed over $18 million to hospital initiatives, including $5 million toward the construction of CHOPs state-of-the-art Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care. In addition, Giants president, Nicholas Bertram, serves on CHOPs Corporate Council.

The Food Pharmacy is one component of CHOPs recently launched strategy, Healthier Together, which aims to give every child a fair chance at a healthy future. Healthier Together addresses poverty-related issues that have a lasting impact on children in our community, focusing on hunger, asthma, behavioral health concerns, and violence.

Four principles guide Healthier Together: to make strategic investments in programs and services that are proven to work, invest in workforce development programs that help parents find jobs, buy local for the initiatives when possible, and seek input from community stakeholders to make sure our work reflects their needs and values. With Healthier Together, we will create value for our community with every dollar we spend.

The collaboration between CHOP, Philabundance, and Giant on the Healthy Weight Food Pharmacy represents more than a unique approach to tackling deep-seated problems in our region. The initiative further offers an exceptional model for how socially responsible corporations and nonprofits together can partner to achieve solutions no single entity could accomplish alone.

For the health and well-being of our children, its time we embrace the Food Pharmacys lead and join together across the Greater Philadelphia region  businesses and nonprofits alike.

Peter Grollman is senior vice president of external affairs at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.
Charles G. Kopp, 86, of Rittenhouse Square, a Philadelphia lawyer and powerful political adviser and fund-raiser for the Republican Party, died in his sleep Wednesday, Feb. 6, at home.

Mr. Kopp started his career at the Philadelphia law firm of Wolf Block in 1960 and stayed until 2009, when he joined the firm of Cozen OConnor. He chaired Wolf Blocks tax department and was chairman and cochairman of the firm. At Cozen, he was senior counsel and a member of the tax department.

Mr. Kopp excelled in cases involving federal, state, and local taxation. He also developed an expertise in corporate acquisitions and mergers.

Charlie was a wonderful adviser, mentor, and friend to so many, said Cozen colleague Jim Schultz. He was a legal and political giant in this city who was also thoughtful, brilliant, and uniquely kindhearted. I am not alone in saying Charlie was always there to share his sage advice whenever asked.

Mark Alderman, another Cozen colleague, described Mr. Kopp as unique.

There are brilliant lawyers and there are brilliant strategists, Alderman said, but rarely is such brilliance found in a single person. Add to that a gift for teaching and a love of humor, and you have Charlie Kopp.

Much of Mr. Kopps work and social life centered on his skills as a political adviser and fund-raiser for the GOP. Over the years, he advised Bob Dole, Mitt Romney, John McCain, and Arlen Specter. That was his hobby and to some degree his work, and he loved it, said Matthew Kamens, another Cozen colleague.

Born an only child to Henry and Grace Kopp in Hartford, Conn., he graduated from Suffield Academy in Suffield, Conn. He earned degrees from Amherst College and the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

In addition to his law practice, Mr. Kopp was a trustee of Thomas Jefferson University and on the board of directors of Provident National Bank and the board of its successor, PNC Philadelphia.

In 1980, he was appointed to Gov. Dick Thornburghs Special State Tax Commission and two years later was appointed cochair of the Philadelphia Tax Committee by Mayor William J. Green III.

In 1986, Mr. Kopp was appointed a commissioner to the Delaware River Port Authority by Thornburgh. U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter appointed Mr. Kopp to the Federal Judicial Nominating Committee for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He served from 1999 to 2009.

In 2011, he was appointed by Gov. Tom Corbett to serve as chairman of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority. In that role, he pushed for the dredging of the Port of Philadelphia.

Charlie was one of the kindest and sincerest and warm individuals that I had the honor to call my friend," Corbett said. "He always gave wise counsel on many of the issues facing me as governor, especially with respect to Philadelphia. He served me as a senior counsel on issues in Southeast Pennsylvania. That counsel was invaluable. Philadelphia and Pennsylvania have lost a great, quiet leader today.

Jaime Lake, Mr. Kopps assistant at Cozen for 26 years, said her boss stood out because of his kindness and generosity.

Ive watched as a steady stream of people sought his advice or assistance, she said. He always gave it. As Ive called people to let them know of his passing, most keep me on the phone to recount the many times he helped them over the years."

Democrats also were fond of Mr. Kopp.

When Ed Rendell was mayor, he would call Mr. Kopp when there were bills before the state legislature that affected Philadelphia. Mr. Kopp always championed the city and made a case for its interests to the Republican lawmakers in Harrisburg, Rendell said.

Charles Breslin, a Democratic lobbyist and aide to Rendell, considered Mr. Kopp a mentor.

He had the best advice and it was usually, Stay out of it if you can, keep your head low, and do as little damage as possible,  Breslin said. He was one of a few gentlemen in a tough business.

Bob Asher, a Republican National Committee member and a major GOP fund-raiser, said Mr. Kopps skill in raising money lay in knowing whom to ask, what to ask for, and not being afraid of rejection.

Mr. Kopp raised millions of dollars for the party, Asher said. Far and away, it was because of who Charlie was, Asher said. Charlie was the epitome of a gentleman and someone who was considerate of others.

Outside of politics, Mr. Kopp enjoyed spending time in Ventnor, N.J., and taking long, solitary walks.

Mr. Kopp was married in 1962 to Ann Weiss. They divorced in 1964.

At his request, there will be no funeral.
Pennsylvania is a battleground state, but it isnt so much purple as it is very blue and very red, in very different regions. This morning were examining how recent elections have widened the divide. Youll want to spend some time with the interactive graphics my colleagues created to illustrate just how deep this split really runs. Speaking of divisions, the local battle over supervised drug injection sites escalated Wednesday. A U.S. attorney is suing to stop Philly from hosting the nations first such site.

Reading this online? Sign up here to get this newsletter delivered to your inbox every morning.

 Aubrey Nagle (@aubsn, morningnewsletter@philly.com)

It was the bluest of times, it was the reddest of times. Pennsylvania is a tale of two states: one rode a blue wave to victory in Novembers midterm elections and the other gave a red response that solidified the Republican base in rural areas.

At least, thats what analysis of returns from the states more than 9,000 precincts, recently available for the first time, shows. Reporters Jonathan Lai and Jared Whalen parsed through the data to find out just how divisions deepened in the already-divided state.

The split has the potential to worsen the gridlock in Harrisburg and shape Pennsylvanias role in the 2020 elections.

U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain, the regions top federal law official, has filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking efforts to make Philadelphia home to the nations first supervised drug injection site.

McSwain is asking a judge to declare such a facility illegal under federal law. Meanwhile, Safehouse, the nonprofit supporting the idea, has signaled it has no intention of backing down.

The suit sets up a court battle that could shape legal debate over supervised injection sites across the country.

Youre about to hear a lot more about Bobi + Tobi. In their blockbuster trade with the Clippers, the Sixers gained Tobias Harris and Boban Marjanovic, one of the the leagues most famous friendships.

The deal isnt just about the pairs buddy cop antics. With Harris as the teams starting power forward, the Sixers are now solidly in the Eastern Conference Finals conversation.

The Sixers also acquired Malachi Richardson from the Raptors Wednesday, and they still could make another move before todays 3 p.m. trade deadline.

What you need to know today

Through Your Eyes | #OurPhilly

Quack, quack, @matteo_petrera. Quack, quack.

Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and well pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out!

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Opinions

Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania said the ruling will remembered as a shameful moment in our nations history. Today, the ruling is still blocking people from the United States and separating them from their loved ones.  Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, founding director of the Center for Immigrants Rights Clinic at Penn State Law in State College, on how the Muslim ban is still shutting out Pennsylvanians.

Take a trip back to English class (in a fun way) with the Angry Grammarian, Jeffrey Barg, who writes that passive voice makes Roger Stones indictment sound less damning than Johnny Docs.

In his State of the Union address Tuesday, President Trumps references to foreign policy were brief, reinforcing the image that hes bent on surrendering Americas global leadership, writes columnist Trudy Rubin.

What were reading

A Daily Dose of | Listening

Humans love telling and listening to stories, but sharing personal ones with a crowd of strangers? Local storytellers call it the skydiving of public speaking.
A political science professor who has accused Virginias lieutenant governor of sexual assault  contributing to turmoil in that states government  once taught at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa.

Vanessa C. Tyson, 42, was at the small liberal arts college in Cumberland County for about eight years until June 2015, the college confirmed Thursday. Shes now an associate professor of politics and expert in black history at Scripps College in California, and a political science fellow at Stanford Universitys Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences.

On Wednesday, Tyson released a statement saying Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax had forced her to perform oral sex on him in 2004 at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. Fairfax has denied the allegation. He is potentially in line to become governor as Virginia reels from a scandal that now involves its top three officials.

At Dickinson, Tyson taught topics including American government; political representation; and marginalization of groups through racism, sexism, and homophobia, according to the Dickinsonian, the student newspaper. Shes a graduate of Princeton University and has a doctorate from the University of Chicago.

Dickinson declined to say why Tyson left. She was not tenured. A 2016 opinion column in the Dickinsonian by Peter Soeller, a 2014 alumnus, alleged that she had been unfairly removed after issues with her department.

Tyson was not a radical, Soeller wrote. While holding more left-wing personal opinions, the professionalism in which Tyson conducted herself ensured that she did not mix her beliefs with her classes. Yet, she was sacked nonetheless.

In an interview Thursday, Soeller said he had Tyson for a class on Congress, and she was wonderful and very thought provoking.

Soeller, 26, a street photographer in New York, said he was really not surprised" to learn his former professor came forward with the accusation. She was going to stick up for herself. She sticks up for what she believes in," he said. "Thats how she conducts herself as a teacher.

Tyson has helped victims of sexual assault and has talked about being a victim of incest and molestation, according to the New York Times.

In her statement Wednesday, she described how she met Fairfax at the convention, where she was working, and they struck up a cordial relationship.

What began as consensual kissing quickly turned into a sexual assault, she wrote. Mr. Fairfax put his hand behind my neck and forcefully pushed my head towards his crotch. Only then did I realize that he had unbuckled his belt, unzipped his pants, and taken out his penis. He then forced his penis into my mouth. Utterly shocked and terrified, I tried to move my head away, but could not because his hand was holding down my neck and he was much stronger than me. As I cried and gagged, Mr. Fairfax forced me to perform oral sex on him.

She wrote that she suffered humiliation and shame and did not see him again after that. She had previously disclosed her allegation to the Washington Post, which she said decided last year not to run the story. Her statement came as Fairfax emerged as a potential replacement for the current governor, Ralph Northam.

Northam has been under pressure to resign after a racist photo on his medical school yearbook page was found. Meanwhile, the states attorney general, Mark Herring, acknowledged he wore blackface at an undergraduate party.
Bobby Henon never made any secret about his dual loyalties. While making $140,000 a year as a City Council member, he has also been paid more than $73,000 annually as a top official of the Electricians union local led by John J. Dougherty.

All perfectly legal. But according to a federal indictment made public Wednesday, Henon, 50, a Democratic Council member since 2011, crossed the line into criminality as he used his Council clout to muscle Comcast Corp. on behalf of his union  and even plotted revenge on a towing company that had the nerve to seize Doughertys car.

Here is a look at some of the schemes cited in the indictment.

A key role

In late 2015, Henon chaired a Council panel  the Public Property and Public Works Committee  that was ideal for a man with his labor credentials. He played a vital role in negotiating a new cable-TV franchise agreement with Comcast Corp. on behalf of Philadelphias 1.5 million residents.

But according to the indictment, Henon was also negotiating on behalf of one other important constituent: Dougherty.

In presumably taped conversations and captured texts, Dougherty and Henon bantered about what they could wring out of Comcast. Specifically, Dougherty was interested in lining up contract work for MJK Electric, owned by George Peltz, who was indicted Monday for allegedly showering Dougherty with almost $70,000 in gifts and freebies.

At the time, Comcast was anxious to strike a franchise deal with City Hall, to show Wall Street and other cities negotiating similar deals with the cable giant that it would not lose its hometown market. But Comcast would have to first get past the committee chaired by Henon. And Dougherty made it clear that he viewed Henon as an extension of the union.

That is why you are over there ... for one reason  to put you on public property to fight a giant, he said.

>> READ MORE: What labor is saying in light of the federal indictment of John Dougherty

Henon told Dougherty not to worry, that he would delay moving the Comcast franchise agreement through the committee until Dougherty got what he wanted.

Henon held a meeting in his Council chambers with Dougherty and Comcast negotiators. Dougherty, not Henon, ran the meeting, according to the indictment. He warned that if Comcast did not agree to hire MJK, Council would stall the franchise deal.

Dougherty and Henon met again later with Comcast negotiators. At the meeting, they pressed Comcast to hire MJK. In the end, Comcast agreed it would  at 25 percent more than the rate it paid nonunion labor.

A week later, Henon voted in favor of the franchise agreement, and Council approved the agreement.

>> OPINION: After Johnny Doc, Local 98 indictment, Bobby Henon should step down and Philly Democrats should step up | Editorial

As a result of the deal, Comcast hired MJK for two projects in 2016, paying it $2.2 million, the indictment says.

A halted MRI project

In the summer of 2015, prosecutors contend, Dougherty and Henon interfered with the installation of two MRI machines at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia because the work was being done by nonunion labor.

In July, Dougherty called a CHOP administrator to complain that his union had not been able to bid on the project. The administrator told him the MRIs had to be installed by the manufacturer or the warranty would be invalid, according to the indictment.

Dissatisfied, Dougherty warned, It is also an L&I violation. You dont want a city thing shutting it down."

>> INFOGRAPHIC: Whos indicted, and what are the charges?

Shortly after the warning, Henon filed a complaint with the Department of Licenses and Inspections. L&I inspectors issued a stop-work order but ultimately reversed it, allowing installation to continue.

That August, Dougherty learned that nonunion electricians were installing a second MRI unit at CHOP. He relayed the information to Henon. Again, L&I intervened, the indictment says.

After inspecting the site, the department issued another stop-work order.

CHOP declined to comment Wednesday. It was unclear if the second MRI installation was completed.

Pressure on Verizon

As he faced reelection in 2015, the indictment says, Henon tied his many of his actions on Council to campaign contributions, making only clumsy efforts to separate the two.

In an apparently wiretapped phone call, the councilman called an unnamed official of the Communications Workers of America and pressed him for a donation of at least $5,000. In a separate call two minutes later, he offered his help to the union in its negotiations with Verizon.

In the weeks that followed, union officials urged Henon to summon Verizon executives in for a public hearing and make them sweat a little bit. This is our opportunity to give them a black eye, an unidentified union official said.

>> DOCUMENT: Read the full Johnny Doc, IBEW Local 98 indictment

Henon did hold such a hearing, ostensibly to explore Verizons progress fitting Philadelphia with fiber-optic cable. At the hearing, the indictment notes, Henon ripped into the company. I have no faith and confidence that the information I am getting is the truth, he said.

The CWA, which was not charged in the case, ended up giving Henons campaign fund $15,000 in 2015 and 2016. Edward Mooney, its vice president in charge of Pennsylvania operations, didnt return calls.

Richard J. Young, a Verizon spokesperson, said in an email that the firm would have no comment.

$210 and no change

In September 2015, Dougherty discovered that a tow truck driver had pulled his car onto a truck. The operator refused to release the vehicle until Dougherty paid $200 in cash.

The driver didnt have change, so Dougherty ended up paying $10 extra.

Ticked off, Dougherty called Henon and told him to introduce legislation requiring tow truck drivers to go through training.

That $10 is going to cost their fing industry a bundle, Dougherty said, according to the indictment.

Just tell them you have heard nothing but complaints, he added. Just smoke em.

>> READ MORE: Johnny Doc allegedly bought some pretty mundane stuff with IBEW Local 98s credit cards

Several days later, Henon had his staff draft a bill to launch a city investigation for the purposes of protecting the general welfare and public interest of the residents of Philadelphia. Its unclear what happened to the bill.
Twice last school year, Philadelphia homeless students lost out on special education services because the city School District failed to appoint advocates to fight for their rights.

Now, the district must come up with a new system to make sure such surrogate parents are assigned promptly to homeless students eligible for special-education services and tracked. Also, the state will soon issue guidance to districts and charter schools across Pennsylvania reminding them of their legal obligation to do the same.

The changes come as a result of a complaint filed by the Education Law Center, a city-based nonprofit that advocates for students across the state. Paige Joki, the lawyer who filed the complaint, said the two students cases were indicative of a larger problem.

We believe that these barriers are systemic, said Joki, whose work centers on homeless students. This is not just a School District of Philadelphia problem.

Under federal law, school districts have 30 days to name surrogate parents to advocate and sign off on educational decisions for unaccompanied disabled students experiencing homelessness. These volunteers are often people who have a relationship with the children they represent.

In the case of the two Philadelphia students, whose names are being withheld to protect their privacy, no such advocates were assigned.

One of the students was pushed to graduate, forfeiting her future educational rights. The other was placed in a life-skills class that failed to meet her needs, Joki said.

Such students may run away or be forced out of homes, said Joki, who advocates for homeless youth in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties. They are disproportionately students of color, pregnant students, LGBT students, or students coming out of the foster care system.

These students have often tried to self-advocate, but they dont have the legal ability to assert their own rights, said Joki.

A state investigation prompted by the Education Law Centers complaint with the Department of Education revealed that in an entire school year, the district formally assigned just two surrogate parents for all children in foster care or experiencing homelessness.

That low number suggests a failure of the SDP to identify children in need of [surrogate] parents, the state found in response to the Law Centers complaint.

Karyn Lynch, the districts chief of student support services, disputed the notion that there was a problem larger than the failure to meet two students' needs. In most cases, Lynch said, building-level staff, such as principals, often find appropriate surrogates for homeless pupils who require special-education services, and the central office does not get involved.

That does not mean that surrogates were not identified all across the district, Lynch said.

We serve 19,000 special education students, she said. Its unfortunate that two of them had this experience.

The state ordered the school system to immediately assign surrogate parents and provide compensatory education to the two students. It also required Philadelphia to devise a new system to make sure all unaccompanied homeless students with special-education needs are promptly given advocates.

It also said that it would re-issue guidance to each district and charter school in the commonwealth, emphasizing their legal responsibilities in this area and encouraging them to disaggregate the data around unaccompanied homeless students with special needs.

Statewide, there are more than 4,000 unaccompanied homeless students.

The states action in this matter represents vital progress for unaccompanied youth with disabilities, who will now have a system that identifies and serves them, Joki said in a statement. As our clients cases illustrate, youth who are on their own risk being pushed to graduate or being deprived of services they desperately need to succeed in life.
William E. Johnson III insisted that he had turned his life around. He said he had left his criminal past behind to earn an honest living buying and selling real estate.

On Wednesday, city prosecutors rejected that self-portrait. They charged Johnson with 63 counts of forgery, deception, theft, and tampering with public records, and painted him as one of the most brazen of a criminal-type homegrown in Philadelphia: the housing thief.

Johnson is accused of stealing seven houses with forged deeds, faking the signatures of dead owners or aged sellers. As detailed in an investigation published last month in the Inquirer, his alleged hunting ground was concentrated in Brewerytown, a section of North Philadelphia north of Girard Avenue that is in the early stages of gentrification.

Johnson, 43, who allegedly stole his first house shortly after leaving a prison halfway house, turned himself in to the District Attorneys Office early Wednesday. His bail was set several hours later at $51,000; under court rules, he would have to post 10 percent to go free to await a hearing Tuesday.

The charges he faces all relate to seven questionable house sales identified by the Inquirer.

The investigation into Johnsons transactions was launched last year and led by veteran Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Esack of the Economic Crime Unit. The probe is continuing and reflects an effort by District Attorney Larry Krasner to crack down on the entrenched Philadelphia problem of house theft, according to Benjamin Waxman, Krasners spokesperson. Investigators from the office were interviewing victims and participants of the sales as recently as last week. Krasner was to provide more details on the case at a news conference at 1 p.m. Thursday.

In Philadelphia, thieves have forged deeds, wills, and notary stamps to steal houses in neighborhoods undergoing real estate booms. The issue has flared in other American cities; in New York City, District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. recently released a grand jury report that called the problem an epidemic.

Philadelphia officials have sought to tighten rules on house sales, but developers say the fraud remains prevalent.

The string of acquisitions by Johnson led the state in November to file a civil complaint against notary public Victor Miller for notarizing fake signatures of two dead women in the sale of a home to Johnsons wife. Miller, like Johnson, claimed he was fooled by impostors.

Beverly Strickland, whose late fathers house was stolen in 2017 with a forgery of his signature, said Johnsons arrest brought her some peace of mind. She said her father, a World War II veteran and forklift operator, had viewed the family home as an asset that would ultimately benefit his three granddaughters. Instead, Johnson took ownership of it and resold it to a developer for $50,000  one of three such houses he resold.

Im feeling a sense of relief. I was feeling before that my hands were tied, Strickland said. I really wanted more than anything else for justice to be done. I didnt want him to get away with it.

In another deal, Nora Johnson lost her Philadelphia house when her name was forged on a sale deed in 2017. She was 91 and living with family in North Carolina at the time.

Gregory Jackson, one of her sons, noted Wednesday that his family has had to pay a lawyer to file suit to reclaim the house.

I dont know if well be able to recoup our financial loses, but I am thrilled that someone is to get their just deserts, he said.

In a Dec. 6 interview, Johnson questioned why his transactions were of any interest.

Whats the deal here? If these people are dead, what are we talking about? he asked.

Im in the business of providing people with shelter. I think its a right that people should have.

Johnson accumulated a serious criminal record as a young man. At age 20, in 1995, a city jury found him guilty of leading police on a 20-block chase in a stolen car. The chase ended when Johnson ran a red light and his vehicle collided with another car. Two men in that car had their legs crushed.

That same year, Johnson pleaded guilty in federal court to joining two other men in smash-and-grab robberies at jewelry stores. A guard and shopper were hurt.

Johnson was sentenced to 11 to 22 years in prison. He eventually served more than 16 years  far more than his minimum  because of prison misconduct and parole violations.

Asked about his records, Johnson pointed out that the crimes had taken place years ago. He said news reports about him should note that indications would be that this man has turned his life around, etc., etc.
WASHINGTON  In her first national forum as a presidential candidate, Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) casually embraced the idea of eliminating private health insurance in favor of a Medicare for all Americans.

Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.) has pushed for a pilot program that would guarantee a federal job paying $15 an hour to anyone who seeks one, with an eye toward expanding it nationwide. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) have plans to sharply raise taxes on some of the very richest Americans. And on Thursday, when liberal Democrats rolled out the Green New Deal plan for eliminating U.S. net carbon emissions in a decade, numerous candidates embraced it, including Booker, Sanders, Warren and Harris.

For many Democrats running for president or likely to, incrementalism is out. Bold is in.

Its a dramatic shift from three years ago, when Sanders was derided by some as a fringe candidate and his Medicare-for-all plan attacked as fantasy. Hillary Clinton, a seemingly safe choice known for small-bore pragmatism, was swamped as then-candidate Donald Trump stirred passions with attack lines and a vow to help working people with huge, if unrealistic, promises.

Now, the early crop of Democratic contenders is arguing for their own set of big, aggressive actions to take on inequality, health-care gaps, and climate change.

When I ran for president in 2016, we had the opportunity to raise issues before the American people which had not been raised for a number of years, and I think we were able to break through, Sanders said in an interview. The American people have moved toward a much more progressive economic agenda, in terms of health care, in terms of wages.

Several Democrats said Trump has emboldened their candidates by pushing past old boundaries and by posing such a threat that he has inspired a robust response.

The Trump presidency has widened the aperture of whats acceptable debate in the country, and I think theres a hunger for boldness to meet this political moment, said Neera Tanden, president of the liberal Center for American Progress. People recognize that Trump offers kind of radical ideas and that our ideas are better.

Even Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, a relatively moderate Democrat with an even temperament, was on board. With the challenges we have, he said, we have to think big.

Primary motivation

With such a crowded and growing field of presidential hopefuls, candidates are also jockeying to make an impression, said Mark Mellman, a Democratic pollster.

People really need to distinguish themselves, and they cant let someone else get their big idea first, Mellman said.

Some liberals argue that just by raising these ideas, they are widening the sense of what is possible and moving even compromise positions further left.

But the move for sweeping reforms hasnt been embraced by every contender, or every Democrat.

Weve got to tread carefully ... and not say things that are going to come back to haunt us in the general election, when somebody takes out a calculator and starts adding these things up, said former Gov. Ed Rendell, the onetime chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

In an interview, he predicted that Trump would seize on the new ideas to label Democrats as socialists.

Sure enough, in his State of the Union speech a few days later, Trump intoned: Here in the United States, we are alarmed by new calls to adopt socialism in our country.

Rendell, arguing that Democratic voters will show up to vote against Trump whether youre running for president, whether Im running for president, or whether Joe Biden is running for president, pointed to the partys results in 2018, when liberal stars such as Georgias Stacey Abrams and Floridas Andrew Gillum lost, while largely moderate candidates won 43 Republican-held House seats and several governors offices in Midwestern swing states.

Were not running to carry California and New York; were going to carry California and New York," Rendell said. Were running to carry Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida, and Ohio.

A CNN poll released Wednesday suggested that a majority of Democratic voters might agree: 49 percent of Democrats or Democratic-leaning voters surveyed said having a good chance to defeat Trump is an extremely important factor in whom they support in the primary. Just 25 percent rated a candidates holding progressive positions as equally important.

Tanden said Democrats agree on general principles, such as expanding health care, but are likely to have a substantial debate about how to get there.

Being able to assemble an electoral coalition is as important to Democratic voters as any particular issue, she said.

Competing perspectives

So far, the argument has been steered by Democrats who come from deep-blue states like New Jersey, California, and Massachusetts. Other candidates likely to join, however, may strike different notes, even if they also push liberal ideas.

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D., Ohio) told Yahoo! News that he backs the goal of Medicare for all but that expanding the program to people aged 55 and older is more attainable right now. A progressive who has consistently won in a right-leaning swing state, he has touted his success in expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, and his proposal to do it again under a plan that could help 50 million Americans take home more money, according to aides.

Its not fighting for our progressive values or getting things done  its both," Brown said in a statement.

Another likely entrant, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, is mostly known for a businesslike, nonconfrontational approach that has made her popular across party lines in Minnesota. Biden, the former vice president, has often had a more pragmatic outlook. And in late January former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg blasted pie in the sky" ideas "that we never are going to pass, are never going to afford.

Even among the more liberal voices, Booker has rejected the idea of eliminating private insurance and Harris campaign said she, too, would be willing to accept more incremental steps on expanding Medicare. Each has supported Medicare-for-all bills but also measures that would take more modest steps.

The debate is unfolding as Trump struggles to deliver his signature proposal  a wall on the Southwestern border funded by Mexico, illustrating that big promises can be hard to deliver.

Liberal advocates counter that they are proposing ideas that are both popular and already tried in Western democracies such as Canada (nationalized health care) and Germany (free college tuition).

Warrens tax plan, a 2 percent tax on a persons net worth above $50 million, and 3 percent over $1 billion, won 61 percent support in a recent Politico/Morning Consult poll.

Expanding Medicare to all Americans, and replacing private insurance, garnered 56 percent support in a January poll by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, which focuses on health-care policy. But less drastic options, including allowing people to voluntarily buy into Medicare or expanding it to people aged 50 and up, won substantially more backing.

About 60 percent of people opposed Medicare for all, meanwhile, after being told it might cause tax increases or eliminate private insurance.

Once you get just the least bit below the surface and you start to look at the downsides of these far-left policies, they start to lose their appeal, said Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.). Its not going to be hard to convince Americans that Venezuela is not that successful.

The early 2020 contenders seem undeterred.

Were the party of Social Security. Were the party of Medicaid and Medicare, Booker said in an interview Wednesday, before his first official campaign swing, to Iowa and South Carolina. Weve been a [party] thats moving this country forward toward greater justice for all, greater fairness for all, for a long time, and Im not sure that this is anything new.
Two veteran law enforcement officers are accused in a federal lawsuit of orchestrating the unconstitutional arrest of a Philadelphia man by coercing a witness to falsely accuse him of participating in an illegal 2015 gun transaction and by testifying in court in support of the arrest.

The officers, Special Agent Patrick Mangold of the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office and Philadelphia Police Officer Gregory Gillespie, are accused of lying in affidavits and during a preliminary hearing, resulting in the arrest of Ronald Byrd, against whom they held a grudge from previous run-ins, according to Center City attorney David Nenner, who filed the suit Monday on behalf of Byrd.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia, alleges that Mangold received a search warrant on July 25, 2015, for a home in the 2200 block of Ontario Street in Port Richmond by swearing that a credible and reliable source told him a man named Nyeem Gordon had given a .40-caliber Glock handgun to a woman at the home named Melaine Barbour in exchange for a .38-caliber revolver.

When the search warrant was executed the next day, the lawsuit says, Mangold showed Barbour an Instagram photo of Byrd and threatened to arrest her if she did not identify Byrd as the man with whom she had made the gun swap. Under duress, the suit says, Barbour signed a statement produced by defendant Mangold falsely implicating Mr. Byrd.

In a warrant seeking Byrds arrest, Mangold wrote that the same reliable and credible source he cited in the search warrant told him that Byrd had exchanged guns with Barbour at the Ontario Street house on July 24, the day before the search warrant was issued and executed, the suit states.

Although the search warrant named Nyeem Gordon as the person who had exchanged guns with Barbour while the arrest warrant said it was Byrd, the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office charged Byrd with three firearm crimes and one count of criminal conspiracy. Barbour was never prosecuted.

Byrds lawsuit names the state as a defendant because it did not terminate Mangold and knowingly and recklessly placed him in a supervisory role in an investigation knowing that he had previously manufactured false evidence in an unrelated case.

Also named as defendants are the City of Philadelphia, former state Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane, and former Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams. Kane and Williams are serving prison terms for unrelated offenses.

At Byrds preliminary hearing in November 2015 before Municipal Court Judge Charles Hayden, Gillespie falsely testified that he personally observed Byrd enter and exit the Ontario Street house on the day of the illegal gun exchange, and Mangold also falsely testified that Byrd was a party to the gun exchange, the suit says.

Byrd was held for trial after the hearing on $750,000 bail that he could not pay, the suit says. But before he could be tried, the District Attorneys Office dropped all charges on March 14, 2016.

No one has been charged in the July 24, 2015, murder of Rasheen Richardson, who police said was killed with the .40-caliber Glock that police confiscated from the Ontario Street house on July 25, 2015.

Byrd, 30, who is nearing the end of a 46-month federal prison sentence in an unrelated case, is seeking more than $250,000 in compensatory and punitive damages, claiming that the officers subjected him to false arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and five other offenses.

Ben Waxman, spokesperson for the District Attorneys Office, said the case against Byrd was withdrawn because further investigation found that the defendant had been misidentified.

Andrew Richman, chief of staff for the city Law Department, which is representing Gillespie, declined to comment on the lawsuit, as did Joe Grace, spokesperson for the state Attorney Generals Office, which is representing Mangold.

Mangold and Gillespie have been sued before, court records show. In 2009, the City of Philadelphia settled for $25,000 a lawsuit brought by a man named Albert Moore who accused Gillespie  on the force since July 1996  and two other police officers of subjecting him to false arrest and malicious prosecution.

Mangold, who was a Philadelphia police officer and detective from 1981 to 2012, was sued in federal court in 1998 and accused of writing a false confession statement attributing two Montgomery County bank robberies to James E. Stepp that he did not commit and to which he refused to confess.

Although Mangold was found not liable in the civil trial because the bogus statement was never used in court against Stepp, Judge Norma L. Shapiro called Mangolds actions reprehensible in her ruling and said: There is evidence of record that Mangold drafted a false confession to robberies for which Stepp had not confessed.

Since 2012, Mangold has worked for the state Attorney Generals Office as a special agent assigned to the Gun Violence Task Force.

Byrds lawsuit originally was filed in October in state court, but was withdrawn to be refiled in federal court because the city and Gillespie would have been immune from being sued in state court, Nenner said.
A week after pleading not guilty to federal corruption charges, City Councilman Bobby Henon returned to Council chambers Thursday, saying he wont surrender his post as majority leader and plans to run for reelection this year as he defends himself in court.

I have done nothing wrong and I continue to serve this caucus as majority leader, he said as he waded through a scrum of reporters on his way into Council chambers. I am not stepping down.  Nobody has asked me to step down.

Henon discussed his political future but would not answer questions about any of the allegations in last weeks indictment. Federal prosecutors accused Henon of working as a puppet of labor leader John Johnny Doc Dougherty, misusing his Council seat.

According to a 116-count indictment, Henon, at the direction of Dougherty, who was also charged in the indictment, used his position to get Comcast Corp. to award $2 million in contract work to an electric company owned by a friend, and to shut down a nonunion project at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, among other allegations. In addition to Henon and Dougherty, six other members and allies of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers were charged with fraud, bribery, embezzlement, or related counts..

Henon has held his $140,000-a-year Council job while being paid more than $73,000 annually by Local 98 for what federal officials described as a no-show job. Asked if he would give up the union post, Henon said hes always disclosed his two jobs.

I have done nothing wrong and I will not speak to the indictment, he said several times during a five-minute exchange.

The indictment alleges that Henon and Dougherty pushed the citys soda tax, passed in 2016, to get political revenge on the Teamsters. Said Henon on Thursday: "I support the soda tax. I believe in community schools, pre-K, and rebuilding our parks and recreation. I have spent over $7 million in just the 6th District alone and I look forward to the revenue thats coming in so we can rebuild Philadelphia.

Another allegation in the indictment says that in July 2015, Henon, responding to Doughertys pique, took aim at the installation of two MRI machines at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia because the work was being done by nonunion labor. After the councilman filed a complaint with the Department of Licenses and Inspections, inspectors issued a stop-work order. The department reversed the order but then issued another one after another Henon complaint.

My office, my staff, and myself speak with L&I on a regular basis during the course of doing my job that the citizens of Philadelphia elected me to do," Henon said Thursday in response to a chorus of reporters questions. Asked directly if he called L&I about the CHOP project, Henon declined to answer.

Henons communications director interrupted, saying he needed to get to the Council meeting. Once there, Henon sat in his seat and began shuffling through papers.

He introduced a resolution honoring the Chinese Lunar New Year and an ordinance regarding truck parking in his district.

Henon said he will continue to work with his colleagues, vote on bills, and introduce legislation.

"Were going to continue to do that on a daily basis and look forward to doing it for the next year and the next four years, he said.
Bill Cosby has been moved to the general population but hasnt had any visits from family four months after arriving at a Pennsylvania state prison.

The 81-year-old Cosby, who is legally blind, last week was moved out of special housing where he spent time getting acclimated, a prison spokeswoman said. He still has inmates assigned to help him throughout the day, given his age and disability.

Cosby now has a single cell in a two-story unit at the newly built SCI-Phoenix in Montgomery County. Wyatt said hes in a unit reserved for veterans, something the prison would not confirm. He had earlier been in a private cell and day room near the infirmary.

Cosby believes he is a political prisoner, targeted for his social and political views much like heroes Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, said Andrew Wyatt, a spokesman for the comedian.

He said, They want to entrap me to say Im remorseful, or to say I did something I didnt do. Im not going to fall for it,'  Wyatt said.

Wyatt said he doesnt expect Camille Cosby or their daughters to visit the prison, which is about 20 miles from a family estate in the Philadelphia suburbs. Cosby is serving a three- to 10-year term for drugging and molesting a woman there in 2004.

"He doesn't want to have them in that environment," said Wyatt, who visits regularly. "Why put them in that position, to make it turn into some form of a circus?"

Camille Cosby made just one brief appearance at each of her husband's two criminal trials, and their three surviving daughters stayed away. Cosby's wife of more than 50 years did, however, file an ethics complaint against the trial judge last year, accusing him of bias in the case.

She continues to strategize on her husbands behalf behind the scenes, Wyatt told the Associated Press on Thursday.

Inmates at Phoenix are awakened at 6 a.m. and back in their cells by 8:45 p.m.

They can spend several hours a day in the gym or exercise yard, and other time in the library, classroom, day room, or visiting area, state prison spokeswoman Amy Worden said. Wyatt said that Cosby gets up before dawn to do leg lifts and crunches in his cell, and has been working on new creative projects.

"He hasn't stopped thinking about the things that he's going to do when he gets out," Wyatt said.

A jury at a retrial last year convicted Cosby of three counts of felony sex assault. He is appealing the conviction.

Dozens of women have accused Cosby of sexual assault or misconduct over a 50-year span, including five who testified at the retrial. Cosby and his lawyers and agents have repeatedly called the encounters consensual.

Cosby, a Philadelphia native, rose to fame in the 1960s as the first black actor to star in a prime-time television drama with the hit show, I Spy. He became known as Americas Dad for his portrayal of family man Cliff Huxtable on the top-rated Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992, a show that helped his fortune reach an estimated $400 million.
A Voorhees man has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a physically helpless or incapacitated 22-year-old woman on a PATCO High-Speed Line train, officials said.

Charles Arcano, 45, was arrested Tuesday in South Philadelphia and is awaiting extradition to Camden to face charges of aggravated assault, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, and criminal restraint, the Camden County Prosecutors Office said.

According to the criminal complaint, Arcano knew or should have known the victim to be physically helpless or incapacitated when she was allegedly attacked about 4 a.m. Jan. 27 on a train traveling in Camden County.

The assault was captured on video, officials said, and police released surveillance photos of a suspect in an effort to identify him.

Police have said the suspect entered the PATCO system at the Westmont station about two hours before the attack.

This article contains material from the Associated Press.
Mealworms wriggled. Stressed-out pigeons chilled in cages covered with towels. Rebecca Michelin used a syringe to feed a tiny Northern saw-whet owl.

Things are getting back to normal at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Educations wildlife clinic in Roxborough after a several-month hiatus due to personnel problems. The clinic, part of the Schuylkill Centers 300-acre parcel, was closed for several months in 2018 after Rick Schubert, its former head of wildlife rehabilitation, was fired after 13 years in the role.

The clinic reopened on Nov. 10, again accepting sick and injured mammals, songbirds, and raptors with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. The clinic celebrated a official grand opening Saturday. and Michelin, its new director, said animals are slowly being taken in.

Because weve just reopened, were seeing overwintering animals, and the majority of those are birds, Michelin, 33, said at the clinic one day last week. Its a pretty evenly split majority between songbirds and raptors. Most of them are either running into windows or getting hit by cars, although yesterday we did get a mourning dove that was attacked by a dog."

In late January, the clinic released a Coopers hawk that had been brought in by a Pennsylvania game officer. The hawk was released at the Navy Yard.

In July, Schubert told the Inquirer that he was retaliated against at the clinic for testifying on behalf of a coworker in an employment lawsuit. Most of the staff left with Schubert, and he started the Philadelphia Metro Wildlife Center. The Schuylkill Center disagreed with Schuberts account but declined to comment further at the time, saying it had hired a new director and would reopen soon.

READ MORE: >> In a suburban apartment complex, nursing wildlife back to health

The Schuylkill clinic is seeking volunteers and donations, Michelin said, with the hope of revamping its outdoor facilities, particularly enclosures that help large birds exercise their wings. The clinic was rehabilitating a flying squirrel in an outdoor enclosure last week.

Michelin said the clinic expects to see opossums in coming weeks, as they are one of the first mammals to give birth in the spring. The clinic opened in 1987 and has treated more than 75,000 animals.

For more information visit: schuylkillcenter.org
Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday signed into law a requirement that all public schools in New Jersey install silent panic alarms that would alert law enforcement in the event of an active-shooter incident or other emergencies.

The state mandate was a response to the Feb. 14, 2018, shooting massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. The legislation was called Alyssas Law in memory of Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old New Jersey native who was among the 17 people killed at the school.

Similar bills have been introduced in New Jersey since the Dec. 14, 2012, shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., that took the lives of 20 children and six adults. Gov. Chris Christie vetoed those bills.

It has taken six years to get to this day, said Assemblyman Ralph R. Caputo (D., Essex), the legislations prime sponsor.

The cost per school is estimated at $1,000 to $5,000, according to an analysis by the Office of Legislative Services. With about 2,500 schools, the total cost could fall between $2.5 million and $12.5 million.

Funding will come from state bond proceeds.

The New Jersey Schools Development Authority is tasked with adopting rules and regulations for the laws implementation, including specifications for what type of alarm systems schools will need to install.

The law calls for the silent panic alarms in each school to be directly linked to local law enforcement.

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, every second counts, Murphy said in a statement last year as the details on its language were still being worked out.

Equipping schools with panic alarms linked to law enforcement is a commonsense measure that will enable faster response times and more direct, effective communication between schools and first responders," Murphy said.

The scramble to bolster school safety in the aftermath of the Parkland shooting echoes similar efforts to fortify schools after the shootings at Sandy Hook.

Schools in Delaware County implemented panic alarms after Sandy Hook.

Lisa Yakomin, executive director of Keep NJ Safe Foundation, which advocated for the new law, said that some districts in New Jersey also already have panic alarms installed.

The bill was intentionally left somewhat open-ended in terms of the exact type of panic-alarm system that is required, in part because there are so many different systems out there, and we didnt want to force districts to choose one over another, Yakomin said in an email. Systems already installed in schools will have to meet the future requirements defined by the state, she said.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  A federal appeals court on Wednesday blocked the planned execution of an Alabama inmate to consider whether the state was violating the Muslim inmate's rights by not allowing an imam to replace a Christian prison chaplain in the death chamber.

Alabama may be violating the religious rights of a Muslim inmate set for execution Thursday by refusing to allow an imam to be present at his death, a federal court said Wednesday in blocking the lethal injection.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit granted a stay for Dominique Ray, 42, a day before his scheduled execution for the slaying of a teenager more than two decades ago.

The state is still pushing for the execution to take place Thursday, though, and swiftly changed its execution protocol in response to the judges concerns. The Alabama Attorney Generals Office on Wednesday afternoon asked the U.S. Supreme Court to vacate the stay.

Ray objected to Alabama's practice of allowing a Christian prison chaplain, who is a prison system employee, to stand near the inmate during the lethal injection and to pray with the inmate if the inmate requests that. Ray asked to bring in his imam to stand near him during the procedure, but was told he could not because only prison employees were allowed in the execution chamber.

A three-judge panel of judges wrote that it was "exceedingly loath to substitute our judgment on prison procedures." But, they added that it "looks substantially likely to us that Alabama has run afoul of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment."

"The central constitutional problem here is that the state has regularly placed a Christian cleric in the execution room to minister to the needs of Christian inmates, but has refused to provide the same benefit to a devout Muslim and all other non-Christians," the three-judge panel wrote.

The Alabama chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said it supported Ray's bid to have an Islamic leader present.

"We welcome this decision and hope Mr. Ray will ultimately be provided equal access to spiritual guidance," Ali Massoud, government affairs coordinator for CAIR-Alabama, said in a statement.

In the request to vacate the stay, the Alabama Attorney Generals Office said as a result of the 11th Circuit order, the state has amended its lethal injection protocol so that the chaplain will no longer be present.

State attorneys said inmates can have their spiritual adviser witness the execution from a room adjoining the execution chamber.

Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, which studies capital punishment in the United States, said other states generally allow spiritual or religious advisers to accompany the inmate up to the execution chamber but not into it. Instead the adviser can view the execution, as do others, from a designated area.

He did not know of any other states where the execution protocol calls for a Christian chaplain to be present in the execution chamber.

Ray was convicted in the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old Tiffany Harville. Harville disappeared from her Selma home in July 1995. Her decomposing body was found in a field a month later.

Ray was convicted in 1999 after codefendant Marcus Owden told police that they had picked the girl up for a night out on the town and then raped her. Owden said that Ray cut the girls throat. Owden pleaded guilty to murder, testified against Ray and is serving a life sentence without parole.

Ray's legal team on Wednesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stay the execution on other grounds.

They argued it was not disclosed to the defense team that records from a state psychiatric facility suggested Owden suffered from schizophrenia and delusions. Attorneys asked the Supreme Court to halt the execution to examine whether the state had a duty to find and produce the information.
NEW YORK (AP)  A weeklong power failure at a federal detention center in New York City spawned a humanitarian crisis that left inmates shivering in the dark and without access to visitors on some of the coldest days of the year, advocates said in a lawsuit filed Monday.

The Federal Defenders of New York, a public defender organization, sued the Bureau of Prisons, alleging it violated the constitutional rights of inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn by denying legal visits during the outage.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, and a group of Democratic state lawmakers from the city also chimed in, saying they were also considering suing over conditions at the jail, where more than 1,600 inmates are held.

"We need answers, and we're going to do our damnedest to get to the bottom of what happened," said Sen. Jamaal Bailey, who toured the facility Sunday and said there was no heat on the fourth floor.

In a ruling Monday night, a federal judge ordered the jail to immediately return to its normal schedule for lawyer visits.

If visitation is suspended again, the warden must provide a written explanation within 24 hours, Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall said. She scheduled a hearing for next week on the other issues raised in the lawsuit.

The Justice Department said that power was restored around 6:30 p.m. Sunday and that it was working to prevent future problems. The failure resulted from a Jan. 27 fire in an electrical room, the department said.

Just as things were starting to get back to normal, a bomb threat Monday morning led to the evacuation of visitors and contractors, authorities said. No devices were found.

The Justice Department declined to comment on the lawsuit, which named the Federal Bureau of Prisons and warden Herman Quay as defendants.

Inmates reported little or no heat, little or no hot water, minimal electricity, and near-total lack of access to some medical services, telephones, televisions, computers, laundry, or commissary, the Federal Defenders lawsuit said.

Defense lawyers were not able to visit inmates during the ordeal. Lawyer visits had also been significantly curtailed during the recent 35-day partial government shutdown, inmate advocates say.

Correctional officers wore scarves and layers of clothing, while inmates had short-sleeve shirts and light cotton pants on, the lawsuit said. Inmates also reported smelling noxious fumes and seeing corrections officers wearing masks even though none were supplied to inmates, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit called for the appointment of a special master to inspect the lockup and for unspecified damages.

The Bureau of Prisons disputed allegations that inmates didn't have access to hot water. The agency said that the facility's boiler was not affected by the power failure and remained functional, and that inmates had hot water for showers and in the sinks in their cells.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, who toured the jail over the weekend, said problems arose because the boiler is old and antiquated and couldnt keep the entire facility warm on the coldest of days. The temperature in the city hit a low of 2 degrees on Jan. 31.

Protesters gathered outside after news reports that inmates had been without heat or power for a week. On Sunday, guards drove demonstrators attempting to enter the facility back with pushes and shoves. Witnesses said they also used pepper spray.

A Justice Department spokesman said the Bureau of Prisons is aware of the pepper spray allegations and is looking into it.

The Federal Defenders lawsuit also accused the federal government of making misleading statements to the public and courts about conditions inmates faced. And it said jail officials were largely unresponsive when lawyers sought information about "troubling reports" by inmates.

The New York Civil Liberties Union, which has advocated for inmates but is not involved in the lawsuit, criticized federal officials for a lack of "honesty and transparency as to what happened."

"This is a standard Trump Administration response talking out of both sides of their mouths and not worrying about the truth and not worrying about people's lives," NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said.

"They denied there was a problem," she said. "They either failed to grasp or they failed to care about the severity of this humanitarian crisis."

Deirdre von Dornum, attorney-in-chief of the federal defenders office, said she found the facility to be "very cold" when she toured Friday, contradicting Quay's upbeat report about the conditions for inmates.

Some inmates received only cold food for days after the fire, von Dornum found, according to the lawsuit, and lighting outages left some cells in the dark.

She also encountered inmates who reported untreated serious medical conditions and said they had not received clean clothing or bedding since the fire, forcing one inmate to sleep on bloody bedding, the lawsuit said.

Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Chris Carola, Julie Walker, and Michael Balsamo.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump predicted Wednesday that ISIS will have lost by next week all the territory it once controlled in Iraq and Syria. He said the United States will not relent in fighting remnants of the extremist organization despite his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria over the objections of some of his most senior national security advisers.

The president told representatives of a 79-member, U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIS that the militants held a tiny percentage of the vast territory they claimed as their caliphate.

"It should be formally announced sometime, probably next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate," Trump said.

U.S. officials have said in recent weeks that ISIS has lost 99.5 percent of its territory and is holding on to less than 2 square miles in Syria, in the villages of the Middle Euphrates River Valley, where the bulk of the fighters are concentrated.

But there are fears the impending U.S. pullout will imperil those gains. Trump told coalition members meeting at the State Department that while "remnants" of the group were still dangerous, he was determined to bring U.S. troops home. He called on coalition members to step up and do their "fair share" in the fight against terrorism.

Even as Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the withdrawal decision, which shocked U.S. allies and led to the resignations of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the U.S. envoy to the anti-ISIS coalition, Brett McGurk, some military leaders renewed their concerns.

While the withdrawal would fulfill a Trump goal, top military officials have pushed back for months, arguing ISIS remains a threat and could regroup. U.S. policy had been to keep troops in place until the extremists are completely eradicated. Fears that ISIS fighters are making a strategic maneuver to lay low ahead of the U.S. pullout has fueled criticism that Trump telegraphed his military plans  the same thing he accused President Barack Obama of doing in Afghanistan.

Pompeo told the coalition that the planned withdrawal "is not a change in the mission" but a change in tactics against a group that should still be considered a menace.

"In this new era, local law enforcement and information sharing will be crucial, and our fight will not necessarily always be military-led," he said. Trump's announcement "is not the end of America's fight. The fight is one that we will continue to wage alongside of you."

He added, "America will continue to lead in giving those who would destroy us no quarter."

Yet senior military officials acknowledged to Congress on Wednesday that the pullout would complicate their efforts.

Owen West, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations, told the House Armed Services Committee that he shared Mattis' objections. West answered, "No, sir," when asked by a lawmaker if he thought Mattis was wrong to disagree with the withdrawal.

At the same hearing, Maj. Gen. James Hecker, vice director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the withdrawal means it is going to be difficult to keep up the pressure on ISIS. There will be a decrease in the amount of pressure that we will be able to apply, he said.

"The concern is if we move our forces out of Syria that that may take some pressure off of the ISIS forces in Syria," Hecker said. "So our mission is to try to figure out how we can continue to keep the pressure on in Syria without any boots on the ground."

Hecker said others would have to carry the burden once the U.S. left. He did not offer specifics.

Pompeo called on the coalition to increase intelligence-sharing, repatriate and prosecute captured foreign fighters, and accelerate stabilization efforts so ISIS remnants cannot reconstitute in Iraq, Syria or elsewhere. He said the fight is entering a new stage where those allied against ISIS must confront a decentralized jihad with more than military force.

Pompeo mentioned the suicide bombing claimed by ISIS that killed four Americans  two service members, a Pentagon civilian, and a U.S. contractor  in the northern Syrian town of Manbij last month. Manbij was liberated from ISIS control in 2016.

The conference started hours after Trump, in his State of the Union address, lauded what he said was the near-complete victory over ISIS. He also reaffirmed his determination to pull out the roughly 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria. He had said in December that the pullout would proceed quickly.

In liberated areas across Syria and Iraq, ISIS sleeper cells are carrying out assassinations, setting up checkpoints, and distributing fliers as they lay the groundwork for an insurgency that could gain strength as U.S. forces withdraw.

Activists who closely follow the conflict in Syria point to signs of a growing insurgency. Rami Abdurrahman, the head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, says ISIS still has 4,000 to 5,000 fighters, many likely hiding out in desert caves and mountains.

A United Nations report circulated Wednesday said Islamic State extremists continue to pose the main and best-resourced international terrorist threat. It said ISIS fighters remain under intense military pressure in their stronghold in eastern Syria, but they have shown a determination to resist and the capability to counterattack.

Defense officials believe many fighters have fled to ungoverned spaces and other pockets in the north and west.

A Defense Department watchdog report warned this week that even with the ISIS forces on the run, the group is still able to coordinate offensives and counteroffensives, as well as operate as a decentralized insurgency.
Edgardo Aponte sleeps most nights in the parking lot of a Kensington Save-A-Lot. When he has money, hell share a room with as many as five other men in a nearby rowhouse. Hes been homeless for several years and like most of the people who share the supermarket lot, hes Latino, originally from Puerto Rico.

Linda Morales Bryant has moved with her husband and three children three times in the last year. Shes gone from her mothers house to a friends house to a friend of a friends. When things got really dire this fall, the family considered pitching a tent somewhere to avoid getting split up in the citys shelter system.

They represent two faces of Latino homelessness in the city, an underserved, undercounted group that advocates say isnt reaching city services designed to help them.

Latinos make up nearly 15 percent of Philadelphias population and form its poorest minority group  38 percent live in poverty, according to census data. But step inside a city homeless shelter and there are few Latinos. Nationally, and in Philadelphia, they represent a small fraction of people in shelters.

Its been dubbed the Latino Homeless Paradox. Wary of shelters, Latinos are more likely to live on the streets or couch-surf among friends and family.

Advocates say many Latinos dont go to shelters because of language barriers and because the available beds are not near their neighborhoods. Culturally, there is also a tendency for families to cram together before letting members go to shelters. But since most city housing programs are accessed through shelters, profound need goes untended.

I dont want to pit one poor community against another or one sad story against another," said Will Gonzalez, who heads Ceiba, a coalition of Latino community-based organizations, but the fact is the community that has the highest rate of poverty in the city of Philadelphia is, proportionally speaking, being inherently discriminated against."

Undercounted?

The citys January 2018 homeless survey found 4,705 people living in shelters, only 411 of whom were Latinos. (Latino generally refers to anyone of Latin American origin, whereas Hispanic refers only to persons of Spanish-speaking ancestry.)

Sister Mary Scullion of Project HOME said the Latino population is definitely underrepresented" in established shelters, although some do reach out to Latinos. "Are there enough? No. Do Latinos come to the bigger shelters where most people access services? No.

Of 980 people counted living on the streets last year in Philadelphia, 103 were Latinos. On the whole, despite Philadelphias high poverty rate, it has fewer people sleeping on the streets than most other big cities.

The most simplistic way of saying it is that Hispanics dont go to shelters," Gonzalez said. In our culture and Ill talk about Puerto Rican culture, its this idea of hijos de crianza, the children that are ours based on raising them. We dont let people sleep out. You stay in my basement. You stay in my couch. I may get pissed off at you in six weeks, but youll go to another couch, youll go to another basement."

Here, the Latino population is 58 percent Puerto Rican and in general, those are the Spanish-speakers receiving housing services, advocates say, including hundreds who escaped devastation in Hurricane Maria. Latinos who arent from Puerto Rico seek out shelter or public assistance even less often, in some cases because they are undocumented. Dinorah Diaz, manager of housing services at Asociacion Puertorriquenos en Marcha (APM), said that in the 20 years shes worked in homeless services in North Philadelphia, shes helped only two Latinos who werent Puerto Rican.

Latinos in Philadelphia are missing out on help from the city: Of the 16,549 people assisted last year by the Office of Homeless Services, just 1,362 were Latinos.

The disparity is apparent in public housing, too. The Philadelphia Housing Authoritys housing choice voucher program, formerly known as Section 8, is just 7 percent Latino families.

The Latino community historically has not applied for PHA housing at a rate matching its percentage of the citys population, spokesperson Kirk Dorn said. "This is despite PHAs marketing efforts to the Spanish-speaking community. Since 2014, PHA has launched four housing projects in Latino communities.

The city says it continues to look into opening a shelter in a heavily Latino community and has pledged to amp up outreach efforts, but with limited beds, resources have to be distributed through a centralized intake process that favors people with the most need.

Its the saddest, most painful part of running a system where you cant help everybody, said Liz Hersh, the citys director of homeless services. But it really is a life-and-death kind of thing. [We help] people who are very seriously ill, who are much more vulnerable. Thats really what were looking at. Its horrible to have to make these choices.

Barriers to shelter

To get into the citys homeless housing system, a person must be interviewed at one of six central intake centers. Most are in Center City. None are in North Philadelphias predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Travel alone can be a deterrent.

Aponte, who is living on the streets of Kensington and struggling with mental illness, said hes mostly avoided shelters because the few times he went he paid for transportation only to find out they were full.

There is a perception among some Latinos that the citys shelters arent for them. They see that I do not speak English, they do not accept me, said a man named Angel, sitting on the sidewalk at Second and Allegheny, who declined to give his full name.

Carlos Goytia has been homeless since he came to Pennsylvania from Puerto Rico in 2009. He moved among churches, rooming homes, and some shelters, struggling with addiction. Now 40 and one year sober, he said the rooming homes he once shared with addicts and drug dealers arent an option if he wants to stay clean. Hes working with Diaz at APM to find more permanent housing. A counselor there has encouraged him to go to the citys shelters and stay put. Typically a person cant get on a wait list for housing unless they have been in shelter for at least a week, Diaz said.

You go there and no one there speaks Spanish," he said. Youre sort of isolated, on your own. You complain about unfair treatment and youre insulated. 

Out of 181 staffers, the citys Office of Homeless Services has 12 people who speak Spanish, Hersh said. If a Spanish-speaker comes into a shelter and no one on staff speaks the language, the employee is expected to call a telephone translation service. The office also has a hotline available to anyone who feels theyve been mistreated.

Catherine Robles, 28, stayed in a family shelter with her three toddlers, ages 4, 3, and 2 years old, for a year and a half, waiting for a housing voucher to come through. She said she was one of the only Latinas there. The whole time there were maybe three of us," she said. "I think a lot of time, people give up trying [to access help] because they think they know the outcome.

Since few Latinos are visiting the intake centers, they often miss out on programs meant to help them in their own communities.

Hildaliz Escalante runs the housing counseling program at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, which gets city funding to run the Rapid Rehousing program, which offers a years rental assistance to people. The city sends her the referrals. In the last five years Congreso has served 427 people through the program. Only 42 were Latino.

We know there are people in our backyard who could use this help," she said. But theyre just not reaching us.

Prioritizing one person over another for public assistance based on race or ethnicity would violate equal-rights laws, but Escalante said she thinks the city can do more to pull Latinos into the intake centers, and by extension, programs.

Hersh said the city is going to pour more resources into outreach in the Latino community and noted Congreso offers city-funded on-site homeless prevention services already. She said in the coming year the office will nearly double funding that flows to Latino organizations from 8 percent to 15 percent. In a meeting with Gonzalez and other city leaders Thursday, both parties agreed to do a six-month study looking at gaps in service.

Hersh said the city is going to pour more resources into outreach in the Latino community and in the coming year will nearly double funding that flows to Latino organizations from 8 percent to 15 percent. In a meeting with Gonzalez and other city leaders Thursday, both parties agreed to do a six-month study looking at gaps in service.

I think the bottom line for me, is yes, I think we can do better, " Hersh said. "We should do better. We dont ever want to create a situation where people have to become homeless to access housing, but at the same time we need to be responsive to the unique needs of different communities.

She said the city is also looking into opening a shelter in Kensington, which has become the heart of the citys opioid crisis.

While Hersh said shes looked at two dozen sites, none have advanced.

Weve faced tremendous community and political opposition to most shelter sites, she said.

Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, who represents the district, said she wont support a shelter if it houses people who are addicted, because she fears it will entrench the drug problem in Kensington.

People will [accept] shelters if its to help families and theres a process, but what we dont want to do is warehouse people," Quinones-Sanchez said. "The residents, as empathetic as they are because everyone has people in addiction, know that the 700 people in Kensington who are addicted are not from Kensington. We put people in shelter beds, were facilitating that.

Hersh cautioned that more shelters dont guarantee a transition into affordable housing. More effective, she said, are prevention services, for which her office has tripled its budget in the last three years.

I think sometimes people think if they were able to get into the homeless system that it would unlock this treasure trove of housing opportunities, and thats just not true, Hersh said. Less than a quarter of people who enter shelters move into permanent housing, she said. But for those who do, the success rate is 93 percent.

A strict definition of homeless

Advocates like Gonzalez, Diaz, and Escalante say they work with dozens of people who are living from place to place, sometimes in dangerous, overcrowded living situations but who dont qualify for certain programs provided through the Office of Homeless Services, like Rapid Rehousing.

That program, funded by the federal government, serves only people who meet a strict, federal definition of homelessness: those living in a place not meant for human habitation, in an emergency shelter, in transitional housing, or exiting an institution.

To be sleeping in a crowded situation, five in a bed, on a couch, is not considered homeless, said Diaz of APM.

By that definition, the two men, Goytia and Aponte, are homeless. But Bryant, the mother of three, moving from house to house is not.

Quinones-Sanchez said that if the definition is whats keeping the city from reaching Latinos, its up to the city to advocate for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to change it.

We need a redefinition of homeless, and we need additional resources. Acknowledge the data, Quinones-Sanchez said. "The data tells a story.

Latino organizations also need to help the city come up with solutions, she said: This has been a problem for years, and this is really the first time these groups have stood up and said something. So I dont want the system to be blamed if we really havent made requests."

Bryants family was making due until she got sick and had to stop working. Her husband, who didnt finish high school, is the familys sole income earner. He walks a mile and a half to AutoZone every day. She takes care of the kids and attends night classes to get a degree in social work. Keeping a roof over their heads has been a constant struggle.

They lived with her mother until things grew too tense in the cramped home. They considered shelters, but Bryant didnt know where she would take the kids during the day, and worried that if the city saw her children didnt have a stable home, they might take them from her.

Bryant eventually told a teacher at Esperanza College about her familys situation. Through a web of connections she found a landlord willing to rent her a three-bedroom for $700 a month in a part of North Philadelphia where the shootings unnerve her. She doesnt know how long they will be allowed to stay. Her backup plan is moving closer to her brother in Florida, where the wait for public housing is shorter.

Thats the thing about being unstable," she said. You have no choice where you live. We havent really set up any of the bedrooms, just in case. Its hard. I feel that were overlooked a lot."

Philadelphias homeless services can be reached via a hotline at 215-232-1984 or at http://philadelphiaofficeofhomelessservices.org.

Emma Restrepo is a freelance writer.

Philadelphia Media Network is one of 21 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the citys push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org.
Pennsylvanias Republican Party called Thursday for an investigation into allegations that Supreme Court Justice Kevin M. Dougherty received home-maintenance services that prosecutors say were paid for with money embezzled from the union his brother leads.

In a statement, GOP Chairman Val DiGiorgio called an Inquirer report identifying the justice as the unnamed Family Member No. 4 in the indictment of labor leader John J. Dougherty a serious matter that raises a number of questions.

DiGiorgio urged state and federal authorities to ensure that there is no fatal ethical taint on Justice Dougherty that would preclude him from carrying out the proper administration of justice in Pennsylvania.

Kevin Dougherty, a Democrat elected in 2015, has denied through a lawyer ever knowingly accepting the benefits outlined in the indictment against his brother  including a weeks worth of contracting services at the justices Northeast Philadelphia home in 2011 and a days worth of snow shoveling in the winter of 2016.

Prosecutors did not identify him by name or accuse him of any wrongdoing, leaving others  including Gov. Tom Wolf and the states two largest legal associations  hesitant to weigh in.

There is insufficient information for comment, said Rochelle M. Fedulo, chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

A spokesperson for the governor did not return requests for comment.

We will await the outcome of the legal proceedings [against John Dougherty] to reach any conclusions about the justices conduct, said Maida R. Milone, president and CEO of Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts. [We] hope that if [Kevin Doughertys] conduct requires any action by the Judicial Conduct Board or the Court of Judicial Discipline that those bodies will be transparent in dealing with it.

Kevin Dougherty, 56, is by far the most prominent of the 10 Dougherty family members who prosecutors say benefited from what they describe as the union leaders illegal largesse. Others identified by the Inquirer, based on accounts from multiple sources familiar with the investigation, include the Dougherty brothers father, John J. Sr.; their sister, Maureen Fiocca; and John Doughertys wife, Cecelia, and daughter, Erin.

The justice was elected to the high court on a wave of manpower and financial backing provided by his brothers union, Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Just days before that election, the indictment alleges, John Dougherty was caught on an FBI wiretap offering the future justice a comped membership to the Sporting Club at the Bellevue in Philadelphia.

I got a different world than most people ever exist in, the union boss told his brother in late October 2015, according to excerpts quoted in the indictment. I am able to take care of a lot of people all of the time.

Prosecutors have not spelled out whether they believe Kevin Dougherty asked for any of the benefits he allegedly received. Nor did they specify how much union money was allegedly spent on the justices behalf.

In a statement Wednesday, Kevin Doughertys lawyer, Courtney Saleski, disputed the governments characterization of those transactions.

She maintained that the justice rejected his brothers offer to pay for the Sporting Club membership, had no reason to know who paid for the snow removal at his house, and paid for the contracting work, which was done while he was still a Common Pleas Court judge in Philadelphia.

Kevin Doughertys representatives did not immediately respond to request to comments Thursday on the GOPs push for a wider investigation by judicial ethics authorities and state and federal prosecutors.

Prosecutors have charged John Dougherty, 58, and five other union employees with embezzlement, wire fraud, falsifying records, and accepting illegal payments. In all, prosecutors have accused them of embezzling more than $600,000 between 2010 and 2016.

They have all pleaded not guilty and vowed to fight the case in court.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin M. Dougherty is among the family members federal prosecutors say received home repairs or other benefits allegedly paid for by labor leader John J. Dougherty with stolen union money, according to five sources familiar with the investigation.

Though the justice is not identified by name in court papers in the criminal case against his brother, the sources  who were not authorized to publicly discuss the case  said he is the individual described as Family Member No. 4 in the indictment unsealed last week.

Prosecutors allege Family Member No. 4 received contracting work on his home in Northeast Philadelphia and snow removal services one day in 2016 on the unions dime. Justice Dougherty did not report receiving any benefits from his brother or the union on his annual financial disclosure forms.

Prosecutors have not accused him of any wrongdoing. Nor do they say in the indictment that he sought any of the benefits that allegedly came his way or what they were worth.

The justice declined to comment Wednesday, as he has done throughout the years-long federal probe into his brothers leadership of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

But his lawyer, Courtney Saleski, said that he never knowingly accepted any of the benefits outlined in the union boss indictment.

Kevin Dougherty is an honest public servant who has done nothing wrong, she said in a statement.

Justice Dougherty is by far the most prominent of the 10 Dougherty family members who prosecutors say benefited from what they describe as John Doughertys illegal largesse. Others identified by the Inquirer include the Dougherty brothers father, John J. Sr.; sister, Maureen Fiocca; and John Doughertys wife, Cecelia.

Local 98s support and financial backing helped propel Kevin Dougherty, 56, onto the state high court in 2015. His victory has been seen as the crowning achievement of the electoral machine that John Dougherty, widely known as Johnny Doc, has built over his quarter-century overseeing the union.

Since then, the brothers have made it a point to stay out of each others public affairs.

Justice Dougherty recused himself from the only appeal directly involving his brother to appear before the high court since his election.

He also stepped aside in a case over another issue that plays a prominent role in John Doughertys indictment  the legal fight over Philadelphias soda tax. The union leader was a vocal supporter of the measure, but FBI wiretaps quoted in court papers portrayed the Local 98 leaders support as part of a petty feud to punish a rival union he believed would be hurt by the tax.

Despite that professional distance, the indictment suggests that the brothers remain close.

It says, for example, that John Dougherty authorized Local 98 to pay a contractor who did construction, repair and painting work at Kevin Doughertys home in 2011. Though prosecutors did not specify the cost of those services, they alleged the bill for seven days of work was picked up by Local 98.

The union also allegedly paid for the snowplows that showed up at the justices house on Jan. 23, 2016.

A year earlier, John Dougherty was caught on an FBI wiretap offering his brother a free membership to the Sporting Club at the Bellevue in Philadelphia and boasting of his role as a provider.

I got a different world than most people ever exist in, the union boss said. I am able to take care of a lot of people all the time.

Saleski disputed the governments characterizations of each of those transactions Wednesday. She maintained that the justice rejected his brothers offer to pay for a Sporting Club membership and that he had no reason to know who shoveled the snow outside his house on the day referenced in the indictment.

The justice and his neighbors shovel their own snow, she said.

As for the construction work, Saleski said that Kevin Dougherty always paid [the contractor in question] for its services at his home.

Prosecutors have charged John Dougherty, 58, and five other union employees with embezzlement, wire fraud, falsifying records, and accepting illegal payments. In all, prosecutors have accused them of embezzling more than $600,000 between 2010 and 2016.

They have all pleaded not guilty and vowed to fight the case in court.

Staff writers Chris Brennan and Dylan Purcell contributed to this article.
When John J. Dougherty, the blustery leader of organized labor in Philadelphia, was indicted on charges of embezzlement, bribery, and theft, Ted Kirsch worried what it would mean for other union officials in the area.

Im very upset, because I think whats happening, or what Im afraid is going to happen, is that labor leaders are going to be painted by a broad brush, said Kirsch, president of the American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania.

It was a reference to the stereotypes that unions have long had to fend off, due to a well-documented history of corruption as well as what some experts describe as anti-union bias in mainstream media.

American culture has always painted unions as corrupt, as bullies, and the truth is, the large, large majority of unions are nothing like that," said Ana Avendano, the Washington-based former assistant to the president of the AFL-CIO, who now runs a partnership between the AFL-CIO and United Way.

In recent years, those attitudes have shifted, as unions are more in the news for teachers' strikes and the Fight for $15 than for racketeering and violence. The definition of labor has widened as advocates fight for protections like predictable scheduling and paid time off, even for workers who arent unionized. And as more attention is paid to income inequality, many see unions as a strategy to combat inequity.

Even during the partial government shutdown, some called for Transportation Security Administration agents to go on strike, suggesting there was public support for those kinds of collective actions even if they are disruptive.

But the indictment of Dougherty, head of Electricians Local 98, flies in the face of that changing tide. Whats more, barely anyone in the labor movement will publicly discuss what Dougherty is alleged to have done.

He might be corrupt but hes still looking out for us

The stereotypes about corrupt unions date back to the 1920s and 30s, when unions struck a Faustian bargain with the mob as a way to protect themselves from employers who were killing workers who wanted to organize, said Bill Fletcher, a labor expert, who wrote Theyre Bankrupting Us!, a 2012 book on myths about unions. Mobsters often requested payment in the form of access to workers' health funds or pension funds. In other words, union officials would steal from their workers in order to protect them.

Sometimes the theft was small enough that workers didnt notice; or, they did and it was tolerated because it was deemed necessary to survive.That was often the line about Jimmy Hoffa, the notorious Teamsters head, Fletcher said: He might be corrupt but hes still looking out for us.

At the news conference announcing Doughertys indictment, prosecutors argued that it was Local 98 members who were the victims of his alleged crimes. Its too soon to say how members will be affected  the national office of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has yet to respond to the indictment  but reputation has been key to construction unions' landing work.

Before the indictment was announced, Dougherty, in his role as the head of the 50-union Building Trades Council, was lobbying for a Project Labor Agreement that would require Montgomery County to hire union contractors for its massive Norristown courthouse renovation, a deal that would be a coup for members of the Philly building trades. The day after Councilman Bobby Henon was indicted, he introduced a bill that would create a city contractor review board, a policy critics said would force nonunion contractors to work with unions. Its unclear if City Council will hold a hearing on the bill.

Asked if the indictment could perpetuate union stereotypes, Local 98 spokesperson Frank Keel said, Nonunion contractors that routinely cheat the system ... as well as national right-wing power-mongers like the Koch brothers are the ones pushing the unions are corrupt narrative." He added: Weve not heard of any dissension within labors ranks, despite the usual fat-cat One Percenters pushing their false agenda.

The cost of silence

When Saturday Night Live With Philly Labor, the self-described pro-labor radio show that Dougherty used to host, was broadcast on WPHT-AM (1210) days after Doughertys indictment was announced, the shows hosts took just five minutes to address the news.

We shouldnt rush to judgment, said Chris Woods, executive vice president of health care workers' local 1199C. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

I believe in Johnny Doc, said Joe Dougherty Jr.  no relation  whose father, Ironworkers head Joe Dougherty, was convicted in 2015 on charges of racketeering conspiracy, arson and extortion.

For the most part, the labor community in Philadelphia has not been willing to speak on the record about the indictment. Of more than two dozen labor officials and representatives approached, only a few would discuss anything, if they returned the call at all.

That could be explained by the insular nature of the building trades and union cultures tendency to only let specific people talk to the media. Others cited the importance of preserving a relationship with Dougherty and the trades. (The indictment says Dougherty used his political clout to punish union foes, like the Teamsters.) In many ways, Philadelphia is a small town where locals have long-standing relationships and loyalty runs deep.

Others said it seemed inappropriate to talk negatively about a labor leader when there are already so many attacks on labor. Its also very early in the process, not even a week after the indictment was announced, they said.

But whats the cost of silence?

Is there a labor leader in Philly who will stand up and say, What Doc is alleged to have done  stealing from the membersis wrong? tweeted Kati Sipp, a longtime labor organizer who now runs a consultancy. "The theft of dues money doesnt just harm one individual union. It is actively bad for every union member, because it makes people have less faith in their own union. And it makes nonunion workers fear that if they organize, that their dues wont be used to build power.

In an interview, Sipp said its ultimately detrimental to the movement if no one is willing to speak up about the allegations of corruption.

I think it does send a message that people are tacitly OK with this thing, or that theyre afraid of saying something and being ostracized," she said.

Avendano said that too often, people equate criticism with union-bashing. But, she said, unless we address these things, I dont think we ever move beyond them.
On the first Wednesday of every month, the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council meets at its hall in the Northeast.

But this Wednesday was not business as usual.

Its leader, John J. Dougherty, was indicted on federal charges of embezzlement, bribery, and theft a week ago, and the 159-page indictment included transcripts of conversations between Dougherty and City Councilman Bobby Henon in which they discussed using legislation against the Plumbers and the Teamsters  both members of the Building Trades.

And then there was the letter.

The anonymous note on Building Trades letterhead suggested the group should be concerned about Doughertys ability to lead the coalition of 50 unions.

Still, at the unusually well-attended meeting  run by Dougherty on Wednesday  the Building Trades agreed to stand behind him.

Nobody, and I clearly want to say nobody, asked for John to leave the Building Trades, said Pat Eiding, the secretary-treasurer of the Building Trades and president of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO.

Eiding said no one discussed the letter, which was sent to a few of the groups officials, one of whom shared it with him.

It was put aside as a disgrace, he said.

The possible strife between members of the Building Trades is the latest development after the indictment of Dougherty, Henon, and five other Local 98 staffers. Most in labor have remained tight-lipped about the charges against the regions most influential union leader, and those who have spoken publicly have expressed their unwavering support, emphasizing that Dougherty is innocent until proven guilty. Local 98 spokesperson Frank Keel said the unions membership stands 100 percent behind Dougherty.

But there are signs of discord. On the day the indictment was announced, State Rep. Dave Delloso, a Democrat from Delaware County and a leader of the Teamsters, was furious to learn Dougherty was alleged to have pushed for the soda tax in part as punishment for the Teamsters for a TV ad portraying him negatively.

If thats the case, you know what? Let him burn, Delloso said last week.

Still, on Wednesday, Eiding said he was thrown and frustrated by the letter because the Trades had met the day after the indictment was announced and the consensus was to make sure the Trades stayed whole.

Other union leaders with the Trades declined to comment or did not return calls.

Dougherty took over as head of the Building Trades in 2016. Eiding has championed Dougherty as a tremendous leader since then, securing Project Labor Agreements, which require union labor, and masterfully negotiating issues when there were problems at jobs.

Staff writer Mark Fazlollah contributed to this article.
When a local drag queen named Annie Christ wanted to book a room at the Lansdale Library to host a story hour, staff did the states required background check and reserved a room for this Saturday, Feb. 2. After all, drag-queen story hours have become a trend in libraries across the country and around greater Philadelphia.

Then, the phone calls began.

Theres definitely more complaints about this than any other event weve done, said beleaguered library director Tom Meyer. But the amount of support for having it is also overwhelming.

He estimates 50 phone calls have come in, many of them from outside the area, expressing concerns. He figures maybe a dozen protesters will show up, based on Facebook activity  but he also expects so many families to attend, hell have to start turning people away after the room hits its 64-person capacity.

Lansdale, Pennsylvania, is bringing perversion from the nightclubs and sexually charged pride parades into the library with children, a Facebook page announcing a protest reads.

Such story hours have spurred similar protests (and counterprotests) around the nation. In Texas, opponents even filed suit in federal court. Demonstrators rallied outside a South Carolina library, and circulated petitions against a similar event in Detroit.

Meyer met such threats with a shrug. One of the tenets of our mission here is to celebrate cultural diversity in the community, and I think a lot of the parents are interested in that and also the message of the story time, about acceptance and inclusion, he said. Meyer added that he also supports demonstrators' right to speak their piece.

Library branches in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania suburbs, and South Jersey have run similar events with drag queens since 2017; the Free Library of Philadelphia alone has hosted more than 50 of them, according to Andrew Nurkin, deputy director of enrichment and civic engagement. Currently, the Fumo Family Library Branch in South Philadelphia is hosting a series of drag-queen trivia nights, including one Feb. 13.

Thats hosted by Ian Morrison, also known as Brittany Lynn, a drag queen who has just launched a fund-raising campaign for an event series, a Drag Queen Story Time Tour, that kicks off at the Please Touch Museum in June but will continue across the region, including puppets in the audience who will raise questions kids might be afraid to ask about gender differences and acceptance.

I think the message of love and acceptance resonates universally, said Abbe Klebanoff, the Fumo branch manager, adding that the drag-queen events are among the branchs most popular.

Backlash has been minimal, Klebanoff said. I had one woman come up to me  she saw a flier  and we had a very frank discussion. She had a different point of view."

She had heard of protests elsewhere. But thats Texas, she said.

Still, Steve Piotrowski, who created a Facebook page criticizing the event, said he and co-organizer Ken Souder will be outside the library Saturday for a protest, prayer gathering, and news conference.

We strongly believe that it is very dangerous to use publicly funded libraries and government in general to promote radical ideas, Piotrowski said in an email.

He believes Annie Christ in particular is anti-Christian, and drag-queen story hours in general aim to indoctrinate children. ... The community is overwhelmingly not approving of this.

Brittany Lynn said the reason families love the story hour is it opens up conversations.

Were not pushing any agenda. Were just giving a view of diversity and acceptance that isnt so heteronormative, the performer said.

Last year, the drag queens event at the Please Touch Museum stirred some anger and threats to cancel memberships. But the museum stood by the event.

Recently, Brittany Lynn held a fund-raiser for the Fumo Family Branch that raised $300, more than doubling the branchs annual budget for hosting community events. Now, the goal is to raise $10,000 to make sure every kid whos interested has access to a little drag-queen glitter and glamour.

As you know in Philadelphia, the funding for libraries is causing them to close on weekends and end their social programming," Brittany Lynn said. "Theyre struggling. The point of the fund-raiser is not only to create the materials needed, but to make these programs available at no cost to the venues that are progressive enough to have it.
At downtown Haddonfields Pure Couture, a good story never goes out of style.

Many customers tell us everything, owner Denise Jonasz said from behind the counter at her Mechanic Street shop, as Hotel California played in the background.

You see the whole gamut," salesperson Elizabeth Kreps said. "A customer could be picking out a prom dress or selling a fur coat to raise money.

Jonasz, who earned a degree in fashion merchandising from the Art Institute of Philadelphia and was a buyer for a Canadian menswear chain called Henri Christian before opening her store in 2007, said customers talk openly because it feels safe there.

"I overheard a lawyer in town who took a call while she was walking around say, Im in therapy right now.

Like any good therapist, Jonasz, a 54-year-old Voorhees native and Salem County resident, doesnt drop names.

And with all due respect to my own therapist, no session has ever remotely resembled a visit to Pure Couture, where even a khakis-and-button-down-shirt guy like me can find himself a bit  bedazzled by the one-of-a-kind items on display.

Its like being in a gallery run by a time-traveling fashionista, or a brick-and-mortar version of eBay where good taste rules. Or an exotic pet adoption agency where finding the perfect forever home is job one.

This is a Leslie Fay evening dress coat, Jonasz said, expertly showing  make that offering me a tour  of a mint green, gold-brocaded garment lined with silk.

Just feel the lining," she said. " Its fabulous."

She was right.

Kreps held up a beaded, feather-trimmed aqua number she called my Ginger from Gilligans Island gown.

Indeed: That dress would look totally groovy on the 1960s sitcom character played by Tina Louise.

Kreps, 51, lives in Haddonfield and also works in architectural restoration. The craftsmanship of luxury vintage and contemporary clothing appeals to her and to Jonasz.

So does the old-school value of dressing for the occasion.

I just cant come in to work in sweats and a ball cap, because customers like to see what Im wearing, Jonasz said. No one gets dressed today, but they get into dressing in Haddonfield. Everyone has parties in this town. Theme parties are big.

Said Kreps: One guy came in looking for a 1920s gangster suit.

Unlike in France, where couture has an exacting definition, in America the term is often used in reference to high-end clothing, often but not always custom-designed or handmade. And unlike most thrift or used-clothing stores, consignment shops like Pure Couture are curated, and share sale profits with consignors, or original owners, of items.

I do a lot of estate sales, Jonasz said. I try to treat them as if it were my mother who had passed away.

Other customers come in to make room in their closets, or are moving to smaller homes. Some also like the sustainability inherent in pre-owned goods, and the artisanal element of a hands-on proprietorship.

Youre supporting a small business, and you dont have to feel guilty about having fabulous clothes, said Diana Eichfeld, a customer-turned-consignor. Bringing an item in for consignment, she said, is paying fashion forward by enabling someone else to enjoy an article of clothing that has enriched her own wardrobe.

Jonasz described retired pharmaceutical company president Stan Wachman as "my top consignor.

His wife, Barbara, died in 2014 after 47 years of marriage, leaving behind a pristine collection of unusual luxury couture items purchased during the couples frequent international travels.

I wanted someone elses enjoyment of the clothes and the handbags to be a living legacy of Barbaras, Wachman said from his Cherry Hill home. I found in Denise a very knowledgeable person whose taste complemented my wifes.

Said Jonasz: I never met Barbara. I wish I had. But through her clothes, those one-of-a-kind pieces that came from all over the world, it was as if Barbara were teaching me about pairing colors, layering, and draping the finest quality fabrics.

To every piece there was a story  about where it came from, where she wore it, how she looked wearing it, Jonasz said.

These were the stories of a beautiful woman who had a vision of how she wanted to dress in the world. And now these pieces are being worn and admired by others.

Still another story involves Alexis Souza of Berlin, who credits Pure Couture with helping launch her modeling career.

A lacy black prom dress she bought there a couple of years ago after Jonaszs gentle persuasion (she just knows what looks good on you) proved so winning in photographs that Souza has used it to get print and special events work in New York.

Without Denise I wouldnt have found that dress, and I dont know where my life would be right now," she said.

Jonasz put it this way.

I just love the look and the touch of beautiful things.

Look at this Anne Pinkerton cashmere turtleneck. It came from a woman who collected high-end vintage labels.

"Look at this.

Its beyond beyond.
Calling his clients indictment a travesty of justice, the lawyer for Philadelphia City Councilman Bobby Henon denied on Thursday that there was anything criminal about his clients relationship with powerful labor leader John J. Dougherty and vowed to give prosecutors a bruising fight at trial.

Attorney Brian J. McMonagle scoffed at the governments depiction of his client as a corrupt politician who sold out his constituents to serve the demands of the union boss paying his salary.

If you look around this city, youll see a lot of skyscrapers, McMonagle said. Theyre not built by robots. Theyre built by hard-working union men and women. Unfortunately, yesterdays indictment is a reflection of the fact that the government wants to make sure that the political power in this city stays inside those buildings, and not with the men and women who built them.

The fiery remarks defending Henon as a champion of union workers citywide came as the councilman made his first appearance in federal court Thursday and pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, bribery, and fraud charges that threaten to send him to prison for decades.

A trial could be 18 months away, but questions about Henons political future already were being whispered in city power circles. In his Sixth District, a caucus of Democratic ward leaders proposed for Friday was postponed. The topic was to be support for Henon in Mays primary elections. No challenger has publicly emerged.

On Wednesday, prosecutors accused Dougherty, 58, and Henon, 50, of selling out the very union workers McMonagle mentioned. The pugnacious labor leader known as Johnny Doc and accomplices, they said, drained Local 98 of more than $600,000 over six years to enrich themselves.

They portrayed Henon as a mere puppet, swept into Council in 2011 with money from Doughertys union, then later used as a tool by the union boss to benefit his personal interests.

The councilman allegedly misused his oversight of key city committees to shut down nonunion installation projects at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and to squeeze Comcast Corp. executives to assure that a company owned by one of Doughertys friends received lucrative contracts tied to Comcasts renegotiation of its 15-year franchise agreement with the city.

In exchange, Dougherty purportedly showered Henon with benefits including tickets to Eagles games and a $73,131 annual union salary for a do-nothing job.

Dougherty has denied any wrongdoing and is scheduled to make his first court appearance Friday afternoon, along with the six others charged.

McMonagles animated comments in the bitter cold outside the federal courthouse on Market Street contrasted with Henons subdued demeanor inside.

During a perfunctory proceeding, U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth T. Hey ordered him to avoid all contact with potential witnesses, accepted his plea, and let him go on a $50,000 recognizance bond.

Henon said nothing while he waited for his case to be called. He was also a no-show earlier in the day at Councils regular meeting.

That didnt stop tongues from wagging at City Hall. Council members and their aides buzzed about Henons future during the pre-session Democratic caucus meeting. Responses fell into three camps.

Some members said the allegations against Henon and other officials of the union he still works for, Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, were serious enough to discuss whether he should remain as majority leader.

Another camp said Henon is presumed innocent and should keep his leadership post and stay on Council until his case is heard in court. A third group of Council members wouldnt talk about it.

Council President Darrell L. Clarke said Henon must decide if he should continue to represent the Sixth District, which sweeps up the Delaware from the river wards to lower Northeast Philadelphia. Henon has said he will not quit.

Theres no provision for a councilman to be removed based on an allegation, said Clarke, adding that he had read parts of the indictment. There are very significant allegations and serious allegations. Theyre extremely troubling. My understanding is the councilman and Mr. Dougherty have said theyre going to fight the charges.

As for the majority leader post, Clarke sidestepped, saying, Any change in leadership will be determined by the body.

Councilman Bill Greenlee, the Democratic deputy whip, said that Henons seat was a matter to be decided by Henon and his districts voters, but that his leadership post is an appropriate matter for Council to discuss.

As far as the leadership, I think theres some concerning issues, and I think there needs to be some discussion on that, Greenlee said.

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, the majority whip, said it would be premature to predict how Council might respond on Henons leadership post. Does it give one pause as an elected official? she said of the indictments. Absolutely.

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell also said her colleagues should consider whether Henon remains in leadership.

We have to meet together with the Council president and see what people think, she said. Leadership, we have to talk about.

Taking a wait-and-see stance were Council members Curtis Jones Jr., Allan Domb, Kenyatta Johnson, Helen Gym, and Mark Squilla. Council members Maria Quinones-Sanchez and Cherelle L. Parker declined to comment.

In the evening, Local 98s political juice was on display at a Center City fundraiser for Mayor Jim Kenney, sponsored by the union and the Philadelphia AFL-CIO. Marita Crawford, Local 98s political director, who also was indicted Wednesday, served as a host.

Kenney and Crawford slipped out the back, through a service entrance at Del Friscos Grille on South Broad Street, after the fundraiser, apparently to avoid speaking to reporters waiting for them. Tickets went for $2,500, $5,000 or $11,900.

Pat Eiding, president of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, told reporters the federal indictments were unfair.

I think its disgusting the way they laid it out, quite honestly, Eiding said. I think its a total disgrace. I think their intent is to take these people down, even if theyre innocent.

Eiding said he wasnt aware of anyone skipping the event because of the charges. Shame on them if they did, he said.
Champions of World's 2 Billion Unreached People Celebrate Big Step Forward in Fulfilling Great Commission But with much work remaining, organizers of 2019's 4th annual International Day for the Unreached event June 9 make strong appeal for focus on those who have yet to hear the gospel



Contact: Gregg Wooding,

972-567-7660



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 7, 2019 /Christian Newswire/ -- As organizers of the International Day for the Unreached (www.dayfortheunreached.org) prepare for the fourth annual event on Sunday, June 9, they are celebrating a big step forward in the goal of seeing the Gospel of Jesus spread to every corner of the globe, and making an "all hands on deck" appeal to focus on and reach those who have yet to hear the gospel.



Photo: A Cambodian woman receives a Bible after participating in a local ministry's literacy program.



In December, leaders in the missions community met at the Finishing the Task conference in California to report on progress in sharing the gospel with the world's two billion unreached. Attendees committed to reaching the last people groups with no one currently focused on evangelizing them.



"I'm excited to see the engagement level of churches and ministry organizations increasing," said conference participant Larry D. Andrews, President and CEO of Partners International, one of the members of the Alliance for the Unreached, a network of like-minded missions organizations.



"It was a significant moment, but there is still much to be done to fully achieve the mission Jesus has for us," Andrews added. "We need all hands on deck. It is going to require every church and every individual Christ follower to play their part in helping us accomplish the Great Commission of Jesus Christ."



The Alliance for the Unreached is supporting that effort by focusing attention on the needs of all those who have yet to hear the gospel, and spotlighting the ways different organizations are trying to reach them and how individual Christians can get involved.



Central to the group's initiative is the annual global observance of the International Day for the Unreached, to be held on Pentecost Sunday, June 9. The day is chosen because it marks when the Holy Spirit fell on the early church, empowering the disciples to fulfill the Great Commission.



The International Day for the Unreached will feature a globally streamed live celebration and challenge for which organizers hope to see 100,000 participants. Millions of people have learned about the Alliance's initiative through social media, over the last three years.



Meanwhile, the Alliance has also produced a new Great Commission Action Guide intended to encourage year-round engagement in the task. It tells individuals and churches how they can help and get others involved through prayer, advocacy, sharing and service.



"As important as the International Day for the Unreached is, an event is not going to be enough on its own," said Andrews. "Jesus did not just call us to be aware of the Great Commission and the challenge to reach all the peoples of the earth  he called us to personally engage."



Comprising 14 similarly-focused but diverse organizations, the Alliance reflects the wide range of needs and opportunities in sharing the gospel with the unreached. Founding members include those involved in Bible translation and distribution, broadcasting, children's ministry, church planting, relief and development, and medical help.



The Alliance members are: Bibles For The World, DOOR International, FEBC (Far East Broadcasting Company), Frontier Ventures, Joshua Project, Mission Network News, Missio Nexus, Operation Mobilization, Partners International, Reach Beyond, Seed Company, TWR (Trans World Radio), World Mission and ZimZam Global.



The Great Commission Action Guide is among the Alliance for the Unreached resources available at dayfortheunreached.org.



The International Day for the Unreached (www.dayfortheunreached.org) is an initiative of the Alliance for the Unreached, a group of evangelistic ministries and other organizations: Bibles For The World (www.biblesfortheworld.org), DOOR International (www.doorinternational.org), FEBC (Far East Broadcasting Company, www.febc.org), Frontier Ventures (www.frontierventures.org), Joshua Project (www.joshuaproject.org), Mission Network News (www.mnnonline.org), Missio Nexus (www.missionexus.org), Operation Mobilization (www.omusa.org), Partners International (www.partnersintl.org), Reach Beyond (www.reachbeyond.org), Seed Company (www.seedcompany.com), TTWR (Trans World Radio, www.twr.org), World Mission (www.worldmission.cc), and ZimZam Global (www.zimzamglobal.org).



For more information, contact Gregg Wooding (InChrist Communications) @ 972-567-7660 or gwooding@inchristcommunications.com.



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MIFFLINBURG, Pa.  Horse-drawn buggies sit at red lights here, just feet from the quaint Colonials that line Chestnut Street. Head east, and there are miles of rolling farmlands. To the west, its the same.

But a small detour just a few blocks off Mifflinburgs main drag reveals a brick warehouse thats equal parts brewery and museum, with a boutique hotel and wedding facility above it, to boot. Rusty Rail Brewing Co.s mind-boggling 37,500 square feet of space seems as if it could seat every resident in this central Pennsylvania town of 3,600. The brewery is adorned with murals and images of Mifflinburgs industrial past, not to mention a few restored Model T Ford trucks that were partly built there.

Rusty Rail, which sits next to a 19th-century railroad line, has the scope one would expect to see at Disney World, not Union County, but Alison Feeney, a professor of geography and earth science at Shippensburg University, said more and more breweries like it are drawing tourists and preserving history across the great expanse between the states two largest cities.

History can be perceived as dry and boring, and when you can go and sit in a place like this, and have a beer, its a really cool experience, said Feeney, author of For the Love of Beer: Pennsylvanias Breweries.

Pennsylvania, according to the Brewers Association, makes the most beer in the nation, at 3.7 million barrels annually, and only five states have more than its 282 craft breweries. Some brewers, such as Yards of Philadelphia, Troegs of Hershey, and Appalachian Brewing Co. of Mechanicsburg, are widely distributed, with large brewpubs. Rusty Rail is rapidly expanding, pushing its beers into Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Rusty Rail brewed 1,000 barrels in 2015, its opening year, and 5,000 barrels last year. After pouring millions of dollars into the husk of the century-old Mifflinburg Body Co., the brewer is trying to draw in beer enthusiasts who will travel far and wide for a pint.

We get people from all over the place coming in, general manager Rich Schrader said. Weve become a real destination.

The Selins Grove Brewing Co., in downtown Selinsgrove, Snyder County, brews just under 300 barrels a year and doesnt sell wholesale, but is in the mansion of Pennsylvanias third governor, Simon Snyder. The property, listed in 1978 on the National Register of Historic Places, was formerly used as a gift shop.

Instead of going to an Applebees, this fosters some local pride and local history, co-owner Heather McNabb said. Theres so many corporate restaurants, but here, you can say, This is my brewery and my town, and it makes it fun to explore some places.

McNabb said shes named beers after Gov. Snyder, and her Captain Selins Cream Ale is named after the towns founder. Brewpubs in Gettysburg have built around the history there as well, and in Shamokin, a former mining town in Northumberland County, the Lost Mined Brewing Co. was built to resemble a coal mine.

In Pittsburghs Lawrenceville neighborhood, craft brewing was responsible for saving a building few other businesses could have repurposed: a Roman Catholic church built in 1902.

At a recent Brewers of Pennsylvania meeting, president Chris Lampe, of Eastons Weyerbacher Brewing Co., talked about breweries as economic engines, often anchoring distressed sections of cities. He cited breweries in Bethlehem and Allentown as examples.

When you open a brewery, other businesses tend to follow, Lampe said.

Juniata College and Penn College of Technology both have brewing courses. And Shippensburg, thanks to a Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board grant, also will be offering brew science courses. With brewing a $1.1 billion industry in Pennsylvania, Feeney said, the goal of the programs is to get more skilled workers who are ready to brew, rather than apprenticing at a brewery for years.

Feeney said about 100 active or pending breweries are in areas designated as rural by the U.S. Census Bureau.

These breweries are preserving small traditional main streets, renovating unique architectural buildings, and telling local stories with their naming of their beers, she said.

The owners of Rusty Rail, Paul and Eric John, made their money building modular homes and purchased the sprawling Mifflinburg warehouse in 2006. The brothers, Schrader said, basically loved beer and craftsmanship, which explains the level of detail that went into the brewpub.

They were thinking lets give something back to the community, to our workers. Lets pay respect to the people who worked here, Schrader said. I didnt use a contractor to build this that was less than 40 miles away. Theres not a brick in this building that didnt come from this building.
Nails clicking against the side of a glass. That release of air when a cap is twisted off a bottle. The fizz when the cold liquid is poured into a tall glass.

The sounds from the Michelob Ultra beer commercial that aired during Super Bowl LIII were meant to elicit a physical or emotional response. The commercial even featured a gorgeous tropical setting and a seductive Zoe Kravitz whispering into a microphone for added effect.

The beer company was using autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), a type of video that uses sound to evoke a physical response from viewers. Some people feel tingles on the head and scalp that sometimes spreads down the neck, arms or back. Others report feeling very relaxed. And some report no response.

But is there any science behind it?

ASMR has been around for about a decade, according to VOX.

It has been a huge hit on YouTube where there have been more than 21 million views of a video of a woman whispering. There have been anecdotal claims that ASMR can help with insomnia, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.

But very little scientific research has been done to support the claims. And those who have studied the effect of ASMR often end with the conclusion that more research is needed.

In a study from Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in Baton Rouge, researchers found that they do not understand why some individuals experience the ASMR phenomenon and others do not. They wonder whether those who experience the effects did so because they expected they would.

In another study, researchers at the University of London found that ASMR shares characteristics with misophonia, a disorder that can trigger a negative emotional or psychological response. It would be like the feeling you get when you hear nails on a chalkboard.

Researchers in Cardiff, Wales acknowledge that while there is little data, they believe that this intriguing phenomenon should be investigated further to explore its effects and potential as a therapy" for sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression.

Of course, Michelob just wants to see if ASMR helps them sell beer.
Alexandra Meis and Nicholas Larson

December 29, 2018, in Philadelphia

Hello there

The company Alexandra cofounded to boost school attendance, was still a very demanding infant. She had no time for a boyfriend. But a friend really wanted her to meet this guy at a happy hour event, and Alexandra figured there was no harm in some free drinks and socializing.

So on an early evening in January 2015, Alexandra took the PATH train from Manhattan to the New Jersey gathering and a painfully halting attempt at conversation with Mr. Casual Setup. He answered all the getting-to-know-you questions she asked about his work and hobbies but did not ask her a single question in return. I had to say things like, In case youre wondering, I work in education,  remembered Alexandra, who grew up in Glenside and who had recently learned she and her cofounder would be on Forbes 2015 30 under 30 list. She was silently planning to take the next train back home when a third person walked up: Nick.

Nick, who is now a financial consultant for TD Ameritrade, then worked at the company hosting the event. He saw his coworker struggling to talk to Alexandra. I thought I would get involved in their discussion to try to alleviate some of the tension, he said. But then Alexandra and I ended up hitting it off.

Alexandra forgot about the train. Nick was funny and engaging right from the minute we started to talk. I felt immediately comfortable  he was telling me jokes.

Setup Guy left. Alexandra and Nick talked until the event ended, then exchanged contact information.

A week later, they met for Italian food. They laughed the whole night, and by the end, Nick had made even waitress Georgia feel like their friend. The time just flew, and I wanted it to go on forever, Alexandra said.

Nick felt the same way. She laughs a lot. Shes a positive person. She always does whats necessary to make other people around her happy, he said. Just what I had always been looking for.

In late February, Alexandra visited a group of college friends from Lafayette in Easton, Pa. She couldnt stop talking about the great guy she was dating. Her friends told her she sounded more serious about Nick than dating implied. They read her well, Alexandra said. In my head, I was thinking, How did I go from, Im not looking for a boyfriend to, I think Ive found my husband? 

On their next date  March 1  Alexandra stunned Nick with an announcement: I think youre my boyfriend.

She didnt really need my buy-in; it was more of a directive, Nick jokes. But I really liked her, so it was fine by me. It made me so happy.

Their differences contributed to their falling in love as much as their similarities did, the couple say. He has helped me to slow down, be more calm, and have more patience and compassion for those around me, Alexandra said.

Nick said sometimes, he can be too laid-back, which is why hes glad Alexandra is there to encourage him to go after what he wants. She gets me out of my shell, he said.

In 2016, the couple adopted their Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Jolly. Less than a year later, they got a place together in Jersey City.

The engagement

On New Years Eve 2017, Alexandra, who is now 32, and Nick, now 38, served dinner and champagne to their friends. Outside, the night was freezing cold. Should we just stay in? Alexandra suggested. No, I really want to go out tonight, said Nick, much more insistent than he usually was about such things.

Out they went to a Jersey City bar. Im so cold, Alexandra said on the way. It killed Nick not to give her his jacket, but he feared she would find something he had tucked into the pocket.

As the countdown reached 2018, Nick kissed her, hugged her, and knelt on the dance floor. Will you marry me? he asked Alexandra, holding out the ring she had always wanted  the one that had belonged to her beloved, late grandmother Mary.

Alexandras hands covered her mouth, her eyes got as wide as Nick had ever seen them. I knew she was going to say yes, but she hadnt yet, he said. Will we have a wedding in 2018? the DJ prompted. Still, she was silent. Alex! said her best friend, Claire. Say yes!

YES! Alexandra yelled, hugging Nick, then Claire, and then Claires now-fiance Jake, who filmed the whole thing.

It was so them

The day of their wedding, Nick presented Alexandra with a diamond necklace that was really a gift from three people: him; his dad, Frank; and his mom, Janice, who died shortly after a cancer diagnosis in 2016. Janice told Nick she loved Alexandra the day she met her, and the feeling was mutual. During Janices illness, Frank was deeply moved by the love and support Alexandra gave his son, his wife, and himself. He loved Nicks idea to make a necklace from the diamond in Janices engagement ring. And Nick loved seeing it sparkle on their wedding day. It allowed my mother to be with us, he said.

The couple married at the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia in a traditional Catholic ceremony led by the Rev. Msgr. Charles H. Hagan, who had married Alexandras parents and who was a cousin of her also-beloved late Grandma Myra.

The reception for 200 was held at the Ritz-Carlton, one of the locations the brides parents scouted out a few days after Nick proposed. Bill had been researching venues for some time before the official engagement. OK, Alexandra told her dad when she found out. Just dont tell Nick. It will be our secret. She also had one request: A glamorous chandelier. Note the Ritz has a very big one.

Awestruck

Walking into the reception with her new husband to the applause and cheers of their guests made Alexandra swoon. They danced to Billy Joels Youre My Home, and she felt amazed at all that was happening. The dance was more nerve-racking than their kitchen practice sessions, but it also had its own rewards. It was so special knowing that all of those people were there for us, she said.

Later in the night, Alexandra beat her nerves again when she, backed by about 30 of the women she is closest to, danced flash-mob style for Nick to the Backstreet Boys Everybody. Nick loved it. It showed something that I have always known about Alexandra  all of her friends are there for her.

The budget crunch

A bargain: Having started a business herself, Alexandra wanted to lend her support to new business owners. Hair stylist Laura Nicholas Artistry and Benjamin Deibert Photography were more affordable than more established vendors and provided fantastic service, she said. Nick offers this tip to other couples: Dont just look at photographers work, pay attention to what interacting with them feels like. The photographers are literally a part of the whole day. You need to find someone you have a good connection with, he advises. It was great working with Benjamin and his wife and business partner, Ashley, he said.

A splurge: The Ritzs food, service, and ambience  including that chandelier  made it worth the money, the couple says.

Honeymooning

Ten days on St. Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies, where they hiked on a volcano, took an adventurous ATV ride, and lounged at the pool, where Nick had to compete for Alexandras attention with a retriever/lab mix named Cosmo.

Behind the scenes

Officiant: The Rev. Msgr. Charles H. Hagan, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Doylestown.

Ceremony: The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia, Philadelphia.

Reception and food: The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia.

Photography: Benjamin Deibert Photography, Philadelphia.

Videography: Steve K. for Lily & Lime.

Flowers: Coupe Florist, Glenside.

Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal, New York.

Music: Midnight Hour Band from BVT Live! Chadds Ford.

Hair: Laura Nicholas Artistry.

Makeup: Dylan Michael Cosmetics, Jenkintown.

Transportation: Philadelphia Trolley Works, Philadelphia.
The number of cases of a life-threatening immune cell cancer caused by breast implants continues to rise, according to the latest tally of reports to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

At least 457 women in the United States have been diagnosed with anaplastic large-cell lymphoma since 2010, including nine who died, the FDA said Wednesday. That total has steadily climbed each year since 2011, when the FDA first issued a warning and said it had received 64 reports of the cancer.

Although most cases have involved textured-surface implants, some reports did not include information about implant surface, the FDA said. Smooth implants make up about 87 percent of the U.S. market.

Worldwide, at least 570 cases of the lymphoma, including 16 deaths, have been reported, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

For the first time, the FDA also said it has sent a letter to health care providers urging them to tell patients about the rare cancer, and report any suspected cases to the agency.

The FDAs annual update comes as French health regulators prepare to meet this month to discuss the safety of textured implants, which account for 85 percent of the French market. In December, Frances National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products suspended its stamp of approval for Allergans textured implants and asked the company to recall its products from the European market. Allergan complied with the request, while defending the safety of its products.

We are aware that our counterparts in different countries are taking certain actions or may be reporting different information about breast implant safety, the FDA said in Wednesdays statement.

Variation in markets and regulations make it difficult to compare data and determine risk rates on a global scale, the FDA said.

The agency plans to hold a meeting on March 25 and 26 to discuss implant lymphoma and new information on the safety of implants in general. The meeting is partly in response to women who have pushed for such a review, contending that their implants have caused a range of illnesses.
Village Tavern in North Wales, which Theresa and John Modestine opened in 1995, has been sold.

Philadelphia designer-turned-restaurateur James Morrissey, who owns the SOMO bar-restaurants in Manayunk and South Philadelphia, has taken over, effective Jan. 1. The Modestines cited a recent health scare for their reason to sell, adding that it was not an easy decision.

Morrissey, who is from the area, said he plans to make some renovations to the building, which was originally a farmhouse built in the 1800s. It has been a restaurant operating since 1988.

Although the current staff remains, Morrissey plans to bring in his staff to implement menu upgrades and additions to the cocktail program, and to renovate the patio area, add lounge and group seating areas, and possibly incorporating an outdoor open-style kitchen.

The name will become SOMO Tavern in the spring.
While Bradley Coopers A Star Is Born may have received eight Oscar nominations, the Jenkintown native says he mostly embarrassed over being snubbed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the best director category.

Cooper, 44, recently spoke with Oprah Winfrey as a guest on her SuperSoul Conversations series, where he discussed his shame, saying that the move made him feel like I didnt do my part.

Im never surprised about not getting anything, but its funny you ask this, because Ive thought about this, Cooper said. I was with my friend at a coffee shop in New York City, and I looked down at my phone, and Nicole [Caruso, his publicist] had texted me congratulations on these other things, but didnt tell me the bad news. And I went, Oh, wow. And the first thing I felt was embarrassment, actually. Think about it. I felt embarrassed that I didnt do my part.

Despite Coopers best director snub, he was nominated in this years Oscars for best actor thanks to his work in A Star Is Born, and the film also received nods in categories including best picture, original song, and best actress.

Cooper, of course, may still be feeling raw over an earlier snub this awards season at the Golden Globes, where he lost that ceremonys best director award to Romas Alfonso Cuaron. But, then, so did fellow Pennsylvania-born director Adam McKay, who was up for the award for his work on Vice.

Though he was not nominated for a best director Oscar, Cooper will perform at the ceremony later this month alongside A Star Is Born co-star Lady Gaga. Though, as he recently told E! News, the thought of singing at the awards show isnt exactly relaxing.

Im sure Ill be terrified, he said.
The day founder John C. Bogle died, Vanguard Group, the Malvern investment giant, reposted a familiar statement of what the company has long told investors sets it apart in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The statement, in a section titled Plain Talk About Vanguards Unique Corporate Structure," reads:

The Vanguard Group is truly a mutual mutual fund company. It is owned jointly by the funds it oversees and thus indirectly by the shareholders in those funds. Most other mutual funds are operated by management companies that may be owned by one person, by a private group of individuals, or by public investors. ... The management fees charged by these companies include a profit component over and above the companies cost of providing services. By contrast, Vanguard provides services to its member funds on an at-cost basis, with no profit component, which helps to keep the funds expenses low.

But in other recent filings, starting late last year, Vanguard has stripped out most of that language. We are streamlining and simplifying our disclosures, said company spokesman John Woerth. On Jan. 25, in an annual filing for a batch of Vanguard funds, the company published just this shorter note:

"The Vanguard Group is owned jointly by the funds it oversees and thus indirectly by the shareholders in those funds. Most other mutual funds are operated by management companies that are owned by third parties  either public or private stockholders  and not by the funds they serve.

The new language has more precision and will likely help Vanguard avoid nuisance litigation, suggested Barry Ritholtz, chairman of Ritholtz Wealth Management, a New York firm that invests in Vanguard funds, among others.

In the new filing and other current Vanguard statements to the SEC and investors, there is:

No more claim that Vanguard is a  mutual mutual," a legal status not recognized under federal securities laws. Insurance companies, savings banks, farm cooperatives, credit unions and individual mutual funds can be organized as enterprises where customers are owners and have specific rights, but there arent similar laws for investment companies or fund groups. Mutual mutual is meaningless, Ritholtz said.

No more claim that Vanguards way offers a no profit" contrast to the profit component that other companies pack into their management fees. Indeed, company officials acknowledge it is a private, for-profit company that earns profits and pays income taxes. They are not a non-profit, said Daniel Wiener, chairman of Adviser Investments, a New York company that also sells Vanguard funds. How else could the board of directors determine a dividend on the profit-sharing plan that pays bonuses larger than salaries to Vanguards senior people annually?

No more claim that Vanguard operates on an at-cost basis, as if the funds charge the affiliated management company only what it costs for fund services, without the usual business overhead and profit margins.

Tax lawyers, including ex-Vanguard attorney-turned-whistle-blower David Danon, have said real at-cost pricing would risk violating federal tax law, which requires companies to charge their affiliates the same prices that they would pay for services bought from outside firms, so as not to artificially manipulate reported earnings to reduce a companys income tax liability.

While dropping those claims from its SEC filings, Vanguard has continued to add online marketing materials, emphasizing general benefits from the companys particular corporate structure, like a video ad  Welcome to a new way of investing  in which a diverse group of investors says such things as The idea that investors own the company is something that really resonates with me and The thing about being client-owned is, there is no us and them."

In fact, Vanguard managers are directly responsible, not to shareholders, but to a self-renewing board, initially appointed by Bogle, headed by successors who pick new members, and are routinely reelected in uncontested elections.

Unlike U.S. public companies, Vanguard doesnt report executive compensation, nor does it disclose marketing spending. Vanguard, which now owns about 8 percent of U.S. companies and a growing percentage of foreign stocks, does insist on transparent governance practices for the companies it buys with investor money.

Vanguard has become one of the largest and, since the 2008 financial crisis, the fastest-growing U.S. investment company, with $5 trillion in assets. The company has run far past competitors while promoting its lower-than-industry-average fees and its focus on index funds, which, as Bogle was fond of noting, tend to outperform high-fee funds run by stock-pickers, over time.

Why change now? Spokesman Woerth said Vanguard has been simplifying since its 1995 education-oriented prospectus for shareholders. For example, he pointed out that Vanguard general counsel Anne Robinson (one of several high-ranking legal, accounting and compliance figures hired from outside who have helped beef up its disclosure capabilities in recent years) sent the SEC a letter last October urging the regulatory agency to streamline current fund reports into a single yearly electronic report (with paper copies for those who still need them), but also urging the agency not to get too detailed in its reporting guidelines.

Did Vanguard make a point of holding on to the familiar old language while founder Bogle was alive? Woerth notes the new language began going out in reports late last year, for example in a new prospectus for Sector Bond Index Funds, on Dec. 22, 2018 (p. 51).

Asked whether the SEC, IRS, or other government agencies had urged the company to drop its claims about mutual mutual ownership, at cost services or no profit fees, Woerth said all these are Vanguard-driven changes.
The Center City District expects the success of retailers near Rittenhouse Square to continue expanding to the greater downtown, while East Market Street is poised to realize its potential and become a hot new retail area, the groups annual report concludes.

The group cited multiple positive signs: Greater Center City has become the fastest growing residential section of Philadelphia, attracting 26 percent of all those moving into the city in the last five years, the report said. The city has added 77 national retailers since 2000. More than two million square feet of retail are under construction. Hotel occupancy is up, and Center City is in the midst of reviving its historic department store district.

The critical mass of large-scale, mixed-use development along Market East will create a continuous shopping and dining experience from Independence Mall to the major convention center hotels adjacent to City Hall, the report says.

Steven H. Gartner, executive vice president of global retail services at CBRE Inc., says he doesnt see a retail overdevelopment in Center City, because the current retail matches the qualities that todays residential population are looking for.

Its immediate, its convenient, and a lot of the retailers that are doing new deals in Center City are exactly meeting the needs of a residential population and thats a good thing, Gartner said. For many years, Broad Street was a wall and every year that goes by it is not a barrier for shoppers and diners to look at Center City as a whole. I think 2018 was the year that the wall came down.

Lauren Gilchrist, senior vice president of research for JLLPhiladelphia, said Center Citys prime retail corridors low vacancy rate is a sign that downtown has a healthy retail market.

Gilchrist said Center City has been under retailed for a long period of time." But the current retail selection in Center City, along with recent developments, show the city overall has been tremendously successful during this market cycle in capturing growth of young, urban-oriented professionals, Gilchrist said.

According to the report, foot traffic along the citys prime retail corridor around Rittenhouse Square remains strong, but rising rents on West Walnut Street have also led retailers to pop up on the numbered streets between there and Chestnut, the report said.

While searching for lower rents, retailers also can look at the burgeoning Center City East retail district, the report said. Over the next few years, this area will benefit from $910 million in investment and the addition of 1.2 million square feet of retail.

The group expects the Fashion District -- from Eighth to 11th Streets along Market Street -- will add 838,000 square feet of retail and launch in fall 2019. It will add about 125 stores, including Ulta, Forever 21, and City Winery, resulting in a mixed-use space with retail, sidewalks, and cafes.

Among recent projects are the Collins at 11th and Chestnut Streets, which offers 112 rental units and 95,000 square feet of retail including a Target; East Market between 11th and 12th Streets on Market Street, which includes 128,604 square feet of retail including a Moms Organic Market and Iron Hill Brewery; the Curtis at 610 Walnut St., which features 63 luxury apartments and 50,000 square feet of retail; and the Independence Collection of three office buildings and a parking garage, which will add 45,000 square feet of retail including the Bourse on 111 South Independence Mall East.

While the retail market continues to evolve to provide shoppers an experience they cant get online, the Center City District reports burgeoning growth on other fronts. Since 2000, the population in Center City -- defined as between Tasker Street and Girard Avenue and the Delaware River to the Schuylkill -- has risen 21 percent to 190,000.

Millennial residents represent 46 percent of the core Center City population, while wealthy empty-nesters are also moving in. Residents living in greater Center City contribute more than $365 million in retail demand.

Retail has been struggling nationally due to the rise of online sales. As a result, vacancies in this years second quarter were 10.2 percent nationally and 8.4 percent regionally, the report states, while the vacancy in Center Citys prime retail corridors was 5.4 percent.

In the last five years, Center City has seen a 22 percent growth in both boutique fitness and quick-service restaurants, along with a 10 percent rise in click-to-brick tenants, such as Warby Parker, which started as an online store before opening physical locations, according to the report.

The Center City District identified a need for more retail focused on children, as 18 percent of households in the extended downtown neighborhoods now include school-age children. Currently, theres a scarcity of this type of retail in Center City, the report said.

Theres also been a 61 percent increase in overnight leisure tourism since 2008, boosting hotel occupancy rates to 78 percent in 2017. This boost has led to 10 downtown hotel projects that will bring more than 130,000 rooms to the area by 2021.

With tourists increasingly viewing Philadelphia as a travel destination of choice, we expect that retail demand generated by visitors will continue to grow in the years to come, the report states.
An unusual coalition of leftist and Republican City Council members killed a proposal (Ordinance 180888) backed by city health officials and anti-drug activists that would have forced pharmaceutical sales representatives to register with the city and tracked their gifts to doctors.

Supporters had hoped the measure would limit reckless opiod painkiller sales that have fed addictions and killed hundreds of city residents.

Assuming the bill would be popular with what cosponsor Cindy Bass called progressive Philadelphians, cosponor Bill Greenlee tried to shame opponents by posting the names of No voters on social media.

Voting the bill down were pro-business Republicans Al Taubenberger, David Oh and Brian ONeill, activist Democrats Helen Gym, Maria Quinones Sanchez and Derek Green, recently indicted Democrat Bobby Henon, the councils majority leader, plus fellow Democrats Mark Squilla and Alan Domb.

Greenlee and Bass were joined by fellow Democrats Kenyatta Johnson, council chairman Darrell Clarke and Jannie Blackwell in voting Yes. The other three council members were absent or recused.

Healthcare and drugs are big employers in the Philadelphia area. Its not unusual for politicians to have personal ties to drug interests. For example, Gyms husband, Bret Flaherty, a lawyer, works for AmerisourceBergen.

That Conshohocken-based company, one of the largest U.S. drug distributors, is facing a series of civil lawsuits for its role in pumping opioid painkillers into communities in high proportion to area populations. Company officials have blamed doctors for over-prescribing. Gym and her staff didnt return a call and emails seeking comment.

Drug company lobbyists, and hotel lobbyists who feared the law would chase away lucrative drug and life sciences convention business, cheered the vote.

This is a welcome development, said Christopher P. Molineaux, president of Life Sciences Pennsylvania, which opposed the bill alongside national drug industry groups. This bill was written under the guise of addressing the opioid abuse epidemic but was, in fact, designed to restrict interactions between pharmaceutical sales representatives and the physicians who prescribe the medicines that are studied, developed and manufactured by those reps companies. He also claimed the monitoring in the bill would do nothing to reverse the opioid abuse epidemic.

Hospitality industry reps, speaking for one of the citys few growth industries, had worried limits on pharma could have the effect of chasing away doctors and drug reps who eat in the citys fancy restaurants and fill hotel beds at conventions and industry meetings.

Bass pledged to continue fighting to address the drug crisis.

Backers last year assumed the bill would pass easily, given City Councils record of passing laws restricting business. But opponents said Mayor Kenney got a whiff of the depth of industry opposition last fall, when he visited London and couldnt get a meeting with top officers of GlaxoSmithKline. The company employs around 900 at its Navy Yard offices and over 3,000 in suburban Collegeville. Kenneys office said it was unaware of a link between the bill and the scheduling miss.

The Greenlee and Bass bill would require drug salespeople to register with the city, wear distinctive badges, and submit drug sales and marketing propaganda for city review  violations could run up to $500 a day.

Before the vote, city health department spokesman Dan Garrow blamed the opioid crisis that earlier this winter left hundreds of addicts living in tent villages and abandoned homes in Kensington on aggressive marketing of prescription painkillers by pharmaceutical sales representatives. He added that Prescribing of other drugs that can be abused  such as amphetamine, also known as Adderall  has also risen significantly.

The bill "attempts to limit the damage from this aggressive marketing.

To restore trust among patients, the bill would require drugmakers to register their sales reps with the health department, pass out health department warnings, wear health department badges and ID numbers, submit their drug marketing materials to the health department so it can suggest further education and training (for example, in pain management) for both salespeople and doctors, and pay a yearly fee of up to $250, in addition to the $500 a day charges for violations.

Chicago and Washington also register drug reps, according to bill sponsor Greenlee.

Opponents question whether a municipal drug policy is needed, now that FDA has re-tightened its opioid painkiller guidelines. Supporters said experience has shown cities that trust the FDA to do this job will be overrun by drug abusers.
In a deal being touted as endorsement of a technology to make a safer food supply, BioMerieux, a French firm considered a premiere player in diagnosing infectious diseases worldwide, has acquired West Philadelphia-based Invisible Sentinel for $75 million.

Founded in 2006, Invisible Sentinel, headquartered in the University City Science Center, sells Veriflow, a patented technology that provides rapid detection of pathogens and spoilage organisms in food and beverages. More than one million of its tests have been sold since they went on the market in 2014. Those tests are currently in use in well more than 200 breweries and more than 100 wineries, and are also used to identify problems in poultry and the burgeoning protein shakes industry, among other areas.

Several observers said the purchase validated Philadelphia as a nurturing environment for young entrepreneurs.

This really is the best outcome we could ever hope for, said Nicholas Siciliano, Invisible Sentinels CEO, who cofounded the company with Benjamin Pascal, its chief business officer.

Siciliano said all of Invisible Sentinels 40 employees will be retained. The company will operate as a subsidiary of BioMerieux, which had $2.5 billion in sales last year. With $9 million in revenue in 2018, Invisible Sentinel turned profitable in the fourth quarter, Siciliano said.

In seeking a buyer, the real dream was to continue to run the business and run it with more resources, said Siciliano, who said raising capital was always one of the more difficult things since the companys launch.

In all, Siciliano said, $24 million has been raised from 70 investors, including Bruce Peacock, a notable life sciences entrepreneur who also is executive chairman of CARMA Therapeutics in Philadelphia, and Paul Touhey, a Centocor veteran.

Its a great Philadelphia story, said Touhey, executive chairman of Invisible Sentinels board. Two young guys who had an idea and they were industrious enough to go around and get some angel investors to believe in the idea they had.

The last couple years have brought purchase offers from a lot of the bigger companies in the space, Siciliano said. But Invisible Sentinel took a head-down approach in an effort to build revenue and turn profitable.

Attention turned to finding a suitable acquisition partner this year. Focused on in vitro diagnostics and food testing, BioMerieux says it will add Invisible Sentinel to its Gene-Up system for high-volume customers.

This acquisition illustrates BioMerieuxs commitment to bring innovative solutions to customers of all sizes to ensure food and beverage quality and contribute to protecting consumershealth, Nicolas Cartier, executive vice president at BioMerieux, said in a statement.

Invisible Sentinels success to this point is the result of a community of many, said Siciliano, 40, of Marlton. He cited not only its employees but investors, investment bankers, lawyers, and the University Science Center, which did a lot of work showcasing our company and our story. That always helps growing capital.

Touhey became an investor when, he said, the company was about six years old and trying to decide whether it wanted to sell then, let another company take it to commercialization, or get to that point on its own. Touhey had just served 10 years as CEO of Fujirebio Diagnostics Inc. in Malvern, a cancer division that Centocor sold off in 1998.

He was introduced to Siciliano and Pascal by Invisible Sentinels general counsel, Jeffrey Libson, of Cooley LLP.

I immediately felt they were great guys, said Touhey, who, as an industry veteran, wanted to help them avoid mistakes as they transitioned from R&D to commercialization. It was great to see guys like Nick and Ben transition themselves from entrepreneurs to true solid business guys. For a guy like me, its what gets me up in the morning.

Touhey heralded BioMerieux as having the resources to get these [Invisible Sentinel] products in the hands of the food producers and consumers worldwide who need to make sure our food supply is safe, adding that a week doesnt go by where you dont see a report of E. Coli and listeria.

The deal also validates the Philadelphia area as one that is attractive to young entrepreneurs, Touhey said. Theres money. Theres infrastructure. Theres advisers that can ... bring some tremendous technology out of the science-project phase and into real-life use.

Staff writer Joseph N. DiStefano contributed to this article.
Choteau, MT (59422)

Today

Some clouds. Low 62F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 62F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
State-backed Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, which lends to start-ups, has pledged $5 million and raised another $5 million for the new GO Philly Fund that seeks to raise foreign capital for the kind of small Philly-area firms that Ben Franklin backs.

Joining Ben Franklin with new funding is EPAM, Arkadiy Dobkins publicly traded, outsourcing and contract software engineering firm in Bucks County.

Franklin wants to raise a total of $50 million, and says it already has a total of $15 million in hand, some from investors it hasnt identified. The fund will invest at least $50,000 in each target firm, and promises follow-up investments of as much as $3 million.

RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, who runs Ben Franklin (and also picks start-ups for an investment club at Philadelphias Union League), says she sees a surge of interest. Last year, we reviewed nearly 1,000 promising young companies and ended up backing 50.

Franklin says KPMG, White and Williams LLP, and Bridge Bank have agreed to support the funds operations, while Securitize has agreed to set up a blockchain-based system -- it will also accept cryptocurrencies -- to make it easier for foreign investors to tap into the fund.

The group hopes to issue "GO Philly Fund tokens, which represent the GO Philly Funds limited partnership interests, on the ethereum blockchain, Franklin CFO Scott Nissenbaum said in a statement.

Philadelphia lacks early-stage capital, so "bolstering Ben Franklins good efforts with new funding is critical, investment banker and Franklin board chairman Charles Robins, managing director of Fairmount Partners, said in a statement.
When Amazon went looking for new places to locate additional headquarters, it put out a request for proposal. The idea was to get governments to bid for its business by providing tax incentives as well as real funding, such as building highways, to support the new locations.

But do these incentives make sense? That is uncertain because the long-term benefits are rarely clear, meaning that many tax breaks dont wind up paying for themselves.

First, lets be clear: Governments, not businesses, bear the responsibility of any failed tax expenditure. Businesses are in business to make money and, as such, have every reason to demand something from government. Indeed, they would be foolish not to threaten to leave an area or refuse to relocate to an area unless incentives are provided.

And for politicians, tax incentives are political gimmes. If they succeed, they get the credit. If they fail, they can always say they tried. And because the full impact of the decision is rarely known for less than a decade, politicians are seldom around to suffer the consequences of a failed tax break.

Nevertheless, there are reasons to use  or not use  tax incentives, and the City of Camden is a perfect example of both.

In 2013, New Jersey passed the Economic Opportunity Act of 2013 that created the Grow New Jersey and Economic Redevelopment and Growth Programs. The intention was to use tax incentives to retain and attract businesses in order to accelerate job growth.

Camden was singled out as a special case because of its long-term distressed economy. If ever there was a location where tax incentives were likely needed, it was Camden.

Indeed, Camden is the runaway leader in the tax incentive battle. According to a recent report by Rutgers Universitys Bloustein School of Public Planning and Public Policy, Camden has been the focus of the process, receiving about $1.5 billion of the nearly $4.5 billion in incentives granted since 2013.

Unfortunately, the rules for Camden grants were relaxed, which is why we wound up with some good, some bad, and some really ugly tax incentives.

Despite receiving about 34 percent of the total statewide tax breaks, Camdens potential job gains, through either retention or attraction, are expected to make up only about 9 percent of the total.

That modest job improvement is reflected in the cost of each position. The average annual expense per job in Camden was $34,000, about 4.5 times the state average of $7,650. There was one project where the average cost exceeded $65,000 per job per year. At those prices, it is hard to see how the state could ever truly recoup its investment.

Indeed, the benefit vs. cost calculations in Camden were distressingly low. One project had benefits and costs being equal, an investment return (or lack thereof) that no private investor would undertake given the risks involved.

That project has removed from the market one of the most desirable waterfront locations in the city. I am not sure what kind of hoops the company owners had to jump through to land the incentives, but they apparently were not very high.

As for forming a base for future economic growth, the collection of grants doesnt seem to fit any master economic development plan. The projects dont appear to have been chosen in order to maximize local/neighborhood job creation or develop industry concentrations that could be used to attract additional, similar types of companies.

Stand-alone projects that are not integrated into the city or companies that dont have a hiring profile that match the local labor supply rarely form a foundation for rapid future growth.

That doesnt mean all the projects were not of value. Grants to help build mixed-use residential/office, retail/hospitality projects or expand the citys health-care sector made total sense. And across the state, some of the smaller grants had huge potential returns at very low costs.

Camden is beginning to revitalize, but it is not clear whether the massive amount of tax incentives will form an economic base that will ensure long-term strong growth. And it is likely that many of the projects will not pay the state back for the tax breaks provided.

For tax incentives to create foundations for faster future growth, they should be matched to local and regional economic needs and trends.

As New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy noted, tax incentives must be  part of a broader package of incentives and investments that the state can make to better the climate for all businesses, not just a few favored actors.

Joel Naroff is president and chief economist at Naroff Economic Advisors, Inc.
Aramark abruptly postponed a quarterly meeting scheduled for Wednesday at which chief executive Eric Foss and chief financial officer Stephen P. Bramlage were to address employees on the top floor of the companys new Philadelphia headquarters and by video.

The postponement, announced by email Tuesday night, came on the day Bramlage told Wall Street that "the company paid bonuses in 2018 that were earned, even as a Feb. 1 email sent to thousands of managers said flatly that the company would not pay 2018 bonuses for those in lower management tiers.

The food-and-facilities giant, which employs about 14,000 people in Pennsylvania, including nearly 6,500 in the Philadelphia region, had an adjusted operating income of $1.1 billion in the 2018 financial year.

Aramark officials did not respond Wednesday when asked about the meeting  called Aramark Connect  being postponed.

One employee said the meetings, once comparable to a television production, had been scaled down but were still a dog-and-pony show.

The cancellation of the bonuses, which can account for up to 25 percent of a managers annual pay, followed an earlier announcement that the companys 401(k) match would be just 25 percent up to 6 percent of an employees pay. That is the lowest in decades, employees said.

Foss, who was paid $16 million in 2018 financial year, including $2.6 million as an annual incentive award, said on Tuesdays quarterly earnings conference call that 2018 was a normal year in the way Aramark dealt with management bonuses.

If you look at a bonus program in any given year, its incented to drive performance," Foss told analysts, "so as you see across geographies or different businesses disparate performance youll see some no or low payments and youll see some higher-than-target payments, which I think is pretty consistent. No real difference in any given year.

However, numerous managers have contacted The Inquirer to say that they they were missing out on earned bonuses, historically paid like clockwork in early December, as high as $30,000 last year.

In a surprise move, after reports of bonuses being canceled, the company said it was going to share some of the tax savings as special onetime payments for select employees.

The so-called onetime special recognition awards  flat amounts ranging from $5,500 to $27,500 for all managers at a particular level  that Aramark said it will pay Feb. 15 out of its windfall from 2017s corporate tax cut did not make up for the lost bonuses, managers said.

Aramarks annual report said it booked a $237.8 million benefit from the new tax law.

Besides, Bramlage said on the conference call with Wall Street analysts Tuesday, the onetime payments are not related to 2018 business at all. Theres no relationship there.
Staff reports

The Petoskey News-Review

PETOSKEY  Alexi Broman of Petoskey is just a step away from hopefully collecting her golden ticket.

Broman, the daughter of Julie Broman and Tom Butcher and granddaughter to Darlene (Broman) and Howard Herriman, the late Cecil G. Broman and adoptive grandmother Maxine Butcher has been invited to audition for the FOX television show So You Think You Can Dance.

Broman, who is currently in her second year as a dance major at the University of North Carolina School for the Arts in Winston-Salem, made it through the preliminary round for So You Think You Can Dance and will travel to New York on Saturday, Feb. 9, to audition in the production round.

Should she advance past the production round, she would then travel to Los Angeles for the judges round.

Broman began dancing locally in Wilmington, North Carolina, and when she decided she wanted to make a career out of dance she moved to Virginia Beach to train at the Denise Wall Dance Energy.

It was there where she trained with top professionals in the dance industry including Travis Wall, Anthony Morigerato, Will Loftis and Randi and Heffa.

Broman has already been in several locally based television commmericals and two movies including I Dream of Dance and Words on Bathroom Walls. She also trained in Las Vegas with Tara Foy, the ballet mistress for Cirque de Soleil.

At age 13, Broman had the opportunity to dance with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. She was home-schooled and did competition dance where she earned numerous scholarships and earned several top awards.
Tom Renkes

Graphic writer

Welcome back to the Taste-Off. A weekly bout of beer and wine tasting starring two fashionable locals, Ben Slocum of Beards Brewery and Tom Renkes of Chandlers  A Restaurant.

Hey, were ALL back and sitting in the office at Beards Brewery as the New Year takes shape. Seems the party season has ended and theres time for some beer and wine. If you missed the news, Ben Slocum is now Mr. Slocum after his fall wedding, and Ben Walker and Tom are, well, Ben Walker and Tom.

Tom: The wine today is Cypress, a cab from California and at nine bucks a bottle a real steal in the Symons Wine Cellar.

Ben S: Not overpowering. Nice and simple. Id share this with the family.

Ben W: Hell, Id put the PBR away and up my familys taste with this.

Ben S: You could even make sangria with this.

Tom: Boys, boys, this is a nice mellow cab with a soft tannin and at only 13.5 ABV not too taxing on the liver.

Ben W: Yeah. That too.

Ben S: The Ford Focus of wines. I mean if you were an avid drinker, you could actively put this away in one shot.

Ben W: And, like, if its Tuesday, it could be a sack of burgers and this wine.

Tom: I get the picture, gentleman. This is a nice wine. Whats the beer?

Ben S: Resilience the recipe from Sierra Nevada brewing to assist with the Campfire victims in California, and it is the first beer weve brewed and served that wasnt one of our originals.

Tom: I heard about this while I was off on my trip this summer. How great, Ben.

Ben S: Yup, over fifty-five million dollars toward the relief effort from all the breweries around America doing this. You see, all of the proceeds go to the relief.

Ben W: How long ago did you brew this?

Ben S: A month ago. Its a West Coast style IPA with tropical notes, a little dark and tangy.

Ben W: This is THE west coast IPA!

Ben S: Yes, Two Hearted is the Midwest IPA and this is the West Coast IPA.

For some reason as we sat and enjoyed the quaff, Bob Keedy came up in the conversation. Something about a Subaru and snow tires. Bob if youre listening, I hope the tires are working. Anyways, the first enjoyable Taste-Off by the boys in almost eight months. Were all glad to be back.
Sean Miller

Graphic writer

A few months ago my bandmate asked me about the possibility of him playing with another band called the Galactic Sherpas from time to time.

The split wouldnt and doesnt mean an end to our band but more of an agreement that I can work on my solo project as Sean Miller, he can play with the Sherpas and our band, The Real Ingredients, will continue as it has for the past two years.

At first, to be honest, I was supportive but skeptical it would work and maybe a little discouraged but, as the months have gone on I see it working out for the better of both of us.

We both have different musical tastes and have been able to create something through The Real Ingredients that surrounds our influences of rock, funk, folk, jazz and beyond.

This way my bandmate gets to play saxophone in a setting more fit to what he is looking for musically and get to let loose through the jam band. At the same time I can continue to move forward with solo work.

Im nervous but excited about that opportunity as Im used to having my best friend beside me on stage but this is the year to cut my teeth and dig into the Michigan music scene as Sean Miller.

This year is already looking busy, too, as I have more than 30 solo gigs dated out to November so far across the state of Michigan from Petoskey to Lansing and beyond. New venues, new music, new faces and even some new festivals.

In addition to doing some solo work I am teaming up with some other great musicians and bands for a few dates this year for co-billed shows.

In April I will be performing with The Crosscut Kings, in May with Lara Fullford for a date in Boyne City and one in Frankfort and, lastly, I am working on booking two dates (one is already booked) with Grand Rapids area musician Ben Traverse.

In the end, Im not sure how it will all play out but Im excited to start the journey this month with my first solo gig on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Workshop Brewing Company in Traverse City.

See my full solo schedule at www.facebook.com/seanmillermusic/.

Sean Miller is a full-time news reporter for the Petoskey News-Review and writer for The Graphic covering the art and entertainment beat. You might see him out playing a gig by himself at a local brewery or with his band The Real Ingredients throughout Northern Michigan. Follow him on Twitter at @seanmillerpnr.
Renee Tanner and Chuck Donnelly

Graphic writers

The pickings are slim for exciting, blockbuster movies this time of year, yet cold and snow and general winter blahs make for good reasons to go there anyway. For this issue of The Graphic, my partner and I regarded our movie choices with apathy.

Thats one of the reasons why The Kid Who Would Be King was such a surprise. The main character, Alex, has all of the qualities one would look for in a future leader. He tries to stand up to the mean kids on behalf of his bullied friend, he is respectful to his struggling single mother, he is hopeful about seeing his long-lost father again one day and he is humble.

The movie is an epic twist on The Sword in the Stone, which I was unaware of until the movie started, so throughout the film, I enjoyed seeking out who each character represented. My favorite was Merlin, who appeared in this life as a young, awkward teenager, so he could fit in. We dont see Merlin until the day after Alex stumbles upon Excalibur stuck in a block of concrete. This discovery makes Alex a target of King Arthurs evil half sister and her demonic horsemen, who can only come after him at night. (Ooooooooohhhh.) Cue Merlin! The young wizard and his unorthodox and haphazard manner brings much-needed rescue and comic relief.

The bullies play a bigger role here than in any typical movie. (You know, bullies are people, too. A true and gifted leader will find the good in everyone and use it in battle.) Though the evil side of the movie could get pretty demonic  probably too scary for young children,  The Kid Who Would Be King was enjoyable overall. It had enough twists and surprises to keep me guessing (and I am usually pretty good at guessing!). The battles were clever and easy-to-follow. I would take my older kids to see it. If you want to get out of the house to relieve cabin fever, seeing this movie is better than staying at home.

 Renee Tanner

It was a cold and snowy Sunday evening when we decided to go to the movies. After looking at our options the only movie playing that we havent seen yet was the new movie The Kid Who Would Be King. After seeing a few previews, all I knew is that this was going to be a modern retelling of the classic The Kid in King Arthurs Court.

The movie starts off by introducing us to Alex. Hes a normal British schoolboy who is frequently picked on by a pair of bullies. After being chased, Alex discovers a random sword in a random stone. And like any other King Arthur story, Alex pulls the sword out of the stone. He must be the chosen one, but for what?

Turns out Morgana, an evil sorceress, has been living underground and keeping a grudge for centuries. King Arthur and his men had defeated her in a battle and she wanted revenge. And now that Alex has proven he is a relative of King Arthur, Morgana has the perfect person to cast her revenge on.

Alex is helped not only by his friend but also his bullies. It is a unique plot twist that not only works but also sets up a few lessons to take away from this movie. The gang also has Merlin, yes, the wizard, as a mentor. Some of my favorite scenes involve Merlin training the gang for battle. There is a young and old version of Merlin and both are equally entertaining to watch.

Overall, theres not much you can complain about. Its a cute movie with good child actors and a fun story to keep your attention. Theres a lot of CGI action to keep your senses awake. I even felt that in a few places maybe it was a little too dark. But in the end, it all comes together.

Do you need to see on it a big screen, I dont think so. It will be just as entertaining at home.

 Chuck Donnelly
Arielle Breen

(989) 732-1111

CORWITH TWP.  The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is closer to purchasing a $3.8-million dollar Vanderbilt property that it has had its sights on for the last 18 years.

The DNR was awarded a Natural Resources Trust Fund grant in 2017, but it only covered 25 percent of the requested $3.65 million meant to purchase the 2,140-acre area known as the Storey Lake property.

Kerry Wieber, DNR forest land administrator, said the DNRs director approved the sale of surplus state forest land last year and a portion of those proceeds are to be used to acquire the Storey Lake property.

Those funds, in combination with the previously granted money from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, provides the DNR with the required funding to proceed with the project, Wieber said in an email. The DNR has been in contact with the landowner and his representatives and is now in the process working with them on title work and completing appraisals of the property.

Last year, the property had an asking price of $3.8 million on land and housing sale sites like Zillow.com that list it as a secluded property with rolling farm fields and wooded with cedar, pine and hardwood across Otsego and Cheboygan counties.

This is the third time the DNR has set out to purchase the property and has said this is the third time the owners have approached the state to sell the property after the previous two deals fell through.

The DNRs first grant request of $7.4 million to the Trust Fund to purchase the property was made in 2001 and the second request for a grant was submitted in 2010 for $5.5 million.

Wieber said the property has not been purchased just yet.

The appraisals, title work, etc. are all due diligence that the DNR must complete before making an offer on the property, Wieber said. Any offer that is made to the landowner will be based off from the value established by the appraisals.

She said it is difficult to estimate a time frame for the process since there are a lot of moving parts.

Wieber said the landowner can either accept or deny offers the DNR makes.

At this point, I would say that we would hope to be able to make an offer on the property within the next few months and, if accepted, close on the property before the end of the year, Wieber said.

Background on the property

The property is positioned around Storey Lake, located on Alexander Road and near the corner of Fontinalis Road. A mile of Stewart Creek also runs through the property and it sits adjacent to the North Central State Trail.

The property appeals to the DNR for a number of reasons, including fishing and timber, bridging a corridor between two large sections of state land that are to the east and west of I-75 as well as offering opportunities for the DNR to better manage habitat for species like elk.

The DNR previously said elk have been killed after being hit by vehicles when crossing I-75, and said the acquisition and DNR management of the the property would help to keep elk in their core state forest range and deter them from wandering as much onto private property or roadways.

In a previous Herald Times story, Wieber said the DNR plans to allow public vehicle access on the property if the purchase is successful.

A list of local governments, including the Otsego and Cheboygan county board of commissioners, Corwith Township and Cheboygan Countys Nunda Township, voted to support the purchase in 2017. While the governments supported it, their decisions do not impact the purchase.

The only resolution against the purchase came from the Vanderbilt Area School Board of Education in September 2017 after board members voted against the propertys purchase on the grounds that it would mean a loss of revenue to the district.

Wieber later presented information on the property acquisition process and answered questions from Vanderbilts board of education.

She clarified that while the board had opposed the purchase because the district feared it would lose revenue through the purchase, Vanderbilt would also see a tax base loss if the land is purchased by other entities or individuals.

Wieber previously said the current owners live in Switzerland, meaning the property is not considered a principal residence.

Almost anybody else who buys that property, they very likely are going to homestead it, or theyre going to get it rezoned for (agriculture) land ... or they can enroll in a commercial forest program ... or you can get a nonprofit buying it and its completely taken off of the tax rolls, Wieber previously told the board. In almost every other scenario, youre going to lose the same amount as if the state purchases it.

If the DNR were to purchase the property, the state would use what are called PILT payments  payment in lieu of taxes.

PILT is distributed to the county, who then distributes 50 percent of the payment to the township, reads a DNR info section on the property purchase information.
Steve Zucker

(231) 439-9346

For some people theres nothing quite like the crackle and glow of a roaring fire in the fireplace on a cold winters day. For others burning wood or wood pellets is a primary means of home heating.

Whether someone is burning wood for ambiance, heat or both, its a use that requires special maintenance to avoid a potential disaster.

Both Resort/Bear Creek Fire Department Fire Chief Al Welsheimer and East Jordan Fire Department Fire Chief Glen Thorman said its typical for firefighters to see an uptick in calls for chimney fires in the main heating months.

Welsheimer noted this year  so far  the department he oversees has seen fewer than typical and both chiefs said there seems to be a downward trend in recent years in the number of chimney fire calls that come in.

Thorman agreed, however, just last week East Jordan firefighters responded to a chimney fire that caused extensive damage to a home southeast of the city.

What it is?

Welsheimer explained that incomplete combustion of wood or wood products can cause a tar-like substance known as creosote to build up inside chimneys. If enough creosote builds up on the walls of the chimney, heat from the fire can ignite the creosote causing a chimney fire.

Welsheimer said creosote will most commonly build up on the exterior portions of a chimney were there is cooler air adjacent.

Both fire chiefs said the problem usually is not for occasional fireplace users, but typically in homes where wood burning is a the primary heat source. Both also said creosote buildup is most commonly caused by burning wood that is not thoroughly cured.

It also is more common when you have a change in outside temperatures, Welsheimer said. You might have the weather warm up and someone isnt burning their woodstove as hot and thats when you get more creosote buildup. Then it gets colder again and when they make a hotter fire, thats when you can get a chimney fire.

Signs of a problem

Welsheimer said the telltale sign of a possible chimney fire is a roaring sound, like a jet engine, coming from the area of the chimney.

If you go outside and look youll usually see heavy smoke coming from the chimney and sometimes fire shooting out the top, Wesheimer said.

What you should do

Welsheimer said there are products that a homeowner can place in his or her woodstove in the event of a chimney fire that will release a chemical that will help put out a chimney fire, but absent that option, you should call 911, close the damper and get everyone out of the building.

He noted that in many cases a chimney fire can be contained to the chimney. Firefighters often can use a chemical, similar to whats inside a fire extinguisher to put chimney fires out. As a last resort, Welsheimer said, firefighters will use water with a special mist nozzle to put chimney fires out.

Both fire chiefs noted that instances when chimney fires spread to the rest of the structure almost always involve a defect in the chimney itself  either because its condition has deteriorated or because it was not properly installed or constructed.

One factor is how the chimney is built, Welsheimer said. Whats the quality of the construction? Was it built up to specs? Is there proper clearance from the framing? Is there fire-rated drywall? If proper clearances arent maintained that can be what starts a fire.

He noted that using a low or improper quality of pipe can also be a problem. He pointed to at least two house fires he can recall where over time, heat from the chimney caused adjacent wood framing to essentially turn into kindling-like material.

Similarly, Thorman recalls a few occasions when responding to a chimney fire call, when while up in the attic of the home seeing flames shooting out of cracks in the chimney like a blowtorch.

How to avoid chimney fires

Thorman said he suspects the long-term drop in chimney fire calls are a result of several factors. He said because of some insurance company limitations, some people have stopped using wood for heating. Also the advent of outdoor wood boilers, which are located usually at least 25 feet from a building have further reduced the incidence of chimney fires.

Still, as evidenced in last weeks fire, instances of a chimney fires causing extensive damage still do happen.

The best ways to avoid such fires, according to the two fire chiefs are:

 Make sure your chimney is cleaned regularly. At least once before the start of each years heating season, and more often if you regularly use the fireplace or woodstove.

 Make sure that your chimney is inspected regularly  at least annually for any signs of problems

 Burn well-seasoned wood. Green or poorly cured wood creates much more creosote buildup

A seasonal request

Although not related to chimney fire prevention, another seasonal issue firefighters  and other emergency responders  must battle are calls in bad winter weather conditions. Last weeks fire near East Jordan was a good example, as fire crews had to work in high winds and heavy snowfall which created poor visibility and slick road surfaces. Making matters worse was the driveway of the home where the fire happened was not accessible to fire trucks because of snow.

Both chiefs said its important that property owners do their best to keep their driveways and sidewalks free of snow and ice in the winter months to make it easier for responders in the event of an emergency.
William T. Perkins

(231) 439-9353

GAYLORD  A top-ranking vicar in the Diocese of Gaylord and at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish in Petoskey has continued to be active approximately six months after having been accused of sexual harassment against a younger priest.

The Rev. Dennis Stilwell is alleged to have initiated unwanted physical contact with the Rev. Matthew Cowan during the summer of 2015, when Cowan, then 30 years old, was newly assigned to the Diocese of Gaylord. He filed a complaint of the behavior in late August last year.

Stilwell is pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Petoskey.

Candace Neff, spokeswoman for the diocese, said Tuesday that Stilwell had not been suspended from his duties. She said she preferred more time to answer some of the News-Reviews questions and would be following up with additional information over email.

Following the independent investigation, the Diocesan Review Board (which is also an independent body composed primarily of laity from throughout the diocese) met and concluded that the allegation did not reach the level of credible and substantiated sexual misconduct, she said in that followup email Wednesday.

A press release Wednesday from Gaylord Diocesan Watch, a newly formed activist group, claimed that Bishop Steven Raica suspended Matthew Cowan, the accuser. That group is calling for Cowan to be reinstated. Neff told the News-Review that Cowan had been placed on administrative leave  not suspended  and that his faculties for ministry were withdrawn on Jan. 7, and that the decision was not based on his harassment complaint.

A grave injustice has been inflicted by Bishop Raica against Fr. Matthew Cowan, a 33-year-old priest, Dr. Richard Brenz, a founding member of the activist group, said in a press release.

The News-Review does not ordinarily release the names of alleged sexual harassment victims, however, Gaylord Diocesan Watch included Cowans name in their press release.

The News-Review received reports of the incident last month and had been in the process of investigating.

Documents provided to the News-Review and included in the Gaylord Diocesan Watch press release indicate that Cowan was placed in the Gaylord Diocese in 2015 to be tutored by Stilwell. The documents, comprised of notes and email correspondences compiled by Cowan, allege that he was subjected to multiple instances of unwanted physical contact shortly after receiving that appointment  in July and early August of that year. Those instances included Stilwell patting him on the thigh while on a car ride, hugging him and rubbing his stomach, and slapping him on the rear after confessions in the back of the church, according to Cowans allegations.

According to Cowans allegations, he confronted Stilwell about the incidents on Aug. 5 of that year, and Stilwell allegedly stated that he did not recall the incidents.

In his notes and email correspondences, Cowan said he filed the report of the behavior in 2018 after hearing the news about ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, former archbishop of Washington, who resigned last July amid sex abuse allegations. Cowan came forward Aug. 21, according to his records.

The Diocese of Gaylord Employee Manual indicates that, in the event of a sexual harassment allegation, the alleged violator will be placed on leave until the investigation has been completed.

According to Cowans notes, Cowan brought those policies up to Larry LaCross, victim assistance coordinator for the diocese. In a telephone conversation alleged to have occurred on Dec. 10, LaCross allegedly responded that the diocese was not following the employee manual policies, and was instead following protocol outlined by the Diocese of Gaylord Policy for the Protection of Children.

That policy indicates that an investigator is expected to complete a final report, with a recommendation of credible or not credible, within 30 days of the allegation being made unless good cause may be shown for extending the investigation.

Cowans notes allege that, by mid-December, the diocese investigator was attempting to complete interviews.

According to a statement from the diocese, the investigation is still ongoing because "Fr. Cowan offered additional information he thought supported his complaint ... The Review Board will meet to evaluate the additional information."

Fr. Cowan did make an allegation of sexual misconduct against another adult. Consistent with diocesan practice, Fr. Cowans complaint was reported to civil authorities prior to commencement of an independent and methodical investigation of his allegation, Neff said in an email to the News-Review.

She added that Bishop Raica and the Diocese of Gaylord remain committed to continuing our efforts to prevent sexual abuse of any person by those representing the Church in our diocese, to report and respond to allegations of sexual misconduct, and to bring about healing where abuse has occurred.
Steve Foley

(231) 439-9397

Just as the calendar turned to 2019, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urged Michigan residents to take precautions against an increase in norovirus activity.

Now just a month later, norovirus  often referred to as stomach flu  hasnt been reported as widespread in Emmet or Charlevoix counties, but Joshua Meyerson, medical director at the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, said currently theres a small outbreak in the Alpena area.

We havent had any recent reports in our area, but Im sure there are other viral causes of the stomach flu, Meyerson said. Certainly there are some reports of that going around in addition to the flu.

Its important to note the stomach flu, which is also known as viral gastroenteritis, is not related to influenza (flu), which is a respiratory viral illness that can cause fever, cough, chills, headache, muscle aches, runny nose and sore throat.

They really are two completely different types of illnesses, Meyerson said. The stomach flu, which people call it, is a self-limited viral infection which causes vomiting and diarrhea. You can get dehydrated, you get stomach cramping and a little bit of fever with it, but the hallmark is an upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea.

Influenza is a respiratory illness, Meyerson added. It will cause fever, aches and pains, headaches and sore throat, congestion and cough and other respiratory symptoms.

Meyerson said sufferers of influenza may have an upset stomach, but that is typically not the major symptom.

Usually the flu lasts like four or five days, whereas viral gastroenteritis is more 24 hours to two or three days, Meyerson said.

While norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis, Meyerson noted there are other viruses that can also cause symptoms of the stomach flu, such as rotavirus.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children, who are usually infected when they place their fingers or other objects contaminated with the virus into their mouths.

You get them (viruses) mostly through hand-to-mouth activity or through contamination, Meyerson said. Other people might have it on their hands. If youre served food from people who didnt wash their hands or are not wearing gloves, you can get it that way.

In a household its pretty easily transmitted, Meyerson said. If not from the actual cooked food, its from contamination. It could be the servers hands, it could be on a phone if you touch someone elses phone and then touch your fingers to your mouth. Its hand-to-mouth activity, whereas the flu is more of a respiratory thing.

The MDHHS notes the best way to limit the spread of viruses related to viral gastroenteritis is frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm running water, being sure to completely clean all areas of hands and under fingernails. This is especially important after using the bathroom or before preparing or eating food.

For more information regarding norovirus, visit www.cdc.gov/norovirus, or for rotavirus, visit www.cdc.gov/rotavirus.

For more information regarding influenza, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.
Sean Miller (231) 439-9394 semiller2@petoskeynews.com

The Petoskey News-Review

BAY VIEW  The Bay View Association and its Bay View Music Festival are currently accepting auditions for a summer production of West Side Story.

The call for auditions has been out for awhile but the festival has extended audition submission deadlines through Sunday, Feb. 10.

One thing that organizers stressed is that the production, to stay in line with the original production, is looking for Latinx people to portray and fill the roles of the shark gang members while anyone else can audition for other roles.

For several years we have made an effort to do musical theater that we felt was representative of the challenges our society faces right now, said Bay View Music Festival artistic director Chris Ludwa. Our biggest challenge we initially thought of though was how to cast this in a region without a lot of Latinx actors.

The festival did a call out in New York city for actors to audition for the roles of the sharks. However, if you live in the Petoskey region and are interested in a supporting or ensemble role as a Shark you can still audition.

We are kind of saying that anyone that has experienced being a minority or that has been in a minority community can audition for one of those roles, said Ludwa. We want to cast this right and not be insensitive to the different cultures or original production.

So far, according to Ludwa, the casting team have already started casting for some roles. Those that were cast out of New York will join the rest of the cast in Bay View this coming summer towards the end of June and will spend two weeks in Bay View to rehearse and prepare for the productions show dates of July 11-13.

The show is timely and we believe in it, he said. We feel its really important to have the Latinx voice represented because, in the past, it has been disregarded in other productions. We want to have conversations and talk about seeing people the way we do to create bridges between communities.

Information and specifics about audition requirements can be found online at www.goo.gl/forms/egjkBFobybCHMvoz2 or by emailing Ludwa at chris@bayviewassociation.org.
KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP)  A mayor in southeast Alaska received a 10-day suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty to soliciting prostitution.

The Ketchikan Daily News reports 36-year-old Lawrence Armour pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge Wednesday in court on Prince of Wales Island.

According to court documents, the Klawock (klah-WAHK) mayor sent $400 to a woman on New Year's Day, asking her to come to his residence for sex.

Ketchikan District Attorney Timothy McGillicuddy told the court that the woman took the money but no follow-through conduct occurred.

Armour told the c...
Kendrick Lamar won a Pulitzer Prize last year and Eminem set a record in 2019 for streams on Spotify. But the acceptance and embrace of rap music in mainstream culture isnt shared by everyone  and that sometimes includes the police.

Controversy between the police and rappers has gone on at least since N.W.A. released "[Expletive] tha Police in 1988. In fact, scholars Charis E. Kubrin and Erik Nielson contend that to this day, rap is largely defined by its hostility toward law enforcement.

Now the Supreme Court, including one justice nicknamed the Notorious RBG  a reference to the rapper called Notorious B.I.G.  has been asked to address that hostility and what it means via the case of Knox v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

As director of the Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project at the University of Florida, Ive often written about the complex relationship between rap music, free speech and threats of violence.

The Supreme Court has discretion not to take the case. It could decide whether to do so within the next few weeks. If it does choose to hear the case, it could have profound implications for freedom of speech in the United States. Thats because it concerns when people can go to prison for making statements that some considering threatening.

Protected or not?

Last August, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld Jamal Knoxs conviction on the charge of making terroristic threats against two Pittsburgh police officers in a rap song he posted on YouTube.

Taking a page out of N.W.A.s playbook, he had also called his song [Expletive] tha Police and directed it at the officers, who had earlier arrested him and another rapper on drug charges.

So what did Knox say in his rap that was interpreted as a threat and landed him in trouble with the law? Heres a snippet in which he names the two officers: This first verse is for Officer Zeltner and all you fed force [expletive]/And Mr. Kosko, you can suck my [expletive] you keep on knocking my riches/You want beef, well cracker Im wit it, that whole department can get it/All these soldiers in my committee gonna [expletive] over you [expletive]/[expletive] the, [expletive] the police, [expletive], I said it loud.

This may offend, but as the Supreme Court wrote in 2017, Speech may not be banned on the ground that it expresses ideas that offend. For example, the Court protected the right to protest the Vietnam War by wearing a jacket reading [Expletive] the Draft in a public courthouse.

Knox now wants the nations highest court to hear his case. He argues his lyrics constitute free speech protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

While the First Amendment safeguards many types of speech, the Supreme Court holds that it does not protect true threats of violence.

The problem is that the Court has not clearly defined just what constitutes a true threat.

As Ive said elsewhere, if theres one First Amendment doctrine that screams out the loudest for clarification, it may well be true threats.

The question in the Knox case is not whether the speech offends, but whether it is an unlawful threat of violence.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court concluded it was a threat, partly because Jamal Knox identified specific officers by name and because the lyrics included the line lets kill these cops cuz they dont do us no good.

Is this a threat or just a young man in his 20s venting anger at government officials through a creative medium known for such rhetoric?

The courts opportunity

As Knoxs attorneys argue in their Supreme Court brief, the Court has not clarified whether, to establish that a statement is an unprotected 'true threat, the government must show objectively that a reasonable person would regard the statement as threatening, or whether it is enough to prove only the speakers subjective intent to threaten.

In other words, the lawyers are asking if the test of whether something is a true threat should be how a reasonable person would interpret a message like a rap song. Or does the actual intent of the speaker make a difference? Or is it some combination of both?

And if the state of the mind of the speaker does matter, does he just have to be aware that some people might find it threatening or does he actually need to want people to find it threatening?

These are difficult but important questions. People sometimes say things that are not intended to be taken literally.

A jury, in turn, may be confused in sorting it all out.

This is particularly true with rap music. As one scholarly article by Adam Dunbar and Charis E. Kubrin notes, Jurors may not understand or fully appreciate rap musics genre conventions and instead may conflate an artists lyrics with his or her true personality.

A scholarly experiment by Dunbar, Kubrin and Nicholas Scurich suggests that the exact same lyrics were taken more literally by participants when characterized as rap compared with country.

Technology compounds the problem. Some people may expect to find hyperbole or exaggerated expression on certain online forums such as Twitter. We live in an age of instant outrage on social media, and sometimes that outrage may appear threatening.

The danger is that a person could wind up in prison for something he intended as a joke but that a recipient interpreted differently.

Resolving what constitutes a true threat and just how a true threat should be determined has importance far beyond rap music. It extends to tweets, texts and Facebook posts in the digital age.

With Jamal Knoxs case, the Supreme Court can use the opportunity to clarify what constitutes an unprotected threat of violence.

The Court, however, typically hears only about 80 cases each year involving full oral argument before the justices.

I believe that this case is important and should be heard because, as Knoxs attorneys argue, the definition of a true threat implicates the validity of countless convictions under myriad federal and state threat statutes.

--

Clay Calvert is a Brechner Eminent Scholar in Mass Communication, University of Florida. He wrote this piece for The Conversation, where it first appeared.
If Congress doesn't come up with an appropriations bill funding his beloved wall, can President Donald Trump declare a national emergency and build the wall anyway?

The answer depends on law and politics.

The Constitution is the starting point. It says that the government - even the president - can't spend money unless Congress passes a law authorizing the spending. Without a bill funding the wall, where can the president find the money?

Several places, it turns out. The National Emergencies Act says that a presidential declaration of an emergency triggers a bunch of other provisions. One provision allows a president to spend already appropriated money for "military construction projects." There's a pot of about $10 billion available under that provision. Another allows him to divert the emergency money already appropriated for disaster relief.

Suppose Trump declares an emergency and says he'll use those provisions to come up with the money for the wall. What next?

Politics comes next. The House and the Senate can use a fast-track procedure to pass a joint resolution effectively taking away the president's power to use those funds - leaving him without any appropriation to pay for the wall.

Joint resolutions are statutes, though, which means that Trump can veto this one - and then Congress gets a chance to override the veto, by a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Reports suggest that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has been advising the president that there's a decent chance that he'd lose such a veto fight.

Enter the courts. The National Emergencies Act doesn't define what "emergency" means. The term has to have some limits, though. How can something be an emergency in late February when you saw it coming two months - or years - earlier? (Maybe an asteroid crashing into the Earth - law professors make our living thinking about hypotheticals like that.)

More important, saying that something's an emergency simply because the president hasn't been able to persuade Congress to appropriate money seems to stretch the word pretty far - and to give the president a powerful tool to do an end run around a Congress he regards as obstructing what he thinks, but it doesn't, are national priorities.

As the Supreme Court's troubling decision in the travel ban case shows, courts are likely to cut the president a lot of slack in connection with national security. Still, those challenging an emergency declaration for the wall probably can find a federal judge somewhere skeptical about the claim that there really is an emergency. If they do, chances are the case will be tied up well into 2020, when the president can ask the voters whether they want to build a wall.

Another path into court involves the military-construction and disaster-relief statutes. The first one limits the use of already appropriated money to military construction projects. When you track the statute's definitions down, their most natural reading is that the money can be used to build barracks, landing strips and the like. The underlying image is of a national emergency that requires deploying troops to new locations, where they will need supporting facilities.

It would take some fancy footwork to describe the wall as a military construction project, and the chances are pretty high that judges won't be persuaded. The disaster-relief statute has some of the same problems. Here the image is of a natural disaster even worse than California wildfires or Texas flooding, and that needs immediate attention. Again, the wall doesn't seem to fit. But the disaster-relief statute's definitions are looser than the military-construction statute's, so maybe judges would hold their noses and let the president use that money to build the wall.

Politics reenters the picture here. The disaster-relief money is already set to go to California, Texas and elsewhere. Members of Congress from those states aren't going to like it when they see money flowing away that was supposed to be used to help their constituents. Using disaster-relief money might increase the chance that Congress would override a presidential veto of a joint resolution.

There's one last wrinkle. The Constitution gives the president "the executive Power." Defenders of a really strong presidency might argue that this power allows a president to override congressional statutes limiting his power to use already appropriated money. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson wrote that in such cases the president's power was "at its lowest ebb." But "lowest ebb" doesn't mean "nonexistent."

A law professor can come up with wild hypothetical scenarios in which the president should be able to ignore limits Congress puts on his power to spend money and protect the nation - some version of the zombie apocalypse, perhaps. Those scenarios are so far from what we face that no court would let the president get away with this ultimate move.

In Shakespeare's "Henry IV," the self-important Glendower says, "I can call spirits from the vasty deep." Hotspur replies, "But will they come when you do call for them?" Trump may learn the lesson Hotspur taught Glendower.

---

Mark Tushnet is the William Nelson Cromwell professor of law at Harvard Law School.
Ricardo McClure Jr. was 16 when he participated in a robbery-murder in Swatara Township in August 2017.

Hell spend the next 35 years to life in a state prison pondering the consequences of that crime.

Dauphin County President Judge Richard A. Lewis hit McClure with that penalty Wednesday afternoon, turning aside defense attorney Kevin Minceys plea for a 12 1/2 to 25-year prison term.

Lewis imposed McClures punishment two months after the teen pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder  an offense that would give an adult an automatic life prison sentence  robbery and conspiracy for the slaying of 20-year-old Dion Walker.

The judge also heard from Walkers grandmother, who faced McClure in the courtroom. You killed my family, she told McClure. We will never, ever be a whole family again.

McClure didnt fire the shot that killed Walker, investigators said, but he did provide the gun to a co-conspirator, Demetrius Aquino.

Police said McClure and 14-year-old Chiara Snyder-Harvey lured Walker into the ambush where he was fatally shot by the 18-year-old Aquino. Their aim was to rob Walker of marijuana, investigators said.

In asking for a lesser jail sentence, Mincey said McClure cooperated with police from the start. He gave a statement to police on the night he was arrested with his mother by his side, Mincey said.

It was never his intention for the victim to be injured or killed, Mincey insisted.

He said McClure was 14 when his father died and that caused the teen to spiral into crime. McClure was in the juvenile criminal justice system when he was accidentally shot and severely wounded by a counselor at the Alternative Rehabilitation Center in Harrisburg in August 2016.

Mincey said McClure never received the treatment he needed in the juvenile system that would have veered him away from crime. Its my belief that they failed him, he said. Now, as a result of that failure, Mr. McClure is here in adult court.

McClure did make a plea to have his murder case transferred to juvenile court, but Lewis denied the request after a hearing this past July.

Snyder-Harvey was prosecuted in the juvenile system. Aquino is awaiting trial as an adult in the murder case.

When Lewis gave him a chance to speak, McClure turned to face the dozen or so members of Walkers family who were in the courtroom.

I know I did something bad. I didnt mean for anybody to be hurt, he said. I know how it feels to lose somebody close to you.

Deputy District Attorney Kristie Falbo said the punishment Mincey recommended isnt legal. The minimum sentence for juvenile murderers in Pennsylvania is 30 years to life, she said.

A young life was tragically cut shortover some marijuana, Falbo said. McClure knew there was a gun involved when he went to rob someone.

Lewis told McClure his accidental shooting in 2016 should have alerted you to how dangerous guns are.

Theres tragedy on both sides of this courtroom, the judge said, nodding to Walkers and McClures families. Unfortunately, we see this kind of tragedy all too often.
Wells Fargo says system issues are leading to outages preventing customers from accessing their online banking accounts.

The outage is also preventing customers from using the banks app, Wells Fargo said.

The issue appears to be affecting - and frustrating - customers nationwide. Wells Fargo is the nations fourth largest bank in assets, according to CNBC, which is reporting that the outage is being seen around the country. Wells Fargo operates scores of branches throughout Pennsylvania and thousands throughout America.

Wells Fargo posted this message on its Twitter feed Thursday morning: We apologize to our customers who may be experiencing an issue with our online banking and mobile app. Thanks for your patience while we research this issue. If you are impacted, please check back here for updates. The bank also said its working to restore services as quickly as possible.

We apologize to our customers who may be experiencing an issue with our online banking and mobile app. Thanks for your patience while we research this issue. If you are impacted, please check back here for updates.  Wells Fargo (@WellsFargo) February 7, 2019

A Wells Fargo spokesperson told NBC10 in Philadelphia that the outage is affecting customers but couldnt say how many people are affected.

Early Thursday afternoon, the banks website wasnt offering any service to customers. Those visiting the home page only saw this message: Were experiencing a system issue that is causing intermittent outages, and were working to restore services as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Wells Fargo customers vented their frustration on Twitter.

#WellsFargo online banking not working for some minutes. Please, hurry up @WellsFargo  Alberto Leal (@lealsan1) February 7, 2019

Some customers also said they wanted to collect fees from the bank for the service problems.
WILLIAMSPORT - U.S. Rep. Thomas A. Marino unexpectedly resigned just weeks into his fifth term because of a serious health issue, a spokesman for Marino said Thursday.

The information came from Ryan Shucard, former press secretary and close friend of Marino, who was authorized to speak on Marino's behalf.

Marino, a Republican, was reelected to the 12th Congressional District in November, and resigned on Jan. 23. At the time, he said only that he had chosen to accept a job in the private sector.

Shucard said Marino, 66, underwent emergency surgery a few weeks ago to clear blockages in his remaining kidney, and that was followed by exploratory surgery the next morning.

The surgeries occurred at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and were to remove tumors known renal cell carcinoma.

The former lawmaker, a three-time cancer survivor, continues to undergo tests and anticipates more surgery in the near future, Shucard said.

Marino, who co-chaired Trump's 2016 election campaign in Pennsylvania, has been battling cancer since 1999.

Half of his left kidney was removed that year and the other half was removed in 2009. In 2012, he underwent surgery to remove 60 percent of his right kidney.

Doctors were able to save about 40 percent of his remaining kidney, which prevented him from having to undergo dialysis for now.

Marino believed the focus on his health would prevent him from adequately serving his constituents, Shucard said.

"Tom currently is exploring job opportunities closer to home in the private sector while he focuses on his health and spending more time at home with his family (wife and two children)," Shucard said.

The former Lycoming County district attorney and U.S. attorney in the Middle District of Pennsylvania was a proponent of term limits and had said this would have been his last term in Congress.

Gov. Tom Wolf has scheduled a special election to coincide with the May primary to fill the vacancy in the district that extends from Perry County to the New York State border.

In the spring of 2017 Marino withdrew his name from consideration to be director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy citing his late mother's serious heart condition. "Mother comes first," he said at the time.

Later that year Trump nominated him to be the drug czar but he withdrew his name over what Shucard called a "ridiculous and needless controversy" surrounding the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act.

The legislation Marino sponsored passed the House by voice vote, the Senate by unanimous consent and signed by President Barack Obama. It remains the law today.

A joint CBS "60 Minutes" and Washington Post report claimed the bill hampers the Drug Enforcement Administration's ability to quickly suspend drug distribution licenses amid suspicions of oversupplying opioids.

Marino said the legislation provides for immediate suspension of a license if there is a threat of death, serious bodily injury or abuse of a controlled substance.
The passenger-side door of Tyrone M. Shaws GMC Yukon was open when he was found shot to death Monday night on the shoulder of Interstate-81 in Dauphin County.

That information was one of the new details shared by state police Trooper Brent Miller, who hosted a news conference Wednesday afternoon to give an update on the shooting.

Miller could not say with certainty why the passenger-side door was left opened or if Shaw was the only one traveling in the vehicle at the time of the shooting.

We are not exactly sure on some of those questions. We are still looking into it, he said, adding that investigators are almost 100 percent sure that Shaw had driven the vehicle to the location.

Shaw was the vehicles owner, Miller said. Miller also said it is unclear where the vehicle was driven from or where it was heading.

We are unsure about the direction of travel. We just know where we discovered the vehicle, he said.

Shaw, 46, of Roselle Park, N.J. was found dead and bleeding from the head after 11 p.m. Monday along the shoulder of I-81 northbound near mile marker 75.4 in West Hanover Township, Dauphin County, police said.

Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick confirmed that Shaw died from a gunshot wound, and his death was a homicide.

On Wednesday, Miller shared an image of Shaws black GMC Yukon, which had tinted windows and a distinct bumper, with a New Jersey license plate. He asked anyone who saw the vehicle on area roadways to contact police at 717-671-7500. Those with information about Shaw have been asked to do the same, he said.

Despite earlier reports, the shooting was not related to a road-rage incident that also occurred Monday night on I-81, Miller said.

Although that road rage incident did take place, that did not have to do with our victim and his vehicle, he said.

On Monday night, the vehicle had its hazard lights activated, and its rear driver-side tire was flat, authorities said.

A state police trooper found Shaw lying on the ground between the passenger-side of the vehicle and a guardrail.

Miller said police believe the vehicle could have arrived at that location sometime between 6 and 11:13 p.m. Monday.

Miller said investigators also are requesting video of the shooting scene that could have been recorded by commercial vehicles' dashboard cameras.

That is because no PennDOT traffic cameras exist in the area, Miller said.

The GPS coordinates for the shooting scene are 40.343439 latitude and -76.7438832 longitude. And state police said commercial vehicle companies should be able to use the GPS information to identify tractor-trailers that were in the area at the time of the shooting.

Local police have been in contact with investigators in the Roselle Park, N.J. area, who also are working the case, Miller said.
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A Reading man was taken into custody on Thursday, accused of possessing and disseminating child pornography, according to the Berks County District Attorneys Office.

During the investigation, detectives learned that James Millette, 32, not only possessed child pornography in Reading, but was wanted for similar crimes in Maine.

The DAs office said they were notified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of digital files that were being uploaded from the area.

Investigators learned that one file of suspected child pornography came from an IP address belonging to Millette, who lived in an apartment in the 1600 block of North 9th Street in Reading.

Upon confirming Millette was the person registered to the internet account, police got a search warrant for his residence, which was executed Thursday morning.

Millette was taken into custody, and a preliminary search of one computer found in his residence found hundreds of digital images police said were suspected child pornography.

The computer and other electronics from the apartment were submitted to the Berks County District Attorneys Computer Forensic Unit.

Detectives learned that Millette had an outstanding arrest warrant from Maine related to child pornography possession, the DAs office said.

State police in Maine confirmed the warrant, and that he would be extradited back to the state for prosecution.

Millette was transported to the Central Processing Center at the Berks County Courthouse, where he will be fingerprinted and photographed.

Millette was charged with two counts of sexual abuse of children, related to dissemination and possession, and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon.

The Berks County Detectives Office was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lower Heidelberg Township police and Reading police.
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman is kicking off his statewide listening tour next week to gauge Pennsylvanians interest in legalizing marijuana with planned stops in three midstate counties.

He starts off on Monday in Harrisburg at the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, 3301 N. Front St., from 6 to 7:30 p.m. He travels to Newport on Tuesday to host a conversation at the Newport Public Library, 316 N. 4th St., from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, its on to Mechanicsburg where he will be at the American Legion Post 109, 224 W. Main St., from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Whether strong supporters or ardent opponents, he hopes people turn out to these events to share their views on the issue, he said.

Honestly, I cant emphasize how earnest I am about that. Its not interesting what John Fetterman thinks on the subject. What is interesting is what the people of Pennsylvania think. That is what this is truly about, he told PennLive.

Last month, Fetterman, who favors marijuana legalization, and Gov. Tom Wolf announced the listening tour as a way to begin exploring whether Pennsylvania should consider following New Jersey and New Yorks lead in pursuing legalizing marijuana.

It drew immediate strong reactions from two prominent players in state government.

State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale praised the administrations willingness to consider regulating and taxing marijuana as a way to enhance state revenues by $581 million annually. Whats more, he said, the tide of public opinion has turned and its time for public policy to catch up. Already, recreational marijuana has been approved in 10 states and Washington, D.C.

Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre County, lambasted it. Legalizing pot was reckless and irresponsible and a gateway drug in his view, Corman said.

Combine that with a lack of credible research on the societal costs and opposition from prosecutors, the medical community and law enforcement and you have the makings of a catastrophe, he said.

Legislative interest in the idea is already prevalent. Earlier this week, Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Allegheny County, introduced a comprehensive adult-use marijuana legalization bill that also included expungement of criminal records of anyone incarcerated for marijuana charges. Some senators are working on a bill of their own to legalize pot.

Fetterman plans to visit all 67 counties over a three-month period to gather input on the idea. He also welcomes people to submit their comments through a webpage form that will be launched next week.

Along with the public, Fetterman is inviting state lawmakers who represent the counties he is visiting to attend the listening tour stops as well. They are critical to the conversation whether they are pro or con or in the middle, Fetterman said. We want [them] there. We want [them] to sit alongside me and make [their] views known and help facilitate the conversation.

He shared that one senator he spoke with said she is opposed to the idea but intends to send staff to the session in her county because she genuinely is interested in hearing where her constituents stood on the issue.

This is a conversation we as a state should have for a host of different reasons, Fetterman told PennLive. I would not be interested in doing an echo-chamber kind of tour and only go to places where enthusiasm is overwhelming. Ive always been a 67-county candidate and Im going to be a 67-county public official.

Since announcing plans for the listening tour, the lieutenant governor said he has received enormous feedback through Twitter and direct messages with at least 90 percent of people expressing supportive views of legalization.

Even those who are against it are reasonable and mature, he said.

He is hoping the stops on the listening tour will carry that same kind of respectful tone regardless of where people stand on the issue. If there are protesters, he said he would hope they would calmly join the conversation and share their reasons for opposing it.

I want it to be an open exchange, he said. Im not anticipating they are going to get heated.

At the end of the tour, he said all the input will be consolidated and made public. The findings will be presented to Wolf and ultimately it would be his decision what we do with it moving forward.
Gov. Tom Wolf has proposed raising the statewide minimum salary for teachers in public school districts.

He wants to raise the minimum from the current $18,500 set in 1989 to $45,000. He included this priority in his state budget address.

Its an investment the state - not local school districts - will make - and its included in this budget. This is a fully funded mandate, he said in his speech.

Wolf explained that his budget proposal includes $13.8 million in basic education funding that is earmarked specifically for raising the salaries of teachers earning less than $45,000 to the proposed minimum level. Local districts wont be picking up the check, he said.

Across Pennsylvania, the state Department of Education says 180 school districts have teachers earning salaries below $45,000. The following searchable database allows you to see the amount that the state Department of Education projects your district would receive, if any, to fund this initiative.
A Harrisburg woman who pleaded guilty to charges involving a friends heroin overdose death was sentenced Wednesday to 5 to 12 years in state prison.

Dauphin County Judge Deborah E. Curcillo also sentenced Autumn Cramer, 28, to 12 months of probation, Deputy District Attorney Katie Adam said.

The sentence was imposed under a plea agreement reached when Cramer pleaded guilty in December to a drug delivery resulting in death charge.

Investigators said Cramer provided heroin to a female friend who fatally overdosed in a North Fifth Street apartment in May 2017. Police said they developed Cramer as a suspect using phone records and her Facebook page.

An arrest warrant was issued for Cramer in September 2017 and she was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Harrisburg last May.
When Tom Fowlston first got a letter from the electric company, it said his Derry Township neighborhoods utility poles would be replaced by something larger.

When he saw just how large these new poles were  70 feet tall and towering over Forest Avenue -- he and his neighbors banded together for a fight.

Fowlston recently received another letter from PPL, and by the looks of it, he won.

Thats great news. It really is, he said. When looking at our expectations, this was the best result.

Instead of running the new power line along 70-foot poles for 4 miles through Hershey, PPL will route it underground.

The effect these poles had on the neighbors and the community was taken into consideration when deciding to revamp the project, said Jessica Baker, spokeswoman for PPL. But so were some unforeseen construction problems.

When our team evaluated the route, they found a couple of places that would present issues during construction, she said today. They looked at a bunch of options, and the best option is to go underground.

The project

As part of a $64.5 million upgrade to the 50-year-old lines running through this part of Dauphin County, PPL had planned to run new lines along these larger poles.

Most of the new poles on Forest Avenue were about 70 feet tall. Neighbors estimated the old poles they replaced were around 40-feet tall, though PPL said they were 55 to 60 feet.

The line was originally built in 1966, and the smaller poles that carried the wires were at the end of their lives. All around the region, PPL has been upgrading to sturdier, steel poles that can better withstand harsh weather and require less maintenance.

The upgraded line would have traversed from Forest Avenue to Homestead Road and eventually cross Chocolate Avenue, ending at the Hershey substation.

When the project commenced in the fall, it was the poles on Forest Avenue that crews put up first, prompting the outcry from neighborhood residents.

Work was put on hold when a pole that would have gone in at the corner of Forest Avenue and Sand Hill Road presented safety issues by blocking line of sight to oncoming traffic. Baker said they also ran into potential problems at some housing developments along the route that would have made future maintenance a challenge.

And some of the poles would have been placed near the school district, creating even more line-of-sight issues for school buses.

With these construction issues and neighbor complaints, it was back to the drawing board for the electric company.

Whats happening now?

Like in the original plan, the new line will still have a second circuit to be used as a backup during power outages, but it will all run underground, Baker said.

It takes a shorter route through town, too  about 2.4 miles rather than 4.

Here is a look at a map with path the line would follow above-ground and the proposed underground route:

This map shows the current PPL power line, the proposed underground route and the area where the70-foot poles had been constructed.

The project, originally slated for completion this year, will not be wrapped up until fall 2020. Crews will start at the other end by the substation and work their way back to Forest Avenue, with the removal of the 70-foot poles coming at the end of the project.

A new cost estimate is not yet available. PPL hasnt completed the preliminary engineering work, which will establish that figure. Any additional costs will be spread across the bills of all ratepayers, she said.

Neighbors are pleased

It may be a year and a half before the poles are removed from his neighborhood, but Fowlston is happy they will be taken away. Large, planted in yards and reaching up into the sky, they detract from the visual appeal of the neighborhood, he said. And its something that could hurt property values, too, he said.

To Fowlston, it was the neighbors acting toward one common goal that led to this happy ending.

That was critical, Fowlston said. Everyone got in line and came together.

They voiced their opinions at township meetings, they filed complaints with the PUC, and they repeatedly contacted the company.

And it all started with a letter.

Its a good reminder that you need to be conscientious when you get notices like that, he said.

The new plans for the underground line will be displayed at an open house at the Derry Township Municipal Building, 600 Clearwater Road, Hershey from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

This story has been updated to clarify that any additional costs for the project will be spread across the bills of all ratepayers in PPLs service territory.
A Cumberland County mans fight with the company that owns the Mariner East pipelines will come before the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission next month.

Wilmer Baker, of Lower Frankford Township, had filed his complaint in September over his safety concerns with the Mariner East 2 pipeline, which runs near his home as it traverses the county and state.

A PUC administrative law judge has set a hearing for 10 a.m. March 28.

Im not against the pipeline per say, but I want them to do it right, Baker said today.

His complaint against Energy Transfer, the company that owns the Sunoco pipelines, is over safety. Baker filed it on Aug. 10, stating the company refuses to install an alarm system to warn residents of a leak. He added the company used old iron in the parallel-running Mariner East 1 that he said is out of compliance with todays standards.

Baker states he wants the company to:

Install an alarm system for residence within 1,000 feet of the blast zone,

Train emergency personnel,

And replace some of the old piping with American made steel.

His house is within that blast zone, he said.

Sunoco Pipelines attorneys have denied these claims in filings with the PUC and argue they lack merit and legal backing.

The 350-mile pipeline has been online since December. It transports domestically-produced ethane, propane and butane east from processing plants in Ohio, across West Virginia and Pennsylvania to Energy Transfers Marcus Hook Industrial Complex in Delaware County, where its stored for distribution locally, domestically and overseas.

The Mariner East 2X pipeline, which parallels the Mariner East 2, is expected to be in service by late 2019.

Bakers complaint is not the only trouble the pipeline has seen.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan opened a criminal investigation into the pipeline, which has drawn blame for causing sinkholes and polluting drinking water and waterways.

In August, state officials levied a $148,000 fine against the company for harming private wells while building the Mariner East 2 pipeline in Lebanon, Berks and Chester counties.

And in April, the company agreed to pay a $355,622 penalty for allowing materials from drilling for the natural gas products pipeline to flow into streams and wetlands in Cumberland, Dauphin, Blair, Cambria, Huntingdon, Indiana, Lancaster, Washington, Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.

Upper Frankford Resident Rolfe Blume, who fought and ultimately lost an eminent domain battle with the pipeline, said construction has left his well contaminated.
A crash involving a bus has resulted in a road being closed in York County.

The crash happened on Route 116 between Ambau and Colonial Valley Roads in North Codorus Township, according to 511PA.com. The road is closed in both directions

FOX43 and CBS21 each report the crash involved a school bus.

Serious crash reported on PA-116 between Chamber Lane and Colonial Valley Rd #NorthCodorusTownship  Trenice (@TreniceFox43) February 7, 2019

CBS21 reports no one on the bus was injured, but another vehicle has a reported entrapment.

Last week, a crash involving a school in York County bus resulted in the death of a 17-year-old high school student.
Accused of having indecent contact with a 3-year-old girl while volunteering at youth camp, a Dillsburg man now faces a criminal charge in Lebanon County.

Benjamin Leese, 38, of Dillsburg assaulted the girl while volunteering at Camp Kirchenwald in South Londonderry Township, according to a news release from the Lebanon County District Attorneys Office.

The 3-year-old girl attended the camp from July 9 to July 11, authorities said, adding that she was at the camp with her family.

At the camp, Leese had indecent contact with the girl, authorities said.

Online court documents show that Leese faces a single misdemeanor charge of indecent assault of a person younger than 13.

According to the Lebanon County District Attorneys Office, an investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact the Lebanon County Detective Bureau.
Want a creative way to ask your sweetie to marry you this Valentines Day? Look no further than Primanti Bros.

The Pittsburgh-based chain where the sandwiches are topped with french fries and coleslaw is taking Valentines Day romance to a new level by enticing couples to get engaged Feb. 14 at its restaurants.

Those who do will receive an all-expense-paid wedding ceremony at Primantis original restaurant in Pittsburghs Strip District Neighborhood, complete with those piled-high sandwiches.

The Love at First Bite offer is good at all Primantis restaurants in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Michigan and Indiana. Locally, Primanti Bros. operates at the Hershey Towne Square in Derry Township.

"Sometimes folks  mainly guys  don't need the added pressure of an expensive restaurant when they are trying to pop the question," said Toni Haggerty, brand ambassador in a press statement. Here, they can have fun, a great meal, and a free, catered wedding ceremony to boot. It's a no brainer.

Customers simply need to show up at the restaurant on Feb. 14, pop the question and inform the restaurants general manager. The wedding ceremony will be a group production held this summer and officiated by Haggerty.

The event will include a catered reception and other special surprises, according to Primanti Bros.
Patna: In what was already a party with barely any presence in Bihar, Jitan Ram Manjhis Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) received a major setback on Wednesday when two of his biggest supporters resigned from the party following intra-party bickering between them.

Former state minister Brishan Patel and party national spokesperson Danish Rizwan resigned from HAM as Patel though for different reasons. While Patel tendered his resignation accusing Manjhi of making light of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees decision to sit on a dharna with her police chief, a move supported by all members of the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar Rizwan resigned from the party accusing Patel of engaging in financial irregularities involving party fund.

While the entire Grand Alliance was standing in support of Mamata Banerjee, Jitan Ram Manjhi chose to criticize her saying she should not have stood up for her police chief. This was not only wrong but also against the basic tenet of a grand alliance. Rizwan, who is the national spokesperson for the party, also declared the recent Congress rally in Patna a super-flop event, Patel said.

Saying he would still remain in the Grand Alliance, Patel said he would decide his next move in a few days. Sources, however, said he was leaning towards joining Congress that is seeing a rise in its political fortune in the last few months.

He also rejected Danishs allegations of financial irregularities saying he had been in politics under various capacities for decades, never once anyone had accused him of corruption of any sort.

Meanwhile, Manjhi refused to comment on the latest development involving his own party saying things will be sorted out in the coming days.
Patna: It was classic Nitish Kumar when he, at the newly-built police headquarters in Patna on Wednesday, held a class of his students, or the top brass of the Bihar police, lecturing them to perform their jobs dutifully and win the support of the people by putting the bad guys behind bar while, at the same time, being sensitive to the needs of the law-abiding citizens.

You have to live up to the expectations of the people. The government is giving all the tools and resources that you have been asking and all you have to do is to perform your duties diligently. People of Bihar are counting on you, the Chief Minister said at the meeting held at the Sardar Patel Bhawan in the state capital.

After his customary advice to senior IPS officials, Kumar turned his focus on his opponents saying some people were the merchants of lies and smears who had nothing positive to say about the state of affairs in Bihar.

Bihar is a peaceful state but every once in a while, bad news comes out of the state and the media chooses to highlight them instead of focusing on positive news as our opponents seize the moment to score political points. Police is doing a wonderful job to bring criminals to justice but more has to be done in this regard, he said.

Defending his own role in maintaining law and order in the state, Kumar said that in the last 13 years of his regime, he had never once picked up his phone and asked a senior official to harass someone or implicate him in false cases.

If I call, its only to find out how things are going. You guys are doing a great job and you continue to do so with honesty and integrity and thats all we can ask from you, he said.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister released a coffee-table book of the Bihar police and a calendar to mark the event. He also flagged off 1001 new police vehicles at the cost of several hundred crore rupees for various police stations across the state.
While writing about the 1980s anti-pornography campaign yesterday, I noticed a curious passage in the pornography section of Tim LaHayes 1983 The Battle for the Public Schools, on page 145:

Consider the following case in history. Every schoolchild used to learn that the plotters of the French Revolution (forerunners of the humanists) worked for years to destroy the morals of France. The country was flooded with pornographic literature; politicians were corrupted; faith in God was vigorously attacked by French skeptics; and the people were led into an abnormal obsession with sex.

In this case, LaHaye mangles something that actually happened, because he is seemingly unaware of the existence of what is called political pornography. Leading up the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette was portrayed asfor lack of a better worda loose woman in sexually explicit pamphlets and literature. And this literature, yes, played a role in undermining the regime.

But those producing pornographic literature featuring Marie Antoinette were not working to destroy the morals of France. They were working to undermine the regime by portraying the regime as vulgar and sex-obsessed. Theres a big difference.

Remember, LaHaye uses the example of the French Revolution to claim that this is what is happening in the U.S. today. LaHaye equates sex education with pornography and argues that organized forces are feeding pornography to the nations youth (p. 150):

Many knowledgeable parents and taxpayer view this current sex-education assault on the minds and morals of our nations children as the result of a national conspiracy. They suggest the the entire package  originated as a means of so demoralizing our youth with a sexual obsession that they would lose interest in patriotism and defending their country. Consequently, they would be ripe for a Communist or humanist or one-world takeover. Whether such a plot was supposed to originate in the Kremlin, Stockholm, Manhattan Island, or the Rockefeller Center is unclear.

This is what makes the French Revolution example so odda Communist attempt to take over the U.S. using similar methods would involve political pornography featuring, perhaps, U.S. presidents and other political leadersportraying them as vulgar and uncouth and sex-obsessed. Even if sex education were pornographicand LaHayes assertions are not exactly what I would call trustworthyIve never heard allegations that sex education involves making a fool out of U.S. Senators or Congressmen.

Interestingly, I came upon a similarly curious passage in Jerry Falwells 1980 book, Listen America! Here, on page 174:

When the Nazis took Poland in 1939 they flooded the bookshelves with pornography. They theory was that they would make individuals conscious of only their personal and sensual needs and thus render them more submissive to the oppression to come. The Nazis knew what moral decay would do to a people. We Americans are ripe for oppression.

Because theres actually something behind LaHayes seemingly bizarre claim (albeit something he doesnt actually understand), I spent some time googling this. I found a number of references to it, though much information is in Polish. What Ive read suggests that the Nazis did think that proliferating pornography (as well as alcohol) would keep the Polish population docile. In addition, some references said the Nazis cracked down on all Polish cultural production except productions that were pornographic, which they invited foreign observers to attend in order to spread the notion that Polish culture was low and degraded.

Falwell misses the entirety of the situationhe overlooks the Nazi desire to portray Polish culture as uncouth. But Falwell also gets part of the story correctit appears that the Nazis did believe that easily available pornography would make the Poles docile. The problem with Falwells use of this illustration to prove his point, though, is that the Nazis were wrong. Whatever they did or did not do to spread porn (or alcohol), it didnt work. The Poles were anything but docile. They put up a strong resistance.

These claims are fascinating in part because they were not necessary. Anti-pornography crusaders could have argued simply that pornography is immoral, or that it creates moral decline, absent claims that it makes populations ripe for oppression and political upheaval. But then, it was the 1980s. Perhaps tying by tying concern about pornography to Cold War fears, anti-porn crusaders were able to more effectively bring it to national attention. Then again, such claims may have worked only with their base, who most shared their Cold War anxiety, while making their anti-pornography campaign sound like deprived ranting to others.

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Last December Patently Apple posted a report titled "Apple San Diego is Seeking to Hire a Cellular Modem Architect." Between getting screwed over by Qualcomm and Intel unable to meet Apple's demand for 2019, Apple is being forced to delay their 5G ready iPhones until 2020 allowing their competitors to get the leap in the 5G market beginning with Samsung and Huawei this quarter. Now we're learning that the San Diego job posting may have been just the beginning of a big push by Apple to get into the modem business for iPhones and other devices over time.

A new Reuters report today states that sources have told them that Apple Inc has moved its modem chip engineering effort into its in-house hardware technology group and away from its supply chain unit, a sign Apple is looking to develop a key component of its iPhones after years of buying it from outside suppliers.

Johny Srouji, Apples senior vice president of hardware technologies, took over the companys modem design efforts in January, the sources said. The organizational move has not been previously reported.

Making its own modem chips would likely cost Apple hundreds of millions of dollars or more per year in development costs, analysts said, but could save it money eventually.

Apple may also benefit by combining its modem chips with its processor chips, as Samsung, Huawei and most other phone makers do. That saves space and battery life, two important considerations if Apple introduces augmented reality features into future products. For more on this report click here.

Last summer C/Net and others were reporting that Intel modems were slower than Qualcomm's allowing Android phones to run faster on networks than iPhones. When Apple fans buy a premium iPhone, they want key features to be up to par with Android phones.

Whether this ongoing rumor of Apple designing their own modem chips will become a reality is unknown at this time, but with Apple taking the initiative to design their core processors and adding Machine Learning recently to their A12 Bionic chip, it would seem natural for Apple to want to take control of this important technology going forward.

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About a week ago Patently Apple posted a report titled "A Second Chinese National Working on Project Titan has been arrested by the FBI for Stealing Company Secrets." If anyone had any doubts that Apple is working on semi and fully autonomous vehicles and systems should think again. If Chinese nationals are trying to steal Apple's technology, it's because it introduces a series of highly sophisticated systems that the Chinese want to copy.

Today another Project Titan patent was published by the U.S. Patent Office that sheds more light on a series of unique Apple technologies for future semi and fully autonomous vehicles. The patent covers a highly advanced and secured vehicle entry system; allowing users to make payments at drive in services without ever pulling out a credit card or even use Apple Pay in the manner used today; allow users to call up their vehicle in a parking lot and have it come to them; and be able to set a vehicle's preferences from the way the user likes their mirrors set to the seat's positioning and so forth.

Today, vehicles may be accessed and operated using a key or key fob. Typically, the key fob may provide a remote keyless entry system that provides access to the vehicle by unlocking the doors and additional functionality such as starting the engine. However, most conventional key fobs or keyless entry systems are single factor security systems that offer only a low level of security. Moreover, some conventional remote keyless entry systems are vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and other security issues. For example, the vehicle is unable to identify the person carrying the key or key fob, so anyone with the key fob can operate the vehicle.

Additionally, a traditional key or key fob is often large and inconvenient to carry, and easily misplaced, and thus can be stolen. Certain vehicles may provide a valet key that limits access to a storage area of the vehicle, e.g., a glove box or trunk, but otherwise allows full control of the vehicle. In short, a vehicle with a key or a key fob provides rudimentary security and would benefit from many improvements.

Apple's Biometric Security System for Entering a Vehicle

Apple's invention provides a superior security system for future vehicles. Apple's patent system includes a secured asset such as a vehicle with a computing device and optional computing devices that communicate with the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the mobile computing device and the vehicle or a system associated with the vehicle, may communicate using ultra-wideband hardware devices. The vehicle may send a first communication, or first signal, to the mobile computing device. The first signal may be an RF signal. The mobile computing device may receive the first communication and send a second communication, or second signal, to the vehicle. The second signal may be an RF signal. If a person is carrying a mobile computing device and comes within a particular proximity of the vehicle while traveling toward the vehicle (or system) at a particular angle (or a range of angles) relative to the vehicle, the vehicle may unlock and allow access to the vehicle.

The vehicle may accomplish these functions when the vehicle is stationary and parked and the mobile computing device approaches the vehicle and/or when the vehicle is moving and the mobile computing device approaches the vehicle.

As an example, the vehicle may be parked and the mobile computing device may be held by a person approaching the vehicle.

Identifying a Passenger (for Uber-like service) and Making Purchases Effortlessly

As another example, the vehicle may be moving toward a passenger carrying the mobile computing device while the passenger is also moving toward the vehicle or while the passenger is stationary.

In certain instances, Apple notes that the vehicle may autonomously travel to a location associated with the mobile computing device based on a communication received from the mobile computing device. The vehicle may automatically stop at the location associated with the mobile computing device and grant an occupant carrying the mobile computing device access to the vehicle.

Apple's description above of a "passenger" is relating to the security system also working with future commercial services such as Uber or Didi Chuxing that will use autonomous vehicles.

This was covered extensively in another patent application from Apple published in early December 2018. Our report titled "Apple Invents an AR Application for Uber-like Services to Assist Drivers and Passengers ID each other in a Crowd."

We also covered another Project Titan patent in a report titled "Apple Invents an Enhanced Automotive Passive Entry System without mentioning Autonomous Vehicles once."

In today's Project Titan patent, Apple describes how a vehicle's biometric security system could be used in connection to making purchases at a gas or energy station and more.

In the future you'll be able to pull up to a fast food drive through, put in your order while your vehicle and or Apple Pay system is making the payment for the food so that you could grab your food and go without having to make payment at the drive in window.

Apple notes in patent point #23: "The vehicle and/or the mobile computing device may be parked within a location zone that is associated with a fueling station and a user may purchase fuel or electricity, among other things. The vehicle will transmit a request for biometric authentication for payment to the mobile computing device, and receive a response to the request for biometric authentication for payment from the mobile computing device. A particular geofence may represent a virtual perimeter associated with a defined set of real-world geographic boundaries. Apple notes that this could be applied to ordering coffee at a drive in location amongst other services.

Calling up your Autonomous Vehicle to Meet You

Imagine going to a parking lot and being able to call up your car to come and meet you at a different location. The vehicle knows the user's location by means of their iPhone or Apple Watch. So if your vehicle is on level 4 of a multi-level parking tower, the car will drive itself down to you on the main level. It sounds both weird and cool at the same time.

Other Benefits

Apple further notes that beyond security In such instances, the vehicle may also accept a request from a user via voice commands to turn on the heat in the vehicle or turn on CarPlay or other vehicle functions like mirror settings, seat settings and more.

Lastly, Apple notes that while the invention is in context of a vehicle, the system may also be useful for building access, storage access, or any other access to a secured space.

Of course if the car is somehow stolen, functionality of the vehicle won't be able to be accessed.

To review Apple's in-depth patent application 20190039570 click here. Considering that this is a patent application, the timing of such a product to market is unknown at this time.

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Valentines Day is exactly a week away, so Bridie Monds-Watson, better known as SOAK, has released the appropriately named Valentine Shmalentine for all the heartbroken suckers out there. The track is from the artists forthcoming album Grim Town (one of Pastes most anticipated albums of 2019), out on April 26 via Rough Trade Records.

Valentine Shmalentine returns to SOAKs gentler, more lovelorn indie sound after the toe-tapping recently released single Knock Me Off My Feet. The lyrics range from the poeticWhat purpose was I, if not the apple of your eye?to the desperately simpleI need you. It captures the feeling of wanting to give Valentines Day the middle finger, but realizing that, deep down, youre just a big sap.

The 22-year-old says this latest song is the result of both giving into Hallmark and being a dramatic bitch. The Derry, Ireland, native also recently opened up about the idea underpinning Grim Town, describing its central premise as follows in a statement:

[Its] a dystopia that Ive created in my brain: me on the inside, processed into a pretend location. The way I could wrap my head around a lot of what I was going through was to make it feel like something quite physical and real. Once I had the idea of the album being an actual location, exploring the dynamics of this town and what it would look or sound like felt like the right way to give my mental state a personality.

Explore the details of SOAKs sophomore album and tour here. Listen to Valentine Shmalentine and check out SOAKs recently announced European tour dates below.

SOAK Tour Dates:

May

06  Kendal, U.K. @ Kendal Library

10  Manchester, U.K. @ Band on the Wall

11  Leeds, U.K. @ The Wardrobe

12  Glasgow, U.K. @ King Tuts Wah Wah Hut

14  Birmingham, U.K. @ Hare & Hounds

15  Oxford, U.K. @ O2 Academy Oxford

16  Bristol, U.K. @ Thekla

17  London, U.K. @ Islington Assembly Hall

19  Brussels, Belgium @ Botanique  Rotonde

20  Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Bitterzoet

22  Hamburg, Germany @ Prinzebar

23  Berlin, Germany @ Privatclub

24  Cologne, Germany @ Artheater

28  Cork, Ireland @ Live at St Lukes

29  Limerick, Ireland @ Dolans

30  Dublin, Ireland @ Button Factory

31  Derry, U.K. @ The Glassworks
On Wednesday night, the City Council of Nogales, AZ, passed a resolution demanding that the federal government remove all razor wire within the citys limits, the AP reports. The border citys condemnation of these extreme measures comes after additional layers of concertina wire were put up by Army troops over the weekend. The concertina now envelopes the entire border wall through Nogales downtown area. Some houses are mere feet away from the wall, as the citys downtown is residential as well.

The resolution decries the wire because it is only found in a war, prison or battle setting, and could injure or kill anyone attempting to climb the wall. Unless the federal government steps in and takes down the concertina, Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino says the city will sue. Garino expressed concerns about childrens safety now that the razor wire reaches the ground.

Aesthetically pleasingits not. Its very bad. Its not good for business, its not good for what were trying to create, a business-friendly community here in Nogales, Garino explained to the AP.

Business-friendly is the key word here. Economically, Nogales depends on Mexican consumers and trade across the border. The razor wire poses both a physical threat to residents and a fiscal threat to local trade.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection released a statement claiming the new wire was installed due to a request for additional support in high-risk urban areas commonly exploited by criminal smuggling organizations. However, they did not clarify who made the request (and it should be noted that illegal crossings have sharply declined in the area as of late).

A CBP spokesperson said new wire is being added to parts of the wall that fall outside city limits and that in areas with high foot traffic, concertina is confined to the upper section of the wall. The statement added, Signage in Spanish and English has been put in place warning individuals of these dangers and prohibiting access.

Rep. Raul M. Grijalva (D.Ariz.) criticized the use of the razor wire as more stunts from Trump and his ilk:
In November, a report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change grimly projected that if we do not turn around our emissions trends within the next dozen years, we are dooming ourselves to irreparable climate change.

Thursday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed this impending catastrophe with the Green New Deal resolution, as per The Hill. Her resolution in the House is complemented by Sen. Ed Markeys (DMass.) proposal in the Senate.

Titled Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal, the resolution aims to reach a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and, in the process, create millions of jobs. It also calls on the U.S. to take responsibility for its role in accelerating the emission of greenhouse gases.

The Hill outlines the contents of the resolution in more detail:

Whereas, because the United States has historically been responsible for a disproportionate amount of greenhouse gas emissions, having emitted 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions through 2014, and has a high technological capacity, the United States must take a leading role in reducing emissions through economic transformation, the resolution reads.

The proposal says that accomplishing the plan would take a 10 year national mobilization and would include resilience building, a 100 percent renewable-energy driven power grid, updating smart power grids and increasing building energy efficiency. Buried in the resolution is also a commitment that all future infrastructure bills would specifically address climate change.

Since before the beginning of her term, Ocasio-Cortez has been pushing for Democrats to prioritize climate change in their legislative efforts. The N.Y. representative joined the youth-driven Sunrise Movement in a sit-in at Speaker Nancy Pelosis office, advocating a climate change-focused agenda. She proposed a special committee on the subject, which was dismissed by party leaders.

Finally, though, this resolution promises to force those in top U.S. legislative positions to confront the dire future ahead of us in substantive ways.

.@AOC is on NPR talking about funding the Green New Deal by decoupling tax revenue from government spending. Heads are exploding across Washington.  Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) February 7, 2019

Speaking with NPR, Ocasio-Cortez said that her proposal aims to fill in the details of the Green New Deal so that environmental change can begin in earnest:

Even the solutions that we have considered big and bold are nowhere near the scale of the actual problem that climate change presents to us to our country, to the world. And so while carbon taxes are nice while things like cap and trade are nice, its not whats going to save the planet. It could be part of a larger solution but no one has actually scoped out what that larger solution would entail. And so thats really what were trying to accomplish.

The representative added that the Green New Deal fights not only to save our planet, but also to create social justice:

This is really about providing justice for communities and just transitions for communities. So really the heart of the Green New Deal is about social justice and its about allowing and fighting for things like fully-funded pensions for coal miners in West Virginia, fighting for clean water in Flint, and fighting for the ability of indigenous peoples to take a leadership role in in where were moving as a country.

The Green New Deal has proven popular with many 2020 Democratic candidates, indicating that serious action on climate change will likely be a main issue during this race. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (DN.Y.), Cory Booker (DN.J.), Elizabeth Warren (DMass.), and Kamala Harris (DCalif.) will co-sponsor the resolution, according to The Washington Post. The proposal also received support from Sen. Bernie Sanders (IVt.), who has yet to officially announce whether hes running.

Reps. Ro Khanna (DCalif.), Joe Neguse (DColo.), Pramila Jayapal (DWash.) and Mark Pocan (DWis.) are co-sponsoring the resolution in the House. As expected, conservatives arent exactly thrilled by the Green New Deal, including Rep. John Shimkus (RIll.). They must have a secret off-planet base that we dont know about for when this all goes to hell.
If teen partner rape could be predicted, it could be better prevented. Social scientists from Michigan State University are helping close that gap by identifying risk factors linked to sexual violence in young women's first relationships in life.

"There's this idea that sexual violence doesn't happen in relationships - certainly not in young women's first relationships - which is absolutely not the case," said Angie Kennedy, associate professor of social work and lead author. "We wanted to examine the most severe forms of sexual violence - rape and attempted rape - to better understand the specific risk factors linked to partner rape among young women. Our results can be used to inform prevention and intervention efforts aimed at reducing sexual violence among young people."

Kennedy and colleagues interviewed 148 college-aged women between the ages of 18 and 24 who experienced partner violence in at least one prior relationship. To get a diverse sample, the researchers recruited participants from a university, a two-year college and community sites serving low-income young women, including a county health clinic and a transitional living program.

In the interviews, the researchers asked the young women to talk about all of their partner relationships, starting with their first relationship, which began when they were around 15 years old on average.

The results, published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, showed consistent risk factors for partner rape across the three groups of women. During their first relationships, lower socioeconomic status, being of a younger age, and higher levels of physical abuse and coercive control predicted sexual violence. Key risk factors across all of the young women's relationships include a greater age difference between them and their partners, as well as physical abuse and coercive control.

"Rape or attempted rape in a relationship isn't typically an isolated incident. It's usually connected with other forms of abuse or coercion," Kennedy said. "Young age and higher age difference between adolescent girls and their male partners may make them more vulnerable to experiencing abuse, particularly partner rape."

The researchers also found differences in the rate of sexual violence across the three groups.

While young women from the university group had a higher rate of partner rape in their first relationship, their rate dropped significantly over the course of all of their relationships in comparison to the two-year college students, who experienced an increase in partner rape over the course of their relationships. These results suggest that experiences with partner abuse, much like the three groups of young women, are diverse.

"We shouldn't assume that young women are all alike in terms of what they go through, or that experiences are consistent across all relationships. For prevention and intervention efforts to work, we will need to take this diversity into account," Kennedy said.

Past studies tended to focus on sexual assault as it relates to college campuses. Kennedy's research, however, focuses on young women's first relationships as well as all of their relationships over the course of adolescence and emerging adulthood; it's also the first to compare these different groups in terms of their experiences with partner abuse.

"Most college-aged sexual assault research focuses on residential colleges and universities where there is dorm life, drinking on campus and co-ed living," Kennedy said. "But there are more than 5 million students enrolled at two-year community colleges in the United States and even more who don't pursue a higher ed degree. We need to get beyond four-year institutions and learn more about these other groups' experiences with partner abuse."

The researchers' next steps include examining young women's disclosure of physical and sexual partner abuse, as well as the role of labeling and stigma in shaping mental health outcomes associated with abuse.
PEORIA -- A Peoria woman was indicted Tuesday by a Peoria County grand jury for allegedly leaving the scene of a fatal hit and run last month.

Amanda J. Boyer, 26, of 5710 N. Western Ave. faces the single charge of leaving the scene of an accident where a death occurred, a felony that carries a prison term of up to 15 years. Probation is also an option.

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Boyer told police she was driving in the 3100 block of West Farmington Road at about 2:30 a.m. Jan. 20 when her vehicle allegedly struck 39-year-old John I. Lackey of West Peoria.

During her bond hearing, a prosecutor also alleged Boyer told Peoria County sheriff's deputies that conditions were "blustery" that morning and that she didn't see Lackey until the last second, when it was too late to swerve. She said she panicked and started to drive. She looked back, the prosecutor said in open court, and thought she saw Lackey get up.

Lackey was found on the pavement in the roadway. He was transported in grave condition to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. At 3:09 a.m., shortly after his arrival, he was pronounced dead.

Surveillance cameras from area businesses indicated that he had been in and out of the roadway. Lackey resided at 2900 W. Farmington Road, Lot 28, according to Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood. Apparently, Lackey was walking along Farmington Road, for unknown reasons, when he was struck, according to Journal Star archives.

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SPRINGFIELD  A working group of public officials, including mayors from across Illinois, is pursuing legislation to reform and consolidate the states more than 650 public safety pension funds.

Consolidating funds would ensure taxpayer and employee contributions go directly to pensions instead of duplicative overhead or administrative expenses, according to a news release Wednesday from the Illinois Municipal League, a lobbying group representing units of local government.

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The IML said the reforms are necessary because smaller local pension funds see lower returns on investments than larger consolidated funds. As a result, many communities across Illinois are forced to choose between funding basic municipal services or making pension contributions.

Democratic Sen. Steven Landek, who serves as the mayor of Bridgeview, and Republican Rep. Ryan Spain, who previously served as a member of the Peoria City Council, introduced the companion bills in the Senate (Senate Bills 1106 through 1112) and House (House Bills 1566 through 1572), respectively.

The current public safety pension system is unaffordable for local taxpayers and unsustainable for future pension benefit recipients. We can and must do better, and that starts with consolidating municipal public safety pension funds," said Brad Cole, IML executive director. None of our proposals call for benefit reductions. These consolidation efforts are intended to stabilize pension funds and relax the financial burden on taxpayers.

Members of the working group include mayors from Peoria, Palos Hills, Naperville, Barrington and Macomb, as well as former state Sen. Pamela Althoff and former state Rep. Elaine Kekritz among others.

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SPRINGFIELD  Two committee rooms one floor apart in the Illinois State Capitol on Wednesday had concurrent discussions of a bill to hike the states minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025.

The 13 Democrats on the Senate Executive Committee voted to advance the bill, Senate Bill 1, to floor for a full vote that could happen as early as Thursday. The senate committees six Republicans all voted against the bill, while it was only up for discussion  not a vote  in the House committee.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said he would like the minimum wage bill, his first major policy push, approved by the time he gives his budget address on Feb. 20. But Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, a Maywood Democrat and the bills lead sponsor, exhibited a more cautious tone after a near two-hour private caucus of Senate Democrats which preceded the Executive Committee hearing.

If we move the needle (in negotiations) tonight and its something that we can take back to the caucus and have a conversation and caucus is comfortable with it, then possibly (it could be voted on Thursday), Lightford said.

Opponents of the bill, including Rob Karr of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, have been advocating at the Capitol this week for a regional rollout of the minimum wage.

Karr said that no other part of Illinois sees anywhere near Chicagos 55 million annual visitors, and recent local increases gave the city 10 years to hit the $15 minimum wage, while the rest of the state is expected to hit the number in six years.

He pointed to plans in New York and Oregon which have lower rates for areas with lower costs of living in their $15 minimum wage rollouts. While Karr said the regional rate idea was denied in negotiations, Lightford said specifics for a regional plan in Illinois were never brought to her attention, although she would be willing to discuss them.

Lightford said a more likely potential compromise was to provide for greater regional tax credits to employers in lower cost of living areas by using the states prevailing wage  which fluctuates between regions  as an example.

What we would do is regionalize the cost of the business tax credit as opposed to lowering the wages of the worker, she said.

The rest of the language of the bill is similar to a wage increase that was vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner last session and is nearly identical to a policy memo detailed by Gov. J.B. Pritzkers office that circulated the Capitol this week.

It will include a phased-in increase over six years, starting with an increase from $8.25 to $9.25 on Jan. 1, 2020 before increasing to $10 on July 1, 2020 and $11 on Jan. 1 2021. After that, it would increase by $1 every year until it hits $15 in 2025.

Lightford said the 6-year phase-in was a compromise between unions, who wanted a four-year phase-in, and business groups, who would prefer an eight-year period.

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Representatives of the Illinois Association of Park Districts told a House committee of their move to a neutral position on the bill which allows employers to pay a slightly lower rate for teens that ranges from $1.25 lower than the minimum rate in 2020 to $2 lower than the $15 rate in 2025.

The Illinois Restaurant Association, which represents 27,000 restaurants employing 577,000 people across the state according to its president Sam Toia, testified as a proponent of the bill while noting its a tough pill to swallow.

Toia said the inclusion of a tip credit, which requires employers to pay only 60 percent of the minimum wage to tipped workers, allowed the IRA to support the wage increase.

Republicans on the committee had concerns about the bills unforeseen costs to the state.

Gov. Pritzkers office anticipated yearly increases to the state budget from $82 million to $270 million until the cost is about $1.1 billion each year by the time the wage hits $15 in 2025. This is because the bill accounts for increased appropriations by 3 to 5 percent to some human service programs and direct service providers as well as costs for state employee raises.

This increase does not account for increased demands for extra funding for nursing homes, hospitals, colleges, universities and some other state agencies and human services providers, Sen. Dale Righter, a Mattoon Republican, pointed out.

Lightford said there was increased income tax revenue projections to help cancel out the increases in expenditures. Between 2020 and 2026, income tax revenues are expected to increase by varying amounts between $20 million and $96 million each year even when accounting for increased income tax credits the bill would make available to businesses.

The income tax credit would be applicable only to employers with fewer than 50 employees, and would equal 25 percent of the difference between an employees wage at the end of the last fiscal quarter and the current minimum wage rate for the first year of the program. The 25 percent credit would decrease by 4 percent each year until it remained static at 5 percent until 2027, when it becomes unavailable to businesses with more than five employees.

Karr said the IRMA is hoping to further negotiate the income tax credit as well.

While opponents have complained about the fast-paced push for the bills implementation, Lightford said the process was not a quick one  she has filed four similar bills since the minimum wage was last increased in 2010, the most recent of which was vetoed by Rauner.

In fact, she said, by the time the wage hits $15 in 2025, workers will already be due for another

increase, as she cited a National Employment Law Project report that said a single Illinois worker currently requires $14.58 per hour full-time to meet the cost of living in Illinois.

By 2025, we will be at, again, much lower than we oughta be on the minimum wage, she said.

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SPRINGFIELD  A Chicago Democrat is calling for local governments to again have the authority to implement rent control measures.

Twenty-two years after the state passed the Rent Control Preemption Act, Rep. Will Guzzardi wants to repeal it. His legislation, just seven words long, is a very, very simple means for municipalities to target housing affordability issues.

Families in neighborhoods in the Windy City, including Logan Square in Guzzardis district as well as Bronzeville and others, are being displaced, the representative said. Developers and unscrupulous landlords purchase buildings with existing tenants, raise the rent dramatically and price out residents.

This is happening in other areas, too, Guzzardi said  Peoria, Rockford and Urbana-Champaign, among others.

This is a bill about turning powers back to municipalities, allowing them to step in and do what they believe is right, to weigh all the evidence  the pros and cons, the studies for and the studies against  and try to craft policy that allows landlords to continue to raise rents to keep up with market prices while also trying to curtail some of the egregious behavior that weve seen that has hurt so many families in my community and many others, Guzzardi said.

But during an informal hearing on the proposal Wednesday, several members on the House Civil Judiciary Committee saw the issue as more complicated.

Rep. Margo McDermed, the committees ranking Republican member from Mokena, said allowing local governments to implement rent control measures is only treating a symptom of Illinois lack of affordable housing.

By putting a little Band-Aid on the festering wound of the problems driving high costs, were just making the patient sicker, she said. I really think that if were serious about affordable housing that there are a lot better directions to go in.

McDermed said some of those include addressing the states high property taxes and the outrageous segregation in Chicago.

Guzzardi said his legislation was not a silver bullet to solve the entire housing cost issue, but addressing rent control was a good place to start.

Jawanza Malone, executive director of the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, said Guzzardi was 300 percent accurate. The group is one of the founding members of the movement to lift the ban implemented by the Rent Control Preemption Act when it was signed into law by Gov. Jim Edgar in 1997.

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Of the households in Illinois that rent, about 30 percent have an income level at or below the poverty line, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Many of those households spend half of their income just on rent.

Malone said rent control is as much a part of the housing affordability problem as an engine is part of a car.

Rent control is not a panacea  its not going to solve all our problems, but it is a critical part of the solution, and leaving that out would be equivalent to a car without an engine, he said. The idea that Springfield has all the answers when Springfield isnt doing anything to address the problem is a fallacy.

Rep. Andre Thapedi, the committee chair, also asked Guzzardi about what his proposal would mean for the health of the real estate market and property assessment values. The Chicago Democrat is an attorney and has a background as a real estate broker.

The long-term effects of repealing the Preemption Act, Guzzardi said, would depend on what the local governments chose to do. He pointed out there were no rent control measures in places before the Act became law, so it is not a foregone conclusion municipalities will enact one if it is repealed.

He also said opponents of his legislation refer to rent control as a boogeyman and anti-free market force, but the studies conducted in other cities that have such measures, including New York and San Francisco, are not conclusive.

Republican Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, from Elmhurst, said she was concerned rent control measures would effectively cap a school districts ability to raise revenue through property taxes.

Guzzardi  who began his answer to every question seeking specific plans with the preface that he wanted individual municipalities to make the decisions  said he hated to be beating a dead horse.

The point Mazzochi raised was a valid concern, he said, and one that a community and school board should discuss. If residents were not in favor of a rent control measure and the school district was hostile to it, the community would not approve the measure.

Malone said because rent control is an economic justice issue in many ways, and a racial and gender justice issue in others, that local governments should be given the chance to debate whether the tactic to combat housing affordability would work well in their community.

If we trust that municipalities can run their school boards, can run their police departments, their emergency services, their schools,  why dont we trust it can happen for this particular issue? he said.

The legislation is House Bill 255. Two additional Chicago Democrats signed on as co-sponsors Wednesday.

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WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP)  A Republican former Illinois state legislator has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of posting nude photos of women online without their consent.

The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald reports that Nick Sauer of Lake Barrington showed no reaction as a Lake County judge read the dozen counts during his arraignment Wednesday. The 36-year-old faces felony charges of disseminating private sexual images.

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Sauer announced his resignation last year after a former girlfriend made the allegations against him. Prosecutors say the charges stem from an investigation that revealed two victims.

Judge Patricia Fix said Wednesday that if Sauer is convicted he will face up to three years in prison. Probation also is possible.

Sauer's trial is scheduled for Aug. 19. Neither Sauer nor prosecutors answered questions after court.

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CHICAGO  Prosecutors have dismissed charges against a 16-year-old Chicago Public Schools student on whom police used a stun gun on in an incident that renewed questions about reliance on in-school officers.

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Prosecutors told a Wednesday hearing for the student that they are dropping aggravated battery charges for allegedly biting and kicking two officers based at Marshall High School as they escorted her away after she'd been suspended. Another student video recorded the January incident.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports the 16-year-old told reporters Wednesday she knows she "was wrong" to bite an officer but was reacting to police aggressiveness. Her attorney, Andrew Stroth, said police used excessive force.

The police union says it's "outraged" and that dropping charges is an example of Cook County prosecutors "refusing to protect police officers in favor of offenders."

Contact Roger Miller at (309) 820-3233. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_rmiller

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SPRINGFIELD  The Illinois Supreme Court has reversed an appellate ruling that denied Alan Beaman the right to a trial on his claims against the town and three former Normal police officers involved in an investigation that led to murder charges against him.

The ruling issued Thursday sends Beaman's case back to the 4th District Appellate Court in Springfield for more consideration of Beaman's claims against former investigators Tim Freesmeyer, Dave Warner and Frank Zayas, all retired.

The Illinois Supreme Court reversed Beaman's conviction in 2008 after he had served about 13 years of a 50-year sentence. The state later dismissed the murder charges against Beaman.

In 2013, the state issued a certificate of innocence to Beaman and in 2015, then-Gov. Pat Quinn pardoned Beaman "based upon innocence as if no conviction."

David Shapiro, one of Beaman's lawyers, said Thursday: "This important precedent is Alans second unanimous victory in the Supreme Court. He will continue his lifelong fight for justice and accountability. Its an honor to represent him."

In the decision that revives Beaman's civil lawsuit, the Supreme Court advised the appellate court to review whether the detectives' direct involvement in the case was a proximate cause of criminal charges being filed against Beaman. Attorneys for the town and the officers contend the decision to file charges against Beaman was made by prosecutors and not the officers.

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Shapiro argued to the Supreme Court in September that the lower court erred when it dismissed Beaman's lawsuit alleging misconduct by the three officers. The appellate court concurred with the lower court decision.

Beaman's lawyers contend Freesmeyer lied to a grand jury considering indictments against Beaman by withholding information of a second suspect, a man who had dated Lockmiller and had a history of drug use and domestic violence.

The alleged improper influence by the Normal investigators on former prosecutors led to the malicious prosecution of Beaman, his lawyers argued.

Federal court actions filed by Beaman against the officers, the town and former State's Attorney Charles Reynard and former prosecutor Jim Souk, who both went on to serve as circuit judges, were unsuccessful. Souk and Reynard were dropped from the lawsuit based on immunity, and claims against other defendants also were dismissed.

In 2014, Beaman filed a lawsuit in state court against the three former officers and the town alleging malicious prosecution, emotional distress and civil conspiracy.

Beaman resides in Rockford with his wife and two daughters.

True Crime: Cold cases of Central Illinois

Contact Edith Brady-Lunny at (309) 820-3276. Follow her on Twitter: @pg_blunny

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FLANAGAN  A Flanagan-Cornell High School student was taken into custody Tuesday after several fights broke out at the school, and a police officer and teacher were assaulted, officials said.

The 18-year-old student, Andrew Kozak, is accused of assaulting a resource officer and a teacher, said Livingston County Sheriff Tony Childress.

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Kozak is charged with two counts of aggravated battery and is being held at the Livingston County Jail in lieu of $5,000, Childress said.

Other students also were involved in the fights on Tuesday and disciplinary action will be taken, said Superintendent Jerry Farris.

This is very unusual for our school. We have a small, close family-like school, Farris said, with fewer than 200 students in the high school. They all know everybody.

Childress said his department's investigation is ongoing.

Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.

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BLOOMINGTON  A new water damage restoration option is available in Bloomington-Normal. The Ann Arbor, Mich.-based 1-800 Water Damage of Peoria/Bloomington has opened a store at 511 S. Denver St., Bloomington.

The store will provide residential and commercial service to help transform properties affected by fire, mold and water damage, said operator Jordan Kohn.

I feel extremely fortunate to call Illinois home and to raise my three boys here, Kohn said in a statement announcing the stores opening. "As an active member of the community, we will provide restoration aid to local residents in need at any time. The safety and well-being of this community is our top priority and you can count on us to assist quickly.

Kohn said his team can assist with water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke cleanup, mold remediation, sewage cleanup and tile, grout, carpet and upholstery cleaning. Crew members are fully vetted, certified and insured.

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Crews are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, he said, and are committed to customer service. Free estimates are available.

The company is owned by the Belfore Franchise Group. The Bloomington store will serve clients throughout Central Illinois.

For more information or to contact 1-800 Water Damage of Peoria/Bloomington, visit the website at www.1800waterdamage.com/peoria-bloomington or call 309-233-3417.

Bloomington-Normal business openings and closings

Contact Kevin Barlow at (309) 820-3238. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_barlow

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BLOOMINGTON  Winner's Lounge, a longtime Bloomington tavern also known as Winners Bar & Grill, has closed, according to an announcement on its Facebook page.

Yes it is true, read an announcement. Winners is closing the doors. So come out (Tuesday) for one last HOORAH!... SAD DAY. LETS GO OUT WITH A BANG!

In June, co-owner Brad Engle appeared before the Bloomington Liquor Commission and announced he and his brother, Ryan, were considering forming a new corporation called Engle Enterprises; however, because of the existing video gambling machines in the bar, state officials encouraged them to keep the name the same.

Brad Engle did not indicate any plans to close the business at that time. He could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

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According to Pantagraph archives, Dave Engle became part-owner of the Casey Jones Lounge in 1982 and took over operations in April 1984. As a requirement for a liquor license, Engle was required to visit neighbors homes in order to establish a rapport with them.

In 1986, he became the sole proprietor, renaming it Winners Bar & Grill. He owned the bar until he died on April 18, 2018. At that time, it was the oldest bar in town owned by the same person, according to his obituary.

Engles sons, Brad and Ryan, inherited the business. Brad operated the bar while Ryan continued his career in the Air Force in Ohio.

Bloomington-Normal business openings and closings

Contact Kevin Barlow at (309) 820-3238. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_barlow

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Graveside services for William Parks Daniels, Jr., age 73, of Palestine is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Bradford Cemetery in Troup under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home. Mr. Parks passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. View online at www.herringtonf
Throughout 2018, Wildfire Credit Union employees have enthusiastically volunteered to pay to wear jeans in support of a number of local non-profits in the Great Lakes Bay Region, the credit union reports"

Wildfire's "Jean Days" are a long standing tradition at the credit union and are always very successful, said Michelle LeBlanc, marketing and public relations coordinator.
The Saginaw Chamber of Commerce and the Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, recently announced that Susan Moody, director of membership, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM.

Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual's completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend the institute annually.
Boeing Co. was accused of negligence tied to a wildfire that tore through Malibu, California, in November and that purportedly started on the grounds of the nearby, disused Rocketdyne testing site.

A group of homeowners sued Boeing along with Edison International, the parent of the utility they say was at fault in igniting the fire, on Tuesday in Los Angeles. They claim Boeing failed to properly manage the vegetation on the Santa Susana Field Laboratory and allowed the fire to spread to surrounding neighborhoods.
Oskaloosa, IA (52577)

Today

Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 86F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms later during the night. Low 72F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
White Rose Estate Winery and Vineyard in Dayton has a new head winemaker: Tresider Burns, formerly the associate winemaker at Brittan Vineyards in McMinnville. Burns replaces Jesus Guillen, who died in November.

Greg Sanders, White Rose Estates owner, is excited to have Burns on board. There are a lot of winemakers out there but we felt Tresider is not only a skilled winemaker, he is also a good person. Tresider is going to fit right in with the White Rose family, Sanders says.

Burns is a native Oregonian and Newport High School graduate who spent 10 years in the technology industry before turning his attention to wine. I was building websites for some of Yahoos biggest clients when I started thinking about making something that was more intellectually challenging, something more tangible, Burns says.

Burns studied enology at Oregon State University before accepting a position in 2011 to work under the tutelage of Anthony King, who was the head winemaker at Lemelson Vineyards in Carlton at the time. Burns then spent four years at Brittan Vineyards, where he had the opportunity to help make their wines as well as those of several other Willamette Valley wineries, including Winderlea Vineyards and Youngberg Hill.

Burns has been offered head winemaking positions before, but he turned them down. I have been waiting for the right opportunity. I didnt want to jump into anything too early, Burns says. I had great mentors in Anthony King and Robert Brittan, and I wanted to soak up as much information and experience as many different styles of winemaking as I could.

Tresider Burns (right) is the new head winemaker at White Rose Estate. He's pictured here with Dago Guillen, tasting room manager (left), and Gavin Joll, general manager. (Michael Alberty)

Deciding to join White Rose Estate was made easier by Burns friendship with Guillen. Burns first met Guillen in 2013, but they bonded the past two summers at Oregon Pinot Camp, a trade-only event organized in conjunction with the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. We sat on their whole cluster fermentation panel for two straight years, and people began referring to us as the whole cluster guys. Thats where I began to discover what a kind, fascinating person Jesus was, Burns says.

Whole cluster fermentation, the practice of taking whole clusters of grapes from the vine and then crushing and fermenting them stems and all, is the signature of White Rose Estate. Guillen believed this technique amplified the aromatics of his pinot noirs and gave them more complexity and structure. Burns says that practice will continue on his watch. What Jesus created here works, and my job is to respect that legacy and make sure it carries on in the same way.

Gavin Joll is the former general manager at White Rose Estate and for the past 12 years he worked with Guillen and Sanders to turn the winery into a world-class pinot noir producer. A transition like this is never going to be easy under the circumstances, but handing it off to Tresider is going to be wonderful. He brings the right mindset and demeanor to maintain the character of White Rose going forward, Joll says.

Is Burns worried about the pressures involved with carrying on such a storied legacy? I know I have big shoes to fill, but I have an experienced crew to help guide me, as well as winemakers like King, who is now the general manager for the Carlton Winemakers Studio, and Dave Paige of Paige Vineyard to consult with.

Besides, Burns says as he heads back to the cellar, every great opportunity is equal parts excitement and terror.

Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com. To read more of his coverage, go to oregonlive.com/wine.
A 58-year-old man has been identified as the person killed Sunday after being hit by an SUV driver while in a Southeast Portland crosswalk.

James A. McCree was walking near Southeast Division Street and 130th Avenue around 12:25 a.m. when he was hit by a dark-colored SUV that was gone by the time officers arrived, according to Portland police.

McCree died at the scene. No further information is available on the SUV involved or the driver. Portland police ask anyone with more information to contact Officer David Enz at 503-823-2208.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 |@EvertonBailey

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Residents of a Vancouver neighborhood have expressed concern after a raccoon was found dead over the weekend and authorities think it may have been poisoned.

Carl Smith found the animal dying in his driveway, according to KATU News, and first thought the raccoon might have been hit by a car. He called animal control and officials said it looked like the animal had been poisoned.

The raccoon was found in the Riverridge neighborhood in Southeast Vancouver, far from where multiple animals were thought to have been poisoned or caught in illegal traps last year.

While it is illegal to trap and relocate a raccoon in Clark County without a special permit, its not illegal to put out poison, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

"I would be worried about that. I would be worried if someone is putting poison out, resident Teresa Boyd told the station. If youre having a problem, I think you contact the appropriate government agency and figure out a different way to take care of that."

Officials recommend that if you see an animal of concern, contact your local animal control.

-- Kale Williams

kwilliams@oregonian.com

503-294-4048

@sfkale

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Safety Kleen Systems, a Texas-based hazardous waste disposal company, has been fined $260,900 for multiple violations of Oregon environmental laws at its facility in Clackamas, officials said Thursday.

The company, located at 16540 Southeast 130TH Ave., is accused of failing to properly label barrels of potentially flammable liquids, storing asbestos-containing waste without a proper permit and failing to provide the proper insurance for its operations, among other violations, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

After Safety Kleen was informed of the violations, it properly labeled its hazardous waste, submitted a waste management plan to accept asbestos and applied for the required solid waste permit, state officials said in a news release. The violations occurred between 2013 and 2018, according to the state.

The company has until Feb. 18 to appeal the fine.

-- Kale Williams

kwilliams@oregonian.com

503-294-4048

@sfkale

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A Portland man has pleaded guilty to charges alleging he abandoned a 5-month-old baby under a pile of debris in the woods of western Montana.

The Missoulian reports 32-year-old Francis Carlton Crowley pleaded guilty Tuesday in Missoula District Court to criminal endangerment and child criminal endangerment.

He pleaded no contest to an assault on a child charge.

Prosecutors say Crowley was under the influence of meth and bath salts when he caused a disturbance in July at Lolo Hot Springs.

He told responding officers that the baby he had been caring for was buried, but he was unable to lead authorities to the boy.

Authorities found the baby, estimating he had been left alone for at least nine hours.

Crowley is scheduled to be sentenced on March 12.

Court records show there is an active warrant for Crowleys arrest in Multnomah County on a misdemeanor charge of fleeing or attempting to elude police in March 2018. A judge signed the warrant after he failed to appear at a court hearing the next month.

-- The Associated Press and staff reports
Enrollment in Oregon schools barely budged from last school year to this one, marking a notable stagnation after years of steady growth earlier in the decade, the state reported Thursday. Enrollment reached 582,000, it said.

The states largest districts experienced a mixed bag of stagnation and loss. The four biggest -- Portland, Salem, Beaverton and Hillsboro -- held steady, but Eugene, Tigard-Tualatin, Reynolds and David Douglas saw declines of 150 to 400 students.

The Oregon Department of Education reported the new enrollment figures Thursday.

The states students continued to increase in diversity, with Latino and multi-racial students claiming a larger share of desks in the states classrooms this year than in the past, the report showed. Latinos now account for almost one of every four Oregon students.

Oregon schools, which in the late 1990s had more than 450,000 white students making enrollment 85 percent white, continued to enroll fewer white students year over year. Currently, the states 1,200-plus schools enroll just 360,000 white students, who account for 62 percent of students enrolled.

For the first time, the state reported how many students identify neither as male nor female. It reported 182 students identify as non-binary, ranging from two in first grade to 33 ninth-graders. That likely understates the true number, however, as many of students identifying characteristics are recorded when they first enroll in a public school district and arent updated in subsequent years.

Boys outnumber girls at every grade level, the state reported.

The most heavily black school district in the state is Parkrose, at 14 percent black. The most heavily Latino district is Woodburn, at 83 percent. The greatest concentration of Asian students is in rural northeast Oregon, where the 8 Asian students in the Ukiah school district represent 27 percent of those enrolled. Among larger districts, Beaverton is the most heavily Asian, at 16 percent.

Jefferson County School District, headquartered in Madras and encompassing the Warm Springs Reservation, has the greatest concentration of Native American students, at 34 percent. Eight tiny Oregon districts enroll only white students. The most heavily white district enrolling at least 500 students is John Day, where the enrollment is 91 percent white.

-- Betsy Hammond

betsyhammond@oregonian.com
A former teacher who dodged several allegations of sexual misconduct during decades working in Portland schools had a 2014 misdemeanor harassment conviction, his only criminal offense, erased by a Multnomah County judge Wednesday.

Mitch Whitehurst pleaded guilty to committing that offense when he was a teacher at Faubion K-8 School. Whitehurst approached a co-worker and poked him in the anus, police records say, and Whitehurst admitted in court he offensively touched the man.

Whitehurst got his criminal slate wiped clean under an Oregon law that allows criminals to have misdemeanor convictions expunged, or set aside, after three years if theyve complied with all terms of their sentences. Advocates argued his track record of subjecting students to sexual misconduct and lying about it should be grounds to keep his conviction in place.

Regardless, Whitehurst wont teach in public schools ever again, as his license was revoked in the wake of the harassment conviction. The conviction spurred an investigation by the state licensing agency, which stumbled into allegations of Whitehursts alleged sexual misconduct going back as far as the 1983-84 school year.

Those allegations, and the school districts failure to act on them, were first brought to light by a 2017 Oregonian/OregonLive investigation, Benefit of the Doubt: How Portland Public Schools helped an educator evade sexual misconduct allegations .

Whitehurst, who would not agree to be interviewed for that story, also declined to comment to The Oregonian/OregonLive on Wednesday. He did not speak during the hearing, and his attorney, Ethan Levy, said only a few words.

Matthew Ellis, attorney for the co-worker Whitehurst poked, told Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Eric Dahlin the full spectrum of revelations should be considered when the court ruled on the expungement.

We have far more information now about the underlying crime, Ellis said in court Wednesday.

Ellis argued that the state licensing agencys investigation and a second investigation by an independent team hired by the Portland school board proved the harassment incident wasnt an isolated case.

Whitehurst solicited sex from female students many times, beginning the first year he taught, those reports concluded. Ellis said Whitehurst had slapped the co-worker in the buttocks at least twice before, a fact that also appears in police reports filed in the wake of the incident.

Ellis credited The Oregonians reporting for lighting a fire under the school district to reform systems that let the longtime Portland educator fall through the cracks.

The buck may have stopped with no one, but the buck should stop here today, Ellis said, echoing one of the signature lines in a damning report on the school districts handling of Whitehurst .

The Multnomah County District Attorneys Office also issued a memorandum urging Dahlin to deny Whitehursts request to expunge the conviction. The office, like Ellis, argued that the court should consider the entirety of Whitehursts record beyond the harassment investigation and conviction.

But Dahlin told Ellis and the co-worker, both of whom appeared in court Wednesday, that he could only consider the harassment conviction and state law that allows a misdemeanor to be expunged if the defendant has complied with all conditions of his sentence.

The idea is that if somebody makes a mistake  after a certain amount of time, they can have the slate wiped clean, Dahlin said.

Dahlin told Ellis and Levi he would issue a preliminary ruling and allow either attorney to present a case against it. He was inclined to expunge Whitehursts conviction.

The judge said he couldnt consider allegations of misconduct prior to his conviction that surfaced as officials at the school district, county or state level investigated Whitehurst. Whats more, Dahlin said, he couldnt try to dissect the previous judges reasoning for accepting Whitehursts guilty plea to a low-level charge rather than something more serious.

I dont know what the discussion was. I dont know what the thought was, Dahlin said.

The courtroom remained silent as Dahlin presented his ruling, save for the ringing of a cell phone in the middle of the hearing.

For purposes of today, I dont think theres a reason for me to look beyond the conviction or to relitigate, Dahlin said.

Soon after, Dahlin announced his official decision to expunge Whitehursts conviction and adjourned the session. Levi and Whitehurst left the courtroom almost immediately, declining to comment for this story.

The victim agreed to speak to The Oregonian/OregonLive through his attorney.

I understand the courts ruling. I understand the courts reasoning, Ellis said. I dont agree with it. But theres no arguing it.

But the two parties werent the only ones in the courtroom.

A substitute teacher who the district admitted it retaliated against in 2012 for reporting that Whitehurst had demanded oral sex from her when she was his student in the 1980s sat near the back.

Caprice, who spoke on the condition that the newspaper only use her first name, said she was there in hopes of seeing Whitehurst held accountable for decades of abuse.

Every single person who was responsible for this man dropped the ball, she said.

Investigators for the school board came to the same conclusion in their May 2018 report on Whitehurst. Caprice said she saw more of the same in the courtroom Wednesday.

Everybody is saying, This is not my fault. This is not my problem, she said.
Federal prosecutors argue that a Nevada judges dismissal of a federal conspiracy case against Cliven Bundy, his two sons and a co-defendant was not justified, according to their opening brief filed Wednesday with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarros ruling in January 2018 that prosecutors willfully withheld key evidence in the case was erroneous, they argue. Yet, even if they were to concede that they had violated federal law governing their evidence discovery obligations, the judge should have considered less severe penalties, such as throwing out some of the charges or allowing the government to bring a new prosecution against the Bundys, the brief says.

The extraordinary remedy of dismissal with prejudice was far out of proportion to such violations, wrote Elizabeth O. White, appellate chief in the U.S. Attorneys Office in Nevada.

Any missteps were inadvertent (or at worst negligent), and those errors did not merit the courts strong condemnation of the prosecution team.

White asked the appeals panel to reverse Navarros dismissal and send the case back to federal court in Nevada.

The governments 88-page opening brief rehashed many of the same arguments prosecutors made to Navarro when they asked the judge to reconsider the dismissal. Navarro wasnt swayed.

The senior Bundy, sons Ammon Bundy and Ryan Bundy, and Ryan Payne, a militia leader from Montana, had been indicted on federal conspiracy and other allegations, accused of rallying militia members and armed supporters to stop federal officers from impounding Bundy cattle near Bunkerville. Government authorities were acting on a court order filed after Cliven Bundy failed to pay grazing fees and fines for two decades. The outnumbered federal contingent retreated and halted the cattle roundup on April 12, 2014.

Navarro had found prosecutors engaged in a "deliberate attempt to mislead'' and made several misrepresentations to both the defense and the court about evidence related to a surveillance camera and snipers outside the Bundy ranch in early April 2014, as well as threat assessments made in the case.

She found the government misconduct was "outrageous'' and "egregious'' because the prosecution team and the FBI didn't give defense lawyers information that they had specifically requested.

According to White, the government failed to disclose some documents as a result of simple inadvertence, others because prosecutors werent aware they existed or couldnt find them, and some because prosecutors didnt think they were relevant to the defendants case.

The government also complained that defense lawyers filed a deluge of discovery motions at a frantic pace, making allegations of misconduct faster than the government could respond.

White reiterated prosecutors argument that they considered some of the material irrelevant, contending the judge had rejected a defense attempt to argue that the defendants acted in self-defense during the standoff.

Navarro, however, specifically addressed those concerns in her dismissal ruling. She said prosecutors were "well aware'' that theories of self-defense, provocation and intimidation might become relevant if the defendants could provide sufficient proof to the court, noting it was part of a prior court order entered in the case.

In a footnote of the lengthy brief, White made a passing reference to the explosive memo provided to defense lawyers during trial that prompted Cliven Bundys lawyer to file a motion to dismiss the case. The memo was written by Larry Wooten, who had been the lead case agent and investigator for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management after the tense confrontation outside the Bundy Ranch. But Wooten said he was removed from the investigation after he complained to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Nevada about agents misconduct, recklessness and unrestrained antipathy toward the Bundy family.

White characterized the memo as containing lurid accusations of misconduct against the Bureau of Land Management, and said prosecutors turned it over to the defense two days after they received it from Associate Deputy Attorney General Andrew Goldsmith.

The governments opening brief for its appeal contained photos of militia members with rifles pointed from the I-15 highway overlooking the Toquap Wash where the standoff occurred, and other incendiary social media posts from Bundy followers.

The government sought to balance orderly disclosure of more than 1.4 terabytes of digital data with protecting witnesses and victims from real and on-going threats, White wrote.

Cliven Bundys lawyer, Larry Klayman, didnt wait a beat with a motion Wednesday to strike the governments brief and all appeal actions, arguing theyre void and of no force and effect.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian
A man accused of sending threats via Instagram to burn down the house of Mayor Ted Wheeler if he didnt fire a Portland cop involved in a shooting made his first appearance in federal court in Portland Wednesday.

Assistant Federal Public Defender Susan Russell argued that the actions of 39-year-old Kermit Tyler Poulson should have led to a mental health intervention, not a federal indictment. Poulson doesnt understand the allegation against him, she said.

Im not certain that hes competent to proceed, she said. What we have here is a paraplegic man with mental health problems at best.

Russell further argued that Poulsons actions dont match the alleged crime of transmitting threatening communications with intent to extort.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Maloney said Wheelers wife first noticed the comments from Poulsons Instagram profile, riot_cop_7, on Wheelers Instagram account.

Poulson threatened to burn down the mayors house if he didnt fire an officer involved in the fatal police shooting of Patrick Kimmons last September, Maloney said.

Portland police Sgt. Garry Britt and Officer Jeffrey Livingston shot Kimmons after confronting him in a parking lot in downtown Portland after they heard gunfire. Kimmons had shot and wounded two other men and ran toward the officers with a gun, according to police and video evidence. As he cut in between two parked cars, the sergeant and officer continued to fire at Kimmons, who died at OHSU Hospital. A grand jury found no criminal wrongdoing by the police.

On Oct. 9, Poulson urged the mayor to fire Britt in multiple posts to Wheelers Instagram account, Maloney said.

What are you doing about Patrick Kimmons?

We want Britt fired. Or your becoming a Defendant.

Ever had a Molotov cocktail thrown threw (sic) your bedroom window at 4 a.m.?

Or your office building?

The cops cant protect you.

What are you going to do? Fire Britt. No Molotov.

Keep Britt. House on fire.

You like your bricks? We can remove them from the house and throw them through a window.

When questioned by Portland police and members of the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force, Poulson at first denied writing those messages and suggested someone may have used his account. Later, he admitted to posting them and wrote an apology letter to the mayor for making the threats, Maloney said.

Russell argued that jail isnt the appropriate place for Poulson. He was arrested Jan. 8 in Missoula, Montana and was transferred to a Nevada jail before he was returned to face the charge in Oregon. At the time of the Instagram posts, Poulson was homeless, living with an acquaintance in Portland, she said. He was diagnosed in the past as suffering from bipolar disorder, takes Prozac for depression and currently needs medical attention for a cyst, his lawyer said.

Russell suggested that Multomah Countys Crisis Assessment and Treatment Center, a secure psychiatric facility, would be the most suitable place for Poulson pending trial but noted that no bed was currently available.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie M. Russo delayed Poulsons arraignment until Feb. 19 to allow him to get needed medication to stabilize.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian
One of three men suspected in a Kelso convenience store robbery and killing told police that the group decided to commit the robbery after a botched attempt to buy drugs, according to a report.

Nenemeny W. Ekiek told police that he and the other two suspects drove to Kelso to purchase drugs, according to court documents cited by KATU-TV. When they couldnt connect with the seller of the drugs, they decided to commit a robbery because they "didn't want to make the drive to Kelso for nothing," the news station reported.

D'Anthony Leslie Williams, one of the suspects, is accused of fatally shooting 30-year-old Kayla Chapman, a Kelso resident, during a robbery at Holts Quik Chek Market last month. He remains in the Cowlitz County Jail.

Kelso police said Ekiek, who was arrested Tuesday, was in a car linked to the robbery and killing at the time of the incident.

KATU reports Ekiek told police Williams gave him cigarettes and about $100  his share of the money  afterward.

A third suspect in the incident, Erkinson K. Bossy, was taken into custody in Portland after a two-state police chase and ensuing shootout Tuesday. Hes suspected of driving the car linked to the Kelso robbery and homicide.

Kelso police said they will seek to extradite Bossy to Washington for charging in the convenience store case. He has not yet been booked into the Multnomah or Cowlitz County jails, according to records.

One of two men taken into custody after the chase and shootout remained hospitalized Wednesday, according to Portland police. Police have not said whether Bossy is that man or publicly identified the other man taken into custody after the chase and shootout.

Ekiek was not part of the chase and shootout. He remains held in the Cowlitz County Jail.

Both Ekiek and Williams are accused of murder and robbery, according to jail records.

-- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

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The Vancouver police officer who was hurt during a police chase and shootout Tuesday has been publicly identified as a 28-year-old man whos been with the agency nearly three years.

Officer James Porter fired his gun during the shootout that happened on interstates 205 and 84 in Portland. He suffered injuries that didnt threaten his life, was taken to a hospital and has since been released, police said.

Porter, who was not shot, is on critical incident leave. Thats standard practice after police shootings.

He had been chasing a truck that held two men, both of whom were taken into custody.

One of the men, Erkinson K. Bossy, is allegedly linked to the killing of a Kelso convenience store clerk last month. The other hasnt been publicly identified.

One of men taken into custody remained hospitalized Wednesday, according to Portland police. Police have not said whether Bossy is that man.

Two other suspects in the Kelso convenience store killing face accusations of murder and robbery, among other charges, according to jail records.

Those suspects are being held in the Cowlitz County Jail.

-- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

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Aerospace Cyber Security Market Analysis 2019-2027 by Key Companies  Honeywell International, Thales Group, Raytheon Company, Harris Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation

Aerospace Cyber Security Market

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Worldwide Aerospace Cyber Security Market Analysis to 2027 is a specialized and in-depth study of the Aerospace Cyber Security industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global Aerospace Cyber Security Market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Aerospace Cyber Security Market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Aerospace Cyber Security players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Key Benefits-To provide detailed information regarding the major factors (drivers, restraints, opportunities, challenges, and trends) influencing the growth of the global Aerospace Cyber Security MarketTo forecast the size of the market segments with respect to four major regional segments, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World (Latin America and the Middle East & Africa)Get Sample Copy of this Report atThe aviation industry is one of the sophisticated industries across the globe and the industry is integrated with advanced technological solutions. This has created a major concern towards securing the enormous quantity of data being generated every day. With the advancements in the different technological fields, the cyber attackers are also finding newer process to gain desired insights. In the current market scenario, aerospace industry is also witnessing substantial upswing in cyber-attacks, which is fuelling the adoption of various security solutions, thereby, driving the aerospace cyber security market.The List of Companies1. HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.2. THALES GROUP3. RAYTHEON COMPANY4. HARRIS CORPORATION5. LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION6. NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION7. BAE SYSTEMS PLC.8. CISCO9. IBM10. COMPUTER SCIENCE CORPORATIONIn addition, a number of websites are offering airline tickets which is a clear path for cyber-attackers to gain information related to different verticals of the airlines. Increasing focus on securing these websites is also a triggering factor for the growth of aerospace cyber security market. In the recent aerospace industry, several aerospace as well we IT companies are increasingly investing in enhancing their security infrastructures to secure the airport information, airline information and aircraft information including passenger and crew safety. The rising investment from the well-established companies is anticipated to accentuate the demand for cyber security solutions, thereby, creating substantial market space for the aerospace cyber security market.Discount about this Report atThe "Global Aerospace Cyber Security Market Analysis to 2027" is a specialized and in-depth study of the aerospace cyber security industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global aerospace cyber security market with detailed market segmentation by security type, service type, deployment type, and geography. The global aerospace cyber security market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The aerospace cyber security market report provides key statistics on the market status of the leading market players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.The aerospace cyber security market report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides an overview and forecast of the global aerospace cyber security market based on security type, service type, and deployment type. It also provides market size and forecast till 2027 for overall aerospace cyber security market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM). The aerospace cyber security market by each region is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report covers the analysis and forecast of 16 countries globally along with the current trend and opportunities prevailing in the region.Besides this, the report on aerospace cyber security market analyzes factors affecting the market from both demand and supply side and further evaluates market dynamics affecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend. The report also provides exhaustive Porter's Five Forces analysis.The aerospace cyber security market report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products, and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, the key developments in the past five years.Buy Now@Reason to Buy:- Save and reduce time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the growth, size, leading players and segments in the global Aerospace Cyber Security Market- 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 Aerospace Cyber Security 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.About Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Automotive and Defense.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.com
Bioburden Testing Market 2019 In-Depth Analysis of Industry Share, Size, Growth, and Key Players like Charles River Laboratories, Sigma-Aldrich, SGS S.A., Wuxi Pharmatech, Merck & Co.

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Bioburden testing is a process of measuring viable microorganisms on medical devices, raw material, or package. The process helps in determining parameters for its sterilization process to ensure safety and effectiveness of medical devices. It further aids in routine monitoring of raw material, components, and assembly processes in the manufacturing process. The bioburden testing is used for assessment of cleaning processes and packaging of products is conducted to ensure safety.Get the Sample Report:Growth in the medical devices, pharmaceutical, and rising product recalls due to microbial contamination are factors that drive the growth of the world bioburden testing market. In addition, biotechnology industries and increasing food & beverage safety concerns supplements growth. However, the high cost of microbial enumeration instruments obstructs the growth of the market. Increasing preference for contract manufacturing and emerging economies are creating opportunities in the market.The world bioburden testing market is segmented into product, test, application, end user, and geography. The product segment is further classified into instruments and consumables. The instruments covered in the report are PCR and microscopes. While consumables included in the report are kits and reagents. The tests are further classified into aerobic, anaerobic, fungi, and spore. The application segment is further classified into raw material and in-process applications.The end users included in the report are pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and CMO. Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, the Middle East and Africa (LAMEA).Purchase Inquiry:The prominent companies operating in the market are Charles River Laboratories International Inc., Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, SGS S.A., Wuxi Pharmatech (CAYMAN) Inc., Merck & Co. Inc., Becton, Dickinson, and Company, North American Science Associates Inc., Nelson Laboratories Inc., Pacific Biolabs, and ATS Labs Inc. They have formulated strategies such as partnerships, collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, expansions, and others to sustain in the market.KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS:The report offers a detailed analysis of key driving and restraining factors of the world bioburden testing market. The report provides an extensive analysis of current and future market status of the world bioburden testing market. This report offers an in-depth quantitative analysis of the current market and estimations through 2015-2020, which assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities. An exhaustive analysis of key strategies adopted by leading manufacturers helps in understanding the competitive scenario. A comprehensive analysis has been done in this report by constructing market estimations for the key market segments between 2015 and 2020. An extensive analysis of current research and clinical developments within the world bioburden testing market is provided with key market dynamic factors that help in understanding the behavior of the market. The world bioburden testing market is segmented into North America, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, the Middle East and Africa (LAMEA).KEY MARKET SEGMENTS:By Product- Instruments- PCR- Microscopes- Consumables- Kits- ReagentsBy Test- Aerobic- Anaerobic- Fungi- SporeBy Application- Raw Material- In-ProcessBy End User- Pharmaceutical- Biotechnology- CMOBy Geography- North America- Asia- Europe- Latin America, Middle East and Africa (LAMEA)About Us:-Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions. AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Contact Us:-David Correa5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesUSA/Canada (Toll Free):+1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1(855)550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Market Growth Analysis by Key Players, Segment Analysis, Type, Appliction, Major Manufactures, Industry Chain Analysis, Competitive Insights

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In the Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Industry 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.Get Sample PDF Copy@It covers Regional Segment Analysis, Type, Appliction, Major Manufactures, Industry Chain Analysis, Competitive Insights and Macroeconomic Analysis.Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaReasons 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 six-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 segmentsTable of ContentGlobal Worm Gear Speed Reducer Industry Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023Chapter 1 Worm Gear Speed Reducer Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Worm Gear Speed Reducer1.2 Worm Gear Speed Reducer Market Segmentation by Type in 20161.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Worm Gear Speed Reducer by Type in 20161.2.1 Type 11.2.2 Type 21.2.3 Type 31.3 Worm Gear Speed Reducer Market Segmentation by Application in 20161.3.1 Worm Gear Speed Reducer Consumption Market Share by Application in 20161.3.2 Application 11.3.3 Application 21.3.4 Application 31.4 Worm Gear Speed Reducer Market Segmentation by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Worm Gear Speed Reducer (2013-2023)1.5.1 Global Product Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2023)1.5.2 Global Product Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2023)Chapter 2 Global Economic Impact on Worm Gear Speed Reducer Industry2.1 Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis2.1.1 Global Macroeconomic Analysis2.1.2 Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trend2.2 Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis by RegionsBuy Now@Chapter 3 Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Market Competition by Manufacturers3.1 Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Share by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017)3.2 Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017)3.3 Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Average Price by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017)3.4 Manufacturers Worm Gear Speed Reducer Manufacturing Base Distribution, Production Area and Product Type3.5 Worm Gear Speed Reducer Market Competitive Situation and Trends3.5.1 Worm Gear Speed Reducer Market Concentration Rate3.5.2 Worm Gear Speed Reducer Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers3.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionChapter 4 Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production by Region (2013-2018)4.2 Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production Market Share by Region (2013-2018)4.3 Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)4.4 Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4.5 North America Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4.5.1 North AmericaWorm Gear Speed ReducerProduction and Market Share by Manufacturers4.5.2 North AmericaWorm Gear Speed ReducerProduction and Market Share by Type4.5.3 North AmericaWorm Gear Speed ReducerProduction and Market Share by Application4.6 Europe Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4.6.1 EuropeWorm Gear Speed ReducerProduction and Market Share by Manufacturers4.6.2 Europe Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by Type4.6.3 Europe Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by Application4.7 China Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4.7.1 ChinaWorm Gear Speed ReducerProduction and Market Share by Manufacturers4.7.2 China Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by Type4.7.3 China Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by Application4.8 Japan Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4.8.1 Japan Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.8.2 Japan Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by Type4.8.3 Japan Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by Application4.9 Southeast Asia Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4.9.1 Southeast Asia Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.9.2 Southeast Asia Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by Type4.9.3 Southeast Asia Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by Application4.10 India Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4.10.1 India Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.10.2 India Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by Type4.10.3 India Worm Gear Speed Reducer Production and Market Share by ApplicationChapter 5 Global Worm Gear Speed Reducer Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2013-2018)About Us:Research Reports Inc. is one of the leading destinations for market research reports across all industries, companies, and technologies. 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Privileged Identity Management Business and Market Outlook with Trends, Types, Applications and Key Players

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Privileged identity management (PIM) is the monitoring and protection of superuser accounts in an organizations IT environments.Oversight is necessary so that the greater access abilities of super control accounts are not misused or abused. Unmanaged super user accounts can lead to loss or theft of sensitive corporate information, or malware that can compromise the network.North America is expected to have the largest market size and would dominate the privileged identity management market during the forecast period. Increasing penetration of the Internet and smart & connected devices has led to growing security needs. Also, rapid economic growth in the developing APAC countries, along with improving regulatory reforms and economic stability is driving the growth of the market in this region. In Latin America, SMEs as well as enterprises belonging to a range of verticals, such as public utilities, Banking, Financial Services, & Insurance (BFSI), healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, are expected to increase investments in privileged identity management solutions.The Global Privileged Identity Management market analyzes and researches the Privileged Identity Management development status and forecast in United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India & Central & South America.The Global Privileged Identity Management Market focuses on global major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out.Key Players covered in this report are IBM, Centrify, Lieberman, Provision, ARCON, BeyondTrust Software, CA Technologies, CyberArk Software, BalaBit, Dell, Hitachi ID Systems, MasterSAM, NetIQ, NRI SecureTechnologies, ObserveIT, Thycotic, Wallix, Xceedium.Report analysed by applications like Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), Government and Defense, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Energy and Utilities, Telecom and IT, Retail, Others. Then report is analysed on the basis of product Agent-based, Appliance-based.Download Sample of This Premium Report atMarket size split by Region North America, United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Europe, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, Central & South America, Brazil, Rest of Central & South America, Middle East & Africa, GCC Countries, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa.The Privileged Identity Management industry development trends and marketing channels are analysed. Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With the tables and figures, the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.The Privileged Identity Management Market report provides key statistics on the market status of the Privileged Identity Management manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.Major Points Covered in Table of Contents:1 Study Coverage2 Executive Summary3 Breakdown Data by Manufacturers4 Breakdown Data by Type5 Breakdown Data by Application6 North America7 Europe8 Asia Pacific9 Central & South America10 Middle East and Africa11 Company Profiles12 Market Opportunities, Challenges, Risks and Influences Factors Analysis13 Value Chain and Sales Channels Analysis14 Research Findings and Conclusion15 AppendixAsk for Custom Requirements or Queries about this Report atAbout InForGrowth:We are a market-intelligence company formed with the objective of providing clients access to the most relevant and accurate research content for their growth needs. At InForGrowth, we understand Research requirements and help a client in taking informed business critical decisions. Given the complexities and interdependencies of market-intelligence, there is always more than one source to explore and arrive at the right answer. Through our smart search feature and our reliable & trusted publishing partners, we are paving way for a more simplified and relevant research.For all your Research needs, reach out to us at:Address: 6400 Village Pkwy suite # 104, Dublin, CA 94568, USAEmail: info@inforgrowth.comPhone: +1-909-329-2808UK: +44 (203) 743 1890
Rail Systems Market Size, Historical Breakdown Data (2014-2019) and Forecast (2019-2024) | Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturers (Wabtec Corporation, Vermont Railway, SPX FLOW Inc, Hitachi-Rail, TCR Rail Systems and More)

Rail Systems Market 2019-2024, Rail Systems Market Sales, Rail Systems Market Survey, Rail Systems Market Insights, Rail Systems

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www.MarketResearchNest.com adds Latest Report in 2019, the Global Rail Systems Market Status and Future Forecast 2019-2024.The report "Global Rail Systems Market Status and Future Forecast 2015-2024", published by MarketResearchNest. Research Analysts predicts the Rail Systems Market to grow from xxx million USD in 2019 to xxx million USD by 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of xx%.Summary:Key Content of Chapters (Including and can be customized): Part 1: Market Overview, Development, and Segment by Type, Application and Region Part 2: Global Market by company, Type, Application and Geography Part 3-4: Asia-Pacific Market by company, Type, Application and Geography Part 5-6: Europe Market by company, Type, Application and Geography Part 7-8: North America Market by company, Type, Application and Geography Part 9-10: South America Market by company, Type, Application and Geography Part 11-12: Middle East and Africa Market by company, Type, Application and Geography Part 13: Company information, Sales, Cost, Margin etc. Part 14: ConclusionInquire for buying sample copy of Rail Systems Market @Market Segment as follows:Key Companies: Wabtec Corporation Vermont Railway SPX FLOW Inc Hitachi-Rail TCR Rail Systems Eastern Rail Systems TROY Industries Switch Rail Safety Systems LLC Bosch Rexroth AG Berger Inter-Rail Systems, Inc. UGL LimitedMarket by Types: Railcar Systems Transport Systems Signalling Systems Train Management Systems Highway Crossing Warning Systems OthersBrowse the full summary and TOC of Rail Systems Market @Market by Application: Food and Beverage Transportation Automotive Power Generation and Distribution Gas and Oil Pharmaceutical OthersBy Region:Global (Asia-Pacific[China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Western Asia], Europe[Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland], North America[United States, Canada, Mexico], Middle East and Africa[GCC, North Africa, South Africa], South America[Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru])Key questions answered in this report: What will the Rail Systems Market Size is in 2024 and what will the growth rate be? What is the key Rail Systems Market Trends? What is driving this Rail Systems Market? What are the challenges to Rail Systems Market Growth? Who are the key vendors in this Rail Systems Market Space? What are the Rail Systems Market Opportunities and Threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Rail Systems Market Key Vendor?Request a sample copy of Rail Systems Market @Table of Contents: Part 1 Market Overview Part 2 Global Market Status and Future Forecast Part 3 Asia-Pacific Market Status and Future Forecast Part 4 Asia-Pacific Market by Geography Part 5 Europe Market Status and Future Forecast Part 6 Europe Market by Geography Part 7 North America Market Status and Future Forecast Part 8 North America Market by Geography Part 9 South America Market Status and Future Forecast Part 10 South America Market by Geography Part 11 Middle East & Africa Market Status and Future Forecast Part 12 Middle East & Africa Market by Geography Part 13 Key Companies Part 14 Conclusion Table Type of Rail Systems. Table of Contents ContinuedBrowse more details @About us: - MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the Global and Southeast Asias most complete and recent database of expert insights on industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact us: - Mr. Jeet Jain, Sales Manager, sales@marketresearchnest.com ;+1-240-284-8070, +44-20-3290-4151;Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
Global Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers Market: Future Forecast Indicates Impressive Growth Rate | Key Players - Delphi, Leviton, Zaptec

Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers Market Size, Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers Market Share,

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In the recently published report, SNR Research has provided a unique insight into the global Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers market for the forecasted period of 7-years (2018-2025). The report has covered the significant aspects that are contributing to the growth of the global Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers market. The primary objective of this report is to highlight the various key market dynamics such as drivers, trends, and restraints that are impacting the global Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers market. This report has provided an indication to the readers about Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers market's current status.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.The major players covered in this report1. Delphi2. Leviton3. ZaptecGet Access to sample pages:One of the important factors in global Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers market report is the competitive analysis. The report covers all the key parameters such as Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers product innovation, market strategies of the key players, market share, revenue generation, latest research and development, and Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers market expert views.Key Reasons to Acquire: Current and future of Global Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers industry outlook in the developed and emerging markets. Analysis of multiple viewpoints of the market with the help of Porters five forces outline. The segment that is expected to dominate the Global Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers market. Regions that are expected to observe the fastest growth during the forecast period. Identify the latest improvements, Global Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers market shares, and strategies employed by the major market players.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Slow AC Fast AC Fast DCOn 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, including Household Use Office Use Commercial UseAsk for the discount:The study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers 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 Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers 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.Buy this Report:Available CustomizationsWith the given market data, QYResearch offers customizations according to the company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:Regional and country-level analysis of the Portable Electric Vehicle Chargers market, by end-use.Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players.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-PacificEuropeCentral & South AmericaBrazilMiddle East & AfricaGet Access to sample pages:About UsStats and Reports is a global market research and consulting service provider specialized in offering wide range of business solutions to their clients including market research reports, primary and secondary research, demand forecasting services, focus group analysis and other services. We understand that how data is important in today's competitive environment and thus, we have collaborated with industry's leading research providers who works continuously to meet the ever-growing demand for market research reports throughout the year.Contact:Stats and ReportsSatish K. (Global Sales Manager)Mangalam Chamber, Office No - 16, Paud RoadSankalp Society, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411038Phone: +1 650-646-3808Email: sales@statsandreports.comWeb:
Acupuncture Needles Market Size, Historical Breakdown Data (2014-2019) and Forecast (2019-2024) | Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturers (Suzhou Medical, SEIRIN, Empecs, Dongbang, Suzhou Acupuncture and More)

Acupuncture Needles Market 2019-2024, Acupuncture Needles Market Sales, Acupuncture Needles Market Survey, Acupuncture Needles

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www.MarketResearchNest.com adds Latest Report in 2019, the Global Acupuncture Needles Market Status and Future Forecast 2019-2024.The report "Global Acupuncture Needles Market Status and Future Forecast 2015-2024", published by MarketResearchNest. Research Analysts predicts the Acupuncture Needles Market to grow from xxx million USD in 2019 to xxx million USD by 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of xx%.Summary:Key Content of Chapters (Including and can be customized): Part 1: Market Overview, Development, and Segment by Type, Application and Region Part 2: Global Market by company, Type, Application and Geography Part 3-4: Asia-Pacific Market by company, Type, Application and Geography Part 5-6: Europe Market by company, Type, Application and Geography Part 7-8: North America Market by company, Type, Application and Geography Part 9-10: South America Market by company, Type, Application and Geography Part 11-12: Middle East and Africa Market by company, Type, Application and Geography Part 13: Company information, Sales, Cost, Margin etc. Part 14: ConclusionInquire for buying sample copy of Acupuncture Needles Market @Market Segment as follows:Key Companies: Suzhou Medical SEIRIN Empecs Dongbang Suzhou Acupuncture Asiamed Wuxi Jiajian Cloud and Dragon AIK MedicalMarket by Type: Disposable Needle Non-disposable NeedleBrowse the full summary and TOC of Acupuncture Needles Market @Market by Application: Hospitals Clinics OthersBy Region:Global (Asia-Pacific[China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Western Asia], Europe[Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland], North America[United States, Canada, Mexico], Middle East and Africa[GCC, North Africa, South Africa], South America[Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru])Key questions answered in this report: What will the Acupuncture Needles Market Size is in 2024 and what will the growth rate be? What is the key Acupuncture Needles Market Trends? What is driving this Acupuncture Needles Market? What are the challenges to Acupuncture Needles Market Growth? Who are the key vendors in this Acupuncture Needles Market Space? What are the Acupuncture Needles Market Opportunities and Threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Acupuncture Needles Market Key Vendor?Request a sample copy of Acupuncture Needles Market @Table of Contents: Part 1 Market Overview Part 2 Global Market Status and Future Forecast Part 3 Asia-Pacific Market Status and Future Forecast Part 4 Asia-Pacific Market by Geography Part 5 Europe Market Status and Future Forecast Part 6 Europe Market by Geography Part 7 North America Market Status and Future Forecast Part 8 North America Market by Geography Part 9 South America Market Status and Future Forecast Part 10 South America Market by Geography Part 11 Middle East & Africa Market Status and Future Forecast Part 12 Middle East & Africa Market by Geography Part 13 Key Companies Part 14 Conclusion Table Type of Acupuncture Needles. Table of Contents ContinuedBrowse more details @About us: - MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the Global and Southeast Asias most complete and recent database of expert insights on industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact us: - Mr. Jeet Jain, Sales Manager, sales@marketresearchnest.com ;+1-240-284-8070, +44-20-3290-4151;Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
Global Rigid Dump Truck Industry Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023

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Global Rigid Dump Truck Industry Market has an unbending casing at the back, which permits the open-confine bed to move just a single heading. Like most business vehicles, unbending dump trucks have a hardcore like a body. The basic segments of inflexible dump trucks are worked around the unbending suspension, for example, the open box bed, motor, administrator's lodge, axles, and guiding segments. Inflexible dump trucks give numerous points of interest, for example, upgraded mobility and occupation site effectiveness, particularly while working under outrageous rough terrain conditions. Inflexible rigid dump trucks are not just agreeable to drive and work on black-top and cement roadways, however, their segments likewise permit their activity on the most troublesome street conditions, for example, mining locales, where these trucks need to pull over uneven territories.Get sample copy of report:Table of ContentsChapter 1 Rigid Dump Truck Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Rigid Dump Truck1.2 Rigid Dump Truck Market Segmentation by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Rigid Dump Truck by Type1.2.1 Type 11.2.2 Type 21.2.3 Type 31.3 Rigid Dump Truck Market Segmentation by Application1.3.1 Rigid Dump Truck Consumption Market Share by Application1.3.2 Application 11.3.3 Application 21.3.4 Application 31.4 Rigid Dump Truck Market Segmentation by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Rigid Dump Truck1.5.1 Global Product Sales and Growth Rate1.5.2 Global Product Revenue and Growth RateChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on Rigid Dump Truck Industry2.1 Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis2.1.1 Global Macroeconomic Analysis2.1.2 Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trend2.2 Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis by RegionsChapter 3 Global Rigid Dump Truck Market Competition by Manufacturers3.1 Global Rigid Dump Truck Production and Share by Manufacturers3.2 Global Rigid Dump Truck Revenue and Share by Manufacturers3.3 Global Rigid Dump Truck Average Price by Manufacturers3.4 Manufacturers Rigid Dump Truck Manufacturing Base Distribution, Production Area and Product Type3.5 Rigid Dump Truck Market Competitive Situation and Trends3.5.1 Rigid Dump Truck Market Concentration Rate3.5.2 Rigid Dump Truck Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers3.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionChapter 4 Global Rigid Dump Truck Production, Revenue (Value) by Region4.1 Global Rigid Dump Truck Production by Region4.2 Global Rigid Dump Truck Production Market Share by Region4.3 Global Rigid Dump Truck Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region4.4 Global Rigid Dump Truck Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.5 North America Rigid Dump Truck Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.5.1 North America Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.5.2 North America Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Type4.5.3 North America Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Application4.6 Europe Rigid Dump Truck Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.6.1 Europe Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.6.2 Europe Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Type4.6.3 Europe Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Application4.7 China Rigid Dump Truck Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.7.1 China Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.7.2 China Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Type4.7.3 China Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Application4.8 Japan Rigid Dump Truck Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.8.1 Japan Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.8.2 Japan Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Type4.8.3 Japan Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Application4.9 Southeast Asia Rigid Dump Truck Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.9.1 Southeast Asia Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.9.2 Southeast Asia Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Type4.9.3 Southeast Asia Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Application4.10 India Rigid Dump Truck Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.10.1 India Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.10.2 India Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Type4.10.3 India Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by ApplicationChapter 5 Global Rigid Dump Truck Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.1 Global Rigid Dump Truck Consumption by Regions5.2 North America Rigid Dump Truck Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.3 Europe Rigid Dump Truck Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.4 China Rigid Dump Truck Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.5 Japan Rigid Dump Truck Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.6 Southeast Asia Rigid Dump Truck Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.7 India Rigid Dump Truck Production, Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Rigid Dump Truck Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6.1 Global Rigid Dump Truck Production and Market Share by Type6.2 Global Rigid Dump Truck Revenue and Market Share by Type6.3 Global Rigid Dump Truck Price by Type6.4 Global Rigid Dump Truck Production Growth by TypeChapter 7 Global Rigid Dump Truck Market Analysis by Application7.1 Global Rigid Dump Truck Consumption and Market Share by Application7.2 Global Rigid Dump Truck Revenue and Market Share by Type7.3 Global Rigid Dump Truck Consumption Growth Rate by Application7.4 Market Drivers and Opportunities7.4.1 Potential Applications7.4.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesChapter 8 Global Rigid Dump Truck Manufacturers Analysis8.1 company 18.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.1.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.1.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.1.4 Business Overview8.2 company 28.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.2.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.2.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.2.4 Business Overview8.3 company 38.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.3.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.3.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.3.4 Business Overview8.4 company 48.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.4.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.4.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.4.4 Business Overview8.5 company 58.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.5.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.5.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.5.4 Business Overview8.6 company 68.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.6.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.6.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.6.4 Business Overview8.7 company 78.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.7.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.7.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.7.4 Business Overview8.8 company 88.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.8.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.8.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.8.4 Business Overview8.9 company 98.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.9.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.9.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.9.4 Business OverviewChapter 9 Rigid Dump Truck Manufacturing Cost Analysis9.1 Rigid Dump Truck Key Raw Materials Analysis9.1.1 Key Raw Materials9.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials9.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials9.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials9.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure9.2.1 Raw Materials9.2.2 Labor Cost9.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses9.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Rigid Dump TruckChapter 10 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10.1 Rigid Dump Truck Industrial Chain Analysis10.2 Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing10.3 Raw Materials Sources of Rigid Dump Truck Major Manufacturers10.4 Downstream BuyersChapter 11 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11.1 Marketing Channel11.1.1 Direct Marketing11.1.2 Indirect Marketing11.1.3 Marketing Channel Development Trend11.2 Market Positioning11.2.1 Pricing Strategy11.2.2 Brand Strategy11.2.3 Target Client11.3 Distributors/Traders ListChapter 12 Market Effect Factors Analysis12.1 Technology Progress/Risk12.1.1 Substitutes Threat12.1.2 Technology Progress in Related Industry12.2 Consumer Needs/Customer Preference Change12.3 Economic/Political Environmental ChangeChapter 13 Global Rigid Dump Truck Market Forecast13.1 Global Rigid Dump Truck Production, Revenue Forecast13.2 Global Rigid Dump Truck Production, Consumption Forecast by Regions13.3 Global Rigid Dump Truck Production Forecast by Type13.4 Global Rigid Dump Truck Consumption Forecast by Application13.5 Rigid Dump Truck Price ForecastChapter 14 AppendixBy this report online:About Market Density:Market Density is your one stop market research and industry analysis reports' library providing business data and intelligence information on thousands of micro markets with global as well as regional coverage.Market Density offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Market Density understands how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. 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Philippines Laundry Care Market: key Vendors, Trends, Analysis, Segmentation, and Forecast to 2019-2022

Laundry Care in the Philippines 2022

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WiseGuyReports.com Added Laundry Care in Philippines New Research Report to its Research Database.Description:-Laundry Care Market Philippines 2022Specific areas of laundry care such as liquid fabric softeners, colour safe laundry bleach and fine fabric detergents recorded strong value and volume growth in the Philippines in 2017. The expanding middle class and healthy consumption patterns of Filipinos due to strong economic recovery, have instilled a positive trickle-down effect in shaping the demand for specific laundry care. Furthermore, the increasingly sophisticated preferences of Filipino consumers, means there is increased demand fo...The Laundry Care in Philippines market report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data (historic date range), allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they new product developments, packaging innovations, economic/lifestyle influences, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts to 2022 illustrate how the market is set to change.Product coverage: Carpet Cleaners, Fabric Softeners, Laundry Aids, Laundry Detergents.Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.Why buy this report?* Get a detailed picture of the Laundry Care 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.Get a Sample Report @It 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, It has a unique capability to develop reliable information resources to help drive informed strategic planning.Major Key Points in Table of Content:HeadlinesProspectsIncreasing Affluence Drives Demand for Specific Types of Laundry CarePlayers Cautiously Optimistic About Internet Retailing ProspectsLaundry Products Become Increasingly MultifunctionalCompetitive LandscapeMultinational Players Continue To Dominate Laundry CareDomestic Players Try To Capture Greater Share Through PromotionsRising Penetration Rates of Washing Machines Will Aid Automatic Detergents GrowthCategory IndicatorsTable 1 Household Possession of Washing Machines 2012-2017Category DataLeave a Query @Executive SummaryMultinational Players Continue To Dominate Home Care in the PhilippinesHealthy Volume and Value Growth Levels Expected Over the Forecast PeriodHome Care Imbued With Multifunctional Properties Attract ConsumersMarketing Tactics and Promotional Deals Continue To Be Most Effective Way To Sustain ShareUnmet Potential Within the PhilippinesMarket IndicatorsMarket DataContinued......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: Sales@Wiseguyreports.Com Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (Us) Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (Uk)
Aerospace Coatings Market Size & Forecast to 2024 | Heinkel, PPG Industries, BASF, Mankiewicz, Argosy International, IHI, Asahi, Brycoat

Aerospace Coatings Market 2024

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The Aerospace Coatings market dynamics, forces, companies and trends have been determined after conducting a detailed study of the industry for this newly released research report now available with Market Study Report LLC.Taking into account the popularity and increasing adoption of aircrafts for transportation, prominent aerospace coatings market players are looking forward to not only enhance product efficiency but also to minimize the associated manufacturing costs. In addition to this, manufacturers have been continuously involving themselves in research and developments activities to innovate high quality paints and coatings. Nano Coatings for instance, in one of the most remarkable inventions in this business space, that has gained considerable popularity owing to its capability to provide an extended lifespan and resist dust particles.Request a sample of this premium report at:Aerospace coatings market size has been forecast to surpass a revenue collection of USD 1 billion by the end of 2024, owing to the surging use of coatings in commercial, military, and space aircrafts. The rise in international trading opportunities have further had a significant impact on the growing requirement of commercial aircrafts. Regional governments have also been taking initiatives to promote cross-country trading, while simultaneously making investments in the aviation industry to fulfill the increasing requirement of aircrafts. For instance, China invested USD 3 billion in the aerospace sector in 2014, fueled by the demand for aircrafts. The escalating investments in research and development programs in the aviation sector is thus poised to boost aerospace coatings industry share over the coming timeframe.The shifting trends toward the usage of composite materials for manufacturing integral parts of next-generation aircraft may hamper the future growth of aerospace coatings market size. In consequence, players in aerospace coatings industry are looking forward to developing effective coating technologies.The product segment of aerospace coatings market mainly includes epoxy and polyurethane resins. Currently, polyurethane resins are extensively used in the next-generation aircrafts such as Boeing 787, pertaining to the advantages they provide, such as high resistance to UV rays and ability to prohibit abrasion, chemical, and staining damages. Polyurethane resins will hold 55% of the overall aerospace coatings market share by 2024, driven by its excessive sales and growing popularity.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:Regionally, North America aerospace coatings industry is predicted to collect a revenue of more than USD 350 million by 2024, owing to the fact that the region houses some of the biggest players. Moreover, increasing development of next-generation aircrafts such as Airbus A350, Boeing 737, and Boeing 787, mainly for commercial applications, will also push the product demand across North America.Meanwhile, renowned biggies in aerospace coatings market are substantially investing in technology developments and R&D activities to introduce products with an improved service life. This business sphere encompasses some of the most notable players such as BASF SE, PPG Industries, AkzoNobel, Sherwin-Williams, Mankiewicz Gebr. & Co, and Zodiac Aerospace.Table of Content:Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope1.1. Methodology1.1.1. Initial data exploration1.1.2. Statistical model and forecast1.1.3. Industry insights and validation1.1.4. Scope, definition & forecast parameters1.2. Data Sources1.2.1. Primary1.2.2. SecondaryChapter 2. Executive Summary2.1. Aerospace coatings 3600 synopsis, 2013  20242.1.1. Business trends2.1.2. Resin trends2.1.3. Technology trends2.1.4. User trends2.1.5. Aircraft trends2.1.6. Application trends2.1.7. Regional trendsChapter 3. Aerospace Coatings Industry Insights3.1. Industry segmentation3.2. Industry landscape, 2013 - 20243.3. Industry ecosystem analysis3.3.1. Raw material supplier3.3.2. Manufacturers3.3.3. Profit margin analysis3.3.4. Distribution channel analysis3.3.5. Vendor matrix3.3.5.1. Role3.3.5.2. Product portfolio3.3.5.3. Global presence3.4. Pricing trends by region3.4.1. North America3.4.2. Europe3.4.3. LATAM3.4.4. APAC3.4.5. MEA3.4.6. Cost structure analysis3.5. Technology landscape3.6. Regulatory landscape3.6.1. North America3.6.2. Europe3.6.3. LATAM3.6.4. APAC3.6.5. MEA3.7. Industry best practices & key buying criteria3.8. Industry impact forces3.8.1. Growth drivers3.8.1.1. North America3.8.1.2. Europe3.8.1.3. LATAM3.8.1.4. APAC3.8.1.5. MEA3.8.2. Industry pitfalls & challenges3.9. Innovation & sustainability3.10. Growth potential analysis3.11. Porters analysis3.12. Competitive landscape, 20163.12.1. Vendor Matrix3.12.2. Strategic dashboard3.13. PESTLE analysisChapter 4. Aerospace Coatings Market, By Resin4.1. Global aerospace coatings market share by resin, 2016 & 20244.2. Polyurethane resins4.2.1. Global market estimates and forecasts, 2013  20244.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013  20244.3. Epoxy resins4.3.1. Global market estimates and forecasts, 2013  20244.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013  20244.4. Others4.4.1. Global market estimates and forecasts, 2013  20244.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013  2024Chapter 5. Aerospace Coatings Market, By Technology5.1. Global aerospace coatings market share by technology, 2016 & 20245.2. Solvent based coatings5.2.1. Global market estimates and forecasts, 2013  20245.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013  20245.3. Water based coatings5.3.1. Global market estimates and forecasts, 2013  20245.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013  20245.4. Powder coatings5.4.1. Global market estimates and forecasts, 2013  20245.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013  20245.5. Others5.5.1. Global market estimates and forecasts, 2013  20245.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013  2024For more information on this report at:Related Report:Global Advanced Aerospace Coatings Industry Market Research ReportBased on the Advanced Aerospace Coatings industrial chain, this report mainly elaborates the definition, types, applications and major players of Advanced Aerospace Coatings market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2014-2019), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise products, industry development trends (2019-2024), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also be included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry will be analyzed scientifically, the feature of product circulation and sales channel will be presented as well. In a word, this report will help you to establish a panorama of industrial development and characteristics of the Advanced Aerospace Coatings 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 Report LLC4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:Blog:
Global Automated Liquid Handling Systems Market- Comprehensive study by key players: Aurora Biomed, Inc., Hamilton Company, Tecan Group Ltd, Eppendorf AG, Qiagen N.V., Mettler-Toledo International Inc., Corning, Inc.

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ResearchMoz include new market research report "Global Market Study on Automated Liquid Handling Systems: North America to Lead the Global Market in Terms of Revenue during 2017 - 2026" to its huge collection of research reports.Automation is one of the emerging trends in the life science applications. Automation is generally preferred in the research labs to reduce human intervention in repetitive and tedious tasks. Liquid handlers are being used on a large scale in the science labs. The automated liquid handling system is largely used during the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. Hence, automated liquid handling system manufacturers are focusing on producing easy-to-use and convenient product.Get Report Sample and Customization:Moreover, technological advancements in the automated liquid system are also helping to decrease the burden on researchers by reducing processing time. Companies are also focusing on developing innovative products that are highly suitable for microfluidic studies, handling a smaller volume of liquids and single cell analysis. In the recent years, automated liquid handling methods such as sensor integrated robotic systems are witnessing a tremendous demand. The customized liquid handling systems are also gaining popularity. These systems are being customized using different add-on modules such as PCR machines, centrifuges, shaking modules, and colony pickers.Our research methodology includes both primary and secondary research to collect the relevant market data. The information and data provided on the global automated liquid handling system market is collected through extensive interviews, understanding historical trends, most preferred product in the market and annual and financial reports. All the information obtained through primary and secondary sources was crosschecked with the valid data sources.The report also offers market dynamics including latest trends, driving factors, opportunities, and restraints in the global automated liquid handling system market. The report includes market segments key regions including estimated market size, year-on-year growth, CAGR, revenue, and sales over the forecast period. The report also includes SWOT analysis, market attractiveness analysis, and Porters Five Force analysis, providing a clear picture of the overall market.Leading market players are also profiled in detail in the report. Along with this, the information about these players is also offered with includes a financial overview, key developments, product portfolio, company overview, and long-term and short-term strategies of the players. This helps companies in implementing their strategies to stay ahead in the competition.To Browse a Complete Report with TOC Visit @Based on the product type, the market segmentation includes automated liquid handling workstation, pipettes & consumables, microplate reagent dispensers, and other products. Based on the end users, the market segment includes hospitals and diagnostic centers, biotechnological & pharmaceutical companies, research and academic institutes, and other end users.By modality, the market is segmented into disposable tips and fixed tips. The global automated liquid handling systems market is segmented on the basis of region which includes Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Europe, Latin America, Japan, North America, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA).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 @Blog:
Wifi Chipsets Market 2019 Share, Size, Application, Demand and Worth $22200 Million by 2025 | Growth by Top Players: Broadcom, Qualcomm Atheros, MediaTek, Marvell, Intel

Wifi Chipsets Market

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Wifi Chipsets Industry Research Report 2019 features skillful and deep study of essential business trends and approaching sweetening anticipations, key drivers and moderation, accounts of large industry competitors, distribution and foretell. A Wifi Chipsets Market provides view of size; trends and form are flourished during this report back to acknowledge components which will reveal a noteworthy influence in enhancing the sales of Wifi Chipsets Market within the approaching time.Wifi Chipsets market is valued at 16000 million US$ and is expected to reach 22200 million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% during 2019-2025.Get Sample Copy atThe Smartphone end user segment accounted for more than 71% of the market share during 2015 and is expected to retain its market leadership until the end of 2020. With the continuous evolution of mobile devices since the late 2000s, manufacturers have been integrating new features such as Wi-Fi into these devices. This has resulted in increased demand for Wi-Fi chipsets in the smartphone segment. The latest smartphones that are available in the market are equipped with Wi-Fi and cellular technologies. This has improved mobile data services, which has boosted mobile traffic rapidly and is likely to accelerate the demand for Wi-Fi capability in smartphones.During 2015, North America dominated the market, accounting for more than 24% of the market share. The US is the major revenue contributing country in this region. Currently, the North American market is at the stage of saturation. The market has limited growth potential, especially in the Americas, due to an already established infrastructure and high penetration of Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones and tablets. Analysts predict that the market growth in this region will be limited during the forecast period. Developing from multi chip to single chip, internal and external WiFi chip manufacturers play games.No. of Pages: 96 & Key Players: 10Key Companies Analyzed in this Report are: Broadcom Qualcomm Atheros MediaTek Marvell Intel Realtek STMicroelectronics Texas Instruments Cypress Semiconductor Microchip Inquire more or share questions if any before the purchase on this report @Wifi Chipsets market research report completely covers the vital statistics of the capacity, production, value, cost/profit, supply/demand import/export, further divided by company and country, and by application/type for best possible updated data representation in the figures, tables, pie chart, and graphs. These data representations provide predictive data regarding the future estimations for convincing market growth. The detailed and comprehensive knowledge about our publishers makes us out of the box in case of market analysis.Wifi Chipsets Market Major Aspects: Readability: The Global Wifi Chipsets Market 2019-2025 report landscapes in-depth and detailed information on the Wifi Chipsets market with respect to market growth, constraints, opportunities, and market size study. Global Coverage: The report further declares a global yet brief study of the Wifi Chipsets market based on market statistics analysis from primary geographical regions. Comprehensive: The Global Wifi Chipsets Market report is based on a wide-ranging study of major Wifi Chipsets market regions and segments providing analysis of the dynamic business environment. Diverse: The Wifi Chipsets market report has various highlights elements including technological development, economic factors, trends, opportunities and threats to the growth of Wifi Chipsets market.Order a copy of Global Wifi Chipsets Market Report 2019 @Segment by Type 802.11n 802.11ac 802.11ad OthersSegment by Application Computer (Notbook and Desktop PC) Smart Home Devices Mobile Phone OthersMajor Points Covered in Table of Contents:Major Points Covered in Table of Contents:1 Global Wifi Chipsets Market Overview2 Global Wifi Chipsets Market Competitions by Manufacturers3 Global Wifi Chipsets Capacities, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region4 Global Wifi Chipsets Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region5 Global Wifi Chipsets Productions, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Wifi Chipsets Market Analyses by Application7 Global Wifi Chipsets Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Wifi Chipsets Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analyses, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Wifi Chipsets Market Forecast13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixesAbout UsOrian Research is one of the most comprehensive collections of market intelligence reports on the World Wide Web. Our reports repository boasts of over 500000+ industry and country research reports from over 100 top publishers. We continuously update our repository so as to provide our clients easy access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, and products. We also specialize in custom research in situations where our syndicate research offerings do not meet the specific requirements of our esteemed clients.Contact UsRuwin MendezVice President  Global Sales & Partner RelationsOrian Research ConsultantsUS +1 (415) 830-3727 | UK +44 020 8144-71-27Email: info@orianresearch.comWebsite:Follow Us on LinkedIn:
Mercury Vapour Lamp Global Industry Report - History, Present and Future 2025

Mercury Vapour Lamp 2025

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The global market size of Mercury Vapour Lamp is $XX million in 2017 with XX CAGR from 2013 to 2017, and it is expected to reach $XX million by the end of 2023 with a CAGR of XX% from 2018 to 2023.There are 3 key segments covered in this report: geography segment, end use/application segment and competitor segment.For geography segment, regional supply, application-wise and type-wise demand, major players, price is presented from 2013 to 2023. This report coverss following regions:*North America*South America*Asia & Pacific*Europe*MEA (Middle East and Africa)Access more details about this report at:The key countries in each region are taken into consideration as well, such as United States, China, Japan, India, Korea, ASEAN, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, CIS, and Brazil etc.For end use/application segment, this report focuses on the status and outlook for key applications. End users also can be listed.For competitor segment, the report includes global key players of Mercury Vapour Lamp as well as some small players. The compnaies include:Philips Lighting, Ausbond, 2Win, Plusrite, Abron, Powersun, Airistech, Arcadia, Xupurui, Reptile, Solar Glo, Megas et al.Purchase a copy of this premium research report at:The information for each competitor includes:*Company Profile*Main Business Information*SWOT Analysis*Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin*Market ShareWe also can offer customized report to fulfill special requirements of our clients.Inquire further details about this report at:About Research 2 Reports:Research2Reports Market Research Company offers custom syndicated market research reports with market analysis, consulting services Market research reports by Research2Reports depends on survey analysis covers a magnitude of factors, industry research, market size, forecasts, financial growth, pricing trends, competitive insights of market segmentsContact Us:Organization: Research2reportsOffice No. 212/213, B Block 2nd Floor,Parmar Chambers,Sadhu Vaswani Road, Pune  411001Phone Number: 020 - 2612 6969Email: info@research2reports.comRead More Industry News:Research 2 Reports offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Office No. 212/213, B Block 2nd Floor,Parmar Chambers,Sadhu Vaswani Road, Pune  411001
Herbal Beauty Products Market 2026 | Bio Veda Action Research Co., VLCC Personal Care Ltd., Surya Brasil, Dabur India Ltd., Himalaya Global Holdings Ltd., Lotus Herbals, Hemas Holdings Plc,

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Research Report Insights (RRI) delivers key insights on the Europe & Asia Pacific herbal beauty products market in its upcoming outlook titled, Europe & Asia Pacific Herbal Beauty Products Market: Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 20162026. In terms of value, Europe & Asia Pacific herbal beauty products market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period due to various factors, which RRI offers vital insights into in detail.On the basis of end-use, the Europe & Asia Pacific herbal beauty products market has been segmented into male and female. Female segment is estimated to account for the largest share by 2016 end. Male segment is expected to account for substantial growth over the forecast period. Increasing inclination of male consumers towards personal grooming and outward appearance is expected to support growth of the male segment over the forecast period.Europe & Asia Pacific herbal beauty products market distribution channel has been segmented into supermarket, specialty stores, departmental stores, drugstores, beauty salons and online/direct selling. Among all these segments, supermarket segment is expected to account for relatively higher value share during the forecast period. Specialty stores segment has been estimated to occupy the second largest share accounting for 21.1% value share in 2015.Request For Report Sample:On the basis of type, Europe & Asia Pacific herbal beauty products market has been segmented into hair care, skin care, fragrance and oral care. Among all these, skin care segment has been estimated to represent highest value share of 45.7% in 2016 and is expected to remain dominant over the forecast period. Increasing acne issues owing to increasing humidity and pollution levels is expected to drive growth of the skin care segment in the market in the region during the forecast period. Skin care segment is further sub-segmented as cleanser & toner, cream & lotion, face wash & scrub and others. Among all these sub-segment, cream and lotion is expected to account for major value share over the forecast period. Hair care segment is predicted to occupy second largest position of the pie in terms of revenue contribution. Hair care segment is further sub-segmented as hair oil, powder, shampoo, conditioner and others. Oral care segment is expected to represent substantial growth over the forecast period. The segment is projected to represent CAGR of 3.1% in terms of value growth by 2026 end.Increasing adoption of products with naturally-derived herbal ingredients for acne, skin and hair problems especially in Asia Pacific region is expected to further drive demand for herbal beauty products market in Europe and Asia Pacific over the forecast period. In addition, availability of wide range of herbal cosmetics in retail outlets coupled with regular launch of new and innovative herbal beauty products by the manufacturers is expected to fuel the market growth during the forecast period.Shifting consumer preference towards Green Label cosmetic products that promote healthy skin and hair and enhance beauty to increase Europe & Asia Pacific herbal beauty products market value from US$ 1,727.0 Mn in 2015 to US$ 2,571.2 Mn by 2026: Research Report InsightsThis report discusses trends driving growth of each segment and offers analysis and insights of the potential of the Europe & Asia Pacific herbal beauty products market in specific regions including Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC). Markets in APAC are expected to record high growth rates in terms of value between 2016 and 2026. Japan has been estimated to be the largest consumer of herbal beauty products followed by China in 2015 across the APAC region.Request For Report discount:This report covers detailed profiles of key players in Europe & Asia Pacific herbal beauty products market that includes major strategies, key developments, product offerings and others. Key companies profiled in this report are Bio Veda Action Research Co., VLCC Personal Care Ltd., Surya Brasil, Dabur India Ltd., Himalaya Global Holdings Ltd., Lotus Herbals, Hemas Holdings Plc, Sheahnaz Herbals Inc., and Herballife International of America Inc.Key Segments CoveredBy End-useMaleFemaleBy Distribution ChannelSupermarketsSpecialty StoresDepartmental StoresDrugstoresBeauty SalonsOnline/Direct SellingBy End-useHair CareHair OilPowderShampooConditionerOthersSkin CareCleanser & TonerCream & LotionFacewash & ScrubOthersFragranceOral CareKey Regions/Countries CoveredEuropeGermanyFranceK.SpainItalyRussiaNordicBeneluxRest of EuropeAsia Pacific (APAC)ChinaIndiaASEANJapanAustralia & New ZealandRest of APACReport Analysis:Research Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalized in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trendsResearch Report Insights (RRI42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website:Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com
Lingerie Market 2024 | , Jockey International Inc. (Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S), Hanes (North Carolina U.S.), Groupe Chantelle (Cachan, France), LVMH (Boise U.S), L Brands Inc. (Columbus, Ohio)

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Lingerie market has occupied a significant position in the apparel industry in recent years as it not only serves its functional benefits but also is considered as an basic necessity to every woman. The the global lingerie market has been bifurcated on the basis of product types into bras, knickers and panties, lounge wear, shape wear and others which includes baby doll, corsets, chemises and chemisoles among others. Bra as an essential necessity and also a fashion accessory to every women and it has captured the largest market share in 2015. Knickers and panties also occupied a significant position in the same year, thus contributing significantly to the overall market size of the lingerie industry.The market is further segmented on the basis of distribution channel into online stores and storefront. Online stores captured the largest market in 2015 due to high penetration of internet services and rapid advancements in the field of technology, thus creating a strong platform for the manufacturers of lingerie Further, the e-commerce giants are engaged in strong promotional activities due to which they provide with continuous discount options and various other offers which attract both consumers and manufacturers to avail this platform.Females in the developing countries are experiencing latest trends towards carrying themselves in public. They are changing their outlook towards accepting innerwear as a casual affair and take time to choose and make a purchase. The outerwear of women has undergone a dramatic change and due to this women prefer selecting inner wear, especially bras that can match with their attire. They try to purchase lingerie depending on the occasion or event, such as there are special sport wear bras for gymnasium purpose. It can be demonstrated from the product differentiation brought by the lingerie manufacturers over online and retail stores. Thus this is a key factor complementing the growth of the global lingerie market.Request For Report Sample:Lingerie has witnessed a rapid acceptance in the fashion industry. Women from all backgrounds want to try out the latest trends in the inner wear segment. Most of the large brands have exclusive stores in shopping malls or independent stores. In developing countries like India and China, brands like Jockey try to reach out to customers through small roadside innerwear shops. Additionally, lingerie is available at stores as well as online. Brands like Victoria Secret have country specific websites for easier transactions and shipment.However, the lingerie wear maintains high cost for advertisement and other marketing promotions. This is due to the cost of celebrities or models that are hired for being featured in the photo shoots. Moreover, the destination or location cost of the photo shoot depends and therefore larger brands do not compromise in keeping high cost for their lingerie wear. Therefore, this factor is majorly hindering the growth of the market and the impact of the same is likely to reduce by the end of the forecast period.Moreover, the global lingerie market is experiencing moderate growth in the apparel segment as nowadays individuals are more inclined towards branded items, most of which are usually priced on the higher end. People from all backgrounds and income group want to avail a comfortable and lasting inner wear that can be fashionable as well as skin-friendly. There are many local brands or companies that manufacture cheap quality products to cater to the wide population in the under developed or developing countries. Mergers and acquisitions are a strategic way of entering the market and understanding the current needs and preferences of the population. Through this, the large companies will benefit in capturing the market and at the same time, will enable the small companies to fight for a better position in the market..Moreover, in this report the study provides different countries included in different regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa. North America includes U.S. and Rest of North America. Europe includes U.K., Germany, France, Russia, Italy and Rest of Europe. Asia Pacific includes countries such as India, China, Japan and Rest of Asia Pacific. In addition, Middle East and Africa includes country such as UAE, South Africa and Rest of Middle East and Africa. Latin America comprise of countries such as Brazil and Rest of Latin AmericaAsia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Transition in the lifestyle of the consumers which is backed by rapid urbanization and increasing purchasing power is a major factor behind the high growth of this market in Asia Pacific. Further, consumer exposure to the same by way of advertisements through televisions, and print media among others is another key factor responsible for the growth of the Lingerie Market in this region.Some of the major key players operating in the global contact lens market are, Jockey International Inc. (Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S), Hanes (North Carolina U.S.), Groupe Chantelle (Cachan, France), LVMH (Boise U.S), L Brands Inc. (Columbus, Ohio), MAS Holdings Limited (Colombo, Srilanka), Ann Summers (London, U.K.), Marks and Spencer (London U.K), PVH Corporation (New York, U.S) among others.Request For Report discount:The report analyzes the factors that are driving and restraining the growth of the lingerie market. This report will help manufacturers, distributors and suppliers to understand the present and future trends in this market and formulate strategies accordingly.The global lingerie market can be segmented as follows;-Global Lingerie Market, by Type Bra Knickers and Panties Lounge wear Shape wear OthersGlobal Lingerie Market, by Distribution Channel Online Stores Store FrontGlobal Lingerie Market, by Geography North America U.S. Rest of North America Europe U.K. Germany France Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Rest of Latin America Middle East and Africa UAE South Africa Rest of Middle East & AfricaReport Analysis:Research Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalized in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trendsResearch Report Insights (RRI42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website:Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com
Emerging Growth on Enterprise Application Market with Major Predominant Players: Epicor Software, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, IFS, Infor, Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, QAD

Enterprise Application Market

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Enterprise Application Market is expected to witness substantial growth owing to rising need to connect business process. This solution aids in enabling better quality management, supply chain management, and customer engagement. Mounting awareness regarding IT connectivity amongst company management, growing need for better internet infrastructure and swift cloud computing adoption by developed organizations will give a fillip to enterprise application market share over the forecast timeline.Request for Sample Copy of This Report @BFSI, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, airspace & defense, media, chemicals, telecom & IT, oil & gas and hospitality sector are likley to contribute towards swift industry growth over the forecast period. SCM and business process management aid industries in tracking production and inventory management from procurement to delivery. Avaialbility of open source solutions along with high implementation & maintenance costs associated with the servers and operating systems may hinder growth over the forecast period. Some available open source solutions are ProcessMaker, FriFrans, CitrusBD and Magnolia.key players covered in this study: - Epicor Software Hewlett Packard Enterprise IBM IFS Infor Microsoft Oracle SAP QADSwift business scenario with surging number of startups and small companies opting cloud based services is expected to contribute to substantial revenue generation. U.S. enterprise application market was valued at over USD 30 billion in 2015 and is expected to record considerable growth rate due to customer centric approach and high focus on reducing operational cost. Rising awareness for adopting modern organizational structure is expected to offer new growth opportunities.Make an Inquiry for purchasing this Report @ERP and CRM are expected to be the prime product segments over the next seven years. Real time flow of information through various connected departments such as sales, production, technical; quality and HR is expected to fuel enterprise application market through 2024. Transition in business models from traditional to cloud computing is anticipated to offer potential growth opportunities. Furthermore, remote access for employees and growing mobile penetration in business communication sector will also boost revenue.Content management system market share will grow at 13.5% CAGR over the forecast timeline. Features such as capability of conveting unstructured data into structured is likely to aid in easy website content management and in turn drive growth. Benefits offerd such as up-selling and cross-selling opportunities, customer behavior insights and improved efficiency is likley to drive the business intelligence market over the forecast period.Healthcare applications occupied more than 10% of the overall industry share in 2015. These applications effectively handle digitized data from multiple sources and in turn enable organizations to gain real-time transparency and process optimization.Browse Complete Report Summary @Asia Pacific enterprise application market will grow at 9.5% CAGR. Rising demand for cloud-based solutions amongst medium and small scale industries are the major growth drivers.Key competitors include Oracle, Epicor Software, IBM, SAP, Microsoft, QAD, Hewlett Packard and IFS. The enterprise application market share is characterized by frequent strategic partnerships and mergers & acquisitions.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.com
Aerial Imaging Market Exploring Future Growth and Trends by 2024 | 3D Robotics, AeroVironment, Airobotics, Cyberhawk, DJI, DroneDeploy, EagleView, Fugro, Google, Nearmap, PrecisionHawk, senseFly and Yuneec USA Inc.

Aerial Imaging Market

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The Aerial Imaging Market growth is attributed to the rising adoption of drones for aerial photography applications. There has been an exponential increase in the use of UAVs for aerial photography applications over the past decade due to the key cost-benefits that they offer over traditional imaging platforms such as helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft-mounted camera platforms. Drones offer excellent maneuverability in congested urban areas where large aircraft cannot venture for capturing aerial images. This capability of drones is majorly leveraged by the real-estate sector for capturing aerial photographs of construction projects in urban areas.Key Companies - Global Aerial Imaging Market: - 3D Robotics, AeroVironment, Airobotics, Cooper Aerial Surveys Co., Cyberhawk, DIGITAL AERIAL SOLUTIONS LLC, DJI, DroneDeploy, EagleView, Fugro, GeoVantage, Getmapping, Global UAV Technologies LTD, Google, Hoverfly Technologies, Kucera International Inc., Landiscor Aerial Information, Nearmap,NRC Group ASA, PrecisionHawk, senseFly, Yuneec USA Inc.Request for Sample Copy of This Report @There has been a significant increase in the incidents of natural disasters over the past four decades. According to the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) reports that the frequency of natural disasters has increased nearly three-fold from over 1,300 events in 19751984 to over 3,900 in 20052014. Aerial imaging largely facilitates the timely assessment of affected areas and assists in quickly expediting appropriate repair and relief operations.The UAV/drone platform held a major market share of around 71% in 2017 due to its rapidly growing adoption of the platform for aerial imaging in a diverse set of sectors including government, construction, oil & gas, military & defense, and agriculture. UAVs prove to be a cost-effective alternative to helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for aerial imaging, which enables their adoption for small-scale and low-budget imaging applications. There has been a significant decline in the usage of traditional aerial photography platforms, such as parachutes, balloons, kites, and vehicle-mounted poles, due to the advent of drone technology that serves as a reliable alternative for capturing aerial images in varying climatic conditions.The geospatial mapping segment dominated the aerial mapping market in 2017 due to the extensive applications of different aerial imaging modalities in geospatial mapping functions. Aerial images are utilized for photogrammetric mapping services that use remote sensing technologies and photogrammetry to produce geospatial mapping deliverables.Make an Inquiry for purchasing this Report @Oblique imaging segment is expected to exhibit accelerated growth over the forecast timeline with a CAGR of over 15%. This excellent growth is attributed to the benefits of better determination of feature elevations and coverage of more ground area compared to vertical imaging taken from the same altitude with the same focal length.The urban planning segment is projected to register the fastest growth of over 17% between 2018 and 2024 due to the increasing adoption of aerial photography by government institutions for improving road planning, real estate management, and land use calculations. As aerial images provide city planners with regular up-to-date information on traffic patterns, buildings, railroads, bridges, water features, and other urban infrastructure components, their utility for urban planning is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period.The military & defense market is expected to exhibit the fastest growth between 2018 and 2024 with a CAGR of over 15%. This high growth is attributed to the large-scale adoption of aerial imaging platforms in the defense sector for applications such as mission simulation, mission planning, and air defense planning. Aerial images are also used for mapping applications, wherein the maps are used for planning military operations and enabling ground-based combat troops to find their way.North America is projected to account for the majority market share of around 42% by 2024 due to large-scale investments in aerial imaging technologies by major market players such as Google and government institutions such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. Due to the rapid adoption of UAVs for imaging applications in the agriculture sector in the U.S., the region is expected to witness a steady growth between 2018 and 2024.Browse Complete Report Summary @Some of the key players operating in the aerial imaging market are Eagle View Technologies, Digital Aerial Solutions, Cooper Aerial Surveys, Kucera International, Google, Fugro EarthData, Nearmap, DJI, 3D Robotics, Airobotics, DroneDeploy, PrecisionHawk, Getmapping, and GeoVantage.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.com
Global Surgical Microscopes Market to 2025 - Analysis and Forecasts by Leading Players Olympus, Novartis AG, Topcon, Leica Microsystems, Haag Streit Holding, Alltian, Keyence, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Takagi Seiko

Surgical Microscopes Market

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Surgical microscopes also referred to as operating microscopes are optical microscopes that are specifically designed for their use in surgical setting. These microscopes are typically designed to perform microsurgical techniques. The use of these microscopes are found in various medical verticals that includes dentistry, ophthalmic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgeries, cancer surgeries, ENT surgery, urology and others. The bright field and fluorescence microscope used in microsurgeries and other minimally invasive surgical procedures offers a clear view of the inaccessible and small parts of the human body to the surgeons that are otherwise not visible through a naked eye. The report would be of an interest to various stakeholders operating in the surgical microscopes market. These stakeholders include hospitals, research institutes and clinical research organizations, consulting firms, authorities framing reimbursement policies, manufacturers of medical devices and others.The major players operating in the surgical microscopes market include Olympus Corporation, Novartis AG, Topcon Corporation, Leica Microsystems, Haag Streit Holding AG, Alltian (Wuzhou) Co. Ltd., Keyence Corporation, ARI Medical Technology Co. Ltd., Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, and Takagi Seiko Co. Ltd.Get sample PDF copy at:The global surgical microscopes market is expected to reach US$ 1,452.4 Mn in 2025 from US$ 578.5 Mn in 2017. The surgical microscopes market is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 12.4% from 2018-2025.Surgical microscopes market is segmented by type, application and end user. Global surgical microscopes market, based on the type was segmented into wall mounted, table top, ceiling mounted, and on casters. The surgical microscopes market, based on application was segmented into oncology, urology, ophthalmology, gynecology, plastic & reconstructive surgeries, dentistry, ENT surgeries, neurosurgery & spine surgery. Based on end user, the global surgical microscopes market was segmented into hospitals and outpatient facilities.The objective of the study is to describe, define, and forecast the surgical microscopes market by type, application, end user and region. The report also provide detailed information regarding the major factors influencing growth of the market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and trends). The report helps to analyze market with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall market.The report analyzes factors affecting surgical microscopes market from both demand and supply side and further evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend. The report also provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions namely; North America, Europe, APAC, MEA and South & Central America after evaluating political, economic, social and technological factors effecting the market in these regions. The report also includes the profiles of key surgical microscopes manufacturing companies along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies.The market players are incorporating organic growth strategies such as introduction of new products into the market to sustain their global position in the highly competitive global surgical microscopes market. For instance, in May 2015, Sony Electronics Medical Systems Division and Haag-Streit USA launched the 3-D imaging technologies in 4-K resolution for surgery. The MCC-3000MT camera and HVO-3000MT 3-D recorder of Sony with HS 5-1000 microscope system of Haag-Streit for neurosurgery. This launch helped the company to expand its product portfolio and enter the neurosurgery market with a high-end product.Inquiry for Discount at:GLOBAL SURGICAL MICROSCOPES MARKET  MARKET LANDSCAPE 273.1 OVERVIEW 273.2 MARKET SEGMENTATION 273.2.1 Global Surgical Microscopes Market  By Type 283.2.2 Global Surgical Microscopes Market  By Application 283.2.3 Global Surgical Microscopes Market  By End User 293.2.4 Global Surgical Microscopes Market  By Geography 293.3 PEST ANALYSIS 303.3.1 North America  PEST Analysis 303.3.2 Europe PEST Analysis 323.3.3 Asia Pacific PEST Analysis 343.3.4 Middle East and Africa  PEST Analysis 363.3.5 South and Central America  PEST Analysis 384. GLOBAL SURGICAL MICROSCOPES MARKET  KEY MARKET DYNAMICS 404.1 KEY MARKET DRIVERS 404.1.1 Rising Demand of Minimally Invasive Surgeries 404.1.2 Increase in the Number of Surgical Procedures 414.1.3 Technological Advancements in Surgical Microscopes 424.2 KEY MARKET RESTRAINTS 434.2.1 Lack of Skilled Professionals 434.2.2 High Cost of Equipment Associated With Surgical Microscopes 434.3 KEY MARKET OPPORTUNITIES 444.3.1 Emphasis for Medical Tourism 444.3.2 Development in the Healthcare Market 454.4 FUTURE TRENDS 454.4.1 Customized Microscopy Solutions 454.5 IMPACT ANALYSIS 46Buy Now at:About Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Automotive and Defense.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.com
Global Oral Contrast Agent Market Report 2019-2025| GE Healthcare (US), Bracco Imaging (Italy), Bayer HealthCare (Germany), Guerbet (France), Lantheus (US), Daiichi Sankyo (Japan), Unijules Life Sciences (India)

Oral Contrast Agent Market

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UpMarketResearch offers a latest published report on Global Oral Contrast Agent Market Industry Analysis and Forecast 2019-2025 delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. The report contains 119 pages which highly exhibits on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability. The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Oral Contrast Agent global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2019-2025.Get Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of This Report@Oral Contrast Agent market research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period. It is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Oral Contrast Agent global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2019 - 2025.The scope of the report extends from market scenarios to comparative pricing between major players, cost and profit of the specified market regions. The numerical data is backed up by statistical tools such as SWOT analysis, BCG matrix, SCOT analysis, PESTLE analysis and so on. The statistics are represented in graphical format for a clear understanding on facts and figures.For more information on this report, please visit@The generated report is firmly based on primary research, interviews with top executives, news sources and information insiders. Secondary research techniques are implemented for better understanding and clarity for data analysis.The report for Oral Contrast Agent market industry analysis & forecast 2019-2025 is segmented into Product Segment, Application Segment & Major players.Region-wise Analysis Global Oral Contrast Agent Market covers: North America Europe China Japan India Southeast Asia Other regions (Central & South America, Middle East & Africa)The key players covered in this study GE Healthcare (US) Bracco Imaging (Italy) Bayer HealthCare (Germany) Guerbet (France) Lantheus (US) Daiichi Sankyo (Japan) Unijules Life Sciences (India) J.B. Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals (India) Spago Nanomedicine (Sweden) Taejoon Pharm (South Korea) Jodas (India) Magnus Health (India)Get Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of This Report@Market segment by Type, the product can be split into Barium-based Contrast Media Iodinated Contrast Media Gadolinium-based Contrast Media Microbubble Contrast MediaMarket segment by Application, split into Cardiovascular Disorders Cancer Gastrointestinal Disorders Musculoskeletal Disorders Neurological Disorders Nephrological DisordersThe Report covers in-depth analysis as follows: Chapter 1 Oral Contrast Agent Market Overview Chapter 2 Global Oral Contrast Agent Market Competition by Manufacturers Chapter 3 Global Oral Contrast Agent Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region Chapter 4 Global Oral Contrast Agent Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region Chapter 5 Global Oral Contrast Agent Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type Chapter 6 Global Oral Contrast Agent Market Analysis by Application Chapter 7 Global Oral Contrast Agent Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis Chapter 8 Oral Contrast Agent Manufacturing Cost Analysis Chapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Chapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders Chapter 11 Market Effect Factors Analysis Chapter 12 Global Oral Contrast Agent Market Forecast (2019-2025) Chapter 13 Research Findings and Conclusion Chapter 14 AppendixGrab Best Discount Price @Global Oral Contrast Agent Market Industry Analysis and Forecast 2019-2025 report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report also calls for market-driven results deriving feasibility studies for client needs. UpMarketResearch ensures qualified and verifiable aspects of market data operating in the real-time scenario. The analytical studies are conducted ensuring client needs with a thorough understanding of market capacities in the real-time scenario.Key Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Global Oral Contrast Agent Market Industry Analysis and Forecast 2019-2025 and its commercial landscape Learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by your competitors and leading organizations To understand the future outlook and prospects for Oral Contrast Agent market industry analysis and forecast 2019-2025.Customization of the Report:UpMarketResearch provides free customization of reports as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.About UpMarketResearch:UpMarketResearch () is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. 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.Contact Info:Name: Alex MathewsEmail: alex@upmarketresearch.comOrganization: UpMarketResearchAddress: 500 East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States
About 200 US companies to move manufacturing from China to India

Talks with China will not help says USA NSA on situation on Ladakh

20 members of a family removed from US flight after mask of 1 slipped under nose

US approves sale of two missile defence systems for Air India One

International

pti-PTI

Washington, Feb 7: The US has agreed to sell two state-of-the-art missile defence systems to Air India One for an estimated cost of USD 190 million, a move that will enhance the security of planes flying the prime minister and the president.

According to the Pentagon, the sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship.

The Trump administrations approved purchase of the two systems known as Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCAM) and Self-Protection Suites (SPS) for an estimated cost of USD 190 million, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a notification to the Congress on Wednesday.

The US decision came after the Indian Government recently made request for LAIRCAM SPS, given the high-level threat to the prime minister and the president. The defence systems, which would bring security of Air India One at par with that of Air Force One, would be installed in two Boeing 777 Head-of- State aircraft, the Pentagon said.

South Korea ecstatic over Trump-Kim meeting in Vietnam later this month

The Indian Government plans to buy two Bowing 777 from the national carrier Air India for this specific purpose and unlike in the past would not be used for commercial purposes. The purpose of the LAIRCM programme is to protect large aircraft from man-portable missiles.

Once installed, the LAIRCAM system increases crew-warning time, decreases false alarm rates and automatically counters advanced intermediate range missile systems, according to the Federation of American Scientists. The missile warning subsystem will use multiple sensors to provide full spatial coverage. The counter-measures subsystem will use lasers mounted in pointer-tracker turret assemblies.

It also automatically counters advanced intermediate range missile systems with no action required by the crew. The pilot will simply be informed that a threat missile was detected and jammed.

Observing that it will improve India's capability to deter regional threats, the Congressional notification said SPS will facilitate a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats. "India will have no problem absorbing and using this system, it said.

According to the notification, India had requested to buy two SPS consisting of AN/AAQ 24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), ALQ-211(V)8 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS) and AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) to protect two (2) Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft.

"This potential sale would include twelve Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (6 installed and 6 spares), eight (8) LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (LSPR) AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (2 installed and 6 spares); twenty-three (23) Missile Warning Sensors (MWS) for AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (12 installed and 11 spares), five (5) AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) (2 installed and 3 spares)," the notification said.

Also included in this sale are Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites (AIDEWS), LAIRCM CIURs, SCAs, HCCs, and UDM cards, initial spares, consumables, repair and return support and support equipment. The department also assured that the sale will not "alter the basic military balance in the region". The US is the second-largest arms supplier to India.

It has already recognised India as a "major defence partner", a status that which commits the US to facilitate technology sharing with India. In 2018, the US granted India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status. India is the only South Asian country to get STA1 status and third Asian country after Japan and South Korea.

The status eases defence procurement from US. Last year both New Delhi and Washington signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement).

PTI
South Korea ecstatic over Trump-Kim meeting in Vietnam later this month

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Seoul, Feb 7: US President Donald Trump's announcement on Tuesday, February 5, that he will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Vietnam on February 27 has excited South Korea, one of the few countries in the region that have real stakes in peace.

Seoul looked forward to the two leaders building off their first meeting in Singapore last year to make "more specific and substantial progress" this time, Washington Post reported.

North Korea denuclearisation process 'not fully on track', says South Korea unification minister

The Blue House - official residence of the president of South Korea - also said that the choice of picking Vietnam as the venue of the second summit was symbolic and signalled that friendship with the US is possible after a prolonged hostility.

The South-east Asian nation was one of the names during the height of the Cold War over which the power blocs clashed and the US attack on it has remained immortal in the annals of history, creating waves of protests all over.

"Vietnam and the United States used to point guns and knives at each other but have now become friends," South Korean presidential spokesman Kim Eui-keum told a news conference Wednesday.

"We expect Vietnam to be a perfectly suitable backdrop to a new history to be written between North Korea and the United States."

N Korea yet to be tamed but South Korea's trade with China improves significantly

On Tuesday, Trump said in his State of the Union address that his administration was pursuing peace in North Korea and noted the return of several American citizens who had been arrested by the North Korean regime as well as the hermit kingdom's suspension of nuclear missiles.

Trump also said in his address that the US would have been in a major war with North Korea had he been not the president.

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Story first published: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 6:31 [IST]
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No. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage.

I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it.

Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time.

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South Africa: SONA 2019 guests dress for a cause

Dressed to the nines, Members of Parliament and guests have used the 2019 State of the Nation Address (SONA) red carpet to champion various causes.

Thursday evenings SONA offers the President of the Republic, Cyril Ramaphosa, an opportunity to address the nation on wide-ranging issues, including economic and social matters.

Communications Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana used the opportunity to highlight the topical issue of land.

Im dressed by fashion designer BG. The land question is an important thing and green represents the land in our colours of the ANC, and it also brings hope to our people and we are also saying the amendment of the Constitution will also reach out to our black farmers, said the Deputy Minister.

Minister of Communications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams wore a striking red number for the occassion.

The red carpet saw various guests making their way to the National Assembly for the Presidents much-anticipated address to much media fanfare.

With the 2019 SONA being the last of the fifth administration due to the elections later this year, delegates showed up and showed off.

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane wore a gold and beige dress designed by Mashego Designs.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane and his wife Natalie Maimane complimented each other well with the leader of the blue party not disappointing and sticking to party colours.

Natalie Maimane looked ravishing in a pearly white jumpsuit with an off the shoulder top.

I opted for a jumpsuit, so I dont have to be too awkward in a big dress, said Maimane, who added that she collaborated with a friend to bring her outfit to life.

Arriving to the carpet, Member of Parliament Phumzile Van Damme said through her outfit she was paying homage to Cape Town designers.

In a sparkling all-gold outfit and adding a pop of colour with red top shoes, Van Damme said she combined three Cape designers; Crystal Birch for her headwrap, Kirsten Goos for her jewellery and KLuK fashion label for her dress.

Guests are now heading into the National Assembly and making way for ceremonial traditions to commence.

Among them, a ceremonial parade exhibiting the military traditions of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force and the 21-gun salute.

The President of the Republic is set to address the nation at 7pm. - SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2019-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Comic or tragic? Marine biologists find fully functional USB stick in seal poop

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Wellington, Feb 7: Dangers posed to the earth's marine life by piling up tons of plastic is not something new to learn. Scores of water lives are being lost because they consume the gigantic amount of plastic wastes that are gathering because of indifference of human beings.

Recently, a similar story of a marine animal devouring yet another electronic object and still surviving it has surprised a team of marine biologist Dr Krista Hupman at NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research), Auckland, New Zealand. Dr Hupman and her team were researching leopard seal scat to ascertain their eating habits and health when they found a USB stick in it. And guess what, it was still functioning!

NIWA later tweeted a video stored in the stick seeking the owner of the stick found in the leopard seal's poop.

NIWA is searching for the owner of a USB stick found in the poo of a leopard seal

Recognise this video? Scientists analysing the scat of leopard seals have come across an unexpected discovery  a USB stick full of photos & still in working order! https://t.co/2SZVkm5az4 pic.twitter.com/JLEC8vuHH0  NIWA (@niwa_nz) February 5, 2019

The story attracted quite a bit of attention, not only because the seal survived despite swallowing a USB stick but also because people were wondering which company made such high-quality USB that survived the stomach churning of the animal.

A sturdy build & poo-proof. What more could one ask for from a USB drive? https://t.co/JZeL2PeDMl  Jackson Williams (@jacksonw____) February 5, 2019

This USB stick must have thought his fate was sealed! What an ordeal , he must be so pooped!   Margie  (@Marjayhan) February 5, 2019

Hupman though was more concerned about the amount of plastic that sea animals are eating and the damage it is inflicting on the environment: "We are finding more and more marine mammals are ingesting plastic. This is just part of something that us humans have done to the environment," she said, according to a report in Storypick.

It's a perfect example of tragedy as well as comedy. Isn't it?
Covid-19 origin: China's 'bat woman' denies Wuhan lab leak theory, claims no one got sick at her institute

Shenzhou-12: China all set to launch manned mission with three astronauts for its space station

Embarrassment! Exploitation among buzzwords decorating China-Africa friendship event in Beijing

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Beijing, Feb 7: A few months back, a Pakistan news channel faced flak for showing Beijing as "Begging" when the country's Prime Minister Imran Khan was on a friendship tour of China where he was seeking financial aid from the all-weather ally.

Hell broke loose with Pakistan getting reduced into a butt of joke before the world.

Something similar took place in the Chinese capital again last month and it is the host nation which was at the receiving end this time.

It was at a friendship event featuring China and Africa, the continent where the Chinese have been carrying out their development and other work extensively, where a giant video screen behind the stage where officials were exchanging pleasantries showed four buzzwords stressing the bonding.

One of those four words was - 'Exploitation'!

Gosh. Thiss so wrong.



With dozens of African envoys presented, a mindless mistake was made. At least ask someone really knows English to interpret. pic.twitter.com/VU6nmeERBZ  Effy Zhang  (@EffyZhangmy) February 2, 2019

These words were basically translations from Chinese terms and 'Exploitation' was the translation of the Chinese word ''(kaituo) which could be translated into "development", according to Shanghaiist. The three other words were 'Innovation', 'Efficiency' and 'Transcendence'.

The embarrassing moment came at a hotel in Beijing on January 9 where the China-Africa Friendly Economic and Trade Development Foundation hosted the "China-Africa Friendly Night 2019" and it was reportedly attended by representatives from China and envoys from a number of various African nations.

The faux pas though was missed by many while others called it a Freudian slip and it was noticed only after a Chinese journalist posted a picture of the screen on Twitter.

However, given the accusations against China of flagging off a new era of colonialism in Africa, this was perhaps a perfect symbolism.

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Story first published: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 16:57 [IST]
Why is Ariane-5 one of the best heavy-lift launch vehicles?

Infographics

oi-Vikas SV

New Delhi, Feb 7: Ariane 5 is a European heavy-lift launch vehicle that can carry payloads weighing more than 10 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and over 20 metric tons into low-Earth orbit (LEO). The rocket is operated and marketed by Arianespace, and built by prime contractor Airbus Defence and Space. European Space Agency (ESA) describes Ariane 5 as a highly reliable rocket at an affordable price for launches.
Will scrap triple talaq law if voted to power, says Congress; BJP hits back

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Feb 07: The Congress will scrap the triple talaq law if it forms the government in 2019, the party's women's wing chief Sushmita Dev said on Thursday.

Addressing the Congress' Minority Department convention here, Dev alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had created an atmosphere pitting Muslim women against Muslim men through the triple talaq law.

"A lot of people told us that women will be empowered if the triple talaq bill is passed. But we opposed that law because it is a weapon that Narendra Modi ji has prepared to put Muslim men in jail and make them stand in police stations," the All India Mahila Congress chief said.

She hailed Muslim women from all parts of the country for writing "crores of letters, carrying out signature campaigns and rebelling against" the law.

What is triple talaq: A brief explainer

"The Congress party stood up and opposed it in Parliament. I promise you people that the Congress government will come in 2019 and we will scrap this law. But it is also certain that whatever law is brought for women's empowerment, by whichever government, the Congress will support it," Dev said.

The BJP hit back at the Congress and said their stand was nothing but "minority appeasement". They have no regard for the Supreme Court," said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.

In December last year, a fresh bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in Lok Sabha to replace an ordinance issued in September.

Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 superseded an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha.

The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. Amid opposition by some parties in the Upper House, the government cleared some amendments, including introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more palatable.

As the bill continued to face resistance in Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating amendments.

The ordinance was re-promulgated recently as the first one was about to expire.

The government has maintained that despite the Supreme Court striking down the practice of talaq-e-biddat (instant triple talaq) as unconstitutional, men were divorcing their wives on flimsy grounds and even via WhatsApp.

The opposition has said divorce cannot be made a penal offence and the provisions of the bill are against basic principles of the Constitution.

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Story first published: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 22:36 [IST]
Why Northeast floods fall off the radar once again as Mumbai rains hog the limelight

Centre gives Assam Rifles power to arrest and search without warrant in 5 Northeast states

NE people to be consulted before bringing up citizenship bill: Kiren Rijiju

Will insurgency in Northeast ever end?

India

oi-Hardeep Singh Bedi

New Delhi, Feb 7: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh claimed in Nagaland in 2017 that 75-80% insurgency in northeast has come to an end.

Was he right? Well, at least the Home Ministry data backs Singh's claim.

The latest Home Ministry data shows that insurgency in Northeast region is continuously declining since 2014, when Narendra Modi government came into power.

According to the data, Northeast region witnessed highest number of insurgency activities in 2014 but they started to register a declining trend thereafter.

The insurgent groups carried out 824 attacks and killed 212 civilians in 2014. In response, the security forces gunned down 181 extremists.

Attempts being made through 'external linkages' to 'revive' insurgency in Punjab: Bipin Rawat

In 2015, the insurgents launched 574 attacks in which 149 extremists, 46 civilians and 46 security personnel were killed.

The insurgent activities continued to diminish in 2016 in which 87 extremists were killed during 484 insurgent attacks. The figure of civilian and security casualty stood at 48 and 17 respectively.

The insurgent attacks reduced to 308 in 2017 in which 57 insurgents, 37 civilians and 12 security personnel were killed.

In 2018, the extremism violent incidents came down to 252 in which 34 insurgents, 23 civilians and 34 security personnel were killed.

Northeast Geography

Northeast has a total of an area of 262,230 square kilometers and it comprises eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. The region shares international border of 5,182 kilometres with Tibet Autonomous Region, China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

State wise Break-up of Insurgency/Terrorism

Arunachal Pradesh: The state had only a single insurgent group- The National Liberation Council of Taniland (NLCT). It is now reportedly defunct because local population didn't support its demand of Taniland.

Assam: There are six active terrorist and insurgent groups in the state - Communist Party of India- Maois (CPI-Maoist), Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), IK Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-IKS), Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam (MULTA), and United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I).

The separatist movement in Assam had started with the aim of a sovereign Assam led by ULFA in 1970s, but later Islamist organizations started demanding Islamist state. These Islamic insurgent groups derive support, mainly from illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.

Manipur: there are six active insurgent or terrorist groups in the state- Coordination Committee (CorCom), Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF), National Socialist Council of Nagaland -Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K), People's United Liberation Front (PULF), and Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF).

The insurgency in Manipur started way back in 1949 when the state was merged into India. Since then the insurgent groups' aim is to get independence.

Meghalaya: there are eight active terror or insurgent groups Achik National Liberation Army (ANLA), Achick Songa An'pachakgipa Kotok (ASAK), Achik National Liberation Co-operative Army (ANLCA), Achik Tiger Force (ATF), Achik National United Force (ANUF), Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), Liberation of Achik Elite Force (LAEF), and the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA).

The root of insurgency in the state lies in the demand of the Khasi, Synteng and Garo people for an independent state.

Nagaland: At present there are five active insurgent or terrorist groups in the state- Federal Government of Nagaland-Non-Accordist (FGN-NA), Federal Government of Nagaland -Accordist (FGN-A), Non-Accordist faction of Naga National Council (NNC-NA), Naga National Council-Accordist (NNC-Accordist), and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) - NSCN (K).

The insurgency started in Nagaland way back in 1947 with the demand of independence.

Mizoram: At present there is no active insurgent or terrorist group in the state. The Mizo Accord, signed in 1986, ended the main secessionist movement led by the Mizo National Front.

The root of insurgency in Mizoram was Independence.

Tripura: At present there is no active insurgent or terrorist group in the state, that had witnessed insurgent activities by the National Liberation Front of Tripura and All Tripura Tiger Force.

The insurgent groups in Tripura emerged at the end of the 1970s because of the ethnic tensions between the Bengali immigrants and the tribal native population

Sikkim: The state has no history of insurgency.

Notorious Neighbours and India's Response

The main reason behind the active status of insurgent and terrorist groups is that they enjoy financial, geographical, and logistical support and arms from India's neigbhouring countries like Myanmar, China, and Bangladesh. According to the sources, Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) also extends all possible emotional and financial support to these anti-India violent groups.

Amongst these countries, Myanmar has remained safe haven for the Northeast insurgent groups. These groups cross into India and spread violence.

Narendra Modi government also sent a clear signal to the international community in general and to Myanmar in particular when India conducted surgical strike on 10 June 10, 2015 against insurgent camps along the India-Myanmar border and reportedly destroyed two Militant camps one each of NSCN (K) and KYKL.

The surgical strike was a response to killing of 18 Indian soldiers of 6 Dogra Regiment by NSCN-K in an ambush in Chandel district of Manipur June 4, 2015.

As a strategy, India also owned this surgical strike.

According to the sources, "2015 strike was not the last surgical strike along India-Myanmar border and as a military norm, the strikes are being carried out as and when it's necessary."

Paresh Baruah, chief of the ULFA-I, is believed to based in a Chinese town called Ruili and operates anti-India activities with the help of Chinese authorities.

Due to India's continued political and military steps in Northeast, the backbone of region's insurgency has broken, but it has not died. For, Northeastern insurgents continue to get supply of 'Chinese oxygen'.

It's no secret for Indian intelligence agencies and security experts that all insurgent groups of Northeast get sophisticated arms and ammunitions from Chinese companies like NORINCO6.

China realises this fact that the initial 'ideological ingredient of independence' has rotten among the insurgent outfits of Northeast and they are now focused on activities like extortion, but it still supports them in order to keep India engaged and puzzled.

To let the pot boiling in Northeast, Bejing has covertly backed United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia, the umbrella organization of ideologically different insurgent groups like NSCN-K, ULFA-I, Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB).

China is also assisting Myanmar in building a naval base at Sittwe Port in the Rakhine State, which is the closest to India. The main motto of this assistance is use the port to supply arms to insurgents groups in Northeast to keep alive, at least in a feeble state.

But the latest political scenario in Northeast must have left China concerned.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formed governments in many northeastern states and Beijing anticipates its implications.

For example, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day global investment summit, titled 'Advantage Assam' in Guwahati in February last year then it also gave an indirect message to China and its alter egos that while the insurgents will be dealt with an iron fist, the normal people of the region will get development and better opportunities.

Moreover, India's Look East policy is an effort to cultivate extensive economic and strategic relations with the nations of Southeast Asia in order to bolster its standing as a regional power and a counterweight to the strategic influence of China.

New Delhi also realises that till China, Myanmar, and Pakistan etcetera are there then insurgency in Northeast will be a factor.
UP cop play good Samaritan, jumps into canal to save drowning man; Video goes viral

Unlock Uttar Pradesh: Malls and restaurants to reopen from today; What is open, what is not?

Name, patronage of PM Modi enough to win UP polls says aide

Uttar Pradesh Budget Highlights: Rs 247 crore allocated for maintenance of cow-shelters

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

Lucknow, Feb 7: Uttar Pradesh finance minister Rajesh Agarwal presented the state budget for financial year 2019-20. This is Yogi Adityanath government's third Budget.

The Budget size amounting to Rs 4,79,701 crore for the 2019-20 fiscal is 12 per cent higher than the previous year's Budget of Rs. 4,28,384.52 crore.

Considering it is an election year with the 2019 Lok Sabha polls just months away, the Budget is crucial for the Yogi Adityanath Government.

UP Budget Highlights:

Rs 247.60 crore has been allocated for the maintenance of cow -shelters in rural areas and Rs 200 crore allocated for 'Kanha Gaushala and Besahara Pashu Ashram' in urban areas

Rs 1000 crore allocated for development of airports - Rs 800 crore for airport in Jewar and Rs 200 crore in Ayodhya. Rs 459 crore allocated for modernisation of Arabic/Persian language Madrasas

Rs 1,075 crore has been allocated to acquire land for construction of residential and non-residential buildings in newly created districts and newly created courts in the state.

Rs 2,275 crore has been allocated for Mid Day Meal programme.

Rs 6,000 crore has been allocated for Swachh Bharat Mission.Rs 2,954 crore has been allocated for the National Rural Drinking Water Programme and Rs 1,393 crore for National Rural Livelihood Mission.

Rs 3,000 crore allocated for piped drinking water scheme in Bundelkhand, Vindhya region and the villages affected by low quality water.

Jaitley hints at raising Rs 500 a month cash support to farmers in future

On the first day of the Budget Session, Opposition members hurled paper balls towards the podium and raised slogans as Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik addressed a joint sitting of the state legislature on the Budget Session's first day on Tuesday.

In his about 55-minute speech, the governor highlighted the welfare and development schemes of the state government, and also justified the renaming of Allahabad and Faizabad districts, saying, "my government has restored their cultural names."

In his 28-pages address, Naik said there has been "considerable improvement in the law and order (situation) in the state".

"Now, the common man is fear free and women are not afraid of coming out of their houses even during the night," he said.

Interim budget focused on rural, agri sector says DBS Bank

The governor said due to the drive against criminals, there has been a substantial decline in serious crimes as compared to the last year.

"As many as 7,626 culprits were arrested in 3,285 police action against them. During these actions, 946 culprits sustained injuries, 73 others were killed. In these operations, 576 police personnel sustained injuries and four jawans attained martyrdom," Naik said.

On farmer's welfare, Naik said, "A record purchase of 52.92 lakh metric tonnes of wheat was made from 11,27,195 farmers under the price support scheme in 2018-19 and online payment of Rs 9231.99 crore was made within 72 hours."

Naik claimed that MoUs worth Rs 4.68 lakh crore were signed during the investor summit in February 2018 and foundation stones of 81 projects, involving an investment of over Rs 61,000 crore, was laid in July by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

(With PTI inputs)
Now, pay Rs 10,000 as penalty in case you enter wrong Aadhaar number for transactions

Tamil Nadu budget 2019 to be presented tomorrow: Farmer welfare, unemployment on cards

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Chennai, Feb 07: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and finance minister, O Panneerselvam will present the state budget for 2019-2020 in the Assembly on February 8. The budget session will begin from 10 am.

[SC leaves it to EC to decide on 'pressure cooker' symbol to Dinakaran's party]

According to reports, the state government is likely to announce annual income support of Rs 6,000 to all farmer families and employment opportunities for youth. The budget, is also likely to include some tax sops for the middle class and also unveil measures to alleviate rural stress.

The issue of rising unemployment and job losses has become a major embarrassment for the government.

The Budget is also likely to have something for every section of society in the form of freebies, exemptions, subsidies and other sops.

As the Lok Sabha elections are scheduled this year, the state budget is being presented a bit early this year. With the Union budget bringing relief to the middle classes by pushing up the income tax threshold to Rs five lakh, it is expected that the State too may have some surprise in store in its annual financial statement ahead of the Lok Sabha election.

The first session of the Assembly for the year began on January 2 with the customary address of Governor Banwarilal Purohit to the House.

[Income Tax dept raids at 70 locations in Chennai]

The Opposition parties had boycotted his address. A gift hamper to every family (including Rs 1,000 cash component) with a ration card for the harvest festival of Pongal (in January) was among the announcements he had made.

On January 8, the House was adjourned sine die after the passage of several Bills including ones that extended the term of office of special officers of urban and rural civic bodies by another six months.

(with PTI inputs)
At all party meet with PM, J&K parties to demand for restoration of statehood

Congress does not want our Air Force to be strong: PM Modi on Rafale

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 07: Hitting out at the Congress for its allegations against the Rafale fighter jet deal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursda said the party did not wish to see the country's armed forces strong.

The PM also hit back at the Congress over the Rafale issue, which has been repeatedly raised by its chief Rahul Gandhi, as he alleged that the Congress did not want the Indian Air Force to be strong and asked: "which companies are they bidding for that they are acting so shamefully".

Modi took potshots at attempts to cobble a grand alliance of opposition parties to take on the BJP, saying people do not want a "mahamilavat" (highly adulterated) government as they have seen how the NDA government which has a majority can deliver.

BC Before Congress, AD After Dynasty: Top quotes from PM Modi's address in Lok Sabha

"Congress imposed Emergency, but they say Modi is destroying institutions. Congress insults Army, calls the Army chief a 'goonda' but they say Modi is destroying institutions," the PM said in a hard-hitting reply to a debate on motion of thanks to President's address in Lok Sabha.

He alleged that the opposition's ability to listen to the truth has diminished.

The Congress, he said, questioned the Election Commission and Electronic Voting Machines but is accusing him of destroying institutions.

"Congress bullies the judiciary but Modi is destroying institutions. Congress calls Planning Commission a bunch of jokers. But Modi is destroying institutions," Modi said.

'Mahagathbandhan is mahamilawat': PM Modi attacks opposition unity

He also took a dig at the recent opposition rally in Kolkata organised by the Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.

"People do not want a 'mahamilavat' (adulterated) government of those who assembled in Kolkata," he said."

A government has to work for the people of India, a government has to be sensitive to the people's aspirations. There is no room for corruption.

"We speak the truth, be it in country or outside, in Parliament or outside but your ability to listen to truth has diminished," he said, targeting the opposition.

Modi said the Congress had left the Army handicapped and in such a case it was not in a position to carry out surgical strikes.

"Congress does not want our Air Force to become powerful. I am levelling a serious allegation," the Prime Minister said.

Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said for some BC stands for 'before Congress' and AD for 'after dynasty'.
Parties should field 'only graduates, below 75 years: Plea in SC

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Feb 06: A plea was filed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, seeking a direction that political parties should only field candidates who are graduates and below 75 years of age at the time of notification of an election.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is seized of a PIL filed by BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay seeking various reliefs, including setting up of special courts to try criminal cases involving lawmakers.

Ashwini Upadhyay, in its fresh interim plea, said imposing a condition during elections to prevent parties from fielding illiterate candidates is a "reasonable restriction" keeping in mind the concessions and privileges enjoyed by MLAs, MLCs and MPs.

Sabarimala: Devaswom board does U-turn, SC reserves verdict

The plea said the functions performed by legislators are vital to democracy and there is no reason why they should be held to lower standards than municipal councilors and gram pradhans.

"In many states, candidates for municipal councilor and gram pradhan certainly would not be considered at all if they are illiterate," the plea said.

If a person, who is going to make laws and amend the Constitution, is not educated enough to understand the "pros and cons of the laws", then it would be "disastrous", it stressed.

"It is true that even if a person went through higher education, he can still be unsuitable to be a legislator, but to have a legislator who didn''t even go to college or university in the 21st Century is unfathomable. Do we, as a country, wish to be represented by a dumbfounded persona that can''t find the exit or well-spoken and expressed figure that can handle any situation that arise at the moment?" it said.

Besides setting up of special criminal courts for lawmakers, the PIL has also sought a life-time ban on politicians convicted in cases.

Earlier during a hearing of the PIL, the top court had directed setting up of designated courts in each district of Bihar and Kerala to try pending criminal cases involving former and sitting lawmakers in the two states.

The court was informed that there were 4,122 criminal cases pending, some for over three decades, against present and former members of Parliament and legislative assemblies.

The court had fixed the sequence for cases to be tried in these designated courts and said that cases against sitting or former Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) involving offences punishable with life imprisonment or death sentence, shall be taken on a priority.

Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court in the matter, had also pointed out in his report the 4,122 pending cases.

The report said that out of the pending cases, 2,324 cases are against sitting lawmakers both MPs/MLAs and 1,675 number of cases against former legislators (both MPs/MLAs).

PTI
North Indian students not allowed to conduct 'Saraswati Puja' in Kerala College

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 07: Another controversy has surfaced with a group of students from Cochin University College of Engineering Kuttanad in Kerala's Alappuzha district alleging that North Indian students were not allowed to conduct 'Saraswati Pooja' in campus.

[What makes Kerala a hub for radicalisation]

Joint Registrar, Cochin University of Science and Technology said,''VC has declined request by North Indian students to conduct 'Saraswati Pooja' in Cochin University College of Engineering, Kuttanad campus, as it's a secular campus, can't permit functions of any particular religion.

Earlier, a few vegetarian students have accused the principal of deceiving them into allegedly eating beef at an event held on campus, on Thursday.

[Kerala: Two RSS workers attacked in Trivandrum, case registered]

According to the students, beef cutlets were served during a seminar conducted on the college premises on January 25. They asked if it was vegetarian and, on being assured it was, they ate the cutlets.

The students allege that it was a conspiracy to make them eat beef.

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Story first published: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 14:55 [IST]
Aim is to help govt says Rahul Gandhi while releasing white paper on COVID-19

National convention of minority: Rahul Gandhi once again challenges PM Modi for 10 minutes debate

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

New Delhi, Feb 7: Congress President Rahul Gandhi once again challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for debate with him for 10 minutes on stage, saying PM Modi is 'darpok' (coward) person.

Addressing the national convention of AICC Minority Department, Rahul Gandhi, said, " The institutions in India do not belong to any party, they belong to the country. To protect them is our responsibility. BJP thinks they are above the nation. In three months they will understand that nation is above them."

Talking abut Supreme Court judge's historic press conference in 2018, Rahul Gandhi asked, "What happens when Supreme Court judges come out and say we are not being allowed to work freedom?".

Also Read | 'Clarify stand on Ram Temple': Amit Shah dares Congress, SP, BSP



BJP has attacked every institution. They think themselves to be above Hindustan. They think that the nation is beneath them.

Be it about farmers, workers, poor people, or corruption, wherever you look, Congress workers have told Narendra Modi's truth about it. In 2019 Congress is going to defeat Modi and RSS

Commenting on PM Modi's When you see Mr. Modi's face today, you can see fear. He has realised that by dividing the nation he cannot govern the country, and people will remove him, if he does.

Debate on Rafale deal:

In January, It may be recalled that after initiating a debate on the Rafale deal in parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had launched a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to renew the opposition's demand for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the purchase of the 36 aircrafts.

Then, he also challenged PM Modi to a debate on the Rafale row, one-on-one.

"Give me 20 minutes," he said at a Press conference, the request directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi who the Congress president has more than once today, alleged that he was hiding from the uncomfortable questions that he had posed.
Robert Vadra questioned for 9 hours, wife Priyanka Gandhi picks him up from ED office

India

oi-Vikas SV

New Delhi, Feb 7: Robert Vadra was picked up by wife Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the Enforcement Directorate office after nine hours of questioning on Thursday, the second consecutive day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

His wife and Congress party leader Priyanka Gandhi came to the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi to pick him in her SUV. Vadra is expected to be questioned again on Saturday.

On Wednesday (February 6), Vadra was grilled for over six hours during which investigators, reportedly, recorded his statement. Yesterday (Feb 6) was the first time Vadra appeared before any central probe agency in connection with allegations of dubious financial dealings.

Robert Vadra had sought protection from the arrest from the court on which the court granted him interim bail till February 16. Vadra has maintained that chgarges against him were politically motivated.

[Robert Vadra grilled for 6 hours, questioning to continue today]

During Wednesday's questioning, Vadra denied owning any property in the UK or knowing the people, including arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, whom the agency is investigating. The Enforcement Directorate had alleged that Vadra is the controlling beneficiary of a property in London located at 12, Bryanston Square, said reports.

[On ED questioning Robert Vadra, Mamata Banerjee talks of opposition unity]

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra had earlier alleged at a briefing that Vadra bought 8 to 9 properties in London from the money he got as kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal which took place in 2008-09 when the UPA was in power.

Some of the allegations against Robert Vadra:

In September 2015, the ED registered a money laundering case alleging that Robert Vadra-owned Sky Light Hospitality had acquired land in Kolayat, Bikaner, which was meant for rehabilitation of poor villagers.

The Enforcement Directorate claims Mr Vadra and his associates received 'Kickbacks' in the petroleum deal signed in 2009 during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime.

A case was filed against Mr Vadra and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda in September last year for alleged irregularities in land deals in Gurugram.

He has faced allegations that his company Skylight Hospitality sold 3.5 acres of land in 2008 in Shikohpur village to DLF at a rate much higher than the prevailing rate.
Night curfew in Noida from today; Schools, colleges to be shut till April 17

Looking for COVID hospital bed in Noida? This official website provides real-time update

Massive fire breaks out at Metro Hospital in Noida, doused now; No casualties

India

oi-Vikas SV

Noida, Feb 7: A fire reportedly broke out at Metro Hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Noida, which is a part of National Capital Region (NCR), on Thursday. The Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute is located in Noida's Sector 12.

The fire broke out at the third floor of the hospital after which scores of patients had to be evacuated from the building.

Nagpur: Massive fire at under construction hospital; 7 injured

The fire broke out around 10am. Four fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the flames. The blaze was doused around 10.30am, said reports.

Reports suggest that fire may has been caused due to a leakage in a gas cylinder.

No casualties have been reported till now. All of the patients were successfully rescued and evacuated to the hospital's Sector-11 branch.

Around 66 patients were there in the hospital when the incident occurred, reported The Indian Express.

Cylinder explosion triggers blaze at Kumbh mela camp, no casualties

Thick smoke could be seen billowing out of the building in Sector 12. People were standing on ledges in balconies as rescuers tried to reach them by breaking window panes. Staffers tried to help patients out of the building in Noida, on the outskirts of the national capital.

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Story first published: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 15:38 [IST]
At all party meet with PM, J&K parties to demand for restoration of statehood

Mahagathbandhan is mahamilawat: PM Modi attacks opposition unity

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 07: In a blistering attack against the opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the idea of Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) is a Maha Milawat (Grand Adulteration) and the people are aware of it.

Speaking from the floor of the Lok Sabha in his reply to the Motion of Thanks, PM Modi said, "In 2014, for the first time in 30 years, the people gave India its first full majority government. Now the Maha-Milawat (Grand Adulteration) is about to come".

"The people of India have seen the work a government with a full majority can do. They have seen the work of NDA. They do not want a 'mahamilawat' government of those who assembled in Kolkata," PM Modi said in a reference to the rally of 23 opposition parties in West Bengal last month.

Also Read Congress does not want our Air Force to be strong: PM Modi on Rafale

PM Modi also took a dig at Congress party president Rahul Gandhi and said that those who are labelling baseless allegations on me should first introspect.

The Prime Minister also retorted to Rahul Gandhi's favourite slogan with a tweak of a well-known Hindi proverb. "The thief is scolding the chowkidar (watchman)," he said.

The prime minister targeted the opposition parties over their criticism of the NDA government. He said, "In hating Modi, the opposition has begun to defame the nation."

He said, "In hating Modi, the opposition has begun to defame the nation."

The prime minister launched the attack on the opposition during his reply to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in Parliament. PM Modi said India has seen remarkable progress in all spheres the last four years.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had organised a 'United India' rally on January 19, which was participated by nearly two dozen political parties including the Congress.

Earlier, PM Modi had responded to the opposition unity saying, "the entire opposition has come together and is shouting 'bachao, bachao, bachao' (save us, save us, save us)."

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 22:18 [IST]
Kerala: Missing for 10 years, woman found living 'secretly' next door with lover

Coronavirus cases: Kerala remains top contributor to India with over 11,000 COVID-19 tally

Kerala: 24-year old woman found hanging, days after alleging dowry harassment by abusive husband

Kerala: Two RSS workers attacked in Trivandrum, case registered

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

Trivandrum, Feb 7: Two RSS workers were attacked near Pettah in Trivandrum on Wednesday. Both of them were shifted to Trivandrum Medical College.

The victims were identified as Shaji, Palkkulangara Basti Karyavahak and Shyam. The duo was attacked at Dalawa junction.

The incident took place at 2 am. Palkkulangara has largely been free from political conflicts in the past. RSS and BJP leadership in the district alleged that the CPM workers behind the attack.

10 Naxals gunned down in Chhattisgarh, arms recovered

Police have registered a case and a probe is underway.

The miscreants have not been identified yet. The nature of the attack has also not been ascertained.

.
INX Media case: Karti Chidambaram grilled by ED for 10th time

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 07: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday grilled Karti Chidambaram, son of former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram with the INX Media case. His father P Chidambaram has been summoned by the agency to join the investigation on Friday.

Karti has already been questioned by the ED on several occasions in the case. The Central Bureau of Investigation is also investigating the case. The agencies are probing into how did Karti manage to get clearance from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in 2007 when his father was the Finance Minister.

[INX Media: Indrani Mukerjea seeks to turn approver, will court permit it?]

Karti was arrested on February 28, 2018 by the CBI for allegedly accepting money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media. He was later granted bail. Karti's chartered accountant S. Bhaskararaman was also arrested and released on bail later.

The ED has attached properties worth Rs 54 crore belonging to Karti and a firm in the case. It has also attached properties belonging to the Mukerjeas in connection with the same case.

[Only God can help you, if you play with the law, SC tells Karti Chidambaram]

According to the investigative agencies, INX Media showed a transaction of Rs 10 lakh named against Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd, a firm which is allegedly indirectly owned by Karti, as management consultancy charges towards an FIPB notification and clarification.

It has been alleged that Karti Chidambaram took money from INX Media and used his influence and power to manipulate a tax probe against the company regarding a case of violation of FIPB conditions to get investments from Mauritius.
Hyderabad mayor sets example by paying fine for wrong parking of vehicle

India

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Hyderabad, Feb 7: India's politicians are not known to be too law-friendly. Leaders and their associates are seen time and again flouting the rules thinking they are quite above the rules to abide by them.

However, the mayor of Hyderabad, Bonthu Rammohan, recently set up an example that will do the tainted image of the country's politicians some good. And he has won the hearts of the common man as well.

Hyderabad: Man murders friend with butcher's knife as onlookers shoot video

It so happened that a citizen recently pointed out to Rammohan, a politician from Telangana's ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) that his car was parked in a no-parking zone in Cyberabad area. The photo of the city's first citizen was also posted on social media on January 31.

Soon after the news spread, Hyderabad's traffic police sent an e-challan to Rammohan and the mayor, instead of challenging the law, thanked the person who pointed out that his vehicle was parked at a wrong place.

The mayor also appreciated the state police for treating him the same way as any other citizen. He also posted a screenshot of the e-challen of the fine he paid. He also clarified that the vehicle was parked wrongly by his driver, though not intentionally.

I appreciate the citizen who bought the traffic offence of my car to the notice of TS police. I have cleared the challan. Request you all to take this as an example not to keep quite at offence that comes to your notice and at the same time follow the rules. pic.twitter.com/3x9njD4p6B  BonthuRammohan,Mayor (@bonthurammohan) February 2, 2019

It was not an intentional offence by my driver, It happened when we were on our duty responding to the problems in the https://t.co/GC1m7S8xzP isnt a excuse though... Rules are for everyone and we all should abide by them.

PS:Not punishing my driver for this offence.  BonthuRammohan,Mayor (@bonthurammohan) February 2, 2019

However, Rammohan's deputy Baba Fasiuddin had an escape last month after he was found travelling in a car without a number plate. The Hyderabad traffic police fell short of expectations on that occasion as they failed to notify Fasiuddin despite a photograph of his car was posted on the social media.

IAF's trainee aircraft crashes in Telangana, pilot injured

Here are some reactions to Rammohan's action from the Twitterati:

Great!! this is true example of being humble, and treating this as an opportunity to set examples for many other.. #Respect  dipakk (@de3puckk) February 3, 2019

We should be proud of such a citizen and the leader like you.  Suman Kuppa (@KuppaSuman) February 4, 2019

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Story first published: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 10:29 [IST]
Temple in Srinagar that was closed due to militancy, reopens after 31 years on Panchami

Heavy snowfall severely effects plane movements in Srinagar; Many flights cancelled

India

oi-Vikas SV

Srinagar, Feb 7: Heavy snowfall has severely effected flight operations at the Srinagar Airport on Thursday morning and a majority of flights have been cancelled. The flight operations, as of now, remain suspended at the Srinagar airport due to poor visibility and heavy snowfall.

Even the road traffic between Kashmir and rest of the country is severely effected due to heavy snowfall across the valley. The Jammu-Srinagar highway remained closed for the second consecutive day on Thursday due to fresh snowfall and landslides.

All flights of GoAir and IndiGo, two SpiceJet flights, one AirAsia flight and an Army charter flight were cancelled, reported ANI on Thursday.

Of the 27 flights scheduled to arrive at the Srinagar airport, 15 were cancelled due to poor visibility and heavy snowfall, an official of the Airport Authority of India said on Wednesday afternoon. He said if there is no improvement in the weather conditions, the possibility of other flights arriving was bleak.

Caught in massive snowfall, Uttarakhand groom treks 6 kilometres to reach wedding venue

The traffic control department said the arterial Srinagar-Jammu road had to be closed for traffic following heavy snowfall and rains, which triggered landslides at several places.

"No vehicles are being allowed on the highway due to landslides caused by rain and snowfall," the official told news agency PTI.

Snowfall in Kashmir Valley; Kashmir snowfall in pics:

Man clearing snow off a car near Banihal railway station The snowfall began early morning at most places in the Valley and was heavy in intensity in south Kashmir, where mountainous stretches of the highway are most susceptible to disruption during bad weather. The fresh snowfall in the valley also affected normal life as electricity supply is down in many areas while many roads in the rural areas have been blocked due to snow. A vehicle moving on a snow-covered road during snowfall in Srinagar Kashmir is witnessing a fresh spell of wet weather with higher reaches receiving heavy snowfall and plains lashed by a mix of rain and snow. Uttarakhand: MeT Dept warns of hailstorms, snowfall Boatmen row a boat during fresh snowfall at Dal Lake in Srinagar The highway shutdown and cancellation of flights are latest in a series of disruptions due to stormy weather in recent weeks which has led to shortage of supplies in the region as well as large accumulation of stranded passengers. 2 killed in J&K avalanche as rain, snowfall lash north India A view of snow-covered Shimla Other parts of the hills in north India are also witnessing massive snowfall. Himachal weather reports predict more snow for the week in a number of regions in the state, especially over the weekend. As per the weather report, Himachal will see another bout of snowfall from February 6 to February 8, and has also issued an alert in the hill state. The district administrations have been advised to keep search and rescue teams on standby and ask people to avoid travel.There are chances of heavy snowfall at some places in Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Kangra and Kinnaur districts from Wednesday. (Images courtesy - PTI)

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Story first published: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 11:40 [IST]
Akshaya Tritiya 2021: Check the auspicious date and timings here to buy gold in your city

Mandatory gold hallmarking comes into force today: What you should know

Gold slides Rs 25 to Rs 34,450; silver down Rs 320

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Feb 7: Gold prices on Wednesday declined marginally by Rs 25 to Rs 34,450 per 10 gram at the bullion market in the national capital on muted demand from jewellers, according to the All India Sarafa Association.

Silver also slumped Rs 320 to Rs 41,380 per kg on subdued offtake from industrial units and coin makers.

Traders attributed the decrease in the prices of the yellow metal to lackluster demand from local jewellers amid weak trend overseas.

Globally, gold traded lower at USD 1,313.58 an ounce, while silver was also down at USD 15.75 an ounce in New York.

7th Pay Commission: What is delaying the pay hike and what CG employees can expect

In the national capital, gold of 99.9 per cent and 99.5 per cent purities dropped Rs 25 each to Rs 34,450 and Rs 34,300 per 10 gram, respectively.

Sovereign gold, however, held steady at Rs 26,100 per piece of eight grams.

Silver ready declined by Rs 320 to Rs 41,380 per kg, while weekly-based delivery witnessed a fall of Rs 322 to Rs 40,323 per kg.

On the other hand, silver coins were flat at Rs 80,000 for buying and Rs 81,000 for selling of 100 pieces.

PTI

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Story first published: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 10:53 [IST]
Faulty ventilators will have to be replaced; won't allow experiments on patients: Bombay high court

Elgaar Parishad: Sudha Bharadwaj seeks bail in HC

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Mumbai, Feb 07: Human rights activist and lawyer Sudha Bhardwaj, arrested in connection with the Elgar Parishad case, has moved the Bombay High Court to seek bail.

The plea was taken up for hearing on Wednesday by Justice N W Sambre.

Bhardwaj, through her lawyer Yug Chaudhary, challenged the decision of a Pune court that had rejected her bail plea in October last year.

Chaudhary told the bench that the Pune court, while denying the bail to Bhardwaj, had relied upon four letters produced as incriminating evidence by the Pune Police.

Activist Sudha Bharadwaj arrested, taken to custody by Pune Police

However, Chaudhary said he wanted to show to the high court that the letters could not be accepted as admissible evidence under the Indian Evidence Act.

The bench is likely to hear the plea in detail on February 18.

Bhardwaj was arrested along with several other activists by the Pune Police last year.

She and the others were booked following an Elgar Parishad event on December 31, 2017, which, the police alleged, triggered violent clashes the next day at Koregaon- Bhima village in Pune district of Maharashtra.

According to police, the event was funded and supported by Maoists.

At the event, some activists made inflammatory speeches and provocative statements that contributed to the January 1 violence, they had said.

The Pune Police also alleged that Bhardwaj played a role in mobilising party cadres and funds for the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).

The police claimed it came to the conclusion after raiding the houses of several of these activists and chancing upon some letters that revealed, among other things, a conspiracy to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Story first published: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 5:46 [IST]
\"Wish to be born in a world without humans\": Netizens fire up over death of TN elephant

Woman's death in elephant attack: Kerala village panchayat orders closure of resorts under its jurisdiction

Another elephant found dead in Karlapat sanctuary, 6 died in 2 weeks

Tiger blocks elephant's path, what follows next will amuse you

Kearala: Wild elephant rescued from open well after 3-hour operation

Dakshayani, Asias oldest captive elephant dies at 88

India

oi-Deepika S

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 07: Asia's oldest captive elephant and Guinness record holder, 88-year old Dakshayani, died at a care centre at nearby Pappanamcode.

The female elephant, under the possession of the Chengalloor Mahadeva Temple, was the oldest among all captive elephants managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

In 2016, she was conferred the 'Gaja Muthassi' (elephant granny) title and entered the Guinness book of records.

In a first, Kerala's captive jumbos get genetic IDs

The postal department had also brought out a postal cover on the elephant.

Dakshayani was much sought after in temple processions and was a constant presence at the 'Arattu' procession of the Padmanabha Swamy temple here until three years ago.

The former Travancore Devaswom Board president told AFP news agency that Dakshayani was well-treated.

"Due to various practical constraints, we could not let her loose, but instead ensured that she had more than enough space to move around," he said. However conservationists say many elephants suffer in poor conditions.

The oldest elephant in captivity recognised by Guinness World Records was aged 86 -- Lin Wang, another elephant which died in 2003 in a Taiwan zoo. Captive elephants have a life expectancy of 40-plus years.

India has 2,454 elephants in captivity, a survey released last month said.
Who is Subodh Kumar Jaiswal? Former Maharashtra IPS officer apointed as new CBI Director

CBI assures chargesheet in Dabholkar, Pansare cases would be filed next week

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Mumbai, Feb 07: The CBI and the Maharashtra CID told the Bombay High Court that they would file their supplementary charge sheets in the killings of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare by next week.

The CBI and the state CID are probing the killings of Dabholkar and Pansare, respectively.

CBI counsel Anil Singh told the bench that it had arrested and identified Sachin Andure and Sharad Kalaskar as the two persons who shot at Dabholkar, leading to his death.

Dabholkar murder case: Pune sessions court grants bail to 3 accused

Singh said the CBI will file the supplementary charge sheet against the two by February 13.

Ashok Mundargi, the counsel for CID's Special Investigation Team (SIT) that is probing Pansare's killing, also told the court that the agency was going to file its supplementary charge sheet against three more persons arrested in the case by February 12.

Mundargi said after the charge sheet, the CID will "concentrate" on arresting the absconding accused persons in the case.

A bench of justices S C Dharamadhikari and M S Karnik accepted the submissions, but said the court expected much more from the "premiere" probe agencies.

"By the next date, you must make some concrete efforts to arrest the absconding accused," the bench said.

The court particularly told the CBI that it was a "premiere" probe agency and the court as well as the whole world expected much from it.

"These are important cases and the whole world is interested in knowing the outcome of such cases. Today, because of the advent of the social media, the whole world is watching you. It wants to know what is happening in important incidents," it said.

In Dabholkar murder case, CBI invokes stringent UAPA law

"Because of social media, the world is watching what you are doing in important cases, including the incident in West Bengal," the bench said, while making a passing reference to the recent face-off between the CBI and Kolkata Police in the Saradha chit fund scam case.

Dabholkar was shot dead on August 20, 2013, in Pune while he was on his morning walk, while Pansare was shot at on February 16, 2015, in Kolhapur and he succumbed to his injuries on February 20.

The high court has been hearing pleas filed by the family members of Dabholkar and Pansare seeking a court- monitored probe in both cases.

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Story first published: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 5:53 [IST]
At all party meet with PM, J&K parties to demand for restoration of statehood

BC Before Congress, AD After Dynasty: Top quotes from PM Modi's address in Lok Sabha

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 07: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today accused the Congress of doing nothing for the people over the decades it ruled the country.

"When we talk of a new India, we talk of hope," he said in an address to the lower house amid both applause and catcalls. "There are two periods in time as far as India is concerned -- BC and AD. BC stands for 'Before Congress', when nothing happened, and AD for 'After Dynasty', when everything happened."

By 'dynasty', PM Modi was referring to the principal opposition party -- which he claims is ruled by the Gandhi family. The Prime Minister often mockingly calls Congress president Rahul Gandhi "Yuvraj" (prince) while terming himself as a man of humble origins.

Congress does not want our Air Force to be strong: PM Modi on Rafale

In actual terms, BC and AD expands to mean Before Christ and Anno Domini (Latin for After Christ's Death) -- two broad periods in which human history has been divided into.

PM Modi claimed that even Mahatma Gandhi wanted to disband the Congress after the country achieved independence. "Congress-Mukt Bharat (Congress-free India) is not my slogan. I am just fulfilling Gandhiji's wishes," he said.

The Prime Minister was referring to a note written by the freedom fighter days before his death, wherein he stated that the Congress should be disbanded because it has "outlived its purpose".

Here are the top quotes from Modi Modi's motion of thanks in Parliament

In hating Modi, Opposition has begun to hate the nation

'Congress mukt bharat' is not my slogan but dream of Mahatma Gandhi

Our friends in Congress see things in two time periods. BC - Before Congress, when nothing happened. AD - After dynasty- where everything happened.

'Mahamilawat' can happen in Kolkata only, not possible in Delhi: PM Modi's dig at 'Mahagathbandhan'.

Congress questions the EC and EVM but Modi is destroying institutions. Congress bullies the judiciary but Modi is destroying institutions. Congress calls Planning Commission a bunch of jokers...but Modi is destroying institutions.

Congress does not want our armed forces to be strong, they want Rafale deal to be scrapped.

Congress called Planning Commission a bunch of jokers.
Mamata Banerjee slams PM Modi, says he is playing 'Bengal card' in Bangladesh

Will do according to principles: Bangladesh on Chinas warning against joining Quad

Bangladesh Foreign Minister on India visit, calls on PM Modi; Both countries vow to better ties

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Feb 7: Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen on Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi who reaffirmed India's commitment to work with the neighbouring country in building on the momentum in ties during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's fresh term in office.

Abdul Momen's India trip is the first high-level visit from Bangladesh since Prime Minister Hasina's landslide victory in the parliamentary election last December.

During the meeting, Abdul Momen briefed Modi on the recent developments in the bilateral relationship, a statement said.

Prime Minister Modi said India-Bangladesh relations have been on an upward trajectory in the last few years.

['Tree Man' returns to hospital as 'roots' grow in new parts of his hands, feet]

He reaffirmed India's commitment to work with Bangladesh to build on this momentum during the new term in office of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Modi congratulated Abdul Momen on his appointment as the foreign minister, and appreciated his gesture of selecting India as the destination for his first foreign visit.

PTI
HC asked them to plant trees in South Delhi area

Justice Najmi Waziri granted one last opportunity to file responses to Swan Telecom Private Limited's promoter Shahid Balwa, director of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Private Limited Rajeev Agarwal, and firms -- Dynamic Realty, D B Realty Limited and Nihar Constructions Private Limited.

The two individuals and three companies along with others including former Telecom minister A Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi were acquitted by the trial court in the ED's money laundering case. The court directed them to appear before the forest officer concerned on February 15 for planting the trees in the South Delhi area.

The case pertains to allocation of licences for the 2G spectrum

The companies will be represented through their authorised signatory. The court listed the matter for further hearing on March 26. A special court on December 21, 2017 had acquitted Raja, Kanimozhi and others in the CBI and ED cases. It had acquitted 17 others, including DMK supremo M Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal, Vinod Goenka, Asif Balwa, film producer Karim Morani, P Amirtham and Sharad Kumar, Director of Kalaignar TV in the ED case.

[2G spectrum scam: A chronology of events]

Former union minister A Raja was one of the accused who acquitted

On the same day, the trial court had acquitted Raja, Kanimozhi and 15 others, including former Telecom Secretary Siddharth Behura, Raja's erstwhile private secretary R K Chandolia, Unitech Ltd MD Sanjay Chandra and three top executives of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (RADAG) -- Gautam Doshi, Surendra Pipara and Hari Nair, in the CBI's 2G case.

[2G scam: CBI to appeal against verdict acquitting all accused]

On March 19 last year, the ED had approached the high court challenging the special court's order acquitting all the accused. A day later, the CBI too had challenged in the high court the acquittal of the accused in the case. The ED, in its charge sheet, had alleged that Rs 200 crore was paid by STPL promoters to DMK-run Kalaignar TV. The CBI had alleged that there was a loss of Rs 30,984 crore to the exchequer in allocation of licences for the 2G spectrum which were scrapped by the top court on February 2, 2012.

DMK MP Kanimozhi was also acquitted

Special Judge O P Saini, however, had held that the prosecution had "miserably failed" to prove the charges. The special court, which was set up on March 14, 2011 for hearing 2G cases exclusively, had also acquitted Essar Group promoters Ravi Kant Ruia and Anshuman Ruia and six others in a separate case arising out of the 2G scam probe. The first case, prosecuted by CBI, had 17 accused, while the second matter, pursued by ED, had 19 undertrials.

The third one had eight accused including Essar promoters. In the CBI case, Raja, Kanimozhi and 15 others were tried under provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act dealing with offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, using as genuine fake documents, abusing official position, criminal misconduct by public servant and taking bribe.
10 Naxals gunned down in Chhattisgarh, arms recovered

India

oi-Vikas SV

Raipur, Feb 7: The security forces have reportedly gunned down 10 Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur. The Naxals were killed in an encounter with the security forces and 11 weapons are said to have been recovered.

SP Bijapur told ANI that the team that gunned down Naxals comprosed of personnel from Special Task Force (STF) and District Reserve Guard (DRG).

"10 Naxals neutralised in an encounter with STF and DRG in Bijapur, 11 weapons recovered," ANI quoted SP Bijapur Mohit Garg as saying.

On February 3, A suspected woman naxal was killed and another injured in an encounter between security forces and ultras in Chhattisgarh. The Feb 3 skirmish took place in the forest of Rengaiguda village, around 450 kms from Raipur, under Polampalli police station limits when a joint team of security forces was returning after an area domination operation.

On January 23, suspected Maoists shot dead three villagers in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on suspicion that their tip-off to police led to killing of 40 ultras in a massive operation in the region last year.

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Story first published: Thursday, February 7, 2019, 13:18 [IST]
Submitted Photo

4-H youths from Madison and Oneida counties attend an equine nutrition summit at Runnings in Rome, N.Y., on Jan. 31, 2019.
Renovation of immigration law and detention facilities would allow border agents and judges to provide improved treatment and faster processing of people seeking entry into the U.S. Technology in the form of sensors and drones are good for detection but fail at interdiction unless agents are present. Walls or fences are better for interdiction  see the Great Wall of China, Berlin Wall, Western Wall in Israel, Vatican walls, etc.

American prisons, companies, banks and gated communities use walls and fences effectively. They can and should be an integral part of a comprehensive solution. The Secure Fence Act of 2006 passed with bipartisan support, including yea votes by then-Sens. Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer.

But because President Donald Trump wants it, Democrats are blocking $5 billion  about 1/1000th of the 2019 federal budget. Its not the money or the wall, its the emotional issue, which Democrats want to keep alive for future elections.

Dennis Swanson, Glenwood, Iowa

Roger Stone deserved raid

In talking with 23 people who in the past 15 years have had their dogs shot by police, I learned that about a quarter of those shootings were on SWAT raids, some for marijuana sales.
The following editorial appeared in the San Jose Mercury News.

Facebook celebrated its 15th anniversary Monday in all-too-familiar fashion: another privacy scandal.

This one crosses the line.

Since 2016, Facebook has been paying minors as young as 13 to download an app that tracks nearly everything they do on their phones. Taking a cue from tobacco companies, the Menlo Park-based social media company advertised the app on Snapchat and Instagram, where todays teens routinely hang out.

The outrageous practice is as creepy as it is greedy. The notion that young teenagers can give informed consent is ludicrous, as any responsible parent or business leader knows.

As a parent with two children, CEO Mark Zuckerberg should know better than to profit by preying on children. The revelation destroys whatever remaining credibility he had on privacy issues.

The fact that Facebook is willing to pay teens $20 a month for access to their private data  where they go, what websites they visit and what they purchase  is another indicator of how much the company is profiting from consumers data.

This isnt the first time Zuckerberg has ignored basic business ethics standards.
Nebraska state law requires that grand jury records be made publicly available in cases involving law enforcement officer-involved deaths. That requirement underscores the importance of keeping the public informed about law enforcement actions involving the most serious of consequences.

The Nebraska State Attorney Generals Office had argued that the records should be sealed if a case was pending against an officer, but two district court judges and now the state Supreme Court have ruled otherwise, acknowledging the plain requirements under the relevant state law.

The case in question involved the testimony and exhibits that grand jurors reviewed before deciding on charges against officers in connection with the June 5, 2017, death of Zachary BearHeels, an Oklahoma man suffering from mental illness. That disturbing incident rightly spurred scrutiny of police procedures and operations. State law served the public interest by requiring transparency for the grand jury materials.

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Creighton University announced Wednesday that it will no longer include Joe Ricketts in a university event honoring accomplished alumni, citing personal emails by Ricketts that became public earlier this week.

The university uninvited the 77-year-old TD Ameritrade founder and billionaire  a 1968 Creighton graduate  from its first-ever Evening of Honors event, scheduled for Friday.

In an email to Creighton alumni, the Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, the school president, said that he spoke with Ricketts Tuesday and that he wont receive the award.

Mr. Ricketts comments in personal emails do not reflect the values of our Jesuit, Catholic mission, including our focus on inclusiveness and diversity, Hendrickson wrote.

Ricketts has apologized for the emails, sent between 2009 and 2013. They include racist jokes, conspiracy theories about former President Barack Obamas faith and life, and references to Islam as a cult and not a religion.

Ricketts said he has deep regret and that the emails dont reflect his values.
Trumps remarks came during a wide-ranging discussion in the Oval Office with correspondents from regional newspapers, including The World-Herald.

The White House arranged the conversation, some portions of which were off the record, to discuss the presidents 2019 agenda.

NAFTA has long been a target of criticism by Trump, who has talked about simply withdrawing the United States from the agreement if he cant get a better deal.

Im a fan of pre-NAFTA, if you want to know the truth, Trump said Wednesday, in response to a question from The World-Herald. Im a big fan of pre-NAFTA. But NAFTAs been very bad to our country. All you have to do is look at 40,000 empty buildings all over the country that, you know, some have been taken up, but a lot of them are still empty, and NAFTA has been a very bad thing for our country and so has the World Trade Organization, been very bad for our country.

Many farm state lawmakers have urged caution, however, and have highlighted to Trump the benefits NAFTA delivers to farmers and ranchers who rely on the markets of Canada and Mexico to sell their products.
Hirono asked if Buescher would end his membership in the group or recuse himself from cases on which it has taken a position.

Buescher repeatedly responded in writing that he would follow all the rules governing judges, adhere to his judicial oath and faithfully apply all relevant precedents in cases that come before him.

The Knights of Columbus is a Roman Catholic service organization with approximately two million members world-wide, Buescher wrote. I have not drafted any policies or positions for the national organization. If confirmed, I will abide by the Code of Conduct of United States Judges and will not affiliate with any organization in violation of the Code.

Hironos focus on the Knights of Columbus drew loud Republican complaints that she was engaging in religious intolerance.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., offered a resolution  adopted by unanimous consent  that says disqualifying candidates because of their Knights of Columbus membership would violate the Constitutions prohibition on religious tests.

Sasse welcomed the committees approval of Buescher.
Omahas major and secondary streets had been pretreated, according to a Facebook post from Mayor Jean Stothert. The private contractors who clear residential streets were on standby should snow depths exceed 2 inches, she said.

Zapotocny said the storm that brought this mess tracked a bit farther south than expected. As a result, the warmer air stayed south, and thats where the freezing drizzle and rain were to fall. Forecasters warned that most of Missouri and parts of eastern Kansas and eastern Iowa were likely to be coated in a sheen of ice from the storm.

Omaha will have to tough out another raw, blustery day before conditions begin to improve. Temperatures werent expected to climb out of the single digits Thursday, and winds were forecast to gust in excess of 30 mph all day. Those winds will blow the snow around and push wind chills down to minus 10 to minus 15 degrees.

On Friday morning, the temperature should bottom out around 1 below.

Sunshine is forecast for Friday and Saturday, with a high Friday in the teens and Saturday around 30.

Theres a slight chance of snow early next week, but the next big storm system is probably more than a week away, Zapotocny said.

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Nancy Gaarder Nancy Gaarder helps cover public safety and weather events as an editor on The World-Herald's breaking news desk. Follow her on Twitter @gaarder. Email: nancy.gaarder@owh.com Follow Nancy Gaarder 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Alia Conley Alia Conley covers breaking news, crime and courts. Follow her on Twitter @aliaconleyOWH. Phone: 402-444-1068. Follow Alia Conley 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
The World-Heralds statehouse reporters round up news highlights from the Legislature and state government into the Capitol Digest  a daily briefing for the political newshound with a busy schedule.

Constitutional conventions. Nebraska would wipe the slate clean of past calls for federal constitutional conventions under a proposal heard Wednesday by the Legislatures Executive Board.

State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue called her Legislative Resolution 2 a housecleaning measure that would clear the way for debate on two new proposals for a constitutional convention. One (LR 7) calls for a convention of the states to propose constitutional amendments curbing federal power. The other (LR 9) calls for a convention to propose a constitutional amendment allowing for campaign finance limitations.

Blood said Nebraska has passed 11 previous resolutions for a convention of states, with the oldest dating to 1893. The newest was passed in 2010, when the Legislature reaffirmed a 1976 call for a constitutional convention to propose a balanced budget amendment. Gavin Geis of Common Cause Nebraska backed LR 2, saying its unclear how the previous resolutions would affect current efforts to call a convention of states. He said the concern is that they could produce unintended consequences.
Disagreements over leadership style and vision played a role in the departure last week of two of Clarkson Colleges top executives, one of them said Wednesday.

Dr. Louis Burgher, who had been president emeritus of Clarkson, said that at 74, he was ready to step down. President Tony Damewood announced his resignation, along with Burghers, in an email Damewood sent to the college last week.

Damewood, who is in his early 50s, has declined to comment.

Burgher said Wednesday that it was a matter of styles of management, differences in vision and general weariness that led to Damewoods departure.

Burghers tenure as Clarksons leader, from 2007 to 2016, was viewed by many as a time of stability for the health care college at 42nd and Dodge Streets.
Investigators are trying to determine whether his shooting is connected to the shooting of a 20-year-old woman at 44th Street and Ellison Avenue around the same time.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Omaha Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP , at www.omahacrimestoppers.org or on the P3 Tips mobile app. Tips leading to the arrest of a homicide suspect are eligible for a reward of $25,000.  Kevin Cole

DEA investigates Omaha pain management clinic

Investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration were collecting evidence Wednesday at an Omaha pain management clinic, a DEA spokeswoman said.

Spokeswoman Emily Murray confirmed that investigators were at the Medical Pain Relief Clinic, 13911 Gold Circle Drive. Murray said she could not comment on an active investigation.

According to the clinics website, the business is owned by Dr. Jeffrey L. Edwards. No one answered the clinics phone Wednesday afternoon, and a message seeking comment was not immediately returned.
Drawing on a wealth of archival material, early chapters profile Omahas first German brew masters  men with familiar names like Krug, Metz, Storz and Jetter  whose successes and failures were regularly documented in the pages of the newspaper. Early histories of the city named brewing as one of Omahas characteristic industries.

The brewery interests of Omaha are very extensive, not only because of the importance of the city as a distributing point, but because the community is a liberal one and recognizes the fact that no man has a right to chain his neighbors appetite with legislation, much less his feelings, declared one 1884 business publication.

But when Prohibition swept the country, the wealthy brewers were left to find their place in a country that had outlawed their product. Most never recovered.

Through the Roaring 20s, the Great Depression, World War II and the postwar era, the beer industry came to be dominated by a handful of national powerhouse brands, and low-calorie light lagers became the standard.

But home-brewing hobbyists eventually sparked a taste for variety, and for the last three decades, small, independent breweries have been popping up in cities large and small, working their way into Americas heartland.
For his final play at Creighton University, theater professor Alan Klem is telling a story you might not know.

Klem, who is retiring at the end of the school year, is directing Kindertransport, a 1993 play by Diane Samuels about a woman whose Jewish parents sent her to a foster family in Great Britain so she could escape the coming Holocaust. In the play, the woman is trying to make sense of it as an adult with a British-born daughter. The play starts Wednesday and runs through Saturday in the Studio Theatre at the Lied Center for Performing Arts on the CU campus.

Its based on a true story: More than 10,000 children were saved in the Kindertransport effort.

Were all really excited about this play, Klem said. Its a unique play in how its staged, an interesting story that many people might not be aware of, an intriguing bit of history.

Eva (Allexys Johnson) bonds with her British family after a rough start, eventually becomes a British citizen and leaves Judaism behind. When her daughter Faith (Kathleen Watz) finds letters about her mothers past, she compels her mother to share her story.
Offaly has been allocated 278,871 in the latest announcement of funding under the Local Improvement Scheme aimed at upgrading non-public rural roads to improve access.

Offaly received the largest award of any of the midland counties with Westmeath receiving 256,433 and Laois and Longford receiving 250,000 each.

The funding was announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD as part of a 10 million nationwide investment into similar routes.

This will support the continued improvement of non-public rural roads that enable people to access their homes and farms. Minister Ring has now allocated over 47 million to Local Authorities under the LIS since he re-introduced the scheme in September 2017.

Minister Ring has also announced that the 2019 LIS will include a cap of 1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost of repairs to their road.

Minister Ring said: This scheme continues to be a lifeline for people living in rural areas because it directly improves their access to and from their homes and farms. It is important to remember that many people living in rural areas use these roads every day, so when these roads fall into disrepair, it has a significant impact on them. By investing in the improvement of these roads we are helping to improve peoples quality of life in rural areas."

The upkeep of these roads is a priority for people who live in rural Ireland and this funding, in conjunction with the local communitys own resources and the resources of the Local Authorities, will allow for the maintenance and improvement of many local roads in rural areas.

Speaking in relation to the cap on contributions from individuals, the Minister said: I am conscious of the high cost of repairing some of the more remote rural roads and the impact this can have on the contribution which people living and farming along those roads can be asked to make. As part of the scheme in 2019, I am placing a cap of 1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost of repairs."

This small but important change to the scheme will, I believe, benefit many individuals and will facilitate the improvement of some of the more remote and sparsely populated roads in rural parts of the country.

The Minister continued: The scheme, since I reintroduced it in 2017, has been a great success and I continue to receive an unprecedented amount of positive feedback in relation to it. There was no dedicated funding for the LIS for a number of years, so there is significant built-up demand for investment in these roads which I am committed to meeting."

Local Authorities are still completing projects approved under the last round of funding in October 2018, and I am now announcing additional funding for the scheme in 2019.

Once local authorities have certified completion of projects approved under the October 2018 announcement, 50% of this funding will be made available.

The balance will be made available at a later stage, following completion of this next phase of projects.

The Minister concluded: I cannot overstate how important local connectivity is in order to enable rural Ireland to function well. The Action Plan for Rural Development prioritises the improvement of rural infrastructure and connectivity and continuing to support and develop an LIS scheme is just one of the measures we are taking in that regard."
The Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, which includes Tullamore Hospital, has told people to avoid A&E departments unless absolutely essential during the ongoing nurses' strike action.

Nurses and midwives who are members of the INMO working across the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group have commenced strike action from 8am today, Thursday, February 7, their third day of action in recent weeks.

"The strike will end at 8am on Friday, February 8. This means many of our services will not be available today," a statement from the DMHG said.

"If you have an appointment or procedure that is cancelled, we will contact you directly to reschedule."

"While Emergency Departments remain open during the INMO Strike action this is with reduced staffing levels."

"The Emergency Departments across the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group are very busy and have a high number of patients waiting for beds and patients are experiencing extended waits. The Hospital Group is reminding members of the public to consider their care options before presenting to the ED."

"We advise that the public only attend our emergency services if absolutely essential. If you are unwell, please go to your GP or pharmacy in the first instance. However, if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried your life is at risk the ED will assess and treat you as a priority," the statement continued.

"We apologise to any patients who are experiencing long waits, while we prioritise the sickest patients."
Following the launch of the Midland Regional Enterprise Plan to 2020 this week, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, travelled to Birr Castle to visit I-LOFAR and the STREAM Creative Suite Project.

One of the Regional Strategic Objectives in the new Midland Regional Enterprise Plan is to establish the STREAM Creative Suite in Birr Technology Centre. This project seeks to maximise the economic opportunities for the Midland Region from the I-LOFAR telescope.

Offaly Innovation & Design Centre CLG in partnership with Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Offaly, Offaly County Council and I-LOFAR has been awarded 458,240 from the Enterprise Ireland Regional Development Fund to establish STREAM Creative Suite in Birr Technology Centre.

Professor Peter Gallagher, Manager of the I-LOFAR Consortium briefed the Minister and guests on I-LOFAR telescope. I-LOFAR is the Irish Station in a European wide network of state-of-the-art radio telescopes. These telescopes use multiple antennas to measure radio waves. With the data of thousands of antennas together, now including the Irish antennas, powerful computers

create a virtual dish with a diameter of over 2,000 kilometres across Europe.

The telescope is used to study celestial objects such as our sun, black holes and magnetic fields. There are 52 LOFAR Stations across Europe, generating 3 Gbps per station, over 150 Gigabits per second, more than 6 Petabytes per year. I-LOFAR in Birr is the primary (currently only) access to the biggest source of Big Data.

In addition to the benefits of having a cutting-edge science project in Offaly, having the I-LOFAR telescope in Birr opens up new possibilities for research, jobs, tourism and science education.

Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise in LEO Offaly explained that STREAM Creative Suite will be a natural extension to the I-LOFAR Project. It will bring together researchers and practitioners in areas such as the visual arts, multi-media, technology and astronomy, who share a common interest in Big Data. STREAM Creative Suite through its association with I-LOFAR, provides unique opportunities to be the regional/national hub for big data; research hub for the I-LOFAR Consortium and international LOFAR partners; a collaborative regional hub for industry-led training in data analytics; regional hub for research and industry collaboration.

STREAM Creative Suite will provide a central location and space, where research and education meets business. This data can be utilised for training purposes and for proving algorithms for many sectors. Professors and researchers of universities affiliated with the international LOFAR network together with Software Developers and Data Analysts from companies operating within or in cooperation with companies based in the Midland Region will have the opportunity to use the STREAM Creative Suite  either through regular hot desk usage or through the establishment of a base there.

Connecting STREAM Creative Suite with Athlone IT and IMR in Mullingar and back through The Junction Business Innovation Centre in Tullamore will create a new and dynamic hub for research and economic development in the Midlands. It will harness cutting edge research, advance manufacturing, industry-led training initiatives, enterprising start-ups and FDI clusters in

Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore.

Minister Heather Humphreys spoke of her delight to be here in Birr Castle to see first-hand the work of I-LOFAR and the future plans for STREAM Creative Suite.

Minister Humphreys also commented: I am also pleased that the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan that I launched earlier this week will work in support of the STREAM initiative and that all regional stakeholders are on-board and signed up. The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan sets out a number of key strategic areas where regional stakeholders working together will provide a

basis for future enterprise development and job creation that is sustainable in the longer term."

The work on show here today and the plans for the future are very impressive and it is great see to the Midlands at the cutting edge of research into big data, science and technology."

Through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, my Department is backing this project which will build on the benefits of collaboration and the synergies that can be generated from people sharing ideas, experience and innovation.

Offaly County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr. Danny Owens thanked Minister Humphreys and guests for taking the time to visit and he acknowledged the collaborative efforts those who made the successful application: Offaly County Councils Chief Executive, Ms. Anna Marie Delaney; Head of Enterprise/Offaly Innovation & Design Centre CLG, Ms. Orla Martin; Prof. Peter Gallagher, I-

LOFAR Consortium and Mr. Joe Hogan, Founder of Openet.
The US unit of China Railway Rolling Stock Corp, maker of transit rail cars, is paying Mercury Public Affairs $25K a month to land a contract for the New York subway system.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Jan. 2018 announced plans to spend $4B to order more than a thousand subway cars to upgrade the aging system.

Japans Kawasaki got a contract for the first batch of cars set for delivery in 2020. No American company makes transit rail cars.

CRRC has aggressively bid on contracts throughout the US, winning four (Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Los Angeles) of the five contracts by offering rock-bottom prices.

It is a top contender to win a more than $1B contract for 800 cars for the Washington Metro.

The success of the Chinese state-owned company has drawn the attention of federal lawmakers, intelligence and defense officials who worry that CRRC-made cars could carry equipment for electronic spying or causing a crash.

DC area Senators Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen sent a letter to DC Metro earlier this month, recommending that it gets clearance from the Pentagon and Depts. of Homeland Security and Transportation before awarding CRRC a contract.

The Washington Post reported Jan. 8 that the Metro added a cybersecurity safeguard provision in the contract that it plans to award later this year.

Mercurys pact is with CRRC MA Corp, which is based in Quincy, MA, and calls for strategic consulting and management services such as arranging/attending meetings and providing logistical support during visits to New York.

Omnicom owns Mercury.


Austin Taczli

Hill+Knowlton Strategies has hired Austin Taczli as H+K U.S. director. Taczli comes to H+K from Outcast, where as an account director she supported the agencys Amazon devices business, working on Alexa, Fire TV and Kindle. Her agency experience also includes stints at Grayling, Ogilvy Public Relations, and MWW. Clients she has worked with include Sony, Nike, LG and Samsung. At H+K, Taczli will be the client lead for the Ford Smart Mobility work in the U.S., driving global agency coordination with her counterparts in Europe and Asia, and supporting the new client team in North America.



Laura Burns

BoardroomPR has promoted Laura Burns to VP. Burns was previously an account director with the firm. Prior to joining BoardroomPR, Burns was an executive producer at WPLG/Channel 10 News, the ABC News affiliate in Miami. She specializes in media relations and crisis communications, and works with clients in a variety of industries including real estate, technology and education. Burns also plays a large leadership role in Boardrooms South Florida and Orlando offices.



Emily Tetto

Acceleration Partners has promoted Emily Tetto to VP of talent and culture. Tetto has been with Acceleration since 2012, most recently as senior director, talent and culture. Before coming to the firm, she was an event marketing manager with Reebok, and a marketing & event design manager at PBD Events. She oversees the culture of Acceleration Partners, as well as talent acquisition, professional development and training. In her new role, she will continue working on APs global expansion initiatives, with a focus on ensuring that the firms culture remains consistent internationally.



Andrew Patterson

Greenfly, a community collaboration platform for creating and sharing social media content, has hired Andrew Patterson as VP of partnerships and strategy. Patterson joins Greenfly from MLB Advanced Media, where he was senior director of new media and business development. His duties included leading the growth of baseballs social media capabilities and building strategic relationships with new media platforms. Before coming to MLB Advanced Media, he was a senior analyst at Digitas. Greenfly was co-founded by Shawn Green, a two-time MLB All-Star who played for the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, and Daniel Kirschner, a senior digital media executive and a former senior advisor on internet policy at the Federal Communications Commission.
An escaped Chambers County inmate was recaptured Thursday nearly two weeks after his escape.

Thomas Jack Hart, 29, of Lanett, was arrested in Columbus, Georgia, by agents of the U.S. Marshals' Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, according to a release from the Chambers County Sheriffs Office.

Hart will remain in the custody of Muscogee County to face pending charges.

He will then be extradited back to Chambers County, where warrants were obtained charging him with third-degree escape and second-degree kidnapping in addition to felony theft charges prior to the escape, police said.

U.S. Marshals Service, the Columbus Police Department and the Muscogee County Sheriffs Office assisted in the capturing of the fugitive.

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Latest News Broker group urges compliance-weary advisers to look for support I hear a lot of advisers feeling nervous about how its all going to go

Government announces criteria for $1 billion house development funding Minister clarifies why government did not give councils money directly

The Royal Commission final report released this week detailed a number of recommendations for mortgage brokers across the Tasman, the most noteworthy being Haynes encouragement to replace trail commissions with flat fees paid by the borrower.

Brokers in Australia have since vehemently slammed the proposal, saying it would send Australia back to the dark ages where banks held all the power, and would effectively destroy the majority of small mortgage businesses. When it comes to New Zealand, advisers have expressed hope that the industry here will be judged independently of the issues raised across the Tasman, citing the recent Bank Incentives Review as reason for optimism in its own mortgage broking sector.

I personally hope that the industry in New Zealand makes decisions for the benefit of New Zealanders, and has the courage to look at its own environment on its own merit, The Mortgage Supply Co director David Windler told NZ Adviser. Weve got to recognise that we are potentially already more advanced than the Australian market with respect to regulatory and credit change  we havent been assessing clients ability to borrow through formulaic processes for some time now, and were about to enter a new regulatory environment which will tighten up our requirements to put the customer first.

The last time I looked, we werent a state of Australia. Were not a poor cousin whose market isnt developed enough to be measured on its own two feet.

Windler says that making borrowers pay for mortgage adviser services would also have a negative impact on the countrys financial literacy, and that the incoming FSLAB regime should provide enough certainty and transparency over any misgivings the regulators or consumers have around issues of conduct. Nonetheless, he says that any impact might come in the form of trail commissions being replaced by upfront lender fees  though notes that neither of the regulators nor Minister Faafoi have commented on the findings so far.

The FMA and Reserve Bank have done a thorough review of our banking sector, and part of that process was to look at third party involvement, Windler said. The report that came out of that wasnt critical of our industry, and if there were endemic problems within it, the regulators would already have commented on that. Based on that, youd hope that they found out that our industry is in good shape.

Craig Pope, director of Pope & Co Mortgages, acknowledges that issues in Australia inevitably impact New Zealand in some form, however says that the commission model is currently the most efficient way for banks to generate business through advisers, and for advisers to continue offering advice to clients when needed.

Anything that happens in Australia is going to affect us in some way, Pope said. The regulators might leave upfront commissions and ban trail commissions, but good mortgage businesses use that trail commission to be able to spend time and money providing clients with ongoing advice. If that change does happen, itll be interesting to see whether the banks here will get pressured into doing the same by their Australian parents. Right now, its a bit of a wait and see in terms of how it will play out.

But I dont think borrowers are going to start paying fees for a broker service after its been a free offering all this time, Pope continued.

If they were to ban commissions completely, I dont think there would be a real broking industry. There may still be some people who would be willing to pay for a broker service because their situation is complex, but the industry would experience a very significant downturn.

Pope says that New Zealand banks also tend to be more aggressive in competing against brokers for business, whereas Australian banks tend to be happy to let their brokers do the majority of the work. However, he says commissions are also a cost effective way for banks to get their loans out there, since they only pay trails when a broker introduces business to them.

Because of that, I doubt the regulators will be rushing to mirror anything that happens in Australia, Pope said. If they banned broker commissions here, it would pretty much decimate the industry. People in Australia wont be getting the advice they need, and the bigger banks will be eating all the business  so I dont see it as being in the best interest of consumers at all.

I think we can acknowledge that these things are happening in Australia, but it doesnt mean that we have to change what were doing here because of something thats happening in a completely different country, David Windler concluded.

Hopefully mortgage advisers in New Zealand can simply take a moment to ensure theyre doing the right thing, and check that their processes are robust. If that happens, then we should be fine.
CAIRO  The top United Nations relief official said Thursday that grain to feed 3.7 million Yemenis is stranded and possibly rotting in warehouses in the front-line port city of Hudaydah, while nearly 10 million Yemenis verge on famine.

The fate of the grain supply has become a symbol of faltering international efforts to implement a limited truce in Hudaydah between Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition, which was signed in December.

Distribution of the grain is a matter of life-or-death urgency for suffering Yemenis, in a war that began nearly four years ago and has become what the United Nations has called the worlds worst man-made humanitarian crisis.

Two out of three Yemenis do not know where their next meal will come from.

Mark Lowcock, the United Nations relief coordinator, said in a statement that the Houthis had refused permission to United Nations officials to reach the Red Sea Mills, where the World Food Program, the organizations anti-hunger agency, has 51,000 tons of wheat in storage. That is a quarter of the agencys stock in Yemen.
LONDON  Britain has canceled horse races at least until the middle of next week after three horses tested positive for equine influenza.

The British Horseracing Authority announced the decision on Thursday as races already had been halted for a day.

The disease can take up to three days before symptoms are visible, meaning it will take until Sunday at the earliest before the B.H.A. can gather all the information required, the authority said in a statement.

More than 100 racing yards were on lockdown on Thursday as the authorities carried out health checks, The Racing Post, a specialist publication, wrote on Twitter. Horses on these yards competed at racecourses in Ayr, Ludlow and Wolverhampton this week.
LONDON  With even Silicon Valley worrying about the effect of technology exposure on young people, Britains top doctors on Thursday issued advice to families about social media and screen use. Their prescriptions: Leave phones outside the bedroom. Screen-free meals are a good idea. When in doubt, dont upload. And get more exercise.

Technology can be a wonderful thing, Britains chief medical officers, who hold advisory positions similar to that of the surgeon general in America, wrote in a document published on Thursday. But too much time sitting down or using mobile devices can get in the way of important, healthy activities, they said.

The medical officers declined to set age and time limits, saying that there was not enough evidence to do so. The American Academy of Pediatrics gave more specific guidelines in 2016, urging parents to keep infants under 18 months away from screens and to restrict the time young children spend using media.

Reports from Silicon Valley last year suggested that even people at the cutting edge of digital technology worried about their own childrens exposure to screens. Some families there have hired nannies to keep their children offline.
A decades-long dispute involving the house where Hitler was born took a new turn on Thursday, as a court in Austria ordered the countrys government to pay the former owner of the building the equivalent of $1.7 million.

The Austrian government sought for decades to take over the three-story property in the medieval town of Braunau am Inn, to ensure that it did not fall into the hands of someone seeking to glorify its dark history. It used a compulsory purchase order in 2016 to buy the property for 310,000 euros, or $350,000 at current exchange rates, according to Deutsche Welle  a bargain price for a historic property of its size.

Unfairly so, ruled the district court in Ried im Innkreis, a town in northern Austria, on Thursday. It ordered the government to pay Gerlinde Pommer, a descendant of the original owners, 1.5 million, precisely the amount she had sought after having the property appraised.

The state has the right to appeal, but it was not clear if it would. Neither the Interior Ministry nor Gerhard Lebitsch, Ms. Pommers lawyer, responded to requests for comment.
PARIS  It has happened rarely between European Union allies, and not between France and Italy since World War II. But on Thursday, after months of barbed commentary from Italian leaders, the French government said it had had enough: It recalled its ambassador from Rome.

This is without precedent since 1940, when Mussolini declared war, said Marc Lazar, a specialist in Franco-Italian relations who teaches at universities in Paris and Rome. This is very, very harsh. Theres never been anything comparable.

The protest not only demonstrated the breakdown of relations between France and Italy, founding members of the European Union. It also reflected the mounting strains at Europes core brought on by populists seeking to denigrate the bloc and forge anti-European alliances across borders, a clash that may play out even more bitterly in European Parliament elections in May.

But now that the populists run the Italian government, Europes divided politics have been elevated to the level of diplomatic rancor.
Mr. Juncker, who believes that the backstop is actually favorable to Britain, is apparently offering commitments to finish a future relationship in good time so that the backstop is never needed. He has previously talked of wording to make it clear that Brussels dislikes the backstop, too, and would endeavor to ensure that if triggered, it would not last long.

Margaritis Schinas, Mr. Junckers spokesman, said that Mrs. May had raised various options for getting around the backstop arrangement, but he provided no details. European Union negotiators have said that they can work to have most customs checks in ships and factories, not on the border itself, but that no technical fix was currently available to remove the need for the backstop.

Analysts scoffed at the notion that Mrs. May could present some new, paradigm-shifting proposal that might propel the negotiations forward.

Theresa May has said she is looking for new ideas, but doing so 50 days before the deadline when you have had almost 1,000 days to negotiate is not credible, said Simon Fraser, former head of Britains foreign office, now managing partner at Flint Global, a consultancy.

Most European officials believe that the risks of leaving without ratifying a withdrawal agreement  known as no-deal Brexit  are higher for Britain than for continental Europe and that if Mrs. May were to pursue that course, Parliament would step in, seize control of the process and seek to postpone the exit date. So they have every incentive to let things play out in London first before making their move.

I dont think they will give her anything until they know clearly what her proposal is, Mr. Fraser said. They will want to give once and they will only want to give when it is clear that it is going to solve the problem, and none of those three conditions are so far satisfied.

Certainly there was little sign of movement on Wednesday, when both Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, and Leo Varadkar, the Irish prime minister, restated their commitment to the backstop.
MONTREAL  Canadian diplomats who were posted to Cuba are suing their government, claiming that it failed to protect them and to respond robustly to a mysterious illness they acquired while stationed in Cuba.

The illness, known as Havana Syndrome, has affected dozens of American and Canadian diplomats posted to Cuba, some of whom have come down with symptoms like memory loss, sleep disturbance and nosebleeds, after saying they heard a strange high-pitched sound.

The suit, which was filed this week in a federal court in Toronto, says the Canadian government has been too slow to respond and did not provide sufficient medical treatment after diplomats and their children were targeted in 2017 by strange debilitating attacks that resulted in brain injuries without any evident physical trauma.

Paul Miller, the lawyer representing the 14 diplomats, spouses and children who are suing, compared the attack that preceded their illnesses to a science fiction horror film.
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TOWNSVILLE, Australia  On the 12th day of rain, Ross and Kate Bennett were among the only residents on their street, where the water had risen so high that at one point, Ms. Bennett couldnt walk into her yard, lest she be swept underwater.

After the record-breaking rains subsided, they looked around: The furniture was soggy. The car was soggy. The dogs, Cuddles and Murphy, were soggy.

In street after street across Townsville, a coastal city in Australias far north, the same story played out in the aftermath of what the authorities called a catastrophe of unprecedented rainfall, which brought flooding, crocodiles into the streets, sewage bubbling up out of toilets and, in one week, more water than the city normally receives in a year.

Over the course of the floods, two people died, 1,000 people were evacuated, 18,000 residents lost power and at least $74 million in insurance claims have been filed. Yet during and immediately after the disaster, many residents rallied to help one another in ways that mental health experts said were critical for peoples ability to recover from disasters and cope with future ones.
MANILA  The Philippines expanded the area of a declared measles outbreak on Thursday from the highly populated capital to nearby regions, after a steady rise in infections and deaths attributed to the disease in recent weeks.

The governments Epidemiology Bureau raised the red flag after an increase in infections in the capital, Manila, as well as the northern and southern ends of Luzon, the island that includes the capital.

The Department of Health said that measles had killed 55 children age 4 or younger at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila since the start of the year.

According to the Epidemiology Bureau, there were 196 cases of measles in metropolitan Manila from Jan. 1 to 19, compared with 20 in the same period last year. The region had 10 times more measles cases in 2018 than the year before.
CARACAS, Venezuela  Opposition leaders in Venezuela hoped the offer would be impossible to refuse: amnesty for military officials in exchange for their political support.

The countrys military had been a bulwark for President Nicolas Maduro even as the country spiraled deeper into an economic and humanitarian crisis. The armed forces have a lot to lose if the oppositions weekslong quest to oust him succeeds: A new government could hold them accountable for well-documented allegations of torture, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions and graft.

Opposition leaders view their effort to entice senior military officials to abandon Mr. Maduro as crucial to their plan to take over the government until new elections can be held. This is not about twisting arms, but rather about extending out our hand, the oppositions leader, Juan Guaido, said during a rally on Jan. 23.

But, some critics say, facilitating a transition to democracy in the short term should not come at the expense of a chance to put perpetrators of serious crimes to justice in the long run. Human rights activists, and Venezuelans who have been victims of abuse, say the amnesty bill at the heart of Mr. Guaidos strategy is immoral and unlawful.
The American government has a particular interest in supporting the battle against Boko Haram, which has factions that take orders from the Islamic State. The United States has for years stood by Cameroon in the fight, providing training and military equipment to the nation, as well as to bordering countries. American officials say they have no indication that Cameroon is using the provided equipment outside the Boko Haram war zone in the north.

The suspended delivery of equipment includes four defender boats, nine armored vehicles, a radar system and an upgrade of a Cessna aircraft belonging to Cameroons special forces unit, the Rapid Intervention Battalion.

Training and spare parts for a Cameroonian C-130 aircraft and training for a helicopter have also been suspended, and the United States has withdrawn an offer for Cameroon to participate in the State Partnership Program, which pairs nations with various United States National Guard units for training.

Cameroonian officials did not return repeated requests for comment.

Last year, the Cameroon government arrested soldiers after a video was circulated showing forces shooting to death two women, an infant strapped to the back of one of the women, and another child. The video most likely was filmed about five years ago in the north, where Boko Haram operates, when violence was spiking there.

Other troubling videos have surfaced showing soldiers deployed to the Boko Haram battlefield committing abuses.

Separately, Cameroons fight against Anglophone separatists, who want to form their own nation called Ambazonia, has produced a stream of allegations of abuses. People living in the English-speaking regions have complained of horrific acts of violence carried out by security forces in a heavy-handed response to a ragtag group of separatists.
RICHMOND, Va.  The political tumult in Virginia widened Thursday as the State Senates top Republican faced an onslaught of questions about racist photographs and slurs in a college yearbook that he helped oversee, transforming the Capitols nearly week-old crisis into a bipartisan reckoning over personal conduct.

The senator, Thomas K. Norment Jr., who is the majority leader, was the managing editor of the 1968 Virginia Military Institute yearbook, which included slurs and images of students in blackface. Mr. Norment called the use of blackface abhorrent while pointing out that he did not take or appear in any of the photographs.

He said he was not surprised that those wanting to engulf Republican leaders in the controversies that have rocked Virginia Democrats would highlight the yearbook from my graduation a half-century ago.

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As Mr. Norment sought to defuse the fresh controversy, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax, a Democrat, faced mounting calls from leading members of his party for an investigation into a womans allegation that he sexually assaulted her in 2004. Several high-profile Democrats, including some 2020 presidential candidates and members of Virginias congressional delegation, said they thought the womans account was credible.
Key West, the sunny city at the southernmost tip of Florida, voted this week to ban the sale of sunscreen containing chemicals believed to harm coral reefs.

The laws supporters see it as a crucial step toward protecting the great treasure of the Florida Keys: the worlds third-largest barrier reef ecosystem, which runs nearly 150 miles, hosts thousands of species of marine life, and attracts divers and snorkelers from around the globe.

The measure, which the City Commission approved Tuesday in a 6-to-1 vote, will ban sales of sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. The legislation will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021.

Our coral has been under attack by a number of stressors, Mayor Teri Johnston said. We just thought if there was one thing we could do, to take one of the stressors away, it was our responsibility to do so.
WASHINGTON  A polarized Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the nomination of William P. Barr to be President Trumps second confirmed attorney general on Thursday, as Republicans and Democrats split over his views on executive authority and the special counsels ongoing Russia investigation.

Mr. Barr will now go before the full Republican-controlled Senate, where he is expected to be confirmed and sworn into office as soon as next week. If confirmed, he would promptly assume responsibility for the special counsel investigation led by Robert S. Mueller III into possible ties between Mr. Trump, his associates and Russia, and whether the president obstructed justice.

Mr. Barr will get at least one Democratic vote in the full Senate. Senator Doug Jones, Democrat of Alabama, announced his support on Thursday.

But the committees debate and subsequent 12-10 party-line vote to effectively endorse Mr. Barr to the full Senate revealed how fraught the politics around the Justice Department have become after two years of unrelenting attacks by Mr. Trump.
WASHINGTON  President Trump accused Democrats on Thursday morning of presidential harassment over congressional investigations into his finances, and he mocked Virginia politicians whose jobs are in peril after revelations they appeared in blackface.

Then, the president went to the annual National Prayer Breakfast, where he implored attendees to open up to faith in order to fill our hearts with love. Mr. Trump described America as a nation that believes in redemption.

The split-screen version of Mr. Trump has become a familiar formula, after two years of slash-and-burn tweets in the morning  and sometimes throughout the day  followed by presidential events meant to convey a somber tone.

Thursday offered an unusually stark comparison between Mr. Trumps unvarnished thoughts and his formal schedule, as he seeks to revive his connection to evangelical and conservative voters whose support was crucial to his victory in 2016.
The slavish devotion to shareholders has gotten out of control, he said.

The more aggressive efforts to regulate corporate behavior are among many leftward moves for Democrats on economic issues. They include an embrace of new taxes on the wealthy and a growing consensus that all Americans should at least have the option  if not be forced  to obtain affordable government-run health insurance.

With Mr. Trumps $1.5 trillion tax cut, which took effect last year, already changing corporate behavior, Democrats are looking for ways to prod businesses to share more of the winnings with workers.

The tax cuts delivered windfalls, sometimes in the billions of dollars, to corporations by lowering their income tax rate to 21 percent from a previous high of 35 percent. Administration officials promised that the reduction would fuel investment, economic growth and wage gains, and it did, at least modestly, in the first year.

But one of the most noticeable effects of the law was a surge in buybacks, which neared $800 billion for the 2018 fiscal year for companies in the S&P 500, according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. For 2019, those companies will buy back nearly $900 billion in shares, Goldman projects, which would be nearly a third of all corporate cash spending. That would be up from a quarter in the 2017 fiscal year, renewing progressives desire to increase corporate regulation.

That you can see the Trump tax cuts go straight into buybacks is both startling and offensive, given the levels of inequality that exist and the investments our country needs to be making, said Mike Konczal, a senior fellow at the liberal Roosevelt Institute who has pushed Democrats to take aim at buybacks and pursue other ways to force companies to invest more in workers.
Good Thursday morning. Here are some of the stories making news in Washington and politics today.

_____________________

 Attorney General Mark Herring of Virginia said that while he was an undergraduate student in 1980, he wore blackface at a party, becoming the second statewide official in a week to make such an admission. The revelations sent an already stunned State Capitol reeling.

 The woman who has accused Virginias lieutenant governor, Justin Fairfax, of sexual assault issued a statement describing her 2004 encounter with him, which she said began with kissing but turned into forced oral sex.

 As Beto ORourke weighs a run for president, his rambling youth as a punk rocker and live-in nanny in New York City offers parallels to his search for direction now. (Hes even been keeping a journal.)
There were 15 of them. Most arrived in the dead of night, laid their trap and waited for the target to arrive. That target was Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi critic of his countrys government and its young crown prince. Since his killing in Istanbul, Turkish media has released a steady drip feed of evidence implicating Saudi officials. Weeks of investigation by The Times builds on that evidence and reconstructs what unfolded, hour-by-hour. Our timeline shows the ruthless efficiency of a hit team of experts that seemed specially chosen from Saudi government ministries. Some had links to the crown prince himself. After a series of shifting explanations, Saudi Arabia now denies that this brazen hit job was premeditated. But this reconstruction of the killing, and the botched cover-up, calls their story into serious question. Its Friday morning, Sept. 28. Khashoggi and his fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, are at the local marriage office in Istanbul. In order to marry, hes told that he needs Saudi paperwork and goes straight to the consulate to arrange it. They tell him to return in a week. It all seems routine, but its not. Inside theres a Saudi spy, Ahmed al-Muzaini, whos working under diplomatic cover. That very day, he flies off to Riyadh and helps concoct a plan to intercept Khashoggi when he returns to the consulate. Fast-forward to Monday night into Tuesday morning. Saudi agents converge in Istanbul aboard separate flights. Muzaini, the spy, flies back from Riyadh. A commercial flight carries a three-man team that we believe flew from Cairo. Two of the men are security officers and theyve previously traveled with the crown prince. A private jet flying from Riyadh lands around 3:30 a.m. That plane is often used by the Saudi government, and its carrying nine Saudi officials, some who played key roles in Khashoggis death. Well get to Team 3 later on, and for now focus on these men from Team 2. This is Salah al-Tubaigy, a high-ranking forensics and autopsy expert in the Saudi interior ministry. Turkish officials will later say his role was to dismember Khashoggis body. Another is Mustafa al-Madani, a 57-year-old engineer. As well see, its no accident that he looks like Khashoggi. And this is Maher Mutreb, the leader of the operation. Our investigation into his past reveals a direct link between Mutreb and the Saudi crown prince. When bin Salman toured a Houston neighborhood earlier this year, we discovered that Mutreb was with him, a glowering figure in the background. We found him again in Boston, at a U.N. meeting in New York, in Madrid and Paris, too. This global tour was all part of a charm offensive by the prince to paint himself as a moderate reformer. Back then, Mutreb was in the royal guard. Now, he would orchestrate Khashoggis killing. And his close ties to the crown prince beg the question, just how high up the Saudi chain of command did the plot to kill go? Early Tuesday morning, Khashoggi flies back from a weekend trip to London. He and the Saudis nearly cross paths at the airport. The Saudi teams check into two hotels, which give quick access to the consulate. Khashoggi heads home with his fiancee. Hed just bought an apartment for their new life together. By mid-morning, the Saudis are on the move. Mutreb leaves his hotel three hours before Khashoggi is due at the consulate. The rest of the team isnt far behind. The building is only a few minutes away on foot, and soon, theyre spotted at this entrance. Mutreb arrives first. Next, we see al-Tubaigy, the autopsy expert. And now al-Madani, the lookalike. The stage is almost set. A diplomatic car pulls out of the consulate driveway and switches places with a van, which backs in. Turkish officials say this van would eventually carry away Khashoggis remains. From above, we can see the driveway is covered, hiding any activity around the van from public view. Meanwhile, Khashoggi and his fiancee set out for the consulate, walking hand-in-hand. In their final hour together, they chat about dinner plans and new furniture for their home. At 1:13 p.m., they arrive at the consulate. Khashoggi gives her his cellphones before he enters. He walks into the consulate. Its the last time we see him. Inside, Khashoggi is brought to the consul generals office on the second floor. The hit team is waiting in a nearby room. Sources briefed on the evidence, told us Khashoggi quickly comes under attack. Hes dragged to another room and is killed within minutes. Then al-Tubaigy, the autopsy expert, dismembers his body while listening to music. Maher Mutreb makes a phone call to a superior. He says, Tell your boss, and The deed was done. Outside, the van reportedly carrying Khashoggis body pulls out of the side entrance and drives away. At the same time, the Saudis begin trying to cover their tracks. While Khashoggis fiancee waits here where she left him, two figures leave from the opposite side. One of them is wearing his clothes. Later, the Saudis would claim that this was Khashoggi. But its al-Madani, the engineer, now a body double pretending that the missing journalist left the consulate alive. Yet theres one glaring flaw: The clothes are the same, but hes wearing his own sneakers, the ones he walked in with. Meanwhile, the van thats allegedly carrying Khashoggis body makes the two-minute drive from the consulate to the Saudi consuls residence. Theres several minutes of deliberations but the van eventually pulls into the buildings driveway. Again, its hidden from public view. Its now three hours since Khashoggi was last seen. The body double hails this taxi and continues weaving a false trail through the city. He heads to a popular tourist area and then changes back into his own clothes. Later, we see him joking around in surveillance footage. Over at the airport, more Saudi officials arrive on another flight from Riyadh. They spend just five hours in Istanbul, but were not sure where they go. Now we pick up Maher Mutreb again, exiting from the consuls house. Its time for them to go. Mutreb and others check out of their hotel and move through airport security. Al-Muzaini, the spy, heads to the airport too. But as theyre leaving Istanbul, Khashoggis fiancee is still outside the consulate, pacing in circles. Shell soon raise the alarm that Khashoggi is missing and shell wait for him until midnight. The alarm spreads around the world. Nine days later, the Saudis send another team to Istanbul. They say its to investigate what happened. But among them are a toxicologist and a chemist, who also has ties to the hit team. He and Tubaigy attended a forensics graduation days before Khashoggi was killed. Turkish officials later say that this teams mission was not to investigate, but to cover up the killing. Now the Saudi story has changed, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for several suspects in Khashoggis killing. But that doesnt include Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who many Western government officials are convinced authorized the killing. Khashoggis remains still havent been found.
For years, Cindy McCain has been vocal in the fight against human trafficking. And on a radio show this week in her home state, Arizona, she shared a personal anecdote to show how people can help protect victims.

Ms. McCain, the widow of Senator John McCain, told KTAR News 92.3 FM that she was recently at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix when she saw a scenario that raised a red flag in her mind.

I spotted  it looked odd  it was a woman of a different ethnicity than the child, this little toddler she had, Ms. McCain said in an interview on Monday. Something didnt click with me. I tell people to trust your gut. I went over to the police and told them what I thought. They went over and questioned her and, by God, she was trafficking that kid.

But by midweek, the Phoenix Police Department said no trafficking had occurred  and Ms. McCain had apologized.
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Refusing to change out of her turtleneck on a sweltering day in Pasadena and being captivated by swaying palm trees.

Thats most of what Miriam Tellez Sorrosa remembers about arriving in the United States from Mexico when she was 7.

I had not seen palm trees in my life, she said. I thought they were going to fall.

Ms. Tellez Sorrosa is now 22 and a Dreamer  shes among the roughly 700,000 young immigrants brought into the United States as children, who were shielded from deportation under the Obama-era program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

Shes getting ready to graduate from Cal State University Fullerton, where shes worked extensively with other undocumented students through the schools Titan Dreamers Resource Center.
REIMS, France  Many European theatergoers associate this French city with the working-class alienation and growing nationalism depicted in Thomas Ostermeiers production of Returning to Reims, which became an international hit after its Berlin premiere in 2017. Yet a young festival in Reims is working to paint a different picture, by welcoming productions from around the Continent.

Reims Scenes dEurope, an ambitious multidisciplinary event founded in 2009 by the theater director Ludovic Lagarde, looks outward, not inward. Jointly managed by seven local venues, it was designed as a showcase for contemporary creation from around Europe. This years edition, the 10th, focused on emerging artists from Spain.

The productions were only a small sample of what Spanish theater has to offer, but some themes cropped up time and again. Creative duos and collectives outnumbered individual directors, a trend also seen in France in recent years. Religion  historically a major source of artistic inspiration in Spain, a deeply Roman Catholic country  and sexuality were ubiquitous topics, with violence often lurking beneath the surface.

The artists appearing in Reims also shared a tangible thirst for social change, especially when it comes to gender equality. Most striking in that regard was Rebota Rebota y en Tu Cara Explota (It Bounces It Bounces and Then Explodes in Your Face), directed by Agnes Mateus and Quim Tarrida and performed at the Comedie de Reims.
At Earrings Plaza that shopping yielded three pairs of tasseled earrings, some 80s-style triangle numbers, restrained rhinestone clip-ons (I mean, I dont want to say church lady) and a bling-y peace sign pin. Somehow it came to $50. Mr. Blanco kept the receipt.

Born in Albuquerque to a single mother, Theresa Blanco, he had a close relationship with her mother, Stella Blanco, an artisan who designed lampshades. I grew up playing with fabric and fringe and electrical wire, a lot of the things I now deal with on a daily basis, he said.

He earned a dual degree in oboe and history at Oberlin Colleges conservatory program. While studying abroad in 2004, he saw an exhibit at Londons Victoria and Albert Museum called Black British Style. It was the first time that Id ever thought about the stories that clothing can tell, he said.

In graduate school at Brown University, he worked toward a masters degree in public humanities, exploring he said, the black experience through clothing. He figured hed eventually look for work in a museum, but in his last semester he stumbled into a set design class. On his second try, and now focusing on costumes, he got into Yale School of Drama.

The director Lileana Blain-Cruz met him there. They worked together on Branden Jacobs-Jenkinss War, and Ms. Blain-Cruz was immediately struck by how he dealt with contemporary clothes in a heightened way, she said. He thinks about color and palette like a visual artist does.

A few years later, during an Off Broadway run of The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World, he would tell her that the character Queen Hatshepsut absolutely needed watermelon fingernail polish. And I was like, Yes. Yes, she does. 

Mr. Blancos job, as he sees it, is to figure out how best to tell the story and how to make it beautiful. After reading a script, hell begin to visualize a character, often with just a single garment or accessory, like the blue-green motorcycle jacket for Eddie Van Halen in the Atlantic Theater Companys current production of Eddie and Dave.
Its not enough that young Gibson should fall in forbidden love with Lichtenburgs Princess Maria, wittily played by Lauren Worsham as a demented Dresden doll; Adams herself must also fall at first glance for Cosmo Constantine, the handsome foreign minister. Out of excess pride and nobility, he rejects her offer of $100 million to solve the duchys problems: We are waiting for your country to offer the world something more than money. But he does not reject her affection.

This leads to some lovely singing, as Ms. Cusack and her Cosmo, Ben Davis, dig into pleasantly second-drawer Berlin numbers like Something to Dance About, Marrying for Love and The Best Thing for You. Ms. Cusack, who seemed as if she might be under the weather on Wednesday, could not quite pull off the necessary big notes but was lovely to listen to everywhere else; Mr. Davis is a dream. Still, the songs mostly backfire dramatically by forcing us to sympathize with characters, especially Adams, whom the book otherwise wishes us to treat as objects of surprisingly coarse satire. The form and the content are hopelessly uncoupled.

It is telling, regarding both Berlin in 1950 and the production today, that the secondary characters, basically free from any hope of serving the plot, come off best. Between them, Mr. Gotay and Ms. Worsham get the evergreen duet Its a Lovely Day Today as well as a charming rarity (Once Upon a Time, Today) and a hilariously bizarre local color ensemble, The Ocarina. The choreographer, Denis Jones, has staged this bit of period nonsense as if from the inside of a cuckoo clock.

But the only time the score really breaks through the fog of mildness is when Mr. Gotay and Ms. Cusack sing the contrapuntal duet Berlin wrote quickly during the shows out-of-town tryout: Youre Just in Love. For a wonderful moment as the melodies intertwine, you feel in Ms. Hushions otherwise laborious production what it must have been like when big, peculiar, unsanded personalities elevated stories instead of merely serving them.

You also feel, with some emotion, that Berlin understood the difference. He wasnt a musical dramatist but a songwriter, and by 1950 he saw which way the wind was blowing. At a few key moments in Call Me Madam, he interpolates the melody of God Bless America, which hed written more than 30 years earlier. It comes off as both a winking self-tribute and an eyes-wide-open eulogy to a world and a style he would long outlive.
In a direct challenge to Facebooks business model, Germanys competition authority on Thursday sharply curtailed how the tech giant may profile people, saying that users could refuse to allow the company to combine their Facebook information with data about their activities on other sites.

The agency, in a novel antitrust argument, said that the company had exploited its dominant position in the German market by coercing people into giving up their personal data. The social networks terms of service, regulators said, had unfairly forced people to make an all-or-nothing choice  between submitting to unlimited data collection by the company or not using Facebook at all.

The practice has enabled the Silicon Valley company to collect data about its users activities on millions of non-Facebook sites, personal details that helped make the social network a worldwide powerhouse of personalized advertising.

But German regulators ruled that Facebook would now have to stop automatically collecting and combining that data and instead give German users a choice. They also prohibited the company from merging information from Facebook accounts with data from the users accounts on other Facebook-owned services, like Instagram and WhatsApp, without permission.
SHENZHEN  Facebooks apps and websites have been blocked in China for years. The company has no office in the country that supports its social networking services. And its attempts to open a subsidiary have been quickly snuffed out.

But here in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, Facebook has managed to quietly build a presence with the help of a local partner.

In Shenzhens Futian district, on the ninth floor of a concrete tower, there is an open-air sales floor that works as a sort of corporate embassy for the social network. The 5,000-square-foot space is run by the local partner, called Meet Social, but has been designed with Facebooks guidance. It functions as an experience center for the Silicon Valley giant  the only one of its type in the world.

Its smallish size belies a crucial, and often overlooked, part of Facebooks business. The center  which looks as if it fell out of Silicon Valley, with stenciled paintings of chat boxes on the walls, a lit-up heart icon and a pristine billiards table  hosts prospective clients and curious customers who wish to advertise on Facebook to reach the networks 2.3 billion users, most of whom live outside China.
I also wanted to be honest about my feelings without hurting his. He seemed unfazed when I suggested it may be awkward to appear as Eddie and Sally Obermueller and morph into a singular identity that looked like neither of us.

Eddie responded just as casually: What about our kids?

Good question.

We both remembered being children and grappling with our cultural identities.

Starting in my youth, I went exclusively by Sally as my American name . Its a change many Asian immigrants make in order to assimilate to their new worlds. Having a Western name was a kind of status symbol in the ethnic enclave of Southern California where I grew up, where the prosperous and so-called model minorities aimed to set themselves apart.

A cascade of embarrassment would overcome me any time my real first name, Phuong, was discovered. The start and end of the school year served as the bookends to my self-consciousness.

My heart pounded as I spoke up at roll call on the first day of school to ask my teachers to call me Sally. And I would quickly and quietly cross out my legal name in yearbooks when the last day of school came near, replacing it with Sally and hoping those who flipped past the page wouldnt notice.

And my last name was no cakewalk either. I was a girl taunted for being a Ho.

I couldnt wait to shed for good the stupid jokes involving Santa Claus and prostitutes, comforting myself with the idea that I had a married name to look forward to. It was a Western tradition I was excited for, even though its not the norm in Asian cultures like mine.
Certainly the patient never knew where the hip pain came from, or why its left leg stopped working. The diagnosis arrived only 240 million years later, when a femur turned up in an ancient lake bed in Germany, one side marred by a malignant bone tumor.

Cancer seldom appears in the fossil record, and its history among vertebrates is poorly understood. On Thursday , a team of researchers writing in JAMA Oncology have described the femur as the oldest known case of cancer in an amniote, the group that includes reptiles, birds and mammals.

Modern cancers are often diagnosed through soft-tissue examinations or biopsies, but that is a difficult prospect for cancer-hunters working with cold, hard fossils. Instead, it takes luck.

When it comes to our understanding of cancer in the past, were really just at the beginning, said Michaela Binder, a bioarchaeologist at the Austrian Archaeological Institute whos researched cancer in ancient humans. Its not like people say, Oh, I want to go study cancer in ancient turtles or in fossil mammoths, because we have so little evidence.
Cuviers beaked whales are among the most mysterious and adept mammals on Earth.

They can dive deeper and hold their breath longer than any other marine mammal. But biologists still know very little about them, because they only surface for a few minutes between most dives, taxing the patience of whale experts, as well as the ability of electronic tags to upload information, before the whales plunge again into the depths.

When youre looking for an animal that can hold its breath for the duration of a feature-length movie, its a matter of odds and time on the water, says Greg Schorr, a researcher with the nonprofit conservation and tag development company, Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research.

A new study, published Wednesday in Royal Society Open Science, is the first to look at a population of these whales that lives off Cape Hatteras, N.C. Researchers tagged 11 Cuviers beaked whales for an average of a month, tracking the length and depths of their dives.

The whales dove almost continuously. They took deep dives of about a mile, swimming a half-hour down and the same back up. These were followed by several shallower dives of about 918 feet  nearly two-tenths of a mile  lasting from 15 to 20 minutes, the study found. (The deepest scuba dive on record was 1090 feet in 2014.) The whales would spend an average of just over two minutes at the surface, before plunging again.
The groups most dashing figure sat front row center, wearing a stylish white homburg and gripping a walking stick. Improbably, it was Adolph Zukor, the legendary founder of Paramount Pictures, who happened to be the uncle of Ms. Fishers grandmother Olga. He had left Ricse for America in 1889 as a teenager, prospered in the fur business and  along with other Jewish garment manufacturers and cigar makers like Louis B. Mayer, Samuel Goldwyn, Marcus Loew and the Warner Brothers  realized that there was money to be made in the novelty film clips being shown in penny arcade peep shows and nickelodeons. Those immigrants built what we today call Hollywood.

By 1927, Paramount Pictures had nurtured such internationally famous stars of the Silent Era as Rudolph Valentino, Gloria Swanson and Mary Pickford, so the photograph was taken when Mr. Zukor was making a triumphant return to his hometown. The entire village of 2,000 inhabitants turned out to see the local boy who made it big, though he took some private time to visit the synagogue and pause at his parents graves.

Seventeen years later, almost everyone in the photograph, except for Mr. Zukor  Ms. Fishers ancestors and their Jewish neighbors  would be taken away by cattle cars to Auschwitz. Most of them would be murdered there. Ms. Fishers own father, Oscar Fisher, was 15 when he and two older brothers were deported. He survived because he was assigned to work in an Auschwitz hospital, where he had enough food and warmth to endure the bitterly cold winter of 1944-45. He was able to sneak food to his brothers, Nuchem and Mordcha. Nuchem survived. Mordcha was killed three days before liberation.

Ms. Fisher, an occupational therapist in a Manhattan public school visited Ricse in the early 1980s with her father, who lost 30 relatives in the Holocaust. A statue of a shepherd that Mr. Zukor had commissioned, which bore his name, was still standing in the village, she said. It was next to an artesian well that Mr. Zukor paid to have dug to provide easily accessible water for the town. But the village that once had 200 Jews no longer had any.

I see the faces in the photograph and I feel a hole in my heart that Ill never know those people, Ms. Fisher said.
Its Grammy time, and as always, watching the awards ceremony on Sunday will include a subtext of cross-generational carping: They dont make music the way they used to, the boomers and Gen Xers will mutter. And theyll be right. Music today, at least most of it, is fundamentally different from what it was in the days of yore  the 1970s and 80s.

Last year, the industry celebrated a sales milestone. The Recording Industry Association of America certified that the Eagles Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975), was the best-selling album of all time, with sales of 38 million. (The formula took account of vinyl, CD and streaming purchases. Purists will have to put aside the fact that a greatest hits collection is not really an LP album as most of us know it.)

It was a full-circle moment  the album, released almost exactly 43 years ago, was the first to be awarded platinum status (sales of one million), an evocative reminder that songs were once commodities so valuable that millions of people would even buy them in repackaged form. It was also a taken as a quiet victory for people who believe that music today is too loud.

By too loud, I dont mean you cant crank the Eagles, if thats your thing. Im talking about loudness as a measure of sound within a particular recording. Our ears perceive loudness in an environment by reflexively noting the dynamic range  the difference between the softest and loudest sounds (in this case, the environment is the recording itself, not the room you are playing it in). A blaring television commercial may make us turn down the volume of our sets, but its sonic peaks are no higher than the regular programming preceding it. The commercial just hits those peaks more often. A radio station playing classical music may be broadcasting a signal with the same maximum strength as one playing hip-hop, but the classical station broadcast will hit that peak perhaps once every few minutes, while the hip-hop stations signal may peak several times per second.
Veronica, Brooklyn : The whole point of Ocasio-Cortezs plan, and similar proposals, is to tax specifically and only the rich, because they are the ones who are perceived as having inequitably and unjustly profited from the existing capitalist system. The problem with Mr. Rattners proposal is that it would hit middle-class retirees who depend on investment income either directly or indirectly through pension funds.

Steven Rattner: Thats a fair point. A couple of thoughts in response. First, my proposal would not affect retirees who depend on pension plans, either the corporate type or the individually directed type. Neither pays capital gains or dividend taxes; when the benefits come out, they are taxed as ordinary income. My proposal would affect retirees who hold investments directly and recognize capital gains and (or) dividends.

Unfortunately, the world is not perfect; I would note that most capital gains taxes are paid by the wealthy. The top 1 percent accounted for 69 percent of reported long-term capital gains in 2018; the top 0.1 percent (average income over $10 million) accounted for over half.

Lastly, taxing capital gains and dividends as ordinary income would mean that individuals would pay taxes based on their income level; thus those of more modest means would pay less than the current 37 percent top rate and potentially less than the 23.8 percent capital gains and dividend rate now in effect.

David Underwood, Citrus Heights: My wife and I both saved from hourly incomes. She does not have a pension. I took a short-term payout and invested it. Some of my investments are in I.R.A.s. I have to take out a distribution each year at the regular income rate. Just like the G.O.P. tax scam, this plan wont hurt the wealthy, but it will hurt small investors, like me. Taxes should take into account the actual income, not focus on dividends and capital gains. My wife and I both saved from hourly incomes. She does not have a pension. I took a short-term payout and invested it. Some of my investments are in I.R.A.s. I have to take out a distribution each year at the regular income rate. Just like the G.O.P. tax scam, this plan wont hurt the wealthy, but it will hurt small investors, like me. Taxes should take into account the actual income, not focus on dividends and capital gains.

Steven Rattner: I would reiterate that under my proposal, the capital gains and dividend rate would vary based on income, just as the rate on wage income varies. So retirees with lower incomes would pay less than the wealthy do and possibly even less than they currently pay.

Padfoot, Portland, Ore.: Taxing all capital gains and dividends would be a mistake. Im not saying that the cutoff should be at $10 million, but give the small investor a break. Let them get a reduced rate for capital gains and dividends for the first $10,000 or so. This would benefit the many and not affect the real targets of this tax change. Taxing all capital gains and dividends would be a mistake. Im not saying that the cutoff should be at $10 million, but give the small investor a break. Let them get a reduced rate for capital gains and dividends for the first $10,000 or so. This would benefit the many and not affect the real targets of this tax change.

Steven Rattner: This is a constructive suggestion, and Id be happy to see a revamped capital gains and dividend policy provide for an exemption for the first $10,000 or possibly even more for Americans with incomes below some reasonable threshold.

Dan S, Eden Prairie, Minn.: Why not make capital gains taxes progressive regardless of whether theyre treated like regular income? Why not make capital gains taxes progressive regardless of whether theyre treated like regular income?

Steven Rattner: As I noted, by taxing capital gains and dividends as ordinary income, we would effectively be making them progressive; a taxpayers rate on this form of income would be the same as what he paid on his wage income.

fbraconi, New York: It is a mistake to assume, as Rattner does, that the cap on deductibility of state and local taxes is now a permanent feature of our tax codes. The limitation of the state and local tax deductions was Mitch McConnells spit-in-the-eye to the blue states. It has been a target of conservatives for decades because they know that ending or limiting it will inhibit Democratic leaning states from undertaking progressive policies to address housing and homelessness, education, public transportation and other pressing problems. Repealing the caps must be a priority for Democrats when they regain control of the federal government. It is a mistake to assume, as Rattner does, that the cap on deductibility of state and local taxes is now a permanent feature of our tax codes. The limitation of the state and local tax deductions was Mitch McConnells spit-in-the-eye to the blue states. It has been a target of conservatives for decades because they know that ending or limiting it will inhibit Democratic leaning states from undertaking progressive policies to address housing and homelessness, education, public transportation and other pressing problems. Repealing the caps must be a priority for Democrats when they regain control of the federal government.

Steven Rattner: Unfortunately, its impossible to address every aspect of the tax code in the space allotted. I certainly agree that the deduction on state and local taxes was a smack by the Republicans at the blue states. But we shouldnt kid ourselves about the near-term likelihood of this deduction being restored. First, the Democrats would have to retake the Senate, which obviously cannot happen before 2020 at the earliest and even then, has a less than 50/50 chance of occurring.
In America, however, TERFism today is a scattered community in its death throes, mourning the loss of its last spaces, like the Michigan Womyns Music Festival, which ended in 2015. And so the strangely virulent form that TERFism takes in Britain today, and its influence within the British establishment, requires its own separate, and multipronged, explanation.

Ms. Parker and Ms. Long may not know it, but theyre likely influenced by the legacy of the British Skepticism movement of the 1990s and early 2000s, which mobilized against the perceived spread of postmodernism in English universities as well as homeopathy and so-called junk science. Hence, the impulse among TERFs to proclaim their no-nonsense character; witness the billboard Ms. Parker paid to have put up last fall dryly defining a woman as an adult human female. Such a posture positions queer theory and activism as individualistic, narcissistic and thus somehow fundamentally un-British.

Its also worth noting that the obsession with supposed biological realities of people like Ms. Parker is part of a long tradition of British feminism interacting with colonialism and empire. Imperial Britain imposed policies to enforce heterosexuality and the gender binary, while simultaneously constructing the racial other as not only fundamentally different, but freighted with sexual menace; from there, its not a big leap to see sexual menace in any sort of other, and biological realities as essential and immutable. (Significantly, many Irish feminists have rejected Britains TERFism, citing their experience of colonialism explicitly as part of the reason.)

But perhaps the biggest factor in the rise of TERFism has been the relative dearth of social movements in Britain over the past three decades. Its telling that Ms. Parker thinks it was the United States that exported political correctness and ideas like gender identity to Britain; it might even be fair to say that shes right.

In other parts of the world, including America, mass movements in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s around the effects of globalization and police brutality have produced long overdue dialogue on race, gender and class, and how they all interact. In Britain, however, the space for this sort of dialogue has been much more limited. As a result, middle- and upper-class white feminists have not received the pummeling from black and indigenous feminists that their American counterparts have, and thus, their perspectives retain a credibility and a level of influence in Britain that the Michigan Womyns Festival could have only dreamed of.

Curiously, Ms. Parker and Ms. Longs trans-Atlantic jaunt has led to a split in the ranks. Over the past few days, large segments of British TERFism have disowned both of them on social media for their Washington stunt, calling it an ambush, and them a liability. Whether Ms. Parker and Ms. Long went too far for a movement that, to date, seemingly has yet to hit a low, remains to be seen.

It is revealing, however, where Ms. Parker feels she still has friends: On her same trip to Washington, the woman claiming to be a feminist, standing up for the rights of lesbians everywhere, made sure to drop by the right-wing Heritage Foundation.

Sophie Lewis, a feminist theorist and geographer, is the author of the forthcoming Full Surrogacy Now .
First, parents and teachers can stop praising inefficient overwork, even if it results in good grades. Gendered approaches to learning set in early, so its never too soon to start working against them. Recently, as I read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban to my 8-year-old daughter, I stopped at a passage in which Hermione  the fictional poster child for academic fastidiousness  turned in an essay that was two rolls of parchment more than Professor Binns asked for. Hermione, I pointed out, doesnt make great use of her time. Shes a capable student and could probably do just as well without working so hard. Right, my daughter said. Of course she could!

We can also encourage girls toward a different approach to school  one thats more focused on economy of effort, rather than how many hours they put in. Whenever one of the academically impressive and persistently anxious girls in my practice tells me about staying up until 2 in the morning studying, I see an opening. Thats the moment to push them to become tactical, to figure out how to continue learning and getting the same grades while doing a little bit less. I urge my patients  and my own teenage daughter  to begin study sessions by taking sample tests, to see how much they know before figuring out how much more they need to do to attain mastery over a concept or task. Many girls build up an incredible capacity for work, but they need these moments to discover and take pride in how much they already understand.

Teachers, too, can challenge girls over-the-top tendencies. When a girl with a high-A average turns in extra credit work, her instructor might ask if she is truly taken with the subject or if she is looking to store up insurance points, as some girls call them. If its the former, more power to her. If its the latter, the teacher might encourage the student to trust that what she knows and the work she is already doing will almost certainly deliver the grade she wants. Educators can also point out to this student that she may not need insurance; she probably has a much better grasp of the material than she gives herself credit for.

Finally, we can affirm for girls that it is normal and healthy to feel some anxiety about school. Too often, girls are anxious even about being anxious, so they turn to excessive studying for comfort. We can remind them that being a little bit nervous about schoolwork just means that they care about it, which of course they should.

Even if neither you nor your daughter cares about becoming a chief executive, you may worry that she will eventually be crushed by the weight of her own academic habits. While a degree of stress promotes growth, working at top speed in every class at all times is unhealthy and unsustainable for even the most dedicated high school students. A colleague of mine likes to remind teenagers that in classes where any score above 90 counts as an A, the difference between a 91 and a 99 is a life.

To be sure, the confidence gap is hardly the only thing keeping women out of top jobs. Women also face gender bias, sexual harassment and powerful structural barriers in the workplace. But confidence at school is one unequal advantage that we can address right now. Instead of standing by as our daughters make 50 flashcards when they were assigned 20, we can step in and ask them why. Many professional men brim with confidence because they have spent years getting to know their abilities. Women should arrive in the work world having done the same.

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That sort of thinking  about both general principles and the specific policy components necessary to make them a reality  is exactly what the Republican Party lacks, and what it desperately needs.

Its true that some Republican lawmakers have cobbled together proposals of varying degrees of specificity over the year: During his 2016 campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida sketched out a mostly forgotten health care plan that would have set up a broad-based system of refundable tax credits intended to subsidize the purchase of insurance in hopes of helping people buy coverage. And during the 2017 Obamacare repeal effort, Senators Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy offered a plan to give states far more flexibility, eliminating many of Obamacare's provisions at the national level while essentially turning the program into a block grant to the states.

But these efforts have tended to be cursory and short-lived, with tiny or nonexistent constituencies. Few conservative lawmakers talk about them today, and its unclear whether many Republicans in Congress today even grasp the basics.

Which is why, for all these ideas, if you ask Republican politicians what they stand for when it comes to health policy, you are likely to hear slogans like patient centered and preserving the doctor-patient relationship and possibly something about how Democrats want to socialize Medicare  as if the nations largest government health program is not already an essentially socialist enterprise.

So its possible to imagine that at least some in the party will try to resolve, or at least start acknowledging, some of these questions.

More likely, given the state of the G.O.P. under Trump, who is no ones idea of a wonk, is that Republicans will simply decline to pursue the issue with any force, and the shabbiness of the partys current non-position will become even more glaring. Indeed, just this month, Mr. Trump continued to predict Obamacares demise, saying he believed that its going to be terminated, possibly as a result of the Texas case, and that in the aftermath, a deal will be made for good health care in this country. What sort of deal? I suspect that even (perhaps especially) the president doesnt know.

That sort of glibness, in turn, is likely to give already-ascendant Democratic ideas a boost. The partys enthusiasm for Medicare for All has flourished recently in part because it exists in a vacuum, with little if any substantive competition from the right. There are serious practical and political impediments to making a transition to single payer, from the enormous increase in federal spending and the tax increases it would almost certainly entail to the disruption that would be caused by the elimination of current private health insurance coverage for millions of Americans.
To the Editor:

Re End the War in Afghanistan (editorial, Feb. 4):

An immediate United States and NATO pullout from Afghanistan will not end the war there. Rather, such a misguided policy will accelerate and expand the war by emboldening the Taliban to attack Afghan civilians, particularly ethnic minorities and women.

That will likely set off a civil conflict more ferocious than the one that killed and wounded hundreds of thousands of Afghans in the mid-1990s and created the environment for the rise of Al Qaeda.

Nor will our withdrawal from Afghanistan make the United States safer. It will inevitably allow another extremist-terrorist phenomenon to emerge that flourishes under Taliban rule and gains support from its like-minded allies around the globe.

The policy you recommend will result in the deaths and abuse of hundreds of thousands of women, among them a new generation of educated women who have taken on positions of leadership in business and government .
To the Editor:

One Lawyer, One Day, 194 Felony Cases (news article, Feb. 3) highlights a national crisis: State and local governments failure to ensure adequate funding for public defense is resulting in widespread violation of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel for poor people charged with crimes.

The harms tha t result from such dereliction of duty include more people behind bars, more wrongful convictions, harsher punishments and exposing more people to the crushing collateral consequences of criminal convictions that can affect housing, employment, immigration and parental rights.

And without effective public defenders, critical efforts to end mass incarceration, reform bail procedures and improve prosecutorial practices cannot be fully realized.

In response t o the dilapidated state of public defense in America, the American Civil Liberties Union has brought litigation in numerous states, from California to Missouri to Louisiana. The Supreme Court has made clear that an accuseds  right to be represented by counsel is a fundamental component of our criminal justice system and that lawyers are  necessities, not luxuries .
To the Editor:

Re Kim Bok-dong, 92, Wartime Sex Slave Who Campaigned for Justice, Dies (obituary, Jan. 30):

The Japanese government recognizes that the issue of the comfort women in World War II was a grave affront to the honor and dignity of many women. Japan has extended its sincere apologies and remorse to former comfort women on many occasions.

Although all issues of property and claims between Japan and South Korea, including the issue of the comfort women, were legally settled, Japan has made an effort to recover the honor and dignity and heal the psychological wounds of all former comfort women.

In 1995, Japan established the Asian Womens Fund , to which the government made a contribution of about $46 million in total. The fund handed atonement money to former comfort women, including those in South Korea, and successive Japanese prime ministers sent letters of apology directly to each woman.

Furthermore, Japan and South Korea reached agreement in 2015 on the final and irreversible resolution of the issue. Japan provided about $9.7 million to the Reconciliation and Healing Foundation established by South Korea to provide support for the former comfort women. Thirty-four of the 47 surviving women received support from the fund and welcomed the effort .
Theres something odd about the self-described moderates and centrists considering a run for president. If moderation or centrism means holding broadly popular positions otherwise marginalized by extremists in either party, then these prospective candidates dont quite fit the bill.

Senator Elizabeth Warrens proposed wealth tax on the nations largest fortunes is very popular, according to recent polling by Morning Consult, with huge support from Democrats and considerable backing from Republicans. But Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York who has flirted with running for president as a moderate Democrat, rejects the plan as an extreme policy that would put the United States on the path to economic ruin. If you want to look at a system thats noncapitalistic, just take a look at what was once, perhaps, the wealthiest country in the world, and today people are starving to death. Its called Venezuela, he said during a January trip to New Hampshire. He is similarly dismissive of the idea of Medicare for all, warning that it would bankrupt us for a very long time.

Likewise, Terry McAuliffe, the former governor of Virginia, has staked out ground as a moderate politician, even as he opposes similarly popular ideas. A substantial majority of the public favors proposals to greatly expand college access or make it free outright. In a January op-ed for The Washington Post, McAuliffe dismissed universal free college as a misuse of tax dollars. Spending limited taxpayer money on a free college education for the children of rich parents badly misses the mark for most families.

And lets not forget Howard Schultz, the former Starbucks chief executive who might run for president as an independent, who characterizes himself as a centrist despite holding positions that have little traction among the public as a whole. We have to go after entitlements, he has said, referring to the unpopular idea of cutting Social Security and Medicare to shrink the federal deficit.
The United States and the Taliban made progress in peace talks in late January after coming to a basic understanding about withdrawing American troops in return for Taliban commitments to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for transnational terrorists. An agreement between the United States and the Taliban has been long overdue  as part of a broader settlement also involving the Taliban's Afghan opponents  and is the way out of a war without victory.

The fear of Afghanistan-based terrorists attacking the United States has been the key reason for keeping American troops in the country and keeping the Taliban out of power, but it is rooted more in perception than in reality.

The transnational terrorist threat from Afghanistan has been exaggerated. For years, I have puzzled over claims from American and Afghan officials that 20 terrorist groups operate in Afghanistan. Ashraf Ghani, the president of Afghanistan, portrayed the country as a front line in the global fight against terrorism. These statements make the Afghan conflict appear terribly chaotic.

The reality is that the Afghan war is a two-sided struggle, something increasingly rare in the fragmented landscape of modern warfare. The conflict in Afghanistan is simpler than the multifactional wars in Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen. Almost every battle in Afghanistan involves the Taliban fighting the government forces, which makes insurgency almost synonymous with the Taliban.
The country has become somewhat more favorable to abortion rights in the last few years, but I wouldnt make too much of that. If you look closely at the charts, youll notice that public opinion typically moves in the opposite direction to the sitting presidents policy. The country became more skeptical of abortion when Barack Obama was president and more open to it now that Donald Trump is. This sort of reaction is fairly common and also affects other issues, like immigration.

You may also notice that Gallups polling is more favorable to the anti-abortion side, while Pews is more favorable to the abortion-rights side. Why? Both pollsters ask a version of the abortion question that includes four possible answers. The main difference involves the second most restrictive option. Gallup emphasizes when abortion is legal in its option: in only a few circumstances. Pew emphasizes when its illegal: in most circumstances. People seem more comfortable choosing the Gallup version, which emphasizes whats legal rather than whats not.

This gap explains why anti-abortion advocates often point to Gallup, which portrays a nation that leans slightly against abortion, while abortion-rights advocates often point to Pew, which shows the reverse.

The accurate picture is not as simple as either side claims. It is instead of a country thats closely divided, with clear majorities supporting both some abortion rights and some restrictions. Large numbers of people fall somewhere in the middle  favoring both unfettered access to abortion in some circumstances but significant restrictions in others.

And unlike on many other issues, abortion does not produce huge differences in opinion between men and women; among whites, blacks and Hispanics; or across different generations. Which is another reason to doubt this debate will have an easy solution.

Finally ...

My colleague Gail Collins has named the winner in her annual competition to identify the worst member of Trumps cabinet. Hell be familiar to readers of this newsletter: Hes the multimillionaire who told furloughed government workers to take a loan, as well as the man whos lied publicly about both his own financial investments and his attempt to promote white nationalism by changing the Census. Congratulations, Wilbur Ross.

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In the early days of World War II, Lili Wronker was a teenager living in England  an aspiring artist attending a school for German refugees like her.

In an ink-and-watercolor diary that showed youthful sophistication, Mrs. Wronker described her travels, a Hollywood musical she had seen (The Under-Pup, starring another teenager, Gloria Jean), blackouts in London and her fears about the widening conflict.

On one page, she drew herself wearing a gas mask. We got smart new gas mask holders, she wrote. I think people look like funny animals when they wear gas masks. I only wished they will never need them.

For Mrs. Wronker, the diary was the start of a career as a widely admired book illustrator and calligrapher, with a distinctive hand in writing Hebrew.
John Mason, an artist who helped expand the boundaries of what could be done in ceramics by creating imposing wall reliefs and other expressionistic sculptures in a field that had often been defined by pots and vases, died on Jan. 20 at his home in Carlsbad, Calif. He was 91.

The Albertz Benda Gallery in Manhattan, which represented him, announced the death.

Mr. Mason was one of a group of artists who, studying under the pioneering ceramist Peter Voulkos in the 1950s, blew past utilitarian definitions of what clay was good for and made experimental, often very large works that ended up in galleries and museums rather than craft shows.

A dramatic example was Blue Wall, an abstract clay wall piece 21 feet by 7 feet, created in 1959.

I used the only big, empty space in the studio to make it, Mr. Mason said in a 2006 oral history for the Smithsonian Institutions Archives of American Art. That space was the floor  he slammed blocks of clay onto it, working and shaping them there, then cutting the resulting sculpture into sections so it could be fired before being pieced back together on a wall.

He, Mr. Voulkos (who died in 2002) and others were aggressively looking for ways to overcome the limitations of clay and glaze that had confined earlier ceramists.
Dr. Doris L. Wethers, who broke racial barriers in the medical world before gaining renown for research and advocacy that helped lead to mandatory testing of all newborns for sickle cell anemia, died on Jan. 28 in Yonkers. She was 91.

The cause was complications of a stroke, her daughter-in-law Lisa Booker said.

In 1965, Dr. Wethers became the first black chief of a medical department at a New York City voluntary, or private nonprofit, hospital when she was named director of pediatrics at Knickerbocker Hospital in West Harlem.

Knickerbocker, which had a history of refusing to admit black patients, was renamed Arthur C. Logan Memorial Hospital before it closed in 1979.
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When Paula Chin, a 65-year-old TriBeCa mother and businesswoman, was reported missing on Monday, the New York City police reached out to the public for help.

Known to wear a white flowered nightgown and a purple grey jacket, the Missing Persons Squad said on Twitter.

But by Tuesday, Ms. Chins body had been found stuffed in a garbage bag outside her familys weekend home in Morristown, N.J. Her throat had been slashed. By Wednesday, her son, Jared Eng, 22, had been arrested and charged with concealing her body, with the help of his girlfriend and a friend.

Though Mr. Eng had not been charged with his mothers killing, he was the prime suspect, the New York police said. Detectives believed the motive for her murder was financial.
The gaps also have prompted a deeper, and perhaps more troubling, question: Is this the new normal?

If this is actually a change in taxpayer behavior, long-term, and not a blip or an overcorrection, said David J. Friedfel, the director of state studies for the Citizens Budget Commission, then this is the new base.

A confluence of forces made for an especially choppy and unpredictable budget in the past couple of years.

In making their predictions of shortfalls, city and state budget offices look at money from estimated tax payments that arrive during December and January, often from high earners with large investment portfolios. That two-month period is considered an important bellwether, according to a recent report from Moodys Investors Service.

Many taxpayers with significant investment profits, so-called capital gains, make big payments at the end of the year. But the bad stock market at the end of 2018 meant capital losses and fewer tax payments.

It was the reverse in late 2017 and early 2018. Payments were inflated, as taxpayers navigated the new tax code. The pending changes created incentives for taxpayers to shift income and tax payments, either by waiting until the new rules took effect or to take advantage of the old system before it went away. The change in the law also spurred companies to pay out bonuses to workers, giving a temporary boost to tax revenues that will not be repeated this year.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a third-term Democrat, saw a different culprit for much of the states projected $2.3 billion shortfall, what he called a diabolical, political maneuver in the new tax rules to cap the so-called SALT deduction  something he said might be causing high earners to flee to tax havens like Florida.

For richer people, your tax liability could have gone up now $100-, $200-, $300,000, Mr. Cuomo said on Tuesday. And there is a tipping point where people say, I love New York, but to spend another $300,000 in taxes? Ill move.
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New York Citys subway riders are used to a spectrum of smells, most of them unpleasant.

But the mysterious fumes that have permeated the L train this week and made some subway riders and transit workers feel ill, go beyond the usual odors a New Yorker endures.

On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority suspended service for two and a half hours to investigate harsh fuel smells at the Graham Avenue stop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. On Thursday, subway riders and transit workers said the odor, a dizzying chemical stench that forced some to breathe through tissues over their faces, continued to linger.

Amie Roe, 34, who is eight months pregnant, said the smell hit her especially hard on Tuesday. It was really intense, she said, swaying side-to-side to pantomime her dizziness.
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ALBANY  For the better part of the last decade, the State Capitol was a house divided: Democrats led the Assembly, Republicans ruled the Senate and most everything got stuck in between.

Then came the blue wave of the 2018 midterms, putting Democrats in control of the entire Legislature, and giving the states top Democrat, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a chance to enjoy the power of unity. The change has been profound: In January alone, the Legislature, led by the Assembly speaker, Carl E. Heastie, and the Senate majority leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, passed sweeping bills on abortion, gun safety, voting rights and immigration rights.

But a strange thing has happened amid all this one-party harmony: Ms. Stewart-Cousins and Mr. Heastie have formed a fast kinship, creating a powerful allegiance that has already challenged Mr. Cuomos outsize influence here.

They have both declared their commitment to reasserting the authority of the Legislature, after eight years of Mr. Cuomo strong-arming Assembly and Senate leaders into compromises, and taking credit for those accomplishments.
Mr. Cuomo revived the idea of congestion pricing in 2017 after the subway descended into crisis and it became clear that a new revenue source was needed. But supporters of the proposal say Mr. Cuomo did not push hard enough last year to convince lawmakers to support the idea.

Mr. Cuomos comments on Thursday suggest that he is serious about winning approval for the proposal this year and wants to frame congestion pricing as the best choice among many difficult options. But Mr. Cuomo also slammed the transportation authority, calling it a disgrace and a governmental Frankenstein.

Mr. Cuomo says he wants more control over the system, though he already has near total control of the transit agency. Still, Mr. Cuomo urged lawmakers to approve rules to improve the agency, including reorganizing the board to put someone in charge and to start a forensic audit to determine reasonable costs for its capital plan.

The authority has said it could need as much as $60 billion for its next five-year capital program  a staggering figure that is nearly double the cost of its current capital plan. That includes about $19 billion for Andy Byfords Fast Forward plan to modernize the subway.

Mr. Cuomos speech had a silly tone at times  perhaps an attempt to grab attention for admittedly dry topics like railroad procurements. It featured a peculiar slide show suggesting that Arnold Schwarzenegger, as the Terminator, might save the subway, or that Chris Christie, driving a yellow hummer SUV, should pay higher tolls to enter from New Jersey.

Democratic leaders in the Senate and the Assembly said they were considering congestion pricing, but did not enthusiastically endorse it.

Senate Democrats are prioritizing the need to fix the crumbling M.T.A. with dedicated revenues implemented in a fair manner, said Mike Murphy, a spokesman for Senate Democrats. We will discuss congestion pricing and other M.T.A. solutions as a conference and move aggressively toward a solution.
The jail also seemed to do a poor job of letting families know what was going on. Another woman, Isabel Vega, said she had grown worried about her husband in the middle of last week because she hadnt heard from him. When she emailed the jail to voice a concern, she heard nothing back. It was through a post on Instagram that she was alerted to the prisoners miseries.

Others held at the detention center wondered why they were not moved to another building on the same block that was part of the facility. According to Arthur Aidala, a lawyer who was visiting one of several clients at the jail, this building had heat and power. It houses mostly female inmates on two floors but is otherwise empty, he said, and while it would have been logistically challenging to move so many inmates at once, the jail moves them back and forth to court all the time.

Why the building did not resort to generator power was also left unexplained. Can you imagine if this were an apartment building on the Upper East Side? Mr. Aidala said. But here, you have to consider who the tenant is and who the landlord is.

The landlord, of course, is the federal government, led by a president who, two years ago at a speech on Long Island, suggested that police officers should not bother to protect the heads of suspects as they put them in police cars. He was speaking to law enforcement officials, and he told them they could take the hand off, a comment that elicited cheers from the audience.

Without a big push on social media from influential activists  Tamika Mallory, co-president of the Womens March, was one of the organizers of the protest that began over the weekend  it is hard to say how much emotion the power failure and heating issues at the jail would have unleashed. How much is ignored because it cant be distilled to one and a half minutes of haunting footage? The images of inmates banging on windows had supplied that  the sense of something dark and medieval.

The same jail had, in fact, been hit with a series of sexual assault cases in recent years  female inmates had accused guards of molesting them  but there was no similar outcry. Hunger is a big problem in this country, but hunger isnt visual; there is no clear path to Instagram.

The Metropolitan Detention Center also finds itself in a place that can no longer be considered remote. Gentrification has changed that.
The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot revives an exploitation film tradition, in which a sensational title hooks viewers for a movie thats all windup and no pitch. The writer and director, Robert D. Krzykowski, even appears to have leaned into the concept, turning false advertising into a motif. The man (Sam Elliott), hunting for the Bigfoot, drawls that his average-footed prey is not really living up to its name.

To back up, which the flashback-heavy narrative is prone to do, Elliott plays Calvin Barr, an American veteran who, in this version of history, assassinated Hitler, an action hidden by both the United States and the Nazis. That service separated Calvin (played as a young man by Aidan Turner) from his sweetheart (Caitlin FitzGerald), leading him to a lifetime of stoic moping and loneliness, save for the company of his brother (Larry Miller) and a loyal dog.
My parents life stories served as a poignant warning about Americas racism toward its black citizens. It was a warning that came before the Fayetteville police pulled me, shirtless, at 16, from my car in the pouring rain. I was handcuffed and detained on suspicion that my girlfriend and I were using crack cocaine, when in fact we were only rounding third base. It was before a West Point classmate said that I should be spending the night in the 5th Regiment  a nonexistent unit meant to refer to black cadets and, in this case, to imply that I had no place in the Academys four student regiments. Before a white woman I dated told me her family wouldnt accept a black baby. Before this sergeant and I stood face to face in Iraq.

As grating as his comment was, he had voiced what surely was a common experience for many white soldiers. I was one of only 67 blacks to graduate with my West Point class of 965 cadets; one of no more than three black officers in my first battalion in Korea; and again one of the few black officers in my unit when it deployed to Iraq. Wherever I went, I couldnt help noticing the Armys significant deficit of black officers. The sergeant didnt seem hostile or demeaning. If anything, his voice seemed to waver, as if he were in that moment beginning to realize how racism not only negatively affects people of color but white people as well  how it causes them to buy into false narratives that legitimate institutions have perpetuated to advance white supremacy since our countrys founding.

In 1925, the Army War College summarized a study of black soldiers in a memo titled Employment of Negro Man Power in War. In the process of evolution the American Negro has not progressed as far as the other sub-species of the human family, the document states. As a race he has not developed leadership qualities. His mental inferiority and the inherent weaknesses of his character are factors that must be considered with great care in the preparation of any plan for his employment in war. Among its conclusions was this: Negro officers should not be placed over white officers, noncommissioned officers or soldiers.

The military that produced this document is the same military in which many black Americans have served and died  an Army that has now had its first black commander in chief and that just hired West Points first black superintendent since its founding in 1802. But that memo also distills our countrys conventional wisdom, which has variously justified slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, redlining and the mass incarceration of black Americans.
Here was the challenge for bioengineers: Find a way for patients to take drugs  like insulin or monoclonal antibodies used to treat cancers and other diseases  without injections.

The medicines are made of molecules too big to be absorbed through the stomach or intestines; in any event, the drugs would be quickly degraded by the bodys harsh digestive system.

Now, a team of scientists may have found a solution that delivers these drugs in a capsule a person can swallow. Their inspiration? A tortoise that always rights itself after rolling over.

The test device, called Soma, is shaped like the tortoises shell. Inside is a miniature post made of insulin. After the tiny device positions itself against the stomach wall, the post pops out and injects insulin. The device then travels through the colon a nd eventually is eliminated by the patient.
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A plan to conduct seismic testing for oil and gas exploration across a large swath of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska has been shelved for this winter, Interior Department officials have said.

The announcement signals at least a temporary victory for environmental groups and scientists who oppose the project, in which large trucks and other heavy equipment would crisscross the refuges coastal plain along the Arctic Ocean, using acoustic signals to map underground rock formations that may hold oil and gas reserves.

Steve Wackowski, the departments senior adviser for Alaska affairs, made the announcement at a hearing Tuesday in Kaktovik, a village within the refuge.

Faith Vander Voort, a department spokeswoman, said the seismic proposal was still pending, and that the company behind it, SAExploration, had asked that the start date be moved to next December.
SYDNEY, Australia  The two top executives at one of Australias largest banks will depart after a damning report on misconduct in the countrys financial industry singled them out for their resistance to changing how they do business.

National Australia Bank said on Thursday that Andrew Thorburn, its chief executive, and Ken Henry, its chairman, would soon resign from the company. The bank cited the report issued on Monday by an Australian royal commission that castigated the industry for putting profit ahead of its customers and called for tougher regulations and accountability.

The report recounted moments during months of public hearings and submissions in which Mr. Thorburn dismissed systems failures that might have cost his customers over 100 million Australian dollars, or $71 million, as carelessness.

Having heard from both the C.E.O., Mr. Thorburn, and the chair, Dr. Henry, I am not as confident as I would wish to be that the lessons of the past have been learned, Kenneth Hayne, who led the commission that investigated questionable financial industries practices, wrote in the Monday report.
Less than a week into Black History Month, in two episodes of retail deja vu, Adidas and Gucci have apologized and pulled products criticized as racist.

The offending Gucci item was an $890 black-knit womens balaclava that could be pulled up over the lower half of the wearers face. The sweater included bright red lips ringing an opening for the mouth, a detail widely denounced on social media as evoking blackface imagery.

The sweater was part of a line of balaclava-style ski masks and knits in various color combinations included in Guccis fall-winter 2018 collection.

In Adidass case, the company included an almost entirely white pair of shoes in a line of clothing and sneakers inspired by the Harlem Renaissance movement and meant to commemorate Black History Month. One Twitter user labeled the product a swing and a miss.
PARIS  The French carmaker Renault on Thursday suggested publicly for the first time that Carlos Ghosn, its embattled former chairman and chief executive, may have misused company money to finance a lavish Marie Antoinette-themed party at Versailles to celebrate his second marriage and his new wifes 50th birthday.

Renault said in a statement that it had notified the French judicial authorities that Mr. Ghosn, the longtime leader of a car-making alliance that also includes Nissan and Mitsubishi, had personally benefited from an exchange worth 50,000 euros, or about $57,000, in connection with the 2016 party.

Frances justice ministry did not immediately comment on whether it would pursue an investigation into the matter. The disclosure nonetheless threatened to increase the legal jeopardy swirling around Mr. Ghosn, who is in a Tokyo jail on charges that he underreported his income as Nissan chairman. Renault had previously said that an internal review raised no questions of wrongdoing on his part.

The funds at issue are connected to a 2.3 million donation Renault made to Versailles under a 2016 sponsorship deal. Versailles officials said in a statement Thursday that the sponsorship was meant to finance renovations at the extravagant estate, which was once home to French kings and is now among the countrys top tourist attractions.
Hours after Mr. Herrings disclosure, a woman who has accused Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of sexually assaulting her in 2004 issued a statement describing her accusation in detail. Mr. Fairfax has adamantly denied the allegations.

Whats next: Mr. Northam has withstood calls for his resignation, but if all three men were to step down without immediate replacements, Kirk Cox, the Republican House speaker, would become governor. Mr. Northam, Mr. Fairfax and Mr. Herring are all Democrats.

2018 was the fourth-hottest year on record

NASA scientists announced on Wednesday that the Earths average surface temperature last year was the fourth highest in nearly 140 years. The five warmest years in recorded history have been the last five.

Our science reporters explain: While this planet has seen hotter days in prehistoric times, and colder ones in the modern era, what sets recent warming apart in the sweep of geologic time is the relatively sudden rise in temperatures and its clear correlation with increasing levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane produced by human activity.
Last year was the fourth hottest on record

NASA scientists announced that Earths average surface temperature for 2018 was more than one degree Celsius above the average of the late 19th century, when humans started pumping large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. That puts the year among the hottest in nearly 140 years of record keeping.

The trend is unmistakable. The last five years have been the five warmest on record.

Were no longer talking about a situation where global warming is something in the future, said the director of the group that conducted the analysis. Its here. Its now.

Analysis: What sets the warming apart from long climatic fluctuations of the geologic past is its relative suddenness and its clear correlation with increased levels of greenhouse gas emissions produced by human activity.
In November 1946, Shull stood trial in Warings courtroom. Gergel provides a detailed account of the incompetent and racist lawyering conducted by the governments attorneys. Woodards testimony profoundly affected Waring and his wife, forcing them, Gergel writes, to stare into the Southern racial abyss as never before. Nevertheless, Shull was acquitted quickly by an all-white jury, with the defense counsel warning that if a decision against the government means seceding, then let South Carolina secede again. Waring called the trials travesty of justice his baptism of fire.

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Gergel intersperses the Waring and Woodard narratives with chapters on President Trumans own coming-to-conscience on civil rights. The turning point for Truman, who came from a Missouri family steeped in Confederate culture, seems to have been a conversation at the White House in September 1946 with the N.A.A.C.P. leader Walter White, who related the details of Woodards blinding. The next day, Truman wrote to his attorney general to request the formation of a presidential committee on civil rights. Over the following two years, he gave a stunning speech on racial equality at the Lincoln Memorial, desegregated the military by executive order and released the committees report, To Secure These Rights, declaring a dire need for federal intervention to overcome all manner of racial discrimination. Trumans actions sent shock waves among Southern Democrats and led to the formation of the Dixiecrats in the presidential campaign of 1948.

Back in Charleston, Waring continued to rule against peonage and the Democrats white primaries. He and his wife were vilified, and the Ku Klux Klan burned a cross at their home, an incident that garnered national press coverage. Both Warings made public statements during this painful saga, the judge declaring that it was time for South Carolina to rejoin the Union, as he threatened to jail white men for preventing black people from voting.

Gergel brings his riveting narrative to a climax with the Briggs v. Elliott case of 1951. This school segregation suit from rural Clarendon County brought hundreds of black citizens to Warings court for the first time, and though the three-judge panel ruled 2 to 1 in favor of sustaining separate schools, Warings famous dissent, arguing that segregation is per se inequality, eventually led the N.A.A.C.P. to mount a frontal assault at the Supreme Court against the Plessy doctrine of separate but equal.

The great value of Unexampled Courage is that it might garner a broad audience for the kinds of heroism involved in this history of litigation, all of which was a necessary prelude to the direct-action crusade of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. Gergel may place too much emphasis on individual agency in this story, but it is impossible to deny the pivotal role of these figures: Harry and Eliza Briggs and the Rev. Joseph DeLaine, the plaintiffs in Briggs, who risked all and lost their jobs; the titanic Marshall and his lawyerly activists, who assembled a mountain of facts to overwhelm Jim Crows wiliest ways; a depressed, blinded Isaac Woodard, who lived out his life mostly on charity in the Bronx; a president from a neo-Confederate corner of Missouri; and, finally, a judge who committed treason to his race and class to try to move the South into modernity.

Would that Chief Justice John Roberts and his four fellow conservative justices might read this riveting legal history and rethink the decision in Shelby v. Holder of 2013, which eviscerated federal oversight of voting rights in the Deep South. But while we wait for that unlikelihood, we should remember that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 passed because of the history Gergel recounts. When Waring met Truman at the White House in 1948, they shared their memories of learning about Woodards blinding. Then Waring told the president that most white South Carolinians will not voluntarily do anything along the lines suggested by you, and that it was necessary for the federal government to firmly and constantly keep up the pressure.

We live in a nation still stymied by the tradition of states rights and by racism. Equality, especially the right to vote, is still at the mercy of local beliefs and practices. In 1956, James Baldwin reminded us why we have laws: It is easy to proclaim all souls equal in the sight of God; it is hard to make men equal on earth in the sight of men.
Is news fake? Is news dying? The journalism business and the ways people consume its wares have come in for a lot of scrutiny lately  healthy scrutiny, on the whole, even if reporters and editors are collectively and understandably anxious about the state of their industry these days. (The state of our industry, I should say: I am not exempt.) If youre anxious, too, or even if youre just interested in what it all means for you as a reader and a curious citizen of the world, we have some books to help you navigate it all. On newspapers: Merchants of Truth, by the former New York Times editor Jill Abramson, and Breaking News, by the former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger. On social media: Zucked, by the venture capitalist and early Facebook fan Roger McNamee. Hes not a fan anymore, as youll see from his subtitle: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe.

But maybe you dont want to be bummed out by the news about the news. Maybe you prefer to read thrillers, like JoAnn Chaneys As Long as We Both Shall Live, about deadly tensions in a marriage, or Un-Su Kims The Plotters, about a Korean assassin. Maybe you like music, in which case Hanif Abdurraqibs study of the hip-hop band A Tribe Called Quest, Go Ahead in the Rain, would be good company. (For that matter so would Tom Barbashs new novel, The Dakota Winters, which features John Lennon in a significant neighborly role.) Maybe you want to know more about the insidious persistence of anti-Semitism, from Deborah Lipstadts authoritative new book on the subject, or just hang out with a fascinating mind, which you can do with Kathleen Collinss posthumous collection Notes From a Black Womans Diary. That one has a little bit of everything  plays, short stories, diary entries, a novel excerpt  and even though Collins died more than 30 years ago, it delivers its own kind of news.

Gregory Cowles

Senior Editor, Books

NOTES FROM A BLACK WOMANS DIARY: Selected Works of Kathleen Collins, edited by Nina Lorez Collins. (Ecco/HarperCollins, paper, $17.99.) The writer and filmmaker Kathleen Collins died in 1988, at the age of 46  young, brilliant and, for the most part, unknown. Her work  including Whatever Happened to Interracial Love?, a collection of short stories published for the first time in 2016  has been rediscovered and embraced in recent years. Now a new book has arrived, Notes From a Black Womans Diary, a grab bag of letters, diary entries, short stories, plays and screenplays. Her voice and vision are idiosyncratic and pitiless, combining mischief and crisp authority, formal experimentation and deep feeling, our critic Parul Sehgal writes.

GO AHEAD IN THE RAIN: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest, by Hanif Abdurraqib. (University of Texas, paper, $16.95.) In his latest work, the poet and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib traces the story of the pioneering hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest over the past three decades. The book pays attention to the larger changes in the culture, but its overall tenor is warm, immediate and intensely personal. Readers looking for a biography of the group will find some of the basics here, but its how Abdurraqib filters the information  absorbing it, refracting it through his own distinctive lens  that gives this compact book its power, our critic Jennifer Szalai writes. This lush and generous book is a call to pay proper respects  not just to a sound but to a feeling.
Luiselli first left Mexico at the age of 2, when her father moved the family to Madison, Wis., to complete his doctorate. From there, her fathers work as a diplomat took them to Costa Rica, South Korea and South Africa, where they arrived in 1994, shortly after Mandelas historic election. By then, her mother had left the family to join the Zapatista movement in Mexico. I come from a matriarchal line of women who have always been very involved politically and socially, she said, referring also to her grandmother, who worked with indigenous communities in Puebla, Mexico. After attending boarding school in India, she decided, as she puts it, I need to go back to Mexico and become Mexican, Luiselli recalled. She was 19 when she enrolled at the National Autonomous University of Mexico to major in philosophy and began writing there.

Luiselli followed Papeles Falsos in 2011 with a novel, Los Ingravidos (Faces in the Crowd). It has been translated into 20 languages. Rabasa noted that the book remains one of Sexto Pisos most popular and is reprinted every year. The Story of my Teeth, Luisellis second novel, was the product of a collaboration with Jumex factory workers in Mexico, in which she sent them chapters, and they helped her shape the plot. Her books always reflect a deep plunge into her sensibilities  books and cultural references, and even real people and places where shes been. In Lost Children Archive, for instance, Still Waters in a Storm is mentioned, as are Haff, obscure Italian writers and Ezra Pound.
It may be that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. But as Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle demonstrate in the new Hulu comedy PEN15, the same is true of those who remember it painfully well.

The series, arriving Friday, kicks off just before the first day of seventh grade in 2000 for Maya Ishii-Peters (Erskine) and Anna Kone (Konkle). Maya, hoping to start school with a new identity, picks up a pair of scissors to give herself Sarah Michelle Gellars haircut. The next morning  her handiwork corrected by her mother with the aid of a mixing bowl  she slumps next to Anna in their morning car pool. It looks so good! Anna assures her, with a brace-faced smile.

It does not. And their first day goes as badly as you might expect: This is middle school, after all. But what distinguishes the series isnt the cringe comedy. Its the immediate sincere-weirdo voice, which powers PEN15 through an uneven but delightfully odd first season.

PEN15, the square-peg kid sister of Broad City and Eighth Grade, dispenses its turn-of-the-century details  AskJeeves, AIM chat rooms, dial-up modems, Wazzup?  with the precision of an Only 00s Kids Will Get This quiz. (Want to feel old? The year 2000 is exactly as long ago now as 1980, the setting of Freaks and Geeks, was when that show premiered.)
Miguel Covarrubias

Through Feb. 23. Throckmorton Fine Art, 145 East 57th Street, Manhattan; 212-223-1059, throckmorton-nyc.com.

Although they will overlap only briefly, Miguel Covarrubias: A Retrospective is the perfect side dish to the movable feast of the Frida Kahlo exhibition opening Feb. 8 at the Brooklyn Museum. Born in Mexico City in 1904, Covarrubias was a member of Kahlos inner circle  a highly sociable workaholic, painter, anthropologist, teacher, writer and sometime curator  who had a chameleonic talent for drawing. He would illustrate his own books on the ethnography of Mesoamerican Mexico, but arriving in New York, at age 19, he established himself with influential celebrity caricatures for magazines like The New Yorker, Vogue and Vanity Fair. He soon knew everyone who was anyone, figured in the Harlem Renaissance and, briefly in Paris, designed sets for Josephine Baker.

It seems overly optimistic to call this show a retrospective, but its 50 or so works on paper memorably survey several of Covarrubiass graphic gifts. Theres a Vanity Fair cover featuring Franklin Delano Roosevelt and a delightful watercolor-collage caricature of his friend the photographer Carl Van Vechten. But mostly there are deft, insouciant ink-and-pencil drawings and a few fine-grained lithographs, including The Lindy Hop, whose sinuous dancing couple brings to mind the work of Archibald J. Motley Jr. Covarrubiass line could have the assured sparseness of Matisse, and he had a similar affinity for female beauty. But his drawings have more flair than artistic genius. Here he draws Mexican villages, ceremonial rituals in Bali (whose ethnography also occasioned a book) and near-scientific renditions of a sting ray and a lobster.

There are drawings and caricatures of his wife, the dancer and choreographer Rosa Rolanda , who learned to use a camera (from Edward Weston) and took photographs for his books. (Two of Westons photographs of Rolanda are in the Kahlo show, which also has a film by Covarrubias, El Sur de Mexico.) A few of the drawings qualify as racist by todays terms. But mostly a benign if paternalistic joy at the world prevails. The show would have been helped by including some of his meticulous renderings of Mesoamerican artifacts and motifs . But such illustrations appear in his books, several of which are here and available for browsing.

Covarrubias died in 1957 at age 53, ending a career worthy of a much longer life. Maybe the Brooklyn Museum will turn to his achievement soon. ROBERTA SMITH
Dana Schutzs current show at Petzel Gallery is her best in New York in a while, maybe ever.

She has loaded up her brush again, thickening her paint, and has minimized her settings. Gone are the thin surfaces and sharp-edged shapes that could make her recent works feel brittle and too cartoony. Her protagonists have gained weight and substance, and appear to be isolated in bleak empty spaces that feel mythic or postapocalyptic. Several scenes are set on large lonely rocks like those loved by Homeric poets and Symbolist painters.

With her paint surfaces sometimes verging on low relief, it is unsurprising that, for the first time, Ms. Schutz is also exhibiting sculpture, a frequent subject in her paintings: five bronzes of her characteristically gnarly figures whose crazed textures amaze and will surely feed back into her painting.

Two years ago, Ms. Schutz was at the center of a firestorm ignited by Open Casket, one of her paintings in the 2017 Whitney Biennial. The work was based on photographs of the battered corpse of Emmett Till, the teenager who was tortured and murdered by two white men in Mississippi in 1955. Tills mother insisted that his body be seen and photographed so the world would know what had befallen him, and the resulting images helped ignite the civil rights movement.
LUCIO FONTANA: ON THE THRESHOLD at the Met Breuer (through April 14). The art of this Argentine-Italian modernist looks a bit like it comes from another planet, and it might as well, given how seldom we see it in New York. The Met Breuer show, with single environments at the Met Fifth Avenue and El Museo del Barrio, is the artists first museum survey here in over 40 years. This wouldnt be especially notable  plenty of his Latin American peers never get seen at all  were Fontana, who died in 1968, not so influential a figure. The threshold in the title refers not only to the early phase of his career, which the Met Breuer show highlights, but also to his position as a forebear of contemporary art as we know it. Things we take for granted  installation, new media and the poly-disciplinary impulse that defines so many 21st-century careers  Fontana pioneered in the 1950s. (Holland Cotter)

212-535-7710, metmuseum.org

THE JIM HENSON EXHIBITION at the Museum of the Moving Image. The rainbow connection has been established in Astoria, Queens, where this museum has opened a new permanent wing devoted to the career of Americas great puppeteer, who was born in Mississippi in 1936 and died, too young, in 1990. Henson began presenting the short TV program Sam and Friends before he was out of his teens; one of its characters, the soft-faced Kermit, was fashioned from his mothers old coat and would not mature into a frog for more than a decade. The influence of early variety television, with its succession of skits and songs, runs through Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, though Henson also spent the late 1960s crafting peace-and-love documentaries and prototyping a psychedelic nightclub. Young visitors will delight in seeing Big Bird, Elmo, Miss Piggy and the Swedish Chef; adults can dig deep into sketches and storyboards and rediscover some old friends. (Jason Farago)

718-784-0077, movingimage.us

JULIO LE PARC 1959 at the Met Breuer (through Feb. 24). Born in 1928 in Argentina, Le Parc was an art student in Buenos Aires in the late 1940s, where Lucio Fontana was his teacher. Master and pupil were on the same beam: Both were formally omnivorous, anti-academic and futuristically minded. In 1958, Le Parc moved to France where, at 90, he still lives. There he met figures associated with what would be called Op Art and Kinetic Art, and pushed what they were doing in more directions. Although far from being the career survey he deserves, this show includes some 50 gouache studies on paper in which he makes an optical ballet from simple geometry and turns mirrors and light into a hypnotic event. (Cotter)

212-535-7710, metmuseum.org

THE LONG RUN at the Museum of Modern Art.The museum upends its cherished Modern narrative of ceaseless progress by mostly young (white) men. Instead we see works by artists 45 and older who have just kept on keeping on, regardless of attention or reward, sometimes saving the best for last. Art here is an older persons game, a pursuit of a deepening personal vision over innovation. Winding through 17 galleries, the installation is alternatively visually or thematically acute and altogether inspiring. (Smith)

212-708-9400, moma.org

MONUMENTAL JOURNEY: THE DAGUERREOTYPES OF GIRAULT DE PRANGEY at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (through May 12). This exhibition is a buffed jewel. In 1842, just a couple of years after Louis Daguerre unveiled the worlds first practical camera, Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey, a French aristocrat with a yen for experimental technology, set off on a three-year road trip, lugging a 100-pound kit as he took the worlds first photographs of Athens, Cairo, Constantinople and Jerusalem. More than 100 of Girault de Prangeys precise daguerreotypes glisten here under pin lights, and his systematic photos of Islamic architecture, in particular, express how the new technology of photography could flit between art and science, and would soon become a tool of colonial rule. Girault de Prangeys daguerreotypes were little seen before 2003, when his descendants put them on the market; their discovery was a landmark in the history of early photography, and this show is too. (Farago)

212-535-7710, metmuseum.org
Those who claim New York to be the worlds dance capital have few grounds better than the dance division of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts: the largest, most eclectic, and most enterprising collection of dance materials anywhere. It regularly films dance productions in the city, preserving the present for the future; it aims to have a copy of every dance book ever published; it possesses treasures going back centuries. And its doors are open to the public as well as to specialist researchers.

For many dance devotees who live elsewhere, a visit to New York has to include time on the third floor of that library, located at Lincoln Center, to view its dance films. Visiting from Britain in the 1970s and 80s, I learned much about British dance that was unknown back home. Find a screen, enter the online catalog, click a link, and within a minute or two you can find yourself watching Merce Cunningham and his company performing Antic Meet in 1964.

[Read our review of a Jerome Robbins exhibition now on view at the New York Public Library.]

Curious how Balanchines Serenade looked when it was danced in skirts ending at the knee? Here are clips of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlos 1940 and 44 performances. Want to know how Margot Fonteyn looked in Sleeping Beauty when the Sadlers Wells Ballet toured North America in the 1950s? Here she is, in all three acts.

Today the dance division contains the collections of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Merce Cunningham and Jerome Robbins, among many more. Its full name is the Jerome Robbins Dance Division, and with good reason: The choreographer donated a share of all the royalties of his Fiddler on the Roof to it. This year, the dance division celebrates its 75th anniversary.
What can a remote outpost tell us about how the U.S. got pulled so deep into Syrias war? The answer might be easiest to understand if we start out small. In March of 2016  a series of victories in a desolate patch of the Syrian desert. A band of rebels captures a border crossing. And then they move and capture a rectangular compound thats been in the hands of the Islamic State. Now, like a lot of forces in Syria, big and small, these guys want to be known. Theyd sent out promotional videos. Theyd made the TV news. Theyd even made a YouTube page, and asked visitors to subscribe, to follow along while they go fight ISIS. But all these videos, they tell us something else. American weapon. American weapon. American weapon. And all this propaganda? Behind the scenes are coalition advisers. Theyre coaching the rebels with how to introduce themselves to the world. Theyre backing the rebels because, at the time, this was part of Americas big plan for defeating the Islamic State in Syria: Train and equip local rebels to do the fighting. We will advise, and we will assist. These rebels are called the New Syrian Army. And that compound they captured? That rectangle in the desert? It turned into a small military base called Al-Tanf. Thats far away from all other U.S. and coalition bases in Syria. In the years to come, the base will be attacked by ISIS, threatened by Iranian proxies and become the subject of Russian conspiracy theories. This base will illustrate how it can be easy to get involved in a war  This is a transnational long-term threat.  but much harder to get out of one. Senator, that would have to be provided in a different setting. Wait a minute. Why cant you   Wait. Wait a minute. How the mission can change in unexpected ways. But the original mission, of course, was to defeat the Islamic State. The choice of Al-Tanf as a base was a good one. Right off the bat, the rebels build a couple walls. And this gives them control of a major road. That lets them disrupt the Islamic States ability to move between Syria and Iraq, and to stop them from entering Jordan, which is an important American ally. But the rebels main objective is to use Al-Tanf as a staging ground to seize the region back from ISIS. In their first year, the rebels have some failures   and they have some successes. American and coalition soldiers are there with them doing the training. The rebels managed to recapture a good amount of land, along with other rebel groups in the area. Thats seen in blue. But heres where Al-Tanf is forced to take on an entirely new, entirely unexpected role, an example of Americas expanding mission in Syria  Iran. See, when the American-backed rebels capture land from ISIS  remember, that was their original mission  theyre also capturing land that President Bashar al-Assad wants back, after losing it earlier in the civil war that began in 2011. So the regimes coming after them, like it or not. Irans been supporting the regime, and has its own reasons for wanting control of this rebel area. See this road that Al-Tanfs on? It leads all the way to Iran. Iran wants to be the dominant player in the region. Do you think it wants a little U.S. base blocking a valuable supply route that carries Iranian influence and materiel all the way to the Mediterranean? No. So in the spring of 2017, the Syrian army and Iranian-backed militias decide to take the region back with an offensive. Their objective is to reach the Jordanian and Iraqi borders. In the way is Al-Tanf. And by this time, the U.S. has established a protective circle around the base thats called a deconfliction zone. Basically, it means cross into that circle uninvited and you risk an American attack. But the pro-regime forces advance anyway. The Americans strike, saying its in self-defense. [explosion] These videos claim to show the strikes on pro-regime forces. [Arabic shouting, in reaction to blast] Then the Americans drop leaflets warning the oncoming forces to stay away from the deconfliction zone. But they keep coming. [explosion] And the U.S. keeps striking. And heres where our story comes to a pivotal moment that shows just how messy it can be when you get involved in a civil war. The U.S. told the world that it was in Syria to fight the Islamic State. Tonight, on my orders, Americas armed forces began strikes against ISIL targets in Syria. And now, its attacking Syrians and Iranian proxies. It was necessitated by offensive movement  I dont know there were Iranians on the ground  but by Iranian-directed forces. So now we get more American hardware coming in. Meanwhile, the base that looked like this when the rebels took over has now grown to look like this. But if Iran has become a factor in the U.S. mission in Syria, heres an example of how the government doesnt want to publicly admit that this has expanded the mission. So lets head to Washington for a second. Dont click away. I know congressional hearings arent always a thrill a minute, but this one   stand.  gets interesting. So let me  so what is the   A senator asks a high-ranking State Department official what U.S. troops will do in Syria once ISIS is defeated    non-ISIS priorities.  but question seems to strike a nerve. Senator, that would have to be provided in a different setting. He doesnt want to say that Irans part of the Syrian strategy now. Um. Why not? Wait a minute. Why cant you   Wait. Wait a minute. That wont pass muster. So he relents, just a bit. We are deeply concerned with the activities of Iran, with the ability of Iran to enhance those activities through a greater ability to move materiel into Syria. And I would rather leave the discussion at that point. The Iranian threat came just up the road from Al-Tanf. But Americas mission in Syria is also growing beyond ISIS because of what lies just 12 miles to the south  Trapped in a no mans land, but still the numbers grow.  the lives of 50,000 refugees. 50,000. They live in a camp called Rukban. Many of them have fled the Syrian regime and the Islamic State. The camp is so close to Al-Tanf that its protected by the bases deconfliction zone. And were going to be present at Al-Tanf to make sure ISIS cannot return and also to manage this difficult humanitarian situation. Hear that? Yet another reason to stay in Syria  protect the refugees. But these refugees serve another purpose  [Russian speech]  as props for Russian misinformation. See, Russias got bases in Syria, too. It wants to secure its own influence in the region. But the American presence in Syria, including at Al-Tanf, is getting in the way. So the Russians try to make the Americans and rebels at Al-Tanf look so bad that theyll be forced to give it up. [Russian speech] They often claim that the Americans and rebels at Al-Tanf block aid shipments to the Rukban refugees, creating a humanitarian crisis. But the internet is also full of conspiracy theories about the base. Some seem to have been influenced by Russias statements. Take Al-Tanfs Wikipedia page. The original entry smears the Al-Tanf rebels by calling them armed gangs and militants that are training terrorists, who the U.S. helps transport. The user who wrote all this has uploaded photos elsewhere that show a Russia connection. How? Well, one, they show a city Russian advisers were in at the time. Two, the file names are all in Russian. And, three, one is taken from the inside of a Russian military vehicle, like the one seen here elsewhere in Syria. Al-Tanf is just one example of how Russias presence in Syria has contributed to yet another reason the U.S. mission has expanded  preventing unchecked Russian influence. After more recent Russian threats, the U.S. sends Marines to Al-Tanf as a show of force. [gunfire] The base that looked like this after those airstrikes against pro-regime forces, has grown even bigger. And soon after, a top general arrives, stressing Americas support for the base. Construction on a new expansion begins three weeks later. I dont want to be in Syria forever. Its sand. And its death. President Trump reverses course, and orders a troop pullout from Syria. But theres an ongoing debate in the government about whether to make Al-Tanf the exception, to keep troops there even after all other U.S. troops in the country have left. Will the bases story end with the rebels and refugees left to fend for themselves, or will the U.S. decide to stay put to counter its rivals and small pockets of ISIS in a mission that has no end in sight? Whatever happens, remember: This is all taking place in just one small, remote corner of Syria, a country thats in conflict from end to end. So 23 seconds into this video, I mentioned a border crossing, the one the rebels use to cross into Syria. Turns out, the Syrian civil war isnt the only time conflict touched this crossing. I found these images from the Iraq war from 2007. These are refugees flooding the Al-Tanf crossing, trying to get out of Iraq. Back then, Syria was far safer.
A Russian court on Friday found a Danish Jehovahs Witness guilty of organizing a banned extremist group and sentenced him to six years in prison, Russian state media reported. The case has been condemned by rights groups as part of a broader crackdown on the religious group.

Russias Supreme Court banned Jehovahs Witnesses as an extremist organization in April 2017. About a month later, the police detained Dennis Christensen, a Danish member of the Christian denomination, during a prayer service in the southwestern city of Oryol.

Mr. Christensen, who has lived in Russia since 1999, pleaded not guilty, saying he was exercising his right to religious freedom. He was sentenced to six years in prison, the state-run news agency Tass reported, citing Tatyana Tsukanova, a senior assistant to the prosecutor of the Orlov region.

Paul Gillies, a spokesman for the Jehovahs Witnesses, said in an emailed statement that Mr. Christensen had been convicted merely for practicing his Christian faith.
Eleonora Antillon had kept her secret bottled up for more than 30 years.

But when she read an article on social media on Tuesday saying a woman had accused Oscar Arias Sanchez, the former president of Costa Rica, of sexual assault, she did not hesitate: From personal experience with him, she wrote on the social media platform, I BELIEVE her!!

Ms. Antillon is among four women in a 48-hour period to accuse Mr. Arias, 78, of unprovoked and unwanted touching or sexual assault.

The allegations are a serious blow to the legacy of Mr. Arias, who won the Nobel Prize in 1987 for his effort to bring peace to Central America. Twice president of Costa Rica, he has been one of Latin Americas most respected figures.

Ms. Antillon, a former talk show host known by her nickname, Nono, said in an interview that Mr. Arias sexually assaulted her in 1986, when he was a presidential candidate and she was a young press aide.
[Update: Brazil Supreme Court paves way for release of ex-President Lula.]

While Mr. da Silva had support among Brazils poor, he also had a high disapproval rating thanks to the Lava Jato, or Carwash, investigation, which documented the political corruption that flourished during the 13 years his party was in power.

The charges against Mr. da Silva so far have been relatively small chapters in the annals of Lava Jato. He was found guilty in 2017 of accepting a seaside apartment in return for contracts awarded to the construction company O.A.S. and was eventually sentenced to 12 years and one month in prison.

In the new ruling on Wednesday, Judge Gabriela Hardt found Mr. da Silva guilty of accepting bribes from construction companies in the form of a $235,000 renovation of a country house and sentenced him to 12 years and 11 months in prison. Mr. da Silva said his name was not on the title of the home, but prosecutors presented evidence that he and his family had occupied it.

Ten other people were convicted, including top executives at the construction companies.

In the sentencing document, Judge Hardt concluded that it was beyond a reasonable doubt that the renovations were funded illicitly by the construction companies Odebrecht and O.A.S.

She said the former president was aware that there were systematic bribes paid to the party he belonged to; he was very aware that part of those sums were used for his personal benefit.
A police sergeant in Virginia who was assigned to monitor the protests related to Gov. Ralph Northam was suspended Wednesday after being identified by an anti-fascist group as having an affinity with white nationalist groups.

The sergeant, Robert A. Stamm, 36, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of a review, the Virginia Division of Capitol Police said in a statement. Sergeant Stamm joined the division in 2014 and was promoted to his current rank last year, officials said.

There is a review policy in place, and we will follow that policy, Col. Anthony S. Pike, the divisions chief, said in the statement.

Reached by telephone on Wednesday night, Sergeant Stamm declined to comment.

The authorities said in the statement that they were made aware early Wednesday morning of a possible violation of division policy by Sergeant Stamm. A police official specified that the possible violation that prompted the suspension was outlined in a blog post published on Tuesday by Antifascist of the Seven Hills. The group describes itself as an organization that seeks to fight fascists in Richmond, Va., as communists and anarchists united in militant opposition.
Vanessa C. Tyson, who has accused Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax of Virginia of sexually assaulting her at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, released a statement on Wednesday describing her account of their encounter. Mr. Fairfax has denied the allegations. Read the full story here.

Here is the complete text of her statement:

On the night of Friday, February 1, 2019, I read multiple news accounts indicating that Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax would likely be elevated to Governor as an immediate result of a scandal involving Governor Ralph Northam. This news flooded me with painful memories, bringing back feelings of grief, shame, and anger that stemmed from an incident with Mr. Fairfax that occurred in July 2004 during the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

I met Mr. Fairfax on July 26, 2004, when he and I were working at the Convention. We struck up a conversation on the first day of the Convention and soon realized we had a mutual friend. We crossed paths occasionally during the first two days and our interactions were cordial, but not flirtatious. We commiserated about our long work hours, and on the afternoon of the third day of the Convention, July 28, 2004, Mr. Fairfax suggested that I get some fresh air by accompanying him on a quick errand to retrieve documents from his room in a nearby hotel. Given our interactions up to that time, I had no reason to feel threatened and agreed to walk with him to his hotel. I stood in the entryway of the room and after he located the documents, he walked over and kissed me. Although surprised by his advance, it was not unwelcome and I kissed him back. He then took my hand and pulled me towards the bed. I was fully clothed in a pantsuit and had no intention of taking my clothes off or engaging in sexual activity. In the back of my mind, I also knew I needed to return to Convention headquarters.

What began as consensual kissing quickly turned into a sexual assault. Mr. Fairfax put his hand behind my neck and forcefully pushed my head towards his crotch. Only then did I realize that he had unbuckled his belt, unzipped his pants, and taken out his penis. He then forced his penis into my mouth. Utterly shocked and terrified, I tried to move my head away, but could not because his hand was holding down my neck and he was much stronger than me. As I cried and gagged, Mr. Fairfax forced me to perform oral sex on him. I cannot believe, given my obvious distress, that Mr. Fairfax thought this forced sexual act was consensual. To be very clear, I did not want to engage in oral sex with Mr. Fairfax and I never gave any form of consent. Quite the opposite. I consciously avoided Mr. Fairfax for the remainder of the Convention and I never spoke to him again.
Yet there is no evidence of any growing public angst about socialism sweeping the United States. As a political philosophy and organizing tool, it took modest root in the country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but never gained widespread appeal. Eugene V. Debs, a labor leader from Terre Haute, Ind., was a five-time candidate for president, never to great effect, peaking at 6 percent of the vote in 1912.

You really have not had a self-consciously socialist movement of any size and influence since the 1930s, said Michael Kazin, a professor of history at Georgetown University and the author of a history of the American left. Clearly this is an attempt to portray Democrats as too radical for Americans and to connect them to Venezuela, which is of course a clever thing do since Venezuela is falling apart under an ostensibly socialist government.

But the supposed threat of creeping socialism  and the dangers posed by someone like Ms. Ocasio-Cortez  have become favorite talking points for conservatives like the TV personality Sean Hannity of Fox News, who tells his viewers that far-left socialism had taken over the Democratic Party. Mr. Trump is now firmly aligned with that view.

Most Americans are obviously not up on the distinctions between democratic socialists and communists, Mr. Kazin said. He, like other conservatives who had talked about the so-called Red Menace over the years, is trying to confuse the two things in peoples minds.

But that is not how conservatives look at the way Mr. Trump seems ready to portray Democrats.

From a political standpoint, he is defending free enterprise, free markets and freedom, said Greg Mueller, a conservative strategist. They want to take the country toward socialism and their party is divided on that and there is a major fight in their party over whether to be a socialist party.

This is a great debate for Trump to define in 2019 and the 2020 campaign, he added.

Republicans, with limited success, tried at times to label President Barack Obama a socialist, particularly for his call for higher taxes on the wealthy, Mr. Kazin said, noting that this effort coincided with a shift in public opinion where Americans viewed socialism more favorably.

But a Gallup poll in August showed that Democrats had a more positive view of socialism than they do of capitalism, 57 percent to 47 percent. Their view has been relatively stable since 2010, but attitudes toward capitalism have become more negative, coinciding with the financial crisis that fueled animus toward the large banks and investment firms blamed for the economic devastation.
Mr. Burr said the American government had become more open about what it shares with businesses and educational institutions about the threat from China.

It is absolutely a necessity for us to share with whoever what the risk is of making a cost-based decision versus a security-based decision, he said. Huaweis equipment can often be purchased at cheaper prices than that of American or European competitors.

The 5G fight is only one front in an increasingly hostile battle over technology and trade between the United States and China, with Mr. Trump imposing tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of goods and accusing the Chinese of stealing our intellectual property. Mr. Burr predicted that the United States is likely to sharply reduce education visas for Chinese students, as it tries to limit the threat of American research and technology being taken back to Beijing.

I am more concerned with the fictitious effort to be educated in America  work for 10 years  with the full intent to bring back to China everything you can learn, store or steal, Mr. Burr said.

The senator said he had met with leaders of universities in his state, which include elite institutions such as Duke and the University of North Carolina, to warn them that the number of Chinese students is likely to decline.

Chinese nationals make up a large number of students, particularly in graduate math and science programs. National security officials have warned that not enough guardrails are in place to prevent students from taking technology, data and know-how back to China.

Mr. Burr said it was difficult to sort out students who might be intent on stealing secrets from those who simply want an education and a life in the United States, suggesting that reducing visas was the only viable solution. Chinese visas have been declining in recent years, although that is at least in part because of a change in the length of visas.
WASHINGTON  Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said on Wednesday that she would be willing to endorse any bipartisan border security agreement that emerges from House-Senate negotiations, leaving the success of those talks largely hinging on President Trumps endorsement.

With administration officials on Capitol Hill for the State of the Union address on Tuesday, Ms. Pelosi said she told Vice President Mike Pence that she hoped the White House would adhere to the same hands-off policy and let the bipartisan group of House and Senate lawmakers come to their conclusion ahead of the Feb. 15 deadline to keep the government fully funded.

Mr. Trump has repeatedly scorned the talks as a waste of time if a final agreement produced by the group, known as a conference committee, does not satisfy his $5.7 billion demand for a wall at the southwestern border. But Ms. Pelosi offered her unqualified support.

If left to their own devices, if they have a bipartisan agreement, I will support it, Ms. Pelosi told reporters on Wednesday, adding that she had offered the same assurance to Senator Richard C. Shelby, Republican of Alabama and a member of the committee.
WASHINGTON  President Trump is planning to introduce an initiative on Thursday that will seek to help bring economic security to 50 million women across the world by 2025, a program that his eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, has hailed as a nonpartisan and generous approach to womens empowerment.

The plan, which the White House is calling the Womens Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, will draw from a $50 million starter fund from the United States Agency for International Development, and will team up with several private companies, including UPS and Walmart, Ms. Trump said. The White House is expected to officially announce the initiative on Thursday afternoon.

The Trump administration has often been guided by an isolationist credo espoused by the president and his advisers: Last year, an administration plan to cut U.S.A.I.D.s foreign aid budget was met with a bipartisan backlash.

Ms. Trumps initiative was meant to strike a subtly different tone.

America First does not mean America Alone, Ms. Trump, a senior adviser to the president and a champion of the initiative, said in a call with reporters on Wednesday as she detailed the rollout. We are proud to be the most generous nation in the world.
Our lives are already filled with uncertainty  about diagnoses, the effects of medications and the outcomes of surgeries, said Ms. Hung, who helped found a child advocacy group called Little Lobbyists. The one certainty we have is the Affordable Care Act and the protections it provides.

The priorities of the new House majority were on display on Wednesday as three subcommittees held hearings to investigate Mr. Trumps efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act in the last two years.

Democrats said they would try to strengthen the law and restore funds cut by the Trump administration for insurance counselors who help people enroll in health plans. They said they would also try to prevent the White House from granting waivers to state insurance programs that skirt the Affordable Care Act.

Representative Lauren Underwood, a freshman Democrat from Illinois, introduced a bill to increase protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Ms. Eshoo, the chairwoman of the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on health, said she would hold a hearing on it next week.

The bill would overturn a Trump administration rule that has allowed the proliferation of short-term health insurance policies. The policies are allowed to deny coverage or charge higher premiums to people with pre-existing conditions. And they often omit coverage of prescription drugs, mental health care and other benefits guaranteed as essential by the Affordable Care Act.

A pre-existing condition shouldnt be some kind of scarlet letter Americans have to wear around their neck as they try to get the quality, affordable health care everyone deserves, Ms. Underwood said.

Ms. Underwood, a nurse, has a pre-existing condition that occasionally prevents her heart from maintaining a normal rhythm. So this is personal, she said. No insurer should ever have the option to discriminate against us.
A federal appeals court in Alabama on Wednesday delayed the execution of a Muslim inmate who said the prison was violating his religious rights by barring an imam from being present during the lethal injection.

The death row prisoner, Domineque Ray, was scheduled to be executed on Thursday evening for raping and murdering a 15-year-old girl in 1995, according to court documents. He has been imprisoned at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala., for nearly 20 years.

In Wednesdays order, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit found that Mr. Ray, 42, had a powerful claim that the prisons refusal to allow the presence of an imam in the execution chamber violated his constitutional rights. The panel reversed a District Court decision that refused Mr. Ray a stay of execution, maintaining that he had waited too long to bring his legal claim against the prisons commissioner.

According to court documents, a prison warden explained the policies around death penalty proceedings to Mr. Ray on Jan. 23. At that point, the warden refused his requests to have an imam with him in the execution chamber and to exclude the state-employed chaplain from the room.
The Justice Department said Wednesday that it had opened an investigation into a 2007 plea deal negotiated by a prosecutor who is now a member of President Trumps cabinet that kept the financier Jeffrey E. Epstein from facing federal charges related to accusations that he molested dozens of underage girls.

The inquiry came in response to requests from Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who on Wednesday posted a letter on his website from Assistant Attorney General Stephen E. Boyd informing him of the investigation.

The plea deal, which was negotiated by the labor secretary, R. Alexander Acosta, when he was the top federal prosecutor in Miami, was the subject of a Miami Herald investigation that was cited by both Mr. Sasse and Mr. Boyd. The letter does not mention Mr. Acosta by name.

In the letter, Mr. Boyd said the Justice Department Office of Professional Responsibilities would look into allegations that Department attorneys may have committed professional misconduct in the manner in which the Epstein criminal matter was resolved.
Dont stay forever, but dont rush.

WAHIDULLAH SABAWOON, an Afghan commander who fought the Soviets in the 1980s and participated this week in negotiations with the Taliban, on the possibility of American troops leaving Afghanistan.
The battered metal desks clustered onstage at Abrons Arts Center are like a time capsule from the late 1960s, strewn with file drawers and ancient office lamps. But its the profusion of detritus on the desktops that really whisks us to that era: a layer of photos and news clippings  images of the Vietnam War, and of American life back then  so thick that theres no work surface left.

This is the set (by Peiyi Wong) for Transport Groups dynamic reimagining of Daniel Berrigans The Trial of the Catonsville Nine, and as audience members enter, were told were welcome to examine it  this messy, stubbornly tangible evidence of who we once were as a nation, and what we were doing in the world.

When the play was new, leaping from Off Broadway to Broadway in 1971, the war was a staple of the news, and the Catonsville Nine were famous. A group of ordinary American men and women, Roman Catholics devoted to social justice, they were so determined to stop the war that in 1968 they took hundreds of draft files from a government office in Catonsville, Md., and burned them.

Berrigan, a Jesuit priest and one of the nine, wrote the play as a prod to conscience, and so it remains in the Transport Group remix, adapted and directed by Jack Cummings III. Like another recent production  The Courtroom, based on deportation hearing transcripts and produced by Waterwell  this is theater as civic meditation. Both of these shows enlist the spectators as witnesses, exhorting the Americans in the room to consider what our nation is doing in our name and how, if we oppose that, we intend to stop it.
FRONT PAGE

An article on Wednesday about President Trumps message at the State of the Union speech misstated the year in which President George Bush delivered a State of the Union address following devastating midterm losses for the Republicans. It was in 2007, not 2011, when he was no longer in office.

ARTS

An article on Tuesday about events celebrating the Lunar New Year misidentified the host of a discussion on the lion dance. Stephen Gong, the co-founder of Luen Hing Lion Dance, hosted the event, not Stephen Gong, the executive director of the Center for Asian American Media.

SCIENCE TIMES

A map with an article on Tuesday about fluctuations in the location of Earths north magnetic pole misspelled the name of an island. It is Ellesmere Island, not Ellsmere.

THURSDAYSTYLES

A picture caption with the No Regrets column last Thursday, about a Sothebys auction of old masters by female artists, misidentified a woman shown at the event. She is Lilah Ramzi, not Lauren McCarthy.
Other high-rankers in the Worst contest were Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. Some readers mentioned Pompeos cheerful visit to Saudi Arabia that was highlighted by his boys-will-be-boys willingness to overlook the savage murder of Saudi Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson got quite a few votes despite a certain lack of, um, public presence. (What happened to Ben Carson? No, seriously. What happened to him? Did he fall asleep in a chair somewhere? Did he ever get out of that elevator?)

Ditto Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, whose most notable recent achievement was being the cabinet member who stayed away from the State of the Union address so he could run the country if everybody else got assassinated.

We do not want to pursue this thought for any number of reasons.

There were virtually no votes for either the head of the Department of Interior or the Environmental Protection Agency. Ryan Zinke and Scott Pruitt were big Worst contenders in the past, but theyre gone now, thrown into the darkness for various embarrassments along the line of super-expensive trips on the public dime and, in Pruitts case, telling an aide to inquire about purchasing an old mattress from a Trump hotel.

Now Trump has announced that hes nominating David Bernhardt to be his new secretary of the Interior. Bernhardt is a former oil lobbyist whose biggest interest in public lands appears to involve drilling on them. Ill bet we hear a lot more of him next time around.

The list goes on and on. Theres hardly a cabinet member who doesnt seem to be driving readers crazy. Some of them are losing sleep over the fact that Senator Mitch McConnells wife, Elaine Chao, is running the Department of Transportation while her family runs an international shipping company. (Im not convinced she would win a prize  there are so many corrupt contenders. But she might get a (dis)honorable mention.) Chao is also a big fan of privatizing things  including the Federal Aviation Administration.

Truly, we should give a shout-out to Donald Trump for creating such a memorable bunch of top officials. I have followed politics a very long time  and this is the first time I can actually name more than one or two cabinet people from memory, because they are so freaking dangerously bad, moaned one reader.
Since the 1930s, policymakers have known that rural communications is a market failure  something that happens when private companies cannot or will not provide a socially desirable good because of a lack of return on investment. At that time, electricity and telephone companies were simply unwilling to enter rural America: The population was too sparse and the geography too vast. As a result, President Franklin Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration in 1936 to provide loans and grants to rural electric and telephone companies. It was a tremendous success: Within 20 years, 65 percent of farmers had a telephone and 96 percent of them had electricity.

We have a similar problem with rural communications today  not with telephones or electricity but with broadband internet. In 2017, a full 30 percent of rural Americans (or 19 million people) and 21 percent of farms lacked broadband access. What we need today to solve this digital divide is a renewed federal commitment to rural communications. We need a national rural broadband policy, demonstrating that the United States is serious about becoming a fully connected nation.

The Rural Utilities Service  the successor to the Rural Electrification Administration  has subsidized internet connectivity since 1995. It is one of two federal agencies charged with subsidizing rural broadband: The Federal Communications Commission provides about $8.8 billion per year in broadband subsidies (rural, tribal and low income) with at least $4.6 billion earmarked for rural. The Rural Utilities Service (a division of the Department of Agriculture) metes out about $800 million per year for rural broadband loans and grants. Last summer, Congress allocated an extra $600 million to the Rural Utilities Service to subsidize broadband projects for the most underserved communities. This is in addition to the $7.5 billion in rural broadband loans and grants provided by the 2009 Recovery Act.

Despite the large amount of funding coming from the Rural Utilities Service and the F.C.C., rural America has not seen broadband deployed and adopted at the same speed and effectiveness that it had with electricity and telephone service almost a century ago. The reason for this lag is a lack of coordinated federal policies, which in turn has allowed major telecommunications companies to receive a large portion of these funds without much regulatory accountability. An opaque set of grant and loan stipulations make it difficult for communities to apply for funding, and in some states, a series of laws actively prohibit or inhibit towns and cooperatives from wiring their own communities.
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President Trump, who has frequently pointed to the violent MS-13 street gang to justify his immigration policy, could not have choreographed a better political talking point if he had tried. Two days before Tuesdays State of the Union address, a deadly shooting on a Queens subway platform catapulted the gangs brutality back onto the national stage.

The police have said the man charged with the killing, Ramiro Gutierrez, is a member of MS-13, a transnational gang founded in Los Angeles with ties to El Salvador. The slaying featured prominently in Mr. Trumps address.

Mr. Gutierrez, 26, was in the country without documentation and had a long arrest record, the authorities said. He is accused of firing six shots at close range into a rival gang members head in front of horrified straphangers. At the time, Mr. Gutierrez was out on $2,500 bail after being arrested in a gang takedown last December.

But missing from Mr. Trumps speech was an important nuance: The shooting does not signal a recent rise of the gang in Queens, experts said. Neither MS-13, nor its rival, the 18th Street gang, is new to New York City. They have been a violent presence in the city for two decades, despite repeated prosecutions, and the shooting on Sunday was just the latest incident in a complicated history between the two gangs.
Theres a new boss at 60 Minutes.

The signature newsmagazine, which has held down a Sunday night slot for CBS since 1968, named Bill Owens as its executive producer.

Mr. Owens served as the longtime No. 2 to Jeff Fager, who ran the program from 2004 until he was fired in September after having sent a threatening text message to a CBS reporter who was asking about allegations of harassment against him for a segment that ran on CBS Evening News. Since Mr. Fagers ouster, Mr. Owens has been the interim executive producer of 60 Minutes.

In its announcement, CBS said Mr. Owens would report directly to Susan Zirinsky, the incoming president and senior executive producer of CBS News. That was a telling inclusion. Outside lawyers who conducted a monthslong investigation of sexual harassment at the network last year reported that the separation of the 60 Minutes staff from the rest of the news division meant that the show was unable to prevent inappropriate conduct by some of its top executives.

The investigation started in August with the purpose of examining allegations involving Leslie Moonves, the former chief executive of the CBS Corporation, as well as the workplace environment at CBS News and cultural issues at all levels of CBS. Mr. Moonves was ousted in September, and the companys board determined that he had been fired for cause after the investigators report was filed in December. Another prominent CBS employee, Charlie Rose, a co-anchor of CBS This Morning and a correspondent on 60 Minutes, was fired in 2017 after multiple accusations of sexual harassment were made against him. (Mr. Moonves and Mr. Rose have denied the allegations against them.)
The Office of Human Resources announced Jan. 24 that Northwest student employees wages increased to align with the new Missouri minimum wage.

The statewide minimum wage increase for all private, non-exempt businesses took effect Jan. 1, which did not require public universities to make the change, but the Northwest leadership team decided to increase all student employee wages.

All wages increased by the 75 cents that the Missouri minimum wage increased by across all four pay levels.

Senior Human Resources Generalist Paula McClain said the biggest factor in the decision was the value of student employees on campus.

We wanted to make sure our students know we value and appreciate what it is that theyre doing for the University, McClain said. We know that we cant survive without them. There are 950 students that work on this campus, and they make up for about 230 full-time employees we would have to go out and hire if we didnt have them.

McClain said student employees are not only a necessity, but theyre also uniquely valuable in a number of areas.

They play a key role in our research, education and operational excellence here at Northwest, McClain said.

Freshman Ashleigh Erickson said she is in favor of the increase because wages should keep up with the cost of living.

Other states are raising minimum wage, and their economies are just fine, Erickson said. Missouri's minimum wage increase is not the end of the world. We're not all going to be suddenly paying $15 for a $1 gallon of milk.

Although the increase is small, Erickson said she appreciates the small amount of extra income.

My second job on campus as a studio tech is a minimum wage job, but I'm now working at the wage rate I was working at when I was 16 working at Worlds of Fun for the summer, Erickson said. All in all, I'm making more money at each job now than I was last semester. It'll be nice to see bigger paychecks once I actually get paid.

Vice President of Finance Nola Bond said another factor in deciding to increase wages was staying competitive with other local employers.

Since Northwest works with students schedules on work hours, it offers flexibility in addition to affordability. Bond said Northwest student employees also have higher retention and graduation rates, so its important to the leadership team that students can keep these benefits without sacrificing affordability.

Because we know that its important to our students, we want to make sure were competitive in the Maryville area, Bond said. So we made the decision to have the first round of increases go into effect this year, and then talk with Student Senate about how to handle increases over time.

In order to pay for the wage increase for this year, McClain said hours are being reduced for some positions.

Freshman Maddy Benda is a student ambassador and said students are no longer paid for hours when they are not giving tours.

We just have to leave when there are no tours or nothing that needs to be done, w can be frustrating when I need the money, Benda said. We typically work five hours a week, which isn't a lot, but when it gets cut down to even less than that, it's hard considering most of us have other bills to pay.

Bond said one of the sources that pay student employees is student fees, and looking forward, decisions made on how to afford wage increases for all student employees as the minimum wage continues to rise will be made in conjunction with Student Senate.

The leadership team will have its first meeting with Student Senate this month.
INDIANAPOLIS  The Federal Highway Administration has announced Indiana will receive nearly $6.2 million in emergency relief funds to repair roads and bridges damaged by severe storms and flooding a year ago.

The flooding caused by heavy rainfall and melting snow closed numerous roads across both Indiana's northern tier of counties and parts of southern Indiana along the Ohio River.

The FHA announced the Indiana funding Tuesday as part of more than $705.7 million in funding to help 34 states and three territories make repairs to roads and bridges damaged by storms, floods, and other unexpected events.  AP

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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HAMMOND  A police chase turned deadly Wednesday night after an 25-year-old Hammond man allegedly attempted to evade an officer before flipping his vehicle onto the porch of a home and being ejected from the car.

The deceased was identified by the Lake County coroner's office as Antonio Short.

Police and Lake County coroner's officials were on scene for the fatal wreck near the intersection of 165th Street and Blaine Avenue.

According to Hammond police, at about 6:40 p.m., a Hammond police officer was on patrol conducting a check at a gas station in the 6400 block of Calumet Avenue when the officer observed a black Chevrolet Monte Carlo parked at one of the pumps.

Police said the officer recognized the vehicle from a previous call in which the driver fled from police. The officer knew the previous driver of the vehicle had an active arrest warrant. The officer attempted to approach Short to speak with him as he exited the store. Short allegedly quickly walked towards his car, got inside and locked the door. Short refused to exit the vehicle and then started the vehicle, quickly driving away in reverse, police said.
HAMMOND  A driver going the wrong way on the Indiana Toll Road earlier this morning near the Calumet Avenue exit before crashing head-on into another vehicle may have been under the influence, Indiana State Police officials said.

Injuries were reported in a two-vehicle crash about 5:45 a.m. on the toll road near the Calumet Avenue exit. The driver was believed to be traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes when the crash occurred, police said.

The wrong-way driver has not yet been positively identified, according to Indiana State Police. He was transported to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus in Gary and then transferred to University of Chicago Hospital with serious injuries.

Juan Salazar, 43, of Chicago, was traveling eastbound in the far left lane when he was struck by a white 2015 Dodge vehicle traveling in the wrong direction, according to a news release from Indiana State Police.

Salazar was transported to Franciscan Health in Hammond for his injuries, which were not life threatening. His passenger, Rosa Martinez, 52, of Chicago, was also transported to the hospital with injuries.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this crash.
In a statement to news outlets Thursday, EPA said EPA and IDEM began receiving information in late October about cadmium, arsenic and manganese being detected by the monitors near the Whiting Metals facility.

EPA compared their concentrations to current health benchmarks and determined that, of all the metals measured, cadmium concentrations were elevated on certain days, according to the EPA.

Elevated means the readings were above the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registrys acute inhalation minimal risk level for cadmium, EPA said.

"Exposure to a level above the MRL does not mean that adverse health effects will occur. Rather, it indicates the need to investigate the situation more closely," EPA said.

EPA and IDEM issued notices of violation on Nov. 8 to Whiting Metals for excessive lead emissions from the facility.

'It's criminal'

Marisa Rowden, a homeowner in Whiting, said the cadmium findings were not alarming because residents have suspected this for some time, but they are a serious cause for concern.
The residents did not create this problem on their own. This is tax caps, the (influx of) charter schools, this is policy decisions all across the board," Wyatt said. "This is a post-industrial city, and its not our fault. To strip away our history is stripping away our dignity.

The 2017 state takeover law required the school district to give 30-day written notice to the citys mayor before property is sold. In this case, Freeman-Wilson was provided notice, but not an itemized list.

The itemized list is not necessarily required under state statute, but Freeman-Wilson said she and Morikis wanted to achieve the letter and spirit of the statute.

After the final installation of the "Chicago Picasso, the original model  given to American Bridge at Gary Works to sculpt the "Chicago Picasso  went into storage and was later given to the Gary Community School Corp. in 1970, according to the Kraft Auction Service website, the company hired by the district to advertise and auction the schools collections.

The nearly 16-foot-tall piece was not created by Picasso, but approved by the artist himself as a model for the Chicago sculpture.
INDIANAPOLIS  A Senate committee has scaled back a proposal, filed by state Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, to establish a voluntary state program for Hoosiers to maintain their incomes when required to take unpaid family leave from their jobs.

Instead of actually creating the program, Senate Bill 496 was revised Wednesday to direct the Indiana Department of Insurance to evaluate the feasibility of such a program, and report to lawmakers by Nov. 1 how it could be administered.

"It's a little more than a study committee, because it actually tells the Department of Insurance to go through this exercise and develop what this program might be," Tallian said.

Under the plan, employers who don't want or can't afford to offer paid family leave would not be required to change their policies in any way; participating employees from across the state would be sharing the family leave premiums and benefits among themselves.

State Sen. John Ruckelshaus, R-Indianapolis, a co-sponsor of the proposal, noted that even President Donald Trump, in his State of the Union address Tuesday, indicated an interest in finding ways for more American workers to receive paid family leave.
Afterward, Kuctha allegedly took two candy bars off of the shelf and ate them, leaving the store without paying for the snacks and slushie, which amounted to $9.51.

By the time police arrived, Kuctha had already trekked to the nearby Denny's, taking asylum on a restaurant bench. When police questioned her, Kuctha allegedly told the officer a relative picked her up from jail that day and she was waiting at Denny's with her belongings for another ride.

As police continued to question her, she allegedly raised her voice and began cursing at the officer, who warned her against disorderly conduct, according to the police report.

However, Kuctha stated she was not drunk, so could not be arrested for disorderly conduct, the police report stated.

She then told police she took one sip of a slushie but dumped it, at which the responding officer asked her to stand up and place her hands behind her back to take her into custody.

Over one (expletive) slushie. It was one (expletive) sip, Kuctha allegedly said as she was arrested.
VALPARAISO  The 41-year-old Highland man charged with fondling a 14-year-old girl Saturday during a birthday sleepover at her friend's house was ordered by the court Thursday afternoon to avoid any further contact with the girl while the case proceeds.

Joshua Johnson was told not to call, text, have anyone else contact or have any other sort of contact with the purported victim.

The no-contact order was issued during an initial hearing for Johnson on the felony charges of sexual misconduct with a minor, child solicitation and sexual battery.

Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford entered preliminary pleas of not guilty on Johnson's behalf and scheduled a hearing for April 1 to determine whether he hired an attorney.

Johnson, who remains in custody on a $2,500 cash bond, said during the videoconferencing call to the court that he intends to hire an attorney on his own and did not need the services of a public defender. Other future hearing dates are May 6 and June 3.
VALPARAISO  Three students from Washington Township Middle/High School were taken into custody Thursday morning on allegations of taking a knife to school and passing it among themselves in a failed attempt to keep it concealed.

"The knife had been brought to school by an eighth grade student, who made others aware he had it, then making a threat if they told on him," according to Porter County police.

"Another student even told him he would get in trouble for having it at school," police said.

A student reported the knife to school officials, who confronted the three students, according to police. The three admitted to their role after a review of surveillance video from the school.

The students were taken to the Porter County Juvenile Detention Center.

A 13-year-old eighth-grader faces charges of felony intimidation and misdemeanor possession of a knife on school property, police said.

A 14-year-old eighth-grader faces a misdemeanor count of possession of a knife on school property.

A 15-year-old freshman faces misdemeanor counts of possession of a knife on school property and false informing.
Prosecutors amended the charges Oct. 12 to include enhancements for use of a firearm and criminal gang activity.

Brown said he thought the two video clips he presented in court showed conclusively that Hughes did not "author" the shooting that wounded the boy and his father, Kyran Hawthorne Sr.

As Brown presented the videos, he said Hawthorne and his group followed Hughes and Hughes' girlfriend to their car. Hawthorne and his son were wounded by the gunfire that erupted next.

A man in Hawthorne's group fired a gun during the shootout, which shattered store windows and sent customers scrambling for safety. That man's gun was recovered by an off-duty police officer, who encountered the man inside the Walmart after the shooting, court records say.

Brown said the video showed the boy was shot in the stomach while a woman, who was with Hawthorne's group, stood between the boy and Hughes.

Toth presented a total of four videos in tandem. No muzzles flashes were visible.

"It is impossible to say who shot them," Toth said. "It is impossible."
Police were continuing to follow up on leads in the case, Martin said.

The men allegedly targeted Hawkins because Hawkins was selling large amounts of marijuana, according to court records.

Galloway, Rogers and the three men broke into a home in the 4400 block of Madison Street in Gary where Hawkins was staying, records say.

A friend of Hawkins and a fellow marijuana dealer, who was inside, heard the intruders and fired gunshots in their direction. The intruders retreated to a car parked nearby and waited until Hawkins arrived at the house in a red SUV, records say.

Hawkins, Ortiz and two other friends fled the Madison Street address in the SUV and drove to what they thought would be the safety of a relative's home at the Park West Apartments near Ridge Road and Arbogast Street in Griffith, police said.

Galloway's group pursued and caught up with Hawkins' group in the parking lot outside the apartment building. The unidentified men drew guns and surrounded Hawkins' car, records say.

Hawkins was driving away from the ambush when one of the men, yet to be identified, fired a gunshot that fatally wounded Ortiz.
'You have a right to refuse

Wearing an orange jumpsuit, Jackson took the stand Tuesday to give his account of the day.

Couldnt you have told them to leave? Brown asked his client.

No, I felt like I wasnt given that option, Jackson said. They didnt tell me I had a right to tell them to leave. When I moved, they would move  I didnt want to make any false movements because I didnt feel I had freedom to move around.

Jackson said he wasnt allowed to change clothes in the privacy of his bedroom before going to the station but was instead directed to the bathroom, and one officer pushed open the door when he attempted to shut it.

Ezequiel said he suggested Jackson use the bathroom to give him some personal space and he took me up on that offer.

Chang argued detectives never threatened him with physical harm, surrounded him in an intimidating way, or intentionally blocked the apartments only exit.

I wont sign (the consent form), but you can look, Jackson could be heard minutes after officers arrived, according to audio played in court Tuesday.
MERRILLVILLE  Indiana Superintendent of Schools Jennifer McCormick called upon Northwest Indiana educators to organize and contact their elected officials in a nearly two-hour event Wednesday night at Merrillville High School.

"There is a way you can use your voice," McCormick said. "And I even think we're underusing it. There's power in numbers."

McCormick spoke in Merrillville High Schools Freshman Lecture Hall at the invitation of the Northwest Indiana Coalition for Public Education, a local nonprofit that advocates for legislation supportive of public education.

In her hourlong speech, McCormick touched on a number of legislative priorities in 2019, including K-12 funding, teacher pay and graduation pathways approved of by the State Board of Education in December 2017.

She took questions for about an hour afterward from the more than 160 current and former educators in attendance, some coming from as far as Elkhart.

Many expressed concern about the states role in public education, pointing to districts increasing reliance on referendum support to supplement state funding and the progress of a bill intended to make McCormicks position governor-appointed in two years' time.
Along with the dial-a-ride program, Lake County has contributed transit subsidies to Gary and South County bus services in previous years. The expenditures are not mandatory, but county leaders see them as necessary for maintaining affordable public transportation services throughout the Region.

If we didnt receive (the subsidy( from the county, we would have to reduce routes or pass it on to passengers, said Margot Sabato, the executive director of South Lake County Community Services. Wed either have to cut services or increase fares.

After Wednesdays meeting, commissioners pondered whether the county might be better off reviving a regional transit authority rather than handing out piecemeal subsides to local transportation agencies. Lake County hasnt managed a fixed-route bus service since the Northwest Indiana Regional Bus Authority (RBA), which also served Porter County, was disbanded over funding issues in the summer of 2012.

If Lake County were to organize its own countywide transit authority, it would likely require the approval of the Indiana General Assembly. State lawmakers established the RBA in 2000, but the now-defunct agency would eventually come to depend heavily on the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority to fund its operations.
Juvenile prosecutors said they will seek felony charges after a physical altercation involving knives at Boone Grove High School left two 17-year-old students injured.

The fight reportedly broke out Wednesday morning between two alternative school students in a bathroom near the high school's main office. A staff member overheard the altercation, according to a Porter County Sheriff's Department news release, and immediately radioed for help from a school resource officer in the building.

The student believed to have started the fight was in possession of two knives that he used to try to hurt the other student, according to the release. The second student suffered a "superficial laceration to the abdomen," according to police, and he was treated by medics at the school before being released to his parents.

The student in possession of the knives was taken to Porter Regional Hospital to be checked for injuries suffered at the school, according to the release.

After Boone Grove administrators and Porter County sheriff's officers determined the school was safe, students resumed their normal school day.
Forge: I guess I am a somewhat composed guy. But, obviously, the last time you saw me there, also, we were in character. And it doesn't really translate very well. Any sentiments you may have  unless it's wrath  it won't show very well. But I was ecstatic, absolutely.

AP: Will you attend the awards in character this time?

Forge: From a comfort level and just to make it doable, we're just leaving the Cardinal in Germany to wait for us to come back. He has to stay there. But, you know, we'll get him a room and a harem. He'll be fine.

AP: At the '16 Grammys, you competed in the metal category. This year, you're in two rock categories. Have they changed the way they look at you or have you changed your approach to music?

Forge: Each record is its own being but you will recognize the style  there are certain fingerprints in there, there are certain traces of DNA  that will be unmistakably mine. But I personally don't believe that our step is so far out of the zone that we should naturally change categories.

AP: Is being in the rock category more intimidating?
"Anna Karenina" will star the entire Joffrey company, including member Evan Boersma, who grew up in Dyer. He joined the troupe a little over a year ago.

"I'm so honored to be a part of this new production," Boersma said, during a recent interview. "I think people are really going to like the show."

"Yuri Possokhov has done a great job choreographing the ballet," he said, adding audience members will definitely be drawn into the work.

"It's a big production, very romantic with lots of dramatic moments," Boersma said. Boersma performs in various group numbers throughout the production. He said he's happy to be able to help tell the "Karenina" story in a "new way" through dance.

"Anna Karenina" stars dancer Victoria Jaiani as the title character. "This is a special moment in her (Jaiani's) career," Wheater said, adding it's definitely monumental to have a work created for you.

The Joffrey Ballet is also partnering with The Australian Ballet to present the production. After being performed in Chicago, "Anna Karenina" will be performed in Melbourne, Australia in May 2020.

Wheater said the partnering with The Australian Ballet is a "way to share costs" of putting on such a massive production. "It's the way of the future," he said.

The artistic director said dance fans from across the globe have shown an interest in this show. Many audience members will be traveling from afar to see "Anna Karenina," Wheater said.

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Office vacancy across Northwest Indiana rose to 19 percent last year, up from 14 percent the previous year.

Merrillville-based Commercial In-Sites' annual Northwest Indiana Office Market Survey found that the Region has 26 multi-story class A office buildings that comprise 1.36 million square feet of space, including the new Cardinal Campus on Main Street in Highland and the second phase of the 2929 Carlson project at Oxbow Landing in Hammond.

The commercial real estate firm found nine of the office buildings had 100 percent occupancy, down from 12 properties the previous year, while one stood at 99 percent occupancy at the time of the 2018 market survey.

Only about 35 percent of the Region's multi-tenant office buildings are now full-up. The office vacancy rate in Northwest Indiana is higher than the 14 percent vacancy rate in the greater suburban Chicago office market, according to CoStar.

But the spike in vacancy last year is largely a result of new or rehabbed inventory that landlords are looking to fill, according to Commerical In-Sites.
Stepdaughter: Women may have died in pond while trying to save dog
At the heels of decisions by state legislatures in New York and Virginia to expand abortion access, the office of Attorney General Curtis Hill is asking the Supreme Court to review a proposed waiting period requirement for women seeking abortions in Indiana.



The requirement, signed into Indiana law under former Gov. Mike Pence in 2016 as House Enrolled Act 1337, would force physicians to conduct an ultrasound 18 hours before a womans scheduled abortion, rather than offering the service the day of the abortion.



The waiting period outlined in HEA 1337 did not advance because abortion advocacy groups, namely Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (PPINK), convinced the court in the Southern District of Indiana to place a preliminary injunction on the order in 2017, preventing it from taking effect. This decision was also upheld by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, a lower federal court.



Now, just weeks after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed New Yorks Reproductive Health Act into law, groups on both sides of the debate are reinvigorating their stances toward the controversial procedure.



The New York measure in particular allows physicians to perform abortions up to 24 weeks or in cases where there is an absence of fetal viability or when an abortion is necessary to protect the patients life or health. A similar measure is before the Virginia legislature would change a state law requiring three physicians to sign off on a late-term abortion to only one doctors approval.



Citing the landmark decision Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey,which upheld a myriad of restrictions on abortions in Pennsylvania, including a 24-hour waiting period and a consent requirement for minors, Hill argues it is within Indianas rights to determine appropriate abortion restrictions.



The state has a compelling interest to protect fetal life and dignity, Hill said in the press release. It also has an obligation to ensure that women do not feel rushed or pressured into getting an abortion.



The General Assembly approved an initial 18-hour waiting period in 1995, during which women receive state-directed counseling. In 2011, legislators expanded requirements for women as they prepare for an abortion, requiring them to receive an ultrasound at any point before the procedure.



Additionally, in Indiana, private insurance policies and public funding only cover abortion in cases of rape, incest or if the womans life or wellbeing is endangered by carrying the pregnancy to term.



PPINK, in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana, issued a swift response to the attorney generals filing Monday afternoon. Representatives for each organization asserted that an extended waiting period would place undue burdens on women who choose abortion, forcing them to make multiple trips to a clinic.



Jane Henegar, executive director for American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, Photo by Emily Metheny, TheStatehouseFile.com.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, an international research organization specializing in sexual and reproductive health, almost 95 percent of Indiana counties had no clinic equipped to provide abortions in 2014, though a majority of women (66 percent) lived in counties with clinics capable of providing the service.



If this law were to go into effect, women, especially low-income women, would be unable to exercise their rights because of obstacles such as transportation, childcare and job schedules, read a statement by Jane Henegar, executive director of the ACLU of Indiana, in a press release. We will remain vigilant in our defense of every womans right to make her own medical decisions.



Erica Irish is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Sen. Ernie Chambers took offense to the defeat of LB 66, and we found ourselves in the unlucky position of our LB 63 just happening to be the following bill. Therefore, he proceeded to filibuster a bill he basically found no fault with. After every election, Sen. Chambers puts on a clinic for the new freshman members on his mastery of legislative rules. In some ways his antics serve the body well. He does educate the freshmen and refresh the memory of incumbent senators on the proper way to run a filibuster, and more importantly, he slows down the process and actually unites the body on an issue. By the time he is done, everyone on both sides of the political aisle is mad at him.

Sen. Chambers has made it clear that he literally stands alone (in 45 years he has never sat in his assigned chair, he always stands) and he does not seek or need friends or political allies. He is a rare individual that can do it and do it well, even at the age of 82. I will say that I used to think the longest five minutes I ever spent was the five minutes before I asked my wife to marry me, but 34 years later I have come to understand I was wrong. The longest five minutes in the world is the five minutes after Sen. Chambers hits his light the third time to address the body.
Theres still asphalt  more or less  atop East Philip Avenues aged concrete base thats nearly as old as, if not older than, the neighboring 47-year-old Platte River Mall.

North Platte residents can look at and comment on plans for a complete $2 million reconstruction of Philips busiest stretch, from Jeffers to Cottonwood streets, today at a public meeting on the city of North Plattes proposed 2019 one- and six-year road plan.

I dont think it has ever been completely rebuilt, City Engineer Tom Werblow said of that section of East Philip. The concrete base there is suffering from subgrade failure, he added, which you find when you fix an area and it doesnt stay fixed.

City officials will collect comments and suggestions on street needs citywide at the 5:30 p.m. meeting in the council chamber at City Hall, 211 W. Third St., said Werblow and City Administrator Jim Hawks. City Council members will consider them before approving the plans final version at its Feb. 19 meeting,

The one-year plan also includes continued design and a possible fall kickoff of the renovation of the rest of North Plattes historic downtown brick streets in the area bounded by North Jeffers, North Chestnut, East Fourth and East Front streets.
Nebraska Childrens Home Society celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2018, and a Thankful Hearts, a Celebration of Sweet Indulgence event will highlight the organization Sunday at the Prairie Arts Center.

The event, sponsored by NebraskaLand National Bank, is to raise funds and allow people to learn about the organization. Nebraska Children's Home is a member of Children's Home Society of America.

We remain the only agency in the United States that does not charge any fees for adoption services to any of the parties involved in the adoption process, said Faiz Rab, marketing and public relations manager. Thats really whats unique about us.

Rab said the cost of an adoption in the U.S. can range from $10,000 to $20,000 for private adoptions.

Our vision is a safe and loving family for every child, Rab said. Not charging adoption fees makes us very selective about the type of families that we will place a child into.

NCHS has a lengthy home study process for applicants.

Nationally, thats what really sets us apart, Rab said. In Nebraska we offer foster care services, early childhood education and an array of family support services that we continue to expand.
The 28th annual Buffalo Bill Farm & Ranch Expo is underway at D&N Event Center, 501 E. Walker Road. It began Wednesday and will run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. today.

Chauncy Hesseltine, a Sutherland rancher, said he was enjoying seeing the equipment and learning about services and businesses at vendor displays. He views the expo as a good opportunity to see what is new.

Technology keeps getting better every year, Hesseltine said Wednesday.

Amy Pemberton, event organizer with North Platte Area Chamber and Development, said the expo is a project by the chambers agriculture committee as a service to area farmers and ranchers.

Vendor fees support chamber programs that strengthen the local economy and help businesses recruit qualified employees, Pemberton said. The money also funds two scholarships each year for area high school seniors to pursue higher education in agriculture-related fields.

For the first time, this years expo includes presentations by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educators on topics such as livestock profitability and conserving water and nitrogen.
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MONTOURSVILLE - The Highway Safety Network held a press event Monday in Bloomsburg to honor local police officers for their outstanding participation in PennDOTs Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project in 2018.

Individual award recipients from Columbia County included Patrolman Craig Johnson with the Hemlock Township Police Department, Officer Quinton Reinford with the Bloomsburg Police Department and Patrolman Eli Middavagh with Scott Township Police Department.

Also receiving individual awards: from Lycoming County Patrolman Robert Mausteller with the Old Lycoming Township Police Department and Officer Deb Wasiluski with the Williamsport Bureau of Police, and from Snyder County Patrolman Jacob Shipman with the Shamokin Dam Police Department.

Several local municipal police departments were also recognized for their efforts in enforcing aggressive driving laws:

Bloomsburg Police Department

Hemlock Township Police Department

Locust Township Police Department

Scott Township Police Department

South Centre Township Police Department

Salem Township Police Department

Old Lycoming Township Police Department

Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department

Williamsport Bureau of Police

Coal Township Police Department

Mount Carmel Township Police Department

Sunbury Police Department

Shamokin Dam Police Department

Columbia County District Attorney Thomas E. Leipold presented the awards.

The 2018 aggressive driving enforcement focused on speeding, work zones safety violations and keeping right-passing left. Motorists who exhibited other unsafe behaviors such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or other aggressive actions were also cited.

Municipal police agencies in the region that participated in last years campaign wrote 5,914 citations, including 2,636 for speeding, 111 for occupant protection violations, and 42 impaired driving arrests.

The Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

For more information on aggressive driving, visit penndot.gov/safety or call 877-723-6830.

For local updates on Twitter visit twitter.com/511PANortheast, and follow statewide PennDOT news on Twitter at twitter.com/penndotnews.
What issues do Shamokin businesses face  and what opportunities can they leverage?

Those are some of the questions that SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) and its partners will ask as they walk the city and surrounding area every Wednesday in February.

Representatives from SEDA-COG, CareerLink, and the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be completing the walks together to help answer businesss questions on the spot, said SEDA-COGs Betsy Lockwood.

Were calling this Business Walk Wednesday. We want to know what opportunities and challenges the Shamokin businesses are facing and how we can partner with them to build further success, Lockwood said. While this is in no way mandatory, we would love the opportunity to talk to interested businesses so we can help offer solutions.

To address the needs businesses express, workshops will be held this spring and summer.

This effort is part of the statewide PA Engage! program, a relatively new statewide business retention and expansion program that offers companies advantages and connections.

In a 10-county central Pennsylvania region, a network of publicly funded partners empowers businesses to stay in PA, grow and excel. With the Engage! program, the partners identify and invest in businesses that may be unaware of the host of local resources available to them.

These partners are part of the Central Region Partners for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) network that SEDA-COG coordinates, which has over 20 business service providers in the region.

The local business service providers have a history of successfully partnering with businesses to help them reach their goals. From manufacturing, restaurants, gyms, orchards, farms, and more, no matter the business, the local business service providers can boost businesses to the next level.

Locally, Engage! was financed by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Department of Community and Economic Development.

For more information or to set up a special time to meet, contact SEDA-COGs Betsy Lockwood at 570-524-4491 or elockwood@seda-cog.org.
Photo Provided

This artist's conception shows a binary-star, or two-star, system called HD 113766, where astronomers suspect a rocky Earth-like planet is forming around a star. Astronomers suspect the star is at just the right age for forming rocky planets. The two yellow spots represent the stars. The brown ring depicts a belt of dusty material.
Caleb Slinkard was hired as the editor of the Norman Transcript in August of 2015. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce and previously was in charge of several newspapers in northeast Texas.

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Under current law, a 17-member nominating commission narrows down Iowa Supreme Court applicants to three nominees the governor can select from to fill vacant seats on the Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Court of Appeals.

The nominating commission is made up of eight members chosen by the governor and approved by the Iowa Senate. Another eight are attorneys elected by Iowas attorneys. The senior judge of the Iowa Supreme Court, other than the chief justice, serves as the commissions chair.

Under the House proposal, Iowa attorneys would no longer elect eight of the commissioners. Instead, the speaker of the House, the House minority leader, the Senate majority leader and the Senate minority leader would each make two appointments. The governor would continue to choose eight members, half of whom would be attorneys. The governor would also select the commissions chair from among the 16 members.

If the House bill and what Holt said would be a companion bill in the Senate are approved and signed into law by Gov. Reynolds  who has already expressed her support for the legislation  it would undo parts of the merit-based selection process added to the Iowa Constitution by voters in the early 1960s.
The wind takes over today after the snow system that rolled into the Council Bluffs-Omaha area Wednesday moves out, the National Weather Service reported.

Winds are forecast to gust in excess of 30 mph all day, which means the single-digit temperatures will feel like -15 to -20.

Friday ushers in a modest improvement: Winds quiet down, sunshine emerges and its cold. Highs in the low teens.

Saturday, expect highs around 30 but also expect winds gusting between 20 and 25 mph.

For Sunday through Tuesday, forecasters expect a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the 20s and low 30s.

In the long-range forecast from the U.S. Climate Prediction Center, odds favor colder-than-normal weather over the next two weeks in Nebraska and western Iowa.

The upcoming forecast according to the weather service includes:

Today: A 50 percent chance of snow before noon. Patchy blowing snow after 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 7 by 10 a.m. Wind chill values as low as -14. Windy, with a northwest wind 21 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

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The Associated Builders & Contractors, Cornhusker Chapter, has offered to sponsor a pre-apprenticeship program designed to prepare students to enter a Registered Apprenticeship program after graduation. The Chapter served as school districts Accredited Training sponsor, allowing the academy to obtain certification by the National Center for Construction Education and Research.

The TradeWorks Academy, slated to open this fall, will offer instruction and hands-on activities in automotive and diesel mechanics technology, construction, electrical systems, plumbing and HVAC/refrigeration and fabrication and welding at Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln High Schools. The career and technical areas at the two high schools are currently being renovated to accommodate academy needs.

A grant from the Behrouz and Christiane Rassekh Foundation will cover the cost of remodeling the career-technical areas at both schools, except for some interior demolition and preparation work paid for by the school district, Murillo said.

There are still opportunities for financial or in-kind donations, LaFerla said.

Most of what we have left would be equipment and furnishings, he said.
On Feb. 27, Daniel Tiger is the next cat in town. Working in partnership with Iowa Public Television, Daniel will be teaching local children about sharing.

This 45-minute presentation will include watching a brief Daniel Tiger episode about sharing as well as activities and a visit by Daniel himself. Daniel will be hosted by the Council Bluffs Public Library at 10 a.m. plus a special appearance at Childrens Square in celebration of their childcare centers 50th anniversary.

Daniel will also be headed to Shelby where he is helping to promote the new free library being established there; that performance begins at 5:30 p.m. at The Depot in Shelby.

Lets not forget the Cat in the Hat! Family Inc. will hold a Literacy Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Lied Multipurpose Complex on the Iowa School for the Deaf campus.

Costumed characters, guest readers, book give-a-ways and more will entertain children of all ages as everyone gathers to celebrate Dr. Seusss birthday.

Raise Me to Reads Campaign Director Brenda Moran is very much looking forward to welcoming these cats and Litwin.

All of these characters as well as author Eric Litwin bring high energy fun as they encourage children of all ages to grow in their literacy skills and abilities: this is a fun way to bring reading to life through well loved characters, she said.
 High School Equivalency Diploma  Adults who need a high school diploma can enroll in Iowa Western Community Colleges Adult Learning Center program for the High School Equivalency Test (which replaced the GED). Study reading, writing and math in morning, afternoon or evening classes. Visit the center at Kinney Hall on Iowa Westerns Council Bluffs campus or call 712-325-3266.

 Flag Disposal  Missouri Valley residents with U.S. flags for disposal may take them to the Times-News Office, 501 E. Erie St., in Missouri Valley. Flags may also be deposited in the special drop box located near the meeting room door of the Jesse Post No. 378, American Legion in the Mondamin Community Center. They will be given to the American Legion for a flag disposal ceremony.

 Oakland Senior Center  Meal reservations, inhouse or delivered, available Monday through Friday. Call prior to 11 a.m. the day before the meal.

 Friends of Underwood Community Organization  Meets every other Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Underwood City Hall. The group would like to have more people join to come up with and implement ideas on how to make the Underwood community a better place to live and work. Like them on Facebook: Friends of Underwood, IA Community.

 Flag Installations  The Underwood Avenue of Flags project installs American flags on residents property in the morning and removes them at night on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriot Day and Veterans Day. Avenue of Flags is sponsored by the Underwood High School Junior Optimist Club. Cost is $35 per year. Call Dale and Barb at 712-566-2820 or email agidale@aol.com. Subscribers without changes may send check to J.O.O.I. Club, 505 N St., Underwood, 51576.
Hazlewood and others at the open house noted the buildings uniqueness to the Council Bluffs market, with many calling it a Class A office building. Hazlewood said shes confident additional tenants will be attracted to the Rivers Edge.

The more people get in here to showcase the building, the more interest it will generate, she said.

Noddle Companies, real estate broker Investors Realty and Advance Southwest Iowa will work to attract businesses to the new space.

Ted Zetzman with Noddle Companies said the developer currently has an offer for office space on the third floor that is being evaluated.

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The number of businesses and organizations in the building would depend on size and number of employees.

There could be multiple smaller tenants or a handful of larger tenants, Zetzman said.

At the event, City Councilwoman Sharon White called the building, a beautiful facility.

Im excited to see it fill up, she said, noting this type of building is new for the Council Bluffs market. She said shes confident businesses will locate at Rivers Edge.
A total 160,376 signed up to participate Monday to win prizes up $1 million as part of the Shot At A Million campaign that the state launched to reward residents who have been  or soon will be  vaccinated against COVID-19.
Its never a good look when a city has to reassure its citizens that water coming from its taps is safe to drink. Having to do so twice in less than 24 hours could get you hooted out of even some third world countries.

But thats the kind of week it has been for the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board.

It started Monday morning (Feb. 4) with a precautionary boil-water advisory issued for the Lower 9th Ward and surrounding areas after utility crews testing water valves caused pressure to drop below the states safety threshold.

The advisory was lifted Tuesday afternoon, but by that time the city was in the middle of publicly explaining concerns about possible contamination in another part of the system in which clean drinking water was being used to cool steam-powered turbines and then returned to the drinking water system without being treated again.

Does this blackface make me look racist?

Let me be clear, our drinking water is safe to use, S&WB Executive Director Ghassan Korban said in a written statement. This condition has existed for more than 100 years and havent had an issue. But were not satisfied. If anything, the discovery of the cross-connection speeds up what I have been saying for some time now: we need to move away from a culture of repair and start to replace this outdated equipment.

This, believe it or not, is encouraging news.

For starters, Korban said the century-old gremlin was discovered when Sewerage & Water Board employees were investigating ways to convert from steam power to electric. The problem was then self-reported to the Louisiana Department of Health along with increased testing to make sure the water remained safe.

Korban said there should be no danger of lead contamination because the circulation system in the turbines contains only copper and alloy coils. But he noted that a "significant breach in the coils  though extremely unlikely  could allow for the cultivation of bacteria.

This is a proactive, transparent, responsible, accountable Sewerage & Water Board we haven't seen, maybe since that anonymous engineer decided back in the early 1900s to cross-connect the turbine cooling system.

Management in the past would not have been looking to improve the system, only patch it, and it's not hard to imagine those same folks ignoring or covering up a glitch that put S&WB operations in a bad light.

To his credit, Korban's short tenure has set a different tone. He has owned up to the fact that resistance to technological change had undermined the switchover to a new computerized billing system. And after initially being vague about how two workers had failed to react in an emergency that forced a boil-water advisory last November, he confirmed that the former employees had been asleep on the job. Yes, sleeping.

All of the incidents point to the incredible challenges that Korban faces since taking the job last September.

Decades of deferred maintenance have left the system barely operational while mismanagement and dishonesty have eroded public trust. Korban is tasked with fixing both.

There is no dispute that the Sewerage & Water Board's infrastructure needs an overhaul that Korban has estimated will cost "billions of dollars over 30-plus years.

Of the 1,500 miles of underground water pipes, about 700 miles are 100 years or older while less than 10 miles have been installed in the past 25 years.

Figuring out how to finance that remains a work in progress. Mayor LaToya Cantrell has said she wants to avoid piling higher rates and fees on residents of a city already struggling to pay their bills. That's the main reason for her push to divert some portion of the city's annual hospitality revenue, an effort that still looks like a longshot at this point.

A Louisiana Anthony Davis can be proud of

And no one will be completely comfortable funneling more money to the Sewerage & Water Board until there is evidence that the agency is no longer a literal and figurative sinkhole.

The jury is still out  and should be  but this weeks events provide some hope that the S&WB is finally on the right path.

Tim Morris is a columnist on the Latitude team at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Latitude is a place to share opinions about the challenges facing Louisiana. Follow @LatitudeNOLA on Facebook and Twitter. Write to Tim at tmorris@nola.com.
So volatile was the position of Jefferson Parish animal shelter director during the centurys first decade that five different people cycled through it in four years. Then came Robin Beaulieu, who since 2011 has won widespread praise for increasing dog and cat adoption rates, reducing euthanasia and mending fences with animal rescue groups and passionate volunteers.

Now, however, Parish President Mike Yennis administration has suspended Beaulieu and Melinda Mimi Olsen, the departments chief animal control officer, for reasons it wont make public pending a personnel investigation. The shakeup comes a year after Jefferson opened a new $11 million West Bank shelter in Harvey, to complement its East Jefferson shelter in Elmwood, and it shocked Beaulieus defenders.

New $11 million West Bank animal shelter has 'no kill' goal

Eighteen of her admirers beseeched the Parish Council on Wednesday (Feb. 6) in unscheduled testimonials that collectively lasted more than an hour. Speaker after speaker hailed Beaulieus leadership, performance and compassion.

Ive never met two women who are more dedicated and focused about what the mission is, said Kathy Perra, executive director of Animal Rescue New Orleans.

This has got to be a lot of bull, Vice President John Long of the Deep South All Breed Obedience Training Club of Greater New Orleans said. This is the best-run shelter I have ever seen in my life.

A few speakers questioned Beaulieus judgment, however. Angelle Crochet, for example, said she volunteered hundreds of hours at the shelter only to be banned from the premises. I saw it run as a queendom, Crochet told the council.

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Listen to the parade of speakers:

The New Orleans Advocate reported last week that animal control officer Jordan Encalade alleged workplace discrimination, harassment and retaliation by Beaulieu and Olsen, and that his complaints are similar to those of Brooke Bourgeois, the West Bank shelter director whom Beaulieu fired Jan. 17. The Yenni administrations human resources director, Peggy Barton, said Wednesday that two animal shelter complaints are being investigated but would not elaborate.

Beaulieu was paid $77,544 last year to run the 53-person, $6.1 million department, according to public records. Olsens pay was $43,301.

Escaped exotic cat Cezar captured in Metairie

. . . . . . .

Drew Broach covers Jefferson Parish politics and education, plus other odds and ends, for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Email: dbroach@nola.com. Facebook: Drew Broach TP. Twitter: drewbroach1.
Any number of curiosities wash up on Floridas beaches. But a large, wooden cross, covered in a generous crust of barnacles, that washed shore in Fort Lauderdale last weekend has generated a number of theories as to its origin and prompted some to ask if its a sign from above, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

John Skorupa of Fort Lauderdale told the newspaper that beach-goers who dragged the cross from the water offered several possible theories.

"The one that made sense to me was Puerto Rico because of the hurricanes they had there, Skorupa he said. But, it may be a sign of some kind.

I called up a girlfriend that I went to church with a few times and I said, Lets start meeting again for church services, he added. I brought her flowers.

The Miami Herald, meanwhile, reported that a woman called the newspaper with a decidedly less spiritual explanation: The cross, she said, had floated to Florida from North Carolina, where it had been erected in the Hatteras Inlet as a tribute to her missing brother.

The Herald story includes a nice bonus: A listing of several odd things that have washed up on Florida beaches over the years.
Wendy Vitters divisive quest for a lifetime appointment to be a U.S. District Court judge in New Orleans won support Thursday (Feb. 7) from the Senate Judiciary Committee, which endorsed her for the second time in eight months. President Donald Trumps nominee now advances to the full Senate.

The committee voted 12-10 along party lines to recommend Vitter, who is general counsel to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans and wife of former Sen. David Vitter, R-La. If confirmed, she will be the Republican presidents second judicial appointment for the 13-parish Eastern District of Louisiana.

Meet Barry Ashe, the newest federal judge in New Orleans

Vitter has long been active in Republican politics and cancer causes. She prosecuted crime for the Orleans Parish district attorneys office for nine years, took off nine years to raise a family and began representing the Catholic Church in 2012.

Trump first nominated her for the bench Jan. 23, 2018, and the Judiciary Committee endorsed her in an 11-10 vote May 24. That came after a committee hearing marked by clashes with Democratic members over her opposition to abortion and her refusal to say whether the Supreme Court was correct in outlawing racial segregation in public schools.

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Wendy Vitter won't say if Supreme Court was right to outlaw segregated schools

Her nomination expired when the 115th Congress adjourned, and the president resubmitted her name last month. That set the stage for Thursdays vote by a committee with a slightly different roster from 2018.

. . . . . . .

Drew Broach covers Jefferson Parish politics and education, plus other odds and ends, for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Email: dbroach@nola.com. Facebook: Drew Broach TP. Twitter: drewbroach1.
A man was taken into police custody after officers found another man fatally stabbed Wednesday night (Feb. 6) at a French Quarter home, according to New Orleans police. Authorities have not identified the victim or the man in custody, who eventually surrendered to officers responding to reports of a possible hostage situation at the home, which is in the 600 block of Burgundy Street.

Police have not said whether anyone was taken hostage, but a witness said he saw a woman run out of a Burgundy Street home Wednesday night, screaming for help.

Terrance Allen said he was with friends outside of a bar on the corner of Burgundy and Toulouse streets when the woman, who appeared to be in her 60s or 70s, ran outside.

She was real panicked and leaning on a car, Allen said. She was out of breath.

He and a friend then checked on the woman, who told them she had been held hostage for hours by her grandson, who had stabbed another male relative. The woman said the killing occurred in the homes courtyard.

She said the first chance she got, she ran outside, Allen said. She ran behind the car.

Allen said he and a friend talked with the woman and tried to console her while also calling police.

According to the NOPD, officers responded about 6:45 p.m. to the report of a possible hostage situation. Officers arrived to find the reporting person in front of the Burgundy Street home, saying that a male relative might be barricaded inside.

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The relative later surrendered to police, the NOPD said. Officers then found the wounded man, who was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene.

Police did indicate whether a stand-off ensued or the length of time that passed before the man was taken into custody. No arrests had been made as of roughly 8:30 p.m., said NOPD spokesman Aaron Looney.

Allen was among a small crowd of Fahys Irish Pub patrons standing outside of the bar Wednesday night, some watching as investigators processed the scene.

A small, mostly residential section of Burgundy Street was cordoned off, from about the middle of the 600 block to a point near Toulouse Street.

Both NOPD and Louisiana State Police, which helps patrol the French Quarter, were on scene, with investigators focused on the inside of a home.

As police continued to document the scene, passersby on foot, in taxis and peddling pedicabs paused to ask about what happened, and a New Orleans Coroners Office van pulled up to the scene.

NOPD Homicide Detective Stephanie Gray is in charge of the ongoing investigation and can be reached at 504-658-5300 with any information regarding the stabbing. To submit an anonymous tip, call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.
The narcotics detectives who executed a search warrant at the Elmwood apartment of New Orleans Saints defensive lineman David Onyemata did so based on a package seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Buffalo, N.Y., on Jan. 28, according to a Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office report.

Lyft driver kidnapped, raped New Orleans woman: JPSO

The sheriffs office hasnt said why, but the package prompted a detective to execute a search warrant at Onyematas Elmwood apartment at 12 p.m. the next day. Investigators seized a total of 80 grams of marijuana products, including hemp powder, THC oils and edibles, authorities said.

UPDATE: Saints player David Onyemata had marijuana mailed to his home: JPSO

Onyemata, 26, was arrested by misdemeanor summons for possession of marijuana. He was not booked into jail, said Capt. Jason Rivarde, spokesman for the department.

A New Orleans Saints spokesman declined to comment on the matter Thursday (Feb. 7).

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Though the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office is not discussing the parcel seized in New York, local authorities have previously conducted several investigations involving packages and drugs. In those cases, an agency intercepts a parcel containing drugs and allows a controlled delivery of the package.

In 2016, police arrested a man named Thomas Arbon after U.S. Postal Service Inspectors discovered marijuana and THC wax inside a package addressed to his Kenner home. They obtained a search warrant for the residence and arrested Arbon after he accepted the package, finding more marijuana and a digital scale inside, authorities said. Arbon later pleaded guilty in Jefferson Parish court.

The sheriffs office did not comment Thursday (Feb. 7) about the contents of the package or whether it was addressed to Onyemata.

Stay with NOLA.com for more on this story.



NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune Saints reporter Josh Katzenstein contributed to this report.
A man held a gun to a 33-year-old womans back and demanded her purse while she was walking in the French Quarter on Wednesday night (Feb. 6), New Orleans police said.

The gunman approached the woman near the intersection of Bourbon and Barracks streets around 8:13 p.m., according to an initial police report. When the man demanded her purse, the woman refused and began to scream. The suspect ran westbound on Barracks Street without the purse, police said.

Police described the gunman as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, 150 pounds and wearing a gray hoodie and dark pants at the time of the attempted robbery.

Police also reported a fatal stabbing in a French Quarter home earlier in the night.

1 in custody after man found fatally stabbed at French Quarter home: NOPD
A 26-year-old man faces a murder charge in connection to Wednesday nights fatal stabbing at a French Quarter home, booking records show.

Morgan Rothe-Skinner was booked in to the Orleans Justice Center jail about 6:20 a.m. Thursday on a charge of second-degree murder, records show. It was not immediately clear if he had hired an attorney or if one from the Orleans Public Defenders office would be appointed one to represent him during his first appearance hearing, which is expected to occur sometime Thursday.

New Orleans police initially responded about 6:45 p.m. to the home in the 600 block of Burgundy Street after receiving reports of a possible hostage situation, authorities said Wednesday. Officers arrived to find the reporting person in front of the Burgundy Street home, saying that a male relative might be barricaded inside.

1 in custody after man found fatally stabbed at French Quarter home: NOPD

NOPD said Wednesday the person they had in custody had surrendered to police. After the surrender, police found the wounded man, who was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene, the department said. Authorities have not yet identified the deceased man.

A witness at the scene said he saw a woman run out of a Burgundy Street home Wednesday night, screaming for help. Terrance Allen said she told him and his friends she had been held hostage for hours by her grandson, who had stabbed another male relative.

Allen said he was with friends outside of a bar on the corner of Burgundy and Toulouse streets when the woman, who appeared to be in her 60s or 70s, ran outside.

She was real panicked and leaning on a car, Allen said. She was out of breath.

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The woman told Allen the killing occurred in the homes courtyard, he said.

She said the first chance she got, she ran outside, Allen said.

Allen said he and a friend talked with the woman and tried to console her while also calling police.

Police did not indicate whether a stand-off ensued or the length of time that passed before the man was taken into custody.

Both NOPD and Louisiana State Police, which helps patrol the French Quarter, were on scene, with investigators focused on the inside of a home.

Further details of the arrest were not immediately available.

NOPD Homicide Detective Stephanie Gray is in charge of the ongoing investigation and can be reached at 504-658-5300 with any information regarding the stabbing. To submit an anonymous tip, call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Staff writer Laura McKnight contributed to this report.
A Lyft driver who picked up an intoxicated woman in the Bywater neighborhood, drove her to his West Bank apartment instead of her home and raped her, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office.

Saints player David Onyematas home raided after package seized in New York, report says

Yousef Hamed, 30, of Harvey, was arrested Tuesday (Feb. 5) and booked with second-degree rape and second-degree kidnapping, said Capt. Jason Rivarde, spokesman for the department.

The victim, a 43-year-old New Orleans woman who is not being identified by NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, said she has been traumatized by the frightening encounter. But she said she appreciates all of the support that she has received.

It goes to show you, there are some sick people in this world, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said Thursday.

The alleged assault occurred on Jan. 23. The woman and a friend had been having drinks at a bar in the Bywater, according to authorities. The woman was fairly intoxicated, according to Lopinto, and her friend decided to get her home using the ride-share app Lyft.

The friend used her own cell phone to order the ride, and received notification that Yousef would be the womans driver. He arrived in white, 2014 Chrysler Town & Country around 10 p.m., according to the sheriffs office.

The womans home was located about a mile away. But instead of driving to her residence, the driver, later identified as Hamed, took her to his apartment in the 2200 block of Manhattan Boulevard in Harvey, Lopinto said.

Hamed is accused of terminating the ride at some point while his vehicle was still in New Orleans, Lopinto said. That meant the womans friend could no longer track the ride in real-time using the apps GPS feature.

The woman had accidentally left her cell phone behind when she got into the vehicle, according to Lopinto She had no way to call for help.

Meanwhile, Hamed told the woman he had to stop by his apartment. He managed to get the woman inside his residence and raped her, investigators allege. The woman was too impaired to give her consent, according to Rivarde.

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Afterward, the woman convinced Hamed to drive her home. She contacted New Orleans police and went to University Medical Center were a rape kit was performed. NOPD used the cell phone to identify Hamed and requested his personal information from Lyft, authorities said.

The ride-share company provided the information on Jan. 30, and NOPD contacted the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office once they determined that the rape had occurred at Hameds Harvey residence, Rivarde said. J

Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office Detective Kristen Lyvers investigated the case and obtained a warrant for Hameds arrest.

Hamed was booked with second-degree rape, according to the Sheriffs Office, because authorities felt the woman was too intoxicated to resist or prevent the assault.

A Lyft driver should never be picking up a stranger and bringing them back to his apartment, under any circumstances, Lopinto said.

Hamed was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. Hamed was still being held there Thursday in lieu of a $400,000 bond.

Lyft requires all drivers to pass professionally administered criminal background checks. Hamed had not previous arrests in his criminal history, Lopinto said.

Lyft released the following statement Thursday about the case:

These allegations are horrific. The safety of our community is our top priority, and we have no tolerance for this behavior on our platform. We have deactivated the driver and reached out to extend our support to the passenger. We have also been in touch with law enforcement, and stand ready to assist with their investigation.

Clarification: This story has been updated to reflect that the a co-worker, not the victim, ordered the Lyft ride for the victim. The victim also accidentally left behind her cell phone when she got into the vehicle.
As one of the most popular annual Mardi Gras events on the north shore of New Orleans, the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws has its claws and tails wrapped firmly around cuteness.

From wagging dogs to their quirky costumed humans, the yearly leash-walk along the Mandeville Lakefront celebrates not only Mardi Gras, but the comical and sweet spirit of the precious and four-legged.

In advance of its 25th year -- which happens March 10 -- the parade has just announced some of its royal court. This year, a dog believed rescued from the fighting ring will reign as canine king, and a young girl with a rare medical disorder will serve as Grand Marshal. In a way, both represent the courage and fighting spirit of both the children and animals served by the work of Mardi Paws.

The abused King Otis is rescued, seated upon the Mardi Paws throne

When Covington resident Stephanie Milner was asked if she'd temporarily give a home to an abused dog, it was a no-brainer. The black and white mutt had been found near LaPlace, and the local shelter was seeking a foster parent. Milner immediately said yes.

"He was days away from dying," Milner explained. "They determined that he was being weakened to be a bait dog in a dog fighting ring. His snout was wrapped with super glue, wire and rope. He had a rope tied around his neck as well, and has scars from where he broke free. He also had a broken foot."

"We took him home and started the process of healing," Milner continued. "He had to have surgery to take the scabs off, so it could heal properly."

This was originally supposed to be a temporary stop along the dog's journey, but quick as a flash, Milner's heart told her it would be more than a mere pit stop.

"After a day, I knew he was going to be my dog forever," she said. "He had my heart from day one."

The perpetrators of the abuse were never identified by authorities.

"They never were able to figure it out who did it," she said. "They said that no one would tell who it was."

"He is a huge blessing in our lives and I am forever grateful for him," she added.

King Otis' fellow canine monarch will be Queen Allison, a nine-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel whose owner adopted her in 2015 and drove her home to Louisiana from Kansas, so the animal wouldn't have to endure a long flight to her new home.

Inspirational "social media sensation" to serve as Grand Marshal

Described by Mardi Paws as an "Internet and social media sensation," ten-year-old Audrey Nethery will serve as 2019 Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws Grand Marshal. Nethery suffers from a rare bone marrow disorder called Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, which has required multiple blood transfusions and strong medications.

Nethery has been featured on television shows such as "The Rachel Ray Show," in support of her cookbook created to raise awareness about the rare condition. She's also been featured in a "viral video" where the child shows off her Zumba skills.

Pre-registration for participation is now open

Mardi Paws -- which will roll on March 10 at 2 p.m. along Lakeshore Drive in Mandeville -- is now open for krewe member registration. Krewe membership is open to the public, and participation in the walking parade requires a $25 donation.

Participants are expected to provide their own throws, including beads, dog treats, and other appropriate items, and are expected to participate in the 2019 theme by creating original costumes for the animal krewe member, pet parent, or hopefully, for both.

The 2019 theme is "SuperPaws," which encourages costumes that reflect "comic book culture," including themes "from superheroes to wizards, space warriors to zombies."

Non-motorized "floats" -- including doggie-sized floats made of wagons, carts, strollers, and shopping carts -- are welcome.

Although participants can sign up on the day of the parade, pre-registration is suggested and is now open at MardiPaws.com. Registration allows for up to six people to accompany each participating animal, and group costumes are commonly seen each year.

"Coveted throws" each year include cups, beads, doubloons, stuffed animals and "the royal court's famed gold and glittered dog poops."

Proceeds help the Ian Somerhalder Foundation and Scott's Wish

The 2019 parade will benefit the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, the environment and animal-related charity of Covington native and actor, Ian Somerhalder. The actor is known for his work on the television series "The Vampire Diaries" and "Lost," and is soon to appear in the 10-episode Netflix series, "V-Wars."

The other beneficiary of Mardi Paws proceeds is Scott's Wish, a charity that provides aid for patients with leukemia and other life-threatening illnesses.

Author and entertainment contributor Kara Martinez Bachman may be reached at kara@KaraMartinezBachman.com. She welcomes your news tips and story ideas.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump, who once threatened to shut down the federal government rather than help pay for the Gateway Tunnel project, now says he is open-minded about spending federal funds on the project.

We have the money set aside but we have not decided to use it yet," Trump said Wednesday at a meeting of Washington-based reporters from local news outlets, according to pool reports. Its a very expensive project, very expensive, so we have to see what theyre doing. Its got to be approved by us.

The Gateway project includes a new train tunnel under the Hudson River and a new Portal Bridge over Hackensack River.

Under President Barack Obama, a Democrat, the federal government agreed to pay half the costs, and Trump, a Republican, initially indicated in September 2017 that he would live up to the terms of the deal.

But U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in March that Trump was only being cordial and opposed funding the project. U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, a leading Trump opponent on Capitol Hill, is one of the top advocates for Gateway.

Congress got around Trumps veto threat by including $540 million for Gateway in different transportation accounts rather than as a direct appropriation.

House Democrats who now are in the majority said they would support funding for Gateway, possibly as part of a larger infrastructure bill that both lawmakers and Trump have said they want.

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said backing Gateway would show that Trump is serious about working with Democrats and spending money to rebuild Americas public works.

"If the president is serious about bipartisanship and infrastructure, this would be one of the greatest examples of that possibility, Menendez said.

At an press conference in North Bergen on Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy said he was encouraged by Trumps remarks.

Im not sure what he wants in return, other than a stronger America, which I want to help him achieve, Murphy, a Democrat, said. We need the federal money."

Trump also said hed be open to talking about making changes to his tax law that targeted middle-class homeowners in New Jersey and other high-tax states by capping the federal deduction for state and local taxes.

There are some people talking to me about this, he said.

Still, Trump defended the $10,000 cap, saying it makes all states the same. In actuality, the states hardest hit by the cap send billions of dollars more to Washington than they receive in services, subsidizing lower-taxed, Republican-led states.

U.S. Rep. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-9th Dist., a member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, has said that the new House Democratic majority will move to restore the full deduction.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

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The veteran state lawmaker leading an investigation into how Gov. Phil Murphys team responded to rape allegations against a former top staff member issued a blistering statement Wednesday dismissing a new report that clears Murphys aides of serious wrongdoing.

State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg was one of a few lawmakers to criticize the taxpayer-funded report that Murphy commissioned to examine how his aides handled Katie Brennans allegations that ex-staffer Albert J. Alvarez raped her in 2017.

Weinberg  like Murphy, a Democrat  said the report leaves too many unanswered questions," is peppered with vagaries and uncertainties," and appears to make more of an effort to exonerate the governors staff than it does to shed light on the case.

There is no accountability and no one willing or able to take responsibility, said Weinberg, D-Bergen, the co-chair of the special legislative committee running a separate investigation into the matter.

The report  conducted by former state Supreme Court Justice Peter Verniero  concludes that Murphys aides made mistakes in handling Brennans accusations but acted with their best judgment and understanding of existing law." It also says the system failed Brennan and needs to be reformed.

Weinberg  New Jerseys highest-ranking woman state lawmaker  said the report falls short of the comprehensive investigation Murphy called for in October, when he tapped Verniero after Brennans allegations became public.

There continues to be too many unanswered questions, too many inconsistencies and contradictions, and too many people unable to provide a true accounting," Weinberg said.

She especially took issue with what the report did not unveil: Who actually hired Alvarez, why he did not leave that job when he was told to, and what allowed this situation to go unresolved for so long.

The committees other co-chair, state Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, was also critical, saying the lengthy and time-consuming report fails to answer the hard questions or assign blame.

Pintor Marin, D-Essex, said it boggles the mind that its still unclear who hired Alvarez.

It is unacceptable and wholly inappropriate that such a fundamental question cannot be answered, she said.

Both Weinberg and Pintor Marin said the report shows the committee needs to continue its work, so it can suggest new policies for how the state hires employees and handles allegations of sexual assault.

Murphys administration released its own recommendations for such changes Tuesday night, and Wednesdays report also make suggestions. But Weinberg said shed like to see an overall policy that covers everybody.

From the governors office, were getting bits and pieces, she told NJ Advance Media in an interview.

Brennan testified before the committee that Alvarez raped her in April 2017, when she was a Murphy supporter and he was a campaign official.

Alvarez was later hired as chief of staff to the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, even though senior Murphy officials knew about the accusations. He stayed in that position for months despite top Murphy aides telling him twice to leave state government between May and June of last year.

Alvarez has denied the allegations, saying the incident was consensual, and two county prosecutors' offices have declined to charge him with a crime.

Wednesdays report concluded that Murphy did not know of Brennans allegations until Alvarez resigned in October. Murphy said in a statement Wednesday he wishes his aides told him sooner and they should have acted quicker in removing Alvarez.

The report contains hard truths that my administration must fully accept and also highlights structural issues with gubernatorial transitions that merit reform, Murphy said.

In her own statement Wednesday, Brennan said the report revealed a lack of accountability and effective policies and procedures to address a glaring personnel problem in the transition."

But what Brennan found lacking in the report, as well as the new procedures Murphy announced Tuesday, was any recognition of how Murphy officials violated her confidentiality and protected Alvarez.

When I alerted the transition, they used confidentiality to prevent an investigation," said Brennan, who is now chief of staff to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.

When I wanted to tell the governor, they invoked confidentiality to stop him from knowing. When I wanted to know why Al Alvarez was leaving state employment, they used confidentiality to hide the reason."

But confidentiality didnt stop them telling my rapist that I made a complaint, Brennan added.

Brennan last month filed a lawsuit against the state, in part for imposing a gag order while it investigates a more recent claim that she felt ostracized by members of the administration since going public with her story. The state opened an investigation and told her she couldnt talk about the case or risk suspension or termination.

Confidentiality is used to stop action and silence victims, not to encourage them to report sexual misconduct, Brennan said.

Brennan did not grant an interview for Verniernos investigation, though she has testified to lawmakers and been interviewed by law enforcement.

Republicans on the committee also pounced on Wednesdays report.

Nobodys at fault, but nobody takes any responsibility, Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, R-Morris, told NJ Advance Media. Thats what really bothers me.

State Sen. Kristin Corrado, R-Passaic, said in a statement that Murphy is seriously mistaken if he thinks he can sweep this matter under the rug with a superficial report and a few administrative rule changes.

Corrado also said "its time for the governor himself to visit our committee to explain his role in the hiring process.

Weinberg said she doesnt expect to subpoena Murphy to force him to testify.

We might invite him if hed like to come, she said. But thats not anything that weve gotten even close to.

Alvarez has declined an invitation to appear, and Weinberg said she doesnt expect to issue him a subpoena.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

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Too many young adults who aged out of the New Jerseys foster care system in the first half of 2018 had not yet enrolled in school, landed a job or found a reliable place to live, according to the latest report by a national expert evaluating child welfare services in the state.

The latest report, delivered to U.S. District Court Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark Tuesday, reflects the first six months of the Murphy administrations work toward improving New Jerseys child welfare services, which was once considered among the nations most dysfunctional.

The federal court oversight is the result of a lawsuit settlement in 2003 that acknowledged foster children were often more harmed than helped by the system.

The report was favorable overall, noting the Department of Children and Services, led by Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer, had maintained 41 out of 48 goals through the January 2018 to June 2018 evaluation period.

Beyer told the judge New Jersey has created a child serving and self-correcting" system that has markedly improved.

Simply put, our foundation is sound, Beyer said.

But federal monitor Judith Meltzer said she was concerned about the percentage of 18-to-21 year-olds who are not prepared for life on their own.

Although the universe of cases to which this measure applies is small and susceptible to fluctuations, this decline in performance is of concern to the Monitor, Meltzer and her team wrote in the 77-page report.

Marcia Robinson Lowry, founder and executive director for A Better Childhood, the national nonprofit that represents the interests of foster children in New Jersey, said she was very concerned about these young people, describing them as among "the most vulnerable in the states care.

In a statement after the hearing, Beyer noted that these were goals the department had met before.

She noted that fewer adolescents are aging out" of the foster care system because theres been an increase in adoptions and families being reunified before they hit age 21.

We will review the Monitors recommendations because we are committed to making sure that the needs of all children who are involved in NJs child welfare system are met, she added.

In November, there were 2,039 people age 18 to 20 in foster care in New Jersey, one of 40 states that offer support to older teens past age 18, according to the Department of Children and Families. Expanding foster care to age 21 was one of the states earliest reforms.

Roughly 20,000 foster kids reach the age of emancipation every year, and just over half have graduated high school, 3 percent had graduated from college by age 25 and 9 percent had reliable housing, according the child welfare think tank Chapin Hall of Illinois.

Marjorie Blicharz, director of Scholarship Programs for Embrella, the nonprofit formerly known as Foster and Adoptive Family Services of New Jersey, said she was surprised the state had not scored higher. I think they are doing great.

The publicly funded New Jersey Foster Scholars Program she oversees helped paid tuition and other expenses for 413 students in the last academic year, Blicharz said.

Two other deficiencies persist, according to the report. Too many caseworkers are still not making monthly visits with parents whose children are in foster care  a factor that may delay a child reuniting with the family. Also, too few children in foster care visit with their siblings, the monitor found.

Caseworkers made significant progress developing comprehensive plans to help rehabilitate and reunite families within a month of the state removing the child from an abusive or neglectful home, the report said. This was a goal the department had struggled to meet for three preceding grading periods.

Chesler, the judge overseeing the case since 2003, praised Beyer for making the transition between the Gov. Christies administration and Gov. Phil Murphys administration seamless. He praised Murphy and the state Legislature for consistently financing the department extensive reforms.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
Its the unanswered question thats been asked dozens of times over the past couple months and probably the last one Gov. Phil Murphy wanted to get asked Wednesday night during a telephone town hall he used to promote a new $15 minimum wage bill he just signed into law.

But the man identified as Anthony pulled one over the people screening the calls and went there.

Who hired Al Alvarez? Anthony, the second-to-last caller on the hour-long event asked the governor, referring to the former top aide who Murphy staffer Katie Brennan says raped her during the governors election campaign in 2017.

Not the question that you said you were going to ask, obviously, Murphy responded.

Heres what Ill say to that, the Democratic governor continued. I put out a statement today about a report that came (from) an investigation into this whole matter  and I would encourage you to read that. Im also going to speak with the press (Thursday).

He was referring to the taxpayer-funded report by former state Supreme Court Justice Peter Verniero that Murphy commissioned, which concluded members of his inner circle made some mistakes but acted in good faith and that ultimately "the system failed Brennan.

Still, missing from the report released after Vernieros four-month investigation is the answer to the basic question that has vexed lawmakers and Murphy has refused to comment on when asked by New Jerseys reporters: Who hired Alvarez?

Anthony asked. But Murphy had no answer to give.

Im all in on all of it, the governor said, referring to Vernieros recommendation that the state expand and clarify state equal employment opportunity rules and model gubernatorial transitions after presidential transitions, wherein candidates begin assembling their administrations before the general election.

I think these steps we need to take collectively and we will take them collectively, and we will have learned a lot of lessons, Murphy said. Im gonna speak more.

Earlier in the day, Murphy conceded in a statement that his aides should have told him sooner about Brennans allegation. He also said his administration should have more swiftly and decisively removed Alvarez.

Alvarez has denied the allegations, saying the incident was consensual, and two county prosecutors offices have declined to charge him with a crime.

But Murphy said his staff should have done more.

I fully respect the determinations made by two separate law enforcement entities regarding Mr. Alvarez, but once the decision was made to separate him from state government, it should have had been handled more swiftly and decisively, Murphy said.

State lawmakers investigating the administration and its hiring practices, however, signaled Vernieros report will not put an end to its inquiry into the matter.

State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, who co-chairs the committee, eviscerated the content of the report because she said it fails to answer key questions or hold anyone accountable.

NJ Advance Media staff writers Susan K. Livio and Samantha Marcus contributed to this report.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01.
Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday refused to say whether anyone in his orbit would be fired over the handling of a sexual assault allegation against a senior staffer, or whether he would agree to testify in front of the special legislative committee investigating the scandal.

Speaking to reporters following a bridge opening in North Bergen, Murphy fielded a volley of questions about a report released Wednesday by Peter Verniero, a former state Supreme Court justice asked to investigate how the staffer, Al Alvarez, was able to stay in government for months despite allegations by Katie Brennan that he raped her during Murphys campaign.

The Verniero report answered a lot of questions and laid out many valuable recommendations, Murphy said. I also understand that not all the answers are satisfying, and I share the frustration of those who are looking for easy answers.

Here's @GovMurphy responding to the Verniero report on his transition and administration's handling of Katie Brennan's sexual assault claims pic.twitter.com/AsIKZOZ6Sr  S.P. Sullivan (@spsullivan) February 7, 2019

Alvarez was investigated by prosecutors in two counties and has denied the allegations. He has not been charged with a crime. But Brennans story has embroiled the Murphys administration since she went public in October.

Murphy commissioned the report, one of several inquiries, which blamed systemic failures rather than individuals in the governors inner circle who opted not to tell Murphy about the allegations.

Saying the buck stops with him, the first-term Democrat took responsibility for the handling of the ordeal and added that we was frustrated by the investigations failure to identify who hired Alvarez  a question that has vexed members of a special investigative committee, including members of his own party.

The governor would not say whether there would be consequences for anyone on his staff, deferring to the findings in Vernieros report.

His team concluded that folks at every step exercised what they thought was their best judgment, Murphy said. "They made the calls as best as they thought they could.  I have no reason to believe otherwise. The key is weve got to fix this going forward.

Murphy also would not say whether he would voluntarily testify in front the legislative committee.

State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, the committees co-chair, told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday that the panel might invite Murphy if hed like to come."

Weinberg, D-Bergen, stopped short of saying the committee would subpoena Murphy to force him to appear.

Sen. Kristin Corrado, R-Passaic, another member of the committee, said Wednesday that given that top staffers testified under oath they had not hired Alvarez, "basic common sense and a simple process of elimination suggest that its time for the governor himself to visit our committee to explain his role in the hiring process.

Murphy noted Thursday that he had directed members of his staff to testify and had produced mountains of documents at the request of the committee, but he did not address the request that he appear himself to testify under oath.

Well continue to cooperate as we have as long as its not political, Murphy said.

The Verniero report outlined a series of recommended reforms to the process of handling claims of sexual assault and harassment on campaign transitions and in government, and Murphy said Thursday he expected to adopt most if not all of the former justices advice.

That would include providing more state funds for the gubernatorial transition process. The report found the frenzied pace of a transition led to a lack of documentation for key decisions, including how key advisers to the governor responded to Brennans allegations when they learned of them.

Murphy said he agreed with Vernieros recommendation to create a longer, more formal transition process modeled on presidential transitions.

But asked whether he found it plausible that none of his staff members knew who hired Alvarez, Murphy again declined to answer directly.

You know everything I know, Murphy told a reporter. I literally mean that. ... Im frustrated, too.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report.

S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter.

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By Dawn Teresa Parkot

Though individuals with disabilities are not usually terminally ill, the terminally ill are almost always disabled or will become so as their condition progresses. For this reason and others, the point of view of someone who has severe disabilities may offer meaningful insight into this complicated matter. As founder and president of The Climb Organization, one of our goals is to educate the world on issues of those living with disabilities and demonstrate to that individuals with disabilities can have a full, successful, and meaningful lives.

Assemblyman Burzichelli, who is lead sponsor of a bill to permit assisted suicide in New Jersey, stated in his testimony on March 12, 2018 to the New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee that the disabled community is misled about the dangers this legislation will cause for people with disabilities. I disagree. Having been the first student with multiple-disabilities and with a major speech disability to attend the University of Notre Dame, and being a two-time graduate of the same institution, I have read, studied and understood the "Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act.

While those who support this legislation claim it contains safeguards against abuse, there is no way for those safeguards to be enforced since there are no mechanisms in place to do so. The disability rights community is rightly concerned about the potential for abuse in these bills because abuse of elderly and disabled people is a growing problem. Coercion, for example, is virtually impossible to prove or prevent.

The legislation refers to the patient choosing to self-administer life-ending drugs but does not say only the patient may self-administer. Someone else could put the lethal pills in the patients mouth or put the deadly drugs in a feeding tube or I.V. bag. And most importantly, there is no independent witness required at the time of ingestion. Consequently this bad policy all but immunizes any potential bad actors from legal repercussions.

This legislation also allows for the involvement of third parties in the request for lethal drugs. In the bill, capable means having the capacity to make health care decisions and to communicate them to a health care provider, including communication through persons familiar with the patients manner of communicating - if those persons are available. Simply put, the legislation makes it possible for someone to speak on behalf of the adult requesting assisted suicide, if they are familiar with the patients manner of communicating. This poses a serious threat to anybody with a significant speech disability who may be denied access to their communication device. A third party speaking for such a person could successfully end their life.

An unbearable end to lifes physical pain is not the issue, though it is often cited as the reason for having bills like S1072. Strong medical evidence from both hospice providers and world-renowned oncologists have shredded that argument. Data out of Oregon also shows that inadequate pain control is reported significantly less often as a reason for considering assisted suicide. There is no reason for anyone to suffer unbearable pain at the end of life with all of the pain-management tools we have at our disposal today.

Instead, we know from the Oregon data that those seeking assisted suicide mostly cite feelings of being a burden on family and not being able to live life fully as the reasons they want to end their lives. Clearly, fear of disability is the significant factor in these decisions. This fact makes the work of the Climb Organization that much more important.

On Thursday, Feb. 7, there is a scheduled public hearing in the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee on bill S1072. I urge the legislature to reject assisted suicide for New Jersey. Realizing that disability issues are most often the real concern, we should focus our attention on addressing those issues in our world and with our public policy. We should answer fear about a being a burden with better home care solutions. These are the real answers, not the dangerous public policy of assisted suicide.

Dawn Teresa Parkot is the founder and president of The Climb Organization Inc in Morristown.

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The Rutgers University New Brunswick campus was alerted Tuesday after a student was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

The unidentified student was hospitalized on Monday and was receiving treatment and recovering, according to Dr. Melodee Lasky, assistant vice chancellor for health & wellness at Rutgers University.

Rutgers Student Health is coordinating closely with the New Jersey Department of Health and with local and regional health officials to notify those who had close contact with the student so they can receive antibiotics as a preventative measure," Lasky said.

It was still not known Wednesday night how the student was infected with the disease, New Jersey Department of Health Spokeswoman Nicole Kirgan said.

Any students or staff who felt sick or had health concerns were asked to contact their doctor or visit the a Rutgers Student Health Center.

Bacterial meningitis is treatable with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important, Lasky said.

The disease is very serious and can be deadly and death can occur in as little as a few hours, according to the CDC.

Signs and symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck and a rash that can develop over several hours or over the course of one to two days, officials said.

Lasky said that the bacteria that causes the disease is not as contagious as the flu or common cold and is not spread by by casual contact.

The bacteria is usually spread through the direct exchange of respiratory and throat secretions by close personal contact such as coughing, sharing drinks, kissing and being in close proximity for an extended period of time, she added.

This was not the first time a student was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis on campus. In 2016, two students got the disease and vaccinations were recommended for everyone on campus.

In 2013, Princeton University set up clinics on campus that administered thousands of free meningitis B vaccines imported from Europe to member of the campus community after an outbreak of infection killed one student and hospitalized at least seven others.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Officials said Wednesday that Ebola has been ruled out as the cause of a Philadelphia hospital patients illness after testing for the deadly disease.

The patient at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania was tested for Ebola in an abundance of caution because the person met screening criteria, according to a statement from Penn Medicine.

A spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Health said the agency was asked to consult on the case, and another diagnosis was made. Officials did not disclose details about the patient.

The Department of Health frequently consults with hospitals on aspects of complex cases, including symptoms that may suggest a serious disease, particularly involving patients who have traveled overseas, spokesman Nate Wardle said in an email.

Earlier on Wednesday, Penn Medicine Chief Medical Officer Dr. P.J. Brennan said preliminary tests pointed to another illness.

The Philadelphia tests came amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in a section of Congo, leading to more than 400 suspected deaths from the virus. Last month, a man in Nebraska was cleared of Ebola after undergoing a 21-day monitoring period.

An Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016 in Africa led to 28,600 cases and 11,325 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus spread to several counties, including the United States.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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New Jersey doctors would be legally permitted to write prescriptions to enable terminally ill patients to end their lives under legislation that advanced Thursday after a dramatic hearing in Trenton.

The Aid in Dying bill cleared the state Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee in a 6-3 vote following 90 minutes of often tearful, pleading testimony from people who spoke for and against it.

Before her husband died from pancreatic cancer five years ago, Debra Dunn of Paramus said she watched him endure muscle spasms and agonizing pain ... nothing could relieve the pain.

He expressed his wish to die to me three times, she said. Please have the fortitude and courage to do what is right for the people of New Jersey."

Kristen Hanson of Albany asked the committee to consider what happened when her husband, JJ Hanson, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2014.

He was told he only had four months to live. Three doctors said there was nothing he could do. But he outlived that grim prognosis by four years, said Hanson. She said her husband thought about suicide, but dismissed the idea and in his remaining time, led the Patients Rights Action Fund, a national organization that fights assisted suicide laws.

If he had assisted suicide pills with him in those darkest moments, he might have taken them. And you cant undo that. You cant unmake that choice, she said.

WHAT THE BILL DOES

The bill (A1504) applies to people in New Jersey who have received a terminal diagnosis, defined as an incurable, irreversible and medically confirmed disease that will end the persons life within six months. Disabilities are not terminal illnesses, according to the legislation.

Medical professionals and religious leaders, as well as people with physical disabilities, warned that people facing the last months or weeks of their lives may be steered toward suicide by subtle family pressure, guilt over being a burden, and insurance companies refusal to pay for complex and expensive care.

To assuage these concerns, sponsors wrote the bill with checks and balances, including a 15-day waiting period, and a requirement that two individuals must attest the patient is of sound mind. A doctor must refer the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine mental stability.

Anyone who coerces a patient into requesting the medication would face up to three to five years in prison, a $15,000 or both, according to the bill. Doctors and pharmacists would also be protected from arrest or the loss of their license by complying with the law.

THE ARGUMENTS PRO AND CON

Opponents also argued that passing the law would somehow legitimize suicide, especially among young people who suffer from depression.

Len Deo from the New Jersey Family Policy Council pointed out suicide is the second leading was of death among teens.

Even if one person sees it as an acceptable way out of their depression because of the passage of this bill, is this a policy worth pursuing? Deo said.

The bill is about something totally different," Sen. Richard Codey, D-Essex, one of the bills sponsors and a member of the health committee. "There is no hope. This is about the end of life.

Dawn Teresa Parkot, a disability advocate who delivered her testimony via an audio device, said it would be foolish to think the law would not be abused and people with disabilities like her would not be vulnerable.

Someone else could put the pills in the patients mouth, the feeding tube or IV bag, Parkot said. There mere presence of a lethal drug could provide an alibi.

She also cast doubt on the argument that people avail themselves to physician-assisted suicide because the pain in unbearable. There are experts and studies that point to the loss of autonomy and the fear of being a burden on their families are the biggest motivators, she said.

Deborah Pasik, a physician from Morristown would disgree. She told the committee she has witnessed the sheer panic of someone drowning in their own fluids and unbearable pain. Hospice care does not guarantee a pain free death, she said.

Proponents of the bill said patients ought to be given a choice how to live out their last days.

State Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, who sat in and voted on the bill in place of state Sen. Ronald Rice, D-Essex, said in a statement after the vote he had just witnessed the slow death of a relative.

I watched someone I loved suffer for the last six months of her life from cancer while her children watched. Her suffering was prolonged to a point where she entered a hospice where her medications were increased until she passed away, Sweeney said. "I dont think thats very humane. You should have a right to avoid needlessly suffering for six months if that is your decision. 

Sweeney and Senate sponsor Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, do not sit on the health committee but participated instead of Sens. Ronald Rice, D-Essex, and Fred Madden, D-Gloucester, who voted against the bill when it was up for a committee vote in 2016.

Marie Tasy of New Jersey Right to Life took note and called this stacking the deck."

This "demonstrates a shameful abuse of power by legislative leaders to move a bill that might have otherwise failed to garner enough votes to be released from committee, Tasy said.

WHATS NEXT

The bill passed the state Assembly Judiciary Committee in March by a 5-2 vote. But even with Thursdays approval in the Senate Health Committee, the legislation has a long way to go. It must pass both houses of the state Legislature and then be signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy.

Murphy has not signaled whether he supports the measure.

The latest poll, taken by Rutgers University in 2015, found 63 percent of residents said they believed it was morally acceptable to let terminally ill people end their lives; 29 percent did not.

California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Washington D.C. enacted right to die laws. Montanas right-to-die was established under a court ruling, which provides physicians a legal defense or immunity from prosecution.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook
Transportation Security Administration screeners last year stopped travelers at Newark Liberty Airport from bringing 14 guns on aircraft, the most firearms seized out of the four metro airports.

The number of guns nabbed at checkpoints in Newark spiked from six detected in 2017, said Lisa Farbstein, a TSA spokeswoman. Last year, screeners found two guns in carry-on bags at each JFK and LaGuardia Airports. One firearm was confiscated at MacArthur Airport on Long Island. Typically, people found with a gun in their carry-on are arrested and charged by Port Authority Police, she said.

The number of guns seized at Newark pales in comparison to other airports. Screeners found 298 guns at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and 219 guns were intercepted by screeners at Dallas/Fort Worth International.

Nationally, TSA screeners found 4,239 firearms in carry-on bags at checkpoints across the country, Farbstein said.

Guns are permitted in checked luggage, but there are restrictions on how they should be packed. Guns are not allowed in carry-on bags, except for travelers with proper firearm permits, if they follow TSA guidelines. Even with a concealed carry permit, travelers arent allowed to carry guns on planes

Travelers who bring weapons to a checkpoint face federal civil penalties of up to $13,000. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,900. They can also face local charges.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com . Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry .

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The weird Lenny Dykstra story has somehow gotten weirder.

The former Mets and Phillies star, who has reportedly turned his Linden home into a boarding house, responded to complaints from neighbors in a tweet addressed to NJ.coms official Twitter account.

There were no words in the tweet. No explanation of the alleged weird goings-on at his house. No attempt at a defense.

Just a link to a YouTube video of the song Neighbuors, by the Rolling Stones.

For those attempting to glean meaning from this song choice, a few facts: Neighbours (spelled the British way!) was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and appears on the Stones 1981 album Tattoo You. The song was written, according to Richards, partly in response to having been evicted from his New York City apartment after his neighbors complained that he played his music too loud. It was never released as a single.

Neighbors, have I got neighbors? Ringing my doorbells, all day and all night, Mick Jagger sings in the song, going on to say Ladies, have I got crazies? Scheming young babies, no piece and no quiet, I got T.V.'s, saxophone playing, groaning and straining, with the trouble and strife.

Were thinking Lenny doesnt like his neighbors.

Residents of Stockton Circle in Linden have been complaining for nearly a year that Dykstra has ruined the neighborhood with piles of garbage, fights and people coming and going at all hours from this two-story home turned rooming house. Linden City Councilwoman Gretchen Hickey accuses Dykstra of illegally renting out rooms in his house for $1,000 each  a violation of municipal ordinances.

Hes advertised for boarders, Hickey said. Theres been 10 people living there at a time. He even made the garage into a room.

NJ Advance Media was unable to reach Dykstra for comment for the original story. As for the cryptic Rolling Stone song Tweet  well, we presume his neighbors are at least happy that hes Tweeting about it rather than blasting it from his house. (Dont get any ideas, Lenny.)

Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Schneider. Find NJ.com on Facebook Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
Sitting in a car at a New Jersey mall last August with a stranger he believed was a hitman, Narsan Lingala told the man it was fine to discuss the plan to kill his ex-wife  in front of his girlfriend because she was into the idea, according to federal authorities.

Lingala said his girlfriend had even been pitching ideas for the extermination of the mother of his children, an FBI agent said in a federal court complaint.

Lingala, 54, and Sandya Reddy, 51, of Noblesville, Indiana, were arrested and initially charged with attempted murder in state court after their Aug. 18 meeting with the hitman  who turned out to be an undercover agent. But federal authorities have now taken over the case, charging both with murder-for-hire Feb. 1.

Lingala formerly lived in Woodbridge.

At their first appearance in U.S. District Court in Newark Wednesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer ruled that they should both continue to be held in jail.

The criminal complaint filed in the federal case reveals new details about the alleged plot, including how Lingala got hooked up with the hitman and later provided helpful tips and photos to make the job easier.

It also was the first mention of a motive: Reddy told agents that Lingala, who worked in information technology, wanted his ex dead so he could get custody of his kids and stop paying child support, the document said.

FBI Agent Michael Scimeca wrote that Lingala was actually in a holding cell in the Middlesex County Courthouse, awaiting a hearing, when he took the first step in the plot that would eventually land him back in jail.

Lingala asked another prisoner if he knew anyone who would kill his wife for money, and the guy said he did, Scimeca said. However, the hitman he set Lingala up with was an undercover agent he called Manny, the complaint said.

Lingala returned to Indiana but texted and spoke on the phone with the agent six times between June 20 and Aug. 18, assuring him that he was serious about this, the complaint said. Scimeca said Lingala and Reddy drove to a mall in New Jersey Aug. 18 and met with the phony hitman in his van, tripped out with hidden cameras.

Lingala introduced Reddy as his girlfriend and stated that there were no secrets between us, Scimeca wrote in the complaint.

Lingala said during the conversation that he wanted his ex-wife out of my life, Scimeca said. Shes done, Im going to kill her. End of story, the undercover agent said.

Yeah. End of story, Lingala replied, according to the complaint.

Scimeca said the trio also agreed that he would not torture the woman when he killed her.

Lingala and Reddy tried to help Manny kill the woman by providing pictures of her, her address at home and at work, her schedule, and the layout of the interior of the house, the complaint said.

They agreed on a price between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the jobs complexity, Scimeca wrote, and a $1,000 down payment to be provided within two weeks.

They were arrested as soon as the meeting ended, the complaint said, and Reddy confessed to agents that she knew of the plot.

Scimeca wrote that Lingala learned through discovery what Reddy had confessed to, and he tried to urge her in a letter to not take a plea deal.

Listen to you statement...and you should know what a mistake you made by giving such a statement. You will not survive a trial against me. Do you understand???? The only option is to fight the case together against the prosecution, Lingala wrote, the agent reported.

Court records show Lingala works in information technology and fought in court to have his child support payments to his ex-wife reduced. He also has been arrested in the past for violating a restraining order.

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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A public defender for Hamilton Township will resign from his position after sharing a Facebook image comparing Democrats wearing white at this weeks State of the Union to Ku Klux Klan members, the towns mayor confirmed.

After town officials were questioned by NJ Advance Media about the post, Republican Hamilton Mayor Kelly Yaede said Wednesday evening she asked municipal public defender Edward Gore to resign, and he agreed.

I have always insisted that the Hamilton Township Municipal Government illustrate that its officials will represent the citizens it serves without any bias, or even the perception of bias, due to race, gender or political preference, Yaede said Wednesday.

Reached earlier in the day, Gore, who is a former Republican councilman for the township, said the post was a joke.

Its a joke. Its a parody. I know they dont belong to the KKK, Gore said. Just like how I hope those who call (President Donald) Trump and Republicans Nazis are joking.

But, town officials disagreed.

I saw the post, brought it to the attention of the mayor and other members of the administration, said Michael Balint, the director of the towns law department.

I told him under the circumstances I found the message to be offensive on several levels and requested he resign from his current position.

Gore did not respond to additional requests for comment about his resignation.

The post, which has since been removed from Gores Facebook page, was only visible to those who are friends of Gore on Facebook and is not a part of his public postings.

A Facebook post made by former Hamilton councilman Ed Gore

Gore has been employed as a public defender since 2017, after he stepped down from his position on the township council in order to take on the public defender role.

During his time on council Gore had to issue an apology for a Facebook post in 2015 after the shooting of four Marines at a U.S. Navy Reserve center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In his 2015 post, he called the alleged shooter a Muslim terrorist, and later apologized for unintentionally offending Muslim members of the community.

Earlier Wednesday, Gore said that if full-time public employees had been making posts on Facebook during their regular work hours, they should be disciplined. But, what they do on their own time isnt the townships concern.

Olivia Rizzo may be reached at orizzo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter@LivRizz. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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UPDATE: This story was updated to reflect a verdict delivered Thursday afternoon by a jury in the criminal case.

If you believe the prosecution, former Wall Township Police dispatcher Nicholas Curcio is a felon who hacked into the townships computer system to stalk a female coworker. Curcio and his lawyers, on the other hand, say hes an innocent man facing trumped-up criminal charges in retaliation for his claims that he was a victim of discrimination from a department and municipal government that has been criticized as tolerating a culture of hate.

A Monmouth County jury in Freehold sided with Curcio on Thursday, at least in terms of his innocence of the criminal charges against him. After a 3-week trial in state Superior Court, it took the jury just over an hour to find Curcio not guilty on all seven counts of a 2016 indictment charging him with official misconduct, criminal impersonation and stalking, after he had sent the police chiefs assistant a series of harshly worded Facebook messages in late 2016 under an assumed name.

Im very happy for my client, said Curcios lawyer, Edward Bertucio, of the Hamilton firm Kalavruzos Mumola Hartman & Lento.

Curcio has been suspended from his dispatcher job since being charged administratively and criminally under the former police chief, but now looks forward to resolution of his pending civil suit and a return to work, his lawyer said.

He wants to go back to Wall, Bertucio said. He wants to go back with his head held high.

Jurors began deliberating just before 2 p.m. on Thursday, and emerged with the verdict just after 3, a day after closing arguments by Bertucio and an assistant Monmouth County prosecutor.

This isnt an ex-girlfriend, an ex-boyfriend, an ex-husband, ex-wife, somebody who cant let go, Curcios lawyer Theodore Bertucio told jurors, running down the list of typical stalking suspects, and a particularly infamous one. This isnt O.J.

He admits sending the messages, the assistant prosecutor, Margaret Koping, told the seven women and six men in the jury box, one of whom will serve as an alternate. Of the alleged victim, Koping said, You dont have to be in a relationship to be stalked.

But Curcio and his lawyers insisted his contact with the woman was authorized by then-Chief Robert Brice in an effort to confirm her extramarital affair with a convicted felon and leader of the Pagans motorcycle gang, a relationship that would have violated a policy intended to shield the department from corruption.

Cursios lawyer again showed jurors photographs introduced earlier in the trial capturing the assistant riding with the Pagan, Richard Boots Badali, on his motorcycle, which had been taken by the FBI in an investigation eventually leading to his 2016 conviction on federal gun trafficking charges. The assistant no longer works for the department.

The defense insisted that the activity Curcio thought was helping the department was then used against him in retaliation for his complaints that he had been subject to a hostile work environment. Curcio, who is white, alleges in a lawsuit now pending in Superior Court that his work environment included other officers regular use of the N-word, racist cartoons posted for him to see, and his being called a monkey in reference to a darkening of the skin on his legs, a condition related to his diabetes.

Asked whether the verdict was an indication that the jury believed the charges were retaliatory, Bertucio said only that, the verdict speaks for itself.

A spokesman for the the prosecutors office declined to interpret the verdict.

We respect the Jurys decision, said the spokesman, Charles Webster. "Everything else will be decided somewhere else.

Curcios lawsuit is similar to one filed by a former Indian-American Wall police officer, Suresh Madhavan, that is also now pending in state court, and to a suit filed by a Jewish former township tax clerk, Brandon Jacobs, which was settled last June for $1.25 million.

Residents including Dan Fretz, a Democratic candidate who ran unsuccessfully last year for a seat on the Republican-controlled township committee, told the committee during a meeting in September that they were fed up with the "toxic" atmosphere of hate that had been allowed to persist, which Curcios and other lawsuits were proving to be a costly waste of taxpayer money.

Wall officials including Township Administrator Jeffrey Bertrand expressed shock and disgust with the racist cartoons, which were made public as exhibits in Curcios lawsuit. But Bertrand and other township officials, including Mayor Timothy Farrell  who beat Fretz by a 2-1 margin in the November election  defended the police department and said racism was not tolerated among employees of Wall Township, where 93.7 percent of its 26,162 residents were white.

Curcios lawyer in his civil suit, Ravi Sattiraju, had watched Wednesdays closing arguments from the courtroom gallery. Sattiraju, who had also represented Jacobs in his discrimination suit, said he would explore several issues in Curcios civil suit that had arisen during the criminal trial, including Brices conduct.

Brice, who retired from the Wall police in 2017 and is now the borough administrator in Lavalette, rejected Curcios allegations after the civil suit was filed last September, when Brice said he looked forward to defending himself in court. Koping reminded jurors on Wednesday that the former chief had testified during the trial that he had never authorized Curcio to spy on the assistant.

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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The Hunterdon County Vocational School District has recognized Anne Thornton as its 2018 Business Partner of the Year.

Thornton, who owns of MSI Plumbing & Remodeling in Lebanon, was named at the districts final board of education meeting last year.

Thornton has been involved as a guest speaker for the districts NJBUILD program, which aims to prepare incarcerated women at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in Clinton for work in the construction field. HCVSD received a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development in June 2016 to launch this program and has since received additional funding to enroll new participants and offer more advanced training in the 2018-19 academic year.

As a guest speaker, Anne not only reinforced instruction through trade-related insight, but she also served as a role model for students aspiring to own their own business one day, said Christina Shockley, adult education coordinator for HCVSD. She used her story to encourage the women not to give up and to pursue this line of work if they enjoy it.

Thornton encourages her own employees to enhance their skills and seek valuable credentials by enrolling in HCVSD apprenticeship programs.

Anne is truly a champion for our school district and career and technical education, and she has found ways to support us for more than 20 years, said HCVSD Superintendent Kimberly Metz. She knows firsthand the value of a skilled workforce, because increases in proficiency among her workers directly impact her companys reputation and its bottom line.

Since 2015, MSI Plumbing & Remodeling has provided scholarships for HCVSD administrators, staff and students to attend the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Womens Leadership Summit, giving them opportunities to meet and learn from prominent business leaders from throughout the county.

Thornton was named one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs in New Jersey and is the author of several books, including Anne Thorntons Insider Guide to Home Improvement.

Hunterdon County Vocational School District operates the Hunterdon County Polytech Career and Technical School, an Adult and Continuing Education school and three science-based high school academies: the Biomedical Sciences Academy, the Computer Science and Applied Engineering Academy and the Environmental Sustainability and Engineering Academy. For more information, go to www.hcvsd.org.
JERSEY CITY  A neighborhood group has gone to court to stop a five-story residential project slated for an old funeral home on Brunswick Street.

The Village Neighborhood Association alleges in its complaint that the Jersey City Zoning Board approved the project in October even though the developer did not establish it needs the variances it was granted.

The VNAs lawsuit, filed on Jan. 28 in Hudson County Superior Court, is the latest attempt by a Jersey City neighborhood group to exert some control over city-approved real estate development.

The lawsuit, first reported by Jersey Digs, names the zoning board and Englewood-based developer EP Brunswick JC Group as defendants. Cynthia Hadjiyannis, the VNAs attorney, declined to comment. A request for comment from the developers attorney was not returned.

EP Brunswick wants to demolish the building that houses the Introcaso-Angelo funeral home and replace it with a 30-unit building with 15 on-site parking spaces. The funeral home, located inside a three-story building a half-mile west of the Grove Street PATH station, closed after a fire in 2017. The site also includes eight residential units.

In October, the zoning board granted variances for the project to exceed maximums for height, density, and building and lot coverages. The site is located in a zone that caps height at four stories, density at 80 units an acre, building coverage at 70 percent and lot coverage at 80 percent.

The board also granted a variance for the developer to add parking. The zone prohibits parking on lots less than 400 feet wide.

The VNA contends the developer failed to meet the burden of proof needed to win the variances.

The areas councilman, James Solomon, objected to the variances, saying the new zoning put in place in 2017 allows for significant density and granting deviations so soon would set a dangerous precedent for the future.

Neighborhood groups have a spotty track record when it comes fighting real estate developers. The Van Vorst Park Association challenged city approvals for a micro-unit building planned for Bright Street and lost in court, though new owners of the property have different plans for it. The VVPA lost a fight with developer Peter Mocco after changes were made to his Grand Street project that had not been approved by the planning board.

Up in the Hilltop neighborhood, objections to a Summit Avenue high-rise project have been slapped down by multiple judges numerous times and remains mired in litigation. Perrine Avenue residents who opposed a six-story plan on that street managed to convince the Planning Board to side with them, but the board reversed itself after a judge ordered it to vote again.

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
A longtime Roseland borough official has resigned from the council and will be barred from public office after admitting he conspired to commit official misconduct during his vote on a redevelopment designation.

Richard Leonard, 69, who served more than 40 years as a councilman and mayor, said he made a mistake in voting on a project that involved property next to his.

It has been an honor and privilege to work with the employees and volunteers of Roseland and to serve the residents of the community for so many years, Leonard said in a statement.

The Essex County Prosecutors Office charged Leonard in May, alleging he threatened to vote down the project on 165 Eagle Rock Avenue unless he received a right-of-way easement through that property and his.

I lease property next to the 165 Eagle Rock Avenue property. I should have abstained on the vote instead of voting no on the application, Leonard said in his statement.

Prosecutors said Leonard later did abstain from a vote after the right-of-way issue was resolved.

Leonard, who works as a realtor, began his political career in 1970 when he first ran for borough council and lost. He was elected to the council in 1973 as a Democrat. He later switched parties and ran as a Republican.

Hes devoted his life to public service, hes been an innovative councilperson, hes served a mayor. Hes brought a lot of good ideas to the township, hes been responsive to the community, he served as a teacher for many years in the West Essex School District," Leonards attorney Vincent Scoca told NJ Advance Media.

It was just an exercise of bad judgement on his part and it cost him dearly.

Leonard was also involved in a 2017 controversy when he disclosed racist, vulgar texts between his council colleagues. The councilmen involved accused Leonard of political retaliation for releasing the messages. The subsequent public furor prompted calls for the two councilmen to resign, but they ultimately did not.

Leonards resignation was effective Jan. 31.

Councilman Leonards recent resignation will give our community some much needed closure to unfortunate events which occurred in the past, Mayor James Spango said in a statement Thursday. This governing body will expedite the replacement of Councilman Leonard so the Borough can move forward quickly and cohesively.

Leonard will be sentenced May 6 and is not expected to receive jail time.

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook.

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Jazz legend Herbie Hancock believes music can unite people, even those who might not seem like natural pairings. Which is why he's worked with dozens of musicians during his 50-plus year career.

Among his most recent collaborators: rappers Snoop Dogg and Common.

"Music is a platform for bringing people together and we really need that right now," Hancock said in an interview with NJ Advance Media. "When I think about purpose, the grand purpose, especially today, it is to encourage a kind of togetherness and respect for people who are not like me, who are not like whatever groups I may belong to."

For Hancock, who will take the stage at Bergen Performing Arts Center Feb. 9, it's always been about innovation.

"As a music creator, collaboration is challenging but it's so stimulating," the 14-time Grammy winner said. "It helps you expand and you come up with stuff you never would have come up with by yourself."

l

A child piano prodigy, Hancock was 22 when Blue Note Records released the first of his 41 studio albums, 1962's "Takin' Off."

"Watermelon Man" is perhaps the album's best known tracks, an homage to the street fruit vendors he heard calling for customers in his Chicago neighborhood. Paste magazine called the song "youthful and groovy, but the gritty and dissonant parts of the scene--the racism and poverty of early-50's South Side--can still be heard, as well."

That debut caught the attention of Miles Davis, who invited Hancock to join his Second Great Quintet and to try the electric piano.

In an article subtitled "How Miles Davis's second quintet changed jazz," The Guardian newspaper called the quintet's method "'time, no changes' because of their emphasis on strong rhythmic grooves without the dictatorial patterns of song-form chords. At times they veered close to free-improvisation, but the pieces were as thrilling and hypnotically sensuous as anything the band's open-minded leader had recorded before."

Hancock continued to record with Davis and as a solo artist. In the 60s and 70s, he brought funk and rock into some of his compositions, Latin jazz rhythms and Afro-Caribbean beats into others. In the 1980s, he experimented with electronics and synthesizers. Even people who say they don't know anything about jazz will probably recognize Hancock's 1983 hit "Rockit."

As he once found inspiration in others' works, Hancock is now the one inspiring people. Recently the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and the University of California -Los Angeles' Institute of Jazz Performance were renamed in Hancock's honor.

In his role promoting those institutions, Hancock wants to emphasize the "ethics of jazz," a concept Hancock has long promoted. It puts an emphasis on the people, less on the business of music. Hancock, a practicing Buddhist for more than 40 years, said that includes the importance of listening, being open-minded and trusting one's fellow musicians.

"It's an emphasis on the humanistic attributes of jazz," Hancock said. "When people are playing and improvising, they're sharing ideas. They're totally in the moment. They're not being judgmental ... That's the foundation of the ethics of jazz. Those are the things we should be promoting."

HERBIE HANCOCK

Bergen Performing Arts Center

30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood

Tickets: $59-129, available online at https://www.bergenpac.org/. Feb. 9

Natalie Pompilio is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia. She can be reached at nataliepompilio@yahoo.com. Find her on Twitter @nataliepompilio. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.
The jury charged with determining whether Liam McAtasney is guilty of strangling Sarah Stern and then dumping her body off a bridge heard him explain in his own words Wednesday what could have happened to his childhood friend.

McAtasney, 21, wasnt testifying on the sixth day of the trial before Judge Richard English in Monmouth County Superior Court. But the jury watched a video recording of one of his first sit-down interviews with detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office and the Belmar Police Department.

The interview, which lasted more than an hour, occurred on Dec. 6, 2016, three days after Stern was reported missing. Her car was found Dec. 3, 2016, abandoned on the Route 35 bridge in Belmar with the keys inside.

In the video, McAtasney offers Detective Brian Weisbrot several different possible leads: Stern, 19, had suicidal tendencies; she loved Canada and wanted to move there; she had a rocky relationship with her father.

At one point, McAtasney asks Weisbrot: "If she did jump off the bridge, what are the odds shes not somewhere all the way out in the ocean by now?''

This video interview was first played in Englishs Freehold courtroom on Jan. 9, 2018. At that time, McAtasneys first attorney, Charles Moriarty, was seeking to get it tossed from evidence on the grounds that McAtasney wasnt read his Miranda rights prior to the interview.

Weisbrot testified then and on Wednesday that McAtasney wasnt a suspect in a homicide investigation when he sat down with the investigators. McAtasney willingly came to Belmar police headquarters for the interview and was allowed to leave at any time, the detective testified.

McAtasney, Weisbrot explained, was the last person to be reported with Stern and detectives needed help locating her.

I want to give you the opportunity to be ahead of all this, Weisbrot tells McAtasney. If she provided you with information. If she told you something. If she told you she was going somewhere or if she told you she was going to do something, you need to tell us.

McAtasney explains his day with Stern on Dec. 2, 2016. He said he woke up around noon, went to Sterns Neptune City house and helped her pack boxes. The two, he explained, then went to get Taco Bell before returning to Sterns home to eat lunch and play video games. McAtasney said he then left for work.

But Weisbrot questioned McAtasney as to why he wasnt forthcoming about a trip to Stern's bank prior to their arrival at her home.

"You haven't talked to us about the bank. Why didn't you tell us about the bank?" Weisbrot asked.

McAtasney conceded the two went to Sterns bank but he claimed Sarah didnt tell him why. McAtasney said Stern had recently found money left by her deceased mother in a shoebox in the home. He said he believed there was anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000.

Authorities allege its this money McAtasney was after. Hes accused of strangling her and then stealing approximately $9,000 in cash from Sterns residence. Authorities claim McAtasney then enlisted the help of his roommate, Preston Taylor, to help him remove Sterns body from the house and dump it over the Route 35 bridge in Belmar.

Sterns body has never been found.

Taylor has admitted his role in the case and testified against McAtasney on the first day of the trial. In his testimony, Taylor said McAtasney was with Stern when she found the money and later told him, It was the type of money that someone would kill for."

Taylor said McAtasney talked with Stern about moving to Canada with her and that she needed to withdraw some of the cash she kept in a safety-deposit box at her bank in Bradley Beach.

I had spoken with her about going to Canada with her, McAtasney told Weisbrot in the Dec. 6, 2016, interview. But that was just for support more than anything. I didnt think she would actually go through with it. This whole Canada thing was a way for her to escape the current situation she was in with her dad.

McAtasney explained how Stern and her father, Michael Stern, were constantly arguing.

He (Michael Stern) is very friendly on the surface, McAtasney explained to Weisbrot, but just from what Sarah told me, I think otherwise.

Later in the interview, McAtasney told Weisbrot that Stern attempted to kill herself on her 16th birthday.

During his testimony, Taylor said McAtasney had instructed him to mention things to police that would make (Sarah Stern) look unstable, like that she was a closet lesbian.

That was the first point McAtasney made to Weisbrot in his interview.

We have reason to believe she could be a lesbian, McAtasney offers. She has been known to obsess over girls in the past.

Other points McAtasney made in the interview appear to contradict testimony from other witnesses. For example, McAtasney tells detectives that Stern was let got from her job at Brunos Pizzeria in Neptune City.

I guess she wasnt good at her job, he said.

However, Sterns boss at Brunos, Ester DAmico, testified Tuesday that Stern was a great employee but that she voluntarily left to pursue her passion for art.

McAtasneys trial attorney, Carlos Diaz-Cobo, didnt have time to cross-examine Weisbrot on Wednesday. Thats scheduled for Thursday morning.

Earlier in the day Wednesday, the jury also heard testimony from two crime-scene detectives who dug out two safes -- one buried in Shark River Park in Wall and one buried on Sandy Hook. They said Taylor led detectives to the safes and one contained money that McAtasney allegedly stole from Stern.

Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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The author of the op-ed Time to stand up for equality (Yann van Huerck, Feb. 5) deserves a failing grade in Middle East History 101. The op-ed is replete with multiple errors and falsifications. The facts are:

Following the defeat of Turkey in World War I, Great Britain was awarded by the League of Nations the Mandate over the Turkish province of Palestine which then included territory on both sides of the Jordan River. Great Britain then gave King Abdullah, the present kings great-grandfather, the land to the east of the Jordan River as a consolation prize after his clans ouster from the Arabian Peninsular by the House of Saud.

The remaining Palestine soon became embroiled in a three-way struggle between Great Britain and the Jewish and Arab populations, both of whom wanted the withdrawal of Britain from the land and who had competing desires for a Jewish and Palestinian Homeland.

After World War II, Great Britain, exhausted by the war and the Palestinian-Jewish conflict, gave the problem to the United Nations.

A United Nations subcommittee proposed, and in November 1947 the General Assembly approved, a plan to partition the territory into separate Jewish and Arab Homelands. This proposal gave 45 percent of the land to a proposed Arab State and 55 percent to a proposed Jewish State but almost half of that allocation included the arid and undeveloped Negev Desert.

The Jewish Agency accepted the proposal but it was rejected by the Arab League.

Immediately armed attacks by Palestinian militants on the Jewish community worsened. On May 14, 1948 an Independent Jewish State was announced only to be immediately invaded by the armies of five surrounding Arab States along with Palestinian irregulars. In the ensuing fighting Israel succeeded in slightly expanding its borders making its borders more defensible. More than 6,000 Israelis were killed.

During the fighting the Kingdom of Jordan invaded, occupied and subsequently annexed the West Bank while Egypt invaded, occupied but did not annex Gaza. It was then that the chance for an independent Palestinian State died. A real border was never established because the Arabs refused to make peace with Israel (until Egyptian President Anwar Sadat did so in 1979, for which he was subsequently assassinated by his own officers).

From 1949 to 1967 thats where matters stood, punctuated by frequent cross-border terrorist attacks directed against Israeli civilians.

In the Spring of 1967, after Syria and Egypt united into one country, the newly formed United Arab Republic expelled the UN force from the Sinai, where it had been a buffer between Egypt and Israel since the 1956 conflict. The UAR then blockaded Israels only port providing an outlet to Asia and Africa, massed armies on Israels northern and Southern borders and issued bloodthirsty threats vowing to annihilate the Jewish State. This resulted in the Six-Day War during which Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza, the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights (Syria).

Since then numerous attempts to negotiate peace failed because of Palestinian intransigence. The closest the two sides came to an agreement was in Camp David in 2000 under the auspices of President Bill Clinton, where Prime Minister Ehud Barak offered Chairman Yasser Arafat 92 percent of the former West Bank, the Gaza Strip and a rail line uniting the two. Arafat walked away from the deal and commenced the second violent Intifada (uprising). President Clinton subsequently laid the blame for the failure of the talks at Arafats feet.

Despite all this we believe that the best solution to this ongoing nightmare is separation into two states, one Jewish and one Palestinian. That is our opinion. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. No one is entitled to his or her facts!

Arthur L. Levy, MD

Chair, Israel Committee

Co-Chair Jewish Community Relations Council

Allan Hillman Esq.

Past JCRC chair

Elaine Braffman Esq.

Past Chair Womens Philanthropy

New Haven Jewish Federation
A school bus driver in New Jersey allegedly watched pornography on his cellphone in front of young students.

State police say Franck Lafortune was spotted watching the video before he dropped off students at the Indian Mills elementary school in Shamong Township on Monday morning. Officials say two students told their parents what they saw as the bus was parked.
NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Symphony Orchestra recently hosted a fundraising gala to celebrate its 125th Anniversary Season.

The event, which celebrate the orchestras contributions to the community in terms artistic excellence, education, innovation and a storied history, was held Jan. 25 at Anthonys Ocean View.

The NHSO is the fourth oldest orchestra in the United States, according to a release from the organization. The gala featured live music by NHSO musicians and local music students, a cocktail reception, gourmet buffet dinner, interactive music activity stations with an instrument petting zoo and a live and silent auction.

The NHSO also marked its long-held partnership with the Yale School of Music by recognizing two honorees who have had a significant impact on both the NHSO and the greater New Haven community: Robert Blocker, the Henry and Lucy Moses dean of music at Yale University, and Linda Koch Lorimer, Yales former vice president for Global and Strategic Initiatives.

This year's 125th Anniversary gala is a very special occasion to celebrate the enduring impact the NHSO makes in the lives of all those who live in Greater New Haven and to recognize the orchestra's long standing relationship with Yale, said Brian Gedicks, gala committee co-chair and associate general counsel for the Knights of Columbus.

Not many musical organizations, let alone an orchestra, can have such a celebration, said Christine Jean-Louis, gala committee co-chair and assistant attorney general of Connecticut. It is a pleasure to reach this milestone and honor two individuals who are exemplary of the history and support the NHSO has received since its inception, and who inspire many others to contribute to the NHSO's future here in New Haven.
NEW HAVEN  Did you know that Thomas Jefferson once sued a Connecticut newspaper?

Yes, that Thomas Jefferson, and the 19th century case was called Thomas Jefferson v. The Courant, according to now Hearst columnist Colin McEnroes then Courant column in 1998 on the topic. (published by none other than the Hartford Courant.)

Jefferson lost the 1806 case, according to the New Haven Museum.

But according to columnist Susan Campbell, Jeffersons ploy was a bogus suit by a president fed up with the news coverage he was receiving.

Two centuries late, President Donald Trump also is frustrated by some of the coverage he receives and his cries of fake news are known to all.

The Washington Post, for instance, recently reported that Trump told Lou Dobbs on Fox Business Network last fall, Im so proud Ive been able to convince people how fake it is, and the president was talking about mainstream media reporting.

Also from the Washington Post: In remarkable exchange, Trump offers startling view of role of free press

As this topic remains timely, Campbell will deconstruct contemporary news coverage in a presentation Fake News: CitizensArm Yourselves! at the New Haven Museum at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 20, according to the museum. Admission is free. (inclement weather date: Feb. 27)

The event concludes a year-long initiative by Connecticut Humanities, Fake News: Is it Real? Journalism in the Age of Social Media, created to facilitate a statewide conversation about why people are distrustful of news, how technology is changing information consumption, and how citizens can better evaluate news sources, according to a release from the museum.

The museum notes that according to Campbell, media manipulation has gone by many names, from propaganda to parody to satire and all points in between. She cites one of the first recorded incidents of fake news, in 44 BCE, when Octavian started a smear campaign against Mark Antony. According to one historian, Octavian printed Twitter-worthy, anti-Antony slogans on coins and distributed them.

Campbell teaches journalism and mass communication at the University of New Haven, is a columnist for Courant, and the website, Connecticut Health Investigative Team, and an award-winning author of Dating Jesus: Fundamentalism, Feminism, and the American Girl, and the biography, Tempest-Tossed: The Spirit of Isabella Beecher Hooker, the release says. Her new book, Frog Hollow: Stories From an American Neighborhood, will be published in March by Wesleyan University Press.

More on the term fake news:

Northern Michigans Lake Superior State University 43rd annual List of Words Banished from the Queens English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness included fake news.

The New Haven Museum is located at 114 Whitney Ave. For more information visit its website or Facebook.com/NewHavenMuseum or call 203-562-4183.
Napkins offering Delta Air Lines passengers a spot to write a phone number for a "plane crush" have forced the airline and Coca-Cola to apologize.

"Because you're on a plane full of interesting people and hey ... you never know," the front of the napkin read. On the back, passengers could write their name and phone number.

In small print also on the back, the napkin said, "Be a little old school. Write down your number & give it to your plane crush. You never know."

But some customers took to social media saying the napkin was inappropriate.

"Pretty sure no one appreciated unsolicited phone numbers in the good old days and they sure as heck dont want the number of someone who has been gawking at them on a plane for hours today. Not a good look," one Twitter user wrote, adding that they found the napkin "creepy."

In a statement to USA Today, a Delta official said the airline began removing the napkin last month.

We rotate Coke products regularly as part of our brand partnership, but missed the mark with this one. We are sorry for that," the statement from Delta said.

A Coca-Cola official told the newspaper, "We sincerely apologize to anyone we may have offended. We worked with our partners at Delta to begin removing the napkins last month and are replacing them with other designs."
WALLINGFORD  The Town Councils ordinance committee is considering whether to prohibit the purchase of tobacco products for individuals under the age of 21.

While the ordinance would cover traditional tobacco products, the primary goal is reducing teenagers access to e-cigarettes.

The council first began discussing raising the age for tobacco product purchases after the Hartford City Council approved a similar ordinance in October, becoming the first community in the state to do so.

Council Chairman Vinny Cervoni said Wednesday he expects the committee to vote at its March meeting in favor of forwarding the proposed ordinance to the full governing body. The committee got its first look at the proposed ordinance Tuesday might. Cervoni said.

Town Youth & Social Services Director Craig Turner said the number of young people under the age of 18 who are smoking e-cigarettes or vaping is creating a public health crisis.

Turner said smoking among teens was on the decline before the introduction of e-cigarettes in the early 2000s.

What has happened is that this is now considered a cool product, he said. And there is this perception that e-cigarettes are a healthy alternative to traditional smoking.

But because some brands of e-cigarettes like Juul make use of flavored nicotine pods, the practice is much more addictive, Turner said.

The oils in the favor pods dont break down in your stomach, they stick to your lungs, he said. One pod has the same amount of nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. Teenagers have no idea how much nicotine is in this because coatings and flavors mask the burning sensation in your lungs.

A growing number of Connecticut communities either have raised the age to purchase tobacco products or are considering doing so . South Windsor officials approved such an ordinance Monday and officials in Cheshire are considering following suit.

Turner said individual communities shouldnt wait for Connecticut lawmakers to increase the age statewide.

They need to take the initiative because this is something that is putting children in harms way, he said.

Cheshire and Wallingford officials have been working with Tricia Dahl, a Yale School of Medicine researcher whose work has specialized on the impact smoking has on adolescents.

I found what we heard from her to be particularly compelling, Cervoni said of Dahl. The impact that nicotine has on the adolescent brain inhibits the production of dopamine, which is the feel-good chemical we all have the ability to produce naturally.

According to Dahls presentation, The pleasure centers in the brain adapts to the drug use, sensing extra dopamine, and then begins to produce less of it. This means that the user now has a hard time creating natural feelings of pleasure without nicotine, leading to the need for more.

Research suggests that nicotine exposure during adolescence may have lasting adverse effects on brain development, according to Dahl.

luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com
Courtesy of Hamden PD

HAMDEN  Two men are facing gun and drug charges after police served a warrant on a local home, according to a release.

Phillip Moye and and Kiveon Hyman, both 20 and both of Winnett Street, Hamden, were arrested Tuesday and charged with criminal possession of a firearm, possession of narcotics, possession of a controlled substance and sale of a controlled substance. Moye was also charged with violation of probation, according to the Hamden police.
GREENWICH, Conn.  Valerie Reyes held a steady job and had a loving family.

Finding out how the 24-year-old woman from a tight knit community in New Rochelle, N.Y., came to be a murder victim is now the top concern for her family members and police investigators in Greenwich.

Police have identified Reyes body as the one found stuffed in a suitcase on the side of a road in Greenwich, authorities announced Thursday morning. Her family was notified the night before of her death.

Her body was found Tuesday morning off Glenville Road, along a quiet residential stretch of road.

The victim has been identified, with the assistance of the State of Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Greenwich Police Capt. Robert Berry said in a statement. Her family was advised of the positive identification (Wednesday) night. They are obviously devastated by the loss of Valerie and our heartfelt condolences go out to them.

The cause of death has not yet been released by authorities.

Reyes worked at a Barnes & Noble book store in Eastchester, N.Y. The company issued the following statement: The entire Barnes & Noble community is grieving the loss of our beloved employee Valerie Reyes. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time.

Friends and neighbors said Reyes was a quiet and friendly person. She recently had gotten a dog who was popular with neighborhood kids, according to a neighbor and friend from New Rochelle, Brenda DiGiacomo.

New Rochelle police were contacted after Reyes went missing Jan. 29.

The New York City Police Department issued a missing-person advisory a short time later, giving a description of her. The NYPD posting stated: Last seen wearing a green coat, black jeans, and black shoes. Suffers from anxiety and depression.

The victims mother, Norma Sanchez, tearfully told the Journal News that her daughter was afraid, the night before she disappeared, that she would be murdered.

Reyes body was found at about 8:23 a.m. Tuesday off the east shoulder of Glenville Road, just north of Stillman Lane by a town worker, police said. She was found at the scene inside a large red suitcase with her hands and feet bound.

We are focusing on developing information on Valerie, said police Lt. John Slusarz. Our investigators have been working on this night and day. Its going to take a tremendous amount of work.

Greenwich police were in contact with New Rochelle police, and the scope of the investigation could include law enforcement in New York City if the investigation goes in that direction, Slusarz said.

It is our case until it is determined the initial crime scene is somewhere else, he said.

On social media, a Justice4Valerie page was put up by friends and family. Over 200 people attended a tearful vigil in memory of Reyes at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle at dusk on Thursday. And a GoFundMe page set up by friend to help the family pay funeral expenses raised nearly $3,000 in three hours.

Friends and family members began posting on Facebook on Jan. 30, pleading for information on Reyes whereabouts. I hope you are okay, I love you, said one woman who identified herself as Reyes cousin. The woman said in other posts that Reyes was last seen the morning of Jan. 29 walking to the New Rochelle train station.

Greenwich police do not know where Reyes was killed, but the homicide did not occur in the spot where the body was found.

A town highway worker who was called to the grisly scene by a co-worker Tuesday morning is also facing scrutiny. Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei confirmed that the worker took unauthorized photos of the victim and the crime scene, and he had been placed on leave.

The victim was a daughter, a sister and a cousin of a family who is suffering a tremendous loss at this time. This thoughtless and insensitive behavior by an employee is inexcusable, Tesei said Thursday

Town officials would not identify the employee, but multiple sources have confirmed he is Department of Public Works foreman James Clifford, who has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

Greenwich attorney Lindy R. Urso, who is representing Clifford, said that snapping a photo was a lapse in judgment made by a traumatized person, who was stunned by what he had encountered.

One would think that (Greenwich police) would want to use all of their resources trying to find out who murdered this poor woman rather than trying to make a scapegoat of Mr. Clifford, Urso said, describing Clifford as an Army veteran, single father of three, a grandfather, and town worker of 26 years who hasnt called in sick in over 4 years.

The Greenwich Police Department repeated a call to the public, asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious on Glenville Road in the last few days to contact the Greenwich Police Tip Line at 203- 622-3333, or send an email at Tips@greenwichct.org.

The homicide investigation was causing shock and unease in the Glenville community. Local residents said it was hard to believe that a quiet corner of Greenwich was associated with a grisly crime scene.

Were supposed to be the safest town in America, or at least one of them, Melissa Klinka said as she headed to a neighborhood grocery store. So something like this makes people uncomfortable.

A lifelong resident of the area, Klinka said she has been hearing lots of speculation about the case from people in the community, and what might have led to the disposal of the body off Glenville Road. She said she was hoping that authorities could wrap up the case and get closure.

The area where the body was found is out of sight from nearby residences, in a small depression on the east side of Glenville Road near Stillman Lane. It is near a small area adjoining the road where a car could park.
Joette Katz, the former commissioner of the Department of Children and Families and the former Connecticut Associate Supreme Court Justice, has taken a job with the prominent Hartford law firm, Shipman & Goodwin LLP.

Katz, who served 11 years as commissioner and almost two decades on the state Supreme Court, will work with the firms business litigation group.

Joette has had an exemplary career of public service on behalf of the state of Connecticut. Her experience in the judicial and executive branches of state government over a lifetime, as well as her commitment to our state, are extraordinary, Alan E. Lieberman, Managing Partner of Shipman & Goodwin said in a statement. We are honored that she has chosen this firm as her new professional home.

A statement from the firm said that Katz will work in several areas, including with the firms practitioners who handle federal, state and administrative appeals. Katz will also be a significant contributor to the law firms pro-bono efforts, the statement said, providing legal services on behalf of the underserved and underprivileged members of the community.

Katz said in a statement, I gave a great deal of thought to the next and likely final stage of my career, and am delighted to join Shipman & Goodwin, which has a stellar reputation for excellence and integrity.

We are all working together and thinking outside of the box to create real value for our clients doing business in Connecticut and beyond, Katz continued. I am confident the firm will support the development of my practice and allow me to contribute in a variety of ways consistent with my more than four decades of legal experience.
You might think President Donald Trumps support for paid family leave would jack up the buzz about the battle in Connecticut, since its mostly Republicans opposing the long-fought plan.

Trump delivered one sentence in favor of paid leave in his State of the Union address Tuesday night, right after his nod to the ill-defined concept of school choice.

I am also proud to be the first President to include in my budget a plan for nationwide paid family leave, so that every new parent has the chance to bond with their newborn child, Trump said, winning applause from some Democrats.

Having a conservative Republican president on-board is a linchpin giving Connecticut advocates the juice they need to send the bill over the top at the Capitol this year, right?

Not exactly. I spoke with several key supporters Wednesday and their reaction was basically, ho-hum.

Its not that they dont appreciate Trumps blessing; they do. But this is the third year Trump has said it, in one venue or another. His proposal in the federal budget, starting in May, 2017, was a watered-down version of paid leave, not covering sickness or elder care, and it has never advanced.. The president has not, publicly at least, spent much effort to move it along.

In Connecticut, by contrast, advocates have the votes and the momentum to make it happen after years of falling short. Some version of paid family and medical leave will pass both houses of the Connecticut General Assembly this year and Gov. Ned Lamont will sign it, in all likelihood.

I think it helps us, Sen. Julie Kushner, D-Danbury, said of Trumps support. His mentioning of it in the State of the Union speech is an indicator of how popular an idea this is.

But Kushner, a former top regional official at the United Auto Workers union who campaigned heavily on paid leave, suggested the issue helps Trump more than he helps it, at the state level anyway.

He needs some of these popular ideas because he wants to resonate with working families, Kushner said.

As it happened, Kushner, as co-chair of the General Assemblys labor committee, along with Rep Robyn Porter, D-New Haven, submitted the committees version of the bill Wednesday. She didnt watch the speech Tuesday night because, she said, she was working on final details  as if a hard-core liberal Democrat needed a reason not to tune in.

The plan in Connecticut, similar to last years version, carries the honorific designation Senate Bill 1. It calls for a payroll tax of 0.5 percent on wages and salaries up to the Social Security cap, $132,900. That amounts to $450 for a household with $90,000 in income.

That would pay for a program of about $460 million a year to finance and administer an estimated 100,000 paid leaves of up to 12 weeks, paying up to $1,000 a week, according to a 2014 implementation study.

Eligible workers would include not only new new parents but people with immediate family members needing care, and people who are sick themselves. Even this generous plan falls behind what most industrialized countries offer.

Opponents raise objections  chiefly the obvious, its a tax increase by another name  but theyre getting less traction at the Capitol these days. Thats partly because more states, especially in the Northeast, are adopting paid family and medical leaves, making Connecticut less of an outlier by adopting it, and more of an outlier by holding out.

We showed in November, said Madeline Granato, director of the Connecticut campaign and policy manager for the Connecticut Womens Education and Legal Fund, that this issue has broad support here.

She was, of course, referring to the Democratic sweep of the governors office and both chambers in the General Assembly, in a year when two Democratic skeptics of paid leave left the senate, replaced by supporters.

Granato was even more blase than Kushner about Trumps backing. I dont think it does anything to hurt or even help the issue, she said, noting that paid leave tops the agendas for leaders in both the House and the Senate.

Paid leave remains a risk in Connecticut because this state is on every watch list for tax increases, and make no mistake, this insurance payment is also a tax. States with paid leave include New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Washington, California and Hawaii, as well as the District of Columbia. Vermont, Maine and even cranky New Hampshire have bills pending.

Most of those states pay for their leaves with a combination of payroll deductions and levies on employers, similar to unemployment insurance, as Trump proposed for the federal government. Weve avoided an employer tax to gain more support.

Republican leaders have proposed a voluntary leave program with tax credits for companies that offer it  a system that favors big companies over small ones, advocates say.

Ultimately, the question is whether paid leave will help Connecticut attract and keep more young professionals. If it does, it will be an economic success. Granato sent me a study from 2017 showing 77 percent of small business owners in Connecticut support it, 46 percent strongly  and the more they learn about it, the more they like it.

Thats what Rick Santorum, a CNN analyst and former Republican senator from Pennsylvania and presidential contender, said on CNN after the State of the Union speech. They say Oh, thats a terrible idea, and then you walk them through it, and they say Oh, that makes sense.

What makes the most sense is a federal policy, as with a livable minimum wage. But thats not going to happen.

I was very skeptical. Then I asked my 23-year-old daughter, who lives and works in Boston, whether paid leave would give her a reason to come back to Connecticut. Thats not any more likely to happen than a federal $15 minimum wage, but she said yes, it would entice her.
If the old Watergate expression says "It's not the crime, it's the coverup," then today's equivalent might say "It's not the crime, it's the crime's offspring."

Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York served a sweeping subpoena on President Donald Trump's inaugural committee on Monday. Nothing could more clearly illustrate the breadth of the president's legal exposure and the limits of his nearly two-year strategy to attack and undermine special counsel Robert Mueller -- because the special counsel's work is merely the sturdy root of a veritable Mueller family tree. What began as an FBI counterintelligence investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election has sprouted into multiple investigations in multiple jurisdictions examining multiple possible crimes. The case against the president's personal lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen is the direct line, the first child. The investigation of the inaugural committee, which sprang from the Cohen case, is the grandchild. And on it goes.

The president no longer faces jeopardy from just one federal criminal probe, but at least three, and not just one prosecutor's office, but the full resources of the entire Department of Justice. In his State of the Union Address on Tuesday, Trump asserted that "ridiculous partisan investigations" threatened the "economic miracle" that was happening on his watch. The threat of the investigations, however you characterize them, is to the president himself.

Prosecutors looking into illegality in one area of the president's life have discovered evidence of potential crimes in other areas. Mueller's discovery of wrongdoing by Cohen led to a referral to prosecutors in Manhattan, who secured a guilty plea from Cohen for violating campaign finance laws and alleged in court papers that it was Trump who directed Cohen to break the law. That investigation in turn produced evidence of wrongdoing at the Trump inaugural committee, which has led to an investigation of a Trump donor, a Los Angeles venture capitalist with ties to Qatar.

To open a new investigation, prosecutors need a credible predicate to believe that a crime has been committed. They must develop probable cause to believe they will uncover evidence or the fruit of a crime in order to convince a federal judge to issue a search warrant. None of this suggests the witch hunt Trump often claims it is.

Federal investigations are serious business, with high stakes for those involved. Public corruption cases undergo internal scrutiny at the Justice Department to avoid the possibility of political maneuvering. An individual who becomes a target in one wants to limit the possible crimes he faces to as narrow a range as possible. That is doubly true for a political officeholder, who must manage the political fallout of investigations as well as the prospect of being charged in court. Trump, however, is now fighting a legal battle on multiple fronts, both substantively and geographically. He is in jeopardy. Criminal charges once he leaves office or referrals to the House of Representatives for an impeachment inquiry before then are real possibilities.

Compounding all this is the fact that related investigations cross-pollinate. Evidence and cooperating witnesses produced in one case can help prosecutors in another, increasing the risk that wrongdoing, if it exists, will be uncovered. For example, once he pleaded guilty and became a cooperator, the president's former deputy campaign chairman Rick Gates served as a witness against Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort at his trial. But as both a former campaign and inaugural staffer, Gates also has information that is useful in the other probes. Mueller recently told a judge in Washington that Gates continues to cooperate in "several ongoing investigations."

Similarly, Cohen first agreed to plead guilty in the Southern District's campaign finance probe, but then he became a cooperator for Mueller and provided, in the course of seven interviews, what the special counsel called "useful information'' concerning certain discrete Russia-related matters core to its investigation. The same is true for Michael Flynn, who has cooperated in at least two separate investigations after pleading guilty to lying to federal investigators about his contacts with former Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak. The pool of knowledge developed through crossover investigations amplifies prosecutors' ability to uncover evidence and increases the likelihood they will have sufficient proof to bring charges.

Each new rock the Justice Department turns over holds the potential to launch entirely new lines of inquiry. In addition to the three investigations into the president and the organizations he has headed, Mueller has already referred multiple cases that we know of to prosecutors in Manhattan and Washington. The U.S. attorney in D.C. has secured guilty pleas from a former Senate staffer (for lying to investigators) and a Republican lobbyist (who arranged for foreigners to contribute to the president's inauguration using straw donors), while SDNY continues to investigate whether prominent lawyers and lobbyists working with Manafort on behalf of Ukraine violated laws on foreign registration. Furthermore, the New York state attorney general is investigating the Trump Foundation, extending the president's exposure beyond the Justice Department.

If Mueller is indeed winding down in the near future, as acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker recently claimed he was, it could only be with referrals to U.S. attorneys' offices around the country. The reality is that in prosecutions, it's never over until it's over. New evidence can come to light at a late stage and trigger new investigations. Mueller's reported interest in interactions between the representatives of the government of the United Arab Emirates and the Trump transition team seems ripe for such a referral. There are also concerns over potential financial improprieties in the development of Trump Tower Moscow. And this doesn't even account for any unknown areas Mueller may be pursuing.

It's this threat of multiple ongoing investigations spanning the foreseeable future that should frighten the president the most. Whatever his personal criminal liability, it's now proven that the organizations he has run - business, political and governmental - have been populated with actual criminals. Six of his associates, including his longtime friend and political adviser, his lawyer, his campaign chairman, his deputy campaign chairman and a foreign policy adviser have been indicted or pleaded guilty. It would be naive at this point to believe that more such charges are not coming. That apple could fall very near the tree indeed.

- - - Joyce White Vance, a former U.S. attorney in Alabama, is a professor at the University of Alabama School of Law. Matthew Miller was director of the Justice Department's public affairs office from 2009 to 2011.
Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro on Thursday said he believes the account of the woman accusing Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of sexual assault, but Castro stopped short of calling for Fairfax to step down.

"I had an opportunity yesterday to read through Doctor Tyson's statement. I believe her claim," Castro said in a meeting with Washington Post reporters. "I know that Lieutenant Governor Fairfax has denied it. My hope is that there's some process to get to the bottom of that."

The answer reflected the awkward position that national Democrats face as they follow the rapid-fire developments in Virginia, with some taking inconsistent positions as they call for some resignations but not others. Some Democrats are also adopting positions that draw into question their calls last year to not confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, after he faced claims that he had committed a sexual assault when he was in high school.

The explosion of developments in Virginia has put a new and unwelcome focus on the Democrats who have seized control of the state as it has turned more reliably blue in recent elections.

Gov. Ralph Northam last Friday apologized for photo on his medical school yearbook page that showed two men, one dressed in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan robe. He reversed course the next day, saying that it wasn't him in the photo but that he did, in fact, wear blackface while dressing up as Michael Jackson in 1984.

Earlier this week, Fairfax, who would assume the governorship if Northam left office, denied allegations that he had sexually assaulted Vanessa Tyson in 2004. Adding to the chaos, Attorney General Mark Herring - the next in line of succession - acknowledged on Wednesday that he had dressed in blackface while in college in 1980.

"With Attorney General Herring, I was pleased that he came forward affirmatively," Castro said in the interview. "And talked about the incident where he dressed in blackface. And the question is gonna be whether he can be effective now or not."

Castro was the first presidential candidate to call on Northam to resign, but he said more investigation needs to be done before Fairfax should be pushed to step down.

"Well, I mean, I think under the Constitution he becomes governor," Castro said. "He hasn't resigned. But there should be a process ongoing to get to the bottom of that claim."

When asked whether Fairfax should resign because of the allegation, Castro responded, "I would say they should get to the bottom of the accusation."

Other Democratic presidential candidates, including Sens. Kamala Harris of California and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, likewise called for an investigation into the accusation by Tyson.

"I thought her story was deeply disturbing and credible, so there must be an investigation," said Gillibrand, who was the first Democratic senator to publicly call for the resignation of Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., after he was accused of sexual assaults.

Castro, a former San Antonio mayor and housing and urban development secretary in the Obama administration, said he had a similar view during the Kavanaugh hearings.

"With Kavanaugh, I was pleased that there was an opportunity for a process to try to get to the bottom of what happened," he said. "I disagreed with the outcome of that process because I believed Doctor Ford and her testimony. So I think that those senators that voted to support him made a mistake. I did not support him. I believe her claim. But there was a process."

When asked specifically why he believed that the allegations against Kavanaugh disqualified him but that the allegations against Fairfax do not, Castro paused.

"My hope is that there will be thorough process to get to the bottom of Doctor Tysons's claim because I believe that we should take a claim like that very seriously," he said.
Her parents were 16 and 17 when she was born, so her grandmother kind of took care of me until they could get their lives together. Her mom went to college, her dad into the Navy. When she was 9 years old, they married.

She didnt see anything all that unusual about her upbringing, she was loved.

Now Vannessa Dorantes, a 50-year-old dynamo of steely compassion, is about to become the guardian of at-risk children in Connecticut. On Tuesday, the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee confirmed her nomination by Gov. Ned Lamont as the new commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. A full House vote is likely later this month.

I never really thought of how my life is different, she told us in a Hearst Connecticut Media Editorial Board meeting at the New Haven Register last week. Its just who I am.

Vannessa, with her easy outgoing style, didnt come to talk with us about her childhood. It came up as we were putting away notebooks (but not an iPhone recorder), almost an after-thought in an hourlong discussion about the state agency that has been her life for 27 years.

I think about the fact that if I didnt have my grandmother and I didnt have paternal family members and people who kind of leaned in with our church to try to help when these young parents were faced with having a baby  we werent involved with DCF  but look how easily that could have changed if I didnt have that kind of support.

So I think my value base of really keeping kids with families comes from that kind of experience, she said. Her mother had a 30-year teaching career; her father worked for a cable company as she grew up in Waterbury.

They were able to raise their family OK because some those early moments of Jeez, what are we going to do, youre 16 with a baby? And now Im here, she said, her voice rising in wonderment. That should be more of the story for everybody else, but I think what happens is you get a 16-year-old who has a baby and they say Look what you just did with your life. Youre not going to evolve to anything, and neither is your baby.

Its not that a challenging childhood is, along with a college degree, a requisite to successfully lead a state agency the likes of DCF. But empathy and understanding go a long way when linking policy to people.

Vannessas story makes me think of Jahana Hayes, a teenage mother who rose to become, at 45, the congresswoman representing the 5th District, and its not just because both came from the same industrial city. When I met with Jahana last fall at an editorial board meeting at The News-Times in Danbury, her passion for helping others reach their potential shone through her policy positions. Her smile is as natural as Vannessas, their underlying grit a common trait. These women inspire.

Vannessa was 22, fresh from college, when she came to DCF with the wave of social workers hired in response to a lawsuit that put the agency under federal review. That was 1992, and the agency is still under federal monitoring. The most recent Exit Plan Status Report, issued in August, shows (through the jargon) an agency making steady progress on meeting outcome measures, yet understaffed with the crucial social workers who maintain the caseloads.

When she began, a new social worker would walk into the office and find a stack of 50 cases. Now they are trained, with simulation exercises through a family advocacy organization. Think about the various scenarios that could unfold when a social worker knocks on the door of a family in crisis and harbors, perhaps, a suspicion of state agencies.

The soon-to-be commissioner, who has held virtually every social worker position in the department, such as program supervisor, criminal investigator, and Northwest corner administrator, will focus on keeping the momentum gained by the last commissioner, Joette Katz, a former associate justice of the state Supreme Court.

For example, a goal has been to keep children with family members, if at all possible, instead of removing them to institutional care.

Now 44 percent of kids are with relatives, up from 20 percent, Vannessa said.

Yet, theres a glaring disparity to address: Minorities are two-thirds of the child welfare cases, but 40 percent of the population. We need to hone in on a strategy, she said. Yes.

Thats one part of leading an agency with a 15,376 caseload, as of Feb. 6, and a budget this year of $776,263,469.

DCF comes under the microscope, as it should, any time theres a death of a child in their care. Vannessa had to tell Lamont the truth: It is near impossible to prevent every tragic death, but she will do everything in her power to instill a safety culture in child welfare and reduce the likelihood of a misstep.

Most of the fatalities for children younger than 2, I was surprised to learn, are from unsafe sleeping. A social worker can talk to a mother about the dangers of co-sleeping, but how to make sure every adult who might come in contact with that child  father, grandparent, aunt  knows that?

Vannessa Dorantes wants to bring a respect to social work.

Its who I am, not what I do, she said. I told her journalists feel the same way about what we do, its a calling.

Childhood upbringing, our backgrounds, experiences and training all inform the essence of what we do.

We all bring our story to why were here, she said, And why we do this work.

Jacqueline Smith is a columnist and editorial page editor with Hearst Connecticut newspapers. Look for her column in this spot on Fridays. Email her at jsmith@hearstmediact.com, follow on Facebook: Jacqueline Smith, on Twitter: @JackyNT
During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Donald Trump offered a defense of two recent and controversial foreign-policy decisions: His attempt to pull U.S. troops out of Syria and the administration's peace talks with the Taliban, which could lead to a U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

"Great nations do not fight endless wars," he said. Yet, Trump glossed over Iraq, another country where the United States is fighting a seemingly endless war.

Nearly 16 years after the United States invaded Iraq, there remain about 5,200 U.S. troops stationed there. When Trump visited them in December, in his first trip to a conflict zone as commander in chief - and shortly after his unexpected announcement that he planned to withdraw troops from Syria - it was seen as a reinforcement of the U.S. mission in Iraq.

Trump confirmed no immediate plans to withdraw from Iraq. "In fact, we could use this as the base if we wanted to do something in Syria," he said during his stopover. But while the president and his national security team may want U.S. troops to stay, his words and actions seem to be decreasing the country's tolerance for hosting American forces.

That point was highlighted this week after Trump suggested the U.S. presence in Iraq could be used to "watch" Iran. "We might as well keep it. And one of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran, because Iran is a real problem," Trump said in an interview with CBS on Sunday.

As The Washington Post reported Monday, Iraqi President Barham Salih rejected the idea outright. "We will not allow this," he said. "Iraq does not want to be a party or axis to any conflict between multiple countries." The Iraqi president, whose office is mostly symbolic, added that American forces were allowed into the country only to fight terrorism.

The next day, Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi offered his own pushback. "When it is said that the mission of these [U.S. forces] is to fight a neighboring country, like Iran, for example, we reject that notion. The constitution itself prevents us from such approaches," he said, according to the Iraqi Kurdish news site Rudaw.

Although the United States had an extensive military presence in Iraq for years following its invasion in 2003 - troop levels peaked at more than 170,000 in 2007 - the Obama administration withdrew U.S. forces after the United States and Iraq failed to reach an agreement that would govern American deployments. The last U.S. units left in December 2011.

However, after the Islamic State spread across Syria and Iraq, seizing large areas of northern Iraq in 2014, Baghdad turned to Washington for help. U.S. forces returned, but strictly for anti-terrorism purposes - a fact U.S. officials have acknowledged. "Our military mission on the ground remains very focused on the reason that the government of Iraq asked us to come there," U.S. Army Gen. Joseph Votel, head of U.S. Central Command, said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday.

The two nations have not signed a new Status of Forces Agreement outlining the terms of the U.S. presence, meaning American troops are in Iraq only at Baghdad's request.

For Trump, U.S. bases in Iraq may seem like a logical place from which to watch or counter Iran. The administration's Iran policy is, after all, focused on containing a country that is "a source of potential danger and conflict," as Trump said. But the Iraqi government's calculations are more complicated.

In general, Iraq's new government has tried to avoid being in the middle of a tussle between Washington and Tehran, its much more powerful neighbor. Abdul-Mahdi, the new prime minister, is viewed as willing to seek compromise; he is backed by Shiite politicians led by populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, a critic of both the United States and Iran.

In painting Iraq as an American listening post, Trump has done his cause few favors. Writing for Defense One, Katie Bo Williams outlined how the president's words played into Baghdad's parliamentary politics. "Trump's remarks come as a variety of anti-U. S. political blocs are urging the parliament to vote on legislation that would curtail American military activities in Iraq - or even oust U.S. troops entirely," Williams wrote.

Worse still was Trump's failure to meet Abdul-Mahdi when the president visited Iraq in December, in a break from his predecessors. "Visiting a military base in Iraq and not meeting any Iraqi officials is a good way to increase the risks that we don't have much of a military presence at all in Iraq for very long," a senior official in the anti-Islamic State coalition told The Washington Post at the time.

Michael Knights, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, told Defense One that the United States has two strikes against it. "If there's a strike three," he said, "we're out."

If Iraq ejects U.S. troops, how would Trump react? It's tempting to say he would not care. Trump has long been a critic of what he calls "endless wars" and U.S. military deployments. "I think we should have gotten out a long time ago," he said during an interview with CNBC in August 2011, months before the Obama administration completed its withdrawal from Iraq.

However, it seems more probable that the Trump administration is finding out, as it did in Syria, that its numerous Middle East foreign-policy goals - limiting the U.S. presence abroad, fighting the Islamic State, containing Iran - often do not align.
BROOKFIELD  The town expects to one day receive $1.2 million annually in tax revenue after a manufacturer opens its world headquarters in the Berkshire Corporate Park.

First Selectman Steve Dunn spent months working with Branson Ultrasonics on a deal to bring the company to town.

He said Branson considered moving to Bethel, New York or elsewhere in Connecticut, but selected Brookfield.

We have the lowest taxes of all the surrounding towns, Dunn said. We have good infrastructure, so people can get in and out of the facilities very quickly. Its a great community to live in.

The company was also impressed with Brookfields streetscape project, which is expected to liven the downtown, he said.

They're probably going to be here for the next 50 years, and they wanted to be in a vibrant, growing town thats moving forward, Dunn said.

The 142,000-square-foot office is estimated to cost Branson $53 million, Dunn said. The company hopes to start building in three months, he said.

It isnt often someone, any company, builds a $53 million building anywhere, he said. Its going to be a beautiful facility.

Dunn said Berkshire Corporate Park is an ideal location and will not affect traffic.

Part of the deal with Branson included abating a percentage of the companys taxes for its first few years. Seventy-five percent of taxes will be abated in the first year, then 60 percent in the second year, then 40 percent and 20 percent for the following four years.

This is a reasonable tax abatement, Dunn told the selectmen before they approved the agreement this week. Its very close to our standard.

He said he heard one neighboring town offered to abate 100 percent of the companys taxes for its first 10 years.

That doesnt make any sense to me, Dunn said. Were providing services, fire, ambulance, police. We want a deal that works for everyone.

Aside from Branson, the town has only offered a tax abatement once before  to Brookfield Village, the mixed-use development that helped kick start the revitalization of the downtown, Dunn said.

You use tax abatements for those unique situations where youre going to get a significant taxpayer, he said.

Once the company is fully taxed, Dunn expects it will bring in $1.2 million in tax revenue annually.

Thats a lot of money, considering the towns budget is about $20 million, Dunn said. Thats a significant portion of our budget.

Through the Connecticut Innovations business assistance fund, Branson will also receive $1.4 million in sales tax exemptions for purchases related to the move to Brookfield.

Branson, owned by St. Louis, Mo.-based Emerson Electric, creates welding and other equipment. The company shares a 50-year-old building in Danbury with several other companies, including Spectral Systems and Dere Street Baked Goods.

Companies like Branson are good corporate citizens, Dunn said. They support their local communities. Its a win-win for the town and Branson.

The Zoning Commission is considering Bransons proposal and will hold a public hearing on the project at its 7 p.m. Feb. 28 meeting.
STORRS - Firefighters knocked down a two-alarm fire at the University of Connecticuts Depot Campus early Thursday morning.

The fire was reported shortly before 4 a.m. in the Longley Building on the Depot Campus on Route 44 and was confined to a large storage area, said Stephanie Reitz, spokesperson for UConn.

It was extinguished and the area was vented, but the cause is under investigation."

There were no injuries, no impact on students or class schedules, Reitz said.

The building contains engineering offices and labs, and those faculty members will be able to return to their regular workplaces as damage was limited to that storage area, Reitz said.

Depot Campus is not the main campus of UConn. Its a collection of brick buildings, many abandoned and boarded up. It was once the home of the Mansfield Training School, an institution for the mentally ill.

Depot Campus is about a seven-minute drive from the main campus.

Several fire departments fought the blaze including Mansfield, Tolland, North Coventry, Columbia and Willington fire departments along with the Coventry Volunteer Fire Association.
Beijing:

Amid growing concerns over geostrategic affairs of Indian Oceans that directly Impacts New Delhis interests, China plans to build four nuclear-powered aircraft carriers by 2035 and develop new carrier-based fighter jets. Beijing is also trying to boost its naval prowess and catch up with the powerful US Navy, a media report Wednesday quoted Chinese military experts as saying. China currently has one aircraft carrier in service - the Liaoning, commissioned in 2012 - and the Type 001A, the first carrier built in the country, which is still being tested. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the head of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has ordered the military to modernise by 2035 and become a top-ranked fighting force by 2050.

Four of at least six aircraft battle groups China plans to have in the water by 2035 will be nuclear-powered, as the Asian giant tries to equal the US in naval strength, the South China Morning Post reported.

The experts said that after decades of trying to close the gap, the PLA Navy's hardware might by then be closer to matching the world's leading superpower in aircraft carrier technology, but it would still lag in real combat experience.

All of China's new carriers were expected to be equipped with electromagnetic catapults similar to those used by the United States, the experts said.

The US' electromagnetic aircraft launch system, known as EMALS, can launch more aircraft more rapidly than the older diesel systems. "China's nuclear-powered aircraft carriers with (EMALS-like systems) are expected to join the navy by 2035, bringing the total number of carriers to at least six, although only four will work at the front line," Wang Yunfei, a naval expert and retired PLA destroyer naval officer, said.

"The country needs to keep developing until it is at the same level as the United States," Wang was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based newspaper. The US seeks to keep its place as the dominant naval power across the Indo-Pacific, where Washington and its allies believe Beijing is trying to rewrite international rules and military alliances in place since World War II.

But Beijing is keen to expand its aircraft carrier battle groups to fulfil its global naval ambitions and defend its growing overseas interests.

Construction of its next conventional diesel-powered aircraft carrier, the Type 002 - the first equipped with the electromagnetic launchers - began last year.

Wang said the budget for the carrier projects would not be cut despite an economic slowdown and a trade war with the US. "Even if the economic downturn has an effect, we can adjust proportions in total military expenditure to make sure naval modernisation keeps going," he said.

Song Zhongping, a television military commentator in Hong Kong, said China's fleet of aircraft carriers would expand to reflect its global standing. With the PLA planning to have four nuclear-powered carrier battle groups on the front line by 2035, the Type 001A and its next-generation carrier Type 002 would become temporary battle ships, Song said.

Both Wang and Song said the Liaoning would be replaced by the Type 001A by 2035, by which time the Liaoning would be obsolete. The Liaoning was refitted from a half-built Soviet hull bought from Ukraine in 1998 and is used to train carrier crews. The PLA Navy will develop one of its fighter jets for use on its aircraft carriers, with debate ongoing over whether that will be the FC-31 or J-20. China has just one type of carrier-based fighter jet, the J-15, whereas the US has two.

Wang said Chinese engineers were developing a next-generation carrier-based fighter, describing it as a variant of the FC-31 stealth fighter, whose fighting capability may be "a little bit behind the US' F-35C". Song said China's overall strength would remain limited by a lack of combat experience.

"China's aircraft carrier technology and its carrier-based fighter jets will be developed to match the same generation of their American counterparts, but hardware build-up is only part of the picture," he said.

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Washington:

US President Donald Trump has nominated noted economist David Malpass to head the World Bank and ensure that the bank's dollars are spent "effectively and wisely" and to "serve American interests," sparking concerns that he may seek to reduce the role of the global lender. A Trump loyalist and a vocal critic of the World Bank, 62-year-old Malpass was a senior economic adviser to the US president during his 2016 election campaign.

If approved by the Directors of the World Bank Group, Malpass, currently the undersecretary for international affairs at the US Treasury Department, would replace Jim Yong Kim as the president of the World Bank.

Kim stepped down abruptly early this year, effective February 1, three years before the end of his term. Announcing his nomination on Wednesday, Trump declared Malpass, a long-time Republican, as a "special man", and as someone who was eminently qualified for the position.

"America is the largest contributor to the World Bank, giving it over USD 1 billion every year," Trump said. "My administration has made it a top priority to ensure that US taxpayers dollars are spent effectively and wisely, serve American interests and defend the American values," he added.

The president, who frequently criticises multilateral institutions, said he expected Malpass to ensure that the bank's dollars "are spent effectively and wisely, serve American interests and defend American values." "Malpass is a strong advocate for accountability at the World Bank for a long time," said the US president.

The US has historically been allowed to choose the head of the World Bank, although that dynamic has more recently faced opposition from other nations. Nominating someone who has been so openly critical of the bank could intensify that resistance.

Malpass has been a point person in the Trump administration's trade negotiations with China and has overseen the government's relationship with the World Bank. He is also a long-time critic of the World Bank's lending practices and its business model and has expressed concern about the power that multilateral institutions exert.

If approved, he is expected to push the bank to narrow the focus of its lending to the world's poorest countries, among other changes. His nomination has stirred debate, as some worry that Malpass will seek to reduce its role.

Malpass appointment could also prove controversial given as some analysts fear that the Trump administration could politicise the role and use it to curb China's growing influence around the world.

White House officials said Malpass would be a "pro-growth reformer". The US controls 16 per cent of the 25-member board's voting power. Given the vote share of various countries in the World Bank, the confirmation of Malpass as its next president is now a mere formality.

In his current capacity as the Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs, Malpass oversees the working of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. An internationally renowned economist, Malpass brings 40 years of experience in economics, finance, government, and foreign policy to his new assignment, Trump said.

After receiving a degree in international economics from Georgetown University's prestigious School of Foreign Service, Malpass served as deputy assistant secretary of the treasury under President Ronald Reagan and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State under President George H W Bush.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Trump had made an excellent choice by nominating Malpass to serve as President of the World Bank. "David has worked closely with me at the Treasury Department and understands the President's pro-growth economic agenda that has led to the strongest US economy and job market in generations," he said.

"As Under Secretary, he successfully negotiated a capital increase and reform package to focus the World Bank on its core mission of lifting up the standard of living in lower-income countries," said Mnuchin who was assisted by Trump's daughter and senior presidential advisor Ivanka Trump in the selection process.

"David's extensive knowledge of the World Bank's challenges and opportunities make him a uniquely qualified steward of a great institution that is operating below its full potential," Ivanka Trump said.

"David's leadership was invaluable in the design and implementation of the World Bank's Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) and I look forward to continuing our work together to realize the mission of the Bank, to eliminate poverty and build prosperity, by economically empowering women in the developing world," she said.

Scott Morris, senior fellow at the Center for Global Development and former US Treasury deputy assistant secretary for development finance and debt, said as the US candidate, Malpass will have a lot of work to do to convince other shareholders that he was prepared to move beyond his past statements and track record when it comes to the World Bank's agenda.

"That includes the bank's critical role in climate finance and the need for constructive engagement with China. The rest of the world holds 84% of the voting power at the World Bank. It's fully within their ability to block an unsuitable nominee," Morris, who played a leading role in Jim Kim's campaign for World Bank president, said.

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San Francisco:

Facebook on Tuesday added a Messenger feature for anyone who has fired off a comment they regretted -- a way to take it back. Messenger users will now have a 10-minute window after sending a message to undo it, leaving behind a note telling everyone in a conversation that the remark was removed, according to the leading online social network. "Have you ever accidentally sent a message to the wrong group of friends, mistyped something, or simply wanted to remove a message in a chat?" Facebook asked rhetorically.

"You're not the only one! Starting today, we are launching a feature where you can easily remove your message on Messenger." Facebook owns the mobile messaging application used by more than a billion people.

Early last year it was revealed that Facebook co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg was apparently able to remove his sent messages, which caused pressure to make the feature available to all. The freshly added feature will let people tap on a message shown in a Messenger conversation then select a "Remove for Everyone" option, which will only be available for 10 minutes from when it was sent.

The remove feature will be available on mobile devices powered by the latest versions of Apple or Android software, according to Facebook.

Meanwhile, a study claims our privacy on Facebook and Twitter may be at risk even if you have never been on social media or have deleted your account, a study suggests. Individual choice has long been considered a bedrock principle of online privacy, said scientists from the University of Vermont in the US and the University of Adelaide in Australia. However, the study shows that if a person leaves a social media platform -- or never joined -- the online posts and words of their friends still provide about 95 per cent of the "potential predictive accuracy," even without any of that person's data.

Published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, the study gathered more than thirty million public posts on Twitter from 13,905 users. With this data, the researchers showed that information within the Twitter messages from eight or nine of a person's contacts make it possible to predict that person's later tweets as accurately as if they were looking directly at that person's own Twitter feed.
New Delhi:

The man behind the worlds most famous egg, who broke Kylie Jenners record of having the most likes is finally out of its shell. Meet Chris Godfrey, the man behind the dethroning of Kylie. An egg has no gender, race or religion. An egg is an egg, its universal says Godfrey after finally unveiling himself.

According to reports, Chris Godfrey is a 29-year-old advertising executive from London who has been credited with creating the viral storm with the help of his friends Alissa Khan-Whelan, 26, and C.J. Brown, 29 to break Kylies record. The trio said that they hatched a plan after a picture of Kylie Jenner had been liked almost 19 million. On January 4, their plan began into motion and overwhelming their picture of a lightly speckled brown egg with a sheer white backdrop got a like over 52 million times, dethroning Kylie.

Khan-Whelan told the New York Times that the group decided to put any speculation to bed by revealing their identities to the masses.

Godfrey told the Times that the past few weeks had been crazy and a real journey. Its not really about me, he said. Its just about the egg and sort of where we can take it and what we can do with it. However, he did admit the success had been a fluke. But its a fluke that caught the worlds attention. Its what you do with that attention that counts, he added.

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Tokyo:

The popular augmented reality game Pokemon GO may boost physical activity in players over the age of 40, a study has claimed. Researchers from University of Tokyo in Japan hope that the findings will inform urban planners and game designers to inspire people to be more active. Augmented reality is when apps and games overlay a real-time camera feed with images, characters and data to provide all kinds of interactive experiences.

As a part of a health programme launched in 2014, about 2,580 participants were given pedometers which counted the steps they took in a day, and were surveyed on matters including usage of location-based augmented reality games.

From this pool of participants, 230 subjects were chosen with as much in common as possible to avoid other factors contributing to results. Forty-six of them were players of Pokemon GO, and 184 were not.

Game-makers and urban planners could factor what weve learned into their respective activities, said Kimihiro Hino, from University of Tokyo.

I think Pokemon GO succeeds where physical activity games do not because its a game first with potential added health benefits. Its possible such games could serve as a gateway to further peoples enthusiasm for physical activity, said Hino.

Another hope is these results inspire urban planners to build more pedestrian areas into urban centres. Hino would like to explore further the connections between augmented reality games and their impact, not just on physical activity itself but on attitudes towards exercise.
New Delhi:

WhatsApp, which has over 200 million monthly active users in India, on Wednesday said that some of the proposed government regulations for social media companies are threatening the very existence of WhatsApp in its current form.

With 2019 Lok Sabha Elections just months away, the government had warned social media platforms of strong action if any attempt was made to influence the country's electoral process through undesirable means.

The government recently also proposed to amend IT rules, wherein social media, online platforms and messaging apps will be required to deploy tools to "identify" and curb unlawful content as well as follow stricter due diligence practices.

"Of the proposed regulations, the one which concerns us the most is the emphasis on traceability of messages," Carl Woog, WhatsApp's Head of Communications, told IANS on the sidelines of a media workshop.

Without denying the possibility of quitting the India market in case the new regulations come into force, Woog said that WhatsApp maintains that it is a platform for private communications and bans phone numbers that are associated with abnormal messages or communication trend. He said that the messaging app ban nearly two million suspicious accounts every month.

Facebook-owned WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption by default which means only the sender and the recipient can see the messages in circulation  not even WhatsApp. Without this feature, Woog explained, WhatsApp will be a completely new product.

India is WhatsApp's biggest market in the world. Globally, the platform has over 1.5 billion users.

"We read submissions that many eloquent experts in India have filed to the government over the last several days and we agree with them that proposed changes are overbroad and are not consistent with strong privacy protection that are important to people everywhere not just in India but around the world. What is contemplated by the rules is not possible today," Woog said.

He said that the company is creating space for private conversations online and proposed rules, if implemented, will require WhatsApp to re-architect the app leading to a different product "one that will not be fundamentally private."

The popular messaging app also said that it has observed misuse of the platform by political parties in India and it is taking measures to fight bulk messaging and coordinated abuse on its platform. "We have seen a number of parties attempt to use Whatsapp in a way that was not intended and our firm message to them is using it in that way will result in bans of our service," WhatsApp Head of Communications Carl Woog told reporters.

Declining to name the parties or give the exact nature of the alleged misuse, he said that there is concern that party workers could abuse the platform by using automated tools for mass messaging or spread false news to sway voters.

"We are trying to be very clear going into elections that there is abuse of Facebook-owned messaging app and we are very working very hard to identify and prevent it as soon as possible," he said.

With PTI Inputs

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday responded to the debate on the motion of thanks to the President's address in the Lower House of Parliament. President Ram Nath Kovind addressed a joint sitting of both the Houses on January 31 - the opening day of the Budget Session 2019. Though the motion was moved in the Rajya Sabha, the discussion could not be started due to pandemonium in the House. The Upper House was adjourned for the day after discussions over the roster system for reservation in educational institutions failed to take off.

In his address to the Lok Sabha, the prime minister has replied to the Oppositions attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government over a host of issues, including alleged tardy employment generation, the state of economy, agriculture and foreign affairs, among others, and listed its achievements in the last five years.

Here are the top 10 quotes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in Lok Sabha:

1. Our friends in Congress see things in two time periods. BC - Before Congress, when nothing happened. AD - After dynasty- where everything happened.

2. In hating Modi, the opposition has begun to hate the nation. That is why their leaders go to London and do press conferences to show India in a bad light.

3. Do you know what is my crime for them? That a person born to a poor family is challenging their sultanate.

4. In the last four and half years, India became 6th largest economy from the 10-11th largest. When we reached 11th position then people, who cannot even be seen in opposition now, praised themselves. They felt proud about reaching 11th, why are they saddened when we have reached 6th.

5. In 1959, Congress Central Government dismissed the Communist Govt in Kerala, 60 years now, hope my friends from Kerala remember. So, what sanctity? What respect of institutions?

6. 'Mahamilawat' can happen in Kolkata only, not possible in Delhi: PM Modi's dig at 'Mahagathbandhan'.

7. In their 55 years, sanitation coverage was around 38% and in our 55 months, it is nearly 98%. Gas connections in their 55 years were 12 crore, it is 13 crore in 55 months. We have worked at a greater speed in our five years.

8. Congress questions the EC and EVM but Modi is destroying institutions. Congress bullies the judiciary but Modi is destroying institutions. Congress calls Planning Commission a bunch of jokersbut Modi is destroying institutions. Congress has misused Article 356 several times, but Modi is destroying institutions.

9. Congress was accumulating wealth for themselves during CWG.

10. We speak the truth, be it in the country or outside, in Parliament or outside but your ability to listen to truth has diminished.

11. Congress does not want our armed forces to be strong, they want Rafale deal to be scrapped.

12. Price rise and Congress are a team. When Congress comes, so does rising prices.

13. You gave India 2G scam, we gave the most affordable data rates in the world.

14. Two songs became very popular, 'Baaki kuch bacha to mehengayi maar gayi' and 'mehengayi dayen khaaye jaat hai' - both these songs were in whose tenure?

15. I assure you, those who have looted the nation will continue to be scared of Narendra Modi.

16. After demonetisation, 3 lakh fraud companies have shut down across India.

17. Inflation and Congress have a strong bond.

18. Mahatma Gandhi had recommended dissolution of Congress.

19. Babasaheb Ambedkar had said joining Congress is like committing suicide.

20. Every deal has a middleman under Congress.

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New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Thursday came down heavily on Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Centre for transferring an officer probing the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual assault case and transferred the case from Bihar to a court in New Delhi. A bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, said the case should be transferred from the Bihar CBI court to a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Saket trial court within two weeks and ordered that the trial should be concluded with six months.

The Supreme Court has asked the top investigating agency to file an affidavit giving an explanation about why the officer was transferred despite its order.

Was cabinet committee which transferred him informed of Supreme Court embargo?, asks CJI saying it amounts to violation of its order.

Supreme Court transfers the trial of Muzaffarpur shelter home case to Saket POCSO Court, Delhi from Patna. The Court has ordered the judge to commence the trial in 2 weeks and complete it within a period of 6months. pic.twitter.com/qqu2yrJwBb  ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019

"Enough is enough. Children cannot be treated like this. You cannot let your officers treat children this way. Spare the children," the top court told the Bihar government.

Supreme Court comes down heavily on CBI and Centre for transferring a CBI officer probing the Muzaffarpur shelter home case despite the Courts embargo against the transfer of investigating officials. pic.twitter.com/4hzGJiqmTH  ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019

The bench said the court will summon the chief secretary if the state fails to give all the information.

Several girls were allegedly raped and sexually abused at an NGO-run shelter home in Muzaffarpur. The issue came to light in May last year following a report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

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New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Thursday summoned ex-interim CBI chief Nageswara Rao for transferring joint director AK Sharma, who was probing the Muzaffarpur shelter home case, calling it a contempt of court. Apart from Rao, the top court has sought personal appearance of S Bhasu Ram, in charge of Director Prosecution, CBI, associated in the transfer of Sharma on February 12.

The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi also directed CBI director Rishi Kumar Shukla to identify other officers being involved in the development, adding that they have prima facie committed contempt of court, by transferring Sharma, without taking the prior permission of the court.

"We are going to take it very very seriously. You have played with the order of Supreme Court of India. God help you. Never play with SCs order," Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi was quoted as saying. The investigating agency has been also asked to file an affidavit giving an explanation regarding the same.

The Supreme Court was referring to its earlier orders in which it had asked the CBI not to remove Sharma from the team probing Bihar shelter home cases.

"Enough is enough. Children cannot be treated like this. You cannot let your officers treat children this way. Spare the children," the top court reiterated, coming down heavily on the Nitish Kumar government.

The court also asked whether the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) was informed by the government that there was an embargo on Sharmas transfer.

Last year in July, over 30 girls, aged among seven to 14 years, were allegedly drugged, scalded with boiling water, raped and forced to sleep naked at the NGO-run shelter home in Bihar's Muzaffarpur.

The alleged sexual exploitation of the minor girls was first highlighted in an audit report submitted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences to the state's social welfare department.

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New Delhi:

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, has been asked to appear again before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday. The central probe agency questioned Vadra for almost six hours in connection with a money laundering case on Wednesday. It was Vadras first appearance before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings. He has denied these allegations in the past and termed them a political witch hunt against him.

Check all the live updates here

22:03 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Robert Vadra has been asked to appear again before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at 11 am on Saturday.

21:36 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Robert Vadra leaves the ED office after over 6 hours of grilling in money laundering case.



Delhi: Congress General Secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra & Robert Vadra leave from the Enforcement Directorate office after Robert Vadra's questioning at ED office in connection with a money laundering case. pic.twitter.com/XwvfYuSdvA

 ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019



21:34 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reached the ED office where Robert Vadra is being questioned in money laundering case.



Delhi: Congress General Secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at Enforcement Directorate office. Robert Vadra is at ED office for questioning in connection with a money laundering case. pic.twitter.com/mwzUg9vjIV

 ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019



16:25 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In "The first principle of any investigation is that it's confidential. But ED here is leaking information as they know they've nothing to be investigated. They are calling people only to bring a bad name to them," KTS Tulsi outside the ED office.

16:16 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Robert Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi has reached the Enforcement Directorate office.

14:47 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Robert Vadra returns to Enforcement Directorate office after lunchbreak

13:49 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Robert Vadra to reach ED office after 3 pm for interrogation.

13:47 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Three senior ED officials were present during the 2-hour-long grilling.

13:34 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Robert Vadra leaves Enforcement Directorate office after questioning in money laundering case.

13:19 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In ED claims that probe reveals that these London-based assets are part of kickbacks Vadra received in a petroleum deal.

12:43 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In A team led by Joint Director and two Deputy Directors are questioning Robert Vadra, news agency ANI said.

11:41 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Yesterday, Vadra had denied owning any property in the UK.

11:31 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In

Delhi: Robert Vadra arrives at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. ED had questioned him for nearly 6 hours yesterday. pic.twitter.com/uKK5wQTBEe

 ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019



11:29 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Robert Vadra reaches ED office, to be grilled again

11:33 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In This is the document regarding which ED will grill Vadra today: News Nationa Exclusive

This is the mail sent by Sumit Chaddha to Vadra regarding some transactions related to London property.



10:52 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Robert Vadra to reach the Enforcement Directorate office at 11 am.

10:07 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Vadra has also been directed by the Rajasthan High Court to appear before the ED on February 12 in connection with another money laundering case being probed by the agency.

09:42 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Vadra leaves for ED office for the second round of interrogation.

09:03 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Vadra had sought protection from the arrest from the court on which the court granted interim bail till February 16.

08:29 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The ED had carried out raids in the case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP.

08:23 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

08:23 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Vadra has been grilled about his links with absconding and controversial defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari and Bhandari's relative Sumit Chhadha.

08:21 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Vadra has alleged he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

08:19 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Vadra has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him.

08:18 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Vadra's lawyer said he has replied to every question that was put to him on Wednesday.

08:17 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In "He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka Gandhi had said on Wednesday in a show of support to Vadra.

08:15 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Robert Vadra has submitted documents related to income tax to ED officials.

08:14 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Vadra had reached the ED office at around 3:45 pm on Wednesday and was grilled for almost six hours.

08:12 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The ED has summoned him for questioning as they agency was not satisfied with Vadra's answers.

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New Delhi:

Congress party president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal. While addressing the media, Rahul Gandhi said that the prime minister has stolen Rs 30,000 crore from the defence forces and has handed it over to Anil Ambani.

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi mounted a fresh offense on PM Narendra Modi and called the prime minister a "darpok" (coward) and dared him to a five-minute face-to-face debate on issues such as the controversial Rafale jet deal and national security. Addressing the Congress' minority department convention in the national capital, a combative Gandhi also alleged that the RSS was trying to capture the institutions of the country and said his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh will remove the organisation's loyalists from the system.

In his speech covering a range of topics, Gandhi slammed PM Modi for his China policy, saying the prime minister flew to the country and held a summit without an agenda while Beijing sent its army to Doklam, a reference to the China-India border standoff in 2017. Modi folded his hands before China, the Congress chief claimed, adding that China realised within two months that "leave alone 56 inches, he doesn't even have a four-inch chest".

#WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi responds to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "ulta chor, chowkidaar ko daante" remark. pic.twitter.com/ksnkpt1971  ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019

"I know his (Modi) character after fighting him for five years...I say to BJP leaders... make Narendra Modi stand with me on stage for five minutes and debate on national security, Rafale," Gandhi said in his speech in Hindi. "I want to say he is a darpok (coward) person. I have recognised him. He gets scared when he faces someone who says I will not back off, he backs off," the Congress president said, walking away dramatically from the mike for visual effect, eliciting applause from Congress workers.

In a speech laced with sarcasm, Gandhi did not spare Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, mocking him for allegedly taking instructions from the British. Gandhi urged his party's workers to face the RSS, the BJP and Modi with all their might. If Congress workers stand together, they (RSS, BJP, Modi) will run away as "they are cowards", he added. The Congress chief said fear was writ large on Modi's face and asserted that those who spread hatred will be defeated.

Declaring that the "image of Narendra Modi is finished", Gandhi said, "He now knows you can't rule India by dividing people." The Congress chief alleged that the RSS was attempting to capture the country's institutions, from the judiciary to the Election Commission. "We have not merely formed governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh... we will ensure that RSS people put in institutions in these states are removed," he said.

Gandhi claimed that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath informed him that there was a special ministry in the state under the BJP rule to which Rs 800 crore were given and it was full of RSS people. "In these states (MP, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan), one by one, we will do the work of removing RSS people from government's institutions. The bureaucracy of these states should know and India's bureaucracy should know that you are not RSS' bureaucracy, but India's bureaucracy," Gandhi said.

He asserted that irrespective of language, religion, and caste, the Congress party will always protect all Indians. The aim of the RSS is to set aside the Constitution and run the country from Nagpur, he alleged. "The RSS puts its people in the judicial system, in the Election Commission. The CBI chief if he wants to probe Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he is set aside and an RSS person is put in his place. Their aim is to finish all institutions in the country," Gandhi alleged.

He also alleged that Modi was the face but the government was being run by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. "With Narendra Modi as PM, four Supreme Court judges come out and say that 'we are not being allowed to work' and in the same line take the name of Justice Loya and indirectly say that BJP president Amit Shah is not allowing the Supreme Court to do its work," Gandhi said, referring to CBI judge B H Loya who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh and died in Nagpur on December 1, 2014.

The RSS and the BJP think that they are above India, but in three months the country will make them understand that it is not so, Gandhi said. He alleged Modi snatched the Rafale contract from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and helped Anil Ambani to make a profit of Rs 30,000 crore. The government, as well as Anil Ambani, have strongly denied any wrongdoing in the fighter jet agreement with France.

"Do you accept that five years ago PM Narendra Modi's reputation was very good. Do you accept that today Narendra Modi is a thief. He can't even speak openly," Gandhi said. In his tenure Modi gave Rs 3.5 lakh crore to 15 industrialists, Gandhi alleged.

"I asked the team framing the Congress manifesto to give something that shakes up the country. I asked them to give me something that I could offer loudly and change the mood of the people," he said of his party's minimum income promise for the poor.

The minimum income amount will be deposited in the bank accounts of the poor across the country by the Congress, he said. "If Modi ji can give lakhs of crores of rupees to 15 individuals, we can also put money in the pocket of the poor people," he said.

This decision will be first of its kind in the world, where a big country like India will directly transfer money in the accounts of poor people, Gandhi said, adding that this will eradicate poverty.

Gandhi again brought up the Rafale deal while talking to reporters after his meeting with the party's general secretaries. "The Prime Minister has helped steal Rs 30,000 crore from the defense forces and handed it to Anil Ambani and he has done it personally. Please remember what I have said. He has done it personally," he alleged.

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New Delhi:

After six hours of questioning, Robert Vadra will be again interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate today in the money laundering case. The ED will also question former finance minister P Chidambaram's son, Karti, in the INX Media case. The Reserve Bank of India is widely expected to keep its key lending rate for commercial banks unchanged at 6.5 per cent for the third time in succession when it makes the fiscal's final bimonthly monetary policy review announcement on Thursday. Congress president Rahul Gandhi will meet all general secretaries and state in-charges ahead of the 2019 general election. This is the first time, Priyanka Gandhi will meet party officials after taking over as the general secretary of UP East.

21:35 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy has issued a whip to all Janata Dal (Secular) MLAs to be present in the House tomorrow.

18:03 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Saradha chit fund case: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) summons former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP, Kunal Ghosh to appear in Shillong CBI office on February 10, reports ANI.

15:41 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In During hearing of corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar in Delhi's Patiala House Court, Enforcement Directorate (ED) says "Deepak Talwar has links with fugitive Vijay Mallya also". Court extends Talwar's ED remand till February 12.

14:42 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In PM Modi assures Bangladesh of building on upward trajectory in bilateral ties.

12:56 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Congress General Secretary for UP East Priyanka Gandhi & General Secretary for UP West Jyotiraditya Scindia to visit Lucknow on 11 February with Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

11:38 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Supreme Court transfers Muzaffarpur shelter home case to Delhis Saket POCSO Court

The Supreme Court has transferred the trial of Muzaffarpur shelter home case to Saket POCSO Court, Delhi from Patna. The Court has ordered the judge to commence the trial in 2 weeks and complete it within a period of 6months.

10:30 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In 16 trains to Delhi running late due to fog.

09:45 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In BSE Sensex opens in green, Nifty breaches 11,000 mark ahead of key RBI meet

09:20 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Kerala: Two RSS workers attacked near Pettah in Trivandrum last night. Both of them were shifted to Trivandrum Medical College. Police have registered a case and a probe is underway.

08:30 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Jammu & Kashmir: Snow clearing operation underway in Rajouri following fresh snowfall in the area

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highlights 'Mahamilawat' can happen in Kolkata only, not possible in Delhi: Modi.

Congress does not want our armed forces to be strong: PM.

A person born to a poor family is challenging their sultanate: PM Modi.

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a blistering attack against the opposition parties and said that the idea of 'Mahagathbandhan' (Grand Alliance) is a 'Mahamilawat' (Grand Adulteration) and the people are aware of it. Speaking from the floor of the Lok Sabha in his reply to the Motion of Thanks, PM Modi said, "In 2014, for the first time in 30 years, the people gave India its first full majority government. Now the Mahamilawat (Grand Adulteration) is about to come".

"The voters understand how a 'mahamilawat' government can be harmful to the country. When the government has a majority, the performance is undoubtedly different," he said. Then, in a dig at the 23-party Opposition rally in Kolkata, he said, "The voters do not want a "Mahamilawat" government of those who assembled in Kolkata," PM Modi added.

PM Modi also took a dig at Congress party president Rahul Gandhi and said that those who are labelling baseless allegations on him should first introspect. The prime minister also retorted to Rahul Gandhi's favourite slogan with a tweak of a well-known Hindi proverb. "The thief is scolding the chowkidar (watchman)," he said.

Attacking the Congress party over alleged scams in the defence deals, PM Modi said, "There has been not a single deal in the past which was done without a middleman involving in it. I want to say it on the floor of the Parliament that the Indian National Congress does not want our armed forces to be strong. They do not want our security apparatus to be strong. Which companies are they bidding for that they are acting so shamefully," he added.

Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi for his allegations on the Rafale fighter jet deal, PM Modi said the Congress did not wish to see the country's armed forces strong. "I wondered why they speak lies on Rafale with such confidence. Then I realised because they know in all their years in power there hasn't been a single honest defence deal. Some mama, some chacha kept coming in," he said.

In a frontal attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that those who imposed Emergency "bullied" the judiciary and insulted the Army were accusing him of destroying institutions. Hitting out at the Congress, PM Modi said for some BC stands for 'before Congress' and AD for 'after dynasty'.

"Congress imposed Emergency, but they say Modi is destroying institutions. Congress insults Army, calls the Army chief a 'goonda' but they say Modi is destroying institutions," the PM said in a hard-hitting reply to a debate on the Motion of Thanks to President's address in the Lok Sabha.

"The Congress misused Article 356 to dismiss state governments several times. Indira Gandhi herself dismissed state governments 50 times," PM Modi said. The prime minister said in a poll year, leaders have compulsions to make charges but lamented that while slamming Modi and BJP, some people "start attacking India".

He alleged that the opposition's ability to listen to the truth has diminished. The Congress, he said, questioned the Election Commission and Electronic Voting Machines but is accusing him of destroying institutions.

"Congress bullies the judiciary but Modi is destroying institutions. Congress calls Planning Commission a bunch of jokers but Modi is destroying institutions," PM Modi said. He also took a dig at the recent opposition rally in Kolkata organised by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.

Highlights of PM Modi's speech in Lok Sabha:

19:43 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Those who have looted India, will have to fear Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha

19:39 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In

PM: India will be friends with both Israel & Palestine. India will be friends with both Saudi Arabia&Iran.Our foreign policy has led to India's voice becoming stronger on the world stage. Also,I am happy that after our efforts other parties are also reaching out to NRIs, its good pic.twitter.com/xkOb68gsj3

 ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019



19:37 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Our voices are now being heard on a global platform, says PM Modi.

19:26 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Every year, while filing I-T, non-corporate taxpayers, who don't get a salary, but provide salaries to their employees. 6.25 lakh of these taxpayers have emerged. Do you think they also provide employment to others?: PM Modi.

19:25 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In In the last 4 years, 6.35 lakh new professionals have come up. You think if a doctor opens a clinic or a nursing home then he will employ only 1 person? Or does a CA only employ 1 person?

19:19 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In "Our Government has worked towards the good health and wellbeing of the people of India. Prices of stents, knee surgeries and medicines are coming down. This is helping the poorest of the poor," says PM Modi in Lok Sabha.

19:18 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In

PM: Jo bhaag gaye hain vo twitter pe ro rahe hain ki mai to 9,000 crore le kar nikla tha lekin Modi ne 13,000 crore rupay mera zabt kar liya. Twitter kar rahe hain aur bolte hai ki subah uthta hoon to pata chalta hai ki meri aaj ye sampatti ka pata lag gaya vo bhi zapt ho gayi. pic.twitter.com/PRARyXTEIP

 ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019



19:11 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In

PM Modi in Lok Sabha: Mahatma Gandhi had back then recommended the dissolution of Congress party. So 'Congress mukt Bharat' is not my slogan but I am just fulfilling the wish of Gandhi ji. Shradhanjanli ke roop mein ye karna hi karna hai, kitni bhi milawat karlo bach nahi sakte pic.twitter.com/wgddw5kqEs

 ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019



19:11 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Two songs became very popular: 'Baaki kuch bacha to mehengayi maar gayi' and 'Mehengayi dayen khaaye jaat hai'. Both these songs were in who's tenure? First during Indiraji and second during the remote controlled government: PM Modi.

19:10 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Our Government has worked towards the good health and wellbeing of the people of India. Prices of stents, knee surgeries and medicines are coming down. This is helping the poorest of the poor: PM Narendra Modi.

19:10 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In I am astonished that people are casting aspersions on schemes like 'Ayushman Bharat', says PM Modi.

19:09 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In What was the reason LED bulbs were so costly during the UPA era: PM Modi.

19:09 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In I have brought revolutionary changes in the field of medication: PM Modi.

19:07 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Thousands of organisations were getting funds from overseas. We sought transparency in the process but these organisations shut down. Why was such money allowed to come in without accountability: PM Modi.

19:05 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Price rise and Congress are a team. When Congress comes, so does rising prices. The NDA Government has worked to keep prices under check: PM Modi.

19:03 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was always ahead of his time. He had said that joining Congress is like committing suicide: PM Modi.

19:03 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar had once said that going into an alliance with Congress will be like committing suicide: PM Modi

19:00 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In We don't need favours from anyone, my government has no corruption baggage: PM Narendra Modi.

19:18 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Congress alliance partners have accepted 'Milawati' culture, says PM Modi.

18:59 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In "Three lakh fraud companies were shut down due to demonetisation," says PM Modi.

18:54 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Our commitments are stronger than the roadblocks, says PM Modi.

18:51 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Public wealth was looted during Congress rule: PM Modi in Lok Sabha.

18:50 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Which companies are they bidding for that they are acting so shamefully: PM Modi.

18:50 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In I want to say it on the floor of the Parliament that the Indian National Congress does not want our armed forces to be strong. They do not want our security apparatus to be strong: PM Modi.

18:50 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In There has been no single defence deal during the Congress era which was done transparently: PM Modi

18:57 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In PM Modi: Congress doesn't' want our Air Force to be strong, I am levelling a serious allegation here. You want this Rafale deal to be cancelled, on whose behest? For which company?

18:46 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In

PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: In 2010 Commonwealth games, on one hand, our athletes were working hard to win medals for the country, while these people(Congress) were accumulating wealth for themselves pic.twitter.com/yrw12lIheO

 ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019



18:45 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Indian army was not provided the basic equipment during the UPA era, says PM Modi.

18:43 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In PM Modi takes dig at Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi.

18:43 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Those who have looted India are now crying on Twitter, says PM Modi

18:41 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The people of India have seen the work a government with a full majority can do. They have seen the work of NDA: PM Modi.

18:38 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In We have been working 24/7 for the development of the country: PM Modi.

18:37 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In

PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: People have seen the work a Government with an absolute majority can do. They have seen our work. They do not want a 'Mahamilavat' Government of those who recently gathered in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/OfdVaCOSLm

 ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019



18:35 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In

The people of India have seen the work a Government with a full majority can do.



They have seen the work of NDA.



They do not want a  Government of those who assembled in Kolkata: PM @narendramodi

 PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 7, 2019



18:35 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Think about it, Congress imposed Emergency, but Modi is destroying institutions. Congress insults Army, calls the Army Chief a Gunda but Modi is destroying institutions. Congress leaders create stories that Indian Army is doing a coup but Modi is destroying institutions: PM Modi.

18:33 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In There is no middleman in my government, says PM Modi.

18:32 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The nation will reject 'Mahamilawat' alliance, says PM Modi

18:33 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In 'Mahamilawat' can happen in Kolkata only, not possible in Delhi: PM Modi's dig at 'Mahagathbandhan'

18:30 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In In their 55 years, sanitation coverage was around 38% and in our 55 months, it is nearly 98%. Gas connections in their 55 years was 12 crore, it is 13 crore in 55 months. We have worked at greater speed in our five years: PM Narendra Modi.

18:28 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In From gas connection to road connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lists the achievements of his government in Lok Sabha.

18:27 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In My government is dedicated to the poor, says PM Modi.

18:41 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In You know what is my crime for them? That a person born to a poor family is challenging their Sultunate: PM Modi.

18:40 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Congress has misused Article 356 to pull down governments: PM Modi.

19:13 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In We need to take stock of where we were 4.5 years back, and what kind of progress we have made over the past 4.5 years: PM Modi in Lok Sabha.

18:23 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Before pointing finger on Modi, Congress should introspect: PM Modi

18:22 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Just because they don't like a Supreme Court decision, they will say anything, write anything?: PM Modi in Parliament.

18:20 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Why you people are so scared? Asks PM Modi to Congress party.

18:19 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Congress has insulted every constitutional institution, says PM Modi.

18:19 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation. That is why their leaders go to London and do press conferences to show India in a bad light: PM Modi.

18:17 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In India is seeing remarkable progress in the last four years. In all spheres, investment, steel sector, start ups, milk and agriculture, aviation, India's progress is outstanding: PM Modi.

18:16 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In I welcome opposition's criticism on Narendra Modi and his policies, says PM Modi.

18:15 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Our friends in the Congress see things in two time periods. BC- Before Congress, when nothing happened. AD- After dynasty- where everything happened: PM Modi.

18:13 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In We face the challenges and work to fulfil people's aspirations: PM Modi.

18:13 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In It is trust and optimism that will take our nation forward. We are not those who run away from challenges, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha.

18:11 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In I am grateful to President Ram Nath Kovind for acknowledging government's efforts, says PM Modi in his address to Lok Sabha.

18:09 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In So many members spoke in the debate in the Parliament. I thank them all: PM Modi in the Lok Sabha.

18:10 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In I congratulate all those who will be voting for the first time in the 2019 Parliamentary polls. Those born in the 21st century are now going to be voters and thus, they will play a role in shaping India's progress: PM Modi in the Lok Sabha.

18:07 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In There is no room for corruption: PM Narendra Modi.

18:06 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In A government has to work for the people of India, a government has to be sensitive to people's aspirations: PM Modi.

18:06 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In I thank the house for constructive debate, says PM Modi

18:02 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In We all respect Mamata Banerjee, but she shouldn't have protected Rajeev Kumar, says Ramdas Athawale.

18:01 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Ramdas Athawale slams Congress in Lok Sabha with his sarcastic 'shayaris'.

17:57 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Lok Sabha to reply on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address.

17:46 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Earlier, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge again demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee for the alleged scam in Rafale deal.

17:46 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Shiv Sena MP Anandrao Adsul said the party was happier when Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani and Balasaheb Thackeray were at the helm of affairs.

17:44 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Earlier participating in the debate, AIMIM leader and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi attacked the government and alleged that the Bharat Ratna has become the exclusive club of the upper caste.

17:42 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The BJP has issued a whip asking its members to be present in the House today and the day after.

17:42 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The Congress party has asked all its party MPs in the Lok Sabha to be present during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks.

17:41 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reply to the debate on Motion of Thanks to the President's address to the joint sitting of Parliament on the first day of the Budget Session.

17:41 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Lok Sabha shortly.

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highlights The MHA is considering to initiate a number of measures against officers.

Mamata Banerjee sat on a "Save India" dharna on February 3.

Mamata Banerjee called off her dharna on Tuesday evening.

New Delhi:

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government to take action against five Kolkata Police cops who took part in 'Save India' dharna. The names of the officers are Virendra (DGP, IPS, 1985), Vineet Kumar Vital (IPS, 1994 director security, ADG rank), Anuj Sharma (IPS 1991, ADG L&O), Gyanwant Singh (1993 batch IPS CP Bidhan Naga commissionerate), Supratim Sarkar (IPS 1997 additional CP, Kolkata Police). According to the sources, the MHA is considering to initiate a number of measures against defaulting officers such as withdrawing medals or decoration which was conferred on them for meritorious services etc.

"Centre may also remove names of the delinquent officers from the empanelled list and bar them for certain period from serving in the central government," according to the sources. The centre is also contemplating issuing an advisory to all the states to ensure that officers of uniformed forces adhere to conduct rules.

Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government is yet to receive any notice from the Ministry of Home Affairs for taking disciplinary action against Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar for allegedly violating service conduct rules.

The chief secretary or the home secretary will reply to the notice after it was received, she told reporters at the state secretariat. Banerjee was replying to a query about reports from New Delhi that the MHA has asked the state government to take steps against Kumar for his alleged violation of the All India Service (Conduct) Rules by attending the Trinamool Congress chief's dharna in Kolkata.

Mamata Banerjee said the state government is yet to receive any notice from the MHA for taking disciplinary action against Rajeev Kumar.



"No such letter was received till this afternoon. At a meeting to discuss the business summit tomorrow, I asked the chief secretary and home secretary whether they had received any such letter. They said no," Banerjee said. On how contents of the purported letter found mention in a section of the media, she said, "I don't know."

Banerjee had described as "blatant lie" the MHA's charge that the city police chief had participated in her dharna and said the officer never went up to the dais. Banerjee was on a sit-in protest for three days against the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police Commissioner in connection with chit fund scams.

She called off her dharna on Tuesday evening after the Supreme Court forbade the CBI from taking any coercive action against Kumar, but vowed to wage a battle against the Narendra Modi government till it was ousted from power.

Banerjee sat on a "Save India" dharna in front of Metro Cinema in the heart of the city insisting that the latest CBI action was tantamount to stifling the spirit of "Constitution and federalism" in the country. Her fight got support from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Andhra Pradesh counterpart Chandrababu Naidu other prominent leaders such as Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah, DMK's Kanimozhi, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav.

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New Delhi:

A team of 10 Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers will interrogate Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in Shillong on February 9 in connection with the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam cases, officials said on Thursday. The development came two days after the Supreme Court directed Kumar to "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation. Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal government to probe Saradha and other similar Ponzi scheme cases.

The investigation agency has attached 10 officers from its Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow units to its Kolkata office, which is probing the chit-fund scam cases, till February 20 to provide additional manpower during questioning of high-profile suspects, including the Kolkata police chief. A team led by Superintendent of Police Jagroop S Gusinha from the special unit in New Delhi will camp in Kolkata, according to an official order on Thursday.

"Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar has been summoned by CBI for questioning on 9 February," the news agency ANI reported.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar has been summoned by CBI for questioning on 9 February. pic.twitter.com/qKhG0ChJre  ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019

The top court on Tuesday directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation of cases related to the Saradha chit-fund scam, but made it clear he will not be arrested.

"State police was first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post-collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause the disappearance of evidence," a senior CBI official said on the condition of anonymity.

The agency, which wanted to probe the SIT members, was not getting a positive response from the police as many officials, including Kumar, gave excuses to evade questioning, they sad.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New Delhi:

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan on Thursday declared that his newly-formed party is ready to go it alone in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019. The actor-turned-politician said he is preparing to contest all the 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on its own. However, Hassan didn't say anything about the constituency from where he will contest. "Our aim is to not go with any tainted group. We are preparing to contest on all 40 seats (in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry). I cannot say at this moment from where I will contest," said Kamal Hassan.

Earlier, Kamal Haasan slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his minimum income for the poor scheme. He had described as a "worthwhile dream" Rahul Gandhi's promise of minimum income for the poor but said implementing it would be very difficult. Addressing reporters after launching the Puducherry unit of his party Makkal Needhi Maiam, he also welcomed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's foray into active politics. "It is a great dream, nice dream. I would not say it is epiphany. But is a nice worthwhile dream. We'll pursue it.

But to enact and actually bring it into force is very difficult. I hope he (Rahul) succeeds," Haasan said. Addressing a 'Kisaan Abhaar Sammelan' in Raipur, Rahul Gandhi had promised Congress would ensure "minimum income guarantee" for every poor person if it comes to power at the Centre. When asked about his opinion on Vadra being appointed Congress general secretary, Hassan said "Welcome sister."

On the Ram temple issue, the MNM leader said he stood for amity and unity of the country. "My personal opinion, which I have said in 1993 or 94 as soon as Babri Masjid was demolished. I was the single voice which rose from here. I still stand by it. I am very sure any sensible Indian would stand for amity and unity of India," he said. Answering questions on alliances for fighting the upcoming general elections, he said the executive committee of his party had given him the authority to decide on it, but no time limit had been set to take the call.

"We are deliberating on it. It is very important to not carry other people's laundry," he said without elaborating.
New Delhi:

A 52-year-old doctor of a Centre-run hospital allegedly committed suicide on Wednesday by hanging herself from a ceiling fan at her government residence in North Avenue area of the national capital. According to a report in Hindustan Times, the doctor left a suicide note in which she accused three colleagues of humiliating and harassing her as she was heading an inquiry against them.

The deceased, identified as Poonam Vohra, was a consultant Radiologist at Ram Manohar Lohia hospital. According to reports, the police got information about her suicide at 1 pm after her husband, a consultant with a private firm, returned and found the flat locked from inside. Her two children were also not at home at the time of the incident.

When he peeped through the window, Vohra found Poonam hanging from the ceiling fan in their bedroom. With the help of neighbours, he broke open the door and brought her down. They called the police and rushed her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead, a police officer, not authorised to speak to the media, was quoted as saying by the report.

The legal proceeding has been initiated and the post-mortem will be conducted on Thursday, he said.

There was just one line written in her suicide note  that these three doctors had been humiliating and harassing her. We learnt that she was heading some department inquiry related to misconduct against the three doctors, the deputy commissioner of police Madhur Verma said.

The police are yet to question the hospital administration and the doctors colleagues to find out more about these allegations.

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New Delhi:

The Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute in Noida Sector-12, where a fire broke out on Thursday, was functioning without a fire licence that expired over five months ago, officials said. "The hospital authorities had got a license from the fire department in March 2017, but they did not get it renewed from over five months," Gautam Budh Nagar Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Arun Kumar Singh told to PTI.

Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate B N Singh Thursday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the fire incident at Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute in Noida. "I have ordered a magisterial probe into the incident. The city magistrate has been asked to submit his report within 15 days," Singh told PTI. According to authorities, more than 60 people were inside the hospital when the incident occurred. He said all were safe. "More than 40 patients have been shifted to Metro's another hospital," Singh said. Around 10 fire tenders were rushed to spot and the situation was brought under control, fire department officials said.

According to the latest report, the rescuers have evacuated 60 patents. News Nation has learnt that the blaze broke out on the third and fourth floor of the hospital. There are reports that some patients saved their lives by jumping out from the building. The rescuers are searching each and every room to look for trapped patients or medical staff. According to its website, Metro multi-specialty hospital has over 2,500 beds. The hospital is said to be among 12 top hospitals in Delhi, NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh. The chief fire officer fainted because of the smoke. A magisterial enquiry has been ordered by the district magistrate.

WATCH VIDEO HERE

According to an eyewitness, the fire was noticed at around 12:30 pm. According to fire officials, the priority is right now to save the patients from the operation theatres undergoing surgeries. The blaze comes on a day when the Yogi Adityanath government announced staggering Rs 1,298 crore allocation for the Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission.

Exclusive visuals of the fire that has engulfed Noida's Metro Hospital. Several patients are feared trapped. Rescue operations underway



Follow LIVE updates: https://t.co/wXzITujZ0N pic.twitter.com/GE4QlPXYfZ  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) February 7, 2019

The senior officials of fire department and Gautam Buddha Nagar have also reached the spot. The hospital fire is a stark reminder of the blaze at Kolkatas Calcutta Medical College last year. The fire had broken out in the dispensary of the state-run Medical College and Hospital on October 3 last year. As many as 250 patients were evacuated from the premises, fire officials had said.

#NoidaFire | People post videos of Noida's Metro Hospital Fire on social media. @ravish_nn has more details. Listen in



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Meanwhile, hospital officials said that the fire has been brought under control and there were no immediate reports of any casualties.

Luckily, no one was injured in the blaze that broke out at 8 am in the dispensary located on the ground floor. Ten fire tenders were rushed to the site, the officials said. The Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, commonly referred to as Calcutta Medical College, was established in 1835 and is the second oldest medical college in India after Ecole de Medicine of Puducherry.
Berlin:

After Brussels on Wednesday derailed a planned Siemens-Alstom merger that was meant to create a European rail behemoth, here's a look at what's next for the German and French firms in an industry bracing for fierce Chinese competition. Buoyed by a recent run of strong results, the maker of France's high-speed TGV trains will have "no immediate worries", a source close to the group told AFP. But the engineering giant will continue to look for ways to "adapt to the challenges on the market in the medium term", the source added.

Bertrand Mouly-Aigrot, a transport specialist at Archery Strategy Consulting, said Alstom may consider "closer ties" with Canadian train manufacturer Bombardier, pointing out that the rivals have teamed up on projects in the past. But their dominant positions, particularly as rolling stock makers in France, could run into the same competition concerns as the Siemens-Alstom deal.

That leaves the option of tie-ups with "smaller manufacturers" to further consolidate the rail industry, Mouly-Aigrot said. "On a global scale, an alliance with an Asian manufacturer would have the biggest impact," he added, suggesting Alstom may want to consider an Indian or Japanese partner.

Siemens CEO Joe Kaeser has said "different options" are on the table for the group's profitable rail arm, including floating its Mobility unit on the stock market.

The group's renewable energy unit Siemens Gamesa and medical imaging business Siemens Healthineers have already been listed as the sprawling conglomerate seeks to become more agile.

"But a flotation wouldn't solve the problem of the lack of a European champion, nor would it save on costs and research and development expenditures," said Maria Leenen, director of market research group SCI Verkehr.

The Brussels veto "considerably weakens" European rail players while strengthening Chinese rivals like the China Railroad Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), Leenen added.

Itself the product of a 2014 merger, the state-owned juggernaut is the world's largest train manufacturer whose metro lines, locomotives and wagons can be found across the globe -- and its sights are set on Europe next, Leenen said.

Armed with a huge R&D budget and access to cheap loans, CRRC can squeeze rivals out of the market with lower prices, she noted, a strategy that has already helped it amass 70 per cent of the global market share in high-speed trains.

CRRC's annual revenues of 26 billion euros (USD30 billion) outweigh the three Western heavyweights Bombardier, Siemens and Alstom, each of which brings in around eight billion a year.

But EU anti-trust regulators have shown themselves unconvinced by the Chinese danger. They focused instead on fears that a Siemens-Alstom merger would crush competitors and hike prices, while insisting that concerns about rivalry from CRRC remain unfounded -- for now.

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Harris was convicted and imprisoned in 2014 for indecently assaulting four teenage females in the 1970s and 1980s.

He was released from prison on bail in 2017 after serving almost three years.

The AM Show UK correspondent Lloyd Burr said police are investigating whether the incident was a breach of Harris' parole conditions.
New Zealand is bringing in more refugees, and it has benefits for both parties.

Five new towns have been approved for resettlement - Timaru, Whanganui, Blenheim, Masterton and Levin.

A sixth is on the way.

We all know the primary reason for welcoming refugees is humanitarian but the research shows that there are economic and social benefits to accepting refugees as well.

New Zealand Red Cross migration general manager Rachel O'Connor spoke to The AM Show about it.

Watch the video.
Jacinda Ardern has confirmed changes will be made to the tax system this year, as she outlined the Government's priorities in a speech to the business community.

Outlining the Government's economic plan for 2019 in Auckland on Friday, the Prime Minister said changes will be made to the tax system to make it fairer.

She said the Government has received the Tax Working Group's report, the recommendations of which will be released on February 21, with the Government's response due in April.

It's expected the Tax Working Group will recommend the Government introduce a Capital Gains Tax, which would be a hard sell for the Prime Minister if she chooses to implement one.

Ms Ardern scrapped Labour's capital gains policy a week before the 2017 election in the face of immense criticism and attack ads from National.

Speaking to business leaders, she said: "As we enter into a period of discussion and debate, I hope it's guided by the overriding goal of fairness, and building an economy and system that works in the best interest of New Zealand and its people."

Kirk Hope, Business New Zealand chief executive and member of the Government's Tax Working Group, told The AM Show on Friday there is "clearly a majority" in favour of a capital gains tax.

Government's Wellbeing Budget

It's been a month since the Prime Minister pitched the Government's Wellbeing Budget at the World Economic Forum, and this was her chance to sell it to New Zealand.

The 2019 Wellbeing Budget is set to focus less on improving Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the economy than in the past, and focus more on ensuring New Zealanders' wellbeing.

In her speech on Friday, Ms Ardern said the Government's upcoming Budget will focus on lifting Maori and Pacific incomes and opportunities, and creating opportunities for transitioning to a sustainable low emissions economy.

She said that it aims to support a thriving nation in the digital age through innovation, reducing child poverty, decreasing family violence, and supporting mental health wellbeing for all Kiwis, particularly those under 24.

"The Wellbeing Budget is not only about improving the livelihoods of New Zealanders, it is key to ensuring we are protected from the international headwinds the economy may face."

She said the OECD Secretary General advised her in Davos recently that the Government's Wellbeing Budget is being closely followed by the rest of the world to see how it could fit with other nations.

"It will ensure that those closest to the margins are protected and that no one is left behind."

That being said, the Prime Minister affirmed the Government's "strong desire" to continue partnering with business wherever it can: "I look forward to working with all of you in delivering on this in 2019."

Ms Ardern has fought back against business confidence dropping since her Government came to power in 2017. Her speech to the business community in August came after an economic survey said business confidence hadn't been so low since 2011.

In response, Ms Ardern announced the formation of a new business council aimed at strengthening the relationship between business and Government. It would "provide a forum for business leaders to advise me," she said at the time.

Business confidence has since bounced back, according to some. Westpac chief economist Dominick Stephens told Newshub last month that confidence improved over the past few months, but rising costs are a burden.

There is still pessimism among businesses, however, according to NZIER's Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion. Around 18 percent of businesses expected business conditions to get worse over the next six months.

Mr Hope told The AM Show he hoped the Prime Minister would address uncertainty in the economy in her speech on Friday.

"There have been a lot of working groups and Business New Zealand has thankfully been represented in some of those, particularly the tax one," he said.

"We just want to see a bit more clarity around what the long-term direction is so that businesses can have the confidence to invest."

Newshub.
Waitangi is often considered a hotspot of division and public outrage, but one woman's moving message at the Northland village received the attention of the Prime Minister, Don Brash, and much of the local community.

Katie Tahere is an organiser of Hope Walk New Plymouth-Taranaki, a group dedicated to creating awareness about suicide prevention, whether it be through marching in parades across Taranaki, visiting locals in need, or listening to those who reach out over social media.

Ms Tahere began organising events and marching in 2017 after tragically losing two whanau members to suicide and another to cancer - all within a single week.

"It was so hard to actually get over one [death], then the second one - and with the third one, I think it didn't even kick in, because we couldn't breathe," she told Newshub.

"I feel I still haven't breathed for those three."

Ms Tahere said people struggling with depression or heartbreaking personal circumstances often don't realise there are people they can speak to - including people like her who have been in a "dark place" and felt invisible.

But the mother was anything but invisible on Waitangi Day and the days leading up to it, attending all major events throughout the village in her neon yellow singlet and with a large, bright flag.
Nikki Kaye is denying she has ambitions to be leader of the National Party after being quizzed on the topic by Duncan Garner.

National's Education spokesperson was on The AM Show discussing her upcoming education road show.

The road show will involve talking to parents about Labour's proposed Tomorrow's Schools reform, which Ms Kaye said she has "serious concerns" about.

Garner believes road shows are firmly leadership territory and asked if Ms Kaye was in fact testing the waters for a leadership run.

But Ms Kaye said she's not doing that at all and took the chance to praise current National Party leader Simon Bridges

"I didn't actually vote for Simon but can I say this, he's got the hardest job in New Zealand.

"I actually think if you look at what he's done, he's not only united us, we've got great policy coming out."

Ms Kaye publicly supported Amy Adams' bid for the leadership in the contest eventually won by Mr Bridges.

She said she's been asked about running for leader in the past, but it's not on her radar for now.

"I've had people ask me to do that... more members of the public, but that just naturally happens when you're on front bench.

"I want to say again, if you look at what Simon's done, he's not only done the policy work, he's very good at attack. He's had a pretty tough time with some of the situations we heard last year."

She said a National MP could have asked her to run, but not recently.

Ms Kaye said as National's education spokesperson it would be "negligent" for her to not do the road show.

But she will be keeping an eye on the costs, considering the debacle involving leader Mr Bridges' expenses from his road show.

"I have got some volunteers helping me, so I'll be trying to keep costs down, but public meetings are usually pretty business as usual for MPs so it will be a matter of just balancing my expenses."

Newshub.
A married couple, who are originally from Bangladesh, have been charged with human trafficking, exploitation and other immigration charges.

The couple, who are New Zealand citizens, will appear before the Auckland District Court on Monday on charges relating to a sweet-making business they ran in Auckland, according to Immigration New Zealand.

The husband, Mohammed Atiqul faces additional charges of attempting to pervert the court of justice. He and his wife, Nafisa Ahmed, could each face up to 20 years in prison if they're found guilty of human trafficking.

The maximum penalty for exploitation, false and misleading information and aiding and abetting charges is seven years' imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding $100,000, according to Immigration New Zealand.

The maximum penalty for attempting to pervert the course of justice - which Islam has been charged with - is seven years' imprisonment.

The trial is expected to last three weeks.

As the matter is now before the courts Immigration New Zealand said it is unable to provide any further comment.

Do you know more? Contact cleofraser@mediaworks.co.nz

Newshub.
Every Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Easter egg we could spot in the new game trailer

Easter eggs abound with comic book callbacks to the Hulk, X-Men, Guardians, Marvel/DC crossover, more
GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Garnett Lee "G.L." or "Junie" Miller, 93, of Memphis, Indiana, passed away at his home on Friday, June 18, 2021. Garnett retired from Pillsbury and worked at the YMCA post retirement. He never met a stranger and found joy in his family, friends and caring for his many beloved pets. Garnett w
Funeral services for Thomas Armond "Tommy" Ritch, 72, will be Friday, June 11 at 11 a.m. from the Chapel of Kilgroe Funeral Home. Interment to followe at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Gallant. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10 a.m. until service time at funeral home
I cannot be at war with myself, and neither can Virginia itself. For my personal history is Virginian history, too. Our promise is not contained within our past but within the hopes of our future and to be better compassionate people who understand when others suffer indifference (now or in the past)

Our governors behavior from way back in his youth (35 years ago) is only a reflection of the contradictions in our Virginian history. What is important is not who he was, but who he is now. He is not surrounded by people with prejudice attitudes like some of those who surround our president today. However, so many of the governors supporters cannot forgive him for his past; therefore, he needs to resign for the sake of leadership and unity. Our behavior produces consequences, and unfortunately his past behavior has produced consequences today (even though he may not be that young immature person today).
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Alissa Harrington took an audible breath as she slid open a closet door deep in her home office. This is where she displays what's too painful, too raw to keep out in the open.

Framed photos of her younger brother, Justin Miller, a 33-year-old Marine Corps trumpet player and Iraq veteran. Blood-spattered safety glasses recovered from the snow-covered Nissan Frontier truck where his body was found. A phone filled with the last text messages from his father: "We love you. We miss you. Come home."

Miller was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts when he checked into the Minneapolis Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in February 2018. After spending four days in the mental-health unit, Miller walked to his truck in VA's parking lot and shot himself in the very place he went to find help.

"The fact that my brother, Justin, never left the VA parking lot - it's infuriating," said Harrington, 37. "He did the right thing; he went in for help. I just can't get my head around it."

A federal investigation into Miller's death found that the Minneapolis VA made multiple errors: not scheduling a follow-up appointment, failing to communicate with his family about the treatment plan and inadequately assessing his access to firearms. Several days after his death, Miller's parents received a package from the Department of Veterans Affairs - bottles of antidepressants and sleep aids prescribed to Miller.

His death is among 19 suicides that occurred on VA campuses from October 2017 to November 2018, seven of them in parking lots, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. While studies show that every suicide is highly complex - influenced by genetics, financial uncertainty, relationship loss and other factors - mental-health experts worry that veterans taking their lives on VA property has become a desperate form of protest against a system that some veterans feel hasn't helped them.

The most recent parking lot suicide occurred weeks before Christmas in St. Petersburg, Florida. Marine Col. Jim Turner, 55, dressed in his uniform blues and medals, sat on top of his military and VA records and killed himself with a rifle outside the Bay Pines Department of Veterans Affairs.

"I bet if you look at the 22 suicides a day you will see VA screwed up in 90%," Turner wrote in a note investigators found near his body.

VA declined to comment on individual cases, citing privacy concerns. But relatives say Turner had told them that he was infuriated that he wasn't able to get a mental-health appointment that he wanted.

Veterans are 1.5 times as likely as civilians to die by suicide, after adjusting for age and gender. In 2016, the veteran suicide rate was 26.1 per 100,000, compared with 17.4 per 100,000 for non-veteran adults, according to a recent federal report. Before 2017, VA did not separately track on-campus suicides, said spokesman Curt Cashour.

The Trump administration has said that preventing suicide is its top clinical priority for veterans. In January 2018, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to allow all veterans - including those otherwise ineligible for VA care - to receive mental-health services during the first year after military service, a period marked by a high risk for suicide, VA officials say. And VA points out that it stopped 233 suicide attempts between October 2017 and November 2018, when staff intervened to help veterans harming themselves on hospital grounds.

Sixty-two percent of veterans, or 9 million people, depend on VA's vast hospital system, but accessing it can require navigating a frustrating bureaucracy. Veterans sometimes must prove that their injuries are connected to their service, which can require a lot of paperwork and appeals.

Veterans who take their own lives on VA grounds often intend to send a message, said Eric Caine, director of the Injury Control Research Center for Suicide Prevention at the University of Rochester.

"These suicides are sentinel events," Caine said. "It's very important for the VA to recognize that the place of a suicide can have great meaning. There is a real moral imperative and invitation here to take a close inspection of the quality of services at the facility level."

Keita Franklin, who became VA's executive director for suicide prevention in April, said the agency now trains parking lot attendants and patrols on suicide intervention. The agency also has launched a pilot program that expands its suicide prevention efforts, including peer mentoring, to civilian workplaces and state governments.

"We're shifting from a model that says, 'Let's sit in our hospitals and wait for people to come to us,' and take it to them," she said during a congressional staff briefing in January.

For some veterans, the problem is not only interventions but also the care and conditions inside some VA mental-health programs.

John Toombs, a 32-year-old former Army sergeant and Afghanistan veteran, hanged himself on the grounds of the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the morning before Thanksgiving 2016.

He had enrolled in an inpatient treatment program for PTSD, substance abuse, depression and anxiety, said his father, David Toombs.

"John went in pledging that this is where I change my life; this is where I get better," he said. But he was kicked out of the program for not following instructions, including being late to collect his medications, according to medical records.

A few hours before he took his life, Toombs wrote in a Facebook post from the Murfreesboro VA that he was "feeling empty," with a distressed emoji.

"I dared to dream again. Then you showed me the door faster than last night's garbage," he wrote. "To the streets, homeless, right before the holidays."

* * *

'They didn't serve him well'

Miller was recruited as a high school trumpet player into the prestigious 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band based in Cherry Point, North Carolina. In Iraq, he was posted at the final checkpoint before U.S. troops entered the safe zone at al-Asad Air Base.

Hour after hour, day after day, his gun was aimed at each driver's head. He carefully watched the bomb-sniffing dogs for signs that they had found something nefarious.

After he came home, Miller's family noticed right away that he was different: incredibly tense, easily agitated and overreacting to criticism. He eventually told his sister that he suffered from severe PTSD after being ordered to shoot dead a man who was approaching the base and was believed to have a bomb.

Miller called the Veterans Crisis Line last February to report suicidal thoughts, according to the VA inspector general's investigation. The responder told him to arrange for someone to keep his guns and to go to the VA emergency department. Miller stayed at the hospital for four days.

In the discharge note, a nurse wrote that Miller asked to be released and that the "patient does not currently meet dangerousness criteria for a 72-hour hold." He was designated as "intermediate/moderate risk" for suicide.

Although Miller had told the crisis hotline responder that he had access to firearms, several clinicians recorded that he did not have guns or that it was unknown whether he had guns. There was no documentation of clinicians discussing with Miller or his family how to secure weapons, according to the inspector general's report, a fact that baffles his father.

"My son served his country well," said Greg Miller, his voice breaking. "But they didn't serve him well. He had a gun in his truck the whole time."

Franklin, head of VA's suicide prevention program, called the suicide rate "beyond frustrating and heartbreaking," adding that it's essential that "local facilities develop a good relationship with the veteran, ask to bring their families into the fold - during the process and discharge - and make sure we know if they have access to firearms."

She said VA is looking at ways to create a buddy system during the discharge process, pairing veterans who can support each other's recoveries.

During the week of Miller's birthday in December, his family joined his high school band leader to donate Miller's trumpet to a local low-income high school.

"He was a blue-chip, solid kid," said Richard Hahn, his high school band leader. "He does this honorable thing and goes into the Marines. Then we have this tragic ending."

He sat with Miller's mother, Drinda, as she closed her eyes in grief, rocking gently. Hahn and Harrington recalled their memories of Justin, playing the trumpet at Harrington's wedding and taps at his grandfather's funeral.

After the investigation into Miller's suicide, VA's mistakes were the subject of a September hearing in front of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, but it was overshadowed by Brett Kavanaugh's testimony during his Supreme Court confirmation hearing.

Listening to the conversation about her son, Drinda broke down and left the room. She sat in the lobby, shaky and crying. Her daughter knelt in her skirt to hold her mother's hand.

* * *

'He was making real progress'

A Rand Corp. study published in April showed that, while VA mental-health care is generally as good or better than care delivered by private health plans, there is high variation across facilities.

"There are some VAs that are out of date. They are depressing," said Craig Bryan, a former Air Force psychologist and a University of Utah professor who studies veteran suicides, referring to problems with short staffing and resources. "Others are stunning and new, and if you walk into one that's awe-inspiring, it gives you hope."

The Murfreesboro VA hospital, where Toombs took his life, was ranked among the worst in the nation for mental health, according to the agency's 2016 internal ratings. It has since improved to two out of a possible five stars.

The program, "while nurturing in some ways, also has strict rules for picking up medications on time and attending group therapy," said Rosalinde Burch, a nurse who worked closely with Toombs in the VA program. She believes she was transferred and later fired from the program for being outspoken that "his death was totally preventable."

Toombs was 20 minutes late to pick up medications the day he was kicked out, Burch said. He had been late several other times and occasionally left group sessions early, because he was suffering from anxiety.

"But those shouldn't have been reasons for kicking him out," she said. "He was making real progress."

Toombs' substance abuse screenings were clear, and he was starting to counsel other veterans, she said. Burch wrote an email to the hospital's program director, saying, "We all have the blood of this veteran on our hands."

Since Toombs' death, the program has a new leadership team, including a new program chief and nurse manager, the hospital spokeswoman said. Burch has filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel, an independent federal agency that investigates whistleblower claims, to get her job back.

For Miller's family, their son's death has motivated them to speak out about how VA can improve.

"The VA didn't cause his suicide," Harrington said. "But they could have done more to prevent that, and that's just so maddening."

On the snowy burial grounds behind St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church in a quiet suburb of the Twin Cities, she huddled with her parents around his grave. Nearby stood the special in-ground trumpet stand that his father designed.

The family sipped from a tiny bottle of Grand Marnier, a drink that Miller liked. His mother shook her head in despair as she recalled the sounds of her son's music.

"Justin used to play his trumpet for all of the funerals," his father said. "But he wasn't here to play for his own."

The Washington Post's Julie Tate contributed to this report.
The nine Democrats in Virginias congressional delegation, each of whom previously called for Northams resignation, said in a joint statement Thursday night that Virginians faith in their government and leaders has understandably been deeply shaken, but they did not call for Herring or Fairfax to step down.

Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and the seven Democrats in the states U.S. House delegation said in the statement that Herring has earnestly reached out to each of us to apologize and express remorse and that Herring is holding in-depth discussions with leaders and others in Virginia.

The attorney general must continue those conversations, and stand ready to answer questions from the public if he is to regain their trust, the Democrats said.

The congressional Democrats said they are deeply disturbed by the allegations against Fairfax, adding: We believe these allegations need to be taken very seriously, and we respect the right of women to come forward and be heard.

The congressional Democrats statement was similar to a new statement Thursday evening from the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, which renewed its call for Northam to resign, but did not urge Herring or Fairfax to step down.
Robert Durille Goodman, 18, of Altavista, is one of three men charged with murder in the Sept. 7 death of 22-year-old Aaron Brumfield. Goodman was arrested Sept. 14 and charged with one count of second-degree murder.

He appeared in Bedford County General District Court on Wednesday to waive a preliminary hearing, in which prosecutors present a portion of their case against a defendant so that a judge can find probable cause of a crime and submit the charges to a higher court. Bedford County General District Court Judge Randy Krantz subsequently certified the charge to a Bedford grand jury, which next convenes on March 5.

The two other men allegedly involved in Brumfields death, 24-year-old Tevante Deshaun Pannell, of Evington, and 23-year-old Trevor James McIntosh, of Lynchburg, are facing upgraded and amended charges of first-degree murder, robbery, armed burglary and various firearm charges in Bedford County Circuit Court.
Lynchburg police are investigating a reported burglary at the Sunrise Food Mart at 1201 Campbell Avenue.

Officers went to the store at 6:58 a.m. Thursday, the Lynchburg Police Department said in a news release.

An employee told police that when he or she arrived to work, the front glass door to the business was smashed.

Surveillance video showed a man using a brick to break the door and enter the store just before 5:30 a.m.

The man stole several hundred dollars worth of lottery tickets before leaving on foot toward Garfield Avenue.

The man is described as 5-foot-8-inches to 6 feet tall, with a slender build, wearing a dark hoodie, dark pants, dark shoes with white soles, and gloves.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Scott at (434) 455-6174 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-798-5900. Visit the Central Virginia Crime Stoppers website at www.cvcrimestoppers.org. Enter a tip online at http://p3tips.com or use the P3 app on a mobile device.

Contact Matt Busse at (434) 385-5534 or mbusse@newsadvance.com.

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Jill Mazzie, an Appomattox County emergency dispatcher, laid a bouquet of blue flowers atop the patrol car and held back tears as she described the sacrifice troopers make day in and day out.

They give so much for us and he gave everything, she said. I work with these guys and they just put their whole heart into it. They see things that no one should have to see; they go places where no one should have to go. But theyre there  whether people respect them or not  theyre there.

Local officials across the Lynchburg area released statements this week offering their condolences to Dowells family and the state police officials who worked alongside him.

He was such a fine young officer with great character and integrity, the Amherst County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. He was a great asset to the Amherst County Law Enforcement community working with the men and women. We will keep all of those involved in our thoughts and prayers.

+5 Man suspected of killing state trooper had criminal past in Chesterfield A Virginia State Police trooper assisting in a drug investigation was fatally wounded in a shootout that also left a suspect dead just outside Farmville.

In a statement posted on their Facebook page, The Appomattox County Sheriffs Office honored Dowells legacy.
BEDFORD  The cases of two Maryland men accused of fraudulently transferring close to $200,000 from a real estate transaction involving a Bedford attorney resulted in a restitution order, but no extra jail time for one man.

Eric Samba Awanga, 32, of Lanham, entered an Alford plea to a charge of money laundering last week, while prosecutor John Wheelock decided not to pursue a charge of obtaining money under false pretenses. An Alford plea means a person is acknowledging theres enough evidence against them to convict them, without admitting theyre guilty of an offense.

He and 36-year-old Enoh Akum, of Laurel, were charged after a property closing involving Safe Harbor Title Company and Bedford-based attorney Donald Rowe that went awry in fall 2017.

In early October, employees with the title company received an email that appeared to be from Rowe with instructions on how to transfer $199,665 for the closing, according to investigators with Virginia State Police. The money went to a business account set up by Akum, they said at a preliminary hearing.

Search warrants state Akum obtained a cashiers check for $59,000 payable to Awanga from that account the day after the wire transfer.
University of Miami researchers have discovered a clue in the humble zebrafish's digestive tract that, one day, could help people on the autism spectrum alleviate one of the most common yet least studied symptoms of their disorder: gastrointestinal distress.

By replicating a mutation in zebrafish that causes a rare, autism-related genetic condition known as Phelan-McDermid Syndrome in humans, the researchers found a drastic reduction in the number of cells that produce serotonin in the mutant zebrafish's gut. Perhaps better known as the body's natural mood stabilizer, serotonin also initiates the contractions that move food through the digestive system.

Published last week in the journal Molecular Autism, the study is the first to show that a mutation of a particular autism-associated gene, SHANK3, causes food to move through the digestive tract at an abnormally slow pace. While the finding applies to zebrafish, a common freshwater aquarium species that shares about 70 percent of its genes with humans, it could explain why many people with an autism spectrum disorder, and particularly those with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS), often suffer severe and disruptive bouts of constipation, diarrhea, reflux, and/or cyclical vomiting.

More importantly, it could open the door to treatments that alleviate such unpleasant gastrointestinal, or GI, symptoms.

"The fact that we see reduced motility in the GI tract of fish with shank3 mutations is likely explained by the absence of these serotonin-producing cells, and that suggests that if we could find a way to increase motility we might be able to help with the GI problem," said senior author Julia Dallman, associate professor of biology whose UM lab studies inherited nervous system disorders by modeling them in zebrafish. "One issue in autism right now is that a lot of the drugs given to kids with autism to address their behavioral issues actually make their gut function worse. So by having a model of gut function we can try to find treatments that don't make it worse."

Dallman and two of her graduate students, David M. James and Robert A. Kozol, the first co-authors of the study, began earnestly modeling GI distress in zebrafish after they were invited to the 2016 biennial meeting of the international Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation in Orlando. There they heard firsthand accounts from parents of children born with PMS which, caused by a deletion or mutation of the SHANK3 gene at the end of chromosome 22, is characterized by moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and developmental delays, absent or delayed speech, decreased muscle tone, and epileptic seizures.

Yet, despite all those very daunting challenges, parents often expressed deep frustration over their child's GI issues, which affected their quality of life on a daily basis, often making ordinary routines and milestones, like eating and toilet-training, exceedingly difficult.

"At that time, there hadn't been much published about GI issues in our community, but when you listen to parents they would always talk about how troubling it was," said Geraldine Bliss, past chair of the foundation's research support committee."There was a whole constellation of issues--sometimes diarrhea, sometimes constipation, sometimes alternating diarrhea and constipation, reflux--all kinds of GI problems, but it hadn't really been characterized or reported in the literature."

Now, the common zebrafish and James' interest in characterizing GI issues in autism seem destined to help shed light on the confounding problem.

About an inch long at maturity, the zebrafish is a valuable model for human disease because, aside from having a similar genetic structure to humans, it develops rapidly and, until its second week of life, is almost completely transparent. That's when it begins developing the telltale dark stripes for which it is named.

That early transparency, coupled with an apparent zeal for what juveniles consider yummy food, enabled James and Kozol to record what happens when zebrafish lacking the shank3 gene digested chicken egg yolks, which were infused with tiny, florescent-green tracking beads. The films clearly showed that the mutant fish not only had slower and less frequent gut contractions than normal zebrafish, but that the ingested food particles got stuck in the junction between the stomach and the intestine for prolonged periods of time.

The reason came as a surprise. Initially, the researchers hypothesized the shank3 mutation somehow damaged the fish's enteric nervous system--the "brain" that controls the gut--but that was perfectly normal. Instead, the researchers found the shank3 mutants had drastically fewer serotonin-producing cells than their wild-type counterparts.

"It was definitely an 'Aha!' moment," James said. "It opens up a lot, in terms of studying potential mechanisms for how all this dysmotility is occurring. If we can figure that out, we can start talking about what the proper treatments are, and what's going to fix this--that's the real question."

The answer may lie in the distant future, but this first crucial step in unraveling a biological reason for autism-related GI distress is heartening to members of the PMS foundation, which began as a family support group in 1998, when 20 of the 23 families then known to be affected by a deletion or mutation of chromosome 22 first met.

Today, nearly 200 affected families from around the world attend the foundation's meetings, the last of which was held in Texas last summer. That's when James presented UM's research on intestinal dysmotility in zebrafish, which not only won the conference's research award but gave parents like Gail Fenton hope for a better future for their children.

"Joanna's tummy troubles have been a major source of family stress for 15 years," Fenton wrote from Australia about her 36-year-old daughter. "She is often hunched over because of tummy pain. She cries, even yells, when her tummy is sore. She'll always have Phelan-McDermid Syndrome but her life, and the lives of fellow sufferers with these complex GI issues, would be so much happier without these negatives and we are so very thankful for the research that can lead to any helpful interventions."

The study, Intestinal dysmotility in a zebrafish (Danio rerio) shank3a;shank3b mutant model of autism, was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Mental Health and Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development. In addition to Dallman, James, and Kozol, the coauthors include Yuji Kajiwara, of the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatmentat the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Adam L. Wahl and Emily C. Storrs, UM undergraduates; Joseph D. Buxbaum, also of the Seaver Autism Center; Mason Klein, associate professor in UM's Department of Physics; and Baharak Moshiree, of the University of North Carolina's Division of Gastroenterology.
Backed by a $5.1 million grant, University of North Carolina and University of Malawi College of Medicine physicians and scientists will launch a multi-pronged effort to combat cervical cancer in Malawi, a country in sub-Saharan Africa where cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, will fund a total of $12 million for two new programs to prevent cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, including the project in Malawi and one in Mozambique.

"By screening women, we are able to detect and treat precancerous changes before they develop into cervical cancer," said Jennifer Tang, MD, MSCR, co-principal investigator of the study for UNC, associate professor in the UNC School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology's Division of Global Women's Health and a member of the UNC Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases Malawi site. "Because women in Malawi weren't getting screened, they were getting diagnosed very late. A late cervical cancer diagnosis is usually a death sentence in Malawi. That is why we're trying to screen as many women as possible using a highly sensitive test, and to treat the women with evidence of precancerous lesions the same day. This increases the number of women screened and treated, and decreases loss to follow up."

Globally, the majority of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. The disease is linked to the sexual transmission of HPV, or human papillomavirus.

Malawi has the second-highest cervical cancer rate of any country in the world, according to 2018 estimates from the HPV Information Centre. That is due to high rates of HPV as well as HIV, and low population-level screening and vaccination, said Satish Gopal, MD, MPH, member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, cancer program director for UNC Project-Malawi and an associate professor in the UNC School of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology.

In 2004, the Malawi Cervical Cancer Control Program set a target of screening 80 percent of eligible women for cervical cancer. Yet, less than a third had completed this screening as of 2015, according to data from the program.

"Progress is being made, but there is a tremendous amount still to do to stem the cervical cancer epidemic," said Gopal. "We need to understand how to most efficiently deliver the preventive services to the highest number of women, and avert these unnecessary cancer deaths."

With the new funds, UNC-Chapel Hill and the Malawi College of Medicine will evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of integrating self-collection HPV testing into voluntary family planning clinics and community-based sites in Malawi. The researchers also are planning to investigate the effectiveness of treating precancerous lesions using a method known as thermocoagulation in a "screen-and-treat" strategy.

"We couldn't be more proud of this team of U.S.- and African-trained investigators receiving such a large award to better understand the global burden of cervical cancer," said Myron Cohen, MD, director of the UNC Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases. "UNC faculty and staff from across the campus have worked hard over the past 25 years to build a self-sustaining model of clinical care, research and training in Malawi for health professionals from the United States and in-country to succeed and improve health for all. This grant exemplifies this mission."

Recent technological advances have made the project possible, Tang said. HPV testing can now be completed rapidly to determine if a woman has a strain of the virus that is high-risk for causing cervical cancer. With the results, providers can determine which women might need same-day treatment of precancerous cervical lesions. Thermocoagulation involves using a portable, battery-operated device that can easily be used in settings with limited resources, she said.

"Transportation is one of the biggest barriers to treatment for women in Malawi, along with cost," she said. "We're trying to save women from having to come to the clinic multiple times, spending money and time they don't have. As soon as we find a problem, we are treating it immediately."

UNC physicians and researchers have been collaborating with Malawian health leaders since 1990 to provide clinical care and research for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. This partnership led to the establishment of the UNC Project-Malawi site in Lilongwe. As prevention and treatment interventions have improved the survival rates of people living with HIV in Malawi, cancer has emerged as a growing health problem in the country. In 2014, the Malawi Cancer Consortium was launched with funding from the National Cancer Institute to help fight cancer, and HIV-associated cancers in particular.

Last year, Malawian leaders traveled to UNC-Chapel Hill to meet with Carolina leadership, physicians and scientists to prepare for the opening of Malawi's first dedicated cancer center, which is expected this year and is being built adjacent to UNC Project-Malawi.

The newly funded cervical cancer project builds on the results of a pilot study led by Lameck Chinula, MMED, FCOG, who is co-principal investigator for this project and the first Malawian-trained obstetrician and gynecologist at UNC Project-Malawi. During the pilot study, more than 400 rural women were screened for cervical cancer using a community-based screening approach, and then treated with thermocoagulation if they were found to have precancerous lesions.

Chinula, who is also a research assistant professor in the UNC School of Medicine's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was trained in South Africa through funding from the UNC Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases partnership with the Fogarty AIDS International Training and Research Program and the Gilead Training Fellowship. To address another critical need, he was also trained to perform the surgical procedure used to treat invasive cervical cancer - radical hysterectomy - by two U.S. gynecologic oncology specialists. Chinula now strives to educate other clinicians, and Malawian women in general, to stop cervical cancer before it becomes deadly.

"We would like to see providers maximize any contacts they have with women and use the most efficient, culturally-sensitive screening test available to identify patients needing treatment for cervical pre-cancer," Chinula said. "By allowing women to self-collect specimens for HPV testing, we hope to empower and increase the number of women screened. As a clinician-researcher who has had to deliver the bad news of an incurable cervical cancer diagnosis in Malawi, I can look to the future with hope that a day will come when these diagnoses will be a rare occurrence."

According to the USAID, this is the first time the agency has funded programs to prevent cervical cancer in the context of broader women's health, other than under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). These new programs in Malawi and Mozambique will coordinate closely with PEPFAR investments in both countries.

"Women who aren't screened and treated for cervical cancer have a higher risk of dying of this preventable disease," said UNC Lineberger's Jennifer S. Smith, PhD, professor of epidemiology at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. "We need to do all that we can to increase cervical screening rates globally. We're testing a self-sampling technology that should increase screening coverage dramatically, but we do have unanswered questions about implementation within existing health care systems and cost. Study findings will inform future policy and implementation, not only for self-collection tests in Malawi, but other countries."

Source: http://unclineberger.org/news/unc-led-team-awarded-5-1m
Why are fat deposits more likely to occur after tears of the shoulder's rotator cuff, compared to other types of muscle injuries? An increased propensity of stem cells within with rotator cuff muscles to develop into fat cells may explain the difference, reports a study in the February 6, 2019 issue of The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio in partnership with Wolters Kluwer.

"Satellite" stem cells in the rotator cuff are more likely to develop into fat cells and less likely to develop into muscle cells, compared to calf muscle satellite cells, according to the experimental study by Christopher L. Mendias, PhD, ATC, and colleagues of the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, and the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York. The researchers write, "There appears to be a cellular and genetic basis behind the generally poor rates of rotator cuff muscle healing."

'Satellite Cells' May Form More Fat Than Muscle after Rotator Cuff Tears

The researchers performed a series of experiments using muscle cells from mice to evaluate the characteristics of a type of stem cells called satellite cells. Stem cells are specialized cells with the potential to develop into different types of cells. Satellite cells, located between muscle fibers, play an essential role in repair after muscle injuries.

Tears of the shoulder rotator cuff are a common problem. Especially in chronic tears, deposits of fat often develop, contributing to weakening and atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles. This fatty infiltration can continue even after successful rotator cuff repair surgery.

Dr. Mendias and colleagues created cultures of satellite cells isolated from mouse rotator cuff and calf muscles. "Clinically, we know that the rotator cuff is one of the most difficult muscle groups to rehabilitate after injury, and this is thought to occur due to the extensive fat that accumulates in the muscle in patients with chronic tears," says lead author Manuel Schubert, MD, MS, chief resident in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Michigan. "We thought there might be a genetic basis to explain why the rotator cuff accumulates fat after injury, and the specialized transgenic model we used in this study allowed us to precisely test this."

Compared to the calf muscle satellite cells, satellite cells from the rotator cuff developed into 23 percent fewer muscle cells, and they showed an 87 percent decrease in a "marker" for muscle formation. The rotator cuff satellite cells also had a four- to 65-fold increase in markers of genes involved in fat cell generation (adipogenesis).

DNA-level (epigenetic) studies identified hundreds of differences in gene activation between satellite cells from rotator cuff versus calf muscles. The affected genes were involved in pathways related to fat metabolism and adipogenesis, suggesting the muscle stem cells from the rotator cuff are programmed to more easily become fat cells.

Building on previous research, the new study shows increased "adipogenic differentiation capacity" of rotator cuff satellite cells. Increased potential to develop into fat cells - and decreased potential to develop into muscle cells - may be an important explanation for the high rate of fatty infiltration in muscles of patients with chronic rotator cuff tears, even after rotator cuff surgery.

The study also has potential therapeutic findings. "Satellite cells can be isolated from other muscle groups with relative ease." says Dr. Mendias, an Associate Scientist at the Hospital for Special Surgery and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Michigan. "While further studies are necessary, it is possible that a patient's own stem cells from a muscle that heals well, like the calf, could be transplanted to the rotator cuff muscle at the time of surgical repair. These transplanted cells might be better able to regenerate the chronically damaged muscle than the resident stem cells."

Source: http://home.lww.com/news.entry.html/2019/02/06/in_their_dna_rotato-20CC.html
About 8 million metric tons of plastic waste winds up in the oceans every year -- bottles, bags and doo-dads that eventually break down into tiny pieces, called microplastics. These inedible bits have now been found in human fecal samples, but do microplastics cause harm to people? That's the question many researchers are pondering, according to an article in Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society.

Senior Editor Alex Scott explains that seabirds and marine animals -- including some fish that humans eat -- often take up microplastics from the ocean. Humans also might ingest these small bits as they are shed from plastic packaging or from using products that contain them. A recent small-scale study recently identified microplastics in human feces, so people can have them in their bodies. But do they just get eliminated in the stool, or do they get into organs and cause damage?

That's not such an easy question to answer. Not all microplastics are equal -- they can be made of different compounds and additives that could have different effects. In addition, contaminant compounds and bacteria can hitch a ride on microplastics, potentially complicating analyses. Despite these challenges, many organizations around the world are now trying to get a handle on this issue. Some are funding studies, and others are setting up task forces and holding symposia to figure out best practices and standards. Although much remains to be determined, one thing scientists all seem to agree on is that consumers should continue enjoying shellfish and other seafood until the evidence is in and the analyses are completed.
A new physical effect has been demonstrated at the University of Bath after 40 years of pursuit by physicists around the world, which could lead to advancements in chemical manufacturing efficiency, miniaturization and quality control in personalized pharmaceuticals.

For the first time ever the research team in the Department of Physics was able to use a physical effect - specifically the color-changing of light scattered from chiral molecules - to measure the chirality present, confirming predictions of theoretical work from the 1970s.

The technique is 100,000 times more sensitive than standard methods used today.

Chirality describes the orientation of molecules, which can exist in left or right 'handed' forms depending on how they twist in three dimensions. Many molecules essential to life, including DNA, amino acids and proteins, exhibit chirality and the handedness can totally change their function or properties. Therefore knowing the chirality of a substance is often critically important.

For decades scientists had sought to prove that you could accurately determine the chirality of molecules by measuring a color-changing (nonlinear) effect upon illumination with twisted (circularly polarised) light. In theory, twisted light could change color and then scatter differently from differently handed molecules - but this had never been demonstrated experimentally.

Dr Ventsislav Valev, who leads the research group in the Department of Physics at the University of Bath, said: "We've demonstrated a new physical effect - you don't get to say that every day. This is exactly why I got into science.

"We began thinking about the problem 13 years ago, together with Prof Thierry Verbiest, at KU Leuven, Belgium. Because the effect was so elusive, I knew half of the solution would be to develop a very sensitive experimental setup. This is what I did for many years. The other half was finding the right samples and I was really excited to discover the nanoscopic silver springs (nano-helices) fabricated by Prof Peer Fischer's group, at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, in Stuttgart, Germany."

PhD student Joel Collins had an incredible moment when running a series of tests on these springs.

He said: "To be honest my attitude was almost 'OK let's get this out the way to make sure it doesn't work and we can move onto something else'. Then, together with my colleague Dr Kristina Rusimova, we noticed that there did actually seem to be an effect, and I thought 'Hmmm, that's interesting.'

"We kept repeating the experiment to make sure it was actually a real effect and we saw that not only it's there but it's huge - we were only using really low concentrations of our nano-helices.

"For my part, I didn't really recognize how important it is, and was expecting someone to come along and rip it to shreds, to say - 'you haven't thought of that' or 'you've missed this'. But over time it has dawned on me - that this is actually a fantastic result."

The experimental geometry is in fact quite simple; the nano-springs are dispersed in water within a glass container where they spread randomly. Then a laser is aimed at them. The twist (circular polarisation) of the laser is switched periodically and light scattered from the container at 90 is analysed to determine the chirality of the springs present. The research is published in Physical Review X.

Dr Valev added: "It's taken 40 years, people have been looking for this without success, and not for lack of trying. It's amazing. The theory was quite controversial, people thought that maybe the effect was impossible to observe, maybe something else was there, blocking it.

"For 200 years, scientists have been using the same method to measure chirality. It's not very sensitive, but it's robust and simple, however precise measurements of chirality have become a major hurdle for human-made chiral nanotechnology because of false positives.

"Now we have a method 100,000 times more sensitive, free from false positives. There's a new kind of manufacturing process currently emerging. It is called 'lab-on-a-chip' and our effect fits very well with it.

"A more sensitive test means you can use lower quantities in quality control and reduce waste, there are applications in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well as in microfluidics, in miniaturization and for developing personal pharmaceutical technologies."

Advanced laser sources, sensitive detection equipment and state-of-the-art nanofabrication techniques have all come together to enable the experimental observation of the new effect.

Professor David Andrews, from the University of East Anglia, theorized the effect 40 years ago. He said: "Dr Valev's pioneering work is a clever and highly significant achievement, for he has realized a kind of application that could never have been imagined when the theory was first laid, forty years ago.

"His results serve as an encouragement to all pure theorists!"

Next, the researchers will be using their findings to characterize chiral molecules and to develop its technological applications.
The FIVAD (Fully Implanted Ventricular Assist Device) was presented to the public today at the announcement of successful human implant

A groundbreaking piece of medical technology was revealed to the public today at the National Research Center for Cardiac Surgery in Astana, Kazakhstan. At a press conference held at the Center, top heart failure experts from around the world announced the successful implantation of FIVAD (Fully Implanted Ventricular Assist Device) into a human.

A few hours before the press conference took place, an article about the FIVAD implantation was published by the prestigious Journal for Heart and Lung Transplantation (JHLT).

Among the guests from the medical community participating in the event; Professor Mandeep Mehra  Professor of Medicine - Harvard Medical School, and Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation as well as Professor Nir Uriel  Director, Heart Failure, Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support, University of Chicago and the Charmian of the Mechanical Circulatory support council at the International Society of Heart Lung Transplantation.

FIVAD is based on technology created by Leviticus Cardio, a medical technology company headquartered in Israel. It uses patented Coplanar Energy Transfer (CET) to wirelessly power a heart pump  a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD). FIVAD incorporates a heart pump produced by Jarvik Heart Inc, an established manufacturer of ventricular assist devices.

Every year, VADs are surgically implanted into thousands of patients with severe heart failure in lieu of heart transplants. VADs need to continuously be connected to a power source which requires patients to have a wire coming out of their bodies. This not only severely reduces the patients quality of life but, in over 20% of cases, causes infections which can lead to hospitalization and severe complications.

FIVAD is a fully implanted VAD system, a Jarvik 2000 pump, powered wirelessly using both internal and external components designed by Leviticus Cardio, which allows patients to walk around without any physical impediments for up to 8 hours a day.

After years of development and animal testing, the first implant of FIVAD in a human took place in December at the National Research Center for Cardiac Surgery in Astana, Kazakhstan. The operation was a success. The patient has been discharged from the hospital and is back leading a normal life. He was in the audience during the press conference and later sat down for interviews with journalists.

FIVAD is also equipped with a back-up system (Jarvik Heart, Post Auricular driveline connection) which would allow moving to traditional wired power in case the wireless system failed. While the back-up was tested during the implant procedure, it has not been needed since that initial implant test.

The leading cardiologists and cardiac surgeons who participated in the press conference included:

Dr. Pya Yuriy Vladimirovich  CEO of National Research Center for Cardiac Surgery in Astana, Kazakhstan  Lead FIVAD surgeon

Professor Ivan Netuka - Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Surgical Director of Chronic MCS and Heart Transplantation, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague- participated in FIVAD surgery

Professor Stephan Schueler - Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust and renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Assoc.

Professor Jiri Maly  Deputy director/CMO of Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague - participated in FIVAD surgery

Dr. Yigal Kassif  Attending Cardiac Surgeon and Chief of Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit at Sheba Medical Center in Israel.

Assoc. Professor Jiri Maly who participated in the FIVAD surgery said:

We were really satisfied how easy it was to position the internal components of Leviticus system during surgery. It exceeded our expectations during the operation. Simplicity of surgery has definitely contributed to the patients early recovery.

Professor Nir Uriel:

This is a significant improvement in the quality of life experienced by the patient. The patient has the freedom to go about his daily routine without having to worry about being connected to a power source via a driveline and can forget for a few hours that he is supported by an LVAD. We, the medical community, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, VAD coordinators and the patients have wanted this for decades.

Michael Zilbershlag, Leviticus Cardios CEO and Peter Hinchliffe, Jarvik Heart Inc. president and COO, together stated:

The FIVAD system is a game changer for anyone suffering from severe heart failure. We hope that this successful operation will be the first of many and that our system will soon provide thousands of patients with the ability to carry on with a normal life, despite their disease.
In 2019, networking and interaction between people, machines and systems will be the primary focus of the smartLAB showcase. For the third time in succession, this project will pose the vision of leading-edge networked laboratories that incorporate new technology, thereby extending their range of capabilities. Users in sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals/medicine, environmental technology and food can testify to the potential of these recent developments and the countless applications in their own labs. "Currently not a single manufacturer or service provider offers a completely digital lab infrastructure", explains Dr. Sascha Beutel, who is also responsible for the smartLAB project at the Institute of Industrial Chemistry at Leibniz University of Hannover. "The smartLAB does something quite unique: in collaboration with industrial companies and research institutes we present a vision of how the digital laboratory could look in 10 or 20 years from now  a hands-on vision."

The 14 partners engaged in the smartLAB project pursue the question of how digitization can improve laboratory processes. However, the new smartLAB in 2019 will also be focusing on the challenges of applying digital technology in decentralized working and global networking. For example, the event will highlight the importance of data security in the smartLAB, although most of the new developments showcased will be innovations in communication and interactive media. Two "use case" scenarios will be staged to help users see how the smartLAB functions on a daily basis. One new development at the trade show is the smartLAB hands-on laboratory, where visitors can also try out the digitized workflows  and enjoy a sherbet reward! In addition, visitors have the opportunity to design their own smartLAB with the help of virtual reality.

"Everyone is talking about the networked laboratory, but we must also talk about communication with this laboratory", says Beutel. "The interaction between lab staff and equipment is a decisive factor in being able to use the benefits of digitization to best effect." The smartLAB 2019 will thus showcase smart glasses, touch beamers and voice control. Whereas robotic arms are commonly used in dispensing chemicals, the smartLAB will for the first time demonstrate the use of drones. Other efficiency-enhancing laboratory innovations will include chemfinder apps and a colony counter app.

Users from industry recognize the benefits of smartLAB

The hands-on area is being extended in the interests of trade visitors at LABVOLUTION. In previous years it became evident that trade visitors were keen not only to see and hear  they also wanted to experience the smartLAB itself. "For the German pharmaceutical industry, and especially for companies engaged in research and the development of new and existing, trusted active ingredients, it is very important that advanced laboratory methods and techniques be applied", says Dr. Pablo Serrano, Director of the Business Field Biotechnology within the Federal Association of the German Pharmaceutical Industry. "The smartLAB concept at LABVOLUTION generates impetus and ideas for the further development of bio-medical analytical labs in the future." The significance of the topic "networking" was also emphasized by Dr. Gerhard Krammer, Senior Vice President of the Research & Technology Group Flavor Division: "The complete integration of data generation, data analysis, data interpretation and data management offers clear competitive benefits and is pivotal to the success of technology-driven companies such as Symrise. Consequently, Symrise, taking the standpoint of the user, attaches great importance to LABVOLUTION."

Use cases demonstrate the benefits of a digitized lab environment

The use cases to be featured within smartLAB are sure to attract a lot of interest, also thanks to an expanded scope of live demos portraying real-world applications. The aim is to help visitors understand what it would be like working in a digitized lab environment in the future, and what the benefits are. In both use cases, laboratory staff will be interactively guided through the various steps and work processes involved. Digital systems help to reduce errors and can deliver seamless documentation in a fully automated way. The first use case involves bioreactor induction, whereas the second focuses on water analysis and field testing.

In addition to the TCI and Deutsche Messe, some of the partners contributing to smartLAB are Eppendorf, Labfolder, Kottermann, PreSens, Schmidt+Haensch, Sartorius and Fraunhofer IPA. Among the new exhibitors are Mettler Toledo, iGo3D, Noack Laboratories, Real-world One and the Institute for Journalism and Communication at the University for Music, Theatre and Media, Hannover.

Source: https://www.labvolution.de/en/register-plan/for-journalists/press-releases/press-releases/alexa-where-can-i-find-the-lab-of-the-future.xhtml?ecmId=19267&ecmUid=837564&newsletter=lv/2019/j/en/6/premi/013-2019
Chemical and topographical single-cell imaging at nanoscale resolution by near-field desorption mass spectrometry

How are chemicals distributed in a cell? Chinese scientists have developed a combined mass spectrometry and biological imaging device that enables direct, label-free detection, and high-resolution mapping of chemicals inside a biological cell. As demonstrated in their publication in the journal Angewandte Chemie, the distribution and accumulation of the disinfectant proflavine around the cell organelles could be visualized directly, based on the mass signal from the molecule.

Ultrafine optical methods, such as STED and PALM microscopy, are well-established techniques to identify gene expression and localize molecules in cell compartments at molecular resolutions. But these are indirect methods, which usually monitor the fluorescence generated when a dye binds to target molecules.

A direct method to identify molecules is mass spectrometry, which senses the chemical mass of a molecule that has been desorbed from a surface and ionized by a laser beam. However, mass spectrometry poses inherent diffraction problems when combined with high-resolution imaging processes. In addition, biological cells usually have rough surfaces, which give rise to signal artifacts. Considering all these challenges, Wei Hang and colleagues at Xiamen University, Xiamen, China, have now constructed a time-of-flight mass spectrometer with a desorptionionization-imaging method that accounts for both the special surface conditions of biological cells and the high resolution demanded in such a system.

They developed an elaborate setup called near-field desorption postionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (NDPITOFMS) and used it to detect and map chemical molecules in HELA cellsa human cell line and workhorse in cell biology. The dried cells were put on a stage and an ultraprecise laser scanned the surface by etching craters a few tenths of a micrometer in size. The desorbed molecules were ionized by another laser beam and then identified in the mass spectrometer.

As the authors pointed out, the advantage of this method is that the cells can be imaged at the same time as sample acquisition, thus enabling co-registered chemical and topographical imaging within an individual cell. Indeed, their 3D reconstructed images revealed the signals for proflavine, a drug that was added to the cells, exactly where they were expected: in the cytoplasm and around the organelles. The three-dimensional information was gathered to account for the uneven surface.

In contrast to the available mass spectrometry imaging techniques, this hybrid technique, which combined scanning probe microscopy and mass spectrometry provides undistorted high-resolution chemical mapping of irregular surfaces, says Hang. Given the compact nature of the device, the authors recommend its implementation in diverse mass spectrometry imaging setups, but especially where biological samples are concerned.

However, some fine-tuning is still needed. Although this first test showed that chemical mapping was possible on the submicrometer scale, the authors aim to go further down the scale and, in addition, improve the processing conditions for the cells. This would set the stage for direct, label-free chemical mapping of drug molecules within biological cells.
Microdosing of psychedelic substances involves taking very small doses of a psychedelic drug such as LSD or psilocybin (magic mushrooms) over weeks or even months. There have been anecdotal claims that such microdosing can improve health and also performance and relationships. These earlier studies dealt with the one time effect of microdosing.

Hallucinogenic mushrooms. Image Credit: ANDREA DELBO / Shutterstock

In this new study, researchers Vince Polito and Richard J. Stevenson of Macquarie University, Australia, looked over the effects of microdosing over a period of six weeks. The latest study titled, A systematic study of microdosing psychedelics, was published in the latest issue of the journal PLOS One.

Microdoses are typically a twentieth of the recreational dose and taken at around three or four days intervals over weeks or months. Due to the small doses, the drug is claimed to not affect the daily functioning and people can perform their daily activities. Studies have shown that microdosing can cause elevation of mood and energy and also raises creativity and wisdom. It can change the perception of time in some individuals.

The study looked at 98 individuals who were microdosing themselves. The participants experienced both positive and negative effects of their microdosing. The researchers included only those individuals who were themselves microdosing and did not provide the psychedelics to them. The participants were asked to rate their experience with microdosing each day to understand the daily effects of microdosing. They were also asked to record the dose of the drug they had used on that day. At baseline  start of the study, and at the end of the study, a detailed psychological assessment and tests were conducted. This helped understand the long term effects of microdosing. The researchers also looked at another set of individuals who were interested in microdosing.

The results of the study showed that on a daily basis, there was an elevation of mood, concentration, creativity, happiness, sense of well being and connectedness as well as deep thought or contemplation on microdosing. However this high faded with regular use. In fact some of the participants reported that there was a loss of productivity and focus after two days of microdosing.

Over six weeks of microdosing however, there was a significant reduction in levels of stress and depression. The authors of the study add that their study involved participants who were not depressed at the start of the study, so this finding may not be very valid. Many of the participants however said that their distractions due to unwanted thoughts and anxieties were removed after microdosing. With increase in focus, the participants could become more creative. Some participants on the other hand, had unpleasant sensations and experiences. These individuals tried microdosing once or twice and then did not continue due to the unpleasant side effects.

Lead author Vince Polito explained, There seems to be two different sets of effects from microdosing... There is a direct, dose related effect that seems to last only 24 hours or so. But then it seems there may also be an additional cumulative effect of regular ingestion of doses over a long time period.

The authors of the study wrote that participants had expected more creativity and better life satisfaction from microdosing and the results of the experiment did not match their expectations. For this 263 participants who were interested in microdosing were included. Some of these had never tried microdosing and some were experienced microdosers, the authors wrote.

Polito said, If the effects of microdosing were entirely driven by expectations we should have seen increases in all the variables that people most expected would change. That is not the pattern of results we found. That makes me think that microdosing is having an effect regardless of people's beliefs.

Authors concluded from this study that more studies are needed on the impacts of microdosing on mental health and attentional capabilities. They added that the effects of microdosing may not match the experience of long term microdosers.
Excessive weight gain in children under two years can lead to cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in teenage years including increased cholesterol, being overweight and having fat around the middle, finds new research from the University of Sydney.

Obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in childhood and adolescence are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood, the leading cause of death in Australia.

Published today in The Journal of Paediatrics, the study tracked the Body Mass Index (BMI) of children from birth to 14 years and found that earlier onset of high BMI (in children under two years) resulted in higher cholesterol levels, higher blood pressure, and more central (unhealthy) fat in adolescence, compared with onset of high BMI in children aged three to five.

Teenage obesity is a major health problem in Australia, but the pathways to and the consequences of obesity in teenagers has not been well studied. This is the first study to look at the consequences of weight gain at two different stages of early childhood and its impact on developing cardiovascular disease as an adult.

"Our study found that there are two main pathways to obesity as a teenager - rapid weight gain in the first two years of life (early weight gain) or rapid weight gain between ages two and five years of age (later weight gain)," said senior author University of Sydney's Professor David Celermajer, Scandrett Professor of Cardiology at Sydney Medical School and the Heart Research Institute.

"The data shows that there are consequences of the timing of the onset of excess BMI in early childhood.

"Earlier onset of a rising BMI that persisted through childhood results in greater central fat and higher cholesterol in teenagers, independent of their BMI at 14 years."

Study details:

A group of 410 Australian children were assessed from birth throughout childhood to age 14 years, recording their weight, height, and waist circumference. Of the 410 children, 190 had detailed measurements of cholesterol, blood pressure and central weight recorded at age 14 years.

Three groups were identified in the study: normal BMI, "Early Rising" excess BMI from two years, and "Late Rising" excess BMI from five years.

Lead author Dr Jennifer Barraclough, cardiologist and PhD student at University of Sydney and the Heart Research Institute said: "The early weight gain group have more centrally placed or unhealthy fat than the later weight gain group. Fat around the middle is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

"The early weight gain group also had significantly higher cholesterol levels compared to a group of healthy weight teenagers.

"Our study shows that the earlier the onset of excess fat before five years of age, the more likely the individual is to have fat around the middle by adolescence.

"The study also found that both early and late weight gain groups were more likely to have mothers with overweight or obesity and a high BMI, than healthy weight teenagers."

Co-author Professor Louise Baur, Head of Child & Adolescent Health at the University's Sydney Medical School and The Children's Hospital at Westmead said: "This study has shown that it is important for families and the community to understand the risks of excess weight gain in early life and to ensure healthy eating and activity are supported from a very young age.

"These findings may provide an opportunity to identify "high risk" young children and trial interventions at an early age, prior to the development of high cholesterol and centrally placed fat which becomes evident in adolescence and increases the risk of heart disease as an adult."

Professor Baur highlighted the importance of healthy infant feeding.

"Breastfeeding should be supported where possible until at least 12 months, with solids introduced from around 6 months.

"Healthy eating and physical activity for all family members is also an important factor promoting healthy weight gain in the young child. Family doctors and early childhood nurses can also help to monitor weight gain in this critical period of life," she said.
Cannabis is the most widely used recreational drug worldwide, with many variants that have been used both medicinally in the treatment or management of various diseases, including chronic pain, as well as being used recreationally to achieve a high.

Recently, Canada became the first major western country after Uruguay to legalize marijuana/cannabis for recreational and medicinal use and cultivation. The United Kingdom has now made an exception for medicinal cannabis in the treatment of severe epilepsy, chemotherapy-related illness and multiple sclerosis, while still retaining a Class B illegal status for recreational usage (possession and distribution).

Lifestyle Discover / Shutterstock

What is CBD oil?

Medical cannabis is often sold as cannabidiol (CBD) oil. It is a major cannabinoid from hemp plants. However, CBD oil does not usually contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the main psychoactive substance of cannabis. Dried cannabis can also be sold in some countries/states as medical marijuana, and often produces the full effects of cannabis.

Can CBD oil treat Parkinsons?

Parkinsons disease clinically manifests as dyskinesia (impairment of movement), resting tremor, bradykinesia (slow movements), dystonia (stiffness of muscles including facial muscles), a stooped posture, drooling, sexual and urinary dysfunction, and in some cases psychiatric symptoms including psychosis, dementia and depression.

The brain has a rich expression of cannabinoid receptors in various sites, such as the G-protein coupled receptor GPR6 within the basal ganglia (a key part of the brain affected by Parkinsons). Studies investigating the oral intake of CBD oil (and smoking cannabis) in the treatment of Parkinsonian symptoms have observed generally positive results.

One observational study reported rapid alleviation of Parkinsonian symptoms (including bradykinesia and tremor) upon cannabis smoke inhalation (CBD + THC) in around 79% of patients (out of 28). In another study, 56% of a small cohort of patients showed improvement in mood and sleep issues.

In a larger study of 339 Czech patients with Parkinsons who were routinely using cannabis leaves orally (CBD + THC), there was significant improvement in resting tremors, bradykinesia and rigidity with little or no side effects overall. Symptoms were ameliorated particularly in patients who had been using cannabis for over 3 or more months.

Studies focusing on the use of CBD oil alone show mixed results. One study showed that oral CBD oil reduced psychotic symptoms in Parkinsons patients, but with little effect on dyskinesia. However, it produced generic improvement in physical state as well as in insomnia-related issues. Larger studies are necessary to confirm these findings, however, as these studies had a relatively small sample size (<20).

Medical Marijuana and Parkinson's Part 3 of 3 Play

Summary

Cannabis has many proven beneficial effects on health, especially in neurology and psychiatry. More research is desperately needed to convince governments to legalize medicinal cannabis for treatment purposes, following Canadas example)

Nnumerous observational studies have reported improvement in symptoms with the use of CBD oil by patients with Parkinsons, Alzheimers and MS patients. However, some studies have questioned the efficacy of CBD oil alone, or if THC, linalool and limonene extracts should also be incorporated in the specific treatment of these conditions, such as for neuroprotection.

Unlike THC, CBD oil alone does not show the psychoactive properties of cannabis. For this reason THC must be administered in a careful and controlled way. Unfortunately, as long as cannabis remains a controlled drug under most international laws, research is hampered and the stigma associated with it remains. It is an encouraging sign in the UK that the use of medicinal CBD oil is now allowed for the most severe cases, but the law needs to move to full decriminalization to allow the use of THC oil as well, and to encourage more investment in medical research on the effects of cannabis on health.

Further Reading
President Donald Trump talks with Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo., after giving his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday at the Capitol in Washington.
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Sixth- through 12th-grade members of St. Gabriel Church's Builders of the Kingdom youth program learn about hunger issues in Lake County while helping raise awareness during their 12th annual Souper Bowl event on Feb. 2, at St. Gabriel School in Concord Township. The Souper Bowl is a hunger awareness fundraising event that donates the proceeds to Lake County food banks.
Most people don't want to think about the possibility of a natural disaster or terrorist attack striking their hometown.
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Cleveland man pleads guilty to selling fatal combination of fentanyl, heroin that led to Chardon Township man's overdose
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The Reis Learning Center in New Milford aims to foster confidence and success in students of all ages in the region.

So says Jessica Reis, who owns the center that marked its fifth anniversary Thursday.

The center serves individuals of all ages, from kindergarten through high school, as well as adults, offering tutoring, exam prep, enrichment programs, one-time workshops and, new this year, scholarships.

Reis described the heart of the center as being founded in creating individuals who believe in themselves.

She said her staff members are partners  not authority figures  with each student and work with them to facilitate a healthy, positive and encouraging learning environment that promotes success.

The way we teach and the language we use changes (a students) thought process, she said. We give students that belief that they can and will achievebecause they can.

Whatever their potential is, we are going to help them unlock it, said Reis, who graduated from Pace University with a combined BA degree in psychology and a masters in mental health counseling, and completed continuing education courses in applied behavior analysis.

Phonics, reading comprehension and writing are among the areas of focus for younger students, while instructors often help older students with math and exam prep.

Lisa Veloso, of Danbury, said her family reached out to the center for SAT prep and had a positive experience.

From the first meet and greet, both my son and I felt that Jessica (and the center are) not like the typical tutoring centers, Veloso said. She genuinely cares about each student which has a positive impact. They actually want to attend.

Instructors will work with students on confidence building and facilitate the use of positive language. For example, phrases such as I need help instead of This is too hard are encouraged.

Reis said students seek the centers help for a variety of reasons. Some need to be taught in a different way than they are in a traditional classroom, while others need to work on skill building.

Jessica engages and takes the time to learn (the students) strengths and weaknesses and plans accordingly, Veloso said.

If more than one area needs to be addressed, such as handwriting and writing, instructors will address both in a targeted way so everything gets proper attention.and the student can get proper reinforcement, said Reis, who worked with children with autism for several years as an ABA therapist in Connecticut schools.

Going to the RLC has given (my son) a lot more confidence in math and other subjects, said Sarah Adams of Kent, whose 11-year-old sought help in several areas.

Adams said Reis identified her sons needs and made him feel comfortable from day one.

Over the years, the center has expanded its exam prep for tests such as SAT and ACT and added SSAT for private high school entrance and GRE for graduate school.

Reis has also introduced several enrichment programs, including small group courses such as American Sign Language, summer classes and week-long workshops.

The ASL program is comprised of educators who work with those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech delayed, as well as individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf.

Last year, elementary school students were invited to the centers French and Spanish enrichment program. Summer offerings include hands-on and academic-based activities.

Reis also partners with entrepreneurs who dont have a brick and mortar store to offer one-night workshops open to the community.

The newest addition to the centers offerings are scholarships: one for students seeking first time entrance to a secondary education to a trade school, college etc.; one for students seeking secondary education and are already enrolled in a program; and one for students entering high school.

Veloso said her family faced scheduling and commute challenges, but Jessica couldnt have been any more accommodating to make sure the outcome would be a successful one. And that it was.

The Reis Learning Center is located at 65 Bank St. in New Milford. For more information, call 860-354-0854, email jessica.reis

@reislearningcenter.com.
A surplus property near Candlewood Lake will soon be back on the tax rolls in New Milford.

The 1.64 acre town-owned property at 82 Perry Drive will be sold for $20,000.

The buyers plan to build a home on the property.

Though one resident spoke against the sale during the recent town meeting, saying it was too low for a lot in that part of town, no one voted against the sale.

Mayor Pete Bass has said the town has had the property for a while and believes it acquired it because of a tax issue.

The property was originally listed for $50,000 in 2017, according to the last online listing from July 2018, but was then reduced to $40,000.

Several town council members said there was no interest in the property prior to this offer because there is a slope on it that makes the land hard to develop.

Councilman Tom Esposito said no undeveloped lot has sold in town for more than $50,000. He said there is very little building in town.

If there was a market there for that lot, it would have been snatched up, he said.

Some people said that even if the selling price is low, the home will generate taxes for the town that werent there before.

This is part of the towns efforts to sell surplus properties and get them back on the tax roll.

A lot of these properties are small parcels that are generally attractive only to property owners that neighbor those lots and are looking to expand, Bass said in an earlier interview.
DANBURY  A Danbury man is again accused of selling drugs in the city.

Officers on Wednesday charged Christopher Marcos, 23, with various drug offenses. Police had been surveilling his home for weeks after residents complained he was selling drugs, according to a release from the department.

Marcos was also arrested in August while police said he was depositing drug proceeds at a local bank. Officers had been investigating him for several weeks because they suspected he was selling drugs from his home and throughout the Danbury area. He had been found with several hundred dollars, a substantial amount of assorted illicit drugs, and a ghost firearm and ammunition, police said.

On Wednesday, police said they saw Marcos leave his house driving a car registered to a relative. As he was stuck in traffic, investigators prevented him from driving away. Marcos repeatedly refused to get out of the car and had to be forcibly extracted, police said.

Officers found Marcos had several hundred dollars and a substantial amount of drugs, police said.

He was charged with interfering with a search, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell less than half an ounce, possession of a controlled substance within 1,500 feet of a prohibited place, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of drug paraphernalia within 1500 of prohibited place.

His bond was set at $150,000.
BRIDGEPORT  How do you spell FBI in Bridgeport?

D-E-J-A-V-U

In other words, Connecticuts largest city is no stranger to federal criminal probes.

Deja vu is how Douglas Wade of Wades Dairy described the ongoing FBI investigation into scrap metal sales, missing money from those sales and alleged no-bid contracts in Bridgeport government.

Federal agents, as previously reported, made a follow up visit to the downtown government center Tuesday, stopping in the finance and law departments. Agents were spotted in the public facilities department in mid-January.

Wade and others worry about the impact on Bridgeports already tainted-by-scandal reputation.

It probably leads people to think, Oh my God, here we go again, said Paul Timpanelli, former longtime head of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, who was back in town Wednesday having lunch with friends.

And while there is no evidence that Mayor Joe Ganim is being targeted by the FBI, he happens to be the same Joe Ganim who went to prison in 2003 following an FBI corruption probe into his first administration. Ganim waged an astonishing election comeback in 2015.

Dont like to think this could happen again, Wade said Wednesday of the corruption probe. But it certainly can.

Individual idiots

Joe McGee, vice president of the Fairfield County Business Council, has long been involved in Bridgeport and its economy. McGee said from what he has read and heard, I suspect this is not a big deal. ... Hopefully these are minor indiscretions  individual idiots  and not systematic municipal corruption.

But McGee understands the fears stirred up by the FBIs return.

Its like when you get a diagnosis for cancer, McGee said. Youre in remission. Then you go to the doctor and theres a spot and it brings back all the memories of what happened before. That, I think, is the fear  Oh my God. Its back.

Im sorry the FBI is here. It bothers me, said state Sen. Marilyn Moore, a Democrat like Ganim who recently announced she will challenge him for mayor. It makes us look so bad in the legislature and outside the state.

Ganim in an interview Wednesday reiterated that it was his police chief, Armando Perez, who notified federal authorities of the claims about scrap metal and no-bid contracts made in an anonymous letter to the City Council last fall.

We want their help, the mayor said. Theyre welcome and their investigation is what needs to happen to get to the bottom of some of these issues.

Based on available information, the FBI is targeting the public facilities department, which was the focus of the anonymous allegations in the letter to the council.

Same old scrap

And Ganim in recent weeks, based on an internal review by his labor relations and law departments, has disciplined four public facilities employees.

The mayor fired Joe Tiago, deputy director of public facilities and Jose DeMoura, the recycling manager; took two weeks salary and two weeks of paid vacation from Public Facilities Director John Ricci; and required a fourth Public Facilities staffer, Luis Burgos, to receive coaching and counseling.

Ganim has previously said he had no knowledge of any wrongdoing by city employees and that the scrap metal was being sold prior to his return to office in 2015. And the mayor frequently, including Wednesday, notes that other municipalities  Stamford, Fairfield and Greenwich  have had problems with unauthorized or illegal scrap metal sales by employees.

Ganim believes one of the things the FBIs doing is also sending a message out to other communities, because we know this scrap metal (problem) has gone on and continues to go on in other communities in Connecticut.

But Moore believes additional problems are going to be uncovered.

I dont think its over, she said. Were going to hear more and more.

State Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven, declined Wednesday to speculate how the FBI probe might affect Bridgeports standing in the legislature in Hartford.

I obviously have no idea who theyre investigating or who they might have for a target, said Looney, whose own city has recently come under federal scrutiny. The FBI is looking into a public school preschool program there.

Negative perception

When Hearst Connecticut Media first began reporting on the Bridgeport scandal in November, some city officials and political insiders privately dismissed it as a fabricated controversy by a disgruntled municipal employee. That was before the FBI case became public in January.

Former U.S. Attorney Stanley Twardy, Jr., a partner with the Day Pitney law firm in Stamford, said he has no involvement with or inside information about the federal investigation in Bridgeport.

But, Twardy said, The fact theyre looking around would tell me they have something that they believe may lead them to possibly bring charges.

The U.S. Attorney and FBI are very sensitive to ensure that the cases they investigate warrant investigation because of the limited resources they have, Twardy said. So their standard for pursuing things has increased.

Ganim said it is unfair for Moore to politicize the FBI investigation.

Look, am I happy about it? No, Ganim said. But he does not believe the situation hurts Bridgeports image because of how his administration has handled the controversy.

I think people understand two things, the mayor said. We immediately reached out for consultation with (federal) law enforcement (and) the more digging weve done, this clearly predates this administration.

Timpanelli, who had originally opposed Ganims re-election in 2015, said Wednesday, Im convinced the mayor knew nothing about it, so it doesnt point to him. But its still a disappointment.

State Rep. Ezequiel Santiago is the new chairman of Bridgeports legislative delegation. He also works in the citys public facilities department.

I know its an unfortunate situation and makes everybody look bad, Santiago said. Weve always been battling perception and, unfortunately, negative perception at the Capitol. Things like this, they dont do anything to help us.

But, Santiago said, Ive been fighting the fight and will continue to because I know Bridgeport has so much to offer.

Staff Writer Ken Dixon contributed to this story
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Seven sixth formers from The Downs School in Compton have been offered conditional places

THE Downs School, Compton, is celebrating its highest number of Year 13 pupils who have been offered places to study at either Oxford or Cambridge university from September.

In total, seven sixth formers have been offered conditional places at the two universities.

Prospective Oxford students include Alannah Burdess, who intends to read classics, Rachel Allan, who plans to read mathematics and Max Ipinson-Fabien, who hopes to read chemistry.

Successful Cambridge applicants include Ellen Knight, who has aspirations to study Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic while Charles Norman hopes to get a degree in geography.

Aspiring linguistic degree student Eirlys Walters and economics hopeful Freya Watson have also gained offers from Cambridge.

These students will need to achieve their offer grades at A-level to be able to take up the places in September.

Oxford and Cambridge have early application deadline dates, which is why students at these universities find out about places first.

Head of sixth form at The Downs School, Pete Hogan, said: We are extremely proud of our students who have been offered places at Oxbridge and offer them our warmest congratulations.

It is currently an exciting but nerve-wracking time for all our students who have applied for university, and over the next few weeks, we look forward to sharing their excitement as their offers come back.

Headteacher Chris Prosser added: Congratulations to our students on receiving their offers. It is testament to their hard work and dedication.

At The Downs School, our most important goal is for our students to fulfil their full potential by the time they leave us, with the qualifications and attributes they need to achieve success, whether they are going on to university, starting an apprenticeship or entering the world of work.
Byfield - David Jackson, age 62, of Byfield, formerly of Amesbury, passed peacefully at Penacook Place Nursing Home in Haverhill on Monday evening June 14, 2021. Born in Winthrop, Decermber 20, 1958, he was one of seven children of the late Austin and Marie (Redman) Jackson. Among the variou
Vanuatu turns the Corner LETS USE THIS AS A SPRINGBOARD FOR THE FUTURE
Electrical currents are best created using semiconductor crystals that absorb light, say researchers who have announced a significant, potential computer-speed breakthrough. The team obtained ultrafast clock rates in the terahertz of frequencies, using light. That is significantly higher than existing single-gigahertz computer clock rates.

The bursts of light contain frequencies that are 5,000 times higher than the highest clock rate of modern computer technology, researchers at the Forschungsverbund research association in Germany announced in a press release last month. A chip's oscillating frequencies, called clock rate, is one measurement of speed.

In the German experiments, conducted by the associations Max-Born Institute, extremely short, intense light pulses from near-Infrared to a visibly orange color were used to generate oscillating currents in a semiconductor called gallium arsenide. The chip emitted terahertz radiation because of the oscillations. Electric currents can be generated, the group say. The breakthrough offers novel, interesting applications in high frequency electronics that could conceivably mean much faster computers than are available now.

All light and photons

There are those who think all computers, and other electronics, will eventually be run on light and forms of photons and that we will ultimately see a shift over to all-light. Indeed, in terms of creating current, solar panels already convert light into electrical current.

And we already see light paths overtaking copper for desirability in communication linksfiber-optic cable is more efficient. Breakthroughs are continually being made in this area, too. For example, shifting light into corkscrew and spiral patterns will speed up photons, say experts.

Facebooks initial plans for its data-carrying space laser satellites were revealed in January, according to IEEE Spectrum. The publication says construction permits pulled at Los Angeles Countys building department show a Facebook-linked company is building observatories on a mountaintop there, and they will be part of a laser data project in space. Again, more efficient.

And in more development, light-carrying nanowires could be more efficient in computers and for interconnects. I wrote last summer about the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills attempts to get computers to run faster and cooler with the wires that are 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. They are using a kind of modulation to precisely guide the light.

Growing lasers on chip silicon is another angle in this photon and light movement. Lasers could reduce the major bottlenecks one sees at the copper wire part of a chip. Conveniently, silicon-germanium, a material used to make microprocessors, has some light-absorbing properties.

Finnish Aalto University, along with Universite Paris-Sud, this week is in fact claiming that it can propagate data in a microchip better using a new kind of nanoscale amplifier. It corrects a problem whereby very fast attenuation of light within the chip hinders the flow of information when it flows from one processor to another, the group explains in a press release. Theyre using an atomic layer to get the results.

Storage, too

Even storage, something that has not been thought of as being a suitable light-based medium because traditional lasers havent been fast enough, may now be heading towards the light: a hybrid, data center-geared, hard drive concept uses untrashort light pulses to write to magnetic media very quickly and efficiently. Its up to a thousand times faster than today's hard drives, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in Holland, announced last month.

Boosting performance through electronic methods is getting to be very difficult, which is why were looking towards photonics for answers, says Aalto doctoral candidate John Ronn, in the school's announcement.
What to Know Elizabeth Warren apologized again for claiming Native American heritage on multiple occasions early in her career.

The latest apology comes after the Washington Post reported she listed her race as "American Indian" while registering with the Texas Bar.

Warren privately apologized to the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation last week.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren is on the verge of launching a presidential campaign that should be all about her vision for the future. But first she has to explain her past.

For the second time in two weeks, the Massachusetts Democrat apologized Wednesday for claiming Native American identity on multiple occasions early in her career. The move followed a report that she listed her race as "American Indian"  in her own handwriting  on a 1986 registration card for the Texas state bar.

By providing fresh evidence that she had personally identified her race, the document resurrected the flap just as she's trying to gain momentum for her 2020 presidential bid, which she's expected to formally announce on Saturday. Warren didn't rule out the possibility of other documents in which she identified as a Native American.

In a Democratic primary already dominated by candidates expressing remorse for past actions, Warren's repentance stood out, both for the distraction the controversy has become for her candidacy and the complexity of her efforts to move beyond it. While her competitors are fine-tuning their messages and trying to demonstrate competence and polish, Warren has repeatedly opened herself up to criticism by relitigating the past.

"It's not exactly how you'd want to enter the arena" as a presidential candidate, said Paulette Jordan, a former Democratic state representative in Idaho and a member of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe who became the party's gubernatorial nominee last year. Jordan warned that Warren's treatment of her heritage raises "a whole lot of questions and doubt" about her integrity: "If you cannot uphold that, then it makes things challenging."

Questions about Warren's heritage date to at least 2012, when her Republican opponent seized on the issue during her first Senate campaign to wrongly argue she identified as a Native American to advance her career. President Donald Trump frequently deploys a racial slur to criticize Warren.

Still, Warren has sometimes compounded the problem. In October, she released a DNA analysis that purported to bolster her claims to Native American heritage. Instead, it drew quick criticism from some Native Americans, including a Cherokee Nation official, as insensitive and fumbling.

She apologized in private last week to the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation for "causing confusion on tribal sovereignty and tribal citizenship and the harm that resulted," said tribal spokeswoman Julie Hubbard. And after The Washington Post reported on the Texas state bar registration, Warren addressed the issue publicly Wednesday, telling reporters outside her Senate office that her answers in the past were "based on my understanding of my family's story."

"I am not a tribal citizen. Tribes, and only tribes, determine citizenship," Warren said, adding, "I have apologized for not being more sensitive to that distinction. It's an important distinction."

The episode threatens to undermine the progress Warren has made since she launched a presidential exploratory committee in December. She was well-received in Iowa, home to the nation's first caucuses, last month. She's also appealed to the Democratic base with arguments that wealthy politicians shouldn't self-fund their campaigns and proposed an "ultra-millionaire tax."

Warren's allies are hopeful that she can focus on the substance of her campaign, but they acknowledge she may have more work to do.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, a vocal critic of the double standards facing women who seek executive office, said in an interview that "now, everybody's being scrutinized" over their pasts.

"There's a tremendous sensitivity to that, with regard to Elizabeth," Hirono said, referring to relationships with Native American communities. "She is going to need to address it, deal with it. But she has a lot of other issues that she cares about and has fought for for decades. And I hope people will look at that, too."

Waleed Shahid, a spokesman for the liberal group Justice Democrats, praised Warren's apology as confidence-building "with people in the Democratic Party electorate who are skeptical about the way she's handled this issue." He suggested the flap "could be a moment for her to do a landmark speech" addressing blind spots that have beleaguered white candidates  making a subtle allusion to the racism scandal that is engulfing Virginia's Democratic leaders.

The GOP is seizing on the moment to sow doubt among voters about Warren. The Republican National Committee filed a formal grievance with Texas bar officials on Wednesday, requesting that Warren be disciplined for making "false claims."

But it's unclear whether the controversy will wound Warren with Democratic voters. Some of her primary rivals have also aired regret for their past decisions. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, for example, has disavowed her previously right-leaning approaches to immigration and guns. Others, including California Sen. Kamala Harris, have made more limited attempts to patch perceived trouble spots.

Reuben D'Silva, a Democrat in North Las Vegas, Nevada, and former congressional candidate, said he's not sure how much the average voter is paying attention to Warren's apology. But "among primary voters, it seems to be a cause of concern."

D'Silva, a history teacher whose family is from India, said he could give Warren the benefit of the doubt because he understands that people often don't have extensive records about their family history.

"But if there's proof she used this to land jobs or advance her career or maybe profit off it in some way, then maybe that could become a problem," he added.

Warren reiterated on Wednesday that she did not exact any career benefit from her Native American self-identification. But not every tribal citizen is assuaged.

David Cornsilk, a member of the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, pointed out that Warren had identified as a minority in professional settings beyond the Texas state bar.

"The conclusion I draw is that she may not have gotten benefit from it, but I believe she certainly was trying to," he said.

Fawn Douglas, a Democratic activist, professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a member of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, said she thought Warren cleared up the matter with her DNA test because she made no formal claim to tribal membership. But Douglas now sees the Texas document as a detriment.

"I really don't like that further evidence was just introduced after her apology" to the Cherokee Nation, Douglas said. "It's just one of those smack-my-head kind of moments."

Douglas said Warren can recover by speaking about issues important to Native American communities, such as tribal sovereignty and missing and slain women.

Bob Mulholland, a Democratic National Committee member from California who's backing Harris, warned that the distraction would likely follow her to the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire. But, he said, "every story is an opportunity for you, the candidate, to have a conversation with the voters."

Not to mention, he added, Warren's issues are "nothing like the problems the Democrats are having in Virginia," where the state's top Democrats are engulfed in scandal over racism and sexual misconduct.
Police are investigating racist signs plastered outside the entrances to two prominent community organizations in Vermonts largest city, Burlington.

Its all gone, Justin Marsh of the Pride Center of Vermont said while using a razor blade to scrape a sign and thick adhesive from the door of the center. Now we can just be a place to folks to feel safe and welcomed.

The sign, from a group calling itself the Patriot Front, appeared to call for a return to the America from centuries ago.

The Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League both say the group espouses white supremacist, anti-Semitic, and other exclusionary views.

The Pride Center of Vermont is a non-profit that serves LGBT Vermonters, including through support for survivors of sexual and physical violence.

Executive director Mike Bensel said he is certain the poster targeted the center because of how it advocates for equality.

This behavior wont be toleratedits not acceptable, Bensel said of hanging posters that aim to intimidate or make others feel like they dont belong. This isnt going to stop us from doing the work we do.

Whoever vandalized the Pride Center of Vermont didnt stop there.

On the other side of Burlington, another sign was found plastered outside the Ohavi Zedek Synagogue.

They do it because it terrorizes, observed Rabbi Amy Small of Ohavi Zedek.

The synagogue quickly removed the sign, which was also applied with a heavy adhesive.

Rabbi Small said shes been touched by seeing how members of the broader community have embraced their Jewish neighbors, ethnic minorities, or LGBT folks following acts like this in the past.

We are going to overcome the hate by working together, Small said.

Lt. Garry Scott heads the fair and impartial policing program for the Vermont State Police, which is one of several agencies with a renewed focus on investigating bias cases in the state.

In Vermont, we have a collaborative approach now, Scott said, explaining that a new reporting system through the attorney generals office is enabling cases of bias to be better identified and documented, and for multi-agency resources to be better directed toward responding.

Since the posters struck fear in groups that often feel vulnerable, Scott said he hopes tips to the Burlington Police Department or to Vermont State Police will help identify a suspect.

We want to be able to at least communicate with them, understand what the motivation is, why this is occurring, and what we can do better to stop it, Lt. Scott said.

The Pride Center of Vermont said the discovery of the poster was particularly disturbing because it followed unrelated verbal threats made last week to the safety of Pride Center staff and visitors.

Those verbal threats led the organization to shut down for one day on Monday to make changes to its safety procedures, Bensel said.
What to Know The crash was reported just before 1 a.m. Thursday on I-95 in Greenland, New Hampshire

The pickup truck driver, 23-year-old Kyle Lehoullier, was taken to an area hospital for minor injuries.

Lehoullier was later arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated

A pickup truck was wedged underneath a big rig early Thursday following a car crash that was the result of an intoxicated driver, according to New Hampshire State Police.

Authorities received a report of the crash at 12:55 a.m. on Interstate 95 in Greenland. At the scene, the hood of a 2006 Dodge Dakota was tucked under the semi-truck.

An investigation determined Kyle Lehoullier, 23, of Rochester, New Hampshire, was traveling northbound in the Dodge near mile marker 12 when he lost control of his pickup truck. Lehoullier traveled from the leftmost lane of the highway across the rest of the lanes and allegedly slammed into the big rig.

The Dodge was dragged for several hundred feet before the semi-truck driver, 48-year-old Steve Mercie of Quebec, Canada, was able to come to a safe stop. The interstate was closed for approximately two hours during the investigation.

Lehoullier was treated for minor injuries at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, according to state police.

He was later arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.

Lehoullier was released on bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 20 at the 10th Circuit Portsmouth District Court. It's unclear if he has an attorney.
A student is facing numerous charges in connection with a number of suspicious fires at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts.

Police said Janelys Pimentel, 22, was arrested Thursday on two counts of arson, four counts of wantonly injuring real and personal property, and six counts of vandalism in connection with numerous incidents that took place in a residence hall.

Police said the latest incident took place at 3:26 a.m. Thursday when Norton Fire, Norton Police and Wheaton Public Safety responded to the 3rd floor of McIntyre Hall. When crews arrived, a fire was observed in the hallway from an old bubbler.

Students were evacuated and the fire was safely extinguished.

Authorities said no injuries were reported in any of the other incidents which included ones on Dec. 14, Dec. 2, and Nov. 28.

During her arraignment Thursday in Attleboro District Court, prosecutors say the senior, who is a resident assistant in McIntyre Hall, admitted to starting six fires.

"The defendant did admit to starting the fire," said a court prosecutor.

Prosecutors say through a police investigation, Pimentel was seen on a hidden camera set up by state police not only starting Thursday's fire but then evacuating students.

"The fire alarm starts flashing, lights start. Shortly after she exits her room she starts knocking on doors to alert other students of the alarm and exits the building," said the prosecutor.

Wheaton College Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Kate McCaffrey released a statement saying officials were relieved that an arrest had been made and that safety was their top priority.

"I appreciate how disturbing these incidents have been. While no one was hurt, and only minimal damage was sustained, these incidents were disruptiveparticularly to the residents of McIntyreand they represented a threat to the safety and security of our campus community," said McCaffrey.

She added that assistance was available for any student who was "feeling anxious or unsettled" by the events.

In addition to being held without bail, Pimentel was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. She's due back in court for a hearing next week.
What to Know Max Misch, a 36-year-old who describes himself as a white nationalist, was arrested Wednesday.

State troopers searched the suspect's home and found evidence he bought high capacity magazines.

Misch attended a news conference held by former State Rep. Kiah Morris, apparently trying to provoke the crowd.

A self-described white nationalist who prompted Vermont's only female black legislator to resign is facing a charge he possessed illegal, large capacity gun magazines.

State Police say 36-year-old Max Misch, of Bennington, was arrested Wednesday after troopers searched his home and found evidence he had purchased large capacity ammunition feeding devices. He's due in court Thursday.

Last year, the Vermont Legislature passed a law banning large capacity magazines.

Former Democratic State Rep. Kiah Morris resigned in September after receiving what she said were racial threats from Misch. Prosecutors said Misch's actions violated no laws and declined to prosecute.

Last month, Misch attended a news conference held by Morris. Misch, who could not be reached Thursday, described himself as an online troll out of boredom and because "it's fun."
What to Know Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that more people in Massachusetts and around the country are killing themselves.

According to the CDC, the suicide rate around New England has risen since 1999.

Suicide does not have a single cause and issues like substance abuse and untreated depression can increase the risk.

While the Michelle Carter case made national headlines, public health experts stressed that we need to be having ongoing conversations about suicide, especially as the suicide rate continues to climb.

The latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that more people in Massachusetts and around the country are killing themselves.

The Supreme Judicial Courts decision Wednesday to uphold Carters conviction offers an opportunity for an important discussion about mental health at a time when suicide rates across the country are rising.

Carter, 22, was convicted in the 2014 death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III, who died by suicide after Carter encouraged him to end his own life. Carter was sentenced to 15 months in jail but has remained free as she pursued her appeal.

According to the CDC, the suicide rate around New England has risen since 1999. In Massachusetts, its up 35 percent10 percentage points more than the national average.

The rate rose even more dramatically in Vermont and New Hampshire48 percent each.

And even though Massachusetts has one of the lowest suicide rates in the country48th, experts warn that we cannot become complacent.

AnneMarie Matulis, a suicide prevention advocate, says Bristol County has been particularly hit hard in recent years.

Suicides there rose from 61 in 2017 to 86 last year  a 41 percent increase.

Matulis said we need to normalize the conversation about suicide  just as we have with formerly taboo topics.

"Anybody can talk about HIV/AIDS now, in a very comfortable manner," Matulis said. "No one shies away from it. We have to learn to do that with suicide. If we do that, talk saves lives. That's evidence-based research. If we can get people to talk about things sooner, we will save their lives."

Suicide does not have a single cause and issues like substance abuse and untreated depression can increase the risk.

And while there are not always warning signs, people considering suicide often indicate that they are struggling.

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting 'Home' to 741741.
Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills has signed an executive order aimed at helping the state deal with an opioid epidemic.

Her order Wednesday calls for making the overdose antidote Naloxone more widely available; logging and mapping overdoses to track "hotspots" in real time; implementing medication-assisted therapy programs; and creating targeted prevention programs.

More than 1,600 people have died in Maine from drug overdoses over the past five years, and people were dying a rate of more than one a day in 2017.

Mills made addressing the crisis part of her campaign for governor.

She already appointed an opiate response director, Gordon Smith. And Corrections Commissioner Randal Liberty wants to introduce medication-assisted therapy that includes anti-craving prescriptions to address substance use disorder in the prison system.
One firefighter was injured battling a blaze that engulfed three propane-carrying trucks in Northbridge, Massachusetts.

Fire crews received reports of a vehicle fire shortly before 2 a.m. Thursday and responded to a business located at 998 Church St., authorities said.

At the scene, they discovered three delivery trucks ablaze and were able to douse the flames. The propane tanks were full at the time of the fire and did not leak nor explode, according to officials.

Church Street was closed as crews fought the fire, but it has since been reopened. Officials said the cabs of the delivery trucks were destroyed in the blaze.

The injured firefighter was treated and has returned to work, Northbridge Fire Chief David White said.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old man in Lynn, Massachusetts.

The shooting happened before 11 p.m. Wednesday on Elm Street, where the victim was found lying in the street suffering from a gunshot wound, according to the Essex district attorney's office.

The victim, who was later identified as 29-year-old Vannark Chourb, was pronounced dead at the scene.

No arrests have been made.

The shooting is being investigated as a homicide, according to Lt. Michael Kmiec of the Lynn Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing.
In a rare television interview, former Massachusetts House Speaker Sal DiMasi sat down with NBC10 Boston's political reporter Alison King to discuss his life-and-death battle with cancer and what he's fighting for now.

Two years ago, DiMasi was released from federal prison, but he is still dealing with the affects of his throat cancer, made worse he believes by the poor medical treatment he received. And the trauma of his five-year incarceration will always be with him.

Back in December, DiMasi was invited onto the floor of the House of Representatives, marking his first visit there since he resigned as Speaker in 2009.

Well, I was very nervous at the beginning to go back to the State House," Dimasi said. "It brought back so many memories.

The memories of what followed his resignation are not happy ones: the 2011 conviction on federal corruption charges; the sentence of eight years in prison; and the diagnosis, months after entering the Butner Correctional facility in North Carolina, that he had stage four throat cancer.

I was on a feeding tube for a year," he recalled. "They gave me the wrong chemo, my medical care was horrible.

Asked what he did all day for years at prison, DiMasi said, "Well, for the first year and a half, I fought for my life.

DiMasi says he read five newspapers a day, mentored young black men and taught a class on current events.

He says prison did change him.

It gave me the ability to find out how much courage I had, how much fortitude I had in dealing with all of this, he said.

DiMasi will not say if he believes he committed a crime: I dont want to re-litigate that, its not going to help me move forward."

And he will not directly answer if he believes he was treated fairly: That still is a question of interpretation by people as to what my case was all about.

DiMasi received compassionate release from prison in 2016 after serving five of his eight years. He says it took about 18 months for his health to come back.

He is now working as an advocate, consultant and lobbyist on issues relating to health care, the homeless and prison reform.

"Theres no mercy, theres no compassion anymore," he said. "Theres no understanding anymore. Its just punishment, punishment, punishment.

Asked if hes happy, DiMasi says he is.

Yes. I am happy. My wife and I are enjoying life together again.

DiMasi says he intends to write a book, but that his wife Debbie will likely have her book published before his. Debbie DiMasi of course played a major role in advocating for her husbands early compassionate release.
President Donald Trump appears to be taking a more positive view of Capitol Hill talks on border security, according to negotiators who struck a distinctly optimistic tone after a White House meeting with a top Republican on the broad parameters of a potential bipartisan agreement.

Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby of Alabama said Thursday's session in the Oval Office was "the most positive meeting I've had in a long time" and that the president was "very reasonable."

Down Pennsylvania Avenue at the Capitol, the mood among negotiators was distinctly upbeat, with participants in the talks between the Democratic-controlled House and GOP-held Senate predicting a deal could come as early as this weekend.

There's a Feb. 15 deadline to enact the measure or a stopgap spending bill to avert another partial government shutdown that neither side wants to reprise. Trump and Republicans are especially eager to avoid another shutdown after they got scalded by the last one.

Trump had previously called the talks a "waste of time" and he's threatened to declare a national emergency to bypass Congress and build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. But Shelby said Trump during their meeting "urged me to get to yes" on an agreement.

Publicly on Thursday Trump took a wait-and-see approach.

"I certainly hear that they are working on something and both sides are moving along," Trump said. "We'll see what happens. We need border security. We have to have it, it's not an option. Let's see what happens."

The White House is committed to letting the negotiations play out, with some saying they are "cautiously optimistic" about getting a deal they could live with, said a senior administration official who lacked authorization to publicly discuss internal deliberations and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Beyond the border security negotiations, the measure is likely to contain seven appropriations bills funding domestic agencies and the foreign aid budget, as well as disaster aid for victims of last year's hurricanes and western wildfires.

"I'm hopeful," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. "I do like the idea of getting all of last year's work finished and I hope that's where it ends up."

Any move by Trump to fund a border barrier by executive fiat, however, would roil many Republicans on Capitol Hill, raising the likelihood that both House and Senate could pass legislation to reverse him. Trump could veto any such measure, but he's also certain to face a challenge in the courts.

"If Congress won't participate or won't go along, we'll figure out a way to do it with executive authority," Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said on Fox News Channel's "Hannity" on Wednesday.

Mulvaney said that the administration has identified well more than $5.7 billion to transfer to wall construction, saying they would try to avoid legal obstacles.

"Find the money that we can spend with the lowest threat of litigation, and then move from that pot of money to the next pot that maybe brings a little bit more threat of litigation," Mulvaney said.

It's clear that Trump won't get anything close to the $5.7 billion he's demanded for wall construction, just as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., will have to depart from her view that there shouldn't be any wall funding at all.

Last year, a bipartisan Senate panel approved $1.6 billion for 65 miles of pedestrian fencing in Texas  in line with Trump's official request. The negotiations aren't likely to veer very far from that figure, aides involved in the talks said, and newly empowered House Democrats were looking to restrict use of the money.

A key negotiator, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said details on nettlesome border wall issues haven't been worked out. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., another participant, said both sides are showing flexibility, including Democrats who insisted during the recently-ended 35-day shutdown on no wall funding at all.

"They are not opposed to barriers," Blunt said about Democrats. "And the president, I think, has embraced the idea that there may actually be something better than a concrete wall would have been anyway."

Pelosi told reporters Thursday that she was hopeful of an agreement that would "protect our borders as we protect our values."

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., another negotiator, acknowledged that Democrats could possibly lose votes on any final deal and that it's "unrealistic" to think there would be no funding at all for any physical barriers.

"Like in any negotiation  if the Republicans and the White House are saying they need barriers, wall, whatever you want to call it, and that is an absolute objective, and we're saying we want some other things  like in anything else, it's a trade off," she said.

Among the things Democrats are battling against are higher levels of funding for detention beds to hold migrants crossing into the U.S. illegally.
What to Know An armed man ran on foot from police into a wooded area in North Dallas late Wednesday afternoon.

Texas Sky Ranger captured the man emerging from woods and carjacking a person in an apartment complex parking lot.

Police took the man into custody after he ran into the garage of a home in the 12200 block of Jackson Creek Drive.

A pursuit in which an armed man carjacked a person, crashed into a pole and ran into a residential area ended when police took him into custody inside a North Dallas home Wednesday afternoon.

Police say the chase began after recieving a call of a woman being held against her will at a motel.

After the man jumped out of the window wearing body armor and carrying a gun, police chased the man on foot into a wooded area near the intersection of Abrams Road and Chimney Hill Lane in North Dallas.

Texas Sky Ranger captured the man on video when he emerged from the woods, undetected by police, and carjacked a woman in the parking lot of Vineyards Apartments in the 9600 block of Forest Lane, firing a gun as he started to drive away.

The woman was treated at the scene.

Not long after the carjacking, he crashed the vehicle into a pole and started to run on foot. When the man exited the vehicle, he was visibly bleeding. He then jumped a fence into a backyard, before finally walking into an open garage in the 12200 block of Jackson Creek Drive in Dallas.[[505472281,R]]

The homeowner was there at the time and grabbed a gun though police don't believe he fired.

"He and his roommate were sitting on the couch watching TV when this gentleman came through the garage and into the house," said neighbor Sandra Gorham after talking with the homeowner.

Police surrounded the house and ordered the suspect to drop a knife they say he was carrying. When he didn't comply, officers fired.

The man was taken by ambulance with undisclosed injuries.

For now, the suspect is only being described as a 26-year-old white male.

During their final update Wednesday night, police said he was undergoing surgery.

Police say they're still investigating how many shots were fired.

They're asking anyone who may have captured any of the events on camera to call Detective Ramirez at 214-671-3668.

RAW VIDEO: A pursuit in which an armed man carjacked a person, crashed into a pole and ran on foot into a residential area ended when police took him into custody inside a North Dallas home Wednesday afternoon.
What to Know Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam apologized Friday after a 1984 yearbook photo surfaced of people in blackface and a KKK robe.

Northam said the behavior did not reflect his values. On Saturday, he said he actually wasn't shown in the photo.

Democrat and Republican leaders alike called for Northam to resign, but he refused.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has called on Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam to resign over fallout after a 1984 medical school yearbook photo resurfaced showing people in blackface and a KKK robe.

"The governor of Virginia should resign," Hogan told reporters in Annapolis on Wednesday. "It's completely unacceptable. I'm sure he's lost the confidence of the people of Virginia."

Hogan is the latest high-profile politician to join demands from Democrats and Republicans alike for Northam to leave office.

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus was among the first groups to demand Northam step down after he apologized for appearing in the photo on a yearbook page under his name. He later said he wasn't shown in the photo, but said he did wear blackface when dressed as Michael Jackson at a dance contest.

The Baltimore Sun reports that Hogan said he had never used blackface.

Northam, Hogan and Delaware Gov. John Carney were set to answer citizen questions at a public forum in Salisbury on Monday, but the organizers say the event has been canceled or postponed.

The other top two officials in Virginia, both Democrats, have since been embroiled in controversy. A California professor, Vanessa Tyson, accused Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of sexually assaulting her in 2004. After saying Northam should resign, Attorney General Mark Herring admitted he also appeared in blackface at a party in 1980.
The fatal mauling of a zoo intern by a lion that escaped from a locked pen illustrates the need for North Carolina regulators to crack down on unaccredited exhibitors of dangerous animals, animal welfare advocates said Monday.

Alexandra Black, 22, was attacked Sunday while cleaning an animal enclosure with other staff members. It was at least the 10th instance of an escape or attack by an animal at a privately run North Carolina wildlife facility since 1997, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

Officials said the lion somehow escaped from a nearby pen and killed the recent college graduate just two weeks after she started working at the Conservators Center near Burlington, about 60 miles northwest of Raleigh. Sheriff's deputies shot and killed the animal before retrieving Black's body.

Black's "passion was the zoological industry. ... This person wanted to spend a lifetime around these animals, and I believe that the family was very supportive of that," said Mindy Stinner, executive director of the facility.

Before deputies fired on the lion, officials made several attempts to tranquilize it or hold it at bay with fire hoses, the Caswell County Sheriff's Office said.

Visitors at the center were hustled out of the park, Stinner said.

It was not immediately clear how the lion escaped or whether it got out of the enclosure that was being cleaned. Staff said the lion never made it beyond the park's perimeter fence. The park was closed indefinitely as part of an investigation.

Black, who was from New Palestine, Indiana, graduated from Indiana University in May with a degree in animal behavior. She had also recently worked at a research and education center in Battleground, Indiana, known as Wolf Park, which is home to wolves, bison and foxes.

As she tried to narrow down her interests to a specific field, she became intrigued with animal husbandry, said Wolf Park Managing Director Dana Drenzek.

"What made her a really good fit was her passion and intelligence," Drenzek said. Black would do research on her own and come back with questions, she said.

Cara Wellman, director of IU's Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, recalled that Black was an undergraduate teaching assistant for introductory biology.

"She was very energetic and committed to animal behavior and pursuing a career in animal husbandry," Wellman said. "This is silly, but what comes to my mind is that she was quiet and sweet. That was my impression of her."

In a statement Monday, the center said the lion named Matthai was a 14-year-old male born at the center shortly after his mother was placed there following a 2004 confiscation assisted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

No problems were found at the nonprofit nature center during inspections by the USDA in January 2017 or April 2018, according to government reports. A government inspector counted 16 lions, three tigers and two leopards among 85 total animals during the 2018 site visit.

A 2016 federal tax filing shows the center earned about $711,000 from gifts, grants and contributions while spending about $600,000 operating the center that year. An online public records search indicates the center faced state tax liens totaling thousands of dollars in 2017.

While the center is USDA-licensed, animal welfare advocates note that it's not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which requires facilities to meet strict animal safety and security standards.

The Humane Society has urged North Carolina to go beyond the USDA licensing standards, arguing that it's among four states with particularly lax laws on private ownership of dangerous wild animals.

The organization pushed for a 2015 bill to make it illegal to own lions, tigers and other wild carnivores unless a facility was accredited by AZA or met other strict standards. The bill passed the state House but not the Senate.

"The longer North Carolina does nothing as other states continue to pass stricter and stricter laws, North Carolina is going to see people coming into the state with their collections of dangerous wild animals, and the problem is simply going to grow," Lisa Wathne, the Humane Society's director of captive wildlife protection, said in an interview.

The center was founded in 1999 as an "educational nonprofit dedicated to providing a specialized home for select carnivore species," according to its website. The site says it houses 21 species and gets more than 16,000 visitors annually after starting public tours in 2007.

A center spokeswoman, Taylor Sharp, said the facility's leadership was not available to discuss safety and security Monday. The center acknowledges its lack of AZA accreditation on the site, noting that "facilities with more limited income must carefully choose how to allocate their resources."

Associated Press Writer Sarah Brumfield contributed to this report.
The boyfriend of a Russian woman who admitted she was a secret agent for the Kremlin has been charged with fraud in South Dakota, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.

Businessman and conservative political operative Paul Erickson, 56, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to 11 counts of wire fraud and money laundering, a day after he was indicted, according to the South Dakota U.S. Attorney's Office. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each count. The charges appear unrelated to the case of Maria Butina, 30, who pleaded guilty in December for trying to infiltrate conservative political groups.

Prosecutors said Erickson defrauded "many victims" from 1996 through August 2018. The indictment accuses Erickson of concocting a variety of schemes to carry out well over $1 million in fraudulent transactions, including recruiting investors for a string of elder care homes; developing a wheelchair that allowed a person to use the bathroom from the chair; and home-building in North Dakota's booming oil fields.

Erickson made false representations to get people to invest in the schemes, according to prosecutors. An attorney for Erickson didn't immediately return a phone message seeking comment from The Associated Press.

Before his indictment, Erickson was caught up in Butina's high-profile case, which was separate from special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Butina acknowledged she "sought to establish unofficial lines of communication with Americans having power and influence over U.S. politics," according to her plea agreement. She admitted that her boyfriend, Erickson, helped her as she tried to use his ties with the National Rifle Association to set up the back channels. It's not clear if Erickson will face charges in that case. As part of her deal, Butina pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to act as an unregistered foreign agent and she agreed to cooperate with investigators.

In South Dakota, Erickson in 2015 helped arrange speeches for Butina to talk about freedom and entrepreneurship at a Sioux Falls school, at the University of South Dakota and at a teenage Republican camp held in the Black Hills.

Arranging the events followed an unusual career for Erickson that included working on Pat Buchanan's 1992 presidential campaign and making an action movie with Jack Abramoff.

Erickson served as national treasurer of the College Republicans while at Yale University. He graduated in 1984, got a law degree in 1988 from the University of Virginia and was executive producer of Abramoff's brainchild, "Red Scorpion," an anti-communist action film starring Dolph Lundgren.
Maryland lawmakers have raised serious questions about the way work zone speed cameras have been monitored.

A report from the state Office of Legislative Audits shows for most of 2017, Marylands State Highway Administration did not adequately monitor the Maryland SafeZones program vendor.

The program is meant to protect highway workers. For example, along the Suitland Road bridge project, the speed limit is 55 mph. Drive 12 mph over the speed limit and youll automatically be issued a ticket.

According to the audit report, there were 18 work zone cameras during the time the audit was performed, but 10 of those sites did not have the proper inspections.

Any dealing with speed cameras is a sensitive topic, said State Sen. Craig Zucker, D-Montgomery County, who led the audit.

It showed a lack of documentation showing requirements were being met  like a mandatory trained operator being present with the cameras and road signage showing photo enforcement was in use.

Tens of thousands of tickets were issued during the time of the audit.

If drivers felt like they got faulty tickets, then they could always challenge, Zucker said.

He said hes been assured the cameras were calibrated properly.

The State Highway Administration agreed with the report and said it has corrected the issues.
 Flash

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said Wednesday in Washington D.C. that the world needs China and the United States to work together more than ever before.

Speaking at the reception for the 40th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations and the Chinese New Year, Cui said as the world is undergoing profound changes, it needs both China and the United States to work together.

"New global challenges keep coming up. More than ever before, the world needs China and the United States to work together," Cui said.

"Our people need us to work together. As our common interests grow, we should continue to expand and deepen our cooperation on the basis of the achievements of the last four decades," Cui said.

Cui said the 40-year-old China-U.S. relationship has brought the two countries closer on a number of regional and global issues, such as overcoming the global financial crisis and finding a political solution to the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

"No better option" for China, U.S. than cooperation

"The past 40 years have proved that cooperation is in the interests of both countries while confrontation hurts both," Cui Tiankai said, adding "there is no better option for us than cooperation."

Cui highlighted the progress both countries have made over the past four decades, saying "China and the U.S. have interacted on such an extensive scale and influenced each other in so many ways that each is stronger and better than it would be otherwise."

According to Cui, daily trade between the two countries is worth more than 1.5 billion U.S. dollars. More than 14,000 people fly between the two countries every day for work, study and leisure. There are now 50 pairs of sister states/provinces and 227 pairs of sister cities between the two countries.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs Matt Pottinger and a number of members of Congress attended the event.

"Decoupling" of China, U.S. disastrous for world economy

Cui Tiankai warned that the so-called "decoupling" of China and the United States would be disastrous for both economies and the world economy at large.

China will open its door wider to the United States and look forward to more cooperation at various levels, Cui said.

Cui urged both countries to remain open to each other and become more connected instead.

"We are the two largest economies in the world. Each has its own strengths. Each is complementary to the other. Both have much greater opportunities if we stay open to each other. Both will be much more prosperous if we cooperate with each other," Cui said.

Cui also extended an invitation to the United States to participate in the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which will be held in China in April this year.

China, U.S. need to properly handle differences

Addressing the reception for the 40th Anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations and the Chinese New Year at the Chinese embassy, Cui acknowledged the differences between China and the United States in history, culture and social system, but said both countries should "not be intimidated by those differences."

"We need to respect each other's independent choice of social systems and paths of development, and accommodate each other's core interests and concerns," Cui said.

"Whether on economic or security issues, we can always find a way out if we address the differences with candor and good faith, based on mutual respect and common interest," Cui said.

Cui also called on the two countries to promote mutual understanding, staying open to each other and becoming more connected, while stepping up people-to-people exchanges and enhancing popular support for those relations.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs Matt Pottinger, a number of members of Congress and about 750 guests attended the event.

The People's Republic of China and the United States formally established ties on Jan. 1, 1979. Over the past four decades, the progress of China-U.S. ties is nothing but staggering, far exceeding most people's expectations.

Bilateral trade grew from a negligible 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in the late 1970s to over 580 billion dollars in 2017, while the stock of two-way investment rose from practically nil to more than 230 billion dollars.
Anti-fascist activists in Virginia have published allegations linking a Virginia Capitol Police sergeant to white nationalists. He's since been placed on paid leave.

The Virginia Division of Capitol Police said in a release Wednesday they are investigating whether Sgt. Robert A. Stamm violated unspecified policy.

On Tuesday, the Antifascists of Seven Hills published links to Stamm's social media accounts and described his tattoos. Their blog post said social media activity suggests Stamm follows the Asatru Folk Assembly, which the Southern Poverty Law Center describes as a hate group blending northern European paganism and ethnocentrism.

The anti-fascist group says Stamm caught their attention while monitoring protests calling for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's removal over a racist photo in his 1984 yearbook, the Richmond-Times Dispatch reports.

The newspaper couldn't immediately reach Stamm for comment.
Ozzy Osbourne has been hospitalized for complications from the flu, his wife Sharon announced Wednesday on Twitter.



"His doctors feel this is the best way to get him on a quicker road to recovery," she wrote. "Thanks to everyone for their concern and love."

The news of his hospitalization comes a week after the 70-year-old rock star postponed 16 upcoming shows of his "No More Tours 2" tour in the U.K. and Europe after developing a "severe upper-respiratory infection" that doctors feared could turn into pneumonia, according to a statement released Jan. 29.



Im completely devastated for having to postpone the European leg of my tour," Osbourne said in the statement. "It just seems that since October everything I touch has turned to s---. First the staph infection in my thumb and now coming down with the flu and bronchitis. I want to apologize to all of my fans who have been so loyal over the years, my band, my crew and to Judas Priest for letting you all down. However, I promise the tour with Judas Priest will be completed. Its being rescheduled right now to start in September. Again, I apologize to everyone. God Bless. Love you all, Ozzy.



"No More Tours 2" is set to resume on March 9 in Australia, followed by shows in New Zealand, Japan and a two-month stint across the U.S. and Canada with heavy metal band Megadeth, the statement said.
Right-hander Jeremy Hellickson and the Washington Nationals have agreed in principle to a $1.3 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal was subject to a successful physical exam.

The 31-year-old Hellickson could earn up to $4 million more in performance bonuses, based on the number of games he starts.

He was 5-3 with a 3.45 ERA in 19 starts for Washington last season.

The Nationals are Hellickson's fifth club in a big league career that began in 2010 with the Tampa Bay Rays.

He is 74-72 with a 4.07 ERA in the majors.

Hellickson is expected to be the front-runner to claim the No. 5 spot in Washington's starting rotation, following Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin and Anibal Sanchez.

Hellickson can earn $200,000 each for starts 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21 and 23, and $300,000 apiece for 25-30.

The agreement with Hellickson comes one week before the Nationals' pitchers and catchers are due to report to spring training in Florida.
President Donald Trump warned Congress that investigations and legislation don't mix. But Speaker Nancy Pelosi said such threats have no place in the House, as unbowed Democrats charged ahead Wednesday with plans to probe Trump's tax returns, business and ties to Russia.

The chairman of the intelligence committee, Rep. Adam Schiff, announced a broad new investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and Trump's foreign financial interests. Other committees' actions are well under way.

The day after the president essentially laid out the ultimatum to Congress during his State of the Union address, Democrats appeared even more resolved to conduct oversight of his administration and legislate on their priorities.

"The president should not bring threats to the floor of the House," Pelosi told reporters, rebuking Trump for saying during his address that the "ridiculous partisan investigations" must end because they could harm the economy.

Pelosi said Congress has a responsibility to provide oversight, under the Constitution's system of checks and balances, and would be "delinquent" if it failed to do so.

Schiff indicated his committee's investigation will be sweeping. It will include "the scope and scale" of Russian intervention in the 2016 presidential election, the "extent of any links and/or coordination" between Russians and Trump's associates, whether foreign actors have sought to hold leverage over Trump or his family and associates, and whether anyone has sought to obstruct any of the relevant investigations.

"We're going to do our jobs and the president needs to do his," Schiff said, noting the probe will go beyond Russia to include leverage by the Saudis "or anyone else."

Schiff said, "Our job involves making sure that the policy of the United States is being driven by the national interest, not by any financial entanglement, financial leverage or other form of compromise."

Trump immediately shot back, calling Schiff nothing but a "political hack" who has "no basis to do that."

"It's called presidential harassment," Trump said during an event at the White House as he announced his new pick to head the World Bank.

After eight years in the minority, House Democrats are releasing their bottled-up legislative energy at a time when Trump's annual joint address to Congress lacked many new initiatives of his own.

The Democrats agenda goes beyond oversight of Trump's administration and Russian election interference to the bread-and-butter issues of jobs, health care and the economy that propelled them to the House majority. Pelosi said they still hope to work with the White House on shared priorities, particularly on lowering prescription drug costs and investing in infrastructure.

On Wednesday, one House committee held a hearing on gun violence. Two others gaveled in to address climate change. And three more were debating protecting people with pre-existing medical conditions and the Affordable Care Act.

The Foreign Affairs Committee was debating the war in Yemen and a war powers resolution to halt U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led coalition.

Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the chairman of the Oversight Committee, said Trump has to understand "that he has to be accountable."

"It's not about partisan investigations," said Cummings. "We all have to be accountable. And it's a new day."

The flurry of activity brought a turn of events for the new Congress. Democrats had been off to a rough start as the 35-day government shutdown jammed the agenda and stifled the energetic freshmen class that swept the party to power in the midterm election.

With the longest government closure over, for now, the new majority is eager to deliver on its promises before the next election shifts attention yet again.

Pelosi made a calculation after the election to forego a traditional 100-days agenda  or the 100-hours to-do list she rolled out in 2007, the last time Democrats had the majority  in favor of a return to the legislative process.

It's partly a nod to the diverse Democratic majority, whose members hold different views on some issues. But it's also a part of Democrats' efforts to revive traditional governing, rather than lurching from crisis to crisis, as had become the norm when Republicans were unable to control their often unruly conservative flank. Under new House rules, every bill must pass through committee before coming to a vote on the floor.

James Curry, an associate professor of political science at the University of Utah, said Democrats have a short window to capture the public's attention. "They want to show voters they can legislate, they can run the government, they can do the things they said they're going to do," he said.

"Reality," Curry added, "is obviously more complicated than that."

Much of the House's legislation will fall flat in the Senate, where Republicans retain majority control. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is expected to ensure his chamber serves as a backstop to prevent Democratic bills from landing on Trump's desk  although the Senate's own bipartisan investigation into Russian election interference continues.

The more likely result is that the legislative agenda sets the stage for the next election, in 2020, when voters will be assessing not only the performance of the new House majority but also which party they prefer in the White House.

This month, Democrats expect to pass H.R. 1, a sweeping reform of campaign finance and voting rights laws, and then turn to legislation to expand background checks for sales and transfers of firearms.

At the Natural Resources Committee, overflow crowds of schoolkids, environmental activists and others turned out for the first of what Chairman Raul Grijalva promises will be a month of hearings on the effect of climate change on coastal communities, national parks and other areas under the committee's oversight.

"Today we turn the page from climate denial to climate action," said Grijalva, an Arizona Democrat.

The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, expressed disappointment that Trump did not mention gun violence in his State of the Union address Tuesday night.

"It is evident from the energy and the crowd in this room, as well as the millions of people across the country fighting for sensible gun safety laws, that the public is demanding national legislation," Nadler said as he gaveled open the hearing.

But Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia, the top Republican on the judiciary panel, called the background checks measure a "fraud" that promises protection against gun violence without achieving it.

The House intelligence committee also voted Wednesday to send the transcripts from the panel's earlier Russia investigation to special counsel Robert Mueller. Republicans ended that probe in March, concluding there was no evidence of conspiracy or collusion between Russia and Trump's presidential campaign. Democrats strongly objected at the time, saying the move was premature.

The voluminous cache will include transcripts of interviews with Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.; his son-in-law, Jared Kushner; his longtime spokeswoman, Hope Hicks; and his former bodyguard Keith Schiller. There are dozens of other transcripts of interviews with former Obama administration officials and Trump associates.
A woman who accused a California Assembly candidate of sexual battery in an Encinitas bar will spend two days in jail after pleading guilty to false accusation charges.

Niki Burgan said 2018 candidate Phil Graham kissed her without consent in the First Street Bar on the evening of May 14 and followed her outside of the bar where he attempted to have her touch him sexually.

Burgan admitted those accusations were false in court on Tuesday.

In a victim impact statement read by Graham in court, the San Diego businessman said Burgan's false accusations interfered with an election, and, "In a free and democratic society, this is a reprehensible crime."

"Simply do a Google search and ugly stories pop right up. Yes, there will be stories of Ms. Burgan pleading guilty, but those other stories will always be there, and sadly, even though the evidence of falsification and lying to law enforcement is clear, that alone will never suffice to eradicate doubt," the statement read in part.

Graham went on to say that he believes the accusations cost him the election, and also thousands of dollars.

"My life has been forever changed because of the intentional, false actions of Ms. Burgan; I ask the court to take this impact into consideration in its [sentencing] decision," Graham asked.

Burgan was sentenced to 48 hours in jail, three years of probation and 10 days of community service. She will serve her time on Feb. 22 and March 8. There is also a possibility that she will have to pay restitution.

San Diego County Sheriff's Department Sexual Assault Detectives began conducting an investigation into the alleged incident on May 21 (a day after Burgan reported it) that included interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance video from inside and outside of the business. SDSO says the evidence disproves the womans account.

As a result, the case was closed pending any new or additional information, SDSO said.

Graham is the stepson of former mayor and retired Governor Pete Wilson and has been endorsed by the San Diego GOP and Supervisor Ron Roberts, among others.
The U.S. Navy commissioned its futuristic Zumwalt-class destroyer, the USS Michael Monsoor, with traditional ceremonies that included a 19-gun salute in late January.

The public ceremonies in Coronado stand in contrast to more private business activities across the bay in a Barrio Logan shipyard, or in offices where engineers fine-tune ships software.

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair, on the waterfront where Sampson Street crosses Belt Street, has a contract to do post-construction work on the two Zumwalt-class destroyers in the harbor. Initially valued at $10.3 million when awarded in late 2016, the deal could swell to a maximum value of $193 million through 2021. As part of the indefinite-quantity deal, BAE will install combat systems.

The Monsoor is the second of three Zumwalt-class destroyers, which are designed to be stealthy. On radar, the 610-foot, 15,700-ton ships reportedly have the profile of a fishing vessel.

A different branch of BAE Systems, the Weapons Systems business, has the contract for the ships 155mm (6.2-inch) guns. There is no official word on what the guns might shoot. The U.S. Naval Institute, a publisher, not affiliated with the government, reported in January that the Navy is still thinking about the matter. An original plan to use custom, rocket-assisted rounds was shelved after the cost of those rounds rose to nearly $1 million apiece.

A Zumwalt destroyer also includes Mark 57 vertical launch systems for surface-to-air missiles and cruise missiles  a capability it shares with the more conventional Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

BAE Systems is based in the United Kingdom.

Raytheon Co. provides electronic and combat systems for the Zumwalt destroyers, including the Total Ship Computing Environment. In 6 million lines of code, it provides all shipboard computing applications, including the combat management system; C4I (thats command, control, communications, computers and intelligence) elements; ship and machinery control systems; damage control; and support system. Needless to say, the system is encrypted.

The Navy sends millions of dollars to Raytheon in San Diego to improve the Zumwalt ships software. When it awarded a nine-month contract in fall 2017, $6.8 million worth of the work was slated to be done locally. More recently, $20 million of a nine-month software contract awarded in December was designated to flow to San Diego. Part of the latter is R&D funding.

The lead ship of the class, the USS Zumwalt, is also based in San Diego.

Michael Monsoor was a U.S. Navy SEAL who died in combat in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. Monsoor received the Medal of Honor posthumously.

Additional stories from the San Diego Business Journal are available here. Sign up for their free daily email newsletter.
Hundreds of migrants in a new caravan that just reached the U.S. border may have to wait in Northern Mexico for months because the U.S. agents in the tiny Texas town where they want to cross can only currently process fewer than 20 migrants a day, Customs and Border Protection officials told NBC News reported.

More than 1,800 migrants arrived in Piedras Negras, Mexico, on Tuesday, just across the Rio Grande from Eagle Pass, Texas.

Border agents in Eagle Pass can process fewer than 20 asylum seekers a day, but as of now, there are no plans to beef up the number of officers who can administer a credible-fear interview, the first step towards seeking asylum. In a credible-fear interview, an asylum seeker tries to establish there is reason to fear returning home.

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety declined to comment. A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection did not respond to a request for comment.
What to Know A fugitive from Maine was arrested in Berks County, Pennsylvania, on child porn charges, investigators said.

James Millette, 32, is charged with sexual abuse of children related to the dissemination and possession of child pornography.

Detectives obtained a search warrant Wednesday and arrested Millette at a Reading, Pennsylvania, apartment on Thursday.

A fugitive from Maine was arrested in Berks County, Pennsylvania, on child porn charges, investigators said.

James Millette, 32, is charged with sexual abuse of children related to the dissemination and possession of child pornography as well as violating the uniform criminal extradition act.

The investigation began on Oct. 10, 2018, when the Berks County Detectives Office received a complaint from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (N.C.M.E.C.) involving child pornography file sharing through an internet/web application.

Officials identified Millette as the person associated with the I.P. address and the location, an apartment on the 1600 block of N. 9th Street in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Detectives obtained a search warrant Wednesday and arrested Millette at the apartment on Thursday.

Investigators say they found hundreds of images of suspected child pornography on a computer inside the apartment. They also determined Millette was a fugitive from Maine who was wanted on an outstanding warrant related to child pornography possession.

Millette was transported to the Berks County Courthouse and will be extradited back to Maine, investigators said.
What to Know A driver was rescued from the mangled wreckage of his vehicle after crashing into a pole in Chadds Ford.

Police say the driver fled a traffic stop and led state troopers on a chase before crashing.

Officials have not yet revealed the driver's condition.

A driver crashed into an auto shop pole in Delaware County after he allegedly fled State Troopers during a traffic stop.

The incident began Wednesday around 2:15 p.m. on Wilmington Pike at Pyle Road in Chadds Ford when troopers tried to conduct a traffic stop on a Hyundai Elantra for summary traffic violations.

The driver didn't yield and continued southbound on Wilmington Pike, leading to a police chase in which he almost hit a bystander, investigators said.

A pursuing trooper used a legal intervention method to push the car over to the side of the road which caused the driver's vehicle to hit a curb, flip and crash into a pole in front of Auto & Truck Outfitters, investigators said.

"It sounded like a bomb," Andrew Patanovick, a witness, told NBC10. "It was so loud. It almost felt like it shook."

Witnesses said police officers approached the wrecked vehicle with guns drawn. That changed however once they saw that the driver needed help.

SkyForce10 was over the scene as rescue crews worked for nearly an hour to remove the driver from the mangled remains of the vehicle, which was completely wrapped around the still-standing pole.

The driver was eventually pulled out. EMS workers then transported the driver by a medical helicopter to a nearby hospital. Officials have not yet revealed his or her condition.

Police continue to investigate the crash. Southbound lanes on Wilmington Pike were shut down but later reopened.
 Flash

The Chinese embassy in the United States on Wednesday launched a program titled "My China Album" to encourage people to share their stories and memories relating to ties between the two countries.

The program, co-organized by Chinese newspaper China Daily, was launched to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations.

"We invite you and all our friends all over the United States to come and share with us your most memorable stories with China," Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said.

"Together we will build stronger ties between our peoples, and with your personal stories, you will help make history," he added.

Zhou Shuchun, editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the China-U.S. relationship is "really about the people" and that by sharing of stories and photos of the people, both countries can better bridge the gap of understanding.

The program encourages people in the United States to submit photos and stories highlighting their most memorable experiences in China, especially their interaction with the Chinese people, according to a statement from China Daily.

Judges will choose 10 finalists from all participants and the grand prize will be two round trip flight tickets between New York and Beijing.

The People's Republic of China and the United States formally established diplomatic ties on Jan. 1, 1979.

Bilateral trade grew from a negligible 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in the late 1970s to over 580 billion dollars in 2017, while the stock of two-way investments rose from practically nil to more than 230 billion dollars.
What to Know Last year, the number of people in Philadelphia who claimed to be victims of deed fraud jumped by more than 70 percent, city data shows.

An NBC10 investigation found that between 2013 and 2017, the city averaged 72 fraud reports per year. That number climbed to 136 in 2018.

The city Records Department, which tracks deed transfers, only ensures appropriate paperwork has been turned in and notarized.

Curtis Simmons still remembers the place his grandfather lived until his death in 2002: a small building he owned in the Graduate Hospital section of Philadelphia that held a modest apartment a garage workshop.

He was the type of person who didnt need a lot of extras, Simmons said.

When his grandfather lived on South 20th Street, the neighborhood was mostly black residents and Center Citys development boom had not reached the block, Simmons said. But that started to change several years ago, prompting Simmons to reconsider his vision for the space.

He wanted to turn the building into condos and found a buyer who was ready to pay $400,000. But when Simmons visited the city records department, he made a shocking discovery.

Simmons no longer owned the property.

Its stunning, the 50-year-old said. Thats the only way to say it.

A Philadelphia records clerk showed Simmons a notarized sales agreement that had already transferred the property deed to a property investor for $150,000. Simmons did not receive any of that money, he said.

Its a forgery, Simmons said. Its clearly a forgery.

Simmons is not alone. Last year, the number of people in Philadelphia who claimed to be victims of deed fraud jumped by more than 70 percent, according to City of Philadelphia data. Fraudulent transfers of property disproportionately affects low-income communities and those of color, according to advocates. The elderly are also particularly vulnerable.

An NBC10 investigation found that between 2013 and 2017, the city averaged 72 fraud reports per year. That number climbed to 136 allegations in 2018.

Part of the problem is oversight. The Philadelphia Records Department, which tracks deed transfers, only ensures appropriate paperwork has been turned in and notarized. No further verification is necessary under Pennsylvania law.

In fact, once a deed transfer form is completely filled out and notarized, the city records department is obligated to accept it, attorney Bill Tinter said.

They dont have handwriting experts or any of that, he said. Its not their responsibility.

These types of fraudulent schemes can be easy to carry out because they often target properties that are not currently occupied, like the one belonging to Simmons. He is now facing a lengthy and costly legal battle to reclaim the home that was bequeathed to him in 2010, Simmons said.

Its a problem I never should have had, he said. And it wasnt a problem of my making.

Homeowners arent the only victims  developers can also fall prey to larger real estate conspiracies. Logan Kramer, who rehabs homes in Breweytown and then flips them, said he lost about $25,000 to a man now facing various forgery, fraud and related offenses.

William Johnson is accused of stealing seven houses in North Philadelphia with deeds containing fake signatures of dead owners or aging "sellers, the District Attorney's office has charged. His bail is set at $51,000, about the same price he sold a stolen house in 2017, according to Philadelphia resident Beverly Strickland. Her late fathers home was resold for $50,000 without her familys consent, she said.

Another 91-year-old woman lost her house when her name was forged on a deed in 2017.

You have dead people and their heirs, as the owners, who are victims, Kramer said. Unless their heirs are paying attention to whats going on with the properties, nothing usually gets caught until years down the road.

That is a problem city leaders aim to fix. In 2010, Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, who represents Philadelphia's 7th District, and Councilman-at-large Bill Greenlee authored bills to require the city deeds office to ask for identification from potential filers. In the case of someone who is an heir, that person would need to present signed letters from the city register of deeds. But a notary can be faked with a stolen or fraudulent stamp.

NBC10 spoke with a notary public whose signature had been forged. She was shocked after seeing a document bearing her stamp, which had not been stolen but instead replicated.

They have the stamp and it looks legit, but I never notarized anything like this, Cynthia Harmon said. Im a victim, too.

The Philadelphia District Attorneys Office has been investigating William Johnson since March, District Attorney Larry Krasner said. The charges were the result of a prolonged investigation by his offices renewed economic and cyber crimes unit. A predecessor, who Krasner declined to name, made it a policy to only go after deed fraud cases involving 19 or more units, he said.

Imagine a world where we only went after car thieves when they hit No. 20? Krasner said. Unless we change things, it will be more difficult to go buy groceries with your credit card than it is to get away with house fraud in Philadelphia.

What You Can Do

Most people with mortgages are required to have title insurance, which should protect from deed fraud. Homeowners whose properties are vacant should regularly visit the building and collect mail to avoid the attention of would-be thieves.

You can also check your countys property records online to be sure nothing has changed without your approval. If it has, contact city officials immediately.
What to Know The Washington Post obtained Elizabeth Warren's 1986 registration for the State Bar of Texas, which she ID'd herself as an "American Indian"

Warren apologized in private to the chief of the Cherokee Nation for claiming to be a Native American for the past two decades.

Warren is expected to formally announce her candidacy for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination on Saturday.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren has issued a broader apology for claiming Native American ancestry amid a report that she identified herself as an "American Indian" on her registration for the State Bar of Texas.

The apology comes after The Washington Post obtained and published Warren's 1986 registration card for the State Bar of Texas, in which she identifies as "American Indian." The handwritten card was signed by Warren in blue ink. Warren's office did not dispute the authenticity of the card, according to the Post.

Warren told the Post she was sorry for "for furthering confusion on tribal sovereignty and tribal citizenship and harm that resulted."

When asked if an earlier reported apology to the chief of the Cherokee Nation was also because she identified herself as Native American during her time at Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania, Warren reportedly said, "yes."

In a statement to NBC News following the Post report, Warren spokesperson Kristen Orthman said, "As Sen. Warren has said she is not a citizen of any tribe and only tribes determine tribal citizenship. She is sorry that she was not more mindful of this earlier in her career."

Republicans have claimed the Massachusetts senator identified as Native American in order to advance her career, an accusation that Warren has denied. She has released employment documents in an attempt to disprove those claims.

It was previously reported earlier this week that Warren apologized to the chief of the Cherokee Nation, Bill John Baker, for publicly sharing the results of a DNA test that show she has a distant Native American relative.

Warrens DNA test sparked backlash against the Massachusetts Democrat, who announced late December she is forming an exploratory committee for the 2020 campaign.

The Post's report was published ahead of Warren's scheduled announcement this weekend, in which she is expected to formally announce her candidacy for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. She had previously announced she was launching a presidential exploratory committee.
President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi struck starkly different tones in their border security standoff Wednesday, as Trump planned a rally in a Texas border city he says exemplifies the need for a wall and Pelosi said she'd back any bipartisan deal congressional bargainers produce.

The contrasting pathways  with Trump set to appear before raucous supporters and Pelosi signaling compromise  came with just over a week until a Feb. 15 deadline for negotiators to reach agreement or potentially face a renewed partial government shutdown. House-Senate bargainers say their talks have become increasingly substantive and some lawmakers  including Pelosi herself  expressed hopes that negotiators might produce an accord as soon as Friday.

Participants said the two sides were narrowing differences in their talks. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., a negotiator, said Democrats were showing some flexibility in the semantic dispute over the type of physical barriers they would accept while Republicans seemed potentially willing to limit where the structures might be built.

"That basically sets the stage for a very reasonable, flexible negotiation," he said. Other unresolved questions include the amount to be spent on border security, and whether  as Democrats have proposed  to reduce the number of detention beds for migrants available to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, Fleischmann said.

"If they come up with a bipartisan agreement, I'm happy to support it," Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters. She said she hoped Trump would take "the same hands off" approach.

Democrats have been in a position of strength in the talks, after Republicans lost House control in November's elections, Trump forced a record 35-day federal shutdown and surrendered without getting $5.7 billion he's demanded for a wall.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has also given bargainers a green light to seek a deal that he's said he hopes Trump would find "worth signing."

If Pelosi and McConnell embrace a bipartisan agreement, it could isolate Trump and pressure him to accept it without re-escalating the fight. Trump has threatened a new shutdown or a declaration of a national emergency to access other budget funds if he's not satisfied with a deal  steps members of both parties oppose.

Bargainers met Wednesday privately for nearly two hours with federal border patrol and customs officials to hear their recommendations on how to secure the Southwest border. But several lawmakers emerged with differing conclusions.

No. 2 Senate Democratic leader Richard Durbin said lawmakers were told the top priority was technology that could screen vehicles for drugs or migrants at border ports of entry.

"They don't rule out barriers, they don't rule out fencing, but that isn't the first priority," Durbin told reporters.

But Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., said the officials suggested a three-pronged approach using barriers, technology and personnel. He said the closed-door session was constructive.

"The dialogue is good. The tone is good. We're talking about substance," Shelby said.

He also said that in a phone conversation with Pelosi, "I just said, 'Look, can we reach a yes on this in any way or are we wasting our time.' She said, 'No, keep working together,' and she would like to see a legislative solution, the sooner the better."

In comments that suggested a potential avenue for agreement, some lawmakers suggested that giving local officials a say would be pivotal.

"We can probably get there on some sort of enhanced barriers with local input," said another negotiator, Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas.

Democrats have proposed spending as much as $1.6 billion for border security including some types of physical barriers, but it remains unclear how much more money they'd accept as part of a deal. Cuellar said $5.7 billion for the wall is "not going to happen."

Meanwhile, the White House said Trump will hold his first campaign rally of the year next Monday in El Paso, Texas. His campaign manager, Brad Parscale, tweeted that the rally will be held "less than 1000 feet from the successful border fence that keeps El Paso safe!"

In his State of the Union address Tuesday, Trump cited El Paso as once having "extremely high rates of violent crime. He asserted that with its wall, "El Paso is one of the safest cities in our country."

In fact, El Paso has never been considered one of the nation's most dangerous cities and its trends in violent crime mirror national swings.

In 2005, the city had a murder rate of 2.5 for every 100,000 residents, compared with a national rate of 5.6. By 2010 after the wall was built, El Paso's murder rate had dropped to 0.9 for every 100,000 residents, compared with a national average of 4.8.

Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, tweeted that "El Paso has been one of the safest cities in the nation long before the wall was built in 2008. #WallsDontWork."

"El Paso is safe due to its people, the good community relations with law enforcement, and the trust of all communities in our local institutions," Fernando Garcia, executive director of the Border Network for Human Rights, said in a statement. "El Pasoans should be offended by the way the president used our community to advance his racist and xenophobic agenda."

Associated Press writer Elliot Spagat contributed to this report.
What to Know The son of a woman found dead in a garbage bag in New Jersey told his girlfriend hed killed his mother, prosecutors say

Jared Eng, 22, his girlfriend Caitlyn ORourke, 21, and a third woman have been charged with concealing a human corpse

Eng's mother Paula Chin's body was found in a garbage bag at a home she owned in Morristown, New Jersey, according to prosecutors

The son of a Manhattan woman found dead in a garbage bag in New Jersey told his girlfriend hed killed his mother  and said that it took her a while to die, prosecutors say.

Jared Eng, 22, his girlfriend Caitlyn ORourke, 21, and a third woman, Jennifer Lopez, 18, were charged with concealing a corpse after the body of Engs mother, Paula Chin, was found at a home she owned in Morristown, New Jersey, prosecutors said.

At his perp walk on Wednesday, Eng denied killing his mother. ORourke, however, told detectives Eng called her and said hed killed Chin, according to the complaint.

Eng "admitted [to O'Rourke] that it took Ms. Chin a while to die and that they subsequently transported [Chin's] body to New Jersey, the complaint says.

ORourke told detectives she, Eng and Lopez drove to Chins New Jersey home on Feb. 1, where Chin's body was stuffed in a garbage bag.

The three of them then tossed Chins body into a garbage bin outside the home, ORourke told detectives.

ORourke and her co-defendants brought clothes from Chins Manhattan apartment to the New Jersey home, where she and Eng washed them, she told detectives, according to the complaint.

When police searched the New Jersey home, they found duct tape, bloody rubber gloves in the garbage and blood stains on the floor inside the garage, the complaint says. A search of Chins car on Tuesday turned up the same duct tape, the complaint says. Police also found blood on the carpet and clothes that belonged to Chin.

In a conversation found on ORourkes cell phone, Lopez alluded to something being all clean, adding that the hardest part was backing up the car, the complaint says.

Surveillance video taken outside Chins Manhattan apartment on Jan. 31 shows Lopez getting in and out of Chins car, and another, unidentified person carrying a duffle bag-like container out of the building and putting it in the trunk, according to the complaint.

Eng admitted to detectives that he and Lopez drove his mothers car to New Jersey twice between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, the complaint says.

All three of the defendants have been charged with tampering with physical evidence and concealing a human corpse, prosecutors said. None of them have been charged with Chins murder.

Chin has two sons, and law enforcement sources said they are looking into whether a family dispute over money may have led to the killing. Officials said it is believed Chin was stabbed in the throat during the argument

People who work on the block said Chin was the landlord at her building in Manhattan, and at least one of her sons also lived there. Public city records confirmed she owned the building at the address, along with Philip Eng.
What to Know Authorities say an Indiana man and his former girlfriend plotted to have his ex-wife killed in New Jersey

The man was in a holding cell in May 2018 when he allegedly asked another inmate if he knew anyone who could kill his estranged wife

The inmate indicated he did, and the man and his former girlfriend met with that person  an undercover officer, authorities say

Authorities say an Indiana man and his former girlfriend plotted to have his ex-wife killed in New Jersey.

Federal prosecutors say Narsan Lingala, a 55-year-old Middlesex County resident, and 52-year-old Sandya Reddy, both of Noblesville, are each charged with murder-for-hire.

Both made their initial court appearances this week and were ordered held without bail. They each would face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Lingala was in a holding cell in May 2018, awaiting a court hearing, when he allegedly asked another inmate if he knew anyone who could kill his estranged wife.

The inmate indicated he did, and authorities say Lingala and Reddy met with that person  an undercover officer  a few months later.

It's not known if Lingala or Reddy have retained attorneys.
What to Know Police have identified the woman whose body was found bound in a suitcase on a street in Greenwich, Connecticut Tuesday morning

Valerie Reyes, 24, of New Rochelle, was last seen on Jan. 29, Greenwich police said Thursday

Her disappearance had been reported to the New Rochelle Police Department, according to police

The woman whose body was found bound in a red suitcase on a street in an upscale Connecticut suburb Tuesday morning has been identified as a missing 24-year-old New York woman, police said.

Greenwich police say the body was positively identified as Valerie Reyes of New Rochelle; her family was notified Wednesday night. Reyes was last seen on Jan. 29, and reported missing on Jan. 30.

Her mother, Norma Sanchez, spoke to News 4 New York Thursday, stunned and grasping for answers. She said the last time she spoke to her daughter, Reyes had left her New Rochelle apartment, then went into Manhattan. Her family thought she was seeking help for her anxiety and depression.

That Monday night, Sanchez got a call from her daughter: "She was panicked. She was frightened. She was scared."

"We asked if her ex-boyfriend made her feel a certain way, and she said no. If anything, he made me feel safe," said Sanchez.

Reyes had taken bed sheets and towels from her New Rochelle apartment before heading into the city, where she took out money from a bank near Rockefeller Center. Days later, she took out more money at another bank.

The family thought Reyes "was strong enough to just leave and seek help in the city. We were hoping. We were hoping she was seeking therapy."

"We just went about our day, 'She's fine, she's gonna come back, they're gonna find her,'" said Sanchez. "But not this way. This is a mother's worse nightmare."

Sanchez said her daughter, whom she called Val, was vibrant and friendly. She worked at a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Eastchester since it opened two and a half years ago.

"She was very hard-working, very dedicated," said Sanchez. "She didn't show up for work on Wednesday. That was something very unusual. She didn't call, so that's what made us worried even more."

Reyes was passionate about art and enjoyed drawing and painting, according to Lauren Bradford, who said she worked with Reyes at the bookstore for about 10 months before Bradford left the job to go to college a few months ago. Reyes had plans to train to become a tattoo artist, Bradford said.

"Horrified. Absolutely horrified," said Bradford, 19. "I'm just like totally shocked. She was a confidant. She really encouraged me and my aspirations. She had a really bright future. She was really excited about her art and her goals."

Emotional family members and friends lit candles and released balloons at a vigil for Reyes at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle Thursday night. Sanchez, anguished and sobbing, called her daughter "a beautiful soul" and "amazing in so many ways -- always wanting to be happy and helping others."

"He's going to pay for it," she said, crying, of her daughter's unknown killer. "Sooner or later he will get caught. I know it, I know it."

Highway workers found Reyes' body inside a full-size suitcase off of Glenville Road, north of Stillman Lane, at around 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, police said. Reyes' hands and feet were bound inside the suitcase, according to police.

Police said it was difficult to tell how long Reyes had been dead due to the environment and fluctuating temperatures in the particular area where the victim was found. The chief medical examiner will determine a cause and manner of death.

On Thursday, Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei announced that a town public works employee who allegedly took photos of the body and crime scene has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. He declined to name the worker.

"The victim was a daughter, a sister and a cousin of a family who is suffering a tremendous loss at this time," Tesei said. "This thoughtless and insensitive behavior by an employee is inexcusable. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Reyes' family."

Authorities urge anyone with information to call the Greenwich Police at 203-622-3333.
What to Know The New York Police Department wants the navigation app Waze to stop warning drivers about sobriety checkpoints

But Waze says the app shows "general police presence" and not DWI checkpoints specifically

The dispute centers on a feature that shows drivers a mustachioed cartoon officer at locations where other Waze users have spotted police

The New York Police Department wants the navigation app Waze to stop warning drivers about sobriety checkpoints.

But Waze says the app shows "general police presence" and not DWI checkpoints specifically.

The dispute centers on a feature that shows drivers a mustachioed cartoon officer at locations where other Waze users have spotted police.

The NYPD sent a letter to Waze's parent company Google last weekend warning that people who post the locations of DWI checkpoints "may be engaging in criminal conduct." The letter demands that Google remove the officer-spotting function from Waze.

Waze says in a statement that it believes highlighting police presence "promotes road safety" because people drive more carefully when they know there are officers nearby.

Waze says there is "no separate functionality" for reporting DWI checkpoints
What to Know A veterinarian who surgically implanted liquid heroin in puppies on behalf of Colombian drug traffickers has been sentenced to prison in NY

Prosecutors says Andres Lopez Elorez leased farm in Medellin, Colombia, where he raised dogs and surgically implanted bags of liquid heroin

Elorez pleaded guilty in September to conspiring to import heroin into the United States

A veterinarian who surgically implanted liquid heroin in puppies on behalf of Colombian drug traffickers has been sentenced to six years in prison in New York City.

One of the puppies went on to become a drug-detection dog named Heroina.

The sentence for Andres Lopez Elorez was announced in Brooklyn by U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue and other law enforcement officials.

Elorez, who pleaded guilty in September to conspiring to import heroin into the United States, was part of a scheme that turned puppies and dogs into drug couriers by stitching packets of liquid heroin into their bodies.

The U.S. government said Elorez leased a farm in Medellin, Colombia, where he secretly raised dogs and surgically implanted bags of liquid heroin in nine puppies for importation.

On Jan. 1, 2005, law enforcement searched the farm and seized 17 bags of liquid heroin, including 10 bags that were removed from puppies.

Three of the puppies died after contracting a virus following the surgeries.

The Colombian-born Elorez was a fugitive until he was arrested in Spain in 2015; he was extradited to the United States in May 2018.

At least two of the puppies went on to a better existence.

Donna, a beagle, was adopted by a Colombian police officer and his family. Heroina, a Rottweiler, was trained by Colombian police to be a drug detection dog.
What to Know A 65-year-old Manhattan mom who has been missing since Monday night was found dead in a garbage bag in Morristown, New Jersey, sources say

Paula Chin's body was found at a home on Bailey Hollow Road, the sources said

Three people have been charged with "concealing a corpse" as police investigate how and why the woman may have been murdered

A 65-year-old Manhattan woman who has been missing since Monday night was found dead in a garbage bag in Morristown, New Jersey, and the woman's son and his girlfriend have been charged with concealing her body, police said.

Paula Chin's body was found at a home she owned on Bailey Hollow Road, the sources said. Investigators believe Chin may have been stabbed to death in her Vestry Street apartment in lower Manhattan in a fight over money, and her body was later driven across the river by her alleged killer.

Her son Jared Eng, 22, of the Vestry Street address, his girlfriend Caitlyn ORourke, 21, of Patterson, New York, and a third woman, Jennifer Lopez, 18, of Manhattan, have been charged with concealing a body, law enforcement officials said.

None of the three had been charged with murder as of Wednesday afternoon, but sources said murder charges could be filed in connection with the case later Wednesday.

Asked if he'd killed his mother, Eng said to reporters "I did not" as he was led from a police station in handcuffs. He said his mother gave him everything and that he loved her. O'Rourke and Lopez said nothing.

https://twitter.com/NYPDMissing/status/1093118693486284801

Chin has two sons, and law enforcement sources said they are looking into whether a family dispute over money may have led to the killing. Officials said it is believed Chin was stabbed in the throat during the argument.

NYPD detectives were expected to execute a warrant to search Chins third-floor apartment on Vestry Street, as well as a car parked nearby that may have been used to transport the corpse, the sources said.

People who work on the block said Chin was the landlord at 17 Vestry, and at least one of her sons also lived there. Public city records confirmed she owned the building at the address, along with Philip Eng.

"I got nothing bad to say about her. I got nothing bad to say about her son, because I liked him," said Robert Jones, a neighbor who was friends with both Chin and Eng, and never suspected any trouble.

Police in Morristown joined NYPD detectives in searching the Bailey Hollow Road home, which Chin also owned.

Residents in Tribeca were stunned to learn their neighbor was allegedly killed.

"I'm in shock," said Emma Greis. "I can't believe that it would happen in an area like this."
What to Know The Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal detention center in Brooklyn, had lost heat and electricity last week amid a cold spell

The Justice Dept. asked the OIG to undertake a review to determine if the Bureau of Prisons responded appropriately to the jail

The power outage left inmates shivering and led to a lawsuit in which lawyers called it a 'humanitarian crisis'

The Justice Department has asked the Office of Inspector General to undertake a review to determine if the Bureau of Prisons responded appropriately to the weeklong power outage at a New York City federal lockup.

In a statement released Wednesday, the Justice Department says it asked the OIG to assess whether the agency "has in place adequate contingency plans for such an incident."

The heat and electrical failure at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn during last week's cold spell left inmates shivering and led to a lawsuit in which lawyers called it a "humanitarian crisis." The facility currently houses over 1,600 inmates.

The statement said the Bureau of Prisons will also conduct a "thorough investigation of the infrastructure at the facility" and its emergency response planning for similar incidents.
 Flash

Ghana's Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) on Wednesday joined the rest of the world to condemn the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), calling on the citizens to act towards ending it.



In a statement to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, the MGCSP called on stakeholders, including the government and civil society groups, not to relent on efforts to end this gruesome act which has no health benefit to women and children.

It said ending FGM in Ghana is the responsibility of all and the fight to eradicate it must be addressed through a national crusade from the national to the community levels.

"We as a community of Ghanaians must demonstrate our commitment to protect our women and girls from human rights abuses to eliminate all forms of violence against them," said the statement signed by Cynthia Mamle Morrison, the Minister of MGCSP.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is celebrated globally every Feb. 6 as part of the United Nation's efforts to eradicate FGM which is one of the ancient cultures practiced in Africa for decades.

FGM refers to the practice that involves the partial or total removal or alteration of the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, resulting in deep-rooted inequality between the sexes and constituting a form of discrimination against females.

In Ghana, some parts of the Northern, Upper East, Upper West and Brong Ahafo and Volta Regions are reported to be notable places where the practice goes on.

Studies show that in Ghana, the prevalence in the 1990s was as high as about 77 percent but it reduced drastically due to the advocacy and sensitization carried out over the years.

The current national prevalence is about four percent.

The Ministry urged law enforcement agencies not to hesitate in prosecuting anyone caught in the act as the laws of Ghana frowns on FGM practice.

Anyone found culpable is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 5 years and not more than 10 years.








Stacey Abrams harnessed the frustration of Democrats on Tuesday with a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump for abandoning working Americans and fomenting partisan and cultural discord.

Just months after narrowly losing her bid to become America's first black woman governor, the Georgia Democrat stepped onto the biggest stage of her political career to deliver her party's rebuttal to Trump's State of the Union address. She was the first black woman to deliver such an address and used the high-wattage event to blister Trump on everything from education and school safety to being out of touch with the middle class.

But she was especially stinging when it came to Trump's role in the 35-day partial government shutdown over his demands for a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border.

(Read a fact check of Abrams' response.)

"The shutdown was a stunt engineered by the president of the United States, one that defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people, but our values," Abrams said.

Her speech was much shorter than the president's hour-plus address. And she largely avoided the pitfalls of others who delivered similar responses, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who broke from his script in 2013 to swig sips of water, and Democratic Rep. Joe Kennedy III, who was ridiculed for his overuse of ChapStick in 2018.

Still, a union hall in Atlanta doesn't compare to the grandeur  and bright lights  of the House chamber, where Trump delivered his speech.

In choosing Abrams to deliver the Democratic response to Trump, party leaders acknowledged the power and influence of women  especially black women  in anchoring the Democratic base. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is trying to persuade Abrams, 45, to run for Senate in 2020, sensing the opportunity to flip a Republican-held seat and bolster turnout in Georgia, which could become a presidential battleground.

Some potential 2020 Democratic presidential contenders were quick to praise her performance.

"Stacey Abrams achieved in a matter of minutes something Donald Trump failed to do in over an hour  to embrace and give voice to the spirit and core values that make America great," former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said, "I think all know why she would have been a wonderful governor of Georgia."

In her speech, the Yale-educated attorney traced her personal story to her parents, who were raised in segregated Jim Crow Mississippi. She recalled how her family and neighbors overcame adversity by relying on each other and valuing education.

"These were our family values: faith, service, education and responsibility," she said, crediting her parents, both of them United Methodist ministers, for teaching her about "this uncommon grace of community."

"We do not succeed alone," she added. "In these United States, when times are tough, we can persevere because our friends and neighbors will come for us."

Abrams' audience at the union hall included workers, activists, labor leaders, health care professionals, educators, entrepreneurs and voters who her aides say had trouble casting their ballots in 2018. Abrams abandoned her governor's race without a formal concession, asserting that her opponent, Brian Kemp used his last post as secretary of state to make it harder for people, particularly minorities and the poor, to cast ballots. Kemp defended his job performance, but Abrams has still emerged as a leading voting-rights advocate nationally.

"Let's be clear: voter suppression is real," she said Tuesday, arguing that the issue must be solved before government will be capable of addressing matters from climate change to expanding health care access.

"This is the next battle for our democracy, one where all eligible citizens can have their say about the vision we want for our country," Abrams said. "The foundation of our moral leadership around the globe is free and fair elections, where voters pick their leaders - not where politicians pick their voters."

As she did running for governor, Abrams spoke candidly about her personal debts, which Republicans have used as an attack. Abrams often said her student loans and other debts amassed caring for family members left her more empathetic than most politicians to what the majority of U.S. households experience in day-to-day life. "My family understood firsthand that while success is not guaranteed, we live in a nation where opportunity is possible," she said.

Republicans are not sparing Abrams, with the Republican National Committee lambasting what it calls "extreme policies" that were "rejected by her home state of Georgia last November." Trump resisted any shots at Abrams leading up to their prime-time juxtaposition. But last fall, as he advocated for Kemp, the president called Abrams "unqualified" for statewide office.

Even as she critiqued Trump, she said she wasn't rooting for his failure.

"I'm disappointed by the president's approach to our problems," she said. "I still don't want him to fail. But we need him to tell the truth, and to respect his duties and the extraordinary diversity that defines America."
Electronics giant Foxconn reversed course and announced Wednesday that the huge Wisconsin plant that was supposed to bring a bounty of blue-collar factory jobs back to the Midwest  and was lured with billions in tax incentives  will instead be primarily a research and development center staffed by scientists and engineers.

The move was decried in some quarters as a case of bait-and-switch by the Taiwan-based company, which originally planned to build high-tech liquid crystal display screens in a project President Donald Trump had proudly pointed to as a sign of a resurgence in American manufacturing.

In a statement, Foxconn said it remains committed to Wisconsin and the creation of 13,000 jobs as promised. But because the global market environment that existed when the $10 billion project was announced in 2017 has shifted, "this has necessitated the adjustment of plans for all projects."

"This news is devastating for the taxpayers of Wisconsin," said Wisconsin Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz, a Democrat. "We were promised manufacturing jobs. We were promised state-of-the-art LCD production. ... And now, it appears Foxconn is living up to their failed track record in the U.S.  leaving another state and community high and dry."

Economic development officials and other supporters of the project urged patience, saying Foxconn still plans to invest what it promised. The White House had no immediate comment.

Foxconn, a major supplier to Apple, is the world's largest contract maker of electronics.

Louis Woo, special assistant to Foxconn's CEO, was quoted as telling Reuters that it is scaling back and possibly shelving plans to build display screens in Wisconsin because "we can't compete."

Woo said that instead of a factory, Foxconn wants to create a "technology hub," with about three-quarters of the jobs in research and development and design. Those jobs typically go to college graduates. The plant is under construction and scheduled to open in 2020.

Marc Levine, senior fellow and founding director of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Center of Economic Development, called it "one enormous bait-and-switch." And he scoffed at the idea that Foxconn, known for manufacturing, could transform into a research and development giant.

"That's simply not what Foxconn is," Levine said in an email. "So the notion that there will be 13,000 research jobs at Foxconn is highly, highly unlikely."

The company initially billed the massive 20 million-square-foot (1.86 million-square-meter) Wisconsin complex as its first North American manufacturing site for the next generation of display panels to be used in a wide variety of products, including large-screen TVs, self-driving cars, notebooks and other monitors.

Wisconsin state and local governments promised roughly $4 billion to Foxconn, the richest incentive package in state history and the biggest pledged by a state to a foreign corporation in U.S. history. Foxconn was required to invest $10 billion and create 13,000 jobs to get the full incentives.

It had already fallen short last year, hiring 178 full-time employees rather than the 260 targeted, and failed to earn a state tax credit worth up to $9.5 million.

Former Gov. Scott Walker, the Republican who brokered the deal, emphasized in a tweet Wednesday that Foxconn earns tax credits only for actual investment and job creation. "No jobs/investment? No credits. Period," Walker tweeted.

Republican legislative leaders who pushed the project blamed new Democratic Gov. Tony Evers for Foxconn's change in plans. They said he had created an air of economic uncertainty by supporting elimination of a manufacturing tax credit program.

Evers was critical of Foxconn in the campaign against Walker but did not pledge to undo the deal. His top aide Joel Brennan said that the administration was surprised by the news from Foxconn. He did not address the accusations Evers was to blame.

Democratic critics said the incentives promised to Foxconn were too rich, and they questioned whether the company would ever fulfill its promises.

The president of Wisconsin's Technology Council, Tom Still, said he is not surprised Foxconn wants to change course since televisions are becoming less expensive and iPhone sales are declining.

Still, whose group nurtures technology in Wisconsin, said Foxconn can succeed if the plant becomes more research-oriented because its areas of interest match up with Wisconsin's strengths, such as robotics, medical imaging and industrial imaging.

Last summer, Trump highlighted his economic policies at a groundbreaking event for the Foxconn complex.

"Made in the USA: It's all happening and it's happening very, very quickly," the president said in June after visiting the Foxconn site. "Today we're seeing the results of the pro-America agenda."

Associated Press writers Darlene Superville in Washington and Ivan Moreno in Milwaukee contributed to this report.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved William Barr's nomination for attorney general along party lines Thursday, with Republicans praising his credentials and Democrats questioning how transparent he'll be once special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation concludes.

The vote now heads to the full Senate, where Barr is expected to be confirmed in a vote as soon as next week.

Barr, who previously served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993, would succeed Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was pushed out by Trump last year over the president's anger that he had recused himself from the Russia investigation. As the country's chief law enforcement officer, Barr would oversee the remaining work in Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign.

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker is currently filling the position and said last week that he believed Mueller's investigation was nearly complete.

"I appreciate what Mr. Whitaker has done, but I think the time has come for new leadership at the department," Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and committee chairman, said at the outset of Thursday's meeting.

Barr's confirmation is expected in the Republican-controlled Senate, though his nomination encountered resistance Thursday from Democrats concerned by Barr's expansive views of executive authority and by his non-committal stance on making public Mueller's findings.

Democrats and many Republicans have said they believe Mueller's final report should be fully released. Barr has said he will be as transparent as possible under Justice Department regulations and will make as much public as he can. But he has also noted that he takes seriously department regulations that say the report Mueller submits to the Justice Department should be treated as confidential.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the committee's top Democrat, said she was concerned that Barr won't commit to releasing Mueller's report to Congress.

"This is particularly concerning, as nothing in existing law or regulations prevents the attorney general from sharing the report," Feinstein said Thursday. "In fact, as part of our oversight responsibilities, Congress routinely requests, and receives, confidential information related to closed investigations."

Democrats have also criticized a memo Barr wrote to the Justice Department before his nomination in which he criticized Mueller's investigation for the way it was presumably looking into whether Trump had obstructed justice. In the memo, Barr wrote that Trump could not have obstructed justice by firing former FBI Director James Comey since it was an act the president was constitutionally entitled to take.

That view has alarmed Democrats, especially since the obstruction inquiry has been central to Mueller's overall investigation.

"This is not the time to install an attorney general who has repeatedly espoused a view of unfettered executive power," Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, said Thursday.

Some Democrats have also expressed concern that Barr won't be a check on the president who appointed him.

Trump had repeatedly criticized Sessions for recusing himself from Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election that includes examining the ties between Russia and the Trump campaign. Trump calls the probe a "witch hunt."

Barr said in his hearing last month that he is a friend of Mueller's and that "it is vitally important" that the special counsel be allowed to complete his investigation.

"I don't believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt," Barr said.
How are Californians feeling about the upcoming 2020 presidential election? What about the cost of living in the Golden State?

A new Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday asked California voters to weigh in on those issues, in addition to how they feel about the border wall, immigation, marijuana and other hotly contested topics.

Check out the breakdown below to see some of the highlights from the poll:

43 percent of California voters said they feel they can't afford to live in the state

77 percent of California voters said there is a housing crisis in the state

54 percent of California voters said legalizing marijuana has been good for the state

64 percent of California voters oppose building a wall along the country's southern border

76 percent of California voters said immigration is good for the country

69 percent of California voters support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants

60 percent of Democrats and those leaning toward the Democratic side would be excited if former Vice President Joe Biden became the Democratic presidential nominee

58 percent of Democrats and those leaning toward the Democratic side would be excited if Sen. Kamala Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee

Quinnipiac University said it surveyed 912 California voters when putting together its poll.
What to Know Beto O'Rourke told Oprah Winfrey in an interview Tuesday that he would decide this month whether or not he would run for president.

A Democratic presidential candidate has not won Texas since 1976, and no Texas Democrat has won statewide office since 1994.

O'Rourke lost to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) in the 2018 midterms by less than three percentage points.

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke told Oprah Winfrey Tuesday that he would decide by the end of the month whether he is going to run for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. O'Rourke suggested he's leaning toward entering race, hoping to build on the momentum he gained during his 2018 U.S. Senate campaign against Republican Ted Cruz.

The state of Texas hasn't voted for a Democrat in a presidential election since the state's electoral votes went to Jimmy Carter in 1976. In fact, the Lone Star State hasn't even elected a Democrat to a statewide office since Bob Bullock was reelected lieutenant governor in 1994, along with a handful of other statewide  but not national  wins.

There are several other factors working against O'Rourke. An incumbent president has failed to win reelection just twice since World War II: Carter in 1980 and George H.W. Bush in 1992.

But Democrats have dreamed of turning Texas blue for decades, and O'Rourke showed in 2018 that it might be on the cusp of turning purple, though the party still did not win a statewide post in the midterm elections.

While it wouldn't be impossible for O'Rourke to win Texas as the Democratic nominee, it would likely take a perfect storm for him to do so.

"A presidential run, where more people are engaged, more people are excited about the process, that will only push Texas even more to the brink of being a battleground state," The Dallas Morning News political writer Gromer Jeffers Jr. said. "Now, that means Republicans will come out too."

But the most influential aspect of the 2020 general election campaign might be something the eventual Democratic nominee can't control.

The Trump Effect

"The main thing (O'Rourke) can't control is Trump and what Trump does and how the country experiences what he does over the next year," SMU political science professor Cal Jillson said. "Because the second year (2020) is the campaign."

An October 2018 University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll found that a combined 48 percent of Texans either "approved strongly" or "approved somewhat" of Trump, while a combined 45 percent either "disapproved strongly" or "disapproved somewhat."

Those numbers indicate Trump has solidified support among Republicans since he was elected president. In an October 2016 University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll, just 31 percent of respondents had a "very favorable" or "somewhat favorable" view of then-candidate Trump, while a combined 58 percent had a "somewhat unfavorable" or "very unfavorable" opinion.

"Trump remains popular with moderate Republicans and independents," Jeffers said. "He is strong with the base and, being a sitting president, he's going to have probably a little more strength than he did as Trump the candidate."

Nationally, Trump steadily holds an approval rating between 38 and 42 percent, Jillson said. But in Texas, that number is consistently eight to 10 percentage points higher.

"If you're with Trump after the last two years, you're with him in a determined sort of way," he added. "And if you're off him, you're off him in a very determined way and looking for an alternative. I think those numbers do reflect ongoing polarization."

A Full-Time Candidate

After losing to Ted Cruz in the 2018 U.S. Senate race, O'Rourke no longer holds elected office. It could be a strength and a weakness.

In 2016, neither major party's presidential candidate held public office and, in 2012, Mitt Romney was not in office when he won the Republican party's nomination.

However, before Trump, no one has won the presidency without being in office since Ronald Reagan did so in 1980, after he served as California's governor from 1967-75. He did not seek a third term because he ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1976, but lost to Gerald Ford.

Is that a place where similarities between O'Rourke and Reagan could begin and end?

"It will be an ongoing fight to remain in the public eye when he's one of 15, 20, 25 Democrats running for the nomination," Jillson said. "But on the other hand, it means that he can run for president full time. He's got nothing else demanding his time and attention, and that has been something that has worked well."

Jillson added that not holding office would give O'Rourke extra time to campaign, put a team together and fundraise. One of the former congressman's strengths in the 2018 Senate race was the time he spent traveling around Texas, something he could devote even more time to nationally if he's not in office.

"O'Rourke will still be in the minds of the public, in the minds of Texans  not just Texans, but the entire country," Jeffers said. "The enthusiasm will probably still be there for him and just like with any candidate, he's going to have to try to keep it going, especially in a big field."

Texas' Largest Counties

If a candidate O'Rourke were to win the nomination, one of the places he'd have to find growth to turn Texas into a battleground state would be in its largest counties.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton received a combined 53.9 percent of the vote in the 10 largest counties in 2016, while O'Rourke upped it to 59.2 percent in 2018.

"If Trump continues to be erratic and continues to worry suburban white women, who normally vote Republican  and increasingly their husbands  then yes, you could get a continuing erosion of the Republican grip on suburban districts, which they have had for a half-century or more in Texas," Jillson said.

Of North Texas' four largest counties, three  Collin, Denton and Tarrant  have voted reliably Republican for decades. However, O'Rourke narrowly won Tarrant County against Cruz in 2018 and received 46.5 percent of the vote in Collin County.

Jeffers said he thought an erratic president could make O'Rourke more palatable to Collin County voters.

"You have a lot transplants moving into Collin County," he said. "The Toyota plant over there, people from California plus the East Coast are moving into Collin County and counties like that. They're more prone to look to a candidate like O'Rourke, whereas people in Denton County  although Denton County is growing too  still contains some of the state's most conservative voters and they're likely to support Trump, just as they have supported other Republicans."

O'Rourke earned 45.5 percent of the vote in Denton County in 2018 and still had an eight-point gap to reach Cruz.

Most of the state's largest counties have turned reliably blue. The two largest counties, Harris and Dallas, have voted for the Democratic nominee in each presidential election since 2008. Bexar County has voted for the Democrat in five of the last seven, and Travis County, the fifth-largest in the state, has voted for the Democratic nominee for president in each election since 1992, with the exception of 2000.

Tarrant County is the only one of the five largest that has not voted for a Democrat for president dating to 1992, but O'Rourke won the county in his Senate race against Cruz by 0.7 percentage points.

Working in O'Rourke's favor is that he is a Texan and Clinton was not.

Republican George W. Bush garnered landslide victories in Texas in 2000 and 2004, winning by nearly 22 points in his first run for office and almost 23 points four years later. In fact, in 2000, Bush even turned Travis County, where Austin is located, red  the only time the county has voted for a Republican for president since 1992.

Julian Castro

There is another Texan running for the Democratic nomination. Former San Antonio mayor and House and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro launched his campaign Jan. 12.

However, Jillson and Jeffers agreed, by playing it safe in the years leading up to 2019, Castro, while still popular, may have missed his opportunity.

"I think Democrats in Texas are still very favorably disposed to Julian Castro. But O'Rourke took the state by storm very unexpectedly in 2018 and he was just a shooting star that eclipsed Castro, partly because O'Rourke did it and Castro whiffed," Jillson said. "Castro didn't think it was possible and so he didn't make the run O'Rourke did and almost beat Cruz."

"It'll be hard for Castro to get traction, not just in the early primary states, but in his home state of Texas," Jeffers said. "Because what Beto has done, is become the most popular Democrat in the state now. There's just no other way to put it."

In a Jan. 30 Politico/Morning Consult poll of potential 2020 Democratic candidates, Castro received just one percent of the vote. O'Rourke received six percent, while former vice president Joe Biden held a substantial lead with 33 percent.

There are a lot of "what-ifs" involved in O'Rourke's run for president. First of all, he'd have to survive the early primary states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina and stay relevant until Texans vote. He could be helped by Texas moving up its primary to Super Tuesday  March 3, 2020  something California has done as well, which could help a candidate like Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif.

O'Rourke, still, has not received the same level of interest as the top two people named in the Jan. 30 poll: Biden and Bernie Sanders. O'Rourke sits in a tie for third with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

But if everything were to come together perfectly, it's conceivable that the former congressman from El Paso could capture lightning in a bottle twice.

"It's very difficult to have a dramatic run like he had in 2018 and then reprise that two years later, because people have already looked at you, they've already gotten excited about you," Jillson said. "That excitement wasn't rewarded, and to sort of reproduce it completely is very difficult to do, but certainly not impossible."
Hundreds of people, many arriving in buses, gathered at a candlelight ceremony Thursday to remember five people killed when a small plane crashed into a Southern California home.

The vigil in a schoolyard in Yorba Linda drew friends, neighbors and others in mourning after a plane broke apart Sunday over the Orange County community. The people who died in the home were identified Wednesday as 85-year-old Roy Lee Anderson of Yorba Linda, his 68-year-old wife Dahlia Marlies Leber Anderson of Yorba Linda, 48-year-old Stacie Norene Leber of Corona and 58-year-old Donald Paul Elliott of Norco.

Mourners gathered Thursday Feb. 7, 2019 to remember those killed when a plane broke apart and slammed into a Yorba Linda home.

"Theyre wonderful people, they would open their door to anybody," said Anderson family friend Patty Crozier. "The world lost some very good people."

Their families released a statement saying they were "devastated by our loss of our family members, who will be greatly missed."

Family Photo

"Our family bond is tight and each member lost in this tragedy represents more than just one role within our family," according to the statement. "We lost parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, spouses, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles. The home lost was a beacon for so many family and friends where many celebrations were held.

"We want to thank our extended family and friends who have provided amazing support, kindness and compassion. It takes a village."

The Rev. Mark Jackson remembered seeing Elliott in chruch earlier that Super Bowl Sunday.

"It was an amazing experience," said Jackson. "Little did we know he was going to be gone that afternoon."

The Andersons were remembered for their warmth, inviting people into their home.

"Everybody that knew them became their family," said friend Linda Boyer.

The family thanked the first responders and neighbors who tried to help after the crash, and all the agencies "who have worked so tirelessly since the incident to provide us with assistance and answers."

"As we deal with the reality that lies ahead, we ask that the news media please respect our privacy during this extremely difficult time."

The 75-year-old pilot and restaurant owner who crashed into the home was identified as Antonio Pastini of Gardnerville, Nevada.

Family Photo

Pastini's 1981 twin-engine Cessna 414A nose-dived onto the 19000 block of Crestknoll Drive at 1:45 p.m. Sunday, about 10 minutes after departing from Fullerton Municipal Airport, according to National Transportation Safety Board Investigator Eliott Simpson.

Sheriff's deputies at the crash scene found a Chicago Police Department badge and retirement papers on the pilot, according to Orange County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Carrie Braun.

After consulting with Chicago police Monday night, it appeared the credentials were fake, according to Braun. According to various media reports, the badge he was carrying had been missing since 1978, although it was unclear if it had been lost or stolen.

An investigation was continuing into the cause of the fiery crash.

Radar data indicate the plane made a left turn and climbed 7,800 feet before crashing into the two-story home, leaving the cabin in a ravine behind the house and debris scattered over four blocks, Simpson said.

Pastini, who was flying solo, died at the scene, as did the four people in the home, Orange County Sheriff's Lt. Cory Martino said. The bodies of the four occupants of the home were badly burned, delaying their identification.

Two injured victims were hospitalized with moderate burn injuries, and one firefighter suffered a minor ankle injury.

NTSB investigator Maja Smith told reporters that many witnesses reported seeing the plane's wings and tail fall off before it crashed.

NTSB investigators combed the neighborhood this week, gathering evidence and picking up the pieces of the aircraft, which were to be taken to a storage facility in Phoenix for further examination.

A preliminary crash report was expected to be available in 10-14 days.

On Pastini's Facebook account on Jan. 27, he discussed his volunteer work with Angel Flight, which provides airplane rides for the needy to get to doctor appointments.

"Now I want to help more of those who need help, so I have an idea," he wrote. "You want to go flying? Want an easy trip somewhere? Coordinate with me so we can take a child for treatment or bring medicine or blood somewhere where it will save a life. Pay for the fuel and together I will take you where you want to go and we can help way more people. If you just save one person isn't it worth it, and this way we can save many."

In a Nov. 26, 2008, Nevada Appeal news article about a restaurant that Pastini owned at the time called Carson City Diner & Catering, he told the newspaper that he had retired after 21 years on the Chicago police force.

"I loved it," he said. "I loved my friends, I loved where I lived, I loved Mayor (Richard J.) Daley."

Pastini told the newspaper that after he retired, he moved to northern Nevada to get into the food industry, where he worked as a child with his mother, a chef.

His first restaurant, he said, was Chicago Express in Reno in 1986.

"A couple of cops came by and found out I used to be a cop too, and it became a cop hangout," Pastini said.

The newspaper reported he opened three more locations and then sold out in the late 1990s after he was diagnosed with cancer. When he recovered, he got back into the restaurant business, the newspaper reported.

At the time of his death, he owned Kim Lee's Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar. An employee who answered the phone at the eatery on Monday declined comment, citing the family's wishes.
Hillsides that turned from brown to green are a cosmetic sign of rain in Southern California, but a statewide drought map released Thursday is another with more significance.

What it shows is a notable improvement for parts of the state that started 2019 in extreme drought.

Below, four stories we're following today on NBCLA.com

Mapping the Impact of February's Storms

Some parts of California were in extreme drought at the start of the year. Look at the difference after a conveyor belt of winter storms.

[LA GALLERY UPDATED 4/2019] California Snowpack Through the Years

Relatives Can't Find the Graves of Dead Family Members

Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of graves at one of Southern Californias most famous cemeteries appear to have vanished. Here's what the NBC4 I-Team discovered after complaints from families.

Burying a loved one is hard enough, but what if you visit a late relative and the grave is gone? Some people say its happening at one of Southern Californias most famous cemeteries, where many celebrities and war veterans are buried. People say the grave is hidden beneath dirt and grass and despite the complaints and lawsuits, the cemetery has...

All Los Angeles City Hall Carpets Might Be Ripped Out

The concern stems from a typhus outbreak in downtown Los Angeles. A council member says a city employee possibly contracted the infectious disease, typically spread by fleas that have been infected by rats, cats and opossums, at work.

The typhus outbreak continues to grow in the city of Los Angeles. Investigative reporter Joel Grover reports for NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2019.

Lawsuit Stemming From Fight Over Kurt Cobain's Guitar Moves Forward

A prized guitar that Nivana's Kurt Cobain used for a celebrated acoustic session is at the heart of a lawsuit that involves accusations of a bizarre kidnapping conspiracy. Here are the details.
What to Know A 31-year-old man faces a life sentence after being found guilty of the murder of a woman whose three children were later kidnapped.

Alex Valdez was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder of Kimberly Harvill.

Harvill was killed because she was a witness to a shooting by Valdez and a second man days earlier, officials said.

A 31-year-old man faces life in prison after being found guilty of the murder of a mother who was a witness to a shooting he and another man were involved in and whose three children were later kidnapped, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Sentencing was set March 1 for Alex Valdez who was convicted of killing Kimberly Harvill. Her body was found in August 2016 in a remote area of Gorman, authorities said.

Valdez and Joshua Robertson, 29, killed Harvill because she was a witness to a shooting in Fresno involving the two men that occurred days before her murder, prosecutors said.

Robertson and the victim's half-sister, Brittney Sue Humphrey, 24, kidnapped Harvill's children ages 5, 3 and 2 after she was killed, officials said.

The children were later found abandoned in a New Mexico motel by a good Samaritan who called police.

Humphrey and Robertson were arrested later in Colorado and Valdez was arrested in Fresno.

In January, Robertson pleaded no contest to one count of first-degree murder, three counts of kidnapping, two counts of an unrelated arson and one count each of possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of flammable material. He was immediately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Humphrey pleaded no contest to three counts of kidnapping and was sentenced to 13 years in prison in September 2017.
He worked for years as a professional photographer, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation says he's a serial sexual predator suspected of taking advantage of models.

Robert Arnold Koester, 52, photographed models  sometimes in the nude  for at least 25 years. Throughout that time he allegedly assaulted many of his subjects, including some younger than 18, and now the FBI is seeking information about his possible victims.

Koester, a U.S. citizen, also went by the names Bert Kay, Rhake Winter and Qitooly, the FBI said.

He allegedly began sexually assaulting his victims on the West Coast in 1994 and continued to do so through Nov. 13, 2018, when he was arrested in Southern California by Carlsbad police.

Koester is facing 23 felony charges filed by state prosecutors in San Diego County related to that arrest, including child sexual abuse and production of child pornography.

State prosecutors filed 23 felony charges, including child sexual abuse and production of child pornography, against Koester in San Diego County, and he faces an additional two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in California, the FBI said.

Authorities say Koester owns a farm in Yamhill County, Oregon, and on Jan. 30, a Yamhill County Grand Jury charged Koester with 32 felony counts involving four separate victims, one of whom was a minor.

The charges also include multiple counts for first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and causing another person to ingest a controlled substance, the FBI said.

"If you have information about this ongoing investigation or believe you or someone you know may have been victimized by Robert Arnold Koester, the FBI requests that you complete this secure, confidential online questionnaire," officials said in a statement.
German authorities ruled Thursday that Facebook should not be allowed to use customer data from other apps and websites to help target advertisements shown on their Facebook pages without their explicit consent, saying it was exploiting its dominant position in social media.

The Federal Cartel Office, or Bundeskartellamt, said Facebook was guilty of "exploitative abuse" by forcing users to agree to allow it to collect data from other Facebook-owned services like WhatsApp and Instagram, as well as third-party websites through the "Like" or "Share" features.

"On the one hand there is a service provided to users free of charge," Cartel Office president Andreas Mundt said. "On the other hand, the attractiveness and value of the advertising spaces increase with the amount and detail of user data. It is therefore precisely in the area of data collection and data use where Facebook, as a dominant company, must comply with the rules and laws applicable in Germany and Europe."

Facebook said it rejected the decision, and would appeal within the one-month frame before it becomes final.

If the ruling is upheld, Facebook will be required to allow users to specifically approve data collected from other Facebook-owned sources and third-party websites be assigned to their accounts. The decision is not about Facebook's processing of data generated by its own site, which the Cartel Office acknowledged is the business model for data-based social networks like Facebook.

Facebook said that with its ruling, the Cartel Office underestimates the competition Facebook has in Germany from YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter and others in calling it a "dominant company," misinterprets Facebook's compliance with regulations, and undermines mechanisms provided for in European law ensuring consistent data protection standards.

"The Bundeskartellamt's decision misapplies German competition law to set different rules that apply to only one company," Facebook said.

It noted that it had been cooperating with the office in its investigation since 2016, and will continue discussions, but would also "defend these important arguments in court."

In ruling that Facebook was a "dominant company," the Cartel Office said it was subject to "special obligations under competition law" and "must take into account that Facebook users practically cannot switch to other social networks."

"The only choice the user has is either to accept the comprehensive combination of data or to refrain from using the social network," it said in its judgment. "In such a difficult situation the user's choice cannot be referred to as voluntary consent."

It said many users were not aware that Facebook is currently able to "collect an almost unlimited amount of any type of user data from third-party sources," which allows it to better target specific advertisements to specific user's interests.

"By combining data from its own website, company-owned services and the analysis of third-party websites, Facebook obtains very detailed profiles of its users and knows what they are doing online," Mundt said.

Facebook has said that it plans to integrate the messaging functions of WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger in 2020 or later. While it has not given many details, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a conference call recently that the idea is to help users message people more easily, without having to navigate different platforms and lists. The company also said it would encrypt all the services (currently only WhatsApp is encrypted by default).

But critics have raised another possible reason  the threat of antitrust crackdowns. Essentially, if Facebook combines its messaging services so that they are different in name and design only, it will be much more difficult, if not impossible, to then separate out and spin off Instagram and WhatsApp as separate companies.

Combining the three services also lets Facebook build more complete data profiles on all of its users. It has already been moving in this direction. Businesses can already target Facebook and Instagram users together with the same ad campaign, for example. While WhatsApp does not yet have ads, it's not too hard to imagine that this is not too far behind. Instagram also encourages users to link their accounts to Facebook and it suggests their Facebook friends as contacts to add on Instagram.

Then there's competition from other messaging services, such as Apple's or Google's. Users are more likely to stay within Facebook's properties if they can easily message their friends across different services, rather than having to switch between Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram.

AP Technology Writer Barbara Ortutay contributed to this story.
 Flash

Washington has stepped up diplomatic maneuver on the situation in Venezuela weeks after it recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the nation's "interim president" and slapped sanctions on Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA to cut off Caracas's vital source of revenue.

U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton tweeted Wednesday that he had just met with Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo at the White House and they "discussed pressing issues, including joint efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the Venezuelan people, as well as counter-terrorism collaboration."

Earlier on Tuesday, Bolton met with visiting Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo to discuss "mutual support for Venezuela's Interim President Guaido, including logistics for providing humanitarian assistance for the Venezuelan people."

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the State Department's deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo earlier met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to discuss issues like Venezuela, Iran and Russia.

Also on the same day, Pompeo claimed on Twitter that the Venezuelan military "under Maduro's orders is blocking aid with trucks and shipping tankers."

In addition, a statement issued later by the White House on Wednesday said that President Donald Trump will welcome his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque to the White House on Feb. 13 when the two leaders will discuss "strategic partnerships in regional security, and efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela."

Trump has also warned that "all options are on the table" regarding Venezuela.

At a news briefing in late January, Bolton accidentally turned to the media the face of a yellow pad that included a draft note showing a plan to send "5,000 troops to Colombia," stoking international fear about a U.S. military intervention on the Venezuela crisis.

On the other hand, the United Nations has appealed for negotiations.

"Serious political negotiations" are necessary for finding a solution to lasting peace in Venezuela, a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday.

"When we see the present stand-off, it becomes even more clear that serious political negotiations between the parties are necessary to find a solution leading to lasting peace for the people of Venezuela," said Stephane Dujarric.

Meanwhile, Latin American countries are trying to broker a negotiated solution to the Venezuela political crisis.

Uruguay and Mexico on Wednesday unveiled a four-step proposal. First, creating conditions for direct contact between Venezuela's ruling socialist party and President Nicolas Maduro on the one hand and the opposition led by self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido on the other. That would be followed by a negotiation phase, a commitments phase, and a finally implementation phase.

Maduro won 2018 Venezuelan presidential election by garnering over 6 million votes, some 4 million more than his closest rival, and was inaugurated for a second term on Jan. 10.

Guaido, head of the Venezuelan National Assembly, declared himself interim president during an anti-government rally on Jan. 23, a move which was immediately recognized by the United States.

Maduro accused Washington of orchestrating an operation to impose, through a coup d'etat, a puppet regime in Venezuela.
President Donald Trump predicted Wednesday that the Islamic State group will have lost by next week all the territory it once controlled in Iraq and Syria. He said the U.S. will not relent in fighting remnants of the extremist organization despite his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria over the objections of some of his most senior national security advisers.

The president told representatives of a 79-member, U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIS that the militants held a tiny percentage of the vast territory they claimed as their "caliphate."

"It should be formally announced sometime, probably next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate," Trump said.

U.S. officials have said in recent weeks that ISIS has lost 99.5 percent of its territory and is holding on to fewer than 5 square kilometers in Syria, or less than 2 square miles, in the villages of the Middle Euphrates River Valley, where the bulk of the fighters are concentrated.

But there are fears the impending U.S. pullout will imperil those gains. Trump told coalition members meeting at the State Department that while "remnants" of the group were still dangerous, he was determined to bring U.S. troops home. He called on coalition members to step up and do their "fair share" in the fight against terrorism.

Even as Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the withdrawal decision, which shocked U.S. allies and led to the resignations of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the U.S. envoy to the anti-ISIS coalition, Brett McGurk, some military leaders, renewed their concerns.

While the withdrawal would fulfill a Trump goal, top military officials have pushed back for months, arguing ISIS remains a threat and could regroup. U.S. policy had been to keep troops in place until the extremists are completely eradicated. Fears that ISIS fighters are making a strategic maneuver to lay low ahead of the U.S. pullout has fueled criticism that Trump telegraphed his military plans  the same thing he accused President Barack Obama of doing in Afghanistan.

Pompeo told the coalition that the planned withdrawal "is not a change in the mission" but a change in tactics against a group that should still be considered a menace.

"In this new era, local law enforcement and information sharing will be crucial, and our fight will not necessarily always be military-led," he said. Trump's announcement "is not the end of America's fight. The fight is one that we will continue to wage alongside of you."

He added, "America will continue to lead in giving those who would destroy us no quarter."

Yet senior military officials acknowledged to Congress on Wednesday that the pullout would complicate their efforts.

Owen West, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations, told the House Armed Services Committee that he shared Mattis' objections. West answered, "No, sir," when asked by a lawmaker if he thought Mattis was wrong to disagree with the withdrawal.

At the same hearing, Maj. Gen. James Hecker, vice director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the withdrawal means "it is going to be difficult to keep up the pressure" on ISIS. "There will be a decrease in the amount of pressure that we will be able to apply," he said.

"The concern is if we move our forces out of Syria that that may take some pressure off of the ISIS forces in Syria," Hecker said. "So our mission is to try to figure out how we can continue to keep the pressure on in Syria without any boots on the ground."

Hecker said others would have to carry the burden once the U.S. left. He did not offer specifics.

Pompeo called on the coalition to increase intelligence-sharing, repatriate and prosecute captured foreign fighters and accelerate stabilization efforts so ISIS remnants cannot reconstitute in Iraq, Syria or elsewhere. He said the fight is entering a new stage where those allied against ISIS must confront a "decentralized jihad" with more than military force.

Pompeo mentioned the suicide bombing claimed by ISIS that killed four Americans  two service members, a Pentagon civilian and a U.S. contractor  in the northern Syrian town of Manbij last month. Manbij was liberated from ISIS control in 2016.

The conference started hours after Trump, in his State of the Union address, lauded what he said was the near-complete victory over ISIS. He also reaffirmed his determination to pull out the roughly 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria. He had said in December that the pullout would proceed quickly.

In liberated areas across Syria and Iraq, ISIS sleeper cells are carrying out assassinations, setting up checkpoints and distributing fliers as they lay the groundwork for an insurgency that could gain strength as U.S. forces withdraw.

Activists who closely follow the conflict in Syria point to signs of a growing insurgency. Rami Abdurrahman, the head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, says ISIS still has 4,000 to 5,000 fighters, many likely hiding out in desert caves and mountains.

A United Nations report circulated Wednesday said Islamic State extremists "continue to pose the main and best-resourced international terrorist threat." It said ISIS fighters remain under "intense military pressure" in their stronghold in eastern Syria, but they have "shown a determination to resist and the capability to counter-attack."

Defense officials believe many fighters have fled to ungoverned spaces and other pockets in the north and west.

A Defense Department watchdog report warned this week that even with the ISIS forces on the run, the group "is still able to coordinate offensives and counter-offensives, as well as operate as a decentralized insurgency."
What to Know Virginia's attorney general said Wednesday that as a college student he once wore blackface as he dressed as a rapper.

His admission follows the publication of a racist photo in the governor's yearbook, and a sex assault claim against the governor's deputy.

A group affiliated with rapper Kurtis Blow, who Herring referenced, called Herring a "cultural tourist."

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says he used blackface at a college party in 1980, in the latest controversy to hit Democrats elected to the state's highest offices.

Herring is second in the line of succession for the governorship. His admission comes after the publication of a racist photo in the governor's yearbook and a sexual assault accusation against the lieutenant governor.

The attorney general released a statement Wednesday saying he wore blackface and a wig as a costume decades ago.

Herring said that as a 19-year-old college student, he and his friends dressed like rappers they listened to at the time, including Kurtis Blow, and prepared to perform a song.

"It sounds ridiculous even now writing it. But because of our ignorance and glib attitudes  and because we did not have an appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of others  we dressed up and put on wigs and brown makeup," Herring's statement said.

"This was a onetime occurrence and I accept full responsibility for my conduct," he continued. (Read his full statement below.)

An organization affiliated with Blow, the rapper, issued its own statement.

"Hip hop culture and rap music is a not a cultural phenomenon to be parodied or appropriated; it is a way of life for millions of people worldwide," said a representative of the Univeral Hip Hop Museum, of which Blow is the chairman.

"Since you chose to become a 'cultural tourist' momentarily in your misbegotten youth, you now have a unique opportunity to give some thing back to the culture you had a passing interest in some 40 odd years ago," the statement continued. "Instead of making a pithy mea culpa, make a donation to the Universal Hip Hop Museum."

The museum is slated to open in the Bronx.

Virginia politics were rattled starting Friday when a photo surfaced from Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook page showing one person in blackface and another in a KKK robe and hood. Northam initially apologized for appearing in the photo; he later claimed he wasn't shown, but did say he once wore blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume for a dance contest.

Prominent figures from the left and right, including the chairman of the State Republican Party and the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, called for Northam to step down and let Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax take his seat.

But in the following days, Fairfax's own past came under intense scrutiny. Vanessa Tyson, a political science professor on leave from Scripps College in California, came forward and accused Fairfax of sexually assaulting her at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

Fairfax, a married, 39-year-old father of two, said Monday that when he was 25, he had a "100 percent consensual" encounter in a hotel room with a woman he met at the convention. He wasn't married at the time.

According to The Washington Post, Tyson described an encounter that began consensually and ended with a forced sexual act.

NBC News reported Wednesday, citing two sources, that Fairfax used profane language about his accuser in a private meeting Monday night.

Fairfax said in a statement Wednesday that "in my remarks on Monday, I think you could hear how emotional dealing with an allegation that I know is not true has been for me." Fairfax's chief of staff and policy director conceded to NBC News that he used a profanity to refer to the situation but disputed that he directed any profanity to Tyson.

Tyson's allegation against Fairfax was first published by the conservative blog Big League Politics, the same site that published the racist photo from Northam's yearbook.

The blog published an image of a Facebook post by Tyson. She said a man who sexually assaulted her at the 2004 Democratic National Convention won statewide office in 2017 and "seems increasingly likely" to get a "very big promotion." She did not, in that post, name Fairfax as the perpetrator.

Tyson issued an account on Wednesday of the alleged attack.

Herring's full statement:

"The very bright light that is shining on Virginia right now is sparking a painful but, I think we all hope, important conversation. The stakes are high, and our spirits are low.

"I am sure we all have done things at one time or another in our lives that show poor judgment, and worse yet, have caused some level of pain to others. I have a glaring example from my past that I have thought about with deep regret in the many years since, and certainly each time I took a step forward in public service, realizing that my goals and this memory could someday collide and cause pain for people I care about, those who stood with me in the many years since, or those who I hoped to serve while in office.

"In 1980, when I was a 19-year-old undergraduate in college, some friends suggested we attend a party dressed like rappers we listened to at the time, like Kurtis Blow, and perform a song. It sounds ridiculous even now writing it. But because of our ignorance and glib attitudes  and because we did not have an appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of others  we dressed up and put on wigs and brown makeup.

"This was a onetime occurrence and I accept full responsibility for my conduct.

That conduct clearly shows that, as a young man, I had a callous and inexcusable lack of awareness and insensitivity to the pain my behavior could inflict on others. It was really a minimization of both people of color, and a minimization of a horrific history I knew well even then.

"Although the shame of that moment has haunted me for decades, and though my disclosure of it now pains me immensely, what I am feeling in no way compares to the betrayal, the shock, and the deep pain that Virginians of color may be feeling. Where they have deserved to feel heard, respected, understood, and honestly represented, I fear my actions have contributed to them being forced to revisit and feel a historical pain that has never been allowed to become history.

"This conduct is in no way reflective of the man I have become in the nearly 40 years since.

"As a senator and as attorney general, I have felt an obligation to not just acknowledge but work affirmatively to address the racial inequities and systemic racism that we know exist in our criminal justice system, in our election processes, and in other institutions of power. I have long supported efforts to empower communities of color by fighting for access to healthcare, making it easier and simpler to vote, and twice defended the historic re-enfranchisement of former felons before the Supreme Court of Virginia. I have launched efforts to make our criminal justice system more just, fair, and equal by addressing implicit bias in law enforcement, establishing Virginias first-ever program to improve re-entry programs in local jails, and pushing efforts to reform the use of cash bail. And I have tried to combat the rise in hate crimes and white supremacist violence that is plaguing our Commonwealth and our country.

"That I have contributed to the pain Virginians have felt this week is the greatest shame I have ever felt. Forgiveness in instances like these is a complicated process, one that necessarily cannot and should not be decided by anyone but those directly affected by the transgressor, should forgiveness be possible or appropriate at all. In the days ahead, honest conversations and discussions will make it clear whether I can or should continue to serve as attorney general, but no matter where we go from here, I will say that from the bottom of my heart, I am deeply, deeply sorry for the pain that I cause with this revelation."

Stay with News4 for more on this developing story.
President Donald Trump predicted Wednesday that the Islamic State group will have lost by next week all the territory it once controlled in Iraq and Syria. He said the U.S. will not relent in fighting remnants of the extremist organization despite his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria over the objections of some of his most senior national security advisers.

The president told representatives of a 79-member, U.S.-led coalition fighting IS that the militants held a tiny percentage of the vast territory they claimed as their "caliphate."

"It should be formally announced sometime, probably next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate," Trump said.

U.S. officials have said in recent weeks that IS has lost 99.5 percent of its territory and is holding on to fewer than 5 square kilometers in Syria, or less than 2 square miles, in the villages of the Middle Euphrates River Valley, where the bulk of the fighters are concentrated.

But there are fears the impending U.S. pullout will imperil those gains. Trump told coalition members meeting at the State Department that while "remnants" of the group were still dangerous, he was determined to bring U.S. troops home. He called on coalition members to step up and do their "fair share" in the fight against terrorism.

Even as Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the withdrawal decision, which shocked U.S. allies and led to the resignations of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the U.S. envoy to the anti-IS coalition, Brett McGurk, some military leaders, renewed their concerns.

While the withdrawal would fulfill a Trump goal, top military officials have pushed back for months, arguing IS remains a threat and could regroup. U.S. policy had been to keep troops in place until the extremists are completely eradicated. Fears that IS fighters are making a strategic maneuver to lay low ahead of the U.S. pullout has fueled criticism that Trump telegraphed his military plans  the same thing he accused President Barack Obama of doing in Afghanistan.

Pompeo told the coalition that the planned withdrawal "is not a change in the mission" but a change in tactics against a group that should still be considered a menace.

"In this new era, local law enforcement and information sharing will be crucial, and our fight will not necessarily always be military-led," he said. Trump's announcement "is not the end of America's fight. The fight is one that we will continue to wage alongside of you."

He added, "America will continue to lead in giving those who would destroy us no quarter."

Yet senior military officials acknowledged to Congress on Wednesday that the pullout would complicate their efforts.

Owen West, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations, told the House Armed Services Committee that he shared Mattis' objections. West answered, "No, sir," when asked by a lawmaker if he thought Mattis was wrong to disagree with the withdrawal.

At the same hearing, Maj. Gen. James Hecker, vice director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the withdrawal means "it is going to be difficult to keep up the pressure" on IS. "There will be a decrease in the amount of pressure that we will be able to apply," he said.

"The concern is if we move our forces out of Syria that that may take some pressure off of the ISIS forces in Syria," Hecker said. "So our mission is to try to figure out how we can continue to keep the pressure on in Syria without any boots on the ground."

Hecker said others would have to carry the burden once the U.S. left. He did not offer specifics.

Pompeo called on the coalition to increase intelligence-sharing, repatriate and prosecute captured foreign fighters and accelerate stabilization efforts so IS remnants cannot reconstitute in Iraq, Syria or elsewhere. He said the fight is entering a new stage where those allied against IS must confront a "decentralized jihad" with more than military force.

Pompeo mentioned the suicide bombing claimed by IS that killed four Americans  two service members, a Pentagon civilian and a U.S. contractor  in the northern Syrian town of Manbij last month. Manbij was liberated from IS control in 2016.

The conference started hours after Trump, in his State of the Union address, lauded what he said was the near-complete victory over IS. He also reaffirmed his determination to pull out the roughly 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria. He had said in December that the pullout would proceed quickly.

In liberated areas across Syria and Iraq, IS sleeper cells are carrying out assassinations, setting up checkpoints and distributing fliers as they lay the groundwork for an insurgency that could gain strength as U.S. forces withdraw.

Activists who closely follow the conflict in Syria point to signs of a growing insurgency. Rami Abdurrahman, the head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, says IS still has 4,000 to 5,000 fighters, many likely hiding out in desert caves and mountains.

A United Nations report circulated Wednesday said Islamic State extremists "continue to pose the main and best-resourced international terrorist threat." It said IS fighters remain under "intense military pressure" in their stronghold in eastern Syria, but they have "shown a determination to resist and the capability to counter-attack."

Defense officials believe many fighters have fled to ungoverned spaces and other pockets in the north and west.

A Defense Department watchdog report warned this week that even with the IS forces on the run, the group "is still able to coordinate offensives and counter-offensives, as well as operate as a decentralized insurgency."
A strong majority of Dallas City Council Members Wednesday said they want the Confederate monument at Pioneer Cemetery removed.

Their remarks came at a briefing on options for the monument, which include removing it once and for all.

"And I'm sure that we'll have Civil War part two if we go forward with this," councilman Casey Thomas, who endorsed removal, said.

Controversy has swirled for two years in Dallas over Confederate issues.

Removing the Confederate monument was delayed, even after a September 2017 city council vote that said Confederate monuments are against Dallas policy.

A 13 to 1 vote that month immediately removed the Robert E. Lee statue in Uptown. It remains is storage at Hensley Field.

Council member Sandy Greyson was the lone vote against the Lee statue removal.

"There was a huge backlash against what we did and we are moving forward again today knowing clearly that there are two sides," Greyson said.

She favored a second option for the Confederate monument: keeping it, but adding a public art display beside it about the Civil War and slavery.

Artist Lauren Wood, who has experience with such work, was recruited by city staff to consider a project that would "re-envision" the monument site in a new context.

Mayor Mike Rawlings said it could be "the stuff of great art."

Council member Jennifer Gates said she would have preferred to see what the artist could come up with instead of proceeding with removal.

The removal option could cost $480,000.

Councilman Rickey Callahan said the cost is a waste of money in a city with so many other needs.

He defended the current display as a part of Texas history that should not be removed.

"There's no incendiary phrases or rhetoric on the slabs that speak of white supremacy, racism, Jim Crow or any of that," Callahan said.

Other members said Confederate leaders and soldiers who lost a war fighting to preserve slavery should not be honored with a monument in Dallas.

"This city needs to be rid of this thing," councilman Philip Kingston said.

Kingston questioned the staff process of choosing an artist for something the council had already voted against in the past.

Councilman Tennell Atkins recalled the death threats and vandalism that he and other members faced after the Lee Statue removal, but said he is ready to vote for removal again.

"Do I want my wife or my family to go through it? No. But to me it's personal right now," Atkins said. "Do we try and embrace what is right or do we try and embrace what is wrong."

Councilman Kevin Felder recalled sitting on his grandmother's knee and hearing stories about the struggles she faced.

"There is no cost that you can imagine on how people have suffered through slavery," Felder said. "We don't need to re-envision anything."

Thomas said he could consider a new display only after the monument is removed from its current location and put in storage.

Officials said removal would be done carefully to avoid damage to the monument.

An official vote of the city council to begin the removal process could be scheduled as soon as next week. But it would then require review and approval by the Dallas Landmark Commission, which can then be appealed to the Dallas Plan Commission since the monument and the location in the Pioneer Cemetery are both historic. The issue would once again return to the city council for a final decision.

Council member Carolyn Arnold asked the acting city attorney if all that could just be bypassed with an initial city council vote and the answer was, no. Current procedures prescribed by city law must be followed.

During that process, city council members are forbidden from discussing the issue with Landmark and Plan Commission members, who were all appointed by city council members. The process would surely take months, so no specific date for removal is known.

Protests against white supremacy and for the Lee statue were staged in 2017 with a large number of emotional people on both sides of the Confederate issues attending each one.

Half a dozen Dallas police officers were seen posted at the Confederate monument during Wednesday's meeting, but there was no disturbance and the officers left.
Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. A police officer said at least 15 people had died.

"It is terrible. What I have seen is terrible," said Charles Njenga, who ran from a scene of blood, broken glass, burning vehicles and pillars of black smoke.

Al-Shabab  the Somalia-based group that carried out the 2013 attack at the nearby Westgate Mall in Nairobi that left 67 people dead  claimed responsibility for the carnage at the DusitD2 hotel complex, which includes bars, restaurants, offices and banks and is in a well-to-do neighborhood with many American, European and Indian expatriates.

A Kenyan police officer said 15 bodies had been taken to the morgue. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. The U.S. State Department confirmed that an American citizen was among those killed, but did not disclose the identity of the person.



On Tuesday, his mother Sarah Spindler, confirmed the American killed was her son, Jason Spindler. Spindler was a graduate of NYU Law and the University of Texas at Austin and had previously volunteered in the Peace Corps.



Al-Shabab asserted that 47 people were killed but its Shahada news agency post gave no details.

Authorities sent special forces into the hotel to flush out the gunmen. Late Tuesday night, about eight hours after the siege began, Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i said all of the buildings affected had been secured and that security forces were mopping up.

"I would like to reiterate that the situation is under control and the country is safe," he said.

However, more gunfire was heard about an hour later, Kenyan broadcaster NTV reported. Some family members said they had been in touch with loved ones still hiding inside the complex, waiting to be rescued.

Early Wednesday, Kenya's Interior Ministry said a tweet that all buildings had been secured and there was no further threat to the public.

"To God be the Glory. We have been rescued. Over 50 people in my group. No injuries Thank you all for the support and prayers. Thanks You KDF," tweeted a Kenyan businesswoman, Aggie Asiimwe Konde. KDF stands for the Kenya Defense Forces.

Authorities did not say how many attackers there were  or what happened to them  though Kenya's Citizen TV aired security-camera footage that showed at least four heavily armed men in dark-colored, paramilitary-style gear.

A police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media said bodies were seen in restaurants downstairs and in offices upstairs, but "there was no time to count the dead."

A witness who gave his name only as Ken said he saw five bodies at the hotel entrance. Other people were shouting for help and "when we rushed back to try to rescue them, gunshots started coming from upstairs, and we had to duck because they were targeting us and we could see two guys shooting," he said.

The coordinated assault began with an explosion that targeted three vehicles outside a bank, and a suicide bombing in the hotel lobby that severely wounded a number of guests, said Kenya's national police chief, Joseph Boinnet.

Survivors reported hearing a shattering blast and saw people mowed down by gunmen as they sat in a cafe. Victims were left slumped on tables.

"We were changing our shifts, and that is when I heard a loud blast and people were screaming," said Enoch Kibet, who works as a cleaner at the cafe and managed to crawl out a basement gate. "I couldn't believe I was alive. The blast was so loud and shook the whole complex."

Kenyan hospitals appealed for blood donations even as the number of wounded remained unclear.

Associated Press video from inside the hotel showed Kenyan security officers searching the building and scared workers emerging from hiding while gunfire could still be heard. Some climbed out a window by ladder. One man got up from the floor where he appeared to be trying to hide under a piece of wood paneling, then showed his ID.

As officers searched luxury fashion displays, wounded people were carried away on stretchers.

Like the attack at the Westgate Mall, this one appeared aimed at wealthy Kenyans and foreigners. It came a day after a magistrate ruled that three men must stand trial in connection with the Westgate Mall siege.

Al-Shabab has vowed retribution against Kenya for sending troops to Somalia to fight it since 2011. Tuesday's violence came three years to the day after al-Shabab extremists attacked a Kenyan military base in Somalia, killing scores of people.

The al-Qaida-linked group has killed hundreds of people in Kenya. In the deadliest attack, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for an assault on Kenya's Garissa University in 2015 that killed 147 people, mostly students.

The latest carnage demonstrated al-Shabab's continued ability to carry out spectacular acts of bloodshed despite a dramatic increase in U.S. airstrikes against it under President Donald Trump.

Tourism  an important source of revenue in Kenya, East Africa's largest economy  has suffered because of the violence.

Gunfire could be heard for hours after Tuesday's attack began. Some people ducked behind cars, screaming, while others took cover behind fountains and other features at the lush complex. A bomb disposal unit was called in, and police blew up a car they said had explosives inside. A grenade was seen in a hallway.

Dozens of people were rushed to safety as plainclothes officers went from shop to shop in the complex. Some people held up their hands to show they were unarmed.

A Kenyan intelligence official said the country had been on high alert since November, with information about potential attacks on high-profile targets in Nairobi. The official was not authorized to talk to the media and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Despite the repeated attacks, the Kenya-Somalia border remains porous, with al-Shabab extremists able to easily bribe their way across, according to a U.N. panel of experts.

The hotel complex, owned by Thailand's Dusit International chain in Nairobi's Westlands neighborhood, is about a mile (2 kilometers) from Westgate Mall on a relatively quiet, tree-lined road in what is considered one of the most secure parts of the city. The hotel's website says it is "cocooned away from the hustle and bustle in a secure and peaceful haven."

On Monday, the hotel promoted its spa by tweeting: "Is your new year off to a rough start?"
Warning: Graphic details in this article could be offensive or disturbing to some readers.

Jurors have found an Iowa woman guilty in the death of her infant son, whose lifeless body was found in a baby swing.

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports it took the jury about four hours Wednesday to find 21-year-old Cheyanne Harris guilty of first-degree murder and child endangerment causing death.

The charges stem from the death of 4-month-old Sterling Koehn, whose body was found Aug. 30, 2017, in a maggot-infested diaper at an apartment in Alta Vista. First responders found his body in a sweltering bedroom in a baby swing.

An autopsy shows he died of malnutrition, dehydration and an E. coli infection.

First-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

The baby's father, Zachary Koehn, already has been sentenced to life in prison in the case.
Democratic senators in Connecticut are making a concerted push to legalize recreational marijuana in the state.

The caucus on Wednesday unveiled legislation allowing adults 21 or older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. The bill would also allow individuals to possess a limited number of marijuana plants.

Senate President Martin Looney says legalized marijuana is "already on our doorstep," referring to neighboring Massachusetts. He says the drug should be treated like other adult products - regulated and taxed.

Democrats predict a tax on marijuana would generate up to $70 million in the first year and potentially more than $150 million annually afterward.

Democrats also want to expunge certain criminal records for marijuana-related offenses.

Republican Rep. Vincent Candelora, who opposes legalization, questioned the connection between the two issues.
One Connecticut town is working to send positive vibes, and it needs your help.

Its called Kindness Counts, and Newington town leaders are hoping the idea spreads across the state and beyond.

What it is, is to stimulate and motive people to be nice to each other, said Bill DeMaio, superintendent of Newington Parks and Recreation.

Starting in May, Newington Parks and Recreation will let residents officially nominate their neighbors for their good deeds.

Be kind, do something nice for their neighbor, DeMaio said. Make them a cake, bake them a pie, rake their leaves, cut their grass.

Volunteers from the department will then go to that persons house and put up one of these green signs personally recognizing them as a nice person.

Local churches and organizations are already spreading the word.

If everyone is encouraged to do a little bit extra, then lives begin to be changed, said Rev. Melanie Enfield of Church of Christ Congregational. When we gathered last montheveryone was in favor of it, and so were ready and willing to jump in and get the ball going.

Newington residents we spoke with say they like it.

I would help to mow the lawn or shovel. Roberta Schaffer said.

I think its wonderful and more people should get involved, said Janet Hebert, Newington.

The program will run from May through July and will culminate in a celebration at Mill Pond Park.

Were hoping people that drive through form other townsfrom New Britain, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Berlin will drive by and see these green signstheyre not red, theyre not blue theyre apoliticaland they say hey Newington has got something going on maybe we should do it, said DeMaio.
Harlem Globetrotters World Tour Giveaway

Official Rules

February 7, 2019February 7, 2019

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Void outside the WVIT Terrestrial Geographic Viewing Area (described below) and where prohibited. The Call to Win Giveaway (Sweepstakes) will begin on February 7, 2019 at 11:30 A.M. ET and end on February 7, 2019 at 12:00 P.M. ET (Sweepstakes Period). All times in the Sweepstakes refer to Eastern Time (ET). Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible Entries (defined below) received. Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

ELIGIBILITY: Open only to permanent, legal United States (U.S.) residents who are physically located and residing in the WVIT Terrestrial Geographic Viewing Area in the counties of Hartford, New Haven, New London, Windham, Tolland, Middlesex, Litchfield, and Fairfield in the state of Connecticut (WVIT Terrestrial Geographic Viewing Area), and who are eighteen (18) years of age or older as of the start of the Sweepstakes Period. Officers, directors, and employees of Sweepstakes Entities (defined below), members of these persons immediate families (spouses and/or parents, children, and siblings, and their spouses, regardless of where they reside), and/or persons living in the same households as these persons (whether or not related thereto) are not eligible to enter or win the Sweepstakes. Sweepstakes Entities, as referenced herein, shall include WVIT, 1422 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110, and NBCUniversal Media, LLC, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 (collectively, Sponsors), and their respective parent, subsidiary, and affiliate companies, their administrative, advertising, and promotion agencies, and any other entity involved in the development, administration, promotion, or implementation of the Sweepstakes.

TO ENTER: To enter, watch NBC Connecticuts local newscasts during the Sweepstakes Period and listen for the cue to call (Cue). The Cue will be announced any time between 11:30 A.M. ET and 12:00 P.M. ET during the 11:30 A.M. ET local newscast on NBC Connecticut (Entry). To win, you must be the tenth (10th) caller, as determined by Sponsors in their sole discretion (Winner). In the event that the designated numbered caller becomes disconnected or is found to be ineligible, the next eligible caller who successfully makes it through on the line and completes his or her Entry, as determined by Sponsors in their sole discretion, will be the potential Winner. All Entries become the property of Sponsors and will not be acknowledged. There will be one (1) Winner during the Sweepstakes Period. Sponsors may share potential Winners name and contact information with Sweepstakes Entities and/or any prize provider, as applicable, if necessary. Potential Winner may be required to execute and return an affidavit of eligibility, release of liability, and, except where prohibited, publicity release (collectively, Sweepstakes Documents) within Two (2) days of such notification. Noncompliance within this time period will result in disqualification, and, at Sponsors sole discretion an alternate potential Winner(s) may be selected from the remaining eligible Entries. If potential Winner(s) cannot be reached, is found to be ineligible, cannot or does not comply with these Official Rules, or if Prize (as defined below) or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, potential Winner(s) will be disqualified and time permitting, at Sponsors sole discretion, an alternate potential Winner(s) may be selected from the remaining eligible Entries.

Entries must be received before February 7, 2019 at 12:00 P.M. ET to be eligible for the Sweepstakes. Sponsors computer shall be the official timekeeper for all matters related to this Sweepstakes. You may enter once (1) during the Sweepstakes Period. Multiple Entries received from any person or email address beyond this limit will void all such additional entries. Entries generated by a script, macro, or other automated means will be disqualified. Entries that are incomplete, garbled, corrupted, or unintelligible for any reason, including, but not limited to, computer or network malfunction or congestion, are void and will not be accepted. In case of a dispute over the identity of an entrant who made a potentially winning Entry, Sponsors reserve the right to deem that the entry was made by the registered subscriber of the email address submitted at the time of entry. Entry constitutes permission (except where prohibited by law) to use entrants name, city, state, likeness, image, and/or voice for purposes of advertising, promotion, and publicity in any and all media now or hereafter known, throughout the world in perpetuity, without additional compensation, notification, permission, or approval.

PRIZE: There will be one prize (1) (Prize) awarded. Prize will consist of four (4) tickets and four (4) meet and greet passes for Winner and up to three (3) guests (Guests, each a Guest) to the Harlem Globetrotters World Tour, scheduled to take place February 16, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. ET at the XL Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103 (Event). If any Guest is a minor, Winner or another Guest must be such minors parent or legal guardian.

Total Estimated Retail Value (ERV) of all Prizes is five hundred dollars ($500). Actual retail value (ARV) of Prizes may vary. Any difference between ARV and stated ERV will not be awarded. Prizes are subject to certain terms and conditions as specified thereupon by the issuer. If Prize awarded exceeds six hundred dollars ($600), Sponsors will furnish an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 to Winners of such Prizes for the ARV of their Prize for the tax year in which Prize was awarded.

All details of the Prize will be determined by Sponsors in their sole discretion. Sponsors reserve the right to substitute a similar Prize (or Prize element) of comparable or greater value. All taxes and other expenses, costs, or fees associated with the acceptance and/or use of the Prize are the sole responsibility of Winner. Prize cannot be transferred by Winner or redeemed for cash and are valid only for the items detailed above, with no substitution of Prize by Winner. If the Prize is unclaimed within a reasonable time after notification from Sponsors, as determined by Sponsors in their sole discretion, it will be forfeited, and time permitting, an alternate Winner may be selected from the remaining eligible Entries at Sponsors sole discretion. Winner agrees to comply with all applicable regulations in connection with the Prize.

Winner must be able to attend Event on February 16, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. ET or Prize will be forfeited. Sponsors shall have no responsibility or liability for cancellations, delays, or any other change by any company or person providing any element of Prize, and are not responsible or liable for any expenses incurred as a consequence thereof. Date and/or time of Event is subject to change. Event are subject to cancellation. Location of seats at Event, if any, will be determined by any company or person providing any element of Prize, and are not responsible or liable for any expenses incurred as a consequence thereof. If Winner chooses to redeem Prize (if applicable) with fewer than three (3), or no Guests, the remaining elements of Prize shall constitute full satisfaction of Sponsors Prize obligation to that Winner and no additional compensation will be awarded. All taxes and other expenses, costs, or fees associated with the acceptance and/or use of Prizes are the sole responsibility of Winners. Winner and Guests, if any, must comply with all applicable rules and regulations in connection with Prizes, and failure to do so may result in forfeiture of Prizes. If a Prize element is not available for any reason, as determined by Sponsors in their sole discretion, the remaining elements of Prize shall be awarded and shall constitute full satisfaction of Sponsors Prize obligation to Winners and no additional compensation will be awarded. All details of Prizes will be determined by Sponsors in their sole discretion. Guests, if any, may be required to execute and return releases of liability and, except where prohibited, publicity releases (collectively, Guest Documents), which must be returned with the Sweepstakes Documents, or Guest portion of Prizes will be forfeited. If any Guest is a minor, Winner or another Guest must be such minors parent or legal guardian and must execute and return the Guest Documents on such minors behalf.

CONDITIONS: By entering the Sweepstakes, each entrant agrees for entrant and for entrants heirs, executors, and administrators (a) to release and hold harmless Sweepstakes Entities, Facebook, and their respective officers, directors, and employees (collectively, Released Parties) from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from such entrants participation in the Sweepstakes and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of Prize or any portion thereof (including any travel related thereto); (b) to indemnify Released Parties from any and all liability resulting or arising from the Sweepstakes and to hereby acknowledge that Released Parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation, or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to Prize, including express warranties provided exclusively by Prize supplier that are sent along with Prize; (c) if selected as a Winner, to the posting of such entrants name on www.NBCConnecticut.com and/or www.Facebook.com/NBCConnecticut and the use by Released Parties of such name, voice, image, and/or likeness for publicity, promotional, and advertising purposes in any and all media now or hereafter known, throughout the world in perpetuity, without additional compensation, notification, permission, or approval, and, upon request, to the giving of consent, in writing, to such use; and (d) to be bound by these Official Rules and to waive any right to claim any ambiguity or error therein or in the Sweepstakes itself, and to be bound by all decisions of the Sponsors, which are binding and final. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in disqualification from the Sweepstakes at Sponsors sole discretion.

ADDITIONAL TERMS: Sponsors reserve the right to permanently disqualify from any promotion any person they believe has intentionally violated these Official Rules. Any attempt to deliberately damage the Sweepstakes or the operation thereof is unlawful and subject to legal action by Sponsors, who may seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law. The failure of Sponsors to comply with any provision of these Official Rules due to an act of God, hurricane, war, fire, riot, earthquake, terrorism, act of public enemies, actions of governmental authorities outside of the control of Sponsors (excepting compliance with applicable codes and regulations), or other force majeure event will not be considered a breach of these Official Rules. Released Parties assume no responsibility for any injury or damage to entrants or to any other persons computer relating to or resulting from entering or downloading materials or software in connection with the Sweepstakes. Released Parties are not responsible for telecommunications, network, electronic, technical, or computer failures of any kind; for inaccurate transcription of entry information; for errors in any promotional or marketing materials or in these Official Rules; for any human or electronic error; or for entries that are stolen, misdirected, garbled, delayed, lost, late, damaged, or returned. Sponsors reserve the right to cancel, modify, or suspend the Sweepstakes or any element thereof (including, without limitation, these Official Rules) without notice in any manner and for any reason (including, without limitation, in the event of any unanticipated occurrence that is not fully addressed in these Official Rules). In the event of cancellation, modification, or suspension, Sponsors reserve the right to select Winners in a random drawing from among all eligible, non-suspect entries received prior to the time of the event warranting such cancellation, modification, or suspension. Notice of such cancellation, modification, or suspension will be posted at www.NBCConnecticut.com. Sponsors may prohibit any entrant or potential entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes, if such entrant or potential entrant shows a disregard for these Official Rules; acts with an intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any other entrant, Sponsors, or Sponsors agents or representatives; or behaves in any other disruptive manner (as determined by Sponsors in their sole discretion).

DISPUTES: THE SWEEPSTAKES IS GOVERNED BY, AND WILL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND THE FORUM AND VENUE FOR ANY DISPUTE SHALL BE IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK. IF THE CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM IS NOT OTHERWISE RESOLVED THROUGH DIRECT DISCUSSIONS OR MEDIATION, IT SHALL THEN BE RESOLVED BY FINAL AND BINDING ARBITRATION ADMINISTERED BY JUDICIAL ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION SERVICES, INC., IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS STREAMLINED ARBITRATION RULES AND PROCEDURES OR SUBSEQUENT VERSIONS THEREOF (JAMS RULES). THE JAMS RULES FOR SELECTION OF AN ARBITRATOR SHALL BE FOLLOWED, EXCEPT THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE EXPERIENCED AND LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN NEW YORK. ALL PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THIS PARAGRAPH WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK. THE REMEDY FOR ANY CLAIM SHALL BE LIMITED TO ACTUAL DAMAGES, AND IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY PARTY BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING ATTORNEYS FEES OR OTHER SUCH RELATED COSTS OF BRINGING A CLAIM, OR TO RESCIND THIS AGREEMENT OR SEEK INJUNCTIVE OR ANY OTHER EQUITABLE RELIEF.

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: For the names of Winners, available after February 7, 2019, visit www.NBCConnecticut.com, or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to be received by April 12, 2019 to: Call to Win Giveaway, 1422 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110 attn: Dhurata Lluhani
For the third day in a row, teachers at charter schools in Chicago hit the picket lines.

Negotiations appear to have stalled between the Chicago Teachers Union and the Chicago International Charter Schools network.

Teachers at four of the network's unionized schools went on strike beginning Tuesday after nine months of negotiations over a new contract.

Around 175 educators are striking, according to CTU, which impacts roughly 2200 students at four CICS schools: Northtown High School, ChicagoQuest North High School, Wrightwood and Ralph Ellison High School.

Teachers were picketing outside all four schools each day beginning early Tuesday.

"We have hit a big obstacle and that obstacle is CICS," CTU Vice President Stacy Davis Gates said. "Trust us to provide the best education."

The teachers want better pay and smaller classes, plus more counselors and social workers on staff. CICS released a statement saying the teachers were offered 28 percent raises over four years, more paid time off and other concessions.

CTU said CICS' revenue increased with the 2017 revamp of Illinois' school funding model, from $82 million in 2017 to $93 million in 2018, and the organization increased spending on management expenses by 31 percent but only increased spending on student services by 3 percent.

The union is also demanding a state investigation into the number of CICS investment and bond deals that they consider to be conflicts of interest.

It was not immediately clear when bargaining would resume. While teachers are not in the classroom, students still are, under the supervision of principals and non-union staff.

This marks the second charter school strike in Chicago over the last two months.

In December, teachers at the Acero charter school network went on strike, marking the first-ever strike against a charter school operator in the country.

That strike, impacting 7,500 students at 15 schools, ended after six days.
 Flash

The Royal Air Force's (RAF) Tornado GR4 planes have been withdrawn from the British Akrotiri Air Base in Cyprus and returned to Britain, a statement by the commander of the Tornado squadron said on Wednesday.

The Tornado fighter-bombers were used by the British during the 1990-1991 first Gulf War for low-level bombing missions in Iraq, where six of the planes were lost, and more recently for sorties against Islamic State Positions in Syria.

The last air strikes in Syria were carried out on Tuesday by two Tornados which then returned at their Norfolk base in Britain.

Akrotiri base authorities did not say what aircraft replaced the Tornados which are being retired after being in operation since 1979.

Acrotiri Air Base next to the port of the southern city of Limassol, is one of two sovereign base areas Britain retained on Cyprus after granting independence to the eastern Mediterranean island in 1960.




Police in northwest Indiana have announced the capture of a suspect in the shooting death of an 18-year-old girl earlier this year.

49-year-old Juarez Rogers, who is facing murder charges in connection with the incident, was arrested in a Chicago suburb on Thursday morning. The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, following up on an anonymous tip provided to detectives in Griffith, Indiana, located Rogers on Thursday and arrested him without incident.

Rogers is accused in the shooting death of 18-year-old Alayna Ortiz, who was killed Jan. 9 in what police believe was a burglary attempt gone wrong.

Rogers, along with his nephew Giovante Galloway, were both charged with murder and numerous felony burglary charges in the death of Ortiz.

Galloway had been taken into custody in mid-January, according to police.

On the evening of Jan. 9, police say that Ortiz was shot and killed while riding in a car with her boyfriend and two other people.

Police say that Ortizs boyfriend is believed to be a drug dealer, and the four individuals were fleeing a residence after two break-in attempts, which were believed to have been carried out by Rogers and Galloway.

The group was seeking shelter at the Park West Apartments in Griffith, Indiana, and that is where the shooting ultimately took place.

Police say that Galloway owed Ortizs boyfriend money, and when he couldnt pay up, he and his uncle devised a scheme to steal money from the couples home.

The suspects spotted Ortiz and her boyfriends vehicle, and followed them that night to Griffith with the intention of robbing them, police said in a sworn affidavit.

When the suspects allegedly attempted to rob the couple, gunfire rang out, and Ortiz was struck in the head by a bullet. She later died from her injuries.

Police do not believe that Ortiz was the intended target in the slaying.
An autopsy found that a FedEx worker found dead outside in western Illinois amid record low temperatures died of a traumatic head injury.

Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson says 69-year-old William L. Murphy's death was due to a fall. Police say a colleague found the Moline man's body between two semitrailers at the delivery company's East Moline facility Thursday morning, when Moline hit a record low of minus 33 degrees.

Gustafson says hypothermia doesn't appear to have contributed to Murphy's death. The coroner says he didn't determine if ice was a factor but he "would assume so." Last week's record-breaking subzero temperatures were thought to contribute to at least 27 deaths.

FedEx Corp. said in a statement that the company is saddened and working with local authorities as they investigate.
Illinois officials are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to take "swift and effective action" following reports of elevated levels of ethylene oxide concentrations surrounding a suburban Chicago Sterigenics facility.

In a joint statement Thursday Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul urged the EPA to "protect the health and safety of families living near the [Willowbrook] facility."

"Recent media reports of alleged improper handling of dangerous chemicals at the Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook and reports of elevated EtO levels within the Willowbrook community are deeply disturbing, and we urge the United States EPA to take swift and effective action to protect the health and safety of families living near the facility," the statement read.

The Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA are expected to meet with Sterigenics Thursday.

"After this meeting, we will evaluate any outcomes and exercise all available legal authority to protect the community from this exposure," Pritzker and Raoul's statement read.

New air-quality metrics released by the U.S. EPA this week revealed that the two sites closest to the suburban Chicago Sterigenics facilities have the highest ethylene oxide concentrations.



The EPA posted the results of 12 days of air-quality testing from late November into mid-December. One of the two locations with the highest concentrations include the Willowbrook Village Hall.



Average readings were a little over 2 micrograms per cubic meter, with readings as high as 10 or 11. Environmental health experts said the data confirms prior modeling data that went into the calculations, indicating the cancer risk at more than six extra cancers per 1,000.

The EPA considers one extra cancer per million as acceptable.

The EPA said that downwind of the Sterigenics facility, the concentrations in the community have been as high as 1.7 micrograms per cubic meter.

That's much too high for residents who have been fighting to shut down the facility since they found out about the carcinogen in the air this past summer.

"They need to do what's right and protect this community and these children," said Sri Rao of Stop Sterigenics. "Levels at these schools are hundreds of times higher than the acceptable actual levels. This has to stop. Our children are being poisoned. We are being poisoned."



"We don't need any more tests," said Neringa Zymancius of Stop Sterigenics. "We are not lab rats for them to conduct testing to see how far they can keep releasing emissions until we all start dying."



In a statement earlier this week, Raoul and DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin said they are "very deeply troubled by recent media reports showing improper operations at the Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook."

"We have also since learned just this afternoon from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that 12 more days of EtO sampling results from November and December 2018 show a clear link between EtO emissions from the Sterigenics facilities and elevated EtO levels within the Willowbrook community," they said. "The citizens of DuPage County should not have to endure this exposure to a known human carcinogen. We are coordinating our review of the data released this afternoon with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Willowbrook EtO Task Force, which includes retained environmental professionals, including toxicologists. We will exercise all available legal authority to protect the community from this exposure."



The U.S. EPA said the data is still too limited to determine the long-term health risks of the levels and expects to issue a full risk assessment in the spring.



Residents demanded an immediate shut-down of the facilities.
Prosecutors are building a case, partly on a bloody handprint and the responses of a cadaver-sniffing dog, that a former University of Illinois physics student killed a 26-year-old Chinese scholar in 2017 at his off-campus apartment.

In recent filings, prosecutors revealed more evidence that they say will help prove to jurors that Brendt Christensen kidnapped Yingying Zhang in Urbana, then killed her. Complicating their task is that Zhang's body has never been found.

Prosecutors disclosed in a Wednesday filing that the bloody handprint was found in Christensen's apartment, though they haven't said whose hand it represents.

Zhang disappeared June 9, 2017, on her way to sign a lease for an off-campus apartment in Urbana, 140 miles (225 kilometers) southwest of Chicago. She had just missed a bus when Christensen, then 27, lured her into his car, prosecutors say. Her disappearance prompted a massive search.

Christensen's trial starts April 1. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty , saying Christensen tortured Zhang before killing her. He has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping resulting in death.

Prosecutors say a cadaver-sniffing dog detected traces of a dead body in the bathroom near the door and sink. Other evidence includes the possible presence of blood on a bedroom wall and floor.

Christensen's lawyers have asked the judge to bar much of that evidence, saying Sage, the sheriff's department's cadaver-sniffing dog, is unreliable because of inadequate training.

Defense lawyers also said initial indications of blood in some locations couldn't be confirmed in subsequent tests. They argued some forensics techniques employed by investigators are error-prone and others simply signaled blood was present in the apartment, but couldn't show definitively that the blood was Zhang's.

In a response, prosecutors said the defense might have had a point if investigators had relied solely on such tests. But they said the traces of blood corroborated other evidence pointing to Christensen as the killer, including secret recordings of Christensen explaining how he forced Zhang into his apartment.

Zhang, who received her master's degree in environmental engineering in China in 2016, had hoped to eventually land a professorship and help her family in China out financially. Her father, a sometime-semitrailer driver, traveled from China to Illinois in June to help look for his daughter.
The race for Chicago mayor comes with a spotlight like no other, and on Wednesday, candidates Susana Mendoza and Amara Enyia faced unexpected questions as they look to win the citys top job.

For Mendoza, those questions surrounded a fundraising event to be held in her honor. That event, hosted by Alderman Joe Moreno, is stirring up questions after it was revealed that the alderman is facing a Chicago police investigation into whether he filed a false police report over a car he said was stolen.

That car was later found with a woman he says he has dated. Despite that controversy, Mendoza did not distance herself from Moreno.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkles campaign was quick to pounce on the controversy, as it released a statement noting Mendoza and Moreno once dated. Also, it was revealed that Mendoza loaned Moreno more than $50,000 in a previous political campaign in 2007.

Here's Who's Running for Mayor of Chicago

Ive always supported candidates who want to run for office, here and there, in different ways, Mendoza said when asked about the controversy. I think thats a good thing. Im always going to be somebody who tries to help people up the ladder.

Mendoza, however adds she will not be attending the February 20th Moreno fundraiser. The Illinois comptroller says she will be in Springfield that day for Illinois Governor JB Pritzkers budget speech.

Mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot also criticized Mendoza saying that her ties to several controversial aldermen offer proof that voters have had enough already.

Lightfoot says that voters should move away from Mendoza, who has also been linked to Aldermen Ed Burke and Danny Solis as they face investigations of their own.

Lets break from the past and lets move forward in a totally different direction, she said.

In a separate controversy, Enyia is being asked about details on her resume. She says she received her PhD in Education from the University of Illinois in October 2010, but the National Student Clearing House verifies that she received that degree in May 2011.

She also says she received her law degree in May 2009, but the verification service shows it was awarded to her in May 2010.

When asked about the discrepancies, Enyia dismissed concerns, saying that the dates may be off, (and) that is something we can look into, but the degrees are there, they were legitimately obtained.

As for whether her sloppiness in her resume, and other questions shes also faced on not filing her income taxes in a timely manner disqualify her, Enyia again dismissed the concerns.

We have individuals who have been in office for decades and yet were still experiencing the results of their leadership, which is a city that is suffering financially, that is very much divided and is in need for significant change, she said.
What to Know Enyia's campaign wanted all 14 candidates to participate in the forum, but only the top five were invited to Thursday's event.

Enyia's campaign believes it will get a boost in poll numbers with Dorothy Brown's name being taken off the ballot.

A Cook County judge has denied a request by the Chicago mayoral campaign of Amara Enyia to halt a candidates forum on Thursday night because of its limited field of participants.

Enyia filed the lawsuit to try delay the forum, which will be hosted by Fox. The forum will only feature five of the 14 declared candidates in the field, and Enyias campaign sought to delay it unless all 14 candidates were invited to participate.

The forums sponsors have not released the polling data they used to determine the top five candidates, but a recent poll by the Chicago Sun-Times showed that Toni Preckwinkle, Bill Daley, Gery Chico, Susana Mendoza and Willie Wilson are leading the pack in the race to replace Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Daley ended up dropping out of the forum on Thursday, saying that he has a scheduling conflict with an endorsement meeting of a local plumber's union.

The Lincoln Forum and Fox have not yet announced a replacement, but it will likely be Paul Vallas, who finished in sixth in the Sun-Times poll.

That poll was commissioned before Dorothy Brown was kicked off the ballot and threw her support behind Enyia, a move that could have potentially boosted her numbers in the race.

Cook County Judge Celia Gamrath said that the televised forum, hosted by Fox 32 and the Lincoln Forum, is an event run by a private non-profit organization, and as such they have the right to invite whomever they want, even if it means giving unequal air time to the five highest-polling candidates.

During a hearing Thursday, Judge Gamrath likened Enyias request to being forced to invite an unwelcome guest to the party.

Enyias lawyer, Shay Allen, disputed that assertion, saying the situation is different because most private parties arent televised and dont affect the fate of an entire city.

Joshua Gray, Enyias campaign manager, said after the hearing that this forum is particularly important because unlike most of the community forums Enyia attends, this one is broadcast directly into the homes of thousands of Chicago voters.

Its televised, as we said in court, Gray said. They make it seem like theres only five viable candidates and thats not true.

Enyia and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas both sent cease and desist letters to Fox 32 on Monday, but the forum will still continue. The station will hold a forum for the rest of the candidates tomorrow night.

We have so many candidates, for it to be effective we just made the determination, were going to set an objective standard and invite those five candidates, said Pat Brady, the former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party and a co-chair of the Lincoln Forum.
What to Know This is the first in NBC10 Boston's "She Thrives" series, focusing on the achievements of black women in Boston during Black History Month.

Under Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan's leadership, the Dimock Center has opened an innovative residential drug treatment facility.

Jordan has also launched a holistic approach to caring for the 19,000 patients a year who seek treatment at the Dimock Center.

She's not your average president and CEO, but the Dimock Center's Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan does it all as she leads Boston's second largest health center and Roxbury's largest employer.

Jordan's leadership at the Dimock Center, a nine-acre community hospital campus in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood, has resulted in opening an innovative residential drug treatment facility, even as she finds the time to play with preschool students on the hospital campus.

"We save over 3,000 lives each year," she told NBC10 Boston.

One of the lives saved is Jordan's recovery specialist, Malik Hall, a former heroin and cocaine addict who found long-term treatment at Dimock himself.

"I love Dimock as well," he said. "They stuck with me. They understood what I was going through."

Jordan, who has a medical degree and an MBA, has launched a holistic approach to caring for the 19,000 patients a year who hail from Boston's Mattapan, Dorchester, South End and Roxbury neighborhoods and beyond, providing everything from medical, dental, vision and mental health care, to food banks and even housing.

"I don't care who you are, I'm going to make sure you get the same level of health care," Jordan said. "I don't care if you are the VIP to the person coming in off the street."

It was back in 2007, pregnant with her second daughter, when Jordan and her husband, a special education teacher, agreed to move their young family to Boston from Maryland.

Jordan admits she was nervous about living in Boston due to the city's past issues with race.

"I went to Brown [University], undergrad and medical school, so I lived in Rhode Island and had come up to Boston and felt like I didn't know where the African American community was," she said. "And part of what helped us make the decision to move was that we knew that Governor [Deval] Patrick was coming into office. So for us it was like, 'OK, there is a change happening there, there is a change afoot.'"

Jordan first wowed Boston as Dimock's chief medical officer, eventually leading to her appointment as president and CEO. Now Jordan and her staff are getting national recognition for fundraisers such as the "Steppin' Out for Dimock" gala and neighborhood partnerships such as the fifth annual 5K Walk/Run.

However, Jordan doesn't want to be called a trailblazer.

"I don't want to be put on a pedestal," she said. "I just want to do work."
What to Know Michelle Carter, 22, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the death of her boyfriend, Conrad Roy III.

Carter sent a series of text messages encouraging Roy, who was suicidal, to kill himself.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court on Tuesday upheld Carter's conviction, saying the evidence proved she caused Roy's death.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has upheld the involuntary manslaughter conviction of a Plainville woman after she encouraged her boyfriend to kill himself in dozens of text messages and told him to "get back in" a truck filled with toxic gas.

Michelle Carter, 22, was convicted in the 2014 death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III, who died by suicide after Carter encouraged him to end his own life. Carter was sentenced to 15 months in jail but has remained free as she pursued her appeal.

"The evidence against the defendant proved that, by her wanton or reckless conduct, she caused the victim's death by suicide," the 33-page ruling reads. "Her conviction of involuntary manslaughter as a youthful offender is not legally or constitutionally infirm. The judgment is therefore affirmed."

A judge had concluded Carter caused Roys death after she told him to get into his truck as it was filling with carbon monoxide. The then-17-year-old Carter texted her long-distance boyfriend: "You keep pushing it off and say youll do it but u never do. Its always gonna be that way if u dont take action."

"And then after she convinced him to get back into the carbon monoxide filled truck, she did absolutely nothing to help him: she did not call for help or tell him to get out of the truck as she listened to him choke and die," Justice Scott Kafker wrote in Wednesday's Supreme Judicial Court ruling.

Roy's grandmother, Janice, told NBC10 Boston she is happy with the outcome.

"It feels like there is closure," she said.

The Bristol County District Attorney's Office said its next step will be to file a motion with the trial court to revoke the stay of sentence and have Carter's sentence imposed. That motion will be filed in the coming days.

Carter's lawyers said they are disappointed in the ruling and may appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"Today's decision stretches the law to assign blame for a tragedy that was not a crime," the law firm of Fick & Marx said in a statement. "It has very troubling implications, for free speech, due process, and the exercise of prosecutorial discretion, that should concern us all."

Matt Segal, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, echoed those sentiments in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon.

"Conrad Roy's suicide is indisputably tragic. But, by upholding Michelle Carter's conviction, the Supreme Judicial Court has handed prosecutors broad, undefined powers that diminish the speech rights of everyone in Massachusetts," he said.

The trial drew national attention and was closely watched on social media, in part because of the insistent tone of Carter's text messages.

In dozens of text messages, Carter urged Roy to follow through on his talk of taking his own life. "The time is right and you are ready ... just do it babe," Carter wrote in a text the day he killed himself.

"You can't think about it. You just have to do it. You said you were gonna do it. Like I don't get why you aren't," Carter wrote in another text.

Roy's father, Conrad Roy Sr., said Carter "exploited my son's weaknesses and used him as a pawn ... She has not shown any remorse."

Carters attorneys argued that she made bad choices in her communication with Roy during his final hours, but did not commit any crimes.

They said Roy was determined to kill himself and nothing Carter did could change that. They said Carter initially tried to talk Roy out of it and urged him to get professional help, but eventually went along with his plan.

They also said Carter was struggling with mental health issues of her own  bulimia, anorexia and depression  during the time she urged Roy to kill himself.

"We can all see from the text messages that Michelle Carter did not force Conrad Roy to kill himself," attorney Daniel Marx told the court in October.

Carter and Roy met in Florida in 2012 while both were on vacation with their families. After that, they only met in person a handful of times. Their relationship consisted mainly of texting. Both teens struggled with depression. Carter had also been treated for anorexia, and Roy had made earlier suicide attempts.

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting 'Home' to 741741.
Twitter is reporting that revenue and profit and its daily user base all grew in the final three months of 2018.

But its monthly user count slipped and guidance for the current quarter was below some expectations and shares fell in premarket trading.

The San Francisco company disclosed its daily user base count for the first time, putting the figure at 126 million, up 9 percent from a year earlier. These are users who see ads on the platform and log in at least once a day.

Twitter on Thursday posted earnings of $255 million, or 33 cents per share, in the October-December quarter. That is up from $91 million, or 12 cents per share, a year earlier.

Revenue grew 24 percent to $909 million.

Analysts polled by FactSet were expecting earnings of 25 cents per share and revenue of $867 million.

Its monthly user base fell to 321 million, from 326 million. Twitter attributed the decline to sending fewer email notifications, moving away from its SMS service with phone carriers and working to cut down malicious accounts.

The company said it saw an increase in daily users who log in to Twitter on a mobile device vs. those who use only desktop computers. Suspicious accounts, such as those run by bots to send spam or game the service in some other day are much more prevalent on desktop computers than on mobile.

Expenses increased 13 percent to $704 million as Twitter added more employees and from revenue share costs related to its video offerings.

For the current quarter ending in April, Twitter said it expects revenue in the range of $715 million to $775 million. Analysts surveyed by Zacks had expected revenue of $762.5 million, which is higher than the midpoint of the company's outlook.

Twitter's stock fell 8.7 percent, to $31.18 in premarket trading.

Elements of this story were created by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on TWTR at https://www.zacks.com/ap/TWTR
A report released Wednesday by the California Department of Public Health has declared a key part of the former Hunters Point Shipyard free from any radiological health and safety hazards after a controversial cleanup.

Independent radiological experts from the state certified a radiological survey of Parcel A-1 and issued a progress report for Parcel A-2, revealing no radiological safety hazards to the surrounding community from either.

Parcel A-1 is an area bordered by Fisher Avenue, Spear Avenue, Crisper Avenue, and Lockwood Street.[[505537121, C]]

However, the area tested for contamination did not include the houses of people already living on Parcel A-1. According to the state, surveying residential units is beyond the scope of this survey.

According to a statement from San Franciscos Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure, which released the report, the survey results concludes that residents, workers, or visitors are not being exposed to any anomalies.

The former Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard is located in the southeastern portion of San Francisco.[[504368441, C]]

A statement sent out by OCII spokesperson Max Barnes said that the state conducted the survey after a request from the city and regulatory agencies "following concerns raised by the falsification of data elsewhere on the shipyard and questions about Parcel A." The survey included a walkover scan ('hand scans') and towed array scan of the public accessible areas (uncovered areas, landscaped areas, streets and sidewalks) as well as private common areas between homes, a large stockpile and slopes.

According to the report, all but one of the anomalies detected was determined to be potassium-40, a naturally occurring element normally found throughout nature, including in plants, animals, various foods and our bodies.

The other anomaly detected was a Navy deck marker containing radium, which was buried under about 10 inches of soil. State officials said that the amount of radiation from this would not be a health or safety hazard to anyone on this site previously.

Officials have also finished carrying out a survey of Parcel A-2, a currently uninhabited future project area and results indicate no radiation health or safety risks.[[504752581, C]]

Beginning in 1946, the Navy cleaned dozens of ships pummeled with radioactive debris during offshore atomic weapons tests and housed a nuclear defense laboratory with up to 108 radioactive isotopes at the Hunters Point Shipyard in San Francisco. Navy documents suggest these activities may have contaminated dozens of locations across shipyard, a federal superfund site.

Historical footage from a 1946 offshore nuclear test, dubbed Operation Crossroads, shows the extent of damaged ships that came back to the San Francisco shipyard to be decontaminated.

An NBC Bay Area investigation found the Navy identified 91 locations as potentially contaminated in a 2004 report, but never tested hundreds of other buildings and sites within the square-mile plot. The Navy says the "impacted" sites represent a significant portion of the shipyard.

Hunters Point Shipyard housed a radioactive testing lab and was used to decontaminate ships after offshore nuke tests. This 3D flyover video offers a look at what areas of the shipyard were linked to radioactive isotopes in a 2004 Navy report, and what developers have in store once the cleanup is complete.

The 2004 report, called a Historical Radiological Assessment, focuses on the radiological history of the site. It is based on documents, maps and firsthand accounts that indicate a building or area could be radiologically contaminated due to past Navy operations.

It is unclear if the Navy has deemed any other sites to be potentially impacted by radioactive contamination since it released its 2004 report. It is also unclear if the cleanup has extended beyond what was initially believed to be contaminated when the assessment was completed.

To view a parcel map of Hunters Point Shipyard, go to https://sfocii.org
 Flash

Permanent Representatives of the 29 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday signed the Accession Protocol for Macedonia.

Following the signing of the protocol, Macedonia can now take part in NATO activities as an invitee, said NATO in a statement published on its website.

The accession process now moves to the capitals of the 29 NATO members where the protocol will be ratified according to national procedures. The country will become a member of NATO as soon as all members have ratified the protocol, said the statement.

Macedonia and Greece recently resolved their long-standing dispute when the former agreed to change their country name to "Republic of North Macedonia", clearing thus the biggest obstacle for the Balkan country's bid for NATO and the European Union (EU).

Although the Greek parliament was due to ratify in the first half of February also FYROM's NATO accession protocol, according to the agreed timetable, majority of Greek citizens seem to have not yet been persuaded to accept a name containing the word "Macedonia".

Around 69 percent of Greeks still oppose the Macedonia name agreement, according to a survey released on Sunday's "To Vima" (The Tribune) local newspaper.

In the poll conducted by polling firm Metron Analysis, 71 percent of respondents said that they will be referring to the neighbouring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as Skopje, the name of its capital.

Greece and Macedonia have been in dispute since 1991, when the former Yugoslav republic gained independence. Greece has objected to its neighbour's constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia, fearing that the name indicates territorial ambitions over the northern Greek province of Macedonia. Greece's objection has impeded Skopje's bids to join NATO and the European Union.

Under the UN-brokered Prespa Agreement in June 2018, Macedonia's constitutional name would become "the Republic of North Macedonia."




A wave of truck thefts in Contra Costa County had police issuing a warning Wednesday night: Car thieves are targeting pickup trucks.

The thieves also are particular about the make and model, police said, stealing Ford F-250s and 350s in alarming numbers.

Bill Jones, 68, said he woke up Monday morning to find his Ford pickup truck stolen from right in front of his Martinez home.

"I said, 'What happened? Wheres my truck?!'" Jones said, describing his reaction.

Jones's wife and neighbor both saw two men pull up in a black Toyota truck at about 7:30 a.m.

"The passenger jumped out and got into my truck, and he was gone in minutes probably even seconds," Jones said.

Jones is not alone. The California Highway Patrol says thieves seem to be targeting the Ford pickups in Contra Costa County. Concord and Antioch each had eight stolen in January, and Pittsburg saw 11 of the trucks taken in just two weeks.

"Eleven stolen vehicles of the one make or model is an alarming rate," said Steve Albanese of the Pittsburg Police Department. "We dont normally see that in our community."

Pittsburg crime analysts noticed the trend and sent an alert out to patrol officers Tuesday. Officers then spotted one of the stolen trucks near a park Tuesday night and arrested 39-year-old Michael Patton of Pittsburg, police said.

Police believe there are more suspects out there. The CHP now has a task force on the case and is urging Ford truck owners to take precautions.

"Have a vehicle with more security, possibly an alarm," CHP Officer Brandon Correia said. "Sounds obvious, but make sure your doors are locked, or go old school, with a Club."

Jones hopes police find his truck because he needs it and the tools he kept in it for work.

"I dont need a new truck," he said. "That one worked fine for 15 years."
Massive flames from a gas explosion destroyed five buildings in San Francisco's busy Geary Boulevard Wednesday afternoon  including a popular Chinese dim sum restaurant  and prompted evacuations within a one-mile radius of the fire zone but resulted in no injuries, firefighters said.

PG&E crew finally shut off the flow of gas more than two hours after the blaze began, leading many to question why gas lines hadn't been shut down earlier.

The fire ignited after a third-party construction crew ruptured the gas line. The crew was from a company called MasTec, and a spokesman said it is investigating the incident.

The National Transportation Safety Board will also investigate the natural gas explosion. NTSB spokesman Eric Weiss said Thursday that an eight-person team will travel to San Francisco and that it will release information as it becomes available.

[NATL] Fire Rages in San Francisco After Gas Line Explosion

The explosion occurred around 1:20 p.m. at a construction area near Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue, according to the fire department, and the flames quickly spread to five buildings nearby. Eight missing workers were located and reportedly uninjured, San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said.

"Its pretty dramatic, but we have pretty good handle on it," she told reporters in the early stages of the fire.

A third-party crew was working on fiber optic wiring underground in front of Hong Kong Lounge II when they hit a gas line, which sparked the explosion, according to Hayes-White.

The building in which Hong Kong Lounge II is located is more than 100 years old, according to property records. The restaurant has made it to many "best of" lists and is frequented by tourists and students from the nearby University of San Francisco.

Officials evacuated several nearby buildings, including a medical clinic and apartment buildings, Hayes-White said. Vehicles on a busy street got rerouted as authorities cordoned off the bustling retail and residential neighborhood.

The blaze took out power for at least 2,500 customers in Laurel Heights, Inner Richmond and parts of the Presidio, according to an outage map provided by Pacific Gas and Electric. All electricity has since been restored.

At least 300 customers were still without gas service as of Thursday morning, the utility said. Repairs to the gas line have been completed, but crews are still working to flush water out of the line so gas can be reintroduced.

"We know it's cold ... We are working to fix it," a PG&E spokesperson said.

Firefighters kept the fire under control while two separate crews manually dug into the streets in an attempt to shut off the gas lines.

When asked by reporters at the scene why PG&E had not shut off the gas line earlier, Hayes-White said: Its complicated, though she later acknowledged that as a fire chief and a resident, yes, I would have liked to see it mitigated.

"We are working closely with first responders," PG&E said in a statement. "We will communicate more as information becomes available."

Later, a PG&E official said his crews had to isolate the situation and develop a plan due to a "complex web of utilities" under the streets. Then, he said, the crews had to "hand dig" to reach the affected line and cap it, he said.



San Francisco supervisors came under fire after PG&E took nearly 3 hours to shut off the gas in Nov. 2017, last time there was a gas explosion in San Francisco.

Wednesday's gas explosion and fire was the latest in a number of incidents where it took hours for PG&E to shut off a gas line that was the source of a massive fire. Investigative reporter Bigad Shaban reports.

PG&E's map of its gas lines show that there are no transmission lines in the area of the explosion. NBC Bay Area investigative reporter Jaxon Van Derbeken said the damaged gas line is "likely a distribution heater main, which is a more intense line than a regular transmission to households."

Footage from the scene captured towering flames erupting from the gas line in the street in front of the restaurant.

Caroline Gasparini, 24, who lives catty-corner from the fire, said she and her housemate were in their living room when the windows started rattling. She looked up to see flames reflected in the glass.

We went into crisis mode, Gasparini said. We grabbed our shoes, grabbed our laptops and grabbed our passports and just left.

Gasparini said they saw employees of the burning restaurant run out the backdoor and people fleeing down the block.

The latest from investigative reporter Jaxon Van Derbeken on a three-alarm blaze caused by a gas explosion in San Francisco.

Nick Jalali, 28, was cooking at home when the electricity cut out.

We didnt hear anything, he said. We just felt the shaking, and the next thing we knew, people were banging on the door to tell people its time to start evacuating.

Witness Sarah Arnold usually works across the street but wasn't at the office Wednesday.

"It's pretty scary. I could have been there working today, and I wasn't," she said, adding that she heard all her co-workers were OK. "I was just on my way to Trader Joe's and saw the flames."

San Francisco Fire Department Chief Joanne Hayes-White provides an update on the situation at Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue.

Joseph Feusi lives four blocks away and said he was awoken by what sounded like a jet engine.

Feusi, who works nights and sleeps in the afternoon, said he could see the towering flames from his home.

"I think the eight guys are really lucky they didnt get blown to bits," he said.

PG&E stressed that the workers who cut the gas line are not affiliated with the utility, which is under heightened scrutiny over its natural gas pipelines.

A PG&E pipeline exploded under a neighborhood south of San Francisco in 2010, killing eight people and wiping out a neighborhood in suburban San Bruno.

A U.S. judge fined the nations largest utility $3 million for a conviction on six felony charges of failing to properly maintain the pipeline. California regulators also fined PG&E $1.6 billion and the utility remains under a federal judges watch in that case.

For those displaced by Wednesday's explosion and fire, the American Red Cross said volunteers will be opening an overnight shelter at 6 p.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral, 1111 Gough St.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(Natural News) Mere hours after I appeared on the Alex Jones Show yesterday to reveal the truth about Jack Dorseys criminal fronting for Bitcoin and deep state money laundering, Twitter suspended all Health Ranger / Natural News accounts without explanation, simultaneously, mere hours after my appearance on Alexs show.

Importantly, the Health Ranger Twitter account (twitter.com/healthranger) tweets news stories that are more than 95% focused on health, nutrition, medicine, food science and similar topics. There is absolutely nothing in the HealthRanger twitter feed that could justify being banned by Twitter. Its clear this censorship order came from the top and was initiated to punish me for appearing on the Alex Jones Show.

As I mentioned on the show (see video below), Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter, recently appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience, hyping Bitcoin as the currency that would take over the internet. According to Hacked.com, Joe Rogan is being paid off to the tune of $300,000 per month via the Cash mobile app  owned by Twitter, of course.

During the Joe Rogan interview, Joe utterly failed to ask Dorsey any tough questions at all, and the entire interview turned into an apparent fraud fest of pump and dump front men (Dorsey and Rogan) pushing a massive crypto scheme onto Rogans listeners, utterly without disclosing the severe conflicts of interest held by both Rogan and Dorsey. In a version of what could have been an SEC enforcers wet-dream, we have the CEO of a Bitcoin-specific payment app talking up the potential of Bitcoin, on a podcast which he also pays to advertise said payment app, reports Hacked.com.

What Dorsey and Rogan also failed to mention is that Jack Dorsey is an investor in the Lightning Labs project thats working to push a new protocol onto Bitcoin. Thus, Dorsey has a huge financial stake in the future success of Bitcoin. As I pointed out in my interview, Bitcoin is a creation of the deep state that is used to surreptitiously transmit payoffs and bribes to left-wing Democrats, for example, who are being bribed by Mexican drug cartels to oppose the border wall.

Apparently, Jack Dorsey does not want any independent journalist talking about the criminal dark side of Bitcoin, since hes pumping it up with the help of (paid off) Rogan.

In banning Natural News / Health Ranger accounts, Twitter did not cite any reason at all, utterly failing to points out any tweets that violated Twitter community guidelines. Its clear that Natural News / Health Ranger Twitter accounts were banned solely because Adams appeared on the Alex Jones Show and dared to comment on the Joe Rogan / Jack Dorsey Bitcoin fraud.

Watch the full episode in this Brighteon video. I join Alex at 38:18, and the comments on Jack Dorsey and Joe Rogan take place a few minutes later:

Brighteon.com/5999398886001

Joe Rogan and Jack Dorsey appear to be running a massive financial fraud scheme and using censorship to silence whistleblowers

Whats clear in my mind from recent events is that Joe Rogan and Jack Dorsey are running a massive crypto fraud scheme while using the power of censorship to silence whistleblowers who are exposing their giant con. As Hacked.com reports:

Criticism of the Bitcoin core narrative was being censored on Reddit long before the hammer fell on the likes of Alex Jones. Dorseys vision of a future Bitcoin-dominated internet doesnt address this point; and its a point that only seems more scandalous in light of Twitters similar predilection for censoring those who deviate from accepted scripts.

Jack Dorsey is just one of many tech giant CEOs that has now turned to the tyranny of censorship to silence critics for off-platform behavior. Twitter has not cited any violations of community guidelines as justification for suspending the Natural News / Health Ranger accounts. Instead, the actions were taken solely due to my appearance on the Alex Jones Show.

I think Jack Dorsey is running a massive financial fraud scheme, and hes paying off people like Joe Rogan to shill for his crypto profit schemes while selectively silencing anyone who might raise legitimate questions about the dishonesty and deception of his entire operation.

As more and more people are now noticing, the tech giants that dominate the world are now quite literally being run by financial fraudsters and censorship goons who despise freedom of expression precisely because independent journalists are exposing their frauds and cons. Any independent journalist who attempts to warn the public and expose the truth about the massive Bitcoin crypto con is targeted for selective censorship and defamation. Meanwhile, techno-schemers like Dorsey funnel money to front men like Joe Rogan to keep pushing the propaganda that hypes up their personal enrichment Ponzi schemes.

Its sick. Its even criminal, according to SEC rules. When will the SEC raid the offices of Jack Dorsey and Joe Rogan and charge them with securities violations for pushing a massive financial fraud, completely absent any honest financial disclosures are required by regulatory authorities? If Rogan and Dorsey were pumping Wall Street stocks in the same manner, they would have already been arrested and charged with securities fraud. Why do they get a free pass when theyre pumping the very same crypto con that has already caused innocent participants around the world to lose hundreds of millions of dollars?

Read more about the Bitcoin crypto fraud at Bitraped.com and check out important news on the evil of the tech giants at TechGiants.news. Read Natural News for updates on whether Twitter decides to reinstate our channels or ban us permanently, utterly without any legitimate reason.

Watch more here about why the people of Earth must declare war on the tech giants and defeat them like we defeated the Third Reich:

Brighteon.com/5999237695001
 Flash

Russia will not take an active position in negotiating new arms control treaties, but will wait for response from the West to its numerous initiatives in this sphere, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.

"There is no shortage of initiatives related to these issues that we sent to our U.S. and Western NATO colleagues," Lavrov told reporters after a meeting with his Turkmen counterpart Rasit Meredow in Turkmenistan's capital city of Ashgabat.

His statement was broadcast directly by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Lavrov recalled that Russia had repeatedly reminded its Western partners of its initiatives and called for a start of talks without delay, in particular, on issues related to the possible extension of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START 3), which expires in 2021.

However, as there was no reaction from Western partners, including the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave instructions not to take an active position and "calmly wait when and if our Western partners are ripe to respond to proposals that had long been sent to them on the whole range of problems of strategic stability," Lavrov said.

The United States has announced its withdrawal from Feb. 2 from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, a benchmark arms limitation agreement signed in 1987.

U.S. President Donald Trump in his State of the Union address on Tuesday night said that Washington is ready to consider an agreement replacing the INF Treaty with a greater number of participants.
(Natural News) Sometimes, doing things the old-fashioned way is the best approach  but when it comes to animal testing, the days of yore are best left behind us. In todays world, there are plenty of alternatives to the cruel and unethical practice of testing on live animals. Now, Brown University is under fire for using live pigs in the course of medical training, even though experts say human body simulators are actually a better choice.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is petitioning the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, calling upon the agency to investigate animal use at Brown Us Warren Alpert Medical School. PCRM is known for advocating against the use of live animals in any sort of medical training, favoring the use of human body simulators instead.

Using live pigs in medical training

According to reports, the medical school is using live pigs for emergency medicine training.

Dr. John Pippin, director of academic affairs for PCRM, says that Brown U is violating the federal Animal Welfare Act because alternatives do exist. This means that the schools use of live pigs is neither justifiable, nor unavoidable.

In the United States and Canada, the overwhelming majority of medical training programs exclusively use human-based training methods  some 90 percent. Instead of abusing living animals, these programs use human-body simulators and cadavers.

Pippin also says that Brown Us animal care and use committee does not oversee the use of the pigs properly, which is another violation of the welfare act.

The purpose of all of these training programs, including at Brown, is to produce the best possible physicians in the field of emergency medicine. Everyone agrees on that, Pippin contends.

What Im claiming, and I think I can prove, is the best way to do this does not include the use of animals.

As Dr. Pippin, a cardiologist in Dallas, explains, alternatives to animal testing have many benefits. If students make a mistake while placing a chest tube, they can do it over again, for example. He contends further that human body models are more similar to humans than live pigs; pigs have thicker skin and their organs may be placed differently.

According to reports, a spokesperson from Brown U has stated that they knew nothing about PCRMs complaint. There was no immediate response to questions about the schools use of live animals, either.

Pippin says that when he first contacted the medical school, the residency director told him she wouldnt have time to even consider the issue of animal testing alternatives for at least six months. After a few more failed attempts, Pippin went straight to the USDA.

Cruel experiments need to stop

The problem of animal testing remains widespread even today. In the past, many universities have been caught doing unspeakable things to the animals they test on  including operating on them without providing proper anesthesia and not providing animals with pain medication post-op.

Even the USDA has been in hot water for their cruel and highly contested medical experiments on kittens. In mid-2018, a shocking report revealed that the federal agency had senselessly murdered hundreds of innocent kittens following medical experiments.

A USDA spokesperson said that the kittens had been purposely infected with Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite responsible for causing toxoplasmosis. The kittens were supposedly infected in part so the USDA can assist in the development of a vaccine for the infection.

Internal documents from the USDA show that up to 100 kittens are killed every year. Veterinary experts agree that a simple round of antibiotics is all it takes to treat toxoplasmosis in cats  which raises even more serious concerns about the USDAs treatment of these animals.

Not only are they raising these kittens just to infect and kill them, they are killing kittens that could have easily been adopted.

See more coverage of stories like this at MedicalExtremism.com.

Sources for this article include:

CBSNews.com

DailyMail.co.uk

DetroitNews.com
(Natural News) There is a pervasive culture of medical overtreatment in the United States. A study published in the journal PLOS ONE in 2017 found that doctors themselves admit that an average of 20 percent of all medical care is unnecessary, including 22 percent of prescribed medications, 25 percent of tests and 11 percent of procedures.

Physicians cite several reasons for this overtreatment, including fear of malpractice, patient pressure and difficulty accessing medical records. What they dont admit, however, is that they are financially incentivized to overtreat patients.

Reimbursement drives everything, said Jean Mitchell, an economist and professor at Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy. It drives the whole health care system.

What the medical fraternity also doesnt admit is just how harmful this culture of overtreatment is.

According to a 2009 report by the National Academy of Medicine, unnecessary medical treatments cost the health care system $210 billion each year.

Kaiser Health News (KHN) reported:

A growing number of patients and doctors are concerned about overtreatment, which is rampant across the health care system, argues Dr. Martin Makary, a professor of surgery and health policy at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.  From duplicate blood tests to unnecessary knee replacements, millions of patients are being bombarded with screenings, scans and treatments that offer little or no benefit.

And these unnecessary and invasive procedures are not just costly in terms of dollars and cents; they can also cause immense physical harm to patients.

An example of this is the course of radiation generally prescribed for breast cancer patients after they have undergone chemotherapy and other forms of treatment.

Back in 2010, the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine published a study which found that a condensed, three-week course of radiation works as well as or better than the traditional six-week course that oncologists had been prescribing for years.

A year later, the American Society for Radiation Oncology endorsed the study. Two years later, in 2013, the society went a step further and specifically admonished oncologists to prescribe the shorter course of treatment for women over the age of 50.

Nonetheless, an investigation by KHN revealed that only 48 percent of eligible patients are offered the shorter course of treatment, even though the longer treatment causes additional financial and physical hardship.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Annie Dennison, a 55-year-old retired psychologist from California, agreed to a slew of toxic treatments, including lumpectomy surgery, chemotherapy, several other medications, and eventually the full six-week course of radiation.

Dennison says she was never offered the shorter course of treatment.

Its disturbing to think that I might have been overtreated, Dennison said. I would like to make sure that other women and men know this is an option.

Dennisons oncologist, Dr. David Khan, claims that he had good reason for prescribing the lengthier radiation treatment plan, including concerns that the shorter treatment would cause an increase in side effects.

There are several other treatments and screenings associated with cancer treatment that are also a cause for concern.

KHN reported:

Overzealous screening for cancers of the thyroid, prostate, breast and skin, for example, leads many older people to undergo treatments unlikely to extend their lives, but which can cause needless pain and suffering, said Dr. Lisa Schwartz, a professor at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice.

Doctors routinely prescribe years of MRIs and annual blood tests for tumor markers for patients who have had cancer, even though specialists have been telling oncologists since 1997 that these tests are unnecessary. Some of these tests  like CT, PET and bone scans  expose patients to unnecessary radiation, which is a known carcinogen and increases the risk of cancer. (Related: 10 Natural remedies for radiation exposure.)

So, the next time your doctor prescribes a battery of tests for a given condition, it would be worth taking the time to do some additional research or to get a second opinion  you could save yourself time, money and unnecessary anguish.

Sources include:

KHN.org

Journals.PLOS.org

NEJM.org
(Natural News) The sun is out and youre raring to wear that pair of shades that has been languishing in your cabinet drawer for months. Its also about time to resurrect that pair of slippers, your swim gear, picnic mat, barbecue grill, and other summer must-haves. Of course, sunscreen is part of these summer staples.

But wait. Before you slather on a generous amount on your body, consider a few questions.

Is that sunscreen environment-friendly? Will it be safe for marine life growing underneath the beautiful beach where you plan to spend many happy hours with friends and family?

Recent studies have found a link between the active ingredients that protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays to coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is the result of stress from changes in temperature, light and nutrients in the environment. Stressed corals release algae in their tissues, which make them turn totally white. Stressed corals are in greater danger of dying than their healthier counterparts.

This has led to a global outcry for more reef-friendly sunscreens. Craig Downs, executive director of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, which examined the effects of sunscreen on coral reefs, made a disturbing statement. He says sunscreen chemicals that get into the water while people are swimming enter sewage systems when washed off in the shower. Supporting Downs alarming statement is his teams 2015 study showing how oxybenzone, a chemical common in sunscreens, harms algae that live in corals. Oxybenzone also stunts coral growth. Meanwhile, a 2008 European study stated that sunscreen led to a viral infection in corals, which in turn, promoted bleaching. The study added that around 14,000 tons of sunscreen are deposited into the worlds oceans yearly.

These figures were enough to make lawmakers in Hawaii lobby for a law banning sunscreens with oxybenzone. But they failed. Consumer Healthcare Products Association, which represents makers of over-the-counter medicine, and the Personal Care Products Council, made up of cosmetics and personal care industry representatives, protested, citing the role sunscreens play in cancer prevention.

But this did not faze concerned groups and individuals.

Mark Parrish, co-owner of Big Blue Unlimited, a tour operation that holds excursions in the Turks and Caicos Islands where coral reefs attract tourists, ruled that only 100 percent biodegradable sunscreen should be used in their areas. Parrish published this policy on his companys website to make sure visitors were forewarned. The travel industry likewise launched a campaign educating travelers on coral reef-friendly sunscreen. (Related: The sunscreen myth: How sunscreen products actually promote cancer.)

Aqua-Aston Hospitality, which manages over 40 resorts in Hawaii, distributes backgrounders on oxybenzone and coral bleaching as guests come in. The staff hand out samples of chemical-free sunscreen and offers free sunscreen dispensers with biodegradable lotion. The campaign is now enforced in all of the companys resorts.

Outrigger Resorts, also in Hawaii, provides free samples of reef-safe sunscreen to guests.

In Mexico, snorkeling favorites Xel-Ha and Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park have banned non-biodegradable sunscreen. At Xel-Ha, visitors with unapproved sunscreen can swap them for safe ones. They get their own sunscreens back upon leaving.

At the seven Solmar Hotels & Resorts, guests may buy biodegradable sunblock on-site and are told in advance that its the only kind allowed in area preserves like Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park.

Using earth-friendly sunscreen may not totally solve the coral bleaching problem. But sunscreen use is the only one travelers and tourists have control over. Travelers can help save coral reefs even more by wearing sun protection gear like wide-brim hats, parasols and protective clothing which reduce or eliminate the need for sunscreens.

Sources include:

NYTimes.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
(Natural News) In the cosmic world of seduction, black holes earn the scintillating title of being the dames of doom. Scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California have detailed a fascinating connection between dead white dwarf stars and black holes, and found that the latter could bring zombie stars back to life just to destroy them.

Supercomputer simulations provided images of this deadly romance. Midsize black holes (objects between 100 times the mass of our sun to those thousands or even billions of times the mass of our sun) have just enough gravitational force to reignite a dead white dwarf star  a stellar corpse that has used up all of its nuclear fuel. Its the Goldilocks theory applied to space science; with this perfectly sized black hole having just the right amount of energy to cause stellar material in the dead star to fuse into varying amounts of calcium and iron. This chain reaction would produce more fusion as the star got closer to the black hole. And then, just as the black holes lips caress the star, the corpse would be reignited.

Interestingly, the stars revival would create powerful electromagnetic waves that would be detectable by our technology. This means that astronomers would be able to see where this reanimation happened and find the medium-sized black hole responsible for this nucleosynthesis process.

That said  the necromancing black hole would only bring the star back to life just to rip it apart later.

As [the spherical star] approaches the black hole, tidal forces begin to compress the star in a direction perpendicular to the orbital plane, reigniting it, explained physicist Rob Hoffman, co-author of the study. But within the orbital plane, these gravitational forces stretch the star and tear it apart.

Findings of this study were published in the September 2018 issue of The Astrophysics Journal.

Paint it black

A black hole is a cosmic object that contains incredible amounts of gravity within a relatively small place that not even light can get out. This usually occurs as a star dies. Because no light can get out, black holes  despite their name  are invisible. Astronomers use special tools to see how stars that are very close to black holes behave differently than other stars.

Albert Einstein first predicted black holes back in 1916 as he conceptualized the general theory of relativity. However, the term black hole was only coined and used in 1967 by American astronomer John Wheeler. Not long after, in 1971, the first black hole was discovered.

There are three types of black holes: primordial black holes, which can range from the size of a single atom to a mountain and are considered small by space standards; stellar black holes, which are the ones that are most often found, and are are usually 20 times bigger than our sun; and supermassive black holes, which are at least a million times heavier than our sun.

Despite popular media portraying a vacuum-like activity of black holes, these stellar objects do not suck planets or other material. Stars just fall into them. If a star passes too close to a black hole, it is torn apart. (Related: Astronomers have, for the first time, detected matter falling into a black hole at 30% of the speed of light.)

On a different but similar note, physicists have recently debunked a long-standing theory about what would happen if a person were to fall into a black hole. It was believed that a human would be stretched out like spaghetti until they reached the single point in space-time where the mass of the black hole is concentrated (called the singularity) where they would be completely obliterated. However, a 2012 study in Nature concluded that the quantum effects found in the outer layer of the black hole would act like a wall of fire, instantly burning anyone to death.

Sources include:

LiveScience.com

NASA.gov

CBC.ca

Space.com
(Natural News) A Swedish study concluded that cigarette smoking increases the risk of lower back pain that needs to be remedied by spinal surgery.

The scientists studied a common cause of back pain known as lumbar spinal stenosis, which happens when the spinal canal diminishes in shape, putting pressure on the spinal column and nerves. The study involved 331,941 construction workers who were part of a nationwide occupational registry in Sweden. They were observed for an average of more than 30 years. Around 1,623 of them eventually had to undergo surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. People who used to smoke still had risks of getting chronic back pain; however, quitting smoking lessened the odds of needing a back surgery by over 70 percent.

Smoking appears to be a risk factor for developing lower spine space narrowing that can lead to surgical treatment. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk, said senior study author Dr. Arkan Sayed-Noor, a researcher at Umea University.

The authors of the study said they overlooked one thing: They did not try to factor in the exercise habits of the participants involved. Most of the construction workers whose smoking habits were analyzed were men; the results could have been different for women. In any case, the results of the study still holds true when it comes to establishing the link between cigarettes and disc damage and back pain, according to University of Toronto researcher Dr. Jean Wong, who was not a part of the study.

There are multiple short- and long-term health reasons for smokers to quit, and by quitting smoking, smokers can reduce their risk of back pain due to disc generation and spinal stenosis  which can be a debilitating problem in smokers. Although it may take multiple attempts, quitting smoking is the best thing a smoker can do to minimize the risk of spinal stenosis and other health problems, Dr. Wong added. (Related: Quit smoking before 40, gain nearly a decade of life.)

Additional studies regarding the connection between cigarette smoking and lower back pain

Previous studies, which have been done as much as more than 10 years ago, gave the same results as the recent study, and established the connection between smoking and lower back pain.

One of these is the one that was conducted on 1,337 physicians who graduated from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland between 1948 and 1964. They were observed for more than 50 years. The findings of the said study, which were reported at the 2001 annual meeting of the American Orthopaedic Surgeons in San Francisco, solidified the statement that smoking is a risk factor for low back pain, due to the fact that atherosclerosis (which a smoker can obtain through years of smoking) causes lower back pain and degenerative disorders of the intervertebral discs.

Because we had the subjects medical records and answers from self-reported questionnaires over such a long period of time, a 53-year period of time for the oldest patients, we were able to determine if the risk factors, such as smoking or high cholesterol, preceded the development of the disease years later, co-author of the study and chief resident in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Nicholas Ahn, said.

To prove a causative association from a long-term prospective study is very powerful because one can show that the cause occurred before the effect as opposed to the other way around, he added.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Spine-Health.com
(Natural News) According to the Oxford Geoengineering Program, geoengineering is defined as a deliberate, large-scale intervention in the Earths natural systems to counteract climate change. Recent news shows that the U.S. National Research Council endorsed a proposal to envelope the planet in sulfate aerosols to reduce solar radiation and to cool down the planet. However, the proposal has been widely criticized for the plans unintended consequences, such as ozone depletion, ocean acidification, and reduced rainfall in tropical areas. Furthermore, geoengineering does not address the fact that economic and industrial systems have a huge effect on our natural environment.

In direct contrast to geoengineering, regenerative agriculture may be the solution many people are overlooking. Regenerative agriculture is an approach to food and farming systems that regenerates the topsoil and increases biodiversity over the long term. In the process, regenerative agriculture lowers down carbon levels significantly. This method enhances water cycles and creates a natural resilience to changes in climate as well as strengthen the health of farming and ranching communities.

Not many governments are looking into this method due to its speculated costs for scientific research. Studies, on the other hand, have proven to be a necessary and effective expense. The study entitled Soil Carbon Sequestration Impacts on Global Climate Change and Food Security authored by R. Lal from Ohio State University Columbus shows that regenerative agriculture in the form of soil carbon sequestration, or isolating chemicals in the atmosphere, increases crop yields and has a potential to offset fossil fuel emissions by 0.4 to 1.2 gigatons of carbon annually.

Another study entitled Towards the real green revolution? Exploring the conceptual dimensions of a new ecological modernisation of agriculture that could feed the world by authors L. G. Horlings and T. K. Marsden from Wageningen University and Cardiff University, respectively, recommends agro-ecological approaches such as farming modernization that contributes to feeding the world and reduction of side effects of the current dominant food regime.

While regenerative agriculture suggests a shift in agricultural practices, it also connotes a better relationship with nature. This is more beneficial than what geoengineering has to offer, because regenerative agriculture aims to mimic nature and not dominate it. Farming should be beneficial to both humans and nature itself. Nature provides us with everything we will ever need, and if we do not take care of it, we lose the Earths inherent ability to provide us with our needs. Instead of controlling nature, which of course cannot be controlled, we should find more ways to work with it.

It is also difficult for people to come up with new methods in line of regenerative agriculture because we have amassed decades of technologies that are against nature. It also entails a deeper and more scientific understanding of the natural world, which is a very complex subject. Geoengineering foregoes these natural laws: If the world is too hot, we make it cooler but without thinking of the consequences.

As the nutritional content of the food we eat determines our health, so is the relationship between soil and plants. Poor soil results in poor crops, and nutrient-rich soil produces good crops, and lots of it. Regenerative agriculture aims to enrich soil automatically (as an effect of a full agricultural cycle).

Geoengineering offers a quick fix for the atmospheric problems we are currently facing, but this quick fix does not address the source of the problem, which will result in a short-term solution. Body pains can be solved by pain killers, but the cause of the pain is not eliminated. Through a healthy lifestyle, we rid ourselves of unnecessary pains and prevent diseases, which should be the same approach in addressing environmental concerns. Instead of applying pain relief medication to the planets pains, we should make it healthier.

Sources include:

Geoengineering.ox.ac.uk

WakingTimes.com

RegenerationInternational.org

Science.ScienceMag.org

ScienceDirect.com
(Natural News) Atrazine is the most common pesticide found in drinking water and surface water. In fact, it is one of the top two pesticides used in the United States  second only to glyphosate, which is used in Monsantos Roundup. As a weedkiller, atrazine is used in industrial farming operations as well as formulations intended for home use. Atrazine is everywhere  and now, millions of Texans are unknowingly drinking water contaminated with this toxic chemical.

The prevalence of atrazine in drinking water has been documented for years. A 2007 report from the City of Austins Watershed Protection and Development Review Department said atrazine was definitely a problem. Twelve years later, and this problem still persists.

Many health organizations, such as the Environmental Working Group, have been calling out the EPA for their failure to take action. The European Union banned atrazine in 2003  16 years ago now  because of its potential to contaminate drinking water and cause health problems. Government agencies at the state and federal levels are failing to protect the people from corporate greed  which is truly the crux of the atrazine problem.

Swiss-based Syngenta AG made approximately $3.4 billion on atrazine sales in 2016  and thats just in North America.

Dont drink the water

More than 10 million Texans are drinking water contaminated with atrazine to some degree. A report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows that 472 water sheds across the state had at least one sample test positive for the toxic weedkiller.

Across the country, at least 30 million Americans are drinking water tainted with the herbicide.

EWGs report shows that Texans who live near corn or sorghum fields are more likely to be getting their water from a contaminated source.

The EWGs most alarming find is that regulators are testing water supplies during the off-season, when atrazine is not in use and are misrepresenting their numbers. As Texas Tribune reports:

Comparing the test results submitted by water utilities to state environmental regulators to those from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group concluded that water utilities are testing for atrazine at times when farmers arent using it  the growing season typically spans late spring and early summer  and also appear to be lowballing their numbers. The group is calling for updates to federal drinking water standards.

The Tribune says that Texas consumers can learn more about their drinking water at Texas Drinking Water Watch. According to reports, concerned consumers can remove atrazine from their water using faucet-mounted or pitcher-style water filters.

Evidence of harm

As EWG notes, California state officials named atrazine and related compounds as substances known to cause reproductive toxicity. Research has shown that atrazine can disrupt hormones and harm developing fetuses. Studies from multiple Midwestern states show that exposure to atrazine is tied to low birth weight in newborns.

In studies of humans and animals, atrazine has been found to harm the reproductive system and disrupt the nerve and hormone systems, affecting ones brain, behavior and crucial hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and dopamine. Even a recent study from the University of Texas found that maternal exposure to atrazine could lead to modest but consistent genital deformations in male children.

As the Tribune reports, the EPAs current allowable limit for atrazine in drinking water is three parts per billion (ppb). Comparatively, the EWG says the allowable limit should be 0.1 ppb.

In some areas of the Midwest, drinking water atrazine content reached as high as 22 ppb.

As EWG contends, the EPA has been blatantly ignoring the science on atrazine and related pesticides, and continues to cater to the agrichemical industrys interests. During the last atrazine review, the EPA reportedly disregarded 10 human epidemiological studies which showed evidence of harm caused by atrazine in drinking water. Research on the effects these toxic pesticides have on children was also reportedly dismissed. At this point, it is obvious that the EPA is a complete and total sham; the only thing they protect is corporate profits.

Learn more about atrazine and other toxins at Pesticides.news.

Sources for this article include:w

TexasTribune.org

PRWatch.com

EWG.org
On 22 January 2019, NATO and Morocco organized a joint public diplomacy event in Rabat, Morocco to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Mediterranean Dialogue and NATO-Morocco cooperation.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Morocco, Mr Nasser Bourita, the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Ambassador Alejandro Alvargonzalez, and the Minister Delegate in Charge of the Administration of Defence, Mr Abdellatif Loudiyi.

In their opening statements, both Minister Bourita and Ambassador Alvargonzalez underlined the achievements of NATO-Morocco cooperation and emphasized the added value of the Mediterranean Dialogue in addressing the common security challenges faced by Morocco and NATO.

The first session of the seminar revolved around NATO-Morocco cooperation. The first speaker, NATOs Head of Middle East and North Africa Section, Mr Nicola de Santis, provided an overview of the achievements of the Mediterranean Dialogue and NATO-Morocco cooperation, through the active contribution offered to the Kingdom for the modernization of its security and defense institutions.

Other speakers from NATO were Navy Captain Mathea Giacometti, Staff Officer South in the International Military Staff who spoke on NATO-Morocco military cooperation and Dr Eyup Turmus, Adviser in the Science for Peace and Security Programme, who elaborated on the current and upcoming cooperative projects with Morocco, in the fields of SPS.

The seminar was attended by a mix of civil society representatives, academics, officials from Morocco, from Mediterranean Dialogue and NATO countries, and media representatives.

During his visit, Assistant Secretary General Alvargonzalez held bilateral talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Morocco, Mr Nasser Bourita, the Minister Delegate in Charge of the Administation of Defence Mr Abdellatif Loudiyi and Mr Youssine Mansouri, Director General of the General Directorate for Studies and Documentation. The Assistant Secretary General also met Allied Ambassadors and officials in the Residence of the Belgian Ambassador to Morocco. Belgium serves also as NATO Contact Point Embassy in Morocco.
By Servaas Storm, Senior Lecturer of Economics, Delft University of Technology, an economist who works on macroeconomics, technological progress, income distribution, economic growth, finance, development and structural change, and climate change. Originally published at The Institute for New Economic Thinking website

For years, governments in India and much of the developing world have followed the advice of a paper arguing that labor regulations actually hurt workers. The problem? The research was wrong.

Laws Created to Help Workers Often Hurt Them

It is often argued that strong labor protections for ordinary workers represent luxuries developing countries cannot afford. The idea is that laws governing wages and working conditions or facilitating collective bargaining must raise labor costs and prices, hence bring damage to business profits and firm investment, and in so doing destroy the exact jobs they were intended to protect.  laws created to help workers often hurt them, is how the World Bank (2008, p. 8) sums it up.

This particular perversity trope has been invoked numerous times in the Indian debate on the impacts of labor market regulation on registered manufacturing performance that has raged for decades (Bhattacharjea 2006; Srivastava 2016; Storm and Capaldo 2018; Karak and Basu 2019). To justify policies of labor market deregulation, successive Indian governments, of varying political colors, have claimed that Indias archaic and restrictive labor regulation in registered manufacturing hurt industrial performancethe recent anti-labor reforms by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of Narendra Modi are only the latest manifestation of what has been standard policy since at least the mid-1980s.

Arguably, no study has been more useful in propagating the claim that pro-worker labor regulation ends up hurting workers in India than the 2004 Quarterly Journal of Economics article by Timothy Besley and Robin Burgess, who conclude based on econometric evidence that pro-worker labor regulation resulted in lower output, employment, investment, and productivity in the formal manufacturing sector. Output in the informal sector increased (Besley and Burgess 2004, p. 92-93). Their article has been grist to the neo-liberal mill and was used by the Government of India in its Economic Survey 2006 to justify labor market deregulation. It was highlighted approvingly in the World Development Report 2005, and the de jure measure of labor regulation developed by Besley and Burgess has been widely used in subsequent research.

So What Did Besley and Burgess Find?

Besley and Burgess (2004) exploit cross-state variations in Indian registered manufacturing performance and in labor regulation to evaluate the impacts of regulation on output, employment, investment and productivity. To measure the degree of labor market regulation, the authors created a new indicator of regulation (which I call the BB-index), based on the state-wise variation in the direction of amendments that different Indian states made to the Industries Disputes Act (IDA) of 1947.

They classify the amendments as pro-worker, neutral, or pro-employer, assigning scores of +1, 0, and -1, respectively. The state-wise scores are cumulated over time to obtain a regulatory measure for each state in each year. Using two different panel data setsone based on aggregate manufacturing data for 16 Indian states (1958-1992) and one using three-digit industries-level data for the same states (1980-1997)Besley and Burgess estimate the impact of labor regulation on manufacturing performance. What they find is that pro-worker regulation is consistently associated with lower output, lower employment, lower productivity, and lower investment in registered manufacturing; but pro-worker labor laws did not significantly affect earnings per employee.

Besley and Burgess argue that their findings are economically very significant. For instance, they claim that manufacturing output in Andhra Pradesh would have been only 72% of its actual 1990 level, generating 199,000 fewer jobs, without the pro-employer reforms undertaken by this state. Their second counterfactual concerns West Bengal where their estimates indicate that, without pro-worker reforms, manufacturing output would have been 24% higher than its 1990 level and employment would have been up by 180,000 extra jobs.

Persuaded by their findings, Besley and Burgess (2004, p. 124) conclude that it is apparent that much of reasoning behind labor regulation was wrong-headed and led to outcomes that were antithetical to their original objectives and that attempts to redress the balance of power between capital and labor can end up hurting the poor. The two LSE economists conclude by writing that the battle cry of labor market regulation is often that pro-worker labor market policies redress the unfavorable balance of power between capital and labor, leading to a progressive effect on income distribution. We find no evidence of this hereindeed the distributional effects appear to have worked against the poor. This is the rhetoric of reaction in full swing.

Non-Trivial Conceptual Problems

Besley and Burgess (2004) have been substantively critiqued (Bhattacharya 2006; DSouza 2010; Roychoudhury 2014; Karak and Basu 2019). A first problem concerns the BB-index. Besley and Burgess (2004, p. 98) acknowledge that constructing the index required a number of judgment calls, but they confidently report that they found surprisingly few cases of uncertainty. Experts beg to disagree, however, and highlight considerable problems, including a demonstrably inappropriate classification of individual amendments (based on erroneous interpretation of the legal changes and misdating of the amendment) and the coding of incommensurable changes as either +1 or 1 (Bhattacharjea 2006). What is more, the BB index exclusively focuses on the IDA and ignores other existing labor laws, the impacts of which often overwhelm those of the IDA.

A second concern is that most pro-worker amendments occurred in the 1980sthis is reflected by the fact that 30 of the 43 changes in the BB-index occur in this decade. But, paradoxically, the 1980s were a period of broadly weakening labor power and increased evasion of labor laws. The diminishing power of unionized workers is illustrated by the steady post-1980 decline in the wage share. In 1980, the share of wages in value added in Indias registered manufacturing sector was 44%; the wage share subsequently declined to 32% in 1992-93 and to 26% in 1998-99a staggering decline of 18 percentage points in less than twenty years (Jayadev and Narayan 2018). Wages increased much more slowly than labor productivity, as unionization rates declined, social security for protected workers was scaled down and earnings inequality rose sharply (Srivastava 2016). Paradoxically, the labor share in manufacturing value added declined most in states classified as pro-workerby 19 percentage points during 1980-81/1998-99. Speaking of the increased bargaining power of unionized workers in the face of such unprecedented declines in the labor share in registered manufacturing appears far-fetched.

All this suggests another limitation of the de jure BB-index: non-compliance with the labor rules is pervasive and de facto enforcement is weak or absent (Chatterjee and Kanbur 2015; Srivastava 2016). Moreover, employers in Indias registered manufacturing massively circumvented the (old and new) labor laws by employing more and more (temporary) contract workers, who are not covered by these laws (DSouza 2010; Jayadev and Narayan 2018). The share of contract workers in total registered manufacturing employment rose from a negligible level in the early 1970s to about 12% in the mid-1980s and almost 20% by 1998-99 (Srivastava 2016). All this suggests a secular weakening of the bargaining power of workerswhich happened despite the IDA amendments.

Serious Econometric Concerns

The regressions by Besley and Burgess have rightly been criticized for omitted-variable biasand for the fact that many of their control variables are not statistically significant and do not control for anything. Besley and Burgess do report that the inclusion of state-specific time trends washes out the negative impact of labor regulation: the coefficient on their index turns statistically insignificant. But they interpret this as evidence that their measure of labor regulation is a driver of these state-specific time trends. This smacks of confirmation bias; a more appropriate conclusion is that any impact of labor laws on manufacturing is overwhelmed by other drivers.

I tried to replicate Besley and Burgess findings for registered manufacturing output reported in their Table III, using the panel data made available online by the Economic Organisation and the Public Policy Programme (EOPP) of the LSE (Besley and Burgess 2019). Curiously, the online dataset did not allow replication, a first reason being that the number of observations was much lower than the number of observations reported by Besley and Burgess. Hence, I created an alternative panel dataset using data (for 1960-1992) from Besley and Burgess (2019) in combination with data by Karak and Basu (2019).

With my dataset I find that the impact of labor regulation on manufacturing output is negative in the base-line regression, turns positive when I include state-specific time-trends (in contrast to what Besley and Burgess found), and is insignificant when observations for West Bengal are excluded from the panel or when the time-period is restricted to 1981-1992. It appears that only particular model specifications can yield results similar to those of Besley and Burgess.

Going Beyond the Existing Criticisms: The Findings Contradict the Theory 

In an underdeveloped section titled Theoretical Considerations, Besley and Burgess mention ways through which pro-worker regulation ends up hurting manufacturing performance. First, pro-worker regulation is said to raise the labor cost to firms which will then substitute capital for labor. Second, the higher unit labor cost is argued to make manufacturing goods more expensive and this next reduces demand and output. And third, there is the good-old expropriation effect: pro-worker labor regulation enables workers to extract a greater share of the return on existing (sunk) investments, which discourages future investment. Investment will be lower and hence capital stocks will be lowerreducing growth of output and employment. Besley and Burgess do not show any awareness that the three explanations are mutually inconsistent: capital-labor substitution would mean capital intensity goes up, whereas capital intensity must go down in the third, hold-up, argument. One cannot take a swim and not get wet.

Using the estimation results of Besley and Burgess, it can be shown that none of these three explanations hold any water. According to the estimated impacts of pro-worker regulation, Indian firms did the exact opposite of what Besley and Burgess argue: firms reduced the capital intensity of production and raised labor intensity! Firms substituted labor for capital, rather than the other way around. On the second explanation: while it is true that pro-worker regulation is found to have raised unit labor cost, the impact of this on manufacturing prices (and hence on demand and output) was almost negligible, because labor costs constitute a mere 10% of total manufacturing production costs. This implies that a 10% increase in unit labor costs would raise manufacturing prices by only 1%. And it is all too clear that the expropriation story is a myth, as pro-worker regulation was not found to increase earnings and supposedly protected workers were completely powerless in the face of strong increases in firms profit shares. How can workers extract a greater share of the profits when the de facto enforcement of the labor laws is weak or even zeroor where firms circumvent the law by hiring contract workers? And why on earth would firms, supposedly fearing the expropriating power of workers protected by law, increase the labor intensity of production?

I finally show that the findings of Besley and Burgess (2004) are not economically meaningful, but utterly unrealistic and taxing any persons capacity for belief. To illustrate, using the estimates and the mean of the cumulative BB-index of Besley and Burgess, it follows that if West Bengal had not adopted any pro-worker reform, its registered manufacturing output would have been a 1,000 percent higher than its actual 1990 level! In other words, Bengal could have been the next Asian Tiger but for those pro-worker amendments of IDA, which not merely blunted manufacturing investment, but actually asphyxiated the industry. This makes no sense.

This is the Story of the Useful Economist

The paper of Besley and Burgess (2004) thus suffers from fatal errors of omission and commission. The paper, written by two useful economists, exhibits a gratuitous empiricism in which priors trump evidence. On all counts, it fails the test of being useful to the purpose of evidence-based public policy advice. But what I want to emphasize here is that this high-profile paper is by no means the only one to fail the replication test and/or break down after closer scrutiny. The problem is endemic in economics, which so often claims to do value-free social-science research and provide evidence-based public-policy advice.

Allow me to give a few examples. The QJE paper of Botero et al. (2004) which reported negative impacts of labor laws on economic performance, was falsified by Kanbur and Ronconi (2016) who demonstrate that the impacts turn statistically insignificant after quite sensibly controlling for enforcement. Likewise, careful replication analyses by Howell, Baker, Glyn and Schmitt (2007), Baccaro and Rei (2007), and Vergeer and Kleinknecht (2012) jointly falsify a dozen high-profile econometric studies, published in peer-reviewed outlets, which all reported negative impacts of pro-worker regulation on unemployment in the OECD economies, including articles published by The Economic Journal. The published results were found to be robustly non-robust, with signs (+/) of impacts changing and their statistical significance invalidated in response to minor amendments in estimation procedures.

The fundamental flimsiness of approach and findings of this body of work stands in stark relief to its more than sweeping, and socially costly, public policy recommendations to abolish pro-worker labor regulation. The fact that all these papers came through the peer review process does suggest that the peers suffer from confirmation bias, defining scientific excellence as whatever is closest to their own scholarly beliefs and methods (DIppoliti 2018). Worse, deviating from good scientific practice, the top journals generally do not generally deem it necessary to publish failed replications as a corrigendum to the articles they did publish. Priors continue to overwhelm evidence and sound academic practice. We have to ask, as Thomas Ferguson and Robert Johnson (2018) write, if something [is] not radically wrong with the structure of the discipline itself that conduced to the maintenance of a narrow belief system by imposing orthodoxies and throwing up barriers to better arguments and dissenting evidence.

Let me close by restating what I would like the reader to take away from this paper which is that economics has to exercise considerable caution and humility in constructing and interpreting the empirical evidence and using it to back up public policy advice. As the example of Besley and Burgess (2004) illustrates, the social and economic damage caused by wrong-headed policy advice to millions of manufacturing workers can be substantial. I know of no credible evidence that suggests that pro-worker labor regulation systematically ends up hurting workers and that could possibly justify the waves of labor market deregulation around the globe (Storm and Capaldo 2018). This brings me full circle to Beatrice and Sidney Webb, the founders of the London School of Economics and Political Science, where Besley and Burgess work, who held the exact opposite view, arguing that What is most urgently needed . is an extension of the strong arm of the law on behalf of the oppressed workers in the sweated trades (Webb and Webb 1902, p. xvii). The Webbs argued in favor of minimum wages, maximum working hours, and considerably strengthening the countervailing power of workers to end employers parasitism, and advocated bringing democracy to industry through unions and collective bargaining. So much for progress in economics.

References

Baccaro, L. and D. Rei. 2007. Institutional determinants of unemployment in OECD countries: does the deregulatory view hold water? International Organization 61 (3): 527-569.

Besley, T. and R. Burgess. 2004. Can labor regulation hinder economic performance? Evidence from India. Quarterly Journal of Economics 119 (1): 91-134.

Besley, T. and R. Burgess. 2019. Economic Organisation and Public Policy Programme (EOPP) Indian States Data. http://www.lse.ac.uk/economics/people/personal/eopp-indian-states-data

Bhattacharjea, A. 2006. Labor market regulation and industrial performance in India. A critical review of the empirical evidence. The Indian Journal of Labor Economics 49 (2): 211-232.

Botero, J., S. Djankov, R. La Porta, F. Lopez-de-Silanes and A. Shleifer. 2004. The regulation of labor. Quarterly Journal of Economics 119: 1339-1382.

Chatterjee, U. and R. Kanbur. 2015. Noncompliance with Indias Factories Act: Magnitude and patterns. International Labor Review 154 (3): 393-412.

DIppoliti, C. 2018. Many-citedness: citations measure more than just scientific impact. INET Working Paper No. 57. New York: Institute for New Economic Thinking. https://www.ineteconomics.org/uploads/papers/WP_57-DIppoliti-revised.pdf

DSouza, E. 2010. The employment effects of labor legislation in India: a critical essay. Industrial Relations Journal 41 (2): 12235.

Ferguson, T. and R. Johnson. 2018. Research Evaluation in Economic Theory and Policy: Identifying and Overcoming Institutional Dysfunctions. Policy Brief to the G20 Argentina. Available at: https://www.g20-insights.org/policy_briefs/research-evaluation-in-economic-theory-and-policy-identifying-and-overcoming-institutional-dysfunctions/

Howell, D., D. Baker, A. Glyn and J. Schmitt. 2007. Are protective labor market Institutions at the root of unemployment? A critical review of the evidence. Capitalism and Society 2 (1): 1-73.

IMF. 2016. Time for a supply side boost? Macroeconomic effects of labor and product market reforms in advanced economies. World Economic Outlook 2016. Washington, DC: IMF. pp. 101142.

Jayadev, A. and A. Narayan. 2018. The evolution of Indias industrial labor share and its correlates. CSE Working Paper 2018-4. Azim Premji University: Centre for Sustainable Employment.

Kanbur, R. and L. Ronconi. 2016. Enforcement matters: the effective regulation of labor. CEPR Discussion Paper No. 11098. Available at: https://cepr.org/active/publications/ discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=11098

Karak, A. and D. Basu. 2019. Profitability or industrial relations: what explains manufacturing performance across Indian states? Development and Change, forthcoming.

Roychowdhury. 2014. The labor market flexibility debate in India: Reexamining the case for signing voluntary contracts. International Labor Review 153 (3): 473-487.

Storm, S. and J. Capaldo. 2018. Labor institutions and development under globalization. INET Working Paper No. 76. New York: Institute for New Economic Thinking. https://www.ineteconomics.org/uploads/papers/WP_76-Storm-and-Capaldo-Final.pdf

Vergeer, R. and A. Kleinknecht. 2012. Do flexible labor markets indeed reduce unemployment? A robustness check. Review of Social Economy 70 (4): 1-17.

Webb, S. and B. Webb. 1902. Problems of Modern Industry. New York, NY: New World

World Bank. 2005. World Development Report 2005: A Better Investment Climate for Everyone. Washington, DC: World Bank.

World Bank. 2008. Doing Business: An Independent Evaluation Report. Washington, DC: World Bank.
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Vietnam welcomes the second summit between the top leaders of the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) slated for Feb. 27-28 in Vietnam.

Spokeswoman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang made the statement on Wednesday when replying to reporters' questions for Vietnam's comment on U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks in his latest State of the Union address on the second summit between him and DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un.

"Vietnam strongly supports dialogues to maintain peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula," the spokeswoman stated.

"Vietnam is ready to make active contribution to and cooperate with relevant sides to ensure the success for the second U.S.-DPRK summit, thus helping realize the above-mentioned goal," she added.

The two leaders met for the first time in Singapore in June last year.




By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She is currently writing a book about textile artisans.

The Illinois Supreme Court handed down a unanimous decision late last month holding that a plaintiff neednt prove actual injury or adverse effect to recover under the states Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), the bellwether for state-level protection of an individuals biometric data. This decision clears the way for more than 200 pending lawsuits to proceed, and will spur plaintiffs attorneys to pursue no-injury class action lawsuits under BIPA in Illinois.

In Rosenbach v Six Flags , the court decided that a plaintiff only needs to show that a defendant used his biometric data without consent to recover under the statutes generous terms, $1000 or $5000 for each violation, depending on whether it was negligent or willful; attorneys fees and costs, including expert witness fees and other litigation expenses; and injunctive relief  meaning the offending party must stop using the data.

Illinois enacted its landmark BIPA statue in 2008. Three other states have followed with similar statutes. Yet Illinois is the only state that currently provides for a private right of action  meaning an individual can sue to enforce his/her rights. According to Biometric Privacy: Illinois Supreme Court Decision Allows Claims to Proceed Without Showing of Actual Harm, a blog post published by the law firm Foley & Lardner:

Due to the increasingly popular use of biometric data and the potentially liquidated significant damages offered by the statute, the number of BIPA class action claims filed against companies for their allegedly improper collection of biometric data has ballooned in recent years. Plaintiffs in these cases have generally fallen into two categories: (1) employees of companies that allegedly utilize biometric data, such as fingerprints, for time keeping or physical security purposes; and (2) customers of companies that use biometric data to enhance the consumer experience.

Rosenbach Case

A mother brought the action on behalf of her fourteen-year old son, who provided his fingerprint in order to purchase a pass to the Six Flags Amusement Park. The park never asked for nor received his consent.

There was no dispute over the facts. Nonetheless, Six Flags argued that the plaintiff needed to prove some actual injury, and that mere collection of his biometric data was not enough to recover under the statute.

The Illinois Supreme Court roundly rejected the argument that the collection of Rosenbachs data was merely technical in nature:

Such a characterization, however, misapprehends the nature of the harm our legislature is attempting to combat through this legislation. The Act vests in individuals and customers the right to control their biometric information by requiring notice before collection and giving them the power to say no by withholding consent. These procedural protections are particularly crucial in our digital world because technology now permits the wholesale collection and storage of an individuals unique biometric identifiersidentifiers that cannot be changed if compromised or misused. When a private entity fails to adhere to the statutory procedures, as defendants are alleged to have done here, the right of the individual to maintain [his or] her biometric privacy vanishes into thin air. The precise harm the Illinois legislature sought to prevent is then realized. This is no mere technicality. The injury is real and significant. [citations omitted].

I want to highlight the next paragraph in the opinion, in which underscored a major concern of the state legislature  the Illinois General Assembly- in enacting such strong biometric privacy protection, by zeroing in on a characteristic unique to such identifiers. Once biometric identifiers or information are compromised, an individual cannot change them (as I discussed further here):

This construction of the law is supported by the General Assemblys stated assessment of the risks posed by the growing use of biometrics by businesses and the difficulty in providing meaningful recourse once a persons biometric identifiers or biometric information has been compromised. In enacting the law, the General Assembly expressly noted that [b]iometrics are unlike other unique identifiers that are used to access finances or other sensitive information. For example, social security numbers, when compromised, can be changed. Biometrics, however, are biologically unique to the individual; therefore, once compromised, the individual has no recourse, is at heightened risk for identity theft, and is likely to withdraw from biometric-facilitated transactions.[citations omitted]

The court emphasized that it was in recognition of these risks that the legislature designed BIPA as it did, relying on two mechanisms to protect biometric privacy:

The strategy adopted by the General Assembly through enactment of the Act is to try to head off such problems before they occur. It does this in two ways. The first is by imposing safeguards to insure that individuals and customers privacy rights in their biometric identifiers and biometric information are properly honored and protected to begin with, before they are or can be compromised. The second is by subjecting private entities who fail to follow the statutes requirements to substantial potential liability, including liquidated damages, injunctions, attorney fees, and litigation expenses for each violation of the law whether or not actual damages, beyond violation of the laws provisions, can be shown.[citations omitted]

Consequences

The decision clears the way for more than 200 similar pending cases to proceed and will force companies that either operate in Illinois or have employees there, to re-evaluate how they collect and use biomaterial information. According to Foley & Lardner:

For the past decade, BIPA has become a heavily litigated piece of legislation that has involved class action lawsuits for high-profile companies. BIPA impacts a variety of entities (inclusive of, but not limited to, hospitals, providers, and pharmaceutical and device companies as well as employers that utilize biometric time clocks to record employees working hours or use biometrics for security or identity verification), and many continue to seek guidance on the interpretation of BIPA and how to effectively comply with it. Questions remain as to the applicability of BIPA in many fields and how entities may operate so as to ensure compliance with same in such instances of uncertainty. To avoid exposure to lawsuits under BIPA, any entity with Illinois employees or that operates in Illinois and collects, stores, or uses biometric identifiers or information  whether that of its employees or its customers, guests, or visitors  they must ensure that they adopt and implement written policies and procedures regarding their collection, retention, disclosure, and destruction of this data to ensure that they are sufficient to comply with the strict standards and requirements of BIPA. Having these policies by themselves, however, is not enough. It is critical that entities, especially in an employer/employee context, provide notice to individuals that their biometric information is being collected, stored, and/or used. For employers, this can be part of the onboarding process, where a signed affirmation of receipt of the notice can be made a condition of employment. Doing so will help secure a strong defense to any claim that an employee lacked adequate BIPA notice. Developing policies and procedures that place individuals on notice of an entitys collection/storage and use of biometric information is especially critical in light of the new precedent set by the Illinois Supreme Court, which opens the doors for more than 200 pending similar cases filed under the statute that accuse other businesses, including hotels and research entities, of violating BIPA for collecting biometric data without the accompanying disclosures or written consent. In addition, entities that do, or will have a need to, possess biometric data should immediately take steps to evaluate their need for collecting such information and assess whether there is an alternative way to accomplish business objectives without possessing this data. If it is determined that biometric identifiers must be used, entities should have a clear understanding of how their biometric software works. Organizations should consider agreements with third-party vendors, outlining the vendors responsibilities that at least certifies the vendor will comply with all applicable laws, and that the vendor will not disclose the information to third parties without written consent.

Clouds on the Horizon?

The Illinois Supreme Court decision is a strong win for biometric privacy, as groups such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation  which filed a friend of the court brief in support of the plaintiffs position  recognize, according to Victory! Illinois Supreme Court Protects Biometric Privacy. It will no doubt lead some if not many companies to revise their biometric policies, so as to minimize their potential liability. Yet as this recent note, In Federal Court, Article III Standing Remains a Defense to Illinois Biometric Privacy Claims, from the Proskauer law firm argues, the path for plaintiffs to prevail in federal court may not be so clear:

Last Friday, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in the long-awaited Rosenbach case that an individual does not have to plead an actual injury or harm, apart from the statutory violation itself, in order to have statutory standing to sue under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The Illinois Supreme Court ruling will allow procedural BIPA violations to proceed (and multiply) in state court  and has reportedly already prompted parties to settle such actions. However, recent rulings in federal court have offered a divergent interpretation of the related, but different Article III standing issue. For example, several weeks prior to the Rosenbach decision, two decisions from the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois offered insight into the federal standing threshold for BIPA claims. While largely limited to their facts, the decisions present a defensive strategy for fending off BIPA claims in federal court. Faced with this latest batch of rulings, expect forum shopping by plaintiffs with more cases filed in state court and some careful calculations from defendants in deciding on removal and other litigation strategies.

I will not parse those standing arguments in detail here, except to say that federal courts may still bounce these claims on the basis that the plaintiffs lack standing to sue. For the non-lawyers, this means that a particular plaintiff may not be able to pursue a claim in federal court, as federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction, and cannot hear every possible case.

And, I might add, that there is at least a theoretical possibility that a plaintiff might bring a case in state court, and that the defendant might remove the case to federal court. Business interests lobbied heavily for the Class Action Fairness Act (2005), which made it much easier for defendants to remove class actions to federal court; state courts, in general, are believed to be more favorable to plaintiffs than federal courts (a bias that will no doubt continue to apply, as Trump succeeds in sitting more federal judges.) Once a case has been removed to federal court, the defendant might then move to have the case dismissed on the basis that the plaintiff lacked standing, even though the plaintiff had originally filed the case in state court and was only in federal court because the defendant had removed the case to federal court.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit  which includes Illinois  rejected the dubious strategy of a defendant removing to federal court and then moving to dismiss for the plaintiffs lack of standing, in a 2018 case, Collier v. S P Plus Corp (see also this further discussion in the Wolf Popper law firms blog, Defendants Cant Have It Both Ways: Seventh Circuit Rejects Dubious Strategy of Removing to Federal Court and then Seeking Dismissal for Lack of Standing under Spokeo). The courts language was unusually strong. This decision would seemingly dissuade defendants from pursuing such a strategy in Illinois. Yet I I wouldnt necessarily bet that other circuits, or the United States Supreme Court, will in future decide the issue in the same way.
By Jeff Bryant, a writing fellow and chief correspondent for Our Schools, a project of the Independent Media Institute. He is a communications consultant, freelance writer, advocacy journalist, and director of the Education Opportunity Network, a strategy and messaging center for progressive education policy. His award-winning commentary and reporting routinely appear in prominent online news outlets, and he speaks frequently at national events about public education policy. Follow him on Twitter @jeffbcdm. Produced by , a project of the Independent Media Institute

When striking Los Angeles teachers won their demand to call for a halt to charter school expansions in California, they set off a domino effect, and now teachers in other large urban districts are making the same demand.

Unchecked charter school growth is also bleeding into 2020 election campaigns. Recently, New York magazine columnist Jonathan Chait berated Democratic Massachusetts Senator and presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren for having opposed a ballot initiative in her home state in 2016 that would have raised a cap on the number of charter schools. There may be no state in America that can more clearly showcase the clear success of charter schools than [Massachusetts], declared Chait.

But while Chait and other charter school fans claim Massachusetts as a charter school model, the deeper reality is that charters are driving Bostons public education system to the financial brink.

As the Boston Globe recently reported, the city is experiencing an economic boom, but its schools resemble an economically depressed industrial center. The states unfair funding formula is part of the problem, but an ever-expanding charter school industry also imposes a huge financial drain.

Charter School Money Suck

Two decades ago, state educational aid covered almost a third of Bostons school expenses, writes Globe reporter James Vaznis. Today, city officials anticipate that in just a few years every penny from the state will instead go toward charter-school costs of Boston students. Boston is slated to receive $220 million in state education aid; about $167 million will cover charter-school tuition for 10,000 students, leaving a little more than $50 million for the 55,000 students in the city school system.

As charter schools suck students and their per-pupil funding from the public system, the impact on Bostons schools are glaring: Decades-old buildings plagued by leaks. Drinking fountains shut because of lead pipe contamination. Persistent shortages of guidance counselors, nurses, psychologists, textbookseven soap in the bathrooms. All the while, many Boston schools are under state pressure to increase their standardized test scores and graduation rates.

As funds for Boston schools dwindle due to the drain from charter schools, the districts alternatives are painful any way you look at it.

Closing schools is not a good alternative. First, it would have minimal impact on savings to the district. Also, school closures can significantly set back the academic achievement of students, particularly those students who transfer to new schools. The negative effects are most apt to be experienced in low-income communities and communities of color.

Attempts to raise local taxes for schools would likely be attacked by no-tax stalwarts and the business community as money-wastes for a failing school system.

So if Bostons public schools are going broke because of charter schools, what does that say about Massachusetts as a model for charters?

A Matter of Priorities

Massachusetts funding approach for charter schools is not a model for other states to emulate, writes University of Connecticut professor Preston Green in an email. Green is the author of numerous critical studies of charter school financials, including one in which he argues that financial abuse and fraud rife in the charter industry resembles the business practices of Enron, the mammoth energy corporation that collapsed under a weight of debt and scandal.

The first mistake Massachusetts makes, says Green, is to underfund the existing public school system. While Massachusetts is one of the biggest spenders on schools nationwide, it isnt particularly fair about how it doles the money out. As in many states, Massachusetts tends to give less money to its highest poverty schools than it does to its lowest poverty schools. With Boston having the highest percentage of students living in poverty in the state, the uneven funding is especially crippling to that citys schools. But the unfairness is worsened by the increasing presence of charters, as state money is redirected to those schools instead.

This is a matter of priorities, says Green. States should first provide sufficient funding to traditional public schools in urban areas. Once states have systems of traditional public schools that meet the educational needs of these students, then they can assess how much funding and resources to devote to charter schools.

Its Just Inefficient

But blaming the state alone misses some crucial truths of charter school financials.

Its really not a matter of whether its state money or locally raised money thats being transferred, writes Rutgers University professor Bruce Baker in an email. Its about the fact that kids are shifting to charters, and money for district schools is declining at a pace whereby the district cannot possibly immediately, efficiently adjust its budget and use of space.

Indeed, the ebb and flow of charter schools make it near impossible for school districts to precisely predict enrollment, staffing, transportation, and facilities needs. And because public schools must, by law, accommodate all students, public school administrators are in the awkward position of having to anticipate the greatest need without knowing for sure the students will show up. And should students who transferred to charters at the beginning of the year come back mid-year, the per-pupil funding doesnt come back with them.

Baker also finds fault in the inefficient way charter schools are configured with their own separate governing boards, separate administrative and teaching staffs, separate facilities, and separate transportation (if they happen to offer it).

Its just inefficient, Baker contends. Running two systems in a common space is just less efficient and more expensive than running one.

Baker warns these inefficiencies are not easily fixed and dont right themselves as public school districts acclimate to the presence of charters. The ongoing inefficiency of charters is baked into having uncontrollable mobility between two independent systems operating in a common space, he says.

This is not to say Massachusetts might be doing a better job of managing the charter industry than any other state. Charters in Massachusetts are more regulated than they are in most other states, and their numbers are cappedthe very thing Chait rails at. But an important point, according to Baker, is that the inherent inefficiencies of charters arise even in a state that has reasonably regulated the expansion of charter schooling.

What about in states where they havent?

Part of a Growing Trend

Bostons experience with charter schools is part of a growing trend, says Green. Researchers have documented the financial strain charter schools have placed on urban schools in California, Michigan, and Chicago. If charter schools are allowed to expand in urban districts without consideration of their impact on their public schools, we will see more instances of urban school systems pressed to the breaking point.

The financial stress caused by charter schools is expanding beyond big city schools.

Recently, in a rural county in eastern North Carolina, the local public school district had to close two elementary schools due to the growth of charter schools in the district and surrounding counties. While the number of students in the district has remained fairly stable, reports the local newspaper, enrollment has dropped by almost 13 percent while attendance at charters has grown almost six-fold.

Since state lawmakers lifted a cap on the number of charters allowed in the state, the number of students attending charters has grown by more than 200 percent, and the number of charters has nearly doubled, notes NC Policy Watch, a progressive news outlet funded by the North Carolina Justice Center. When so many students leave the public system, there are fewer dollars to educate those who remain, the article explains, especially those students with profound disabilities and other special needs.

A recent survey of school district administrators in Pennsylvania found that local public education systems across the state are experiencing greater financial stress. School officials point to three major causes of the stress: employee pensions, the rising costs of special education services, and charter schools.

What If Public Schools Were No Longer There?

The costs imposed by charter schools are not only financially burdensome to local public schools; theyre also potentially calamitous to schoolchildren and families.

When charters are closed by the state, as often happens, or when charter operators decide to close on their own, which they have the flexibility to do, the students and their families at least have a public system they can fall back on. This is not something to take for granted.

In 2012, the nations largest-ever closure of brick-and-mortar charters occurred in St. Louis, when Missouri state officials suddenly closed a chain of six charter schools managed by Imagine, a nationwide charter management company, for persistently low academic performance and financial improprieties. The district quickly had to absorb more than 3,800 returning students from the charters and reopen three closed schools, which cost millions to upgrade nd outfit with new equipment.

What would have happened to those families if the public school system were no longer there?

In Bakers recent study, Exploring the Consequences of Charter School Expansion in U.S. Cities, he writesthat school systems experiencing large expansions of charter schools have faced substantial annual deficits.

So far, many of these districts have adapted by lowering overhead and closing and consolidating schools. But there are far more severe financial thresholds school districts may eventually be forced to cross.

Because of charter expansions, public districts are being left with legacy debts associated with capital plants and employee retirement systems, Baker finds, while also accumulating higher risk and more costly debt in the form of charter school revenue bonds.

Baker urges charter authorizers to collaborate with public school districts before deciding where and when to open new charters, and he calls on policymakers to weigh the potentially negative impacts charter expansions have on introducing inequities and financial instabilities into the system.

To learn more about school privatization, check out Who Controls Our Schools? The Privatization of American Public Education, a free ebook published by the Independent Media Institute.

Click here to read a selectionof Who Controls Our Schools? published on AlterNet, or here to access the complete text.
Earlier this week, we described how CalPERS John Cole, who has been leading the development of the giant funds new private equity scheme, tried selling the board on the idea that they were getting a great deal when the terms he presented show that Cole and CalPERS are about to be taken for a costly ride.

As regular readers may recall, the centerpiece of the new private equity scheme is that CalPERS will set up and (at least initially) provide all of the investment capital for two new funds, even though CalPERS will have no control over them, nor will it have any profit participation in the ventures it is creating. At Decembers board meeting, Cole claimed CalPERS would have very favorable financial arrangements with these new entities.

While it is true that CalPERS ought to be getting the very best terms for its two new funds, the reverse is happening. CalPERS is paying well above market rate on basic elements of the deal like the management fee. Moreover, as we plan to discuss in a future post, terms that Cole tried to present as special concessions to CalPERS are in fact completely standard provisions found in almost all private equity fund agreements.

On Tuesday, we addressed one of Coles flagrant misrepresentations

On Tuesday, we addressed one of Coles flagrant misrepresentations to the board and general public: that CalPERS was getting a very attractive management fee by virtue of the fee being based on budgets rather than standard rates. Recall that the management fee is the biggest fee paid to private equity firms receive and they receive it regardless of whether they perform well or not.

We discussed that not only is the fee that CalPERS is planning to pay considerably above what CalPERS ought to pay based on industry convention, given that its making two ginormous commitments ($5 billion each, with more expected down the road) but that its also vastly in excess of what any sensible budget ought to allow. As we showed, each firms owner(s) would pocket over $80 million a year, risk free. Nice work if you can get it.

And mind you, thats only one of the fees paid to private equity managers. Private equity firms have so many layers that compensation in their partnership aggreements that consultants refer to them as a wedding cake. Today, well turn to another layer of the wedding cake, a second gift of CalPERS monies that Cole also perversely described as a great feature for CalPERS, even though it actually represents a backsliding in terms of the progress that limited partner investors like CalPERS had made in constraining an abusive fee practice.

Cole piously told the board that CalPERS isnt going to be paying the sort of private equity tricky fees that have been the subject of SEC enforcement actions and critical press coverageand then, just a moment later, admitted that the pension fund will, in fact, enthusiastically pay them! From the December meeting transcript:

Board Member Margaret Brown: Great. Id like to make a recommendation that as part of us drafting that agreement, that we  CalPERS also gets to see the portfolio company financials as well, because thats where a lot of the shenanigans is played in fees. And what we  you cant really  we cant tell, unless we can see the financials of the portfolio companies. And I understand thats all going to be non-transparent to the public. But CalPERS should absolutely make that a requirement that we get to see those as well. Investment Director Cole: We agree and we will. And the point of  to finish my thought. I left a dangling edge there. Finish my thought that the idea of portfolio fees weve discussed up front, and said its a non-starter. We do not want to pay  have portfolio fees of all the different sorts that have been noted and quoted around. They would not occur.

Now, Ill make a distinction. Lets take an example of a company that in the Horizon fund [the Warren Buffett with no Warren Buffett fund] that we own. And what were trying to do is to provide  or what our investor is trying to do is provide those  the expertise that would allow them to anticipate and manage through disruption. Maybe its technology disruption in their business model. And as a result, they may engage an executive or a consulting arrangement that will come in and work with the company in order to help them deal with their strategy and make operating decisions. What weve been very clear about is that thats a good thing. We want there to be an operating overlay that we think helps the growth of the company. What is not acceptable is that theres a profit margin put on top of that, and it accrues to the benefit of the GP or the LLC.

Help me. This is just pathetic. CalPERS is asked to be ripped off and will be.

The key issue here is that Cole is discussing that the private equity firm may engage an executive or consulting arrangement. We want there to be an operating overlay that we think helps the growth of the company.

This is operating overlay is what the management fee is supposed to cover! The two funds are going to get $100 million a year each for overseeing the investments. So Cole is blithely proposing to pay twice for this sort of assistance and is trying to pass that off to the board as a great benefit to CalPERS.

The management fee isnt just to buy the company, have the private equity firm sit on its hands for years, and then sell it when the market looks right. The private equity firms professionals also meet with management often (the staff at these companies might say relentlessly), review performance and plans, and apply lots of pressure to Do Better, often accompanied with specific recommendations. Moreover, private equity firms have long marketed that they have seasoned industry executives or individuals with other relevant expertise to help improve the portfolio companies operations.

Coles operating overlay comment means he has bought into a thoroughly discredited practice where the PE managers charge investors a management fee for this relentless oversight of portfolio companies, and then charge the portfolio companies consulting fees for providing these same services. Until an SEC crackdown in the last few years, U.S. private equity firms almost universally double dipped this way, and with older funds, the public can see that it is still happening due to better disclosure to satisfy the SEC.

This practice was detrimental on many levels. It harmed private equity fund investors by lowering returns; it harmed the portfolio companies by draining their treasuries in return for nothing; and it harmed the public by forcing on it the social cost of weakened portfolio companies and also the fiscal cost of an essentially universal tax scam associated with the practice.

Within the private equity world, pretty much everyone, even the generally clueless investors, knew that these consulting fees were indefensible on their face because the PE managers were charging the portfolio companies for services that, by accepting a management fee, the PE managers had already committed to their investors to provide. In the last few years, two academics have uncovered other critical dimensions to the indefensibility.

Presumably, Cole would not be discussing these agreements with the board if CalPERS prospective private equity fund managers intended only to have the portfolio company hire truly independent consultants, like IT experts or even a big name management consulting firm. This would be no more controversial than having a portfolio company hire a janitorial or payroll service, and hence not worthy of mention to the board.

Oxford professor Ludovic Phalippou, based on an extensive review of these contracts, called them money for nothing agreements. Even though private equity industry participants already knew that these consulting arrangements were a form of double-dippoing, he had determined that they typically didnt even require the private equity managers to provide any consulting services in order for the portfolio companies to be obligated to pay. The entire video from one of his lectures at Oxford is worth watching, and the critical section starts at 8:00.

Here is his translation of the services agreement:

I may do some work from time to time

I do some work, only if I feel like it. Subjective translation: I wont do anything.

Ill get [in this case] at least $30 million a year irrespective of how much I decide to work. Subjective translation: I wont do anything and get $30 million a year for it.

If I do decide to do something, Ill charge you extra

I can stop charging when I get out (or not), but if I do I get all the money I was supposed to receive from that point up until 2018.

Note that the final provision in Phalippous list, getting all the money through the term of the agreement even if the company is sold earlier, (the so-called termination of monitoring fee abuse) received enough bad press and SEC attention that is is hopefully a thing of the past. But the other practices on Phalippous list continue.

Law professor Gregg Polsky wrote an academic article on the same topic of the agreements money for nothing nature, where he made an exhaustive argument that whenever companies make payments to their owners without any corresponding obligation on the owners part to provide commensurate services, such payments must be treated under tax law as dividends. Dividends are not tax deductible as expenses of a business, while fees for services are.

Polsky asserted with strong evidence that private equity firms are causing their portfolio companies to take this non-qualifying tax deduction and, as a result, have cost the U.S. Treasury billions of dollars in a form of tax fraud. His article also identified what he described as the top ten most egregious situations where these consulting agreements were nakedly indefensible as contracts for services. Among other things, they contained EXPLICIT DISCLAIMERS stating that no work was required in order for the fee to be payable. Here is his list, with the links to the consulting agreements:

HCA Inc., available at http://tinyurl.com/hca-inc;

Berry Plastics Group Inc., available at http://tinyurl.com/berry-inc;

Univision Communications, available at http://tinyurl.com/univision-inc;

West Corp., available at http://tinyurl.com/west2-inc;

Biomet Inc., available at http://tinyurl.com/biomet-inc;

Dunkin Brands, Inc., available at http://tinyurl.com/dunkin-inc;

Sensata Technology Holdings, available at http://tinyurl.com/sensata-inc;

SunGard Capital Corp., available at http:// tinyurl.com/sungard-inc;

J Crew Group Inc., available at http://tinyurl.com/j-crew-inc;

Immucor Inc., available at http://tinyurl.com/immucor2-inc.

Note that CalPERS invested in the majority of these deals. John Cole would do well to study these agreements to understand past mistakes he should be trying to avoid.

Investors in private equity funds certainly never understood the contractual reality and associated tax scam of PE managers disclaiming any obligation to do work for these consulting fees. However, they certainly did grasp the reality that the private equity managers were charging amounts (which were undisclosed to the investors) to the portfolio companies for supposed services that the managers were already being paid for via management fees.

As a result, for the last 25 years or more, private equity investors have been able to force the fund managers to credit back to them at least a portion of the consulting fees they received from portfolio companies. Weve extensively covered on the blog how the SEC has caught private equity managers crediting less than their contracts require, which is the single most common scam in the private equity world. Weve also covered how investors wildly misunderstand these crediting provisions and think they are far more generous to them than they actually are. But the point is that even if limited partner investors are not getting all the credits they should or they think they are, the almost universal practice in the marketplace is for them to get SOMETHING. Cole, however, is willing to surrender the status quo completely in this respect and accept nothing.

There is a reason that we say that the practice of crediting consulting fees is almost universal, which is that a few PE firms have succeeded in pulling off the scam that Cole is now falling prey to. One private equity insider described the new pitch to investors as follows:

Those old money-for-nothing consulting fees, those were naughty, we admit. Were not trying to defend those and we are giving up the practice. Instead, were going to create our own internal consulting division, and we promise that they will do real work with the portfolio companies that justifies them being paid McKinsey scale engagement fees, or maybe a tad less because we are great guys and are looking out for you. And we promise not to make a profit from this activity. But here is what we need from you. We were crediting back to you the old, money-for-nothing fees because we all knew that they were indefensible. But these new consulting fees are for real work! So you have to let us keep them. Otherwise, how can we afford to pay the people who will work in our consulting arm? Got it? Good!

Amazingly, there are a meaningful number of limited partner investors in private equity who have fallen for this old-wine-in-new-bottles relabeling scam and havent bothered to confront the reality that they are already paying for these services via the management fee. Many limited investors who have signed up to this type of deal seem to take particular comfort in the claim that these consulting arms will be operated on a non-profit basis, which you can see that Cole somehow thinks is important as well. Given that nobody will be able to verify whether there is a profit margin, it seems reasonable to be skeptical about promises of monk-like asceticism, especially since the fees are typically benchmarked against comparables like McKinsey that have enormous gross profit margins on engagements.1

But key point, which Cole seems to miss, is that by being financially self-supporting, the consulting arms,reduce the number of people and activities that need to be supported by the management fee, thus making the management fee an even bigger source of profit. That is true even if they truly are not making a profit on the consulting operation, which would be hard to verify. 2

One firm that has gone down this in-house consulting arm path is KKR, which has a captive consulting firm, KKR Capstone, that performs many of the portfolio oversight functions for KKR funds that would be performed by traditional private equity firm members in other shops.that would be performed by traditional PE firm members in other shops.

KKR Capstone employees work in the same building in New York as KKR employees but KKR takes the position that they are independent consultants and therefore allowed to keep all the revenue they earn by charging the portfolio companies for their services. The point though is that a significant portion of the KKR headcount at this point flies under the Capstone banner, which, like the proposed CalPERS structure, is held out as not profit-making and, more importantly, allows KKR to dramatically reduce its own headcount relative to what it would otherwise be. Fewer mouths to feed with the management feewhat about this concept does John Cole not understand?

We asked around regarding a reasonable estimate of what history suggests the CalPERS scheme could allow the managers to extract from portfolio companies One academic who is an expert in private equity consulting practices said that the general partner could easily pull out another $50 million a year on top of the $100 million hes already planning to have CalPERS pay him.3

CalPERS should heed the recommendation of Dr. Ashby Monk, who has spoken to the board twice about private equity in the last six months. Dr. Monk, who is much better schooled than Cole is on the many ways private equity firms profit at the expense of their investors, concluded the only way to win is not to play their game at all by bringing private equity in house. Its a mystery why CalPERS is so stubbornly refusing to do what is best for the institution and its beneficiaries.

____

1 In fact, as anyone in consulting will tell you, marketing is a major cost for consulting firms, to the degree that most firms regard 80% utilization of staff as the maximum they can achieve because if they go higher than that, they will be underinvesting in marketing and selling and will pay for it in the not too distant future by not having enough work. So a firm that was assured a steady stream of business from its friendly private equity firms two floors higher in the same building could run at a higher percentage of utilization all the time and charge lower fees while having the same sort of profit margin as a firm that had to price itself to recover its higher marketing and selling costs.

We will put aside the question of whether these less-than-armslength services would be necessary.

2 Coles great pitch for the wondrous benefits of paying the private equity firms for consulting they should have been doing anyhow strongly suggests that there is no offset whatsoever. Otherwise, hed be implicitly acknowledging that maybe there was something not on the up and up about having the general partners charge any fees to the portfolio companies.

It also isnt clear that Cole has ruled out a consulting firm charging typical fees and therefore having a profit margin built in if the consulting firm is not part of the fund management firm.

if you read what Cole said carefully, he is arguing that the private equity fund managers wont be allowed to take a profit margin. Cole may actually have been told about how private equity firms often double dip by hiring third parties to perform a task, which in this case would be hiring a consulting firm to work with a portfolio company, and then charge a hefty fee for at most babysitting the consulting firm that the private equity firm brought in. Cole is ruling our that layer of the wedding cake.

3 Remember from our post earlier this week that John Cole said that CalPERS planned to pay roughly 2% in management fees when its two new funds were each at the $5 billion level, and that they expected to pay 1% at $10 billion per fund. That equates to $100 million per year for each. We showed that this translated into profits of over $80 million per year per fund for its owner(s).

One bit of good news is that the consulting fee scam can be executed only at the Warren Buffett with no Warren Buffett fund. For the late stage venture capital fund, CalPERS would be investing in companies where eaelier-stage venture capital investors would be driving the bus.
Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi have been flown to India and South Africa respectively as they battle failing health, ZimLive can reveal.

Chiwenga was forced to prematurely abandon his treatment in South Africa earlier this week following public protests. After attending a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday where he looked gaunt and pale, he told the state broadcaster ZBC that he was well, and accused the media of wishing him dead.

The retired army general has publicly said he was poisoned in 2017, while leading a military coup that ousted former President Robert Mugabe. A presidential spokesman however said in October last year  following Chiwengas lengthy treatment in Pretoria  that he was exhausted after working for years without leave and had a bullet lodged in his lungs from the war period 40 years ago.

Mohadi, meanwhile, had been in and out of hospital with an undisclosed ailment before he was caught by an exploding grenade at a Zanu PF rally at White City Stadium in Bulawayo last June. He suffered leg injuries which have compelled him to use a crutch to support his right leg.

Impeccable government sources told ZimLive that Mohadi is expected in the country on Friday morning, just hours before President Emmerson Mnangagwa flies to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia for an African Union summit.

Mohadi will be Acting President in Mnangagwas absence.

Chiwenga, meanwhile, was flown by private jet to India, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Health John Mangwiro.

Chiwenga attended Cabinet on Tuesday after which he declared that he was in good health, but a video of him speaking to the ZBC, shared widely on social media, only served to heighten concerns about his health.

In recent public appearances, Chiwenga has looked agitated and sweaty. The top of his hands have been patched with bandages, which medical experts said pointed to on-going treatment with injections.

On Wednesday, Chiwenga missed a Zanu PF politburo meeting in the morning. Later in the day when Mnangagwa met his former election rivals for talks aimed at defusing political tensions and building a united front in a desperate push to revive the economy, Chiwenga was conspicuous by his absence. Mohadi attended.

The latest health troubles afflicting the countrys top leadership, and President Mnangagwas growing predilection for foreign travel, could not have come at a worse moment with the countrys economy tanking as international condemnation of the governments handling of fuel protests last month rings out of Western capitals.

Ahead of his Ethiopian trip, Mnangagwa sent emissaries around Africa to give the governments version of a brutal crackdown on protests by security forces which has left at least 17 people dead. The envoys have spread out to countries like Egypt, Kenya, Zambia and South Africa as Mnangagwa seeks to pre-empt any criticism in Addis Ababa.

The government turned down requests for a comment.

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United Kingdom (UK) minister of Africa Harriett Baldwin has said her country is not considering removing sanctions on Zimbabwe, as it contemplates widening the embargo list to include officials in the army, after being angered by last months events, which saw at least 12 civilians fatally shot by the military.

The British government has all but lost confidence in President Emmerson Mnangagwas administration. Britain will also not support Zimbabwes debt clearance plan and would not back its application for readmission to the Commonwealth.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube is desperate to clear $2 billion worth of arrears to lenders such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank, and appeared to have secured a breakthrough last October when he presented his economic plan to EU countries in Bali. He hoped to clear arrears this year, which would allow Zimbabwe to access the new credit it badly needs.

Speaking before the International Development Committee, which was making an inquiry into the Zimbabwe situation as well as exploring steps that the UK can take in assisting the people of Zimbabwe, Baldwin, said actually her government was looking at increasing the number of individuals who are on the targeted list.

The process of rolling up the EU (European Union) sanctions has come up and the UK has been arguing that it is not yet time for us to allow those to expire. And I think since the recent developments  we think there might be a case for widening it to include further individuals.

We have been aware that the president has said that heads will roll, we havent seen any specific heads rolling, but that might be a good example of the kinds of people who could then be further extended and we could include in the sanctions regime, Baldwin said, adding that the sanctions are targeted at specific individuals.

Zimbabwe has been calling for the removal of sanctions, claiming they have been inhibiting growth and significantly affecting the countrys economy in a negative way.

The country has been living in isolation for nearly two decades after the former president Robert Mugabe cut ties with the international community at the turn of the new millennium.

This was after he embarked on a bloody land reform programme that resulted in western countries including the UK and the US, imposing an economic embargo on Zimbabwe.

However, the western world had expressed goodwill to President Emmerson Mnangagwas government since Mugabes resignation in November 2017, hoping he would depart from his predecessors policies and respect human and property rights.

However, post-election violence, which saw the death of at least six people as well as the recent protests where 12 people were killed changed the narrative and the western worlds stance on Zimbabwe.

The recent developments where reports of rape, murder and torture of civilians by members of the security forces were raised, necessitated the International Development Committee to hold an urgent discussion on the situation in Zimbabwe.

The International Development Committee is holding an urgent evidence session on the situation in Zimbabwe. Following the recent violent crackdown by Zimbabwes security forces, this session allows the Committee to explore how the UK and DFID (Department for International Development) in particular, should respond.

The Committee will first hear from a panel of academic experts before then questioning the minister for Africa, Harriet Baldwin MP, and the head of DFID Zimbabwe, the organisation said about the discussion.

At least five people were called to give evidence on the situation and proffer recommendations on how the UK government can respond.

Some of the members that gave evidence are Jocelyn Alexander, professor of Commonwealth Studies at the University of Oxford, Stephen Chan, professor of Politics and International Studies at SOAS at University of London, Simukai Chigudu, an associate professor of African Politics at University of Oxford, and Annabel Gerry, head of Department for International Development South Africa and Zimbabwe.

These panellists, however, said nothing had significantly changed in Zimbabwe, compared to the Mugabe regime, as the system was still intact. They further said Zanu PF was a system and individual changes did not mean anything to this complex organisation.

The group said there was need for the UK to assist the people of Zimbabwe through providing sustainable projects as well as funding key sectors like health and education, adding that most people are now living under the poverty datum line.

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An impersonator of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) has been jailed for fraud after fleecing desperate job seekers of their money claiming that he can facilitate job opportunities within the police force, state security and the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).

Charged with fraud as defined in Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act) Chapter 9:23, David Dhlodhlo of Tsanzaguru appeared before Rusape magistrate Patience Madondo and was sentenced to 72 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to the charges.

Dhlodhlo will effectively serve 36 months in prison after 12 months were set aside on the basis of good behaviour and the other 17 months were suspended on the basis that he returns the money to those he defrauded.

State facts as presented by Gift Mutigwa are that on a period extending from September 2018, Dhlodhlo misrepresented himself as a member of the Central Intelligence Organisation and approached Rufaro Manyoni promising him that he had links to get him a job in the security forces.

He defrauded Manyoni of a total $1 485 as facilitation money but nothing materialised.

On another occasion, Dhlodhlo used the same modus operandi on Nation Gombedza and swindled him of $60.

On December 21, 2018, Dhlodhlo duped Fidelis Pezo who later made a police report leading to Dhlodlos arrest.

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Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday pledged to continue rallying behind the countrys efforts to bring about economic renaissance and to re-engage the international community.

Writing on his Twitter handle, President Kenyatta said he was glad to know that Zimbabwe was working towards addressing its challenges.

Kenya continues to stand in solidarity with Zimbabwe as the country works to solve its challenges, read part of the tweet.

President Kenyatta called on the West to remove economic sanctions against Zimbabwe, arguing that the stringent measures were inhibiting the countrys economic growth and hurting ordinary citizens.

Imposing sanctions on a country is like tying somebodys hands and feet. We will give our support to bring back Zimbabwe to the global platform, he said.

Earlier President Kenyatta met with Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri at State House in Nairobi.

Minister Shiri was in Kenya to deliver a special message from President Mnangagwa.

Since assuming the presidency, President Mnangagwa has struggled to mark a clear, positive trajectory to turn around the economy which had been on a downward spiral for years.

President Mnangagwas administration was also pursuing a policy of engaging and re-engaging different nations to consolidate existing friendships, reconnect with estranged friends and seeking out new partnerships but the clampdown on opposition activists by security forces has dented his efforts.

Kenya and Zimbabwe enjoy cordial relations and had in the past signed MOUs and agreements aimed at strengthening relations and promoting business between both countries.

Mnangagwa who came to power riding on the back of a military coup that toppled his long time ally Robert Mugabe has made Zimbabweans poorer than they were under ousted old man Mugabe. Prices of basic commodities have sky-rocketed while meandering fuel queues at service stations have become the order of the day.

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POLITICAL and civic society activists have called for a neutral mediator to lead interparty talks, which they say should be all inclusive and not led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The remarks came as Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda, sent invitations to all losing presidential candidates in the 2018 election to attend a meeting at State House yesterday.

The meeting, according to Sibanda, was to map out a framework for post-election dialogue.

Political parties and civic society organisations said if Mnangagwa was genuine, he should first order soldiers back to the barracks and release all political prisoners prior to the talks. Last month, Mnangagwas government deployed soldiers who violently quashed protests over the deepening economic crisis and they have been on the streets since.

Former Higher, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology minister Jonathan Moyo, who is in self-imposed exile, tweeted that Mnangagwa was not the right person to call for the talks as the environment was not yet conducive due to military abuses, including arbitrary arrests of opposition activists.

He also said that the AU & the international community wont be fooled by an embattled captain of a sinking ship who, instead of sending an SOS, thinks he can avoid the inevitable by inviting his rival captain & some wannabes for tea to dialogue about his sinking ship.

https://twitter.com/ProfJNMoyo/status/1093048717622546432

South Africa-based political activist Fortune Mlalazi said though dialogue was necessary, Mnangagwa was not the right convener as he was an interested party.

But the situation is very complex in that Mnangagwa himself cannot call for that dialogue because he is a culprit; he is from an offending party and is from a party that has brutalised citizens since we have seen human rights violations by the army and Zanu PF, he said.

Therefore, some of us are of the view that some neutral persons can lead the dialogue like what happened in 2008 where [former South African President] Thabo Mbeki led the [Government of National Unity] negotiations.

Mlalazi said there were elders in southern Africa who could lead the talks such as former President of Botswana Festus Mogae, politician and humanitarian Graca Machel, including former South African President Jacob Zuma.

Mthwakazi Republic Party leader Mqondisi Moyo said any framework for dialogue, which comprised of losing presidential candidates and their parties, would have no bearing on the people.

Party politics in this country is deliberately aligned to ethnic privilege, and of all the parties that contested the recent elections, none had any regard for the unique issues of Matabeleland. Any meaningful national dialogue will be devolved to the people on the ground, Moyo said.

The people have solutions to the problems affecting them. This is just another talkshow that is meant to sanitise the battered image of this military regime. After all the drama that has emerged soon after Mnangagwas fraudulent election, a transitional arrangement is needed to restore governance systems and to demilitarise the State.

Habakkuk Trust director Dumisani Nkomo said the issue of dialogue was much bigger than politics.

It is about the people, the economic conditions facing the people and a manifest critical governance crisis. Zimbabwe needs an inclusive national dialogue, not an elitist process which reduces citizens to passive spectators. We need a credible, inclusive process, Nkomo said.

The dialogue must begin at community to national level so that the aspirations of the people are harnessed. We do not have a shared national vision and values. This is what we need through an inclusive dialogue process.

Rural Community Empowerment Trust co-ordinator for Lupane, Vumani Ndlovu, said Mnangagwa was under pressure from the international community, considering that the country was going through political and economic turmoil.

As such, he wants to appear as all-encompassing to gain the support of the international community. Also considering the negative economic fundamentals bedeviling the country, he has no choice, but to engage other political parties with the hope that a solution could be proffered, Ndlovu said.

But Kudzai Mutisi, a political commentator, said Mnangagwa should focus on reforms.

Confused lot President ED Mnangagwa should not waste his time. He should just focus on his reform agenda. Some folks are still waiting for the European Union and the United States embassy to give them permission to attend, he tweeted.

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MDC president Nelson Chamisa on Thursday morning revealed why he refused to meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa together with other opposition leaders at State House on Wednesday.

While addressing a breakfast prayer meeting organised by churches that are seeking divine intervention to ease challenges facing the country in Harare today, Chamisa said: We cant have a dialogue when other people are in prison on the account of politics when others are mourning their loved one.

He added: We as politicians are the trouble makers. We are responsible for the agony of our nation. I am ready any moment to meet Mr. Mnangagwa to resolve issues affecting Zimbabwe, any delay is a life lost.

Addressing the same gathering, Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi has urged Chamisa and ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa to emulate the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai and former president Robert Mugabe.

The duo agreed to dialogue under the mediation of the Southern African Development Community 2008.

Said Mutendi: We must follow the examples of our predecessors. During the difficult period in our country, Dr Joshua Nkomo sought peace and our Former President Robert Mugabe sat down with Nkomo and they talked peace.

Tsvangirai made peace with Mugabe and he did not consider it humiliation but he did it for peace.

When Mugabe made peace President Mnangagwa was his right-hand man when Tsvangirai made peace Chamisa was his right-hand man so why cant it happen now?

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Fresh fissures have emerged in the ruling Zanu PF, with disgruntled members of its youth league passing a vote of no confidence on their leader Pupurai Togarepi and four other members of his executive, the Daily News can report.

Togarepi and his lieutenants are under fire for misconduct and for letting down President Emmerson Mnangagwa over the past few months  as the Zanu PF leader and his government have come under growing pressure locally and internationally.

In a petition addressed to the partys secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, and copied to Mnangagwa, youth league members said they no longer wanted Togarepi, his deputy Lewis Matutu and three other executive members  Tendai Chirau, Admire Mahachi and Mercy Mugomo  all of whom are accused of gross misconduct.

The youth league national executive council, sitting in extraordinary session on February 6, 2019 in Harare, unanimously moved a motion of no confidence vote on five of its members in order to realign it with the vision of  Mnangagwa.

The motion was necessitated by the call by  Mnangagwa for the youth league to be vibrant, proactive and to move from being lethargic, the disaffected youth league members said.

They added that the vote of no confidence motion was in line with the Zanu PF constitution which allowed them to take such action.

Togarepi and his affected colleagues were not reachable for comments yesterday.

The youth league members listed a raft of allegations against their leaders, including alleged dereliction of duty, gross misconduct and disloyalty to the party.

Whereas article 23, section 204 (1) (a) of the party constitution, dictates that the youth league national executive council should convene in ordinary session once every two months,  Togarepi, Matutu and Chirau failed or neglected to call for the six constitutionally-prescribed meetings of 2018.

This was incompetence on the part of the trio who are constitutionally-charged with ensuring that the league adheres to the party constitution and meets as required by the constitution.

And whereas article 3, section 21 (5) of the party constitution, states that every member of the party has the duty to conduct themselves honestly and honourably in their dealings with the party and general public,  Togarepi and Matutu converted and diverted resources meant for the youth league for personal use without the resolution of the youth league national executive council.

Computers were donated by Potraz (Postal Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe), but their distribution has been unaccounted. Matutu also sourced for funds from Tongaat and Bikita minerals for youth league projects without the mandate of the executive, read some of the listed breaches.

Also of major concern to the youth league members were the recent riots against the government which they said should have been robustly responded to by their leadership.

Mnangagwa and his government have come under withering criticism following last months riots which were sparked by a sharp hike in the prices of fuel.

At least 12 people were killed and hundreds others left injured in bloody clashes between security forces and protesters who had poured onto the streets around the country after heeding a call by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) to stay away from work.

Mnangagwa, who was feted like a king when he replaced deposed former president Robert Mugabe in November 2017, initially lifted the mood of crisis-weary Zimbabweans who were hopeful at the time that he would turn around the countrys economic fortunes.

However, the post-July 30 election shootings  which left at least six civilians dead when the military used live ammunition to quell an ugly demonstration in Harares central business district (CBD) on August 1  and the latest round of deaths, as well as the vicious clampdown of dissenting voices  have seriously dented his image, in addition to harming his chances of getting financial support from Western countries.

 Mahachi has on numerous occasions abused the name of  Mnangagwa in Odzi where he conducts his mining operations. He has alleged that he reports to the president about his mining operations and the Joint Operations Command was assigned to protect his mining interests. This conduct has been dishonourable and dishonest.

Meanwhile, Zanu PF insiders told the Daily News yesterday that the latest brawl was part of worsening factional fights in the former liberation movement.

The ruling part is said to be experiencing renewed divisions caused by fights between reformists and hardliners, which insiders say could take a turn for the worse if they are not kept in check.

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U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday pledged to work with Congress to pass an infrastructure bill for renovating the country's aging roads, bridges, airports and others.

"Both parties should be able to unite for a great rebuilding of America's crumbling infrastructure," Trump said as he delivered his annual State of the Union address, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from behind the podium.

"I know that the Congress is eager to pass an infrastructure bill -- and I am eager to work with you on legislation to deliver new and important infrastructure investment, including investments in the cutting edge industries of the future," the president said.

Emphasizing that infrastructure improvement is not an "option" but a "necessity," Trump stopped short of rolling out a specific plan about how much money is needed or how potential projects will be funded.

Following the midterm elections in November, Pelosi said the Democrats, in a House where they hold majority, are willing to reach across the aisle to the Republicans when it comes to infrastructure renewal.

The Congresswoman said ahead of the State of the Union that she hopes to hear a commitment from Trump on issues with bipartisan support, including rebuilding the infrastructure, according to U.S. media reports.

Trump proposed a 1.5-trillion-dollar infrastructure package in his last State of the Union address in Jan. 2018.

Later, on Feb. 12, 2018, the details of the plan was revealed, according to which the federal government will put up 200 billion dollars as incentives over the next 10 years, leaving state and local government as well as the private sector to make up for the rest.

That proposal ended nowhere in subsequent Congressional debates as lawmakers failed to bridge their differences.

"There's something where they could agree, but I think where they're going to get caught is how to pay for it," Republican Strategist Ford O'Connell said of bipartisan cooperation on infrastructure in a recent interview with Xinhua.

O'Connell added that he expects Trump to reject the Democrats' way of funding the future projects.
Recently returned SWP workers in Solomon Islands had the opportunity to share their experiences with Australias visiting Foreign Minister, Marise Payne. Photo: Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands
THERE was heavy deployment of security forces at Beitbridge Border Post yesterday in anticipation of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), pressure group #Tajamuka/Sesijikile and Children of the Zimbabwe War Veterans Associations demonstration against Zimbabwean authorities protracted human rights abuses.

#Tajamuka and Cozwa who had threatened to join the protests, were conspicuous by their absence on the Zimbabwean side of the border, while the South African Police Services (Saps) confined the Cosatu demonstrators to a section of the road, off the main highway linking South Africa and Zimbabwe and away from the border post.

Traffic flowed smoothly between the two countries and people conducted their businesses as usual although there was an unusual high security presence on both sides of the border post.

Cosatu led a demonstration in solidarity with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, whose leaders have been charged with treason for allegedly leading a nationwide demonstration against fuel price hikes which later degenerated into violent scenes last month.

The placard-carrying Cosatu members slammed the gross human rights violations perpetrated by the Zanu PF-led government and the systemic abuse of power and repression against leaders and members of the trade union movement led by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions. They want the government to stop sponsored violence and respect workers rights.

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Political parties that fielded presidential candidates in the July 30, 2018 harmonised elections yesterday met at State House in Harare and committed themselves to the principle of dialogue and working together to resolve the challenges facing the country.

Out of the 23 parties that fielded presidential candidates in the internationally-observed harmonised elections, 21 were represented.

Only the MDC-Alliance led by man of the people Mr Nelson Chamisa and the Republican Party from Bulawayo failed to show up.

Speaking after the meeting, an overexcited MDC-T leader Ms Thokozani Khupe said: We must pride ourselves as a country because of the fact that we have managed to come together as opposition parties and the ruling party to chart the way forward in regards to our country and our economy. We are saying we must put our differences aside as political parties and come together so that we talk about moving our country forward. We want a better life for every Zimbabwean. The people of Zimbabwe want food on their tables, they want jobs, they want houses and they want good health and education. We agreed as political parties that we are going dialogue as political parties around these issues so that we find permanent solutions to the problems bedevilling our country.

National Constitutional Assembly leader Professor Lovemore Madhuku said: The purpose of todays meeting was really to find each other. We are Zimbabweans and as Zimbabweans there can be no harm in meeting from time to time discussing issues we face as a country. The most important issue is to raise the standard of living of our people. As opposition political parties we have a contribution to make as Government has also a contribution to make.

Chairperson of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Justice Sello Nare moderated yesterdays meeting.

The dialogue was part of an expansive berth that President Mnangagwa has given to engage all stakeholders, including the church and civil society, to confront the national question.

And yesterday President Mnangagwa described the occasion as historic as it affirmed political maturity among Zimbabweans.

The parties agreed that there should be no precondition for the dialogue and that there should be no sacred issues during the discussions.

Further, it was agreed that both political and economic reforms should be implemented while politically motivated violence should be shunned.

Other salient issues such as the continued imposition of sanctions on the country by the West rallied the Zimbabwean leaders.

Four committees were set up with the first one focusing on the institutional framework of the dialogue while the second would deal with the agenda items for the dialogue.

The third was going to determine the convenor of the dialogue while the fourth one would be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the agreed issues.

Welcoming other parties to the meeting, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans had the right to chart their destiny with outsiders only coming in to assist.

He said he invited other parties to a national dialogue in fulfilment of his pledge during his inauguration that he would engage and consult fellow presidential aspirants on ways to move the country forward.

We owe it to ourselves as Zimbabweans to raise our country higher up the pecking order of nations, said President Mnangagwa.

Outsiders can only come in to assist us but the prime responsibility for our countrys development remains ours. This is what sovereignty means. Moreover, true peace can never be imposed from outside, but must come from within our own society, and can be nurtured by us on the seedbed of dialogue, honesty and mutual respect. It is my hope that this inaugural dialogue by our political parties will provide a firm foundation upon which together and without undue foreign interference, we can build the Zimbabwe we all want.

President Mnangagwa said no individual had a monopoly over ideas thus people should close ranks as Zimbabweans and unite towards the common goal of developing the country.

Commenting on how the dialogue should proceed, President Mnangagwa said all parties should accept the results of the July 30, 2018 harmonised elections as a legitimate expression of the will of the people of Zimbabwe.

He said all political parties should take a stand against the illegal sanctions imposed on the country and the call for their removal should be an all-party affair.

Said President Mnangagwa: With unity at home and successful re-engagement abroad, Zimbabwe is an attractive destination for domestic and foreign direct investment. Admittedly, there are key reforms which we need to embark upon, which is where all of us come in to proffer ideas both for reforms and to make ourselves more attractive for investment. I challenge all of us to come up with ideas that can take our country forward. As leaders of our political parties, our gathering together today is a milestone, which should always remind us of the supremacy of dialogue over conflict and of collaboration over confrontation, as instruments for nation building, As for me, I sincerely look forward to the sage advice and healthy exchange of views from all of you brothers and sisters.

After the meeting, which lasted several hours, President Mnangagwa said: I think this interaction or consultation between the leaders of the political parties which participated in the 2018 harmonised elections was overdue. I am sure you listened as I explained at the beginning the consummation of this meeting. However, I am happy that we have been able to come together as Zimbabwean political parties to discuss issues affecting our country in particular in the area of the economy, reforms, political and economic reforms and various views on how political party leaders think we should move forward. I am happy that we have come to the conclusion that we need to further come together and interrogate how as a people, as a country we can move forward in unity and in peace. Many negative issues have been raised which the political parties would want addressed. I am happy that there was democratic space for every single leader of political parties that have attended to express themselves openly and freely. This is what it should be. I believe that with this beginning we should as we go forward find each other and chart a common course for our country to move together.

President Mnangagwa said he invited all political parties that participated in last years elections and those who chose not to attend were exercising their democratic right.

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Veteran newscaster Tom Brokaw caused a bit of outrage recently with his admonition to Latinos to assimilate quicker  big news to those of us who are simultaneously blasted for not being Latino enough because we are not fluent Spanish speakers.

So, which is it: Are we assimilating too fast or not fast enough? This is asked by a guy who savors his menudo as much as his burgers and has been known to say to Spanish speakers before a conversation, Lo siento, mi espanol sufre un poco (Sorry, my Spanish is lacking a bit). And Ive been known to have my Spanish complimented  by, of course, non-Spanish speakers.

This comes to mind not just because of the Brokaw controversy but because there has been some discussion of Democratic presidential hopeful Julian Castro not being a real Latino candidate. This, because he isnt fluent in Spanish.

This is just plain silly. Whatever his facility with Spanish, Castro is indisputably Mexican-American, to be precise. By heritage. By identity. So, of course, he is a real Latino candidate. To say otherwise is to apply a litmus test on Latinoness that no one should have any business imposing  particularly Latinos who have been subject over generations to other litmus tests. For instance, on whether we are American enough.

This question seems to happen no matter how many generations our families have been here, whether weve served in the military, how much taxes we pay and where we and our children were born.

Being Latino  being Mexican-American  is more than about language. Its about culture. And even if you dont speak Spanish fluently, its about roots and identity. Where were your people from, and how has that shaped your culture, and what have you drawn from that to form your identity?

So, Castro is Latino and that means, yes, he is a real Latino candidate.

Which takes us to the next illogical step in this debate. Is he a Latino candidate? Or is he a candidate who happens to be Latino? This argument is assuredly coming, particularly if Castro advances in the Democratic primaries.

The ascendancy of white-identity politics notwithstanding, this is a bit like asking whether Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren are white candidates or candidates who happen to be white. They are both, but hardly anyone imposes a litmus test for whiteness on them. They are white and they are real candidates, each with views on issues that need to be evaluated  as with Castro. And virtually no one asks if they can represent non-whites. It will, however, be asked of Castro about non-Latinos.

Which is not to say race, ethnicity and culture mean nothing in political races. Castro will be able to bring some definite life experiences that others will not  on, say, immigration. He is the grandson of an immigrant and native of a city with a long history of undocumented immigrants among us. He has also likely seen and felt the dynamics of income inequality and inequities in education  as the son of a single mother and a graduate of a West Side high school in the San Antonio Independent School District, a district viewed then and now as having a lot of challenges, though both Castro brothers advanced to Stanford and Harvard universities. But its not as if education and income arent important to everyone. You know, just as energy, climate change, national defense, taxes and affordable housing are also issues on which Castro surely has views.

No, Im not all in for Castro. Its way too early for that even if I could or wanted to endorse. I just fear a raw deal aborning.

Im guessing Brokaw  who later apologized for his comments  would view Castro as assimilated. But why listen to him at all about Latinos? Though his 1998 book, The Greatest Generation, was mentioned when describing him in the flap that followed his comments, not mentioned was how many Latinos  who served valiantly and in abundance in World War II  he counted as among the greatest in that book. Virtually none.

Assimilation and inclusion are symbiotic. When youre included  accepted, not merely tolerated  its easier to assimilate, its incentive to want to. Latinos  immigrants or not  are getting a lot of mixed messages these days.

But heres the thing: Because much of the migration to the U.S. has been from Spanish-speaking countries, it has been easy to immerse oneself in the native language here. But studies reveal children of those immigrants will speak English and their children will likely lose their Spanish altogether. And those immigrant parents know their children must speak English.

This is called what it has always been called for all previous immigrant waves. Yes, assimilation.

o.ricardo.pimentel@express-news.net.
Iraqi President Barham Salih measured his words in a telephone interview from Baghdad on Monday. He didnt want to worsen a quarrel with President Donald Trump over U.S. access to an air base in western Iraq. But Iraqi politics is fragile, and ill-considered statements by American presidents can have big consequences.

I appreciate what the U.S. has done to help Iraq, Salih told me. We honor that sacrifice. But this success in Iraq is precarious and should not be unduly burdened. It could easily unravel.

Short translation of this diplomat-speak: Mr. President, dont shoot yourself in the foot. If you describe al-Asad air base as if its an American facility, it offends Iraqis  and adds to Iraqi domestic political pressure against any continued American military presence there.

Trump lurches from blunder to blunder on the Middle East. His latest statements about rebasing American forces in Iraq were so glib and insensitive to local politics that you have to wonder if the president even understood the mistakes he was making. Sometimes, Trumps conduct suggests a behavioral syndrome in which he seems to have no real comprehension that his comments offend others and increase his social isolation.

The Iraq gaffe followed a much more serious mistake in judgment in December, when Trump suddenly announced he was pulling 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria at a time when their commanders said their job of destroying the Islamic State wasnt finished. Despite opposition from virtually every corner of the U.S. government, Trump pushed ahead, and officials say the withdrawal will be completed by the end of April.

The U.S. asked French and British forces if they might stay, but they balked, so right now, Turkish, Russian and Iranian forces are positioning to fill the vacuum.

Trump last weekend invented a new solution: Everything would be fine, because he was moving special operations forces to Iraq. We have a base in Iraq, and the base is a fantastic edifice.  We spent a fortune on building this incredible base. We might as well keep it, he told Margaret Brennan on CBS Face the Nation last Sunday.

Trump explained (if thats the right word for his chain of illogic) that if there is new trouble in Syria, as is widely predicted, Well come back if we have to. We have very fast airplanes, we have very good cargo planes.

Trumps rebasing-to-Iraq approach, unfortunately, may put American soldiers at greater risk. Right now, the people who kick down the doors of Islamic State terrorists in Syria are our Kurdish-led allies in the Syrian Democratic Forces. If the U.S. instead does the raids from Iraq, the danger for U.S. personnel will increase. But in Trump world, thats apparently an afterthought.

Trump might have avoided a diplomatic crunch if hed stopped with the rebasing. But, no, he wanted to advertise that, with his plan, he could use the Iraqi base to be able to watch Iran. He continued: The al-Asad base is perfectly situated for looking at  different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up. And this is what a lot of people dont understand.

The disturbing part is that Trump doesnt seem to realize that theres an Iraqi government in Baghdad, facing substantial pro-Iranian pressure, that wants to control its own sovereignty. American forces were invited to Iraq in 2014 to combat the Islamic State, and Iraqis are genuinely grateful for American help. But they dont want another occupation.

Indeed, some Iraqis had been agitating recently about Americas continued presence at al-Asad and other bases. In the weeks before Trumps botch-job on Face the Nation, President Salih had in fact been struggling to keep pro-Iranian politicians from introducing legislation in the Iraqi Parliament to force an American withdrawal.

Trump may have a proprietary feel about al-Asad air base because its the one place in Iraq that he is known to have visited. He was there on Dec. 26 for a fly-by stop with troops that he turned into a quasi-political rally, touting his border wall, warning about caravans of migrants and signing Make America Great Again hats. Were no longer the suckers, folks, he said. Under my administration, were winning now.

Its painful to watch an American president in this stumbling, vainglorious retreat. As one Middle Eastern leader said to me recently: Who can look at the United States as a reliable partner?

@IgnatiusPost
With Democrats embracing neo-socialist policies to eliminate private health insurance and fossil fuels, Americas political center is up for grabs. In his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Donald Trump made a concerted  if belated  play for it.

A State of the Union address is the one moment when the president can speak directly to tens of millions of persuadable Americans without a media filter. Trump seized that opportunity by stringing together a compelling list of achievements: millions of new jobs created, including hundreds of thousands of new manufacturing jobs; millions of Americans off food stamps; wages rising and a booming economy.

On his watch, we reached the lowest unemployment levels in a half-century, including the lowest African-American, Hispanic and Asian American unemployment levels ever recorded, and thanks in part to his push to expand domestic energy production, the United States is the No. 1 producer of oil and natural gas in the world.

The president then called on Democrats and Republicans to build on those achievements: Now is the time for bipartisan action. Believe it or not, we have already proven that it is possible. He cited bipartisan legislation to tackle the opioid crisis, fix the Department of Veterans Affairs and reform sentencing laws that have wrongly and disproportionately harmed the African-American community. The lesson, Trump declared, is that when we are united, we can make astonishing strides for our country.

He then laid out a unifying governing agenda  from empowering women at home and abroad to confronting Chinas predatory trade practices, making new investments in crumbling infrastructure, lowering the cost of health care and prescription drugs, and defeating AIDS and childhood cancer.

Even when he had to tackle divisive issues, he did so smartly. He made an impassioned case for the border wall but did so by citing the harm illegal immigration does to unlawful migrants, especially women and children who are victimized by smugglers, cartels and human traffickers. He introduced Americans to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Elvin Hernandez  a legal immigrant from the Dominican Republic  who has helped rescue migrant girls from the horror of forced prostitution and human slavery.

Tolerance for illegal immigration is not compassionate  it is cruel, Trump declared, adding I want people to come into our country in the largest numbers ever, but they have to come in legally. Reasonable Americans in the center nodded in agreement.

On abortion, he called out the Democrats for their extremism, citing lawmakers in New York (who) cheered with delight upon the passage of legislation that would allow a baby to be ripped from the mothers womb moments before birth. According to Gallup, only 13 percent of Americans support third-trimester abortion, and even fewer, I suspect, support infanticide.

The Trump we saw Tuesday is the president we should be seeing every day, not just once a year. He reached across the aisle, appealed to persuadable voters in the center and asked them to consider his reasonable proposals. He made the case for controversial policies in a way designed to win over open-minded skeptics. It worked. A CBS News instant poll found that 76 percent of viewers approved of what they heard in Trumps address, including 72 percent who said they approved of his ideas for immigration.

In short, Trump did something he rarely does: work to expand his base. Its a good start, but wooing persuadable voters takes more than one good speech. It requires discipline and sustained effort.

Its not too late. Trumps approval rating is 40 percent (up slightly from 37 percent during the government shutdown). Before his third-year State of the Union address, Ronald Reagans approval was just 35 percent  and he won a second term in a landslide.

Democrats are giving Trump an opening by embracing socialist policies that most Americans know will bankrupt the country. They may go so far left that they will make themselves unelectable in 2020. But Trump cannot count on Democrats to self-destruct. He must actively court the voters they are alienating with their far-left tilt and win over millions of Americans who are benefiting from his policies but still dont support his presidency.

In his address, Trump declared that America will never be a socialist country. Whether he is right depends on what he does in the weeks and months ahead.

@marcthiessen
The Bexar County District Attorney's Office has released graphic crime scene photos and videos depicting the aftermath of a road rage shootout last year involving an intoxicated off-duty police officer in the parking lot of a Northwest Side strip club.

The material, which includes prosecution documents, was made public in a rare move by former District Attorney Nico LaHood, according to current DA officials. It provides new insight into the chaotic gun battle outside the Allstar's Gentleman's Club on May 29 that left 26-year-old Demontae Walker paralyzed and resulted in a 15-day suspension for San Antonio Police Officer Dezi Rios.

According to a prosecution guide detailing the shooting and body worn camera footage of the crime scene and Walker's testimony, the incident began at about 9:30 p.m. when Rios sped past Walker on Interstate 10 onto the Wurzbach Road exit. Rios was heading home from a cadet dinner at Ajuua Restaurant, where he estimated he had had about five mixed drinks.

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Both men pulled into the Allstar's parking lot. Walker was taking his cousin, Destiny Rhodes, to the club so she could dance, and Rios told investigators he pulled over to call his wife.

At some point, both men got out of their cars and got into a verbal altercation. Walker, a firearm enthusiast who often carried a pistol on him, told investigators he put his pistol in his pocket and went to check on Rios to see if he was okay.

"It was just a coincidence that we went to the same parking lot," Walker later told a detective from his hospital room. "So, I'm guessing he thought like, I wanted to fight or something."

"He looked amped," Walker said during the same interview, noting Rios used a racial slur while yelling at him and never identified himself as a police officer. Walker told investigators he remained calm during the confrontation. Rios later told investigators that Walker had been aggressive.

"Hey, motherf----r, you know you almost killed me back there?" Walker said, according to Rios' statement to detectives.

"Obviously, I f-----g didn't because you're still here," Rios said he retorted. "You're a f-----g dumbass for pulling over. Get the f--k out of here."

RELATED: Former UTSA-area barber cleared of charges in shootout with off-duty officer outside S.A. strip club

During the confrontation, Walker said he saw Rios reach for something near his waist so he shot him.

"I go to the gun range every week. I could've shot him in the face," he told a detective. He didn't want to kill Rios, he said, so he aimed for his pelvis and below.

He struck Rios multiple times, then ran to his car to call 911. Rios then crawled to his own car, grabbed his Glock pistol and shot at Walker through his vehicle. Walker was shot while on the phone with 911 operators and Rhodes was grazed in the head.

Rhodes ran to the club to ask for help, and Rios stumbled to the front door, where he was detained by a security guard until authorities arrived.

RELATED: Father left with questions after son accused of shooting off-duty police officer in San Antonio

Officer Matthew Robles was one of the officers who responded to the scene. His body warn camera footage shows him running to Rios and helping paramedics treat him.

"He shot me, man," Rios says repeatedly. "I shot him back. I had to."

Paramedics took all three to University Hospital for treatment. Walker was later charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one charge relating to Rios's injuries, and one related to Rhodes, though he did not shoot her. A grand jury later dismissed the charges.

"It's very hard for a prosecutor to take the position of someone other than a police officer," Walker's Houston-based defense attorney Charles Adams told MySA.com after his client was cleared. "I have a lot of admiration for the Bexar County District Attorney's Office. It really was very admirable, their dedication to the truth and justice."

Rios was issued a 15-day suspension for the road rage dispute and being intoxicated "to the extent that he was rendered unfit to report for duty."

Rios made a full recovery from his injuries, but Walker is now a paraplegic and is unable to support himself.

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Caleb Downs covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com |

cdowns@mysa.com | @calebjdowns
Chinese cities reported better air quality during the Spring Festival holiday as stricter control on fireworks reduced pollution.

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) said the average PM2.5 density in 338 cities dropped 14.2 percent year on year during the period from Monday evening to Tuesday morning, peak hours for air pollution as people set off firecrackers to celebrate the lunar new year.

Compared to the past three years, the level of the major pollutant went down 31.9 percent on average.

Also on Monday and Tuesday, the first two days of the week-long holiday, the number of cities with serious pollution fell by 12 from a year ago and by 53 from the past three years on average.

The air quality in Beijing improved significantly during this year's holiday, as residents were banned from setting off fireworks within the fifth ring road.

Despite the improvement, the MEE still warned that the impact of fireworks on the environment still cannot be ignored as 70 cities saw serious air pollution during the past two days, much more than the days before holiday.
A longtime civilian employee for the Bexar County Sheriff's Office was arrested Thursday on child sex assault charges.

Jose Angel Laines, 44, faces one charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one charge of indecency with a child by contact. He was booked into the Bexar County Jail on a $150,000 bail.

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Laines has been employed with the sheriff's office since 2004 and worked in the records section. He is on unpaid administrative leave, and sheriff's officials have begun termination proceedings against him.

"The disturbing allegations against this 14-year employee go back to at least a decade," said Sheriff Javier Salazar. "We are glad our Warrants team was able to get him into custody. We have already initiated termination proceedings and we stand ready to assist SAPD with whatever they may need."

The San Antonio Police Department is conducting the criminal investigation, and the Bexar County Sheriff's Public Integrity Unit has started an administrative investigation.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

Caleb Downs covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com |

cdowns@mysa.com | @calebjdowns
A 19-year-old man was arrested by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force Monday after doctors discovered his infant child had suffered skull fractures, broken ribs and liver lacerations, according to San Marcos police.

Richard Blythe of Kyle now faces a charge of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury. He was arrested in Killeen.
Pope Francis has acknowledged that members of the Catholic clergy abused nuns, adding to a string of recent allegations about widespread sexual abuse by priests and coverups by the church hierarchy.

"It's not that everyone does this, but there have been priests and bishops who have," Francis told reporters aboard the papal plane on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. The wire service and other outlets had reported on allegations of nun abuse over the past year, but the pontiff had not previously confirmed that such abuse took place.

Francis is due to host a gathering of bishops and cardinals in two weeks to address the broader global issue of clergy sexual abuse - including, largely for the first time, of adult victims and accountability for those at the top of the church who mismanage and cover it up.

RELATED: San Antonio archbishop goes on TV to release report on accused priests

The Post's Stefano Pitrelli and Chico Harlan wrote in September, when the meeting was announced, that the meeting "is believed to be unprecedented, indicating that the church recognizes that clergy sex abuse is a global problem - even in countries where the church maintains strong social power and cases have not come to light in great numbers."

"The Church's credibility has been seriously undercut and diminished by these sins and crimes, but even more by the efforts made to deny or conceal them," Francis wrote in a letter to U.S. bishops last month. "This has led to a growing sense of uncertainty, distrust and vulnerability among the faithful."

Asked whether he would take a similarly broad approach to tackling the abuse of nuns, Francis signaled that he would. "Should we do something more? Yes. Is there the will? Yes. But it's a path that we have already begun," he said, the AP reported.

Francis has been criticized in the past for his handling of the topic. In January 2018, he dismissed accusations that Chilean bishop Juan Barros had covered up sexual abuse committed by a priest named Fernando Karadima. "There is not one shred of proof against him. It's all calumny. Is that clear?" the pope said at the time. He later apologized and dispatched investigators to Chile but did not condemn Barros.

Some are also dissatisfied by what they consider a slow Vatican response to major sexual-abuse scandals that broke in other countries, including Australia and the United States.

"The church remains quiet about its investigations and disciplinary procedures," Harlan reported last year.

"It does not release any data on the inquiries it has carried out. A proposed tribunal for judging bishops accused of negligence or coverup was quashed by the Vatican department that was supposed to help implement it. And, rather than being fired and publicly admonished, offending church leaders are typically allowed to resign without explanation."

A few high-profile allegations against top Catholic clerics by nuns have gained attention in the last year, with some Catholics calling it a #MeToo moment for religious sisters.

Last fall, Indian nuns in the state of Kerala made news by marching with placards, demanding action against a bishop they say raped a nun between 2014 and 2016. After reportedly getting no response from the church to her complaint, she went to police in June - a radical move in the state.

"There are many nuns within the church who are suffering. They are afraid to come out. The church mechanism is a very large and powerful one," a lawyer who was helping the women, Indulekha Joseph, told the Washington Post last year. "The other problem is once a nun speaks, she is thrown out of the convent and may find herself on the street, because often her family is not willing to accommodate her. A campaign of character assassination starts. The nun will be portrayed as a prostitute."

Last month, a Vatican official who handles sexual abuse cases for the church quit after being accused of sexual abuse by a former nun. The woman, Doris Wagner, last year had accused an unnamed priest of making sexual advances on her while in confessional. She later identified the priest as Hermann Geissler, who was chief of staff of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a body that handles discipline in sexual abuse cases within the Catholic Church.

Geissler has maintained his innocence but said he was resigning to protect the church.
A 2-year-old boy was caught in a tug-of-war between his mother and her ex-boyfriend, who was alleged to have taken the boy during an argument last week on the West Side.

Samuel Teniente, 21, is charged with aggravated kidnapping with bail set at $50,000.

The mother of the boy told police that she met Teniente about a month ago.

On Jan. 31, the two had been arguing when he began pushing her in and out of an apartment at about noon in the 6500 block of West Commerce, according to preliminary information from a police report.

The suspect then quickly took the boy out of his stroller, which was outside the door of the womans apartment, police said.

The woman said she chased Teniente for several blocks east until he ran across West Commerce.

A witness who saw the chase told police she was afraid that Teniente and the boy were going to get hit by the heavy traffic on Commerce.

When the mother caught up with the suspect, she demanded her return her child, the report states.

After he allegedly refused to give the boy back, the mother tried grabbing her son, police said.

Officers said they arrived to see the struggle as Teniente had a hold of one of the childs arms and the mother was pulling at the other.

Teniente saw the police and let go of the boy, shouting as he walked away, authorities said.

Police arrested Teniente as the mother scooped up her son and comforted him.
MCALLEN  A judge ruled Wednesday that the federal government can begin surveying land for a border wall on property that houses the historic La Lomita Chapel against the wishes of the local Catholic diocese, setting up a potentially lengthy fight as the church claims a wall would violate its religious freedom.

The ruling came as the Trump administration is moving forward with plans to access private land for a wall it wants to build along the border with Mexico; President Donald Trump on Tuesday night during his State of the Union address reaffirmed his desire to build a wall and more carefully control immigration.

Customs and Border Protection says it will take some residents to court to access their private land as the agency determines whether a border wall can be built on the properties.

Excavating equipment arrived this week and is poised to begin moving dirt as part of a congressionally approved section of the wall that received funding last year. Six of 33 miles of new wall approved for the Rio Grande Valley are under contract to be built.

The wall will split the National Butterfly Center in Mission and the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park.

The preserves, along with the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge  where Congress has prohibited building a wall  attract naturalists and birding and butterfly enthusiasts, pumping several hundred million dollars a year into the local economy.

Landowners here say they are increasingly on edge as they receive letters indicating the government wants their land along the Rio Grande, and they are poised for eminent domain court battles that in the past have lasted a decade or more.

U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ruled the surveying of the dioceses property  work that should take just a few hours  does not constitute a substantial burden on the religious function of the 170-year-old La Lomita Chapel, which lines the river in Mission.

The diocese owns the chapel grounds but leases it to the city as a park.

Bishop Daniel Flores has resisted the government surveys on the grounds that any constructed barrier violates his religious beliefs, said Mary McCord, a Georgetown University law professor representing the diocese.

The church believes any access violates the sacred nature of the place, she said.

John Smith, an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Texas who works on property issues related to the border barrier, said in court that the government already has received permission to survey neighboring properties and wants to push forward with the church property.

Smith said the church parcel is the last section we dont have right of entry to in the area, which is near the riverfront county park where Trump viewed the Rio Grande during a visit in January. Smith said the federal government has no intention of disrupting religious activities at the chapel once a barrier is built.

McCord said after the hearing that the church could not, in good conscience, grant access to the surveyors without a court order. The real battle for La Lomita, she said, will come if and when the government moves to take the property.

This really is just Step 1, McCord said.

In January, four Democratic U.S. senators wrote to Homeland Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, arguing that eminent domain should not be invoked in violation of any religious organizations First Amendment right of free exercise of religion, Fifth Amendment right to just compensation for any public taking of private property, or the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

On Tuesday, protesters, many of whom identify as members of the Carrizo-Comecrudo, a small indigenous tribe that traces its roots to communities along the Rio Grande that predate Spanish colonization, gathered in tents near a century-old cemetery.

Christopher Basadu said the requirement of a 150-foot perimeter on either side of the wall would mean that the cemetery would have to be removed.

Though no indigenous remains are in the cemetery, the activists have made common cause with the local families who stand to lose their ancestors burial grounds, he said.

The construction of the wall will disturb sacred ground, Basadu, 46, said as he walked amid the gravestones. These are indigenous homelands. We are not claiming ownership of the property in the legal sense. But this is our ancestral homeland, our sacred responsibility.

Dozens of landowners across the area received surprise letters from the federal government in recent months, requesting access to their properties for surveys, soil tests, equipment storage and other actions.

Lawyers involved in the cases and experts said it is the first of a two-step process the government uses in cases of eminent domain, in which the government tries to seize private land for its purposes. Some landowners already have declined to allow the government on their properties.

Some received a second letter in late January stating that the government plans to serve them with a declaration that would allow it to access their properties for 12 months.

The government has an immediate need to enter your property to conduct the necessary surveys, the letter reads. Border security tactical infrastructure, such as border walls, lighting and roads, are critical elements to gain effective control of our nations borders.

A spokesman for Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Yvette Gaytan said she gave the government permission to survey on her land, a parcel that is just smaller than an acre, where she lives in a three-bedroom home with her husband, three children and two dogs. Despite her agreement, she said she received one of the governments demand letters within the past few weeks.

Her family has owned the land for generations. Her teenage children are now terrified that they might have to move. And she is trying to figure out her next steps.

Its not big, she said. Its not a palace. Its my home.

Zezima reported from Washington. Althaus is a freelance journalist based in San Antonio.
Employers are seeking people from various occupational backgrounds on Glassdoor's 23 companies 'hiring like crazy' for February.

At least nine of those companies are looking to hire in north, east and central Texas.
The Peking opera version of "Turandot," jointly launched by the China National Peking Opera Company and the Italian Emilia-Romagna Theater Foundation, made its Rome debut Tuesday night.

The 2019 "Happy Chinese Spring Festival" and China Tourism Exhibition were also held in the same venue. Chinese ambassador to Italy Li Ruiyu watched the performance and exhibition. Former Italian Deputy Prime Minister and the Italian Coordinator of China-Italy Cultural Cooperation Mechanism Francesco Rutelli attended the event.

This new "Turandot" is presented in the form of an experimental Peking opera, incorporating modern dance designs and many Italian elements, according to the China National Peking Opera Company.

The show was accompanied not only with Chinese traditional instruments like Jinghu and Yueqin, but also some Western instruments such as double bass and electric guitar by Italian players, giving the audience a unique listening experience. Many audiences were amazed at the music in the play and deeply impressed by the exquisite traditional costumes of Peking opera.

The famous Italian opera of Turandot is based on a story that happened in China. According to Xu Mengke, the Chinese co-director and the actor for Calaf, "telling it in a Chinese perspective can promote the exchange and understanding between the two peoples in terms of artistic expression and way of thinking. And it is also a case of Chinese culture 'going out'."

"I believe the audience will have a better understanding of Chinese culture and Peking opera," he added.

"Our Turandot is a fable in which the Chinese and Italian traditional elements can coexist. Our Chinese colleagues gave the radiance, liveliness and a sense of poetry fiction that are typical of Peking opera, while the Italian troupe made a more conceptual intervention, trying to put in this beautiful story a more painful and black vein connected to the idea that 'love can not be founded by such bloody acts as those Princess Turandot did'," Marco Plini, the Italian co-director of this new show, told Xinhua.

"It was really a work of cooperation to build mutual trust and esteem between me and the Chinese troupe. We worked with great passion and rigor, and there was a very good result from both the artistic point of view and the human point of view," he stressed.

There will be another five shows at the Argentine Theater in Rome from Feb. 6th to 10th, which is also the last stop of the troupe's Italian tour. The troupe has toured five cities including Bolzano, Prato, Modena, Ferrara and Casa Maggio since Jan. 10th and have finished 15 performances.




For Joshua Trump, the 11-year-old who shares a last name with a president whose approval ratings don't quite reach 40 percent, the past few years have been a nightmare.

Other students bullied the preteen so much over his surname that he had to be home-schooled. His parents told reporters that Joshua was sad all the time, a story that found its way to the ears of the first family, who seated Joshua two seats from Melania Trump during the State of the Union address Tuesday night.

And it is from that vaunted position that Joshua got what appeared to be the best sleep of his life - an open-mouthed snooze fest uninterrupted by bipartisan applause, flashing cameras, Nancy Pelosi's clap or the oration of the leader of the free world.

It's unclear when, exactly, Joshua fell asleep. During President Donald Trump's 82-minute speech, some camera angles swept over the crowd at select moments where everyone was standing and clapping - except for the blank space where Joshua should have been.

But an alert photographer appeared to catch the unalert preteen. In the photo, he's sitting next to child cancer survivor Grace Eline, who, it should be noted, is wide-awake. And two seats away, in clear shake-you-awake reach, is Melania Trump.

The dozing moment was not lost on the masses, who thought of Joshua Trump's State of the Union slumber as either:

1) A symbol of just how fed up America is with partisan gridlock and political grandstanding that literally brought Washington to a standstill; or

2) Adorable.

The first lady has made combating bullying like the kind Joshua faced one of her main priorities in the White House, the thrust of her "Be Best" initiative.

In a biography of Joshua, the White House said the sixth-grader is a fan of science, art and history and hopes to pursue a career that has something to do with animals.

Today, he is also well-rested.
WASHINGTON  The House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday began a broad inquiry into whether Russia and other foreign powers may be exercising influence over President Donald Trump, acting only hours after a defiant Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared that the House would not be cowed by the presidents all-out threat to drop its investigations of his administration.

Other committees were zeroing in on similarly sensitive oversight targets. On Thursday, Democrats will begin their quest to secure the presidents long-suppressed tax returns. The chairman of the Judiciary Committee readied a subpoena for the acting attorney general, Matthew G. Whitaker, in case he tried to avoid Democratic questioning. And a House Appropriations subcommittee chairwoman began an inquiry into administration rule-bending during the 35-day partial government shutdown.

Its our congressional responsibility, and if we didnt do it, we would be delinquent in that, Pelosi said of the Houses oversight role, hours after Trump used his State of the Union address to warn that ridiculous partisan investigations threatened the nations economic health and the prospects of bipartisan legislating.

That, Pelosi said, was a threat  it was an all-out threat.

The confrontation between a newly empowered House majority and a president of the opposite party drew comparisons to Democrats investigations of the George W. Bush administration after the 2006 elections and Republicans blitz of Barack Obamas administration after the 2010 midterms. But Democrats and even some Republicans conceded that the targets offered up by Trump and his administration were far more numerous than his predecessors, and his threats and protests have been more vocal.

House and Senate negotiators are rushing to reach agreement on a border-security funding bill before the government again runs out of money at midnight Feb. 15, so Trumps suggestion that bipartisan legislating will be impossible amid Democratic investigations could hold weight.

But despite that warning, the gears of congressional oversight  which were mostly still under Republican control during Trumps first two years in office  began to pick up speed on Wednesday in the portrait-lined hearing rooms of the House office buildings.

Meeting for the first time this Congress, the Intelligence Committee laid out a five-point investigation of the presidents potential foreign entanglements that was far broader in scope than previously expected.

Democrats said they had reopened the inquiry into Russias election interference efforts and possible collusion with the Trump campaign that the Republican majority closed last year. But they will layer on interconnected lines of inquiry, including whether Russia or other foreign actors hold financial or other leverage over Trump and his associates that at any point could have influenced U.S. policy. Democrats also added a broadly construed obstruction of justice component to their work for the first time.

Trump dismissed the inquiry after it was announced, targeting the Intelligence Committee chairman, Adam B. Schiff of California.

Hes just a political hack. Hes trying to build a name for himself, Trump said, adding, Its called presidential harassment. And its unfortunate. And it really does hurt our country.

Schiff shot back, I can understand why the idea of meaningful oversight terrifies the president. Look, several associates of his have gone to jail. Others are awaiting trial.

He said the expanded Russia investigation would be done in coordination with other committees, including the Financial Services Committee, which wants to determine whether Russia or other foreign actors laundered money through the Trump Organization.

Our job involves making sure the policy of the United States is being driven by the national interest, Schiff said, not by any financial entanglement, financial leverage or other form of compromise.

Intelligence Committee Republicans, who have already begun to accuse the Democrats of politically motivated overreach, did not endorse the inquirys parameters. In a separate statement, they called on Democrats to subpoena unnamed witnesses they recommended, and privately, they accused Democrats of being more interested in keeping a politically damaging issue alive for the 2020 elections than finding new facts.

In its meeting, the committee also voted to share transcripts of witness interviews that it conducted related to Russian election interference with special counsel Robert Mueller. Mueller has already used two such transcripts to charge associates of the presidents with lying to Congress, and Democrats believe others could have intentionally misled the committee.

Other committees were making moves, too.

The Judiciary Committee had called a meeting for Thursday to vote on a subpoena to compel testimony from Whitaker, if needed. Whitaker, a loyalist of the presidents who is currently overseeing Muellers work, is scheduled to testify voluntarily Friday, but Democrats have concerns that he might try to back out or dodge questions about the firing of his predecessor, about the presidents attacks on the Justice Department and about other matters related to the Mueller inquiry.

For the first two years of the Trump administration, Congress allowed government witnesses to dodge uncomfortable questions, the committees chairman, Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, wrote in a statement. That era is over.

Perhaps most personally for the president, a Ways and Means oversight subcommittee will hold its first hearing Thursday to start building a public rationale to pursue Trumps tax returns.

An obscure provision in the federal tax code gives the chairman of the committee unilateral powers to request from the Treasury Department tax information on any filer, including the president.

Democrats view obtaining Trumps returns  which he has refused to release, defying modern political norms  as necessary for their broader inquiries into potential conflicts of interest between his role as president and his business operations, as well as accusations of money laundering that may have involved Russian oligarchs or other financial crimes. But the request is fraught with tension, both because of an anticipated legal challenge from the administration and because of pressure from the partys left flank on leaders who are proceeding slowly to try to build an airtight public relations and legal case first.

Meantime, Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota, chairwoman of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Interior Department, asked the Government Accountability Office to issue a formal opinion on the administrations diversion of user fees at the national parks to fund operations during the government shutdown. Such funds are supposed to be earmarked for long-term capital improvement projects.

And Democrats on the Oversight and Reform Committee took their own swipe at the president at a hearing examining proposed ethics rules for the executive branch.

Both Democratic and Republican ethics experts warned President Trump to do this years ago, but he refused, said Rep. Elijah E. Cummings of Maryland, chairman of the committee. They warned that every decision he made could be questioned, and the American people would rightly wonder whether he was serving the nations interests or his own financial interests. Unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened over the past two years.

Advisers around the president have been preparing for the congressional onslaught for months, and they know there is little hope of dissuading Democrats, who won control of the House by promising to be a check on Trump. That, and the long history of congressional oversight of the executive branch, made Trumps comments Tuesday night all the more surprising to lawmakers.

An economic miracle is taking place in the United States  and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations, the president said amid a broader call for bipartisan cooperation. If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just doesnt work that way!

Pelosi called that a false choice, telling reporters Wednesday that Democrats could engage with Trump on issues like immigration and reducing prescription drug pricing while also holding his administration accountable.

While the presidents strongest allies on Capitol Hill sought to train attention on Democrats aggressive maneuvering, other Republicans shrugged off Trumps comments.

The president has a habit of expressing what he is feeling, and he expresses himself often, said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. But he also enjoys going to bill signing ceremonies, like the one we had for criminal justice reform. We are used to politics around here, and conflict, and the president can express himself, but we are going to continue to work on a bipartisan basis to get things done.

Earlier, in a closed-door meeting with House Democrats, the speaker had privately criticized the president over his State of the Union address.

He was a guest in our House chamber, and we treated him with more respect than he treated us, she told fellow lawmakers, according to a Democratic aide in the room who was not authorized to discuss the private session publicly.

Pelosi also took a dig at Trumps plan, detailed Tuesday, to invest $500 million over 10 years toward the development of new cures for childhood cancer, characterizing it as paltry.

Five hundred million dollars over 10 years  are you kidding me? she said, according to the aide. Who gave him that figure? Its like the cost of his protection of his Mar-a-Lago or something.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times
When Clay Bergman put together plans for Carluccis in Monte Vista, he took a particular approach: The kind of Italian food that Italians invented when they came to America.

With competition in the neighborhood from Barbaro, Capparellis on Main and even a swath of the menu at Periphery, Carluccis needs a hook if its going to thrive in the space that hosted and said goodbye to the Mexican restaurant Luz Mia in the blink of an eye late last year.

With business partner and chef Joe Brango, Bergman has put together a menu of hot and cold Italian sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes that run from about $8 to $14. Ordering happens at the front counter, and foods brought to the table by a waiter who takes over the service experience from there.

Its a quirky blue and white building that seats about 45 people in two dining rooms, one with diner-style checkerboard tile floors and poster prints and another with muted colors and Italian landscape paintings.

On the menu: Sandwiches stand front and center on the hand-chalked menu boards, and a meatball sub sets a strong early pace with six firm meatballs in a thick, bright marinara with thick beds of mozzarella and provolone cheeses on a crunchy toasted hoagie roll. Its $11.95 pricetag includes no sides, and a $3 bump of cavatappi macaroni salad tipped the equation toward a $15 lunch that strained its value point.

A sandwich stuffed with juicy roasted pork and strands of broccolis bitter, stemmy cousin broccoli rabe got the value train back on track for $9.25, not just for the generous pile of aromatic meat but for the chance to try whats known as Philadelphias other sandwich, arguably better than the citys emblematic cheesesteaks. Add a $1 side of tart marinated cucumbers and onions to add some acidic spark.

A full Italian spread can take the form of soup, salad and pasta at Carluccis. Start with Italian wedding soup ($5.95), with a rich, opaque stock full of mirepoix basics, plus greens and a quartet of knobby meatballs that fortified and flavored the classic Italian soup.

A Caesar salad hit the check marks of the modern midline Caesar: Romaine, croutons, shaved Parmesan and white dressing that didnt go full ranch but didnt pack the anchovy impact I want in a proper Caesar, especially one the size of a dinner salad but priced like an entree, costing $8.25 at lunch and $9.50 at dinner.

A fresh sprig of rosemary perfumed a bowl of fettuccine Bolognese ($12.99 at lunch and $14 at dinner), lending some mystery to the otherwise straightforward red sauce with ground meat and grated Parmesan over standard dried pasta noodles.

Carluccis early showing puts it a notch above a sandwich shop, somewhere between a neighborhood red-sauce joint and a trattoria with upwardly mobile ambitions. It certainly doesnt have the boozy swagger of Barbaro (the wine and beer license is in the works) nor the mainstream sitdown experience of Capparellis, but its something in-between  adding a fast-casual option for Italian food in Monte Vista.

Location: 138 E. Mistletoe Ave., 210-320-0217, no web presence

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Mike Sutter is a food and drink reporter and restaurant critic in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking
A federal judge has ruled that Rackspace Hosting Inc. wont have to face a securities class action accusing it of lying to investors about the renewal of a valuable hosting contract.

The San Antonio cloud computing and services firm didnt mislead investors about the loss of its Vodafone Group server hosting contract, according to the New York federal court opinion dismissing the suit.
The Brooks mixed-use development on San Antonios South Side will get fried chicken, tacos and brunch when a new shopping center opens this summer, Brooks officials said Thursday.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio developer planning housing, retail near Toyota Field

City Base Commons, a 50,000-square-foot retail complex at Brooks developed by local firm GFR Development Services, will house at least 11 retail, restaurant and medical tenants including Raising Cane's, Tias Taco Hut and Mr. Cs Fried Chicken and Waffles when it opens in July 2019.

The complex is 80 percent leased, officials said.

GFR Developments was an original pioneer of investment in this area with its City Base Landings development and were thrilled at their continued interest in and around Brooks, Brooks CEO Leo Gomez said in a statement. City Base Commons will provide our community with even more great options for dining and shopping.

On ExpressNews.com: Homebuilders in San Antonio were busy in 2018, just not constructing affordable homes

Planned tenants at Brooks retail development McAllister's Deli Jimmy Johns Raising Cane's HuHot Mongolian Grill Tia's Taco Hut Deco Pizzeria Smoothie King Mr. C's Fried Chicken and Waffles Laundry Rey's Wash 'N Fold Rio Nail Salon Medusa Hair Salon See More Collapse

The City Base Commons complex is the latest development at Brooks. The master-planned community recently landed the states first project under a program established by President Donald Trumps $1.5 trillion tax overhaul in 2017 thats designed to encourage investment in low-income areas: a $16-million, climate-controlled self-storage facility with flex office space.

Czech company Okin Business Process Services picked Brooks to house its U.S. headquarters, promising to create more than 1,400 jobs and invest about $23 million at the site.

In exchange, officials with the city, county and state have promised Okin at least $8.4 million in incentives.

Joshua Fechter is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering real estate, economic development and philanthropy. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports
A gas line breach was capped over two hours after flames first burst from the street in the Inner Richmond Wednesday afternoon, due to fiber optic work taking place in the area, San Francisco officials said.

A column of flames broke out sometime after 1 p.m., near the intersection of Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue, a block north of the University of San Francisco campus. The blaze began in front of Hong Kong Lounge II, where the flames could be seen shooting above the roofs of nearby three-story buildings.

By 3:38 p.m., those flames coming from the gas line were extinguished as PG&E crews were eventually able to cap the affected gas line, and the fire was under control by 4:18 p.m.

San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said about 120 city firefighters responded to the fire, as officials worked to create a perimeter and evacuate the area.

READ ALSO: What's at Geary and Parker, where a possible gas explosion caused a massive fire

"Our understanding is that there was a gas line breached by construction workers working on fiber optics underneath the asphalt," said Hayes-White in a press conference regarding the fire.

"We had free-flowing flame due to the gas leak for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes," she continued. "PG&E did respond to the scene and eventually were able to mitigate the incident."

SHUTTING OFF THE FIRE: Why it took hours to shut off the gas

A total of five buildings have been damaged, which include a mix of retail and residential units, according to the fire department. Hayes-White told reporters a number of residents, under 100, will be displaced.

PG&E spokesman Blair Jones addressed questions of why it took over two hours for the utilities company to cap the gas line. Workers were seen digging with shovels and machinery through the concrete and dirt on Geary Boulevard, as the fire was burning, before the blaze was eventually put out.

"This is a complex situation," said Jones. "Beneath us, sub-surface, there is a complex web of utilities: multiple gas lines ranging from two inches to 12 inches, you also have water, perhaps fiber optics. You also have electric. It is not as simple as digging right in and isolating a valve or pinching off a gas line. You have to go slow."

The Chronicle reported high-voltage wires are "compromised" in the area and California Pacific Medical Center's nearby outpatient offices were forced to cancel appointments due to the ensuing power outage. [Read the full Chronicle story here.]

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During a press briefing at 4:45 p.m., San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott announced Geary Boulevard would be closed at Parker overnight. SFMTA also tweeted that because of the fire, the 38 Geary bus was being re-routed. Muni riders should expect delays.

Eight workers in the area of the fire were all accounted for, according to Hayes-White, and there were no reported injuries or people missing in the fire.

About 2,500 PG&E customers in the area were without power as of late afternoon. A reunification site for those affected by the fire has been set up at Mel's Drive-In at 3355 Geary Boulevard, across the street from Hong Kong Lounge II, according to SFFD.

Hong Kong Lounge II is a well-known local dim sum restaurant in the Inner Richmond district, often drawing lines of people on the weekends. The restaurant's Hong Kong-style dim sum was critically acclaimed and landed on several notable restaurants lists in the area.
We were all pretty disappointed, especially because this was the first year we were able to engage active duty Coast Guard members in the program, said Kimberly Saccaro, a spokeswoman with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Wilmette. We decided to go ahead and set a new date for February, and luckily, this week everything worked out as planned.
Watertown, SD (57201)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. Hot. High 94F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. Low 66F. SSW winds shifting to N at 10 to 15 mph.
During a speech to U.S. Air Force personnel station in the United Kingdom recently, President Joe Biden warned that global warming is the greatest physical theat to the nations security. Biden has suggested that climate change poses a threat to U.S. military security on multiple occasions. In February, he noted that he had directed the Pentagon to reimagine the countrys strategy for dealing with the impact of climate change. Do you agree with the President that climate change is the great physical threat to the United States? Choices are:

You voted:
Want to stay up-to-date on what Im doing in Oklahoma and Washington on your behalf? Sign up for my newsletter by visiting Mullin.house.gov/newslettersignup.
We cannot fulfill our mission to provide the worlds one billion adult smokers with a true alternative to combustible cigarettes if youth use continues unabated, Kwong wrote to me. As we said before, our intent was never to have youth use JUUL products. We have taken dramatic action to contribute to solve this problem, which is why we implemented the JUUL Labs Action Plan to address underage use of JUUL products.
FILE - In this Nov 3, 2015 file photo, Democratic candidate for State Auditor Adam Edelen speaks to his supporters at the Kentucky Democratic Party event at the Frankfort Convention Center on election day in Frankfort, Ky. Edelen, the son of a tobacco farmer, will call for a statewide smoking ban on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/David Stephenson, File)
One of the people with the 25-year-old victim turned his gun over to police at Walmart the night of the shooting, Toth said. A weapon was not recovered from Hughes when he was arrested, according to Toth, but a gun was dropped off at Browns office and was given to investigators.
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Police are investigating after a 6-month-old died unexpectedly at a day care Monday on San Antonio's Southwest Side.

Mila Rose Wallace was pronounced dead at 5:21 p.m., according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner. Autopsy results will not be available for 12 weeks, and police declined to provide further information because Mila was a child.

April Lozano, the operator of 5 Little Hearts in-home day care, at 5578 Beech Valley Drive, did not immediately respond to multiple requests for comment. The day care has ceased operating while the case is investigated, state officials confirmed.

Mila's mother, Hope Wallace, said the baby was not sick and didn't appear to have any conditions or habits that would have made her more susceptible to early death. Wallace said she received a call from Lozano around 5:30 p.m. Monday.

"Your child is not breathing," Wallace recalled Lozano telling her over the phone.

RELATED: Records: La Vernia day care director told child sex assault victim she was 'lying' and 'in trouble'

The infant had been put down for a nap and not woken up, Lozano told Wallace. As Wallace drove over, she angrily demanded to speak with someone from emergency management services to find out if Mila was still alive.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Wallace," she remembers hearing from EMS. "She was already gone when they called me."

The day care was surrounded by police and medical vehicles when Wallace arrived and she said police blocked her from seeing her daughter and from speaking to Lozano.

"They said they needed to take her and get cleaned up," Wallace said. "I don't know what 'cleaned-up' means, because she's a clean baby."

She will see Mila for the first time at a viewing Thursday.

"(Mila) was happy, she was friendly. Just the day before I took her to Chuck E. Cheese's and she rode in the car that they buckle up and it moves and they snap the picture," Wallace said. "She was a really good baby, really good, really healthy."

FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox.

The day care was issued a permit in November 2013. It has a maximum capacity of 12 and is willing to accept child-care subsidies, which is how Wallace discovered it.

Wallace described the operation as unreliable  with the caretaker sometimes taking hours to answer the door at drop off  and said she noticed odd behaviors at times. For instance, on the day Mila died, the child had spent 9 hours at the day care, but her diaper bag was returned with all five new diapers still unused.

State records show the child care facility had been cited by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for 34 deficiencies in the past three years, 29 of which were weighted as high or medium-high risk. Citations included failing to submit a background check for a substitute caregiver, neglecting to clear the floor of infant choking hazards and multiple instances of caring for more children than the permit allowed.

In 2017, the day care was cited for caring for 11 children  despite the fact that a safety plan implemented earlier that year had required the provider to cease operating. The day care was allowed to resume normal operations later that year.

Typically, registered child care homes are inspected at least once every two years. When they have several, serious or repeat deficiencies or they fail to make corrections quickly, they're inspected more often. In three years, Lozano's operation had been inspected 13 times. The day care has also been issued three administrative penalties during its tenure.

Wallace's account bears a resemblance to another baby's death last year.

In July, a 7-month-old boy died suddenly at a different day care in San Antonio.

The baby's mother said at the time she believed the day care had allowed the child to sleep on his stomach, and he had spit up and choked on his own vomit. She also questioned the response time and CPR abilities of the day care, Our Little Hopes and Dreams Christian Learning Center on Callaghan Road.

FROM OUR SUBSCRIBER SITE: Anti-vaccine Texas families may take their fight to day cares next

She said she hoped to push for legislation that would require cameras at day care facilities.

The boy's parents sued the day care, arguing the death was a result of negligence on the parts of the day care, its director and a caregiver, and later dismissed the case.

After an autopsy, the medical examiner ruled it sudden unexplained death in infancy.

Mila was born July 13. At nearly 7 months old, she was 17 pounds and 27 inches tall. She was teething.

Her mother finds it hard to believe she simply died in her sleep.

"That's what she told me happened, but...that doesn't seem right. My daughter always took naps with me and she always woke up," Wallace said. "She was just healthy, that's why I don't feel it was anything natural. She was too healthy."

Beyond the funeral, Wallace hasn't decided what she'll do moving forward.

"I'm just going to continue to pray that my daughter gets the justice that she deserves," she said.

S. M. Chavey is a breaking news and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | sarah.chavey@express-news.net | @smchavey
When Yesenia Sanchez got home late Jan. 27 and bit into her Whataburger sandwich, she got a huge surprise.

Instead of tasting the juicy, cheesy perfection of a typical burger from Texas' beloved fast-food chain, Sanchez said she got a mouth full of mud.

"[My] body went numb and [my] stomach turned into knots," Sanchez wrote to the Chronicle. "[I] couldn't believe what I was looking at. [I] felt it and [it] looked like mud."

Sanchez shared video of the discovery Sunday night.

"I was literally gagging and threw up a bit in my mouth," Sanchez said.

Sanchez said she called the restaurant located at 1900 Decker Drive in Baytown immediately and was told to come and speak with the manager in person.

HOUSTON RESTAURANTS: The top 10 most common health violations  and why you should care

"Once I opened the sandwich he [the manager] shook his head and apologized for it said he'd 'talk to them,'" Sanchez said.

Sanchez said she thinks the two employees that made the sandwich intentionally placed the mud in the sandwich after she requested a different type of bread, she said. Sanchez said she did receive a refund for the allegedly muddy burger, but she feels let down by Whataburger.

"I handled the situation calmly and [I was] collected even though what they did to me was foul," Sanchez said. "[I] feel sorry for the boys that cooked my sandwich [and I] hope they get help with the problems that led them to do that."

A manager of the Baytown Whataburger refused to provide a comment to the Chronicle. The Chronicle reached out to the Whataburger Corporate Communications team for comment and received the following statement:

"We're taking this matter very seriously, and we're focused on getting to the bottom of what happened and making it right with this customer. We immediately reached out to apologize and invited the customer back for a free meal and open dialogue. We're also reinforcing training procedures."

Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message
Actor Kimberly Truncale has been ready for her show to make it to Texas. The Houston-area native performs in the ensemble of the musical Kinky Boots, which is being staged Sunday as part of the Broadway in the Basin series. And for her non-Texan castmates, shes ready to show off the area.

Im the biggest fan of Texas. I have lots of state pride, she said in a phone interview. Im so stoked to come back. One other guy in the cast is from Texas, and we offer all the suggestions of where to eat and go.

The Sam Houston State University alum is also ready to show off the musical shes been a part of since December.

Kinky Boots centers on Charlie who continues the family shoe-making business but finds himself in dire straits. That is until he meets Lola, who needs some fabulous boots for her performances. The two find a lot of commonality, despite the world of differences between them.

Truncale likes the message of the show, which won six Tony Awards and features music by Cyndi Lauper.

Its such a blast with all the high energy and dance numbers, but I think the best thing is that it really has this loving message of accepting others, and just love one another despite any differences, she said.

Now based in New York City, Truncale made her way from Baytown outside of Houston to study musical theater at Sam Houston. She then moved on to Branson, Missouri, followed by a stint on Disney cruise lines. But she knew she had to head to New York City.

Its the place to audition for lots of theaters across the whole country, she said. So, I made the leap in 2016. I wasnt ever sure this is a stable career, but I wanted to do this for a living, and I come from a very encouraging and supportive family.

IF YOU GO: "Kinky Boots." 6 p.m. Sunday at Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, 1310 N. Farm-to-Market Road 1788. $47-$90. broadwayinthebasin.com. See More Collapse

The 29-year-old now finds that theater and shows such as Kinky Boots can have a positive effect on audiences.

They just catch all your senses and lift emotions. I get to see people light up and have a good time. I think its this great way people can step into a different world.

Her character is a factory worker making shoes for Charlie, but she and her fellow ensemble do get to revel in some of the over-the-top costumes.

The costumes are stunning, and yes, we do get to wear some of our own fancy, kinky boots. And they are so beautiful, she said.
Water issues and concerns flow through the Permian Basin -- from how the area's oil and gas industry and communities can share the limited resource to how to best use water and lessen the environmental impact.

Those issues and concerns prompted the University of Texas of the Permian Basin to sponsor the Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference. It debuted last year to a sold-out crowd and gathered international interest.

The second conference is set for Feb. 20-22 at the Horseshoe, and organizers expect another sold-out event.

OIL REPORT: Blackstone bets $500 million on growing full-cycle water management trend

"We absolutely expect the conference to be as successful, or more so, than last year," Jonna Smoot, conference event chair, said in an email from Austin, where she was attending Midland-Odessa Day at the Texas Legislature. "We're reaching a global audience with our attendees. We've had civil water engineers from Minnesota signing up to attend.

"We've kept a laser-like focus on retaining our original tenet of not being a commercially oriented conference. We ask our speakers to discuss their opportunities and issues in the context of water in energy and how they're managing those issues," she said. "A unique aspect for this year's conference is that we have landowners speaking."

Those landowners, addressing landowners and right-of-way issues include Richard Brantley, senior vice president, operations with University Lands; John Mabee, chief executive office, Mabee Ranch; and Kirby Andrews, chief executive officer, Guitar Water Services and Guitar Ranches.

Other sessions will cover source and supply, reuse and recycle, gathering and disposal, government and other entities, legal and regulatory issues and the water midstream industry.

"We've booked the Education Building at the Horseshoe just so UTPB can offer poster sessions and conversations and answer questions on a one-on-one basis regarding current educational research regarding water, and water in energy, with our audience," said Smoot.

George Nnanna (cq), dean and professor of UTPB's Collee of Engineering, said poster sessions will come not only from UTPB but the University of Texas at Austin.

The college of engineering is looking at "efficient ways to take produced water, reuse it for hydraulic fracturing and for agricultural purposes," he said.

The researchers, who include students, are working with current technologies to determine "what is available, what are the benefits and what are the opportunities available for improvement." Costs are critical because "you can have the best technology in the world, but if it's not cost-efficient, it's not used," Nnanna said.

The conference is critical because the Permian Basin is not only the most-active producing region in the nation but is among the most active in the world and has a global impact.

"The Permian Basin is exploring opportunities to recycle produced water in an energy-efficient way so they do not rely on fresh water, and to reuse it so it's no longer treated as a waste product," he said.

Nnanna said he hopes to establish a water-research institute at UTPB much like the one he led at Purdue University Northwest from 2007 until 2018 when he came to UTPB. Such an institute would engage not only the oil and gas industry but scientists from across the globe to come to the Permian Basin and conduct research.

Bridget Scanlon, Fisher Endowed Chair in Geological Sciences and senior research scientist, Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas at Austin, will be part of the session on source and supply.

RELATED: The fastest growing job in Texas is wind turbine technician, data projects

She said in a phone interview that she will put the Permian Basin's water use in the context of the country's other shale plays. She also will discuss historical water use for hydraulic fracturing and how it's changed; changes in the volumes of produced water and how those volumes are managed; and projections for future water demand and produced water volumes.

"I will emphasize the importance of reusing produced water for hydraulic fracturing, which will reduce the depletion of groundwater and also reduce the potential of induced seismicity," Scanlon said.

The good news is that while the use of water in hydraulic fracturing and drilling operations has risen, and the volumes of produced water have grown, those increases give rise to opportunities to reuse produced water, she said.

Ken McQueen, an energy consultant and former New Mexico Cabinet secretary, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, is part of the session on legal and regulatory issues. He said he plans to focus on a draft white paper on water on produced water prepared jointly by the Environmental Protection Administration, his department, the New Mexico State Engineer and the New Mexico Environmental Department.

McQueen said part of the job at the department he headed was to ensure that the very important revenue source from the state's oil and gas development continued to benefit New Mexico's education, fire and police protection, roads and highways and other state services in a state that's the fifth driest in the nation.

"As we look at what future impediments may exist to utilize produced water for alternative purposes, four come to mind: a regulatory framework by multiple jurisdictions, economic viability, ample pipeline transportation to get production from source to market and being able to deal with increasing volumes of produced water," and the impact of technological advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic stimulation, he said.

In the first year of the conference, Smoot said, "we felt the impact of developing an educationally-based event that focused on the today and tomorrows of water in the energy industry, and we sold out to our full capacity."

Smoot said in her email that "the most often-used word I heard used during our two-and-a-half-day conference last year was 'collaboration.' That word has definitely floated to the surface again in Year Two as we're hearing how companies are reaching out amongst each other and finding newer, better and more environmentally efficient ways of gathering and disposing of water."

In this second year, "I think you'll find a common theme of 'stewardship' being discussed. The Permian Basin is the world's epicenter of energy/oilfield activity and we know that this takes a heavy toll on our people, the infrastructure and most certainly our very precious resource of water."

There are active measures being taken to address issues impacting the region, from housing to the medical, educational and recreational needs of residents, Smoot said. There are also numerous groups looking into the area's roads and infrastructure and taking an active role in making it better, she said.
MIDLAND, Texas  In a global collapse of oil prices five years ago, scores of U.S. oil companies went bankrupt. One field withstood the onslaught, and even thrived: the Permian Basin, straddling Texas and New Mexico.

A combination of technical innovation, aggressive investing and copious layers of oil-rich shale have transformed the Permian, once considered a worn-out patch, into the worlds second most productive oil field.

And this transformation has apparently inoculated Texas against its traditional economic enemy, the boom-and-bust cycle pegged to oil prices.

Even now, with prices still far below their peak, the Permian is bursting with production and exploration, and the biggest concern is how to create more capacity to get all that oil to market.

On the Express-News: New deals continue the energy sector's Permian focus

The shale-drilling frenzy in the Permian has enabled the United States not only to reduce crude-oil imports, but even to become a major exporter for the first time in half a century. Its bounty has also empowered the United States diplomatically, allowing it to impose sanctions on Iran and Venezuela without worrying much about increasing gasoline prices. Mounting Texas crude exports have pressured global oil prices down and are a major reason that Russia and Saudi Arabia recently cut their own production to push oil prices back up.

OPEC producers never thought the Permian could be the next star world producer, said Rene Ortiz of Ecuador, a former secretary-general of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. They never thought one field  one, and not a country  could actually be the monster field of their imaginations.

Last year alone, the Permians production rose 1 million barrels a day, and it could surpass the Ghawar field in Saudi Arabia, the worlds biggest, within three years. Now producing 4 million barrels a day, the Permian generates more oil than any of the 14 members of OPEC except Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

All told, domestic oil production increased 2 million barrels a day last year, for a record of 11.9 million barrels, making the United States the worlds top producer.

Permian production has quadrupled over the last eight years, in contrast with the decline of most other established oil fields, for several reasons.

Companies found ways to lower exploration and production costs in tapping the Permians accommodating shale. New technologies for drilling and hydraulic fracturing helped bring the break-even price for the best wells from over $60 a barrel to as low as $33.

The Permian, as vast as South Dakota, is distinct from other shale fields because of its enormous size, the thickness of its multiple shale layers  some as fat as 1,000 feet  and its proximity to refineries on the Gulf of Mexico. Some shale fields produce too much natural gas, which is worth less than oil. Others have uneven layers of rock difficult to drill through. The Permian is rich in oil, and its shales are relatively easy to tap with todays rigs.

On the Express-News: Electricity use growing fast in West Texas' Permian

Today the biggest risk, at least for producers, is that too much output might drive down prices too much and jeopardize their profitability. They could also prompt another round of aggressive actions from OPEC and its new ally, Russia.

If U.S. production grows another 2 million barrels a day, we could take market share, but how long would OPEC allow that to happen? said Scott D. Sheffield, chairman of Pioneer Natural Resources, a major Permian producer. You could have another price war.

That may be inevitable.

As many as 15 oil and gas pipelines serving the Permian are expected to be completed by the middle of 2020, potentially increasing exports from the Gulf of Mexico fourfold to 8 million barrels a day after 2021, according to a recent Morningstar Commodities Research report.

The Permian has been producing oil for a century, and provided much of the fuel the allies needed to win World War II. By 2008, it was a field in steep decline. Many major oil companies left, selling their land to smaller ones for a song.

But as the big companies looked for fields deep under oceans and in the Arctic, independents like Concho Resources and Parsley Energy pioneered shale drilling here, giving the field new life.

When oil prices took a dive, the upstarts experimented. They drilled longer wells and spaced them closer together in a zipper design to penetrate more shale. They tinkered with their formulas of chemicals and sands that they blast through the rocks, and they used computer technology to steer drill bits more accurately.

OPEC changed the price of poker and the Permian had the best hand, said Dale Redman, chief executive of ProPetro, one of the basins biggest fracking service companies. They unleashed our creativity. They forced us to do things better and cheaper.

ProPetro laid off 250 workers three years ago, after oil prices fell below $30 a barrel. But the company has since hired back those employees and added hundreds more, including 600 when they completed an acquisition on Jan. 1.

What makes the payroll additions all the more remarkable is that they come in the wake of the most recent downturn in oil prices  from $76 a barrel in early October to $42 in late December before recovering to more than $55 on Friday.

Despite the ups and downs, there are signs of expansion everywhere in the West Texas desert. Trucks line up at dawn for half a mile to pick up sand at local mines for the days fracking jobs. Competition for workers is so fierce that fast-food restaurants have blinking signs advertising their salaries. Anadarko Petroleum and Plains All American Pipeline are constructing new regional offices to add to those built in recent years for Chevron and Apache.

Motel rates and apartment rents have climbed so much that trailer parks are the only option for many workers. But few seem to mind.

I will have work here forever, said Mike Wilkinson, a truck driver who came from Dallas a year ago and moved into a trailer with his teenage daughter. As hard a place as this is to look at, they are going to need guys like me to move equipment around here for years to come.

Wilkinson has reason for enthusiasm, given the giant new investments that Exxon Mobil, Chevron, BP and Shell have begun to make here despite all the price uncertainty.

With a major acquisition in New Mexico last year, Exxon Mobil became the most active driller in the basin, and projects that it will increase production fivefold by 2025. Also growing rapidly here, Chevron estimates that 1 in 6 of every barrels it produces globally will come from the Permian by 2021.

After regaining a foothold in the Permian last year, BP is expected to invest heavily, contributing to a total investment of more than $10 billion by the major oil companies here this year, according to IHS Markit, the energy consultant.

Royal Dutch Shell is just beginning to catch up, after buying acreage from Chesapeake seven years ago. It has 1,300 wells that produce 145,000 barrels of oil a day and associated gas, a 200 percent increase since January 2017. The company projects it can increase production to 200,000 barrels a day by 2020.

Shells chief executive, Ben van Beurden, said Thursday that his company was seeking to increase its footprint in the Permian, the most recent sign that big oil companies will continue to snap up smaller ones.

For Shell, the Permian is absolutely critical, said Gretchen Watkins, president of Shell Oil. The Permian is massive; its a game changer for U.S. shale. It is the powerhouse field.

But the output of shale wells declines quickly, making the drilling here a never-ending treadmill. And that has been a challenge for the small companies that have been the innovators here but are now facing demands from investors to show financial discipline.

Typical of the smaller producers is Parsley Energy, one of the most active drillers in the basin with some of the most productive wells. Its share price was cut in half over the last two years as it outspent its cash flow grabbing land and ramping up production.

Late last year, as oil prices fell, Parsley changed course. It is reducing spending on exploration and production this year by $300 million. It decommissioned two of its 16 rigs late last year, and two more in January.

We all have to be prepared, said Matt Gallagher, Parsleys chief executive, for a six-month slump in prices. Were one Twitter message away from a deal with Iran and $40 oil.

The multinationals have the wherewithal to stick by their aggressive development plans and take a longer view.

They bring an arsenal of tools that the smaller companies lack. With their size and reach, they can make the best deals for equipment like drill rigs and fracking services. Many have their own pipelines, refineries and global trading personnel to sell their oil for the highest price.

In January, Chevron agreed to acquire a refinery in Pasadena, Texas, from Brazilian company Petrobras for $350 million to refine more products coming from the Permian. The announcement came only days after Exxon Mobil announced a major expansion of its Beaumont, Texas, refinery to process more local crude.

The major companies also aim to cut production costs even further with increasingly sophisticated applications of artificial intelligence. Shell, for instance, has developed algorithms to replicate and standardize the most effective drilling and fracking methods worldwide.

We are not here through one boom and bust, said Amir Gerges, Shells Permian general manager. We are here developing a generational resource.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Substance abuse has a social stigma, Sholtis said. I wanted to be the person on the other side of that and work to change societys views about what substance abuse really is. The face of addiction is not always someone you find weird and are afraid to talk to. They could be a nurse or a doctor  someone who looks like they have it together but they really dont. Part of the reason I got in to this is because I want to change societys view of what substance abuse really is.
In this Feb. 1, 2019, photo, President Donald Trump speaks in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington. The White House says Trump will call for optimism and unity in his State of the Union address, using the moment to attempt a reset after two years of bitter partisanship and deeply personal attacks. But skepticism will emanate from both sides of the aisle when Trump enters the House chamber Tuesday for the primetime address to lawmakers and the nation. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
Martha Holmes Brown, 80, of Moultrie, died Saturday, June 19, 2021 at her home. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Pineview Baptist Church. Mrs. Brown's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Mrs. Brown was born on October 18, 1940, in Sylvester, Georgia, 
Data from the Bank of Canada indicated that national residential mortgage growth has fallen to a 17-year low in December 2018, which posted a mere 3.1% annual increase to reach $1.55 trillion.

Banks have noted that this might well be just the beginning, predicting that domestic mortgage growth will hover in the low to mid-single digits in 2019. The Canadian economy has previously been expected to slow down to just 1.9% growth this year.

The bread-and-butter of profitability for Canadian banks  is going to have a little less butter on the bread, Edward Jones & Co. investment strategist Craig Fehr told Bloomberg. That is, in many cases, the largest and most profitable and steady of the businesses that these banks operate.

Teri Currie of Toronto-Dominion Bank said that residential secured lending, which also covers amortizing home-equity credit lines and mortgages, will see mid-single digit growth this year.

In todays context its sending a strong statement that the investments that weve made are going to pay off in relatively good growth, Currie said in late January.

Read more: RBC CEO vows improved performance on its mortgage side

On the other hand, David Baskin of Baskin Wealth Management argued that banks should begin looking at wealth management as the more stable long-term venture.

Im not looking for the banks to grow their mortgage business, Baskin stated. I dont think thats where the juice is.

Tougher mortgage underwriting regulations have played a large part in decelerating national home sales activity over the past year, with Toronto and Vancouver seeing their slowest year for sales in at least a decade.

This is not something thats just spontaneously happening: This is an engineered slowdown with the banks being willing participants in some of these changes that have been made, CIBC Capital Markets analyst Robert Sedran explained. It makes for a healthier lending environment and a healthier housing environment for the longer term.
In spite of the fact that Canadian mortgage growth hit a 17-year nadir, the Big Six are still padding their coffers.

The banks are still winners, said Steve Garganis, a Mortgage Architects broker. The mortgage rule tightening by the Trudeau government has forced consumers to go to banks, as they lend their balance sheets and have lots of cash.

There is mounting pressure on the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions to amend B-20 after housing markets countrywide slowed considerably last year. A Calgary city councillor this week called on the mayor to lobby the federal government for tweaks to B-20. Yesterday, the Toronto Real Estate Board echoed those sentiments.

"Even though we're seeing positive government action on a number of key housing files, one area that needs to be revisited is the imposition of the OSFI-mandated two percentage point mortgage stress test, TREBs CEO John DiMichele said in a statement. While we saw buyers return to the market in the second half of 2018, we have to have an honest discussion on whether or not today's homebuyers are being stress tested against rates that are realistic Looking through this lens, policymakers need to be aware of unintended consequences the stress test could have on the housing market and broader economy.

If chartered banks similarly lobbied for looser rules, change would at least be conceivable. However, that will not happen.

While the overall mortgage volume has slowed, the losers are the non-bank lenders because they must portfolio insure everything and they cant insure refinances, houses over $1 million, or rentals of single-unit properties, said Garganis.

In a rising rate environment, he furthermore questions the sapience of overburdening borrowers with higher payments while trying to protect the financial system from collapse.

Rates are also higher due to the higher cost of funds, not just the Bank of Canada rate increases, Garganis continued. The government has done it again, supposedly taking action to help consumers. How does raising payments and forcing consumers to pay rate increases help? Its time to scale back all the unwarranted lending changes because the pendulum has swung too far.
The following is our latest Fund Analyst Report for American Funds SMALLCAP World. Morningstar Premium Members have access to full analyst reports such as this for more than 1,000 of the largest and best mutual funds. Not a Premium Member? Gain full access to our analyst reports and advanced tools immediately when you try Morningstar Premium free for 14 days.

American Funds Smallcap World's Morningstar Analyst Rating has increased to Silver from Bronze because it now has a better shot to scour the globe for promising small- and mid-cap stocks.

American Funds' parent Capital Group has long divided itself into smaller subsidiaries to manage money. Two of those, Capital Research Global Investors and Capital World Investors, split this fund's roughly $40 billion asset base until July 2018, when the firm directed assets to Capital International Investors, too. The equity divisions have the same fundamentals-based, long-term-oriented investment philosophy but do not share investment ideas. This adds the potential for greater diversification in the fund's nearly 800-stock portfolio, as of year-end 2018.

The subsidiary addition coincided with a reshuffling of the fund's 14-person management team, albeit one characterized by significant continuity. Three managers switched subsidiaries while remaining on the fund, including Julian Abdey, who left CWI to head up CII's four-person team. That CII team includes Dylan Yolles, a contrarian who rejoined the fund. His return helps offset the loss of Mark Denning, a fellow value-oriented investor who was one of three managers to leave in 2018's second half.

The fund's tendency to overweight economically sensitive parts of the market, recently software, has led it to struggle when value stocks do better than their growth counterparts. In the early-2000s bear market, its 62.4% peak-to-trough cumulative loss trailed the index by 20.2 percentage points. When value stocks again led in 2016, the funds 5.8% gain was roughly half what the index returned that year.

Yet, investors who have held on through these bouts of underperformance have done well. Through December 2018, the fund has an annualized 1.2-percentage-point edge since the MSCI All-Country World Small Index's mid-1994 inception and beats that bogy as well as the world small/mid-stock Morningstar Category norm over the past decade. Risk-tolerant investors should continue to reap long-term rewards here.

Process Pillar: Positive | Alec Lucas, Ph.D. 01/31/2019

The fund's divide-and-conquer approach earns a Positive Process Pillar rating.

In the liquidity-constrained arena of small-cap investing, the fund aims to circumvent its girth by dividing its $40 billion asset base between 14 managers and three analyst teams. Their independently run portfolios range in size from about $1 billion to $2.5 billion. Those are reasonable levels, given the funds global mandate and its focus on stocks with a market cap up to $6 billion. New purchases have to be below that cap, as do 80% of the funds overall assets. Provided the latter guideline is followed, managers can hold on to picks until their market caps hit $48 billion.

American's multimanager approach also lets the managers play to their strengths. For example, Noriko Chen invests in firms with outsize growth potential, while Dylan Yolles buys stocks whose price reflects extreme skepticism. With their distinct styles, the managers can invest in their best ideas or hold cash and wait for compelling opportunities. Meanwhile, the combination of separately managed sleeves enhances diversification and mutes the funds overall volatility to a degree. Thats important here, as managers can invest significantly in emerging-markets names. The managers eschew high turnover and often buy stocks that may take several years to work out, rather than worrying about finding near-term catalysts to propel returns.

The portfolio holds 700-800 stocks, which keeps security-specific risk to a minimum. While 80% of the funds assets must be invested in stocks with a market cap below $6 billion, the managers regularly take advantage of the freedom to hold on to stocks until their market caps hit $48 billion. As a result, large-cap names often appear in the funds top-20 holdings, and its average market cap tends to be well above the MSCI All Country World Small Indexs.

Despite its larger-cap tilt, the funds risk profile is not superior to the benchmarks. Thats largely because of its heavy emerging-markets investment. Since 2009, the funds had a roughly 15%-25% emerging-markets stake (including South Korea and Taiwan), versus about 5%-15% for the index. Developed-markets exposure leans toward the United States but has varied from a high of about 60% of assets in late 2001 to a low of about 25% in late 2007. The indexs U.S. exposure tends to hover around 50%.

The fund often treads heavily in consumer discretionary and healthcare. Its overweighting in the latter sector topped 10 percentage points in March 2015 but has recently been about half that. The funds stake in software stocks like RingCentral RNG has surged to 8.7% in late 2018, versus the indexs 3.8%.

Cash is typically 5%-10% of assets but can reach the mid- to upper teens in extreme market conditions, like late 2007.

Performance Pillar: Positive | Alec Lucas, Ph.D. 01/31/2019

The fund's Performance rating merits an upgrade to Positive from Neutral. Through December 2018, the fund outpaced the MSCI All-Country World Small Index and placed in the world small/mid-stock categorys top quintile over the past five and 10 years. Its risk-adjusted results were superior over those trailing periods, too.

Granted, the fund has had it struggles when value stocks do better than their growth counterparts. In the early-2000s bear market, its 62.4% peak-to-trough cumulative loss trailed the index by 20.2 percentage points. When value stocks once again led in 2016, the funds 5.8% calendar-year gain was roughly half what the index returned that year.

Yet, investors who have held on through these bouts of underperformance have done well. The fund has an annualized 1.2-percentage-point edge since the indexs mid-1994 inception. In total, there have six full market cycles in which the index has shed at least a fifth of its value from a prior peak. The fund has outperformed in four of the six, including the two most recent. In the cycle from Oct. 2, 2011, to Feb. 11, 2016, fund lost more than the index in that downturn, but its 52.6% cumulative gain still beat the index by 4.6 percentage points. In the cycle from Feb. 12, 2016, to Dec. 21, 2018, the fund did better in the up and down markets, leading to a 37.6% cumulative gain, versus the indexs 32.1% return.

People Pillar: Positive | Alec Lucas, Ph.D. 01/31/2019

American Funds multimanager approach helps to handle this funds $40 billion asset base, the world small/mid-stock categorys biggest. The funds Positive People rating reflects its systemic strengths as well as the managers experience, ability, and aligned interests.

Capital Group, the parent of American Funds, has split the fund's assets between equity subsidiaries Capital Research Global Investors, Capital World Investors, and Capital International Investors since July 2018. Gregory Wendt heads up the whole fund and CRGI's team, which includes Claudia Huntington, Bradford Freer, Harold La, and Aidan O'Connell. Jonathan Knowles oversees CWI's team of Brady Enright, Andraz Razen, Leo Hee, and Roz Hongsaranagon. Julian Abdey heads up CIIs side, composed of Peter Eliot, Noriko Chen, and Dylan Yolles. The managers, based in the United States, England, and Asia, each oversee a separate sleeve of the portfolio, with Wendt, Knowles, and Abdey helping to ensure that their investing styles complement one another. Hongsaranagon is the least experienced team member, and yet her 16 years at Capital Group includes five years as a manager here and eight prior years as an analyst. The CRGI, CWI, and CII teams each draw on about 50 analysts. Each analyst group also oversees its own slice of the portfolio.

Each manager has at least $100,000 invested the fund and three more than $1 million each.

Parent Pillar: Positive | Alec Lucas, Ph.D. 02/28/2018

As a standard-bearer in asset management, Capital Group earns a Positive Parent rating. Widely known in the U.S. for its American Funds open-end lineup, the active manager boasts some of the industry's more reliable equity and allocation offerings. The firm's multimanager system is key to its success. Dividing each fund into independently run sleeves lets managers invest in line with their styles, enhancing diversification and reducing the overall portfolio's volatility. The funds' analyst-led research portfolios help develop the next generation and recruit top talent with the promise of running money from the start. The result is an investment culture marked by lengthy tenures, strong manager fund ownership, and competitive long-term records.

Capital Group has improved its fixed-income approach through greater coordination, external hires, and enhanced risk management. The firm now has the tools to compete with best-in-class fixed-income shops, though its investment professionals could become more seasoned in their use.

Investors have shown renewed interest in American Funds amid the firm's efforts to expand in Europe, Australia, and Asia. The potential for these investors to pour money into the same strategies should incline Capital Group to clarify what would cause it to close a strategy to protect current shareholders, something the firm has said it would be willing to do.

Price Pillar: Positive | Alec Lucas, Ph.D. 01/31/2019

Comparatively modest fees earn the fund a Positive Price rating. The A shares 1.04% expense ratio, which applies to more than half the fund's assets, is 20 basis points below the world-stock, front-load peer median and is competitive with the price tag of most no-load options. Plus, 10 of the funds 16 other share classes sported low or below average expense ratios versus similarly distributed rivals. Trading costs were also modest. Brokerage fees of 0.04% of average net assets in fiscal 2018 fell well below the 0.14% category median.

Capital gains distributions in four of the past five years have hurt investors in taxable accounts, however. Those distributions peaked at nearly 10% of the fund's net asset value in December 2014. They were close to 7% of NAV in December 2018.
Authorities survey the scene of wreckage where a medical helicopter crashed in a remote wooded area in Brown Township on its way to pick up a patient, Jan. 29, 2019.
Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
While they planned another attempt, Hawkins pulled up in the red SUV, and picked up the man and the woman inside the residence, Martin said. Galloway, Rogers and the three others followed the SUV, according to Martin.
When Wakeman resident Kathryn Holmes decided to have her diagnostic heart catheterization performed at the Fisher-Titus Heart and Vascular Cen
Two men are accused of two separate assault and robbery incidents in Elyria within one hour 
The new 256-bed Burke County jail is on target to be open by the end of the year.

And while it will hold more inmates than the current jails in the county, it also will utilize the latest in technology.

At the end of January, The News Herald took a tour of the jail under construction. A large crane was putting roof slabs in place, walls were up and the cells had taken shape, as well as the day rooms and the massive stove exhaust hood in the kitchen was in place.

One of the features to try to keep officers safe is a sensor.

The officer duress system, which is a sensor an officer will wear on his or her hip, will go off if an officer ends up on the ground. It assumes that someone caused it and brings all of the cameras in the control tower to focus on that officer, said Isaac Scott, project engineer for Vannoy Construction, which is the project manager-at-risk.
Four family members have died and a fifth is missing in the accident, which is being called the worst recreational disaster in Rockingham County.
The bill gives judges more discretion when sentencing some drug offenders and boosts prisoner rehabilitation efforts. It also reduces the life sentence for some drug offenders with three convictions, or three strikes, to 25 years. Another provision would allow about 2,600 federal prisoners sentenced for crack cocaine offenses before August 2010 the opportunity to petition for a reduced penalty.
Disney has a lot of live-action films set for release this year including one f the most-anticipated - The Lion King.

Too fuel our excitement for Disney's new releases, they have released the full-length trailer for Dumbo, due out next month.

Starring Danny DeVito, Colin Farrell Michael Keaton and Eva Green, this iconic live-action remake is also directed by the incredible Tim Burton and it is bound to pull at the heartstrings.


February 07, 2019 Venezuela - U.S. Aid Gambit Fails - War Plans Lack Support A day after the U.S. coup attempt in Venezuela the U.S. game plan was already quite obvious: The opposition in Venezuela will probably use access to that 'frozen' money to buy weapons and to create an army of mercenaries to fight a 'civil' war against the government and its followers. Like in Syria U.S. special forces or some CIA 'contractors' will be eager to help. The supply line for such a war would most likely run through Colombia. If, like 2011 in Syria, a war on the ground is planned it will likely begin in the cities near that border.

bigger The U.S. is using the pretext of 'delivering humanitarian aid' from Columbia to Venezuela to undermine the government and to establish a supply line for further operations. It is another attempt to pull the military onto the coup plotter's side: [I]f the trucks do get across, the opposition can present itself as an answer to Venezuelas chronic suffering, while Mr. Maduro will appear to have lost control of the countrys borders. That could accelerate defections from the ruling party and the military. Dimitris Pantoulas, a political scientist in Caracas, called the oppositions aid delivery plan a high-stakes gamble.

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This is 99 percent about the military and one percent about the humanitarian aspects, he said. The opposition is testing the militarys loyalty, raising their cost of supporting Maduro. Are they with Maduro, or no? Will they reject the aid? If the answer is no, then Maduros hours are numbered. A New York Times op-ed by a right-wing former foreign minister of Mexico, Jorge G. Castaneda, details the escalation potential: According to Mr. Guaido and other sources, $20 million in American medicines and food will be unloaded this week just outside Venezuelan territory in Cucuta, Colombia; Brazil, and on a Caribbean island  either Aruba or Curacao  near the Venezuelan coast. Venezuelan military officials and troops in exile will then move these supplies into Venezuela, where if all goes well, army troops still loyal to Mr. Maduro will not stop their passage nor fire upon them. If they do, the Brazilian and Colombian governments may be willing to back the anti-Maduro soldiers. The threat of a firefight with their neighbors might just be the incentive the Venezuelan military need to jettison Mr. Maduro, making the reality of combat unnecessary. This escalation strategy is unlikely to work unless some additional provocation is involved. The Venezuelan government blocked the border bridge between Cucuta in Colombia and San Cristobal in Venezuela. Its military stands ready to stop any violation of the country's border. The U.S. responded to the blocking of the road with a sanctimonious tweet: Secretary Pompeo @SecPompeo - 16:55 utc - 6 Feb 2019 The Venezuelan people desperately need humanitarian aid. The U.S. & other countries are trying to help, but #Venezuelas military under Maduro's orders is blocking aid with trucks and shipping tankers. The Maduro regime must LET THE AID REACH THE STARVING PEOPLE. #EstamosUnidosVE The U.S. government, which actively helps to starve the people of Yemen into submission, is concerned about Venezuela where so far no one has died of starvation? The lady ain't gonna believe that. The Venezuelan military has shown no sign of interest to change its loyalty. The fake aid will be rejected. The government of Venezuela does not reject aid that comes without political interference. Last year it accepted modest UN aid which consisted mostly of medical supplies from which Venezuela had been cut off due to U.S. sanctions. The UN claimed that around 12 percent of Venezuelans are undernourished. But such claims have been made for years while reports from Venezuela (vid) confirmed only some scarcity of specific products. There is no famine in Venezuela that would require immediate intervention. The International Red Cross, the Catholic church's aid organization Caritas and the United Nations rejected U.S. requests to help deliver the currently planned 'aid' because it is so obviously politicized: "Humanitarian action needs to be independent of political, military or other objectives," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York on Wednesday.

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"What is important is that humanitarian aid be depoliticised and that the needs of the people should lead in terms of when and how humanitarian aid is used," Dujarric added. Rejecting aid out of political reasons is not unusual. When the hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused huge damage along the U.S. gulf coast, a number of countries offered humanitarian and technical aid. U.S. President Bush accepted help from some countries, but rejected aid from other ones: An offer of aid from the Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez, which included two mobile hospital units, 120 rescue and first aid experts and 50 tonnes of food, has been rejected, according to the civil rights leader, Jesse Jackson. Mr Jackson said the offer from the Venezuelan leader, whom he recently met, included 10 water purification plants, 18 power generation plants and 20 tonnes of bottled water. The U.S. intent to establish a 'humanitarian aid' supply line into Venezuela has a secondary purpose. Such aid is the ideal cover for weapon supplies. In the 1980s designated 'humanitarian aid' flights for Nicaragua were filled with weapons. The orders for those flights were given by Elliot Abrams who is now Trump's special envoy for Venezuela. While the trucks from Colombia are blocked at the border other 'humanitarian aid' from the United States reached the country. Officials in Venezuela have accused the US of sending a cache of high-powered rifles and ammunition on a commercial cargo flight from Miami so they would get into the hands of President Nicolas Maduro's opponents. Members with the Venezuelan National Guard [GNB] and the National Integrated Service of Customs and Tax Administration [SENIAT] made the shocking discovery just two days after the plane arrived at Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia. Inspectors found 19 rifles, 118 magazines and 90 wireless radios while investigating the flight which they said arrived Sunday afternoon. Monday's bust also netted four rifle stands, three rifle scopes and six iPhones. The pictures show sufficient equipment for an infantry squad. Fifteen AR-15 assault rifles (5.56), one squad automatic weapon (7.62) with a drum magazine, and a Colt 7.62 sniper gun as well as accessory equipment. What is missing is the ammunition. Where one such weapon transport is caught multiple are likely to go through. But to run a war against the government pure weapon supplies are not enough. The U.S. will have to establish a continuous supply line for heavy and bulky ammunition. That is where 'humanitarian aid' convoys come in. Unless a large part of the Venezuelan military changes sides, any attempt to overthrow the Venezuelan government by force is likely doomed to fail. The U.S. could use its full military might to destroy the Venezuelan army. But the U.S. Senate is already quarreling about the potential use of U.S. forces in Venezuela. The Democrats strongly reject that. A Senate resolution to back Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, once expected to get unanimous support, has been torpedoed by a disagreement over the use of military force, according to aides and senators working on the issue.

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I think its important for the Senate to express itself on democracy in Venezuela, supporting interim President Guaido and supporting humanitarian assistance. But I also think it should be very clear in fact that support stops short of any type of military intervention, [Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J.] told NBC News. It is unlikely that Trump would order a military intervention without bipartisan support. The a clandestine insertion of a mercenary 'guerrilla' force into Venezuela is surely possible. Minor supply lines can be established by secret means. But, as the war on Syria demonstrates, such plans can not be successful unless the people welcome the anti-government force. Under the current government most people in Venezuela are still better off than under the pre-Chavez governments. This lecture and this thread explain the economic history of Venezuela and the enormous progress that was made under Chavez and Maduro. The people will not forget that even when the economic situation will become more difficult. They know who is pulling the strings behind the Random Guy Guaido who now claims the presidency. They know well that these rich people are unlikely to better their plight. U.S. politicians are making the same mistakes with regards to Venezuela as they made with the regime change wars on Iraq and Syria. They believes that all people are as corrupt and nihilistic as they are. They believe that others will not fight for their own believes and their own style of life. They will again be proven wrong. Posted by b on February 7, 2019 at 19:19 UTC | Permalink Comments
International education organisation and co-owner of the English language test IELTS, Idp Education Ltd [ASX:IEL] is one of the best performing stocks on the ASX today, with a sharp rise of 21.69% sitting their share price at $13.86.

The sudden jump comes as the companys half-year financial results were released early this morning.

Special 2019 report: The next generation of Aussie income super stars revealed. Hint: its not the banks. Click here to claim your copy now.

What do the Idp Educations results reveal?

Its good news across the board for IDP.

Their PowerPoint presentation reveals a landslide of growth. The companys revenue is up 26% at AU$304 million, theyve experienced strong earnings growth with EBITDA up 33% at AU$66.8 million, NPATA up 32% at AU$41.8 million, and their interim dividend is up by 41%, at 12 cents per share.

Additionally, they reported their English language testing rates to be up by 16% (660,000 IELTS taken), their English language teaching up by 13% (with 45,900 courses used), student placement is up 23% (with a rate of 27,300 APFs), and their digital marketing Hotcourses is up by 26%.

Whats next for IDP Educations share price?

The company currently has more than 80 offices in 31 countries with 550 counsellors staffed.

Late last month, the company announced that Hotcourses Group will now join a new arm called IDP Connect.

Simon Emmett, IDP Connects CEO, said that the move came from the realisation that a clear and united vision of the firm was needed in order to avoid confusion with clients and the industry at large.

He said the move will help university clients achieve their marketing and recruitment goals and connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities.

With these kinds of results, its easy to see why traders are circling the stock. But as its the early days of the merger, who knows whats around the corner.

Regards,

Ryan Clarkson-Ledward,

For Money Morning

PS: In this just released report, Matt Hibbard shows you his top five dividend picks for 2019. Click here to claim your copy today.
Natural gas processing and distribution major GAIL has terminated a contract given to IL&FS for laying pipeline in Bokaro-Durgapur section due to poor project progress.

The company in a regulatory filing to the BSE on Wednesday said that the Bokaro-Durgapur section (124 km) is now re-tendered and awarded to three different contractors to expedite construction efforts.

Besides, GAIL also informed that the project consultant, Engineers India Ltd, was replaced by Metallurgical & Engineering Consultants (India) Ltd for overseeing the project activities in this crucial stretch.

"In a swift move to safeguard project schedule of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga natural gas pipeline to eastern India states, GAIL (India) Ltd as the owner and operator of the project under execution has offloaded the pipe laying contract from IL&FS due to poor project progress driven on account of acute financial crisis," GAIL said in a statement.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
Amid a raging controversy over chit fund scams, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday decided to amend a law to enable banning unregulated deposit schemes with deterrent punishment and fines in a bid to protect small investors.

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to amend Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018 accepting recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee that went into the provisions of the Bill.

Briefing the media, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said any person running such deposit schemes without registration would attract penal provisions of the law. Advertisements of such unregistered schemes and brand ambassadors of such schemes would also be covered in this measure.

"The Bill contains a substantive clause which bans deposit takers from promoting, operating, issuing advertisements or accepting deposits in any unregulated deposit schemes.

"The Bill creates three types of offences, -- running of unregulated deposits schemes, fraudulent default in regulated deposit schemes and wrongful inducement in relation to unregulated deposit schemes. The Bill provides for severe punishment and heavy pecuniary fines to act as deterrent," Prasad said.

Punishments and penalties under the law will be meted out for offences committed after the law has been passed.

The decision to amend the law comes amid a storm over investigations in the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund schemes that rocked West Bengal and Odisha among other states and triggered a political war between the TMC government and the Modi government at the Centre.

Prasad said the major victims of the chit fund schemes are poor people who invest in small sums.

"In the last four years, CBI has lodged 166 cases of multi-crore chit fund scams since 2015 till November 30, 2018. Maximum cases have been in lodged in West Bengal followed by Odisha. All these cases have origin before the Modi government came to power," he said.

The Cabinet also decided to maintain an online database of regulated deposit schemes where people can deposit their money.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
Answer: Donald Trump.

President Donald Trump predicted on February 6 that the Islamic State group will have lost by next week all the territory it once controlled in Iraq and Syria. He said the US will not relent in fighting remnants of the extremist organization despite his decision to withdraw US troops from Syria over the objections of some of his most senior national security advisers.

The president told representatives of a 79-member, US-led coalition fighting IS that the militants held a tiny percentage of the vast territory they claimed as their "caliphate."

"It should be formally announced sometime, probably next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate," Trump said.

US officials have said in recent weeks that IS has lost 99.5 percent of its territory and is holding on to fewer than 5 square kilometers in Syria, or less than 2 square miles, in the villages of the Middle Euphrates River Valley, where the bulk of the fighters are concentrated. But there are fears the impending US pullout will imperil those gains.

Trump told coalition members meeting at the State Department that while "remnants" of the group were still dangerous, he was determined to bring US troops home. He called on coalition members to step up and do their "fair share" in the fight against terrorism.

Even as Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the withdrawal decision, which shocked US allies and led to the resignations of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the US envoy to the anti-IS coalition, Brett McGurk, some military leaders, renewed their concerns.

While the withdrawal would fulfill a Trump goal, top military officials have pushed back for months, arguing IS remains a threat and could regroup. US policy had been to keep troops in place until the extremists are completely eradicated.

Fears that IS fighters are making a strategic maneuver to lay low ahead of the US pullout has fueled criticism that Trump telegraphed his military plans the same thing he accused President Barack Obama of doing in Afghanistan.

Pompeo told the coalition that the planned withdrawal "is not a change in the mission" but a change in tactics against a group that should still be considered a menace. "In this new era, local law enforcement and information sharing will be crucial, and our fight will not necessarily always be military-led," he said. Trump's announcement "is not the end of America's fight. The fight is one that we will continue to wage alongside of you."

He added, "America will continue to lead in giving those who would destroy us no quarter." Yet senior military officials acknowledged to Congress on Wednesday that the pullout would complicate their efforts. Owen West, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations, told the House Armed Services Committee that he shared Mattis' objections.

West answered, "No, sir," when asked by a lawmaker if he thought Mattis was wrong to disagree with the withdrawal. At the same hearing, Maj. Gen. James Hecker, vice director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the withdrawal means "it is going to be difficult to keep up the pressure" on IS.

"There will be a decrease in the amount of pressure that we will be able to apply," he said. "The concern is if we move our forces out of Syria that that may take some pressure off of the ISIS forces in Syria," Hecker said.

"So our mission is to try to figure out how we can continue to keep the pressure on in Syria without any boots on the ground." Hecker said others would have to carry the burden once the US left. He did not offer specifics. Pompeo called on the coalition to increase intelligence-sharing, repatriate and prosecute captured foreign fighters and accelerate stabilization efforts so IS remnants cannot reconstitute in Iraq, Syria or elsewhere.

He said the fight is entering a new stage where those allied against IS must confront a "decentralized jihad" with more than military force. Pompeo mentioned the suicide bombing claimed by IS that killed four Americans a two service members, a Pentagon civilian and a US contractor in the northern Syrian town of Manbij last month.

Manbij was liberated from IS control in 2016. The conference started hours after Trump, in his State of the Union address, lauded what he said was the near-complete victory over IS. He also reaffirmed his determination to pull out the roughly 2,000 US troops from Syria. He had said in December that the pullout would proceed quickly. In liberated areas across Syria and Iraq, IS sleeper cells are carrying out assassinations, setting up checkpoints and distributing fliers as they lay the groundwork for an insurgency that could gain strength as US forces withdraw. Activists who closely follow the conflict in Syria point to signs of a growing insurgency.

Rami Abdurrahman, the head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, says IS still has 4,000 to 5,000 fighters, many likely hiding out in desert caves and mountains.

A United Nations report circulated Wednesday said Islamic State extremists "continue to pose the main and best-resourced international terrorist threat." It said IS fighters remain under "intense military pressure" in their stronghold in eastern Syria, but they have "shown a determination to resist and the capability to counter-attack."

Defense officials believe many fighters have fled to ungoverned spaces and other pockets in the north and west. A Defense Department watchdog report warned this week that even with the IS forces on the run, the group "is still able to coordinate offensives and counter-offensives, as well as operate as a decentralized insurgency."
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Two days of unprecedented talks with high-ranking Afghan politicians in Moscow were "very successful", the Taliban said on February 6, despite disagreements over women's rights and demands for an Islamic constitution in the war-torn country.

"It was very successful. We agreed on many points and I am hopeful that in future, we can succeed further, and finally we can reach a solution, we can find a complete peace in Afghanistan," Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, who headed the Taliban delegation, told reporters in the Russian capital.
She was one of my students before she went to Columbia College. Shes been an Indiana Ballet Theatre student since she was a little girl. She went to college and came back and is teaching with us since she graduated from Columbia. She does a fantastic job with our students, said Tuohy, of Crown Point.
You thought you knew it all? Think again. A science meet held recently in Bhopal will make you question all that youve learnt over the years and more.

A host of such bizarre claims were made at a conference on 'Emerging Trends and Innovation in School Sciences' held in the NCERT-run Regional Institute of Education (RIE) on Wednesday.

While one speaker at the science meet said folding hands in a Namaste will help keep diseases at bay, another claimed applying vermillion helps maintain blood pressure levels. Think youve heard it all? Wait.

Yet another speaker reportedly stated that tulsi plant has cooling effects. And guess who has been left rather upset and enraged? The scientific community, of course. Calling out this brazen mockery of science, scientists have said such research papers should not have been allowed at the conference in the first place.

Allegedly, several scientists had approached the institute prior to the conference to warn it against allowing such papers to be presented.

We had sent emails to N Pradhan, the principal of RIE, saying the submission of such pseudoscientific papers should not be allowed. Instead of taking any action, the organisers discussed several topics that have no scientific base, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research professor Soumitro Banerjee told The Times of India.

When contacted by the daily, Pradhan refused to speak on the issue saying he isnt a scientist and hence, cant comment on technical papers being presented in the conference. He even denied that the RIE ever received any mail from any scientist against the pseudo-scientific papers.
Hawaiian Democrat Representative Richard Creagan has proposed a new bill which could increase the legal smoking age to 100 years, by 2024. The Hawaii Island politician has stated that he wants to see cigarettes off the store shelves altogether.

If his bill gets passed, Hawaii will be the first state to ban the sale of cigarettes.

The billHB 1509 proposes that the sale of cigarettes be diminished by increasing the minimum age to 30 in 2020, 40 in 2021, 50 in 2022, 60 in 2023, and 100 in 2024.

In an interview with the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Creagan said, This is more lethal, more dangerous than any prescription drug, and it is more addicting. In my view, you are taking people who are enslaved from a horrific addiction and freeing people from horrific enslavement. We, as legislators, have a duty to do things to save peoples lives. If we dont ban cigarettes, we are killing people.

Richard Creagan was appointed as the Representative, Hawaii State House of Representatives, District 5 in 2014 and has served office since. He has a Masters degree in Psychology/Mental Health Counselling program from the University of Hawaii.
New Delhi: Businessman Robert Vadra leaves after appearing before Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Feb 6, 2019. (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary) (PTI2_6_2019_000209B)

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, was on February 6 questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) for about five-and-a half hours in its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets, days after he was directed by a city court to appear before the central probe agency.

Vadra's wife Priyanka Gandhi accompanied him in a white Toyota Land Cruiser and dropped him outside the ED's office in Jamnagar House, a move seen as sending a political message to Congress's opponents ahead of Lok Sabha polls.

Vadra left the office at about 9:40 PM alone in the same car in which Priyanka had dropped him.

His lawyer said Vadra has replied to every question that was put to him.

"All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," Suman Jyoti Khaitan, his lawyer told the mediapersons waiting outside the ED office.

Officials said Vadra has been called again Thursday.

Priyanka, shortly after dropping her husband, took charge as AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East, after her formal induction into the Congress party on January 23.

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London earlier in the day.

Priyanka was asked by newsmen at the All India Congress Committee headquarters whether she was sending any message by dropping her husband at the ED office.

Asked if it was a political vendetta, she said everyone knows why this is being done.

On the day of Priyanka's appointment, Vadra had sent an emotional message to her. "Congratulations P... always by your side in every phase of your life. Give it your best," Vadra said in a Facebook post.

It is for the first time that Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings.

After wading through a posse of assembled mediapersons, Vadra entered the ED office at around 3:47 pm, minutes after a team of his lawyers reached the premises. He then signed the attendance register before being taken in for questioning.

Vadra has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He has alleged he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Ahead of the questioning by a team of three ED officials, official sources said Vadra was put through a dozen questions on transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London and his statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.?

It is understood he was also grilled about his links with absconding and controversial defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari and Bhandari's relative Sumit Chhadha in connection with certain emails recovered by agencies linked to the renovation of a London-based property.

Vadra was directed by a Delhi court on February 2 to cooperate with the probe being carried out by ED after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

The court directed him to appear before ED on Wednesday on his return from London.

The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra to attack the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged at a news conference that Vadra bought 8 to 9 properties in London from the money he got as kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal which took place in 2008-09. Patra did not provide any evidence to back his claim.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi claimed the charges against Vadra are "fickle, superficial, non-existent, non-substantive".

The BJP had full four and a half years to investigate but could not find anything, he claimed at a news conference.

The attempt is to mislead, confuse and to create and ambience before election, but people see through this, he said.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency had also told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belongs to Vadra, including two houses of five and four million each, six other flats and more properties.

The ED had carried out raids in the case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP.

The agency had told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-blackmoney legislation against absconding Bhandari.

It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

"This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had claimed before the court.

Arora was a key person in the case and he was aware of Vadra's overseas undeclared assets, ED had alleged.
Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 7 addressed the Lok Sabha in his reply to the debate on the motion of thanks to the President's address.

He opened his speech with, "This year, the way the President has acknowledged the government's efforts... as the head of the government, I am thankful to him."

"A government has to work for the people of India, a government has to be sensitive to people's aspirations. There is no room for corruption," he added. "It is trust and optimism that will take our nation forward. We are not those who run away from challenges. We face the challenges and work to fulfil people's aspirations," the PM said.

He went on to say, "There has been criticism, there were baseless claims. But I think, since this is an election year, people are compelled to say something."

On First-Time Voters

He also congratulated first-time voters ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to be held in April-May. "Those born in the 21st century are now going to be voters and thus, they will play a role in shaping India's progress."

"I would like to thank the youth who will vote for the first time this election. I believe that the new generation will show the light to the country," the PM said.

Attack on Congress

He also took a dig at the Congress. "Our friends in the Congress see things in two time periods. BC- Before Congress, when nothing happened; and AD- After dynasty- where everything happened," he said.

"In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation. That is why their leaders go to London and do press conferences to show India in bad light," the prime minister said, continuing his attack on the Congress.

He told the Lok Sabha, "You know what is my crime for them? That a person born to a poor family is challenging their Sultunate."

He continued, "Think about it. The Congress imposed Emergency, but Modi is destroying institutions. The Congress insults Army and calls the Army Chief a Gunda but Modi is destroying institutions. Congress leaders create stories that Indian Army is doing a coup but Modi is destroying institutions."

He even invoked Babasaheb Ambedkar. He said, "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was always ahead of his time. He had said joining Congress is like committing suicide."

Their 55 years vs Our 55 months

"In their 55 years, sanitation coverage was around 38% and in our 55 months it is nearly 98%. Gas connections in their 55 years was 12 crore, it is 13 crore in 55 months. We have worked at greater speed in our five years," the PM said.

"In the last four and half years, India became the sixth largest economy from the 10-11th position. When we reached 11th position, people who cannot even be seen in the Opposition now praised themselves. They felt proud then, why are they saddened when we have reached the sixth position? the PM asked.

On Mahagathbandhan

Slamming the Opposition's efforts at stitching a grand alliance, the PM said, "The people of India have seen the work a Government with a full majority can do. They have seen the work of NDA. They do not want a mahamilavat government of those who assembled in Kolkata."

Corruption by Congress

"During the Commonwealth Games 2010, our players were playing hard to win medals for India. But for Congress, Commonwealth Games were an opportunity to boost personal wealth of a few in the Party," the PM said.

"The phone banking of the UPA did wonders for the friends of their leaders. Due to such favouritism, our banking system witnessed many problems," he said.

"I want to say it on the floor of the Parliament that the Indian National Congress does not want our armed forces to be strong. They do not want our security apparatus to be strong. Which companies are they bidding for that they are acting so shamefully?" he asked, levelling serious allegations against the Congress.

"History is witness that there were no defence deals under Congress without involvement of middlemen... there have been 'chachas' and 'mamas'," PM Modi said in Lok Sabha.
Senior officials from Nepal and India met on February 7 in Pokhara to review the trade treaty between the two neighbours.

The Indian delegation is led by Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Joint Secretary (South Asia), Department of Commerce, while Ravi Shankar Saiju, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies is leading the Nepalese delegation during the two day meeting.

This is the second Nepal-India Joint Secretary-level meeting to review the trade treaty that was signed between the two countries in 2009.

During the two-day meeting, India will respond to Nepal's proposal of updating treaty submitted in the first meeting held in New Delhi in August 2018, officials said.

Nepal has requested India to help reduce its increasing trade deficit through free access for its products in Indian market.

In April last year, India and Nepal agreed to review trade treaty to further promote trade and investments between the two countries.
Five years after being bought by Bajaj Autos European partner KTM, Swedish dirt bike specialist Husqvarna is ready to start production from the Indian firms Chakan plant near Pune in a few months.

Bajaj Auto will roll out Husqvarna bikes from designated showrooms in the first half of the next fiscal. It will be around the same time that the the countrys third largest two-wheeler maker will foray into electric two-wheelers under the Urbanite brand, a top Bajaj Auto official has confirmed.

Read | EXCLUSIVE: Bajaj Autos electric vehicle brand Urbanite to debut in 6-9 months

The Husqvarna (Husky) bikes will be powered by a common engine and will be based on a common vehicle platform developed by Bajaj Auto and KTM engineers.

Urbanite will start to make an appearance in six to nine months. That's also around that time that we will see the Husky models coming in, said Rakesh Sharma, Director, Bajaj Auto.

While the Urbanite brand will retail from new dedicated standalone stores, Husqvarna will use the over 230 operational dealerships of the Austrian bike brand KTM.

This will not be the first time that two different two-wheeler brands are sold through the same showroom. Earlier KTM and performance bike giant Kawasaki were sold through the same retail channel before the Japanese company parted ways with the Indian company to kick-start its own dealerships.

Husky models will be presented from the same channel. We already have a very strong network for KTM, so the KTM-Husky combined will be presented to the channel, Sharma added.

Beside electric vehicles and Husqvarna, Bajaj Auto is keenly working on another project related to premium British bike brand Triumph. As per details shared by the Pune-based maker of Pulsar and Avenger bikes, both companies are close to signing a formal agreement towards their partnership.

The Triumph agreement is in its final stages of closure. The R&D teams of both companies are working together and there is a lot of exchange of data taking place, Sharma stated.

In August 2017, Bajaj Auto and Triumph jointly announced their intention to build mid-capacity motorcycles for India and the global market. This non-equity partnership will look to address growing demand for leisure riding, something on the lines of products from Harley Davidson.

With Bajaj Autos low-cost expertise, the partnership will address budget segment buyers looking for bikes with engine capacity between 400cc and 800cc. With development work on the bikes expected to begin this year, it will take at least two years before the two firms are ready to roll out the new range.

We will close the agreement in perhaps another month or so, which is when we will have a clearer view about when the new Triumphs -- the ones which will be co-designed and co-developed by Bajaj Auto. I definitely expect it to take over two years for that to happen, Sharma said.
The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government presented a budget of Rs 4.79 lakh crore for the year 2019-20 on February 7.

The annual budget, presented by state Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal, is 12 percent higher than the previous year's budget of Rs 4,28,384.52 crore. The budget includes new schemes totalling Rs 21,212.95 crore.

In his budget speech, Agarwal mentioned a number of populist schemes.

Here are the key announcements:

> Rs 247.60 crore allocated for maintenance of cow shelters in rural areas and Rs 200 crore for 'Kanha Gaushala and Besahara Pashu Ashram' in urban areas.

> Rs 1,000 crore allocated for development of airports, which includes Rs 800 crore for airport in Jewar and Rs 200 crore for one in Ayodhya.

> Rs 459 crore allocated for modernisation of Arabic/Persian language madrasas.

> Special cess to be imposed on liquor sales in the state. From total cess collected, an estimated revenue of Rs 165 crore will be utilized for maintenance of destitute cattle-heads of the state.

> For the first time, a provision has been made in the budget for modernisation of police.

>In a push for implementation of Deendayal Upadhyaya Small Dairy Scheme, a provision of Rs 64 crore has been made to set up 10,000 units.

> A budgetary provision of Rs 56 crore has been made for establishment of a new dairy in Mathura while Rs 5 crore has been allocated for various programmes under the Uttar Pradesh Dairy Policy, 2018.

> A proposal of Rs 93 crore has been made for strengthening, restructuring and expansion of milk unions and societies, training, technical inputs, cattle breeding and health schemes.

>An amount of Rs 1,200 crore has been proposed for 'Kanya Sumangala Yojana' to raise health and educational standard of girls, brighten their future and bring in a positive change in the thinking towards women.

This is the third budget by the Adityanath government in the state.

As per the budget estimate for 2019-20, the total receipts would be Rs 4,70,684.48 crore. The amount includes Rs 3,91,734.40 crore of revenue receipts and Rs 78,950.08 crore of capital receipts.

The tax revenue is pegged at Rs 2,93,039.17 crore, including Rs 1,40,176 crore of the state's own tax revenue and Rs 1,52,863.17 crore of the state's share in the central taxes.

The total state expenditure is estimated at Rs 4,79,701.10 crore. It includes Rs 3,63,957.04 crore of revenue expenditure and Rs 1,15,744.06 crore of capital expenditure.

A revenue saving of Rs 27,777.36 crore is estimated in the year 2019-20.

The state's fiscal deficit has been pegged at Rs 46,910.62 crore in 2019-20.

The state's debt liability is estimated at 29.98 percent of the state's GDP.

After deducting total expenditure from the receipts of consolidated fund, a deficit of Rs 9,016.62 crore has been projected for next fiscal.

Net receipts of Rs 9,500 crore is expected from public account. The closing balance for 2019-20 is estimated at Rs 8,708.85 crore in which opening balance of Rs 8,225.47 crore has been taken into account.

After the Budget speech, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a press conference in state capital Lucknow. Addressing the media, Yogi announced budget 2019 as the highest in the states history.

(With inputs from PTI)
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May heads back to meet EU leaders in Brussels on February 7 as she seeks a way to avoid a no deal Brexit in 50 days time.

Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on February 6, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement.

The president of the European Commission, Juncker, told reporters May already knows and accepts that the Union will not re-open talks on the deal.

And Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for -- in his view -- recklessly failing to plan.

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said.

Juncker, at a later news conference, did not use the same language, but cheerfully laughed off Tusk's remark.

But he also repeated the same warning that the withdrawal agreement, and the backstop clause designed to keep the Irish border open if no future trade deal is agreed, will not be changed.

"She knows that the commission is not prepared to reopen the issue," Juncker said, after talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who also insisted on the need for the backstop.

This apparently united front did not daunt Number 10, who insisted that the British parliament's rejection of the deal meant that May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail.

According to talking points provided by Downing Street ahead of the visit, May will admit that: "Securing such changes will not be easy."

But she will add: "Last week, Parliament made clear that for the first time it could support the withdrawal agreement, subject to changes to the backstop.

"The Government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes. The EU shares the UK's commitment to leave with a deal. We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line."

The impasse in Brussels has led to heightened fears Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing.

Tusk and Juncker said they look forward to hosting May on Thursday, and Varadkar will have dinner with her in Dublin on Friday.

Offering warm support for his Irish guest, Tusk said the European Union "will not gamble with peace" on the Irish border by removing the backstop from the deal.

"I hope that tomorrow we will hear from Prime Minister May a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse," he said.

But he added: "A sense of responsibility also tells us to prepare for a possible fiasco."

Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, thanked Tusk.

"While we expect the backstop will never be used, we agreed again today it is needed as a legal guarantee to ensure there is no return to a hard border," he said.

On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province.

Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy.

May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland.

May's spokesman stressed that she wasn't coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29 deadline.
Its been in my blood since I was 4 years old, Keller said. He became its director in 1966, when he was 27 years. His wife, Vicki Keller, has also played in the band for more than half a century.
IMA Ponzi scheme case: A multi-crore scheme run by Karnataka-based I-Monetary Advisory (IMA) and its group entities allegedly duped lakhs of people by promising higher returns using Islamic ways of investment. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the case and has filed at least three FIRs. (File image of the CBI headquarters)

States cannot deny entry to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe cases referred by the courts, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on February 7.

The assertion assumes significance amid the ongoing tussle between the CBI and the West Bengal government over probe into the chit fund scam cases.

The CBI, which functions under the provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, can probe offences in a state with prior approval of the state government concerned.

Further, Constitutional courts can also entrust any case or class of case for investigation in exercise of inherent jurisdiction even without the consent of the respective state government, the minister said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

Once general or specific consent is granted under Section 6 of the DSPE Act, by the state government where the case is registered; or when the case is entrusted by the Constitutional courts, the powers and jurisdiction of members of the DSPE (CBI) may extend for investigation, he said.

"Withdrawal of consent, if any, by a state government can be effected prospectively and not retrospectively," said Singh, Minister of State for Personnel.

Further, in the cases which are referred by the Constitutional courts, the entry of CBI cannot be denied by that state as these do not require the consent of the state, he said.
Akhilesh Yadav

The Samajwadi Party (SP) is likely to face a bigger challenge in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as it is likely to fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in more urban areas of Uttar Pradesh than the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

According to a report in The Indian Express, the Akhilesh Yadav-led party will contest eight out of the states 14 urban seats. Mayawatis will contest the remaining six. Uttar Pradesh has a total of 80 Lok Sabha constituencies.

The report added that out of the eight seats that SP will contest, Congress had emerged as the runner-up in three seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, making its task much more difficult.

The saffron party is considered strong in urban seats, not only in Uttar Pradesh, but in large number of states. In 2014, BJP had won all of UPs 14 urban seats.

These 14 seats include capital Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj (erstwhile Allahabad), Prime Minister Narendra Modis constituency Varanasi, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Moradabad and Jhansi.

In January, SP and the BSP had formalised their alliance. The two parties said they would contest 38 seats each. Two seats were left for the Congress (Amethi and Rae Bareli). Two other seats were left for other potential allies such as Ajit Singhs Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). However, reports suggest that RLD could get three seats, instead of two.

Of these, SP was the runner-up in Moradabad, Gorakhpur, Jhansi and Prayagraj.

An SP candidate, backed by the BSP, had beaten the BJP candidate in UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths bastion Gorakhpur in the 2018 Lok Sabha by-elections.

There is a possibility that the Opposition may field a joint candidate against the BJP in Varanasi this time, but it will be the SP that will fight if the SP-BSP contests separately from other parties, an SP leader told the newspaper.

SP had also finished second in Bareilly and Gautam Buddha Nagar seats, which could see a BSP candidate be fielded this time.

Besides these, BSP is likely to contest from Meerut, Saharanpur, Aligarh and Agra.
New Delhi: Businessman Robert Vadra leaves after appearing before Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Feb 6, 2019. (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary) (PTI2_6_2019_000209B)

Keeping the heat on Congress party in relation to Robert Vadra's questioning by Enforcement Directorate (ED), the BJP on February 7 listed nine emails that the party alleged were exchanged between Vadra and Sumit Chadha, a relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, regarding properties in London.

Alleging that the Gandhi family owns five properties in London, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said these emails were exchanged between March 8, 2010 and April 17, 2010.

"The first email has been sent by Sumit Chadha, who is relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. He has sent it to Robert Vadra only... What tiles should be used in kitchen? How would the bathroom look? All of it is in this email," Patra said.

The email also discussed issues related to painting at one property in London, Patra added.

Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed the charges a political witch hunt against him. He has said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

After first day of his questioning by ED, his lawyer had said on February 6 night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

"All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan had told reporters.

As Vadra's questioning continued for second day on February 7, Patra also talked about another email allegedly sent by Vadra on April 15, 2010, saying Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband wrote in that email: "Hi, was not aware that nothing has reached you. Will look into it at the morning and let Manoj sort it out. Will be in London soon too. You take care."

Patra claimed "Vadra is explaining that he didn't know that the money has not reached Chadha so he would ask Manoj to immediately sort this out".

"Who is this Manoj? Yesterday, we saw in news that Vadra has accepted that Manoj is his employee and Manoj used to write emails for him. This establishes a complete trail between Mr B, Deltabhandari, Manoj and Robert Vadra," he claimed.

Patra alleged some mails were marked to an email ID deltabhandari@hotmail.com, and said Congress president Rahul Gandhi needs to answer who were Mr M, Mr B and Deltabhandari.

The BJP spokesperson also listed five properties on London that he alleged were owned by the Gandhi family as per media reports.

"The address of five properties have come before us through media... One is on Wellington Road at St John's Wood in London. This property's cost is around Rs 37 crore. Second property has flat numbers 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 and it is on Saratoga Road in London. It looks like there is a property of Gandhi family on each road of London," he alleged.

"You want a house at every place in London so that you can enjoy. You will come here to do photo-ops among the poor of this country. In this new India, every person, big or small, the law will work for everyone the same way," he said.

"Gandhi family will also have to bow down in front of law. The law won't bow to them... The accused have to come before the law and we are seeing that they are coming every day before ED now," he said.

"Rahul Gandhi has said today that if we come to power, we will pick each such RSS person (from the institution) and throw him out. You will throw each RSS or BJP person out, because you need place to keep Rohingyas or Bangladeshis... This is your motive," Patra alleged.
Jagyaseni Biswas

Congress president Rahul Gandhis days of being sidelined in the party are seemingly over. In the run up to the 2019 general elections, Gandhi has been constantly taking jibes at the Opposition and interacting with the youth. He is becoming more active on social media, the man has done all it may take to dethrone incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



Dear NoMo,

5 years of your incompetence and arrogance has destroyed the lives of our farmers. Giving them Rs. 17 a day is an insult to everything they stand and work for. #AakhriJumlaBudget  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 1, 2019

After the recent Budget announcement, Gandhi's tweet: "Five years of your incompetence and arrogance has destroyed the lives of our farmers. Giving them Rs 17 a day is an insult to everything they stand and work for," was retweeted over 12,000 times, despite his followers being much less than that of the PMs.

The past year and especially the last few months have seen his popularity on social media soar to an unforeseen height. Gandhi's follower tally stands at 8.44 million on Twitter now and has posted some 4000-odd tweets. Lets take a look at what may have aided Gandhi in achieving this.

 A politician close to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told Economic Times: Rahul Gandhis tweets poking fun at Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have generated a great deal of goodwill and support for him.

Also Read: With Apni Baat Rahul ke Saath, Congress looks to counter PM Modis Mann ki Baat

Turns out, Gandhis posts have been so popular and effective that he gained social media mileage by poking fun at the top brass of the saffron party.

In fact, Rahuls make-over has been working out so well so far that it has given the ruling party some jitters apart from saving internets Pappu from the jeers that tarnished his image last time around.



NoMo Jobs! The Fuhrer promised us 2 Cr jobs a year. 5 years later, his leaked job creation report card reveals a National Disaster. Unemployment is at its highest in 45 yrs. 6.5 Cr youth are jobless in 2017-18 alone. Time for NoMo2Go. #HowsTheJobs pic.twitter.com/nbX4iYmsiZ  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 31, 2019



The new-found king of sarcasms tweets too have garnered him the whopping 8.41 million followers.



I want to congratulate our PM, on winning the world famous Kotler Presidential Award!

In fact it's so famous it has no jury, has never been given out before & is backed by an unheard of Aligarh company. Event Partners: Patanjali & Republic TV :)https://t.co/449Vk9Ybmz  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 15, 2019

 One more reason that could have propelled Gandhi'ss popularity could be that the social media platforms are biased against Modi. Even Delhi BJP spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga accused Twitter of being anti-BJP and right wing ideologies. Speaking to IANS, a Congress leader had explained that Rahul Gandhi's posts get higher traction because mainstream media takes a "pro-Modi" stance and has otherwise had an inherent bias against him.

 Pro-Congress netizens have maintained that the reason behind the soaring numbers is likely the right choice of issues. Gandhi almost only tweets about politics, unlike the PM who uses it for other purposes too, and talks about issues like unemployment and lacunae in other parties  just what voters care for.
Congress

Sujata Anandan

Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam will always be a parvenu in the Congress. For a man who said nasty things about Sonia Gandhi while he was a Bal Thackeray favourite in the Shiv Sena, he has found remarkable forgiveness from the Nehru-Gandhis with even Congress President Rahul Gandhi willing to overlook a fault or two and give him more than a second chance.

For example, in December 2015, as the editor of the Congress in-house magazine Congress Darshan, Nirupam (a former journalist) overlooked an unflattering comparison of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel written by a staffer he had hired. Soon after the article appeared the reporter went missing. Nirupam was convinced that the mole was planted by his party colleagues who wanted to oust him from the post of the Mumbai Congress President. Despite this severe embarrassment, Rahul Gandhi, then the party vice-president, accepted the blunder as an honest mistake and gave Nirupam the benefit of doubt.

Nirupam then fought an uphill battle at the Brihanmumbai municipal elections in February 2017, not just against the Shiv Sena and the BJP, but also against his own party leaders  the aristocratic Congressmen who considered themselves loyalists and more suited to the job entrusted to Nirupam.

The Congress lost the municipal elections and it was not the first time for the party. The state Congress has met a similar fate under the formidable leaderships of former presidents Murli Deora, Gurudas Kamat and Kripashankar Singh. Yet Nirupam was pounced upon by those who had never ceased to look upon him as an outsider.

Nirupam offered to resign but Rahul Gandhi let him continue in the post. Nirupam, on his part, has tried to keep the party flag flying high in Mumbai, where he is the only party leader to hit the streets on various issues. He has relentlessly kept up the pressure on the ruling alliance. The only other Congressmen doing that with conviction at the national level was Rahul Gandhi.

Nirupam is, however, now facing his moment of reckoning with Milind Deora threatening to upset his plans if he does not mend his ways. Milind Deora is the son of late Murli Deora, the longest-serving Mumbai Congress President, and is considered close to Rahul Gandhi. Although Nirupam insists that he attempts to take along everyone with him, his abrasive style and militant spirit, picked up when he cut his political milk teeth while with Thackeray, rub Mumbais Congress leaders the wrong way.

With the Lok Sabha elections around the corner, things have heated up.

With former MP Gurudas Kamat no more and Priya Dutt opting out of the contest citing family commitments, two of the six seats in Mumbai are now open for the Congress. Nirupam's bitter rival Kripashankar Singh is eyeing Dutts former seat (Mumbai North Central, now held by the BJPs Poonam Mahajan) amid rumours that Raj Babbar, the Uttar Pradesh Congress President, wants to contest from that seat. Nirupam could be eyeing that seat or Kamats Mumbai North West seat. This is also because Nirupams old seat (Mumbai North), with a considerable Gujarati population, is considered a BJP stronghold and he is on the lookout for a more demographically suitable constituency. Both Mumbai North Central and Mumbai North West constituencies, with a fair amount of Muslims and north Indians, fits the bill.

Within the Congress there is no dispute over Milind Deoras former seat of Mumbai South, now held by the Shiv Sena. Yet, why is he threatening to not contest the polls this time and derail the Congress juggernaut? This is more surprising because Milind himself has acknowledged that this year there could be tailwinds that could help the Congress. Most observers believe that Deora is voicing the concerns of a lot of Congressmen who do not have Rahul Gandhis ear, and, this dissent is a warning to Nirupam to shape up or ship out. That warning could be coming from Rahul Gandhi who has been snowed under by complaints against Nirupam and in the past has brokered peace between party leaders in Mumbai.

It is unlikely that the Congress President will effect a change of guard in a huge and important city like Mumbai weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. That said, these developments show that all is not well with the Congress in Mumbai and that Sanjay Nirupam might not get a third chance from Rahul Gandhi.

Sujata Anandan is a senior journalist and author. Views are personal.

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The Trinamool Congress on February 7 called its leader Mamata Banerjee as "today's Jhansi ki Rani" and warned the BJP government that like the brave queen, the TMC chief will not be cowed down by "attacks" as the people were with her party.

Participating in the debate on the motion of thanks to the President's address in Lok Sabha, TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi drew a parallel between the central government and the pre-independence British regime, alleging that both have used threats and intimidation to quell opposition.

"Recently a movie called Manikarnika was released.... We are reminded of Queen of Jhansi.... Who was Rani Jhansi? She was an ordinary women whom people chose that she should guard Jhansi," he said.

"In Bengal also there is Rani Jhansi whose name is Mamata Banerjee. Mamata Banerjee said that 'sar kata sakte haen lekin sar jhuka sakte nahin' (we are ready to be beheaded but will not kowtow). She is today's Rani Jhansi who is an ordinary women and not a queen," Trivedi said, referring to the West Bengal chief minister "No matter how much you attack us it will not affect us as the public is with us," he said.

Against the backdrop of the standoff between the Centre and the West Bengal government on the CBI issue, he alleged that the central government was trying to frighten the TMC to toe its line.

"What did you do? You kept on attacking... you kept on saying that we will put the CBI after you, the ED after you. You should bow you head. Come with us else we will attack. And you did this," he said. "What happened in Bengal a few days back was done by the British government," he explained. "During British time what did the Britishers do? They used to scare you, threaten you. They used to enter your house and tell you to support them or else they would attack you. Today the condition is the same," he said.

Coming down heavily on the BJP-led government on its performance, he claimed that four things, including demonetisation and unemployment, "will take you where you came from in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections".

He asserted that demonetisation has "completely failed" and unemployment is "at its peak". "Your concept of new India is about destroying democracy, your new India is about destroying institutions, your new India is about destroying the Constitution of India...your new India is about creating fear, your new India is destroying RBI to CBI," he alleged.

Intervening in the debate, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that prior to 2014 for 10 years when the Congress was in power "there was corruption and crony capitalism".

"During this period, the country's wealth was looted and plundered brazenly," the Akali Dal leader alleged.

On the issue of farm distress, she said a lot is being said on farmers' issues but nobody is talking about "those who were in power for 60-70 years and created this situation".

Hitting out at the opposition, she said a lot of slogan are being raised on waiving farm loans and questioned the steps taken in the past to improve the condition of farmers on the ground level.
Rahul Gandhi (R) flanked by his brother-in-law Robert Vadra (C) and sister Priyanka Vadra greets his party lawmakers inside the central hall of Indian parliament in New Delhi May 18, 2004. Gandhi, heir to India's Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, tearfully gave up her chance to become prime minister on Tuesday to protect her new Congress government from damaging attacks over her Italian birth. REUTERS/Kamal Kishore AH/THI - RP4DRIBJDSAA

With only months to go for the Lok Sabha polls, poster wars between Congress and Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) have heated up.

After Congress UP East General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra returned from her trip abroad, posters featuring her along with Congress President Rahul Gandhi and husband Robert Vadra were put up outside the AICC office on February 5. The posters, however, were taken took down by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) the next day.

The posters drew flak from BJP for featuring Robert Vadra. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra, in a press conference held on February 6, said Posters of two criminals have been put up in front of the Congress office. Both of them are out on bail; criminal no 1 Rahul Gandhi in connection with National Herald case and criminal no 2 Robert Vadra, who appeared before ED (Enforcement Directorate) in connection with money laundering case.

However, Congress was not one to take this lying down. Party leader Sanjay Singh said it was unfortunate for Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he did not have a single poster of himself along with his wife Jashodaben Modi, despite being married.

"It is unfortunate for Modi ji that despite being married, he does not have a single poster of himself along with his wife, Singh told ANI.

The Congress blamed Modis dirty politics" for removal of the posters.

Robert Vadra, who has been named in several corruption cases, was questioned by ED for about five-and-a half hours in its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets on February 6.

His lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan has denied any allegations. "All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 percent. He will come whenever he is called," said Khaitan.
Moneycontrol Contributors

Chanda Kochhars fortunes seem to be taking a turn for the worse. The former CEO and MD of ICICI, an industry legend until the scandal on the loan to Videocon broke, was found to be in violation of the banks code of conduct.

ICICI Bank reportedly extended Rs 3,250 crore to Videocon Group and the ensuing allegedly benefitted her husband, who gained in business from the Dhoots. The loan became dud and the entire group went bankrupt.

A panel headed by Justice BN Srikrishna pronounced her guilty of the violations a week after the Central Bureau of Investigation booked Chanda Kochhar, her husband Deepak Kochhar and Videocon Group MD Venugopal Dhoot for criminal conspiracy and cheating.

Livemint reported that the panels findings seal Chanda Kochhars fate. All three accused are likely to be summoned soon by the CBI in connection with the investigation. Along with them, other people like Sandeep Bakhshi, COO of ICICI Bank, as well as K.V. Kamath, who heads the New Development Bank of BRICS countries and served as MD & CEO of ICICI 1996 to 2009 are also likely to be summoned.

The heat is on

In a damning indictment that is diametrically opposite to the show of support from ICICI when the scandal first broke - Remember the ICICI website that greeted customers not with the usual annoying ads but a statement of support for Kochhar?- ICICI Bank released a statement that said, The Enquiry Report.concluded, primarily on account of ineffectively dealing with conflict of interest and due disclosure or recusal requirements, that Ms Chanda Kochhar was in violation of the ICICI Bank Code of Conduct, its framework for dealing with conflict of interest and fiduciary duties, and in terms of applicable Indian laws, rules and regulations.

The enquiry report claimed that Chanda Kochhars lack of diligence with respect to annual disclosures as required by the bank in terms of its internal policies, the ICICI Bank Code of Conduct and applicable Indian laws, rules and regulations on her interests (direct or indirect) towards avoidance of conflict of interest, when considered that the Banks processes were dependent solely on the directors discharging their fiduciary duty to recuse themselves and avoid conflict, implies that the Banks processes were rendered ineffective by her approach to such disclosures and avoidance of conflict.

Following the conclusions in the report, ICICI bank said it would decide to treat the separation of Ms Chanda Kochhar from the Bank as a Termination for Cause under the Banks internal policies, schemes and the Code of Conduct, with all attendant consequences (including revocation of all her existing and future entitlements such as any unpaid amounts, unpaid bonuses or increments, unvested and vested & unexercised stock options, and medical benefits), and require the clawback of all bonuses paid from April 2009 until March 2018, and to take such further actions as may be warranted in the matter.

The latest developments arent very popular. Livemint reported that a day after the CBI booked Chanda Kochhar for criminal conspiracy, Union Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the probe agency for its investigative adventurism. Jaitley, who is receiving treatment in the US for an illness, wrote, Sitting thousands of kilometers away, when I read the list of potential targets in the ICICI case, the thought that crossed my mind was again the same  Instead of focusing primarily on the target, is a journey to nowhere (or everywhere) being undertaken? If we include the entire whos who of the Banking Industry  with or without evidence  what cause are we serving or actually hurting. He added, ...the reason why our conviction rates are poor is that adventurism and megalomania overtakes our investigators and professionalism takes a back seat.

If anyone was under the impression that a mea culpa was forthcoming, the ex-chief of ICICI disappointed them. She said she was disappointed, hurt and shocked by the banks decision to treat her resignation as a termination for cause after the probe indicted her. Kochhar, the first woman to head a bank in India, was on leave from June 2018 and eventually resigned in October 2018. It was in that month of June that a panel was set up under retired Supreme Court judge Justice Srikrishna to probe allegations against Kochhar. She said in a statement that she had served the ICICI group for 34 long years with all my dedication and hard work and the bank's latest decision has caused her immense hurt and pain. She defended her conduct saying, The organisational design and the structure obviate the possibility of conflict of interest. She added, I have pursued my career as an independent professional with utmost honesty, dignity and integrity. I continue to have faith and belief in my conduct as a professional and I am certain that truth will ultimately prevail.

Her claims of innocence notwithstanding, ICICI is distancing itself quickly. Livemint reported that the loan by ICICI Bank to the Videocon group was part of a 40,000 crore loan by a consortium of 20 banks in 2012, and was in contravention of the Banking Regulation Act, Reserve Bank of India guidelines and credit policy of the bank".

Current chief executive Sandeep Bakhshi said in an analyst call after the earnings announcement that the bank has put out a statement about Kochhar, and their role now is limited to cooperating with regulatory agencies. (As an aside, ICICI Bank reported a 2.7% decline in standalone net profit to 1,604.91 crore for the third quarter ended December 2018 as provisions for bad loans increased.)

Ironically, in March 2018, the same board of ICICI Bank had given a clean chit to Kochhar with full-backing and had said there was no question of favouritism, nepotism or conflicts of interest on her part in granting loans to Videocon Industries or any other company.

What is this scandal all about?

Given the sheer number of financial scandals and frauds uncovered over the last year or so, youre probably as confused as I am. So lets do a quick recall of the ICICI loan fraud case. As mentioned earlier, ICICI Bank reportedly extended Rs 3,250 crore to Videocon Group and the ensuing allegedly benefitted her husband, who gained in business from the Dhoots. The loan became dud and the entire group went bankrupt.

This matter first came to light when a shareholder, (and whistleblower) Arvind Gupta, raised concerns in October 2016 through a blog, alleging impropriety in loan-related decisions made by Chanda Kochhar. According to a Moneycontrol report, Gupta alleged quid pro quo in the approval of loans given to Videocon Group, whose promoter had business dealings with Kochhar's husband Deepak. A Livemint report stated that Dhoot had allegedly, as part of the quid pro quo arrangement, paid Rs 64 crore in 2010 through a fully owned entity to NuPower Renewables Pvt. Ltd that he had set up with Deepak Kochhar and two of his relatives. It was alleged that Dhoot transferred proprietorship of the company to a trust owned by Deepak Kochhar for Rs 9 lakh six months after receiving the loan from ICICI Bank.

The CBI would claim later that Chanda Kochhar abused her official position and got illegal gratification or undue benefit through her husband from Dhoot for sanctioning Rs. 300o cr to Videocon. That was part of a Rs 40,000 crore loan which Videocon got from a consortium of 20 banks led by the State Bank of India.

According to Moneycontrol, towards the end of March 2018, ICICI Bank stated it had reviewed internal processes for credit approval and found them to be robust. The banks board expressed full faith in Kochhar, denying any wrongdoing on her part and ruling out any conflict of interest. However, after a second whistleblower complaint emerged, the board changed its stance. Incidentally, the CBI had registered a preliminary enquiry against Deepak Kochhar and Dhoot in March 2018 to investigate the irregularities. In June 2018, the Bank said it would institute an independent enquiry to examine the merit of the complaint against its CEO on the alleged conflict of interest. As mentioned earlier, it also appointed retired Supreme Court judge Justice BN Srikrishna to head the independent panel initiated by the banks board. On October 4 2018, the banks board accepted Chanda Kochhars request to seek early retirement. The bank claimed the inquiry instituted by the board would be unaffected and certain benefits would be subject to the outcome of said inquiry. In laymans terms, as more allegations tumbled out, Kochhar essentially quit her post.

On January 24 this year, the CBI carried out searches at four locations in Mumbai and Aurangabad, including the Mumbai offices of Videocon, NuPower and Supreme Energy Pvt. Ltd, another company founded by Deepak Kochhar. The agency released a statement that said they had registered a case against Kochhar and several others against a loan sanctioning case. The CBI alleged that on August 26, 2009, a loan of Rs 300 crore was sanctioned to a Mumbai-based private company in contravention of the rules and policy by the sanctioning committee. The statement reads, ...It was further alleged that the then MD & CEO, ICICI Bank, being the head of the sanctioning committee, who in criminal conspiracy with other accused to cheat ICICI Bank, dishonestly and by abusing her official position sanctioned this loan in favour of said Mumbai based private company,.

Moneycontrol reported that between June 2009 and October 2011, five more loans, amounting to Rs 1,575 crore, were reported to have been sanctioned to said group companies by various sanctioning committees of ICICI Bank in violation of the credit policy of the bank. The existing outstanding in the accounts of these private group companies were adjusted in rupee term loan of Rs 1,730 crore sanctioned by the bank under refinance of domestic debt under consortium arrangement on April 26, 2012. From June 30, 2017, the account of Videocon and its group companies was declared NPA, or non-performing asset.

Whats the latest scoop?

Well, the scoop is that the CBI wants to scoop up Chanda Kochhar and the others accused. The media reported a couple of days ago that the Enforcement Directorate has registered a criminal case of money laundering against Chanda Kochhar, her husband Deepak, Videocon Group promoter Venugopal Dhoot and others to probe alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in the sanctioning of loans amounting to Rs 1,875 crores by the bank to the corporate group. ED officials claimed that the central probe agency has filed an Enforcement Case Information Report, or an ECIR, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, taking cognisance of a CBI complaint filed on the matter last month. An ECIR is the ED's equivalent of a police FIR, so its a pretty serious matter. The ED is expected to summon the accused named in the ECIR, and the list of names in the ED case is, surprise surprise, the same as that of the CBI.

All things considered, the days ahead arent looking very favourable for Chanda Kochhar. With a central government that seems keen on being seen as tough on corruption and fraud in a crucial election year, and with news that even Vijay Mallya may be extradited, it looks like Ms Kochhar could be in for more disappointment and hurt in the near future.
rajya sabha PTI1_4_2018_000050B rajya sabha

Shiv Sena Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Raut told The Indian Express on February 6 that his party would vote against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha when it is taken up for passing.

This made Shiv Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s second ally after Janata Dal (United), to reject the bill.

It is a political Bill, intended to serve electoral interests of the BJP. We are under no obligation to throw our weight behind it, Raut said.

Every region has its own identity and an element of pride. That is why linguistic states were created. People of the Northeast feel the Bill (if it becomes a law) will change the demographic character of the region, he added.

The bill aims to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 by relaxing eligibility criteria for attaining Indian citizenship for immigrants belonging to six minority (non-Muslim) religions -- Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Christians and Parsis -- from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Also read: EXPLAINER | Citizenship (Amendment) Bills key question: Why are some illegal immigrants more equal than others?

The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in its Winter Session. However, it is pending in the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) does not command a majority.

The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) had quit the NDA in January, protesting against the bill.

Several organisations and political parties have claimed that it threatens the identity, language and culture of indigenous people. Protests against the bill have rocked the northeast.

The bill is expected to be taken up for passing in the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament slated to end on February 13.

Also see: Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to immediately benefit 31,000 immigrants

How the numbers stack up

The current strength of the Rajya Sabha is 245 (one seat is vacant). The BJP would need support of 123 MPs to pass the bill.

The NDA is currently falling short of numbers. The BJP has 73 MPs in the House. With some of its allies still supporting them, and votes from independents and nominated members, it could reach 87.

Opponents of the bill hand have 127 votes. The key opponents are Indian National Congress (50 seats), All India Trinamool Congress (13), Samajwadi Party (13), Telugu Desam Party (6), JD(U) (6), Shiv Sena (3), among others.

Northeastern parties such as the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) and the Naga Peoples Front (NPF), both with one MPs each, are expected to vote against the bill.

Parties such as the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), among others, have maintained a neutral stance so far. This bloc makes up around 31 votes. Their votes would be crucial for the NDA to pass the bill. BJP is reportedly trying to woo some of the parties which have opposed the bill.

The aforementioned numbers are based on media reports.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has nominated the fishermen of Kerala for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for their invaluable and selfless service during the catastrophic floods that had hit the state in August last year.

The Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, in a heart-wrenching letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, gave a vivid account of the deluge and the fishermens contribution in saving lives.

It was during the height of this tragedy that the fishermen groups of Kerala, at great personal risk to their lives and potential damage to the boats that are the source of their livelihood, jumped into the fray to save their fellow citizens, Tharoor wrote in the letter.



My letter to the Nobel Peace Prize Committee nominating the fishermen of Kerala for this year's Peace Prize in recognition of their courageous service & sacrifice during the #KeralaFloods of 2018: pic.twitter.com/xtPLrTnQBT

 Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 6, 2019

They took their boats inland, and with expert knowledge of the local conditions, their participation in the ongoing relief operations proved to be a game changer, as not only were they able to pick up stranded personnel in the vicinity but were also instrumental in guiding boats of other rescue teams amidst the swirling waters. All in all, nearly 700 boats manned by 4,500 fishermen spearheaded this internal deployment and were responsible for saving nearly 65,000 lives from certain death, he added.

Tharoor mentioned that even though the fishermen community forms a significant population along Indias vast coastline, they are not given due credit for their contribution and most live below the poverty line. He said the community should be lauded for demonstrating an extraordinarily altruistic spirit during the floods despite living under such circumstances.

Even as their own houses fell victim to the deluge, their thoughts and concerns were directed to the larger safety of strangers. When the state government offered compensation in cash and kind for their efforts, many of them politely turned down the offer, Tharoor wrote in the letter.

Keeping all these things in mind, Tharoor nominated the fishermen community of Kerala for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, asserting that they represent an outstanding and wholly deserving candidacy for their instantaneous response to the clarion call of a society under strain and a remarkable and sustained impact in the face of unkind odds.

Kerala had witnessed rains of unprecedented intensity in July-August 2018 which had taken the lives of 488 individuals, destroyed nearly 20,000 homes and displaced over 5 million people.
Retana-Nava said he found less-affluent areas seem to get less attention from the city, aldermen and even other entities like the park district when compared to more-affluent areas. He added he thinks if the city were more engaged in these areas, the residents in turn would also be engaged, and some of the issues would be alleviated as a result.
Representative Image

The CPI on February 6 criticised both the Centre and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the developments following CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police commissioner in a chit fund scam and demanded a transparent inquiry into the Ponzi schemes.

A day after Banerjee ended her three-day dharna in Kolkata protesting the CBI's action, CPI General Secretary S Sudhakar Reddy accused her of trying to convert the issue into a crisis involving Centre-state relations. He said both the action and reaction were not good for democracy.

Hitting out at the NDA government, he alleged cases had been filed before the elections against leaders, including Samajwadi Partys Akhilesh Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati, former JNU student union leader Kanhaiya Kumar. The Central government should stop using CBI, the Enforcement Directorate against political opponents, he told reporters.

Reddy alleged BJP's political opponents, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi, were being made accused in some case or the other. On the other hand, there had been no progress in the investigation into cases involving BJP leaders, he claimed.

Equally undemocratically, Mamata Banerjee reacted by arresting the CBI people, he said referring to the dharna staged by the Trinamool Congress chief protesting the central investigation agency's attempt to question Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. We feel that this type of thing is not good for the Indian democracy. Action and reaction both, Reddy said, seeking a transparent inquiry into the Saradha and Rosevalley scams in which gullible investors had been allegedly duped.

On the coming Lok Sabha elections, he said no formal discussion had taken place on a possible alliance between the Left parties and the Congress in West Bengal. The CPI leader sought to know why Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who has proposed a federal front, was 'silent' on the developments in West Bengal. He criticised the TRS government in Telangana for not having a full-fledged cabinet though the government assumed office on December 13. Along with Rao, only Mohd Mehmood Ali had been sworn in as a minister.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Thursday, Feb 7, 2019. Also seen is Home Minister Rajnath Singh. (LSTV GRAB via PTI) (PTI2_7_2019_000187B)

Asserting that his government has reined in corruption to a great extent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said those who have looted the nation would continue to be scared of him.

In a 100-minute speech in Lok Sabha, he launched a stinging attack on the Congress, accusing its successive governments of indulging in corruption and harbouring the corrupt.

"I assure you, those who have looted the nation will continue to be scared of Narendra Modi," the PM said as he vowed to come down hard on those indulging in corruption and expressed confidence that his government will return to power in the coming general elections.

Referring to the Commonwealth Games of 2010, Modi said while the players were working hard to win medals for India, the event was an opportunity for a few in the Congress "to boost personal wealth".

He also said the extradition of some of the accused in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal was giving jitters to many in the opposition as "razdars' (those who keep secrets) were returning and will spill the beans.

He alleged that during the previous UPA regime, there have been instances when people availed loans from banks following phone calls from higher ups in the government.

"The phone banking of the UPA did wonders for the friends of their leaders. Due to such favouritism, our banking system witnessed many problems," the PM said in his reply to the motion of thanks to the President's address.

Referring to the action taken against thousands of NGOs who have been getting foreign funding but not utilising them properly, Modi said the NDA government has completely overhauled the process of foreign funding.

"We sought transparency in the process, but about 20,000 such organisations had to close down. Why was such money allowed to come in without accountability.

"The tried to influence decision-making process as well as judiciary," he said, and warned of action against more such entities.

He also attacked the Congress over price rise during its tenure.

"Price rise and Congress are a team. When Congress comes, so does price-rise. The NDA government has worked to keep prices under check," he said.
Women are dropping out of Indias workforce in droves. According to Business Standard, the National Sample Survey Offices (NSSO) latest job survey, which has led to much controversy as it is yet to be released by the government, shows a steep decline in female participation in the labour force.

The survey has found that only 23.3 percent of women aged 15 and above were part of the countrys workforce in 2017-18. Thats down from 31.2 per cent in the 2011-12 survey, while the proportion was as high as 42.7 percent in 2004-05. So the trend of women withdrawing from the Indian workforce has been around for quite some time.

Why are women dropping out? The Business Standard article says that the fall in female labour force participation has been in the rural areas. One reason could be more young women going in for education. But a 2017 paper by Niti Mehta and Smrutirekha Mohanty of the Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research found that the effect of education was not much.

They blame the trend on other factors and write, Employment structure in India has led to the polarization of skills such that women predominate in low paid, low skill work, both in rural and urban areas. They also found that during 2011-12 the decline in work participation was sharper for the poorest rather than the affluent segments of rural women and distinctively points to loss of job opportunities in agriculture/labour and absence of alternative avenues for employment for the displaced workers.

The 2011-12, the survey had found that in almost all the states the labour participation rate was higher among rural women than among urban. Since socio-cultural traditions are likely to be more repressive for women in rural areas, these factors cant account for the low urban participation. It could be due to two factors -- the income effect, as women withdraw from work when household income goes up, or a lack of suitable employment in urban India for women. The Business Standard article says that female labour participation rates in urban India have remained more or less the same as in 2011-12.

Increasing mechanisation of farming could be one reason for the drop in the female rural workforce -- womens participation in rural Punjab was one of the lowest in the 2011-12 survey.

But take a look at the accompanying chart, taken from World Bank indicators. The data has been obtained from model estimates of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and so are different from the NSSO data. The figure for labour force participation in the ILO data for 2018, for example, is higher than the NSSO number. Nevertheless, whats interesting is the ILO data show the female labour participation rate falling in India, while it has been going up in Bangladesh.

That is surprising, because Bangladesh is culturally no less conservative than India. It has, however, become a global hub of garment manufacturing in recent years and the workers in the garment factories are mostly women. Could it be that this boom in the garment manufacturing sector is what has led to the rise in the female workforce in Bangladesh?

Female labour participation is far higher in East Asian countries. In Vietnam, for instance, the female labour participation ratio is as high as 73 percent. In Malaysia it is 50 percent and in China it is 60 percent.

What is the effect of women dropping out of employment? The World Bank has said that high and rising female employment contribute to greater productivity growth and have been critical in sustaining East Asias high economic growth rates. At the World Economic Forum meet in Davos in 2018, IMF Chief Christine Lagarde had said that research indicated India could boost its economy by 27 per cent by raising womens participation in the workforce to the level of men. Perhaps even more importantly, women are empowered by being able to earn a living and it enables them to change repressive social practices.

Unless India is able to create decent work for women, it will be wasting half its labour power, to say nothing of the opportunities lost for millions of young women.
NTPC | Company reported higher standalone profit at Rs 3,504.8 crore in Q2FY21 against Rs 3,262.4 crore, revenue rose to Rs 24,677.1 crore from Rs 22,764.6 crore YoY. Company to buy back its shares worth Rs 2,275.7 crore.

The Union Cabinet on February 6 approved a proposal of the Power Ministry for higher allocation of electricity to the home state from under-construction projects of NTPC.

The proposal seeks to allocate 85 percent power to Telangana generated from Telangana Super Thermal Power Project (4000 MW) of NTPC and 85 per cent power from expansion project of Patratu Thermal Power Station (4000 MW) of Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL) to Jharkhand.

PVUNL is a subsidiary company of NTPC.

Both the projects are being set up in two phases. Phase-I of both the projects are under construction.

Telangana Super Thermal Power Project (TSTPP) will come up at Ramagundam in Peddapalli district while the Patratu Super Thermal Power Station will come at Patratu in Ramgarh district of Jharkhand.

The first phase of TSTPP will comprise two units of 800 MW each and second phase for three units of 800 MW each.

Patratu Thermal Power Station (PTPS) will comprise three units of 800 MW each in the first phase and two units 800 MW each in the second phase.

As per an official release, higher allocation of power to Telangana from TSTPP will ensure that the Central government has taken the necessary measures as enumerated in the 13th Schedule of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Higher allocation of power to Jharkhand from PTPS will also help in improving the power scenario of the state.

The Cabinet also accorded ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resource and Agriculture, Maldives.

The MoU was singed in December 2018 during the state visit of President of Maldives to India.

Another official release said the Cabinet has approved signing of agreement between the India and Ukraine for cooperation in agriculture and food industry.

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister also gave its nod for signing of an MoU between India and Malaysia for mutual cooperation to raise the status and prestige of the practicing company secretary in both countries, and to facilitate the movement of company secretaries across borders in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Army recorded 1,599 cases of ceasefire violations (CFV) along the Line of Control (LoC) and lost 20 personnel in 2018, the government said in the Lok Sabha on February 6. In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State in the Defence Ministry Subhash Bhamre said February 2018 recorded 223 cases of ceasefire violations, the highest in the year.

The first three months alone saw 633 cases of such violations, a quarter of the total instances in the year, he said.

Of the 20, the army lost 15 personnel in the first four months of 2018.

"Appropriate retaliation to the ceasefire violations, as required, has been carried out by the Indian Army. Also, all violations of ceasefire and infiltration were taken up with the Pakistan authorities at the appropriate level through the established mechanism of hotlines, flag meetings, Directorate Generals of Military Operations talks as well as diplomatic channels between the two countries," the minister said.

Responding to a separate question on terror attacks on army camps in Jammu and Kashmir, he said terrorists carried out one suicide attack at army camp Sunjuwan, in Jammu, on February 10, 2018, in which the force sustained six fatal and six non-fatal casualties.

The defence services, Bhamre said, have taken a number of actions, including risk categorisation of military bases, appraisal and upgradation of intelligence gathering capabilities, strengthening and streamlining of the response mechanism, acquiring Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), periodic security audit of all military installations etc.

"The army also carries out an in-depth analysis of the terrorist incidents and security breaches that are identified with various incidents. Perimeter security projects of all the three armed forces have been sanctioned by the government and many works for the strengthening of security infrastructure of defence establishments have been completed," he said.

Replying to another question on the amendment to the Cantonment Act, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said an expert committee has been constituted on 'Working of Cantonment Boards' and one of the terms of reference of the panel is "to study the existing Cantonments Act and make specific recommendations for suitably amending the Act to impart modernisation and democratisation of the governance structure of Cantonment Boards".
Flipkart Walmart

Sounak Mitra

Earlier this week, the Economic Times reported, quoting Morgan Stanley, that Walmart may consider exiting Flipkart thanks to the governments latest ecommerce norms that bars online retailers from operating an inventory-led model. Flipkart CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy refuted the report in an internal communication to employees.

Without getting into the argument of whether Walmart is seriously considering exiting its largest acquisition so far or not, lets try to understand why the worlds largest retailer would contemplate such a move. Theoretically, it can exit, but it makes no sense.

There are three key reasons why.

First, Walmart paid a huge $16 billion (around Rs 1 trillion) to buy 77 percent of Flipkart in May 2018 amid protests from millions of small traders across the country. It would be silly to assume that Walmart concluded its largest acquisition without thinking of all possible, even hypothetical, scenarios that it may have to deal with. In any case, India isnt a new market for Walmart. It has been dealing with unfavourable regulations since 2007. It went through different cycles, partnered with local companies and even changed partners for its wholesale business. Now the wholesale business is profitable too.

Second, if Walmart decided to exit now, itll have to say goodbye at a loss. Flipkarts value has drastically dropped after the new ecommerce norms were enforced. Morgan Stanley estimates that Flipkarts losses may widen by 20-25 percent following these new rules. A huge negative impact on Walmarts global balance sheet will make its shareholders unhappy.

Third, even if Walmart gets to a desperate situation when it is left with no option but exit Flipkart investment, who will buy it?

The reality is, Walmart will have a tough time finding a buyer. No foreign retail firm, or investor, will bite. Thats because, Flipkarts scope for growth has been curtailed with the new ecommerce norms as long it is owned by foreign companies.

The only option for Walmart would be then to find an Indian company to buy Flipkart. That wont be easy too. First, there are not many of them who could pay that much money for an acquisition. Second, those who have money may not be interested to get into a business that is known for burning cash. Third, those who have the ambition of making it big in ecommerce have already established a sizeable presence.

Morgan Stanley cited Amazons decision in 2018 to exit China realising its struggle to deal with local policies to argue that Walmart may exit Flipkart. But Amazon and Walmart are different animals.

Walmart has always operated in a different style and opted for a long-term stay. Walmart entered China in 1996 and been fighting against odds since then. But it did not leave. Its unlikely that India would be different because of the same reason that made Walmart stay in China  untapped opportunity. As India Brand Equity Foundation projected, Indias ecommerce sector is likely to cross $200 billion revenue by 2026, from $38 billion in 2017.

Even Amazon is trying out ways to stay. It has reportedly restructured Cloudtails shareholding by bringing down its equity participation to 24 percent. With this Cloudtail ceases to be a group company of Amazon and it may be allowed to continue as a seller on Amazon and other ecommerce market places. But, it does not completely resolve the issue.

The notification (Press Note 2) states in Clause V that an entity having equity participation by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, or having control on its inventory by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, will not be permitted to sell its products on the platform run by such marketplace entity. As Amazon still holds 24 percent in Cloudtail, it may not pass the bar. However, Cloudtail can operate as a seller on other ecommerce marketplaces.

If Walmart hopes to follow the Amazon theory, it may not have much leverage. In any case, the final ecommerce policy is yet to be released. For now, it will be wait and watch for both companies.
Source: PTI

The Supreme Court Thursday refused to grant for now the 'pressure cooker' symbol to TTV Dhinakaran-led Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) but allowed the Election Commission to decide the issue as per a 2018 Delhi High Court order.

The top court vacated its order of abeyance on the high court's interim order of March 9, 2018 by which it had directed the Election Commission of India to allot a common symbol, preferably that of a 'pressure cooker', and a name to the then AIADMK (Amma) faction led by Dhinakaran.

A bench of justices A M Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi said since the matter was pending before the high court for final adjudication, there was no just reason as to why the interim arrangement of allotting 'pressure cooker' symbol by the poll panel ought not to continue.

"In other words, the Election Commission shall process the application preferred by the political group represented by respondent No.1 TTV Dhinakaran (writ petitioner) and respondent No.3 - VK Sasikala in terms of the interim order of the High Court dated March 9, 2018 and take it to its logical conclusion expeditiously," the bench said.

It said since the hearing on the pending petition before the high court has almost reached the final stage, it would be appropriate to mould the reliefs.

"If the writ petition is not finally disposed of by the division bench of the High Court within four weeks from today, the ECI shall process the application of the group represented by respondent No.1 (Dhinakaran) in terms of the directions given by the High Court vide interim order dated March 9, 2018 and issue appropriate directions within two weeks therefrom (i.e., four weeks plus two weeks, from today)," it said.

The bench further said if before the expiry of six weeks period the EC issues any notification for bypolls for vacant assembly seats in Tamil Nadu or the parliamentary elections, the poll panel shall pass appropriate directions as per the high court's order.

It said that the poll panel should issue the directions, within one week from the date of notification and in any case, before the date notified for filing of the nominations, whichever is earlier.

The court's direction came on the application filed by Dhinakaran on January 2 in which he had said that notification for by-election to fill up the vacant assembly constituency of Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu has been issued on December 31, 2018 and the date of polling has been fixed for January 28.

Later, the by-election to Thiruvarur seat was rescinded by a notification issued by the EC on January 6.

Dhinakaran had sought the court's direction to the EC for allocating his group a common symbol preferably 'pressure cooker' as was allotted to them last year during the bypolls of the R K Nagar constituency in the state.

Dealing with the question of maintainability of application, the bench said pendency of writ petition before the high court would certainly be no impediment for the parties to approach the top court in light of the liberty granted to them on March 28, last year.

"In the peculiar fact situation of this case, we cannot direct respondent No.1 (Dhinakaran) to go back to the High Court for the relief claimed in this application because similar relief was already considered by the single judge of the high court vide order dated March 9, 2018 in favour of the group," it said and added that this order of the high court has not been independently challenged by the poll panel before this court.

The bench said the real question is whether a faction, represented by Dhinakaran and Sasikala which claims to be the real party having support of majority of the members at the time of initiation of the dispute before the ECI, ought to be compelled to first register itself as a political party and then set up its claim for a reserved symbol.

It said that the high court had deemed it appropriate to issue directions to allot common symbol to the faction represented by Dhinakaran in different constituencies, where they would nominate candidates to contest in the ensuing elections.

The bench said that to ensure a level playing field in the political sphere for the concerned factions, the court can pass appropriate directions especially when no real prejudice would be caused to any other party and the claim regarding which faction is the real party has still not attained finality.

"Indeed, allotment of an election symbol cannot be claimed as a fundamental right as much as contesting election is not... It is a statutory right. It is also well settled that the Election Commission has plenary powers and could exercise the same to ensure free and fair elections," it said.

The bench said that it has no hesitation in agreeing with the view of high court that for doing justice and protecting the interests of all concerned and to uphold the democratic principles, including for ensuring free and fair elections, it would be just and proper to continue the interim arrangement of allotment of a common name and symbol till the pendency of the case.

The high court had on March 9, last year year passed the order on a plea of Dhinakaran challenging an EC order of November 23, 2017 allotting 'two leaves' symbol to the group headed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami.
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Share price of Vodafone Idea rose 10 percent intraday Thursday despite company's net loss widened in the quarter ended December 2018.

The company's consolidated Q3FY19 net loss was at Rs 5,004.6 crore against loss of Rs 4,973.8 crore in Q2FY19.

Revenue was up 53.5 percent at Rs 11,764.8 crore versus Rs 7,663.6 crore.

Operating profit or EBITDA at Rs 1,136.8 crore, while margin at 9.7 percent.

The average revenue per user (ARPU) at Rs 89 against Rs 88, QoQ.

Deutsch Bank has maintained buy call on the stocks with target at Rs 70 per share.

The merger is progressing with positive revenue outlook and cost synergies. The results should allay some of the investor concerns, said Deutsch Bank.

The revenue declined has slowed but trending up in December 2018 and January 2019.

CLSA has maintained sell call on Vodafone Idea with target at Rs 25 per share.

This is an encouraging start by the merge company as the revenue and EBITDA surprised positively, said CLSA.

The positive surprise was led by minimum ARPU plans, while forecast EBITDA to rise over 4x during FY19-21, it said.

At 11:56 hrs Vodafone Idea Limited was quoting at Rs 32.30, up Rs 2.50, or 8.39 percent on the BSE.
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Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman and Managing Director (MD) Mukesh Ambani on February 7 said Reliance Jio has become the largest investor in the digital space in West Bengal.

Speaking at the 2019 Bengal Global Business Summit, Ambani said: Bengal was the cradle of industrialisation in India over a century ago. Now, the time has come for your state to become a leader to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Jio had rolled out world-class infrastructure with bouquet of affordable services to help rapid adoption of the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Ambani said.

Ambani highlighted that Reliances investment of Rs 28,000 crore in West Bengal accounts to about one-tenth of the conglomerates total investments in India so far. RILs investment in the state was Rs 4,500 crore in 2016, he said.

Jio has thus become the largest investor in the digital space in this state, he added. The RIL Chairman said the conglomerate is planning to further invest over Rs 10,000 crore.

Ambani announced that 100 percent of the states population is likely to be covered with the Jio network by the end of 2019.

Also read: Full Text | Mukesh Ambani says India will become 3rd largest economy with a GDP of over $10 trillion

For Jio, digital rejuvenation of rural markets is a priority. Jio has close to 1 lakh active Business Partners across Bengal. Now, in yet another unique initiative, we have set up Jio Points as a direct distribution channel in deep rural markets, to cater to the growing rural market and each and every village in West Bengal, he said.

With these Jio Points, we will have brick and mortar presence in every tehsil of the state to serve every single village. As we speak today, 350 Jio Points are already operational and we will target a 1,000 by the end of the year, he added.

Reliance Industries Ltd, which owns Jio, is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd.
In a major overhaul of the equity holding structures of financial conglomerates, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is said to be looking at a holding company model for banks.

The move is expected soon and will entail guidelines on banks current exposure to their subsidiaries, which encompass businesses like investment banking, mutual funds, insurance, broking, credit cards, among others, Business Standard reported.

This will result in cleaner holding structures within banking groups and ring-fence banks from change in the fortunes of subsidiaries, the report suggests.

The proposed move will also give subsidiaries a breather from the capital constrains of their parent bank and will free up bank boards from the hassle of managing these subsidiaries.

Indian banks currently follow a flat structure with the main bank followed by various arms: insurance, broking, asset management, etc.

In the proposed model, RBI suggests a financial holding company (FHC) with the main banking division as a subsidiary, which in turn will have other banking arms, thus cutting down on regulatory overlaps as they all report to the banking regulator. Other subsidiaries like investment banking, asset management, insurance etc will now be arms of the FHC, the newspaper report suggests.

The move comes at a time when a number of state-run banks are hiving off their non-banking ventures to raise capital. The RBI move, if implemented, could lead to further consolidation in the financial space.

It (new norms) will lead to cleaner within banking groups. The bank will not sit on the top of its subsidiaries and as an investor you will have better visibility of what you are getting into, the report quoted a source as saying, adding that the FHC and its one-drop subsidiaries can be listed.

As per the report, it will be up to the FHC to infuse capital in its arms, thus protecting it from the direct impact of losses in subsidiaries when the consolidated accounts are prepared.
After he was indicted, Sauer turned himself in last month and was released after posting 10 percent of his bail, which was set at $30,000. Terms of his bond include no contact with the alleged victims and no use of social media.
Abhishek Bondia

Last month, I attended a conference organised by a health insurer. During a panel discussion, the founder of a large broker shared his personal experience of making a health insurance claim in the US.

He said that when the doctor gave the green signal for discharge, his family was free to go.

"I did not have to wait for a TPA desk to send a discharge summary, insurer to ask questions, the hospital to answer, and finally haggle over deductions. I could just pick up my bag and leave," he said.

In contrast, the discharge in Indian hospitals is difficult. Patients wait between 3 to 6 hours for approvals to come in. Sometimes, patients give up, pay the hospital and leave only to go through a long claim reimbursement process later.

The panel deliberated a few interesting and some contentious issues. But all had a common view. We are meant to serve as a bridge between the policyholder, care receiver, the hospital and care giver.

After the panel discussion, I spoke to many executives for their assessment of how industry fares on serving as this 'bridge' between insurers and patients.

There were two camps.

The incumbents felt that the Indian market has unique challenges and it is wishful to aspire for international service quality. In their view, cashless claims itself have been a breakthrough. Insurers get discounted packages from hospitals and save costs. Patients do not pay out-of-pocket. And, the network hospital gets a loyal patient base. A win-win. The incumbents felt that, If only the government could be a little more supportive, health insurance penetration would increase.

The challengers, felt differently. They said that insurance penetration is only 44% in India compared to 99% in the US. Most of the current market is government funded or mandated. The proportion of voluntary private health insurance is low. The cashless process has seen limited improvements in the last decade. The communication between a TPA desk at the hospital and insurer is slow and sequential. There are many anecdotes of over-charging insured patients. Reimbursement claims that form half of overall claims delivers a worse experience. Rejections, delay and deductions are common. Mistrust of patients has led to increased checks and balances by the insurer. This frustrates genuine claimants. Challengers feel that a positive claim experience will set a virtuous cycle in motion and drive insurance penetration.

The good news is that several insurers and service providers belong to the challengers' camp. There are several ideas being discussed in the industry where the patients experience can improve dramatically.

Fixed benefit product design for health insurance can address several friction areas of a claim. In a fixed benefit product, occurrence of the insured event, such as hospitalization or diagnosis of a specified illness, itself renders a claim payable. The amounts are pre-fixed. So, there is no ambiguity around deductions. Settlement can happen instantly. Hospital cash is a type of fixed benefit product that is currently available. However, its drawback is low cash payout. Most current products have a payout between Rs 2,000 to 4,000 for each day of hospitalisation. This is inadequate to cover medical expenses in metros. At least Rs 10,000 per day is required to cover direct medical expenses and incidentals.

The claims process for existing products can be digitised. A minor appendix operation costs around Rs 20,000 while a heart surgery is ten times more expensive. For most insurers, the process of reimbursement or cashless is identical for both claims. To make this process easier, especially for small value claims, auto adjudication should happen. Original claim documents can be marked by the policyholder and scanned. Insurers should process the claim based on scanned copies. This saves time, effort and money of patients. Investigation can happen at random and after settlement. A person who makes a claim appreciates the value of insurance even more.

There are over ten million health claims each year, in itself an opportunity to build confidence in health insurance. The risk of policy cancellation and loss of continuity benefits are substantive deterrents to filing fraudulent small value claims. A few insurers have rolled out controlled initiatives in this direction.

Finally, there has to be deeper integration between insurers and hospitals. The patient should be able to walk out of the hospital immediately after treatment. Settlement between hospital and insurer should happen without holding a patient hostage. This can be done by a combination of physical and virtual concierges dedicated to a limited number of hospitals. A pilot on these lines is underway with a closed hospital-network.

Aside from physical distress to the patient, health issues create mental trauma for both the patient and her family. Being at hospital, surrounded by illness, is unpleasant.Insurers have to be empathetic towards patient needs and work to simplify claim settlement. A quick discharge and early payout will help mitigate this stress for policyholders. It is this peace of mind that insurance is meant to provide.

(The writer is co-founder and principal officer, SecureNow.in, a Delhi-based insurance broking firm)
We are in the last phase of the September quarter earnings season, and the results announced by the BSE 500 companies so far have shown signs of a sharp recovery, as compared to the June quarter, when the economic activity in the country was compromised due to lockdown in various regions. From the BSE 500 list, 216 companies have announced their September quarter results so far. We excluded banking and financial companies. Along with the index stocks we also analyse each sector quarterly earnings. (Data Source: ACE Equity)

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Tyre major MRF on Thursday reported 18 per cent decline in standalone net profit at Rs 279.26 crore for December quarter 2018, hit by increase in overall expenses during the period.

The company had reported a net profit of Rs 340.51 crore in October-December 2017-18.

Revenue from operations however rose to Rs 4,033.76 crore for the latest quarter as compared with Rs 3,798.82 crore in the year-ago period, MRF said in a regulatory filing.

Total expenses in the third quarter 2018-19 increased to Rs 3,750.25 crore from Rs 3,331.14 crore in the same period a year ago.

The company's board, which met Thursday, also recommended an interim dividend of Rs 3 per share.

MRF stock was trading 0.24 per cent down at Rs 59,910.05 on BSE.
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Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on February 7 said he is not aware of any specific consolidation proposal for state-run banks.

This clarification comes on the back of a media report which said the government is planning to merge Punjab National Bank (PNB), Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) and Punjab & Sind Bank (P&SB).

"An inter-ministerial group (called Alternative Mechanism) under Union Minister Arun Jaitley will take a final call on this plan. The (merger) option is on the table but whether the government is going to bite the bullet ahead of polls and announce amalgamation or choose to wait is yet to be seen," a source told Financial Express.

Post-merger, the entity will have a combined business of over Rs 16.5 lakh crore, deposits of Rs 9.6 lakh crore and advances of close to Rs 7 lakh crore, the report stated, adding that this entity will become the second biggest public sector bank, pipping the recently merged Bank of Baroda, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank.

On February 5, PNB reported a surprise net profit of Rs 246.5 crore for the December quarter. This implies a jump of 7 percent from Rs 230 crore that the bank posted during the same quarter of last year.

In the case of OBC, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on January 31 removed it from its weak-bank watch list, a move that will lift lending restrictions on it. A days prior, aided by a tax write back of Rs 2,862.44 crore, the bank posted a net profit of Rs 144.96 crore for Q3 FY19 versus a net loss of Rs 1,985.42 crore in the same quarter of last year.

For four quarters in a row, P&SB has been posting losses.

The government has been on M&A spree buoyed by is successful experience of merging State Bank of India with five of its subsidiaries and Bharatiya Mahila Bank, and the amalgamation of Bank of Baroda, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank. The Centre aims to create a few but strong banks with much larger balance sheets to support the rising demand for credit and for optimum utilisation of resources.

However, the report quoted a source saying that despite an improvement in their finances, PNB, OBC and P&SB are "not out of the woods yet, so the government may choose to wait until their recovery takes root".
Answer: Tata Motors

Brokerages believe the company is likely to post steady numbers for domestic business.

The company is due to declare results on February 7, 2019.

Here is a gist of what brokerages anticipate from results.

Brokerage: Reliance Securities | Profit: Rs 1143.7 crore

Standalone volume grew by 1 percent YoY, while JLR volume fell by 4.4 percent YoY, which will drag the companys consolidated revenues and earnings. INR depreciation against the GBP will inflate reported sales and operating profit. Also, depreciation at JLR is on rising trend due to higher capex.

Brokerage: Motilal Oswal | Profit: Rs

Consolidated revenues are estimated to grow 4.5 percent YoY (+7.4 percent) QoQ), with EBITDA margin contracting 70bp YoY to 10.8 percent.

JLRs net realisation is expected to increase by 1.8 percent YoY (+0.2 percent QoQ). JLRs EBITDA margin would contract 20bp YoY (+160 bp QoQ) to 10.7 percent. We expect PAT of GBP 35 mn (v/s loss of GBP 101 mn in 2QFY19 and profit of GBP 89 mn in 3QFY18).

Key issues to watch

Current demand trends for JLR and outlook for key markets.

Demand trend in domestic markets and new product launch.

Impact of forex hedge loss.

Brokerage: Edelweiss | Profit: Rs 715.7 crore

The brokerage expects consolidated revenue growth of 6 percent YoY, as the India business continues to remain robust. We expect consolidated operating margins to improve sequentially by 110bps to 9.2 percent due to an improvement in the India and JLR businesses

Brokerage: Kotak Institutional Equities | Profit: Rs 1,1510 crore

The brokerage expects standalone revenues to decline by 1 percent YoY due to flattish volumes and a marginal decline in ASPs (lower mix of higher tonnage MHCV volumes).

We build in a standalone EBITDA margin of 5.6 percent in 3QFY19 (7.9 percent in 2QFY19 and 8 percent in 3QFY18); YoY decline is due to higher commodity prices, weaker mix and negative operative leverage, analysts at the firm wrote in their report.

It sees reported EBITDA margin to improve by 180 bps YoY due to lower hedging losses and the company's cost reduction efforts.

Brokerage: ICICI Securities | Profit: Rs 486 crore

The broking firm expects challenging times to continue at Tata Motors amidst nearly flat volumes in the domestic business (1.72 lakh units) and likely 7.4 percent decline in volumes at JLR (1.47 lakh units). At JLR, with a focus on cost control, we expect EBITDA margins to improve 40 bps QoQ to 9.5 percent. On a consolidated basis, sales in Q3FY19 are expected at Rs 78,340 crore, up 6.7 percent YoY.

EBITDA is expected at Rs 8,614 crore (EBITDA margins at 10.9 percent, flat QoQ).

Brokerage: Prabhudas Lilladher | Profit: Rs 875.7 crore

Standalone domestic volumes over Q3FY19 were flat YoY / down ~10 percent QoQ. Further, on account of higher discounting in the industry, we expect standalone margins to be at 7.3 percent, down 120 bps YoY as well as QoQ.
In December quarter, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) increased their total ownership in top 75 companies by 15 bps on a quarter-on-quarter basis. This compared to a 40 bps fall seen in the September quarter.

They also raised stake in the broader market by 36 bps for the December quarter, Morgan Stanley said in a note.

The report by the global investment bank further added that by the end of the quarter, domestic mutual funds (DMF) had raised their stake in equities to 7.4 percent  highest level in history. At the aggregate market level, FPIs upped their stake by 36 bps to 19.1 percent.

In terms of sectors, financials emerged as the biggest 'overweight' for FPIs (vs MSCI India index). And domestic mutual funds (DMFs) and domestic institutions (DFIs) were 'overweight' on consumer staples space compared to the Nifty index.

Both DMFs and DFIs are 'underweight' on the Financials sector compared to the Nifty index.

During the quarter, FPIs added positions in four sectors with most additions seen in consumer discretionary and financials (the O/W positioning fell to a 2-quarter low in 3Q18) sectors while they increased their 'underweight' position in communication services and consumer staples, added the Morgan Stanley report.

The report further added that at the end of the quarter, financials space appears to be the only and the largest 'overweight' for FPIs. Energy and consumer staples sectors are the largest 'underweight' for FPIs.

FPIs poured the maximum money into HDFC, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank, and reduced positions in Reliance Industries (largest U/W).

Domestic mutual funds (DMFs), the largest buyers of Indian stocks during the quarter, also added the most positions in ICICI Bank and Axis Bank, and reduced positions in ITC (their largest OW).

Financials and consumer discretionary are their most preferred sectors and we like ICICI Bank, MSIL, HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, SBI and L&T, added the report.

In the December quarter, DMFs raised their stakes in equities by 65 bps - this is the highest QoQ change since 2001. Similarly, the Indian public made a comeback during the quarter and raised their stakes by 45bps - highest QoQ change since Jun-09, said the report.

The views and investment tips expressed by investment expert on Moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Axita Cotton | Company received order of $3,30,693 from Maksons Spinning Mills and $2,67,199.94 from CRC Textile Mills, Bangladesh. (Image: Reuters)

India's cotton imports are likely to jump 80 percent from a year ago as production could fall to the lowest level in nine years due to low rainfall in key growing region, a senior industry official told Reuters on Thursday.

Higher imports by the world's biggest cotton producer could support global prices, trading near their lowest in more than a year. The drop in Indian supplies could help rivals such as the United States, Brazil and Australia increase cargoes to key Asian buyers such as China, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

"The production is not sufficient to fulfil local consumption. From March onwards imports will pick up," said Atul Ganatra, president of the Cotton Association of India (CAI).

The country could import 2.7 million bales in 2018/19 marketing year ending on September 30, up from 1.5 million bales a year ago, he said.

Spinning mills have imported 548,000 bales by the end of January out of total contracts of 1 million bales signed so far in the current marketing year, Ganatra said.

India imports cotton mainly from the United States, Brazil and Egypt.

"Due to dry weather farmers were forced to uproot plants early. They couldn't go for third and fourth picking," he said.

Rains in Gujarat and Maharashtra, which account for more than half of India's cotton production, were nearly a quarter below normal during the June-September monsoon season in 2018.

India is likely to produce 33 million bales in the current season, down from earlier estimate of 33.5 million bales and last year's output of 36.5 million bales, CAI estimates.

The drop in output is likely to lead to lower cotton shipments from India.

India's exports could fall 27.5 percent from a year ago to 5 million bales, the lowest level in a decade, Ganatra said.

In June, traders were expecting India to export as much as 10 million bales amid strong demand from China due to the trade dispute between Beijing and Washington.

Trade bodies have been reducing cotton production estimates for the current season due to low rainfall and as pest attacks curtail per-hectare yields.

Indian farmers have adopted genetically-modified seeds known as Bt cotton that are resistant to bollworms but it hasn't stopped infestations. Pink boll worms consume the fibre and seeds inside a cotton plant's boll, or fruit, and yields fall.
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Hindustan Construction Company on Thursday posted a 68.3 per cent decline in standalone net profit at Rs 9.91 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 31.31 crore in the year-ago period, HCC said in a filing to BSE.

Total income during October-December 2018 fell to Rs 1,125.9 crore from Rs 1,293.01 crore in the year-ago period.

"We have infused substantial liquidity and strengthened our working capital position despite tight credit conditions across the economy, and particularly within the infrastructure sector," Director and Group CEO Arjun Dhawan said,

HCC is looking at multiple avenues to mitigate risks arising from lengthy working capital lockups, he further said. The company's gross debt reduced to Rs 3,490 crore as on December 31, 2018, from Rs 3,844 crore in the year-ago period. The order backlog stands at Rs 18,213 crore.

During the quarter, HCC successfully concluded rights issue of equity shares amounting to Rs 497.6 crore.

The promoter group's stake in the company has increased to 34.34 per cent till date from 27.80 per cent prior to the rights issue, it said.

In line with its strategy to shed non-core business assets, HCC has concluded the sale of Charosa Wineries to Quintela Assets.
Representative Image

A 26-year-old software engineer was beaten up and looted by drunk locals in Kadugodi in Bengaluru allegedly for speaking in Malayalam.

The investigation is on to establish if this was simply a case of hooliganism.

On January 26, Abhijeet was on his way to pay a visit to his brother Abilash, who had just moved to Chandragiri BDA Apartments, near Doddabannahalli Road.

It was quite late in the night, so he asked about the exact location of the residence, instead of wandering around in the dark. Abhijeet called up his brother who readily agreed to come and pick him up.

Hearing him speak to Abilash in Malayalam, a group of inebriated locals approached him and ended up attacking him as per a report from Bangalore Mirror. The police are investigating whether

Abhijeet was hit with two beer bottles on his head and neck and was robbed of his cellphone and wallet too.

Luckily, during the attack, Abilash was just 500 metres away and rushed to rescue his brother. However, by the time he reached the spot, the gang had dispersed.

Instead of chasing the miscreants, the techies brother rushed him to a nearby hospital and met patrolling cops on the way and described their ordeal to them.

Abhijeet had to undergo surgery but is in a stable condition now.

The Kadugodi police took cognisance of the case and a complaint was lodged after recording the statement of the victim. The attackers haven't been caught as yet and the investigation is underway.
Indian cities are powering ahead of western urban cities in terms of annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth. All the top 10 fastest-growing cities by GDP between 2019 and 2035 will be in India, claims the Global Cities Report 2018 by research institute Oxford Economics.

Surat, a major diamond trading and processing centre, tops the list. The city, which also has a strong IT sector, will see an average annual GDP growth rate of 9.2 percent from 2019 to 2035.

Next on the list is Agra followed by Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Other cities in the top 10 ranks include Nagpur, Tirupur, Rajkot, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai and Vijayawada.

The study looked at 780 cities and estimated that the worlds major urban economies will grow by 2.8 percent a year.

Slideshow: Top 10 fastest growing cities in the world are in India: Find out which is number 1

Its authors say cities will drive growth of the global economy, which they project will expand by 2.6 percent per year.

"By 2035, the combined GDP of Indian cities will still be very small compared with Chinese (or indeed, North American and European) cities. However, in terms of GDP growth, it is Indian cities that are the star performers in our forecast," Richard Holt, Head of Global Cities Research at Oxford Economics, is quoted as saying in the report.

Here are the factors that are pushing the growth of these cities:

In its latest economic forecast, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the Indian economy is set to grow faster than China in 2019 at 7.5 percent versus 6.2 percent for the latter. This comes even as IMF cut its world economic growth forecasts for 2019 and 2020 due to weakness in Europe and some emerging markets.

Read: DATA STORY | India set to grow at a fast pace but here are its 3 biggest long-term challenges

India now makes up 15 percent of global growth, fuelled by reforms, foreign investment and strong domestic demand. However, with a favourable demographic profile and a large and growing consumer market, India is likely to be the most compelling growth story of the decade.

Source: World Economic Forum

Owing to a number of reforms and policies, India has been improving its performance in a number of global rankings. For instance, India leapfrogged to the 77th rank in the World Bank's 2018 Ease of Doing Business rankings, jumping 23 notches from the preceding year.

Read: Ease of Doing Business: India jumps 23 spots to 77th rank in World Bank's latest report

The report recognised India as one of the top 10 improvers of the year for the second successive time. India became the only large country in 2018 to have achieved such a significant shift.

The country ranks 58th out of 140 economies in the World Economic Forums latest Global Competitiveness Report, up five places from 2017.

It scores particularly strongly in innovation capability. However, corruption is still an issue hampering businesses, along with difficulty in accessing finance and high tax rates.

The government has taken various initiatives to improve confidence and boost growth. It has taken measures to boost manufacturing and brought in comprehensive reforms in its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy. It also announced a special package for the textile industry, pushed infrastructure development by giving infrastructure status to affordable housing and is focusing on coastal connectivity.
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The Avendus India ESG Fund made its maiden investment on February 1, marking the first time a fund of this kind has been launched in India.

ESG stands for environment, social and governance.

The fund will invest $1 billion and takes into account India's top 100 companies by market capitalisation.

"We hope to raise the money in the next one year," Abhay Laijawala, the Fund Manager and Managing Director, Avendus Capital Public Markets Alternate Strategies, told Moneycontrol.

The list of 100 companies is filtered to 50. "The list is further shortened to 25 companies after we do a fundamental evaluation of the firms," said Chief Executive Officer Andrew Holland.

"Everyone is moving towards governance. Especially given the developments of the past six months," he added, talking about the scope of the fund.

Corporate governance issues have plagued some of the most well known Indian companies, including ICICI Bank, Yes Bank, Axis Bank, Sun Pharma and IL&FS. The new fund hopes to give a differentiated opportunity to investors looking for companies that comply with sustainability standards.

While a new concept in India, the ESG concept has found a taking internationally. Studies say 26 percent of total assets globally are managed under sustainable responsible investing. This amounts to $22.9 trillion, up from $13.6 trillion in 2012.

Earlier this month, three ex-Tata Group veterans, along with Ajit Dayal's Quantum Advisors, announced the formation of India's second ESG fund, which will also invest $1 billion in Indian companies. The fund will focus on mid-cap companies.

Difference in evaluation

"There is a critical difference between the traditional way of evaluating companies and the ESG framework," said Laijawala.

"Traditionally, it is about companies and their shareholders. But under the ESG framework, it's about all stakeholders - shareholders, employees, regulators, suppliers and customers. When you do an analysis of a company based on this, you are capturing the risk factors; and at the same time, looking at opportunities that may not reflect in valuation done the traditional way," he added.

The Fund has tied up with Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS), an independent rankings advisor, who has put in place a ranking framework covering ESG principles.

"We have looked at several reporting guidelines. And have identified certain criteria and how to measure each one of them, and have a scoring mechanism," said Amit Tandon, Managing Director of IiAS.

Citing an example, Tandon explained: "For instance, we may look at a company's waste management policy. Does it have a policy, does it disclose information? If they have a policy, then it's fine. If they dont, then they score zero. The other part is to look at the efficacy."

Seventy percent of the investors will come from overseas and will include pension funds. "In India, the investors will include high net worth individuals, family offices and corporate treasuries...On offshore, we expect the first investments to come in by April," said Holland.

The Fund will be benchmarked against the Nifty 100. Its advisory board includes former RBI deputy governor Rakesh Mohan.
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Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd is seeking liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through a term contract and gasoline via a spot deal in a rare move as it looks to plug a supply gap, an industry source who tracks oil products said on Thursday.

In tender documents seen by Reuters, two separate tenders showed the refiner which operates refineries in Kochi and Mumbai was looking to buy a total of 440,000 tonnes of LPG for April 1, 2019 to March 2020 arrival at Dahej/Haldia or Dahej/Mangalore and 35,000 tonnes of 91.5-octane grade gasoline for March 1-12 arrival at Kochi.

BPCL does not regularly import gasoline as India is a net exporter of petrol.

Neither does BPCL seek LPG through term contracts, although it buys spot cargoes as the country is net short of the fuel.

But growing demand could have prompted the refiner to do so, the source added.

India's import of LPG, a product used for cooking among other purposes, hit 12.15 million tonnes in 2018, up by about 2.19 percent versus 2017, official data showed.

India's gasoline exports in 2018 at 13.15 million tonnes on the other hand were at its lowest in more than five years.

However the market remains flooded with gasoline supplies across regions of Singapore, the United States and Europe.

BPCL's gasoline tender will close on February 12 while the LPG tender will close on February 15.
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Aurobindo Pharma, India's second largest drug maker's net profit rose 19.7 percent to Rs 712.2 crore in the third quarter ended December on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, beating analyst estimates.

The drug makers net profit stood at Rs 595 crore for the same quarter in the previous year, aided by its strong performance in the US, Europe and emerging markets, and its active pharmaceutical ingredients business. A favorable foreign exchange also added to its profits, with a net forex gain of Rs 50.5 crore.

Total income rose 21.5 percent to Rs 5,269.7 crore in Q3FY19 compared to previous year's Rs 4,336.1 crore.

Analysts were expecting a net profit of around Rs 650 crore and revenues at Rs 5000 crore.

The EBITDA margin for the quarter was 20.6 percent.

Sales of formulations or generic drugs, which contribute little over four-fifths of Aurobindo Pharma's total revenue, grew 21.8 percent to Rs 4,347.8 crore in Q3FY19, compared with Rs 3,570.2 crore in the year-ago period.

The US formulation business contributed 46.2 percent to the total revenue and grew 27.4 percent to Rs 2,433.2 crore.

The European Union formulations business contributed 24.5 percent of total revenue and grew 10.3 percent to Rs 1,292.8 crore on YoY basis in Q3FY19.

Sales from the rest-of-the-world grew 36.1 percent to Rs 340.5 crore, accounting for 6.5 percent of revenues.

The company's Research and Development (R&D) spend was at Rs 254.6 crore, which is 4.8 percent of its revenues. It has launched seven products, including two injectables, during the quarter.

Sales of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), the key raw materials that go into the production of drugs, rose 20.4 percent to Rs 921.7 crore.

The antiretroviral (ARV) business jumped 17.8 percent to Rs 281.3 crore during the quarter.

ARVs used in the treatment of HIV-AIDS contributes about 5.3 percent of Aurobindos gross sales.

We have delivered a robust revenue growth of 22 percent, driven by strong growth across all business segments and markets. Gross profit could have been better, but for certain one-time expenses," said N Govindarajan, managing director of the company.

The company reported an exceptional item of Rs 25 crore related to an acquisition.

"Our execution strength, pipeline evolution and recent acquisitions will drive the future growth, Govindarajan added.

During the third quarter, the company filed 10 abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) with the USFDA including four ANDAs for injectable products. The company received final approval for 14 ANDAs and tentative approval for one ANDA.

On a cumulative basis, the company received 397 ANDA approvals from the USFDA.

The results were announced after market hours.

Shares of Aurobindo rose 2.38 percent to close at Rs 778.75 on BSE, while the benchmark remained flat at 36,971.09 points.
In his email newsletter, Suffredin wrote that the City of Evanston should not wait with bated breath for a decision by five Commissioners in Clackamas County, Oregon or allow our Citys course to be determined by the vagaries of the Pacific Northwest employment market. There is no succession plan, no timetable, and there has been no public discussion. We have a responsibility to put Evanstons future above all else.
Drivers can also use the Park Evanston mobile parking app to pay for parking, according to the press release, which already can be used with the single-space meter parking. A 35-cent convenience fee will be applied to parking charges paid using the mobile app, and will be waived if drivers stay for the maximum allowed time for the block.
A: My friend Lucy had participated in the program and went to Mexico. It looked like a lot of fun. I looked at the various locations, and I saw one for Costa Rica. The program involved helping the sea turtles and preserving their habitat.
US Middle East policy is becoming increasingly confusing, as Donald Trump assured his coalition allies that 100 percent of Islamic State will be defeated next week. However, the military has warned it remains a real danger.

Representatives of a 79-member, US-led coalition fighting Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) gathered in Washington on Wednesday, eager to hear Donald Trumps vision of combating terrorism in the Middle East. The president lavished praise on US troops, but coalition members heard almost nothing that was new.

Further into his speech, Trump claimed that our coalition partners and the Syrian Democratic Forces have liberated virtually all of the territory previously held by ISIS in Syria and Iraq. What he forgot to explain, however, is that the predominantly Kurdish SDF is controlling parts of northern Syria  but not the rest of the country.

Also on rt.com Trump cheers troop pullout... Pentagon says pull the other one

The major cities of Aleppo, Palmyra, Homs and others were in fact liberated by Syrian government forces. That aside, there were numerous damning reports that the SDF actually met no resistance when entering IS-controlled areas. Other reports suggested US Special Forces and hardware were spotted at Islamic State positions.

Trump claimed that it should be formally announced sometime probably next week that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate. His subordinates, however, were more cautious when talking about the situation on the ground. The fight against ISIS and violent extremists is not over, and our mission has not changed, General Joseph Votel, head of the US Central Command, said this week.

He warned that the terrorist group still commands approximately 1,000 to 1,500 fighters in Syria alone, adding that he is not under pressure to withdraw the 2,000 troops that are stationed on Syrian soil without the consent of the Damascus government.

Earlier this week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added more confusion to Washingtons Middle East policy. Speaking to congressional delegates, he said the US withdrawal from Syria, which Trump announced last December, is not the end of Americas fight.

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The director of a Goya Award-winning documentary Gaza: A look into the eyes of barbarism says members of the Jewish community repeatedly used threats to get screenings scrapped in a bid to suppress the film.

Israel uses its Jewish organizations which tried to censor our film they tried to do it at various festivals and sometimes they succeeded, even when the film was already on the shortlist. We received many threats, director Julio Perez told RT.

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We started planning to make this film after the last Israeli army invasion when lots of people in Gaza were killed.

The film faced adversity from the beginning and the production crew had to beguile Israeli authorities just to gain access, under the pretense that they were conducting research into Gazas agricultural industry.

Thats how we got there, but that wasnt easy at all, Perez explained. The thing is, theres a total legitimization of Israels actions and Israeli apartheid.

Also on rt.com IDF chief turned PM candidate touts body count & bombing Gaza into stone age in campaign ad

The initial proposal to screen the documentary film came from a local BDS group (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) which promotes non-violent resistance towards the state of Israel on behalf of Palestinians.

The film discusses, The violation of human rights that they [the people of Gaza] suffer daily and the reality of the postwar blockade through which the population of the Gaza Strip attempts to survive according to the blurb on Spains Goya Awards nominations page.

A recent episode saw a screening scheduled to take place in Madrid this Friday shelved following pressure from Jewish groups.

They gave us serious motivation not to [screen it], local priest Javier Baeza, of the San Carlos Borromeo community, told La Sexta. They warned me very seriously: If I didnt do it, they told me I would face the relevant canonical punishment.

While admitting that he had not, in fact, seen the film for himself, Baeza told the newspaper that, having been nominated for the Goya prize, he couldnt imagine that the documentary would be a hymn in favor of violence extol anti-democratic sentiments.

He added that people from the Academy of Cinema had told him that the film is quite objective, not remotely vengeful.

It seems unlikely to us that the Academy would nominate something histrionic in nature.

The local BDS chapter managed to find a secular alternative which couldnt be pressured out of screening the film on Wednesday evening.

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They threatened us: Award-winning Gaza filmmakers faced censorship from Jewish groups

They threatened us: Award-winning Gaza filmmakers faced censorship from Jewish groups

Source : RT - Daily news
Salvini happy to meet Macron to discuss diplomatic row between Italy, France

Salvini happy to meet Macron to discuss diplomatic row between Italy, France

The Italian government does not want to fall out with France, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Thursday, adding he would be happy to meet French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss tensions. Responding to a decision by Paris to recall its ambassador to Italy, Salvini said in a statement he wanted to reset relations with Paris, but that France needed to address three fundamental issues. He said the French police had to stop pushing migrants back into Italy and stop carrying out lengthy border checks that was blocking traffic at the frontier. Rome also wants Paris to hand over around 15 Italian leftist militants who have taken refuge in France in recent decades, Reuters said.Source : RT - Daily news
Russia ready for dialogue with US if it revises its stance on INF Treaty  deputy FM

Russia ready for dialogue with US if it revises its stance on INF Treaty  deputy FM

Moscow is open for a dialogue with the US if Washington revisits its destructive position on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Thursday. Amid new threats created by Washington we will definitely take comprehensive measures to provide our own security, the diplomat said. However, if the US revisits its destructive course and returns to commitment to the INF Treaty, Russia is open for a meaningful dialogue. Russia expects the US to unveil its official proposals on the possibility of renewing the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, TASS quoted Ryabkov as saying. We have certainly seen the US presidents statement on the possibility of concluding a new treaty, which could be signed in a beautiful room, and the document should involve other countries as participants.Source : RT - Daily news
Mike Pompeo has found himself barraged by enraged Turkish netizens after the US Secretary of State shared a gif which, for reasons that may forever remain a mystery, appears to include an erroneously bisected map of Turkey.

Like many internet outrages, this gaffe began with the most innocent of intentions: The State Department chief wanted to tweet out a thank you to all the countries that have followed Washingtons lead by recognizing self-declared interim president Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader. But this did not go as planned, as the map that the State Department media intern apparently selected divides NATO-ally Turkey into two separate territories.

The faux pas did not sit well with Turkish Twitter, which mercilessly grilled Pompeo for his lousy geography skills.

There is a flaw in the map of the Republic of Turkey  do not make such mistakes! one of the more reserved responses read.

One particularly outraged Turkish netizen reiterated his countrys unwavering support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, while making a not-so-politically-correct suggestion where Pompeo should shove his inaccurate map.

Do you need a basic geography education mr pompeo? I believe you ve made a ridiculous mistake on Turkish Republic map. Poor US people. With such politicians they have no future! wrote another incensed Twitter user.

Despite being a US military ally, Turkey has resisted calls by Washington to back Guaido, the little-known opposition figure who declared himself Venezuelas acting president in late January. This is just the latest point of contention between the two allies, with Ankara striving to lead an independent regional policy at times clashing with US vision, as well as recently building up closer ties with Russia.

Geography has never been Americas strong suit. Fox News once famously confused Iraq with Egypt, and at least one study has shown that theres a direct correlation between Americans not knowing where a country is, and wanting the US military to intervene in said country.

Another study found that those Americans who can find North Korea on the map are more likely to prefer diplomacy (but only 36 percent could).

Also on rt.com Americans who dont know where Ukraine is are more likely to support military intervention  poll

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A Russian company has revealed a gold-plated phone dubbed Tsar Vladimir, complete with an Orthodox Christian cross symbolizing transformation from violence to mercy. The device hasnt exactly received a royal welcome online.

Those hoping for a fresh Vladimir Putin reference will be disappointed, as the brand-new Tsar phone Golden Vladimir in fact refers to a 10th-century ruler credited with bringing Christianity to Russian soil. The phone not only features a massive cross on its back, but is also meant to resemble the sword of Vladimir the Great  as well as the exuberant finery of the Russian Orthodox Church.

In a somewhat cartoonish crash course in history, the manufacturer Caviar explains that the concept was inspired by Vladimirs unique spiritual transformation from paganism and violence to Orthodox Christianity and mercy. The three-nines-fine, gold-plated device sells for 279,000 rubles ($4,240).

Meanwhile, the Tsar phone itself is in fact a button phone with a rather frugal set of features, including a 2MP camera, Bluetooth and 3G-internet.

It appears that the Orthodox-friendly device has failed to impress the Russian internet, with many ridiculing its pretentious design and inflated price online. Looks like a coffin of some rap idol, one of the top comments in a discussion thread on social network Picabu said.

What about seven deadly sins, greed in particular, one person asked, while another wondered when Jesus is finally going to drive all the traders from the temples.

A lone comment noted that demand creates supply, while one cheeky user suggested that its an emerging iPhone competitor in Russia.

It is unknown whether the Russian Orthodox Church plans to purchase the Golden Vladimir phone for its clergy. Back in 2012, Patriarch Kirills luxury watch provoked a social media storm after he was spotted wearing an expensive timepiece in one photo. Worse still, the watch disappeared from the official image of the Patriarchates website in an apparent Photoshop attempt, causing public outrage.

Caviar grabbed a few headlines in Russia back in May 2018, after releasing a fabulously expensive phone to commemorate President Putins inauguration. A device made of gold and featuring 95 diamonds was available for 1.9 million rubles (around $29,000). The design looks somewhat familiar.

Also on rt.com Titanium phone with golden Putin-Trump carving issued ahead of historic meeting

The company apparently strives to stay relevant, as it commemorated the July 2017 meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit even before the meeting took place.

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We have the original Cuban sandwich with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickle, and mustard on request, she said. The Miami sandwich, which is a Cuban sandwich on steroids.  it has mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and bacon. Then, we have our Medianoche, which is a Cuban sandwich with a sweeter, softer bread than French bread.
China, a major consumer of mined diamonds, now has a realistic chance of becoming a supplier of man-made gems and shaping the industry, analysts say.

Unlike naturally occurring diamonds, which form over the course of billions of years, synthetic diamonds are made in a matter of weeks.

Chinese companies have mastered the technologies to manufacture them en masse within a short period of time. The products are practically indistinguishable from those mined from earth.

Also on rt.com Cheer up girls! Russias diamond producer promises huge gemstones soon

China has been producing well over 10 billion carats of diamonds annually for almost a decade, according to the countrys industry estimates. Most of the products have gone to industrial use such as in abrasives. They were provided for aeronautics, oil rigs and electronic chips.

As competition intensified and technology matured, Chinese companies have shifted from abrasives to jewelry.

Liu Yongqi, general manager of Sino-Crystal, told Xinhua News Agency the company now produces between 2 million and 3 million carats a year, over half of which are for jewelry.

Also on rt.com Ultra-rare Pink Legacy diamond fetches record $50 million

We began our transformation in 2014 to expand to gem-grade diamonds, said Liu, citing over-competition for the industry.

According to Paul Zimnisky, an independent diamond analyst in New York, It is important to understand that even if synthetic diamond production is initially lower quality, the diamonds can be enhanced with processes that turn lower quality goods into higher-quality.

He explained that even if a fraction of Chinese production is upgraded to jewelry-quality diamonds, it would have a very significant impact on the global supply which is only in the low-millions-of-carats.

Also on rt.com World's 5 biggest gemstones even billionaires cant buy

Experts say synthetic diamonds only represent about 3-5 percent of the consumer market, but the share is growing rapidly.

The man-made diamond jewelry market will grow 22 percent annually from $1.9 billion to $5.2 billion by 2023, Zimnisky projected. The analyst added that Chinese companies could soon certainly compete with global diamond producer De Beers.

The quality of Chinese synthetic diamond production appears to be advancing quite rapidly from what I am seeing.., Zimnisky said.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section
Iraqi militias hit Islamic State targets inside Syria

Iraqi militias hit Islamic State targets inside Syria

Iraqi militias said Thursday they had launched dozens of missiles targeting Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) militants holed up in a Syrian village across the border. The state-sanctioned Popular Mobilization Forces say they fired 50 missiles at targets in Baghouz village, in the last speck of territory held by the extremists. Iraqs military has bombed IS posts inside Syria before, but the militias  many of which are backed by Iran  rarely engage in cross-border shelling, AP said. Some PMF factions are fighting inside Syria. IS has lost virtually all the territory it once held in Syria and Iraq, and hundreds of militants are now confined to a small area where they are surrounded by Syrian fighters backed by US-led airstrikes.Source : RT - Daily news
New nuclear aircraft carriers and state-of-the-art carrier-borne fighter jets will join Chinas revamped navy by 2035, local military experts say. Its part of an ambitious push to modernize and overtake the US in the Pacific.

The drive will see Beijing build at least six aircraft battlegroups that will be available for missions on the high seas by 2035. Four of these will be nuclear-powered, Chinese specialists familiar with the program told the South China Morning Post.

The experts added that the carriers will also come equipped with electromagnetic catapults similar to the EMALS system used on their US counterparts. This will allow fighters to be launched faster than they were on older diesel-powered vessels.

At present, the Chinese Navy operates only one diesel-powered aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. Commissioned in 2012, this was originally purchased half-built from Ukraine following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Currently serving as a training vessel for aircraft carrier crew, its been reported that the Liaoning will be resold to Pakistan after a large-scale upgrade. It aims to help Pakistan compete with Indias own carrier buildup.

Chinas first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Type 001A, is still undergoing sea trials, but is expected to enter service in April ahead of the Navys 70th anniversary in October.

The US Navy, by comparison, boasts 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, and has nine other amphibious ships that could be utilized as carrier vessels in a time of war.

However, Chinese military planners are eagerly racing to close the gap and money is seemingly no object, even as the ongoing trade war with the US is hurting both economies.

Also on rt.com Pakistan relying less and less on US, turning to China, Saudi Arabia & UAE

Wang Yunfei, a former officer and naval warfare expert, told the SCMP that Beijing needs to keep developing until it is at the same level as the US.

Even if the economic downturn has an effect, we can adjust proportions in total military expenditure to make sure naval modernization keeps going, he added, suggesting cutbacks could be made to the number of new tanks produced.

READ MORE: Bad aim & short life: New Pentagon report reveals MORE problems with trillion-dollar F-35 jet

Cash is also being poured into designs for a new carrier-borne stealth fighter, the fighting capability of which Wang believes may only be a little bit behind that of the costly US F-35.

Song Zhongping, a Hong Kong-based military commentator, said Chinese technology would soon be on par with US fighters and carriers, but warned that superior hardware was only part of the picture.

Also on rt.com US considers early-warning radar in Japan after China unveils Guam Killer missile  report

He explained that crew training and damage-control readiness have been lacking in the past because Chinese troops have not had as much real combat experience as the Americans.

The report comes as tensions between the US and Beijing continue to simmer over influence in the South China Sea. In January, the US Navy sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait on what it called a freedom of navigation exercise.

China later upped the ante by unveiling a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. Known as the Guam Killer, the missile is capable of striking the US island territory or any US warship in the Pacific Ocean or South China Sea.

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A Nice bound plane carrying 169 passengers was forced to turn around mid-flight due to a bomb threat and make an emergency landing in Stockholm.

The Boeing 737 has now landed back at the Arlanda airport in Sweden's capital Stockhold. Rescue crews are at the scene.

We can confirm that we are working on the matter and that there is information from an airline that they have received a bomb threat. We are on site at Arlanda, Towe Hagg of the Stockholm police said.

One passenger reported to local media that those onboard have been told to turn of their phones while the rescue operations are in progress.

The threat was reported to the Swedish Maritime Administration's naval and aircraft rescue center via the air traffic control in the city of Malmo. There is still no information on how the initial threat was conveyed.

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OSCODA TWP, MI  Police in northern Michigan are investigating what they believe is an attempted murder-suicide incident on a former U.S. Air Force base.

At 11:27 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 7, Oscoda Township police responded to a gun complaint  later upgraded to a shots-fired report  in the residential area of the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. While officers were en route, the initial caller advised dispatchers that two people had been shot inside a house.

Officers entered the house and found 37-year-old Rickie L. Cheatum Jr. dead on the floor from a gunshot wound to his head. Cheatums 31-year-old male roommate was unconscious on the floor, suffering from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, police said.

Witnesses told police the two men had a verbal altercation. During it, the younger man grabbed two handguns and shot Cheatum before turning one of the guns on himself, police reported.

The shooter was transported via Iosco EMS to a local hospital and then taken downstate for additional treatment.

The man accused in the shooting is not being identified by police at this time.
KALAMAZOO, MI  A missing Kalamazoo man has been found safe in Georgia.

Kirk Janson, 70, who has bipolar disorder, drove from his home on Monday, Feb. 4.

His family told police he was having an episode when he left.

Police in Georgia told his family on Wednesday that he was found safe and unhurt, Kalamazoo police said.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- An effort to fund a downtown event center through a county-wide tax is back after falling flat last year.

Southwest Michigan First, a regional economic development nonprofit, pitched a two-step proposal to the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners in in August 2018. The board was asked to make a deal with the West Michigan Cancer Center to swap ownership of parking lots along West Kalamazoo Avenue, then let residents vote on a 1 percent tax on restaurant food and beverages sales.

After hearing the proposal last August, commissioners didnt bring the topic back for discussion. Commissioners, especially those who represent districts that dont touch the urban core, said constituents told them not to fund the $110 million facility with public money.

In a letter to Administrator Tracie Moored dated Feb. 5, the West Michigan Cancer Centers Board of Directors proposed a deal to transfer ownership of its parking lot parcel to the county in exchange for a block at 411 W. Kalamazoo Ave. The letter also suggests the county place a restaurant and hotel tax on an upcoming ballot to be voted on.

The swap would allow the county to build a new courthouse and administration building on the lot between Park and Church streets, while keeping two lots to the west open for development. The letter states WMCC could develop the parcel it currently owns, but is willing to make the deal as part of its contribution to the greater good.

It is very rare to find a large, assembled parcel in a downtown area and it should be preserved for future opportunities, the letter states. WMCC is willing to do its part to preserve this special property and give the community the opportunity to decide whether to develop it as an event center.

Commissioners agreed to discuss the proposal at its next meeting on Feb. 19. Moored said she hopes the cancer center makes another offer.

Its too late for the board to put anything on the May ballot, but the board could put it on the August ballot.

Joe Gesmundo, co-founder of AVB, and J. Patrick Lennon, partner at a Kalamazoo law firm focused on real estate transactions are ccd on the letter. Gesmundo is on the cancer centers board of directors, according to 2016 tax statements.

Gesmundo and Board Chair John Hayden was unable to be reached for comment Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Lennon is a member of the Borgess Foundation Board of Trustees. The cancer center was founded as a nonprofit collaboration between Borgess Health and Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Plans for a tax-funded arena were brought to the community in 2009-10 but failed to garner a vote. A Southwest Michigan First task force charged with finding solutions to attract young people to the region is credited with bringing back previously-stalled plans for the event center last year.

Southwest Michigan First CEO Ron Kitchens envisioned a 216,000-square-foot event center and adjacent parking structure on blocks between North Westnedge Avenue and Park Street. The land is owned by Western Michigan University -- where Kitchens is a board member -- and Kalamazoo County.

Kitchens said the development would be a catalyst for economic growth, giving millennials a much-needed central attraction to downtown Kalamazoo.

County commissioners didnt express much excitement for the project last year. In January, Board Chair Julie Rogers said she didnt expect commissioners to move the project forward.

Tuesday, Vice Chair Tracy Hall said she cant in good conscience put a tax to fund the event center on the ballot while the county has affordable housing needs.

Meanwhile, Moored said the board needs to act quickly to start designing a new courthouse and administration building.

The lot partially owned by WMCC is seen as the most attractive location, she said, as it is closer to downtown parking ramps and the current administration building.

During a Feb. 5 presentation, she and building consultant Jerry VanderVeen offered three building options estimated to cost between $92 million and $112.7 million.

The $92 million option consists of a 160,000-square-foot courthouse. The building would consolidate the operations of county courts on West Michigan Avenue and Crosstown Parkway, while leaving operations of the Gull Road Justice Complex and County Juvenile Home unchanged.

The price would increase to $103.6 million if a roughly 40,000-square-foot section is included for administration offices that would be finished in the next 5-7 years.

Fully constructing the courts and administrative space at the same time would cost $112.7 million. Moored said this option would require significant operational cuts to the county budget.

VanderVeen said the second option is best. The current administration building at 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave. has more than $10 million in deferred maintenance that officials would rather spend on a new facility.

Commissioners agreed, voting to direct Moored to move forward with designing a courthouse building with a shell space for administrators to move into later on.

Since 2004, the county has placed the state revenue into a fund for capital projects. This investment will make the capital improvement balance worth $19.7 million by 2020, which Moored said would pay for a chunk of the building.

The county committed another $4.8 million from the general fund and plans to take out a 30-year bond to cover the remaining tab.

The county would need to pay $4.6 million to pay off a $75.3 million bond during the next three decades. Around $3.8 million annually would come from state revenue sharing payments, with another $450,000 in annual contributions from the courts.

Kalamazoo County gained the site from PlazaCorp in 2017 through a land swap exchanging the Michigan Avenue Courthouse.
BATTLE CREEK, MI  The Battle Creek City Commission voted unanimously this week to ban drivers from handling cell phones while behind the wheel.

The Commission voted at its Tuesday, Feb. 5, meeting to pass the ordinance on second reading, Battle Creek spokeswoman Jessica VanderKolk said.

Under the new ordinance, which goes into effect on Feb. 15, police will be able to pull over drivers if they see a phone in their hands, VanderKolk said.

Drivers in violation of the new law could be issued a civil infraction, the ordinance states. The penalty is $100 for the first offense, and $200 for the second or subsequent offense, VanderKolk said.

Commissioner Kaytee Faris said the idea came from discussion within the citys bicycle advisory committee.

Common sense tells us we shouldnt use cell phones while driving, Faris said, though she acknowledged it has become a habit for some drivers.

Distracted driving is recognized nationwide as a serious public health threat, the city commissioner said, according to documentation of the ordinance approval process. It can be especially dangerous for bicyclists, who are riding without a protective metal cage around them, Faris said.

Michigan currently has a distracted driving law but it pertains only to text messages," she said, according to the city document. The state law is hard to enforce because it is hard to prove that someone was texting, as opposed to (for example) surfing the internet or checking Facebook. Our proposed ordinance would address the broader variety of activities performed on two-way devices, making it a more enforceable law. We believe that having an enforceable ordinance will lower the number of distracted driving accidents in Battle Creek."

Drivers can still use GPS, she said, as long as they are not manipulating the device while driving.

You can always pull over in a parking lot and make that call, Faris said.

The ordinance will allow exceptions for specific uses of cell phones when:

Reporting a traffic accident, medical emergency or serious road hazard

Reporting a situation in which the person believes their personal safety is in jeopardy

Reporting or averting the perpetration or potential perpetration of a criminal act against the individual or another person

Carrying out official duties as a police officer, law enforcement official, member of a paid or volunteer fire department, or operator of an emergency vehicle.

The idea behind the ordinance is to give police more of a visual to enforce, VanderKolk said.

While the new law is enforceable, she said the city does not anticipate there will be an abundance of tickets given.

A portion of the draft ordinance that goes into effect on Feb. 15.

Because the law is specific to Battle Creek, the city will post signs at the city limits, VanderKolk said.

A city official estimates it would take an estimated 30 signs to cover all major roads entering Battle Creek, excluding Interstate highways and entrances from the city of Springfield. The plan also includes placing signs at local I-94 exit ramps.

The cost to fabricate the signs and install them, which includes the cost materials, poles and hardware, is estimated at $160.74 per sign. The total cost of new signage is estimated to be $4,822.20, according to the city.

In 2016, there were 12,788 crashes in Michigan involving distracted driving, resulting in 43 fatalities and 5,103 injuries, according to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center.

That same year, cell phones were involved in 1,912 crashes in Michigan, which is about 15 percent of all crashes involving distracted driving in the state. Of the 1,912 crashes in Michigan involving cell phone use, 1,893 (99 percent) involved use by a motor vehicle driver, 18 involved use by a bicyclist and 7 involved use by a pedestrian, according to the Criminal Justice Information Center data.

Michigan has a statute that prohibits texting while driving, VanderKolk said, but state law does not specifically prohibit a driver from holding a phone while driving.

Other Michigan cities have passed similar ordinances, she said, including Troy and Detroit.
Under the program, property owners with lead b-boxes in an area where underground construction is occurring have three options to protect themselves  replace the B-box at their own expense, obtain a city loan to replace the B-box to be repaid through payments added to water bills or agree to use a water filter system provided by the city or drink bottled water for two years.
MONTCALM COUNTY, MI -- The last time Anna Moore saw her cellmate, Amber Lynae Bills was crawling out of her jail cell on her hands and knees.

Bills was fine earlier that day when she joined Moore and a handful of other women in their cell at the Montcalm County Jail. Shortly after lunch, she complained of stomach pain, and by that night she was asking to go to the hospital.

Moore said she never saw Bills again. It wasnt for a few days before news traveled back to her cellmates that Bills had died at the jail. Her death on Dec. 30 was determined to be from natural causes due an undiagonsed perforated ulcer with peritonitis, according to her death certificate.

The 34-year-old Big Rapids womans death remains under investigation by Allegan and Barry county sheriffs officials, who were asked to take the case by the Michigan Sheriffs Association. No member of the jail staff has been disciplined as of Monday, Jan. 4.

Montcalm County Sheriff Mike Williams said Bills was under medical care but declined to provide further information until the investigation is completed.

Once the investigation is completed, the detectives findings will be presented to Williams, who will determine if the case is to be forwarded to a prosecutors office, and which one will handle the case, according to Michigan Sheriffs Association Executive Director Blaine Koops.

If there are prosecutorial issues, the sheriff moves it on to the prosecutor and typically requests an outside county to do the prosecution, Koops said.

Moore, who was in jail for retail fraud, said there should have been more done at the jail to prevent Bills death.

Someone should be held accountable, Moore said. They dont treat people like they should there. Yeah, (the inmates) committed crimes but not everyone is a hardened criminal. People shouldnt be treated that way, not even criminals. Were still human.

Bills was jailed Dec. 22 after being arrested on two charges of contempt of court and one count of driving without an operators license on her. She was found dead in her cell on Dec. 30 and police said corrections officers began CPR and called for medical help but they could not revive her.

The Montcalm County Sheriffs Office asked the Michigan Sheriffs' Association to conduct an outside review of the death.

Moore, 34, said she met Bills earlier that day when she moved from a holding cell to a cell in the back. Through conversation, she said she learned that Bills had been up front for about six days while she waited through the weekend and Christmas holiday to be arraigned.

After lunch, the women were playing cards when Bills began complaining about stomach pains. Later that day, Moore said Bills moved from lying in bed, to throwing up in the toilet, to lying on the floor in the cell.

She asked three times if she could go to the hospital, Moore recalled. "She saw the nurse who told her to drink more water and that nothing was wrong with her.

When she was throwing up and lying on the floor in pain, I pushed the emergency button and got a hold of the guard. She crawled out of the cell on her hands and knees because she was in so much pain.

Moore said she told the same story to detectives from the Barry and Allegan county sheriffs offices. She also said some of the women in her cell questioned Bills to see if she was suffering from drug withdrawals, but that Bills swore she wasnt detoxing.

The jail policy for someone showing withdrawal symptoms is to move them to the booking area to be treated by contracted medical staff, Sheriff Williams said when asked about the jails policy.

Attempts by MLive/The Grand Rapids Press to contact Bills' family were unsuccessful. But her mother, Karen Zwyghuizen, told WoodTV that she was initially told her daughter died of a heart attack. She wants answers.

I just want to know what actually happened to her, Zwyghuizen told WoodTV. I have to raise her daughter now and I have no truth to tell her why her mom passed away in jail. I have no answers to give her.
UPDATE: Due to the inclement weather, Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College have rescheduled their "Fall in Love with STEM'' events for Saturday, Feb. 23.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Middle school students can participate for free in Fall in Love with STEM events beginning Saturday, Feb. 9, through the West Michigan chapter of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS-WM).

Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College and Hope College are promising fun-filled days of STEM activities  science, technology, engineering and math.

Grand Valleys activities and workshops are from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Padnos Hall of Science in Allendale. From 1 to 4 p.m., students can visit STEM Exploration Stations at GRCCs Calkins Science Center. Hopes event for girls is Feb. 16.

Karen Gipson, a Grand Valley physics professor and associate dean of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, said students who come out will have a lot of fun engaging in fun, hands-on activities.

For example, students can learn about DNA and how it is used in genetic testing in the DNA Detectives workshop. Kids will get to extract DNA from a banana and bring it home in a test tube.

While open to all middle school kids, Gipson said they do hope to attract a lot girls because research shows that around middle school age, they lose interest in science.

We want to help all students stay interested in science and to realize that science is not a gendered activity, said Gipson, president and co-founder of AWIS-WM.

Lauren Woolsey, professor of astronomy and physics at GRCC and event organizer, said students will be able to explore five stations designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and math skills.

For example, at the Deep Impact: Craters on Earth (Astronomy) station, students will get to see how impact craters form by creating their own with some common household materials.

This is a chance for students to see how the process of discovery works, Woolsey said.

Science is more than memorizing facts, but running experiments and finding out more about how the world works. Our exploration stations will give them an opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking skills and the scientific method through hands-on activities.

The Association for Women in Science  West Michigan chapters mission is to support and advocate for the advancement of women in STEM through networking, education, and service.

One of the objectives is to establish a K-12 outreach program to recruit and encourage young people to STEM fields based on their interest.

Middle school girls are invited to Hope Colleges Schaap Science Center Saturday, Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon to join the colleges of nursing, biology, chemistry, geology, computer science, and engineering for a day of activities.

Click here to visit the website to see fliers for all three free events and registration information.
WYOMING, MI -- No additional jail time is expected for a man shot by police after he used a rifle to kill his cat inside of a Wyoming apartment.

Casey Quinlan, 26 , pleaded guilty Wednesday, Feb. 6 to one count of discharging a firearm in a building and one count of killing an animal.

A Wyoming District Court judge issued a personal recognizance bond Wednesday for Quinlan, who has been incarcerated since his arrest Dec. 12, 2017.

In court, Quinlan admitted he was using LSD and under the influence of drugs when he used a Smith & Wesson rifle -- which he called an AR-15 copy -- to shoot and kill his cat.

The cat died from several apparent gunshot wounds, police wrote in an affidavit. Officers also found numerous bullet holes to several walls and floor areas of the apartment. No other apartment dwellers were injured, although other people were inside the building.

Quinlan also admitted to using a semi-auto pistol to shoot a globe inside the apartment.

When police responded to his Ramblewood Apartments unit about 3:15 a.m., a Wyoming police officer ended up wounding Quinlan. He was not seriously injured because he was in the Kent County Jail three days later.

Quinlan in February 2018 was ruled incompetent to stand trial following an evaluation at the State Center for Forensic Psychiatry.

He subsequently was found competent.

Kent County prosecutors on Wednesday agreed to plea deal that calls for a sentence of time served and probation for Quinlan. He will be sentenced March 19 in Kent County Circuit Court.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Valley State University students interested in issues of social justice and human rights got a chance to earn extra credit when they gathered in a classroom at the Kirkof Center in Allendale on Wednesday, Feb. 6, for a Black History Month presentation on the Grand Rapids riots of 1967.

The Grand Rapids 1967 riot. (Neil Blake | MLive.com)

George Bayard, executive director of the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, led the event, where he showed the GRAAMAs documentary Riot Race and Reconciliation: The 1967 Grand Rapids Uprising. The film has been featured at the museum as well as during ArtPrize in 2018 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and other local venues.

The documentary was filmed by Monroe O. Bryant and students from West Michigan Center for Arts, edited by Kamarah Bayard, and narrated by Bayard. The documentary shares stories of locals who lived through the events of July 1967, along with interpretation by historians.

The 1967 Grand Rapids riot is not a widely remembered event, overshadowed by the magnitude of riots occurring the same month in Detroit and other cities. Riots were fueled by discrimination in jobs and housing, high unemployment, poverty, a lack of representation and racially motivated harassment by police, Bayard said.

The three-day riot in Grand Rapids began July 25, 1967 at Delaware Street and South Division Avenue on the citys Southeast Side. No one was killed, but police reported 44 injuries and 350 arrests. Rioters looted, torched businesses and abandoned houses, and threw rocks at police and firefighters.

We thought it was very important to share local stories, Bayard said. This was a perfect scenario because we are talking about a local event that happened ... 50 years ago and it has some similarities that play into todays society.

After the documentary, Bayard compared how the riots in recent years in Ferguson, Missouri and Charlottesville, Virginia started by racial tensions and discrimination similar to what the black community was experiencing in 1967.

History is taking a new page, where there is all this other media that you now have to address when youre trying to tell a story," Bayard said. Thats the beauty of doing this historical research, you got all these little bits and pieces and putting them all together helps you tell the whole story.

GVSU student Julia Ervin attended the event for the co-curricular mentorship program at GVSU, in which she mentors students and helps them relate what they learn in programs such as Bayards presentation back to their studies.

Ervin completed an internship through GVSU and a partnership with University of Michigan called, Semester in Detroit, where she was educated on the 1967 riots and the culture in that city. During Bayards presentation and documentary, she couldnt help but see the similarities between the riots in Grand Rapids and Detroit, she said.

Seeing it happen here and hearing about it is something .... I was unfamiliar with, Ervin said. "Just seeing the similarities and the events that led up to it were very interesting to me.

The Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, 87 Monroe Center St., is currently featuring the exhibit West Michigan Minstrel Show, A History of Blackface, through Feb. 28. Bayard spoke to the students about how that is also a trending topic in the media now in light of recent allegations that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and Attorney General Mark R. Herring had appeared in blackface during their college years.

The exhibit explores minstrel shows and the use of blackface by performers in Grand Rapids history. Bayard said the museum found that West Michigan has a recorded history of these shows, and the artifacts help share those forgotten stories.
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, MI -- Multiple employers are looking to fill positions at an Owosso-area job fair

The job fair is scheduled from 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Feb. 7 on the second floor at GST Michigan Works, 1975 W. Main St., in Owosso Township.

Employers set to take part in the job fair include the following locations, positions, starting hourly/yearly wages, and benefits:

-Randy Wise Durand

Technicians (wage varies)

BDR representative (salary)

-Crest Marine

Continuous improvement manager, final finish, press, yard, channeling (wages vary)

-Cargill

Process technician ($17/hour)

-Midwest Bus Corporation

Mechanics, painters, electricians, body repair technicians and assistants (wages range from $11.48-$20/hour based on skill level and experience)

401k, health insurance, holidays off, vacation time, and personal leave

-CIE Newcor MTG

Machine operators ($12.29/hour)

-Tri-Mer Corporation

CNC operator ($12-$14/hour)

Sandblast ($11-$12/hour)

Group leader ($14-$16/hour)

Design engineer ($18-$30/hour based on experience and qualifications)

Painter ($11-$12/hour)

Steel fabricator ($12-$14/hour)

Benefits include Blue Cross Blue Shield, paid vacation, sick time, 401k

Applicants are being sought with the following qualifications:

Proficient in SolidWorks and or AutoCAD (three or more years)

Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite products.

BSME is a plus but, not a requirement

Experience in creating mechanical drawings/strength in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is a plus but not a requirement

Use of good engineering design practices

Ability to travel both in and out of the United States and hold a valid drivers license

Anyone with questions about the upcoming job fair may contact GST Michigan Works by phone at 989-729-9599 or online at gstmiworks.org.
FLINT, MI  A community celebration is in the works as part of the festivities for Kettering University as it hits the 100-year milestone in the Flint community.

The July 20 celebration at Atwood Stadium that will feature local artists, musicians, vendors, a nationally recognized recording artist and family-friendly activities was announced during a Thursday, Feb. 7 press conference.

While other events are scheduled in October as part of founders week, Kettering University President Robert K. McMahan noted, We felt from the very beginning it was just as important to recognize the Flint community as an integral part of that success.

Weve grown up with Flint and Flint has grown up with us and our success and Flints success are inextricably tied together, he said.

Kettering University started in October 1919 as The School of Automobile Trades at the direction of Major Albert Sobey, according to the universitys website.

We were founded at the same time as the automotive industry in Flint in this town, by the same people in an incredible era of creativity and innovation, commented McMahan. This area was the Silicon Valley of the United States. People were flooding into this area, companies were being created, and there were a lot of entrepreneurs.

The name has changed over the years including the Flint Institute of Technology to General Motors Institute when General Motors Corporation purchased the school in 1926.

McMahan noted when people discuss the automotive pioneers including Mott, Chevrolet and Buick, We tend to think of them as these grey haired scions of industry, but when this university was created and when this industry was being created these were young men and women with crazy ideas, doing crazy things, inventing things, testing them, trying them out, seeing them fail, go back and do them again.

In that spirit, this institution was created and so they created a university on a different model, one that reflected that innovative spirit, he said.

15 Kettering announces community celebration for university centennial

Flint Mayor Karen Weaver applauded the universitys efforts in the city including the creation of green spaces, bicycle trail and a mobility research center as well as work undertaken at Atwood Stadium.

When you look at  that transformation its been one of the highlights of the legacy here at Kettering, she said. Youve made it a space for the Flint community, for us to come together in celebration, in fellowship and have a good time together.

Ownership of the stadium was transferred over from the city to the university in September 2013. A grand reopening was held in August 2015 after millions of dollars in renovations, including new field turf and concrete step repairs.

Tim Herman, chief executive officer for the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, also pointed toward efforts by the university to connect with the downtown area through the Flint River restoration project and walkable areas along the University Avenue corridor and partnership efforts with new and existing businesses.

As one of the most highly rated universities in science, technology, engineering and math you play an important role in talent development, a great benefit to manufacturers right here in Genesee County, companies locally  and across the nation," he said.

Sue Davies, the schools vice president of university advancement and external relations, said while the celebration provides a chance to look at the past it also offers the opportunity to look forward at the critical role Kettering can play in shaping the future.

McMahan pointed to a banner hanging inside the University Center displaying the motto for the year-long celebration that read: The Future of Education Built a Century Ago.

I love our motto for our centennial  because that really encapsulates who we are, he commented, adding the university has been the embodiment for 100 years, the embodiment of a lot of things that higher education is now striving to become.

Were the embodiment of things that are the aspirational goals of a lot of institutions of higher education and thats something to be greatly proud of, said McMahan.
FLINT, MI -- Former Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Nick Lyon will likely find out within 90 days whether he will face a jury trial for alleged criminal wrongdoing during the Flint water crisis.

Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Farah told Lyon during a hearing Wednesday, Feb. 6, that he wont be deciding the extent of the state of Michigans failures in Flint when he rules on the former directors motion to quash his bindover from Genesee District Court -- just whether lower court Judge David Goggins abused his discretion in doing so.

"If somebody is looking for some sort of global satisfaction ... If youre looking for all wrongs to be righted (with this decision), youve come to the wrong place, Farah said.

The judge said hes expecting to issue a written decision within 90 days, and said he recognizes Flint water prosecutors start with a huge security blanket wrapped around their case against Lyon.

You have a protection  and its an abuse of discretion standard, Farah said, meaning he wont decide whether Goggins was correct in finding probable cause that Lyon is responsible for the deaths of two Genesee County men from Legionnaires' disease but that the judge abused his discretion in making his ruling.

On Wednesday, Farah continued to ask pointed questions of prosecutors, focusing on whether the state law cited in binding Lyon over to his court spells out a duty the ex-director had to warn Flint residents about outbreaks of Legionnaires while the city was using the Flint River as its water source.

University researchers have pointed to the river as the likely trigger of outbreaks of the disease, but the MDHHS has argued the common source actually appears to have been McLaren-Flint Hospital, which has disputed that claim.

Farah said he intends to address whether Lyon should have been charged under the state law cited at the bindover and whether the charges against him were sufficiently proven.

John Bursch, an attorney for Lyon, continued to argue Wednesday that his client didnt have enough information or a duty to issue a warning to the public about Legionnaires outbreaks and was never advised to do so.

Although Lyon was aware of a first surge of Legionnaires in the area in January 2015 and speculation the river was the root cause, neither he nor his department reported that information to Flint residents despite what prosecutors have said were a dozen related deaths until a full year later.

While city, Genesee County and other state officials also were also aware of the outbreaks, state law required Lyon as MDHHS director to act to protect the public, special prosecutor Todd Flood said.

How many people have to die before you shut something down?" Flood asked. "How many people have to die?

Lyon faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the deaths of Robert Skidmore and John Snyder, who prosecutors say died as a result of Legionnaires, and one felony count of misconduct in office.

He also faces a misdemeanor count of willful neglect of duty, and Lyons attorneys argue that each of the charges should be dismissed.

They have claimed Goggins closed his eyes to numerous principles of well-settled Michigan law in finding there was sufficient evidence to show the crimes were committed and that Lyon committed them.
Volvo will recall about 167,000 vehicles around the world due to the risk that the hatch lid system on its electronic trunks could loosen and even stop working altogether.

The Associated Press reports that the Swedish automaker says the electronic trunk system could also stop working in cold weather. A spokesperson with the automaker told the news organization that the recall is a preventative safety measure as there are no known injuries are crashes related to the recall.

Included in the recall are XC60 models build during calendar years 2018 and 2019, according to A.P. This comes a month removed from Volvo announcing it would recall about 200,000 diesel cars around the globe due to a risk the fuel line could crack.

To search active recalls, use the NHTSAs website to search your 17-character VIN at this link. VIN numbers are typically located under the drivers side windshield, or along the inside of the doors behind the seat or under the steering wheel. To sign up for NHTSA safety alerts for a specific vehicle, sign up at this link.
The fate of Gov. Gretchen Whitmers executive order to restructure the Department of Environmental Quality rests with the Michigan Senate, whose members began considering whether to accept or reject the governors plan Thursday.

On Wednesday, the Michigan House passed a concurrent resolution to disapprove Executive Order 2019-2, which would rebrand the Department of Environmental Quality as the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

Senate Republicans indicated theyd take more time to decide whether theyd do the same, kicking off discussion in the Senate Oversight Committee but not taking a vote on the matter. Committee Chair Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, said discussions would continue next week.

The executive order would create new offices within the department, including the Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate, the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate, and the Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team.

But it would also get rid of three oversight panels supported by the previous legislature - the Environmental Rules Review Committee, Environmental Permit Review Commission and Environmental Science Advisory Board - and many Republicans consider the move a breach of authority. Several House Republicans said they wouldnt have an issue with the order if it werent for that provision.

Lawmakers have authority to overturn a governors executive order within 60 days with a simple majority in both chambers, although that power is not used often.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, told reporters he and Whitmer have discussed the executive order and have a difference of opinion.

I think there was a bit of an overstretch there, and her stepping into the legislative lanes, and were going to have to work that out, he said.

Before passing judgement on the contents of the executive order - including the proposed DEQ restructuring - Shirkey said the Senate will be examining it further: To my knowledge, nobodys really gone through the entire executive order and asked appropriate questions as to what those things mean.

I dont think theres a clear vision or mission statement associated with some of those new entities, and thats one of things well be probing for, Shirkey said.

Democrats in the Senate, like those in the House, are defending Whitmers right to exert executive authority and say the disagreement over the panels shouldnt hold up Whitmers efforts to improve the department.

Michiganders sent a very string message that they exepct us to protect their water, especially with PFAS, Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich said. I think having an oversight hearing on these issues is a good thing...if they reject it, its a very bad thing.

These three boards and commissions should not, I think, take precedent over protecting our Great Lakes, he continued.

During the Senate Oversight Committee, the senator who sponsored the bills creating the panels at the center of the debate defended their existence as a protection of citizens who disagree with government decisions on permits.

Former Sen. Tom Casperson of Escanaba, said the panels were put in place to provide a venue for citizens to air their grievances instead of having to accept a unilateral decision from the DEQ. He took offense to any insinuation that supporting the panels ran counter to goals of environmental safety.

I have now been accused of wanting to poison people because I dont care, Casperson tells the panel. Im offended that people would say something like that - that was never our intent at all.

On Wednesday, Whitmer told reporters the ongoing discussion in the legislature over her executive order doesnt change how strongly she feels about it: We are confident that this is the most meaningful thing we can do to clean up our water.
EDISON, N.J.  A New Jersey man who tried to take a shortcut by scooting underneath a parked tractor-trailer was critically injured when the driver from Michigan started the vehicle and drove away.

According to the Edison Township Police Department, Neal Patel, 30, of Princeton, was dragged 10 feet before being run over by the trailers rear tires.

He is being treated at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospitals intensive care unit in New Brunswick.

Police say the incident occurred at the Raceway service station on Route 1 South near Wooding Avenue at 9:25 p.m. on Tuesday. Patel and his friend were leaving Wick Plaza on their way to the Global Inn located across Route 1.

Patel apparently tried to scoot under the stopped tractor-trailer that had just fueled up when the driver from Farmington Hills suddenly started the big rig and drove away unaware that Patel was being dragged.

Patels companion took a safer route, walking around the big vehicle, police said.

The driver, who police located hours later in Philadelphia, returned voluntarily to Edison to assist with their investigation.

He does not face any charges in connection with the accident, police said.
Therefore, absent some change in the law, there is no legal basis upon which an Illinois constituent might successfully challenge the residency status of an elected official who permanently lives in her cottage on the Oregon coast if that official could plausibly claim an intent to return to Illinois at some later date, the author wrote.
Swiping mail or packages from the rightful owner would be a misdemeanor or felony at the state level under a bill currently being considered by the Senate.

Stealing or otherwise tampering with mail is already a federal crime, but enforcement is often limited to the most egregious examples, and supporters of stricter penalties say the promise of easy profits with little fear of jail time has only exacerbated the problem in recent years.

The latest versions of Senate Bills 23 and 24 would make mail theft a state crime, with the first offense resulting in a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, up to a $500 fine or both. Subsequent offenses or cases where fraud is involved would carry harsher penalties and be classified as a felony, with the second offense punishable up to five years in jail, up to a $1,000 fine or both, and a third offense carrying up to $10 years, up to a $2,000 fine or both.

Theft of mail delivered by both public and private carriers would be covered by the legislation.

The Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee heard testimony on the legislation Wednesday morning. Sen. Jim Runestad, the main sponsor of the package, told lawmakers there were 17,000 complaints of Amazon packages that were not received, 2,000 complaints of general mail theft, 400 reports of check theft and 200 reports of prescription drug mail theft statewide last year.

Mail theft in Michigan is skyrocketing and is largely unimpeded across the state, Runestad, R-White Lake, told senators.

Although many mail thieves are looking for quick money through stealing, more insidious forms of mail theft can lead to sensitive personal information being stolen and used for fraud, said Carla Menendez of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

She cited previous examples of career mail thieves in Michigan, including one recent case in Oakland County where a man had been stealing mail and writing down homes hed hit, keeping track in a notebook of which houses he should return to for Social Security information, birthdays, maiden names or other sensitive information that could be used for fraud.

This is just to show you that it goes further than just, 'I didnt receive my package, Menendez said. It can go much further than that.

Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, said the legislation was very needed but wants to ensure the penalties fit the crime, particularly for first offense cases.

The legislation would need to be passed by the full Senate, the House and signed by the governor to become law.
The Michigan House voted Wednesday to formally disapprove of Gov. Gretchen Whitmers executive order that would restructure the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, but the governor said she has no intentions of withdrawing it.

Lawmakers voted 58-51 along partisan lines on a concurrent resolution to overturn Executive Order 2019-2, which would rebrand the Department of Environmental Quality as the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The executive order would also create new offices within the department, including the Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate, the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate, and the Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team.

Republicans specifically took issue with what they considered a de facto veto of Legislature-approved oversight panels. A section in the order would get rid of the Environmental Rules Review Committee, Environmental Permit Review Commission and Environmental Science Advisory Board.

Those panels were recently established by the legislature and were backed by the business community - on Monday, Michigan Chamber President and CEO Rich Studley urged the legislature to seriously consider disapproving the order.

In a press conference following the House vote, Whitmer said the chambers action doesnt change how strongly she feels about it: We are confident that this is the most meaningful thing we can do to clean up our water.

I think we need to be very clear: the House Republicans today, on a party line vote, voted down protections for drinking water. They voted down the creation of a public advocate for clean drinking water, she said. Todays actions endangers our public and threatens to burn bridges, and thats unfortunate, because there are a lot of people in this state that our counting on us to clean up drinking water.

Rep. Jim Lower, the resolutions sponsor, said he considered the executive order an overreach that constituted a direct attack on legislative powers. He also defended the panels' merits and said they provided a needed layer over oversight.

We shouldnt be silencing the voices of people with on the ground, commonsense experience, said Lower, R-Cedar Lake.

Several Republicans said they would support the order restructuring the DEQ if not for the removal of the panels created by the legislature. House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, told reporters he still hopes to find a compromise with the governor on the matter in future conversations.

I am optimistic that we can continue healthy conversations and negotiations with this governor, and I will ensure that happens, he said.

Both the House and Senate would need to have a majority vote to disapprove of the executive order within 60 days to prevent Whitmers executive order from going into effect. The Senate adjourned Wednesday without taking up a similar resolution.

House Democrats protested the effort to reject the governors order, noting that legislative action to undo executive orders is rare and that turning it down would undo necessary reforms to protect residents' air and water quality.

For the life of me, I dont understand why we would want to overturn this executive order, Rep. LaTanya Garrett, D-Detroit, said on the House floor, adding that if the chambers true intent was to protect the health and safety of residents, they would have fully supported the governors plan.

During a committee hearing on the resolution earlier in the day, House Minority Leader Christine Greig said the committees have only been up and running for a few months, and there are already problems with conflicts of interest.

Should that not be the prerogative of the governor, to fix things that people have already brought to light?" Greig said. (The panels are) fraught with lack of accountability and conflicts of interest. Frankly, its the fox guarding the hen house in these commissions.

Amid the intense discussion over her executive order, Whitmer said shes requested a legal opinion from Attorney General Dana Nessel on the legality of two of the panels in question: the Environmental Rules Review Committee and the Environmental Permit Review Commission.

These commissions create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that get in the way of our state government responding to problems with drinking water quickly, and their creation may violate federal requirements under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act," Whitmer said in a statement. I look forward to hearing from Attorney General Nessel as we work to resolve this issue and ensure every community has clean, safe drinking water.
LANSING, MI  The fire at Consumers that put Michigan in a precarious natural gas situation during the bitter cold last month is one in a series of concerning natural gas incidents, the Michigan Public Service Commission said when it opened an investigation into the matter Thursday.

The commission will investigate a Jan. 30 fire at the Consumers Ray Natural Gas Compressor Station in Macomb County that jeopardized heat for Michigan residents during a period of extreme cold. Consumers avoided service interruptions by securing agreements from large energy users to cut back and asking residents to voluntarily turn down their heat to 65 degrees.

Events of the past week, let alone the past year, have significantly heightened the Commissions safety concerns with Michigan gas utilities, said Commissioner Norman Saari.

He pointed to numerous recent natural gas issues, including a Pontiac explosion and a Warren gas line issue.

Commission Chair Sally Talberg said in a number of these incidents no one has been injured, but its an issue the commission sees and is following.

And part of it, she said, comes down to infrastructure.

The gas distribution lines, a lot of them are quite old, they were made of cast iron or bare steel, she said. Since 2011 weve accelerated the replacement of those so that we can protect against accidents.

Talberg said any time there was an explosion MPSC staff were on-site taking measurements and data to identify the cause and any potential violations. But in this case the commission opened a more formal investigation because of the broad impacts on customers.

We look forward to working with the Michigan Public Service Commission in their review of our energy supply and delivery systems and the Ray Compressor Station investigation. Consumers Energy is committed to safe and reliable service, said Consumers Energy Director of Media Relations Katie Carey.

Dave Chislea, manager of the MPSCs Gas Operations Section, outlined the fires potential consequences to the commission as it took up the order opening the investigation.

Consequences for Ray Compressor Station being out of service for the coldest temperatures that some parts of Michigan have experienced in decades were severe, and could have led to widespread natural gas outages and even death for some customers who would not have been able to travel to alternative locations or warming centers, Chislea said.

The commission opened the investigation over the specific incident, and separately opened a wide-ranging assessment of the states supply and deliverability of natural gas, electricity, and propane in Michigan and contingency plans as requested by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

And its safety that ultimately concerns Saari. He said the investigation into the Consumers fire would emphasize that.

We will emphasize there is no acceptable compromise for safety programs, no allowable shortcuts, quick fixes or cutting corners in the design, construction and operation of natural gas systems, he said.
La Mina (Copper mines), Biel, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spaini

Key

Select Mineral List Type Standard Detailed Strunz Dana Chemical Elements

Detailed Mineral List:  Azurite Formula: Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2 Reference: - Calvo, M.(2008). Minerales de Aragon. Prames. 463 pages  Chalcocite Formula: Cu 2 S Reference: Tertiary basins of Spain By P. F. Friend, Cristino J. Dabrio  Copper Formula: Cu Reference: Tertiary basins of Spain By P. F. Friend, Cristino J. Dabrio  Cuprite Formula: Cu 2 O Reference: Tertiary basins of Spain By P. F. Friend, Cristino J. Dabrio  Galena Formula: PbS Reference: Tertiary basins of Spain By P. F. Friend, Cristino J. Dabrio  Malachite Formula: Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 Reference: - Calvo, M.(2008). Minerales de Aragon. Prames. 463 pages

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification Group 1 - Elements  Copper 1.AA.05 Cu Group 2 - Sulphides and Sulfosalts  Chalcocite 2.BA.05 Cu 2 S  Galena 2.CD.10 PbS Group 4 - Oxides and Hydroxides  Cuprite 4.AA.10 Cu 2 O Group 5 - Nitrates and Carbonates  Azurite 5.BA.05 Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2  Malachite 5.BA.10 Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2

List of minerals arranged by Dana 8th Edition classification Group 1 - NATIVE ELEMENTS AND ALLOYS Metals, other than the Platinum Group  Copper 1.1.1.3 Cu Group 2 - SULFIDES A m B n X p , with (m+n):p = 2:1  Chalcocite 2.4.7.1 Cu 2 S A m X p , with m:p = 1:1  Galena 2.8.1.1 PbS Group 4 - SIMPLE OXIDES A 2 X  Cuprite 4.1.1.1 Cu 2 O Group 16a - ANHYDROUS CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN  Azurite 16a.2.1.1 Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2  Malachite 16a.3.1.1 Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2

List of minerals for each chemical element H Hydrogen H  Malachite Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 H  Azurite Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2 C Carbon C  Malachite Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 C  Azurite Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2 O Oxygen O  Cuprite Cu 2 O O  Malachite Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 O  Azurite Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2 S Sulfur S  Chalcocite Cu 2 S S  Galena PbS Cu Copper Cu  Copper Cu Cu  Cuprite Cu 2 O Cu  Chalcocite Cu 2 S Cu  Malachite Cu 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 Cu  Azurite Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2 Pb Lead Pb  Galena PbS

References

Sort by Year (asc) Year (desc) Author (A-Z) Author (Z-A)

Subias, I., Fanlo, I., Mateo, E. y Garcia-Veigas, J. (2003). A model for the diagenetic information of sandstone-hosted copper deposits in Tertiary sedimentary rocks, Aragon (NE Spain): S/C ratios and Sulphur isotope systematics. Ore Geology Reviews, 23, 55-70. Calvo, M.(2008). Minerales de Aragon. Prames. 463 pages Calvo Rebollar, Miguel. (2012). Minerales y Minas de Espana. Vol. V. Carbonatos y Nitratos. Boratos. Escuela Tecnica Superior de Ingenieros de Minas de Madrid. Fundacion Gomez Pardo. 711 pags.

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

Copper ore minerals formed in the cement and matrix of Oligocene conglomerates and sandstones.The first documented works were carried out in 1845, in the mines Santa Polonia and San Rainiero. After a long time of abandonment, since 1957 they worked on behalf of the company Explotaciones Mineras Aragonesas S.A., which also built a concentration plant next to the town. The work, with some interruptions, remained activeuntil the mid-1960s
"American Renegades" takes us back to the '90s, when a Navy SEAL team raises a ruckus and blows its cover on a secret mission in Sarajevo. They make the extraction (they're SEALs, dammit), but the whole world knows that something happened and they get put on ice.

While on R&R in Bosnia, they learn the tale of Nazi gold that may or may not be hidden in a lake created when the resistance blew up a dam at the end of World War II.

French writer/producer/director/studio head Luc Besson is the hyperactive mind who directed "The Fifth Element" and "Lucy" and came up with the ideas for the "Taken" and "Transporter" series. "American Renegades" plays like the kind of story that 11-year-olds high on pizza and soda would come up with during a sleepover. How do you shoehorn SEALs into a World War II story? Luc's got your solution!

The movie features Oscar-winner (and Farmers Insurance commercial star) J.K. Simmons doing an excellent R. Lee Ermey imitation as the SEALs' commanding officer. He rants and raves and winks at their insubordination. These are the least disciplined SEALs in Navy history, doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to get the job done. They're not the tip of the spear, they're rogue operators on a mission.

A prologue shows German troops moving fine art and gold bars out of Paris as they retreat after D-Day. They decide to hide the booty in Yugoslavia, but that plan goes awry when the village is flooded. Even though the Nazis slaughtered most of the town, a small boy survives and keeps the Legend of the Nazi Gold alive.

His granddaughter enlists the SEALs to concoct a gold extraction, and they devise a fantastical plan to retrieve the treasure. Are there complications? Do they succeed? The answer isn't hard to guess. It's not a complicated movie.

If the idea of a SEALs/Nazi gold combo, gets your attention, "American Renegades" gets the job done. If you're concerned that SEALs are portrayed only accurately and honorably, this movie is sure to make you foam at the mouth.

Either way, it's kind of fun.
As the Pentagon moves forward with tests on autonomous drone swarming technology, few doubt that the warfighting concept will work.

But major questions persist, such as how to classify drone swarms and just how smart to make the network that allows hundreds of little autonomous machines to communicate, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics told reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday.

"How do you certify [drone swarming]? How do you test and evaluate it? And who owns it?" he said. "Is it a weapons system? Or does the platform using it own the autonomy and swarming and collaboration? Or is there a program  that plugs it into all sorts of platforms?" Dr. Will Roper said.

Multiple efforts to develop drone-swarming technology are now underway inside the Defense Department.

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The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, and the Air Force Research Lab have been working on a project called Gremlins: controlled micro-drones that will drop out of cargo planes to swarm enemy defenses, going ahead of fighters, ships or ground vehicles. AFRL and DARPA anticipate a flight demonstration sometime this year.

In January 2017, the Navy tested remote-controlled micro-drones dropping out of fighter jets. The exercise, held at China Lake, California, used three F/A-18 multi-role fighters that launched 103 Perdix micro-drones from "specially designed canisters affixed under the aircraft's fuselages," The Washington Post reported at the time.

The Air Force has simulated a similar drop. In 2014, Perdix drones were dropped from F-16 Fighting Falcons at Edwards Air Force Base, California, the Post said.

Most recently, DARPA tested how drones could work together in a GPS-denied environment. In November, the research arm tested multiple drones at Arizona's Yuma Proving Ground. The test showed the drones "efficiently shared information, cooperatively planned and allocated mission objectives, made coordinated tactical decisions, and collaboratively reacted to a dynamic, high-threat environment with minimal communication," according to a news release.

But should the Pentagon worry about making the drone swarms too smart?

Roper said that while he believes that swarming technology will have a significant role in the future battlespace, the artificial intelligence must be designed carefully to be able to "contain the types of effects ... so that it doesn't do things that are unintended while still allowing it the freedom ... without having to micromanage it."

That applies to A.I. that learns and improves after each military operation, he said.

Brainstorming these ideas has forced officials to think beyond the traditional ways the Pentagon looks at potential programs, Roper said.

For example, while testing Perdix in his previous post as head of the Defense Department's Strategic Capabilities Office, it "was tough to find a range" to define the boundaries for the smart technology, he said.

"I went to [leadership] and said, 'Hey, I'd like to throw 100 micro-UAVs out of fighters.' And they said, 'OK, great, tell me the flight plan for each one.' Well, I don't have one," Roper said.

He continued, "They're going to do their own thing. But I can draw a box and make sure they don't leave that box. And that's just an example of how we have to ... require different kinds of thinking."

These types of technologies "are about infrastructure, data management, and it's something that is more of like a network that goes across systems than something you look at," he said.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
Members of a House subcommittee on Thursday chided senior leaders of the Army and Air Force for failing to provide safe housing for military families, and urged all services to work harder to reduce sexual assault in their ranks.

In a hearing on military quality-of-life issues, Democrats and Republicans on the House Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Subcommittee faulted the services for failing to provide oversight of the private companies that manage base housing, leading to problems with mold on Air Force bases and lead poisoning among children on some Army posts.

In 2018, families across the Air Force began sounding the alarm on high levels of mold in their military homes, from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma and elsewhere. Eleven families from Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi filed a lawsuit in July against the company that manages housing at the base.

In the Army, more than 1,000 children who lived in base housing across the country tested above the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's threshold for lead poisoning -- a finding only revealed in August following an extensive investigation by Reuters.

In her opening line of questioning, Florida Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the subcommittee chairwoman, said the services must "get to the bottom of how these problems stacked up."

"It seems that from 1996 on," Wasserman Schultz said, referring to the year the Defense Department privatized most base housing, "it feels like the military washed its hands of any oversight of these private contractors and left it to the contractors."

Rep. John Carter of Texas, the senior Republican on the panel, agreed.

"We need to jump all over these people," he said. "We want to be proud of what we are providing for our warriors. It's up to each services to come down hard on these people."

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright said his service's housing has an 82 percent satisfaction rate but it is "holding the project managers accountable," requiring them to spend $6.5 million to fix the issues.

"We are fully engaged and have a strategy for how to remediate," Wright said.

Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey told the panel that his senior leadership is "very concerned" about the lead contamination in its housing, adding that the service has spent $4 million to conduct inspections and held town halls on every post to discuss safety concerns.

"We are fully aware of the hazards and ... have a detailed plan to eliminate them," Dailey said.

But Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Pennsylvania, chastised Dailey for not raising the issue in his opening statement. "We're here to provide responsible funding for adequate housing ... this is something you are concerned about, isn't it?"

Dailey said he is, but added that soldiers and their families also live off base.

"I'm not making light of it, it's a very serious concern, but ... there are about 250 million pre-1978 homes in America," referring to the year the U.S. banned the use of lead in household paints. "This is not just an Army problem, it's a nationwide problem."

Another issue raised by the panel was sexual assault in the military. The Defense Department in January released a report finding that incidents of sexual assault were up by 50 percent over the course of two years at the nation's military academies -- a "devastating portrait of the conduct that is occurring" at the schools, Wasserman Schultz said.

The senior enlisted personnel assured her that the issue is a top concern for the services.

"There's no issue that is any more important," Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith said.

The services, the enlisted chiefs said, are taking steps to reduce incidents of sexual assault on the campuses and across the ranks, to include building trust with leaders so troops are comfortable reporting incidents, reinvigorating prevention education programs and fostering a culture of respect among members.

Wright added that the Air Force Academy is promoting responsible use of alcohol and cracking down on its abuse. "About 65 percent of those cases involve alcohol. Just a fact. So we are doing some very targeted alcohol assessments," he said.

The subcommittee conducts a hearing with the senior enlisted personnel each year to find out the top concerns among troops and determine the services' needs.

The senior enlisted leaders said child care and the transition from military to civilian employment remain important subjects to junior personnel. But they also reported that retention rates are at record highs -- a reflection, in part, of improved quality of life.

In his opening statement, Smith said accessible and affordable child care is a readiness issue for sailors, as is failing infrastructure. "The condition of many Navy facilities impacts their quality of life and ability to train," he said.

Wright said airmen also report affordable child care and infrastructure concerns as important to quality of life in surveys.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald Green told the subcommittee that housing and infrastructure are a top priority for his service, as more than 1,000 Marine families remain displaced from their homes as the result of two hurricanes last year.

"The need to get their facilities up and running, the resources they need to have safe homes is paramount," Green said.

For the most part, however, service members and families appear to be satisfied with their career choices and lifestyles and are demonstrating this by choosing to remain in the services, the chiefs said.

"Two years ago, I reported that quality of life was good. Over the past two years, we've seen even more improvements based on our own investments and due to the help of this committee," Dailey said.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime.
The level of support varied throughout the county, according to township and precinct vote totals made available by the Cook County clerks office. In more affluent Barrington Township, for example, the margin of victory was less than two to one. In Maine Township, voters said yes to increasing the minimum wage by a margin of about three to one.
The U.S. Navy is poised to deploy a littoral combat ship to Latin America this year for a first-of-its-kind counter-drug mission, U.S. Southern Command's top leader said Thursday.

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Adm. Craig Faller told lawmakers the command is working with the Navy to deploy the LCS to South and Central America before the end of the year.

"We expect to have a littoral combat ship this year, and that will be a big benefit for our exercise program for our engagement with partners and because of the flexibility it brings for counter-narcotics interdiction," he said. "Counter-narcotic will be [the LCS'] first mission, and then we look forward to continuous presence moving forward."

Faller testified with Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, head of U.S. Africa Command, on threats to their respective areas of operation.

Related content:

He noted that requesting additional resources for SOUTHCOM has been tough because the Navy "doesn't have enough ships" to conduct worldwide operations. Last week, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson said the service will soon revisit whether its future 355-ship plan is sustainable.

The LCS deployment to the SOUTHCOM region, which Faller called a top priority, will also involve "partnering with nations, training, [and possibly] humanitarian assistance."

It's a "fit for the kind of missions that we have down there," he said.

Last April, then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford told lawmakers the Pentagon was reviewing how the LCS mission could aid drug-interdiction efforts in the SouthCom region.

Mattis said the posturing would require the right mix of Coast Guard assets already doing similar missions in Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Is [the mission] primarily law enforcement? Do they need to have people with badges, which would mean Coast Guard cutters were going to have to shift and go to the Department of Homeland Security? Or is it LCSs, because of the nature of an evolving threat?" he said during an April 12 hearing, as reported by Defense News. "We don't have the answer yet, sir, but we're working it. We'll have it sorted out very soon."

The Navy as of August has received 15 LCS vessels with a requirement of 35 total in the fleet. Lawmakers allocated additional funding in the fiscal 2019 budget for three more ships, Defense News said.

In January, Vice Adm. Richard Brown, commander of Naval Surface Forces, said the service plans to deploy three LCSs this year -- two from the West Coast and one from the East Coast.

The deployments would mark the ships' first return to the sea in nearly two years.

The Navy had hoped to send three of the ships overseas during fiscal 2018, following a complete overhaul of the program, including manning adjustments, homeports and training.

But the deployments never happened, largely because of staffing and advanced training concerns.

Brown said the LCS will be in high demand.

"Operational commanders just can't wait to get these ships," he said.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
The Air Force Knew It Had an Ejection Seat Problem, But Didn't Speed Up a Fix. Then a Pilot Died

And his widow fears that another pilot may suffer the same fate.
Military hospitals, clinics and pharmacies will soon share information on prescriptions written for controlled substances with civilian doctors in nine states, part of a growing effort to stem addiction and illegal transfer of medications such as opioids within the military population.

Defense Health Agency (DHA) officials said Tuesday that the information, which will include the number of prescriptions as well as the quantity and strength of dosages, will be shared to ensure that patients aren't receiving overlapping or additional prescriptions outside the military health system.

The goal is to sign agreements with all 49 states and several territories enrolled in the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy's Prescription Monitoring Program Interconnect System, which monitors prescriptions for restricted drugs nationwide, according to DHA.

Navy Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, director of the DHA, said the launch of the Military Health System Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, or MHSPDMP, gives military and civilian treatment facilities "a powerful tool for opioid safety."

"The [program] will allow civilian and military providers to review patient opioid prescription histories to ensure there are no overlapping opioid prescriptions that can worsen an opioid use disorder or cause an overdose," Bono said in a release.

Each state's monitoring programs differ in the types of medications they track. The DHA did not list the specific medications that would be shared through MHSPDMP, only that it will track "controlled substances."

This could include up to 150 types of medications -- narcotics; opiates; opioids; stimulants, including some medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; depressants; barbiturates; and benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium, among others.

As the nation struggles to address opioid dependence in the general population -- in 2017, 47,600 Americans died of opioid overdoses -- drug-related addiction disorders in the military remain relatively rare.

Of the more than nine million beneficiaries in the military health system, which includes 1.3 million active-duty service members, roughly 600 active-duty troops were diagnosed with an opioid use disorder, or OUD, in 2016, down from nearly 2,000 in 2011.

That same year, about 500 military retirees and roughly 600 dependents of active-duty personnel were diagnosed as abusing opioids, and another 1,400 beneficiaries -- dependents of retired personnel, dependents of deceased retired personnel and other people seen in the military health system -- received the same diagnosis, according to a presentation given by Zachary Peters, a researcher with the DHA Psychological Health Center of Excellence, at the annual meeting of AMSUS, the Society of Federal Health Professionals, in December.

By contrast, nearly one in five active-duty members had a prescription for an opioid, while one in four retirees had one in 2016, according to Peters.

From 2006 to 2014, a total 117,118 Tricare beneficiaries, including active-duty service members, retirees and dependents, were considered to be dependent on opioids (excluding patients with a diagnosis of cancer, for whom opioids are used to treat pain).

The research, published in 2017 in JAMA Surgery, noted that just 458 of those patients received a prescription following an inpatient procedure. More than 30 percent were prescribed them for ill-defined conditions such as general pain.

The states now participating in the military's drug monitoring program include several with large military populations, including Virginia, North Carolina, Texas and parts of Colorado. The others are Idaho, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Carolina. Puerto Rico also has signed on.

Eight of the nine states, plus Puerto Rico, track prescriptions for Schedule II through V drugs -- classifications that include medications with high risk for dependency as well as those with a low risk but potential side effects that require tighter controls.

South Carolina tracks only Schedule II through IV drugs, declining to monitor medications such as cough syrup with low doses of codeine or anti-diarrheal medications, which contain small amounts of opiates. Virginia tracks gabapentin and naloxone prescriptions, while North Dakota tracks gabapentin.

All nine states and Puerto Rico also share their databases with law enforcement.

In addition to DHA sharing its prescription data, the agreements with states are reciprocal, meaning that DHA providers will have access to prescription information written by civilian doctors for their military patients.

Patients who get their prescriptions for these medications through civilian doctors and the Tricare pharmacy network or mail-order system already have been participating in state PDMPs.

DHA officials said they intend to sign agreements with the remaining 40 states that participate, the District of Columbia and Guam "in the near future." Missouri is the only locale that doesn't have a statewide registry. St. Louis County, Missouri, participates in a PDMP.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime.
Illinois State Police said Tuesday that they would be increasing staffing on Chicagoland area expressways in wake of the shootings, which were the second and third this year on I-57. Last year, there were 14 shootings on I-57, state police spokeswoman Jacqueline Cepeda said.
HADDAM  Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. marked a year full of professional achievements during the annual appreciation banquet Feb. 2 at the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station.

Chief Sam Baber emceed the event, which included a social hour with hors doeuvres, dinner, awards, recognition speeches, raffle prizes and a photo slide show, according to a press release.

The banquet ended abruptly at 9:05 p.m., when many firefighters responded to the scene of a motor vehicle accident, officials said.

In 2018, three members completed firefighter I; four completed firefighter II; four finished EMR or EMT training, and one junior completed Introductory to the Fire Service course at the Connecticut Fire Academy.

In 2018, Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to 581 calls for emergency services, including 11 fires, 331 medicals, 72 motor vehicle accidents, 48 alarms, 30 electrical hazards, 11 Hazmat situations, seven marine issues, 11 good intent calls and 48 other incidents.

These were 106 more calls than the prior year.

Haddam received mutual aid on 24 of those calls and provided mutual aid 32 times. Members volunteered more than 2,500 hours of service, as well as countless hours of training, according to officials.

Firefighter Mike Miller received the Firefighter of the Year Award for going above and beyond in 2018. Miller, 62, recently joined the company and completed Firefighter I and Firefighter II training. He serves on multiple committees and was praised for his positive and go-getter attitude.

Lt. Tony Lafo received the Chiefs Award for wearing many hats in the company. Lafo serves on the departments Board of Directors, leads the companys fit testing project, spearheads the Membership Committee, and serves as the companys record administrator. Lafo also was a 2018 top responder.

Captain Ed Adametz, Ej Adametz, Joe Tomasso and Greg Duval received Star Awards for establishing and implementing the companys new Field Training Officer program.

The 2018 top responders were honored with a certificate: EJ Adametz with 239 calls; Capt. Richard Zanelli with 220 calls; Lafo with 189 calls; Capt. Peter Brown with 187 calls; and Ronald Annino with 175 calls.

In addition, the following members received years of service pins issued in 2018: Olivia Drake, 5 years; Mike Mancuso, 5 years; Dan Sullivan, 10 years; Zack Tiezzi, 10 years; Jeff Doskos, 15 years; Franklin Pierce, 20 years; and Scott Larson, 30 years.

The 2018 officers include Sam Baber, chief; Zack Tiezzi, deputy chief; Dan Sullivan, assistant chief; Richard Zanelli, Peter Brown and Ed Adametz, captains; Scott Kuchyt, Franklin Pierce and Tony Lafo, lieutenants; Malcom Meyers, Greg Duval and Scott Larson, engineers; Ej Adametz, quartermaster; Michelle Kowal, treasurer; and Mary Adametz, secretary.

Its been an extremely busy year, and I am thankful for our incredible volunteers who put their own lives on the line, and sacrifice their own personal time to help others in the community. Were also grateful for our outstanding mutual aid partners. Thanks to everyone for making this a successful year, Baber said in the news release.
CROMWELL  A former member of the Board of Fire Commissioners has been selected as the fire districts new executive director.

Julius C. Neto was appointed to the positon by the commission on which he had served for the past decade before stepping down last year. Neto succeeds Michael D. Dagostino, who was the districts first executive director. Dagostino resigned from the position on Oct. 5, 2018.

Neto was an executive in charge of production and transportation for The Hartford Courant until he retired in 2017, closing out a 27-year career with the newspaper.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut where earned a bachelors degree in psychology and sociology, Neto is currently the vice-chairman of the Cromwell Board of Finance.

In announcing Netos appointment, district President LeRoy D. Brow said Neto emerged from a search process conducted by the personnel recruiting firm of A. R. Mazzotta.

Mazzotta supplied the (districts) personnel committee with the top three candidates based on a range of criteria that included knowledge, skills and abilities along with education background, Brow said.

Neto emerged as the top scorer and was unanimously selected by the board as the new executive director, he added. What I hope for Julius to accomplish is to help lead us as a whole into the future, to better serve the needs of the taxpayers of the town of Cromwell who pay for our services.

Neto will earn $115,731 as executive director.

[While the fire district encompasses the entire town, it is an independent agency and is not part of the town government.]

Mr. Neto is uniquely qualified to not only manage the day-to-day operations, but has the knowledge, skills and ability to lead the District to the next level of service, employee engagement, efficiency and fiscal responsibility, Brow said.

Then, in a somewhat unusual step, Brow said what he hopes Neto can accomplish can best be summed up by reading HIS letter to the employees and members of the Cromwell Fire District and the Cromwell Volunteer Fire Department.

Neto said in a statement:

It is with great humility, respect and excitement that I start my new position as the Executive Director of the Fire District.

Humility because I know how important the Fire District (Fire department, Fire Marshals Office, Communication Center and the Water Department) is to so many people, not only to the citizens of Cromwell, as well as, all of you.

Respect, because I have learned the power of what it is at the heart of the fire district and all of its divisions, PEOPLE & SERVICE.

Excitement because I see the opportunity ahead of us. I am confident we have a bright future, even though we will be challenged from time to time.

As the challenges are dealt with I will strive to guide the district to success in ensuring that everyone is performing at their best, doing the work they are pledged to do and doing it with the highest level of competency, courtesy and professionalism.

I will strive to find the balance between being a leader and a manager. The leadership challenge, as you know, is to be strong, but not rude, be kind but not timid, be proud but not arrogant and most importantly have a sense of humor.

Neto called upon the members of the district to become members of one team, with continued focus of serving the Cromwell community with Pride, Respect, Teamwork and last but not least TRUST.

jmill@middletownpress.com
HAMDEN  A Hamden shopping center is adding two new tenants later this year.

Ulta Health and Beauty Products and Orangetheory Fitness are expected to move into The Marketplace at Hamden in late summer or early fall, said Dale Kroop, Hamdens director of economic and neighborhood development. The beauty products chain is relocating its store from the North Haven Commons shopping center on Universal Drive into the space formerly occupied by Modells sporting goods in the Hamden retail center, Kroop said.

Orangetheory Fitness is moving into another space in The Marketplace at Hamden that already was vacant, between TJ Maxx and Platos Closet, he said. The retail center is located at the intersection of Dixwell Avenue and Skiff Street.

When Orangetheory Fitness opens in Hamden, it will become the health club chains 13th Connecticut location and the fourth in the New Haven area; other locations are in Milford, Guilford and Shelton.

Hamden Mayor Curt Balzano Leng said the new stores moving into the retail center are a great sign for the Hamden economy.

Were seeing an unquestionable spark of interest in our community, bringing a diverse range of commercial choices to our residents, Leng said. Its good for our tax base and our neighborhoods.

Other Marketplace tenants include Staples, Stop & Shop, Pier 1 Imports and Old Navy.

The Marketplace was developed in the early 1990s. The shopping center was purchased by Boston-based Wilder Companies in 2016 for more than $52 million.

Kroop said with the new retailers moving into The Marketplace, it is another one of our 5 main centers that is now 100 percent occupied.

We are really pleased about the strength of the retail market in our primary shopping district. he said.

luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com
In one of my classes, I have the No. 1 senior at Reavis and I have the No. 392 student  in the same classroom, he said. I know Im not going to keep them all engaged. But what I can do it get one-half of the room started. Let some explore on their own. Give them all something to master.
UPPER THUMB  The Federal Trade Commission is receiving information about people pretending to be from the Social Security Administration who are trying to get your Social Security number and even your money.

In one version of the scam, the caller says your Social Security number has been linked to a crime  often, the scammer says it happened in Texas  involving drugs or sending money out of the country illegally, the Tuscola County Sheriffs Office reports.

The scammer will then tell you your Social Security number is blocked, but they might ask you for a fee to reactivate it, or to get a new number. They will ask you to confirm your Social Security number.

In other variations, the scammer says somebody used your Social Security number to apply for credit cards, and you could lose your benefits. Or they might warn you that your bank account is about to be seized and you need to withdraw your money, and that hell tell you how to keep it safe.

But all of these are scams, heres what you need to know:

 The SSA will never call and ask for your Social Security number. It wont ask you to pay anything and it wont call to threaten your benefits.

 Your caller ID might show the SSAs real phone number  1-800-772-1213  but thats not the real SSA calling. Computers make it easy to show any number on caller ID. You cant trust what you see there.

 Never give your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you. Dont confirm the last four digits. Dont give a bank account or credit card number  ever  to anybody who contacts you asking for it.

 Remember that anyone who tells you to wire money, pay with a gift card, or send cash is a scammer. Always. No matter who they say they are.

If youre worried about a call from someone who claims to be from the Social Security Administration, get off the phone. Then call the real SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

If youve spotted a scam, then tell the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP  More wind turbines are coming to northern Tuscola County later this year.

Consumers Energy sent a newsletter to Columbia Township residents notifying them construction of Phase III of Cross Winds Energy Park will start soon.

There will be 33 new turbines built as part of the Cross Winds Energy Park's Phase III in the township.

This will help us meet our company goal of generating more than 40 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2040, said Lynn Wilson, a manager with Consumers Energy.

This years construction is expected to begin in the spring. It's anticipated to be completed this fall, which is ahead of schedule.

The Michigan Public Service Commission approved the Jackson-based utility's proposal to begin work in 2019 instead of 2022 on Cross Winds Energy Park III. In 2016, the commission approved Cosumers plan to build 19 wind turbine for its Cross Winds Energy Park II and also approved the option to build 33 more turbines for the future Cross Winds Energy Park III.

When completed, the entire Phase III project is expected to cost about $150 million.

We appreciate the cooperation weve received from Akron and Columbia townships, the landowners, residents, the county, the schools, and local business community, Wilson said. They have been integral in making this a highly successful project.

Cross Winds first phase was constructed in Columbia and Akron townships. It was completed in 2014, and Phase II was completed in 2018.

Michigan, especially the Thumb, is a prime location for wind development, according to a study done by the Michigan Wind Energy Resource Zone Board in 2008. The study ranked Michigan 14th in the U.S. for wind energy potential.
That said, the Casey brothers also are craft beer lovers. But they wondered how much of an impact they could make in that market after seeing the plethora of microbreweries that already had been established, both locally and nationwide.
We redid the basement probably about two years ago. The bar down there has some nice murals of hops and different grains that go in the beers. All the beers that are on tap upstairs mirror whats available downstairs. People can rent that room out as well for private parties.
I know what its like to come from a marginalized society. I am Palestinian and Muslim. I grew up in Oak Lawn. I saw racism. I grew up with that and that pushed me to be a teacher and a musician and one that wants to explain the world through peoples cultures because thats where they shine, Malley said.
The teen, whose name has not been released, was shot around 2:09 p.m. behind an apartment building in the 200 block of East 144th Street, two properties away from the Academy for Learning, an alternative high school where he was a student, Dolton Police Chief Robert Collins said.
AITKIN COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE The following is a summary of the operating budget for the 2019 fiscal year for Aitkin County. This summary is published in accordance with Minnesota Statute. The detail of the County budget is on file in the County Auditors Office at the Aitkin County Courthouse, Aitkin, Minnesota, and may be reviewed during normal business hours. COUNTY SUMMARY BUDGET STATEMENT BUDGETED GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS Revenues Taxes Property Tax Levy Other Taxes Licenses and Permits Intergovernmental Federal State 2018 FINAL BUDGET 2019 ADOPTED BUDGET $13,499,059 1,579,555 77,855 $14,737,749 1,433,112 77,830 3,679,683 12,822,462 2,710,805 10,278,108 Charges for Services 1,782,411 Fines & Forfeits 0 Interest 300,000 Miscellaneous 169,259 Other Sources 0 Budgeted Use of Available Fund Balance To/(From) (855,704) Total Revenues and Other Sources $34,765,988 Expenditures General Government $5,872,841 Public Safety 6,494,243 Highway and Streets 12,766,960 Sanitation 378,663 Human Services 6,196,612 Health 900,796 Culture and Recreation 760,866 Conservation of Natural Resources 251,177 Economic Development 40,787 Debt Service: Principal 0 Interest 0 Capital Outlay 1,103,043 Total Expenditures $34,765,988 Kirk Peysar, County Auditor Aitkin County, Minnesota Dated at Aitkin, Minnesota, this 29th day of January, 2019. 1,767,105 0 300,000 196,611 342,250 Published in the Aitkin Indpendent Age February 6, 2019 903333 136,562 $31,707,008 $6,088,782 6,614,277 8,958,099 400,304 6,208,141 951,830 770,980 251,765 102,468 0 168,908 1,191,454 $31,707,008
On Saturday, June 19, 2021, Emmett Colon Mitcham Jr. died at Rush Foundation Hospital. He was a true gentleman; He loved God, his family, his church, and his work. Emmett was kind-hearted and quick-witted, often making up songs to describe his current situation. To him, work was the joy of a
Bill Graham / The Meridian Star

More progress was made on the Mississippi Childrens Museum Meridian project as demolition crews continued tearing down the old Sears Building on 22nd Avenue on Thursday. The museum will feature trains, stages and giant, interactive brains, along with exhibits focusing on Health and Nutrition, Arts and Literacy and STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
While modern day romance fails in extremity today, we still cling on to that hope of making everything porous and walk through the nuances of an equation, without giving it much purpose. After the advent of dating apps, the romantic behaviour between two people changed with time and there was definitely a slight curve in how relationships or any sort of romantic dynamic works today.

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The generation that grew up post the 90s has trouble dealing with the likes of patience. Not because they're not inherently patient people, but because patience is no longer a prerequisite that's required to see the eventuality of a fruitful relationship. The 90s was an era without mobile phones, constant meet ups or even chatting. There were no DMs, no texts, but there were humble beginnings, and sleeping and waking up with a solid thought always on one's mind, without knowing what's going on in the other person's mind. Not because you didn't want to know, but because there was no way to find out unless you spoke to them over a wired phone, aka a landline.

Obviously we're not in the 90s anymore and couples who're thorough with the philosophies of this generation know just how easy it is to communicate anything at anytime. So, then why aren't relationships malleable and long lasting anymore? Why does no one make much of an effort? Why is it so simple to let go, making boredom and not wanting to work hard a default flag bearer for crumbling relationships? Something to think about, isn't it?

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Well, in a literal needle in the haystack situation, I came across a couple, who'd been acting like they're from the 90s, wherein they were absolutely brand new! They certainly proved me wrong and made me believe that old-school love and lasting relationships aren't always a myth and they dwell in the realms of genuine hardships too, if you try hard enough.

Meet Siddhant and Naina. Two people who're individually so comfortable in their skin, they had no qualms about coming together and making their dynamic as stable as breathing. The two are young and in love and have been together for 5 years now, which means they started their journey when they were just 21!

Siddhant and Naina set a benchmark for all couples old and new to take relationships a little more seriously, by being grounded and true to their roots and by displaying ample patience and understanding of what it really takes to make a relationship as solid as possible.

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We became "phone friends" in high school but never actually met each other till much later. She was still hung up on her ex and I was in love with someone else and I guess we just found some solace in each other. Not in a romantic way but just in a 'here is this disembodied voice on the other end of the phone and this person is kinda fun to talk to.' Anyway, we lost touch soon after until we finally met again when were both older and the attraction was immediate - Siddhant

That's how equations begin most times. You meet someone, you like their energy, you go ahead and speak to them and if your thoughts and ideas form similar semblances, you connect and continue that dynamic further. Both Siddhant and Naina were young and absolute novice to a 'romantic' space and they built it from the scratch to hold on to something at a time where holding on is just passe.

They've endured most hardships relationships throw your way, including blood boiling fights, long-distance and understanding how friendship works side-by-side in a dynamic that's becoming stronger each day.

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We are best friends and we connect on every level. And added to that he is the best human being I know. So I think I'd pick our first fight as a memory I can never forget, which was over something ridiculous on our way to watch Inception. We went through the silent treatment and the anger bubbling. That was the moment I realised this human being can also REALLY get on my nerves. - Naina

Their First Date Ever

They didn't choose a bar or a club or have rendezvous with drinks. I mean, it's believed they would because they belong to the generation where people seek thrill and adventure to get to know a stranger. You know, the inconsequentials of city life. But they didn't want a sense of instant gratification. They did the old school coffee date to get to know each other better and maybe see where their equation went after.

We met at a cafe on a roof in Hauz Khas village, had a few beers and ate pizza. We were in this weird place where we were almost too friendly. Nobody was making flirty advances or anything, we were just chatting like old buds. I remember thinking that the cafe was totally empty, why wouldn't he just kiss me and I think when it finally occurred to him it was too late. - Naina

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The imposition of making the overture of any relationship a social extravaganza to fulfil our societal needs and wants in today's day and age rules rather high. No one takes the time out to find out more than they should from the other person. Either it's having a drink or two at the local watering hole, where you and your SO surrounded by friend and acquaintances, or it's meeting each other over a lot of drinks to lower inhibitions. But here we have young guns, who'd established a long lasting equation, with silent promises to make it work as and when, over a cup of coffee!

The Best Learnings From A Long-Term Relationship

The thing about long term relationships if you start really young and make it till the end is you learn a lot. From yourself as a person and of course from the other person too. You learn early on how to give, how to commit to a moment, how to become absolutely selfless and flawless while dealing with certain obstacles in life. You treasure things that are imperative and you stop mocking patience as an obscure tool. You feel complete.

Couples today, who're superfluous with their feelings, or callous with their associations, seldom get a chance to learn the significance of empathy and attachment, while also realising the importance of being an individual.

In my relationship with Naina, I've learnt how to be confident, believe in myself, speak my mind, take no shit, be honest, be loyal and learn to accept people and understand where they're coming from. - Siddhant

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We thrive in a hook-up-break-up generation, where sex is not a limited want anymore. Callous flings happen all the time, every time and the word commitment is losing its supposed meaning. While millennials love to experiment in open relationships, polyamory, extra-marital triumphs, flings, casual sex, bisexual curiosity, the entire thread of making a commitment more transparent is wavering off from people's minds. But then we have some couples like Naina and Siddhant who're holding on the very existence of 'love and friendship' and shaping it as a long-term commitment goal, even at 26. This is what we want to retain, in a space where everything is so fragile and intangible, and we really hope more couples aspire to be like them and their easy going, beautiful philosophy of a long-term relationship.

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We completed 5 years together in October last year. Now I'm looking forward to a milestone and he rolls his eyes at me every time I hint at it. We've grown together over and over. He really is my best friend and we have that ability to look at each other as girlfriend and boyfriend but also as human beings/friends. We look out for each other like that. I think how Sid's grown is that he's become more vocal and confident about what he wants, what he loves, what he doesn't love and I think I've become calmer and more level headed because of him. - Naina
Akshay Kumar is the undisputed and unconquered Khiladi of Bollywood, who enjoys some insane levels of fame and popularity. His crazy fanbase can do anything, literally anything for him or to meet him and this guy from Haryana just proved the same.

How far can you go for your idol? Stalk them on social media, wait outside their house for hours just to get a glimpse, build a temple just like Amitabh and Rajinikanth's fans did for them, or tattoo their idols' names on their wrists.

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But this 20-year-old from Haryana just went a little too far in expressing his love for 'Kesari' actor Akshay Kumar. In a typical filmy drama, Ankit Goswami from Sonipat, Haryana was arrested for allegedly trespassing into Akshay Kumar's house in Juhu. Reportedly, in his quest to meet Akshay, Ankit searched for the actor's address on Google and then travelled to Mumbai to meet him.

When he was denied entry by the guards, he tried to break into his house post midnight, by jumping over the boundary wall. An officer said, "He climbed the wall at 1.30 am and entered. He was spotted by the guards, who got a hold of him and alerted the police."

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However, he couldn't break in as he was caught by a security guard. Ankit is now in judicial custody and was charged under IPC for trespassing.

Guys, not everything you see in Bollywood movies is meant to be tried and tested in real-life.

Source: Hindustan Times
People with rheumatoid arthritis have a faulty mechanism in their immune system. Repairing it could stop the inflammation and tissue damage that the disease inflicts on the synovial tissue that lines and protects the joints. Share on Pinterest Scientists may soon be able to stop rheumatoid arthritis in humans. These were the conclusions that scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine in California came to after demonstrating how an experimental compound was able to repair the faulty mechanism in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A study that now appears in the journal Nature Immunology reports how researchers identified the fault in helper T cells of the immune system and how it changes their behavior. Prof. Cornelia M. Weyand, who is chief of immunology and rheumatology, is the senior author of the study. She and her colleagues explain that once the faulty helper T cells enter synovial tissue, they summon aggressive immune cells and trigger inflammation and destruction of normal synovial cells. They ran tests on mice with grafts of human synovial tissue that had become inflamed following injections of helper T cells from humans with RA. The experimental compound shut down the faulty mechanism in the human helper T cells and reduced their inflammatory effects in the mice. The team hopes to start human clinical trials of the compound or one of its derivatives soon.

Rheumatoid arthritis and the immune system RA is a disease that causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. Other symptoms include nausea, tiredness, and occasional fevers. The disease affects around 1 in 100 people. Although it can strike at any age, it is more common in older people. Also, women are more likely to develop it than men. Experts are not exactly sure what causes RA. They have concluded, however, that it is an autoimmune disease, whereby the immune system attacks healthy tissue in the same way as it attacks disease bacteria and viruses. In RA, the immune system repeatedly attacks the synovia, which is the soft lining of the joints that stops bones from chafing each other. Destruction of the synovia also occurs in osteoarthritis. However, in this case, the damage arises from the wear and tear that accompanies aging. The inflammation that occurs in RA can also damage other parts of the body. It can double the risk of heart disease, for instance. Prof. Weyand remarks that while existing drugs can relieve the symptoms of RA, they do not rectify the errant immune cells. She and her colleagues learned that faulty helper T cells divert their internal cell resources from making energy to producing an army of inflammatory offspring. This cellular army, explains Prof. Weyand, exits the lymph nodes, makes its way to synovial tissues, takes up residence there, and instigates the inflammatory damage thats the hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis.

Faulty cells divert use of glucose The recent study builds on previous work in which the team observed certain differences in the helper T cells of healthy people and of those with RA. For example, they noticed that in RA, helper T cells have low levels of ATP, which is a molecule that all cell processes use as units of energy. However, in spite of having low levels of ATP, the aberrant cells send glucose to help make new cell materials instead of producing more ATP. Making new cell materials just causes further damage. In healthy people, helper T cells do not behave like this. This is because when they sense low levels of ATP, they divert glucose toward making more ATP. The mechanism that helps T cells sense low ATP relies on a molecule called AMPK, which monitors the ratio of ATP and two of the main products that it breaks down into. When the ratio of ATP to these breakdown products falls below a certain level, AMPK triggers a switch that diverts glucose from making cell materials to making ATP fuel. When your house is cold, Prof. Weyand explains, you need to throw your logs into your fireplace, not use them to build a new house in your backyard.

Reason behind failure to monitor ATP In the recent study, Prof. Weyand and her team uncovered the reason why AMPK fails to monitor ATP correctly in helper T cells in people who have RA. They identified the mechanism that activates AMPK. The mechanism, which has to take place on the surface of lysosomes, involves a small group of chemicals attaching to AMPK. Lysosomes are little sacs inside cells that play several different roles. In one role, they act like recyclers of cell debris. They can also carry out several other tasks due to a range of receptors, enzymes, channels, and various other proteins that they sport on their outer membranes. One of the lysosomes roles is to allow AMPK to insert itself into a large protein complex on its surface. From there, AMPK can then divert glucose back to making ATP in the helper T cells that have fallen below the ATP threshold. For the new study, Prof. Weyand and her team compared helper T cells from 155 people with RA and the same number of healthy people. They also compared them with cells from individuals with other types of autoimmune disease. They found that helper T cells from people with RA, those in good health, and those with other autoimmune diseases all had the same amount of AMPK. However, the difference was that AMPK molecules in the rheumatoid arthritis helper T cells remained inactive and did not appear on the surfaces of lysosomes. Also, the AMPK molecules in those samples with RA lacked a distinct feature that was present in those of the healthy and other autoimmune samples. They lacked molecules of myristic acid on their back end.
With the increased legalization of cannabis, especially medical marijuana, researchers are interested in finding out more about its effects on health. One area that is currently under exploration is that of marijuanas effect on fertility.

Share on Pinterest Researchers are investigating the potential effects of smoking marijuana on male fertility.

As recent research shows, men in Western countries are facing a fertility crisis. Sperm count in males of reproductive age more than halved between 1973 and 2011.

According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, approximately 9 percent of men in the United States have faced infertility.

For this reason, researchers have been looking at how different modifiable factors, such as lifestyle choices, might affect male fertility.

In a new study, a team of investigators from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA, has focused on the effects that smoking marijuana has on markers of male fertility.

The researchers findings, which they report in a study paper that features in the journal Human Reproduction, ran counter to the hypothesis that they established at the beginning of the study.

[The] unexpected findings highlight how little we know about the reproductive health effects of marijuana and, in fact, of the health effects of marijuana in general, notes study author Jorge Chavarro.

Our results need to be interpreted with caution, and they highlight the need to further study the health effects of marijuana use, he emphasizes.
by Ted McConnell , Featured Contributor, February 7, 2019

When you want the truth on controversial media matters, one great place to look is the Pew Research Center, somewhat ironically located in Washington D.C. Its top Internet researcher, Lee Rainie, just completed a study about privacy, centering on Facebook. What did he find?

A lot of things, but among them: We consistently find that theres a paradox at the center of generalized privacy research, Rainie told the Washington Post. Americans, being Americans, say that it matters, but they behave in a way that doesnt indicate that it matters."

Thats a mouthful: People dont act like it matters. If those same people had caught a peeping Tom looking in their window at night, I can guarantee they would start closing their curtains. At least regarding privacy, then, context can be the difference between intrusion and so-what.

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Not a shock. But what's shocking is that massive regulations about Internet privacy are based on research no doubt subject to the same paradox.

While I dont know exactly how the EU handled the research underlying the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the following is a decent hypothesis: People are asked whether they object to privacy being violated by websites. They do. Then they are asked: do they mind their data being taken by websites? Ugh, of course they do!

But the framing predisposes the answer. A survey full of loaded questions is proof of nothing. But all this nothing turns quickly into something in the hands of zealous regulators: huge fines, and huge legal bills as tech companies and publishers scramble to contain liability.

Not dangerous until weaponized

So it seems as if the GDPR, in part, sits on an assumption that is less an inconvenient truth, and more like a convenient falsehood. The falsehood is that consumers are harmed by companies gathering data about them. Harm happens after data gets weaponized, which is normally the result of data being stolen from people who collected it. The thieves are cybercriminals who aim to take money from credit cards, bank accounts, or advertisers.

Two aspects of privacy regulation impact companies the most. In one aspect, the GDPR can penalize companies who control consumer data if it gets stolen.

These companies should be penalized. Their cost optimization has put their customers at risk. Unfortunately, the only practical way to discover breaches is declaration by the party from whom the data was stolen  that is, the victim. Then the victim gets fined. Oops.

Another part of the regulation limits collection of data from websites. This part causes heart palpitations for almost every digital media company, exposing them to huge fines for something they have been doing, apparently without hurting anyone, since the inception of the web.

So, by mixing up massive corporate breaches (like the Equifax theft) with trivial record-keeping (like a server setting a cookie), the GDPR (and its U.S. copycat laws) manage to make harmless acts look scary, while allowing scary stuff to go undetected.

Investments in detection and prevention seem like obvious countermeasures, but who is motivated to make those investments?

Regarding data collection, the GDPR puts every publisher, measurement company, analytics company, etc. large and small, under the harsh gaze of EU enforcement for acts that seemingly hurt no one, while utterly failing to put into place the fundamental technologies, principles, and infrastructures required to catch and punish cybercriminals.

If someone wants to know what websites Ive been to, its easy to find out, but no one bothers because its not worth it. Privacy does not mean that no one can see you do anything. It usually violates our sensibilities only when someone has intentionally thwarted an attempt to keep something private.

Politics is a technology problem or, the opposite.

The systemic fix for web security is going to require investment in infrastructure, compromises to some freedoms (like having a drivers license), and a vision as clear and persistent as the vision that built the internet in the first place.

How does U.S. law regard fines by the EU to U.S. companies? Are our international police powers strong enough to nail cybercriminals, quickly and efficiently, from anywhere on the planet? What is privacy in the face of universal surveillance? Are governments exempt? What if every country and US state has their own legislation?

There are more questions than answers, and thats OK. What seems unfair is for Europe to turn American technology into a revenue stream by caveat, justified by a paradox.
by Sara Guaglione , February 6, 2019

In a candid conversation at MPAs annual American Magazine Media Conference (AMMC) Tuesday, Facebook's global head of news partnerships Campbell Brown admitted the companys missteps in its relationship with publishers. She says Facebook is making efforts to improve the platform.

In an interview with Glamour editor-in-chief Samantha Barry, Brown said: We need to get Facebook to work for publishers. We are not there yet, and have real work to do on that front."

Facebook is testing new features to promote subscriptions to publishers brands.

The Economist is one of a number of publishers testing the feature, as well as about seven Tribune Publishing titles.

Facebook invested millions in the Membership Accelerator initiative last last August, as well as in a Local News Subscription Accelerator Program in April to offer training and provide support and resources to publishers.

Columbia Journalism Review, however, has noted the funding, in many circumstances, enhances Facebook's goals, such as training publishers on how to use Facebook to build a brand out of their newsrooms.

Facebook, according to Brown, is also testing a membership model where content on the platform would not be put behind a paywall. Users would pay a monthly fee for exclusive content, or access live Q&As.

Brown, a journalist for over 20 years and served as an anchor at CNN and NBC, said she feels a sense of urgency to make Facebook work for publishers, rather than against them.

Facebook invested $300 million into its Local Journalism Initiative, she noted, primarily for direct investments in nonprofits that support local news.

Some of programs to receive funding include a $5 million endowment to the Pulitzer Center, a $2 million investment in Report for America and a $1 million investment to the Knight-Lenfest Local News Transformation Fund.

Facebook has also committed $2 million to an initiative to place 1,000 journalists in local newsrooms across America over the next five years.

"Local news is a passion of mine. I came from local news  At Facebook, we are focused on communities, Brown said at the AMMC.

Brown noted a recent shift at Facebook. Now, we sit down with publishers and say: You decide what you need, and we will talk to our engineers and build it, she said, rather than pushing features onto publishers.

Barry noted that when she was an executive producer at CNN, her team was one of the first to tackle Facebook Live.

I needed a kill switch, to cut the live feed in case of an emergency, Barry said, but Facebook didnt understand that because they didnt know what it was like to be in a control room with producers.

Brown said Facebook is hiring more people with media backgrounds now.

I dont want to throw money at the problem otherwise we are dependent on a company that by its very nature is constantly changing and not dependable, she added candidly.
by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, February 7, 2019

Once again, a televised State of the Union speech emerged as a win-win for the president who delivered it.

And just as predictably, his adversaries looked like killjoys, at least most of the time.

Having said this, among the surprises during President Trump's second State of the Union speech seen everywhere on TV Tuesday night were the instances where the opposition actually applauded him.

Most notably, this included the many Democratic congresswomen who all dressed in white as a display of solidarity. They were actually seen not only applauding and cheering, but doing this while standing. These ovations came when Trump mentioned female employment and the like.

Trump himself seemed surprised by these unexpectedly supportive interludes. At one point, he thanked the opposition in white and ad-libbed, Don't sit yet, you're gonna like this! -- referring to another point that he felt might earn another ovation.

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Perhaps some of these Democrats had learned from past SOTU speeches -- such as last year's, for example -- that sitting there glumly is not necessarily the best way to be seen on television.

On the other hand, plenty of Democrats still chose various key moments to sit there frowning. For example, Bernie Sanders was seen frowning right after Trump said, America was founded on liberty and independence, and not government coercion, domination and control. We are born free and we will stay free.

Senator Sanders might love America just as much as Trump does, but when Sanders is seen on TV reacting passively to this kind of statement, it is easy to conclude that the President's imagery of a free America does not agree with him.

The same can be said of the first-year congresswoman from Queens, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose stone-faced expression throughout most of the speech (or at least when she was caught on camera) was noted by many in the hours after the speech.

Sure, many people don't buy into the rosy picture of America the Beautiful that all presidents -- be they Republican or Democrat -- try and paint during these State of the Union speeches. At the same time, however, it wouldn't kill the opposition to at least look as if they're buying into it for this one evening each year.

The fact is, when it comes to making an impression on TV, facial expressions of resistance, anger and, some might say, hate are not constructive. Maybe the long faces play well to various sectors in the Democratic party base. But in the main, demonstrating at least a baseline affection for America, no matter who is President, should be the goal of the opposition in these rare -- indeed, once-a-year -- opportunities to show some unity.

To his credit, one of the themes of Trump's speech was unity -- or at least an attempt at unity -- when he spoke of his administration and Congress coming together to make decisions and craft legislation to benefit all Americans, rather than the members of a single party.

Yes, doing this in reality does seem like a tall order in this day and age, but faking it for one night is not a bad thing to do either.

As in past years, the portions in which the President introduced various guests seated around the First Lady in the balcony were particularly moving. They ranged from very aged veterans of D-Day to people whose relatives had unfortunately been killed in horrible crimes.

Buzz Aldrin, 89, was there too, to take a bow for the 1969 moon landing, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary this summer. Watching all of the elderly heroes seated in the gallery, it was logical to wonder: Gee, so many of our heroes are getting up there in age. Are we still producing heroes like them?

The speech ran to just under one hour and 23 minutes -- which was pretty long, even for this annual speech that usually lasts in the neighborhood of an hour.

Who knows? Maybe the length was intentional. Maybe the Trump SOTU team felt that the longer and later it went, the greater chance more people would turn in for the night and skip the Democratic response.
by Karlene Lukovitz @KLmarketdaily, February 7, 2019

Oreo is launching a global creative platform, called Stay Playful, starting with a North American TV campaign featuring musician Wiz Khalifa and his five-year-old son.

The new platform, from The Martin Agency, follows the Wonderfilled platform also created by that agency.

Launched in May 2013, Wonderfilled was the basis for numerous campaigns over the years, including 2015s Play With Oreo and last years We Are Oreo People  both of which featured people having fun and connecting through dunking, twisting apart and otherwise playing with the cookie.

Playfulness has always been part of the Oreo brands DNA, and now with Stay Playful, the brand is outwardly establishing its playful spirit as the core of all creative communications, said parent company Mondelez International, in announcing the new platform, which will span digital and social media, as well as television.

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Khalifa recorded an original song, Playful 4 Life, for the soundtrack of the new ad (15-second version below), in which he and his son Sebastian are shown enjoying fun activities like indoor bowling -- and dunking Oreos. They say were too grown for fun? We say playfuls never done, declare the songs lyrics.

A 30-second version of the spot will debut during the Grammy Awards on Feb. 10.

Oreo will also release a full-length version of the theme song, playable exclusively on an Oreo X Wiz Khalifa Limited-Edition Music Box.

The brand introduced the Oreo Music Box  a miniature turntable that plays music when you put an Oreo cookie on it  in the United States last November, as part of a limited-edition holiday package sold on Amazon for $19.99.

Oreo won't be selling the new-edition music boxes; instead, the brand will give them away during Grammy Awards Sunday. For chances to win, fans will need to visit Oreo.com on that day.
by Melynda Fuller , February 6, 2019



Digital-publisher focused technology company Pub Ocean has launched whats been dubbed the first PubTech analytics platform. Called PubTech because it caters to publishers, rather than advertisers, the LiveYield platform arms publishers with the same level of revenue-generating intelligence as advertisers.

It collects and synthesizes hundreds of dimensions and metrics that impact publisher RPS in real-time, the company reports.

The platform also separates that data into role-specific views to inform publishers how they should modify their monetization strategy.

Publishers need to re-learn how to analyze revenue. LiveYield offers publishers the key to unlocking granular-level analytics, which gives them the same visibility advertisers have enjoyed for years, Chris Ingham Brooke, founder-CEO, Pub Ocean told Publishers Daily. LiveYield levels the playing ground."

The customizable platform is able to inform nearly every business unit. For example, a group of metrics show which content and authors drive profitability for editorial teams, while audience development teams are provided with tools to analyze the correlation between traffic sources and device types.

Eric Spielman at theCHIVE, stated: Theres been a huge disconnect in the data currently available to publishers versus advertisers, and its been weighing the publishing industry down for years. Weve been looking for solutions to close blind spots and help regain control of where were putting our dollars and how were driving revenue.

According to Ingham Brooke, LiveYield was borne out of the frustration of attempting to measure revenue accurately using existing tools. He and his colleagues found themselves stabbing in the darkness, attempting to connect yesterdays revenue with todays page views.

Their initial proof of concept saw spreads in user value of over 1,100%.

We subsequently used LiveYields data to identify which content was profitable, so we could amplify it, and cut anything that wasnt profitable, he said.

Learning from the data produced by LiveYield, Pub Ocean developed its owned-and-operated website Scribol into a top 200 Alexa website.

My goal is to offer digital publishers the same visibility we had, the same visibility advertisers have enjoyed for years, so we can level the playing field," said Ingham Brooke.
Meadville, PA (16335)

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I was excited about her excitement but knew it would be a stretch to turn this curly tow-head with fair skin and chubby cheeks into an iconic middle-aged black man. So we studied our limited options. Then, using a photo of King with his left hand resting gently against his chin as our guide, we settled on a white blouse under her brothers First Communion suit coat and tie. And, for that final touch, we added her dads wristwatch that actually went further than I had expected in reflecting Kings pose in the iconic photo shed also display as part of her presentation.
Marietta, GA (30060)

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As the Old Fort Elementary community undergoes a $20 million upgrade to their school, former students and residents are picking up the pieces of what is left of the 82-year-old gymnasium.

On Tuesday, Old Forts school board representative Patrick Ellis announced the demolition company had placed rocks outside of construction zone at the school for folks to get on a first-come. first-serve basis. By Wednesday afternoon however, an ambulance was called to the school after a man in his 70s had injured himself after falling off the pile. This forced the school to move the rocks off campus to a lot on South Railroad Street on Thursday.

We are going to take a load at a time, first-come, first-serve, to a lot that is in the town of Old Fort, said Superintendent Mark Garrett. The town has agreed to allow folks to access the rocks if they want, but they want everybody to know its at their own risk. This helps us to make sure people have access without having to be around the construction traffic going on at the school.

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Garrett said folks need to be extra careful when gathering these rocks because they are all various sizes, shapes and weights.

Just be careful, he said.
Explore the endless possibilities found in the brilliant world of beer with this super selection.

It boggles the mind why anyone would want to live in a state of booze-based monogamy when choices have never been wider and more intriguing in all categories. Theres no excuse to squander the opportunity to taste and explore with so much great stuff just waiting to be appreciated.

Take beer, for example. Its been produced, sold and enjoyed all over the world for generations and boasts an incredible range of varieties. There are bitters, blondes, APAs, IPAs, fruit beers, low-alcohol bottlings, lagers and pilsners, and porters and stouts among others, so theres sure to be something for everyone. Variety is very much the spice (or should that be hop?) of life, after all.

So, make 2019 all about playing the field. Weve listed a beer from each of the aforementioned categories so theres no excuse not to broaden your beer-based horizons. Its our round-up of eight beers you have to try in 2019!

Yeastie Boys Gunnamatta Earl Grey IPA Can

The Yeastie Boys award-winning new world IPA with an old-world influence, Gunnamatta Earl Grey, was inspired by the pale ales that travelled from England to the East Indies but also by all that precious tea that returned on those same ships. Thats why it features a healthy dose of Earl Grey Blue Flower. It was also influenced by the instrumental surf rock opening track of Paul Kellys 2004 album Ways and Means. Theres just so much going on here.

Style:

Indian Pale Ale (IPA).

What does it taste like?:

Jasmine, lots of bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, ice tea, herbal, late overripe tropical fruit and leafiness.

Troubadour Blonde

For some, Belgium is the greatest beer-brewing nation in the world. Many of its styles were copied and modified as part of the craft revolution, and the country is renowned for its vast array of traditional and modern beers. This from the excellent Troubadour range is a classic Belgian Blonde, a subtle, light, and dry style of beer that pairs really with spicy food, cheese and summer days.

Style:

Blonde.

What does it taste like?:

Well balanced, with citrus fruit at the fore (think grapefruit and lemon for this one) and grassy hops playing around in the background. Hearty yeast influence too.

Beavertown Gamma Ray American Pale Ale

London-based brewery Beavertown was founded by Logan Plant, the son of legendary Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, but the company has very much forged its own identity with innovative brews and its brightly-coloured, graphic novel-style label designs. This American pale ale was made with best pale, caragold and caramel malts as well as Columbus, Bravo, Amarillo, Citra and Calypso hops (dry-hopped for days). Its a big, hoppy and fresh beer with a deliciously drinkable juicy, tropical character, and thankfully no radioactive side effects.

Style:

American Pale Ale (APA)

What does it taste like?:

Golden tropical notes, grapefruit, integrated malt and gorgeous hoppiness.

Moritz Can

Moritz is something of an iconic name in beer; the brewerys first release was way back in 1856. After period of obscurity, the company resurfaced in 2004, thanks to the descendants of the Moritz family, who relaunched the brand to much success. This is its core release, a pale Pilsner made with mineral water from the Font dOr, pale malts and Saaz hops. Its a clean, crisp and delightfully malty beer from the brand behind Barcelonas original beer.

Style:

Lager/Pilsner

What does it taste like?:

Refreshing lemon and crisp grains, with pepper hops coming alongside subtle bready hints.

Wild Beer Sleeping Lemons

You dont have to travel to Belgium to get your hands on a decent fruit beer anymore. The fun and refreshing take on the classic pint is represented brilliantly here from The Wild Beer Co., who boast quite a range of vibrantly-flavoured beers. Lemons that were first preserved in salt were used here in a beer that packs a tart, acidic bite and pleasant salinity without compromising the character of its malt and hops.

Style:

Fruit beer

What does it taste like?:

Tart lemons, apple and hay before the introduction of the sea salt notes, with a hint of flint too.

Einstok Icelandic Toasted Porter

In what is almost certainly the finest way to share Icelands amazing water with the world, this toasted porter from Einstok Olger in Iceland was brewed with Icelandic roasted coffee, lager malt, Munich malt, chocolate malt, Bavarian hops and pure Icelandic water. The result is a robust, supple and very drinkable porter.

Style:

Porter

What does it taste like?:

Roasty and toasty with dark mocha and bitter treacle.

Adnams Broadside

Adnams Broadside was first brewed in 1972 to commemorate the battle of Sole Bay fought against the Dutch Republic in 1672 just off the Southwold coast, close to the brewery. Theres not just history to be enjoyed here, however, Broadside is a delightfully dark and rich bitter that was brewed with pale and chocolate malt and First Gold hops. Pair with good, hearty home-cooked food (think stews, pies etc.) to make the most of it.

Style:

Bitter

What does it taste like?:

Full-bodied and rich, notes of fruitcake, red berries, warming malt and dark caramel. A touch of almonds lingers on the finish.

BrewDog Nanny State

Low-alcohol tipples are becoming all the rage, so its worth seeing what all the fuss is about. This is Nanny State, BrewDogs take on the category, weighing in at a mighty 0.5% ABV. However, a hearty helping of hops, including Centennial, Amarillo, Columbus, Cascade and Simcoe, as well as plenty of dry hops means this is still a flavoursome brew.

Style:

Low-Alcohol Beer.

What does it taste like?:

Yep, this is well-hopped indeed  loads of orange, grapefruit, mango and pine, with a little bit of biscuit-y malt shining through.
#WOOConan Back to Worcester Conan O'Brien thinks Worcester is "un-WOO-able". We responded directly to Teamcoco. If you agree with us, help #WOOConan back to Worcester. Posted by Worcester Massachusetts on Wednesday, February 6, 2019

After late-night host Conan OBrien took a dig at Worcester during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the city clapped back with a message for the comedian.

Business is booming, people are moving in and we just landed a Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Were crushin it, and we want you to come see it for yourself, said Che Anderson, who handles special events for the city, in a filmed message.

The citys response came after OBrien went on The Late Show to talk about the results of a DNA test his doctor gave him. He explained that hes 100 percent Irish, and his ancestors immigrated to Boston during the Civil War, settling in Worcester.

During the brief mention, an audience member cheered.

Dont woo Worcester. No one woos Worcester. Its un-woo-able, OBrien responded.

Anderson  and many others  disagree. In fact, the city has offered to fly OBrien into the Worcester Regional Airport to see for himself.

Worcester has created a #WOOConan hashtag to help spread the word.

Over the past few years, the city has experienced a renaissance of dining and development.

In 2018, Worcesters economy saw its strongest year in decades. New restaurants and stores have been popping up throughout the city -- particularly in the Canal District, which will be home to the Worcester Red Sox by 2021. And with an upcoming winery, a recently-added fifth brewery and two new comedy clubs, theres a lot happening in the city of 185,000.
-- The Terminal Building, Galena Boulevard and Broadway, an historic building built in 1905 that was once the Hotel Arthur. It became the terminal and offices for the former Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Railroad as well as two other electric interurban railroad lines  hence the building's name  and it was also home of the popular Broadway Diner for years.
SPRINGFIELD  City Councilor Orlando Ramos said Wednesday he is strongly considering" a run for mayor in 2019 against incumbent Domenic Sarno.

Ramos said he will make a decision by the end of February.

Over the next few weeks, I will be talking to some of my supporters, friends and family, and I will make an official decision by the end of February, Ramos said. I get asked every day from people in the community that are looking for a new direction  they ask me every day if I would consider running for mayor.

Ramos was first elected to the council in 2013 and is now in this third two-year term. He served as council president in 2017 and 2018.

Sarno has served as mayor since 2008 and has stated he is running for re-election.

The mayor position is a four-year term.

Ramos until recently worked as district director for state Sen. James Welch, D-West Springfield. He did not say what work he is doing now other than being a city councilor.

He has a bachelors degree in public policy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and just completed a masters in public administration program at Westfield State University.

This story was updated Feb. 6, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. after The Republican learned Ramos is no longer employed as district director for state Sen. James Welch.
Tom Steyer, a hedge fund manager and billionaire behind the Need to Impeach campaign, will be in Springfield next week to take his case for President Donald Trumps impeachment directly to voters in U.S. Rep. Richard Neals congressional district.

Steyer, whose effort recently launched television and digital ads targeting Neal, will hold a Feb. 12 Impeachment Town Hall at the Cedars Banquet Facility on Island Pond Road.

The event, for which doors will open at 6:30 p.m., will focus on the need for Neal -- chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee -- and other members of Congress to act quickly to remove Trump from office.

Steyer will also use the town hall to take questions and discuss his plans to encourage the American people to demand their their representatives in Congress hold Trump accountable, according to organizers.

Need to Impeach is the latest left-leaning group to publicly call on Neal to use his power as House Ways and Means chairman to formally request the release of Trumps tax returns. It has further urged the Springfield Democrat to vote to start impeachment proceedings immediately.

Steyer committed $40 million earlier this month toward his Need to Impeach effort, which he launched in October 2017. The campaign includes a public education initiative, town halls across the United States and an organizing push to mobilize supporters to press their federal lawmakers to back impeachment.

Neal, who has offered that he will request the presidents tax returns, told The Republicans editorial board last week that any such move must be done methodically and judiciously" as it will likely draw lengthy legal challenges.

House counsel and the attorneys at the Ways and Means Committee are preparing the case, he said. Im not going to flub it.

Three progressive groups -- Tax March, Stand Up America and Indivisible -- also recently called on the congressman to stop slow-walking and formally seek the release of the presidents tax information.
U.S. Sens. Elizabeth and Ed Markey joined fellow Democrats this week in pushing for federal legislation that seeks to enhance ethics requirements presidential transition teams must meet -- an issue which has surfaced in wake of President Donald Trumps 2017 transition.

The Massachusetts senators signed on to a bill, known as the Transition Team Ethics Improvement Act, that would ensure the government is focused on areas of public interest, and not those promoted by lobbyists, during presidential transitions.

Sponsors argued that such legislation is needed as members of presidential transition teams are not required to comply with federal ethics laws, even though they receive federal financial support and access to executive agencies, non-public documents and other resources.

Warren, who is among several Democrats eying a 2020 White House run, contended that currently its too easy for the wealthy and well-connected to rig the system to their own benefit during presidential transitions."

The Transition Team Ethics Improvement Act puts the governments focus during transitions where it belongs: on the needs of the American people," she said in a statement.

Specifically, the bill would require eligible presidential candidates to develop and release transition team ethics plans, as well as to disclose how they will address their own conflicts of interest before the election.

Warrens office noted that while recent presidents-elect have adopted ethics plans, the law does not currently require such disclosures.

The legislation would further require transition team members to sign an ethics-specific code of conduct, set minimum requirements for ethics plans, enhance disclosure requirements and strengthen congressional oversight of transition team members receiving security clearances.

Warren formally introduced the bill -- which is a companion version to a similar U.S. House proposal -- in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday.

Markey joined a dozen other Democrats in signing on as co-sponsors of the measure.

U.S. Reps. Ayanna Pressley, D-Boston, and Stephen Lynch, D-South Boston, meanwhile, are among the co-sponsors of the House bill.

The proposals come after a September 2017 Government Accountability Office report found the Trump transition team ignored advice from the Office of Government Ethics and did not follow past precedents for presidential transitions or ethics, Warrens office noted.

The GAO review found that the Trump transition team did not develop an enforcement mechanism for its ethics code, resulting in some members not complying with such policies.
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, laid out a series of economic, social and energy overhaul principles Thursday that they said will be at the center of their Green New Deal -- a plan to combat climate change and transition the United States to 100 percent renewable energy over the next decade.

The Democrats, who joined supporters in unveiling their Green New Deal agenda at a Capitol Hill news conference, cast climate change as an issue that impacts nearly all parts of American life, including wealth inequality, health care and racial justice.

Because climate changes impacts extend beyond just energy and the environment, they argued, an historic generational commitment" will be needed from political, business and other leaders to tackle the wide-ranging issue.

BREAKING: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and I are launching our #GreenNewDeal resolution. Our plan is for a 10-year national mobilization to radically transform the American economy and fight climate change. WATCH LIVE: Posted by Senator Edward J. Markey on Thursday, February 7, 2019

Offering that their Green New Deal plan will lay out a series of principles instead of prescriptive policies, Markey and Ocasio-Cortez stressed that there is no one solution to ending climate change.

Were here to say that small, incremental policy solutions are not enough. They can be part of a solution, but they are not the solution unto itself, Ocasio-Cortez said. There is no justice and there is no combatting climate change without addressing what has happened to indigenous communities. That means there is no fixing our economy without addressing the racial wealth gap. That means we are not going to transition to renewable energies without also transitioning frontline communities and coal communities into economic opportunities, as well.

Markey added that the proposal, which will be offered as a resolution in Congress, calls for the greatest blue collar job creation program in a generation, as well as enhancing opportunities for vulnerable communities.

It will also look to leverage new financing, provide new resources and use existing laws and regulations to meet the plans 10-year goal.

Proud to stand with @SenMarkey and over 60 Original House Cosponsors today to introduce our #GreenNewDeal resolution for both the House AND Senate!



You can read the official resolution here:https://t.co/3LxGdFbnKb pic.twitter.com/sm2uIbYcsr  Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@RepAOC) February 7, 2019

Comparing the Green New Deal to Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal, Markey agreed with the former presidents assertion that statesmanship and vision require relief to all at the same time.

It is time for us to be bold once again. We have the technology to do it. We have the moral obligation. We have the economic imperative. We just need the political will to get this done, he said. The sun is setting on the dirty energy of the past. Today marks the dawn of a new era of climate action.

Ocasio-Cortez further stressed that the solution to ending climate change isnt going to come from one congresswoman or one senator, but from all of our representatives as a country saying, This is what Iowa needs. This is what Virginia needs. This is what Michigan needs. This is what Illinois needs. And, This is what New York needs.'

When we have this threat that challenges all of us, the solution is going to take all of us too," she said.

Although Markey and Ocasio-Cortez argued that growing public support for addressing climate change will help make such legislation a reality, the Republican National Committee called their plan a long socialist wish list that is woefully short on details."

RNC officials further argued that the Green New Deal lacks a funding mechanism, offers no tangible framework for transitioning to renewable energy and would cost an estimated $2 trillion.

Fellow Massachusetts lawmakers, U.S. Reps. Ayanna Pressley, D-Boston, and Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, joined Markey and Ocasio-Cortez at the news conference and in urging support for the Green New Deal.

The Democrats touted their proposal one day after Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, called on Congress to address climate change, as he testified before the U.S.House Natural Resources Committee.
More than three-quarters of senators supported a bill to rebuke President Donald Trump for his decision to pull U.S. troops out of Syria and Afghanistan before our nations work is done. It marked a rare moment of bipartisan dissent, and seemed to provide some hope that Congress would finally start standing up to the president.

If only.

After all, Republicans are in the majority in the Senate. How hard would it be for the House to go along and support a similar bill of its own?

Impossible, apparently. At present, the Democratic-controlled House has no plans to take up the Senate-passed measure.

In part, perhaps in large part, because a rebuke of Trump's anti-war footing isn't the bill's only component. It also opposes the movement to boycott, divest from and to place sanctions on Israel. And for many of today's so-called progressives, that's just a bridge too far.

A simple question for most of those who fanatically and single-mindedly support the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement -- generally called BDS -- that claims to want to punish Israel for its occupation of the West Bank reveals much about many in this cohort: Why do you spend exactly no time at all fretting over China's occupation of Tibet? (One could also inquire about their feelings regarding Russia's occupation of Crimea and eastern Ukraine.)

The sad answer, though few in the BDS movement would admit to it, ought to be plain to anyone who knows anything of the history of anti-Semitism.

Consider one of the current darlings of the far left-wing of today's Democratic Party. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a newly elected representative from a Minnesota congressional district, wrote the following in a post to Twitter back in 2012: "Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel."

Though she repeatedly defended the tweet, and the sentiments behind it, after her turn on the national stage began, she finally offered an apology just last month, saying she'd not been aware of the hurt it may have caused. Well, better late than never, one might graciously say, but whether she truly saw how wrong was her previous stance will remain an open question. time, and her actions, will tell.

Some of those opposed to the Senate bill, which would have punished companies that wage economic warfare against Israel, said they were concerned that the measure was an effort to stifle free speech. This is what can generously be called quite the stretch.

Here was Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., one of the bill's co-sponsors, writing on the Op-Ed Page of The New York Times:

"While the First Amendment protects the right of individuals to free speech, it does not protect the right of entities to engage in discriminatory conduct. Moreover, state governments have the right to set contracting and investment policies, including policies that exclude companies engaged in discriminatory commercial- or investment-related conduct targeting Israel."

He's got that right.

Though some who support the BDS movement may believe that they are backing the rights of an oppressed people, they are badly mistaken. They are backing an anti-Israel movement, plain and simple. Seventy-seven U.S. senators saw that clearly in supporting the anti-BDS measure. Its a shame that the House, given a golden opportunity to do the right thing, is likely going to close its eyes and instead do nothing at all.
The Republicans Feb. 6 front page article entitled Sarno snubbed for endorsing Baker should be an embarrassment to the Massachusetts Democratic Partys leadership as well as its members. It is unbelievable that a political party could be so petty as to deny a sitting mayor of the third largest city in Massachusetts a role at its annual convention that is being held in that city this September. His crime? He supported the reelection of the most popular bipartisan governor in the United States, who just happens to be a Republican! In this bluest of states what is the party afraid of? It cant be the Democratic party may lose its iron grip on its political fortunes in Massachusetts. No it is more likely that they fear someone or idea that is not in lockstep with the accepted party line, e.g. Sarnos recent veto of the welcoming community ordinance.

Mayor Sarno has been an outstanding leader for the city, not only overseeing an economic renaissance without parallel but also having an administration that is both diverse and inclusive. As a former 29 year resident of Springfield, I never witnessed as much success under one mayor's administration as under the current mayor.

But it doesn't really matter. The Massachusetts Democratic party apparently never heard Tip O'Neill's often used phrase "all politics is local". In the end Mayor Sarno's political fortunes will be based not on his state partys' snub but rather on his accomplishments for the citizens of Springfield.

Andrew D. Hayes, East Longmeadow
The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has filed a civil lawsuit to prevent the establishment of a "supervised safe injection site" in Philadelphia for users of illegal drugs.

U. S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that his office has filed the lawsuit to prevent the establishment by the nonprofit corporation Safehouse of what would be the country's first such facility whose supporters argue helps prevent overdose fatalities and offers users access to recovery treatment.

"So-called 'supervised injection sites' would break the law, plain and simple," said U.S. Attorney McSwain, according to a release from his office.

"The law is clear - and it is my job to respect and enforce the rule of law. If Safehouse wants to operate an injection site, it should work through the democratic process to try to change the law. But normalizing the use of deadly drugs like heroin and fentanyl and ignoring the law is not the answer to solving the opioid epidemic."

McSwain's reference is to the federal Controlled Substances Act that was enacted in 1970.

The announcement of the filing of the lawsuit comes two days after two California legislators reintroduced a bill that would allow San Francisco to operate a supervised safe injection site for illicit drug users.

Such sites, where drug users can go to consume or inject their drugs in a medically supervised environment, are controversial.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is among those who have opposed such sites, none of which have opened in the U.S. but exist in Europe and Canada, and the Massachusetts Senate did not include the establishment of one in the commonwealth in its version of legislation addressing the state's opioid crisis last summer.

The U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Andrew Lelling had warned at the time, "Employees and users of such a site would be exposed to federal criminal charges regardless of any state law or study."

The Senate did include a proposal to establish a commission to study the feasibility of operating such sites, and that aspect is part of the second law addressing the opioid crisis Baker signed in August.

The Pennsylvania suit is filed against Safehouse as well as Jeanette Bowles, its executive director, and seeks a judicial decree that Safehouse's planned opening of one or more so-called "consumption rooms" would violate federal law.

This lawsuit is said to be the first of its kind filed in the United States.

In response to Philadelphia's opioid crisis, where overdose deaths are said to have risen by nearly 200 percent since 2009, Safehouse announced last fall its intention to open a such a facility as part of available overdoes prevention services for those 18 and older.

On its site it states requirements of use for the proposed sites:

"All participants must register and provide basic demographic information upon entry to the Safehouse facilities. A physical and mental health assessment will be conducted and a range of overdose prevention services offered," the site reads.

"Participants seeking supervised consumption will be directed to the medically supervised consumption room and provided sterile consumption equipment and fentanyl test strips. Participants will safely dispose of used consumption equipment before leaving the supervised consumption area. Under no circumstances will Safehouse make available any narcotic or opioid, other than those that are FDA-approved for treating opioid addiction."

Philadelphia media has reported that the contamination of heroin there with the synthetic opioid fentanyl has been responsible for two recent overdose spikes in the city.

McSwain said in the release that community organizations play a role in addressing the country's opioid crisis, but called the "injection site" not an "acceptable path forward."

"I recognize that we are all on the same side in this fight," he said.

"The proponents of the injection site share our goal of ending this terrible epidemic. We all want solutions that save lives, but allowing private citizens to break long-established federal drug laws passed by Congress is not an acceptable path forward."
LONGMEADOW -- A new family-oriented Italian restaurant, Posto, is set to open in the Longmeadow Shops by summer in the former Bertucci's space.

The Select Board this week approved a liquor license contingent on the completion of other requirements, including that its still-to-be-hired employees will be Training for Intervention Procedures certified.

"This is as close to the high school as you can get, which concerns some of us a bit," said Select Board chair Mark Gold, adding that the town will be strict on carrying out routine compliance checks once the restaurant is open to ensure alcohol won't be served to underage patrons.

Owners Ralph Santinello and Michael Presnal also own the upscale Federal restaurant in Agawam and a vintage wine bar in West Hartford. Christina Presnal, the wife of Michael Presnal and sister of Santinello, will run the front of the house at Posto.

Posto will have 150 seats as well as a 20-seat outdoor patio and should be open by May or June, Santinello told the board.

Everything will be made from scratch, including pizza and pasta. The restaurant will employ 30 to 40 part- and full-time employees.
SPRINGFIELD  Police have been investigating an apparent crime scene at a home in the Liberty Heights neighborhood since early Thursday.

Western Massachusetts News reported a home on Francis Street has been taped off and numerous evidence markers could be seen in front of the house.

Police have yet to comment on what prompted their response to the home. Western Mass News is television partner to The Republican and MassLive.com.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be posted as soon as it is available.
Duran-Contreras was found with outstanding warrants in DuPage and Kane counties for failing to appear in court on possession of methamphetamine, police said. One of the passengers, Vladimir R. Fernandez, 30, of Joliet, was found to be wanted by Illinois State Police for failing to appear on a traffic charge.
An update to this story was posted at 12:09 p.m. Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD  A late Wednesday shooting in the Liberty Heights neighborhood claimed the life of a man, police say.

Ryan Walsh, spokesman for Springfield police, said police responded to a report of shots fired at 37 Francis St. at about 11:30 p.m.

They found a victim suffering from gunshot wounds in the doorway of the home. The victim was pronounced dead in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

Walsh said police, still early in their investigation, believe the shooting was an isolated targeted incident.

The investigation is being conducted by the departments homicide unit under the direction of Capt. Trent Duda. Walsh referred further comment on the case to the Hampden district attorneys office.

The homicide is the citys second in 2019. Gunshot victim Alexis Martinez was found dead inside a car in the Five Town Plaza on Cooley Street on Jan. 5.

Karl Exantus, of 28 Manhattan St., turned himself in at the lobby of police headquarters at 130 Pearl St. several days later. Exantus is charged with murder, carrying a firearm and carrying a loaded firearm without a license.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be posted as soon as it is available.
Bristol County prosecutors are asking a judge to send Michelle Carter to jail, a day after Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld her involuntary manslaughter conviction for pressuring her boyfriend into killing himself.

Carter, who was 17 when she sent a flood of text messages to Conrad Roy III urging him to end his life, was sentenced to 15 months in jail following her conviction in June of 2017. But the judge in the case allowed her to remain a free woman pending her appeals in state courts -- a legal avenue that is now officially closed, following the SJCs decision.

Our next step in this matter will be to file a motion with the trial court to revoke the stay of sentence and have the jail sentence imposed, Bristol District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn said in a Twitter post Wednesday.

Prosecutors filed a motion to revoke Carters stay of sentence on Thursday morning. A hearing is scheduled for Monday at 2 p.m.

After Judge Lawrence Moniz found Carter guilty in 2017, her attorneys urged him to postpone her sentence until the states appeals courts could hear her case. Moniz agreed, but ruled that the stay in sentence only applied to state courts, meaning that any further stay would have to be sought from a federal judge.

A stay through the Massachusetts court system only is warranted, Moniz said at the time.

When Moniz made his decision, one member of Roys family expressed outrage to reporters outside the courthouse.

Its insane to me, said Jimmy Brodeur, the fiance of Roys aunt Kim Bozzi. Its not justice. It says you can bully anyone as long as youre in juvenile court.

Carters attorneys have said they are examining all their legal options following the SJCs upholding of her conviction, including a possible appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Carter and Roy met on vacation, and began a largely digital on-and-off again relationship. Both struggled with mental illness, and text messages entered as evidence in the case show that they both sought to support each other through emotional difficulties.

Roy had previously attempted suicide, and when he told Carter that he was thinking about killing himself in 2014 she initially urged him to seek help. But in the weeks before his death, she began pressuring him to follow through with his suicide plan, expressing disappointment when he failed to do so.

Last night was it. You keep pushing it off and you say youll do it but u never do. Its always gonna be that way if u dont take action," Carter wrote to Roy. Youre just making it harder on yourself by pushing it off, you just have to do it.

Roy was found dead on July 13, 2014, after filling the cabin of his truck with carbon monoxide. Carter was arrested after police found the pairs text messages, as well as messages Carter later sent to a friend saying she was responsible for Roys death and had told him to return to his truck that night when he expressed doubts about killing himself.
BOSTON  A physician convicted of fraudulently billing Medicare and private insurance companies while operating a dangerous pain management practice and dispensing large quantities of narcotics to addicted patients was sentenced to more than 6 years in prison and ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution.

Moustafa Moataz Ibrahim Aboshady, 36, of Lake Forest, Calif., was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to make false statements in connection with health care benefit programs and two counts of making false statements in connection with health care benefit programs by a federal jury in September.

He was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 75 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in a scheme to conspire to falsify patient medical records to obtain insurance payments for medical services that were not performed, said Christina DiLorio-Sterling, spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling.

His co-defendant Dr. Moustafa Moataz Mashali was sentenced earlier to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to 27 counts of health care fraud and 16 counts of money laundering.

Aboshady was a medical resident at the now-defunct New England Pain Management Associates Inc., which had offices in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Cairo, Egypt when the conspiracy took place, she said.

Mr. Aboshady helped Dr. Mashali operate one of the most dangerous pain management practices in Massachusetts, Lelling said. "Dr. Mashali routinely dispensed large quantities of powerful narcotics to addicted patients. Mr. Aboshady assisted Dr. Mashalis illegal behavior by using his training as a doctor to fabricate patient records, with the goal of duping Medicare and other insurers into paying Dr. Mashali for his fraudulent conduct. Moreover, Aboshady later lied about Mashalis medical practices to regulatory authorities.

He conspired with other employees to fake medial records and urine drug tests to support claims for payment to Medicare. He submitted detailed descriptions of extensive physical exams and treatment plans that didn't happen and instructed employees in Cairo on how to do the same thing, he said.

Dr. Aboshady engaged in unlawful, unethical, and unprofessional conduct. He used the Medicare system as his own personal ATM, cheating taxpayers and private insurance companies out of thousands of dollars by billing them for medical services that were never performed. The FBI is committed to protecting government and private health care programs and stopping those who steal from them, said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
SPRINGFIELD  Raymond Gallant of Southwick was angry about how things were going in his child support matter in Hampden Probate and Family Court in Springfield.

He was talking with staff members there on April 7, 2017, when he told them, Just give me the judges address. Ill show up at her house with a gun," a prosecutor said.

Gallant on Thursday pleaded guilty to intimidation of a witness or court official and threatening to commit a crime.

Hampden Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Ford accepted the recommendation of prosecution and defense and sentenced Gallant to one year of probation, during which he must have no contact with Anne Geoffrion, now a retired judge.

Ford also gave Gallant a six-month sentence to the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow, but suspended it during probation.

Geoffrion is not afraid of Gallant and had no interest in giving a position on how the case should be resolved, said Assistant District Attorney Robert A. Schmidt.

Gallant told Ford he has post-traumatic stress disorder and has been seeing a therapist every week for four years.

Defense lawyer George J. Welch said Gallant has no criminal record. He said Gallant immediately knew that he should not have said what he said.

Welch said Gallant was having treatment for mental health issues, but after the incident the treatment was increased.
The 24-year-old Massachusetts man accused of breaking into a Concord home and kidnapping a resident there at knifepoint was caught in Florida Wednesday night.

Julian Field, a Bedford resident wanted in connection with the kidnapping, was caught in Key West, Florida and arrested on a federal warrant, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Field was charged with one count of kidnapping and will appear in federal court in Florida Friday. He will be brought back to Massachusetts at a later date.

Authorities say Field broke into a Concord home on Feb. 3 and forced the man living there to drive him to a train station in Connecticut at knifepoint.

The victim, who is in his late 60s, was alone playing his piano when Field broke into the home Sunday night, according to federal records.

Field pulled a knife out and asked the man, Do you enjoy pain? records said.

Field allegedly told the victim he had just broken his own mothers arm and tied her up, the federal affidavit said.

Authorities said Field forced the man to drive him from the area, asking first to go to New York.

Federal records say Field demanded the man drive him to the Mardi Gras strip club in Springfield in order to find fentanyl, FBI Agent Ryan Burke wrote in the federal affidavit.

Field forced the man to go into the club.

Once inside, Field began soliciting drugs from the employees, the FBI agent wrote. After approximately 15 minutes, Field and victim left the club.

Field then forced the man to drive to a Hartford train station.

The victim, according to authorities, asked Field to end the situation amicably.

How in the world could this end amicably? Field responded.

The victim was forced to buy a train ticket for Field. But Field then had the victim drive him to a New Haven, Connecticut train station instead, authorities said.

Field then told the man to wait before calling police.

The man drove back to his home in Concord, but stopped to call his wife and let him know he was safe.

The victim got home around 3:45 a.m. on Monday and called police.

Authorities subsequently tracked Field to Florida, where he was arrested, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Concord Police also obtained an arrest warrant for Field on armed home invasion, kidnapping, armed assault on a person over 60, armed assault in a dwelling and armed burglary charges.

Field was reported missing from his Bedford home then allegedly broke into a Concord home Sunday night.

A knife was found in the victims car.
BOSTON  A teenage girl sends her boyfriend a sexually explicit picture of herself. After they break up, the boyfriend sends it to all his friends.

Under current law, the teenagers could be prosecuted through the juvenile justice system for distributing child pornography  a felony sex crime that carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

We need an alternative to draconian pornography laws that just dont fit the behavior, said Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan.

Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday refiled a bill that would provide an option for prosecutors to send teenagers who sext, or send explicit pictures to one another by text, to an educational diversion program.

At the same time, Bakers bill would make it a felony to distribute revenge porn, or sexually explicit images shared without the subjects consent.

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, who chairs the Governors Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, announced the re-filing of the bill at a council meeting.

With advancements in technology, we need to create updates to our laws to better prevent people from using technology as a weapon, Polito said.

Baker filed the same bill last year. The Legislatures Judiciary Committee reported a version of the bill out favorably, but it never emerged from the House Ways and Means Committee for a vote in either the House or the Senate.

The bill has support from the states district attorneys and the association representing Massachusetts chiefs of police.

Polito said she plans to put my shoulder behind the bill this session, to work with educators and advocates and lobby lawmakers to make passing it a top priority.

I believe theres urgency to this, Polito said. I certainly dont want to see especially high school students distracted from the work that they need to do. ... In some instances, you see it become so extreme that kids are missing school, get behind in their studies, which can compromise not only their academic progress but their physical and mental health.

Being sent to an educational diversion program would be the default penalty for a minor who sexts under Bakers bill. A prosecutor could still pursue criminal charges if a case warrants it.

The bill would also require schools to teach students about the harms of sending sexually explicit images as a form of cyberbullying.

Experts say sexting is a growing problem in middle and high schools. But prosecutors do not necessarily want to saddle teenagers with felony criminal records for it.

Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, an attorney, filed a similar bill last year. He said a Franklin police officer approached him in 2016 after an incident at a high school where 60 students were involved in transmitting sexually explicit images. Roy said the police officer was struggling to figure out how to deal with the case, when his only options were to charge them with child pornography or do nothing.

Kids just think its a joke, or they dont really understand what theyre doing when they begin this snowball effect, Roy said. This bill goes a long way toward providing teachable moments for children to understand the consequences ... and providing discretion to District Attorneys in how to properly prosecute or not prosecute these cases.

Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes, president of the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police, said the chiefs agree that there is a need to educate teenagers to avoid harmful behavior like sexting, rather than punish them with a felony.

I think the focus should absolutely be on education to avoid this behavior in the first place, Kyes said.

The other major aspect of the bill deals with revenge porn.

Current law prohibits the nonconsensual recording of another person. It does not address a situation in which someone agreed to take a sexually explicit photo, but the photo was distributed without their consent. For example, one member of a couple might make an explicit photo public after a breakup.

Bakers bill would make distributing explicit photos without the subjects consent a felony offense, and would empower a judge to order that the image be permanently destroyed.

Around 40 states have similar laws in place.

We feel that its very important for district attorneys to be able to charge in the event of a revenge porn situation, Polito said.
CHICOPEE  A retired city police captain is disputing claims about his involvement in the investigation into a motorcycle crash six months ago involving Police Chief William R. Jebb, saying information recounted in a Massachusetts State Police report and by Jebb is wrong.

State police released the report Tuesday on the investigation of the crash that occurred at about 10:35 p.m. on July 19. In the report, Jebb was cited for marked lanes violations, which he is appealing.

State police did not explain why it took so long to investigate what was a single-vehicle crash, but Jebb accused Capt. Mark Gilbert, who retired three days after Jebb returned to work after the crash, of planting suspicions that alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Gilbert and Jebb have clashed multiple times in the past in a multi-year saga of allegations of misconduct and acrimony in the police department that included multiple lawsuits filed, disciplinary actions and other problems.

After he was named chief, Jebb and the city accused Gilbert criminally of filing a false police report. After Gilbert was found not guilty in the case in 2016, he sued Jebb, Mayor Richard J. Kos and others in federal court, accusing them of retaliating against him for participating in investigations related to department disputes and misbehavior. Gilbert has two pending lawsuits against Jebb and the city.

After the accident report was released Tuesday, Jebb said, referring to Gilbert. I was treated like a criminal (by the state police) because of false accusations that came from a former police captain.

In the report under the category Driver Susp. Alcohol, it says Yes, alcohol used. Jebb said he challenged state police investigators about that statement because he was not cited for drunken driving.

Why would you put that in there because there was no evidence alcohol was involved?" Jebb said Tuesday in an interview with The Republican. I was told it was standard when someone said alcohol was involved.

Jebb did not say where he had been before the crash or if he had been drinking.

Gilbert said Wednesday state police got details of his involvement in ordering the investigation incorrect and he never accused Jebb of drinking.

No accusations or characterizations were made by me, at any time, Gilbert said in an email.

According to the report, state police were called to the scene at about 12:10 a.m., approximately 90 minutes after the crash occurred, to block off the Exit 4B ramp from Interstate 391, where the accident took place. About 20 minutes later, Chicopee police officials requested the State Police Collision and Reconstruction Section, which investigates crashes, to respond to the scene on the ramp and Grattan Street.

That was followed by some back-and-forth phone calls between state police officials and Chicopee police. The report said Trooper David Sanford talked to the desk, but did not specify which officer spoke to him.

"It was agreed that (Massachusetts State Police Collision and Reconstruction Section) would not be responding as the crash did not meet protocol due to the lack of fatality or other special circumstance and that Chicopee PD reconstruction unit would handle it," the report said.

But Gilbert disputes that account. He said he was the shift supervisor at the time of the crash and he called state police at about 10:45 p.m., telling troopers the Chicopee police chief was seriously injured in a crash and the city departments Accident Reconstruction Team was responding. He asked if state police could send someone to assist.

Later, state police took over at the request of Gilbert, and state police Sgt. Jason Sternfield was assigned, according to the report written by state police Lt. Paul Weinschenk.

Gilbert said his shift ended around midnight and he went home. But at 12:30 a.m., he realized the state should handle the investigation for transparency reasons and called city police Sgt. Jeffery Godere, who had taken over as shift supervisor, to see who was handling the investigation.

Gilbert said Godere said he didnt know, so Gilbert said he called his co-worker, Lt. Richard Henry, who he knew was on the scene with the Accident Reconstruction Team.

We discussed the matter, and I ordered him to have the state do the accident report. That is my only involvement, Gilbert said. We cant investigate our own chief. Thats absurd.

After spending two weeks in the hospital and several weeks recovering at home, Jebb returned to work Aug. 13. He said he immediately told Gilbert he was beginning an internal investigation into his dealings with the state police.

But Gilbert disputes that. He said he had put in his two-week notice of retirement on Aug. 3, shortly after his birthday, with his last day to be Aug. 17. He said he barely saw Jebb in the three days after Jebb returned to work, especially because he was using up accrued sick time.

The timing of Gilberts retirement was just a coincidence, he said, but he said internal investigations take time and are not started as someone is leaving.
The city of Springfield lifted its moratorium on recreational marijuana businesses Sept. 30. By October, the city council had regulations in place, restricting the location of businesses and capping retail shops at 15.

But so far, not a single business has been able to apply for a permit.

We have not accepted any applications yet, because were still clarifying the host community agreement process, said deputy planning director Philip Dromey. A city council subcommittee is establishing a process for ranking applicants to determine who can negotiate a host community agreement.

By the end of 2018, around 150 temporary moratoriums cities and towns had placed on marijuana businesses had been lifted, and fewer than 10 remained in effect, according to the Massachusetts Municipal Association. The moratoriums were allowed under state law to give cities and towns time to decide how they wanted to regulate recreational marijuana businesses.

But with the end of the moratoriums  around 90 of which expired in December, and the rest of which ended earlier last year  prospective businesses are not seeing an influx of new opportunities. Rather, they are confronting a smorgasbord of regulations, with some municipalities prepared to accept businesses, some with outright bans, and some communities where regulations remain a work in progress.

Even in those communities that welcome businesses, the application process can be cumbersome.

Practically speaking, they replaced a moratorium often times with a process thats incredibly slow, very challenging and very expensive, said Jim Smith, an attorney at Smith, Costello and Crawford, who represents marijuana companies.

Massachusetts voters legalized recreational marijuana through a 2016 ballot question, and the first adult-use stores opened in November 2018. The Cannabis Control Commission continues to license new stores, and nine were open by the end of January.

One reason for the slow rollout has been the difficulty businesses have finding property in a town without a ban or moratorium, in the proper zoning, and then negotiating a host agreement with town officials.

There remains a geographic disparity regarding where marijuana businesses are able to locate. As of Jan. 24, 67 businesses in Worcester County had submitted complete applications to the Cannabis Control Commission, as had 30 businesses in Berkshire County. But there were only eight complete applications submitted from Suffolk County, which includes Boston, and 26 from Middlesex County, which is the states most populous region.

Cannabis Control Commission Chairman Steven Hoffman said he is hopeful the expiration of the moratoriums will help even out the disparities.

Hoffman said cities and towns that were sitting on the sidelines for the first year of operation are now coming off the sidelines.

But marijuana businesses say it is not so simple to move into towns, even after a moratorium expires.

In West Springfield, for example, voters chose to permanently ban marijuana businesses weeks before a temporary moratorium expired.

In Palmer, a moratorium expired in June 2018, and the town decided to allow marijuana businesses. But it was not until November 2018 that officials adopted an ordinance regulating the businesses and started accepting applications. It took that long because of the process required to put a new ordinance in place, which involved planning board review and public hearings before the town council.

Palmer Town Manager Charlie Blanchard said the town has one approved cultivation facility and medical marijuana dispensary, and officials just approved the first recreational retail store.

Smith, meanwhile, said a lot of communities lifted moratoriums but are still working on zoning.

In that case, Smith said that from a legal perspective, I suspect you could probably walk into any city or town, pull a permit for any commercial (site) in town. ... In reality, thats not going to happen.

Smith said even in communities that did put bylaws in place, many require applicants to get a special permit  a potentially painstakingly slow process. It may also take months to negotiate host community agreements.

Its not so much a formal moratorium as it is just a process thats incredibly cumbersome and time consuming, Smith said.

Eric Schwartz, co-founder of Farm Bug Cooperative, which provides services like marketing and bulk buying to marijuana farmers, said local bylaws remain the biggest challenge for growers.

Even if a moratorium or ban is lifted, if local laws are either restrictive or prohibitive or very limited in terms of zones where individuals can operate or cultivate, thats our biggest issue, Schwartz said.

Schwartz said he and the farmers he works with have had to lobby for more inclusive zoning in many cities and towns to avoid a situation where the zoning is so restrictive, and land is so expensive, that only the largest, wealthiest companies can buy.

Have things opened up a little bit? Yeah, weve had victories here and there, Schwartz said. But its all on the ground work within communities and educating them to understand that the more restrictive they make their laws, it hurts small players.

A few communities still have moratoriums.

Hadley, for example, extended its moratorium until June 2019.

Town administrator David Nixon said a marijuana bylaw came up for a town meeting vote in October 2018 but was tabled because it had technical problems and wasnt ready for prime time. Now, the planning board is working on finalizing zoning bylaws, which will come up for a vote at a town meeting in May.

Nixon said he receives calls every week from people wondering about the status of the moratorium.

At Lenoxs town meeting in November, a proposed bylaw that would have allowed marijuana businesses failed by fewer than 10 votes. Voters instead decided to extend the moratorium to June 2019, to give the Planning Board and community more time to think about where they want these, said Town Planner Gwen Miller.

Geoff Beckwith, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, said he believes most towns used the moratorium time to put regulations in place. He said any unhappiness about the slow pace of local governance reflects a lack of understanding of how town government works. Boards, often made up of volunteers, need to write regulations. Town voters need to approve changes during town meetings.

The local planning process and bylaw and ordinance process is extremely time consuming and lengthy, Beckwith said. The marijuana industry doesnt understand that the vast majority of communities have town meeting, which meets only once or twice a year.

Beckwith noted that some towns may never need to put rules in place, because they are unlikely to get any applicants.

Hawley is among those. The Franklin County towns moratorium expired at the end of the year. Planning board chairman Henry Eggert said there is a strong possibility that town planners will require a special permit to open a marijuana business. But so far, officials have not done anything.

Hawley is one of the last dry towns in Massachusetts, where selling alcohol is prohibited. There are no stores, and the population is around 300. Eggert said he receives the occasional phone call asking about bylaws, but no serious interest.

In reality, the town has determined that were not a prime candidate to have any marijuana establishments located in it, Eggert said. Therefore, weve up to now done nothing.
Villa Napoletana is an East Longmeadow eatery that habitually earns a place on the region's "best of" restaurant lists.

Housed in a diminutive shopping plaza just across the Springfield city line, Villa Napoletana's handsome dining space is characterized by a high concept, subtly theatrical decor. Tables and chairs are the sole seating option.

The establishment's bill of fare offers appealing possibilities.

Incorporated in the pasta choices available are Penne ala Vodka and Spaghetti Carbonara (both $16.95) as well as Lobster Ravioli ($20.95) and Lasagna Bianca ($17.95), a layered noodle and vegetable creation finished with a light cheese sauce.

Red meat creations include a Stuffed Beef Tenderloin ($24.95), Beef Marsala ($23.95), and a Delmonico Steak ($21.95) sauced with a rosemary-mushroom demi glace.

Chicken makes an appearance in creations such as Chicken Con Cognac ($18.95), and Stuffed Chicken Florentina ($19.95); veal is featured in the form of a Grilled Veal Chop ($31.95) and Veal Gorgonzola with Shrimp ($20.95).

Perennially popular Italian dishes such as Linguini with Clams ($19.95) and Zuppa de Pesce (market price) are typical of the restaurant's seafood repertoire.

The array of first course specialties includes Artichokes Francese ($9.95), Mozzarella in Carozza ($9.95) and Clams Casino ($10.95).

The starter we settled on, Gamberi Grand Marnier ($12.95), was artistically arranged on a long rectangular plate; crostini made from country-style loaves served to elevate the shrimp and soak up the creamy, liqueur-infused sauce. The six good-sized shrimp had been cooked just to the point of doneness, while strips of roasted red peppers contributed their distinctive vegetal sweetness to the composition. Definitely an elegant way to start a meal, we agreed.

Veal Francese ($20.95) is one of those uncomplicated creations that can validate a kitchen's reverence for good ingredients and technical skill.

Fine quality cutlets battered and pan-fried before being sauced with a pan reduction compounded from butter, lemon, and wine, Napoletana's Veal Francese didn't take any shortcuts..

A side of penne presented with the veal introduced us to the house marinara, a version we found somewhat sharp and salty, though not objectionably so. A rosette of ricotta garnished the pasta.

Our second entree selection, Tartufo Ravioli ($18.95), was also presented in a long plate line-up, the neatly arranged pasta pockets topped with a sophisticated red wine sauce. The mushroom mixture that stuffed the ravioli had a complex woodland-infused flavor, and the sauce, a tomato gravy sweetened with wine, benefited from the earthiness of minced garlic and the hot spark of red pepper.

Ordering an entree at Villa Napoletana entitles a guest to a service of bread and a salad. The former is cut from a rustic white loaf and served warm; an herbed olive oil dip is provided.

Salads are assembled from mixed greens and are garnished with red onion rings, grape tomatoes, and grated carrots. Dressings are made on site; we'd particularly recommend the Gorgonzola vinaigrette we enjoyed.

Villa Napoletana maintains a sizable wine list on which Italian producers are dominant. Most bottles are priced in the $30 to $40 range.

The dessert tray at Villa Napoletana typically offers at least a half-dozen options from which to choose, and on any given evening the line-up is likely to incorporate the likes of chocolate lava cake, cannoli, creme brulee, carrot cake, and more.

The restaurant's New York-style Cheesecake ($6.95) was less dense than typical; it also incorporated distinctive sour cream flavors. Served with sliced strawberries and attractively drizzled with strawberry glaze, the cheesecake made a fitting conclusion to our meal.

Tiramisu ($6.95) at Villa Napoletana is an exceptional dessert experience. Inspired by an heirloom family recipe, the creamy construct is served with a shot of espresso to spoon over it.

Serving traditionally inspired Italian fare, Villa Napoletana offers a notable rendition of American's favorite "ethnic cuisine."



Name: Villa Napoletana

Address: 664 North Main St., East Longmeadow

Telephone: (413) 732-9300

Website: viilanapoletana.com

Hours: Dinner served Sunday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m. Bar open later.

Entree prices: $16.95 - $31.95

Credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Handicapped access: Accessible, with rest rooms equipped for wheelchair use

Reservations: Accepted and advised on weekends






SPRINGFIELD  I dont want to be famous for looking like Daddy Yankee, Jose Arroyo said as he posed for a photo looking exactly like the Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar.

Arroyo is a musician himself  known by his stage name, Dominante de Estilos  having started his career in 2005. But while he has always wanted to be recognized for his own talent, and not for his striking resemblance to Daddy Yankee, he said he could not pass up the opportunity to portray the beloved Puerto Rican artist in the 13-episode Netflix series El Ganador."

The series follows reggaeton artist Nicky Jams rise to stardom.

When Arroyo saw postings on social media inviting Daddy Yankee lookalikes to audition for the role he decided to give it a shot. Although he had never acted before, Arroyo was invited to audition in New York.

The day of the audition I arrived two hours late and I thought I lost my shot, he said, remembering that there was a childrens acting class happening in the studio and he was allowed to perform a scene in front of them.

Shortly after, he was flown to Mexico where he met Nicky Jam, the series star. Nicky Jam and Daddy Yankee grew up together; Daddy Yankees character, as portrayed by Arroyo, is featured heavily throughout the series.

When I met (Nicky Jam) he hugged me and told me how much I looked like Daddy Yankee, Arroyo said.

After their first meeting Arroyo left feeling confident about the role.

It all felt very natural, he said.

One month later he was given the part. He filmed in Mexico, New York and La Perla, an infamous neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His favorite scenes were when he got to take the stage.

I felt this adrenaline rush because people were able to see that Im actually a rapper, he said, noting that he made every effort to perform Daddy Yankees lyrics with accuracy, speed and presence.

Ever since he filmed his scenes, his social media pages @dominantedeestilos on Twitter and Instagram have blown up with fans commenting how much he looks like Daddy Yankee, calling him a clone or a long-lost brother. Arroyo said he has yet to meet the star in person.

The Netflix series aired in Latin America in November 2018, but has yet to air in the United States and Puerto Rico because Telemundo has the rights to the series. The major Spanish-language television network confirmed the series will air sometime this year.

With filming done, Arroyo is back to making music and is hoping to release several singles including Amor y Mi Cruz (Love and My Cross) about the battle between good and evil.

Its sort of like what happened to Nicky Jam, but my version, he said.
One of the reason this fundraiser is so important to me personally and to us a theater company is our goal is to provide art thats not only entertaining but also inclusive and accessible to everyone, McGarry said. Thats one of the reasons why this fundraiser has become something I love doing and look forward to doing is because it keeps growing and people are so excited to come participate again.
EAST LONGMEADOW  Massachusetts property owners whose concrete foundations are crumbling because they were built with tainted gravel from a Connecticut quarry  and those who fear they may soon be dealing with pyrrhotite damage  can get state money to pay for testing and inspections.

Those homeowners can learn more about the reimbursement program at a meeting with state officials Feb. 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the East Longmeadow Senior Center, 328 North Main St.

Future meetings will happen in Central Massachusetts, where pyrrhotite-damaged foundations also have been found.

Staffers from the Massachusetts Office of Public Safety & Inspections will be at the East Longmeadow meeting to help determine whether or not a foundation is affected by pyrrhotite and what help may be available, said state Sen. Eric P. Lesser, D-Longmeadow. He expects a short presentation followed by questions and answers and the distribution of materials.

I think most folks would want to know if they were at risk, Lesser said. Its not my place to tell people what they should or shouldnt do with their home. All we want to do is be here as a means of support."

Lesser will attend along with state Rep. Brian M. Ashe, D-Longmeadow, and state Sen. Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer.

Gobi hosted a meeting in Brimfield last year where homeowners had a chance to speak out.

That was more of an information gathering community solidarity meting, Lesser said.

About 50 people came to an information center recently in Brimfield like the one upcoming in East Longmeadow, Gobi said.

I think about half of them picked up applications, she said.

There were questions, too. One issue was homeowners worried that they couldnt find a Massachusetts engineer familiar with the problem. If they hired an engineer with a license in Connecticut but not Massachusetts, could they still get a reimbursement?

So those are the issues we are going to have to work out, Gobi said.

The upcoming meeting is more focused on the money Massachusetts has available to help pay for testing and inspections, Lesser said

In its most recent budget, Massachusetts set aside $50,000 to reimburse homeowners the entire cost of visual testing conducted by a licensed professional engineer up to $400. The fund will also reimburse homeowners at a rate of 75 percent for the testing of two core samples up to $5,000.

To receive reimbursement for foundation testing, homeowners must fill out a one-page form and mail it to the Office of Public Safety & Inspections, Crumbling Foundations, 1000 Washington St., Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118.

Homeowners, contractors and building inspectors have only recently seen signs of pyrrhotite damage in Massachusetts homes.

But the state of Connecticut estimates that more than 35,000 homes in the north, east and central parts of the Nutmeg State face devastation from the tainted concrete. Homes and other buildings in 41 Connecticut towns have been found to have the problem.

The now defunct J.J. Mottes company mined stone containing pyrrhotite from its Becker Quarry in Willington, Connecticut, from 1983 to 2017 and included it in concrete sold to building projects in both states. The company stopped in 2017, at the state of Connecticut s request. The concrete likely ended up getting used anywhere within ready-mix truck range of the quarry.

Over time, sometimes as long as a decade or more, the pyrrhotite reacts with water and oxygen and expands. The expansion leads to cracking and bubbling and will eventually destroy the structure. There is nothing that can be done short of replacing the tainted concrete.

Replacing the tainted concrete can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. And homeowners, their net worth wiped out by the damage to their home, cant always afford to get the concrete replaced.

There is no count, yet, of how many homes in Massachusetts have pyrrhotite. But its been spotted in at least in East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Monson, Palmer, Wales and Ware.

In Longmeadow alone, 400 homes  about 10 percent of Longmeadows housing stock  were built between 1983 and 2017 when the tainted concrete aggregate was in use.

Homeowners hit with repair costs can deduct the expense as a capital loss on their income taxes.

Taxpayers have through the end of 2020 to make qualified repairs to their home and until April 2021 to claim those repairs on an amended 2017 federal tax return. This accommodation within federal tax law came after lobbying from Connecticut congressmen Joe Courtney and John Larson working with U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, who was ranking minority member, and is now chairman, of the tax-writing House Ways & Mans Committee.
A backpack stuffed with $49,400 in cash seized by authorities at Boston Logan International Airport last year is part of a legal battle over whether the money can actually be kept by the government.

The government claims the money was part of illegal drug sales, but the owner of the cash and his lawyers say authorities have no proof other than suggesting a criminal act was involved.

Carrying a large amount of cash isnt evidence of illegal activity, the mans lawyers argue.

The issue over the legality of the proposed seizure of the cash began on May 1, 2018, when Robert N. Kenny headed to Logan to catch a flight to San Francisco that night, according to a civil filing in a federal court in Massachusetts.

Details of the discovery and seizure of the cash are contained in an affidavit filed by U.S. Drug Enforcement Special Agent David X. ONeill.

The affidavit described the following events:

Massachusetts State Police Trooper John Banik was advised that Kenny arrived at the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint in Terminal B with a large amount of cash in a carry-on bag.

Kenny had a North Carolina license with him.

A TSA agent noticed several bundles of cash - 1,950 $20 bills and 208 $50 bills for a total of $49,400  was inside Kennys backpack.

The odor of fresh unburnt marijuana was on the currency, ONeill wrote. Based on my training and experience, the packaging and the smell of the currency is consistent with proceeds from the illegal sale of narcotics.

Kenny was taken to an interview room. Banik and Logan Airport Task Force member Detective Lt. Thomas Coffey soon joined him.

Kenny, they told him, wasnt under arrest and could leave any time. The investigators wanted to talk about the cash. Kenny agreed to talk.

Sitting with the investigators Kenny described himself as the chief executive officer for Royal Supply, a San Francisco company. Kenny handed the investigators a business card.

A check of the companys website shows the slogan, Weve got what you need, except the weed.

Our company was founded by a couple of long-term friends driven by the desire to play an integral role in a rapidly expanding and evolving cannabis industry, the company states online. Our mission is to be a leader in the product packaging marketplace.

The company, according to the website, serves customers across the country.

Kenny explained to the investigators his company is a product packaging and marketing company focusing on food and other items. Fourteen people worked for the company at the time of the interview with an office in San Francisco and a warehouse in Stockton, California.

A quick check of the inventory for sale shows joint tubes, vape supplies, glass containers, pill vials and various other containers for sale.

Kenny headed to Boston to collect money for services provided. He arrived in Massachusetts at 5:40 a.m. on May 1, 2018, and planned to fly back to San Francisco later that night.

When asked where he traveled to meet his business contacts, after an extended pause, Kenny said that he believed he went to Bellingham, Massachusetts after requesting a ride from Uber on his cellular telephone, ONeill wrote.

The man he met was named, Chris. Kennys company provided Chris product for his company. Kenny was unable to give any more details about Chris or his company.

Investigators say Chris is actually someone known to the DEA as a suspected marijuana trafficker. His last name was omitted from the investigators affidavit.

Chris, according to ONeill, was caught with $84,000 on August 14 in Massachusetts. He admitted the cash was being used to buy pounds of marijuana. The government seized the cash. The U.S. Attorneys Office filed a notice of forfeiture in the matter.

The investigators say Kennys cell phone also showed he had been in contact with another person in Bellingham, a person who had been busted for marijuana cultivation and distribution.

The reason for carrying the cash was simple, Kenny explained. There were no branches for the bank he uses in Massachusetts.

Kenny didnt want to talk about why he would be paid in cash by someone, ONeill wrote. He stated his company produced paper and plastic products.

As the investigators spoke with Kenny, ONeill checked out the company and discovered the motto and the marijuana packaging supplies for sale.

The customer service number  1-888-PACK-420  was an obvious reference to pot, ONeill wrote.

Kenny didnt want to talk about his business any further, authorities said.

The investigators told Kenny he was free to go and fly back to San Francisco. The cash, however, that was staying in Massachusetts, the investigators told Kenny. He declined an offer to get a receipt for the money at the State Police Logan Barracks.

The cash was taken to the barracks. Trooper Christopher Coscia and his drug detection dog, Felix, showed up.

The money was hidden in an office. The trooper and his dog were sent in to search the room.

Felix found the cash hidden in a drawer, ONeill wrote.

Authorities then checked the financial records for Royal Supply. Twenty-nine cash deposits, totaling $159,852, were conducted from Dec. 8, 2017, to April 18, 2018, ONeill said.

The cash deposits were odd to police, considering the company doesnt have a physical storefront.

ONeill said the cash was seized because authorities believe it is cash involved in illegal drug sales.

In a statement filed in federal court, Kenny said the cash was payment received for non-contraband goods.

In a motion to dismiss the forfeiture, Kennys lawyers said the government has no proof to show the cash was involved in illegal drug sales.

Kenny never tried to hide his identity or travel plans, the lawyers wrote in a December motion. Carrying a large amount of cash is not evidence of illegal activities either, they argue.

Even though Kenny wasnt under arrest, he still answered investigators questions and explained why he was in Massachusetts, the motion said.

The smell of marijuana on the cash isnt odd. The court system has recognized that U.S. currency is contaminated with narcotics, according to the motion.

Here, the government has not alleged details of a criminal act that is linked to the defendant currency, the lawyers wrote. Instead, the government surmises that there is a nexus between the defendant currency and some unspecified predicate criminal activity by alleging Kenny spoke and/or met with an individual named Chris, a suspected marijuana trafficker, and another individual who the government alleges was arrested on multiple charges involving cultivation and possession to distribute marijuana.

The Boston-based law firm representing Kenny did not return a call seeking comment.
A Brazilian national living in Quincy is accused of sending a letter to immigration officials stating that a man was going to carry out a shooting attack on a South Boston school and open fire on all of the children.

Clebio P. De Lima, 43, was arrested on two charges of making false statements to federal authorities. He will appear in a Boston federal court later Thursday.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Boston received an unsigned, handwritten letter in Portuguese in February 2018.

The letter said a man named Mario was going to carry out an attack at a South Boston school.

The letter stated that Mario had purchased two firearms and that he was looking to buy more, according to authorities. It is alleged that the letter concluded by stating, I invite you to take action, I trust in you. Thank you for the great security of this country.

Federal records said the letter told authorities the man was going to open fire on all of the children.

The letter writer claimed the man offered him $3,000 to drive him to a school and help with the escape.

The letter claimed the fictitious shooter paid $15,000 to marry an American citizen and would use American documents to buy more weapons.

The Boston Federal Bureau of Investigations Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the claim made in the letter.

Following an investigation, it was determined that the allegations in the letter were false, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. During an interview with agents in September 2018, De Lima falsely denied any knowledge about the unsigned letter sent to USCIS.
That eddy swirling through the capitol in Richmond became a full-force rapids on Wednesday, when Attorney General Mark Herring made it the top three figures in state government all charged with inappropriate behavior.

Gov. Ralph Northam since last week had been the focus of debate about whether he should resign because of a racist photograph from his 1984 medical school yearbook. Almost everyone said he should step aside even as he stood firm against that current.

Then emerged a statement Wednesday by a woman in California who said Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax had forced her to perform oral sex on him in a hotel during the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston.

Followed quickly by a statement from Attorney General Mark Herring, who admitted he had worn brown makeup and a wig in 1980 to look like a rapper during a party when he was a student at the University of Virginia.

Herring had been calling for Northam to resign and now admitted that his own political future very much was in doubt.

And all of this had political figures in Martinsville very concerned about what would and should happen next.
California's 'Weed Nuns' are in battle with law enforcement, big banks and right-wing pastors for a place in the lucrative CBD market. Meanwhile, the FDA has deemed CBD a drug, banning its use in food and health products without official approval.
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This is the astonishing moment a military plane falls from the sky and crushes an SUV in Lima, Peru.

Amazingly the pilot and co-pilot were pulled to safety and survived.

A surveillance camera shows a couple of residents walking next to a building before the Peruvian Air Force aircraft barreled through a row of wires dangling from street poles.

Captains Julio Pinedo Centurion and Juan Carlos Valdivia Rodriguez were rescued from the wrecked plane by four firefighting units before the injured servicemen were taken to the Peruvian Air Force Central Hospital on Monday morning.

A military instructional plane from the Peruvian Air Force crashed on a street in Lima, Peru

Residents were shocked at the sight of a military aircraft falling from the sky

According to Peruvian newspaper El Comercio, the pilot, Pinedo Centurion, suffered severe bruises.

The sudden impact crushed an SUV on the quiet street in the coastal town of Surco, a district in the Peruvian capital city of Lima.

A woman, who was standing just a couple feet away from were the plane finally rested on its belly, could be seen on the video running for safety while another man could just cover his head.

Military officials said the military officers were conducting a routine instructional flight and were returning to the base when the accident happened

Residents rushed out of nearby homes and businesses to help the injured pilots who were stuck inside the tiny plane.

The accident occurred just eight blocks away from the Las Palmas Air Force Base.

Military officials said the military officers were conducting a routine instructional flight and were returning to the base when the accident happened.

Investigators are still determining what made the plane malfunction.
In an article last Friday, E&E News took a tour through the swamp. The organization of 75 reporters and editors focusing on energy and the environment zeroed in on possible ethical conflicts facing acting Environmental Protection Agency administrator Andrew Wheeler. The topic is hot, considering that President Donald Trump has nominated Wheeler as the EPAs permanent director; his nomination just secured the approval of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and is headed to the full Senate for a vote.

Wheelers ex-firm lobbied agency on efforts he oversees, reads the headline on the Feb. 1 story by reporter Corbin Hiar. The storys lead sentence lays out the troubles inherited by a government official who once worked as a lobbyist: A former colleague of acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler repeatedly met with top EPA officials about toxic waste sites and regulations that Wheeler now controls, newly released emails show.

The EPA press office found cause to play media critic: E&E Publishes Hogwash Misleading Story, reads the title of a Friday press release. The EPAs critique complains about two allegedly misleading statements in the E&E article, the first having to do with timelines:

Misleading: Wheelers ex-firm lobbied agency on efforts he oversees and that Acting Administrator Wheelers former firm communicated with EPA officials on two specific (Superfund) sites and one rulemaking  all of which Wheeler hasnt recused himself from working on.

Reality: The communication that E&E News cites occurred in July 2017, nearly four months prior to his nomination to become Deputy Administrator and nearly 10 months prior to his confirmation as Deputy Administrator. E&E News incorrectly implies that because Acting Administrator Wheeler is now at EPA, his former firms previous attempts to contact the Agency are retroactively prohibited.

In fact, the E&E article did address the timeline, as follows: Although Wheeler wasnt included on the email, before joining EPA he acknowledged in a financial disclosure form that he provided strategic advice and consulting to General Mills between 2015 and August 2017.

The EPA, furthermore, put some media-attack boilerplate in its release: Clicks are more important than facts for E&E News in their latest ploy by implying guilt by association constitutes a story.

Cyril T. Zaneski, executive editor of E&E News, found that comment odd. Its not clickbait, says Zaneski; its anything but. Its a paywalled site. E&E News provides exclusive subscriber access to all content, and some stories are subsequently opened to the general public.

Furthermore: If the EPA found the story sufficiently misleading to warrant a flaming press release, surely the agency requested a correction from E&E News? Well, no. They have not, says Zaneski.

On the same day, the EPA press office published a press release ripping this article in HuffPost: Coal Baron Cuts Ties With Lobbying Firm As Ex-Lobbyist Andrew Wheeler Ascends At EPA. The release called the piece misleading and biased yet failed to supply convincing material supporting that characterization. Whats more, the EPA didnt initially cooperate with HuffPost reporter Alexander C. Kaufman: The EPA initially declined to comment, then on Friday issued a fact check press release calling this story biased and misleading,' his article says.

On Tuesday, the EPA circulated a similar attack on an article by Annie Snider, a reporter for Politico Pro, with the subject line Politico Continues Misinformation Campaign on PFAS. The pushback concerns Sniders article about a former Koch Industries official who is playing a key role as the agency decides how to protect people from the pollution left behind at hundreds of military bases and factories across the country.

A Politico spokesman tells The Washington Post, Annie has been in touch regularly with EPA throughout her reporting, and we stand by the story. Also: The spokesman indicates that Snider has apparently been removed from the agencys press-release distribution list.

I asked the EPA press office about its latest blasts. An emailed reply came back from John Konkus, deputy associate administrator for public affairs: The American public expects and deserves a press that provides truthful and honest reporting on important environmental issues, when the press fails to do that, it is our job to correct the record.

Well just call that progress, given: that Jahan Wilcox, who worked EPA press under then-EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, once told a reporter, Youre a piece of trash; that the EPA under Pruitt barred certain reporters from an EPA summit; that the EPA under Pruitt banished an AP reporter from its press-distribution list: Hes more than welcome to visit our website, said an EPA official; and that Wilcox, under Pruitt, told a New York Times reporter, If you want to steal work from other outlets and pretend like its your own reporting that is your decision.
The resolution approved Monday dictates the funds must be used solely for the purpose of the villages current deflection program and include: the provision of co-coordinator positions, marketing and public awareness, initial intake treatment from a medical provider, training for sworn officers and the purchase of naloxone  also known by the brand name Narcan  which helps reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
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On Aug. 31, 1978, Imam Moussa Sadr went to visit Libya as chairman of the Supreme Islamic Shia Council (SISC) at the invitation of Muammar Gaddafi. He was accompanied by sheikh Muhammad Yaacoub and Abbas Badreddine. All three men disappeared and havent been seen since. No conclusive evidence has ever been produced to support the official Libyan narrative that Sadr left Tripoli for Rome.

The disappearance of Sadr was a major loss for Shiites in Lebanon and across the Middle East. He was a charismatic leader and had worked his way into his position at the head of the Shiite community in Lebanon through tireless years of organizing and awareness raising after his return from studying in the 1960s at a prestigious religious school in Qom, Iran. He was a contemporary of Mohammad Mehdi Shamseddine and Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah, two other prominent Shiite clerics who would have a significant influence in Lebanon.





(Also in our series : If the Shah and I have to die, it will be in Iran)





The course the Shiite community has taken over the past four decades would likely have looked different had Sadr not disappeared. He took sharp and critical positions on important issues facing the Shiites in Lebanon and the Middle East during the mid-1970s. In the face of political marginalization and socio-economic discrimination of the Shia community, an Islamic school of thought emerged under the impetus of religious dignitaries and cadres trained in the hawza of Qom and Najaf (Iraq).

In the early 1970s, Sadr formed the Movement of the Deprived, which would later become the Amal Movement. Other Shiite political groups were also forming around the same time including the Lebanese branch of the al-Dawa party, first established in Iraq, the Islamic Committees and the Union of the Bekaa Ulema. The student branch of the al-Dawa Party, known as the Islamic Student Union, was led by Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah and included figures who would go on to play important roles in Hezbollah, including sheikh Naim Qassem, currently the partys secretary general, Mohammad Raad, current leader of Hezbollahs parliamentary bloc, and Mahmoud Qamati, a minister in Lebanons newly formed cabinet.





(Also in our series : Women: the first victims of the ayatollahs)





In 1975, the al-Dawa Party issued a fatwa that called on its members to infiltrate the Amal Movement. In his book on Hezbollah, sheikh Naim Qassem describes the process: "The Islamists were divided between the Amal Movement, the Islamic Committees, al-Dawa Party and the independents... As political activity was limited to the Amal Movement, some Islamists chose to join it, either out of total belief in this movement or because they felt that it was only a transitional step on the way to another phase.

In the late 1970s, Saddam Hussein began repressing the al-Dawa Party in Iraq. Lebanese Shiite who were part of the party returned to Beirut, including figures who would become leaders in Hezbollah such as sheikh Subhi al-Tufayli, Sayyed Ali el-Amine, Abbas al-Musawi and sheikh Ali Kourani, according to Saoud el-Maoula, a university professor and specialist in Shiite affairs who, at the time, was close to the clerics who would eventually become founding members of Hezbollah, before adhering to a more Lebanese shiism under the auspices of Mohammad Mehdi Shamseddin.





The catalyst

The Shiite political organizations that formed in Lebanon in the 1970s were closely interwoven with regional Shiite movements and had connection to hawzas in Qom and Najaf. This was the backdrop that would give rise to Hezbollah in the 1980s. However, the partys foundations were already being set in 1978 at the same time the Islamic Revolution was starting in Iran, according to el-Maoula.

In the mid-1970s, political differences emerged between Imam Sadr and Ayatollah Khomeini over who was the highest authority in Shiite Islam. Sadr argued that the highest authority, or marja, was Imam Mohsen el-Hakim in Iraq. Khomeini, however, considered himself to be the highest authority.





(Also in our special series : Khomeini: the opponent, the guide and the despot)





The success of the Islamic Revolution in Iran in February 1979 was an important turning point for the Shiite Islamist movement in Lebanon. The Islamic Republic became the central reference point for Shiite movements in Lebanon and across the Middle East.

The real catalyst for the emergence of Hezbollah, however, was Israels 1982 invasion of Lebanon. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or Pasdaran, arguing that they were resisting the Israeli occupation, practically took control of the Bekaa in June 1982. They occupied barracks belonging to the Lebanese Army, set up training camps for Shiite fighters, opened hawzas, created a radio station, published a newspaper and organized centers for activists, among other things.





(Also in ours series : When the road to Palestine passed through Iran)





The committee of nine

At the same time, senior leaders and followers of the al-Dawa Party who had infiltrated the Amal Movement in 1975 created a splinter group following the 1982 invasion. The group that formed was based in the Bekaa and called the Islamic Amal. In response to the Israeli invasion, the various factions of the Shiite Islamist movement held a series of meetings to form a unified party structure, which would later become Hezbollah. The foundations of the new party were based on three principles:

- Islam constitute the the ideological and practical foundation of thought and faith upon which the new political formation should be built.

- Resistance against the Israeli occupation is a priority. It is therefore necessary to create an adequate structure for jihad and to mobilize all the necessary resources in this area.

- The command returns to the supreme leader (at that time Ayatollah Khomeini), as heir to the Prophet and Imams (wali al-faqih). It is his responsibility to define the broad lines of action within the Islamic nation (including the decision of war and peace), and his decisions are binding.

Having agreed on these three fundamental pillars, the leaders of the Shiite factions continued their meetings aimed at laying the foundations of the new political organization. The result was an institutional document. A committee of nine representatives  three each from the Bekaa Scholars, the Islamic Committees and the Islamic Amal Movement  presented the document to Ayatollah Khomeini, who approved of the outline. The factions involved dissolved their individual groups and formed a unified party: Hezbollah.

The unification process began in the summer of 1982, but Hezbollah wasnt formally established until the end of 1983. The process was closely supervised by the Pasdaran, and Hezbollah announced its official doctrine and first political program in 1985.





Some references:

- "Hezbollah: The doctrine, the experience and the future, Naim Kassem, Dar al-Hadi.

- "The Quiet Revolution," Samir Frangie (texts chosen by Michel Hajji Georgiou), L'Orient des Livres.

- "Hezbollah, between ambiguous allegiances and the Lebanese reality, Works and Days of the USJ, number 77, spring 2006, Michel Touma and Michel Hajji Georgiou.

- Interviews with Saoud el-Maoula, OLJ, March 7 and 11, 2009.





(This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour on the 2nd of February)

---

Editors note: 40 years since the Iranian revolution under LOrient-Le Jours magnifying glass

This month marks the 40th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution. The country went from being an imperial state to a theocracy and then to an Islamic Republic. Given how transformative the revolution has been in Iran, the Middle East at large and Lebanon in particular, it is undoubtedly one of the most significant events that took place in the region during the 20th century. LOrient Le Jour will cover this anniversary by publishing a series of stories.

Dans le meme dossier

Comment lIran est devenu lennemi du monde arabe

Quand le Liban chiite, palestinien et de gauche senflammait pour Khomeyni

 Si le chah et moi devons mourir, ce sera en Iran 

Khomeyni : lopposant, le guide et le despote

Quand les intellectuels francais se sentaient iraniens...

Les femmes, premieres victimes des ayatollahs

La chute du chah, un choc pour les Arabes pro-occidentaux

Aux origines du velayet e-faqih...

Comment la Republique des mollahs a survecu a Khomeyni

Quand la route de la Palestine passait par lIran

En Iran, les arts massifs de la resistance culturelle

Les acteurs de la democratisation, grands perdants de levolution des mouvements sociaux en Iran












Local News, Business & Finance, Press Releases, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 07 2019

New State Law Will Allow Thousands of Federal Employees on Long Island 90-Day Extension to Pay Property Tax Payments.

Plainview, NY - February 7, 2019 - Today Senator Jim Gaughran joined County Executives Laura Curran and Steve Bellone to announce Nassau and Suffolk counties intend to opt-in to a new state law that will allow a 90-day extension of property tax payments for federal workers on Long Island. The law will allow federal employees, spouses of federal employees who were furloughed, or non-pay federal workers a 90-day extension following a government shutdown to pay their property taxes. The bill was signed into law on February 1, 2019, and sunsets in June 2020, allowing additional extensions in the case of another federal government shutdown. They were joined by Assemblyman Chuck Lavine and Randy Brown, a Today Senator Jim Gaughran joined County Executives Laura Curran and Steve Bellone to announce Nassau and Suffolk counties intend to opt-in to a new state law that will allow a 90-day extension of property tax payments for federal workers on Long Island. The law will allow federal employees, spouses of federal employees who were furloughed, or non-pay federal workers a 90-day extension following a government shutdown to pay their property taxes. The bill was signed into law on February 1, 2019, and sunsets in June 2020, allowing additional extensions in the case of another federal government shutdown. They were joined by Assemblyman Chuck Lavine and Randy Brown, a Bay Shore homeowner and federal worker at NY TRACON, who worked without pay during the shutdown.

Senator Jim Gaughran said While the federal government turned its back on thousands of federal workers during the tough winter months, I'm proud that NYS is standing up and offering a helping hand. This law to allow extended time to pay property taxes is vitally important for the thousands of federal employees who went 35 days without a paycheck. Since deadlines for tax payments to local governments differ across the state, it's essential that we continue getting this information out to federal workers so that they can take advantage of this small offering by New York State.

Assemblyman Chuck Lavine said I commend my Senate colleague Jim Gaughran on his efforts to ease the burden of the shutdown on Long Island government employees. I am confident that a 90-day extension will help those whom were negatively impacted and allow them the opportunity to get caught up with their financial obligations.
Local News, Crime, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 07 2019

Sheriff Fludd is the first woman and first African-American to be Nassau County Sheriff.

Mineola, NY - February 7, 2019 - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran joined Nassau County Sheriff Vera Fludd this weekend at the Long Island Cross County Section of the National Council of Negro Womens Annual Black History Luncheon, where Sheriff Fludd was officially honored by the organization. Sheriff Fludd is the first woman and first African-American to be Nassau County Sheriff.

Im delighted to see Sheriff Fludd receive deserved recognition for her continued dedication to the law and to serving and protecting our residents, said County Executive Curran. Sheriff Fludd is tough but fair, and Nassau County is lucky to have her.

It is a privilege to serve and protect the residents of Nassau County, said Sheriff Fludd. I am deeply humbled by this honor, and I hope it serves as a reminder for people that all things are possible.

In their official honoring of Sheriff Fludd, the National Council of Negro Women addressed her as follows:

We believe that you truly edify our rich heritage through your commitment to serve the greater Nassau County community, both professionally and socially. As a Civil Servant and Community Advocate you truly embody the attributes of a model woman. We know there are many contributions made by you to uplift and empower all members of your community. At this juncture we are saluting you for the numerous way you go about this task.

Vera Fludd, of Freeport , became a correction officer at the Nassau County Correctional Center in 1987 after attending Nassau Community College. She rose in the ranks until County Executive Curran appointed Fludd as the Countys acting sheriff on January 1, 2018. She was then selected Sheriff officially on March 9, 2018.
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 07 2019

Yoni partnered with Legislator Druckers office and Long Island Cares.

Plainview, NY - February 7, 2019 - Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview ) congratulated Yoni Conn for dedicating his Bar Mitzvah project to supporting hunger relief efforts on Long Island.

Yoni partnered with Legislator Druckers office and Long Island Cares - The Harry Chapin Food Bank for a food drive hosted by the Plainview Jewish Center - where his father, Steve Conn, is the congregations Rabbi - on Saturday, Jan. 26. In recent weeks, Long Island Cares has played a key role in supporting residents who were furloughed or worked without pay for 35 days as a result of the longest federal government shutdown in American history.
Following 'considerable feedback' and a desire to 'organise the best parade possible and showcase Longford at its best', Longford Chamber of Commerce & Industry has announced this evening that it is to reconsider its decision to host the annual St Patrick's Day parade on Monday, March 18.

The Chamber had initially decided to move the parade from its traditional March 17 setting in order to avoid a potential clash with the AIB All-Ireland Club Final at Croke Park that may involve Mullinalaghta St Columba's - should the Longford and Leinster champions overcome Dr Crokes of Killarney on February 16.

Also read: Longford Chamber move St Patrick's Day parade to March 18

From a logistical and organisational point of view, booking bands etc, the Chamber decided, in order to avoid a big clash, to move the St Patrick's Day parade to March 18.

However, many people took to social media to express their dismay and anger over the move.

The Chamber says it will now 'defer a final decision on the parade until February 18'.

This evening, Longford Chamber, released the following statement on its Facebook page;



"We have had considerable feedback in relation to an announcement to host the annual parade on March 18 in order to facilitate those who would wish to attend the All Ireland Club final on March 17 in the event that Mullinalaghta win their semi-final on February 16.



"We've listened to our members and the wider general public and we are committed to organising the best parade possible and showcasing Longford town in a positive light.



"Having taken account of all views, and likely availability we have decided to defer a final decision on the parade until February 18.



"Like all of Co Longford we hope that Mullinalaghta will win their semi-final on Saturday week.



"We'll then review our entries and if we feel we are in a position to stage a parade that showcases Longford at its best, we'll proceed as tradition dictates on March 17."

Also read: Star studded line-up for big Mullinalaghta GAA preview night in Kiernan Milling, Granard
A Criminal Circuit Court judge has approved an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to seek a retrial of a Co Longford man over allegations of historical child sex abuse of his nephew.

The 47-year-old had initially stood trial at the January sessions of Longford Circuit Criminal Court accused of indecently assaulting his nephew on eight separate occasions during the late 198os.

The jury had been directed by Judge Keenan Johnston to find the defendant not guilty on one of the counts after legal argument was heard by both sides.

Following further submissions tendered by both the prosecution and defence, Judge Johnston last week announced he would be discharging the jury on the remaining seven counts.

In doing so, he exempted those sitting on the jury from being called to carry out similar duties for the next five years.

He consequently remanded the accused on continuing bail until last Friday.

When the case returned and in the wake of consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Counsel for the State Shane Geraghty announced a full retrial was being applied for.

Judge Johnston acceded to that request, remanding the defendant on continuing bail until April 30 in advance of a trial getting underway the following day.

The father of two had pleaded not guilty to all of the charges which occurred at St Michael's Road, Longford between August 1 1987 and July 31 1989 inclusive.

The alleged victim, now aged 38 but at the times of the charges before the court allegedly occurred between his seventh and ninth birthdays, claimed all of the incidents took place inside the confines of his grandparents' house.

"I would go in and he (defendant) would be on the bed," he said.

"He put his hand down my trousers and started feeling the top of my private parts.

"I knew it didn't feel right."

The alleged victim said on each occasion, the abuse would last for no more than four to five minutes while no one else was in the house.

The alleged victim, who has battled substance and drug addiction in recent years, claimed he later stayed with his uncle at a bedsit he was occupying in Dalston, North London several years later.

However, he claimed no abuse took place either then or in the intervening years that followed.

He conceded to suffering a short term memory loss around a year ago but insisted his facilities were now back in full working order.

Counsel for the defence Des Dockery SC said given the 16 year gap between when the last alleged incident happened and when he made a statement to gardai in September 2014, the charges his client was being accused of simply did not occur.

In his memorandum of interview with gardai in April 2016, the accused man admitted to being openly gay and having "gay experiences" but flatly rejected the charges which had been levelled against him.

"No, I definitely did not," he told Detective Garda Damien McGovern. "Not in one million years."

The defendant said he believed the charges were little more than "a plot" involving his nephew and the accused man's youngest brother.

He claimed his nephew had been a witness to an assault allegedly carried out by the accused man's brother on another man and effectively "put up" his nephew to make the allegations against him in a bid to expose the victim as a liar.

The court was later told however that the alleged assault took place on October 12 2014, more than a month after the alleged victim first made a statement of complaint to gardai.

It was also revealed the complainant had been a witnesss to an incident of suspected criminal damage at a house which once again involved the same man and brother of the defendant.

That led Mr Dockery to imply there had been an unhappy history to the case with tensions rife between his client's family and the defendant's stepfather at the time.
The family of a north Longford man who died following an alleged assault in New York last November are holding a fundraiser this weekend in aid of a charity which was founded to bring loved ones back to Ireland.

The talented 21-year-old sportsman died after falling victim to a suspected one-punch assault outside the Gaslight Bar in Queens during the early hours of Thanksgiving morning on November 22, 2018.

ALSO READ: Man charged with fatal assault of Drumlish native Danny McGee has case adjourned until February

Steven OBrien, of 42nd Street, Queens, New York but originally from Dublin has since been charged with assaulting the Fr Manning Gaels clubman.

Mr OBrien is accused of third-degree assault, which carries up to a year in prison, and intends to plead not guilty.

He appeared in court last month and has been remanded on continuing bail until February 21.

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust was set up after the death of Irish man Kevin Bell in a hit-and-run incident in New York in June 2013.

Mr McGees family announced recently their plans to hold a fundraiser in the wake of assistance from the Trust when details surrounding Mr McGees untimely passing became known.

The fundraiser will take place this Saturday, (February 9) at John Sullivans Pub and Restaurant 2010 W 35th Street, New York from 5pm until 11pm.

For more information or to donate directly to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, please visit www.kevinbellrepatriationtrust.com

A second fundraising night in aid of the Trust together with St Christophers Services has been pencilled in for March 18 at the Longford Arms Hotel.

Among the acts scheduled to take part include Mick Flavin, Declan Nerney, Brave Giant and Cronin.

Proceedings are expected to commence from 8pm.

Tickets are priced at 10 each.
A number of factors went into determining this list, including critical assessment, box office performance, and how influential the movie has been. Some of these movies were sensations right out of the gate, while others required the benefit of time to reveal themselves as classics. There are comedies and dramas, horror films, and family features. Some of the movies are set in the same year in which they were made, while others recreated the fashion and look of a decade or more beforehand.Hopefully you have already seen the biggest movie set in the year of your birth. If not, you'll have a great viewing recommendation. For more galleries visit Ranker.com
Marshall guard Taevion Kinsey is expected to shoulder a bigger load in the 2021-22 season, so Kinsey has gone to work in the weight room and hit the gym to work on little things to ensure he's ready to lead the Herd this season.
WASHINGTON  As the new Democratic majority in the U.S. House takes its first tentative steps to obtain President Donald Trump's tax returns, Texas Republican Kevin Brady has emerged as one of the administration's top congressional defenders, arguing that the move would jeopardize all Americans' right to privacy.

"This is about protecting the private tax returns of every American," the Republican from The Woodlands wrote Thursday in a letter to the Democratic chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which was holding its first hearing on presidential tax returns. "When we start making exceptions for one taxpayer, it begins the process of eroding and threatening the privacy rights of all taxpayers."

Brady, the former chairman of the tax-writing committee and now its ranking Republican, registered himself "deeply concerned" and accused Democrats of "weaponizing our nation's tax code by targeting political foes."

BORDER WALL DEBATE: Trump to rally in El Paso

In part, the battle over the president's tax returns has become a tale of two powerful Texans on the Ways and Means Committee, one a Republican, the other a Democrat. Texas U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, one of the panel's top Democrats, has filed six motions in the past two years calling for Trump's tax returns.

"This has never been a problem before," Doggett said in an interview Thursday. "But we see almost daily now some indication of the president's interest in putting personal gain over the public interest, and we need to know through these returns if that's been happening."

Democratic leaders in Congress have portrayed the effort as a question of transparency and accountability, arguing that since the early 1970s, most presidents have chosen to release their returns publicly to head off questions about how their financial interests might affect their decisions as president.

Trump would be the only major-party candidate since 1976 not to do so, according to a Joint Committee on Taxation report released ahead of Thursday's hearing. He has said he won't release his returns while under IRS audit, though there is no legal prohibition against self-disclosure.

"Overwhelmingly, the public wants to see the president's tax returns," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters Thursday.

Brady's letter, joined by Pennsylvania Republican Mike Kelly, the top Republican on an oversight subcommittee, came two days after Trump warned Democrats about "ridiculous partisan investigations"  an apparent dig at the special counsel and congressional probes of alleged Russian election interference.

Democratic leaders brushed off Trump's implied threat about bottling up legislation and continued to press for the release of his tax returns, which some critics say could provide evidence of his business ties to Russia.

As the battle over the president's tax returns intensifies, Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani has made clear that the Trump will fight any request in court, something Doggett said Democrats must be prepared to do.

SOUNDING THE ALARM: Former GOP leader joins Cornyn campaign and warns: Texas is now a swing state

Thursday's House hearing focused on a part of a sweeping Democratic ethics package that would require future presidential candidates to release 10 years of tax returns. But the provision is widely seen as directed toward Trump, who is running for reelection in 2020.

The new chairman of the Ways and Means panel, Massachusetts Democrat Richard Neal, also has said he plans to invoke a rarely-used IRS provision that Democrats say authorizes him to request Trump's tax returns from the Treasury Department. The law, IRS code 6103, putatively grants that authority to the chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees.

Democrats sought support for their position from a panel of tax, ethics and federal policy experts, some of whom urged Congress to demand Trump's tax returns immediately.

The witnesses included Tax History Project Director Joseph Thorndike, University of Virginia law professor George Yin, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington Executive Director Noah Bookbinder, Tax Policy Center senior fellow Steven Rosenthal, and Ken Kies, managing director at the Federal Policy Group.

Kies, who was invited at the request of the panel's Republicans, testified that even if the Treasury Department acceded to the Democrats' request for Trump's tax returns, it would be illegal to release them to the public.

Meanwhile Brady and other Republican leaders in Congress have dismissed the Democratic effort as a partisan witch hunt.

"Our view is that this isn't about whether the president should release his tax returns or not," Brady told reporters Wednesday. "This should be about protecting the rights of every private taxpayer.... Because if democrats or any party can abuse their power to rummage through the tax returns of the president what will stop them from abusing that power in the future frankly to target any individual American that they see as a political enemy."

Doggett, an outspoken critic of the president, scoffed at the suggestion that releasing the Trump's tax returns would endanger the privacy of ordinary Americans.

"The president is in a unique position as the most powerful elected official in the world," he said. "The range of the president's ability to influence public policy is immense. The public has an interest in knowing of the president's personal and business affairs."

Doggett also maintained that the demand is not partisan. The same would be expected of former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a billionaire businessman and philanthropist who has talked of running for president as a Democrat. It would apply equally to former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, who is mulling an independent run for president.

Doggett also bristled at Brady's accusation of "weaponizing" the IRS against Trump. "Sunlight may be a weapon, but it's a weapon against corruption, bias and self-dealing, and that's what's involved here."

Brady, in his letter to Neal on Thursday, said he recognized the public's right to know about potential conflicts of interest. But he said the public already is protected by existing financial disclosure requirements, FBI background checks, and annual IRS audits.

"Mandating the release of tax returns without consent is lazy legislating," he wrote. "Such a half-hearted attempt masks the real reason for this hearing  playing partisan 'gotcha' politics."

While Brady called it a "dangerous path," some on the Democratic Party's left flank have pushed Neal and other party leaders to move faster to request Trump's tax returns from the Treasury Department. Pelosi, however, urged caution.

"It's not a question of just sending a letter," she said Thursday, "you have to do it in a very careful way."
The Knights Templar likely does not have as much widespread control as it used to, according to a 2018 report from Congressional Research Service, but at least one of its members has been laundering tens of thousands of dollars through a luxury used car dealership in San Antonio, authorities allege.

A San Antonio man was arrested Jan. 30 on suspicion of conspiracy to commit money laundering after authorities raided four locations in San Antonio and seized dozens of high-end cars. Authorities allege he was part of the Knights Templar cartel of Mexico.
By Jason Gaines for mySA

A cab driver was assaulted and his taxi was stolen Wednesday afternoon on the Northwest Side.

Francisco Corrales, 36, was arrested and charged with robbery shortly after the incident.

The Bexar County Sheriff's Office said that Corrales had hailed a cab at 3 p.m. at a hotel near Interstate 10 and De Zavala.

RELATED: Infant dies unexpectedly at S.A. day care

Once inside, Corrales was providing directions, but hadnt given the driver an address, authorities said.

As they continued, the cab driver became suspicious and exited on Ralph Fair Road, investigators said.

Corrales allegedly became agitated and began punching the driver multiple times in the face, the sheriffs office said.

RELATED: Broadway eatery closes after 23 years

The driver told deputies he managed to stop the car and ran to a nearby gas station for help.

Investigators said Corrales took the cab and drove toward Interstate 10.

San Antonio Police stopped the taxi on the Interstate 10 access road between UTSA and De Zavala.

Corrales was found inside and was arrested without incident, authorities said.
Less than a month after the first Buc-ee's outside of Texas opened in Alabama, the convenience store is facing a lawsuit claiming gas prices at the new location are unfairly low, according to the petition filed in federal court last week

Oasis Travel Center, LLC, claims in the lawsuit that the Alabama store's gas prices are "predatory" and harmful toward its business. The travel center appears to be located about four miles east of the new Buc-ee's location in Baldwin County, along Interstate 10 and Country Road 64.
OK, get ready an onions worth of layers of theater festivities: The city will host a kickoff party for its 2019 Year of Chicago Theatre on Monday at the Chicago Cultural Center that features performances from The Second City, Walkabout Theater Company, Chicago Youth TheatreFest and more. The Year of initiative features special public events throughout the year, throughout the city. The kickoff party also coincides with Chicago Theatre Week, a ten-day event when theaters throughout Chicago offer discounted tickets. Thats a lot of theatre  take your pick. Kickoff party: 6 p.m.  8 p.m. Monday. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Free. Details: chicago.gov. Year of Chicago Theatre events: Times and dates vary. Details: chicagoplays.com Chicago Theatre Week: Feb. 7  17. Details and tickets: choosechicago.com
During a 2006 federal trial on hiring fraud inside the mayors office, Bill Daley was listed as sponsoring four people on a once-secret clout list of those who were seeking positions and promotions in his brothers City Hall. Many of the people on that list had done political work for the then-mighty Hispanic Democratic Organization, which worked to elect Mayor Daleys political allies and punish his enemies. Later, evidence at a 2009 federal corruption trial linked Bill Daley to the creation and rise of HDO.
ALTON  The Alton YWCA is on a mission to empower young women by helping to further their post high school education.

One of the ways the group does this is through the Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leaders Scholarship, awarded in conjunction with their annual Women of Distinction dinner. This scholarship, first awarded in 1991, is named after Mrs. Beckwith to honor her achievements and dedication to education, eliminating racism and empowering women, all part of the mission of the YWCA.

Josephine Marley Beckwith, a true inspiration at YWCA, holds many firsts in the Riverbend. Area. She was the first employee of African descent at YWCA of Alton and the Olin-Matheson Corporation. She was the first president of the local National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) . She was recognized for her many efforts as a civil rights pioneer, educator, mentor and a community organizer. As a result of her many contributions, Josephine Marley Beckwith was recognized as YWCA of Alton Woman of Distinction in 2002.

Mrs. Beckwith believed in the value of volunteering and community involvement. In addition to her work with the YWCA, she worked with the River Bluffs Girl Scout Council, Lewis and Clark Community College, the Oasis Womens Center Pre-Employment Training Program, the National Council of Negro Women, and the Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial. She was especially noted for her efforts to educate and enfranchise all people, particularly through her work with the Alton school system desegregation committee, culminating in the establishment of the first kindergarten for black children in Alton and passage of the bond issue for a new Central Junior High School in 1945.

The JMBFL Scholarship is awarded each year to two high school senior girls who plan to continue education beyond high school. The young women are selected based on their leadership, volunteerism, community service, and academic achievements with a heavy emphasis on their activities that support the mission of the YWCA. We are truly proud of our affiliation with Mrs. Beckwith at YWCA of Alton and know how pleased she was that YWCA of Alton honors outstanding young women with annual scholarships in her name. said Dorothy Hummel, Executive Director of YWCA of Alton.

Since 1991, the YWCA of Alton has awarded scholarships to high school senior women in the YWCAs service area who demonstrate leadership and a sustained commitment to bettering their community. Two outstanding women will be honored with a $1,000 award at the YWCA of Alton Women of Distinction event on Thursday, May 2, 2019. The scholarship will be renewed for the sophomore, junior, and senior dependent on compliance with various eligibility criteria.

Scholarship applications are available at the schools guidance office. In addition, applications may be obtained at the following sources:

 Website: www.altonywca.com

 YWCA of Alton, 304 East Third Street, Alton, IL

 Email: info@altonywca.com

Applications must be post marked no later than Feb. 28.
EDWARDSVILLE  As a host institution of the Fulbright program, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville welcomed Visiting Fulbright Scholar Wajdi Balloumi, of Tunisia, to serve as a teaching assistant in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, and attend courses beginning in August 2018.

The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program aims to increase Americans knowledge of other cultures and languages by supporting teaching assistantships in over 30 languages at hundreds of colleges and universities.

Prior to arriving at SIUE, Balloumi worked as an English teacher and assisted non-governmental organizations focused on entrepreneurship, women empowerment, countering violent extremism and fighting corruption in Tunisia.

Aside from teaching undergraduate Arabic courses, Balloumi has fully embraced SIUEs campus life, having recently attended Arts & Issues events like Fred Grays Montgomery Bus Boycott presentation. He was also invited to speak on Tunisia and the influence of French colonization for another professor.

Balloumi has also become extremely active in a number of student organizations, including the Global Ambassador Program, Public Relations Student Society of America, which he was elected the organizations treasurer, Service Saturdays, as well as the International Hospitality Program.

I find the International Hospitality Program particularly unique because it helps to integrate international students into the community by fostering relationships between students and American families, which I consider very welcoming, Balloumi said. As a Fulbright scholar, Im expected not only to teach and take courses, but also to serve as a cultural ambassador of my country.

By engaging with the community and sharing my experiences, I can begin to change stereotypes and help promote mutual understanding and positive cultural exchange.

Mr. Balloumi brings a broad range of interests and experience as he was involved in training local communities in Tunisia, said SIUEs Carolina Rocha, PhD, professor of Spanish and Latin American studies. The many activities in which he was involved during his first semester, followed by his subsequent selection in the Fulbright conference, demonstrate that he could successfully transfer his leadership skills from Tunisia to the United States. He is an inspiration for the SIUE community.

Due to his extensive campus involvement, Balloumi was chosen as a model scholar at the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Mid-Year Conference in December 2018 in Washington, D.C. He and other Fulbright scholars met with Assistant Secretary of State for Education and Cultural Affairs Marie Royce. During her conference address, she particularly applauded Balloumi for his amazing time management skills to be able to balance teaching and his on-campus activities.

When I was showcased as a Model Fulbrighter in Washington, D.C., I felt very honored and proud not only to represent my country, but also SIUE. he said. The recognition contributes to my personal development and helps promote SIUE as a diverse and inclusive space that allows everyone the opportunity to achieve their goals.

Balloumi will conclude his visit at SIUE in May 2019.
Furthermore, aldermen are closest to the residents most likely to feel the impact of development and are far better positioned than their colleagues to know whats best for their wards. Why should a South Side alderman have a say about the height of a building or the density of a neighborhood on the North Side, and vice versa?
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump took fresh aim Thursday at House Democrats, claiming they are going "nuts" with unprecedented investigations into his administration and businesses that are starting to unfold on Capitol Hill.

Trump's assessment - in morning tweets - drew a sharp rebuke from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who accused Trump of "projecting his own unruliness" and vowed that Democrats would "not surrender our constitutional responsibility for oversight."

In tweets posted before his appearance at a national prayer breakfast, Trump singled out House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who announced Wednesday that his panel would scrutinize "credible reports of money laundering and financial compromise" involving Trump's businesses as part of a fresh investigation into Trump's alleged ties with Russia.

"So now Congressman Adam B. Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so," Trump said on Twitter. "Never happened before! Unlimited Presidential Harassment."

In another tweet, Trump said he has heard that "other committee heads will do the same thing."

"The Dems and their committees are going 'nuts,' " Trump wrote. "The Republicans never did this to President Obama, there would be no time left to run government."

Without elaboration, Trump also said that congressional Democrats were "stealing people" who work at the White House to help with the investigations.

More than an hour later, Trump returned to the subject on Twitter, writing: "PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT! It should never be allowed to happen again!"

The tweets were posted ahead of hearings scheduled Thursday by other committees on presidential tax returns and family separations at the Mexican border, and a Friday session to question Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker about a range of subjects.

The House Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Thursday morning to give its chairman the authority to subpoena testimony from Whitaker should he fail to show up or answer questions during Friday's hearing.

Democrats have contended they are merely exercising their responsibilities of congressional oversight after a period of limited scrutiny while the House was under Republican control.

At a news conference Thursday, Pelosi told reporters that she was "very proud" of the work of House committees.

"I always think that whatever the president says about us, he's projecting his own unruliness," Pelosi said. "He's a projector, and that's what it's about. . . . Even the Republicans have complimented the committees on being wise in how they proceed in terms of subpoenas and the rest."

"We will not surrender our constitutional responsibility for oversight," she added. "That would make us delinquent in our duties. "

In response to a reporter's question, Pelosi also defended an effort to secure Trump's tax returns, which he has declined to voluntarily make available, as past presidents have.

"I think overwhelmingly the public wants to see the president's tax returns," she said.

The Trump administration is also facing some additional scrutiny from the Republican-led Senate.

On Thursday, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said a hearing on the deaths of two migrant children in U.S. custody at the southern border would be scheduled for March 5. The hearing was requested by Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

Allies of the president have started to push back on the expanding probes.

In a tweet late Wednesday afternoon, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., leader of the conservative House Freedom Caucus and a Trump confidant, wrote: "So after nearly two years of investigations, zero evidence of collusion, and plenty of debunked conspiracy theories - including from Chairman Schiff himself - Congressional Democrats now want to EXPAND the Russia probe. Seriously."

Donald Trump Jr., the president's eldest son, retweeted Meadows's tweet on Thursday morning.

During his State of the Union speech Tuesday night, the president warned that he would not work with Democrats on legislation if they are overzealous in their oversight.

Trump said that "an economic miracle is taking place in the United States, and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations."

"If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation," he added.

During a television interview Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Trump's warning shows that "he's scared."

"He's got something to hide," the senator said. "Because if he had nothing to hide, he'd just shrug his shoulders and let these investigations go forward. He's afraid of them."

Trump also lashed out at Schiff on Wednesday, calling him a "political hack."

- - -

The Washington Post's Mike DeBonis, Karoun Demirjian and Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report.
Washington

The House intelligence committee will launch a broad new investigation looking at Russian interference in the 2016 election and President Donald Trump's foreign financial interests, Chairman Adam Schiff said Wednesday.

Schiff said the investigation will include "the scope and scale" of Russian intervention in the 2016 presidential election, the "extent of any links and/or coordination" between Russians and Trump's associates, whether foreign actors have sought to hold leverage over Trump or his family and associates, and whether anyone has sought to obstruct any of the investigations.

The California Democrat also announced a delay in an upcoming closed-door interview with Trump's former fixer and personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, "in the interests of the investigation." The interview, originally scheduled for Friday, will now be held on Feb. 28.

Hours later, a document was filed under seal in the criminal case against Cohen brought by special counsel Robert Mueller's office.
Sportswriter Paul Sullivan is wrong (Patriarch and Addison, Feb. 6). The Ricketts children do not have to say they are sorry for their father's beliefs. Joe Ricketts needs to say he is sorry. There is not a family that hasn't sat at the Thanksgiving table and heard comments from relatives that just left everyone shaking their heads. Hopefully, every day, we learn how we treat one another and correct individuals when we see a wrong.
A Texas family is mourning the loss of a 4-year-old girl who died from the flu and pneumonia.

According to KTRK, Ashanti Grinage began showing symptoms last Tuesday, went to the emergency room and started taking medicine. She died on Thursday.

Her father, Martel Grinage, arrived at the hospital as medical staff were attempting to bring the girl back to life.

"I said, 'Maybe if she hears my voice...' I know she's getting up. I'm praying, I'm praying, because I believe in God. So I'm just waiting for her to wake up," Grinage said.

Pneumonia, an infection that sometimes develops during or after the flu, was blamed for her death.

Grinage said doctors didn't check Ashanti for the infection the first time they went to the emergency room. He wishes he would have asked them to.

"I'm mad at myself. I'm mad at everyone. I'm mad at the hospital. I'm mad at God. I can't lie to you," Grinage said.

He hopes his daughter's story can help others.

"See, I feel like I failed because I'm not even 30 yet, and I'm about to bury my little girl," Grinage said. "That was my best friend. She was only 4, but that was my best friend."

A GoFundMe page has been created for Ashanti's family. It has raised more than $15,000.

"Ashanti Brielle Grinage was only 4 years old. Ashanti fell ill with Flu Type A and pneumonia. Although we are not ready and it is hard to accept we know our family has gained a beautiful angel in heaven. My sister, Ashantis mom, and her father Martel are heart broken to say the least as the life they knew has been shattered into a million pieces," the page reads. "From the bottom of my heart which feels so deep, dark, and empty at this time I am asking you to please provide prayers for our family."
WASHINGTON - On the day Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., unveiled the details of her "Green New Deal," a sweeping package of climate change initiatives, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced which lawmakers will serve on a new climate change committee.

Ocasio-Cortez was not on the list.

"We are thrilled to welcome so many visionary leaders and strong voices to our new Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, which will be vital in advancing ambitious progress for our planet," Pelosi said in a statement about the committee. "Each Member brings great energy and deep expertise to the climate crisis, which jeopardizes our public health, our economy, our national security and the whole of God's creation."

Was Ocasio-Cortez slighted? Put in her place by the Speaker? Or did she want to work on the defining issue outside the confines of a committee?

According to Ocasio-Cortez, none of the above.

At a news conference announcing her Green New Deal plan, she said it "was not a snub." Ocasio-Cortez said she was asked to join, but declined. She also said Pelosi is a leader on climate change.

"I will not allow our caucus be divided up by whatever narrative, we are 100 percent in this together," Ocasio-Cortez said.

Notably, it's Ocasio-Cortez who helped make the notion of a Green New Deal mainstream. On Thursday, she and Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., offered an ambitious list of policy proposals that would seek to eliminate carbon emissions while caring for the most vulnerable populations.

Many of the ways Ocasio-Cortez and Markey envision getting there is through issues not usually directly associated with environmental policy. Washington Post reporter Philip Bump wrote of the Green New Deal outline: "This is an economic document at its heart, one that forecasts how the economy is going to need to change and establishing a path for fixing many of the problems that have accompanied past economic transitions."

It calls for high-speed rail "to a scale where air travel stops becoming necessary," guaranteed jobs "with a family-sustaining wage," and "high-quality healthcare" for all.

In the past, Ocasio-Cortez proposed the establishment of a select congressional committee on the Green New Deal. The climate change committee that was formed is not as nearly as sweeping as Ocasio-Cortez envisioned, and she criticized it at the time.

The freshman congresswoman and the Speaker have clashed on other environmental issues too. They didn't necessarily get off on the right foot when Ocasio-Cortez made an appearance in Pelosi's office during a sit-in for the Green New Deal.

Pelosi has spoken out in favor of addressing climate change, but has been less inclined to adopt Ocasio-Cortez's progressive ideas. In an interview with Politico this week, Pelosi offered this dismissive response when asked about a Green New Deal.

"It will be one of several or maybe many suggestions that we receive," Pelosi said. "The green dream, or whatever they call it, nobody knows what it is, but they're for it, right?"

But Ocasio-Cortez insisted she didn't take that comment as dismissive.

"I think it is a green dream," she said. "All great American programs started with a vision for our future."

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Video: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) on Feb. 7 introduced a resolution they call the Green New Deal, saying it's a "first step to define the problem, and define the scope of the solution."(The Washington Post)

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Sampers career was about the passing along of knowledge, and not just the knowledge that he had, but giving you the skills to acquire another language, said retired Wheaton Warrenville South High School Principal Charles T. Baker. It was all about another culture, and he was very proud of Spanish culture. You didnt mess with any of that.
As a child, quoth The Poe Museum, writer Edgar Allan Poe was fascinated with the British poet Lord Byron.

As a child, quoth himself, actor Travis Rhett Wilson was fascinated with Poe.

As an adult, Wilson has channeled his fascination into a one-man show that takes a look at Poe the writer, Poe the person and some of Poes major literary works, including The Raven, with its well-known phrase, Quoth the Raven Nevermore.

I was maybe 10 when Mom and Dad read The Raven to me for the first time, and I was absolutely transfixed by the language and the morbidity of it, Wilson said. Ive also loved performing since I was a little kid. As I got older, I got more into the life of Poe and his struggle with addiction and madness and alienating people.

I knew early on that, if there was ever going to be a play, I would want to perform it.

After performing someone elses one-man Poe play several years ago, Wilson decided to write his own show  one with the focus where he wanted it to be.

I went out on my own and put together my own piece, Wilson said. I focus on his works of fiction and horror, his beautiful dark poems. I pieced together a loosely biographical play where his (works) were set as a backdrop to correspond with certain tragic events in his life.

Wilson had been performing the show for various audiences around his home base outside of Los Angeles for several years when he met Craig Steenerson, an Illinois College assistant professor of theater, during a summer theater job they shared last summer.

Now, thanks to Steenersons efforts, Wilson is bringing his show to Illinois College for a free performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Sibert Theatre inside McGaw Fine Arts Center. The performance is open to the public.

It will be the first staging of the show outside California, said Wilson, who has more than more than 90 stage credits to his name and dozens of awards and nominations for various works.

Steenerson said said there is little to compare with Wilsons show.

Not only is he memorizing and reciting all of (Poes) major works, but he breaks in between and talks about Poes personal life, Steenerson said.

Because of the subject matter, Steenerson was able to convince ICs departments of English and theater to co-sponsor the show, with the English Department providing a grant to fund it, he said.

While ICs English students may walk away from the show with an added layer of insight into Poe, the performance also has several benefits for theater students, Steenerson said.

My students are doing tech and lighting and sound, Steenerson said. In this case  there is a script with light cues and sound cues. My students have to quickly set that up and learn that (ahead of the live performance). Its great for them to be able to do that.

Wilson also will sit in on a couple of English classes and acting classes ahead of his performance to answer students questions about Poe, his show and a real-life take on having a career in professional theater, Steenerson said.

It wont be the first time Steenersons students have dealt with Poe in class, he said.

I like his work, Steenerson said. I usually assign some of his work in class, asking students to think about what sound or lighting effects might go with a performance of a particular literary piece.

As evocative as Poes words are, its a rich ground to explore from a stage sound-and-lighting perspective, Steenerson said, mentioning The Cask of Amontillado, in which a man exacts his revenge on another by sealing his victim alive behind a brick wall in a damp cellar.

I try to get the students to think, What would this really be like? he said.



If you go 

Illinois Colleges departments of English and theater will present Travis Rhett Wilson in A Dream Within a Dream: The Spectre of Edgar Allan Poe at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Sibert Theatre inside McGaw Fine Arts Center on campus. Admission is free and open to the public.

Angela Bauer can be reached at 217-408-2057.
The '90s in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo was a time of turbulence.

Humanitarian groups tried to bring aid to Mexico, menacing fugitives were captured in the Gateway City and political controversies turned into federal court cases. Dangerous, illegal treks were made across the border and scenes of cartel violence fed the news.

READ ALSO: Photos show Laredo's Washington Birthday Celebration over the years

But while Laredoans may have experienced turmoil in the '90s, they also gathered for pool parties, family photos and the century-old Washington Birthday Celebration festivities.

Scroll through the gallery above to see events and happenings from nearly 30 years ago.

JeriLynn Thorpe is a digital reporter for the Laredo Morning Times. Read more of her stories on LMTonline.com | jerilynn.thorpe@lmtonline.com


As a migrant caravan of about 2,000 people arrived Monday in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, about 110 miles from Laredo, authorities in the Gateway City say they are making necessary preparations should the group decide to come through this border.

Motorists entering the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge have spotted U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers conducting drills. CBP says these exercises "ensure the facilitation of lawful trade and travel."

"CBP continues to monitor the situation regarding several caravans migrating from Central America toward the U.S. border," the agency said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. "We continually assess the capabilities of our facilities throughout the Southwest border and have been making  and will continue to make  necessary preparations. These include participating in operational readiness exercises and the mobilization of resources as needed.

READ ALSO: 137 asylum seekers from Central America sheltered at Laredo organizations

"Since the initial caravan began its approach toward the U.S. border in October of 2018, CBP has reinforced staffing to ensure that we are able address any contingency, with support from interagency partners."

U.S. Border Patrol said it has deployed some Laredo sector agents to assist their peers in the Del Rio sector. The sector encompasses Eagle Pass, which is across the border from Piedras Negras.

Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Jose Martinez said the agency is in constant communication with their partners in Mexico. Mexican authorities are providing Border Patrol with updates on the location of the caravan.

"As of right now, we do not know if the caravan is going to be coming to Laredo," Martinez said.

He added, "We're monitoring the situation closely. When I say closely, it's throughout the day. 24-7, we are monitoring the activity of the caravan. Information is being relayed to us. If they do decide to come to Laredo, we have been reaching out to the non-government organizations to discuss the possibility of the caravan coming to Laredo."

Border Patrol is also talking to the Laredo Police and Fire departments to plan for the situation should the immigrants come here, Martinez said.

Border Patrol said there's a possibility that some of the individuals in the group have criminal records, ranging from illegal re-entry to more serious offenses such as aggravated assault or even murder.

"The chances of an individual being in that group with criminal history is high. It's there. There's a possibility that individuals will have criminal history in that group. Right now, it's difficult to tell," Martinez said.

Border Patrol Special Operations Supervisor Narcizo Ramos said Border Patrol has experienced mass migration before, such as the one the Rio Grande Valley sector saw in 2014 with the influx of thousands of minors and adults.

"For us, it's not a caravan. For us, it's a mass migration, a big flow of families from Central America trying to make entry. That's not new to the Border Patrol," he said.

Immigrants could face danger.

"We can easily experience what Mexicans experienced in the southern border, where people jumped off the bridges and were going through the water. We lack infrastructure. They can easily put themselves at risk by going through the water," Ramos said.

When about 1,800 Central American immigrants landed in Piedras Negras, hoping to enter the United States, local and state officials in Mexico were ready for them.

In fact, they had chartered the 48 buses and one Sprinter that carried the caravan of Central Americans about 270 miles to the border from Saltillo, the state capital of Coahuila.

"Coahuila, Saltillo and Piedras Negras arranged for the buses. Their leaders had all met on Saturday in Saltillo, and came up with a plan," Coahuila state spokesman Jose Gabriel Borrego said.

By Tuesday, the migrants, including a large number of women and young children, were being housed in an unused maquiladora, a former assembly plant. There are about 35 active industrial plants in this border city.

A large new sign on the fence reads, "Albergue Migrantes," Spanish for "Migrant Shelter."

The caravan was the first to reach the Texas border since similar waves of migrants fleeing poverty and violence in Central America traveled on foot and in vehicles last fall through Mexico toward California.

RELATED: Trump to rally in El Paso to push for border wall funding

Some of the migrants there tried to crash the border illegally and were met by Border Patrol agents firing tear gas canisters.

The chaotic scenes led to a new policy by the Trump administration in December that requires asylum-seekers on the southern border to wait in Mexico until they can see a U.S. immigration official, a process that can take months for their initial hearing.

It was one of several policy changes after the administration was widely criticized for separating parents and children at the border last year and holding them in detention.

Mexican officials have reluctantly agreed to accommodate the waiting immigrants by issuing them "humanitarian visas" and work permits.

The policy change is seen by many as an effort to discourage asylum cases, and is expected to reduce the number who apply.

The San Antonio Express-News contributed to this report.
The City of Laredo said Tuesday night that it had been informed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that 137 migrants, made up of adults and family units from Central America, would be dropped off at the local Greyhound bus station.

The migrants are asylum seekers from Central America and were previously housed in a holding facility by ICE in Del Rio. They were released Tuesday as they await their federal immigration court dates to address their respective claims to stay in the United States. The migrants released in Laredo are not part of any recent migrant caravan.

Upon receiving notification from the federal government, the City of Laredo said it immediately mobilized and reached out to local non-government organizations to provide resources and shelter to this group. The City of Laredo Health Department is screening all 137 individuals, and all of them will be provided shelter through three local organizations: the Holding Institute, Catholic Charities-Diocese of Laredo and the Bethany House of Laredo.

READ ALSO: Photos: Central American asylum-seekers cross Rio Grande to El Paso border

The City of Laredo encourages donations such as toiletries, clothing, blankets, personal hygiene products and water to the charities listed above as they receive these migrants.

ICE has informed the City of Laredo that they should not see any additional migrants being dropped off.

The City of Laredo remains in contact with federal agencies and these three local charities that are taking the lead in helping these migrants.

On Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that it continues to monitor several caravans migrating from Central America to the U.S. border.

"We continually assess the capabilities of our facilities throughout the Southwest border and have been making  and will continue to make  necessary preparations," the statement read. "These include participating in operational readiness exercises and the mobilization of resources as needed to ensure the facilitation of lawful trade and travel.

"Since the initial caravan began its approach towards the U.S. border in October of 2018, CBP has reinforced staffing to ensure that we are able address any contingency, with support from interagency partners."

When about 1,800 Central American immigrants landed in Piedras Negras, Mexico, on Monday, hoping to enter the United States, local and state officials in Mexico were ready for them.

In fact, they had chartered the 48 buses and one Sprinter that carried the caravan of Central Americans about 270 miles to the border from Saltillo, the state capital of Coahuila.

"Coahuila, Saltillo and Piedras Negras arranged for the buses. Their leaders had all met on Saturday in Saltillo, and came up with a plan," Coahuila state spokesman Jose Gabriel Borrego said.

By Tuesday, the migrants, including a large number of women and young children, were being housed in an unused maquiladora, a former assembly plant. There are about 35 active industrial plants in this border city.

A large new sign on the fence reads, "Albergue Migrantes," Spanish for "Migrant Shelter."

READ ALSO: Trump to rally in El Paso to push for border wall funding

The caravan was the first to reach the Texas border since similar waves of migrants fleeing poverty and violence in Central America traveled on foot and in vehicles last fall through Mexico toward California.

Some of the migrants there tried to crash the border illegally and were met by Border Patrol agents firing tear gas canisters.

The chaotic scenes led to a new policy by the Trump administration in December that requires asylum-seekers on the southern border to wait in Mexico until they can see a U.S. immigration official, a process that can take months for their initial hearing.

It was one of several policy changes after the administration was widely criticized for separating parents and children at the border last year and holding them in detention.

Mexican officials have reluctantly agreed to accommodate the waiting immigrants by issuing them "humanitarian visas" and work permits.

The policy change is seen by many as an effort to discourage asylum cases, and is expected to reduce the number who apply.

The San Antonio Express-News contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON - A Democratic plan to address climate change, dubbed the Green New Deal, got some clarification Thursday.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, D-NY, and Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., introduced a resolution outlining a 10-year plan to cut U.S. greenhouse emissions to "net-zero" through measures that include shifting the U.S. power grid entirely to "clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources," while building electric vehicle infrastructure to cut emissions from transportation.

"Even the solutions that we have considered big and bold are nowhere near the scale of the actual problem that climate change presents to us," Ocasio-Cortez told NPR. "It could be part of a larger solution, but no one has actually scoped out what that larger solution would entail."

POLITICAL TEST: Texas Democrats caught between climate change and the energy economy

The resolution calls for the government to undertake a massive spending program on the scale of post-Great Depression program New Deal.

The resolution minimizes the role of a carbon tax or cap and trade system. Rather Cortez and Markey see the Federal Reserve extending credit to clean energy projects, "the same way we did for the New Deal, the 2008 bank bailout and extended quantitative easing programs."

A roll back of fossil fuel on the scale described in the resolution could be disastrous for Texas's oil and gas sector, a pillar of the state economy in which hundreds of thousands of Texans are employed.

"Supporters of this radical plan claim there would be a 'just transition,' but that's easy to say when it's not their job that will be eliminated," Steve Everly, an energy consultant and spokesman for the industry-backed group Texans for Natural Gas, said Thursday.

The Green New Deal framework put out Thursday represents something of a pull back for Cortez, who last year set as a goal a "100 percent renewable energy system." Under the new resolution, nuclear energy would be utilized and the goal is net-zero emissions, not zero emissions, allowing fossil fuels in combination with programs to pull carbon from the atmosphere like reforestation.

The Green New Deal has faced criticism from some within the fossil fuel sector as unrealistic. The American Petroleum Institute said Thursday any climate change policy must take into account the decline in emissions caused by the switch from coal to natural gas plants.

"Congress' goal must be to balance meeting record consumer energy demand reliably and affordably for every American family while enabling environmental progress," the trade group said in a statement. "API will evaluate and support proposals that strike this necessary balance."

Among the ideas getting mention in the resolution and a FAQ are:

- Building high speed rail networks on "a scale where air travel stops becoming necessary."

- upgrading all buildings to reduce energy demand

- the goal to replace "every combustion engine."

- build infrastructure to protect against rising sea levels and other climate change effects

- build distributed "smart grids" for electricity

The proposal drew immediate applause from environmental groups, which maintain swift action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to prevent the worst effects of climate change.

"We are thrilled to see so many members of Congress following through on the climate action that voters clearly said they wanted from their leaders on Election Day," League of Conservation Voters President Gene Karpinski said in a statement. "The climate crisis is a problem of epic proportions that requires a level of ambition just as big. This is an all hands-on-deck moment, and now is the time to challenge ourselves as never before."
Delcia Lopez/SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS NEWS

A man was recently arrested for allegedly raping two children in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

The Tamaulipas attorney general's office identified him as Trinidad "N." Last week, he was served with a warrant that charged him with sexual assault.

READ ALSO: Two women allegedly kidnapped in Nuevo Laredo

Investigators said their findings showed probable cause indicating that Trinidad is responsible for the sexual assault that occurred Dec. 26 in Nuevo Laredo.

No further details were available.
The so-called Bed of Roses is thought to have been made in England in the 15th century, for the consummation of a royal marriage.

An ornately carved oak bed that spent 15 years in the honeymoon suite of a hotel in Chester, in the United Kingdom, had a remarkable hidden history: Experts recently found that it is likely to be a long-lost royal marriage bed dating to the 15th century.

In it, the nuptial frolics of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York celebrated the end of the Wars of the Roses (during which King Richard III died) and birthed England's famed Tudor dynasty.

The bed's former identity came to light after it was retired from the hotel and discarded in a parking lot. It was rescued by an antiques dealer who listed it as "a profusely carved Victorian four poster bed with armorial shields," according to a description from a symposium about the bed's history, held on Jan. 21 at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

When Ian Coulson, a restorer and dealer of antique beds, purchased the bed online in 2010, he discovered that the wood was far older than the seller suspected. What's more, the bed's embellishments hinted at royal origins, National Geographic reported. [Family Ties: 8 Truly Dysfunctional Royal Families]

The restored bed stands 9 feet tall (3 meters) and measures 6 feet long and 5 feet wide (2 by 1.7 m), according to representatives of The Langley Collection, to which the bed belongs.

Its four posts are tipped with carved lions, one of which is missing a tail. Carvings of crests, vines and heraldic shields cover the frame, and the headboard includes a triptych with a central panel of Adam and Eve, Coulson wrote in a blog post.

Clues in the varnished wood and in the quality and content of the carvings suggested to Coulson that this was a royal bridal bed, and that it belonged to Henry VII, Nat Geo reported. While the claim initially seemed far-fetched, Coulson spent the next nine years accumulating evidence of the bed's lofty origins; he and other experts presented their findings at the symposium.

Fit for a king

When Coulson initially examined the bed, he found more damage to the sturdy oak than would reasonably be expected for a bed that had been made during the Victorian era, and the amount of oxidation in the bedposts would have taken centuries to accumulate, he wrote.

The faces in the Adam and Eve headboard carving resemble early portraits of Henry VII and his queen; and the figures are surrounded by fertility symbols  acorns, grapes and strawberries, historian Jonathan Foyle wrote in a leaflet describing the bed.

In a carved scene representing Adam and Eve, the figures' faces resemble those of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. (Image credit: Courtesy of The Langley Collection)

Meanwhile, emblems such as stars, shields, lions and roses carved into the bed frame were frequently associated with Tudor royalty; together, they matched the style of surviving Tudor beds from the 15th and 16th centuries.

"The self-evident age of the timber, the royal devices with the lack of other family insignia and the exquisite design and execution of the carving convinced me that this was a royal bed of Henry VII," Coulson wrote.

Sole survivor

DNA analysis of the wood confirmed that it was oak from central Europe of the genetic variety known as Haplotype-7, found from southern France through Belarus, and all of it came from the same tree, according to the online news outlet Hexham-Courant. Samples of paint under the headboard varnish revealed flecks of ultramarine; this vivid blue medieval pigment was more precious than gold and likely would have been used only to decorate beds belonging to royalty, Coulson said.

Flecks of valuable ultramarine paint in the headboard (500x magnification) hint at the importance of the bed's original owner. (Image credit: Courtesy of The Langley Collection)

The marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York was a turning point in British history. The event united the rival houses of York and Lancaster and ended the 30-year conflict known as the Wars of the Roses, launching the British dynasty known as the house of Tudor.

The bed was likely installed in a ceremonial bedchamber in Westminster Palace for the enjoyment of the newlywed king and queen, following their wedding in Westminster Abbey on Jan. 18, 1486, Foley wrote in the leaflet.

Most of the Tudor belongings from that period were lost, burned up in fires set by anti-royalists under Oliver Cromwell during the 17th century; until now, the only known Tudor bed to have escaped burning was a headboard fragment that once belonged to Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves, the Hexham-Courant reported. However, Henry VII's bed is thought to have survived the fires set in Westminster because it was sent to Lancashire in 1495, according to The Langley Collection.

Photos: Secret 'Hole' to Hide Priests Revealed in Tudor Mansion

Rooms from Lavish Greenwich Palace Uncovered (Photos)

In Photos: Search for the Grave of King Richard III

Originally published on Live Science.
Most predators in the animal kingdom know better than to go after prey that could seriously hurt them, but Africa's painted wolves don't seem too concerned about that. This week's episode of BBC America's "Dynasties" presents the first documented instance of painted wolves hunting and eating baboons  a primate species that's well-known for retaliating violently against its predators.

Painted wolves, also called African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), are the underdogs of African carnivores. They grow up to 30 inches (75 centimeters) tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 55 lbs. (25 kilograms). And as seen in this intense "Dynasties" clip, painted wolves are easily pushed around by their much larger elephant neighbors. (Although, almost all animals will run from an angry elephant.)

Despite their gorgeous markings, adorably goofy-looking ears and charismatic behavior, these wild canines are poorly understood and are one of the world's most endangered mammals. There are only around 6,600 painted wolves in the wild and their numbers are decreasing, according to the World Wildlife Fund. [In Photos: The Majestic Painted Wolves of Zimbabwe]

Although they're modest in stature, painted wolves are masterful hunters capable of taking down swift and agile antelope and impala that are about twice their size.

Anecdotal evidence suggested that painted wolves may hunt baboons, too, but only rarely. In general, baboons are an undesirable prey species for most predators because the primates are capable of inflicting serious injury or death, with their sharp, 2-inch-long (5 cm) canine teeth.

But as scientists and the "Dynasties" film crew found out, the painted wolves in Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe are different.

The researchers and film crew followed two packs of painted wolves for nearly two years and documented more than 170 prey kills  the vast majority of which were impalas and baboons. After about a year of observations, the researchers noticed that both packs began to show a preference for baboons over the larger and more rewarding impala.

(Image credit: BBC America)

The researchers suspected that the painted wolves changed their food preference because there are fewer circumstantial risks of going after a baboon versus an impala.

For example, extensive elephant movement across the floodplain during the wet season leaves large, deep footprints in the mud that, once dried, become hazardous obstacles for the painted wolves to sprint over when chasing impala at full speed.

Also important to consider are several other African carnivores that enjoy having impala on their menu, and wouldn't mind adding a side dish of painted wolf. Within the Mana Pools National Park, there are resident lions, hyenas, leopards and cheetahs  all are bigger and stronger than the painted wolves.

Compared to impala, baboons are relatively slow runners, so painted wolves don't have to chase a baboon far before catching it. But that doesn't mean baboons should be considered easy prey  they definitely know how to defend themselves. Photos from the researchers who were working with BBC published in the journal Behaviour and others from nature photographer Nick Lyon published in National Geographic, show painted wolves with some gruesome baboon-battle injuries.

Baboon hunting in these two particular wolf packs likely started with the original alpha female of one of the packs, around a decade ago, the researchers wrote. Both of the painted wolf packs the researchers studied include descendants of the baboon-hunting female. There are five other painted wolf packs in Mana Pools National Park, and a safari guide has reported seeing one of those packs feed on a baboon. This suggests that hunting baboons is a learned behavior that may eventually disseminate to other packs. Watch this week's episode of "Dynasties" to see these baboon hunters in action.

Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, BBC America's "Dynasties" gives viewers an up-close-and-personal look into the family lives of five of the most celebrated and endangered animals on the planet. The fourth episode, "Painted Wolf," premieres Saturday (Feb. 9) on BBC America at 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST. Viewers can watch the first episode, "Lion," for free online.

Originally published on Live Science.
A misunderstood species

(Image credit: BBC America)

The fourth episode of BBC America's new series, "Dynasties," follows two packs of painted wolves (also called African wild dogs) living in Mara Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Catch the episode this Saturday, Feb. 9 at 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST on BBC America. Viewers can still watch the first episode, "Lion," online for free.

A legendary matriarch

(Image credit: BBC America)

This is Tait at 10.5 years old. Tait was a very successful alpha female who reared eight litters of pups. There are only 6,600 painted wolves left in the world, and about 280 are from Tait's bloodline.

Alpha-in-training

(Image credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America)

Tammy (standing) is one of Tait's grown daughters. The BBC America crew followed Tammy from the time she was 6 months old until David Attenborough met her at 4 years old. Eventually, Tammy stepped into her mother's position as leader of the pack.

On the run

(Image credit: BBC America)

Painted wolves are one of Africa's most efficient hunters, but they're vulnerable to serious leg injury when running across large, deep footprints left behind from herds of elephants. [Video: Elephants Aren't Fans of Painted Wolves]

Baboon hunters

(Image credit: BBC America)

Most predators in the animal kingdom know better than to go after prey that could seriously hurt them, but Africa's painted wolves don't seem too concerned about that. This week's episode of "Dynasties" presents the first time painted wolves have been documented hunting and eating baboons  a primate species that's well known for retaliating violently against its predators.

Family drama

(Image credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America)

Blacktip is another one of Tait's grown daughters, and the alpha female of a rival pack. Blacktip successfully reared a litter of 10 puppies, which made her pack bigger than Tait's; it also allowed her to drive Tait's pack out of their territory.

Practice punch

(Image credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America)

Tait play-fights with one of her relatives. Life in the African wilderness can be rough, but there's still time for wrestling. Playtime is an important pastime for this incredibly social species.

Show me your teeth

(Image credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America)

Tammy, Tait's daughter, shows off her teeth. Painted wolves are more closely related to wolves than domestic dogs. Like their many canine relatives, painted wolves come with an impressive set of sharp teeth.

Curious pup

(Image credit: BBC America)

Painted wolf pups are born with mottled caramel, black and white coats that become more striking as they grow. Pups are weaned at around 5 weeks old, at which point they'll eat regurgitated food from their fellow adult pack members.

Returning with force

(Image credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America)

With a few new males, Tammy's pack is strong enough to win back her mother's old territory.

Leaders of the pack

(Image credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America)

Tammy, the alpha female, stands next to Twiza, her alpha male. Painted wolves grow up to 30 inches (75 centimeters) tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 55 lbs. (25 kilograms).
The Monetary Policy Committees (MPCs) decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, although surprising, may be justified, especially when the CPI inflation, as well as its expectations, are subdued and well below the 4% target. The rate cut, together with the proposals in the statement on developmental and regulatory policies, suggest the MPC shifted its gears to revive private investments and, hence, growth. But the impact of this rate cut needs to be looked together with the interim budget proposals.

Upfront, a slight disappointment is about the MPCs assumption that GDP (gross domestic product) growth in 2018-19 is at 7.2%, while GVA (gross value added) growth is at 7%, based on first advance estimates, while considering the growth of 7.2% and 6.9% for 2017-18 for GDP and GVA, respectively, based on first revised estimates. However, if one takes the levels and re-estimates, the growth would be 5.9% and 5.8% for 2018-19 for GDP and GVA, respectively. Now what numbers (levels or growth rates) should one look at for output gap estimations, or for other monetary statistics, is something left to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

In terms of the impact, as the MPC statement indicates, the rate cut, as well as the changes in regulatory and development policies, is expected to revive private investments, while at the same time, enhance consumption demand. The MPC also expects the fiscal measures in the interim budget to improve disposable incomes. But the MPC also appears to be too lenient towards the governments fiscal slippage for two consecutive years and, most importantly, to the deteriorating quality of public expenditures. One would have expected the MPC to look at the comments made by the comptroller and auditor general (CAG) in its recent report.

In the rate cut, it is intrinsically assumed that it would boost investment demand. However, what is empirically found is that there is a weak relationship between interest rates and investment demand. And, this would also depend largely on the transmission mechanism, which, in my view, is weak, given the stress in the banking industry. In such a situation, the rate cut could potentially lead to an increase in consumption demand and dampen savings, which could have a second-round impact on interest rates and investments. Given the banking sectors stress, what was required now were policies that could revive savings.

On the growth front, the MPC clearly states that there are downside risks, especially from global economic activity, which is largely clouded. There are expectations made by many respectable institutions and analysts that there could be another round of recessionary conditions in 2019, especially when one looks at global commodity prices. While this could dampen the domestic services sector, it may not be good news for Indias exports either. In such a situation, the recent macro policy measures (populist budget and interest rate cut), will have, if at all, less impact on reviving growth, and a larger impact on inflation.

That apart, the MPC report gives a feeling that interest rate policy is used only for either inflation control or to revive growth. But there are other open-economy macro issues that needs equal focus while setting interest rates. While one could argue it is not the mandate of the MPC, there are very limited instruments left for the RBI, other than interest rates, to address the issues on capital account. And my guess is that, this could be one reason why two members of the MPC dissented the rate cut at this stage. RBI governor Shaktikanta Das in the post-MPC press conference said that India has enough foreign exchange reserves (of $400 billion after a reduction of almost $30 billion recently). We can only hope that due to todays rate cut, we are not missing the policy space required when there is a crisis on external account. This brings to the question of how far the inflation targeting regime is relevant for countries such as ours, where managing the external vulnerabilities are equally important. While MPCs shifting of focus on growth could be welcoming, any slight shift away from the external factors could be damaging. There may be some clue from the Sensex today, which has declined after the MPC announcement. In that sense, there is a need to have a re-look at the present monetary policy framework.

N.R. Bhanumurthy is professor at National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, Delhi. The views expressed are personal.

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HOTHOUSE Flowers front man Liam O Maonlai will perform an intimate gig in the beautiful surrounds of No 1 Pery Square in Limerick this Thursday.

The globally celebrated musician and stunning performer is in the city for a celebration of the much acclaimed and award-winning Limerick theatre production The Morning After The Life Before by Ann Blake, which picked up several awards in New York recently.

Support on the night comes from the wonderful Kathleen Turner.

Blakes play The Morning After the Life Before, which was playing at 2019 Origin 1st Irish Theatre Festival in New York recently, took two awards, for best director in Limerick man Paul Meade of Guna Nua Theatre Company and best actress for Lucia Smyth, who stars in the play with Blake herself.

The production is continuing to tour to London and Dublin, as well as a one-night performance at Dolans Warehouse for Limerick Literary Festival in honour of Kate OBrien.

The creative team of The Morning After The Life Before, fresh from their New York success, will be in attendance for this very special gig tonight.

Tickets from Eventmaster.ie or by contacting olwen.murphy@hotmail.com.
DANCE Limerick is inviting audiences to dive in and discover dance at the What Next festival this week.

Returning for a second year, the What Next dance festival promotes dance discovery through live performances, workshops and other events.

Inspired by an impressive roster of talented dance artists from Limerick, the rest of Ireland and abroad, it encourages audiences to sample something different through its fresh and engaging programme.

The festival showcases an original line up of choreographers, dance artists and musicians and it runs from Thursday to Saturday, February 7-9 at Dance Limericks performance space in St Johns Church.

Highlights include performances and choreography by Isabella Oberlander, Kevin Coquelard, Liam Scanlon, Monica Munoz Marin, Oran Leong, Pietro Marullo and Rachel Sheil.

It features new and intriguing contemporary dance in three programmes spread across the weekend with a closing dance party hosted by festival artist, DJ and hip-hop dancer Tobi Omoteso. Prolific Irish dance artist and choreographer Catherine Young is festival co-curator along with Dance Limerick director Jenny Traynor.

Post show discussions will follow each programme where the audience will get the chance to meet the makers and find out more about the performances.

A free talk and panel discussion will take place at Limerick City Gallery of Art on the subject of Socially Engaged Arts this Thursday. There will also be a festival club in Mother Macs bar from 9pm on the Thursday and Friday of the festival.

Tickets for What Next are available at www.dancelimerick.ie or from Dance Limerick at 1-2 Johns Square. Full festival passes are available and there will be tickets on the door for each event.
CRIMINALS have been left high and dry after their cannabis growhouse in County Limerick caught fire and gardai seized 100,000 worth of drugs.

A foreign national, who owns the thatched cottage in Bruff containing the cannabis factory, presented himself to the local garda station on Tuesday. He was questioned before being released without charge this Wednesday afternoon.

A file is being prepared for the DPP.

It is understood he told gardai he rented out the vacant property to third parties and was not aware of what was happening inside. Gardai are looking to speak to a number of other individuals connected with the building.

An electrical fault is believed to have sparked the blaze in the old cottage on the outskirts of Bruff. One source who was inside the gutted building told the Leader it was a sophisticated operation.

There were several lamps, fans all over the place, the plants were submerged in water, it was full of electrics. There was polythene on the walls, said the source.

Three units from Kilmallock Fire Station and one from Charleville responded when smoke from the property was reported at 4.50am on Sunday morning. The firefighters presumed it was a domestic fire but quickly realised it wasnt an ordinary one and alerted gardai. As some of the cannabis plants had caught fire their breathing apparatuses were required. However, the majority escaped and gardai seized cannabis plants worth an estimated 25,000 and cannabis herb valued at 75,000.

Firefighters remained at the scene for a total of 13 hours on Sunday. The main road had to be closed for a period. They were called again on Monday to assist gardai carrying out a technical examination. A JCB was used to make the property safe for gardai. The roof, gables and chimneys were knocked.

Local councillor, Bill ODonnell said: Im disappointed to learn that this activity is taking place in our community. It is not the first time that this activity has been discovered in our parish.

It is worrying but I have great faith in An Garda Siochana that they will continue the fight against drugs in rural communities, he added.

Deputy Niall Collins said the community are shocked at the brazenness of this criminality so close to Bruff garda station and in a cottage in public view from the main road.
UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick had one of the highest levels ever of patients attending the emergency department this week.

In an urgent appeal this Thursday, the UL Hospitals Group is asking patients to consider their care options and to only attend the emergency department in the event of a serious injury.

In the 24-hour period between Wednesday 8am and Thursday 8am, there were 261 patients attending the emergency department at UHL, one of the highest levels ever recorded, a spokesperson said.

This follows 24 hours of strike action this week, as the emergency department faced increased pressure on Tuesday and early Wednesday morning.

Update from our Emergency Department this morning: Thursday, February 7. #ULHGpatientflow pic.twitter.com/JWFjFdkttS  UL Hospitals (@ULHospitals) February 7, 2019

A spokesperson said in a statement this Thursday morning:

As members of the INMO commence 24 hours of industrial action from 8am, UL Hospitals continue to work with the INMO to secure the safest possible level of nursing and midwifery cover in our hospitals during the period of the strike and contingency arrangements are in place.

UL Hospitals Group expects that the ED will be busy throughout the day and is reminding members of the public to consider all their care options before presenting to the department.

As part of strike action this Thursday, all injury units in the Mid-West are closed until Friday 8am.

Members of the public with a less serious illness can be treated by their GP or out of hours GP service. However, if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried your life is at risk the ED will assess and treat you as a priority.
BRIAN Geary Toyota, Raheen is hosting a FREE RSA Check it Fits service this Saturday in Limerick.

RSA experts will be at hand throughout the day to check your child seat fits correctly and to offer advice this Saturday, February 9 from 10am to 5pm.

What is the RSA Check it Fits service?

The RSA Check it Fits service aims to save lives by ensuring that child seats are properly fitted in cars. The Check it Fits team are there to help parents and guardians to correctly fit their child car seats.

Toyota and the RSAs ultimate ambition is to check every single child car seat in Ireland and together are working hard towards reaching that goal.

Why attend?

At present, four out of five child car seats are incorrectly fitted in cars and an incorrectly fitted child car seat could lead to serious injury or death in the event of a collision. To address this problem, there will be trained experts at Brian Geary Toyota, Raheen showroom, who are familiar with almost every child car seat on the market, and who can check that your car seat is secured properly and safely.

They will answer any questions you may have at our free Check it Fits Service.

It is completely free and there is no need to book in advance, simply arrive on the day. All car makes and models are welcome.

While you are having your childs seat fitted the Brian Geary Team welcome you to test drive the New Generation Toyota Corolla Hybrid Hatchback and Rav4 Hybrid and see why thousands of Irish drivers are making the switch to SELF-CHARGING Toyota Hybrid cars. There is a Hybrid to suit everyones needs.

Brian Geary Toyota 'Where the Customer Comes First' - (including our smallies).

See more at www.briangeary.ie.
AGE IS just a number, and no one proves that better than The Great Padini, who will appear on Irelands Got Talent at the age of 84.

Paddy Ward, who goes by the stage name The Great Padini, has had a long time to practice the art of magic. After 75 years of performing, Paddy explained how he found himself performing on Virgin Media One.

I just decided I would have a go at Irelands Got Talent, said Paddy who now lives in Sixmilebridge having lived in Caherdavin for many years.

Ive been involved in magic all my life. My father was a magician. Ive been practicing since I was around nine-years-old. I performed my first act at the age of 11.

Since then, Paddy has won everything there is to win in the magic world in Ireland.

His accomplished career earned him the title of The Great Padini on the Irish magic scene.

Im a five times winner of the International Brotherhood of Magician Ring 85 Shield as Ireland's Top Magician, a feat which has never been equalled, said Paddy.

Paddy has two children, a daughter Michelle, 54, and a son Nigel, 53. His wife Josie sadly passed away from cancer and he took a step back from magic for a while.

He says her death is the hardest thing Ive ever had to face in my life.

Now retired from his job as a sales director, Paddy has dedicated his life to spreading cheer through magic.

I pass the time and keep myself busy by doing charity shows. I go around to daycare centres and care homes, just performing, Paddy said.

I love performing. I get a great kick out of it. I love bringing the fun into it, he added.

Paddy isnt letting any secrets out before the show airs on this Saturday, February 9 at 7.30pm.

Check in was at 9am, so we had to leave Limerick at 5.30am to be up there in time. It was a long day, I was constantly on the go, but it was worth it. It was good fun. I cant tell you how I got on, Im sworn to secrecy so you will have to tune in to see, Paddy said.
A SERIAL offender who broke into a commercial premises in Castletroy has been jailed for five months, writes David Hurley.

Greg Russell, aged 31, of The Orchard, Caherconlish pleaded guilty to a burglary charge relating to an incident at Groody Road in the early hours of January 29, 2018.

Sergeant Donal Cronin told Limerick District Court the defendant forcibly entered the premises at around 6.15am  activating a security alarm.

While he could not be identified from CCTV footage, Mr Russell, who has more than 260 previous convictions, was linked to the break-in following a forensic examination of the scene.

Sgt Cronin said when questioned about the incident following his arrest, the defendant maintained his right to silence telling the court the case against him was based on the forensic evidence.

Mr Russell, he added, has 26 previous convictions for burglary offences and is in custody in relation to separate matters.

Solicitor Tom Kiely said his client is a drug addict who has spent most of his adult life in custody for a variety of offences.

His previous convictions speak for themselves, he said adding that Mr Russells long-suffering partner gave birth to the couples first child since he entered custody last year.

She is standing by him, he said adding that Mr Russell is drug-free at the moment.

Imposing sentence, Judge Bernadette Owens said the defendants previous convictions were a concern and an aggravating factor she had to consider.

However, she not his guilty plea and the fact that the premises he targeted was unoccupied at the time.

In the circumstances, she sentenced him to five months imprisonment.
TOP comic Ardal OHanlon is to bring his new show to Limerick later this year.

The comedian will call to the University Concert Hall on November 29 as part of his brand-new show The Showing Off Must Go On, which is touring to Ireland across the UK.

The star of Fr Ted and My Hero is a British Comedy Award, BAFTA and Olivier nominated actor and comedian who has toured worldwide with his acclaimed stand-up show.

The latest shows sees him dealing with the conflict of being a professional show-off who continues to do stand-up comedy for money, despite being very shy.

Theres an awful lot to talk about, Ardal admits. Especially in the last two or three years, the world has changed dramatically. There are lots of new things to deal with.

Im a very reluctant show-off, he says. I come from a part of the world where showing off is anathema; its the worst thing you could possibly do.

I love stand-up comedy and I love performing, but I was always conscious that this is showing off and Im slightly uncomfortable about that. I suppose the question I ask myself almost every day is why do I do this? And as I get older, why do I still do this? I suppose to some extent this is what Im addressing in the show.

See www.uch.ie.
ST JOHNs Hospital nurses taking part in day three of intense strike action have said that they are undervalued and overworked.

As the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and Government failed to come to an agreement over pay, working conditions and staffing levels, close to 40,000 nurses took to the picket lines across the country this Thursday.

As a result of strike action, the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick has faced increased pressures as all local injury units in the Mid-West stopped operating.

Dozens of nurses took to the picket line outside the gates of St Johns Hospital to express their dissatisfaction with working conditions.

Noreen McCarthy, a medical assessment nurse, said: We are undervalued, we are overworked. Things have progressively kept going down. We have just had enough, really.

St Johns Hospital nurses say they will return to the picket line if needs be. Experienced nurses are leaving due to all time low conditions, some have told me. Follow @Limerick_Leader for more pic.twitter.com/4Fg1U9hLWd  Fintan Walsh (@FintanYTWalsh) February 7, 2019

Her colleague Sandra Hannan, who has been a nurse for 32 years, said there are way too many patients per nurse, and that newly-qualified nurses are at the bottom of the scale when it comes to public sector pay.

We are not having it easy on the days we go back in on either side of these strikes. We are suffering big time, we have to pick up the slack on those days.

A huge amount of nurses have left, girls who are not even ready to retire. But they just cant stand the pressure. They cant, she told the Limerick Leader.

Ms McCarthy said that even though they do not want to be on the picket lines, they plan to stick it out as three days of strike action are planned for next week.

We have started, and we have every intention of seeing it through. Because if we dont, it is just going to be all in vain. This is tough, we dont want to be here. Its easier go in and do your days work, tough and all as conditions are on a daily basis.

Dolores Fox, who has been a nurse for 30 years, said: People are leaving the wards. There is no back-up there. Agency staff are coming in all the time. No nurses to replace us.

Strikes may resume on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
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Whilst open access has been simmering beneath the surface of scholarly communications for some time now, in recent months it seems to have finally reached boiling point, thanks in no small part to cOAlition S and Plan S. The uncertainty that has ensued around the implementation of the Plans ten principles has sparked much discussion and debate around what publishing could and should look like in an open access world, but as yet, a clear consensus has yet to emerge on what the best solution might be.Whilst Plan S does not explicitly promote or endorse an APC-model, in reality, the condition that archived author accepted manuscripts must have a CC BY licence, and the technical requirements expected of repositories, are perhaps not so easily achievable in practice - at least in the short term. Moreover, whilst in theory increased green open access content might put downward pressure on subscription costs, in effect, this may be difficult to predict with certainty, which still leaves us with a potentially unsustainable financial situation, even if open access has improved. Some researchers also have concerns about making a postprint version that may differ from the version of record publically accessible, or fear that a CC BY licence will allow others to translate or reuse their work in a way that may misrepresent it. With question marks over the feasibility of this avenue of compliance, the easier solution seems to point towards some kind of APC-based model, with traditional subscription journals flipping to fully open access models in the coming years.However, APCs are not necessarily a cheaper option , and left unchecked, may allow publishers to continue to generate and extract the same high profit margins they have enjoyed up until now through subscription revenue. COAlition S is keen to ward off such concerns in highlighting the requirement for transparent pricing and capped charges to ensure costs are sustainable. However, even with the appropriate governance structures in place, where does it leave those researchers who are not funded or have no means by which to cover publishing costs? It is unlikely that waiver policies can cover all such cases, leading to a play-wall rather than a pay-wall for researchers. Furthermore, with an APC model publishers may have an incentive to have higher acceptance rates (even if unmerited by the quality of submissions) as the cost of rejected papers must also be borne by those which are successful. The introduction of submission fees could be one way to perhaps lessen this risk however.In some respects, Plan S seems to have adopted a hands off approach, leaving publishers and the market to work out the logistics of what a compliant business model might look like by themselves. What we have seen in recent times are new flavours of the big deal in the form of read and publish (RAP) and  publish and read  (PAR) agreements. Whilst some may view these deals as a short term, transformative measure, it is perhaps unclear what the exit strategy is from such agreements. Once these models have taken hold it may be difficult for libraries or research institutes to extract themselves from them. The recent pushback from libraries in stepping away from subscription deals has been broadly supported by researchers, however this is perhaps partly due to the alternative solutions or workarounds that exist for accessing such content though tools like unpaywall, improved document delivery services, and scihub, even if this is more inconvenient. However, if a library withdraws from a PAR or RAP deal and researchers are suddenly unable to publish in a journal of their choice without having to fund it directly themselves, sentiment may not be as favourable.If APC-based agreements start to thrive, it may be a missed opportunity to force through deep-rooted change, such as moving towards open infrastructure, and more innovative and disruptive solutions such as the Open Library of Humanities Wellcome (and HRB ) Open Research, and the European Commissions ongoing tender process for an open publishing platform . However as 2020 approaches, the clock is ticking on the Plan S timeline, and this may understandably push actions towards more easily achievable solutions, rather than more radical ones which may take more time, but could be worth it in the longer run.Of course, it remains impossible to discuss scholarly publishing without reference to the reward system underpinning it, and until this changes fundamentally it is difficult to imagine any significant shifts in publishing behavior occurring. Plan S has certainly resulted in some confusion and uncertainty . What is clear however, is that change must happen. The current subscription model has worked efficiently in some respects, but the escalating costs (in addition to the pressure to transform to an open access model) make it unsustainable, even for those libraries with relatively healthy budgets. I just hope that whilst we drive towards achieving open access, that we do not miss the opportunity to address the escalating financial cost of scholarly publishing, and the need to regain control from the hands of publishers, at the same time.
Ballinamores Solas Art Gallery is delighted to present an exhibition of work by John Cullen this Friday, February 8.



John Cullen is from Coolaney in County Sligo and graduated at IT Sligo with a BA (hons) in Fine Art in 2009. John has exhibited widely in the intervening years.

He was a previous resident artist at King House, Boyle and he won a Leitrim Sculpture Centre Award in summer 2014.

John says he wants his art to reflect the fragility of our eco-system and environment, a process in flux and degradation, struggling to maintain equilibrium.



The artist believes in the imperfect line, and the frailty of failure.

He believes in the uncertainty of painting, and the beauty of imperfection.

There are no structures or systems, only chaos and entropy. Thus he wishes to convey in his work the precariousness of it all, balanced on a knife edge, on the point of disintegration and dissolution.

John's current work is representative of familiar landscapes, yet at the same time evoking an aura of other-worldliness.

By seeking not to illustrate landscape, but to experience it through creating its plastic otherness, he aims to bridge the chasm between perceived notions of the environment, and the actuality of living.

John Cullen's take on snow



The Say It With Brushes exhibition by John Cullen will be opened by professional artist Emma Stroude.

Emmas artwork of drawing and painting portraiture (particularly of women's role in Irish history) and the landscapes of the Atlantic coastline, is internationally recognised.

Also, this Friday Solas Art Gallery will introduce Gerry Bohan, who will perform his written word Feet First.

Gerry is from Mohill and has produced a multi-media installation in conjunction with Louis McLoughlin, artist and chairperson of Solas Art Gallery.

This interesting installation will be on view until March 2 upstairs at the gallery and is a great display for people of all ages to enjoy.

Word, art and music combine this Friday at Solas Art Gallery.



The exhibition opening is at 7.30pm this Friday, February 8 but both installations will continue until March 2.

For more details on upcoming exhibitions to contact the centre, visit the website www.solasartie or call Ben or Gail on 071 9644210.
Leitrim County Council are currently looking at turning Church Street, Ballinamore into a one way system.



The narrow street at the side of Leitrim County Library, is the location for Ballinamore Church of Ireland, a number of housing estates and businesses as well as the lead on to the road for Oughteragh Cemetery. It gets a lot of local traffic but there are issues with two cars passing each other.



Senior council engineer Darragh O'Boyle announced the news at Ballinamore municipal meeting last week.

He also said the council are due to fit new lights at the around the old schools in Ballinamore on the Carrick-on-Shannon road.

The route is very popular with walkers and runners in the evenings and it currently has a dark spot.

The council also expect to place new street lights at the junction on High Street for Swanlinbar/ Newtowngore.

Sinn Fein's Cllr Caroline Mulvey had asked the council if Ballinamore's street lights out to Edentenny were due to be upgraded to the more energy efficient LEDs.



The Government has a project to replace all public lights to LEDs. However, Ballinamore and Leitrim as a whole are not included in priority areas.

The council said they have not received any news on replacement bulbs for the county's existing street lights, but will keep members updated if any dates are announced.

The council also outlined that the 2019 budget does not have any funding for street lights.

Don't miss your new-look Leitrim Observer
A man with 43 previous convictions, including six for driving without insurance, has been jailed for 12 months following a hearing at Naas District Court on February 5.

Wilson Mwenya, 44, 15 The Cedars, Cruagh Wood, Stepaside, Dublin 18, was checked by gardai at Junction 8 on the M4 on September 26 2018.

He was found to be driving without insurance.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said he had numerous convictions for driving offences.

In October 2014, he was convicted for driving without insurance at Wicklow Circuit Court. He received a suspended jail sentence and was banned from driving for nine years.

In January 2014, Mr Mwenya received received a seven year driving ban for driving without insurance on a date in 2013.

Mr Mwenya has been in Ireland since 2002. The court was told he had six children, including five dependents.

Solicitor, Conal Boyce, representing the defendant, said he had always worked and had never claimed social welfare. A son of his has autism.

Mr Mwenya said he worked in two jobs, one as a waiter and other as bar manager of a club. He said he had moved to Mullingar to live.

He said that on September 26 2018, he missed his bus and took a risk to drive a car which he had now sold.

My kids will suffer if I am jailed, he said.

Judge Zaidan said this was his seventh convictions for no insurance.

He jailed him for six months on the insurance charge and another six months for having no driving licence on the day.
New study aims to empower teen girls and young women with choices in HIV prevention

PITTSBURGH, Feb.7, 2019 - AIDS is already the leading cause of death among girls and young women in much of Africa, and matters could only get worse, given that for every day that passes, 1,000 more girls ages 15 to 24 are likely to become infected with HIV.

Ensuring that women and girls can have access to and benefit from safe and effective methods of prevention is imperative, say researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) who have launched a new study called REACH and enrolled its first participant.

In REACH (Reversing the Epidemic in Africa with Choices in HIV prevention), or MTN-034, researchers are focusing on two methods they believe could make a difference for many young women - a daily oral tablet called Truvada, an approach often referred to as PrEP, short for pre-exposure prophylaxis, which is now approved in many countries; and a monthly vaginal ring containing an antiretroviral (ARV) drug called dapivirine currently undergoing regulatory review.

If approved, the dapivirine ring would be the first biomedical prevention method specifically for women, i.e., for women 18 and older. Additional information about the vaginal ring in girls under age 18, particularly about its safety, would be required before regulatory bodies would consider expanding approval to include a younger population.

REACH is a Phase IIa study that is designed to fill important gaps in information about the safety and acceptability of the dapivirine ring and oral PrEP, including in girls as young as 16. REACH also seeks to understand what young women will need to help them to use these products. Each must be used consistently and regularly to be effective - daily for oral PrEP, and monthly for the ring - which has been a challenge for younger women in clinical trials.

"With PrEP being made available in many countries and the possibility that the ring will be approved, we want to see that these products can work for and be made available to women and girls of all ages at risk of HIV acquisition, who both need and deserve methods of protection that are in their control," noted Lulu Nair, MBChB, MPH, protocol chair of the REACH study, who is clinical research site leader at the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre (DTHC), University of Cape Town, in Cape Town, South Africa.

REACH will enroll 300 young women and girls ages 16 to 21 at five MTN-affiliated clinical research sites in Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Two of the sites have begun the study: the Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration in Kampala, Uganda, where the first participant was enrolled, and the University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences Spilhaus Clinical Research Site in Harare.

All participants in REACH will use oral PrEP and the dapivirine ring, each for six months. After experiencing both approaches, participants will have a choice of using either the ring or PrEP - or neither - for an additional six months. REACH is expected to take about three years to conduct, with results anticipated in late 2022 or early 2023.

MTN researchers have already conducted a safety study of the dapivirine ring in the United States that enrolled 96 girls ages 15-17 who were randomly assigned to use the dapivirine ring or a placebo ring for a month at a time for a total of six months. Results of this study, referred to as MTN-023 /IPM 030, were reported in 2017 and found the ring was well-tolerated and acceptable. Adherence was also high - 95 percent of the rings returned after use had drug levels indicating consistent use during the previous month.

The dapivirine ring was well-tolerated and reduced the risk of HIV in two Phase III trials that together enrolled more than 4,500 women ages 18-45 from four African countries - ASPIRE , which was conducted by the MTN, and The Ring Study, led by the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM), a non-profit organization that developed the dapivirine ring and is seeking its regulatory approval.

Yet, in ASPIRE, the dapivirine ring was not effective among younger women ages 18-21, who used the monthly ring least regularly. Similar results were seen among 18- to 21-year-old women in The Ring Study. Likewise, in studies with oral PrEP, it has been the younger participants who have struggled most with a daily pill-taking regimen. Results of a study, called HPTN 082, expected later this year, will shed additional light about PrEP use among girls ages 16-25 in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

As part of REACH, participants will receive extensive support and counseling focused on product adherence. They also will be encouraged to be open with study staff about any concerns or difficulties they may have.

"We have incorporated a number of supportive measures to help with adherence in REACH, but if girls aren't willing or able to use the ring or PrEP, we want to understand why, so that we can learn what is needed to better support use," explained Kenneth Ngure, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate professor and chair of the department of community health at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology in Nairobi, Kenya, and REACH protocol co-chair. "At the same time, it's important to recognize that these products won't be for everyone, and the reasons why are just as important for us to understand."

"Women need HIV prevention methods that are under their control, and their needs and preferences may change," added Connie Celum, M.D., M.P.H., who is also a protocol co-chair, and professor of global health and medicine and director, International Clinical Research Center at the University of Washington in Seattle. "That's why having different HIV prevention methods is so important, and why we have incorporated choice into the design of this study. It's really quite exciting that we have come this far, to having PrEP, but also potentially the dapivirine ring."

If approved, the ring could be available in some countries as early as 2020.

"Girls have told us that being able to protect themselves from HIV would be empowering, and that having choice would be especially empowering. They want and deserve to have control of their health, their lives and their destinies," said Sharon Hillier, Ph.D., MTN principal investigator and professor and vice chair of the department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute.

In addition to the sites in Uganda and Zimbabwe, REACH will be conducted in Kisumu, Kenya at the Kenya Medical Research Centre (KEMRI) Centre for Global Health; and in South Africa at the DTHF's Emavundleni Research Centre in Cape Town and the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute in Johannesburg.

According to UNAIDS, young women comprised 26 percent of new HIV infections in eastern and southern Africa in 2017, despite making up only 10 percent of the population. Many factors may contribute to HIV susceptibility in adolescent girls and young women, including gender-based violence, cultural and economic inequities and biological or hormonal changes.

As a global priority, young women and girls need safe and effective biomedical HIV prevention strategies for use throughout their lifespan, including during times of pregnancy and breastfeeding, when the risk of infection is estimated to be three to four times greater than when not pregnant or nursing. Similar to REACH, the MTN is planning studies of the monthly dapivirine ring and oral PrEP in pregnant women (MTN-042, or the DELIVER Study) and breastfeeding women and infants (MTN-043, or B-Protected).

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More information about REACH is at mtnstopshiv.org/reach-study and http://www. mtnstopshiv. org/ news/ studies/ mtn034 ,. Cliclk here to watch a short video.

About the Microbicide Trials Network

The Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) is an HIV/AIDS clinical trials network established in 2006 by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases with co-funding from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Mental Health, all components of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Based at Magee-Womens Research Institute and the University of Pittsburgh, the MTN brings together international investigators and community and industry partners whose work is focused on the rigorous evaluation of promising microbicides - products applied inside the vagina or rectum that are intended to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV - from the earliest phases of clinical study to large-scale trials that support potential licensure of these products for widespread use. More information about the MTN is available at http://www. mtnstopshiv. org/ .

About the Dapivirine Ring

The dapivirine ring is made of a flexible silicone matrix polymer and contains dapivirine, a type of ARV known as a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), this is slowly released over the course of a month. The ring delivers dapivirine directly at the site of potential infection, with low systemic absorption. Women insert the flexible, long-acting ring themselves into the vagina and replace it every month. The ring was developed by the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM), a nonprofit with offices in the United States, South Africa and Belgium. IPM holds an exclusive worldwide license for dapivirine from Janssen Sciences Ireland UC, part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), which is designed to ensure that women in low-resource settings have affordable access to any dapivirine-based microbicide.

In 2016, two large clinical trials -- The Ring Study (conducted by IPM) and ASPIRE (conducted by the MTN) -- found the monthly dapivirine vaginal ring was well-tolerated and helped reduce the risk of HIV. Interim data from the DREAM and HOPE open-label studies, announced in March 2018, found increased adherence and suggest greater risk reduction. Final results of both open-label studies are expected in 2019. IPM is in the process of seeking regulatory approval for the ring's use by women 18 and older. If approved, the ring could be available in some countries around 2020 or 2021. It would be the first biomedical prevention option specifically for women. For more information about the dapivirine ring go to http://www. ipmglobal. org .

About Truvada for PrEP

TRUVADA is the brand name for a tablet containing both tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg and emtricitabine 200 mg that is used for the treatment of HIV, in combination with other ARVs. TRUVADA was first approved for prevention of HIV-1 infection as daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012. TRUVADA, which is a registered trademark of Gilead Sciences of Foster City, California, is now approved as PrEP in several countries for ages 18 and older. In 2018, the FDA expanded the approval of TRUVADA as PrEP in the U.S for adolescents at risk of HIV - technically, for people weighing at least 35 kgs, a decision based on the ATN 113 study in US young men who have sex with men. The World Health Organization recommends oral PrEP for anyone at significant HIV risk. In some countries, such as Kenya, rollout includes those younger than 18.

This story has been published on: 2019-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
The dedication of a Kildare organisation to the preservation and promotion of the countys heritage was recognised on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at the National Heritage Awards 2018 and closing ceremony for the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018.

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council at Lullymore in Rathangan won a Le Cheile san Eoraip Award - a special category added as part of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 that encouraged event organisers to explore Irelands heritage connections with other places in Europe Its event, Peat Crossing Borderlines shared the Dutch-Irish Save the Bog Story and built awareness of the importance of Ireland's peatlands at a European level. It strengthened the connection between Ireland and the Netherlands and the countries shared passion for conserving Irish peatlands.

The special event at the Royal Irish Academy was attended by Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Sean Kyne TD and presented by RTE broadcaster, Mary Kennedy.

Hosted by the Heritage Council, the National Heritage Week Awards highlight Irelands heritage heroes, and showcase the most engaging and innovative National Heritage Week events.

Close to 700 nominations were received across five categories in 2018.

Speaking at the awards, Minister Kyne said: "The fantastic projects recognised with the Le Cheile san Eoraip Award today demonstrate how far-reaching our heritage is, reminding us of our enduring ties with our European neighbours.

SEE ALSO: Watch out for Storm Erik on its way tomorrow
Latest Storm Erik weather forecast from Met Eireand predicts severe winds of up to 130 km per hour as it hits Ireland bringing heavy rain and flood risks to parts as it pushes through.

In her forecast after the RTE News Met Eireann's Joanna Donnelly said weather warnings remain in place for the Atlantic storm which is set to take effect in the hours before dawn.

Worst of the weather will be felt in Galway, Mayo and Donegal where Ms Donnelly said flooding is likely. Prior to the storm hitting a band of heavy rain will sweep the country.

Status Orange wind warnings were issued on Thursday morning for the west and north-west of the country with the rest of the country covered by a Status Yellow alert.

A Status Yellow rainfall warning for Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Kerry 30 to 40 mm rainfall expected with risk of spot flooding, especially on coasts and hills was issued on Thursday evening.

A commentary from the forecaster says winds will be "most severe" in Atlantic coastal areas where there will be dangerous sea conditions. It says the combination of low pressure, high seas and high tides will lead to localised coastal flooding.

The Status Orange warning is in operation for Galway and Mayo from 5am to 1pm Friday and for Donegal from 9am Friday to 6am Saturday.

Erik is the sixth named storm this season, after Ali, Bronagh, Callum, Diana & Deirdre.

Ms Donnelly urged people to check out Met Eireann's website for more details.

MORE DETAILS BELOW TWEET from UK Met Office on course of storm.

#StormErik has been named by @MetEireann for the area of low pressure arriving on Friday. Impacts will be greatest across Ireland though warnings are in force across parts of the UK  Stay #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/ca1VqXoQ6G  Met Office (@metoffice) February 7, 2019

Met Eireann website forecast issued Issued at 7.28pm on February 7.

TOMORROW - FRIDAY 8TH FEBRUARY

Tomorrow Friday will be a very windy day with strong to gale force and gusty southwesterly winds gradually veering westerly. Potentially damaging gusts on the west coast through the morning and for much of the day on north coasts. After a mild and wet start to the day, drier, brighter and more showery conditions will extend to most places by the afternoon. Afternoon highs of 7 to 10 degrees.

NATIONAL OUTLOOK

Widespread blustery showers will continue on Friday night, and some of the showers will be heavy with a risk of hail and isolated thunderstorms. Lowest temperatures will stay around 4 and 7 degrees. Strong to near gale southwest to westerly winds, with gales or strong gales near the coasts, will slowly ease overnight.

Saturday will start windy with further scattered showers. The showers will be most frequent in the west and north, with an ongoing risk of hail and thunder, but they will gradually become more isolated towards evening. Highest temperatures will be around 6 to 9 degrees. Strong and gusty southwesterly winds will gradually abate. Showers will continue to affect Atlantic coastal counties on Saturday night, but it will be largely dry with clear spells elsewhere. Minima of 1 to 4 degrees Celsius. Light southwest winds will freshen and veer westerly overnight, helping to mitigate the risk of frost and icy patches.

Sunday will be a cold, bright and breezy day with sunny spells and scattered showers. The showers will be most frequent in the west and north, with a continued risk of hail and isolated thunderstorms. Afternoon highs will range from 5 to 8 degrees, and it will feel chilly in the moderate to fresh northwest winds. Sunday night will be cold with a sharp frost and icy patches developing. Minima will drop to between minus 3 and plus 3 degrees.

Dry on Monday with variable cloud amounts and bright or sunny spells. Top temperatures 6 to 8 degrees in light variable breezes.

Current indications for Tuesday suggest a milder but mostly cloudy day with patchy rain developing in the western and northwestern areas and highs of 7 to 11 degrees.
Over 250 people filled the Mount Bethel Volunteer Fire Co. building for a standing-room-only meeting about a proposed plan to install the township's first municipal sewer and water lines.

Upper Mount Bethel Township's Board of Supervisors is considering recommendations from Carroll Engineering Corp. to install sewers under Route 611, which would begin just south of Route 512 and end at the Portland Borough border. Plans also call for sewers in sections of Shooktown Road and Lake Minsi Drive.

The township hired the engineering firm about 18 months ago to update the township's Act 537 sewage facilities plan. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection recommends municipalities update the required plan every five years. Upper Mount Bethel Township's plan was adopted in 1992.

The township does not have a public sewer system. Residents and businesses use on-lot septic systems, cesspools or other private sewage systems.

The updated draft plan designates several areas of concern where sewage systems are failing and potentially contaminating ground and well water. Property owners in these areas would be required to tap into the proposed sewers system.

The plan also includes sewers for the township's Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) areas. These areas offer tax breaks for commercial or industrial development.

Some residents have expressed concern about development and increased taxes that would ensue if sewers are installed.

Several supervisors said they are not proposing raising taxes and would seek grants to alleviate the estimated $5 million to $10 million cost of the proposed plans.

"We're not interested in raising taxes," Supervisor Robert Teel said.

Another option would be to establish a township sewer authority that could issue 30-year bonds to pay for the sewers. However, it is unclear how the township would pay for those bonds.

Resident Lee McDonald said he believes commercial development that might come with sewers would increase tax revenues and lower the burden on individual taxpayers

Many of the residents said they do not welcome that potential development.

"The (Act) 537 plan is about more than water and sewers," resident Richard Wilford-Hunt said. "It's about expansion and development in our township."

An informal show of hands suggested about half of the audience said they support installing sewers and half opposed taking any action.

Former Supervisor Judith Henkel said a third option would be to continue to study the areas of concern and possibly seek alternative solutions.

"Over the years, residents have made it known that we want to stay rural," Henkel said. "We are farm and forest."

Supervisors did not vote to adopt the proposed plan Wednesday. The process of getting approval to tap into neighboring Portland's, Roseto's and Bangor's sewer system could take months to resolve. The plan would also eventually need to go to the DEP for approval.

Supervisors' Chairman John Bermingham said the township plans to hold more public meetings to provide information and receive input from residents before any vote is taken.

John Best is a freelance writer. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has argued in previous budget years that municipalities receiving free state police coverage should be charged for that service. He pegged the fee at $25 per resident, but the Legislature has refused to go along.

The debate isnt going away. This year Wolf is proposing that towns pay a share of state police costs based on population. Municipalities with fewer than 2,000 residents, such as Glendon and West Easton, would pay $8 per capita, recognizing that maintaining their own police departments can be cost-prohibitive. Larger but still mostly rural townships, such as Williams and Upper Mount Bethel, would be charged $50 per capita.

The fee would increase to $166 per capita for towns with more than 20,000 residents. The most populated township in the Lehigh Valley without a police department, Lower Macungie, would face a yearly tab of $5.3 million to retain state police coverage for its 32,000 residents.

Theres no guarantee that a weighted program will attract majority support in the House and Senate, but it might lessen resistance from some communities. And it does address free police services for larger suburban townships, some of which are larger than small cities and arguably could afford to operate their own police departments.

What do you think? Should towns be charged for state police coverage based on population? Have a say in our informal, unscientific poll, and feel free to elaborate in the comment section.
People who visited a Dunkin' Donuts in Cape May County last week are being told to seek a vaccination after an employee was diagnosed with hepatitis A.

The worker at the location on the 900 block of West Avenue in Ocean City was potentially infectious between Jan. 27 and Jan. 31, the city said in a news release on Wednesday.

Though the risk of being infected is considered low, customers who had something to eat or drink from the Dunkin' Donuts that week should see a doctor or visit a health clinic to receive a post-exposure prophylaxis as soon as possible but no later than Feb. 14, according to health officials. Those who have already been vaccinated against hepatitis A do not need to receive treatment.

Since 2006, medical experts have recommended children be vaccinated against hepatitis A.

Store employees received the vaccine and have been cleared to return to work. The eatery was also sanitized and has re-opened, officials said.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. It generally spreads when a person ingests fecal matter, even in microscopic amounts, from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the stool of an infected person.

Symptoms, which usually appear 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, can include but are not limited to:

fever

fatigue

loss of appetite

nausea

vomiting

abdominal discomfort

dark urine

clay-colored bowel movement

joint pain

jaundice (yellowing of the skin)

In September, parents of Nottingham High School students in Mercer County were warned that their children might have been exposed to hepatitis A after two students came down with it.

More information about hepatitis A may be found here.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Mount Airy Casino Resorts operator is facing a $272,500 fine after it did not implement an alcoholic drink tracking system as promised, a failure that was revealed in the wake of the death of a mother of two who was struck by a drunk driver coming from the casino.

Mount Airy #1, LLC, testified to the board in 2017 that it would be installing an alcoholic beverage tracking system and training staff in its usage within two weeks of the testimony. The system is designed to track and limit the number of drinks patrons are served over a period of time.

This came to light in Feb. 28, 2018 when Marc Graves, of East Stroudsburg, was driving home from Mount Airy and struck Lorraine Hamel as she was out jogging on Route 940 in the morning, according to a news release and coverage of the crash by the Pocono Record. Hamel died at the scene.

Graves told police he was gambling at Mount Airy from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. that morning and he had never slept, according to the Pocono Record.

On Oct. 17, 2018, Graves pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, court documents indicate. He was sentenced to three to six years in prison.

The gaming control board also fined Presque Isle Downs, Inc., in Erie, $22,500 for two table games violations. Both incidents involved the use of compromised decks at a blackjack and a poker table, according to the consent agreement.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
The vice president of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who is a running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 16 election, shunned a debate organised ahead of the exercise on Thursday, February, 7.

Peter Obi, the running mate to Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also shunned the debate.

The debate would have been the second time the duo would clash politically as the presidential election draws near. The moderators did not state why the two running mates were absent at the time of this report.

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

Titled #ThePeoplesDebate2019, the three participants are Rabiu Ahmed Rufai of the African Action Congress (AAC), Prince Martin Kunle Olateru-Olagbegi of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Kahdijah Abdullahi-Iya of the Alliance for New Nigeria.

The debate, which started at 7.35 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2019, is organized by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the Television Continental (TVC) in Abuja, the nations capital city.

The three participants spoke on issues including health, security and other challenges plaguing Nigeria.

Legit.ng earlier reported that five candidates including Osinbajo and Obi recently slugged it out at the vice-presidential debates of the 2019 elections at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

The debate, which held on Friday, December 14, 2018, was put together by Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG) and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON).

The executive secretary of the Nigeria Election Debates Group, Eddi Emesiri, listed Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN); Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN); All Progressives Congress (APC); Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP) as political parties that would participate in the debate.

Reactions later trailed the debate which had Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peter Obi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in attendance.

Other participants were Ganiyu Galadima of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Umma Abdullahi-Getso of Young Progressives Party (YPP) and Khadijah Abdullahi of Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN).

Obi was asked by some Nigerians on Twitter to talk about the punishment meted out by China to its corrupt officials, not just its economic performance.

Legit.ng gathered that at the vice presidential debate held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, Obi said Nigeria lost four million jobs in a six-month period, while China created 10 million jobs.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better.

2019 Elections: Sirleaf Meets With INEC Chairman | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng News
Nigerian celebrity blogger, Linda Ikeji, is sure having the best time of her life and this shows in how she clearly is enjoying motherhood. As her baby Jayce, grows older, it appears so does her love for him too.

Motherhood for most women is a completely beautiful experience and Linda Ikeji will certainly agree on this. Ever since the birth of her baby boy, Jayce, she has made it a duty to flaunt him on social media at every given opportunity and this time is no different.

She took to her Instagram page to share series of adorable photos of her four-month-old son, bragging about how cute he is turning out to be. According to the proud mom, mothers would have to hide their daughters by the time he turns 18 due to his charming looks.

READ ALSO: Personal letter from the Editor-in-Chief of Legit.ng (former NAIJ.com)

She wrote: "Jayce is just 4 and a half months old and he's already buff...hahaha! Check out his muscles . In about 18 years from now, you mums will have to hide your daughters. Dem go dey rush my pikin. . Can't get over how fast he's growing and how handsome he is. And he's such a happy boy!Seriously can't remember what my life was before he came into it. #Soinlove #soblessed #soobsessed #iamsolucky #mygreatestjoy #myheartbeat"

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Swipe to see photos below:

Well, the millionaire blogger is certainly not wrong about her son's heart-melting good looks and has every cause to be proud of her baby.

Get the hottest gist on Africa Love Aid

Meanwhile, a heartbroken Nigerian woman, Victoria Adewole, has taken to social media to alert people of how the Swedish government allegedly took her children from her. According to Victoria, her three children have been away from her since September 2008 and she is obviously fed up.

She revealed that their action was taken on the grounds that she was not mentally stable. Victoria further explained that she was taken for mental evaluation and she was certified okay. However her kids have not been returned to her since then.

HELLO! NAIJ.com (naija.ng) upgrades to Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better

Linda Ikeji: Why I'm Pregnant But Not Married | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
- A heartbroken Nigerian woman, Victoria Adewole, claims the Swedish government has taken away her three children

- The woman explained that she has been separated from her kids since 2008

- Victoria called on the help of well-meaning people to get her children back

The bond between a mother and her children is one that should not be tampered with. Many mothers cease to function properly if they do not know about the welfare of their kids and vice versa.

A heartbroken Nigerian woman, Victoria Adewole, has taken to social media to alert people of how the Swedish government allegedly took her children from her.

According to Victoria, her three children have been away from her since September 2008, and she is obviously fed up.

She revealed that their action was taken on the grounds that she was not mentally stable. Victoria further explained that she was taken for mental evaluation and she was certified okay. However, her kids have not been returned to her since then.

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In a heart-wrenching video that has started making the rounds, she begged well-meaning people to help her get her kids back.

See the video below:

Nawa o.

Meanwhile Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian couple were badly shaken by the tragic loss of two of their three kids in a fire.

A great tragedy befell Blessing Timidi Digha and her family on June 23, 2018, as they lost two children in a terrible fire outbreak.

The devastated woman took to her Facebook to grieve on her lost as she threatened to kill herself. The fire was said to have occurred from a gas explosion.

The lady's husband Olabode took to his Twitter to lament, regretting how he failed his children by not protecting them enough.

READ ALSO: Personal letter from the Editor-in-Chief of Legit.ng (formerly NAIJ.com)

HELLO! NAIJ.com (naija.ng) upgrades to Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better.

Nigeria News Today: Woman Delivers Quintuplets in Anambra, Asks Nigerians for Help | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
- A retired army general and former chief of army staff, Alani Akinriande, has called on Nigerians to ignore former president Olusegun Obasanjo

- Akinrinade expresses displeasure over Obasanjo's endorsement of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, saying the ex-president belongs in the dustbin of history

- The ex-army chief says Obasanjo asking Nigerians to vote for Atiku is an insult to the collective intelligence of the people

As the 2019 general elections draw nearer, Nigerians have been asked by an ex-chief of army staff, retired Lieutenant General Alani Akinrinade, to ignore former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

Akinrinade, who said this in an advertorial that was published on page 35 of The Punch on Thursday, February 7, said the former president belongs in the dustbin of history.

Legit.ng gathers that the former army chief Obasanjo asking Nigerians to vote for Atiku Abubakar is an insult to the collective intelligence of the people.

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

He said: The Nigerian media appear to have forgotten they are indeed the fourth estate of the realm. They are gatekeepers. They owe Nigeria the responsibility of keeping this irritable man where he belongs- the waste bin of history.

Like his daughter, Iyabo, reminded him in her letter, Nigeria does not belong to him. He should allow Nigerians choose who they want and stop goading the citizenry for his own selfish interests.

Olusegun Obasanjo asking Nigerians to vote for Atiku Abubakar is an insult to our collective intelligence. With the benefit of hindsight, can anyone truly say Obasanjos sense of judgment in choosing leaders can be trusted?

He accused Obasanjo of imposing Shehu Shagari on Nigeria in 1979, at the expense of Obafemi Awolowo or Nnamdi Azikiwe.

The retired army general said: Take a good look at history. Through the clandestine manoeuvres in 1979, he foisted on Nigeria a reluctant Shehu Shagari at the expense of the cerebral Obafemi Awolowo or Nnamdi Azikiwe.

"After his second coming, he so manipulated the electoral system that he fraudulently installed an unhealthy Umaru YarAdua as President alongside another reluctant character in the person of Goodluck Jonathan as the deputy.

He denied every interested member of his party while employing all sorts of machination including threat and blackmail. Then came 2015; he told Nigerians Muhammadu Buhari is the best man for the job. As he has done to every Presidential candidate he installed or supported, a few years down the line, he says Buhari is unfit for the job again.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday, January 21, said former president Olusegun Obasanjos criticisms of President Muhammadu Buhari was in bad faith and should be ignored.

Tinubu, who spoke at the inauguration of Buhari campaign in Maiduguri, noted that Obasanjo was not happy with the feat attained by the APC government in the clean-up of the mess of the 16 years of PDP administration.

According to him, no amount of such criticisms will stop the electorate from giving Buhari another four-year mandate.

Obasanjo bombs Buhari again, says FG is empowering Boko Haram | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
- The Independent National Electoral Commission insured one million ad hoc staff and electoral officials involved in the forthcoming elections

- The insurance scheme is, however, not extended to election observers

- The electoral body also said it is taking appropriate measures to ensure that the elections are not compromised

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has secured an insurance scheme for one million ad hoc staff and electoral officials who will be participating in the forthcoming general elections.

According to The Punch newspapers, the chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, said this at a forum tagged Dialogue with Nigeria Women towards the 2019 elections which was organised by the electoral agency with support from the European Centre for Electoral Support, held in Abuja on Wednesday, February 6.

The insurance scheme, however, did not cover the election observers.

READ ALSO: NURTW chairman sentenced to death

Speaking on the insurance scheme, the INEC boss said: The sheer number of Nigerians that we require to prosecute elections means we cannot rely only on our staff.

The commission has a staff strength of a little over 16,000 and on elections day, we would require the services of over a million Nigerians. We draw most of our ad hoc staff from the National Youth Service Corps, so we insured the corpers and other election duty staff and we would continue to do so.

Speaking on the electoral bodys measures against malpractices, Yakubu said the elections will be free, fair and credible without any form of manipulation by political parties, some of which are allegedly collating the identification numbers of voters.

Also, the project coordinator, European Centre for Electoral Support, Rudolph Elbling, gave assurance that his organisation would continue to partner with INEC in promoting the participation of women, youths, persons living with disabilities and other marginalised groups in the electoral process.

He said: Coming less than two weeks to the elections, it is our expectation that resolutions at this summit will create synergy and strengthen the commitment of all stakeholders towards non-violent conduct of the next election.

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged the leadership of INEC to extend the collection of Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) by three days.

The PDP said its demand was predicated on reports across the nation that some compromised INEC officials at the collection centers were deliberately refusing to issue the PVCs to voters thereby frustrating millions of registered voters from getting their voters cards.

2019 Elections: Sirleaf Meets With INEC Chairman | Legit TV

Source: Legit
It is not uncommon to find people claiming to have cures for ailments that have been deemed incurable. But it is quite rare to find acclaimed men of God bartering these supposed powerful cure agents. On this note, a popular pastor in Zimbabwe has been arrested and convicted by the police for falsely claiming to have a cure for HIV/AIDS.

The man whose name is Walter Magaya pleaded guilty to going against the laid down rules of the Medicines Control Act in Zimbabwe by selling a non-certified drug. He was arrested and convicted in November and a herbal drug which he claimed could cure HIV/AIDS people was seized.

Shingai Nyoka, a correspondent of BBC, reported that Walter Magaya who is 35 years old falls under the category of religious personalities who are leveraging on Zimbabwe's economic crisis to attract a huge follower base and swindle people of the little they have by promising them healing, miracles and prosperity.

In October 2018, the flashy pastor launched a herbal drug called Aguma which he claimed had magical powers that could destroy and exterminate HIV/AIDS within 14 days. A media house in Zimbabwe reported that he passed across this message to his followers in these words: "The herb is 100% organic. Why I say so is because we found out that there are no side effects.

READ ALSO: HIV couples in Bauchi give birth to 72 negative babies

Following this claim, the Zimbabwean government labeled him a criminal and they took to raiding his offices and lodges. It was recorded within the Magaya's charge sheet that he and others destroyed some of the exhibits by flushing them in the office toilets and burning containers which were, however, recovered half-burnt. Several aguma sachets and other torn sachets were also recovered in an office bin.

Pastor Walter Magaya Source: Bbc.co.uk

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

With these charges levied against Walter Magaya, his lawyer Everson Chatambudza has taken to defending his client by saying that Magaya believed the drug could indeed cure HIV/AIDS.

Everson, however, admitted that his client breached the law by distributing the herbal drugs without the health ministrys approval.

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The lawyer went on to say that Magaya attempted to comply with the law by notifying the ministry of his 'invention'. However, he did not get any response.

But then, there was the fact that Magaya also launched a lipstick last year which he claimed could improve blood pressure. As a verdict for his criminal offence, he was fined a sum of $700 which is an equivalent of over N250,000.

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In the meanwhile, another pastor in Lagos had also told his congregation that by drinking holy water, they would be cured of several ailments including HIV/AIDS. However, a sick mother who subscribed to this treatment died one month after.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better

Top 4 Reasons to Get Tested For HIV in 2018 | Legit TV

Source: Legit
- A Nigerian man has reportedly been killed by armed robbers

- The man was allegedly killed after his wife flaunted bundles of cash on social media

- It was gathered that the bundles of cash had been given to him by his company

A Nigerian man identified as Enango Gelsthorpe Sege has passed away after he was attacked by armed robbers. The man had been killed by the robbers after his wife allegedly showed off some money on social media.

Legit.ng had come across the tragic news after a Facebook user who identified as a sibling of the deceased cried out on the platform.

The Facebook user identified as Ibomo Rafeal Seimiengha revealed that he got the tragic news on Tuesday, February, 5. Seimiengha noted that the deceased was shot dead by armed robbers.

Nigerian man gets killed by robbers after wife allegedly flaunted cash on social media Facebook source: Ibomo Rafeal Seimiengha

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Female ex-convict breaks into house to steal underwear in Ogun (photos)

Seimiengha further claimed that the armed robbers had attacked the man in his home after his wife flaunted bundles of cash on Facebook.

He revealed that the money was given to the deceased by his company and his wife showed it off on social media.

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"I receive this shocking news yesterday. My brother was shot dead by an unknown armed robbers at his resident. This is as a result of his wife's negligence. His wife posted on her Facebook account these bundles of money he was paid by his company. RIP Enango Gelsthorpe Sege."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had also reported the sad story of two Nigerian lecturers who passed away. The lecturers, Zaharadeen Hussaini Kaita and Saib Abbantea, passed away in a fatal accident while they were on their way back home from a friend's wedding.

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BUSTED: Police Parade Man for molesting 78-year-old woman - on Legit TV

Source: Legit
- One Saheed Arogundade has been sentenced to death by an Ikeja high court

- The NURTW chairman was found guilty in the killing of a policeman

- The judge pronounced that the Arogundade be hanged

An Ikeja high court on Wednesday, February 6, sentenced to death, Saheed Arogundade, chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Boudary/Aiyetoro Unit, Lagos state, for the murder of a 32-year-old policeman, Gbenga Oladipupo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Olabisi Akinlade discharged and acquitted Arogundades five co-defendants  Mustapha Layeni, Adebayo Abdullahi, Seyi Pabiekun, Sikiru Rufai and Yusuf Arogundade of a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit murder and murder.

In a three-hour judgment which started at 2.35pm, the judge held that the prosecution was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Arogundade murdered the policeman.

Before delivering the judgment, for security reasons and to avoid disruption of proceedings, the judge ordered that the courtroom should be locked and the keys kept in her possession.

READ ALSO: European Union reacts to El-Rufais threat to foreign intervention in Nigerias election

The prosecution has been able to prove beyond reasonable doubt, the ingredients of conspiracy to commit murder and murder against the first defendant (convict).

I therefore pronounce the first defendant guilty as charged on the counts of conspiracy to commit murder and murder.

I hereby pronounce the sentence of the court upon you Saheed Arogundade  that you be hanged from the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy upon your soul," Akinlade said.

On hearing the sentence, Arogundade collapsed in the dock while his relatives wailed in the courtroom gallery.

According to the prosecution led by C. Rotimi-Odutola, the convict committed the offences on April 10, 2010, at Gbara Junction, Aiyetoro, Ajegunle, Lagos.

The deceased was on a commercial motorcycle to visit his mother, Mrs Mojisola Martins, in her home on Olayinka Street, Ajegunle, when they were ambushed and attacked by four men at Gbara Junction.

Oladipupo was held down by three men and the convict stabbed him multiple times before fleeing with his accomplices. The deceased who was gravely injured, was taken to a hospital at Opaleye Junction in Ajegunle where he passed away, the prosecutor said.

According to her, Oladipupo was murdered because he purportedly encouraged the use of commercial tricycles in Aiyetoro, causing loss of income for the NURTW unit.

The offences contravene Sections 234 and 316 of the Penal Code Law, 2003.

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NAN reports that eight witnesses testified for the prosecution against the convict including Ismaila Lukman, the commercial motorcyclist, who was transporting the deceased to his mothers residence when they were ambushed.

The deceaseds mother, Mrs Mojisola Martins, also testified.

Professor John Fafunwa, the Lagos state Chief Medical Examiner, Olawale Akinola, an eyewitness as well as four policemen testified for the prosecution in the trial that lasted for eight years.

Acquitting the other defendants, the judge held that no evidence before the court identified them as the assailants nor placed them at the crime scene.

She said: None of the defendants confessed to the crime, there is no cogent circumstantial evidence. The court will rely on the evidence of eyewitnesses on April 10, 2010. Two eyewitnesses claimed they saw the deceased being murdered.

PW2 (second prosecution witness) Lukman, the commercial motorcyclist who was with the deceased, described the person who stabbed the deceased.

He said he had a bald head, bow legs and two incisions on his face. In the courts observation, the first defendant has these physical features.

Lukman could not identify any of the second to sixth defendants as those with the first defendant on that day. He said he went to call for help, and the four assailants had fled when he returned to the crime scene.

The court found the evidence of PW2 to be consistent and unshaken. I was convinced he was telling the truth.

On the contrary, Akinlade dismissed the evidence of Akinola, the second eyewitness in the case because he was not directly at the crime scene and his evidence contradicted the autopsy result of the pathologist.

PW6 Akinola was not directly at the scene but was standing in his house which is a few metres away, at No. 54, Baale Aiyetoro St., Ajegunle, Lagos.

He said a cutlass was used in the assault but his evidence is not consistent with PW5, Dr Fafunwa, who said the blade used was sharpened on both sides.

I hereby rule that PW6 is not a reliable witness; his evidence has cast sufficient doubt in the mind of the court. His evidence is not sufficient to convict the second to the sixth defendant.

The court believes he was not being truthful when he roped the sixth defendant into the crime as he is not a member of NURTW, she said.

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Akinlade remarked that the police did not conduct a serious investigation to determine if Rufai and Arogundade (fifth and sixth defendants) were at the scene of the crime.

Recall that on Tuesday, January 8, popular National Union of Road Transport Worker (NURTW) treasurer, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya better known as MC Oluomo, was stabbed at a political rally in Lagos.

He was immediately rushed to the hospital in Lagos where he received medical care before being flown to the United States (US) for proper medical examination and rest. On Friday morning, February 1, MC Oluomo took to his Instagram handle to thank everyone who stood by him.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

Sowore: I have about 22 million votes already| Legit TV.

Source: Legit
- The Edo state chapter of the PDP has alleged that INEC plans to use the list of APC card-carrying members to conduct elections

- Consequently, the party rejected the list, saying it must be completely discarded as it is a recipe for chaos

- The opposition party said the forthcoming election must be free and fair

The list of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)'s ad hoc staff in Edo state has been rejected by the state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benin City.

PDP claimed that INEC plans to use the list of APC card-carrying members to conduct the February 16 presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

This was disclosed by the state publicity secretary of the party, Chris Nehikhare, in a statement in Benin on Tuesday, February 5.

READ ALSO: Southeast PDP governors reportedly reconsider Buhari option after meeting with Atiku

The PDP claimed that INEC is planning to use the list of APC card-carrying members and operatives.

The list, we are informed, was written by state government and handed over to the Vice Chancellor for transmission to INEC. This purported INEC ad hoc staff list must be completely discarded as it is a recipe for chaos and poses a great danger to our nascent democracy.

We reject it and condemn the politicalisation of the employment of APC members as ad hoc staff to manage the election process. We call on the vice chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof Faraday Orumwense not to allow himself to be used.

He must do the right thing by withdrawing the list he was prevailed upon to submit, and hand over the one made up of genuine staff of University of Benin. The forthcoming election must not only be free, fair and transparent, it must also be seen to be so," he said.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that a member of the House of Representatives from Edo state, Johnson Agbonayinma, claimed that defectors from the PDP who joined the APC are now the bad eggs in the ruling party.

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Agbonayinma who defected from the PDP to the APC, said members of the opposition joined the ruling party with the intent of hampering Buharis anti-corruption war.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better.

Nigeria Latest News: Buhari vs Atiku - 2019 Elections | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
- Friday, February 1, saw the arrest of Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, who now face serious charges including fraud and money-laundering

- The couple appeared before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court where their application for bail was postponed to Wednesday, February 6

- Added to this, the pair now face the prospect of having their assets seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, and his wife, Mary Bushiri, face not only fraud and money-laundering charges, but the prospect of their assets getting seized.

The controversial pastor and wife were arrested at a hotel in Rustenburg on Friday, February 1, and appeared before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday, February 4. The couple were formally charged and had their application for bail postponed to Wednesday, February 6.

However, it appears that this is just the tip of the iceberg for the pair, with the state eyeing their assets.

South African government to seize Bushiri's properties, vehicles, and private jet Source: Topnews.ng

Source: Depositphotos

READ ALSO: Davido reacts as Atiku calls him the reigning king of music

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Jet-setting their way into Court

According to City Press, the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), which is a branch of the National Prosecuting Authority, joined the legal battle against the couple. The AFU has filed a preservation order, seeking to seize assets, pending the finalisation of the couple's criminal case.

Sources close to the developments claim that the organisation has already filed an application for permission to seize the Bushiris' homes, cars and private jet.

The couple are the owners of a fleet of luxury cars, including a R3 million Mercedes G63, a Maserati, a Rolls-Royce and other luxury vehicles.

The preservation order is expected to be granted next week and will see the couple unable to access their possessions.

According to a source, the process is crucial in order to avoid Bushiri selling assets not only to fund legal bills, but to hide them from the state.

According to News24, City Press has obtained an affidavit from an investigator in the case, showing that the AFU have already identified properties, vehicles and bank accounts, which they have asked the High Court to preserve.

This affidavit, allegedly used to obtain warrants for the arrest of the couple, states that they are accused of committing fraud, money laundering and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

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Dodgy Dealings

With criminal activity dating all the way back to 2015, they also stand accused of contravening exchange control regulations when they used US Dollars ( in cash) to pay for Bushiri's R15.3 million Gulfstream jet.

According to the affidavit, Mary Bushiri bought the jet from National Airways Corporation for $1,250,000 in November 2015. The jet is used to fly the couple between South Africa and their country of origin, Malawi.

According to City Press, Mary Bushiri had traveled to the Joburg offices of the aviation company with a bag filled with cash.

Two receipts were issued on the same day, one to Major Prophet Shepherd Bushiri for $1,147,200, and another, addressed in the same way, for R1,444,340 for the remainder of the payment.

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Passing the buck

When the SA Reserve Bank had caught wind of the transaction, they had approached the couple's lawyers, requesting the details of the transaction.

In response, they had received an affidavit from Shepherd, explaining that he had secured a $1.25 million loan to buy the jet, from Joint Aviation Resources. Bushiri maintained that his church had repaid the funds to the company, using donations.

The pastor had told the Reserve Bank that the aviation company would be able to provide evidence to back up his claims.

However, when his claims were investigated, no such payments could be found on the prophets bank statements.

The aviation company has also denied any loan, responding in sworn affidavits submitted to the Hawks, saying:

JAR, according to their knowledge, never received the payments as indicated on the receipts. Most importantly, JAR states that it was not authorised or permitted to do business as a loan agent or to issue business loans.

According to the affidavit, undisclosed amounts of foreign currency were found at Bushiri's offices in Midrand, when police had raided the premises in May 2018.

'Major 1', as his followers know him, has been making headlines for questionable transactions for a while now, previously having advertised tables at a gala dinner for as much as R25 000. Other claims include him charging congregants for private prayer sessions.

Committed Congregants

Despite the list of allegations against the pastor increasing on what feels like a daily basis, his supporters stand firmly by him. Congregants had flocked to the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court so show their loyalty to the couple.

Ahead of Shepherd's court appearance, scores of followers had rallied behind him during a service. Apparently unfazed by the arrest of their leader, thousands had gathered in Pretoria to pray for him.

Legit.ng had reported that Pastor Paseka Mboro who is known to be Bushiri's rival was spotted heading down to the Pretoria Commercial Crimes court in support of his fellow religious leader.

Terrance Baloyi, the pastor's lawyer, has yet to comment.

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A new king will emerge to restore Nigeria - Prophetess Judith - on Legit TV

Source: Legit
Ancona, February 7 - Eight small exhibitions accompanying an art show in Macerata on Italian Renaissance painter Lorenzo Lotto have drawn significant visitor numbers, in some cases 70% or even double. The main exhibition, titled "Lorenzo Lotto: The Call of the Marche", is being hosted at Palazzo Buonaccorsi in Macerata. Works from around the world were loaned out for inclusion in the exhibition. Some of these works were also spread around to eight other "Lotto centres" in museums and churches that make up part of the overall show in the Marche region. Lotto died in the town of Loreto between 1556 and 1557, where one of the eight additional centres is located. The other centres are in Ancona, Urbino, Jesi, Recanati, Monte San Giusto, Mogliano, and Cingoli. In Monte San Giusto stands Palazzo Bonafede, one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in the Marche, together with Palazzo Ducale in Urbino. In the town's St. Mary in Telusiano Church, an alterpiece by Lotto titled "Crucifixion" (ca. 1529-1530), in its original frame, is an impressive display of Renaissance woodworking. In Mogliano, a small residential centre with an 18th-century feel, the Museum of Sacred Art (MASM) contains Lotto's "Pala dell'Assunta", also known as "Madonna in Glory with the Angels and Saints John the Baptist, Anthony of Padua, Mary Magdalene and Joseph". In Cingoli, the so-called "balcony of the Marche" for its splendid scenic views, there is the "Madonna of the Rosary", temporarily on display in the Sala degli Stemmi at the Palazzo Comunale. Urbino needs no introduction, as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Raphael, it is one of the most beautiful Renaissance centres in Italy. Among the many things to see, there is the Palazzo Ducale with the National Gallery of the Marche, containing valuable paintings by Piero della Francesca, Laurana, Raphael, and also Lotto's 1549 work "Saint Rocco", which came from the Posatora Church in Ancona and was purchased by the State in 2007. There are five works by Lotto in Jesi, located in the municipal art gallery in Palazzo Pianetti, where the town's civic museum is housed. The works were created between 1512 and 1539 for local churches, and include an altar piece titled "The Deposition"; two wooden paintings, "The Angel of the Annunciation" and "The Virgin of the Annunciation"; the "Madonna of the Roses", and the famous "St. Lucy" altarpiece, one of Lotto's iconic masterpieces. In Recanati, the "Annunciation" altarpiece is also iconic, located in the Villa Colloredo Mels civic museum along with a group of extraordinary works by Lotto. The young masterpiece known as the "Recanati Polyptych" of 1508 is there, along with the "Transfiguration of Christ", which was influenced by Raphael but with an anti-classic style, and the devotional wood painting "St. James the Greater". Finally, the "Recanati Annuncation", depicting a room with God the Father seeming to literally dive out of the heavens; the angel, frightened by the enormity of what is happening; a cat fleeing; and Mary, turned towards the viewer, who seems to want to do the same, but knows there is no escape. Ancona, capital of the Marche, is also a place of Lotto, historically linked by relations with Venice and with the other shore of the Adriatic. In the municipal painting gallery, among the masterpieces by Titian, Crivelli, Andrea Lilli, Sebastiano Del Piombo, and Francesco Podesti, there is also the "Sacred Conversation" by Lotto, also known as the "Altarpiece of the Halberd", commissioned in 1538 for the Church of St. Augustine, with extraordinary chiaroscuro effects. A few hundred metres away, in the the church of San Francesco alle Scale, there is the "Assumption" altarpiece, painted in 1550. Finally, there is the Gothic-style Loggia dei Mercanti, where in 1550 a lottery was held to sell Lotto's paintings. In Loreto, since the Middle Ages the site of the Sanctuary of the Holy House, there are seven works created for the ancient Coro Chapel, also known as the German Chapel. Some of the works there were completed in the last years of Lotto's life, including the "Adoration of the Wise Men" and the "Presentation of Jesus in the Temple", known as his final works. Another large painting by Lotto, "St. Christopher with Child and Saints Rocco and Sebastian" (ca. 1532-1533) can be seen in the Basilica of the Holy House, where it was relocated in July 2018 after a conservation effort. photo: Adoration of the Baby Jesus (1549-55)
Rome, February 7 - Four people were arrested Thursday on suspicion of rigging sentences at the Council of State, Italy's highest administrative court. Judge Nicola Russo, already involved in other cases, ex president of Sicily's Council of Administrative Justice Raffaele Maria De Lipsis, former Audity Court judge Luigi Pietro Maria Caruso and Sicilian Regional Assembly member Giuseppe Gennuso were all placed under house arrest. They are accused of taking bribes totaling 150,000 euros to fix sentences on five occasions, police said.
Rome, February 7 - Deputy Premier and 5-Star Movement (M5S) Luigi Di Maio said Thursday his meeting Tuesday with members of the French Yellow Vests protest movement in Paris was "fully legitimate". "And I claim the right to dialogue with other political forces that represent the French people", he said. "Just like En Marche, the French government party, is allied with the (Democratic Party), an opposition party in Italy, so the M5S meets a political force of opposition to the French government (RIC)". He added, after France recalled its ambassador, "the French people is our friend and ally. President Macron has on several occasions attacked the Italian government for political reasons in view of the European elections. "This has not affected the feeling of friendship that ties our two countries, and never will". On issues such as immigration, he added, "dialogue and collaboration with the French government is always maximum and we are willing to have meetings at the highest level with the French government in order to find solutions".
Tel Aviv, February 7 - Two activists from the NGO International Solidarity Movement including one Italian were arrested by Israeli forces Thursday near a school in the centre of the West Bank city of Hebron, Palestinian news agency WAFA said. They were taken into custody near the Cordoba main school in Shuhada Street, WAFA said.
Brussels, February 7 - European Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said Thursday that there was no sign of the economic expansion so far that the Italian government had predicted after the EU executive slashed its 2019 growth forecast for Italy to 0.2%. "The facts speak for themselves," Moscovoci said when asked about the optimism of the Italian government regarding the economic outlook. "It does not seem to me that the forecast Keynesian expansion is materialising in a major way, even though the financial situation and the spread have improved. And I think this should be reflected upon". Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said policy uncertainty was a factor. "In addition to the external factors affecting many countries, we note that uncertainty about economic policies has had negative repercussions on the confidence of businesses and on financial conditions in Italy," Dombrovskis said. "Italy needs profound structural reforms and decisive action to reduce its high debt. In other words, (it needs) responsible policies that support stability, confidence and investments".
Strasbourg, February 7 - The commissioner for human rights of the Council of Europe, Dunja Mijatovic, on Thursday expressed "deep concern" at the Italian government's policy to close ports to ships carrying migrants rescued at sea and other measures taken recently in a letter sent to Premier Giuseppe Conte. The commissioner asked the government "to ensure that the human rights of rescued people are not put at risk due to the current disagreements between countries on their landing, and that the humanitarian aspect is always prioritized".
Strasbourg, February 7 - The commissioner for human rights of the Council of Europe, Dunja Mijatovic, on Thursday expressed "concern" in a letter to Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte over the repercussions for migrants and asylum seekers of recent migrant and security legislation. Mijatovic wrote that she was concerned for the possible "repercussions of the security decree on the right to access accommodation and essential services, healthcare and education, for residents who have a residency permit for humanitarian reasons and by disconcerting information reporting that a number of them would risk becoming homeless".
Rome, February 7 - Father Paolo Dall'Oglio, an Italian Jesuit priest who was kidnapped in Syria in 2013, is alive and in being held in one of the pockets of territory still controlled by ISIS, The Times reported on Thursday citing Kurdish sources. The British daily said that the extremist Islamist group is using Dall'Oglio and two other Western hostages, British journalist John Cantlie and a nurse from New Zealand, as "bargaining chips" in negotiations with with the US-backed Kurdish-Arab forces surrounding them. It said that the ISIS group holding the three are seeking to "escape annihilation".
Rome, February 5 - Deputy Premier, Interior Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini on Tuesday said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was an outlaw and fresh elections should be held as soon as possible after last July's allegedly rigged ballot, as opposition leader Juan Guaido is demanding. "Maduro is an outlaw: he starves, imprisons and tortures his people," said Salvini in a statement. "I hope for free and democratic elections as soon as possible. I'm close to the millions of Italians, and descendants of Italians, who live, resist and suffer in Venezuela". Salvini's government partner, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S), says Italy should not meddle in Venezuelan politics.
Democrats have also criticized a memo Barr wrote to the Justice Department before his nomination in which he criticized Mueller's investigation for the way it was presumably looking into whether Trump had obstructed justice. In the memo, Barr wrote that Trump could not have obstructed justice by firing former FBI Director James Comey since it was act the president was constitutionally entitled to take.
The vote by the committee didn't issue a subpoena but allowed Nadler to do so if Whitaker was uncooperative. Nadler said he hoped not to have to use the subpoena, but "a series of troubling events over the past few months suggest that we should be prepared." Nadler said that as late as last week the committee had received reports that some at the department were counseling Whitaker not to appear.
When asked the question of how to restore integrity to City Hall and why they would be the most trusted to accomplish that task, Mendoza used the opportunity to take a shot at Preckwinkle. The comptroller started by noting how she and nearly the rest of the field all favored outlawing aldermanic prerogative, the practice that allows City Council members to have veto power of zoning and permitting in their wards and was at the center of Burkes alleged shakedown.
Members and some residents wants the council to adopt an ordinance against cooperating with the federal immigration agency.

Kennebunk Post

"We are trying to tell the narrative of our town as a whole, all the pieces that makes us who we are today."
We are often told in our communities that 'We dont have enough,'  she said, referring to what she sees as the typical answer residents get when asking for more resources. We know that this is a city of abundance. There is more than enough for all of us.  We have to fight together, we have to build together.
MISSOULA- The iconic Hoagieville on South Higgins will soon lose its drive-up nostalgia for a new restaurant and tap house.

Hoagieville co-owner Chris Goble, and partners have decided to take the restaurant that's been open since 1980 in a new direction. And they have the support from the Missoula City Council after members approved a tavern conditional use request.

"We were nervous going in to it but hearing the council members present give a unanimous 'yes' along with all of them commenting and giving their support and excitement for the project was really amazing," Gobe said.

With so much positive feedback, Goble said he feels encouraged to revamp his business to support the needs and wants of the community.

"Right now the brewery scene and the beer scene is kind of really growing and there are so many amazing breweries and we just kind of want to have a tap house to feature all those awesome breweries that we have here in Missoula and in western Montana, he said.

In addition to serving beer, the new establishment called, Brewed, will serve wine, coffee and lunch specials like soups, salads, and shareable plates.

Goble said the most important part of this revamp is its community atmosphere. "It will be a place for people to come and gather and enjoy a beer or two, enjoy a coffee, enjoy a nonalcoholic beverage and have some food and just kind of meet their friends and get together.

At this point there are no concrete dates for closing Hoagieville or opening Brewed. So there's still plenty of time to drive-thru Hoagieville and order your favorite meals.
Wells Fargo customers may have difficulty using their debit and credit cards Thursday.

The company put out this message on their Facebook page Thursday morning.

We received a tip from an employee within Wells Fargo with knowledge of the issue.

According to the employee, the outage is a result of a fire at the server farm located in Shoreview, Minnesota. As a result of the fire the servers had to be shut down.

According to the employee, the servers may be down until Friday.

NBC Affiliate KARE is on site trying to gather additional information and shared the following picture with KULR-8.

The company issued a statement through their website Thursday stating:

"Were experiencing system issues due to a power shutdown at one of our facilities, initiated after smoke was detected following routine maintenance. Were working to restore services as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience."

KARE-11 has put together some tips on what you can do if you continue to have trouble accessing your accounts.

What to do right now

How to check your bank balance: If you cant access your account information online, a phone representative may be able to provide limited information about the money in your accounts, based on the banks records before the systems issues began. Wells Fargos customer service number is 800-869-3557; you can also try its text banking service or visit a local branch.

What to do next

The Wells Fargo outage is probably not going to be the last time a bank experiences a tech failure. Take these steps to prepare for the next one, regardless of where you bank.

For more information visit KARE online by clicking here.
(U.S. Senate)  U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today reintroduced their bipartisan bill to improve resources and care for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST).

Their Servicemember and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act expands the definition of MST to ensure servicemembers and veterans who experience online sexual harassment can access VA counseling and benefits. It also codifies a lower burden of proof so more survivors are eligible for trauma and mental health care related to MST, even if they didnt feel comfortable reporting the event to their chain of command while in service.

Its unacceptable that any man or woman who has served our nation has endured sexual assault or harassment during their service, said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. We must make it easier for these servicemembers and veterans to seek out the care and services they need to address their trauma.

The issue of sexual assault and trauma is an alarming underside of military culture that we havent been able to adequately address. It is heartbreaking to think that those who have volunteered to serve our nation, who put themselves on our front lines would be made a victim of sexual misconduct in their working environment. And the reality is that sexual trauma has taken on new forms in recent years, including cyber-abuse, putting those in our armed forces at even greater risk, said Senator Murkowski. This legislation provides tools for victims of sexual trauma in the military to seek justice and cope with the trauma.

This country continues to fail veterans who were sexually assaulted or harassed during their military service. Roughly half of the military sexual trauma (MST) claims denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs were recently found to have been improperly adjudicated. And MST survivors with certain mental health conditions face extra roadblocks to receiving benefits, including those with anxiety, depression, and newly defined trauma disorders, said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. "Enough is enough. We must bring policies up to speed with medical science and ensure that all service members whose mental health was harmed by MST can get the benefits they deserve. Im proud to reintroduce this legislation to do so while also updating forms of sexual harassment eligible for benefits and widening access to resources for members of the Guard and Reserves.

The Servicemember and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act is endorsed by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

DAV stands with MST survivors, said Joy Ilem, DAV National Legislative Director. We fully support and applaud the provisions outlined in the Service members and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2019 which recognize the various forms of sexual abuse and will help to ensure survivors claims are fairly adjudicated so they can address the life-long physical and emotional impact that sexual trauma can have. This bill makes clear that military sexual assaultin all formsis unacceptable.

The Servicemember and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act would make sure that more mental health diagnoses related to MST qualify for VA service-connected benefits, and requires the VA to have specially-trained claims raters processing MST-related benefits claims, addressing an issue recently uncovered by VAs Office of Inspector General. Additionally, in an effort to encourage more victims to come forward, the bill requires military officials to educate service members about available VA care services for military sexual trauma survivors, at all VA healthcare facilities across the country.

The bill is cosponsored by Senators Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Representatives Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Gregorio Sablan (D-M.P.), Annie Kuster (D-N.H.), and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). Full text of the bill is available online HERE.
A dangerous online game called the "Momo Challenge" reportedly targeted a 12-year-old boy in Montana.

Here is how it works:

"Momo" contacts kids on social media, and asks if they want to play a game.

"Momo" tells the kid to perform dangerous tasks, and asks for video proof.

If the kid says no, "Momo" threatens them.

The child wasn't harmed, and told his grandparents when he was messaged.

We wanted to look into the easiest way to child-proof an iPad. There were several websites that tried to break it down but we found this one works best.
The viral game, known as the Momo Challenge, has made its way to Montana. According to Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, a Lockwood 12-year-old received an invitation to play.

Momo encourages children to complete challenges. Sgt. Bob Lester with the sheriff's office explained that those challenges start off minor and increase to suicide or serious/violent crimes.

There are rules when taking part in the challenges. The child must video or take a picture of them doing the challenge and send it in. However, if they don't send evidence, they will likely receive threats.

"When you don't do that challenge, is when the bullying and intimidation starts," explained Sgt. Bob Lester.

According to the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, the Lockwood child who received a notification from Momo Monday night, immediately told his grandparents.

Sgt. Lester said, "They were threats to kill friends and it had specific names on it. And he was scared, and I told them to tell him thank you for calling because how many kids would've laid in bed that night and just stewed all night long. He told them, he must've had a good relationship to tell them and secondly, the fact that he told, may have prevented a lot of other kids from having some sleepless nights."

The sergeant explained that he has read up on the challenge and from what he has read, it can be accessed through Facebook and the WhatsApp. The WhatsApp is a free calling and messaging app.

Sgt. Lester speculates that videos and pictures of the challenges will eventually be sold. "As the challenges progress, whether they go into violent or sexual nature, they will eventually be sold or shared on the internet. That's the whole purpose of this, is to get the graphic video and photos."

This is the first time Sgt. Lester has heard about Momo and at the same time, he said some people claim this viral challenge is a hoax. But, he said he will continue to talk about it with the community and his own children.

"It teaches us to be nosey, we need to be in our kids' business. We are the parents. You need to be doing random audits on your kids' phone, looking in there and asking questions. Like I told my daughter, once it happens to you, I can't take it back, I can't go back and take that event from happening. So, I'm probably going to do things that you don't like to prevent it from ever happening and to teach you for what to look for."

Sgt. Lester told KULR-8 that it is very important for parents and their children to have a good relationship with one another. That is the reason he wrote "Tell your kids you love them" on the sheriff's office facebook post.
BILLINGS -- Montana, through a multi-agency task force on human trafficking, supports Department of Justice efforts to raise awareness about the activity and to fight this violent crime, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said today.

The Department of Justice dedicated January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, as proclaimed by President Trump in December 2018.

In 2018, the Department of Justice fought human trafficking by investigating and prosecuting traffickers, dismantling transnational human trafficking networks, enhancing victim identification and protection of victims of trafficking and funding and providing domestic and international anti-trafficking programs.

Human trafficking is a horrible crime against the human dignity of the victims, and it can have no place in our society, Acting Attorney General Matthew G. Whitaker said. But the Department of Justice is taking action against the traffickers. In fiscal year 2018, the Department of Justice secured over 500 human trafficking convictionsan increase from the previous year, Whitaker said.

Human trafficking, which exploits and enslaves both adults and juvenile victims, is happening in Montana, U.S. Attorney Alme said. However, the collaborative work of the Montana task force in sharing and discussing leads, trends and operations is key to bringing human traffickers to justice and to aiding victims. If anyone in Montana sees any evidence of human trafficking they should bring it to the attention of law enforcement right away, he said.

In 2018, the Montana Human Trafficking Task Force assisted in the prosecution and convictions of four human trafficking related cases. The cases included Terrance Edwards, who was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for convictions on sex trafficking and other charges; co-defendant Francine Granados, who was sentenced to two years in federal prison for witness tampering in the Edwards case; and Christina Jackson, who was sentenced to five years of federal probation for conviction of transportation of adults. In Missoula County, Walter Hill is awaiting trial in state district court on charges of promoting prostitution. In 2015, Hill was revoked on violations for a previous conviction for promoting prostitution.

The Montana Human Trafficking Task Force is composed of federal, state and other law enforcement agencies that meet quarterly to discuss trends in human trafficking in the state, operations, tactics and active cases. There are about 20 members, representing the US Attorneys Office, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Indian Affairs, IRS, the Montana Department of Justice, representatives from the Fort Peck, Ft. Belknap and Blackfeet tribes and the Missoula Police Department. The task force works in collaboration with numerous private-public task forces throughout the state. The task force was created in 2012 and its membership has evolved.

Montana communities with regional task forces include Yellowstone, Missoula, Flathead, Gallatin and Cascade counties. Anyone interested in working on community strategies or assisting victims of human trafficking should reach out to their regional task force, U.S. Attorney Alme said.
An effort is underway to find veterans who are homeless and to get them off the streets. The Continuum of Care is a program paid for through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Each January, the program completes the point-in-time count of veterans living on the streets. The PIO for Disabled American Veterans Billings Chapter 10, Ed Saunders said, "Why January? Because, it's in the middle of the winter and the homeless tend to go into shelter and hunker down, as we would say. That aides in finding them and counting them. And as part of the count, we ask them if they are a military veteran."

Members of the DAV Billings Chapter 10 wear blue coats and their military hats to shelters. It is in hopes of finding veterans who are homeless. Jimmie Kerr, the DAV's Treasurer, who also served several years in the Navy and was an advisor in Vietnam explained, "Veterans will come and talk to us, they trust us. We are interested in trying to show them where to get their benefits, how to get help. We provide phone numbers."

Robert Scott who is an Air Force veteran and the DAV's Commander added, "It's important from the standpoint that we find out how many homeless veterans there are so that the money that eventually gets cut loose, trickles down, and goes to the right places to support those people who are essentially living off the grid. That information is passed on to HUD, they know the specific problems and where they are."

Saunders told KULR-8 that the results of the count can give an idea of the characteristics of the homeless. He said, "The United States government, and state governments, and local governments can develop programs which will aide the homeless in their respective communities."

Saunders also explained that many veterans are homeless because they are trying to adjust to civilian life after coming from war and combat. "Many veterans who have served in war have that effect the way that they live their lives, the way they interact with people. Sometimes these can get severe and they don't know what to do, where to get help. They have post-traumatic stress disorder, they have a hard time finding a job and keeping a job. And they begin to look at substance abuse as an escape," said Saunders.

If you know of a homeless veteran, you can get them in contact with a couple of different services. One is the National Homeless Veteran Call Center at 877-424-3838 or the Housing Authority of Billings at 406-245-6391.
According to the lawsuit, when the boy arrived at school on Sept. 20, Haynes and Tyler, who was not a school employee, physically grabbed him and dragged him down the hallway to the boys bathroom. There, Haynes supplied Tyler with two leather belts that Haynes kept in her classroom and then left the boy alone with Tyler, who beat him multiple times with the belts, according to court and police records.
The Venezuelan government, led by embattled President Nicolas Maduro, blocked a bridge connecting the nation to Colombia as humanitarian aid, called for by opposition leader Juan Guaido, was due to arrive. CNN's Isa Soares has the details.
The Justice Department told the House Judiciary Committee that acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker would not appear at the oversight hearing unless Whitaker received written assurance he won't be served with a subpoena.
5 things to know for February 6: SOTU, nun abuse, US weapons in Yemen, mall shooting
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Payne and a group of friends  business owners from the South Side  arranged for the rooms as well as food and clothes as temperatures reached well below zero on Jan. 29. As they were relocating some of the residents, a propane tank exploded in the camp and the rest of the people were evacuated.
(ST.JOSEPH,MO)A new decision from the Missouri Supreme Court will soon limit how high bail bonds can be set for those accused of non-violent crimes. The plan proposed by Missouri Supreme Court require judges across the state to consider non-monetary options when posting bond.

For individuals who dont have the financial means to post their bond and pose no threat to the community or a victim of that specific crime, judges are encouraged to consider alternative options to insure the defendant appears in court without being detained in the county jail.

Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Holliday said the goal is to avoid detaining people for their inability to pay.

The Supreme Court is wanting to make sure that we aren't keeping people in jail just because they dont have any money," Holliday said. Debtors prisons are unconstitutional and unlawful in America, and I think that's what the court is trying to adress; to make sure that we don't keep people in jail simply because they don't have the means to post a $500 bond."

Buchanan County District Defender Shayla Marshall said the current cash-based bond system can leave defendants residing in a county jail for months waiting for a trial.

They can be held for months, because they can not make bond on non-violent offenses such as passing a bad check, or not paying their child support," Marshall said.

Marshall said for many defendants, their inability to pay bail is costing them much more than just their time.

"While they're sitting and waiting their jobs have to be filled. Say this person is a waitress, well a waitress job is not going to hold that person's job while they fight their case from jail. They lose their apartments, they lose everything," Marshall said.

Holliday said most prosecutors are concerned about how the alternative pre-trial options will be funded.

Our main concern as prosecutors is the cost, Holliday said. If we have pretrial services and supervision, how are we going to pay for that? How are we going to implement programs to do that if the legislatures doesnt appropriate money? Its another cost to the county that we really cant afford.

Marshall said Missouri isnt the first state to implement a reduced bail protocol.

There have been a lot of pilot programs, one in Washington D.C. that got rid of cash bail in the 1990s. There is one in Indiana that got rid of cash bail, Marshall said. In those studies, it shows that most people do come back to court whether or not there is a cash bond.

The plan proposed by Missouri Supreme Court will reduce the population inside county jails and give non-violent defendant's pretrial options like in-house arrest while they await trial.

Sometimes people pose a significant risk to their crime victim or to society and they need to be held in jail awaiting trial, because they pose that risk. Thats one of those factors that they can still be remanded or held without bail, Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett said. "If we can reduce jail population then that helps, but it's really difficult because the decision for bail and the conditions for bail, and if somebody needs to be held in custody awaiting trial; those are all decisions made by the court and they have a set of criteria that they have to evaluate."

Marshall said based on a judges discretion in a case, fewer people will be restricted by their ability to pay unattainable bail.

"The prosumption will be release, instead of the presumption, as it is now, that you're held until you can afford to pay to get out. I think this will change so many lives," Marshall said.

Changes to the Missouri bail system will take effect beginning July 1,2019.
Weather Alert

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 413 AND 427... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 413 AND 427... The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a Fire Weather Watch for scattered thunderstorms, which is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 413 Caribou Range/Caribou NF and Fire Weather Zone 427 Goose Creek and Raft River Valley/Southern Sawtooth NF/Twin Falls BLM south of the Snake River. * IMPACTS...Scattered thunderstorms will produce lightning and gusty erratic winds. Most thunderstorms will be dry with no wetting rains, but a few thunderstorms may produce a wetting rain. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. &&
Massachusetts' highest court upheld the conviction Wednesday of a woman found guilty of convincing her teen boyfriend to kill himself, but she will remain free as her lawyers work on her next appeal -- at least for the time being.
The 47-year-old man who suffered a wound to the head  Lawrence B. Lee, of the 8900 block of South Hermitage Avenue  was pronounced dead, according to the medical examiners office. A 57-year-old man also was shot, suffering a graze wound to the back, and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said.
Sheriff: K9 tracks suspect for 2.5 hours through mud, snow and ice in Clackamas Co.
On the Go with Joe for Fight For Air Climb
Acting AG says he will not appear before House panel unless he gets guarantee he won't face subpoena
They didn't get very far. The baby girl decided to make her debut around 8:30 a.m. as the bus was still 3 miles from the hospital, according to the family and fire officials.
That program, known as the States Attorneys Felony Enforcement unit, or SAFE, used special investigators to stop and search cars of suspected drug traffickers on Interstate 80. The investigators began their work in 2011, but a court found that Towne had overstepped his authority in directing the unit, causing it to disband.
An old lake scene would seem an appropriate choice for a mural thats being proposed for downtown Angola, Editor Mike Marturello writes. This image appeared as the cover of Memories of Steuben County, published in 1997 by The Herald Republican.
Kayla Brennan is a reporter for The Advance Leader and The News Sun. She would love to hear suggestions for your favorite area places. Email her at kbrennan@kpcmedia.com.
It may be an overused quote, but an old Ziggy cartoon states, We have met the enemy, and he is us. That can certainly relate to the accidental injury we sometimes inflict upon trees when mowing or using string trimmers. The old adage applies, Prevention is better than cure.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 73F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 59F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.
In a filing Wednesday, prosecutors disclosed the handprint was found in Christensen's apartment, though it's unclear if they believe it's Christensen's or Zhang's. Prosecutors also say a cadaver-sniffing dog detected traces of a dead body around the bathroom sink.
This provided photo shows a fire-gutted multiplex housing unit in Cheonan, a city in South Korea's central province of South Chungcheong, on Thursday. Yonhap



Three members of a family were killed and one seriously injured after a multiplex housing unit was engulfed by a fire on Thursday in central South Korea in a suspected case of arson, police said.

The fire broke out around 6:37 a.m. on the third floor of the three-story housing unit in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, before being extinguished in 26 minutes.

The police said the bodies of the three dead -- a 72-year-old husband, his 66-year-old wife and his 40-year-old daughter -- were found on the third floor. Their son, 36, was injured by smoke inhalation and whisked away to a nearby hospital. He is in a critical condition, according to the police.

The couple and the son have been residing on the third floor, with tenants living in houses on the first and second floors, and the daughter was visiting the couple on the occasion of the Lunar New Year's holiday earlier this week.

Firefighting authorities suspect that the fire resulted from arson as seven two-liter plastic bottles were found at the scene of the fire and are believed to have contained flammable material.

The initial examination of the site by firefighters showed that five of the seven bottles were found to be empty and that flammable material in the remaining two bottles remained almost intact.

Around the scene were flammable material marks that are believed to have come from the scattering of flammable material.

It is not immediately known whether any of the three dead or the son set fire to the third floor. Officials at the hospital said the son smelled of alcohol when he arrived there.

The police, who are looking into the cause of the fire, plan to question the son about the fire if he recovers from his injuries. (Yonhap)




In this file photo, President Donald Trump speaks on the possibility of a government shutdown during the signing ceremony for the First Step Act and the Juvenile Justice Reform Act in the Oval Office of the White House December 21, 2018 in Washington, DC.
A Phoenix woman is facing felony child abuse charges after her 11-month-old ate an opioid pill in an alleged drug house. Paramedics used Narcan to save the child.
St. Charles County school shuts down with more than 20 percent of students out sick
The victim told authorities that the sender said there would be retaliation against OHare if the demands were not met, police said.
Man tried to lure girl into his car after she got off school bus in Glen Carbon
St. Louis man fired for refusing to cut his hair says he has religious reasons
ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) -- A former Navy SEAL from St. Louis killed in Syria was laid to rest Wednesday.

Scott Wirtz, a navy SEAL of 10 years, had been working for the Defense Intelligence Agency since 2017. He completed three deployments for the agency in the Middle East.

The funeral mass was held at the Cathedral Basilica on Lindell. A big crowd turned out despite the rain.

U.S. military members, the Patriot Guard, St. Louis Fire Department and members of local law enforcement were on hand at Lambert Airport last Saturday when Wirtz's body arrived.

Flags were placed on every overpass between Lambert Airport and the funeral home when his body arrived in St. Louis.

The visitation for Wirtz was held Tuesday at Ortmann-Stipanovich funeral home in Creve Coeur.

After the funeral mass, a motorcade took his body to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
The emotional reaction stems from, here you have a community that has been underserved for decades, finally getting a small respect, some sense of quality of life for consumers and they felt they had options to buy and purchase goods, he said. They were kicked to the curb, so to speak. When will it stop? We befriended Target. We supported Target. And now were left without many options. (Residents) are mad, they are angry.
(CNN)  United States' House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff announced Wednesday a broad investigation his committee would undertake "beyond Russia" into whether U.S. President Donald Trump's financial interests are driving his actions.

Schiff said the investigation would "allow us to investigate any credible allegation that financial interests or other interests are driving decision-making of the President or anyone in the administration."

"That pertains to any credible allegations of leverage by the Russians or the Saudis or anyone else," Schiff told reporters after the House Intelligence Committee's first meeting in the new Congress.

In a statement, Schiff said the investigation would include a continued probe into Russia's actions during the 2016 election and contacts between the Russia and Trump's team, as well as an examination of "whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Donald Trump, his family, his business, or his associates."

Schiff said the investigation, which could involve additional congressional committees, would also look at whether Trump or his associates have "sought to influence U.S. government policy in service of foreign interests" and any potential obstruction into the various investigations.

Schiff's announcement is the most detailed look yet into how congressional Democrats will investigate Trump's finances and possible ties to foreign entities, and how Democrats are sure to continue probing Trump and his team well after special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation had concluded.

Trump reacted Wednesday to Schiff's announcement by slamming the California Democrat and saying Schiff has "no basis to do that."

"He's just a political hack trying to build a name for himself," Trump said in the Roosevelt Room Wednesday after announcing his new nominee to be World Bank president. "It's called presidential harassment and it is unfortunate."

Trump's comments followed his State of the Union speech Tuesday in which he warned Democrats against undertaking "ridiculous partisan investigations."

Schiff responded to Trump's attack on Twitter, saying: "We're going to do our job and won't be distracted or intimidated by threats or attacks.

Sending transcripts to Mueller

The House Intelligence Committee met for the first time in the new U.S. Congress Wednesday and took its first action by voting to send more than 50 transcripts from its Russia investigation interviews to Mueller. The panel approved the motion to send the transcripts by voice vote, according to Republican Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas.

The committee already sent one transcript to Mueller in December after the special counsel's office requested Roger Stone's interview. Federal prosecutors accused Stone of lying to the committee in his seven-count indictment last month.

Inside the closed-door meeting, lawmakers debated Schiff's investigative plans. Republicans on panel argued that the investigation into Russia should also look at former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's campaign and whether it also colluded with Russia, according to three sources from both parties, something Republicans have alleged over the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign funding of the opposition research dossier.

Republicans also pushed for an extension of the House GOP investigation into alleged abuses of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, the sources said.

Both topics were part of former Chairman Devin Nunes' investigation in the last Congress, which he ran separately from the Russia probe, and which culminated in Nunes' memo accusing the FBI of abusing the FISA law.

Democrats rejected that idea on Wednesday, saying that if there's evidence showing the Clinton campaign broke the law, then the committee could look into it, according to the sources. Democrats also said that Trump is the President and runs the government so whether he's being influenced by a foreign entity carries far greater importance.

The vote to send the transcripts to Mueller was not controversial or a surprise. Schiff has said that he wanted to send the transcripts to Mueller for review to see whether any other witnesses who appeared before the committee committed perjury. The transcripts are likely to be transmitted by the end of the day, Schiff said.

In addition to the accusations against Stone, which he pleaded not guilty to last week, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress in his 2017 testimony about how long discussions surrounding a Trump Tower Moscow project extended into the 2016 campaign.

When the committee was controlled by Republicans in the last Congress, Schiff tried to send the un-redacted transcripts to Mueller, but Republicans blocked his motion, arguing that Mueller had not requested them.

The other interviews that will now be sent to the special counsel include Trump's eldest son Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner and senior campaign aides Corey Lewandowski, Steve Bannon and Hope Hicks. They also include numerous Obama administration officials and others in Trump's orbit who were interviewed during the committee's yearlong probe.

The committee already voted in November Nunes, a California Republican, to make its interview transcripts public. But they are currently being reviewed for classified material by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence ahead of a public release.

Democrats oppose Republican motions

Republicans on the committee, led by Nunes, made several motions on Wednesday that were rejected by Democrats.

They sought to immediately make public the committee's interview transcripts conducted in an unclassified setting, which includes most of the panel's Russia interviews. Nunes in a statement slammed an "unacceptable delay" in the executive branch's declassification process.

And Republicans sought to issue subpoenas to a dozen officials, including former FBI Director James Comey, according to Republican Rep. Chris Stewart of Utah.

Schiff said that the Democrats rejected the GOP motions because there was personally identifiable and some classified material contained in the unclassified transcripts, and the committee wouldn't issue subpoenas before offering to bring in witnesses voluntarily.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence estimated that the transcripts would be ready for public release in May or June, Schiff said, and he hoped to speed up that process by releasing some of the transcripts that were already ready first.

The Republican motions underscored the role-reversal for Schiff and Nunes in the Democratic-led Congress when it comes to the Russia investigation: In the last Congress, Schiff made numerous requests for subpoenas and committee actions that were rejected by the Republican majority.

As he left the committee's secure spaces, Nunes was asked whether he voted to release the transcripts to Mueller. "You guys are an embarrassment to yourselves," Nunes responded.

This story has been updated with additional developments Wednesday. It was first published on CNN.com, "House intelligence chair announces sweeping investigation into Trump's finances and Russia."
There was an excellent suggestion by Dime that Kiwiblog readers should emulate what a reader did in Lower Hutt, and take photos of Kiwibuild construction sites so the public can see for themselves how likely it is a site will be complete by 30 June.

The announced sites are here. The details are:

Under Construction

Contracted

Lakeside, Te Kauwhata  175

King Street, Mt Cook, Wellington  44

So if you have some spare time, head to one of these locations, take some photos, and send me a couple of paragraphs with your impressions of progress to date.

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(Kitco News) - More than 40% of Venezuelas gold reserves were sold off last year alone, as President Nicolas Maduro cashed in to keep the government running, according to media reports citing Venezuelan opposition lawmaker Carlos Paparoni.

The gold was sold without the needed approval of the opposition-led National Assembly, Reuters said on Wednesday.

The money was used by Maduro to keep some of the government programs running as well as to transfer millions to bondholders, Bloomberg reported.

There was a total of 73 tonnes of gold sold to firms in the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, Paparoni told reporters on Wednesday.

The remaining reserves inside the country by the end of last year were around 110 tonnes, one source told Bloomberg confirming Paparonis numbers.

One of the companies involved in the purchase from Maduro was Istanbul-based Sardes Kiymetli Madenler SA, Paparoni said. The company bought about 24 tonnes of Venezuelas gold just days after it became a member of Borsa Istanbuls Precious Metals Market on Dec. 26, 2017, Bloomberg reported citing documents.

Other companies said to have been involved in buying gold from Venezuela last year were UAEs Noor Capital and Goetz Gold.

At the end of January, there were also reports that Venezuela was planning to sell 15 tonnes of gold to the UAE last week.

Venezuelan opposition is fighting to stop Maduro from accessing and selling the national gold reserves, accusing him of corruption.

We will keep working so that not one more gram of gold can be sold, Paparoni said.

Earlier this year, news broke that the Bank of England has blocked Maduros officials from withdrawing $1.2 billion worth of gold being stored in the vaults of the U.K. central bank.

Venezuela is currently in a political and economic crisis, with the U.S. and many other Western countries supporting Venezuelas self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido.
(Adds share price, analyst comment)

By Terje Solsvik and Gwladys Fouche

OSLO, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Norwegian metals producer Norsk Hydro warned it would miss its 2019 savings targets after falling far short of fourth-quarter earnings forecasts due to restricted output in Brazil, sending shares down 8 percent to their lowest in two years.

Higher costs also impacted underlying operating profit, which fell 85 percent to 534 million Norwegian crowns ($62.48 million) versus the 1.45 billion crowns expected by analysts in a Reuters poll.

"Our results are reflecting the challenging situation we face in Brazil and higher raw material costs," Chief Executive Svein Richard Brandtzaeg said in a statement.

Norsk Hydro shares were down 8.2 percent to 35.2 Norwegian crowns at 0851 GMT, the lowest level since October 2016.

Despite making some progress it said it remained uncertain on when its Alunorte alumina facility in Brazil, the world's largest, might return to full output.

It has been operating at half capacity following a spill of untreated water in February.

Last month, the Brazilian state of Para lifted its restrictions, but full production at Alunorte can only resume once a federal court follows suit. The company also said in January that it aimed to resume full production at the plant within weeks or months, though the process remained unclear. Alunorte is a key supplier to Hydro's metal smelters.

"We continue to seek a common agreed solution, so operations can be resumed," the company said. "The timing of a full resumption of operations remains uncertain."

The restrictions in Brazil along with higher raw material costs hurt profits during the quarter, the company said, adding it would not meet cost-cut targets in 2019 after missing a savings goal of 500 million crowns for 2018.

Analysts cited the situation in Brazil as reason for the weaker-than-expected results, though some predicted the facility could win approval to re-start in the first half of 2019.

"We forecast Hydro will receive approval to re-start in Q219," JPMorgan Cazenove, which has a neutral rating on the stock, said in a research note. "A prolonged embargo will have negative impact on earnings, cash flow and sentiment."

The company's board proposed a dividend of 1.25 crowns per share for 2018, down from 1.75 crowns for 2017 and short of the 1.58 crowns expected by analysts on average.

It also forecast a lack of supply in the global aluminium market but said an uncertain economic outlook could sap demand in the coming year.

"For 2019, we expect the global primary aluminium market to be in deficit, although increasing macro uncertainty could lead to softening demand growth," Brandtzaeg said.

(Writing by Michael Kahn; editing by Jason Neely and David Evans)
ROME (Reuters) - The Italian government does not want to fall out with France, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Thursday, adding he would be happy to meet French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss recent tensions.

Responding to a decision by France to recall its ambassador to Italy, Salvini said in a statement he wanted to reset relations with Paris, but that France needed to address three fundamental issues.

He said the French police had to stop pushing migrants back into Italy and stop carrying out lengthy border checks that was blocking traffic at the frontier. Paris must also hand over around 15 Italian leftist militants who have taken refuge in France in recent decades.
PARIS/BERLIN (Reuters) - France plans to back an EU proposal to regulate Russias Nord Stream 2 pipeline, its foreign ministry said on Thursday, potentially threatening its completion and dealing a blow to Germany which has been trying to garner support for the project.

The European Union executive wants to extend its internal energy market laws to offshore gas pipelines before construction is completed, giving it a say over how the new gas link under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany is used.

In its current form, Nord Stream 2, fully owned by Russian state energy firm Gazprom, would not be compliant with tougher new rules foreseen for new infrastructure projects.

Diplomatic sources said earlier that Germany had been pressuring other European capitals to block the new directive.

France intends to support the adoption of such a directive. Work is continuing with our partners, in particular with Germany, on possible changes to the text, French foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a briefing.

Any delay in building the pipeline would create uncertainty for Gazproms partners: Germanys Uniper and BASFs Wintershall unit, Anglo-Dutch Shell, Austrias OMV and Frances Engie.

The EU bloc is divided in its support for the project. Eastern European, Nordic and Baltic Sea countries view the 1,225 km (760 mile) pipeline as holding the EU hostage to Moscow, while those in northern Europe, especially Germany, prioritizes the economic benefits.

DEPENDENT ON RUSSIA?

An EU source said earlier that Frances vote would be decisive, likely leaving Germany short of a blocking minority.

Opponents of the pipeline worry it will weaken support for Ukraine by depriving Kiev of gas transit fees along the traditional route for Russian supplies, which fill over a third of the EUs gas needs.

The U.S. ambassadors to Germany, Denmark and the European Union urged EU members to vote against the pipeline.

Cancelling the project would send a clear signal that Moscow cannot get away unscathed with its aggression against neighboring states, and its meddling in our democracies, they wrote in a joint op-ed published by Deutsche Welle on Thursday.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Nord Stream 2 would not make Germany dependent on Russia for gas, stressing that Ukraine must remain a transit country.

Do we become dependent on Russia due to this second gas pipeline? I say no, if we diversify at the same time, Merkel told a news conference in Bratislava.

Uniper, which has so far spent about 600 million euros ($681.00 million) out of the 950 million it earmarked for the project, said its assumption was that Nord Stream 2 would still be realized.

This is a project for the next decades and therefore, to a certain extent, independent of current events, a spokesman for the group said.

A spokesman for Wintershall said the group would closely watch any further developments.

If the proposed regulation musters enough support, negotiations on final draft rules could begin as early as next week.
GENEVA (Reuters) - A United Nations-led inquiry into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said on Thursday that evidence pointed to a brutal crime planned and perpetrated by officials of the state of Saudi Arabia.

Agnes Callamard, U.N. special rapporteur for extrajudicial summary or arbitrary executions, said that Saudi officials had seriously undermined and delayed Turkeys efforts to investigate the crime scene at its Istanbul consulate in October.

Reporting on a week-long mission with her team of three experts to Turkey, she said that they had had access to part of chilling and gruesome audio material of the Washington Post journalists death obtained by the Turkish intelligence agency. She had major concerns about the fairness of proceedings for 11 Saudis facing trial in the kingdom and had sought a visit there.
NEW DELHI, Feb 7 (Reuters) - An India state will give gold worth about $530 to every bride from a poor family, the latest budget giveaway ahead of a general election that must be held by May.

The northeastern state of Assam is run by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is facing a battle for re-election because of low farm incomes and a lack of jobs that have turned off some of those who backed it in the last polls, in 2014. The federal government announced cash handouts to farmers and tax cuts for the lower middle class last week. On Thursday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut interest rates for the first time since 2017, in line with a government demand as it attempts to stimulate the economy. The opposition Congress party has also been forgiving farmers' loans and announcing it would provide the unemployed with cash handouts in some of the states it controls.

But handing out gold to brides is new.

The tea-growing state's finance minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, allocated 3 billion rupees ($42 million) for the next fiscal year, from April 1, for the gold programme.

That would buy 875 kg of gold, enough for about 80,000 brides.

"A customary ritual which has been part of Assamese society for centuries is to gift a set of gold ornaments to one's daughter as a blessing as she leaves her father's home to start a new life," Sarma said in his budget speech on Wednesday.

He said the programme should stop families falling into debt to pay for daughters' weddings.

"I feel that it's my solemn responsibility to stand with those fathers who cannot afford to gift a set of gold ornaments," he said.

The Assam government would buy the gold from the RBI and give it to the beneficiaries directly, Sarma told Reuters on Thursday.

The programme would be limited to two women from each family with an income of less than 500,000 rupees ($7,000) a year. Each bride would get a "tola", or 11.66 grams, of gold.

Indian brides traditionally get gold, which helps make the country the world's second-biggest buyer of the metal after China. The World Gold Council expects India to consume 750-850 tonnes of gold this year. The Assam government hasn't stopped at gold.

Sarma said the state would also give electric bikes to girls who score at least 60 percent in school-leaving exams, for getting to places of higher studies.

He rejected opposition accusations he was making "fake promises" to win votes.

Political parties and candidates find different ways to give presents to voters.

In the past, gifts have included electric fans, laptops, pressure cookers and televisions.

Under the election law, the gift-giving has to stop once an election date is set.

($1 = 71.6060 rupees)

(Additional reporting by Zarir Hussain in GUWAHATI and Devjyot Ghoshal in NEW DELHI Editing by Martin Howell, Robert Birsel)
Todays story will be of special interest to two groups of readers who are linked together by what is known as a lien, which Ill explain in a moment. They are: (1) People who were injured in an auto accident who lack good health insurance or adequate amounts of auto medical payments coverage but need treatment from a chiropractor, doctor or physical therapist. They hire an attorney to file an insurance claim against the responsible party. (2) Chiropractors, doctors or physical therapists who provide treatment, and, as Los Angeles based attorney Shawn Steel adds, contractually  on a lien basis  agreeing to wait for payment of their services when the case is settled. An Enforceable Contract Specializing in personal injury cases and representing chiropractors for over 35 years, Steel explains that a lien, It is a binding, enforceable, written contract signed by the patient, attorney and health care provider requiring bills to be paid from the proceeds of settlement prior to the individual receiving any funds. But he was quick to point out, Thats how it is supposed to work. It is what the law requires, but in my experience, over three-quarters of lawyers who handle personal cases on a lien basis flagrantly refuse to honor the lien, and far too many health care professionals just dont know what to do when they are stiffed, or their bill is cut to shreds.

The recent example of our client, Dr. S. is typical. My Polite Requests to Pay Our Bill was Ignored! I have a soft spot in my heart for chiropractors and respect their abilities. Years ago, a chiropractor delivered me from the worst and most painful stiff neck imaginable. I became a believer, and we referred our auto accident clients to him for years, always receiving positive feedback. So, when a chiropractor is badly dealt with by a lawyer, I take that personally  and thats what happened to Dr. S. His lien was signed by both longtime local attorney L and the patient, but when the case was settled the lawyer refused to pay the chiropractors bill. We placed call after call to the lawyers office and did not even receive the courtesy of a return phone call, Dr. S. explained, not only frustrated, but hurt. I set up a conference call with both the attorney and chiropractor, asked why the bill  which had been attached to the chiros report and was necessary in order to settle the case  had not been paid. Instead of hearing, Sorry, I will look into it and get right back to you, there was denial of ever receiving it and a claim that the file was in storage, away from his office. Finally, L yelled, So sue me! Nobody wants to sue you, I replied. Just find the file and pay the bill. You know the consequences. You have 48 hours to have a check delivered to the chiros office or find yourself in court.

Needless to say, the bill was paid at once  in full. But this should not have dragged on for so long, and that is Steels message to all health care providers who treat on a lien basis: Understand your rights and the attorneys legal obligation. The Lawyer Is a Fiduciary  Do Not Let Anyone Browbeat You Down! In all 50 states, Steel points out, the Doctors Lien, or Letter of Protection as it is also called in some states, creates a fiduciary relationship, making the lawyer trustee of settlement funds for the benefit of the client, the doctor and, finally, the attorney. I find repeatedly lawyers insisting that the doctor cut his bill, but the attorney refuses to reduce his own bill when the settlement is not as high as was expected  or that is what the lawyer tells the doctor. In the typical case this is inherently unfair, as the doctor has spent weeks or months in treating the patient, while the lawyer perhaps saw the client once and made two phone calls. There is nothing wrong with everyone taking a little less than full payment if the money just isnt there, Steel says, but I urge my doctor clients to stand up to strong-arm tactics. He recommends the following steps: Get it in writing. When you get a phone call asking that you cut your bill, because the settlement was too low and I can only get you $1, 000, reply by stating, Please send me a copy of the draft, settlement agreement and clients proposed disbursement. Remember, a lawyer can easily lie on the phone, but will hesitate to do so in writing. You have the legal right to see all of those documents and how funds are to be distributed. Be persistent. If that information is not provided, then, Steel recommends:

Send a demand letter to the lawyer with a seven-day deadline. Attach the lien, your report and bill. In your letter state, I am sure you are familiar with the Rules of Professional Conduct.

On the eighth day, file a complaint with the states Bar Association, send the attorney a copy of it and file your suit in Small Claims Court. You will get paid  and, if it goes to court, judges almost always rule in favor of the doctor, Steel concludes. Advice for Clients/Patients Caught in the Middle Its important for patients to understand that they are obligated for the professional services theyve received. So, a good idea is to keep in frequent contact with your lawyer, and when its time to settle the case, go into the office if possible and go over payment of the outstanding bills. If your lawyer negotiates a reduced fee for the doctors bill, thats fine, and you want to see proof in writing. The take-away from this story for patients is to realize you could be on the hook for unpaid bills related to your accident if the lawyer refuses to pay your health care provider. Signing a lien simply means that the doctor agrees to wait for payment  from the lawyer  when the case settles. And if the case doesnt settle, or the lawyer drops you? You are still responsible to pay the bills of your health care provider, so stay on top of how your case is coming along.
Kingstree, SC (29556)

Today

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High near 85F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds light and variable.
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Wind Chill Advisory

Areas Affected: Allamakee; Chickasaw; Clayton; Fayette; Floyd; Howard; Mitchell; Winneshiek

NWS LaCrosse (Southwestern Wisconsin, Southeastern Minnesota, and Northeast Iowa)

...Blowing, Drifting Snow In Open Areas...Snow Persists North of I-94...Bitterly Cold Overnight... .The accumulating snows have shifting mostly north of Interstate 94, and will continue to shift east northeast for the rest of the evening hours. Additional accumulations in those areas from 1 to 2 inches possible. Strong northwest winds, gusting upwards of 35 to 40 mph, will drift and blow the fallen snow around - especially across the open and unsheltered areas of southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. Visibilities under 1 mile will be common in these areas this evening, with localized white-out conditions possible. Travel will remain difficult, especially where blowing and drifting is taking place. Plan ahead, take it slow, and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. After the snow comes to an end, bitterly cold air returns. Wind chills from 20 to 30 below are expected late tonight through tomorrow morning. If you must be outside, be sure to dress warm and cover any exposed skin. ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow with winds gusting as high as 40 mph. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero overnight.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northeast Iowa.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until midnight CST tonight. For the Wind Chill Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to noon CST Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Expect snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves. The latest road conditions for Iowa can be found on-line at 511ia.org, in Minnesota at 511mn.org, and in Wisconsin at 511wi.gov or by calling 5 1 1.

Winter Weather Advisory

Areas Affected: Allamakee; Chickasaw; Clayton; Fayette; Floyd; Howard; Mitchell; Winneshiek

NWS LaCrosse (Southwestern Wisconsin, Southeastern Minnesota, and Northeast Iowa)

...Blowing, Drifting Snow In Open Areas...Snow Persists North of I-94...Bitterly Cold Overnight... .The accumulating snows have shifting mostly north of Interstate 94, and will continue to shift east northeast for the rest of the evening hours. Additional accumulations in those areas from 1 to 2 inches possible. Strong northwest winds, gusting upwards of 35 to 40 mph, will drift and blow the fallen snow around - especially across the open and unsheltered areas of southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. Visibilities under 1 mile will be common in these areas this evening, with localized white-out conditions possible. Travel will remain difficult, especially where blowing and drifting is taking place. Plan ahead, take it slow, and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. After the snow comes to an end, bitterly cold air returns. Wind chills from 20 to 30 below are expected late tonight through tomorrow morning. If you must be outside, be sure to dress warm and cover any exposed skin. ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow with winds gusting as high as 40 mph. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero overnight.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northeast Iowa.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until midnight CST tonight. For the Wind Chill Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to noon CST Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Expect snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves. The latest road conditions for Iowa can be found on-line at 511ia.org, in Minnesota at 511mn.org, and in Wisconsin at 511wi.gov or by calling 5 1 1.

Blizzard Warning

Areas Affected: Blue Earth; Brown; Faribault; Freeborn; Martin; Nicollet; Steele; Waseca; Watonwan

NWS Minneapolis (Southern Minnesota)

...SNOW TAPERING OFF... ...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS CONTINUING IN WEST CENTRAL, SOUTHWEST AND SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA THROUGH MIDNIGHT... ...DANGEROUSLY COLD WIND CHILLS TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING... .The Blizzard Warning remains in effect for areas along and south of a line from Morris, to Mankato, to Owatonna through midnight tonight. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for areas east of a line from Gaylord, to Dassel, Clearwater, St. Cloud, Milaca, and Mora, and including all of west central Wisconsin through midnight tonight. This Winter Storm Warning also includes the Twin Cities metro area. Outside the Winter Storm Warning, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the remainder of central and southern Minnesota through midnight tonight. An additional inch or two of snow will occur in west central Wisconsin through the late afternoon. An additional inch of snow will occur in portions of east central and central Minnesota through the late afternoon. Overall, snow will begin to taper off later this afternoon, and into the evening, but blowing and drifting snow will continue as wind speeds increase. Total snowfall amounts through tonight, including the snow that fell this morning, will range from 6 to 10 inches in the Winter Storm Warning, to 2 to 5 inches in the Winter Weather Advisory and Blizzard Warning areas. Winds will continue to increase this afternoon in the Blizzard warned area. This will create whiteout conditions and dangerous, if not impossible for drivers. Dangerous wind chills will accompany this system, with a Wind Chill Warning becoming effective tonight, through Friday morning for locations along and west of a line from Redwood Falls, to Litchfield, to St. Cloud and Little Falls. To the east of the warning, a Wind Chill Advisory will become effective across the rest of east central and southern Minnesota, as well as west central Wisconsin from later tonight, through Friday morning. Wind chill values will range from 35 below to 40 below zero in the warning, and 25 to 35 below zero in the advisory. ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions and very cold wind chills expected. An additional one inch of snow is possible. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero expected.

* WHERE...Nicollet, Waseca, Steele and Freeborn Counties.

* WHEN...For the Blizzard Warning, until midnight CST tonight. For the Wind Chill Advisory, from midnight tonight to noon CST Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves. The latest road conditions for Minnesota can be found at 511mn.org and for Wisconsin at 511wi.gov, or by calling 5 1 1 in either state.

Wind Chill Advisory

Areas Affected: Blue Earth; Brown; Faribault; Freeborn; Martin; Nicollet; Steele; Waseca; Watonwan

NWS Minneapolis (Southern Minnesota)

...SNOW TAPERING OFF... ...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS CONTINUING IN WEST CENTRAL, SOUTHWEST AND SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA THROUGH MIDNIGHT... ...DANGEROUSLY COLD WIND CHILLS TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING... .The Blizzard Warning remains in effect for areas along and south of a line from Morris, to Mankato, to Owatonna through midnight tonight. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for areas east of a line from Gaylord, to Dassel, Clearwater, St. Cloud, Milaca, and Mora, and including all of west central Wisconsin through midnight tonight. This Winter Storm Warning also includes the Twin Cities metro area. Outside the Winter Storm Warning, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the remainder of central and southern Minnesota through midnight tonight. An additional inch or two of snow will occur in west central Wisconsin through the late afternoon. An additional inch of snow will occur in portions of east central and central Minnesota through the late afternoon. Overall, snow will begin to taper off later this afternoon, and into the evening, but blowing and drifting snow will continue as wind speeds increase. Total snowfall amounts through tonight, including the snow that fell this morning, will range from 6 to 10 inches in the Winter Storm Warning, to 2 to 5 inches in the Winter Weather Advisory and Blizzard Warning areas. Winds will continue to increase this afternoon in the Blizzard warned area. This will create whiteout conditions and dangerous, if not impossible for drivers. Dangerous wind chills will accompany this system, with a Wind Chill Warning becoming effective tonight, through Friday morning for locations along and west of a line from Redwood Falls, to Litchfield, to St. Cloud and Little Falls. To the east of the warning, a Wind Chill Advisory will become effective across the rest of east central and southern Minnesota, as well as west central Wisconsin from later tonight, through Friday morning. Wind chill values will range from 35 below to 40 below zero in the warning, and 25 to 35 below zero in the advisory. ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions and very cold wind chills expected. An additional one inch of snow is possible. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero expected.

* WHERE...Nicollet, Waseca, Steele and Freeborn Counties.

* WHEN...For the Blizzard Warning, until midnight CST tonight. For the Wind Chill Advisory, from midnight tonight to noon CST Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves. The latest road conditions for Minnesota can be found at 511mn.org and for Wisconsin at 511wi.gov, or by calling 5 1 1 in either state.

Wind Chill Warning

Areas Affected: Cerro Gordo; Emmet; Hancock; Kossuth; Palo Alto; Winnebago; Worth

NWS DesMoines (Central Iowa)

...Blowing Snow Continues with Dangerous Wind Chills Overnight... .Little additional snow is anticipated but persistent strong winds producing blowing and drifting snow and blizzard conditions at times north will continue. Visibilities will be significantly reduced at times to a quarter mile or less in rural and open areas. Lingering light snow and slick roads will linger over central and parts of southern Iowa as well producing hazardous driving conditions. The strong winds and blowing snow should diminish overnight, but still be sufficient to drive wind chills into the 20s and 30s below zero by early Friday morning. ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Dangerously cold wind chills expected. Winds gusting as high as 40 to 50 mph. Wind chills as low as 40 below zero expected by Friday morning.

* WHERE...Portions of Northern Iowa.

* WHEN...For the Blizzard Warning, until midnight CST tonight. For the Wind Chill Warning, from midnight tonight to noon CST Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. A Wind Chill Warning means the combination of very cold air and the wind will create dangerously low wind chill values. Frostbite can occur quickly and even hypothermia or death if precautions are not taken. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Blizzard Warning

Areas Affected: Cerro Gordo; Emmet; Hancock; Kossuth; Palo Alto; Winnebago; Worth

NWS DesMoines (Central Iowa)

...Blowing Snow Continues with Dangerous Wind Chills Overnight... .Little additional snow is anticipated but persistent strong winds producing blowing and drifting snow and blizzard conditions at times north will continue. Visibilities will be significantly reduced at times to a quarter mile or less in rural and open areas. Lingering light snow and slick roads will linger over central and parts of southern Iowa as well producing hazardous driving conditions. The strong winds and blowing snow should diminish overnight, but still be sufficient to drive wind chills into the 20s and 30s below zero by early Friday morning. ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Dangerously cold wind chills expected. Winds gusting as high as 40 to 50 mph. Wind chills as low as 40 below zero expected by Friday morning.

* WHERE...Portions of Northern Iowa.

* WHEN...For the Blizzard Warning, until midnight CST tonight. For the Wind Chill Warning, from midnight tonight to noon CST Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. A Wind Chill Warning means the combination of very cold air and the wind will create dangerously low wind chill values. Frostbite can occur quickly and even hypothermia or death if precautions are not taken. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Winter Weather Advisory

Areas Affected: Dodge; Fillmore; Houston; Mower; Olmsted

NWS LaCrosse (Southwestern Wisconsin, Southeastern Minnesota, and Northeast Iowa)

...Blowing, Drifting Snow In Open Areas...Snow Persists North of I-94...Bitterly Cold Overnight... .The accumulating snows have shifting mostly north of Interstate 94, and will continue to shift east northeast for the rest of the evening hours. Additional accumulations in those areas from 1 to 2 inches possible. Strong northwest winds, gusting upwards of 35 to 40 mph, will drift and blow the fallen snow around - especially across the open and unsheltered areas of southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. Visibilities under 1 mile will be common in these areas this evening, with localized white-out conditions possible. Travel will remain difficult, especially where blowing and drifting is taking place. Plan ahead, take it slow, and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. After the snow comes to an end, bitterly cold air returns. Wind chills from 20 to 30 below are expected late tonight through tomorrow morning. If you must be outside, be sure to dress warm and cover any exposed skin. ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Light snow ending. Little additional accumulation. Blowing and drifting snow with visibilities under 1 mile at times. Winds gusts to 40 mph. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero overnight.

* WHERE...Dodge, Olmsted, Houston, Mower and Fillmore Counties.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until midnight CST tonight. For the Wind Chill Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to noon CST Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Expect snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves. The latest road conditions for Iowa can be found on-line at 511ia.org, in Minnesota at 511mn.org, and in Wisconsin at 511wi.gov or by calling 5 1 1.

Wind Chill Advisory

Areas Affected: Dodge; Fillmore; Houston; Mower; Olmsted

NWS LaCrosse (Southwestern Wisconsin, Southeastern Minnesota, and Northeast Iowa)

...Blowing, Drifting Snow In Open Areas...Snow Persists North of I-94...Bitterly Cold Overnight... .The accumulating snows have shifting mostly north of Interstate 94, and will continue to shift east northeast for the rest of the evening hours. Additional accumulations in those areas from 1 to 2 inches possible. Strong northwest winds, gusting upwards of 35 to 40 mph, will drift and blow the fallen snow around - especially across the open and unsheltered areas of southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. Visibilities under 1 mile will be common in these areas this evening, with localized white-out conditions possible. Travel will remain difficult, especially where blowing and drifting is taking place. Plan ahead, take it slow, and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. After the snow comes to an end, bitterly cold air returns. Wind chills from 20 to 30 below are expected late tonight through tomorrow morning. If you must be outside, be sure to dress warm and cover any exposed skin. ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Light snow ending. Little additional accumulation. Blowing and drifting snow with visibilities under 1 mile at times. Winds gusts to 40 mph. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero overnight.

* WHERE...Dodge, Olmsted, Houston, Mower and Fillmore Counties.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until midnight CST tonight. For the Wind Chill Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to noon CST Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Expect snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves. The latest road conditions for Iowa can be found on-line at 511ia.org, in Minnesota at 511mn.org, and in Wisconsin at 511wi.gov or by calling 5 1 1.

Wind Chill Warning

Areas Affected: Franklin; Wright

NWS DesMoines (Central Iowa)

...Blowing Snow Continues with Dangerous Wind Chills Overnight... .Little additional snow is anticipated but persistent strong winds producing blowing and drifting snow and blizzard conditions at times north will continue. Visibilities will be significantly reduced at times to a quarter mile or less in rural and open areas. Lingering light snow and slick roads will linger over central and parts of southern Iowa as well producing hazardous driving conditions. The strong winds and blowing snow should diminish overnight, but still be sufficient to drive wind chills into the 20s and 30s below zero by early Friday morning. ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blowing snow and light snow. Dangerously cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero expected. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of Central Iowa.

* WHEN...For the Wind Chill Warning, from midnight tonight to noon CST Friday. For the Winter Weather Advisory, until midnight CST tonight.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

A Wind Chill Warning means the combination of very cold air and the wind will create dangerously low wind chill values. Frostbite can occur quickly and even hypothermia or death if precautions are not taken. A Winter Weather Advisory for blowing snow means that visibilities will be limited due to strong winds blowing snow around. Use caution when traveling, especially in open areas. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Winter Weather Advisory

Areas Affected: Franklin; Wright

NWS DesMoines (Central Iowa)

...Blowing Snow Continues with Dangerous Wind Chills Overnight... .Little additional snow is anticipated but persistent strong winds producing blowing and drifting snow and blizzard conditions at times north will continue. Visibilities will be significantly reduced at times to a quarter mile or less in rural and open areas. Lingering light snow and slick roads will linger over central and parts of southern Iowa as well producing hazardous driving conditions. The strong winds and blowing snow should diminish overnight, but still be sufficient to drive wind chills into the 20s and 30s below zero by early Friday morning. ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blowing snow and light snow. Dangerously cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero expected. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of Central Iowa.

* WHEN...For the Wind Chill Warning, from midnight tonight to noon CST Friday. For the Winter Weather Advisory, until midnight CST tonight.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

A Wind Chill Warning means the combination of very cold air and the wind will create dangerously low wind chill values. Frostbite can occur quickly and even hypothermia or death if precautions are not taken. A Winter Weather Advisory for blowing snow means that visibilities will be limited due to strong winds blowing snow around. Use caution when traveling, especially in open areas. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
DES MOINES, Iowa  North Iowa was honored twice Thursday at the 2019 Iowa Tourism Conference.

Awards for metro and rural areas were made in 13 categories. The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce was recognized for Outstanding Marketing Collaboration for rural areas and Sara Broers of Mason City was named Outstanding Individual Leader for the whole state.

The awards are presented by the Iowa Tourism Office and the Travel Federation of Iowa.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority says nearly 250 industry representatives attended the conference and that tourism generates over $8.5 billion in spending throughout the state.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  Downtown Rochester is transformed into a winter wonderland full of ice bars and a giant igloo all for the 11th annual SocialIce.

The three-day event has seven ice bars from area restaurants, dancing, and is a time to truly embrace winter.

Trevor Pearson is the owner of Metro Ice Sculptures and is just one of the people creating ice bars. Behind the power tools, is an artist.

It's really kind of gratifying to see how people interpret your art and see your work and are appreciative and are kind of mind blown, Pearson said.

To make one ice bar, it takes about two days and 10 blocks of ice that each way 300 pounds. For all of Social Ice, carvers use a total of 150 blocks of ice.

Believe it or not, the biggest challenge isnt moving or carving all of this ice, its mother nature.

Were constantly looking at the weather, Pearson said. If it's going to be really cold, then the ice is going to be a little bit more brittle, if it's going to be warm out then it's going to be soft and we're going to need to work quicker.

Snow can also impact the sculptures and event.

Sometimes with snow you can get snow between the seams and it won't hold as well, Pearson said.

Park and Rec is being super diligent and persistent about getting the snow and the little shards of ice off the plaza, Meghann Southwick with Rochester Downtown Alliance said.

And while weather brings its challenges, the city also hopes it will bring you downtown.

People start to get cabin fever at this point in time. And after the cold we just experienced, I think people can do anything at this point. So, going out to social ice is a way to enjoy winter, Southwick said.

New this year, the event will have a giant igloo in Peace Plaza. It can fit around 150-175 people and will serve as a warming center throughout the event. It will also have outdoor fire pits for people to use to warm up.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

THURSDAY

1ST Avenue SW will close at 9am

SocialIce goes from 5-9pm.

Temperatures will hover around zero degrees. Wind chill will make for colder feels like temperatures.

FRIDAY

SocialIce goes from 4-10pm.

This is expected to be the coldest day of the three-day event.

SATURDAY

SocialIce goes from 4-10pm.

SocialIce FAM JAM will go from 1-4pm. This family friendly event includes yoga, a smores bar, and community art project. Find more info here.

For more information on SocialIce 2019, click here.
OLMSTED COUNTY, Minn. - A man who allegedly put a ladder up to an apartment and was caught peering into the residence has been taken into custody.

Police say 33-year-old Jonathan Payton, of Rochester, is the ex-boyfriend of a person who lives in the 700 block of 3rd Ave. NE in Byron.

Police say at 10:44 p.m. Wednesday, the woman reported hearing a noise outside her second story window and found a ladder against the window. Deputies said unique footprints were found near the ladder.

Nearly two hours later, Payton allegedly came back and the woman could see a man looking at her window where the ladder was.

Authorities said they followed footprints to Valley View Estates where people told deputies where the man had went. Payton was tracked to the 800 block of 3rd Ave NE. where he had gone inside a an unlocked service door before he surrendered.

He could face charges for felony stalking and an invasion of privacy.
ROCHESTER, Minn. -

At a roundtable discussion hosted by Senator Amy Klobuchar's staff members, residents expressed their frustrations at the soaring prices of prescription drugs. Phyllis Baier is one mother who had to travel abroad because her son's insurance company denied his insulin.

"I went to Mexico to get him back-up insulin," Baier said.

Bill Oswald has been a diabetic for 30 years and is outraged at how the cost of insulin has gone up.

"It's a 27 times increase over about 30 years for essentially the same product," Bill Oswald said. "It hasn't really changed and the pharmaceutical companies just have us over a barrel."

While Klobuchar's staff maintained they are introducing legislation to cut the costs of prescription drugs, Oswald cannot wait forever.

"If I were to lose my job, I'd be in big trouble," Oswald said.

One of the Klobuchar's staff members told KIMT that Senator is part of 6 bills to help lower the costs of drugs.
MASON CITY, Iowa - It's something you may not think about during the winter months - sump pumps.

While they are a benefit during flood season, they can pose a potential smoking and fire hazard if not maintained properly, including during the cold.

Garry Holland lives in a neighborhood that largely requires sump pumps in basements. Recently, he heard a sound that he initially thought to be his water softener, and the sound stayed on longer than it should have. Instead, it was his sump pump trying to push water out of the sump pump pit.

If not careful, a stuck float or frozen discharge pipe can cause a pump to run constantly without shutting off, and become overheated and pose a potential fire risk.

Holland says it's not an issue to be overlooked, even during the colder months.

"If that sump pump keeps going, it's going to overheat and melt the wire and cause a fire."

In addition, a sump pump can freeze, which can prevent water flow out of the discharge pipe and also cause problems. Holland adds that regular maintenance and also covering the pipe with items like leaves or even packed snow can prevent the worse from happening.

"Always make sure to check it now and then to make sure that water is going through. Because if you pick it up and it's full, that's all full of water that's not running through the end of the hose."

If you're wondering what to hear for, Holland says to listen for a vibrating, whirring sounds, similar to a dryer or furnace.
Juan Guaido spent his entire adult life living under the promises of a socialist utopia, first under Hugo Chavez, then Nicolas Maduro. Now as he battles for Venezuela's presidency, the 35-year-old has adopted the early campaign slogan and stylings of a US president.

"Can we do it?" He roared to a vast crowd in the capital, Caracas last Saturday.

"Yes we can!" They shouted back, their right hands held high as they joined him in pledging a swift and peaceful transition to democratic presidential elections.

Intentionally or not, there's a lot of Barack Obama about Guaido, a former industrial engineer, current head of Venezuela's National Assembly and self-declared president of the nation.

Guaido has adopted the former US president's white open-neck shirt and suit combo, and shares his broad smile.

He's good with a crowd, ploughing his way to the podium at a recent rally through adoring fans and hopping over barriers with a youthful ease that might rekindle memories of his days as a student activist in Caracas' Catholic University.

And perhaps most important, he's managed to bend the rage that many Venezuelans feel at their collapsed economy, crumbling social service, food shortages and astronomical inflation into something more powerful -- hope.

"It's something that we've always told him. When Obama became president, we told him 'You walk like Obama," Guaido's mother Norka told CNN. "Obama roll up his sleeves, and [Guaido] also does that, but it's not like he's mimicking Obama," she added.

"Juan has emerged and he is surprised by it because he did not imagine he'd be president even for an interim period," said Roberto Patino, a senior aide to Guaido who will soon be running Guaido's humanitarian relief effort.

"But we've seen what this government has done and we're all trying to do something about it," he added. "For the first time in many years, there is a kind of hope that we'll get new presidential elections."

Juan Guaido's political awakening

Asked what was most irritating about Guaido, his wife Fabiana admitted he could be a little bottled-up. "I think his strength, the strength that he also transmits, sometimes does not allow anything to break him, and maybe blocks many feelings," she said. "And I believe this path has taken him to that, to take his feelings and grab them and keep them here, not let to them out, not to express them."

But Guaido is "completely different' with their 21-month-old daughter, she said. "With her, he expresses himself maybe different from what we see when he is on the streets. We see a man with great strength, and with his daughter you see such a great love."

Norka describes the young Guaido, one of four boys, as gregarious, beach-loving and athletic. He frequently showed signs of leadership and an aptitude for mediation, she says. Though her family was not involved in politics, she says there has never been a particular party affiliation.

Guaido's political awakening came, perhaps, as a result of his first confrontation with the failings of the state: His home town, La Guira, was all but wiped off the map by the 1999 Vargas landslide.

Guaido's home was destroyed, and several of his friends died in the disaster. "We lost everything, but thank God we survived. We were given a second chance at life," Norka said. "It scarred him deeply."

Guadio was frustrated at what he perceived to be the government's failure, under Hugo Chavez, to adequately respond to the catastrophe. He believed the government ignored the plight of too many, failed to rehouse people, and was too slow to deal with the disaster. An estimated 19,000 people were killed by the landslide, according to the US Geological Survey.

His political ambitions crystallized after university, when he joined a failed campaign to prevent Chavez's closure of Radio Caraca Television in 2007. He went on to join Leopoldo Lopez in founding the nationwide political party Voluntad Popular (Popular Will) in 2009. He joined the National Assembly in 2011, and assumed its chief leadership role in early January.

Stand off on a global stage

Guaido has a flair for theatrical politics. In 2015, he went on hunger strike for two weeks as part of a campaign to force the government to hold parliamentary elections.

Now he is organizing humanitarian aid to be shipped to three crossings into Venezuela from Colombia, Brazil, and Caribbean islands, while incumbent president Maduro insists that the country does not need aid. In doing so, Guaido is challenging the military to either maintain a national blockade out of loyalty to Maduro, or let much-needed food and supplies finally enter the impoverished country.

Maduro, who briefly detained Guaido in early January and recently hinted at doing so again, has a few dramatic tricks of his own. Last week, Guaido publicly accused the Venezuelan special forces, who are loyal to Maduro, of surrounding his family's home in an alleged intimidation attempt.

"As humans, we have moments of weakness or when one thinks that something bad is about to happen," Fabiana, his wife, said. "Last week [when special forces surrounded their home] I did not feel fear, but rather frustration because of what could have happened to my daughter."

Venezuela's constitution empowers the National Assembly leader to assume the presidency if there is "a vacuum of power." Guaido, who argues that Maduro's election to the presidency last year was illegitimate, claims that such a vacuum exists and that he has a constitutional mandate to fill it.

The United States, much of the European Union, and most countries in South America have recognized Guaido as the legitimate interim president, and called for new elections in Venezuela. But Guaido has so far failed to secure the support of the armed forces, at least in public.

Meanwhile Maduro, who enjoys the backing of the Supreme Court, has rejected demands for new presidential elections, offering "dialogue" instead. So far, that suggestion has been brushed off by Guaido's camp.
RTE Weather and National Lottery presenter Nuala Carey has appealed to the people of Kilkenny to shower Daffodil Day with donations, in the wake of her fathers death from cancer in November.

Nuala helped the Irish Cancer Society launch its 32nd Daffodil Day at an event in Dublin, where the charity revealed it needs to raise 4million this Daffodil Day to meet ever-increasing demands for support. Daffodil Day 2019, proudly supported by Boots Ireland, takes place on March 22nd. People of Kilkenny are urged get involved by volunteering to help fundraise on www.cancer.ie and donating what they can on the day.

Nualas father Maurice died following a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

When dad was first diagnosed we didnt really know that the prognosis was so bad, Nuala said. We were hopeful he could overcome it but sadly that wasnt to be. As a family, we made his last days as special as we could and I am grateful for the time we had together. But now I want to fight back and raise vital funds to help stop other families losing loved ones to this awful disease.

Pancreatic cancer currently has the lowest survival rate for all major cancers, with just one in ten people alive five years after diagnosis. We can, and must, change this. But it will require much more investment in cancer research and services. Thats why I am appealing people in Kilkenny to get involved and help make Daffodil Day 2019 bigger than ever.

Your donations will also fund vital supports for patients and their families, so no-one has to go through cancer alone, she added.

Averil Power, Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society, said: Sadly we know many more Dads like Maurice will hear the dreadful words  you have cancer this year. Every three minutes someone receives a cancer diagnosis. We are determined to be there for everyone who needs us. But with the number of people getting cancer at a record high, we cant do that without public support.

Last year our nurses, staff and volunteers reached thousands of patients in Kilkenny affected by cancer, but we didnt reach everyone in need. We dont just want to provide an excellent service to some cancer patients. We want to provide it to ALL cancer patients. As 98% of our funding comes from the public, we simply cant do that without more donations.

Boots Ireland has been in partnership with the Society since 2012, with the aim of the partnership to increase awareness, promote prevention and support people living with cancer across Ireland. The pharmacy chain has raised 1.4m for the Society and is sponsoring Daffodil Day for the second year in a row.

Bernadette Lavery, MD, Boots Ireland said: Colleagues here locally are ready to join with our local communities again this Daffodil Day. Not a week goes by where our staff dont come face to face with the impact of cancer on our customers and patients. We are there to extend care and advice instore through our Boots Irish Cancer Society Information Pharmacists and Cancer Beauty Advisors, and by sponsoring Daffodil Day we will play our part in ensuring cancer patients and their families are fully supported.

The Daffodil Day launch was attended by Minister for Health Simon Harris, hundreds of Daffodil Day volunteers, cancer survivors and representatives from Boots stores around the country.
It has been confirmed Kilkenny is to receive funding for the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) of 288,905.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring has today announced that he will make 10 million available in a new round of funding for LIS. This will support the continued improvement of non-public rural roads that enable people to access their homes and farms.

Minister Ring has also announced that the 2019 LIS will include a cap of 1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost of repairs to their road.

The Minister said the scheme continues to be a lifeline for people living in rural areas because it directly improves their access to and from their homes and farms.

"It is important to remember that many people living in rural areas use these roads every day, so when these roads fall into disrepair, it has a significant impact on them. By investing in the improvement of these roads we are helping to improve peoples quality of life in rural areas," he said.

The upkeep of these roads is a priority for people who live in rural Ireland and this funding, in conjunction with the local community's own resources and the resources of the Local Authorities, will allow for the maintenance and improvement of many local roads in rural areas."

Speaking in relation to the cap on contributions from individuals, the Minister said he was conscious of the high cost of repairing some of the more remote rural roads and the impact this can have on the contribution which people living and farming along those roads can be asked to make.

"As part of the scheme in 2019 I am placing a cap of 1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost of repairs," he said.

This small but important change to the scheme will, I believe, benefit many individuals and will facilitate the improvement of some of the more remote and sparsely populated roads in rural parts of the country.
The Heritage Council has announced details of a public meeting to support the Governments public consultation on the future of Irelands heritage. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, 13th February at 6.30pm in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny and will offer those living in Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Tipperary South, Waterford and Wexford, an opportunity to contribute to the Governments new national heritage plan, Heritage Ireland 2030.

The plan will outline how the countrys natural and built heritage will be managed, valued and protected over the next decade, and its implementation will be led by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The public meeting will centre on three key questions, which prospective attendees are encouraged to consider in advance. These are:

What, do you think, is our heritage?

Why is heritage important to you? (What interests you most about our heritage? How do you engage with it?)

What changes could take place to better protect and promote our heritage?

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said Irelands heritage spans the natural, built and cultural; and it is preserved, promoted and enjoyed by individuals and communities the length and breadth of the country. This public meeting is an opportunity for anyone who takes an active interest in our heritage to have their voices heard and to feed into a timely national conversation about what our heritage is and what we want it to be.

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan T.D. said: Our heritage is a priceless and irreplaceable national asset which belongs to us all. The natural and built heritage around us enriches our lives, inspires our achievements and gives life to our communities. It underpins our culture, our economy and our society.

The Minister added: The Heritage Council is playing a key role in engaging at a community level to facilitate this public consultation, and I would like to thank the Council for its tremendous support which will help us reach many more people across the country. I would encourage everyone to make their voice heard as part of this consultation, and help to shape our strategy for the next decade.
It concerns me that so many voices within the Democratic Party are going so far to the left, said former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, whos thinking about running for president as an independent and wondering how Democrats can possibly pay for all the things theyre promising, from universal health care to free college, free everything.
Weather Alert

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions. High temperatures in the 90s to near 100 Friday, 97 to 107 Saturday, 100 to 112 Sunday through Tuesday. Mild overnight lows in the mid 60s to mid 70s. * WHERE...Portions of Central, East Central, North Central, Northeast and Southeast Washington and North and North Central Idaho. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air- conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. &&
These are people who voted for Trump because they believed that, though he might not be a real Republican, he was certainly a better choice than Hillary Clinton. They never particularly cared for Trump as a human being or a presidential candidate, but felt perhaps his business smarts would help him understand the importance of working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in the best interest of America.
"I was the juror that was going to give them the hung jury. I fought to the end," she said.



But on the second day of deliberations, Maddy said she realized there wasn't enough proof to convict Zimmerman of murder or manslaughter under Florida law. Zimmerman admitted he shot and killed Martin on Feb. 26, 2012, but maintained he fired in self-defense.



"That's where I felt confused, where if a person kills someone, then you get charged for it," Maddy said. "But as the law was read to me, if you have no proof that he killed him intentionally, you can't say he's guilty."



The juror said she has had trouble adjusting to life after the verdict, and has wrestled with whether she made the right decision. "I felt like I let a lot of people down, and I'm thinking to myself, 'Did I go the right way? Did I go the wrong way?'" she said.



"As much as we were trying to find this man guilty. . .they give you a booklet that basically tells you the truth. And the truth is that there was nothing that we could do about it," she said. "I feel the verdict was already told."



She said she believes she owes Trayvon Martin's parents an apology because she feels "like I let them down."



"It's hard for me to sleep, it's hard for me to eat because I feel I was forcefully included in Trayvon Martin's death. And as I carry him on my back, I'm hurting as much Trayvon's Martin's mother because there's no way that any mother should feel that pain," she said.
EUGENE, Ore. -- The son of an 82-year-old woman who was killed on I-105 by an alleged drunk driver said he has forgiven the man police say is responsible and believes his mother has too.

Police said Patsy Joan Roberts died on Feb. 2 at a local hospital from injuries she sustained in the crash. Chris Newell, Robert's son, said he drove up to Eugene from California as soon as heard his mother was in a car crash.

"It felt like somebody reached in my chest and ripped my heart out," Newell said.

Newell describes his mom as a hope giver and says she was always there for her family acting as a foster parent for some of her grandchildren. Newell said she was a loving woman who established a base of faith with their family. A faith that he said has not been shaken by this tragedy.

"Not at all, not at all," Newell said. "Because I know God never changes."

Police have arrested 55-year-old Marc Joseph McPhail who police said caused the crash. He is facing a slew of charges including DUII and manslaughter.

Newell said he's already forgiven McPhail and he believes his mother has too.

"We can't hold on to bitterness and anger, or it will eat you up and kill you from the inside out," Newell said. "So I actually forgive the man who allowed this to happen so there is no remorse or anger or bitterness."

McPhail is expected to be in front of a judge next month. Newell said his family will hold a private memorial service for his mother.
COOS COUNTY, Ore. -- A state wildlife trooper rescued a young red-tailed hawk that couldnt fly near Bandon on Feb. 5.

The trooper ended up taking the young red-tailed hawk to the Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene.

The young red-tailed hawk is being treated for starvation and anemia. It will be monitored and cared for in the coming weeks until it can learn to hunt sufficiently to survive.

If you ever find a wild animal in distress, don't try to rescue it yourself. Call Oregon State Police at 800-442-0776.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon's Democratic governor has weighed in on the political crisis in Virginia, saying her counterpart there should step down, and attributing the problem of whites wearing racist costumes to lack of awareness and stupidity.

Asked about Virginia during a news conference Thursday, Gov. Kate Brown said the situation in Virginia shows America needs to do more to tackle racial inequality. She said she is appalled by the scandals that have hit Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax -- accused of sexual assault -- and Attorney General Mark Herring, who acknowledged he put on blackface once in college.

RELATED: Embattled Northam meets with top officials as he seeks allies

Brown said that while racial discrimination is more explicit in Virginia, it also exists in Oregon, where it is more subtle.

The Democratic Governors Association on Saturday called for Virginia's governor to step down.
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Measles has been confirmed in three more Multnomah County residents bringing the total amount of cases to four in Oregon.

This outbreak is leading to plenty of false alarms in Eugene, and health care providers said people are rushing to the doctor out of fear and lack of information.

Jason Davis with Lane County Health and Human Services said there are no confirmed measles cases in Lane County and anyone who thinks they might have it should not leave their house.

Davis said you should stay at home and call the doctor instead to avoid spreading it to others if you do have it. Davis wants to reassure people in the community that if there is a confirmed case in Lane County, they will hear about it immediately from Lane County Health and Human Services.

Dr. Patrick Ludke says people in Oregon are at risk because the vaccination rate is not as good as it could be for measles.

"Our vaccination rates are not so low that I think we are going to be like Italy or Romania that had thousands of cases last year but we could have a few hundred cases, Ludke said.

Health officials said it takes two doses of the MMR vaccine to protect you against Measles, Mumps and Rubella -- and it will give you peace of mind if you come down with similar symptoms.

They said there's no shortage of these vaccines in the community, and they encourage anyone who hasnt received it to get it done.
Oxfords parent company, Oxford Capital, partnered with London-based Quadrum Global to develop the project that includes the hotel as well as a brand new, 56-story apartment building next door. The 479-unit, shiny Michigan Avenue skyscraper, designed by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture and dubbed Essex on the Park, is slated to debut March 1. It replaces a parking garage that had the old hotels pool on top of it.
CLAY CENTER  Kansas authorities say a Nebraska man who was reported missing earlier this week was found dead in his car.

Clay County Sheriff Chuck Dunn says the body of 66-year-old Rick Kubes, of Auburn, Nebraska, was discovered Wednesday evening about 3 miles (4.83 kilometers) north of Clay Center on Kansas 15.

Dunn says an official cause of death hasn't been determined but it appeared Kubes had a medical issue because his vehicle had drifted off the road.

The sheriff says Kubes left a home in Clay Center early Sunday to drive to a hospital in Auburn because he was suffering from back pain.

A statewide silver alert was issued on Monday when after he didn't arrive at the hospital.
KEARNEY  The state of Nebraska is in the process of taking custody of two newborn twin boys left at a Kearney hospital after being delivered Saturday.

In a notice filed Tuesday, Buffalo County Judge Gerry Jorgensen ordered the parents or custodians of the infants to appear Wednesday in Buffalo County Juvenile Court.

Buffalo County Attorney Shawn Eatherton said under the circumstances, the process is the same whether the case is a safe haven or an abandonment under the juvenile code.

I can only talk about the process, not about the specific facts of an ongoing case, Eatherton said.

The boys, identified in court records as Tyler and Andrew, were born Saturday at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney. On Monday afternoon, their mother, in her mid-20s, left the hospital without her children.

The mother earlier had given Good Samaritan staff false information about her identity. Since then the Kearney Police Department has been trying to find the mother to check on her welfare.

KPD Chief Bryan Waugh said, Our goal, with the outreach to the community, is not one to condemn or discourage the decision of the mother, but rather to ensure this mother is safe based on the circumstances presented.
WASHINGTON  Brian Hofer, a native of Kearney, will serve as a staff assistant in Rep. Adrian Smiths Grand Island office, the 3rd District congressman announced today.

Hofer graduated from Kearney High School in 2013 and earned his bachelor of arts degree in politics from Colorado Christian University. Prior to joining Smiths team, Hofer interned with U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana in Washington, D.C.

Smith also announced this week the addition of Dillon Kuehn of Aurora as staff assistant in Smiths Washington office. Kuehn graduated from Aurora High School in 2010 and earned his bachelor of science degree in agribusiness from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Prior to joining Smiths team, he worked in agronomy, livestock management and ag finance.

Brian and Dillon will make great additions to my team as we strive to provide the best possible service to constituents of Nebraskas 3rd District. As native Nebraskans, they understand the needs of our state and Im sure this will be reflected in the quality of their work, Smith said.
For each tour, International Guitar Night founder Brian Gore unites musicians specializing in virtuosic abilities on the guitar, presenting solos, duets and quartets. The musicians play their own tunes as well as innovative covers.

The quartet performs their own version of AC/DCs Thunderstruck.

Its very over heard, Stricagnoli said, like Sweet Home Alabama.

Playing covers of popular songs spans the point between what people already know  the song performed by AC/DC  and what members of the International Guitar Night want the audience to know.

People are not normally into acoustic guitar, Stricagnoli said. And why should people be into it? Especially when its one person trying to emulate the entire band by himself, when they can listen to the actual band. So, with a cover song, we bring our lovely guitar world closer to the world of everyone because we are playing their favorite songs. Its really a cool bridge from pop culture to our little niche.

Stricagnoli considers cover songs as a gateway to more original, more diverse music.

Ultimately, all of the embellishments and the virtuosic techniques must serve the song.
Last week the polar vortex caused some of the coldest temperatures in U.S. history, making the city of Chicago colder than Antarctica, DeGeneres told her studio audience. Our next guest used money out of her own pocket to buy hotel rooms for more than 100 homeless people in her community. She did it with no expectation of anything in return, and that is the type of person I want to meet.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  In the wake of President Trump's State of the Union address, several of Oregon's elected lawmakers in D.C. are speaking out with their reaction to the Commander-in-Chief's words.

It was stunning to hear a President plead with Congress to set aside its constitutional duty to conduct vigorous oversight," said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D) in a statement. "I walked out tonight reflecting on the sacred American principle that no one is above the law. The state of the union is clear: Donald Trump is steering America in the wrong direction.

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D) expressed a similar sentiment in an interview with NewsWatch 12.

"What we saw last night was a very partisan speech, the President didn't address the big issues facing America," Sen. Merkley said. "We didn't see him tackle carbon pollution and climate chaos which has resulted in everything from the more intense forest fires in the northwest to the more powerful hurricanes in the southeast and everything in between. He didn't provide any vision for strengthening the foundation for our families on healthcare, on education, on living wage jobs, on housing, on infrastructure. He did mention a few things, but he didn't have a plan."

Representative Greg Walden (R-Hood River) struck a much more positive tone in his brief video response.

"I thought the President gave a very powerful and patriotic speech. He opened the door to a new era of unity and working together on things from cancer research on children, securing our borders, to infrastructure that we know our country needs," Rep. Walden said. "So hopefully today marks a new day, tonight marks a new night, where we can come together and solve America's problems in a bipartisan way."

Rep. Walden's full video response may be viewed below.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  A grand jury has declined to bring charges against Oregon deputies who shot and killed a man after he used an ax, knives and other objects to kill four of his relatives.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports Clackamas County prosecutors announced this week that the four deputies were justified in shooting 42-year-old Mark Gago last month.

The sheriff's office says Gago killed his mother, stepfather, girlfriend and his 9-month-old daughter. He also injured two others who lived in the home.

Clackamas County prosecutor Chris Owen says it's not clear why Gago attacked his family.

He says Gago was likely high on meth and believed to be suicidal before the unprovoked attack occurred. Toxicology results are pending.

The family's home is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Portland near Woodburn.
PORTLAND, Ore.  A man working as a professional photographer who operated under a variety of assumed names may have victimized a number of women between Oregon and Washington over the last several decades, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The agency hopes to hear from other victims who have not yet come forward.

Now 52 years old, the FBI said that Robert Arnold Koester worked as a professional photographer under a variety of aliases  including Bert Kay, Rhake Winter, and Qitooly  and is accused of sexually assaulting a number of models, some of them under the age of 18.

The FBI believes Koester's crimes began around 1994 and continued until his arrest in Carlsbad, California on November 13, 2018.

"Alleged victims have been identified in multiple cities across the United States. At the time of his arrest, Koester worked as a professional photographer, engaged in the photography of models, primarily on the West Coast of the United States," the FBI said in a statement.

At the time of his arrest in November, Koester was living in Southern California. However, he is known to own a farm in "the rural Carlton area" of Yamhill County in Oregon. A joint investigation between the the FBIs Portland Field Office and the Yamhill County Sheriffs Office is ongoing.

In January of his year, a Grand Jury charged Koester with 32 felony counts related to four different victims, one of whom was a minor at the time of the alleged assault. The counts included multiple charges for first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and causing another person to ingest a controlled substance.

Koesters bail on the Yamhill County counts has been set at $2.5 million.

The FBI said that their offices in Portland and San Diego have been working with local law enforcement in both Oregon and California to identify any more potential victims in the case.

If you someone you know may have been victimized by Robert Arnold Koester, the FBI requests that you complete this secure, confidential online questionnaire. Information from the public may also be submitted confidentially via email to: ModelCase@fbi.gov.

"An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and all defendants should be presumed innocent until proven guilty," the FBI reminded in its statement.
Weve known from early on that the KCI project will hit travelers wallets and that plane tickets are going up, but how much? Here's what you need to know.
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They see each other at auditions. Its a healthy competition, Black said. They want to do well and use the others performance as motivation to improve. They share notes they each receive during private lessons, and at an audition recently, they got McDonalds in between rounds to talk about how it went.
Cook County is among the designated hot spots, and those on the front lines of HIV prevention and treatment in Chicago say they share the Trump administrations goal, which they call a realistic one. But some question if and how the plan will be implemented, given the administrations track record on other public health issues, and and say challenges remain in reaching at-risk communities, including gay and bisexual men of color, and low-income populations without access to health care.
(CNN)  The U.S. government has decided to cut millions in security and military aid to Cameroon amid growing concerns over the Cameroonian government's human rights record, U.S. officials tell CNN.

The officials said the U.S. intends to "terminate" over $17 million in security aid, including funds for radars, four defender-class patrol boats, nine armored vehicles, training programs for C-130 airplanes and helicopters and the withdrawal of an offer for Cameroon to be a candidate for the State Partnership Program.

A planned U.S. funded upgrade to a Cessna aircraft belonging to Cameroon's elite Rapid Intervention Battalion has also been terminated. The battalion, which has been previously advised by U.S. troops, has been accused of engaging in human rights abuses.

Some of the security assistance money had been put on hold by Congress due to those concerns.

Last May, the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon, Peter Henry Barlerin, gave a speech that accused pro-government Cameroonian security forces of conducting "targeted killings, detentions without access to legal support, family, or the Red Cross, and burning and looting of villages."

Barlerin also accused Anglophone separatists of committing "murders of gendarmes, kidnapping of government officials, and burning of schools."

The African nation has been beset by violence between the government, which is led by French speakers, and Anglophones who inhabit English-speaking regions of Cameroon.

"We continue to urge the Cameroonian government to take all credible allegations of gross violations of human rights seriously, investigate those allegations thoroughly, hold accountable the perpetrators of such abuses, and disclose the outcome of the investigations to the people of Cameroon," a State Department official told CNN when asked about the termination of security assistance.

"We have informed the Cameroonian government that lack of progress and clarity about actions undertaken by the government in response to credible allegations of gross violations of human rights could result in a broader suspension of U.S. assistance," the State Department official said, adding that the U.S. has "been assured by the government of Cameroon at the highest levels that U.S. security assistance will not be diverted from other than its intended purpose."

Another State Department official emphasized that "it is in Cameroon's interest to show greater transparency in investigating credible allegations of gross violations of human rights abuses by security forces, particularly in the Northwest, Southwest, and Far North Regions."

"The successes of the Cameroonian military  in part as a result of our training and equipment  have yielded long term and sustainable increases in Cameroon's ability to defend its territory, its borders, and come to the aid of its neighbors, in particular northeast Nigeria and the Central African Republic," the official said, adding that they "recognize the great cooperation we have had in the fight against Boko Haram and in restoring maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea."

"For the time being, other programs will continue. We do not take these measures lightly, but we will not shirk from reducing assistance further if evolving conditions require it," they said.

One U.S. official said those programs include education programs for Cameroonian officers focused on professionalization and peacekeeping as well as continuing to support "select counterterrorism and maritime security programs that have been evaluated to have low risk of diversion to the Anglophone region."

The Pentagon has already withdrawn an offer for Cameroon to participate in its State Partnership Program, a "security cooperation program" that teams U.S. state National Guards with host nation militaries. Originally the Defense Department had intended Cameroon to partner with the Nebraska National Guard. The U.S. has 14 such partnerships with African countries, including Cameroon's neighbor Nigeria.

The State Department is also seeking to have an additional $10 million that was placed on hold released to fund the sustainment of certain military equipment already in Cameroon's possession such as Cessna airplanes, mud boats for patrolling Lake Chad, and Scan Eagle Drones.

The U.S. has had hundreds of troops in Cameroon tasked with training, advising and assisting local forces in their fight against ISIS West Africa, Boko Haram and other violent extremist organizations in the Lake Chad Basin region.

U.S. Africa Command launched an investigation last August to determine if U.S. personnel were aware of allegations of torture of suspected terrorists being carried out by U.S.-trained Cameroonian troops from the Rapid Intervention Battalion at a base that was also frequently used by U.S. military advisers.

The results of that investigation were not made public but a U.S. defense official tells CNN that the investigation "found that U.S. military forces in Cameroon were not involved in or aware of human rights violations committed by Cameroonian forces."

However, the official said the Defense Department and State Department "will assess the validity" of claims by Amnesty International that Cameroonian forces engaged in torture in a "separate investigation."

Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, is scheduled to testify Thursday before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Trump administration recently decided to cut the number of U.S. troops in Africa engaged in counterterrorism with the bulk of those reductions expected to take place in West Africa.

This story was first published on CNN.com "US to cut aid to Cameroon due to alleged human rights violations"
More importantly, books are not like other commodities. Even when a book is loved by many readers, each of those individuals may love it for a different, sometimes unknowable reason. Writer and publishing industry veteran Maris Kreizman reminded us of this in a 2017 essay, declaring, The best things in life are unquantifiable, while telling the reader how she found both a husband and dog when she turned away from the algorithmic intrusions of Tinder and Petfinder.
I think we have to admit that one of the reasons so few works by black composers turn up in the concert hall is that, in generations past, most gifted black musicians didnt even bother to pursue classical music; they went straight into the popular fields, where they were treated more humanly and welcomed, said Shaw, one of the earliest American conductors to advocate for concert music by black composers.
New role, focus and name for Kansas State University's Advanced Manufacturing Institute



Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019

The Advanced Manufacturing Institute at Kansas State University is now the Technology Development Institute, which has a focus of improving the economic competitiveness of Kansas companies, communities and the university's students. | Download this photo.





MANHATTAN  The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering's Advanced Manufacturing Institute at Kansas State University is transitioning to the Technology Development Institute to more accurately reflect the institute's broadening activity focus in developing, protecting and launching new technologies.



The new organizational direction is designed to help expand and promote the institute's services to a range of partners, including industry, entrepreneurs, university researchers and the community.



Founded in 1985 as a Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation Center of Excellence, the Advanced Manufacturing Institute originally focused on research of advanced manufacturing processes and providing technical assistance to manufacturers across Kansas. Over time, its mission has expanded to facilitate the creation of new products and technologies anywhere in the world and provide assistance to ensure these innovations are successfully commercialized. Since 1995, the institute has executed over 2,700 projects, assisted more than 650 Kansas companies and organizations, and employed/trained more than 600 Kansas State University engineering and business student interns.



Under its new name, the Technology Development Institute, or TDI for short, will continue expanding its efforts to improve the economic competitiveness of Kansas companies, communities and Kansas State University students, said Jeff Tucker, executive director of the institute.



"This vision will be achieved through continuing efforts to evaluate potential opportunities, provide engineering, prototyping and testing support, and assisting local communities in innovation and growth efforts," Tucker said. "This transformation is the next evolution of strategic engagement in the state's innovation-based economy and beyond."



The Technology Development Institute recently secured a five-year grant through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration University Center program and the Kansas Department of Commerce to assist in this transition process.



"Through this federal and state partnership, TDI will not only continue to serve manufacturers of the Midwest but over time will expand its innovation services to a broader array of technology companies and build deeper development collaborations with industry partners, university researchers and communities alike," Tucker said.



The Technology Development Institute provides a broad range of engineering and business development services to both private industry and university researchers to advance the commercial readiness of new products or technologies. Additional information can be found at k-state.edu/tdi.






I was just poor, I didnt have options -- no money for college and a recruiter comes along and says, hey, you might be OK if you do this, he says. Most poor black kids will entertain that idea. In the long run, it was a smart decision because I dont know how I wouldve afforded equipment to make music otherwise. I definitely wanted to do music, but life was in the way. I sacrificed those prime years and I realized that now Im considered old to be making Internet hip-hop. But a couple years ago I promised myself I would keep doing this till I die. I made a conscious decision this is what I want to do. If I ever have to work a 9 to 5, the only reason would be to get money to do this (hip-hop). Id rather be dead than work in a warehouse.
Kansas State University to host national science communication conference in March



Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019



SciComm 2019, a national science communication conference, will be coming to Kansas State University from March 22-24. | Download this photo.





MANHATTAN  SciComm 2019, a national science communication conference, will come to Manhattan in March and offer opportunities to engage the public in science.



The conference will be March 22-24 at Kansas State University. SciComm 2019, which is co-hosted by the Kansas Science Communication Initiative and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is dedicated to understanding and promoting effective communication of science to diverse audiences, including students of all levels as well as the general public.



"This conference will be a great way for our K-State students, faculty and staff to build their science communication skills and make connections with people in the community and at other universities," said Peter Dorhout, the universitys vice president for research. "Our goal of becoming a Top 50 public research university depends on our abilities to effectively articulate what we do and why we do it as part of our land-grant mission. This conference will offer the chance to learn new strategies in a fun and collaborative environment."



The conference includes two keynote speakers: Danielle N. Lee, a 2015 TED Fellow and a Southern Illinois University scientist who studies animal behavior and behavioral ecology, and Kevin Folta, a professor of horticultural sciences at the University of Florida and host of the Talking Biotech Podcast.



The weekend conference has several key focus areas, including STEM learning, science communication research, science and media, disciplinary-based education research and broader impacts.



Other events will be offered in three tracks: media, informal education and outreach/communication for scientists and researchers. The conference will include pre-conference workshops, a film festival and lightning talks on Friday evening, a Community Science Festival at Sunset Zoo on Saturday afternoon, and an "Explain it like I'm 5!" Open Mic Night on Saturday as well as other events.



"I am really excited about SciComm 2019, because it will bring together scientists, K-12 teachers, zoo and museum educators, as well as media producers," said Michi Tobler, an associate professor of biology and one of the conference organizers. "I hope this conference will help these different groups to get to know each other better and join forces to spread enthusiasm for science and research."



The SciComm conference is coming to Kansas State University through a partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The conference began at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2015 and was held there in 2016 and 2018. The conference has become successful at attracting faculty, teachers and education-focused professionals nationwide.



"The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is excited to partner with KSCI to bring the 2019 SciComm conference to K-State," said Michael Herman, the director of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. "The partnership with K-State allows us to expand to a regional audience and allow for more collaboration among science communicators in the Midwest and across the country."



For more information, including travel and accommodations, visit k-state.edu/scicomm/conference2019. To register for the conference, visit k-state.edu/scicomm/conference2019/register.html
A number of countries that went through truth commission processes awarded reparations to victims at the end of the hearings. In Gambia forms of reparations may be granted as hearings are ongoing.

The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) has established what it calls a Reparations Committee. It considers victims needs and claims as the Commission progresses. The decision of the Reparations Committee is brought to the Commission and, when it is approved, the payment is done, said Baba Galleh Jallow, the executive secretary of the TRRC. Whereas other truth commissions recommend, we are empowered to grant reparations without even consulting anyone.

Whereas other truth commissions recommend, we are empowered to grant reparations without even consulting anyone.

Of particular importance for the Commission, he said, are victims who need urgent medical attention. If someone is facing a medical condition, should we say lets wait before the end of the process to take the person to a doctor? That does not make sense, said Jallow.

Victims of April 2000

With a modest start, the Reparations Committee has therefore established a medical board to offer treatment to several victims of the military dictatorship (1994-2016) who are suffering health complications. The medical board has already seen two batches of victims in need of urgent medical attention.

A report is being prepared on students who were shot in April 2000 during a nationwide student demonstration. The street protests took place after the death in custody of a student called Ebrima Barry. Fourteen people were killed. Abdou Karim Jammeh and Yusupha Mbaye survived the events. They told Justiceinfo.net that five of them, including Oumie Jagne, who still has fragments of bullets in her arm, have seen a doctor.

Karim Jammeh himself was shot on his left knee from behind as he was running; the bullet went out the other side. Since then he has never got proper treatment at an equipped medical facility. I am still taking Paracetamols and painkillers. It still hurts, said Jammeh, who awaits the doctors report on his condition. Yusupha Mbaye was shot from behind in his neck, shattering his spinal cord. He is confined to a wheelchair. In 2000, Mbaye went to Egypt for a check-up. On his way back, upon landing at Banjul airport, his medical papers were seized by operatives of the former government. From 2000 to 2003, Mbaye was hospitalized at Gambias main referral hospital in Banjul, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital. But his situation barely improved. Mbaye said he still suffers from pain during the cold season. He is awaiting his travel to Senegal for an MRI scan, to be sponsored by the TRRC.

Victims of April 2016 protests

A number of victims of alleged torture have also seen the medical board. Their condition is of much concern to several Gambian activists. One of these victims is Nogoi Njie. In late 2018, a video emerged online of Njie seeking help. The emotional video which was circulated on social media caused uproar amidst calls from activists for government to allocate funding for treatment of the victims. A go-fund-me set up online raised $8000 for Njie.

Njie was among those who were arrested on April 14, 2016, in a group led by Solo Sandeng, who took to the street demanding proper electoral reform. Sandeng died in state custody. His death led to another major protest by the leadership of the United Democratic Party (UDP) two days later, demanding the body dead or alive of Sandeng, a youth leader of the party.

All protesters, sentenced to three years in prison, were released after the election defeat of president Yahya Jammeh. Five of the released prisoners have died since. Others are still struggling with ill-health, fueling rumors that they may have been poisoned or severely tortured.

Nogoi Njie, Fatou Camara, Juguna Susso and Sukai Dahaba, all members of the United Democratic Party, have this month benefited from crowd funding to seek treatment. Last week, they each received a US$404 (D20, 000 dalasi) cash handout from UDP to seek treatment. Njie has in fact already secured a visa to go for treatment in Sweden.

Limited resources

Jallow said the number of beneficiaries are not great right now but they are significant because these are people who need urgent treatment. As the hearing starts, and the reparations committee and the Commission meet, they will determine other forms of reparation that will be paid out. We are not waiting till the end of the process. We are helping the victims as the process unfolds, he said.

We saw a girl, the child of a victim, who dropped out of school because her mum cannot pay her school. As part of our reparations programme, we paid for her to continue schooling, Jallow told Justiceinfo. Right now, we do not have money to grant monetary reparations but we have enough money here to help children go back to school and help victims see the medical board.

Despite this help by the Commission, there are many victims who still need help. Ousman Kujabi, legal fellow at the Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations, a civil society group formed to help victims of the former regime, said they have registered several victims with medical conditions who need urgent help. The Center has a psychologist who is providing them with support but this is not enough, said Kujabi. Victims struggling with ill-health cannot wait for the end of the Truth Commission to be treated, he pleaded.
Two senior directors of an investment firm in Benin were jailed for 10 years each on Thursday following their conviction for defrauding more than 150,000 people in a Ponzi scheme.

The chief executive of ICC Services, Guy Aplogan, and the companys director-general, Ludovic Dohou, were convicted with two other colleagues at a court in Porto-Novo.

A judge at a special court hearing economic crime and terrorism offences also ordered them to pay fines of 12 million CFA francs ($21,000, 18,200 euros).

All four have already spent more than eight years in custody.

Of the six other people on trial in the case, some were acquitted while others were given jail terms of between three and eight years.

They were all charged with conspiracy, defrauding the public and practising illegal banking and micro-finance.

The case has been described as the biggest financial scandal in Benins history and has been likened to the one run by the financier Bernie Madoff in the United States.

The International Monetary Fund has estimated that more than 150,000 people were defrauded of more than 150 billion CFA francs.

Some estimates, though, say as many as 300,000 people  many of them impoverished daily wage earners  were lured into parting with their hard-earned or borrowed cash and life savings on the promise of 150-200 percent per quarter returns.

The court ordered that victims could be compensated for up to 827 million CFA francs, raised in part from the sale of assets of the ICC Services bosses.

One victim, Eric Justin Denakpo, told AFP after the case: The verdict gives us hope, even if we cant recovering everything we have lost.
MONTREAL, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osisko Metals Incorporated (the Company or Osisko Metals) (TSX-V: OM; FRANKFURT: OB5) is pleased to announce assay results from 10 drill holes from the Main Zone of its wholly owned Key Anacon project, located 20 km south of the city of Bathurst, New Brunswick.

Two drill holes targeted the core of the Main Zone in order to confirm historical drill results. Drill hole KAMZ-18-27 intersected 20.70 metres of massive sulphides grading 7.92% zinc, 4.72% lead, 0.19% copper and 185.39 g/t silver (see Main Zone Longitudinal map and Table 1). Additionally, drill hole KAMZ-18-28 drilled 8.86 metres grading 9.13% zinc, 3.61% lead, 0.01% copper, and 132.87 g/t silver.

Table 1: Highlights of Significant Zinc-Lead and Copper intercepts; full details in Tables 2 and 3.

KEY ANACON MAIN ZONE - HIGHLIGHTS Hole Name From To Width Zn Pb Cu Ag Zn+Pb (m) (m) (m) % % % g/t % KAMZ-18-24 483.00 488.00 5.00 4.22 1.17 0.04 48.98 5.39 KAMZ-18-27 197.00 202.6 5.60 1.30 0.17 1.75 25.72 1.47 KAMZ-18-27 204.10 214.10 10.00 4.22 0.83 0.44 35.98 5.05 KAMZ-18-27 253.40 274.10 20.70 7.92 4.72 0.19 185.39 12.64 KAMZ-18-28 398.60 407.46 8.86 9.13 3.61 0.01 132.87 12.74

Jeff Hussey, President and CEO of Osisko Metals, commented: We are very pleased with the robust grade and continuity of the Main Zone. These drill results continue to demonstrate that the Key Anacon project is one of the best undeveloped assets in the Bathurst Camp. We are in the process of compiling the 22,000m of 2018 drill results in both the Main and Titan Zones. We look forward to releasing a NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate in the first quarter of 2019.

About Key Anacon

The Key Anacon project is located approximately 20 km south of the town of Bathurst, New Brunswick and 16 km southeast of the former Brunswick No.12 mine. It is accessible by paved roads. The property contains two known Bathurst-type volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits containing zinc, lead, copper and silver. The Key Anacon Main Zone and Titan Zone deposits are situated at the same stratigraphic horizon that hosted the Brunswick No. 12 & No. 6 mines. The property covers approximately 12 kilometres of favorable Nepisiguit Falls stratigraphy that also extends onto the surrounding claims held 100% by Osisko Metals.

No mineral resource estimates have been calculated under NI43-101 guidelines. Except for exploration programs conducted in 1992-1993 and 2000, almost all of the drilling was completed in the 1950s and 60s, prior to currently required standards for quality assurance and quality control. The earlier drilling led to the establishment of a 460-metre-deep shaft, a ventilation raise, eight levels and three sub-levels at the Main Zone. The Government of New Brunswick, Department of Energy and Resource Development, Energy and Mines Division reports the Main Zone deposit as having a historical resource (Non-NI 43-101 compliant) of 1.87 million tonnes grading 6.93% Zn, 2.63% Pb, 0.16% Cu, and 84 g/t Ag (R. Irrinki, 1988, unpublished) in multiple folded lenses. The deposit is open at depth and along strike.

Exploration potential at Key Anacon and the Companys adjacent properties is considered to be excellent on the basis of the presence of the Brunswick Horizon stratigraphy and the expansive zones of mineralization and alteration. Both the Titan Zone and Main Zone are open at depth and along strike. Exploration and development in the 1950s and 1960s were terminated due to the pullback of the zinc commodity price at that time. Since then, only two minor exploration programs were conducted by major mining companies.

Osisko Metals would like to thank the New Brunswick government for the financial grant awarded through the New Brunswick Junior Mining Assistance Program (NBJMAP). Through their continued support of the industry, Osisko Metals has used the grant for work at Key Anacon, to develop this premier asset in the Bathurst Mining Camp.

Table 2: Drill hole composite assay intervals.

Hole Name From To Drilled

Width True

Width Zinc Lead Copper Silver Lead +

Zinc (metres) (metres) (metres) (metres) % % % g/t % KAMZ-18-18 155.00 179.00 24.00 4.17 0.75 0.24 0.01 2.34 0.99 KAMZ-18-20 No significant assays KAMZ-18-21 287.60 294.30 6.70 4.73 2.80 0.86 0.03 40.38 3.66 KAMZ-18-22 368.50 377.00 8.50 4.88 2.92 0.79 0.02 20.76 3.71 KAMZ-18-23 723.10 742.70 19.60 15.01 0.67 0.18 0.01 7.04 0.85 KAMZ-18-24 483.00 488.00 5.00 2.50 4.22 1.17 0.04 48.98 5.39 KAMZ-18-25 326.65 330.60 3.95 2.27 1.51 0.33 0.00 14.28 1.84 KAMZ-18-26 266.15 270.30 4.15 2.67 0.58 0.16 0.00 5.13 0.74 KAMZ-18-27 197.00 202.60 5.60 4.00 1.30 0.17 1.75 25.72 1.47 KAMZ-18-27 204.10 214.10 10.00 7.07 4.22 0.83 0.44 35.98 5.05 KAMZ-18-27 222.10 228.10 6.00 4.24 4.16 1.45 0.01 14.72 5.61 KAMZ-18-27 253.40 274.10 20.70 13.30 7.92 4.72 0.19 185.39 12.64 KAMZ-18-27 284.10 290.10 6.00 3.86 1.78 0.36 0.04 13.03 2.13 KAMZ-18-28 330.00 335.00 5.00 2.87 2.39 0.61 0.03 9.68 3.00 KAMZ-18-28 398.60 407.46 8.86 5.70 9.13 3.61 0.01 132.87 12.74

Note: Estimated True Widths are based on local geometry of mineralization adjacent to each drill hole.

Table 3: Drill hole information and location in New Brunswick Double Stereographic Projection (NBS).

Hole Name Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth

(metres) KAMZ-18-18 2,560,287 7,604,666 62 245 -70 389 KAMZ-18-20 2,560,267 7,604,707 61 246 -58 296 KAMZ-18-21 2,560,660 7,603,897 64 51 -58 365 KAMZ-18-22 2,560,660 7,603,897 64 53 -66 419 KAMZ-18-23 2,560,245 7,603,979 57 53 -55 798 KAMZ-18-24 2,560,659 7,603,897 64 56 -74 535 KAMZ-18-25 2,560,631 7,603,958 64 47 -66 377 KAMZ-18-26 2,560,631 7,603,958 64 47 -58 302 KAMZ-18-27 2,560,403 7,604,212 63 41 -54 401 KAMZ-18-28 2,560,497 7,604,134 62 57 -65 510

Note regarding historical resource and Qualified Person

The above-mentioned historical resources do not conform to National Instrument 43-101 standards. The Company is reporting the historical estimates for reference purposes only. Neither Osisko Metals nor its consultants have completed sufficient work to verify the historical estimates and these should not be relied upon for investment purposes. A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as NI43-101 compliant mineral resources and there is no guarantee that such work will allow conversion of such historical resources.

Mr. Charles Kodors is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical data reported in this news release. He is a Professional Geologist registered in New Brunswick and is the Exploration Manager for the Bathurst Mining Camp for Osisko Metals Incorporated.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Osisko Metals adheres to a strict Quality Assurance and Quality Control program with regard to core handling, sampling, transportation of samples and lab analyses. Drill core from Osisko Metals Bathurst Camp projects is securely transported to its core facility in Bathurst, NB where it is logged and sampled. Samples selected for assay were shipped via secure transportation to the Actlabs preparation facility in Fredericton, NB. Pulps were analyzed at Actlabs facility in Ancaster Ontario. Zinc, lead and copper were analyzed by assay grade peroxide fusion (total digestion) with ICP-AES finish. Silver was analyzed by gravimetric fire assay and gold by fire assay-atomic absorption.

About Osisko Metals

Osisko Metals is a Canadian exploration and development company creating value in the base metal space with a focus on zinc mineral assets. The Company controls Canadas two premier zinc mining camps. The Companys flagship, the Pine Point Mining Camp (PPMC), located in the Northwest Territories, has an Inferred Mineral Resource of 38.4 Mt grading 4.58% zinc and 1.85% lead, making it the largest high grade, pit constrained zinc deposit in Canada (please refer to the Amended Technical Report for further information). Within the Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC), located in northern New Brunswick, the Company is focused on drilling and developing the Key Anacon Project, which previously had only sporadic exploration work since the 1960s. In 2019, the Company will continue to diligently develop and explore in order to confirm and grow both projects. In Quebec, the Company owns 42,000 hectares that cover 12 grass-root zinc targets that will be selectively advanced through exploration.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the use of proceeds of the Offering; the timing and ability of the Corporation, if at all, to obtain final approval of the Offering from the TSX Venture Exchange; an exemption being available under MI 61-101 and Policy 5.9 of the TSX Venture Exchange from the minority shareholder approval and valuation requirements for each related party transaction; objectives, goals or future plans; statements regarding exploration results and exploration plans. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; changes in equity markets; inflation; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the Corporation's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Corporation 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, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.
VANCOUVER, Feb. 7, 2019 /CNW/ - Goldplay Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: GPLY, FRANKFURT: GPE, OTCQB: GLYXF) ("Goldplay" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of an independent NI 43-101 mineral resource estimation ("Mineral Resource"), for the San Marcial Project, located in Sinaloa, Mexico. Goldplay's maiden San Marcial Mineral Resource is a substantial increase from the historical resource completed by Silvermex Resources Inc. in 2008 ("Historical Resource")1 and reported by Goldplay on 18 April 2018.

The Mineral Resource consists of 36 million ounces ("Moz") of silver equivalent ("AgEq")2 at an average grade of 147 grams per tonne ("gpt") AgEq in the Indicated category and an additional 11 Moz AgEq at an average grade of 99 gpt AgEq in the Inferred category, using a 30 gpt AgEq cut off for open pit and 80 gpt AgEq for underground resource classification completed by WSP Canada Inc. on February 07, 2019. The Mineral Resource includes 22 core drill holes (assayed during 2018) in addition to the 30 core drill holes that were used to estimate the Historical Resource in 2008.

Table 1 San Marcial Resource Table - (30 gpt and 80 gpt AgEq2 cut off grade)

Resource Grade Contained Metal Category M Tonnes Ag gpt AgEq2 gpt Zn % Pb % Ag Moz AgEq2 Moz Zn Mlbs Pb Mlbs Measured - - - - - - - - - Indicated 7.6 117 147 0.5 0.3 29 36 86 53 Inferred 3.4 91 99 0.4 0.1 10 11 26 8

See Resource table later in this report (Table 2) for additional details. All numbers are rounded.

Highlights of the Mineral Resource (Table 1) and comparisons with the Historical Resource include:

A shallow, high-grade Ag core zone ("Breccia Zone"), up to 40 m in thickness (Figure 1). It represents 3.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 239 gpt AgEq, 200 gpt Ag, equivalent to 23 Moz AgEq and 19 Moz Ag, respectively (Table 2)

in thickness (Figure 1). It represents 3.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 239 gpt AgEq, 200 gpt Ag, equivalent to 23 Moz AgEq and 19 Moz Ag, respectively (Table 2) The Breccia Zone represents 63% of the Indicated Resource category

A 59% increase in Ag in the Indicated category compared to the Historical Resource

A 126% increase in Ag in the Inferred category

A 57% increase in AgEq in the Indicated category

A 44% increase in AgEq in the Inferred category

A 103% increase in Indicated tonnes

98% of the 36 Moz AgEq Indicated Resource is potentially mineable by open pit

A 56% increase in Zn and a 77% increase in Pb in the Indicated category

A broad peripheral mineralized zone ("Stockwork Zone") (Figure 1)

Increased continuity of the mineralization along strike as well as down-dip, delineating a continuous ore zone along the 500 m strike. Both the Breccia and surrounding Stockwork Zones outcrop at surface. Significant surface exposures of the mineralization support the potential for future definition of an open pit amenable Ag-Zn-Pb mining project.

Goldplay President and CEO Marcio Fonseca commented, "The completion of our maiden Mineral Resource on the San Marcial Project is a major milestone for Goldplay We have achieved a significant increase in the contained ounces of both Ag and AgEq. The Mineral Resource provides a strong foundation to realize the full potential of the San Marcial Project. We are progressing with detailed, systematic exploration of the under-explored additional 3.5 km of mineralized trend. Recent surface exploration results have already confirmed new exploration targets in the vicinity of the mineral resource (Figure 2), representing future upside opportunity for resource expansion in 2019. The significant increase in the Mineral Resource including delineation of a high-grade shallow Breccia Zone (Figure 1), represents an attractive target amenable for potential open pit development, and is open along strike as well as down dip, given most of the core drilling to date has only tested down to 250 m below the surface. Goldplay congratulates its technical team for achieving an impressive increase in the Mineral Resource at San Marcial, when compared to the Historical Resource1 (see: Click Here)

Goldplay retained the services of WSP Canada Inc. to complete the 3-D modeling and independent NI 43-101 Mineral Resource estimation for the San Marcial Project. In doing so, the Company has delivered a material increase in the tonnage, grades and ounces of Ag in the Mineral Resource with the addition of 22 holes to the previous model, for a total of 52 drill holes.

_______________________ 1 The historical NI 43-101 resource estimate is based on a cut off of 30 g/t Ag for open pit and 80 g/t Ag for underground resource classification completed by Micon International Ltd. for Silvermex on November 5, 2008. The historical resource is based on 4,884 m of drilling in 30 core drill holes completed by Silvermex and previous operators over a strike length of 500 m and vertical extent of 250 m. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to verify and to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources. Further work must be carried out to verify all historic information before a resource estimate is possible, and there can be no assurance that when established, that any such resource would be economically recoverable. The NI 43-101 was filed on SEDAR on November 21, 2008 under the name of Silver Ore Mining Corporation, the predecessor of Silvermex.

The increased Mineral Resource in comparison with the Historical Resource is summarized as follows:

Total silver equivalent ounces, Indicated Resources, increased 57% to 36 million ounces.

Total silver ounces, Indicated Resources, increased 59% to 29 million ounces.

The drill holes are spaced on average 45 m between sections, along an initial 500 m long mineralized zone, and drilled to a maximum depth of 250 m. The Mineral Resource was estimated by ordinary Kriging using Surpac block modelling software in multiple passes in 3 m by 3 m by 3 m blocks. Grade estimates for all elements were based on 3 m composited assay data. Capping levels were set as follows:

Zone Ag (gpt) Zn (gpt) Pb (gpt) Low grade Stockwork 86.87 17,150 6,500 Stockwork 10.00 37,700 21,300 Breccia 1,530.00 74,920 66,000

Figure 1 Location Breccia and Stockwork Zone in the San Marcial Resource Area

Figure 2 San Marcial - Location of Resource Area and New Targets Inside Concession

In order to define a reasonable prospect of economic extraction, the Mineral Resource was contained within a Whittle optimized pit shell that uses an average Ag price of US$18.5/oz, Zn price of US$1/lb and Pb price of US$0.82/lb. These metal prices are based on a comprehensive survey of commodities forecasts among most prominent commodity experts. The assumed recoveries are based on average recoveries of 89% Ag, 80% Zn and 95% Pb. Operating costs are based on similar existing or nearby operations. For the portion of the Mineral Resource not deemed amenable to economic open pit extraction, the Company has assessed the reasonable prospect of economic extraction in an underground context.

The San Marcial Mineral Resource has been estimated along a 500 m strike length which makes up part of a 3.5 km long mineralized zone, supporting potential for resource expansion (Figure1).

As recently announced, the Company continues to advance surface exploration at the San Marcial Project, focusing on five targets recently identified by soil and rock geochemistry (News Release dated 18 January 2019). These targets are yet to be drilled and are located in the vicinity of the Mineral Resource. Goldplay has already received drilling permits to advance a significant drilling program in 2019.

The Mineral Resource estimated for each resource category - Indicated or Inferred - is displayed in Table 2, at different AgEq gpt cut off grades. The Effective date for the mineral resource is February 07th, 2019. A Technical Report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com within 45 days of this release.

Table 2 San Marcial Resource Estimation Table

Resource Classification Type Cut-Off Tonnage (Mtonnes) Ag g/t AgEq g/t Zn% Pb% Ag (Moz) AgEq (Moz) Zn(Mlbs) Pb(Mlbs) AgEq gpt Indicated Breccia Breccia (OP) 30 2.9 202 241 0.7 0.4 19 23 42 29 Breccia (UG) 80 0.1 90 124 0.6 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.8 0.3 Breccia (Total) 3.0 200 239 0.7 0.4 19 23 43 29 Stockwork Stockwork(OP) 30 4.6 64 88 0.4 0.2 9 13 42 23 Stockwork(UG) 80 0.1 72 103 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.3 1 1 Stockwork(Total) 4.6 64 89 0.4 0.2 10 13 43 24 Indicated Total 30 7.5 118 148 0.5 0.3 28 35 84 52 80 0.1 79 111 0.5 0.3 0.4 1 2 1 Total 7.6 117 147 0.5 0.3 29 36 86 53 Resource Classification Type Cut-Off Tonnage (Mtonnes) Ag g/t AgEq g/t Zn% Pb% Ag (Moz) AgEq (Moz) Zn(Mlbs) Pb(Mlbs) AgEq gpt Inferred Breccia Breccia (OP) 30 0.79 131 153 0.5 0.1 3 4 8 3 Breccia (UG) 80 0.64 135 165 0.8 0.1 2.8 3.4 11.2 0.8 Breccia (Total) 1.43 133 158 0.6 0.1 6 7 20 3 Stockwork Stockwork(OP) 30 1.73 52 62 0.2 0.1 3 3 7 4 Stockwork(UG) 80 0.23 121 18 0.0 0.2 0.9 0.1 0 1 Stockwork (Total) 1.96 60 57 0.2 0.1 4 4 7 4 Inferred Total 30 2.52 77 90 0.3 0.1 6 7 15 6 80 0.87 131 125 0.6 0.1 3.7 4 11 2 Total 3.39 91 99 0.4 0.1 10 11 26 8

2 AgEq is based on long term silver, zinc and lead prices of US$18.50 per ounce silver, US$1.10 per pound zinc and US$0.95 per pound lead. The following average metallurgical recoveries are assumed as 85% silver, 85% zinc and 95% lead. A 30 gpt AgEq cut off for open pit and 80gpt AgEq for underground resource classification completed by WSP Canada Inc. on February 06, 2019. OP is amenable for potential open pit development, UG is amenable for potential underground development.

The Mineral Resource has been estimated by Marcelo Filipov, P.Geo of WSP Canada Inc. and Todd McCracken, P.Geo of WSP Canada Inc. Both Mr. Filipov and Mr. McCracken are Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101. The Mineral Resource has been classified in accordance with CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by CIM council, as amended. Mr. Filipov and Mr. McCracken have read and approved the contents of this press release as it pertains to the disclosed Mineral Resource estimate.

Quality Assurance Program and Quality Control Procedures ("QA/QC")

Goldplay has implemented QA/QC procedures which include insertion of blank and standard samples in all sample lots sent to SGS de Mexico, S.A. de C.V laboratory facilities in Durango, Mexico, for sample preparation and assaying, for every sample with results above Ag >100 ppm ("over limits"), these samples are submitted directly by SGS de Mexico to SGS Canada Inc at Burnaby, BC. Additional sampling and re-sampling of existing pulps and rejects were conducted to assess the variability of grades in the mineralized zone. A WSP Canada Inc. independent qualified person visited the San Marcial Project from Nov 12th to Nov 16th, 2018. Independent sampling was completed in core samples and surface samples for validation purposes. WSP Canada Inc. has reviewed the QA/QC protocols and procedures implemented by Goldplay and results, believing that the database is reliable for estimating the Mineral Resource.

About Goldplay Exploration Ltd.

Goldplay owns a >250 sq. km exploration portfolio in the historical Rosario Mining District, Sinaloa, Mexico. Goldplay's current exploration focus includes surface exploration and drilling, with a resource update to follow at the advanced-stage San Marcial Project and follow up exploration program at the El Habal Project.

The San Marcial land package consists of 1,250 ha, located south of the La Rastra and Plomosas historical mines and 20 km from the Company's 100% owned El Habal Project in the Rosario Mining District, Sinaloa, Mexico. San Marcial is an attractive, near-surface high-grade silver, lead and zinc project for which a historical resource estimate has been previously disclosed.

San Marcial exhibits significant exploration upside supported by regional exploration programs completed by previous operators who identified 14 exploration targets similar to San Marcial within its 100% Goldplay-owned concessions. Some of these exploration targets consist of old shallow pits, caved shafts and historical underground workings in areas with extensive hydrothermal alteration, hosted by major regional structures.

The El Habal Project is a drilling stage project. The oxidized gold mineralized zone outcrops along a series of rolling hills with evidence of historical shallow underground mining along a 6 km long prospective corridor. The El Habal Project is located near the historical gold-silver Rosario Mine which reportedly operated for over 250 years. Goldplay's team has over 30 years of experience with senior roles in exploration, financing, and development in the mining industry, including over ten years of extensive exploration experience in the Rosario Mining District, leading to previous successful discoveries. A current NI 43-101 report on the El Habal Project is filed on SEDAR.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company'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. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. Risks and uncertainties 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.

Mr. Marcio Fonseca

P. Geo, President & CEO

Goldplay Exploration Ltd.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chakana Copper Corp. (TSX-V: PERU; OTC: CHKKF; FWB: 1ZX) (the Company or Chakana), is pleased to release initial drill results from Breccia Pipe 6 (Bx 6) at the Soledad copper-gold-silver project in central Peru. Bx 6 is located 500 metres north of Bx 5 and 1 km northwest of Bx 1 and is the northernmost and highest elevation outcropping breccia pipe identified to date in the Soledad cluster. There are seventeen confirmed breccia pipes on the Soledad project, twelve of which occur in the Soledad cluster, along with twelve other targets with distinctive alteration that is consistent with the alteration encountered adjacent to breccia pipes in previous drilling (Fig. 1). Four of the seventeen confirmed pipes have been drilled to date.

The eight drill holes reported here were designed to explore the uppermost 150m extent of Bx 6 (Figs. 2 and 3). Bx 6 has a prominent surface expression with steep vertical walls on the east, south, and west sides (Fig. 2A). Drill collars were located on the north central part of the breccia pipe and oriented southeast and southerly. The northern quadrant of the pipe remains undrilled. Planned drilling from step out platforms will subsequently help to determine the grade and to delineate the geometry and plunge of the breccia.

Seven of the eight holes intersected significant mineralization, including 59.3m with 1.28 g/t Au, 0.53% Cu, and 497.2 g/t Ag from 28m in hole SDH18-102. Within this interval a 22.8m zone intersected 2.93 g/t Au, 1.37% Cu, and 1,283.2 g/t Ag. These results are an outstanding start for Bx 6, the third mineralized tourmaline breccia pipe drilled on the property to date. Bx 6 has high silver grades compared to Bx 1 and Bx 5, possibly indicating property-scale zoning between the pipes. It is very encouraging to see grades like this early in the drilling of a pipe. Mineralization in Bx 6 is open at depth and to the north. We also intersected a very interesting zone of mineralization in the wall rock, away from the tourmaline breccia, with 30.89m of 2.04 g/t Au and 31.7 g/t Ag from 57.0m in SDH18-101, said President and CEO David Kelley. Examples of mineralized breccias from holes in this release are shown in Figures 4 and 5.

Mineralized intervals from Breccia Pipe 6 include:

Bx 6 - Exploration Holes DDH # Az Dip From - To

(m) Core

Length (m) Au

g/t Ag

g/t Cu % Cu-

eq

%* Au-

eq g/t* Note SDH18-088 155 -83 No breccia intersected 58.2m depth SDH18-090 155 -69 14.00 44.00 30.00 0.53 17.4 0.03 0.53 0.80 and 61.00 103.00 42.00 1.02 115.9 0.51 2.17 3.31 SDH18-092 140 -80 93.00 166.00 73.00 0.54 39.3 0.10 0.79 1.21 including 115.00 129.00 14.00 2.80 157.9 0.38 3.57 5.45 SDH18-095 180 -73 31.00 47.00 16.00 0.22 8.3 0.01 0.23 0.34 SDH18-097 180 -57 3.00 50.30 47.30 0.58 46.6 0.04 0.82 1.25 including 11.00 32.00 21.00 0.74 85.0 0.05 1.26 1.93 SDH18-099 205 -76 0.00 43.00 43.00 0.62 36.6 0.04 0.77 1.17 including 10.00 43.00 33.00 0.75 46.0 0.05 0.94 1.43 SDH18-101 178 -78 0.60 87.89 87.29 0.71 33.2 0.02 0.77 1.17 including 57.00 87.89 30.89 2.04 31.7 0.04 1.65 2.52 Wall rock SDH18-102 130 -70 28.00 87.30 59.30 1.28 497.2 0.53 5.63 8.59 including 64.50 87.30 22.80 2.93 1283.2 1.37 14.29 21.80

* Cu_eq and Au_eq values were calculated using copper, gold, and silver. Metal prices utilized for the calculations are Cu  US$2.90/lb, Au  US$1,300/oz, and Ag  US$17/oz. No adjustments were made for recovery as the project is an early stage exploration project and metallurgical data to allow for estimation of recoveries are not yet available. The formulas utilized to calculate equivalent values are Cu_eq (%) = Cu% + (Au g/t * 0.6556) + (Ag g/t * 0.00857) and Au_eq (g/t) = Au g/t + (Cu% * 1.5296) + (Ag g/t * 0.01307).

Reported mineralized intervals are not true widths given the vertical nature of the breccia pipe and the steep inclination of the holes.

Breccia Pipe 3East (Bx3E) was also tested by ten holes from two platforms. Long runs of mineralization similar to Bx 1, Bx 5, and Bx 6 were not encountered. Relatively short intervals of exceptional mineralization were encountered, including 19.0m of 2.20 g/t Au in SDH18-096 from 85m; 2.75m with 1.17 g/t Au, 0.76% Cu, and 222.9 g/t Ag in SDH18-098 from 198.85m; and 1.05m of 5.20 g/t Au, 7.07% Cu, and 404.8 g/t Ag in SDH18-100 from 457.9m These intersects are important and based on results elsewhere additional drilling is necessary. Examples of mineralized breccia from Bx3E are shown in Figure 5E and 5F.

Sampling and Analytical Procedures

Chakana follows rigorous sampling and analytical protocols that meet or exceed industry standards. Core samples are stored in a secured area until transport in batches to the ALS facility in Callao, Lima, Peru. Sample batches include certified reference materials, blank, and duplicate samples that are then processed under the control of ALS. All samples are analyzed using the ME-MS41 (ICP technique that provides a comprehensive multi-element overview of the rock geochemistry), while gold is analyzed by AA24 and GRA22 when values exceed 10 g/t. Over limit silver, copper, lead and zinc are analyzed using the OG-46 procedure. Soil samples are analyzed by 4-acid (ME-MS61) and for gold by Fire Assay on a 30g sample (Au-ICP21).

Results of the previous seventy drill holes from the Soledad Project have been released and are also available at www.chakanacopper.com. Additional information concerning the Project is available in a technical report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 made available on Chakanas SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Qualified Person

David Kelley, an officer and a director of Chakana, and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

(signed) David Kelley

David Kelley

President and CEO

For further information contact:

Michelle Borromeo, Manager  Corporate Communications

Phone: 604-715-6845

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking Statement Advisory: This release may contain 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 Chakana to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements or information relates to, among other things, the interpretation of the nature of the mineralization at the Soledad copper-gold-silver project (the Project), the potential to expand the mineralization, and to develop and grow a resource within the Project, the planning for further exploration work, the ability to de-risk the potential exploration targets, and our belief in the potential for mineralization within unexplored parts of the Project. These forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations and beliefs but given the uncertainties, assumptions and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward- looking statements or information. The Company disclaims any obligation to update, or to publicly announce, any such statements, events or developments except as required by law.
TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2019 /CNW/ - Wallbridge Mining Company Limited (TSX:WM, FWB:WC7) ("Wallbridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce continued positive results from ongoing development and production as part of the 35,000-tonne bulk sample and underground exploration program at its 100%-owned Fenelon Gold Property ("Fenelon" or "Property").

Highlights:

To date approximately 25,000 tonnes of ore with a reconciled average grade of 17.34 g/t gold containing more than 14,000 ounces of gold has been processed at the Camflo Mill in four separate mill runs.

More than 13,300 ounces of gold has been recovered and sold

Stope grades are meeting expectations, ranging from 10.55 to 33.32 g/t gold (See Table 1).

On target to achieve total bulk sample production of ~35,000 tonnes grading 19-22 grams per tonne of gold for production of 21,000-24,000 ounces of gold.

Mill recoveries have reached 99%

The Loan with Auramet has now been reduced from US $8M to US $3M with the balance to be paid by the end of February, 2019

"We are proud of our team for their excellent work in executing our bulk sample plans safely and efficiently. The current bulk sample that started in the second quarter of 2018 will be completed this quarter. We are planning for a very active 2019 program continuing after the completion of the 35,000-tonne bulk sample, which involves a total of 50,000 to 75,000 metres underground resource expansion and surface exploration drilling while we advance our permitting activities," stated Marz Kord, President & CEO of Wallbridge. "We are also pleased to have reduced our debt down to US $3M. This loan will be paid by the end of February which will simplify our balance sheet."

Fenelon Bulk Sample Production Update

Following the dewatering of the pit and underground and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, ramp development began in mid-June which was quickly followed with first stope production in August. Ramp development and the final level (5130 Level) were completed in January and the final stopes are currently being mined.

Production from five stopes as well as low grade ore from 2004 bulk sample were processed at Camflo mill from September 2018 to January 31, 2019. Wallbridge, in its original bulk sample plans, included the historical low-grade ore as part of the first mill run while milling performance was optimized. Lessons learned from the first mill run were applied to the next mill runs to achieve remarkable recoveries of more than 98%.

The next mill run is scheduled for the second half of this month.

"This bulk sample has provided Wallbridge with the opportunity to learn about mining methods, productivities, costs, logistics and milling recoveries associated with the zones tested. The lessons learned are being applied towards future plans and we are excited about moving this project forward using our experience in de-risking the project. We are confident in our team and the achievements to date and look forward to continued positive exploration results," stated Frank Demers, Vice-President, Mining & Projects.

Table 1.

Fenelon Gold 2018/2019 Bulk Sample Summary Table to February 6,2019 Drift/Stope material Mill Reconciled Tonnes Au g/t Contained Au

Ounces Recovered Au

Ounces Recovery Mill Run # 2004 Ore(1) 2,277 4.23 310 248 80% 1 CH-01 Stope 4,823 16.23 2,516 2,013 80% 1 & 2 Development Ore(2) 4,615 16.10 2,389 2,372 99% 1, 2, 3, & 4 NV-01 Stope 4,852 10.55 1,646 1,635 99% 2 & 3 CH-02 Stope 1,368 17.51 770 765 99% NV-02 Stope 2,736 18.24 1,605 1,593 99% NV-03 Stope(2) 4,453 33.32 4,771 4,737 99% 4 Total to February 6, 2019(2) 25,124 17.34 14,006 13,363 95% NV-04/05 & Others(3) ~10,000 t 25-35 8,000-11,300 7,800-11,000 98% 5 Total Estimated Bulk Sample(3) ~35,000 t 19-22 22,000-25,000 21,000-24,000 98%

(1) Ore from surface and underground stockpile left behind from the 2004 bulk sample (2) Estimated. Pending final reported numbers for Mill Run #4 (3) Estimated. Production of last stopes currently underway

Fenelon Geology & Exploration

"The milling results for mill runs #2, #3 have reconciled extremely well with the grade estimates from our grade control program at Fenelon, which is quite remarkable for this type of high-grade gold mineralization. The preliminary results of mill run #4 were just received. In this mill run, we processed our highest-grade stope so far and our mine grade call was slightly underestimating grade due to a conservative high-grade capping approach. One of the most important outcomes of this bulk sample is to refine our high-grade capping and block modeling approach based on the mill reconciled head grades, thereby significantly improving future reserve grade estimates and de-risking future production," stated Attila Pentek, Vice-President, Exploration of Wallbridge.

The 2018 underground and surface drill programs were completed before the holidays and drill rigs were de-mobilized. Assay results of several drill holes are still pending and will be reported as they are received in the next few weeks.

The 2019 drill program (50,000-75,000 m planned) will commence in Mid-February with the mobilization of initially one underground and one surface drill rig. The 2019 underground resource drilling will initially be carried out from the recently established 5130 level (~125 m depth) and will target the main high-grade shoots down-plunge to 200 m depth.

The development of an exploration drift is currently underway and will be completed by the end of February. This drift will facilitate resource drilling to greater depth and along strike, including also the Tabasco and Cayenne mineralized corridors, as well as the new deep mineralized system discovered by the last drill hole of the 2018 program (FA-18-051, see Wallbridge Press Release dated January 15, 2019).

The 2019 surface exploration drill program will follow known mineralized zones to 300-400 m depth and test targets further away from the mine workings.

Figure 1: Fenelon Gold, 3D View





Wallbridge's Fenelon Gold Property is located in northwestern Quebec proximal to the Sunday Lake Deformation Zone ("SLDZ") which hosts the Detour Gold Mine in Ontario, and Balmoral Resources' gold deposits at Martiniere. The Fenelon Gold Property hosts the Discovery Zone gold deposit and surrounding 4 km strike length of a gold-hosting secondary splay of the SLDZ.

Since acquiring the property in late 2016, Wallbridge has completed an updated resource estimate and a positive pre-feasibility study on the existing resource (see Wallbridge Press Release dated February 02, 2017). In addition, Wallbridge has completed surface exploration drilling campaigns and is currently drilling from underground as part of its 35,000-tonne bulk sample at Fenelon. Drilling to date has significantly extended existing zones and discovered several new parallel zones.

Drill core samples from the ongoing drill program at Fenelon were cut and bagged on site and transported to SGS Canada Inc. Samples, along with standards, blanks, and duplicates included for quality assurance and quality control, were prepared and analyzed at SGS Canada Inc. laboratories. Samples are crushed to 90% less than 2mm. A 1kg riffle split is pulverized to >95% passing 106 microns. 50g samples are analyzed by fire assay and AAS. Samples >10g/t Au are automatically analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish or screen metallic analysis. To test for coarse free gold and for additional quality assurance and quality control, Wallbridge requests screen metallic analysis for samples containing visible gold. These and future assay results may vary from time to time due to re-analysis for quality assurance and quality control.

The Qualified Persons responsible for the technical content of this press release are Marz Kord, P. Eng., M. Sc., MBA, President & CEO and Attila Pentek, P.Geo., Ph.D., Vice President Exploration for Wallbridge Mining Company Limited.

About Wallbridge Mining

Wallbridge is establishing a pipeline of projects that will support sustainable production and revenue as well as organic growth through exploration and scalability.

Wallbridge is currently developing its 100%-owned high-grade Fenelon Gold property in Quebec with ongoing exploration and a 35,000-tonne bulk sample. Wallbridge is also pursuing other additional advanced-stage projects which would add to the Company's near-term project pipeline. These discussions benefit from the operating capabilities Wallbridge demonstrated by safely and efficiently mining the Broken Hammer deposit in Sudbury, which was completed in October 2015. As part of this strategy, the Company recently optioned the Beschefer Project, an advanced gold property with proven size and grade-potential near Fenelon Gold. Wallbridge is also continuing partner-funded exploration on its large portfolio of nickel, copper, and PGM projects in Sudbury, Ontario, with a focus on its high-grade Parkin project.

Wallbridge also has exposure to exploration for copper and gold in Jamaica and British Columbia through its 11.3% ownership of Carube Copper Corp. (CUC:TSX-V, formerly Miocene Resources Limited, a Wallbridge spin-out of its BC assets).

This press release may contain forward-looking statements (including "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) relating to, among other things, the operations of Wallbridge and the environment in which it operates. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Wallbridge has relied on a number of assumptions and estimates in making such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the costs associated with the development and operation of its properties. Such assumptions and estimates are made in light of the trends and conditions that are considered to be relevant and reasonable based on information available and the circumstances existing at this time. A number of risk factors may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or outcomes of such exploration and/or mine development to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including, without limitation, whether such discoveries will result in commercially viable quantities of such mineralized materials, the possibility of changes to project parameters as plans continue to be refined, the ability to execute planned exploration and future drilling programs, the need for additional funding to continue exploration and development efforts, changes in general economic, market and business conditions, and those other risks set forth in Wallbridge's most recent annual information form under the heading "Risk Factors" and in its other public filings. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and such information is inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and may be beyond the control of Wallbridge. Although Wallbridge has attempted to identify important risks and factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors and risks that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Consequently, undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements. In addition, all forward-looking statements in this press release are given as of the date hereof.

Wallbridge disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, save and except as may be required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this disclaimer.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 64F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.
Summerville, SC (29483)

Today

Some clouds and possibly an isolated thunderstorm in the afternoon. High around 85F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.
Its not quite the first robin of spring, but its still a seasonal and cultural marker: the sale of the Girl Scout cookies. Local scouts  and, often, their parents  are out in public selling their sugary treats from mid-January to early March. Theyre generally not too pushy, but they often exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit thats all a part of the Girl Scout ethos, learning personal skills like money management, goal setting  and salesmanship.

When people buy a box of Girl Scout cookies, they are supporting the largest girl-led entrepreneur program in the world, Jaclyn Johnson, the director of membership for the Triad, told the Journal last year. Its pretty amazing.

Its amazing for the consumers of those cookies, too.

This is the 102nd consecutive year the Girl Scouts have sold cookies. And the proceeds go to worthy causes, like service projects and horizon-expanding trips for the scouts.

The local troop, Girl Scout Troop 02676, is hoping to raise enough money to take a trip in the spring to the Savannah, Ga., birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the philanthropist who founded the Girl Scouts in America in the early 1900s. It would surely be an educational and inspirational experience.
Some artists may find this balancing act between two worlds tricky to navigate, but Almadani finds creativity and hope in translating his personal experiences into art. But it wasnt always this way for him. College was a transformative time for Almadani, who back then began listening to classic soul artists from Otis Redding to Marvin Gaye to Stevie Wonder, trying to figure out what exactly resonated so much for him in their music. It was an act he calls emotional saturation, their ability to tell a story with every lyric, performance, and recording, that made their music so timeless.
The fact that I even have to suggest this shows how distorted the discussion of the campaign is. I don't mean to say that Democrats shouldn't spend time thinking about which candidate would have the best chance of beating Trump; that will always be something the opposition party is justifiably worried about. But it seems like 90 percent of our discussion of the candidates is about their campaign strengths and weaknesses, with only occasional thought given to what they would actually be like in the Oval Office.

I don't mean to pick on Beto O'Rourke, who seems like a perfectly fine fellow, but let's use him as an example. Democrats loved his campaign last year for the energy, charisma and proud progressivism he showed. But take a moment to imagine him as president. What do you see? How is his presidency different from that of the other Democrats?

I'll admit that I have trouble picturing it at all. O'Rourke was a relatively ordinary congressman before he ran for Senate. He hasn't held an executive job like mayor or governor that would give us hints of his governing style. I don't know what his top priorities are or how he'd go about achieving them. That isn't to say he wouldn't be good at being president, just that it's hard to tell.
Whoever came up with idea that President Trump, the most divisive president in history, should make a plea to the nation for unity must be very out of touch or cynical. Together we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of Americas future, said the same president who just hours before had been excoriating Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and other leading Democrats and pressing aides to make the speech tougher on Democrats.

All State of the Union speeches attempt to put the administrations best foot forward, but to reinvent entirely oneself in such glaring terms inevitably earns the president derision and further erodes a weak presidents already diminishing credibility. Coming on the heels of a 35-day shutdown in which he claimed that Democrats were uninterested in border security and that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., was content to allow human trafficking made no political sense and arguably qualified as one of Trumps biggest lies.
Reynolds High and Hanes Magnet schools were recognized with national honors by Magnet Schools of America, according to a news release from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

Reynolds, which is an arts magnet school, was named a National Magnet School of Excellence by MSA.

The national certification and award process is based on the Magnet School Standards of Excellence and those standards really define Reynolds, Leslie Alexander, principal at Reynolds, said in the release. This award is validation that our work aligns with those pillars of diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic excellence, high quality instructional systems, and family and community partnerships. We couldnt be more proud to be recognized for being a role model in all the ways we do our work.

Hanes, a STEM  science, technology, engineering and mathematics  magnet school, was named a National Magnet School of Distinction.

We have a wide range of academic abilities and student needs, Robin Willard, principal at Hanes, said in the release. Receiving this designation really proves that other educators across the country see value in the ways we teach and reach all of our learners at Hanes. Recognition for embracing our differences and using that to integrate unique, strong instruction only motivates our teachers to continue outstanding work in our classrooms.
He reached a confidential settlement agreement with Baptist in May 2008 in which he received compensation.

In January 2009, Vincoli alerted State Health Plan officials that Baptist was collecting more than it would have been entitled to if the plan had known about hospital rate increases and had insisted on getting rate discounts it was eligible for.

Baptist and at least 20 other hospitals said that at that time they had contracts that didnt require them to notify the State Health Plan of rate increases, so they didnt.

A state auditors report in September 2011 concluded that Baptist met the requirements of the contract and is not required to repay any money, primarily because the contract had expired when the overpayments came to light. The state auditor said a poorly written contract by the State Health Plan, along with a faulty job of monitoring the contract, seems to be at the root of the overpayments.

Vincoli alleged that the systems knowingly participated in submitting fictitious cost-report claims to Medicare and Medicaid, which he claimed was violation of the federal False Claims Act.

Vincoli initially claimed that Baptist had $179.2 million in cost overstatements over a 13-year period.
The arresting officer entered Fuentess name into a national database, and ICE flagged Fuentes as a suspected undocumented immigrant, the sheriff said. Fuentes posted his bond, but remained in jail because ICE had issued an I-203 form to detain him, Kimbrough said.

If it wasnt for the I-203, he would have been able to walk out the door like anyone else, Kimbrough said. The I-203 is just a request, not a legal document.

An ICE I-203 document places a detainer on a suspected undocumented immigrant whos being held in a local jail on unrelated criminal charges. An ICE agent signs the document, Kimbrough said. Since July 2018, the sheriff office has received about $38,000 for people being held in the jail under ICE detainers, he said. The contract between the sheriffs office and U.S. Marshals Service that allows ICE use the jail ends on April 30.

After that, the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office will need an arrest warrant from a U.S. magistrate or a judge to hold someone in ICE custody, Kimbrough said.

Despite the policy shift, the sheriffs office will continue to work with federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Kimbrough said.
Kernersville police arrested a Winston-Salem man Wednesday in connection with a road-rage incident on West Mountain Street, authorities said.

Kernersville Elementary School was temporarily placed on lockdown as a precaution because of the incident, police said. No injuries were reported.

The incident started at 2:30 p.m. when officers responded to a shots fired call in the area of West Bodenhamer and Nelson streets, police said. Officers then conducted a traffic stop on a black Ford Crown Victoria in the 200 block of West Mountain Street and detained three men.

Officers determined that no shots were actually fired, and the noise came from a blown tire, which was slashed with a sharp object during a road-rage incident, police said. Kernersville Elementary was then put on lockdown, but the students were never in any danger, police said.

Barron Scott Thomas, 28, of Winston-Salem was arrested and charged with injury to personal property, police said.

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She made a considerable effort to make the church whole, and she appreciated them speaking on her behalf at the hearing as well, Clifton said, referring to church officials.

Lt. Eric Montgomery of the Winston-Salem Police Departments financial-crimes section said the investigation goes back to late 2012. As Hope Presbyterian Churchs office administrator, Kenan had access to the churchs debit cards.

She was using the churchs debit card for personal use, Montgomery said. She was paying her phone bills, electric bills, her taxes and other personal needs and utilities. She would make cash withdrawals (with the debit card).

According to arrest warrants, she used the debit card to pay for items from Total Wine.

Kenan also falsified her work hours at church so she could get more pay, and she falsified documents to cover up her actions, Montgomery said. He said the amount of money she misappropriated was well over $200,000.

The Rev. David Speakman, the senior pastor at Hope Presbyterian Church, said that if the case had gone to trial, church officials would have offered evidence showing that the churchs total loss resulting from Kenans actions was about $250,000.
Some sections, divided into chapters, are relatively straightforward, such as a passage devoted to the rhythm and symbolic meaning of locomotion. Others fixate on the government versus the people. The quotations flit in from all over, including Godards own brain. Oliviers Hamlet, Cocteaus Beauty and the Beast coexist with observations (some more facile than others) such as describing the Arab world as one of secrecy and landscapes. Or: I prefer poor people because they are the defeated.
We have an absurd family history with the building. Built in 1892, the historic landmark known as the Old Chicago Historical Society Building has most famously housed nightclubs, and allegedly paranormal activity. Back in high school, however, I once scouted it out for the People's Republic of China, which was then searching for Chicago consulate property. We had family working in the D.C. embassy at the time.
Kia launched the Telluride at the Detroit Auto Show in January and its upcoming appearance in Chicago is sure to attract tons of attention. The Telluride is Kias largest vehicle ever and comfortably seats seven or eight passengers. The eight-passenger configuration is standard and includes eight cupholders, while the seven-passenger models get six cupholders. Theres also a bottle holder in each door. The Telluride comes standard with five USB ports, though a sixth can be added. The Telluride includes the Kia Drive Wise safety package with a ton of advanced features, such as driver attention monitoring and a rear occupant alert. All-wheel drive is expected to be available as an option in every trim level, though pricing has not yet been disclosed.
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Marshy and lush reeds not only add beauty to our city, but also play a vital role in purifying and sustaining our environment for years to come.





In its effort to raise awareness about a critical resource (water), Johannesburg Zoo, in collaboration with BirdLife South Africa, Rand Water, Toyota and the Rare Finch Conservation Group bring you the Flufftail Festival.





This event, which will be held at the Johannesburg Zoo on Friday, 8 February and Saturday, 9 February 2019, from 9am to 1pm, will give about 260 Grade 6 pupils from various schools in Johannesburg, who will be bussed to the World Wetlands Day celebrations and the Flufftail Festival.





Pupils will learn about the value of water, wetlands and water birds. With less than 250 birds left, the white-winged Flufftail is an extremely rare wetland bird.




There are a lot of people who opt to pass the exams offered by CompTIA for the first time and this is the reason that they are often confused about various things related to it. It is true that the certification exams can be a little confusing for the people who are giving them for the first time. CompTIA A+ 220-902 exam is no exception. If you are a fresher and want to know how you can register yourself for the exam, here is what you can do.

What Is CompTIA A+ 220-902 Exam?

CompTIA A+ 220-902 exam is the last step for any person who wants to get CompTIA A+ certification. The A+ certification is for the people who want to have entry level positions and want to get jobs in the bigger companies and make their career in the IT field. This exam is one of the two steps that need to be cleared to get certified. The candidates have to clear the 220-901 exams before they can go for 220-902 exams. This is one of the stepping stones towards success for the fresher's.

What Should a Fresher Know?

Here are some of the important things about CompTIA A+ 220-902 exam that every fresher should know before they register:

The Eligibility

All the candidates who have passed 220-901 exams successfully are eligible to sit for 220-902 exams. Apart from this there are no other eligibility criteria. It is important to note that the candidates can pass both of these exams on the same day.

The Pattern

The exam pattern is pretty basic. The candidates will be given 90 questions per paper. They will have to finish solving the 90 questions within 90 minutes. The questions are multiple choices and are based on the practical as well as theoretical understanding of the concept.

The Syllabus

The syllabus that the candidates need to know thoroughly in order to pass the exam is as follows:

Windows operating system; Other operating systems and technologies; Security; Software troubleshooting; Operational procedures.

The questions are asked from each of these topics in equal proportions hence the candidates should be prepared well.

The Fee

The fee of giving CompTIA exam is $211 USD. If you do not live in America, you will have to pay a different fee since it changes according to the country. The amount stays the same more or less, the conversion is applied.

Steps to Register for the Exam

Once you have decided to register for the exam, you have to follow these steps given below:

Decide you want to pass the exam and know the syllabus for it. You will have to go to the official website and the page to get the exact syllabus. Read it properly and know whether or not you are aware of the things that are mentioned in it. Once you have seen the syllabus, make a plan as to when you can end the preparation and when should you be setting a date for your exam. Go to the official CompTIA website and fill in the form. Enter all your details carefully so that your application is not rejected. You will be directed to the payment page and once that happens, pay your fee through debit card, credit card, net banking or any other method that is given. You will now receive a ticket that you have to carry on the day of the exam and you have been successfully registered.

Important Things You Should Know

There are a few points that the entire fresher should know if they are giving this exam for the first time or this is their first exam from A+ Practice Test 220-902.

Register Well in Advance

The first step is to register for the exam well in advance. You should be able to register for the exam as early as possible so that the time you get to prepare is enough. Only register when you feel that most of your preparation is over and all you need to do is revise. You can even register for a date a few months in the future so that you are thorough with the study.

Always Check the Syllabus

Do not start the preparation without consulting the syllabus. The syllabus that is given on the official CompTIA website is the one that is important for the exam. All the topics are clearly mentioned. The first thing you should do when you start preparing is keep a copy of the syllabus with you and read it whenever you need to.

Find Authentic Study Material

There are a few websites who claim to provide you with 100% success in the exam which is misleading. As a fresher or someone who wants to score well in the exam, these kinds of advertisements can be really tempting but you should not fall for them. CompTIA has a long history or creating exams and they do it with a lot of research. The exam papers are kept confidential and there is no way that someone can guarantee you 100% success unless you study hard and do it yourself.

Pay The Fee Only On the Official Website

Another mistake that some of the fresher's making is paying the fee on fake websites. There are a lot of websites that ask the students to register for the exam on them. The only real website is the official CompTIA website and the candidates should know that the others are only scamming them for their money and if they want to keep their bank accounts safe, they should avoid paying at them.

Summary

You must have now gotten a pretty good idea about the exam and how you can pass it without any mistakes as a fresher. You should be well prepared since this is not an easy exam and unless you have studied well, you will not be able to pass it. So, be prepared and do well.
Kylie Mohr covers the education and health beats. Mohr grew up in Washington and came to Wyoming via Georgetown. She loves seeing the starry night sky again.
Emily Mieure covers criminal justice and emergency news. She also leads the News&Guides investigative efforts. She has reported for WDRB TV in Louisville, Ky., WFIE TV in Evansville, Ind., and WEIU TV in Charleston, Ill.
The 111th annual event returns to its longtime home Feb. 9-18, with everything you can think of on display, as long as it involves cars. All you need to bring is comfortable shoes, stamina and either a clear idea of what you want to see  or the ability to wander comfortably, taking it all in.
Scene Editor Billy Arnold covers arts and entertainment. He apprenticed as a sound engineer at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio before making his way to Jackson, where he has become a low-key fan of country music.
This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
ASG says the new centre is a further demonstration of the groups investment and commitment to its clients, and has been built to the highest levels of security to meet the data sovereignty and onshore IT security requirements of both government and corporate clients.

ASG Group  which is part of the Nomura Research Institute, a Japanese-based consulting and IT group listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange  says the centre will create more than 100 new specialist IT jobs.



The new hub, which was opened by the Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall, is in line with ASG Groups strategy to further grow its business nationally, across both private companies and public sector organisations.

chief operating officer Dean Langenbach said the Adelaide NOC had been built with further growth in mind, with a second stage of the facility now under consideration.

We chose Adelaide as the location for the NOC primarily because of the citys smart state reputation, its history of IT innovation and the availability of a highly skilled workforce," he said.

Since ASGs acquisition by parent company Nomura Research Institute in 2016, we have grown substantially and this meant we had a need to establish a national operations centre to service our expanding list of Australian clients.

ASG Group continues to win large, strategic contracts from both private companies and public sector agencies, which value our approach, the quality of our services and the inbuilt flexibility that we can provide.

This further solidifies ASG as the genuine alternative to the global players.
India provided one of the few bright spots for smartphone companies in 2018, with shipments up 10% to 137 million units, an increase of 12 million units over the previous year.

The analyst firm Canalys said in a blog post that India now accounted for more than 10% of the global smartphone market, an increase from 6% five years ago.

In the final quarter of 2018, Indian shipments grew 14% to 34.1 million units, bouncing back from a quarter which had seen a small decline.

India was among the six countries in the top 20 that recorded positive full-year growth, though in terms of percentage it stood behind Indonesia (17%), Russia (14.1%) and Italy (10%). But India was the lone country to show growth for the last three years.

Among vendors which shipped to India, Xiaomi took 30% of the market (41.0 million units) followed by Samsung (25.8%, 35.4 million units) and vivo (10.5%, 14.4 million units).

Canalys research manager Rushabh Doshi said 2018 had been a defining year for the smartphone market in India.

"The impact of a declining Chinese market on vendors such as OPPO, vivo and Xiaomi was pronounced, with OPPO and vivo reducing both their above- and below-the-line marketing efforts significantly to counter falls in their Chinese businesses," he said.

"Xiaomi, on the other hand, focused heavily on India, with excellent results. India is now the biggest market for Xiaomi worldwide. The Chinese vendors have done well to ride the spread of 4G and the boom in local apps and services.

"[The year] 2018 was undoubtedly the year app-based economies flourished."

In the final quarter of 2018, Xiaomi shipped 9.4 million smartphones to China, and 10.0 million to India.

Doshi said 2019 would be more disruptive than 2018.

"Since 1 February, the Indian Government has restricted online marketplaces, such as Amazon and Flipkart, from selling devices exclusively on their platforms. It has also banned online marketplaces from having equity stakes in seller accounts," he said.

"The FDI (foreign direct investment) policies are going to slow market development spending by these platforms, thereby denting overall online smartphone sales. There will be a see-saw shift toward offline channels this year, and many vendors will start engaging with distributors or offline retailers in a bid to protect their growth ambitions."

Doshi added that while operations at Amazon and Flipkart were likely to stabilise in six months, uncertainty over future regulation would weigh heavily against these platforms.

"On the bright side, the raising of the income tax ceiling from INR2.5 lakh (Rs 250,000 or A$4935) to INR5.0 lakh (Rs 500,000 or A$9872) will imply a higher net pay, and a slightly higher disposable income. This is definitely good news for vendors looking to raise prices without sacrificing their addressable markets," he said.

Graphics: courtesy Canalys
Telstra has plans to invest more than $160 million on 600 mobile network projects in Victoria during the 2018-19 financial year, with the aim of eliminating black spots, improving data speeds and capacity.

The company said in a statement that more than half the money would be spent in regional areas, with $11 million reserved for 26 projects in the Bendigo region, including upgrades in Kangaroo Flat, Epsom and Eaglehawk.

During a visit to Ballarat, Telstra chief executive Andy Penn said the company would invest $20 million to complete 74 projects in and around Ballarat and South West and Western Victoria, with the federal electorates of Ballarat, Corangamite, Wannon and Mallee included.

This investment will mean new mobile base station developments at Delacombe adding new mobile coverage, and upgrades at Sebastopol, Wendouree, Canadian, Alfredton and Redan that will mean increased capacity delivering faster and more reliable data speeds for customers using our network, said Penn.

Further south, this investment is also boosting our mobile network capacity in regional holiday hotspots on the coast in areas such as Ocean Grove and Torquay, as well as delivering improved coverage in Anglesea.

As people are increasingly using mobile-connected devices for business and personal use, its more important than ever we bring the best possible network experience we can to regional areas.

The company said it had constructed 128 mobile base stations in Victoria under the Federal Governments Mobile Black Spot Program. Twenty-two more are slated to be finished in the coming months.
On Friday, officials with the Walker County Hospital District board announced that they have finalized a $7.8 million purchase of Huntsville Memorial Hospital. Do you feel like this is a good use of tax dollars, and is this the right direction for the struggling health care facility?

You voted:
Thursday, February 7th, 2019 (8:38 am) - Score 1,598

Rural UK full fibre ISP TrueSpeed appears to be in the process of extending their Gigabit broadband capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network to the large village of Peasedown St John in Somerset, which is currently home to a population of around 6,500 and would mark one of their biggest areas to date.

The providers website states that theyre still in the process of trying to attract 30% of premises in the village to provisionally sign-up (demand-led commercial deployment), although a new Bath Echo report confirms that work has already started with the installation of a new connection box on Wellow Lane.

Apparently the initial focus would involve bringing their fibre optic cable to the local St Johns Community Hall, which could be seen as the first step on the way to reaching out more widely across the rest of the village (provided enough people show their interest). The move also appears to have some support from the B&NES Councils Community Libraries initiative.

At present much of the village can already access a Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC / VDSL2) based service from Openreach, although this tends to deliver significantly slower and less reliable broadband speeds.

Geoff Fenton, VC of Peasedown St John Residents Association, said: We met up with Neil and the team at TrueSpeed recently to discuss plans to install their internet at St Johns Community Hall. Were discussing with TrueSpeed the option of providing a free internet service for any users of the Hall and the Library.

The provider, which hopes to cover 75,000 premises in parts of rural South West England by 2021 and holds an aspiration of 200,000 by 2025, is currently being fuelled by an investment of 75m from Aviva Investors (here). So far most of their initial deployments have focused upon communities in and around the Chew Valley area but they also have plans to go well beyond that (here).

TrueSpeeds CEO, Evan Wienburg, recently said: 2019 will be an exciting year for TrueSpeed as we prepare to bring full fibre broadband to many more communities  [Im] happy to predict that [this year] well spread our wings further and invest more money than ever before into improving the lives of people across the South West.
Thursday, February 7th, 2019 (4:46 pm) - Score 1,874

The Colchester Borough Council in Essex has today announced that theyve secured a public investment boost of 3.45m from the UK Governments Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) fund, which will enable the market town to expand their existing ultrafast broadband network.

At present around 1,000 businesses in central Colchester can already access a 1Gbps capable Dark Fibre network (Colchester Ultra-Fast Broadband) thanks to a 2016 agreement with ISP by County Broadband. By the sounds of it this network is now set for a major extension into outlying parts of the town.

The new networks will apparently cover the whole of central Colchester, the Northern Gateway and provide links to Greenstead, Severalls Business Park and the Hythe. The networks will also be expandable and capable of reaching the rural two-thirds in future, as funding allows.

Interestingly the announcement says that both businesses and residents across a large part of the town will benefit, which is good to know because until now the network has not been made available to local homes. On the other hand this could equally be a reference to a more targeted deployment, such as one that might only connect social housing estates.

Margot James MP, UK Minister for Digital (DCMS), said: Were building a Britain thats fit for the future, and our plans for a national full fibre broadband network underpin our modern Industrial Strategy. This 3.45m boost for gigabit speeds in Colchester will build on the tremendous work already being done by Colchester Borough Council and I congratulate them on what they have already achieved.

Councillor Nick Barlow said: It is fantastic news that Colchester has been awarded this huge sum to support our plans to deliver ultrafast broadband across the borough, particularly as the digital, creative and online sectors are some of the most important drivers of innovation and growth for Colchesters economy. Future-proofing and investment in our infrastructure is key.

Meanwhile the council has predicted that the availability of such a network could help to bolster inward investment and the attractiveness of Colchester to data-hungry and creative businesses. Independent benchmarking indicates the project will grow Colchesters economy by 6%  worth more than 230m, said the local authority (accurately gauging such things is notoriously difficult).

The funding bid was managed by Colchester Amphora Trading, which will also oversee the project deployment on behalf of Colchester Borough Council. Pre-works are already underway, with network build due to start in April 2019.

At present the only other network of any scale able to offer ultrafast broadband services to homes in Colchester is Virgin Medias cable ISP platform, while only a tiny bit of FTTP comes from Openreach.
News Thousands March Against Myitsone Dam in Myitkyina

Thousands of local people march against the Myitsone Dam project in Kachin States Myitkyina on Thursday. / Kachin Baptist Convention / Facebook

YANGONAround 10,000 members of the Kachin community on Thursday morning staged a protest march in Kachin States Myitkyina calling for termination of dam projects both upstream and downstream on the Irrawaddy River.

While Myanmar is bound to suffer serious environmental impacts if the Myitsone Dam project goes ahead, China will take 90 percent of the electricity produced, lead protester Steven Naw Awng said, explaining the reason behind the rally.

The mega dam is not for us. But we will lose our lives and property because of it. So, we are all gathering to express our opposition [to the project] and demand its termination so that the Irrawaddy [River] can flow freely, he told The Irrawaddy, adding that organizers sought approval from the concerned authorities to stage the protest in line with the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law.

Kachin religious leaders, Buddhist monks, leaders of Kachin political parties, Kachin civil society organizations, activists and locals from Myitkyina and Waingmaw townships joined the protest.

Protesters gathered at the Manaw Ground at 8 a.m. and marched around the town after the religious leaders and activists spoke against the dam project.

Wearing headbands reading No Myitsone Dam, protesters held placards written in Burmese, English and Chinese reading, No dam on the Irrawaddy River, the lifeblood of Myanmar, Terminate the dam projects upstream and downstream on the Irrawaddy River, Let the Irrawaddy River flow freely and Let those displaced by [the dam project on] the Irrawaddy River go back home.

I have joined the protest not because I hate China. I dont hate it. I just dont want this project, said Lura, a local of Tang Phre village whose house is in the dam project area.

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Hong Liang visited Kachin State from Dec. 28-29 and met leaders of the Kachin State Democracy Party, Kachin Democratic Party, Unity and Democracy Party Kachin State as well as Kachin religious leaders.

Following his visit, the Chinese Embassy released a statement saying that the Kachin people are not opposed to resuming the dam project.

The following day, local political parties in Kachin State called the Chinese Embassys statement inaccurate and misleading and said the Kachin community wanted to permanently shelve the project.

KDP chairman Gumgrawng Awng Hkam said, [State Counselor] Daw Aung San Suu Kyi promised in her election campaign that she would inform the public about the dam. That was three years ago. She has yet to fulfill her promise.

Protesters called on the government to stand by the people.

During the protest, the chief of Myitkyinas Police Station No. 1, Police Major Myint Moe, sent a letter of complaint to the protesters, saying the event was illegal.

According to police, protesters used loudspeakers though they were only allowed to use megaphones. They also wore headbands and engaged in other activities without permission, police said.

As they violated Section 10 of Chapter 5 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law, we will take action in line with law, Pol. Maj. Myint Moe said.

The multibillion-dollar project was suspended in 2011 under U Thein Seins administration amid public concerns over its social and environmental impacts.

Over 1,000 locals have been displaced by the project, forced to move into housing built by the Chinese company that was slated to construct the dam. As they do not have work in the new location, they have to rely on food supplies provided by China. The project is currently suspended.

At a meeting with Myanmar military chief Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing on Tuesday, Kachin religious leader called for the termination of the dam project.

The military chief said a final decision on the Myitsone Dam would depend on the publics wishes and on Parliament.
(CNN)  North Korea is moving its nuclear and ballistic weapons to hide them from potential U.S. military strikes, according to a UN Security Council diplomat citing a confidential UN report.

The North Korean nuclear and missile program remains intact and shows no change in North Korea's behavior, says the bi-annual report, even as U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will take place later this month in Vietnam.

Last week, Trump praised North Korea for "tremendous progress" in negotiations, but the source told CNN this report indicates Pyongyang is trying to keep its nuclear and ballistic program ready to launch.

The UN diplomat said the report found "evidence of a consistent trend on the part of the DPRK to disperse its assembly, storage, and testing locations."

The panel of experts that compiled the report was established following multiple UN Security Council resolutions aimed at pressing Pyongyang to cease nuclear tests and missile launches. The report was submitted to a 15-member UN Security Council sanctions committee on Friday, the source told CNN.

Failing North Korea sanctions

International sanctions are not working effectively to deter North Korea's nuclear development, says a summary of the report seen by CNN.

North Korea, which has called for sanctions to be lifted, "continues to defy Security Council resolutions through a massive increase in illegal ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products and coal" the summary alleges. Previous reports have also charged North Korea with these violations.

"Global banks and insurance companies continue to unwittingly facilitate payments and provide coverage for vessels in ever-larger, multi-million-dollar, illegal ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products," states the summary.

The diplomat cited US and Singaporean banks involved in facilitating North Korean fuel payments, as well as "a leading UK insurer that provided protection and indemnity cover to one of the vessels involved."

The diplomat said the report found one petroleum transfer worth more than 5.7 million U.S. dollars.

The summary also accuses North Korea of violating a UN arms embargo and supplying small arms, light weapons and other military equipment to Libya, Sudan, and Houthi rebels in Yemen, through foreign intermediaries.

Trump and Kim's last summit

Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met last year in Singapore, where Kim agreed to "work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

Trump later declared that the meeting had eliminated any nuclear threat posed by the North Korea, even though the meeting produced no verifiable proof that the rogue regime will discontinue its nuclear program, as CNN has previously reported.

In January, the Pentagon's Missile Defense Review stated that North Korea remains an "extraordinary threat" to the United States.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "North Korea is hiding nukes and selling weapons, alleges confidential UN report."
News Second Group of Activists Arrested, Detained in Loikaw

Police detain right activists during a crackdown on their protest camp in front of Loikaws NLD office on the evening of February 7, 2019. / Progressive Karenni People's Force / Facebook

Police have detained 36 right activists after a crackdown on a protest camp in front of the NLDs local office in the Karenni state capital of Loikaw this evening according to sources at the scene. Police took away and arrested the protesters one-by-one from where they were sitting on the ground with arms linked. They were loaded into awaiting police trucks and taken away and those remaining at the camp location were ordered to leave.

The group were protesting the installation of a bronze statue of Gen. Aung San in the town park, and have said the ethnic communities deserve to have statues of their own politicians and freedom fighters instead.

Khun Thomas, a leading member of the group and one of those detained told The Irrawaddy over the phone soon after their arrest that all 36 activists were being detained at Loikaw Police Station.

We all are at the police station. They have not yet told us which article they will charge us under, said Khun Thomas.

This is the same action as previously when the state government and police brought in bad people to work together to crack down on our protest, he added.

We did not do anything wrong based on the law. We just practiced our right to protest. It was wrong for them to crack down on our protest, he said.

The crackdown would hurt the image of the government, and there will be more problems for the government over the poor handling of the issue, he said.

When more problems come in the future, the chief minister of Karenni State L Paung Sho has to take responsibility, he said.

A group of members of the authorities, including police officers and township officials, had earlier announced to the group, that they would be charged under Article 19 of the Peacefully Assembly Act if they did not disband, according to sources at the scene.

U Kyaw Moe, a Loikaw Township government official, and police officer U Win Naing, came to the camp earlier in the day to convince the activists to disband the camp, saying the police would take action against them if they didnt leave the site.

The authorities and right activists held an hour-long discussion, during which U Kyaw Moe described himself as a negotiator rather than a representative of the government. He told the activists, Your groups actions are unlawful. I came to negotiate for your group not to have a problem.

He said that he wasnt going to be the person to lead the crackdown on the protest camp, but that he came forward as negotiator in order to avoid the action that the authorities said they would take soon.

Police officer U Win Naing told the group of activists that they would be charged under Article 19 for holding the protest without permission, as stipulated in Article 19.

Your group has not acted within the law. You have stayed here long enough already. We have to take action. We have to disband the camp, said U Win Naing.

Khu Kyu Thae Kay, a leader of the protesting group replied to the authorities that, based on the 2008 Constitution, everyone has the right to protest and that no one may take action against them unless the protest becomes violent.

He added that the group had requested permission to set up a protest camp, but that the township authorities, including the police, rejected their request.

Has there ever been a time when ethnic minorities were given permission by you to protest for their rights? Khu Kyu Thae Kay asked U Win Naing during the discussion.

Township authorities rejected the groups permission to hold a protest on two occasions, according to the right activists. Their first request was to protest at the park where Gen. Aung Sans statue has been erected.

We knew what they would tell us when they came. But we refuse to go home. We will keep protesting, said Khun Thomas, just hours before the group was dragged into awaiting police trucks by a large group of police officers.

No one has come from the NLD to negotiate with us, so why should we go home? he added.

The protest camp was established on Sunday by a group of youths who rejected the installation of the statue. On Friday, a group of 20 rights activists were arrested and charged under Article 19 for holding a protest at the park where the statue has been erected. Those who were charged on Friday were part of the group who reestablished the protest camp in front NLD office two days later.
News NSCN-K Denies Violating Ceasefire

Weapons and ammunition seized from Assam and Manipur rebel outposts near Taga in Sagaing Regions Naga Self-administered Zone are displayed by the Tatmadaw. / Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services

CHIANG MAI, ThailandThe National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) has denied the Myanmar militarys accusation that it violated their bilateral ceasefire agreement and said it expects government troops to withdraw from its headquarters in the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Sagaing Region peacefully.

The groups headquarters in Taga village were occupied by Myanmar military (or Tatmadaw) troops last week, after the Tatmadaw began an operation against Indian rebel groups disguised as NSCN-K fighters in the area.

From Jan. 29 to Feb. 5 the Tatmadaw seized three outposts and two military training schools run by rebel groups fighting the Indian government in Assam and Manipur. It also seized small weapons and ammunition, according to press releases from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services on Feb. 3 and 6.

It accused the NSCN-K of allowing rebels against the Indian government to shelter in its areas and said it arrested six NSCN-K members and two Kathae rebels. It claimed to have evidence that Kathae and Assam insurgents resided [in the area] and relevant documents on [their] links with [the] NSCN-K. The military therefore said the NSCN-K violated the first article of the bilateral ceasefire agreement signed with the Sagaing Region government on April 9, 2012 and said necessary actions would be taken. Article 1 of the bilateral ceasefire agreement between the government and the NSCN-K stipulates that the Tatmadaw and NSCN-K were to stop fighting on the signed date.

U Kyaw Wan Sein, a member of the NSCN-Ks Central Executive Committee, told The Irrawaddy on Thursday that, There has been no violation. We have tried our best to maintain peace and the ceasefire agreement. We dont want to see the destruction of the trust that we have taken so long to build up. So we dont understand what the Tatmadaw means.

He declined to comment on the activities of the Assam and Manipur (known locally as ethnic Kathae/Meitei) rebels, but would not deny that there are some groups trying to operate in the area, given its geographical proximity to Indias northeastern states.

He added that the Tatmadaws move had not resulted in any armed clashes, as the NSCN-Ks troops had retreated from the headquarters in order to avoid a gun battle. He said some members of the NSCN-K Peace Committee are still in Taga, but Tatmadaw troops have control of the area.

We are trying not to engage as we value the ceasefire in order to maintain peace. We expect the [Tatmadaw] leaders will understand this and withdraw their troops, he said.

Regarding news reports that the Tatmadaw planned to move NSCN-K personnel to a designated area after dismantling its headquarters, U Kyaw Wan Sein said there was no such arrangement and there had been no talks on the matter.

The Tatmadaw said it would take action to uphold its policy not to allow Myanmar territory to be used by any rebel group to attack a neighboring country (in this case India). According to a report issued by the Army chiefs office on Feb. 3, the operation followed reports in early December that Indian security forces had arrested nine members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland-Sangbijit at the border between Indias Assam and Arunachal Pradesh states. It said the fighters were returning from receiving military training in Myanmar.

The Tatmadaw said they also seized MPA (Manipur Peoples Army) camps in Tunzang Township, Chin State in late October. The MPAthe armed wing of the United National Liberation Frontis one of eight groups banned by New Delhi after declaring independence for Manipur.

According to Indias Northeast Now news service, the Tatmadaw this week cracked down on camps of the Indian rebel group the United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I), killing one of its members.
Burma AA Deputy Leader Says Fighting Could Spread Beyond N. Rakhine

AA deputy chief Maj-Gen. Nyo Tun Aung delivers a speech at a military parade in Laiza, Kachin State in 2018. / AA information page

YANGONIn a video message, the Arakan Army (AA)s deputy chief, Brigadier-General Nyo Tun Aung, told ordinary Arakanese on Wednesday that if the current fighting in northern Rakhine State continues to worsen, it could spread to other places in the state.

His message followed a number of actions by the Myanmar military that have seen it send more troops to northern Rakhine State. Additionally, National League for Democracy (NLD)-appointed Chief Minister U Nyi Pu recently gave permission to the Army and state police to conduct household checks to squeeze out AA members in seven townships.

The video message was made in the Arakanese language by AA deputy chief Nyo Tun Aung at the AAs headquarters in Laiza, in the Kachin Independence Army (KIA)s area of control in Kachin State.

Brig-Gen. Nyo Tun Aung said that government soldiers and police are forcibly searching suspected homes in the middle of the night without prior warning, referring to an incident that happened on Tuesday in Kyauktaw Townships Pan Hpe Chaung village.

About 40 soldiers and police forcibly raided a home where housewife Daw Tin Shwe was alone while her husband, U Kyaw Win, was traveling to a neighboring village to purchase timber. The village is close to Kan Sauk military battalion.Brig-Gen. Nyo Tun Aungs message contained a number of safety recommendations for villagers and a list of dos and donts while travelling in conflict zones. He issued four warning statements regarding areas in Rakhine State and said the conflict zone was broadening.

He said, Women and the elderly should not stay alone at home. They should practice living all together with their relatives.

He also repeatedly urged villagers to implement such practices in the villages as soon as possible and requested the villagers spread his message. He added that in the ongoing battles in Rakhine, the casualties of the Myanmar military (or Tatmadaw) appeared to be high. In January and early February, the government Army lost hundreds of soldiers in battle, the AA vice chief claimed.

Brig-Gen. Nyo Tun Aung said that in order to prevent dejection in the ranks, the military never publicly announces the death toll for its soldiers. He said that because the Army had been firmly defeated in the clashes, it was being aggressive toward Arakanese civilians. He warned that the Tatmadaw would continue to commit rights abuses, including torture and arbitrary arrests of Arakanese civilians.

He promised villagers that if the authorities badly treat the Arakanese people, they will be made to pay an eye for an eye. The AA expected fierce fighting would continue and that the death toll on both sides would likely rise in the near future.

Brig-Gen. Nyo Tun Aung said, My message to those who are away from their homes is please return to protect your own family. Nothing is worth more than a life. You can earn [money] as long as you are alive. Money cant buy life.

The AAs deputy chief reiterated that the ultimate goal of the United League for Arakan (ULA/AA), the AAs political wing, is that the AA must be the only army in Rakhine State. Tatmadaw battalions have a heavy presence in Rakhine State, but the AA will drive them out of the Arakanese lands, he said. The AA designates the armed resistance period in 2019 and 2020 as a transitional period.

We will not give up on our ultimate mission, no matter what the circumstances, he said.

Brig-Gen. Nyo Tun Aung told villagers via a live-stream that Tatmadaw soldiers exploit ordinary commuters in the region by offering free rides to their destination. If the troops are ambushed by AA fighters, they denounce the AA as targeting civilians. He suggested the villagers avoid riding in military trucks or private trucks with soldiers.

According toBrig-Gen. Nyo Tun Aung, the AA plans to issue more statements to the Arakanese public, keeping community leaders in the villages informed, and issuing warning letters to traitors and so on. He also warned the public to be careful about the authenticity of statements they read, as some fake announcements had been published in the past by supporters of the government Army.

If it reaches beyond your knowledge, please consult with well-educated people or those who have enough knowledge to judge the authenticity [of the statements], he said.

AA leaders have occasionally conducted such online conferences in the past. Both AA chief Tun Myat Naing and deputy chief Nyo Tun Aung have held such conferences with Arakanese scholars and residents of the U.S. in recent months.

Since early January, the AA rebels have been staging attacks on the government Army in five townships in northern Rakhine State, as well as in Chin States Paletwa. They have clashed with Army troops on more than 100 occasions within 40 days. Aid shipments from international relief agencies to Rakhine States Kyauktaw Township and Chin States upper Paletwa are being blocked by frontline commanders despite hundreds of displaced villagers being in need.

Local relief groups estimate that armed clashes between the government Army and the AA has resulted in more than 6,000 IDPs in Rakhine State. More than 200 Arakanese and ethnic Chin from Paletwa were driven from their homes to neighboring Bangladeshs Bandarban District last weekend. The Bangladesh authorities summoned Myanmars ambassador to discuss the new refugee arrivals in recent days.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the AAs deputy chief Nyo Tun Aungs ranking as Major-General when, in fact, his ranking is Brigadier-General.
In Person For Conservation Group Yangon Heritage Trust, the Colonial Past is Prologue

YHT founder U Thant Myint-U (right) and the then US President Obama in the courtyard of Yangons Secretariat during the presidents visit to Myanmar in December, 2017. / Kyaw Phyo Tha / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  Known as the home of one of the most complete ensembles of colonial architecture in the world, Yangon today might have been a different place were it not for Yangon Heritage Trust (YHT). Dubbed Asias last bastion of the colonial era, Myanmars former capital is studded with hundreds of grand and humble buildings from those bygone days amid its multiethnic communities. But when the country opened up to the outside world in 2012 after five decades of self-imposed isolation, Yangons century-old architectural heritage was put at risk from a new wave of urban development.

Enter YHT. Founded by well-known historian and author U Thant Myint-U that year to preserve the citys unique architectural legacy, YHT is now the most authoritative local non-governmental organization in Myanmar on the conservation of urban heritage. It has saved some old buildings, including historic ones, from being demolished to make way for development. The trust has promoted public awareness of the importance of preserving the citys architectural heritage by arranging free walking tours in the [Myanmar] language around downtown Yangon, which is packed with beautiful and historic British colonial buildings. Since 2014 YHT has been installing commemorative blue plaques in [Myanmar] and English around the city to highlight significant historic structures and draw the attention of locals and visitors alike to both the known and forgotten histories of the city. So far the trust has installed 26 of the plaques. And in addition to providing technical assistance on renovation projects, YHT also produced the Yangon Heritage Strategy to help shape the downtowns future.

On the occasion of the trusts seventh anniversary, U Thant Myint-U took questions from The Irrawaddys Kyaw Phyo Tha on what he thinks of YHTs accomplishments and challenges, about Yangon today and more.

What is your assessment of YHTs accomplishments on the occasion of its seventh anniversary?

An enormous amount has been accomplished in an extremely difficult situation. When YHT was set up in 2012, there was no discussion of urban conservation and the government, by its own admission, had no agenda to save the citys architectural heritage. Over a thousand pre-war buildings had been demolished over the previous 15 years. Since 2012, very few have been demolished. Instead, there is growing awareness of the value of protecting whats left. I think our blue plaques program has been important for this, as well as our constant outreach, including through free [Myanmar]-language tours. YHT has also provided technical assistance for over a hundred renovation projects. In the environment we created, over $300 million has been invested in renovation. In addition, YHT produced the Yangon Heritage Strategy, which contains, I believe, an excellent set of ideas for downtown [Yangons] future. All this has been done in seven years, on a shoestring budget, the result of hard work by an incredibly dedicated team of people.

When and how did you get the idea for the formation of the trust?

I am neither an architect nor an urban planner. People sometimes approach me for advice on building renovation or conservation, but I know nothing about these things. My starting point was very simple: I remember what [Yangon] looked like in the 1970s and I saw after 1995 not just the destruction of so many beautiful buildings but also their replacement by awful looking structures that would be terrible to live in or work in. I wanted to stop the demolitions. I imagined a restored [Yangon] that would be a great place for both residents and visitors. When the new government in 2012 said they were interested in pursuing my very initial ideas, I set up YHT. I didnt realize it would take up a lot of my time and energy over the next several years.

What challenges did you face over seven years? What were the difficulties saving the old downtown especially?

Everything was a challenge. There is no ecosystem here around conservation  very few architects or engineers or skilled workers with relevant experience. Just setting up an NGO was an uphill battle. We didnt even receive our registration until 2016. Fundraising has been a challenge too. The main problem, though, was the uncoordinated nature of government, the weakness of state institutions, and absence of any public awareness of the value of what they had, and the unrestrained and corrupt nature of [Myanmar] capitalism.

What is YHT currently doing?

To be honest, I distanced myself from YHTs work over a year ago to focus on my new book (just finished) and a few other commitments. So Im not familiar with exactly what is happening day to day. But I know YHT [is] working closely with [the] government, responding to [its] almost daily requests for advice and technical assistance. YHT [is] also, under a grant from the government of Italy, completing a series of major surveys and studies that will allow the government to take the next big step towards the proper planning of downtown. The blue plaques program is continuing as well.

To what extent has the government supported the conservation of Yangons colonial architecture?

The regional government was extremely supportive from the start and has made urban conservation part of its core policy agenda. The challenge, though, is getting from where we are to a proper long-term vision and plan. If, over the coming couple of years, the government could build on YHTs work, and the big renovation projects recently completed, by improving the public spaces around these projects (reducing traffic, improving the pavements, the waterfront, the parks, etc), we can all be proud [of] having achieved something almost no other city in Southeast Asia has achieved.

What is still needed for heritage conservation in Yangon?

Well, at the end of the day, the government [has] to decide: Does it want downtown Yangon to be one of the worlds top destinations and one of Asias most beautiful, multicultural, urban spaces, or not? If it does, it can do it. All the ingredients are there. Many of the ideas needed are in our Yangon Heritage Strategy. But it has to be a priority.

What are YHTs future plans?

Id like to make sure that YHT can survive well without me. I dont think any institution should depend on one person or even a group. That means setting up proper governance, management and funding mechanisms. Beyond that, I think YHTs role will always be [primarily] an advisory one to the government and an advocacy one to the general public.

Why is British colonial architecture important for Yangon?

Because its part of [an] urban fabric that can be woven together with modern infrastructure to create a beautiful new city. The old town is also important because its a physical link to the past, to [Myanmar] and global history. If we lose this link, our ability to imagine the past and imagine different futures will be far poorer. Rethinking [Myanmar] history is a key to a better country, and downtown [Yangon] is part of that key.

What do you think of Yangon today?

On the one hand, there are many more conveniences, from stable electricity to excellent telecoms. But its also a much less livable city than seven years ago, with worsening air pollution, traffic congestion, and noise pollution. A big part of the problem [is] cars. Cars are destroying the city, destroying its tourist potential, destroying daily life for people. Not enough was done since 2011 to restrict cars and instead invest in public transport and walkability. I fear [Yangon] is heading in the same unhealthy direction as cities like Manila, Jakarta and Bangkok, when it could actually be so much better.

What would you like to see Yangon look like in the next seven years?

A beautiful downtown, open to the waterfront, with many car-free zones, and walking and bicycle paths to the Shwedagon and nearby parks, part of a city with the most modern infrastructure, excellent public transportation, including an underground (not a sky) train, with many more green and public spaces, where people can live healthy lives and enjoy rest, recreation and good food, near their homes and workplaces.
Experienced Antrim hurler Neil McManus has admitted he fears a disorderly Brexit could spell a return to the days of being stopped at border checkpoints on the way to GAA games.

The Cushendall hurler, preparing for Saturdays AIB All-Ireland semi-final against St Thomas in Dublin, said he recalls being questioned by police in Belfast merely for holding a hurley in his hands.

The Good Friday Agreement and the removal of a physical border made life easier for GAA players, but the possibility of border infrastructure being reintroduced has prompted fears of tensions returning.

[Brexit] is the only thing we hear about in the North, said McManus. If the outcome of Brexit means a hard border, then its a huge problem. Im in Dublin a couple of times a week. Are you going to be getting out and having your hurls [checked]?

All the lads who are finished playing will tell you they remember crossing the border, bus stopped, off you get, look through your kit bag, soldiers taking your hurls, throwing them away and all this carry on. We dont want to be involved in that, thats for sure.

Personally, I remember sitting in the car with my father driving and just sitting in queues and stuff, but very little. Things have changed hugely apart from a couple of times when a police officer would stop you and say, what are you doing? with a hurl in your hand when I was waiting on a lift in Belfast, this type of stuff.

Theres very little of that going on nowadays really and certainly not in the Glens. Theres more people walking about with hurleys than without them.

Asked if he fears a potential return to tensions in Antrim and Ulster with talk of border infrastructure potentially returning, McManus shrugged.

Certain areas in the North have moved on further than others probably, to be totally honest. The Glens were relatively untouched by the Troubles. There were instances where there were fatalities, but they were fewer, a huge amount fewer, than in Belfast or in border areas, so I dont see a huge change for the Glens, but for the people of the North, Brexits a very, very real concern.

The talented forward, 30, was also critical of the ongoing Casement Park impasse, with the ground lying in decay for six years and a decision about its redevelopment no closer.

The decision to shut down the ground has cost Antrim GAA millions of pounds and cost us the use of Casement Park, said McManus, who described his own special connection with the ground.

For the first five years of my working life, every Friday I finished work and I went to Casement, hit frees and then bounced into the Andersonstown Leisure Centre for a bit. Theres a group of Antrim hurlers there now and their generation is going through their entire Antrim career without any affinity to West Belfast. They havent got any gra for it.

West Belfast is a class wee place, Andersonstown, and its turning into a Gaeltacht quarter as well now and they have no interaction with it, because theyre never there.
Croke Park stadium manager Peter McKenna has claimed that Jim Gavin and other managers whove criticised the venues pitch have their facts wrong and are engaging in deflection.

McKenna confirmed that the Croke Park pitch was relaid on three different occasions in 2018, though he insisted it had no effect whatsoever on its playability.

Roscommon manager Kevin McStay claimed the surface was not good enough in July of 2017 after it was relaid following concerts.

After that summers Leinster final against Kildare, Gavin said a section of relaid pitch wasnt great for both teams and he urged the management of Croke Park to have a look at it and to reconsider summer concerts there.

However, at yesterdays release of the GAAs annual accounts for 2018, which include the specific accounts for Croke Park Ltd, McKenna said: I stand over it from a technical point of view; we test that pitch and take all of the metrics of it, said McKenna. Managers need to deflect from other conversations, so its easy to say, oh, we didnt like this, or whatever. The pitch is put down to the highest standards and we would know exactly what the performance metrics of that pitch are in terms of stud-turn, hardness and so on. I have those [statistics] there for every week for the last five or six years. No, theres no issue with the pitch.

Managers deflect, they dont want to talk about the issue that you [the media] want to talk about, so the pitch is an easy way to create a diversion, if you like. The figures are there and Im more than happy to show them to anybody.

Asked if he had contacted Gavin specifically, McKenna said: I have tried several times, but he is a very busy man. He is a pilot, as well as everything else.

Croke Park hosted Taylor Swift, Michael Buble, and The Rolling Stones concerts last year and some or all of the pitch was replaced each time. Gavin questioned the wisdom of holding the Swift shows a week before the Leinster final between Dublin and Laois.

They are an outstanding grounds team in Croke Park and no doubt they did their very best, but probably the administration doesnt help them by putting them in that situation in trying to turn that pitch around in six days, said Dublin boss Gavin at the time.

Former Dublin captain Colin Moran called for an investigation in late 2016 to determine why Croke Park is so slippery when wet.

Its a beautiful arena, but the surface is so hard that when it rains its treacherous, said Moran.

However, McKenna said there are no issues whatsoever with the pitch and he reiterated that he attempts to contact managers whenever they are critical of the surface.

I do, indeed, and I think criticism is really positive, he said. I welcome anyone making comments, because it helps us raise our game, but if you do make criticism, its nice to find out exactly what your issues were and let us respond. Im always very, very conscious that the fellas who work on the pitch are just regular lads and they have millions of people scrutinising their work and theyre [on the] back page invariably through the year. Thats an awful lot of pressure to put on fellas. They are part of my team and I will defend their ability to do their work, because I think theyre brilliant. If theres criticism Ill go and chat to the guy thats making it and say, lets talk it through, tell us exactly what the issues are. If we need to tweak or to change, then so be it, but its something, and you [the media] probably find this the same, its not always easy to catch managers. Theyre busy lads.

Croke Park Ltd returned a profit before tax of 11m in 2018, with a distribution of 8m back to central GAA funds. Its profitability is one of the major success stories, with 13.1m  almost half of the stadiums revenue in 2018  coming from corporate activities. The ground had 1.4m visitors in 2018, with 856,000 of those coming on match days, 163,000 visiting the museum and skyline tour, 290,000 attending concerts and special events and 130,000 using the ground for meetings.

The new Croke Park farm in Naul is fully operational and, aside from providing turf for pitch resurfacing, it also produces cheese and oil.

Weve zero to landfill at Croke Park. Weve maintained that for the last three years. Its a huge achievement and we just want to show whats possible elsewhere, as well, so weve got polytunnels [on the farm] using compost from grass clippings and then we bring the harvest back to be used in the kitchens here, said McKenna. Weve installed bee hives there as well, but the main thing is were growing our own pitches out there and thats fantastic.
The critically acclaimed Can You Ever Forgive Me? has put confidence tricks back in the spotlight. Robert Hume looks back at some of the most famous scams.

An email from a well-known courier, telling you that your invoice: is ready to be paid now, even though you havent shipped any packages; messages about PayPal and Apple transactions youve not made; an attorney offering to represent you as the only surviving relative of a dead man who has left a fortune. A phone call from the technical department of your wifi provider, warning theres malware on your computer; one from an insurance company claiming: a member of your family has recently been involved in an accident. Just a typical week for your average net and phone user.

Such confidence tricks may be on the increase, but theyre certainly not new. Oscar nominees Melissa McCarthy and Richard E Grant make a perfect pairing in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, the story of real-life literary forger Lee Israel, who forged Noel Cowards signature and typed missives from Dorothy Parker, selling them around New York bookshops. Here are some of the other scams to make it into history.

1. William Thompson: the first confidence man

Con men were once described as diddlers, after Jeremy Diddler, the artful swindler in James Kenneys 1803 play Raising the Wind who never repaid his debts.

During the 1840s, William Thompson took deceit to a new level: casually approaching affluent strangers in Manhattan, he would tip his hat, give a little bow, and introduce himself as a former acquaintance.

After a few minutes smooth talking, he would politely ask: Have you confidence in me to trust me with your watch until tomorrow? Most surrendered their watch, occasionally their money. It would have been bad manners not to have obliged an old friend, and embarrassing to admit you could not remember them.

In 1849 he was arrested when one of his victims, Thomas McDonald, once the proud owner of a gold pocket watch, alerted a policeman.

William Thompsons brazen deceptions inspired Herman Melvilles The Confidence-Man (1857). The novel describes a boat sailing down the Mississippi, loaded with con men selling quack medicines and stock in failing companies.

2. Gregor MacGregor, the super scammer who sold an imaginary country

This debonair Scottish war veteran reinvented himself as the Cazique and owner of a place called Poyais in Central America.

Times were auspicious for impostors after the Napoleonic War, when the lure of fortune proved irresistible. MacGregor presented maps and statistics about Poyais in a splendid leather-bound guidebook. A commentary by Dr Thomas Strangeways (MacGregor himself) described friendly natives, chunks of gold lining riverbeds, trees overflowing with fruit. No smart investor could pass the opportunity by.

Hundreds of people between 1822-38 invested the modern equivalent of 4bn in MacGregors heaven on earth. Some 250 emigrated and were dumped in a stretch of wilderness in Honduras. MacGregor got away with it, and many of his victims died of malaria.

3. Bertha Heyman  the confidence queen

Big Bertha Heyman was a Prussian migrant who specialised in fleecing wealthy gentlemen by pretending to be a rich widow, unable to access her fortune.

Berthas charade began the moment she arrived in USA in 1878. She checked in at one of the best hotels with her maid and manservant, and bragged about having influential friends. Her first victim was a sleeping car conductor she met on a train from Chicago. She showed him a mansion on a large estate that she claimed was hers, and wanted him to manage. But until her agent paid her inheritance, she needed to borrow some money. The tale, repeated time and again, was so plausible that men rushed forward in droves to advance money in return for a cut of her fortune. I delight in getting into the confidence and pockets of men who think they cant be skinned, Heyman sniggered. The New York City police dubbed her: The boldest and most expert of the many female adventuresses who infest the country.

4. Charles Ponzi  the Boston swindler

Ponzi, who claimed he was born in Parma, Italy, arrived in Boston in 1903 with $2.50 in cash and $1m in hopes. While employed as a waiter, he was fired for shortchanging customers. Later, he was imprisoned for presenting a forged cheque in Canada. Finding a loophole in the postal system, Ponzi got his friends to bulk-buy international postal reply coupons in countries where they were available cheaply, and send them to him in USA. He then swapped them for American stamps of a higher value, which he sold at a profit.

During the 1920s he promised investors a 100% return in just 90 days. When dividends were due, many agreed to reinvest, so he seldom needed to pay out. He is believed to have raked in some $15m, and could afford gold walking canes, a custom-built limousine, and a mansion. Convicted of fraud, Ponzi ended up in prison.

5. Victor Lustig and the Eiffel Tower sale

In 1925 this hoaxer from Bohemia posed as a French government official to sell the Eiffel Tower as scrap. Having commissioned stationery carrying an official government seal, he wrote to bosses in the French scrap metal industry, inviting them to a meeting at a Paris hotel.

Because of engineering faults [and] costly repairs, he announced, the tearing down of the Eiffel Tower has become mandatory. The tower would be sold to the highest bidder. Twelve bids quickly flowed in. The winner, businessman Andre Poisson, was too embarrassed to inform the French police that he had been conned.

6. Gerd Heidemann and the forged Hitler Diaries

In 1983 Heidemann stunned the world by claiming he had unearthed Hitlers diaries.

He said he had obtained all 60 volumes from a general in the East German Army who had pulled them from a burning Nazi aeroplane that had crashed in 1945. Ever since he had kept them hidden in a hayloft.

Stern magazine was duped into paying Heidemann over 2.5m for them, and eminent historian Hugh Trevor-Roper declared them authentic, but tests on the paper found it was too modern. Soon the true story unravelled. Heidemann had obtained the diaries from Konrad Kujau, a dealer in Nazi mementoes who supplemented genuine artefacts with fakes, and was an excellent imitator of handwriting. Heidemann and Kujau were sent to prison, in common with a host of tricksters before them. Writer Edgar Alan Poe said back in 1843 that the qualities of successful diddlers included: audacity, ingenuity, perseverance, impertinence and a grin.

Phishing signs of a scam message or phone call

Spelling mistakes and/or poor grammar.

Generic greeting: dear customer, or Hi followed by email address.

Request for a fee up front to release a fortune.

Asks for credit card security code, pin, or passwords.

A warning to act now.

What to do if you get one:

Dont reveal any financial details. No bona fide organisation will ever ask for these.

Dont open attachments or click on links unless 100% sure theyre genuine. They might infect your computer with a virus.

Trust your instincts. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Irelands Commission for Communications Regulation advises:

Dont call back any phone number you dont recognise.

Dont return calls to unknown international numbers.

The European Consumer Centre Ireland (https://www.eccireland.ie/popular-consumer-topics/scams/) adds:
A new book explores the secret to a long lasting relationship  by asking couples that have spent decades together to share their love stories. Ciara McDonnell reports

A successful marriage involves talking. Lots of talking So says Marty Whelan, veteran broadcaster and husband of 33 years to Maria.

The thing about us is that we are always chatting about something, he laughs down the phone line. The couple got married in 1985, but met almost a decade before that in 1974 at the now defunct Grove disco. We started talking then and we never stopped.

Of course, as you go on in life, you get to know each others moods; when someone is down or in a spot of trouble  thats all part of it, you know?

Longstanding love is the subject of photographer Ari Seth Cohens latest book, Advanced Love. Profiling 40 couples to whom love is not bound by age or time, the book explores themes of love and companionship through first person accounts from the couples themselves, as they muse about lives spent together.

Ari Seth Cohen, author of Advanced Love. Picture: Randy Shropshire/Getty Images

Cohens inspiration comes from the love that he observed between his grandparents. The image of my grandparents holding hands lovingly and laughing at one anothers jokes will forever be ingrained in my memory, he explains.

All my grandparents stayed together until the end of their lives. They were madly in love. This kind of love seems to becoming more rare these days.

The 35-year old Cohen learned a lot about love while making the book. While making it, he found himself in his first long-term relationship, and he nurtured this newfound love with lessons he gleaned from the senior set.

So much about staying vital is linked to having a sense of community, whether it be family, friends, a pet, or a partner, he suggests.

The men and women I met through this project served as the perfect guides to understanding what it takes to commit to a long lasting relationship. Advanced Love is filled with great insight, but most importantly it shows that its never too late to find love, that love is imperfect and reliant on constant communication, empathy, and a sense of humour.

Oh God, you have to have the craic, agrees Marty. We are very lucky, Maria and I, because we both have an active sense of the absurd and a similar sense of humour and we make each other laugh, often. Thats a great thing to be able to say and its very important, I think.

Laughter, says psychoanalyst and former RTE newsreader Michael Murphy, is key to making a marriage work in the long term. Murphy has been with his husband Terry for 34 years, and they laugh every day.

Michael Murphy and Terry OSullivan on their wedding day. Photo: Stephen Collins

We have little disagreements certainly, but we have a good sense of humour about ourselves when we are making a point, and that always helps.

The couple met when Michael was working with RTE as a director/producer on a programme called Agenda. Terry was working in The Rutland Centre at that time and we did a programme there on addiction.

Over the years, Michael left broadcasting to train as a psychoanalyst, and the couple run a successful practice from Dublin.

I also think that partly a relationship can succeed when the people are very different, and we are very different people, says Terry.

We each have a different response to life and we live as much in the day as we possibly can. Ive had a long career of working with people who are either alcoholics or drug dependent and that is one of the things that I have learned from them.

You can be successful in your life if you keep it very much in the day and dont let your neurosis and all the rest of it run away with you.

Alice Carey, an Irish American and author of memoir Manhattan To West Cork (Collins Press) is featured in Advanced Love with her husband Geoffrey Knox. Carey has always railed against conformity, and it was no different when considering marriage during the mid 1970s.

Having to buy a thirty-five-dollar license seemed a barbaric throwback to times when a wife was considered her husbands chattel. So Geoffrey and I lived blissfully in sin until 20 years later, when I succumbed to marriage.

Alice and Geoffrey were obvious choices, says Cohen, when he was compiling his wish list for Advanced Love.

I have known them for years, ever since my first book, he explains. They are just wonderfully supportive of one anothers passions, always encouraging one another to be more thoughtful, and creative. True soul mates who are also very honest about the struggles that come with long lasting love.

Alice says that installing a few key relationship rules have kept her and Geoffrey on the straight and narrow since they got together all those years ago.

Make love as often as you can in ways that give equal pleasure to both, she orders.

Turn off the telly and sit on the couch together of an evening and talk. Always call each other by their first name - not sweet heart or darling - so you really connect with the person youre talking to.

Finally, Alice says that the key to a long relationship is in making plans.

Make long term-plans, both fanciful and practical, for five and ten years so you know where youre headed together.

Michael and Terry agree with Alice about the importance of making plans.

We always like to have a few lighthouses along the way; things to look forward to, says Michael. For example, we are both very interested in music and there is a Bach festival in Germany in Weimar and we have that booked for Easter.

Above all, they say, is to find a way to be kind to each other every single day.

We are both very kind and we have a respect and admiration for each other. Thats very important. We have been very lucky because we really admire each other and the work that we do, points out Michael.

Marty Whelan and his wife Maria Whelan at an opening night at The Bord Gais Energy Theatre. Photo: Brian McEvoy

For Marty Whelan, one of the great joys of his marriage to Maria has been the family that they have created together.

My daughter Jessica is 28 and my son Thomas is 25 and they still live at home. They are our friends as well as our children. They live independently of us, and we all get on very well.

We are so aware of how lucky we are to get on the way we do. We have very few fallings out in our home, and we are so grateful for that.

As Marty and Maria celebrate their fourth decade together, Marty is in love with his bride as much today as on the day they married.

She is very dark and shes very Italian looking and I have a thing about all things Italian. Maria has lovely eyes and long brown hair and thats what made me fall for her. As the fella says, the rest followed.

As a result of meeting the couples in his book, Ari Seth Cohen has come to one conclusion about love that lasts, and that is that it must be grounded in one thing, in order to stay the course.

Each couple that I met has different story and a different balance between them, but I think a deep respect for one another is definitely one commonality that I noticed between them.

So what should we look for in a mate for life? What is the key to long-lasting love? The answer, says Alice Carey, is simple. Seek out a person who you enjoy spending time with and you will find true love.

I have fewer years ahead of me than I have behind me. What I have is a man who I love, but like even more.
In this era of social media oversharing, should the same apply to our relationships? Is honesty always the best policy, asks Pat Fitzpatrick

Valentines Day  that one evening of the year where you gaze into your partners eyes in an over-priced restaurant and say: Did you remember to bring the joint account card?

Or maybe youre sick of sharing. Thanks to St Valentine, February is awash with relationship advice articles, most of which can distilled into four words  the importance of communication. The people who know about these things will tell you that its better out than in  this is even more acute in the Age of Sharing, where its important to let everyone know where you stand on everything, so people who own shares in Facebook and Google can buy themselves another new house made of gold.

But, whether its to your partner or someone else, is there really a benefit to always saying what you think and feel? Is it better out than in, even if it hurts other people, and there is a chance you might be wrong?

Karl Ove Knausgaard probably reckons it is. The Norwegian author is an international superstar following the publication of his series of six autobiographical novels, Min Kamp (My Struggle). The books are controversial, and not just because they share a title with Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler.

Writing in the first person, he gives us  in microscopic detail  a warts-and-all look at bad sex, betrayals, boring New Years Eve parties, and a fraught relationship with his alcoholic father who drank himself to death. This last aspect caused the most controversy  his fathers brother claimed he misrepresented the facts and threatened to go to court to prevent publication. It didnt work, and the book was an explosive bestseller on release, selling half a million copies in Norway alone.

Min Kamp isnt for everyone. You might be 10 pages into a description of him making prawns for dinner (like I say, in microscopic detail), when he kicks off a 20 page digression on the difference between James Joyce and William Faulkner. I skip some of those bits and find the rest addictive. Ive never taken crack cocaine, but if I did and it wasnt this good, Id want my money back.

The most addictive bit for me is the uncompromising honesty when he describes his relationship with his wife, Linda. Although wrapped in affection and admiration, he is clearly exasperated by her moods and unpredictability which is a brave thing to admit given she has bipolar disorder. I chose the word brave here deliberately  we all think things were not supposed to think, it takes a certain courage to say them out loud.

But that doesnt make it right. As good as his books are, we cant all be like Knausgaard, honesty isnt always the best policy. (You could argue it isnt even the best policy for him. Part of his family remains furious with him and  spoiler alert  he subsequently separated from his wife.) One reason I dont think honesty is the best policy is that I dont trust my own moods.

This happens a lot in the mornings when, say, I find there is no soft butter in the butter dish, and now I have to take butter out of the fridge and melt it in the microwave so I can spread it on the bread for the kids sandwiches and it isnt the first time I have had to do it this week and I need to say something here, to show how angry I am. Then I have a sip of coffee and suddenly it doesnt seem that important any more. In fact, now that I think about it, I might have used the last bit of butter in the butter dish last night for that slice of toast before going to bed. And then Im glad that I dont trust my moods.

This isnt to say that I say nothing. If the butter dish is empty four mornings in a row and I wasnt the last one to use it, Ill have a word with my wife. At this point, she will bring up something that has been on her mind, often to do with washing clothes, and we will negotiate our way to a peace settlement. But as a rule, I like to check that Im not crazy before raising a complaint.

I realise this puts me out of touch with the Zeitgeist. Everywhere I look on Twitter or Facebook, someone is letting me know how they feel (furious) about their lost bag on a flight to Rome, tagging Aer Lingus or Ryanair so the carrier knows how just how angry they feel. (Not to mention letting us know that they are in Rome for the weekend. Look at you with loads of money.) Seriously, shut up. It isnt all about you. The 20 people who liked your post and said good for you are nothing compared to the 800 people who saw it and thought, get a life.

Im not suggesting people keep quiet about everything. I know that bottling up can be a serious threat to mental health, particularly for men, who are traditionally experts at keeping it all in. There has been a lot of good work done to address this including the latest Be a Man of More Words campaign led by the Movember foundation. This questions the notion that being a man of few words is a good thing, particularly if you are feeling down.

There is ample evidence that its good to talk. A brain-imaging study by psychologists in the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) illustrated the benefits of a few words. They showed participants a photo of an angry face, and measured activity in a part of the brain called the amygdala, which controls our biological responses to danger. They then showed the photo again, only this time they asked the subjects to describe what they saw; merely saying angry face, putting it into words, was enough to reduce activity in the amygdala. So, there is some upside to saying whats on your mind.

This includes keeping secrets by the way. Michael Slepian from Columbia Business School, has carried out studies which show that holding a secret takes a mental toll. His research concludes that this toll is less about the stress of keeping a secret,and more about the amount of time we spend mulling it over in our minds.

So yeah, I get this. There is nothing to be gained from continuously running a secret through your brain or rehearsing a speech you are going to make to your partner about melted butter. At some point, in certain cases, its better out than in.

But not always. Professor Eilis Hennessy from the School of Psychology in UCD warns of the rise of something known as co-rumination, among adolescents. This is where a problem that one young person has and shares with a friend, becomes exaggerated by constant discussion and can become a much larger than it needed to be. Indeed some research has linked co-rumination to depression in young people, according to Professor Hennessy.

Its not necessarily good to talk. There is still a lot to be said for a few sips of coffee and counting to 10. (Unless you are one of these people who should be locked up after drinking coffee because it gives you a quick shot of fury.) Casually throwing out your latest angry musings might seem like a bit of spring-cleaning for your mind. But when millions of people are doing it all the time, and sharing it forever on social media, the human space becomes that bit more toxic.

There is no point in telling people to stop being angry on Twitter or Facebook; youd have better luck telling Nigel Farage he should take up camogie. Theres also not much point telling people like me to stay off Twitter or Facebook; the fear of missing out would haunt us to the grave.

But maybe we could shift the culture a little, just to reduce our toxic-thought emissions. Yes, its crucial that those struggling with mental health issues, no matter how small, should open up to someone and talk about them. But that doesnt mean that everyone should feel entitled to vent all their spleen, all the time.

If you do feel the need to share a gripe or complain, try writing it in a diary for a while, or maybe even go to confession.

Better still, maybe we should set aside a week in each month where we follow the old adage we heard as kids  if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing.
Mateo Saina, the charismatic maitre D from First Dates Ireland, tells Esther McCarthy about the loves of his own life this Valentines Day

Hes the charismatic Croatian whose broad smile welcomes scores of nervous lovebirds through the doors of First Dates Ireland. And nobody is more pleased than Maitre D Mateo Saina when people find romance on the smash hit RTE show.

Now Mateo has told how he is smitten with two very special ladies in his life  long-term love Vjerana, and their little girl, Isabelle Luna, who arrived into the world just eight months ago.

He says it has transformed his life in the best of ways. Shes eight months. Its just brilliant, he tells me.

I was scared before it happened, all of the this oh your life is gonna change. Yeah, its gonna change, but it changes for the better. It gives you more structure, it forces you to plan for the future no matter what. Things dont faze me no more. My lady is back to work so two days a week I have the little one and Im the happiest man. Shes a funny, smiley little person, beautiful.

Though the young family have made Ireland their home, the couple grew up in the same neighbourhood in Istria, Croatia. The stunning Adriatic peninsula, near the Italian city of Trieste, has a varied history. The region was part of the Austrian Empire before becoming part of Italy. Ceded to Yugoslavia following WW2, it became part of Croatia following the breakup of that region.

For us we dont care in Istria, as long as you let us do our thing, it doesnt matter who is in power. People are really relaxed. We have a lot of Italian population, and people are just chilled out. Thats why they call us Italians.

Though First Dates Ireland has made him a familiar face, in Irish restaurant circles Mateo was already well known. His front-of-house skills have led to him working at the coalface of the Irish restaurant industry along such established names as Kevin Thornton and Ronan Ryan.

It was a trade he first fell in love with while doing national service in his homeland. In the army I was waiter to the head men. I was serving the colonel.

I loved it. It was brilliant, I remember we did six or seven months. It was pure joy.

"Every weekend I would go home, I was half an hour away from my home. It gave you a structure for life. You need to get up, you need to do this and this. And after I said: Im a man now.

Like many who work in the restaurant industry, for a time Mateo embraced it as an opportunity to see the world. He welcomed diners on the ski-slopes of Austria, in the glamorous eateries of Amsterdam and in the sunshine of an Italian summer. But after spending three years in Dublin, he longed to return  and has now based himself in Ireland for over a decade.

In the early days, he worked in such top establishments as Brownes, Town Bar and Grill and Thorntons on the Green. Kevin Thornton, regarded by many as one of the finest chefs in the country, closed his doors a year after losing his Michelin Stars.

Mateo says while he loves the industry, the pressure on restaurants to evolve and survive amid huge competition and financial challenges can be brutal and that Thornton, who now runs his own business specialising in bespoke dining events and masterclasses, is missed in Irish restaurant circles.

Mateo is currently working on La Cucina in the heart of the citys South William Street, an authentic and intimate Italian restaurant set in the very special surroundings of Powerscourt Townhouse.

He feels very fond of and connected to Irish people, and finds a common ground with the laid-back attitude of his own nationality.

The Irish are brilliant, thats why First Dates is so popular, because Irish people made it. Thats what it is, the funny side of the Irish people. They have this aura about them. I wouldnt stay for 13-plus years if I didnt feel that it was worth it, that the people are worth it.

Ratings are higher than ever on this, the fourth season of the quirky and often touching show, where those looking for love are paired on blind dates with potential partners.

He and the other restaurant staff have become very much part of the fabric and personality of the show, checking in with daters to see how theyre getting along, providing encouraging words to nervous newcomers, and in one instance, prompting a man who had forgotten his dates name.

At this stage we are mates, we go out for dinners together. Weve got two new guys now and theyre cool. We have a good team. Still, their main focus is on the service  the show is recorded as live and the staff have to deliver a full service on the day.

As the first person a dater meets when they come through the restaurant doors, he is persistently and noticeably kind, encouraging and complimenting nervous arrivals.

This is the way my mother and my father raised me, simple as that. Its human nature that somebodys walking in, and you see that theyre nervous. Does it cost you anything to give a nice kind word? It doesnt. I live by the moral that its just easier to be nice. Lets not dramatise where theres no need.

He has all but stopped guessing whos clicking with who, having been wrong many times.

You dont know, because you dont know what their preferences are until they say yes or no. Its about a style, about a thing that puts you in a loving mood.

And we all have different criteria, nobody has a definition, we all have our own definition about love. Who are we to judge others wishes.

Theres a famous songwriter in Croatia, and he says: Who am I to tell you youre wrong? Who am I to wake you out of your golden dreams? Its for other people to decide. Were all different. He comes across as a complete natural on camera, yet he says he felt daunted at the prospect of the role when it first came up.

The owners of Coco TV (the shows producers) knew my boss in the Green Hen, Paul. They remained friends and they knew he had a restaurant so they reached out to him for advice and recommendations. At the time he said to me: Listen, youre going to get a phone call  just go with it. He didnt even tell me what it was. They called me and I said: No I wouldnt do TV, thats not my gig. I do this for a living, I work in the catering industry. The TV would be a disaster for me and for you! I never imagined myself on TV. It was never in my head.

In the early days, he would think about what audiences would make of him, perfectly understandable as a newcomer to the format. If you have that kind of attitude you dont come across as natural. What put me at ease is that I do this for a living, so for me theres no need, be yourself and off you go. Do whatever what you do in the restaurant, just tone it down, because Im a wild cat in the restaurant!

Its structured differently. In the restaurant its about the food and the service, but here its about a laugh and relaxation. Obviously it has to be good, but its not the main focus. It puts my job completely at ease.

Nothing make he and his colleagues happier than when two dates find a connection that leads to friendship or romance, especially older daters.

Young couples, they can stand up and keep on going without blinking. For older couples its a little bit harder. Normally who Id gravitate towards are older couples. They put more faith, I would say, into the date, than younger ones do, because younger couples have their whole lives ahead to find someone. For older couples it could be a unique, cool chance to really, really find somebody. Every time I see couples in their fifties, sixties, or above, for me this is brilliant.
Mary McGrath is from Ballybrannigan near Cloyne, Co Cork, and is the artistic director of the First Cut Youth Film Festival. The tenth festival for school-aged film-makers takes place in Youghal from March 6-9. See firstcutfilmfestival.com

Best recent book youve read:

Its a toss-up between Normal People by Sally Rooney and Milkman by Anna Burns.

Best recent film:

Of all the films released in 2018 I have two favourites: Lady Bird, where our own Saoirse Ronan is exceptional. The second is The Image You Missed, a documentary made by a young Irish filmmaker, Donal Foreman.

Best recent show or exhibition youve seen:

Earth, Wind & Fire: Made in Cork Contemporary at the Crawford Art Gallery, I am so glad I got to see this showcase of beautiful art and craft works from six local artists. The art quilts and origami were stand out pieces which I really enjoyed.

Best piece of music youve been listening to lately (new or old):

Ive been listening to Dermot Kennedy for a while now, he is so talented and has just released a music video for For Island Fires and Family which he wrote about his aunt who lived on Inis Mor. The video is shot on the island and made by the talented filmmaker Brendan Canty who has worked with us on the First Cut festival for the last three years.

First ever piece of music or film that really moved you:

Betty Blue (pictured above) made in 1986, is my favourite film of all time, I saw it when I was 20, and have watched it again and again over the years since. I studied French in college and was in love with everything French at the time. This movie sums up all that intrigued me about France... the language, the geography (from the beaches of the Riviera to the streets of Paris), and the people (neurotic and sullen). Cannot recommend it enough, a beautiful moving film and great cinematography and soundtrack!

The best film or gig youve ever seen:

Leonard Cohen at Lissadell House in Sligo in 2010 with my friend Rose. Such an amazing place, full moon, it was magic!

Tell us about your TV viewing:

I have been addicted to Grand Designs, and even to Kevin McCloud, for years. More recently. Breaking Bad, Sharp Objects, The Handmaids Tale, The Good Fight and of course. The Young Offenders.

Radio listening and/or podcasts:

I listen to Arena on RTE Radio 1 whenever I can.

Your best celebrity encounter:

I introduced myself to Micheal O Muircheartaigh in Dingle once. I love his voice, it brings me back to childhood Sundays listening to a match on the radio.

You can portal back to any period of human cultural history or event  where, when, and why?

Nothing appeals to me more than the present, what is happening in Ireland at this time. Repeal the 8th, #MeToo movement, the Marriage Equality referendum the times they are a changing, and its about time!

Do you have any interesting ancestors or family?

My grand aunts were an amazing bunch of strong women, born far before their time. Despite being born in the late 1800s on a small farm they all managed to get a third level qualification. Great role models to grow up with.

Unsung hero  individual or group you think dont get the praise they deserve:

Young people. They are always the ones to get bad press. This kind of stereotyping has a very negative impact on how all members of that group feel about themselves and how they are valued and treated by society. Most of us dont listen enough to young people. They are creative, enthusiastic and are energising to be around, and that is one of the great pleasures I take from being involved with First Cut Youth Film Festival.

You are queen for a day  whats your first decree?

Ban the monarchy!
University College Cork is to open a 4,000-student strong Business School in Cork city centre in what is another huge boost for the region.

UCC has chosen the Trinity Quarter site, previously Brooks Haughtons builders yard, as the location for its new Cork University Business School (CUBS), for 200 staff and 4,000 students.

The site already has full planning permission for a development of 220,000sq ft, on 1.46 acres in a five-storey building with atrium and basement. However, UCC will now seek permission for change of use from offices to education use and may seek approval from City Hall for an altered design, but the height and scale precedent for such a large-scale development has been established.

The former Brooks Haughton site as it appeared yesterday, which is set for redevelopment by UCC. Picture: Larry Cummins

Dean of CUBS, Thia Hennessy, said a design team would now go to work on the proposal, and suggested a date for moving in could be the start of the academic year in 2022 or 2023.

Currently, the Cork University Business School has 3,500 students across disciplines such as finance, economics, accounting, BIS, marketing and food business: of these, about 700 are postgraduates, and 400 are international students from non-EU countries. It is understood rival locations considered for the new, state-of-the-art CUBS were at Curraheen, west of the city where UCC has land, and in the citys burgeoning docks district, but the decision was made to go city centre, with fuller details of the deal to be made in coming weeks.

UCC president Patrick OShea said a commitment had been made that the new business school should be city-facing. That commitment was central to our choice of site for the new business school.

The successful growth of the university has required expansion beyond our historic campus and I want that expansion to integrate well into the university-city interface and to bring additional vibrant entrepreneurial benefits and jobs to further enhance the social and economic fabric of Corks city and its region.

Ms Hennessy said student numbers were heading up to 4,000.

This building will give us the capacity to realise our potential in terms of student numbers and to offer a world-class student and staff experience in a future-proofed learning environment for generations of business students to come.

The Trinity Quarter site had been bought in 2008 for 15m by a Dairygold-related company, Alchemy Properties. They secured office planning on it, and put it up for pre-lets in 2016 via agents Lisney and CBRE.

It is now being purchased and developed by UCC, which paid an undisclosed sum for the 1.46 acres. It is thought likely to have been in the region of 16m.

The move follows swiftly on from late last year when UCC/CUBS also opened a centre for executive education at 1 Lapps Quay, in the old Savings Bank building facing City Hall.

The new site is on Copley St, South Terrace and fronts Union Quay and the College of Commerce, 100m from CITs School of Music, and is close to South Mall and St Patricks Street.

Meanwhile, also in Cork city centre, the sale of the 0.9-acre Carey Tool Hire and Sextant bar, for redevelopment by John Cleary Developments, has also been confirmed.
Two deaths of inmates have occurred in the last 10 days in the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise.

Suicide is suspected as the cause of death in both instances, but investigations are ongoing. It is highly unusual for two deaths to occur in such a short time span in a single prison.

The first death in the 830-inmate prison occurred sometime between the evening of January 27 and the following morning when the mans body was discovered in his cell. According to sources in the prison, the deceased was well-regarded by staff and presented no trouble. He was incarcerated after being convicted of a one punch offence that left his victim severely injured.

The second death was discovered on the afternoon of Tuesday last. The deceased was in protective custody which involves being locked up in a cell for 23 hours a day. Sources in the prison say he had asked the previous Friday to be put into protective custody because he felt his safety was under threat from a gang in another part of the prison.

Most prisoners in protective custody are under special observation which includes a duty of prison officers to check in on the prisoner every 15 minutes. In recent cases of deaths by suicide, there has been some controversy when it was retrospectively discovered that a deceased prisoner had not been checked for a matter of hours. The Inspector of Prisons has criticised staff for this failure.

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service told the Irish Examiner that the two deaths will be investigated by the service, the inspector, and An Garda Siochana.

Last night, Virgin Media One showed the first part of a documentary on life in the Midlands Prison.
A Dublin-based legal assistant, who claimed she had been intimidated, scared and bullied by an Irish Rail inspector who questioned her about an invalid train ticket, has lost a 75,000 defamation case against the company and ordered to pay its costs.

Nicola Dowd, a mother of two from The Avenue, Walshestown Park, Newbridge, Co Kildare, had alleged two inspectors on a power trip had shouted aggressively as they came at her on the Dublin-Newbridge train and defamed, embarrassed, intimidated and shamed her in front of a whole carriage.

Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke, throwing out her claim, said he had a problem with Ms Dowds allegation that she felt scared, intimidated and bullied as he did not see her as a person who would be very easily scared, intimidated or bullied. Instead he found her to be very strong in her views and opinions.

Judge Groarke told barrister Jeri Ward, counsel for Irish Rail, that he could not see that what had been said to Ms Dowd on the train by the inspectors had been defamatory. They had made a simple statement of fact that indeed she had travelled in the month of January 2018 on an invalid ticket.

Ms Ward, who appeared with CIE solicitor Orlagh Ryan, told the court that on January 22 and 23, 2018, Ms Dowd had travelled from Dublin to Newbridge on a short hop ticket that entitled her to travel from Dublin only to Sallins. When Inspector Gary Dunne had boarded the train beyond Sallins, at the Celbridge-Hazelhatch stop, he had told her she had an invalid ticket.

Ms Ward reminded Ms Dowd in cross-examination that in an email she had sent to Irish Rails customer care department she described Mr Dunne as a nasty, ignorant, rude, abusive and aggressive individual who has no business working on public transport and complained that he had absolutely no social skills and no skills in dealing with situations tactfully and discreetly.

Judge Groarke said there was an issue of credibility in the case between Ms Dowd and Mr Dunne as to what had been said on the train and he was resolving that issue against Ms Dowd for the reason that on January 29 she had again been addressed by an inspector on the same train when she did not have a valid ticket.

He said she had offered the explanation that she was entitled to travel on a monthly ticket she had bought for February, which did not become valid until three days later, and I believe that she knew perfectly well that wasnt the case. He said she had been travelling on the monthly February ticket on January 29 knowing full well she did not have a valid ticket.

Regarding what Mr Dunne allegedly stated on the train, the court was resolving that issue in his favour.

The court heard that the price of a monthly return ticket between Dublin and Newbridge was 237 while the price of the monthly short hop return ticket between Dublin and Sallins was only 154.
A paedophile who tipped off gardai about plans by other men to "share" an 11-year-old boy was caught in possession of child porn when his house was raided.

Abuser Hugh McBride will be on the sex offenders register forever after being previously found guilty of a litany of attacks on children in England.

The 61-year-old returned to live in Donegal some years ago and is being monitored by gardai.

He appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography on his laptop computer at his rented home in Oldtown, Letterkenny.

McBride had been contacted by another sex offender whom he met in Dublin's Arbour Hill Prison while on remand, after another prisoner said McBride may find him (the released prisoner) work.

When he contacted McBride he asked him if he wanted to "share" an 11-year-old boy whom he had identified in Cork.

McBride declined but reported the incident to gardai.

Gardai in Letterkenny decided to raid McBride's house and recovered a laptop computer and other items from the house.

The laptop was sent to the Garda's Cybercrime Unit in Dublin and it was found to contain 334 child pornography images, many of which had been taken from a nudist website.

The images were of naked children who were not being sexually abused and were at the lower end of the scale of seriousness, the court was told.

When arrested and interviewed on February 10, 2017 the accused said he had taken the pictures from 'nudist sites' and remarked: "That to me is not child porn."

When asked by interviewing gardai if he had a sexual interest in boys he replied: "Yes, it never goes away."

The court was told that McBride lives a "pathetic lifestyle" and has been moved on from three different houses after people learned of his previous convictions.

The barrister for the accused, Mr Shane Costello, said his client had significant previous convictions and is already subject to a lifelong monitoring on the sex offenders register.

He added: "He always took responsibility for the images. It is to his credit that underneath all of this he went to the gardai to report a far more serious crime, potentially of a boy aged 11 being shared about Cork city. He still chose to go to gardai and told them they needed to do something about it."

He also said his client was not buying the images of the children but that he was managing his own depravity by using images freely available to control his urges.

"He now appreciates that even this is a crime and not a victimless crime," added Mr Costelloe.

Judge John Aylmer asked if McBride had any previous convictions and he was told he had a number in England going back to the 80s and 90s.

These crimes included gross indecency against young children, taking indecent photographs of young children and indecent assault for which McBride had served substantial jail sentences.

On one occasion McBride was extradited from Ireland back to England to face a further trial there and was again found guilty and jailed.

Judge Aylmer said this was a complex case and he would pass sentence on McBride on Friday.
The high-profile Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has come under fire from another committee for straying beyond its remit and inquiring into areas in the prison services.

An annoyed chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, Caoimhghin O Caolain, has complained about PAC and has now demanded that its chairman and TDs on that body confine themselves to issues that are clearly within its remit.

The criticism was lodged with the Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail, in recent days.

PAC has faced criticism previously for covering areas outside its remit, but rarely from a fellow committee chair.

Mr O Caolain, in his letter obtained by the Irish Examiner, referred to PACs hearing into the prison service on January 17, which he said was ostensibly supposed to be around accounts.

But he added that the committee meeting quickly strayed into areas including about prisoners, mental illness, addiction issues, and allegations of bullying.

The Justice Committee chairman said: Members of this committee have expressed their annoyance at the PAC again encroaching upon subject matters that are quite evidently within the proper remit of the Committee on Justice and Equality, and I fully endorse these sentiments.

Mr O Caolain also said he had written to PAC chairman Sean Fleming and asked that PAC confine itself to issues that are clearly within its remit.

The Ceann Comhairle has replied to the complaint saying that the matter has now been referred to the Dail Committee on Procedures.

Meanwhile, the former master of the Coombe Maternity Hospital, Prof Chris Fitzpatrick, has asked for an opportunity to appear before PAC to discuss the financial overrun in the construction of the national childrens hospital.

He has told PAC that he has had serious concerns about the complexity and costs of developing on the current site at St James Hospital.

Prof Fitzpatrick told the committee that he strongly believes that a formal risk assessment must be now undertaken, as a matter of urgency, in relation to the sustainability of the project.

PAC is expected to discuss the request today.
We are well aware of the risk with this, but we leave it to customer choice, and if the customers choose to smoke and want to buy tobacco products in our environment, we provide that, Skinner said. Its been our position, and we work very hard to help those that would like to stop smoking to stop smoking.
NUI Galway has launched a new project to archive personal histories of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.

The university hosted a public event with members from the Tuam Home Survivors Network and featuring a range of speakers, including historian Catherine Corless, Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley of the Department of History, NUI Galway, and Irish Examiner reporter Conall O Fatharta.

The event was co-organised by the Universitys Department of History and the James Hardiman Library and opened with a survivor-led workshop involving members of the Network, and staff and students from the University. The event included two panel discussions exploring the issues of collecting and archiving oral histories of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.

In the evening NUI Galways President Ciaran O hOgartaigh launched The Tuam Oral History Project, which will involve the collecting of oral histories from survivors of the Tuam home, as well as people from the local area or those with an interest in contributing to the project.

Primary researchers on the project are Dr John Cunningham and Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley from NUI Galways Department of History and the oral histories will be housed in the James Hardiman Library.

According to the university, creative projects stemming from the recorded histories will be inter-generational, multi-disciplinary and involve survivors and contemporary artists and will also liaise with local schools and the wider community.

Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley said: We hope that through this event and the wider project, the voices of survivors and members of the community in Tuam will be brought to the fore. We hope that the survivor-led approach and the creative element of the programme can be used in exploring experiences of other institutions. Historical justice is a key part of this, as these stories have relevance not only to Ireland but to a variety of countries and contexts.

Dr Barry Houlihan of the Hardiman Library said: Archives and oral history provide spaces for reflection for present and future communities as well looking on the past. These testimonies will provide an important resource for access to private and public histories and experiences for future generations.

Catherine Corless, whose work did so much to bring the issue of the Mother and Baby Home to public attention, said: "I was just an ordinary housewife. There were no burial records of these children. There were remains found in a septic tank. I put two and two together."

She also said that the history of the home was linked to the issue of class, while Conall O Fatharta, who has written on the topic of Mother and Baby Homes for many years, said: "Magdalene Laundries, mother and baby homes, industrial schools and illegal adoptions are all treated as separate individual scandals, which obscures the bigger picture of the control and abuse of women and children."

Events at NUI Galway concluded with a screening of Mia Malarkeys documentary, Mother and Baby, followed by a panel discussion involving Ms Malarkey, survivor Peter Mulryan, Breeda Murphy from the Tuam Home Survivors Network and campaigner Eunan Duffy.
A young Irish woman has died following a fatal car accident in Australia.

The woman who was in her early 20s is understood to be from Mayo and had only travelled to Australia several weeks ago.

During the incident, which occurred in the Melbourne area, the woman received fatal injuries.

The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance to the family of the deceased.

A spokesperson said: "The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.

Meanwhile, another Mayo woman aged 31 who died during a visit to Austria has been named as Rachel McDarby, from Rathkelly, in Ballinrobe.

A member of a widely known and respected family, Rachel was visiting the St. Johann area in Tirol with family members when she became ill and died.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the McDarby family.

Her funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Members of the Claremorris Municipal District passed a vote of sympathy to the McDarby family at their monthly meeting yesterday.

The discovery of her body was made at the Hotel Park in the St Johann area of Tirol shortly before 10am on Tuesday.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious by local police.

Police were called when others in the party were unable to make contact with her yesterday morning.

Officers probing the find believe the cause of death was the result of a medical issue and do not suspect foul play.

A post mortem has been carried out to determine the exact cause of death. The results have not been made public.
Health officials were told in September last year of a possible 400m overrun at the National Children's Hospital.

The Government has consistently said it was only made aware of the final 450m overrun in November 2018 - a month after the Budget.

However, newly released minutes from the Childrens Hospital Project and Programme Board meeting in September show Department of Health and HSE officials were told then about possible cost overruns of 391m.

The minutes show the top civil servant in the Department of Health raised "significant concern" about the cost of the project.

The board was informed construction was 191m over previous estimates. It was also told the main contractor had submitted 200m more in additional cost claims.

Sitting on that board were Department of Health Secretary General Jim Breslin and then acting HSE Director General John Connaghan.

However, it was another seven weeks before the Government says it was made aware of the final overrun figure of 450m.

Health Minister Simon Harris has said he knew of overruns from August 2018, but did not know the scale of them, and has defended not informing the Taoiseach and Finance Minister until he had a final figure in November.

However, today's revelation shows Minister Harris' top civil servant in the Department was aware of the 391m figure long before that - with overrun concerns raised by the board as early as June last year.

Children's Minister Katherine Zappone has said if it was an official in her own Department, she would expect to have been informed of the overrun.

"If my Secretary General knew of a cost overrun, knew exactly what it was, and waited a couple of months (to tell me), then yes I would have questions in relation to that (and) would not be satisfied with that. As I understand what the Ministers have said, that was not the case in this regard."

The news comes as it was confirmed that the Public Accounts Committee will ask the head of the Department of Public Expenditure as well as one of its top officials to answer questions about the spiralling costs for the

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Students caught drinking on the street during next week's RAG week event in Cork will be fined, gardai have warned.

And those who step out of line could also face internal college sanctions, up to and including fines.

Gardai are appealing to students to be respectful of residents living in and around the citys university precinct.

But they have also advised landlords, publicans and off-licence owners of their responsibilities with plans to conduct spot-checks on licensed premises across the week as part of wider efforts to further reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour which have marred the student-led charity event in recent years.

RAG week had become a nightmare for residents living in and around UCC, with drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

It led to a garda crackdown and the establishment of a forum involving gardai, UCC authorities, the student union and campus security, resident representatives, publicans, door-staff and security companies, and street pastors.

Two community gardai now liaise with UCC and the student union has established a Student Community Support officer initiative to monitor streets from 8pm to 4am during the week.

UCC authorities have introduced an internal sanctions procedure which can lead to the confiscation of student ID cards and in some cases fines.

Resident representatives say they have seen significant improvements, especially over the last two years.

Head of Community Policing in the city, Sgt Stewart Philpott, said gardai want to improve on that.

At last years event, 170 fines were issued for drinking on the street and this year we will be taking the same approach, he said.

Gardai in #Cork say there will be extra patrols from the Garda Community Policing Unit, District Drug Unit and Divisional Roads Policing Units out during the course of UCC's RAG week, which starts Monday.  Joe Leogue (@JoeLeogue) February 7, 2019

Thats a fine of 75 and if it is not paid, a court appearance will follow. We also had a number of arrests for public order, assault, drink driving and possession of drugs.

He urged students who find themselves in a difficult situation, to walk away and call gardai.

Assaults can affect many lives, not just the victim, he said.

If you were to hit someone, or get caught with drugs, a conviction could ruin your career before it has even started or prevent you from travelling abroad on a J1 visa.

The Garda Community Policing Unit, the District Drug Unit and Divisional Roads Policing Units will be involved in next weeks police operation.

High visibility patrols will be mounted in the area from 2pm with more garda resources deployed from 8pm. Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday night are expected to be particularly busy.

Leaflets have also been delivered to homes in the area with contact numbers in the event of trouble.

Michael ODonovan, chairman of the Cork branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), said his members have engaged in the talks and are anxious to ensure RAG week runs smoothly and safely.

Their focus will be on checking IDs and intoxication, and refusing access to those who are clearly intoxicated, he said.

I know some publicans will be using plastic glasses next week. No bottles or glasses will be allowed to leave the premises and if there is any rubbish in the immediate area of their premises, publicans have given a commitment that they will clean that.

But he said while VFI members will do all they can, there is little they can do about people who bring alcohol or glasses from home, or who buy slabs of beer from supermarkets.
Any hope of a last-ditch deal to prevent a crash-out Brexit is vanishing after EU leaders warned British prime minister Theresa May they will offer her nothing in make-or-break talks today and tomorrow  telling Brexiteers they have a special place in hell.

European Council president Donald Tusk and European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker maintained the hardline stance as they said that the backstop and Ireland will not be abandoned.

In a series of meetings in Brussels before Ms May travels to the EU headquarters today and Dublin tomorrow, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and EU leaders said they cannot ignore the fact nothing has changed

And despite Ms Mays hopes of striking some form of alternative to the backstop, they said in the clearest language yet a new deal offer, backstop reforms, or even re-running of the Brexit referendum are now entirely off the EU table.

In their most vocal comments to date, EU leaders:

Ruled out a re-run of the June 2016 Brexit referendum;

Stressed no new deal will be offered to Britain under any circumstances;

Guaranteed Ireland will not be abandoned;

And warned any mooted alternatives to the backstop will not be considered if they destroy the backstop itself.

Speaking alongside Mr Varadkar, Mr Tusk said the facts are unavoidable and that while he wishes a referendum re-run were possible, the lack of a majority in favour of such a move in Britain rules out the option of a second vote.

He further confirmed the EU27 is not making a new offer to London under any circumstances, and insisted the EU will not gamble with the Northern Ireland peace deal no matter what demands Britain makes.

At a later media briefing, Mr Juncker was equally firm, insisting the EU will hold the line as the backstop safety net cannot be destroyed, warning Ireland will not be abandoned.

And in a move that sparked a furious reaction from DUP and other MPs last night, Mr Tusk went further, leaving the blame for the Brexit crisis at Brexiteer politicians feet.

I was wondering what that special place in hell looks like for people who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan for how to carry it out safely.

The hardline stance has intensified pressure on Ms May to back down on Westminster demands for the withdrawal agreement and backstop to be re-opened.

However, with just 50 days left until the EU-UK divorce date, the strategy runs the risk of deepening the Brexit standoff, with Brexiteer politicians including DUP MP Sammy Wilson lashing out at the EU last night, accusing Mr Tusk of being a devilish Euro maniac and claiming his remarks will only strengthen our resolve.

Ms May will travel to Brussels today for private talks with Mr Juncker and Mr Tusk, before travelling to Dublin tomorrow for a meeting with Mr Varadkar.

However, while the Taoiseach sought to be diplomatic yesterday, saying one thing I can definitely say is no matter what happens in the next couple of months, Ireland and the UK, we have to have good relations no matter what happens, he was clear no EU U-turn will occur.

There are fresh fears for Irish businesses and the economy if a no-deal Brexit strikes in just 50 days, with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe saying on Tuesday up to 40,000 people could lose their jobs.

Asked how the EU would support Ireland in a no-deal scenario, Mr Juncker avoided giving details.

However, he confirmed millions of euro in EU funding has been discussed, and said: When I said Ireland will not be left alone this is true, these kind of measures will have to be introduced.
The Supreme Court has ruled that Catherine Nevins conviction for the murder of her husband can be relied on by his family in their bid to ensure her estate does not benefit from his estate.

The full hearing of the civil disinheritance proceedings will be heard later.

A five-judge Supreme Court today unanimously dismissed an appeal on behalf of the executors of Ms Nevins estate against a finding the conviction was admissible in those proceedings as evidence of Ms Nevins guilt of the murder of her husband Tom.

Tom Nevins brother Patrick was in court for the judgment.

Lawyers for Ms Nevins estate had argued the conviction does not amount to proof of her guilt of Tom Nevins murder and was proof only she was found guilty.

Ms Nevin died in a hospice in February 2018 having been given compassionate temporary release from her life sentence.

Giving the Supreme Court judgment today, Ms Justice Iseult OMalley pointed out the ruling sought by the Nevin family relates only to the admissibility of the murder conviction in civil proceedings.

The proper approach to the relevant provision of the Succession Act, Section 120, remains to be determined, she stressed.

The courts judgment, she further stressed, is concerned only with the situation that arises where a defendant, whose conviction is proposed to be proved, maintains their innocence of the crime.

An admission of guilt is always admissible as an admission against interest in an estate, she said.

In this case, she was satisfied evidence of the conviction is in principle admissible.

While proof of a conviction might in one sense be seen simply as evidence of jury opinion, it is an opinion that carries far greater weight than that of a witness in a hearing by virtue of the nature of the process by which it is produced, she said.

On the other hand, its relevance may be open to dispute depending on the facts of the individual case, she said.

A trial judge in a civil action may have to consider whether the facts set out in the order of conviction are sufficiently related to the issue to be determined. If not, admission of the record may be refused, the judge said.

The appeal was over a Court of Appeal finding that the criminal conviction can be relied on in the civil disinheritance proceedings as proof of Ms Nevins guilt of the murder of her husband in March 1996.

Catherine Nevin was convicted in 2000 of the murder after a 42-day trial in the Central Criminal Court. That was the third trial as two earlier trials were aborted.

Tom Nevin's mother, Nora, initiated proceedings in November 1997 seeking that Catherine Nevin be disinherited.

Mr Nevin died intestate and the couple had no children which generally means the entire estate goes to the widow.

Mr Nevin was murdered in 1996 at Jack Whites Inn in Brittas, Co Wicklow, the pub jointly owned by the couple. Mrs Nevin re-opened the pub for a short time before it was sold in 1997 for IR620,000.

After Nora Nevin died intestate in 1999, her case was taken over by Tom Nevins brother and sister, Patrick Nevin and Margaret Lavelle.
Cork City Council is encouraging migrants to register to vote in upcoming local elections, including those living in Direct Provision.

The local and European elections will take place in May and the local authority will bring its Shape Your City: Use Your Vote initiative to the Cork Migrant Centre at Nano Nagle Place between 11am and 1pm tomorrow.

Unlike with general elections, anyone living in Cork city or county can vote in the local elections and EU citizens can vote at both European and local elections.

Asylum seekers living in direct provision are among the target group for tomorrow's event, according to Naomi Masheti from the Cork Migrant Centre.

"We are hoping to get as many people as possible [to register]," she said.

Between 2011 and 2016 just eight counties recorded an increase in their non-Irish national population and Cork City saw the largest rise, with non-Irish nationals making up 14.1% of those living in the city in 2016.

The Cork City Profile 2018 also reveals that over 42% of the population living in Cork city centre are non-Irish nationals.

Cork City Council director of services, Paul Moynihan said: The Shape Your City: Use Your Vote programme is aimed at informing people new to living in the city, about how to register to vote in the local & European elections and how becoming active participants in civic life can help enrich their quality of life.

Stephen Murphy, social inclusion development worker at Cork City Council, said: Our message here is very simple: If you are living in Cork for more than six months you have a right to register to vote and we, with expert guidance from the franchise office in Cork City Council, can help you to do that.
A US Congressman has stated that a hard border in Ireland could have a negative impact on a post-Brexit US-UK trade deal.

Tanaiste Simon Coveney is in the US as part of Ireland's campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. He met with members of Congress in Washington last night, with Brexit a key topic of discussion.

Republican Congressman Pete King said at the event that a hard border in Ireland would have implications on any future trade deal between the US and UK.

He said: "I think it's important for us as Irish-Americans to make it clear, that when we deal with the British that this is very, very important to us and if the British want to consider any type of trade agreement with the United States, it's important that that soft border be maintained."

'If the British want to consider any type of trade agreement with the US, it's important that that soft border be maintained' @RepPeteKing #Brexit pic.twitter.com/OL5J1Phf1b  RTE News (@rtenews) February 7, 2019

Democratic Congressman Richard Neal, who is the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, told RTE News that he would have concerns over a hard border.

He said the US wants "a bilateral trade agreement with the United Kingdom" but added: "I think that I would raise the same concerns that are being raised now and that would be obviously no return to a hard border."

The Tanaiste highlighted that he is not in the US to get people to lobby against the UK.

He told RTE News: "We're not here in the US to lobby against the UK. We're not asking people to take sides - an Irish position or a UK position.

"What we are asking people to do though is to inform themselves and to ensure that the influence that they have and the contacts that they have are used to ensure that nothing is done to undermine a peace process.

Meanwhile, the British Prime Minister

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Theresa May is set to use the top level Brussels talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, Mr Tusk and other prominent EU figures to press for legally binding guarantees on the Northern Ireland backstop.

At present the backstop, which is intended to prevent the return of a hard border in Ireland, would see the UK continue to obey EU customs rules after a transition period if no wider trade deal had been reached.
Betis is hoping to be back for the May 25 final at its Villamarin Stadium in Seville, which saw a record crowd of 57,123 on Thursday. The other semifinal is being played by four-time defending champion Barcelona and Real Madrid, who drew 1-1 in their first leg on Wednesday at Camp Nou.
Update 10.45am: The Health Minister believes the dispute with nurses can be resolved but it will require some imagination.

A third day of strike action is underway with three more strikes planned for next week.

Thousands of medical appointments have been cancelled with the HSE warning it will become more difficult to reschedule patients if the action continues.

In the Dail today, members of the opposition called on the Government enter talks without preconditions. A group of nurses looked on at the Dail debate from the public gallery.

Minister Simon Harris thinks the dispute can be sorted out and he called for " further dialogue and engagement".

Mr Harris said: "It is essential that industrial action comes to a halt as soon as possible.

"Our Government is sincere in its offer to want to talk and engage with nursing unions to reach a resolution to this dispute.

"I am confident that this can be accomplished through further dialogue and engagement.

"I really hope after today's stoppage comes to an end that there is a real intensity of engagement as we work together to try and avoid further disruption."

Having faced rain and snow on the previous days, nurses in Cork were met with sunshine today - which has strengthened their resolve.

Dozens joined the picket at CUH to send the Government a message: pay up.

And despite the impact on the general public - some 50,000 patients have had appointments cancelled - there is no drop in support. Coffees, biscuits and fruit were hand delivered from supportive businesses and passing motorists continued to show their support.

Jean O'Connor, a nurse of more than 30 years, said her colleagues remain resolute in their stance.

"We are fighting for our profession, for our colleagues. We remain resolute and we won't back down," she said.

The spring has been in our step since the start and there is no sign of it dropping. We are committed, we are focused. This strike was taken as an absolute last resort. This is the last stance because our health service cannot continue as it is.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the INMO, Phil Ni Sheaghdha, visited nurses and midwives outside the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital today.

Ms Ni Sheaghdha said they have had no "correspondence" from the Government and members remain "resolute".

She said nurses and midwives on picket lines throughout the country understand that Ireland has now become a very uncompetitive area for recruitment and retention of nurses.

Ms Ni Sheaghdha said Ireland remains the lowest-paying country for nurses in the world. "And that has to be corrected," she said.

She was asked about the HSE's mounting concern about risk in the system - that the nurses' strike is putting patients at risk.

"What we are doing is highlighting the risk that exists in the health service every single day. There is a massive risk in the health service on a daily basis due to the staff shortages. Two days of a dispute have lifted the lid on that."

Ms Ni Sheaghdha said the HSE managers who were working the 24-hour cycle with nurses recognise the risk.

We have made very stringent efforts to put in place emergency services. That will continue. We have been meeting the HSE continuously for the last three weeks and have agreed on many derogations.

Ms Ni Sheaghdha said the nurses "linked in" with the HSE every two hours and will meet the health authority again this evening.

"We are satisfied that the emergency services we are providing during the days of the dispute are providing the level of care that is required."

Update 9am: Bruton: Nurses' strike solution must not have knock-on effect on other public service workers

By Vivienne Clarke and Digital Desk

The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton, says that any solution to the nurses' strike must not have a knock-on effect on the remaining 400,000 public service workers.

He told RTEs Morning Ireland that it is a difficult position to reconcile, but that the Government is committed and both sides need to get into the Workplace Relations Commission to work on this.

Nurses and midwives from the INMO on the picket at Cork University Hospital this morning Picture: Larry Cummins

The first thing is to get into an engagement process. He said the Government is prepared to talk about pay in the context of the Public Service Pay Agreement that binds everyone.

Mr Bruton said issues such as rostering and productivity and other cost neutral changes can be made to resolve the dispute.

It is all a matter of balance and both the Minister for Health and the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure were seeking creative solutions, he added.

In relation to the national childrens hospital, Mr Bruton said that the Government has to get to the bottom of why the protections they put in place to avoid overruns havent happened.

Simon Harris is determined to get to the bottom of what happened here, why the protections put in place didnt work.

He said there was no cheaper offer on the table and the best international advice was that we wouldnt get it cheaper.

This is a very complex project, something went seriously wrong here. We are determined to take control of the situation.

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach says efforts will be made over the coming days to find a mechanism to resolve the nurses' strike, which will escalate to three consecutive days of strikes next week.

Nurses and midwives from the INMO on the picket at Cork University Hospital this morning Picture: Larry Cummins

Nurses working in Naas General Hospital have urged the government to engage in talks.

"Engage with us. We're not looking for the unreasonable," said one nurse. "We just want safe staffing levels."

Another nurse said: "We are our patients' advocate."

She said she wanted safe practice in all hospitals and "all we want you to do is to listen and cooperate with us."

"This has been going on for at least 30 years that I can remember," said another nurse. "Engage now. Deal with it now."

Earlier: Nurses take to picket lines for third day of strike action

More than 25,000 medical appointments have been cancelled today, as nurses take to the picket lines for a third day.

Their dispute with the government shows no sign of ending, with both sides holding firm on the issue of pay.

Day three of the nurses strike gets underway at 8am and once more, more than 25,000 appointments including for outpatients and day surgeries, have been cancelled.

Injury units are closed, as are day centres for older people and those with disabilities, while community nursing and respite admissions will not take place.

The HSE says it is getting harder to reschedule the tens of thousands of appointments as the industrial action continues.

37,000 INMO members are taking to the picket lines in their row with the government over pay and staffing shortages.

They say addressing pay is the way to attract and keep nurses in Ireland.

The Government says pay increases for nurses are included in the public sector pay agreement and conceding to the nurses' demands would cost 300m.

Nurses outside Beaumont Hospital on the first day of strike action last Wednesday.

Both sides last met at the Labour Court a week and a half ago. It decided they were too far apart to intervene.

No talks have taken place since.

The nurses plan three consecutive days of strikes next week.
When the shop in the townland of Bothar Bui, opposite Carraig Church in west Kerry, closes its doors this evening, there will only be one retail outlet left between Slea Head and the foot of Mount Brandon.

In the heart of the majestic Kerry Gaeltacht where once there were several, just Siopa an Bhuailtin in Baile an Fheirtearaigh will remain.

Already, there is not a single post office outside of Ventry which is south of the Mam mountains that form the backbone of the croi laidir of Gaeltacht Chorca Dhuibhne.

Just down the road from Carraig, last September the post office and shop in Baile na nGall closed its doors.

Generations of Irish language learners, Gaeltacht children, and third-level students will remember Tigh a Phoist  crowding in after Mass on Sundays, or strolling up for an ice-cream on a sunny summer evening along the fuchsia-lined hedgerows.

Shopkeeper Johanna Ui Chonchuir has been running Carraig shop for 52 years. Also known as Siobhan, she had fantastic customers over the years but now it is coming to an end.

But she dislikes attention and admits to dreading todays live broadcast on Raidio na Gaeltachtas pre-lunchtime programme, An Saol o Dheas, from the shop.

Daithi de Mordha from Dun Chaoin, a journalist with Raidio na Gaeltachta who is completing his PhD on local Gaeltacht issues, said there was a time when all the villages, Dun Chaoin, Muirioch, and others, had at least one shop.

People think centralisation has to do with people moving to cities, he said. But, in rural areas, the towns are gobbling up the rural parishes.

People in the northern part of the Gaeltacht have to travel to Dingle town if they want to buy a stamp or purchase car fuel.

Rural life, west of the Mams, is almost entirely car-dependent as the area is without services generally taken for granted.

Schools like Dun Chaoin are thriving at the moment, so it is not so much a depopulation right now as a de-servicing of the entire rural area.

The State has minimal presence in the area, with no garda stations. Apart from schools and outreach learning, the Blasket Island Centre in Dun Chaoin and the Raidio na Gaeltachta station in Baile na nGall have direct State involvement.

There are more holiday homes than people in much of west Kerry, with temporary homes topping 60%. A million visitors reportedly traverse Slea Head yearly but there is little economic benefit for locals and, worse still, little or no possibility locals can buy or even build a home.

In Dun Chaoin there are 180 people, but 190 houses. The price of houses, being a tourist area, is so high, and no local can buy a house here, said Mr de Mordha.

Less than 20 years ago, there were three post offices and six shops between Slea Head and Cuas at the foot of Brandon.

In 20 years time, what will it be like? wonders Mr de Mordha, with people being sucked into towns. There can be no communities without people.
More than 100 complaints were made last year against bloggers for flouting advertising rules.

The State watchdog has pursued a new zero-tolerance policy in recent months of naming and shaming social media stars who do not make it clear when they are paid to advertise a product.

New figures show there were 107 complaints made about bloggers to the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) in 2018.

The watchdog has issued guidelines bloggers and vloggers to declare their marketing posts so that consumers will not be misled.

The ASAI guidance note for bloggers specifically asks the social media stars to flag marketing content with identifiers of #Ad or #Sp.

Earlier this year, the authority adjudicated on a complaint received from the public over content published on Snapchat for the first time.

While other social media platforms have long-lasting posts, Snapchat is a popular medium among millennials where users can send expiring pictures and videos, or snaps, directly to friends, or publish as a story for all their followers to view.

The advertising watchdog investigated snaps posted by Faces By Grace, a lifestyle and beauty account.

FacesByGrace

The social media star used three snaps to promote a weight loss challenge through a detox drink called Miss Fit Skinny Tea.

The first snap read: Its Back!! The Drop a Dress Size Challenge By Miss Fit Skinny Tea starts all over again on January 9th. You in? Drop a Dress Size Challenge.

The complaint said that the blogger was advertising a detox programme was not clearly identifying that all the posts were sponsored.

Faces By Grace stated that she did use the specific hashtag at the beginning of the promotion to clearly state that it was an advertisement, while Miss Fit Skinny Tea stated that they had no control over what the blogger or anyone else typed or did not type adding the blogger was no longer a brand ambassador.

Instead of upholding the complaint, the ASAI released a statement and no further action was taken.

It also found a blogger in breach of its code in June for promoting a foundation and concealer through the use of filtered and photoshopped images.
Italys government is falling short on needed reforms while annual economic growth is projected to stay below 1% through 2023, the IMF said.

The Washington-based fund issued a report on the 2018 review of Italy less than a week after the national statistics office said the country fell into recession at the end of last year.

The authorities strategy falls short of comprehensive reforms needed to address the longstanding structural impediments to sustained growth and, therefore, risks leaving the economy vulnerable, the IMF said at the end of its consultations.

The populist government that took office on June 1 is implementing an expansive spending program that includes income support for the poor and a lower retirement age.

The ruling coalition expects 1% growth this year, while the countrys central bank and the IMF in separate reports have estimated 0.6% for 2019.

The European Commission may slash its own forecast to 0.2% later today, news agency Ansa reported from Brussels.

Lower growth will make it more difficult to reach the budget deficit target agreed to with the commission for this year. Growth is projected to stay below 1% annually for five years, ending 2023 at 0.6%, the IMF said.

The IMF noted that the economy has been recovering modestly from the financial and sovereign debt crises.

Intesa Sanpaolo CEO Carlo Messina struck an optimistic note in an interview.

I think that in the second part of the year, we can have a clear recovery due to internal demand acceleration, the Italian banker said.

My expectation is that we can have a recovery in the exports in the second part of the year, he said.

Italy approved a compromise budget in late December following weeks of wrangling with the European Commission that spooked investors and sent yields on 10-year government bonds soaring to 3.81% on October 19.

They have since fallen to about 2.8% from the four and a half year high. Weak profitability and sustained high sovereign yields pose challenges to the banking system, according to the IMFs Article IV report.

The fund welcomed the governments goal of reducing Italys public debt, which at more than 130% of GDP is the second-highest ratio in the eurozone after Greece.

- Bloomberg
For most workers and businesses across the economy, the pain endured during the economic and financial crash was severe, writes Jim Power.

Thankfully, we have come out the other end and the economy is now very much back on track, for the moment at least.

There is still some legacy issues of the crash, including distressed mortgages, a still dysfunctional banking system, a dysfunctional housing market, and a financially stretched personal sector.

However, there is also a very obvious problem with the quality and quantity of public services.

This stems from poor delivery systems and a lack of adequate funding.

A lot of money was taken out of public services during the period of austerity, which in the context of a growing and an ageing population is now proving a problem.

For Government, this was an easier course to follow than standing up to our EU masters. We are now paying the price.

In the private sector, wages have not done very much over the past decade though the market will now look after that.

As we approach full employment, recruitment and retention will become an increasing feature of the workplace and wages will inevitably rise.

Not surprisingly, public sector workers are also seeking to recover lost ground. The Government agreed to a wage mechanism for the public sector in 2017 but that is now being strongly challenged by the nurses, who are now pounding the pavements.

I have a lot of sympathy with the plight of the nurses. They got a very raw deal during the benchmarking process in the early 2000s and they had every right to feel aggrieved at the end of that deeply flawed and deeply political process.

They are now working in a health service that is pretty dysfunctional.

A lack of beds, a lack of adequate staffing and very difficult working conditions create disillusionment.

They work in an environment where leadership and decent management from the Department of Health and the HSE are seriously lacking, to put it mildly.

Nurses deserve to be paid more given the job they do and under the conditions in which they do it.

Of courses, nurses choose the career that they are pursuing, and those who entered the profession over the past 10 years should have known exactly the type of dysfunctional work environment they were seeking to get into.

If they didnt, well then they should have done some basic research.

From the perspective of Government and the prudent management of the public finances, the nursing dispute poses an enormous challenge.

It is generally accepted that settlement of the dispute would add about 300m to the annual pay bill.

This is not an enormous sum of money, particularly when viewed in the context of the black hole that the childrens hospital is falling into.

However, the thing that really worries the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is that by succumbing to the nurses demands, that old enemy called relativity will raise its ugly head. Already some unions are suggesting that if the nurses get what they want, they too will want more.

Government and trade unions should recognise the unique and very valuable jobs that nurses do and the difficulty of recruiting and retaining nurses.

However, one would hardly expect such sensible behaviour from the other trade unions.

Once this dispute is ended in whatever way that will happen, but presumably through a pay increase, the challenge for those who manage the health service will be to ensure that the working environment improves, that staffing levels are adequate, that they have a career path, and most importantly that they see decent and professional management from the HSE and the Department of Health.

In conclusion, two things strike me about the nursing dispute.

Firstly the housing crisis is the kernel of the problem.

If one cannot afford to buy or rent a house close to where one works, then that is a problem and it nurtures serious discontent.

Secondly, the trade off between increasing pay and increasing staffing levels in the public sector will be extremely difficult in an economy that still has a very high level of debt and which will face enormous demographic challenges over the coming decades.
Here's your lunchtime bulletin.

GET INFORMED ...

IRELAND: Health officials were told in September last year of a possible 400m overrun at the National Children's Hospital.

IRELAND: The Government has been told to "do the right thing" and engage without preconditions with striking nurses.

IRELAND: Met Eireann has announced a status orange wind warning for Donegal, Galway and Mayo on top of the status yellow warning for the rest of the country.

IRELAND: A paedophile who tipped off gardai about plans by other men to "share" an 11-year-old boy was caught in possession of child porn when his house was raided.

WORLD: Theresa May has arrived in Brussels for crunch Brexit talks after insisting that the UK must not be trapped in a backstop deal.

SPORT: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has challenged title rivals Liverpool to respond after they went top of the Premier League for the first time in two months.

BUSINESS: EU officials have slashed their growth forecast for the 19 countries that use the euro, saying even the reduced estimate was vulnerable to "large uncertainty".

... SOME DISTRACTION

Peter Crowley, architect and director of PAC Studio, Architecture & Environments, Dublin, and one of the judges on Home of the Year. Photograph Moya Nolan

LIFESTYLE: Meet the new judge on RTEs Home of the Year: Cork architect Peter Crowley. He tells Esther McCarthy how he designed his own house and reveals the secret to creating the perfect family home

SHOWBIZ: Liam Neeson has cancelled an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert amid controversy over his rape revenge comments.

VIRAL: There is controversy over a number of underwear posters at Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin. They feature models posing suggestively in lingerie.
Vancouver, British Columbia - February 6, 2019 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) Fremont Gold Ltd. (TSXV: FRE) (FSE: FR2) (OTC Pink: USTDF) ("Fremont" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that a 1,000 metre reverse circulation drill program is underway at the Company's Gold Bar project, located in the Gold Bar District, Eureka County, Nevada.

Gold Bar was exploited by Atlas Precious Metals Corp. from 1986-1994 and produced 286,354 ounces of gold (1). Soil sampling by Fremont has identified several geochemical anomalies to the southeast of the historic Gold Bar mine, in areas not previously drilled. Fremont plans to drill test several of these anomalies, which may represent an extension to the historic Gold Bar mine (see Figure 1 and the October 30, 2018, news release).

Gold Bar and Gold Canyon Projects

Fremont's Gold Bar and Gold Canyon projects are both former mines in the Gold Bar District, Eureka County, Nevada, an active mining district within the Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend. The district contains several Carlin-style sediment-hosted gold deposits, including McEwen Mining Inc.'s ("McEwen") Gold Bar project, which is scheduled to begin production in Q1 2019.

Fremont's Gold Bar and Gold Canyon projects are adjacent (west) and immediately north of McEwen's Gold Bar project. While McEwen's project and Fremont's project share the same name, the historic Gold Bar mine is held by Fremont. McEwen's project comprises four of the five satellite pits to the historic Gold Bar mine, whereas Fremont controls the remaining satellite pit, Gold Canyon (see Figure 2).

Fremont's Gold Bar project encompasses the historic Gold Bar mine, which produced 286,354 ounces of gold from 1986 to 1994 (1), and the Millsite deposit, which hosts a historic resource of 147,000 ounces of gold (1.62 Mt @ 2.57 g/t gold) (1,2). Millsite is believed to be a faulted offset of the historic Gold Bar mine and is located to the northwest of the open pit. Fremont recently completed a soil sampling program based on a new structural interpretation and identified coincident gold and mercury geochemical anomalies to the southeast of the historic Gold Bar mine. This new interpretation and data suggest that gold mineralization related to the historic Gold Bar mine may extend to the southeast.

Gold Canyon is adjacent to and directly northwest of McEwen's project, approximately 800 metres from McEwen's Gold Ridge deposit. Gold Canyon produced approximately 41,000 ounces of gold from 1990-1994(1) and a stockpile of previously mined ore still exists at site.

Figure 1: Permitted Drill Holes and Mercury Soil Anomalies to the Southeast of Historic Gold Bar Mine

Figure 2: The Gold Bar District

About Fremont Gold

Fremont's mine-finding management team has assembled a portfolio of high-quality gold projects in Nevada with the goal of making a new discovery. Fremont's Gold Bar and Gold Canyon are past producing gold mines adjacent to McEwen's Gold Bar project, where mine construction is underway. Other projects include North Carlin, Goldrun, Hurricane, and Roberts Creek. We are aligned with our shareholders: Insiders own approximately 20% of Fremont.

The content of this news release was reviewed by Dennis Moore, Fremont's President, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Blaine Monaghan"

CEO

Telephone: +1 604-676-5664

Email: blaine@fremontgold.net

www.fremontgold.net

1 Internal report, Atlas Precious Metals, Mines, December 13, 1995, prepared by Pincock, Allen & Holt

2 The Company has not verified these historical resources and is not treating these historical estimates as current mineral resources

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

Certain statements and information contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which are referred to collectively as "forward-looking statements". The United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements and information regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that are based upon assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will", "hope", "will be", "expected" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking statements in this and other press releases include but are not limited to statements and information regarding the start of drilling at Gold Bar by the end of January, and Gold Canyon soon thereafter, and the amount and type of drilling. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Fremont undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this press release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

More Info:

This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

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These projects account for more than USD 258 million in investments and will create approximately 5,000 direct jobs. The United States, Spain and Mexico were the countries that invested the most money in the Colombian capital last year. Since 2007, Invest in Bogota has brought in 336 projects for approximately USD 2.3 billion.

Bogota - February 7, 2019 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Stocks slightly retraced their recent advance yesterday, as investors took some short-term profits off the table. The S&P 500 index remained above the 61.8% retracement of its September-December sell-off. Is this a topping pattern or just a correction within the uptrend?

Some of the companies that decided to set up their businesses in Bogota in 2018 include Medtronic, the second largest medical device manufacturer in the world that intends to open a Global Shared Services Center in the city; Secuoya Grupo de Comunicaciones, a Spanish audiovisual content producer that decided to set up its hub for Latin America in the capital; and Hubspot, an American digital marketing firm. Amazon, the U.S. giant, also opened a regional customer service center in the city as announced in mid-2018.

Perez also revealed that the new investment and expansion projects that reached the city in 2018 through Invest in Bogota created more than 5,000 direct jobs. "The type of companies we're attracting create high-quality jobs, improve the population's living conditions and bring in their knowledge and best practices to ultimate benefit their sectors", he said.

As part of its proactive approach, during 2018 Invest in Bogota conducted 14 sector promotion campaigns in 10 markets in the Americas and Europe, as well as six multi-sector promotion campaigns in countries of the Pacific Alliance, Europe and China.

Which countries have invested the most in the city?

The United States, with 18% of the projects, ranks first, followed by Spain (12%), Mexico (9%) and France (7%). In addition to countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile or the United Kingdom, which invest constantly in our capital, in 2018 Bogota saw a surge of projects from unusual destinations such as New Zealand, China, South Korea and Japan.

Which sectors attract the most investment?

Invest in Bogota has been able to identify the sectors with the most potential to attract investment thanks to the Strategy for Intelligent Specialization, the Bogota-Region productive development agenda jointly designed by the local government, the private sector and the academia.

Technology-based services rank first in the list of sectors that attracted the most investments in 2018. 23% of the international companies that landed in the city last year are Information Technology and Service Outsourcing (BPO) companies.

Life Sciences, which includes Health Services, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices and Cosmetics, ranked second, accounting for 20% of the investments brought in by Invest in Bogota. Infrastructure (16%), Creative Industries (16%) and Manufacturing and Processed Foods (11.5%) were some of the other sectors that likewise attracted the attention of international investors and companies.

Invest in Bogota, a public-private initiative of the Chamber of Commerce of Bogota and the Mayor's Office, has facilitated more than 336 projects between 2007 and 2018, accounting for approximately USD 2.3 billion in investments and more than 35,000 new jobs over the same period

Contacto de prensa:

Miguel Angel Hernandez

Cel: (57 304) 3762439

ahernandez@investinbogota.org

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.

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Boeing Co. was accused of negligence tied to a wildfire that tore through Malibu, California, in November and that purportedly started on the grounds of the nearby, disused Rocketdyne testing site.

A group of homeowners sued Boeing along with Edison International, the parent of the utility they say was at fault in igniting the fire, on Tuesday in Los Angeles. They claim Boeing failed to properly manage the vegetation on the Santa Susana Field Laboratory and allowed the fire to spread to surrounding neighborhoods.

The Woolsey fire killed 3, burned about 100,000 acres and destroyed 1,500 structures in and around Malibu. Southern California Edison has said an electrical substation on the Boeing property suffered an outage two minutes before the fire was first reported.

Boeing said in a statement that it is fully cooperating with investigations by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, and the California Public Utilities Commission.

Security and fire personnel stationed at Santa Susana immediately responded when the fire was first reported and also promptly notified firefighting agencies, the company said. Upon arrival, the county and municipal fire jurisdictions established incident command over the firefighting activities.

SCE said it wont comment on any lawsuits associated with the Woolsey fire because of ongoing investigations by Cal Fire and Ventura County Fire. SCE is fully cooperating in their investigation, Gloria Quinn, a spokeswoman for Edison International, said in an emailed statement.

The case is LaPlante v. Southern California Edison, 19STCV03419, California Superior Court, Los Angeles County.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits California Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Aviation Aerospace
PG&E Corp. has contained a natural gas leak from a pipe that exploded on Wednesday along a major thoroughfare in San Francisco, engulfing in flames a stretch known for its bars and restaurants.

The blaze, which had spread to at least five buildings as of Wednesday afternoon, triggered an evacuation order for people within a block of the site on Geary Boulevard  a major artery that leads into downtown San Francisco. Eight workers near the explosion were accounted for and no injuries were reported, San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White told reporters.

Workers may have struck the distribution pipeline while installing fiber-optic equipment beneath the street, she said. Helicopter footage of the fire scene showed a blackened backhoe near the source of the flames. The flames burned for about two and a half hours before the fire department reported that the flow of gas had been shut off.

About 300 PG&E customers were without gas service Wednesday evening, company spokeswoman Melissa Subbotin said. Roughly 2,500 customers lost electricity service, because the flames damaged an overhead power line.

PG&Es stock plunged as much as 6.3 percent as yet another accident threatened to plague Californias largest utility. Just a week ago, the company declared bankruptcy after being saddled with as much as $30 billion in liabilities from deadly wildfires that its equipment may have ignited in 2017 and 2018. And the utility is still dealing with the consequences of the 2010 San Bruno gas pipeline explosion that killed eight people and leveled 38 homes.

Hayes-White described the explosion and ensuing fire as extensive but noted that its not as extensive as the San Bruno blast.

The National Transportation Safety Board didnt immediately say whether the agency is sending a team to the incident. The U.S. Transportation Departments Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which regulates pipeline safety, is gathering information on the blast to determine whether it will dispatch investigators, according to a statement.

PHMSA recognizes the seriousness of this incident and appreciates the work of the San Francisco Fire Department and all first responders, the agency said.

In the first six years after the San Bruno explosion, PG&E installed more than 230 automatic or remote-controlled valves on its natural gas transmission network, so workers wouldnt need to manually shut off the flow of gas in an emergency. The company also replaced all the remaining cast-iron pipes in its system with modern plastic and steel pipes.

But the gas line involved in Wednesdays fire was part of PG&Es distribution network, a complex web of pipes smaller than the transmission line that exploded beneath San Bruno.

Distribution lines rarely have automatic or remote-controlled valves, said pipeline safety expert Richard Kuprewicz.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics California
Kentucky authorities say a man has been killed in a workplace accident at the Toyota manufacturing plant in Georgetown.

Scott County Coroner John Goble told news outlets that the man worked for Ryder and was trying to connect a truck and a trailer outside the plant Tuesday morning when he got caught between the two.

Goble said the trucks air brake had not been applied and gravity brought the truck back to the trailer, pinning the man, whose name hasnt been released.

Toyota said in a statement that production at the plant was halted while company officials work with authorities to gather more information on what happened.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance Kentucky Manufacturing
EBSCO Industries, Inc. (EBSCO), a privately held global company, has renamed its risk consulting and insurance division to Valent Group.

Previously known as S.S. Nesbitt & Co., the firm has been a part of the EBSCO family of companies since 2001, providing risk consulting for businesses, employer benefit groups and individuals across Alabama and the Southeast.

In summer 2017, EBSCO hired national insurance brokerage executive Paul Barber of Birmingham, Ala., to grow and expand the firms services. Today that expansion includes a new company identity.

Valent Groups team of consultants have expertise working with large, multinational businesses; publicly traded companies; specialty industries; as well as through the utilization of their in-house suite of professional capabilities including claims advocacy, loss control analysis, legal and human resource compliance, data analysis and wellness consulting.

The Valent Group team specializes in the middle market segment, providing risk consulting and insurance for businesses, employer benefit groups and individuals across Alabama and nationwide. Valent Group is an independently owned firm headquartered in Birmingham, with offices in Huntsville, Mobile and Decatur. They are a division of EBSCO Industries, a privately held global company.

Founded in 1944 by the late Elton B. Stephens, EBSCO Industries, Inc. has evolved into a global company with businesses in a range of industries including information services, publishing and digital media, outdoor products, real estate, manufacturing and distribution and business services. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, EBSCO operates divisions and subsidiaries in 23 countries, employing almost 5,000 people.

Topics Alabama
Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft Unit  Lafayette Field Office on Jan. 31 arrested four Crowley residents in relation to a vehicle crash that authorities say was staged in an insurance fraud scheme.

Detectives at the time said two more individuals are wanted for their role in the fraud scheme.

The initial investigation revealed that on Feb. 11, 2018, two men  24-year-old Lonnie Lambert of Crowley and 32-year-old Harris Gobar of Breaux Bridge  were involved in a two-vehicle crash in Acadia Parish. After the crash, Lambert and Gobar called four other people to the scene to act as the drivers and passengers, the LSP said. The goal of adding additional people to the crash was to generate fraudulent insurance claims for intentionally damaged property and fake bodily injuries, authorities said.

At the conclusion of the investigation, arrest warrants were obtained for those involved in the crash. Detectives have arrested 21-year-old Jaclin Trahan, 23-year-old Jernai Campbell, both from Crowley, and Lambert on charges of insurance fraud and filing false public records. Temesha Lambert of Crowley, 22, was arrested for insurance fraud.

The above listed suspects were booked into the Acadia Parish Jail.

As of Jan. 31, Gobar and 44-year-old Belinda Hebert of Crowley still had active arrest warrants on insurance fraud charges.

Source: Louisiana State Police

Topics Auto Louisiana Fraud
A way to diagnose a severe neurological disorder cant be patented as it covers a law of nature, a U.S. appeals court ruled Wednesday in a closely watched case that sought to clarify the patenting for medical diagnostic tests and instead has resulted in calls for Congress to step in.

The patent, for a method of diagnosing neurological disorders through the detection of certain antibodies, was licensed to Quest Diagnostics Inc.s Athena unit, which sued the Mayo Clinic in 2015, seeking royalties on tests conducted by the Minnesota medical facility. Mayo got the case dismissed by successfully arguing that the patent simply covered a law of nature  the correlation between certain antibodies and the autoimmune disease Myasthenia gravis.

The case law on whats eligible for a diagnostic patent is a legal mess, said William Atkins, a lawyer with Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman in Washington, who wasnt involved in the case. The ruling could adversely affect the life sciences and biotech industries where a lot of inventions deal with identifying and dissecting things found in nature.

Mayos legal argument rested on a 2012 Supreme Court decision, in a case won by the clinic, that put limits on what types of diagnostic tests could obtain the legal protection of a patent. The Biotechnology Innovation Organization had sought to use this case to eliminate what it called unabated uncertainty about patenting diagnostic tests following that 2012 ruling and now says Congress needs to step in.

In a 2-1 ruling Wednesday, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit sided with Mayo regarding the Athena patent.

This correlation exists in nature apart from any human action. There can thus be no dispute that it is an ineligible natural law, Circuit Judge Alan Lourie wrote for the majority, though he expressed reluctance over his decision. The claims at issue here involve both the discovery of a natural law and certain concrete steps to observe its operation.

While laws of nature cant be patented, the application of those laws can, the court said. Still, it takes more than conventional steps such as the use of a man-made substance to conduct the test, the court said.

Claiming a natural cause of an ailment and well-known means of observing it is not eligible for patent because such a claim in effect only encompasses the natural law itself, Lourie wrote. But claiming a new treatment for an ailment, albeit using a natural law, is not claiming the natural law.

The patent was obtained by Oxford University and Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Zur Forderung der Wissenschaften e.V, which discovered the link between antibodies to a specific protein and the disorder that causes muscle weakness. Until the discovery of the diagnostic method, 20 percent of patients suffering from Myasthenia gravis couldnt be diagnosed.

In her dissent, Circuit Judge Pauline Newman said the majority just added to the confusion about what could be patented.

For procedures that require extensive development and federal approval, unpredictability of patent support is a disincentive to development of new diagnostic methods, Newman wrote. The loser is the afflicted public, for diagnostic methods that are not developed benefit no one.

In a footnote, Lourie said he agreed with Newman but said he was bound by the precedent of earlier rulings. The judge in 2015 warned that the Supreme Court needed to provide more guidance because the whole category of diagnostic claims is at risk.

The uncertainty has affected both companies that develop diagnostic tests and those that use them, said Pauline Pelletier, a patent lawyer with Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox in Washington, who wasnt involved in the case. Its been an unwieldy and onerous test that requires inventors to explain how they arent trying to patent a law of nature but a specific technique, she said.

The line is not clear, at least to people who are pursuing patent protection, Pelletier said. The line not being clear is not good for those who want to practice it either.

The decision could put more pressure on Congress to pass a law ensuring diagnostic tests can be patented, said Hans Sauer, deputy general counsel for BIO, the biotechnology industrys trade group.

If anything can be learned from this decision, it is that the law of so-called patent-eligible subject matter is simply too unstable to offer any guidance to inventors, innovative businesses, patent examiners and judges, Sauer said. At this point only Congress can provide the needed clarity, and cases like this one underscore the urgency with which Congress must act.

Companies are able to obtain patents on diagnostics outside the U.S., so some companies may opt to give up the American market or keep their new tests in a black box without telling others how it works, said Kevin Noonan, a patent lawyer who heads McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoffs biotechnology group in Chicago.

As we get more and more of these gene-related discovery, were going to get less and less disclosure, Noonan said. This has real world consequences.

Not everyone thought Athena should win the case. Arup Laboratories Inc., which conducts lab tests as part of the University of Utah, said court rulings that limited patents have helped it provide additional tests based on natural phenomena, while reducing the threat of patent infringement litigation.

Athenas patent and others like it allow no room to design around, imitate, or improve upon the so-called invention of a law of nature, Arup said in a filing with the court.

The case is Athena Diagnostics Inc. v. Mayo Collaborative Services, 17 17-2508, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Washington).

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics USA Legislation Washington
A cryptocurrency platform that lost access to millions of dollars when its founder died with sole knowledge of company passwords has been granted a temporary reprieve from creditor lawsuits.

Halifax judge Michael Wood on Tuesday [Feb. 5] ordered a 30-day stay that precludes filing of claims against Quadriga, a Canadian cryptocurrency exchange that has left thousands of investors without their money after the death of founder Gerald Cotten. Customers have threatened lawsuits.

Ernst & Young has been appointed the companys third-party monitor, to help manage Quadrigas finances during the process.

Cotten, who died in December of complications from Crohns disease while in India, was the only person who had passwords to digital wallets containing C$180 million ($137.13 million) in cryptocurrencies, according to court filings. He was 30 years old.

Despite repeated and diligent searches, I have not been able to find (the passwords) written down anywhere, his widow Jennifer Robertson said in an affidavit.

A court file indicates Quadriga owes 115,000 users the equivalent of C$250 million ($190.46 million). The document showed Quadriga has $30 million in bank drafts, many of which it has had trouble depositing.

Lawyer Maurice Chiasson told the court the company wants time to find the C$250 million it owes users. According to court filings the company is considering selling its platforms to cover its debts.

The wallet in question was cold, which means it was not connected to the internet so as to prevent hacking.

Cole Diamond, CEO of Coinsquare based in Toronto, said it is unusual to hold a cold wallet under one signature.

($1 = 1.3126 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; editing by Cynthia Osterman)

Related:

Crypto Exchange Founder Dies, Along with Sole Password to Access $200M

Topics Lawsuits Legislation
A decade-old lawsuit in which a French farmer with neurological problems accuses Monsanto of not providing adequate safety warnings for a weedkiller returns to court on Wednesday, adding to health claims faced by the Bayer-owned firm.

Paul Francois, who says he fell ill after inhaling vapor from weedkiller Lasso in 2004, won rulings in 2012 and 2015 that found Monsanto liable for the intoxication, before Frances top court overturned those decisions and ordered a new hearing.

An appeal court in the southeastern French city of Lyon will hear arguments on Wednesday before giving its verdict at a later date.

Francois, who says he has suffered memory loss, headaches and stammering, blames Monsanto for not giving sufficient warnings on the product label.

Maybe well lose against Monsanto but the real victory for me is that I have converted my 200-hectare farm to organic production, 55-year-old Francois told reporters before the hearing.

This affair made me open my eyes and move towards a different kind of agriculture.

Lasso was banned in France in 2007 after the product had already been withdrawn in some other countries.

Bayer said it did not wish to comment specifically on the case until the ruling in the latest proceedings.

But it added in an emailed statement that the use of phytosanitary products does not pose any risk for human health when they are used according to the terms defined as part of the product authorization.

Monsanto, acquired by Bayer last year, is also facing lawsuits in the United States over alleged cancer links to glyphosate-based weedkillers. Lasso used a different active substance to glyphosate.

Last year, the company was found to be liable for the terminal cancer of a school groundskeeper who had used glyphosate-based products.

It is appealing that verdict but faces another U.S. trial next month relating to a couple suffering from cancer.

In France, a court last month banned a version of Monsantos Roundup weedkiller range on safety concerns.

Controversy over glyphosate has been fueled by a 2015 conclusion from the World Health Organisations cancer agency that the substance was probably carcinogenic.

Glyphosate was originally developed by Monsanto but it is off-patent and marketed worldwide by dozens of other crop chemical makers.

After a heated European Union debate in 2017 that led to a five-year renewal for glyphosates license, President Emmanuel Macron said France would aim to phase out the weedkiller in three years.

(Reporting by Catherine Lagrange in Lyon, additional reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide in Paris, writing by Gus Trompiz; editing by David Evans)

Related:

Frances Ban on Glyphosate Expected to Curb 80% of Use by 2021

Topics Trends France
The lawyer who spearheaded a landmark court case  which ended with the European Unions top court ruling that the U.K. can unilaterally reverse Brexit  appeared in court Wednesday for a fresh battle, this time with Uber Technologies Inc.

Jolyon Maugham, who runs a group that raises money for lawsuits that promote a progressive agenda, says Uber should pay Value Added Tax, a 20 percent U.K. sales tax on most goods and services. Uber says it doesnt need to because its only acting as an intermediary between drivers and riders.

Uber would owe 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion) if Maugham won his case, once backdated payments are counted, Maugham said outside court, citing his own calculations.

His lawyer Vikram Sachdeva said at the court hearing that the case could leave Uber liable for an estimated annual tax bill of 200 million pounds.

The case centers on an Uber journey Maugham took in March 2017, which cost 6 pounds and 34 pence. He wants a court declaration that Uber should give him a VAT invoice for 1 pound and 6 pence for the journey. The invoice would allow him to reclaim the sales tax as the trip was for business purposes.

The sum at issue is obviously trivial, Maugham said in court filings, but the underlying case is of great public importance because of the amount of tax that would ultimately be payable if he wins.

The case will turn on the question of whether Uber should be classed as the supplier of cab rides, or whether its drivers should be. Its a question at the heart of the so-called gig economy, where technology companies have upended traditional employment models.

Anyone who gets in an Uber is affected by this case, Sachdeva said in court on Wednesday.

Black Cabs

Maughams lawsuit is largely crowdfunded by the black cab taxi industry, who have a significant commercial interest in seeking to alter the competitiveness of Ubers services, the ride-hailing firm said in its court filings. Sachdeva said Maugham is motivated by good governance and wants people who ought to pay their VAT to pay it. Maugham is expressly saying hes not doing it for the purpose of the black cab industry, Sachdeva said.

An Uber spokeswoman didnt immediately comment.

Maugham is one of the most outspoken voices against the U.K.s looming exit from the European Union. In 2016, he ran a crowdfunding campaign for a legal challenge over Prime Minister Theresa Mays plan to start the formal process for Brexit, an Article 50 notice, without first holding a vote in Parliament. That campaign became the Peoples Challenge, one of the groups supporting Gina Miller in a case that went all the way to the Supreme Court  and won.

Uber says Maughams latest case has no merit and theres no need for this claim to be brought. Uber argues that HM Revenue & Customs, the U.K. tax authority, is the appropriate agency to decide on its tax payments, not Maugham.

At a hearing Wednesday, Maugham applied for an order that, if he ends up losing the case, the most hell have to pay Uber is 20,000 pounds in legal fees. Maughams resources pale in comparison to Uber, and he wont be able to continue with the case if he doesnt get the limit, he said in filings.

Uber says Maugham could continue the lawsuit without the costs order because he could raise more money from black cab drivers and others.

The ride-hailing giant is also embroiled in a separate British court battle over the employment rights of its drivers. Its taking an appeal to the countrys top court over whether drivers are entitled to the minimum wage and holiday pay.

The case is Jolyon Toby Dennis Maugham v Uber London Limited, High Court of Justice, Case No. HC-2017-001496.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits Europe Uk Sharing Economy Ridesharing Brexit Uber
Ames & Gough, an insurance broker and risk management consultant specializing in serving design professionals, law firms, associations and nonprofits, and other professional service organizations, has appointed Marguerite Parent as an equity partner of the firm.

This appointment brings the number of Ames & Gough equity partners to 15.

Parent has more than two decades of experience in insurance brokerage and risk management consulting. She joined Ames & Gough in 2006 after serving with William Gallagher Associates in Boston, Mass., where she was creator and manager of that firms Emerging Client Group. Before that, she was an account manager with the Thomas E. Sears Insurance Agency.

Established in 1992, Ames & Gough has offices in Boston, Mass.; New York, N.Y.; Philadelphia, Penn.; and Washington, D.C.

Source: Ames & Gough

Topics Mergers
The founder and CEO of insurtech company Indio Technologies has been announced as the recipient of the 2018 John Love Risk Innovation Award. The award, presented by industry organization TechAssure, is presented annually to an insurance professional who has demonstrated ingenuity, innovation and intellect to solve an issue in the risk management industry.

The award was presented to Indio co-founder and CEO Michael Furlong at a TechAssure meeting in Baden Baden, Germany, by TechAssure executive director Garrett Droege and 2018 chair Sandy Lee.

Since entering the insurance industry, Mike and the team at Indio have continuously demonstrated innovative approaches to solving some of the industrys most glaring problems, Droege said. Mike has a vision of how to help insurance brokerages bring a greater customer experience to their clients, and we applaud what Indio has done in such a short amount of time.

Founded in 2016 by Furlong and Adam Bratt, Indio provides a workflow management platform that helps digitize and modernize the insurance application and renewal process.

Its an absolute honor to receive the John Love Award from TechAssure, an organization that is aligned with Indio in our commitment to empowering independent insurance agents through innovation and technology, Furlong said.
Zurich achieved 825 million in cumulative net cost savings, a significant part of its target of 1.1 billion (about US$1.42 billion) in savings.

Group chief executive officer Mario Greco said the company was very pleased with the 2018 results, which was all customer-led.

Weve continued to strengthen our profitability and lower costs while growing our business, expanding our global footprint and broadening our range of innovative solutions to meet the changing needs of customers, Greco said. This performance gives us great confidence as we enter the next phase of our development over the year ahead.

The UK arm of the business performed particularly well, reporting a 143% earnings increase, going from 107 million (about US$138 million) in 2017 to 260 million (about US$335 million) in 2018.

Zurichs UK CEO Tulsi Naidu said she was pleased with Zurichs strong result in the UK. She said: 2018 was a significant year in our transformation and its gratifying to see the all-round improvement reflected in the results.

Zurich made acquisitions in the Latin America and South East Asia markets in 2018, including in Chile and Indonesia.

In a statement, the insurer said its well on track to fully achieve its 2017 to 2019 targets.
Ten people have been arrested in Florida for their alleged participation in an elaborate insurance scam.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the Florida Department of Financial Services teamed up on the case, according to local news affiliate NBC 2.
In November, the FTC seized Dorfmans Lamborghini, along with a Rolls Royce, a Land Rover and $1 million in jewelry.

In a Jan. 31 court motion, court-appointed receiver Michael Goldberg asked US District Judge Darrin B. Gayles to approve the cancellation of Dorfmans $6,037 monthly lease on the Lamborghini and its return to V.A. Leasing Corp. of Doral.

Goldberg noted in his motion that neither Dorfman nor the receivership are making monthly lease payments for the Lamborghini  a 2012 Aventador.

The costs of storage of the vehicle are significant and a drain on the receivership estate, the motion read.

South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that  assuming regular payments had been made on the lease through October  Dorfman had approximately spent some $225,261 for the car. After the lease term ended, he was reportedly given the option to purchase the automobile for $5,694.

Although Dorfman could lose his Lamborghini now, it may only be a matter of time until his other assets get repossessed as well.

In an email to South Florida Sun Sentinel, Goldberg explained that until the judge rules on the FTCs request for a preliminary injunction to shut Simple Health Plans down for the remainder of the case, he will not ask the court for permission to sell Dorfmans other assets.
The company attributes its good results to underlying growth and underwriting improvements in property and casualty, as well as cost savings.

Zurich achieved 825 million in cumulative net cost savings, a significant part of its target of 1.1 billion (about AUI$1.99 billion) in savings.

Group chief executive officer Mario Greco said the company was very pleased with the 2018 results, which was all customer-led.

Weve continued to strengthen our profitability and lower costs while growing our business, expanding our global footprint and broadening our range of innovative solutions to meet the changing needs of customers, Greco said. This performance gives us great confidence as we enter the next phase of our development over the year ahead.

The UK arm of the business performed particularly well, reporting a 143% earnings increase, going from 107 million (about AU$194 million) in 2017 to 260 million (about AU$472 million) in 2018.

Zurichs UK CEO Tulsi Naidu said she was pleased with Zurichs strong result in the UK. She said: 2018 was a significant year in our transformation and its gratifying to see the all-round improvement reflected in the results.

Zurich made acquisitions in the Latin America and South East Asia markets in 2018, including in Chile and Indonesia.

In a statement, the insurer said its well on track to fully achieve its 2017 to 2019 targets.
The teams are at the following venues:

The Townsville Stadium, Murray Lyons Cres, Annandale, 9am to 5pm

Suncorp Store  Stockland Aitkenvale, Shop 130/131, 310 Ross River Road, Townsville, 2pm to 4:30pm

Suncorp Store  Willows Shopping Centre, 79A Thuringowa Drive, Townsville, 2pm to 4:30pm

The teams can also arrange emergency make-safe work, organise temporary accommodation for customers with severely damaged homes, and provide cash payments for emergency purchases.

Ashleigh Paterson, Suncorp spokesperson, assured customers that their home insurance policies will cover them for damage cause by the recent catastrophic floods.

Weve been asked whether the release of water from the Ross River Dam would put traditional flood status in question, Paterson said. This is not the case, and a flood is a flood is the stance Suncorp will take with its home insurance claims.

Suncorp customers also not need to wait for an assessor to visit their home to begin cleaning up.

If you have damaged goods or contents, please take a photo of them, Paterson said. If your carpet is flood-damaged, rip it up and take it outside, but keep a sample. Also, make sure you keep a record of model numbers or serial numbers of items you are throwing away to help us replace them.

Paterson reminded customers to continue to prioritise their safety as they inspect any damage.

In addition to visiting a Suncorp customer support team, flood-affected customers can also lodge their claim online or by phoning its call centre on 13 25 24.

You dont need to be at home or have a copy of your policy to lodge your claim  we will have your details on file, Paterson said. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start the recovery process.
The Singapore branch will be managed by Tindall Riley (Britannia) Singapore, and is headed by marine insurance and shipping veteran John OFlaherty as chief executive.

OFlaherty will lead a team of seven colleagues, including: Derek Birch, a qualified lawyer with experience both in private practice and with other P&I clubs. He heads the local claims team, which includes Capt. Rajesh Raman, Capt. Nasir Subahrie, Sivakami Moorthy, and Victoria McFarlane, all of whom have legal, maritime and/or insurance backgrounds. Meanwhile, Capt. Ajit Karande is responsible for correspondent work and overseeing Britannias ASEAN correspondents.

The Singapore office will cater to Britannias members in ASEAN countries as well as those in India and Australasia. It will also assist with all members claims arising in the ASEAN region, in association with Britannias local port correspondents.

The news that Britannias Singapore office has been granted a licence to underwrite business so soon after the Hong Kong office is welcome and, again, demonstrates the clubs commitment to Britannias Asian members, who account for nearly 50% of the clubs business, said Andrew Cutler, CEO of Britannia and the managers.

Furthermore, Britannia has launched two Chinese language microsites to further support its business in Asia. The two sites, one in simplified and the other in traditional Chinese, have been launched following the firms Japanese website in 2018.

In addition, our focus on Asia has been further enhanced with the launch of the two Chinese language microsites, which will greatly benefit our members in the region, Cutler added. The microsites will also support our regional hubs in Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore by reinforcing our strategy of providing members with a personalised service in their local area, backed by a global presence in the market.
Local Twin Cities artists Enzyrose, Eyenga Bokamba, Noah Lawrence-Holder, LeShon Lee, and Meadow Gillispie, talk about their reaction to the murder of George Floyd, the trial of Derek Chauvin, and life as a black artist during this time.
Real-time social media posts from local businesses and organizations across Northern Virginia, powered by Friends2Follow. To add your business to the stream, email cfields@insidenova.com or click on the green button below.
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There are so many different ways that you can hug a person. Obviously, each type of hug is going to have a little different meaning to it,...
Immigrants prepare to become American citizens at a naturalization service on Jan. 22, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. According to government data obtained by The Associated Press, thousands of requests by men to bring in child and adolescent brides to live in the United States were approved over the past decade. (John Moore/Getty Images)
A scuffle broke out between a teacher, Afzal Hussain, and locals in Katihar, Bihar when the former refused to sing Vande Mataram after hoisting the flag on Republic Day, sparking angry protests.

The video of the protest has gone viral on social media after which Hussain told ANI that We believe in Allah and saying or singing 'Vande Mataram' is against my religious beliefs and the Constitution also does not say that I must sing the song".

Bihar Education Minister on a primary school teacher Afzal Hussain who refused to sing 'Vande Mataram' on Jan 26 in Katihar: Action will be taken if incident of this sort has occurred. National song's insult is not forgivable at all. https://t.co/rcYxIpTdhW  ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019

Locals and others in the school allegedly started pushing and hitting him when he refused to sing after flag hoisting. Hussain said that he could have lost his life after he was attacked.

Katihar:Scuffle broke out when a primary school teacher Afzal Hussain refused to sing 'Vande Mataram' on Jan 26;Hussain says,"We worship Allah & Vande Mataram means 'vandana'(worship) of Bharat which is against our belief.Constitution doesn't say it's necessary to sing it".#Bihar pic.twitter.com/JjyEWpGRGt  ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019

The district education officer, Dinesh Chandra Dev, however, told reporters that he had not received any complaint yet. "Had we got any such information, an investigation would have been done," Dev said.

Picture Credits: ANI


Even as groups around the world make their attempts to combat global warming and the climate change it brings, others continue their wanton destruction of our planet. And now, the situation is starting to look grim enough that you wonder if we'll even be able to recover at all.

According to the UK's Met office, global warming could temporarily hit 1.5C above pre-industrial levels by 2023. It's the first time that has ever happened, and the results could be catastrophic.

Also Read: Its Worse Than We Thought! Global Warming Will Cause Sea Levels To Rise 30Cm By 2100

According to the report, there's a 10 percent chance of us experiencing a year where the average temperature rise is more than 1.5 celsius. Of the two Paris agreements signed to combat global warming, that was the lower danger threshold of the two for the end of the century.

So far, the hottest year on record was 2016, when Earth heated up to 1.11C above pre-industrial levels. It may sound heartening that the heat has gone down in the past two years, but it's unfortunately only a small part of a long term upward trend.

Also Read: Global Warming Is Putting Ships And Fishermen In More Danger, As Seas & Oceans Get More Wild

Natural factors tend to make that heat we experience vary year to year. However, scientists estimate we're warming the planet about 0.2-degrees every 10 years. And we're about to hit a critical point in the next five years.

Also Read: We Need To Make Unprecedented Changes If We Want To Survive Global Warming

According to the researches, though an outlier event, this rise in temperature would hit regions prone to extreme weather especially hard. This includes regions like South America, parts of Australia and Africa, and India's monsoon belt.

And until we drastically scale back our greenhouse gas emissions, the probability of each year being that hot will continue to rise.
Tightening the noose around political spamming and fake news, WhatsApp has warned political parties to not spam users. The instant messaging platform said that political parties are not using the platform in the manner that was intended and cautioned them that it will ban accounts in the run up to the General Elections scheduled to take place early this year.

India is WhatsApps largest market with more than 230 million monthly active users.

WhatsApps senior executive said that Indian political parties have been abusing the messaging service ahead of the Lok Sabha Polls. WhatsApp, however, declined to name the parties or give the exact nature of the alleged misuse, but there is a growing concern that party workers may abuse the application using automated tools for mass messaging, or spread fake news to sway voters.

For the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and opposition Congress, WhatsApp has become an indispensable tool and more often than not, the parties accuse each other of propagating fake news while denying they do so themselves.

We are trying to be very clear going into the election that there is abuse on WhatsApp. We are working very hard to identify it and prevent it as soon as possible, said Carl Woog, head of communications for WhatsApp.

Also Read: Ahead Of 2019 Lok Sabha Polls, Facebook & Google Unite To Scrutinise Political Advertisements

BJP Information Technology cell head Amit Malviya told Reuters that he has not met with any WhatsApp officials in the matter. Congress social media head Divya Spandana said the party does not abuse WhatsApp.

This isnt the first move by a social media platform to aggressively control how information is shared on applications, especially in a country where such platforms play a key role in political campaigns.

In November, 2018, WhatsApp produced three advertisement films for TV, Facebook and YouTube, in an bid to fight fake news on the platform. The ad films were part of a campaign titled Share Joy, Not Rumors and were made available in ten languages.

Social media giant Facebook are leaving no stone unturned to let fake news affect the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. On January 28, Facebook, in a blog post, discussed measures that the company is taking to tackle fake news and ensure the integrity of elections across the world.

Search giant Google, too, has vowed to fight fake news in India as the elections approach.
With an aim to transform the state into an electronics manufacturing hub, Kerala has launched its own laptop brand.

Coconics, which is a Public-private partnership (PPP) will soon begin manufacturing laptops in the state.

It is a joint venture between the Kerala government and US-based technology major UST global.

UST Global holding will have a 49 per cent share, while Keltron has 26 per cent and KSIDC will own 23 per cent stakes and Axeleron has 2 per cent shares in the venture that is set up at a cost of Rs 30 crore.

The laptops will be manufactured at the State-run Keltron campus in Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram.

According to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the project also includes the involvement of KSIDC and Axeleron and will have the guidance and technical assistance of the Intel Corporation.

"We are going to leverage the advantage we have in human resources by pivoting to Hi-tech manufacturing," Vijayan said in a Facebook post.

He also added that Coconics project aims to develop quality laptops and servers in Kerala and the focus will be on providing electronic hardware to government offices, educational institutions and businesses.

The project which has a capacity to produce two lakh laptops annually will soon go into commercial production.

The first line of Coconics laptops will be launched on February 11th, during the Electronic Manufacturing summit in Delhi.

Coconics is said to be the first PPP project manufacturing laptops and servers in India.
Virginity tests are still prevalent in parts of India and somehow are an integral essence of certain communities in India, such as the Kanjarbhat community in Maharashtra.

Over the years, the cry to ban such appalling and dehumanising tests, or customs, has gained pace. There has been a fierce resistance from forward-looking males and females from within the community.

Many women from the Kanjarbhat community - made up of around 200,000 people  are forced to undergo a virginity test on their wedding night in order to ascertain whether or not they are virtuous.

The test is seen as a fundamental part of any wedding that takes place within the community and is obligated by the highly influential caste panchayat.

Even though the Maharashtra state government passed a law criminalising caste panchayats in July 2017, the kangaroo courts have sustained, exercising mammoth power and influence in the community.

The couple are given a white sheet and taken to a hotel room rented by the village council or one the families. While the family members wait outside, the couples are sent inside the room to consummate their marriage. If the bride bleeds during intercourse, she is seen as a virgin and labelled khara maal, and if she doesnt, consequences are harsh. The woman is often beaten up, her family is ostracised and asked to pay a hefty fine to settle the matter. Whoever defies Kanjarbhat law is subject to social boycott.

Also Read: Women Of Kanjarbhat Community Are Marching For A Ridiculous Reason - 'Don't Ban Virginity Tests'

Failure invites punishment, such as branding of body parts, stripping, making her pick a coin from boiling oil and placing hot iron rod in her hands.

Representational Image/Reuters

As unscientific as these so-called tests are, there has been a call to ban such humiliating tests and mark them unlawful.

Acting upon growing protests, the Maharashtra government will soon make forcing a woman undergo virginity test a punishable offence.

Ranjeet Patil, the Minister of State for Home, met a delegation of some social organisations on the issue Wednesday.

Virginity test will be considered a form of sexual assault...after consultations with the Law and Judiciary department, a circular will be issued declaring it a punishable offence, the minister told reporters post the meeting.

Last week, the National Commission for Women (NCW) had expressed serious concerns over a report that stated virginity tests are still prevalent and tests of brides were forcefully conducted among the Kanjarbhats. Calling the practice regressive, misogynistic and in violation of basic human rights and dignity, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma wrote to Maharashtra's women and child welfare minister Pankaja Gopinath Munde asking her to look into the matter.

Media reports said that two cases of virginity tests have come to light in Pune.

Call for change on social media

The centuries-old humiliating custom is being challenged by educated youngsters within the Kanjarbhat community.

Also Read: Pune Youngsters Campaign Against 'Virginity Tests' By Creating WhatsApp Groups

The 400-year-old ritual is being opposed by Tamaichikar and a group of almost 40 members of the Kanjarbhat community. The biggest tool in their hands is social media and they are taking every possible measure to outlaw this demeaning custom.

A WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram group  Stop The V-Ritual  is doing whats the need of the hour.

Priyanka Tamaichekar, Vivek Tamaichikar and Siddhant Indrekar are speaking publicly against the practice. Most people from the community accept as true that virginity test is a character certificate of the woman. Their argument? 

Do we want India to follow the western countries where girls are getting pregnant at 13 and 14?

Representational Image

Siddhant started with shooting an eight-minute-long video of in November, 2017, where an elderly man declared Maal khara khara khara, meaning goods are pure. In the video, two men were seen throwing Rs 5,000 on the ground and the couple dressed in their best looked on as someone from the crowd stepped forth to collect the money.

He took the video to the police as evidence for prevalence of custom but they dismissed it as a social issue and no action was taken.

The trio has been beaten up multiple times and is facing social boycott from their own family members who believe they are shaming community customs in public.

Through their presence on social media, they try to convince other people in the community to put a stop to the practice.

Virginity tests have taken many forms in India. To varying degrees, the virginity of a bride is considered a virtue in certain communities throughout India. A high premium is placed on virginity for social, economic, and religious reasons.

In October, 2018, United Nations along with the World Health Organisation, UN Women and UN Human Rights called for a global ban on the practice. Such tests have been documented in at least 20 countries across the world.
'We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.'

Sam Keen

Love is a celebration of life with the people you were meant to spend your time with on earth. Why not celebrate these special companions with gifts that'll truly show them how much you care? Valentine's Day is almost here and there's no better time than now to get them that perfect gift. Take a look at the list below and get spoiled for choice:

1. An iDiva Beauty Box



The iDiva Beauty Box is a brilliant collection of handpicked skin and hair-care essentials that are perfect for all kinds of skin-types. Every girl is beautiful but you've got to appreciate the hard work that goes in to maintaining it. Luckily for all us girls, the iDiva Beauty Box makes it so easy.

Price: Rs 1699

Buy it here.

2. The Man Company Charcoal Kit

This has to be hands down the best thing out there to gift your boyfriend. This Charcoal Gang gifting box by The Man Company is packed with charcoal products that are the perfect answer to his grooming needs. And we'll have you know, charcoal products are quite the rage these days - so secretly, your man is already wishing for this gift.

Price: Rs 2,699

Buy it here.

3. Bombay Shaving Company Kit

Hate your partner's beard? Now, thanks to this Bombay Shaving Company kit your partner can say goodbye to unwanted facial hair and look as sharp as he's meant to be. There's a razor with feather blades, a scrub, shaving cream, an after-shave balm and an imitation badger brush in this kit. You know you can't go wrong with this one.

Price: Rs 2,545

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Just like entire nation, Madhuri Dixit says she was shocked to hear and read names of Alok Nath and filmmaker Soumik Sen in the #MeToo movement. She said she has known them for years. However, she wasnt aware of this side of their personality.

In the #MeToo movement, which hit Bollywood in August last year, Nath was accused of rape by writer-director Vinta Nanda. Sen, who directed Madhuri in "Gulaab Gang", has been accused of inappropriate behaviour by three women.

When asked if it was heart-breaking for her to see their names in the #MeToo movement, Madhuri told PTI, "It is always shocking. Because you've known them and you've not known them like that."

"It is always shocking when something like that comes out. What you've known them and what you're reading is two different people. It was so shocking."

The actor is currently gearing up for her upcoming comedy, Total Dhamaal. Post which, she would be seen in Karan Johar's production Kalank, which features an ensemble cast of Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha and Aditya Roy Kapur. Originally, Sridevi was meant to do the film, before she passed away in February last year. The role eventually went to Madhuri. The 51-year-old actor said she took time to "digest" that Sridevi was no more.

"What took time was to digest the whole thing that had happened. It was so shocking, I was like 'you want me to do this role?' because even they (filmmakers) were stuck. They had to go on. As a person it was hard to deal. As an actor, you know the role, the script. It's a different matter altogether. But to accept the truth was very difficult," she added.

Directed by Indra Kumar, Total Dhamaal, features Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Johnny Lever, Boman Irani, Sanjay Mishra among others. It is scheduled to release on February 22.
Actor and philanthropist Angelina Jolie urged Myanmar to show a genuine commitment to ending violence and displacement in its Rakhine state, where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled to neighboring Bangladesh for safety.

Agencies

Jolie, a special envoy for the UN's refugee agency, visited sprawling camps in Bangladesh, where she made a speech in defense of 1 million Rohingya refugees.

FYI, more than 700,000 have arrived since August 2017, when Myanmar's army led a violent crackdown following attacks on security posts by a Rohingya insurgent group.

Jolie's visit happened just three days before launching a global appeal for $920 million, chiefly to support the refugees' needs for 2019. She met and talked with refugees, including children and rape victims. Reporters present at the Kutupalong refugee camp quoted her saying,

Agencies

"It was deeply upsetting to meet the families who have only known persecution and statelessness their whole lives, who speak of being treated like cattle. They have been denied their most basic human right: citizenship in their country of birth. And some still won't even call the Rohingya by their rightful name."

She went on to thanking Bangladesh for hosting the refugees despite being over populated, and urged the international community to provide more resources for the refugees. Jolie added,

Agencies

"Bangladesh is a generous country rich in culture and history, but with limited resources. And it cannot be left to shoulder the responsibility of hosting Rohingya refugees alone."

Jolie said Myanmar must ensure safety for the Rohingya to return home. She added,

Agencies

"They have an absolute right to return home, but only when they feel safe enough to do so voluntarily and they know that their rights will be respected."

Bangladesh attempted to start repatriation of Rohingya in November last year, but the country postponed the process after no Rohingya came forward to go back voluntarily.

The UN and other global human rights groups have said no Rohingya should be forced to return. Bangladesh authorities said they will send them back only if they are willing to go back and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged international community to put pressure on Myanmar for ensuring safety in the country for making their voluntary return possible.

Agencies

Reports claim that most people in Buddhist-majority Myanmar do not accept that the Rohingya Muslims are a native ethnic group. They view them as "Bengalis" who entered from Bangladesh centuries ago. Apart from them being denied of citizenship since 1982, they have a restricted access to education and hospitals.
Arizona food banks prepare for possible government shutdown  again

By Imani StephensCronkite News

PHOENIX  Food banks across Arizona launched mobile services to help federal workers during the recent five-week shutdown, which taught them how to prepare for the possibility of another shutdown.

Jerry Brown, spokesman for St. Marys Food Bank Alliance, said the organization distributed more than 100,000 pounds of food during three mobile drives for employees of TSA, Phoenix Indian Medical Center and the Grand Canyon.

Our numbers indicate that the shutdown really shot our numbers up, and soon as the shutdown ended, it went back to regular levels, Brown said.

He said the 35-day shutdown taught food banks some lessons.

Were doing our homework on trying to figure out where are the places we need to go if the shutdown happens again, Brown said. For example, the bank might expand its mobile locations to reach more federal employees in Arizona, such as prison workers and Coast Guard workers.

Cronkite News Video by Imani Stephens: Food banks are strained

The February 15 deadline for congressional leaders and President Donald Trump to come up with a funding agreement is looming, with Trump still requiring authorization of a border wall.

Its unclear whether there will be enough donations if theres another shutdown, Brown and other food bank leaders fear.

We collect food in November and December, and we expect that food to last us until April or May, Brown said. We get a large share of our donations during that time. We had to use a lot of our donations in the month of January that we didnt expect.

We definitely need donations to help. Not that we need food today or tomorrow, but to help us replenish the stock pile that we normally have during this time of year. Canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, canned tuna, those are the things that we need the most.

Angie Rodgers, president and chief executive of the Association of Arizona Food Banks, said its network of the states five food banks received plenty of donations for the first shutdown, which began three days before Christmas.

We were very blessed to have obviously have some wonderful donations around the holidays, we have lots of commodities, and lots of products from grocery stores, she said at the time.

Brown said he has seen former volunteers return to the food bank  this time to use the services.

Theyve been on the other side, and they never thought that they would find themselves in this situation  but here they are, he said.

Bryan Bentley knows what its like. A lead officer for the Transportation Security Administration at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, he was one of about 800,000 federal workers who werent paid in January, He both volunteered and received food from a mobile food drive at a church in Queen Creek.

My family is struggling as much as anyone, Bentley said as prepared boxes of food for delivery during the shutdown. He said his extended family and the church community worked to help when the paychecks stopped.

Bentley, executive vice president of AFGE Local 1250, a union for TSA employees in Arizona and Nevada, said union members also are reaching out and receiving help from the community.

The union, weve been trying to look at all different avenues, working with local businesses, he said. People have been dropping off some donations, non-perishable items to our union office.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security and officials in other states also released February benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) two weeks early. That was planned as a relief valve for Arizonas nearly 320,000 low-income recipients, but they still have to wait until March for more benefits, according to an Arizona Department of Economic Security news release.

Were hoping that they will budget their food correctly so that their food stamps will last throughout the month, Brown said. If they dont, we expect that were going to see them coming to food banks for help.

The Phoenix Indian Medical Center is located at 4212 N 16th St, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Rodgers said this week that food bank resources could last if a shutdown recurs but its difficult to know for sure, especially if SNAP recipients also need help.

Its hard to estimate what that need and demand would look like, given the large populations that we already serve, Rodgers said. If we were only talking about federal employees, I anticipate we would have enough food.

But if SNAP recipients need help, we do not have enough food or support for to able to meet that need, she said.

This story originally appeared on Cronkite News and is published via a Creative Commons license . Cronkite News is produced by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University

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By Acee Agoyo

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With experts predicting gridlock and the presidential campaign already kicking into gear, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs is wasting little time advancing tribal priorities after a somewhat disappointing start in the Trump era.

Since the beginning of the 116th Congress in January, the committee has approved 15 bills. All had previously passed the Senate or the committee during the prior session. And almost all of them enjoy bipartisan support.

I look forward to seeing our committee bills advancing quickly through the Senate again, and then onto the House, and to the president this year," Sen. John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), the chairman of the panel, said as three bills were advanced at a business meeting on Wednesday afternoon

Despite the optimism, it was those last two steps where a number of pro-tribal bills met their demise during the 115th Congress. By the end of that session, the House had failed to take action on a significant number of Indian measures -- about a dozen -- whereas the Senate only left about five on the table.

That meant President Donald Trump signed fewer Indian bills in his first two years in office than his predecessors, Republican and Democrat alike. Hoeven's committee had hoped to get 20 to his desk by the end of 2017 but the effort fell short -- in the end, he only signed about a dozen into law.

The disappointing outcome was all the more noteworthy considering that Trump arrived in Washington, D.C., in a seemingly strong political position. The House and the Senate, after all, were both controlled by his own Republican Party for the entirety of the 115th Congress.

"He inherited a pretty good situation," Aurene Martin, a citizen of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa who has worked in Indian law and policy for two decades, said at the Wiring the Rez conference last week in Arizona.

"He should have been able to parlay that into great legislative successes, which he did not do," Martin said at the event, held on the Gila River Indian Community near Phoenix.

But with Democrats now in control of the House while the Senate remains in GOP hands, Indian law and policy experts aren't expecting much out of the current session even if voters in two states made history by sending the first Native women to Capitol Hill . And the fact that the 2020 presidential cycle is already kicking into gear has raised concerns -- historically, the legislative agenda grinds to a halt as the election approaches, consuming just about everyone's attention and resources.

"I think we have to build bridges," Gary Davis , a citizen of the Cherokee Nation who serves as executive director of the Native American Financial Services Association , said at Wiring the Rez. "We don't have the luxury of building a wall in Indian Country."

Legislation to provide housing for homeless veterans in Indian Country passes Committee. Chairman @SenJohnHoeven thanks @SenatorTester for sponsoring this important legislation & @SenatorTomUdall & @SenatorIsakson for their leadership on this bill. More: https://t.co/Nw5NeKD3kw  Senate Indian Affairs Committee (@IndianCommittee) February 6, 2019

Members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs aren't openly complaining about the troubled climate -- yet. The panel typically acts in bipartisan fashion and almost every piece of legislation makes it to the floor of the Senate with little to no objections.

Hoeven himself said the 115th Congress was a "productive" one for Indian Country during the committee's first business meeting on January 29

But there are signs of strain. At that same meeting, Hoeven sounded a little exasperated when he noted that a bipartisan bill to make improvements for tribal self-determination and self-governance has yet to clear Congress despite more than a decade of work and strong support from Indian Country.

"It's time we get this one all the way through," Hoeven said of S.209 , the PROGRESS for Indian Tribes Act last week.

A prior version of the bill was among those which passed the Senate during the last session only to be stalled in the other chamber. Hoeven noted that the package first surfaced more than 10 years ago, during the 108th Congress.

Sen. Tom Udall (D-New Mexico), the vice chairman of the committee, doesn't sound worried either. He said he's determined to advance legislation that promotes tribal sovereignty and tribal parity, a platform that includes S.256 S.257 and S.294 , the three bills advanced at the meeting on Wednesday.

"Too often historical circumstances or legislative oversights have put tribes and Native communities on unequal footing in federal programs," Udall said. "But today's bills will go toward a long way toward leveling playing field of opportunity by expanding access to support programs for homeless Native veterans, small business owners on reservation and assisting tribal communities of all sizes to revitalize their Native languages."

As the committee continues to hit the ground running, its counterpart in the other chamber is getting to work. The House Committee on Natural Resources , which has jurisdiction over Indian issues, held its first hearing on Wednesday morning , with Rep. Deb Haaland (D-New Mexico), the first Native person to serve vice chair, joining other members in focusing on climate change.

Four more #ActOnClimate hearings are on the agenda this week and the next , including the first hearing of the new Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States . The panel will meet on Tuesday, February 12, as part of the Democratic focus on climate change.

The subcommittee was established to focus on issues affecting American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. That's a major change from the days of Republican rule, when Indian issues were grouped with those of U.S. territories that don't enjoy the same government-to-government relationship and trust and treaty obligations

Esther Martinez, 1912-2016, was a linguist and educator from Ohkay Owingeh who was known for her efforts to preserve the Tewa language. She taught the language to countless numbers of students and her work inspired the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act. Photo: Granger Meador

The 116th Congress

So far, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has advanced 15 bills since the start of the 116th Congress on January 3, 2019. All await further action in the Senate:

S.46 , the Klamath Tribe Judgment Fund Repeal Act

S.50 , the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act

S.51 , the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act of 2019

S.199 , the Leech Lake Band Of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act

S.207 , to enhance Tribal road Safety, and for other purposes

S.209 , the PROGRESS for Indian Tribes Act

S.210 , the Tribal Law and Order Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2019

S.211 , the SURVIVE Act

S.212 , the Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act

S.216 , the Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Equitable Compensation Act

S.224 , to provide for the conveyance of certain property to the Tanana Tribal Council located in Tanana, Alaska, and to the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation located in Dillingham, Alaska, and for other purposes

S.226 , the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2019.

The House Committee on Natural Resources has yet to advance any Indian legislation.

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Robert Weaver

2017-2018

In October 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Robert Weaver, a citizen of the Quapaw Nation, to serve as director of the Indian Health Service. The delayed announcement, though it came 10 months into the new administration, was not unusual, as former president George W. Bush waited more than a year to name his permanent pick for the agency.

What was different was Weaver's background. Unlike prior directors, he did not have direct clinical experience, though he worked in a hospital in administrative and support capacities, and also ran a health insurance business that at one point provided services to his tribe. He also lacked a college degree.

Amid these doubts, Weaver never secured a confirmation hearing, though one was anticipated in late 2017. As questions mounted in early 2018, the White House unceremoniously backed away the nomination. Weaver immediately lashed out, saying he was forced to do so as a result of media reports into his qualifications.

Photo: Courtesy Robert Weaver
Local dispensary defies MCA, turned elsewhere for license

By Kaniehtonkie

On Tuesday, February 5, 2019 the Akwesasne Mohawk Police executed search warrants, simultaneously, on two local businesses located on Kawehno:ke. According to the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne they had not issued an interim cannabis...
(February 5, 2019) In mid-January, Dr. Stanley Patrick Weber was sentenced to more than 18 years in prison on several counts of sexually abusing Native American boys in his care on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Browning, Montana.

In Pred...
By Kaniehtonkie

As a rule of protocol, Tadodaho, Onondaga Chief would recite the traditional opening at formal functions at the United Nations. Tadodaho was unavailable as he was attending Onondagas Mid-Winter Ceremonies.

As an advisor who ha...
Reprinted with permission of Indian Country Media

The destruction of the Indigenous world has been chronicled ever since Bartolome de las Casas wrote A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies in 1552. He even described more than thirty other islands in the vicinity of San Juan are for the most part and for the same reason depopulated, and the land laid waste. On these islands I estimate there are 2,100 leagues of land that have been ruined and depopulated, empty of people.

Now a new study adds hard data, documenting the global cost of colonialism.

Why does it matter? Because the invasion of the Americas changed everything on the planet. There was a death rate of more than 90 percent of the people, labeled depopulation in the scientific report. At that time, the Indigenous population of the Americas was 10 percent of the worlds population and the home to the largest and most complex cities.

The study also raises new questions about the anthropogenic or the impact of humans on nature and what that might mean for climate change policy in the decades ahead.

The paper: Earth system impacts of the European arrival and Great Dying in the Americas after 1492, was written by four geographers from University College London: Alexander Koch, Chris Brierley, Mark M. Maslin and Simon L. Lewis. The peer-reviewed article was published by Quaternary Science Reviews.

The study shows how Europe thrived after the genocide. The really weird thing is, the depopulation of the Americas may have inadvertently allowed the Europeans to dominate the world, coauthor Mark Maslin told the BBC. It also allowed for the Industrial Revolution and for Europeans to continue that domination.

Human impacts prior to the Industrial Revolution are not well constrained, the authors wrote. We investigate whether the decline in global atmospheric CO2 concentration by 7 - 10 ppm in the late 1500s and early 1600s which globally lowered surface air temperatures by 0.15 C.

Even though the global shift in temperature was tiny, only 15/100th of a degree, yet that was enough to lead to colder temperatures worldwide that resulted in crop failures and colder summers.

The researchers examined ice cores from Antarctica which measures the atmospheric gases, including carbon dioxide, that were trapped centuries ago.

The paper explores a big question: Did the invasion and depopulation of the Americas in the 16th and 17th century result in those decline in temperatures, the Little Ice Age? And was that a result of natural forces or because of the large-scale depopulation of the Americas after European arrival, subsequent land use change and secondary succession.

The evidence is complicated. The Indigenous Americas went through a rapid and dramatic shift; a before contact and after contact story. But the problem is that the evidence was only documented in the decades after European contact. So the scientists looked at indirect methods to calculate a hemispheric estimate.

The first problem was trying to figure out how many people lived in the Americas. In Mexico, for example, the Europeans first arrived in 1519 but the first census took place in 1568 and other documentary evidence starts around 1540. That population evidence includes tributes, the size of armies, and settlement infrastructure.

So, looking at all of the evidence available today the University College London team came to the conclusion that the Indigenous population reached more than 60 million people before contact. That would have been about 10 percent of the worlds population and the cities in the Americas would have been among the most populous on the planet. In less than a hundred years that Indigenous Americas population was reduced to 5 or 6 million people; a population decline that exceeded 90 percent, the Great Dying.

The scientists calculated how such a rapid population decline would change agriculture (think of what it took to feed 60 million people) and land. This is what happened when farmland became forest and jungle. And the scale of regrowth was huge, roughly a land mass twice the size of Colorado.

The scale is significant because Indigenous land use was so widespread before European arrival, particularly in Mexico, Central America, Bolivia and the Andes where terraced fields and irrigated agriculture were common. The uptake of carbon on the abandoned anthropogenic lands after European contact may have been large enough to impact the atmospheric CO2 record, the study says.

To put that in the modern context, we basically burn (fossil fuels) and produce about 3 ppm per year. So, were talking a large amount of carbon thats being sucked out of the atmosphere, Maslin told BBC. There is a marked cooling around that time (1500s/1600s) which is called the Little Ice Age, and whats interesting is that we can see natural processes giving a little bit of cooling, but actually to get the full cooling -- double the natural processes -- you have to have this genocide-generated drop in CO2.

The authors say their study shows that the global carbon budget of the 1500s cannot be balanced until large-scale vegetation regeneration in the Americas is included. The Great Dying of the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas resulted in a human-driven global impact on the Earth System in the two centuries prior to the Industrial Revolution.

There are implications in this study for Indian Country beyond history.

One problem is how to quantify the impact of climate change on tribal communities. As the most recent National Climate Assessment reports: The literature currently lacks studies that attempt to quantify and/or monetize climate impacts on Indigenous economies or economic activities.

So, now, what if that thinking is too small? There is now scientific evidence that links climate change to the first encounter and the cumulative destruction of Indigenous societies. Should there be an accounting? How would that work? Would the balance of accounts be broadened to include other industrial societies in Europe as well as the United States itself?

There are also questions raised in this study about climate change policy. As one of the authors, Chris Brierley told BBC, there is a lot of talk around negative emissions approaching and using tree-planting to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere to mitigate climate change. And what we see from this study is the scale of whats required, because the Great Dying resulted in an area the size of France being reforested and that gave us only a few parts per million. This is useful; it shows us what reforestation can do. But at the same, that kind of reduction is worth perhaps just two years of fossil fuel emissions at the present rate.

Indeed the scale of this report, of this history, is daunting. But like any important study, this one by University College London opens up more questions than answers.
Danville Police look for a man suspected in a stabbing; investigators have confirmed the identity of remains found in the Dan River; Virginia tops the 70% mark in adult COVID vaccinations; God's Pit Crew rebuilds in Louisiana.


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Bart had an amazing 17 years as the director of bands at Mt. Pleasant High School. His marching bands annually earned top honors at marching events throughout our region, and were Class A Champions at multiple Bands of America Regionals. His concert ensembles consistently earned Superior ratings at Concert MPA events in Grade V and VI literature, and his Winter Guard were consistent medalists in CWEA events. He consistently placed multiple students in the Cabarrus All-County Band, the SCDBA All-District Band, and the NCBA All-State Honor Bands. His students have marched with nationally recognized drum corps and winter ensembles. He served as a mentor teacher to several student teachers. In addition, he organized and ran one of the largest and most successful marching band competitions in our area. Perhaps just as important as his achievements is the professionalism he displayed while in the classroom, and now as a district administrator. He is a man of honor who would go the extra mile to help any student or colleague.
The wreckage of the plane which was carrying Emiliano Sala. Photo: AAIB

Search: Geo Ocean III vessel at the site of the plane wreck. Photo: PA

Emiliano Sala had been en route to new club Cardiff City. Photo: Thibalt Camus

A body seen in the wreckage of the plane carrying Cardiff City footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson has been recovered, investigators said.

Remotely operated Vehicles (ROVs) were used in "challenging conditions" to pull the body out of the water "in as dignified a way as possible" the British Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said on Wednesday night.

The body is being taken to Portland to be passed over to the Dorset coroner for examination, the AAIB added.

The aircraft remains 67 metres underwater 21 miles off the coast of Guernsey in the English Channel as poor weather conditions stopped efforts to recover it.

An AAIB spokesman said: "Unfortunately, attempts to recover the aircraft wreckage were unsuccessful before poor weather conditions forced us to return the ROV to the ship.

"The weather forecast is poor for the foreseeable future and so the difficult decision was taken to bring the overall operation to a close.

"In challenging conditions, the AAIB and its specialist contractors successfully recovered the body previously seen amidst the wreckage.

"The operation was carried out in as dignified a way as possible and the families were kept informed of progress."

The remains of the plane were discovered on Sunday evening. It had disappeared on January 21 as it travelled from Nantes in France to Cardiff.

The AAIB said previously that the work of the ROVs has been hampered by the difficult tidal conditions around the Channel Islands.

The plane had requested to descend before it lost contact with Jersey air traffic control.

An official search operation was called off on January 24 after Guernsey's harbour master David Barker said the chances of survival following such a long period were "extremely remote".

The remains of the aircraft were tracked down by a team co-ordinated by ocean scientist David Mearns, who has located some of the most elusive wrecks in the world.

Mr Mearns - known as the "Shipwreck Hunter" - and his team located the aircraft within two hours of commencing their search.

He told the Press Association the discovery had been so quick because the team had been looking for a static object rather than in a dynamic environment searching for survivors.

"No-one should walk away with the impression that the Coastguard and also the Channel Islands air search did anything other than a professional job," he said.

The AAIB said it expected to publish an interim report within the month.

Cardiff had signed Sala for a club record 15m (17m) and he was due to start training last month.

It has emerged that Nantes has demanded payment from Cardiff for the player's transfer.

It is understood Cardiff received a letter from Nantes on Tuesday, in which the French Ligue 1 club threatened to take legal action if the first scheduled payment of the fee is not made within 10 days.

It is believed Cardiff have been left surprised by the demand, considering the circumstances and the timing, and would rather the investigation into the tragedy is completed first.
A UN expert has concluded that Saudi Arabia undermined Turkeys efforts to investigate the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which she described as a brutal and premeditated killing planned and carried out by Saudi officials.

Agnes Callamard  the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions  made her assessment on Thursday after visiting Turkey.

Expand Close Jamal Khashoggi was killed in Istanbul (Johnny Green/PA) / Facebook

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She plans to present a final report to the UN Human Rights Council in June.

Mr Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who wrote critically about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

Ms Callamard said in a statement that woefully inadequate time and access was granted to Turkish investigators to conduct a professional and effective crime-scene examination and search required by international standards for investigation.
Thomas Cook is exploring options to potentially sell its airline business amid concerns over the companys future.

The travel giant said on Thursday that it will conduct a strategic review of the airline arm, which will look at all options to enhance value to shareholders.

Its airlines in the UK, Scandinavia and Germany have all been placed under review.

The decision comes after the firms shares were hammered at the end of last year following its third profit warning of 2018 and stinging full-year losses.

Thomas Cook has been stung by charges related to flight disruptions, writedowns on money owed by hotels and transformation costs.

It was also hit by delayed demand for its tour holidays due to the summer heatwave.

But shares jumped on news of the airlines review, rising over 13% to 35.3p in morning trade.

Expand Close Peter Fankhauser (Thomas Cook/PA) / Facebook

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Boss Peter Fankhauser said: We are today announcing a strategic review of our group airline.

We are at an early stage in this review process which will consider all options to enhance value to shareholders and intensify our strategic focus. We will provide an update on this process in due course.

Thomas Cook operates a fleet of 103 aircraft, carrying more than 20 million passengers, and generated 3.5 billion in revenue last year, with underlying operating profits growing 37% to 129 million.

The announcement came as Thomas Cook reported a 1% rise in first-quarter revenue to 1.65 billion, led by strong demand for Turkish and North African destinations, offsetting weaker demand for Spain.

However, underlying operating losses increased by 14 million to 60 million.

As expected, the knock-on effect from the prolonged summer heatwave and high prices in the Canaries have impacted customer demand for winter sun, Mr Fankhauser added.

Where summer 2018 bookings started very strongly, bookings for summer 2019 reflect some consumer uncertainty, particularly in the UK, and our decision to reduce capacity will both mitigate risk in our tour operator business and help our airline to consolidate the strong growth achieved last year.

For its winter seasons, total bookings are up 8%, but average selling prices are 10% lower overall.

The summer 2019 programme is 30% sold, slightly ahead of last year, and tour operator bookings are down 12%.

Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: Reading between the lines of Thomas Cooks latest trading statement, Brexit is dampening summer holiday bookings, as consumers sit on their hands, waiting for more clarity on the UKs withdrawal from the EU.

Part of the reluctance to book ahead may be logistical, part financial, as Brexit causes concern both over potential travel disruption, and the value of the pound.
Lanterns are strung across Gerrard Street in Chinatown, London. Shaftesbury owns several properties in the area (PA)

The largest shareholder of property developer Shaftesbury has escalated a dispute with the companys board, pledging to vote against its directors at this weeks AGM.

Samuel Tak Lee, who has a 26% stake in the company, will vote against the reappointment of Shaftesburys CEO, CFO and chairman and oppose director pay packages.

Mr Lee has already made public his intention to vote against resolutions which would allow the issuing of new shares, arguing that a previous fundraising damaged shareholder value.

Shaftesbury, which owns a swathe of central London retail property in the likes of Chinatown and Carnaby Street, raised money in 2017 through the placing of new shares at a 5% discount to the previous days closing price.

It said the financing would be used to acquire properties including two sites in Soho.

The board has caused significant damage to shareholder valueSamuel Tak Lee

Mr Lee, a notable London landlord whose properties include the historic Langham Estate, has claimed the capital raising was not in the interests of the company.

He believes it was pursued with the purpose of diluting his shareholding below the 25% threshold.

Shaftesbury has denied the allegations.

A representative of Mr Lee said: There was no economic imperative for the share placement, and there was, as the board had acknowledged in presenting its 2017 results to market analysts only a week before, no need to raise capital in that amount. In doing so, the board has caused significant damage to shareholder value.

Mr Lee has urged fellow shareholders to join him in opposing the resolutions, but investor groups have already backed the board ahead of Fridays meeting.

ISS and Glass Lewis have urged members to vote in favour of the resolutions.
Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, will meet for a second time at a summit later this month, the US president said yesterday.

The talks in Vietnam follow the historic handshake in Singapore last June and will focus on agreeing concrete steps towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Mr Trump will also make his second presidential visit to Britain in December, when he is expected to attend a Nato meeting in London.

The Kim-Trump talks have been months in the making, with US officials taking care to pick a suitable location for the two-day summit starting on February 27. America was in the running to host the event in early discussions but Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam, has been named in Asian media reports as a possibility.

US intelligence chiefs last week said they did not expect Mr Kim (35) to give up his nuclear weapons, a statement which contrasted sharply with Mr Trump's public optimism.

North Korea is expected to prioritise the lifting of UN sanctions, which analysts believe are having an impact on the country's economy. America has insisted sanctions will only be lifted once denuclearisation occurs.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
First Lady Melania Trump speaks at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

First Lady Melania Trump has told an anti-drug conference in Maryland that recovery is possible.

Mrs Trump addressed the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of Americas annual youth leadership forum. Her signature Be Best campaign focuses on a number of issues, including the opioid crisis.

.@FLOTUS : "I want to thank each if you for taking the initiative to address this issue."#Prevention #CADCAForum pic.twitter.com/mUvsGlMzBp  CADCA (@CADCA) February 7, 2019

Mrs Trump spoke about a former opioid and substance abuse addict who joined her for Tuesdays State of the Union address.

The First Lady says Ashley Evans received treatment at an Ohio facility, has been in recovery for over a year and looks forward to being reunited with her daughter.

Mrs Trump says Ms Evans story shows that recovery is possible, and that community programmes can help make a difference.

The First Lady was also visiting the Office of National Drug Control Policy for a briefing.
A man who spent the night with a 12-year-old girl who he thought was 19 has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Carl Hodgson, 28, invited the child to his flat in Manchester city centre a few days after they first made contact via a popular adult dating app.

He filmed her on his mobile phone as she wore a body stocking and sent it to a friend, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Hodgson also pleasured himself while the girl looked on.

The defendant pleaded guilty at earlier hearings to causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, distributing an indecent photograph of a child and making indecent photographs of a child.

In sentencing, Judge David Stockdale QC, the Recorder of Manchester, told him: "(The victim) was by reason of her age highly vulnerable to exploitation and she was no doubt impressed by you.

"This is most serious offending as you now fully appreciate. The effects on a child of such a young age of offending of this sort are really well too known and well too documented. These effects, in many cases, last for the rest of the child's life.

"I take into account that while (the victim) was 12 years of age at the time of these offences you did not believe that to be the case. You thought, and on reasonable grounds, that she was over 16."

The court heard that the victim used a different name on her dating app profile and falsely stated she was 19.

Hodgson made one moving image of the girl and also captured three still images of her on his phone while at his flat.

He also messaged a friend, saying "Mine was decent. Nailed that bird, unreal bod" and also described her as "filth".

His barrister, Alexander Leach, told the court that those comments were "simply male bravado and bragging" and he had not had sexual intercourse with the girl.

The Crown offered no evidence against a charge of rape and Judge Stockdale ordered a formal not guilty verdict be returned.

No evidence was also offered against single counts of grooming and child abduction.

In mitigation, Mr Leach said: "Effectively Carl Hodgson was not aware he was engaging in any sexual activity with a child. He did not intend to engage in sexual activity with a child and could not have appreciated the particular vulnerability of the child, nor the disparity in age to its criminal extent.

"He must have known she was significantly younger than him but he believed her to be older than 16 years old.

"He is genuinely ashamed and remorseful for the circumstances he finds himself in but does not seek to minimise his behaviour.

"The defendant is regarded by those who know him as honest, trustworthy, industrious, loyal and charitable. Those who know him better say these proceedings have had a profound effect on him. He has lost his employment, his home and has suffered the inevitable stigma brought with offending of this sort."

Judge Stockdale said he was satisfied that Hodgson's remorse and regret was genuine and he noted the many testimonials he had received which spoke positively of the defendant's good character.

He said the girl had been seen by a consultant psychologist and a social worker and was shown to be in a "withdrawn state" and unable or unwilling to communicate.

He added though there were no significant signs she had suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, serious anxiety or depression but it was "inevitable she will suffer in the long term as a consequence of the offending".

Hodgson, of Jordan Street, Manchester, was also banned from contacting the victim and ordered to sign the Sex Offender Register for life.
(CNN)  Pope Francis' trip to the United Arab Emirates was a delicate journey: the first Pope in the Arabian peninsula, the birthplace of Islam and a region mired in religious and geopolitical conflicts.

But the Pope did not shirk the weight of his moral duty to speak out on behalf of the innocent in Yemen, of immigrant workers without citizenship, of religious minorities without full freedoms.

It was Pope Francis' seventh visit to a predominantly Muslim country, signaling a continuation of the Vatican's aim of improving ties between Catholics and the Islamic world.

Here are some of the most important moments from Francis' 40-hour trip to the United Arab Emirates.

On Yemen

From the window at the Vatican on Sunday, just an hour before leaving for the United Arab Emirates, a country helping Saudi Arabia fight a war in Yemen, Pope Francis called on those involved to respect international peace accords.

"Let us pray loudly," Francis said, "because there are children that are hungry, are thirsty, don't have medicine and their lives are in danger."

The Pope was greeted at the airport by Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Pope and the Prince met in private discussions.

While it is unknown whether the Pope raised the issue with the Crown Prince, the emirate's Minister of State for Foregin Affairs, Anwar Gargash, said in a tweet that he "welcomed" the pontiff's prayer, calling on 2019 to be "the year of peace" in Yemen.

The Pope returned to the topic of Yemen in his speech Monday night at the Founder's Memorial, when he spoke about the "miserable crudeness" of war.

"Human fraternity requires of us, as representatives of the world's religions, the duty to reject every nuance of approval from the word 'war,'" the Pope said.

"I am thinking particularly of Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya," Francis said.

Citizenship for Christians

"I look forward to societies where people of different beliefs have the same right of citizenship," Francis said to a gathering of religious and political leaders, touching on a sensitive question for his host country as well as the rest of the Middle East.

Citizenship was also mentioned in a joint declaration signed by the Pope and Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Egypt-based Al-Azhar, one of Sunni Islam's most important centers of scholarship.

"The concept of citizenship is based on the equality of rights and duties, under which all enjoy justice. It is therefore crucial to establish in our societies the concept of full citizenship and reject the discriminatory use of the term minorities, which engenders feelings of isolation and inferiority," reads the "Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together."

Citizenship for non-Muslims, including Christians, is strictly curtailed if not effectively banned in several Muslim countries, according to human rights groups. Taking up the issue and getting a leader as prominent as el-Tayeb to sign a document promising change can be seen as a diplomatic coup for the Pope.

Women

The document also promises changes on another contentious topic within Islam, the role of women.

"Efforts must be made to modify those laws that prevent women from fully enjoying their rights," wrote the Pope and el-Tayeb.

"It is an essential requirement to recognize the right of women to education and employment and to recognize the freedom to exercise their own political rights."

The Pope said the document was a year in the making, with Francis and the Grand Imam confidentially sending drafts back and forth between them.

The novel document was born out of prayer and fear, Francis said.

"For me there is only one great danger in this moment: destruction, war, hatred between us," the Pope told journalists on the return flight from Abu Dhabi.

Francis also celebrated the first-ever outdoor Mass in the United Arab Emirates, with a jubilant crowd of 130,000 expat workers mainly from the Philippines and India. He praised the Emirates for offering jobs to foreign workers, many of whom are Christians.

"In addition to professional skills, they bring you the genuineness of their faith," the Pope said.

The Pope and the Grand Imam also inaugurated the first stone of a church and a mosque to be built side by side in Abu Dhabi. The Church of St. Francis and the Mosque of Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb will form part of a center for interreligious dialogue.

This story was first published on CNN.com,"The most important moments from the Pope's visit to the United Arab Emirates."
Red line: An aerial view of the Tienditas Bridge, on the border between Cucuta, Colombia, and Tachira, Venezuela, after Venezuelan military forces blocked it with containers yesterday. Photo: Getty

Venezuelan troops have barricaded a bridge on the country's western border with Colombia in an attempt to block the delivery of humanitarian aid, and stop what Nicolas Maduro claims is a prelude to a full invasion.

Juan Guaido, the self-declared interim president, has welcomed an offer from the United States of $20m (15m) of food and medical supplies, which are being transported to the border. But Mr Maduro, who has the support of the army, will not allow it to cross.

Yesterday, Venezuelan soldiers were using a fuel tanker and cargo containers to cut off access to the Tienditas Bridge, which links the Colombian border town of Cucuta to Urena, in Venezuela.

Members of Venezuela's Bolivarian national guard could also been seen at the border crossing. The Colombian Foreign Ministry said a second crossing in the northern department of La Guajira had also been blocked.

Expand Close Co-ordinated aid: Juan Guaido heads to a session of the National Assembly in Caracas. Photo: Getty / Facebook

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Whatsapp Co-ordinated aid: Juan Guaido heads to a session of the National Assembly in Caracas. Photo: Getty

John Bolton, the US national security adviser, accused Mr Maduro of seeking only to look after himself. "Maduro and his cronies live lavishly in Europe and enrich their Cuban patrons while plundering Venezuela's wealth," he said.

"Meanwhile, they are physically blocking the Venezuelan people, including the military rank and file, from receiving humanitarian assistance."

Mr Maduro has become increasingly isolated, and has sought to sell off the country's gold reserves to keep his regime afloat. The Bank of England, which holds 930m (1.05bn) in Venezuelan gold, blocked him from doing so.

Carlos Paparoni, a Venezuelan politician, said that Mr Maduro's government last year sold 73 tonnes of gold to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates without the required approval of the opposition-led national assembly. He also said that Mr Maduro's administration had transferred 127m to bank accounts in Russia, without specifying when.

Mr Guaido on Tuesday met with former cabinet members of the late Hugo Chavez to discuss the way out of the country's political impasse.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
Pope Francis has publicly acknowledged the scandal of priests and bishops sexually abusing nuns.

Francis, who also said there had been one case where sisters had been reduced to "sexual slavery", vowed to do more to fight the problem.

The Pope admitted to the problem for the first time in public during a conference while returning to Rome from the United Arab Emirates.

The acknowledgement comes just two weeks before he hosts an unprecedented gathering of bishops to craft a global response to the scandal of priesthood predators who targeted children and the superiors who covered up the crimes.

Francis was asked about priests who target adult women - the religious sisters who are the backbone of the Catholic Church's education, health care and social service ministries around the globe - and whether the Holy See might consider a similar universal approach to combat that issue.

"It's not that everyone does this, but there have been priests and bishops who have," Francis told reporters. "And I think that it's continuing because it's not like once you realise it that it stops. It continues. And for some time we've been working on it.

"Should we do something more? Yes. Is there the will? Yes. But it's a path that we have already begun," Francis said.

His acknowledgement of the problem comes as he prepares to decide the fate of the disgraced American ex-cardinal, Theodore McCarrick, who is accused of abusing minors as well as adult seminarians.

Francis noted that Pope Benedict XVI had taken action against a France-based order that admitted the priest who founded it had violated his chastity vows with his female recruits.

Francis said the sisters had been reduced to "sexual slavery" at the hands of the Reverend Marie-Dominique Philippe and other priests.

The Community of St Jean admitted in 2013 that Philippe had behaved "in ways that went against chastity" with several women in the order, according to the French Catholic newspaper 'La Croix'.

Francis's comments about "sexual slavery" suggested the relations were not consensual and could have involved abuse of conscience and power. He said Benedict acted "because a certain slavery of women had crept in, slavery to the point of sexual slavery on the part of clergy or the founder".

"Sometimes the founder takes away, or empties the freedom of the sisters. It can come to this," Francis said.

Later, the Vatican moved to clarify his comments, saying he was referring to an abuse of power that was reflected in instances of sexual abuse.

Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said Francis "spoke of 'sexual slavery' to mean 'manipulation' or a type of abuse of power that is reflected in a sexual abuse".
Police investigating the disappearance of 21-year-old Libby Squire carry out searches in Wellesley Avenue in Hull. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Police investigating the disappearance of 21-year-old Libby Squire carry out searches in Wellesley Avenue in Hull. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Police investigating the disappearance of 21-year-old Libby Squire carry out searches in Wellesley Avenue in Hull. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Police investigating the disappearance of 21-year-old Libby Squire carry out searches in Wellesley Avenue in Hull. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Humberside Police handout video grab of the parents of student Libby Squire, Lisa and Russell Squire, making an emotional appeal for help in finding her. Humberside Police/PA Wire

Police search for missing 21-year-old student Libby Squire, on the Beverley and Barmston Drain after she went missing from her home in Hull since early on Friday. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Police search for missing 21-year-old student Libby Squire, on the Beverley and Barmston Drain after she went missing from her home in Hull since early on Friday. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Police search for missing 21-year-old student Libby Squire, on the Beverley and Barmston Drain after she went missing from her home in Hull since early on Friday. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Police search for missing 21-year-old student Libby Squire, on the Beverley and Barmston Drain after she went missing from her home in Hull since early on Friday. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Police search for missing 21-year-old student Libby Squire, on the Beverley and Barmston Drain after she went missing from her home in Hull since early on Friday. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Police search for missing 21-year-old student Libby Squire, on the Beverley and Barmston Drain after she went missing from her home in Hull since early on Friday. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Undated family handout file photo issued by Humberside Police of 21-year-old student Libby Squire, who disappeared in Hull. Family Handout/PA Wire

A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Hull student Libby Squire, Humberside Police said.

Humberside Police said the man was arrested at an address in Raglan Street, Hull, on Wednesday night.

A spokeswoman said 21-year-old Miss Squire has still not been found.

She was reported missing from the city in the early hours of Friday morning and an intensive search has been mounted by police and volunteers over the last week.

The spokeswoman said: "The man remains in our custody, assisting us with our enquires.

"We have not yet found Libby and doing so remains our top priority.

Expand Close Police search for missing 21-year-old student Libby Squire, on the Beverley and Barmston Drain after she went missing from her home in Hull since early on Friday. Peter Byrne/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Police search for missing 21-year-old student Libby Squire, on the Beverley and Barmston Drain after she went missing from her home in Hull since early on Friday. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

"Libby's parents have been informed of the man's arrest and we're continuing to support them at this difficult time."

Police officers have taken to the streets where missing student Libby Squire was last seen almost a week ago as the search for the 21-year-old continues.

Expand Close Humberside Police handout video grab of the parents of student Libby Squire, Lisa and Russell Squire, making an emotional appeal for help in finding her. Humberside Police/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Humberside Police handout video grab of the parents of student Libby Squire, Lisa and Russell Squire, making an emotional appeal for help in finding her. Humberside Police/PA Wire

An 11-square-metre screen displaying images of the University of Hull student, who was reported missing from the city in the early hours of Friday, will also be driven around the area, Humberside Police said.

The force said officers would speak with people and hand out leaflets on Thursday night in a bid to gather information about her disappearance.

Expand Close Police search for missing 21-year-old student Libby Squire, on the Beverley and Barmston Drain after she went missing from her home in Hull since early on Friday. Peter Byrne/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Police search for missing 21-year-old student Libby Squire, on the Beverley and Barmston Drain after she went missing from her home in Hull since early on Friday. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

On Wednesday, her parents Lisa and Russ issued a statement thanking everyone who had helped in the search for their daughter, saying they had been "overwhelmed with people's kindness and support".

Police said Mr and Mrs Squire, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, had met with their daughter's friends and university staff.

Expand Close Police search for missing 21-year-old student Libby Squire, on the Beverley and Barmston Drain after she went missing from her home in Hull since early on Friday. Peter Byrne/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Police search for missing 21-year-old student Libby Squire, on the Beverley and Barmston Drain after she went missing from her home in Hull since early on Friday. Peter Byrne/PA Wire

In their statement, the couple said Miss Squire - whose full name is Liberty Anna - has two younger sisters and a younger brother, who all live in High Wycombe.

They said: "Growing up, Libby was a really happy child, and she is extremely close to her family and her siblings."

Mr and Mrs Squire explained how Libby enjoyed English Language, English Literature and Latin at school and has a close group of friends stretching back to primary school.

They said she moved to Hull in September 2017 to study philosophy and was "really happy" at the university with a "lovely group of friends".

They said she had decided to attend Hull University because she "fell in love with the city".

Officers have said Miss Squire was dropped off in a taxi near her home on Wellesley Avenue at 11.29pm on Thursday and was seen 10 minutes later on CCTV near a bench on Beverley Road, where a motorist stopped to offer her help.

She is believed to have been in this area until around 12.10am on Friday.

A woman, who did not want to be named, told the Press Association on Wednesday that she had heard an "urgent, panicked scream" outside her house at around 12.30am on Friday.

The woman, who lives near Miss Squire's home, said the area is populated by students who make a lot of noise "any day of the week".

But she said the nature of the scream she heard on Friday morning was unusual and sounded like a woman was "being harassed".

She said the scream was followed by male voices and the sound of a "bang".

She said: "It was an urgent scream. It was panicked. It sounded like she was being harassed. That's not unusual but not that kind of scream."

She said she had spoken to police about what she had heard.
Karen Peter whose husband, Thomas Peter, has been found guilty of her murder at the Old Bailey, London. Photo: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire

A manipulative man who strangled his wife and set light to her body after taking out more than 300,000 in life insurance has been found guilty of murder.

Serial adulterer Thomas Peter, 50, had throttled his job centre worker wife Karen in the past and took out the policy just weeks before the killing at the family home in Valentines Way, Romford, the Old Bailey was told.

The plasterer attacked 50-year-old Mrs Peter while their three children were at home on August 2 last year because he feared she had met someone new, jurors were told.

Gareth Patterson QC said he showed "not one ounce of compassion" for his wife of 24 years, who was just starting to grow in confidence after suffering years of his "controlling" behaviour.

Describing the murder, the prosecutor said: "He forced a flannel cloth deep into his wife's mouth, possibly trying to silence her.

"With one or both hands he strangled his wife to death.

Expand Close Thomas Peter, who has been found guilty of the murder of his wife, Karen, at the Old Bailey, London.Photo: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Thomas Peter, who has been found guilty of the murder of his wife, Karen, at the Old Bailey, London.Photo: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire

"After murdering her, and despite the presence of his daughters, he started at least two fires in the house. He set fire to his wife's body and left it in a locked first floor bedroom."

Their children were first alerted to their mother's plight when they woke to a "muffled scream" coming from the bedroom, jurors heard.

Asked what was going on, Peter said she had gone out, even asking his children if they had done something to upset her, jurors heard.

Firefighters found Mrs Peter's body heavily burned around the groin and thighs, with marks also to the head and neck.

The court heard there was evidence Mrs Peter had bitten her husband's hand and a piece of skin was retrieved from her mouth.

Peter had denied murder and arson, saying his wife died in an accident.

That night, he said he had lit candles to "lighten the mood" before they argued and his wife kicked him to the knee.

The jury rejected his claims and unanimously found him guilty of murder and guilty of arson by a majority of 11 to one.

Mrs Peter's family wept in court as the defendant was remanded into custody to be sentenced on Monday.

Detective Sergeant Perry Benton of Scotland Yard said: "Peter is an evil man and I am delighted he has been convicted and will face the consequences of his heinous crime.

"This was a vicious and merciless murder carried out by Peter in the family home while his three daughters slept in nearby rooms.

"Peter's actions were sustained and deliberate, he meant to kill Karen. He then callously set fire to her body and the house in a bid to destroy evidence, also putting his daughters' lives at risk.

"Throughout this whole period, Peter did not demonstrate one ounce of compassion or concern for his wife or children.

"Peter refused to admit his guilt and has selfishly forced his daughters to relive that awful morning at trial."
'The truth is rarely pure and never simple," wrote Oscar Wilde in 'The Importance of Being Earnest'.

And the truth would appear to hurt Brexiteers who are in denial about their grand plan to leave the EU.

Howls of derision emerged from Westminster yesterday after European Council President Donald Tusk warned of a "special place in hell" for politicians "who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan". Such honesty is well deserved.

The EU's frustration with the shenanigans in Westminster spilled into the public domain with Mr Tusk's candid comments.

British Prime Minister Theresa May rolls into Brussels today for the latest round of crunch talks on Brexit and the Withdrawal Agreement.

The EU is insisting it is not making any new offer to the UK and is demanding a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse over the deal on the table. There is no indication to London that Brussels will reopen the Withdrawal Agreement and will water down the backstop guarantee of no hard Border on the island of Ireland.

Notably and correctly, Tusk also took aim at British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, pointing to a lack of leadership at the heart of the Remain movement. And he allied himself firmly with those who want the Brexit decision to be reversed, in the UK, Ireland and on the continent.

Tusk also accepts the reality. "At the moment, the pro-Brexit stance of the UK prime minister and the leader of the opposition rules out this question. Today there is no political force and no effective leadership for Remain," he said.

Alas, this reality is unlikely to change.

The central protagonists in Westminster resemble a cast of characters from Wilde's political and social satires.

The misgivings and mishaps of Jack and Algernon in 'The Importance of Being Earnest', desperately trying to avoid the responsibilities and constraints of a strict society, may even reflect the Brexiteer desire to break free from their perceived shackles of the rules and regulations of the European Union.

But there is little by way of hilarity about the manner in which they are going about their little adventure.

The lack of a cohesive plan or voice from the British side means it would be folly for the EU to grant any further concessions to Mrs May as there is little to guarantee she can get any amendments past parliament.

There's a definition of Brexit doing the rounds which adequately portrays the state of affairs: 'The undefined being negotiated by the unprepared in order to get the unspecified for the uninformed.'

Mrs May arrives in Dublin tomorrow evening as she flounders around seeking a breakthrough which can keep the various voices in her ears satisfied. March 29 is coming fast and there is little point in simply making offers of small changes that will not change the substantive issues.

The UK is leaving the EU. There is no reason for the EU to do it any favours on the way out the door.
It feels a little like we're in a time machine. Yesterday, newspaper headlines proclaimed the return of the bootcut jean, last seen fraying around the ends as you trailed through a muddy field at Oxegen.

Meanwhile, Dido, the pixie-haired chanteuse behind the 1999 megahit album 'No Angel', which every maudlin teenager knew by heart, is coming out of retirement to go on tour.

And elsewhere, 'Friends' is celebrating its 25th birthday by becoming the most-streamed-ever TV show, having found a newly devoted audience on Netflix.

Even as I watched the Fyre documentary at the weekend, the most millennial of the millennials interviewed onscreen was wearing a Nirvana T-shirt. It's almost as though the past 20 years never happened.

Now, honestly, nothing could give me more pleasure than rewinding the clock a quarter of a century. Because let's face it, the nineties were the best decade ever, no contest.

And, yes, I know that every generation believes that the decade when they came of age was magic. After all, our parents will never give up their cherished belief that the sixties, with the holy trinity of the Beatles, the Stones and Dylan, were sacrosanct.

But at this particular point in time, amid the horrors of Trump and Brexit, the nineties appear golden in the rear-view mirror.

It was so much easier to be a teenage girl, for a start, in the pre-internet era. With cool Britpop role models like Justine Frischmann or Louise Wener, you could head out on a Friday night dressed down in combats and an Adidas T-shirt, instead of squeezing into the micromini black dress today's teenagers stagger out of discos in.

And you didn't need to spend hours perfecting your Instagram-ready pout. If someone had a camera on a night out, the chances of them being able to afford getting the film developed were remote, and you'd all have finished your Leaving Cert by the time they got round to it anyway.

Pre-Twitter, you were free to sing along to, say, 'Country House' by Blur without stopping to ask if Damon Albarn had checked his white male privilege first.

And you never needed to ask yourself if you were a good feminist, because you reckoned Germaine Greer and your mum had figured all that stuff out back in the seventies.

Today's landscape, with its endless Twitter scraps and gender wars, seems frazzled by comparison.

It's no wonder we'd all welcome a bit of Dido to soothe our post-millennial anxiety.

I'll be buying a ticket just as soon as I've dug out my bootcut jeans.

Son's first step on road to becoming Taoiseach

I was so nervous about our first parent-teacher meeting that I stayed home and sent my husband instead. I'm still scarred by memories of my own teenage years, and watching through the school hall window as my beleaguered parents made the rounds of the staff, being bombarded with less-than-glowing reports of my academic progress.

But if the meetings are tough for the parents, they must be a thousand times worse for teachers. What must the poor souls be thinking as they face 30 sets of anxious mums and dads, all hoping to hear little Johnny is fast on his way to a place in Mensa and a career as a brain surgeon? How do they break it to them that actually, he set fire to the chemistry lab last Tuesday, and thinks the modh coinniollach is a river in Germany?

Fortunately, my son is only in junior infants, so it was easy to focus on the positives; he's making friends and he's getting the hang of holding a pencil. If he keeps this up, I've no doubt he'll be Taoiseach one day.
The idea of Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage making their way to hell in a Brexit handcart is not the image anybody expected to emerge from the Taoiseach's latest tour of Brussels.

Leo Varadkar didn't need any spin unit to tell him the reaction a top EU figure could expect for pondering such a scene out loud.

He quickly, but not quietly enough to be missed by the microphones, warned Donald Tusk that he would get "terrible trouble" from the British press, which has so proudly been cheerleading for Brexit.

But Mr Tusk had already seen the stunned faces on the journalists sitting in front of him. He was well aware of the weight his words would carry.

And the European Council president was barely off the stage when his Twitter account reiterated: "I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely."

The question is, why? It is understandable that the top brass in Brussels are beyond frustrated with the carry-on of the UK government - but Mr Tusk's words serve little purpose.

Part of Europe's great strength during the Brexit process has been an ability to act professionally. Perhaps Mr Tusk started to feel a bit dizzy on the moral high ground.

The outburst should make for a very interesting meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May today.

His comments weren't aimed at the prime minister, who did her best to be absent during the referendum campaign in 2016, but they did cut deeply for many within her divided Conservative Party.

As the House of Commons went into uproar, Mr Varadkar made his way to the European Commission, where Jean-Claude Juncker showed him a massive 'Thank You' card he received from a Dublin family.

The Commission president is a favoured villain in the UK media, but on this occasion was, in his own words, "sticking to the line".

Asked by the Irish Independent if he agreed with Mr Tusk, he replied: "I'm less Catholic than my good friend Donald. He strongly believes in heaven and by opposite in hell. I believe in heaven and not in hell, apart from what I'm doing now, which is hell."

Mr Varadkar dodged the same question.

But hidden in all the controversy over Mr Tusk's remarks were some very salient points that should form the basis for Mrs May's meetings in Brussels.

Both EU leaders made it clear that the backstop is a done deal. "We will not gamble with peace, or put a sell-by date on reconciliation. And this is why we insist on the backstop," said Mr Tusk.

Mr Juncker said: "So-called 'alternative arrangements' can never replace the backstop."

It was those sort of soothing statements Mr Varadkar was looking for - and the knowledge that Mrs May cannot claim to be "ambushed" today.
Expensive: Construction of the new National Childrens Hospital in Dublin will be much costlier than first thought. Photo: Gareth Chaney, Collins

Health Minister Simon Harris and his highest ranking officials appear to have taken too passive an oversight of the escalating costs of the National Children's Hospital.

It is the only conclusion to come to as the "drip, drip" of information continues about how the cost of the hospital spiralled from 983m in April 2017 to 1.4bn last November.

The minister's claim yesterday that he did not receive an update on costs for a year was meant as a defence, but in fact it is quite damning.
One of the truly lovely aspects of being an empty nester and having the kids sorted once and for all is that you can travel more and go to places you always dreamed of loitering in. Like saving up and heading off to Paris on your own for three days to visit a few art galleries and a free museum night, as opposed to consuming Disneyland Paris in a childish whirl and then coming straight home.

As I sit and compare airfares for my next sortie, this time to the Dior exhibition at the V&A in London, I'm grateful indeed at how times have changed in my favour and how easy it is for a single woman travelling solo without the ignominy or insult of being 'punished' and forced to pay an additional supplement just because you don't have a plus one.

There was a time when female solo travellers felt the need to seek out groups for singles because they really couldn't face doing it on their own, or sticking out on a bus amongst a load of families.

Passing through Dublin Airport last week, I was struck by the number of female midlifers travelling on their own as the bus brought us across the tarmac to the aircraft. That most certainly wouldn't have happened all that often in my mother's or grandmother's generation, but so much has changed, right down to the number of women standing on the bus herding their carry-ons while businessmen with suit carriers were the first on the bus, and took the seats.

Paris was the first city I travelled to alone at the age of 16 and it's my default destination ever since. It was the first city where I discovered a super hotel offering single-rate rooms as opposed to penalising a girl for travelling on her own, and it's also a city where I don't feel I stick out as I sit alone and watch the world go by nursing my Espresso and glass of rose. The restaurants welcome you in and you don't sit there feeling conspicuous or tragic.

On my Fashion Week travels, I've always found London, Paris and Milan offer a genial welcome to solo female customers on business, but that's not true of all capitals. I was very disappointed in Brussels when I returned to a restaurant after dining there the night before with pals. Second time around, there was no chat, tasty amuse-bouche and I was put down the back and around the corner, so tucked away, the waiters almost forgot about me. There were long waits between courses, but I didn't mind as I had my dine-alone armour of phone, ear phones, glossy mag and notebook.

Smartphones have been an absolute godsend for the female traveller who feels awkward or conspicuous dining alone, but personally, I don't think you stick out as much as you sit scrolling compared to reading chapter after chapter on your Kindle, but each to their own.

I don't need to arm myself with accoutrement when dining alone in Ireland. There's definitely a cead mile failte and chat here. The introduction of shared group tables works well but for good friends of mine, they are a complete no no. If you feel like a second class citizen at being assigned a table for one beside the kitchen door, speak up. The reality is that solo diners often consume more than a loved-up couple sharing starter and dessert 'with two spoons please'.

Thankfully, the days of the prejudiced maitre d' are numbered and while it is easier to go out and dine alone, it's not always problem free.

Take New York, where there was uproar last month when an Upper East Side restaurant popular with celebrities reportedly banned women from sitting alone at the bar. A regular customer who commutes between London and NYC was furious at being ushered to a table because women were no longer allowed to eat at the bar due to the owner's crackdown on hookers. Well, you can imagine what happened next!

Women didn't spend a lifetime breaking through the glass ceiling at work to be told they couldn't dine at the bar like their male colleagues or friends. Some women tell me they still feel they look "tragic" going to a restaurant with a book instead of a date. I couldn't care what I bring just so long as I'm not treated as a second-class customer and with tardy service just because there's only one set of cutlery being used.
The White Houses acting chief of staff is clear that Ireland cannot be collateral damage in Brexit, Tanaiste Simon Coveney has said.

Mr Coveney, who is in Washington, briefed Mick Mulvaney today on the impasse over the backstop.

He described Mr Mulvaney as a very influential person within Donald Trumps administration.

He understands only too well the fragility of the peace process and certainly agrees that Ireland cannot be collateral damage here because of a Brexit deal that doesnt take account of the obligations of the British and Irish governments to protect a peace process and an all-island economy that reinforces that peace process, Mr Coveney said.

Of course, the border question is very much at the centre of that issue. That is understood in the real heart of Washington now and I would be surprised if that view wasnt heard clearly in London.

The Tanaiste is on a two-day trip to the United States during which he has sought support for the Irish governments position in the Brexit negotiations.

The message here is very strong. Irish-America is watching very closely. They care about the peace process.

They recognise that its fragile right now, that we havent had devolved government for more than two years. That Brexit has polarised Northern Ireland and is creating strain, he said.
PARENTS who caused a social media stir over claims that a provocative lingerie display should be removed from a Dublin shopping centre said they will protest this weekend if the poster isnt taken down.

Independent.ie reported yesterday that a group of south Dublin parents were disgusted over a window display in Dundrum Town Centre, and called for its removal.

The poster is a promotional image for luxury lingerie brand Agent Provocateur at House of Fraser.

The British brand is hosting a pop-up shop in the department store ahead of Valentine's Day.

Expand Close The luxury lingerie brand are hosting a pop-up show at the department store before Valentine's Day. Photo: Kenneth Durr. / Facebook

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Whatsapp The luxury lingerie brand are hosting a pop-up show at the department store before Valentine's Day. Photo: Kenneth Durr.

Local resident Kenneth Durr said he was coming out of the cinema with his two children when he came across the display, which he described as bordering on "soft porn".

The story made headlines across the country and in the UK, with many social media users taking to the defense of the lingerie brand.

However, the parents have said that they are hoping the department store will remove the poster after the media coverage the topic has received  and that they will take further action if not.

The idea is for a protest on Saturday, but Id prefer if they took it down before then. Im hoping theyll crack, Id prefer if it went peacefully, Mr Durr told Independent.ie today.

It would certainly prove our point if it was removed.

The window display has caused widespread debate among social media users, with some saying that the parents are overreacting.

Youd wear less on the beach on holidays. Bit of an over-reaction. I think its tasteful and not harming anybody, one user said.

Another wrote: Its lingerie, an article of womens clothing. If you go in the store, youll see it on rails and shelves in any large clothing store.

Yesterday, another parent described the page three like advert as immoral.

"Everyone from parents to grandparents to single people are furious with this advertising," Monica Barber told Independent.ie

"This is over the borderline. They wouldn't have it on the television, it's like pornography to me."

House of Fraser were unavailable to provide a comment yesterday. Dundrum Town Centre and Agent Provocateur have been contacted for comment.
Health Minister Simon Harris told the Dail he hoped to establish the scheme in the coming weeks. Photo: Gareth Chaney, Collins

The Government is set to sign off on a scheme to provide ex-gratia payments to the women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal.

Health Minister Simon Harris told the Dail he hoped to establish the scheme in the coming weeks.

The scheme will provide payments to women who were affected by the non-disclosure of an audit of their smear tests.

No figure on the level of the payments was given.

The embattled minister was in the Dail defending his handling of the crisis and rejected suggestions he offered, against medical advice, free repeat smears to any woman who wanted one.

Labour Party TD Alan Kelly claimed that a separate review of the slides of women affected, which is being carried out by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), would not be completed this year.

"The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists review will not be completed this year. I will make a bet with the minister on that," said Mr Kelly.

However, Mr Harris rejected this and said: "I am not in the business of having bets on the floor of the Dail, but I do not accept the assertion the review cannot be completed this year.

"It is a review that will take six months from the time RCOG starts to receive the slides. It is independent and I do not want to speak for it. The slides have started to transfer so I'm hopeful it can progress."

In relation to the backlog in cervical smear tests that has emerged, Mr Harris said the build-up in the system had arisen not only because women were taking up the offer of a free repeat test, but also because of increased demand generally.

He said the HSE was drawing up a plan to improve capacity.

A separate issue over the timing of HPV tests for 4,600 women who now needed to be retested came with a low clinical risk, Mr Harris insisted.

Opposition health spokespeople took Mr Harris to task over the fact that women, including Ruth Morrissey, were facing court battles some time after the Government promised they would not have to. Legislation to establish a tribunal, which will act as an alternative route for victims of the scandal, has not yet been published, despite the Government deciding last December to introduce it.

The Government has sought external advice due to the complexity of the legislation.
Health Minister Simon Harris was told about overruns in the cost of the National Children's Hospital on two separate occasions, but failed to get to grips with the fiasco.

It emerged yesterday that Mr Harris was warned about the spiralling costs twice, including an escalation of 200m last August.

The hospital was signed off by the Government in April 2017 for 983m but the cost of construction escalated to 1.4bn last November.

Mr Harris and his officials came under strong attack again yesterday at the Oireachtas Health Committee for their oversight of price negotiations between the paediatric development board and the builders BAM.

However, at a Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting last night, TDs and senators rounded on the HSE over the massive overrun - and not Mr Harris.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said he took responsibility for the fiasco. The move was perceived as Mr Donohoe rushing to the defence of his Cabinet colleague after it was suggested he threw the Health Minister under a bus over the spiralling cost of the hospital. Mr Donohoe suggested he would bring forward proposals to avoid further cost overruns in future State projects.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government should take responsibility for the hospital costs crisis.

There were calls for the leadership to listen to public concerns over the nurses strike and hospital costs as local and European elections loom.

The Health Committee heard yesterday that Mr Harris was told about overruns in the cost of the National Children's Hospital on two separate occasions, including an escalation of 200m in August last year.

However, he admitted that he did not negotiate specifically for the potentially higher cost of the hospital ahead of last October's Budget.

The cost of construction has now spiralled to 1.4bn.

The higher bill means that 100m will have to be found from the capital budget in health and other departments, delaying other projects.

Mr Harris told the committee he was briefed on costings and progress in September 2017 when the hospital, to be built on the site of St James's Hospital, was heading for a 61m overspend.

It was nearly a full year before he got another update in August 2018, when the cost was 200m over budget.

The paediatric development board had asked for extra time in June because the negotiations with BAM were proving to be particularly tough.

Mr Harris said he was not told of the final cost until November 9 last year, the same day as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who was visiting the Department of Health that day.

He was quizzed by Fianna Fail TD Stephen Donnelly on whether he made the expected higher bill for the hospital part of his pre-Budget negotiations.

Mr Harris said there was a general awareness in Government that the cost was going to be higher.

"I was actively seeking additional capital for the Health Department during budgetary negotiations," he said.

Mr Donnelly said: "Minister Harris became aware of the overspend in August 2018, yet he did not think to raise it with the Minister for Finance, nor the Taoiseach, until November.

"This is despite budget negotiations taking place in September and the passing of the budget in October.

"It is very hard to fathom that he would not have warned them of the project overrun, which would have significantly impacted the Budget."

Mr Harris said, however, that something may have gone "seriously wrong" in arriving at the bill, and it would be up to the PwC inquiry report to provide independent findings.

Further evidence emerged at the committee how the financial risks were flagged to departmental and HSE officials who were part of various oversight committees.

Department of Health secretary general Jim Breslin, the ultimate accounting officer for the project, told the committee he was told of "capital cost challenges" in June last year after getting an update from project director John Pollock.

The board looked for a three-month extension to conclude the tough negotiations. In September, after a 200m overrun was notified, the "emphasis was to get the process to the end".

He said he sought a meeting with officials at the Department of Expenditure about the hospital in October, but this did not happen until November.

The Government's chief procurement officer was a member of the financial committee, which was part of the paediatric development board.

Questioned at the committee, the deputy director general of the HSE, Dean Sullivan, described the signals that there were pressures on the potential cost of the hospital as "noise in the system".

The paediatric board commissioned several independent reviews, which told them they were largely on track with the pricing.

Meanwhile, Professor Chris Fitzpatrick, the former master of the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, has written to the Dail's spending watchdog, the Public Accounts Committee, requesting an opportunity to appear before it to raise his concerns about the hospital.
A brave garda has saved the lives of a couple and their baby after he rescued the trapped family from their overturned car before it caught fire.

Garda Declan Fawl, of Newmarket-on-Fergus station in Co Clare, was the first to arrive at the scene, where he found a car on its roof with smoke coming from the engine.

He jumped into action and pulled the young family from the car before the rest of the vehicle caught fire.

The single-vehicle crash happened at Ballycar on the R470 Newmarket-on-Fergus to Sixmilebridge road, at around 2pm yesterday.

The Opel car is understood to have been travelling from the Sixmilebridge direction when it apparently lost control, struck the front wall of a house and rolled over into a grassed area.

As the car lay on its roof, with the young couple and baby trapped inside, smoke began to appear from the front of the car.

The driver had attempted to open his door, but was unable to do so.

Within minutes, Gda Fawl, who was in the area at the time, arrived at the scene.

Gda Fawl was able to help the occupants from the car through a rear door.

He took the young family to a safe area away from the scene as flames began to appear from the engine.

Two units of the fire brigade from Shannon town were dispatched and arrived at the scene soon afterwards.

They quickly extinguished the fire, which was confined to the engine area and had not spread into the vehicle's interior cabin.

All three of the occupants were checked by fire service first responders and while they initially appeared not to have been injured, it was decided that an ambulance should be called to assess them as a precaution.

In the meantime, all three were cared for by fire crews and later taken into a local house until National Ambulance Service paramedics arrived.

Two ambulances were dispatched to the scene.

All three were assessed by ambulance paramedics, but were found to be unhurt and not in need of hospital treatment.

A Garda spokesman said: "Gardai were alerted to a single-vehicle road traffic collision at Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus, and the local patrol car responded immediately.

"Garda Declan Fawl discovered the car on its roof, with smoke coming from the engine.

"A man, woman and young baby were still inside.

"He helped all three from the car through a rear door shortly before the car went on fire.

"Fortunately, all three escaped injury."

"We commend Garda Fawl for his bravery and quick actions, and we are thankful that no one was injured," the spokesman added.
A young woman stole over 6,500 of designer items from Dublin's Brown Thomas and then sold them on the street for relatively small money, a court has heard.

Ellavita Flynn (24) had gone into Brown Thomas on Grafton street, selected items and taken them without paying, four times over two weeks.

She was caught leaving the store on the last occasion with a 2,280 Louis Vuitton handbag. This item was the only one recovered.

Flynn, of Deerpark Lodge, Tallaght, Dubllin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing a 395 Michael Kors watch, a 2,400 Prada handbag, a 1,490 Gucci handbag and the Louis Vuitton handbag at Brown Thomas between December 19, 2017 and January 2, 2018.

Flynn's three previous convictions are for thefts, all dealt with at District Court level.

Detective Garda Joseph Heaphy told Ronan Kennedy BL, prosecuting, that Brown Thomas had high quality CCTV footage of Flynn taking the items on each occasion.

The detective said 4,249 worth of items were not recovered and that Flynn had sold these on the street for relatively small money.

When interviewed about the thefts, Flynn said she was sorry. The court heard she was of no fixed abode at the time.

The detective agreed with Andrew King BL, defending, that the offending was opportunistic and that Flynn had had addiction issues.

Mr King submitted to Judge Elma Sheahan that his client had been in care as a young teenager and began abusing substances aged 18. He said this was as a result of her hanging about with undesirable peers.

Counsel said Flynn was volunteering in a charity shop so she could gain employment experience, but that she had ambitions to be a chef. He said his client was more mature now and in a different place in her life.

Judge Sheahan adjourned the matter for six months so Flynn can prove she is addressing her drug issues and gaining employment training.

She remanded Flynn on continuing bail until July this year.
Catherine Duff, with an address at Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin pictured leaving the Four Courts after a Circuit Civil Court action. Pic: Collins Courts

A Dublin woman, who alleged she had been accused of stealing a 1 shopping bag from Dunnes Stores, has settled her 75,000 defamation claim for an undisclosed sum against the shopping chain.

Catherine Duff, with an address at Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin, told the Circuit Civil Court Thursday that security man Giedrus Pieka had shouted at her: You did not pay for the bagyou were going to steal that bag.

Pieka denied having spoken the words and told Circuit Court President, Mr Justice Raymond Groarke, that he had discreetly asked a check-out operative at Dunnes Stores, North Earl Street, Dublin, if she had checked through the plastic bag for life with Duffs groceries. He had been told she had not.

He told barrister Frank Crean, counsel for Ms Duff, that his client had called him a f*cking foreign bastard during the incident at the check-out.

Expand Close Catherine Duff, with an address at Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin pictured leaving the Four Courts after a Circuit Civil Court action.Pic: Collins Courts / Facebook

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Whatsapp Catherine Duff, with an address at Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin pictured leaving the Four Courts after a Circuit Civil Court action.Pic: Collins Courts

Mr Crean, who appeared with OHanrahan Lally Solicitors, told Pieka in cross-examination that he had not stated in his direct evidence he had seen Ms Duff pull the price tag off the bag and throw it away. Mr Pieka said that while he had not thought it important at the time he was saying it now.

I didnt think that was important but now I remember it, he told Mr Crean. Judge Groarke said Mr Piekas new evidence in cross-examination had become a very important part of the case and the suggestion had not been put to Ms Duff when she was in the witness box.

Ms Duff denied she had shouted at Pieka and claimed such evidence if presented to the court would be so not true.

She said she had taken the bag for her groceries and had put it up on the check-out desk and believed the lady on the desk had scanned it through with her groceries.

Mr Crean asked for some time to discuss a new development with his client. A short time later he told Judge Groarke that the case could be struck out with an order for taxation of Ms Duffs legal costs. Details of the settlement were not disclosed in court.
A woman suing over the alleged misreading of her cervical smears has only a maximum of two years to live, the High Court heard.

A leading cervical cancer expert Professor John Shepherd who has reviewed Ruth Morrisseys recent scans said it was correct to say that Ms Morrissey is looking at one to two years from todays date.

And he told the court it was "totally unacceptable" that the 37-year-old mother did not find out until May last year, the results of audits on her 2009 and 2012 cervical smear slides which showed they had been incorrectly reported as negative.

Consultant gynaecological oncologist Prof Shepherd who has reviewed Ms Morrissey's case along with the scans she had earlier this year said there is a significant mass on her pelvis and on the balance of probabilities the mass is still malignant. The mass is stable at the moment but on balance there is still active cancer at the centre, he said.

Ms Morrissey and her husband Paul Morrissey of Kylemore, Schoolhouse Road, Monaleen, Co Limerick have sued the HSE and the US laboratory Quest Diagnostics Ireland Ltd with offices at Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin along with Medlab Pathology Ltd with offices at Sandyford Business Park, Dublin 18.

It is claimed there was an alleged failure to correctly report and diagnose and there was an alleged misinterpretation of her smear samples taken in 2009 and 2012. A situation it is claimed allegedly developed where Ms Morrisseys cancer spread unidentified, unmonitored and untreated until she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in June 2014.

It is further claimed a review of the 2009 and 2012 smears took place in 2014 and 2015 with the results sent to Ms Morrissey's treating gynaecologist in 2016, but she was not told until May 2018 of those review results which showed her smears were reported incorrectly.

The Morrisseys further contends that if Ms Morrissey had been told the results of the smear test audits in late 2014 or early 2015, she would have insisted on an MRI and other scans.

The HSE the court has already heard admitted it owed a duty of care to Ms Morrissey but not to her husband. The laboratories deny all claims.

In the witness box on Thursday, Prof Shepherd said Ruth Morrissey had a smear test in 2002 which came back normal and she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014.

He said she went from a normal result in 2002 over 12 years through the spectrum to invasive cancer in August 2014.

He said if Ms Morrissey who seemed a sensible and intelligent woman had the audit results in 2015 or 2016 she would have wanted to ensure the absolute best of care and further tests.

Prof Shepherd said cervical cancer can reoccur within eighteen months to two years and he believed Ms Morrissey if she had known the audit results would have asked asked for scans on a surveillance basis.

A scan after two years on the balance of probabilities would have shown an abnormality he said and the recurrence of the cancer could have been detected and treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy with a 50per cent chance of salvage.

If Ms Morrissey had a scan in 2016 and if cancer was detected she would have had a biopsy and this would have have confirmed a recurrence and she could have had treatment with the intention of a cure.

The court heard there is no criticism of the treatment of Ms Morrissey since her cancer came back last year.

The case continues.
The jury in the trial of a retired surgeon accused of groping a number of boys in his care has begun deliberating.

Michael Shine (86) of Ballsbridge, Dublin has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 13 charges of indecent assault allegedly committed during medical examinations at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth and at two private clinics in Drogheda.

On the 16th day of the trial, Hugh Hartnett SC, defending, told the jury in his closing speech that each of the complainants made statements to gardai in 2009 after there had been publicity on television and radio.

Mr Hartnett said that memory can be influenced by things heard more than 40 years after events. He said that each complainant has taken civil actions and that the prospect of getting money can push memory in a particular direction.

He said that one of the complainants gave evidence that he believed in hindsight that what occurred was abuse. He said the question then arises as to whether people can be influenced by what they see on television.

Judge Martin Nolan told the jurors that certain submissions had been made to them on the evidence by counsel and that it was up to them whether to heed or disregard these submissions. He told them that they must approach each of the 13 individual charges separately.

Judge Nolan said that a medical expert had given evidence that the actions alleged in the case were medically inappropriate and that they did constitute indecent assault if the jury accepted the evidence of the complainants beyond a reasonable doubt.

He told the jury that people can be inaccurate about one thing and very accurate about others.

The trial continues tomorrow when the jury will recommence their deliberations.
Two Dublin brothers have been charged with multiple burglaries after Gardai arrested them following a high-speed chase from Wicklow to Clondalkin in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Adam Aspil (21) and his brother Ross (23), from Lindisfarne Park in Clondalkin, were brought before Judge David Kennedy at Bray District Court today to be charged with an alleged burglary spree at four premises in Wexford and Wicklow.

Both men are charged with four counts of burglary at Osbournes filling station in Gorey town, an XL Stop and Shop at Red Cross in Wicklow, and Eir phone store on Wicklow Main Street, and an XL Stop and Shop in Rathnew between 2am and 4am on Tuesday morning.

They are also charged with possession of implements for burglary including a sledge hammer and a hammer, and theft of registration plates at a garage in Arklow on the same date.

Ross Aspil was also charged with four counts of dangerous driving on the same date.

Detective garda Liam Flynn and Detective Garda Darren Mulhall, from Wicklow division gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

Neither of the accused made any reply when cautioned.

Solicitor Tracy Horan made applications for bail for both the Aspil brothers.

This was objected to by Detective Gardai Flynn and Mulhall on the seriousness of the charges and the possible sentences associated with the alleged crimes, which included up to 14 years for burglary.

Detective Garda Flynn said Ross Aspil was arrested running from the car that had been chased and which had been fitted with stolen registration plates and contained stolen property and implements for burglary.

He said that there was 19,000 worth of property stolen and 10,000 worth of damage caused in the burglary spree.

Solicitor Tracy Horan said her client was not running when arrested, and there was no CCTV or DNA evidence identifying Ross Aspil, an apprentice mechanic with a two month old child.

Ross Aspil was granted bail on condition of a cash lodgment of 500, a curfew from 9.30pm to 6am, an agreement to sign-on daily at Clondalkin garda station, and supplying a phone number he could be contacted on.

Detective garda Mulhall lodged similar objections to bail for Adam Aspil, but bail was granted on similar conditions, except for a 1,500 cash lodgement, and a curfew from 9.30pm to 8am.

Adam Aspil is currently unemployed and his partner is expecting their child in eight weeks, the court heard.

Adam Aspil wore a light grey tracksuit. His brother Ross wore a green tracksuit.

Both sat quietly during the hearing, speaking only to confirm their names.

Both men are to appear at Bray court again next Tuesday February 12.
Businessman Denis O'Brien has told a High Court jury he is not "self-obsessed" in maintaining he was among 22 people allegedly blamed in newspaper articles for the 2008 financial crisis here.

It was "outrageous" that he was "lumped in" with the "gang" of 22 when he is a good borrower and not a "developer king", he said.

When he said the word they in a sub headline The files they didnt want you to see included him, and was defamatory, Michael McDowell SC said the Sunday Business Post (SBP) denied the word they meant him.

Counsel remarked Mr OBrien had probably heard of the song, Youre so vain and the articles, published on March 15th 2015, did not mean that Mr OBrien or others were being blamed for the 2008 financial crisis.

Mr OBrien responded he did not know counsel was a music buff to which Mr McDowell replied he was a great fan of 98FM.

Mr OBrien reiterated his view the articles meant he was part of a gang of 22 responsible for the crisis in 2008.

He did not know how counsel could say the articles did not refer to him or that he was self-obsessed or like the person Carly Simon was referring to in the song, Youre so vain.

Earlier, Mr OBrien said that counsel, as a former Minister for Justice, would understand what was meant by the word gang.

He also said it was pretty shocking stuff to be referred to under a headline People of Influence, People of Blame when he is not a developer king, is not reckless and not a person who blew up this country.

Counsel said the SBP would say the information set out in the articles was based on the contents of a report compiled by Price Waterhouse Coopers which was provided to the government in 2008.

The report concerned the exposure of Irish banks in 2008 and was based on information given to PWC by the banks themselves, the jury was told.

Mr McDowell said the SBP would say publication of the report was in the public interest.

He said PWC went to the government saying this was the information it was given by the banks.

The SBP maintained it was in the public interest to know the government did not want the public to know the government was misled about the position of the banks, he said.

Mr OBrien said PWC should have analysed in much greater detail the loan books.

Earlier, he said the PWC report was illegally obtained and it was a criminal offence to have it.

He said has never seen the report which, the jury has been told, was destroyed soon after the articles were published so as to protect the source.

It was possible the journalists got the PWC report wrong, he also said.

He said he is a good borrower and strongly believes in the confidentiality of peoples banking affairs.

Journalists have a blase attitude to peoples private banking affairs and it was not ok to release information about them.

He said the articles referred to 22 developers and one would want a Disney like imagination to say, because he had various small investments, he was one of the 22 people who unravelled the banks. He is a property investor, not a developer king, he said.

Counsel is continuing his cross examination of Mr OBrien who is suing over alleged defamation in articles published in the SBP on March 15th 2015.

In the action against Post Publications Ltd, the businessman is seeking substantial damages, to include aggravated damages on grounds of alleged malicious publication.

The articles were run over six pages and their focus was what the SBP referred to as a "secret" report into Ireland's banks by Price WaterhouseCoopers (PWC), called "Project Atlas". The report was provided to the government in November 2008 and obtained in 2015 by the newspaper.

The articles include a front page article headlined "22 men and 26 billion" with a subheading: "The secret report that convinced Cowen the banks weren't bust."

Above the headline was a stamp with the word "Confidential" and a strapline, "The files they don't want you to see".

Beside the headline, and below the words "Top Secret" was a list of names, including Denis O'Brien's.

It is claimed the front page article stated the PWC report "shows how just 22 men ended up owing 25.5 billion to their banks" and that it and other articles meant Mr O'Brien was one of the 22.

Mr O'Brien claims the articles identify the 22 with the downfall of Ireland and the bankruptcy of its banking system and mean certain things that injure his reputation.

The defendant denies defamation, denies the words complained of mean what Mr O'Brien says and denies malicious publication. It has also pleaded "fair and reasonable publication on a matter of public interest"

The case is continuing.
WRITING AN apology letter will be a sticking point for a Dublin builder found guilty of attacking his neighbour outside their homes following a lengthy dispute, a court has heard.

Peter Lambe, 50, had denied assault causing harm to Gerard Furlong, 62, who suffered serious facial injuries during the incident at Arran Road, in Drumcondra, Dublin, on the morning of March 4, 2016.

But he was found guilty following his trial at Dublin District Court in December and today, despite not accepting the verdict, he pleaded with Judge John Cheatle to spare him a criminal record so he can move to Australia with his partner.

Judge John Cheatle was furnished with a probation report on Lambe.

He adjourned sentencing until April to allow the accused time to complete a restorative justice services programme. That would involve a letter of apology which defence counsel Alan Grace described as a sticking point for his client.

He said his client had 1,000 to offer Furlong who had earlier turned down an offer of compensation.

Expand Close Gerard Furlong of Arran Road Drumcondra leaves Dublin District Court Photo: Collins Courts / Facebook

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Whatsapp Gerard Furlong of Arran Road Drumcondra leaves Dublin District Court Photo: Collins Courts

Mr Grace said the offer was still available or it could go to charity instead.

Pleading for leniency he asked for the judge to spare his client a conviction. He said the probation report was largely positive, however, Lambe did not fully accept his guilt.

The accused, seems to view it as an altercation that got out of hand, counsel said.

Mr Grace said it would have been earlier for his client to pay lip service in relation to an apology.

The court heard there was no love loss between the neighbours and the incident followed a lengthy dispute.

Mr Furlong had told the trial that on the day of the incident he had to go to a doctors appointment.

When his daughter Claire Tynan arrived he got into her car and was pulling away from the house. He noticed a rear door was open and got out to close it.

He testified that Lambe had been at his van and wanted to speak with him but Mr Furlong did not want to talk to the neighbour.

He rejected claims by the defendant he started the fight or that he had dragged Lambe to the ground.

Lambe grabbed him and pulled him around and started punching him, he said.

They went to the ground and Lambe got the better of him and started punching him in the face.

He said his daughter came out and a neighbour witnessed the incident. He was in total shock and has suffered medical expenses as a result of the attack, he said.

Claire Tynan told the court she was petrified when she saw the attack on her father and she described how he was punched and continuously headbutted.

She said afterwards Lambe raised his fist to her. Her father was disorientated and the court heard he suffered cuts and bruising to his face. He was taken to the Mater Hospital.

In his victim impact statement he told the court he and his wife were in the process of moving from the area.

He said that for at least a year he was fully conscious walking out the door of his house, looking up and down. Im constantly making sure the car doors are locked.

He lost interest in events like birthdays and Christmas and following medical advice he went to counselling.

Since the incident his grandkids no longer come to the house out of fear they will be assaulted. They used to come and stay, that doesn't happen any more, he said, adding, to this day I still continuously in fear of Mr Lambe.

Father-of-one, Lambe, lived on the cul-de-sac and acted as a carer for his mother.

He told the court he said to Mr Furlong, we need to have a talk about your wife, because she kept making faces at him The court heard there had been earlier disputes between the neighbours and when he went to the Furlongs home five days before to discuss things he had the door slammed in his face.

He claimed he was attacked first and they ended up in a scuffle on the ground mauling at each other.

He also claimed his leg was cut by the victim with a phase tester.

His brother, taxi driver Anthony Lambe, lives in Skerries but was staying at his brother and mothers house on the date.

He said and saw his brother attacked. He said he was sleeping at the house on the day as he worked nights.

He was alerted by the sound of a car and went to the window. He went back to bed, he said, because he knew his brother could look after himself.

None of two other independent witnesses saw a screw driver at the scene nor the blows sustained by Furlong.

Judge Cheatle said he did not find Lambes evidence credible and commented that his defence was undermined by the testimony of his brother. He was satisfied the incident occurred as described by Mr Furlong and his daughter.

Garda Noel Barry told the court the accused had just some minor convictions in the 1980s.

Pleading for leniency, defence barrister Mr Grace asked the judge to note his client looks after his mother who was deaf and dumb.

It was clear that what occurred was at the back end of a lengthy neighbourhood dispute and there was no love loss between them, he said.
Alan Coleman has a leaky fridge. It wrecks his head. "The water constantly pools at the bottom of the fridge and then freezes," he says.

"Then every so often, I pull open the bottom drawer and it splashes all over the floor."

Every month he promises he'll address it. But then he doesn't bother. "I'd have to go look up some manual," he says.

So, like 90pc of the rest of us, he just leaves it as it nags away at him in the background. "What I found myself wishing for was some way of asking Alexa or Google to diagnose or fix it," he says.

A year into this Good Life disruption, he has a new company for everyone who might have a leaky fridge. Or a misfiring wifi router. Or a play-acting smart telly. Or any of the other plethora of semi-smart devices we now have in our homes, which sometimes don't work as they're supposed to.

His company is called Sweepr and it aims to do for smart devices what Coleman's last company, BriteBill, did for telecoms operators.

That firm reinvented billing software for the world's biggest telcos, cutting out whole chunks of the wasteful, manual processes that were attached to delivering and resolving mobile and telecom bills. It was big success for Coleman, who sold it in 2016 to the multinational firm Amdocs for over 60m.

Sweepr, says Coleman, aims to be a new platform that big tech and home appliance companies use to sort out technical problems in a much quicker and more accessible way for ordinary people.

"Say you're watching a show on Netflix and it starts glitching," says Coleman.

"Today, the average person has to pick up the phone to their ISP and wait in line to talk to an agent. You're getting angry. "Eventually you get to talk to somebody and they look at it. They do what they can, but may not be able to resolve it. So now you may need to talk to somebody else. And then you're 30 or 40 minutes into a journey. It's really poor."

Sweepr, he says, will be able to shortcut a lot of this.

"We looked at this problem and thought that, as we're at a point now where technology has progressed, there has to be a better way of doing it. Because not only is that an awful customer experience for the homeowner, it is a prohibitively expensive one for the provider.

"And the number of times that we require help is increasing. And the economics to support that availability of agents in call centres simply isn't there."

Sweepr, Coleman says, will look at the diagnostics across your home. It will also examine the "overall connectedness" of your home, including your wifi and various devices.

"So in this scenario, what we'll do is say 'hey Adrian, are you watching Netflix on your TV in the living room, or the TV in the kitchen?' And then we'll test that TV for its connectedness to the router and then the router itself. And we'll look at the various measures of the performance of the network to see if you have enough bandwidth, the right levels of latency and so on.

"The answer might be for us to come back and say, 'hey Adrian, it seems like Netflix is having a problem with our servers at the moment'. Or we might say 'two or three other people in your home are trying to stream on devices at the same time' so that maybe you can decide which stream to prioritise.

"And then Sweepr can take a number of actions. Like it will know whether there's the capacity to make a change on your router, or to make an adjustment or a prioritisation so that you get to watch your show uninterrupted.

"Or maybe it's explaining that your wifi isn't strong enough to reach through the walls you have or that your TV is too far away. It might even offer to upgrade your service."

Thanks to advances in voice technology, the platform should also do this using voice technology, possibly through an Amazon Echo or Google Home speaker.

Sweepr, then, is something that Coleman hopes to entice the big electronics, appliance and tech companies with. According to his model, they would license or buy it and use it in a trouble-shooting or customer support scenario. Coleman is already in early discussions with some of the largest home appliance companies about deployment of the technology.

Other than his own cash, industry sources say that Dan and Linda Kiely, the Cork-based entrepreneurs who sold their call centre technology firm Voxpro to the Canadian company Telus International for a reported 150m, are also participating in an early funding round for Sweepr.

Aside from being frustrated with having a leaky fridge, why does Coleman want to head back in the world of creating a startup from scratch? "It's about getting a real kick out of seeing a problem and then affecting change," he says.

"For example, with Britebill, the economics of [customer] support and how much it costs was eye-watering. It made me understand how expensive it is to employ thousands upon thousands of people in call centres, many of whom are doing very repetitive jobs, answering the same questions.

"One of our clients used to spend $500m a year answering questions from customers about their bill. They had 28 million customers. What we discovered was that when we redesigned their bill to make it more user-friendly and intuitive, we were able to reduce that volume in the first year by 15pc. That opened my eyes."

There's also a 'why not me' factor to it all, he says. "Once I have an idea in my mind that this is inevitably going to be the way in which the world works, I then think, 'why couldn't I do that? Why shouldn't it be me that starts the path to that inevitable outcome?' I'm an extreme optimist."

But why a startup? Why not within the safer, less manic infrastructure of an existing, well-funded company?

After all, Coleman has tasted that world, too. He worked for seven years in Accenture, structuring commercial deals between IT suppliers and Accenture's clients. He also worked for a spell as a business analyst at the banking giant, Morgan Stanley.

"There's an enjoyment out of taking something that is literally a fleeting thought and building it up into a working company," he says.

"It's the struggle, the fight. It's pulling together the most talented people to do their respective jobs and having that team become greater than the sum of their parts. And then, yes, attracting the capital and all the mechanics to go into building it.

"There are lots of good ideas out there. But the execution is fraught, it's really hard. There's a lot that's stacked against you."

But Coleman also knows when to cash in his hand.

Having grown his last business, Britebill, into a force within the telecoms industry, he took a cold, hard look at what he might get out of it in future.

He decided to sell in 2016 for over 60m to the Israeli multinational firm, Amdocs. At the time, it was processing over 25 million individual bills - worth almost 5bn - for telecom operators.

"At that point, I thought we had done as much as we could in the market we were in," he says.

"There was a huge execution risk of us taking what we did really successfully in the telecommunications market into any other market. So I had to ask the question, do we take what's a very decent and generous offer for the value we've created today? Or do we not take that and roll the dice again, to see if we can repeat the trick in a different vertical?"

Coleman also had to take into account the views of BriteBill's shareholders, who favoured a guaranteed return on their investment.

"But I was fully supportive of that decision," he says. "Every company has a life cycle and not every company will be a billion-dollar unicorn.

"When you're building a business, you have to understand what its life cycle is.

"If you do, you'll make the right decision at the right time for where that company should go."

If it all goes to plan with Sweepr, Coleman soon won't need to look up a manual or dial a call-centre when his fridge leaks water again. He'll simply ask out loud, maybe using his Amazon Echo.

"Roughly 50pc of homes in the US now have a voice agent of some type," he says. "Manufacturers are embedding those agents into everything. It's on track to be the fastest-adopted consumer technology ever.

"The goal here is to help non-technical people in an increasingly complex and technical home. We're moving past a time when it's mainly technically competent people who make proactive decisions to buy connected goods. We're now coming into a phase where it's everyone."
Apple has named its third retail chief in seven years, seeking to shake up store operations while casting about for the next big hit as the iPhone era wanes.

Apple said company veteran Deirdre O'Brien will replace Angela Ahrendts, who served in the role for about five years. Ms O'Brien is the first insider tapped to run the Apple division since Ron Johnson opened the first Apple store in 2001 and left a decade later.

The departure of Ms Ahrendts, Apple's top female executive, was a surprise. But it also marks a turning point for Apple and its approach to retail. Sales of the iPhone - its biggest product line - peaked last year, putting more pressure on Cook to find new revenue streams while experimenting with promotional pricing tactics that Ahrendts eschewed.

With smartphone demand stagnating, Apple is building new digital services and subscription businesses that don't need a large network of retail stores as much as its consumer hardware operations. For the first time, the retail chief will also have other priorities because Ms O'Brien will continue to lead human resources.

When Ms Ahrendts joined Apple in 2014, she brought a luxury focus from her time running designer apparel company Burberry Group. She quickly turned Apple stores into stylish showcases for the company's high-end devices, including the Watch which was initially marketed as a luxury product, with some models costing more than $10,000.

Under her guidance, Apple avoided cut-price deals for most of its devices on big shopping days like Black Friday, in favour of gift cards attached to purchases.

The pricey Watches didn't sell well and Apple has refocused the device as a health-tracking accessory. And more recently, the company has relaxed its strict pricing approach for iPhones as demand fell for the latest models. About month before Ms Ahrendts' departure was announced, CEO Tim Cook warned the company would miss its Christmas sales target for the first time since 2001.

In December, as Apple executives worried about demand, the company asked retail employees to promote the new iPhones using methods not seen before. Technicians were told to push iPhone upgrades to consumers with out-of-warranty devices. Senior sales staff had to make sure other retail workers were suggesting upgrades, and easels offering generous trade-in deals for the iPhone XR were erected in stores. Apple's online homepage was also replaced with reduced iPhone pricing that required a trade-in of older models.

Those tactics may not have gelled with the retail environment Ms Ahrendts tried to create. In an interview with 'Vogue' magazine last week, she said "the tragedy in retail is that it has become about numbers". She also said she missed some things about the fashion industry. Ms Ahrendts was credited with modernising Apple's store designs, integrating the online operation and developing extensive workshops that kept customers coming back to the retail locations. But some consumers in recent years have complained about long wait times to purchase products and get appointments with technicians.

"Her focus was integrating the online and offline experience, which in some ways took the focus away from an excellent in-store experience," said Gene Munster, managing partner at Loup Ventures. "The brick-and-mortar store still has friction around the consumer experience, and Apple is committed to making it better." Cook called the announcements "bittersweet" on Twitter, thanking Ms Ahrendts and saying that he could think of "no one better" than Ms O'Brien to run Apple's retail. Ms O'Brien has worked at Apple since the 1980s and before taking over its HR function was a VP in charge of sales and operations.

Bloomberg
Construction work on the O Cualann Co-ops affordable housing scheme in Ballymun which managed to cut prices by building on State land at a fraction of the usual cost. Photo: PA

On the Ballyogan road, in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, there is a fine illustration of the past and future of housing. On one side are the houses built a couple of decades ago - the typical semi-detached, vaguely mock Tudor job, with garden front and rear.

On the other side, a very different type of house is under construction. They come in blocks, rather than individual units, and are interspersed with apartments. I have no doubt they will sell very well, with Luas stops almost at the front door. And they are the future in a city and country which needs a huge expansion of its housing stock at less cost than in the past.

The latest Central Bank estimate is that 23,000 residential units will be completed this year, rising to 27,000 in 2020. Very, very slowly, supply is catching up with demand. Beyond that, it must catch up with the backlog of unfulfilled demand.

These issues were the subject of a conference last week organised by the Raise the Roof pressure group, which is associated with the trade union movement. The big story was the claim that half of all residential-zoned land in Dublin is controlled by the State, either through being owned by a local authority or Nama.

Architect Mel Reynolds said this would be enough to provide 71,000 new homes. The use to which Nama land can be put is a tricky business, and I wish them well extracting assets from other State bodies.

Only Charlie Haughey could frighten State bodies and department sufficiently to part them from their family silver, however unused, and his motives were not always the purest. In any event, we are unlikely to get 70,000 houses worth.

Besides, as the developer Michael O'Flynn said on RTE's 'The Business', the first thing is where the houses are needed, not where land is available.

Mr Reynolds rightly concentrated on affordability, arguing that low- and middle-income earners are priced out of owner-occupation. The maximum affordable price from them was put at 245,000, but the average paid by a first-time buyer in Dublin was 370,000.

A key insight into the problem came when he said the O Cualann Co-operative Building Association was able build three-bedroom houses in Ballymun for 219,000 by being able to use State land.

There may of course be a hidden subsidy from other citizens in making the land available at below its full value. The extent of any such subsidy should be made clear.

More alarmingly, the Ballymun figure is only 10pc below the affordable limit, showing the near impossibility of matching supply and demand given current costs. An added complication is that, when it comes to social housing, history suggests local authorities would not be able to provide three-bed units at 220,000.

It is also the case that everything being offered at more than 300,000 is snapped up. As more houses are built, we may run out of such customers in the next few years. If nothing else changes, much of the estimated 30,000-a-year demand will have to be met by rental accommodation. That may have some strange consequences, on things like inequality, and even pensions.

One would hazard a guess that, all other things being equal, the houses on the south side of the Ballyogan Road will be more expensive than those on the north side. But a new paper suggest that any home ownership brings advantages. In many cases, the Bank of Mom and Pop know's what it's doing.

A new piece of research tries to capture the financial benefits of owning your own home. According to the analysts, from the universities of Maynooth and Galway and the Luxembourg economics institute LISER, the impact is considerable, both for the individual and for the economy as a whole.

The key benefit is 'imputed rent' - the amount the owner would have to pay if they were renting the property. That is a considerable amount on almost any dwelling nowadays. The research, supported by the John and Pat Hume doctoral scholarships at Maynooth, cleverly combines two sets of data to get estimates for different areas, not just nationally, for the first time.

Among other criteria, they are also able to break things down by age group. This tells its own story. While the 36-50 age group has the highest annual income, with a median figure of 21,200, their limited home ownership leaves imputed rent of just 1,400. By contrast, the 51-65 group had median wages of 16,200 but benefited from imputed rent of 5,000.

Putting all the figures together gives the older group an advantage of 5,000 a year. This incorporates another statistical wheeze where the research calculates what the owner could get by borrowing against the value of the house to provide an annual income.

These 'reverse mortgage annuities', or RMAs, are available on the market but for some reason are not very common in Ireland.

People seem to prefer to leave their assets to their descendants rather than enjoy their wealth now. Irish financial institutions seem to encourage them in this view but the researchers regard these RMAs as a good way of calculating true income, whether spent or not.

In real life one would expect the over-65s to use this kind of scheme. If they did, the benefits of their 98pc home ownership would become remarkably clear. Although they had cash income of just 16,300 in 2011, the last year for which data is available, when their housing wealth is included they become the best-off group, at 38,000.

There are no real surprises when it comes to different regions but the differences are even greater than might be imagined. When the value of houses is taken into account, almost all the top fifth in terms of adjusted income live in the greater Dublin area.

The paper breaks this down into clusters comparing incomes and rental costs. Outside the greater Dublin area, only Cork city showed a cluster of high incomes combined with high property values. Galway, Limerick and Waterford cities did not contain any such clusters (and of course there are also pockets of low incomes/low value clusters in Cork and Dublin).

On the wider scale, the data shows a corridor of low incomes running through the Midlands from the south-east to the north-west. This is hardly surprising, given what happened to property values there but things have been changing.

According to the Central Bank, the Mid-West showed the fastest price increases in the year to October, with a gain of 21.5pc. The lowest increase was in South Dublin, with a 5pc rise. It is also the case that the price of low-value properties is increasing much more quickly than high value.

Prices for the bottom half of properties were up 10.5pc and the cost of the top fifth of houses actually fell by 1.6pc. This will have reduced the 2011 inequality caused by home ownership which the paper calculates.

It is one area where the 'squeezed middle' gets out of its corset. They show the biggest gain when property is taken into account; mostly at the expense of the bottom tenth of the population, whose income share fell from 3.1pc to 1.4pc once housing wealth is included.

When it comes to straightforward money incomes, such differences are smoothed out by high taxes on the middle groups. But the idea that similar taxes should be levied on the value of home ownership evokes paroxysms of horror.

Under duress from creditors, the local property tax was introduced, but is badly stalled. The researchers note that it is on market value and falls on tenants as well, whose rent is anything but imputed. The net effect is to increase inequality, beyond that as measured by incomes alone.

On current trends they will also reach retirement without the same levels of home ownership as their parents and grandparents and will continue to be disadvantaged.

Today's elderly home-owners are the group which gains most from ownership but, as with the property tax, may be short of income when it comes to paying tax.

Measures to encourage reverse mortgage annuities would allow them to pay a tax based on imputed rent, as well as having more cash to live on, and the money could be used to reduce inequality, present and future.

Not this side of an election, though.
New route: Michael OLeary has shown a willingness to adapt over the last 24 years but it is hard to see him stepping back

When a new chief executive takes over the top job from a predecessor, it is often referred to as 'succession'. And when a company makes arrangements to ensure it has the right person available to take over in the future it is commonly referred to as "succession planning".

But this may be the wrong way to look at when it comes to the role of chief executive of a publicly quoted company. Succession by definition is about the process of inheriting a title or a position.

Investors should rightly hope that nobody would "inherit" the top position at a company in which they have invested. It should be based on merit and the top job should have to be earned.

Nowhere could this be more true than at Ryanair. Michael O'Leary has been chief executive for over two decades. Everybody has watched as he continues to run the airline with no sign of ever giving up.

This week he announced a five-year contract to remain as chief executive of the Ryanair group of companies. As recently as last September Mr O'Leary said he had been offered a longer contract by the board but was looking at 12-month rolling contracts.

He has also said in the past that he didn't want to stay on at Ryanair until he was an old man. But he spoke very plainly last September about how he feels about the job.

"I have no idea when I'll have had enough. I like this company. I like working for this company. I don't do it for the pay I get. But as long as it remains interesting and fun and challenging, I see no reason not to continue to try to lead it and lead it forward positively."

Clearly, O'Leary is still having fun, despite the difficulties the airline has faced from industrial action, a lower fares environment and the uncertainty over Brexit.

In fact, it is exactly this kind of maelstrom that he seems to enjoy the most.

For the company there is a genuine issue about succession, but only if the chief executive is thinking about leaving. By the time his new contract ends in 2024, he will have been chief executive for 30 years.

Of course this week's announcement involved a lot more than simply a new contract for Michael O'Leary. It set in place a series of changes which will appease some investor critics of the company, while continuing to play to its strengths.

O'Leary will become chief executive of the main holding company of Ryanair Group. It, in turn, will have individual chief executives for its main airline and smaller carriers - Laudamotion in Austria, Ryanair Sun in Poland and Ryanair UK, the entity formed to surmount obstacles thrown up by Brexit.

Obviously the biggest change will be the appointment of a new chief executive to the main Ryanair airline who will report in to O'Leary.

As one commentator put it, O'Leary will be handing over the controls but will remain in the cockpit. O'Leary will still be overall boss and will have direct responsibility for big issues like mergers and acquisition opportunities, reducing costs and buying aircraft.

This means his judgement will remain vital when it comes to identifying what companies to buy and for how much, keeping pressure on cutting costs, and driving hard bargains on aircraft purchases.

It should free him up somewhat to be less involved in the day-to-day running of the airlines, while allowing other executives to step that bit closer to the top job.

If Ryanair announced that O'Leary was staying on in the current role for another five years, would some senior management have considered leaving on the basis that it would be at least 2024 before they got a shot at the top job?

At least this way, there will be greater individual autonomy for chief executives of those divisions, yet investors have the stability of knowing O'Leary is still very much there. He is a massive figure in the culture, operations and success of the airline.

Investors would be very nervous of him retiring. His re-appointment to the board received the backing of 98pc of shareholder votes last year.

Ryanair also announced that its chairman of 20 years, David Bonderman will be retiring from the role next year, as will long-serving deputy chairman Kyran McLaughlin.

Based on best corporate governance practice, he has been there too long. Around 30pc of investors voted against Bonderman's re-appointment to the position at the annual general meeting last year.

With this announcement, critics of Bonderman can point to the fact that he is going next year. Fans of Bonderman can point to the fact that he is at least going to remain in the role for another year.

Taken as a whole, the Ryanair announcement gives a real impression that changes are afoot, yet nobody is actually going anywhere yet, which provides stability at a tricky time in the sector.

The most insightful comment about the new structure came from one analyst who said the move does not represent a diminution of O'Leary's authority but does make the whole organisation less dependent on one person.

For O'Leary to survive and thrive in the job for this long he has had to deliver results but also be prepared to change tack when he needed to.

For example, the low-cost model was built on an approach to customer service that had to be overhauled when the airline got bigger. O'Leary did not really believe in doing acquisitions but instead wanted to grow the airline under the Ryanair brand as a single organic business.

The big exception to this was Aer Lingus, which he sought, almost obsessively, to acquire. In recent years Ryanair has become more about acquisition opportunities.

The airline under O'Leary was built on no trade union recognition. That too had to change. Last year O'Leary described the move to recognising unions as "not one of my best days in Ryanair, but it was inevitable at some point".

The other big change in this new arrangement is the group structure. Ryanair will not be very dissimilar to IAG, which owns British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia and is headed up by Willie Walsh.

This means greater overhead, more layers, and higher costs. It costs more to have a holding company and divisional CEOs with the apparatus of greater operational autonomy for them.

Like any federalised multi-national, different parts of the business will have to compete against each other to win more resources.

In theory it means the smaller Ryanair operations perhaps with more growth potential, will fight hard to get more aircraft. To succeed they will need to keep their costs down.

In some ways the new structure reflects how the bigger future growth opportunities may well be outside of the main traditional Ryanair operations.

O'Leary has had to adapt to succeed over the last 24 years. He has shown a willingness to do that. But it is hard to see him stepping back. It just isn't his style.

Perhaps more pages will have to be torn out of the O'Leary bible of corporate management.

Who knows, he may end up accepting non-executive directorships or even hiring consultants.

Heaven forbid.
Sales of Jameson whiskey passed the four million cases mark in the six months to 31 December.

The drink reported value growth of 8pc, and volume growth of 6pc during the period, according to interim results from Irish Distillers.

Standout regions for the company included Sub-Saharan Africa, which saw 40pc growth (excluding South Africa), and Asia, where Jameson enjoyed 50pc growth in India.

Conor McQuaid, chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers, said: "Jameson continues to thrive and is now in double- or triple-digit growth in more than 70 markets across the world."

"Consumers are appreciating the full Jameson family, particularly our super premium range, as seen by the growth of Jameson Black Barrel, up 26pc."

The group also benefitted from the performance of single pot whiskey, with Redbreast experiencing value growth of 20pc.

Since 2011 Irish Distillers has released over 10 new single pot still Irish whiskeys, adding that the feedback from whiskey drinkers has been "phenomenal."

Elsewhere, and Powers whiskey growth in Ireland remains steady at 4pc.

"2018 has been another successful year for our brand homes in Bow Street in Dublin and Midleton in Cork, with visitor numbers growing strongly in both," Mr McQuaid added.

Last year, in news first reported by the Irish Independent, Irish Distillers confirmed it is considering the construction of a new distillery in Ireland as global sales of its Jameson whiskey brand continue to soar.
Dog-sitters: Brothers Timothy and James McElroy of HouseMyDog set up their firm four years ago

Irish company HouseMyDog has merged with European competitor Gudog.

Established four years ago by Dubliners James and Timothy McElroy, HouseMyDog is an AirBnB-like alternative to kennels. It links people seeking dog-minders to local pet-lovers.

The merged company will be the largest platform of dog-walkers in Europe, with more than 25,000 approved dog-sitters and walkers in over 70 cities across eight European countries, including Ireland, the UK, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Belgium.

Both companies will continue to operate under their existing brands, before amalgamating later this year.
Europe's biggest activist investor, Stockholm-based Cevian Capital, could raise its stake in Irish building materials giant CRH to at least 5pc - worth roughly 1.1bn - based on its previous investment track record. (Stock image)

Europe's biggest activist investor, Stockholm-based Cevian Capital, could raise its stake in Irish building materials giant CRH to at least 5pc - worth roughly 1.1bn - based on its previous investment track record.

That would boost its holding in Ireland's biggest company from the current level of less than 3pc, after it confirmed yesterday that it had established a foothold in CRH.

CRH is valued at 22bn, it declined to comment on the situation, and Cevian has not even confirmed its precise stake. However, the holding is currently less than the 3pc threshold where a shareholding has to be notified publicly to the stock exchange.

Shares in CRH jumped as much as much as 5pc in early trading as investors predicted that Cevian may push the Irish company to generate higher returns for shareholders. Cevian's funds are backed by legendary billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn.

It's believed that Cevian built up a shareholding in CRH over a number of months. It's also almost certain that the firm engaged with CRH management, including CEO Albert Manifold, prior to making its move.

Cevian, founded almost 20 years ago, is a long-term investor, with a tight portfolio of about a dozen leading European-listed companies. It typically makes only one to three changes to its holdings every year. It has about 13bn of assets under management.

Pension funds account for about 30pc of Cevian's clients, while 40pc are institutional investors including sovereign wealth funds.

It doesn't short stocks - where an investor bets a share price will decline - or use leverage.

As an activist investor, it also takes a more softly-softly approach than many US counterparts, aiming to work constructively with company management and eschewing public spats.

Cevian usually takes between a 5pc and 20pc stake in the listed companies it invests in, and also typically seeks a seat on the board. Given that its stakes in target companies usually amount to more than 1bn, and up to 2bn, that means its stake in CRH could hit at least 5pc.

News agency Reuters first revealed Cevian's stake in CRH. Cevian managing partner Christer Gardell told Reuters that the hedge fund had taken advantage of recent market turbulence to make a number of new investments and to add to some existing holdings.

"The group has many strong positions in attractive markets and we are convinced that CRH's assets could become significantly more valuable," he said.

Cevian often targets companies with weak profitability and complex structures, providing opportunities to improve returns through measures such as cost-cutting, divestments, spin-offs and management change, said Reuters.

"We have taken the approach of making companies better and more competitive, which makes them more valuable and, as a consequence, generates a good return for us and other owners," Cevian senior partner Harlan Zimmerman told publication 'Investments and Pensions Europe' last year.

Cevian owns about 9pc of Swedish telecoms equipment group Ericsson, and more than 13pc of RSA Insurance - the UK firm that was rocked by an accounting scandal at its Irish subsidiary in 2013.
Ireland has made significant strides in boosting the number of young women entering science-based careers but 75pc of STEM-type jobs are still filled by men.

The revelation came more than 6,000 Transition Year girls attend 'I Wish' events in Cork and Dublin to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers.

The events - being staged at Cork City Hall and the RDS - aim to promote STEM careers through showcasing role models including Young Scientist champion, Ciara Judge, Dr Pixie McKenna, Dr Jessamyn Fairfield and Sonya Lennon.

Ciara Judge - who attended the Virgin Galactic space programme in the Mojave desert last year and was yesterday flying out to a science fair in Geneva - urged young Irish women to step outside their comfort zones.

"My advice is not to play it safe - go outside your comfort zone. If you have an interest or a passion for something even remotely science-related, don't be afraid to follow your dreams," she said.

Ms Judge said that her life changed when she attended the Young Scientist event as a five year old - and she was entranced by the science and research projects on display.

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She won the 2013 Young Scientist competition with two Kinsale Community School friends and is now studying genetics.

Ms Judge now hopes to work in the bio-informatics sector.

'I Wish' co-founder Caroline O'Driscoll said Ireland has made major strides in encouraging women to enter the greater science field - but more remains to be done.

"Employment within the general STEM field here in Ireland is around 25pc for women," she said.

Ms O'Driscoll said that progress has been made, particularly in the engineering field, but the overall number of women in the sector remains somewhere between 18pc and 23pc.

The number of women entering the engineering field has increased by an estimated 1-3pc given STEM campaigns over recent years.

However, Ireland now has a greater percentage of women working in STEM-related jobs than the United States.

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"Events like this are so very important," she said.

"A survey has indicated that 60pc (of students) change their subject choices after attending here."

Ms O'Driscoll also pointed out that STEM subjects are vital because of the rapid pace of change within the Irish and global economies.

"Around 60pc of people (attending here) will work in jobs that do not yet exist," she said.
French cereal farmer Paul Francois speaks to journalists as he arrives at the courthouse for the start of his appeals trial against U.S. Monsanto firm in Lyon, France, February 6, 2019. REUTERS/Emmanuel Foudrot

A decade-old lawsuit in which a French farmer with neurological problems accuses Monsanto of not providing adequate safety warnings for a weedkiller returned to court on Wednesday, adding to health claims faced by the Bayer-owned firm.

Paul Francois, who says he fell ill after inhaling vapour from weedkiller Lasso in 2004, won rulings in 2012 and 2015 that found Monsanto liable for the intoxication, before France's top court overturned those decisions and ordered a new hearing.

An appeal court in the southeastern French city of Lyon will hear arguments on Wednesday before giving its verdict at a later date.

Francois, who says he has suffered memory loss, headaches and stammering, blames Monsanto for not giving sufficient warnings on the product label.

"Maybe we'll lose against Monsanto but the real victory for me is that I have converted my 200-hectare farm to organic production," 55-year-old Francois told reporters before the hearing.

"This affair made me open my eyes and move towards a different kind of agriculture."

Lasso was banned in France in 2007 after the product had already been withdrawn in some other countries.

Bayer said it did not wish to comment specifically on the case until the ruling in the latest proceedings.

But it added in an emailed statement that "the use of phytosanitary products does not pose any risk for human health when they are used according to the terms defined as part of the product authorisation."

Monsanto, acquired by Bayer last year, is also facing lawsuits in the United States over alleged cancer links to glyphosate-based weedkillers. Lasso used a different active substance to glyphosate.

Last year, the company was found to be liable for the terminal cancer of a school groundskeeper who had used glyphosate-based products.

It is appealing that verdict but faces another U.S. trial next month relating to a couple suffering from cancer.

In France, a court last month banned a version of Monsanto's Roundup weedkiller range on safety concerns.

Controversy over glyphosate has been fuelled by a 2015 conclusion from the World Health Organisation's cancer agency that the substance was probably carcinogenic.

Glyphosate was originally developed by Monsanto but it is off-patent and marketed worldwide by dozens of other crop chemical makers.

After a heated European Union debate in 2017 that led to a five-year renewal for glyphosate's licence, President Emmanuel Macron said France would aim to phase out the weedkiller in three years.
A man who assaulted a store detective after being asked to leave a supermarket where he had taken his pet sheep has spoken of his relief after avoiding jail.

The bizarre incident involving Andrew Meneice and 'Chops' happened at Lidl in Portrush.

Meneice (33), of Glenbush Drive in the town, was given a four-month jail term last year but had been released on bail pending appeal.

Yesterday he was back in Coleraine Courthouse for that hearing, which resulted in Judge Geoffrey Miller QC suspending the sentence for two years.

Afterwards Meneice said he was glad he had not been imprisoned.

"I am happy this is over and done with now and I'm happy not to be going to jail," he said.

Meneice had been drinking on the day in question before taking Chops for a walk and he had gone into Lidl on the "spur of the moment".

He keeps the sheep in a pen at a relative's house a short distance from his home, and continues to take it for walks.

He added: "Chops is well-known in Portrush and is a bit of a character. I realise I am not allowed to take her into shops, not even the car parks of shops, but she will still be out and about."

Meniece was also given a two-year restraining order, which bans him from taking Chops into any retail premises apart from a sheep mart.

The defendant had originally been charged with two assaults on the store detective, being disorderly and resisting a police officer in the execution of his duty.

Last year at Coleraine Magistrates Court he pleaded guilty to resisting the police officer but contested the other three charges.

He was found guilty of one of the assaults and being disorderly. The other assault charge was dismissed.

Sentencing him last year, District Judge Liam McNally had said: "That's a situation which this court will not tolerate."

Lidl store detective David Bennett had told the court he saw a "male with a sheep on a lead" entering the shop and Meneice, "whose eyes were glazed" and who appeared intoxicated, became agitated and abusive.

Mr Bennett explained that because of health and safety and hygiene reasons he "couldn't bring a sheep into the store".

He said the defendant began shouting and when he was told the police were being called his voice became "more raised".

Mr Bennett said he blocked a punch from the defendant, and after being led outside Meneice continued to swing punches at him before the defendant broke off a part of a display and struck him with a metal bar, which he partially blocked with his arm but was hit on the face.

The store detective said Meneice also tried to spit on him.

Store manager Tomas Fusek had said the defendant was "totally out of order" because "you don't normally come to a store with a sheep on a lead".

Customer assistant Jonathan Gerrish told last summer's hearing Meneice had earlier been in the store that day with his sheep, saying: "Save the sheep." And: "Don't buy lamb in Lidl." Although police had been called, the defendant returned.

Meneice told the court last year he had gone to the store because he had been drinking whilst on medication.

He said he had owned Chops since she was a day old and was going to give her back, but he "got attached to her".

He alleged that in the store the sheep - a "defenceless animal" - was punched during the incident, which had made him "upset".
The new Krone Big M-450 is powered by 450hp Liebherr engine and has a 9.95 cutting width

Dublin-based machinery distributors Farmhand will have a big presence at this year's FTMTA show at Punchestown Racecourse, Co Kildare this week.

Farmhand is bringing 24 machines to the show, which takes place on February 7 to 9. Seven of these machines have never previously been displayed in Ireland.

"It's an opportunity for us to show all of the new machinery that has been released in the past two years but also to meet customers and get feedback," said marketing director Stephen Scrivener.

One of the star attractions is going to be the Krone Big M 450 self-propelled mower, which has been redesigned from the ground up following the success of the Big M 420 model. It has been built around a huge 450hp Liebherr engine with a 9.95m cutting width.

"It is a big machine to display inside but it was at the centre of many bigger silage contractors' operations last year and is getting rave reviews," added Farmhand sales director David Borland.

The new Amazone Combidisc drill/harrow combination, which allows for a more versatile drilling combination, will also be on display.

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It's a 3m compact disc harrow that's designed to work alone or with a drill mounted on top, with the added benefit of reducing fuel consumption. This allows for a more versatile machine with a high work rate.

Simulator

"Along with the Combidisc we also have the Amazone Cayros plough and new ZAV spreader, which is proving a huge hit with Irish grass and tillage farmers," explained Scrivener.

The Quicke XL simulator, which you might recognise from the Agritechnica show, will be on the Farmhand stand.

"It gives an insight into how the electric joystick and new Q companion weigh system work as well as offering an interactive tractor simulator experience," added Scrivener.

Fastparts, the fast-moving parts division of Farmhand, will have a display of the all new Quicke XL implement range. These implements have been designed for the most demanding telehandler/ wheel loader users.

"The quality of these implements is unparalleled," said Fasparts sales rep Colin Gillespie. "People are going to be seriously impressed."
It has been a difficult new year for beef farmers. Poor market conditions have been compounded by continued Brexit uncertainty.

If the injury of continued income loss wasn't bad enough, the insult of a perceived increase in hostility towards the sector - in the guise of 'Veganuary', the 'Lancet' report and an avalanche of negative comment regarding the climate change credentials of the industry - has led to anger and unrest among farmers.

The prospect of a disorderly Brexit poses the most immediate and devastating threat to the Irish beef sector. My department estimates that additional tariffs for the Irish agri-food sector as a whole, on exports to the UK, would add 1.7bn in costs. This could reduce or potentially wipe out Irish exports of beef, dairy and pig meat to the UK market.

Beef exports to the UK in 2016 accounted for 50pc of total beef exports (valued at 1.1bn) - the estimated tariff rate equivalent (based on weighted averages) is 70pc, approximately 781m. Teagasc modelling suggests a reduction of over 20pc in Irish beef prices, resulting in beef farm incomes reducing by up to 40pc. This would challenge the viability of many beef farms and have an impact on production, processing and employment.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has been preparing for Brexit long before the June 2016 referendum or my appointment as minister the previous month.

But no amount of planning can prepare an industry for the potential loss of half its market, built up over decades.

We have had some considerable successes on targeting new markets. Being the first EU country to achieve access to the Chinese beef market is a significant one. But this will be a medium to long-term gain and will not compensate for the impact of a disorderly Brexit overnight.

If the worst comes to the worst, we will need EU help. Exceptional aid under the Common Market Organisation regulation will be required. EU Commissioner Phil Hogan understands this and we are in continued contact, as are our officials.

Nationally, we have been investing to try to build resilience in the sector. This week, I announced the opening of the 20m Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (Beep) announced in Budget 2019 as part of the 78m Brexit package for the agri-food industry. Beep is designed to provide an injection of investment at a critical time for farmers navigating the challenges ahead, while delivering in real terms on our climate objectives. Further to this, we have invested 300m in the Beef Data & Genomics Programme (BDGP) over the lifetime of the Rural Development Programme 2016-2020.

This year, farmers will see an increase of 23m in the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, aimed at the most marginal and challenged farm holdings, thus restoring the budget for this scheme to pre-downturn levels, following a further 25m increase last year.

Other supports available for beef farmers under Pillar II of the Common Agricultural Policy include the climate-friendly Green Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme and the department's Knowledge Transfer Groups.

In total, according to the Teagasc National Farm Survey, suckler farmers receive support equivalent to approximately 500 per suckler cow on average.

Irish farmers are feeling unfairly targeted by much of the commentary surrounding climate change and climate action. Ireland is the fifth most carbon-efficient producer of beef per kg in the EU and the most efficient producer of dairy.

We have an economy that is heavily reliant on agriculture. While we have been very successful at decoupling emissions from output, I am very aware that in recent years we have seen an increase in our overall emissions.

To those who say that agriculture and beef farming in particular is part of our emissions problem; I say the sector is part of the solution in transitioning to an environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. The long-term vision for the agricultural sector is an approach to carbon-neutrality which does not compromise capacity for sustainable food production.

We are looking at taking a three-legged stool approach - firstly by reducing the intensity of agricultural emissions through schemes such as the BDGP and Beep, which will potentially reduce greenhouse gas output per cow by 10pc; secondly by increasing carbon sequestration through forestry and land use; and finally via the displacement of fossil fuels and energy-intensive materials with renewable energy and heat sources.

Irish beef farmers are a resilient, committed breed. They have faced challenges over the years, from BSE to the horse meat scandal, extreme weather to market volatility, and have overcome them all. Our beef sector is the foundation block of our 13bn-plus agri-food industry.

So while the commitment still remains on beef farms across Ireland to produce a safe, nutritious and sustainably produced product for the world, that commitment will be matched by Government action, as witnessed by this week's investment.

Michael Creed TD is Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine
It was a tricky time for the commercial real estate business in London. Within days, Britons would be voting on whether to remain in the European Union or leave. The French insurance giant Axa SA was trying to figure out how the outcome would affect its investments across the Channel. Paris-based executives of Axa Investment Managers' Real Assets unit held a series of conference calls with their London colleagues to plan for what to do in the event of a leave vote.

One executive on the line from London - Harry Badham, Axa's head of UK real estate development - had a lot at stake. He was about to sign a construction contract that would launch Twentytwo, a Stg1bn ($1.3bn) project to build the tallest skyscraper in the City of London. Unlike his colleagues, however, Badham was relaxed about the outcome. He was going to be out of town the day after the June 23, 2016, vote, having booked a trip in the expectation that remain would win. "When I told them I was planning to go fishing that day," he says, "they thought I was joking."

So the morning after, as harried traders in the City of London hunched over screens displaying the damage wrought on the pound by the surprise vote to leave, Badham was 70 miles away on the peaceful chalk banks of the River Test.

Unsurprisingly, his phone lit up. The project's investors - a global consortium of sovereign and pension funds - wanted to know what the shocking result would mean for them. After all, this was supposed to be one of the largest office buildings in Europe, and it was going up in London's financial district: Brexit ground zero.

You can hardly blame the investors for being nervous. The plot of land at 22 Bishopsgate has a haunted past. The previous owner had struggled to round up tenants following the financial crisis and halted construction in 2012, leaving a seven-storey concrete shell that came to be known as "the stump" before it was torn down. Even so, after what Badham describes as a post-referendum "moment of reflection," the group behind Twentytwo - Axa, its project partner, Lipton Rogers Developments LLP, and the investors - decided to push ahead.

More than two years later, despite all the uncertainty swirling around Brexit, Twentytwo is a reality. Still rising, it towers over any other structure in the City of London and is expected to reach 62 floors by the end of 2019.

Sitting in the fifth-floor marketing suite, Badham displays all the sangfroid he did in June 2016. "You can't just turn the taps off," he says. But you also couldn't just ignore Brexit and rush headlong into the future, at least not right away. "You couldn't sit there at that stage and say with a straight face as an investment manager, 'Yeah, don't worry about it. It will be fine.'"

First tenants

So he waited awhile, and now he's sitting in a building that many thought would never be built. Badham says about 15pc of the space has been leased, with the first tenants, including insurers Beazley Plc and Hiscox Ltd., expected to move in in 2020.

That's if all goes according to plan. Twentytwo, which looms over the Bank of England where Bishopsgate meets Threadneedle Street, is a one-building history of the peaks and troughs that have characterised the City for the past quarter century. The story of the land it sits on is littered with building plans that went awry as different owners were spooked by one economic wobble after another. Now comes Twentytwo, having traversed a boom, a bust, and a boom again, finally to be built on the cusp of Brexit - and another bout of uncertainty.

The vote to leave the EU in 2016 immediately cast a pall over the London real estate market. At the time, developers had plans to build the equivalent of 50 skyscrapers the size of the instantly-recognisable Gherkin tower over the next four years, according to Mike Prew, a London-based analyst at Jefferies Group LLC. Following the referendum, he forecast an 18pc fall in rents based on the risk that international businesses might move as many as 100,000 jobs out of the UK. DWS Group GmbH, then part of Deutsche Bank AG, warned of an average fall of 10 to 15pc in central London office values over 2016 and 2017.

So far, the Brexit fallout has proved to be nowhere near that bad. Apple, Facebook, and Google have all committed to major new London headquarters in the two years since the vote as tech companies challenge financial ones for top talent. WeWork Cos., backed by SoftBank Group Corp., has become the biggest tenant in the capital, hoovering up space in more than 40 locations. (In 2017, Bloomberg LP, which owns Bloomberg Markets, moved into a new European headquarters on a 3.2-acre site in the City.) Indeed, the enduring demand for workplaces, plus the devaluation of the pound, which has made London cheaper for foreigners, helped the City rack up a record year for property investment in 2017.

For all that, Brexit-related unpredictability still exerts a powerful pull on real estate. City of London office rents fell just over 2pc in the third quarter of 2017 and haven't moved since, according to BNP Paribas Real Estate. That may understate the slowdown. Landlords are offering more generous incentives to keep headline rents high, thereby disguising real declines. Inducements, including rent-free periods at the start of central London office leases, increased to the equivalent of two years on a 10-year lease in 2018, up from 1.5 years in 2017, estimates broker GVA. Green Street Advisors Inc. forecasts a 5 to 7pc drop in City office rents by the end of 2019.

In that context, all eyes are on Twentytwo as the biggest bellwether of London's commercial property market. "I would be worried," says Nick Montgomery, head of real estate investment at Schroders Plc. Even with rents falling, he says, "I think we will see City vacancy rates getting up into double digits." As of the end of November, share prices of the two largest publicly-traded developers of London office space, Land Securities Group Plc and British Land Co., have fallen about 30pc and 20pc, respectively, since the referendum. By comparison, the FTSE 250 Index was down 7.7pc during that period.

London has long been the world's most international property market, but the share of money from abroad flowing into Twentytwo and other projects at a time of such political and economic uncertainty is striking. Overseas investment in properties in the City of London hit a record in the first half of 2018, accounting for 80pc of the total, according to data compiled by Savills Plc, a real estate broker.

Foreign spending on London offices during the same period was well over three times that invested in Manhattan properties, according to Knight Frank LLP. Another broker. Martin Greenslade, chief financial officer of Land Securities, says the risk-taking by overseas developers reflects investment timelines and return requirements that are different from those of domestic players. That's "if they require a return at all," he says.

Riskier kit

Even so, says Toby Courtauld, chief executive officer of London-based developer Great Portland Estates Plc, "Given all the uncertainties, it's fascinating that there is so much capital out there looking to buy some of this riskier kit."

One of the most aggressive overseas investors in London since the Brexit vote is Hong Kong-based CC Land Holdings Ltd., which last year bought the cheese-grater-shaped Leadenhall Building next to 22 Bishopsgate for Stg1.2bn. And the company has been in talks to buy land nearby for another skyscraper.

"Brexit is a real irritant," says Adam Goldin, head of the company's newly established UK office. But, he says, "we have a generational time scale so we are not looking at equity multiples on a five-year time scale. We are looking to acquire very high-quality real estate that can stand the test of time. We believe in the solid foundations of the UK market, and I don't think those fundamentals change, whether it is inside or outside of the EU."

In 2015, when 22 Bishopsgate was still a concrete stump, Axa and its partners - Canada's Public Service Pension Plan, British Columbia Investment Management, and Singapore's Temasek Holdings - paid about Stg310m for the land. Axa Real Assets CEO Isabelle Scemama wasn't in charge then, but asked if she would have signed off on the purchase if she'd known Brexit was coming, she laughs, pauses, and says, "As an investor, you don't like uncertainty. And Brexit has generated some uncertainty."

Badham recalls the three reasons the partners decided to push ahead despite Brexit. First was the enduring appeal of the world's greatest cosmopolitan centre - "the schools and the culture and the amenities and the housing. London is London." Second, by analysing the development pipeline for London, plot by plot, project by project, he and his team concluded that vacancy rates were unlikely to rise too high. Finally, he reasoned that many of the planned commercial projects weren't going to get off the ground.

Badham's view has largely been borne out. If you scan the London skyline, you'll see a thicket of cranes, but most of them belong to residential projects. Over the past two years, there have been fewer office buildings started each year.

What's more, because of the financial crisis, development in London's finance-dominated Square Mile was constrained during the relatively economically healthy years in the run up to the referendum, so pent-up demand has come into play since then. The vacancy rate remains comparatively modest even as the UK approaches its 10th straight year of modest economic expansion.

"I am positively surprised by the level of demand that is there," Scemama says. "It confirms my belief that demand is there for good buildings."

But it's a renters' market. To lure them, Twentytwo is piling on amenities, from facial-recognition technology and an indoor climbing wall with dramatic 42nd-floor views to space for 1,700 bicycles and air and lighting systems that meet standards set by the International WELL Building Institute. More mundanely, the owners, with a nod to competition from the likes of WeWork, are offering tenants flexible office space set-ups and longer leases. Hiscox, for instance, signed up to take the 8th, 9th, and 10th floors on conventional leases that expire in 2037, but it will also have the option of using 90 desks on another floor in a short-term deal.

With its rich - and somewhat tortured - history, Twentytwo is a metaphor for the City of London's changing fortunes in Brexit Britain. There was a time when the Square Mile was fighting to maintain its status as Europe's premier home of big banking as Canary Wharf was offering a lot of open acreage for modern towers. Then along came the financial crisis, shrinking the workforce at many City companies. These days the City is competing with areas such as Shoreditch and Kings Cross for tech workers - the kind of people, to put it simplistically, attracted to bike parks and climbing walls.

Badham remains unworried about Twentytwo as it rises toward the heavens in this changing environment. "We get this British thing about 'Oh gosh, it is awfully big and it is awfully scary,'" he says. "In the context of the world and London's position in it, it really isn't." Anyway, he says, "when you've placed the building contract, it doesn't really matter what the rest of the world thinks, because you're building it anyway."

(Bloomberg)
UNCERTAINTY around Brexit has consumers worried.

New figures show consumer sentiment edged higher in January due to post-Christmas sales and positive jobs news.

But large numbers of consumers expect weaker economic conditions to prevail over the year.

The KBC Bank/ESRI consumer sentiment index increased to 98.8 in January from 96.5 in December, the second monthly increase in the past three months.

But the current reading is well below the 2018 average of 102.5, with political chaos and the impact it will have on this country were blamed.

KBC said the sharp weakening in sentiment that occurred between July and October has been followed by a period of relative stability as consumers await further clarity on Brexit to assess whether this year will be a year of promise or pain.

Mr Hughes said: Not surprisingly, the weakest element of the survey in January, as in recent months, was consumers assessment of the outlook for the Irish economy.

For the second month in a row, more consumers expected weaker rather than stronger conditions to prevail in the next twelve months.

The economist said the likelihood is that sentiment and spending indicators will remain on a choppy path this year.

As bills for Christmas spending arrive and UK difficulties in delivering the EU withdrawal agreement increase, the likelihood is that Irish consumer confidence will weaken this month, he added.

Consumers are trying to balance the risks threatened by a hard Brexit with the reality of ongoing improvements in the economy in recent years.

Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) economist Philip Economides said the gain last month was often referred to as the January effect.

He said: The uplifting sense of a new year combined with recent holidays often result in highly optimistic responses. However, this same effect did little to diminish the loss of confidence in the broader economic outlook.

He said the general economic outlook indicator fell further to 47 points in January, a considerable weakening of economic confidence. These concerns will unlikely to dispel until adequate progress is made in ongoing Brexit negotiations, Mr Economides added.

The small improvement in Irish consumer sentiment in January was at odds with a sharp drop in the corresponding US indicator that likely reflected a combination of concerns related to the Federal Government shutdown and the sell-off in equity markets in late 2018.

In contrast, Euro area consumer confidence edged higher, in part because of a likely seasonal easing in the worries weighing on French consumers while UK consumer confidence held steady albeit at a relatively weak level.
The European Parliament's Brexit point man, Guy Verhofstadt, said that British Prime Minister Theresa May has today reassured the European Union that there will be a backstop to prevent a hard border in Ireland in their divorce agreement.

Verhofstadt said a no-deal Brexit would spell "disaster" in both the UK and the EU and that May's cooperation with the opposition Labour party was essential to overcoming that risk.

"So it's important that Mrs. May today in the meeting assured us that there will be a backstop. That what she said already in Belfast, there is no question to remove the backstop," Verhofstadt said.

Earlier the European Union promised to work with Mrs May on "whether a way through can be found" to avoid the disruption of a no-deal Brexit after the British prime minister demanded changes to the divorce deal to get it through parliament.

May was in Brussels on Thursday to plead with EU leaders to change the Withdrawal Agreement she negotiated last year, after the British parliament rejected it overwhelmingly in January.

A cool handshake for the cameras with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker did little to conceal the tension, just 50 days before Britain could leave the European Union without measures in place to keep trade flowing freely.

Neither spoke, with one reporter shouting to the retreating leaders: "Is this hell, prime minister?" EU summit chair Donald Tusk said on Wednesday that Brexit promoters deserved "a special place in hell" - a blunt display of frustration in Brussels that drew condemnation from many in Britain.

"President Juncker underlined that the EU27 will not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement," the EU's executive arm said after what it described as "robust but constructive" talks with May.

But the two tasked their teams to work on "whether a way through can be found that would gain the broadest possible support in the UK Parliament and respect" the EU's stance. They agreed to meet again before the end of the month.

Parliament, which rejected May's agreement by the biggest majority in modern British history, voted to renegotiate the deal, replacing a provision that some fear could keep British-ruled Northern Ireland under EU rules indefinitely.

EU leaders have repeatedly said it would be impossible to replace the provision, known as the "backstop", because it is required to ensure no hard border, once a focus for sectarian violence, between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland.

Unless parliament approves a deal, Britain is on course to leave the EU on March 29 with no transition arrangement in place, a scenario that many businesses say would be catastrophic for the economy. Other options could include delaying Brexit, holding a new referendum or cancelling it altogether.

The Bank of England said Britain faced its weakest economic growth in 10 years in 2019, blaming mounting Brexit uncertainty and the global slowdown.

Governor Mark Carney said: "The fog of Brexit is causing short term volatility in the economic data, and more fundamentally, it is creating a series of tensions in the economy, tensions for business."

"I would have described no deal, no transition a few years ago as a low probability event. I'd describe it now as not the central scenario, so in other words ... yes, the probability has gone up," he said.

SOLUTION

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the EU's most powerful leader who has highlighted in recent days the responsibility of both sides to reach an agreement, on Thursday said a solution could be found without reopening the accord.

May will return to parliament on Feb. 14 for a debate on the Brexit negotiations when lawmakers could again try to wrest control of the process from her, but a vote on approving the Brexit deal is likely to come later in the month.

Both May's Conservative Party and the main opposition Labour Party are formally committed to carrying out Brexit following a 2016 referendum in which voters chose to leave the EU by a margin of 52-48 percent. But both parties are deeply divided internally over how or even whether to do so.

In a letter to May released on Wednesday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn set out five conditions for Labour to support a deal, including a "permanent and comprehensive" customs union with the bloc, which May has ruled out.

The EU sees a permanent customs union with the United Kingdom after Brexit as its preferred way out of the Irish backstop stalemate.

Before arriving in Brussels for talks with EU leaders, May acknowledged that neither side expected a breakthrough on Thursday.

Tusk channelled the frustration in Brussels on Wednesday with unusually strong words, saying he wondered what "that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely."

The main stumbling block to winning British parliamentary approval of the deal is the Northern Irish backstop, an insurance policy that requires some EU rules to operate in the British-ruled province unless another means can be agreed in future to guarantee a land border free from inspections.

Some lawmakers want May to remove the provision entirely, while others say they will accept a way for London to end it unilaterally or legally-binding assurances that it would not lead to Britain being trapped in the EU's sphere indefinitely.

The EU says the political instability in Britain has further proved the need for the backstop.
Sought-after professionals will pick up pay rises of up to 20pc this year as employers predict a "Brexit boost".

Workers in skilled financial services and IT roles are set to reap the benefits of new opportunities as companies locate their European bases in Ireland rather than the UK.

Recruitment firm Morgan McKinley found that 52pc of employers believe the Irish market will be seen as "more attractive" due to Brexit.

It predicted that pay rises will range from 5pc to 20pc for in-demand skills where there is competition for talent.

The agency's latest salary report notes that for the first time in 10 years there is a higher percentage of Irish people returning for work than emigrating.

"While this is positive news for the Irish employment market generally, professionals returning home from London, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong or Sydney are also coming back with higher salary expectations," it said.

The agency's global FDI director, Trayc Keevans, said there were 55 Brexit-related investments here last year and Barclays, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan are among those setting up offices.

She said as well as pay rises, many employers are offering "relocation support", including finding accommodation. There is stiff competition for cyber security professionals, financial accountants, banking and insurance staff.

The salary survey also shows that 60pc of professionals believe they are underpaid and deserve higher salaries, and most work more than their contracted hours.

In addition, 57pc of employers think there is a skills shortage in Ireland - adding to the likelihood of spiralling pay where talent is in short supply.

The demand for cyber security professionals has been driven by the rising number of cyber attacks globally that has increased the threat hackers pose to businesses.

According to the recruitment company, the demand for artificial intelligence and 'machine learning' professionals will "take centre stage" this year as more employers will advertise for specialised roles in this area.

"The year ahead looks both promising and uncertain," said the survey. "As Ireland continues to move towards full employment, the war for talent will continue. Counter offers and retention bonuses are increasingly prevalent as employers seek to retain their most valuable employees. Candidates are also seeking a better work-life balance and choosing to accept roles based on the level of flexibility a company is willing to provide."

Meanwhile, large numbers of people who have worked in Britain are entitled to a tax refund, but many are unaware of it. Tax specialists Taxback.com said the rebates could be worth more than 1,000.

An estimated one in three Irish people who have worked in the UK are entitled to a tax rebate. But many are not aware of their eligibility.

A crash-out Brexit could see thousands of Irish people returning home from the UK, which will mean they will be entitled to claim tax refunds.

Taxback.com commercial director Eileen Devereux said the UK has remained a popular destination for Irish workers in recent years.

Recent Central Statistics Office figures show a total of 12,100 Irish people migrating to the UK in the last year.
Mount Princeton as seen from the Meadows, the property west of Buena Vista on Crossman Avenue. The pastoral space hosts Campout for the Cause, the Seven Peaks Music Festival and Battlemoor X live-action roleplaying gathering  three events that meet the countys yearly limit for special events held on a residentially-zoned property. In addition, landowner Jed Selby has rented the field out for smaller events like weddings, which the county says are special events as well, putting Selby in violation of its Land Use Code.
UK insurance and investment group Royal London will incur more than 21m (24m) in costs for transferring 1bn (1.1bn) in assets to Ireland as it pre-empts the fallout from Brexit.

Royal London is the UK's largest mutual life and pensions company. It has about 8.8 million policies and funds under management of 114bn (130bn).

About 500,000 policies are being transferred to Ireland, as well as 1,300 bonds that were sold in Germany under the Scottish Life International brand.

Royal London, which received court approval in London this week to transfer the assets to a subsidiary in Ireland called Royal London Insurance, will split the cost of the move to Ireland between two main funds - the Royal Liver Sub-Fund and the Royal London Main Fund. Royal London acquired Royal Liver in 2011.

There had been some objections to the manner in which the costs would be split between the funds, but the judge hearing the matter said that while the costs are high, they were an "unavoidable consequence" of the need to provide service continuity for transferring policyholders post-Brexit.

Some policyholders had also questioned whether the costs would negatively on the future profits of the policies being transferred to Ireland.

But the judge said that new reinsurance agreements are designed to "essentially produce the same results" for the with-profit policyholders in the transferred business as if they not left Royal London.

Royal London, whose CEO is Phil Loney, has capitalised its new Irish subsidiary with a 40m cash injection. It will employ about 20 people at the Irish office.

Justice Richard Snowden said that Royal London has not decided to implement the scheme to transfer assets for its own commercial purposes.

"It has been forced to do so by the continued uncertainties over Brexit," he said.

"In the absence of any agreement between the UK and the EU in relation to the ability of UK institutions to conduct financial services businesses in the EEA [European Economic Area] after Brexit, the board of Royal London have taken the entirely reasonable decision to propose the scheme to be certain that their EEA policyholders will be able to be serviced after the UK leaves the EU," the judge added.

The effective date of the transfer of the Royal London assets to Ireland is expected to be today. For accounting and reporting purposes, it will be deemed to have taken effect on January 1.
Transport Minister Shane Ross was unable to say if motorists who cross the Border without a special 'green card' as proof of insurance cover will be prosecuted.

Mr Ross came under pressure to explain what actions he has taken to avoid the need for the cards in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

It came as he appeared before the Oireachtas Transport Committee to be quizzed on his department's Brexit preparations.

The Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland announced last month that the industry is prepared to issue green cards if necessary.

Louth Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd raised the issue and concerns at its impact on drivers in the Border area.

Mr Ross said that motorists travelling between the UK and Ireland will require a green card in the event of a crash-out Brexit. He said the insurance industry is planning to issue 400,000 cards at some point in March and is planning a public information campaign. He said this was "prudent" and while no one wants the cards to be issued, the industry has to be prepared.

Mr Ross confirmed the cards would be required by motorists the day after Brexit is due to happen on March 29 if there is no deal.

Another Louth TD, Imelda Munster, said 34,000 people take cross-Border journeys every day and questioned when they would get the cards and if they would have to pay for them.

Mr Ross said that would be up to the insurance companies.

Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy said some countries seize motorists' cars if they don't have green cards and that there could be "fairly serious implications".

Mr Ross said: "It's not clear yet whether people will be prosecuted or not. What we do know is it's going to be required."

Mr O'Dowd asked Mr Ross if the Government or his department would seek a derogation from the requirement for green cards. He said it would make sense given the existing Common Travel Area (CTA) with the UK and would only bring about "increased bureaucracy".

Ms Munster asked Mr Ross if he has intervened in the issue to "find some form of dispensation so that come seven weeks' time we're not in that predicament".

Mr Ross said he has intervened and that there is an option under EU law to set a date for when carrying a green card would not be necessary.

He said the European Commission has not yet agreed to set a date but said the Government had "been pushing them to do that".

Mr Ross also briefed TDs on bilateral deals that may have to be struck with the UK to keep cross-Border train and bus services running.

On the issue of the so-called land-bridge route for hauliers to the Continent through Britain, Mr Ross said there is existing capacity on direct sailings between Ireland and Europe as a potential alternative route for trade if needed.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker shakes hands with British Prime Minister Theresa May at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium February 7, 2019. REUTERS/Yves Herman

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker extends his hand to British Prime Minister Theresa May at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium February 7, 2019. REUTERS/Yves Herman

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker walks with British Prime Minister Theresa May at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium February 7, 2019. REUTERS/Yves Herman

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker shakes hands with British Prime Minister Theresa May before their meeting at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Theresa May has arrived in Brussels for crunch Brexit talks after insisting that the UK must not be "trapped" in a backstop deal.

The Prime Minister is meeting EU leaders on Thursday in the wake of the latest war of words between the two sides.

The spat was triggered by European Council president Donald Tusk saying there was a "special place in hell" for those who pushed for Brexit without a plan.

The PM was greeted by European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker at EU headquarters.

Both leaders struck a business-like stance as they posed for pictures and did not respond to reporters, including one who asked: "Is this hell Prime Minister?"

A protester waving a placard reading "Don't crash out" leaped out in front of the PM's convoy as it arrived at the Commission's Berlaymont HQ but was quickly whisked away.

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David Lidington, who is effectively Mrs May's deputy, said Mr Tusk's comment "wasn't the most brilliant diplomacy in the world".

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think Mr Tusk was venting yesterday, but I don't think that will detract from what I expect to be a courteous and sensible grown-up discussion between the different EU leaders and the Prime Minister."

Mrs May's latest diplomatic offensive comes as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to the PM setting out five demands, including joining a customs union, that would need to be met for Labour to back the Government on Brexit.

Downing Street confirmed that Mr Corbyn's letter had been received, and a spokeswoman added: "We will reply in due course. Our positions on many of the issues in the letter are well known. Our position on the backstop has not changed."

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The spokeswoman said that no further meeting between Mrs May and the Labour leader to discuss Brexit had been scheduled, but added that "her door is open".

The PM is using the top level Brussels talks with Mr Juncker, Mr Tusk and other prominent EU figures to press for legally binding guarantees on the Northern Ireland backstop.

At present the backstop, which is intended to prevent the return of a hard border in Ireland, would see the UK continue to obey EU customs rules after a transition period if no wider trade deal had been reached.

Downing Street said that Mrs May is "open to different ways" of achieving her objectives on the backstop.

The PM is using the meetings to state that Parliament has sent "an unequivocal message that change is required". But it is understood that she does not have a specific proposal for change to present to Brussels at this point.

Mrs May was offered a chink of light by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who again ruled out reopening the Withdrawal Agreement, but said she believed "solutions" could be found.

Speaking during a visit to Slovakia, Mrs Merkel said: "I think we can find solutions without reopening the Withdrawal Agreement. That is not on the agenda for us."

One of the PM's key messages for EU leaders is that the Commons has made it clear it could support the Withdrawal Agreement as long as concerns about the backstop are addressed.

Mrs May is also stressing that Mr Corbyn also has concerns about the backstop, so it is not just an issue for the Tories and their DUP allies.

In Mr Corbyn's letter to the PM, which follows their Brexit meeting last week, he insists that Labour's Brexit demands must be enshrined in the Political Declaration setting out future relations with the EU.

Mr Corbyn said that securing in law the demands is the only way of achieving Labour support and uniting the country.

He calls for a "permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union" that gives the UK a say over future trade deals, and close alignment with the single market, underpinned by "shared institutions".

Mr Corbyn also calls for "dynamic alignment on rights and protections" in order that UK standards do not fall behind those of the EU, as well as commitments on participation in EU agencies and funding programmes, and "unambiguous agreements on the detail of future security arrangements, including access to the European Arrest Warrant and vital shared databases".

The letter drew criticism from some pro-EU Labour figures who said it went against Labour's Brexit stance.

The possibility of a "disruptive" Brexit is causing economic uncertainty in the EU, commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said, as Brussels revealed its latest economic forecast.

The EU economy is expected to grow 1.5% in 2019, with the UK's forecast at 1.3% - although this is a "purely technical assumption" based on a status quo relationship with Brussels.

Mr Dombrovskis said: "The possibility of a disruptive Brexit creates additional uncertainty."

Among the prominent EU figures Mrs May is meeting is European Parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt who joined in with Mr Tusk's Brexit "hell" analogy.

Mr Verhofstadt tweeted that Lucifer would not welcome such Brexiteers because "after what they did to Britain they would even manage to divide Hell".

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph reported that Mrs May is seeking to delay another Commons "meaningful vote" on the Government's Brexit stance until the end of February - just a month before the UK is scheduled to quit the EU on March 29.
US officials are said to hold "palpable concerns" about the impact of Brexit on Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement, as Tanaiste Simon Coveney met with congressmen and foreign ministers in Washington.

Members of Congress warned last night that any return to a hard border in Ireland could threaten a post-Brexit trade deal between the US and the UK.

Mr Coveney attended a meeting of the Coalition Against Isis in the US yesterday with ministers from more than 70 countries. Brexit was one of the issues discussed by ministers and officials in the margins at the meeting.

The Tanaiste is said to have used it to enforce a message that Brexit will have negative consequences for Ireland and the North.

A source said it was recognised that Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement go "hand in hand".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also met with Mr Coveney at lunchtime yesterday, with Brexit high on the agenda alongside presidential elections in Venezuela.

Congressman Richard Neal, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee which will oversee any future trade deal between the UK and the US, and a group of Irish-American politicians also held discussions with Mr Coveney at the launch of a new strategy aimed at boosting tourism numbers from the US and Canada.

The congressman said that while it is in the interest of the United States to have a bilateral trade agreement with the UK, he will continue to raise concerns over a return to a hard border.

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In a letter from the Friends of Ireland Group to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and UK Prime Minister Theresa May, prominent Irish-Americans warned Brexit could jeopardise the Good Friday Agreement.

Sources close to the discussions denied the meetings were viewed as an opportunity to get officials to "pick a side on Brexit" but conceded it was an opportunity for Ireland to put its case forward.

"Brexit is really occupying the minds of people here," a source told the Irish Independent.

"There is palpable concern over the effects of it on Northern Ireland."

Mr Coveney was briefing representatives on the affect of any Brexit fallout on Ireland and the Border region. He will hold more meetings today with the Irish caucus on Capitol Hill.
Jeremy Corbyn has written to the UK Prime Minister setting out five demands that need to be met to get Labour support for a Brexit deal.

Ahead of Theresa May's talks with EU leaders today, Mr Corbyn has insisted she needs to get the British Labour party's priorities enshrined in the Political Declaration setting out future relations with the EU.

Mr Corbyn said securing in law the demands, which include joining a customs union, is the only way of achieving Labour support and uniting the country.

But the move has angered prominent pro-EU figures in UK Labour, who have accused Mr Corbyn of putting the Brexit policy agreed at their party

The Labour leader has told the PM that just seeking modifications to the Irish backstop proposals is not enough to win widespread backing and that she must change tack on key red lines.

In the letter to the Prime Minister, which follows their Brexit meeting last week, Mr Corbyn calls for a "permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union".

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He states: "This would include alignment with the union customs code, a common external tariff and an agreement on commercial policy that includes a UK say on future EU trade deals."

Labour also wants close alignment with the single market "underpinned by shared institutions and obligations, with clear arrangements for dispute resolution".

Mr Corbyn calls for "dynamic alignment on rights and protections" so UK standards do not fall behind those of the EU, commitments on participation in EU agencies and funding programmes, and "unambiguous agreements on the detail of future security arrangements, including access to the European Arrest Warrant and vital shared databases".

He also calls for further talks with Mrs May, "with the aim of securing a sensible agreement that can win the support of Parliament and bring the country together".

The letter does not mention previous Labour demands that any deal must deliver the "exact same benefits" as membership of the single market and customs union currently does.

Former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie attacked Mr Corbyn's move.

Mr Leslie tweeted: "Seriously? Offering to help Tory Govt enable #Brexit? It's not just Labour's conference policy in the bin.

"When the jobs go & revenues for services dry up as a result - Labour's leadership will have ZERO right to complain: they share responsibility."

Labour MP Phil Wilson, a supporter of the People's Vote campaign for a second referendum, said: "It was perhaps inevitable that at some point my party would publish something like this even though most Labour MPs, members and voters have long since worked out that there is no form of Brexit that can meet the promises made in 2016 or do anything but make people poorer.

"Our party conference agreed last year that if it couldn't get a general election it should explore other options including a new public vote.

"In the end there is only one way out of this mess for both our country and the Labour Party, a people's vote."

Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner defended the shift in policy away from the six tests Labour originally set for a Brexit deal, saying the offer was made "in a spirit of co-operation and compromise".

"It's not about tests now," he told BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme. "What we are doing is saying we believe that these are the options that are available that would actually secure a majority in the House of Commons."

The Labour leader tells the PM that last month's rejection by MPs of her Withdrawal Agreement means a different approach is needed.

He writes: "Without changes to your negotiating red lines, we do not believe that simply seeking modifications to the existing backstop terms is a credible or sufficient response either to the scale of your defeat last month in Parliament, or the need for a deal with the EU that can bring the country together and protect jobs."
A man was airlifted to hospital after he suffered injuries while working on the roof of a Tesco store.

The incident happened yesterday at the Tesco branch on Mill Road in Youghal, Co Cork at around 1pm.

A man (40s) sustained a leg injury and emergency services were called to the scene.

Due to the mans location, ambulance services were unable to remove him so air support attended.

The store had to close temporarily but reopened shortly afterwards.

The man was taken to Cork University Hospital.

A Tesco spokesperson said: "Were aware of an incident at our Youghal store yesterday afternoon which was attended by the emergency services.

"The store temporarily closed for approximately 10 minutes as a matter of safety due to the presence of an air ambulance. The injured party was safely taken to hospital. An investigation is underway and as such we cannot comment further."
The National Childrens Hospital Development Board and senior Department of Health officials were aware of cost overruns totalling almost 400m in September last year.

At a board meeting on September 19, senior HSE and Department of Health officials discussed how construction costs were trending very significantly over budget coming in at 191m above previous estimates.

In addition, the board was told the main contractor submitted substantial additional costs which would require a further 200m.

The meeting was held while Fine Gael and Fianna Fail were holding budget negotiations which focused on the Department of Health's budget.

The September meeting attended by Department of Health secretary general Jim Breslin and HSE interim director general John Connaghan was given a breakdown of the 191m costs which arose from 91m extra needed to meet design and development bills.

While a further 100m would be needed for fire sprinklers, engineering costs and what is described as programme realignment bills.

The meeting was told the design cost creep arose from changes to doors/materials/partitions/socket requirements and other items which were missed in the bill of quantities.

Mr Breslin is said to have expressed significant concern about the construction cost trend at the meeting. The development board said they shared Mr Breslins concerns and it was noted there was a responsibility on the board to control project

Mr Breslin told the board to consider mitigation to bring the project back within cost parameters.

Health Minister Simon Harris has insisted he did not have the exact details of the costs overruns until November 9 last year which he then presented to Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe.

Fianna Fail has said the childrens hospital cost were not raised with the party during budget negotiations or during the review of the confidence and supply agreement.

Labour Party health spokesperson Alan Kelly said Mr Harris and Mr Donohoes claim they did not know about the cost until December dont stack up following the publication of minutes.

The Minister for Health has repeated over and over again that his Department wasnt made aware of the full cost of the overrun until November 2018, we now know that this is not the case, Mr Kelly said.

If officials in the Department of Health knew since September 2018 and a high-ranking official in the Department of Public Expenditure sat on the National Paediatric Hospital Development board, how can it be that no ministers were informed until November 9th 2018? This does not stack up.

Where has the political leadership from Harris and Donohoe been? How can there have been a complete lack of oversight from these two line ministers overseeing one of the largest capital projects being carried out by the State, he added.
Fianna Fails deputy leader Dara Calleary raised questions over the Governments claim it only became aware of the National Childrens Hospital overspend in November last year.

A senior official in the Department of Health was made aware that the cost overruns at the National Childrens Hospital had spiralled to over 400 million euro in September last year, the Dail has been told.

Fianna Fails deputy leader Dara Calleary said it raised questions over the Governments claim it only became aware of the overspend in November.

Mr Calleary said that a project management board meeting, chaired by the secretary general of the Department of Health Jim Breslin, was held in September 2018.

He said that the minutes of the meeting, seen by the Irish Times, shows that he was told of the cost overruns.

The Minister for Health Simon Harris said he became aware of spiralling cost in August last year, however was not given the figure until early November.

Speaking during leaders questions, Mr Calleary said: Yet we are to to believe that information was not passed on to Minister Harris or Minister (Paschal) Donohoe despite it being in the possession of the secretary general in September ahead of this years budget.

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He questioned whether it was credible that this information was floating around but not made available to ministers.

We have had up until this, the Fine Gael backstop defence, absolute discipline, he added.

(The hospital) cannot continue to be delivered in the manner that it is, in the dripping of information out, in the undermining of collective Cabinet responsibility.

Independent Minister Katherine Zappone, who was speaking on behalf of the Government, said it was credible that information was not passed on.

Yes, I believe what the ministers have said, she added.

I know there are outstanding questions and we need to get to the bottom of that and I know you want answers.

As an independent member of this Government I want answers as well.

Its for that reason that PWC are being commissioned to review the escalation of the cost and it is being done at considerable expense, and I have reservations in relation to the expense as well but I feel that that is necessary.

Ministers have answered the questions that they can at this point.

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I dont think we will progress our understanding of how we ended up here by asking the same questions over and over and getting the same answers.

Mr Calleary said that despite asking the questions, they havent got answers.

He also raised the knock-on effect on other capital projects in the health sector.

Ms Zappone said the Minister for Finance, Mr Donohoe, is to bring proposals to Government next week in relation to departmental reallocation.

Theres going to be a process of an audit that will take place in terms of capital projects for 2019, that apart from national childrens hospital, are already delayed, she added.

There also needs to be a re-profiling of projects that would be delayed but only for a matter of weeks.
The closest I ever came to Venezuela, many years ago, was a transit connection at Caracas airport. I noticed a lot of soldiers in red berets and a clutch of goons, and it reminded me, vaguely, of the Middle East.

Now, sitting in the rain squalls of the wintry Levant, I flick through my newspaper clippings of our recent local autocrats  Saddam, Assad, al-Sisi, Erdogan, Mohammed bin Salman (you can fill in the rest for yourself)  and I think of Nicolas Maduro.

The comparisons are by no means precise. Indeed, its not the nature of the strongmen Im thinking about. Its our reaction to all these chaps. And there are two obvious parallels: the way in which we sanction and isolate the hated dictator  or love him, as the case may be  and the manner in which we not only name the opposition as the rightful heir to the nation, but demand that democracy be delivered to the people whose torture and struggle for freedom we have suddenly discovered.

And before I forget it, theres one other common thread in this story. If you suggest that those who want presidential change in Venezuela may be a little too hasty, and our support for  let us say  Juan Guaido might be a bit premature if we dont want to start a civil war, this means you are pro-Maduro.

Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Show all 18 1 /18 Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Protesters clash with the Bolivarian National Police during a demonstration against the government of the Venezuela and president Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on 23 January 2019 EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators cheer as Venezuela's National Assembly head Juan Guaido declares himself the country's "acting president" at a rally in Caracas AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Juan Guaido, head of Venezuela's opposition-run congress, declares himself interim president of the nation until elections can be held during a rally in Caracas demanding leader Nicolas Maduro's resignation AP Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters carry letters to form the word "Democracy" while taking part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Police watch over marching anti-government protesters in Caracas EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A vehicle is overturned as opposition demonstrators block a road during a protest against the Venezuelan government AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A National Police officer fires rubber bullets during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A demonstrator throws back a gas canister while clashing with security forces during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Security forces look on after clashing with opposition supporters participating in a rally against Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators during a protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro at Plaza Altamira in Caracas Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators during a protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro at Plaza Altamira in Caracas Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government The remains of a statue of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez is seen hanging from a pedestrian bridge after it was destroyed in San Felix, Venezuela REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Riot police on motorcycles clash with opposition demonstrators during protests in Caracas AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Supporters celebrate Juan Guaido declaration that he is Venezuelan president EPA

Just as those who opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq were pro-Saddam, or those who thought the west might pause before it supported the increasingly violent opposition in Syria were labelled pro-Assad.

And those who defended Yasser Arafat  over a long period a super-terrorist, a super-diplomat and then a super-terrorist again  against those who would oust him as leader of the Palestinians, were abused as pro-Arafat, pro-Palestinian, pro-terrorist and, inevitably, anti-Semitic. I recall how George W Bush warned us after 9/11, that you are either with us or against us. The same threat was made to us about Assad.

Erdogan has used it in Turkey (less than three years ago) and it was a common line in the forgotten 1930s used by none other than Mussolini. And now I quote Trumps US secretary of state Michael Pompeo on Maduro: Now it is time for every other nation to pick a side  either you stand with the forces of freedom, or youre in league with Maduro and his mayhem.

You get the point. Now is the time for all good people to stand alongside the United States, the EU, the nations of Latin America  or do you support the Russkies, Chinese, Iranian headbangers, the perfidious Corbyn and (of all people) the Greeks? Talking of the Greeks, European pressure on Alexis Tsipras to conform to the EUs support for Guaido  proving that the EU can indeed bully its smaller members  is a good argument for Brexiteers (though far too complex for them to understand).

But first, lets take a look at our favourite tyrant, in the words of all who oppose him. Hes a powerful dictator, surrounded by generals, suppressing his people, using torture, mass arrests, secret police murders, rigged elections, political prisoners  so no wonder we gave our support to those who wish to overthrow this brutal man and stage democratic elections.

 Jeremy Corbyn supporters not 'misty-eyed' about Venezuela, says Ash Sarkar

Not a bad precis of our current policy towards the Maduro regime. But I am referring, of course, word-for-word, to the wests policy towards the Assad regime in Syria. And our support for opposition democracy there wasnt terribly successful.

We were not solely responsible for the Syrian civil war  but we were not guiltless since we sent an awful lot of weapons to those trying to overthrow Assad. And last month the notepad of US national security advisor John Bolton appeared to boast a plan to send 5,000 US troops to Colombia

And now lets tick the box on another Maduro-lookalike  at least from the wests simplistic point of view: the military-backed elected field marshal-president al-Sisi of Egypt, whom we love, admire and protect. Powerful dictator? Yup. Surrounded and supported by generals? You bet, not least because he locked up a rival general before the last election. Suppression? Absolutely  all in the interest of crushing terrorism, of course.

Mass arrests? Happily yes, for all the inmates of Egypts savage prison system are terrorists, at least according to the field marshal-president himself. Secret police murders? Well, even forgetting the young Italian student suspected by his government to have been allegedly tortured and bumped off by one of Sisis top Egyptian cops, theres a roll call of disappeared activists.

Rigged elections? No doubt about it, although al-Sisi still maintains that his last triumph at the polls  a cracking 97 per cent  was a free and fair election.

President Trump sent his sincere congratulations. Political prisoners? Well, the total is 60,000 and rising. Oh yes, and Maduros last victory  a rigged election if ever there was one, of course  was a mere 67.84 per cent.

As the late sage of the Sunday Express, John Gordon, might have said: it makes you sit up a bit. So, too, I suppose, when we glance a bit further eastwards to Afghanistan, whose Taliban rulers were routed in 2001 by the US, whose post-9/11 troops and statesmen ushered in a new life of democracy, then corruption, warlordism and civil war.

The democracy bit quickly came unstuck when loya jurgas, grand councils, turned into tribal playpens and the Americans announced that it would be an exaggeration to think that we could achieve Jeffersonian democracy in Afghanistan. Too true.

Now the Americans are negotiating with the terrorist Taliban in Qatar so they can get the hell out of the Graveyard of Empires after 17 years of military setbacks, scandals and defeats  not to mention running a few torture camps which even Maduro would cough to look at.

Now all this may not encourage you to walk down memory lane. And I havent even listed the sins of Saddam, let alone our continuing and cosy relationship  amazing as it still seems  with that Gulf state whose lads strangled, chopped up and secretly buried a US-resident journalist in Turkey.

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Now just imagine if Maduro, tired of a journalist critic slandering him in Miami, decided to lure him to the Venezuelan embassy in Washington and top the poor guy, slice him up and bury him secretly in Foggy Bottom. Well now, I have a feeling that sanctions might have been applied to Maduro a long time ago. But not to Saudi Arabia, of course, where we are very definitely not advocating democracy.

Now is the time for democracy and prosperity in Venezuela, quoth John Bolton this week. Oh, yes indeed. Maduro runs an oil-soaked nation yet its people starve. He is an unworthy, foolish and vain man, even if hes not Saddamite in his crimes. He was rightly described by a colleague as a dreary tyrant. He even looks like the kind of guy who tied ladies to railway lines in silent movies.

So good luck to Guaido. Palpably a nice guy, speaks eloquently, wise to stick to aid for the poor and fresh elections rather than dwell on just how exactly Maduro and his military chums are going to be booted out.

In other words, good luck  but watch out. Instead of pleading with those who will not support him  the Greeks, for example  he might take a closer look at who his foreign friends are. And do a quick track record on their more recent crusades for freedom, democracy and the right to life. And by the way, I havent even mentioned Libya.
There is nothing more undemocratic and corrosive to the rule of law than a coup detat. Members of the United Nations are bound by the Charter, articles one and two of which affirm the right of all peoples to determine themselves, the sovereign equality of states, the prohibition of the use of force and of economic or political interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. Yet these fundamental principles of international order are being grossly violated in the case of Venezuela.

The international community witnessed a revolt against the UN Charter when in 2003 the United States together with the coalition of the willing decided to invade Iraq, a war which the late secretary general Kofi Annan described as illegal. This massive act of aggression was probably the most serious violation of the Nuremberg Principles since the Second World War. What shocks the conscience is not that the United States would place itself above international law, but that it dragged 42 countries into this destructive looting campaign. The war was preceded by an ocean of fake news and disinformation, intended to make the aggression more palatable to world public opinion. War crimes and crimes against humanity were committed for which no political leader has been held accountable. One may ask, is the International Criminal Court credible, when it has thus far only focused on African politicians, and has failed to investigate or indict leaders of powerful countries, who have hitherto enjoyed total impunity?

In 2011 another oil rich state was devastated, Libya, with the aggression similarly preceded by systematic governmental and media disinformation. Todays crisis in Venezuela has much in common with the prior aggressions against the two other oil-producing countries.

One would think that the human rights community is committed to advancing the civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights of all without discrimination. Their silence in the face of the enormous suffering inflicted on the Venezuelan people by the United States is nothing less than appalling. The economic war against Venezuela, carried out not only by the United States, but also by the Grupo de Lima in clear violation of Chapter 4, Article 19 of the OAS Charter, the financial blockade and the sanctions have demonstrably caused hundreds of deaths directly related to the scarcity of food and medicines resulting from the blockade.

Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Show all 18 1 /18 Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Protesters clash with the Bolivarian National Police during a demonstration against the government of the Venezuela and president Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on 23 January 2019 EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators cheer as Venezuela's National Assembly head Juan Guaido declares himself the country's "acting president" at a rally in Caracas AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Juan Guaido, head of Venezuela's opposition-run congress, declares himself interim president of the nation until elections can be held during a rally in Caracas demanding leader Nicolas Maduro's resignation AP Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters carry letters to form the word "Democracy" while taking part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Police watch over marching anti-government protesters in Caracas EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A vehicle is overturned as opposition demonstrators block a road during a protest against the Venezuelan government AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A National Police officer fires rubber bullets during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A demonstrator throws back a gas canister while clashing with security forces during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Security forces look on after clashing with opposition supporters participating in a rally against Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators during a protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro at Plaza Altamira in Caracas Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators during a protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro at Plaza Altamira in Caracas Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government The remains of a statue of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez is seen hanging from a pedestrian bridge after it was destroyed in San Felix, Venezuela REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Riot police on motorcycles clash with opposition demonstrators during protests in Caracas AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Supporters celebrate Juan Guaido declaration that he is Venezuelan president EPA

It is all too obvious that the intention of the sanctions has been to asphyxiate the Venezuelan economy in the expectation that the Venezuelan people or the Venezuelan military will topple the Maduro government. This kind of interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela is not only contrary to fundamental principles of international law, but it also gives rise to personal criminal liability. To the extent that the number of victims of the artificial humanitarian crisis continues to grow, this is a matter for the International Criminal Court pursuant to article 7 of the Rome Statute, which defines crimes against humanity.

The report of my UN mission to Venezuela was presented to the Human Rights Council on 10 September 2018. Among the many constructive recommendations formulated in my report was the revival of the dialogue between the opposition and the government. Already between 2016-2018 the former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero hosted a multilateral mediation in which the Vatican and six Latin American states participated.

After two years a reasonable compromise document was agreed upon, and on the day of signature, 6 February 2018, Julio Borges, the representative of the opposition refused to sign. This can only be qualified as a grave manifestation of bad faith.

Of course, we know that the Venezuelan people are polarised, but this does not mean that we should allow this situation to degenerate into civil war. The opposition should remember that, whatever happens in the next few weeks, there are at least 7 million Venezuelans who are committed Chavistas and who are not likely to roll over after a coup detat. Any democratic government in Venezuela must keep in mind that it must represent all Venezuelans, not only the 1 per cent and the privileged classes. The bottom line is this: international mediation is necessary, and all countries of goodwill should support the initiative of Mexico and Uruguay to hold an international mediation in Montevideo, beginning today. This initiative should also be endorsed by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and by the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet.

Alfred de Zayas is the former UN independent expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order 2012-2018
After a year and a half on bail, nine weeks on trial and five hours of sentencing, the case of the Stansted 15  activists who cut through a fence at Stansted airport and chained themselves to a plane due to deport 60 people to Ghana and Nigeria in 2017  has reached its conclusion.

On Wednesday at Chelmsford Crown Court, the protesters were spared immediate jail time: three people were handed suspended sentences, while the other 12 defendants must complete 100 hours of community service. All had come to court with bags packed, prepared for a long stretch in prison. The result from Judge Morgan was significantly less severe than anticipated, and was greeted by friends and family of the defendants with absolute elation.

Yet while the Stansted 15 enjoy this first unexpected day on the outside, serious questions remain over the Crown Prosecution Services handling of their case. Rather than being convicted of aggravated trespass, as other protesters who committed similar offences had been in 2016, the Stansted 15 had an initial trespass charge changed four months into their bail to a charge of endangering safety at aerodromes  a scheduled terrorist offence, which potentially carries a life sentence.

This particular bit of legislation  from the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990, if anyones interested  was brought in after the Lockerbie bombing of 1988. Its application in a protest case is completely unprecedented in English courts. You might not agree with the actions of the Stansted 15, but this punitive and misguided use of legislation to criminalise protesters should have you worried regardless.

Recommended Stansted 15 who stopped deportation flight walk free from court

I spoke to one of the 15 who told me of the disconnect between how the arresting officers treated the activists and how the CPS chose to proceed with charges. It was clear to the police that we were there to protest  we were all chanting, and wearing pink hats. We thought that wed just be held for a bit and then charged with trespass  then four months later were being treated like terrorists.

Every defendant I spoke to talked about the personal toll the case had taken on them: one activist, Emma Hughes, faced the possibility of being separated from her newborn son. Even though the protesters have avoided custodial sentences, the presence of a terrorist offence on their criminal records will have consequences for their employment prospects and ability to travel.

The effects of 18 months of uncertainty on mental health are acute. Just because a person isnt in prison, it doesnt mean theyre free.

A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests Show all 20 1 /20 A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests Come With Us: a woman in support of the gilets jaunes holds a placard in Place de la Bastille square in Paris Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A man stands by Place de la Republique with a photo of a wounded protester around his neck Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests No to Marine No to Macron! Power to the People: graffiti on a side wall on the way to Place de la Republique Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A woman covered in fake blood stands in memory of those wounded by police violence during the gilets jaunes protests Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A volunteer first aid team marches with the gilets jaunes towards Place de la Bastille Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A woman attaches a placard to her jacket with two photos depicting recent violent clashes with the police Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests Generation Sacrifice  Power to the Yellow Vests family: a gilets jaunes protester holds placards in Place de la Bastille Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A gilets jaunes protester covers his eye with a bandage in support of Jerome Rodrigues, who was hit in the eye by police and severely wounded Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A woman holds a placard in support of the gilets jaunes march and the right to protest freely Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A man in Place de la Bastille holds a placard in memory of those killed during the gilets jaunes demonstrations. The movement launched protests on 17 November 2018 against rising fuel prices and a planned fuel tax Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A man stands in Place de la Republique with a bandage covering his eye calling for an end to the use of LBD flashballs by the police Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests Who will protect us from the police?: a banner hangs near Place de la Republique Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A gilets jaunes protester marches with a banner calling for an end to the use of flash balls by the police Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A placard in Place de la Bastille that reads: What makes us angry? Contempt, lies, injustice and violence Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests Without a way, without a voice, without a roof, without a law, without him: A gilets jaunes protester holds his placard in Place de la Bastille Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A protester wears a yellow vest with the dates of gilets jaunes marches written on the back Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests Stop the weapons that mutilate: a gilets jaunes protester holds a placard denouncing police violence Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests Crowds gather in Place de la Republique for the gilets jaunes ACT XII Great March of the Wounded Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A woman holds a placard in support of the change the gilets jaunes are fighting for Angela Christofilou A first-hand look inside the gilets jaunes protests A man marches towards Place de la Republique holding a placard against the use of grenades by the police at protests Angela Christofilou

The Stansted 15 are not alone in being hounded by the criminal justice system in this way. Alfie Meadows, a student protester who suffered brain injuries after being allegedly hit with a police baton at an anti-tuition fees protest in 2010, was subsequently prosecuted for violent disorder. An investigation into the Metropolitan Polices actions was put on hold so he could be charged with a criminal offence. He was later found not guilty.

Last year three anti-fracking protesters had their prison sentences overturned by the Court of Appeal, after it was found the judge who had handed down the manifestly excessive sentences had family connections to the oil and gas industries.

And only this week, seven protesters from Sheffield who were arrested under a forgotten bit of trade union law won a payout of 24,300 from South Yorkshire Police after the Independent Office for Police Conduct found the legislation had been improperly invoked. The misuse of obscure legislation, excessive charges and draconian sentencing is a growing trend in the states handling of non-violent protest  and this is a cause for concern for everyone in this country.

 Stansted Airport runway closed after activists stage protest against Home Office deportation flight

We tend to imagine that protest is simply a matter of marching where the police have told you to go, doing a bit of chanting and then going home. However, a basic fact of British history is that citizens mobilising collectively  from the chartists and the suffragettes, to the anti-apartheid movement and those who organised against the poll tax  have broken the law in order to achieve their political goals. The test of a functioning democracy is whether or not the state, when confronted by non-violent direct action, is able to uphold the law while simultaneously protecting Article 10 and 11 rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

Prosecution should never be malicious, nor punishment so disproportionate as to discourage the act of protest itself. The use of counterterrorism legislation to prosecute the Stansted 15 is an outrageous affront to these democratic values.
When the House of Commons rises for the day, the serjeant at arms strides down the chamber in his ceremonial tights, picks up the mace and carries it out over his shoulder. The BBC Parliament channel cuts to the clock above the speakers chair and the picture fades to black.

It is a piece of both real and televisual ritual that recalls the BBCs old tradition of playing the national anthem in the small hours before shutting down.

And in these rarefied days, this ritual should be occurring in the middle of the night. But its not. On Wednesday, the House of Commons rose not at 3am but 3pm. The chamber was open for business for just over three hours. The same will happen again on Thursday.

The week after next is scheduled for the parliamentary half-term recess (yes, MPs still like to keep to the school calendar). But its not, because its been decided they have too much to do. If Brexit is to happen on 29 March, hundreds upon hundreds of bits of legislation need to be passed. Most people with even the faintest knowledge of procedural matters make clear that it almost certainly cannot be done.

And yet, this week, there is no legislation at all scheduled to go through the House of Commons. Afternoon general debates, which is to say pointless debates, on sport, on beer taxation and on antisocial behaviour have been scheduled. Meanwhile, some MPs are seeking taxpayer-funded compensation for their cancelled half-term family holidays. This might irk some readers, but MPs do not earn astronomical wages, and family holidays are not cheap.

The Royal Gallery, Houses of Parliament  in pictures Show all 8 1 /8 The Royal Gallery, Houses of Parliament  in pictures The Royal Gallery, Houses of Parliament  in pictures India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses members of parliament and invited guests in the Royal Gallery AFP/Getty The Royal Gallery, Houses of Parliament  in pictures Queen Elizabeth II is accompanied by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as they proceed through the Royal Gallery before the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords Getty The Royal Gallery, Houses of Parliament  in pictures German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses both Houses of Parliament in the Royal Gallery of the Palace of Westminster in 2014. AFP/Getty The Royal Gallery, Houses of Parliament  in pictures The Royal Gallery during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords Getty The Royal Gallery, Houses of Parliament  in pictures China's President, Xi Jinping addresses MPs and peers in Parliament's Royal Gallery in 2015. Getty The Royal Gallery, Houses of Parliament  in pictures Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivers a speech in the Royal Gallery in the Houses of Parliament as Britain's Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow listens Getty The Royal Gallery, Houses of Parliament  in pictures Yeoman of the Guard, wearing traditional uniform walk through the Royal Gallery during the ceremonial search before the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords Getty The Royal Gallery, Houses of Parliament  in pictures India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses members of parliament and invited guests in the Royal Gallery at the Houses of Parliamen in 2015. AFP/Getty

There is so much madness around at the moment it is almost not worth bothering to record this comparatively minor aspect of it. But it is part of the wider madness that is fully pretend politics.

The UK is currently spending 4bn preparing for a no-deal Brexit which neither the government, nor the opposition, nor the European Union wants. It is doing so to convince the EU it is serious about no deal, so as to strengthen its negotiating position in negotiations that are over. And even when they were not over, in October 2017, the then Brexit secretary David Davis thought nothing of standing at the despatch box and saying, the maintenance of the no-deal option is for negotiating reasons. In other words, he was happy to say, in public, his EU interlocutors within earshot, that no deal is, very obviously, a bluff.

Now we have a House of Commons too frightened of public perception to take their half-term break, but nevertheless sitting around with nothing to do. Now, it may be that nothing can be done until Theresa May comes back from Brussels with a deal that can get through the Commons, but both sides appear to be united that advantage will come their way the closer we get to that very last minute.

In the meantime, they twiddle their thumbs. Anyone whos ever worked in a shop will know that there are few things more torturous than being made to look busy when there is simply nothing to do. That is where we are, and the House of Commons is not fooling anyone. There is nothing for them to do but Brexit, the public implores them to get on with it. There is, simultaneously, unimaginably vast amounts to be getting on with, but an entirely empty to-do list.

Its complete madness, but its been that way for a while.
Some Turkmenistan Airlines flights between the UK and Asia have been reinstated thanks to a charter carrier.

The flag carrier of the former Soviet republic was banned from EU airspace last week by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) pending confirmation that it met international air safety standards.

The airline flew from Heathrow and Birmingham to cities including Delhi, Bangkok and Amritsar via Ashgabat in Turkmenistan.

When Turkmenistan Airlines was abruptly banned from EU airspace, The Independent estimated that around 5,000 British travellers were stranded in Asia.

But today the UKs Civil Aviation Authority, which warned that stranded passengers would likely have to find their own way home, said that some services to and from the UK have been restored as flights would be operated by Spanish company Wamos Air.

Jet cemetery: Where do aircraft go when airlines go to the wall? Show all 3 1 /3 Jet cemetery: Where do aircraft go when airlines go to the wall? Jet cemetery: Where do aircraft go when airlines go to the wall? 273484.bin JOHN LAWRENCE Jet cemetery: Where do aircraft go when airlines go to the wall? 273485.bin JOHN LAWRENCE Jet cemetery: Where do aircraft go when airlines go to the wall? 273486.bin JOHN LAWRENCE

Wamos Air is a Spanish airline that mainly operates charter flights. It has a wet lease operation, meaning it lends aircraft to other carriers.

The CAA advised that passengers should contact Turkmenistan Airlines for further information.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said that the airline was making alternative arrangements for some services to and from the UK.

A statement on the FlyTurkmenistanAirlines.eu website said that the flight from Birmingham to Ashgabat on 6 February would leave as scheduled. According to Flight Radar 24, flight T5422 landed in Ashgabat this morning at 11.30am local time.

The statement added: We will update you once we have received more information from Turkmenistan Airlines regarding the flights scheduled in the near future from the UK (Birmingham and London) and from Germany (Frankfurt).

Refunds are not permitted. If you have any questions, please contact your own travel agent or Turkmenistan Airlines directly.

Last summer, Norwegian wet leased a 19-year-old Airbus 330 from Wamos Air to fly on its London to New York route, thanks to ongoing engine trouble with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
One of the UKs biggest holiday firms is seeking a buyer for its airline.

Thomas Cook, which has just announced increased first-quarter losses, says it will consider all options for its flying business to enhance value to shareholders and intensify our strategic focus.

The tour operator stressed that flights will continue as normal and that any deal will require the buyer to provide the same level of carrying capacity for package holidays.

The airline operates in the UK, the Nordic nations and Germany, where it uses the Condor brand. It is a mid-sized carrier with 103 aircraft, flying around 20 million customers a year to 120 destinations  mostly in Europe but with long-haul operations particularly across the Atlantic.

Unlike some other airlines of a similar scale, Thomas Cook Airlines is in reasonably good health. It made a profit per passenger of over 6 in the most recent financial full year.

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Just under half of its capacity is currently used by the tour operation arm for providing seats for package holidaymakers. The remainder is sold to other holiday firms or direct to travellers.

A sale would help Thomas Cook to reduce its debt, currently at 1.59bn, and accelerate its strategy of differentiation by opening exclusive hotels. This summer it will open 20 new own-brand hotels.

Thomas Cook's underlying loss for the first quarter, covering October to December, rose by 14 million to 60 million.

Margins were lower, which Thomas Cook said reflected the highly competitive market conditions in the UK at the end of the summer season, and weaker demand for winter holidays in the Nordics.

Strong demand for Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia is offsetting weaker demand for Spain.

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Peter Fankhauser, Thomas Cooks chief executive, said: As expected, the knock-on effect from the prolonged summer heatwave and high prices in the Canaries have impacted customer demand for winter sun.

Bookings for summer 2019 reflect some consumer uncertainty, particularly in the UK, and our decision to reduce capacity which will both mitigate risk in our tour operator business and help our airline to consolidate the strong growth achieved last year.

Bookings for the summer of 2019 are 12 per cent down, reflecting a capacity cut aimed at reducing exposure and shoring up prices  which are 4 per cent higher overall.

Mr Fankhauser said: Some customers appear to be putting off bookings because of concerns about Brexit. But he told The Independent: We are really confident we will be able to offer high-quality holidays even in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Norwegian, the troubled budget airline with a transatlantic network from Gatwick, lost an average of 266 per minute last year.

The carrier has reported a net loss of Nkr1,454m (140m) for 2018. It blames intense competition, high fuel prices and issues with some of the Rolls-Royce engines fitted to its Boeing 787 fleet.

The share price lost around 2 per cent in early trading.

But the airline said: Norwegian has now reached an agreement with the engine manufacturer, which will have a positive effect in 2019.

Going into 2019, Norwegians growth and investments will decrease considerably, and a series of initiatives have been undertaken to return to profitability this year.

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Norwegian warns: The airline industry is undergoing a challenging time as a consequence of Brexit and strong competition.

The company is working on contingency plans based on the different Brexit scenarios (including a hard Brexit).

The airline carried 37 million passengers, at an average loss of 4 per person. The average load factor  the percentage of seats occupied by fare-paying passengers  dropped by 1.7 per cent.

A larger share of passengers claimed compensation under European rules for cancellations and delays.

The airline plans to cut costs and sell some aircraft. The chief executive, Bjrn Kjos, said: We have optimised our base and route structure to streamline the operation as well as divested aircraft, postponed aircraft deliveries and not least started an internal cost reduction programme, which will boost our financials and bring us back to profitability.

British Airways parent company, IAG, was seeking to buy Norwegian in 2018 but last month said it was no longer interested and would be selling its 4 per cent stake.

Norwegian said its Nkr3bn (270m) rights issue to shore up its balance sheet had been fully underwritten. On Monday, its rival Ryanair said that Norwegian was refinancing just to survive.

Norwegian has more than 1,000 UK-based pilots and cabin crew.
A Norwegian flight to Nice has turned back to Stockholm following a bomb threat.

Carrying 169 passengers, flight DY4321 from Arlanda returned as a result of a threat made against the airline.

Norwegian said in a statement: For safety reasons, the aircraft returned to Arlanda.

We note that there is a great deal of demand with many questions from the media. This is now a police case, so further questions need to be addressed to them.

Norways foremost priority is the safety of our passengers and employees.

World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Show all 9 1 /9 World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Tiananmen Square Massacre Remembered in China more euphemistically as the 4 June incident, the events of that day in early summer 1989 are among the bloodiest in modern political history. Hundreds of civilians were killed by the 200,000-strong Peoples Liberation Army in a brutal crackdown on student pro-democracy protesters that sent shockwaves around the world AFP/Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Nelson Mandela released In November 1989 the Berlin Wall fell. Shortly afterwards de Klerk unilaterally and unconditionally released all ANC prisoners apart from Mandela. Within three months all banned political parties were legalised and Nelson Mandela was released. The world watched on television as he emerged from his long incarceration. But Mandela reappeared not as the weak old man many had expected but spry and vigorous from his long years of physical and intellectual discipline. Far from being out of touch with the modern world he proved its master in everything from his handling of television  which had not even existed in South Africa when he was sent to prison  to his handling of the militancy of the younger black generation. Words by Paul Vallely AFP/Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news The Balkan conflict On 25 June 1991, Slovenia and Croatia proclaimed their independence from the former Yugoslavia  the event unleashed the four Balkan wars waged by Slobodan Milosevic AFP/Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Rwanda genocide In April 1994, a small, brutal African war exploded into an orgy of bloodshed that horrified the world. It was possibly the fastest genocide in history. They called it work  Kasi  carried out with methodical planning and execution. Guns, grenades, spears, studded clubs, hatchets but mostly kitchen knives were used. Many women were raped before they were murdered. The final solution was planned and proclaimed by national and local government, and carried out by the army and police and the ordinary people guided by traditional social hierarchies based on the Collines  hills of Rwanda. All were urged on by radio stations and some public officials, and carried out with appalling efficiency. Words by Richard Dowden AFP/Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Osama bin Laden Bin Laden Robert Fisk World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news 9/11 attacks The suicide missions saw hijacked passenger planes flown into the Pentagon and the Twin Towers of New Yorks World Trade Centre. Another hijacked civilian airliner crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. 2,997 people were killed and more than 6,000 were injured. The worst domestic attack the US had ever experienced, it directly led to then-President George Bush launching the War on Terror, which continues to have ramifications today Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news War on terror Nine days after the 9/11 attacks President Bush declared war on terror, telling a joint session of the US Congress and the American people: Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated. Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Charlie Hebdo offices attacked On 7 January, 2015, Cherif and Said Kouachi burst into the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris and shot 12 people, including the magazines editor and seven other staff members. Over the next two days, a gunman associated with the Kouachi brothers, Amedy Coulibaly, murdered a policewoman and killed four hostages at a Jewish supermarket in Paris AFP/Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news The destruction of Syria AFP/Getty

A police spokeswoman confirmed that officers were at Arlanda following a bomb threat but gave no further details.

The flight departed Stockholm at 10.09am and was due to arrive in Nice, France at 12.45pm. However, the flight path can be seen on tracking website FlightRadar24  the aircraft only got as far as Lindshammer in southern Sweden before curving back on itself.

The Naval and Air Rescue Center raised the alarm of a potential bomb threat at 10.39, prompting the pilot to turn back.

The Boeing 737 plane has landed at Arlanda airport and was met by emergency service crews.

More follows
On the same day Donald Trump called out Iran in his State of the Union address as a major target of his administration, Tehran test-fired a satellite rocket in defiance of US warnings not to do so.

Satellite images released on Thursday by the firm DigitalGlobe suggested Iran sought to launch a satellite into orbit on Tuesday as part of its space programme. It remained unclear if the launch was successful, though nonproliferation experts say it was likely a failure because it has not been spotted by amateur satellite observers or appeared on a US registry of space objects.

Western powers have recently upped pressure on Iran over its missile programme, even as they themselves abandoned long-standing deals over the testing and refinement of long-range weaponry. Although ostensibly for civilian purposes, such launches have worried western powers because the same rocket technology used to put devices into outer space can be repurposed for intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Iran has curtailed its nuclear programme after a 2015 deal with the western powers that the US later abandoned. The images from the Imam Khomeini Spaceport show what appear to be scorch marks on a launch pad where a missile had earlier been spotted. The launch appeared to be the second attempt by Iranians in less than a month to fire off a satellite.

Earlier this week Iran successfully launched a long-range surface-to-surface missile with a range of 1,350km (839 miles). The US says Irans rocket launches violate the UN Security Council resolutions which call on Iran to refrain from developing ballistic missile technology that could be used with an atomic warhead. Europeans say Irans attempts to expand its missile programme unnecessarily raise regional tensions.

Before: a satellite image shows a rocket on a launch pad and activity at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Irans Semnan province (DigitalGlobe/Maxar/AP) (DigitalGlobe, a Maxar company via AP)

The missile launches are provocative for sure, said one western diplomat. They are a way to manage domestic and international pressure of the nuclear deal that provides no benefit for the Iranian economy.

But Iran, which was scarred by Saddam Husseins missile attacks on its cities during the 1980s war with Iraq, says the UN Security Council language does not forbid launches and they are not linked to Irans nuclear programme.

Iran says its missile programme is an essential part of its defence in a hostile region. It has vowed to continue pushing ahead with the programme regardless of western complaints. The collapse of the Itermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, a major 1987 US-Russian accord on potential nuclear missile technology, this week may hamper any efforts to convince Iran to scale back its own programme.

The US abandoning the nuclear deal and Saudi Arabias missile programme are bigger obstacles but it doesnt help to have a reputation for walking away from agreements, said Jeffrey Lewis, a scholar at the James Martin Centre for Nonproliferation Studies. Leaving the INF leaves the impression that were not worth negotiating with.

After: a day later the image shows an empty launch pad with a burn mark on it (DigitalGlobe/Maxar/AP) (DigitalGlobe, a Maxar company via AP)

Recent launches of weaponry across the globe could also discourage Iran from restraining its programme. France, the US and Russia all test-fired nuclear-capable missiles on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Irans regional rival Saudi Arabia, on the same day, launched a surveillance and communications satellite into orbit aboard a French rocket fired from a space centre in South America.

Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has reportedly placed a 2,000km limit on the range of missiles Irans military can develop. EU officials, led by foreign relations chief Federica Mogherini, have begun a series of talks with Iranian diplomats about the missile programme.

On Thursday, Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the Revolutionary Guards aerospace division, was quoted as saying that Iran would never negotiate away its missiles, regardless of the ongoing negotiations.

The missile key is not in the hands of the government, he said, in reference to President Hassan Rouhanis administration. This preventive power has been made available to the country and we do not negotiate over it with anyone. Missile tests do not fall within the scope of the governments authority.

Iran celebrates the 40th anniversary of its 1979 revolution on 11 February, a major national holiday in the Islamic Republic. The run-up to the day is typically filled with announcements of new weaponry and scientific achievements.

Irans army on Thursday announced a new tank transporter, mobile border control units and communications vehicles, which an Iranian commander said were built with parts that were 100 per cent indigenous. In a dramatic segment shown on state television, the Revolutionary Guard unveiled what it described as a secret facility where it was building a precision surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 1,000km.

Mr Lewis said it remained increasingly unrealistic to expect Iran and other countries to abide by limits on their missile programmes when the great powers continued to refine their own technologies.

The big countries still have these capabilities and find them useful, he said. Its pretty hard to tell Iranians, Brazilians, South koreans that they cant have them. Theres not a very persuasive argument you can make that you cant have these technologies, but we can. Theres only coercion
More than seven decades after the Second World War ended, 49 Holocaust survivors are receiving $402,000 (310,000) each from the French government in reparations for the country's trains that deported them to Nazi concentration camps.

Thirty-two surviving spouses of deportees who died following the war will receive up to $100,500 each, officials said.

The payments fall under a 2014 US-France agreement in which the French government offered $60m in reparations for Holocaust deportations.

In exchange, the US government asked courts to dismiss any lawsuits against the French railway, known as SNCF and the French government.

The agreement came after US Holocaust survivors who had been transported to Nazi camps on French trains  usually without no food and a bucket for a toilet  objected when a company affiliated with the French railway began bidding on lucrative US rail contracts. The State Department decided which claims merited payment under the agreement.

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

This is a really important moment, a very satisfying moment and the end of a painstaking process to help those who were long denied justice, said former ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, the State Department's expert adviser on Holocaust-era issues.

Greg Schneider, executive vice president of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, said reparations are important for the historical record and to hold governments and companies accountable for their roles in the Holocaust.

Holocaust compensation is never about the money, said Mr Schneider, whose nonprofit group negotiates for reparations," he said. It's about acknowledgment. It's about recognition. It's about justice... Is there any amount of money that could compensate you for even one day in Auschwitz, a factory of death and murder?

The French Holocaust reparations agreement was unique, Mr Eizenstat said, because it included compensation for the heirs, including children and grandchildren, of both deportees and their spouses.

The heirs were viewed as standing in the shoes of those who had died before the agreement was signed, he said. The heirs will receive a portion of a deportee's and spouse's payments, depending on when they died.

The State Department approved 386 of the 867 claims filed, officials said. The agreement covered US citizens, as well as deportees who settled in other countries after the war. It did not cover citizens of France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Poland and the former Czechoslovakia because those countries have their own reparations programs, Mr Eizenstat said.

Most who are receiving payments are Americans or Israelis, officials said, but they include survivors, spouses and heirs from Canada, Mexico, Peru and other countries.

They also include eight to 10 US and Canadian airmen who were deported after being shot down over France, officials said.

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The total payments will end up being almost double what many recipients initially received during the first round in the summer of 2016, when about $30m was paid out.

State Department officials said they had made conservative payments as quickly as possible because so many of the survivors and their spouses were elderly. The department is now making a second round of payments to those recipients, as well as to applicants who filed successful claims later.

Letters to the recipients announcing the second round of payments were mailed this week, said Jennifer Newstead, the State Department's legal adviser.

While no program can provide complete justice for all those who were impacted by deportation from France, Ms Newstead said, we hope those affected by one of history's darkest eras will receive some additional relief from these further payments.

The State Department rejected 481 claims because they didn't fall under the agreement, Mr Eizenstat said. Those included claims filed by French citizens who lived in the United States, Holocaust survivors who had been transported within France but never were deported, and distant relatives who weren't considered heirs.

Lisa Grosh, assistant legal adviser on the agreement, said few were rejected for a lack of documentation. She said State Department officials worked with survivors and families to dig up decades-old marriage licenses, death certificates and deportation records.

We worked very creatively with the claimants to give them ideas about how they could go about giving us the certainty we needed to approve the claim, Ms Grosh said.

The Washington Post
Frances foreign ministry has said that Italys deputy prime minister meeting with leaders of the yellow vest movement is an unacceptable provocation.

Luigi Di Maio, who also leads the populist, anti-establishment 5-Star party, said he met yellow vests leader Christophe Chalencon and candidates on the grassroots movement's list for European Parliament elections in May.

The move was described by France's foreign ministry as undermining relations between the two European neighbours.

"This new provocation is not acceptable between neighbouring countries and partners in the European Union," a foreign ministry spokesman said.

"Mr Di Maio, who holds government responsibilities, must take care not to undermine, through his repeated interferences, our bilateral relations, in the interest of both France and Italy."

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

After the meeting Mr Di Maio tweeted that "winds of change" had crossed the Alps and mentioned his intention to have another meeting in Rome.

"We have a lot of common positions and values, such as the defense of citizens, social rights, direct democracy and environment," a statement issued by 5-star said.

"There is enthusiasm, we will meet soon in Rome."

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The movement, who are referred to as the gilets jaunes in France, have been holding at times violent anti-government protests each week across the country for the past few months.

Mr Di Maio had previously publicly stated his admiration for the movement and has urged them not to give up.

Additional reporting from agencies
The former owner of Adolf Hitlers house has been awarded 1.5m (1.3m) by an Austrian court that ruled she was underpaid by the government which forced her to sell it two years ago.

Fearing the 3-storey property, where the fascist leader was born in 1889, would become a shrine for neo-Nazis, a compulsory purchase order was placed on it and Gerlinde Pommer was paid 310,000.

Ms Pommer inherited the building in Braunau am Inn, a small town on the border with Germany, in 1977. It has been in her family for more than a century.

However, Hitlers private secretary Martin Bormann bought the house from the Pommer family in 1938 and turned it into a shrine for Hitler enthusiasts and tourists.

After the war it was returned to the familys ownership, but since the 1970s the Austrian government has been the main leaseholder to ensure no contemporary followers of the dictator could use the property.

Hitler links: A Wagner, and not proud of it Show all 2 1 /2 Hitler links: A Wagner, and not proud of it Hitler links: A Wagner, and not proud of it 23106.bin Getty Images Hitler links: A Wagner, and not proud of it 23107.bin Justin Thomas

Although a large stone plaque outside explicitly states never again fascism, millions of dead remind us, neo-Nazis regularly make pilgrimages to the property and take photos in front of it.

Until 2011 the building housed a disability organisation, but when the authorities asked Ms Pommer to make the property more wheelchair friendly, she ended the lease. It has been unused ever since.

After several failed attempts to fully buy the house from Ms Pommer, the state eventually ordered the compulsory purchase of the building.

Ms Pommer first launched a legal challenge against the legislation, which allowed the government to buy the property, but in 2017 Austrias constitutional court decided it was in the public interest to prevent the house being used to glorify Nazism.

At the time, the interior minister Wolfgang Sobotka said: We will make sure that this building will never fall into the wrong hands to become a site of pilgrimage for those stuck in the past.

Mr Sobotka had previously suggested it should be demolished entirely, but critics have argued this would amount to a denial of Austrias role in the rise of Nazism.

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Now a court in the northern Austrian town of Ried im Innkreis has ruled the government substantially shortchanged Ms Pommer, and accepted her valuation of 1.5m.

In an earlier hearing Ms Pommers lawyer, Gerhard Lebitsch, said the house was much more valuable than the state thought.

The car park is the only parking spot in the downtown area thats big enough to merit mentioning, he said.
Hezbollah is active in Venezuela, the US secretary of state has said, as the Trump administration ratchets up pressure on the Latin American nation amid a crippling political and economic crisis.

People dont recognise that Hezbollah has active cells in the country, Mike Pompeo told Fox Business. The Iranians are impacting the people of Venezuela and throughout South America. We have an obligation to take down that risk for America.

The US has long considered the Iranian-backed Lebanese group a terrorist organisation, and sanctions on people in Venezuela linked to Hezbollah have been imposed as far back as the George W Bush administration.

Washington also believes Latin America has served as a base of fund-gathering for the group for some years, including through drugs and money-laundering schemes, according to past reports.

Venezuelas former president Hugo Chavez formed tight links with Iran under Mahmoud Ahmedinejads leadership.

Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Show all 18 1 /18 Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Protesters clash with the Bolivarian National Police during a demonstration against the government of the Venezuela and president Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on 23 January 2019 EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators cheer as Venezuela's National Assembly head Juan Guaido declares himself the country's "acting president" at a rally in Caracas AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Juan Guaido, head of Venezuela's opposition-run congress, declares himself interim president of the nation until elections can be held during a rally in Caracas demanding leader Nicolas Maduro's resignation AP Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters carry letters to form the word "Democracy" while taking part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Police watch over marching anti-government protesters in Caracas EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A vehicle is overturned as opposition demonstrators block a road during a protest against the Venezuelan government AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A National Police officer fires rubber bullets during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A demonstrator throws back a gas canister while clashing with security forces during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Security forces look on after clashing with opposition supporters participating in a rally against Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators during a protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro at Plaza Altamira in Caracas Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators during a protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro at Plaza Altamira in Caracas Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government The remains of a statue of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez is seen hanging from a pedestrian bridge after it was destroyed in San Felix, Venezuela REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Riot police on motorcycles clash with opposition demonstrators during protests in Caracas AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Supporters celebrate Juan Guaido declaration that he is Venezuelan president EPA

Mr Pompeos claim came as the US, the UK and other EU countries put pressure on Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro, to cede power and call new elections.

It was also consistent with Donald Trumps strong stance against Iran, where the US president reimposed sanctions last year while labelling Tehrans government a murderous dictatorship that has continued to spread bloodshed, violence and chaos.

The US president was the first world leader to recognise Venezuelas national assembly president Juan Guaido as the nations interim president in January, with a string of allies later following suit.

Recommended Guaido plans to open Venezuela oil deals to foreign private companies

Mr Maduro has accused Mr Trump of instigating a coup against him while Russia, a key Maduro ally, has warned against destructive meddling.

Later in his Fox interview former CIA director Mr Pompeo described Mr Maduro as evil and insisted the US was intervening on behalf of ordinary Venezuelans who have suffered under his rule.

We should not permit a country in our hemisphere to treat its own people this way, he said, despite Washingtons  and the CIAs  inglorious record in the region. American values  Americas, not only our interests but our values  are at stake here.

This week Mr Guaido signalled that if he gains power he will open up Venezuelas huge oil wealth to foreign investment.

Outside private companies could gain a greater stake in joint ventures with the countrys state-run oil company, his envoy to the US said.
Republican lawyer William Barr, 68, is Donald Trump's nominee to be the new US attorney-general, replacing the ousted Jeff Sessions.

Mr Barr previously held the position under George H W Bush between 1991 and 1993 and looks set to lead the Justice Department once again should his confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee conclude without a hitch.

A New Yorker and son to a Jewish father who had converted to Roman Catholicism, Mr Barr attended Columbia University where he completed a bachelors degree in government in 1971 and a masters in government and Chinese studies in 1973.

After graduation he worked as an analyst and assistant legislative counsel for the CIA, studying law at night at George Washington University in the capital.

Completing his studies, he worked as a clerk for Judge Malcolm Wilkey on the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit between 1977 and 1978 and as an associate with Washington law firm Shaw, Pittman, Potts and Trowbridge.

He served on the Ronald Reagan administrations domestic policy staff between May 1982 and September 1983 before returning to his old employer in private practice.

President Trump delivers State of the Union address Show all 22 1 /22 President Trump delivers State of the Union address President Trump delivers State of the Union address Nancy Pelosis sarcastic clapping stole Trumps thunder For many the president's speech was overshadowed by Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's applause after his call for political unity, which many interpreted as "sarcastic" AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Trump issues ominous threat over investigations as he rails against immigration and abortion In a State of the Union speech calling on Washington to cast aside revenge, resistance and retribution, Donald Trump was accused of issuing a veiled threat over the investigations dogging his administration. An economic miracle is taking place in the United States  and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations, Mr Trump said AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Congresswomen, dressed in white in tribute to the women's suffrage movement, pose for a photo as they arrive AFP/Getty Images President Trump delivers State of the Union address The 72-year-old harkened back to American achievements, celebrating the moon landing as astronaut Buzz Aldrin looked on from the audience and heralding the liberation of Europe from the Nazis AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address He also led the House chamber in singing happy birthday to a Holocaust survivor sitting with first lady Melania Trump. "Together, we represent the most extraordinary nation in all of history. What will we do with this moment? How will we be remembered?" Mr Trump said Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez  dressed in white in an act of solidarity with other women  declined to join a standing ovation for Donald Trump despite his purported call for unity Reuters President Trump delivers State of the Union address The president ticked through a litany of issues with crossover appeal, including boosting infrastructure, lowering prescription drug costs and combating childhood cancer Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Republican Veronica Escobar reacts as President Trump claims that El Paso, Texas, has become safer due to a wall along the border with Mexico Reuters President Trump delivers State of the Union address Despite no one working in the White House Office of National Aids Policy, and having sacking his HIV advisory council last year, Mr Trump pledged to inject funds to stop the spread of the disease in America by 2030 Getty Images President Trump delivers State of the Union address "Scientific breakthroughs have brought a once-distant dream within reach," the president said. Together, we will defeat Aids in America and beyond." he said Reuters President Trump delivers State of the Union address Trump led the House chamber in singing happy birthday to a Holocaust survivor sitting with first lady Melania Reuters President Trump delivers State of the Union address He also appealed to his political base, both with his harsh rhetoric on immigration and a call for Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the "late-term abortion of children EPA President Trump delivers State of the Union address Women from both political parties wore white outfits tonight at the behest of the Democratic Womens Working Group to honor the legacy of women's suffrage in the United States AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address He devoted much of his speech to foreign policy, another area where Republicans have increasingly distanced themselves from the White House EPA President Trump delivers State of the Union address Trump greets Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, alongside Vice President Mike Pence AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address US First lady Melania Trump (left) with Grace Eline and Joshua Trump, special guests of President Donald Trump AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Trump announced details of a second meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, outlining a summit in Vietnam starting on 27 February AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address "If I had not been elected president of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea," he said AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Supreme Court Justices John Roberts, Elena Kagan and Neil Gorsuch laugh AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address President Trump greets lawmakers after delivering his second State of the Union address EPA President Trump delivers State of the Union address Independent Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders holds his notes EPA

In 1989, he was appointed as assistant attorney-general of the US under the first President Bush, advising the Oval Office on the legality of executive decision-making, rising to the position of deputy before becoming acting attorney-general in 1991 when Dick Thornburgh resigned to campaign for a Senate seat in Pennsylvania.

Mr Barr developed a reputation as a controversial advocate of presidential power, backing US intervention in Manuel Noriegas Panama and the FBIs right to enter foreign soil without the consent of a host government.

He distinguished himself three days into his role as acting attorney-general when a group of 121 Cuban prisoners at a federal prison in Talladega, Alabama, took nine hostages in protest at their imminent deportation. Mr Barr sent in the FBIs Hostage Rescue Team, who resolved the situation without a shot being fired.

Impressed, President Bush nominated William Barr for the job full time. Asked at his November 1991 confirmation hearing about Roe vs Wade, the Supreme Courts landmark decision to legalise abortion, he suggested it should be overturned as it was a legitimate issue for state legislators while declaring he had no fixed or settled views on abortion.

Barack Obamas future vice-president Joe Biden was chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee that day and praised Mr Barr for his candid answer, calling him a throwback to the days when we actually had attorneys general that would talk to you, according to The Los Angeles Times.

As President Bushs attorney-general, Mr Barr was known for his hardline stance on crime, reassigning 300 FBI agents to rein in gang violence.

I believe deeply that the first duty of government is providing for the personal security of its citizens. Therefore I would naturally place the highest priority on strengthening law enforcement, he said in 1992.

He had a hand in one of the most controversial uses of the presidential pardon in history, when Bush formally forgave six adminstration officials involved in the Iran-Contra affair, in which weapons were illegally sold to Tehran in defiance of an embargo, notably excusing the former secretary of defence, Caspar Weinberger.

Leaving the Justice Department with the arrival of the Bill Clinton administration, Mr Barr has worked in the corporate sector as executive vice president and general counsel to the GTE Corporation, leaving when the telecoms giant merged with Bell Atlantic to become Verizon in 2008. He has undertaken work with the Washington law firm Kirkland and Ellis since 2009.

President Trump saw an ally in William Barr when he told The New York Times in November 2017 there was more reason to investigate bribery accusations stemming from the sale of Canadian mining company Uranium One to Rosatom of Russia during Hillary Clinton's tenure as President Obamas secretary of state than there was going after the Trump camp on collusion with the Kremlin.

He has since walked back these remarks before the Senate.

He also backed the presidents sacking of acting attorney-general Sally Yates in January 2017 over her refusal to enforce his Muslim travel ban and his removal of FBI director James Comey the following May as the right call.

Mr Trumps decision to opt for Mr Barr rather than the current acting attorney-general Matthew Whitaker appears to stem from accusations that the president was seeking to install a Justice Department head hostile to special counsel Robert Mueller, Mr Whitaker having been outspoken in his criticism of the Russian election hacking investigation.

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Despite describing Mr Mueller as a good friend saying he would not be involved in a witch hunt during his confirmation hearings, Mr Barrs earlier criticism of the probe lingers in the memory and, as attorney-general, he would theoretically have the power to have Mr Mueller dismissed.

Perhaps of greater concern: William Barr is a keen bagpiper in his leisure time, even playing competitively on tour in Scotland as a youth.
A small border city in Arizona is pushing back against Donald Trumps decision to install razor wire along its border, with a proclamation that would officially call the measures irresponsible and inhuman.

The city officials in Nogales considered the proclamation on Wednesday, just days after a report indicated the US military installed more concertina wire along the border fence that separates the city from Mexico.

The installation of the concertina wire has become one of thee most visible signs of Mr Trumps troop deployment in the US southwest, conjuring images of war zones as the US responds to what the president has called a crisis and tremendous onslaught.

Mayor Arturo Garino told local news outlet Nogales International that he asked Senator Martha McSally last month to help the city to get the wiring removed.

That wire is lethal, and I really dont know what theyre thinking by putting it all the way down to the ground, Mr Garino said.

Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Show all 30 1 /30 Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Members of the caravan of Central American migrants climb the border wall in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border US Border Patrol agents seen through the concertina wire where the border meets the Pacific Ocean AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Central American migrants pray at a temporary shelter in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Darwin, a 12 year old migrant boy from Honduras, looks out from under a tarp while taking refuge at a shelter in Tijuana Reuters Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Central American migrants line up for a meal at a shelter in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Angel, a 13-year-old migrant from Honduras looks towards the United States past the border fence in Tijuana Reuters Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Members of the LGBTQ community -who split from a caravan of Central American migrants heading to the US- arrive at the Diversidad Migrante (Migrant Diversity) NGO headquarters, which they will use as shelter, in Tijuana AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border US military personell install barbed wire fences to stop the passage of Central American migrants EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Young Honduran migrant Daniel Gamez waits with his family in a line for a meal after arriving with the Central America migrant caravan in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Two women, one carrying a child, walk north after crossing illegally into the United States as a Border Patrol agent moves in to detain them AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A child looks out the window of a bus upon its arrival at a temporary shelter in Tijuana AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrants from Honduras dry their clothes in the sand after washing off in the Pacific Ocean AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Central American migrants at a temporary shelter near the US-Mexico border AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border US police agents stand guard near the US-Mexico border fence AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A migrant, who claimed not to be part of the Central American migrant caravan walks on the US-Mexico border fence AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Eldin, a migrant man from Honduras, awakes next to his seven year old son Jose while taking refuge at a shelter in Tijuana Reuters Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrants line up for food at a shelter AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A man installs concertina wire on top of the border structure on the US side AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Central American migrants sit on an overlook in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A migrant, who is part of a caravan traveling en route to the United States, shouts as he waits to receive food in a shelter in Tijuana REUTERS Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A man tries to get over a border structure topped with concertina wire AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border People who are part of the Central American migrants caravan arrive at a shelter EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrants pray at a temporary shelter in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrants shower outside a temporary migrant shelter next to the Us-Mexico border fence Getty Images Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border US Border Patrol agents, left, speak with two Central American migrants as they sit atop the border structure AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A Central American migrant looks on through the US-Mexico border fence AFP/Getty Images Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A migrant stands next to the border fence REUTERS

Nogales sits right along the US-Mexico border, and relies heavily on cross-border commerce with the Mexican city that lies just beyond the fence.

Mr Trump announced this week during his second State of the Union that he has instructed the US military to send 3,750 troops to the border in order to provide in a support capacity to local law enforcement and Border Patrol as migrants make they way to the border to request asylum.

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The US announced in November that some 58km of wiring had been sent to be set up in California, Arizona, and Texas. During that same month, US troops were seen installing the wiring in McAllen, Texas underneath a border bridge on the American side of the border.

The city proclamation would note that concertina is typically seen in battlefields, not in areas of peace, and that the deployment of the wiring is not only irresponsible but inhuman.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
 Close Newly unearthed video shows Donald Trump meeting with Russians in Moscow in 1995 over 'building project'

Just days after Donald Trump criticised congressional Democrats for ridiculous partisan investigations, the president is facing a renewed Russia inquiry from Congress that has left him complaining about presidential harassment.

The president said as much in response to the announcement that Democrats in the House Intelligence Committee have re-opened their probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, marking yet another official investigation into the issue that has dogged the White House for more than two years.

So now Congressman Adam Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so, Mr Trump tweeted on Thursday morning.

He continued: Never happened before! Unlimited Presidential Harassment  The Dems and their committees are going nuts. The Republicans never did this to President Obama, there would be no time left to run government. I hear other committee heads will do the same thing. Even stealing people who work at White House! A continuation of Witch Hunt!

Democrats have indicated they plan on using their newly acquired congressional subpoena power to delve into Mr Trumps political and personal world in a way that Republicans who previously controlled the committee before losing control of the chamber in the 2018 midterms shied away from.

President Trump delivers State of the Union address Show all 22 1 /22 President Trump delivers State of the Union address President Trump delivers State of the Union address Nancy Pelosis sarcastic clapping stole Trumps thunder For many the president's speech was overshadowed by Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's applause after his call for political unity, which many interpreted as "sarcastic" AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Trump issues ominous threat over investigations as he rails against immigration and abortion In a State of the Union speech calling on Washington to cast aside revenge, resistance and retribution, Donald Trump was accused of issuing a veiled threat over the investigations dogging his administration. An economic miracle is taking place in the United States  and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations, Mr Trump said AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Congresswomen, dressed in white in tribute to the women's suffrage movement, pose for a photo as they arrive AFP/Getty Images President Trump delivers State of the Union address The 72-year-old harkened back to American achievements, celebrating the moon landing as astronaut Buzz Aldrin looked on from the audience and heralding the liberation of Europe from the Nazis AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address He also led the House chamber in singing happy birthday to a Holocaust survivor sitting with first lady Melania Trump. "Together, we represent the most extraordinary nation in all of history. What will we do with this moment? How will we be remembered?" Mr Trump said Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez  dressed in white in an act of solidarity with other women  declined to join a standing ovation for Donald Trump despite his purported call for unity Reuters President Trump delivers State of the Union address The president ticked through a litany of issues with crossover appeal, including boosting infrastructure, lowering prescription drug costs and combating childhood cancer Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Republican Veronica Escobar reacts as President Trump claims that El Paso, Texas, has become safer due to a wall along the border with Mexico Reuters President Trump delivers State of the Union address Despite no one working in the White House Office of National Aids Policy, and having sacking his HIV advisory council last year, Mr Trump pledged to inject funds to stop the spread of the disease in America by 2030 Getty Images President Trump delivers State of the Union address "Scientific breakthroughs have brought a once-distant dream within reach," the president said. Together, we will defeat Aids in America and beyond." he said Reuters President Trump delivers State of the Union address Trump led the House chamber in singing happy birthday to a Holocaust survivor sitting with first lady Melania Reuters President Trump delivers State of the Union address He also appealed to his political base, both with his harsh rhetoric on immigration and a call for Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the "late-term abortion of children EPA President Trump delivers State of the Union address Women from both political parties wore white outfits tonight at the behest of the Democratic Womens Working Group to honor the legacy of women's suffrage in the United States AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address He devoted much of his speech to foreign policy, another area where Republicans have increasingly distanced themselves from the White House EPA President Trump delivers State of the Union address Trump greets Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, alongside Vice President Mike Pence AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address US First lady Melania Trump (left) with Grace Eline and Joshua Trump, special guests of President Donald Trump AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Trump announced details of a second meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, outlining a summit in Vietnam starting on 27 February AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address "If I had not been elected president of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea," he said AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Supreme Court Justices John Roberts, Elena Kagan and Neil Gorsuch laugh AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address President Trump greets lawmakers after delivering his second State of the Union address EPA President Trump delivers State of the Union address Independent Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders holds his notes EPA

The investigation will allow us to investigate any credible allegation that financial interests or other interests are driving decision-making of the President or anyone in the administration, Mr Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said, announcing the new probe.

Representative Jerry Nadler, the House Judiciary Committee chairman, meanwhile warned that his committee is considering forming acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to answer questions during testimony, and not just cite executive privilege.

Read this full report on the events of the day and week, here, or take a look below for our updates as they were posted, below

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The Trump administration has missed a deadline to hand over to Congress documents related to its decision to lift sanctions on businesses linked to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska.

Maxine Waters, chair of the House financial services committee and a frequent target of Donald Trumps ire, said the Treasury Department failed to meet a Tuesday deadline set by her and the chairmen of the chambers intelligence and foreign affairs committees.

They stiff-armed us, Jim Himes, a Democratic congressman who sits on the House intelligence committee, told Politico.

The request for documents came after the Treasury sparked bipartisan anger when it lifted sanctions against the business empire of Mr Deripaska, a close ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

It said the companies - aluminium producer Rusal, its parent En+ Group and JSC EuroSibEnergo - had agreed to its conditions for ending the penalties by reducing Mr Deripaskas direct and indirect shareholding stake and severing his control.

The sanctions, imposed in April, were designed to punish Russia for its actions including its annexation of the Crimea from the Ukraine, efforts to interfere in the US elections and support for Syrias government in its civil war.

Mr Deripaska remains personally subject to US sanctions.

Advocates for keeping them argued Mr Deripaska, who has been accused of links to organised crime, retained too much control over the companies.

President Trump delivers State of the Union address Show all 22 1 /22 President Trump delivers State of the Union address President Trump delivers State of the Union address Nancy Pelosis sarcastic clapping stole Trumps thunder For many the president's speech was overshadowed by Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's applause after his call for political unity, which many interpreted as "sarcastic" AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Trump issues ominous threat over investigations as he rails against immigration and abortion In a State of the Union speech calling on Washington to cast aside revenge, resistance and retribution, Donald Trump was accused of issuing a veiled threat over the investigations dogging his administration. An economic miracle is taking place in the United States  and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations, Mr Trump said AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Congresswomen, dressed in white in tribute to the women's suffrage movement, pose for a photo as they arrive AFP/Getty Images President Trump delivers State of the Union address The 72-year-old harkened back to American achievements, celebrating the moon landing as astronaut Buzz Aldrin looked on from the audience and heralding the liberation of Europe from the Nazis AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address He also led the House chamber in singing happy birthday to a Holocaust survivor sitting with first lady Melania Trump. "Together, we represent the most extraordinary nation in all of history. What will we do with this moment? How will we be remembered?" Mr Trump said Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez  dressed in white in an act of solidarity with other women  declined to join a standing ovation for Donald Trump despite his purported call for unity Reuters President Trump delivers State of the Union address The president ticked through a litany of issues with crossover appeal, including boosting infrastructure, lowering prescription drug costs and combating childhood cancer Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Republican Veronica Escobar reacts as President Trump claims that El Paso, Texas, has become safer due to a wall along the border with Mexico Reuters President Trump delivers State of the Union address Despite no one working in the White House Office of National Aids Policy, and having sacking his HIV advisory council last year, Mr Trump pledged to inject funds to stop the spread of the disease in America by 2030 Getty Images President Trump delivers State of the Union address "Scientific breakthroughs have brought a once-distant dream within reach," the president said. Together, we will defeat Aids in America and beyond." he said Reuters President Trump delivers State of the Union address Trump led the House chamber in singing happy birthday to a Holocaust survivor sitting with first lady Melania Reuters President Trump delivers State of the Union address He also appealed to his political base, both with his harsh rhetoric on immigration and a call for Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the "late-term abortion of children EPA President Trump delivers State of the Union address Women from both political parties wore white outfits tonight at the behest of the Democratic Womens Working Group to honor the legacy of women's suffrage in the United States AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address He devoted much of his speech to foreign policy, another area where Republicans have increasingly distanced themselves from the White House EPA President Trump delivers State of the Union address Trump greets Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, alongside Vice President Mike Pence AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address US First lady Melania Trump (left) with Grace Eline and Joshua Trump, special guests of President Donald Trump AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Trump announced details of a second meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, outlining a summit in Vietnam starting on 27 February AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address "If I had not been elected president of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea," he said AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address Supreme Court Justices John Roberts, Elena Kagan and Neil Gorsuch laugh AFP/Getty President Trump delivers State of the Union address President Trump greets lawmakers after delivering his second State of the Union address EPA President Trump delivers State of the Union address Independent Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders holds his notes EPA

Lawmakers from both parties also said it was inappropriate to ease the sanctions while special counsel Robert Mueller investigates whether Mr Trumps 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Moscow.

Ms Waters said she was in talks with Treasury Steven Mnuchin over appearing before her committee to explain his department's decision.

What were going to do is were going to get Mr Mnuchin into the committee and ask him real pointed questions about de-listing, Ms Waters said.

 Paul Ryan advocates sanctions on Russia: It is a 'menacing government'

The Treasurys failure to hand over documents came the same day Mr Trump warned in his State of the Union speech against ridiculous partisan investigations that would prevent peace and legislation.

On Wednesday, House intelligence committee chairman Adam Schiff dismissed those comments, announcing his panel would launch a probe into the US presidents foreign financial interests and possible links to Russia.

The Treasury Department has been contacted for comment.
A Florida politician resigned this week over sexual misconduct allegations, including licking a mans face and groping him.

Nancy Oakley stepped down from her role as city commissioner of Madeira Beach on Tuesday, just days after being fined by the state ethics commission for allegedly sexually harassing former city manager Jonathan Evans.

Ms Oakley was fined $5,000 by the Florida Commission on Ethics, who had urged the governor to issue a public statement rebuking her.

Following their investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations, the Florida Commission on Ethics released a report citing that Ms Oakley potentially violated state law because she engaged exhibiting inappropriate behaviour when she licked Mr Evans face during a fishing tournament in 2012.

The report stated multiple witnesses testified that Ms Oakley was intoxicated and touched the former city manager inappropriately, the Miami Herald reported.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Several others said that Ms Oakleys face-licking habits are not exclusive to Mr Evans. The sponsor of the fishing tournament, and some volunteers, said that she had also licked their faces at the event and at other tournaments.

Mr Evans told the state ethics commission that he didnt initially report the incident since he was afraid of losing his job. It wasnt until 2017, when Ms Oakley filed for re-election, did the former city manager submit a formal complaint.

Upon the election, Ms Oakley, another commissioner, and the newly-elected mayor suspended the city manager. They claim they knew the ethics complaint against Ms Oakley was pending.

Ms Oakley wrote in her resignation letter on Tuesday that she made the difficult decision to step down from office to still the controversy over her actions.

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It is time for us all to move on, she added, after insisting that she is innocent and declared her intention to appeal the ethics violating ruling.
Nancy Pelosi appeared to poke fun at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs ambitious proposal to create a carbon neutral economy within ten years, referring to the plan as the green dream or whatever they call it.

The New York congresswoman and senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, unveiled a proposal termed the Green New Deal, they say will tackle climate change, transform the economy, and create large numbers of jobs in renewable energy.

Even the solutions that we have considered big and bold are nowhere near the scale of the actual problem that climate change presents to us, Ms Ocasio-Cortez told NPR, ahead of the plans unveiling. It could be part of a larger solution, but no one has actually scoped out what that larger solution would entail. And so thats really what were trying to accomplish with the Green New Deal.

Yet ahead of the unveiling of the unbinding proposal, of which the 29-year-old congressman has spearheaded, Ms Pelosi, the Democratic speaker, appeared dismissive.

It will be one of several or maybe many suggestions that we receive, Ms Pelosi told Politico. The green dream or whatever they call it, nobody knows what it is, but theyre for it right?

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

Watchers of Capitol Hill suggested Ms Pelosis referral to the green dream, rather than the green new deal, was an intentional clipping of the wings of Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who has a national profile unlike any other junior congresswoman in history.

Pelosi knows exactly what shes doing here. Her utter dismissiveness of the Green New Deal  and, by extension, AOC, who is the member most closely identified with it, is entirely intentional, wrote CNN editor-at-large Chris Cillizza.

Pelosi knows that AOC is a rising national power  particularly among the most activist and liberal left. Given Ocasio-Cortezs profile  and her influence among young, liberal members  Pelosi knows she cant just ignore what the New York Democrat says and does. But she isnt going to kowtow to AOC either.

 Fox News blames 'fairness being promoted in schools' for majority of Americans supporting Ocasio-Cortez's tax proposals

Ms Pelosi has a reputation as being a strong supporter of environment-friendly policies. On Thursday, she told reporters she welcomed all proposals, and the enthusiasm of those pushing them.

Quite frankly I havent seen it, but I do know that its enthusiastic, and we welcome all the enthusiasm thats out there, she said. Im very excited about it all, and I welcome the Green New Deal and any other proposals.

Also on Thursday, Ms Pelosi selected eight Democrats to the new special climate change committee, but observers were quick to point out that Ms Ocasio-Cortez was not among them.

This new select committee will spearhead Democrats work to develop innovative, effective solutions to prevent and reverse the climate crisis, Ms Pelosi said in a statement.

The proposal unveiled Ms Ocasio-Cortez and Mr Markey would place the US on a wartime-level, just economic mobilisation plan to get to 100 per cent renewable energy. Cost estimates for the sprawling proposal range into the trillions, the Associated Press reported.

The resolution resolution drafted by the pair sets a goal to meet 100 per cent of the power demand in the United States through clean, renewable and zero-emission energy sources, including dramatic increases in wind and solar power.

Recently, the New York congresswoman has been drawing attention to a UN-backed climate report published last year said the effects of climate change to be irreversible and unavoidable if carbon emissions were were drastically reduced within 12 years.

Millennials and people, you know, Gen Z and all these folks that will come after us are looking up and were like: The world is gonna end in 12 years if we dont address climate change and your biggest issue is how are we gonna pay for it? she said at a forum in Harlem.
The cost of Donald Trump's deployment of active-duty troops and National Guard forces to the US-Mexico border could total an estimated $1bn by the end of the fiscal year, according to new figures released by the US Department of Defence.

Mr Trump said on Tuesday during his State of the Union address that he had ordered a new infusion of 3,750 active-duty troops to the border to prepare for a tremendous onslaught.

The president said Mexican cities, in order to remove Central American migrants in their communities, are getting trucks and buses to bring them up to our country in areas where there is little border protection.

Mexican authorities recently expedited the journey of a caravan of Central American migrants headed toward the border crossing at Eagle Pass, Texas, using a fleet of buses.

On Wednesday, the Pentagon said a small contingent of troops, including military police, medical personnel and engineers, would reposition to Eagle Pass to harden ports of entry.

According to the Pentagon, the additional active-duty forces deployed to the border will conduct mobile surveillance for Customs and Border Protection and install razor wire.

The contingent brings the number of active-duty troops currently there to about 4,350, the Defence Department said, down from a high of about 5,900 after Mr Trump ordered the deployment in late October.

An additional 2,200 or so National Guard forces also remain there, stemming from orders Mr Trump issued last April. Taken together, the contingent of forces on the border numbers about 6,550, including both active-duty and National Guard, according to official figures.

If the numbers hold roughly steady, estimates indicate that the cost of the National Guard and active-duty deployments together could reach about $1bn, measured from the time they started last April and October, respectively, through the end of the government's fiscal year on 30 September 2019.

That estimate comes from combining figures the Department of Defence has released and estimates from outside experts to fill in the gaps.

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

Vice Admiral Michael Gilday, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in testimony to the House Armed Services Committee on 29 January that the National Guard portion of the deployment is projected to cost $550m by the end of September.

The active-duty deployment, meanwhile, already cost $132m from its start in late October through the end of January, Mr Gilday said. He said he couldn't give an estimate of the active-duty deployment's cost for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The cost of the active-duty deployment for the remainder of the fiscal year is difficult to estimate. Outside experts pegged it between $316m and $460m, though they cautioned that with unstable troop numbers and changing tasks, as well as a lack of full budget data from the Pentagon, the figures are hard to pinpoint with accuracy.

Travis Sharp, a research fellow at the Centre for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, estimated that it would cost between $316m and $365m if the numbers fluctuate roughly the way they have been since late October. He arrived at the estimate by calculating the daily cost of the active-duty deployment so far, based on the figures the Pentagon has released, and multiplying that by the number of days remaining in the fiscal year.

Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, estimated that the active-duty deployment would cost about $400m for the remainder of the fiscal year, if troop levels remain where they are now.

All told, the cost of the deployments would approach $1bn at the minimum estimate by the end of September, as long as the troop presence and activity level aren't altered significantly.

The figure is within the range of at least one past deployment. President George W Bush deployed up to 6,000 National Guard troops to border states during Operation Jump Start from 2006 to 2008 at a cost of $1.2bn, according to the Government Accountability Office.

A year-long National Guard deployment of up to 1,200 troops by President Barack Obama from 2010 to 2011, known as Operation Phalanx, cost about $145m, the office reported. Because the report was released before the end of the operation, part of the cost figure is an estimate.

The possible $1bn price tag for the border deployment through the end of September is a small slice of the $716bn defence budget and a tiny expenditure compared with the amount of money the Pentagon has spent on other military missions.

As of last March, for example, the Pentagon had spent more than $1.5tn on the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria since the 9/11 attacks, according to a department report.

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

This is much more of a political issue than a fiscal issue, in that even if the total cost comes to a billion dollars... that's in a more than $700bn budget, Mr Cancian said. That's not even one per cent. He said the question isn't whether the military can afford the deployment, but rather whether it's worth doing.

While some costs for the deployments are likely to come from the existing budget, some will not and likely need to be shifted from other areas, Mr Cancian said.

The cost of the border deployment has attracted the ire of Trump's critics, who have described it as a political stunt rather than a necessary response to a national security crisis.

The president is poised to waste well over $1bn on this dubious mission, as he sends thousands of active duty service members back to the border to lay concertina wire, change tires, and shovel manure, Anthony Brown, a retired colonel in the US Army Reserve and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said in a statement.

President Trump's use of our men and women in uniform as toy soldiers in this fraught political game is deeply damaging to our ability to respond to real threats.

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Defenders of the president emphasise that the cost of the deployment and the border wall is small in the grand scheme of US government spending, and say the situation on the border presents a crisis  one that Mr Trump described on Tuesday as a threat to the safety, security, and financial well-being of all Americans.

Speaking at a hearing last week, Representative Mike Rogers said the military had been sending troops to the border since the Alamo and, referring to the dispute over the border wall funding, expressed exasperation that Congress was fussing over $5.7bn in fencing and it cost us $11bn to shut the government down. But he said the government needs to provide more funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes CBP, rather than using Department of Defence resources to back up border operations.

What's it going to take for us to not have to continue this pattern? Mr Rogers said. We're going to have to adequately fund the Department of Homeland Security, instead of continually reaching into DoD to subsidize that department. It has been inadequately funded since its inception by Republican and Democrat administrations. That has to be addressed.

Washington Post
A police sergeant in Virginia who was assigned to monitor the protests related to Governor Ralph Northam has been suspended after being identified by an anti-fascist group as having an affinity with white nationalist groups.

Robert A Stamm, 36, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of a review, the Virginia Division of Capitol Police said in a statement.

Sgt Stamm joined the division in 2014 and was promoted to his current rank last year, officials said.

There is a review policy in place, and we will follow that policy, Colonel Anthony S Pike, the divisions chief, said in the statement.

Sgt Stamm declined to comment.

Authorities said they were made aware of a possible violation of division policy by Sgt Stamm earlier this week.

A police official specified that the possible violation that prompted the suspension was outlined in a blog post published by Antifascist of the Seven Hills. The group describes itself as an organisation that seeks to fight fascists in Richmond, Virginia, as communists and anarchists united in militant opposition.

The group published several pictures  apparently pulled from Mr Stamms social media accounts  of what it said was him with tattoos, flags and banners it said were symbols and images associated with Nazis and white supremacists.

Brian Levin of the Centre for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, said some of the symbols could have dual messages.

For instance, the Wolfsangel symbol  which resembles one of the tattoos  is a centuries-old insignia that was later used in Nazi Germany, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

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

These symbols, whether Wolfsangel or others, embrace Nordic history and culture, Mr Levin said. A lot of this has been appropriated by modern-day white supremacists and neo-Nazis.

The anti-fascist group said Sgt Stamm came to its attention during the recent protests on the Capitol grounds during which people have demanded that Mr Northam resign over a racist photo in his medical school yearbook.

Anti-fascists noticed he had a large plaster covering his neck during one of the protests, the group said in its blog post. The police official confirmed that Mr Stamm had been assigned to patrol Virginias Executive Mansion at least twice in recent days.

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The group also alleges that on Sgt Stamms Facebook page  which, along with other social media accounts appears to have been deleted  he was friends with a number of people who claim to be associated with the group Asatru Folk Assembly and at one point earlier this year added a profile photo of himself with what the group said was the Asatru Folk Assembly logo overlaid on it.

The Southern Poverty Law Centre has called the Asatru Folk Assembly perhaps this countrys largest neo-Volkisch hate group. Neo-Volkisch adherents, the law centre says, are spirituality premised on the survival of white Europeans and the preservation of dead or dying cultures they presume to embody and organised around ethnocentricity and archaic notions of gender.

As recently as 2015, the FBI foiled a plot by two men in the Richmond area who ascribed to a white supremacy extremist version of the Asatru faith, an FBI agent wrote in a federal affidavit. The plot, the agent alleged, involved shooting or bombing black churches and Jewish synagogues and doing harm to a gun store owner.

The New York Times
Four women have accused the former president of Costa Rica who won the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize of sexual misconduct, including one woman who filed a criminal complaint.

Eleonora Antillon is the latest of the four to accuse Oscar Arias Sanchez of unprovoked and unwanted touching or sexual assault over a 48-hour period.

Ms Antillon, a former talk show host known by her nickname, Nono, said that Mr Arias sexually assaulted her in 1986, when he was a presidential candidate and she was a press aide.

After reading an article on social media on Tuesday saying a woman had accused Mr Arias of sexual assualt, she wrote: From personal experience with him, I BELIEVE her!!

The allegations are a serious blow to the legacy of Mr Arias, who won the Nobel Prize in 1987 for his effort to bring peace to Central America. Twice president of Costa Rica, he has been one of Latin Americas most respected figures.

Recommended Harvey Weinstein sex assault case will proceed

Two former journalists and a book editor came forward after the New York Times and Seminario Universidad published accounts by a psychiatrist at a state hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica, who filed a formal criminal complaint aginst Mr Arias four years ago. She said that the former president grabbed her and forced his fingers inside her.

People end up thinking, If she dared, others will dare,' Ms Antillon said. I want to unmask the impostor politician.

Prosecutors opened an investigation on Tuesday after the psychiatrist, Alexandra Arce von Herold, 34, gave a formal statement, saying Mr Arias had sexually accosted her in his home office. She left the country to avoid the scandal and could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

Mr Arias categorically denied the assault allegations, saying he never acted in a way that disrespected the will of any woman.

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 Antillon said Mr Arias recruited her from her job in television to work as a press aide on his campaign. In one of their earliest meetings, he put his hands on her leg, she said. Another time, he put her hand on his erect penis. When she resisted, he pushed her against a wardrobe and kissed her, she said. She clenched her mouth shut, and he licked her face, Ms Antillon said.

At no moment did I scream, she said. I did not call for help. She didn't tell anyone about the incident at the time.

Ms Antillon, now 60, said she completed her three-month contract on the campaign and went back to her regular job.

New York Times
A federal appeals court in Alabama has delayed the execution of a Muslim inmate who said the prison was violating his religious rights by barring an imam from being present during the lethal injection.

The death row prisoner, Domineque Ray, was scheduled to be executed on Thursday evening for raping and murdering a 15-year-old girl in 1995, according to court documents. He has been imprisoned at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama, for nearly 20 years.

In Wednesdays order, a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit found that Ray, 42, had a powerful claim that the prisons refusal to allow the presence of an imam in the execution chamber violated his constitutional rights.

The panel reversed a District Court decision that refused Ray a stay of execution, maintaining that he had waited too long to bring his legal claim against the prisons commissioner.

According to court documents, a prison warden explained the policies around death penalty proceedings to Ray on 23 January. At that point, the warden refused his requests to have an imam with him in the execution chamber and to exclude the state-employed chaplain from the room.

Because he is a Muslim, he is being denied this crucial spiritual assistance in his final moments, Rays defence lawyers, Spencer J Hahn and John Anthony Palombi, wrote in their motion for the stay of execution.

According to Alabamas Department of Corrections, a Protestant chaplain, Chris Summers, is traditionally present for executions and has witnessed nearly every one in the state since 1997. The chaplain prays with the death row inmate during his or her final minutes if the inmate requests it. If not, he stands to the side.

In court documents, the states office of the attorney general has argued that the prison denied Rays request in order to maintain the prisons safety and security. The chaplain is allowed there because he is trained in execution protocol, according to the states court filing.

He is not merely a random clergyman pulled in off the street for executions, the office wrote.

Because Ray was informed of his execution date in November and was imprisoned in Atmore for nearly two decades, the attorney generals office said he should have known about the prisons protocol. This 11th-hour filing smacks of gamesmanship, the office wrote.

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

Rays lawyers wrote in a court filing that he was unaware of the specific policies around religious figures in the execution chamber until two weeks ago.

The prison eventually agreed to fulfil Rays request to exclude the Christian chaplain from the execution chambers, but it would not allow the imam to be present, according to court documents. The imam, however, would be allowed to be with Ray until the moment he enters the execution chamber.

In the appeals court decision, Judge Stanley Marcus wrote that the prisons willingness to exclude the chaplain did not alleviate the constitutional issue at hand: that the prison is apparently favouring one religious denomination over another.

On Wednesday, the state appealed the stay of execution to the U.S. Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court refuses the states appeal, Rays case will return to the appeals court, where judges will consider his claim that the prisons refusal to allow an imam in the execution chamber violates his constitutional rights, Hahn said in an email.

Christine A Freeman, the executive director of the Middle District of Alabama Federal Defender Programme, which is representing Ray, said it was pleased with the appeals court decision to delay the execution and that it planned to respond to the states challenge on Thursday morning.

Richard D Anderson, Alabamas assistant attorney general, did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday evening.

Ray has been a devout Muslim since 2006 and has been meeting for years with Imam Yusef Maisonet, who provides religious ministry to inmates at the Alabama prison. Maisonet said in a phone interview that it was important for him to be present inside the execution chambers to ensure that the last words Ray utters are a confirmation of his faith.

Mr Maisonet said he wanted the prison to change its policy so that a Christian, Muslim or Jewish religious leader could be present during an execution.

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Were trying to turn a new leaf in how the Department of Corrections executes its inmates, he said. Were just trying to reach a compromise with them.

Despite the appeals courts decision to stay the execution, Mr Maisonet said he was asked to come to the prison on Thursday in case the US Supreme Court fulfils the states request to proceed and he is needed as Rays spiritual adviser. According to the states emergency petition to the Supreme Court, Rays execution warrant expires just before noon on Thursday. The state asked for an expedited review.

New York Times
A Florida woman has been arrested for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend with a frozen piece of meat.

The police believe Jennifer Brassard, 48, attacked her boyfriend by throwing a frozen pork chop at him after an argument escalated. The argument reportedly took place around 10pm on Friday, and around that time Ms Brassard allegedly hurled the pork chop at her boyfriend, hitting him right above the left eye, police say.

The arrest report stated the man left the scene and that he suffered a half inch laceration from the frozen pork chop attack.

On 02/01/2019, at approximately 2145 hours, the defendant and victim were engaged in a verbal argument, the report said. During the verbal argument, the defendant threw a frozen pork chop at the victim, striking him on his left eyebrow causing an approximate half-inch laceration.

The police interviewed both Ms Brassard and her partner before determining that the Brooksville woman was the perpetrator. The report also said she had been dating her boyfriend for about one year and that they have been living together at the time of the incident.

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 Brassard was booked into county jail and released on a $250 bond. The judge presiding her bond hearing ordered her to not contact her boyfriend.

It is uncertain whether or not the pork chop was taken in for evidence.

She faces a domestic battery charge. It is unclear whether she has yet been assigned a lawyer or has had a chance to enter a plea.
Jill Abramson has been accused of plagiarising sections of her new book Merchants of Truth: The Business of News and the Fight for Facts, an allegation the former New York Times executive editor denies.

On Wednesday, Ms Abramson was confronted about the allegationswhich were popularised by VICE correspondent Michael Moynihans viral tweets earlier that daywhile appearing on Fox News.

Host Martha McCallum asked Ms Abramson if she had any comment on the several examples of alleged plagiarism Mr Moynihan brought forward. The 64-year-old author said: I really dont.

All I can tell you is I certainly didnt plagiarise in my book and theres 70 pages of footnotes showing where I got the information, she added.

Simon and SchusterMs Abramsons publisherdescribed the book, published this month, as a definitive report on the disruption of the news media over the last decade, focusing on on the New York Times, BuzzFeed, VICE and the Washington Post as they plow through a revolution in technology, economics, standards, commitment, and endurance that pits old vs new media.

Mr Moynihans tweets on Wednesday highlighted three chapters where Ms Abramson wrote on VICE, and pointed out to examples where languages seem to have been copied from articles published in the New Yorker, Columbia Journalism Review and Time Out.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The VICE correspondent said there were plenty more cases of enormous factual errors, other cribbed passages, single or unsourced claims.

Ms Abramson defended these allegations on Fox News by claiming that Mr Moynihans complaint is based on his disapproval of the authors portrayal of VICE.

Many people from VICE have been taking issue with the book, she said. I think they dont like the portrayal of Vice although I think its a very balanced portrait and I have a lot of praise for some of their journalists and some of their stories. I like their fresh approach to news.

Mr Moynihan fired back at the former NYTs editor Fox News interview on Twitter, pointing out there are several examples of alleged plagiarism he cited that were not mentioned in her endnotes.

 Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Regardless, *even if you cite it deep in the footnotes,* its still plagiarism, Mr Moynihan tweeted. This is something the former executive editor of NYT should understand.

Late on Wednesday night, Ms Abramson said she would look into these allegations.

I take seriously the issues raised and will review the passages in question.
The mystery of how at least seven sets of cremated remains were left in an abandoned funeral home is being investigate by police in Detroit.

Discovered by an "urban explorer" in a basement of the former Howell Funeral Home, he took photographs of the remains before tipping off the Detroit Free Press newspaper, who in turn alerted the city's police force.

He told the newspaper that death certificates were alongside the remains, which were in boxes on a shelf.

They were on the shelves in the basement in the old embalming room," he said.

A spokesman for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, which is responsible for the state's funeral homes, said it would open a consumer complaint to start an investigation.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The discovery came a week after 11 fetal remains were found inside the defunct Cantrell Funeral Home in Detroit after an anonymous tip off.

It had been closed for months when the remains were found.

In October, the remains of 63 fetuses were found in another funeral home, leading the state to suspend its license and close the facility.
Cameroon has apologised to Israel after a minister called Jewish people arrogant and implied they brought the Holocaust on themselves.

Deputy justice minister Jean de Dieu Momo appeared to suggest arrested opposition leader Maurice Kamto was leading the Bamileke people to a similar fate.

Speaking during a prime time TV programme on Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) on Sunday, Mr Momo said: In Germany, there was a community that was wealthy and wielded all economic power, it was the Jews.

They were so arrogant that Germans felt frustrated. Then, one day, a certain Hitler came to power and put them in the gas chambers.

He added: Educated people like Mr Kamto need to know where they are leading their people.

Remembering the Holocaust Show all 16 1 /16 Remembering the Holocaust Remembering the Holocaust 119165.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119169.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119229.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119167.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119162.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119166.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119163.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119224.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119168.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119228.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119152.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119226.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119150.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119151.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119147.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119231.bin Hannah Bills

Mr Kamto, a former government minister, was arrested on 28 January along with a number of other opposition figures after claiming he won last years election.

He and Mr Momo are both of Bamileke descent.

The Embassy of Israel in Cameroon said it was deeply shocked by the gravely disappointing antisemitic comments.

The member of government makes a tacit justification of the holocaust by Nazi Germany, it said in a statement.

The embassy strongly condemns these statements, expects an immediate apology and will pay close attention to reparatory steps taken.

The Cameroon government said it deplores the ministers comments but has not said whether he will face any repercussions.
Theresa May is returning to Westminster facing ministerial resignations after she left talks with EU leaders over her Brexit deal empty-handed.

With another vote in the Commons due next week, a minister said colleagues on Ms Mays own front bench are ready to quit if there is no breakthrough in talks with Brussels.

She was told on Thursday by a string of EU chiefs that the controversial backstop in the withdrawal agreement was not up for negotiation  and that she should instead change her red lines to win Labour support and take the deal over the line.

In a climbdown that is likely to enrage hardline Brexiteers, she also abandoned instructions from Tory MPs to drop the backstop entirely, clarifying in meetings with EU leaders that she was instead seeking changes to it.

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker told the prime minister on Thursday that the EU27 would not reopen the withdrawal agreement  describing it as a carefully balanced compromise between the European Union and the UK, in which both sides have made significant concessions to arrive at a deal.

Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Show all 13 1 /13 Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Esther McVey Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the cabinet at 10 Downing Street in London. - Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet over draft Brexit deal AFP/Getty Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Dominic Raab British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab give a press conference at the end of the final round of talks in Brexit negotiations at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium EPA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Rehman Chrishti Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Rehman Chrishti tendered his resignation letter this afternoon PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Anne-Marie Trevelyan Parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Education Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigned stating that she cannot support the deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Sam Gyimah Universities minister Sam Gyimah resigned on November 30, claiming the government's decision to pull out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system as a deciding factor PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Shailesh Vara Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland, saying he cannot support Theresa May's Brexit agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation" PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Suella Braverman Brexit minister Suella Braverman has resigned, stating It is not what the British people, or my constituents, voted for in 2016. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Ranil Jayawardena Parliamentary private secretary to the ministry of justice Ranil Jayawardena resigned as he could not back the deal "in good conscience"

Donald Tusk, the European Council president, said after his meeting with the PM there was still no breakthrough in sight and that talks will continue, while the European parliaments Brexit chief Guy Verhofstadt warned: For us, an all-weather backstop is absolutely key and if there are problems with the backstop as it is absolutely seen, our proposal is to try and solve the problem in the political declaration.

He added: Mrs May today in the meeting assured us that there will be a backstop.

What she said already in Belfast: theres no question to remove the backstop, because that is absolutely necessary for securing and safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement, internal market and peace process, he said.

But back in Westminster Stephen Hammond, a health minister, set a deadline of the next crunch Commons votes  on 14 February  for the prime minister to show firm evidence of progress to prevent the catastrophe of crashing out of the EU.

The opportunity to ensure that no deal doesnt happen by mistake and the opportunity to block that is there, he told The House magazine in an interview.

 Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt: Theresa May 'assured us that there will be a backstop' during talks

I have no doubt that many of my colleagues and I will take that opportunity if that appears to be the eventuality.

The warning from the anti-no-deal ministers came as the government confirmed MPs will be given a fresh opportunity to seize control of Brexit policy next week, by tabling amendments to a No 10 motion.

The showdown is almost certain not to be a second meaningful vote on the deal itself, with Ms May bogged down by Brussels refusal to make changes to the Irish backstop.

Instead, pro-EU MPs will table a repeat of the Yvette Cooper amendment  to force Ms May to seek an extension of Article 50, if she cannot pass her deal  which was defeated by 23 votes last week.

Cabinet ministers are likely to push again for a free vote, after Greg Clark, the business secretary, said exporters faced a deadline of next week to know a no deal will be averted.

Mr Hammond  a staunch opponent of a hard Brexit until he joined the government in November  pointed out that the Commons had already agreed that no deal is a calamitous outcome.

Asked if he would resign to vote for the equivalent of the Cooper amendment on 14 February, he replied: We will all have to look into our conscience at that stage.

But I dont think anyone can doubt my principles and what my view would be if that is the last opportunity.

He added: Ive always argued for what is commonly termed as a soft Brexit. I still believe that no deal would be a catastrophe for this country.

Mr Hammond is the second minister to set a deadline of next week for firm progress towards passing a deal, after Richard Harrington, the business minister, did the same.

Meanwhile, senior No 10 officials denied the prime minister had told Mr Verhofstadt that her energies were focused on changes to the backstop, rather than replacing it  as she whipped Tory MPs to support last week.

Pointing to a possible time limit, an exit mechanism and technology-based alternative arrangements, one said: There are three options and we continue to work on all of those.

In a joint statement the British government and European Commission said Ms May had had a robust but constructive meeting with president Mr Juncker, and that the pair would meet again before the end of the month.

The two negotiating teams have been formally stood down since the withdrawal agreement was agreed between the two sides last year, with the EU saying it did not anticipate any further meetings. But with MPs in Westminster blocking the ratification of the agreement, officials will begin meeting again.

The joint statement said the gathering was held in a spirit of working together to achieve the UKs orderly withdrawal from the EU.

Theresa May is said to have explained the situation in Westminster to Mr Juncker and raised various options for dealing with these concerns.

But Mr Juncker responded by underlining that the EU27 would not reopen the withdrawal agreement  describing it as a carefully balanced compromise between the European Union and the UK, in which both sides have made significant concessions to arrive at a deal.

Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Show all 11 1 /11 Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) and a pro-Brexit protester argue as they demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A pro-Brexit protester argues Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround the pro-Brexit protester after he confronted Steve Bray, a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer as he argues with a remain supporter, Steve Bray, outside Parliament PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament MPs in Parliament are to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week after her December vote was called off in the face of a major defeat Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police look on as anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament. Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police hold back a leave supporter PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A police officer speaks with anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround a pro-Brexit protester after he confronted a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Conservative MP David Davies, wearing a gopro camera, speaks to anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images

However, he expressed his openness to add wording to the political declaration agreed by the EU27 and the UK in order to be more ambitious in terms of content and speed when it comes to the future relationship between the European Union and the UK, according to the read-out of the meeting.

The statement concluded: The discussion was robust but constructive. Despite the challenges, the two leaders agreed that their teams should hold talks as to whether a way through can be found that would gain the broadest possible support in the UK parliament and respect the guidelines agreed by the European Council. The prime minister and the president will meet again before the end of February to take stock of these discussions.

Ms Mays meeting Mr Tusk comes a day after he caused a row by warning that there was a special place in hell for those who promoted Brexit without even a basic plan for how to actually enact it. Speaking after her meeting she said: Ive raised with President Tusk the language that he used yesterday which was not helpful and caused widespread dismay in the UK. The point I made to him is that we should both be working to ensure we should deliver a close relationship between the UK and EU in the future and thats what he should be focusing on.

Speaking on her way back to London, she added: Ive had a good series of meetings today. Weve had robust discussions but theyve been constructive.

What Ive set out is our clear position, that we must secure legally binding changes to the withdrawal agreement to deal with the concerns that parliament has over the backstop. Taking that, changes with the backstop, together with the other work were doing on workers rights and other issues, will deliver a stable majority in parliament. Thats what Ive continued to push for.
The Home Office should lose the power to detain people in immigration detention centres, MPs have said in a report which also calls for an end to locking people up indefinitely.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) said the current system should be urgently reformed to make it more fair and humane, and urged that more should to be done to make detention estates less like prisons.

It also called for a 28-day time limit to end the trauma of indefinite detention, recommending that only in exceptional circumstances should the Home Office be able to apply to a judge who would decide whether a further period of detention should be authorised.

Calls to end indefinite detention in the UK were recently backed by the UN refugee agency, and home secretary Sajid Javid last year pledged to look into how time limits on the detention of immigrants work in other countries.

The committee said that under the current immigration detention system, mistakes were inevitable because there was no independence in the decision making as the power to detain is wielded by the department which is charged with deportations and removals.

Citing the series of mistakes accepted by the Home Office in detention cases involving Commonwealth members of the Windrush generation, the report notes a lack of rigour in detention decisions.

Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Show all 15 1 /15 Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaican immigrants being welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' landed them at Tilbury. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner who arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex, speaking at his home in Leeds PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner in Leeds shortly after he arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Gardner was 22 years old when he boarded the ship in Kingston, Jamaica, with his brother Gladstone before they and hundreds of Caribbean migrants called on to rebuild post-war Britain disembarked the ship in Tilbury Docks PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner (right), during his RAF service in 1947 PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The son of Ruth Williams, a Windrush-generation immigrant, wants to the leave the country after threats of deportation. According to his mother, Mr Haynes applied for British citizenship in 2016 but was rejected, despite Ms Williams having lived in the UK almost permanently since arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1959. Ruth Williams, 75, said she felt "betrayed" by Britain after the Home Office twice turned down applications for her 35-year-old son, Mozi Haynes, to remain in the country. Ms Williams is understood to have cancer and said she relies heavily on her son for support. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in 1954. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Ruth Williams, 75, with her British passport. "I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country," she said. "This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. "I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has applied to the Home Office and been refused twice." PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin arrive at Tilbury on the Empire Windrush in the hope of finding work in Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaicans reading a newspaper whilst on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' bound for Tilbury docks in Essex. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK After half a century in Britain, Anthony Bryan decided it was time to go abroad. But the decision set off a nightmare that saw him lose his job, detained twice and almost deported to Jamaica. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaica-born Anthony Bryan poses outside his home in Edmonton, north London. Now 60 and a grandfather, Bryan thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, as he legally moved to Britain with his family as part of the Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them indefinite leave to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Newly arrived Jamaican immigrants on board the 'Empire Windrush' at Tilbury in 1948. Getty

It said that in cases where the Home Office plans to detain a person  which applied to 45 per cent of cases  it should ask an independent body for authority to make a detention order.

Descirbing the process, chair of the committee Harriet Harman said: A civil servant  nameless, faceless and behind closed doors  just ticks a box to detain them. The first that person will know about it is when someone bangs on their door in the early hours of the morning to bundle them into an immigration enforcement van and take them to a detention centre.

Those we get to hear about are probably only the tip of the iceberg, but we do know that 21m was paid out by the Home Office in just five years to compensate for wrongful detention, and terrible mistakes are certainly what happened in the Windrush cases.

The committee said it had looked at the Home Office files of Windrush citizens who had been unable to prove their UK residence, and that there was masses of evidence, including records of national insurance contributions going back decades.

If there had been any independence in the decision making, these people would never have been detained, yet they were detained not once but twice. The papers in their files were ignored, and the pleas of their families were swept aside, Ms Harman added.

After the right to life, the right not to be unlawfully detained is one of the most important human rights. It should not be the case that a person has fewer protections from wrongful detention as an immigrant than they would if they had actually committed a crime.

The MPs also said detainees should have better and more consistent access to legal aid to challenge their detention, and that a reinstatement of legal aid for immigration cases should be considered.

Sam Grant, policy and campaigns manager for Liberty, supported the calls, describing indefinite detention as an ineffective and inefficient waste of money and human life.

Bella Sankey, director of Detention Action, also backed the calls, saying a 28-day time limit was urgently needed along with early judicial oversight and safeguards against cat and mouse re-detentions.

The JCHR has expertly laid bare the injustice and abuse inherent in our current system. Parliament will have the opportunity to take this historic step when it considers the immigration bill and we urge MPs of all parties to take it, she added.

Recommended UN backs calls for time limit on UK immigration detention

Leila Zadeh, executive director of UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group, welcomed the report but called for the government to bring an end to the detention of LGBT+ people, saying it was wholly inappropriate

They run a significant risk of being locked up among other people who may display the same discriminatory attitudes and hostility from which they have fled. They also frequently struggle to be granted refugee status if they have to make their asylum applications from inside a detention centre, she added.

A Home Office spokesperson said: Immigration detention is an important part of the wider immigration system, but we are committed to usingdetention sparingly and only when necessary. Ninety-five per cent of people liable for removal at any one time are managed in the community.

Any decision to detain someone is reviewed by a Detention Gatekeeper who acts independently from referring and case working teams to ensure an individuals suitability for detention has been fully assessed, and any vulnerabilities have been considered.

An individual is only detained when there is realistic prospect of removal within a reasonable timescale. We do not detain people indefinitely, and the law does not allow it.
The young will neither forget nor forgive the politicians responsible for Brexit if they end up being its biggest victims, John Major has warned.

The former Conservative prime minister issued a chilling warning to his own party that it will be punished by a generation that fear for their future as the UK leaves the EU.

In a speech, Sir John echoed independent forecasts that Brexit will deliver far worse times and that those who will suffer the most are those who have the least.

I can recall nothing to match this, said the supporter of a Final Say referendum on the Brexit outcome, speaking in Newcastle.

It is the first time in our long history that any British government has embraced a policy of self-harm, despite their own advisers warning that it will make our nation weaker  and our people poorer.

A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Show all 65 1 /65 A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit An estimated 700,000 people marched through London to demand a final say on the withdrawal agreement Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Red smoke from a canister hangs in the air as around 100,000 demonstrators march through London during a People's Vote anti-brexit demonstration savings banners and placards Anti-Brexit People's Vote March for the Future in London Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Protesters wearing final Say shirts and holding placards Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit MP Chuka Umunna (left) and MP Vince Cable (right) as MP Anna Soubry (centre) addresses Anti-Brexit campaigners at a rally after the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A Peoples Vote march attendee calls for a Final Say Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators with banners 'We're with EU' during the People's Vote March for the Future in London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Protesters at Londons march for the future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Editor of The Independent Christian Broughton speaks to demonstrators in Parliament Sqaure after they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A poster at the March for the Future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 campaigner wrapped in EU flag Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators pass Trafalgar Square as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators wave Union and European flags and hold up placards as they pass Trafalgar Square, taking part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A demonstrator holds a message during a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators take part in the 'People's Vote March for the Future,' in central London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A protester brandishes an Independent t-shirt during the Brexit March Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Tens of thousands of people take part in People's Vote March for the Future in central London. The march organised by the People's Vote campaign is led by young people calling for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA

Sir John added: Over time, the young may prove to be the biggest losers.

In advance of Brexit, they fear for their future. Post Brexit  if they turn out to be right  they may neither forget nor forgive those responsible.

Recommended EU and UK agree to restart Brexit talks after May visits Brussels

The prime minister from 1990 to 1997 also attacked the surge in food bank use under the Conservatives and its rejection of the need to cut relative  rather than absolute  poverty.

Relative poverty  the invisible poverty that often bypasses social safety nets  is still a potent issue, he said.

It cannot be right that  in the fifth or sixth richest nation in the world  food banks have become essential in the lives of so many people.

And poverty amid plenty  is corrosive. It alienates and breeds resentment. The human spirit can endure great hardship; but inequality gives it a bitter edge.

The speech comes after Sir John became the first Conservative to call effectively for Brexit to be scrapped, saying the government should revoke Article 50 with immediate effect.

He also urged Theresa May to give her ministers free votes on all the Brexit options and relegate herself to being a mediator to solve the crisis.

The prime minister was urged to recognise that MPs had killed her deal and that attempts to revive it with minor tinkering  while sticking to her strict red lines - were doomed to failure.

Sir John also highlighted how the governments own forecasts suggested the North Easts economy would crash by 16 per cent under a no-deal Brexit.

In recent decades  through no fault of its own  the North East has lost shipyards, coal mines and glass manufacturing, he said.

No government could  or would  stand by and watch that happen  but even the fear of it suggests that measures to protect the North East must be put in place  and quickly.
 Close Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt: Theresa May 'assured us that there will be a backstop' during talks

Theresa May has risked Brexiteer fury by assuring European leaders that the divisive Irish backstop will remain in any final deal.

Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament's Brexit chief, said Ms May told senior MEPs "there is no question to remove the backstop", which acts as an insurance policy against a hard border on the island of Ireland.

The prime minister held "robust" talks with European Commission chief Jean Claude Juncker in Brussels, where the pair agreed to open negotiations on the future relationship between the UK and the EU.

But Mr Juncker stuck by his refusal to reopen the Brexit deal, dampening hopes that the EU could allow Ms May to strip the backstop from the agreement to appease MPs.

It comes as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn faced a row from his own MPs after laying out the terms under which the party would back Ms Mays deal  but making no reference to a second referendum.

Here is how we covered the days events:
Two Labour MPs have said they are considering quitting the party in protest at Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

Owen Smith and Luciana Berger both suggested they would resign if the Labour leader helps Theresa May take Britain out of the EU.

Mr Smith, a supporter of the campaign for a fresh referendum, said it was "possible" he would leave if Labour allows Brexit to happen, while Ms Berger repeatedly refused to rule out resigning.

Another Labour MP, Chris Leslie, hinted at the weekend that he could also quit, telling The Observer: "A lot of peoples patience is being tested right now. I think there are some questions we are all going to have to face, especially if Labour enables Brexit.

It comes amid a fresh row over Labour's Brexit policy after Mr Corbyn appeared to soften his stance and reached out to Ms May.

Recommended EU and UK agree to restart Brexit talks after May visits Brussels

Mr Smith, who ran against Mr Corbyn for the party leadership in 2016, admitted he was "considering" whether he could continue to serve as an MP under the left-winger's leadership,

Asked by BBC Radio 5Live if he could "in all good conscience remain a member of the Labour Party", he replied: "I think that's a very good question and I think it's something that I and lots of other people are considering right now."

He suggested he would not be leaving imminently, saying he had not "come to that decision", and added: "Those of us who believe that Brexit is wrong in principle for our country and wrong in practice still have an opportunity to influence the Labour Party and to seek the Labour Party to pursue what I think would be the right course of action."

But asked if he would resign if Ms May's Brexit deal is passed next month, he replied: "That's possible."

Ms Berger, another supporter of the campaign for a Final Say referendum, also refused to rule out leaving the party.

The Liverpool Wavertree MP has been the victim of anti-Jewish abuse and frequently criticised Mr Corbyn's response to antisemitism.

Interviewed on ITV's Peston, she refused to deny being part of discussions about a breakaway party, admitting there was "a disaffection with the lack of leadership were seeing on all sides".

Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Show all 11 1 /11 Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) and a pro-Brexit protester argue as they demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A pro-Brexit protester argues Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround the pro-Brexit protester after he confronted Steve Bray, a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer as he argues with a remain supporter, Steve Bray, outside Parliament PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament MPs in Parliament are to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week after her December vote was called off in the face of a major defeat Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police look on as anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament. Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police hold back a leave supporter PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A police officer speaks with anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround a pro-Brexit protester after he confronted a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Conservative MP David Davies, wearing a gopro camera, speaks to anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images

Pushed on whether she might leave the party over Brexit, she said: Im focused on Brexit - thats my responsibility as a constituency MP.

She added: Theres many people that have many different challenges, not just Brexit, in terms of seeing leadership from all the main political parties.

Three Labour MPs - John Woodcock, Ivan Lewis and Frank Field - have already quit the party in protest at Mr Corbyn's leadership.

Many more are furious at his refusal to support a fresh referendum on Brexit.

 Brexit: What is the Irish border backstop?

The anger deepened this week after the Labour leader wrote to Ms May saying he would be willing to support a Brexit deal if she agrees to five conditions, including a customs union with the EU and guarantees on workers' rights.

More than 80 Labour MPs want the public to be given the final say on leaving the EU, with many criticising Mr Corbyn for suggesting he is willing to help Ms May deliver Brexit.

The Labour leader is set to write to party members, the vast majority of whom also want another referendum, to explain his position and insist that a fresh public vote remains on the table.
The European parliaments Brexit chief has welcomed Jeremy Corbyns new EU exit plan and endorsed calls for a cross-party conensus in Westminster to prevent a no deal.

Theresa May travelled to Brussels on Thursday for meetings with representatives from the European Commission, European Council and European parliament after her MPs told her they could not support the deal she had struck unless a controversial backstop cause was removed.

Though the European Commission and UK government agreed to find a way through and restart meetings, all the EU chiefs Ms May spoke to were emphatic that the withdrawal agreement  and thus the backstop  was not up for negotiation.

But Brussels is putting increasing pressure on the prime minister to think again about her red lines for the future relationship between the UK and EU  such as on a customs union, or alignment to the single market.

EU officials hope that if Ms May moves her position closer to that of Labour there could be a majority to pass the deal. She is said to have told leaders behind closed doors that she accepts the backstop cannot be scrapped  in a move likely to enrage her Eurosceptic Tory MPs.

Speaking after a meeting with the prime minister in Brussels, Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt said we welcome the letter the Labour leader had sent to the prime minister laying out his partys alternative proposals.

We have reiterated that we cannot have an agreement with uncertainty in the UK based on majorities of six, seven, eight, nine votes in the House of Commons, Mr Verhofstadt said in a joint press conference with the parliaments president Antonio Tajani.

That cross-party cooperation is the way forward and I think I can say that we welcome the letter that Jeremy Corbyn has written to Mrs May to offer such a cross-party exit, I should say, to the Brexit.

Its important now that this leads to a position in the UK that has the broadest possible majority so that we can conclude this negotiation.

He also confirmed that Ms May had in the meeting not sought to scrap the backstop and conceded it was necessary, adding: Mrs May today in the meeting assured us that there will be a backstop. What she said already in Belfast: theres no question to remove the backstop, because that is absolutely necessary for securing and safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement, internal market, and peace process.

The prime minister is understood to have received a similar message from Donald Tusk, the European Council president who represents the collective views of member states.

Recommended Jeremy Corbyn writes to Theresa May outlining his five Brexit demands

Sources with knowledge of the meeting between Mr Tusk and the prime minister said the president told Ms May that the Corbyn plan could be a promising way out of the impasse, according to Buzzfeed News.

EU officials who examined the Labour plan believe it to be broadly in line with EU negotiating guidelines, the website says.

Labour last night called for a permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union, close alignment with the single market underpinned by shared institutions, protections on workers rights, and UK participation in some EU agencies. The policy moves the party closer to a so-called Norway+ Brexit that would keep the UK in the blocs orbit, though technically outside.

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.

The two negotiating teams have been formally stood down since the withdrawal agreement was agreed between the two sides last year, with the EU saying it did not anticipate any further meetings. But with MPs in Westminster blocking the ratification of the agreement, officials will begin meeting again.

The joint statement said the gathering was held in a spirit of working together to achieve the UKs orderly withdrawal from the EU.

Theresa May is said to have explained the situation in Westminster to Mr Juncker and raised various options for dealing with these concerns.

But Mr Juncker responded by underlining that the EU27 would not reopen the withdrawal agreement  describing it as a carefully balanced compromise between the European Union and the UK, in which both sides have made significant concessions to arrive at a deal.

He however expressed his openness to add wording to the political declaration agreed by the EU27 and the UK in order to be more ambitious in terms of content and speed when it comes to the future relationship between the European Union and the UK, according to the read-out of the meeting.

Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Show all 20 1 /20 Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit supporters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester adjusts her pro-EU wig AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A message to Jeremy Corbyn in support of a peoples vote Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A mock Titanic captained by Theresa May heads towards an iceberg in a stunt by campaigning group Avaaz AP Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides are in close contact outside of parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Paintings of Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester in Parliament Square Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Opposing protesters share the space outside parliament Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester holds EU balloons outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters stand on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament EPA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester sets up outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An Avaaz campaigner holds a Peoples Vote life float Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A demonstrator holds a sign advocating a no-deal Brexit outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester waves an EU flag on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides demonstrate outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides stand near parliament Reuters

The statement concluded: The discussion was robust but constructive. Despite the challenges, the two leaders agreed that their teams should hold talks as to whether a way through can be found that would gain the broadest possible support in the UK parliament and respect the guidelines agreed by the European Council. The prime minister and the president will meet again before the end of February to take stock of these discussions.

Ms Mays meeting Mr Tusk comes a day after he caused a row by warning that there was a special place in hell for those who promoted Brexit without even a basic plan for how to actually enact it. Speaking after her meeting she said: Ive raised with President Tusk the language that he used yesterday which was not helpful and caused widespread dismay in the UK. The point I made to him is that we should both be working to ensure we should deliver a close relationship between the UK and EU in the future and thats what he should be focusing on.

Speaking on her way back to London, she added: Ive had a good series of meetings today. Weve had robust discussions but theyve been constructive.

What Ive set out is our clear position: that we must secure legally binding changes to the withdrawal agreement to deal with the concerns that parliament has over the backstop. Taking that: changes with the backstop, together with the other work were doing on workers rights and other issues, will deliver a stable majority in parliament. Thats what Ive continued to push for.

Mr Tusk said there was still no breakthrough in sight and that talks will continue.
The home secretary is being urged to apologise for telling MPs deportees on a charter flight to Jamaica were all guilty of very serious crimes such as murder and rape after his department was forced to admit this was not the case.

MPs, campaigners and detainees themselves have united in condemnation of Sajid Javid after it emerged that among those flown to the island on Wednesday were people who had committed single drug or dangerous driving offences.

In a heated debate in parliament on Tuesday, Mr Javid claimed all deportees were all convicted of very serious crimes ... like rape and murder, firearms offences and drug-trafficking.

But the Home Office said on Wednesday that of the 29 people deported, just one had been found guilty of murder, while 14 had been convicted or drug offences and one was jailed for dangerous driving.

Detainees who narrowly avoided deportation said they felt they had been labelled for crimes they didnt commit, while relatives of deportees expressed fear that people in Jamaica would give their loved-ones a hostile reception because they had all been dubbed as serious criminals.

Labour MP David Lammy called on the Mr Javid to apologise, accusing him of deporting first and asking questions later without considering whether the public interest in the removals was greater than the harm caused to those deported and their families.

Vance Brown, the father of Chevon Brown, 23, who was placed on the flight after serving a seven-month sentence for a driving offence  the only crime he has been convicted of  said he felt sick to his stomach by the home secretarys claims.

Chevon Brown has been deported to Jamaica after spending seven months in jail for a driving offence  the only crime he has been convicted of (Vance Brown)

The 48-year-old, who had to arrange for his son to be picked up by a friend in Jamaica, said: [The government] has got no morals. It is so harsh. How can they said about so elses child when its a lie?

Chevon was caught in the bees mouth  the belly of the bee  only for a driving offence. So when Javid said it was murderers and rapists on the plane, that made me sick to my stomach. Its deplorable.

He misled the public. Its very hard to digest that, coming from the home secretary.

Mr Brown, who runs a barber shop in Oxford  a career his son had been hoping to pursue  said he had spoken to his son on the phone from Jamaica and that he was terrified about how he would be treated there due to the depiction of him and other deportees as serious criminals.

People gravitate to what they hear from the home secretary here. Theyre going to believe that, he said. It creates a big risk to him. He doesnt know what to do, who to go to. Hes saying, should I just give up on life? He was in tears.

Twenty-nine Jamaican nationals were removed on Wednesday on the flight which was initially expected to hold 50 deportees. The Independent knows of at least eight people who were granted last-minute reprieve  but there are expected to be more.

One of them was Owen Haisely, who has lived in the UK for 41 years and has three young British children. The 45-year-old, who was convicted for a domestic abuse incident in 2015 for which he spent a year in jail, said he felt hurt by Mr Javid claims.

Theyre labelling us. When their only answer is to falsely claim that we are all murderers, rapists, traffickers, it says a lot about how the government operates, said the Manchester resident.

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I know I did wrong with my domestic incident. But Im not a repeat offender. Ive gone to prison, done my sentence, done the rehabilitation. Im not going to reoffend.

The former DJ, who had been sharing a cell with Mr Brown in Harmondsworth detention centre when guards removed him on Wednesday, said of the 23-year-old: [Chevon] should still be here. He was labelled a murderer, a rapist, a trafficker.

And he only committed a driving offence. He wanted to set up his own business. Hes a positive guy, and hes only 23. Hes the next generation. He deserves a second chance.

All of those set to be removed on the flight had criminal convictions, but all have served their sentences in UK jails and campaigners argue that their removal  which for many means returning alone to a country they left as young children  constitutes a brutal double punishment.

Karen Doyle, of campaign group Movement for Justice, said Mr Javids remarks were patently untrue and a clear attempt to obfuscate the realities of the people affected and dampen public sympathy and support.

At the point when Sajid Javid said in parliament that those to be deported were all serious criminals, stressing murder and rape, it was patently untrue. This kind of dog-whistle racist propaganda against immigrants must stop, she said.

A Home Office spokesperson said: The crimes committed by the individuals include murder, rape and serious violence. The total combined sentence of their crimes is over 150 years imprisonment.

The law requires that we seek to deport foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality by committing crimes in the UK. This ensures we keep the public safe.
Debates over alleged antisemitism in the Labour Party may have sparked an increase in hate incidents against Jews in the UK, a report has found.

The Community Security Trust (CST) recorded a record high of 1,652 incidents in 2018, an increase of 16 per cent on the previous year.

The monitoring group said around one in 10 incidents were examples of, or related to arguments over, alleged antisemitism in the Labour Party, and that reports surged in two periods of controversy.

The CST said antisemitic attacks increased during focus on Jeremy Corbyns past support for a graffiti artist accused of painting an allegedly antisemitic mural. They spiked again amid debate over whether Labour would adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Association definition of antisemitism.

These periods saw an increased number of incidents directly related to those debates, while the increased attention paid to the issue of antisemitism is likely to have emboldened offenders and encouraged victims to report more incidents, its annual report said.

This does not mean that all Labour Party members, or supporters of Mr Corbyn, are antisemitic  an atmosphere of heightened public discussion of antisemitism, racism, hate crime and related issues can excite activity amongst those people who are already predisposed to carry out hate crimes.

Protests against Labour antisemitism Show all 14 1 /14 Protests against Labour antisemitism Protests against Labour antisemitism Protesters clashed during the demonstration Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism Members of the Jewish community hold a protest against Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn and antisemitism in the Labour Party AFP/Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism Protesters hold placards and flags during a demonstration, organised by the British Board of Jewish Deputies for those who oppose antisemitism, in Parliament Square Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism Hundreds of people gathered in Parliament Square to protest against antisemitism in the Labour Party EPA Protests against Labour antisemitism Labour MP Luciana Berger speaks during the protest PA Protests against Labour antisemitism A protester blows through a shofar during the demonstration Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism Members of London's Jewish community protest in support of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn outside parliament EPA Protests against Labour antisemitism Labour MP John Mann speaks during a protest against antisemitism PA Protests against Labour antisemitism People protest against antisemitism in the Labour Party as Jewish community leaders have launched a scathing attack on Jeremy Corbyn, claiming he has sided with antisemites again and again PA Protests against Labour antisemitism Labour politicians Stella Creasy and Chuka Umunna leave after attending the demonstration Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism A pro-Jeremy Corbyn protester holds a placard during a counter-protest Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism A support of the Labour Party hold up a placard during the demonstration Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism Jeremy Corbyn supporters during the demo Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism A protester holds up a sign reading For the many, not the Jew AFP

Many of the Labour-linked incidents took place on social media, the CST said, and prominent Jewish parliamentarians or those who had spoken out on the issue received targeted threats and hate mail.

A letter was delivered to the office of Luciana Berger MP in September calling her Jew scum for remarks on Mr Corbyn, and another letter abused a Labour peer for daring to criticise the Labour leader and told them to piss off to Israel.

Andrew Gwynne, Labours shadow communities secretary, said: These statistics make for hard reading, and show that much more needs to be done to heal the deepening divides within our society and to challenge the growing confidence of those who preach hate, holocaust denial and inversion, and antisemitism.

There is no place in British society, and in British politics, left or right, for antisemitic views.

Labour says it has implemented recommendations from the 2016 Chakrabarti Inquiry into anti-Jewish hatred and adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism, amid other measures.

The CST warned that prevalence of antisemitism in public debate can cause belief that that the taboo against expressing hostility towards Jews is weakening adding: The more people hear and read antisemitic comments and views, the more likely they are to have the confidence to express such views if they hold similar attitudes themselves.

(Statista (Statista)

Monitors said minor surges last April and May were also influenced by violence on the border between Israel and Gaza, which has been linked to previous increases.

CST recorded over 100 antisemitic incidents in every month of 2018 and said the rise suggests an enduring situation in which people appear to be more confident to express their views, while more victims report incidents.

Recommended Over a third of European Jews considered emigrating over antisemitism

Of incidents where linked motivations were known, 173 were anti-Israel, 84 far-right, and 13 Islamist.

The most common type category was abusive behaviour  mainly verbal abuse directed at Jewish people in public  followed by assault, threats, damage and desecration, literature and extreme violence.

Incidents included a knife attack on two visibly Jewish men in Gateshead, physical attacks on schoolchildren, vandalism and the spraying of swastikas and Nazi graffiti.

CST chief executive David Delew said: Three years of rising antisemitic incidents shows the scale of the problem facing the Jewish community. This is happening across society and across the country and it reflects deepening divides in our country and our politics. Jewish people are on the receiving end of this hatred but it must not be left to us to tackle alone.

 Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby praises Labour MPs for adopting IHRA definition of antisemitism

The home secretary, Sajid Javid, called the incidents utterly despicable and said a meeting on antisemitism had been scheduled as part of a wider hate crime action plan.

The Jewish community should not have to tolerate these attacks and we are doing all we can to rid society of these poisonous views, he added.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, the national police lead for hate crime, called on victims to report abuse to police.

There are still far too many people who act illegally, fuelled by global events, divisions in our society or historical bigotries, he said. The Jewish community must not be left to tackle antisemitism alone, this is a burden we all share and one that the police are committed to.
Engineers have been forced to use pickaxes to shift a monster 64m fatberg from sewers in Devon in an undertaking that is expected to last eight weeks.

Work has now begun on removal of the putrid blockage in Sidmouth created by oil, fat, and grease from wet wipes and other items that should not be flushed down toilets.

But heavy rain forced workers to suspend their efforts on Wednesday until water levels in the sewer became safe. They must use pickaxes and shovels to dislodge the hardened mass of waste, according to South West Water.

The companys director of waste water, Andrew Roantree, said: The Sidmouth fatberg is the largest discovered in our service history, and [it] will take our sewer team around eight weeks to dissect this monster in exceptionally challenging work conditions.

Following the discovery of the fatberg in January  the largest seen by the company  bosses urged residents only to flush toilet paper and their own waste, and not wet wipes or other items.

UK fatbergs in pictures Show all 7 1 /7 UK fatbergs in pictures UK fatbergs in pictures Sidmouth's 'monster' fatberg The blockage is 64m long AP UK fatbergs in pictures 64m fatberg in Devon This photo was released by South West Water AP UK fatbergs in pictures Workers tackle fatberg A fatberg is a mass of hardened fat, oil and baby wipes AP UK fatbergs in pictures On display A part of the Whitechapel fatberg on display in the Museum of London Museum of London UK fatbergs in pictures 130-tonne Whitechapel fatberg Authorities are tackling a huge fat blockage in the capitals sewage system PA UK fatbergs in pictures Fatbergs by the numbers Data compiled by statistics agency Statista UK fatbergs in pictures Clogged mass A fatberg beneath Whitehall Thames Water

Cooking waste should go in the bin and not the sink, they added.

In 2017, a 250m fatberg was found in sewers beneath Whitechapel in east London.

A chunk of that blockage later went on display at the Museum of London.

Additional reporting by PA
A man accused of manslaughter after his girlfriend died of a drug overdose at a music festival told his friend I cant get bagged when urged to call her an ambulance, a court has heard.

In text messages presented at the trial of Ceon Broughton at Winchester Crown Court, Ezra Cambell told Mr Broughton to ensure Louella Fletcher-Michie received medical attention after taking the party drug 2-CP at Bestival on 10 September 2017.

The court heard that Mr Broughton replied, I cant get bagged, and that Mr Campbell advised him, Fam, just act like you dont know her.

The girls father, Holby City actor John Michie, said Mr Broughton didnt seem to be concerned about his daughters wellbeing.

Ms Fletcher-Michie, 24, took the class A psychedelic at Bestival in Dorset. She died in woodland on the festival site an hour before her 25th birthday.

In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Show all 6 1 /6 In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Ceon Broughton leaves Poole Magistrates' Court on 23 March, 2018. PA Archive/PA Images In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Family picture of Louella Fletcher-Michie, the daughter of Holby City actor John Michie, who was found dead after taking a party drug at Bestival on 11 September, 2017. Zoe Barling In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Louella Fletcher-Michie and Ceon Broughton were said to have been in an on-off relationship for a number of years. Instagram In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Ceon Broughton in the music video for his track 'Duracell'. CEONRPG In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death John Michie attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound, in London, 21 October, 2013. Getty Images/Gareth Cattermole In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Ceon Broughton, 29, arrives at Winchester Crown Court on 4 February, 2019, where he is charged in connection with the death of Holby City actor John Michie's daughter Louella Fletcher-Michie. PA

Mr Broughton, 29, of Enfield, north London, denies manslaughter and supplying the drug.

The jury heard Ms Fletcher-Michies parents were eating Sunday dinner in their north London home when they received a call from Mr Broughton.

Her father wept in the witness stand at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday as he recalled the day of her death.

Mr Michie told the jury: The thing that I most remember was that Louella seemed very distressed. I could hear her in the background shouting things like I hate you, I dont trust you, obviously referring to Ceon.

Ive never heard her speak in that way. It almost didnt sound like her.

Mr Broughtons voice, on loudspeaker, sounded watery, without energy in it and he didnt seem compos mentis, Mr Michie said.

He added: He didnt seem to be concerned, I thought. Obviously any normal person would be concerned.

Ms Fletcher-Michies worried parents jumped in their car to go to find their daughter at the festival but struggled to gain entry or persuade security to look for her.

Their daughter was eventually found dead by a security steward in the woodland, 400 metres from the festivals hospital tent, at around 1am, after Mr Broughton eventually left her to seek help.

The jury has previously been shown a 50-minute video in which Ms Fletcher-Michie shouts at her boyfriend to film me, call my mum and call my brother, call my sister.

He also took a photo of Ms Fletcher-Michie around the time she died as she lay motionless in undergrowth with her eyes closed, the court heard.

Mr Michie said he previously thought his daughters relationship had been beautiful to see. He issued a statement in support of Mr Broughton following press reports he was allegedly involved in murder.

But he said he had not realised how he had not taken her to get help, how he had seen her in a very, very distressed state and how, I believe, he possibly even filmed her after she had died.

He added: I think Louella loved Ceon. Im not sure he loved her. I dont know how you could ever say you loved someone if you left them to die in front of you.

Giving evidence, Louellas mother, Carol Fletcher-Michie, said she had trusted Mr Broughton, who had spent a Christmas with the family.

She said her daughter sounded like a wild animal and was screeching in the call received from Mr Broughton.

I couldnt believe that was her voice and thats the last time I heard her voice, she told the court.

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An emotional Ms Fletcher-Michie said her daughter loved dancing and taught Voga  a combination of yoga and dance  at festivals and retreats around the world.

She had an open relationship with her daughter and had discussed the need to be careful around drugs.

Ms Fletcher-Michie said she believed her daughter loved Mr Broughton more than anyone she had before.

Louellas sister Daisy Fletcher-Michie and her brother Sam Fletcher-Michie also told the court how they had begged Mr Broughton on the phone to take Louella to a medical tent.

A tearful Daisy said she so wanted to believe that Ceon had done everything he could to help her sister, but claimed he did nothing to help her and put himself first.

She added: If that was me and my boyfriend there is no way he wouldnt have saved me.

The trial continues.

Additional reporting by agencies
Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge, a German analytical chemist best known for identifying the active ingredient caffeine, is being remembered with a Google Doodle on what would have been his 225th birthday.

Runge, who was born outside of Hamburg, Germany on 8 February 1795, began to show an interest in experimenting when he was just a teenager  which eventually led to a lifetime of achievements in the field.

One of Runges findings  the dilating effects that extract from the plant belladonna has on pupils  was fascinating enough that it captured the attention of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a well-known writer and polymath from Germany.

Intrigued by what else Runge could do at such a young age, Goethe tasked the chemist with identifying the chemical makeup of coffee beans.

The result was the isolation of the ingredient caffeine for the first time in 1819.

Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Show all 20 1 /20 Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Harvard University Flickr/Michael Hicks Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Cambridge University Flickr/John Menard Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Oxford University, All Souls College Tejvan Pettinger/CC BY 2.0 Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Massachusetts Institute of Technology Flickr/Justin Jensen Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Stanford University Flickr/Franco Folini Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine John Hopkins University Flickr/David Wilson Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Karolinska Institutet, Main entrance from Solnavagen with the 'Aula Medica' in the background Creative Commons Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine University of California, Los Angeles campus Flickr/Tzuhsun Hsu Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine University of California, Hastings College of Law Flickr/Ken Lund Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Yale University's Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library Flickr/Lauren Manning Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine UCL University, London Flickr/Neil Turner Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Imperial College, London Flickr/Andrew Crump Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine University of Melbourne Flickr/Geoff Penaluna Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Berkeley University Flickr/Charlie Nguyen Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine University of Toronto Flickr/Umair Khan Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine The Geisel Library on the San Diego campus of the University of California Flickr/O Palsson Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine University of Sydney Flickr/Jason Tong Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Kings College London iStock Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine Duke University Flickr/Carine06 Best Universities for Life Sciences and Medicine University of Singapore Flickr/smuconlaw

After obtaining his doctorate and working as a professor at the University of Breslau, Runge continued to experiment  later writing two books in which he described his use of paper chromatography to separate chemical ingredients.

The chemist is also known for his work and research into synthetic dyes, which he discovered while working as a chemist at a chemical factory in Oranienburg, after leaving his professor post in 1831.

In addition to pioneering a new way of dyeing clothes, Runge identified and named components of the dyes, including carbolic acid, now called phenol, and discovered a way to extract sugar from beet juice.

Runge died on 25 March 1867 but will always be remembered for his contributions to the field of chemistry.
Bees are able to grasp basic mathematical ideas, according to a new study, which suggests a small brain may not mean low intelligence.

After training a group of the pollinating insects scientists at the French National Centre for Scientific Research found they were able to perform addition and subtraction.

These abilities require animals to carry out intricate processes in their brains, remembering complex rules while applying them to new situations.

Maths was therefore long thought an ability unique to humans, but in recent years experiments have shown the skill is found across the animal kingdom.

Chimpanzees, parrots and pigeons are just some of the creatures that have demonstrated the capacity to add and subtract.

Environment news in pictures Show all 8 1 /8 Environment news in pictures Environment news in pictures Davos 2019: David Attenborough issues stark warning about future of civilisation as he demands practical solutions to combat climate change Sir David Attenborough has issued a stark warning about climate change to business figures gathered in Davos, telling them that "what we do now...will profoundly affect the next few thousand years". On the eve of this year's World Economic Forum, the renowned naturalist told the audience that the worlds of business and politics should "get on with the practical solutions" needed to prevent environmental damage. "As a species we are expert problem solvers. But we've not yet applied ourselves to this problem with the focus it requires. "We can create a world with clean air and water, unlimited energy, and fish stocks that will sustain us well into the future. But to do that, we need a plan," he said. The broadcaster made his speech after receiving a Crystal Award, which is awarded by the forum to "exceptional cultural leaders". AFP/Getty Environment news in pictures At least 60% of wild coffee species face extinction triggered by climate change and disease Two decades of research have revealed that 60 per cent of the worlds coffee species face extinction due to the combined threats of deforestation, disease and climate change. The wild strain of arabica, the most widely consumed coffee on the planet, is among those now recognised as endangered, raising concerns about its long-term survival. These results are worrying for the millions of farmers around the world who depend on the continued survival of coffee for their livelihoods. As conditions for coffee farming become tougher, scientists predict the industry will need to rely on wild varieties to develop more resilient strains Alan Schaller Environment news in pictures Warming Antarctic waters are speeding the rate at which glaciers are melting The Antarctic ice sheet is losing six times as much ice each year as it was in the 1980s and the pace is accelerating, one of the most comprehensive studies of climate change effects on the continent has shown. More than half an inch has been added to global sea levels since 1979, but if current trends continue it will be responsible for metres more in future, the Nasa-funded study found. The international effort used aerial photos, satellite data and climate models dating back to the 1970s across18 Antarctic regions to get the most complete picture to date on the impacts of the changing climate. It found that between 1979 and 1990 Antarctica lost an average of 40 gigatonnes (40 billion tonnes) of its mass each year. Between 2009 and 2017 it lost an average 252 gigatonnes a year. This has added 3.6mm per decade to sea levels, or around 14mm since 1979, the study shows Nasa/Getty Environment news in pictures Greater Manchester to ban fracking, paving way for confrontation with government over controversial industry Greater Manchester is to effectively ban fracking, raising the prospect of fresh confrontation with the government over the controversial industry. All of the regions 10 councils are to implement planning policies which create a presumption against drilling for shale gas in their areas, Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has announced. Campaigners said the move was the latest sign that the tide was turning against fracking, which has been the subject of multiple legal battles across the country. Critics of fracking say it poses environmental and health risks. Drilling at the UKs only operational fracking site, run by Cuadrilla in Lancashire, has repeatedly been halted due to earth tremors. But ministers support the industry and last year unveiled plans to accelerate the development of new drilling sites Ross Wills Environment news in pictures Japan confirms plan to resume commercial whaling in its waters from next year Japan will resume commercial whaling next year for the first time in more than three decades, in a move that has provoked strong criticism from campaigners and the international community. Chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said his nation would leave the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to resume hunting the marine mammals in Japanese waters. However, he stated the activity would be limited to Japans territory and the 200 mile exclusive economic zone along its coasts. This means controversial scientific trips to Antarctica in which Japanese vessels killed hundreds of whales, as well as activity in the northwest Pacific, will stop in 2019 AP Environment news in pictures COP24: Environmental groups criticise morally unacceptable climate deal reached after major Poland summit Diplomats from around the world have agreed a major climate deal after two weeks of United Nations talks in Poland. But climate campaigners warned the deal  effectively a set of rules for how to govern the 2015 Paris climate accord  agreed between almost 200 countries lacked ambition or a clear promise of enhanced climate action. Activists cautiously welcomed elements of the plan, saying important progress had been made on ensuring that efforts to tackle climate change by individual nations can be measured and compared. But environmental groups were also highly critical of the agreement, warning it lacked ambition and clarity on key issues, including financing for climate projects for developing countries. The COP24 deal, which is aimed at providing firm guidelines for countries on how to transparently report their greenhouse gas emissions and their efforts to reduce them, was confirmed on 15 December, after talks overran Reuters Environment news in pictures Unprecedented changes needed to stop global warming as UN report reveals islands starting to vanish and coral reefs dying Greenhouse gas emissions must be cut almost in half by 2030 to avert global environmental catastrophe, including the total loss of every coral reef, the disappearance of Arctic ice and the destruction of island communities, a landmark UN report has concluded. Drawing on more than 6,000 scientific studies and compiled over two years, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) findings, released this morning, warn enormous and rapid changes to the way everyone on Earth eats, travels and produces energy need to be brought in immediately. Though the scientists behind the report said there is cause for optimism, they recognised the grim reality that nations are currently nowhere near on track to avert disaster AFP/Getty Environment news in pictures Africas three biggest elephant poaching cartels exposed using DNA from illegal ivory shipments DNA taken from massive shipments of ivory has been used to identify the three largest wildlife trafficking gangs operating at the height of Africas elephant poaching epidemic. Ivory tends to be shipped around the world from African ports in bulk, and scientists have used genetic evidence gleaned from intercepted batches to reveal their origins. Led by Dr Samuel Wasser from the University of Washington, they traced a number of these shipments to three cartels operating out of Kenya, Uganda and Togo. Evidence collected by Dr Wasser has already helped convict ivory kingpin Feisal Mohamed Ali, and as his team joins the dots between shipments they plan to shore up the cases against more of the continents most prolific smugglers Art Wolfe

In the new study, a team led by Dr Scarlett Howard, first taught their bees to recognise colours as symbols for either addition or subtraction. Specifically, blue meant more and yellow meant less.

Next, their bees were trained to enter Y-shaped mazes in which they had to make a choice between two sets of shapes.

In each case, if they made the correct choice they were rewarded with a sugar water treat, whereas the wrong choice would yield a bitter-tasting quinine liquid.

At the entrance to the maze, the bees were met with between one and five shapes, coloured either blue or yellow.

Next they flew into a chamber where they could fly towards either the original number of shapes, plus or minus one, or the incorrect number of shapes.

If they first encountered blue they had to add, and if yellow they had to subtract.

Over the course of 100 trials, the researchers trained 14 bees to choose the correct option around 75 per cent of the time, the scientists wrote as they published their findings in the journal Science Advances.

Dr Howard compared the experiments to humans first learning to link mathematical symbols with concepts.

 Ball-rolling study shows complex learning patterns amongst bees

We learn as children that a plus symbol means you need to add two or more quantities, while a minus symbol means you subtract, she said.

Professor Adrian Dyer, who contributed to the study, added: Our findings suggest that advanced numerical cognition may be found much more widely in nature among non-human animals than previously suspected. If maths doesnt require a massive brain, there might also be new ways for us to incorporate interactions of both long-term rules and working memory into designs to improve rapid AI learning of new problems.

This is not the first time bees have demonstrated a way with numbers.

Previous experiments have shown the insects are capable of counting to four, and even understand the concept of zero.

Work conducted by Dr Howard and her team showed that when bees were incentivised to choose a target with fewer shapes, they recognised that a target with no shapes had fewer than one with two or three.

This was the first time an invertebrate had been shown to understand the abstract idea of zero  a concept even humans find more difficult to appreciate than other numbers.

While the ability to undertake these kind of calculations may not be immediately useful for bees, advanced brain power may help them when foraging for flowers to remember different combinations of colours and shapes.
A widely used surgical procedure for shoulder pain is virtually useless and should almost never be offered to patients, doctors have been told in new guidelines.

Shoulder impingement surgery has little benefit in patients levels of pain, movement or quality of life when compared to other approaches, recommendations published in the British Medical Journal state.

Instead, subacromial decompression surgery exposes patients to higher risk of harmful side-effects and creates costs for the health services, the authors said.

In the face of mounting evidence, including a major UK clinical trial in 2017, the BMJ guideline group has published new advice for doctors which make a "stong recommendation against surgery".

This comes after the NHS said it was looking to end thousands of operations deemned ineffective or too risky.

The worst jobs for your health Show all 10 1 /10 The worst jobs for your health The worst jobs for your health 10. Surgical and medical assistants, technologists, and technicians Overall unhealthiness score: 57.3 What they do: Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel and perform medical laboratory tests. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to disease and infections: 88 2. Exposure to contaminants: 80 3. Exposure to hazardous conditions: 69 The worst jobs for your health 9. Stationary engineers and boiler operators Overall unhealthiness score: 57.7 What they do: Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to contaminants: 99 2. Exposure to hazardous conditions: 89 3. Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 84 The worst jobs for your health 8. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators Overall unhealthiness score: 58.2 What they do: Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to contaminants: 97 2. Exposure to hazardous conditions: 80 3. Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 74 The worst jobs for your health 7. Histotechnologists and histologic technicians Overall unhealthiness score: 59.0 What they do: Prepare histologic slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to hazardous conditions: 88 2. Exposure to contaminants: 76 3. Exposure to disease and infections: 75 The worst jobs for your health 6. Immigration and customs inspectors Overall unhealthiness score: 59.3 What they do: Investigate and inspect people, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the US or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to contaminants: 78 2. Exposure to disease and infections: 63 3. Exposure to radiation: 62 The worst jobs for your health 5. Podiatrists Overall unhealthiness score: 60.2 What they do: Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to disease and infections: 87 2. Exposure to radiation: 69 3. Exposure to contaminants: 67 The worst jobs for your health 4. Veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and laboratory animal caretakers and veterinary technologists and technicians What they do: Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals and perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to disease and infections: 81 2. Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 75 3. Exposure to contaminants: 74 The worst jobs for your health 3. Anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and anesthesiologist assistants Overall unhealthiness score: 62.3 What they do: Administer anesthetics or sedatives during medical procedures, and help patients in recovering from anesthesia. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to disease and infections: 94 2. Exposure to contaminants: 80 3. Exposure to radiation: 74 The worst jobs for your health 2. Flight attendants What they do: Provide personal services to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of airline passengers during flight. Greet passengers, verify tickets, explain use of safety equipment, and serve food or beverages. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to contaminants: 88 2. Exposure to disease and infections: 77 3. Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 69 The worst jobs for your health 1. Dentists, dental surgeons, and dental assistants Overall unhealthiness score: 65.4 What they do: Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to contaminants: 84 2. Exposure to disease and infections: 75 3. Time spent sitting: 67

A quarter of adults have had shoudler pain in the last year, and shoulder impingement, also diagnosed as rotator cuff disease or subacromial pain syndrome, accounts for 70 per cent of cases.

The condition is caused by a tendon inside the shoulder rubbing nearby tissues as the arm is lifted and persistent symptoms, more common in over 40s, led to 21,000 surgeries in the UK 2010 and cost the NHS more than 50m.

However new evidence suggests the operation is not better at improving pain or quality of life than painkillers, steroid injections or exercises, the panel of experts said.

"Clinicians should not offer patients subacromial decompression surgery unprompted, and clinicians, public healthcare providers, and others should make efforts to educate the public regarding the ineffectiveness of surgery," the authors wrote.

"The panel concluded that almost all informed patients would choose to avoid surgery because there is no benefit but there are harms and it is burdensome," they wrote.

"However, there is substantial uncertainty in what alternative treatment is best."

The BMJ guidelines were drawn up by an international expert group including orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists and patients with experience of the procedure.
EDF is set to close its coal-fired power station at Cottam, in Nottinghamshire, due to challenging market conditions, six years earlier than unions and employees were expecting.

The plant will cease generation at the end of September, after running for more than 50 years.

The company said the decision reflects the challenging market conditions over the last few years and the context of the drive to decarbonise electricity generation, which means the Cottam plant will not be economically viable beyond the end of September 2019.

The closure puts 158 jobs at risk, and the company said it has entered consultation with trade unions and employee representatives.

Glacier collapse shows climate impact Show all 20 1 /20 Glacier collapse shows climate impact Glacier collapse shows climate impact An iceberg floats in a fjord near the town of Tasiilaq Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Meltwater pools on top of the Helheim glacier near Tasiilaq Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Safety officer Brian Rougeux works with student Febin Magar to assemble a radar dome while working in a science camp on the side of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Airplane Mechanic, David Fuller, left, works with a local worker to move a Nasa Gulfstream III during a pre-flight inspection before a flight to support the Oceans Melting Greenland research mission Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Meltwater pools on top of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Earth Science Flight Programs Director at Nasa, Eric Ianson, looks out at the Greenland ice sheet Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Glacial ice is seen from the window during the Nasa flight Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Oceanographer David Holland's science camp on the side of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact An iceberg floats in a fjord near the town of Tasiilaq Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact A large crevasse forms near the calving front of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Safety officer Brian Rougeux uses a drill to install antennas for scientific instruments that will be left on top of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Tabular icebergs float in the Sermilik Fjord after a large calving event at the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Radar Engineer, Ron Muellerschoen, monitors data collection inside a NASA Gulfstream III flying above Greenland to measure loss to the country's ice sheet Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact GPS tracking equipment is left on top of the Helheim glacier REUTERS Glacier collapse shows climate impact Sunshine lights up the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact A glacial terminus above the east coast of Greenland REUTERS Glacier collapse shows climate impact Student Febin Magar watches as leftover wood burns in a research camp Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Tabular icebergs float in the Sermilik Fjord after a large calving event Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Oceanographer David Holland repairs a broken GPS module at his research camp Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact An iceberg floats in a fjord near the town of Tasiilaq Reuters

Cottam plant manager Andy Powell said: When the power station was built it was designed to operate for 30 years. Its a credit to our people, the engineering and EDF Energys investment that it has operated for more than 50 years.

There has been an aspiration to move away from coal for a long time now and we have prepared thoroughly for the closure.

We have a highly skilled and experienced workforce and were determined to support our people throughout this process. Today 158 people working at Cottam are in scope.

He added: During 2017 we supported 19 people to move into alternative roles within EDF Energy, and an additional 22 will be transferring into alternative roles over the coming months.

We are conscious of the need to support a just transition to a low carbon energy system. Our ambition is to close the station safely and responsibly by managing people and the environment properly and continuing to be a good neighbour.

EDF said it plans to invest in more low carbon generation in future, including nuclear and renewable options.

Mike MacDonald, negotiations officer at Prospect union, said the closure of the plant will cost the local economy 60m.

He added that the premature date will be a huge blow to workers and to the economies of Worksop and Retford.

We had been led to believe the power station would be wound down by 2025 which would have given plenty of time to mitigate the 60m which will be lost from the local economy as a result, he said.

That lead time is now gone and we need reassurances from the company and from the government that they will do all they can to minimise the impact of this closure.

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We continue to work closely with EDF and the other unions to mitigate the loss of work and we will take every step to support our members and their families at this distressing time. Proper planning for a just transition could have avoided this and helped us to retain these skills in the UK economy.

Mr MacDonald added: When the capacity market was suspended last year, Prospect warned that it had the potential to put jobs at risk; the loss of 300 jobs at Cottam, both direct staff and contractors, proves the point. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy reassuring the sector that they will resolve the issue soon is little comfort to those losing their jobs, or to the wider supply chain.

The government must not let its current paralysis in the face of Brexit stop it from setting out a clear strategy to deal with the countrys urgent need for new capacity. Energy is essential to the UKs economy and the loss of generation without any plan for its replacement is not in the public interest.
Renault has informed prosecutors about a sponsorship deal that allowed former chair Carlos Ghosn to host his lavish wedding reception at the Palace of Versailles for free.

The 50,000 (44,000) fee for hiring the venue had been waived for Mr Ghosn, Renault said.

The French car manufacturer sponsored renovations of Versailles, the vast palace complex outside Paris built in the 17th century for the Sun King, Louis XIV.

It emerged on Thursday that as part of the deal Mr Ghosn and wife were allowed to hold their Marie Antoinette-themed reception at Le Grand Trianon, a chateau on the edge of Versailles.

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

Renaults ethics committee was informed about the discovery on Wednesday, Le Figaro reported

At the event in 2017, actors in 18th-century wigs and ball gowns entertained 120 guests who were treated to a selection of colourful cakes  in homage to Marie Antoinettes supposed reaction to hearing the news that French peasants had run out of bread.

The dining room was decorated with Saint-Louis crystal, antique silver trays, and French porcelain.

We wanted it to feel as if we were inviting guests into our home  nothing too studied, Carole Ghosn told Town & Country magazine at the time.

Mr Ghosn has been detained in Japan since November as authorities investigate a series of charges that he underreported his income by tens of millions of pounds over five years.

The former head of the alliance between Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi is also said to have enjoyed the use of company-funded homes in Rio de Janeiro and Paris, among others.

Mr Ghosn denies all of the charges.

Renault said on Thursday it had discovered that Mr Ghosn was accorded a personal benefit valued at 50,000 under the terms of a sponsorship contract with the chateau de Versailles.

 Carlos Ghosn's lawyers leave detention centre in Tokyo

The firm added: Renault has decided to bring these findings to the attention of the judicial authorities.

The carmaker replaced Mr Ghosn as chair and chief executive on 24 January and is conducting an internal probe into its own payments to him.
What the energy price cap giveth, the energy price cap taketh away.

Millions of people are set to pay extra under regulator Ofgems plans to hike the maximum providers are allowed to charge for their standard variable tariffs.

A typical household will see 117 added to their bills. Thats a lot of money for those who are just about managing. Its a gut punch, and it predictably led to a chorus of condemnation.

Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey accused the government of resting on its laurels while big energy companies are ripping off their customers and there were plenty of others expressing similar views.

Justified? Its debatable.

The majority of the increase, which will come into force in April, is down to rising wholesale energy prices, which have in turn sharply increased suppliers costs.

Ofgem, and the government, always said the cap would be fluid and could rise as well as fall in response to these.

It may well fall the next time the cap is calculated because the calculation will take into account the fact that oil prices have started to head lower.

You could still argue that the cap is too generous to suppliers, but the regulator has to consider the fact that a number of them have gone bust recently. It faces a difficult balancing act.

One reason why Long-Baileys words resonate, however, is because even if the increase in the cap can be justified, the big guns, the big six energy firms, spent years raking it in.

This is a market that has been profoundly dysfunctional for a long time. During that period the government scarcely seemed to have an energy policy.

It was only when the former leader of Long-Baileys party, Ed Miliband, pledged a price freeze that the government  which tipped a bucket of slops over the idea when he first trailed it  started to seriously address the issue.

There is, of course, a way around the price hike for those minded to try it. It is to switch to a better deal. Too few people do that.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

Ofgem has a list of accredited price comparison sites, which might help to counter concerns about the depressingly widespread sharp practice that has been found in the price comparison industry, and it has been trialling measures such as forcing suppliers to write to people informing them of the better deals that are available, including those offered by their competitors.

It says this is yielding good results. There are also other initiatives in train. Given the struggles faced by many British families they are sorely needed, because those families could make back more than the increase in the cap if they could but be encouraged to switch.

Even with that, Long-Bailey and others are entirely justified in generating heat over the issue and ministers deserve to pay an uncapped price for it.
An 88-year-old NHS secretary who was dismissed from her job over frailty claims has become the oldest person to win an age discrimination case.

Eileen Jolly was fired from her role at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading in January 2017. She was 86 years old at the time.

Her age came under scrutiny after she allegedly failed to upload details of cancer patients into a new electronic database, which meant that 14 women had to wait more than a year for non-urgent surgery.

The error prompted Jollys colleagues to inform her boss that they were concerned her age was affecting her performance.

Jolly, who had been working at the hospital for 25 years, felt humiliated and degraded that she was dismissed, and proceeded to sue the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust on the basis of unfair dismissal.

Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Show all 15 1 /15 Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Residents follow moves made by humanoid robot 'Pepper' during an afternoon exercise routine at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Funabashi Hiroshi from A Fun, repairs broken'AIBO's, pet dog robots, at his office in Kasama. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A caretaker wearing a 'HAL for care support' robot suit pushes a wheelchair at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Residents follow moves made by humanoid robot 'Pepper' during an afternoon exercise routine at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Yoichi Suzuki spends time with 'AIBO', a pet dog robot, which his father used for his rehabilitation at his house in Takahag.i Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A resident approaches humanoid robot 'Pepper' to pat its head during an afternoon exercise routine at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A caretaker, wearing walking rehabilitation equipment 'Tree', helps a resident with his walking training at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Yoichi Suzuki shows 'AIBO', a pet dog robot, to his bed-ridden mother at his house. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A broken'AIBO', a pet dog robot, waits for repair in A Fun's office in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A resident touches 'AIBO', a pet dog robot, at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A resident touches robot seal 'PARO' at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Yoichi Suzuki and his wife take care of his bed-ridden mother as 'AIBO', a pet dog robot walks around at his house in Takahagi. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A caretaker wearing a motion assist equipment 'Muscle Suit' carries a resident from a bed to a wheelchair at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care 'AIBO', a pet dog robot, which Yoichi Suzuki's father used for his rehabilitation, is seen at Suzuki's house in Takahagi. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A resident claps to call 'AIBO', a pet dog robot at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters

At the time, she was reportedly escorted out of the hospital and prescribed antidepressants.

According to The Daily Telegraph, she had lied to friends and family about why shed left her job, telling everyone, including her husband, that shed retired because she was embarrassed to reveal what really happened.

Her husband died two weeks prior to her hearing. Its not clear whether or not he knew the truth about why Jolly had left her job.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Jolly had won her claim and would be awarded compensation in October.

Judge Andrew Gumbiti-Zimuto, who ruled on the hearing, explained that Jollys error mightve been down to inadequate training and said that she was performing her role "competently" prior to dismissal.

He said: There is a suspicion of the Claimant being a scapegoat, the Claimant was not offered training where it might be considered appropriate."

 Elderly couple explain how it felt to crack Michigan state lottery and win millions

Gumbiti-Zimuto added that there was evidence to suggest Jolly had been trained "on the job" on an ad hoc basis.

Meanwhile, Jolly has not read the judgement yet and revealed she will be meeting with her solicitor soon to discuss the next steps.
Jameela Jamil has sparked a conversation on Twitter, after posting an un-Photoshopped image of herself in which her arm hair is visible.

The tweet has received a lot of praise, with many of her followers detailing their own past experiences of having body hair insecurities.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Jamil had become an ambassador for underwear brand Aerie alongside inspiring individuals including gymnast Aly Raisman, model Iskra Lawrence and actor Samira Wiley.

In one of the pictures taken of Jamil for the campaign, the star of The Good Place is smiling at the camera with hair on her forearm and upper arm clearly visible.

The actor and activist shared the photo on Twitter, revealing that in the past her arm hair has often been digitally removed from photos.

"Hello arm hairs. You used to always be Photoshopped out. Nice to see you again. Because you're a normal and fine thing to have," Jamil tweeted.

Inspiring body positivity quotes Show all 12 1 /12 Inspiring body positivity quotes Inspiring body positivity quotes Ashley Graham "And cellulite, I have not forgotten about you. I'm going to choose to love you even though you want to take over my whole bottom half. You're a part of me and I love you." Inspiring body positivity quotes Danielle Brooks "Sometimes I don't like what I see, but I have the power to change the way in which I relate to my body both physically and mentally." Inspiring body positivity quotes Iskra Lawrence "Stop comparing yourself to anybody else. The [pictures of] movie stars, even the Disney characters, thats not real. Thats not attainable. You cant be anybody else. You are you. You cant be them. So you really just have to start embracing yourself and accepting so-called flaws that society has given the name flaws. Its just our body, our patchwork quilt. Inspiring body positivity quotes Beyonce "The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence." Getty Images Inspiring body positivity quotes Kate Winslet "Nobody is perfect. I just don't believe in perfection. But I do believe in saying, 'This is who I am and look at me not being perfect.' I'm proud of that." Getty Images Inspiring body positivity quotes Rihanna "You just want something that someone else has, but that doesn't mean what you have isn't beautiful, because people always want what you have and you always want what they have - no one is ever 100 per cent like, 'Yes, I'm the bomb-dot-com - from head-to-toe!" REUTERS Inspiring body positivity quotes Tess Holliday "Never compare yourself with others and celebrate what makes you, you." Inspiring body positivity quotes Demi Lovato "Instead of looking in the mirror and focusing on your flaws, look in the mirror and appreciate your best features... everyone has them." Inspiring body positivity quotes Kim Kardashian-West "See this little dimple of cellulite here? It was so worth it for that cookies 'n' cream ice cream!" Inspiring body positivity quotes Jennifer Lawrence "It should be illegal to call someone fat." Inspiring body positivity quotes Mindy Kaling "Insults about the way I look cant be the thing that harms me and my heart the most. It has to harm me the least. If I have a daughter, Im going to tell her that. Far too many women are much more hurt by being called fat or ugly than they are by being called not smart, or not a leader." Rex Features Inspiring body positivity quotes Selena Gomez "Im learning that you can be comfortable and still look beautiful. AFP/Getty Images

The tweet has received a hugely positive response, amassing more than 34,000 likes and almost 3,000 retweets.

Hundreds of people have been replying to the tweet, some revealing that they spent years being ridiculed on account of their body hair.

"I wish you'd been around doing this while I was a kid miserable about my body hair, weight and pretty much everything about the way I looked that didn't fit in with the traditional concept of 'pretty'," one person tweeted.

"One of the critical comments that has stayed with me for almost 25 years... someone asking why I don't shave my arms because they're apparently hairier than normal," another said.

"TWENTY. FIVE. YEARS. One comment. They stick."

Someone else remarked how she'd felt especially insecure about her arm hair as she'd never seen anyone with any in mainstream media.

"I love this! I remember going throuh a phase of being really self-conscious about my arm hair because I never saw anyone else with it in magazines etc so it's amazing that now some young girls will grow up seeing normal things like this on female bodyies!" she wrote.

In a tweet that's since been deleted, one person left Jamil a cynical comment questioning why the former BBC Radio 1 presenter is raising the issue of body hair insecurities on the social media platform.

Jamil answered in a further tweet, explaining that having body hair is an insecurity that "a lot of ethnic girls in particular really struggle with".

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The body positivity advocate and founder of the I Weigh movement recently revealed her new method for dealing with criticism when being questioned about inclusivity.

Jamil explained to Elle that she no longer takes the criticism "personally", saying that she now prefers to "just shut up and listen".

"I realise that there are people who are going through a lot and I would like to help those people, so I just focus on the good," she said.
BBC Radio 4 host, Nick Robinson, has been accused of sexism during an interview on the Today show this morning.

To discuss advice issued on 7 February from Chief Medical Officers in the UK that parents should ban phones from their childrens bedrooms at night and at the dinner table, BBC Radio 4 brought in one of the reviews key advisors, Professor Dame Sally Davies.

The pair conversed about the guidelines in depth, with Robinson pointing out Davies's view that strict time limits on screentime isnt terribly helpful.

We know that it is not good for any age but particularly young people and children to watch a screen or be sedentary for longer than two hours at a time, said Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England.

We advise that people get up and move.

The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Show all 12 1 /12 The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Anne Hathaway The 32-year-old actress said she has already experiences job rejections because of her age. Now I'm in my early thirties and I'm like, 'Why did that 24-year-old get that part? I was that 24-year-old once. I can't be upset about it, it's the way things are, she told Glamour. EPA The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Helen Mirren On news that Maggie Gyllenhaal had been turned down for being too old, aged 37, to play a 55-year-old mans partner: Its f***ing outrageous. Its ridiculous. Honestly, its so annoying. And twas ever thus. We all watched James Bond as he got more and more geriatric, and his girlfriends got younger and younger. Its so annoying. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Maggie Gyllenhaal Gyllenhaal revealed she was told by a Hollywood producer that she was too old, aged 37, to play the love interest of a 55-year-old man. It was astonishing to me. It made me feel bad, and then it made feel angry, and then it made me laugh, she said at the time. Getty Images The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Meryl Streep Meryl Streep has helped fund an all-female screenwriters group called The Writers Lab to encourage more women to pen Hollywood scripts. She previously told Vogue in 2011: Once women pass childbearing age they could only be seen as grotesque on some level. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Emma Thompson The actress said she thought Hollywood is still completely s*** when it comes to treating women equally to men. When I was younger, I really did think we were on our way to a better world. And when I look at it now, it is in a worse state than I have known it, particularly for women, and I find that very disturbing and sad. EPA The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Elizabeth Banks Banks said she was driven from acting to directing due to the lack of roles for older women in Hollywood. "[Industry sexism] drove me to direct for sure. I definitely was feeling that I was unfulfilled and a little bit bored by the things that were coming across my desk. I mean look at Gwyneth Paltrow who has her Oscar [for Shakespeare in Love] and played fifth banana to Iron Man, she told Deadline. PA The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Viola Davis I had never seen a 49-year-old, dark-skinned woman who is not a size 2 be a sexualised role in TV or film. I'm a sexual woman, but nothing in my career has ever identified me as a sexualised woman. I was the prototype of the mommified role, she told The Hollywood Reporter. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Liv Tyler The Lord of the Rings actress said she only get cast in roles where she is treated as a second class citizen at the age of 38. When youre in your teens or twenties, there is an abundance of ingenue parts which are exciting to play. But at [my age], youre usually the wife or the girlfriend - a sort of second-class citizen. There are more interesting roles for women when they get a bit older, she told More magazine. Getty Images The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Cate Blanchett The actress famously called out sexism on the red carpet at the 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards. When a camera operator scanned her up and down, she said: Do you do this to the guys? In her Oscar acceptance speech for Blue Jasmine, she reminded the film industry that movies with leading women can still be successful. And thank you to... those of us in the industry who are still foolishly clinging to the idea that female films, with women at the centre, are niche experiences. They are not -- audiences want to see them and, in fact, they earn money. The world is round, people. Gareth Cattermole/Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Ellen Page Asked if she had ever encountered sexism in Hollywood, Page told The Guardian: Oh my God, yeah! It's constant! It's how you're treated, it's how you're looked at, how you're expected to look in a photoshoot, it's how you're expected to shut up and not have an opinion, it's how you... If you're a girl and you don't fit the very specific vision of what a girl should be, which is always from a man's perspective, then you're a little bit at a loss. Getty Images The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Zoe Saldana The actress says she refuses roles where she has to play the generic girlfriend, wife or sexy bombshell. "It's very hard being a woman in a man's world, and I recognised it was a man's world even when I was a kid. It's an inequality and injustice that drove me crazy, and which I always spoke out against  and I've always been outspoken, she told Manhattan magazine. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Charlize Theron The actress spoke to ELLE about negotiating equal pay for the Snow White and the Huntsman sequel: "This is a good time for us to bring this to a place of fairness, and girls need to know that being a feminist is a good thing. It doesn't mean that you hate men. It means equal rights. If you're doing the same job, you should be compensated and treated in the same way." Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

The radio presenter responded by listing the advice provided by the review, adding: Yeah get up and move, and then what were hearing in the news bulletins which is, dont use your phones at meal times, talk to each other, look at each other in the eye, dont take the phone to bed."

Robinson continued by probing Davies about why she states things that are obvious.

You always have this question so I know you're familiar with it, but this balance you have to get between nannying on the one hand, or being accused of it at least, and on the other hand, sort of banality, stating things that are obvious, he said.

To which Davies replied: I thought you were going to be sexist.

After the presenter asked which bit of what he said was sexist, Davies added: I wonder whether you would say that to a male chief medical officer ...

She was quickly interrupted by Robinson who stated: No, I said you are often accused of being a nanny, I didnt say I accused you of being a nanny. You are often said are you not?"

Davies simply responded by saying: Clever.

The Chief Medical Officer then spoke over the presenter, defending the official advice regarding the healthy use of technology for children.

We have to give advise to families, weve been asked to and actually were hearing quite a lot from families and young people that theyd like advise, she explained.

Its quite clear based on the evidence for development that children need their sleep, so dont take the smart device to bed, that they need to interact with their families so at meal times is a really good time.

Davies' quick reaction was picked up by a number of people on social media who praised her for calling out the presenter for his sexist remarks.

"Well done to chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies for picking up Nick Robinson for being #sexist" one person wrote.

Another added: "Love that Dame Sally Davies just called out @BBCr4today for sexism."

The accusations come just months after Davies referred to herself as "chief nanny".



While calling for drastic measures to combat Britains obesity crisis, insisting it was time to get tough on the food industry, the top doctor said: "We have to shape it so its easy to take the healthy choice. Do you want to call that nanny state? If so Im chief nanny."

The review, which was published today, recommends a precautionary approach to childrens screen use, but said there was insufficient evidence to recommend a set an optimum limit.

In a statement, Davies said: Time spent online can be of great benefit to children and young people, providing opportunities for learning and skills development, as well as allowing young people to find support and information.

But we need to take a precautionary approach and our advice will support children to reap these benefits and protect them from harm."
Loved by some, loathed by others, Valentines Day is widely regarded as the ultimate day of cheesy, unapologetic romance.

While some may be vaguely aware that the occasion takes its name from a priest called Saint Valentine, they may not be acquainted with the full history of Valentines Day, which is decidely less romantic than one may expect.

Valentine of Terni was a Third-Century-priest who ministered to Christians in ancient Rome. Various accounts exist detailing the events that led to him becoming a martyr and subsequently being named a saint by the Catholic Church.

One of the most widely-believed accounts suggests that Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II of Rome. The Emperor had outlawed young men getting married, as he thought them to be of more use on the battlefield than at home.

Some accounts detail Valentines stark defiance of this law, seeing him marry young couples in clandestine ceremonies. This was regarded as a serious offence in the eyes of the Emperor, and the priest was beheaded on 14 February as a consequence.

Five "anti-romance" Valentine's Day getaways Show all 5 1 /5 Five "anti-romance" Valentine's Day getaways Five "anti-romance" Valentine's Day getaways 307741.bin Five "anti-romance" Valentine's Day getaways 307742.bin Five "anti-romance" Valentine's Day getaways 307743.bin Five "anti-romance" Valentine's Day getaways 307744.bin Five "anti-romance" Valentine's Day getaways 307745.bin

Despite the emperors wrath, the Catholic Church commended Valentine for uniting couples who observed the Christian faith. Thus, Valentine was formally recognised by the church as a saint after his death. Saint Valentine has since become associated with courtly love and the romantic traditions of Valentines Day.

Along with this account, some believe that the history of Valentines Day may also be rooted in a pre-ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia. The festival, which was celebrated every year by Romans on 15 February, celebrated fertility. Those who took part worked to purify the city of evil spirits in order to maximise fertility and bring prosperity to their villages.

Luperci from J. Grasset Saint Sauveur Antique Rome, Bergamo 1825 (Rex Features)

The pagan festival was also known as dies februatus, meaning day of purification, which is how the month of February acquired its name.

Part of the proceedings saw the priests of the god Lupercus  the Luperci  sacrifice goats and a dog and then daub their foreheads with the animals blood.

These men would then run around the Palatine Hill naked, striking any women who came near them with the hides of the animals that theyd sacrificed. The priests believed that hitting women with the animal hides would ensure that theyd remain fertile.

While the concept of Lupercalia may differ greatly from our modern understanding of Valentines Day, the two observances are closely connected.

The celebrations of Lupercalia came to an end around the 5th Century, following objections made about the festival by Pope Gelasius I.

The pope condemned the practises of the pagan festival, describing those who participated in it as vile and common, abject and of the lowest order.

The holiday of St. Valentines Day on 14 February was officially declared by the pope in 496 AD, leading some to believe that he had effectively replaced Lupercalia with the holiday honouring Saint Valentine.

The first evidence of Valentines Day having romantic connotations came in the 14th Century, through the poetry of Geoffrey Chaucer. For this was on St. Valentines Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate, the English poet wrote to honour the engagement of King Richard II and Anne of Bohemia.

William Shakespeare also referenced Valentines Day in his work, having Ophelia speak of the day in his 17th Century play Hamlet.

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Valentines Day as we know it today started to take form in the 19th Century and early 20th Century, thanks in part to the boom of the industrial revolution.

In 1913, Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri, began mass-producing Valentines Day cards, sparking the beginning of the commercial holiday the 14 February has become.

A decade later, chocolatier Russell Stover had the innovative idea of selling chocolates in heart-shaped boxes, encased in satin and black lace.

In 2018, money saving website Finder reported that 22 million Brits were preparing to spend money on their significant others on Valentines Day.

 Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

The average spend for an individual taking part in the love-filled celebrations was 28.45, while 16 per cent of the population stated that they planned on celebrating the day without spending a penny.

Click here for all the best Valentines Day buys, from flowers to lingerie sets.
Disneyland Paris is set to celebrate LGBT+ pride with a standalone event for the first time this summer, making it the first Disney theme park to do so.

The celebration will take place on Saturday 1 June and has been dubbed Magical Pride.

It will feature a parade, a party, exclusive character meet and greets, and will give guests the opportunity to go on some of the parks most popular attractions late into the evening.

There will also be musical performances.

Join us for this celebration of Pride at the place where dreams come true, reads a statement on Disneys website.

Walt Disneys Disneyland: A visual history Show all 7 1 /7 Walt Disneys Disneyland: A visual history Walt Disneys Disneyland: A visual history Walt Disney described his park on television in 1954 2018 Disney Enterprises, Inc Walt Disneys Disneyland: A visual history The original Disneyland sign on Harbor Boulevard welcomed guests from 1958 to 1989. Its bold colors, shapes, and kinetic exuberance make it an icon of midcentury design Collection of Dave DeCaro, davelandweb.com Walt Disneys Disneyland: A visual history The drawbridge to Sleeping Beauty Castle was lowered for the rst time on opening day, and only once since: when the redesigned Fantasyland opened on May 25, 1983. The castle sits at the center of Disneyland and is one of the worlds most recognizable structures, with spires that rise as high as 77 feet (about 24 m), but it wasnt the rst concept Walt had in mind. A palace for Cinderella and a castle for Robin Hood were considered in the planning stages Getty/The LIFE Picture Collection Walt Disneys Disneyland: A visual history In good company  Walt Disney is joined in 1964 by some of his most adored characters. Many starred in what Walt called classic stories of everyones youth that, in Fantasyland, had become realities for youngsters of all ages to participate in. Lawrence Schiller, Polaris Communications Inc Walt Disneys Disneyland: A visual history The buildings of the Rainbow Ridge mining town were designed by art director and set designer Bill Martin, who recalled they were a favorite of the Disneys: I remember that Walt and Lilly would often walk along the pathways between those little buildings when they stayed at the park overnight. Although the attraction is long gone, the little town can still be seen in the queue to the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Collection of Dave DeCaro, davelandweb.com Walt Disneys Disneyland: A visual history Monstro the Whale, from Pinocchio, guards the entrance to the Storybook Land Canal Boats. His giant blinking eye and spouting blowhole sometimes surprised guests posing for photos 2018 Disney Enterprises, Inc Walt Disneys Disneyland: A visual history Walt Disneys Disneyland  40 Taschen

Primarily attracting people from the LGBT community and their friends and families, Magical Pride warmly welcomes anyone and everyone.

Come and party, play and stay at Disneyland Paris during this unique event  Taking place in June 2019.

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Disney has been hosting Pride-related events, such as Gay Days, for years, but up until now these have not been affiliated directly with the parks.

Magical Pride events have been running in an unofficial capacity since 2014, but this year marks the first that the annual celebration will be hosted by Disney itself.

Diversity and equality are strong values at Disneyland Paris, and each year, we host millions of visitors regardless of their origins, gender or sexual orientation, a spokesperson for The Walt Disney Company told NBC News.

We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment for all of our Guests where magic is for everyone.
The planet is currently in the middle of what is set to be the warmest decade on record, according to Met Office scientists.

Figures released by experts running the worlds leading temperature datasets confirmed previous estimates that 2018 was the fourth hottest year on record.

If temperatures over the next five years follow predictions, the decade that began in 2014 will be the hottest run of years since records began in the early 19th century.

There is even a small chance one of the next few years will bring a temperature bump of 1.5C compared to pre-industrial levels.

This is significant as it represents the lower bound of the average temperature rise the world is aiming to limit warming to under the Paris climate agreement.

Glacier collapse shows climate impact Show all 20 1 /20 Glacier collapse shows climate impact Glacier collapse shows climate impact An iceberg floats in a fjord near the town of Tasiilaq Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Meltwater pools on top of the Helheim glacier near Tasiilaq Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Safety officer Brian Rougeux works with student Febin Magar to assemble a radar dome while working in a science camp on the side of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Airplane Mechanic, David Fuller, left, works with a local worker to move a Nasa Gulfstream III during a pre-flight inspection before a flight to support the Oceans Melting Greenland research mission Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Meltwater pools on top of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Earth Science Flight Programs Director at Nasa, Eric Ianson, looks out at the Greenland ice sheet Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Glacial ice is seen from the window during the Nasa flight Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Oceanographer David Holland's science camp on the side of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact An iceberg floats in a fjord near the town of Tasiilaq Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact A large crevasse forms near the calving front of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Safety officer Brian Rougeux uses a drill to install antennas for scientific instruments that will be left on top of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Tabular icebergs float in the Sermilik Fjord after a large calving event at the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Radar Engineer, Ron Muellerschoen, monitors data collection inside a NASA Gulfstream III flying above Greenland to measure loss to the country's ice sheet Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact GPS tracking equipment is left on top of the Helheim glacier REUTERS Glacier collapse shows climate impact Sunshine lights up the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact A glacial terminus above the east coast of Greenland REUTERS Glacier collapse shows climate impact Student Febin Magar watches as leftover wood burns in a research camp Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Tabular icebergs float in the Sermilik Fjord after a large calving event Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Oceanographer David Holland repairs a broken GPS module at his research camp Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact An iceberg floats in a fjord near the town of Tasiilaq Reuters

2015 was the first year that global annual average surface temperatures reached 1C above pre-industrial levels, and the following three years have all remained close to this level, said Professor Adam Scaife, head of long-range prediction at the Met Office.

The global average temperature between now and 2023 is predicted to remain high, potentially making the decade from 2014 the warmest in more than 150 years of records.

Besides the Met Office, Nasa and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have also released new figures for global warming.

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All the results show the same escalator-like rise that scientists think is linked to the loss of sea ice, as well as an increase in extreme weather events around the world.

The impacts of long-term global warming are already being felt  in coastal flooding, heat waves, intense precipitation and ecosystem change, said Nasas Gavin Schmidt.
Even if you've never heard of University of Michigan psychologist David Dunning, you are no doubt intimately familiar with the concept that bears his name. It's called the Dunning-Kruger effect, and it says that while the competent are often plagued with doubt, the incompetent tend to be blissfully sure of their excellence.

Or to put it more bluntly, stupid or incompetent people are often too stupid or incompetent to understand exactly how stupid and incompetent they are. They think they're awesome.

This idea explains so much real-world behavior that it has become justifiably famous as the go-to explanation for the idiocy we all suffer in our day-to-day lives. But in a great recent interview with Vox's Brian Resnick, Dunning explains that his work isn't just a handy label for your most annoying office mate (or most hated politician).

The Dunning-Kruger effect, he insists, suggests ways all of us can be both a little less dumb and a little less oblivious to our stupidity.

1. Lean on other people.

The most essential lesson of Dunning's work isn't that other people are bad at judging their own competence; it's that we're all terrible at our assessing our skills. The Dunning-Kruger effect "is a phenomenon that visits all of us sooner or later. Some of us are a little more flamboyant about it. Some of us aren't. But not knowing the scope of your own ignorance is part of the human condition," Dunning explains.

We're all susceptible to stupidity and overconfidence. One way to start correcting for that is to lean more on other minds. Groups are less likely to be dumb than individuals.

"A lot of the issues or problems we get into, we get into because we're doing it all by ourselves. We're relying on ourselves. We're making decisions as our own island," Dunning says. "If we consult, chat, schmooze with other people, often we learn things or get different perspectives that can be quite helpful."

2. Imagine the worst-case scenario.

Optimism has its place in life but not, apparently, when you're trying to make a truly smart decision. Then gloom and neurosis will serve you better, according to psychology. "Ask yourself where you could be wrong if the decision is an important one. Or how can your plans end up in disaster? Think that through -- it matters," Dunning instructs.

3. Think in probabilities, not certainties.

Want to get better at predicting the future and therefore making better decisions today? Give up on black-and-white, yes-or-no style thinking, and instead try to think in terms of probabilities. Not, "Will X or Y occur?" but, "What is the chance of X or Y occurring -- 10, 50, 80 percent?"

This tip comes "from the work of [University of Pennsylvania psychologist] Philip Tetlock and his 'superforecasters,'" Dunning notes. Tetlock has found that "people who think not in terms of certainties but in terms of probabilities tend to do much better in forecasting and anticipating what is going to happen in the world than people who think in certainties."

4. Know what's a fact and what's an opinion.

Back in grade school, some teacher probably had you do an exercise where you separated fact from opinion. "This picture is beautiful" is an opinion. "Barack Obama was born in America" is a fact. These days, according to Dunning, more and more of us are forgetting this essential distinction. If you want to be a little smarter, you need to remind yourself that some questions aren't open for personal interpretation.

"If you survey Democrats and Republicans right now, of course they differ in terms of their priorities for the country and their theories of where we should take the country. But they also differ in what they think the country is. They really differ in terms of 'Is the economy doing well?' 'What's the record of the Obama administration?' 'Did the stock market go up or did it go down?'" Dunning tells Resnick.

But "these are factual questions," he stresses. You don't get to have an opinion. All you get to do is look up the right answer.

5. Get better at saying "I don't know."

Looking up these facts is dead simple these days thanks to Google. The tricky part isn't the research, it's the psychology. Before you go and look for information, you first have to admit you don't already know that information. That takes intellectual humility, and humans aren't always awesome at humility.

"People seem to be uncomfortable about saying, 'I don't know.' That's one thing we've never been able to get people to do," Dunning admits.
For 14 years, Dan Berkon's entire business has relied on government contracts.

His Alexandria, Virginia-based company, Culmen International, assists the federal government with a variety of security needs, ranging from counterterrorism training to procuring "crucial equipment" for border and nuclear security purposes. He's never wanted or needed commercial clients. After the recent 35-day partial government shutdown--the longest in U.S. history--sidelined 20 percent of his roughly 250-employee workforce, he's reexamining that.

"We're a mission-oriented company," says Berkon, who is reluctantly considering diversifying Culmen--a seven-time Inc. 5000 honoree that pulled in nearly $43 million in revenue in 2017--by lining up non-governmental firms as customers. "Why we get out of bed every morning and come to work is because we believe in these missions that we're supporting for the government, so for us to really diversify away from a federal to a consumer base isn't really what we're about."

Still, for entrepreneurs like Berkon, the latest shutdown has been eye opening--revealing kinks in an otherwise well-oiled machine. Perhaps the business isn't diversified enough, and employees can't easily transition between projects because they lack training or the proper security clearance. Wherever the weak links are, many founders say they aren't waiting around for another shutdown--which could happen as soon as February 15, the day the current stopgap bill expires--to fix them.

"If [the government] ends up shutting down again in February, it will be tough," says Berkon, who paid his employees salaries in full during the shutdown and shaved about $250,000 off his company's profits in the process. He hasn't finished running the numbers, but he estimates he will have lost up to $500,000, or roughly 1 percent of his company's full-year revenue. "It's one thing not to get the money. It's another thing not to get the money but then also have the expense."

Coming Up With a Contingency Plan

That was the case for Yousif Mostafa, the president and CEO of Digital Global Connectors, a cybersecurity company based in Chantilly, Virginia. He also paid his entire 22-person staff during the shutdown. His firm works with federal agencies including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the United States Agency for International Development. The former was mostly closed during the 35-day standoff on Capitol Hill, which arose after President Trump refused to sign any spending bill passed by Congress that did not include $5.7 billion to build a wall along the U.S. southern border. Mostafa, whose business made more than $1.6 million in 2017, says he expects to lose from 7 to 10 percent of his annual revenue because of it.

He is now crafting a new contingency plan designed to avoid similar losses in the future. Previously, Mostafa was solely focused on having enough cash on hand to cover payroll for a couple of months, if needed. "Having a relationship with your banker is important," he says. Now, he's starting new security clearance processes for a few of his employees, so he'll be able to easily move workers from one contract to another when necessary. He's also putting in place new financial protocols. In the event of another shutdown, the company first will cut back on its annual marketing budget--and risk missing a business opportunity down the road--before asking employees to take leave.

"You want to do the right thing from the human standpoint, but it's also a business decision," says Mostafa, who co-founded the company with his wife in 2012. "Strategically, turnover is very costly and time-consuming, especially in cybersecurity. You need to take that into consideration as a business."

Cross-training employees is also high on Brian Chaney's contingency planning to-do list. He's the president of TACG, a Beavercreek, Ohio-based company that offers IT, supply chain, and health care management services to the federal government. Chaney says his staff's continuing education plans--which feature courses in specialized topics like cybersecurity or health care--are usually spread out between 12 and 20 months. He is now working on a new process that would accelerate that pace.

"We know we can't control it," says Chaney, referring to the prospect of another shutdown. The former acquisitions and contracting officer for the Air Force says TACG, which pulled in nearly $25 million in revenue in 2017, used to be "very dependent" on a single government client. Since he came on in 2012, he's worked on broadening its client list, looking at opportunities across other federal agencies, local and state governments, and commercial clients. (TACG has been an Inc. 5000 honoree the past three years.) Diversify, he recommends, because "your sphere of influence as a single business owner is definitely not big enough to control the government."

Truth and Transparency

There's no doubt contingency plans may provide solace to business owners, and may even curb money drains for the business. There's no guarantee they will do the same for current--or future--employees, however.

Corliss Udoema, founder and CEO of Manassas, Virginia-based Contract Solutions, a company that provides staffing services for project management, court reporting, and IT-related jobs, says hiring is becoming problematic due to the political standoffs. During this past partial government shutdown, one of her newest employees resigned. Udoema, whose business has landed on the Inc. 5000 list twice--in 2017, its revenue hit $3.9 million--says she is struggling to fill not only that position, but another critical role as well. "I've never had any problems trying to recruit people. Now? I don't know," she says with a sigh.

This year, Udoema estimates Contract Solutions will lose about 4.6 percent of its annual revenue because of the shutdown, but she says that is nothing compared with other "intangible" effects. "People don't want to come work for us because they're afraid of the shutdowns," she says. "How do you put a price on that?"

Still, her hiring strategy is to be up front about the risks. "I believe in being truthful and transparent: TNT," she adds, cautioning candidates that she "can't make any guarantees." And while she is disheartened by her new-found difficulties in recruiting, Udoema remains focused on her business and staff. For one, she is planning to offer personal finance classes to her employees sometime between the second and third quarters of this year. That way they can learn about smart savings, investment strategies, and other related ideas. "The shutdown is not going to shut me down," she says.

As for Berkon from Culmen International, he is exploring whether to build in a bigger cash cushion in case of future shutdowns. He's also planning on checking with his government clients into the possibility of telecommuting when the agencies are partially closed. That way his employees can continue to work from home, even if workers can't access shuttered federal buildings.
Thousands of years ago, when Rome was at the zenith of its power, small businesses had the opportunity to sell their goods -- organic beef, craft beer, hand-stitched clothing -- to the affluent and growing middle-class populations in faraway places.

Today, not much has changed. Well, except for the fact that craft beer has definitely got to be much better. But new generations of small-business owners still sell their goods -- organic beef, craft beer, hand-stitched clothing -- to customers far away, and they face similar challenges.

Whether you were doing this stuff in Augustan Rome or are in Trumpian America, the business involves a good deal of capital invested and risk. Today, as then, some entrepreneurs elect to take that risk on themselves. Others choose to hire outside firms to help shoulder that risk.

Enter the middleman. That's the firm that says, "Look, I'll take the risk. I'll buy and collect the receivable that's owed to you. You'll get your money now, and I'll take a fee for my services." Some call this factoring. I call it financing. And in many cases, it's just good business. You do what you do best, and you let the financial people do what they do best. Everyone shares and everyone wins.

Eyal Lifshitz agrees. He's the CEO of BlueVine, a company he started about six years ago after a stint in a venture capital firm in Israel. BlueVine, according to its website, has delivered more than $1 billion in financing to over 10,000 small businesses.

The role of factoring firms hasn't changed much over the past few thousand years. But their value has. The reason: changing attitudes and, most important, technology. I asked Lifshitz about this -- and other things -- in the following interview, which has been edited for length.

Q: Factoring is not the world's oldest profession. But it's pretty old. Why the interest?

My father and grandfather were both small-business owners. I grew up watching my father, who owned a small physical therapy clinic in New York, struggle with cash-flow issues because of long payment cycles. In factoring, I saw a significant opportunity for disruption through technological innovation such as the availability of online and new machine learning methods. That gave me the idea to launch BlueVine, and to make the switch from being a venture capital investor to becoming an entrepreneur.

Q: Can you explain BlueVine's value prop and what it's doing differently from all the other factoring firms today?

We actually offer two products (factoring and a credit line). For invoice factoring, which was our first offering, we provide a truly digital experience that historically was offline, paper-based, and known to be slow and clunky. With our platform, you don't need to fax invoices or send any paper documents. All you need to do is take five minutes to apply online and upload your invoices or connect your accounting software. You can get funds in as fast as 24 hours. Additionally, a business owner can decide which invoice to submit for funding with a click of a button, unlike with many traditional factoring companies that require you to fund all of your invoices. We also offer invoice factoring credit lines of up to $5 million, which is ideal for businesses that are growing rapidly.

Q: Factoring has literally been around for thousands of years. How has it changed? What role has technology served?

At BlueVine, we use advanced technology to improve the onboarding and funding experience for small-business customers. Instead of waiting weeks to get approved for financing as it is with traditional factoring companies, business owners who use BlueVine can get approved for funds in a matter of days. We're using technology to process hundreds of data points in a matter of minutes to allow customers to finance invoices in almost real time, and have invested in A.I. to streamline our back-office processes. Additionally, we have built an intuitive online dashboard that makes it easy for small-business owners to pick and choose which invoice to submit for funding.

Q: What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about your business, and how are you addressing it?

More and more small-business owners are discovering online business lending. In fact, according to a 2018 Federal Reserve report, roughly a third of non-employer firms turned to online lenders for financing. Most people don't know online lending has become so common. Many small-business owners still think that the only option they have for financing is their bank. At BlueVine, we're on a mission to educate business owners and the market about the benefits of online lending and how this relatively new industry not only addresses important business financing needs that traditional banks have not been able to address, but also dramatically improves how customers get financing.

Q: One big issue that I would have using a factoring service like BlueVine is trust. How can I trust you with my customers?

We make sure to treat your customers with the utmost care and respect, and it shows in our numbers. We have built relationships with the accounts-payable departments of hundreds of our clients' customers, including Fortune 1000 companies like Walgreens, Verizon, and Best Buy, which are now very familiar with BlueVine's process.

Q: Is it just firms with cash-flow challenges that can benefit from BlueVine's services? My company -- a 10-person tech firm -- doesn't have these issues. We have about 50 to 60 open invoices at a time, and collection problems do not happen very often. Is there a role that BlueVine could play?
Want to keep your employees who have recently had children? An extra perk or two can go a long way.

Companies across a variety of industries are offering working parents generous benefits like discounts on cribs and free breast milk shipping for mothers on business trips. One of the drivers of this trend is the fact that retaining female employees after they become mothers is a significant challenge for many companies, human resource experts told Inc. More than one-third of American women don't return to work after giving birth, according to a 2017 report on motherhood by the health data company Ovia.

"[Offering parental benefits] is part of a broad movement around diversity and more women staying in the workforce," says Julie Li, the senior director of people operations at the HR software company Namely. "[Companies have] realized they weren't providing the support they needed to make sure those individuals are successful."

Recently, generous maternity benefits have started popping up even at midsize businesses, not just large corporations with hefty budgets, hiring managers told Inc. Here are three benefits companies are offering new parents.

1. Breast milk shipping

At the online real estate marketplace Zillow, nursing mothers who are traveling for work can ship their breast milk home overnight for free. The company offers this benefit through the delivery service Milk Stork, which sends a ready-to-ship cooler to the employee's hotel. Zillow Group's chief people officer, Dan Spaulding, says the perk is a selling point for prospective hires.

"These benefits are a signal we are a workplace that listens to the needs of our employees, and we think that's a differentiator in building relationships with candidates," Spaulding says. "Year-over-year, we continue to have more women apply to Zillow." He added that the average annual cost to offer this perk, which between 12 and 15 employees use every month, comes out to around $25,000.

Founded in 2015, Palo Alto, California-based Milk Stork grew its number of enterprise clients by 60 percent in 2018, to 400, according to the company. Other businesses that use the service include PayPal, Pinterest, and Trip Advisor.

2. High-tech cribs

A well-rested employee is a happier employee. To help new parents weather the first few months of caring for an infant who wakes around the clock, some companies are offering employees a steep discount on the Snoo, a tech-enabled crib that promises to soothe babies--and hopefully put them back to sleep--by imitating the sounds and motions of the womb. One such employer, the wireless tech company Qualcomm, offers its employees a 20 percent discount on the $1,295 bassinet. Qualcomm's employee engagement manager, Christi Gilhoi, says prospective hires increasingly care about benefits surrounding parenthood.

"People who are thinking about starting a family want to know how the culture supports new families," Gilhoi says.

Launched in 2016 by Los Angeles-based Happiest Baby, the Snoo was developed by pediatrician and child development specialist Dr. Harvey Karp. Happiest Baby has a partnership with Qualcomm that allows the company to offer discounted cribs to employees at no cost. Around 30 companies have similar partnerships with Happiest Baby, including Salesforce, Snap, and WW, formally known as Weight Watchers.

3. Paid travel for caregivers

The outdoor retailer Patagonia allows mothers who are still nursing to bring a caregiver on business trips. This can include the mother's partner, a nanny, or one of Patagonia's on-site childcare professionals.

"When women are able to be at work, be present, and not drop out of the workforce, they have been able to perform and advance with their peers at the same level," says Dean Carter, Patagonia's vice president of human resources. "We have a lot of women who are in leadership positions, and we want to help them be moms and get work done." The perk has helped 95 percent of Patagonia's employees who take maternity leave return to the company, according to Carter.

If you're thinking about readjusting your company's policies but don't have the resources to offer similar perks, Namely's Li says to focus simply on offering flexibility with both mothers and fathers who are returning to work after having a child.
President Donald J. Trump Charts a Path for American Greatness

Washington, DC - "Together, we are building a safe, strong, and proud America." ~ President Donald J. Trump

LAYING OUT A VISION FOR BIPARTISANSHIP: Tonight, President Donald J. Trump laid out an inspiring, bipartisan vision of American greatness.

In his second State of the Union address, President Trump highlighted new policies that will expand prosperity and improve the quality of life for all Americans.

President Trump is a problem solver and is offering commonsense solutions to the issues our Nation faces.

President Trump cast a vision for greater security and peace around the globe, noting Americas return to a position of leadership.

The President cited criminal justice reform, landmark opioid legislation, historic reforms to the VA, and a sweeping new Farm Bill as proof of what can be achieved when our Nations leaders work together in a bipartisan fashion.

Now is the time for all sides to work together to accomplish greatness for the American people.

PROMOTING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY: President Trump pledged to continue his policies that have unleashed the American economy and delivered prosperity for countless Americans.

Thanks to President Trumps policies, the American economy is booming, averaging 3 percent growth for the year  something not seen in a while.

More than 5.3 million jobs have been created since President Trumps election, sending unemployment rates plummeting and leading to real-wage growth.

The Presidents efforts to fight for fair trade and cut job-killing regulations has led to a rebirth in American manufacturing.

The historic tax cuts and reforms achieved by the President provided millions of Americans and their families with pay raises, bonuses, and increased benefits.

The United States is now the number one producer of oil and gas in the world and, in 2020, is projected to become a net exporter of energy for the first time in over a half century.

ACCOMPLISHING REAL IMMIGRATION REFORM: President Trump is committed to working to achieve real immigration reform that protects our country and benefits our citizens.

Immigration reform is a critical issue for the future of our country as it impacts all aspects of Americans lives.

The President is urging Congress to pass legislation to address the crisis at the border, which includes humanitarian assistance, more law enforcement, drug detection at our ports, closing loopholes that enable child smuggling, and plans for a new physical barrier, or wall.

In order to achieve lasting reform, we must close catch-and-release loopholes, stop sanctuary cities, end illegal immigration, and secure our borders.

Without first securing our southern border, the American people will never trust Washington to achieve real immigration reform.

NEGOTIATING DEALS THAT WORK: President Trump pledged to continue to fight for fair and reciprocal trade that benefits the American economy and protects our workers.

President Trump has already secured trade deals like the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA) that will positively impact the lives of all Americans.

Congress should approve the USMCA to help the President fight for American workers, farmers, and businesses and continue his work to secure better deals for the American people.

President Trump is asking Congress to pass the United States Reciprocal Trade Act, giving him authority to take action to pressure other countries to lower their tariffs on our goods.

REBUILDING AMERICAS INFRASTRUCTURE: President Trump is calling on Congress to come together and invest in 21st century infrastructure for the American people.

President Trump is calling for an infrastructure package that delivers new and important infrastructure investment to build a modern transportation system.

Building up our infrastructure is key to improving the quality of life for all Americans. This includes investing in visionary projects such as advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

The American people deserve a modern transportation system that reduces traffic, cuts down on commute time, and is safer and more reliable.

CARING FOR OUR NATION: President Trump is asking Congress to work with him to lower prescription drug prices and improve the quality of life for Americans.

President Trump is asking Congress to tackle high prescription drug prices by addressing the global freeloading in drug research, development, and distribution.

The President requested Congress pass reforms to lower drug costs for Medicare patients and cap out-of-pocket expenditures for our Nations seniors.

President Trump is requesting Congress make the needed investments to defeat the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years and fund new childhood cancer research.

KEEPING AMERICA SAFE: President Trump is restoring the United States standing in the world by putting America first and achieving peace through strength.

President Trump is continuing his historic effort to rebuild our military and provide our troops with the best equipment and training.

The President has acted swiftly and decisively to protect Americas interests: pushing for peace on the Korean peninsula, confronting Iran, and fighting terrorists worldwide.

The President has decimated ISIS and will be bringing our heroes home from costly wars as our partners in the region step up their commitments to destroy ISIS remnants in the region.

President Trump announced he is stepping up negotiations for a political settlement in Afghanistan, shifting our priorities from nation building to counterterrorism.

SUPPORTING AND PROTECTING AMERICAN FAMILIES: President Trump is working every day to protect the safety and well-being of American families.
President Donald J. Trumps America First Vision for Keeping Our Nation Safe

Washington, DC - "We will no longer use American military might to construct democracies in faraway lands, or try to rebuild other countries in our own image. Those days are now over. Instead, we will work with allies and partners to protect our shared interests." ~ President Donald J. Trump

SAFETY THROUGH STRENGTH: President Donald J. Trump has undertaken historic efforts to rebuild our military and strengthen our Nations defenses.

Since taking office, President Trump has secured robust funding to rebuild our military and defend the safety and security of our Nation. This includes a record $700 billion last year and $716 billion this year for funding to face new and evolving threats from hostile powers around the world.

The President also helped secure a $100 billion increase in defense spending from NATO allies.

President Trump is working to ensure our service members receive the best equipment, training, and care. This includes providing our military with its largest pay raise in nearly a decade.



DEFENDING AMERICAS INTERESTS: President Trump has acted swiftly and decisively to defend our Nations interests.

The United States has worked with our allies to liberate virtually all territory held by ISIS in Iraq and Syria. ISIS controlled more than 20,000 square miles in Iraq and Syria when President Trump took office.

President Trump is continuing his push for peace on the Korean Peninsula and will meet with Chairman Kim again this month in Vietnam. Though much work remains, our hostages have been brought home, nuclear testing has halted, and there has not been a missile launch in 15 months.

In the coming months, the Administration will release a proposal to end the Israeli and Palestinian conflict and bring peace based on principled realism, not discredited theories. It was in line with this commitment to principled realism that President Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved our embassy there.

President Trump condemned Maduro and his cronies in Venezuela and stood up for American principles by recognizing the legitimate Interim President of Venezuela, Juan Guaido.

President Trump has acted to confront the radical regime in Iran by withdrawing from the disastrous, one-sided Iran nuclear deal and imposing devastating sanctions.

PUTTING AMERICA FIRST: President Trump is fulfilling his promise to stop the cycle of endless wars that have burdened our Nation.
Imperial Valley News Center

President Donald J. Trump Is Committed to Working with Congress to Solve Our Urgent Immigration Crisis

Washington, DC - "There is a humanitarian and security crisis on our southern border that requires urgent action." ~ President Donald J. Trump

STOPPING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: President Donald J. Trump is committed to working with Congress to build an immigration system that ends illegal immigration and protects our country.

President Trump is committed to working with both Republicans and Democrats in Congress to achieve real immigration reform.

Solving immigration is an important issue that impacts all aspects of Americans lives  from stewardship of public resources, to job markets and wages, to safety and security, and more.

Our current immigration system, however, is hopelessly outdated and jeopardizes the safety, security, and well-being of our citizens.

Congress has 10 days left to pass a bill that will fund our Government and make a meaningful impact on the undeniable humanitarian crisis on our southern border.

The President is urging Congress to pass legislation to address the crisis at the border, which includes humanitarian assistance, more law enforcement, drug detection at our ports, closing loopholes that enable child smuggling, and plans for a new physical barrier, or wall.

THE HUMANITARIAN SITUATION AT OUR BORDER: The unabated flow of illegal immigrants to our southern border has created a humanitarian crisis that needs a solution.

The crisis at our border will not dissipate on its own. Caravans continue to leave Central America to begin the unsafe journey to our border and illegal aliens continue to stream in.

Tolerance for illegal immigration is not compassionate, it is cruel. Illegal immigrants who make the trek northward are subjected to horrible conditions: Each month, thousands of children are brought illegally to our borders, many by human traffickers and smugglers who wish to exploit them. One in three women is sexually assaulted during the dangerous and long journey through Central America and Mexico. Nearly 50 migrants each day are being referred for urgent medical care by our border security officials.

Failure to take appropriate steps to solve this humanitarian disaster will continue to endanger the lives of Americans.

URGENT NATIONAL CRISIS: Republicans and Democrats should be able to agree on the need to secure our southern border to protect our citizens and economy.
(The Center Square)  High school students may soon be able to take financial literacy courses as part of their required two years of social studies with a measure awaiting the governors approval.
Rappler, CEO Maria Resa and reporter Reynaldo Santos Jr. have been indicted on libel charges over a story published in 2012. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) strongly condemn the charges against Rappler and staff and call for the charges to be dropped.

On May 29, 2012, Rappler published a report titled CJ using SUVs of controversial businessman during the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona. The complaint was filed by Wilfredo Keng, who said he did not lend any vehicle to the late chief magistrate. However, the Cybercrime Prevention Act (2012), which the charges come under, was not legislated until later in 2012.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) resolution cites the multiple publication rule to validate the charges. Noting that the timestamp on the offending story shows it was published on February 19, 2014. According to Rappler its internal content management system shows that the modification was to correct a typographical error, the DOJ insists the website made a republication and distinct offense so that it deserves for prosecution.

These are the latest charges against Rappler which has come under repeated attack from the Philippines Government since President Duterte came into office. On December 3, an arrest warrant was issued for Rappler CEO Maria Resa after she and Rappler were charged with five counts of tax fraud. On February 20, Rappler journalist Pia Randa was barred from the Presidential palace, despite covering the politics beat.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said that this is an extremely dangerous proposition since it essentially means anyone can be made liable for anything and everything they posted even way before the Cybercrime Law so long as it remains on the Web and is accessible.

These legal acrobatics plus the timing of the complaints filing make it hard to shake off the suspicion that the law has deliberately been weaponized against Rappler as part of this administrations efforts to take it out because of the chief executives extreme dislike for the outfit. We hope the courts rise to the occasion and stop this legal anomaly from becoming legal precedent, NUJP said.

The IFJ said: The libel charges undermine the Philippines press freedom. We stand with our affiliate NUJP and our colleagues in the Philippines. We also support the effort of the NUJP to revise the libel law which will throw out the criminal aspect. We urge all charges to be dropped immediately and for the government to end its targeted attack on Rappler.
Suman Pandey and Vinod Dongre were attacked as they covered a meeting of officials from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Raipur, Chhattisgarh on February 2. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) have strongly criticized the attack and demand an immediate investigation into the incident.

Pandey, a journalist with The Voices filmed a scuffle that broke out between BJP officials. He said that following, he was attacked and beaten by BJP officials, demanding that he delete the footage. Vinod was also injured in the attack.

Pandey, who sustained head injuries in the attack, filed a complaint to police. In the complaint, Pandey said that BJP Raipur president Rajiv Agarwal, Vijay Vyas and Dina Dongre were the officials who attacked him. Late on Saturday all four of the assailants were arrested under Sections 342 (wrongful confinement), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code, and released on bail.

Following the attack, local journalists staged a protest demanding an investigation and for safer working conditions for journalists in India.

IJU president Amar Devulapalli said: The IJU firmly believes the attack is not just against the journalists but against the freedom of the press. The attempt of some BJP leaders to hush up the case by apologizing is not acceptable. We demand that the culprits should be arrested under non-bailable sections of the IPC and the BJP should remove the attackers from their posts to send a strong signal that attacks on journalists would not be tolerated.

The IFJ said: Two journalists were attacked for simply doing their job. While we welcome the arrest and charges against the assailants, we urge the authorities to ensure proper punishment. We also call on BJP officials to take the necessary steps to educate all party members and officials on the rights of journalists, and encourage respect of the media, especially in the lead up to general elections later this year.
Gas accounts for 7% of Chinas energy mix today, well below the global average of 22%. But China is going for gas, and this surge in consumption has largely erased talk of a global gas glut. Chinas gas demand expanded by a dramatic 15% in 2017, underpinned by a strong policy push for coal-to-gas switching in industry and buildings as part of the drive to turn Chinas skies blue again and improve air quality. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports grew massively, with China surpassing Korea as the second largest LNG importer in the world. Preliminary data for 2018 suggest similarly strong double-digit growth, putting China well on track to become the worlds largest gas-importing country.

In the IEAs New Policies Scenario (NPS), the share of gas in Chinas energy mix is projected to double to 14% by 2040, and most of the increase is met by imports that reach parity with those to the European Union. Demand for LNG is set to quadruple over the same period, accounting for nearly 30% of global LNG trade flows. China has long driven global trends for oil, coal and, more recently, also for many renewable technologies. The China effect on gas markets is now becoming a pivotal element for those working in gas markets; this is a key reason why gas does relatively well in all the WEO scenarios.
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Worlds largest fish factory vessel stays on IUU list

February 05,2019 | Source: Marex

Following an investigation by Oceana, the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO) has decided to keep the fish factory vessel Damanzaihao (now named Vladivostok 2000) on its list of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing vessels. The organization has also issued warnings to China, Panama and Cook Islands for providing assistance to the vessel.



The Commission has currently 15 members: Australia, Chile, China, Cook Islands, Cuba, Ecuador, E.U., Denmark, South Korea, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, Chinese Taipei, the U.S. and Vanuatu.



Oceana investigated the Damanzaihaos movements using Global Fishing Watchs mapping platform. Oceana applauds SPRFMOs decision and views this as an important example of how transparency at sea can help enforce rules that combat IUU fishing, said Beth Lowell, deputy vice president of U.S. campaigns at Oceana. With the help of technology, we can see what vessels are doing beyond the horizon and take steps, like Oceana did, to hold the responsible parties accountable.



The Vladivostok 2000, currently flagged to Moldova, is one of the worlds largest vessels with a history of changing names and reflagging to different countries. Originally designed as an oil tanker measuring 228 meters, the vessel was rebuilt to function as a one-stop-shop fish processor, with the ability to store, freeze, process and transfer fish. According to a New York Times article, the vessel (named Lafayette and flying a Russian flag when the article was published in 2012) can process up to 547,000 metric tons of fish each year.



In May last year, agents from the Peruvian Environmental Prosecutors Office boarded the vessel as part of an federal criminal investigation based on presumed acts of illegal fishing. This latest criminal case was predicated on the same acts of illegal fishing that led to the imposition of a multi-million dollar fine in 2016. Peruvian authorities also accused the Damanzaihao of polluting the marine environment through the illegal discharge of fluids and effluents while anchored in Chimbote. At the time, Sea Shepherd vessel M/V John Paul DeJoria was in Peruvian waters gathering intelligence to assist the Peruvian Government.

 2019 The Maritime Executive, LLC

Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Freshwater ecosystems and threats.
Five kidnapped Trinidad fishermen still being held in volatile Venezuela

February 07,2019 | Source: Stabroek News

It has been a week since Morne Diablo fisherman Jerry OBrian was released by his kidnappers after part of the US $200,000 ransom was paid for his life.



But five other abducted fishermen have not returned to their families.



Police say they visit every day with the families, some of whom have set up camp on the beach hoping and waiting to a boat bringing them back from Venezuela.



The TTPS has communicated with INTERPOL seeking its intervention to bring the men home, but there has not been any developments with that appeal, a senior police officer said.



On Friday, the Ministry of National Security revealed that the fishermen who were kidnapped for ransom last Sunday were up a river in Venezuela when they were taken.



National Security minister Stuart Young warned nationals of Trinidad and Tobago that they should be aware of the risks of leaving our territorial waters and venturing into the territorial waters of other countries where we have no jurisdiction.



Only one of the six fishermen have returned to Trinidad after a US $30,000 ransom was paid.



The TTPS communicated with INTERPOL and made requests for assistance through diplomatic channels.



The families of the fishermen were given a Friday deadline to pay $200,000 US to the kidnappers.



One of the kidnapped fishermen  Jerry OBrian returned by boat to Morne Diablo around 1 p.m. Wednesday after $US 30,000 of the ransom was paid, police said.



Still missing are OBrians brother  Jason OBrian, 38, Jagdesh Jude Jaikaran, 16, Brandon Arjoon, 28, and Ricky Rambharose, 35.



They were abducted by pirates on Sunday and threats made to their families dismember them if the ransom was not paid.



On January 27, Manohars family received a voice note of Whats app from an unknown number from him saying that their boat was hijacked and taken to Venezuela.



In the voice note Manohar said they had been taken by Spanish-speaking men and he pleaded with the relatives to raise the money to bring them home.

 1997 - 2019 Stabroek News

Theme(s): Communities and Organisations.
Papua New Guinea to bolster fisheries co-operation with Philippines

February 04,2019 | Source: RNZ

Papua New Guinea has signed an agreement with the Philippines to increase co-operation in fisheries development.



A Memorandum of Understanding was inked in the Philippines' Quezon City by PNG's Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Patrick Basa.



Filipino media reported the deal would provide for mutual cooperation, consultation and exchange of technical assistance in fisheries research and development.



There's also provision for better control of Philippine-flagged vessels operating in PNG and coordination in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.



The Filipino tuna fishing fleet is a major player in PNG's fishery.



Both countries had previously been given 'yellow cards' by the European Union for sloppiness in tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.



More recently, the Philippines government objected to PNG's plan to require that all fish caught in its waters be processed domestically.



Last year, Filipino Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol warned it would negatively impact his country's own tuna processing industry.



The new agreement, which Mr Pinol signed with Mr Basa, opens the way for a compromise on the matter.



Last month, the Philippines forged a five-year rice deal with PNG's government covering exchange of technical assistance as well as joint research and development activities.

 Radio New Zealand 2019

Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture.
Thailand struggles with fisheries management

by Jason Thomas

February 06,2019 | Source: The Asean Post

Thailands ratification of the International Labour Organisations (ILO) Work in Fishing Convention on 30 January has won it international plaudits  but how well will it be received locally?



As the first country in Asia to ratify ILOs Convention 188, Thailand  the world's third-largest seafood exporter  has received praise for setting an excellent example to ensure acceptable living and working conditions for fishermen onboard ships, according to ILO Director-General Guy Ryder.



But with human rights abuse rife in the Thai seafood industry  a United Nations (UN) report found that 59 percent of trafficked migrants working on Thai fishing vessels reported witnessing the murder of fellow workers  for many, the ratification is nothing more than a fancy PR stunt.



In addition, corruption, long-established poor fishing practices and resistance from fishermen associations in Thailand to what it claims are strict standards means the implementation and enforcement of Convention 188 will be contentious.



Half of the estimated 600,000 men working in the Thai seafood industry are undocumented workers from countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao PDR. Forced labour and other human rights abuses among them have been well documented in a series of media exposes dating back to 2014.



Exhausted Thai fish stocks require vessels to stay out longer at sea and go further afield, often fishing illegally in other countries territorial waters, according to a 2015 report by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) titled, Thailands Seafood Slaves: Human Trafficking, Slavery and Murder in Kantangs Fishing Industry.



Operators use human trafficking networks and bonded, forced and slave labour to run their vessels and save costs. With supply ships regularly restocking deep sea fishing vessels and taking caught fish back to port, some vessels are out on the seas for years  and so are their abused fishermen, most of whom have no chance of escaping.



Despite high-profile commitments by the Thai government to clean up the fishing industry, problems are rampant, said Brad Adams, Human Rights Watch (HRW) Asia Director when announcing a HRW report titled Hidden Chains: Rights Abuses and Forced Labour in Thailands Fishing Industry in a briefing at the European Parliament on 23 January.



In 2017, a survey by an anti-slavery NGO called International Justice Mission found that 76 percent of migrant fishermen in Thailand had amassed debt  often to the ship captains  before they even start work, with 14 percent suffering abuse and 32 percent witnessing abuse.



Brokers promise workers jobs in Thai factories or farms before smuggling them into the country and selling them to ship captains. With corruption ingrained in the industry  policemen, community leaders, businessmen and politicians all close one eye to the horrors happening at sea.



The United States Department of State downgraded Thailand in its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report to Tier 3 in 2015 after news reports about murders and other human rights abuses on Thai fishing ships. The ranking has now improved to Tier 2 in a move which Thailand says reflects its efforts to combat human smuggling and illegal labour and helps boost its standing among trading partners.



The European Commission, meanwhile, issued Thailand a yellow card warning the same year after noting it was not clamping down on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing  with a red card calling for an import ban on fisheries products caught by the country in question. The yellow card warning was removed last month after improvements in Thailands fisheries legal and administrative systems, and both rulings have spurred the Thai government into action.



However, by and large, the fishing industry in Thailand remains unregulated and human rights abuses are still going unpunished.



New regulations which state fishermen have to be in possession of their own identification documents, receive and sign a written contract and be paid monthly are frustrated by employer practices which hold fishermen in debt bondage and ensure they cannot change employers, said HRW.



There are no effective or systematic inspections of fishermen working aboard Thai vessels  taking for example HRWs 2015 report on human trafficking in which Thailand revealed that inspections of 474,334 fishery workers failed to identify a single case of forced labour.



The labour inspection regime is largely a theatrical exercise for international consumption. For example, HRW found officials speak to ship captains and boat owners to check documents but rarely conduct interviews with migrant fishermen, said the HRW report.



In addition, Thai fishermen associations have balked at some of the conventions measures such as annual health checks for crew, transportation for crew from foreign ports to Thailand, social security schemes and certified good working and living conditions for the crew  citing cost as the main factor.



But with the convention coming into force in Thailand on 30 January 2020  one year after ratification  Thailand should have sufficient time to ensure compliance and change its long-standing poor fisheries management.

 Digital Media Nusantara @ 2017

Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture.
Morocco, Australia forge cooperation on agriculture, fisheries

by Safaa Kasraoui

February 06,2019 | Source: MWN

Earlier this week, Moroccos Minister of Agriculture Aziz Akhannouch flew to Australia to look for more opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and fisheries.



Akhannouch told the press after his talks with the agricultural minister for the Australian state of Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, that Victoria has shown great interest in supporting Morocco in the development of its agriculture and fisheries sectors.



The minister added that the meeting also gave Morocco an opportunity to learn about the Australian experience in the areas of training, research, and biosecurity, in addition to other projects such as aquaculture and the development of fish markets.



Australias vision focuses on product quality and biosecurity, aspects that are of particular interest to Morocco, Akhannouch said.



Symes said that both countries are determined to develop agriculture and fisheries, emphasizing that such development requires innovation and the adoption of new technologies.



She added that the two factors are key aspects to ensure the prosperity of these sectors.



The Australian MP also tweeted about her meeting with Akhannouch.



Great to meet with the Moroccan Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Aziz Akhannouch today. Key on the agenda; Victorias game-changing move to Sheep EID, climate change, trade access and young farmers, she wrote.

 Morocco World News

Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture.
Translations:

Otro ano mas de crecimiento saludable en el sector aereo de pasajeros para 2018. Niveles record del factor de ocupacion (pdf)

Le fort trafic de passagers se maintient en 2018. Nouveau record du coefficient doccupation des sieges (pdf)

2018  6.5% (pdf)



Geneva  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for 2018 showing that demand (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose by a healthy 6.5% compared to full-year 2017. Although this represented a slowdown compared to the 2017 annual growth of 8.0%, it was another year of above-trend growth. Full year 2018 capacity climbed 6.1%, and load factor edged up 0.3 percentage point to a record 81.9%, exceeding the previous high set in 2017.



December RPKs rose 5.3% against the same month in 2017, the slowest year-over-year pace since January 2018 and a continuation of the trend that saw demand growth decelerate to an annualized rate of 5% over the course of the 2018 second half compared to a 9% pace in the first half.

2018 was another year of strong passenger demand, as aviation continued to support the global economy. We expect similar, if somewhat moderating performance in 2019. Nevertheless, slowing growth in the second half of 2018, coupled with concerns over issues including Brexit and US-China trade tensions, are creating some uncertainty to this positive outlook, said Alexandre de Juniac, IATAs Director General and CEO.

December 2018 (% year-on-year) World share1 RPK ASK PLF (%-pt)2 PLF (level)3 Total Market 100.0% 5.3% 6.1% -0.6% 80.4% Africa 2.1%

2.1% 1.6% 0.4% 72.4% Asia Pacific 34.5% 6.4% 6.7% -0.2% 81.0% Europe 26.7% 7.8% 8.8% -0.8% 81.0% Latin America 5.1%

6.0% 5.4% 0.4%

81.8% Middle East 9.2% 0.0% 4.2% -3.1% 73.6% North America 22.4% 3.6% 4.0% -0.3% 82.5%





International Passenger Markets

International passenger traffic in 2018 climbed 6.3% compared to 2017, down from 8.6% annual growth the year before. Capacity rose 5.7% and load factor climbed by 0.4 percentage point to 81.2%. All regions recorded year-over-year increases in traffic, led by Asia-Pacific. However, North America and Africa were the only two regions to post stronger demand growth in 2018 compared to the prior years performance

Asia-Pacific airlines 2018 traffic rose 7.3%, compared to 2017, driven by robust regional economic expansion and an increase in route options for travelers. Although this was a slowdown from the 10.5% year-over-year growth recorded in 2017 versus 2016, it was strong enough to lead all the regions for a second consecutive year. Capacity rose 6.4%, and load factor ticked up 0.7 percentage point to 80.6%.

European carriers international traffic climbed 6.6% in 2018 compared to the previous year, which was down from 9.4% growth the year before. Capacity rose 5.9% and load factor increased 0.6 percentage point to 85.0%, which was the highest for any region. On a seasonally-adjusted basis, traffic growth has softened a bit in recent months, likely owing, in part, to uncertainty over the economic backdrop and Brexit.

Middle East carriers traffic increased 4.2% last year, down from 6.9% growth in 2017. It was the second year in a row of moderating demand growth. Capacity climbed 5.2% and load factor slipped 0.7 percentage point to 74.7%. The deceleration in growth reflects the impact of policy measures and geopolitical tensions, including travel restrictions and the temporary ban on large portable electronic devices. Traffic actually declined 0.1% year-on-year in December, but this may reflect volatility in data.

North American airlines had their fastest demand growth since 2011, with full-year traffic rising 5.0% compared to 2017, an increase from 4.7% annual growth in 2017. Here too, however, demand growth slackened noticeably in the last two quarters. This may be owing to increasing concerns over the US economic outlook and trade tensions with China. Capacity climbed 3.7%, and load factor edged up 1.0 percentage point to 82.6%, second highest among the regions.

Latin American airlines traffic climbed 6.9% in 2018, a slowdown compared to 8.8% annual growth in 2017. Capacity rose 7.7% and load factor dipped 0.6 percentage point to 81.8%. Traffic was affected by the mid-year general strikes in Brazil as well as by political and economic developments in some of the regions other key economies.

African airlines saw 2018 traffic rise 6.5% compared to 2017, which was an increase compared to 6.0% annual growth in 2017. The strong performance took place in spite of the mixed economic backdrop of the continents largest economies, Nigeria and South Africa. Capacity rose 4.4%, and load factor jumped 1.4 percentage points to 71.0%.



Domestic Passenger Markets

Domestic air travel climbed 7.0% last year, which was unchanged from the rate in 2017. All markets showed annual growth, led by India and China, which both posted double-digit annual increases. Capacity rose 6.8% and load factor was 83.0%, up 0.2% percentage point compared to 2017.

december 2018 (% year-on-year) World share1 RPK ASK PLF (%-pt)2 PLF (level)3 Domestic 36.0% 5.0% 6.3% -0.9% 81.2% Dom. Australia 0.9% -1.8% -0.8% -0.8% 80.5% Domestic Brazil 1.1% 3.4% 2.3% 0.9% 84.3% Dom. China P.R. 9.5% 7.3% 9.8% -1.9% 80.8% Domestic India 1.6% 10.0% 16.5% -5.0% 84.5% Domestic Japan 1.0% 4.7% 1.9% 1.8% 68.8% Dom. Russian Fed 1.4% 11.4% 11.6% -0.1% 78.8% Domestic US

14.1% 3.8% 4.9% -0.9% 82.8%





Indias domestic market posted the fastest full-year domestic growth rate for the fourth consecutive year, with an 18.6% annual demand increase. Domestic demand is underpinned by robust economic expansion and increasing numbers of city pairs.



Australia represented the opposite picture, as annual traffic rose just 1.4%, although this was a slight increase over the rate of 2017.

The Bottom Line:

Aviation continued to demonstrate why it is the Business of Freedom in 2018. We safely transported more than 4.3 billion passengers. These people used air connectivity to conduct trade and business, reunite with friends and loved ones, explore the world, and, in some cases even to begin new lives. Aviation makes the modern world possible, but we depend on borders that are open to people and trade to be effective. In 2019, we will be strong advocates against a rising tide of protectionism and trade conflict, so that the Business of Freedom can continue to do its part to make the world a more prosperous and happier place, said de Juniac.



View December passenger traffic results (pdf)







For more information, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Tel: +41 22 770 2967

Email: corpcomms@iata.org

Notes for Editors:

IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 290 airlines comprising 82% of global air traffic.

You can follow us at http://twitter.com/iata for announcements, policy positions, and other useful industry information.

All figures are provisional and represent total reporting at time of publication plus estimates for missing data. Historic figures are subject to revision.

Domestic RPKs accounted for about 36% of the total market. It is most important for North American airlines as it is about 66% of their operations. In Latin America, domestic travel accounts for 46% of operations, primarily owing to the large Brazilian market. For Asia-Pacific carriers, the large markets in India, China and Japan mean that domestic travel accounts for 45% of the regions operations. It is less important for Europe and most of Africa where domestic travel represents just 11% and 14% of operations, respectively. And it is negligible for Middle Eastern carriers for whom domestic travel represents just 4% of operations.



Explanation of measurement terms:
According to source, Ahmedinejad's statements infuriated Revolutionary Guard Chief of Staff Mohammed Ali Jafari, who exclaimed "You are wrong! (In fact) it is YOU who created this mess! And now you say give more freedom to the press?!" Source said that Jafarli then slapped Ahmedinejad in the face, causing an uproar and an immediate call for a break in the meeting, which was never resumed.

Source said that SNSC did not meet again for another two weeks, after Ayatollah Janati succesfully acted as a "peacemaker" between Jafarli and Ahmedinejad. Source added that the break in the SNSC meeting, but not the slap that caused it, has made its way on to some Iranian blogs.
The MEI comprises data of overall hiring activity in each country, as well as specific data in the HR and Admin sector.

As the year ended, the online demand for HR & Admin professionals in Malaysia swung upward to clock in a positive year-on-year growth after nine months of decline, said Abhijeet Mukherjee, CEO at Monster.com  APAC & Middle East.

He added that HR was also one of the three job roles that exhibited positive growth among the nine sectors monitored by the Index.

Careers are no longer simply defined by jobs and skills but through learning agility and experiences, he said. The ongoing transformation of work, the need for people and organisations to constantly upgrade capabilities and evolve, and shifts in employee preferences demand new approaches to performance management, job design and career development.

As rapidly advancing technologies and team-centred business models drive organizations to redesign themselves, leaders must keep up to create new career models and build a culture of learning.
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Normally, we wouldnt weigh in on a confirmation hearing for a gubernatorial pick to a low-profile office in Austin.

This year, well not only weigh in on David Whitleys appointment to the office of Texas secretary of state. Well recommend a loud and resounding: NO.

Whitley was named in December and his short tenure in the obscure and nominally nonpartisan office has been tarnished by a civil rights scandal that garnered national attention and condemnation. Texans deserve an official they can trust to oversee elections across the state. Gov. Greg Abbott, too, deserves an appointee whose every move wont be justifiably second-guessed. Our state isnt lacking for Republican politicos who could serve in this role. The governor should simply replace Whitley with a qualified candidate so we can all move on.

RELATED: Texas voter fraud falsehoods distract from real civic participation

The crisis of confidence began when, after only five weeks on the job, Whitleys office released an advisory to local election administrators claiming that 95,000 noncitizens were improperly registered as voters and should be removed from the rolls. This report seemed to confirm the suspicions of Republican politicians who have crusaded against the spectre of illegal voting for years, with little to show for it. President Trump pounced on cue, railing on Twitter about 95,000 non-citizens registered to vote.

Just one problem: It wasnt true.

Whitley calculated the 95,000 number by counting registered voters who, at some point, had told the Texas Department of Public Safety they were not citizens when obtaining a drivers license or ID. But heres a funny fact about life in Texas: People can become citizens after legally obtaining a driver license.

Thousands upon thousands of Texans do that every year  and plenty of those new citizens registered to vote and cast ballots in the 2018 election.

Thats why the secretary of states office began backtracking almost immediately after releasing its memo. Turns out that roughly 20,000 names were wrongly added. The list included duplicate names and people who had properly become naturalized citizens. In Harris County alone, more than 60 percent of the listed names were quickly tossed out, and that stat keeps growing.

This kind of public failure wouldnt be tolerated in the private sector, and it falls on the Senate Nominations Committee to ensure we dont accept it in Texas government.

A litany of civil rights organizations and individual voters have lined up to sue Whitley and the county officials who acted on his wrongful report. They allege state officials violated the Voting Rights Act and 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, including claims that the list unconstitutionally burdened minority groups. At a time when symbols of discrimination are being removed from the Texas Capitol, our elected officials should aim similar scrutiny at actions with an actual discriminatory effect.

Whitleys list wasnt ready for public consumption and yet he released it anyway. The seven senators on the Nominations Committee tasked with assessing the secretary of states fitness can only come to one of two conclusions:

Either Whitley had not properly checked his work, recklessly releasing an inaccurate product in a manner unworthy of his office.

Or, he knew exactly what he was doing and purposefully fanned the flames of partisan conspiracy theory about noncitizens fraudulently voting en masse.

Neither should be tolerated. Nor should such antics be excused as as politics as usual.

We know the governor is capable of appointing a competent elections chief who approaches the duties fairly. Rolando Pablos, an Abbott appointee whom Whitley replaced, dedicated himself to ensuring that high school officials were following state law and registering young Texans to vote. Carlos Cascos, also appointed by Abbott, told Texas Monthly recently that Whitleys list should be rescinded entirely.

Both men appear to share a respect for new voters, which should come as no surprise. Both were born in Mexico.

Its unclear how much damage Whitely has done with his ill-conceived scheme, whether it will have a chilling effect on voter registration or scare registered voters away from the polls. Abbott and other Republican leaders should also contemplate the political effects of such ploys. Those ambitious, patriotic Americans-by-choice who once filled Republican ranks may feel their role in the Grand Old Party reduced to little more than scapegoat.

Democrats on the Senate Nominations Committee  including Houstons Borris Miles and Carol Alvarado  have partisan reasons to vote no on Whitley. Republicans have strong reason as well: to protect Texans right to vote from bureaucratic threat. It will only take one Republican to cross over. Wed like to see state Sen. Lois Kolkhost, for instance, stand up for her constituents in a diverse and growing Fort Bend County.

Theres a place for politics. Its not in the voting booth, and its not at the secretary of states office. Any state official seriously concerned about the integrity of our voting system should require integrity in the person appointed to oversee it.
There is no apology coming from the state official who launched a controversial attempt to purge nearly 100,000 Texas voters from the rolls.

During a hearing in the Texas Senate to save his job, new Secretary of State David Whitley repeatedly refused to say if his office made any mistakes in putting out lists of suspected ineligible voters that included thousands of names that should not have been on it.

The effort to pinpoint voters who are not U.S. citizens has brought praise from Republicans as high up as President Donald Trump, who have called it part of the fight against voter fraud. But it has also resulted in lawsuits from civil rights groups who say the analysis Whitleys office conducted discriminates against immigrants and is calculated to dissuade them from voting.

Whitley told lawmakers that he stands by his work, characterizing the purge list as an effort to make sure the states voter rolls are as accurate as possible. He plans to conduct similar searches for non-citizens among the states 15.8 million voters every month.

We have to get this right, I believe we owe it to Texas voters, Whitley said at a confirmation hearing before the Senates nominations committee. The committee is set to vote on his confirmation on Feb. 14. If he passes, he would then need to be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the entire Texas Senate.

State Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, repeatedly pressed Whitley on whether his agency made mistakes in how it handled the list. It took elections officials from a handful of counties just a few days to identify 20,000 names that were wrongly included.

The suspected non-citizen voters were flagged based on an analysis of documents the voters provided to the Department of Public Safety when they applied for driver licenses. Whitleys office advised county elections officials throughout Texas to send notices to those voters giving them 30 days to prove they are U.S. citizens - a move that brought condemnation from voter advocacy groups and at least three lawsuits.

I will readily level with you that we can always improve the process, Whitley said, responding to Watsons questions. But the data is what the data is. And we were confident that that was the best data that we could get from DPS.

At the same hearing, Whitley refused to answer Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, who asked him to define voter suppression.

I think its irrelevant, Whitley responded.

West fired back.

Youre the secretary of state, sir, he said. It is relevant to me if Im going to vote for your confirmation.

It wasnt just Democrats, either. State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, told Whitley that the press release his office sent out announcing the results of the analysis had regrettable statements.

For subscribers: Texas officials launched voter purge with big splash, little accuracy

Whitley refused to say how many people his office still believes could be non-citizen voters. In McLennan County, the Waco Herald-Tribune has reported that every single person on the purge list was found to be a citizen, lawfully registered to vote. In Harris County alone, 18,000 voters who are citizens have been removed from the list of the countys suspected illegal voters, which initially had 29,000 names.

Six-year rise from law clerk to Secretary of State

A native of Alice, Texas, Whitley was appointed to be the Texas Secretary of State by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in December to replace Rolando Pablos, who resigned to take a job in the private sector.

Whitley has strong ties to Abbott. He went to work for then-Attorney General Abbott in 2012, the same year he earned his law degree from the University of Texas, according to his LinkedIn page. He rose from law clerk to assistant deputy attorney general, then joined Abbotts gubernatorial staff shortly after the 2014 elections and was named a deputy chief of staff in April of 2017.

In December, he was appointed Secretary of State - six years after completing his law degree.

State Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, said the mistakes Whitleys office made are so big that they were either the result of failing to double-check data, or Whitleys office sent out bad information intentionally.

Which one of those occurred? Alvarado asked.

Whitley insisted the data had been double checked.

The intention was to be as accurate as possible, he said.

Harris County, a Democratic stronghold, had the most voters on the purge list.

Whitley insisted that the purge was always intended to be a collaboration with county elections officials who have the authority to remove voters from the rolls. He said he was expecting the counties to help by scrutinizing the lists.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Watson took exception to that characterization. He said the initial press release implied the list was more complete than Whitley is now suggesting. When the state released the initial numbers, it also referred 58,000 names to the Attorney Generals office for possible criminal prosecution. That gave the impression that the data analysis was complete, Watson said.

Im not satisfied with the answers I got, Alvarado said after the hearing.

It wasnt just legislators questioning Whitley. After he testified, dozens of citizens spoke at the hearing, most against his confirmation.

Austin resident Julieta Garibay was one of those people on the voter purge list. She said she got a driver license before she became a naturalized citizen. But now she is a legal U.S. citizen.

About 50,000 Texans are naturalized each year.

Garibay said it was a complete frustration to have to prove her citizenship.

It was clear they were trying to suppress my vote, Garibay said.

While some counties are analyzing the purge list for themselves, or are simply waiting for more clear direction, a handful of counties have already sent out notices to voters who were flagged by the state, demanding their proof of citizenship. Galveston County was among a handful that quickly sent out the notices and is now being sued by a coalition of civil rights groups including the ACLU.

On Monday, the activists requested an injunction to stop the voter purge immediately.

Meanwhile, Whitley is due to appear before the Legislature again next week, scheduled to give an overview of his office to the House Elections committee Monday . The issue of the voter purge list is not on the agenda, but it is likely to come up.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
At the first hearing on aggressive property tax reforms on Wednesday, it was clear that state senators intended to bulldoze over objections to legislation limiting future increases in taxes collected by local governments.

While supporters of the measure were greeted warmly, critics were frequently interrupted and accused of providing false information to a new committee made up almost entirely of Republicans.

Im never going to stop on this until we get this bill passed, said State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican who chairs the property tax committee and also serves as the Republican caucus leader in the Senate.

It wasnt just Bettencourts early tone that gave the impression the committee is eager to pass the measure, which would require voter approval for any property tax increase over 2.5 percent for cities, counties or school districts.

Most of the early testimony handpicked by the committee was from groups supporting the caps, or at least the concept. And most of those people were given seven minutes to make their case and were rarely interrupted.

But when officials from San Antonio and Dallas were finally allowed to speak hours later, they were given just two minutes to state their opposition and the mood was often combative.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

During his testimony, San Antonio Director of Public Affairs Jeff Coyle was interrupted twice by the committee for opposing the tax plan and noting that public safety costs in the city are growing 6 percent a year. State Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, at one point called some of Coyles statements false.

It didnt go much better for Dallas Chief Financial Officer M. Elizabeth Reich, who was questioned for almost seven minutes after she said the reforms would hurt the citys ability to pay for public safety. She said if the 2.5 percent cap had been in place for the last 10 years, it would have meant $32 million less in annual revenue for the city, enough to pay 358 police officers.

But maybe the roughest exchange was when El Paso County Commissioner David Stout, who traveled 600 miles to testify, said he opposed the 2.5 percent cap.

For subscribers: Top Texas state leaders settle on property tax plan as others raise alarms

Stout said El Paso County hasnt raised its property tax revenues more than 2.5 percent in the last five years and would not have been affected if the limits had been in place. But Stout said the bill would take away local control, and that he is concerned about what would happen in the future if the county needs to go above the cap.

What Im trying to understand is why are you here opposing the bill, Bettencourt said.

When Stout tried to say he felt the county shouldnt be penalized for being financially responsible, he was immediately interrupted again by Bettencourt, who repeated that he didnt understand why Stout was testifying.

An accelerated process

The makeup of the newly created Property Tax Committee suggested the first meeting was going to be one-sided. Democrats have been consistent critics of GOP-led efforts to stop the escalation of property taxes, saying they threaten funding for schools, police and fire protection. The 5-member panel is almost entirely Republican, with just one Democrat.

That is low, said State Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, the Democratic leader in the Senate.

It is the only committee in the Texas Senate with just one Democrat. Committees are set by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican who leads the senate and has promised to deliver property tax relief.

Sen. Chuy Hinojosa, D-McAllen, said hes not worried about being the only Democrat, but he is warning local governments about how they approach the committee.

You cant just come here and say no, Hinojosa said.

Instead, he said government leaders need to propose alternatives to address the rise of property taxes.

The speed at which the Senate is moving is notable. It was just a week ago that the now 118-page tax reform bill was introduced and it is already being debated, an oddity in the Texas Legislature, which usually starts at a snail's pace.

This is an accelerated process, said Dick Lavine, a fiscal analyst for the Center for Public Policy Priorities, which has opposed the 2.5 percent cap largely because the bill doesnt explain how the state would replace billions of dollars school districts would lose. He called that omission a ghost in the middle of the bill.

The Senate is seen as favoring caps on property taxes collections based on recent history. Two years ago, the Senate passed a plan to cap property tax increases enacted by cities and counties at 4 percent before they would be forced to hold a public referendum.

The real battle later could be in the House, which opposed the senate plan two years ago and has less of a dominating Republican advantage than the Senate. Republicans hold a 19-12 advantage over Democrats in the Senate and an 83-67 advantage in the House.

While the Senate Property Tax Reform Committee is already holding its first hearing on the property tax bill, the House has yet to schedule any meetings on the topic. The House Ways and Means Committee that would hold the first hearing has not met yet and could still be weeks away from taking up the issue.

Editors note: The question that Sen. Paul Bettencourt asked El Paso County Commissioner David Stout was incorrectly reported in a previous version of this story.
A prominent Houston church has been removed from a lawsuit alleging sexual assault by former state judge and Southern Baptist leader Paul Pressler.

The Jan. 30 removal of Second Baptist Church of Houston came months after state District Judge Ravi Sandill dismissed all sexual assault claims brought against Pressler, saying the allegations were too old for Duane Rollins, a former member of Presslers youth group at another church, to pursue in court.

Were not even certain why we were ever in the case, Second Baptist attorney Jay Aldis said Wednesday.

Still unresolved is a dispute over a once-confidential $450,000 settlement between Pressler and Rollins in 2004 that Pressler has said under oath stemmed from sexual assault allegations by Rollins, according to court documents.

Also pending are defamation allegations against First Baptist Church of Houston over comments made by Jared Woodfill, Presslers former law partner and former head of the Harris County Republican Party. Sandill has already dismissed defamation allegations against Woodfill and the church is seeking a similar order. Pressler attended both First and Second Baptist churches.

The dismissal would end First Baptists involvement in the lawsuit.

First Baptist considers that the case against it is basically over, said First Baptist attorney Barry Flynn.

Rollins attorney, Dan Shea, said he will appeal the judges decisions if all remaining claims are dismissed. A court hearing is tentatively set for April.

Ongoing dispute

Rollins filed suit in 2017 in Harris County court accusing Pressler of committing decades of rapes and alleging the abuse was concealed by the two churches, the Southern Baptist Convention and other prominent political and religious figures. Rollins asserted that the alleged assaults pushed him toward the drugs and alcohol that landed him in prison multiple times.

In 2016, a psychiatrist concluded that Rollins had suppressed memories of rapes and suffered from post traumatic stress disorder as a direct result of the childhood sexual trauma he suffered. Three other men have since alleged in sworn statements filed in the lawsuit that they were groped or solicited for sex by Pressler, dating back to the late 1970s and as recent as 2016, court records show.

The judge, however, ruled that Rollins sexual assault allegations were too old to fall within the states statute of limitations.

Rollins and his attorney, Shea, said they filed the most recent lawsuit in part because of concerns that Pressler, who is almost 90, would stop the monthly $1,500 payments he agreed to make through 2029 under the settlement. They also claim there were alterations made to the original settlement agreement, which was kept by Woodfill and Pressler but never filed in Dallas where the suit was filed.

In a Jan. 25 court filing, Presslers attorney, Ed Tredennick, argued that Rollins and Shea breached the settlement agreement when they made it public last year as part of the current lawsuit. Tredennick also accused Shea of destroying an affidavit from the 2004 suit in which another man alleges inappropriate conduct by Pressler, according to court records.

The settlement terms required that all such affidavits be turned over to the mediator in the 2004 settlement, according to Tredennicks filing.

Legal arguments

Presslers lawyers have argued that the current lawsuit should be dismissed because Rollins has already resolved the allegations of sexual assault with the 2004 settlement.

The 2004 lawsuit, however, alleged simple assault under Texas law and did not make reference to sexual assault. Pressler believed the allegations were sexual in nature, which he said to his decision to reach the settlement, according to court documents.

A ruling that the 2004 lawsuit was based on sexual assault  and not simple assault  could form the basis for dismissal of the current lawsuit, Tredennick contends in the recent court filing.

If (Rollins) is correct, and the 2004 Dallas case only included allegations of simple assault as he alleges, and not sexual assault as (Pressler) recalls the allegations, then (Rollins) claim for sexual assault damages are time barred as the Court has already ruled, Presslers attorney wrote in the Jan. 25 court filing.

Shea, however, questioned Presslers recollection in a July deposition, according to court documents.

Looking back at the settlement agreement itself, is there any reference either in the settlement agreement or in the underlying lawsuit in which the word sex in any way, shape or form is mentioned? Shea asked.

I dont think so, Pressler responded.

Reached by phone at his home on Wednesday, Pressler said he paid (Rollins) only to get it over with."

He declined to comment further on the nature of the 2004 lawsuit.

Woodfill, who represented Pressler in the 2004 lawsuit, declined to comment on the settlement, saying it was confidential. Woodfill was accused in the 2017 lawsuit of helping conceal the alleged abuse by Pressler.

He said the allegations leveled against him and the former judge are hideous and meant to harass and embarrass.

robert.downen@chron.com
A Houston police officer has been relieved of duty in light of "ongoing questions" stemming from a botched drug raid that left a couple dead and five officers wounded, police said Thursday.

It's not clear what role the officer played in the Jan. 28 bust at 7815 Harding, but law enforcement sources said his suspension comes amid a probe into questions over whether the sworn affidavit used to justify the no-knock warrant may have contained false information.

It's not clear if the two developments are connected.

Investigators are also reviewing whether internal police policies and procedures were followed during the drug investigation, sources said.

"I know that in addition to the officer-involved shooting itself, many have questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the search warrant," Chief Art Acevedo said Thursday in response to news of the officer's suspension. "All of these questions are part of our ongoing criminal and administrative investigations."

Now Playing: Warning: This audio captured from Houston Police Department radio traffic may be upsetting to some people. HPD radio traffic from a shooting in Southeast Houston on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019. Police say multiple officers have been shot. This audio has been condensed for time and content. Video: via Broadcastify

READ THE WARRANT: Search warrant from drug raid that left five officers injured released

Instead of "releasing piecemeal information," Acevedo said, the department will report findings once they've wrapped up the internal investigation. He declined to identify or release any details about the officer in question and did not specify whether the investigation would focus on the possibility of false information in the affidavit.

"When an officer-involved shooting occurs at HPD, we consider it a legal and moral obligation to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances leading up to and resulting in the officer-involved shooting," he said. "There is a lot of speculation as to the circumstances regarding this officer-involved shooting at 7815 Harding Street, but we urge everyone to let the investigation take its proper course and proceed to conclusion."

As is standard practice with officer-involved shootings, the Harris County District Attorney's Office will launch a civil rights investigation into the case and eventually turn over findings to a grand jury.

"Our Civil Rights Division prosecutors are currently working with the Houston Police Department's special investigation team to look at every aspect of this incident," District Attorney Kim Ogg said Thursday in a statement. "As is our policy, every shooting by a police officer  in every instance  is presented to a grand jury to determine if any criminal charges are warranted."

Houston Police Officers' Union President Joe Gamaldi dismissed "rumors" about the suspended officer, adding that "nearly all" officers relieved of duty come back to work following an investigation. He said the probe has been hampered by the inability of the case agent to talk with investigators; the case agent was among those officers shot during the raid.

"The department made the decision to relieve the officer of duty while a thorough investigation continues," he said. "Rumors will undoubtedly continue until the case agent is able to be interviewed. Unfortunately, his gunshot wound has resulted in him being incapacitated while surgeries continue. Any assumptions or conclusions made prior to the interview taking place are just assumptions."

No-knock raid

The drug probe leading up to the botched bust started on Jan. 8, when officials say an anonymous caller phoned police to complain that her daughter was "doing drugs" inside the Harding Street home.

When officers showed up, they didn't see any suspicious activity, but stopped a passerby to ask if she'd called 911. She hadn't, but  according to what Acevedo told reporters at a Jan. 31 press conference  the woman allegedly turned back to her phone call and said, "Hey the police are at the dope house."

Afterward, police launched a full-on investigation and eventually sent in a confidential informant, authorities said. That buy allegedly netted some quantity of heroin, though officials have never said how much of the drug they recovered.

The next day, police used that purchase as a key piece of their request for a no-knock search warrant at the quiet Pecan Park home. In a three-page sworn affidavit, officers laid out their reasons for the raid.

Before the buy, police said they met with the informant  who'd worked with them on 10 other cases  and searched the informant for drugs before the buy. The informant came out of the house, according to the court filing, and turned over a packet of a brown powder described as "boy," which is slang for heroin.

The informant also warned police of a "large quantity" of drugs inside, packaged in plastic baggies, and a 9mm handgun, according to the court filing.

When presented on Jan. 28 with the police affidavit  written by an officer whose name was redacted in public records  a municipal court judge signed off on the warrant. Hours later, police crashed through the couple's front door, sparking a gun battle that left Dennis Tuttle, Rhogena Nicholas and their pitbull dog dead. In the process, five officers were wounded, including four who were shot.

Ultimately, investigators found small amounts of marijuana and cocaine, but no heroin. They also found two 12-gauge shotguns, a 20-gauge shotgun, a .22-caliber rifle and a second rifle  but no 9mm handgun described in the warrant.

Mixed reactions

Afterwards, the couple's friends and family pushed back on the idea that 59-year-old Tuttle  a disabled Navy veteran  and his wife could be drug users.

Monique Caballero, a friend of the couple who has been outspoken in her questioning of the official narrative of the raid, gushed with anger and relief at hearing the news Thursday that the officer had been relieved of duty.

"It's about time they look into what needs to be done," she said. "I firmly believe they went to the wrong house and now they're trying to cover it up, and it pisses me off that that head of the union wants to call my friend a dirtbag  you can't retract that. You can't retract and you can't bring back the dead."

Union officials on Thursday pushed back on speculation that the raid took place at the wrong house.

"To be clear, officers were not on the wrong street and entry was not made at random," Gamaldi said, in the union's statement. "We would refer you to the call slip from that location on Jan. 8, over two weeks prior to the shooting."

Ashton Woods, a local activist who criticized the department's handling of the bust as well as the union's fiery response afterward, lauded news of the disciplinary action while still pushing for closer scrutiny.

"This whole situation has been suspicious from the jump," he said. "I'm glad that they're being investigated but it sounds like it's time for Houston police to bring in an outside entity to investigate the case."

Since the raid, the couple's home has been boarded up, with flags, balloons and flowers on the doorsteps and messages and a Bible verse scrawled on nailed-down wood.

"Matthew 6:10-13 RIP", someone wrote on the door. In the Bible, that verse starts, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Neighbor Sarah Sanchez, 42, said she'd been friends with Tuttle and Nicholas for years, and that she'd frequently trusted them to take her kids to school. She never believed the couple was dealing drugs, she said.

"The truth will all come out," she said. "It's not going to bring them back, but it's going to clear their names and bring them justice."

Janie Aviles, 25, said she never knew Tuttle and Nicholas well but always saw them as nice people who waved and said hello when they crossed paths. She never thought her neighbors had drug activity  not enough people went in and out of the house.

"(The police) should have done things differently," she said. "Maybe this wouldn't have happened."

This story has been updated to correct what was scrawled on the door.

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One was invited by a Democrat. The other, a Republican.

Two Houstonians  Devani Gonzalez and Brij Agrawal  got the chance to witness the President Trump deliver his State of the Union address to Congress in person.

They both are immigrants: Agrawal was born in India, and is a Subway franchisee, and Gonzalez a Mexican-born teacher dreaming of becoming a Houston cop.

Pete Olson, a Sugar Land Republican, invited Agrawal to show an example of how some "legal" immigrants can succeed in the United States, his office said.

Gonzalez was invited by Houston's newly minted Democrat congresswoman, Sylvia Garcia, hoping to highlight the real-life consequences of being an undocumented immigrant in the United States.

Politics aside, both of them had an amazing time in the nation's capital.

"I'm still digesting it," Agrawal said. "This was my first time going to the State of the Union. The experience of seeing so many senators and congressmen in one room was so thrilling. It was everything I expected and more. It was overwhelming."

For Gonzalez, the trip was equally thrilling.

"I'm exhausted," Gonzalez said. "But it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Gonzalez immigrated to Galena Park from her home state of Coahuila, Mexico, where she was born. Her parents brought her to the Houston area when she was 7, she told Chron.com.

From there, she attended public schools in Galena Park ISD and is currently obtaining an paralegal associates degree at San Jacinto College. But she's not dreaming of becoming a lawyer; Instead, she wants to be a police officer with the Houston Police Department.

Everything is in order for her to join the HPD academy and start patrolling the streets of Houston, except one thing: citizenship.

"DACA has been a great help," Gonzalez said. "It's allowed me to find work, obtain a driver's license, to study. But it's not a solution for me. At the end of the day, for me to become a police officer, is citizenship."

Gonzalez said she loved every moment she spent in Washington, D.C., from the city's beauty to meeting other congressional guests, people with all sorts of backgrounds and points of view.

"It was a really good atmosphere," she said. "They didn't divide the Republican guests and the Democrat guests. They had everyone mixed around. I got to meet a lot of people from all over the country."

When President Trump took the podium, she couldn't see him directly, nor could she see the House floor where her congresswoman was sitting. But she did notice one thing about the speech.

"Dreamers weren't actually pronounced in his speech," Gonzalez said, being a "dreamer" herself. "There were no remarks made toward us, and it was a little bit disappointing. Instead, (we heard) the typical attacks toward the immigrant community."

Gonzalez hoped the two major parties can work together to pass lasting legislation to help immigrants like her, who are undocumented through no fault of their own.

"We are very grateful for DACA, because it has opened so many doors for a lot of us," Gonzalez said. "But it's still not enough. We need an actual permanent solution toward citizenship."

Agrawal shared the same sentiment about a bipartisan approach to immigration reform.

"If the both parties work for what's best for America, there are a lot of things in common with both parties," Agrawal said. "I sometimes don't understand why they can't work together."

Agrawal was born in India and immigrated legally with his family in 1979, days before his 18th birthday.

While living in Houston as a young college student, he worked several jobs (including throwing papers for the Houston Chronicle) to pay his own way through college.

As for Trump's speech, Agrawal agreed with the President's idea of a border wall  Not as a way to stifle immigration, but instead as a way to regulate it.

"We should bring in all the people that we need and we want," Agrawal said. "Either the American companies or Americans who need this work to be done. At the same time, we should not have open borders where anyone and everyone can come in without us knowing who they are."

In addition to the wall, Agrawal advocated for more legal ways for immigrants to come to the country like he did decades ago.

"I kind of agree we need the wall," he said, "but at the same time we need to have ... bigger doors."

Whether or not Congress can work together to bring lasting immigration reform remains an open question. to be seen. But these two Houston immigrants both hope the politicians in Washington can deliver.

Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message
The Democratic Party of Virginia plunged into a full-blown political crisis Wednesday as a series of scandals tarnished the commonwealth's three top Democratic leaders and threatened to reverse the historic gains the party has achieved in the state in recent years.

With Attorney General Mark Herring acknowledging that he appeared in blackface nearly 30 years ago, Democrats were unsure whether he, Gov. Ralph Northam or Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax would survive separate revelations that could alienate the party's base of support.

While the ultimate damage remains unclear, a sense of despair permeated a party that only days ago believed it was on the cusp of winning majorities in both houses of the General Assembly in the fall and cementing its control of state government for the first time in three decades.

"This is just devastating," said Ben Tribbett, a Fairfax-based Democratic strategist. "After a nuclear bomb goes off, it's not always better to be a survivor. We look terrible, and everyone knows it. There's no scenario where things get fixed. Humpty Dumpty doesn't get put back together again."

The nature of the controversies - two involving racially offensive imagery, the other an alleged sexual assault - seem likely to alienate both African-American and female voters, two of the party's core constituencies.

"We have been carried by our base," Tribbett said, "and you're not going to have energy in your base with something like this going on."

After rushing last week to call for Northam's resignation, Democratic leaders in Washington initially withheld judgment Wednesday after Herring's admission and a statement from Vanessa Tyson, a Scripps College professor who accused Fairfax of sexually assaulting her in 2004. Some officials said they needed more time to review the information, while others did not respond to requests for comment.

The silence reflected the political minefield that the party now faces in Virginia, a state that President Donald Trump lost in 2016 and that is likely to be crucial for any Democratic candidate hoping to defeat Trump's expected bid for a second term. If Herring and Fairfax were to vacate their offices, as most Democratic officials have demanded of Northam, then Kirk Cox, the Republican Speaker of the House, would be in line to take over as governor.

The burst of disclosures have created a surreal political climate, in which Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a former missionary and the 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee, found himself being asked by a reporter on Wednesday if he had "ever worn blackface."

"No," the senator replied, "I never have, never have. I grew up in Kansas City and it just wasn't something that was done."

The news about Herring astonished Democrats already reeling from the revelations involving Northam and Fairfax.

"Are you friggin' kidding me?" asked Kim Drew Wright, a founder of the grassroots Liberal Women of Chesterfield County. The group in 2017 helped Northam win the historically conservative county outside Richmond, which had not voted for a Democratic gubernatorial candidate since the early 1960s.

But Wright said that the troubles swamping the party's top leaders would not deter her from working to elect Democrats and oppose a Republican Party led by Trump.

"I'm not happy about it but I'm not going to roll over and play dead," she said.

For other Democrats, the seismic shift in the party's political fortunes wrought uncertainty as leaders struggled to comprehend the allegations and calculate an appropriate response.

Christian Dorsey, the chair of the Arlington County Board, said the scandals concerned "three individuals," not the Democratic Party. "It's a really confusing time right now," Dorsey said. "We've got a flurry of activity to sort out, what's known and what's not."

As the new year began, Democrats in Virginia had an abundance of reasons to preen.

A trio of women who knocked off Republican incumbents wouldjoin the commonwealth's congressional delegation. After capturing 15 House of Delegates seats in 2017, the most sweeping shift in the legislature since Reconstruction, Democrats expected to win majorities in both chambers in Richmond in November.

And the governor, a native of the Eastern Shore who was popular on both sides of the aisle, could tout a litany of first-year accomplishments, including Medicaid expansion and Amazon's decision to bring a mother lode of jobs to Crystal City.

But over the past five days, the Democrats found themselves in the throes of a political cataclysm, halting the party's momentum, unleashing a spasm of fighting among its leaders and renewing Republican hopes of remaining competitive in a state that seems increasingly cold to their message.

Urged to resign by the Democratic establishment, Northam has refused to relinquish his seat after concluding he is not in a photo that appears on his medical school yearbook page showing someone dressed in blackface and another person in a KKK outfit.

But the governor, who is term-limited, has not been able to explain why the photo is on his page. In the span of 48 hours, his reputation was severely damaged, raising concerns that he won't be able to raise money for Democratic candidates facing election this fall.

On Monday, Fairfax implied during a news conference that Northam's allies may have been behind the leaking of allegations that he assaulted Tyson. Moments later, he insinuated that the culprit may have been Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, D, a protege of former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, D.

By nightfall Wednesday, Rep. Jennifer Wexton, a Democrat who defeated Republican Barbara Comstock last fall, tweeted that she believed Fairfax's accuser.

Democrats said it is too early to predict what will happen in November. They pointed, perhaps as a source of comfort, to scandals that did not result in parties losing power, such as when then-Gov. Mark Sanford, R, of South Carolina acknowledged an extramarital affair. Sanford completed his term, was succeeded by Republican Nikki Haley andwas subsequently elected to Congress.

Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-Va., who has demanded Northam's resignation, acknowledged that Democratic voters in Virginia "feel angry, embarrassed, anxious and betrayed."

But he predicted they would still turn out in large numbers in November, as they have in recent election cycles, as the state has grown increasingly blue. "These fundamentals have not changed because Ralph Northam has a problem," Connolly said. "I say that it's way too early to make that judgment."

Dave "Mudcat" Saunders, a Democratic strategist based in southwest Virginia, said the Democratic momentum is unlikely to slow as long as Trump remains the Republican standard bearer and continues to sit in the Oval Office.

"Everyone's in a hissy, they're upset and nervous, but everyone needs to slow down a bit," Saunders said. "The yellow dog Democrats are still going to show up. They're still enthusiastic, they still want to get rid of Trump. There's an absolute disdain for Trump."

Nevertheless, the Democrats' implosion was a source of renewed hope for Republicans, who haven't won a statewide race in Virginia since 2009.

"What was a slow-moving train wreck is now like a bullet-train wreck," said Chris LaCivita, a Republican strategist and a veteran of numerous Virginia political wars. "The reports of Republicans' demise in the commonwealth of Virginia have been greatly exaggerated."

He said the scandals provide Republicans with an opportunity - but one they have to approach with care. "Don't gloat. Don't overplay your hand," he said. "At the end of the day, voters want candidates who speak to their concerns and issues. You can't run campaigns in the modern age based solely on the fact that a party's top messengers have problems."

Dan Scandling, a Republican and former aide to then-Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., said that before the scandals, Republicans were facing a "long slow walk in the wilderness."

Now, Scandling said, "the window of opportunity is wide open."

"The swing voters are going to tap the brakes now," he said. "And the minority community is going to look at the Democrats and say: 'Really? Have you been pulling the wool over our eyes all these years?' "

At the very least, the scandals may make it more challenging for Democratic candidates to claim the moral high ground as compared to Trump, who has repeatedly been accused of racism and sexism over the years, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political-science professor at the University of Mary Washington.

More problematic, he said, is the possibility that the energy that was propelling the party since Trump's election will evaporate.

"If you're a Democratic thinking about running against a Republican, you might be less enthusiastic," Farnsworth said. "If you're a donor, you might be less enthusiastic. And if you're a suburban voter, disgusted with Trump, you might be disgusted with the governor."

Quentin Kidd, director of the Wason Center of Public Policy at Christopher Newport University, said the potential effect of a demoralized Democratic electorate could be offset by redistricting that could help the party "pick up five to eight seats" in the House of Delegates, which Republicans now control by a three seat margin.

He also said that African-American voters, rather than being turned off, may be more likely to vote because of the scandals. And they would be open to Democratic candidates who would more than likely "run against" Northam.

"Worst case scenario - Northam is still there," Kidd said. "Is there a Democrat who is going to run for a House seat and defend Northam? I don't think so."

State Sen. Scott Surovell, a Democrat who represents Fairfax, said voters choosing local candidates in November will embrace Democrats despite whatever is tainting the party's statewide leadership.

"Those bonds trump what might be happening statewide," he said. "People are connected to their local officials."

As for the state of Virginia's Democratic Party, the senator said, "I don't want to talk about what's going on right now."

- - -

The Washington Post's Michael Scherer and Patricia Sullivan contributed to this report.
Islamic State militants could be completely stripped of their territorial base as soon as next week, President Donald Trump said Wednesday, as he reiterated that U.S. forces fighting the militants in Syria will withdraw from the country.

Trump did not give an exact timeline for when the troops will depart, but he tied that promise to what he called the territorial defeat of the group also known as ISIS.

"It should be formally announced, sometime probably next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate," Trump said, referring to the territory in Iraq and Syria controlled by the militants. "But I want to wait for the official word. I don't want to say it too early."

Trump addressed diplomats from more than 70 countries meeting at the State Department to discuss how to proceed against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq now that the group's militants have been pushed out of all but a sliver of the self-proclaimed caliphate they ruled brutally.

The meeting is the coalition's first get-together since Trump's sudden announcement on Twitter that the Syria mission was over because, he contended, the Islamic State had been defeated and the mandate for the about 2,000 U.S. troops had run its course. Officials in his administration immediately tried to walk the statement back, and the Senate rebuked it.

Trump on Wednesday listed what he described as military accomplishments against the militants over his two years in office and took credit for reversing the group's advances.

"Now, you're always going to have people. They'll be around," Trump said. "They're sick. They're demented. But you're going to have them, no matter how well we do militarily. You can't do better than we've done militarily. But you will have people that will be around, and we'll search them out and you'll search them out, and we'll find them."

Trump said that "only two years ago," when he took office, the Islamic State "had a vast amount of territory in Syria and Iraq . . . and it was a mess. It was a lot."

But with the exception of the city of Mosul, the majority of the populated territory seized by the militants in Iraq in 2014 had been retaken under the Obama administration. In Mosul, operations in the east side of the city were underway, with western Mosul retaken by summer 2017.

"One of my very first acts" as president, Trump said, was to ask the Pentagon to "show me a plan to defeat ISIS." Although he described the resultant strategy as a "new approach," the plan largely mirrored the one already underway in Syria. Trump, as he noted in his remarks, accelerated planned operations by broadening the authority of U.S. field commanders on the ground, and increasing the level of assistance given to Syrian Kurdish allies.

He campaigned on bringing U.S. forces home from what he called unending wars, and he called the Middle East hopeless.

"We look forward to giving our brave warriors in Syria a warm welcome back home," Trump said. "Rest assured, we will do what it takes to defeat every ounce and every last person within the ISIS madness, and defend our people from radical Islamic terrorism."

The meeting at the State Department brought together a coalition of allies, many of which are at odds with the United States, or one another, on several issues. Most of the European countries oppose the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, which they consider essential to their national security. Turkey and Saudi Arabia disagree over an investigation into the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates are enforcing an economic blockade on Qatar.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier Wednesday that the Islamic State remains a menace in Syria and Iraq and that the United States will continue to lead efforts to defeat it even after withdrawing troops from Syria.

"The fight is one that we will continue to wage alongside of you," he said in opening remarks at the meeting on the Islamic State. "The drawdown of American troops is essentially a tactical change. It is not a change in the mission. It does not change the structure, the design or authorities on which campaign has been based. It simply represents a new stage in an old fight."

Pompeo played down the impact of the U.S. withdrawal as he urged nations to contribute money to restabilizing territory liberated from the militant group. In Iraq alone, there is a $350 million shortfall of what's needed to allow the return of the nation's citizens.

Despite the planned Syria withdrawal, Pompeo said, "Our mission is unwavering, but we need your help to accomplish it." He asked coalition partners to "seriously and rapidly consider requests that will enable our efforts to continue," requests he said would come "very soon." He did not specify what the United States would ask for. In addition to money to pay for stabilization in areas cleared of the Islamic State, the administration has also hinted that it might request foreign troops from allies in the region.

One option for the allies could be to patrol a "safe zone" along Syria's northeastern border with Turkey that is currently being negotiated by Washington and Ankara. In a briefing early Wednesday with reporters, a senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing diplomacy, said: "I don't think we're prepared to comment on what makes up an international force in that safe zone, because those conversations haven't been concluded yet."

Turkey, which has threatened to attack Syrian Kurdish forces that are U.S. allies in the fight against the Islamic State, has said its military forces would patrol the area, an option that the administration is believed to have rejected.

A joint U.S.-Turkey statement released after talks in Washington on Tuesday makes no mention of safe zones or Kurdish fighters.

Asked whether the U.S. withdrawal would go ahead even if those talks fail, the official was noncommittal.

"I think the president's direction is clear that when the territorial caliphate of ISIS is destroyed, that is the mission of the American troops in northeast Syria, and he will want them to come home," the official said. "I wouldn't want to predict failure, given the success of our recent discussions with the Turks. So I think we'll remain optimistic that creating this safe zone is in both of our best interests and that we'll be able to get there."

Despite the militant group's massive territorial loss, the U.S. military worries that the Islamic State's defeat is not final and that the group could rise again in a year or less.

It "remains a potent force of battle-hardened and well-disciplined fighters that could likely resurge in Syria absent continued counterterrorism pressure," said a report the Pentagon's inspector general released Monday.

And Gen. Joseph Votel, the commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, warned Tuesday of such a resurgence of the Islamic State group.

"The coalition's hard-won battlefield gains can only be secured by maintaining a vigilant offensive against the now largely dispersed and disaggregated ISIS that retains leaders, fighters, facilitators, resources and the profane ideology that fuels their efforts," he told a Senate committee.

The senior administration official indicated that Trump's withdrawal order will not immediately apply to all 2,000 U.S. military forces in Syria. A U.S. garrison in Tanf, in southern Syria on the border with Jordan, "would be the last place that we would withdraw from," the official said, "and I think that's something that has not been scheduled; it would be conditions-based."

Senior aides to the president, including national security adviser John Bolton, have argued that the Tanf garrison is important because it lies along a main east-west highway that would enable Iranian forces in Syria to travel more easily between Tehran and Beirut.
PIEDRAS NEGRAS, Mexico  When about 1,800 Central American immigrants landed in this border city Monday, hoping to enter the United States, local and state officials in Mexico were ready for them.

In fact, they had chartered the 48 buses and one Sprinter that carried the caravan of Central Americans about 270 miles to the border from Saltillo, the state capital of Coahuila.

Coahuila, Saltillo and Piedras Negras arranged for the buses. Their leaders had all met on Saturday in Saltillo, and came up with a plan, Coahuila state spokesman Jose Gabriel Borrego said.

By Tuesday, the migrants, including a large number of women and young children, were being housed in an unused maquiladora, a former assembly plant. There are about 35 active industrial plants in this border city.

GRIM IMAGES: Central American asylum-seekers cross the Rio Grande

A large new sign on the fence reads, Albergue Migrantes, Spanish for Migrant Shelter.

The caravan was the first to reach the Texas border since similar waves of migrants fleeing poverty and violence in Central America traveled on foot and in vehicles last fall through Mexico toward California.

Some of the migrants there tried to crash the border illegally and were met by Border Patrol agents firing tear gas canisters.

The chaotic scenes led to a new policy by the Trump administration in December that requires asylum-seekers on the southern border to wait in Mexico until they can see a U.S. immigration official, a process that can take months for their initial hearing.

It was one of several policy changes after the administration was widely criticized for separating parents and children at the border last year and holding them in detention.

Mexican officials have reluctantly agreed to accommodate the waiting immigrants by issuing them humanitarian visas and work permits.

The policy change is seen by many as an effort to discourage asylum cases, and is expected to reduce the number who apply.

In Piedras Negras, across the Rio Grande from Eagle Pass, long lines already were forming inside the migrant hostel to apply for humanitarian visas. The visas allow the immigrants to leave the enclosure, but they are of no help in entering the United States.

Amid mobs of reporters and scores of police and soldiers, Coahuila Gov. Miguel Riquelme Solis, Piedras Negras Mayor Claudio Bres Garza and other state officials inspected the facility Tuesday.

The governor said he would guarantee the safety and dignity of the people, and that they would have food and the basic necessities, Borrego said.

Some immigrants had tried to climb over a 12-foot fence and escape Monday night, but they were pushed back. On Tuesday, a line of soldiers and grim-faced federal police stood along the fence to deter any similar attempts.

They were backed up by a SWAT team of state police wearing helmets and riot gear.

Its an enormous number of immigrants, so were coordinating with the army and federal police, said Luis Garcia, the Piedras Negras police chief. There have been a few problems among the immigrants, but were keeping them separated.

Inside the fence, people were drying clothes on lines, children were using crayons and coloring books, men were getting haircuts and others were buying cigarettes and food through the fence.

Some Central Americans were paying a stiff markup: A pack of Mexican Chesterfield cigarettes that cost 30 pesos on the outside was bringing 55 pesos through the bars.

In the large sleeping rooms, once used for manufacturing, immigrants were divided according to age and gender. Many were lounging on blue foam mattresses.

Along the fence, some were offering to sell their stories to American and Mexican reporters. Others spoke freely.

Were prisoners. We cant get out. We didnt expect this, said Raul Artaga, 22, of Honduras.

We crossed at Chiapas. It took us 22 days to get here. Were poor. There is no work in Honduras. I want to work in the United States, he added.

A little farther down the fence, Susana Chacon Jovel, 32, and her 2-year-old son Derek, from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, were getting accustomed to the sudden turn of events.

We were in the first caravan. We left Honduras on Oct. 13. Weve been traveling five months, she said.

They told us theyd give us papers to get into the United States, but they lied, she said of the smugglers who helped them cross into Mexico from Guatemala.

Like others, she said violence and poverty in Honduras makes anything else worth a shot, even if it means traveling for months, and being detained.

I think there are more gangsters in Honduras than police, she said bitterly.

At a nearby booth inside the enclosure, Irene Chapa de Bres, the Piedras Negras mayors wife, and several other women were handing out water, cookies and crackers.

These are little snacks for the children, she said. The situation is difficult, but we feel their humanity. We are citizens of the world, not of Mexico.

Later Tuesday night, a local band came in to provide music for a dance to help keep the adults entertained.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said they are monitoring several caravans headed north from Central America and have reinforced staffing to address any contingency.

It was clear that federal officials in Eagle Pass were on high alert Tuesday, just hours before President Demand Trump was to deliver his State of the Union address and demand funding for his border wall and immigration reforms.

He repeatedly has railed against the migrant caravans, calling them an invasion.

One of the two bridges connecting Piedras Negras and Eagle Pass was closed and the other was reduced from four lanes of travel to two.

Stationed near the middle of the bridge, at the international line, was a force of two dozen Customs and Border Protection agents, as well as some large vans and shipping containers. Rows of concertina wire were also used.

Below the bridge, more than 20 Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety vehicles were seen positioned along the riverbank.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said members of the lawless caravan would not be allowed to illegally enter the United States.

The secretary blamed Congress for the latest caravan, and said it aptly demonstrates the need for an impenetrable border wall, as Trump has demanded.

Such caravans are the result of Congress inexcusable failure to fully fund a needed physical barrier and unwillingness to fix outdated laws that act as an enormous magnet for illegal aliens, she said, adding, This crisis wont be solved until we have comprehensive border security.

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More than seven decades after World War II ended, 49 Holocaust survivors are receiving $402,000 each from the French government in reparations for the French trains that deported them to Nazi concentration camps, the State Department said Wednesday.

Thirty-two surviving spouses of deportees who died following the war will receive up to $100,500 each, officials said.

The payments fall under a 2014 U.S.-France agreement in which the French government offered $60 million in reparations for Holocaust deportations. In exchange, the U.S. government asked courts to dismiss any lawsuits against the French railway, known as SNCF, and the French government.

The agreement came after U.S. Holocaust survivors who had been transported to Nazi camps on French trains - usually without no food and a bucket for a toilet - objected when a company affiliated with the French railway began bidding on lucrative U.S. rail contracts. The State Department decided which claims merited payment under the agreement.

"This is a really important moment, a very satisfying moment and the end of a painstaking process to help those who were long denied justice," said former ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, the State Department's expert adviser on Holocaust-era issues.

Greg Schneider, executive vice president of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, said reparations are "important for the historical record" and to hold governments and companies accountable for their roles in the Holocaust.

"Holocaust compensation is never about the money," said Schneider, whose nonprofit group negotiates for reparations. "It's about acknowledgment. It's about recognition. It's about justice. . . . Is there any amount of money that could compensate you for even one day in Auschwitz, a factory of death and murder?"

The French Holocaust reparations agreement was unique, Eizenstat said, because it included compensation for the heirs, including children and grandchildren, of both deportees and their spouses. The heirs were viewed as "standing in the shoes" of those who had died before the agreement was signed, he said. The heirs will receive a portion of a deportee's and spouse's payments, depending on when they died.

The State Department approved 386 of the 867 claims filed, officials said. The agreement covered U.S. citizens, as well as deportees who settled in other countries after the war. It did not cover citizens of France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Poland and the former Czechoslovakia because those countries have their own reparations programs, Eizenstat said.

Most who are receiving payments are Americans or Israelis, officials said, but they include survivors, spouses and heirs from Canada, Mexico, Peru and other countries. They also include eight to 10 U.S. and Canadian airmen who were deported after being shot down over France, officials said.

The total payments will end up being almost double what many recipients initially received during the first round in the summer of 2016, when about $30 million was paid out.

State Department officials said they had made "conservative" payments as quickly as possible because so many of the survivors and their spouses were elderly. The department is now making a second round of payments to those recipients, as well as to applicants who filed successful claims later.

Letters to the recipients announcing the second round of payments were mailed this week, said Jennifer Newstead, the State Department's legal adviser.

"While no program can provide complete justice for all those who were impacted by deportation from France," Newstead said, "we hope those affected by one of history's darkest eras will receive some additional relief from these further payments."

The State Department rejected 481 claims because they didn't fall under the agreement, Eizenstat said. Those included claims filed by French citizens who lived in the United States, Holocaust survivors who had been transported within France but never were deported, and distant relatives who weren't considered heirs.

Lisa Grosh, assistant legal adviser on the agreement, said few were rejected for a lack of documentation. She said State Department officials worked with survivors and families to dig up decades-old marriage licenses, death certificates and deportation records.

"We worked very creatively with the claimants . . . to give them ideas about how they could go about giving us the certainty we needed to approve the claim," Grosh said.
The kids are definitely not all right. And the parents are to blame.

Four of the five Oscar-nominated live action short films deal with children and how they bear the sins of the generation who gave them life. These films, along with the shorts nominated in the animation and documentary categories, are being shown in separate programs at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, beginning Friday and running through March 3.

Hope for the future? Well, if this generation is so messed up, how will the children, who have been taught our bad habits, save us?

Start in 1993 with Vincent Lambe's Detainment, an absorbing film from the United Kingdom based on the infamous murder of 2-year-old James Bulger by two 10-year-old boys, a murder that shocked England. The whole film is the separate police interrogations of the the suspects, getting into the minds of young murderers.

A generation later, we have the young boy who is the conscience of Guy Nattiv's Skin, a hard-to-watch portrait of gun-toting white supremacist, male-dominated culture in rural Trumpland, and how the son is absorbing all the lessons of his father as his mother helplessly goes along.

And then there are children in peril, thanks to adults. In Fauve, Jeremy Comte's French-Canadian tale starts out as Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, with two boys out on an adventure who stumble onto an apparently abandoned industrial surface mine, where hidden dangers abound.

Oscar Nominated Shorts: Live Action and Oscar Nominated Shorts: Animation Rated: Unrated **** (out of five) When: Both are playing in separate programs, along with a third program of "Oscar Nominated Shorts: Documentary," Friday-March 3. Where: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston Details: $9; www.mfah.org See More Collapse

In Rodrigo Sorogoyen's terrific Spanish short Mother, the child is never seen, but heard. A mother gets a cell phone call from her 6-year-old son, who has been apparently abandoned by her ex-husband on a beach hours away. The suspenseful movie is set in one apartment, with a frantic series of phone calls involving mom and grandma as they try and locate the child.

There may not be much hope for the future in these four shorts, but at least the next generation will have some great actors. All of the children in these shorts are excellent.

The outlier in the live shorts program is my favorite, the beautifully observed Marguerite, a French-Canadian movie by Marianne Farley. Simultaneously sad but optimistic, it's about an elderly woman in the final stages of life whose final friend is her caregiver who makes daily visits. When the woman finds out her caregiver is a lesbian, she harks back to her own lesbian crush from the 1960s at a time when society confined her to the closet.

Shot indoors in the few small rooms of a house, Farley's tender, humanistic approach acknowledges wasted lives during generations of intolerance, but also the emerging freedom of modern times. Marguerite is bittersweet, but especially within the context of these nominated shorts, it's message is clear: There is hope for the future after all.

Animation

The live action shorts are being released concurrently with the nominated animated shorts.

The most widely-seen animated short, of course, is Pixar's Bao, Domee Shi's delightful film of a Chinese-Canadian woman who gets a second chance at motherhood when her dumpling comes to life. The eight-minute short, the first in the 32-year history of the studio to be directed by a woman, was attached to the beginning of Pixar's summer feature "Incredibles 2."

A storyboard artist for Pixar since 2011, Shi is now developing a feature for Pixar.

Others in the animation category: Late Afternoon, from Ireland's Cartoon Salon The Breadwinner), is a journey of glimpsed memories through the mind of an elderly woman with dementia; Canada's Animal Behaviour, from Oscar-winners Alison Snowden and David Fine (Bob's Birthday), is about a group therapy session for animals; in Canada's Weekends, a young boy in 1980s Toronto shuffles back and forth between his divorced parents' homes; and in One Small Step, a Chinese girl dreams of becoming an astronaut.
A changing of the guard is imminent at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houstons internationally-prominent conservation department.

Power couple David and Zahira (Soni) Veliz Bomford, the conservation department chairman and senior paintings conservator, respectively, are retiring at the end of March. MFAH director Gary Tinterow has hired Per Knutas, an up-and-comer from the Cleveland Museum of Art, as the new head of conservation.

The transition signals the growing attention to modern and contemporary art that will be displayed in the museums new Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, which is due to open next year. Artists in recent decades have led conservators into a new frontier, vastly expanding the types of materials that must be preserved, including time-based mediums such as video. The MFAH has been actively acquiring such works for more than a decade now, and continues to collect.

Its changing every day, Tinterow said, but Pers delight with it will serve us well. Knutas is a full-spectrum conservator with entrepreneurial energy, he added, who has shown that he is adept at assessing the institutions needs, finding resources and executing plans.

LOOK INSIDE: Explore MFAH's conservation center

He said the much-loved Bomfords were absolutely the right people at the right time when he coaxed them out of their first retirement six years ago to help develop the new Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation, which opened in October atop the MFAHs Fannin Street Garage. David Bomford had worked over the decades with many of the great masterworks of Western art at the National Gallery, London, and the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, where he was acting director.

Elevating the museum

Bomford said that after working nearly 50 years in the museum world, he felt he had reached a landmark that was an appropriate place to finish. He elevated the MFAH conservation staffs existing strengths, scholarship and scientific research; and during his tenure, the department became a leading resource in disaster response for museums across the nation.

Working double duty as the MFAHs curator of European art, he also organized springs major exhibition Vincent van Gogh: His Life in Art, which opens March 10. That collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, and the Kroller-Muller Museum, Otterlo caps a six-year string of major exhibitions he led, including Spectacular Rubens, Habsburg Splendor, Michelangelo and the Vatican, Hidden Layers and most recently Tudors to Windsors. And he helped secure significant acquisitions, ranging from secular and religious medieval masterpieces to Old Master and Impressionist paintings and neoclassical sculpture  all of it now installed in redesigned galleries.

Veliz Bomford, a scholar of Spanish painting, has also provided important scholarship and insight. Most spectacularly, she discovered, identified and restored Diego Velazquez early 17th century masterpiece Kitchen Maid (c. 1620), which had gone unnoticed for decades in the museums collection. She also is deeply involved with the technical research and treatment of the museums Franz Kline paintings, a project that has expanded into a collaboration with a half-dozen of the nations top museums.

Opinion essays only for subscribers: Houston 2020: Expect a Museum District transformed

She also led the efforts to preserve The Contribution of Negro Women to American Life and Education, an important 1953 John Biggers mural sited in Third Wards Blue Triangle Community Center, after it was severely damaged during Hurricane Harvey.

Going back to England

At the end of March the couple will return home to London, where they have five children and seven grandchildren  the most important factor in their decision.

Knutas, a native of Sweden who has lived in the U.S. since 1998, arrives in July. He will oversee a staff of about 16, setting conservation and scholarship priorities across an encyclopedic swath; the collections of the MFAH and its house museums, Bayou Bend and Rienzi, comprise about 70,000 works.

As the chief of conservation in Cleveland, Knutas has led an only slightly smaller staff, with excellent facilities; and last year he established an important center for the study of Chinese paintings and the first post-graduate training center for that discipline. Per is a remarkable young fellow who has had a very quick climb in the world of conservation, Tinterow said.

He is not a curator, however. A new curator of European art will be hired later.

Knutas said he was honored and excited to join the MFAHs team. He also wants to dive into Houstons larger art scene, hoping to dialogue with the citys many working artists about processes that can inform how conservators of the future will work.

Im obviously following somebody very great in our field, he said. And the lure of the new center, which is one of the largest facilities of its kind, didnt hurt.

Oh my god, it is stunning, he said, not only visually but from a practical standpoint with its layout and facilities. The possibilities there are endless.

molly.glentzer@chron.com
A gas line explosion at a busy San Francisco intersection shot flames 40 feet into the air, sent people running for their lives and set five buildings on fire Wednesday afternoon.

Crews working for Verizon dug into the street at Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue in the Inner Richmond and struck a Pacific Gas and Electric Co. gas line, setting off the blast at around 1:18 p.m.

At nearby Mels Drive-In, diners began running out of the restaurant when they heard a booming rumble and felt the windows shake, said Antelmo Faria, who had just sat down to have lunch with his girlfriend at the counter.

As the couple ran, Faria, 38, saw flames shooting out from the street.

Now Playing: San Francisco firefighters are battling a fire that may have started with a gas explosion at Geary Blvd. and Parker Ave. in San Francisco on Wednesday, February 6, 2019. Video: SFGATE

The fire shot out of the ground for more than two hours before PG&E crews shut off a gas valve to stop it.

At the scene, PG&E spokesman Blair Jones explained why it took so long: Utility workers had to painstakingly use shovels to hand-dig into asphalt to shut off the gas valves feeding the flames. Machinery couldnt be used because the gas line is close to the surface of the street.

You can imagine having to hand-dig in asphalt. It takes time, Jones said. Its also very cold right now. If we do this wrong, we shut off gas to potentially hundreds, maybe thousands more people in San Francisco, so were trying to do this in a way that is safe.

Dozens of residents were displaced and as many as 2,500 customers lost electricity. Wednesday evening, PG&E said power was restored to all but 235 customers. Additionally, about 300 gas customers lost their service.

No one was injured or missing, according to San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White.

Eight workers were digging to install fiber-optic cables when they hit a gas main, Hayes-White said. Telecommunications giant Verizon obtained the permit to dig at the location, according to public records.

MasTec, a vendor contracted by Verizon, was working at that location today. We understand that company is cooperating with investigators as they determine the root cause of the incident, a Verizon spokeswoman said. This fiber installation has been halted pending the outcome of an investigation by local authorities.

A representative for MasTec, a company based in Florida, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday evening.

The five buildings damaged by the blaze include a mix of commercial and residential structures. One of the buildings mostly sustained water damage, Hayes-White said. Officials with the Department of Building Inspection were on the scene checking on the safety of damaged buildings.

A post office across the street from the fire was also evacuated but sustained no damage, said Augustine Ruiz, a Postal Service spokesman. All mail carriers were out on their postal routes at the time of the explosion, but window clerks and customers had to clear the building.

Its unclear whether the gas line was marked, but PG&E was investigating the incident, said Andrea Menniti, a company spokeswoman.

Before digging, excavators are supposed to request that PG&E locate and mark its underground pipelines in the area. California law gives PG&E two days to respond unless the excavator agrees to a different timeline. A PG&E spokesman at the scene said the request had been made to the utility  but he did not say whether the utility marked the lines.

A California Public Utilities Commission staff investigation recently accused PG&E of repeatedly falsifying internal records about how quickly it responded to these requests. Its not clear there was any similar issue in this instance.

One of the badly burned buildings houses the Hong Kong Lounge II restaurant.

The place is packed at lunchtime. Theres usually a line out the door, said Gabriel Mendez, one of the owners of the Mels Drive-In chain.

Owners of the Hong Kong Lounge II could not be reached. A woman, who only identified herself by her last name, Kwong, said she has owned the property that houses the restaurant and two residences on a higher floor for 40 years. The residential units, she said, were each home to two tenants, and the damage made her shake her head.

I dont know. It wont be easy to remodel, Kwong said in Cantonese.

The restaurants manager called her shortly after the explosion, she said, and Kwong and her husband sped up to the scene from their home in Redwood City.

Greg Hom, 32, of San Francisco was driving on Geary Boulevard when he saw a thick plume of smoke rising above the buildings in front of him.

As he drove closer, he saw flames blast out and fire engines racing toward the scene.

It started getting darker and darker, Hom said. Then I saw the flames.

Ash was raining down on Geary Boulevard as crews worked to put out the aggressive blaze. Firefighters were standing on the roof of an H&R Block across the street from the blaze and using hoses to douse the flames.

Vonnie Yung, a San Francisco resident, was driving to the post office when the explosion happened. She was preparing to make a right onto Geary Boulevard from Spruce Street when a construction worker leaped out into the street and frantically waved at her.

I was like a deer in the headlights, Yung said.

Then she heard a loud explosion and saw people running away from the restaurant and nearby businesses.

The neighborhood within a one-block radius of the blaze was being evacuated, according to the Police Department.

A reunification center was opened for evacuees at Mels.

The California Pacific Medical Center, which has outpatient medical offices a few blocks from the explosion, canceled appointments because power had been shut down, according to a company spokeswoman.

Geary Boulevard was to be closed overnight in a one-block area around the incident.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writers Sarah Ravani, Ashley McBride, Michael Cabanatuan, J.D. Morris, Sophia Kunthara and Cat Ho contributed to this story.

Gwendolyn Wu, Lauren Hernandez and Dominic Fracassa are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com, lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com and dfracassa@sfchronicle.com
A Southlake, Texas man will probably be arrested by police sooner than he ever thought after the police department's tweet on his shoe store theft has made its rounds on the internet due to the suspects Drake resemblance. The Twitter account for Southlake DPS sent out a number of pretty hilarious tweets that reference Drake's music catalogue when describing what the thief looks like.

"HELP US IDENTIFY THIS SHOE STEALER THREAD! First of all, its not Drake. Like we know thats the first thing thats popping in your head, but its not Drake," the first tweet reads, adding: "On January 29th, 2019, a bad guy that is definitely not Drake walked into our Kohls department store at 3001 East Highway 114."

Another tweet reads how the man stole five pairs of size 9 Converse and one in size 10 seemingly for someone waiting in a vehicle for him outside. "The shoes werent made out of Tuscan Leatherthey were just Converses. Ugh, sorry, another Drake reference even though its not Drake."

The man is "described as a Latin male in his early 30s and he is about 510 and around 190lbs."

Drizzy must be somewhere laughing at these tweets.
Nike and Adidas have been in a neck and neck battle for sneaker supremacy over the last few years. Thanks to the Adidas UltraBoost and the addition of Kanye West to the roster, Adidas started to dominate, but now it appears that Nike is right back in the driver's seat. According to new information from NPD Group, the top 10 selling sneakers of 2018 contained seven entries from Nike. At the top of the list was the Nike Tanjun, with Adidas' only entry being the YEEZY BOOST 350 V2.

Other notable sneakers on the list were the Nike Air Max 270, Air Jordan 11 and the Vans Ward. One important thing to note about all of this is the fact that the top 10 was based on monetary sales and not units sold.

The list shows that Nike had a pretty great 2018 and that Adidas is lagging behind a bit. It's interesting to see that neither the UltraBoost, nor NMD made it onto the list. The addition of the Air Jordan 11 makes sense though as the "Concord" was one of the biggest releases of the year.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been embroiled in some pretty big trade rumors thanks to the news about Anthony Davis' dissatisfaction with the New Orleans Pelicans. While a trade between the two clubs is looking more and more unlikely, the Lakers were able to deal two of the players thought to be a part of that potential trade today. Lakers players Ivica Zubac and Michael Beasley will be headed to the Los Angeles Clippers, in exchange for Mike Muscala, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

As Woj stated in his tweets, this deal opens up a spot on the Lakers roster which could end up going to a player that's been bought out. One of the players that is part of those rumors is Carmelo Anthony who has been bouncing from team to team as of late. Most recently, Anthony was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Chicago Bulls.

The Lakers have struggled since LeBron James went down with an injury on Christmas Day and are trying to get things together so they can make a push for the playoffs. The team is currently ranked 10th in the Western Conference and boast a record of 27-27. James and the purple and gold were as high as fourth in the Western Conference before his injury.
It appears Lil Xan was almost a member of 21 Savages Slaughter Gang. On Wednesday, a photo surfaced online of a screenshot between the two rappers discussing the potential move a couple years ago. The screenshot shows 21 wanting Xan to be a part of Slaughter Gang.

I want you to be Slaughter Gang, 21 wrote to Xan all the way back on November 18, 2017. The pic shows Xan didnt even acknowledge 21s DM though until a year later, which some fans roasted him for.

You replied a whole ass year later and didn't even say yes, someone commented. Xan replied to that person with, I was very honored and grateful for the offer but Im Xanarchy forever, he added.

Now it should be noted that a DM isn't an official agreement and maybe this is taken out of context of sorts, but it looks to be clear 21 wanted a piece of Lil Xan. Unfortunately for us, we won't get to hear from 21 as hes currently dealing with a much larger issue with ICE and possibly being deported back to Britain (where he was born).

Check out the DM exchange (below) and sound off in the comments.

[Via]
As if the ongoing investigation into the Paris incident wasn't enough (of his countersuing), but Chris Brown has summoned to a court of law over looming charges stemming from his alleged possession of an illegal (exotic) pet. Back in December, Brown was officially charged with the illegal possession of a pet monkey. By law in the state of California, owners of exotic pets are expected to comply with a regulatory process which requires them to obtain a special permit.

It would appear that Chris Brown did not comply with that process when he gave his daughter "Fiji" the pet monkey as a non-birthday present. Breezy himself posted a picture of with daughter Royalty and their pet monkey for his 44 million Instagram followers to see, which is widely considered to have been what tipped the scale in the ensuing investigation.

Which leads us to February 2019 - Chris Brown's trial over the illegal pet (nothing humanoid-related this time) was supposed to commence on Wednesday but was pushed back to March 19. The hearing will eventually take place at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Centre in Los Angeles, with Judge Efrain M Aceves presiding over the case. For the record, "Fiji" was repossessed by authorities upon the discovery of Chris Brown's social media posting. No animals, exotic or otherwise, were harmed throughout the process.
Blac Chyna and her mother Tokyo Toni are still at odds, with no sign of relief in sight. Their relationship was gotten so porous that Tokyo is even suggesting that her daughter give up her infant child. Tokyo thinks baby Dream ought to stay with her disgruntled father Rob Kardashian until Chyna gets her sh*t together. "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see something is terribly wrong," Tokyo concluded, in her most recent conversation with TMZ.

If you haven't been following Blac Chyna's supposed "fall from grace," and I don't blame you, this is what Tokyo Toni is inferring by "get your sh*t together." Chyna's mother is doubtful that recent brushes with the cops and a strange romantic dalliance with Kid Buu (who allegedly put hands on her) have in any way contributed to a childcaring bubble for baby Dream.

As TMZ once reported, Blac Chyna was found intoxicated and incapable of supporting her child about a month ago. The cops who responded to the distress call later assessed that everything was fine, and baby Dream was left in her mother's custody. There's also a strong belief that Blac Chyna has made it "difficult" for Rob Kardashian to contact her in times of distress. The situation should be considered "speculative" at best, before we receive any word from law enforcement, or better yet, child services. Keep your head over water Blac Chyna.
Today, Scandic signed an agreement for the sale of Scandic Hasselbacken in Stockholm. The selling price amounts to around 230 MSEK on a debt-free basis. The transaction is expected to result in a capital gain of approximately 180 MSEK for Scandic. The new owners will take over the operation of the hotel on March 1, 2019.

Today, Scandic signed an agreement for the sale of Scandic Hasselbacken in Stockholm. The selling price amounts to around 230 MSEK on a debt-free basis. The transaction is expected to result in a capital gain of approximately 180 MSEK for Scandic. The new owners will take over the operation of the hotel on March 1, 2019.

Scandic Hasselbacken, which is located on Stockholm's Djurgarden island, has 113 rooms and has been operated by Scandic since 1992. The buyer is Pop House AB which among other things also operates the nearby ABBA The Museum and Pop House Hotel including its restaurant and bar. Pop House AB also recently acquired the historic Cirkus theater complex located beside Scandic Hasselbacken.

 We're very happy to have reached an agreement, and we're certain that Pop House AB will be successful in further developing the hotel with their other operations nearby, says Peter Jangbratt, Head of Scandic Hotels Sweden.

 Scandic Hasselbacken has a unique location near the new owner's other operations, and as we hand over the operations of the hotel, we are convinced that it will play an important role in their concept, says Jens Mathiesen, President & CEO of Scandic Hotels Group.

In 2018, Scandic Hasselbacken contributed approximately 90 MSEK to Scandic's net sales and 10.5 MSEK to its adjusted EBITDA. The sale will be recognized in the first quarter 2019.

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Hyatt and S.D. Malkin Properties, Inc. yesterday held a groundbreaking ceremony in Oceanside, California on the site where two new properties are expected to open under the Joie de Vivre Hotels and Destination Hotels brands in late 2020.

Hyatt and S.D. Malkin Properties, Inc. yesterday held a groundbreaking ceremony in Oceanside, California on the site where two new properties are expected to open under the Joie de Vivre Hotels and Destination Hotels brands in late 2020.

The adjacent hotels together will be the largest oceanfront development in San Diego County in over a decade. Located at the hub of Oceanside's booming renaissance, the 2.75-acre new-build project along Mission Avenue and North Pacific Street will offer guests immediate beach access and a combined 387 rooms, most with water-facing views.

"We've had a longstanding, profound commitment to not only this project but also to furthering the transformation of Oceanside in northern San Diego County," said Jeremy Cohen, S.D. Malkin Properties Director. "We're thrilled to see our vision come to fruition and to bring a world-class beach destination to downtown Oceanside that will continue to evolve the city."

San Diego-based, award-winning firm Delawie is the architect for both properties, which will be operated by Hyatt as part of its boutique Joie de Vivre Hotels brand and resort-oriented Destination Hotels. The extensive new-build project, situated on over 600 feet of beachfront at the base of the historic Oceanside Pier, will offer stunning ocean views and add multiple restaurants, bars, and event venues to the quickly evolving destination, where guests will have access to some of the world's best surfing, swimming and water sports.

The Joie de Vivre hotel will be a welcome addition to Oceanside with 161 guest rooms and suites and will feature the renovated "Top Gun" housethe iconic 1887 Graves House featured in the popular 1980s filmwhich will be accessible to the public. At the hotel, designed by interior design firm EDG, travelers can expect a casual, laid-back, barefoot luxury ambiance. The hotel will also feature a world-class restaurant designed by Los Angeles-based firm Studio Collective, a rooftop pool and bar, and over 3,000 square feet of retail.

The Destination hotel will be a 226-room property situated on the south block of the new development. Complementary to the Joie de Vivre hotel, the Destination property will offer guests an upscale escape and a world-class travel experience, including an elevated 9,000-square-foot pool deck with ocean views, a signature restaurant, bar lounge, luxury spa, library, and over 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The hotel interiors are being designed by San Diego-based firm Bill Bocken Architecture and Interior Design in conjunction with Delawie, while the restaurant is being imagined by Los Angeles-based firm Bells and Whistles.

The adjacent properties will conveniently be located near the Oceanside Amtrak Station and only a short drive to some of Southern California's famous attractions, including the San Diego Zoo and Disneyland. The hotel will also celebrate local artists throughout the property when it opens.

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Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced a partnership with Handy Cross Dev Co Limited to bring a 150-guest room Hampton by Hilton to High Wycombe, United Kingdom. The hotel is planned for the site to the west of the park and with easy access to the M40 motorway. The project is an integral part of the council's consented masterplan for the hub.

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced a partnership with Handy Cross Dev Co Limited to bring a 150-guest room Hampton by Hilton to High Wycombe, United Kingdom. The hotel is planned for the site to the west of the park and with easy access to the M40 motorway. The project is an integral part of the council's consented masterplan for the hub.

"We are delighted to bring our global brand to High Wycombe alongside the local authority's 150m Handy Cross Hub, mixed use development," said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton.

Wycombe District Council sold the designated hotel site to Legacy Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with global hotel investors Frank Truman Asset Management, in November. Legacy Hotels & Resorts are one of the UK's largest privately-owned hotel owners, developers and management companies.

"Hampton by Hilton High Wycombe will be a landmark building enjoying significant visibility from passing traffic on the M40 motorway," said Andy Townsend, director of Handy Cross Dev Co Limited and CEO of Legacy Hotels & Resorts said. "This is a continuation of our partnership with Hilton and this exciting project will meet the growing demand for quality accommodation in the area."

"Hampton by Hilton is a globally-recognized hotel brand, and we are delighted that there will be a quality offer at Handy Cross Hub," said Cllr Steve Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Wycombe District Council. "Handy Cross Hub is a prime location with great potential for investors to continue to improve the 'town offer'. Following on from this latest success we hope to capitalise on this and progress with development of another piece of the HXH jigsaw."

Offering travelers high quality amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi and free hot breakfast, Hampton by Hilton is developing rapidly in the UK and Ireland, and Hampton by Hilton High Wycombe joins 29 trading hotels, with a further 24 in the UK and Ireland pipeline.

Hampton by Hilton High Wycombe will be located in Handy Cross Hub, Marlow Hill, High Wycombe.

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Press Release

7 February 2019

Frankfurt am Main - Natural is sustainable. In accordance with this motto, Deutsche Hospitality reduced the CO2 emissions of its hotels by using green electricity. The analysis of the previous year's figures is now showing the first successful results.

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"The consideration of ecological criteria in the hotels and a clear commitment to the conservation of resources are firmly anchored in our company. We will keep making it our business to continuously reduce the CO2 emissions of our hotels in order to ensure a sustainable and healthy future," says Thomas Willms, CEO, Deutsche Hospitality.

In 2018, the hotel group was able to significantly improve its CO2 balance compared to the previous year. With the help of green electricity, a saving of 20,579.18 t CO2 could be achieved. More than 1,600,000 trees would be needed to bind this amount of carbon dioxide. For comparison: according to the Staatsforst (national forest) in Baden-Wurttemberg, the Black Forest has on average between 500 and 1,000 trees per hectare, depending on the type and age of the trees.

Deutsche Hospitality is using Mainova's eco-options for this purpose, i.e.it covers 100 percent of its power demand in Germany from renewable energy sources.

Mainova board member Norbert Breidenbach congratulates: "Deutsche Hospitality consistently focuses on sustainability. The company's significantly improved CO2 balance is just one example of success. Its commitment is also reflected in its active membership of the Business Efficiency Network founded by Mainova. We are happy to continue supporting our long-standing customer with tailor-made energy solutions on the way to an energy-efficient future."

Since the introduction of a Corporate Responsibility department at Deutsche Hospitality, almost all of its hotels in Europe have been certified according to ISO 14001 as part of the environmental management system. Awareness of sustainability has become an even more elementary part of the corporate philosophy. The use of green electricity in the hotels brings the goal of "ensuring a sustainable and healthy future" ever closer.
Press Release

7 February 2019

WASHINGTON - HSMAI Washington DC Chapter, which serves hospitality professionals throughout the Washington metropolitan area, today announced the appointment of a new chair, chair-elect and two members to its advisory board.

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Sheila Hession, executive director of sales at the MGM National Harbor resort in Oxon Hill, Maryland, will serve as advisory board chair joined by the chair-elect, Leticia Proctor, senior vice president of sales, marketing & revenue management for Donohoe Hospitality Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and two new board members, Vanessa Wilson, director of sales & marketing for the Hilton Washington DC National Mall, and Lajja Ashar, PS area manager for Booking.com (USA) Inc., both in Washington.

Photo: HSMAI

"Sheila Hession, Leticia Proctor, Vanessa Wilson and Lajja Ashar are talented and accomplished leaders with extensive hospitality sales and operations experience," said Ellen Wilson, managing director of the HSMAI Washington DC Chapter. "We are fortunate to have their insights and vision on our board."

Hession, a 30-year hospitality industry veteran, joined HSMAI Washington DC Chapter's advisory board in September 2017. Before joining MGM National Harbor, she was director of sales and marketing at the Willard InterContinental hotel in Washington, regional director of sales with Davidson Hotels & Resorts and director of sales and marketing for the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel and Washington Court Hotel on Capitol Hill, both in Washington. Prior to that, she served in leadership roles at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

Proctor, who joined the advisory board in 2017, is responsible for the development and implementation of Donohoe Hospitality Services' sales, marketing and revenue management efforts at the national, regional and property levels. During her career of more than 20 years, she served as senior vice president of sales, revenue management & digital strategies for PM Hotel Group, Washington; regional director of sales for Hersha Hospitality Management; area director of sales and marketing for Kimpton Hotels; and director of sales and marketing for Crestline Hotels and Resorts, Remington Hotels and Resorts and the former Holiday Inn Select Bethesda.

Wilson, a 20-year hospitality veteran, previously was director of sales & marketing for the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Virginia, the Hilton Washington DC North/Gaithersburg hotel in Maryland, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC and the Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row in Washington.

Ashar, who has worked in sales and marketing for more than 14 years, is responsible for leading Booking.com's multiple account management teams that oversee the accommodations in Washington, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Delaware. Earlier in her career, she served InterContinental Hotels Group, was area revenue director and sales director for hotel management companies and worked in product marketing and merchandising for Johnson & Johnson and Kraft Foods.

Other HSMAI Washington DC Chapter board members include Iman Butler, director of group sales for the Washington Marriott Wardman Park; Linda Caruso, director of sales & marketing for the Hyatt Centric Arlington in Virginia; Jennifer Hill, vice president of client engagement for Kalibri Labs in Washington; Carol Motley, director of convention sales for Destination DC; Jennifer Phillips, area director of revenue management for Marriott International in Bethesda, Maryland; and Suzanne Shogren, regional director, ownership group services, for Cvent in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

About HSMAI Washington DC Chapter

HSMAI Washington DC Chapter is an affiliate of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, an individual membership organization based in McLean, Virginia, composed of more than 7,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region.

HSMAI is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry's leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing and optimize revenue through programs including the Adrian Awards and Revenue Optimization Conference.

Click HERE to join HSMAI. For more information, go to www.hsmaidc.org.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7)  The House of Representatives on Thursday approved again on second reading a measure amending Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 after removing death penalty as punishment for drug possession at parties.

House Bill 8909 was passed at the plenary after a substitute bill was adopted during the period of amendments.

The House on Wednesday recalled the bill's approval on final reading after its provision on imposing death penalty was reported. This came two days after members' of the chamber unanimously approved the proposed measure.

READ: House reimposes death penalty for drug possession at parties, meetings

House Majority Leader Fredenil Castro said they decided to amend the bill to prevent any confusion on the death penalty.

"In order to avoid wrong signal because some people might think death penalty could now be imposed in this country, we have opted to amend or recommit the bill," Castro said.

He added that lawmakers don't want the public to think that the death penalty has been reinstated.

Castro denied that Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered the recall of the bill's approval on final reading, though he said it's unlikely that a bill imposing capital punishment will be passed under her watch.

"In so far as the administration of Speaker Arroyo is concerned, considering that she is an advocate of the abolition of the death penalty, I suspect that no death penalty could be imposed in any of the laws that may be passed under her watch," Castro said.
Appointment

7 February 2019

Leading hotel development, management and investment firm Midas Hospitality recently added Linda Eigelberger to the leadership team as Vice President of Sales and Revenue Management. In this position, she will drive revenue across all managed hotel properties by guiding the team with long-term planning, day-to-day sales operations leadership, and talent development. Eigelberger will spearhead strategic initiatives that make Midas Hospitality hotels a preferred partner to customers, and leverage hotel marketing tools to efficiently reach more potential guests.

Eigelberger previously worked for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), an industry leader with 15 distinct hotel brands, for more than two decades in various business and leadership roles. Career highlights include directing the entire sales, marketing and revenue management performance for the Crowne Plaza brand. Prior to this position, she handled all of sales skill building and revenue retention efforts for the IHG organization's brands throughout the country.
Pipeline

7 February 2019

Melia Hotels International, Spain's largest hotel brand, unveils INNSiDE Prague Old Town, its latest property and first hotel in the Czech capital.

Opening in March 2019, the hotel marks a new era for the INNSiDE by Melia portfolio, fitting perfectly into the brand's evolution of design-led lifestyle and resort hotels, to give guests more freedom to relax and explore, whether they are travelling for work or leisure. This year, INNSiDE is evolving to provide spaces for travellers looking to combine work and pleasure, while focusing on sustainability.

INNSiDE Prague Old Town Hotel will provide 90 modern rooms, all featuring the attributes of the INNSiDE by Melia brand. This includes in-room amenities, such as bathrobes, slippers and flip flops, a luxurious coffee machine, complimentary minibar, with fresh juices and local beer and Smeg fridges packed full of healthy treats, drinks and snacks. Superior+ rooms will also have high-end sound systems, complimentary streaming services and complimentary bike rental to encourage guests to explore the local area.

Ideal for both business and leisure travellers, the hotel is within easy access to Vaclav Havel International Airport, only 15km away, and metro, bus and train stations all just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. Visitors wishing to explore the city will find all the main tourist attractions within easy reach. The Powder Tower, one of the ancient gateways to the city, is only a few minutes' walk from the INNSIDE Prague Old Town Hotel, and just a short distance further is the Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter and Wenceslas Square, some of the biggest tourist attractions in Prague. To encourage guests to discover new neighbourhoods, they will have access to INNSiDE city guides, with local sights and tips.

With health and wellness a key focus point for the brand, INNSiDE Prague Old Town will offer a gym with state-of-the-art fitness suites and the latest digital fitness software. The hotel will have an open lobby space for meetings, whether social or business, as well as boasting creative meeting room spaces including a cinema, wellness studio and recording studio, which can be hired for events and functions.
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Hello! I am the weekend anchor as well as a reporter for Your News Now! You can reach me with news tips (or just to say hello!) at khonigford@wlio.com.
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Today

Partly to mostly cloudy. High 76F. Winds SW at 5 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low near 59F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.
High-ranking government officials from Nepal and India are set to meet in Pokhara from February 8 to discuss various aspects of the bilateral trade issues between Kathmandu and New Delhi, mainly the huge trade deficit.

"The meeting will explore the ways to reduce the huge trade deficit between the two countries, discussing whether to amend the bilateral treaties as per the need of the time or deal the issues through a new way," the state news agency RSS quoted Rabi Shanker Sainju, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, as saying.

The meeting is expected to recommend amendments to the Nepal-India Trade Treaty 1990. Joint Secretary Sainju is leading a nine-member delegation to the meeting and his Indian counterpart Bhupinder Bhalla is heading the seven-member Indian team, the report has stated.

The meeting assumes significance as Nepal is experiencing a ballooning trade deficit with its southern neighbour.

Officials from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Departments of Customs and Commerce will be taking part in the meeting.

-ANI
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L isted buildings in danger of falling down are added to Historic Englands regularly updated At Risk register. Last year 22 London buildings found their way on to the register, with their future considered uncertain.

Fortunately, 23 others came off the register because, despite the expense and headaches involved, there are still people passionate enough about history to take on an ultimate doer-upper.

On Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 February, The Listed Property Show at Olympia will offer a feast of information for those with the will and skill to restore a historic building  but will also highlight how such projects are not for the faint-hearted.

This year, 660 historic sites feature on the At Risk list, from churches and tombstones, to historic drinking fountains, pubs and terrace houses.

Best of old and new: with period features restored and a lower ground-floor cinema room, Kate McKinlays townhouse combines the best of the 21st and 19th centuries in one beautiful Chelsea home / David Butler

One of the latest added is a church, St Mary in Marylebone, which gave its name to this part of the capital. Partly used as an NHS health centre, today it needs urgent roof repairs.

It is estimated there are half a million listed buildings in England. London contains more than five per cent, with Westminster having the most by some margin  3,982 over next-in-line Camdens 1,946. Not all listed buildings are in the public sector.

The difficulty some private owners face after buying a listed property is the concept that the house they own also belongs, in some way, to the nation, says architect John Dyer Grimes who has worked on a number of renovations of listed London houses. Even though you own the house, youre not entitled to do what you want with it. Thats the biggest shock.

Solicitors will look carefully at any alterations. If you buy a house that has been illegally altered, you inadvertently take on that liability warns Dyer Grimes. Today, people want to have big live-in kitchens but the Georgians would typically have their most important rooms at the front of the house with small kitchens and sculleries at the back or in basements, and planners will often want the original floorplans retained, he adds.

Expert advice is vital to your success

The need to seek professional advice from those experienced in negotiating the sometimes choppy waters of renovating and restoring listed properties is crystal clear to wine producer Kate McKinlay, who renovated her familys Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse in Chelsea.

My parents bought the house in 1980, she says. Previous owners had undertaken some radical refurbishment, tragically removing most of the period features. My mother did her best to restore its early Georgian charm, which was still present but heavily disguised, but was limited by the budget.

Find a professional with lots of relevant experience: Kate McKinlay says "do your due diligence"

Twenty years ago, Kates family moved to France to start a vineyard in the Rhone Valley, Domaine de Mourchon, letting out the Chelsea house.

When the most recent tenants left, the family decided the house needed some work. We wanted a practical renovation that would suit the house and work for tenants. Kate was introduced to architect John Dyer Grimes, who had experience in gaining planning consent in Kensington & Chelsea. In the end, required permissions were granted. The project removed all the Eighties additions and sympathetically restored the house to its former glory while making it fit for todays living standards and expectations.

My main message to anyone tackling a project like this is to do your due diligence, says Kate. Find a professional with lots of experience in working with listed buildings to get the planning in place.

Almost all pre-1700 buildings are listed due to their age and rarity, as are many Georgian and early Victorian buildings. A building usually has to be at least 30 years old before it can be considered. Listed building consent is required from the local planning authority for any alteration, extension or demolition. Planners favour removing poor-quality alterations and reinstating historic character.

The devil is in the detail: owners will often have to use single-glazed mouth-blown glass in new windows  the light is refracted differently than modern glass, which is flatter.

Turning East End gems from derelict to divine, cosy and atmospheric

Learn the language: Barra Little says accepting Georgian layout is a mindset / Adrian Lourie

Investment bank lawyer Barra Little has renovated two Georgian houses in the East End and is about to start a third. He says accepting original layouts is just a question of a mindset change. Theres a language within these buildings and you need to live in them for a while to understand it. Actually, a kitchen in the basement during the winter months can feel like the right space  warm, cosy and atmospheric.

Little bought a derelict terrace house in Whitechapel in 2008, fully restoring it with help from buildings conservation body The Spitalfields Trust. He enjoyed the project so much, he moved to Spitalfields to take on another unloved house. Its critical to have builders and craftsmen who intuitively understand these buildings, he says. They find creative ways to introduce modern elements [eg underfloor heating] without destroying the fabric of the building. Using local craftsmen can save money, adds Little.
Terror group Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) that backs Al Qaida still has its strongholds in Afghanistan where near about 2,500 to 4,000 militants are positioned in eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Kunar, Nuristan and Laghman, and Al-Qaida continues to see Afghanistan as a safe haven for its leadership, the United Nations appointed Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team said in its latest report.

Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team keeps an eye on the progress of UN Resolution 2368 (2017) concerning ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities by member countries.

The Monitoring Team in its 23rd report submitted to UN Secretary General on January 15 said that Al-Qaida continues to see Afghanistan as a safe haven for its leadership, based on its long-standing, strong ties with the Taliban and it is seeking to strengthen its presence in Badakhshan province, especially in Shighnan district, which shares a border with Tajikistan.

It added that "Aiman al-Zawahiri, Hamza bin Laden and the Taliban leadership have repeatedly, in public statements, emphasized the importance of the alliance between Al-Qaida and the Taliban... Al-Qaida is eager to expand its presence in Barmal district in Paktika province. The Haqqani Network maintains close ties with Al-Qaida.

Al-Qaida members act as instructors and religious teachers for Taliban personnel and their family members," the report said.

According to the report ISIL is also reported to be controlling some training camps in Afghanistan and to have created a network of cells in various Afghan cities, including Kabul.

The report comes close to the time when United States of America announced to pull out half of its troops from parts of Afghanistan if a peace deal is signed with Taliban. However, findings of this report raise a question mark on the security scenario of the Central and South Asian region after US-led NATO troops pull out takes place from February onwards.

In its report, the Monitoring Team said that globally ISIL and its affiliates continue to pose the main and best-resourced international terrorist threat, while Al-Qaida remains resilient and active in many regions and retains the ambition to project itself more internationally.

Report found that foreign terrorist fighter issue remains acute, although the flow of returnees and relocators from the ISIL core has been slower than expected. According to Member States,

there are approximately 500 foreign terrorist fighters in Badakhshan Province who are from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, the North Caucasus and Pakistan, these fighters reportedly operate under the umbrella of the Taliban.

It has been found that due to crackdown by security forces, the primary activities of ISIL in Afghanistan is centred around a series of high-profile attacks, including in Kabul.

ISIL targets have included North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military personnel, the Afghan army and police, officers of the Afghan special services, the Taliban, diplomats, employees of the UN and NGOs, journalists, medical institutions, as well as religious minorities.

Elaborating on the kind of cadre these terror groups have, the report said that the role of teens and women in attacks or attempted attacks in the region appears to be evolving, with ISIL initially discouraging the involvement of women but more recently inviting their direct participation (the Surabaya attacks of May 2018 included mothers who acted as suicide bombers).

Report said that several countries have noted that teenagers are increasingly vulnerable to recruitment and, whereas at one time that may have been as passive supporters, they have more recently been found to be involved in planning attacks and manufacturing improvised explosive devices.

One Indonesian foreign terrorist fighter recently killed in the Syrian Arab Republic was 5 years old at the time his father helped carry out the 2002 Bali hotel bombing, the report said.

With regard to ISIL's finances, the Monitoring Team found that ISIL financial reserves are estimated to be between $50 million and $300 million and the main sources of revenue generation include extortion, kidnapping for ransom and other criminal activity.

It was found that although ISIL no longer extracts and sells significant quantities of oil, the group is able to extort payments when oil and other goods are transported to areas where it can project its power.

The Monitoring Team found that ISIL cells are increasingly expected to be self-sustaining and individual ISIL members are instructed to self-finance attacks, using funds provided by family members, the proceeds of petty crime and even school loans.

Former ISIL members have reported that the group retains access to financial expertise and continues to exploit cadres of computer-savvy members. The informal financial sector, in particular unregistered money-service businesses, remains the most prevalent means of initiating funds transfers involving ISIL and Al-Qaida. Gold exchanges are also reported to be a source of illicit funding flows to ISIL and Al-Qaida.

Talking about technology and role of internet in promoting terrorism and radicalisation, the report said that South-East Asia has some of the world's largest numbers of internet users and countries had cited difficulties with social media platforms not responding quickly enough to content promoting violent extremism, or with features on certain platforms that frustrated efforts by government authorities to identify and remove such content.

"States have observed a shift away from platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Google to software and apps such as Telegram and Wickr, which allow for encrypted communications and/or messages that automatically disappear after a period of time.

Member States report that the self-radicalization of individuals online remains a significant challenge," the report said.

The report said that threats from unmanned aerial systems used in terrorism are likely to increase owing to the exponential rise in the number of drones purchased by hobbyists and the decreasing cost of the technology, making countering the threat costlier and more difficult.

With regard to litigations relating to individuals and entities on the Sanctions List, the Monitoring Team found that there has been no change to the state of affairs during the reporting period in several countries.

For instance, in Pakistan the petition by the Al Rashid Trust over sanctions against it remains pending in the Supreme Court and a similar challenge brought by Al-Akhtar Trust International remains pending before a provincial High Court in Pakistan.

In addition to these two cases, a trustee of Pakistan Relief Foundation (listed as an alias of Al-Akhtar Trust International) has challenged the freezing of his bank account.

Al Rashid Trust was listed on 6 October 2001 by the UNSC for funding Al-Qaida and its chief Osama bin Laden and Taliban to carry out terror attacks. According to UN, Al Rashid Trust was a financial facilitator of Al-Qaida-related terrorist groups with operations in Pakistan and Afghanistan, including Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The Trust also had links to militants in Kosovo. As per UNSC, the aid organization of the Ulema, also headquartered in Pakistan, was identified in 2002 as the successor organization of Al Rashid Trust. It had been raising funds for the Taliban since 1999, and officers of the organisation were representatives and key leaders of Al-Qaida.

In 2003, a senior Al-Qaida member admitted that Al Rashid Trust and Al-Akhtar Trust International were the primary relief agencies that Al-Qaida used to move supplies into Kandahar, Afghanistan.

While Pakistan has not banned these trusts, it had frozen its accounts following the UN Sanctions fearing backlash. Both Al Rashid Trust and Al-Akhtar Trust have approached court challenging the action by Pakistan government.

-ANI
E ager shoppers queued in their hundreds outside Ikea Greenwich this morning to ensure they would be among the first inside the brand's newest  and most sustainable  UK superstore.

It's taken years of planning and now the world's biggest furniture retailer has opened its first new outlet in the capital in 14 years.

Located in Millennium Way retail park, between the historic town centre and The O2 on the Greenwich Peninsula, the new 344,000sq ft store is a five-minute bus journey from North Greenwich Tube station (Zone 2).

As part of its bid to become the first Ikea store in the UK to be awarded an 'Outstanding' sustainability rating by BREEAM, Ikea Greenwich is also encouraging environmentally friendly transport.

While parking is problematic at some Ikea outlets (customers were stuck in the Reading store car park for hours over the Easter bank holiday weekend last year), Ikea is asking visitors to its Greenwich store to use public transport.

However, the store's first customers didn't appear to have noticed the "leave cars at home" signs on roadsides, with the 1,017-space car park looking close to capacity and traffic around the local area busier than usual.

That said, there was a widespread feeling that most shoppers had expected the opening day to be more chaotic than it was, with some of them even planning to return at the weekend.

Ikea Greenwich: first reactions from shoppers

Helen Petangoda, 32, a teacher from Bermondsey, currently on maternity leave said: "I came by car. My son goes to nursery in Greenwich so I came here after dropping him off. I thought it was going to be worse but I parked within about three minutes of getting into the car park; no one else seemed to want to try my space  it was pretty small.

There are signs telling people which way to drive, the problem is that Waze [the GPS navigation app] is telling you you can drive the other way, as in right up to the entrance.

"I would have tried the cafe but it was so busy. Staff are all so helpful, they know where everything is, and they were giving out Daim bars in the queues to pay."

Kathleen Houlihan, 66, a cleaner at a prison, travelled to Ikea by car, from Belvedere. I think its lovely, really lovely, Ive been so looking forward to it opening, she said.

Clio Maffei, 29, lives in Woolwich and works in a French restaurant. She and her mother travelled by bus from Woolwich. "Its busy but great, so good to have one so close. We came quite early so it was fine to get here. Unfortunately my sister couldnt come with us so were going to come back at the weekend with her.

The buses were fine, it was really quick."

Yoga mats laid out in the studio / Teri Pengilley

Kelvin Masters, 69, retired, came by car from Greenwich, We tried to get in here earlier but it was full, so we went to Blackheath and had a coffee. Weve just tried again and it was fineI was always going to drive, its just easier.

Ikea Greenwich opening hours

Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm

Saturday, 9am to 10pm

Sunday, 11am to 5pm

Getting to Ikea Greenwich

From directly outside the store, there are bus services every 1.5 minutes on weekdays (2.5 minutes on Sundays). Buses to North Greenwich station (Jubilee line) take 5-10 minutes.

The nearest train stations are Westcombe Park, an 11-minute walk away, and Charlton which is a 10-minute bus journey from the new store. Buses to Greenwich town centre (DLR/mainline trains) take 11 minutes.

There will be 24-hour delivery for Greenwich borough residents and, for the first 10 weeks after opening, home delivery will cost 15 (usually 35) for locals within a 40-minute public transport journey of the store.
Many lawmen in the Old West had short careers. Some served for a couple of years, others for mere months. One southwest Colorado lawman served his communities for more than 30 years. He was fearless, a superb marksman and steadfast in enforcing the law. He was also a successful businessman and devoted family man. In his time and place he was a legend; today he is largely forgotten. His name was Jesse Benton.

Born March 21, 1834, in Chenango County, N.Y., William Jasper Benton was the ninth of 10 children. He was going by Jesse by the time he arrived in Colorado Territory during the Pikes Peak gold rush. He opened a quartz mill in Black Hawk in 1860. With the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the 1st Colorado Volunteer Cavalry, on Sept. 27, 1861. During his military service, he saw action at the Battles of Glorieta Pass and Peralta in New Mexico Territory in 1862 and fought under Colonel John Chivington at Sand Creek in eastern Colorado Territory in 1864.

Mustered out on Dec. 19, 1864, Benton served as a policeman in Denver between 1867 and 1875. In 1876, he moved to the newly minted silver camp of Ouray in southwest Colorado, which became his home for more than 30 years. There, he began a dual life as both a successful businessman and a trusted lawman tough on crime. Within two years the perpetually busy Benton had become a real estate dealer, built the first frame building in the city, opened a saloon that also hosted the citys first church services, joined the board of directors of the first bank and opened several other businesses, including a billiard hall and a butcher shop.

He was also chosen as the citys first marshal, an office he held until mid-November 1878. By then he had earned a reputation as an honest, fearless lawman and was in demand to bring order to other towns with serious problems. The first was the boomtown of Silver Cliff, Colorado Territory. Less than a week after leaving Ouray, he faced his first test. A Silver Cliff newspaper reported:

Last Saturday [Nov. 24, 1878] our city was the scene of another shooting affair. A man named W. Riley Fisher, who had come up from Arizona with a mule team, became intoxicated and disorderly. He went into Howard & Kratzers saloon and, flourishing a knife and pistol, became quite noisy. Marshal Benton was called and endeavored to arrest him, when Fisher caught him by the throat, and a tussle ensued in which Benton struck him twice with his billy, and Fisher staggered against some barrels in the room. Recovering himself, he ran out the door, drew his revolver, came to the door and was told by Benton to put up his weapon. Fisher and the marshal fired at the same instant, Fisher being struck in the breast. Bentons small pocket revolver now refused to revolve, he having left his large one to be repaired a few minutes before. With his left hand, he managed to turn the chambers, while Fisher was perforating his clothes with shots from his gun. At last Fisher, being hit twice, raised his left hand to his weapon to take good aim, when a bullet crashed through it, breaking both bones of the wrist. He started to run when policeman Tipton, who had just arrived, fired two shots, neither of which hit him. Benton got off another shot, which produced the wound in his side. Fisher said, Dont shootIm killed now, and put down his revolver. He walked back in charge of the officers but died about 12 oclock. Three bullet holes were found in Bentons coat, but his skin was not touched. Mr. Benton has shown himself to be the right man in the right place.

Authorities immediately promoted Benton to deputy sheriff of Custer County. In the summer of 1879, desperate town fathers in West Las Vegas, New Mexico Territory, summoned his help to address the violence linked to the Dodge City Gang, which had taken control of East Las Vegas after the arrival of the railroad that July. He served until late September, when he was recalled to Ouray to assume his role as captain of Colorado Militia Company D, the Ouray sharpshooters, in the wake of the killing of Ute Indian agent Nathan Meeker and employees in northern Colorado and widespread fear of further Indian attacks. By the time Benton arrived in Ouray in mid-October, the Ute situation had stabilized, the militia stood down, and he resumed his post as city marshal.

In many Western boomtowns in the late 19th century, competing interests sought to sway the actions of their lawmenupstanding citizens who demanded strict enforcement of the law, and those businessmen who preferred a looser interpretation of vice laws. Benton was a law-and-order man and served as city marshal over the next 15 years whenever the enforcement faction was in control. Elections were often contentious, none more so than the 1887 contest, in which the city council went through the pretense of counting ballots before ultimately selecting a permissive candidate. During his times in office, Benton kept busy facing down vigilante mobs, corralling prostitutes in the red-light district and encouraging unsavory characters to leave town.

In November 1886, Marshal Benton faced off against one of his own. Hed been called to the aid of a Mrs. Spillers. She was the mistress of former Marshal Luther Harris, who had preceded Jesse the previous term. Benton and Ouray County Sheriff Charles H. Rawles went to Spillers house, where she told them Harris had been abusing her. Then Harris showed up. Brandishing a pistol, he ordered the officers to leave, and they complied. But Harris followed them into the alley and became increasingly belligerent. He ultimately opened fire on Benton, who returned fire, killing Harris instantly.

But that year also brought happiness into Jesses life. In April, he married Elton Ramsay, a widow of frail disposition with a young son. He was 52, she 24, and they remained devoted to one another.

After serving several more years as city marshal in the early 1890s, Jesse was elected to a two-year term as Ouray County sheriff in 1896. By then he was in his mid-60s and physically worn down. After a term as Ouray night marshal, he finally retired from law enforcement in 1900, ending a long and distinguished career. I have had 21 bullets fired at me at very close range by badmen in my time, he once told a reporter, but I dont carry a single lead mark to show. Subsisting on his military pension, he and Elton moved to a lower elevation for her health, often returning to Ouray to visit. They later moved to be near family in El Paso, Texas. In the spring of 1917 they moved once more to Sawtelle, Calif., where Jesse Benton died with his boots off that November 25. He was 85. Elton followed him in death four years later.
Indian-American Narsan Lingala and his girlfriend Sandhya Reddy have been charged with trying to hire a hitman to kill the formers estranged wife.

Lingala, 55, who has been charged by criminal complaint with one count of murder-for-hire was produced before US Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was held without bail. His ex-girlfriend, Reddy, 52, appeared in the court on the same charge and was also detained.

According to the complaint, in May 2018, Lingala was in a holding cell at the Middlesex County Superior Courthouse as he awaited a court hearing. While there, he asked another inmate if he knew anyone who could kill his estranged wife. The inmate responded that he knew such a person.

In June 2018, at the direction of law enforcement, the inmate introduced Lingala to an undercover agent posing as a hitman. Over subsequent weeks, Lingala and the undercover cop spoke on the phone and planned to meet in person the next time that Lingala travelled from Indiana to New Jersey.

On August 18, 2018, Lingala and the undercover police officer agreed to meet outside a New Jersey shopping mall. Later that day, Lingala and his then-girlfriend, Reddy, arrived outside the mall and approached the cop.

Lingala introduced Reddy and stated that she understood what was going on. The trio then entered the undercover cops car. They proceeded to have a conversation that was video recorded.

The cop asked Lingala to confirm what he wanted him to do and the accused said, I want that woman to be out of my life... totally. Never again. She never comes back. During the conversation, the undercover cop asked, You want me to take care of her? to which Lingala responded, Yeah.

The undercover cop stated, Shes done, Im going to kill her. End of story. Lingala responded, Yeah. End of story. During the conversation, Lingala gave the cop information about the intended victim including his ex-wifes full name, home address, age, and home phone number.

He also described the entrances to and layout of her home; the name of the company where she worked; and the timing and details of her work commute. Lingala showed the undercover officer photos of the exterior and interior of his ex-wifes home. Reddy also provided the him information about the intended victim.

The trio also discussed the price and the undercover cop demanded between USD 5,000 and USD 10,000, depending on the jobs complexity. Lingala agreed and asked if he could pay after the job was done. The cop, however, said he would need a down payment. The couple discussed the issue and then Lingala asked the cop, Can I give you a thousand down payment? to which the undercover cop agreed.

Lingala later stated, I want that money to go into your pocket. Lingala informed the undercover officer that making the down payment would take about two weeks. After the meeting, authorities arrested Lingala and Reddy. The murder-for-hire charge is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a USD 2,50,000 fine.
Indian missions were blindsided by the arrests of students of the fake university and, lacking timely official communication from the US government, they were forced to track down the detainees on their own, using contacts in the Indian American community and by working the phones.

Indian diplomats travelled to over 30 cities over the last few days to track the arrested students and encountered, at times unexpectedly, four, five or even eight of them at a detention centre they visited  identified after countless cold calls  expecting to meet just one.

Also, Indian American lawmaker, Raja Krishnamurthy, has led a bipartisan effort to ensure the students are treated fairly. Four lawmakers, two each from the Democratic and Republican parties, have urged the department of homeland security in a joint letter to ensure the detained students are treated properly and afforded all rights provided to them under the law, including access to an attorney and release on bond. It was a herculean effort, said an official involved with the effort to contact the incarcerated Indians a week after US prosecutors went public with the scam in Michigan state. Eight people of Indian origin have been arrested and charged for the crime of recruiting students, for the university in a scheme that allowed the students to stay and work on a foreign student visa programme without actually pursuing any educational programme, for a fee. The Indian embassy was not notified of the arrests of the 129 students, according to the latest count by US authorities, as it should have been under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963. US authorities are understood to have told the Indian embassy that it was not notified of the arrests because the detainees opted not to request consular access.

Indians diplomats, who met the University of Farmington students, were struck by their lack of reluctance to meet them and be helped to get out of a situation they never expected to encounter in their pursuit of regular middle-class aspirations of a better career, a better life.

One of the detainees contacted by us broke down several times during the interview, said the person dealing with the situation. A response was awaited from the US state department to questions about why the Indian embassy was not notified of the arrests. Why would the students decline consular access? asked the person involved with process, adding, When they met our officials readily and with a sense of relief?
Massachusetts top court on Wednesday upheld the manslaughter conviction of a woman accused of goading her teenage boyfriend into committing suicide in 2014 with text messages and phone calls, in a case that drew national attention to cyber-bullying.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court agreed with a lower courts 2017 ruling on Michelle Carter, who prosecutors said urged her 18-year-old boyfriend, Conrad Roy, to kill himself in a parking lot about 60 miles (100 km) south of Boston.

The case, the first in the state to consider manslaughter charges tied to texting, raised concerns among civil liberties advocates who said Carter was being prosecuted for her speech.

But Justice Scott Kafker said the evidence supported a finding that Carter, then 17, badgered Roy by phone to get back into a carbon-monoxide filled truck he had stepped out of, after constantly pressuring him in text messages to commit suicide.

The evidence against the defendant proved that, by her wanton or reckless conduct, she caused the victims death by suicide, Kafker wrote for the unanimous seven-member court.

He rejected arguments by Carter, now 22, that her conviction violated her free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution, saying the court was not punishing her for her words alone, but for reckless or wanton words causing death.

Daniel Marx, Carters lawyer, in a statement called the decision disappointing and said he was considering an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Roy killed himself on July 12, 2014, by filling his parked truck in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, with carbon monoxide from a generator he had hooked up to it.

Prosecutors at trial presented evidence showing that Roy briefly left the vehicle after he began to be overwhelmed by the fumes, but returned after Carter, who spoke with him by phone, urged him to get back in.

That instruction was captured in a text message Carter sent to a friend. She had, in earlier text messages, encouraged Roy to promise to kill himself and helped him plan the event after he abandoned earlier suicide attempts.

Carter, of Plainville, Massachusetts, was indicted in 2015. She opted against a jury trial, leaving her fate in the hands of Bristol County Juvenile Court Judge Lawrence Moniz, who found her guilty of involuntary manslaughter in June 2017.

Moniz subsequently ordered her to serve 15 months of a 2 1/2-year sentence in prison. Her sentence was on hold while she appealed.
The spontaneous sounds that we make to express everything from elation to embarrassment, such as woohoo and oops, convey at least 24 kinds of emotion, according to a study on people from four countries, including India.

Scientists at the University of California (UC), Berkeley in the US conducted a statistical analysis of listener responses to more than 2,000 non-verbal exclamations known as vocal bursts and found they convey a lot more about what we are feeling than previously thought.

Previous studies of vocal bursts set the number of recognisable emotions closer to 13. The results, published in the American Psychologist journal, are demonstrated in vivid sound and colour on the first-ever interactive audio map of nonverbal vocal communication developed by researchers.

This study is the most extensive demonstration of our rich emotional vocal repertoire, involving brief signals of upwards of two dozen emotions as intriguing as awe, adoration, interest, sympathy and embarrassment, said Dacher Keltner, a professor at UC Berkeley.

For millions of years, humans have used wordless vocalisations to communicate feelings that can be decoded in a matter of seconds, researchers said.

Our findings show that the voice is a much more powerful tool for expressing emotion than previously assumed, said Alan Cowen, a PhD student at UC Berkeley.

In the audio map, a user can slide ones cursor across the emotional topography and hover over fear (scream), then surprise (gasp), then awe (woah), realisation (ohhh), interest (ah?) and finally confusion (huh?). Among other applications, the map can be used to help teach voice-controlled digital assistants and other robotic devices to better recognise human emotions based on the sounds we make, he said.

Though limited to US responses, the study suggests humans are so keenly attuned to nonverbal signals -- such as the bonding coos between parents and infants -- that we can pick up on the subtle differences between surprise and alarm, or an amused laugh versus an embarrassed laugh.

Researchers recorded more than 2,000 vocal bursts from 56 male and female professional actors and non-actors from the US, India, Kenya and Singapore by asking them to respond to emotionally evocative scenarios.

More than 1,000 adults recruited via Amazons Mechanical Turk online marketplace listened to the vocal bursts and evaluated them based on the emotions and meaning they conveyed and whether the tone was positive or negative, among several other characteristics. A statistical analysis of their responses found that the vocal bursts fit into at least two dozen distinct categories including amusement, anger, awe, confusion, contempt, contentment, desire, disappointment and disgust.

For the second part of the study, researchers sampled YouTube video clips that would evoke the 24 emotions established in the first part of the study, such as babies falling, puppies being hugged and spellbinding magic tricks. This time, 88 adults of all ages judged the vocal bursts extracted from YouTube videos, researchers said.

Again, the researchers were able to categorise their responses into 24 shades of emotion.

These results show that emotional expressions colour our social interactions with spirited declarations of our inner feelings that are difficult to fake, and that our friends, co-workers, and loved ones rely on to decipher our true commitments, Cowen said.

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A Muslim teacher in Bihars Katihar district was beaten up by locals after he refused to say Vande Mataram following the flag-hoisting ceremony on Republic Day on January 26.

The video of local residents thrashing the primary school teacher, identified as Afzal Hussain, has gone viral.

Hussain later said he did not say Vande Mataram as the same is against his religious belief.

We believe in Allah and Vande Mataram is against our belief. The term means vandana (praise in Hindi) of Bharat Mata which is not what we believe in, he said, according to news agency ANI. Nowhere in the Constitution is it written that saying Vande Mataram is necessary. I could have lost my life, he said.

Bihar Education Minister KN Prasad Verma said, action will be taken if incident of this sort has occurred. National songs insult is not forgivable at all.

District education officer Dinesh Chandra Dev told reporters he has not received any complaint regarding the incident. Had we got any such information, an investigation would have been done. But till now we have not got any such complaint, he said.

Vande Mataram, Indias national song, has sparked controversies in the past. Many Muslims say the song in Sanskrit is a hymn to the Hindu goddess Durga and it is against the tenets of Islam to sing it.

The song was written by the Bengali poet Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1876.
An allocation of Rs 44 crore in the civic bodys budget on Monday, against the demand of Rs1,000 crore to revive the loss-making Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus service, has disappointed its officials and transport experts.

The undertaking is going through the worst-ever financial crisis for two years, facing losses running up to Rs 720 crore. Also, it has taken loan of more than Rs 1,800 crore to meet daily expenses and execute major projects.

A total of Rs 34 crore from the Rs 30,692-crore budget for 2019-20 were allocated for an Integrated Transport Management System (ITMS) and Rs 10 crore was for BEST colonies. Under the much-delayed ITMS project worth Rs 112 crore, passengers were to get real-time updates, besides announcements about bus stops.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has allocated funds for the ITMS project, but the system will be effective only when there are buses at short intervals. If our app shows that the bus will arrive 45 minutes late, surely the passengers wont wait for the bus. We need more buses, said a BEST official, adding that 500 more buses are needed.

According to officials, the major financial challenge was to pay January salaries, considering the high court directive after a nine-day strike.

The BEST has an additional burden of around Rs 10 crore via a 10-step pay hike to 14,000 junior-grade staffers.

The BMC administration does not want BEST to survive. It wants it to die so that they can privatise the transport body, said Ravi Raja, member of the BEST panel, the policy-making body of the undertaking. He said that BEST had sought funds for capital expenses, but BMC has given funds only for ITMS and the funds are not sufficient for the project scheduled for March-end.

Experts said BEST is being treated as an orphan, with neither BMC nor BEST giving it any attention. It is not the matter of an inter-departmental fight. It is the issue of the citys public transport system. How can it be ignored despite lakhs of people depending on it, said Vidyadhar Date, convener, Amchi Mumbai Amchi BEST, a public forum for saving BEST.
The Juhu police on Tuesday arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly trespassing actor Akshay Kumars bungalow. The accused, who claims he is a fan of the actor, hails from Datauli in Sonipat, Haryana.

Ankit Goswami travelled to Mumbai to meet the actor. However, after he was denied entry by the security guards outside Kumars residence, Goswami jumped over the boundary wall to get inside. He climbed the wall at 1.30am and entered. He was spotted by the guards, who got a hold of him and alerted the police, said an officer.

He found the actors address through Google search, PTI reported.

The Juhu Police questioned him and arrested him Tuesday, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Paramjit Singh Dahiya.

We interrogated him and he told us he is a fan of the actor. He also said that he wants to work in Bollywood, said another police official. They added that he did not have any malicious intent in trespassing Kumars bungalow.

In a similar case, Juhu police had arrested a 23-year-old who tried to trespass actor Amitabh Bachchans bungalow in 2016.
Shree Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhada, one of the 13 akhadas (monastic orders) in the country, is set to anoint nine foreign nationals as mahamandaleshwars (high priests) in an ordination ceremony to be organised at its camp here on February 8.

This will be for the first time when any akhada will confer the prestigious title of mahamandaleshwar on nine foreign seers in a single ceremony in Kumbh Mela.

Seers are known as mahamandaleshwars when they are elevated by their peers to the highest level of traditional, Hindu spiritual guardianship.

According to the representatives of the akhada, these foreign nationals are being appointed as mahamandaleshwars in view of their dedication towards spreading the principles of Sanatan Dharm all over the world.

These foreign seers, three of them being young women, are from Japan, Chile, Israel and the United States.

The seers who will be anointed as mahamandaleshwars include Dayanand Das (Israel), Rajashree Dasi (Japan), Jayendra Das (France), Tyaganand, Shridevi Dasi, Parmeshwaranand, Lalita Shreedasi, Anantanand Das and Jeevanand Das (all from US).

All of them refused to divulge their original names and said they would prefer to be known by their present names.

Shreemahant Swami Rajendra Das of Ani Akhada said, We are happy that foreigners are also getting attracted towards the eternal religion (Sanatam Dharm) of India. They want to get associated with us. We are anointing so many foreigners for the first time. They will spread the ideologies and principles of Sanatan Dharm.

Lalita Shreedasi from the United States, who is among the seers to be ordained as mahamandaleshwar, said: Its a great honour. I got attracted towards Sanatan Dharm when I was just 21. My life got transformed after I came in contact with Sai Maa. It was a spiritual awakening for me. I started travelling around the world with Sai Maa and realised the beauty of spiritual life.

She manages the ashram of Sai Maa in the United States.

I love to read the Vedas. I am learning Vedic hymns and mantras to understand its true meaning. I am also learning Hindi. We have blended the best of both the East and the West to lead a fulfilling life under the guidance of Jagadguru Sai Maa, she said.

Marie, a French disciple of Sai Maa, said was looking forward to attend the ordination ceremony in the audience. I want to see the traditions and customs of akhadas, she said.

Caption

Lalita Shreedasi (left) with another disciple of Sai Maa in Kumbh Mela. Lalita Shreedasi will be anointed as Mahamandaleshwar. (HT PHOTO)
These days, every conversation about Indias 2019 general election begins and ends with the same knowing admission: In the end, it will come down to Uttar Pradesh. Accounting for 80 seats in the Lok Sabha and home to roughly 230 million residents, Uttar Pradesh (UP) is the single biggest prize on offer. For both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a bevy of opposition forces, the state is make-or-break.

In the 2014 general election, the BJP won 71 of UPs 80 parliamentary seats (its coalition ally, Apna Dal, bagged another two). The state accounted for one out of every four seats the party won in achieving its historic parliamentary majority. But, as campaigning for 2019 soon begins in earnest, this dominance also has a downside: unless it can run the table in UP for a second consecutive election, the BJP will struggle to replicate, even approximate, its majority.

While BJP strategists are confident the party will pick up new seats in places where it has only recently emerged a player, such as Indias northeast, it will be difficult (if not impossible) to compensate for a hefty loss of seats in UP. Yet, sweeping the state is a daunting prospect in light of the pre-electoral alliance the states two primary regional parties, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP),recently stitched up.

These two rivals have bitterly fought each other for dominance of UP for the past two decades, but the BJP defeated both with a stunning three-fourths majority in the 2017 assembly elections. Reflecting on their rout, leaders of the two parties reluctantly concluded that they might lose together but they will surely lose separately. So far, the alliance has enjoyed remarkable success, snatching the seats of Gorakhpur and Phulpur from the BJPs kitty in impressive parliamentary by poll victories in March 2018.

In 2019, the two parties will each contest thirty-eight seatsleaving two seats for the Congress (those held by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) and two more for the Rashtriya Lok Dal. Meanwhile, the Congress has indicated it will contest the 2019 elections in UP on its own, bolstered by the fact that Priyanka Gandhi will play an active role in the partys campaign in eastern UP.

Given the opportunistic alliances, the eleventh-hour Congress surprise, and the fact that Modi remains popular in the state even as his partys brand has dipped, the UP outcome is virtually impossible to predict at this point. The absence of credible survey data also makes seat projections extremely difficult.

Any conclusion hinges on whether one believes elections in India are more about arithmetic or chemistry. Arithmetic suggests the formidable BSP-SP mahagatbandhan (grand alliance) will easily cut the BJPs seat tally in half. But analysts who prioritise the chemistry of campaigns are sceptical that one can mechanically add up past vote shares and predict the future.

Rather than wade into the guessing game around the number of seats lost and gained for various formations, we focus on three issues critical to sealing the final UP outcome: voter mobilisation, Hindu voter consolidation, and rural anxiety about the economy. In the 2014 election, the BJP exploited unprecedented voter turnout, a unique crosscaste coalition of Hindu voters, and a souring economy, blame for which it could place at the door of the incumbent Congress.

Whether the BJP can replicate these conditions this spring will determine the partys ability to stave off an increasingly confident, unified opposition.

Maintaining the enthusiasm advantage

First, the BJPs success in 2019 will depend on whether it can mobilize its supporters and potential swing voters to go to the polls. Voter turnout across India reached a record 66.4 % in 2014; turnout in UP increased by 10 percentage points from 2009.

Whether due to anti-incumbency trends or Modis popularity, the BJP reaped the benefits of this surge in political participation. Across India, the partys performance improved the most in constituencies that saw the greatest rise in turnout. This correlation held up very well in UP (figure 1). On average, a 1 percentage point increase in turnout was associated with a positive 0.6 percentage point vote share bump for the BJP. Rising womens turnout particularly aided the BJPs performance. The partys ability to retain, perhaps build on, its support among women voters will be crucial for its 2019 poll success. (see chart 1)

The BJP must also ensure that young voters show up on Election Day. According to National Election Study data, turnout among young votersthis is traditionally lower than the national averageexceeded average turnout in 2014 by 2 percentage points. States that possessed a larger share of first-time voters in 2014 (those between the ages of 18 and 22) also saw the largest increases in the BJPs vote share (see chart 2). UP was a particular outlier.

However, there are serious doubts that the BJP can replicate this mobilization. The novelty associated with Modis candidacy has dimmed, as have citizens perceptions of the BJPs economic performance. In 2014, the BJP contested elections as the outsider; in 2019, it is the incumbent at both the state and national levels, making an anti-establishment campaign untenable.

Consolidating Hindu Votes

The UP electorate is notoriously fragmented by caste and religion. In recent years, the BJP, traditionally reliant on upper-caste support, has greatly expanded its outreach to lower castes, not least by leveraging the social services provided by the various affiliates of the Sangh Parivar.

In 2014, the BJP focused its efforts on those Hindu other backward class (OBC) and Dalit jatis underemphasized by the SP and BSP, respectively. In particular, it set its sights on peeling off non-Yadav voters from the SP and non-Jatav voters from the BSP (the Yadavs and Jatavs are the respective castes from which SP and BSP leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati hail), claiming that they have been marginalized by their more dominant brethren. The strategy paid off handsomely: in addition to consolidating its upper caste support, the BJP attracted large numbers of lower OBC and Dalit voters to its fold.

Unless the BSP-SP alliance can reverse this Hindu caste consolidation, it will find 2019 to be very rough going. An analysis of data on UPs 140,000 polling booths compiled by Raphael Susewind allows for a local-level examination of the BJPs 2014 performance based on the Hindu-Muslim breakdown of voters. The BJP dominated its rivals in booths where the Muslim share of voters was below the 75th percentile (figure 3), which translates to a roughly 20 % Muslim electorate. Above that point, the BJPs vote share drops off drasticallya sign of the partys difficulty in minority-dominated areas. The opposition, for its part, has a good deal of ground to make up in localities without a sizeable Muslim population.

The BSP-SP duo will also strongly contest UPs 17 scheduled caste (SC)-reserved seats. In 2014, the BJP won all of these seatslanding a particularly harsh blow against the BSP, given that latters typically staunch Dalit vote base (figure 4).

Yet there are emerging signs that Dalits are no longer as favourably inclined toward the BJP. According to the Mood of the Nation survey conducted in May 2018 by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Dalit support for the BJP had fallen sharply from 33% in May 2017 to 22% a year later.

There are multiple reasons why Dalit voters across India might question their previous support for the BJP. In April, the Supreme Court introduced new safeguards to prevent the misuse of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, enraging many Dalit citizens. Although the government ended up asking the court to review its ruling, the decision wrong-footed it (and it was already being criticized for its lax implementation of the law). More recently, the central governments move to provide a 10% quota for economically weaker sections has triggered fears that the ruling party could begin to unwind caste-based forms of reservation in favour of class-based quotas.

Lastly, there are issues specific to UP that have galvanized Dalits. In addition to a spate of anti-Dalit violence, there is a stark gap between the BJPs rhetoric of caste inclusion and its upper-caste-dominated administration in UP. Chief minister Yogi Adityanaths first cabinet contained only four Dalits, and, according to the Hindustan Times, just nine of states 75 district police superintendents were Dalits as of July 2017.

Addressing rural anxiety

The third factor likely to shape electoral outcomes in UP is the rising discontent of Indias rural citizens. Nearly 78% of UPs population lives in rural areasonly five states have higher rural population shares.

This sizable rural majority spells trouble for the BJP. Many analysts have attributed the BJPs December losses in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh to agrarian distress amid falling crop prices and growing farmer indebtedness. Indeed, political scientist Neelanjan Sircar found that the BJP performed worst in regions with a large share of agricultural workers, a trend absent in the previous state elections of 2013.

Opposition parties have tapped into farmers anger, promising, in several states, to waive their outstanding loans if elected. While the consensus among economists is that farm loan waivers make for bad economicsthey create a moral hazard and harm credit culturetheir popularity with rural residents makes for good politics.

Agrarian distress opens a number of potential vulnerabilities for the BJP across UP. The states 20 most agricultural constituencies include three of the BJPs seven losses in 2014, along with six of the 17 seats the party won by less than 10 % (see figure 5). These six vulnerable constituenciesSitapur, Kaiserganj, Shravasti, Misrikh, Kaushambi, and Hardoiwill be important seats to watch for opposition inroads in 2019 (the latter three are also SC-reserved).

Conclusion

For the BJP, insiders have long claimed that replicating 2014 is a pipe dream. The last general election result was a perfect storm of anti-incumbency, a slumping economy, and a presidential contest with only one compelling candidate. While a sweep of UP may no longer be on the cards, the BJP must retain a strong majority of seats there. To have a shot at doing so, it will have to energize its base, keep its coalition from fracturing, and address (or, more accurately, be seen to address) the needs of Indias rural dwellers. If it fails, a second term could be jeopardized. To paraphrase an old US electoral maxim: as Uttar Pradesh goes, so goes the nation.

Milan Vaishnav (@MilanV) and Jamie Hintson are with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. This article is part of the India Elects 2019 series, a collaboration between Carnegie and the Hindustan Times.
With the country hurtling towards Lok Sabha elections, Congress president Rahul Gandhi in a frontal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi challenged him to a debate on national security and Rafale. He said PM Modi will run away from debate.

Narendra Modi is a coward, he will run away from debate, Gandhi said at the national convention of the AICC minority department in New Delhi on Thursday.

Narendra Modi is a darpok (coward) person. He will run away from debate on national security, he said adding, If someone stands up to him, Modi runs away.

Watch | Modi is a coward, he will run away: Rahul Gandhi attacks PM

The Congress president also accused the government of eroding the authority of key institutions. Gandhi was speaking at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the national capital where the minority department of the party held a convention.

The institutions in India do not belong to any party, they belong to the country, and to protect them is our responsibility, be it Congress or any other party. They (BJP) think they are above the nation, in 3 months they will understand that nation is above them, he said.

Gandhi said that he has understood the prime minister as he is fighting Narendra Modi for five years. He challenged the prime minister to a 10-minute debate on Rafale deal saying that Modi will run away from it.

The Congress president reiterated his partys promise to ensure assured minimum income to every poor person in the country if it win the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He said the party discussed this scheme over the last six months and decided that if Narendra Modi can give Rs 3.5 lakh crore to his 15 industrialist friends, the Congress will guarantee minimum assured income to the poor of the country.

We will credit the money under minimum income programme directly to the bank accounts of the poor, he said.

He alleged that during Doklam crisis, when the troops of India and China were engaged in a face-off on the western border of Bhutan, PM Modi flew to Beijing to hold talks with Chinese leadership without any agenda and folded hands in front of them.

Chinese government realised Mr 56 inch is not even 4 inches. This is Mr Modis character, he bowed down to China in Doklam issue, the Congress president said.

In 2014, Narendra Modis image was such that they said he will rule for 15 yearsIn five years, the Congress has exposed him on every front, be it the issue of farmers, corruption or national securityThe Congress will defeat Narendra Modi, the BJP and the RSS in 2019, he said.

When you see Mr Modis face today, you can see fear. He has realised that by dividing the nation he cannot govern the country, and people will remove him, if he does, Gandhi said.

The Congress president alleged that the BJP-led government at the centre is being remote-controlled by the RSS, which he said, wants to run the country from Nagpur. Gandhi said, Narendra Modi is the front face, Mohan Bhagwat (RSS chief) is the remote control.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who famously walked up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha and hugged him, advised his partymen on Wednesday never to use the word murdabad against his political adversary.

Gandhi instead asked his party workers to win over the BJP with love and affection, which is what the Congress stands for, reports PTI.

During a debate on the no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha in June 2018, Gandhi had said, I have not an iota of hatred or hard feelings against you. You hate me, I may be Pappu for you. But I love you and respect you because I am the Congress. He then walked over to the Prime Minister and hugged him.

Read: Division is in BJP, not in our alliance, says Rahul Gandhi I Exclusive

On Wednesday, during a public meeting in Odishas Rourkela, the Congress workers had shouted murdabad in unison when their party president took Narendra Modis name.

These words (murdabad) are used by the BJP/RSS people. We, in Congress, do not use these words as we believe in love and affection, Gandhi told party workers, reports PTI.

Stating that the Congress will be able to defeat the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections without giving way to hatred, Gandhi said, There has been a change in facial expressions of Narendra Modi. He is being surrounded from all corners.

Read: Recent results were just the tip of the backlash I Q & A with Rahul Gandhi

Wherever he (Modi) looks, there is Rafale, kisan, mazdoor and women. Narendra Modi is now being gheraoed by all. There has been change in his face, mood and expressions. We have not done it with hatred. We have questioned him with love. We have done it by using love. We will defeat him, Gandhi said.

He hoped the Congress will use the same love to defeat the ruling Biju Janata Dal in Odisha.
Students from north India have been denied permission by authorities to conduct Saraswati Puja in the Cochin University College of Engineering in Keralas Alappuzha district, news agency ANI reported on Thursday.

It is informed that the request of North Indians students to conduct Saraswati Pooja has been declined by the Vice-Chancellor, since ours is a secular campus and as such, we cannot permit religious function/activities of any religion inside campus, the joint registrar of Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) said in a notice on February 1.

Last year, the college, which is affiliated to Cusat, was shut down indefinitely on January 25 following a clash between two groups of students after beef cutlets were allegedly served during an event on its campus.

A section of students, mostly from north India, had alleged that they were served beef after being told that they were vegetarian, on the sidelines of a seminar on the college campus near Alappuzha on January 25.

The group had alleged that the beef incident was revenge a section of students and teachers of the college had taken on them for organising Saraswati Puja on the campus on January 22 despite opposition from the latter.
Minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh (retd) said on Thursday he has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order a high-level investigation to identify people who encouraged allegations in 2012 that the Indian Army had tried to carry out a coup.

In 2012, a media report said that General VK Singh, who was then the army chief, was responsible for an unauthorised troop movement towards New Delhi. The report was denied by the then United Progressive Allaince government headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The army chief has written a letter to PM Modi, saying that the allegations of coup amounted to questioning the integrity of the armed forces and were grounds for sedition charges.

People who were behind the conspiracy must be exposed and punished, the letter said.

Singh said he had written to the home ministry in 2013 seeking an FIR following the publication of the report about movement of key army units towards Delhi without notifying the government.

Singh was chosen as a Union minister by the Narendra Modi-led government that came to power in 2014. Now let the law take its own course, he said about the media report while speaking to reporters.
The Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh has proposed to spend over Rs 647 crore in the 2019-20 budget on the maintenance of cow-shelters in the state. In the annual budget presented by UP Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal, Rs 247.60 crore was allocated for the maintenance of cow -shelters in rural areas.

Another amount of Rs 200 crore was allocated for the upkeep of cow shelters, under Kanha Gaushala and Besahara Pashu Ashram scheme in the urban areas in Uttar Pradesh.

It is the third budget of the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh after having come to power in March 2017. The total budgetary allocations made for financial year 2019-20 was Rs 4.79 lakh crore, which is 12 per cent higher than the previous years budget.

A separate budgetary allocation for cow welfare follows a series of steps announced by the Yogi government in recent months. In January this year, the state government issued a special order allowing corporate houses to use corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to provide facilities for abandoned cows in rural areas.

The Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code 2006 does not allow transfer of grazing ground to any non-governmental organisation (NGO). The government, therefore, issued a separate order for the purpose.

Earlier, the government had announced to impose a cow welfare cess and a special fee on beer and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) to fund construction of cow shelters in Uttar Pradesh.

In December last year, the chief minister government announced setting up a committee under the chief secretary to extend financial help to those rearing abandoned bovines including cows. He also said that the municipal corporations would be given Rs 10 crore for stray cattle management in each district.
Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Veterans Affairs Minister Jodie Wilson-Raybould

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is denying that his office told former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould to help SNC-Lavalin avoid a criminal prosecution.

The Quebec engineering and construction giant has been facing legal trouble over allegations it paid millions of dollars in bribes to get government business in Libya, which would be a crime under Canadian law.

As attorney general, Wilson-Raybould could have become involved in the case against the company by directing federal prosecutors to negotiate a "remediation agreement," a way of undoing damage without admitting the company itself was at fault for things particular employees did.

The Globe and Mail newspaper reports that SNC-Lavalin repeatedly lobbied Justin Trudeau's aides for a deal and that his office leaned on Wilson-Raybould to make it happen.

No remediation agreement was made and Wilson-Raybould was moved to the veterans affairs post in a January cabinet shuffle. Montrealer David Lametti took over as attorney general and justice minister.

During a visit to Vaughan, Ont., today, Trudeau said the allegations in the newspaper story "are false."

"Neither the current nor the previous attorney general was ever directed by me or anyone in my office to take a decision in this matter," he said. Asked whether he or his office had applied any influence or pressure on the minister, Trudeau repeated that they had never directed Wilson-Raybould or Lametti to intervene.

Neither Wilson-Raybould nor SNC-Lavalin has immediately responded to questions from The Canadian Press about the story.
North India has been worst hit by influenza (A) H1N1 or swine flu this year, with at least 61% cases reported from across the country coming from Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.

According to surveillance data collected under the governments Integrated Diseases Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the week between January 28 and February 3 this year was particularly bad as 1,176 of the 2,101 cases that tested positive during this period were from the four north Indian states.

Again, of a total of 6,701 cases, as many as 4,114 were reported from these states with Rajasthan reporting 2,363 cases, Delhi 1,011, Haryana 490 and Punjab 250 cases. Of 226 swine flu deaths, 117 were reported from three of these states, except Delhi that has officially reported no death.

Experts have, however, warned against creating panic, saying this was a cyclic phenomenon.

Flu cases are either due to influenza (A) H1N1, H3N2 or influenza B. There will always be a strain or a combination of strains that is more prevalent than the other and cause infection. Theres largely immunity within the community against the strains but whenever there is a build-up of people who arent exposed to the prevalent strain, infections will go up, said an expert in a government laboratory requesting anonymity as the expert is not authorized to speak to the media.

There are typically two peak flu seasons  monsoon (August-October) and winter (January-March). While H3N2 was the dominant strain last monsoon, between 70-90% of the cases this winter were found carrying the H1N1 strain.

There is an increase in the number of cases reported when the pool of unimmunised population increases. This can be due to migration and new births. But it can also be because of the changing structure of the virus that leaves the population without immunity, said Dr Nivedita Gupta, senior scientist at Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The H1N1 outbreak in 2009 had sparked fears that it would be the killer virus of the future. But the fear has proved unfounded, said an expert not wishing to be named.

Also read: Google searches for swine flu in north and northwest India highest this year, shows data

The cases and deaths arent higher than what we have seen in other parts of the world. All flu cases have the potential of causing death in about 1% of those infected. There has been no higher pattern seen.

Also, deaths mostly happen in cases that have some underlying medical condition or in those with low immunity, said the expert.

Dr Nivedita Gupta, senior scientist at ICMR, said, The flu virus is very dynamic and its antigenic structure keeps changing, so it is impossible to predict when the next spurt would be. This is also the reason we do not have any universal vaccine for flu.

Another trigger could be the climate as a drop in temperature provides the virus a conducive environment to grow.

Climate makes some difference and may add to the numbers. Since this year the winter was colder, the numbers started pouring in early and may ebb sooner, he said.
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday the Indian ambassador to Armenia has contacted the four people from Punjab, who sought help saying they were stranded there, after reading a Hindustan Times report on the issue.

Jatinder Singh of Amritsar district, Shamsher Singh of Bholath, his wife Pinki, and another unidentified person had shared a video on social media requesting AAP leader Bhagwant Mann to help bring them back from Armenia. They claimed they had not eaten for five days and that their landlord has asked them to leave his house.

I have seen the news report in Daily Hindustan dated 7th February reg four Indians from Punjab who are stranded in Armenia. Indian Ambassador in Armenia has reached them and is providing all help and assistance. @IndiainArmenia, Sushma Swaraj tweeted.

I have also spoken to @capt_amarinder, Chief Minister, Punjab to apprehend the concerned travel agents. He has promised immediate action in the matter, she said.

Also read: 15 Indians stranded in Iraq seek Sushma Swarajs help to return home

The four people had urged Mann, the Member of Parliament from Sangrur, to take action against a group of seven travel agents from Dhilwan and Patti, who they said had duped them of Rs 4 lakh each and fraudulently sent them on a tourist visa to Armenia after promising work visa.

Kapurthala Police had booked six people, including an Armenia-based travel agent, for fraudulently sending them to Armenia on a tourist visa in December last year.

Sushma Swaraj has proactively helped Indians who have sent her distress messages on social media platform like Twitter in the past. She even helped an Indian man in the US who had lost his passport in Washington, just days before he was to travel for his wedding in August last year.

Also read: Sushma Swaraj steps in to help Indian who lost passport days before wedding

Recently, television actor Karanvir Bohra, who was stuck at Moscow International Airport, thanked Sushma Swaraj for helping him get a temporary passport and a visa for Russia.
The deaths of two Indian Air Force (IAF) test pilots in a Mirage 2000 crash at the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) airport in Bengaluru last week may have been caused in part by arrester barriers, critical airfield safety equipment, giving way, officials with first-hand information of the matter said on condition of anonymity.

The reason for the crash itself remain unknown  the black box of the fighter has been sent to France for analysis  but the death of the pilots could have been averted if the barriers, meant to stop the aircraft, had held, one of the officials added.

Once the arresters gave way, there was little chance that the two had of bringing the aircraft to rest, he said. The two pilots, Squadron Leader Samir Abrol and Squadron Leader Siddhartha Negi, died on the spot.

The arresters installed at HAL airport are expected to stop aircraft that weigh up to 30 tonnes travelling at speeds of up to 160-170 knots. The Mirage 2000 trainer weighs much less, 13-14 tonnes, and was travelling at a speed of less than 160 knots, the officials added.

Abrol and Negi were on an acceptance sortie of the Mirage 2000 trainer aircraft after it was overhauled by the Bengaluru-based, state-owned company. The sortie was taking place on the HAL runway in Yemalur in Bengaluru on February 1.

An HAL spokesperson declined comment. An Indian Air Force (IAF) spokesperson, too, declined comment because of the ongoing court of inquiry into the accident.

Read more| My son loved to fly Mirage 2000, says father of IAF officer killed in crash in Bengaluru

The accident occurred a day after IAF chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa criticised HAL, and also pointed to the number of pilots who lost their lives testing the state-owned firms indigenously developed aircraft.

According to the officials, the number of times major snags have been detected by IAF at the time of delivery in an aircraft overhauled or manufactured by HAL is high. For instance, last June, an Su-30 was on an acceptance sortie (its 13th) when it crashed near Nashik. The pilot and the flight engineer ejected successfully. These sorties are done by IAF only after HAL has flown the aircraft a certain number of times and cleared them for acceptance.

In 2018-2019, the Russian designed Su-30Mki  the mainstay fighter of the IAF  manufactured by HAL required as many as six sorties as against the designated two sorties before they could be accepted. The increased number of sorties is because snags were found, a second senior government official said.

Read more | Outdated jets for IAF, cheese & wine for babus: Pilots brother pens poem

Similarly, Mirage 2000 aircraft overhauled by HAL have, on average, required two sorties more than the mandatory number because of snags. And, Jaguars, the British made deep-strike bombers that are overhauled by HAL, have required, on average, three sorties more than the two sorties designated for acceptance. For the advanced light helicopters (ALH), flown by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, and also made by HAL, the numbers are equally bad.

Every aircraft needs to go through a certain number of sorties testing various test points before it can be accepted by IAF for deployment. The fact that the more sorties are having to be flown to rectify the snags indicates either the process of testing is not being done properly by the manufacturer or the process lacks rigorousness at the HAL end, said Air Marshal SBP Sinha (retd), who till recently was the Air Officer Commanding at the Central Air Command of IAF.

Arrester barriers are installed at the end of the runway to deal with exactly the kind of situation the overhauled Mirage 2000 trainer was facing. They are meant to stop an aircraft that has either aborted take-off or made an emergency landing from overshooting the runway with minimal damage to aircraft or injury to the crew.

In this case, the Mirage 2000 trainer came down seconds after take-off. The undercarriage of the aircraft was sheared off, most likely because of the impact. And the arrester barrier was the only way that the two test pilots could have brought the aircraft to a stop.

The black box of the fighter has been sent to France for a detailed analysis to assist the Court of Inquiry (CoI) that is investigating the crash. Separately, inquiries are also being conducted on why the arrester barrier gave way, said a senior HAL official who asked not to be named.
Congress chief Rahul Gandhis brother-in-law Robert Vadra was questioned for more than nine hours by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case.

His questioning ended at around 9 pm after which his wife and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra picked him up.

Vadra was questioned for the second consecutive by the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday in connection with a money laundering case.

He arrived at the ED office around 11.30 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers. After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the session, news agency PTI reported.

Priyanka had dropped him off at the EDs office in central Delhi, in a move seen as a message to Congresss opponents ahead of Lok Sabha polls.

He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family, Priyanka said. Asked if it was a political vendetta, she said, Everyone knows why this is being done

Priyankas comment came hours the BJP attacked the Congress over EDs summons to Vadra. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that Vadra benefited from a petroleum and a defence deal which took place in 2008-09 when the UPA was in power. He (Vadra) bought properties worth crores from black money received through kickbacks, Patra said.

Also read: As Robert Vadra faces ED heat, wife Priyanka says I stand by him

Wednesday was the first time Robert Vadra appeared before any central probe agency in connection with allegations of dubious financial dealings and comes days after Priyanka Gandhi was formally inducted into the Congress party as the general secretary incharge of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The Congress has said the charges against Robert Vadra are fickle, superficial, non-existent, non-substantive.

Vadras lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan said his client appeared on his own and cooperated with investigators. Whatever questions were put to him, he answered all. This is a politically motivated case and Vadra has always denied all the charges, he said.

The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that Vadra is the controlling beneficiary of a property in London located at 12, Bryanston Square there. The property is worth GBP 1.9 million. It was sold by an alleged arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, who is on the run now.

Also Read: On ED questioning Robert Vadra, Mamata Banerjee talks of opposition unity

ED had a prepared a questionnaire for Robert Vadra which contained questions about his links with the London-based property and Sanjay Bhadari. ED also wanted to quiz him about a property at Delhis Malcha Marg which was owned by a trust.

Later, an associate of Vadra, Jagdish Sharma became convener of the trust. Sharma, too, was present outside the ED office when Vadras questioning began. He denied all allegations.

Robert Vadra sought protection from the arrest from the court on which the court granted interim bail till February 16. In his plea, Vadra alleged that a malicious criminal prosecution has been launched against him which is politically motivated.

Also read: Tomorrow it can be PM Modi: Congress leader on ED summons to Robert Vadra
Congress chief Rahul Gandhis brother-in-law Robert Vadra was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the second consecutive day, for at least nine hours over two sessions, in connection with its probe into money laundering charges.

His questioning ended at around 9 pm after which his wife and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra picked him up.

He was questioned on Wednesday for over six hours in the same case. Vadra has repeatedly denied any wrong-doing.

Questioning of Vadra is by a team of ED officials which reports to the agency chief Sanjay Kumar Mishra, said an ED official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The probe was initiated following the registration of money laundering case against Vadra.

On Thursday, Vadra arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House about 11.25 am and stayed for over two hours. He left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the questioning.

Also read:As Robert Vadra faces ED heat, wife Priyanka says I stand by him

ED has alleged that the Vadra is the ultimate beneficiary of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which it alleges was earlier owned by arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Bhandari is on the run and is suspected to be in London.

There are emails between Bhandaris relative Sumit Chadha and Vadra over the progress report of the renovation of the property in 2010. Vadra is being confronted with the emails, said the ED official cited in the first instance.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra also referred to these mails while attacking Vadra on Thursday.

Vadras questioning is taking place on the directions of a special court which he moved seeking anticipatory bail in the case. The court granted him protection from arrest till February 16 but asked him to join the probe.

Also Read: On ED questioning Robert Vadra, Mamata Banerjee talks of opposition unity

During the course of hearing the ED further alleged that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties, according to the agency. The ED also alleges that Vadra is involved in a petroleum deal as well.

Vadra has maintained that the investigation is a political witch hunt. Vadras lawyer KTS Tulsi told reporters outside the ED office on Thursday his client has not committed any wrongdoing.

On Wednesday, Vadra was dropped to the ED office by his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently made a Congress general secretary to look after partys campaign in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family, Priyanka Gandhi said after dropping Vadra at the agency. On Thursday, she picked him up from the agency in the evening.

(With agency inputs)
Congress president Rahul Gandhi will accompany Priyanka Gandhi Vadra when she arrives on her first visit to Uttar Pradesh on February 11 after taking up the post of the partys general secretary in-charge of the states eastern region.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra formally assumed charge as the Congress general secretary in New Delhi on Tuesday. Rahul Gandhi had announced the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia as the in-charges for east and west Uttar Pradesh, a politically crucial state that sends 80 lawmakers to the Lok Sabha, respectively on January.

She will stay back and work at the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) headquarters in the state capital until February 14 to firm up the partys strategy for the Lok Sabha elections this summer, while Rahul will leave on the first day. Both of them are likely to address the media on the day.

Yes, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will reach Lucknow on February 11. Priyanka will stay back up to February 14 while Rahul will leave on the same day, said a senior party leader.

Also read: Day 1 in office: Priyanka Gandhi talks UP strategy, to join Twitter soon

A decision in this regard was taken after a meeting of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra with the president of the Congress state unit Raj Babbar in New Delhi on Thursday.

Rahul Gandhi had said he tasked both Priyanka and Jyotiraditya with a mission after he announced their appointment.

I have not sent Priyanka and Jyotiraditya to UP for two months. I have given a mission to them. They are very powerful leaders of the party and I trust they will work for the state. We want to change the states politics with these young leaders, he had said, adding that he had asked them to work to form the Congress government in UP in the next assembly elections.

Also read: Uttar Pradesh, the make-or-break state, set for a thriller in Lok Sabha elections

Priyanka and Jyotiraditya have already taken feedback from senior party leaders, including Raj Babbar.

We hope both of them will work out a team of leaders to supervise the party at different levels in Lok Sabha polls, the leader cited above said.

Also read: Priyanka set to work 4 days a week at UPCC

Leaders of the state unit of the Congress party said they are gearing up to welcome Priyanka.

As this will be her first visit to the state and the UPCC headquarters after her appointment as AICC general secretary (east UP), we will accord her a grand welcome. This will be like a road show, said another Congress leader.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a coward and challenged him to a debate on Rafale and national security even as he cautioned the bureaucracy not to toe the RSS-BJP line.

Addressing a convention organised by his partys minority affairs department at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, Gandhi launched one of his fiercest attacks on the Prime Minister and the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

I know his (Modi) character after fighting him for five years...I say to BJP leaders... make Narendra Modi stand with me on a stage for five minutes and debate on national security, Rafale..., the Congress chief said in his 34-minute speech in Hindi. I want to say he is a darpok (coward) person. I have understood and recognised him. He gets scared when he faces someone who says I will not back off; he backs off, Gandhi told the convention named Mera Samvidhan, Mera Swabhiman (My Constitution, My Pride).

Gandhi alleged that the RSS was trying to capture institutions in the country, from the judiciary to the Election Commission and asserted that Congress governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh would remove RSS people from such institutions in the three states. We have not merely formed governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh... we will ensure that RSS people put in institutions in these states are removed, he said.

The Congress chief claimed that Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath informed him that there was a special ministry in his state, set up under the BJPs rule, to which 800 crore was given and that it was full of the RSS people. In a word of caution to the bureaucracy, Gandhi said, Indias bureaucracy should know that it is not RSS bureaucracy, but Indias bureaucracy. The Congress president said the aim of the RSS is to set aside the Constitution and run the country from Nagpur. He added that fear is now writ large on Modis face...his image is finished. He now knows you cant rule India by dividing people.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra slammed Congress president and said, Perhaps RahulGandhi doesnt know that since ancient times, India was known as the Golden Bird and under PM Narendra Modis leadership, India is working its way towards being world leader.
Parliaments standing committee for information technology has a mandate that touches the most important issues for the connected present, and increasingly digital future, of India. Like all departmental parliamentary committees under the present system, its outputs are not automatically binding - they take the form of reports with findings and recommendations which are shared with the government and the full body of MPs for any action. But it plays a crucial role in holding government and other entities to account, opening up the policymaking process on technology issues to citizens and expert inputs, and using its power to call for hearings to also serve as a clear signalling function as to the approach the people of India wish on an issue.

A recent decision of the committee in choosing to hold hearings on the topic of citizen rights on social and online media, and only summoning representatives of the Ministry of Electronics and IT and one specific tech company, Twitter, should cause us to pause. In the United States, the topic of social media platform bias in favour of particular political parties was initially seen as a politically partisan step, with Republicans lawmakers raising the issue to criticise the perceived pro-Democratic Party tilt of most of Silicon Valleys workforce. Those hearings still resulted in broader engagement on important public issues when public pressure made lawmakers ask specific questions about the data practices of technology platforms from key senior executives.

Parliamentary bodies across other countries have been seen as relevant and effective in how they have brought up the questions troubling their citizens regarding how their data and other fundamental rights are protected on online fora. Tech company CEOs and senior executives have been required to answer questions and provide solutions as to how they will better protect citizens data and how legal regimes regarding privacy impact their product decisions.

The parliamentary committee on IT started an inquiry into the issue of citizen privacy and data security after the Cambridge Analytica revelations. So far, it has yet to summon technology company executives or call for participation by representatives of citizen groups or academic experts on the subject of citizen privacy and data security, despite numerous hearings with different ministerial representatives. Our policymakers must be alive to the danger of not engaging with citizen groups or failing to hold technology companies to account for issues that impact our fundamental rights; this weakens trust in our institutions, fails to shape better government policy, and can result in weaker outcomes for the nation and our internet as a whole. A final outcome of the deliberations on this important topic is also key to ensuring that our legislature remains relevant in how they seek to protect privacy, rather than being overtaken by developments pushed by the executive and judicial branches of government.

The topic of targeted disinformation and how to ensure free expression while helping support healthier democratic discourse is a top concern, especially for India in this election year. As discussions in online disinformation and propaganda-related hearings before other parliaments has shown, it is better when such inquiries seek to robustly collect data on the current problems and how different actors are seeking to respond to them. Less data driven processes have instead resulted in overboard laws such as Malaysias Anti Fake News Act -- which was used to target political opponents and is now being sought to be repealed.

Platforms must also face more public inquiries and democratic discussion on how their content moderation policies and terms of service impact speech. In doing so, we must also recognise the impact that increased, targeted online harassment has on those whose voices are otherwise restricted elsewhere. Reports already shown how women and individuals from Scheduled Caste communities face significant harassment and abuse, and the need for online platforms to provide better spaces for them and institutionalise our own Constitutions spirit and fundamental rights, as crafted by BR Ambedkar and our Constituent Assembly. Parliament was established to ensure that deliberative, inclusive processes can safeguard our constitution and the rights of all of our citizens. When it rushes through an issue in days, as it did with the addition of Section 66A in the 2008 amendments to Indias Information Technology Act , it can leave a legacy that takes many years to fix.

The writer is Asia policy director at Access Now and chair of the Internet Freedom Foundation
In what should be his penultimate speech in the 16th Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly defended his governments achievements and launched an attack on the Congress party and the Opposition, pitching his tenure as 55 months of service to the nation against 55 years of enjoyment of power of the Congress.

Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to President Ram Nath Kovinds address to Parliament, Modi used his hour-long speech to reach out to key constituencies  from first-time voters who will cast their ballot for the first time in the upcoming general election this summer, the middle class, traders, the poor, and farmers.

He listed out major successes and historic initiatives undertaken by his government.

The prime minister mocked the Congress several times and fielded the Oppositions charges on what have emerged as key national issues  unemployment, farm crises, and the Rafael fighter jet deal.

In an aggressive speech, Modi sought to counter charges levelled by the Congress and said that in an election year, leaders are bound by a compulsion to make all kinds of charges.

Modi sought to play up his humble beginnings and status as an outsider in Delhi to attack the Congress.

The root of the problem is that a poor man who has never seen the streets of Delhi has done so much, that they cant digest. The Congress has been tied to power.

This intoxication is creating a problem.

He chose to call emerging and newfound Opposition unity as maha-milawat gathbandan or an adulterated alliance.

He said Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, wanted the Congress disbanded after Independence.

It was he who wanted a Congress-mukt Bharat (Congress-free India).

Im just fulfilling that dream of his, said Modi.

He also said Babasaheb Ambedkar once said that joining the Congress was like committing suicide.

When people talk about history, they usually refer to two periods AD and BC. It seems they [the Congress] have their own definition of AD and BC, which are Before Congress and After Dynastyas if nothing ever existed in this country before the Congress came.

Responding to Modis allegations against the Congress, the partys spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said: The Modi government has compromised national security in the past five years. Today, the same government is talking about national security. Surjewala also criticised the Prime Minister over the issue of unemployment and the state of the economy.

Modi dismissed allegations of joblessness and cited data on economic activity to assert that job creation was taking place. In a changed economy, old parameters were not relevant anymore, and therefore, token surveys of job creation were no longer useful, he said.

Informal sector gives 85-90% jobs and organised sector offer just 10-15% of jobs. Lets talk about this small formal sector. Between September 2017 and November 18in these 15 months, 18 million people were registered in the Employees Provident Fund Organisation. And you say this happened without jobs? the PM said.

The government was recently caught in a controversy when the Business Standard newspaper published a draft employment report by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) that showed the joblessness rate at a four-decade high of 6.1% under the tenure of the current government.

Coming to the informal sector, which generates the largest share of employment, Modi said transport sector was a major creator of jobs.

He said 4.6 lakh trucks and commercial vehicles were bought, apart from 3.7 million three-wheelers. Are these not being utilised or have people bought them to just keep them parked? Do these not create jobs?

He also said the pace of highway expansion had doubled, while ride-hailing apps have generated huge employment. Are these driverless cars?

Modi said the government could have easily handed out a farm loan waiver but such a move would only benefit large farmers. We are giving out a perennial income support to the poorest farmers who need it the most, he said.

Speaking on the 10% quota for the economically weaker sections of the society, Modi said: We have tried to bring it by avoiding any social tension and without affecting any existing reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He said his government had built 130 million houses for the poor under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and had almost achieved 100% electrification of the countrys villages.

On the controversial Rafael fighter jet deal, Modi said the defence minister has already rebutted every charge of the Opposition. He took the Congress head-on by saying the party wanted the armed forces to be weak. The Congress does not want our air force to be powerful. I am levelling a serious allegation. Who are they batting for?

You left the Army incapacitated; it was not in a position to carry out surgical strikes, Modi said, refuting the Opposition partys claim that cross-border strikes by the army was a routine affair  a response to the Modi governments own so-called surgical strike against terror pods in Pakistan.

Modi slammed the Congress for alleging that his government did not respect the sanctity of various institutions. The Congress used Article 356 to dismiss governments 100 times. Indira Gandhi dismissed state governments 50 times. The Congress tries to scare the judiciary with impeachment. It calls the army chief goonda [thug], the PM said.

He said he inaugurated projects whose foundations were laid by the countrys first prime minister.

Addressing the poor, he said: Those who say this is a government of the rich, I am proud to say that I made 100 million toilets for the rich of this country. They are my rich.

He said in 55 years  a jibe at the Congress again  120 million cooking gas connections were given, while during his 55 months alone, 130 million connections were made available free of cost.

On demonetisation, Modi said: After note ban, 3 lakh shell companies have been shut down. More than 20,000 organisations who were surviving on foreign funds and hampering development projects were shut down.

Referring to himself, he said, Modi will continue to threaten people who try to loot the nation. People who have looted the nation should be afraid of Modi.

Analysts said the Prime Ministers speech was both a political attack on his rivals and an attempt to convince the nation about his economic agenda, especially job creation.

That jobs have been created is partly true, but there is a question of sufficiency and quality, said Amit Basole, an economist with Azim Premji Univesity.
The Supreme Court on Thursday came down hard on the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) additional director M Nageswara Rao for the decision, on January 17, when he was interim director of the agency, to transfer out of CBI joint director AK Sharma, the senior-most supervising officer in the Bihar shelter home case involving the sexual abuse of minors housed in a shelter home in Muzaffarpur.

The apex court termed it full contempt of court because one of its earlier orders explicitly said that Sharma should not be transferred, and summoned Rao and the agencys acting director of prosecution S Bhasuran on February 12. It has also asked the CBI director to identify officers who were involved in the transfer of Sharma from CBI.

AK Sharma and Nageswara Rao did not respond to phone calls and messages seeking comment.

We are going to take it very, very seriously. You have played with the order of Supreme Court of India. God help you. Never play around with the Supreme Courts order, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi told the CBI counsel who informed the court that two officials had approved the transfer of AK Sharma.

We direct the CBI director to identify and tell us about the persons connected with the transfer of Sharma and all information be given to the court on 12th February. We will initiate contempt proceedings against these officers also, said the three-member bench headed by CJI Gogoi, and comprising justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna.

Sharma, a joint director in the CBI, was the senior-most supervising officer in the horrific Bihar shelter home case and the court, in two orders dated October 31 and November 28, said he should not be transferred.

A bench led by the CJI also observed that it appears from the records that the Cabinet committee on appointments (ACC) that approved the transfer of AK Sharma was not informed of the prevailing Supreme Court orders. Despite the courts orders, AK Sharmas tenure in CBI was curtailed and he has been appointed as additional director general in CRPF.

CBI should have taken the leave of the court before transferring the officer, said the bench headed by the CJI.

The court also took objection to the affidavit on the transfer of AK Sharma being filed by Dhirender Singh, SP, CBI, Patna, when he informed the court that he was doing so under instruction from the additional director CBI, M Nageswara Rao.

Rebuking Singh, the CJI said, Never file an affidavit on anyones order unless you are sure. Remember, law is the only master you serve and no other bureaucrat or person.

The court also slammed the Bihar government over the incomplete information of the status of shelter homes in the state and transferred trial in Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case from Bihar to the Saket court in Delhi.

The court said the trial should be completed in six months and no extension of time should be sought.

Enough is enough. Children cannot be treated like this. You cannot let your officers treat the children this way. Spare the children. Give us details of 110 shelter homes in the state. How many inmates are there? How is the state giving assistance and what are the number of male and female inmates, CJI Gogoi asked.

Besides the Muzaffarpur shelter home case, CBI is also investigating 16 other cases of alleged abuse of children in shelter home being run in the state of Bihar.

A report by TISS had highlighted that dozens of girls lodged at a government funded-shelter home in Muzaffarpur were allegedly being sexually assaulted. Following the reports, the NGO was blacklisted and the girls were shifted to other shelter homes in Bihar. In December last year, the CBI filed a charge sheet against 21 persons including Brajesh Thakur, who was managing NGO Seva Sankalp Evam Vikash Samiti, in connection with the case.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Paul Dewar, a teacher and union leader from Ottawa who became the New Democratic Party's foreign affairs critic, died Wednesday after contending with brain cancer for a year.

Despite struggling with dyslexia as a child, getting trounced by Ed Broadbent during his initial foray into politics, losing his seat in the House of Commons in the Liberal wave of 2015 and being diagnosed with a terminal illness, the 56-year-old was infused with a positive, hopeful attitude and belief that the world could be made a better place.

So it was startling when Dewar revealed in June 2018 that, as he was recovering from brain surgery several months before, he saw news of the high school shooting in Parkland, Fla., that killed 17 people  and that he "abandoned any hope" and was ready to give up.

Except giving up was never really in Dewar's vocabulary.

Inspired as Parkland students channelled their loss and pain into a rallying cry against gun violence in the U.S., Dewar decided to launch a new initiative to try to empower a new generation of leaders who would work for the greater good.

In a farewell message posted to Facebook after his death, Dewar wrote that "true change can only come when power is transferred to young people unburdened by cynicism"  which is why he used what little energy he had left to create Youth Action Now.

"Hopefully, it will help unleash the power of the young people in our community to make a real difference. I hope you will be inspired to be a part of that project and continue my work," Dewar wrote.

He urged Canadians and his former constituents in Ottawa to respect the earth, to build a future rooted in Indigenous wisdom, to welcome people who need safe homes and to help people who have been left behind.

"Let's make more art. Let's play more. Let's embrace each other in these days of cynicism and doubt," the message said.

Dewar is survived by his wife Julia Sneyd and their two sons, Nathaniel and Jordan. A statement from the NDP said they were with him when he died at home.

Dewar is perhaps best known for having served as the MP for Ottawa Centre from 2006 to 2015, much of which he also spent as the NDP's foreign affairs critic, following an early career as an elementary school teacher and union executive.

Former political opponents praised him Wednesday, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying in a statement that Ottawa had "lost one of its most dedicated voices.

"Paul Dewar brought people together, stood up for the most vulnerable, and touched lives in Canada and beyond. He showed us what stewardship looks like, and earned the love of his community and the respect of so many of us. He will be sorely missed," said Trudeau.

Liberal Richard Mahoney, who lost to Dewar in Ottawa Centre in 2006, wrote on Twitter that "Paul faced his illness the same way he lived his life  with grace, courage and love."

Former Conservative cabinet minister Jason Kenney tweeted that as much as they disagreed, "there was no doubt that he was a principled, dedicated public servant who cared a great deal about his country."

Many might not realize that Dewar was dyslexic. Dewar credited the disability, which makes it harder to read, write and sometimes speak, with having made him more resilient as well as a better teacher and politician.

"I certainly identify strongly with people who are needing help in taking on things, be it with learning challenges, life challenges in general," he told The Canadian Press in November 2011. "It's about empathizing and understanding."
Alok Verma, former Director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has been sent a so-called show-cause notice to explain why he did not take over as Director General of Fire Services as he was ordered to on January 10, people familiar with the matter said.

The move was in the air in early February itself, when reports, including one in this newspaper, said the government was contemplating such a move; HT now learns that a notice has been sent.

Verma did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment.

Verma was removed as the head of CBI on January 10, 2019, by a high-level selection committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Justice AK Sikri, the nominee of the Chief Justice of India in a 2-1 decision (Kharge dissented). He was asked to take over as DG Fire Services, which he refused. Instead, he put in his papers. The government, however, refused to accept his resignation. He retired on January 31.

Verma already faces departmental proceedings on three other charges. These include his alleged role in helping an accused in the IRCTC corruption case. Verma is alleged to have excluded his name deliberately. The Central Vigilance Commission, which investigated the allegation, said the charges were substantiated.

Verma also has to explain why he tried to recruit tainted officers into the agency, another charge investigated by CVC. Finally, Verma has also been asked to explain why, as Delhi Police Commissioner, he did not take action against an Assistant Commissioner of Delhi Police who was alleged to have been involved in smuggling gold. CVC, in its report, said the allegations were partially substantiated and recommended a separate probe.

These charges were levelled against Verma by his deputy at CBI, Rakesh Asthana, in a letter to the cabinet secretary in August. The cabinet secretary forwarded the letter to CVC. In October, Verma retaliated by having CBI file an FIR against Asthana. Worried by the spat between the two senior most officers in the agency, the government divested both of their responsibilities on October 23. Verma challenged this in the apex court. On January 8, the court conditionally reinstated him and asked the high-powered selection committee to meet and discuss the CVC report and take a call on Verma because only it could transfer or remove him.

On Jan 17, Asthana was transferred out of CBI to head the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.
The mystery of the missing MLAs continues to haunt the ruling Congress in Karnataka with four legislators incommunicado on the eve of the presentation of the state budget.

The four lawmakers giving the party brass sleepless nights are Ramesh Jharkoholi, Mahesh Kumtahalli, B Nagendra and Umesh Jadhav, who have been skipping meetings despite legislative party leader Siddaramaiahs repeated notices, the last one being on Wednesday. The party also issued a whip to all MLAs to be present in the House on Friday.

The latest notice comes a month after Siddaramaiah served ultimatums to the four legislators who did not turn up at a Congress legislature party meeting in Bengaluru.

The four on January 18 abstained from the CLP meeting, after which remaining 76 legislators were moved to a resort. The meeting had been convened by the party to assess whether its flock was intact amid speculation that some of the party MLAs had switched over to the BJP.

The Congress, which shares power with JD-S, has 80 MLAs in the 224-member Assembly, including the Speaker. Accordingly, 79 MLAs were expected to attend the CLP meeting held under the supervision of central leaders K C Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge.

The absence of MLAs has prompted the Opposition BJP to claim that the Kumaraswamy-led Congress-Janata Dal (United) coalition government lacked majority. Siddaramaiah countered the BJP claim and asked why the party was not moving a no-confidence motion.

Let them move no-confidence motion,whats preventing them? I have called legislature meeting, they will all (4 dissenting Congress MLAs) return tomorrow, the budget will be presented tomorrow. The government has the majority, he was quoted by ANI as saying.

The Congress has accused the BJP of attempts to destabilize the government as part of, what they called, Operation Kamal, a charge repeatedly denied by the saffron party.
Prime Minster Narendra Modi took a dig at the opposition parties dismissing their attempt to present a united front against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliace (NDA) in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. PM Modi said the elusive grand-alliance is a mahamilawat (adulteration), which the people will reject in the elections.

The people of India have seen the work a government with a full majority can do. They have seen the work of NDA. They do not want a mahamilawat government of those who assembled in Kolkata, PM Modi said in a reference to the rally of 23 opposition parties in West Bengal last month.

In 2014, the people of the country elected a government with full majority and the country experiences what happens when there is a milawati (coalition) government. Now, they are planning mahamilawat. This mahamilawat is not going to reach here (in Delhi). Keep this limited to Kolkata, he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had organised a United India rally on January 19, which was participated by nearly two dozen political parties including the Congress. Earlier, PM Modi had responded to the opposition unity saying, the entire opposition has come together and is shouting bachao, bachao, bachao (save us, save us, save us).

In the Lok Sabha on Thursday, the prime minister targeted the opposition parties over their criticism of the NDA government. He said, In hating Modi, the opposition has begun to defame the nation.

The prime minister launched the attack on the opposition during his reply to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Presidents address in Parliament. PM Modi said India has seen remarkable progress in all spheres the last four years.

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi government. He said the present regime is full of hatred and deliberately ignores the contribution of previous governments in building India.

He (PM Modi) knows what we have done. Still he asks what have you done in the last 60 years...He wants to mislead the new generation to believe that it is only his government which has done things for the country, Kharge said.
The new Congress government in Madhya Pradesh is expected to launch a job incentive scheme that will assure Rs 4,000 per month to unemployed youth for a period of 90 days, government officials said on Thursday. A formal announcement is likely to be made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi when he visits the state on Friday.

To be called Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission, the scheme will cover about 7 lakh unemployed urban youth in the initial stage.

The Kamal Nath government estimates that the plan will cover more than half of the unemployed youth in the state. Elaborating on the plan, technical education minister Bala Bachchan said about 7 lakh youth will get skill training for 10 days and then 90 days employment through urban bodies in the initial phase. They will get emoluments [Rs 4,000 per month] too during this period from the current central and state government schemes for skill training, he said. For unemployed youth in rural areas, the government is working on a plan to integrate skill training with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MG-NREGS). A state finance department official familiar with the discussion on the plan said youth will be paid the MGNREGS wage (Rs 200 per day) for 100 days, during which they will get skill training to start their own enterprise. The official said the objectives of the scheme is to ensure that unemployed youth start their own enterprise and there is less burden on the exchequer.

We dont have much fiscal space as the previous government incurred huge expenses. We are shutting some schemes to implement the farm loan waiver, the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Minister for urban administration Jaivardhan Singh said unemployed youth between the age of 21 and 30 from economically weaker section would be given a 10-day training and thereafter 90 days job through urban bodies. During this period, he would get Rs 4,000 per month. Thus he would get more than Rs 12,000, he said. Reacting to the state governments proposal, Akshya Hunka, national president, Berojgar Sena, an organisation representing the jobless youth, said, Targeting just seven lakh youth will not help as MP has about 50 lakh educated unemployed people. Officer-on-special duty in the CM secretariat, Bhupendra Gupta, said, The previous government spent hundreds of crores of rupees with hardly any result. Had the skill development schemes implemented honestly, there would have been a different scenario in the state. State BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal claimed the Congress government is only pursuing the schemes of the BJP. Former chairman MP State Skill Development and Employment Generation Board Hemant Deshmukh said,  The best approach should be to invest in infrastructure to provide vocational training.
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) working president Hemant Soren met Congress president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Thursday and finalised a proposed alliance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the assembly elections later this year, according to senior state-level functionaries from both parties.

A senior JMM leader said that given past acrimony and a split between the JMM and the Congress after the last assembly polls in 2014, Thursdays meeting also assuaged apprehensions between the two sides.

It has been decided that the Congress will lead the alliance and contest a greater number of seats from the state in the Lok Sabha polls, while the JMM will lead the alliance and do the same in the assembly elections, said Rajesh Thakur, media incharge, Jharkhand Congress.

Soren has held meetings with other senior Congress leaders and leaders from the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik), or the JVM (P), and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)  the other two constituents of the proposed alliance in Jharkhand. Leaders from the four parties suggested that a formula has been worked out for the 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state - Congress seven seats, JMM four, JVM (P) two, and RJD one.

LK Kundan, associate professor of political science at Ranchi university, said, I dont think such a gathbandan will create any magic in Jharkhand. Even if they win the election, the pact wont be fruitful in the long run.
Coming just before the crucial Lok Sabha polls, the Yogi Adityanath governments third annual budget, presented on Thursday, makes special allocations for cows, culture and tourism.

The budget also focuses on infrastructure development schemes, modernisation and training of police force, connecting major towns by air and expressways, education, skill development and construction of roads, among others.

Finance minister Rajesh Agarwal presented a Rs 4.79 lakh crore budget for 2019-20, claiming to curb fiscal deficit at Rs 46,910 crore or 2.97%, which is within the mandated 3% of the gross state domestic product (GSDP) under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act.

Presenting the budget, Agarwal said the states growth rate, as per advance estimates for 2018-2019, was 7% while its per capita income had gone up from Rs 50,092 in 2016-2017 to Rs 55,456 in 2017-2018.

During his speech, Agarwal mentioned inclusion of the Kumbh Mela in Unescos Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Unity.

He announced Rs 207 crore for expansion of Kashi Vishwanath temple, Rs 6 crore for a Vedic Science Centre at Banaras Hindu University, Rs 101 crore for tourist spots in Ayodhya, Rs 125 crore for development of infrastructure in Braj region, Rs 27 crore for development of tourist spots in Garh Mukteshwar, Rs 120 crore for pro-poor tourism and implementation of tourism policy and Rs 5 crore for boundary walls of Ramlila grounds.

Agarwal claimed the budget size this year was 12% bigger than the previous one, pointing out allocation of a sizeable chunk of funds, of Rs 447 crore, for construction of new cow shelters. This includes the Rs 200 crore given for Kanha Cow Shelters and other shelters for abandoned animals.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath said the focus was on sabka saath, sabka vikas (development for all) . Funds have been allocated in the budget not to fetch votes but for the welfare of all, Yogi said, addressing a press conference after presentation of the budget in the assembly.

In the assembly, Agarwal began his 37-page budget speech with a couplet of eminent Urdu poet Wasim Barelvis poem, by which he meant to say we keep our promises, and went on to declare that his budget proposed no new taxes.

However, the budget did not speak about measures to meet the rising deficit.

Criticising the budget, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said it had no vision and it will not bring about any development. This budget is not even a poll-oriented budget, said Yadav.

However, some experts call it innovative. This budget is an innovative one as it covers issues beginning from development of religious places of tourist importance to different kind of infrastructure to health facilities and employment generation, said B K Bajpai, director of Giri Institute of Development Studies.
Saddled with a mess of mismanaged data and multiple faulty probes, the BJP-led government in Assam is set to introduce several changes in the way it conducts field investigations and manages information of suspected illegal migrants, mostly Bangladeshis.

Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, special director general of police (border), said the field personnel of the specialised branch of Assam police which deals with detection of illegal migrants in the state, will soon be armed with a handheld device to capture details of suspects to check cases of faulty spot investigations.

Simultaneously, the Border Organisation has finalised plans to make a common database to deal with the lack of a platform for seamless exchange of data between various departments who deal with illegal migrants.

Meanwhile, Mahanta explained how the device would help.

This device can capture photos, biometrics and other details of the suspects and transfer it to the server in the headquarters in real time, Mahanta said. Since the device is also fitted with GPS it will also record the exact location, the latitude and longitude of the place where the field officers have detected a suspect, he said.

As of now, these field officers visit villages and manually take down the details, the biometrics, and the photos of the suspects. In many cases, one would find a mismatch. The biometrics of a person would be mixed with the details of another suspect, Mahanta said.

The senior official accepted that in many cases the field officers would not even visit the spot but fill up the details sitting in their office. This change would ensure that we cannot be taken for a ride since it will record the location where the officials conduct the spot inquiry, he said.

In the last three months, the Border Organisation has procured 38 devices costing a little over Rs 1,00,000 each, which have been used to capture details of around 950 foreigners in detention in the six centres which run out of jails in the state.

We need at least three devices for each of the 350 police stations, Mahanta said adding that the organisation was toying with the idea of buying a tablet instead of the more expensive devices.

Also read: Conflict over Centres Citizenship Bill creates a new identity of Assamese Bengali

Once the Border Organisation initiates an inquiry, the suspects are issued a notice by one of the 100 foreigners tribunals in the state where they have to prove they are Indian citizens. In a parallel exercise, the Election Commission of India also undertook an extensive revision of electoral rolls and marked many whose citizenship was suspect as Doubtful Voters or D Voters. These individuals, too, have to go to the tribunals to prove they are Indian citizens.

Meanwhile, even as multiple processes to detect illegal migrants exist in the state, lack of a common database of illegal migrants in the state had complicated matters for the preparation of the National Register of Citizens, another such process which started in 2015.

The Supreme Court ruled that declared foreigner and their descendants were to be kept out of the NRC while D Voters and their descendants were to be put on hold till their cases are decided by tribunals, irrespective whether they pass the verification checks of the process.

After the final NRC draft was published, authorities have so far found as many as 7,000 Declared Foreigners and D Voters who made it to the complete draft for lack of a database.

In many cases, individuals including those who have served in the defence forces, who have been declared as Indian citizens found their names out of NRC because the records had not been updated.

According to data placed by the state government in the assembly in February, there have been 6,26,973 cases against suspected foreigners in the tribunals as of August 2018, out of which 1,08,815 have been declared as Indians while 1,03,764 have been declared as foreigners.

The data showed there were 2,02,092 D Voters in the 1997 voters list and 1,60,051 according to the 2005 voters list. As of September 15, 2018, the number of D voters stood at 1,19,559. As per the figures, out of the 2,44,144 D Voters whose cases were referred to tribunals, 1,18,328 have been disposed of and only 23,437 of such suspects were found to be foreigners.

According to data, since 2015, only two people declared as foreigners by the tribunals have been deported.

The Border Organisation, finally acting on a Gauhati High Court order, has chalked out plans of a common database of illegal migrants.

Mahanta said the common database, which will be based on the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems, will ensure real-time data updates on suspects. The Border Organisation, the electoral registration officer, detention centres, foreigners tribunals and NRC will have access to the database.

According to a presentation given by Border Organisation to the High Court, there was data format mismatch between various entities including Border Organisation, FT, ERO and NRC. The presentation also said how there was no data sanctity as no mechanism to check the quality of data was available.

The database which will take about 21 months for its implementation will be prepared at a cost of around Rs 55 million. It proposes to have details of both suspected and declared foreigners including the GPS location of their residence and biometrics.
With a prolonged and bitter winter, 6601 cases of swine flu had been recorded across India by February 3 this year. Already, the number of cases this year is the fourth highest in the past eight years, the period for which year-wise data is available from the National Centre for Disease Control.

The highest number of cases in the past eight years was registered in 2015, when a total of 42,592 cases were reported in the country, 6.5 times the cases reported so far this year. To be sure, more than 10 months are still left for 2019 to end.

An HT analysis of Google Trends data for India has found that past outbreaks of the disease led to an increased interest on it in terms of Google searches. A further analysis of common search terms related to the disease this year shows that interest in it was concentrated in north and north-west India.

However, the trends in state-wise interest in the disease in Google search is not in keeping with the state-wise trend in number of reported cases of swine flu.

For example, between January 2014 and February 2019, the peak interest in search terms swine flu, swine flu symptoms, and swine flu vaccine was observed in the February 15 to February 21 week of 2015, the year when maximum number of swine flu cases were reported.

Between 2016 and 2019, notable spikes in the same search terms have occurred in February and August 2017, October 2018, and January-February 2019. Comparison of year wise peaks shows that the highest peak was observed in 2017, followed by 2019 and 2018.

Among the three terms swine flu is the most searched throughout. This year up to February 3, while interest in the term increased continuously until January 30, there was a spike on January 17, the day on which the news of BJP president Amit Shah getting admitted to AIIMS for treatment of swine flu broke.

A sub-region wise analysis shows that interest for swine flu was concentrated in north India, after adjusting for search volumes, with the highest interest in Punjab. Punjab has recorded the eighth highest number of swine flu cases in the period, and third highest number of deaths due to the disease this year.

Rajasthan, which has recorded the highest number of swine flu cases and deaths in the same period, had the fifth highest interest in the search term.

Looking at just one search term may not reflect the true regional distribution of interest in the disease. People looking for information on the disease may also type in terms in addition to swine flu in their search phrase. For example, one might search for symptoms of swine flu or best hospital to get treated for swine flu, etc.

Google Trends data shows that the top five searches related to swine flu were swine flu symptoms, symptoms of swine flu, swine flu in hindi, swine flu symptoms hindi, and swine flu vaccine. The fastest rising search phrase for this period was swine flu ke lakshan, Hindi translation for symptoms of swine flu.

Interest in these search phrases is also concentrated in north and north-west India, with interest in Hindi search results through phrases like swine flu in hindi and swine flu ke lakshan concentrated in Rajasthan.
The Supreme Court slammed the Bihar government on Thursday over incomplete information of the status of shelter homes in the state and transferred trial in Muzaffarnagar shelter home case to Saket court in Delhi. The court said the trial should be completed in 6 months and no extension of time should be sought.

Enough is enough, give us details of 110 shelter homes in the state. How many inmates are there? How is the state giving assistance and what is the number of male and female inmates, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said.

The Supreme Court bench said the Bihar chief secretary will be summoned if the lawyer representing the state cant answer the courts questions.

Also read: Bihar shelter horror: Guests forced girls to dance, raped them, says CBI

The apex court also pulled up the government for the transfer of joint CBI director and supervising officer in the case A K Sharma.

Last month, the CBI had registered two fresh FIRs on the alleged abuse of children in two shelter homes in Gaya and Bhagalpur. This is in addition to its ongoing probe into sexual assault with minor girls at the Muzaffarpur shelter home.

The Supreme Court had directed the CBI to probe alleged abuse of inmates at 17 shelter homeslisted in the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) study.

Also read: In Muzaffarpurs shelter home, a web of silence shielded sexual abuse

According to the FIR, the TISS deals with 17 shelter homes in Bihar put under the category of Grave Concerns. CBI found that only one member of the staff in support of the children at the Bhagalpur home, for which he was targeted by the NGOs secretary. The director and other officials ran the shelter home in violation of provisions of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
As controversy swirls around the 59,000-crore Rafale deal, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) has set its sight on assembling Falcon 2000 business jets at Nagpur by early 2022 for international customers and the joint venture company is upgrading infrastructure at its 31-acre facility here to meet the target, senior executives said on Thursday.

DRAL, Dassaults joint venture (JV) with Anil Ambanis Reliance Group, has taken maiden steps in that three-year journey, the executives said referring to the first locally built cockpit section and fuel tanks set to be dispatched to France for final assembly of Falcon jets at Dassaults Argenteuil facility. The cockpit section will be displayed at Asias largest air show Aero India-2019, being staged near Bengaluru from February 20-24.

DRAL is assembling components for the Falcons and will eventually roll out the jets from a 150,000 square-foot production line as part of an offset commitment under the Rafale deal that requires the French plane-maker to source components worth 50% of the contract value locally.

In the run-up to the 2019 elections, the Congress has repeatedly attacked the government over the issue, accusing it of awarding the deal for 36 Rafale fighters to Dassault only on the condition that it would stitch up an alliance with Anil Ambanis Reliance Group for meeting its offset obligations. The government, Anil Ambanis company and Dassault have rubbished the allegations.

The foundation of the DRAL facility near the Nagpur airport was laid in October 2017. We are taking one step at a time. In three years, DRAL will roll out two Falcon jets every month from its new production line, said Benoit Dussaugey, Dassaults senior executive vice-president (international). He was interacting with a small group of journalists who were given access to the DRAL site for the first time. He said the political slugfest over the Rafale deal had not affected work at DRAL.

In an exclusive interview to HT this week, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had questioned the credentials of the Ambani firm, alleging that it was not qualified to carry out the offset contract.

Currently, DRAL has 22 technicians assembling different Falcon parts and the number is expected to swell to more than 600 by 2021-end as the firm prepares to roll out Falcons in a flyway condition, said DRAL CEO Sampathkumaran ST. Its a good beginning as there is a big void in the transport aircraft production sector in India, said Air Marshal KK Nohwar (retd), who heads the Centre for Air Power Studies.

Any value addition, any technology coming in is something that will benefit the domestic aerospace sector, Nohwar added.

DRAL has no immediate plans to manufacture Rafale components in Nagpur as part of the offset contract. We will not be manufacturing Rafale parts in India for the time being. That will be feasible only if we get more orders, said Dussaugey, referring to an Indian Air Force plan to build 110 fighter planes locally. Dassault is among global plane-makers competing for the project by allying with Indian firms under the governments Strategic Partnership model.

The NDA governments decision to enter into a government-to-government deal with France to buy 36 Rafale warplanes was announced in April 2015 with the deal signed a little over a year later. This replaced the UPA regimes decision to buy 126 Rafale aircraft, 108 of which were to be made in India by HAL using parts imported from France. The government and the Congress have been trading charges over the purchase in a raging row.
Photo: CTV News

The mother of a Victoria-area boy says her child has been asked to stay home from school because there are not enough education assistants.

Cristina Gage's son Lincoln is in Grade 1 at View Royal Elementary and is autistic.

"I got a phone call Thursday morning ... asking to keep him home for the day. They were short three or four EAs, so he didn't have the extra support so they asked if we can keep him home," a shocked Gage told CTV News.

She sent her son to school anyway.

School District 61 Supt. Shelley Green told CTV that asking parents to keep special needs kids at home is a last resort.

Minister of Education Rob Fleming said such calls should never have to happen, noting the district has hired 35 education assistants since November.

 with files from CTV Vancouver Island
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the opposition over Rafale deal on Thursday during his reply to the debate on the Motion of Thanks in the Lok Sabha. He said the Congress, which has used the Rafale deal to corner the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, doesnt want a strong Air Force.

He said, The Congress doesnt want our Air Force to be strongI am levelling this strong accusation and want to ask Congress in whose favour they want to scrap the Rafale deal? In which companys favour are you playing this game and who are these people who have deployed you? For 30 years, you have kept the armed forces unarmed, he said.

The prime ministers response over Rafale deal comes in the wake of Congress president Rahul Gandhis charge that an industrialist close to Modi was given undue favours in the inter-governmental defence agreement between India and France. Gandhi has accused PM Modi of corruption in Rafale deal.

All accusations on Rafale deal have been answered by defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Supreme Court has already studied all aspects of it. The Congress doesnt want that our armed forces and Air Force are strengthened, he said.

Read more| Mahagathbandhan is mahamilawat: PM Modi targets opposition unity

PM Modi further said, I want to ask what was the reason that not a single new generation fighter plane was provided to our Air Force in the last 30 years.

When an honest deal is finally being signed, the Congress people are distressedWe are still committed to zero tolerance for corruption, the prime minister said.

He further said, Everyone in our neighbourhood is building war capabilities. Why didnt we do it in all these years? This is criminal negligence.

PM Modi also said the Congress is spreading lies about Rafale deal between India and France. I wondered why they speak lies on Rafale with such confidence. Then I realised because they know in all their years in power there hasnt been a single honest defence deal. Some mama, some chacha kept coming in, the prime minister said.

He said, The Congress insults Army, calls the Army chief a goonda but they say Modi is destroying institutions.

Read more| For Congress, BC is before Cong, AD is after dynasty: PM Modi in Lok Sabha
Senior West Bengal police officers, who allegedly participated in the sit-in by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, could get in trouble. The Union home ministry which had asked West Bengal government to take action against the Kumar and other police officers this week, intends to go a step further.

The home ministry is examining if it could strip these officers of their medals and ban them from working at the central government for a few years. The Union home ministry has written to the Mamata Banerjee government asking it to take action against the officer for taking part in the dharna on February 4, news agency ANI reported on Thursday.

In addition, a number of measures are also being initiated against defaulting officers such as withdrawing medals. The Centre may also remove names of delinquent officers from the empanelled list and bar them for a certain period from serving in the central government, the news agency said.

Earlier, the MHA, in a letter to the West Bengal chief secretary, said that the officers had violated several provisions of the All India Service Conduct Rules. As per the rules governing the Presidents police medal, The Medal is liable to be forfeited when the holder is guilty of disloyalty, cowardice in action or such conduct as in the opinion of the President brings the force into disrepute.

The move by the Centre may further escalate the political tussle between Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government of West Bengal. According to a senior official, the Centre cannot compel the state to take action against the officer.

Mamata Banerjee launched her Save the Constitution sit-in on Sunday night following a move by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to question Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in Saradha chit fund case.

Kumar headed the special investigation team (SIT) that probed the Saradha chit fund case before the Supreme Court transferred it to the CBI. The central agency has alleged that Kumar attempted to destroy evidence related to the case.

Banerjee ended her dharna on Tuesday, the day a Supreme Court order directed Kumar to make himself for questioning in the case at the neutral venue of Shillong, Meghalaya. She claimed that the Supreme Court ruling was a moral victory for her.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday launched a frontal assault on the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) 2 government for allegedly leaking to the media an inaccurate story about a coup allegedly being plotted by the army seven years ago, in 2012, citing a report published by The Sunday Guardian.

The party sought to know the identity of the minister who leaked the story. Front-paged by The Indian Express, the so-called coup story related to alleged unusual movement of two army units towards the capital on the intervening night of January 16 and 17.

The coup controversy resurfaced four days after The Sunday Guardian reported that the UPA 2 governments leadership had in 2011-12 informally asked the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to try and establish if the army, under General VK Singh, was attempting a coup. The story added that despite the IB categorically stating that there was no chance of Gen Singh carrying out a coup, this fiction was leaked to the media.

Addressing the media, BJP leader, GVL Narasimha Rao, said the coup story was not just a political conspiracy but also an attempt to defame the Indian Army.

In January 2012, there were media reports that claimed that the Indian Army was staging a coup against the then Manmohan Singh government. The stories were planted by senior leaders of the Congress party, including certain Cabinet ministers, Rao said.

Rao, who is also a member of the parliamentary standing committee on defence, said that an emergency meeting of the committee will be convened to investigate people involved and the motive. Such a false alarm manufactured by an elected government is an attempt to compromise Indian Army and subvert Indian democracy, Rao said.

The BJP also took to Twitter to target Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

Plotting a coup is 1st order treason. But the Congress had no qualms taking this route to gratify its perpetual hunger for power! Was it authorized by then party VP @RahulGandhi? On whose behest was he acting? We demand an answer, the BJP tweeted.
A Trinamool Congress leader in West Bengals Birbhum district is on the run after a blast in his house blew the roof and demolished a wall on Wednesday night, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing him of stockpiling crude bombs.

The blast took place at Minatun Mollahs house around 8pm in Paikuni village of Dharampur area of Illambazar, about 168km to the north of state capital Kolkata. However, no one was injured as the members of his family were outside the house at the time of the blast.

We have detained a brother of Minatun Mollah, who has gone missing. We have drawn up a suo motu case and are investigating the matter, Soumojit Barua, the subdivisional police officer of Bolpur, said.

An officer of Illambazar police station said on the condition of anonymity that prima facie it appeared that crude bombs were stored inside one of the rooms.

BJP leaders quickly pointed out that the incident proved the allegation that their party president Amit Shah made during his recent public rallies in Bengal on January 22 and January 29. Shah had alleged the factories making bombs and firearms are the only ones flourishing in Bengal under Mamata Banerjees rule.

It is not the first incident that bombs stored in the house of ruling party leaders have gone off. This is yet another example that Trinamool leaders are using their homes and clubs to stockpile bombs to kill and intimidate political opponents, president of BJPs district unit Ramkrishna Roy said.

Trinamool Congress leaders denied the opposition partys accusations.

The BJP and other parties are labelling false allegations. Let the police investigate and the truth will be revealed, Piyus Pandey, a district leader of the ruling party, said.

This is not the first time that blasts have been reported from the houses and offices of Trinamool workers and leaders.

In September 2018, a portion of the Trinamool Congress office in Birbhum district caved in after an explosion suspected to have been triggered by bombs stored in the room. In the same month, another blast took place in the house of a Trinamool Congress leader in the same district.

In December, some bombs were found from the house of a Trinamool Congress worker in Sadaipur area of Birbhum district. Four Trinamool Congress activists died after an explosion inside the party office in Narayangarh area in Midnapore district in August 2018.

Birbhum district has turned into a hotbed of political clashes between the supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the BJP for the past few years.

In the panchayat election held in May 2018, the states ruling party won all the 42 zilla parishad seats without a contest. The opposition parties attributed its win to the strong arm tactics unleashed by the district Trinamool leaders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Congress in Parliament, comparing its performance of governments before he came to power and after, and gave definitions to BC and AD, calling them Before Congress and After Dynasty.

Speaking at the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Presidents Address to Parliament, Modi said, When we speak of history, we speak of two phases BC and AD. There were many references to 1947 to 2014. I think they have a definition for this. BC means Before Congress. It means that before Congress, there was nothing here. And AD means After Dynasty. Means whatever happened, happened after them.

This, he said, was required to compare works before his coming to power and after. Modi went on to list out major performance indicators in various sectors under his rule.

Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun kharge accused the Modi government of weakening constitutional bodies, using probe agencies against rivals and inflating figures to mislead people about its work and claimed that the Presidents address to Parliament was a repeat of PM Modis speeches outside. Kharge had demanded that government give credit to the Congress for its works of past.

Thief scolds watchman

To this, Modi hit back saying, You said Modi is destroying institutions. There is a saying, ulta chor chowkidaar ko daante (thief scolds the watchman).

Modi said Congress had imposed Emergency, insulted Army and called the Army chief gunda (thug), and this, he said, is wrong. Since independence, whether it is good days or bad day, weak government or weak PM, majority government or coalition one, never has the Army come under such attack. We do this for our politics, but the Army is hurt. This is very wrong.

He said even the Election Commission was being attacked relentlessly and judiciary was threatened.

Just because we dont like we say anything. This Congress party has called the Planning Commission a group of jokers. You know who said it. Your former Prime Minister called a group of jokers the same Planning Commission, which you praise today, and you accuse us of destroying institutions, Modi said.

The opposition is bent on criticising us. But in criticising us, they are criticising the nation. That we should not do, he said, referring to opposition leaders false statements in London press conferences.

He also referred to former Congress regimes dismissing state governments in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and mentioned the tearing of Cabinet decision.

Attacking Kharge, he said, Kharge is a decent man, but dont know what is the compulsion, he always dissents.

Modi also listed out his achievements: Swachhata Abhiyan (cleanliness mission), installing toilets, providing gas connections, electricity, giving bank accounts to poor, building houses, direct delivery of benefits to poor peoples bank accounts, giving loans to poor using Mudra bank. He noted that earlier governments did little for the people.

Grand alliance wont come to power

Attacking the grand alliance of opposition parties that is planning to take on the BJP, Modi said people chose a majority government in 2014. The country has experienced what happens when there is a coalition government. Now a grand alliance is coming. They are not going to reach here as people have seen the speed of decision making in a majority government.

You form this grand alliance in Kolkata. They wont see eye to eye in Kerala. Their leaders were ousted in UP, he said.

While sportspersons were working hard to earn medals in Commonwealth Games, they were trying increase their wealth, Modi said.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that those who have run away after defaulting on loans, were crying on Twitter that Modi has seized Rs 13,000 crore worth properties while I had left with only Rs 9,000 crores. We brought this law to bring back wealth looted by people.

Modi said the Congress talked about surgical strikes in their time too but did not provide basic facilities and equipment to the forces. He went on to list out measures taken by his government for the forces, like procuring bullet proof jackets, shoes, fighter aircraft, asserting that it was the need of the hour to modernise the forces.

Attacks Congress on Rafale

He questioned why we did not have next generation fighter planes in the last three decades. On the Rafale controversy, he said defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman had spoken about it in detail. The Supreme Court scrutinised the deal thoroughly.

Congress doesnt want that our Air Force is strong. I am making a serious accusation. That the Rafale deal is cancelled, that somebody has to be benefitted; who are these people? You behave like this with the forces. History is witness that defence deals cannot be done without middlemen. Some chacha or mama (uncle)... Congress is bogged when a deal is done with honesty. They dont have a habit of listening to truth.

Their faces are down because the secret keeper has been caught and brought. Not one, but three. I can understand your tension.

Modi assured that his government had zero tolerance to black money and corruption and was fighting it strongly. 8 crore people involved in black money deals have brought to fore because of Aadhaar. 3 lakh companies involved in donation and transactions were shut after demonetisation. 20,000 organisations that used to take donations from abroad.

The Prime Minister recalled that Mahatma Gandhi had wanted disbanding of Congress and BR Ambedkar had stated that joining Congress was tantamount to suicide.
Bangladesh on Thursday sought Indias support for the speedy repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, a sensitive issue that Dhaka has raised several times with New Delhi since last year.

Visiting Bangladesh foreign minister AK Abdul Momen raised the matter during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, according to an Indian statement, said bilateral ties have been on an upward trajectory. A separate statement from the Bangladesh high commission said Momen requested Indias support for early repatriation of the Rohingya to Rakhine state of Myanmar. The Bangladeshi statement quoted Modi as saying that India is always with Bangladesh and that he assured of Indias cooperation in this regard.

Momen also discussed the matter during a meeting with former PM Manmohan Singh, who said the early repatriation of the Rohingya refugees is a priority.

There was no official word on the matter from the external affairs ministry.

In 2017, India had announced $25 million as developmental aid for Rakhine, including a project to build 250 homes for displaced people. Last year, it signed two pacts for capacity building and economic development in Rakhine. However, India has been reluctant to play a public role in the repatriation of the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya who sought refuge in Bangladesh after a military crackdown by Myanmar because it enjoys good relations with both countries
The registrar of the Cochin University College of Engineering in Alappuzha on Thursday granted permission for students to conduct Saraswati puja, revoking an earlier decision to ban all religious activities after it kicked off a controversy.

The registrar said all religious activities and festivals were banned on the campus after they led to clashes between two groups of students. If students can do Saraswati puja without disrupting classes or provocative processions, they can conduct the puja. He said earlier minor incidents had resulted in major clashes and the college took the decision to avert such situations.

Last year, the college had witnessed violent clashes between students after one group served beef cutlets during a college festival in the guise of serving vegetable cutlets.

The college was closed indefinitely and later opened only after brokering an agreement that religious festivals wont be allowed on the campus, he said.

Controversy erupted again last week when the joint registrar issued a notice banning Saraswati puja: it is informed that that request of north Indian students to conduct Saraswati puja has been declined by the Vice-Chancellor, since our campus is a secular campus, and as such we cant permit religious functions /activities of any religion inside the campus.

After this notice was posted on social media it triggered widespread protests. Some Sangh Parivar outfits have threatened to launch an agitation outside the college if the notice was not withdrawn.
The body of an 18-year-old girl was found hanging from a tree in a mango orchard in West Bengals Malda district on Thursday.

The girl, a Class 12 student in a local school, used to live around 4 km away in Niyamatpur-Amgachhi village in the Englishbazar area of the district. She went missing four days ago.

The girls family alleged that she was raped. Her father lodged a police complaint mentioning rape. Police sent the body to Malda Medical College and Hospital for autopsy.

This is the second such incident in the district in a month. On January 10, tension gripped Habibpur area when the partially mutilated body of a 15-year-old girl was found hanging from a tree inside a mango orchard. Her upper jaw was smashed and there were injuries all over the body. The victim was a high school student. Her parents are migrant labourers working in Delhi.

On Thursday morning, local farmers spotted the body when they were passing through the orchard.

My daughter left the house on Sunday morning, saying she was going to her private tutor. But she did not return and we could not contact her on her phone, said the father.

On Monday, we lodged a missing complaint at Englishbazar police station. I suspect that she was gang raped and subsequently strangled. A lot of people pass through this orchard everyday but nobody saw the body before Thursday morning. She was possibly killed on Wednesday late. I want stern punishment for the accused, the father alleged.

Inspector in-charge of Englishbazar police station, Purnendu Kundu, said, The body has been sent for post-mortem examination. No arrest has been made yet,

In 2016, Bengal recorded 980 rapes and 130 gang-rapes. That year, the state was in second position accounting for 9.6% of overall crimes against women in the country. Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 14.5%.
Of the many questions Marvel fans had after the latest Avengers: Endgame trailer, one has been about the mysterious location Rocket Raccoon can be seen in. Around the 15-second mark in the Super Bowl trailer, Rocket can be seen in a brief shot, in which he is entering through a doorway.

Behind him we can see green pastures and the sea. The door itself is rustic, and Rocket has a worn-out look on his face. One second of footage was all Marvel fans had to figure out more details about Rockets whereabouts in the film, and theyve persevered.

In a tweet, a Marvel fan account posted images of a location that had reportedly hosted several actors such as Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth. It was reported in 2017 that the actors had arrived in Scotland to film key scenes. While Chris Evans shot in Edinburgh - this was his entry scene in Avengers: Infinity War - the others were in the seaside town of St Abbs, filming in a pub called The Cormorant and Tun. This suggests that both scenes were filmed around the same time, but will end up in separate films.

Infinity War and Endgame were shot back-to-back, a choice the directors, Joe & Anthony Russo recently said they regretted.

This meeting of the characters opens Endgame up for more speculation. Why are they there? Why isnt Captain America there? And most importantly, has Iron Man safely landed on Earth? Remember, the last time we saw him he was stranded in space.

Marvel president Kevin Feige previously said in an interview that marketing for the film will show footage only from the first 15-20 minutes, so as to not spoil the plot.

Also read: Avengers Endgame has been screened, audiences didnt take bathroom break for 3 hours, say directors

Endgame is the fourth Avengers film and the 22nd movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film will conclude this phase of the MCU, and is rumoured to be the final time Downey Jr and Evans will play their roles. The film will arrive in theatres in April.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
To give a boost to education, the Uttar Pradesh budget for 2019-20 has made a provision of Rs 314.51 crore for promotion of Sanskrit education and Rs 26.57 crore for new Sainik Schools in the state.

The government has also made a budgetary provision of Rs 10 crore for setting up an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Lucknow.

An amount of Rs 242 crore has been earmarked to provide grant-in-aid to Sanskrit Pathshalas in the state. Another Rs 30 crore has been allocated for government-aided Sanskrit schools and degree colleges across the state.

A provision of Rs 21 crore has also been made for Kashi Vidyapeeth to promote Sanskrit education and Rs 21.51 crore has been allocated for Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya.

It is the third budget of the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh after having come to power in March 2017. The total budgetary allocations made for financial year 2019-20 was Rs 4.79 lakh crore, which is 12 per cent higher than the previous years budget.

LUCKNOW TO GET IIIT

To strengthen technical education, an Indian Institute of Information Technology will be set up in Lucknow on public-private partnership (PPP) model. The state government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 10 crore for the institute.

Two new engineering colleges have also been proposed in Mirzapur (Rs 8 crore) and Pratapgarh (Rs 4 crore).

A provision of Rs 11 crore has been made for the Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur.

BASIC EDUCATION

The government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 18,485 crore for Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

A provision of Rs 5 crore has been made to set up primary and upper primary schools in Vantangiya villages.

For Mid-Day Meal programme, the government has set aside Rs 2,275 crore.

Students at primary and upper primary schools may hope to get better infrastructure as the government has made a provision of Rs 500 crore for the development of infrastructural facilities in primary and upper primary schools.

The state government has allocated Rs 300 crore for providing a pair of shoes, two pairs of socks and a sweater free of cost to the students of Class I-VII studying in schools run by UP Basic Education Board.

An amount of Rs 40 crore has been set aside for free distribution of uniforms to students. Another Rs 110 crore has been earmarked for distribution of school bags in 2019-20.

SECONDARY EDUCATION

The budget has also proposed to set up Sainik Schools in the state at secondary education level at a cost of Rs 26.57 crore.

A provision of Rs 10 crore has also been made to set up Government Inter Colleges (for boys and girls).

HIGHER EDUCATION

The government has also made a provision of Rs 50 crore for wi-fi facility in all the colleges and universities. The budget also provides Rs 160 crore for various works under the National Higher Education Campaign.

A provision of Rs 63 lakh has been made under the infrastructural head of Gurushri Gorakshnath Shodh Peeth at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University.

ATAL GOOD GOVERNANCE CHAIR AT LU

To establish Atal Good Governance Chair at the University of Lucknow, a provision of Rs 2 crore has been made in the budget.

Provision of Rs 5 crore has also been made to set up a centre of excellence at DAV College, Kanpur, in the memory of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The state government has proposed Rs 10 crore to set up a university in Saharanpur district.

This was the third budget of the Yogi Adityanath government after coming to power in UP in March 2017.

The total budgetary allocation of Rs 4.79 lakh crore has been made for financial year 2019-20. This is 12 per cent higher than the previous years budget.
Photo: Conor O'Shaughnessy

A Vancouver Island fisherman had his catch snatched by a hungry eagle  and it nearly dragged off his rod.

Conor OShaughnessy was fishing on Durrance Lake near Brentwood Bay on Sunday when a bald eagle swooped down and grabbed his trout while it was still on the line.

"It took me by surprise to say the least, he came in pretty hard and hit it like a freight train," he told CTV News.

He had been taking pictures with his cellphone as the eagle dived down and missed a few earlier attempts, but this time, "I could just barely hang onto my rod," he said.

"He starts flying away, and starts taking line."

OShaughnessy ended up with a broken fishing line, and the eagle with dinner.

 with files from CTV Vancouver Island
/NOIDA

The high school and intermediate examinations of the UP Board are set to begin from Thursday. In a first, the examination schedule will be completed in 16 working days.

Like last year, the Special Task Force (STF) has been tasked with keeping copying mafia away from the examination centres.

Preparations have been completed for holding copying free examinations. CCTV cameras and voice recorders have been installed at all centres. Voice recording and CCTV footages will be monitored continuously, said Neena Srivastava, secretary, UP Board.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath, in a video conferencing on Saturday, had asked all district magistrates and district inspector of schools to remain vigilant against copying mafia.

SSP STF Abhishek Singh said, The force will remain more vigilant in districts that share borders with other states.

In all, a total of 8,354 examination centres have been set up in 75 UP districts. Of these, a significant 1,314 centres have been identified as sensitive while 448 centres have been identified as highly sensitive.

Strict measures, including heavy deployment of police, have been put in place. Invigilation staff have been instructed to check use of unfair means. We are trying for the first time to hold examinations in 16 working days, which should be a record in itself. Sector and zonal magistrates at exam centres have also been deputed to check any untoward incident, said Srivastava.

A total of 58,06,922 students are set to appear in high school and intermediate examinations. Of these 31,95,603 will appear in high school and 26,11,319 will appear in intermediate exams.

The examinee count this year is 9,15,846 less than last year.

In Gautam Budh Nagar, 46 examination centres have been set up for UP Board examination.

Around 20000 students are appearing for Class 12 and 15000 for class 10 exams. The total number of candidates appearing for Class 12 and class 10 examination is 35,887 in the district. At all examination centres, voice recorder and CCTV cameras have been set up. Students are appealed not to resort of unfair means otherwise if caught, strict action will be taken against them. Parents too have been appealed to motivate their children not to use unfair means in the exams, PK Upadhyay, District Inspector of Schools, Gautam Budh Nagar, said on Wednesday.

Last year, a record 10,44,619 lakh students  nearly 15% of all those who had registered  had skipped the UP Board exams.

Due to strictness last year, registrations for 2019 examinations witnessed a sharp fall of about 9 lakh students as compared to last year.

The high school examination which is commencing on February 7 will end on February 28 (14 working days) while the intermediate examination also beginning on February 7 will be completed in 16 working days and end on March 2. A total of 4.37 crore coded answer sheets have been printed and distributed.

Many firsts

With the Board switching over to the NCERT pattern, now Class 12 students will be writing one paper for 39 important subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, Maths, Hindi, etc.

Also the morning shift of the examination will start from 8am instead of 7.30 am.

Model paper on website

The UP Board has released model question papers on its website for the convenience of examinees. The papers are more on the pattern of CBSE exams. Candidates may download them free of cost

UP Board exams 2019: 58 Lakh students to appear

58,06,922 students set to appear

3195603 to appear in high School

2611319 to appear in intermediate exams

8354 exam centres made in 75 districts

4.37 crore coded answer sheets printed, distributed for the exam
A 52-year-old consultant radiologist with Ram Manohar Lohia hospital ended her life (by hanging) at her government residence in New Delhis North Avenue Wednesday.

Police said the doctor, Poonam Vohra, left behind a note in which she accused three doctors of the hospital of humiliating and harassing her as she was heading an inquiry against them.

Police said Poonam lived in a government accommodation in North Avenue. The incident was reported around 1pm when the her husband Charanjiv Vohra, who works for a private company, returned home and found the house locked, police said.

The couples two children were at school at the time of the incident.

When he peeped through the window, Vohra found Poonam hanging from the ceiling fan in their bedroom. With the help of neighbours, he broke open the door and brought her down. They called the police and rushed her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead, a police officer, not authorised to speak to the media, said.

Vohra said, She was being harassed and I knew she was upset. I do not know the details (of the inquiry). I have received the suicide note from police.

Police have sent the body for an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.

Deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi) Madhur Verma said the suicide note was found in the bedroom. There was just one line written in her suicide note  that these three doctors had been humiliating and harassing her. We learnt that she was heading some department inquiry related to misconduct against the three doctors. We are yet to question the hospital administration and the womans colleagues to find out more about these allegations. The content of the note is also being verified, the deputy commissioner of police Madhur Verma said.

The officer did not disclose the names of the three doctors.

Despite repeated attempts to reach them, RML hospital administration officials did not respond on the issue.

Verma said proceedings under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure has been initiated and the incident is being probed.

Police said the womans family members said she had been depressed for the past few months.

However, she was not undergoing any treatment for that, the police, quoting her family, said.

A few major suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are +91-4066202000 from Roshni (Hyderabad-based) and +91-4424640050 from Sneha India foundation (Delhi-based) besides the police helpline number 100.
The 600 kilograms of dry khat leaves seized by the Customs at the Delhi airports cargo terminal on Monday was supposed to be supplied to countries in Europe and East Asia, officials said.

The natural stimulant imported from Ethiopia was to be sold at $2,500-$3,000 per kilogram via courier services. The total estimated value of the leaves recovered is Rs 12 crore, officials maintained.

Elaborating further, the customs officials said the consignment, in three containers, was dispatched from Ethiopia to India on January 39 and arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on February 2.

The recovery of the leaves also led police to two men from Ethiopia and a private cargo agent, all of whom were arrested.

On Wednesday, a team of Customs officials inspected the containers  labelled as green tea and containing 200kg of khat leaves each.

Besides, they also questioned the two arrested foreigners, both residents of south Delhis Malviya Nagar.

The duo said that they had smuggled small chunks of dry khat leaves via foreign post office earlier as well.

An officer associated with the investigation said, They said the consignment was not meant to be distributed in India. They claim they do not have customers here and that the khat leaves were to be sent to European and East Asian countries. India was being used as a transit point to avoid detection as the country is a major exporter of tea. They said they were planning to transport it via courier services for $2,500-$3,000 per kilogram.

Another officer said that there have been reports of khat being used in Somalia to fund terrorism. However, the officer maintained, they have not been able to establish any such link.

An officer from the Narcotics Control Bureau said khat has been listed as a scheduled substance under the Narcotics Drugs Psychotropic Substance Act.

As learnt, khat leaves contain cathinone and is either chewed, smoked or used as liquid. Its use may cause hallucination, aggressiveness, anxiety and even elevated blood pressure and therefore may also have side effects such as dizziness, anxiety or even heart problems, said the officer, who is not authorised to speak to the media. n The dry khat leaves seized at the airport.
Although Delhi has reported the second-highest number of influenza (A) H1N1 or swine flu cases this year after Rajasthan, primary health care centres in the national capital appear ill-equipped to handle the rush of patients.

According to a report by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Delhi has recorded 1,011 cases till February 3 this year. The government has not officially recorded any deaths, but three hospitals in the city have informally confirmed 19 deaths. Rajasthan reported 2,363 swine flu cases and 85 deaths.

We dont know why there has been a spurt in cases this year; the prolonged winter can be a reason. We have asked researchers at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) whether there is any change in the virus structure. However, we are prepared. We have enough medicine  over 1 lakh tablets  masks and personal protective equipment for our staff, said Dr SM Raheja, additional director and head of Delhis IDSP cell.

Read | With 6,700 cases and 226 deaths, spike in swine flu triggers health alarm

Although the government has been claiming that it has a sufficient stock of medicines, these dont appear to be reaching dispensaries and mohalla clinics which are continuing to provide symptomatic treatment.

We do get several patients with flu-like symptoms. We just give them symptomatic treatment  medicines for the fever and runny nose and ask them to take rest. The testing facility and medicines are available only in hospitals, said a doctor on duty at a dispensary in Chattarpur on condition of anonymity.

The Delhi government runs 260 dispensaries and polyclinics and 180 mohalla clinics in the city. Six of the seven primary health care centres contacted by Hindustan Times said the medicine to treat swine flu  Tamiflu -had not reached them.

The dispensaries can ask the chief district medical officer for medicines. We have already written to them about it, said Dr Raheja.

Also Read | Google searches for swine flu in north India highest this year, shows data
It might have been the most discussed rivalry for years in Bollywood but those concerned have finally put it to rest. Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone may not be buddies but they sure have emerged as graceful women who believe in relegating past to the past. The two actors buried the hatchet recently at one of the wedding receptions hosted by Deepika and Ranveer Singh and are now bringing the good vibes to social media too.

On Wednesday, Katrina shared two new photos from her latest appearance and she looked every bit a boss lady. Dressed in a grey power suit with her hair left open, she shared the photos with the caption, In and out of focus. Among the many who liked her photos were Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt.

Katrina and Deepika have both previously dated actor Ranbir Kapoor while Alia is in a relationship with him at present. Speculation said that Ranbir reportedly cheated on Deepika with Katrina, which led to bad blood between the two. Things didnt get much better over the years and even as soon as earlier this year, Deepika said she would not invite Katrina to her wedding on a talk show.

Also read: Ranveer Singh cant stop sending kisses to Deepika Padukone while on Kapil Sharma Show

However, when the actor tied the knot with Ranveer, Katrina was invited to the reception and attended the do too. I was invited to the reception by them for sure and the instinct in my heart was to go, I felt I would like to go. There was no other thought behind it and we had very nice, warm, happy night. There was a lot of love and we all danced and ate and had great fun! I was there till the wee hours of the morning, she later said in the interview.

Katrina is shooting with Salman Khan for one of 2019s most awaited films, Bharat. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film spans decades and runs parallel to Indias story after Independence. The film also stars Disha Patani, Tabu and Sunil Grover among others.
A teenage tribal girl was raped by an auto driver, who was out on bail in a case of sodomy with a minor boy, at Dahom railway station, 260 km west of Bhopal, on Wednesday night, police said.

The accused Saddam Pathan has been arrested, they said.

According to Government Railway Police (GRP), Pathan was released on bail last week in a connection to a case of unnatural sex with a minor boy of the district.

The GRP station in-charge Brijendra Mishra said, The 17-year-old girl returned to Damoh from Bhopal with her cousin brother and sister on Wednesday night. Residents of a nearby village, all three were waiting to be picked up by a family member at Damoh railway station. The girl went to a toilet when Saddam Pathan stopped her and raped her in the toilet.

Pathan fled from the spot after threatening the girl of dire consequences. When the cousin brother went to see her, he found her in a state of trauma. The girl shared her ordeal with her brother. They informed the police, he added.
The latest announcement of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) cutting its size by 50% is unsurprising yet consequential. This steep reduction brings about a structural transformation announced by President Xi Jinping and consistent with the military reforms introduced in 2015. The composition and disposition of Chinese military power today has changed significantly. The PLAs transformation into a more streamlined fighting force has been nothing short of spectacular given the amount of internal bureaucratic and institutional resistance there was to bringing about a change in its force structure.

Chinese military power is aimed at defeating the adversary without actually engaging in active combat. In the event the latter does not occur, China would prefer subduing the opponent with overwhelming force at low cost. It corresponds roughly to the balance between attrition and manoeuvre. Given that the Chinese military was largely following the Second World War operational models, its overhaul was indeed deemed necessary by policymakers. The PLAs experience of warfighting post Second World War did impress upon its leadership, particularly Deng Xiaoping, the importance of moving away from fighting debilitating wars that claimed the lives of too many fighting personnel.

Attrition warfare was the basis of the PLAs war fighting principles. Notwithstanding a slowdown in recent years, double-digit economic growth has helped Beijing transform the PLA. Undergirding Chinas military transformation is a political leadership under President Xi that has cut manpower-related flab, integrated theatre commands, instituted jointmanship in the form of combined arms warfare, and transformed the PLA into a technologically advanced fighting force. In addition, a general diminution of the size of the field army enables better offensive capabilities. More critically, it also elevates the importance of the other service arms relative to the ground fighting forces. This represents a significant shift, as the PLA was the most dominant of the three services historically. Clipping the size of the army also enables the other service arms to project military strength beyond Chinas shores and land boundaries. Indeed, the reductions brought about by the Xi regime will crucially determine how effectively the Chinese military now wages war.

Military reforms undertaken by China will have far-reaching consequences for the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific and very specifically for India. Following deep manpower reductions and a commensurate expansion in firepower, the PLA today stands better poised to wage a decisive war against India at low cost. New Delhis challenge primarily lies in preventing such an outcome.

In the context of Indias at best uneven efforts to modernise its army, force planners have to seriously consider the trade-offs between firepower and manpower. As of today, the Indian Army, the largest of the three armed services, is a manpower-intensive fighting force. The missions and tasks it is condemned to include fighting insurgencies, which fundamentally require boots on the ground. Given that the personnel issue is the bane of the Indian Army, which the PLA has addressed almost completely, the defence budget of 2019 has significantly constrained the Indian Armys capital budget. Second, the implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) from 2014 leaves little for hardware modernisation or capital acquisitions. If the armed services were to undertake deep personnel reductions and become a more efficient fighting force, the army would be the most critical target for cutbacks. To be sure, the Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat in informal and formal meetings in September and October 2018 with his military commanders did deliberate on the imperatives of undertaking a structural transformation of the Army. The potential changes cover agility, capacity to undertake conventional and hybrid warfare, a major restructuring of the army headquarters and giving the officer corps a lower age profile. With the PLA transforming itself, the Indian Army is still in the process of charting a way to transform its order of battle. Indian decision makers face two hard choices: either reduce the size of the Indian Army or significantly expand the defence budget to make up for shortfalls in firepower, logistics and military transportation.

It was in 2016, while addressing the Combined Commanders Conference, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called upon the military leadership to reform their beliefs, doctrines, objectives and strategies. He had touched upon key areas, including defence planning, enhancing jointness, manpower rationalisation, emphasising professional military education, restructuring higher defence management and the defence procurement process. Since then, while China has been able to accomplish much, Indias civilian and military bureaucracy has only been able to do what it does best: meander along without any clear focus, thereby effectively scuttling the prime ministers vision of defence reforms. Unless defence reforms become a priority for India, the ability of Indian armed forces to fight future wars effectively will remain constrained.

Harsh V Pant is professor of international relations at Kings College London and head of the Strategic Studies Programme at Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. Kartik Bommakanti is an associate fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi

The views expressed are personal
It was a leap year. The year of the Athens Olympics. Only four years since Y2K, George W Bush would win his second term as President in November, and there would be a devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean towards the fag end of the year. But early in 2004, recovering from an almost expulsion from Harvard for having hacked their student directories to create Facemash (a sort of Hot or Not ranking site for Harvard students) and having had Facemash unceremoniously taken down, a 19-year-old Mark Zuckerberg was toying with code to create a way to connect all the student directories (called face books) of Harvard. This project was launched 15 years ago on February 4, 2004, as The Facebook. It was such a hit that within a month of going live, more than half the undergraduate students of Harvard had signed up to the service. In about three months, it had expanded to most universities in the US and Canada. By June, it had become an incorporated company, set up headquarters in Palo Alto, California, and was well on its way to becoming the social media behemoth it now is.

In the past 15 years, with their famous move fast and break things mantra, Facebook (having dropped the definite article from its name) has managed to go from being a place where people found old, long lost school friends in the mid-2000s, to being the harbinger of borderless digital movements, such as the one that aided the Arab Spring and Occupy Movements in the early 2010s, to now being one of the Big Four in the technology world, and one of the worst offenders in terms of privacy, surveillance, harassment, and bad psychological effects. The rise and growth of Facebook  which now owns Instagram and WhatsApp  has allowed it to become, in many ways, the largest purveyor of ways in which people share content or communicate with each other across the world.

Not only has this radically changed the way we communicate with friends, family, social acquaintances, and even colleagues, it has also created a system of amplification for the worst tendencies of human beings  be it bullying, hate speech, spreading malicious rumours (sometimes euphemistically referred to as fake news), or misogyny. The Cambridge Analytica scandal showed that Facebook had allowed the harvesting of personal data of up to 87 million users without their consent. It brought into focus exactly how much power companies, such as Facebook, wield. And how easy it is for someone to manipulate public opinion using social media.

The crux of the matter is that Facebook  and indeed Google and Twitter and Uber and Amazon  are not merely companies that connect people. They are centres of an advertising marketplace, in which you, the user, is the product being sold to the advertisers. Make no mistake, the goal is still to make you buy things  be they in-game purchases of boosters for your sword, a politicians position on important political matters, or a new brand of toothpaste  but in a way that allows these companies to know a lot more about you than you may want (or choose to tell them). As he faced American lawmakers, Zuckerberg was asked how Facebook made money, and he answered, simply, we run ads. What he chose to not mention was that these ads are targeted to individual users based on not just what they share or say on Facebook, but by collecting data about their behaviour across the internet.

Fifteen years ago, it would have been unthinkable that a Silicon Valley tech company was being blamed for everything, from a teenagers suicide in the UK to ethnic violence in Myanmar, according to the UN. But that is the world that Facebook built for us as it became the worlds largest social media site; and one that we must now learn to live and survive in.

The way forward from here must, therefore, necessarily be one of regulation of technology giants through forward-thinking digital policies that will create safeguards for users of platforms such as Facebook. India has made a good beginning by creating one of the worlds most robust net neutrality laws. Europes General Data Protection regulation (GDPR) is another step in the right direction. But far more needs to be done in order to regulate the manner in which technology companies control the world. The onus, however, is not just on governments. As users, we must demand the right to own our data and know how it is used and by who  be it Facebook, or even our elected governments.

Vidya Subramanian is a post doctoral research fellow at the Centre for Policy Studies, IIT Bombay

The views expressed are personal
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Alanna Kelly

As most of the Okanagan Valley hides inside from the frigid temperatures, some wait all year for the cold.

Winemakers are finally getting the cold temperatures needs to make their ice wine and at Summerhill Pyramid Winery things kicked off Sunday night.

The rest of the valley might not like the cold but we are pretty happy we got the snap, said Michael Alexander.

Two crews are working 12 hours a day, running 24 hours a day to make their syrup, sweet goodness.

It is a little colder than we were expecting, but it was a vintage where we were worried that we werent going to get ice wine, he said. It was a welcome relief.

Their tip to staying warm in the double-digit negative temperatures is drinking lots of coffee, tea and staying close to the heaters indoors.

Alexander said they are hoping to be finished late next week, and they will end up with about 5,000 litres of ice wine.

It is anywhere from 12 to 36 hours per press load, he said.

He added there are very few spots in the planet that can actually make ice wine.

There is something so fundamentally Canadian about making ice wine, he said. Not only do we have to have beautifully warm summers and falls so we get ripe fruit, but then it needs to get cold enough that we can actually get the temperatures and freeze.

Alexander said this year looks to be the best ice wine yet.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7)  President Rodrigo Duterte walked out of a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, after expressing frustration at the slowness of government transactions.

Duterte told the story during the oathtaking of newly appointed officials in Malacanang Thursday.

He said he found out there were some applications pending at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for 25 years.

He then took another swipe at the Department of Agrarian Reform, which he previously said took two years to process the conversion of agricultural land to commercial.

"And two years that includes verily corruption. Pabalik-balik 'yung tao, pabalik-balik [The person had to keep coming back]. And there's no end to it, the bleeding of the pocket of the guy and the Not only the reputation but government suffers for it also," he said.

"Kung ganyan ang [If that is] red tape or black tape, noong they started to  pinutol ko sila sabi ko [I cut them off and said] well, "I would not like to be a part of this briefing because 'yung p****g i*a. This will not happen during my time. So why would I waste my time listening to this when it would take about two presidents to finish?" Duterte added.

The president said he left the room and asked Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to take over.

"This is not really something to dwell lengthily, pero [but] the system itself is designed to experience a failed government," he said.

In a speech in August last year, Duterte said he had mulled stepping down over the endless campaign to end corruption in government.

"At ang sinabi ko sa mga sundalo at pulis [And I told soldiers and policemen], 'Guys, I want you to know that I am thinking of stepping down because I'm tired. While I am not against or angry against anybody, my chase against graft and corruption seems to be endless, and it has contaminated almost all government departments and offices,'" the President said.
Plunge Creek runs along the north edge of the Santa Ana River Habitat Conservation Plan in Highland after it comes down from the mountains.
A Lenoir man and woman will each serve approximately 20 years in prison for second-degree murder, according to a press release from 36th District Attorney Scott Reillys office.

Raoul Anton Dula, 34, was found murdered in the yard of a residence in Caldwell County on June 20, 2013. His body was mutilated, making it difficult for investigators to identify Dula as the victim, according to the release. Booking photos from the Caldwell Detention Center were used to help identify him.

Earl Franklin Moore, 40, and Jenny Lynn Childress, 39, pleaded guilty to Dulas murder and property crimes in Caldwell County Superior Court on Tuesday.

Moore was sentenced to 23 to 28 years in prison, and Childress was sentenced to 18 to 22 years by Superior Court Judge Lisa Bell of Mecklenburg County.
Second annual artisan show

The I'm Sew Crafty craft show supports local artisans/crafters who specialize in painting, wood work, jewelry crafting, sculpting, quilting, crochet  anything handmade. Come out for this free to enter event and support your locals. For more information, email briananyleighafritts@hotmail.com or find them on Facebook @bbshoppingevents.

SweetArt Valentine Party

Check off your shopping list of Valentines Day items at this art party, where visitors can enjoy beautiful, local art along with champagne, chocolates and much more. If you arrive between 6-7 p.m., you will be given a raffle ticket for a free gift basket. For more information, call Trade Alley Art at 828-578-1706.
Frustrated, I remember leaving in anger with gawkers and State Police standing by. The first violent deaths since returning from Viet Nam were indelibly etched in my emotional memory.

In August 2008, Dad died. Rummaging through his photo albums, I was shocked to find three photographs of the accident. I had no recollection being with my family, let alone Dad (always with a camera, luckily), photographing me at the accident. Twenty-seven years later, Dads photographs confirmed and expanded my emotional memory.

Now, these photographs illustrate a story in my photographic memoir, One Soldiers Heart: The Emotional Wounds of War , as an example of how emotional trauma effects memory. But I wanted closure.

The other week I found the Hickory Record newspaper online. Emailing Dads photographs, I asked if they had any record of this accident.

The next day, the paper sent a scan of the newspaper article. I nearly lost my breath as I read the names of the couple who died in the crash; then discovered they had a son, and grandchild. I wondered what happened to the truck driver? Memories and emotions flashed back as if the accident took place yesterday, not 47years ago.
The Hickory City Council approved economic development deals with two companies promising to create more than 300 jobs and invest more than $20 million.

Isotopen Technologien Munchen AG

Council voted unanimously to approve the agreement with Isotopen Technologien Munchen AG, a German company that manufactures radiopharmaceutical products, including cancer diagnostics and treatments.

The total cost of the incentive, which includes costs for grading the site and adding infrastructure, is $634,118.

In exchange, the company must invest at least $17 million in the next five years and create 137 jobs in the next seven years. The average salary will be $64,000.

Scott Millar, president of the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation, said the average salary for the deal was the highest that he knows of in Catawba County in the more than 20 years hes worked with the EDC.

Under the terms of one of the deals, the city would agree to sell up to nine acres of land in the Trivium Corporate Center to the company at $40,000 per acre.
Photo: Contributed

A man convicted himself of a Penticton assault while on the stand according to a judges decision in provincial court Wednesday.

Sean Conrad Douglas Gunn was convicted of assaulting a loss prevention officer at London Drugs on Sept. 1, 2016.

Gunn represented himself at trial, which began on Aug. 10, 2018, and was acquitted Wednesday of one count of theft under $5,000 in a decision handed down by Judge Michelle Daneliuk.

Daneliuk said the evidence at trial given by two loss prevention officers was inconsistent, one with the other, and did not match up with video surveillance footage.

Gunn was accused of stealing a pair of pliers, however, Daneliuk noted in her decision no pliers were ever found by police upon his arrest. This also dismissed Crown charges of assault with a weapon which alleged Gunn had swiped at loss prevention officers with pliers.

An altercation between the loss prevention officers who chased Gunn out of the store was also partially caught on video. Gunn admitted on the stand he said to the officers what? You want some of me.

It was your own words that convicted you of assault, Daneliuk said.

Gunn told the court he plans on appealing the conviction, while also alleging an RCMP officer came to his job site in Fort McMurray and got him fired and that news reporting the allegations lost him his home.

Ive lost everything, pretty much, because of this, Gunn said.

Gunn was sentenced to a fine of $350 for the simple assault conviction.

In Daneliuks decision she stated Gunn was a no-show in court on the Sept. 25 and Nov. 27, 2018 trial continuation dates and Mr. Gunn did not appear on those days. Gunn refuted the two counts of failing to appear in court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty.

A trial date for those charges was set for April 26.
Stow - Passed away suddenly on Friday, June 4, 2021. Mary was the loving wife of Donald R. LeBlanc. Born in Haverhill, on May 3, 1942, Mary was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Levis) Bresnahan. Mary was raised and educated in Haverhill, graduating from Saint James High School, Cla
Photo: Contributed

A donation of $14,000 will help BrainTrust Canada client be Skullwise and Brain Bright."

The Telus Friendly Future donation to the Kelowna-based not for profit association will support new brain injury prevention initiatives targeted to youth.

The Skullwise program is targeted to middle school students. Its concept was created by students at the Centre for Arts & Technology.

It will include interactive lesson plans on concussion and brain injury for Grade 7 youth to be offered this spring in School District 23, and an online toolkit of free resources for the community.

It will also include a "Brain Bright Day" on June 18 to inspire conversations about safety.

Research shows that 30 per cent of all traumatic brain injuries are sustained by children and youth, so we know there is a need for this initiative, says BrainTrust's Magda Kapp.

Kapp says a 2018 survey of middle school age students found 40 per cent reported having had a previous concussion.

BrainTrust provides community rehabilitation to individuals with brain injury in the Okanagan, and also has a strong focus on brain injury education and prevention.
Tim Shea

tims@herald-mail.com

CHARLESTON, W.Va.  West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey recently announced that the 2018-19 Kids Kick Opioids public-service-announcement contest is open for submissions as the initiative enters its third school year.

The contest engages elementary and middle-school students to design an announcement that raises awareness about prescription-painkiller abuse.

Potential submissions may be a poem, drawing, letter or anything to promote awareness.

The opioid epidemic resonates in classrooms across West Virginia, Morrisey said in a news release. Kids Kick Opioids has underscored that reality in a manner that few other initiatives accomplish by, in some cases, giving students an outlet to express their concerns, while using the creativity and talent of all participants to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic with the goal of providing a better future for their generation.

Students may work individually or in groups. The top submission will appear as a statewide newspaper public-service announcement, and regional winners will be displayed at the Capitol.

The contest has drawn thousands of submissions from more than 4,000 West Virginia students. Students from 118 schools across 43 of the states 55 counties have participated.

More than 1,000 West Virginians lost their lives in 2017 to drug overdoses, many of which were opioid-related.

Reversing the trend has been a top priority for Morrisey. He has fought the epidemic on multiple fronts with criminal prosecutions, funding to combat opioid abuse, civil litigation, multistate initiatives, new technology, engagement with the faith-based community and education.

Contest entries must be postmarked by April 5 and sent to Attorney Generals Office, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., State Capitol Building 1, Room 26-E, Charleston, WV 25305; or sent by email to agpsa.contest@wva go.gov.
Matthew Umstead

mumstead@herald-mail.com

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.  A Martinsburg man was sentenced Tuesday in Berkeley County (W.Va.) Circuit Court to one to 15 years in prison in connection with charges of drug distribution in the city.

Arkavier K. Floyd, 41, was sentenced by 23rd Judicial Circuit Judge Laura Faircloth after he pleaded guilty to one count of delivery of crack cocaine.

The charge stems from allegations of drug-distribution activity at a home on South Water Street in Martinsburg in November and December 2017, court records said.

Floyds arrest on multiple drug charges in 2017 came about seven months after he was released from a previous drug-related prison sentence in April 2017, records said.

In the previous case, Floyd was sentenced in December 2014 to one to five years in prison for conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (crack cocaine), court records said.

In a six-count May 2018 indictment, Floyd was charged with delivery of crack cocaine and possession with intent to deliver heroin, marijuana and crack cocaine, court records said.

All but one charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement reached to resolve the case, records said.
Matthew Umstead

mumstead@herald-mail.com

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.  After 15 years in downtown Martinsburg, Flowers Unlimited owners Anthony Hess and Mark Jordan are opening a second location that returns to the roots of their business.

Fifteen years later and were going back to what we started, Hess said of the European-style floral shop they are opening this month at 734 Foxcroft Ave. Somehow, we got off into the gift world and it just outgrew the flower shop.

Since opening downtown in October 2003, Flowers Unlimited expanded into the home-interior and accent-decor business, and more recently sold womens clothing and mens ties at its 2,300-square-foot downtown store at 144 N. Queen St.

Jordan said they plan to continue to sell flowers there and also will have a floral designer on staff, but the 1,400-square-foot Foxcroft Avenue location will offer a larger selection of fresh flowers.

The current historic downtown business district location is the stores third address there after it first opened on the weekend of the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival at 131 N. Queen St. The store then moved to 131 S. Queen St. before moving again.

We love downtown, Jordan said. We want to keep it going.

Jordan said the opening of the new shop also reflects a need for more space, at least in part, due to the skyrocketing growth in their wedding business. They attribute the growth, at least in part, to social-media applications.

Id say we do 75 to 100 weddings a year, Hess said. We go all over the place. ... Were in Virginia more than we are in West Virginia on wedding work.

While the new location is expected to provide customers added convenience, Jordan said it also opens up new possibilities for patrons. One goal is to again offer floral-design classes.

We actually did a lot of those until we ran out of room, Hess said.

European-style flower shops, which incorporate more natural elements, have been growing in popularity in the United States over the last few decades, Jordan said.

When somebody walks into (a European-style floral) shop, they are totally immersed in flowers, in plants, in vines and branches, he said.

There also are differences in European and American floral design, said Jordan, who studied under a European florist while obtaining an associate degree in floral design.

American floral design typically follows a set, more controlled design than European-style, which Jordan said is more free-flowing.

When you look at it, you see nature versus dots of color, he said.
Matthew Umstead

mumstead@herald-mail.com

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.  Five people were charged last month by a federal grand jury seated in U.S. District Court in Martinsburg, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell said.

Those charged include:

Herman Terrell Govan, 35, of Inwood, W.Va., was charged with three counts of distribution of heroin and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. He is accused of selling heroin in December 2017 and January 2018 in Berkeley County, W.Va. Govan, a person prohibited from having firearms, also is accused of possessing a .30-caliber rifle.

Paul Glen Hamilton, Jr., 23, of Bowie, Md., and Melbourne, Fla., was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. Hamilton is accused of possessing child pornography that was transported by computer in September in Berkeley County.

Nathan Johnson, 42, of Martinsburg was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. Johnson, a person prohibited from having firearms, is accused of possessing an unregistered .410-caliber short-barreled shotgun, as well as 33 other firearms, in March 2017 in Berkeley County.

Justin David Peters, 26, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., was charged with one count of failure to register as a sex offender. Peters, who previously was convicted of possession of child pornography in Berkeley County Circuit Court, is accused of traveling to Florida between June and September without updating his registration.

Joseph Tyree Ryles, 29, of Baltimore was charged with single counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. Ryles, who previously was convicted of crimes in Baltimore City Circuit Court, is accused of illegally possessing a 9-mm pistol and a .40-caliber pistol, as well as exchanging the firearms for heroin in August 2015 in Jefferson County, W.Va.

Two other Martinsburg residents were sentenced last month during federal court proceedings.

They are:
Jennifer Fitch

waynesboro@herald-mail.com

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.  A Fayetteville, Pa., man scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on 151 counts of child pornography, rape of a child and 10 other charges entered a not-guilty plea in the case.

Stewart W. Hake, 35, is accused of encouraging an undercover investigator to have sex with a fictitious 12-year-old and photograph the act. Prosecutors allege he also sexually assaulted a youth.

Hake was incarcerated on $350,000 bail in one case, while bail in the second case was set at $250,000 unsecured.

In an affidavit of probable cause, Pennsylvania State Police said they were contacted by the Kentucky Attorney Generals Office about some suspicious online activity. An agent there described interactions with someone believed to be Hake.

Hake allegedly encouraged the agent to have sex with what the agent was purporting to be a 12-year-old girl.

Further conversation consisted of Hake relating that the undercover agents supposed 12-year-old daughter was ready to have sex, according to the affidavit.

Police searched Hakes home May 29 and found a laptop in a bag in a trash can.

During the investigation, Hake related that he had smashed the computer to the ground prior to the arrival of police, the affidavit said.

A forensic analysis found 12 images of child pornography on the hard drive, 47 similar images on a cellphone and 92 explicit videos on the phone, police said.

Trial dates in the Franklin County (Pa.) Court of Common Pleas havent been scheduled.
Alexis Fitzpatrick

afitzpatrick@herald-mail.com

Nearly a year after talks began, a controversial proposed overhaul of Washington County Public Schools custodial staff will not take place, according to school officials.

Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Proulx emailed numerous people with WCPS addresses two weeks ago, stating that the proposed custodial reorganization will no longer happen.

He wrote on Jan. 25 that the districts custodial management will remain as is, with a head custodian at each building. The proposed plan had been to instead have regional supervisors oversee three to five buildings.

The reduction in 17 supervisory positions would have meant a drop in pay for those employees.

Other workers faced shift changes and a move to different schools under the now defunct plan.

Proulxs email said supervision of the custodial team will remain with the operations managers in the Maintenance and Operations department, as it has since June 2018. Prior to that, building principals oversaw the supervision.

The operations team in charge of the reorganization, Proulx wrote, apologizes for any confusion over the past 10 months and thanks everyone who offered constructive comments, helpful ideas and suggestions or offered support of the proposed plan.

Proulx said in an interview with Herald-Mail Media Tuesday that custodial positions in the district are nearly fully staffed, but positions left vacant or informally filled while awaiting the reorganization will be officially filled now.

He said all custodial employees should receive a letter by Friday clarifying their respective positions and salaries to dispel any confusion.

The maintenance and operations staff, along with Superintendent Boyd Michael, came up with the plan after talks began in March 2018. Proulx said the decision also involved ongoing communication with the custodial staff and Washington County Educational Support Personnel leadership.

The Washington County Educational Support Personnel, the union that represents WCPS support staff, vocally opposed the plan since the beginning, even starting an online petition in November calling on the system to abandon the reorganization. The group claimed it was unnecessary and would negatively impact schools, teachers and students across the county.

At the time, President Anne Marie Hines said moving custodians detracts from the school community and could compromise school safety because custodians see the same people every day and know who does not belong in the buildings.

In an interview with Herald-Mail Media Wednesday, Hines said the custodial staff was relieved the administration reconsidered the changes after listening to significant concerns of employees and others and seeing the human cost the restructuring would have taken.

This was going to be very detrimental and life-altering for these people, she said. On behalf of the workers, we sincerely appreciate the support of the community, elected board and, in the end, the administration.

Several employees complained about the plan during the public comment time of the Oct. 2 Board of Education meeting.

They really rallied and stood up for themselves, Hines said. They showed how it will impact them and their families.

Hines said its not certain whether a similar proposal will come up later, but she hopes after this experience, there will be more dialogue between workers and management.

No one knows their job better than they do, she said.
Janet Heim

janeth@herald-mail.com

As a longtime elementary school teacher, Joan Fulghum knew the importance of reading. She taught in three states, including Maryland, where she worked in Washington and Anne Arundel counties.

Now, her family is honoring her with a fund in her name to help local adults learn to read.

Fulghum retired from Pangborn Elementary School in 1997. In November 2003, Joan trained to be an adult reading tutor with the Literacy Council of Washington County, according to LCWC Administrator Brenda Vanover.

She jumped in on that when she retired, said Fulghums husband, the Rev. Peter Fulghum of Smithsburg.

After Joan Fulghum died in December 2017, her husband and their four children considered different ways to honor her.

They start The Joan F. Fulghum Memorial Fund for the Literacy Council of Washington County, which was established through the Community Foundation of Washington County.

A pledge of $30,000, to be given in $10,000 increments over three years, was presented to the LCWC on Jan. 28.

LCWC Board President Kevin Fox said the fund will support the councils three main objectives  attract and retain volunteers to tutor adults, provide up-to-date books and resources, and help students pay for GED and citizenship exams.

It allows us to continue our mission in the community, Fox said. Were extremely grateful not only for the gift, but for Joans service.

Once tutors complete the training, they are paired with an adult student and generally meet for one to two hours a week.

Tutors make a commitment to work with their student until the student accomplishes the goal, such as citizenship, completing a GED and applying for jobs.

Its exciting for tutors. Its a commitment, too, Fox said.

There are currently about 38 adult students working with 24 tutors. Nine students are waiting to be matched with a tutor, Fox said.

Tutoring is free after students go through a 30-minute evaluation.

Fox said Washington County has an adult literacy rate of about 9 percent.

Peter Fulghum said his family is excited about the fund and his wife would have been pleased that her teaching legacy continues.

It changes lives. It really does, he said.

Tutor training is offered twice a year. Groups, such as churches, can request a separate training.

The next tutor training is May 11 and May 18 at Benevola United Methodist Church, 19925 Benevola Church Road, Boonsboro, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

It only takes one to two hours a week to help somebody learn to read ... and change someones life forever. If you can read, come to the training session and well teach you how to teach, Fox said.

LCWC welcomes financial donations online at literacyofwcmd.org or by mailing a check to Literacy Council of Washington County, 15 Randolph Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21740.

Were looking for more Joans with that passion and commitment. It benefits all of us in the community, Fox said.
The Herald-Mail

ANNAPOLIS  Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera told the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Wednesday that Washington County needs a sixth Circuit Court judge.

Its one of seven new judicial positions the Maryland Judiciary is seeking for Fiscal Year 2020, which begins July 1. The other six are District Court judgeships in other counties.

Washington County currently has five Circuit Court judges.

Shortly after giving a State of the Judiciary report to the Maryland General Assembly, Barbera said the need for additional judges was based on a review of the judicial work generated on average per case filing, within each distinct case type.

Using a model developed by the National Center for State Courts, judicial need for fiscal 2020 was primarily based on the average number and type of cases filed in the most recent three years  from fiscal 2016 to 2018.

We did not seek additional judges for the past three years, she said, wanting to certify that the need was real, correct and verifiable.

Statewide, she said, the review showed a certified need for 14 new positions, but the Judiciary is only seeking seven this year.

According to legislative analysts, Washington County Circuit Court averaged 4,714 filings per year from FY 2016 through FY 2018, which ran from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2018.

Thats an average of 943 cases per judge per year.

Judge Keith Baynes, administrative judge of the Second Circuit (Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Annes and Talbot counties) told the committee that many of these cases  41 percent  are domestic/family law matters, which tend to be more complicated.

Theres been a demonstrated need for an additional judge in Washington County since 2009, he said.

Money for additional judges has been included in Gov. Larry Hogans FY 2020 budget proposal.

Adding a circuit judge in Washington County will cost $343,207 in the first year. That includes startup costs and salaries for a judge, a courtroom clerk and a law clerk. That figure is expected to rise to $407,382 in FY 2021 and to $419,972 in FY 2022.

Those figures do not include the cost of an administrative assistant, which the county would have to pick up.

Although its not in in this years request, Washington County also needs another District Court judge, added John Morrissey, chief judge of the Maryland District Court.

He told the committee the Maryland Judiciary was not asking for another District Court judge this year. Members are waiting for approval of capital expenditures to add another courtroom to the District Court building, he said.

Hogans capital budget proposal for FY 2020 includes $325,000 for planning for an addition to the District Court building.

Morrissey told the Senate committee he believes the funding will survive legislative review and that the building had been designed with expansion in mind. Its relatively inexpensive to add the courtroom, he said.

Once that project moves along, the Judiciary will ask for another District Court judge, he said.

Theyve had a very serious need out there for a long time, Morrissey said.
Julie E. Greene

julieg@herald-mail.com

Washington County Historic District Commission members were sorry to see a demolition permit granted for a roughly 208-year-old stone house in Fairplay. But they are seizing the opportunity to explore ways to promote more preservation of historic properties.

The commission voted 5-0 three weeks ago to recommend that the demo permit be denied for the Emmert-Wingert House at 18461 Manor Church Road. But the countys Division of Plan Review and Permitting granted the permit on Tuesday, the day after the planning commission voted 5-0 to support the permit.

Property owner Robert Householder said Wednesday, in a phone interview, that he was thankful to the planning commission.

I felt sorry the old house is in that bad a shape, Householder said. But its too far gone to be saved.

He said he anticipated demolition of the house and accessory structures, including a barn and wagon shed, to begin soon.

Whether the house was salvageable was debated at the Historic District Commissions Jan. 16 meeting, with historical advocates saying it was possible, though expensive.

Commission member Ann Aldrich said on Wednesday that Householders case has given the county an opportunity to take another look at its preservation practices and push for more education and outreach to save historic properties.

By the end of Wednesday nights meeting, the commission agreed to pursue more information about three things: a delay of demolition; raising the fine for demolishing a structure without the proper permit, and publicizing incentives for historic preservation.

The Washington County Historical Advisory Committee submitted a letter recently to the county commissioners recommending a delay of demolition ordinance.

Planning and Zoning Director Stephen Goodrich and commission members said a delay of demolition for the Manor Church Road property would have given them and others more time to provide alternatives to Householder.

The advisory committees letter also recommended toughening the penalty for razing a structure without a permit by denying a building permit for three to five years.

Goodrich said he didnt know if the county could legally refuse to provide a building permit for so long.

Member Gary Rohrer said the current $100 fine should be increased to discourage people from proceeding with demolition and just paying the fine.

He credited Householder with following the proper permit process.

The commission discussed various tax credits a property might get with the countys historic preservation overlay. The overlay is a regulatory layer atop a propertys regular zoning.

With the overlay, the Historic District Commission could approve or deny a demolition permit, but there is an appeal process, Goodrich said.

Historic District Commission members talked about meeting with the planning commission to review possible recommendations before formally approaching the county commissioners.
Don Aines

daines@herald-mail.com

For the second time, 2017 gun and ammunition charges against a Hagerstown man have ended in a mistrial.

Assistant States Attorney Elizabeth Camuti said there was a hung jury, meaning the jury could not reach a decision, on charges against 27-year-old Justin J. Searles of West Washington Street.

A mistrial also was declared in June, the first time he was tried.

Searles was charged with illegal possession of a handgun and ammunition by a person with a disqualifying crime after a traffic stop on Interstate 70 on March 21, 2017.

The nature of the crime was not told to the jury, but Searles has a 2010 conviction for armed robbery in Baltimore County.

Searles second trial was Wednesday. By 5 p.m., Camuti and defense attorney Gregory Hannigan had finished presenting their cases. The jury then began deliberations.

Searles posted bond on the 2017 gun charge, but was charged with armed robbery against his brother on Feb. 13, 2018, charges that were later dismissed.

Searles was again charged with armed robbery for a May 23, 2018, incident. He was identified as one of two men who held up a father and daughter at gunpoint in a parking lot in the 200 block of East Franklin Street. That case is scheduled for trial in June.

In Wednesdays trial, Cpl. Kenneth Cain testified that Searles and his future wife were stopped when Maryland State Police pulled over a Ford Taurus for failing to move over a lane when passing a stopped emergency vehicle. He testified that he walked up to the passengers side of the car, but Searles gestured that he could not roll down the window or open the door.

Cain testified the driver, Victoria Darby Searles, rolled down her window and he could smell marijuana. He called for backup, the car was searched and a loaded .22-caliber handgun was found hidden under the spare tire in the trunk, he testified.

Also found with the gun was a digital scale that had Justin Searles fingerprints on it, according to trial testimony.

Victoria Searles testified the couple bought the car that day in Crofton, Md., for $800. As they drove back in separate cars, the Taurus developed mechanical problems. She testified that she left her car in Frederick and drove herself and Justin Searles toward Hagerstown in the Taurus.

Victoria Searles testified they did not look in or open the trunk before buying the car and that Justin Searles put the digital scale in the backseat, not the trunk.

Juanito Ditales of Crofton testified he and his wife sold the car to the Searleses. He saw them open the trunk before leaving, but did not see if they put anything in it.

Camuti in her cross-examination of Victoria Searles pointed out that the couple drove home in a car with mechanical troubles while leaving Victoria Searles car in Frederick.

In his cross-examination of state witnesses, Hannigan noted that police did not test or keep a bag and the sock in which the gun and scale were allegedly found.

News Editor Andrew Schotz contributed to this story.
Julie E. Greene

julieg@herald-mail.com

The Maryland Court of Appeals has agreed to review a lower courts decision on a proposed 42,000-panel solar array near the Cearfoss circle, according to documents filed Monday.

At issue is whether local zoning authority is preempted by state law regarding the approval and location of solar-energy generating systems that can generate more than 2 megawatts.

The case revolves around Perennial Solar LLC, a subsidiary of Radnor, Pa.-based Community Energy Solar, which wants to build an 8-megawatt solar farm on about 86 acres near the Cearfoss circle. The county zoning board granted permission in November 2015.

A legal appeal from opposing residents kicked off years of legal wrangling. Nearby residents opposing the project claim the array would destroy their rural view and pose safety risks.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners filed for a writ of certiorari with the Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state, on Nov. 29. The writ is essentially an appeal of a Maryland Court of Special Appeals decision.

Last August, the Court of Special Appeals upheld a Washington County Circuit Court judges decision to dismiss an appeal by neighbors. The circuit judge agreed the Maryland Public Service Commission has exclusive jurisdiction to approve Perennials type of solar farm, according to court records.

The case is scheduled for arguments in May, according to a court order.

The order also states that the county commissioners of Kent and Queen Annes counties, on the Eastern Shore, may file briefs in support of Washington County.

Other Maryland counties are keeping an eye on the case. Kent and Queen Annes filed briefs supporting Washington Countys petition for an appeal.

The solar array is planned for two contiguous properties owned by the family of former County Commissioner John Barr and Lauren and Mary Eby. The land would be leased for the project, Barr has said.
C.J. Lovelace

cj.lovelace@herald-mail.com

Lila Johnson has worked as a federal government contractor for more than 20 years. But for 35 days, it was like she was unemployed.

The Hagerstown resident was a casualty of the longest federal government shutdown in history.

Locked out of her janitorial job with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Johnson was forced to use up her sick leave and vacation days and pull from life insurance policies to make up for lost wages.

It was a struggle. Its still a struggle, she said Wednesday. Everything got behind and I had a little help, but that still doesnt add up to what I could have done with a paycheck. I really think that President Trump  he, to me, is just out of touch with reality.

Johnson was the guest of U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., on Tuesday for Trumps State of the Union address in Washington, D.C.

Van Hollens invitation helped underscore the need to protect contractors during a government shutdown. Last month, he introduced legislation for the cause.

Johnson was one of three Washington County residents who attended the event at the Capitol. The others were Williamsports Tom Wibberley, a guest of Trump, and Clear Spring resident Kevin Simmers, who was invited by U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-6th.

Wibberleys son Craig Wibberley was a Navy seaman killed in the 2000 attack on the USS Cole in Yemen. Tom Wibberley waved as he was recognized by Trump, a Republican, during his address in the House Chamber. He was one of 13 special guests of the president.

In illustrating the United States progress in reducing terrorism abroad, Trump talked about how an al-Qaida operative suspected of being involved in the attack on the USS Cole had been killed.

Its something Ill remember for the rest of my life, Wibberley said in an interview on Wednesday. For Craig to be honored and remembered in this way ... its just amazing.

Simmers said he got a call from Trone about attending as he was readying for Tuesdays ribbon-cutting at Brookes House. The sober-living facility for women was named in honor of Simmers daughter Brooke, who died of a heroin overdose.

Congressman Trone and I, we are probably at different ends of the political spectrum, but he could not have been a more gracious host, Simmers said of the experience. He must have introduced me to 50 representatives, and the treatment I received, I felt like a rock star, really.

Simmers said he arrived in Washington around 4:45 p.m. before heading to a couple of parties with Trone, who is an advocate in the fight against drug addiction. Trones nephew died of an opioid overdose.

Simmers mingled with lawmakers at the Library of Congress, then attended a party at House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office prior to heading to the Capitol.

Nancy Pelosi couldnt have been any kinder, Simmers said. It was a heck of an experience.

Asked about the environment inside the House chamber, Simmers characterized it as like a pep rally, though it appeared a little bit orchestrated as Republicans and Democrats reacted to Trumps remarks.

I thought the speech was an effort to bring people together, he said. ... It was really a night I would never forget.

For Johnson, the experience was enjoyable and exciting. She got to tour the Capitol grounds with Van Hollen and did a few media interviews alongside the senator.

I hope and pray that something that we said, something that I said ... (Trump) will take into consideration of not shutting it down again, Johnson said. It dont make sense for him to keep shutting down the government and putting people out of work because he wants a wall built.

Van Hollen and Sen. Tina Smith, a Democrat from Minnesota, have introduced legislation that would protect federal contractors, including janitorial, food and security workers, who were furloughed or forced to accept fewer hours as a result of a government shutdown.

About Trumps address, Van Hollen said he was disappointed the president failed to acknowledge the hardship caused to government contract workers, like Johnson, during the shutdown.

I also would have liked to hear the president say that shutting down the government as a negotiating tactic is never a good idea, he said. No one should take the entire government hostage to extract an agreement on something they want.

While Trump insisted that a wall for the southern border is crucial and needed funding, House and Senate Democrats disagreed and wouldnt fund it, causing a stalemate that led to the shutdown.

With another possible shutdown looming this month, Johnson said she hopes Trump can compromise with House Democrats, if they offer at least a portion of money for the border wall, to keep the government open.

Dont punish the American people. We dont deserve that, she said. Its so wrong for (Trump) to punish us because he wants to act like a 6-year-old child who wants a new toy and his mama said no.
Sherry Greenfield

sgreenfield@herald-mail.com

The National Park Service will again use sharpshooters to reduce the number of white-tailed deer in four national parks in Western Maryland  including, for the first time, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

The other three parks are Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Monocacy National Battlefield in Frederick, Md., and Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont, Md., according to a news release.

Overabundant deer populations damage vegetation and eat nearly all the tree seedlings, compromising the ability of forests to sustain themselves, the release states. Deer also damage the crops that are a key component of the historic setting. Crop farming was present at the battlefields during the Civil War, and the parks enabling legislation mandates preservation of these important cultural landscapes.

The deer population and the health of the vegetation at the C&O Canal have been monitored for several years, according to the National Park Service website.

Fewer than 20 percent of the vegetation plots have enough tree seedlings to ensure healthy forest regeneration, it states. Deer density at the park has varied from year to year, but has remained consistently higher than the recommended 15 to 20 deer per square mile needed for a healthy forest.

This will be the third year for a deer management hunt at Antietam and Monocacy battlefields. Catoctin National Park has conducted a deer hunt since 2010.

Sharpshooters last year killed 169 deer at Antietam and 131 deer at Monocacy, Katelyn Liming of the National Park Service wrote in an email. Another 72 deer were killed at Catoctin Mountain Park.

The National Park Service will again use qualified sharpshooters from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They will work under the direction of resource management specialists with the Park Service and law enforcement park rangers.

The hunt will take place in February and March.

As in the past, deer meat will be donated to local food banks.

The Park Service has set a goal of 15 to 20 deer per square mile. It will take several years to achieve that goal in each park.

Extensive safety measures will be in place during the hunting period.

For public safety, limited park areas will be temporarily closed while reduction operations are underway, the release states. Visitors and area residents are encouraged to check their local parks website for the most up-to-date information, and are reminded to respect posted closures.
Mike Lewis

mlewis@herald-mail.com

Some climate advocates Thursday praised a bill aimed at what they called fracked gas pipelines in Maryland.

The bill would require the state to conduct water quality certification reviews, as it is may do under section 401 of the Clean Water Act, for any proposed fracked gas pipelines.

Waiving such a review is almost malpractice, said Del. David Fraser-Hidalgo, D-Montgomery County, a sponsor of the measure.

I think that Maryland needs to look after Marylands interests, he said.

Section 401 gives states authority to ensure that federal agencies will not issue permits or licenses that violate water quality standards.

Environmental advocates sought such a review during the recent debate about the natural gas pipeline that Columbia Gas Transmission, part of TransCanada, proposed for Western Maryland. That pipeline would go from southern Pennsylvania under the Potomac River near Hancock to connect with a pipeline in West Virginia.

Pipeline opponents contend that the Maryland Department of the Environment should require individual Section 401 certifications for wetland and stream crossings.

The state waived the review. The Maryland Department of the Environment, however, attached more than 20 conditions to the permit it issued for the pipelines construction. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission also issued a permit for the work.

But in January, the Maryland Board of Public Works denied an easement and permission to install the pipeline under the Western Maryland Rail Trail.

Opposing the pipeline was a two-year campaign, said Brooke Harper, Maryland director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and political chair of the NAACP Maryland State Conference.

We see this (bill) as a critical next step, she said during a telephone news conference Thursday.

Harper and other speakers said section 401 reviews would outline the impact of pipeline projects on the environment and provide Maryland residents with opportunities for input.

It seems like a no-brainer of a bill. ... We really need to know what the options are (in these projects), Fraser-Hidalgo said.

Fraser-Hidalgo and Sen. Bobby Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, sponsored the states 2017 fracking ban. They are the primary sponsors of the new proposal, filed as House Bill 669 and Senate Bill 387.

Speakers at Thursdays conference also pointed to potential leaks from pipelines and what they see as the need to move away from fossil fuels toward clean energy sources to combat climate change.
Matthew Umstead

mumstead@herald-mail.com

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.  A Berkeley County, W.Va., man allegedly told police early Thursday that he fatally shot a man Sunday during an apparent attempted home invasion on South Raleigh Street in Martinsburg.

Alvin Deshaun Gilbert, 27, of Apple Harvest Drive in Glengary was arrested on five outstanding drug-distribution warrants. An investigation into the shooting led Martinsburg police to suspect his involvement in the death of 26-year-old Corey Barkhamer.

Gilbert was being held without bond Thursday night at Eastern Regional Jail near Martinsburg on one count of first-degree murder. Bonds totaling $204,500 were set for charges of distribution of controlled substances, possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine and heroin, destruction of property and domestic battery, court records said.

In a news release sent early Thursday, police said Gilbert waived his Miranda rights and gave a statement admitting the killing.

Police responded Sunday at 4:03 p.m. to 405 S. Raleigh St. for a report of a man shot in the chest. They found Barkhamer in the living room of the home with two apparent gunshot wounds on his chest, court records said.

Barkhamer was taken to Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

An autopsy by the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found that the cause of Barkhamers death was gunshot wounds on his left chest and left lateral back. Two small-caliber bullets were recovered from his body, court records said.

Detectives at the South Raleigh Street home found five fired cartridge cases  four on the front porch and one inside the front door leading to the porch, records said.

Broken glass was seen in the area and the front door was damaged, appearing to have been forced open, police said.

Witnesses told police they saw a black man kick the front door of the home open. They reported hearing a series of gunshots before observing the man leaving the residence.

The man got into a car on Stephen Street and left the area. The man also parked on West Stephen Street and walked on South Raleigh Street to the home, court records said.

A search of the home led to the discovery of several cellphones. All but one were accounted for by the occupants of the property.

For the remaining cellphone, the telephone number matched one the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force contacted to purchase heroin from Gilbert in drug deals orchestrated by the law-enforcement team, court records said.

Gilbert, who was found at the Apple Harvest Drive address, initially denied being involved in the homicide, according to a complaint filed by Martinsburg Police Department Detective Sgt. Adam Albaugh.

Albaugh wrote that Gilbert changed his story and indicated he was a drug dealer and that he was contacted to sell drugs and meet an unknown person near the monument at Virginia and Faulkner avenues and West Stephen Street.

Gilbert recounted how he gave drugs to a white male who met him there, but the person didnt give him any money and left, Albaugh said.

Albaugh said the defendant indicated that he then followed the male to his house and kicked in the door. When the door opened, the white male had a pistol and Gilbert used his own pistol and shot the male, according to the complaint.

While looking for Gilbert, task force members found him and a female with three bags of suspected crack cocaine and one bag of suspected heroin Wednesday in their vehicle, court records said.

Police made the discovery after approaching Gilbert in the driveway of the Apple Harvest Drive residence while he was in the vehicle, records said. The drugs were spotted on the drivers-side back-passenger floorboard where Gilbert was seated, records said.

Police alleged on Jan. 31 that Gilbert, known on Facebook as Skeeno Groove, sold drugs around King, Liberty and Third streets in Martinsburg, court records said.

The domestic-battery charge stems from an alleged incident Jan. 10 in Martinsburg. The destruction-of-property charge was filed in August in connection with another alleged domestic-related incident, records said.
William Wignall Home This home at 289 N. 100 East was reportedly one of the first homes built outside of the Payson Fort that was originally built in the Payson area by settlers. It was constructed in 1857. According to the National Register of Historic Places, William Wignall build the home after his wife Grace told her husband that if he didn't build her a home by March she would take the children and go back to England." The home was restored in 1989, according to the Payson Historical Society.

Old Rock School The Old Rock School, located at 289 N. 200 West, was built in 1863. According to the Payson Historical Society, the building was built from rocks originally used to build the foundation of the Payson Fort. The building was used as a school until 1901, then sat empty for 22 years. In 1923, it was purchased and remodeled into a personal residence. According to the Payson Historical Society, the north side of the home has a section that was not stuccoed, and shows the rocks from the original building.

Samuel Douglass House The Samuel Douglass House was built in 1874 at 215 N. Main St. in Payson. An addition was added on the west side of the home in 1894.The home underwent a major upgrade in 1912 when one porch became an enclosed foyer and another porch was enclosed and became a new kitchen. A second level was also added. At that same time, the original adobe walls were also upgraded to stucco. Douglass operated a general store on the corner of Main Street and Utah Avenue, one block from his home. That building was demolished in 1953. He also worked in a coal operation, and according to the National Register of Historic Places, he operated an ice-harvesting and delivery business. Douglass also served as the citys treasurer and as a city councilman. The home was one of the earliest homes in Payson to be wired for electricity and piped for water. Electrical systems were added in 1897 and the piping was done in 1902.

George Patten Home This home, built by George Patten, was constructed at 47 E. 300 North in 1876. Patten was a cattleman when he built the home. It was used as Paysons first hospital from 1901 to 1913, and was operated by Parley Pratt Musser, according to the National Register of Historic Places. The Payson Historical Society said that the parlor was used as the doctors office, and the kitchen was used as a kitchen and operating room. The two bedrooms upstairs each had two hospital beds.

Payson Presbyterian Church Constructed in 1882, the Payson Presbyterian Church was one of the early non-Latter-day Saint churches in the area. Along with church services, the building was used as a school for children in the area. In 1881, the Presbyterian Churchs day school had 45 students. The new church chapel was dedicated on Nov. 2, 1882. It was used as a school and a church building until 1910. It was then used exclusively as a church for the local Presbyterian congregation until 1971. In 1971, the building was sold to the United Missionary Fellowship.

Payson Opera House The Payson Opera House opened in 1883 as one of the first opera houses built south of Salt Lake City. According to the Payson Historical Society, the building also had a dance floor that could be placed over the seats to make the room into a dance hall. The building, located at 85 E. Utah Ave., is now home to Mi Rancherito Restaurant.

Simons-Wightman Block The Simons-Wightman Block is one of the most distinctive buildings in Payson. Located at 86 S. Main St., it was built in two parts, one built by Orrawell Simons in 1891 and an adjoining building for Joseph Wightman in 1898. According to the National Register of Historic Places, both Simons and Wightman served as mayor of Payson, and according to the Payson Historical Society, Simons served as a director of the Payson Co-op.

John Dixon Home With his partners, John Dixon, son of Christopher F. Dixon Sr., began by running a successful livestock business after purchasing and leasing land from prominent Provo businessman Jesse Knight. Dixon was known as a regional cattle baron and eventually moved into business circles, becoming the owner, with Hyrum Lemons, of the First Bank of Payson. He also served as the mayor of Payson from 1900 to 1904. His home was built in 1893 at 218 N. Main St. in Payson. The Nebo Stake Tabernacle was later built directly south of his home and the Christopher F. Dixon, Jr. home, built by Dixon's brother, was later built directly to the north.

Christopher F. Dixon Jr. Home The Christopher F. (Jack) Dixon Jr. home was built in 1899 at 248 N. Main St. in Payson. The home hasnt undergone many significant alterations and, according to the National Register of Historic Places, is a local landmark. The original owner, Jack Dixon, was an affluent member of the Payson community. He ran a very successful cattle business and helped many family members and neighbors who were starting in the cattle business. According to the National Register of Historic Places, Dixon was also reportedly one of the first people in Payson to own an automobile  a Studebaker sedan.

Peteetneet School The Peteetneet School was originally built in 1901. Since that time, it has undergone some changes, including removal of the belfry roof, adjustments to the windows and the covering of one set of stairs. In 1960, a two-level, flat-roofed addition was built on the north end of the school to house an auditorium, kitchen and recreation hall. According to the National Register of Historic Places, early settlers in Payson placed a high emphasis on education, voting in property taxes in the 1860s to help build schools. They also increased property taxes to ensure that local teachers were paid a monthly salary  thus making local schools essentially tuition free. After building several smaller grade schools and a Central School for grades six, seven and eight, Payson residents approved a bond to pay the $22,000 needed to build a school that would house all students from first through eighth grade. The school served students in Payson until 1988 when it was closed because of safety concerns. Payson City had plans to demolish the building, but a group of local residents formed the group People Preserving Peteetneet. The group obtained grants and worked to restore and renovate the building. It now houses a Daughters of the Utah Pioneers museum of pioneer artifacts, the Payson Historical Society, and the Peteetneet Arts Council as well as hosting many community art and dance classes and events.
President Donald Trumps State of the Union address had been trailed as an appeal for unity  and, by the presidents standards, it almost was. Despite some jarring moments, he made a passable attempt at a presidential tone, calling for governing not as two parties but as one nation, and speaking of a new opportunity in U.S. politics for those with the courage to seize it.

The question is whether these gestures are to be taken seriously. The next week will give the answer, because without a deal on funding the government, Washington will shut down again on Feb. 15 and dysfunction will reach new depths.

Trump has been insisting on a border wall that two years of GOP rule failed to supply, and which the Democrats now in control of the House of Representatives are no closer to authorizing. He could have had his money for barriers long ago in exchange for modest concessions on immigration policy. He insisted on severe cuts in legal immigration and the deal fell apart.

Tuesday night Trump declared his support for additional legal immigration without acknowledging this history. He also seemed to grant that his wall might now be a lot smaller than the wall he first had in mind. If he can be taken at his revised word on both points, a compromise should be possible. Both sides could then declare victory and the government could stay open.
At work and at home, Lucas was a talented storyteller with a gift for humor, his obituary states. Lucas could captivate a room with tales from his patrol car, adventures with friends, or just spinning the awkward encounters life has a way of putting in our path. As a trooper, Lucas often spoke of seeing people on the worst days of their lives and looking for ways he could help or somehow lighten the mood. He will be remembered by colleagues, family, and friends for his ability to do just that  brighten the lives of those around him.
The hearing will be held at 5 p.m. in the Northeast State Community College Center for the Arts, 2425 Highway 75 in Blountville, according to a written statement.

Those who wish to provide comments on Ballad Healths annual report and the progress of the COPA may sign in upon entering the centers auditorium and will speak in order of signing. Each person will be given three minutes. A court reporter will record the hearing. Participants may also bring written comments. Input may also be sent to the Tennessee Department of Health in Nashville.
Vincenti touched on priorities for the next year including more open dialogue with the superintendent and school board on the HCPS budget and ensuring school safety, supporting local law enforcement and fire and EMS. He talked about working with health officials to tackle the ongoing opioid crisis and deter youths from making self-destructive decisions, working with Aberdeen Proving Ground and other public and private entities to promote economic development with an emphasis on the Route 40 corridor, while preserving rural areas at the same time.
GATE CITY, Va.  Ballad Health will partner with seven area United Way chapters to try to help area elementary students read better.

The regional effort is one of Ballads cornerstone commitments that helped secure the Certificate of Public Advantage in Tennessee and Cooperative Agreement in Virginia, which allowed two former rival health systems to merge last year. Ballad announced an initial investment of $200,000, which will be matched by a combined $100,000 from the United Way groups to bolster existing programming.

This is not just a situation where Ballad Health is writing a check; our team members are investing in this, and Im very proud of that, Ballad CEO Alan Levine said during a news conference at Shoemaker Elementary in Gate City.

Half of Ballads contribution came from employees and the balance through its foundation.

This is a collective impact model where the funds serve the whole region, based on where the greatest need is, Levine said. Instead of having seven different organizations doing seven different things, now all of us are working together.

Levine said Ballad volunteered for this challenge because it recognized how it could impact children once they reach adulthood.
Yampolsky and Symphony of the Mountains poured it on with waterfalls of drama. Dainty pinpricks of notes from violins and cellos toed a delicate line one second only to combust into kinetic stabs of nitro-laced bombast the next.

Meanwhile one block away, patrons stuffed Bloom Cafe and Listening Room. Inside, Bristols Indighost plied a pile-driving set of psychedelic-inflected rockers onto the attentive crowd. Like boulders rolled from a mountain, their set featured songs that rumbled then crashed, much to the delight of those who stood shoulder-to-shoulder to hear.

Together, classical to rock from Russia to Bristol, Saturday night illustrated the extent to which Bristols music scene can extend. On any given night, cars line State Street, eager to locate an ever-elusive slot into which to park. Heels click along sidewalks, eager in step, bound for live music of one sort or another.

Time was when the Bristol sign shone alone, but those nights are as gone as the tumbleweed days of downtowns ghost town past. Restaurants brim. Craft beer flows. Doughnuts sweeten. The lights of the Paramount dazzle. And amid it all, music provides the soundtrack of the lives that make downtown Bristol go.

So it went on Saturday night.

Brooklyns Lost Leaders deliver five winners in this weeks free MP3 downloads. Visit https://noisetrade.com/lostleaders/extra-ordinary-the-collection. Find Extra-Ordinary, a collection of riveting, Tom Petty-like peeks into the Americana-rockers forthcoming album, Promises Promises.

Tom Netherland is a freelance writer. He may be reached at features@bristolnews.com.
Am I angry? You bet I am. In my eyes someone has to speak up for those who cannot. We as a nation that God has blessed immensely cannot allow this. When I saw the people in the gallery of the New York capital cheering and clapping for the governor signing their law that would allow late-term abortions, I felt a nail in the coffin of America and this broke my heart. This once great nation allowing this will surely be reckoned with by God Almighty for allowing something like this to happen in a nation that He gave to the world as a light to the world. If this continues across our nation and other states may God have mercy on our souls.
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Michael Keogh was gunned down in an underground car park at Sheridan Court

An under-threat Hutch family member has been arrested by detectives investigating the feud murder of Michael Keogh.

Armed gardai swooped on a number of properties in Dublin yesterday morning and arrested three people - including a relative, aged in his 40s, of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, who has survived two attempts on his life.

The suspected getaway driver - also in his 40s - in the 2017 murder of Keogh was arrested in prison, while his girlfriend, aged in her 30s, was arrested in the north inner city.

All three were being questioned about the murder of Keogh, but gardai suspect the actual shooter was slain gangster Jason 'Buda' Molyneux.

Gardai believe Keogh (35) - a brother of jailed Kinahan hitman Jonathan Keogh - was targeted after becoming involved in a number of attacks on associates of the Hutch mob in the weeks before his murder.

The Hutch family member being quizzed over the killing has survived at least two attempts on his life linked to the Hutch-Kinahan feud, which has so far claimed 19 lives.

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He was also previously arrested over the Regency Hotel murder of David Byrne three years ago this week, but has not been charged over the killing.

The Michael Keogh murder, on May 31, 2017, is one of only two killings believed to have been carried out by the Hutch faction as part of the ongoing feud.

His body was found in an underground car park at Sheridan Court by Dublin City Council workers.

Gardai quickly identified two notorious inner city criminals suspected of being the hitmen.

Volatile

They included gangland mobster Molyneux, who was himself gunned down as part of the feud in January last year, and the dangerous north inner city mobster arrested by gardai yesterday.

Molyneux is suspected of having been joined on the murder job by a currently jailed armed robber from the north inner city whose home was searched by detectives on the day of the shooting.

He is before the courts on serious non-feud related charges and is considered a "volatile and highly dangerous criminal" who has links to a number of Hutch gang associates.

A garda spokesman said yesterday: "Gardai investigating the murder of Michael Keogh on May 31, 2017, at Sheridan Court, Dublin 1, have arrested two men in their 40s and a woman in her 30s in Dublin today.

"One man and one woman are detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 and the second man is detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

"They are detained at Dublin city centre garda stations."

Michael Keogh's brother Jonathan was jailed for life last year for the feud murder of The Monk's nephew Gareth Hutch in May 2016.

Gardai believe that incident also made Michael a huge target for the Hutch mob as Jona- than was on the run in the UK when the gang murdered his brother.
Craig Ryan died at home just days after he was struck by a car in a hit-and-run incident

A post-mortem on a 28-year-old Dublin man will determine whether gardai upgrade the case from its current "sudden death" status to a homicide probe.

A distraught family member found Craig Ryan dead in his bed at his home on Pearse Street in the capital's south inner city on Tuesday evening.

The house remained sealed off yesterday as officers continued to examine the property.

Injuries

It has emerged that Mr Ryan had no obvious signs of new injuries on his body when a preliminary examination was carried out, but the south inner city man had been the victim of a violent incident last week.

Sources have revealed that a car mounted a footpath and intentionally drove into him as he walked at Pearse Grove, just yards from his home at around 8pm last Friday.

Mr Ryan - who came from a very decent family - suffered a fractured right leg and other injuries which required treatment at the city's St James's Hospital.

The car involved in the incident fled the scene, and Pearse Street gardai had been investigating it as a "hit-and-run" with no arrests so far.

Mr Ryan died "suddenly" at his home less than four days after the car was driven at him.

"What gardai need to establish is if there is any link between the injuries that this man suffered in the hit-and-run incident last Friday and his sudden death on Tuesday," a senior source told the Herald.

"If it is found that his death is medically linked to the injuries he received, then this is a homicide investigation.

"Gardai are keeping an open mind on this case until the results of the post-mortem become available to them," the source added.

The post mortem was due to take place this afternoon.

Gardai have been aware that Mr Ryan was in a "prolonged and bitter dispute" with a violent dissident republican from the south inner city who is aged in his late 30s.

The dissident republican is suspected of being in the car which drove into Mr Ryan and is understood to have damaged property connected to him in recent weeks.

The violent IRA figure previously served a lengthy jail sentence in relation to explosives offences and had a number of major run-ins with south inner city drug dealers linked to the Kinahan cartel.

While Mr Ryan was known to gardai for minor offences, he was not considered a criminal, and it is not known exactly when or why his disagreement with the dangerous republican began.

Fight

Sources have revealed that Mr Ryan, described as a "big, tall fella", got the better of the criminal in a fight recently which then led the dissident to demand 50,000 from him so there could be a "truce" in their long-running dispute.

"This seems to be the background to last Friday's incident. Gardai were aware there was a dispute between the two men," a source said.

"Mr Ryan certainly did not have access to anything like the 50,000 being allegedly demanded from him. When the issue of money first came up, he thought the dissident was looking for a few hundred quid, but it was far more than this.

"The dissident republican has made a career out of taxing or extorting money from people in the south inner city, including people who have far bigger criminal pedigrees than Mr Ryan ever had.

"Mr Ryan had a long-time problem with drugs but was trying to get back on track."
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said he takes responsibility for the fiasco surrounding the cost of the National Children's Hospital, which could soar above 1.7bn

The move was perceived as Mr Donohoe rushing to the defence of Simon Harris after it was suggested he threw the Health Minister under a bus.

At a parliamentary party meeting, Mr Donohoe suggested he would bring forward proposals to avoid further cost overruns in future projects.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government should take responsibility for the crisis surrounding the hospital.

Fine Gael TDs and senators also rounded on the HSE over the massive overrun of costs linked to the hospital.

Louth TD Fergus O'Dowd hit out at the overspend, saying the HSE is never on budget, "no matter who the minister is".

It comes as it emerged that Mr Harris was told about overruns in the cost of the new National Children's Hospital on two separate occasions, including an escalation of 200m last August.

However, he admitted yesterday that he did not negotiate specifically for the potentially higher cost of the hospital in the run-up to last October's Budget.

The hospital was signed off by the Government in April 2017 for 983m, but the cost escalated to 1.4bn last November.

The soaring bill means 100m will have to be found from the capital budget in health and other departments, delaying other projects.

Mr Harris and his officials came under attack again yesterday before the Oireachtas health committee for their oversight of price negotiations between the paediatric development board and builders BAM.

Briefed

Mr Harris told the committee he was briefed on costings and progress in September 2017 when the hospital, to be built on a site at St James's Hospital, was heading for a 61m overspend.

It was nearly a full year before he received another update, in August 2018, when the cost was 200m over budget.

Mr Harris said he was not told of the final cost until last November 9 - the same day as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who was visiting the Department of Health that day.

Mr Harris was quizzed by Fianna Fail TD Stephen Donnelly on whether he made the expected higher bill for the hospital part of his pre-Budget negotiations.

"I was actively seeking additional capital for the health department during budgetary negotiations," he said.

Mr Donnelly said: "Minister Harris became aware of the overspend in August 2018, yet he did not think to raise it with the Minister for Finance nor the Taoiseach until November.

"This is despite Budget negotiations taking place in September and the passing of the Budget in October.

"It is very hard to fathom that he would not have warned them of the overrun which would have significantly impacted the Budget."
A Dublin-based legal assistant who was questioned about an invalid train ticket has lost a 75,000 defamation case against Irish Rail and been ordered to pay its costs.

Mother-of-two Nicola Dowd, of The Avenue, Walshestown Park, Newbridge, Co Kildare, claimed two inspectors had shouted aggressively as they approached her on the Dublin to Newbridge train and defamed, embarrassed, intimidated and shamed her in front of a whole carriage.

Throwing out her claim, Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke said he had a problem with Ms Dowd's allegation that she felt scared, intimidated and bullied as he did not see her as a person who would be very easily scared, intimidated or bullied.

Instead, he found her to be very strong in her views and opinions.

Mr Justice Groarke told Jeri Ward, counsel for Irish Rail, that he could not see that what had been said to Ms Dowd on the train by the inspectors had been defamatory.

They had made a simple statement of fact that she had travelled on an invalid ticket.

Ms Ward told the court that on January 22 and 23 last year, Ms Dowd had travelled from Dublin to Newbridge on a short-hop ticket that entitled her to travel from Dublin to Sallins.

Ignorant

When ticket inspector Gary Dunne boarded the train beyond Sallins, at the Hazelhatch and Celbridge stop, he told her she had an invalid ticket.

Mr Dunne, in evidence, said he had been courteous and professional in dealing with the matter.

Ms Ward reminded Ms Dowd in cross-examination that in an email she had sent to Irish Rail's customer care department, she described Mr Dunne as "a nasty, ignorant, rude, abusive and aggressive individual who has no business working on public transport".

Mr Justice Groarke said there was an issue of credibility in the case between Ms Dowd and Mr Dunne as to what had been said.

He was resolving that issue against Ms Dowd for the reason that, on January 29, she had again been addressed by an inspector on the same train when she did not have a valid ticket.

He said she had offered the explanation that she was entitled to travel on a monthly ticket she had bought for February, which did not become valid until three days later, "and I believe that she knew perfectly well that wasn't the case".

The court heard that the price of a monthly return ticket between Dublin and Newbridge was 237, while the price of the monthly short-hop return ticket between Dublin and Sallins was 154.
A garda has been acquitted of assaulting a rickshaw driver in a dispute over a fare.

Gda Brian O'Toole had been accused of striking the man on the head during a scuffle on a city centre street.

However, Judge John Lindsay dismissed the case, saying there was insufficient evidence.

Gda O'Toole had denied assaulting the man in an incident on March 3, 2017.

The case was prosecuted by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) following a Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission investigation.

Swung

Gda Daniel Sweeney told Dublin District Court he had been due to meet Gda O'Toole at Pearse Street Station in the early hours of the morning.

When he found he was not there, Gda Sweeney drove around looking for him and said he saw him involved in an altercation outside Doyle's pub on the corner of Fleet Street.

There was a scuffle between Gda O'Toole and a man wearing a high-vis jacket, he said. They were pulling and dragging each other, he said.

Gda O'Toole swung a punch at the other man, connecting with his head, Gda Sweeney said.

Gda O'Toole ran from the area, and the other man approached Gda Sweeney and was "very upset".

In cross-examination, Gda Sweeney agreed with the def-ence lawyer that he did not see what led up to the scuffle and could not contradict that the rickshaw driver had not given change to Gda O'Toole after a journey was completed.

The court heard that if required to give evidence, Gda O'Toole would say the rickshaw driver grabbed his collar.

Elaine O'Mara, who was a garda at the time but has since left the force, said she had gone with Gda Sweeney to collect Gda O'Toole on the night.

She saw the scuffle and said the rickshaw driver seemed "very upset" and was crying and "a bit panicked".

Luas worker Jason Dalton said he saw an argument between a man and a "tuk tuk driver" and there was "a bit of to-ing and fro-ing between them, a bit of an argy-bargy".

However, this was 100 metres away, near the River Bar on D'Olier Street.

The prosecution had been unable to bring the alleged victim to court as a witness as he was now in the US and unwilling to return.

State solicitor Michael Durkan said that although the absence of the alleged victim weakened the prosecution's case, there was other evidence.

Gda O'Toole's lawyer said the absence of the alleged victim prejudiced the defendant's right to a fair trial as it was not possible to cross-examine him.

He said the case came down to a fundamental question of fairness or lack of fairness.

CCTV evidence was "not clear at all" and showed the two parties pushing and shoving at each other.

Mr Durkan said the CCTV did not show a blow, but it did show a confrontation between the two men.

The prosecution would say the blow happened off camera.

Mr Durkan said Gda O'Toole had said in his statement that he slapped the man and regretted it.

"I don't think there's sufficient evidence of a blow being struck," Judge Lindsay said.

"The only evidence I could see was two men pushing and shoving each other."
Charlie Murphy will star in upcoming horror thriller The Winter Lake, which will begin filming this month

She won an Ifta for her portrayal of troubled Siobhan Delaney on Love/Hate, has since joined the cast of the smash-hit show Peaky Blinders - and now Charlie Murphy will be adding another string to her bow as she takes on a horror-thriller film.

The 29-year-old has been cast alongside Game Of Thrones star Michael McElhatton in The Winter Lake, a dark tale produced by Epic Pictures and Ruth Treacy and Julianne Forde's Tailored Films.

Terrifying

Murphy will take on the role of the mother of a teenager called Tom, played by up-and-coming English actor Anson Boon.

They find themselves on a desolate farm in Ireland and as the water lowers on a nearby seasonal lake, Tom makes a terrifying discovery.

He and his mother are then drawn into an uneasy alliance with a mysterious neighbour - Emma Mackey from Netflix series Sex Education - and her protective father, played by McElhatton.

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As dark secrets come to light, all four will be changed forever, with Tom discovering the harsh realities of adulthood.

The film is set to begin its shoot in the west of Ireland on February 18.

Epic will be executive producer of the project alongside Title Media and producers Treacy and Forde.

Anne-Marie Gelinas, of EMA films, will co-produce. She previously partnered with Epic on Turbo Kid and Radius.

The Winter Lake is co-financed by Screen Ireland, Epic, Telefilm, Wrap Fund and Creative Europe.

Fiery

Recognised for her portrayal of strong characters, it sounds like Charlie will continue this pattern with her new project.

She was known for her fiery disposition in both Love/Hate and as activist Jessie Eden in Peaky Blinders, a performance that won her the praise of the show's director, Cathal Watters.

"Charlie was just amazing as Jessie Eden, who was instrumental in looking for women's rights in the 1926 general strike in the UK.," said Watters.

"One of her first scenes was this incredible stand-of, but she comes in and plays against Cillian Murphy and that cannot be easy."
It also encourages community leaders to assist victims in accessing the necessary resources for recovery, to develop a comprehensive response to dating violence, and to engage in discussions with adult and youth community members to promote awareness and prevention of the heinous and widespread crime of teen dating violence that affects members across communities, according to a media release.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7)  The Senate decision to approve the transfer of Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company (Mislatel)'s franchise to the consortium which will be the country's new major telecommunications player has "cured" franchise violations in the telco industry, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) chief Eliseo Rio said.

"It also cured the telecommunication industry because these violations, these deficiencies are also rampant in other telco franchises," Rio told CNN Philippines Thursday.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri earlier raised in previous Senate hearings that several telco companies have committed violations against their own Congressional franchises, but warned that revoking these will prove detrimental to public interest.

But courts handling cases on the franchise's validity may still issue a quo warranto petition, Rio said.

"The court can decide on whether this 'cure' is legal or not," he said.

On Wednesday, the Senate adopted a House resolution approving this transfer of controlling interests, and subsequently the franchise. Senators Franklin Drilon, Francis Escudero, and Risa Hontiveros voted against the measure.

Drilon cited three of Mislatel's franchise violations: that Mislatel failed to inform Congress on its transfer of 75 percent of its shares to new owners, that it failed to operate within a year after it received its franchise in 1998, and that it failed to make a public offering equivalent to 30 percent of its outstanding capital stock within five years from the commencement of operation.

The Senate decision effectively transfers the original Mislatel franchise to the consortium also dubbed as 'Mislatel' -- comprised of Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy's Udenna Corporation, Chelsea Holdings Logistics Corporation, and state-run China Telecommunications Corporation (China Telecom).

The consortium will have up until February 17 to complete their post-qualification requirements to the DICT and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) upon receiving the Congressional franchise. The NTC is then given 15 days to grant the certificates of public convenience (CPC) and the frequencies to the new telco player.

"Realistically, if that comes maybe after elections, then Mislatel would need about a year or so to roll-out their infrastructure, but maybe within 6 to 10 months after that they could be getting their first subscribers especially in Metro Manila," he said.

But even though roll-out would take a year, Rio said Mislatel's entry into the telco duopoly has already stirred improvements from the existing telco giants.

"Even Globe and Smart are improving their own networks. So the effect of Mislatel coming in is already being felt with Globe and Smart putting in their biggest CAPEX (capital expenditure) so that they can improve their network," he said.
A NEW exhibition at the River & Rowing Museum in Henley focuses on the connection between artist William Morris and the River Thames.

An Earthly Paradise: William Morris and the Thames opens today (Friday) and features a new selection of his works.

Highlights include a series of textiles alongside his original hand-drawn designs, a signed copy of News from Nowhere and his personal fishing tackle and spectacles.

Morris is associated with the British Arts and Crafts Movement and was a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of production.

His literary contributions helped to establish the modern fantasy genre, while he also played a significant role in promoting the early socialist movement in Britain.

Indeed, materials from the Morris & Co workshop illustrate the production process, while socialist pamphlets that Morris penned and published demonstrate his deep commitment to socialism in later life.

But it was the influence of the Thames and its tributaries that was ever-present throughout his life and work. The river provided the setting for his leisure time spent angling and boating, inspiration for his designs and writing, and the ideal water conditions for the manufacture of his textiles.

One notable Thames boat trip from his London home via Henley to his rural retreat in Oxfordshire was so moving that it inspired his utopia novel, News from Nowehere.

The exhibition, which runs until July 14, has been brought together with loans from the V&A Museum, the William Morris gallery, the British Library and elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the latest art exhibition from students at The Henley College in the community gallery is in its final week.

This debut exhibition showcases their works made in a variety of media and is open daily until next Thursday (February 7).

For more information, visit www.rrm.co.uk
Contractor in Buncombe County scandal pleads guilty

Joseph F. Wiseman Jr., a contractor whose dealings with Buncombe County led to the indictment of three top county officials, pleaded guilty on Thursday to a conspiracy charge for his role in a bribery scheme.

Wiseman, 58, of Roswell, Georgia, was the agent and contractor on behalf of three businesses that collectively obtained more than $15 million in contracts with Buncombe County for consulting and engineering services from the mid 1980s through 2017, U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray said.

John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division; Director Robert Schurmeier of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI); and Matthew D. Line, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Charlotte Field Office (IRS-CI), join Murray in making todays announcement.

Court records show that from at least 2014 through June 30, 2018, Wiseman engaged in a bribery scheme involving three top Buncombe County Officials: former County Manager Wanda Skillington Greene; former Director of the Department of Planning and Development Jon Eugene Creighton; and former Director of the Department of Social Services, Assistant County Manager, and later Buncombe County Manager, Amanda Stone (collectively, County Officials).

According to court documents, the plea agreement, and statements made in court, Greene, Creighton, and Stone engaged in the bribery scheme with Wiseman and used their official positions to enrich and benefit themselves by soliciting and accepting gifts, payments, and other things of value from Wiseman, in exchange for awarding Wiseman and the companies he represented with lucrative county contracts and projects. Court records show that Wiseman understood and agreed that providing the trips, gifts, and other things of value to the three County Officials was a necessary condition for his companies to continue to obtain contracts with the County.

According to court records, prior to 2014, Greene, Creighton, and Stone went on trips that were connected in some way with legitimate county business, but during which Wiseman provided things of value such as meals, wine, tickets to sporting events, and other excursions. By 2014, the County Officials solicited and accepted valuable gifts from Wiseman that were entirely unrelated to any legitimate County business. For example, Wiseman paid for pleasure trips to various locations within the United States and abroad, including to Key West, Boston, Marthas Vineyard, Napa Valley, San Diego, Vienna, Budapest, Cartagena, and Vancouver, among others. In addition to lodging and airfare, during those trips Wiseman also paid for sightseeing excursions, spa sessions, and gift shop purchases, such as cases of wine from the Napa Valley vineyards that the County Officials visited. To pay for the trips and other incidentals, Wiseman either provided the County Officials with his credit card number, or, as in Creightons case, the credit card itself.

As a result of receiving the above-cited things of value, Greene and Creighton awarded on behalf of Buncombe County multiple contracts worth over $2 million to Wisemans company, Environmental Infrastructure Consulting, LLC (EIC). According to the filed factual basis statement to which Wiseman agreed during the entry of his guilty plea, Wiseman contends that the expenses he incurred by providing these trips, gifts, and other things of value to the County Officials came out of what otherwise would have been part of the his own profit, rather than from any type of padding or inflating of the contract amounts. However, Wiseman did agree that he provided the valuable gifts for the purpose of influencing Greene, Creighton, and Stones decision to award the contracts, and, in doing so, Wiseman conspired with the County Officials to deprive the Government and the citizens of Buncombe County of their right to the honest services of those employees.

Wiseman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carleton Metcalf. The maximum penalty for the charge is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. A sentencing date has not been set.
Three shelters in Kentucky, including the Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter in Perry County, have been selected to receive funding as part of the Kentucky Humane Societys Love 120 project.

Minnie Owsley, with KRRAS said that the shelter has high hopes for the future of the project.

Its going to be a three-year pilot program called Love 120, said Owsley, Its an effort to positively effect animals. Theyre hoping animals in all 120 counties in Kentucky will end up affected by this.

According to Owsley the Kentucky Humane Society based in Louisville received the funding for the Love 120 project in the form of a $1.2 million grant from the WaterShed Foundation.

The 1.2 million will be distributed to the three shelters, which were selected so that the eastern, central and western parts of the state will all be reached.

The funds will go to a variety of things that will end up not only helping the shelter, but according to Owsley, the community as well.

Its not necessarily the shelter that gets this money, its the community, said Owsley. Its going to help people in the community with spaying or neutering their animals. Its going to help the shelter with transporting and getting these animals rescues.

Owsley said the Humane Society had partnered with the shelter for some time now, but this project would mean more involvement.

They are going to be more actively taking animals out of areas that they may not get adopted into areas they are more likely to get adopted, she said.

Owsley also said that the project will allow the shelter to train more volunteers, a much-needed form of support.

Ultimately its going to improve shelter conditions, said Owsley.

Other services expected to to be provided or expanded upon at the shelter as part of the Love 120 project include wellness services for owned animals, solutions to increase life outcomes for cats and more.
Lois Kay "Katie" Nielsen, 81, passed away of natural causes Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at her home in of Gildford, MT.

Katie was born in Portland, OR, June 24, 1937, and was the first child in a family of three children. From the time Katie was a baby till she was 13, the family moved often, living in Pocatello, ID, where her brother and sister were born; Ogden, UT, where her father had been deployed to supervise POWs from World War II; to Rupert, ID, after the war ended in 1945; to Boise, ID, in the summer of 1948 for a year; to New Plymouth, ID, for a year and finally settling in Jerome, ID, in the summer of 1950.

At a very early age, Katie developed a musical talent and in grade school both she and her sister would sing harmony duets together in church. She had the extraordinary talent of being able to pick out the alto by ear! Katie would often provide piano accompaniment to Margaret's vocal solos. The two sisters enjoyed playing duets together on the piano. In addition to the piano, Katie played the flute in band during junior high and high school. She was a member of the International Order of Job's Daughters, where she held various offices, which included the privilege of being elected honored queen, which is the highest office. Kay graduated from Jerome High School in 1955 with a scholarship to the College of Idaho, where she attended for one year before transferring to Westminster College in Salt Lake City, UT, for nursing.

On December 14, 1962 Katie married Ted Nielsen. Katie was previously married and had one child from that union. As a young married couple, Katie and Ted moved frequently, living in Pocatello, ID, till 1964; American Falls, ID, till 1966; Sunnyvale, CA, till 1967; and Burley ID, till 1970. While living in Burley, the family was blessed with two more children. She was an impeccable pianist and lent her talents for church services and weddings while residing there. In 1970, the family of five moved to Havre, MT, and stayed there for the next eight years. While in Havre, Katie was blessed with her last child and was an active member in the Homemakers Club. It was in 1978 that Katie relocated her family to the tiny town of Connell, WA. Katie lived in Connell for the next 32 years, until the passing of her husband Ted in 2010, after which Katie moved to Gildford, MT to live out the remainder of her days with her daughter Chelise and be near the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

During Katie's 32 years in Connell she was active in the community, where she volunteered at the pre-school as well as in the high school, helping children with special needs. Katie was always open to help anyone. She is remembered by old friends for her kind and giving heart as well as her listening ear and helpful advice. Katie's favorite pastime was bowling, and she was actively on a bowling league for many a year. Katie enjoyed playing her electronic organ piano in her home and would often be found playing nostalgic tunes. Family was very important to Katie and she relished in the time that she was able to spend with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she could often be found reading to them. Katie enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, sketching and babysitting the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Katie was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Ted Nielsen; parents, Estes and Melba Rowlands, and special friends, Betsy Coe and Mary Ann Buerkle.

Lois Nielsen

Katie is survived by daughters, Chelise (Blaine) Sterner of Gildford, MT, and Therese (Tim) White of Pasco, WA; sons, Chris Nielsen of Portland, OR and Ray Nielsen of Washtucna, WA; special daughters, Ritta Nielsen of Boise, ID, Traci (Wes) Knowles of Scottsboro, AL, and Kori Nielsen of Scottsboro, AL; sister, Margaret (John) Schroeder of Mid Pines, CA; brother, Bill (Mona) Rowlands Cerritos, CA; including steps, 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and special friend Carol Thiel of Havre, MT.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date this summer in American Falls, ID. Memorial's in Katie's name may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Holland and Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit Katie's online memorial page at http://www.hollandbonine.com and leave a message of condolence for her family.
Carley Stephenson, a student at Fort Benton High School, practices welding during the Women in Technical Fields event Wednesday at Montana State University-Northern in Havre.

Despite some schools canceling the trip to Montana State University-Northern's Women in Technical Fields workshop Wednesday morning, Fort Benton and Havre High School girls braved the sub-zero temperatures and spent the day getting hands-on experience in the trades.

Fort Benton and Havre High School brought sophomores, juniors and seniors for the workshop.

The girls arrived at 8:30 a.m. and were welcomed at Hensler Auditorium, where a light breakfast was provided.

A 9 a.m., the girls began making their rounds to different student and teacher presenters.

The girls watched as students in the automotive field worked on cars in the Farm Mechanics Building and tried their hands at some welding in the Welding Lab of the Metal Technologies Building.

Emma Faus Ralston, an Montana State University-Northern student in the Diesel Tech program, showed the girls different parts of a diesel engine. Ralston demonstrated how to check oil and explained how an engine functions.

Professor Trygve "Spike" Magelssen of the electrical department took the girls on a tour of the different labs on campus. Once they returned to his room, he demonstrated how different tools help measure voltage and indicate which wires are "hot" with an electrical current and which ones are cold.

"I believe that it's instrumental in helping young women expand their opportunities," he said. "That they can look into something other than the conventional business careers or law or something like that. That they can actually look into something that has a practical, societal use."

Magelssen added that some of the women who have come through the electrical program have been some of the best students.

"The sky is no longer the limit. That ceiling's been broken. We're out in space," Maglssen said.

Professor Loren Schlotfeldt talked about the plumbing program to four girls and said being a plumber doesn't mean you have to be strong. He said the tools and equipment that plumbers use today have made things simpler.

After the discussion, Schlotfeldt took the girls back to the workshop, where they made marshmallow shooters. He showed the girls two different types of designs. One was made using pieces of polyvilyl chloride pipe and the other was made from soldering pieces of copper tubes together.

At the same time he was showing the girls how to make the marshmallow shooters, he explained the various properties of using the two different types of materials in plumbing.

Schlotfeldt said the PVC pipes are what newer houses use and they have the ability to expand with the water pressure and re-form to their original dimensions. He added that the copper pipes are what older houses have installed and work great, but are prone to freezing and bursting or turning green due to oxidation.

The girls then split up to the four different stations and began to make their own marshmallow shooters.

"This is a great way to promote the Northern programs," Scholtfeldt said. "The women graduates from this program are sought-after and have a captive audience."

He added that he has worked with women as plumbers and electricians and has noticed that the women are very detail-oriented. Scholtfeldt said it is that attention to detail that makes a significant difference in the quality of the work.

The opportunities for women in plumbing are abundant, Schlotfeldt added. He said he was recently contacted by a company in Alaska looking for women plumbers and that the starting wage was $100,000 per year.

Professor Brianna Bernhardt spoke to five girls about Agricultural Operations Technology. For their project, Bernhardt had the girls make mini-greenhouses in which they planted herbs like cilantro and parley.

She also discussed the best ways to water plants and whether cold or warm water made a difference.

"If your plant is absolutely dying, use warm water," she said. "Otherwise, it usually doesn't matter."

Bernhardt added that seed quality matters and people should always take a look at the seeds before planting them.

She said if they're using a lamp as a light source, they should not use an LED light.

She later praised the workshop.

"I think this is a really good idea because we don't have a lot of women in technical fields," Bernhardt said.

She added that women should not feel limited by their gender.

After the girls had visited all the programs, they returned to Hensler Auditorium for lunch. While they were eating, Northern faculty members made presentations on different aspects of campus life such as financial aid, student life and the career center.

"I think it's a good way for girls to see what other options they have," Fort Benton High School Counselor Kelly Rominger said.

Fort Benton junior Nicole Axtman said she thought the workshop was fun and she liked making the marshmallow shooters and welding.

Aspen Giese, a sophomore at Fort Benton, said her favorite part of the workshop was "definitely the plumbing, because we got to make the marshmallow shooters."

Havre Daily News/Ryan Berry McKenna Hanford grabs a welding mask Wednesday at Montana State University-Northern in Havre. Students were provided safety gear and materials for their workshop projects.

She added that she was interested in going into the plumbing field after hearing about it.

Havre High School Counselor Julie Monson said she really likes the workshop, but wishes that more of her students would sign up to attend.

"I just think it gives girls ... a chance to do some hands on things, come check out the college and see if it's something you might actually want to do or like to do," she added.

Havre High sophomore Hailey McKenzie said she thought the workshop was informative and a good opportunity to go and tour the programs.

Sophomore Josie Arganeright said the workshops were all fun and she really liked the welding lab.

Sophomore Hadley Cook said it was interesting.

"I've never seen something like those fields," she added. "I've never seen, like, diesel or electricity, but they were quite interesting."
Rep. Jacob Bachmeier, D-Havre, said he is working on a bill to guarantee funding to reimburse colleges and universities for constitutionally mandated tuition waivers, a move, he said, that could increase recruitment to Montana University System schools.

He said the Montana University System Board of Regents already takes tuition waivers into account in the budget and refunds the money for the waivers, although it is not mandated.

Bachmeier said that if these funds are guaranteed, as his House Bill 254 would do, money will always be behind these waivers so colleges and universities will be able to recruit more students who qualify.

In order to qualify for these tuition waivers students must be Native American, veterans or orphans of police officer or firefighters.

These are a great way to recruit students and contribute to communities, he said.

Montana State University-Northern public information officer Jim Potter said during a teleconference Friday with legislators in Helena that about 25 percent of Northern's student body uses the waivers, with Native Americans making up 18 percent.

Northern Financial Services Director Chris Wendland said Native American tuition waivers alone equal $416,746 at the university.

Last Friday, Bachmeier spoke at a hearing with the Education Committee proposing his bill.

He said after the hearing that it went well, with the Associated Students of Montana, Native Western Vote and the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes testifying. He added that a few Republicans from the Appropriations Committee also testified at the hearing.

Bachmeier said that during the hearing, members of the House Education Committee showed little opposition, although the bill should have been sent to the House Appropriations Committee due to the nature of the bill. He added that the bill is not a policy change but creating an appropriation.

Moving forward, he said, ideally it is passed out of Education Committee, voted on the floor on a second reading and sent to appropriations. If it is passed out of appropriations it would be sent back to the floor for third and final reading before being transmitted to the Senate.

"I think it has a better chance of getting through appropriations than it does the Educations Committee, actually," Bachmeier said.

He added that he will find out some time this week what the vote will be on the bill.

To his knowledge, Bachmeier said, the impact to Northern's campus from the waivers totals approximately $486,000.

Northern does a good job recruiting students who qualify for these tuition waiver, but if the bill is passed they would be able to recruit even more students, he said.

The bill would create an account separate from the operating fund of the Board of Regents, although they would still have access to that account, he said. The account would then be spent specifically on reimbursing each individual campus for their tuition waivers, he added.

Bachmeier said this could lead to money being freed up within the budget, allowing colleges and universities to do a variety of things.

Bear Paw Development Corp. Executive Director and Board of Regents member Paul Tuss said that with his experience, Bachmeier's bill is a solid piece of legislation, although, he understands funding for the bill may be an obstacle.

The Board of Regents has strongly encouraged colleges and universities to diversify their student body, increasing Native American students and other students who qualify for the tuition waivers, he said. A great example of a university which has been successful of this is Northern, he added.

The issue is that by increasing the students who qualify for tuition waivers it is difficult for universities to have adequate funding, Tuss said.

Bachmeier's bill makes it so the board "puts its money where its mouth is," Tuss said.

Bachmeier recognizes issues with recruiting and retaining students, Tuss said, and his bill says the state needs to assure colleges and universities they will be paid for students who are attending under the waivers.

Paul Tuss

In his experience with the Board of Regents, every dollar counts, he said.

He added that waivers for Native Americans, orphans of police officers and firefighters, and veterans are highly appropriate but recruiting them shouldn't penalize colleges and universities. Colleges and universities should not fall behind for having a large amount of diversity within their student body.

"Every dollar counts, every nickel counts," Tuss said.

If this bill is passed more funding can go toward deferred maintenance and to adequate pay for staff and faculty, Tuss said.

"It's a dollar that I can guarantee you will be used wisely," he said.

The question is where the funding would come from - money is not growing on trees, he added.
Havre Police Department

Wednesday at 8:22 a.m. officers transported a man from 10th Street West to the police station.

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Officers transported a juvenile from Havre Middle School to the police station Wednesday at 8:33 a.m.

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Wednesday at 10:40 a.m. a 16th Street caller reported suspicious activity that occurred during the night.

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A Third Street West caller reported theft from his room Wednesday at 11:59 a.m.

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A vehicle crash on Fifth Avenue was reported Wednesday at 12:29 p.m.

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Jacqueline Colleen Chiefstick of Laredo, 39, and Joshua Robert-Monroe Guyton of Laredo, 22, were each arrested on a charge of trespass to property, after a Third Avenue caller reported a complaint from a tenant Wednesday at 3:17 p.m.

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A First Street Northeast caller asked for officer assistance Wednesday at 10:29 p.m. with a parenting issue.

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Tanner Joseph Walker of Havre, 36, was arrested on a violation of conditions of release charge after a Second Street caller reported suspicious activity at 1:25 a.m. today.

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A caller reported a water main break on Ninth Avenue at 1:29 a.m. today.

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Officers provided traffic control for a down power line on 11th Street West at 5:38 a.m. today.

Hill County Sheriff's Office

Brint Weston Mack of Havre, 27, was arrested on charges of obstructing a peace officer or other public servant and possession of drug paraphernalia, and Jordan Miles Hobson of Havre, 26, was arrested on charges of driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license and stop sign violation, during a vehicle stop on Second Avenue Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

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Esequeil Pepe Velasquez of Box Elder, 40, was arrested on a charge of obstructing a peace officer or other public servant, after a First Street caller reported suspicious activity at 8:23 p.m.

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Milo Gerald Stiffarm of Hays, 27, was arrested on a Justice or City court warrant during a vehicle stop on First Street Wednesday at 11:22 p.m.

Havre Fire Department

Firefighters were called to the 100 Block of Second Street West for a gas smell Wednesday at 4:22 p.m. A gas meter had been damaged and HFD provided standby until NorthWestern Energy crews arrived and fixed the problem.

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A caller on the 900 Block of Wilson Avenue reported a vehicle fire at 5:53 a.m. Fire department crews on standby for a downed power line on 11th Street West investigated and determined it was reflection in from emergency vehicle lights causing an optical illusion.

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Three Other calls were reported on page 1 of today's paper.

Havre Animal Shelter

The Havre shelter this morning held two medium-hair cats, one short-hair cat, one long-hair 9-month-old kitten, a medium-hair 26-week-old kitten and two long-hair 6-month-old kittens all of unknown gender, one medium-hair female cat and four medium-hair male cats, as well as two cats for its trap-spay/neuter-release program.

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The Havre shelter also held this morning two female mixed-breed dogs, a female shepherd-Labrador retriever dog, a male shepherd dog, a male border collie dog, a female Anatolian shepherd-husky 10-month-old puppy, a female pug-Chihuahua dog and a male mixed-breed 22-week-old puppy. Another three female mixed-breed 14-week-old puppies were being fostered.
Cold delays or shuts down schools, school busing, breaks power lines, water main

Ice clings to the face of mail carrier Tim Kinsella today as he braves temperatures lower than minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit to deliver mail along his route in Havre. "Cold weather is only good for one thing, and that's keeping mosquitos down," Kinsella said jokingly.

Editors note: This version is updated with information on Hill County Electric Cooperative

The coldest weather of the winter caused some problems in north-central Montana this morning, shutting down some schools, delaying others, stopping school buses, breaking at least one water main, downing power lines and causing power outages.

At one point, National Weather Service reported the temperature in Havre at a frigid minus 38 degrees fahrenheit, the coldest day so far this year, although still warmer than the record set for Feb. 5 in Havre in 1914, minus 43 degrees.

Rocky Boy Schools Superintendent Voyd St. Pierre said classes were not being held there, although staff was still coming in for training.

Box Elder Schools continued to be closed due to a problem with the boiler, which shut the schools down Wednesday, as well.

Hays-Lodge Pole schools had not by printing deadline this morning returned a call made to ask if the schools were open.

Havre Public Schools announced this morning that schools and buses were being delayed two hours due to the cold and power outages.

Harlem, Big Sandy, Chinook, North Star Schools in Rudyard and Gildford, and CJI schools in Chester all reported classes were in session, although Chinook school buses did not run this morning and one bus from Big Sandy, which runs to Box Elder, including some rural stops, did not run this morning.

Rocky Boy, Box Elder, Harlem and Hays-Lodge Pole schools closed Monday due to the cold, as well.

Several power lines were reported down this morning in the Havre area with two power outages.

Jodee Black of NorthWestern Energy said an initial report of a power outage in Highland Park in Havre said it was due to a transformer problem, but the actual cause was a downed line. That started at 4:58 a.m. and power was restored to the 1,038 impacted customers by 8:02

a.m.

Another downed line caused a power outage to 210 customers on the east side of Havre, Black said, which started at 4:46 a.m. Power was restored by 7:33 a.m., she said.

Denise Kovacish of Hill County Electric Cooperative was not able to respond before printing deadline, but said later that the co-op had not experienced any power outages.

Havre Fire Department reported it responded to three downed power lines, including a call at 4:41 a.m. where a line had fallen on an unoccupied truck parked on the 3800 Block of U.S. Highway 2 Northeast. The line caused electricity to arc through the vehicle's tires and started it on fire, Havre Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Jones said. The fire department personnel stood by until NorthWestern Energy personnel shut off the line and then the firecrew extinguished the fire.

At the other two calls, fire department personnel stood by while NorthWestern Energy personnel shut off the lines, he said.

Havre Daily News/Ryan Berry The tire of a truck is sealed into almost half a foot of ice on 10th Avenue today in Havre. A water main break uphill from the area covered the roads and sidewalks with water, which then froze vehicles into place.

Havre Public Works Director Dave Peterson said this morning that a water line break on the 600 Block of Ninth Avenue was reported about 4 a.m. and department personnel responded and were working on the break.

Havre Public Works also issued a public service announcement this morning advising people to make sure their sewer vent pipes, generally located on the roof of houses, were not frozen and to keep a trickle of cold water running through a tap during extreme cold weather to prevent water service lines from freezing. The department received several reports of frozen water lines, the PSA said.

Temperatures are expected to turn comparatively mild, with highs for today predicted at about zero degrees and lows predicted at single-digits below zero to the minus-teens tonight.

Temperatures are expected to hit highs in the single digits above or below zero for the next few days, with lows from about minus 5 to near minus 20.

Snow showers are predicted Friday and Saturday, with little chance of snow Sunday through the middle of next week.
Some readers may have thought my recent column on anchor babies was more alarmist than the s
At an event Wednesday in Annapolis, Hogan said Northam has lost the ability to govern. Theres no way to get the trust of the people of Virginia again after something like this.




Haiti - Religion : XIIIth Binational Meeting in Port-au-Prince of Episcopal Conferences





The Conference of the Episcopate of Haiti (CEH) and the Conference of the Episcopate of the Dominican Republic (CED) will hold this year their XIII meeting from February 11 to 13 in Port-au-Prince.



At this meeting, the Bishops of the two Nations will exclusively address pastoral and / or ecclesiastical issues, including the work of their pastoral commissions for the respective migrants and will reflect on the challenges of youth ministry, vocation ministry and projects of the two episcopal conferences in these and other fields.



This meeting, which takes place every three years, in alternative places, will be directed for Haiti by Mgr. Launay Saturne, Archbishop of Cap-Haitien and President of the CEH and for the Dominican Republic by Mgr. Diomedes Espinal De Leon, Bishop of Mao-Montecristi and President of the CED.



Recall that the bishops of the seven border dioceses (Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, Hinche, Fort Liberte and San Juan Maguana, Mao-Montecristi and Barahona) in addition to this triennial meeting, also meet every year to analyze situations in the region and prepare common pastoral agendas.



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Have any questions? Please give us a call at 520-625-5511
Threaded barrel Tacticalmodels have been added to the Heckler & Koch VP series. Except for their threaded barrels, these variants are identical to standard VP series pistols; only their weights and lengths differ due to the longer and slightly heavier threaded barrel.



The threaded barrels are manufactured at HKs Oberndorf factory in southwest Germany, using the legendary Heckler & Koch cold-hammer forging process. HK cold hammer forged barrels made from proprietary cannon grade steel are well known for their long service life. Similar HK barrels on P30 models have fired more than 90,000 rounds in endurance tests.



The polygonal bore profile, with no traditional lands-and-grooves rifling, contributes to longer service life as well as a slight increase in muzzle velocity. Threaded barrels on the VP Tactical models do not use an O-ring assisted lockup as found on other HK Tactical handgun models.



In development for more than four years, the VP series debuted in 2014 and is Heckler & Kochs latest handgun and the first striker fired HK since the renowned P7 series pistols were introduced in the 1980s.



Experience gained by HK engineers with the P30 pistol had a direct influence on the design of the VP line, but the VP series breaks new ground with its integration of a unique striker firing system with an enhanced HK precise pulltrigger. The net result is trigger quality unequaled in any production striker fired handgun.



HK pioneered the first striker-fired handguns, producing both the VP70 and P7 series, designs that impacted several models by HK competitors. But a superior trigger has eluded most striker fired pistol designs.



The VP trigger surpasses those found on competitors. It has a short, light take-up with a solid, single action type break followed by a short positive reset. The VP uses HKs ergonomic handgun grip design that includes three changeable backstraps and six side panelsaccommodating all hand sizes.



Molded finger grooves in the front of the pistols grip also instinctively position an operators hand for optimal shooting. Only HK handguns have such a customized grip. Although influenced by other HK models, the VP has all the hallmarks of the latest, state-of-the-art handgun. All controls are completely ambidextrous. Slide releases are present on both sides of the frame and the magazine release can be easily activated by left- or right-handed shooters.



A unique VP feature is HKs patented charging supportssimple components that are mounted on each side of the rear of the slide and provide better gripping leverage for racking the slide rearward. The charging supports speed reloading and make operating VP pistols easier for shooters with reduced hand strength.



The VP pistols use the proven P30 steel magazine (15 round and 10-round capacity where required by law).



The VP series has an extended Picatinny MIL-STD-1913 rail molded into its polymer frame for mounting lights and accessories. The rail has been tested and certified to handle mounted accessories up to 5.6 ounces.



The VPs proprietary captive flat recoil spring helps reduce the recoil forces effecting the operator and the handgun, improving shooter control during rapid firing and prolonging component service life.



The VPs machined steel slide is protected from corrosion and wear by HKs hostile environment (black) finish and all metal components, including springs and pins have superior metallurgy.



VP pistols are made in Heckler & Kochs Oberndorf factory in southwest Germany and are well-suited for civilian sport shooting, security, military, and law enforcement use.



Covered by Heckler & Kochs lifetime warranty, VP pistols are a ground breaking product engineered with the famous long-term durability that make HK firearms especially cost-effective when subjected to total life cycle cost analysis. And all VP series pistols are remarkably value priced.

Read More
PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- JoQuincy Maurice McCord, 27, stood before Judge Michael Fondren in Pascagoula City Court on Wednesday where bond was set at $1 million on the alleged murder of his estranged wife and and $500,000 on child abuse/felony charges.

JoQuincy is accused of killing his wife, 33-year-old Brittany Moore McCord and fleeing with his daughter, 2-year-old Genesis McCord, according to Capt. Doug Walker with the Pascagoula Police Department.

Genesis, according to Adams is in the custody of family members according to Adams and is in good health physically. Contact with the family has not been made as of today.

JoQuincy also has a domestic violence prior filed against him in 2017 by his estranged wife.

The incident happened just after 5 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Bandywood Apartments in Pascagoula. According to Adams, officers were dispatched to the scene at 5:15 p.m., where they found Brittany suffering from a gunshot wound.

Their 13-year-old son tried to protect his mother, according to Adams, but Brittany succumbed to her injury and was pronounced dead at the scene.

JoQuincy turned himself in to the Mobile Police Department on Tuesday night just after 8 p.m. after giving Genesis to one of her uncles. The uncle subsequently called MPD and so did McCord to tell police he wanted to turn himself in.

He was apprehended without incident, signed a waiver to be extradited back to Jackson County and arrived at the Adult Detention Center just after 9 p.m., according to Adams.

Trial date has not been set at this time.
This appeared in Thursday's Washington Post.

- - -

More than 40 countries, including most in Europe and South America, now support opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela, virtually isolating the autocratic regime of Nicolas Maduro. You wouldn't know that from listening to the rhetoric of the Trump administration and some of its left-wing critics, which often cast the United States as the instigator of the ongoing crisis. That's not the case, and if the cause of ousting Venezuela's illegitimate regime and ending its humanitarian catastrophe is to succeed, the Trump administration must take care not to let the United States become the protagonist of this drama.

President Donald Trump reportedly has been concerned by the ongoing implosion of Venezuela since early in his administration. But the key initiatives that have led to the rise of Guaido were taken by Canada and a dozen Latin American nations, which in 2017 formed the Lima Group to address the crisis. Last month, the group announced it would not recognize Maduro's inauguration for a new term as president, because his election had been fraudulent. That inspired the Venezuelan National Assembly to unite behind Guaido, whose subsequent declaration as interim president is grounded in the constitution.

The Trump administration joined those countries in recognizing Guaido and has since taken powerful steps to strip the Maduro government of resources, including $7 billion in Venezuelan state assets in the United States and up to $11 billion in annual oil revenues - a sum that covers more than 90 percent of what the country spends on imports. It has supported Guaido's call for the armed forces to switch sides. It's a high-risk strategy that could fail if the generals fail to respond and Maduro hunkers down with the support of Cuba, Russia, China and the handful of other governments that still support him.

That's why the administration should work closely with the Lima Group and avoid separating itself from the regional consensus. Trump and several top aides stray from that consensus when they suggest that U.S. military intervention remains "an option," as the president put it in an interviewthat aired Sunday. Not only has that course been rejected by the Lima Group, but also it is unrealistic; talk of it only alienates Latin Americans who otherwise support Maduro's ouster. Similarly, U.S. rhetoric tends to focus on urging action by the Venezuelan military, while the Lima Group and European nations stress the need for a peaceful transition and new democratic elections. The latter is a better focus.

The Trump administration is pursuing the right course in supporting an attempt by the Guaido administration to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid. The effort, to which the United States has pledged $20 million, involves stockpiling supplies of food and medicine in Colombia, Brazil and a Caribbean location near Venezuela's borders, in the hope that the military and security forces will allow it into the country for distribution. If that happens, Venezuelans will receive desperately needed relief, and the Maduro regime will be further undermined. If not, the dire shortages afflicting 30 million people will soon grow far worse, with unpredictable consequences.
Your phone rings with a call from an unknown but local number, and you answer it, only to find its a robocall.



Legislators and state leaders across the country are trying to address the problem, but one Tennessee senator wants his state to address the problem with heavy fines.
In this series, Instagram Icon, Entrepreneur speaks with the individuals behind popular Instagram accounts to find out the secrets of their success.

On an evening near the end of summer 2017, the Stauffer family sat in the family room of their Arizona home as Katie Stauffers phone started to light up with notification after notification. Her husband Charles -- and their children Kaitlin, Charles, Finn, Mila and Emma -- watched as the Instagram account Katie started to chronicle their family adventures had reached 1 million followers.

Within a few months, Katie was on a trip to California with her twin daughters, Mila and Emma, and Mila was recognized. Several strangers approached them to take photos. She knew this was the beginning of something big.

Today, the Stauffer family Instagram account has 4 million followers and counting, along with a sizeable audience on YouTube and Facebook. Fans love photos of the Stauffer kids and the cheeky video scripts that feature the toddler twins.

Its paying off. The Stauffers recently announced Mila and Emmas branded clothing line, which will be sold in Target stores and online starting February 24. Katie attended fashion design school before she had children, and after collaborating on the clothing line and helping to choose fabrics with Mila and Emma, she feels as if shes putting her degree to use.

Katie talked with Entrepreneur about her start on Instagram, her content strategy and a standout moment from her experience as an influencer.

The interview is edited for length and clarity.

How did you get your start on Instagram?

I made the account about six years ago without much thought behind it -- I had just wanted to try Instagram -- and posted pictures of my kids. I started entering photo hashtag projects on different pages; I think my first one was a challenge that asked you to post a picture of a mailbox. Generally, I had my kids in my photos, so other people who had kids followed me. Then, companies started asking if they could send merchandise, like a shirt, for one of my kids to take a photo in. Our number of followers started growing, especially after I got pregnant with the twins. Some of our followers were interior design fans because I usually had parts of the home in the background of photos of my kids. And one day, probably in the beginning of 2017, my eldest daughter made a video of the twins and asked me to post it. It went viral, so we made another one, and that was it.

Whats your content strategy?

I try to post at least once a day and answer as many direct messages as I can, and my content strategy has always been humor -- that always goes over well with my audience. My eldest daughter takes care of all the script, filming and editing because she loves it; I dont have anything to do with the videos besides helping her think of relevant topics.

How do you leverage your account, and to what extent do you monetize it?

A brand will approach us, and it takes up to a week and a half of planning before we even start filming. I always try to stay authentic and avoid it looking too much like an ad; if theres a product involved, we mention it without telling people to buy the product. We maintain a lot of creative control, and in the case it goes through the editing process on the brands side and we dont feel good about it, we wont post it. A lot of brands lately are giving creators more control because we know what our audiences want.

The money we make is for the kids -- their college and just for them later on -- and thats the only reason we do it. We work either with brands we use in our everyday lives or a brand we want to try. My dream collaboration was always Target, and now weve done multiple campaigns with them, and now, thats resulted in Mila and Emmas clothing line.

What advice do you have for others who want to build brands on the platform?

What helped us grow so quickly was that I would research the top accounts that had funny videos or similar content to us, and I would beg them to repost our stuff -- even if they had 50 million followers. Once, I asked a company to repost something, and they did, and we got 46,000 followers in one night. So sharing is huge. Ask people to share your stuff in any way you can, even if its in their Story. Also, be authentic -- if youre not true to who you are, your audience sees that, and you wont grow.

Whats one standout moment from the experience of building your audience?

My favorite thing is the messages we get from our audience. Ive heard from 85- or 90-year-olds who say that one of my daughters reminds them of their kids when they were little and that that makes them happy. Ive heard from someone going through a divorce that looks forward to our posts. I even got a message that someone went on Facebook to write their suicide note and that after coming across our videos, the person had a change of heart. Our audience is why we keep doing this. Theres so much going on in the world right now, and our account is just about making people laugh -- making them happy.

See below for five of Katie's favorite posts.

"This was one of the first videos we put on Instagram. Milas expressions are amazing, and she loves to entertain. This is one of the reasons we grew our digital content with a YouTube channel with new longer-form videos. Every Saturday, our supporters can get to know Mila and Emma, watch the girls go head-to-head with challenges and get a peek into their lives."

"We love this one because everyone loves a first day of preschool story. Our community did, too, by showing lots of engagement... We saw so many positive comments, and that inspires us to create more videos."

"We love this one because Mila says what everyone else is thinking about the gym."

"We love this video because it shows off Mila and Emmas unique personalities and how well they work together. Also, my 16-year old daughter Kaitlin writes all the scripts, and her writing here is phenomenal."

"One of the ways we use Instagram is to announce big projects. We did that recently by debuting the first look of our new fashion line with a social post. The clothing brand, 'Mila & Emma,' reflects the girls style and personality, which is something my followers always loved."

Related:

This Family Has 4 Million Instagram Followers -- and the Kids' College Educations Are Already Paid For

This Hairstylist to the Stars Used Instagram to Build a Business That Makes Her Hollywood Looks Accessible to All

Chriselle Lim Started Out as a Wardrobe Stylist. Now She Has More Than 3 Million Social Media Followers.



Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
GREENWICH  Visitors to the Bruce Museum can travel the Silk Road and view dozens of rare and delicate terra cotta figurines, painted and glazed ceramics, and other antiquities from China at a new exhibit that opens Saturday.

Buried Treasures of the Silk Road, an extraordinary collection of Chinese tomb sculpture from the Fred and Jane Brooks Collection at the Bruce Museum, will be on view in the Arcade Gallery through June 2.

When we in the Western world think of ancient art, we tend to focus on Greek and Roman culture, said Fred Brooks, a longtime Greenwich resident who, with his wife Jane, has spent decades collecting Chinese ceramics, notably ancient tomb art. But all through that period of time, the Han Dynasty also had a great empire, and art was central to their lives  and more important to the leaders, their afterlife.

With the current Chinese governments efforts to restore and revive this ancient trade route, the exhibit is relevant today, said Kirsten Reinhardt, museum registrar and the organizer of Buried Treasures.

For more than 1,000 years, from 206 BCE until 907 CE, Chinese Emperors dealt with the same issues that are in the news today: international trade treaties, tariffs, border walls, nationalism, and immigration, said Reinhardt. Through military strength, diplomacy, and technological advancements China developed, controlled, and prospered from commerce on the Silk Road. Everything old is new again.

During the period of peace and prosperity of the Han Dynasty (206BCE to 220CE), considered the Golden Age of China, emissaries ventured from China into Eurasia. Merchants soon followed with polychrome patterned silk  a luxury never seen outside of China. They also transported other exotic goods, including lapis lazuli and other precious metals, furs, and ivory, by camels, donkeys and horses to distant markets.

Merchants extended the range of trading partners, developing a network of overland and water routes that stretched thousands of miles across China and Central Asia to Eastern Europe. The Silk Road introduced the idea of international trade.

Han administrators established military garrisons housed in watch towers along the route, imposed strict travel and trade regulations, and collected taxes. The invention of paper provided maps and trade contracts. Trade centers grew into bustling cities where markets supported a multicultural exchange of ideas, inventions and commodities. The Han Dynasty maintained control of trade over the Silk Road for 400 years.

Chinas second great empire, the Tang Dynasty (618 CE to 906 CE) is considered the Golden Age of Chinese Cosmopolitanism, an era that welcomed foreign ideas, products and religions. Tang Emperors re-established the Han model of control over taxes and tolls along the Silk Road.

During both the Han and Tang dynasties, mortuary rites and customs were important elements of Chinese culture. Wealthy citizens expanded on the tradition of furnishing massive burial chambers with elaborate art objects. Grave goods, called mingqi or spirit goods, indicated the status of the person on earth and were interred for use in the afterlife. The materials and stylistic elements of grave goods reflect the way artists and craftsmen embraced the multicultural influences that entered China via the Silk Road.

Buried Treasures celebrates the artistic achievements of those anonymous Chinese artists. The exhibition will also feature art objects from the museums permanent collection on the Silk Road.

For more information, call 203-869-0376 or visit brucemuseum.org.
GREENWICH  Ambitious development projects proposed for West Putnam Avenue that could add significantly to housing stock on that side of town went before the Planning and Zoning Commission with barely any public reaction.

The commission is considering two separate proposals, one for 585 W. Putnam Ave. and another for 500 W. Putnam Ave., both of which would include moderate-income units targeted for use by Greenwichs workforce. And the 585 W. Putnam development would also have space businesses  with a supermarket, a fitness center and a restaurant listed as possibilities.

The 585 W. Putnam proposal would include 67 residential units, with 14 for moderate-income residents. The existing buildings at that location, which are used for office space, would be demolished. A multilevel parking garage would also be built.

The proposal for 500 W. Putnam would add apartments and a parking garage on the eastern side of the property, near the recently completed offices there. The development would include 35 multifamily apartments: 16 one-bedroom units, six two-bedroom units and 13 three-bedroom units. Eight of the proposed units would be set aside for moderate-income housing.

The Planning and Zoning Commission made no decisions Tuesday night, and the proposals were held open for future discussion. The overall reaction appeared to be positive, but several members expressed concerns, particularly when it came to parking during construction if both projects were approved.

Both projects were proposed by John Fareri, who told the commission that his work would result in improvements to the sewers, sidewalks, landscaping and traffic flow.

Unlike previous proposals to build apartments on West Putnam Avenue, most notably at the Post Road Iron Works site, these projects have not drawn any major public criticism. Acting Chair Margarita Alban even noted the lack of a response.

If there was going to be a public response, we would have heard from people by email and we didnt get comments, Alban said. We havent gotten a reaction.

Attorney John Tesei, who is representing the developer, said they wanted to move forward with a project that could attract tenants and not have to look back and say why didnt we think of that before.

Commission member Andy Fox said he would prefer a restaurant  not a fitness center  in the space facing the street. Tesei agreed and said the health and fitness facility could be in the rear.

Commission member Nick Macri questioned the height of the building proposed for 585 W. Putnam, saying it would be highly visible from the road and would give the impression of five stories, not four. He asked whether the overall height of the businesses, particularly the possible fitness center, could be lowered.

We get a lot of heat from people about overdevelopment, and I think theyre seeing what they perceive as very large buildings, Macri said. To them it becomes the overdevelopment. They want to know why the buildings are so big.

Fareri also developed 500 W. Putnam to add offices and a home for Greenwich Hospital and 644 W. Putnam, which houses a CVS. Macri cited the 644 development as a cautionary tale.

Its got to be perfect because that building is going to be there for a very, very, very long time, he said. Look at 644, its very avant-garde and a lot of people love it and a lot of people hate it. But theres always comment on that building to this day  and its been there for more than 10 years now. What we look at today will be there forever, and we have to get it right.

The commission, when it was under the leadership of Richard Maitland, said a four-story building would be in compliance with town codes.

Tesei said there is no neighbor opposition to the proposed height of any of the buildings. The streetscape design and setback from the road would ensure that the development fits in the surrounding area, he said.

This is trying to micromanage how the owner is going to fill up his space and with whom, Tesei said. Youre dealing with a highly experienced owner of a million square feet (of space) ... spread out in Greenwich and Westchester. I think Mr. Fareri kind of knows what hes doing.

Another issue discussed was pedestrian safety from nearby offices and other locations on Valley Drive to the 585 W. Putnam Ave. location. Town Director of Planning and Zoning Katie DeLuca said safety is an issue with a lot of activity in that area.

Tesei said that installing a sidewalk there would be a sidewalk to nowhere. But commission members suggested looking at adding a sidewalk and putting in a crosswalk at Valley Drive.

Theres a lot of people that walk there, DeLuca said, noting the day-care facility, office building and post office.

The businesses could be a major draw for people in the offices, Fox said.

If youre saying youre comfortable having them walk in the street, were saying that doesnt seem like a logical solution, he said. Youre trying to sell us on this being a great thing for this whole office park, which we tend to agree with, because theres no great places to eat.

Tesei ultimately said its not a big deal to put in a crosswalk. Alban said it would be an issue the commissioners would discuss among themselves as the project moves closer to a vote.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
STAMFORD  U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal will deliver a talk about the many lawsuits  filed since January 2017  that seek to block or reverse actions of Trump administration and address corruption within the administration.

The event is free and open to the public.

The event will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 20 Forest St., Stamford. Co-hosted by Indivisible Stamford and Indivisible Greenwich, it is free and open to the public.

The talk, which is titled Not Just Mueller, will focus on lawsuits that are not related to the special counsels investigation.

President Donald Trump and his administration have been sued repeatedly over a number of issues  the Emoluments Clause; the Presidential Records Act; the administrations orders related to immigrants and transgender military personnel; 2020 census questions  to name a few.

The constant drum beat of news these days is overwhelming, and it is impossible to keep track of what is going on. Our goal is help people understand what is being done in the courts to stop the policies of this administration that we believe are damaging to our communities, said Michelle Abt, a founder of Indivisible Stamford. Events like this help our community stay informed and engaged.

Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who has 20 years of experience as Connecticuts attorney general, will explain the scope and intentions of the lawsuits. He is also a plaintiff in the emoluments lawsuit.

After the talk, there will be a question-and-answer session. Members of the public are invited to submit questions to Blumenthal by sending an email to info@indivisiblestamford.com.

Indivisible Greenwich is looking forward to partnering with Indivisible Stamford for the event and will host another joint event in Greenwich on Feb. 21 where Rep. Jim Himes is expected to speak, said Joanna Swomley, co-founder of Indivisible Greenwich.

For more information, visit Indivisible Stamford online at www.indivisiblestamford.com/ and Indivisible Greenwich online at www.indivisiblegreenwich.org/.

Parking will be available across the street in the Bedford Street Garage.
GREENWICH  Before Interim Superintendent Ralph Mayo introduced the three school principals to the Retired Mens Association, he wanted to get two facts on the record.

Im not retiring, and Im not leaving the school district, Mayo told the audience, who applauded his announcement.

Mayo also gave a shout out to his boss from back when he was a housemaster at Greenwich High School, secondary superintendent David Kane, who was in the crowd.

We often talk about standing on the shoulders of giants who came before us. You have a giant right here. Ive based my career on the example he set, said Mayo, who drew community support last month when he was not named the new permanent superintendent.

Mayo then let Glenville School Principal Marc DAmico, North Street School Principal Jill Flood and Interim Principal of Eastern Middle School Jason Goldstein take the floor on Wednesday morning to talk about how students learn.

The three each presented pictures from classrooms in their buildings, and explained how education looks different now than when the association members attended school.

The principals showed how students sit in different kinds of chairs, learn math in new ways and create artwork with virtual-reality headsets.

In Floods school, students can choose from a variety of sitting and standing configurations, and, in one room, a stationary bike is outfitted for studying. Children who would otherwise make trips to the water fountain or pencil sharpener to move around can satisfy that need while staying on task, she said.

Students also have a voice and a choice in how they learn materials by working through playlists of videos, articles, individual assignments and group activities, she said.

Audience member Jim Fishbein was impressed by the achievements and wished he could step back and make those changes 40 years ago.

The individual attention was not just a concept, but its been accomplished, he said. The results, and the accomplishments of the students, are staggering.

Administrators have added to the curriculum, too, with children now learning social skills such as empathy, and emotional skills such as reflecting on their progress.

The social-emotional piece impressed RMA member Hollister Sturges, a self-described old school English teacher. He reflected on his childhood, when role-models were the loner heroes of Western films, and neither he nor his friends would have never gone to adults for help.

Theyre teaching kids incredible interpersonal skills, the value that that transmits will make more empathetic, understanding, conflict-resolving kids, he said.

Technology adds another dimension to learning, but also to bullying. One woman asked how the school administrators intervene in cyberbullying cases.

Thats a great question because youre never alone anymore, Mayo said.

DAmico cited the digital citizenship test every child must take before receiving their iPad or Chrome laptop from the district, and Goldstein referenced social-emotional lessons targeting safe and responsible use of social media.

We equip them with the tools to identify when they are in a situation that requires adult support, DAmico said. When there is a child challenged by an issue, we want to reassure children they have adults to go to.

Eastern treats each bullying incident individually, but when it comes to education and prevention, the middle schools involve the parents. Each building provides information and hosts events when parents can learn what social media platforms to watch, he said.

A parent to a fourth-grader, DAmico emphasized the role of parents in monitoring how their children use technology at home.

I cant underscore enough that parents must be vigilant in overseeing what your child is doing online, he said.

jo.kroeker@hearstmediact.com
Libya's eastern leader Khalifa Haftar said his forces have taken the country's largest oil field after pushing into the southwest as part of an effort to secure the region and its energy installations.

Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army, the country's largest and best-organized military force, already controls the so-called oil crescent, a coastal area containing the major exporting terminals. Its push southward has raised concerns among his enemies and some participants in the oil market that Haftar will gain a stranglehold on the energy industry in a nation with Africa's largest proven crude reserves.

Sharara, which can pump 300,000 barrels a day of oil, is a joint venture between Libya's National Oil Corp., Repsol SA, Total SA, OMV AG and Equinor ASA. It has been closed since December by armed residents demanding better pay and investment in the remote area.

Haftar's army urged the NOC to lift the force majeure in place at Sharara. Force majeure is a legal status protecting a party from liability if it can't fulfill a contract for reasons beyond its control. However, the NOC hasn't yet issued instructions to restart production at the field, according to people involved in the situation who asked not to be identified because they aren't authorized to speak to media.

"Today our forces reached Sharara, in agreement with everyone at the field," Ahmed Al-Mismari, the LNA spokesman, said in a televised news conference. "We are all Libyans, one Libyan army."

Mismari said the LNA took the area without a fight but didn't give an indication as to whether it would hand the field over to the NOC, nor when it expected to restart production. Officials at Libya's NOC didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Backed by Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, Haftar has built the main force opposing the United Nations-backed government of Fayez al-Sarraj in Tripoli, the capital. It's too early to say what his southern power play will mean for Libya's oil industry. But if his previous confrontation with the Tripoli-based NOC is a guide, the outlook isn't encouraging.

Most of Libya's crude shipments were suspended for weeks in June due to a standoff between Haftar and the NOC. Haftar had recaptured two important export terminals from rivals and transferred control of those ports and three others to an oil authority in eastern Libya that lacked international recognition. Markets were deprived of some 800,000 barrels a day, and Libya lost $930 million in sales.

The lack of clarity about what's now happening in the south casts doubt on Libya's plan to boost output to 2.1 million barrels a day by the end of 2021. The nation's internal turmoil led the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in December to exempt Libya from participating in global production cuts.

Clashes between rival militias, as well as political jockeying by parallel governments in the east and west, have stunted Libya's efforts to revive output following the 2011 uprising that ousted Muammar Qaddafi.

Haftar's announcement comes after a day of confusion and conflicting reports about developments in the region. Earlier in the afternoon, Sarraj's government named Ali Kana, a member of the Tuareg tribe and senior commander in the south, as military chief of the southwestern city of Sebha. The Tripoli government had called on Haftar overnight to halt airstrikes in the area.

The LNA now controls Sebha and the town of Ubari and has reached the outskirts of nearby Murzuq, Mismari said, adding that the campaign would continue until all of Libya was secured.
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She then moved back to her hometown, where she worked as head surgical nurse at the British-Iranian Oil Co. until coming to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 1957 as part of a nursing exchange program.
Earlier this month, a funguslike disease known as swamp cancer, exacerbated by warmer winters, claimed the lives of seven wild ponies on a Virginia island. The Corolla horses are being monitored for signs of a similar outbreak.

They also face threats from overzealous tourists who try to feed them foods that can actually be deadly for them. A local law requires people to stay 50 feet away from the horses, but not everyone pays attention.

The nonprofit Corolla Wild Horse Fund tries to protect the horses while maintaining a healthy distance, but its resources are limited. Tillis bill would help and is supported by the Humane Society and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

On a related note, U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, who represents North Carolinas 3rd District, got similar legislation passed in the House in 2013 to protect the Corolla wild horses, but the Senate never took it up.

Jones, 75, recently entered hospice care with an undisclosed illness. During his time in office, he regularly bucked the Republican establishment, earning a reputation for following his conscience rather than his party.
The women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. continue to acknowledge the danger of human trafficking.

Human trafficking is the illegal transportation of people from one area to another for commercial sex, forced labor or, in some instances, the removal of organs.

Generally, it is called the practice of modern-day slavery. Globally, an estimated 27 million people are victims. Nearly 80 percent of human trafficking is for sex. The average teen victim enters the sex trade at 12 years old.

Those who courageously fight back against their predators, like Cyntoia Brown of Tennessee, are rewarded with harsh sentences from state justice systems.

This case is representative of the many women and young girls who are involuntarily pulled into the world of human sex trafficking, and experience physical and sexual abuse. We were ecstatic after learning of the recent commutation of her sentence.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.s goal is to educate the public to spot possible victims, prevent new incidents from occurring, speak up against injustices and aid our legislators in creating laws to fight human trafficking.

Turkesshia Moore

Whitsett
"If you take $10 and go to Food Lion or Walmart or Aldi or whatever store you shop at, it's going to be worth $10," said Shante Woody, the People's Market manager. "But if you take those same $10 on your card and come here, we are going to give you $20 to spend."
The T. Gilbert Pearson Society has rescheduled its field trip to Greensboro lakes to Sunday, Feb. 10.

The trip will be a drive-and-stop field trip with little walking.

Participants will carpool between observation points at Lakes Higgins, Brandt and Townsend plus ponds north of Greensboro. Participants will scan the water for migratory and overwintering ducks and geese and move on to the next overlook.

Participants should meet as usual at 1:45 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the Whole Foods Market in Friendly Shopping Center between BB&T and Chick-fil-A. Look for others under the Sears Plaza sign closest to Friendly Avenue.

Participants will depart at 2 p.m. and return around 5 p.m.

Everyone is welcome.

For information, visit www.tgpearsonaudubon.org.

Send press releases to people@greensboro.com.
Of those people who were diagnosed with HIV in Baltimore, about 73 percent were men, 24 percent were women and 3 percent identified as transgender according to Greenbaum. About 80 percent of those patients were black, 13 percent were white and 3 percent were Hispanic. And 37 percent of all the new cases were diagnosed in people younger than 30, she said.
A crowd socializes and admires art during a previous Art from the Heart show. This years event, which will be judged by Eric McRay of Raleigh, is set to start Friday, Feb. 22 in the unit between Big Lots and Tractor Supply Co. at Morehead Plaza in Morehead City. (Dylan Ray photo)


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Students were asked to bleed green for the 11th annual high school blood drive challenge.

Green River High School students and members of the community were at the high school auditorium Thursday for the same purpose: to donate blood.

While some students waited their turns and others ate snacks after donating blood, others were already in the donation chairs giving blood.

Kendahl Coy, blood drive chair and GRHS senior, said she was cochair last year and had a pretty good idea of what it would take to plan the event this year. She said Student Council members who volunteered for the blood-drive event started planning the event toward the end of November.

Getting volunteers for the blood drive event was easy, Coy said.

Everyone loves blood drive, Coy said.

She said its a fun committee to chair. All of the students know how important it is to save lives through donating blood. Coy said the additional fun comes in the form of the Rock Springs rivalry. Each year, the two communities try to outdo one another by seeing which group can donate more blood. The traveling trophy seems to go back and forth between the two communities.

Its always fun to beat Rock Springs, Coy said.

On Thursday, the event seemed to be running pretty smooth. Coy attributed that to donors having the opportunity to fill forms out ahead of time online.

One change Coy would recommend to whoever heads the committee next year is to limit the amount of volunteers to about 18 because 25 is almost too much. However, she appreciated all the enthusiasm and positivity the volunteer students were bringing to the event.

Its always great to have the positivity, Coy said.

She wanted to thank all of the phlebotomists who came from all over Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Colorado to help out with the event. She said they were patient when working with the high-school students.
One Green River student has received a $25,000 scholarship from the Horatio Alger National Scholarship, which can be used at any college of choice.

Green River High School senior Mary Harris was quite surprised when she recently received the news.

Im just really honored to receive it, Harris said.

According to a press release, This annual scholarship recognizes outstanding students, who, in the face of great adversity, have exhibited an admirable commitment to continuing their education and serving their communities.

Harris said in the application she had to describe the hardships she faced and what she has done to overcome those hardships. She also was asked to provide three letters of recommendations, her overall GPA and volunteer-service record.

She also listed all of the activities or extra curricular activities she was involved in, including the National Honor Society, Student Council, Young Authors, mentorship program, We the People, Girls State and cheerleading.

Harris is one of 106 students have been selected to receive this scholarship and knows how much it will help her.

Im just really grateful, she said, Its just life changing.

The association is pleased to recognize the 106 deserving 2019 National Scholars, Matthew Rose, president, Horatio Alger Association and 2013 Horatio Alger Award recipient, said. This group of students have demonstrated positive thinking, unwavering determination and the discipline to prevail in the face of adversity. My fellow members and I are proud to support these scholars as they embark on their higher education journeys and beyond.

Not only is Harris excited about the scholarship, but the networking opportunity she will have in Washington D.C. in April.

According to the press release, each National Scholar will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. on April 4-6, to attend the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference and participate in college preparedness and other educational sessions.

While in D.C., Horatio Alger Scholars will have an opportunity to learn about the association, its esteemed members and the various support programs in which they can partake during their collegiate careers. Harris will also be recognized at the Associations 72 Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies.

Harris said this trip is a way for her to meet people who are successful and had to overcome hardships to become successful.

About the Horatio Alger National Scholarship

Since the establishment of its scholarship programs in 1984, more than 25,000 students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada have received more than $159 million in scholarships for undergraduate, graduate and technical studies. Administering one of the nations largest privately-funded, need-based financial aid programs for college students, the association will award more than $2.6 million to its National Scholars in 2019.
Class learns how to teach while having fun

Learning how to incorporate nature into early childhood education in a fun and interesting way is something about 30 workshop attendees learned how to do.

On Friday, participants from Evanston, Jackson Big Piney, Afton, Rock Springs and Green River attended the Wyoming Project WILD and Wyoming Project Learning Tree hands-on workshop. The workshop focused on nature education curriculum for formal and non-formal early childhood educators and daycare providers.

Leading the workshop was Lucy Wold, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Green River Information and Education Specialist. She has taught similar classes for the past 35 years.

Wold lead the class through various activities including playing the role of a deer to making healthy snacks that resemble trees.

During a morning activity, those class participants were asked by Wold what their favorite tree was and why. She received various answers from redwoods and aspens to crabapple and cotton-less cottonwoods.

Wold then told the group they were going to be the tree. She would need a volunteer for the trunk and others to play the rolls of the branches, leaves, roots and bark. The group went to the gym for this activity. One volunteer stood in the middle to act as the trunk, she was then surrounded by ladies who laid down on the ground to act as the roots. Then, volunteers who acted as branches with leaves on them took their places next to the trunk. Finally, the remainder of the class played the roll of the bark.

At first, those playing the bark roll stood side-by-side. They quickly changed their position to more defensive when wold said she was going to act as a woodpecker or another predator and try to break through the bark to get to the rest of the tree. The bark volunteers locked arms and pushed their feet together when necessary to keep Wold out. The group laughed as Wold and her helper Steve Scharosch tried to get through the bark. Wold and Scharosch finally gave up.

The lesson was every part of the tree is important and Wold said she hopes the class never looks at a tree the same again after today.

Once this activity was over, the group remained on the tree theme and made trees out of paint or snack items. They were then encouraged to eat the snacks.

While getting their hand and arms ready to make the tree base and branches, some ladies gently painted the brown paint on their hand and arms, however others just put a big glob of paint on it and got their arm covered quickly.

It was amazing to see the different colors and techniques used to make the trees. Every tree was unique in its own way. This was just one way to show how math science or technology can easily be incorporated into a fun activity. Wold said this tree activity could expand into a week or more if each item of the tree were related to a different part of the body. For example: the bark is like skin and the trunk is like bones. She said teachers could also use the tree as a way to teach children about habitats by explaining how different animals use trees as their homes.

When youre a teacher, if youre having fun, your kids will too, Wold said.

Project WILD and Project Learning Tree early childhood programs provide an introduction to nature education with emphasis on wildlife and trees, encouraging children to explore, discover and communicate in expressive ways, Wold said. WILD and PLT offers a wide range of activities and experiences to provide an early foundation for developing positive impressions about the natural world and lifelong social and academic skills.

The early childhood education workshop was sponsored by Southwest Wyoming Chapter Muley Fanatics Foundation, EXXON Mobile and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The workshops were free thanks to MFF and EXXON Mobile covering the costs of the two curriculum guides, activity materials and snacks. Participants received seven credits towards STARS certification and 0.5 credits towards Professional Teaching Standards Board certification.
Baltimore County has a memorandum of understanding with MEMA and IPAWS that allows the county to use the system independently, but there are one or two logistical steps before the county gets final approval from the federal government to use it independently, Armacost said. The alert regarding the contaminated kerosene was sent through MEMA rather than Baltimore County, because of a technical error with the countys system, Armacost said, but there were no delays working with the agency.
Josephine Jo F. Douglas, 92, of Rock Springs, passed away Feb. 3, 2019, at the Sage View Care Center. A longtime resident of Rock Springs, Douglas died following a lengthy illness.

She was born March 10, 1926, in Lionkol, the daughter of Eli and Mary Flaker Kovacich.

Douglas attended Rock Springs High School and was a graduate of Rock Springs High School.

She also attended cosmetology school in Salt Lake City.

She married Joseph C. J.C. Douglas in Rock Springs at the Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church May 28, 1950. He preceded her in death March 28, 1994.

Douglas was a cosmetologist and had a shop of her own for several years and later worked at the Magic Mirror for many years.

She was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.

Her interests included spending time with her family and cooking.

Survivors include one son, Joey Douglas and wife Darlene of Mesquite, Nev .; her daughter-in-law Sue Douglas of Farmington, N.M .; several nieces and nephews, including a niece that was very special to her, Mary Jo (Bucho) Kiernan and husband Jim of Rock Springs; four grandchildren, Chris Douglas and wife Amy, Jason Douglas and wife Carissa, Mathew Douglas and wife Celia and Robby Revelli and wife Lorrie; nine great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband J.C. Douglas, son Pete Douglas; four brothers and one sister.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m., Friday, at the Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 116 Broadway in Rock Springs.

A vigil service with rosary will be recited at 5 p.m., Thursday at the Vase Funeral Chapel, 154 Elk Street in Rock Springs. Graveside services and interment will be in the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery. Friends may call at the Vase Chapel on Thursday one hour prior to the rosary and on Friday at the Vase Chapel, one hour prior to funeral services.

The family of Josephine F. Douglas respectfully suggests that donations in her memory be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Community, 116 Broadway, Rock Springs, WY., 82901; to Hospice of Sweetwater County, 333 Broadway, Suite 220, Rock Springs, WY., 82901, or http://www.myhsc.org.

The family of Josephine Jo F. Douglas will be receiving family and friends at the home of Jim and Mary Jo (Bucho) KIernan, 1812 Emigrant Drive in Rock Springs.
Jim D. McCartney, 90, of Austin, Texas since 2007, passed away Jan. 1, 2019. He was born in Talpa, Texas Aug. 11, 1928, the sixth of seven children born to Joe and Beulah McCartney.

He was married to Jerline (Buxkemper) Sept. 7, 1948, in Rowena, Texas, and they had 64-plus years together. She preceded him in death in 2012.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Debra of Austin, Texas; son, G.W. of San Antonio, Texas; grandson Shane J. McCartney and his wife, Rebecca; great-grandchildren Michele and Colton, all of Tilden, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Rebecca McCartney expressed the family's feelings and sentiments in a message sent to family and friends on Facebook, which the family would like to repeat it here:

"January 1, 2019 we said goodbye to the pillar of the McCartney clan. Jim lived a life full of adventures in his 90 years. He was the best storyteller, master electrician, sheep and goat rancher, 42 (card) partner and babysitter we could have asked for! He taught us many life lessons some that we liked and others that we have grown to appreciate with wisdom. RIP Granddad. We will miss you."

Graveside service took place Jan. 6, 2019, at Eden Cemetery in Eden, Texas.

Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home South Congress of Austin, Texas.
Champion, which has grown to seven offices and 200 associates since its founding in 1987, will operate under the Long & Foster brand, with some locations set to merge over the next several weeks.
Before presenting his citation, Kipke said he knew Lauer and Helen personally; they met while serving on the council of Our Lady of the Chesapeake Catholic Church in Pasadena. Kipke called the time spent with Lauer a "special honor," noting "much of what I learned as a 20-year-old at the time I keep with me today in how I look at things in government."
Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey has said that new Formula 1 races should be met with 'excitement' and should not be criticised.

Many fans were a bit stunned to see a race in Vietnam but Carey insists that ventures like these will make Formula 1 better.

"Certainly we are not pursuing new venues at the expense of existing [races]," he told ESPN.

"The reality is we've renewed [race contracts], since we took control about two years ago, and the only race we haven't renewed is Malaysia, which was a mutual decision, so that's the reality.

"That being said, we want long-term partnerships and I think it's important to provide a freshness and a new energy to it.

"Vietnam is a new race and is going to be a great race, so I think it's exciting for the fans and the reception we have had around the world is excitement for it," added the American executive.

"We want to be in some markets we are not in where there are some opportunities for it, and there are some that we are in but we are not there in the way we think we can be in."

Some fans have criticised new ventures in Formula 1 but it will be interesting to see if the company are successful in increasing the globalisation of Formula 1.
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Goshen, IN (46526)

Today

Showers in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. High near 75F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 61F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
| BY Ricki Green |

WPP AUNZ has appointed digital transformation specialist Adam Good to the newly created role of executive director, marketing technology.

The appointment follows 12 months of unprecedented growth and client investment in technology services, and aims to provide a valuable resource for all WPP AUNZ Group agencies to access best in breed technology and programme delivery capability.

WPP AUNZ executive committee member and AKQA managing partner Brian Vella said Good will focus on establishing an interface for all agencies, connecting with global WPP network shared service models, plus evaluating and filling any resource gaps at each of the Groups agency brands  while leveraging existing capabilities. He will also work closely with agency finance teams to set-up commercial models where appropriate.

Says Vella: Our mission is to become a creative transformation powerhouse across Australia and New Zealand. Adams appointment teamed with a large-scale program in technology and infrastructure will support this goal, while being very much in line with WPPs new global strategy.

This is also about providing guidance and support to our agencies today, while future-proofing our client relationships. Marketing technology is now an essential service set, and to build out this capability individually, agency by agency, is costly and slow. This appointment is designed to combine and accelerate our growth, and were excited to have someone of Adams calibre on board to help with this important progression.

Most recently chief digital officer at Dentsu, Good has been working at the intersection between business strategy, creativity, technology, data, marketing, and digital customer experience for more than twenty-five years, living and working in the United States, China, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Hes held senior transformation roles both on agency side with Omnicom and Dentsu Aegis, and client-side roles with Microsoft, Newscorp and Telstra, where he led the creation of AFL.com and NRL.com that become two of Australias largest and most engaged mobile app audiences in the country.

His broad experience includes enterprise digital transformation programs, provided digital marketing services, and management of strategic and creative teams.

Says Good: I feel very privileged to return to my home town of Sydney and join an organisation dedicated to creative transformation. I have always been passionate about how brands and businesses combined with technology can create participation with consumers to enhance the customer experience and advance the users purpose.

Clients want teams that can combine the arts blended with a scientific mindset to use the tools of the day, but also be innovative to always to be looking ahead to find an edge. I cannot wait to help create the platforms that break new ground for our clients.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7)  Police alert status in Metro Manila has been downgraded following developments in investigations into the deadly twin blasts in Jolo, Sulu.

From a full after status, the Metro Manila police is now on heightened alert as of Thursday, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

NCRPO chief Director Guillermo Eleazar said the difference between the two is minimal, and may mean less checkpoints across the region.

"There may be less checkpoint frequencies but the mobilization of our police personnel and resources in the Metropolis continues. Our intelligence plans, strategies and efforts to detect terrorist personalities continue," Eleazar said in a statement.

He made the announcement as Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde declared the Jolo blasts "a solved case" with five suspects now in police custody.

READ: DOJ files charges vs. 5 suspects in Jolo blasts

Eleazar said this does not mean authorities would let their guard down. "Metro Manila is still the center of commerce and trade, the home of practically all government institutions departments and agencies, and is always a possible target of terrorists. That is why your police force has to be alert and vigilant twenty four-seven," he said.

He also called the cooperation of the public by being alert and vigilant.

The Metro Manila police was previously placed on full alert status as a precautionary measure following twin bombings of a cathedral that left 23 people and about a hundred wounded in Jolo, Sulu last January 27. The police and military are on heightened alert nationwide.
South Africa: Government welcomes Total gas discovery

Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has welcomed Totals significant gas discovery in the Outeniqua Basin off the southern coast of South Africa.

The French oil and gas company made the announcement on Thursday.

Following this discovery and confirmation of its potential, the company has indicated it will follow up with 3D seismic tests to be followed up by four exploration wells.

Mantashe visited the rig last Saturday to receive an update on the drilling project.

It is exciting for our country that this discovery has been made. It is potentially a major boost for the economy, and we welcome it as we continue to seek investment to grow our economy.

It further confirms that our decision to separate legislation for oil and gas from traditional minerals, so that we can support this sector in realising its full potential, is the correct one, said the Minister.

Mantashe said government is moving with speed to finalise legislation to ensure that its presented as soon as the sixth Parliament sits.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2019-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
NYSE American: UEC

CORPUS CHRISTI, Feb. 7, 2019 - Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE American: UEC, the "Company" or "UEC") is pleased to provide the following letter to its shareholders from President and CEO, Amir Adnani.

Dear Shareholders,

2019 is lining up to be among the most eventful years in UEC's 14-year history. The fundamental improvements in the uranium market appear likely to continue, following last year's increase in the spot price to $29/lb. Additionally, the U.S. Government's probe into foreign imports impacting domestic nuclear fuel cycle capabilities could be significant for the Company by accelerating demand for U.S. mined uranium.

With 98 operating reactors, the U.S. has the largest nuclear fleet in the world with annual requirements of about 45 million pounds of uranium per year. In contrast, U.S. mines are projected to produce less than 400,000 pounds in 2019, not enough for even one reactor.

The U.S. Government has launched an investigation into this over-dependence on foreign uranium as a national security matter and a final decision to enact U.S. quotas or other possible remedies is expected by mid-2019. The potential for quotas would require a meaningful portion of U.S. demand to be supplied by domestic production, which could yield a premium for U.S. mined uranium. Fortunately, and as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey, there are abundant uranium resources that can be developed in states such as Wyoming and Texas.

In this context, we are prioritizing the advancement of our fully permitted Reno Creek ISR Project in Wyoming and development drilling at our Burke Hollow ISR Project in South Texas. UEC has a potential U.S. production profile of 4 million pounds per year. Reno Creek is permitted at 2 million pounds per year and our Hobson processing facility, the hub of our South Texas operations, has a capacity of 2 million pounds per year. UEC is ideally positioned to be part of an overall solution to promote growth in U.S. uranium mining with our environmentally friendly and low-cost in-situ recovery (ISR) projects.

Burke Hollow ISR Project  Advancing Development

UEC has made final preparations for the drilling and installation of monitoring wells at the proposed Production Area Authorization One ("PAA-1") at the Burke Hollow ISR Project in Bee County, Texas.

The Company has selected drilling and heavy equipment contractors with start-up planned for the beginning of March. Initial plans include drilling approximately 20 holes to delineate several lightly-drilled areas for optimum monitor well ring design. The drill rigs will shift to drilling and installation of 120 monitor wells upon completion of the delineation holes.

In 2013, UEC discovered uranium ore trends at the Burke Hollow Project, one of the only new discoveries in the U.S. over the past decade. Resources at the project have increased with every drilling campaign, resulting in the delineation of a major uranium orebody which extends over 5 miles along its trend length. To date, a 2.4-mile long mineralized trend has been defined, which will constitute the initial Production Area at Burke Hollow. A large monitor well ring will encompass the proposed PAA-1, in accordance with regulatory requirements from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ("TCEQ").

Reno Creek Advancement  Largest Permitted, Undeveloped ISR Project in the U.S.

UEC is directing an independent Preliminary Feasibility Study ("PFS") for its Reno Creek ISR project in order to expedite upcoming construction in advancing the project towards production. The study will be accomplished in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and its related guidelines and will be based on the recently updated NI 43-101 Resource Report announced in our January 15, 2019 press release. That report estimates a Measured and Indicated mineral resource of 26 million pounds of uranium ("U3O8") at a weighted average grade of 0.041% U3O8 contained within 32 million tons and an Inferred mineral resource of 1.49 million pounds U 3 O 8 at a weighted average grade of 0.039% U 3 O 8 contained within 1.92 million tons.*

The PFS will incorporate design criteria provided with UEC expertise and will be reviewed and supplemented with preliminary designs and cost estimates for project components from a qualified consulting engineering firm.

Uranium Market Improvement

Fundamentals in the uranium market are continuing to improve as we have reported over the last two years. One of the primary drivers has been the market price remaining below most producer's production costs. While prices have strengthened, this disequilibrium persists and is likely to continue being a strong driver supporting much higher prices. A direct result of this factor has been significant production cuts, resulting in more than 30 million pounds of annual production removed from the market since 2016.

In 2018, spot uranium prices rose about 20% year over year and more than 40% from last April. Record transaction volume of more than 88 million pounds was reported in the spot market, almost 60% percent greater than the previous record established in 2011. Producer buying has tripled since 2017 and the investment community has re-entered the market, taking large blocks of material out of circulation, enhancing the already bullish supply-demand picture.

Global nuclear energy generation in 2018 returned to pre-Fukushima levels. Meanwhile, long-term contracting by utilities remained suppressed, reaching a six-year low in 2018. This adds to the tightening demand coil that should be released as older term contracts roll out of supplier and utility portfolios and inventory is drawn down. All these factors coupled with growing global demand bodes well for continued rebalancing and price appreciation in the uranium markets.

Government Investigation on National Security Impacts of Imported Uranium

For U.S. producers, uranium demand from U.S. utilities may become more robust as an outcome of the current national security investigation on uranium. This action was initiated as a result of the extreme dependency of the U.S. on imported uranium, with 2019 anticipated to show U.S. production at less than 1% of the nation's reactor requirements. The investigation is expected to result in a decision from the U.S. Government by mid-2019. While no definitive outcome is clear at this point, a premium for U.S. mined uranium could easily evolve.

UEC remains actively engaged in industry discussions regarding the investigation and we will continue our efforts on Capitol Hill to revitalize the industry. We meet regularly with bipartisan members of Congress, Committees, the White House and various government agencies to discuss matters relating to the U.S. uranium industry. Several members of our senior management team are involved with this effort, including our Chairman, Spencer Abraham, former Secretary of Energy in the George W. Bush Administration. Secretary Abraham wrote an Op-Ed article this past year published by USA Today, outlining the national security necessity for a strong domestic industry. This insightful article may be accessed at https://usat.ly/2PQfx3K.

Corporate Development Portfolio

A pillar of our three-prong strategy during the extended bear market in uranium has been to make accretive acquisitions. As a result, the Company controls a pipeline of Resource and Preliminary Economic Assessment-stage projects in Arizona, Colorado, and Paraguay.*

In 2018, UEC was instrumental in the launch of Uranium Royalty Corp ("URC") and is the largest shareholder, owning ~34% of this company. URC is the largest investor and a strategic partner of Yellow Cake Plc listed in London. URC is working towards an IPO in 2019 and is seeking to emulate, with uranium, the very successful royalty and streaming business model that has emerged in the base and precious metals sectors.

The UEC portfolio also includes the Alto Parana Titanium Project in Paraguay, one of the highest-grade and largest undeveloped Ferro-Titanium deposits in the world (total Inferred resource has been estimated at 4.94 billion tonnes grading 7.41% titanium oxide and 23.6% iron oxide at a 6% TiO2 cut-off).* While we are prioritizing capital expenditures for U.S. projects in the first half of 2019, we are also in planning phases to commission a new Preliminary Economic Assessment at Alto Parana as part of our monetization strategy.

As the year unfolds, we will provide additional perspective once the decisions associated with the U.S. Government's investigation have been made. When the U.S. industry begins to ramp-up, it will need quality people, infrastructure, resources and permits, the four key ingredients that UEC already has in place.

We appreciate your ongoing support of our long-term business strategy to become the leading U.S. uranium producer. Please feel free to reach our Investor Relations department at 1-866-748-1030 or info@uraniumenergy.com with any questions or comments that you might have as the year develops. Visit our website at UraniumEnergy.com and follow us on Twitter @UraniumEnergy to keep current on all our activities.

Yours truly,

"Amir Adnani"

President & CEO

About Uranium Energy Corp

Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC) is a U.S.-based uranium mining and exploration company. In South Texas, the Company's hub-and-spoke operations are anchored by the fully-licensed Hobson Processing Facility which is central to the Palangana, Burke Hollow and Goliad ISR projects. In Wyoming, UEC controls the Reno Creek project which is the largest permitted, pre-construction ISR uranium project in the U.S. Additionally, the Company controls a pipeline of uranium projects in Arizona, New Mexico and Paraguay, a uranium/vanadium project in Colorado and one of the highest-grade and largest undeveloped Ferro-Titanium deposits in the world, located in Paraguay. The Company's operations are managed by professionals with a recognized profile for excellence in their industry, a profile based on many decades of hands-on experience in the key facets of uranium exploration, development and mining.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101 and was reviewed by Clyde L. Yancey, P.G., Vice President-Exploration for the Company, a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.

Stock Exchange Information:

NYSE American: UEC

Frankfurt Stock Exchange Symbol: U6Z

WKN: AJDRR

ISN: US916896103

Safe Harbor Statement

* The mineral resources referred to herein have been estimated in accordance with the definition standards on mineral resources of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum referred to in NI 43-101 and are not compliant with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") Industry Guide 7 guidelines. In addition, measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources and inferred mineral resources, while recognized and required by Canadian regulations, are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Accordingly, we have not reported them in the United States. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral resources in these categories will ever be converted into mineral reserves. These terms have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. In particular, it should be noted that mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources or inferred mineral resources will ever be upgraded to a higher category. In accordance with Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of the reported measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources or inferred mineral resources referred to herein are economically or legally mineable.

Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this letter constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements". Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. 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 statements, 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 statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this letter.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uranium-energy-corp-outlines-development-plans-in-preparation-for-the-mid-2019-us-government-national-security-action-on-uranium-imports-300791484.html

SOURCE Uranium Energy Corp.
DIDCOT, February 7, 2019 - Altus Strategies Plc (AIM: ALS & TSX-V: ALTS), the Africa focused exploration project generator, announces that on 5 th February 2019 it signed a non-binding Term Sheet ("Term Sheet") for a Joint Venture ("JV") with Indiana Resources Ltd. ("Indiana") which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX"). Subject to entering a definitive agreement ("Agreement") with Altus, Indiana will have the option to earn up to an 85% interest in Legend Mali (BVI) II Inc. ("Legend"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Legend holds a 100% interest in the Lakanfla and Tabakorole gold projects ("Projects") located in western and southern Mali respectively. Indiana may earn its interest by funding the exploration and development of the Projects. The Term Sheet is subject to exclusivity provisions for 60 days following signing.

Highlights:

JV Term Sheet signed with ASX listed Indiana Resources Ltd.

Indiana may earn up to an 85% interest in the Lakanfla and Tabakorole gold projects: Lakanfla historical drill results include: 26.0m at 5.10 g/t Au and 12.0m at 9.78 g/t Au Lakanfla is located 6km southeast of the Sadiola gold mine Tabakorole historical drill results include: 60.0m at 2.92 g/t Au and 44.0m at 3.30 g/t Au Tabakorole and Lakanfla are two of six exploration projects owned by Altus in Mali

Subject to entering a definitive agreement: Altus to receive milestone based cash and equity in Indiana Altus to retain a 2.5% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalty Altus will be the operator of the JV during initial earn-in periods

Agreement remains subject to due diligence and other conditions precedent

Steven Poulton, Chief Executive of Altus, commented:

"We are delighted to have signed this Term Sheet with Indiana for a JV on our Lakanfla and Tabakorole gold projects in Mali. Upon entering a definitive Joint Venture agreement, Indiana will have the option to acquire up to an 85% interest in the projects. In return it is anticipated that Altus will receive an upfront equity payment in Indiana shares, future milestone based payments of cash and Indiana equity and a 2.5% NSR on the Projects. Indiana is a dynamic ASX listed exploration company with existing gold projects in Mali. We look forward to concluding the final agreements and to working with them thereafter. This transaction underscores the Companys project generator strategy of making and monetising mineral discoveries in Africa, while building and growing a valuable portfolio of royalty interests.

Strategically located adjacent to the world renowned Sadiola gold mine in western Mali, at which oxide resources are reportedly being exhausted, the Lakanfla project contains a major area of historical artisanal gold workings and historical drilling results including 5.10 g/t Au over 26.0m, 9.78 g/t Au over 12m and 5.61 g/t Au over 14.5m. Based on our review of historical data, we believe that Lakanfla hosts a potentially substantial karst-style gold target, analogous to the adjacent FE3 and FE4 pits of the Sadiola mine. Separately the Tabakorole project, which is located in southern Mali targets a shear zone which has reportedly been mapped for 2.7km long and up to 200m wide. Historical drilling results to date at Tabakorole include 2.92 g/t Au over 60.0m and 3.30 g/t Au over 44.0m.

In addition to this transaction, discussions are continuing with Canyon Resources Ltd in respect of the Company's existing bauxite joint venture in Cameroon as announced by the Company on 11 October 2018. We look forward to updating shareholders on the progress with these transactions in due course".

Headline JV Terms

Subject to the execution of the Agreement, Indiana will have the option to earn up to an 85% interest in the Projects on the following headline JV terms.

Stage 1 (Exploration): Indiana will have the right to earn an initial 25% interest in the Projects by undertaking 3,000m of drilling at the Lakanfla project and by completing an exploration programme at the Tabakorole project within 12 months of entering the Agreement. Altus will receive US$100,000 of Indiana shares on the commencement of Stage 1.

Stage 2 (Resource Definition): Within 30 days of the completion of Stage 1, Indiana will have the right to increase its interest in the Projects (or Lakanfla only) to 51% by undertaking 9,000m of drilling at the Lakanfla project (or publishing a JORC compliant resource of more than one million ounces of gold) and 2,500m of drilling at the Tabakorole project, within 18 months of electing to enter Stage 2. Altus will receive US$100,000 in cash and US$200,000 of Indiana shares on the commencement of Stage 2.

Stage 3 (Definitive Feasibility Study): Within 30 days of the completion of Stage 2, Indiana will have the right to increase its interest in the Projects (or Lakanfla only) to 70% by completing a Definitive Feasibility Study at the Lakanfla project and, if it elects to continue with the Tabakorole project as part of the JV, publishing a maiden JORC compliant resource at Tabakorole within 24 months of electing to enter Stage 3. Indiana will relinquish its interest in Tabakorole if it does not so elect. Altus will receive US$100,000 in cash and US$200,000 of Indiana shares on the commencement of Stage 3.

Stage 4 (Mine Construction): Within 30 days of the completion of Stage 3, Altus will have the option to co-finance Stage 4 pro rata to its interest in the JV, or grant Indiana the right to sole finance Stage 4 and increase its interest in the Projects (or Lakanfla only) to 85% by commencing gold production on either of the Projects (or the Lakanfla project only if the Tabakorole project is no longer part of the JV) within 24 months of electing to enter Stage 4. Altus will receive US$500,000 in cash and US$750,000 of Indiana shares on the commencement of Stage 4 if Indiana is sole funding Stage 4.

Altus will be the operator of the Joint Venture during Stages 1 and 2 on an "at costs plus 10%" basis. Exploration budgets and work programmes will be agreed by a JV committee consisting of up to two representatives of each of Indiana and Altus. Each party shall have one vote, however any party sole-funding will have a casting vote. If co-funding, each party shall vote in accordance with its participating interest in the JV.

Indiana may withdraw from the JV at any time. If Indiana elects to withdraw from the JV at any stage after the completion of Stage 2 it will receive a 0.75% NSR royalty on future gold production from the Projects in exchange for withdrawing. This NSR royalty will be capped at the amount invested in the JV by Indiana at the point of withdrawal and can be repurchased by Altus at any time for a cash sum equivalent to this amount plus a 10% premium. Indiana has the option to offer Altus the right to co-fund the JV from completion of Stage 3. Altus will retain a 2.5% NSR royalty on the Projects. Either party may sell its interest in the JV but must first offer it to the other party at the price and terms offered by the new purchaser. If Indiana sells its interest in the JV it will not receive the NSR royalty that it would have otherwise received from having withdrawn from the JV.

The Agreement is expected to include standard change of control and default provisions and will also provide for Indiana with the option to request a 3 month pause of JV operations at any time after the completion of Stage 1.

Lakanfla Project: Location

The 24km2 Lakanfla gold project is located 5km east of the Company's Diba ('Korali Sud') oxide gold project and approximately 6.5km southeast of the karst-type FE3 and FE4 open pits of the multi-million ounce Sadiola gold mine and 35km southeast of the former multi-million ounce Yatela karst-type mine. Lakanfla is bounded by the Sadiola permit area on its north, west and southern boundaries. Sadiola and Yatela are both part owned by Anglogold Ashanti (JSE: ANG, NYSE: AU and ASX: AGG) and IAMGold Corp. (TSX: IMG & NYSE: IAG).

Lakanfla Project: Karst Geology

Karst style deposits are known to form from the dissolution and collapse of carbonate (limestone) rocks. The weathering of these rocks, if originally mineralised with low grade gold and sulphides, can result in the precipitation of a higher grade 'supergene' and potentially economic gold mineralised residuum, above a more resistant basal layer. The dissolution of the limestones often means such deposits are associated with geophysical gravity lows, resulting from the formation of voids at depth. They may also contain sands and other more recent geological materials occurring unconformably in the geological sequence. These materials will have either been blown or collapsed into the depression created during the karstification (dissolution) process.

Lakanfla Project: Karst Targets

At Lakanfla a consistent series of gravity lows exists, as defined by a ground gravity survey completed in 2014, which are yet to be drill tested. The lows are up to 0.5km wide and have a total strike length of approximately 4km. They are hosted within marbleised lithologies surrounding a granodiorite intrusion and its associated hydrothermal aureole. Surface sagging features, considered to be a result of the formation of dissolution voids at depth, have been mapped as being more than 100m long in places and these are also often coincident with the gravity lows. A number of the gravity lows are adjacent to N-S trending artisanal gold workings and are coincident with apparent gradient array IP resistivity lows. Interpretation of the residual IP anomalies has defined a series of intersecting regional and local shear structures, which are considered to have potentially promoted the karst formation process. The gravity lows and lithological trends may indicate areas of deep weathering of altered calcareous sediments, dissolution collapse and potential supergene gold deposition.

None of the priority targets have been systematically drill tested to date. Of the historical drilling that has been undertaken at Lakanfla, 35 holes coincide with the priority targets. However, the majority of these holes were drilled were no deeper than 75m vertical depth. One was drilled deep enough to test the karst potential, attaining a vertical depth of 161m. Critically, this drill hole (04KDD-08) was located on the margin of a gravity low reached the target depth and terminated in loosely consolidated sand (from 165m to 171m), having also passed through voids and unconsolidated material. The Company considers that this hole provides strong evidence for the presence of a potential karst-type system.

Lakanfla Project: Exploration History

Historical exploration at Lakanfla has included soil sampling across the entire licence area, on a 500m x 250m (and in places 250m x 100m) sample grid. The programme defined a number of anomalies which were further refined by shallow auger drilling. Follow up diamond, RC and RAB drilling programmes primarily targeted shallow gold mineralised breccias. A number of selected historical intersections are highlighted in Table 1. The breccias are also the primary target for artisanal gold miners, the workings of which extend for approximately 2.5km of strike length. The majority of the drilling at Lakanfla was completed between 2001 and 2011.

Table 1: Selected Lakanfla selected historical shallow drill intersections

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Intersection (m) Grade (g/t Au)

04KRC-02 32.00 58.00 26.00 5.10

01KRAB-03 12.00 24.00 12.00 9.78

04KDD-06 34.00 48.50 14.50 5.61

04KDD-04 105.00 165.00 60.00 1.02

Intersections in Table 1 are calculated based on a greater than 0.5 g/t Au cut-off grade, a top-cut of grades above 40 g/t and where there is  3m of consecutive internal waste.

A series of geophysical programmes have been completed at Lakanfla, including ground based induced polarisation, high resolution resistivity, magnetic and gravity surveys as well as airborne VTEM and gravity surveys. Significantly, the completion of the ground gravity survey, which generated the Karst targets on the margins of the granodiorite intrusion, post-dates all of the drilling completed at Lakanfla to date.

Tabakorole Gold Project

The 100km2 Tabakorole project is located in southern Mali, approximately 280km south of the capital Bamako. The project sits on the Massagui Belt which hosts the 7.0Moz Morila gold mine operated by Randgold Resources Ltd. Exploration to date has identified a 2.7km long shear zone which is up to 200m wide. A number of selected historical intersections are highlighted in Table 2.

Table 2: Selected Tabakorole project historical drill intersections

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Intersection (m) Grade (g/t Au)

05FLRC-11 14.00 74.00 60.00 2.92

05TKRC-18 24.00 68.00 44.00 3.30

10FLRC-07 4.00 42.00 38.00 2.64

10FLSRC-02 10.00 24.00 14.00 6.66

Intersections in Table 2 are calculated based on a greater than 0.5 g/t Au cut-off grade, a top-cut of grades above 40 g/t and where there is  3m of consecutive internal waste.

A regional soil sampling programme completed on a 500m x 100m grid has defined a strong gold in soil anomaly at Tabakorole. The programme was completed by BHP in the early 1990s. Since 2003 a total of 28,912m of diamond, 31,943m of RC, 6,577m of auger and 60,676m of air core drilling have reportedly been completed, in addition to 1,400 line-km of airborne geophysics. A more recent 14 hole RC infill drilling program (totalling 741m) has reportedly confirmed the continuity and grade of oxide mineralization at Tabakorole, as projected from the deeper sulphide intersections.

Cautionary note regarding historical data

Readers are cautioned that the data on Lakanfla and Tabakorole as referred to in this written disclosure is historical exploration data that has not been verified by a Qualified Person. Not all historical samples are available and Altus does not have complete information on the quality assurance or quality control measures taken in connection with the historical exploration results, or other exploration or testing details regarding these results. There has been insufficient exploration to define a current resource and the Company cautions that there is a risk further exploration will not result in the delineation of a current mineral resource. The historical data should therefore not be relied upon until the Company can confirm it.

Qualified Person

The technical disclosure in this regulatory announcement has been read and approved by Steven Poulton, Chief Executive of Altus. A graduate of the University of Southampton in Geology (Hons), Steven Poulton also holds a Master's degree from the Camborne School of Mines (Exeter University) in Mining Geology. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and has over 20 years of experience in mineral exploration and is a Qualified Person under the AIM rules and National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this announcement.

Glossary of Terms

The following is a glossary of technical terms:

"Artisanal" means local people conducting mining, often with rudimentary equipment

"Au" means gold

"g/t" means grams per tonne

"Grade" means the quantity of ore or metal in a specified quantity of rock

"km" means kilometre

"m" means metres

"Shear zone" means a zone in which rocks have been deformed by lateral movement along parallel planes

For further information you are invited to visit the Company's website www.altus-strategies.com or contact:

Altus Strategies Plc Steven Poulton, Chief Executive Tel: +44 (0) 1235 511 767 E: info@altus-strategies.com SP Angel (Nominated Adviser) Richard Morrison / Soltan Tagiev Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0470 SP Angel (Broker) Richard Parlons / Jonathan Williams Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0471 Blytheweigh (Financial PR) Tim Blythe / Camilla Horsfall / James Husband Tel: +44 (0) 20 7138 3204

About Altus Strategies Plc

Altus is a London (AIM: ALS) and Toronto (TSX-V: ALTS) listed, diversified and Africa focused mineral exploration project generator. Through our subsidiaries we discover new projects and attract third party capital to fund their growth, development and ultimately exit optionality. This strategy enables Altus to remain focused on the acquisition of new opportunities to be fed into the project generation cycle and aims to minimise shareholder dilution. Our business model is designed to create a growing portfolio of well managed and high growth potential projects and royalties, diversified by commodity and by country. Altus currently has eighteen projects in six commodities across six countries. We aim to position our shareholders at the vanguard of value creation, but with significantly reduced risks traditionally associated with investments in the mineral exploration sector.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release contain forward-looking information. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include without limitation the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programmes on schedule and the success of exploration programmes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date of this news release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Altus Strategies Plc

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/534692/Joint-Venture-Term-Sheet-Signed-on-Lakanfla-Tabakorole-Gold-Projects-in-Mali
The Little Theatre of Danville will hold auditions Sunday for its March production of Contempt of Court.

The play  by David Landau, the author of The Altos and Murder at Cafe Noir  is interactive theater.

Its about Judge Judy Koch in night court with the audience serving as jury and other roles as they wish, Shirley Spalding, of Little Theatre of Danville, wrote in an email.

This play seems to have the kind of appeal the people of Danville area like, she said.

One male actor will play six different parts, including a female nurse. The play is divided into four acts, each a different case to be tried.

Anyone interested in acting, should come prepared to read.

Those not interested in acting, but want to help build, create, manage the stage, help backstage, make announcements or publicize the show are welcome at the auditions as well.

You can be a vital part of your community, Spalding said.

The auditions will be from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.

The performances will be March 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31.
"I would like to encourage the media, my supporters, and others to treat both the woman who made this allegation and my family with respect for how painful this situation can be for everyone involved," Fairfax said. "I wish her no harm or humiliation, nor do I seek to denigrate her or diminish her voice. But I cannot agree with a description of events that I know is not true."

In her statement, Tyson said she met Fairfax at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston and realized they had a mutual friend. On July 28 of that year, Tyson said, Fairfax asked her to accompany him to his hotel room to get some papers. He then began kissing her, she said, and she "kissed him back."

"What began as consensual kissing quickly turned into a sexual assault," Tyson said.

Tyson said Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex on him by grabbing her by the neck as she "cried and gagged."

"I cannot believe, given my obvious distress, that Mr. Fairfax thought this forced sexual act was consensual," Tyson said. "To be very clear, I did not want to engage in oral sex with Mr. Fairfax and I never gave any form of consent. Quite the opposite. I consciously avoided Mr. Fairfax for the remainder of the Convention and I never spoke to him again."
FORMER Formula One racecar driver turned Porsche development driver Mark Webber believes the 992-series 911, revealed at the LA show in November last year, may have the greatest breadth of performance of any of the sportscars generations yet.

Speaking to journalists at the Bathurst 12-hour endurance race, Mr Webber was quick to sing the praises of the new 911, which is set to touch down in Australia in Carrera S and 4S guise in April.

When asked of the differences between the outgoing 991 series and the new 992, Mr Webber said the driveability of the new 911 can suit a huge range of drivers, with new traction control systems that can be dialled on and off as the driver pleases.

I think they feel the cars got so many systems in place, weve got the wet map now, got all these traction control systems in place which you have to have. You cant sit still, you cant sit on a Nokia, you cant do it, he said.

If you want to buy a thoroughbred racecar in sections you can, but you have to go with the times and we can still do that, but I can show them what the cars capable of if you turn that stuff off. Its got so many layers to what it can do.

And thats probably the biggest envelope weve ever had. The envelope of the car continues to get slightly bigger every time.

Mr Webber was heavily involved in the development stages of the new 911, giving Porsche regular feedback on the 992s driving characteristics over countless laps at the famed Valencia circuit in Spain.

The initial rollout of the new 911 consists of the mid-spec Carrera S grade in rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts, with other model grades expected to follow later.

Mr Webber confirmed he will begin testing of the new-generation GT3 in the near future and will also be involved in the development of the beastly Turbo grade.

He said that new-generation improvements, such as power, wheel track and infotainment, will also make a big impression on buyers compared to the old 911.

Obviously base power is up, so thats massive, he said. The interface is a big step, were having to go a little bit more screens, theres still analogue there with the tachometer in the main centre (of the instrument cluster).

Its the widest base 911, (it has) the GT3 track on it, so in terms of the wideness the platform is very stable.

All speed range, its got four-wheel steer which we had on the 991, but its this constant iteration  the power-to-weight has never been better.

Mr Webber pointed to the 911s history of reliability and durability when compared to other contenders in the sportscar segment as one of its most impressive features, even claiming it is a favourite model among Formula One drivers.

I dont know how many laps I did in Valencia, but I caned that thing lap after lap after lap, he said.

And thats just the base for us, its incredible what this thing can do.

Ive got buddies that can buy whatever they want, but they always come back to it.

Most of the F1 guys, theyve all got the stealth Porsche tucked away because they know its never going to let them down.

There are lot of brands obviously that are amazing, theyve got good marketing stories, but when you really start to hook into them and drive hard, they can be quite unreliable.

So thats how (the 911 has) always been and thats how they are. Theyve just got such high standards on repeatability, on usage, turn them on, turn them off.

The new 911 arrives in Australia in April with the Carrera S now pumping out 331kW from its 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine.

More model grades, as well as the Cabriolet and Targa body styles, can be expected to follow in the coming months and years.

The Road to Recovery podcast series
Gloucester, MA (01930)

Today

Sunshine along with some cloudy intervals. High 72F. NW winds shifting to S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low around 55F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Gloucester, MA (01930)

Today

Rain diminishing to a few showers by morning. Low 54F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Rain diminishing to a few showers by morning. Low 54F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
US Will Find Response to Russia's Kalibr Missiles - Under Secretary of State

Sputnik News

18:01 06.02.2019(updated 18:07 06.02.2019)

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The Trump administration is confident that it will secure the funds needed to respond appropriately to Russia's development of Kalibr missiles, Under Secretary Andrea Thompson said on Wednesday.

"The president will fund every system that we need to ensure that we have security and safety of the American people and our partners and allies", Thompson told reporters during a video conference.

US Department of Defense will act accordingly, Thompson added.

She also announced that the Pentagon would begin researching and developing intermediate-range missiles after the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and will consult with allies on how the new weapons will be used.

"Now the Department of Defense [DoD] will be able to to conduct those research and development activities banned under INF [Intermediate Nuclear Forces] treaty", Thompson said. "So DoD will start those steps on building those systems they couldn't before".

Allied and partner nations will be consulted before, during and after the process, Thompson concluded.

The statement comes a day after Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said that a ground-based version of Kalibr sea-based complexes with a long-range cruise missile should be developed in 2019-2020 in response to the US decision to suspend its obligations under the INF) Treaty.

 Sputnik
Washington Not Contemplating Deploying Nuclear Missiles in Europe - US Official

Sputnik News

20:59 06.02.2019

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States is not considering deploying nuclear-tipped missiles in Europe, US Undersecretary of Defence for Policy John Rood told guests at the Hudson Institute on Wednesday.

"We don't have any plans right now and aren't contemplating deployment of nuclear missiles in Europe or anything of that nature," Rood said.

Rood's remarks come after the United States and then Russia announced they were suspending obligations under the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

Rood explained that the United States currently has no system of ground-launched missiles, but it is engaging in research to fill in the void.

The INF Treaty targeted a nuclear arms race in Europe during the final days of the Cold War by banning all ground-launched missiles, conventional or nuclear, with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310 to 3,400 miles).

 Sputnik
'Lies And Hatred': Ukrainian Ex-President Yanukovych Slams Treason Conviction, Blames Europe

By RFE/RL February 06, 2019

Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine's pro-Russia former president, has again rejected his conviction by a Ukrainian court on charges of high treason over attempts to quash a 2014 pro-Western uprising known as the Maidan protests.

Speaking at the Moscow headquarters of Russia's state-run Rossiya Segodnya media agency, Yanukovych told journalists on February 6 that the verdict and 13-year prison sentence against him at his trial in absentia was "written on the instructions of the [Ukrainian] authorities."

He said pressure on the Kyiv court had been "unprecedented."

Judge Vladyslav Devyatko, of Kyiv's Obolon district court, announced the Kyiv court's January 24 ruling that Yanukovych "committed a crime against the foundation of Ukraine's national security" and was found guilty of "complicity in waging an aggressive war against Ukraine."

Yanukovych abandoned his office in late February 2014 and fled to Russia in the face of growing protests triggered by his decision to abandon a landmark trade deal with the European Union and, instead, pursue a Russian loan bailout and closer trade ties with Russia.

He fled Ukraine just days after dozens of people were killed in and around Kyiv's Maidan Nezalezhnosti, or Independence Square, when his government attempted to clamp down on pro-EU demonstrations.

Altogether, more than 100 people were killed and more than 1,100 people injured in clashes between Maidan protesters and Yanukovych's security forces. Some were shot dead by snipers.

The dead included 13 members of Yanukovych's security forces.

Yanukovych's ouster was soon followed by Russia's seizure and forcible annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and support from Moscow for pro-Russia separatists fighting against Ukrainian government forces in eastern Ukraine.

Yanukovych denies the charges against him, contending that the case against him was politically motivated.

"The verdict has nothing to do with the law," Yanukovych told journalists in Moscow on February 6.

"Everything [in the case] was built up on lies and hatred," he said. "The mass shootings at the Maidan were organized by the Maidan's masterminds."

"An independent group must be established to investigate the crimes on the Maidan," Yanukovych said on February 6.

He said such an investigatory group should include "the countries that mediated agreements" between his government and opposition leaders in 2014 before his ouster. Those countries included Russia, France, Germany, and Poland.

"If such a group had started investigations five years ago, there would have been no catastrophe," Yanukovych said, claiming that there "most likely would not have been war" in eastern Ukraine and that "the situation in Crimea would have been different."

Yanukovych also claimed on February 6 that European leaders "double-crossed me, betrayed me" and "were and remain responsible" for what happened in Ukraine in 2014.

"I would like them to answer my questions publicly," he said. "Why have I not received any answers from the leaders of those [European] countries to my questions? I have been asking them for many years."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/yanukovych-ukraine -s-ex-president-rejects-treason-conviction -blames-europe/29754817.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Largest joint UN humanitarian convoy of the war, reaches remote Syrian settlement

6 February 2019 - The largest UN humanitarian convoy of the Syrian civil war reached the remote settlement of Rukban, on the border with Jordan on Wednesday, where it is delivering life-saving assistance to more than 40,000 displaced people, some of whom have been trapped there for years as the eight-year conflict grinds on.

The vulnerable inhabitants, the vast majority of whom are women and children, are living in desperate conditions that have worsened due to the harsh winter: at least eight young children have reportedly died in Rukban in recent weeks.

The convoy of 188 trucks a joint operation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent - is delivering food, health and nutritional supplies, as well as hygiene materials, education items and children's recreational kits. In addition, vaccines for 10,000 children under the age of five have been sent with the convoy.

"This large-scale delivery of essential humanitarian supplies to the extremely vulnerable in Rukban could not have happened a moment too soon", said UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Sajjad Malik in a statement released by the UN on Wednesday. "While this delivery of assistance will provide much-needed support, it is only a temporary measure. A long-term, safe, voluntary and dignified solution for tens of thousands of people, many of whom have been staying at the Rukban settlement for more than two years in desperate conditions, is urgently needed."

The humanitarian supplies provided during this convoy were chosen based on the findings of a needs assessment carried out during the previous convoy to reach the outpost, in November 2018. Monitoring will also take place during the current convoy by the UN and Red Crescent teams to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in need.

In order to bring about a situation where the displaced people at the settlement can return home, or to a place of their choosing, the UN and Red Crescent will carry out a survey to consult with them on their wishes and priorities. In the Wednesday statement, the UN underlined the fact that it urges all parties to allow safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need in Syria line with their obligations under International Humanitarian Law.

In the last three years, tens of thousands have fled to Rukban from ISIL or Da'esh extremist- held parts of Syria being targeted by Russian and U.S.-led coalition air strikes, according to news reports.

The camp lies inside a "deconfliction zone" set up by US-backed coalition, Russian and Syrian Government forces, which has reportedly encouraged many of Rukban's inhabitants to stay rather than go back to their homes in areas under Government control where they fear retribution by the Syrian army.
Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance to Rukban

Press Statement

Robert Palladino

Deputy Spokesperson

Washington, DC

February 6, 2019

We welcome the news that the UN and Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) are making a second humanitarian aid delivery from Damascus to the Rukban encampment, providing critical food, medical care, warm clothes, and shelter materials. This follows the successful delivery that took place in November 2018. We recognize the courageous efforts of the UN and SARC humanitarian workers who are carrying out this delivery, and we thank the UN for its tireless advocacy to ensure that life-saving aid reaches Syrians in desperate need.

We look forward to a more regular and sustained process for delivering urgently-needed humanitarian assistance from Damascus to Rukban as we work with our partners to find a sustainable solution for the tens of thousands of displaced people at the encampment, the majority of whom are women and children. We continue to call for sustained rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the people in Rukban and all vulnerable people throughout Syria in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2449.

The United States is the largest single donor for the Syria response, providing more than $9.1 billion in humanitarian assistance for those affected by the conflict inside Syria and throughout the region since the start of the crisis. We remain committed to getting life-saving support to all Syrian civilians affected by conflict.


Joint Statement on Syria

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

February 6, 2019



We, the Foreign Ministers and representatives of Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, met today in Washington to continue our work in support of the UN's efforts to achieve a political solution to the conflict in Syria on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

There is no military solution for Syria and no alternative to a political solution, thus there is a concerted need for diplomacy and international political will to end the Syrian conflict and alleviate the continued suffering of the Syrian people. We affirm in the strongest terms that those who seek to destabilize the region or seek a military solution will only succeed in increasing the risk of a dangerous escalation and wider conflagration in the region. We are determined to focus our efforts and move forward with a political solution consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

We reiterate our support for the United Nations and UN Special Envoy for Syria Pedersen's efforts. We underscore the Office of the UN Special Envoy's clear mandate from the Secretary-General and the UN Security Council to move forward with these objectives and encourage all sides to engage substantively to end the Syrian conflict.
| BY Ricki Green |

AdFest will again hold the World Producers Summit on Thursday 21st March as part of AdFest 2019. This exclusive summit is an opportunity for Executive Producers in the Asia Pacific and Middle East to get together to discuss the trends and challenges facing their businesses.

The World Producers Summit at AdFest 2019 will be chaired by Steve Davies, chief executive of the Advertising Producers Association (APA) and executive vice president of the Commercial Film Producers of Europe (CFPE) together with Francois Chilot, honorary chairman of CFPE and President of the Young Director Award.

Says Davies: The purpose of the World Producers Summit is to bring the regions top producers together with the goal of finding solutions to common issues. This is a chance to get ahead with your knowledge. Is there something happening to the production business in the US? China? The UK? Or Brazil? If these changes come into affect in your market, how can you be ready for the opportunities that might bring?

Says Corey Esse (pictured above), managing director and executive producer at FINCH in Australia, who attended last years Summit: It is not often you get EPs and producers from all around Asia in one room. It was good to discuss the issues each market faces and share insights on how one another are dealing with it. It was also great to make some more contacts from other countries as we look to production solutions outside of our markets.

The first World Producers Summit at AdFest was held in 2012 and provides a forum for production company owners and stakeholders in the Asia Pacific and Middle East to discuss specific issues they encounter as the industry evolves and globalizes. Its a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights from peers and brainstorm possible solutions to current and emerging business challenges. The World Producers Summit also takes place in Cannes every June and is created by the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, CFPE and APA.

The World Producers Summit at AdFest 2019 is open to just 40 owners or employees of an independent production company, with only one representative per company permitted. Agency subsidiaries are not eligible. Its free to attend, but you must be a registered delegate of AdFest 2019.

To register, click here and await confirmation from AdFest. For additional inquiries, please contact Workshop@ADFEST.com. The Summit will take place on Thursday 21st March 2019 from 1-3:30pm at Pattaya Exhibition And Convention Hall (Peach), Royal Cliff Hotels Group in Pattaya, Thailand.
Israeli Satellite PHOTOS Suggest Russian-Made S-300 Operational in Syria

Sputnik News

08:48 06.02.2019(updated 09:48 06.02.2019)

Russia completed its delivery of new S-300 air defence systems to Syria last October following a Russian plane's accidental destruction by a Syrian air defence battery that was responding to an Israeli airstrike.

Israeli satellite imaging company ImageSat International (iSi) has claimed three launchers for Russian-made S-300 long-range surface-to-air missile systems deployed to Syria have been erected.

"Due to the current regional tension and the detected erection of the launchers it is possible that the mentioned activity indicates an increase of the operational level and alertness. However it is currently unclear why only one launcher is covered by camouflage net. This situation is rare and raises question marks about the operational level of the whole battery and specifically of the covered and folded launcher", the company assessed.

According to iSi, the alleged deployment site is located in the northwest of the town of Masyaf.

Neither Russia, nor Syria have commented on the claims yet.

Israel and Syria have repeatedly been engaged in an exchange of fire, with the latest Israeli airstrike, which lasted two days (20-21 January), hitting what was described by Tel Aviv as Iranian targets in the vicinity of Damascus International Airport. The Russian military has confirmed that Syrian air defences had destroyed over 30 cruise missiles and guided bombs when repelling the Israeli attack.

In early October, Russia completed delivery of the S-300 systems to Syria, including 49 units of systems-related equipment such as radars, basic target acquisition systems, command posts, and four launchers.

In a televised speech in September, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced measures to beef up the security of Russian servicemen in Syria after the Israeli Air Force used a Russian Il-20 as a shield while attacking targets in the Syrian Arab Republic, which ultimately led to the downing of the Russian aircraft by Syrian air defenses.

Shoigu stated that Moscow would provide Damascus with the S-300 air defence systems within two weeks as an "adequate" response to Tel Aviv's role in the Il-20 crash and the death of the Russian servicemen on board.

Israel rejected the accusations, claiming that it had warned Moscow about the upcoming air raid in the area in a timely fashion.

 Sputnik
S-300 missile system activated in Syria: Israeli company

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 09:22AM

An Israeli satellite imaging company claims a number of launchers for S-300 missile defense systems provided to Syria by Russia have been seen in an erected position, indicating that they are now ready to use.

ImageSat International (iSi) said on Tuesday images show three of the four S-300 launchers belonging to the long-range surface-to-air missile systems are in an upright position in the town of Masyaf in the western Syrian province of Hama.

"Due to the current regional tension and the detected erection of the launchers, it is possible that the mentioned activity indicates an increase of the operational level and alertness," the company said.

It cited specific concern after noticing that only one of the launchers had been camouflaged.

"This situation is rare and raises question marks about the operational level of the whole battery and specifically of the covered and folded launcher," it noted.

At the request of Damascus, Russia and Syria have maintained close defensive cooperation in battling terrorists in the Arab country.

The cooperation has flown in the face of Israel's efforts at undermining Syria's defenses, with the regime repeatedly targeting Syrian military positions.

Last September, a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft was shot down and all the 15 servicemen on board were killed during Israeli airstrikes in the northwestern Syrian province of Latakia.

Moscow held Tel Aviv responsible for the downing and ordered the delivery of the S-300 defense systems to Syria.

A month after the systems arrived in Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin told Russia's Sputnik news agency that the delivery would be followed by additional steps, without providing any further details.

He also issued a veiled warning to Israel, saying Russia hoped the Tel Aviv regime would exercise "good judgment" on the shipment of the S-300 batteries to Syria.
Lebanon to rely on Russian strategy for return of Syrian refugees: Minister

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 01:25PM

Lebanon's minister of state for displaced affairs says his country will stick primarily to the Russian strategy for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.

"The Russian strategy will be adopted as a basis for our approach towards the return of Syrian refugees to Syria," Saleh Gharib told China's official Xinhua news agency on Wednesday.

He also did not deny the possibility of visiting Syria, or conducting a direct dialogue with high-ranking government officials in Damascus to secure the return of Syrian refugees.

"Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri is very much aware of the sensitivity of this issue, and all necessary steps will be taken in this regard," Gharib pointed out.

The strategy to help Syrian refugees go back to their homes was drawn up following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in the Finnish capital city of Helsinki on July 16, 2018.

It specifies around 76 residential neighborhoods in Syria's central provinces of Homs and Hama, the northwestern province of Idlib as well as Damascus to enable the return of 360,000 Syrian refugees as a first step.

The strategy also entails the rehabilitation of houses in the mentioned areas, which would allow the return of 500,000 more Syrian refugees within two years.

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported on December 24 last year that more than 1,000 Syrian refugees had returned to their homeland from various areas in the neighboring country.

The return of refugees took place in the southern Lebanese cites and districts of Tripoli, Arsal, Tyre and Nabatieh, and under the supervision of Lebanon's General Security in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Refugees returned home using buses sent by Syrian authorities and arrived at al-Zamrani, Jdeidat Yabous, al-Dabbousiya border crossings from Lebanese territories.

The refugees underwent medical checks and polio vaccines were administered to children. They were then transferred to Syria's northern and central provinces of Idlib and Homs in addition to other areas in the crisis-stricken Arab country.

More than 1,000 Syrian refugees returned to their homeland from different areas in Lebanon, including Nabatieh, Bekaa, Tripoli and Shabaa on December 16, 2018.

Arabic-language Elnashra online independent newspaper reported that the return of refugees took place under the supervision of Lebanon's General Security Directorate in cooperation with the Lebanese army.

More than one million Syrian refugees are registered with the UNHCR in Lebanon.

The Beirut government estimates that the true number of Syrians in Lebanon stands at 1.5 million.
Full stability, security in Syria key regional goal for Iran

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 6 February 2019 / 13:32

Tehran (ISNA)  Iranian President described relations between Iran and Syria brotherly, close and stronger than ever, saying, "One of the important regional goals and foreign policy principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran is establishment of full stability, security and normal conditions in Syria for the return of Syrians' to their normal life".

Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria, Walid Muallem on Wednesday and said, "After the victory of the Islamic Revolution, close Tehran-Damascus relations started with the special attention of the leaders of the two countries and these relations will continue to stand in all fields serving the national interests of the two nations".

He also expressed congratulations to the people and the government of Syria for the victories over the terrorists, adding, "We have no doubt that your victory against a great conspiracy in this region led by the United States and some other countries is a great victory and success for the Syrians and the entire region".

Syria still has hurdles until it reaches full victory, said Rouhani adding, "Overcoming these hurdles is a common goal for the two countries".

"Therefore, it is essential that we further develop our cooperation and coordination in all fields," he said.

President Rouhani also went on to state that the relations between the two countries should stand strong in long term, saying, "To realize this goal, we need to take our steps with sensitivity and care by considering the interests of the two nations".

He also referred to the recent visit of the First Vice-President to Damascus and described it very important and successful, adding, "The visit has had good achievements for the two nations".

During the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria, Walid Muallem also congratulated the 40th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, and appreciated the Iranian nation and government's unhesitating support of Syria.

He said, "The Syrian nation and government praise and rely on Tehran's unwavering stances in supporting Syria's territorial integrity and combatting terrorism and foreign occupation".

"Without a doubt, the Islamic Republic of Iran's success in foiling the United States' conspiracies is a great success for the entire region, including Syria," he continued.

Muallem went on to describe the visit of Iranian First Vice President, Es'haq Jahangiri to Damascus very effective, adding, "This visit has set off a powerful move for development of relations between the two countries".

End Item
Russian Military Has 'the Muscles', Keeps Training 'the Brain' - Swedish Report

Sputnik News

11:03 06.02.2019

Russia has upped its focus from small-scale conflicts to contential-size conflicts and is working to further increase its preparedness, a Swedish report has said.

Russia is training its ability to carry out large-scale wars, the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) has written in a recent report.

The report "Training for War: Russia's Strategic Military Exercises 2009-2017" was completed on behalf of the Defence Ministry, who wanted an assessment of Russia's military intentions.

While it previously used to concentrate on managing small-scale conflicts, Russia has upped its focus on strategic military exercises. They are conducted once a year in all directions in order to train the ability to wage a war over an entire continent, the report said.

"Russia is preparing to fight regional wars that can be prolonged, against contemplated actors the size of China or even NATO", FOI research director Johan Norberg, one of the authors of the report, told national broadcaster SVT.

According to FOI, the Russian Armed Forces have drastically improved their combat readiness and the ability to rapidly move from everyday activities in peacetime to being able to solve combat tasks at war.

"The important thing is that you train the military brain and the nervous system. The muscle is already there. You would want to keep the brain going", Norberg explained.

According to FOI, the extent of Russia's annual exercises has increased dramatically from 2009 to 2018. In 2018, 300,000 people gathered at the military drill Vostok 2018 in the eastern part of the country. Although China and Mongolia also participated in the major drill, FOI's assessment is that it is essentially political and has little significance for Russia's military capability.

Since 2013, Russia has been systematically carrying out contingency checks in order to further increase preparedness, the report said.

"This way, they are always prepared if someone calls you and says now is the time. They do it from the highest level downwards, and a few times a year starting from the president himself, who is also the commander-in-chief", Nordberg explained.

In recent years, Sweden's rhetoric toward Russia has become sharper. Following Crimea's re-unification with Russia, which in Scandinavia is most often portrayed as an annexation and a token of Moscow's aggression.

"From time to time we note provocative behaviour on the Russian part", Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist said during the conference People and Defence in January. He also claimed that Russia invests heavily in conventional military and nuclear arms and behaves in an increasingly assertive way.

For its own part, formally non-aligned Sweden has increased military cooperation with NATO and bilateral cooperation with the US.

In 2017, Sweden conducted the Aurora 17 drill, which gathered over 20,000 soldiers from eight countries, including NATO members, and became Sweden's largest military exercise since the Cold War era.

In late 2018, Sweden took part in the NATO drill Trident Juncture 2018, which numbered over 50,000 participants, thus becoming the largest in Norway in recent decades.

Although the "Russian threat" has been systematically used as a pretext for military beef-ups, including the re-militarisation of the Baltic island of Gotland, which became a demilitarised zone shortly after the end of the Cold War, Sweden's own military capacity has been often criticised by army professionals.

Major General Karlis Neretnieks called Sweden's land troops, in effect consisting of a single brigade, "way too small".

"The lowest possible threshold for having a credible ability to meet a limited attack against Sweden would be between four and six brigades, plus forces in Stockholm and on Gotland", Neretnieks told the newspaper Expressen.

 Sputnik
Russia successfully test-fires long-range missile amid tensions with US

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 06:52PM

Russia has successfully test-launched an RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), amid ongoing tensions with the United States over long-running treaties that control development of new missiles.

Russia's military forces fired the armed thermonuclear missile from the Plesetsk spaceport in the Arkhangelsk Region in the country's north to a firing range in the country's Far East, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Wednesday.

"At 11:31 am Moscow time on February 6, a mobile Yars solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile armed with multiple warheads was test-fired from the Plesetsk state testing spaceport. The warheads arrived at the designated area at the Kura practice range on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The assignments were accomplished in full," the ministry said in a statement.

"The launch aimed to confirm the advanced missile system's capabilities and flight characteristics," it added.

A modification of the Topol-M missile system, Yars has a maximum range of around 12,000 kilometers (7,500 miles).

The missile can be fired from mobile or silo-based launchers and deliver MIRV (multiple independently targetable vehicle) warheads to its targets. MIRV warheads allow the missile to deliver thermonuclear payload to different targets upon re-entry.

Upon the missile's introduction in 2007, Washington claimed it violated the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Soviet Union, which went into effect in 1991 and expired in 2009.

In 2010, Moscow and Washington signed the New SATRT agreement, which required them to reduce their nuclear weapons. American officials claim that Yars is in violation of this agreement as well.

This is while, last year, the Pentagon contracted Boeing and a number of other American arms manufacturers to develop new ICBMs and nuclear-capable cruise missiles in a bid to replace the US Air Force's ageing arsenal of strategic weapons.

The test also follows a tit-for-tat move by Moscow in abandoning the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), a landmark Cold War-era arms control treaty that requires them to eliminate all their nuclear and conventional missiles with ranges of 1,0005,500 km (6203,420 mi).

Last week, Washington suspended the INF for 180 days and warned it would fully scrap the agreement unless Russia destroys all of its ground-launched cruise missiles known as 9M729, which the American military experts insist is in violation of the treaty.
Pakistan Supreme Court says military must stay away from 'politicking'

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 05:48PM

Pakistan's Supreme Court has called on the military and intelligence agencies to stay out of politics in a country that has been ruled by generals for nearly half its age since 1947.

"If any personnel of the Armed Forces indulges in any form of politicking or tries to manipulate the media he undermines the integrity and professionalism of the Armed Forces."

That was stated in a posting on the website of the high court on Wednesday.

Pakistani intelligence agencies appear to have played a role in protests against blasphemy in the capital Islamabad in 2017.

Back then, it took several weeks for the tense atmosphere to calm down. The protests were led by a then little-known group called Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP). Violent clashes led to a military-brokered deal at the expense of the lives of at least six people. Also, videos showing what appeared to be troops handing out cash to the protesters helped fuel speculations that they were backed by the military.

The court statement, which was related to the events of Islamabad, also pointed to the constitution of Pakistan that "emphatically prohibits" members of the armed forces from "engaging in any kind of political activity." The government as well as the chiefs of the army, air force and navy were ordered by the Supreme Court to show due response to any constitutional violation in that regard.

Blasphemy laws in Pakistan have raised concerns among activists and civil society members who say the laws are often exploited by extremists or those who want to settle personal scores.

Hundreds of cases of criminal blasphemy are filed across Pakistan each year. Dozens of people, including lawyers, defendants and judges, have been murdered in Pakistan over blasphemy allegations since 1990.

Elsewhere in the statement, the court spelled out curbs on free speech, giving a serious warning to the intelligence agencies.

"All intelligence agencies... and the (military's media wing) must not exceed their respective mandates. They cannot curtail the freedom of speech and expression."

"Those who resort to such tactics under the mistaken belief that they serve some higher goal delude themselves."

Local media have complained about pressure in the run-up to general elections in July 2018.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said in a report released September last year that the army had "quietly but effectively, set restrictions on reporting."

The military has ruled Pakistan through various coups for nearly half the country's history since it gained independence in 1947.
Bangladesh summons Myanmar envoy over new influx of refugees

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 02:52PM

Bangladesh has summoned Myanmar's ambassador to protest against a new influx of refugees fleeing clashes in the restive Rakhine state.

A senior Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry official said on Wednesday that Myanmar's envoy was summoned late Tuesday after clashes between security forces and a Buddhist rebel group forced people from Rakhine Buddhist and other tribal groups to flee to Bangladesh.

"The number is increasing. Some people are already waiting on the border and they may also enter. We have asked them (Myanmar) to take effective and urgent steps so that violence is stopped," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity, without giving a figure.

According to a Bangladesh border guard official, the refugees had crossed the frontier in a remote hill area of Bandarban district in southeastern Bangladesh.

The country is already struggling to cope with more than 700,000 Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh since August 2017, when Myanmar's armed forces, backed by Buddhist extremist mobs, intensified a crackdown that had already been underway against the Muslim community in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

Thousands of Rohingya Muslims were killed, and others only survived by fleeing to Bangladesh. The country was already home to 300,000 refugees who had fled earlier violence in Rakhine.

Now Myanmar's Buddhists, who constitute the majority in the country, are in conflict with the military they backed to drive out the Rohingya just 18 months ago.

The Arakan Army (AA), a Buddhist rebel group calling for greater autonomy for Rakhine, conducted raids on police border posts on January 4. Thirteen people were killed by the rebel group. The army says 13 militants have been killed in retaliatory attacks while the United Nations says the violence left at least 5,200 people displaced.

The clashes have added a new, complex dimension to the troubles in Rakhine.

Rakhine has been the scene of communal violence since 2012. Many Muslims have been killed while tens of thousands have been forced to flee as a result of attacks by Buddhists. The refugees largely live in camps in dire conditions.

The Rohingya trace their presence in Rakhine back centuries, but most people in Buddhist-majority Myanmar see them as unwanted immigrants from Bangladesh, with the state denying the Muslims citizenship.

The United Nations has already described the Rohingya as the most persecuted community in the world.
Iraq won't turn into launch pad for aggression against others, top Shia cleric says

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 03:43PM

Iraq's most senior Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has fiercely criticized the latest statement by US President Donald Trump that American forces must remain in Iraq so Washington can keep a close eye on neighboring Iran.

During a meeting with the special representative for Iraq and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaer, in the holy shrine city of Najaf on Wednesday, Ayatollah Sistani said Iraq rejects serving as a launching pad to harm any other country.

He noted that Iraq aspires to have good and balanced relations with all neighboring countries, without interference in their internal affairs.

The remarks came a day after Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi strongly condemned Trump's comments, stressing that his country will not accept being used for any acts of aggression against other states.

On Monday, Iraqi President Barham Salih hit back at the US president, saying, "The Iraqi constitution rejects the use of Iraq as a base for hitting or attacking a neighboring country."

He said Trump did not ask Iraq's permission for US troops stationed there to "watch Iran."

In an interview with CBS television network broadcast on Sunday, Trump highlighted the importance of a military base in Iraq, saying it was crucial to the surveillance of Iran's activities.

"We spent a fortune on building this incredible base, we might as well keep it. And one of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran" he said in an apparent reference to Ayn al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq, which he paid a visit to during an unannounced trip to the country last December.

When asked whether he planned to use US forces in Iraq to "strike" Iran, Trump responded, "No all I want to do is be able to watch."
Chief bankers of Iran, Iraq sign deal on payment mechanism

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 12:21AM

Governors of the central banks of Iran and Iraq on Tuesday signed an agreement on a payment mechanism which is to facilitate the settlement of Baghdad's debts to Tehran.

The deal, signed in Baghdad by Iran's Abdolnasser Hemmati and Iraq's Ali Mohsen Al-Allaq, mainly focuses on a payment channel that is to facilitate the settlement of the Arab country's debts to Tehran over gas and electricity imports, among others.

The two sides inked the agreement following negotiations between members of their delegations in Baghdad's Al Rasheed Hotel.

Upon arrival in the Iraqi capital Tuesday, Hemmati told IRNA that his trip was aimed at removing the obstacles that hinder the settlement of Iraq's debts to Iranian exporters.

"Currently, we're witnessing a considerable volume of exports [from Iran to Iraq] in both public and private sectors, but there are shortcomings in banking and monetary exchanges, which have created problems for [Iranian] exporters," he said.

In addition to natural gas and electricity, Iraq imports a wide range of goods from Iran including food, agricultural products, home appliances, and air conditioners.

The value of Iranian imports to Iraq was about $6 billion for the 12 months ending March 2018, about 15 percent of Iraq's total imports for 2017.

The energy contracts between the two countries also contributed to a volume of trade of $12 billion last year.

Iran is currently Iraq's top trade partner, having sharply increased their trade exchanges in recent months despite US sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

The US government in November re-imposed unilateral sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran and urged all countries in the world to stop doing business with Iran.

However, in a bid to meet its energy needs, Baghdad requested the US to exempt the Arab country from its unilateral sanctions against the Islamic Republic, and was finally granted a 45-day waiver, which was later extended for another three-month period.

After giving the waiver, the US said that Iraq could continue to import natural gas and energy supplies from Iran as long as it did not pay Iran in US dollars.

Therefore, the country officially removed the US dollar in trade with Iran, and started working on the use of local currencies in its economic ties with Tehran.

Iran's Tuesday deal with Iraq on facilitating financial exchanges came a few days after the European signatories to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal formally announced the launch of a long-awaited direct payment mechanism meant to safeguard their trade ties with Tehran in the face of the "toughest ever" American sanctions.

Following months-long preparations, foreign ministers of France, Germany and Britain finally unveiled the mechanism -- officially called the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) -- on Thursday following a summit in Bucharest.

"France, Germany and the United Kingdom, in accordance with their resolute commitment and continued efforts to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) endorsed by United Nations Security Council resolution 2231, announce the creation of INSTEX SAS (Instrument for Supporting Trade Exchanges), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) aimed at facilitating legitimate trade between European economic operators and Iran," the three foreign ministers said in a joint statement," they said in a joint statement.

France, Germany and the UK are the initial shareholders of the INSTEX mechanism for trade with Iran, which has been registered in the French capital, Paris, with a capital of 3,000 euros, and will be governed by a German banking expert, according to AFP and German media.

INSTEX is designed to pave the way for European firms to do business with Iran while evading the strict sanctions the US re-imposed against Iran last year after leaving the 2015 multinational nuclear deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Asians lift more Iran oil but Europe refuses imports

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 10:46AM

Asian customers of Iranian oil are steady in taking supplies from the country but the Europeans refuse to buy any, despite having received exemptions from US sanctions.

India's Hindustan Petroleum Corp said Wednesday it plans to buy 0.9 million tonnes of Iranian oil this year.

The company imported 0.7 million tonnes of crude oil from Iran during the financial year between April 2018 and February 2019, director of refineries M K Surana said.

Last month, Indian refiners began clearing their oil debt to Iran under a new payment mechanism which they put in place after the US reimposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

India is Iran's second biggest oil customer after China and one of the eight countries which got US waivers late last year to continue crude oil imports from Iran for six months.

China, South Korea and Japan have also started importing oil from Iran but European nations have not responded yet to Tehran's offers to sell them crude oil despite having US waivers, Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh said Tuesday.

"No European country is buying oil from Iran except Turkey," he told a news conference in Tehran. "Greece and Italy have been granted exemptions by America, but they don't buy Iranian oil and they don't answer our questions."

Britain, France and Germany last week launched the Instrument In Support Of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), a system to facilitate non-dollar trade with Iran and avoid US sanctions.

Iranian officials have warned that the country would revise relations with Europe if it did not benefit economically from INSTEX.

Zangeneh described the situation more difficult than the Iraqi war on Iran in the 1980s but said the country is finding creative ways to cope.

The US, he said, wants to zero Iran's export incomes but Iranian officials are doing their best to neutralize it.

His ministry has already offered oil on the Tehran bourse to bypass sanctions. Zangeneh said Iran now considers selling Islamic bonds to finance $6.2 billion worth of oil projects.

US sanctions have hampered the country's plans to develop its upstream sector, but they have also left the country to its own devices for development.

Last month, Iran marked a milestone of 100 million liters per day in gasoline production when the third phase of its most important refining project came online, making the country self-sufficient in the fuel.

According to Zangeneh, more than $10 billion of projects are in the pipeline at the giant South Pars field where four gas processing plants will go on stream this winter with a capacity of 110 million cubic meters per day of natural gas.

Oil exports are a key source of revenue for Iran but the country faces umpteen hurdles for its repatriation.
Iran's president renews call for Middle East free of nukes, other WMDs

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 01:12PM

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani renews Tehran's call for a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, urging an end to foreign interventions in the region.

"Our slogan is a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and [other] weapons of mass destruction, and we have been standing firm in this regard for more than 40 years," Rouhani said.

Rouhani made the remarks while delivering a speech to foreign dignitaries and ambassadors in Tehran on Wednesday on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

"Our slogan is that the presence of foreign troops in the region and their interventions must end," Rouhani added. "Our slogan is a world free of violence and extremism" as it was stressed in the World Against Violence and Extremism (WAVE) resolution submitted to the UN by Tehran.

In December 2013, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to approve President Rouhani's WAVE proposal, which called on all nations across the globe to denounce violence and extremism.

Iran's Ambassador to the UN Gholamali Khoshrou submitted to the world body an updated version of the WAVE in December 2015.

Khoshrou said the consensus on the draft and support for it on the part of various countries indicates that the UN must take immediate action for containing violence and extremism in the world.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Rouhani said that Iran's foreign policy is based on respecting other countries' rights while countering any foreign intrusion in its affairs, adding, "Based on this, we do not dominate others and do not accept any domination either."

He said that Iran seeks good ties with friendly countries across the world irrespective of their religions.

"The Iranian nation never intended, neither in the past 40 years nor before that, to launch aggression against their neighbors or other countries, and whenever our neighbors needed help, we offered them assistance  without any expectations or anything in return," he added.

Rouhani also pointed to the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and major world powers, and said Iran has complied by all of its agreements it has ever signed, including the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which he said was well indicative of Tehran's living up to its commitments.

He, however, took a swipe at the US for its withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saying Washington has failed in this historic test and reneged on its obligations.

"Under chimerical excuses and in defiance of all regulations, the US has created problems for itself, the Iranian nation, regional countries, Iran's partners as well as . its own world and regional partners," the Iranian president said.

"Despite US's infringements and although Europe has acted so weakly and inefficiently in implementing its commitments, the Islamic Republic of Iran honors its obligations, which means that ethics and moral and political obligations are of high significance to Iran," Rouhani said.

He also criticized Washington for its "illegitimate sanctions" against Tehran and said the US has been doing its utmost to pile up pressure on and frustrate the Iranian nation but stressed that the Iranian people "are more united than ever."

Rouhani said that since the victory of the Islamic Revolution four decades ago, the US has been trying to employ all it has in power against Iran as they lost a great ally and a base in the region, but added that they have failed in all fronts against Iran due to their "miscalculations."

Underling that Iran seeks friendly ties with the world, Rouhani said that the Islamic Republic will even accept a US apology and repentance despite Washington's history of aggression.

"If the US expresses penitence too and rectifies its previous approach, makes precise calculations, apologizes for its previous interventions in Iran, is ready to accept the grandeur and dignity of the Iranian nation and the great Islamic Revolution and speaks to the Iranian nation respectfully, we will be ready to accept its repentance despite its years of oppression against us," he said.

President Donald Trump of the United States withdrew Washington in May from the JCPOA, reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries in 2015, and decided to re-impose unilateral sanctions against Tehran.

Under the deal, Iran undertook to put limits on its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of nuclear-related sanctions.

Following the US pullout, the European signatories to the JCPOA as well as China and Russia pledged their commitment to the deal and vowed to keep it alive.

The Europeans issued a joint statement on January 31, announcing the launch of a long-awaited direct non-dollar payment mechanism meant to safeguard their trade ties with Tehran in the face of the sanctions.

Following months-long preparations, the foreign ministers of France, Germany and Britain finally unveiled the mechanism, officially called the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), after a summit in Bucharest, Romania.

Iran and its three European partners in the JCPOA will soon begin talks in Paris, France, in an effort to work out the operational details of INSTEX.

On a visit to Paris on Tuesday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reached an agreement with French officials to hold a first round of expert-level discussions in the near future on INSTEX.

The mechanism has been registered in Paris and will be jointly financed by the three European countries and run by a German banker. It is initially intended to be used for selling food, medicine and medical devices to Iran, but it could be expanded to cover other areas of trade in the future.
Balance in JCPOA's implementation disturbed: Iran deputy FM

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 6 February 2019 / 11:13

Tehran (ISNA)  Iranian deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Abbas Araqchi and the Secretary-General of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Maurice Gourdault-Montagne held the 6th round of Iran-France political dialogues in Paris.

During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments regarding bilateral relations, the implementation of the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchange (INSTEX), France's commitments under the JCPOA, regional issues and the fight against terrorism.

Mentioning that Iran has completely implemented its obligations under the JCPOA, Araqchi said, "The other sides have so far failed to do so. As a result, the balance in the JCPOA's implementation is disturbed".

Welcoming the launch of INSTEX, he noted, "The mechanism was declared after a long delay, but we hope that it will become operational soon.

Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, for his part, stressed that Paris would keep up support for the nuclear deal, and that INSTEX was designed to meet that end.

The French official said, "Iran as an important and influential country and France is eager to continue dialogue with the Islamic Republic in all areas of mutual interest".

End Item
New UN Report Shows North Korea Avoiding Sanctions

By Steve Miller February 06, 2019

A new report by the United Nations shown to the Security Council Friday claims North Korea is working to ensure its weapons cannot be destroyed by military strikes.

It comes as U.S. President Donald Trump hailed "tremendous progress" last week in his dealings with North Korea and set the date for his second summit during Tuesday's State of the Union address. "As part of a bold new diplomacy, we continue our historic push for peace on the Korean Peninsula," the president said.

President Trump acknowledged that "much work remains to be done" and set the date for his next meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for February 27-28 in Vietnam.

South Korea's presidential office welcomed the news.

"We expect that Vietnam will be the best location to write a new history between North Korea and the USA," the presidential spokesperson said.

The confidential U.N. report, first disclosed by Reuters news agency on Monday, found evidence of North Korea using civilian facilities, including airports, for ballistic missile assembly and testing with the goal of effectively preventing 'decapitation' strikes."

In addition, the 317-page report said North Korea "continues to defy Security Council resolutions through a massive increase in illegal ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products and coal," rendering the latest U.N. sanctions ineffective.

The U.N. monitors included in the report evidence of one prohibited petroleum transaction worth more than$5.7 million.

The report accused North Korea of also violating a U.N. arms embargo while trying to sell "a wide range of military equipment to armed groups and governments in the Middle East and Africa."

The report added that Pyongyang was also engaged with small arms and light weapons sales to Libya, Sudan and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

North Korea also continued a trend in using cyber attacks to "illegally force the transfer of funds from financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges" to evade financial sanctions.

The findings supported U.S. intelligence assessments that North Korea is unlikely to scrap its weapons programs.

Last week, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said North Korea views these programs "critical to regime survival."

However, some speculate Pyongyang may offer to scale back its activities to win sanctions relief, but North Korea has said it will never unilaterally give up its nuclear weapons unless the United States first removes any threat to it.

The announcement by U.N. monitors comes ahead of a meeting between U.S. special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, and his North Korean counterpart in preparation for a second denuclearization summit.

(Lee Ju-hyun contributed to this report.)
Trump says to meet with DPRK's Kim on Feb. 27-28 in Vietnam

Global Times

Source:Xinhua Published: 2019/2/6 11:31:18

US President Donald Trump said here on Tuesday in his State of the Union address that he will meet with the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong Un, on Feb. 27-28 in Vietnam.

Speaking to a joint session of Congress in the House of Representatives, Trump said that "as part of a bold new diplomacy, we continue our historic push for peace on the Korean Peninsula."

"Much work remains to be done, but my relationship with Kim Jong Un is a good one. Chairman Kim and I will meet again on February 27 and 28 in Vietnam," he added.

US State Department said earlier on Monday that Stephen Biegun, US special representative for DPRK-related issues, will travel to Pyongyang later on Wednesday for meetings with his DPRK counterpart, Kim Hyok Chol, to lay the groundwork for the second Trump-Kim summit and to "advance further progress on the commitments the President and Chairman Kim made in Singapore: complete denuclearization, transforming US-DPRK relations, and building a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula."

Trump met with Kim for the first time in Singapore in June, reaching several consensuses that have led to the improvement of the US-DPRK relations.

However, differences between the two sides remain over key issues including the scale of denuclearization, US sanctions on the DPRK and whether to issue a war-ending declaration.
Clock Ticking on Efforts to Strike US Border Deal

By Michael Bowman February 06, 2019

U.S. lawmakers working to avert another partial government shutdown emerged from a closed-door meeting Wednesday asserting that an agreement on border security could be reached in the coming days, but indicated that partisan differences remained on specific elements of a potential deal.

The bipartisan joint committee, tasked with crafting a plan to boost U.S. border security before federal funding expires Feb. 15, conferred privately with career officials of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The briefing occurred one day after President Donald Trump restated his funding demand for physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.

"The clock is ticking away," Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, an Alabama Republican, told reporters. "We're hopeful. The tone is good between the various conferees. We're dealing in substance now."

"All of us feel pressure to get it [a deal] done, and I believe we should," said the Senate's No. 2 Democrat, Dick Durbin of Illinois.

Tennessean 'optimistic'

"I continue to be very optimistic," Tennessee Republican Rep. Chuck Fleischmann said. "We have a lot of good minds in that room. We have a lot of good hearts in that room."

At the same time, U.S. lawmakers acknowledged that disagreements have yet to be resolved.

Durbin said Wednesday's meeting reinforced his belief that extending walls and fencing on America's southern border would be ineffective and wasteful. He said border officials confirmed that the vast majority of illegal narcotics entering the United States pass through legal points of entry, not over open border territory.

"It turns out that fewer than one out of five trucks are actually inspected as they come across that border, and only 1.5 percent of cars are inspected," Durbin said, adding that the funding priority should be to provide Customs and Border Protection agents with more technology and manpower at points of entry.

'Three-legged stool'

North Dakota Republican Sen. John Hoeven had a different take on the briefing.

"One size does not fit all," he said. "It's a three-legged stool. Yes, you need technology. Yes, you need personnel. But you also have to have a border barrier."

In his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday, Trump said walls are needed "to secure vast areas between our ports of entry," adding, "Where walls go up, illegal crossings go down."

For now, conference committee members aren't predicting whether a border security agreement will contain even a portion of the $5.7 billion in wall funding Trump has sought, spawning doubts as to whether the president would support any bill a politically divided Congress might pass.

"Obviously, it would be great if the president decided to sign the bill," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said Tuesday. "I think the conferees ought to reach an agreement. And then we'll hope that the president finds it worth signing."

Stopgap bill

A 35-day partial government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, ended in late January when Congress passed a stopgap bill to reopen federal agencies for three weeks.

The shutdown began last December, when, at Trump's behest, the then-Republican-led House refused to consider a Senate funding bill that omitted wall funding  and Senate Democrats rejected a House-passed bill that contained wall funding.

The three-week funding period was designed to give Congress time to forge a bipartisan border security package and fully fund federal operations for the remainder of the fiscal year.

"We're on the right track," Texas Rep. Kay Granger, the top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, told reporters. "I think if we have enough time, we can get it done."
Afghan Opposition, Taliban Agree to Back US-Led Peace Process

By Ayaz Gul February 06, 2019

Taliban and influential Afghan opposition leaders concluded a rare two-day "peace meeting" in Moscow on Wednesday, where they jointly declared that a complete withdrawal of U.S.-led foreign forces was key to a lasting peace in Afghanistan.

A post-meeting declaration noted that participants also agreed to support ongoing U.S.-led direct talks with the Taliban to seek a negotiated settlement to the Afghan war, now in its 18th year.

The Russian Embassy in Kabul said members of the Afghan diaspora in Russia organized the dialogue, though delegates privately acknowledged the host government played a major role in arranging it.

A 10-member Taliban delegation from the insurgent group's Qatar office attended the conference under the leadership of their chief negotiator, Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanikzai.

Former President Hamid Karzai led the group of about 40 politicians from Afghanistan, including presidential hopefuls, former officials, warlords, tribal elders and female rights activists.

'Very successful'

"This meeting here in Moscow, it was very successful, and we agreed on many points," Stanikzai told reporters at the end of the two-day deliberations.

But the U.S.-backed government in Kabul was not invited to the conference because the Taliban have persistently refused to engage in any talks with Kabul until all foreign forces leave Afghanistan.

President Ashraf Ghani criticized and dismissed the Moscow gathering as an attempt by his political opponents to undermine his constitutionally elected administration.

The rigid insurgent stance also forced Washington to exclude Ghani's government from talks between U.S. and Taliban officials seeking a political resolution to the conflict.

Ghani's former national security adviser and his rival in the upcoming presidential election, Haneef Atmar, defended the Moscow gathering as an important step toward initiating an intra-Afghan peace dialogue.

He told reporters the Afghan delegation was in fact trying to help Ghani's government to become part of the peace process because the Taliban do not want to talk to him.

"The intra-Afghan dialogue will be all-inclusive. No Afghan will be excluded from this process. So, it includes people from the government. This is a breakthrough in the [peace] process," said Atmar.

"The effort now is exactly with the purpose to have an integrated peace settlement in which the withdrawal of troops will be one element," Atmar said when asked whether the meeting demanded complete withdrawal of forces by the U.S. and its allies.

U.S.-Taliban talks

The Moscow talks took place days after U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, reported "significant progress" in his latest round of negotiations with the Taliban in Qatar, where Stanikzai led the insurgent team.

Both sides noted they had agreed "in principle" to a framework on key issues, including a Taliban guarantee that Afghan soil would not be used in the future for terrorist attacks against the U.S. in return for Washington's withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan.

Khalilzad and his team are due to meet with the Taliban again in Qatar on Feb. 25 for more discussions.

President Donald Trump in his State of the Union speech Tuesday hinted at a possible U.S. military drawdown, saying his administration has accelerated negotiations with the Taliban to reach a political settlement in Afghanistan.

"As we make progress in these negotiations, we will be able to reduce our troops' presence and focus on counterterrorism.  We do not know whether we will achieve an agreement, but we do know that after two decades of war, the hour has come to at least try for peace," Trump noted.
Trump Says Curtain Likely to Fall on IS Caliphate Within Days

By Jeff Seldin February 06, 2019

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he expected to formally declare victory over the Islamic State terror group's self-declared caliphate in the next week.

"Nobody thought it was possible to do it this quickly," Trump told members of the global coalition to defeat the Islamic State group, who were meeting in Washington.

"It should be formally announced, probably sometime next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate," he added. "We've had victory after victory."

U.S. defense and intelligence officials believe that up to 1,500 IS fighters are still clinging to a 50-square-kilometer patch of land in Syria, but have been more cautious in their assessments.

In just the past week, they have described the fighting as tough, saying coalition-backed forces were pushing through booby-trapped streets and settlements. And they warned that even once the last of the IS-held territory was liberated, the terror group still would have as many as another 30,000 fighters and supporters dispersed throughout Syria and Iraq.

Yet despite more wary assessments from top military and intelligence officials, Trump said Wednesday that the terror organization had been decimated, losing tens of thousands of fighters and more than 60 high-ranking leaders.

"We've eliminated almost every one of them," he told representatives from the 79-member coalition, reiterating that the time had come to pull out the 2,000 U.S. forces helping to fight IS in Syria.

Warm welcome

"We look forward to giving our brave warriors in Syria a warm welcome back home," he said.

The decision to withdraw those forces, first announced in December along with Trump's initial declaration of the Islamic State's defeat, surprised and rattled many of Washington's allies and partners, and even some top U.S. military commanders.

Jim Mattis resigned as defense secretary days later.

Since then, the White House and other top U.S. officials have sought to reassure allies it is not abandoning them or their efforts to deal IS a lasting defeat.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told coalition members earlier Wednesday that while the "nature of the fight is changing," U.S. goals remained the same.

"It simply represents a new stage in an old fight," Pompeo said in remarks to open the daylong conference.

"The drawdown of troops is essentially a tactical change. It is not a change in the mission," he added. "The fight is one that we will continue to wage alongside of you."

But how the fight will proceed and when U.S. troops will leave Syria are unclear.

Defense officials confirm that while some equipment already has been moved out of Syria, plans for withdrawing U.S. forces are still being formulated with the help of allies and partners on the ground. 

The commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, Central Command's Gen. Joseph Votel, told lawmakers during a hearing Tuesday that however U.S. forces left, it would be "deliberate."

"I am not under pressure to be out by a specific date and I've not had any specific conditions put upon me," Votel said, adding the U.S. and its partners must maintain pressure on IS cells in Syria and beyond.

"They have the capability of coming back together if we don't," he said.

Other top defense officials have been equally outspoken, warning that pulling troops out of Syria will put hard-fought gains in danger.

"Militarily, we will be less effective," Owen West, the Pentagon's assistant secretary for special operations/low-intensity conflict told lawmakers Wednesday. "It is much more effective to be co-located with your partners."

White House counters

White House officials have pushed back, insisting the time has come for other nations to step up their contributions to the fight.

"[Trump] doesn't believe that the United States can solve this problem externally," a senior administration official said when asked about delivering IS an enduring defeat.

"He thinks it is something we can assist with, it's something we can encourage, but that that has to come from within the Muslim community," the official added.

The official also said that the withdrawal from Syria would be "conditions-based," with U.S. forces staying in the vicinity of the U.S. base at al-Tanf, in southern Syria, until the very end.

And the president himself said Wednesday that even then, U.S. forces would stand ready to assist.

"Rest assured, we will do what it takes to defeat every ounce and every last person within the ISIS madness," Trump told ministers from coalition countries.

"The struggle against terrorism is a shared fight," he added. "Everyone must do their part and contribute their fair share."

Already, U.S. officials are calling on fellow coalition members to "put our money where our mouth is," and increase funding to eliminate a $350 million shortfall in reconstruction funds for Iraq.

Pompeo also urged coalition members to "seriously and rapidly consider requests that will enable our efforts to continue," adding, "Those requests are likely to come very soon."

Iraqi officials, as well, are asking for assistance.

"I call on all countries of the world to help Iraq fight sleeper cells of Daesh and to help Iraq restore its stability," Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim told the conference Wednesday, using the Arabic acronym for the terror group.

Although Iraq declared victory over IS more than a year ago, the country's security forces continue to battle pockets of resistance across the country, sometimes with the help of coalition airstrikes.

Reaction to Trump interview

But while Iraq's foreign minister asked for more help, he also warned the U.S. and other countries must heed "the basic principles on which the global coalition has been there, including most importantly the complete respect of the territorial integrity of Iraq and for all operations to take place with the knowledge of the government."

The comment is the latest from Iraqi officials following an interview Trump gave CBS News on Sunday, in which he said he wanted U.S. troops stationed in Iraq to "watch Iran."

U.S. officials have repeatedly warned of Iran's destabilizing activities in Syria and across the Middle East, but officials from Baghdad maintain the U.S. military presence in Iraq is the result of an agreement to combat terrorism, and that keeping an eye on Tehran is not part of the deal.
Senior Somali Military Officer Killed in Roadside Bombing

By Harun Maruf February 06, 2019

A senior Somali military commander was killed in a powerful roadside explosion near the capital, Mogadishu, Tuesday just two months after his several other senior officers were killed in the same area by an improvised explosive device (IED), military officials confirmed to VOA Somali.

Colonel Abdisalam Sheikh Aden died after his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device shortly after leaving a military base in Dhanane, on the southern outskirts of Mogadishu.

Aden was deputy commander of the 12th April Division, one of the biggest military sectors in Somalia. A second officer, Colonel Abdirahman Jimale Muse, who was in charge of the finances for the first battalion of Somali army, was also killed in Tuesday's explosion.

The death of the two officers came exactly two months after two senior military commanders including Aden's predecessor were killed by IED in the same vicinity. The explosion on Dec. 6 killed the commander of the 12th April Division, General Omar Aden Dhabad "Omar Dhere," and his deputy general, Abdi Ali Jamame.

The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Tuesday's attack came as the U.S. military increased airstrikes against al-Shabab. The U.S. military has reported carrying out two new strikes against the group. The first strike took place on Feb. 3 in the Gandarshe area, not far from the location of Tuesday's IED attack, 30 kilometers south of Mogadishu. The second strike occurred in the vicinity of Leego town in Lower Shabelle region, about 120 kilometers west of Mogadishu.

U.S. Africa Command did not report any casualties suffered by al-Shabab but said no civilians were either killed or injured.

"These precision airstrikes support Somali partners' ongoing efforts to reduce al-Shabab safe havens, degrade the terrorists' infrastructure, and destroy terrorist equipment," said the statement by Africa Command.

The latest two strikes bring the total number of airstrikes against al-Shabab this year to 11. Last year the United States carried out 47 strikes, all of them against al-Shabab.
Trump Speech Stokes Allies' Fears Over US Troop Withdrawal

By Henry Ridgwell February 06, 2019

U.S. allies have given a cautious welcome to the announcement of a second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, to be held later this month in the Vietnamese city of Da Nang.

The planned meeting was the major foreign policy announcement Tuesday in President Trump's State of the Union address. He said the rapprochement with Pyongyang, which began with a summit in Singapore last June, was a major success of his presidency.

"Nuclear testing has stopped, and there has not been a missile launch in more than 15 months," Trump told lawmakers and guests gathered on Capitol Hill.

To audible gasps from some in the audience, Donald Trump said America would likely be at war with North Korea if his Democrat rival Hillary Clinton had won the presidency in 2016. His claims of success in negotiations with Pyongyang are disputed, says Leslie Vinjamuri, head of the US program at policy group Chatham House.

"There hasn't been the kind of progress with North Korea that the president's claiming. There's still evidence that they are committed to their nuclear program."

A spokesperson for the South Korean president said, "We hope that the two leaders take more specific and practical actions in Vietnam."

Seoul is taking a cautious approach, says U.S. Policy Analyst and author James D. Boys.

"I would imagine that there are many people in South Korea who are concerned at this point that perhaps Donald Trump might continue that withdrawal process, and talk about bringing American troops home from the Korean peninsula, in exchange for any nuclear agreement."

Troop withdrawals

The U.S. president pledged to bring more American troops home from conflicts overseas.

"We have spent more than $7 trillion in the Middle East. As a candidate for president, I pledged a new approach. Great nations do not fight endless wars," he told lawmakers.

He added that peace talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan must be given a chance, and the Islamic State terror group had been largely defeated in Syria.

But there are growing concerns among allies over an American withdrawal from the region, says Leslie Vinjamuri.

"As to whether you can really rely on the Taliban to deliver on any peace settlement that might be agreed, certainly a lot of concern by women in Afghanistan and what that would mean. And again the same line that he's going to pull America's troops out of Syria and there's very grave concern there about what the implications for stability in Syria, for ISIS, whether that threat will grow."

Russia

Trump criticized Moscow's purported violation of the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, from which the United States and Russia have pulled out recently, and warned if there is no new agreement "the U.S. would outspend and out-innovate all others."

NATO allies are fearful of an arms race with Russia and an unpredictable U.S. president, says analyst James D. Boys.

"It's notable that he was very critical of European leaders, NATO allies, claiming that they had to be dragged kicking and screaming to their share of defense expenditure for example, and yet spoke quite warmly of people like President Xi from China."

While the speech appears to have done little to answer questions about foreign policy among European allies, the impression from afar is the State of the Union address was largely aimed at addressing the president's challenges at home.
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Helping F-35A pilots operate, survive at Red Flag

By 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published February 06, 2019

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- The F-35 Lightning II is lethal and survivable in almost any environment, but it's just a machine, unable to do anything without a skilled pilot. Those pilots need gear to interface with the jet, operate and survive.

Outfitting the pilots is the job of the Airmen in the 388th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment shop. A handful are currently deployed to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, for Red Flag 19-1.

Red Flag is the Air Force's premier combat training exercise where units from across the Air Force join with allied nations in a "blue force" to combat a "red force" in a variety of challenging scenarios over three weeks.

"I love it," Tech. Sgt. Anthony Farnsworth said. "We like Red Flag because we get to focus entirely on the job here just like we would if we were actually deployed."

Farnsworth and his team show up hours before the mission begins and work on checking and preparing anything and everything pilots need to fly the jet or survive in case of an emergency  jackets, harnesses, G-suits, oxygen masks, helmets, survival kits and parachutes.

"I love being part of the F-35 program, because it's new and advanced" Airman 1st Class Ryan Joplin said. "The helmet is really integrated with the jet and the pilot. We're responsible for keeping up the helmet and we're the first one they come to for help."

As Joplin inspects helmets, Airman 1st Class Henri Steel uses a compressor to pump air into a G-suit to ensure it can withstand the pressure.

"They need this G-Suit to work. These bladders fill up with air and compress around their legs to keep their blood circulating so they don't lose consciousness when they're pulling Gs," Steel said "I know what I'm doing is important."

All of the Airmen say that while the job is rewarding and they know they have a direct impact on the mission, the thing they enjoy most is their relationship with the pilots.

"We get to see them on a day to day basis, communicate with them," Joplin said. "It's nice to relate to them as humans rather than just as uniforms."
US, Philippine AF concludes bilateral air contingency exchange

By Staff Sgt. Anthony Small, Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs / Published February 06, 2019

CESAR BASA AIR BASE, Philippines (AFNS) -- U.S. and Philippine air forces Airmen marked the successful completion of 12 days of bilateral training and increased mutual cooperation during the seventh iteration of Bilateral Air Contingent Exchange-Philippines, or BACE-P, at Cesar Basa Air Base, Feb. 1, 2019.

The first iteration of BACE-P was conducted April 16, 2016 by the Pacific Air Forces at the direction of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. This year's iteration of BACE-P was unique for its incorporation of fighter aircraft at Basa AB, in particular U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons.

"Having the F-16 fighter (at Basa) allowed us to interact with our (Philippine Air Fgorce) partners along with their FA-50s and in turn helped to strengthen our interoperability and training with a key partner," said Col. Christopher Faurot, BACE-P 13th Expeditionary Air Squadron commander. "Through this engagement, our bilateral forces increased their interoperability and our partners demonstrated that they are a disciplined, professional and highly motivated force."

In addition to interfly training between the U.S. Air Force F-16s and the Philippine Air Force FA-50s, Airmen conducted subject matter expert exchanges on topics to include crash recovery, communications, flightline and maintenance back-shop operations, concluding with a large-force exercise on the last day.

"It's been terrific," said Lt. Col. Tom Kanewske, 121st Fighter Squadron pilot. "As part of the bilateral engagement we've really focused on the sharing of best practices, so whether it's our air-to-air and air-to-ground training with them as pilots or also reaching out to their ground forces -- their forward air controllers -- to that cross-sharing of information across survival specialists or maintainers, that level of engagement is something we don't normally get in the international bilateral format, so it's really been wonderful."

These exchanges consistently promote interoperability, build upon the foundation of a strong U.S.-Philippines' alliance, and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

"Bilateral engagement really matters," Kanewske said. "We have seen a great degree of coalescing around joint tactics so the ability to see that improvement over a two-week time period provides us all the more momentum we need to keep these engagements on schedule and continue to show that overall joint improvement."

Likewise, Maj. Mario Mendazo, a Philippine Air Force FA-50 pilot with the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron, expressed his appreciation for the bilateral exchange.

"The U.S. Air Force (shared with) us a lot of (knowledge) throughout this exercise that we can really apply in the near future," Mendazo said. "During our exchange, I learned a lot when it comes to fighter operations, specifically air-to-air and air-to-ground. Air-to-air-like intercepts of different kinds of targets, threats airborne, and  threats on the ground specifically dealing with close air support missions."

A long-standing bilateral reoccurring exchange, the engagement focused on enhancing mutual cooperation and building on existing capabilities. Moreover, the relationships fostered through this exchange were also a key component to a successful partnership.

"The future holds bright for the United States and the Philippines' partnership when it comes to making our respective militaries stronger and being able to work together towards future missions," Mendazo said. "I see a stronger alliance in the future and brighter days ahead for the two countries."

Kanewske echoed his sentiment regarding the importance of continuing to foster and develop the U.S. and Philippine air forces'partnership.

"I think it's a necessity that we continue growing our partnership," Kanewske said. "These degrees of engagements will only further our combined strategic objectives and we see the Philippine Air Force and the (armed forces of the) Philippines in general as a major contributor to the overall regional stability in the Pacific."
Rising landmine blast toll in Afghanistan highlights long-term care needs of survivors

6 February 2019 - The number of casualties in Afghanistan from landmines and other explosives has more than tripled since 2012, the UN said on Wednesday, in support of a call to provide more long-term support for survivors.

Latest data from UNMAS, the UN Mine Action Service, shows that 1,415 Afghan civilians were killed or injured by mines and so-called explosive remnants of war (ERW) in 2018.

Children make up eight in 10 of ERW casualties, according to UNMAS, which is attending the 22nd Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and United Nations Advisers (NDM-UN) in Geneva this week.

The UN agency notes that since 1989, more than 18 million ERW items have been cleared, along with more than 730,000 anti-personnel mines including over 750 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and 30,145 anti-tank mines.

"We are still in the prevention business and we aren't doing all that well," said Patrick Fruchet, UNMAS Programme Manager, Afghanistan. "In 2012, we were down to about 36 casualties per month in Afghanistan - which is still enormous; those numbers jumped, those numbers jumped year on year. And in 2017, there were more than 150 casualties a month."

This spike in casualty numbers is linked to "new contamination" by anti-personnel weapons in the country, linked to intensifying conflict between Government forces and Taliban extremists, after 2014.

"We are struggling to handle significant increases in the number of minefields in Afghanistan," Mr. Fruchet said, noting that the work of the UN agency and its partners was complicated by the fact that the authorities control only around half the country.

"You have provinces where the provincial capitals are very friendly, under Government control, and the rural areas outside those capitals are not, and that is very often where we work," he said.

Increased funding is critical to Afghanistan's bid to be landmine-free by 2023, UNMAS says, noting that the Government's $85.1 million appeal for clearance activities is only around 50 per cent fulfilled.

In an appeal for increased international support and awareness, head of the Legacy of War Foundation and photographer, Giles Duley, described how important long-term care was to his recovery after he lost both legs and a forearm to a landmine in Afghanistan.

A fellow survivor he'd met in Cambodia had not been so lucky and was "living like a dog" because no-one had helped him to learn how to walk on his prosthetic legs, Mr. Duley explained.

"At his house - or his sister's house where he stayed - we sat there, we drank some tea and we chatted," he said "Eventually, he showed me the side of this house some beds where the dogs slept. And he pointed to one of the large dog baskets and he said, 'That is my bed.' Now his sister was a wonderful woman, she was doing what she could, but she lived in poverty, she had her own family, and so her brother was literally living like a dog."

Mr Duley insisted that despite the vast amounts of money spent helping victims in the immediate aftermath of an attack, "a huge gap" is left in relation to their longer-term needs.

"And really that is what we are calling for," he said. "It's the opportunities for people injured in conflict through no choice of their own, often children who have a full life ahead, are given support to regain their dignity and to be able to support themselves and their families again. It's not that complicated, it's not that difficult. We spend millions saving lives, we have to help them get their lives back."
The Global Coalition - Working To Defeat ISIS

Fact Sheet

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

February 6, 2019

At the Global Coalition Washington Ministerial on February 6, the U.S. Department of State wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the Coalition and its goals. The 79-member Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS has worked diligently since 2014 to reduce the threat ISIS poses to international security and our homelands. The Coalition's combined efforts have diminished ISIS' military capability, territorial control, leadership, financial resources, and online influence. Members are united in common cause to defeat ISIS through a robust approach, including working by, with, and through local partners for military operations; supporting the stabilization of territory liberated from ISIS; and enhancing international cooperation against ISIS' global objectives through information sharing, law enforcement cooperation, severing ISIS' financing, countering terrorist recruitment, and neutralizing ISIS' narrative. The Coalition is also engaged in civilian efforts to provide needs based humanitarian aid assistance to communities suffering from displacement and conflict, and supporting stabilization efforts in territory liberated from ISIS.

The Global Coalition is the largest international coalition in history. It is a diverse group, in which each member makes unique contributions to a robust civilian and military effort.

The Military Campaign

Thirty-two Coalition partners contribute troops in Iraq and Syria in support of the effort to defeat ISIS. Working by, with, and through our local partners, the Coalition continues to destroy ISIS safe havens and builds in direct action against ISIS.

Coalition operations have liberated all of the terrain ISIS once controlled in Iraq and more than 99 percent in Syria, including key cities in both countries. Scores of ISIS leadership figures and nearly all of Baghdadi's deputies have already been removed from the battlefield, to include ISIS' so-called ministers of war, information, finance, oil and gas, and its chief external operations strategist and propagandist.

Coalition air assets have conducted more than 33,000 strikes on ISIS targets. Beyond top leaders, airstrikes have targeted military commanders, administration officials, foreign fighter facilitators, emirs, propaganda officials, and battlefield fighters. The Coalition remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the Government of Iraq to consolidate the gains made and ensure the permanent defeat of ISIS in its previously held territory. We remain united in a long-term, whole-of-government effort that includes international support to build regional stability, inclusive governance, humanitarian assistance, and economic recovery, while taking steps to address underlying issues that fuel local insurgencies. This helps ensure the long-term stability of Iraq. To date, Coalition efforts have trained more than 190,000 Iraqi Security Force members, including members of the Iraqi Army, Counterterrorism Service, Kurdish Peshmerga, Federal Police, Border Guards, and Sunni elements of the Popular Mobilization Forces.

With the support of the Coalition, our SDF partners have liberated more than 99% of ISIS' previously held territory in Syria. As part of these efforts in Syria, the Coalition has helped train Syrians of diverse backgrounds who have joined the fight to defeat ISIS.

The Civilian Effort: Stabilization, Humanitarian, and Economic Assistance

Since 2014, Coalition members have provided over $20 billion in stabilization assistance, demining capabilities, economic support, and humanitarian assistance in Iraq and Syria  all of which guards against a resurgence of ISIS. To date, partners have pledged over $1 billion in stabilization programming in Iraq and an additional $300 million for stabilization assistance in northeast Syria, which is key to securing military gains, integral to stabilizing liberated terrain, and developing systems that can mitigate the drivers of extremism.

IRAQ

Support for stabilization efforts is a strategic investment in the fight against ISIS. In Iraq, we have pioneered a new model of stabilization in partnership with the Government of Iraq and the UN. As a result of this support, following liberation from ISIS, we have prioritized clearing explosive remnants of war (ERW), including deadly improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and quick-impact projects to return civilians to their homes. Local partners in Iraq are holding ground against ISIS, restoring services, clearing schools and clinics of unexploded ordinance, helping families return home, providing security, and contributing to re-establishing the rule of law in liberated areas. This is an enormous challenge but essential to repairing the damage caused by ISIS.

Since late 2015, the Global Coalition has contributed over $368 million to clear ERW, deliver risk education, and build local ERW-related capacity in Iraq through U.S. assistance, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This support has facilitated the clearance of more than 130,000 explosive hazards across Iraq from more than 2,500 sites associated with the delivery of social services, transportation, agricultural development, commerce, and housing.

Twenty-seven partners from the U.S.-led Global Coalition have committed over $1 billion to the UNDP's Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS), including Germany's pledge in October 2018 of over $100 million. From this fund, the UNDP has in planning, begun, or already completed over 3,100 stabilization projects in 31 liberated areas, helping to facilitate the return of nearly 4.2 million displaced Iraqis. According to the UN, FFS projects have given at least 780,000 people improved access to healthcare, 1.2 million have improved access to clean water, and 1.6 million people with improved access to reliable electricity.

The Global Coalition is helping Iraq's local government make their cities safer while working for the local population. We are helping to clear neighborhoods of mines and remnants of war, restore basic municipal services like electricity, water, education and health care. We are creating conditions for local economies to recover and for Iraqis displaced by the conflict to safely and voluntarily return home. As part of our overall stabilization efforts, five Coalition partners have joined an Italian-led effort to train more than 25,000 Iraqi police to date in advanced investigative techniques. It is vital to Iraq's recovery to have a properly trained and equipped civilian police capable to ensure public order and security, and maintain confidence with the population in liberated areas.

Our stabilization programming is addressing immediate needs. For stabilization to have a lasting effect, it has to be followed by reconstruction. The international community pledged $30 billion in grants, loans, and other financing for Iraq's reconstruction during the Government of Kuwait hosted Iraq Reconstruction Conference in February 2018 that brought together the donor community, civil society, and the private sector to help Iraq address its significant reconstruction needs.

SYRIA

Since April 2018, the Department has elicited more than $325 million in contributions and pledges from 15 Coalition partners to support critical stabilization and early recovery initiatives in areas liberated from ISIS in northeast Syria, including generous contributions of $100 million by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and $50 million from the United Arab Emirates. The United States is also the largest single country humanitarian donor to the people of Syria, providing more than $9.1 billion in humanitarian assistance since the start of the crisis for those in need of assistance inside Syria and the region.

The Global Coalition has contributed over $100 million for ERW clearance in northeast Syria since 2017, clearing more than 25,500 explosive hazards from 24.5 million square meters of territory in Manbij, Tabqa, and Raqqa; as well as training over 300 Syrian nationals to international standards. To date, our focus has been on critical infrastructure, clearing sites such as schools, hospitals, electrical grid facilities, and water pumping stations to facilitate restoration of critical services. We have cleared over 650 sites in urban areas liberated from ISIS, mainly Raqqa and Tabqa cities.

With Coalition support the USG conducted stabilization activities in towns, villages, and IDP camps throughout Raqqa and Deir Ez-Zour governorates. In coordination with local governance entities, the Coalition supported the refurbishment of the Tabqa Hospital, where more than 500,000 people can now access emergency and maternal care, the rehabilitation of over 75 schools and the creation of 11 children's centers across Raqqa governorate enabling more than 100,000 children to return to school. Coalition support continues to rehabilitate vital water, electrical, health, agricultural, and educational infrastructure throughout northeast Syria.

Coalition-funded stabilization programming in northeast Syria will continue to support the broader mission. We will continue to support international efforts to restore basic essential services and remove explosive hazards in areas liberated from ISIS, which can help enable the safe and voluntary return of internally displaced people. We will also continue to lead in providing life-saving needs based humanitarian assistance to people inside and outside Syria.

We value and thank our partners who have worked with us on the ground, and will continue to work with them on stabilization efforts in northeast Syria. There is still much work that needs to be done to help those liberated from ISIS to recover, and to prevent the return of ISIS. We also appreciate the contributions and continued commitment from our international partners in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS; stabilization assistance is critical to ensuring ISIS's lasting defeat.

Counter Messaging

Building resistance to terrorist propaganda and countering terrorist use of the internet is vital to our effort. ISIS is increasingly struggling in the face of an organized and sophisticated set of counter measures by the Coalition.

Global Coalition member countries are producing national responses and coordinating counter ISIS communications efforts regionally and globally. The Coalition's Communications Working Group (co-led by the UAE, UK, and U.S.) regularly convenes meetings between member countries and academics, civil society, media, and tech companies to share information and strategies to counter terrorist messages online and offline, and present positive alternative narratives.

The Communications Working Group also supports a network of messaging centers that expose, refute, and combat online terrorist propaganda. These centers harness the creativity and expertise of local actors to generate positive content that challenges the nihilistic vision of ISIS and its supporters. The Defeat-ISIS Communications Cell in London and the Sawab Center in Abu Dhabi lead the Coalition's efforts to tackle ISIS propaganda.

The Global Coalition is actively engaged with the private sector in these efforts. For example, the Global Engagement Center, an interagency entity based within the U.S. Department of State, uses online technology to target potential recruits of terrorist organizations and redirect them to counter-ISIS content. Since August 2015, Twitter has suspended more than 1.2 million terrorist- related or affiliated accounts that have been shown to abuse their platforms. Collectively, we are making it increasingly difficult for ISIS to spread its poisonous ideology among vulnerable audiences.

We remain focused on growing our online presence. Global Coalition Twitter accounts in Arabic, French, and English continue to increase their number of followers. The Coalition Communications Cell in London, with staff from 10 countries, guides our public global messaging through daily media packages that are distributed to 950 government officials worldwide.

Counter-Finance

Coalition collaboration on financial intelligence and broad-spectrum information sharing has supported our military effort to destroy ISIS' sources of revenue. Coalition airstrikes have destroyed energy assets and removed key financiers from the battlefield degrading ISIS's efforts to function as a state. The reduction of ISIS-controlled territory has reduced the ability to illegally tax those under its control, removing a key source of revenue.

Additionally, the Coalition has worked closely with the Government of Iraq in its efforts to prevent ISIS from using Iraq's financial system. The Coalition is coordinating efforts to identify clandestine ISIS investments, and attempts to launder its cash reserves through legitimate businesses. Globally, coalition members are coordinating efforts through regional fusion centers such as the Terrorist Finance Targeting Center in Saudi Arabia and sanctions designations at the UNSC 1267 ISIS and Al-Qa'ida Sanctions Committee.

The Coalition's Counter-ISIS Finance Group (CIFG)made up of 54 members and observers is executing a plan that tracks evolving sources of revenue, expands information sharing, and coordinates technical assistance to coalition members in the effort to disrupt ISIS's global financial flows. CIFG is also leading global efforts to ensure full implementation of the multiple UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit all forms of financial support to ISIS, including funds raised from kidnapping for ransom, and the sale of natural resources.

Countering Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF)

The flow of foreign terrorist fighters (FTF) to Iraq and Syria, many of whom joined ISIS, is down significantly after peaking in 2014. This decline has been dramatic, and geographically widespread. In December 2017, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2396, which requires all UN members to use Passenger Name Record (PNR) data and Advanced Passenger Information (API) to stop terrorist travel and to collect biometric data and develop watchlists of known and suspected terrorists. Fusing intelligence and military operations has also led to a dramatic decrease in ISIS's ability to generate revenue and fund its operations. Through our efforts, we are working to cut the connective tissue of foreign terrorist fighters, financing, and its narrative that enables ISIS in areas where it is trying to establish its influence. Partners have dramatically increased global pressure against ISIS branches by increasing information sharing, enhancing border security, strengthening legal regimes, adopting strategies to counter violent extremism, and interdicting known ISIS facilitators to break up plots and protect our homelands:

The United States now has information-sharing agreements with at least 72 international partners to identify and track the travel of suspected terrorists.

Approximately 70 countries have laws to prosecute & penalize FTF activities, including traveling outside one's country to join a terrorist organization.

At least 70 countries have prosecuted or arrested foreign terrorist fighters or their facilitators and at least 31 countries use enhanced traveler screening measures.

More than 65 countries, plus the United Nations, have contributed over 25,000 foreign terrorist fighter profiles to INTERPOL.

Several countries have repatriated and detained FTFs captured in Syria and held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The United States is encouraging all countries to repatriate and prosecute their FTFs in SDF custody.
Remarks at the Meeting of Ministers of the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS

Remarks

Michael R. Pompeo

Secretary of State

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali al-Hakim

Loy Henderson Auditorium

Washington, DC

February 6, 2019

SECRETARY POMPEO: Good morning, everyone. What a glorious group to see assembled, and thank you all for traveling here to Washington for this important meeting. Over the course of the last year, five partners have now joined the coalition, which is now 79 nations strong. To our newest members, Kenya and Fiji: Welcome to the fight.

We also recognize today the new Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, Ambassador Jim Jeffrey. Jim, welcome. Jim is also serving as our special representative for Syria, and we are lucky to have him on the team.

And finally, I want to also welcome Acting Defense Secretary Shanahan. Pat, good to see you. Welcome.

You all know why we're here. ISIS remains a menace, one that is our generation's responsibility to stop. President Trump has called ISIS, quote, "bloodthirsty killers," end of quote, because it's true. Public lashings, crucifixions, and slavery. Stoning women and forcing 13-year-old girls to marry. We've heard so many stories. We've almost become numb to how outrageous these stories are.

The good news for all of us, and thanks to all of you, we've made real and significant progress. Our efforts have liberated more than 110,000 square kilometers of territory, freed more than 7 million men and women from tyranny, and allowed more than 4 million displaced people in Iraq to return home. Those are the numbers. That's the good work which we've done.

Behind the numbers, behind the data, are real-life stories like that of a Yezidi girl named Yasmeen. She, along with her parents and eight siblings, fled their village when ISIS came to town. Her father was killed; his body was never found. But now, five years later, Yasmeen is safe; she's back in school. She can sleep at night. She can dream. People like Yasmeen are why we're here today. We should never forget that.

We all know  and it's why we're here today  we all know that there is more work ahead of us. The recent suicide bombing in Manbij incident shows that ISIS remains a dangerous threat in territory it does not control.

I want to talk about the four main objectives that we all must embrace today, that we outlined in a joint statement that we put out. But I want to walk through them with you.

First, we must recommit ourselves to the goal of permanently defeating ISIS. For our victory to be final and enduring, ISIS must no longer pose a threat to our respective homelands or function as a global network. There must be no more safe havens from which it can operate. And it must be unable to spread its message, and brainwash new generations with their sickening ideology.

To make sure that happens, we must attack ISIS's residual networks and operations. We're entering an era of "decentralized jihad," so we must be nimbler in our approach as well. The nature of the fight is changing. We all need to bolster our ability to share intelligence and information with each other.

In this new era, local law enforcement and information sharing will be crucial, and our fight will not necessarily always be military-led. That's why President Trump's announcement that U.S. troops will be withdrawing from Syria is not the end of America's fight. The fight is one that we will continue to wage alongside of you. The drawdown of troops is essentially a tactical change  it is not a change in the mission. It does not change the structure, design, or authorities on which the campaign has been based.

It simply represents a new stage in an old fight. The drawdown will be well-coordinated, and our policy priorities in Syria have remain unchanged.

In addition to this coalition's laser-like focus on defeating ISIS, we're committed to the following series of things. First, a political solution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The removal of all Iranian-led forces from Syria.

Our mission is unwavering, but we need your help to accomplish it, just as we've had over these past months and years. To that end, we ask that our coalition partners seriously and rapidly consider requests that will enable our efforts to continue. And those requests are likely to come very soon.

Our second objective must be to reaffirm our support for the Government of Iraq in its fight against terrorism.

I would like to personally welcome Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim to our ministerial. Let's give him a round of applause. (Applause.)

Today, this coalition recommits and renews our commitment to Iraq and to the Iraqi Security Forces, which have made huge progress in their ability to conduct operations against ISIS. That's really good news.

The bad news in Iraq is that recent headlines show that ISIS retains a real presence there and is trying to mount a clandestine insurgency. Our coalition must continue to support the Government of Iraq in its efforts to secure the liberated areas of that country. Mr. Foreign Minister, we're with you.

Our third objective is to chart a path forward for 2019 and beyond.

As the organizational structure of ISIS continues to evolve, it's critical we find new ways  new effective ways  to attack it. That means implementing the action plans developed by our coalition's four working groups. It means supporting humanitarian assistance, the clearance of land mines, and stabilization efforts inside of Syria. And in order to assist communities to remove rubble and restore essential services in Iraq, we must secure stabilization funding there, which is facing a roughly $350 million shortfall.

We've all agreed that this is a critical national security and humanitarian priority, so now is the time for all of us  not just America  to put our money where our mouth is. Everyone should contribute.

Members of this coalition must be willing to take back foreign terrorist fighters, prosecute them, and punish them.

To disrupt the flow of weapons and sensitive materials, we will need to continue building strategic border security, sharing intelligence, and targeting terrorist financial networks wherever we find them. And to counter the spread of a radical Islamist ideology, we need to continue partnering with organizations like the Middle East Broadcasting Center and the Sawab Center.

Our fourth and final objective is to promote justice for victims, and ensure that ISIS is held accountable for the atrocities it has committed. At lunch today we will hear from two people working hard for that goal:

One is Nadia Murad, the recipient of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize; and the other is U.N. Special Adviser Karim Khan. They both have important lessons, important stories, important facts for each of us to consider.

So those are our four objectives. Working together, I am very confident that we will accomplish each of them.

Just a few weeks ago in Cairo, I reiterated America's commitment to stamping out ISIS and other terrorist groups. That's my message again here today in Washington: America will continue to lead in giving those who would destroy us no quarter.

We ask each of your countries to stand with us. And through our efforts and God's help, the day will come when the permanent defeat of ISIS is a reality. Thank you. Thank you for being with us here today.

I would now like to invite Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim to give some brief remarks as well. (Applause.)

FOREIGN MINISTER AL-HAKIM: I'll deliver my speech in Arabic, so please be prepared. Thank you very much, Secretary, ladies and gentlemen.

(Via interpreter) Allow me in the beginning to extend my deepest thanks to the United States of America for hosting this event and for its well preparation and organization. I would also like to express the gratitude of my government and people of Iraq to all countries that have supported us and continue to support us in our war against terrorism, whether at the level of training, equipment, or consultation to arm security forces of all formations and types. And these have also made the best sacrifices for the liberation of the Iraqi territory from terrorism.

I am delighted to join this great event. I also extend the thanks of Iraq, as people and government, to our brotherly country Kuwait for its support for the reconstruction, for hosting the conference on the reconstruction of Iraq in February 2018, and also to the countries that have joined this effort. I also welcome Ms. Nadia Murad, the envoy of peace, who has also won the Nobel award for her efforts against  to expose the crimes of Daesh and fight its ideology. I also welcome the presence of Mr. Karim Khan and thank him for his efforts in gathering evidence on the crimes committed by Daesh.

Ladies and gentlemen, Iraq gets its support from the unity of its people and the integrity of its territory. It has managed to restore its peace and security with the help of the coalition after a very difficult period in which many bet that it will not be able to overcome. The  Iraq has conducted the first election for  election process, and  which took place at its due time with a  and it is determined to fight corruption and provide the basic services to citizens in all cities of Iraq, and to maintain the prosperity of the economy, and return the displaced to their areas. I call on all countries of the world to help Iraq fight sleeper cells of Daesh all over the country, and to help Iraq restore its stability and return the liberated area to what they're used  to how they used to be in order for terrorism not to win.

Ladies and gentlemen, today, thanks to our efforts and sacrifices, together we are in a process of moving from military action to security and intelligence operations in order to maintain a safe environment for the return of the IDPs. Our security forces have conducted preemptive security operations in which they have foiled a host of terrorist attacks. Based on that, the government of my country hopes for the international coalition to continue its support for security forces in the area of qualitative training, equipment, and standing by Iraq in its fair war, in which in continues to enter on behalf of the whole world. The security and peace and stability of Iraq is part of the stability and peace in the world.

Iraq welcomes the efforts of the international coalition in Iraq, which has culminated in the defeat of terrorism, and it reiterates the importance of minding the basic principles on which the international  the global coalition has been built  include most importantly the complete respect of the territorial integrity of Iraq and for all operations to take place with the knowledge of the government of Iraq, and in consultation with the Iraqi Security Forces, and with complete respect for the Iraqi constitution and Iraq's abidance by the UN charter.

In the same context, we stress the importance of intensifying the coalition's efforts in order to fight terrorism in Syria and ensuring that it doesn't return, while taking into consideration also the integrity of the Syrian territory in order to maintain the great victory that we have also achieved against transnational terrorism. We also urge sisterly countries to maintain  to respect their pledges during the reconstruction conference that was held in Kuwait in February 2018.

Ladies and gentlemen, one of the most important aspects of returning stability to Iraq is to also get  to get rid of mines, landmines, and remnants for equipment. This will ensure the safe return of the IDPs, and this requires coordinated effort and technical support on the part of those concerned. We praise here the efforts of the United Nations, especially UNMAS and NGOs in this regard.

Since a new era has begun after defeating terrorism, Iraq is determined, with the help of the international community, to achieve justice and accountability for the crimes committed by the terrorist organization ISIS against the Iraqi people, especially against ethnic and religious groups in Iraq. According to the international mechanism that the UN Security Council 2379 established in 2017, stability and the defeat of ISIS in Iraq are very important factors in achieving real justice, in addition to the respect of the sovereignty of Iraq and its judicial systems in all stages of criminal justice.

Ladies and gentleman, in this regard, Iraq is coordinating its efforts with the  with Mr. Karim Khan in order to facilitate his mission according to the authorization given to him while respecting Iraq's legal and judicial system. We call on coalition countries to provide logistic and technical support in order to support local Iraqi efforts to hold Daesh accountable for its actions, which amount to crimes  war crimes and wars against humanity and genocide.

In conclusion, I reiterate my thanks to the United States and to you, Mr. Secretary, for hosting this conference, and to the countries of the coalition for the support they have extended to us. We value the work of all the committees emanating from this event, and thank you very much.
NATO, Macedonia Sign Accession Protocol

Sputnik News

13:24 06.02.2019(updated 14:26 06.02.2019)

Skopje gained the opportunity to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation after the Lake Prespa Agreement with Athens, which aimed to resolve the name dispute between two countries.

All 29 NATO countries and Macedonia signed the accession protocol in Brussels on Wednesday.

"The signing of the protocol opens the ratification process, and I hope that it will pass quickly and we will be able to welcome the new 30th member of NATO. In the meantime, the country will begin to participate in meetings as invited", NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at the ceremony.

Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov noted, in turn, that for Skopje, "NATO is crossing the line of certainty".

Until June 2018, the name dispute had prevented Macedonia from pursuing membership in NATO and the European Union. Skopje and Athens agreed on a new name, the Republic of North Macedonia. The deal, however, resulted in mass rallies in both countries, with at least 60,000 Macedonians protesting the name change in January.

Door's Open for New Members

Commenting on Macedonia's accession to the alliance, Stoltenberg noted that NATO is encouraged by Georgia's commitment to reforms on its path toward the alliance membership.

"It shows that NATO's door remains open for countries that meet NATO's standards and adhere to the NATO's values of democracy, rule of law and individual liberty. And we are very encouraged by what we see in Georgia; the commitment to reforms, the commitment to strengthening defence and security institutions, transparency, judiciary reforms", Stoltenberg said when asked what Macedonia's accession meant for Georgia.

Georgia has been striving to join NATO for years, with the alliance repeatedly reaffirming its support for Tbilisi's aspirations. Stoltenberg said in January that NATO and Georgia agreed to continue working together on its preparations for joining the bloc.

 Sputnik
US Promised Taliban to Pullout Half of Troops From Afghanistan by End of April

Sputnik News

13:50 06.02.2019(updated 14:10 06.02.2019)

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The intra-Afghan consultations in Moscow give a clear message that all the participants in the event are united in the desire to see the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, Abdul Salam Hanafi, the deputy head of the Taliban's political office in Doha, told reporters on Wednesday.

"Today all Afghans say we do not need foreign forces in Afghanistan The conference is giving a strong message for withdrawing occupation forces from Afghanistan," Hanafi said.

Speaking further, Hanafi, said that the United States had promised the movement to withdraw half of US troops from Afghanistan by the end of April.

"Yes, the Americans told us that half of their troops will be withdrawn starting the beginning of February until the end of April," Hanafi, the member of the Taliban delegation at inter-Afghan talks in Moscow, told reporters.

According to Hanafi, the schedule of withdrawal will be discussed at future US-Taliban talks.

Speaking about the political aspect of the Afghan settlement, Hanafi said that he believed that any future government of Afghanistan would never be secular.

"The future government will be an Islamic government I believe that in Afghanistan a secular government is impossible," Hanafi indicated.

In late January, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani vowed to try to remove all foreign troops from the country. In addition, an agreement on the possible withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan was reportedly reached during recent talks between the United States and Taliban in Qatar.

The movement, for its part, pledged to prevent terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda (banned in Russia) from using Afghanistan as a base to carry out operations in other countries under the future deal.

 Sputnik
CAR Peace Deal Reached in Khartoum Signed in Bangui by All Sides - Commissioner

Sputnik News

19:34 06.02.2019(updated 20:58 06.02.2019)

MOSCOW (Sputnik), Sofya Grebenkina - A peace agreement between the authorities and armed groups of the Central African Republic (CAR), reached in Sudan's capital of Khartoum, was signed in Bangui by all the participants in the peace talks on Wednesday, Smail Chergui, the peace and security commissioner of the African Union, told Sputnik.

"It has already been finalised. We [have] just signed it [in Bangui]", Chergui said.

He also stated that Russia should be commended for the role it played in the talks.

"We want to thank the Russian Federation for their participation in this process", the commissioner added.

On Tuesday, Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadera and 14 armed groups initiated the peace agreement at talks in Khartoum.

The landlocked CAR has been suffering from a drawn-out conflict since a coup in 2013. Much of the fighting in recent years has been between the Muslim-majority Seleka and Christian Anti-Balaka militias.

On 24 January of this year, the CAR government for the first time engaged in direct talks with the country's opposition groups, with negotiations having been brokered by the African Union.

It became known on 2 February that the conflicting sides had agreed to establish a mixed border security mechanism between the CAR government, UN troops and representatives of the armed groups.

 Sputnik
US Army Mulls Buying Israeli Iron Dome Systems for 'Experiment'

Sputnik News

21:10 06.02.2019

The Iron Dome air defence system, developed by Israel, is capable of protecting city-scale territories from mortar fire and missiles at ranges of between 5 and 70 kilometres by shooting down incoming threats.

The US Department of Defence (DoD) is planning to obtain a limited number of Iron Dome systems "to fill its short-term need for an interim Indirect Fire Protection Capability". DoD spokesman Eric Pahon said that the US Army would "assess and experiment" with the system to protect its troops from a "variety of indirect fire threats and aerial threats".

Neither the Defence Department's spokesman, nor the Iron Dome manufacturer specified the exact number of systems that the Pentagon is planning to procure, or the value of the future contract.

The Iron Dome was developed by the Israel's state-owned Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and is currently used by the Jewish state to protect itself from mortar fire and missiles from neighbouring territories. The system fills the need for short-range defence, intercepting missiles at ranges between 5 and 70 kilometres.

 Sputnik
US Pullout From At Tanf in Syria to Be Conditions-Based, Senior Official Says

Sputnik News

23:14 06.02.2019

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Syria's At Tanf region will be the last place in the country that US troops leave as they implement a planned withdrawal, a senior US administration official told reporters on Wednesday.

"In terms of Al Tanf  that is, in terms of the drawdown plans  Al-Tanf would be the last place that we would withdraw from, and I think that's something that has not been scheduled; it would be conditions-based," the official said.

A senior administration official also said that the United States will continue "being number one humanitarian donor to Syria" but will refrain from any efforts that would strengthen the leadership of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

"We are going to stick to our current policy [on Assad] while being the number one humanitarian donor to Syria," the official said. "We are not going to do anything in terms of reconstruction that would bolster the regime absent fairly significant political concessions on the part of Assad."

The official said it would be "very hard" for the United States to envision any future for Syria in which Assad plays a responsible role.

"We are supporting the UN [peace] process. We very much hope for a brighter future for the Syrian people, but it's hard for us to envision that with Assad at the helm," the official added.

US officials have repeatedly called for Assad to resign, and Washington has supported a variety of militant groups that have fought to topple his government.

The United States also leads a coalition of more than 70 countries that is battling Daesh* terrorist group in Syria, though neither Assad nor the United Nations has authorized its operations.

Trump announced in December that US forces would soon leave Syria and declared the Daesh terror group defeated in the country.

In June 2017, the US president ended a covert CIA program to arm and train militants fighting to oust Assad. Trump told the Wall Street Journal in an interview in July 2017 that he canceled the CIA program after learning that it had supplied weapons to the Al-Qaeda* terrorist group.

*Daesh (ISIS/ISIL/Islamic State) and Al-Qaeda are terrorist groups banned in US, Russia and many other countries.

 Sputnik
US House Democrats Reopen Russiagate Probe, Send Mueller Dozens of Transcripts

Sputnik News

23:29 06.02.2019(updated 23:31 06.02.2019)

Now that Democrats are in control of the US House of Representatives again, they've reopened the House Intelligence Committee's Russiagate investigation, sending 50 interview transcripts to the Office of Special Counsel and opening a probe into US President Donald Trump's "financial interests," Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced Wednesday.

Schiff told reporters following a Wednesday meeting by the House Intelligence Committee, which he now chairs, that in accordance with promises made after the November 2018 election, the investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election would be reopened. The committee closed the probe in March 2018, back when Republicans controlled the House of Representatives and the committee, declaring it had found "no evidence of collusion, coordination or conspiracy between the Trump campaign and the Russians."

As an opening volley, the committee sent special counsel Robert Mueller, head of an independent agency created to investigate Russiagate, 50 interview transcripts, including talks with the committee by Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.; his son-in-law, Jared Kushner; his longtime spokeswoman, Hope Hicks; and his former bodyguard Keith Schiller, along with dozens of officials from both the Trump and Barack Obama administrations, the Washington Post noted.

Mueller "will now have access to those transcripts for any purpose that will facilitate justice," Schiff told reporters. He noted the Office of the Director of National Intelligence was still reviewing classified material the committee's former chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA), requested permission to publish last September. ODNI has said the transcripts may be ready by May or June of this year.

Asked about the move at a press event at the White House, Trump replied that Schiff "has no basis to do that. He's just a political hack trying who's trying to build a name for himself."

In the previous Congress, Schiff tried to send the unredacted transcripts to Mueller, but was stifled by Republicans, who said that Mueller's office had not requested them, CNN noted. The committee did, however, supply Mueller with transcripts when requested, such as former Trump adviser Roger Stone's, for which he is now indicted by Mueller, charged that he lied in those interviews.

Republicans Wednesday made motions to publish unclassified transcripts of interviews with the committee, but Democrats blocked them, saying there actually was some classified material in those transcripts, CNN reported. Republicans also sought to to subpoena a dozen officials, including Utah Rep. Chris Stewart and former FBI Director James Comey, but Schiff blocked that, too, arguing it was premature to subpoena witnesses who hadn't refused to testify voluntarily.

However, that wasn't the only move against Trump made by the Democratic-controlled committee Wednesday. Schiff also announced the renewed Russiagate probe would go "beyond Russia" to include Trump's financial interests and "whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Donald Trump, his family, his business or his associates." He also noted, "That pertains to any credible allegations of leverage by the Russians or the Saudis or anyone else."

Schiff told reporters this will "allow us to investigate any credible allegation that financial interests or other interests are driving decision-making of the president or anyone in the administration. That pertains to any credible allegations of leverage by the Russians or the Saudis or anyone else."

The move seems motivated by the ongoing debate about whether or not Trump had financial interests at stake in Russia after denying so during the presidential campaign. Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to lying to Congress late last year after testifying that Trump directed him to cover up evidence during his testimony that talks about a prospective Trump Tower Moscow deal between the real estate mogul and the Russian government continued beyond January 2016, when Trump claimed they had stopped.

Cohen is due back in front of the House committee on Friday for a closed-door testimony, his first time answering questions in front of a Democrat-controlled panel, as part of an agreement to cooperate with Mueller's investigation.

Cohen was also charged with arranging the payment of hush money to conceal Trump's alleged sexual affairs ahead of his bid for political office. He was sentenced to three years in prison.

 Sputnik
Washington Offers To Lift Sanctions on Venezuela Officers Shifting to Guiado

Sputnik News

23:38 06.02.2019

The US government is offering to end sanctions on senior Venezuela Army officers who switch their allegiance to National Assembly Speaker Juan Guiado, whom Washington recognizes as president, National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday.

"The US will consider sanctions off-ramps for any Venezuelan senior military officer that stands for democracy and recognizes the constitutional government of President Juan Guaido," Bolton said in a tweet. "If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely. Make the right choice!"

Earlier, Bolton said that the United States has no plans for an imminent military intervention in Venezuela, but all options with regard to the situation in Venezuela remain on the table.

In February, the administration of self-proclaimed interim president of Venezuela Juan Guaido said that they would hold an international conference in Washington on February 14 to seek emergency humanitarian assistance.

Juan Guaido proclaimed himself Venezuela's interim president in January. The US, Canada, and several other countries immediately recognised him. Nicolas Maduro has meanwhile called him a US "puppet" and accused Washington, which has stated that it has all options on the table with regard to a response to the crisis, of organising a coup in the Latin American country.

 Sputnik
Kosovar President Says Russia Will Support Reconciliation With Serbia

By RFE/RL February 06, 2019

WASHINGTON -- Kosovo's president said that Russia had promised to support efforts by Belgrade and Pristina to reconcile, a positive sign for the two Balkan nations estranged since Kosovo declared independence in 2008.

In a speech in Washington on February 5, Hashim Thaci said that he had spoken to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in November in Paris, on the sidelines of commemorations for the end of World War I.

"I asked him very directly: What would Russia's reaction be if Kosovo and Serbia reach an agreement? His reply was that he will support it," Thaci said at the Council on Foreign Relations.

"His reply was that we cannot be greater Serbs than the Serbs. I cannot say I was impressed, but I would really welcome if he keeps his word," he said.

Russia has strong cultural and political ties to Serbia, which has campaigned to keep Kosovo out of the United Nations since it declared independence in 2008.

Kosovo, whose population is mostly ethnic Albanian, broke away from Serbia after a 1998-99 war and bombing campaign by NATO.

Thaci also said that U.S. support for a comprehensive agreement is vital.

"We will not accept an agreement that is not acceptable to Washington," he said.

"It will not be an easy process to reach an agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, but it is the only way forward to avoid turning back into tensions and conflicts," he said.

Thaci also faces opposition at home, with Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj rejecting a proposal to swap territory with Serbia.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Balkan Service and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo- serbia-russia/29753915.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Trump Defends INF Withdrawal, Condemns Iran In State Of The Union Speech

By Mike Eckel February 06, 2019

WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump defended his decision to withdraw from a key arms control treaty with Russia, and criticized Iran as a "radical regime," in a major speech to Congress that largely focused on domestic issues.

Trump's State of the Union address on February 5 came as his administration braced for new political battles with congressional Democrats who took control of the House of Representatives in the November midterm elections.

The growing tensions between the White House and the Democrats had already resulted in a 35-day partial shutdown of the U.S. government, as Democrats refused to fund Trump's signature policy priority: a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.

The two sides face a February 15 deadline to reach a new deal to fund the government, otherwise another shutdown could ensue.

Many political observers had expected Trump would threaten to declare a national emergency to push construction of the wall forward.

Trump did not do that during the 82-minute speech. However, he hammered on his assertions that illegal immigration was dangerous for the United States.

"Simply put, walls work and walls save lives," he said.

With a litany of criminal investigations looming over his administration and various associates, Trump sought to link the country's strong economic growth of late with what he said was the danger of "ridiculous partisan investigations."

The economy is one of the brighter spots of Trump's two years in office, fueled partly by a $1.5 trillion tax cut that has helped drive the unemployment rate down to 4 percent.

"An economic miracle is taking place in the United States -- and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics, or ridiculous partisan investigations," he said.

"If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just doesn't work that way," he said.

Trump's comments were in part a signal to congressional Democrats who intend to conduct a host of investigations into the Trump White House.

That's separate from the investigation that has dogged Trump since his inauguration in 2017: Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe of Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election, and interactions between Trump associates and Russian officials.

Russia itself garnered scant mention during the speech, with Trump only referring to it in the context of his decision to withdraw from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).

"While we followed the agreement to the letter, Russia repeatedly violated its terms. It's been going on for many years," he said.

"Perhaps we can negotiate a different agreement, adding China and others, or perhaps we can't -- in which case, we will outspend and out-innovate all others by far," he said.

The White House's announcement on February 1 that it was withdrawing was met the following day by a similar announcement by Moscow.

The tit-for-tat moves have led to fears of a new arms race between the world's two largest nuclear arsenals.

On Iran, Trump offered harsh rhetoric for Tehran, calling it a "radical regime" and vowing that Iran would never acquire nuclear weapons.

"They do bad, bad things," he said.

Trump defended his decision to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran, which had lifted crippling sanctions in exchange for Iran curtailing its nuclear ambitions. Trump later announced new sanctions on the country.

"My administration has acted decisively to confront the world's leading state sponsor of terror: the radical regime in Iran," he said.

"To ensure this corrupt dictatorship never acquires nuclear weapons, I withdrew the United States from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal. And last fall, we put in place the toughest sanctions ever imposed on a country," he said.

Iran has denied that it seeks to build nuclear weapons, saying its programs are peaceful in nature.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to Trump's criticism by declaring in a February 6 Twitter post that "U.S. hostility has led it to support dictators, butchers & extremists, who've only brought ruin" to the Middle East.

One of the other signature policy platforms that Trump highlighted as a candidate in the 2016 election was criticism of how long U.S. military forces have been fighting in wars in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and more recently, in Syria.

In the February 5 speech, Trump made passing reference to his decision to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Syria -- a decision that has worried U.S. allies. He said that nearly 7,000 Americans had died in Afghanistan and Iraq over the past 19 years, and more than 52,000 Americans were wounded.

He also said the United States had spent more than $7 trillion in the Middle East.

"As a candidate for president, I pledged a new approach. Great nations do not fight endless wars," he said.

"In Afghanistan, my administration is holding constructive talks with a number of Afghan groups, including the Taliban. As we make progress in these negotiations, we will be able to reduce our troop presence and focus on counterterrorism," he said.

"We do not know whether we will achieve an agreement -- but we do know that after two decades of war, the hour has come to at least try for peace," he said.

However, the Taliban rejected Trump's suggestion that progress in peace talks with the Taliban would enable a U.S. troop reduction in Afghanistan and a "focus on counterterrorism" operations there.

"As the first step, we want all the foreign forces to leave and end the military presence in our country," Sohail Shahin, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Qatar, said.

"After ending their military presence, their nonmilitary teams can come," Shahin said.

"We need them, too. They can come and take part in the reconstruction and development process," said Shahin, a member of a Taliban team that was meeting in Moscow on February 6 with an Afghan delegation led by former President Hamid Karzai.

Trump has also sought to reach a peace deal with North Korea, something that has eluded other administrations for decades. Trump has met with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un once before, and during the speech, he announced that a second meeting was scheduled in Vietnam on February 27-28.

"If I had not been elected president of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea with potentially millions of people killed. Much work remains to be done, but my relationship with Kim Jong Un is a good one," he said.

As is tradition, Trump's national televised speech was followed by a Democratic response, this time given by Stacey Abrams, who narrowly lost her bid to become the first African-American governor of a southern U.S. state.

Abrams blamed Trump for the government shutdown, calling it a "stunt."

"The shutdown was a stunt engineered by the president of the United States," Abrams said, "one that defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people, but our values."

Stuart Rothenberg, a longtime political analyst and senior editor with the nonpartisan newsletter Inside Politics, said it seemed as if foreign policy was an afterthought to Trump's speech, as he "dipped into a whole bunch of issues: China, trade, Venezuela, Russia, INF treaty."

"He didn't draw any bright red lines anywhere really," Rothenberg said, noting also that Trump didn't mention the name of Russian President Vladimir Putin once during the speech.

"I always fall back to one point: The proof is in the pudding. It's not in the applause, or members standing and cheering. It's what's the focus going to be? And right now, [Trump] is all over the place, and he's all over the place because he thinks he's the most effective speaker for the country, the most effective public relations person for the country."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-state-of-the- union-speech-congress/29753938.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Turkey Slams France Over Armenian-Genocide-Commemoration Day

By RFE/RL's Armenian Service February 06, 2019

Turkey has denounced French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to set April 24 as a day to commemorate the "Armenian genocide" as political manipulation.

Macron's move was an attempt to "save the day" and make political gains as he faces "political problems in his own country," Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said in a statement on February 6.

Kalin's comments come the day after Macron announced that France will make April 24 a "national day of commemoration of the Armenian genocide."

France was among the first countries to denounce "the murderous hunt of the Armenian people in the Ottoman Empire," he said during a speech to the Armenian community at a dinner in Paris.

The French president also said that he had previously informed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of his decision, according to the AFP news agency.

France, which is home to an estimated 500,000 ethnic Armenians, officially recognized the World War I-era mass slaughter and deportation of up to 1.5 million Armenians as genocide in 2001. At least 22 other countries, including Germany, have taken a similar step.

Armenia says the mass killing is one of the first examples of genocide in modern history, predating the Holocaust carried out by Nazi Germany against more than 6 million Jews during World War II.

Turkey objects, saying that Armenians died in much smaller numbers and because of civil strife rather than a planned, systemic effort by the Ottoman government against the Christian minority.

Kalin said the "so-called genocide" was a "political lie" that had "no legal basis."

"No one can sully our history," the spokesman added.

Armenians commemorate the massacres on April 24.

With reporting by AP, dpa, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/turkey-slams -france-over-armenian-genocide- commemoration-day/29755219.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
NATO, Macedonia Sign 'Historic' Pact, Paving Skopje's Way To Membership

By RFE/RL February 06, 2019

NATO's 29 members have signed an accession agreement with Macedonia, a key step toward Skopje becoming the military alliance's 30th member.

The move on February 6 followed a historic deal between Macedonia and Greece that removed Athens' objections and normalized relations between the neighbors.

Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov signed the agreement along with representatives from the current 29 NATO member countries during a ceremony presided over by the alliance's chief, Jens Stoltenberg.

"Today is a historic day. All #NATO Allies have signed the Accession Protocol with Macedonia, which will bring more security & prosperity to the whole region. I look forward to the day when 30 flags will fly outside NATO HQ," Stoltenberg tweeted after the ceremony.

Macedonia and Greece last year approved an agreement under which the former Yugoslav republic agreed to change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia, paving the way for the country to join NATO and the European Union.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Stoltenberg, Dimitrov praised the leadership of Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and his Greek counterpart, Alexis Tsipras, to resolve the name dispute.

"It was easier to sit in the trenches of history. It was easier to even score political points by maintaining the dispute. But what they dared to do was invest political capital for the benefit of the two peoples of the two nations and the whole region and NATO as a family, as an alliance," he said.

Zaev tweeted that it was a "great, historic day for all our citizens. Today the largest security alliance in the world, NATO, has welcomed us."

Macedonia has said it expects Greece to be the first NATO member to ratify the accession protocol, after which the country will begin to call itself by its new name.

Since 1991, Greece has objected to the name "Macedonia" because it has a northern province with that name.

The name change deal, dubbed the Prespa Agreement after the border lake where it was signed last year, ends a 27-year dispute between the two neighbors.

In Athens, the speaker of Greece's parliament, Nikos Voutsis, said a ratification bill would be submitted to lawmakers on February 7 and would be voted on by February 8.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also warned NATO against cultivating closer ties with Ukraine and Georgia, two ex-Soviet republics that also aspire to join NATO, which is headquartered in Brussels.

After the Macedonia signing protocol, Stoltenberg praised Georgia, an ex-Soviet republic that also aspires to join NATO, despite Russia's vehement opposition.

"We are very encouraged by what we see in Georgia, their commitment to reforms, the commitment to strengthening defense and security institutions, transparency, judiciary reforms," the NATO chief said.

"We will continue to support Georgia as it moves towards NATO membership," Stoltenberg also said.

With reporting by AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/macedonia-nato -membership/29753927.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Taliban Insists On Foreign-Troop Withdrawal At Moscow Talks

By RFE/RL February 06, 2019

Taliban representatives and an Afghan delegation led by former President Hamid Karzai have held a second and final day of talks in Moscow, with the militants continuing to insist upon the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan as a first step in the peace process.

The talks were "very satisfactory" Karzai said at the end of the February 5-6 talks, which have been described by some as part of an "intra-Afghan" peace process -- despite the absence of Kabul government representatives.

The gathering has been criticized by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

It comes as broader peace talks involving the Taliban's political office in the Qatari capital, Doha, appear to be gaining momentum, despite the Taliban's continued refusal to meet directly with Afghan government representatives.

President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address on February 6 described those talks as "constructive" and voiced cautious hope for a negotiated end to the United States' longest war.

Karzai said the main issue under discussion in Moscow was that Afghanistan should be free of foreign forces, adding that there was a near consensus on this matter.

Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the head of the 10-member Taliban delegation in Moscow, said that the two days of talks with Afghan politicians were "very successful."

"We agreed on many points and I am hopeful that in future, we can succeed further, and finally we can reach a solution, we can find a complete peace in Afghanistan," he told reporters.

He also said that the time of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan was not fixed yet and that negotiations on the matter were in progress.

"We insist that U.S. troops must go as soon as possible and we are in talks with the U.S.," Stanikzai said.

Earlier in the day, a member of the Taliban delegation, Abdul Salam Hanefi, was quoted as claiming that Washington agreed during a recent round of talks in Doha to withdraw half its ground troops by the end of April -- saying the process had already begun.

But Hanefi later denied that he had made the comment, saying, "Until now we did not agree" on a U.S. withdrawal.

A U.S. State Department spokeswoman said that Washington had "not agreed to any timeline" for a possible drawdown of troops, according to the Reuters news agency.

"If all parties do what is necessary to prevent Afghanistan from being used as a platform for terrorism, as conditions allow we are willing to look at changes in force presence," the spokeswoman added.

U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has repeatedly said that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. 'Everything' must include an intra-Afghan dialogue and comprehensive cease-fire."

General Joseph Votel, the head of U.S. Central Command, also said that the Afghan government must be involved in talks if a push for a peace deal is to be successful.

"Ultimately, we need to get to a Taliban-Afghanistan discussion," Votel told U.S. lawmakers on February 5. "Only they will be able to resolve the key issues involved in the dispute."

Ghani spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo late on February 5. Pompeo "underscored the central importance of ensuring the centrality of the Afghan government in the peace process," Ghani said.

The Moscow meeting is "nothing more than a fantasy. No one can decide without the consent of the Afghan people," Ghani separately told Afghan broadcaster Tolo News.

"Those who have gathered in Moscow have no executive authority. They can say what they want," the Afghan president added.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, AP, Interfax, and TASS

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/talban-calls-for-foreign-troop-withdrawal -at-moscow-intra-afghan-talks/29754692.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Top US general 'not consulted' before Trump's Syria withdrawal

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 01:15AM

A top US general  who is in charge of military operations in the Middle East  says he "was not consulted" prior to President Donald Trump's announcement about the US troop withdrawal from Syria.

US Army General Joseph Votel, the head of the US military's Central Command, said on Tuesday that he had not been asked for advice by Trump on a decision that 2,000 American troops stationed in Syria would be pulled out of the war-torn country.

"I was not aware of the specific announcement. Certainly we are aware that he had expressed a desire and intent in the past to depart Iraq, depart Syria," Votel said during a hearing held by the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Pressed further by Senator Angus King (I-Maine) on whether he was consulted ahead of Trump's December announcement, Votel replied, "I was not consulted."

On December 19, Trump claimed victory against Daesh terrorists in Syria and announced that he was planning to pull out some 2,000 US troops from the conflict-torn Arab country, and also cut in half the roughly 14,000 American forces in Afghanistan.

The announcement resulted in the resignation of Secretary of Defense James Mattis, US anti-Daesh coalition envoy Brett McGurk and Pentagon chief of staff Rear Admiral Kevin Sweeney who disapproved of the president's decision.

Trump, nevertheless, seemingly gave in to pressure to slow down the troops pullout two weeks later, granting the US military up to four months to withdraw.

During his testimony on Tuesday, Votel dismissed Trump's claims that Daesh has been defeated and said the fight against the terrorist group was "not over," warning the Takfiri outfit could regroup after US troops left.

"It is important to understand that even though this territory has been reclaimed, the fight against ISIS and violent extremists is not over and our mission has not changed," he told the Senate hearing, using another acronym for the terror group also known as Daesh or ISIL.

"We do have to keep pressure on this network ... They have the ability of coming back together if we don't," Votel added.

The top US intelligence officials told the Senate Intelligence Committee last week that Daesh "will exploit any reduction in [counterterrorism] pressure to strengthen its clandestine presence and accelerate rebuilding key capabilities."

The US deployed troops and equipment to Syria in 2014 as part of a Washington-led coalition that is supposedly fighting ISIL.

The terror group is widely reported to be financed by Saudi Arabia and partially trained and protected by American forces in Syria to support the terror campaign against the Syrian government and ordinary citizens.
Taliban hold rare talks with senior Afghan politicians in Moscow

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 01:28AM

Representatives from the Taliban militant group have attended a meeting with high-ranking Afghan politicians in the Russian capital city of Moscow, where the participants called for an interim government as they negotiated without delegates from the incumbent administration in attendance.

The rare intra-Afghan gathering on Tuesday saw the Taliban elaborating on their vision for Afghanistan, among them rules around women and replacement of the country's Constitution with one drawn up by Islamic scholars.

Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, who led the Asian country from December 2001 to September 2014, described the talks as "very, very satisfactory."

"We understand that the government needs to be part of these negotiations. We wish they could have been here today," he told reporters in Moscow.

Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, who headed the Taliban delegation, said the initiative is the first step toward peace in Afghanistan.

He said the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan had also been discussed at the talks.

"The Kabul government constitution is invalid. It has been imported from the West and is an obstacle to peace," the Taliban representative commented.

Fawzia Koofi, one of two women invited to Moscow, said Taliban militants would "have to adapt to a modern Afghanistan."

"When they were in power, they would not even let women leave their homes," Koofi, the head of Afghanistan's parliamentary Committee on Women and Human Rights, told AFP.

"But now we're hearing women could be prime minister or a minister. It's a change I think. It's a positive step but not enough," she said.

'No peace deal between the Taliban & the United States without Afghan govt.'

Meanwhile, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has highlighted that no peace deal between the Taliban and the United States could be finalized without involving his government as "the decision-maker."

"At the end of any peace deal, the decision-maker will be the government of Afghanistan," Ghani told private TOLO News television network.

"No power in the country can dissolve the government," he said, adding that he was ready to "stand and defend our country."

"Rest assured that no-one can push us aside," Ghani pointed out.

The Afghan president further noted that the meeting in Russia is "nothing more than a fantasy. No one can decide without the consent of the Afghan people."

"Those who have gathered in Moscow have no executive authority. They can say what they want," he said.

The two-day Afghan peace talks in Moscow will conclude on Wednesday. It came a week after Taliban militants held talks with US negotiators in the Qatari capital city of Doha about ending their 17-year militancy.

The Taliban are scheduled to hold a second round of peace talks with Americans in the Persian Gulf kingdom on February 25.
UAE funneling Western-supplied arms to notorious militants in Yemen: Amnesty

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 07:12AM

An investigation by Amnesty International reveals that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key party to the Saudi-led coalition waging war on Yemen, has been funneling Western-supplied arms to "out-of-control" militias notorious for committing war crimes against Yemenis.

The UK-based rights group made the revelations in the open-source investigation titled 'When arms go astray: Yemen's deadly new threat of arms diversion to militias' published on Wednesday.

In a press release, Amnesty said the investigation "has highlighted how the UAE is arming out-of-control militias operating in Yemen with a range of advanced weaponry - much of it sourced from Western countries, including the UK."

The statement added that the militants were being armed despite their "atrocious human rights records," their being unaccountable to any government and the accusations of war crimes and other serious violations facing them.

The investigation "shows how the UAE has become a major conduit for armored vehicles, mortar systems, rifles, pistols, and machineguns - which are being diverted" to the militants.

The Amnesty said the UAE also funded and trained the militants. It named some of the UAE-backed militant outfits as "Security Belt," "Shabwani Elite" forces, and "The Giants Brigades."

The first two outfits, it said, run "a shadowy network of secret prisons" in Yemen.

"Amnesty and others have documented these forces' role in disappearances and a range of human rights violations at these facilities - including detention at gunpoint, torture with electric shocks, waterboarding, hanging from the ceiling, sexual humiliation, prolonged solitary confinement, squalid conditions and inadequate food and water," the statement read.

Western countries have supplied the UAE with at least $3.5 billion worth of arms since March 2015, when Saudi Arabia and the Emirates and a coalition of their other allies, invaded the impoverished country to reinstall its Riyadh-allied former government.

The warfare has killed thousands and forced Yemen close to the edge of countrywide famine.

The Amnesty said while knowing about the share of the violations attributed to the UAE, the US, the UK, Germany, France, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey were still selling weapons to Abu Dhabi.

"Meanwhile, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and the Netherlands have announced suspensions in arms transfers to the UAE," it said.

On Monday, the CNN reported that Saudi Arabia and the UAE "have used the US-manufactured weapons as a form of currency to buy the loyalties of militias or tribes, bolster chosen armed actors, and influence the complex political landscape."

The report, which was citing local commanders on the ground and analysts, also said Saudi Arabia was "transferring" American weapons to al-Qaeda terrorists and other militias in Yemen.

It questioned whether Riyadh was "responsible enough to be allowed to continue buying the sophisticated arms and fighting hardware," while the US Department of Defense said the Saudi monarchy was breaking the terms of its arms deal with Washington.
Turkey raps French plan to mark Armenian 'genocide' day

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 10:18AM

Turkey has condemned a decision by French President Emmanuel Macron to declare a national day for the commemoration of the "genocide" of Armenians by Turkish troops in World War I.

"We condemn and reject attempts by Mr. Macron, who is facing political problems in his own country, to save the day by turning historic[al] events into political material," President Reccep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Allegations of the so-called Armenian genocide are a political lie lacking any legal basis and contrary to historical facts," Kalin said, adding that the accusations are "null and void for Turkey."

Macron said April 24 would in the next weeks be declared a "national day of commemoration of the Armenian genocide."

He said he had already informed Erdogan of his decision.

Armenia says 1.5 million people were massacred, imprisoned, or faced forced deportation by the Ottoman Empire during WWI.

Ankara denies that "genocide" took place at the time, arguing that 300,000 to 500,000 Armenians and at least as many Turks were killed in a civil strife when Armenians rose up against their Ottoman rulers back then. It has repeatedly proposed the creation of a joint commission of historians from the two sides as well as international experts to tackle the issue.

The issue has also been a source of friction between Turkey and European Union member states.

France became the first major member state to call the killings a "genocide" in January 2001. Currently more than 20 countries, including Germany, Russia, Canada, Italy, and Russia recognize the killings as "genocide."
US to pull half of troops out of Afghanistan by April: Taliban

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 6, 2019 11:08AM

The Taliban say the United States has promised them to withdraw half of its troops from Afghanistan by April as part of a peace process in the conflict-stricken country, a report says.

Citing the Russian RIA news agency, Reuters quoted the Taliban group  which has a delegation in Moscow for talks with Afghan opposition politicians  as making the assertion on Wednesday, without offering more information.

The Taliban have been holding bilateral talks with the US, without the participation of the Afghan government. Kabul has said any ultimate decision for peace in Afghanistan must include Kabul. It has also derided the Moscow meeting.

A separate Reuters report cited the head of the Taliban delegation in Moscow, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, as saying that no timetable had been agreed upon for the withdrawal of US troops yet.

"The timetable is not agreed so far, but it requires more discussion and more meetings so that we can decide on this," Stanikzai said on Tuesday. "We hope that with their [Russians'] help, with their assistance, we can reach some sort of solution. We appreciate this."

Stanikzai also discussed what he said was the Taliban's hopes for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan.

"[The] America side... there are two things, two agendas we have discussed. One was the withdrawal of their troops, complete withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan... How they will withdraw, when they will withdraw, the timetable and which troops, and also the other side also. So two technical groups are working on that. It will start soon, their work," he said.

The meeting was organized by the Council of Afghan Society, an organization representing the Afghan diaspora in Russia.

Last month, the US held talks with the Taliban in Qatar.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has appealed to the Taliban to end the violence in the country, emphasizing that the use of US-led foreign troops to establish peace there has always been a temporary solution to the conflict.

Earlier, Ghani told Afghan broadcaster TOLOnews that the Moscow meeting amounted to nothing.

"The Moscow meeting is nothing more than a fantasy. No one can decide without the consent of the Afghan people. Those who have gathered in Moscow have no executive authority. They can say what they want, but who are they representing?" President Ghani said.

Despite the 17-year presence of foreign forces in Afghanistan, the Taliban militants still wield control over almost half of the country.

In his State of the Union speech on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said his administration was holding "constructive" talks with the Taliban, and that it was now time to try peace.

The US has nearly 14,000 troops in Afghanistan.
NATO Allies sign Accession Protocol for the future Republic of North Macedonia

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

06 Feb. 2019

At NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday (6 February 2019) the Permanent Representatives to NATO of the 29 members of the Alliance signed the Accession Protocol for the future Republic of North Macedonia. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov.

Following the signing of the Accession Protocol, Skopje can now take part in NATO activities as an invitee. The accession process now moves to the capitals of the 29 Allies where the Protocol will be ratified according to national procedures. The country will become a member of NATO as soon as all Allies have ratified the Accession Protocol.

Speaking following the signing ceremony NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg said, "NATO keeps almost one billion citizens across Europe and North America secure and with you joining NATO there will be thirty countries committed to protect each other. Your accession will bring more stability to the Western Balkans. This is good for the region and for Euro-Atlantic security."

Mr. Stoltenberg congratulated both Skopje and Athens for showing commitment and courage in reaching an agreement on the name issue.

Skopje already makes important contributions to NATO's training mission in Afghanistan and the Alliance's KFOR peace keeping mission in Kosovo.
Washington National Guard Aviation partners with Royal Thai Army for exchange

By Joseph Siemandel | Washington National Guard February 6, 2019

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. -- For more than 30 years, aviation safety has been a critical element of the Washington National Guard. Pilots and crews ensure that standards are met, maintenance is completed and crews receive the best training routinely on new equipment. Last month, members of the 96th Aviation Troop Command traveled to Lopburi, Kingdom of Thailand to share lessons learned with aviation professionals from the Royal Thai Army.

"The group focused on standardization flight evaluations, instrument proficiency, inadvertent instrument meteorological condition, maintenance and just sharing best practices," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jeff Burkhardt, the officer in charge of the group. "We identified the needs and challenges with our intent to build a foundation for future engagements."

Since 2011, Washington National Guard aviation crews have partnered with the Royal Thai Army to conduct subject matter exchanges. The primary focus is to assist the Thai aviators in developing a proficient flight program. During the trip in January, the exchange focused on the UH-72 "Lakota" and UH-60 "Black Hawk."

"Our team enjoys coming out to Thailand and sharing their experience; this is amazing relationship building," said Burkhardt. "They are excited to get back later this year to continue working with the Thai aviators."

The aviation exchange is just one of many subject matter expert exchanges the Washington National Guard conducts routinely with the Royal Thai Army. The partner countries have continued to share knowledge of engineering, homeland assistance disaster response, infantry, medical and cybersecurity.
Dont ever think your voice isnt important. This was the key message we hoped to impart on the Young Farmers & Ranchers who attended our Calling on the Capitol event this week in Helena. Attendees met with agency officials, bill drafters, committee chairmen and had the opportunity to participate in committee hearings. These events are a highlight of our time in Helena; getting farmers and ranchers in the halls of the Capitol is one of the key priorities to passing strong agricultural policy.

In last weeks column we predicted the pace in Helena might be starting to pick upand we were right. Bills have been scheduled quickly this week and all signs point to this pace continuing.

SB 131, Revise WICHI/WWAMI laws:

Sponsored by Sen. Roger Webb (R) SD 23, Billings.

The WICHI, WWAMI and WIMU programs are important educational partnerships to rural Montana and agriculture. The selection process is rigorous for these programs; students must pass exams and display a strong academic record. Those meeting the first set of criteria then participate in a stringent interview process. This bill proposes to use a lottery system to make the final selection of qualified candidates. A lottery system would be flawed on many levels.

First, it assumes that all students are created equal and they all possess the same academic skills, work ethic and interpersonal skills. Most importantly, using a lottery to select students during any part of this process threatens the accreditation of these programs. Several partner universities have already reached out to MSU indicating that passage of SB 131 would prevent them from allowing Montana students to continue participating in these programs. The current selection process is very important to rural Montana because the selection committee puts a heavy emphasis on qualified candidates who are dedicated to returning to rural Montana to practice in their designated field. The livestock industry certainly needs more large animal veterinarians returning to the state and our rural communities want medical providers in their towns providing important health care services. Montana Farm Bureau policy opposes this bill; we want to preserve any program that helps a dedicated Montanan pursue higher education and bring their talents and passions back to the Big Sky State.

WWAMI is the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho Medical Education program, WICHE is the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education and WIMU is the Washington, Idaho, Montana and Utah Program in Veterinary Medicine.

HB 132, Clarify definition of wild bison:

Sponsored by Rep. Ken Holmlund (R) HD 38, Miles City.

Currently in Title 81, the Livestock title, wild bison are defined as a bison that has not been reduced to captivity and is not owned by a person. Title 87, the Fish, Wildlife and Parks title, defines wild bison simply as those that have not been reduced to captivity. This bill does two simple and important things. First, it makes the definitions the same in both titles, which is very important for clarity and uniformity purposes. Second, it clarifies what it means to own a bison by adding language that requires payment of the livestock per capita fee. Therefore, bison that have ever been subject to the per capita fee cannot be considered wild. If HB 132 is passed, a wild buffalo or bison will be defined as, bison that have not been reduced to captivity, have never been subject to the per capita fee under 15-24-921, and have not been owned by a person. MFBF supports this bill because it provides uniformity in the law, clarity to the ownership provision and prevents liquidity in the definition, meaning it will assure that a bison which was once considered to be domestic can never be called wild.

SB 97 & HB 271 Revise laws related to common carrier pipelines

Sponsored by Sen. Frank Smith (D) SD 16, Poplar & Rep. Bridget Smith (D) HD 31, Wolf Point .

SB 97 and HB 271 are very similar, as they both make changes to the way common carrier pipelines are permitted, add additional requirements and make the overall process very redundant. Both bills require construction of certain pipelines to be completed in seven years. Coincidentally, or perhaps not so coincidentally, the TransCanada/Keystone XL pipelines permit will turn seven years old in March. Both of these bills are aimed at stopping the construction of this pipeline.

We joined a long list of opponents to both of these bills. MFBF supports building infrastructure that would allow the movement of oil and other natural resources, while also protecting private property rights. Many MFBF farming and ranching member families call the counties the XL pipeline is destined to pass through home. An increase in commerce in their local communities and small towns is well overdue, so theyre looking forward to the significantly expanded tax base the principle will provide. We will continue our work to stop both of these bills and hope to see the project start moving toward completion soon.

Chelcie Cargill is a lobbyist for the Montana Farm Bureau Federation. Shes a rancher and an expert in policy development and implementation, and serves as MFBFs program coordinator for its ACE Leadership and Advocacy training program. Chelcie can be contacted at (406) 930-2299 or [email protected]

Nicole Rolf is the Director of National Affairs and a rancher from Miles City, Montana. Nicole works closely and expertly with our Congressional delegation on national issues affecting Montana agriculture. She also works as the Eastern Montana Regional Manager. Nicole can be contacted at (406) 951-2429 or [email protected] The Montana Farm Bureau Federation is a non-partisan, non-profit, grassroots organization that represents 22,000 member families in Montana.
It's Time to Label Beef

Dear Editor,

Wheres the beeffrom?

No one wants to be mislead, but it is happening every day at your meat counter. Product of USA is now gracing your beef and pork labels, even though your beef and pork are quite possibly not from an American farmer or rancher. This loophole in the USDA process which allows this to happen has to stop. We can start reversing this process by correctly informing Montana consumers with accurate Country-of-Origin-Placards at grocery stores.

In 2005, we banded together as Montanans to demand accurate placarding through our state legislature. We developed a whole program for country of origin placards and implemented it successfully. We then joined in a national fight to implement federal country-of-origin-labeling, and won. All of that was lost in 2015 because of bad trade policy, and our Montana ranchers immediately lost hundreds of thousands of dollars, which means, so did our economy.

Northern Plains Resource Council, along with Montana Cattlemens Association and Montana Farmers Union, is working to restore Country-of-Origin Labeling at the Montana legislature. Senator Al Olszewski is sponsoring a bill to require a placard at the grocery store with country-of-origin for beef and pork.

Lets come together as Montana ranchers and farmers and as people who love our high-quality beef from this country to restore our country of origin placards in Montana stores. Lets also come together and tell our Montana delegation to restore federal COOL before the new NAFTA bill passes Congress.

Its time to stand up for the truth at the meat counter. And its time our legislators do too.

Sincerely,

Brad Sauer

Havre, Mont.
Record snow fell on Sunday, Feb. 3 in Glasgow while continuing to fall into Monday morning bringing in a collective ten inches of snow as of Monday afternoon with snow expected to continue through Tuesday, as of press time. That record snowfall is likely going to be followed by an arctic blast starting Wednesday that will bring dangerously low temperatures expected to fall well below zero and be accompanied by severe windchills according to Patrick Gilchrist with the National Weather Service.

Gilchrist stressed winter safety with dangerous temperatures reiterating that frostbite and hypothermia are very real risks when negative temperatures are accompanied by high winds. Windchill is so critical, explained the meterologist, -20 degrees with a 20 mile-per-hour wind could feel like -48 degrees. At that temp. exposed skin could frostbite.

According to the Mayo Clinic exposed skin could frostbite in as little as 15 mins when the ambient temperature or windchill reaches -25 degrees. The time to frostbite would lessen with every descending degree after that. Its really all about limiting your exposure, explained Gilchrist, listing off measures that could be taken to prevent exposure such as regularly coming in out of the cold to warm up, covering skin and only going outside when absolutely necessary.

Do you really need to make that trip today, asked Gilchrist rhetorically emphasizing that limiting travel and outdoor work is advisable to avoid exposure, frostbite and hypothermia.

The weather service and the Montana Department of Emergency Services recommend travelers take steps in the winter to mitigate risks which include traveling with appropriate clothing for the weather, bringing along a survival kit that contains fire starting materials, food for all the vehicle occupants, and signaling methods. In most survival situations, you should never leave your shelter or your vehicle.

It is also advisable to recognize the symptoms of hypothermia and how to treat victims. Hypothermia occurs when the bodys core temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit causing shivering followed by slurred speech and mumbling, slow and shallow breaths, a weak pulse, clumsiness, loss of energy and drowsiness, confusion and memory loss and followed by loss of consciousnesses.

Gilchirst also pointed out that often times someone suffering from hypothermia reaches a point where they believe they are actually hot or even burning up causing them to strip off their clothes despite the extreme cold. The only way to reverse hypothermia is to seek shelter and warm the person slowly to avoid inducing shock. The Mayo clinic warns that if you recognize hypothermia in someone you should call a doctor or 911 immediately.

For more information on winter survival visit https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather or pick up a DES Winter Survival Handbook from the Narional Weather Service Office in Glasgow.
Exclusive with Former Ambassador McFaul

Born in Glasgow, he has made his way from the Middle of Nowhere to Stanford, St. Petersburg, Oxford, Washington, D.C., and Moscow. He went from being a student in Russia before the fall of the Soviet Union, to becoming one of the worlds most renowned experts on the country as they attempted to transition from communism to capitalism. Hes been a scholar, an activist, an advisor to a president, and an Ambassador to Russia.

McFaul maintains high-profile, post-public service for many reasons. He was the first American non-career diplomat to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, and he played a central role in the Reset of American policy toward Russia following the collapse of Communism. He was one of the first U.S. government officials to appreciate and use social media as a way to connect to the people, not just officials, of the country he served in. He was placed on the Kremlins sanctions list and banned from Russia. And, he achieved notoriety when President Donald Trump floated the idea of turning him over to Russian President Vladimir Putin for questioning.

Now, back at Stanford University as a political scientist and senior fellow at the Hoover Institute, Michael McFaul took the time to speak with The Glasgow Courier about Russias goals regarding agricultural development; democracy and civil society; and, of course, his Glasgow roots.

McFaul, in his book From Cold War to Hot Peace, draws heavily from his Montana upbringing and connections. He still talks with his high school debate partner, Senator Steve Daines, and with Senator Jon Tester. In both his book and in talking with The Courier, he recounts hosting then-Senator Max Baucus in Russia during his work to get more Montana beef into Russia due to the markets desire for quality beef in the country.

The former Ambassador believes the market has been disrupted by the sanctions battle the U.S. has been engaged in with Russia, and that export restrictions to the country are hurting American exporters. McFaul voiced disagreement with tariffs as policy in regards to the American approach to both Russia and China, noting tariff wars usually lead to losers on both sides. I think that there were some legitimate concerns that the Trump administration raised about Chinese theft or improper acquisition of American intellectual property, he said, but I think the solution to that should be focusing on preventing that, not punishing American farmers.

One consequence of the trade war has been improved relations between President Putin and President Xi Jinping. The end of the previous year saw reports on Russias gains in world agriculture markets, as Putin has vowed to invest in the necessary infrastructure as part of the goal to be the country that feeds the world.

The diplomat turned scholar expressed doubt regarding Putins long-term planning for both agriculture and the country at large. He has invested in those things [agricultural development], but it is also the case that those are the biggest constraints on the development of Russian agriculture. Theres lots of corruption in the infrastructure business in Russia. So they spend a lot, but they dont get a lot of return on their investments.

Putins desire to return Russia as a great player in the international system, but also to rule autocratically, further hinders economic development according to McFaul. He notes that the state owns too much while Putins government has not done enough to fight corruption. As a political scientist, McFaul assesses economic freedom is served by political freedom. He asserts, There is no doubt in my mind that if Russia was more free, politically, that the country would be wealthier.

McFaul further discussed the strengths and weaknesses of American democracy in light of alleged Russian influence in U.S. elections. He acknowledged that we are seeing more polarization than in earlier periods of our history but asserts that America is still more purple than red or blue. The democracy expert advocates programs that engage more citizens in an effort to lessen polarization and get people focused on the national interest, as opposed to partisan interests.

Addressing questions regarding the special counsel investigation and the potential that Russia may have funneled money through the NRA to influence the American electorate, McFaul declined to comment directly. He, like the rest of the public, is waiting for the special counsel to finish their work. Drawing upon his time working with Mueller in the Obama administration, McFaul expressed confidence in the former FBI Director, Hes an extremely competent guy, that I have no doubt has American interests at heart. And hes not a partisan guy at all.

He spoke to the larger issue of civil society, specifically the Citizens United decision, and the need to address dark money in elections to minimize the influence of external actors who seek to use our democracy, use our openness, our NGOs to influence the outcome of elections. McFaul sees the need to protect the democratic institutions of America as paramount. We Americans should choose our American leaders without the help of guys like President Putin.

The role Putin may have played in the election and the policies put forth by the Trump administration are not yet, and may never be known. But McFaul did say there is no doubt Trump has some autocratic proclivities and sees an ideological affinity between the two governments members on views of the world about the dangers of multilateralism, the virtues of nationalism. Yet, McFaul remains an optimist, I think the democratic institutions in civil society have been robust enough to check his most authoritarian impulses.

While he can no longer travel to Russia, McFaul has spent the last six months or so traveling the country on a book tour. He tells The Courier every now and then somebody will mention his father, Kip McFaul, who Valley County residents, of a certain age, may remember was the band director at Glasgow High School, saying, So you should know people are scattered around the country still remembering my dad and his time in Glasgow.

The younger McFaul has not been back to Glasgow since his family moved away, but has discussed returning to the Middle of Nowhere for a visit with his kids. Mentioning that his mother is originally from Chinook and returns for class reunions, McFaul says, We have all decided that the next time she goes, were all going to try to get ourselves up there. Stop in Chinook and then make our way to Glasgow.

McFauls book tour is ongoing and he will be returning to Montana in April for two speaking events. On April 10 he will be at the University of Montana and on April 11 he will speak at Carroll College in Helena. Further details on the exact location and time will be released on social media closer to the events.
Sony Xperia XZ4 leaked on TENNA, key specs revealed News oi-Sandeep Sarkar The smartphone will be powered by a Snapdragon 855 chipset.

Sony is gearing up for its next flagship smartphone launch at the Mobile World Congress 2019 event which will start from February 25 in Barcelona, Spain. The Japanese tech giant has already started sending out invites for the MWC 2019 event which hints at an imminent launch of the device. The upcoming Sony flagship smartphone has been leaked online a number of times and with its launch date approaching, we are coming across more rumors and leaks surrounding the smartphone. Now, the Xperia XZ4 has been leaked once again revealing almost everything about the upcoming flagship device.

This time the Xperia XZ4 has been spotted on TENNA which is the Chinese certification agency. The TENNA listing of the smartphone shows the specifications and features which the device will pack. Let's begin with the display first; the Sony Xperia XZ4 will boast a big display panel which will measure 6.4-inches in size. The display will be an OLED panel and it will offer a screen resolution of 1440 x 3360 pixels and a wider aspect ratio of 21:9 making it apt for high-resolution media consumption.

For imaging, the smartphone will make use of a triple-lens rear camera setup which has been tipped by previous leaks and rumors. The sensors onboard will include a 52MP primary lens, a 26MP secondary lens, and an 8MP lens. For selfies and video calling, the device will come with a 24MP front camera.

In terms of internals, the upcoming flagship smartphone by Sony will make use of the Qualcomm's latest premium Snapdragon 855 chipset which has been suggested by the previous leaks as well. The processor onboard will be an octa-core chipset which will clock at 2.84GHz and will be clubbed with 8GB of RAM for multitasking. The device will offer an internal storage space of 256GB which will be expandable via microSD card. The smartphone will run on Android 9 Pie UI. Backing up the smartphone will be a 3,680mAh battery unit. The TENNA listing suggests that the Xperia XZ4 will be a powerful smartphone, it would be interesting to see the performance of the smartphone in real life situations.

Source

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Sony Xperia XA3 leaked renders suggest a 12:9 "CinemaWide" display News oi-Vivek Sony Xperia XA3 is expected to launch along the Sony Xperia XZ4

Sony has officially confirmed the launch of the Sony Xperia XZ4 at MWC 2019. Similarly, the company is also slated to launch a bunch of mid-tier smartphones, and the Sony Xperia XA3 will be one of them.

The leaked press-renders suggests a new design language of the Sony Xperia XA3, and here are the complete details on the upcoming mid-tier smartphone from Sony.

Sony Xperia XA3 design

The Sony Xperia XA3 has a unique take on the design with no-bezels on the three sides and a big bezel on the top of the smartphone. The Sony Xperia XA3 has a new "CinemaWide" display with 21:9 aspect ratio. The Sony Xperia XA3 will be one of the first smartphones from the company with a taller 21:9 aspect ratio cinematic display.

The leak hints that the smartphone will be available in Black, Blue, Gold, and Grey color. The Sony Xperia XA3 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and the device has a dual camera setup on the back with dual LED flash. The SIM card tray is located below the fingerprint sensor, which is most likely to house dual SIM card slots or a SIM and a micro SD card slot.

Sony Xperia XA3 specifications

The Sony Xperia XA3 is expected to come with a 6.5-inch display with FHD+ resolution, protected by 2.5D curved tempered glass. The smartphone will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 SoC with at least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage.

The smartphone has a dual camera setup on the back with a 23 MP primary camera and an 8 MP secondary sensor, which is expected to be a super wide-angle lens. These cameras are expected to offer features like portrait mode, 1080p video recording, and super slow-motion video recording.

The device also has a USB type C port on the bottom with a dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack. The smartphone will run on Android 9 Pie OS with a custom skin on top. As of now, there is no information on the pricing of the smartphone. However, considering the features, the device is expected to cost around $400 to $500.

Via

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Whether we have two of them on the field, all three of them on the field, well get creative and have some fun with it," defensive coordinator Joe Barry said.
Moto G7, Moto G7 Plus, Moto G7 Power and Moto G7 Play announced: Price, specs and features News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Motorola has unveiled the G7 series phones with Android 9 Pie, notched displays and capacious battery.

As teased earlier, the next-generation Moto G7 smartphones were announced at an event in Brazil. These smartphones feature impressive battery life that can last all through the day and enhanced camera performance. As speculated earlier, the lineup comprises the Moto G7, Moto G7 Plus, Moto G7 Play and Moto G7 Power.

All these smartphones run Android 9 Pie out of the box and sport a display notch of different sizes. These smartphones come with bezel-less displays, rear-mounted fingerprint sensors, support for 4G LTE and standard connectivity features. There are several camera-centric software optimizations including Smart Composition, Super Slow Motion at 250fps and Auto Smile Capture.

Moto G7 specifications

The Moto G7 flaunts a 6.24-inch FHD+ Max Vision display with a resolution of 2270 x 1080 pixels. It employs an octa-core 1.8GHz Snapdragon 632 SoC paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage space that can be expanded up to 128GB. The device comes with a dual camera module with a 12MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture and a 5MP secondary sensor with f/2.2 aperture. Up front, it comes with an 8MP selfie camera with an aperture of f/2.2. The device gets power from a 3000mAh battery.

Moto G7 Plus specifications

When it comes to the Moto G7 Plus, the smartphone has a similar display, RAM, storage and battery as the G7. The difference is that it makes use of an 1.8GHz octa-core Snapdragon 636 SoC and the microSD card slot supporting up to 512GB of additional storage space. The imaging aspects include a dual camera module with a 16MP primary sensor with f/1.7 aperture and a 5MP secondary sensor with an aperture of f/2.2. This camera also supports Optical Image Stabilization. The selfie camera is a 12MP sensor with f/2.0 aperture.

Moto G7 Power specifications

Moto G7 Power adorns a relatively smaller 6.2-inch display with HD+ resolution of 1520 x 720 pixels. The device uses a Snapdragon 632 SoC as the Moto G7 paired with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage space that can be expanded further. It flaunts a single 12MP rear camera with f/2.0 aperture and an 8MP selfie camera with f/2.2 aperture. The highlight of this smartphone is its capacious 5000mAh battery touted to deliver nearly 55 hours of talk time.

Moto G7 Play specifications

Finally, the Moto G7 Play, the most inexpensive model among the latest offerings, flaunts a 5.7-inch Max Vision display with a HD+ resolution of 1512 x 720 pixels. This one also uses the same Snapdragon 632 SoC clocked at 1.8GHz paired with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage space supporting up to 128GB of additional storage. This one has a similar camera configuration as the G7 Power and gets the power from a 3000mAh battery.

Price and availability

The Moto G7 is priced at $299 (approx. Rs. 21,300) while the Moto G7 Plus is priced at 300 euros (approx. Rs. 25,000). The Moto G7 Power is priced at $249 (approx. Rs. 17,800) and the G7 Play is priced at $199 (approx. Rs. 14,000).

These phones will go on sale in Brazil and Mexico starting from today and will be followed by India, Canada and US starting from mid-February. As of now, the company has not revealed when exactly these four Motorola phones will arrive in India.

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WhatsApp warns Indian political parties to stop misuse during elections News oi-Vishal Kawadkar No misuse of the messaging service will be tolerated.

Indian political parties have been misusing Facebook-owned messaging service - WhatsApp ahead of general elections, and the company has strictly warned the parties to avoid doing so, reports Reuters.

WhatsApp hasn't mentioned the name of the parties or the nature of abuse, but the misuse of the platform is a big concern as the party workers could use automated tools for mass messaging and spread fake news to persuade the voters.

The popular messaging app has become an integral part of campaigns and is used extensively by the workers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposing Congress party. Both of the parties have accused each other of spreading fake news.

"We have seen a number of parties attempt to use WhatsApp in ways that it was not intended, and our firm message to them is that using it in that way will result in bans of our service," said Carl Woog, head of communications for WhatsApp.

WhatsApp isn't new to these challenges, as it faced similar issues ahead of Brazilian elections in October, where the platform was flooded with fake news and conspiracy theories. In India, the platform has over 200 million active users, making it the biggest market for the company.

"We are trying to be very clear going into the election that there is abuse on WhatsApp. We are working very hard to identify it and prevent it as soon as possible," Woog said.

Amit Malviya, head of IT for BJP, told Reuters he hasn't met with WhatsApp representatives and refrained himself from commenting on the matter. Congress' social media head, Divya Spandana, on the other hand, claimed that the party has nothing to do with the abuse of WhatsApp.

The popular messaging platform has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Last year after false messages circulated on WhatsApp went viral they sparked a number of mob lynchings.

Previously, the Indian government proposed new amendments under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act to prevent people from sharing pornographic videos of minors circulating on WhatsApp.

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The beauty of Old Tbilisi captured by Giorgi Nikolava - GeorgianJournal
Elias Rosenfeld '20 to speak at Reform Judaism conference

Elias Rosenfeld '20, a Brandeis undergraduate who is an advocate for immigrants' rights in the U.S., is a featured speaker at the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism's Consultation on Conscience 2019 conference in Washington in May.

Rosenfeld will speak alongside Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network; Desmond Meade, president of the Florida Rights Restoration Commission, and Sr. Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley.

Rosenfeld is a DACA recipient or a "DREAMer," living in the United States under a Obama-era program that allows relief from the threat of deportation to more than 700,000 young adults who came to the U.S. as children. He came to the U.S. from Venezuela at age 6, on a visa granted to his mother through a program for business executives. When she died of cancer when he was in the sixth grade, he lost his own legal status in the U.S. He has spoken on behalf of DACA recipients across the country. The long-term status of DACA recipients has been the subject of longstanding political debate.

The Religious Action Center, based in Washington, serves as the hub of the Reform Movements social justice work.
Benton County has tapped a Portland-area health official to take the reins of its health department.

Dawn Emerick, who has served as public health director of Clackamas County since 2016, will become the top administrator of the Benton County Health Department on March 11, the county announced.

Emerick will succeed Mitch Anderson, who is retiring April 1 after 22 years with the department, the last 11 as director.

The Health Department is Benton Countys largest administrative division, with roughly 130 employees. It has grown rapidly in recent years, overseeing a network of six federally qualified health centers providing services to a burgeoning population of Medicaid patients and privately insured individuals.

Before going to work for Clackamas County, Emerick served as administrator of the St. Johns River Rural Health Care Network and president and CEO of the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida. She also started a business consulting firm in Jacksonville.
Come on, it's not THAT cold.

Oh sure, many of the devilishly absurdist doings in the brutally funny "Cold Pursuit" take place in and around the snow-covered, wintry terrain of a Colorado ski resort town, but compared to what's been happening in Chicago and across much of the Midwest lately, these characters look almost comfortable in the unforgiving outdoors.

I mean, we can see their faces, and they can stand outside for more than five minutes without getting frostbite.

Granted, they might get their heads blown off, but hey, that's the gig when you're a henchman, a hitman, a drug lord or a father seeking vengeance in this bat-bleep crazy story.

On the surface, "Cold Pursuit" might look like another one of those Liam Neeson thrillers a la the "Taken" franchise and "Unknown" and "The Commuter" and "Non-Stop," in which our man plays a happily married regular fella with a seemingly ordinary and perfectly normal life, until that one life-changing thing happens, and he must morph into a fiercely determined killing machine who will let nothing stop him in his quest for justice.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7)  The Department of Health (DOH) announced that the measles outbreak has spread to more areas in Luzon and Visayas following reports of more than 1,500 cases and 26 deaths. It earlier declared the outbreak of this highly infectious disease in Metro Manila and Central Luzon.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque announced that a measles outbreak has also been declared in CALABARZON, Region 6 (Western Visayas) and Region 7 (Central Visayas). CALABARZON reported 104 cases of measles and nine deaths while Region 6 recorded 104 cases and three deaths linked to measles. In Region 7, 71 measles cases and one death was recorded.

Duque also noted an alarming increase of measles cases in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, MIMAROPA and Bicol region.

"We are expanding the outbreak from Metro Manila to other regions as cases have increased in the past weeks and to strengthen surveillance if there are new cases and alert mothers and caregivers to be more vigilant," Duque told the press Thursday.

Here are the following figures for measles cases reported as of January 26, 2019:

CALABARZON: 575 cases, nine deaths

Metro Manila: 441 cases, five deaths

Region 3: 192 cases, four deaths

Region 6: 104 cases, three deaths

Region 7: 71 cases one death

MIMAROPA: 70 cases, no deaths

Region 1: 64 cases, two deaths

Region 10: 60 cases, no deaths

Region 8: 54 cases, one death

ARMM: 48 cases, no deaths

Region 12: 43 cases, no deaths

Region 11: 30 cases, no deaths

Bicol Region: 24 cases, one death

Zamboanga Peninsula: 22 cases, no deaths

Cagayan Valley: Eight cases, no deaths

Caraga Region: Four cases, no deaths

Cordillera Region: Three cases, no deaths

The DOH has not yet released the number of reported measles cases in other regions.

Measles is a highly contagious disease spread through coughing, sneezing and through close personal contact. The symptoms include red eyes, runny nose, fever and skin rashes for more than three to seven days. Complications include diarrhea, middle ear infection, pneumonia, swelling of the brain, malnutrition and blindness, which may lead to death.

DOH Epidemiology Bureau Director Ferchito Avelino explained that an outbreak or epidemic is declared once a disease is reported to be widespread in a region.

"Sa kasong, ito mawalakan 'yung kasi hindi lang confined sa isang probinsya, but rather several provinces are already involved," Avelino said.

[Translation: In this case the disease is widespread, and not confined in just one province, but rather several provinces are already involved.]

According to DOH records, the number of cases of measles in CALABARZON increased by 2,538%, from 575 cases in 2019 compared to 21 cases recorded in 2018. Nine of the cases this year resulted to deaths.

In Metro Manila, there were 441 cases of measles with five reported deaths this year, a 1,125% increased compared to its 2018 figure of 36 cases in 2018.

Central Luzon has 192 cases and four deaths in 2019, a 500% increase compared to 32 cases in the region in 2018, while Region 6 has 104 cases and three deaths, a 550% increase from 16 cases in 2018.

Meanwhile, Region 7 reported 71 cases and one death compared to two cases in 2018.

Duque urged parents to have their children vaccinated and to bring their children to health centers once the symptoms manifest.

The secretary said they are also conducting house-to-house visits to implement their supplemental immunization program to cater to unvaccinated children.

Don't link to Dengvaxia

The health chief also assured parents that the vaccination available for measles is not similar to the Dengvaxia vaccine that figured in the controversial dengue immunization program in 2014.

"Iba ang isyu ng Dengvaxia. Iba ang mga bakuna natin na talagang ligtas, epektibo na naaayon sa pamantayan ng FDA (Food and Drug Administration), ng World Health Organization," Duque said.

[Translation: The Dengvaxia issue is different. Our vaccines are different. They are safe, effective and according to the standards of the FDA and World Health Organization.]

Immunization can save up to four million lives a year, he added.

The DOH reported that the numbers of unvaccinated children continue to rise. For the first three quarters of 2018, 960, 457 children have not received vaccination, a spike from its 2017 figure of 855,039.
TODAY

TRIAD, noon, Room 211, Memorial Union, 2501 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis. Jim White, professor emeritus in the Oregon State University Department of Chemistry, will present The Belle Epoque, Marie Curie and Others. TRIAD provides faculty, staff, students and community members with an opportunity to network, discuss events of the day, and learn something new. The public is welcome to attend free of charge. An optional catered lunch is available for $13. Reservations: Kathy.DeBellis@oregonstate.edu .

"From Selma to Moscow: How Human Rights Activists Transformed U.S. Foreign Policy," 4 p.m., Room 208, La Raza, Memorial Union, 2501 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis. Sarah B. Snyder traces the influence of human rights activists and advances a new interpretation of U.S. foreign policy in the long 1960s. By highlighting the importance of non-state and lower-level actors, Snyder shows how this activism established the networks and tactics critical to the institutionalization of human rights. A major work of international and transnational history, "From Selma to Moscow" reshapes understanding of the role of human rights activism in transforming U.S. foreign policy in the 1960s and 1970s, and highlights timely lessons for those seeking to promote a policy agenda resisted by the White House. Snyder is a historian of U.S. foreign relations and an associate professor at American Universitys School of International Service. She also is the author of the award-winning "Human Rights Activism and the End of the Cold War: A Transnational History of the Helsinki Network" (2011).
A celebration of life for Barabra Zackery, 79, of Gainesville, will be held at a later date. A full obituary will be published when service times have been scheduled. Barbara passed away on June 15, 2021 in Gainesville. You may sign the online registry at www.geojcarroll.com.




Have any questions? Please give us a call at 907-352-2250
We are delighted that visitors from across Virginia will have the opportunity to see life in 17th-century Europe through the eyes of Wenceslaus Hollar, Nyerges said. He was an amazing talent and obviously particularly well-known and respected during the Baroque era.

The exhibit was curated by both Dr. Mitchell Merling, VMFAs former Paul Mellon curator and head of the department of European art, and Dr. Colleen Yarger, VMFAs curatorial assistant for European art and also the Mellon collections, and interim head of the department of European art.

Hollar is almost an exact contemporary of rhetoric and artists that if you open up a 17th-century survey textbook hes undoubtedly in there, in sometimes great depth, Yarger said. But if you flip back to the index, rarely ever will you see Hollars name appear and so that is something that we are trying to change with this exhibition.

According to Yarger, the VMFA now has 10 percent of the 2,500 prints in Raysors Hollar collectionmaking the museum one of the worlds five major Hollar repositories.

Its very heartening to know that theres a good home for my stuff, Raysor said.
Virginias General Assembly wants to make it harder for Virginians to smoke. But if you do partake, King George County would like a piece of the action.

The state Senate voted on Jan. 29 to keep Virginians under the age of 21 from legally buying cigarettes unless theyre active duty military. The House of Delegates gets a shot at the bill after crossover.

Whether its appropriate for the state to tell adults they cant buy cigarettes is debatable, much as it is when the subject is alcohol. At least with booze, making 21 the cutoff has a public aspect that goes beyond second-hand smoke.

According to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, drunken-driving fatalities for people under 21 have dropped 80 percent nationally since 1982. Virginia raised the drinking age for beer and wine to 19 in 1983 and to 21 in 1985. Congress passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act in 1984, raising the age to 21 nationally.

Getting lung cancer after years of smoking is a bit more gradual than a head-on collision and probably has less impact on ones fellow citizens.

However, if smokers gotta smoke, King George wants them to pay for their indulgence.
It does leave some wondering if there is anyone in the Democratic political establishment who knows anything about damage control or messaging. The photo was awful, and the resulting explanation and press conference was a disaster. It was nonsensical, weird, and with Northams contradictory explanations, none of it made sense.

The calls for his resignation have been mounting day after day. Almost every Democratic operative and politician in the state has called for the governor to resign. Perhaps, even by the time this is published, he will have resigned. Which would be a very good idea.

But lets get back to this picture business. A person in public life can say, write or do some of the most outrageous things and most of the time, be forgiven for their excesses. If someone brings up an article, a column, or a quote from a speech, a public figure can simply say, That was then, but my position is different now.

But find a picture and it never seems to go away.

In 1950, Sen. Millard Tydings was a shoe-in for re-election in Maryland. That is, until someone did a little 1950s photo-shopping that showed the senator listening to the radio with Earl Browder, a noted American Communist. That was all it took in that paranoid era, and Tydings lost.
RICHMONDThe deepening crisis for Virginia Democratstinged by race and sexcould ripple through high-stakes legislative elections this fall but might be dwarfed by other political distractions, analysts say.

In November, Virginians decide all 140 legislative seats, determining control of the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, both of which have slender Republican majorities.

My mind automatically goes to the fall elections, said Quentin Kidd, a political analyst at Christopher Newport University.

Nine months is a long time. Were going to have three dozen other scandals that might or might not involve Virginia but capture our attention.

Kidd said the calculation for AfricanAmerican voters, alarmed by reports of racial insensitivity and alleged sexual misconduct engulfing the states top three officials, all Democrats, could be a Machiavellian decisionto support scandal-scarred Democrats who, at least, have a history of supporting black aspirations and interests.
Elizabeth Warren was a law professor at the University of Texas when she filled out a form from the state bar that asked her to list her race. Her answer, printed in careful block letters: "American Indian."

Thirty-three years later - and days before the official launch of her presidential run - that newly disclosed document has emerged as a political flash point, forcing Warren to reckon with a question that has been dogging her for years and that she has never put to rest: why, through much of her life and legal career, she claimed to be Native American despite being white.

By Wednesday, after the bar registration card was published by The Post, Warren faced new doubts about her viability in the presidential race, as activists and strategists evaluated how much damage the issue might do - especially given Democrats' focus on finding a candidate who can defeat President Donald Trump - and what she might do to move past it.

Liberal activists have long described cultural appropriation as hurtful, since someone is assuming the identity of a group without having faced the suffering or discrimination that group endured. The question is whether Democratic primary voters will punish Warren for actions for which she has apologized.
The razor wire is what happens when those two worlds meet  when heated talk becomes policy in the real world. And on the ground in Nogales, it is not being received well.

The towns city council passed a resolution unanimously on Wednesday to formally condemn the wire, and demand that it be taken down over safety concerns. Residents and business owners have told local reporters that it makes the town feel like a war zone  an inquisition, one said  and worry about the effect on its life and commerce downtown. Local newspaper columnists have panned it; a letter writer, Allen Zale, who said he served with the Army, said it reminded him of his time stationed in Berlin.

Garino said hes concerned that the wiring is more of a danger than a safety feature because of the way it is installed down to the ground. The towns code prohibits the use of the wire, which is also known as concertina wire, except in industrial parks and storage areas. Even then, it has to be at least six feet off the ground, he said. The wall it adorns stretches through many residential areas in the city, as close as 10 feet in some places to peoples property.

The tensions with the town have been exacerbated by the fact that federal authorities have shut out local officials from the process, Garino said.
Dajon Morton was released from the Rappahannock Regional Jail on Wednesday, the same day he had been scheduled to go on trial for a 2017 incident in Fredericksburg during which one young woman was robbed and another was shot in the head.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Humphries on Wednesday dropped multiple charges against Morton, including robbery and unlawful wounding, stemming from a July 27, 2017, incident at the W.L. Harris Neighborhood Park in Mayfield. That decision was greeted by applause from Mortons supporters in the courtroom.

The 23-year-old Morton, a Gaithersburg, Md., resident, had been in jail since Aug. 23 following his arrest in connection with the Mayfield shooting and robbery. But the case against him hit a snag after it was learned that a search warrant affidavit related to Mortons phone records had not been properly filed in Fredericksburg Circuit Court.

That led a judge Tuesday to rule that evidence recovered from that search could not be used in a trial this week. Humphries determined that she could not get a conviction without that evidence and decided to drop the charges.

Morton might not be totally in the clear. Under the motion granted by Judge J. Howe Brown, the charges against Morton could be reinstated at a later date.
Virginia has been going through it, guys. The state's three top elected officials are embroiled in controversies and facing demands for their resignations. But there has been one bright spot for the commonwealth this week: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Amid calls for the movie star, onetime wrestler and sometimes presidential hopeful to run for governor, we were reminded Tuesday that Johnson has owned a farm just outside Charlottesville for years. The "Hobbs & Shaw" star gave the "great state of Virginia" and his horses a shout-out on Twitter.

Yup, the great state of Virginia has quietly become my home for years now. And my horses here love when I step in the gifts they leave me daily. *correction.. almost step in their gifts. #bigbrownbaldcowboy https://t.co/8x7Ofklp2a  Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 6, 2019

The Charlottesville area has played host to other famous faces looking for the simple life, including actors Jessica Lange and Sissy Spacek, author John Grisham and musician Dave Matthews.
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold the 2019 STEM16 Summit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 2 at James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg.

The eighth annual event will feature hands-on activities, demonstrations and competitions, which will give the regions students, teachers, public officials and businesses an opportunity to see STEM in action.

Attendance is free, as are booths for schools and nonprofits. There is a $100 fee for businesses that want to have a booth.

To secure a booth or to be one of the events sponsors, contact Kyle Allwine at kyle@fxbgchamber.org or 540/373-9400. SimVentions, a federal contractor based in Stafford County, and Lockheed Martin will be the Summits Title Sponsor.

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Mighty Welcomes 10th Jiffy Lube Group to Franchise System

CiSA Lubes USA is the most recent Jiffy Lube group to establish a Mighty Auto Parts franchise for both internal and external distribution.

NORCROSS, GA. (PRWEB) February 06, 2019 - Mighty Distributing System is proud to announce that CiSA Lubes USA is the most recent Jiffy Lube group to establish a Mighty Auto Parts franchise. The new portfolio company, doing business as Mighty of Charlotte, has become the exclusive distributor of Mighty automotive products throughout the Greater Charlotte, North Carolina area.

CiSA Lubes USA, owned by Commercial Importadora SA de CV (CiSA Mexico), operates 19 Jiffy Lubes - 11 in North Carolina and eight in South Carolina. Founded in 1929, CiSA Mexico is a Mexico City-based lubricants distributor that has a very close relationship with Shell Oil. They are the exclusive blender and distributor for Quaker State and Pennzoil branded lubricants throughout Mexico as well as several Central American and Caribbean countries.

Joel Walker, Chief Operating Officer for CiSA Lubes USA, leads the new franchise as it centrally distributes Mightys preventive maintenance products to the CiSA Jiffy Lube locations and implements Mightys inventory management programs, support, and training. In addition, the Mighty division presents CiSA an opportunity to add profits with B2B product sales to nonaffiliated customers in their exclusive territory.

Im very bullish on our new, vertically integrated Mighty business. Not only are Mightys product programs boosting our bottom line, but their inventory management tools and information resources are already helping our stores operate more efficiently. Were looking forward to delivering those same benefits to our outside Mighty accounts and to growing our franchise sales by highlighting the values that make Mighty unique in the marketplace. Were very confident in our new relationships with Mightys Home Office team and with the support of our fellow franchisees, said Joel Walker.

Ken Voelker, Mightys President & CEO said, All of us at Mighty are excited to welcome CiSA Lubes USA to our growing and successful franchise System. The strategic fit between quick service operators and a Mighty distribution franchise creates a compelling business model, and Joel Walker and his team are poised to take full advantage of the opportunity.

About Mighty Distributing System

Mighty is headquartered in Norcross, GA and supports 100 franchised distributors in 44 U.S. states and five international markets. The Mighty System features local service, inventory management expertise, and training in conjunction with extensive offerings of OE quality underhood and undercar parts, chemical products, lubricants and shop supplies. The Mighty business model attracts independent repair shops, quick lubes, tire centers and new car dealerships across the nation and abroad. Mightys unique approach of dealing directly and exclusively with automotive professionals began in 1963.

Media Contact:

Tracy Buttera

Mighty Distributing System

800.872.3334

SOURCE Mighty Distributing System

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Healing the Heartbroken: Junk Kings Second Annual Dump Truck Campaign Invites America to Toss Exes Aside

National Junk Removal Company Hosts Anti-Valentines Campaign Inviting Singles to Rid Themselves Of Past Lovers Items

February 07, 2019 // Franchising.com // SAN FRANCISCO - When you finally realize your ex is trash, theres a place to dump your memories once and for all.

Junk King - the nations leading junk removal company - is rallying men and women across the U.S. to toss any leftover relationships and heal their heartache once and for all. In anti-Valentines Day fashion, the company is hosting its second annual Dump Truck campaign by empowering people to throw their ex-lovers forgotten belongings - from old photos, letters, corny gifts and more - into their trucks for free.

On February 14, vibrant red Dump Trucks will be making stops at businesses throughout the following cities:

Cincinnati

Dallas

Denver

Fort Worth

Reno

Breakups hurt and Valentines Day can drudge up some painful memories, said Michael Andreacchi, CEO of Junk King. On a daily basis, were all about making people feel liberated and the Dump Truck is a symbolic, therapeutic way to empower those who need a friendly boost.

As part of the brands year-round commitment to being environmentally conscious, any items tossed into the Dump Truck are taken to the large warehouse to facilitate managing and sorting of the materials. In fact, sixty percent of the junk collected from jobs is recycled, rather than being dropped at landfills. And through partnerships with local nonprofits and community organizations, the remaining items are donated and repurposed to benefit residents throughout United States.

On a national level, the companys eco-friendly approach to junk removal is a major reason why businesses and homeowners alike choose Junk King. Customers also benefit from the brands state-of-the-art technology systems that facilitate scheduling a pick-up in real time. With the online booking system, all it takes is a few clicks and within a matter of minutes Junk King can be scheduled and the job can be completed.

Taken together, Junk Kings distinctive attributes separate it from its competitors, which are often characterized as unprofessional and unreliable. In fact, Junk King maintains the highest Net Promoter Score (NPS) for any service business in North America, a clear indication of the importance the company places on customer satisfaction.

To learn more about Junk King, visit www.junk-king.com.

About Junk King

Junk King is a white collar business management franchise in a blue collar industry with company operations showing more than ten years of sustainable growth. The company is firmly entrenched as the 2nd largest and fastest growing player in the still young junk removal industry. Junk King launched its franchise in October 2009 and has awarded more than 110 new franchises, representing nearly 400 units including a Master License for Central America, and two Master licenses in Canada. Junk King's model is adaptable as an owner operator model (not working on truck), transitional model from another career, or straight ROI model with general manager in place running day to day. The company also expands into the mini-bin sector, offering additional services to small market territories.

Media Contact:

JoeyLauren Jiracek

All Points PR

Public Relations Account Lead

Office: 847-897-7496

SOURCE Junk King

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Samuel Reyes Santiago (L) and Sharon Ann New (R) were arrested by Greenville Police Officers in connection to several reported mail and package thefts throughout the city. They received several charges.
WAYNESVILLE, NC (FOX Carolina)- The Waynesville Police Department says that it is searching for a suspect accused of robbing a Waffle House in the early hours of Friday morning, according to a post on the department's official Facebook page.
GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina)- The Greenville City Police Department says they arrested a suspect after one person was killed during a fatal shooting on Saturday on Jenkins Street.
Las Vegas Metropolitan police said a pedestrian was struck and killed in the central valley on Feb. 7, 2019.
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(CNN) -- "I'm more popular than Disney World," croons azure-eyed Disney alumni Zac Efron. The line, which might have been lifted from one of his vintage high school movies, is just one jarring punctuation mark in the trailer for "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile," a film based on the true story of Theodore Bundy. Efron stars as the serial killer, rapist, kidnapper and necrophile who confessed to murdering at least 30 women and girls during the 1970s.

The 90-second trailer, which brims with shots of a ripped Efron winking and de-shirting, has been met with outrage and dismay from many who believe that it glamorizes and hyper-sexualizes Bundy, who was executed for his crimes in 1989. Perversely, the overwhelming focus on Efron's looks since the trailer's release echoes a similar obsession with Bundy's appearance when he came to trial in 1979, when newspapers noted his handsomeness and charm; at the time, the New York Times called him "Kennedyesque."

If the point of films based on true stories is to reflect life, that is exactly what it has achieved.

The glamorization of serial killers in films like "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile" are inherently brazen, because they draw on real-life suffering and death -- and their goal is always to finesse those elements to engage an audience. It is as important therefore to ask which stories are worth retelling as it is to judge how well they are told. If a good-looking actor portraying a murderer known for flaunting his good looks is offensive -- the inference being that superficiality is offensive -- we would do well to be less superficial in our assessment of these films and their subject matter.

Another film about a killer, "Detainment," which is up for Best Live Action Short Film at the Oscars, tells the true story of the murder of three-year-old James Bulger near Liverpool, England, in 1993. His murderers were two other children, 10 year-olds Robert Thompson and Jon Venables. The boys led James away from his mother in a shopping center, then across town to a railway track, where they tortured and beat him until he was dead.

Both Thompson and Venables were both charged with abduction and murder as adults, because they were over the age of 10, the legal point at which a person in the UK assumes criminal responsibility for their actions. In 2010, Maggie Atkinson, the children's commissioner for England, called for that age to be raised to 12. She said 10 was "too young," in light of the Bulger case.

James's mother Denise Fergus has vehemently protested both the making and nomination of "Detainment," which is based on real footage of interviews with Thompson and Venables in custody. The trailer shows the children distressed as they answer police questions, eyes brimming with tears. They look far less sinister than Efron's slick, measured Bundy, and the sympathy they provoke appeals to a far deeper instinct.

Vincent Lambe, who directed "Detainment," has protested that many have missed the point of the film, saying: "It's to ask questions and to challenge the audience because I think we've got a responsibility to try and make sense of what happened."

This provocation -- or more to the point, the acute distress of Bulger's parents, is difficult if not impossible to justify. There is no lesson, only sadness, and the regurgitation of bitter, fruitless pain. That pain has drawn far less attention over the last few weeks than Efron's hewn jawline. Tellingly, there are no planned screenings of "Detainment" in the UK.

The outrage "Extremely Wicked" has sparked is understandable. A film which deliberately amplifies Bundy's vainglorious courtroom showboating and manipulative sexual appeal is exactly what he would have wished for. It is yet another example of a male serial killer whose gruesome actions drew more fascination than the lives he stole from his exclusively female victims. But it is a portrayal of what really happens, all too often, rather than a template for how these circumstances should be dealt with in future.

The film's director, Joe Berlinger, has responded to the backlash, saying: "If you actually watch the movie, the last thing we're doing is glorifying him. He gets his due at the end, but we're portraying the experience of how one becomes a victim to that kind of psychopathic seduction."

One of Bundy's surviving victims, Kathy Kleiner Rubin, who Bundy savagely attacked in her Florida State University sorority house in 1978, has explained why the film's depiction, while in her opinion exaggerated, makes sense. "I believe that in order to show him exactly the way he was, it's not really glorifying him, but it's showing him, and when they do say positive and wonderful things about him... that's what they saw, that's what Bundy wanted you to see," she said. "The movie does glorify it more than I think it should be. But like I said, I think everyone should see it and understand him as what he was, even when he was the perfect son."

Rubin stressed that the most important point was the message behind the film, which demonstrates how Bundy would use his wiles to lure female victims. "He had different tactics that he used for people to help him get in cars or do things," she explained. "In your gut, if you just feel that something doesn't feel right, just say no."

To lose that that uncomfortable straight-on view of Bundy, and the effect he had on his real-life audience, would be to lose much of the cautionary point of the story. The sexualization of handsome men who do bad things, and the amplification of their narrative over their victims' is a disturbing phenomenon, but a very real one. It occurs again and again in cinema and on TV, from Jack The Ripper blockbusters to Black Dahlia re-imaginings with Chris Pine. Most worryingly, the fleeting fuss made about movies which glorify violent criminals from our past is too-often not borne out in the present when attractive men do awful things.

Jeremy Meeks' mugshot alone garnered him the nickname "hot felon" when it went viral in 2015. Meeks was convicted of federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and grand theft. While Meeks was incarcerated in 2014, Public Information Officer Joseph Silva called him "one of the most violent criminals in the Stockton area." In 2017, Vogue described him as a "buff bad boy."

If we are disturbed that a serial killer like Theodore Bundy was good looking, and find it upsetting to be reminded so in this retelling, we are completely missing the point of what constitutes evil.

Too many violent men are able to get away with their crimes for too long, because we would prefer not to recognize that handsomeness and brutality can walk hand in hand. In proving ourselves so distracted by Zac Efron -- to the extent that far more offensive films slip under the radar, we are falling into the same superficial trap. The warning sign we should heed is not an ugly face, but the inability to look beyond a pretty one.

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Attorney, Author, and TV Personality Star Jones is sharing her story and why she wants women to Go Red with a Free Heart Health Screening This Valentine's Day!

We know her from her years on television discussing the "hot topics" of the day and unpacking the legal issues in the headlines. We also watched her transform by losing more than 150 pounds and keeping it off only to eventually tackle heart disease, too.

Jones underwent open-heart surgery in 2010, and as American Heart Association National Volunteer, her story includes a vital message for women regarding heart health. It's a message she's eager to share during American Heart Month.

According to the American Heart Association, nearly 80% of cardiac events can be prevented, yet most women don't know their personal health numbers that are critical to determining one's risk.

This Valentine's Day and every Thursday in February, national sponsor of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement, CVS is offering no-cost heart screenings in MinuteClinic locations nationwide!

"Women tend to put others before themselves, but it is imperative that women make their heart health a priority. The stark reality is cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman's greatest health threat, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. But by empowering women to be aware which includes knowing your numbers move more, eat smart and manage blood pressure, we can change that fact," said Jennifer Mieres, M.D., an American Heart Association's Go Red for Women medical expert.

Consumers can visit their local MinuteClinic on February 7, 14, 21, and 28 and receive a no-cost heart health preventive screening, supported by TYLENOL , to learn the five key personal health numbers that can help them determine their risk for heart disease: total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index. MinuteClinic is a high-quality, convenient and affordable destination for preventive care all year long, with 1 in 2 Americans living within 10 miles of a MinuteClinic.

To receive a free screening, download the voucher, print a copy and bring it with you to scan at the MinuteClinic registration kiosk. Alternatively, you can use your mobile phone to show the voucher to the provider after you register at the kiosk.

CVS Pharmacy customers can support Go Red for Women by making a $1, $3 or larger donation at the register at CVS Pharmacy stores nationwide or online at www.cvshealth.com/GoRed through February 23. Additionally, 3M is proud to support the 2019 American Heart Association's Life is Why We Give Campaign by donating $100,000.
New developments in the arrest of a man who was the subject of an Amber Alert, accused of killing his estranged wife and kidnapping his two year old daughter.

JoQuincy McCord of Prichard is back in Jackson County, Mississippi, where deputies say he killed Brittany McCord at an apartment complex there, and kidnapped the couple's two year old.

The child is safe.

McCord was arrested Tuesday night at a gas station in west Mobile, and now FOX10 News has surveillance video from the scene.

The station is a Chevron station at Grelot Road and University Boulevard.

The video taken by the store's surveillance cameras doesn't show McCord's actual arrest, which took place about 8:00 last night.

There isn't a camera on the side of the building, but cameras do show the front of the Chevron station.

The video shows two police officers entering from the right, one who appears to have his gun drawn.

You then see a police car pull in from the right, and what appears to be another police officer walking to the store.

Investigators say McCord called them from the station, then surrendered.

The owner of the station didn't want to go on camera, and told me he wasn't at the store at the time, but that an employee called him around 8 pm and said there were tons of police on the scene.

When our crews arrived Wednesday night, there was a heavy police presence because the suspect was considered armed and dangerous.

A witness says McCord waited for police inside his car.

They say they saw him being taken away in handcuffs.

Police told us that two year old is safe.

McCord turned the child over to a relative, who called Mobile Police.

She has since been returned to Pascagoula.

Jail records show McCord is being held on a million dollars bond on a murder charge, and is also charged with child abuse with serious bodily harm, being held on $500,000 bond, and simple assault domestic violence, with a $1,000 bond
From cell phones to your TV screen -- an Amber Alert -- it's about the only thing that could interrupt Tuesday night's State of the Union Address.

Mississippi authorities desperate to find wanted murder suspect JoQuincy McCord and his two year old daughter Genesis. McCord on the run after allegedly shooting and killing his estranged wife in Pascagoula.

With ties to Prichard, there was good reason to believe McCord was headed to Alabama. Mobile Police putting out a "be on the lookout" for his Ford Fusion.

Moments later officers were dispatched to the Chevron gas station at Grelot and University Boulevard after McCord called police to turn himself in.

McCord peacefully surrendered. His daughter found a short time later -- safe and unharmed.

"I would just say that I was monitoring the situation to see how it was covered across the state as we always do and I was really impressed the stations all had pictures in advance -- of the Amber Alert going out," said Sharon Tinsley, Alabama Broadcasters Association President.

While airing Amber Alerts is voluntary, Tinsley says all of the state's TV stations provide the public service.

Working with ALEA -- the information is broadcast through the state's Emergency Alert System, which is tested on a regular basis.

"We have someone that we pay to literally babysit the system. We monitor every time an alert like that goes out. We're able to monitor station's equipment across the state -- a great sampling of it -- to see the messages were received and relayed. That's something we are doing in Alabama that I don't think they are doing in any other state in the country," explained Tinsley.

Tinsley also says within the next few weeks -- another alert will be online dealing with first responders.

"Hopefully, we won't have to use it in Alabama, but it will be the 'Blue Alert' - and that will be used when an officer is harmed or killed in the line of duty, and law enforcement believe the public can be of assistance in trying to locate or identify someone," said Tinsley.
Not everyone is happy about the new Buc-ee's Travel Center in Baldwin County.

Oasis Travel Center is suing the company, in federal court, saying they are illegally selling gas for less than what the state law allows.

Oasis Travel Center, an I-10 staple that's been in it's location for almost 23 years, is suing the new Mega-store Buc-ee's.

"That would be a waste of money," said Wayne Metcalfe from Gulf Shores.

"Right now there is no comparison. This has got a lot to offer. The food's good over at Oasis and stuff like that but this is just shiny, nice, and new and people are drawn to nice, new things," said Isaiah Day, who lives in Escambia County, but works in Baldwin.

A lawsuit filed by Oasis Travel Center says, the company is illegally selling gas for less than state law allows.

They say Buc-ee's opening day price of $1.80 per gallon violated the Alabama Motor Fuel Marketing Act and that Alabama's current lowest price is $2 per gallon.

The law says gas stations can't sell fuel per gallon cheaper than what it cost them.

"This price is only 6 cents less than what I get in Foley," said Metcalfe.

People at Buccee's told us they use it for both the low prices and its convenience. For those traveling from South Baldwin County, it's right off the Baldwin Beach Express and for those traveling elsewhere, it's right off I-10.

"We do some shopping in Daphne and live in Gulf Shores so we come this way all the time," Metcalfe explained. "It's a great location, especially with a lot more people using the beach express."

"I actually live over in Escambia County and work about 5 miles down the road," said Day.

Buccee's attorney says the company promises to deliver high-quality fuel priced competitively and always strives to be the customers' choice.

This evening, unleaded gas at Buccee's was $1.89 per gallon, while Oasis was selling gas for $2.12 a gallon. That's a pretty big difference. One that matters to customers.

"People are always going to do what's cheaper," Day added.

According to Gas Buddy, gas prices for other stations in Roberstdale are as low as $1.95 a gallon while several gas stations in Loxley are at $1.89 as well.
The Prichard man accused of killing his estranged wife and kidnapping their two-year-old daughter is now in custody.

JoQuincy McCord surrendered to Mobile Police around 8 p.m. Tuesday. According to police in Pascagoula, McCord shot and killed the child's mother at Bandywood Apartments around 5:15 p.m. After the girl was reported missing, an Amber Alert was issued by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.

Police said after the murder in Pascagoula, McCord fled to Mobile and called police to surrender. He was taken into custody at the Chevron at the corner of Grelot Road and University Boulevard.

Mobile Police said the child, Genisis McCord, has been found unharmed and safe.
Quote: phil64 Originally Posted by Thanks to all for replies. Yes, i can see the VIN code with a mirror and light, hope that it'll be OK. The truck is not an import.

If the truck was not imported to France, that means a Ford dealer in France would have sold it new.I wasn't aware that any Ford trucks sold new in the US/Canada were also sold new in "Festung Europa."Some US military personal stationed at the Ramstein USAF base in Germany have American vehicles, but they either brought them with them or had them imported.Meanwhile almost every week I read a post where someone in Europe is looking for Ford parts for the vehicle they bought in the USI've been to the UK and Germany twice and once to Paris during the Y2K scare that nothing happened...except the return flight from de Gaulle to LAX was cancelled.What did happen in Paris while we were there...a hurricane! The Louvre was closed while they mopped all the water that leaked in thru I. M. Pei's glass pyramids.Cornices were blown down all over the city, many fell on cars. I spotted a nice Citroen DS21 Pallas with a 'cornice restyled roof.'
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Local residents hold signs at a City Council meeting in Fontana in March of last year. Later in the year, the City Council passed an ordinance which prohibited smoking in the citys parks, drawing praise from the American Lung Association.
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By Elizabeth Piper LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May will call on the European Union on Thursday to work with her to change a divorce deal and help her win the support of a divided parliament to smooth Britain's departure from the bloc. Before arriving in Brussels for talks with EU leaders, May acknowledged that her task - to force change to a deal agreed almost three months ago - would not be easy, and a government source said a breakthrough on Thursday was not expected

By Elizabeth Piper

LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May will call on the European Union on Thursday to work with her to change a divorce deal and help her win the support of a divided parliament to smooth Britain's departure from the bloc.

Before arriving in Brussels for talks with EU leaders, May acknowledged that her task - to force change to a deal agreed almost three months ago - would not be easy, and a government source said a breakthrough on Thursday was not expected.

But she will tell European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Council President Donald Tusk and the European parliament's Antonio Tajani she wants to work "urgently" with them to secure changes that she argues can win over not only her fractious Conservative Party but lawmakers across parliament.

Just weeks after parliament resoundingly rejected her Brexit deal, May needs to persuade a reluctant EU to change the Withdrawal Agreement to help her get lawmakers' approval before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29.

If she cannot, Britain, and May, face an uncertain future, opening the door to several scenarios - leaving without a deal which some businesses say might cripple the economy, another referendum, an early election or never leaving the EU at all.

Acknowledging that the agreement "was the product of much hard work and was negotiated in good faith", May will tell the leaders that parliament had sent "an unequivocal message that change is required", according to her office.

"The government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes ... We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line."

The main stumbling block to winning approval is the so-called Northern Irish backstop, an insurance policy that there will be no return of the checks at the border with EU member Ireland that in the past were a focus for sectarian violence.

Some lawmakers want her to remove the provision entirely, while others say they will accept legally-binding assurances that it would not lead to Britain being trapped in the EU's sphere indefinitely or a way for London to end it unilaterally.

But the EU, and particularly Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, say they will not re-open the agreement, underlining that the political instability in Britain only further proved the need for the backstop.

Frustration with Britain boiled over on Wednesday when Tusk openly wondered what "that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely".

But even though both sides say they do not want Britain to leave without a deal, any breakthrough on Thursday is unlikely. May described the meetings in Brussels "as part of a process leading to the government bringing back" a new vote on a Brexit deal as soon as possible.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Toby Chopra)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The United States and the Palestinian Authority are not officially on talking terms, but President Donald Trump's administration has found a way to communicate nonetheless  Twitter.

Washington: The United States and the Palestinian Authority are not officially on talking terms, but President Donald Trump's administration has found a way to communicate nonetheless  Twitter.

Jason Greenblatt, the Twitter-loving US leader's special representative for international negotiations, has taken to social media over several days in an indirect, if also plainly visible, dialogue with the Palestinian leadership.

Greenblatt and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and adviser, have been handed the herculean task of coming up with a plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians after decades of failed initiatives.

The pair has been discreet, managing against the odds to avoid leaks of upcoming proposals. But their task is complicated as Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off talks with the administration in 2017 after Trump made the landmark decision of recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

In his latest tweets on Wednesday, Greenblatt responded to Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh who warned that no peace was possible without the Palestinian people's assent.

"Well, Mr. Nabil, we agree on something  there is no peace without an agreement. We are working hard on that. You're doing nothing," Greenblatt tweeted. "You can't claim to want peace and also try to sabotage the potential for an agreement. It can't go both ways."

Greenblatt in recent days has also gone on Twitter to reply to Palestinian Liberation Organisation secretary general Saeb Erekat and fellow senior figure Hanan Ashrawi, often addressing them by their first names on issues ranging from Israeli settlements to US assistance to the status of Jerusalem, the holy city for the three major monotheistic faiths that Palestinians also want as their capital.

"Who says the US and the PA aren't talking? The only difference now is that we are speaking about these matters in public via Twitter so the public can understand everyone's positions. Transparency is better for all," he tweeted.

The strategy is similar to that of Trump, who has embraced Twitter as a way to speak without the filter of critical media or cautious aides.

When Ashrawi criticised Greenblatt for seeking the "gratification of a tweet" over "serious engagement," the Trump aide said he was happy to speak.

"I'm happy to meet anytime  you, Saeb and all your colleagues are ALWAYS welcome to visit me at the @WhiteHouse to speak in person," he tweeted.
US Customs and Border Protection officials on Wednesday described a multi-pronged strategy for tightening the southern border with Mexico that did not focus mainly on a massive wall President Donald Trump demands, according to lawmakers who attended a classified briefing.

Washington: US Customs and Border Protection officials on Wednesday described a multi-pronged strategy for tightening the southern border with Mexico that did not focus mainly on a massive wall President Donald Trump demands, according to lawmakers who attended a classified briefing.

A group of 17 Republican and Democratic members of the Senate and House of Representatives are trying to beat a 15 February deadline for passing legislation to fund US border security operations over the next eight months.

Trump is insisting on $5.7 billion to build a wall  a demand that led to the recent 35-day partial federal government shutdown that ended last month. Leading Democrats have said there will be no money for a wall, despite the presidents declaration during his State of the Union address on Tuesday that "I will get it built."

One of the 17 negotiators, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, left the briefing by Customs and Border Protection agents telling reporters that lawmakers demanded a list of priorities for securing the US-Mexico border from illegal drugs and undocumented immigrants.

"What they said over again was technology," Durbin said. "They dont rule out barriers, they don't rule out fences. But that isnt the first priority."

Other members backed up Durbins assessment of the border officials position.

"Technology" refers to devices such as huge scanners that can look inside trucks and cars, sensors, drones and other high-tech tools that could be quickly dispatched.

Senator Richard Shelby, a senior Republican negotiator, told reporters that the administrations border security experts advised providing money for a mix of additional law enforcement agents, physical barriers and high-tech devices.

Shelby also said the lawmakers were briefed on "terrorists" who were coming across the southern border. While he said they were originating in West Asia, he did not provide figures on the number of people detected and did not know whether they were apprehended.

For Congress to be able to pass legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security and a range of other federal agencies by a self-imposed 15 February deadline, the negotiators aimed to strike a deal and write a bill by this Friday or Saturday.

Failure could result in another partial government closure, following the shutdown that began on 22 December, 2018, when Trump refused to sign a funding bill that did not contain the money he wanted for wall construction to fulfil an often-repeated campaign promise. The shutdown, which Trump initially said he would take responsibility for before shifting blame to Democrats, idled some 800,000 government employees.

Lawmakers noted there is the possibility of passing another short-term funding bill to give more time to negotiate border security.

While Trump repeatedly has described illegal immigration as "an urgent national crisis," Durbin said the focus at Wednesdays briefing was on "the most serious drug epidemic in the history of the United States of America" with undetected opioids coming mainly through US ports of entry.

Late on Tuesday, Democratic Representative Pete Aguilar, another border security negotiator, told Reuters in a telephone interview that a range of options were being weighed.

He said there was nothing in Trumps State of the Union speech, which focussed on building a wall, that he thought would help the negotiators. "But our job is to tune out all the noise and to try to get to a compromise."
By Lesley Wroughton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said on Wednesday it was halting some military assistance to Cameroon over allegations of gross human rights violations by its security forces in the northwest, southwest and far north regions. A State Department official said the United States had terminated a C-130 aircraft training programme, and halted deliveries of four defender boats, nine armoured vehicles and an upgrade of a Cessna aircraft for Cameroon's rapid intervention battalion. Furthermore, the United States had withdrawn its offer for Cameroon to be part of the State Partnership Programme, a military cooperation programme, the official said

By Lesley Wroughton

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said on Wednesday it was halting some military assistance to Cameroon over allegations of gross human rights violations by its security forces in the northwest, southwest and far north regions.

A State Department official said the United States had terminated a C-130 aircraft training programme, and halted deliveries of four defender boats, nine armoured vehicles and an upgrade of a Cessna aircraft for Cameroon's rapid intervention battalion.

Furthermore, the United States had withdrawn its offer for Cameroon to be part of the State Partnership Programme, a military cooperation programme, the official said.

"We do not take these measures lightly, but we will not shirk from reducing assistance further if evolving conditions require it," the official said. "For the time being, other programs will continue."

Cameroon has cooperated closely with the United States in the fight against Islamist militant group Boko Haram in West and central Africa. But rights groups have accused authorities of using the fight against Boko Haram to crack down on political opponents, and make arbitrary arrests and torture people.

Authorities arrested opposition leader Maurice Kamto in January, accusing him of mobilizing dissent against President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country since 1982.

Biya has been accused by the opposition and rights groups of cracking down in the Anglophone Southwest region to root out armed separatists trying to end his grip on power.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in Nigeria and neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon during Boko Harams campaign to carve out an Islamic caliphate in northeast Nigeria.

"We emphasise that it is in Cameroon's interest to show greater transparency in investigating credible allegations of gross violations of human rights security forces," the State Department official said.

(Reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall and Tom Brown)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Two women have accused former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, a Nobel peace laureate, of sexual misconduct

San Jose: Two more women have accused former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, a Nobel peace laureate, of sexual misconduct after a criminal complaint alleging sexual assault against another woman was filed against him this week in the Central American nation.

Eleonora Antillon, a well-known Costa Rican journalist and TV presenter, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Arias assaulted her in the mid-1980s when she was working for his fledgling presidential bid.

In a separate interview, Emma Daly, communications director for Human Rights Watch, said Arias groped her in a hotel lobby in Nicaragua in 1990 when she was working as a young journalist based in Costa Rica.

The New York Times also reported that a fourth woman, a 53-year-old book editor, alleged that Arias unexpectedly put his hand on her leg during a meeting in 2012. AP was not immediately able to confirm the report.

While the #MeToo movement swept up a number of powerful men in recent years in the United States, its spillover effect has been more muted in Latin America, where critics say macho attitudes die hard.

In Brazil, starting in December, more than 250 women accused a prominent spiritual healer of acts from unwanted fondling to rape, leading to his arrest and a raft of charges. In Argentina, accusations ranging from sexual assault to sexual harassment have been leveled against the likes of a well-known actor, a senator and a legislative chief of staff.

But none have had a profile like Arias, who was twice elected president of Costa Rica and in 1987 was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for his work bringing an end to Central America's protracted and bloody civil wars.

The criminal complaint filed Monday in Costa Rica charged that Arias fondled a woman's breasts, kissed her and penetrated her with his fingers in December 2014 at his home in the capital San Jose. The woman, a nuclear disarmament activist whose name was not released, had gone there for a meeting related to her cause.

In a brief statement Tuesday, Arias denied the allegation. He said he never violated the will of any woman and fought for gender equality during his career. He said he would not have further public comment because of the pending legal case.

As more allegations emerged Wednesday, his lawyer Erick Ramos told AP that "out of respect for the process that is in course, we are not going to make any kind of declaration."

Antillon, a renowned journalist and TV presenter known as "Nono," decided to break three decades of silence after the complaint became known this week. Antillon told AP that in the 1980s, when she was 25 and working for a local television station, she learned that Arias was interested in having her work for him as he made a preliminary run toward the 1986 presidential election.

She said she expressed disinterest in politics, but Arias insisted and didn't blink when she asked for a salary three times the going rate to try to discourage him.

"He laughed and said others were working for free, that later they were guaranteed a political job," Antillon said. "I said I wasn't interested, that if he wanted me he would pay me. And he laughed and looked at me and said that he would pay it."

After an agreement was struck, she said, Arias summoned her to a restaurant in San Jose where he met her in a private room. Almost immediately he put his hand on her thigh and tried to kiss her neck, she said. Antillon said she pushed him away and asked what he thought he was doing. "'It's just to gain trust,' he told me, laughing," she said.

Antillon said she left, rejecting his offer to escort her.

Four days later she was with Arias and another adviser, but he sent the adviser away, she said. "He stood up, he was at his desk, he came over staring hard at me, and he grabbed my hand and put it on his penis, over his pants," Antillon said. "I said to him, 'What are you doing?' and he said, 'What do you think we're doing? Look how hard I am.'"

Antillon said she recoiled, knocking over a chair, and Arias grabbed her shoulders, pushed her into an open closet and again placed her hand on his genitals. She pulled it away. Someone made a noise at the door, he composed himself and she left.

Afterward, Antillon said, she never allowed herself to be alone with Arias, whom she described as someone with "serious problems with arrogance". "He sees himself as the master of the world, that everyone has to submit to him," Antillon said. "He sees himself as a conqueror."

Since then, Antillon said, she felt physically ill whenever she heard about Arias' Nobel prize. She said the experience left a mark and she has tried to dress in a less "feminine" way, not wanting to show much skin.

Only this week was she emboldened to come forward amid news of the complaint, she said. "I believe her based on what I lived through," Antillon said of the woman whose complaint was filed this week. Although it's been more than 30 years since the incidents she described to AP, Antillon said if any lawyer could find a way to bring a complaint against Arias, she would be willing to do so.

AP normally does not use the names of alleged victims of sexual assault, but both Antillon and Daly came forward to tell their stories publicly.

Speaking to AP in New York, Daly said she had been in Costa Rica for a couple of years when her encounter with Arias happened in February or April of 1990 in neighboring Nicaragua. At the time she was in her mid-20s, working for an English-language weekly in Costa Rica and stringing for Reuters.

The lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel was packed with journalists and diplomats when she saw Arias, with whom she had established a cordial relationship in her role as a political reporter, Daly said. They had first met years earlier through her parents, who were diplomats, she said. She called out to him and asked a question.

"And instead of answering my question, he stopped and looked at me and leaned forward, and he put his hand on my chest and sort of pulled it down between my breasts and then said, 'You're not wearing a bra'  or words to that effect," Daly told AP.

"I was so shocked, all I could think of to say was, 'Yes I am wearing a bra,' which is a ridiculous reaction but that's what I did in the moment, and he walked on," she continued. "A woman next to me, another reporter, said to me, 'I saw what happened. I'll support you if you want to do something.' And I said, 'No, that's fine, forget about it.'"

Daly said part of what was upsetting was that it came in a professional setting, surrounded by politicians and journalists. "You're completely ignored from a professional side, but someone touches you and you're made to feel as if you're nothing, they can do whatever they want," she said.

Daly said Arias had never done anything like this in any prior interaction with her, nor had she seen him do anything to anyone else. She felt the overall environment was one of machismo, and if she complained nothing would happen. She said she felt angry and then humiliated that she "hadn't responded properly, but I didn't really see what I could do or where that could lead. If I had gone to complain about it, I felt I would have been laughed out of whatever office I tried to complain to."

Daly said she told her then-boyfriend as well as several other people about the incident. She doesn't remember seeing Arias again. He left office not long after, and she left the region.

But she said she began thinking about the incident more amid the rise of #MeToo, making an oblique reference to "Even a president and Nobel laureate" in a comment on a friend's Facebook post in October 2017. She said she thought about naming Arias at the time but decided not to.

Daly first told her story publicly to a Washington Post reporter who reached out to her Tuesday. She said she felt she was in a privileged place  she wasn't going to lose her job, her family support  so it was important to speak out.

She said the difficult thing is that Arias has done good work in his professional life, with the peace plan, but that doesn't give him a pass to mistreat people.

"It would be really wonderful if this spurred some kind of a reckoning in Latin America with men who harass women," Daly said, "particularly at work ... some kind of moment where they understood that there's a need for systemic change and it's really not OK to just touch women because you feel like it."
Theresa May's spokesman stressed that she wasn't coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the 29 March deadline.

Brussels: Britain's prime minister Theresa May heads back to meet EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday as she seeks a way to avoid a no deal Brexit in 50 days time. Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement.

And Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for  in his view  recklessly failing to plan. "I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said. Juncker, at a later news conference, did not use the same language, but cheerfully laughed off Tusk's remark.

But he also repeated the same warning that the withdrawal agreement, and the backstop clause designed to keep the Irish border open if no future trade deal is agreed, will not be changed. "She knows that the commission is not prepared to reopen the issue," Juncker said, after talks with Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar, who also insisted on the need for the backstop. This apparently united front did not daunt Number 10, who insisted that the British Parliament's rejection of the deal meant that May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail. According to talking points provided by Downing Street ahead of the visit, May will admit that: "Securing such changes will not be easy."

But she will add: "Last week, parliament made clear that for the first time it could support the withdrawal agreement, subject to changes to the backstop. "The government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes. The EU shares the UK's commitment to leave with a deal. We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line." The impasse in Brussels has led to heightened fears Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on 29 March, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing.

Tusk and Juncker said they look forward to hosting May on Thursday, and Varadkar will have dinner with her in Dublin on Friday. Offering warm support for his Irish guest, Tusk said the European Union "will not gamble with peace" on the Irish border by removing the backstop from the deal. "I hope that tomorrow we will hear from prime minister May a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse," he said. But he added: "A sense of responsibility also tells us to prepare for a possible fiasco."

Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, thanked Tusk. "While we expect the backstop will never be used, we agreed again today it is needed as a legal guarantee to ensure there is no return to a hard border," he said. On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province.

Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy. May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland. May's spokesman stressed that she wasn't coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the 29 March deadline.
Official sources in the US confirmed to Firstpost that 'many' of the close to 140 students arrested in the ICE fake university sting operation by US law enforcement and not implicated have been released and have gone back (to their lives as usual or back home to India). In many cases, 'their immigration status was okay, there was no problem', sources on the frontlines of the effort to deliver legal resources to the affected students said.

New York: Official sources in the US confirmed to Firstpost that "many" of the close to 140 students arrested in the ICE fake university sting operation by US law enforcement and not implicated have been released and have gone back (to their lives as usual or back home to India). In many cases, "their immigration status was okay, there was no problem", sources on the frontlines of the effort to deliver legal resources to the affected students said.

"Those who are not yet implicated... many of them have gone back without any issues. The issues that remain relate to those on whom there are detention orders. They've either been released and given a date for a court hearing or still in custody waiting for a court hearing", sources told us.

Without specifying exact numbers, sources said that "authorities themselves are not clear exactly how many students are involved in total. "We have a better take on those who have been detained - close to 140."

Although arrested en masse across 36 different locations under the umbrella of the same case, each of the students is dealing with different set of legal issues. These are not generic cases, each one is specific to the student in question, sources said.

"Visas were okay"

Make no mistake, the US visas stamped on the passports are perfectly bonafide documents, theres no problem there, an Indian official familiar with the fallout of the sting operation told Firstpost, on background. In response to a Firstpost question on the arrested students visa status, ICE officials have preferred to point to the language of the indictment which says that the students knew there were no classes, no curriculum.

Khaalid Walls, Northeast Regional Communications Director and Spokesman for ICE has this to say: Each of the foreign citizens who enrolled and made tuition payments to the University knew that they would not attend any actual classes, earn credits, or make academic progress toward an actual degree in a particular field of study  a pay to stay scheme. Rather, their intent was to fraudulently maintain their student visa status and to obtain work authorization under the CPT program. Each student knew that the Universitys program was not approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was illegal, and that discretion should be used when discussing the program with others. the fact that The 129 students arrested in the US and placed in removal proceedings knew that they would not attend any actual classes, earn credits, or make academic progress toward an actual degree in a particular field of study  a pay to stay scheme

"Yes, but they did not know it was illegal. Also theres a lot of grey after USCIS changed the visa guidelines last summer, says Jayaprakash Talluri from Telugu Association of North America which is leading the community effort to help the affected students.

The two numbers we know

The indictment by a Michigan court - which is when this story broke - talks of 600 foreign students who were lured into joining Farmington University and the number that's currently doing the rounds in the Indian context is either 129 or 140 based on the version of ICE or of officials on the other side of this crisis. So, what about the students who represent the 600 minus 140 or 129 number? "Even the authorities are not sure. There are a certain number of students who were enrolled in Farmington University. There are a certain number who have been detailed. We know exactly what's going on with those in custody, not so much the ones who are in the grey zone", officials said.

Who's calling on the helpline?

The Indian Embassy in Washington DC has been receiving a steady stream of calls from students their family members, some from those who are implicated, some who fear they may be implicated". The calls are mostly about legal options available. Each case differs, each individual is dealing with a different situation, sources said.

Consular access to "all students" in 36 locations

Indias Ambassador to the United States Harsh Vardhan Shringla told Firstpost that Indian missions have provided to students' families a "comprehensive" list of lawyers on the Indian consulates' panel and have also spoken with many of these lawyers willing to offer pro bono advice. "It's been a tremendous effort on an emergency footing. India now has consular access to all of the arrested students. There are 36 locations where our people have gone in person and reached out", he said.
An Indian-American man and his girlfriend have been arrested for hatching a conspiracy to hire a hitman to kill the former's estranged wife

Washington: An Indian-American man and his girlfriend have been arrested for hatching a conspiracy to hire a hitman to kill the former's estranged wife.

Narsan Lingala, 55, and his 52-year-old girlfriend Sandya Reddy have been charged with one count of murder-for-hire and were produced before US Magistrate Judge Michael A Hammer in Newark federal court. Both of them were arrested without bail.

According to a complaint filed in May 2018, Lingala was in a holding cell at the Middlesex County Superior Courthouse as he awaited a court hearing. While there, he asked another inmate if he knew anyone who could kill his estranged wife. The inmate responded in affirmative.

In June 2018, at the direction of the law enforcement body, the inmate introduced Lingala to an undercover agent posing as a hitman. Over subsequent weeks, Lingala and the undercover police officer spoke over phone and planned to meet in person when Lingala travelled from Indiana to New Jersey.

On 18 August, 2018, Lingala and the undercover agent planned to meet outside a New Jersey shopping mall. Later that day, Lingala and Reddy arrived at the mall and approached the cop.

Lingala introduced Reddy and said that she was in the know-how of what was going on. The trio then entered the undercover cop's car. They proceeded to have a conversation that was video recorded. The police officer asked Lingala to confirm what he wanted him to do and the accused said, "I want that woman to be out of my life... totally. Never again. She never comes back."

During the conversation, the undercover cop asked, "You want me to take care of her?" to which Lingala responded, "Yeah."

The undercover cop stated, "She's done, I'm going to kill her. End of story." Lingala responded, "Yeah. End of story."

During the conversation, Lingala gave the cop information about the intended victim, including her full name, home address, age and phone number. He also described the entrances to and layout of her home, the name of the company where she worked and the timing and details of her work commute.

Lingala showed the undercover officer photos of the exterior and interior of his ex-wife's home. Reddy also provided the him information about the intended victim. The trio also discussed the price and the undercover cop demanded between USD 5,000 and USD 10,000, depending on the job's complexity.

Lingala agreed and asked if he could pay after the job was done. The cop, however, said he would need a down payment. The couple discussed the issue and then Lingala asked the cop, "Can I give you a thousand down payment?" to which the undercover cop agreed. He informed the undercover agent that making the down payment would take about two weeks.

After the meeting, authorities arrested Lingala and Reddy. The murder-for-hire charge is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine.

According to local media reports, Lingala was married in December 1995 and the couple had a son and a daughter. He filed for divorce in May 2011 and then spent several years unsuccessfully contesting the financial terms of the matrimonial settlement agreement.
The president told representatives of a 79-member, US-led coalition fighting Islamic State that the militants held a tiny percentage of the vast territory they claimed as their 'caliphate.'

Washington: President Donald Trump predicted on Wednesday that the Islamic State will have lost by next week all the territory it once controlled in Iraq and Syria. He said the US will not relent in fighting remnants of the extremist organisation despite his decision to withdraw US troops from Syria over the objections of some of his most senior national security advisers.

The president told representatives of a 79-member, US-led coalition fighting Islamic State that the militants held a tiny percentage of the vast territory they claimed as their "caliphate."

"It should be formally announced sometime, probably next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate," Trump said.

US officials have said in recent weeks that Islamic State has lost 99.5 percent of its territory and is holding on to fewer than 5 square kilometres in Syria, or less than 2 square miles, in the villages of the Middle Euphrates River Valley, where the bulk of the fighters are concentrated.

But there are fears that the impending US pullout will imperil those gains. Trump told coalition members meeting at the US state department that while "remnants" of the group were still dangerous, he was determined to bring US troops home. He called on coalition members to step up and do their "fair share" in the fight against terrorism.

Even as Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the withdrawal decision  which shocked US allies and led to the resignations of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the US envoy to the anti-IS coalition, Brett McGurk  some military leaders renewed their concerns.

While the withdrawal would fulfill a Trump goal, top military officials have pushed back for months, arguing that the Islamic State remains a threat and could regroup. US' policy had been to keep troops in place until the extremists are completely eradicated. Fears that Islamic State fighters are making a strategic maneuver to lay low ahead of the US pullout has fueled criticism that Trump telegraphed his military plans  the same thing he accused President Barack Obama of doing in Afghanistan.

Pompeo told the coalition that the planned withdrawal "is not a change in the mission" but a change in tactics against a group that should still be considered a menace.

"In this new era, local law enforcement and information sharing will be crucial, and our fight will not necessarily always be military-led," he said. Trump's announcement "is not the end of America's fight. The fight is one that we will continue to wage alongside of you."

He added, "America will continue to lead in giving those who would destroy us no quarter."

Yet senior military officials acknowledged to Congress on Wednesday that the pullout would complicate their efforts.

Owen West, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations, told the House Armed Services Committee that he shared Mattis' objections. West answered, "No, sir," when asked by a lawmaker if he thought Mattis was wrong to disagree with the withdrawal.

At the same hearing, Major General James Hecker, vice director of operations for the joint chiefs of staff, said the withdrawal means "it is going to be difficult to keep up the pressure" on Islamic State. "There will be a decrease in the amount of pressure that we will be able to apply," he said.

"The concern is if we move our forces out of Syria that that may take some pressure off of the Islamic State forces in Syria," Hecker said. "So our mission is to try to figure out how we can continue to keep the pressure on in Syria without any boots on the ground."

Hecker said others would have to carry the burden once the US left. He did not offer specifics.

Pompeo called on the coalition to increase intelligence-sharing, repatriate and prosecute captured foreign fighters and accelerate stabilization efforts so Islamic State remnants cannot reconstitute in Iraq, Syria or elsewhere. He said the fight is entering a new stage where those allied against Islamic State must confront a "decentralised jihad" with more than military force.

Pompeo mentioned the suicide bombing claimed by Islamic State that killed four Americans  two service members, a Pentagon civilian and a US contractor  in the northern Syrian town of Manbij in January. Manbij was liberated from Islamic State's control in 2016.

The conference started hours after Trump, in his State of the Union address, lauded what he said was the near-complete victory over Islamic State. He also reaffirmed his determination to pull out the roughly 2,000 US troops from Syria. He had said in December that the pullout would proceed quickly.

In liberated areas across Syria and Iraq, Islamic State sleeper cells are carrying out assassinations, setting up checkpoints and distributing fliers as they lay the groundwork for an insurgency that could gain strength as US forces withdraw.

Activists who closely follow the conflict in Syria point to signs of a growing insurgency. Rami Abdurrahman, the head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, says Islamic State still has 4,000 to 5,000 fighters, many likely hiding out in desert caves and mountains.

A United Nations report circulated on Wednesday said Islamic State extremists "continue to pose the main and best-resourced international terrorist threat." It said Islamic State fighters remain under "intense military pressure" in their stronghold in eastern Syria, but they have "shown a determination to resist and the capability to counter-attack."

Defense officials believe many fighters have fled to ungoverned spaces and other pockets in the north and west.

A defense department watchdog report warned this week that even with the Islamic State forces on the run, the group "is still able to coordinate offensives and counter-offensives, as well as operate as a decentralised insurgency."
Donald Trump's nomination of David Malpass, the Treasury Department's top diplomat, is subject to a vote by the World Bank's executive board and could draw challengers from some of the bank's 188 other shareholding countries.

Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the World Bank Group should be led by US Treasury official David Malpass, a Trump loyalist and critic of multilateral institutions who has vowed to pursue "pro-growth" reforms at the global lender.

Trump's nomination of Malpass, the Treasury Department's top diplomat, is subject to a vote by the World Bank's executive board and could draw challengers from some of the bank's 188 other shareholding countries.

The United States, the lender's largest shareholder with 16 percent of its voting power, has traditionally chosen the bank's president, but departing president Jim Yong Kim faced challengers from Colombia and Nigeria in 2012.

The nomination of Malpass, who beat out other potential candidates, including former PepsiCo chief executive officer Indra Nooyi and US Overseas Private Investment Corp president Ray Washburne, signals that the Trump administration wants a firmer grip on the global development lender.

"He has fought to ensure financing is focussed on the places and projects that truly need assistance, including people living in extreme poverty," Trump said in announcing his choice at the White House with Malpass by his side.

Malpass, Treasury undersecretary for international affairs, has criticised the World Bank and other multilateral institutions for growing larger, more "intrusive" and "entrenched," and targeted the bank for its continued lending to China, a country he sees as too wealthy for such aid.

A senior Trump administration official said Malpass would honour the bank's standards and obligations, including its initiatives to combat climate change. But the official said Malpass would be a "pro-growth reformer" who would implement strategies to better improve economic growth and living standards in the poorest countries.

If approved, Malpass would replace Kim, a physician and former university president who stepped down on 1 February, more than three years before his term ended. Kim, who joined private equity fund Global Infrastructure Partners, differed with the Trump administration over climate change and development resources.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7)  One of the senators who dissented from the vote to approve the transfer of Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company (Mislatel)'s franchise to a consortium said on Thursday that the Supreme Court will question the validity of the congressional body's ruling.

"Ang implikasyon nito ay ipagpatuloy ang pagbigay ng third telco sa grupo ni Dennis Uy, ngunit itong mga bagay na ito ay aabot sa Korte Suprema. Kukwestiyunin ang correctness ng pag-award at ng validity ng Mislatel franchise," Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said.

[Translation: The implication is the third telco will be awarded to Dennis Uy's group, but this will reach the Supreme Court and they will question the correctness of the award and the validity of the Mislatel franchise.]

Drilon, along with Senators Risa Hontiveros and Panfilo Lacson, voted against the Senate's concurrence with House Concurrent Resolution 23, which formalized the sale of the controlling interest of Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company (Mislatel) to the consortium which will be the new major player. The consortium is composed of Uy's Udenna Corp. and Chelsea Holdings Corp. and the state-run China Telecommunications Corp.

Drilon said there will still be a bicameral conference to iron out conflicting provisions, but he said the House will likely just follow the Senate's decision.

"Pagbalik namin sa Mayo, sigurado gaganapin namin ang bicam. Hindi ako pwedeng kasali doon, kasi ayaw ko 'yung ginawa nila," he said.

[Translation: When we return in May, we will do the bicam. I cannot join them because I don't like what they did.]

The minority leader has since disagreed with granting Mislatel the transfer due to alleged violations of its franchise provisions: that Mislatel failed to inform Congress on its transfer of 75 percent of its shares to new owners, that it failed to operate within a year after it received its franchise in 1998, and that it failed to make a public offering equivalent to 30 percent of its outstanding capital stock within five years from the commencement of operation.
By Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House Intelligence Committee is set to pursue a wide investigation into attempts to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election, including a look at Donald Trump's financial transactions, the panel's Democratic chairman Adam Schiff said on Wednesday. A day after the Republican president warned Democrats against 'ridiculous partisan investigations' in his annual State of the Union address, Schiff said they would not be intimidated

By Doina Chiacu

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House Intelligence Committee is set to pursue a wide investigation into attempts to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election, including a look at Donald Trump's financial transactions, the panel's Democratic chairman Adam Schiff said on Wednesday.

A day after the Republican president warned Democrats against "ridiculous partisan investigations" in his annual State of the Union address, Schiff said they would not be intimidated.

"We're going to do our proper oversight," he told reporters after the intelligence panel's first meeting, which was closed.

The committee voted to provide transcripts of testimony it took behind closed doors in its probe of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election to the special counsel for use in any prosecutions, something Schiff promised to do last month after a second Trump associate was charged with lying to Congress.

Schiff has said that an area of particular interest related to investigations of Trump are allegations that Russians might possess financial leverage over him.

"Our job involves making sure that the policy of the United States is being driven by the national interest - not by any financial entanglement, financial leverage or other form of compromise," he said told reporters on Wednesday.

Trump, asked about Schiff's comments at a White House appearance, retorted: "Under what basis would he do that? He has no basis to do that. He's just a political hack. ... There would be no reason to do that."

Schiff, who assumed the committee chairmanship after Democrats won control of the House of Representatives in November elections, outlined lines of inquiry it intends to pursue on Russian election activities, possible Trump campaign ties and matters relating to Trump's business dealings.

"Congress has a duty to expose foreign interference, hold Russia to account, ensure that U.S. officials - including the President - are serving the national interest and, if not, are held accountable," Schiff said in a statement.

Schiff said the panel would release transcripts of all interviews after Roger Stone, a longtime ally of Trump, was charged with lying to Congress.

Stone is accused of lying to Congress about the 2016 campaign's efforts to use stolen emails to undercut Trump's Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. He has pleaded not guilty.

Schiff said Special Counsel Robert Mueller had access to the transcripts but a formal release was necessary for him to be able to use them in any prosecutorial proceedings.

Trump's longtime self-described "fixer," lawyer Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to charges including lying to Congress.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason and Patricia Zengerle; editing by James Dalgleish)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Grown across tropical Southeast Asia, the durian fruit is hailed as the 'king of fruits' by fans, who liken its creamy texture and intense aroma to blue cheese. But detractors say durians stink of sewage and stale vomit.

Raub: Soaring demand for durians in China is being blamed for a new wave of deforestation in Malaysia, with environmentalists warning vast jungle land being cleared to make way for massive plantations of the spiky, pungent fruit.

Grown across tropical Southeast Asia, the durian is hailed as the "king of fruits" by fans, who liken its creamy texture and intense aroma to blue cheese.

But detractors say durians stink of sewage and stale vomit. The strong smell means many hotels across the region have banned guests from bringing them to rooms, while Singapore does not allow the fruit on its subway system. Nevertheless, they are a hit in China, and the increase in demand has prompted exporters to compete for a bigger share of the burgeoning market.

Growers in Malaysia are increasingly shifting from small orchards to industrial-scale operations  a trend that environmentalists warn presents a new threat to rainforests already challenged by loggers and palm oil plantations.

"Right now durians are gaining a lot of attention from the Chinese market," said Sophine Tann, from environmental protection group PEKA, which has studied land clearances to make way for the fruit. "This deforestation for planting of durians is in preparation to meet that demand."

In the jungle-clad district of Raub in central Malaysia, swathes of rainforest have recently been chopped down to make way for a new plantation, with durian seedlings protected by netting planted across bare hillsides. The plantation is next to an area of protected forest, which is home to a kaleidoscope of animals from monkeys to exotic birds. A river, now murky and filled with trunks and branches from logging, runs close by.

A sign outside the plantation said it was run by Ample Harvest Produce but company staff refused to comment when contacted about the loss of trees in the area.

PEKA said the land's status was changed by the local government to allow logging, but local authorities did not respond to requests for comment.

Love at first bite

In a Beijing mall some 4,000 kilometres away, a stall named "Little Fruit Captain" is doing a brisk trade selling Malaysian durians.

Shop manager Wang Tao said his customers "fall in love" with durians from Malaysia due to their particularly sweet taste, often preferring them to those from rival exporters, such as Thailand. He imports frozen durians from a facility in Malaysia and sells them in plastic containers or in other forms  a kind of baked dessert, in ice cream or fried up as crisps.

Customers are kept up to date about the shop's stock via the WeChat messaging app.

"I first tried durian as a child and acquired a taste for it," said university student Liu Zelun, who visits the shop once a week for her durian fix. "Thai durians have a stronger flavour and you tend to get sick of it after a while, but not the ones that I buy from here."

The most popular variety  and one of the most expensive  is Musang King, known for its thick, golden flesh. A single Musang King was on sale at the Beijing stall for 800 yuan ($120), several times more expensive than in Malaysia. "Our customers arent concerned about the prices, they just want the best," said Wang.

Palm oil down, durian up

With the price of key Malaysian export palm oil, used in everyday goods around the world from soap to margarine, in a seemingly inexorable decline, farmers are increasingly turning to durians. The government has backed the expansion of the industry, hoping to cash in on growing demand from the world's second-biggest economy.

The value of durian shipments from Malaysia to China in the first eight months of 2018 hit 7.4 million ringgit ($1.8 million), more than double the value in the same period of 2017, according to the agriculture ministry in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia hopes a deal struck in August to pave the way for the export of whole, frozen durians to China will boost shipments, and are aiming to more than double production to 443,000 tonnes by 2030. Previously, Malaysian durians could only be shipped to China in pulp and paste form.

Despite the looming production boom, the agriculture ministry insisted plantations will expand slowly and said it was encouraging growers to use existing orchards and revive unproductive trees.

"Deforestation for new areas is not encouraged," Agriculture Minister Salahuddin Ayub told AFP in a statement, adding that if trees were logged for plantations, strict environmental rules must be followed.

In the northeastern state of Kelantan, tribespeople last year set up blockades to stop a company from logging their ancestral lands to set up a Musang King plantation. The central government has taken up their cause, suing the state government for failing to uphold their land rights.

But environmentalists warn the overall picture is bleak. Durian cultivation is "driving yet more deforestation and biodiversity loss in Malaysia," said environmental group Rimba, warning it was leading to "destruction of critical habitat for wide-ranging animals such as tigers, elephants, primates, and hornbills."
The diplomats have been back in Canada for a year but still suffer from what has become known as 'Havana syndrome,' a mystery illness with symptoms including strong migraines as well as visual and auditory disorders.

Ottawa: Canadian diplomats who suffered from mysterious health complaints while they were posted to Cuba in 2017 are suing Ottawa for taking too long to evacuate them and provide them treatment, reports said Wednesday.

Fourteen people, including current and former diplomats and their families, are seeking $28 million ($21 million in US currency) in damages from the federal government.

All of them have been back in Canada for a year but still suffer from what has become known as "Havana syndrome," a mystery illness with symptoms including strong migraines as well as visual and auditory disorders.

According to CBC, which interviewed five of those affected, the first symptoms appeared in the spring of 2017  but they say that Ottawa waited more than a year before helping everyone.

Questioned on the subject on Wednesday while she was in Washington, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said the safety of diplomats remained a top priority.

"I am not going to comment on the specifics, but I do want to reiterate that I have met with some of these diplomats and, as I said to them, their health and safety needs to be our priority and they have my true sympathy and concern," she said.

On 30 January, Canada announced it had reduced its staffing at the embassy to about half as a result of the unexplained symptoms. Canadian public broadcaster CBC said just eight officials would be left at the embassy.
tech2 News Staff

The Nokia 9 PureView has been a part of the rumour mill for nearly half a year now and recently HMD Global, who own the Nokia brand, had announced a release date of 24 February at MWC 2019. Now a lot of renders have popped online which showcase the design of the smartphone, yet another leaked render has highlighted a new feature that was previously unknown.

As per the render by 91Mobiles and OnLeaks, we can see that the five-camera setup along with a sensor and flash on the back is going to be as we had expected. However, on the front, we see that the phone has an in-display fingerprint sensor, which would make this the first Nokia phone to have one.

Another thing to notice on the front of the phone is that there are thick bezels on the top and bottom, which means that Nokia is not jumping onto the notch-express for its premium phone. In terms of selfies, we see that the render has only one camera and a couple of sensors.

While the report claims that these are official renders of the phone, and they look official enough, these are still leaks and neither Nokia nor HMD has said anything about them.

The Nokia 9 PureView is expected to come with a 6-inch AMOLED QHD+ display and include an in-display fingerprint sensor. Apparently, the phone will accommodate Qualcomms year-old Snapdragon 845 chipset instead of the new Snapdragon 855 mobile platform.

However, reports also suggest that Nokia is planning to announce a 5G-compatible variant of the same model in the future.
Reuters

Italy has denied a report it will ban Chinas Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp from playing a role in building its fifth-generation mobile phone network.

We have no intention of adopting any such initiatives, the industry ministry said in a statement.

Huawei, the worlds biggest producer of telecoms equipment, faces international scrutiny over its ties with the Chinese government and suspicion Beijing could use its technology for spying, something the company has denied.

Earlier on 7 February Italian daily La Stampa cited senior government sources as saying Rome was ready to use special powers to terminate contracts involving the Chinese operators.

But in a statement, the industry ministry said there was no proof of any threat to security in this regard.

National security is a priority and if any critical issues emerged  which to date have not  the ministry would assess whether or not to take measures, it said.

Brussels has not taken steps to ban Huawei but operators like the UKs BT Group and Frances Orange have said they will not use its 5G equipment in their core national networks.

Chancellor Angela Merkel has said Germany needs guarantees that Huawei would not hand data to the Chinese state before it can take part in building fifth-generation networks.

Italian phone incumbent Telecom Italia has previously said it will keep working with Huawei until told otherwise by the government.

TIM, which is said to use Huawei technology in just over 10 percent of its fixed-line fibre network, and Fastweb are part of a consortium with Huawei to test 5G infrastructure in the southern towns of Bari and Matera.

Vodafone, which has paused deployment of Huawei equipment in its core networks until Western governments give the Chinese firm full security clearance, has Huawei as one of its technology partners in 5G testing in Milan.

Broadband infrastructure company Open Fiber and service provider Wind Tre work in a consortium with ZTE in 5G testing in the towns of Prato and lAquila.
This maintenance of an arm's length from Vadra's business dealings  that had come under political, media and public scrutiny  was Congress' core strategy. It was driven perhaps by a belief that the Gandhi family needs to be insulated from charges of corruption

It was interesting to see Congress strategy around Robert Vadra as he appeared before the Enforcement Directorate to answer some questions on alleged money laundering related to properties in the United Kingdom. This was the first time Priyanka Gandhi's husband has faced questioning from any central investigating agency. The ED grilled him for more than five hours on Wednesday and interrogated him again on Thursday. The interrogation is part of ED's probe into Vadras alleged possession of illegal foreign assets. While the investigation, questioning and court proceedings will continue, what is of immediate import is the political fallout.

The political fallout will depend a lot on timing, which is of essence in politics. It was 2014 when the buzz around alleged irregularities in Vadras real estate business first started growing. The BJP, led by the then prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, hurled barbs at Sonia Gandhis son-in-law and ran a major campaign around Vadras controversial land dealings in the lead up to the elections. From there, it has taken nearly five years and a directive from a city court to bring Vadra into the interrogation room.

What has changed in these five years is Congress strategy, which tells us how the larger political game has evolved around this development. When the hullabaloo around his land dealings in Haryana and Rajasthan first broke out during the UPA years, the Congress tried to downplay the issue and distance itself from the controversy. The high command (a euphemism for the Gandhi family) remained silent while the party insisted that Vadra was a private citizen and his business  while being proper and legal  was his alone and the party has nothing to do with it.

This maintenance of an arm's length from Vadra's business dealings  that had come under political, media and public scrutiny  was Congress' core strategy. It was driven perhaps by a belief that the Gandhi family needs to be insulated from charges of corruption that were levelled against Vadra by Congress political rivals or activist outfits such as Arvind Kejriwal and Prashant Bhushan-led India Against Corruption (IAC) that in October 2012 alleged that land deals struck by Vadra with real estate giant DLF were in return for 'political favours'.

Cut to scenes in 6 February, 2019, of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra  the freshly minted Congress general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh in Lok Sabha elections  dropping her husband at EDs doorstep for questioning and telling media that "the entire world knows what is happening."

The strategy is different. And it makes sense. In 2016, the BJP took issue with Sonias defence of Vadra against allegations of financial wrongdoing. A party spokesperson had commented that the comments by Sonia, then Congress president, exposes the "farce that Vadra is merely a private citizen. It has been established that he is the Gandhi family and the Gandhi family is him."

By dropping her husband at ED's doorstep and claiming that "she stands by her husband", Priyanka was sending several messages at once. On one hand, it was a declaration that the Gandhi family is longer defensive about corruption allegations against Vadra. This aggressive move is aimed at taking the sting out BJPs campaign strategy. It is almost throwing a challenge to the BJP to "do its worst" in targetting Vadra. On the other hand, it is also a political signaling aimed at building a narrative that Congress is sure of Vadras innocence and all the interrogation and questioning is nothing more that malicious persecution and witch-hunt conducted by the agencies at the behest of the ruling party.

Incidentally, Vadra had earlier secured anticipatory bail that immunises him from any arrest till 16 February. The Congress must have also factored in the sympathy that would be generated from images of Priyanka accompanying her husband in a tough time for the family, and the media frenzy around her will do the rest.

At the other end of the spectrum, lies the BJP. It very well understands that while the optics may have been on its side in 2014 when corruption allegations against Sonia Gandhis son-in-law had developed into a storm, five years down the line the allegations are little more than a damp squib. There has been a perception and general consensus that had Vadra done anything really wrong, the BJP-led government at the Centre might have been able to nab him by now.

Instead, this last-minute interrogation by the ED  when elections are upon us  smacks more of political opportunism than an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities of Vadra. It is this crucial change in equation that has emboldened the Congress to go all out and be aggressive in its Vadra strategy instead of playing on the backfoot.

The allegations against Vadra are old. A 2014 investigative report by The Wall Street Journal had thrown up how Sonias son-in-law made speculative purchases of arid agricultural land in Rajasthan 2009, shortly before the UPA government at the Centre announced plans to promote large-scale solar-energy production. Vadra, according to the report, "continued buying land, and in 2011 the (then Congress-ruled) state, too, announced solar incentives. The value of the land Vadra bought soared sixfold within three years, a state record of land transactions shows."

The newspaper found that during the decade Vadras in-laws held sway in New Delhi, the 44-year-old with a high-school education and no experience in property development amassed a large real-estate portfolio. This meteoric rise has never been fully explained, and so-called investigations have come a cropper. To these charges, fresh allegations have been added that Vadra own several luxury properties in London, and those have been purchased through absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

There might be a case still against Priyanka's husband but the delay in investigations and the last-minute intensity will aid theories of political conspiracy. Central investigative agencies have suddenly stepped on the gas on Aircel-Maxis, (former Haryana chief minister) Bhupinder Hoodas 'illegal' land deals, Vadras case or the Saradha, Rose Valley chit fund scams but this late rush instead of stating NDA's statement of intent on pursuing cases of big-ticket corruption in high places, lends more to the narrative that BJP is misusing these institutions for political ends. Whether or not that impression reflects reality is irrelevant in the larger political game. The momentum has shifted. BJPs half-clever strategy on Vadra is unlikely to bear fruit this time.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday left for Darbhanga in North Bihar where he will launch a yatra to eradicate unemployment and increase quotas on Thursday. The 'Berozgari Hatao, Arakshan Badhao' yatra will also cover Supaul and Bhagalpur districts in the next two days.

Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday left for Darbhanga in North Bihar where he will launch a yatra to eradicate unemployment and increase quotas on Thursday. The 'Berozgari Hatao, Arakshan Badhao' yatra will also cover Supaul and Bhagalpur districts in the next two days.

Yadav, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, came out with a flurry of tweets on the occasion, defending his demand for raising the 50 percent cap on reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs, besides explaining his opposition to the 10 percent quotas for economically weaker sections of the unreserved category, which has earned the RJD the wrath of the upper castes.

"The quota for SC, ST and OBC must be increased to 90 percent. I do not understand the basis for the 10 percent reservation on the basis of economic backwardness when no such demand was made by any section nor any recommendation made by any survey or any commission," the former deputy chief minister tweeted.

Yadav, who is the younger son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, also said in another tweet that his yatra will raise the issues of getting a caste census done, ensuring quotas to each caste in proportion to its population, securing 40 percent quotas for the extremely backward classes and introducing reservations in the private sector.

In another tweet in Hindi, Yadav alleged this is the beginning of the BJP-RSS design to do away with reservations, "the long-standing demand for raising the 50 percent ceiling was never heeded, but Savarn Arakashan was given within a few hours. Bahujans! Arise, awake and fight these casteist elements".

The 29-year old has emerged as the de facto leader of the party in the absence of his father, who is serving sentences in fodder scam cases. He was named the party's chief ministerial candidate for the next Assembly polls in a resolution passed unanimously at the RJDs national council meeting in November 2017.

He made a successful electoral debut in the 2015 Assembly polls, which his party fought in alliance with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U).

He was straightaway appointed the deputy chief minister, with key portfolios like building construction and minor water resources. However, corruption cases against him led to Kumar snapping ties with the RJD and forming a new government with the BJP.
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, in Odisha, took a different route from the usual pre-poll tactic of slamming one's political adversary and instead asked his supporters to refrain from using the murdabad slogan against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, who was in Odisha on Wednesday, took a different route from the usual pre-poll tactic of slamming one's political adversary and instead asked his supporters to refrain from using the term 'murdabad' slogan against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing a Congress rally at Rourkela, Rahul mentioned Modi's name in the course of his speech, when workers responded with a resounding "murdabad" which translates to "down with". Rahul, however, found in this a teachable moment. "These words ("murdabad") are used by the BJP and RSS people. We, in the Congress, do not use these words as we believe in love and affection," he told his audience.

The Congress chief, however, has been scathing in his attacks against the prime minister on the Rafale deal. Rahul also popularised the phrase, "chowkidar chor hain" (literally "the watchman is a thief"), and uses it often in rallies while accusing Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party-government of allegedly reneging on their promise of ridding the country of corruption.

Rahul, in his Rourkela address, said, "Wherever he (Modi) looks, there are kisan (farmers), mazdoor (workers), women and Rafale. Narendra Modi is now being cornered by all. There is a definite change in his face, mood and expressions. We have not done it with hatred. We have questioned him with love. We have done it by using love. We will defeat him."

He said he hoped that the Congress in Odisha will use the same "love" to defeat the state's ruling party, the Biju Janata Dal.

During a debate on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha in June 2018, Rahul told Modi, "You feel hatred for me. You call me Pappu and abuse me. But I feel no hatred towards you because I am the Congress."

He had then walked over to the Modi and famously hugged him.

With inputs from PTI
In a scathing attack on BJP-led government at the Centre, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that Narendra Modi's demeanour shows he is afraid of the outcome of the 2019 election. Rahul was addressing the Congress party's national convention for minorities.

In a scathing attack on BJP-led government at the Centre, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday that the RSS wants to run India from Nagpur, and set aside the Constitution. "Narendra Modi is only a face, the remote control of the Centre lies with RSS boss Mohan Bhagwat," Rahul, addressing the Congress party's national convention for minorities, said.

The Congress president received much applause from the 4,000 strong crowd comprising Christians, Muslims and Jains for reversing the UPA-era jibe, a popular refrain of the BJP which accused Sonia Gandhi of running the Manmohan Singh-led government on remote control. Rahul added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demeanour shows he "is afraid" of the outcome of the 2019 election.

Rahul alleged that the RSS was attempting to capture institutions from the judiciary to the Election Commission. "We have not merely formed governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh... we will ensure that RSS people put in institutions in these states are removed," he said.

Rahul also singled out the prime minister, saying: "In 2014, BJP folks were talking about prime minister's 56-inch chest, claiming he will rule India for 15 years. Now, five years later Congress has shattered his reputation, be it on farmers' issues, development or corruption."

Rahul launched a scathing attack on Modi, calling him a "coward" and challenging him to a debate on issues such as national security, Rafale and the economy: "I know his (Modi) character after fighting him for five years. He is a coward. When someone stands up to him, he runs away."

The Congress chief said fear was writ large on Modi's face. "He now knows you can't rule India by dividing people," he said in his speech in Hindi. "The image of Narendra Modi is finished," Rahul declared.

The Congress chief also alleged that while China sent its army to Doka La the prime minister flew to China and held a summit without an agenda. He folded his hands in front of China, Rahul alleged.

Speaking on the issues concerning the minority communities, Rahul decried BJP's 'divisive politics.' He said, "Every religion has made this country. Maulana Azad a Muslim in education, Manmohan Singh a Sikh for economic liberation, Vikram Sarabhai a Jain for space research. Our minorities have worked tirelessly for India. However, The intent of BJP/RSS is to ruin and disintegrate every sacred institution of India."

Predicting the election results, Rahul said, "Narendra Modiji thinks he is above India. Within three months, the country will teach BJP that India is supreme and will show him the door." He also raised the 'chowkidar chor hai' chant. Rahul added: "I want to assure you that the Congress will win 2019 general elections, we will work together, not only the Congress, but everybody will work together and we will defeat the BJP and divisive forces and empower common man."

With inputs from PTI
In his nearly 100-minute speech in the Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi named the achievements of his government, offered clarity on Rafale deal and mounted a strong counter-attack on Congress, and other Opposition parties, laced with aggressive political rhetoric, humour and sarcasm

This was Narendra Modis last speech in 16th Lok Sabha, his current tenure in office. His address on the floor of the House, a customary concluding remark as the prime minister's motion of thanks to the President's address to both Houses of the Parliament, was thus a very special occasion. The next time Modi rises to speak in the Lower House, he will be in the 17th Lok Sabha.

Modi used the opportunity to the fullest, addressing to a larger audience outside the Parliament in his around 100-minute speech. The nation is already in election mode and Modi is already in the campaign mode. His speech was a good mix of detailing the achievements of his government, a report card of sorts  55 years of four generations of Congress rule versus 55 months of his rule  clarity on Rafale fighter jets deal, attack and counter-attack on Congress laced with aggressive political rhetoric, humour and sarcasm.

The first voters whom he called the 21st-Century generation and their hopes and aspirations with the society and the government of the day came in for special thrust in his speech. In 2014, the younger lot (18-35 years) had placed a great deal of trust on him. Modi clearly wanted them to continue trusting him and vote accordingly.

Though he used several colloquial Hindi terms, poems and phrases, the term which has the potential to be easily picked up by common people and become instant talking point in corner talks over tea or otherwise in the hinterland is 'Mahamilawati (grand political adulteration), a new coinage for the much-hyped 'Mahagathbandhan (grand coalition)' of all opposition or all anti-Modi forces. `Mahamilawati has varied connotation in Hindi, and the BJP with the kind of social support base it has will make it a favourable debating point for Modi. He took a dig at the Congress that even it was championing the cause of the Mahamilawati forces.

Hours before Modi rose to speak in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi had called him a coward person who did not have the capacity to stand in front of him at any public platform even for five minutes. The Congress president had even gestured at a party function how Modi would run away. When Modi was speaking in the House, Rahul was not present there. Modi didnt name him but references to him were clear on several occasions right from his "ulta chor chowkidaar ko daante (the thief scolds the policeman)" remark to how the Congress leaders were troubled because his (Modi's) government was coming hard on corruption and those who had looted India and because "rajdars (conspirators)" were brought back to India. With a certain toughness in his tone, Modi said, "Desh ko lootne wale ko Modi dara kar rahega, jinhone desh loota hai unhe darna hi hoga (Modi will terrify all those who have looted the country; those who have looted the country will have to be scared."

Modi's speech incidentally came on a day when Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi was forced to appear before the Enforcement Directorate for the second consecutive day (his questioning continued till very late in evening from 11 am in morning) on an alleged money laundering case and questionable acquisition of properties in London and when his wife Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (who had accompanied Robert to the ED office on Wednesday and Thursday) was taking part for the first time in a structured party meet chaired by brother-in-law Rahul.

Modi seemed to be particularly hurt by two accusations  that he was destroying institutions and second, he cared for the rich. He responded to them strongly and effectively.

Responding to Congress and other political rivals, including left-liberals critics, who had accused Modi of destroying institutions, the prime minister mounted a strong counter-attack recalling how the elected Left government in Kerala was thrown out in 1959 when Jawaharlal Nehru was the prime minister and Indira Gandhi was Congress president. Congress misused Article 356 for around 100 times, of which 50 times during Indira Gandhis rule, he said, recalling the imposition of Emergencies. Modi also mentioned how in recent months Congress had attacked the Supreme Court, bringing an impeachment motion against former Chief Justice Deepak Misra. Modi also recalled how the Congress had called a former army chief a "goonda" and that it had made false accusations against the army that it was bent on toppling Manmohan Singh government through a military coup. He went to great length on the subject.

On charges that Modi cared only for the rich, the prime minister sarcastically said that he built lakhs of toilets for those rich persons (poor in rural areas), provided houses to those rich, and such persons were everything for him, and how untiring service to them gave him the resolve to work harder as the prime minister.

Modi ended his speech by reminding what he had said when Congress and its prospective allies had brought a no-confidence motion against him in 2018 that he would wish them luck that they somewhat succeed in their venture when they would again move a no-confidence motion in 2023.

The prime minister seemed to be assured of his victory in the upcoming elections in May 2019. During those 100 minutes of Modis speech, the mood in treasury benches in the House was upbeat while in the opposition benches, the mood was that of despair. That surely cant be a barometer of the nation's mood but who goes to the election with what mood matters in the final outcome. Rahul chose to give a miss to that concluding speech by the prime minister.
Modi said that those who want a healthy democracy would never prefer a 'maha milawat' government, in an apparent dig at the Opposition's 'mahagathbandhan'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an attack on the Opposition during his motion of thanks address in the Parliament on Thursday. Hailing his government, Modi while thanking President Ram Nath Kovind for his address  in which he praised the central government for its policies  said that the NDA government at the Centre is known for honesty, transparency, empathy for poor" and for prioritising national interest while ensuring fast-paced development of the country.

Our friends in Congress see things in two time periods. BC, which is 'Before Congress', when nothing happened and the other is AD, which is 'After Dynasty', where everything happened, said Modi as he lashed out at the Opposition for not celebrating the fact that India is now among the top six economies in the world.

He said: Every work has to be seen comparatively. Four and a half years back what used to happen and what is the situation today. The way the country progressed from being an economy on 10th to 11th position to today as the 6th biggest economy. I fail to understand if being on the 11th position was a matter of pride, then why are they feeling bad for our economy being on the sixth position now.

Talking about his vision for new India, the prime minister said: When we talk of new India, we talk about hope and faith. A disappointed individual can do nothing for himself or for the generation. Only those who are optimistic and confident can do something."

Modi then outlined the measures undertaken by his government towards the growth of the country in his '55-month tenure'. Noting the record FDI received by India in the last four years, Modi said: India is today the second largest steel producer. The (world's) fourth largest automobile manufacturer is India. There is a record production of fruits and milk in the country. ...we have the cheapest internet data and also the maximum consumption of the same in the world. The aviation sector is moving rapidly but Opposition has the compulsion to oppose. This is important in democracy but I can see that while criticising Modi and the government some start saying bad for the country."

Here, Modi took a jibe at former Union minister and Congress leader Kapil Sibal and said, Some people are insulting the country by doing a false press conference in London."

Talking about Opposition's cries of government institutions being in danger, Modi said it is a case of "ulta chor chowkidar ko daante (the thief scolds the policeman)". Modi also cited the address of senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and said that the same reinforces the governments honesty and truthfulness.

Modi said that it must be pondered over that the Emergency was imposed by the Congress but the Opposition is hell-bent on proving that Modi is destroying the nation. The army was insulted by Congress and you are saying Modi is destroying them, Congress called the army chief a 'gunda' (goon) and are now talking about Modi, and they make stories of upturning the government and defame the army, he added stating that Congress and its allies have tarnished even the Election Commission by repeatedly targeting it over the use of EVMs.

Modi also remarked that the Opposition threatened the judiciary by threatening to impeach the CJI, and also called the Election Commission "jokeron ka samooh". The prime minister also accused the Congress of misusing Article 356 of the Constitution (President's rule), saying it happened the most under Congress. "Fifty times under Indira Gandhi's rule," he said.

Modi then targeted the Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge by saying, Today Congress leader Khargeji was saying that what Modiji says in the public, the President repeated the same inside the Parliament. This proves that we are saying the truth as who says truth would say the same inside or outside the Parliament. I am grateful to him for registering the fact that we speak the truth everywhere. It is their problem that they have lost the habit of hearing the truth."

"I don't understand why a 'decent' person always 'dissents'," Modi remarked referring to Kharge's latest dissent against the removal of Alok Verma as CBI chief.

"The Opposition can't digest that a poor man took over the power corridors of Delhi," Modi remarked.

The prime minister then laid out the difference in the schemes and policies and the overall governance under the 55 years of Congress rule as opposed to his 55-month tenure. Modi said that he has ensured that 10 crore toilets were built in India under his regime and that the sanitation level was 98 percent today. He also stressed on how 13 crore gas connections were provided to the people by his government, out of which 6 crore were under the flagship Ujjawala scheme, stating that Congress could only give 12 crore connections in all of its 55 years.

Similarly, Modi said that while Congress could manage to open only 50 percent bank accounts, his government ensured that all Indians had a bank account under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna. Modi also said that 18,000 villages were electrified under his rule, a task which Congress could never fulfil despite repeatedly mentioning it in their successive manifestos for three years.

Modi also took a dig at the Opposition's Mahagathbandhan, saying that those who want a healthy democracy would never prefer a "maha milawat" government.

The prime minister further elaborated on the incentives given by his government and claimed that the BJP government is providing 1 crore 30 lakh houses with all the basic supplies and broadband connectivity to 1 lakh 16,000 villages.

Turning back his focus on the issue of surgical strikes and the help given by the government to the Indian armed forces, Modi said that under the Congress rule the armed forces were left asking for bullet-proof jackets and basic amenities like boots and helmets. This was a big blot on the image of Indian armed forces. With this sin, Congress would have played politics for some time but our soldiers were disheartened badly. Be it good days or bad, the prime minister may be strong or weak, there is a coalition or single-party government, the armed forces have never done anything like this. This was very irresponsible of them and now how can they say that we are destroying the institutions, he said.

Modi said in such a situation the armed forces couldn't even have thought of something like a surgical strike and thus his government provided them with 50,000 bullet-proof jackets in 2016 and later, 1 lakh such jackets were bought and sent to the jawans.

Apart from this, Modi said, Tejas fighter jets were commissioned in the 45 Squadron of the IAF in 2016, whereas under the Congress rule, he claimed that not even a single new generation aircraft was provided to the air force in 30 years.

When Opposition raised the issue of Rafale, Modi said that defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman has already answered each and every question in the Parliament. Modi asked the Opposition, "Which company are you trying to favour by trying to nullify the Rafale deal?"

Speaking about his government's efforts to curb corruption, Modi said that 20,000 organisations shut down when his government asked them to disclose the use of foreign funds received by them. The Opposition members at this point disrupted him by bringing in the issue of demonetisation.

Modi then laid emphasis on how the foundation stone Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat was laid by Jawaharlal Nehru, but it was inaugurated by him recently, mocking the Congress over its inefficiency in completing the project.

He also called on the younger generation to take part in the election process and acknowledged their contribution to national development. After going from here, we are going to give people an account of our work. I extend my greetings to all for healthy competition in the upcoming elections. I also want to greet the crores of youth who would be voting for the first time in this century in the parliamentary elections, he said.

The generation of the 21st century which is going to become the first time voter must be welcomed as they are going to become a part of policy formation and the countrys development, the prime minister said.

Modi ended his address by reiterating his stand against corruption. "Desh ko lootne waalon ko Modi dara ke rahega," he concluded.

With inputs from ANI
The Congress Thursday accused the Narendra Modi government of weakening constitutional bodies, using probe agencies against rivals and inflating figures to mislead people about its work and claimed it used the president's address to Parliament for political goals.

New Delhi: The Congress Thursday accused the Narendra Modi government of weakening constitutional bodies, using probe agencies against rivals and inflating figures to mislead people about its work and claimed it used the president's address to Parliament for political goals.

Participating in the debate in Lok Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the president's address, Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of being arrogant, not consulting Cabinet colleagues on key decisions and alleging he cannot see the good works of past Congress governments because of "hatred".

It is one thing to make a speech and thump the desk to laud it and another to save the country and democracy, he said, referring to Modi, who was present in the House.

Kharge also mocked the government's announcements for farmers in the budget, saying it has done nothing for the agriculture sector so far and was now making promises with an eye on the general election.

Farmers can see through it, he said, claiming the rate of agriculture growth fell to 2 percent during the BJP-led NDA government's rule from the 4 percent it was under the UPA. He asked why the government is not waiving farm loans across the country when it can waive off loans of Rs 1.10 lakh crore of corporate groups.

Accusing the government of inflating development figures, he asked if the GDP growth rate was so good as it claims, then why the unemployment rate is "so high" and investment not picking up.

"You came to power by making false promises and have still not stopped lying and misleading people," he charged.

Hitting back at Modi, who often targets past Congress governments for their alleged lack of development work for the country, Kharge cited figures to assert that his party "saved" the nation, fed it and gave it milk and education.

"Give us some credit. But if your body is full of hatred, then you cannot see it," he said.

Literacy rate rose to 74 percent from 16 per cent in 1951, he said, citing the 2011 census, and added that life expectancy jumped to 70 years from 32, infant mortality fell to 38 per thousand birth from 165 and food grain production jumped to 138 million tonnes from 50 million tonnes under the Congress rule.

The number of colleges rose to 37,000 from 500, Kharge said and took a dig at BJP members, saying they must have studied in these institutions and not during Modi's time.

Taking a swipe at BJP members, he asked them not to be a "slave" to the prime minister even as they were elected in his name.

Kharge also targeted the government over a Supreme Court decision on seats under quota in universities, saying it adversely affected reservation for Dalits, tribals and backward classes.

The bill for 10 percent quota for the general category poor was not discussed in the Union Cabinet, he alleged, saying the government's answer to a parliamentary question on the issue had made no reference to it.

The reply was tabled on the same day the government gave its approval to the decision, he said, adding that the government is not working as per the Constitution.

Kharge cited media reports regarding a NSSO survey that said unemployment rate was 6.1 percent in 2017-18 to attack the government. Two members of the National Statistical Commission resigned because the government did not allow the release of the data, he alleged.

He also cited criticism of demonetisation by economists, including Arvind Subramanian, a former chief economic adviser to the Modi government, to target the government.

Kharge reiterated his party's demand for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the Rafale issue, saying a businessman, who was given a contract in the deal, recently filed for insolvency.

Investigation agencies like the CBI and ED are being used to "throttle" those who do not agree with the government, he said.
According to reports, seven Congress MLA's were absconding from the second session of the Karnataka Assembly budget session, despite the party issuing a whip and asking all MLAs to be present.

There was ruckus in the Karnataka Assembly for the second consecutive day on Thursday, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House for the day. According to ANI, MLAs of the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the present Congress-JD(S) government was in minority and did not have the required numbers to hold power in the state, protested in the Assembly.

"When they don't have any majority, they do not have the moral right to form the government," former state chief minister and Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa said, according to CNN News18. When asked about moving a no-confidence motion in the House, he said the question "does not arise at all".

According to the news channel, seven Congress MLAs were absconding from Thursday's session, despite the party issuing a whip. The Congress issuing a whip is being seen as a preemptive move to disrupt any plans of disgruntled MLAs, who may be on the BJP's radar, to stay away from the Assembly and pose a threat to the stability of the government.

Reports said that of the seven absconding MLAs, four had also skipped the Congress Legislature Party's (CLP) meeting on 18 January. The four MLAs are Ramesh Jarakiholi, Mahesh Kamatihalli, B Nagendra and Umesh Jadhav.

Former Karnataka chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah has issued at least two showcause notices to the four, seeking an explanation for their absence. According to another CNN News18 report, the party has summoned all its MLAs for another CLP meet at 9 am on Friday, warning that those who don't attend the meeting of action under the Anti-Defection Law.

The BJP had disrupted proceedings in the Assembly on Wednesday, as well  the first day of the state's Budget Session  creating ruckus over the ruling coalition's supposedly minority numbers in the House. During Governor Vajubhai Vala's address to the joint session of the state legislature, BJP members rushed to the Well and alleged that the Congress-JD(S) government was in minority, forcing the governor to cut his speech down.

Around seven Congress MLAs, including the four mentioned above, were absent during the governor's speech, CNN-News18 reported.

The Budget Session  the first after the cabinet expansion in December that left several MLAs displeased  was expected to be a stormy one because of the political turmoil in Karnataka following poaching allegations by both the BJP and the ruling Congress-JD(S) combine.

Although Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is expected to present his government's second budget on 8 February, the continued disruption of proceedings indicates that things may go off schedule.

With inputs from agencies
Although Patel did not specify whether he would join any political party or contest as an Independent, sources in the Congress claimed that he is likely to join the party to fight the polls.

Ahmedabad: Firebrand Patidar community leader Hardik Patel announced on Wednesday that he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Although Patel did not specify whether he would join any political party or contest as an Independent, sources in the Congress claimed that he is likely to join the party to fight the polls. "Bilkul, hum 2019 mein chunav ladenge (I will definitely contest the 2019 election)," Patel told reporters in Lucknow when asked if would take a plunge into electoral politics.

On joining the Congress, the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader said he would take a decision about it later.

Congress sources said negotiations were on with Patel about his joining the party to fight the elections. He might contest the elections from Mehsana or Amreli seat, which have a strong presence of the Patel community, party leaders said.

But Patel has been barred from entering Mehsana by a court in a case of violence during the 2015 Patidar agitation, party sources said. He had filed a plea in the Gujarat high court against the lower court order.

"If the high court vacates the ban on his entry into Mehsana district, he is most likely to contest from Mehsana (in north Gujarat).... Amreli (in Saurasthra) is another seat which has been offered to him," they said.

Congress leaders, however, did not rule out the possibility of the PAAS leader contesting the election as an Independent candidate with the party's support from outside.

Patel's entry into electoral fray will have an impact in Gujarat, where the Bharatiya Janata Party has been winning Assembly elections since 1995. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

"After the Centre granted 10 percent quota for the economically-weaker sections (EWS), it was our wish that Hardik should contest the Lok Sabha polls and take ahead the cause of our community," PAAS leader Dharmik Malaviya said.

Since Hardik has crossed the age of 25, he is eligible to contest elections now, he added.

Patel came into limelight for leading strident protests in the state over his community's demand to get reservation in education and jobs. Clashes had broken out during the quota agitation led by Patel on 25 August, 2015, leading to the death of 14 people and large-scale destruction of public property.

The Patidar leader was slapped with sedition and other charges. He was in jail for nine months, before being released on bail in July 2016.

Before the state Assembly election in December 2017, Patel had declared support to the Congress.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday slammed Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party and K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) for not supporting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during her 'dharna' against the Centre.

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday slammed Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party and K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) for not supporting West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee during her 'dharna' against the Centre.

During his speech in the state Assembly, the Chief Minister said: "Narendra Modi is spoiling the entire nation. When the Centre targetted Mamata Banerjee, only two parties in India did not oppose the Centre- YSRCP and TRS. That itself is evidence of the fact that these parties are colluding with the BJP. The three Modies are conspiring against the state. (Narendra Modi, Middle Modi KCR, Small Modi Jagan)."

A full-blown face-off between the Mamata Banerjee government and the Centre erupted after a CBI team attempted to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar for his alleged connection in the Saradha chit fund case. However, CBI officials were unceremoniously denied entry to the Kolkata to cop's residence and detained.

Escalating her confrontation with the Centre, Banerjee started a sit-in on the night of 3 February to protest, in what her Trinamool Congress party called a "coup" by the Modi government. However, Banerjee ended her fast on 5 February.

Meanwhile, sharing plans made to develop Andhra Pradesh, Naidu said: "Vision, Innovation, Accountability, Digitalization, Uberization, Convergence, Technology  VIADUCT is our new mantra for the overall development of the state. We are working with perfect planning in this direction."

He also voiced hope that Andhra Pradesh will be one of the top three states of India by 2022, the top state of India by 2029, and an international standards state by 2050. Talking about the efforts undertaken by the state government for youth in the state, Naidu said: "We are already giving unemployment allowance of Rs 1000 to the youth.

From the 1 March, we will give unemployment allowance at an increased level of Rs 2000." "We are providing welfare insurance scheme under Chandranna Bima Yojana to 2.10 lakh families. We are directly giving pensions, insurance, and other schemes. We are providing quality food at Rs 5 only through Anna Canteens,' he added.
Until the VHP announced its decision, the BJP was under pressure going into the elections  many of its supporters assumed that because the saffron party got an absolute majority, now was the time their dream of a grand temple would be fulfilled.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may have heaved a sigh of relief when Vishva Hindu Parishad announced that it will put on hold its planned agitation on the issue of Ram temple until Lok Sabha elections are concluded. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's offshoot had been holding several programmes across the country, turning up the heat on the BJP government to pass a legislation  overriding the Supreme Court's stay  to facilitate the construction of a grand temple in Ayodhya.

However, suddenly on Tuesday, VHP announced that it would hold off the agitation till a new government is elected into office because it did not want the pious and crucial issue being dragged into electoral politics.

"The VHP has decided to suspend its campaign for constructing the Ram Temple at Lord Ram's birthplace in Ayodhya till the General Election process gets over, as the organisation does not want it to become an election issue," said VHP's international joint general secretary Surendra Jain. "Otherwise the Opposition will accuse us of constructing the temple for electoral gains," he told The Tribune.

This comes just days after a religious congregation called by the VHP in Allahabad, on the sidelines of the Kumbh, adopted a resolution saying Hindus will not rest and also not leave others in peace until a grand temple is built at the birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. The general elections are expected to be held in April-May.

One would be a political simpleton to take VHP's announcement at face value though. At the root of this sudden announcement was the fountainhead of both BJP and VHP, the RSS and a couple of considerations the organisation may have.

Until the VHP announced its decision, the BJP was under pressure going into the elections  many of its supporters assumed that because the saffron party got an absolute majority, now was the time their dream of a grand temple would be fulfilled. Chants of abhi nahi to kabhi nahi (now or never), and Mandir vahi banaenge (We will build the temple right in Ayodhya) were popular at Hindu congregations and prime minister's rallies.

However, once in office, larger political sensibilities suggested that the Narendra Modi-led government had no option but to take the position that it will not function outside the framework of law, inviting much criticism for the party leadership.

Why did VHP and other Sangh outfits drop the offensive?

Behind the RSS stopping VHP from jeopardising the BJP  which gained popularity because it vociferously took up Hindutva issues including Ram Mandir right from its inception  over the Ayodhya issue is the desire to install a friendly government at the Centre after the next election.

Ram temple is an issue that is still too emotive for the majority Hindu community, which means there might be massive political repercussions in case any party tries to undermine the 'will of the majority'. For other goals, including RSS' elaborate vision of a Hindu Rashtra, the organisation may find it easy with BJP at the helm.

Another reason why RSS is ready to hold back on its agitation for Ram temple is the limits imposed by Indias political, constitutional and legal framework, argues the Hindustan Times. From forming its own minority wing to redefining the meaning of Hindu Rashtra, RSS has worked hard over the years to come across as a nationalistic, philanthropic organisation rather than a hard-line communal one.

By professing that it will have the Ram Mandir at the disputed site, notwithstanding what the Supreme Court has to say in the sub-judice matter, it would have rid itself of all these image-building efforts undertaken through the years.

However, the sudden rollback of the agitation wasn't easy.

When an influential Hindu priest, Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati set the government a deadline of 21 February to start building the Ram temple in Ayodhya, fear rose that any change in status quo can raise religious tensions in an election year, and in turn jeopardise BJP's chances in politically important states. In November 2018, the VHP too had mobilised a mob of more than 2,00000 Hindu activists and monks in the town of Ayodhya for demanding the government to start the constriction of a temple. Now that the base had been mobilised, something had to be done. The Sangh too was hard pressed for taking a public stance on the issue.

It was then that the government opted for a middle path to pacify agitated Hindu groups. The government filed a petition, seeking the Supreme Courts permission to return the excess undisputed land to the original owners. The government has argued before the court that out of a huge tract of land, frozen under Supreme Court orders, only 0.333 acres is disputed. Hence, the court should allow it to restore the remaining 67 acres of "undisputed" land to original owners, which is the VHP-backed Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas.

"A large part of the remaining superfluous land comprises properties of which the title is not even in dispute," the government said seeking the apex court's nod to allow the land transfer. After the 1992 destruction of the Babri mosque that triggered Hindu-Muslim riots across India which killed at least 2,000 people, the Supreme Court ordered a freeze on activity at the disputed site and surrounding areas.

The handover to the trust was the least that can be done in the face of inordinate delays in the Supreme Court, said BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav, .

Now the move serves a double purpose: That of giving the VHP and RSS a face-saver in front of their massive Hindu support base as they abruptly halt all agitation, and trumping the Congress in the race for wooing the Hindu community.

Interestingly, the land that the BJP has sought to "return" was acquired by PV Narasimha Rao's Congress government. In January 1993, it was the Congress government that had brought an ordinance for the Ram Temple, and back then BJP had opposed it.

The ordinance was brought only a month after the Babri Masjid was brought down by kar sevaks participating in a movement led by the VHP and aided by the BJP. The Congress government planned to build "a Ram temple, a mosque, amenities for pilgrims, a library, museum and other suitable facilities" in Ayodhya.

But, the Ayodhya Act failed to pave way for a Ram Mandir as the BJP vehemently opposed the move. The then BJP vice-president SS Bhandari called it "partisan, petty and perverse", India Today reported. Since Muslim bodies and a Hindu party both opposed it, the minority government of Rao developed cold feet and took the matter to the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, the court is yet to give its views on the government's petition but the concrete outcomes of political posturing seldom matter more than the move itself. Since the court has denied to regularly hear the Ayodhya matter, it is more likely that a definitive judgment, if at all will come after the elections are conducted. The task of this move is to only achieve short-term gains.

With inputs from agencies
Some of the demands include filling up of all government vacancies, creation of more government jobs, stopping the policy of fund cuts and seat cuts and spending 10 percent of the country's GDP on education.

New Delhi: Student leaders and union members from different universities will take part in a march from the Red Fort to Parliament Street in New Delhi on Thursday to demand educational and employment opportunities from the government.

Some of the demands include filling up of all government vacancies, creation of more government jobs, stopping the policy of fund cuts and seat cuts and spending 10 percent of the country's GDP on education.

Various leaders from Opposition parties are expected to address the gathering in Parliament Street.

Patidar leader Hardik Patel pledged support to the march and tweeted, "I am going to Young India Adhikar March. 24 lakhs government posts (are) lying vacant. Crores of youth on streets (are) unemployed; from SSC to railways, from banks to UPSC. Their voices unite on 7 February. Let's support and be part of the student-youth unity! #7FebDilliChalo."

Students of Jamia Millia Islamia have said they will boycott the march since the demands do not include tracing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed who went missing in October 2016.
The CBI wants to question Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as he was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal government to probe Saradha and other similar ponzi scheme cases,

New Delhi: Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar will be questioned by CBI in Shillong on 9 February in connection with the multi-crore Saradha chit-fund scam, officials said Thursday, two days after the Supreme Court directed him to "faithfully" cooperate with the investigation.

The CBI wants to question Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as he was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal government to probe Saradha and other similar ponzi scheme cases, they said.

The CBI has attached 10 officers from its Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow units to its Kolkata office, which is probing the chit-fund scam cases, till 20 February to provide additional manpower during questioning of high-profile suspects, including the Kolkata police chief.

A team led by Superintendent of Police Jagroop S Gusinha from the special unit in New Delhi will camp in Kolkata, an official order said. The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation of cases related to the Saradha chit-fund scam, but made it clear he will not be arrested.

"State police was first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause disappearance of evidence," a senior CBI official said on the condition of anonymity. The agency, which wanted to probe the SIT members, was not getting positive response from the police as many officials, including Kumar, gave excuses to evade questioning, they sad.
With the TDB opposing the review petitions in the Sabarimala case, the devotees are fearing another wave of violence.

The sporadic violence that Kerala witnessed in the wake of the 28 September Supreme Court verdict lifting the ban on the entry of women of child-bearing age in the Sabarimala temple could have been checked, if not averted totally, had the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which administers the temple, accepted the right-wing outfits demand for filing a review petition.

The board, which was initially in favour of such a legal recourse, changed its stand after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan indicted its president A Padma Kumar, a former legislator of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist), on 2 October for deviating from the governments line of implementing the verdict.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Sangh Parivar, which initially welcomed the apex court verdict, viewed the TDB volte face as part of the LDF governments agenda to destroy Sabarimala and unleashed their cadres in the hillock and across the state to prevent women from entering the temple, resulting in widespread violence.

With the TDB opposing the review petitions filed by different organisations and individuals during the hearing on Wednesday, the devotees are fearing another wave of violence when the temple opens for the monthly pooja on 12 February.

People like Prayar Gopalakrishnan, former president of TDB and one of the petitioners, said that he wont be surprised if the devotees who opposed the entry of women in the temple turn their ire on the TDB. They may not allow the TDB president and other members to enter temples under the board if they do not change their stand, he told reporters in New Delhi.

Sabarimala Karma Samithi leader Rahul Easwar has described the volte face taken by the board on its stand as a betrayal of the devotees. They will give a befitting reply to the TDB for not respecting their sentiments. The TDB was established to protect the interest of the devotees and the temples. However, it has cheated the devotees after taking their money, Easwar said.

BJP leader PS Sreedharan Pillai has also aired the same view and warned that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government will have to pay the price for the betrayal. This is the beginning of the end of the Communist Party in Kerala, he added.

The pro-women entry stand taken by the government in the apex court is considered significant since senior lawyers believe it will influence the outcome of the review petitions. Supreme Court lawyer MR Abhilash said that the official stand will carry more weight when the constitution bench takes a decision on the review petitions.

However, Sasikumar Varma, president of the executive committee of Pandalam palace, former custodian of the temple, believes that this does not mean that the bench would not give due consideration to the points raised by the petitioners. When the government and the TDB asserted that they were with the devotees, we hoped that they will take a neutral stand on the review petitions. By opposing the petitions, they have made it clear that they are not with the devotees. It is unfortunate that the TDB, which is bound to protect the customs and traditions in Sabarimala has taken a political stand, he added.

Varma said that the palace and others opposing the entry of women between the ages of 10 and 50 in Sabarimala will explore other options if the Supreme Court turns down the review petitions. He said they might consider filing a curative petition in such a case.

The U-turn taken by the TDB has not come as a surprise to the devotees. The board, which opposed the petition originally filed by the Delhi-based Young Lawyers Association challenging the ban on the entry of menstruating women in Sabarimala, was under extreme pressure from the government and the party to toe their line.

Padma Kumar had justified the boards decision to reject the devotees plea to file a review petition, saying that being a party to the petitions, it will get an opportunity to state its stand in the hearings. However, none of the devotees had expected that it will back the womens entry in the temple when the petitions were taken up for hearing, especially after he asserted that the board would stand by the devotees.

The devotees feel that the board has made volte face due to the combined pressure from the government as well as the party. While the chief minister berated him for taking a stand in favour of filing a review petition, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan sought to correct him. The party chief said that Padma Kumar had failed in projecting the Communist viewpoints, forgetting the fact that he is an important functionary of the party.

Easwar is not ready to blame Padma Kumar. I know him personally. Padma Kumar and his family are strong devotees of Lord Ayyaappa. He would not have taken such a stand if he was left alone. Sadly, the government has made him a tool in its hands. This will have far-reaching repercussion in the administration of the temples under the TDB, he added.

The TDB stand has strengthened the allegation of those opposing the entry of menstruating women in the temple that the government is out to destroy the temple. Prayar Gopalakrishnan sees signs of desertion of Sabarimala by the devotees in the sharp decline in the revenue received by the TDB during the current season.

When I headed the board, Sabarimala had earned a revenue of over Rs 680 crore. The total earning of the TDB during the current pilgrim season is less than Rs 130 crore. If the government and the TDB continue to support the violation of the customs and traditions in Sabarimala, more devotees will desert the hill shrine, he added.

The stakeholders in Sabarimala were expecting a decision on the controversial issue before the temple opens for the five-day monthly pooja. With the Supreme Court granting seven days time to the petitioners to file their replies, many fear that hill shrine will turn into a conflict zone once again.
Robert Vadra was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for the second day on Thursday in connection with a probe into money laundering allegations

New Delhi: Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for the second day on Thursday in connection with a probe into allegations that he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

Vadra, who was grilled for five-and-a half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday, arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers. After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the session.

Officials said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in United Kingdom. His statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as was done Wednesday, they added.

He was asked about a dozen questions by a team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case.

His appearance before the ED on Wednesday acquired political overtones with his wife Priyanka Gandhi, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanying him to the investigating agency's office. She took charge of her new post at the Congress' national headquarters on Akbar Road after that.

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka Gandhi said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London on Wednesday.

This is the first time that Vadra is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

On 2 February, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him. "All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan told reporters.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency also told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others.

The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra on Wednesday to attack the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime.

Vadra is also supposed to be present before the ED on 12 February in Jaipur in another money laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court had directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.
Bridget John -the newly appointed permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic Education started work on February 1 inheriting a ministry with a 15 year old track record of underachievement.

John replaced Dr. Collie Monkge who was controversially relieved of his duty just within three months after being head hunted for the job from his retirement village, Thamaga.John is a hands-on and sound administrator whose track record speaks in volumes. She is credited with turning PPADB from an organisation perceived as corrupt to a reputable one.

She developed the Code of Ethics for PPADB in 2018. She has also introduced the Integrated Procurement Management System (IPMS) this week saying that it will vastly improve procurement and asset disposal. John is not new on education related appointments- an economist by training she was appointed Coordinator of the Education Hub and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology in 2008 overseeing, among others, the strengthening of local capacity for tertiary students to study locally, and supporting the attraction of regional and international students to study in Botswana.

Currently the standard of education counts amongst the leading national concerns, the situation is so serious so much that parents in some districts took law into their hands locking the Regional Education Officer in a meeting demanding that he withdraw the school head teacher or they will not leave the meeting venue.

Key challenges

Amongst the key challenges that John is going to contend with are an overloaded curriculum as well as weak institutional management and poor governance which is a cross cutting challenge afflicting headquarters and schools. Other challenges are content based assessment as opposed to skills-based as well as inappropriate deployment of staff and poor human resource management.

There is also an issue of a highly centralised procurement system which is mainly responsible for shortage of teaching and learning materials. Decentralisation and devolution of powers and functions to regions has remained a moving target since 2010, but allegedly headquarters cannot let go.

Currently school heads are so disempowered to an extent where a mere printer or photocopier is procured by some officers based at the ministry headquarters. It is also said there are unspent funds year in and out as the ministry returns huge sums of unspent development funds to the treasury. Inside sources say that as at December 2018 the development fund stood at 15 percent expenditure. John has to speed up delivery of books and other critical inputs. There is terrible shortage of text books or stationery in general in all schools throughout the country. The situation is worsened by the fact that in some cases students do not take care of the text books or if completing junior certificate or Cambridge, dont return the books.

ETSSP

When everything had been tried and tested, but with no results coming forth, government introduced Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan (ETSSP) whose purpose is to improve the MoE results that have been deteriorating since 2008 and ensure that students learning outcomes are improved. Since adoption in 2015, there is hardly anything to show.

ETSSP or Turnaround has been stopped at infant stage despite that when it was drafted at a high cost, government saw it as an intervention intended to improve delivery in the classroom and overall management of schools.

John holds BA (Economics) and MBA both from University of Botswana and MA (Development Policy and Administration) from University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. She has also received training in Public Private Partnerships and financing from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
The Rajasthan government on Thursday started conducting camps at all the district headquarters for waiving off loans of farmers

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government on Thursday started conducting camps at all the district headquarters for waiving off loans of farmers.

Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot inaugurated the camp at Sirsi road here and gave certificates to the farmers.

Similar camps were also started in other districts in which loan-waiver certificates will be given to the farmers. "Congress president (Rahul Gandhi) had promised the loan-waiver to farmers and the decision of loan waiver was taken within two days of the government's formation. We are executing this, which shows that Congress does what it says," Pilot said at the function.

He accused the former Bharatiya Janata Party government of neglecting the interests of the farmers.

Agriculture Minister Lalchand Kataria said the camps were being held in every district from Thursday and certificates to farmers were being issued.

The entire loan taken by farmers from cooperative banks and land development banks will be waived off in the first phase.

The government had also announced waiver of loans up to Rs 2 lakh (for defaulter farmers) from commercial banks.

The government officials are in discussion with the bank officials for carrying out the loan-waiver for the eligible farmers and this will be taken up in the next phase, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had said on Wednesday.

Gehlot had on 19 December announced to waive off the farmers' entire short-term crop loan from cooperative banks and agriculture loans up to Rs 2 lakh for defaulter farmers from nationalised and other banks.
Movement of trains was affected in Assam on Thursday morning as members of Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) blocked rail tracks, demanding immediate revocation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and introduction of inner line permit (ILP) in the state

Guwahati: Movement of trains was affected in Assam on Thursday morning as members of a youth organisation blocked rail tracks, demanding immediate revocation of the citizenship bill and introduction of inner line permit (ILP) in the state.

With banners and placards in hand, the members of Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) squatted on the tracks for about an hour in several districts of the state, including Guwahati, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Nalbari and Udalguri, police sources said.

Slogans such as 'Joi Aai Asom' (Victory to mother Assam), 'Scrap the Citizenship Bill' and 'Introduce inner line permit' rented the air as agitators sought measures to repeal the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was recently passed by the Lok Sabha.

The legislation, which is currently waiting for Rajya Sabha approval, seeks to provide citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India.

In Guwahati, the AJYCP picketers blocked the railway level crossing near Kamakhya station, preventing movement of Shatabdi Express, a senior police officer said.

It was only after the police cleared the tracks and dispersed the crowd, the train could resume its service, he added.

In Udalguri, the agitators staged a semi-nude protest against the Bill and blocked train tracks for about 30 minutes, official sources said.

The AJYCP units of twin districts of Sivasagar and Charaideo also halted the Awadh-Assam Express at Simaluguri railway junction.

Similar protests were witnessed at Biswanath Chariali and Tinsukia districts.

At Numaligarh oil town in Golaghat, the agitators came out in large numbers to block National Highway-39 at Rongbong, Letekujan and Panka areas.

A massive protest meeting was also organized by All Assam Students Union (AASU) and 30 allied ethnic groups on Thursday at Naharkatia in Dibrugarh, demanding the withdrawal of the legislation.

Protests against the bill have rocked the entire northeast over the past six weeks, with several organisations and political parties claiming that the bill threatens the identity, language and culture of indigenous people.

In the state, the agitators have reasoned that the legislation contradicts the Assam Accord of 1985, which clearly states that illegal migrants who entered India after March 25, 1971, would be deported irrespective of their religions.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will arrive at Lucknow on Monday on a four-day visit along with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary in charge of western Uttar Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Lucknow: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will arrive at Lucknow on Monday on a four-day visit, her first trip to the state after being appointed the Congress general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary in charge of western Uttar Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia, will accompany her on the 11 February visit to the state capital, party spokesperson Anshu Awasthi said Thursday.

Preparations are on in the party to accord a big welcome to the three leaders, who will be brought from the airport to the state party office in a roadshow.

Rahul Gandhi is likely to return the same day, but Priyanka Gandhi will stay on in Lucknow till Thursday, meeting office bearers and party workers, Awasthi said. Workers representing the party's district and city units will meet her, a party leader said.

After her brief appearance before the media while dropping off husband Robert Vadra at the Enforcement Directorate office in Delhi on Wednesday, the Lucknow visit will mark her first public appearance after formally joining the party.

The Congress in Uttar Pradesh is seeing the visit by her and Scindia as the virtual launch of the Congress campaign in the crucial state for the coming Lok Sabha elections.

The two newly appointed in-charges for Uttar Pradesh will take stock of the party's preparation for the polls. "The impending visit by the senior leaders, especially Priyanka Gandhi, has enthused party workers," Awasthi said.

Priyanka Gandhi was appointed a Congress general secretary last month, a move that ended years of speculation over her induction into the party.

Home to 80 Lok Sabha seats, Uttar Pradesh sends the highest number of MPs to Parliament, making it a key electoral battleground.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party faces a challenge here from the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj alliance, while the Congress is trying hard to retrieve lost ground in the state. Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha seats held by her brother Rahul Gandhi and mother Sonia Gandhi, are in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Varanasi constituency and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's stronghold Gorakhpur are also part of this region, under Priyanka Gandhi's charge.
Journalists in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday took to the streets to demand better safety for media persons and donned helmets while interacting with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers.

Raipur Press Club president Damu Amedare told The Print that at least 500-600 city reporters are protesting an incident of a journalist being thrashed, by wearing helmets and conducting bike rallies. A bike rally was also organised on Tuesday, where slogans were shouted in front of the BJPs office. "Whether its an event, press conference, meeting, or even taking a sound byte, we wont stand for a threat to our safety," he said.

The move comes after a local journalist, identified as Suman Pandey, was allegedly thrashed on 2 February by BJP functionaries while he was recording a meeting of the party's district-level meeting in the city.

Following the incident, BJP district chief Rajeev Agarwal and party workers Vijay Vyas, Utkarsh Trivedi and Deena Dongre were arrested. The four, who were booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 342 (wrongful confinement), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) were later released on a bail bond from the police station.

As per the report from The Print, journalists in Raipur participating in the helmet protests have two demands from the BJP: Removal of Agarwal from the party and a new law for the protection of journalists, as was being considered by Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel.

What was the incident?

Pandey's complaint alleged that he was thrashed when he was covering the BJP meeting Saturday afternoon at its Ekatma Parisar office in Raipur, adding that leaders there were involved in a scuffle among themselves when the incident happened.

"I was recording a video of the meeting on my mobile phone when suddenly BJP leaders started manhandling each other over some issue. Meanwhile, BJP Raipur district president Rajeev Agarwal and another person, Utkarsh Trivedi, asked me to delete the video of the scuffle, which I refused. They then started hitting me and forcefully deleted the video," Pandey told PTI.

"I was made to sit inside the meeting room for about 20 minutes. When I came out, I informed other journalists about the incident," he added.

Later, several other journalists reached the BJP office, alerted police and protested there demanding the arrest of those involved in assaulting Pandey. State BJP spokesperson Sacchidanand Upasane, who was also present in the meeting, said his partymen had apologised to Pandey.

"The closed-door district level meeting was held to review the defeat in the recent Assembly election. Media persons were asked to leave the meeting room after taking initial footage. Party leaders and workers were also asked to keep their mobile switched off," he said.

"On finding a man recording the video of the meeting, he was told to stop it and asked to delete the footage. After he introduced himself as a journalist, party leaders said he should delete the video," Upasane said.

"A minor scuffle broke out between the journalist and party leaders over the issue, following which I asked the journalist to sit there for a while and later told him to go outside," he said. When party leaders saw journalists protesting at the venue, the former apologised, Upasane said. He said the BJP state president would look into the incident.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Health and Family Welfare Minister TS Singhdeo termed the incident as "unfortunate".

"It was an unfortunate incident and this should not have happened with anyone. Such a kind of incident is unacceptable and stern action should be taken," Singhdeo told reporters.

Protests staged earlier this week as well

Peeved over the incident, local journalists sat on an indefinite protest in front of the Raipur Press Club in the Motibagh area on Sunday demanding the expulsion of the accused from the BJP.

Although state BJP president Dharamlal Kaushik and former minister Brijmohan Agrawal met the protesting journalists it did not break the ice.

"They refused to take any immediate action against the accused BJP leaders and said they will first demand an explanation from them following which action will be taken," Raipur Press Club vice president Prafull Thakur said.

"We are sitting on an indefinite protest in front of the press club till our demand to expel the accused leaders is fulfilled," Thakur said.

According to news portal ANI, a torch rally was held as well.

In the 2018 World Press Freedom Index, India was ranked 138 out of 180 countries in terms of press safety. The report mentioned sharing of "hate speeches" targeting journalists by "troll armies" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a reason for this low rank. The report also mentioned "physical violence" against journalists, for example, the murder of Gauri Lankesh as another key reason.

With inputs from PTI
Supreme Court on Thursday summoned former interim Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director M Nageswara Rao.

Supreme Court on Thursday summoned former interim Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director M Nageswara Rao and another official linked with the transfer of agency officer AK Sharma investigating the Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case.

ANI reported that the apex court said Rao has "prima facie committed contempt of court by transferring CBI officer AK Sharma". The Supreme Court sought the former interim CBI director's personal appearance on Tuesday.

"We are going to take it very, very seriously. You have played with order of Supreme Court of India. God help you. Never play with SC's order," ANI quoted Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi as saying.

On Thursday, Supreme Court ordered the transfer of the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual assault case from Bihar to a court in New Delhi and lashed out at the state government for its management of shelter homes.

A bench headed by CJI Gogoi said the cases should be transferred from the Bihar CBI court to a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Saket trial court within two weeks. It ordered the Saket trial court to conclude the trial within six months.

The apex court also rapped the CBI for transferring its officer probing the sexual assault case and said it amounted to a violation of its order. The bench asked the investigating agency to file an affidavit giving an explanation.

"Enough is enough. Children cannot be treated like this. You cannot let your officers treat children this way. Spare the children," the top court told the Bihar government. It said the court will summon the chief secretary if the state fails to give all the information.

Several teens were raped and sexually abused allegedly at an NGO-run shelter home in Muzaffarpur. The issue came to light last May following a report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

With inputs from PTI
A driver, who was operating a bus using a bamboo stick as gear lever, was arrested after his vehicle carrying school students hit a car in Mumbai

Mumbai: A 22-year-old driver, who was operating a bus using a bamboo stick as gear lever, was arrested after his vehicle carrying school students hit a car in Mumbai, a police official said on Thursday.

No injury or casualty was reported in the mishap.

Raj Kumar was driving the bus to Poddar International School located in Khar suburb on Wednesday when the vehicle hit the high-end car of a businessman, the official said.

The angry businessman then confronted the driver for causing damage to his car.

When two policemen arrived at the spot, Kumar blamed the steering wheel of his bus for the mishap, he said.

The car owner and the policemen then went inside the bus and they were shocked to see the bamboo stick in place of the gear lever, he said.

Kumar, who was subsequently arrested for negligent driving, told the police that the bus gear knob had broken some days back and since then he was using the bamboo stick as gear lever, the official said. "All the students inside the bus were safe," he said.

The driver was later produced in a local court which granted him bail, he said, adding that a probe was underway into the incident.
The farmers can't seem to win either way. On one hand, a loan waiver was launched to alleviate the suffering of 34 lakh farmers, and on the other, innocent farmers now have to suffer without ever having taken loans in the first place.

Theyve mentioned a loan of one lakh rupees against my name, said Ramkunvar, a farmer from the village of Bhandra, Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh, but I never borrowed such a huge amount from the bank. Ramkunvar is one of the many farmers who had gathered at the Chhatarpur Collectors office on 22 January to protest against a list that was circulated in gram panchayats. The list falsely identified these villagers as borrowers of huge sums of money.

Farmer Lakshman Sinha Tomar, also on the purported list, had bought two plots of land in his wife's and daughter-in-laws names in his village, Maiya. I bought the land in my wifes name for Rs 1,47,529, and the land in my daughter-in-laws name for Rs 1,47,624, he explained, prepared with not just the exact amount of money he spent, but with land ownership documents as well to fight his case. He added firmly, I have taken no loans to buy this land.

The identified farmers aren't being held accountable for petty amounts. According to Kandi Lal Raikvar, from Umaiya in Chhatarpur, the list showed that he borrowed Rs 2.7 lakh; he was near tears when he said, I dont know how I will repay this amount. Arjun Ahirvar, another farmer from Bhandra, was told his name was on the list when the sarpanch was reading the list at the gram panchayat meeting. According to the bank, I have taken a loan of Rs 2.42 lakh, he said, but I only took a loan of Rs 6000 to buy manure. He asked us, furiously, How can they just convert a loan in thousands into one of lakhs just like that?

Manure was in fact a common factor between all the farmers identified on the loan list, most of whom were at the site on the day of our reporting, very much part of the protest. Tomar declared, The only loan I took was to buy manure. It was Rs 1204. Ramkunvar also confirmed that the only money she borrowed was to buy four bags of manure.

The farmers who have bought manure are deceptively being held accountable for lakhs of rupees of loans, explained Gulab Sinha Yadav, Congresss district head, who was also present at the gathering. He added, This scam has been going on for ages in this government. Even dead farmers names are on the list for loan payments. Wasting no opportunity to get in a political dig, he said, in reference to the fact that Madhya Pradesh has been a BJP-ruled state for the last three election cycles, They have formed the government for the last fifteen years, and they have been posing problems for farmers for just as long. He then named names: The manager of the Manavpur society, Swaman Patel, had never submitted the correct list to the gram panchayat, before he chastised officials for neglecting the farmers with: These farmers have been pleading in front of every government official to publish the correct list, but they never pay attention to the request.

Farmers distress became a major campaigning point in the elections held in Madhya Pradesh in 2018. It has long been an epicentre of farmers agitations, particularly during the 2017 Mandsaur protests against actual minimum support prices (MSPs), protests that caught the attention of national media when six farmers were shot by the police. And although Madhya Pradesh, supposedly, tops the agrarian growth chart in the country, it also recorded the third-highest number of farmer suicides in 2016  1,321, to be precise, which was a 21% jump from 2013. When the Congress was campaigning in the state, they promised to waive farmers loans within ten days of forming government. In the Assembly polls, the Congress unseated the reigning party with a 114-seat win and the support of 7 MLAs, coming back to power in the state for the first time since 2002. By December, newly-appointed Chief Minister Kamal Nath had cleared the Madhya Pradesh government to write-off eligible farmers crop loans of up to 2 lakh with nationalised and cooperative banks.

According to Yadav, the motivation behind running a scam like this is clear: The day Rahul Gandhi announced the provision of loan waivers for farmers, the ones behind this scam started filling up their pockets illegally, using the name of other farmers.

But political waltzes apart, the farmers can't seem to win either way. On one hand, a loan waiver was launched to alleviate the suffering of 34 lakh farmers, and on the other, innocent farmers now have to suffer without ever having taken loans in the first place.

For most of the farmers present, a more important understanding than that of allegedly conniving motivations, was to find out how they could get their names off the list. Any scams that might be ongoing in the name of manure supply, were not on the priority agenda. Ahirvar said on the subject, Thats why we are here, to ask the collector to look into the matter, investigate and help us. And these farmers were willing to take their protests to Bhopal and even take to the streets to make sure that justice is served.

The bureaucracy was quick to pacify, in vague terms, with promises of swift action. DK Maurya, the Upper Collector of Chhatarpur district said about the scam, It is a matter of investigation, which according to him, had already begun at different forums and departments. He also added for good measure, Yes of course, those found guilty will be severely punished according to the rules.

SK Ravat, the assistant CO for the district, echoed his colleague, To ensure that we can help, and do right by the farmers caught up in this scam, were looking into the matter. When asked for the protocol of action now that this problem has been brought to his attention, Ravat said, The farmers complaints, as they are registered, will be worked on immediately, and then emphasised the importance of proper investigation with: The results will soon be shown after a properly-conducted investigation.

However, when Raikvar spoke with the collector to ask him about the origin of the list, and what he could do to take his name off it, he was given a more revealing answer, perhaps the closest to reality: I dont know.

Khabar Lahariya is a women-only network of rural reporters from Bundelkhand.
MANPAC has urged all indigenous people of Manipur to come out on roads as a mark of protest against the Citizenship Bill. The agitation has led to congestion on roads.

Imphal: Manipur People against CAB (MANPAC) on Wednesday launched an on road mass indefinite agitation, including on the national highways, against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 (CAB). Protestors demand the bills withdrawal and have said that they will continue the agitation until the Bill is withdrawn from Parliament.

Yumnamcha Dilip, Convenor of MANPAC condemned the present governments proposal of inserting a clause on CAB and said, "such statements will not be tolerated and the bill should be removed totally from Parliament".

He further condemned the various speeches from the President and the prime minister for being pro-CAB and said that the bill is "unconstitutional".

"In the future, the bill will destroy the indigenous generations; therefore, the state government should draw full attention towards the bill for sake of the future".

Moreover, MANPAC has urged all indigenous people of the state to come out on roads as a mark of protest. The agitation has led to congestion on roads.

All Assam Students' Union (AASU) too had held a massive candlelight protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016, in Guwahati on Thursday.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016, was passed in the Lok Sabha on 8 January. The bill will facilitate citizenship of six identified minority communities namely Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Christians and Parsis from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who came to India before 31 December, 2014.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged industry barons to invest in the state which has a great potential for industrial growth

Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged industry barons to invest in the state which has a great potential for industrial growth.

"Bengal is moving ahead. We are the destination for businesses, farmers and the unemployed youth," she said while addressing industry leaders at 5th Bengal Global Business Summit.

During the inaugural session, the state government signed MoUs with governments of Italy, Germany, and South Korea.

"We want India to grow, for every state to grow," said Mamta, adding that the key for growth in industrial sector lies in the welfare of economically weaker sections of the society.

"If the downtrodden people are happy, industries will be happy. If farmers are happy, everyone will be happy," she said.

Mamata said the TMC-led government has made remarkable achievements in the field of social reform. "When our government came to power in May 2011, institutional delivery was only 65 per cent. Within 7 years, we have achieved 98 per cent institutional delivery," she said.

"It is not a matter of joke we give rice at Rs 2 per kg to everybody. Out of 10 crore people, we give it to 9 crore people at this rate."

The Chief Minister said West Bengal provides free treatment to patients in government hospitals. "Be it for heart, liver or kidney transplants, all these and other treatments are done free of cost," said Mamata.

She also said that West Bengal has given 50 percent reservation to women in panchayat and municipal urban bodies. While there is a demand for 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament, elected representatives from Trinamool Congress constitute 34 per cent of the party's strength in the Lok Sabha.

Mamata said that millions of girls in West Bengal have been given scholarships and child marriages have completely stopped. "We also give the scholarship to minorities, backward classes, and give every facility to downtrodden," she said.
However, the practice is not just limited to India, many other countries in the world including developed nations like the United Kingdom (UK) continue to see the prevalence of this ritual, which violates human rights and is a direct attack on the sexual-autonomy of a woman.

Editor's Note: This article, published in February 2019, is being republished in the wake of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences approving the ban on teaching virginity test or 'two-finger test' to medical students in the state. Maharashtra becomes the first country in India to do so, and the decision was taken in a Board of Studies meeting held in April. The final decision will be taken by the academic council of the MUHS before the change reflects in textbooks.

***

The Maharashtra government Wednesday announced that forcing a woman to undergo a virginity test will soon become a punishable offence. Certain communities in the state follow a custom whereby a newly-wed woman has to prove that she was virgin prior to marriage. The "test" is a gynaecological examination conducted under the belief that it determines whether a woman has had vaginal intercourse by checking her hymen.

"Virginity test will be considered a form of sexual assault... after consultations with the Law and Judiciary department, a circular will be issued declaring it a punishable offence," Ranjeet Patil, the Minister of State for Home, said. The minister was speaking after meeting a delegation of some social organisations on the issue.

The custom is allegedly followed in the Kanjarbhat community of Maharashtra. Meanwhile, some youths from the community have launched an online campaign against "the test". The movement started by members of Stop the V-Ritual WhatsApp group had complained to the police against the caste panchayat in 2017.

However, the practice is not just limited to Maharashtra. As per the WHO, this practice is prevalent in many other countries, including developed nations like the United Kingdom and Canada. Many communities in Indonesia and Afghanistan are also known to follow the custom, which international rights organisations have termed as a form of sexual assault, as per the report.

Global agencies such as the United Nations (UN) Human Rights wing, the UN Women group and the World Health Organization (WHO) have called for a ban on the testing calling it "traumatic and unscientific".

In a joint statement, UN agencies said that the test has no scientific or clinical basis. "There is no examination that can prove a girl or woman has had sex and the appearance of girl's or woman's hymen cannot prove whether they have had sexual intercourse, or are sexually active or not," they said.

"Virginity testing" is a violation of the human rights of girls and women, and can be detrimental to women's and girls' physical, psychological and social well-being, the agencies said. "Virginity testing" reinforces stereotyped notions of female sexuality and gender inequality; the examination can be painful, humiliating and traumatic; given that these procedures are unnecessary and potentially harmful, it is unethical for doctors or other health providers to undertake them; such procedures must never be carried out, the statement read.

In many settings, such tests are considered part of the assessment of rape survivors which can cause re-victimisation and lead to heightened trauma, the agencies said. The result of this unscientific test can also impact judicial proceedings, often to the detriment of victims and in favour of perpetrators, leading to their acquittal.

In addition, such tests on women prisoners are also common in various parts of the world, the agencies noted. The testing reportedly happens in Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Libya, Malawi and Morocco as well.

In Morocco, these are frequently administered by midwives who lack medical qualifications and thus pose the risk of infections and permanent damage to the assessee's private parts. According to a report, native activists seek to help women become more aware of their choices in such matters and a part of their campaign includes helping people do away with the idea that virginity should be a precondition for marriage. Such examinations are particularly detrimental to women's psychological health and sexual well-being when crude instruments are used to conduct them and basic standards of hygiene are ignored, the report mentioned.

Whereas in Afghanistan, more than 200 girls and young women are crammed into dirty prison cells for months and sometimes more than a year for failing the virginity test. When they are eventually released, they face a future defined by shame, exclusion and destitution, The Guardian reported. Virginity testing was banned in Afghanistan in 2016, but police continue to pick up girls and women suspected of having sex, and take them to hospitals or clinics where they are forced to undergo the test, the report says.

According to a 2016 Human Rights Watch report, almost half of all women incarcerated in Afghanistan  and 95 percent of girls in juvenile detention  are there for moral crimes such as having sex before marriage. Marie Stopes, an independent organisation with funding from the Swedish government, works with healthcare professionals in every Afghan province to ensure they know about the ban, and implement it.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the virginity test first came under the spotlight in 2014 when a report by the Human Rights Watch revealed that women applying to join the Indonesian security forces were checked not only for their health but also for whether they had had any prior sexual experience. Indonesias independent National Commission on Violence against Women condemned the virginity test, calling it an act of discrimination against women that violates the Indonesian constitution.

According to the Human Rights Watch, virginity tests are a violation of human rights, according to Article 7 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 16 of its Convention against Torture. Surprisingly, Indonesia ratified both treaties, in 2006 and 1998 respectively. Currently, only 5 percent of personnel in both the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the Indonesian National Police are women as many were reportedly discouraged from joining the forces due to the prevalence of this ritual.

Apart from these countries, Canada and the UK also have had well-reported cases of blatant prevalence of this practice, despite international critique and backlash. In London, a young woman testified against her parents for forcing her to undergo the test when they found out she had a boyfriend.

With inputs from PTI
The Maharashtra government said that the practice of virginity tests for newlywed women will be considered a form of sexual assault. The home department will hold a bi-monthly review of cases of sexual assault, and ensure low pendency of such cases in the courts.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government will soon make forcing a woman to undergo virginity test a punishable offence, it said Wednesday. Certain communities in the state follow a custom whereby a newly-wed woman has to prove that she was virgin prior to the marriage.

Ranjeet Patil, the Minister of State for Home, met a delegation of some social organisations on the issue Wednesday. Shiv Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe was also a part of the delegation. "Virginity test will be considered a form of sexual assault...after consultations with the Law and Judiciary department, a circular will be issued declaring it a punishable offence," the minister told reporters later.

The demeaning custom is allegedly followed in the Kanjarbhat community, among others. Some youths from the community have launched an online campaign against it.

Patil, meanwhile, also said his department will hold a bi-monthly review of cases of sexual assault, and ensure low pendency of such cases in the courts.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday served notices to the Centre and state governments on a petition demanding that the name of the accused in cases of sexual assault should not be published.

Jabalpur: The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday served notices to the Centre and state governments on a petition demanding that the name of the accused in cases of sexual assault should not be published.

Section 228 (A) of the Indian Penal Code is "gender discriminatory" as it only protects the identity of the woman victim, the petition filed by PG Najpandey and Mumtaz Ahmed Khan said. The section prohibits disclosure of the identity of the victim of sexual assault and related offences.

A division bench of Chief Justice SK Seth and Justice VK Shukla admitted the public interest litigation (PIL) for hearing, said Ajay Shankar Raizada, the petitioners' counsel.

The petition contended that there was no bar on the publication of the name of male accused in such cases, though the law considers every person innocent till proved guilty.

The government should show how only the victim woman is affected if the identity is disclosed, but not the male accused. Section 228 (A) violates the right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution, Raizada said.

The lawyer said the #MeToo movement on social media against sexual harassment could also be used to "tarnish" the image of an innocent man.
Students from North India had sought permission from the college authorities to conduct 'Saraswati Pooja' in the campus on 9, 10 and 11 February following which the request was forwarded to the Cochin University of Science and Technology authorities

Kochi: Authorities of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) Thursday granted permission to a section of students in its Alappuzha campus to conduct 'pooja' for Goddess Saraswati, in a peaceful manner following a protest by them.

The permission was granted after north Indian students studying in the Cochin University College of Engineering Kuttanad (CUCEK) protested the CUSAT authorities' decision not to grant permission to organise the religious function in the institution, college authorities said.

Students from North India had sought permission from the college authorities to conduct 'Saraswati Pooja' in the campus on 9, 10 and 11 February following which the request was forwarded to the CUSAT authorities.

However, the request was declined by the CUSAT authorities, saying it "cannot permit religious function/activities of any religion inside campus" "since it was a secular campus".

The North Indian students staged a protest against the decision, claiming that such a pooja was performed in the campus in 2018 with the permission of the college authorities.

Considering the protest of the students, a high-power committee of the CUSAT comprising its vice chancellor and registrar met and decided to grant permission to the students to organise the Saraswati pooja on 10 February "in a peaceful"

manner in the college campus, sources said.

CUCEK Principal N Sunilkumar said the university authorities have orally communicated to him about the decision granting permission to conduct the pooja in the campus. The North Indian students have also been informed about the decision taken by the University authorities, he said.
Arvind Kejriwal said the police took three years to file in a court the chargesheet in connection with the sedition case against former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others.

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said the chargesheet filed by the Delhi Police in the JNU sedition case right before the Lok Sabha elections raises several questions and it needs to be "legally studied" by the AAP government.

Kejriwal said the police took three years to file in a court the chargesheet in connection with the sedition case against former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others.

Last month, the court had questioned the police for filing the chargesheet involving Kanhaiya and others without procuring the required sanction from authorities. On Wednesday, the court asked the Delhi government to expedite the process of granting requisite sanction for prosecution in the case.

"The government is currently studying the chargesheet. It took Delhi Police three years to file a chargesheet...The police filed it without the government's nod, and also right before the elections, which raises several questions. There is a need to legally study it (the chargesheet)," Kejriwal told reporters when asked about his government's stance on the issue.

According to the chargesheet, Kumar was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised on the JNU campus during an event on 9 February, 2016.

Police also charged former JNU students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans during the event to mark the hanging of Parliament attack mastermind Afzal Guru.

The event had taken place despite the university administration cancelling permission, following a complaint from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, which had termed it "anti-national".
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has filed a chargesheet against eight people, including journalist Aasif Sultan, for allegedly harbouring militants and conspiring with banned terror group Hizbul Mujahideen, officials said on Thursday.

New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir Police has filed a chargesheet against eight people, including journalist Aasif Sultan, for allegedly harbouring militants and conspiring with banned terror group Hizbul Mujahideen, officials said on Thursday.

Police had registered a case after militants had escaped from a residential area of Batmaloo in August in 2018 after firing indiscriminately at a police searching party. Constable Parvaiz Ahmad had died in the attack.

Besides the journalist, police also charge-sheeted Mohammed Shafeeq Bhat, Waseem Khan, Bilal Ahmed Bhat and Shazia under various sections, including those relating to murder, of the Ranbir Penal Code and the Arms Act. Three absconding, active militants of Hizbul Mujahideen  Abbas Sheikh, Aqib Nazir and Tehseen Ahmed  have been named in the chargesheet.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has secured prosecution sanctions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act against all the accused named in the chargesheet. During the preliminary investigation, the involvement of Mohammed Shafiq Bhat and Wasim Ahmed Khan was established in harbouring the militants in Bhat's house.

They were arrested and thoroughly questioned to unearth the conspiracy during which the identity of the escaped militants was ascertained as Umar Rashid, Umar Majeed and Aqib Nazir -- belonging to Hizbul Mujahideen. Khan, during interrogation, also mentioned that the group of militants was involved in the snatching of weapons from Dalgate area on 17 May in 2018.

He also named Aasif Sultan, Bilal Ahmed Bhat, an employee of Government Medical College, and Shazia as overground workers of Hizbul Mujahideen terror group. Shazia, during her questioning, also gave a statement on the involvement of all the five persons, including the journalist, in various terror activities.

Shazia further alleged that the scribe was a key worker of Hizbul Mujahideen and a close associate of wanted terrorist Abbas Sheikh, who she claimed had stayed with him at his Srinagar house on earlier occasions. At her instance, police conducted raids at Sultan's house and recovered 17 letterheads of the banned terror group.

Police has recorded the statement of some independent witnesses before a judicial magistrate in which role of all the five accused has been established. Police alleged that the journalist was involved in various terror activities. "During the investigation, the Facebook account of Sultan was perused which revealed that the accused is circulating and propagating messages of banned Hizbul Mujahideen outfit."

The chargesheet comes three weeks after the Committee to Protect Journalists, a global organisation advocating press freedom, had appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik to release Sultan.

In a letter to Malik, the CPJ had advocated releasing the journalist, who works for a weekly newspaper, and said "freedom of the press is a vital tenet of democracy and a proud part of India's history. We urge you to use the authority vested in you as governor of Jammu and Kashmir to help immediately ensure that Aasif Sultan is released and that the charges against him are dropped".

The journalist had approached sessions court for a bail which was rejected. Under UAPA, the police is supposed to file a chargesheet within six months after the arrest.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has secured prosecution sanctions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act against all the accused named in the chargesheet.

New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir Police has filed a chargesheet against eight people, including journalist Aasif Sultan, for allegedly harbouring militants and conspiring with banned terror group Hizbul Mujahideen, officials said on Thursday. Police had registered a case after militants had escaped from a residential area of Batmaloo last August after firing indiscriminately at a police searching party. Constable Parvaiz Ahmad had died in the attack.

Besides the journalist, police also chargesheeted Mohammed Shafeeq Bhat, Waseem Khan, Bilal Ahmed Bhat and Shazia under various sections, including those relating to murder, of the Ranbir Penal Code and the Arms Act. Three absconding, active militants of Hizbul Mujahideen  Abbas Sheikh, Aqib Nazir and Tehseen Ahmed  have been named in the charge sheet. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has secured prosecution sanctions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act against all the accused named in the chargesheet.

During preliminary investigation, the involvement of Mohammed Shafiq Bhat and Wasim Ahmed Khan was established in harbouring the militants in Bhat's house. They were arrested and thoroughly questioned to unearth the conspiracy during which the identity of the escaped militants was ascertained as Umar Rashid, Umar Majeed and Aqib Nazir  belonging to Hizbul Mujahideen. Khan, during interrogation, also mentioned that the group of militants was involved in snatching of weapons from Dalgate area on 17 May.

He also named Aasif Sultan, Bilal Ahmed Bhat, an employee of Government Medical College, and Shazia as over ground workers of Hizbul Mujahideen terror group. Shazia, during her questioning, also gave a statement on the involvement of all the five persons, including the journalist, in various terror activities. Shazia further alleged that the scribe was a key worker of Hizbul Mujahideen and a close associate of wanted terrorist Abbas Sheikh, who she claimed had stayed with him at his Srinagar house on earlier occasions.

At her instance, police conducted raids at Sultan's house and recovered 17 letterheads of the banned terror group. Police has recorded statement of some independent witnesses before a judicial magistrate in which role of all the five accused has been established. Police alleged that the journalist was involved in various terror activities. "During investigation, Facebook account of Sultan was perused which revealed that the accused is circulating and propagating messages of banned Hizbul Mujahideen outfit."

The chargesheet comes three weeks after the Committee to Protect Journalists, a global organisation advocating press freedom, had appealed to Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik to release Sultan. In a letter to Malik, the CPJ had advocated releasing the journalist, who works for a weekly newspaper, and said "freedom of the press is a vital tenet of democracy and a proud part of India's history. We urge you to use the authority vested in you as governor of Jammu and Kashmir to help immediately ensure that Aasif Sultan is released and that the charges against him are dropped". The journalist had approached sessions court for a bail which was rejected. Under UAPA, police is supposed to file a charge sheet within six months after arresting.
Indrani Mukerjea appeared through video conference from Byculla jail where she is lodged in Sheena Bora murder case

New Delhi: Indrani Mukerjea, former media baron booked in her daughter's murder case, requested a Delhi court for an advocate to file a plea for turning an approver in the INX Media corruption case in which former Union minister P Chidambaram is an accused.

Mukerjea, who appeared through video conference from Byculla jail where she is lodged in Sheena Bora murder case, told Special CBI judge Sunil Rana that she had not engaged an advocate to represent her before it in the case.

The court directed Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to appoint a legal aid counsel for Mukerjea, the former INX Media director, and put up the matter for hearing on 14 February.

Besides Mukerjea and Chidambaram, the name of his son Karti has also cropped up in the case involving Rs 305 crore, which relates to Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval granted in 2007 for receipt of funds by INX Media.

The CBI had registered an FIR in the case on 15 May, 2017, alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister.

Thereafter, the ED has also lodged the money laundering case against the company's founders Peter Mukerjea, former media baron and his wife Indrani, and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The Mukerjeas are facing trial in Mumbai for allegedly conspiring to kill Sheena Bora, Indrani's daughter from an earlier relationship, in April 2012.
Congress MP and All India Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev, on Thursday, said the Congress will abolish the criminalisation of triple talaq if voted to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Congress MP and All India Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev, on Thursday, said the Congress will abolish the criminalisation of triple talaq if voted to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, reports said. Speaking at the Congress's minority convention in New Delhi, where party chief Rahul Gandhi also spoke later, Dev said the Congress vows to remove the triple talaq law.

"A lot of people told us that women will be empowered if the triple talaq bill is passed. But we opposed that law because it is a weapon that Narendra Modi ji has prepared to put Muslim men in jail and make them stand in police stations," Dev said.

She hailed Muslim women from all parts of the country for writing "crores of letters, carrying out signature campaigns and rebelling against" the law. "The Congress party stood up and opposed it in Parliament. I promise you people that the Congress government will come in 2019 and we will scrap this law. But it is also certain that whatever law is brought for women's empowerment, by whichever government, the Congress will support it," Dev said.

The Congress's onslaught on the abolition of triple talaq is not new and has been sustained through August 2017, when a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court pronounced the practice of talaq-e-biddat or instant triple talaq as unconstitutional.

As women's rights activists across the country lauded the judgment for striking down the patriarchal practice, Rahul had said that the Congress had an issue with the "criminalisation" aspect in the bill.

The Congress has long since alleged that the BJP is only looking to further its anti-Muslim agenda and aims to please its core right-wing vote bank in abolishing the triple talaq. In the back and forth that emerged while the bill made its way through the apex court and the two Houses of the Parliament, both parties have accused each other in using the bill to assuage their own vote banks. Many BJP-ruled states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were scheduled to go for polls in 2018, when the BJP aimed to pass the bill.

Now that the Congress has announced that it would abolish the bill if it comes to power, questions may arise as to whether it is a pre-poll stance of the party as well.

The criminalisation aspect has been used by the party as the fulcrum of its opposition to the bill. It also allows the party to be vague about its stand on the abolition of the practice.

Early in 2018, as the BJP made to move the bill in the Parliament during the Winter Session, Sushmita Dev herself had said criminalising the practice "will alienate the Muslim community more" than it already has been. However, when the Bill was taken up for passage, the Congress did not vote against the bill.

The Lok Sabha, on 27 December, 2018, passed the triple talaq bill, officially known as the the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, with 245 votes in favour and 11 against it. The Congress staged a walkout, along with the AIADMK.

In Rajya Sabha, the party opposed the passage of the bill as it was then, demanding that it be sent to a select committee.

The bill has since then been pending, compelling the Centre to promulgate an ordinance banning the practice of instant triple talaq but including certain safeguards to ensure that the proposed law is not misused. Under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2019, issued on 13 January this year, divorcing through instant triple talaq will be illegal, void and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband.

With inputs from PTI
Farmers from 29 villages in Gujarats Navsari held a protest rally against bullet train project on Wednesday

Navsari: Farmers from 29 villages in Navsari held a protest rally against bullet train project on Wednesday.

Around 2,000 protestors submitted the memorandum to an official in this regard. In the memorandum, 14 concerns have been raised against the bullet train project.

Farmer leader Jayesh Patel said that the land which the government plans to acquire is a green belt. He added, "Around 2 lakh trees will be cut for this. We do not want the green zone to be disturbed."

In June 2018, Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal had said India's ambitious bullet train project is likely to be completed by 2022, a year ahead of its estimated deadline, which is December 2023.

On 6 May, Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister Akimoto Masatoshi inspected the sites for the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train and the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar metro rail projects, respectively.

The bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai will run a total length of 508 km, of which 21 kilometres will be covered in the tunnel under the sea.

The cost of the tunnel is estimated at Rs 3,500 crores. The cost of the total train project is Rs 1.10 trillion, and Japan is giving a loan of Rs 88,000 crores for the same at a minimal interest of 0.1 per cent, which has to be repaid over 50 years.
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The Travancore Devaswom Board on Wednesday said its decision in the Supreme Court to back women's entry into the Ayyappa shrine at Sabariamala was not due to any pressure following the CPM-led LDF government's stand on the issue.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board on Wednesday said its decision in the Supreme Court to back women's entry into the Ayyappa shrine at Sabariamala was not

due to any pressure following the CPM-led LDF government's stand on the issue.

The board, which administers the Sabarimala temple, had taken a U-turn on Wednesday in the apex court by supporting the 28 September verdict, allowing women of all age groups to enter the shrine.

The board told a five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, that it was high time that a particular class not be discriminated on the ground of "biological attributes".

Asked if the board's changed stance was out of pressure from the state government, TDB president A Padmakumar told reporters that the temple body had not given a review petition, but sought time to implement the 28 September decision.

"The board's decision was not on the basis of the government stand. We were asked if the board accepts the 28 September decision of the court and we said we accept it, which is natural.

"There should be no discrimination to anyone in offering prayers, that is the stand we have taken," he said. Asked if the board's volte face was due to pressure from the LDF government, Padmakumar said "not at all. The Board does not have to take a decision under pressure following the government stand on the verdict", he said.

Meanwhile, Sasikumar Varma of the erstwhile Pandalam Royal family, associated with the Sabarimala temple, said the government and the board are not with the devotees. "The Pandalam family's stand is that the customs and tradition of sabarimala temple should be protected," he said.

Opposition Congress-UDF leader in the assembly Ramesh Chennithala alleged that TDB's stand on the women's entry issue from the beginning was contrary to devotees' interests.

While Chennithala described the board as a "puppet" at the hands of the government, KPCC President Mullapally Ramachandran termed it a 'scarecrow' for supporting the apex court verdict and said the LDF government was using the Sabarimala issue for political gains.

BJP state President PS Sreedharan Pillai said the LDF government had failed to highlight the pain of the devotees in the top court.

For this, the people of the state would give a befitting reply to the state government, he told reporters at kollam. The Kerala government Wednesday strongly opposed in the Supreme Court a batch of petitions, seeking a review of the verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala shrine, even as several organisations argued that the judgement be reconsidered.
Human rights activist and lawyer Sudha Bhardwaj, arrested in connection with the Elgar Parishad case, has moved the Bombay High Court to seek bail. The plea was taken up for hearing on Wednesday by Justice N W Sambre.

Mumbai: Human rights activist and lawyer Sudha Bhardwaj, arrested in connection with the Elgar Parishad case, has moved the Bombay High Court to seek bail. The plea was taken up for hearing on Wednesday by Justice NW Sambre.

Bhardwaj, through her lawyer Yug Chaudhary, challenged the decision of a Pune court that had rejected her bail plea in October 2018. Chaudhary told the bench that the Pune court while denying the bail to Bhardwaj, had relied upon four letters produced as incriminating evidence by the Pune Police.

However, Chaudhary said he wanted to show to the high court that the letters could not be accepted as admissible evidence under the Indian Evidence Act. The bench is likely to hear the plea in detail on 18 February. Bhardwaj was arrested along with several other activists by the Pune Police in 2018.

She and the others were booked following an Elgar Parishad event on 31 December, 2017, which, the police alleged, triggered violent clashes the next day at Koregaon- Bhima village in Pune district of Maharashtra. According to police, the event was funded and supported by Maoists.

At the event, some activists made inflammatory speeches and provocative statements that contributed to the 1 January violence, they had said. The Pune Police also alleged that Bhardwaj played a role in mobilising party cadres and funds for the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).

The police claimed it came to the conclusion after raiding the houses of several of these activists and chancing upon some letters that revealed, among other things, a conspiracy to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Protesting against the 'false allegations' against Teltumbde, the statement issued on Wednesday 'strongly' condemned the threat of Teltumbde's imminent arrest calling him distinguished scholar, civil rights activist, and one of India's leading intellectuals.

Washington: Coming out in support of Dalit scholar Anand Teltumbde more than 600 scholars from the top US and European universities have issued a joint statement urging the governments of India and Maharashtra to bring the alleged "witch-hunt" to an immediate halt.

Protesting against the "false allegations" against Teltumbde, the statement issued on Wednesday "strongly" condemned the threat of Teltumbde's imminent arrest calling him distinguished scholar, civil rights activist, and one of India's leading intellectuals.

Admired by many as an organic intellectual of the Dalit community, his writings have contributed immensely to critical debates on democracy, globalisation and social justice, the statement said. "Teltumbde's house was illegally searched by the Maharashtra police on August 28, 2018," the statement said issued by Indian Civil Watch (ICW), a collective of scholars from major Universities like Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Oxford and the London School of Economics among others.

"The state and central governments then acted in concert to concoct manifestly baseless charges against Dr Teltumbde, and have threatened him with arrest under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) Act, a draconian law that allows the state to suspend a citizen's right to a fair trial and detain him or her indefinitely," it added.

"Such dangerous allegations against one of India's leading and most prolific public intellectuals is a grave attack on democracy and civil liberties, and urgent redress is necessary," it said further. Prominent among those who have signed the petition, include Elizabeth Woods of Yale, Cornel West and Doris Sommer of Harvard, Robin Kelley and Eric Sheppard of UCLA, Mriganka Sur of MIT, and Cindi Katz of the City University of New York.

"The 600 odd signatures came in like an avalanche over 72 hours," said Prof. Raja Swamy, spokesperson for ICW, the North America based group that initiated the petition. Among the reputed South Asia scholars who have signed the statement include Partha Chatterjee and Akeel Bilgrami of Columbia University, Thomas Bloom-Hansen of Stanford, Rajeshwari Sundar Rajan and David Ludden of New York University, and Barbara Harris-White and Karin Kapadia of Oxford University to name a few.

"The depth of support among South Asianists for Dr Teltumbde and the Bhima Koregaon 12 is indicative of the sense of alarm and concern over the government's abuse of law and order to target the most dedicated civil rights activists and gifted intellectuals of Indian society," said Sangeeta Kamat of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
The US has agreed to sell two advanced missile defence systems to India for the two Air India One (Boeing-777) aircraft used by the Indian prime minister and president for an estimated cost of $190 million, bringing the security of Head-of-State aircraft at par with that of 'Air Force One' used by the American president

Washington: The US has agreed to sell two advanced missile defence systems to India for two Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft for an estimated cost of $190 million, a decision that will enhance the security of the planes flying the president and the prime minister.

According to the Pentagon, the sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the India-US strategic relationship.

The Trump administration approved the purchase of the two systems known as Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and Self-Protection Suites (SPS) for an estimated cost of $190 million, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a notification to the Congress on Wednesday.

The US decision came after the Indian Government recently made the request for LAIRCM and SPS, given the high-level threat to the prime minister and the president.

The defence systems, which would bring the security of 'Air India One' at par with that of 'Air Force One' used by the American President, would be installed in two Boeing 777 Head-of-State aircraft, the Pentagon said.

The Indian Government plans to buy two Boeing 777 ERs from the national carrier Air India for this specific purpose. Unlike in the past, the two aircraft would not be used for commercial purposes by Air India.

The purpose of the LAIRCM programme is to protect large aircraft from man-portable missiles. Once installed, the LAIRCM system increases crew-warning time, decreases false alarm rates and automatically counters advanced intermediate range missile systems, according to the Federation of American Scientists.

The missile warning subsystem will use multiple sensors to provide full spatial coverage.

The counter-measures subsystem will use lasers mounted in pointer-tracker turret assemblies. It also automatically counters advanced intermediate range missile systems with no action required by the crew.

The pilot will simply be informed that a threat missile was detected and jammed.

Observing that it will improve India's capability to deter regional threats, the Congressional notification said the SPS will facilitate a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats.

"India will have no problem absorbing and using this system," the DSCA statement said.

The department said the proposed sale will not "alter the basic military balance in the region".

The prime contractor will be the Boeing Company. "The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor," the DSCA statement said.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of one additional US contractor representative to India, it said.

According to the notification, India requested to buy two SPS consisting of AN/AAQ 24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), ALQ-211(V)8 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS) and AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) to protect two (2) Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft.

"This potential sale would include twelve Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (6 installed and 6 spares), eight (8) LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (LSPR) AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (2 installed and 6 spares); twenty-three (23) Missile Warning Sensors (MWS) for AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (12 installed and 11 spares), five (5) AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) (2 installed and 3 spares)," the notification said.

Also included in this sale are Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites (AIDEWS), LAIRCM CIURs, SCAs, HCCs, and UDM cards, initial spares, consumables, repair and return support and support equipment.

The US is the second-largest arms supplier to India. It has already recognised India as a "major defence partner", a status that which commits the US to facilitate technology sharing with India.

In 2018, the US granted India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status. India is the only South Asian country to get STA1 status and third Asian country after Japan and South Korea. The status eases India's defence procurement from the US.

Last year India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) to facilitate interoperability between the two militaries and sale of high-end technology.
Some hospitals in Uttarakhand face not only a shortage of doctors but also of paramedical staff, highlighting the seriousness of the healthcare facilities the state lacks.

Editor's Note: The idea of a 'ghost village' is now a reality in Uttarakhand, where remote villages in the hills lack basic amenities like roadways, health centres and schools. This seven-part series will examine the root cause of this migration and the measures being taken to tackle the problem.

Read the series here.

***

Dehradun: "Isn't it ironic that in a 'devibhoomi'  as Uttarakhand is called  people's lives are in 'Ram bharose' (in god's hands)?" asked Indresh Maikhuri.

The 42-year-old social activist and political worker from Karnaprayag of Chamoli district is referring to the over 40 percent vacancies for doctors in the state, of which 80 percent of the openings are for super-specialists.

According to a report by the Rural Development and Migration Commission, 8 percent of residents have migrated out of Uttarakhand's hilly areas to urban locations due to lack of medical facilities. The fact that doctors born and brought up in the hills are not ready to serve in its remote areas has become a matter of grave concern.

"Our state turned 18 just a few months ago (in November), and yet, we do not have enough doctors at health centres here, especially in the remote hilly areas. Sure, government hospital buildings look swanky and modern, but what is the point of that if the number of people being treated and cured is abysmally low? That's why more and more families are migrating to urban areas," Maikhuri rued.

"This sorry situation extends to all government hospitals in the Garhwal division. Right from Rudraprayag to Srinagar, every hospital has been transformed into a mere referral centre instead of one that actually provides treatment. Even Srinagar's government medical college faces this problem due to insufficient specialists. In such a scenario, the poor are living in 'Ram bharose', while those who have money are shifting to Dehradun and other better-connected areas."

The activist added: "Just a few days ago, a woman in Karnaprayag died because she didn't receive the right treatment. And she wasn't the first either. There have been several cases of pregnant women delivering their babies on roads and in other unsterile conditions."

From Garhwal to Kumaon

While Maikhuri's revelations do paint a dark picture of what's happening in the hilly districts, government hospitals in the plains fare no better.

"The largest government hospital in the state is the Doon Medical College Hospital in Dehradun, where thousands of patients from the hills are sent for treatment. One would expect at least that facility to have its act together, but alas! The hospital has often courted controversy over lack of sufficient services. Just last year, it ran out of oxygen for the 18-odd patients who were affected by a chlorine gas leak and then sent them packing to a private hospital. This year, a woman's body was found in a toilet on the premises, while nine women had to deliver their babies in torchlight and candlelight because the power was out and the hospital didn't have a generator. I myself have seen a person carrying his dead family member on his shoulder after the hospital failed to provide him with a stretcher. If this is the situation in the capital, you can imagine how it must be in the remote areas," he explained.

Although Maikhuri mainly highlighted the situation of health services in Garhwal, those in the Kumaon division aren't in a better state either. A combined health centre (CHC) in Gangolihat town, Pithoragarh district, is facing a shortage of not only doctors but also of paramedical staff, and while the Pithoragarh district hospital is the only one with an ICU, local residents say it's a showpiece and doesn't have sufficient staff.

Govind Singh Bisht, a 61-year-old native of Almora district's Patia village in Kumaon division, said, "My village is in the Takula development block. I don't see much difference in Uttarakhand from the time it was part of Uttar Pradesh. The whole point of a separate state was to give locals from the hills more facilities and a better life, but not much has changed. Our district headquarters is 15 to 20 kilometres away from the village. We had to go all the way there for treatment during my childhood and even now. The only difference is that earlier, we went in palanquins and now, there is a road. Small mercies!

"I don't know on what basis the chief minister is making claims of having made enough doctors available. Not just government hospitals, even primary health centres, CHCs and district hospitals are being operated on a public-private partnership (PPP) mode."

Bisht added, "I used to work in a bank. I am retired now and have shifted to Almora. I ache for my native place. I wanted to spend my retirement there in peace. But with it lacking basic amenities, I can't go back."

A crippling crunch

Navin Karki, acting chief medical superintendent of the Gangolihat CHC, said only four of the nine sanctioned openings for doctors and one of the eight vacancies for paramedical staff have been filled.

"Not just that, a doctor was selected and appointed under the State Public Service Commission, but the medico still hasn't reported to work. We finally had to alert our seniors about it," Karki added.

"Then there are X-ray machines but no technicians to operate them. This manpower shortage is severely hampering hospital operations; we are doing our best to manage with the available resources."

Data provided by Uttarakhand's Department of Health and Family Welfare shows that only 1,640 doctors have been appointed against the 2,710 sanctioned posts. With over a thousand vacancies, the burden of providing proper healthcare services has fallen on private clinics, which a majority of the locals can't afford.

While the poor condition of healthcare services is a problem in several states in India, it's exceptionally grave in Uttarakhand, where efforts by successive governments to attract medical practitioners to serve in the hills have failed.

Government's defence

This manpower shortage has forced the state government to run more and more hospitals on the PPP mode. Recently, the first CHC at Doiwala  Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat's constituency  in Dehradun district was handed over to the Himalayan Hospital Trust. Similarly, MoUs to transfer two CHCs in Devprayag as well as the Tehri district hospital to function under the PPP model have been signed. All this indicates that the government believes it can't fill the vacancies alone.

Rawat, who also holds the responsibility of the Uttarakhand Department of Health and Family Welfare, claimed that 1,137 doctors had joined since he took charge 17 months ago, as compared to the 1,133 hired in the past 17 years. "At least 17 of the 21 doctor posts in every district hospital have been filled. Also, tele-medicine centres have been started at various government hospitals, and an air ambulance service is being launched," he said.

However, Rawat's claims were backed only by the district hospital in Nainital, where 20 of the 24 vacancies were filled, that too only on a high court order.

Nonetheless, the Uttarakhand government has been trying to mitigate the situation. It has brought in the Transfer Act 2017, which is unique to the hill state. Classifying postings in two areas, sugam (accessible) and durgam (remote), the Act stipulates the mandatory transfer of those posted in sugam areas for more than four years to durgam areas. But it remains to be seen whether the legislation will succeed in ushering in better healthcare services to the hills.

The author is a Dehradun-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com
Unlike his outgoing flight, the return, if extradition is confirmed, will more likely be on a private jet. But that thought is unlikely to bring Mallya any solace

The once-upon-a-time king of good times is pinning his hopes on a last throw of the dice to save himself from doing hard time behind bars. Embattled liquor and aviation tycoon Vijay Mallya has chalked-up plans to initiate a lengthy appeal process against the UK governments order to extradite him to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to nearly Rs 9,000 crores in India. The word of the appeals court would effectively be the last as the Supreme Court in Britain takes up only matters of law of wide public interest.

The plea is being filed against an extradition order by the UK home secretary which followed more or less automatically from the Westminster chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnots order of 10 December last year.

The home secretary has almost no discretion to refuse extradition once it has been approved by the court, so this decision is no surprise, Nick Vamos, partner at the firm Peters & Peters, and former head for extradition at the Crown Prosecution Service, told Firstpost. The fact appears to have been lost amid the BJP-Congress war of words (but you gave the loans vs but you let him go) that gets renewed at every stage of this case with unwavering stamina.

I expect his lawyers have had the papers ready for some time, and the appeal will be heard and decided in the next two to three months, says Vamos. That sounds like election time in India.

The defence for Dr Mallyahe has an honorary degree of doctorate of philosophy in business administration from the Southern California University for Professional Studiesis expected now to push its allegations of a political witch hunt after the Westminster chief magistrate dismissed that argument in her order. Lively developments within the CBI in Delhi (and later Kolkata) are certain to come up.

The Mallya team had pointed fingers at the CBI, particularly the prosecuting officer in this case, Rakesh Asthana, as a political tool of the government. The magistrate said in her order she found no evidence that the prosecution was corrupt or politically-led and found also no evidence that Asthana has acted corruptly. But this is now an appeal against that judgment, and there have since been more developments around Asthana for the Mallya team to pick on.

The defence will hit at other weaknesses in the Indian government case such as identical statements from supposedly independent witnesses that Magistrate Arbuthnot acknowledged but said she had disregarded for purpose of her decision. Mallyas lawyers may ask an appeals court now to consider what the magistrate said she had not needed to.

Reversal of a magistrates orders by an appeals court is not uncommon. A magistrate had ordered the extradition of Lt Commander Ravi Shankaran (retd) in the naval war room leaks case, but he went in appeal and won. A magistrate had blocked extradition of bookie Sanjiv Chawla, and this time the Indian government went in appeal and won. In the appeal now, little by way of new evidence is likely to be raised in defence. The thrust of the Mallya team bid is likely to be a renewal of arguments to reject Indian government evidence as inadmissible.

The threshold of evidence needed will remain just as low for the appeals courtwhether there is prima facie evidence of fraud sufficient for the court to order extradition for Mallya to face proper trial in India, and whether he would be detained in minimally humane conditions. Here again, the Mallya team is bound to argue, as it did before the magistrate earlier, that the word of the Indian government on detention conditions cannot be trusted. The experience of Christian Michel and others recently extradited to India would be crucialanything going wrong with their well-being through detention could bring the end of the Indian case against Mallya, and all others to come.

The Indian case of fraud and misrepresentations by Mallya appears to have been established clearly, though. The magistrate determined that the Kingfisher Airlines' management faced a dismal picture of the company coming crashing down but presented a falsely bright picture to the banks.

And that Mallya did not just know, but directed such misrepresentation of the true position of the company and of securities offered to the banks. The corresponding failures of the banks were either by design or for motives not presented to the court, the magistrate observed, or they were in the thrall of this glamorous, flashy, famous, bejewelled, bodyguarded, ostensibly billionaire playboy.

Past the adjectives, the magistrate found that this playboy used much of the money taken from the banks for funding a company jet for his private use, and for his Formula 1 racing team when he should have been paying creditors. Over an Enforcement Directorate charge, the magistrate found a prima facie case that Mallya was involved in a conspiracy to launder money. It would not appear very likely that an appeals court will suddenly find the position to be otherwise. As the case now stands, a confirmation of extradition from the appeals court looks most likely.

Unlike his outgoing flight, the return, if extradition is confirmed, will more likely be on a private jet. But that thought is unlikely to bring Mallya any more solace than the promise of a 40-inch colour TV in a refurbished cell in Mumbai in which he could watch the news on himself past his jet lag. If thats where he does land up, Mallya might just begin to take some of the philosophic view of which the Californian school had seen promise.
The government is going to go ahead in a big way for skilling of powerloom sector, in synergy with CMAI, Irani said

Mumbai: Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani Wednesday said the textiles ministry along with the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) will

identify powerloom clusters in the country and go ahead in a big way for skilling of powerloom sector.

"CMAI, along with its members, has resolved that in conjunction with the textiles ministry, powerloom clusters will be identified from which adequate resources for retail businesses will procured, with assistance to powerloom weavers by the government," Irani said at a function here.

The government is going to go ahead in a big way for skilling of powerloom sector, in synergy with CMAI, she said.

Textiles secretary Raghvendra Singh recalled that MoUs were recently signed with industry players wherein government will facilitate sourcing of handloom products from handloom clusters, based on requirements of industry, so that cost of production comes down for weavers.

He said that specific discussions were held today with CMAI members, and it has been decided that government and industry will work together for enhancing income of weavers and generating employment.

Textiles minister also launched 'India Size' project and study of Apparel Consumption in India, at the event.

A first-of-its-kind project, India Size aims to arrive at a standard Indian size for the ready-to-wear clothing industry, on the lines of the standardized sizes available in countries such as the US and the UK.

A size chart that is specific to Indian consumers' measurements will be developed. This will help Indian apparel manufacturers to tailor their cuts closer to the actual body measurements of consumers.

The India Size project will benefit manufacturers, consumers and will also generate data for textile ministry.

The minister also launched a study of Apparel Consumption in India. Representing over 45,000 apparel manufacturers and retailers, CMAI will be conducting a study

spread across three to six months, for arriving at an accurate assessment of the total apparel consumption in the country, thereby resulting in more accurate business projections, better marketing strategies and investment into the industry.

The study aims to bridge the lack of accurate and reliable data on the size, spread, and extent of the domestic market.

The study will attempt to come up with region-wise and product category-wise consumption patterns in the country, to arrive at a statistically reliable database, which could then become the foundation to study growth patterns in the coming year. The report would be ready for release by July 2019.
'Prominent industrialists from the country will be attending tomorrow's business summit. You will see who is coming at the programme,' Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of West Bengal she told reporters at the state secretariat.

Kolkata: Over 36 countries would be participating in the two-day Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) which gets underway today, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday. This is the fifth edition of the Summit.

Japan, Germany, Italy, Poland, Republic of Korea, France, Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, the UAE, Australia, Finland and Luxembourg are likely to take part in the mega business event.

Banerjee met with diplomats and business head honchos on Wednesday ahead of the Bengal Global Business Summit that begins on Thursday.

"Prominent industrialists from the country will be attending tomorrow's business summit. You will see who is coming at the programme," she told reporters at the state secretariat.

Mamata Banerjee said Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director, Reliance Industries will lead a clutch of industrialists to the event including Sajjan Jindal of JSW Group and others. Besides them, Kishore Biyani, Future Group head; Sanjiv Goenka, CEO, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, Harshvardhan Neotia, chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group are expected to attend the summit.

Asked about the focus of the state government's showpiece event, Banerjee said, "Every sector will be under focus. See how many MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding) get signed".

Of the 10 lakh investment proposals received during last year's summit, over 50 percent have already been implemented which is a record among all other business meets in the country, she said.

Banerjee said Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu has sent a video which will be shown at the summit.

Banerjee said the state government has already sent out invites to Union ministers but it is "up to them to decide" to accept it or not.

To ensure a strong foreign imprint, the state government organised a series of interactive sessions on business opportunities in Bengal in Frankfurt (Germany), and Milan (Italy) in October 2018. High-powered official and business delegations have also visited many other countries.

"Italy, participating as a partner country for the third time in a row, will be represented by Italian Ambassador Lorenzo Angeloni. This year the number of Italian delegates are expected to exceed the last year. Delegates from Lombardy and Caserta in Italy are also participating this year," said Damiano Francovigh, the Italian Consulate General to Kolkata.

--With agency inputs
At present, Oyo has over 13,000 franchised and leased hotels, and over 450,000 rooms, adding over 64,000 rooms every month, globally.

Ritesh Agarwal-led hospitality firm Oyo is set to make its foray into the American market with affordable housing solutions after aggressively expanding its presence in Asian countries including China and Japan besides Britain, said a media report.

Oyo will enter the US market with the launch of affordable living solutions targetting young people and middle-income groups, said a report in The Times of India.

"We are currently in the early stages of rolling out our first Oyo Townhouses in the States, bringing jobs for the young people and better living solutions for the middle-income population ad millennials who are looking for an affordable yet good quality living spaces," a spokesperson of Oyo was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Last month, Oyo had said it was working on a road map for 1-million room inventory from the existing count of 4.6 lakh.

"We will have one million rooms inventory into our fold in the near distant future. I think, it should happen in a year and a half," Oyo CEO, India and South Asia, Aditya Ghosh told PTI.

This will help Oyo become the "world's top player from number three now", he claimed.

The company has set a target of 2.5 million rooms by 2023, its promoter Ritesh Agarwal said.

At present, Oyo has over 13,000 franchised and leased hotels, and over 4,50,000 rooms, adding over 64,000 rooms every month, globally.

"In India, we have over 8,700 leased and franchised hotels, and more than 1,64,000 rooms," a company official said.

The firm has changed from the aggregator model to own inventories through the franchise or lease operation model.

In China, a traditionally strong market for corporates, Oyo's revenue is lower despite having a higher inventory of about 1.8 lakh rooms in that country, the official said.

Oyo has an active presence in seven countries and is planning to expand to at least 15 countries with a focus on Asian nations.

Over the next few weeks, it is expected to announce a fresh corporate growth plan focused on Asia and Japan, where it aims to become the largest player by the 2020 Summer Olympics, company officials said.

The hospitality firm is also aggressively putting in place a digital record system to facilitate direct data sharing of customers' arrivals and departures with various state governments.

On Tuesday, Oyo reported a marginal widening of net loss to Rs 360 crore for the financial year 2017-18 for its operations in India. The company had posted a net loss of Rs 355 crore for the previous fiscal year 2016-17, OYO said in a statement.

In September 2018, Oyo Hotels had announced to raise $1 billion from existing investors, including Japans Softbank Group, to grow its business in India and China, and expand into new international markets.

It has already raised $800 million from investors led by Softbanks Vision Fund, the worlds biggest private tech investor, and Lightspeed Venture Partners, Sequoia Capital and Greenoaks Capital.

Oyo has also plans to invest $600 million of the new funds in China, where the hotel aggregator has expanded into 171 cities and 87,000 rooms since its launch in the country about 10 months ago. The company will use the remaining funds to expand in India and enter new markets.

 With inputs from agencies
The role of the regulator is limited to looking at the violations of its regulations by individuals or groups, and act on the same, governor Shaktikanta Das

Mumbai: In its first comments on the Chanda Kochhar affair involving allegations impropriety while heading ICICI Bank, the Reserve Bank Thursday said it is for the law enforcement agencies to take an action in the case.

The role of the regulator is limited to looking at the violations of its regulations by individuals or groups, and act on the same, governor Shaktikanta Das said.

"If there are certain things which require investigation, that is in the domain of the investigating agencies and it's for them to take further action," he told reporters during the customary post-policy press conference.

He was replying to a specific question on how the banking regulator looks at the developments at the ICICI Bank, where an independent enquiry constituted by the lender has found Kochhar guilty of misconduct.

A few days before her virtual expulsion, the CBI filed an FIR naming Kochhar and others in the alleged quid pro quo in extending a Rs 3,250-crore loan to the Videocon Group.

Amid raging controversy over the case, Kochhar - also a Padma Bhushan awardee and the first woman to head a bank in the country way back in 2009--quit the bank in October 2018 months after the lender had given a clean chit to her.

The independent probe panel headed by retired Supreme Court judge BN Srikrishna has observed that Kochhar violated bank policies and other rules and regulations.

There were allegations of involvement of Kochhar and her family members in a loan provided to the Videocon group on a quid pro quo basis. It was alleged that the Videocon Group pumped money into NuPower Renewables, a firm now owned by Deepak Kochhar, husband of Chanda Kochhar.

The allegation of conflict of interest was levelled by whistleblower Arvind Gupta.

Interestingly, there are media reports saying the RBI had given her a clean chit in 2016 itself, when the allegations first surfaced.

Following the Srikrishna panel report, the bank said it would not treat her leaving the bank as retirement but a termination of her service and also decided to claw back the around Rs 10 crore bonus paid to her between 2009 and March 2018 along with blocking her close to Rs 340 crore of Esops- both a first in the country. She is reportedly planning a legal challenge to both punitive actions.
The Bill provides for severe punishment and heavy pecuniary fines to act as deterrent.

New Delhi: In a bid to save gullible investors from ponzi schemes, the government on Wednesday approved proposals to amend the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018 that seeks to put in place a mechanism by which such depositors can be compensated.

The modifications, based on recommendations of the Standing Committee on Finance, will further strengthen the bill in its objective to effectively tackle the menace of illicit deposit-taking activities, and prevent such schemes from duping the poor and gullible people of their hard earned savings, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018 was introduced in Parliament on 18 July 2018 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Finance. The committee submitted its Seventieth Report on the bill to Parliament on 3 January 2019.

"The bill contains a substantive banning clause which bans deposit takers from promoting, operating, issuing advertisements or accepting deposits in any unregulated deposit scheme," he said while briefing the media after a meeting of the Union Cabinet here.

The bill proposes to create three different types of offencesrunning of unregulated deposit schemes, fraudulent default in regulated deposit schemes, and wrongful inducement in relation to unregulated deposit schemes.

The CBI has lodged about 166 cases in the last four years related to chit funds and multi-crore scams, with the maximum in West Bengal and Odisha, Prasad said.

The bill provides for severe punishment and heavy pecuniary fines to act as deterrent.

It has adequate provisions for disgorgement or repayment of deposits in cases where such schemes nonetheless manage to raise deposits illegally, Prasad added.

The bill provides for attachment of properties or assets and subsequent realisation of assets for repayment to depositors. Clear-cut timelines have been provided for attachment of property and restitution to depositors.

It also enables creation of an online central database for collection and sharing of information on deposit-taking activities in the country.

"Being a comprehensive union law, the bill adopts best practices from state laws, while entrusting the primary responsibility of implementing the provisions of the legislation to the state governments," he said.

The finance minister in the Budget speech 2016-17 had announced that a comprehensive Central legislation would be brought in to deal with the menace of illicit deposit taking schemes, as in the recent past, there have been rising instances of people in various parts of the country being defrauded by illicit deposit taking schemes.

The worst victims of these schemes are the poor and the financially illiterate, and the operations of such schemes are often spread over many states, an official statement said.

As per information provided by RBI, during the period between July 2014 and May 2018, 978 cases of unauthorised schemes were discussed in State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) meetings in various states/UTs and were forwarded to the respective regulators/law enforcement agencies in the states, it said.

A large number of such instances have been reported from the eastern part of the country.

Subsequently, the Finance Minister in the Budget 2017-18 had announced that the draft bill to curtail the menace of illicit deposit schemes had been placed in the public domain and would be introduced shortly after its finalisation.
Jhunjunwala said he will also leave 5 percent of his fortune in fixed deposits for his two kids, which cannot be touched by them but can ensure easy survival even if they blow the rest of the fortune in gambling in Macau.

Mumbai: Largest individual investor in the domestic equities market Rakesh Jhunjhunwala has admitted that his risk appetite is going down due to age and wants to set aside up to 10 percent of his wealth in saving products soon.

Having suffered losses on his startup bets both in 2000 and 2007, Jhunjhunwala said he does not see any value in them both from investment or business perspectives as most of them are just meet-toos lacking any real uniqueness.

Stating that he is keeping away from investing in startups as it is difficult to understand their business like the one presented by cab aggregator Uber, he said, "Though many of them talk about innovation, there is little uniqueness in them and many of them are like 'me-too' companies."

The only savings the Big Bull has now is a fixed deposit of Rs 50,000 in a bank and Rs 1 crore in public provident fund, while rest of huge investments are in equities, he said.

"I must put 5-10 percent of my money into (savings products)... age is catching up, and I should limit my risk appetite," Jhunjhunwala told the Tiecon summit here on Wednesday.

The ace investor is reported to have a networth of over $2.7 billion or nearly Rs 19,000 crore.

Jhunjhunwala said he will also leave 5 percent of his fortune in fixed deposits for his two kids, which cannot be touched by them but can ensure easy survival even if they blow the rest of the fortune in gambling in Macau.

He loves gambling and added the time is not far when all the states in the country will legalise the same as Goa.

Admitting that his short-term plays made him who he is, the outspoken investor compared share trading with a mistress and longer-term investing as a wife, and recommended investors to keep both happy.

Terming investing as a serious business, he advised non-professional investors like the salaried class to invest through the Big Bull mutual funds route and keep aside not more than 10 percent for self-investing if excitement is what they are looking for.

On the bloodbath in the midcaps last year, in which he lost heavily, Jhunjhunwala said investors should blame themselves for the mistake of investing at such high valuations.

He, however, quickly added that there was no fundamental issue with any of those stocks which bore the brunt of the market mayhem and the problem for investors was only high valuations.

The passion for investing and the eat-drink-sleep-dream stock markets routine is the secret behind his fortune, he said, admitting that he cannot be anything else but a stock market player.

Blaming the IL&FS crisis on multiple issues including lax regulation, he expressed satisfaction with the corporate governance practices in companies saying those are 5,000 times better than the olden days.

The investor said he wants the BJP to return to power after the summer elections because of the change in attitudes brought about by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and also supported its issues like uniform civil code, Ram temple or buying property in Jammu & Kashmir.

Jhunjhunwala said he unwinds by having whiskey twice a week, down from seven a week a few years ago, and also does yoga sometimes.
Mukesh Ambani announced a slew of measures for West Bengal from optic fibres to an ecommerce platform that would generate employment in the state.

Mukesh Ambani, chairman, Reliance Industries, announced plans for Reliance Jio network to cover 100 percent of West Bengals population in the current year. Stating this at the inaugural session of the two-day Bengal Global Business Summit in Kolkata on Thursday, Ambani said the network is progressing at a fast pace.

Out of the state's 9 crore population, Jio has 1.2 crore loyal customers, Ambani said, adding that the aim is to increase this manifold in coming years.

Jio is the largest investor in the state, Ambani said. Today our investment stands at Rs 28,000 crore in West Bengal alone which is one-tenth of our investment in India. We have planned a further investment of Rs 10,000 crore," said Ambani. In 2016, Reliance investment in West Bengal was Rs 4,500 crore.

Today our investment stands at Rs 28,000 crore in West Bengal alone, one-tenth of our investment in India. We have planned a further investment of Rs 10,000 crore: Mukesh Ambani #BGBS2019 #BengalMeansBusiness pic.twitter.com/ZpHfpvgbMg  All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) February 7, 2019

Ambani announced a slew of measures for West Bengal from optic fibres to ecommerce platform that would generate employment in the state.

#LIVE  Our endeavour to cover 100% of the state's population with our Jio network is progressing at a fast pace. We hope to achieve this within the current year 2019: Mukesh Ambanis address at Bengal Global Summit. pic.twitter.com/U9IDK9fmdn  News18 (@CNNnews18) February 7, 2019

With Reliance Jio, Ambani hoped to make every home a smart home by connecting through optic fibre cable.

West Bengal is poised to become a logistics hub of the east with a plan to attract Rs 5,000 crore investment. Reliance is already operating three warehouses here, he said.

There are plans to come out with a new e-commerce platform in West Bengal, said Ambani. This will become a win-win platform for consumers, retailers and enrich and empower 3 lakh crore retailers, he said.

Mentioning that Jio has a brick and mortar presence in every tehsil, Ambani said that 350 Jio points would go up to 1000 by end of the year.

(Disclaimer: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd which publishes Firstpost)
Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented a Rs 1,193 crore deficit budget for 2019-20 with no fresh taxes.

Guwahati: Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in his 2019-20 Budget Wednesday announced a series of proposals and relief packages for the benefit of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and economically weaker section of the society.

Sarma said that during 2019-20, capital subsidy of Rs 50,000 on bank loans would be provided to 63,000 SHGs and they would also be incentivised to go for bank loans by providing an interest subvention of 3 percent.

"We will also bring another 63,000 new SHGs under the ambit of the Vistarita Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Yojana. These newly adopted SHGs will be given the initial revolving fund of Rs 25,000 under this scheme. The total number of SHGs which shall come under the ambit of the scheme by 2019- 20 will be 1,95,000 which denotes the emerging women empowerment story of our state," he said.

The government will give one tola gold (price of around Rs 38,000 today) for brides belonging to families earning less than Rs 5 lakh per annum. A new scheme where rice would be sold at Rs 1 per kg to benefit 53 lakh families was also announced.

On healthcare, the minister proposed to expand the coverage of Atal Amrit Abhiyan to include ICU packages, trauma critical care, paediatrics and paediatric surgery, besides bone marrow transplantation benefitting a large chunk of poor and middle class.

"During the financial year 2019-20, I would like to continue with two important schemes that were launched on 28th January 2019. The farmers will continue to get 25 percent subsidy on their short term crop loans taken against Kisan Credit Cards up to a maximum limit of Rs 25,000. The second scheme is to continue with zero interest on short-term crop loans up to Rs 2 lakh," Sarma said.

Under the Asom Darshan tourism development initiative, a huge positive socio-economic impact is expected to be achieved on the state by developing and publicising various places of tourist interest, he said. He said a list of around 316 destinations has been drawn up for upgrading of basic infrastructure and amenities.

For restoration of Sri Sri Batadrava Than in Nagaon district, one of the oldest and best-known thans (sacred place) founded by 15-16th century Assamese saint-scholar, social-religious reformer, poet and playwright, Srimanta Sankaradeva, the minister proposed Rs 155 crore so that it gets its deserved place in the annals of spiritual destinations in India.

For boatmen, restaurant owners, affected by the commissioning of the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge and Bogibeel Bridge affecting their livelihood, the finance minister said Rs 5 crore has been earmarked as relief package to rehabilitate such individuals with an alternate source of income through the enterprise of the Inland Water Transport Department.

An amount of Rs 70 crore has also been earmarked to roll out 1,000 new buses in Assam over the next three years.

Sarma on Wednesday presented a Rs 1,193 crore deficit budget for 2019-20 with no fresh taxes.

--With PTI inputs
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2019) - Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc. (CSE: LDS) (OTCQX: LDSYF) (FSE: LD6) (WKN: A14XHT) ("LDS" or the "Company") announces that its board of directors resolved to grant options to acquire up to 3,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock to its President and a consultant, and grant warrants to acquire up to 3,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock to its consultants. The options and warrants vest over a two-year period in equal installments beginning on February 7, 2019, and may be exercised at a price of $0.465 per share expiring five years after each vesting date.

Included in the options to acquire up to 3,000,000 common shares of the Company are 2,000,000 options the Company agreed to issue to Mr. Fenwick, the Company's President, under his employment agreement with CSPA Group, Inc., which the Company announced in the news release issued on February 5, 2019.

About Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc.

Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc. is a technology company that licenses its technology to a state-of-the-art production and packaging facility located in Southern California. The Company's technology produces infused strips (similar to breath strips) that are not only a safer, healthier option to any other form of delivery but also allows for inclusion of a wide spectrum of ingredients from over the counter medications to homeopathic, nutraceutical, vitamins and supplements. The technology provides a new way to accurately meter the dosage and assure the purity of selected product. From start to finish, the production process, based on the Company's technology, tests for quality and composition of all the ingredients used in each and every strip which results in a delivery system that is safe, consistent and effective.

On behalf of the board of directors of Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc.

Brad Eckenweiler

CEO & Director

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

investor.relations@lifestyledeliverysystem.com

1-866-347-5058

Cautionary Disclaimer Statement:

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. In addition, marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Although Congress has prohibited the US Justice Department from spending federal funds to interfere with the implementation of state medical marijuana laws, this prohibition must be renewed each year to remain in effect. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42717
PALM BEACH, Florida, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In the horse race to revenues, it seems that CBD infused products market may outpace the cannabis market, with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill kicking it ahead across the finish line! A report from a cannabis industry analyst, as reported in The Rolling Stone magazine, says: "For years, experts have predicted that if the cannabis industry expands at its current rate, the American market will reach $20 billion by 2020. But it turns out that one market is spinning off into a mega-industry of its own: according to a new estimate from cannabis industry analysts the Brightfield Group, the hemp-CBD market alone could hit $22 billion by 2022." In fact the Rolling Stone sub-headline sums it up the reason why: "Looking forward to relaxed hemp regulations, a new analysis estimates that the CBD market could explode - and outpace marijuana.". Previously, CBD products have been available mostly in head shops, with a few doctors recommending it for various maladies. But in 2017 and 2018, the products spread to natural food stores, beauty aisles, cafes and doctors offices. So far the industry is on track to hit $591 million in 2018, and thanks to a number of factors - including, surprisingly, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell - that could increase 40 times in the next four years." Active companies in the markets this week include The Yield Growth Corp. (BOSS) (BOSQF), Harvest One Cannabis Inc. (TSX-V: HVT.V) (OTCQX: HRVOF).

"According to the (Brightfield's) projections, there would be increases in just about every sector that sells CBD - from dispensaries to smoke shops to medical companies. But perhaps the biggest push, according to Gomez, would be from big-box retailers and national chains who have been eager to get in on the lifestyle craze but have felt stifled by the (older )regulations (that have been replaced by the passage of The 2018 Farm Bill."

The Yield Growth Corp. (BOSS) (BOSQF) BREAKING NEWS: Yield Growth Corp is pleased to announced that its e-commerce platform will now sell its Urban Juve cannabis Sativa hemp root oil-based products in the United States thanks to the adoption of the 2017 U.S. Farm Bill.

Urban Juve products are now available for sale in the U.S. via the site www.urbanjuve.com. In addition, the company has plans to sell its products through U.S. retailers such as pharmacies, naturopaths, clinics, salons, spas, wellness and beauty stores.

"U.S. distribution is a cornerstone of our sales strategy for all our brands. Already we have a deal in place to sell our THC and CBD infused products through a 400 retail distribution network in Oregon, and now we have launched U.S. e-commerce sales for our Urban Juve products," says Yield Growth CEO Penny Green, "Our next step is to set up sales agents in California to access the world's largest cannabis market."Read this and more news for The Yield Growth Corp. at:https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-boss

Correction content to follow from a release issue earlier:

Harvest One Cannabis Inc. (TSX-V: HVT.V) (OTCQX: HRVOF) recently announced that its wholly-owned medical subsidiary Satipharm Ltd. ("Satipharm") has launched European sales of its recently reformulated CBD capsules, now available online at www.satipharm.com. The first product to market is the Satipharm 10mg CBD Gelpell capsule that provides superior bioavailability and quality. Bricks and mortar distribution of the 10mg CBD Gelpell capsules will follow with major retailers throughout the United Kingdom and European Union, with Canadian distribution to follow.

"We are delighted with the launch of Satipharm's new website and eCommerce platform, making our clinically proven CBD Gelpell capsules available to consumers across Europe," said Jonathan Hartshorn, President of Satipharm. "With our focus on consumer education, GMP certified products, and superior bioavailability, we feel strongly that consumers will adopt Satipharm's CBD Gelpell capsules as the product of choice for CBD delivery in the marketplace."

Harvest One is a global cannabis company that develops and provides innovative lifestyle and wellness products to consumers and patients in regulated markets around the world. The Company's range of lifestyle solutions is designed to enhance quality of life. Shareholders have significant exposure to the entire cannabis value chain through three wholly-owned subsidiaries: United Greeneries, a Licensed Producer; Satipharm (medical and nutraceutical); and Dream Water Global (consumer), and a minority interest in Burb Cannabis (retail operations). For more information, please visit www.harvestone.com.

DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates Financialnewsmedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by The Yield Growth Corp. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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Servier exercised first of two steps under OSE-127 global licensing option agreement OSE-127, an IL-7R antagonist, is currently in Phase 1 clinical testing

Regulatory News:

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005601/en/

OSE Immunotherapeutics (Paris:OSE) (ISIN: FR0012127173; Mnemo: OSE), today announced that Servier, an independent international pharmaceutical company, has exercised the first step under a two-step option agreement for exclusive global rights to OSE-127, a differentiated monoclonal antibody antagonist targeting the interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R), discovered by OSE.

Under the license agreement, exercising the first step of the option triggered a 10 million* milestone payment to OSE from Servier, who made the decision following the achievement of prespecified data-based developmental achievements. OSE-127, which has potential to treat both autoimmune disease and chronic inflammation, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial in which the first healthy volunteers were enrolled and dosed in December 2018.

Alexis Peyroles, CEO of OSE Immunotherapeutics, said: "This demonstrates Servier's commitment and strong belief in the potential of OSE-127 as a potential best-in-class treatment for autoimmune conditions. We look forward to continuing our partnership to develop and deliver this innovative therapy to patients suffering from debilitating autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases and Sjogren's syndrome. More broadly, the progress on OSE-127, together with continued progress in our expanding pipeline, further demonstrates the potential of OSE's discovery and development capabilities in autoimmune diseases and immuno-oncology. The milestone payment reinforces the Company's cash position, providing financial viability until 2020."

Under the terms of the agreement, signed in December 2016, OSE Immunotherapeutics granted Servier a two-step option agreement to acquire the exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize OSE-127 until the completion of a Phase 2 clinical trial planned in ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune bowel disease. OSE is eligible to receive up to a total of 272 million in development, regulatory and sales milestones. The 272 million includes the upfront payment of 10.25 million, received in early 2017, and additional payments of up to 30 million to be paid upon the exercise of the two-step option (including 10 million paid upon exercise of this first option step), linked to undisclosed development milestones.

"The partnership with OSE Immunotherapeutics illustrates Servier's resolve to provide innovative therapeutic solutions for patients with immune-inflammatory diseases. It fits with Servier's philosophy of focusing its research on diseases with high unmet needs, by relying on partners with complementary knowledge and technologies to accelerate research for the benefit of patients," declared Philippe Moingeon, Head of therapeutic area immuno-inflammatory diseases at Servier.

*As both OSE and Servier are French companies, total amount received is of 12 million including the VAT.

ABOUT OSE-127

OSE-127 is a monoclonal immunomodulatory antibody targeting the CD127 receptor, the alpha chain of the interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) that induces a powerful antagonist effect on effector T lymphocytes. Interleukin-7 is a cytokine which specifically regulates the tissue migration of human effector T lymphocytes, especially in the gut. The blockage of IL-7R prevents the migration of pathogenic T lymphocytes while preserving regulator T lymphocytes(1,2,3,4) which have a positive impact in autoimmune diseases.

OSE-127 is being developed under an agreement with Servier, which has the option to license global rights to develop and market OSE-127 until the completion of Phase 2 clinical trials, planned in ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune bowel disease, and, in parallel, in Sjogren's syndrome.

(1) Belarif, L. et al.IL-7 receptor blockade blunts antigen-specific memory T cell responses and chronic inflammation. Nature communications, 26 October 2018

(2) Belarif, L. et al;Full antagonist of the IL-7 receptor suppresses chronic inflammation in non-human primate models by controlling antigenspecific memory T cells; Microreview Cell Stress, December 2018

(3) Powell, N. et al. The transcription factor T-bet regulates intestinal inflammation mediated by interleukin-7 receptor+ innate lymphoid cells. Immunity 37, 674-684 (2012)

(4) Yamazaki, M. et al. Mucosal T cells expressing high levels of IL-7 receptor are potential targets for treatment of chronic colitis. J. Immunol. 171, 1556-1563 (2003)

ABOUT OSE Immunotherapeutics

OSE Immunotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and partnering therapies to control the immune system for immuno-oncology and autoimmmune diseases. The company has a diversified first-in-class clinical portfolio consisting of several scientific and technological platforms including neoepitopes and agonist or antagonist monoclonal antibodies, all ideally positioned to fight cancer and autoimmune diseases. The most advanced therapeutic-candidate, Tedopi, is a proprietary combination of 10 neo-epitopes aimed at stimulating T-lymphocytes and is currently in Phase 3 development in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after checkpoint inhibitor failure (anti PD-1 and anti PD-L1) and in Phase 2 testing in pancreatic cancer in combination with checkpoint inhibitor Opdivo. FR104 (an anti-CD28 mAb) has successfully completed Phase 1 testing and has potential to treat autoimmune diseases. In April 2018, Boehringer Ingelheim and OSE signed a global license and collaboration agreement to develop preclinical checkpoint inhibitor OSE-172 (anti-SIRPa monoclonal antibody) in multiple cancer indications. OSE-127 (monoclonal antibody targeting the CD127 receptor, the alpha chain of the interleukin-7 receptor) is partnered with Servier under an option agreement up to the completion of a Phase 2 clinical trial planned in autoimmune bowel diseases; in parallel, Servier plans a development in the Sjogren syndrome. OSE-127 is currently under Phase 1 clinical trial.

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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 149 countries and a turnover of 4.2 billion euros in 2018, Servier employs 22 000 people worldwide. Entirely independent, the Group reinvests 25% of its turnover (excluding generics) 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 neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and diabetes, as well as by its activities in high-quality generic drugs. Servier also offers eHealth solutions beyond drug development.

More information: www.servier.com

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains express or implied information and statements that might be deemed forward-looking information and statements in respect of OSE Immunotherapeutics. They do not constitute historical facts. These information and statements include financial projections that are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by OSE Immunotherapeutics' management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate.

These forward-looking statements include statements typically using conditional and containing verbs such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "target", "plan", or "estimate", their declensions and conjugations and words of similar import.

Although the OSE Immunotherapeutics management believes that the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, the OSE Immunotherapeutics' shareholders and other investors are cautioned that the completion of such expectations is by nature subject to various risks, known or not, and uncertainties which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of OSE Immunotherapeutics. These risks could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. These risks include those discussed or identified in the public filings made by OSE Immunotherapeutics with the AMF. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.

This press release includes only summary information and should be read with the OSE Immunotherapeutics Reference Document filed with the AMF on 26 April 2018, including the annual financial report for the fiscal year 2017, available on the OSE Immunotherapeutics' website.

Other than as required by applicable law, OSE Immunotherapeutics issues this press release at the date hereof and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information or statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005601/en/

Contacts:

OSE Immunotherapeutics

Sylvie Detry

Sylvie.detry@ose-immuno.com

+33 143 297 857

French Media: FP2COM

Florence Portejoie

fportejoie@fp2com.fr

+33 607 768 283

U.S. Media: LifeSci Public Relations

Darren Opland, Ph.D.

Darren@lifescipublicrelations.com

+1 646 627 8387

U.S. and European Investors

Chris Maggos

chris@lifesciadvisors.com

+41 79 367 6254

Press contacts:

Sonia Marques: media@servier.com - Tel. +33 (0)1 55 72 40 21 + 33 (0) 7 84 28 76 13

Karine Bousseau: media@servier.com Tel. +33 (0)1 55 72 60 37 + 33 (0) 6 49 92 16 05
The leader in online reputation management has opened its annual scholarship program with one $5,000.00 scholarship for students

BURLINGTON, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2019 / Guaranteed Removals is proud to announce an academic scholarship valued at $5000 (USD/CAD) for students entering or currently enrolled in an accredited college or university. The scholarship is open to individuals pursuing an education in the field of criminology, law, or computer science.

The application process requires candidates to complete an online registration form and compose a 500-word essay detailing how they plan to make a positive impact in the cyber world. A competitive application will demonstrate an individual's passion for their area of expertise and outline their future objectives and initiatives in their field. Candidates should also briefly explain how they plan to make a significant difference in the online community. "We had great success with our scholarship program last year. There was an overwhelming number of applicants last year and we enjoy helping students and the online community. " said James John, Founder, Guaranteed Removals.

"This is just one of many ways Guaranteed Removals is giving back to the online community. In addition to our scholarship program, we also hold food drives, internal fundraisers, and internship," continued John. Applicants must be a Canadian or American citizen and/or permanent resident, or protected person. Individuals must also be newly admitted or currently enrolled in a criminal justice, law, or computer science and be in good standing in their program.

The purpose of the Guaranteed Removals Scholarship Program is to inspire today's youth to become future leaders and work towards creating a safer digital space. Individuals will be required to submit a copy of their letter of acceptance when applying. The scholarship is now open, and students will have until June 28th, 2019 to complete the online application process and submit all required documentation.

For more information or to apply please visit, www.GuaranteedRemovalsScholarship.com

About Guaranteed Removals

Guaranteed Removals is North America's largest and most successful online image management company, helping people protect and defend their image online. Guaranteed Removals has been offering online reputation management services out of its Burlington, Ontario, Canada location. Guaranteed Removals has successfully removed negative content for clients across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, United Arab Emirates and New Zealand. The company has helped more than 5,000 clients improve their online image. With a team of 58 employees, Guaranteed Removals has assisted businesses and individuals who have been victimized online, to rebuild and restore their online reputation. For more information visit www.GuaranteedRemovals.com.

For more information, please contact:

Rachel Swiednicki

Director, Public Relations,

1-866-689-2261 x. 237

Rachels@guaranteedremovals.com

Guaranteed Removals.com

SOURCE: Guaranteed Removals

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/534710/Guaranteed-Removals-Launches-5000-Annual-Scholarship-Program
Record Revenues, Global Expansion, Successful Acquisitions and Technology Innovation Highlight Banner Year

ROCHESTER, New York, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Calero Software, a leading global provider of Communications and Cloud Lifecycle Management (CLM) software, announced that it achieved record revenues and growth in 2018, driven by strategic investments and expanded global reach. Calero is a portfolio company of Riverside Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm.

"2018 was a landmark year for Calero on all fronts," said Calero's President and CEO Joe Pajer. "Our investments in global expansion, technology innovation, enhanced operational capabilities, and personnel resources have propelled Calero to the forefront of the industry. As a result, many new customers, including over 15 Fortune 500 companies who became new customers in 2018, have made the decision to trust Calero with their telecom, mobility and cloud expense management needs. We are looking forward to a very strong 2019, where we will continue to accelerate our investments in new products and customer service."

Pajer added, "Calero experienced record growth in 2018, with new bookings more than doubling from 2017. This growth was largely driven by investments in expanding Calero's geographical footprint, hiring of top talent throughout the organization and industry-leading technology investments."

Calero's global expansion strategy has made several significant strides. The company acquired and successfully integrated two leading European telecom expense management providers. Calero has also invested heavily in organic growth in the region, including the hiring of its first Managing Director for EMEA. The EMEA team has already successfully deployed and supports multinational customers, and is building upon its historic success in the region with the addition of new European-based regional and global companies. Calero also launched its annual Calero World Online from London, hosting the largest audience of customers and partners to-date.

Throughout 2018, the company completed meaningful product and technology advancements to enhance clients' visibility into their telecommunications, mobility, and cloud services programs, enabling greater cost reductions while optimizing business operations. In addition, Calero integrated with additional third-party partners and solutions commonly used by its clients, allowing users to seamlessly connect with financial, HR and IT service management systems to streamline process execution.

With product enhancements and continued investment in automation and other operational capabilities, Calero continues to set a new industry standard for operational excellence, ensuring best-in-class service for its global customer base while managing billions in telecom spend and over a million mobile devices on behalf of customers.

"Calero has become the trusted industry standard because of our dedication to our customers and their success. Customers can count on us for a consistent, long term strategy centered on a single, modern software solution. We remain committed to our customers for the long term, delivering innovative solutions that help them solve many of the complex communications challenges they face today," continued Pajer.

About Calero

Calero is a leading global provider of Communications and Cloud Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions designed to turn communication data into actionable insight by simplifying the management of voice, mobile and other unified communications services and assets. With a deep commitment to innovation and customer service, Calero's CLM approach enables organizations to support the full communications lifecycle, from procurement to payment, including software and services that aid Telecom Expense Management (TEM), Managed Mobility Services (MMS) and Usage Management. Calero has thousands of customers in over 50 countries worldwide, including Fortune 2000 corporations, universities and government agencies. Calero is a portfolio company of Riverside Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm. Learn more at http://www.calero.com.

About Riverside Partners

Founded in 1989, Riverside Partners is a middle market private equity firm currently investing Riverside Fund VI, L.P. The fund focuses on growth-oriented companies primarily in the healthcare and technology industries. Riverside Partners is particularly experienced at partnering with founders, owners and management teams and it brings substantial domain expertise and operating experience to its portfolio companies. For more information, visit www.riversidepartners.com.

Contact

Scott Davis

Calero Software

Scott.Davis@calero.com

+1 (470) 246-5681

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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.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2019) - Alliance Growers Corp. (CSE: ACG) (FSE: 1LA) (WKN: A2DFYX) (OTCQB: ALGWF) ("Alliance Growers" or "the Company") is pleased to report that its strategic partner, WFS Pharmagreen Inc. ("Pharmagreen"), the company building the Cannabis Biotech Complex, has been advised by Health Canada that its application under the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations to obtain a license at the proposed site in Deroche, British Columbia, Canada has advanced from the first stage, 'Intake and Screening', of a three stage process, to the second stage, 'Detailed Review and Initiation of Security Clearance Process'.

Commenting on Pharmagreen's progress, Peter Wojcik, President and CEO of Pharmagreen Biotech, Inc., (OTC PINKS: PHBI),the parent of its Canadian subsidiary, WFS Pharmagreen Inc., stated, "Our business plan is being rolled out as expected and this is an important and pivotal step in continuing to move the Health Canada cannabis licensing process ahead for the company along with its construction of the one of kind Cannabis Biotech Complex."

On January 29, 2019, the Company announced the finalization of the definitive agreement Pharmagreen to acquire an equity interest up to 30% in Pharmagreen's subsidiary BC Ltd. the entity which will build and operate the Cannabis Biotech Complex on the 25-acre property near Mission in British Colombia. This definitive agreement solidifies the terms of the Binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") between Pharmagreen and Alliance which was first reported on December 28, 2017.

"The rapid advancement of the licensing process with Health Canada has encouraged additional investment in Alliance by way of a private placement with a lead order of 2 million units to be announced in the coming days" commented Dennis Petke, President and CEO of Alliance Growers. "The Company's commitment to acquire a 30% equity and profit-sharing interest in the Cannabis Biotech Complex has also attracted the interest of a Family Office out of New York with an offer to finance Alliance for up to CAD$4,000,000. The finalized terms, which will be announced in the following week, will provide the financing in several tranches at progressively higher prices over several months to keep dilution to a minimum. We are very pleased to have secured multiple financing sources to meet our financial obligations to finance our 30% interest in the Cannabis Biotech Complex. Pharmagreen is expected to announce its own financing initiatives in the coming weeks" Dennis Petke added.

Alliance Growers has invested $1,350,000 toward the Transaction to date, representing an initial 10% equity and profit-sharing interest in the Cannabis Biotech Complex, based on the original estimated construction costs. Alliance Growers has the option to acquire up to 30% of the Complex based on actual final Construction and Equipment Costs. The Parties agreed to enter into an addendum to this Agreement by June 30, 2019 (the "Addendum"), setting out the terms of the final Purchase Price for 30% of the Complex minus the $1,350,000 already paid.

About Pharmagreen Biotech, Inc. and WFS Pharmagreen Inc.

WFS Pharmagreen Inc. is a wholly owned Canadian based subsidiary of Pharmagreen Biotech, Inc., a publicly traded (OTC PINKS: PHBI) company. WFS Pharmagreen Inc. is a cannabis company that is becoming the largest producer of cannabis plantlets through a proprietary tissue culture process with opportunity to become one of the largest players globally. Pharmagreens' mission is to advance the technology of tissue culture science and to provide the highest quality 100% germ free, disease free and all genetically the same plantlets of cannabis and other flora while offering full spectrum DNA testing for plant identification, live genetics preservation using low temperature storage for various cannabis and horticulture plants; extraction of botanical oils mainly CBD oil, and to deliver laboratory based services to the North American Cannabis and agriculture sectors. For further information on the company progress on the construction of a 63,000 square foot "Cannabis Biotech Complex" please visit www.pharmagreen.ca.

About Alliance Growers Corp.

Alliance Growers is a Diversified Global Medical Cannabis Company driven by the Company's 'Four Pillars' Organization Plan - Cannabis Biotech Complex, Strategic ACMPR Investments, CBD Oil Supply and Distribution, and Research and Technology.

Alliance Growers is working with Pharmagreen Biotech Inc. advancing a new business partnership, to jointly develop and operate a 63,000-square foot facility, to be the first of its kind in Western Canada to house a DNA Botany lab, extraction facility and Tissue Culture Plantlet Production facility to service the Cannabis market and agriculture market in general.

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.alliancegrowers.com or the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

If you would like to be added to Alliance Growers' news distribution list, please send your email address to newsletter@alliancegrowers.com.

For more information contact:

Dennis Petke

CEO, President and Director

Tel: 778-331-4266

DennisPetke@alliancegrowers.com

Rob Grace

Communications Consultant

Tel: 778-998-5431

RobDGrace@gmail.com

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THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, the news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to Company's corporate strategy. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company, including, without limitation, the Company's ability to carry out its business plan. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to identify and complete additional suitable acquisitions to further the Company's growth as well as risks associated with the medical marijuana industry in general, such as operational risks in development and production delays or changes in plans with respect to development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of the capital markets; the uncertainty of receiving the required licenses, production, costs and expenses; health, safety and environmental risks; marketing and transportation; loss of markets; environmental risks; competition; incorrect assessment of the value of the potential market; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws and regulated regulations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, timelines and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws or the Canadian Securities Exchange. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42706
An investment in the Offered Shares involves substantial risks and uncertainties. Prospective investors should read the entire Prospectus that has been prepared by the Company, and, in particular, should see the section "Risk Factors" of the Prospectus for a discussion of certain factors that should be considered in connection with an investment in the Offered Shares. The risk factors described in the Prospectus include the risks that Sequana Medical has incurred operating losses, negative operating cash flows and an accumulated deficit since inception and may not be able to achieve or subsequently maintain profitability, that Sequana Medical's future financial performance will depend on the commercial acceptance of the alfapump (Sequana Medical's only commercial-stage product to date), the alfapump DSR and/or any future products in target markets, that Sequana Medical will likely require additional funds in the future in order to meet its capital and expenditure needs and further financing may not be available when required or could significantly limit Sequana Medical's access to additional capital, and that, not taking into account any proceeds of the Offering, Sequana Medical does not have sufficient working capital to meet its working capital needs for a period of at least 12 months from the date of the Prospectus. All of these factors should be considered before investing in the Offered Shares. Prospective investors must be able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Offered Shares and should be able to sustain a partial or total loss of their investment.





Press Release

Sequana Medical announces the Coverage of the Base Offering of Its Initial Public Offering on Euronext Brussels

Ghent, BELGIUM - February 7, 2019 - Sequana Medical NV - ("Sequana Medical", the "Company"), a commercial stage medical device company focused on the development of innovative treatment solutions for the management of liver disease, heart failure, malignant ascites and other fluid imbalance disorders, announces today that the base offering of 3,235,294 new shares of its Offering (as defined below) is fully covered at the bottom of the price range.

Offering

The Company's initial public offering of new shares, with the admission of all of its shares to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels (the "Offering") was announced on 31 January 2019. The Offering relates to an offering of up to 3,235,294 new shares of the Company (the "New Shares", and each existing share or New Share representing the Company's share capital a "Share"). The aggregate number of New Shares offered in the Offering may be increased by up to 15% of the aggregate number of New Shares initially offered (the "Increase Option"). Any decision to exercise the Increase Option will be communicated, at the latest, on the date of the announcement of the final offer price (the "Offer Price"). KBC Securities NV/SA, as stabilisation manager (the "Stabilisation Manager"), acting on behalf of KBC Securities NV/SA, Kempen & Co N.V. and Mirabaud Securities Limited, is expected to be granted a warrant to purchase additional new Shares in a number equal to up to 15% of the number of New Shares subscribed for in the Offering (including the new Shares subscribed for pursuant to the effective exercise of the Increase Option, if any) at the Offer Price to cover over-allotments or short positions, if any, in connection with the Offering (the "Over-allotment Option", and (i) the New Shares, (ii) the additional new Shares issued pursuant to the Increase Option and (iii) the additional new Shares issued pursuant to the Over-allotment Option collectively being referred to as the "Offered Shares"). The price range of the Offering is between EUR 8.50 and EUR 9.00 per Offered Share. The offering period began on 31 January 2019 and is expected to end no later than 4:00 p.m. (CET) on 7 February 2019, subject to early closing or extension.

Prospectus

A prospectus has been approved by the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority on 30 January 2019. Subject to country restrictions, the Prospectus is also available to prospective investors on the following website: www.sequanamedical.com .

Contacts:

Sequana Medical

Lies Vanneste

Director IR

Tel: +32

Consilium Strategic Communications

Alexandra Harrison, Marieke Vermeersch, Sukaina Virji

Tel: +44

About Sequana Medical:

Sequana Medical is a commercial stage medical device company focused on the development of innovative treatment solutions for the management of liver disease, heart failure, malignant ascites and other fluid imbalance disorders.

Sequana Medical's alfapump is a fully implantable, programmable, wirelessly-charged, battery-powered system that is CE-marked for the management of i) refractory ascites (chronic fluid build-up in the abdomen) due to liver cirrhosis and ii) malignant ascites (with a life expectancy of six months or less). The number of patients with liver refractory ascites is forecast to increase dramatically due to the growing prevalence of NASH (Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis).

Over 650 alfapump systems have been implanted and since April 2018, the alfapump has been included in the EASL (European Association for the Study of the Liver) clinical practice guidelines for decompensated cirrhosis. In January 2019, the FDA has granted Breakthrough Device designation for the alfapump for the treatment of liver recurrent or refractory ascites. The alfapump MOSAIC North American IDE feasibility study in patients with liver refractory or recurrent ascites has been completed and results were presented at the AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases) annual meetings in October 2017 and November 2018. The alfapump has not yet received regulatory approval in the U.S.

The alfapump is one of the first safe and effective, long-term alternatives to large-volume paracentesis which is a lengthy, invasive and painful procedure, only providing short-term symptomatic relief, requiring hospital visits and placing a significant burden on the healthcare system and patient quality of life. By automatically and continuously moving ascites to the bladder, where the body eliminates it naturally through urination, the alfapump prevents fluid build-up and its possible complications, improving patient quality of life and nutrition, and potentially reducing hospital visits and healthcare costs. The alfapump DirectLink technology allows clinicians to receive pump performance information and more effectively manage patients treated by the alfapump.

Sequana Medical is developing the alfapump DSR, built upon the proven alfapump platform, to deliver a convenient and fully implanted system for Direct Sodium Removal ("DSR") therapy, a novel and proprietary approach for the management of volume overload in heart failure. Data from animal studies presented at EuroPCR 2018 and HFSA 2018 indicate that DSR therapy is effective and safe. A first in human study for DSR therapy is ongoing. Treatment of volume overload in diuretic-resistant heart failure patients is a major clinical challenge. There are an estimated one million hospitalisations due to heart failure in the U.S. each year, of which 90% are due to symptoms of volume overload. The estimated cost of heart failure-related hospitalisations in the U.S. is $13 billion a year.

Sequana Medical is headquartered in Ghent, Belgium and investors include NeoMed Management, LSP.

Important Regulatory Disclaimer

Any statement in this press release about safety and efficacy of the alfapump does not apply to the U.S. and Canada because the device is currently undergoing clinical investigation in these territories.

Important Information

This announcement does not constitute, or form part of, an offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for shares of Sequana Medical NV (the "Company"). Any purchase of, subscription for or application for, shares in the Company to be issued in connection with the intended offering should only be made on the basis of information contained in the prospectus in connection with the intended offering and any supplements thereto, as the case may be (the "Prospectus").

This announcement is not a prospectus. The information contained in this announcement is for informational purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. Investors should not subscribe for any securities referred to in this document except on the basis of information contained in the Prospectus. The Prospectus contains detailed information about the Company and its business, management, risks associated with investing in the Company, as well as financial statements and other financial data. This announcement cannot be used as basis for any investment agreement or decision.

This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the U.S. or to any U.S. person within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"). It does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the U.S. The securities mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the U.S., except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. The Company has not registered, and does not intend to register, any portion of the intended offering of the Offered Shares in the U.S., and does not intend to conduct a public offering of securities in the U.S.

This announcement is only addressed to and directed at persons in member states of the European Economic Area ("EEA") other than Belgium who are "qualified investors" within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive (Directive 2003/71/EC and amendments thereto, including Directive 2010/73/EU, to the extent implemented in the relevant Member State of the EEA, and together with any implementing measure in each relevant Member State of the EEA, the "Prospectus Directive"). In addition, in the United Kingdom, this announcement is only addressed to and directed at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within the definition of "investment professionals" in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order"), (ii) high net worth entities, etc. falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, and (iii) any other person to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The intended offering, as the case may be, will only be available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe for, purchase, or otherwise acquire securities will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents.

This announcement and the information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy securities of the Company and it does not constitute a prospectus or a similar communication within the meaning of article 752, 652a and/or 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange.

This announcement and the information contained herein are not for publication, distribution or release in, or into, the U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa or any other jurisdiction where to do so would be prohibited by applicable law.

The date of completion of listing on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels may be influenced by things such as market conditions. There is no guarantee that such listing will occur and investors should not base their financial decisions on the Company's intentions in relation to such listing at this stage.

Acquiring investments to which this announcement relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing the entire amount invested. Persons considering such investments should consult an authorised person specialising in advising on such investments. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the intended offering. The value of the Shares can decrease as well as increase. Potential investors should consult a professional advisor as to the suitability of the intended offering for the person concerned.

No action has been taken by the Company that would permit an offer of Company's Shares or the possession or distribution of these materials or any other offering or publicity material relating to such Shares in any jurisdiction outside of Belgium where action for that purpose is required. The release, publication or distribution of these materials in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which they are released, published or distributed, should inform themselves about, and observe, such restrictions. The issue, the subscription for or purchase of Shares of the Company can be subject to special legal or statutory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. The Company is not liable if the aforementioned restrictions are not complied with by any person.

The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words "believes", "estimates," "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", "plans", "continue", "ongoing", "potential", "predict", "project", "target", "seek" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategies, plans, objectives, targets, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Company's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, its results of operations, prospects, growth, strategies and dividend policy and the industry in which the Company operates. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. New risks can emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all such risks, nor can the Company assess the impact of all such risks on its business or the extent to which any risks, or combination of risks and other factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Given these risks and uncertainties, the reader should not rely on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Without prejudice to the Company's obligations under applicable law in relation to disclosure and ongoing information, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update forward-looking statements.

KBC Securities NV/SA, Kempen & Co N.V. and Mirabaud Securities Limited (the "Underwriters") are acting for the Company and no one else in relation to the intended offering, and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections offered to their respective clients nor for providing advice in relation to the intended offering.

The Company assumes responsibility for the information contained in this announcement with the exception of the information to distributors set out below. The Underwriters assume responsibility for the section of this announcement entitled "information to distributors". Subject to the foregoing, none of the Underwriters or any of their respective affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. Each of the Underwriters and each of their respective affiliates accordingly disclaim, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, all and any liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise which they might otherwise be found to have in respect of this announcement or any such statement or information. No representation or warranty express or implied, is made by any of the Underwriters or any of their respective affiliates as to the accuracy, completeness, verification or sufficiency of the information set out in this announcement, and nothing in this announcement will be relied upon as a promise or representation in this respect, whether or not to the past or future.

Information to distributors

The Underwriters have informed the Company that, solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("MiFID II"); (b) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing MiFID II; and (c) local implementing measures (together, the "MiFID II Product Governance Requirements"), and, to the extent permitted by law, disclaiming towards distributors all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that such Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of retail investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II (taking into account the notes below); and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by MiFID II (the "Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Offering.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Shares.

Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.
- 30 Centers Across Italy Will Provide AI Eye Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy, the Leading Cause of Vision Loss Among Working-age Adults -

Eyenuk Inc., a global artificial intelligence (AI) medical technology and services company and the leader in real-world applications for AI Eye Screening, announced today that it is providing EyeArt AI Eye Screening as part of the Month of Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and Maculopathy taking place throughout Italy in February. The collaboration between the Ambrosian Ophthalmic Center (CAMO), San Raffaele Hospital and Eyenuk is sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Health, the city of Milan and the Italian Ophthalmology Society.

During February, 30 centers across Italy will offer screening for DR using the EyeArt AI Eye Screening System, the most-extensively validated AI technology for autonomous detection of DR, tested on over half a million patient visits globally with over two million images collected in real-world clinical environments.

DR is a complication of diabetes and the main cause of vision impairment and blindness among working-age adults. It occurs when high blood sugar levels lead to damage in the blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Annual eye screening is recommended for people living with diabetes since DR can progress silently without any perceptible symptoms or vision deterioration.

"Early detection of DR is an important part of managing care for millions of people with diabetes, yet less than half of the people with diabetes see an eye doctor on an annual basis. AI Eye Screening can make early detection of DR more accessible, allowing patients to seek treatment and likely save their vision," explains Dr. Lucio Buratto, scientific director of CAMO.

The EyeArt AI Eye Screening System is designed to make it possible for any physician to quickly and accurately detect referable DR patients in less than one minute during a diabetic patient's regular exam. This helps remove the biggest obstacle to annual DR screening and diagnosis: patient compliance. With the EyeArt System, physicians can identify patients with vision-threatening DR in-clinic, in real time, so they can be immediately referred to a vision specialist for treatment to save their sight. The EyeArt System uses AI algorithms to autonomously analyze images of the eye taken with a retinal camera. This advancement can enable timely detection of vision-threatening DR by a nurse or non-specialist and eliminate the need for an eye care expert to carefully grade patient's retinal images.

VIDEO: See How the EyeArt System Performs Eye Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy

"Eyenuk is on a mission to screen every eye in the world to ensure timely diagnosis of life- and vision-threatening diseases, including diabetic retinopathy," says Kaushal Solanki, CEO of Eyenuk. "We are grateful for this opportunity to partner with these esteemed organizations in Italy to enable early detection of DR, thus advancing our mission with a critical step towards eliminating preventable blindness."

For more information about the free AI Eye Screenings and the Month of Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy and Maculopathy, please visit http://www.maculopatie.com/.

About Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)

DR is a complication of diabetes caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). It is a silently progressing disease. At first, DR progresses without any symptoms at all, but eventually it can cause blindness. The condition can develop in anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.i It is estimated that one-third of all patients living with diabetes will develop the blinding disease,ii making it the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults.iii

About Eyenuk Inc.

Eyenuk Inc. is a global artificial intelligence (AI) medical technology and services company and the leader in real-world AI Eye Screening for autonomous disease detection and AI Predictive Biomarkers for risk assessment and disease surveillance. Eyenuk's first product, the EyeArt AI Eye Screening System, is the most extensively validated AI technology for autonomous detection of diabetic retinopathy, validated in real world clinical studies with over 160,000 patient visits and over a million images. Eyenuk is on a mission to screen every eye in the world to ensure timely diagnosis of life- and vision-threatening diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, stroke risk, cardiovascular risk and Alzheimer's disease.

EyeArt has CE marking and has been cleared for sales as a Class IIa medical device by EU and as a Class 2 medical device by Health Canada. In the U.S., the EyeArt System is limited to investigational use only.

EyeArt is a registered trademark of Eyenuk Inc.

www.eyenuk.com

media@eyenuk.com

_____________________________________

i https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371611

ii Yau JW, Rogers SL, Kawasaki R, et al. Global prevalence and major risk factors of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes Care. 2012;35:556-64. doi: 10.2337/dc11-1909

iii Prokofyeva E, Zrenner E. Epidemiology of major eye diseases leading to blindness in Europe: a literature review. Ophthalmic Res. 2012;47:171-188. doi: 10.1159/000329603

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005357/en/

Contacts:

Capwell Communications

Jensie Simkins

jensie@capwellcomm.com

949-999-3303
SpendEdge, a global procurement market intelligence firm, has announced the release of their Global Hosting Services Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005501/en/

Global Hosting Services Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report (Graphic: Business Wire)

Currently, industries across the world are recognizing the indispensability of the internet to promote their products and services better. The e-commerce industry is one of the leading sectors which is capitalizing on consumer's growing preference for shopping on online platforms through mobile applications. This is creating requirements for a range of hosting services such as in this case, the mobile application hosting services, which is resulting in an accelerating spend momentum for the hosting services market. The importance of an online platform to boost sales is also compelling several brick-and-mortar retailers to procure from the hosting service providers, thereby; accelerating the category spend growth rate. Request your Free Samplecopy of this market intelligence report here!

The hosting service providers in the US are making constant strides in their technological capabilities to cater to consumer's growing preference toward mobile shopping. This is creating ample scopes for the hosting services market in the region. The growing number of SMEs in APAC are leveraging cloud hosting services to support web hosting and e-mail hosting, which is boosting the category spend growth rate to a significant extent. Factors such as access to technology, skilled labor, better financing framework, favorable regulations, and the necessary infrastructure facilities in North America and Europe are paving the way for various entrepreneurial ventures to thrive. These businesses are utilizing online platforms to improve their interaction with consumers and collect key consumer data. Consequently, this is creating a substantial requirement for a range of hosting services such as web hosting and data center hosting in the regions.

This hosting services procurement research report offers a scrupulous analysis of the supply market forecasts, sustainability and negotiation strategies of top suppliers and buyers. Also, it also provides information on the total cost of ownership outlook and strategy to cut down costs. Ask for a customized version of this market intelligence report here for free.

"It is recommended that buyers must specify clauses that limit or control a subcontractor's accessibility to the private data of clients that are uploaded to a server," says SpendEdge procurement expert Tridib Bora.

This hosting services procurement research report has identified the following factors to influence the category growth:

Cloud adoption is a critical trend that will shape market dynamics

The rise in employee expenses of service providers is likely to affect category prices

Buy the complete hosting services market intelligence report here to explore its complete scope of coverage.

SpendEdge is now offering limited-time discounts on report purchases. Buy two reports and get the third one for free.

SpendEdge's procurement market intelligence reports for the information technology category offer information on critical cost drivers and category pricing strategies to help the buyers achieve significant cost-savings. The report provides information on supplier performance benchmarking criteria to help buyers reduce spend and establish better SLAs. Additionally, SpendEdge's reports offer category management insights and procurement best practices for the category.

Report scope snapshot: Hosting services

Category ecosystem

Market favorability index for suppliers

Competitiveness index for suppliers

Threat of new entrants in the current hosting services market

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Category management enablers

Procurement organization for the hosting services market

Category enablers

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Category definition

Category hierarchy

Category scope

Category map

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Do you purchase multiple reports in a year? Our subscription platform, SpendEdge Insights, provides ready-to-use procurement research reports for multiple categories. Now access latest supplier news, innovation landscape, markets insights, supply market forecasts, and much more at the click of a button. Start your 7-day FREE trial now.

Related Reports:

Global IT Storage Services Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report

Global SaaS Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report

About SpendEdge:

SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more, https://www.spendedge.com/request-free-proposal

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005501/en/

Contacts:

SpendEdge

Anirban Choudhury

Marketing Manager

US: +1 630 984 7340

UK: +44 148 459 9299

https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us
BHGE to provide six gas turbines and 12 compressors for three LNG trains

BHGE technology solution offers high availability and low total cost of operations

Project to have a capacity of around 16 million tons per year of LNG

Baker Hughes, a GE company (NYSE: BHGE), announced it will supply turbomachinery equipment for the construction of the Golden Pass LNG export facility in Sabine Pass, Texas. The project is expected to produce around 16 million tons per year of LNG. BHGE will provide turbomachinery equipment for three LNG trains, including six gas turbines and 12 centrifugal compressors.

This news comes as ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum announced a positive Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Golden Pass LNG export project and the plan to proceed with construction in the first quarter of 2019. BHGE's technology supports the project's goal to be the lowest cost LNG supplier on the U.S. Gulf Coast through a proven solution with optimized maintenance cycles.

"We are proud to be working with Golden Pass on this innovative LNG project," said Rod Christie, president and CEO, Turbomachinery Process Solutions, BHGE. "Today's announcement builds on our 30-year-plus track record of delivering high-availability and reliable LNG technology, with low total cost of operations."

"Our vision is to be the premier LNG exporter in North America," Sean Ryan, president of Golden Pass LNG, said. "To accomplish that, we have to be reliable and cost competitive, and BHGE's long history of delivering first class, large-scale LNG projects was a clear fit to help us deliver on our goal."

BHGE's technology for three trains will consist of six MS7001 EA heavy-duty gas turbines driving 12 centrifugal compressors. The MS7001 EA is the most utilized large industrial gas turbine available in the LNG market, with 77 units in operation in 13 countries. The MS7001 EA fleet offers best-in-class availability with proven power and extended maintenance intervals with more than 550,000 fired hours.

About Baker Hughes, a GE company

Baker Hughes, a GE company (NYSE: BHGE), is the world's first and only fullstream provider of integrated oilfield products, services and digital solutions. We deploy minds and machines to enhance customer productivity, safety and environmental stewardship, while minimizing costs and risks at every step of the energy value chain. With operations in over 120 countries, we infuse over a century of experience with the spirit of a startup inventing smarter ways to bring energy to the world. Visit us at BHGE.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005409/en/

Contacts:

For more information, please contact

Stephanie Price, +1 281 605 8399, Stephanie.Price@bhge.com

Sandra Gherardotti, +39 3483509456, Sandra.Gherardotti@bhge.com
The Next Evolution of Programmatic Transparency Increases Advertiser ROI and Drives Sustainable Digital Ad Growth for Publishers

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 07, 2019and Goodway Group announced today that they have signed an agreement to place the management of the supply ad tech fee in the buyer's control. This partnership between PubMatic and Goodway Group is the first to introduce a 100 percent transparent, agency-controlled fee model that empowers buyers to improve the efficiency of their programmatic supply path and drive sustainable increases in digital advertising revenue to publishers.

As brand spend continues to drive growth of the programmatic industry, marketers have pushed for greater fee transparency. According to a World Federation of Advertisers). To that end, Goodway Group has negotiated a single fee to be paid for all media buys transacted on the PubMatic platform.

The fee will replace the standard publisher fee to become the only fee charged for these transactions. This goes beyond other industry approaches to share the fee in the bid request, which requires complete coverage by publishers and introduces operational challenges for buyers, limiting their ability to leverage spending power to improve the economics of their preferred SSP relationships.

"The current SSP fee model is broken. Despite the massive push for transparency in our industry over the last few years, SSP and exchange fees have continued to be hard to pin down and out of most buyers' negotiation reach," said Jay Friedman, president of Goodway Group. "Goodway is proud to partner with PubMatic to gain full cost control through the entire programmatic value chain."

PubMatic has been a vocal proponent of transparency and efficiency, driven by the understanding that a more transparent supply chain will increase the value of programmatic at large and result in greater overall spend for the ecosystem. The Goodway Group has aggressively consolidated spend across limited SSPs and exchanges over the past 18 months to drive fairer, more transparent pricing to continue to deliver a better value to its clients. PubMatic's partnership with Goodway Group offers advertisers a new and elevated iteration of its current offering by putting transparency and control in the hands of the buyers.

"We are excited to work with Goodway Group to continue pushing the programmatic supply chain toward a more transparent future," said Rajeev Goel, co-founder and CEO of PubMatic. "With more efficient and transparent economics, we are helping Goodway Group deliver better ROI to their clients and ultimately increasing yield and driving sustainable business growth for our premium publishers."

To learn more, please visit: https://pubmatic.com/

About Goodway Group

Goodway Group is the digital partner advertisers trust to drive campaign performance and media efficiency. Proud to be completely independently owned and operated, Goodway provides trustworthy expertise that meets its clients' needs - and no one else's. Using predictive intelligence, Goodway helps advertisers get the most value out of every impression across all paid digital media. Through the combination of employing the smartest technology and the most experienced people in the industry, Goodway delivers authentic results. Find Goodway Group online at goodwaygroup.com .

About PubMatic

PubMatic is a publisher-focused sell-side platform for an open digital media future. Featuring leading omni-channel revenue automation technology for publishers and enterprise-grade programmatic tools for media buyers, PubMatic's publisher-first approach enables advertisers to access premium inventory at scale. Processing over 12 trillion advertiser bids per month, PubMatic has created a global infrastructure to drive publisher monetization and control over their ad inventory. Since 2006, PubMatic's focus on data and technology innovation has fueled the rise of the programmatic industry as a whole. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, PubMatic operates 13 offices and six data centers worldwide.

PubMatic is a registered trademark of PubMatic, Inc. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contact:

Blast PR

pubmatic@blastpr.com
NEWTOWN, Pennsylvania, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE: EPAM), a leading global provider of digital platform engineering and software development services, today announced that it will be the lead investor for the Global Opportunity Philly Fund (GO Philly Fund), Ben Franklin Technology Partners' new blockchain-enabled regional venture fund focused on seed and early-stage technology companies.

Under the agreement, EPAM will anchor the initial $15 million close, as well as join the GO Philly Fund's Limited Partner Advisory Committee. The fund will make investments of between $50,000 and $500,000, and follow-on investments of up to $3 million, following Ben Franklin's proven due diligence process.

With this investment, EPAM hopes to increase the company's exposure to the regional start-up community, as well as create opportunities to connect experts in the company, and the company's diverse client base, with emerging thought leaders. EPAM's lead status will also enable the fund portfolio to gain access to the company's rich global ecosystem of over 300 clients, 170 partners and over 50 universities and research institutions around the world.

"EPAM has always been in the business of helping enterprises and software makers become, and stay, leaders in their respective industries," said Arkadiy Dobkin, CEO & President, EPAM. "Our new venture with Ben Franklin allows us to engage thought leaders and future disruptors at the very beginning of their journeys, giving us an opportunity to glimpse the future, and work together to make it real."

Headquartered in Newtown, PA, EPAM employs over 650 consulting and technology professionals in the Greater Pennsylvania region, and its global presence includes over 30,000 employees in over 25 countries, and many Delivery Centers, Innovation Studios and Labs. EPAM is pleased to support Philadelphia's promising start-up community, which offers access to top talent and established networks of incubators and accelerators but remains underserved in venture capital funding.

"We hope that our participation in the GO Philly Fund will create more opportunities for our employees and hybrid teams, as well as become a global pattern that we can repeat to more effectively participate in the start-up innovation economy," said Elaina Shekhter, CMO and Head of Strategy, EPAM. "Our goal of helping our clients become more competitive can only be achieved through direct engagement between EPAM experts and the full spectrum of innovators: from start-ups and business leaders to universities and leading research institutions."

"We are proud to have EPAM as our lead investor in the GO Philly Fund," said RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President and CEO of Ben Franklin. "As a thriving global technology company with headquarters in the Philadelphia region, EPAM's mission-oriented approach makes them a fantastic partner for GO Philly Fund's goal of sharing Philadelphia's opportunity with the world, while growing more outstanding companies at home."

Learn more about EPAM, Ben Franklin, and the GO Philly Fund.

About EPAM Systems

Since 1993, EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE: EPAM) has leveraged its software engineering expertise to become a leading global product development, digital platform engineering, and top digital and product design agency. Through its 'Engineering DNA' and innovative strategy, consulting, and design capabilities, EPAM works in collaboration with its customers to deliver next-gen solutions that turn complex business challenges into real business outcomes. EPAM's global teams serve customers in over 25 countries across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. EPAM is a recognized market leader in multiple categories among top global independent research agencies and was one of only four technology companies to appear on Forbes 25 Fastest Growing Public Tech Companies list every year of publication since 2013. Learn more at http://www.epam.com/ and follow us on Twitter @EPAMSYSTEMS and LinkedIn.

About Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (Ben Franklin) is the most active early stage capital provider for the region's technology sectors. Ben Franklin combines best practices of venture capital with a public-spirited purpose: leading the region's technology community to new heights, creating jobs and changing lives for the better. Ben Franklin is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority. www.sep.benfranklin.org

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include general economic conditions and the factors discussed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. EPAM undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law.

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New partner ecosystem enables companies to enhance and expand drug and medical device development initiatives

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Analytics, a global leader in providing trusted insights and analytics to accelerate the pace of innovation, today launched a Life Science Alliances Program to provide drug and medical device developers with a new way to significantly advance their research and development (R&D) and commercialization initiatives. The accredited global program combines Clarivate's solutions with those of world-class technology and service providers to deliver intelligence and actionable insights to biopharmaceutical companies and other researchers around the world.

More than ever, drug and medical device researchers are challenged to quickly and efficiently access, synthesize and analyze data from a growing and increasingly complex array of sources across the development lifecycle. Clarivate's Life Science Alliances Program addresses this challenge by enabling greater collaboration and new capabilities, and already features leading service providers in its growing ecosystem, including:

Bioinfogate, a forward-thinking biomedical data science organization focused on the development of innovative products and services for all those involved in the finding of better and safer drugs. By aligning with Clarivate's suite of scientific intelligence, including biology, chemistry and pharmacology information, Bioinfogate will empower its OFF-X translational safety intelligence portal to help researchers and decision makers in pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations to de-risk and optimize their R&D programs.





a forward-thinking biomedical data science organization focused on the development of innovative products and services for all those involved in the finding of better and safer drugs. By aligning with Clarivate's suite of scientific intelligence, including biology, chemistry and pharmacology information, Bioinfogate will empower its OFF-X translational safety intelligence portal to help researchers and decision makers in pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations to de-risk and optimize their R&D programs. Vitrana, a dynamic health sciences technology and consulting firm that is driving major advances in the quality, efficiency and cost of clinical research and patient care. Through its partnership with Clarivate, Vitrana has enhanced its HiLIT Platform, which delivers specialized clinical and healthcare information management services, automation, data transformation, standardization and federation, semantic and ontology enabled search, as well as smart and predictive analytics.





a dynamic health sciences technology and consulting firm that is driving major advances in the quality, efficiency and cost of clinical research and patient care. Through its partnership with Clarivate, Vitrana has enhanced its HiLIT Platform, which delivers specialized clinical and healthcare information management services, automation, data transformation, standardization and federation, semantic and ontology enabled search, as well as smart and predictive analytics. Waters Corporation, a leading specialty measurement company focused on improving human health and well-being through the application of liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and informatics. Working in concert with Clarivate, the Waters Progenesis QI and Progenesis QI for proteomics statistical software platforms enable the direct transfer of experimental results into biological pathways analytics.

"This initiative has strategic implications for our industry and the ability to bring life-changing and life-saving therapies to market," said Gavin Coney, Global Head of Life Science Alliances at Clarivate. "By collaborating with Clarivate, our alliance partners will be able to identify, create and deliver a wide range of new capabilities that promise to accelerate the pace of innovation by our mutual customers. This includes API-supported data integration, advanced analytics that leverage new intelligence sources, and customized offerings that meet client-specific needs."

These enhanced capabilities are enabled by Cortellis Cloud, an integrated, scalable technology platform that host Cortellis, Clarivate's suite of life science intelligence solutions. Through Cortellis Cloud, datapoints from thousands of sources are harmonized within a single unified platform, making it the industry's richest resource for data-driven insights and advanced analytics for Life Science professionals.

"Clarivate allows us to deploy automation and artificial intelligence through this new and dynamic collaboration, resulting in more actionable insights for their customers," said Mohit Gupta, Founder and CEO of Vitrana. "By seamlessly integrating with Clarivate's vast data and document assets, Vitrana HiLIT delivers more efficient processes and novel capabilities to help life science companies successfully navigate through the most complex and evolving environment our industry has ever experienced."

The Clarivate Life Science Alliances program will expand to include additional partners in 2019 and beyond.

About Cortellis:

Cortellis gives life to science by unlocking the hidden insights in data. This industry-leading solution curates the broadest and deepest sources of intelligence to enable precise, actionable answers to specific questions across the R&D lifecycle - from discovery and clinical development through regulatory submission and commercialization. By supporting data-driven decisions, Cortellis helps pharmaceutical companies, biotech and medical device/diagnostic firms accelerate innovation. In 2017, 80% of U.S. companies filing NMEs, 91% of companies achieving breakthrough therapy status and 70% of the top licensing deals were informed by Cortellis intelligence.

To learn more, visit www.clarivate.com/Cortellis

Clarivate Analytics

Clarivate Analytics is a global leader in providing trusted insights and analytics to accelerate the pace of innovation. Building on a heritage going back more than a century and a half, we have built some of the most trusted brands across the innovation lifecycle, including the Web of Science, Cortellis, Derwent, CompuMark, MarkMonitor and Techstreet. Today, Clarivate Analytics is a new and independent company on a bold entrepreneurial mission, to help our clients radically reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing innovations.

For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and oral statements made with respect to information contained in this release may contain forward-looking statements regarding Clarivate Analytics. Forward-looking statements provide Clarivate Analytics' current expectations or forecasts of future events and may include statements regarding anticipated synergies and other future expectations. These statements involve risks and uncertainties including factors outside of Clarivate Analytics' control that may cause actual results to differ materially. Clarivate Analytics undertakes no obligation to update or revise the statements made herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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"244 meters grading 60.5% Fe and 0.63% Vanadium Pentoxide"

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2019 / Vanadium One Energy Corp. (the "Company") (TSXV:VONE), is pleased to release assay results from the first 8 holes of its 2018 fall drilling program at its 100% owned Mont Sorcier Project, near Chibougamau, Quebec. Drilling intersected significant continuous mineralization throughout each hole, with Hole MSN-18-02, one of the first four holes to be drilled in the North Zone, returning a continuous wide mineralized intersection of 244 meters grading 60.5% Fe and 0.63% Vanadium Pentoxide (V2O5), using the Davis Tube Test (DTT).

Furthermore the average content of Vanadium Pentoxide (V2O5) in magnetite concentrate is 0.53% with an average Iron (Fe) content of 62.3% across 1,037 meters of drill core samples, as shown in Table 1. The vanadium pentoxide grade profile of these intersections compares favorably with historical grades published by Campbell Chibougamau Mines Ltd. in 1974, and also with results from the Company's drill results published in 2017.

Martin Walter, CEO, said, "Our results continue to demonstrate wide zones of Fe and V205 mineralization within the deposit with continuous favourable grades of Iron and Vanadium. We are particularly encouraged by the higher than expected grade of Vanadium Pentoxide found in our initial drill holes in the North Zone. Given that this is our first ever drilling program in the North Zone, these results exceeded our expectations."

Table 1: List of Drill Intersections - 2018 Fall Drill Program (Lengths: meters, Grades: %)





The Company drilled a total of 17 new holes between September and December, 2018, adding 13 holes in the South Zone and completing 4 holes in the North Zone. Drilling continued eastward in the South Zone at either 100 or 200 meter line spacings (MSS-18-26 to MSS-18-28). Drilling concluded with 4 new drill holes located in the North Zone (MSN-18-01 to MSN-18-04), along strike and on approximately 500 meter line spacing. Drill hole locations are found in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Map showing Drill Hole Locations on the 2010 Mag Survey at Mont Sorcier Project



(To view the full-size image, please click here)

A total of 1,171 core samples were delivered to SGS in Val d'Or, from November through December, 2018, and SGS began delivering assay results late December, 2018. Each sample is assayed twice using XRF technology. Rock (Head) samples are initially crushed and assayed. Each sample then undergoes laboratory scale Davis Tube Testing (DTT) which produces a magnetite concentrate by removing non-magnetic material. The upgraded magnetite concentrate is then re-assayed for its Iron and Vanadium content and the Company reports these assay grades.

The Mont Sorcier Project is a bulk tonnage magnetite iron ore and vanadium deposit, with very low titanium content, located near the northern Quebec mining town of Chibougamau. The project is comprised of 37 key mineral claims covering approximately 1,910 Ha (4,797.4 acres), with an historical resource of 273 million tons as published in 1974 by Campbell Chibougamau Mines Ltd.

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Pierre-Jean Lafleur, P.Eng. (OIQ), who is a Qualified Person with respect to the Company's Mont Sorcier Project as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

About Vanadium One Energy Corp.:

Vanadium One Energy Corp. is a mineral exploration company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The Company is focused on advancing the Mont Sorcier Magnetite Iron Ore and Vanadium Project, in Chibougamau, Quebec. The goal is to define the extent of this resource and demonstrate its economic viability.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VANADIUM ONE ENERGY CORP.

Martin Walter, CEO

Tel: 416-599-8547

Rodney Ireland, Investor Relations

Tel: 416-599-8547

info@vanadiumone.com

www.vanadiumone.com

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.

SOURCE: Vanadium One Energy Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/534705/Vanadium-One-Continues-to-Report-Strong-Iron-and-Vanadium-Grades-at-Mont-Sorcier
BRISTOL, England, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

DOVU, a crypto-powered rewards platform for smart travel, has today revealed that it will be scheduling a Security Token Offering (STO) in partnership with TokenMarket expected to take place April 2019.

After successfully raising 4.7 million in October of 2017 through a token sale, DOVU is now looking to raise 2 million in the form of a sale of tokenised equity. The use of funds will enable DOVU to further develop its platform, build user growth and facilitate creating a larger customer base. With recent news of a partnership deal with FTSE 250 company Go Ahead , and the recent launch of its consumer wallet, DOVU now seek to raise capital in order to expand its smart mobility platform for global adoption.

DOVU's raise will see TokenMarket issue the business' equity in a tokenised format via a crowdfund and private placement memorandum on the TokenMarket investment portal. Upon completion of the FCA Regulatory Sandbox test, DOVU will become the first regulated retail STO by TokenMarket, making it the second raise of its kind to be carried out in the UK as well as one of the first STOs in Europe. This means that DOVU's platform users along with the wider public will have the chance to become investors in the business, a unique opportunity in this growing market space.

"We've had great success launching our public wallet where users are earning DOV tokens, as well as signing a number of partner deals which will drive our platform forward. Given our strong position, we feel now is the right time to offer equity ownership to our growing community. TokenMarket was crucial in ensuring that our first raise in 2017 was a success and we are pleased to be working with Ransu and Mikko's dedicated team once again to run our STO." - Irfon Watkins, Founder and CEO, DOVU.

DOVU has previously received seed funding from Jaguar-Land Rover's investment subsidiary, InMotion Ventures and has been supported by Creative England, a scheme backed by the UK Government's 'Public Growth Fund'. DOVU will look to further develop the high calibre of partnerships it forges throughout 2019.

"STOs mark the new future of issuing equity in a business and we at TokenMarket are looking to set the standard. By using blockchain technology and bringing investment opportunities to the retail sector, we are confident that tokenised equity will become the norm. Having previously worked with Irfon and the DOVU team, we are thrilled to continue this great business relationship." Ransu Salovaara, CEO and Co-Founder, TokenMarket.

To find out more information and keep up to date with the DOVU STO, visit http://dovu.io/sto

About DOVU

DOVU creates a new value exchange between people and global mobility providers. The DOVU platform allows users to earn DOV tokens for sharing and improving the way that they travel, allows mobility companies to get closer to their customers and ultimately helps cities get smarter.
FinancialNewsMedia.com News Commentary

PALM BEACH, Florida, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- This is one of those times when the all consumers, growers, producers and regulators all want the same thing they all demand for a way to get accurate and reliable scientific cannabis potency testing. Well Canadian researchers have done just that! Researchers at the University of British Columbia, have:" developed a new method of measuring phytocannabinoids -- the primary bioactive molecules in cannabis -- that will lead to faster, safer and more accurate information for producers, regulators and consumers alike. With the coming legalization of cannabis in Canada, producers are increasingly looking for quick and accurate means of determining the potency and quality of their products. Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus have developed a new method of measuring phytocannabinoids -- the primary bioactive molecules in cannabis -- that will lead to faster, safer and more accurate information for producers, regulators and consumers alike. Active companies in the cannabis industry includes: CROP INFRASTRUCTURE CORP. (CSE:CROP) (OTC:CRXPF), CV Sciences, Inc. (OTC: CVSI), Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) (TSX: WEED), The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. (OTC: SPRWF) (TSX: FIRE.TO), Namaste Technologies Inc. (OTC: NXTTF) (TSX-V: N).

Also mention in the recent article: "There is growing demand on testing labs from licensed cannabis growers across the US and Canada who are under pressure to perform potency testing on ever-increasing quantities of product," says Matthew Noestheden, PhD chemistry student under Prof. Wesley Zandberg at UBC's Okanagan campus. "Traditional tests can take upwards of 20 minutes to perform, where we can do it in under seven. It will save a great deal of time and money for producers with enormous greenhouses full of thousands of samples requiring testing."

CROP INFRASTRUCTURE CORP. (CSE:CROP) (OTCPK:CRXPF) (Frankfurt: 2FR) BREAKING NEWS: CROP INFRASTRUCTURE announced today its Washington State tenant's first crops have had successful test results.



The samples showed a range of Tetrahydrocannabolic Acid ('THCA') results and passed all tests for microbial impurities and no detectable pesticides. THCA is not directly used, but its presence is commonly analyzed when cannabis, or hemp-based products, are screened for THC. The tenant is now approved to begin selling the products in the Washington State market.

STRAIN THCA 9 LB Hammer 26.65% Woo 19.47% Dutch Hawaiian 22.54% Bubba Kush 27.35% Gorilla Glue 18.16% Green Crack 17% Star Killer 26.99% Ghost Train 16.02% Dutch Treat (Distillate) 79.1% THC

12.31% CBD

The tenant is working with both bulk extraction buyers as well as retail locations under the Hempire and Evolution brands in the Washington market. CROP CEO, Michael Yorke, stated: "This is an excellent result and certainly bodes well for the future. CROP's tenant production teams continue to show what meticulous controls, defined production protocols and a focus on organic operations can mean in terms of resulting products." Read this full announcement and more news for CROP Infrastructure at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-crop/

Additional cannabis industry related developments from around the markets:



CV Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: CVSI) recently the company announced that it has engaged ICR, a leading strategic communications and advisory firm, to enhance the Company's investor relations, media relations and corporate communications program. "CV Sciences experienced significant growth in 2018 and we are well positioned to continue to accelerate our growth in 2019 and beyond as we execute our business strategy, expand our retail and e-commerce distribution, and bring innovative branded CBD products to market," said Joseph Dowling, Chief Executive Officer.

Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) (TSX: WEED) Canopy Growth Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in growing, possession, and sale of medical cannabis in Canada. Its products include dried flowers, oils and concentrates, softgel capsules, and hemps. The company offers its products under the Tweed, Black Label, Spectrum Cannabis, DNA Genetics, Leafs By Snoop, Bedrocan Canada, CraftGrow, and Foria brand names. It also offers its products through Tweed Main Street, a single online platform that enables registered patients to purchase medicinal cannabis from various producers across various brands. The company was formerly known as Tweed Marijuana Inc. and changed its name to Canopy Growth Corporation in September 2015. Canopy Growth Corporation is headquartered in Smiths Falls, Canada.





The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. (OTCQX: SPRWF) (TSX: FIRE.TO) On February 5, 2019, the company announced that it will be providing its second quarter financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2018 before markets open on February 12, 2019 . The company is a Canadian publicly traded company committed to providing premium brands and products that proudly reflect its consumers, people and uniquely innovative culture. The Company's portfolio includes its wholly-owned subsidiary and multi-award-winning brand, 7ACRES.

7ACRES is a federally licensed producer of cannabis operating inside a 440,000-square-foot facility in Kincardine, Ontario



Namaste Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: NXTTF) (TSX-V: N.V) recently announced an update to its previously announced intention to acquire UK based AF Trading Ltd. (operating as "Access Fulfillment" or "accessfulfilment.com"). Under the previously announced terms, Namaste's wholly-owned subsidiary, Namaste Bahamas Inc. ("Namaste Bahamas") expected to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Access Fulfillment for US $5 million (CAD $6,550,000 ) which was intended to enable Namaste to retain Access Fulfillment to operate as Namaste's exclusive distribution center for CBD and cannabis products in the UK. Namaste has since elected to use another provider.

DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com (FNM) is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press release issued above by CROP Infrastructure Corp. by a non affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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As part of its international development strategy, Business Wire is happy to announce that its Paris office has moved and is expanding. Business Wire France was launched in October 2005 and is now relocating Place de la Madeleine in Paris with the ambition to add new staff and increase its market share in France and Southern Europe.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005480/en/

PHOTO: JOSEPHINE BRUEDER/VILLE DE PARIS

Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. For Patrice le Tulle, Business Wire Regional Director France Southern Europe, "moving in this new space in the heart of Paris gets us closer to our historical clients and for our clients abroad, the address reflects our international dimension. Besides, we will be able to organize workshops and seminars around PR, IR and other topics linked to our industry because we now have the capacity to host these types of events

Business Wire Paris office has its own newsroom with a team of professional editors. With 19 newsrooms and over 200 editors worldwide, Business Wire is the only newswire service to offer such a proximity relationship with its clients. Building local presence is key to Business Wire to better understand the communications needs of companies and industries in their local markets.

French companies will continue to benefit from the large distribution networks Business Wire provides as well as local assistance, two fundamentals of Business Wire to better serve its clients. From press releases distribution with photos and videos, disclosure, online newsrooms, interactive media, content marketing platforms to analytics and social media monitoring, Business Wire has a wide range of services to suits all communications needs.

"We are extremely proud to see our Paris office expands", explains Geff Scott, Business Wire's CEO. "After ten years of growth, this office has the ambition to further develop the Business Wire group's clients base in Italy, Spain and Portugal, countries where the newswire culture is still not widespread. For PR and IR professionals, this announcement is a sign of the vitality of Business Wire and its industry.

Business Wire France Southern Europe

18/20, place de la Madeleine

75008 Paris France

About Business Wire:

Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Investor relations, public relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire to accurately distribute market-moving news and multimedia, host online newsrooms and IR websites, build content marketing platforms, generate social engagements and provide audience analysis that improves interaction with specified target markets. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX Network. Business Wire has 28 offices worldwide to securely meet the varying needs of communications professionals and news consumers.

Learn more at services.BusinessWire.com and Resources, the Business Wire resource for industry trends; follow updates on Twitter: @businesswire or on Facebook

PHOTO: JOSEPHINE BRUEDER/VILLE DE PARIS

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005480/en/

Contacts:

Patrice le Tulle

Tel. +33 (0)1 56 88 29 40

france@businesswire.com
INCLINE VILLAGE, NV / ACCESSWIRE / February 7 , 2019 / LithiumOre (http://lithiumore.net) (the "Company"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oroplata Resources, Inc. (OTCQB: ORRP), a lithium resource exploration and development company, today announced announced today that Chief Executive Officer Doug Cole was recently interviewed by Proactive Investors. Proactive Investors is a UK-based online investor services company that provides analytics, market reports, and company and industry profiles.

During the interview Chief Executive Officer Doug Cole discusses the that lithium exploration and development company has completed the purchase of an additional 120 acres that will be utilized for its lithium-processing plant, and plans to secure an additional 5,000 acres to its 26,000-acre land holdings in Nevada. Cole also updated investors on a planned drill program in March 2019, plans to uplist in the next few months, as well as the company's most recent hires.

TO ACCESS THE VIDEO INTERVIEW

Please visit Proactive Investors site:

https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/stocktube/12126/lithiumore-in-negotiations-to-purchase-additional-5000-acres-of-land-containing-lithium-12126.html

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=15&v=keXufDHSbIU

Made in America, LithiumOre holds 1,300 lithium mineral claims, totaling 26,000 acres, located in Railroad Valley of Nye County, Nevada. Railroad Valley is approximately 112 miles northeast of Clayton Valley and can be accessed by paved highway directly from U.S. Route 6. Railroad Valley is one of Nevada's largest trapped basins and is noted to hold all the necessary commercial and engineering prerequisites for a massive lithium brine deposit. The Company's claims have been evaluated by experts and the BLM and are in planned on-site exploration.

LithiumOre, Corp.

LithiumOre (http://lithiumore.net), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oroplata Resources, Inc. (OTCQB: ORRP), is a lithium resource exploration and development company, whose primary focus is the establishment of a low cost production base to supply the rapidly growing lithium-ion battery industry for both mobile devises and laptops, as well as the burgeoning EV (electronic vehicle) industry. LithiumOre is focused on becoming a substantial, profitable lithium producer via the timely development of valuable production-grade lithium brine deposits in Nevada.

For more information, please visit: http://lithiumore.net.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including those with respect to the expected project economics for Western Nevada Basin (Railroad Valley), including estimates of life of mine, average production, cash costs, AISC, initial CAPEX, sustaining CAPEX, pre-tax IRR, pre-tax NPV, net cash flows and recovery rates, the impact of self-mining versus contract mining, the timing to obtain necessary permits, the submission of the project for final investment approval and the timing of initial gold production after investment approval and full financing, metallurgy and processing expectations, the mineral resource estimate, expectations regarding the ability to expand the mineral resource through future drilling, ongoing work to be conducted at the Western Nevada Basin (Railroad Valley), and the potential results of such efforts, the potential commissioning of a Pre-Feasibility study and the effects on timing of the project, are "forward-looking statements." Although the Company's 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, interpretations or reinterpretations of geologic information, unfavorable exploration results, inability to obtain permits required for future exploration, development or production, general economic conditions and conditions affecting the industries in which the Company operates; the uncertainty of regulatory requirements and approvals; fluctuating mineral and commodity prices, final investment approval and the ability to obtain necessary financing on acceptable terms or at all. Additional information regarding the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements is available in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017. The Company assumes no obligation to update any of the information contained or referenced in this press release.

Contact Information

Hayden IR

Stephen Hart

(917) 658-7878

hart@haydenir.com

SOURCE: Oroplata Resources

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/534698/LithiumOre-in-Negotiations-to-Purchase-Additional-5000-Acres-of-Land-Containing-Lithium
DETROIT, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --Stratview Research announces the launch of a new research report on Recreational Vehicle (RV) Composite Panels Market by Product Type (Towables and Motorized), by Application Type (Sidewall Panel, Slide-out Panel, Roof Panel, and Floor Panel), by Resin Type (Polyester Composite Panels, Epoxy Composite Panels, and Other Composite Panels), by Core Material Type (PS Foam, PU Foam, and Others), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World), Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2019-2024.

This market report, from Stratview Research, studies the recreational vehicle composite panels market over the trend period of 2013 to 2018 and forecast period of 2019 to 2024. 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.

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Composite Panels Market: Highlights

Over a period, the RV industry has experienced a remarkable transition in the panel's technology in terms of material and design. Nowadays, RVs panels are preferably being made with composites rather than wood or metallic construction. Weight reduction is a key requirement of RV OEMs as this gives an extra room to OEMs with an aim to take the comfort of customers to the next level by adding more luxury items. Although the price of composite panels is higher, these panels are marking greater penetration in the industry as OEMs are gradually abolishing wood panels for sidewalls and floors, which are prone to damage or moisture intrusion.

Recreational vehicle composite panels market continued its disruptive journey in 2018. It is estimated that the next five years for the market are going to be more vigorous with attractive growth opportunities in the entire ecosystem of the market and reach an estimated value of US$ 554.9 million in 2024. Organic growth in the production of recreation vehicle supported by growing outdoor participation activities and conversion of tent participants to RV enthusiasts is the prime growth driver of the market. An incessant shift from traditional wood panels to composite panels in RV is aiding additional growth, ultimately driving the segment to grow at an above-industry growth rate in the foreseeable future.

Click Here and Run Through the Detailed TOC of the Report

As per the research findings, towable RV is expected to remain the most dominant segment of the market during the forecast period, driven by North America. Towable RVs are more common in North America as compared to Europe, the latter region has the dominance of motorized vehicles. Towable vehicle shipments accounted for more than 85% of the total RV shipments in North America in 2018.

Based on the application type, sidewall panel is expected to remain the most dominant application in the market over the next five years, whereas floor panel is likely to be the fastest-growing application in the same period. There are different materials and designs of panels for different applications in RVs.

Polyester composite panel is expected to remain the largest segment during the forecast period. Polyester resin has the lowest cost and offers good properties including impressive linear thermal expansion and relatively low shrinkages, which make it best fit for producing recreational vehicle composite panels. However, epoxy resin is a preferred choice for some floor and roof panel applications.

Register Here for a Free Sample of the Detailed Report

PS Foam is expected to remain the major core material type during the forecast period. Excellent mechanical properties, excellent insulation property, good moisture resistance, and low weight are some of the key factors that have led to the high adoption of PS foam in the market.

In terms of regions, North America is expected to remain the largest recreational vehicle composite panels market during the forecast period. The USA is the growth engine of the North American market. Europe is also likely to offer sizeable growth opportunities during the forecast period. Germany is likely to remain the largest and fastest-growing market in the European region during the same period.

Major recreational vehicle composite panel manufacturers are Crane Composites Inc., LAMILUX Heinrich Strunz Holding GmbH & Co. KG, US Liner Company, Glasteel (Stabilit America Inc.), and Hanwha Adzel, Inc. Development of lightweight composite panels, expansion of the regional network, 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 RV composite panels market and has segmented the market in five ways, keeping in mind the interest of all the stakeholders across the value chain. Following are the five ways in which the market is segmented:

RV Composite Panels Market by Product Type:

Towable Recreational Vehicles (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Motorized Recreational Vehicles (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

RV Composite Panels Market by Application Type:

Sidewall Panel (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Slide-out Panel (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Roof Panel (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Floor Panel (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

RV Composite Panels Market by Resin Type:

Polyester Composite Panels (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Epoxy Composite Panels (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Other Composite Panels (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

RV Composite Panels Market by Core Material Type:

Polyurethane (PU) Foam (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Polystyrene (PS) Foam (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Other Core Materials (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW

RV Composite Panels Market by Region:

North America (Country Analysis: The USA , Canada , and Mexico )

Europe (Country Analysis: Germany , France , The UK and Rest of Europe )

Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: China , Japan , Australia , New Zealand and Rest of Asia-Pacific )

Rest of the World (Country Analysis: The Middle East , Latin America , and South Africa )

Stratview Research has several high value market reports in the composites and advanced materials industry. Please refer to the following link to browse through our reports:

Click Here for Other Reports from Stratview Research in the Composites Industry

Related premium market report in the advanced materials industry are:

Composite Floor Panels Market by End-Use Industry Type (Aircraft, Rail, and Bus), by Core Material Type (Honeycomb Core, Foam Core, and Balsa Core), by End-User Type (OE and Aftermarket), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World), Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2019-2024.

Aircraft Interior Sandwich Panel Market by Aircraft Type (Narrow-Body Aircraft, Wide-Body Aircraft, Very Large Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, and General Aviation), by Application Type (Floor Panel, Sidewall Panel, Ceiling Panel, Stowage Bin, Galley, Lavatory, and Others), by Core Material Type (Nomex Honeycomb, Aluminum Honeycomb, and Others), by End-User Type (OE and Aftermarket), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World), 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.

Contact:

Stratview Research

E-mail: sales@stratviewresearch.com

Direct: +1-313-307-4176
CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Molecular Quality Controls Market by Product (Independent, Instrument Specific (DNA Sequencing)), Analyte Type (Single Analyte, Multianalyte), Application (Infectious Diseases), End User (IVD Manufacturers, Research Institute) - Global Forecast to 2024", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market for Molecular Quality Controls is expected to grow from USD 132 million in 2018 to USD 237 million by 2024, at a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period.

Don't miss out on business opportunities in Molecular Quality Controls Market.

Rising adoption of third-party quality controls, increasing number of accredited clinical laboratories, and the rising demand for external quality assessment support are the key factor driving market growth.

Independent controls accounted for the largest share of the Molecular Quality Controls Market in 2018

Based on product type, the Molecular Controls Market is divided into two major segments-instrument-specific controls and independent controls. The independent controls segment accounted for a larger share of the Molecular Controls Market in 2018. The large share of this segment is attributed to the increasing use of third-party independent quality controls due to their benefits such as longer shelf-life and flexible use across different reagent lots, which help reduce the cost of operations.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Molecular Quality Controls Market"

69 - Tables

25 - Figures

125 - Pages

Get 10% Free Customization on this Report:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=82625523

Single-analyte controls to account for the largest share of the market during the forecast period

By analyte type, the Molecular Controls Market is segmented into single-analyte controls and multi-analyte controls. Single-analyte controls dominated the Molecular Controls Market in 2018 primarily due to the significant use of singleplex assays in hospitals and the advantages associated with the use of single-analyte controls, such as simple analysis & interpretation and low risk of cross-reactivity.

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https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=82625523

The APAC Molecular Quality Controls Market is projected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period.

While North America held the largest share of the market in 2018, Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The presence of emerging economies such as China and India and the significant demand for high-quality and accurate diagnostic tests from the large patient population in this region are the major factors supporting the growth of the Asia Pacific Molecular Quality Controls Market.

The prominent players in the Molecular Quality Controls Market are SeraCare Life Sciences Inc. (US), ZeptoMetrix Corporation (US), Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. (US), Microbiologics Inc. (US), and Thermo Fisher Scientific (US).

Browse Adjacent Markets: Medical Devices Market Research Reports & Consulting

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.

Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.

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Research Insight:https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/molecular-quality-control-market.asp

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2019) - Gunpowder Capital Corp. (CSE: GPC) (CSE: GPC.PR.A) (OTCQB: GNPWF) (FSE: YS6N) ("Gunpowder" or the "Corporation") announced today that Eighteen Fifty Equity, Inc. ("1850"), has retained Gunpowder to act as financial advisor to 1850 and to assist 1850 in completing its proposed "go public" transaction. Through its fully owned subsidiary, Natural Wellness, Inc., 1850 specializes in finding natural wellness through plant-based medicine as the Company offers a wide range of CBD products to its clientele.

Effective immediately, 1850 shall issue GPC One Million Five Hundred Thirty Thousand ("1,530,000") common shares of 1850 and 1850 shall also pay GPC a one-time advisory fee of Twenty Thousand Dollars ("$20,000.00") CDN plus HST for the advisory services GPC shall provide 1850 in its going public endeavors. Furthermore, and upon successful listing onto a Canadian-based stock exchange, and as compensation for GPC's services, 1850 will issue Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ("$450,000.00") CDN plus HST worth of common shares in 1850 to GPC on the same terms and enterprise value as those anticipated in the going public transaction.

1850 has provided audited financials as required under the agreement, as well as being tasked with providing quarterly financials and associated MD&A. Once completed, GPC shall issue Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ("$200,000.00") CDN worth of GPC Class - A preferred shares to 1850.

Mr. Paul Haber, Chief Financial Officer of Gunpowder, stated: "We are extremely pleased to have been selected by 1850 for this go public assignment. Gunpowder is finding a lot of private North American based Cannabis / Hemp companies that want to rapidly expand and take the next step in their business evolution which is accessing capital via the public and equity markets. Currently in this point in time, Canada offers several stock exchanges that allow Cannabis entities to list which facilitates the aforementioned need. 1850 is one such Company and we are looking forward to working with them."

Mr. Mike Arnold of Kansas City, Missouri, CEO of 1850, stated: "We are very excited to partner with Gunpowder in our proposed 'go public' endeavour. We see this firm as a very unique partner as they can facilitate all of our 'go public' needs including providing assistance to accessing capital. We see Gunpowder as partner that will be instrumental in providing us the necessary tools so we can take the next step in our Midwest cannabis and hemp business evolution."

Eighteen Fifty Equity Inc.

Eighteen Fifty Equity, Inc. specializes in finding natural wellness through plant-based medicine. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Natural Wellness, Inc., ("NWI") which was founded in Kansas City, Missouri, by Jessica Anderson, 1850 offers a wide range of CBD products to its clientele. Currently, NWI is positioning itself so it can greatly expand its market presence throughout the State of Missouri and beyond. For more information on Eighteen Fifty Equity, Inc., please visit www.1850equity.com

About Gunpowder Capital Corp.

Gunpowder Capital Corp. is a merchant bank and advisory services firm based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Gunpowder invests in both publicly traded and private businesses that have successful management teams and attractive economic models. Gunpowder partners with these businesses to support their growth initiatives with its proven methodology of appropriate financing and structured exits. Gunpowder offers debt financing, including mezzanine and bridge loans, equity financing and advisory services. Gunpowder is also building a portfolio of companies in which it takes a long term position and view. For more information please visit www.gunpowdercapitalcorp.com

For further information please contact:

Mr. Frank Kordy

CEO & Director

Gunpowder Capital Corp.

T: (647) 466-4037

E: frank.kordy@gunpowdercapitalcorp.com

Mr. Paul Haber

CFO

Gunpowder Capital Corp.

T: (416) 363-3833

E: paul.haber@gunpowdercapitalcorp.com





Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. 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 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42690
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2019) - APPx Technology, a subsidiary of Fintech incubator and software and data development company, APPx Group Holdings, Inc. (CSE: APPX) (FSE: APO) (the "Company" or "APPx"), has signed a Service Agreement with Johnston Law, LLC in South Carolina for their proprietary due diligence system. APPx is excited to announce this milestone deal, its first since entering into the US markets in both public and private sectors.

APPx, which just recently announced they rented office space in South Carolina's Silicon Harbor for their technology business, created the system to address problems associated with the increased compliance requirements put forth by government watchdogs - such as FINTRAC and FinCEN, big banks, and other government agencies and bodies around the world.

APPx's proprietary data analysis software integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) with traditional data sources, including the world's most advanced aggregators in regulatory technology, electronic identification, media monitoring, financial scoring, and business intelligence. The AI component means large amounts of structured and unstructured data sources can be monitored in just minutes and also allows for continued monitoring. The result is AI-driven risk data that can quickly provide a visual picture of the target company or individual, including corporate structure and other complex relationships. What used to take weeks of research can now be done in hours. All of this information is compiled and reports are generated by APPx analysts depending on the needs of the client.

Jay Ruckenstein, President and Co-founder at APPx, is an expert in corporate information technology and online business operations. For years he ran the anti-fraud department at his gaming operation- which is one of the most highly-regulated industries.

"When there is so much information available, it's easy to miss some important pieces. That's why we've developed systems to compile the aggregated data from all of these sources in one place, making it easier to get a thorough understanding of the target," he stated.

"The subsequent reports our analysts produce protect the users from the effects of a non-compliance investigation - in terms of time, cost, and potential criminal liability," said Paul Platte, an international lawyer, who was brought on board as a managing advisor for APPx and who will be directing the US office.

During the beta testing, attorney John C. Johnston will use the Due Diligence and KYC/AML systems and reports in active cases. The law firm will work with APPx's expert compliance staff to assess, make suggestions, and together possibly come up with other products based on the wide range of data aggregation and analytical capabilities they have at APPx.

APPx has plans to pursue other clients in the legal profession, as well as others who can benefit from this more robust form of due diligence. Going forward, they intend to offer this service not only in the US, but also in Canada and the United Kingdom.

For more information about APPx projects and developments, visit appxgroup.com.

About APPx Group Holdings, Inc.

APPx Group Holdings, Inc. offers technology-based solutions to a wide range of industries, including: advertising, financial services, insurance, legal, brokerages, logistics, and government.

With our strong reach and growing partnerships, we're constantly adding to, and enhancing, our portfolio of proprietary, cutting-edge software solutions. We strive to be industry leaders, creating innovations engineered from the ground up by our diverse culture of talent. APPx delivers sustained value by strategically solving our customers' immediate and long-term needs - using today's most advanced technologies to help them reach their goals on a global scale.

Contact:

APPx Group Holdings, Inc.

Rahim Mohamed, CEO

RM@appxgroup.com

(833) 777-APPX

Jay Ruckenstein, President

jay@appxgroup.com

(833) 777-APPX

About Paul Platte:

Paul Platte is an international lawyer with 40 years experience representing private clients in various civil matters, including personal injury, construction and commercial litigation, personal injury, international transactions and asset protection, immigration, and employment.

Paul is proficient in Spanish and his extensive practice includes Dubai, the United States Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic that draws on his legal, business and cultural skills. His clients include local and international insurance companies and financial institutions, individuals, and private and public corporations.

Forward-looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements/information. Statements about the Company's plans and intentions, beta test with US law firm, other potential transactions, product development, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Company's technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. Forward-looking statement are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, present and future business strategies, the ability to successfully develop software, anticipated costs, the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events, level of activity, performance or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: that laws and regulations may become more onerous; the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing; the economy generally; the future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities; changes in laws and regulations; changes in and the effect of government policies; demand for products and services; competition; anticipated and unanticipated costs; reliance on management; claims and legal proceedings; conflicts of interest; and market price and volatility of the common shares of the Company. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, changes in laws, negative sentiment towards the industry in which the Company operates, increase in operating costs, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants, technology failures, litigation, failure to develop new and innovative products, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations and fees charged by service providers. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, nor approved the contents of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42708
LONDON, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The SPE/IADC International Drilling Conference and Exhibition will take place next month at the World Forum, The Hague, 5-7 March 2019, featuring a highly targeted audience of international drilling professionals.

With an aim of accelerating progress in our industry by connecting forward-thinking technical presentations to open discussion forums, the technical programme enables E&P professionals to see through today's challenges and work collaboratively toward solutions that will create a stronger future for an increasingly energy-driven world.

The keynote address for Day One's Opening Ceremony will be given by Paul Goodfellow, Executive Vice President,Shell. The renowned technical programme will bring together leading E&P industry experts including representatives from: BP; Saudi Aramco; Equinor; National Oilwell Varco; ExxonMobil; BOS Solutions; Baker Hughes a GE Company; ConocoPhillips; Weatherford; Scientific Drilling; Hess Corporation; Transocean; Oxy Oil & Gas; eDrilling; Bureau Veritas; Schlumberger; Halliburton, and many more.

Technical Session Topics Include: Fluids and Waste Management; Threaded Connections for Tubulars; Advances in Drill Bit and Downhole Tool Technology and Applications; Innovative Technologies for Measurement, Modeling and Communication; Drilling Automation; Well Placement; Managed Pressure Drilling; Well Cementing and Zonal Isolation; Geomechanics; Offshore Drilling, and more.

Take a look into the conference programme and the selected technical papers that will be presented at the conference>>

Also presenting a Special Diversity and Inclusion Session: Closing the Gender Gap in Oil and Gas, at the end of Day One, chaired by Oonagh Werngren, MBE, the first female Wells Manager for BP, and speakers from NOV, Chevron and Oil & Gas UK. Read more>>

Renowned for over 35 years as the home of world class technical content, the event is developed for the drilling industry by the drilling industry and is the perfect forum to advance your scientific understanding of drilling in oil and gas exploration and production.

The event is supported by a broad range of key stakeholders from the Drilling world including some of the largest oil and gas players in the industry including Saudi Aramco, Shell, Transocean, BP, Abaco Drilling Technologies, Merlin ERD, Baker Hughes GE, Weatherford, Schlumberger, KCA Deutag, Exebenus, CAN by Neodrill and Dril-Quip.

Registration

To find out more and to register for the SPE/IADC International Drilling Conference and Exhibition, please visit: www.spe.org/go/19dc

*Complimentary press registration is available to members of the working press - register here.

"The SPE/IADC drilling conference is one of the few that focuses on drilling optimisation and especially drilling dynamics. The conference provides a very good networking and knowledge sharing opportunity." Andreas Hohl, Baker Hughes GE

About SPE

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a not-for-profit professional association whose members are engaged in energy resources development and production. SPE serves more than 156,000 members in 154 countries worldwide. SPE is a key resource for technical knowledge related to the oil and gas exploration and production industry and provides services through its publications, events, training courses, and online resources at www.spe.org .

Media Contact

Katie Dunn, Marketing Manager - Europe and Caspian Events. E-mail: kdunn@spe.org

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/819111/19DC_Social_Media_1600x800__72.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/819114/17OTC_TB_020006.jpg
Lubrizol Honors Lake County's Outstanding STEM Teacher Team

Recognition marks Significant Milestone in Award Program

CLEVELAND, February 7, 2019 - The Lubrizol Corporation, in partnership with the Lake County Educational Service Center (ESC), announces the teacher team of Greg Clark and Lee Polzer as the winner of the annual Lubrizol Lake County STEM Teacher Award. The seventh-grade teacher team at Madison Middle School was selected for its innovative, interdisciplinary project-based lessons that engage students with connections to the real-world.

As recipient of the award, the team will receive $5,000 for STEM-related teaching expenses and team leader Greg Clark will receive sponsorship to attend the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council (OCTC) Teachers, Industry and Environment (TIE) Conference. In addition, Madison Middle School will receive an award of $5,000 for STEM equipment. The award selection panel consisted of representatives from the Lake County ESC and Lubrizol employees.

Addressing the Madison Local Schools teacher and administration, Julie Edgar, corporate vice president of innovation and chief sustainability officer for Lubrizol, honored the team by highlighting how the team approach combines innovative teaching techniques, real-world examples and academic topics all designed to strengthen student engagement and improve student outcomes. Edgar states, "This unique program prepares students to gain more marketable skills for the real working world, such as being good communicators, problem solvers, self-motivators and team players. Given the clear student success, it is obvious to me that teaching in new ways can have a positive effect and further the mission of STEM."

The 2018 - 2019 school year also marks a significant milestone for Lubrizol's signature STEM education outreach program. This year's teacher team is the 25th annual Lubrizol Lake County Science / STEM Teacher Award winner. In the award's 25-year history, Lubrizol has honored more than 70 Lake County teachers.

About The Lubrizol Corporation

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a market-driven global company that combines complex, specialty chemicals to optimize the quality, performance and value of customers' products while reducing their environmental impact. It is a leader at combining market insights with chemistry and application capabilities to deliver valuable solutions to customers in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. Lubrizol improves lives by acting as an essential partner in our customers' success, delivering efficiency, reliability or wellness to their end users. Technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, driveline and other transportation-related fluids, industrial lubricants, as well as additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for home care, personal care and skin care products and specialty materials encompassing polymer and coatings technologies, along with polymer-based pharmaceutical and medical device solutions.

With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 8,700 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2017 were $6.3 billion. For more information, visit Lubrizol.com.

Media Contact

Julie Young

440-347-4432

Website: www.lubrizol.com

Doris Behnke, Chris Ciolli, Lee Polzer, Greg Clark, Julie Edgar

###





This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Lubrizol via Globenewswire


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Key Highlights:

Multi-year deal with key distribution channel

Company is the only METRC approved cold chain vendor in California

approved cold chain vendor in Major sales channel in California

Accelerate the adoption of cold chain tracking software

TrackLoop Analytics Corp. ("TrackLoop" or the "Company") (Canadian Securities Exchange: TOOL) (FRANKFURT: B2IP) (OTCQB: TLOOF) is pleased to announce that it is signing a multi-year distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement") with Volta Air Technology and Thermobile, a Southern California based delivery vehicle retrofitter, focusing on refrigerated delivery vans for multiple use cases and industries, including Cannabis and Food. The agreement will open a strategic sales channel for the Company in California, enabling it to scale the delivery of logistics and cold chain tracking technology in a key target market. The California logistics market, alongside Europe and Canada, represents a US$6.2 billion opportunity for the Company.

TrackLoop's real-time supply chain platform monitors temperature-controlled and highly regulated food products (fresh & frozen) in real time, securely and cost effectively, providing an enterprise grade solution to both large and small organizations.

Thermobile specializes in insulated and refrigerated delivery vehicle systems for General Motors Company, Ford Motor Company and Nissan Motor Co Ltd. Volta Air Technology builds full electric & zero emission refrigeration units made for sustainable urban delivery vehicles. Through the partnership with Thermobile, Trackloop tracking technology is installed on delivery vehicles used by major processors and distirbuters within Cannabis value chain. Blackbird, an end user of the Trackloop platform, was recently acquired by TILT Holdings Inc. Blackbird supports more than 250 wholesale and retail cannabis operators in Nevada and California to transport an average of $30 million in wholesale cannabis products every 30 days

"We look forward to working with new partners in California and building a solid footprint in a rapidly growing market. Our partnership with Volta Air and Thermobile will allow us to rapidly scale our recurring revenue while building our sales capacity across the industry," said TrackLoop CTO Zayn Kalyan.

The Company will provide further updates once the Distribution Agreement is formally signed.

The agreement gives the Company access to fleets of refrigerated delivery vehicles operating in the State and will accelerate the adoption rate of cold chain tracking software. The Company is a verified, California METRC software vendor, with its fully functional API integrated with the State mandated compliance platform. Trackloop is the first company with a cold chain tracking solution to be approved by METRC.

About TrackLoop Analytics Inc.

TrackLoop Analytics (TOOL) is an analytics software company that is leveraging digital asset technology to transform and modernize multiple industries. TrackLoop is taking a diversified approach to the analytics and technology space, delivering practical solutions in the finance, logistics, cannabis, and pharmaceutical industries. The Company's turnkey real-time tracking solutions offer the very latest in IoT and AI, providing valuable data and business intelligence to some of the world's leading brands.

TrackLoop is a publicly-traded company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE); trading symbol TOOL (C.TOOL or TOOL.cn).

Zayn Kalyan

Chief Technology Officer

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations. Statements about the Company's plans and intentions, signing contracts, potential revenues, expansion into the U.S. market, signing of the Development Agreement, other potential transactions, product development, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Company's technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Company's financial condition; the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products; regulatory uncertainties; market conditions and the demand and pricing for products; security threats; relationships with its customers, distributors and business partners; the ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet customers' needs; the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; competition in the industry; the impact of technology changes on the products and industry; failure to develop new and innovative products; the ability to successfully maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and defend third-party claims of infringement of their intellectual property rights; the impact of intellectual property litigation that could materially and adversely affect the business; the ability to manage working capital; and the dependence on key personnel. TrackLoop may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, the ability to successfully develop software, that there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business, anticipated costs, the ability to achieve goals. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward looking statements.

Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, the impact of technology changes on the industry, competition, security threats, consumer sentiment towards TrackLoop's products, services and blockchain technology generally, failure to develop new and innovative products, litigation, increase in operating costs, lack of demand for TrackLoop's products and services, increase in labor costs, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

For more information about the company please contact us at +1-778-938-3367.
LAGOS, Nigeria, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Azuri Technologies, a leader in pay-as-you-go solar technology, and First Bank of Nigeria Limited today announced a unique partnership that will help deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria while bringing affordable, reliable and clean power to millions of Nigerians.

Under the partnership, Azuri's solar home TV product will be co-branded and co-marketed by FirstBank and Azuri. Pay-as-you-go customers will be able to pay for their solar via FirstBank's Firstmonie agent network and mobile payment solution. Firstmonie agents are positioned within rural and semi-urban locations across the country and provide basic financial services such as account opening, cash deposit, cash withdrawals and bill payments.

More than 60 million of Nigeria's roughly 200 million people do not have bank accounts and as little as 6% of people have a mobile money account. (World Bank 2018).

Speaking on the partnership, Azuri CEO Simon Bransfield-Garth and FirstBank CEO Adesola Adeduntan stated the partnership was a positive step in providing much needed energy and enabling access to financial services in rural, low-income areas.

"This partnership combines the reach of FirstBank with Azuri's technology and pay-as-you-go solar expertise to bring next generation power to off-grid consumers in Nigeria" said Azuri CEO Simon Bransfield-Garth.

"Azuri and FirstBank share the vision of a level playing field where all consumers have the ability to benefit from modern financial and digital services, regardless of where they live and this agreement is another step in making that vision a reality."

According to FirstBank CEO Adesola Adeduntan, "Financial inclusion is a priority with FirstBank and we are excited that with this partnership, our customers are able to access a wide range of services that address real problems such as access to power. With our over 16,000 Firstmonie Agents spread across the length and breadth of Nigeria, our customers are at an advantage in enjoying seamless financial services from the Bank that puts them first."

From solar home lighting to solar satellite TV, Azuri systems are designed to deliver world class performance at an affordable price for all customers that experience irregular power supply. Customers make small weekly or monthly payments to unlock their system and power.

Pay-as-you-go solar is transforming lives by providing energy for lighting, phones and TVs while helping boost local economies with new employment opportunities and connecting off-grid households to financial and digital services that are helping improve productivity and increase income.

About Azuri Technologies Ltd.

Azuri Technologies is a leading provider of affordable pay-as-you-go solar home systems to off-grid consumers. Combining the latest solar innovation and mobile payment technology, Azuri delivers reliable, renewable and distributed power to the millions who have no access to modern powered services. Azuri operates in five key territories; Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda with East Africa Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and West Africa Headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.

For more information, please visit: www.azuri-technologies.com

About FirstBank

First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) is the premier Bank in West Africa and the leading banking services solutions provider in Nigeria. With some 14 million customer accounts, FirstBank provides a comprehensive range of retail and corporate financial services with over 750 business locations. The Bank has international presence through its subsidiaries, FBN Bank (UK) Limited in London and Paris, FBNBank in the Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra-Leone and Senegal, as well as a Representative Office in Beijing.

Since its establishment in 1894, FirstBank has consistently built relationships with customers focusing on the fundamentals of good corporate governance, strong liquidity, optimised risk management and leadership. Over the years, the Bank has led the financing of private investment in infrastructure development in the Nigerian economy by playing key roles in the Federal Government's privatization and commercialization schemes. With its global reach, FirstBank provides prospective investors wishing to explore the vast business opportunities that are available in Nigeria, an internationally competitive world-class brand and a credible financial partner.

FirstBank has been named "Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria" six times in a row (2011 - 2016) by the globally renowned "The Banker Magazine" of the Financial Times Group; and "Best Retail Bank in Nigeria" for seven consecutive years, 2011 - 2017, by the Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards. Our brand purpose is to always put customers, partners and stakeholders at the heart of our business, even as we standardize customer experience and excellence in financial solutions across sub-Saharan Africa, in consonance with our brand vision "To be the partner of first choice in building your future". Our brand promise is to always deliver the ultimate "gold standard" of value and excellence. This commitment is anchored on our inherent values of passion, partnership and people, to position You First in every respect.

Azuri Technologies Ltd. Media contact:

Gina Ghensi

Azuri Technologies Ltd.

gina.ghensi@azuri-technologies.com

+44(0)7769875422

FirstBank Media Contact:

Folake Ani-Mumuney

Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications

www.firstbanknigeria.com
MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2019 / Argex Titanium Inc. (TSX: RGX) ("Argex") is pleased to announce that it has mandated ASDR Canada Inc. to conduct exploration at its 100% owned Lac Brule property, located 64 km from Labrieville, on Quebec's North Shore, near the Hydro-Quebec Bersimis 2 power plant site. The anomaly is located approximately 700m from the road.

The geologists from ASDR Canada intersected at least two massive hemo-ilmenite lenses last year and some of the highlight intercepts were (see press release of April 19, 2018):

Block A southern extension include:

35.8% TiO2 and 0.37% V205 over 28.2 meters from DDH LB-18-32

35.02% TiO2 and 0.37% V205 over 20.7 meters from DDH LB-18-26

Since then, Argex has increased the property by 32 claims for a total of 97 claims for a total area of 5,435 hectares to protect other undiscovered anomalies close to the ones already identified.

This year's program will be conducted in two phases over the coming months. The first phase is dedicated to defining the anomaly discovered in 2018 in more details in order to identify the physical limits of the hemo-ilmenite lenses, by drilling 800 m of Diamond Drill Holes (DDH) equivalent of up to 16 exploration holes to cover the total 2.4 km length of the anomaly and to determine its boundaries. The second phase, once the extensions are well identified, will be to conduct more drilling in order to define the resource.

Core samples from Lac Brule have been tested for composition as well as in the Argex labs for processing to Titanium Dioxide, and its properties are interesting for both ore use and incorporation into the Argex process as feed. The latest mandate is to further define the extent of the deposit and to evaluate compositions of core samples from expanded exploration drilling patterns.

"This property which is conveniently located near power and transportation facilities has already demonstrated evidence of significant mineral deposits from the 2018 work. We have contracted to pursue further exploration in order to determine the extent of the lenses at Lac Brule and the eventual commercial impact of this asset for Argex going forward" said Mr. Mazen Alnaimi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Louis Caron, P.Geo, a consultant to Argex, is the Qualified Person for the Lac Brule property under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, responsible for the technical contents of this news release, and has approved the disclosure of the technical information contained herein.

About Argex Titanium

Argex Titanium Inc. has developed an advanced chemical process for the volume production of high-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2) for use in high-quality paint, plastics, cosmetics and other TiO2 applications. The Corporation's unique proprietary process uses relatively inexpensive and plentiful source material from a variety of potential vendors to produce TiO2, along with other valuable byproducts. Argex's process provides a significant cost and environmental advantage over current legacy TiO2 production methods.

To stay informed on Argex Titanium, join our Investor Group on 8020 Connect at www.8020connect.com/groups/argex-titanium-inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information and statements may include, among others, statements regarding future plans, costs, objectives or performance of Argex, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "target" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits Argex will derive. Forward-looking statements and information are based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Argex's control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described under "Risk Factors" in Argex's Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; they could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Argex does not intend, nor does Argex undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws.

Contact:

Mazen Al-Naimi

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | Argex Titanium Inc.

info@argex.ca

Contact person for mining:

Louis Caron Tel: 819-856-5436

SOURCE: Argex Titanium Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/534624/Argex-Titanium-Starts-Exploration-Program-at-Lac-Brule
Adds team of over 50 professionals to support clients across Spain and Latin America

Duff Phelps, the global advisor that protects, restores and maximizes value for clients, today announced it has acquired Forest Partners, a leading Spanish independent provider of forensic and litigation support and restructuring, financial and corporate advisory solutions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Since 2007, Forest Partners has supported clients in major disputes in Spain and Latin America under Spanish and international arbitration courts, as well as in major refinancing and restructuring processes, as an insolvency administrator and as an advisor in high-profile situations. The firm's more than 50 experienced professionals are based in Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao. Following the acquisition, Vicente Estrada, Founder of Forest Partners, will lead Duff Phelps' Governance, Risk, Investigations and Disputes practice in Spain, reporting to Carl Jenkins, Global Head of Governance, Risk, Investigations and Disputes at Duff Phelps.

Javier Zoido, Managing Director and Head of Duff Phelps' Valuation Advisory Services practice in Spain, commented: "Forest Partners' market leading expertise in forensic litigation support, restructuring and crisis management greatly enhances our ability to assist clients in their most complex situations. Their addition to Duff Phelps expands our Spanish footprint to bring best-in-class services to our clients in Spain and globally."

Vicente Estrada commented: "Both Duff Phelps and Forest Partners share the same values of excellence in professionalism, experience and effectiveness to help clients resolve situations of crisis and conflict. Becoming part of this esteemed organization provides us with the opportunity to leverage a global network and resources to continue to provide added value for our clients. I look forward to offering our regional expertise to further expand the firm's forensic, restructuring and corporate finance services offering in Spain."

With the acquisition of Forest Partners, Duff Phelps now has over 100 professionals in Spain.

About Duff Phelps

Duff Phelps is the global advisor that protects, restores and maximizes value for clients in the areas of valuation, corporate finance, investigations, disputes, cyber security, compliance and regulatory matters, and other governance-related issues. We work with clients across diverse sectors, mitigating risk to assets, operations and people. With Kroll, a division of Duff Phelps since 2018, our firm has nearly 3,500 professionals in 28 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.duffandphelps.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005240/en/

Contacts:

Media

Duff Phelps

Angela Tucciarone, +1 212 871 6237

angela.tucciarone@duffandphelps.com

Llorente y Cuenca

Meritxell Perez de Castro-Acuna, +34 91 563 77 22

mperez@llorenteycuenca.com
Latest Depolox analyzer ensures greater measurement confidence with intuitive interface

Evoqua Water Technologies (NYSE:AQUA), an industry leader in mission critical water treatment solutions, today announced the launch of the Depolox 400 M analyzer designed to provide reliable measurements of disinfectant parameters in drinking water and industrial water applications.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005227/en/

The Depolox 400 M analyzer with illuminated flow cell. (Photo: Business Wire)

Drinking water utilities around the globe are faced with more stringent regulations requiring chlorine residual to provide disinfection throughout the distribution network. Excess levels of chlorine can result in elevated levels of disinfection by-product formation, while having too little disinfectant puts public health at risk. Optimized control of the disinfectant residual begins with accurate on-line residual monitoring, which has been synonymous with Depolox analyzers for over 60 years.

The new state-of-the-art Depolox 400 M analyzer ensures greater confidence in measurement while providing operators with a simple, intuitive touch screen interface and an easy to use visual dashboard, allowing operators to access all pertinent information. Data can be easily transferred to mobile devices or incorporated into plant-wide measurement dashboards.

Visit our website for more information on Depolox 400 M analyzers and other water measurement solutions from Evoqua.

About Evoqua Water Technologies

Evoqua Water Technologies is a leading provider of mission-critical water and wastewater treatment solutions, offering a broad portfolio of products, services and expertise to support industrial, municipal and recreational customers who value water. Evoqua has worked to protect water, the environment and its employees for more than 100 years, earning a reputation for quality, safety and reliability around the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company operates in more than 160 locations across nine countries. Serving more than 200,000 installations worldwide, our employees are united by a common purpose: Transforming Water. Enriching Life.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005227/en/

Contacts:

Media

Lisa Marchewka

Vice President, Brand and Strategy

Evoqua Water Technologies

Telephone: 978-614-7219

Email: lisa.marchewka@evoqua.com

Investors

Dan Brailer

Vice President, Investor Relations

Evoqua Water Technologies

Telephone: 724-720-1605

Email: dan.brailer@evoqua.com
Susan K. Carter, senior vice president and chief financial officer, and David S. Regnery, executive vice president, of Ingersoll Rand plc (NYSE:IR), a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, will discuss the company's long-term strategy at the 2019 Citi Global Industrials Conference. They will speak at 3:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, in Miami.

The live webcast will be accessible on the Ingersoll Rand website at http://investor.ingersollrand.com/events.cfm. An archive of the webcast will be available for 30 days following the event.

About Ingersoll Rand

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands including Club Car, Ingersoll Rand, Thermo King and Trane - work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. We are a global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. For more information, visit www.ingersollrand.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005128/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Perri Richman

(732) 652-6943, prichman@irco.com



Investors:

Zac Nagle

(704) 990-3913, investorrelations@irco.com
Baker Hughes, a GE company (NYSE:BHGE) announced today that the Baker Hughes international rig count for January 2019 was 1,023, down 2 from the 1,025 counted in December 2018, and up 63 from the 960 counted in January 2018. The international offshore rig count for January 2019 was 241, up 7 from the 234 counted in December 2018, and up 45 from the 196 counted in January 2018.

The average U.S. rig count for January 2019 was 1,065, down 13 from the 1,078 counted in December 2018, and up 128 from the 937 counted in January 2018. The average Canadian rig count for January 2019 was 176, up 35 from the 141 counted in December 2018, and down 102 from the 278 counted in January 2018.

The worldwide rig count for January 2019 was 2,264, up 20 from the 2,244 counted in December 2018, and up 89 from the 2,175 counted in January 2018.

January 2019 Rig Counts

January 2019 December 2018 January 2018 Land Offshore Total Month Variance Land Offshore Total Land Offshore Total Latin America 168 26 194 -3 170 27 197 165 26 191 Europe 55 31 86 -9 57 38 95 57 27 84 Africa 89 20 109 1 93 15 108 69 11 80 Middle East 339 63 402 8 338 56 394 342 41 383 Asia Pacific 131 101 232 1 133 98 231 131 91 222 International 782 241 1,023 -2 791 234 1,025 764 196 960 United States 1,044 21 1,065 -13 1,054 24 1,078 919 18 937 Canada 173 3 176 35 139 2 141 277 1 278 North America 1,217 24 1,241 22 1,193 26 1,219 1,196 19 1,215 Worldwide 1,999 265 2,264 20 1,984 260 2,244 1,960 215 2,175

About the Baker Hughes Rig Counts

The Baker Hughes rig counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the U.S., Canada and international markets. The company has issued the rig counts as a service to the petroleum industry since 1944, when Hughes Tool Company began weekly counts of the U.S. and Canadian drilling activity. The monthly international rig count was initiated in 1975.

The North American rig count is scheduled to be released at noon Central Time on the last working day of each week. The international rig count is scheduled to be released on the fifth working day of the month at 5:00 a.m. Central Time. Additional detailed information on the Baker Hughes rig counts is available from our website.

About Baker Hughes, a GE company

Baker Hughes, a GE company (NYSE: BHGE) is the world's first and only fullstream provider of integrated oilfield products, services and digital solutions. We deploy minds and machines to enhance customer productivity, safety and environmental stewardship, while minimizing costs and risks at every step of the energy value chain. With operations in over 120 countries, we infuse over a century of experience with the spirit of a startup inventing smarter ways to bring energy to the world.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005343/en/

Contacts:

Media Relations:

Melanie Kania, +1 713-439-8303

melanie.kania@bhge.com

Yulia Caris, +44 7827-35-4283

yulia.caris@bhge.com

or

Investor Relations:

Philipp Mueller, +1 281-809-9088

investor.relations@bhge.com
Naviaddress is transforming conventional addressing system with its blockchain ID, that generates unique digital addresses to identify any locations and objects

LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Naviaddress , the company which develops, markets and operates an address platform, has launched a functionality to link a Premium Naviaddress ID on Ethereum blockchain to a particular naviaddress data stored in the off-chain.

The release of the function "to bridge on and off-chain" is an important milestone of the roadmap in building the leading location ID management platform to operate the storage and usage of unified digital IDs and establish the standard in human-machine interaction. Implementing user-friendly digital location identity contributes to the mass adoption of blockchain-based products and services for the benefits of common people in daily life.

"Naviaddress gives an opportunity to transform a language-specific address and place description into digitized and searchable information. It comprises several layers - a geo-specific content database, three proprietary applications for users to create, share and search users' naviaddresses, and a decentralized blockchain application which allows interaction with public Ethereum networks to buy and sell Naviaddress IDs. With an aim to set a new standard in digital addressing for a digital transformation, we will continue further dialog with State Postal Services and large addresses holding businesses including express delivery and e-commerce industries," - said Dmitry Moiseev, co-founder of Naviaddress Platform.

Naviaddress patented technology covers the use of numeric identifiers for locating objects and navigating in spatial maps.

The Soft Launch of Premium Naviaddress Auction took place at the beginning of September, 2018 and was limited to 26 countries, where the early-adopters made test purchases of Premium Naviaddresses on Ethereum public blockchain. Premium Naviaddresses are currently available for sales at https://premium.naviaddress.com/ . The Naviaddress solution was recognized as one of the "Top 10 Blockchain Solution Providers 2019" in the annual listing of CIO Applications Europe magazine, a business and technology print magazine with a unique peer-to-peer approach, where the industry leaders share their wisdom with similar experiences, specifically for the European region.

About Naviaddress:

Naviaddress is a blockchain ID management platform which develops, markets and operates a global universal addressing system for any places or objects. The current system is being deployed onto the blockchain. It will provide people and businesses with a new opportunity to create, obtain, own, share, lend smart digital addresses as well as register, own and sell them on the blockchain.

The company was founded in 2015 in Cyprus. Currently the team members are working in Cyprus, Russia, Germany and Canada. The company actively works on implementing new international addressing standards which are relevant to the modern digital world. For more information, please, go to the website naviaddress.com.

At Naviaddress, we will continue to focus on transforming the conventional addressing system. We are selectively choosing regional partners who are ready to develop a common business plan and cooperate in a team environment. For more details about cooperation, please, send us a request to feedback@naviaddress.com .

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/819104/Naviaddress_Logo.jpg)

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/819105/Naviaddress_platform.jpg)
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The leading players operating in the global anti-static agents market are BASF SE., AkzoNobel N.V., Cytec Industries Inc., ClariantAG, Croda International plc, and Arkema S.A. These as the six main firms in the global anti-static agents market. In 2014, the firms held around share 52.5%. This makes the market scenario to be highly consolidated.

Marketing techniques taken up by the main organizations are impressively impacted by the high level of competition among them. Because of such high challenge none of the key players appreciate a high benefit. Nevertheless, according to the analyst, the revenue of anti-static agents market is likely to pick up pace in the upcoming years. In spite of the market seeing the advent of numerous innovation driven items, the productivity of organizations will remain low, as competition in the market is ready to flood with the emergence of new players.

Request a Sample of Global Anti-static Agents Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=3342

According to a recent report by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global anti-static agents market is prognosticated to expand at a steady CAGR of 5.9% within the forecast period form 2015 and 2023. In 2014, the market was valued around worth of US$316.7 mn. In 2023, the market is likely to reach around worth of US$530.5 mn by 2023-end.

As per the application, the anti-static agents market is classified into high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polypropylene, low density polyethylene, and others. Among these, in 2014, the others segments that comprise linear low density polyethylene, which led the market, accounting for share of around 20%. Geographically, in 2014, Asia Pacific region is dominated the global anti-static agents market, along with share of 49.8%. Moreover, the region is likely to sustain its lead in the forecast period as well due to rise in population, supportive government policies, and surge in per capita income.

Request For Multiple Chapters: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=MC&rep_id=3342

Increased Demand for Plastic in Packaging Sector to Fuel Market Growth

The sale of anti-static agents is expanding in light of the surging demand for plastics in the packaging business. The growing prerequisite of functional added substances has reinforced the utilizations of plastics in the packaging sector. Since, anti-static agents are typically covered on plastic substrates or are included at the time of plastic processing, the increasing demand regarding for plastics converts into high sales opportunities for anti-static agents. Because of their properties, for example, strength and lightweight, the utilization of plastics has substantially expanded over the automobile and electronic industries.

Other than this, plastics are additionally used to manufacture both outside and inside parts of any vehicle. Their expanding application in the making of electronic items, for example, household appliances, mobile casing, and PCs would drive the demand in global anti-static agents market.

Request For Discount On This Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=3342

Fluctuation in Cost of Raw Material to Hinder Overall Growth

Regardless of experiencing ideal development, instability in crude material costs will antagonistically affect the anti-static agents market's direction. The moderate recovery of several downstream and upstream anti-static agents market post global financial crisis hampers the sale of anti-static agents. The variation in the price of raw materials extracted from petrochemicals is likewise prone to hose the market's development in the forthcoming years. Moreover, stringent rules forced on the utilization of plastics will compromise development prospects of the global anti-static agents market.

Browse Press Release: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/anti-static-agents-market.htm

The review is based on the findings of a report by Transparency Market Research, titled "Anti-static Agents Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2023."

The report segments the global anti-static agents market as:

Anti-static Agents Market - Product Segment Analysis

Ethoxylated alkamines

Alkylsulfonate

Fatty acid esters

Quaternary ammonium salts

Others (Including polyether, etc.)

Anti-static Agents Market - Application Analysis

Polystyrene (PS)

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Low density polyethylene (LDPE)

High density polyethylene (HDPE)

Polypropylene (PP)

Others (Including linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), etc.)

Browse Chemical and Materials Market Research Reports

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Simultaneously Haven unveils its new board including Sir Mick Davis, Mike Garland, William Kilmer, Christoph von Falck, Olivier Weddrien, Mark Testoni, and Andre Pienaar, with Paddy McGuinness and General Sir Graeme Lamb as Senior Advisors

Acquisition of Onevinn, a Microsoft Elite Partner, underpins Haven's intention to become the leading European Managed Security Solutions Provider ("MSSP") and follows the Company's acquisition of ITC Secure

Haven Cyber Technologies ("Haven") today announces its acquisition of Onevinn, the leading Swedish provider of Microsoft cloud security services and solutions. The acquisition reflects Haven's continued focus on strengthening its solutions, products and consulting competencies and becoming the leading European Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP). Onevinn offers security solutions for the cloud and the mobile connected world.

The specialist venture capital firm C5 Capital leads Haven based out of Luxemburg. Haven is one of the fastest growing Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP) in Europe. The acquisition of Onevinn and in particular its work with Cloud Security Services in Microsoft Azure will amplify the product and service offers of the combined Haven group.

The common goal of Haven's operating companies ITC Secure and Onevinn - is to provide enterprises with outstanding cybersecurity services and products. Haven will develop a common product and services offering across its operating companies.

In addition to Onevinn, Haven acquired G3 Cyber Consulting in London and SBD Advisors in Washington D.C. in 2018 as bolt on acquisitions to ITC Secure. Both contributed to the exceptional growth of ITC Secure in 2018. ITC achieved over 50% top line growth in 2018.

Haven's exceptional network of cyber security experts combined with outstanding business leaders and company builders is positioning the Company for further acquisitions in Europe in 2019.

The Board of Haven includes:

Olivier Weddrien , Executive Chairman of the Board former CEO of DZ Equity Partner in Germany and lead Cranemere LLC, an industrial investment holding company in Germany.

, Executive Chairman of the Board former CEO of DZ Equity Partner in Germany and lead Cranemere LLC, an industrial investment holding company in Germany. Christoph von Falck , Group CEO of Haven former Head of Strategic Asset Management for Airbus Defence and Space

, Group CEO of Haven former Head of Strategic Asset Management for Airbus Defence and Space Andre Pienaar Founder of C5 Capital

Founder of C5 Capital Sir Mick Davis former CEO of Xstrata plc

former CEO of Xstrata plc Mike Garland - Former Partner of Permira, the global private equity fund

- Former Partner of Permira, the global private equity fund Mark Testoni CEO, SAP National Security Services (SAP NS2)

CEO, SAP National Security Services (SAP NS2) William Kilmer former CEO and Chairman of Public Engines and Managing Partner in C5 Capital

C5's Senior Advisers Paddy McGuinness, the former UK Deputy National Security Adviser for Intelligence, Security and Resilience, and General Sir Graeme Lamb, the former Director of UK Special Forces, bring unrivalled experience to the Haven Board.

Andre Pienaar, Founder of C5 and Haven said, "It is more important than ever to be able to provide companies and organisations with an integrated platform that can help them cover all their cyber security needs. Haven is led by a Board that has great experience in cybersecurity and in sustainable growth by acquisition. The acquisition of Onevinn expands Haven into Scandinavia and further strengthens our partnership with Microsoft as a leading cloud platform."

Olivier Weddrien, Executive Chairman of Haven said, "With the transition to cloud services accelerating and maturing across Europe, the acquisition of Onevinn will enable Haven to be a leader in this space, providing world class solutions to our customers and supporting the geographic reach of the group."

Christoph von Falck, Group CEO of Haven said, "In recent years it has become clear that companies can no longer 'get by' when it comes to cybersecurity. Today, staying safe online is a Board-level issue, and one that requires significant investment. Most organisations don't have the in-house expertise to tackle this growing issue and must look to outside providers. This presents a clear opportunity for Haven, an integrated industrial holding, which provides a wide range of services and applications to keep companies safe and resilient to the rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats faced by every company. We are very pleased to have acquired Onevinn and ensure that Haven is a cutting-edge cyber security tool for companies across Europe and the world. We very much look forward to working with them."

Claes Kruse, Founder and CEO of Onevinn said, "We're all very excited and looking forward to this new journey together with C5 and Haven. The culture within C5 and Haven and their impressive portfolio is a perfect match for us."

END

About Haven Cyber Technologies

Haven Cyber Technologies is a pan-European industrial holding which is focused on creating a European champion in Managed Security Solution Providers (MSSP) for enterprise customers. Haven brings together a network of organisations onto its platform, enabling it to offer a bespoke product suite to each client. Companies within Haven maintain their own brands and management and benefit from innovation across the platform, which focuses on cloud computing, machine learning and automation and also provides companies with world-class talent and mentorship.

Haven is headquartered in Luxemburg and was launched in October 2018.

http://www.havencyber.com/

About C5 Capital

C5 Capital Limited (C5) is a specialist venture capital firm, focused on Innovative Technologies in Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing. Headquartered in London, C5 also has offices in Washington, Munich, Luxembourg and Bahrain.

www.c5capital.com

About Onevinn

Onevinn is a Swedish Microsoft cloud services and solutions market leader that enables intelligent security solutions for the cloud and mobile connected world.

https://www.onevinn.se/

About ITC Secure

ITC provides cyber threat advisory and managed security services to help organisations assess, manage and mitigate their risk and ultimately to protect their key data assets and the reputation of their brand.

We provide independent assessments and clear outcome-based recommendations that assist businesses make the right cyber investment choices.

From our dedicated secure operations centre in London, we deliver a comprehensive range of managed security services that enable us to detect and respond to cyber events 24x7x365.

https://itcsecure.com/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005334/en/

Contacts:

Sheena Munsami

smunsami@hudsonsandler.com

02077964133
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 12, 2019 / Skeena Resources Limited (TSX.V: SKE, OTCQX: SKREF) ("Skeena" or the "Company") is pleased to provide shareholders with an update on exploration and development activities for the Company's projects located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, and an outlook for 2019.

2018 Advancements

In September 2018 (see news release dated September 17, 2018 ) the Company announced an initial resource estimate for the high-grade, past-producing Eskay Creek Project ("Eskay Creek") supported solely by historical data. Phase I drilling performed by the Company in 2018 was not included in this estimate but will be included in a resource update expected in Q1 2019.

At Eskay Creek, pit constrained Indicated Resources include 207,000 AuEq ounces within 1.09 Mt grading 5.9 g/t AuEq, and additional Inferred Resources of 589,000 AuEq ounces contained within 4.26 Mt at an average grade of 4.3 g/t AuEq.

Underground Indicated Resources include 814,000 AuEq ounces contained within 2.51 Mt grading 10.1 g/t AuEq, and an additional underground Inferred Resources of 261,000 AuEq ounces contained within 0.81 Mt grading 10.0 g/t AuEq.

The Eskay Creek deposits represent a shallow water, bimodal volcanic sequence hosted in a fault bounded basin with an epithermal VMS signature. Rhyolite facies volcanics ("Rhyolite") are overlain by mafic volcanics with a clastic mudstone ("Mudstone") occurring at the contact between the two volcanic episodes. This Mudstone represents the period of quiescence between the two volcanic events and is spatially and temporally related to the main mineralizing event at Eskay Creek. The epithermal suite of elements (Hg-Sb-As) and bonanza precious metal grades dominantly occur at this interface but are not homogenously distributed throughout the Mudstone. Rather, they are spatially associated with vents fed from underlying synvolcanic feeders.

Due to the higher precious metal tenor of the Mudstone-hosted mineralization, the vast majority of historical production at Eskay Creek occurred within this rock type whilst the Rhyolite-hosted feeder style mineralization was less developed due to its lower Au-Ag grades. Rhyolite-hosted mineralization is not enriched in Hg-Sb-As and was often blended with Mudstone-hosted zones to reduce smelter penalties for the on-site milled concentrates and Direct Shipped Ore (DSO).

Resources for Eskay Creek calculated in 2018 by the Company were categorized by rock type (Rhyolite or Mudstone) in Tables 1 and 2 below. On a tonnage weighted basis, pit constrained resources in the 21A and 22 Zones average 85% Rhyolite and 15% Mudstone. Underground resources closely mimic these ratios with 75% hosted within Rhyolite and 25% hosted within Mudstone.

Table 1: Eskay Creek Indicated and Inferred pit constrained resources reported at a 1.0 g/t AuEq cut-off grade.

GRADE AUEQ OUNCES CONTAINED OUNCES TONNES AUEQ AU AG AU AG

ZONE RHY:MUD* (000) G/T G/T G/T OZ (000) OZ (000) OZ (000) INDICATED 21A 85: 15 1,088 5.9 4.9 72 207 173 2,533 INFERRED 21A 75: 25 2,809 4.6 3.8 63 418 342 5,653 22 100: 0 1,452 3.7 2.5 89 171 116 4,151 TOTAL INDICATED 85: 15 1,088 5.9 4.9 72 207 173 2,533 TOTAL INFERRED 85: 15 4,261 4.3 3.3 72 589 458 9,805

Table 2: Eskay Creek Indicated and Inferred underground resources reported at a 5.5 g/t AuEq cut-off grade.

GRADE AUEQ OUNCES CONTAINED OUNCES TONNES AUEQ AU AG AU AG ZONE RHY:MUD* (000) G/T G/T G/T OZ (000) OZ (000) OZ (000) INDICATED 21C 75: 25 674 9.6 7.5 154 207 163 3,335 21B 50: 50 338 12.1 8.6 263 132 94 2,855 21BE 70: 30 246 10.1 6.8 247 80 53 1,954 21E 30: 70 41 10.8 6.3 337 14 8 441 HW 100: 0 522 10.2 6.2 295 171 105 4,957 NEX 60: 40 510 9.6 6.8 209 158 112 3,432 PUMPHOUSE 90: 10 72 7.9 6.1 140 18 14 323 109 95: 5 111 9.5 9.4 12 34 34 42 TOTAL INDICATED 75: 25 2,513 10.1 7.2 215 814 582 17,340 INFERRED 21C 80: 20 44 7.2 6.7 38 10 10 55 21B 70: 30 262 10.5 7.8 206 89 66 1,738 21BE 50: 50 114 15.3 9.5 431 56 35 1,573 21E 65: 35 53 8.5 4.6 292 14 8 495 HW 100: 0 87 8.4 5.0 256 24 14 718 NEX 85: 15 220 8.5 6.8 130 61 48 922 PUMPHOUSE 95: 5 30 7.8 6.6 92 8 6 88 109 95: 5 2 7.4 7.3 8 0.4 0.4 0.4 TOTAL INFERRED 75: 25 812 10.0 7.2 214 261 187 5,590

Gold Equivalent (AuEq) calculated via the formula: Au (g/t) + [Ag (g/t) / 75]. Processing recoveries have not been applied to the AuEq calculation and are disclosed at 100%. *Ratio of tonnage hosted in Rhyolite to Mudstone.

2019 Outlook - Eskay Creek

An updated resource estimate is scheduled for Q1 2019, which will include all data for estimating both underground and pit constrained resources. Drilling performed in 2018 was designed to add confidence and upgrade inferred resources to indicated, as well as to collect spatially distributed material for representative metallurgical test work optimizations.

Blue Coast Research has been engaged by the Company to perform the metallurgical work and process optimizations that will be used in a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on Eskay Creek. This phase of metallurgical test work is anticipated to be finalized by Q2 2019 and will support an upcoming PEA which is scheduled for completion in Q3 2019.

Phase II drilling at Eskay Creek will be focused on further upgrading of resources to the indicated category for future economic analyses, as well as continued exploration and expansion of Rhyolite-hosted feeder structures, analogous to the 21C and 22 Zones.

2019 Outlook - Snip

Exploration and development activities in 2019 on the Company's 100% owned Snip Gold Project ("Snip") will largely focus on exploratory regional drill assessments and follow-up drilling in the newly discovered 200 Footwall structure. Regional targeting is designed to assess and expand upon historically defined mineralization that was not extended, as well as grassroots exploration of previously untested geochemical anomalies.

About Skeena

Skeena Resources Limited is a junior Canadian mining exploration company focused on developing prospective precious and base metal properties in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company's primary activities are the exploration and development of the past-producing Snip and Eskay Creek mines, both acquired from Barrick. In addition, the Company has completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the GJ copper-gold porphyry project.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited,

Walter Coles Jr.

President & CEO

Qualified Persons

Exploration activities at the Eskay Creek Project are administered on site by the Company's Exploration Managers, Colin Russell, P.Geo. and Adrian Newton, P.Geo. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Paul Geddes, P.Geo. Vice President Exploration and Resource Development, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting its exploration activities on its exploration projects.

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 management's 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.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment IndustrybRegulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CONTACT:

info@skeenaresources.com

SOURCE: Skeena Resources Limited

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/535018/Skeena-Provides-Corporate-Update-and-2019-Outlook
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, United Kingdom, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Cell:cm is proud to announce its 15th birthday on 5th February 2019. From the very beginning, Cell:cm has always provided specialist advice to property owners concerning electronic communications apparatus on their land and buildings.

The founding directors established the company in 2004. They began without any clients, but they knew that they were in a unique position - the first niche practice providing telecoms consultancy services to landlords in the United Kingdom. Through their early engagements, Cell:cm quickly established an unrivalled reputation for quality, expertise and professionalism.

The firm is retained by many hundreds of clients from single mast site owners to police forces, local authorities and pension funds with portfolios of telecoms lettings. Added together, Cell:cm's current client base control nearly 3,500 separate lettings to electronic communications operators. All of these require effective and dedicated property management. Cell:cm provides a full range of services to its clients to cover the whole life cycle of an electronic communications installation, from negotiations for new lettings through rent reviews and renewals to building services, project management and utilities consultancy.

When the New Electronic Communications Code ("the New Code") was enabled in December 2017, the demand from landlord clients for Cell:cm's services was greatly increased.Andrew Cranston, one of the founding directors, commented,

"There are fundamental changes in the New Code concerning matters including valuation, alienation, upgrading and termination rights in existing and future telecoms agreements. More than ever before, land and property owners should be extremely careful about the how their "telecoms assets" are managed. To ensure that their interests are protected, I would encourage them all to seek specialist advice from a firm such as Cell:cm Chartered Surveyors."

After fifteen years of continued organic growth, Cell:cm now operates from three offices (Newcastle, Stirling and Leamington Spa) with a twenty-strong team including some of the most experienced, knowledgeable and respected professionals in the sector.

Please visit our website www.cellcm.co.uk
IP rights and licensing specialist unveils R&D activities and extends remit with new service offering to support start-ups and SMEs

IPCom, an Intellectual Property (IP) management and patent licensing company supported by pioneering R&D capabilities, has announced the launch of new and restructured service divisions for the telecoms and technology sectors.

IPCom's new IP Consulting Services will provide SMEs and start-ups with the consulting and practical support needed to develop, patent and monetize new technologies. The comprehensive offering will include IP assessment, due diligence, documentation and assertion. The company has also announced its R&D department, headed up by Martin Hans, Head of Research and Standardization/Development at IPCom.

The moves support IPCom's ongoing efforts to re-balance the power between patent licensees and licensors, shining a light on unfair, anti-competitive practices, and promoting an industry-wide commitment to FRAND (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) principles.

Activities will be supported by an R&D team of scientists and engineers dedicated to innovation in the mobile communications sector, and the development and rollout of the new mobile connectivity standard, 5G. Martin Hans is a prolific inventor who has developed together with his current team more than 500 patent families, including more than 50 Standard Essential Patents in GSM, UMTS and LTE communications standards. Hans will continue to oversee IPCom's active contribution to industry bodies focussing on 3GPP, the body currently developing the next generation (5G) of communication standards.

"Now is the perfect time to showcase over two decades' of IPCom's R&D work, and to roll out new services which will help ensure that credit is given to even the smallest companies and innovators behind the big ideas," said Pio Suh, Managing Director, IPCom. "For too long, mega telecoms companies have monopolised the industry, overpowering smaller companies and making it difficult for them to license and get credit for their innovations. However, I'm confident we can turn this on its head.

"Access to ideas shouldn't be dependent on might and capital, and I'm looking forward to developing IPCom's new services, overseeing licensing activity on FRAND terms, and empowering companies to fairly and transparently monetize their ideas," Suh finished.

Part of IPCom's management team of business leaders, IP experts, legal practitioners, and telecommunications engineers, Suh works alongside Bernhard Frohwitter, co-founder; Christoph A. Schoeller, co-founder; and Martin Hans, Head of Research and Standardization/Development. Suh will support IPCom's corporate expansion, including a number of key upcoming additions to its team.

-ENDS-

About IPCom

IPCom GmbH Co. KG is an intellectual property (IP) rights licensing and technology R&D company, which supports companies with asserting patent rights and concluding patent license agreements on FRAND (fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory) terms. IPCom holds over 200 patent families in the field of mobile communications, with more than 1,000 patents registered in Europe, the US and Asia, most of which have been granted. Committed to the principles of FRAND, fair play and competitive advantage, IPCom also offers consulting services to companies in the telecoms space, with the aim of levelling the playing field and ensuring those behind the development of standard essential patents (SEPs) are fairly rewarded for their technologies and work.

IPCom is headquartered in Pullach, Munich, Germany, and operates on a global basis.

http://www.ipcom-munich.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005300/en/

Contacts:

IPCom

Media contacts:

Paul Campbell

Babel PR

Tel: +44 (0)20 7434 5552

Email: paul@babelpr.com
OSLO, Norway, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- StormGeo and DNV GL announced today that they have signed an agreement to consolidate their fleet performance solutions under one banner. The agreement will combine DNV GL's ECO Insight and Navigator Insight solutions with StormGeo's FleetDSS and ship reporting solutions. By this a new industry leader in fleet performance management is created as part of StormGeo.

The combination of these solutions will result in a new offering to the global shipping industry that will be able to provide a complete fleet performance portfolio, including route advisory, navigation and planning, and fleet performance management services. The fleet performance centres, delivery, product development, and sales will be managed by StormGeo. The result is a combined fleet of more than 12,000 vessels that will receive a daily service from StormGeo in route advisory, weather intelligence, navigation and planning or fleet performance.

"Partnering with DNV GL enables us to accelerate the development of our fleet performance management offering by pooling the competence, software, and insight of both companies," said Per-Olof Schroeder, CEO, StormGeo. "Bringing these solutions together will give our clients even more ways to enhance the safety, efficiency, and transparency of their operations. Finally, it builds on our vision of establishing StormGeo as the leading provider of performance management solutions to the shipping industry."

The consolidation creates the largest vessel performance data set and developer team in shipping, providing industry-leading analytics that give customers even better data to enhance their operational decision making. The existing services will be maintained and strengthened within StormGeo, with all solutions brought together in the back-end, utilizing an improved data infrastructure. DNV GL will retain a strong connection to the new solution through the 26.4% share in StormGeo it has held since 2014, as well as continuing technical support to ECO Insight customers. Users will also able to share data through DNV GL's open industry platform Veracity.

"Since its introduction in 2014, ECO Insight has grown into the largest performance solution in shipping, with installations on more than 2,000 vessels. In addition, already 22 industry partners connect their data and analytics to the solution," says Trond Hodne, Senior Vice President at DNV GL - Maritime. "ECO Insight has already been an outstanding success, and by combining it with StormGeo's services we believe we can offer our customers a solution that not only gives broader functionality but taps into a richer data set. This will give our customers new and exciting services and insights to boost their competitiveness. We look forward to seeing ECO Insight going on to further success as part of StormGeo."

The agreement is subject to the fulfilment of certain customary closing conditions. The partners expect that the transaction will close no later than March 2019.

About DNV GL

Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. We provide classification, technical assurance, software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. We also provide certification services to customers across a wide range of industries. Operating in more than 100 countries, our professionals are dedicated to helping our customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.

About DNV GL - Maritime

DNV GL is the world's leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry. We enhance safety, quality, energy efficiency and environmental performance of the global shipping industry - across all vessel types and offshore structures. We invest heavily in research and development to find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational or regulatory challenges. For more information visit www.dnvgl.com/maritime

About StormGeo

StormGeo is the industry leader in weather intelligence and ship routing services. More than 12,000 ships rely on StormGeo software or services for navigational planning, route optimization, weather and fleet performance. The company has 27 offices in 15 countries, including six 24/7/365 global operations centres offering premium services and support while being in the forefront of innovation. StormGeo is an ISO 9001 certified company and is dedicated to provide the best possible support and quality of service.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818846/StormGeo_DNV_GL.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/701360/StormGeo_Freedom_RGB_Logo.jpg
More Multi-national Corporations Select HRS for Holistic Hotel Management +++ Industry Executives Rob Hornman and Veit Fuhrmeister Newly on Board +++ Lukasz Dabrowski Moves to Asia-Pacific

HRS, the world's leading provider of corporate hotel solutions, can look back with satisfaction on a successful year. In 2018, HRS won several Fortune500 customers globally and opened new locations across four continents. With additional offices in China, India and Brazil, HRS has invested primarily in emerging regions. Due to new high-volume budgets from global corporations, HRS expects growth in 2019 to be well above market average.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005112/en/

Experienced hotel industry executives Rob Hornman and Veit Fuhrmeister joined HRS, enhancing the company's European leadership team. (Photo: Business Wire)

HRS winning global clients with integrated outsourcing and local presence

To remain competitive in the global marketplace, more companies are focusing on reducing or eliminating complexities in their operations. In the process, they rely on fast regional decision paths and outsource operational processes to external service providers. HRS has successfully positioned itself as a proven, credible partner when it comes to outsourcing all processes related to employee lodging. These services range from hotel purchasing to booking and travel expense accounting.

One of the first customers to outsource the entire global process chain to HRS was Siemens. This step by Siemens and HRS marked a new benchmark in the travel industry, which drove the interest of other companies. Next to Siemens, multiple Fortune 500 companies including Airbus, ArcelorMittal and Allianz have opted for a decentralized approach. They have all outsourced their entire hotel program to HRS.

Experienced managers expand regional networks between companies and hotels

In addition to its service portfolio, HRS has made significant contributions through its local presence in conjunction with a global network. As a result, HRS has guaranteed its customers swift implementation of their requirements.

In order to expand this competitive advantage, HRS is strengthening its operational excellence with regional clusters, to be closer to customers and partners. In the APAC, Americas, EMEA and DACH regions, HRS is intensifying its cooperation with companies and hotels at the local level and creating mutually beneficial networks. The responsibility lies with regional boards consisting of experienced industry experts. One of the new leaders is Rob Hornman, Senior Vice President (SVP) for EMEA. Following his successful career with Accor in Asia and Europe, Hornman was CEO of Worldhotels from 2008 to 2014. In this role, he was responsible for a network of over 500 individual hotels in 65 countries worldwide. Hornman is a respected digitalization consultant and has acted as strategic hospitality advisor and board director for hotel groups and hospitality real estate investors in Europe and Africa. Together with Chris Crowley, SVP EMEA at HRS since August, he will strengthen the cooperation with hotels and companies in the region. Prior to joining HRS, Crowley spent over ten years with BCD Travel as SVP EMEA. He also served as President of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) and remains on the Board of Directors at the Institute of Travel Management (ITM).

HRS also welcomes another well-known face from the travel industry: Veit Fuhrmeister. He is the company's SVP in DACH/GSA (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), leveraging many years of expertise as an hotelier with expert digital competence. Following various management positions in the hotel industry as COO for Exclusive Hotels and as Board member of Center Parcs Piere et Vacances, to name a few, he spent the past six years as Senior Director Central Europe Eastern Europe for all brands of Expedia Inc.

Lukasz Dabrowski,after leading HRS' global hotel and connectivity partnerships for four years, changes to a new function. As SVP in Asia-Pacific based out of Tokyo, he is now responsible for developing business opportunities among hotel partners and corporations in HRS' most important growth region.

All SVPs in the regions report directly to HRS Group CEO Tobias Ragge. "With this organizational development, we are responding to our global growth and preparing for the next level of scaling," says Ragge. "With our partners in the regions corporations as well as hotels often having different needs, this structure further expands our entrepreneurial spirit through decentralization, giving us a key competitive advantage."

About HRS

HRS simplifies business travel. Corporate travel managers and business travellers around the world trust HRS to find the best accommodation and simplify all processes related to their business travel. In addition to professional hotel sourcing and the negotiation of corporate rates with hotels, HRS optimises paperless payment of hotel accommodation and meetings, as well as automated invoice processing. More than 3,000 multinational corporations rely on HRS Global Hotel Solutions. Customers include global Fortune 500 companies, including Google, Siemens, Alibaba, China Mobile and Volkswagen. HRS pursues clear goals: savings for companies and high traveller satisfaction. Founded in Cologne in 1972, HRS today has more than 1,500 employees in more than 35 offices worldwide including Berlin, London, Milan, Mumbai, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Warsaw. Clients and business travellers benefit from HRS' global network combined with local market expertise. Further information atcorporate.hrs.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005112/en/

Contacts:

Michael Brophy

HRS Global Media Relations

+1 214-356-4326

michael.brophy@hrs.com

Bjoern Zimmer

HRS Communications

+ 49 221 2077-5104

presse@hrs.de
SAMPO PLC PRESS RELEASE 7 February 2019 at 9:40 am

Torbjorn Magnusson appointed President and Group CEO of Sampo

The Group CEO and President of Sampo Kari Stadigh has decided to retire on 31 December 2019. He also steps down as Chairman of If P&C Insurance Board of Directors as of 7 February 2019. Sampo's Board of Directors has today appointed Torbjorn Magnusson, the CEO of If, to succeed him as Group CEO and President of Sampo Group, effective 1 January 2020. Magnusson will take over as chairman of If P&C, effective immediately.

"Kari Stadigh took over from me as CEO of Sampo ten years ago and has made the Group the leading financial services holding company of Northern Europe. During his tenure, both the share price and the dividend have increased threefold. We owe him a great debt of gratitude for his work", says Bjorn Wahlroos, Chairman of the Board.

"The succession plan at Sampo has been emerging for some time. Torbjorn is the obvious choice as my successor. His track record as CEO of If is second to none. I reached my retirement age more than 3 years ago, but I have prolonged my tenure at the request of the Board. Now it is time to move on", says Kari Stadigh, Group CEO and President.

Torbjorn Magnusson is also proposed to be elected Chairman of the Board of Nordea, Sampo's largest associate, after Bjorn Wahlroos informed Nordea's Nomination Board of his intention to step down from the Board at the next AGM. Wahlroos is proposed to be re-elected Chairman of the Board of Sampo. As the future Group CEO and President of Sampo, Magnusson will thus chair the two biggest businesses within the Sampo Group.

Torbjorn Magnusson will immediately start focusing on his new responsibilities. The Sampo and If Boards have therefore today appointed Morten Thorsrud, the Head of If Business Area Private, to succeed him as the CEO of If, effective immediately. Thorsrud will in turn be succeeded by Ingrid Janbu Holthe as Head of If BA Private. She is currently SVP for Sales & Services Norway of If BA Private and will at the same time become a member of the Group Executive Committee of Sampo Group.

"I am honored to be offered the challenge to take the helm at Sampo. If will continue to excel under the leadership of Morten Thorsrud. At Nordea the foundations are in place for a new phase in the bank's development. It is both a privilege and a challenge to oversee the execution of the plans for Nordea's future development", says Torbjorn Magnusson.

Furthermore, the Nomination Committee of Topdanmark has today nominated Ricard Wennerklint, the Deputy CEO of If, to be elected Chairman of the Board of Topdanmark. He will succeed Torbjorn Magnusson, who resigns from the Board.

"I am proud to have guided Nordea through the great change programs, but now I want to inject new energy into their execution. From a Sampo perspective, having Torbjorn as Chairman of Nordea is the right way to organize the Group. Chairing a bank has become almost a full-time job and it should be handled by a full-time executive. I will, of course, continue to oversee progress at Nordea from my position as Chairman of Sampo", says Bjorn Wahlroos.

All CV:s are appended.

Further information

For the media, further information is available at the press conference held today. Languages used at the press conference are English and Finnish. No interviews are given prior to the press conference.

For investors and analysts, further information is available at the English-language conference call held today.

Press conference

7 February at 1:00 pm Finnish time (11:00 am UK time)

Restaurant Palace (10th floor), Etelaranta 10, Helsinki

Available for the media:

Bjorn Wahlroos, Chairman of the Board

Kari Stadigh, Group CEO and President

Torbjorn Magnusson, future Group CEO and President

To attend the press conference and for interview requests please contact Mirko Hurmerinta via e-mail, mirko.hurmerinta@sampo.fi (mailto:mirko.hurmerinta@sampo.fi)

The press conference can also be followed as a live webcast at www.sampo.com/result (http://www.sampo.com/result). A recorded version will later be available at the same address.

Conference call

7 February at 5:00 pm Finnish time (3:00 pm UK time)

To attend the conference call, please call +44 (0)333 300 0804, +1 631 913 1422, +46 (0)8 5664 2651 or +358 (0)9 8171 0310. Confirmation code: 69958632#.

Group CEO and President Kari Stadigh, future Group CEO and President Torbjorn Magnusson, Group CFO Knut Arne Alsaker and Head of IR and Group Communications Jarmo Salonen will attend the conference call.

The conference call can also be followed live at www.sampo.com/result (https://www.sampo.com/investors/financial-information/financial-reports/). A recorded version will later be available at the same address.

SAMPO PLC

Jarmo Salonen

Head of Investor Relations and Group Communications

tel. +358 10 516 0030

Mirko Hurmerinta

IR & Communications Specialist, Media Relations

tel. +358 10 516 0032

Distribution:

The principal media

www.sampo.com (http://www.sampo.com/)

ANNEX

Curriculum Vitaes, 7 February 2019



BJORN WAHLROOS

Chairman of the Board, Sampo plc

Born 1952



EDUCATION

Hanken School of Economics

Ph.D. (Econ) 1979

M.Sc. (Econ) 1975

B.Sc. (Econ) 1974



CAREER

Sampo plc

Group CEO and President 2001-2009

Member of the Sampo Group Executive Committee 2001-2009

Mandatum Bank plc

Chairman and CEO 1998-2000

Mandatum & Co Ltd

Vice Chairman and CEO 1997-1998

President and Senior Partner 1992-1997

Union Bank of Finland

Executive Vice President and Member of the Executive Committee 1989-1992

Senior Vice President and Member of the Board of Management 1987-1988

First Vice President and Deputy Member of the Board of Management 1985-1987

Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois

Visiting Associate Professor of Managerial Economics and Decision Sciences 1983-1984

Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island

Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics 1980-1981

Hanken School of Economics

Professor of Economics 1979-1985

Assistant Professor and Lecturer in Finance 1974-1979

POSITIONS OF TRUST

Sampo plc

Chairman of the Board 2009-

Board Member 2001-2009

Nordea Bank Abp

Chairman of the Board 2011-

Vice Chairman of the Board 2009-2011

Board Member 2008-2009

UPM-Kymmene Corporation

Chairman of the Board 2008-

The Mannerheim Foundation

Board Member 2007-

Finnish Business and Policy Forum EVA

Board Member 2005-

The Research Institute of the Finnish Economy ETLA

Board Member 2005-

Several other charitable institutions.

PREVIOUS POSITIONS OF TRUST

Hanken School of Economics

Chairman of the Board 2009-2018

Sampo Bank plc

Chairman of the Board of Directors 2005-2007

KARI STADIGH

Born 1955

CURRENT POSITION

Sampo Group

Group CEO and President 7 April 2009 - 31 December 2019

Sampo plc

Managing Director 7 April 2009 - 31 December 2019

EDUCATION

Hanken School of Economics

BBA 1980

Helsinki University of Technology

Master of Science (Eng.) 1979

CAREER

Sampo plc

Deputy CEO 2001-2009

Sampo Life Insurance Company Limited

President 1999-2001

Nova Life Insurance Company Ltd

President 1996-1998

Jaakko Poyry Group

President and COO 1991-1996

JP-Finance Oy

President 1985-1991

POSITIONS OF TRUST

Nokia Corporation

Board Member 2011-

Member of Personnel Committee 2011 -

Member of Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee 2014 -

Waypoint Group Holdings SA

Board Member 2015-

Mandatum Life Insurance Company Limited

Chairman of the Board 2001-



PREVIOUS POSITIONS OF TRUST

If P&C Insurance Holding Ltd

Chairman of the Board 2002-2019

Nordea Bank AB (publ)

Board Risk Committee, Chairman 2011-2018

Board Member 2010-2018

Alma Media plc

Chairman 2005-2011

Aspo plc

Chairman 2000-2008

TORBJORN MAGNUSSON

Born 1963

POSITION AS OF 1 JANUARY 2020

Sampo Group

Group CEO and President

Sampo plc

Managing Director

EDUCATION

The Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm

Licentiate of Engineering 1990

M.Sc. degree (Engineering Physics) 1987





CAREER

If P&C Insurance Holding Ltd

President and CEO 2002-2019

Member of the Group Management 2001-2019

If P&C Insurance Ltd

Head of Commercial Business Division 2001-2002

Head of Commercial Products 1999-2001

Skandia P&C

Head of P&C Support and Chief Actuary 1998-1999

Chief Controller 1996-1997

Mercantile & General Reinsurance, London

Chief Non-Life Actuary 1995-1996

Deputy Actuary 1994-1995

Skandia International

Non-life Actuary 1990-1993

Arthur Andersen & Co

Information Systems Consultant 1988-1989

POSITIONS OF TRUST

Nordea Bank Abp

Board Member 2018-

Topdanmark A/S

Chairman of the Board 2017-

Deputy Chairman of the Board 2015-2017

Board Member 2014-2015

If P&C Insurance Holding Ltd

Chairman of the Board 2019-

Board Member 2008-2019

Insurance Europe

Vice President 2013-

Swedish Insurance Federation

Board Member 2009-

Chairman 2006-2009

Swedish Insurance Employer Association

Board Member 2009-

Chairman 2006-2009

PREVIOUS POSITIONS OF TRUST

If P&C Insurance Ltd, Sweden

Chairman of the Board 2002-2019

Academedia

Board Member 2011-2016

Aleris

Board Member 2009-2010

MORTEN THORSRUD

Born 1971

CURRENT POSITION

If P&C Insurance Holding Ltd

President and CEO 2019-

Sampo plc

Member of the Sampo Group Executive Committee 2006-



EDUCATION

Norwegian School of Management

Master of Business and Economics 1996



CAREER

If P&C Insurance Ltd (publ)

Group Executive Vice President, Head of BA Private 2013-2019

Head of BA Industrial 2005-2013

Head of Industrial Underwriting and Claims 2004-2005

Head of Corporate Strategy 2002-2004

McKinsey & Company, Inc. Norway/Europe

Associate Partner 2001-2002

Engagement Manager 1999-2001

Associate 1997-1999

Junior Associate 1996-1997



POSITIONS OF TRUST

Finance Norway (Finans Norge, FNO)

Member of the Executive Committee of P&C Insurance, 2018-

Chairman of the Executive Committee of P&C Insurance, 2016-2018

Member of the Executive Committee of P&C Insurance, 2013-2016

RICARD WENNERKLINT

Born 1969



CURRENT POSITION

If P&C Insurance Holding Ltd

Member of the Board 2019-

If P&C Insurance Ltd (publ)

Managing Director 2006-

Sampo plc

Member of the Sampo Group Executive Committee 2005-

EDUCATION

Stockholm School of Economics

Executive Education, Advanced Management Program

Business Administration and Finance

CAREER

If P&C Insurance Holding Ltd

Deputy CEO 2008-2019

If P&C Insurance Ltd (publ)

Chief Financial Officer 2002-2008

Senior Vice President, Head of Business and Financial Control, Business Area Commercial 1999-2001

Skandia P&C

Head of Control, Strategic Business Unit Property & Casualty 1997-1999

Trygg-Hansa

Head of Financial Control, Major Customer Division 1996-1997

Financial Controller and Project Manager, Business Unit Commercial 1994-1996

POSITIONS OF TRUST

If P&C Insurance Holding Ltd

Member of the Board 2019-

Topdanmark A/S

Board Member 2017-

Nobia AB

Board Member 2014-

If P&C Insurance AS, Estonia

Chairman of the Board 2017-

Board Member 2003-2016

INGRID JANBU HOLTHE

Born 1982

CURRENT POSITION

If P&C Insurance Ltd

Group Executive Vice President, Head of BA Private 2019-

Sampo plc

Member of the Sampo Group Executive Committee 2019-

EDUCATION

NHH Norwegian School of Economics and HEC Paris

Master of Business and Economics (finance) and CEMS MIM (Master in International Management) 2007

CAREER

If P&C Insurance Ltd (publ)

Senior Vice President, Sales & Service, Norway, BA Private 2015-2019

Nordic Head of Business Development, Product & Price, BA Private 2014-2015

Business Developer, Project Manager, BA Private 2014

McKinsey & Company

Engagement Manager 2010-2013

Associate 2009-2010

Junior Associate 2007-2008

This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Sampo Oyj via Globenewswire


LONDON, February 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

On February 6, the St Kitts and Nevis Government issued a press release announcing the introduction of a new layer of security to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. Digital fingerprinting is to be included as a new part of the already extensive due diligence procedures applied to Programme applicants. Repeatedly hailed by industry experts for its robust due diligence, St Kitts and Nevis will become the only Caribbean CBI jurisdiction to operate a digital fingerprinting system. The addition displays the Federation's commitment to a Programme based on integrity.

Launched in 1984, St Kitts and Nevis' Programme is one of the industry's most successful. Aspiring economic citizens can obtain second citizenship in return for an investment into a national development fund: the 'Sustainable Growth Fund'. The Government's move to reinforce the Programme's integrity is important not only for the nation's international standing, but for applicants' personal reputations. Economic citizens are frequently entrepreneurial businesspersons, for whom a strong business reputation is essential. By strengthening security procedures, St Kitts and Nevis will be able to better safeguard the reputations of successful applicants.

The news broke at a recent citizenship event in Dubai hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Mark Brantley. CBI agents and citizens attended the event, and Minister Brantley was joined by Attorney General Vincent Byron Jr. and the Head of the Citizenship by Investment Unit Les Khan. Mr Khan revealed that the necessary legislative framework for this introduction of biometric data is already established. He said, "agents looked at this new addition in a positive light because they are also interested in ensuring that we get the best people and that we don't get any rogue individuals into our programme. This is something that is very important in that region, particularly because of the possibility of terrorist financing and terrorist activity, so we have to be very careful."

Minister Brantley also took the opportunity to alleviate concerns surrounding unsanctioned discounts on the Programme's real estate option seen last year. He stated that a full police investigation is underway and that the Government intends to bring justice to those responsible.

International legal advisoryCS Global Partners is government-mandated to promote St Kitts and Nevis'Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2019) - Reef Resources Ltd. ("Reef") is pleased to announce that it has signed a binding letter of intent (the "LOI") with CBD Acres Manufacturer Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Canada Business Corporations Act ("CBD"). The LOI outlines the general terms and conditions pursuant to which Reef and CBD would be willing to complete a transaction that will result in a reverse take-over of Reef by the securityholders of CBD (the "Transaction"). The Transaction, if approved, will constitute a Reverse Takeover transaction and a Change of Business under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

The Transaction is an arm's length transaction.

The LOI provides that pursuant to the Transaction, Reef will complete a 12:1 consolidation of its common shares and that Reef will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of CBD from the existing shareholders of CBD on the basis of one post-consolidation share of Reef for each share of CBD.

The Transaction is expected to require the security holders of CBD to exchange all securities of CBD for common shares of Reef. The transaction will be structured by way of a plan of arrangement, amalgamation, takeover bid, reorganization or other similar form of transaction, as determined following a review of all relevant legal, regulatory and tax matters. The LOI contemplates Reef and CBD entering into a definitive agreement with respect to the Transaction.

In connection with the Transaction, it is contemplated that Reef will change its name to "CBD Acres Manufacturer Inc." or such other name as may be requested by CBD and accepted by Alberta Registries and the TSXV. It is also contemplated that the then current directors of Reef will resign to be replaced by nominees to CBD.

CBD has agreed to loan Reef up to $150,000 to cover certain expenses of Reef to be repaid by Reef to CBD upon Reef's disposition of certain legacy assets.

The LOI provides that completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including the approval from the Reef shareholders of the proposed consolidation and name change, approval from the CBD shareholders of the Transaction and approvals from the TSXV, securities regulators and third parties as may be required.

The LOI may be terminated by either party if the conditions set out in the LOI (other than the requirement for TSXV and regulatory approval) are not met by April 30, 2019, or such other date as may be agreed upon by the parties.

About Reef

Reef is incorporated under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) with its registered and head office in Calgary, Alberta. Reef is a natural resources issuer with non-producing oil and gas assets located in Huron County, Ontario. The Transaction, if approved, will constitute a reverse takeover transaction and a change of business as defined in Policy 5.2 of the TSXV. Reef is a reporting issuer in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.

About CBD

CBD Acres is positioning to be Canada's leading innovator in cannabinoid therapy. CBD is a vertically-integrated health and wellness company with market-ready products to be introduced in Q2 2019 across a wide category range. The company will, in 2019, begin its first hemp growing season on in excess of 180 million square feet (4,200 Acres). As a result, CBD will be the largest producer of hemp-based CBD in Canada. CBD's proprietary advanced cultivation technology provides it with a meaningful strategic production advantage.

Further information relating to CBD, including the proposed board nominees of CBD, will be included in a subsequent press release in connection with the Transaction.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship may be required by the TSXV unless exempt in accordance with TSXV policies. Reef is currently reviewing the requirements for sponsorship. Reef intends to include any additional information regarding sponsorship in a subsequent press release.

All information contained in this news release with respect to Reef and CBD 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Larry Olson

Chief Financial Officer and Director

(250) 460-2640

Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable, disinterested 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 [insert name of Issuer] should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

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.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements which reflect management's expectations regarding future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects of Reef and CBD Acres. These forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, forecasts or expectations regarding business outlook for Reef and CBD Acres, and may also include other statements that are predictive in nature, or that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and can generally be identified by words such as "may", "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", "guidance" or similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements.

Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Reef and CBD Acres. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Although such information is considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, it may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Reef and CBD Acres does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by securities law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42697
Faculty launches today with a mission to help organisations make artificial intelligence (AI) real with the right strategy, skills and software

Faculty is the new brand identity for one of the UK's leading independent AI companies, ASI Data Science

Appointed to run Cross-government AI Adoption Review to identify where government should be investing in AI

A new AI brand Faculty has launched today to help organisations make artificial intelligence real. Faculty is the new brand identity for one of the UK's leading independent AI companies, ASI Data Science, and brings together its distinct offering of strategy, software and skills; all three of which are needed for organisations to apply AI in the real world today.

The announcement of the new Faculty brand follows the company's appointment to run the Cross-government AI Adoption Review announced in the Autumn 2018 Budget. Faculty will be working with the Office for Artificial Intelligence (OAI) and Government Digital Service (GDS) to identify the most significant opportunities to introduce AI across government with the aim of increasing productivity and improving the quality of public services. The Review follows actions taken by the government to ensure the UK is at the forefront of emerging digital technologies, including through the Industrial Strategy Artificial Intelligence and Data Grand Challenge and Sector Deal.

Other new client wins for Faculty include Travix, Aecom and Fullbeauty Brands adding to over 300 commercial AI projects already completed across 23 industry sectors.

The new brand name and identity speaks to an age where artificial intelligence has emerged as our most important technology. Faculty believes that AI is most valuable when it is applied to the real world: enhancing products, improving services and saving lives. To apply AI in the real world, organisations need the combination of the right strategy, software and skills. Faculty helps with all three.

The launch of the new Faculty brand, created by the world's largest independent design agency, Pentagram, brings together all parts of the business (including the SherlockML platform) under one unifying name that strengthens the company's identity and better represents its unique proposition to the market. The "Faculty" name was chosen as it is a community, but also a source of human expertise and machine intelligence.

Marc Warner, CEO Co-Founder of Faculty, said:

"We hear a lot of talk about the potential of AI, but the industry now needs to focus on less talk and more real world deployments to get value out of the technology. To apply AI, organisations need the right strategy, skills and software at the same time failure on any of these elements will stop effective implementation. Our business is uniquely positioned to help organisations with all three parts needed to make AI real. Rebranding to Faculty means we now have a name and identity that matches our vision for AI and better represents the work we do as we enter our next phase of growth."

The new name will be important for Faculty as it looks to meet its ambitious 2019 growth plans to double staff numbers, continue its revenue trajectory that has doubled each year, while expanding into overseas markets.

Faculty will continue to focus on developing its own research programme into AI Safety and furthering its work with the Transatlantic Commission on Election Integrity to develop tools to identify so-called "deep fake" synthesised audio and video recordings of public figures designed to influence public opinion around elections.

The comprehensive rebrand also comes with a newly designed website faculty.ai - created by digital branding agency, Pollen.

The Faculty brand and name will be effective from 7th February 2019.

Notes to editors

About Faculty

Founded in 2014 by Dr Marc Warner, Dr Angie Ma and Andy Brookes, Faculty has gone on to work with many leading organisations including easyJet, BBC, Siemens, The Home Office and Tesco to apply AI in the real world. It has completed over 300 commercial projects across almost every market sector, has trained and transitioned over 250 PhDs into roles within the industry, and created a data science platform built by its data scientists and used by them every single day. Faculty is committed to applying AI safely and has research partnerships with UCL and Harvard to further development in the field.

Faculty is headquartered in London and is backed by investors that include Saul Klein, Co-Founder of venture capital firm, LocalGlobe and Jaan Tallinn, one of Skype's founding engineers. The business has doubled in size every year. Recognising its strong sales growth and innovative technology, The Sunday Times named the company in its 2018 Tech Track 'Ones to Watch' list.

Further information

https://faculty.ai

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190206005798/en/

Contacts:

Press contacts

Holly Searle

PR Communications Manager

E: holly.searle@faculty.ai

T: +44 203 637 9415
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2019) - Wilton Resources Inc. (TSXV: WIL) (the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it intends to issue, by way of non-brokered private placement, units ("Units") of the Corporation at a purchase price of $0.56 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for gross proceeds of a minimum of $450,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Corporation ("Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.70 (the "Exercise Price"). The principal use of the proceeds of the Offering will be for general corporate purposes and future working capital.

The Corporation will not pay finders fees on the Offering. The Corporation expects the Closing Date to be during the week of February 10, 2019.

Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The TSXV has not approved the Offering Price or the Exercise Price and these remain subject to the change. The Units issued in connection with the Offering and the underlying Common Shares, Warrants and Common Shares underlying the Warrants will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from the date of completion of the Offering, in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

For more information concerning the Corporation, please refer to the Corporation's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "intend", "may", "will", "expect", and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Corporation's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information with respect to the anticipated Closing Date, the receipt of regulatory approvals (including TSXV approvals) and the timing thereof, statutory hold periods and the principal uses of the proceeds of the Offering. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Corporation. The material facts and assumptions include obtaining approval of the TSXV of the proposed Offering; the availability of certain prospectus exemptions in respect of the Offering; and the intended use of proceeds remaining in the best interests of the Corporation. The Corporation cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Corporation is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward- looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

For more information, please contact:

Wilton Resources Inc.

Richard Anderson

Chief Executive Officer and President

(403) 619-6609

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this release.

Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities Laws.

THE SECURITIES OFFERED HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS. THIS PRESS RELEASE SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42696
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7)  President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to sign into law the bill that seeks to lift import limits on rice anytime now after meeting with rice industry stakeholders, Malacanang said Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President defended the rice tariffication bill before some farmers in a meeting on Wednesday.

"Sabi ng Presidente sa kanila e 'pwedeng maapektuhan kayo pero yung kapakapan ng mga Pilipino ang inaalala ko' (The President told them 'you may be affected but I am concerned about the welfare of Filipinos')," Panelo said.

He added he does not think the President would veto the bill as requested by stakeholders. "Kasi yun ang sinasabi niya e (that's what he is saying), for the greater good," Panelo said.

Under the rice tariffication bill, businesses and individuals can buy rice from foreign sources and just pay the 40 percent tariff, a measure that critics said could disadvantage local farmers.

Senate economic affairs committee chair Win Gatchalian previously told CNN Philippines' On The Record that the measure is expected to generate 10 billion in taxes for the government, which can support farmers, but some groups said this would not be enough. Farmers groups and think tank IBON Foundation warned that the measure would displace rice farmers and worsen food insecurity, adding that the 10-billion rice competitiveness fund is insufficient to support farmers

Meanwhile, the Cabinet during a meeting on Wednesday also discussed policies aimed at improving the lives of farmers and fisherfolk, including the establishment of farm-to-market roads, a solar-powered irrigation system to be financed by an Israeli company which the Palace did not name, and the strengthening of roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) transport system.

Panelo said the President wants a program that will give farmers greater access to loan facilities. "The President said the Land Bank should go to the farmers instead of the farmers going to the Land Bank," Panelo said, adding that 361,000 farmers will soon be declared qualified for a bank loan.

The President on Wednesday also ordered to include in the next round of land distribution members of the New People's Army (NPA) who have surrendered to authorities. The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines which has waged a five-decade insurgency. The Duterte government has been calling for the rebels to lay down their arms, promising benefits in return.

At one point during the Cabinet meeting, the President excused himself as he was "so frustrated" about the numerous requirements for land conversion as officials discussed streamlining the process, Panelo said.

CNN Philippines' Ina Andolong contributed to this report.
Malayalam 'Megastar' Mammootty is all set to re-enter the Telugu film industry with the magnum opus Yatra, which revolves around the life of the former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajshekar Reddy. The film has created a decent amount of buzz amongst the fans and is set to arrive in theatres tomorrow (February 8, 2019). Now, here is some big news for those who are looking forward to Yatra. According to a leading website, Yatra has done a pre-release business of Rs 13.5 crore worldwide.

The average pre-release business makes Yatra a pretty safe venture for all concerned. It needs to collect Rs 14 crore share in order to emerge as a hit. Given the decent buzz, Yatra is unlikely to face any difficulties in reaching the break-even mark.

Interestingly, the Balakrishna starrer NTR Kathanayakudu had raked in nearly Rs 70 crore prior to its release. However, it managed to rake in merely Rs 20 crore upon release and proved to be a disaster. It seems that the Yatra team decided to play it safe keeping in mind the fate of NTR Kathanayakudu.

Directed by Mahi V Raghav, Yatra will focus on YSR's famous padayatra and his concern for the farmers. Actors Jagapathy Babu and Sudheer Babu are also a part of the cast.

So, do you feel that Yatra will emerge a winner? Tell us in the space below.

I
The entire Indian film industry has borne the brunt of piracy since the past few years. The case of the Tamil film industry has not been any different with piracy creating huge problems for the makers. Now, the latest news is that the Cabinet has approved Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's proposal to make amendments to the Cinematograph Act 1952.

According to the reports that have surfaced, the union cabinet has proposed to make piracy a punishable offence with imprisonment up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.

This has come as a huge relief for the entire Indian film fraternity, especially considering that the experts have been eagerly asking for amendments to the existing act.

Many of the Indian celebrities welcomed the Government's step. Popular Tamil actor Vishal took to Twitter to express happiness on the latest step of the Government.

The tweet read, "Happy to know that the union cabinet has approved the proposed amendments to the Cinematograph Act, 1952, hope and wish it would be passed in the parliament soon and then strictly implemented to curtail piracy." -(sic)
It was on the first day of 2019 that the audiences got a first glimpse of Kumbalangi Nights, through the first poster of the movie. It did evoke interest in the audiences and that particular interest climbed to newer heights with the teaser and the trailer that followed.

Now, Kumbalangi Nights, produced under the banners of Fahadh Faasil & Friends and Working Class Heroes, has come out in the theatres and is one among two major Malayalam movie releases of the day (February 07, 2019). The film, marks the directorial debut of Madhu C Narayanan.

With a stellar cast comprising of actors like Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Shane nigam and the ever-dependable Fahadh Faasil in it, we definitely can a realistic and a heart-touching tale from the team. The social media is sure to be flooded wth a whole lot of opinions regarding Kumbalangi Nights. Take a look at what the Twitteratis have got to say about this much-awaited Malayalam movie.
Fans of Rocking Star Yash and Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar have been involved in social media war for quite some time now. When KGF Chapter 1 was released, fans from both the sides shared a few provoking posts on Twitter. This led to a lot of misunderstanding and rumors were making rounds that these two big stars hold a rocky relationship. However, all of this was a cheap stunt pulled by the fans only to support their favorite star. Brushing off such speculations, Yash took to his Twitter handle to wish Puneeth Rajkumar luck on Nata Sarvabhouma.

He wrote, "Power Star Appu sir's unique dancing style and different character in Nata Sarvabhouma has created a lot of expectations. Kindly support the film with all your heart and soul and make it a success." (sic)

Well, isn't that the sweetest message one could dedicate to his fellow actor? Nata Sarvabhouma released worldwide today and has received a positive response. Today on the occasion of his film's release, Puneeth Rajkumar also visited a temple to seek blessings.

MOST READ : Nata Sarvabhouma Review: Puneeth Rajkumar Aces His First Horror Film!

Meanwhile, it's the biggest Kannada release till date. Ever since its first trailer was launched, people began to wonder if it will be able to overpower KGF. Reports are making rounds that the film will be able to gross around Rs 10 crore on the first day.
What is Health Tourism?

A growing number of people are opting to take advantage of whats being dubbed as health tourism  the process of leaving the country where you live to access medical services abroad.

Why travel abroad for treatment?

One of the major (and obvious) benefits to medical travel is that you can combine your next hospital visit with a much-needed holiday. Many patients like the fact that it gives them the chance to rest and recuperate after an operation, away from the day-to-day stresses of daily life.

Where to go for health treatment

There are a rising number of international hospitals and healthcare centers around the world providing a range of treatments and a high quality of care. Many of these hospitals look to attract international customers to their facilities for service.

Here in Fethiye, we have our own centre for Health Tourism

Lokman Hekim Esnaf Hospital

Lokman Hekim Esnaf Hospital began as a small Polyclinic in 1997. It was created as a partnership between the Chamber of Artists and Artisans, the Chamber of Drivers and Automobiles and Lokman Hekim Inc. In 2012 they moved to the new premises from where today, the 9000m2 complex provides international service with highly trained and experienced staff combined with advanced medical technology. Besides their highly trained consultants they have around 420 front line nurses, medical staff and administration.

Patients from both Turkey and abroad choose Lokman Hekim Esnaf Hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatments

Within the hospital there are 50 Consultants offering treatments within 23 areas of medicine.

Ward rooms

The hospital has 108 beds, spread over the wards, Observation Room and Coronary, General and Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

All the ward rooms are private and fitted with en suite bathroom, air conditioning, satellite TV, refrigerator, telephone and WIFI.

Put your mind at ease with check-ups

Check-up programs are important for both your quality of life and life span. With a simple blood test and other studies, the risk of heart disease or other serious illness such as cancer can be diagnosed in the early stages. For this reason it is recommended that you have a check-up every year.

Lokman Hekim Esnaf Hospital offers a range of check-ups from General to VIP.

Early diagnosis can save your life.

What about the language?

One of the things that people are concerned about when undergoing procedures in a hospital abroad is the language barrier.

Foreign Patient Department

The Foreign Patient Department is there to help you with translation and is open 24 hours a day. The department provides a reassuring and professional service and translators are available for English, German, French, Russian and Romanian.

For more information about Health Tourism please contact:

Call +90 533 669 80 39 or +90 533 896 6501

Email: hospital@esnafhastnesi.com

For more information about the hospital visit: www.esnafhastanesi.com

The information in this article was correct at the time of publication
This article was written by James Stewart

The natural wonders of Turkeys Turquoise Coast are hardly a secret. So in high season, when its most popular resorts are bustling and summer parties are in full swing, you might want to escape somewhere quieter for the day, to find a beach or a bar practically to yourself. Here are five fabulous secret beach spots on the Turkish Riviera.

Datca

For a long time, the winding road along the spindly Datca Peninsula was so bad that Datca was practically off limits to all but those with yachts  and thats precisely why it remains so unspoilt. Its still quickest and easiest to get there by sea; just hop on a boat across the bay from Bodrum. But now you can also take the scenic route through olive groves and pine-forested mountains for the 20-odd miles from Marmaris. Charming Old Datca (Eski Datca) has been smartened up in recent years, with chic bars, restaurants and boutique hotels  and the coast has beautiful bays. One of the loveliest is Ovabuku, set against a verdant backdrop.

Selimiye

The most rustic of the resorts on the Bozburun peninsula west of Marmaris has no large hotels, no themed pubs and no grip on the 21st century. The former fishing village is on a mirror calm bay, a ribbon of crusty terracotta roofs on dusty lanes. Nightlife means a glass of aniseed raki after whichever fish restaurant took your fancy, then a moonlit stroll to bed. If you are looking to do nothing more pressing than rise late, sunbathe on dreamy beaches (Kumlubuk is the regions best), read and eat, youll fit right in.

Orhaniye

The mellow Bozburun Peninsula, nosing into the blue where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, is a corner of Turkey that is somehow overlooked, though its not far from Marmaris and Bodrum. It was made for seafarers, with its sleepy fishing villages and gulet-building yards and its calm, beautiful bays. Swim at Orhaniye, a gorgeous bay of sapphire blue with a curious sand spit just below the surface, where you can walk as though on water. Afterwards, bag yourself a hammock at the back of the beach.

Cral

Cral could be a whopper. Its two-mile beach is a scimitar of fine shingle wedged between rocky spurs. Ripe for commercialisation, then. But because loggerhead turtles lay their eggs here, development is forbidden  which is why Cral today is a mellow family resort that feels more distant than its hour from Antalya. That its a dead end helps. Largely car-free, verdant with citrus and pomegranate trees, Cralremains a place to potter: hotel, beach, restaurant, repeat. Magic. The ancients thought so too. They saw the natural flames flickering from rocks as evidence of monsters at nearby Chimaera. At the other end of the beach is ancient Olympos. Unleash your inner Indiana Jones among the ruins.

Kabak

Theres not much to Kabak. Thank heavens for that. While boat taxis ferry day trippers from Fetihye to Butterfly Valley, Kabak, the next cove south, cradled by craggy, pine-cloaked hills, retains a soulful off-the-radar atmosphere: reed-roofed shades on the beach (beautiful, incidentally); a few cafes selling homemade food; some lovely, simple accommodation. Thats about it. Access is on a dirt road. You could cajole a taxi driver in Oludeniz to go. More satisfying is to walk in on the Lycian Way from Butterfly Valley. Over three spirit-soaring hours, crowds fall behind and the scenery takes over. Your reward afterwards? A dip in cerulean seas. Bliss.

Turkish delight

Turkey is a diverse country with stunning beaches, great food, spectacular scenery, ancient history and nightlife to suit all tastes.

Jet2holidays flies direct to the three Turkish coastal gateways of Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman from nine regional airports across the UK and offers a range of full packages to suit all budgets, including hotel, flights, transfers, 22kg baggage allowance and rep service.

To find out more and make a booking visit jet2holidays.com

Source: The Telegraph

Featured image: Cral Beach courtesy of Tournal.com
Its no secret that the Turkish people love their soup or corbas in Turkish.

Soup is eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Soup starts the meal or is a meal in itself.

What better comfort food than a steaming bowl of soup, especially during the cold days of winter?

There are many delicious Turkish soups for you to enjoy when you are out and about, or to make at home. Here are a few to start you off.

Mercimek Corbas (Lentil Soup)

Mercimek is lovely as a winter warmer  filling and comforting. Its a classic, well loved Turkish dish. It was traditionally made with red lentils, onions, tomatoes, peppers, tomato and/or pepper paste, dried mint and chilli flakes. Nowadays there are many variations due to the culinary inventiveness of generations of mothers.

Hearty Red Lentil Soup. Photograph courtesy of Ozlems Turkish Table

Click here for a recipe for Krmz Mercimek Corbas (Hearty Red Lentil Soup) courtesy of Ozlems Turkish Table.

Ezogelin Corbas (Bride Soup)

Spicy Turkish lentil & bulgur soup with dried mint and red pepper flakes

Ezogelin is named after Ezo, a new bride whose mother-in-law demanded soup. A flustered Ezo concocted a soup from what she had at hand  red lentils, bulgur, rice, tomato paste, hot pepper and mint. Luckily, when combined, these ingredients made a very tasty soup. Nowadays it is given to brides before their marriage as protection against what the future may have to hold.

Ezo Gelin Corbasi; Spicy Turkish lentil & bulgur soup with dried mint and red pepper flakes; wholesome and delicious.

Click here for a recipe for Ezogelin Corbas courtesy of Ozlems Turkish Table

Yayla Corbasi (Highland Soup)

This simple but delicious yoghurt with rice soup, flavoured with dried mint and red pepper flakes, originates back to Anatolias earliest settlers and nomadic herdsman, and it is one of the most popular soups in Turkey.

Yayl Corbas. Photograph courtesy of sabah.com.tr

Click here for a recipe for Yayla Corbas courtesy of Ozlems Turkish Table.

Sehriyeli Sebze Corbas (Vegetable Soup with Orzo)

This delicious vegetable soup is easy, delicious and wholesome. Orzo pasta, or sehriye in Turkish, thickens the broth beautifully and makes it wholesome and substantial. Add a generous squeeze of lemon and plenty of red pepper flakes (or Aleppo pepper) over the soup to spice things up when serving. Try crumbling some feta cheese over the top before serving too. For a gluten-free option, you can use rice instead of orzo pasta.

Turkish vegetable soup with orzo; Sehriyeli Sebze Corbas. Photograph courtesy of Ozlems Turkish Table

Click here for a recipe for Sehriyeli Sebze Corbas courtesy of Ozlems Turkish Table.

Iskembe Corbas (Tripe Soup)

Iskembe Corbas

Turkeys most famous soup is a pungent dish made from tripe (cows stomach) and eaten with vinegar and garlic. Many people believe this soup is an excellent hangover remedy, and so it is always possible to find restaurants serving Iskembe soup even after midnight.

Click here for a recipe for Iskembe Corbas courtesy Group Recipes

Kelle Paca Corbas (Sheeps Head Soup)

Kelle Paca Corbasi

Kelle Paca Corbas is made with lamb legs or head. Westerners may originally be put off by this but is not as disturbing as it sounds. When combined with the other ingredients of hot chilli flakes, garlic puree and oregano, this soup provides quite a kick.

Serve with

Turkish soups are served with bread, bread and more bread!

Bread, bread and more bread!

Afiyet Olsun!

Ozlems Turkish Table: Recipes from My Homeland

You can find more recipes for authentic, wholesome soups in Ozlems Turkish Table, Recipes from My Homeland, available to order at this link. Signed copies here now 20 % off for the gift giving season

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Our Top 5 Fethiye series is all about what makes this part of Turkey a great place to visit, see, feel, taste and experience.

In this Top 5 Fethiye weve gathered the top 5 things to buy when on holiday in and around Fethiye, Oludeniz, Hisaronu and beyond.

Top 5 Fethiye Holiday Buys

With the British Pound buying over 4 TL this year offers even better value than ever for your holiday Pound. Whilst some of our Top 5 Fethiye Holiday buys are value choices given the weaker Turkish Lira some are due to cost or difficulty to buy in the UK.

So come on holiday with an empty suitcase and make the most of the Top 5 Fethiye Holiday Buys.

Clothes

Fethiye is crammed full of great places to buy cheap, stylish and quality clothing. Turkey is one of the big clothing manufacturing countries in the world so you can expect to find the latest designs, quality but at lower prices than the UK in some cases.

In the markets you will find genuine fakes of many of the luxury brands for sale at a fraction of the UK price. Quality is generally good and in some cases may even be better than the real thing in our experience. Just check carefully everything you buy.

Mens polo shirts with a brand logo and features sell from around 40 TL (10) but with good bargaining skills and patience you should be able to knock them down to around 25 TL (7).

Go to the high street and shopping mall and you will find clothing outlets to suit all pockets.

LC Waikiki offers Primark prices and quality. You can pick up a mans plain white T-shirt for 12.90 TL (3), a short sleeved shirt for 29TL (6) or a womans cotton patterned shirt for 25 TL (7).

Go a bit more upmarket to Koton, Mavi or some of the other branded outlets and the prices are still very competitive.

Spices

Some spices are very good value in Turkey.

But make sure you choose wisely and make sure what you are buying is as described.

The trendy now used on UK cookery TV programmes Sumak can be bought for around 12.50 TL a kilo (3) which is a fraction of the cost in the UK.

Peppercorns are locally grown and are also cheap to buy.

Lemon salt is another nice exotica to buy and take back with you too.

Variety is the spice of life and spices are number 2 in our Fethiye Top 5 Holiday buys.

Evil Eye

The Evil Eye or Nazar is a talisman of averting the evil eye of someone who may be jealous or envious of you or something you have.

The eye is believed to reflect back those negative projections and is popular throughout wester Asia from Greece through Turkey to Afghanistan, Iran and Israel.

Made of glass they are attractive and will not look out of place as an ornament or other adornment in your place back home.

You can even deploy them to avert the evil eye in your own neighbourhood back home.

We love the colours and idea of the evil eye and even feature it in our logo.

So number 3 in our Fethiye Top 5 Holiday Buys is the Evil Eye.

Hamam Towels

The Hamam is a Turkish Bath, the communal place where people gather to exfoliate, cleanse and relax and are a great Turkish holiday experience to visit if you get a chance.

Hamams use an attractive check styled towels and robes made from cotton.

You can buy these items and also the exfoliating mitts used to remove all that dead skin from many shops in and around Fethiye for just a few Lira.

You can also pick up light bath robes made from similar material for a few Lira more.

The versatile, light and cheap towels are yet another Top 5 Fethiye Holiday Buy.

Olives

The Fethiye area produces some tasty and juicy olives.

Pop down to the Tuesday market and check out the wide range of olives on sale to see what we mean.

Prices range from 5 TL to 10 TL per kilo (1.20 to 2.40) depending on the variety.

Vendors will let you try before you buy so you dont have to buy blind.

We love the big juicy pink and black olives.

Transporting them home could be easier either.

After you have drunk the contents of a 1.5 Ltr water bottle transfer the olive into it, close the top securely and put in your luggage. You now have a leak proof olive container and much more secure than a think plastic bag.

So thats our Top 5 Fethiye Holiday Buys.

Your Suggestions

Do you have your own favourite holiday buys? If so, please let us know by leaving your comments below.
Turkey has its own regulations and procedures regarding the real estate trade in Turkey and there have recently been some changes to the law.

Fethiye Times went along to talk with Serdar Oguz, Chairman of the Real Estate Agents Association in Fethiye, for an update.

The regulations were reviewed and updated by the Ministry of Customs and Trade on 5th June 2018*

The aims of the review are to regulate the property market and minimise the negative impact of fraud, money loss and tax evasion.

Real estate buyers, property sellers and real estate agents are protected by these regulations.

Real estate trading and brokerage activities are recorded by the Government.

What are the new regulations?

Sellers and buyers are advised to use an Authorisation Certificated estate agent (You can still sell your property yourself however, it is recommended you use an agent).

Real estate consultants will not be able to provide real estate consultancy and brokerage, sales and leasing activities without the Professional Qualification Certificate (which can be obtained from institutions authorized by the Vocational Qualifications Authority) and without the Authorisation Certificate given by the Commercial Provincial Directorates.

The Authorisation Certificate can be cancelled for up to two years if real estate offices do not comply with the regulations.

Under the new regulations, real estate businesses must have an office of at least 30m2 with a fixed address. No other type of business will be permitted to operate from the same office.

Concepts such as mobile real estate, barman, shoe shiners and waiters selling property and home office will no longer be legal.

What do you have to do?

The property owner authorises the estate agent by signing a three-month sales contract with their chosen estate agent who must hold an authorisation certificate.

You can still try to sell your property yourself, but it is recommended you use a reliable estate agent in the area.

The chosen real estate agent can authorise other real estate agents by signing the Sales Brokerage Agreement, collaborating to sell the property quicker if it has been agreed on the sales contract with the property owner.

At the end of the three-month contract you have the option to renew with the same estate agent or change to a different one.

Take care not to trade with estate agents who do not have a certificate of authority or an office as per the regulations as they do not engage legally in real estate business.

*The government have given 18 months notice to all legal real estate agents to update their conditions according to the new law.

The goverment will start to give Authorisation Certificates to legal estate agents at the end of 90 days from the new regulation announcement on 5th June 2018, (3rd September 2018)

All advertisements (including the website and internet adverts) will have to display the Authorisation Certificate Number.

With the implementation of these regulations, real estate consultants are empowered in matters relating to their business. At the same time they are held more responsible for the carrying out of the professional and legal practices laid out in the regulations.

If you have any questions, please contact Serdar Oguz at tlosproperty@gmail.com
The Mugla region has endured one of the worst winters in living memory  but it may not be over just yet.

There have already been tornadoes, powerful winds, flooding and some spectacular thunderstorms along the Turquoise Coast right from Bodrum to Antalya.

However, another storm system is currently edging its way eastwards across the Mediterranean and seems set to make landfall in Turkey from around 10pm this evening.

Forecasters are predicting yet more heavy rain and high winds with the potential for damage, continuing into tomorrow afternoon.

The storm is the latest to be generated by a series of low pressure systems which have developed over the Mediterranean since December, sweeping across the Greek Islands before slamming into the Turkish coast.

The severe weather has caused flash flooding in Bodrum and storm surges which have damaged seafront properties in Marmaris and Fethiye and even along the lakeside in Koycegiz.

A tornado ripped through Kumluca in the Antalya district last month, causing an estimated 100 million liras worth of damage, while another damaged aircraft and ground vehicles at Antalya airport.

The sheer volume of rain which fell around Fethiye last week also led to storm drains bursting their banks in the mountain village Uzumlu while farmland and a number of homes in the Belen and Knal area of Kayakoy had to be evacuated as water levels rose.

Source:

https://www.muglaweather.com

www.lightningmaps.org
Last weeks news was dominated by the extreme weather we have been having in Turkey. If you missed the news you can click on the link below to have a read of whats been happening.

Fethiye Times News  Week Ending 26 January 2019 Here at Fethiye Times, we decided to have a closer look at the changes in the weather. Is The Climate Changing? Our climate is changing. Most visibly, the air is getting warmer and global surface temperature has increased nearly 1 since the beginning of the twentieth century. As global temperatures increase, several changes occur: Sea and land ice melt, and sea levels rise

Snow cover shrinks, and snow melts earlier

The temperature of the oceans increase

Droughts and storms become stronger

The warm season extends, more heat waves and wildfires occur

Plants and animals migrate or may become extinct These changes have already affected human life directly by changing the environment they are exposed to. The greenhouse effect

The greenhouse effect is a warming of Earths surface and the air above it. It is caused by gases in the air that trap energy from the Sun. These heat-trapping gases are called greenhouse gases. The most common greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane.

Turkey is the worlds 20th largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

The Turkish economy and the nations demand for energy have been growing rapidly, trends that are set to continue. With its expanding energy needs mostly being met by fossil fuels  in particular, coal for generating electricity  Turkeys emissions are set to rise significantly. However, it has promised some efforts to constrain its emissions growth.

Ironically, the effects are forecast to affect Turkey more severely than many other countries. Climate change in Turkey In Turkey we can expect to see, and in fact are already seeing, more extreme weather.

Increasing temperatures

The summers are heating up faster than the other seasons. In 2017, Turkey sweltered through a heatwave from North Africa with temperatures of 44.8C (with a RealFeel* temperature of 49C due to humidity) recorded in Antalya.

*The AccuWeather RealFeel temperature uses multiple factors including the temperature, humidity, cloud cover, sun intensity, and wind to explain how hot it feels outside. In comparison, the heat index only factors in the temperature and humidity.

This may be good news for sun-worshipping holidaymakers but it isnt so good for agricultural areas, particularly rain fed crops.

Agriculture is expected to be severely affected after the late 2030s. Arid and semi-arid areas are at risk of desertification.

Wildfires

The increase in temperatures have led to hot, dry conditions that cause an increase in wildfires, destroying the ecosystem and habitats of many species of wildlife.

6,200 hectares of forest land have been burned in 1,132 fires in 2017 alone, said Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs Veysel Eroglu as he was visiting the forest lands that were turned into ashes in different fires in the western province of Izmir.

In July 2018, a villager burnt to death and dozens were left homeless as a major forest fire raged in the province of Antalya

Mustafa Kurtulmuslu, deputy general manager of Turkeys forestry directorate, told Anatolian Agency.

I have dealt my whole life with fires but I have never seen a sight like this. I can say that we are experiencing a catastrophe

Thunder and lightning

Along with climate change, studies tie the increase in the number of electromagnetic fields to the rising rate of thunder and lightning around the world,

A total of nine people were reported to have been killed in Turkey due to lightning strikes in one month up to 17 May 2018. Some 26 people were injured and more than 120 animals were also killed by lightning strikes, according to reports from European Lightning Strikes Monitoring System.

On 24 July 2018, the Istanbul region hit was by 43,388 lightning strikes in 24 hours according to the Turkish State Meteorological Service.

Chamber of Meteorological Engineers Vice President Ahmet Kose told Anadolu Agency, The frequency of floods, storms, whirlwinds and droughts has been increasing due to globalwarming and climate change. The severity and frequency of these kinds of matters have been increasing every year.

Flooding

Towns and cities may see an increase in urban heatwaves, droughts, storms and flooding. Sea level rise is forecast to affect city infrastructure, for example Istanbul Kadkoy Metro Station is threatened with flooding.

In November, Bodrum experienced flash floods when it was pounded with hail and heavy rains that swept away cars and left the town underwater.

Medicanes In September 2018, Greece and Turkey were struck by a medicane, a combination of Mediterranean and hurricane specific to the Mediterranean region. A medicane is more of a tropical storm-like cyclone. They form when a non-tropical storm threat feeds off the warm waters of the Mediterranean, then the storm will begin to develop tropical-storm characteristics and strengthens. Climate change and possible future changes of medicanes are a matter of concern due to their large damage potential.

Turkey battles climate change: Nationwide efforts give hope for the future

Preventing climate change is crucial for Turkey because its region has experienced significantly more drastic rising temperatures when compared to the global scale. Read more

In our next article well be looking at the things we can do as individuals to combat climate change.

Well, there are 7.7 billion of us on the planet and the current population of Turkey is 82,519,964 

Sources: Climate Change in Turkey/Accuweather/Hurriyet Daily News/Carbon Brief/Worldometers/Daily Sabah

Featured image courtesy of islami.co
Turkey is much more than just a holiday destination. It has a rich, diverse culture and history, beautiful landscapes and cuisine that will keep you coming back for moreand more!

When you start to scratch the surface and discover more about this amazing country you will find many interesting facts you never knew. Here are just a few to get you started

Miles and miles of coastline

Turkey has over 8,000 km (5,000m) of coastline and over 397 Blue Flag certified beaches with Antalya holding the world record for having the highest number in the world, awarded for highest water quality, beach cleanliness, and highest environmental standards. (Turkey  Lonely Planet)

Average age in Turkey

The Turkish population has an average age of 30.5  the average age of males is 30.1 years and females, 31 years.

Nuts, whole hazelnuts

Turkey accounts for approximately 75 percent of worldwide hazelnut production.

According to Edip Sevinc, head of the Black Sea Hazelnut and Products Exporters Association, in 2016 Turkish exporters earned $1.98 billion from 227,556 tons of hazelnut exports, mainly to Italy, France and Germany.

Noahs Ark

Many archeologists and biblical scholars believe Noahs Ark landed on Mount Ararat (Agr Dag) in eastern Turkey. The mountain is actually a dormant volcano and the highest point in the country at 16,949 feet (5,166 m)

The rise of Christianity

St. John, St. Paul and St. Peter lived and prayed in southern Anatolia. Tradition has it that St. John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus after the Crucifixion, where she spent her last days in a small stone house called Meryemana Evi on what is now Bulbuldagi (Mount Koressos). It remains a popular pilgrimage site for Christians to this day.

Are Tulips from Amsterdam?

Turkey introduced tulips to Holland; tulips were imported into Holland in the sixteenth century. The word tulip comes from the Turkish word for turban, tulbent.

The city on two continents

Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents  Europe and Asia. During its more almost 2,000-year history, it has been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

Gobekli Tepe

Gobekli Tepe in southern Turkey is home to the most ancient temple structures ever discovered. Its circular structures, with their elaborately carved stones and distinctive, T-shaped pillars, are more than 12,000 years oldolder than the invention of agriculture or even pottery and have changed the way archaeologists look at the beginnings of civilization.

A Gilded Cage

In the early days of the empire, when an Ottoman sultan came to power, his first job would be to have his brothers killed. But later on, killing all his brothers was deemed inadvisable in case the sultan died without siring a son. So the next man in line to the throne was sent into isolation within Topkap Palace until he was ever needed to assume power. He lived in what was called the Gilded Cage: luxurious but imprisoned.

A jelly bean fact

Jelly beans first appeared in the United States in the mid-to-late 19th century. Some historians believe they were inspired by Turkish delighta chewy jelly and powdered sugar confection that was a popular treat from Turkey.

Turkey and Narnia

The word for lion in Turkish is aslan, which is also the name of the great lion in C.S. Lewis classic childrens series The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. One of the treats featured in the series is the dessert Turkish delight, which originated in Turkey.

The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar ( Kapalcars, meaning Covered Market) in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.(Wikipedia)

By the way
Zafer Bayram (Victory Day)

Turkey annually celebrates Victory Day on August 30, commemorating the Turkish victory over Greek forces in the Battle of Dumlupnar (August 26-30, 1922). The outcome of the battle, which took place in Kutahya province in western Turkey, determined the overall outcome of the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923).

Although foreign forces left the country for good in the autumn of 1922, Turkish people accept August 30 as the date of the Turkish troops overall victory. Victory Day was first celebrated in only a few cities in Turkey  such as Ankara, Izmir and Afyonkarahisar  on August 30, 1923. It became a national holiday in 1935.

What Do People Do?

Many people in Turkey celebrate Victory Day by attending military parades, which take place in many big cities throughout the country.

Fethiye Municipality Band playing on Zafer Bayram

Residents and shop owners decorate their windows with Turkish flags and images of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

State officials attend a ceremony at Ataturks Mausoleum in Ankara.

All promotions in the Turkish Armed Forces take place on this day, and military schools hold annual graduation ceremonies on August 30.

Banks, the Post Office (PTT) and Government Offices will be closed for the day.

Zafer Bayram Kutlu Olsun
Kurban Bayram, Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, which occurs 70 days after the end of Ramazan, is a usually a spectacular day of slaughter and feasting throughout the Muslim world. This years celebrations will be slightly more subdued as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The four-day holiday begins on Friday 31st July and ends on Monday 3rd August, during which time government offices, post offices, banks and some supermarkets will be closed.

Are there any restrictions due to COVID-9?

The government and Science Board have published certain measures to be followed to minimise the spread of the virus:

The sacrifice of animals should be made at places determined and inspected by municipalities and people must spend the minimum time in those areas.

Negotiations should not be made by shaking hands between customers and vendors.

People over the age of 65 and/or who have chronic diseases should not be in animal sales areas.

Masks, social distance and hand cleaning rules should be observed at every stage.

Those attending group prayers should carry out their pre-prayer ablutions at home and not in the mosque fountain.

Those attending prayers should take their own prayer rug.

Prayers should be kept short and carried out in the open with social distancing observed at all times.

At the end of the prayer, the congregation should leave in a controlled manner, starting from the back.

Those aged 65 and over and those who have chronic diseases should not attend the feast prayer.

Visits to graves should be postponed until after the holiday if there is a possibility of crowds.

Bayram messages should be made by phone as much as possible.

Meals should not be served with other families and guests.

All coronavirus precautions should be taken when distributing Kurban meat to the poor.

If it is necessary to come together on the feast days, open air locations should be used. If receiving visitors, the house should be well ventilated.

During the holiday, visits to ill relatives and hospital patients should be avoided.

Kissing, shaking hands and hugs should be postponed until the next festivities.

Wearing a mask, following social distance rules and hygiene guidelines are the most critical things to adhere to throughout the holiday.

What is the Feast of Sacrifice?

The Feast of Sacrifice is one of the oldest Islamic holidays in Turkey. It commemorates the story (which appears in both the Koran and the Bible) of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who showed obedience to God by agreeing to sacrifice his son. Once God (Allah) saw his faith he spared the boy and sent him a ram to be sacrificed instead.

Abraham ready to sacrifice his son

What do people do?

Traditionally, on the first day of the Feast, men of each family go to a mosque for a special morning prayer. Then the sacrifice ritual begins. Male, healthy, robust animals are preferred, not only because theyre bigger but also because it is considered great misfortune to kill a pregnant beast.

Male, healthy, robust animals are preferred. Photo by Lyn Ward.

A halal prayer is recited before the animal is slaughtered and the atmosphere is solemn and respectful.

Families share about two-thirds of the animals meat with relatives and neighbours, and they traditionally give about one-third to the poor. This is one of the most important aspects of Kurban Bayram and many poor families rely upon Kurban charity.

The first meal with the Kurban meat is cooked quickly and simply and eaten reverently.

Kurban Bayram  The first meat is cooked quickly and eaten reverently

In recent years, some Turkish people started making donations to charitable organizations instead of sacrificing animals. Many people in Turkey take special care to help the poor during the Sacrifice Feast.

People usually wear their best clothes during the Sacrifice Feast. They welcome guests to their homes or visit relatives or friends during the holiday. Many people in Turkey reserve the first day of the feast for visiting their closest relatives. Young people greet their older relatives and neighbours by kissing their hand as a sign of respect.

If you find yourself in Turkey during Kurban Bayram, the chances are that you will not actually see the sacrifice of animals unless you head off to the rural areas.

How do I greet my Turkish friends?

Here are a few ways you can greet people during Kurban Bayram

Kurban Bayramnz kutlu olsun  Have a happy bayram.

Kurban Bayramnz mubarek olsun  Have a blessed bayram.

Iyi bayramlar  Happy bayram.

How to cook your Kurban meat

Lamb Kavurma is a Turkish national dish of lamb cooked on Kurban Bayram.

Heres an easy recipe for you to make with your Kurban meat.

Roasted Lamb (Kurban Kavurma)

Lamb Kavurma -a Turkish national dish of lamb cooked on Kurban Bayram.

Ingredients

Serves 10

2kg lamb chunks

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon thyme

Method

Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the meat and cook over a medium heat until sizzling. Cover and simmer gently until the meat is cooked (approximately one hour). Turn the meat over occasionally with a wooden spoon.

Add the salt, pepper and thyme and cook for a further 15 minutes

Serve the hot kavurma with a side dish of rice, bulgur salad or vegetables.

Afiyet olsun
Dotted around towns and villages, scattered on hilltops or by the roadside, you will see many domed, circular stone buildings and may wonder what they are.

They are water cisterns (sarnc in Turkish). Did you know there are around 250 of them to be found in the Mugla province?

Water cistern (sarnc) by the side of the road from Fethiye to Kayakoy. Photo by Lyn Ward

The cisterns

They were built during the Ottoman period to gather winter rainwater which was used for the fields and livestock during the summer months. The rainwater runs over the dome and in through the holes in the channel running around the outside. It then collects in a reservoir inside.

Water runs down the dome and through holes in the channel. Photo by Lyn Ward

The inside of this abandoned sarnc in Uzumlu is still very well preserved. Photo by Lyn Ward

They have a diameter of approximately 7 meters. The section that is above the ground is as tall as a typical one-story house, however the reservoir itself might be buried deep in the ground. A bucket on a rope is used to access the water.

As modern water delivery systems were developed, their use and importance diminished and they were left to fall into disrepair.

Abandoned sarnc in Uzumlu. Photo by Lyn Ward

Some are still in use for livestock water supply and storing animal feed.

Today many of them have been renovated, and some have been converted for other uses. One in Yalkavak, on the Bodrum Peninsula, has been converted to an art gallery.

Sarnc Art Gallery -Yalikavak  Photograph courtesy of Roving Jay

Sarnc Art Gallery -Yalikavak  Photograph courtesy of Roving Jay

Some just sit in isolated splendour  relics of a bygone era

Sarnc in Ovack overlooking Babadag  sunset. Photo by Lyn Ward

The Great Sarnc Hunt on the Bodrum Peninsula

If, like Roving Jay from the Bodrum Peninsula Travel Guide, youre a sucker for a sarnc and youre planning a visit to the Bodrum peninsula, click on the link below and plan your own sarnc hunt.

The Great Sarnic Hunt on the Bodrum Peninsula
This article was written exclusively for Fethiye Times by Casey Russell.

From 10th December, for six days, the mysterious and world renowned whirling Dervishes will take centre stage at the Konya Mevlana Culture Centre, and perform their Sema dance on the evening of each day.

The Mevlana ritual dance  the Sema  is meant to represent the true journey to maturity and enlightenment, and, over time it has become part of Turkeys traditional culture and history, this is despite Rumi coming from Persia, which is, today, modern day Iran.

Watching The Mevlana performance is the one of the main reasons that people visit Konya, so, here is an informative guide to what to expect when you witness this once in a lifetime spectacle.

The Mevlana performance

The dance, when performed, is split into seven different parts.

The ritual begins with a nat-(I.e, eulogy)-exalting Prophet Muhammed, who represents divine love. The name for this part is called the Nat-l Serif

Afterwards, part two continues the same exalting as in the first one, but also in this section, the sound of the special dervish drum, called a Kudum, starts to echo through the hall.

When all of the exalting has stopped, the third part begins with the haunting sound of a special reed flute, which is called a Ney. The Ney is meant to represent the Breath of God.

The fourth section is when the dervishes, lead by the master-(called a Seyh)-,walk out in a circle and give a greeting to their friends. They do this three times.

In the fifth part, there are many selams, a special prayer said by the Dervishes. Each selam has its own different meaning;

The first is the humans perception of his own service and of his glorious creator.

The second, is a human beings total amazement in the presence of Allahs power.

The third, is a humans sacrificing his mind to love, and all of his feelings to love. This is said to be your way of surrendering to Allah, and becoming part of him.

In Islam, it is called Fenafillah, meaning Die before you die.

The last Selam is his completion of his spiritual journey. The Seyh Efendi and the the Semazenbasi take part in the turning of this Selam. At this point, they are both overjoyed having faith in the Prophets, Books-(I.e.- The Quran, The Torah)-, The Angels and Allah.

The Sema

After some more reading from the Quran, the dancing begins. After receiving permission from eldest son of the Seyh-(master), by kissing him on the hand, the dervishes drop their large black hirka-( a long, heavy black coat)-representing their deliverance from worldly attachments.

Now with their black robes removed, it reveals a long white robe underneath.

With their right arms extended reaching up towards the heavens and their left arm pointing to the ground, Grace from above is received from Allah, and is distributed to humanity. The dancers gracefully spin, and in unionson, all the dervishes eventually start spinning together, creating a hypnotic and mesmerising constellation.

Walking among them, the master checks to see if the dervishes are doing the performance correctly.

The dance is repeated over five, 10 minute sessions, and finishes with the hafiz, a scholar who remembers the whole Quran through memory, chants passages from the Quran, thus, completing the spectacular ritual

The performance takes place every Saturday throughout the year, but we went during December, where from the 10th-17th of December each year, theres a performance each evening in remembrance of Jalal Al-Din Rumi, renown Afghan philosopher and poet who created the dance.

The Order of the Mevlevi

When Rumi died on the seventeenth of December, 1273, his son organised his followers into the brotherhood called the Mevlevi, or whirling dervishes.

In the centuries that followed, hundreds of schools were set up to teach the dance, but ultimately, the teachings of Rumi and his ideology started to influence the countrys political, economic and social life, so in 1925, Ataturk banned them as he considered them, an obstacle to the countrys advancement.

They were revived in 1957, however, and the Mevlana are now so popular, that in 2017, the Mevlana Museum was noted as Turkeys most visited museum. There is evidence in all walks of social media posted by people from all over the world that Rumis verse and poetry are still celebrated and followed today. Instagram is often awash with phrases from Rumis writings and often people will post a  saying which they dont even know the origination of..Rumis beliefs are still standing strong.

Where to get your tickets

To get tickets for the grand Mevlana performance finale-on the 17th -, follow this link, its really recommended to book them in advance and be warned, dont leave it too late:

https://ebilet.konyakultur. gov.tr/?NewAccount=&Type=1

Tickets for the performances from the 10th to the 16th December can be pre-ordered or bought fat the door. Usually, the performance will begin at 7pm, so to guarantee a seat, its advisable to arrive at the Culture Centre by 6:30pm. There are salep sellers outside the centre and traditional crafts and Mevlana souvenirs for sale at small stalls inside and the area has a really wintery, seasonal feel.

For more information, please visit this website: https://ilikevents.com/event/ 3118-konya-whirling-dervishes- festival

Getting there

Konya can be reached from Fethiye by car in under 7 hours. Buses also operate regularly to Ankara, where a connection can be caught to Konya.

Going by train and flying is also an option, where you fly to Istanbul or Ankara, and catch a connection either by aircraft or rail to Konya.

In my next article, Ill bring you a Whistle Stop Tour to give you ideas of where else to visit and what to do in one of my favourite citiesKonya.

Casey Rusell

I am Casey Russell, a 15-year-old home schooled traveller, writer, photographer and sailor.

I live aboard my familys Oceanis 45 foot sailing yacht and travel extensively throughout the mediterranean for most of the year exploring the lost islands and hidden archaeological treasures of the region.

Photography is a hobby of mine and this year i am keen to explore new techniques and effects, the articles that I write are always accompanied by awesome images.

So, Come along with me on my travels and let me show you the hidden corners of this magical region

To read more articles by Casey please visit his blog, Adventurer in Training
This Whistle Stop Tour was written exclusively for Fethiye Times by Casey Russell.

I wrote a short while back about the Bozburun peninsula, a stunning piece of land that acts as the southern flank to the Hisasonu Gulf. Its neighbour is the better known, Datca peninsula.

Its a long, ragged finger of land that stretches westwards for miles on end towards the open ocean and a maze of Greek islands. Its where the Aegean Sea And Mediterranean Sea meet, and thanks to the prevailing Meltemi wind, locals claims the air has the richest oxygen levels in Turkey.

Datca town

Datca town, located about half way along the peninsula on the southern side, is a wonderful harbour town that makes for a brilliant place to start exploring. It sits on two sides of a headland.

Besides Marmaris, the town is probably the busiest place in the area, but this doesnt mean its crowded. The street layout is wide, and the seafront promenade has many restaurant which make for beautiful places to dine.

The town itself doesnt have any specific sights, but what we enjoy about this splendid town is its boutique feel, along with a wide range of shops and restaurants. The beach isnt too bad either!

Eski Datca

If you were to venture inland a few kilometers, youll come across Eski Datca, the old town. Here, many lovely stone houses and cobbled streets make for a pleasant wander. Its been very well restored, and does have accommodation and restaurants available if you want to experience a more traditional Turkey.

Above Datca, is the award winning Datca Vineyard and Winery. Built upon a hill overlooking the town and sea, they offer several experiences, such as the harvest where you can help pick the grapes from the vines. Another experience available to customers is wine tasting. The staff teach you how to tell the difference between wines.

If you go to their website, they have a range of events coming up

The Isleyici family, who own the winery, are friendly and open to all visitors. They started making the wine in there home, but later moved to Datca so they could,share their wine with friends.

There are many other wineries along the peninsula, all of which have a wide variety of exquisite tipples.

Knidos

The ruins of Knidos are situated at the end of Datcas peninsula, some 35 kilometres from Datca town, and are acssesible by car. The ruins are probably some of my favourites in Turkey, if not the Mediterranean, since they sit in a beautiful bay.

The protected bay has a single restaurant in it, and is a popular spot for yachts passing into the Gulf of Gokova from the south.

This town was one of the most prosperous towns in the area during antiquity, and you can explore the well kept ruins, which include a theatre, agora, several temples, houses and at the bottom, relics such as statues and columns.

With its dramatic landscape, brilliant views, fascinating ruins and overall serenity, youll easily understand why I love it here.

Palamut

Palamut, a small harbour halfway between Datca and Knidos, is another popular stopping place for yachtsmen and can also be reached by road. The small village hasnt many shops, but does have a wide selection of varied restaurants, all selling freshly caught fish and seafood. This bay also offers a long, pebble beach which has fine, crystal clear waters.

Bencik Kuyu is at the very start of the peninsula, at the narrowest part. Being only a mere 800 metres coast to coast, locals call it Balkasran, meaning the place where the fish pass over.

Bencik was also rumoured to have several sharks living there. These sharks, however, seem as common as the Loch Ness monster, but if you do scan the water, you may see one turtle or two.

From Datca you could take the short crossing to Symi, the beautiful Greek island that youd think would be Turkish. Here, you can admire the pretty coloured buildings, and you could dine at the wide variety of restaurants that sit on the Harbour front.

Or if you fancy staying in Turkey, you could take the car ferry from Kormen on the north coast of the Datca Peninsula, across the Gulf Of Gokova, and go to the bustling city of Bodrum. Here, you can go shopping at the grand bazaar, or explore the hidden backstreets. If your interested in history, the Castle of St. Peter is incredible, not only because its so well kept, but also because it exhibits many ancient jars, vases and many other interesting pieces.

Getting there

To get to the Peninsula from Fethiye, go on the D-400 heading west, towards Datca. This is about a three hour drive. Buses are available, and taxis are more then happy to drive you there.

Featured photograph courtesy of Road Attack

Casey Rusell

I am Casey Russell, a 15-year-old home schooled traveller, writer, photographer and sailor.

I live aboard my familys Oceanis 45 foot sailing yacht and travel extensively throughout the mediterranean for most of the year exploring the lost islands and hidden archaeological treasures of the region.

Photography is a hobby of mine and this year i am keen to explore new techniques and effects, the articles that I write are always accompanied by awesome images.

So, Come along with me on my travels and let me show you the hidden corners of this magical region

To read more articles by Casey please visit his blog, Adventurer in Training
This article was written for Fethiye Times by Steve Parsley.

If your native tongue isnt Turkish then theres every chance youll have already heard about Meis.

Also known as Kastellorizo, the tiny island with a complex history is currently Greek and that means  even though its only a mile off the Turkish coast  it counts as abroad.

Every year, hundreds visit  but not all just to admire the scenery and enjoy the seafood from the many restaurants around the pretty harbour.

Quite a few will hop on the ferries from Kas simply to avoid a bit of Turkish legislation.

At the moment, if youre a foreigner and you have been residing in Turkey for six months or more, you are supposed to apply for a Turkish driving licence.

However, for those who prefer not to, a simple passport stamp to prove you have left the country  even for just a day  is usually enough to circumnavigate the regulations.

As a result Meis has become something of a twice-yearly pilgrimage, particularly for those who would struggle to produce documentary evidence that they have completed secondary school education  a proviso the authorities insist upon before issuing a driving licence in Turkey.

But, although many who book a ticket to Meis will have a few beers in the bars and then board the ferry back to Turkey just as quickly as they can, theres actually quite a bit to see and do  and all in a very condensed space.

Indeed, even if you only have a passing interest in learning a bit more about the island, theres a good chance youll end up wanting to stay longer than a few hours.

For example, just how did such a small island just a mile off the Turkish coast end up being Greek territory?

The answer actually lies in relatively recent history; the island was captured by allied forces during the Second World War  a move welcomed by the inhabitants who feared the German forces may reach them first.

Formal cessation of the occupation came when the territory was handed to Greece as part of the Paris Peace Treaties in 1947  a move few locals protested as many has Greek ancestry anyway.

But, before that, the island was also a part of the Byzantine Empire, a base for crusading knights from France, the property of an Egyptian sultan, an Italian territory, and part of the Ottoman Empire. It was then handed back to Italy at the end of the First World War  with periods of occupation by both Greeks and Turks since then.

As a result, the island wears its chequered history like layers of clothes; the castle on the rock which overlooks the harbour for example was once used as a prison for errant knights.

Below is an Ottoman mosque  now a museum  while there is a Byzantine church on the town square set behind the harbour.

Steep steps from the main town also lead to a monastery and an ancient acropolis while some of the grander houses along the quay can tell stories of their own.

But Meis isnt just rich in cultural or architectural heritage. The limestone island also boasts some environmental riches  not least the stunning Blue Cave accessible only by boat but well worth the 10* fee most of the captains charge.

St Georges Island and its diminutive Greek Orthodox church is also a delightful venue if you prefer lunch away from the crowds along the quayside  with drop off and collection included as part of the Blue Cave tour if required.

St Georges Island. Photograph courtesy of Steve Parsley

The views of the harbour and across to Kas and the Turkish coast are spectacular while visitors to the seafront bars include a couple of loggerhead turtles, who some will tell you have been visiting the harbour for decades.

So, although Meis may well be a convenient port of call for automotive purposes, its also much more than that.

Its certainly small  small enough for some to find claustrophobic in the busier summer months.

But, if you make an effort to get a little off the beaten track or if you can winkle travelling companions out of the bars and restaurants for a few hours, its worth exploring in more detail and, believe it or not, you may find that hard to achieve in a few short hours.

Day trips to Meis with Tiny Akropol: 35* per person (including transfer to Kas from Hisaronu and ferry ticket). Departure from Hisaronu at approximately 7.30am. Return by around 7pm.

Blue Cave Boat Trip from Meis Harbour with Capt Kostas including drop off at St Georges Island if required: 8.70 (10)*

Single course lunch on St Georges Island including one drink: approximately 10* per person

*Prices correct at the time of publication

Rebecca & Steve Parsley are both former journalists with experience in newspapers, magazines and on radio. Since 2006 they have run their own communications agency, specialising in social media and online content writing. They moved to Turkey just over four years ago and live in Kayakoy with their German Shepherd dog, Dillon  formerly a street dog  and two cats. When not slaving over their keyboards or walking in the local countryside, they enjoy watching motorsport  especially Formula 1  and are also salsa dance addicts.
Fethiye Oludeniz Cable Car Project

Soon visitors will be able to take a trip to the top of the world famous Babadag mountain in just 7 minutes when a new cable car is built.

The Babadag mountain range rises out of the Fethiye Plain and stretches south 60km to the west end of the Patara Beach.

The highest peak is known as Babadag (Father mountain) and towers some 1,967 Metres (6,450 ft) above sea level and dominates the skyline of Fethiye, Ovacik. Hisaronu and Oludeniz.

The view from the peak is breathtaking.

It is also the most popular launch site in Turkey for paragliding and now welcomes well over 100,000 thrill seekers a year.

But getting all those people to the top of the mountain has been a challenge.

The idea of a cable car to do that job was first reported as far back as 2008.

Then in 2011 plans were drawn up to show how it might work.

Then it all went quiet.

But last week that all changed.

Last week the government announced that it will be seeking bids for a build, operate, transfer contract worth around 15 million from interested companies.

That means the successful company will build, operate and then hand back the cable car to the government after an agreed period in which time they will have recovered their build costs and made a profit.

The original Gocek Tunnel and the Dalaman International Airport were tendered on a similar basis.

The first passengers should be able to travel in the new 8 person cable cars in May/June 2018.

Babdag Cable Car  Faster, Safer and Higher

Currently it can take can take up to half an hour to make the journey via a vehicle.

That journey can be a nail-biting journey for some on the winding mountain road.

The new cable car will take just 6-7 minutes.

The cable car will start from Ovacik, Yasdam Cadessi and then make its way to 1,700m, site of the cafe and main paragliding launch pad.

A separate ski lift will be built to take those people who want to go right to the 1,900m summit.

We expect to learn the price of a ticket in due course.
This article was written for Fethiye Times by Steve Parsley

Around 50 people gathered at Fethiyes Kose Kahve off Kaya Caddesi on Thursday evening to witness the launch of a new initiative which aims to encourage a more green approach to both purchasing habits and lifestyle choices across the Mugla region.

The Aware Co.

The Aware Co. is the brainchild of textile designer and screen printer Leyla Temiz, 35, already established in the Fethiye area as a screen printer at Ottostop Design in Yanklar.

However, her own determination to reduce waste by using more off-cuts in her own work was to prove the catalyst for a broader project which snowballed to become Aware Co. in a matter of weeks.

Minimal waste products

After discussing her ideas with friends and contacts, a small team has been busy since the beginning of January assembling a range of minimal-waste products  including items made from beeswax, natural soaps, oils, tote bags and reusable bread bags  while Leylas own branding ideas were to lead to the formation of The Aware Co.

The enthusiasm and momentum has been incredible, said Layla. Even my accountant contributed by putting me in touch with a few people he thought shared the same principles. The whole thing has happened so quickly.

The Fethiye launch on Thursday evening was followed by another in Kalkan yesterday (January 29) and Leyla has indicated her wish to take The Aware Co. message to the tea rooms, bakeries and schools in as many villages as possible throughout 2019.

Addressing those gathered at the Fethiye launch, she added: We have three main aims, the first of which is to give local makers who share a similar ethos a platform from which to promote their crafts.

Secondly, we want to source and design minimal-waste products considering sustainability of production and our carbon footprint and, lastly, we want to encourage community feedback by holding regular drop-in meetings to develop even more innovative projects.

More information about The Aware Co. is available on the groups Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/theawareco/ A separate website is also in development.

Turkeys green initiatives

The project is launched at a time when Turkeys own government has announced a number of green initiatives which it hopes will enhance the countrys performance on environmental issues.

Supermarkets are now obliged to sell plastic carrier bags for a minimal fee rather than giving them away while this month also saw the Environment and Urbanisation Minister Murat Kurum confirm a deposit for all plastic drink bottles will be introduced in 2023.

Turkeys First Lady, Emine Erdogan has also breathed new life into a push for more awareness with her Zero Waste initiative, which celebrated its first year at a special conference in November.

The Aware Co. will operate on a not-for-profit basis, meaning after business costs are covered, money will be spent on community projects to further enhance awareness across the Mugla region.

Pop-Up shopping

The Aware Co. will be holding a Pop-Up session at Kose Kahve this Saturday between 13:00-17:00. Go along, see the products and learn more about the mission to make Fethiye more aware.
Ronnie Higgins is a Fethiye resident of more than 18 years and owns a property business here, Coast2Coast Properties Turkey.

One of Ronnies pet hates is littering and Karatas beach in Kocacals is an ongoing problem area. Last week Ronnie decided to do something about it and, armed with photographs and videos of the rubbish on the beach, set out to find out who was responsible for keeping the beach clean.

Who is responsible for Karatas beach?

Karatas beach falls under the remit of the Orman Mudurlugu (Forestry Directorate) and Ronnie went along to meet with the managers in the Fethiye office.

The manager of the Forestry Directorate was very responsive and, as a result of the meeting, agreed to work with Ronnie and carry out a clean up of the beach, canals and surrounding areas on Thursday 26 July 2018.

The clean up

Thursday arrived and the forestry people turned up in two mini buses; around 30 workers all ready with masks, gloves and bags. They were also supported by a group British residents who went along to help.

Two truckloads of rubbish were collected and taken away to be disposed of.

The group also spent time talking to people on the beach about what they were doing and why. It is very important to educate people on the importance of disposing of their rubbish responsibly to protect our environment.

Keeping Karatas beach clean

Ronnie will also be working with the Forestry Directorate to get signs put up in strategic places.

Most importantly of all, Karatas beach has now gone on to the forestry weekly cleaning rota and will be cleaned every Thursday. Ronnie plans to monitor this over the next month or so to enable him to feedback to the Forestry Directorate.

What an incredibly successful day.
Trees  they produce the vast majority of the oxygen we need to survive, they provide us with much-needed shade on hot days, and theyre just plain beautiful.

For all of those reasons and many more, protecting the trees on our planet should be a real priority for all of us.

Background

Forests cover one-third of the Earths land mass, performing vital functions around the world. Around 1.6 billion people  including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures  depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and shelter.

Forests are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.

Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate  13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

On 21 December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared that 21 March of each year is to be observed as the International Day of Forests to raise awareness of the importance of forests to people and their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability and food security.

On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.

Every year, there is a theme for International Day of Forests chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests. This years theme is Forests and Sustainable Cities.

Celebrating International Day of Forests in Fethiye

Nearly all the forests in Turkey are state-owned and administrated by the General Directorate of Forestry.

Fethiye is surrounded by forests and every year, 500,000 new trees are planted in forestry projects by the Fethiye General Directorate of Forests. Two activities were organised especially to celebrate International Day of Forests.

Keeping our forests clean

The first official event organised by Turkiyeyi Temiz Tut in partnership with the Fethiye General Directorate of Forests, was a clean up in the forests near the Mugla Universitesi Isletme Fakultesi in Esenkoy.

Have a look at our photo gallery from the clean up.

Mugla Universitesi Isletme Fakultesi in Esenkoy. from Lyn Ward on Vimeo.

We collected over 100 bags of rubbish and theres still work to be done.

Planting trees for the planet

Then we were off to the second event of the day, a tree planting ceremony in Gocek. This was the official event of the day and was attended by Fethiye District Governor, Muzzafer Sahiner, Fethiye Forestry Operations Manager, Gurhan ZORLU, local schools and people.

Speeches came first and then 448 trees were planted as part of the reforestation project in the area.

Tree Planting Ceremony  Gocek from Lyn Ward on Vimeo.

A great day and the view on the drive home wasnt too bad either

It doesnt have to be the International Day of Forests to make a difference. If we all cared just a little bit, the planet would be a better place.

Sources: United Nations/Days of the Year
When hes not working, writer and former UK journalist STEVE PARSLEY spends quite a bit of time walking the woods around Fethiye with four-legged companion Dillon, often posting their discoveries on his social media accounts.

Fethiye Times asked if he would share some of his daily encounters with us. This month, Steve laments the end of the summer season.

Farewell to the dog days of summer

The thought occurred that whoever came up with the phrase the dog days of summer probably never tried to walk one in Turkey.

Even though were up at first light  throughout June, July, August and even early September this year  its been so warm my tee-shirt was unpleasantly damp after just a few minutes walking on anything involving an incline. And, lets face it, around Kayakoy, thats pretty much everywhere.

After his usual initial burst of enthusiasm, even Dillon was running out of steam in the relentless heat, with little to see out of the shade of the forest except parched earth, scorpions and lizards  and all set to the shrill cicada chorus.

Looking the phrase up, it seems the Romans were first to use it and it refers not to earth-bound hounds but to the time of the year when Sirius  or the Dog Star  shines brightest at night.

But, although I have Wikipedia to thank for making the meaning a little clearer, were still not altogether sorry to see autumns arrival  and not just because its cooler and we can set off that little bit later. Theres also much more to see.

The pale pink cyclamens were first to emerge, poking out from beneath the bed of pine needles, closely followed by the usual surge of white asphodel in just about any space open to the sky.

The boar are on the move

Its not been quite cool enough to tempt the tortoises out of their summer stupor just yet but the boar have also been on the move, returning to high ground in the mornings.

We stumbled across a family group of a dozen or so not so long ago and Im not sure who was more astonished. There was that fleeting moment when we were all looking at each other, before the family dissolved into a blur of brown and grey, all heading in different directions.

Dillon and I stayed where we were, not wishing to cause them any more distress or to trigger a defence; they may have scattered in panic but, no doubt, they would try to regroup and walking through the middle of them probably wouldnt have been a good plan.

Sure enough, there were a few indignant grunts from among the closely-packed pine saplings either side of the path but, in less than a couple of minutes, it was as though they had never been there at all.

But, along with signs of larger animals, the soundtrack of the forest has changed too. Birdsong isnt drowned out completely by the cicadas so great tits, blue tits, the occasional nightingale and the odd robin are getting an opportunity to be heard. Were also frequently told off by a Syrian woodpecker and the jays who live close to the clearing where we throw Dills ball.

The nearby water trough  still almost empty  nevertheless attracts a host of smaller birds including wagtails, black redstarts and chaffinches.

However, while the wildlife may be back, over the last few days the goats have also returned from their summer pastures higher in the mountains. That means, from now until the late spring, the shepherds will be driving them along much the same routes we use at roughly the same time, following tracks which have probably been there for generations which help to ensure no particular spot is over-grazed.

But, for us, it also means its time for change. Dillons fine with goats but theyre often escorted by the shepherds dogs and our encounters with them have rarely ended well.

Ill admit to a sense of frustration that we cant all share the same space. Its not like theres not enough room. However, I also recognise we are the recent interlopers in a way of life which has probably changed little in a century or two so, although its with reluctance, its probably best to let discretion be the better part of valour.

Our local winter routes are a little more cramped. Were also likely to come across more people  not all of them enthusiastic about being greeted or sniffed enthusiastically by a German Shepherd who doesnt understand that they may not like him.

But, while we enjoy the forests almost to ourselves in the summer months, at least we can also stretch our legs on the beaches at this end of the year and theres always the snow up at Nif if we fancy a weekend adventure.

Swings and roundabouts as they say  and I doubt that phrase comes from the Romans.

Rebecca & Steve Parsley are both former journalists with experience in newspapers, magazines and on radio. Since 2006 they have run their own communications agency, specialising in social media and online content writing. They moved to Turkey just over four years ago and live in Kayakoy with their German Shepherd dog, Dillon  formerly a street dog  and two cats. When not slaving over their keyboards or walking in the local countryside, they enjoy watching motorsport  especially Formula 1  and are also salsa dance addicts
It is time to leave the gloomy, cold weather behind and welcome the coming of spring. In the northern hemisphere, March 21 marks the first day of spring and it is celebrated from the Balkans to Central Asia with the Nevruz Festival.

Although the origins of this ancient tradition are a matter of historic debate, Nevruz, which means new day in Persian, is said to have its origins in Zoroastrianism, the religion of pre-Islamic, Persian empires. According to this religion, March 21 is considered as the day of the earths creation and the first day of the new year. While some claim that Turks living in Central Asia were the first people to celebrate the coming of spring, the principle view of Nevruz according to Turkic tradition is the celebration of independence. It marks the day of departure from Ergenekon where the Turks were trapped for years before a blacksmith melted the rock and Asena, a grey wolf, led them to freedom. Ever since, Nevruz has been accepted as the beginning of the new year by Turkic nations around the world and is still honored with vibrant celebrations, including festivals. Regardless of its origins, today Nevruz brings millions of people together to celebrate the awakening of nature.  excerpt from Daily Sabah

Click here to read the full article in Daily Sabah

First day of spring in Fethiye

Fethiye Times and some of our readers were out with their cameras yesterday capturing some of the wonderful signs of spring. Here is our spring has sprung gallery

Early morning in Kayakoy by Steve Parsley

A walk to Kayakoy and back to Fethiye by Angela Sowten

Out and about in Fethiye

Spring is bursting out all over

Out with the old and in with the new

Spring birdsong

We hope you have enjoyed our gallery of spring photographs. Thank you to our readers who contributed and to Hulya Yamanoglu for the featured photograph.
Winter is truly here in Fethiye. There is more snow on the mountains than there has been for many years. Talking to some of the local people they cant remember a winter that was so cold.

That doesnt stop the sun from shining though and there are days when you can spend the morning in a sunny Fethiye and have a BBQ in the snow in the afternoon.

Fethiye Times went out and about to capture some shots of sun and snow in Fethiye. (These photographs were all taken on 31st December 2016)

Sunny days

The sea turns an intense shade of blue at this time of year and makes a wonderful contrast to the snow capped mountains.

Stormy skies

Looking towards Babadag and Mendos the view is very different

Snow time!

A trip to the mountains is just too great a temptation so next stop Nif and Krkpnar.

Nif is blanketed in pure white snow

A winter wonderland

As you go higher the landscape becomes a winter wonderland.

There were plenty of families enjoying a day out.

Building snow(men, women and children!)

Picnic time!

The Turkish people do love to picnic whatever the weather.

And you can even buy everything you need for your sucuk sandwich (sucuk ekmegi) by the roadside. Dont forget to take something to cook it on though!

On the way back down to Fethiye we were greeted by this stunning sighta perfect end to a perfect day!
Fethiye Times has been following the progress of Sam Tucker, One Man Many Paths, and Dogan Eraslan, previous owner of Mozaik Bahce, as they prepared to kayak from Antalya to Fethiye to raise money for FIG (Fethiye International Group) a local childrens charity.

Please click here and here to read our previous articles

The adventure begins

On Thursday 1st September, the big day finally arrived and the adventure began.

Sam and Dogan, along with various supporters including Sheila Tongue, the Chairman of FIG, left from Fethiye on the first leg of their journey, the drive to Antalya.

On arrival at Konyaalt Beach it was time to unload and pack the kayaks.

Once the kayaks were packed and ready to go it was time to eat and relax before the journey began.

Next on the agenda was an interview with the Turkish media.

Surprise visit

Thank you to Elvan Korukoglu (second from the left) from the British Vice-Consulate in Antalya for coming along to wish Sam and Dogan good luck.

Time to go

And then it was time to get the kayaks into the water.

They were in the water and on their way at 16:15

Sherwood Club Kemer

On Saturday Sam and Dogan stopped off at the Sherwood Club Kemer.

Some information about the journey

From Antalya ( Konyaalt Beach) to Fethiye is a distance of 170 nautical miles (315 km).

Paddling from Antalya to Fethiye is against the natural current making it much more challenging as head winds and wave patterns can be unpredictable.

The average kayaking speed is 3-4 km per hour

Sam and Dogan covered 40km in the first four days of kayaking

Further information

To follow Sam and Dogans progress please visit and LIKE One Man Many Paths on Facebook

If you would like to know more about FIG and the work they do please click here

If you would like to sponsor Sam and Dogan in this fantastic effort please click here to make a donation to FIG
Xem them

...

Tin bai cuoi cung

Khong con du lieu e load
Nestled into a beautiful turquoise bay right in the heart of the Turkish Riviera is the pretty town of Gocek. Just a 20 minutes drive from Dalaman International Airport and 25 minutes from the popular boutique town of Fethiye, its a small and sophisticated resort backed by mountains and famed for its 12 islands. Boasting first class marinas, stunning scenery and a wide variety of luxury apartments and sea view villas for sale, if you have a healthy budget and youre after a high-end property in one of Turkeys most sought after locations, Gocek may well be for you!

Gocek, a celebrity playground

Television presenter Michael Buerk once described Gocek as a sailors paradise. As a keen yachtsman and regular visitor to the port, in an interview with the Telegraph he likened the town to Salcombe and noted it as an upmarket destination that hadnt yet been destroyed by developers. The likes of Roman Abramovich, Demi Moore, Beyonce, Madonna and Prince Charles are also no strangers to Gocek. In fact, jet-setters and celebrities are often spotted either browsing the local boutiques, sunning themselves on their fancy mega-yachts or enjoying a glass of bubbly in the Gocek bay.

About Gocek

In ancient times Gocek was known as Kalimche. If legend is to be believed, it was here that Icarus plummeted to the sea after his famous flight. It is an area of the Turkish coast filled with myth and mystery. The legend goes that Gocek was once populated by pirates and then the stomping ground for Ottoman chrome traders. It is only over the past thirty years that Gocek really started to become the sophisticated resort it is today. Now, each summer Gocek is a hive of activity. The bay, centered around the harbour side, becomes filled with affluent Turks who have chosen to buy their holiday homes in the area or Arabs on a day out from their secluded luxury property in the Gocek hills. During the day you see the foreigners popping into town for their bistro brunches before heading back to their seafront homes, or see the smartly dressed crew of one of the super-yachts as they stock up on food and beverages to take back to their business tycoon or celebrity bosses. Gocek is a place to enjoy the finer things in life, but equally makes a great location for a day trip out, a port side lunch, or a lazy day Bond-style yacht-spotting.

Why a property in Gocek?

There are many reasons to consider buying a property in Gocek. For starters, its easy to access with Dalaman Airport just a few minutes drive away. The climate is also hard to beat averaging over 280 sunny days per year. The port itself is charming, its not your average sprawling tourist resort and you will find no high rise hotels or sky-scraper condos here  no, Gocek is far more sophisticated, far more refined. The town itself isnt large, in fact its small with just a few restaurants serving Turkish and international cuisine, some beautiful boutiques, a few coffee shops, and a weekly market. There is no main beach, but what it does offer are fancy beach clubs and a plethora of bays and islands all easily accessed by boat. If you are lucky enough to own a little bob-about, there are some wonderful villas for sale in Gocek with moorings for a dinghy, failing that, many luxury apartments for sale within easy access to the marina where boats can be hired privately or daily boat trips can easily be arranged.

Gocek will appeal to those that want an escape yet like to have first-class facilities at hand. Building land is limited and the build allowance strictly regulated therefore prices of property in Gocek tend to rise consistently. Gocek is a good investment so given this you may assume property prices would be way over the odds, but thats not necessarily the case. Although Gocek is traditionally more expensive than some parts of the coast, bargain apartments in Gocek can still be picked up for less than 100,000, villas in Gocek for less than 200,000. Of course, there are the luxury builds, the high end and high-spec properties with price tags from 350,000 to well over 1 million, but whatever your budget, if you are seeking a great location and a fabulous investment, or simply fancy mixing with the stars, Gocek is certainly a resort to consider.

For more information on property in Gocek or luxury property in Turkey, please contact Turkey Homes.

Alternatively you can click on the Turkey Homes advertisement in the sidebar on the right of this page.

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The UK organic market is now worth 2.33 billion with a 5.3 percent growth in 2018, the highest ever value placed on the organic market.

The 2019 Organic Market Report, launched this week by Soil Association Certification, highlights a seventh year of consecutive growth.

The organic certifier's report shows that almost 45 million is spent on organic each week in the UK.

It takes a detailed look at the sales trends driving this growth and also assesses the performance in the main categories and channels to market.

It focuses on food trends and how health, provenance and conscious consumerism are key in driving sales.

Soil Association Certification licensees' sales are up 9%, well ahead of the overall organic market.

Clare McDermott, Business Development Director at Soil Association Certification, said: Organic is in a perfect place to capitalise on many of the consumer trends were currently seeing across retail.

Because organic is legally certified, shoppers can trust that the food they are buying has been produced with the utmost care and more shoppers are turning to the organic symbol for this reassurance.

Despite the positive figures, the UK organic sector remains behind counterparts in Europe and across the world, having been through a difficult period since the recession.

Delegates at the UK Organic Congress, held in November 2018, were told that the UK organic sector is well behind its counterparts in Europe and must now unite to capitalise on the growth of organic food.
Hill farmers in some of Scotland's most remote areas will receive up to 57m as part of a fund loan of up to 90 percent of their Less Favoured Area Support Scheme entitlement.

Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing confirmed the nationally-funded loan following criticism from farmers over Scottish government cuts to LFASS.

The scheme is seen as a vital financial boost to those farmers who are trying forge a living out of some of the hardest land in the country.

However, compulsory changes to EU regulations mean such payments must drop by 20% this year, but the SNP-led government has been criticised for going further.

Mr Ewing has confirmed that payments will begin in April, and farmers will be offered up to 90% of their LFASS.

He said: I am therefore determined to provide as much financial support and stability as I can so all eligible farmers and crofters will be offered a loan of up to 90% of their 2018 entitlement, with payments beginning in April.

More widely, I am working tirelessly on finding a solution to continue to deliver funding under LFASS at approximately 100% for this year and the next two scheme years within the context of changes to EU regulations and budgetary constraints.

The Scottish government will be sending out offer letters in batches, the first offers will start to be sent from 1 March and will continue to be issued as claim eligibility is confirmed.

The full extent of eligible businesses is still being confirmed, but the Scottish government expects this to be remain at around the same level as the 2017 loan scheme when offers were made to just under 11,000 farmers and crofters.
Raven populations in Scotland are in a 'healthy' condition despite a cull by farmers in a bid to protect livestock, in particular lambs.

The report, published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), was commissioned to ensure the number of licences issued to control ravens wont affect the population in the long term.

Licences are issued out to control ravens when they are causing serious damage to livestock, particularly lambs.

There has been an increase in the Scottish raven population of over 50% over the past 20 years, with Scotland holding the majority of the UK raven population.

Last year, the National Sheep Association (NSA) received reports of very high losses due to ravens, including flocks in Scotland where 50 to 100 lambs have been killed.

Robbie Kernahan, SNHs Head of Wildlife Management, said: Its our job to encourage healthy populations of native species as well as support rural businesses.

Ravens can cause serious damage to livestock, particularly lambs. Where this is a serious problem, and there is no other solution, we issue licences for farmers to shoot and scare the birds.

This research shows that the number of ravens killed under licence wont put the Scottish population at risk. However, we will continue to monitor so we can adjust licence numbers when we need to.

Andrew Midgley, Environment and Land Use Policy Manager at NFU Scotland said: The licencing system provides a very important mechanism through which farmers can seek to prevent wildlife, which is legally protected, from causing serious agricultural damage.

Farmers apply to SNH for a licence to deal with a problem and it is for SNH to make decisions about granting licences on the basis of its knowledge of the population and species ecology. It is therefore vital that SNH has up-to-date population information.
The NFU has called on government to support investment in new technologies to help farmers in the fight against climate change.

Technology will play an important role in increasing efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions stemming from the farming industry.

The union said farmers are 'ready to play their part' in the climate challenge, and are striving to achieve net zero emissions, reduce agricultural emissions and initiate negative emissions.

Achieving net zero emissions from farming by around 2050 would be in line with the historic Paris Climate Agreement, signed by the UK and nearly 200 other countries in 2016.

It comes as Westminster signals a shift to green farming policies after Brexit. Last year, Defra Secretary Michael Gove announced British farmers will receive money to make improvements to the environment under a new system of subsidies.

Under it, farmers will be rewarded for planting wildlife habitats, woods, wildflower meadows and other environmental benefits.

'Great challenge'

Speaking at the Energy and Rural Business Show in Telford, NFU Deputy President Guy Smith that climate change is the 'greatest challenge' and farmers are already experiencing changes in the natural environment.

For example, according to an annual harvest survey released in December 2018, climate change is already posing a threat to traditional UK growing patterns.

Mr Smith said: As we head into increasingly volatile times, both politically and climactic, farmers must have the tools and confidence to make their businesses more resilient so they can increase productivity, drive down their carbon footprint and weatherproof their farms against drought and flood.

As our recent confidence survey showed, investment is slowing because of Brexit uncertainty, meaning government support is going to be vital in the years ahead to enable investment and make these technologies more widely available. I hope to see this approach reflected in the coming Agriculture Bill.

The NFU has recently announced its ambition for the farming industry to become net zero by 2040, and new technologies will be 'crucial' in achieving this ambition.
A new report released by AHDB presents a new insight into the potential impacts on trade in agricultural and horticultural goods once the UK leaves the EU.

The report, 'Brexit prospects for UK agri-food trade', examines how both an orderly withdrawal and a no-deal scenario will affect trade across the UKs main farming sectors.

Using the latest data, the report looks at the current trade situation, potential tariff levels and the size of the domestic production base to reveal a complex picture for UK agriculture and horticulture after Brexit.

It provides comparisons between sectors in terms of imports and exports, self-sufficiency and tariff levels.

UK exports of agricultural and horticultural products are likely to be rendered uncompetitive if World Trade Organisation (WTO) tariffs come into play on British exports to the EU.

By plotting the value share of particular food products in imports and exports markets against its ad valorem tariff, the report visualises which goods would be most affected by the imposition of WTO rules if the UK defaults to no-deal.

In addition, if the government decides to drop all tariffs on imports from the EU this would have to apply to the rest of the world, meaning UK products could face increased competition on the domestic market.

'Seismic impact'

In many sectors, UK costs of production are high when compared with those of key international competitors. No deal could mean the loss of tariff barrier protection and more competition from global producers.

Report co-author, Amandeep Kaur Purewal said: The prospect of a no-deal scenario cannot be ignored. This would have a seismic impact on UK trade in agricultural and horticultural products, with major implications for the farming sectors.

It is crucial farmers and policy makers fully understand the potential consequences of leaving the EU, whether in an orderly or disorderly manner, if we are to avoid massive disruption throughout the industry.

For dairy, tariffs would cause issues for cross-border trade between the UK and Republic of Ireland  large volumes of UK milk are exported to Ireland for processing, then the processed product shipped back (for example Cheddar). Tariffs under no deal would make this trade less economical.

If the UK government unilaterally drops import tariffs, increased competition from other global exporters would reduce the opportunity of import substitution for dairy products. Conversely, if tariffs are imposed on all dairy imports, domestic prices are likely to rise.

Sheep sector 'worst hit'

The sheep meat sector is likely to be the worst hit by a no-deal Brexit, the report highlights. UK exports would suffer considerably if WTO tariffs of up to 50 per cent of the price of meat were put in place  a huge blow to the UKs competitiveness.

In addition, around 90 per cent of UK sheep meat exports are to the EU, meaning no deal is likely to hit sheep farmers incomes. AHDB has examined the potential impact of no deal on UK sheep meat production in an in-depth report.

For beef, exports to the EU would also be limited considerably if tariffs, which are sometimes as high as the price of the product itself, came into play.

Again, if the UK government drops tariffs on imports, UK beef could see increased competition, meaning lower prices and returns for farmers

'Uneconomical'

Tariffs on UK pork exports would lower their competitiveness in the EU market, where the UK currently ships around 60 per cent of its pig meat.

UK sow meat, for which there is low domestic demand, is exported to Germany for processing into continental sausages and then sent back to the UK  tariffs would make this process uneconomical, the report says.

Tariffs on imports would increase domestic prices but UK pork would face increased competition and lower prices if tariffs are dropped, as well as potentially competing with products produced to lower or different standards.

For cereals, the UK is a net exporter of barley, meaning exports could be hit with tariffs of 93 a tonne outside a tariff rate quota (TRQ).

The UK flour trade could see considerable disruption even if there is a free trade agreement between the UK and EU as rules of origin would still apply, disrupting trade with the Republic of Ireland. AHDB has explored the impact on the milling and malting industries in an in-depth report.

For potatoes, there may be additional phytosanitary controls on fresh and seed potato trade between the UK and EU, which would likely make the certification process longer, increasing costs for businesses.

Given that 99 per cent of the UKs imports of frozen potato products come from the EU, there may be an opportunity for import substitution if import tariffs were in place but considerable investment would be needed to capitalise on this.

Expensive fresh produce

For horticulture, the UK is heavily reliant on imported fresh produce so import tariffs would make these more expensive.

In addition, tariffs on inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides would increase costs of production for growers. If there are no import tariffs, this could open the door for increased volumes of imports, increasing competition and possibly lowering phytosanitary standards.

Growers would be unable to respond to any opportunity created for import substitution if import tariffs are put in place due to the critical shortage of competent seasonal labour in the UK.
June Rosen Lopez Valentine's Jewelry Party, Feb 9 & 10

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Valentine's Day makes us all think of flowers, candy and jewelry. But flowers fade and candy is enjoyed and quickly forgotten.

Lucky for us, New York jewelry designer June Rosen Lopez is hosting her 6th Annual Valentine's Day party, featuring original custom made jewelry pieces, on February 9 & 10 at her home gallery in Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone.

Everyone is invited to stop by between 1 and 7 pm to see her new jewelry collection and maybe find a Valentine's Day gift or two. While you are there, you can see old friends or make some new ones, enjoy some wine and snacks, and just kick back and relax.

Valentine's Day is no longer a holiday exclusively for couples. In fact, here in Mexico, February 14 is known as "El Dia del Amor y Amistad" which, literally translated means "the day of love and friendship," and it celebrates all relationships, including family, friends and lovers.

For you men out there, June can help you find something extra special for your loved one, so you won't be in the dog house on Valentine's Day.

And, since February 14 is all about love, why not show yourself a little? June's jewelry party is the perfect place to find some sparkly pieces that'll make you look spectacular not just on Valentine's Day, but all year-round!

June's collections have gone through many changes since she first started making jewelry in 1973, but one thing remains a constant - she believes in classic jewelry that is affordable, wearable, and never goes out of style.

Even if you already have Valentine's Day covered, she hopes you will come out on February 9 and 10th anytime between 1:00 and 7:00 pm to see her work, relax, visit with old friends, make some new ones, have a few laughs, and enjoy some Valentine's treats.
RANDOLPH, Ohio  The Market Masters 4-H Club, in Portage County, kicked off the 4-H year electing 2019 club officers: Grace England, president; Taylor Werbeck, vice president; Abby May, secretary; Emily Eckhart, treasurer.

Health and safety members are Eric May, Phillip Hoff, Savannah White, Kate England, Kelsey Werbeck; newspaper: Bailee Evans. The spaghetti dinner fundraiser is Feb. 24 at the Randolph Community Center, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adults eat for $7, children $5. Those under 3 get in free.

  

GREENFORD, Ohio  The Capriculturists 4-H Club met Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Greenford Ruritan Building. President Cherokee Mellott called the meeting to order. Meeting dates and enrollment paperwork were reviewed. Vice President Ashley James assigned health and Safety reports and demonstrations for next meeting.

The club began the year with a service project. The youth and their parents worked together to make 60 Valentines Day cards. The cards will be distributed to residents of Masternick Memorial Health Care Center in New Middletown.

The clubs next meeting will be Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Greenford Ruritan Building.
FRAZEYSBURG, Ohio  The Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association held its annual Ohio Produce Network Jan. 16-17, at the Embassy Suites in Dublin, Ohio.

This year the Ohio Produce Network featured 56 different educational sessions, a membership meeting, keynote address by Wendys Chief Communications Officer Liliana Esposito, a sold-out industry trade show, and a few hands-on sessions.

Champaign Berry Farm of Urbana, Ohio, won the Value Added Product Tasting with their black raspberry jam entry. This contest is where growers at the Ohio Produce Network votes for their favorite jam, salsa, jelly, or specialty product.

Lynd Fruit Farm of Pataskala, Ohio won the annual cider contest with their EverCrisp Gold Rush entry.

New officers

Cathy Pullins of Champaign Berry Farm in Urbana, Ohio will succeed Aaron Buurma, of Buurma Farms, Willard, Ohio, as the organizations president. Alex Buck of Fruit Growers Marketing Association in Newcomerstown, Ohio, will serve as vice president, and Kerry Sullivan of Jacquemin Farms in Plain City, Ohio, secretary/treasurer.

For more information about the organization, visit www.opgma.org.
Among birders, sparrows tend to be disrespected, or at least ignored.

Most are small, drab little brown birds.

Brightly colored showstoppers such as yellow-throated warblers, Baltimore Orioles and scarlet tanagers usually steal the attention on spring bird walks.

Sparrows are certainly more subtle visually, but there are usually quite a few species everywhere.

The soon to be published Peterson Reference Guide to Sparrows of North America by Rick Wright (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, pub. date: March 19, 2019) might change that, at least a little.

Though Sparrows is lavishly illustrated with more than 300 striking color photos, it is not a field guide.

But detailed descriptions of each species, some dating back to when the bird was first named, make it a historical identification guide.

In fact, Sparrows might be best described as a detailed example of how curious humans used art and science to create the taxonomy of sparrows.

Though it lacks ecological details, distribution maps and audio files, Sparrows provides a rich glimpse into a single branch of American ornithology.

With that introduction, lets look at some of the common sparrows that frequent backyard feeding stations on cold winter days.

Ground feeding sparrows are especially nice to have around because they help clean up the seeds other birds kick to the ground.

Song sparrows exemplify the classic LBB (little brown bird).

Careful study, however, reveals several distinctive markings. For example, they have a long, rounded tail, which they pump up and down when they fly.

Their white throat is bordered by long dark stripes that suggest a mustache. And the white belly and chest are marked by heavy brown streaks that often converge into a central breast spot.

Dark-eyed juncos are often called snowbirds because they are so often seen in winter. They usually arrive in mid-October.

Juncos are easy to recognize. The charcoal gray body contrasts with the white belly, white outer tail feathers, which flash in flight, and the bright pink bill.

The body of female juncos is a duller brownish-gray.

White-throated and white-crowned sparrows can be identified by distinctive facial patterns.

White-throats sport a prominent white throat, black and white crown stripes, and broad eyebrow stripes that are yellow in front of the eye and white or tan behind it.

White-crowns lack the bright white throat, and the head pattern consists of zebra-like bold black and white stripes.

Tree sparrows usually arrive shortly before Christmas from their breeding range in northern Canada and Alaska and are easy to identify.

Look for a rusty crown, a fine rusty stripe behind the eye, two white wing bars and, most importantly, a dark spot in the middle of an otherwise plain breast.

Despite the name, tree sparrows are not forest birds.

They nest in northern Canada and Alaska among the stunted trees and shrubs that characterize the tundra.

Visits by tree sparrows are particularly gratifying because they travel so far to reach our backyards.

Here, tree sparrows inhabit old fields, forest edges and marshes where they roam in flocks of 30 to 40 individuals.

Within these flocks, smaller sub-groups of four to eight birds travel and feed together.

Another winter visitor from the north whose arrival often trails the holiday season is the fox sparrow.

Among the largest sparrows, foxies measure about seven inches long and sport a bright rusty plumage. Heavy streaking across the chest converges to form a distinct central spot.

When feeding, they make a lot of noise by kicking back the leaf litter with both feet like a towhee.

Fox sparrows are unmistakable. When I see one, Im reminded of a big rusty song sparrow.

A few years ago, I devised a simple, multi-level platform feeder to attract a greater variety of native sparrows.

I placed a three foot by 5-foot piece of exterior plywood on top of two sawhorses.

Then, I put two concrete blocks on top of the plywood and covered them with a smaller piece of plywood.

I anchored the whole arrangement with another concrete block.

This setup created a large, three-tiered covered platform feeder for native sparrows.
As we prepare for the New Year, it is no secret that 2018 was a tough one for farmers and livestock producers. Coming out of 2018 with rainfall reaching historic highs, there was no escaping the fact that if you were a farmer you had to deal with mud.

Now, while every farmer worth his salt has had to deal with inclement weather on countless occasions, it does not make it any easier, when the weather does turn from the mild temperatures and moderate rainfall that we are used to in Ohio, to what some felt was something closer to biblical proportions.

So for many farmers, 2018 was the year of mud, and will not be greatly missed. While many farms may have a plan of action of what to do when they are running short of hay or lack of water during drought-stricken years, many farmers dont think about how they can best prepare for excessive rainfall situations.

Mud management

Mud management is something that slips many farmers minds but is something that everyone should consider. From creating ruts in pasture and crop field to foot problems and severely decreased rate of gain in livestock, mud can have a severally negative impact on your farming operations.

Excessive mud can cause livestock stress leading to decreased weight gain which affects a producers bottom dollar. There are many ways to help combat against the rising water levels and deepening mud, some of which may work better than other given a farmers particular situation.

Working areas/alleyways

Working tubs and alleyways by nature are high traffic areas for livestock that can create quite a mess. One way to help avoid creating a bog is to consider using geo-textile fabric with stone on top.

This will help create a more solid bottom that will allow livestock to be worked without the fear of tearing up the ground too badly. If youre looking for a quicker and cheaper alternative, you can simply apply some type of bedding, such as wheat or rye straw, to help firm up the ground.

Using straw

Simply apply the bedding and allow it to sit for a period of time allowing it to solidify into the soil. The advantage of simply using straw is that it can be removed with a loader and applied to fields as fertilizer once the working area has dried out.

Pastures and Sacrifice Lots: Managing pastures in years of heavy rainfall can be challenging to say the least. With excessive rainfall comes excess mud and is unavoidable. Pastures can become severely damaged during periods of heavy rain by grazing livestock on the landscape.

One way to alleviate this risk is to either move livestock through pastures quicker to avoid days on pasture or consider building a heavy use area. A heavy use area (HUA) is a designated feeding/ confinement area that allows pastures to rest during times of inclement weather, therefore keeping livestock off of pastures to avoid damage.

An HUA is a fenced off area thats sole purpose is to confine livestock to a specific area, usually constructed of either a gravel or concrete pad that allows the farmer to feed and care for the livestock without fear of damaging the area.

If an HUA is not possible, having a designated sacrifice lot can allow farmers to designate one or two fenced areas that save the rest of pastures from further damage, usually located near the farm headquarters.

The location allows the farmer to travel a short distance to care for the livestock without damaging other pastures by driving across them. These sacrifice lots serve their purpose but will require some management in the spring, through tilling and seeding back to grasses.

Using a hay ring

A popular way of feeding hay on pasture is to feed out of a round bale feeder or hay ring.

While this does offer a quick and easy solution to feeding, during periods of heavy rainfall it can create quite a mess. Livestock gather around the feeder for most of the day feeding and can unintentionally create a belly-deep mud bog if not managed properly.

One solution is to move the hay rings more frequently and feeding on hills avoiding low lying areas that likely to be saturated. Another solution is to roll out the hay instead of feeding in a hay ring. This simulates a more natural grazing pattern and keeps livestock moving through an area.

One of the benefits of rolling out hay is that it doesnt damage the soil to the extent feeding hay out of a hay ring because livestock are not standing in one place for an extended period of time. It can also help to return organic matter back into the soil by distributing the forage over the pasture and with the help of the livestock incorporating the forage and animal waste into the soil.

With all the obstacles farmers have to face, being better prepared for excessive rainfall and having a proper management plan, could be the difference between managing a farm with mud, and having a mud farm.
When Internal Revenue Service (IRS) workers returned to their jobs Jan. 28 after the recent 35-day government shutdown, an estimated five million pieces of unopened mail awaited.

Equally daunting, the shutdown coincided with the IRSs hiring of its annual army of temporary workers to process the impending tax seasons mail.

The delay now leaves the IRS months behind in what most Americans see as the agencys most important job: sending out their tax refunds. This is just one of the unforeseen messes  there are hundreds more  confronting government departments powering up after the partial federal shutdown that cost the U.S. economy an estimated $11 billion and resolved exactly nothing.

Another shutdown

Worse, the U.S.-Mexico wall fight between the White House and Congressional Democrats still remains as another threatened shutdown looms Feb. 15. No matter how this fight ends, no solution currently under discussion addresses the most pressing immigration problem facing American farmers and eaters: the growing unmet need for immigrant labor to deliver much of the abundant, cheap food this nation enjoys.

In fact, the growing labor shortage in California, the nations premier food-producing state, is so severe that 55 percent of its farmers told the states Farm Bureau affiliate in a 2017 poll that they experienced a severe labor shortage, USA Today recently reported. (The story was published, ironically, two days after the White House agreed to a ceasefire in its wall battle.)

The poll also showed that another 33 percent of California farmers were delaying harvesting, eliminating crops and neglecting critical tasks such as pruning because they simply couldnt find people to do the work.

Guest workers

More shocking, the poll also revealed that the governments often-reformed H-2A agricultural (guest) worker program is a bust; only four percent of farmers used it to hire legal immigrant labor. The labor shortage is leading farmers to change in ways that arent good for rural California and the nation.

For example, many are leaving crops to rot or allowing land to lay idle. The cutbacks cost consumers and pinch local economies. Another solution, notes USA Today, is even more stark. The most blunt of agriculture veterans simply say that their futures may involve  operating solely out of Mexico-based operations or possibly shuttering their businesses altogether. How crazy is that? Without a reliable, legal migrant workforce steadily moving north, U.S. farming operations could be steadily moving south.

The person holding the key to unlock this dilemma, President Donald J. Trump, has often told farmers he will help.

You need these people, he recently told delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) convention in New Orleans. Were going to make it easier.

Entering the country

The Trump White House, in fact, has made it much harder for even legal and asylum-seeking immigrants to enter the U.S.

Still, its actions dont mean todays much-tinkered with immigration system is workable. If anything, it points to the need for a dramatic overhaul. According to the USA Today report, two California lawmakers, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, both Democrats, have a plan called The Agricultural Worker Program Act.

It would grant blue card status to immigrants who have worked in agriculture for at least 100 days over the past two years.

The sticking point, however, may be that the blue card, a reward for being an engine in the economy, could lead to a residency permit within a few years.

As such, few GOP politicians, and no one in the White House, will touch it. That vacuum offers farmers and ranchers the opportunity to lead on immigration.

The guts

They have, after all, both the need and the presidents ear. But do they, including Big Ags most Trump-favored farm group, the AFBF, have the guts to help broker an overhaul of the nations immigration system so that it ensures both justice to the immigrants and a steady flow of high quality, reasonably-priced food to the nation?

Its a bold move now in need of bold leaders.
It is never too early to think about weed control in Ohio pastures. While it may only be February, there are steps you can take to get prepared for combatting weeds in 2019.

Extension educators across Ohio are actively training new and experienced private and commercial pesticide applicators on integrated pest management, safe handling of pesticides, responsible record keeping, and new rules and regulations.

To learn more about training and recertification opportunities for pesticide applicators, visit www.pested.osu.edu. Those of us on the Eastern side of Ohio are gearing up to address a new aggressive weed in our pastures, CRP land, and roadsides. Spotted knapweed has been creeping its way into our landscapes over the past few summers.

Along with traditional education about pasture management and weed control, additional help is available for landowners who spot spotted knapweed on their property. The Spotted Knapweed Treatment for Ohio Producers (STOP) Project is funded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Cost recovery

Landowners of Noble, Guernsey, Muskingum, and Morgan County are eligible to apply for cost recovery funds to treat spotted knapweed in pasture and hayfields. County Soil and Water Districts and OSU Extension are active partners in the program.

We hope to increase awareness of spotted knapweed in our landscapes and provide educational resources on how to control its spread. Many producers do not see it in the first year and then misidentify it in year two.

The color of the flower is similar to that of red clover, the growth habit is similar to chicory, and the flower shape is similar to Canada thistle and ironweed. However, the combination of growth habit, color, and flower shape is unique to spotted knapweed.

The flower is pretty and attractive to pollinators. However, it should not be intentionally propagated. There are many other plants that could be incorporated into the landscape for this purpose which are not considered threatening to agricultural production as a whole.

Flowering behavior

This weed is similar to a biennial, in that the first year of growth there is no flower. The plant will flower in the second year and continue to flower in the years following. It is a prolific seed producer, so if knapweed is ignored in year two, you can experience a population explosion in year three.

Knapweed is a forb that is responsive to multiple broadleaf herbicides. Mowing is marginally successful. It does help prevent the development of seed, but it is able to flower below the height of the mower deck.

Chemical treatment has been successful in grass pastures of our region if timed appropriately. There are biological controls being developed for spotted knapweed too, but they are primarily used in the Western States that have been dealing with this weed for decades already.

Demand is high and supply is low. The mature seed heads resemble Canada thistle, a tight cluster of seeds with a fluffy pappus attached. The pappus helps the seed move with wind, water, animals, and vehicles.

Knapweed is aggressive because it has few natural predators in Ohio. Animals are unfamiliar with it and it thrives on marginal soils. It can out-compete weak stands of desirable plants for nutrients. The best tools for spotted knapweed control are early detection and early action.

New invasions

Hand pulling and spot spraying young plants that are few and far between can be effective on new invasions. However, heavy infestations will likely take a more creative and lengthy approach to treat.

You can learn more about spotted knapweed in Ohio on YouTube. Extension Educators, Clifton Martin of Muskingum County and myself, broadcasted an informational interview about spotted knapweed as part of a video series called Forage Focus in September 2018.

It can be viewed at www.go.osu.edu/knapweedohio2018. If you come across something you suspect might be spotted knapweed, please contact your County Extension Office for assistance with identification.

To learn more about the STOP Project or to submit an application, visit your local USDA Service Center or visit the NRCS website and select Get Started with NRCS.
Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera was the phrase made famous by the King of Siam in the show, The King And I.

Now, if you are a fan of musicals, you will recognize this line. It was meant to be defined as and so forth. In todays vernacular, it might be blah, blah, blah.

As I write on a rather blah topic, I hope you will discover something different and of value for the next generation.

As educators, we are often asked and even ask ourselves how we are preparing students for future careers.

There is no question on the relevance of technology, but the soft skills (those attributes that allow you to effectively communicate and interact with others) cannot be underestimated in a world where it seems as if artificial intelligence is invading our lives.

What employers want

To investigate current answers, I went right to the top managers of some of our dairy enterprises and those businesses that also provide several internships.

Dave Thorbahn, general manager of Select Sires, is seeking potential employees who have the ability to work with others and be a part of a team, those who possess a willingness and desire to learn, and those with the ability to actively demonstrate the aforementioned.

He adds that talent can be evaluated in many ways, but these have served Select Sires and their mission.

Larry Schirm, ABS Global key account manager, expresses that employees must possess a skill set that can address the dairy industrys largest paradigm shift in decades.

They are searching for passionate employees with a specific focus on reproductive management AND reproductive service. Dairyman need pregnancies as well as professional on-farm reproductive management.

ABS is expanding its internship program to coordinate and train for these skill sets aimed to be of service to their clients.

Paul Detwiler, general manager of Sexing Technologies-Ohio Heifer Center, states that he considers candidates for employment who provide examples of leadership and experience in dealing with stressful situations.

The team environment, honesty and integrity are ways in which employees can demonstrate their value. Being on time and dependable are measurable by supervisors. These attributes overshadow experience.

Employers provide the training necessary so employees can learn their systems. Too much baggage can be a detriment. They are not assuming that their way is the best way, but being compatible to their methods is important.

All three of the leaders quoted are Ohio State University graduates and members of former dairy judging teams.

This was not by accident, but by choice, as I am often looking to reinforce my proof of the fact that this experience is a transferable skill.

Prove your skills

If I can identify one theme to their expertise, it would be that students should avoid majoring in a job title and ponder the thought of being adaptable.

Technical skills are essential but a capacity to be energetic, creative and compatible on teams with diverse backgrounds and in varying environments will be proof of adaptability.

For this article, I even found a reference discussing corporations that were training for empathy skills and personal relationships  skills that a computer cannot replicate.

Imagine being able to provide existing proof of those skills by your classroom performance AND those additional activities that validate your teamwork, a caring attitude and those experiences beyond your comfort zone. It could hasten your pathway to the employed ranks.

There is a theme here. We like things simple, but the world is not cooperating.

The skills of the future will certainly involve technical and professional competence.

But to be adaptable, the next generation of agriculturalists will need to embrace a competitive edge, an energetic work ethic, an understanding of human differences and diversity, critical thinking, effective communication and moral characteretcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

Rest assured, there is no blah, blah, blah to this prediction.
Mexico Explained, in Plain English, at The Boutique

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - Are you confused about Mexico? Do you have questions about the country, its people or customs? You don't need to learn Spanish to Connect with Mexico, just come to The Boutique Theatre every Thursday at 11:00 am for 'Mexico explained, in plain English.'

Hosted by Carlos Navarro, who recently served as political analyst and policy adviser to the Chief of Staff to the President of Mexico, the 'Connect with Mexico' series will give you a better understanding of your adopted country.

This series of friendly conversations about Mexican culture, geography, history, literature, art, government and its many peoples, will help you think and act in a more bicultural fashion as the many wonders and intricacies of this fascinating country are explained through words, images, and insights that help you better understand 'Mexican ways.'

Each week focuses on a specific topic. Next up:

"Good, Bad and Ugly Mexican Legends"

Time wasn't enough last week to explore the legends of Mexico. Those that help us understand so much about the country and its people. So, this week we'll discover some opposing, quite contradictory, stories. How can Mexicans carry on inside such opposing world views?

The figure of a loving mother for everyone appears to clash with a specter worshiped mostly by criminals. While some Mexican legends describe amazing feats of love and solidarity, others seem to forget all about justice and fairness. Come enjoy them all and decide on your own which of these your Mexican friends hold dear.

Want to learn more? Then be sure to come to The Boutique Theatre on Thursday, February 7, at 11:00 am to "Connect with Mexico." There's no doubt we can all learn something, enjoy each other's company, and gain new insights on how to enjoy Mexico even more.

Tickets cost $250 Pesos per person, per session, and can be purchased at The Boutique Theatre or online at btpv.org.

For more info, visit ConnectWithMexico.com, or email connectwithmexico(at)gmail.com.
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Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells. The company operates through five segments: U.S. Drilling, Canada Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running, wellbore placement, directional drilling, measurement-while-drilling (MWD), equipment manufacturing, and rig instrumentation services; and logging-while-drilling systems and services, as well as drilling optimization software. The company also offers REVit, an automated real time stick-slip mitigation system; ROCKit, a directional steering control system; SmartNAV, a collaborative guidance and advisory platform; SmartSLIDE, an advanced directional steering control system; and RigCLOUD, which provides the tools and infrastructure to integrate applications to deliver real-time insight into operations across the rig fleet. In addition, it manufactures and sells top drives, catwalks, wrenches, drawworks, and other drilling related equipment, such as robotic systems and downhole tools; and provides aftermarket sales and services for the installed base of its equipment. As of December 31, 2020, the company marketed approximately 354 rigs for land-based drilling operations in the United States and Canada, as well as in 14 other countries worldwide; and 29 rigs for offshore platform drilling operations in the United States and internationally. Nabors Industries Ltd. was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company, through its subsidiaries, provides banking, financial, and insurance services to individuals, small and medium sized enterprises, and corporate customers. It offers current, savings, notice, instant access, and fixed term deposits; housing, student, consumer, business, syndicated, project, and shipping finance; and debit, credit, and prepaid cards. The company also provides hire purchase, factoring, guarantee, insurance, asset and wealth management, investment banking and brokerage, custody and depository, transfers and payment, and digital banking services. In addition, it is involved in property trading and development activities; land development and operation of a golf resort; management administration and safekeeping of UCITS units; administration of guarantees and holding of real estate properties; collection of the existing portfolio of receivables, including third party collections; and provision of card processing transaction, auction, and secretarial services. As of March 30, 2021, it operates through a network of 95 branches in Cyprus, as well as representative offices in Russia, Ukraine, and China. The company was formerly known as Bank of Cyprus Public Company Ltd and changed its name to Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company in January 2017. Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus.

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Of course, President Trumps point was that El Pasos safe streets are entirely the product of a border wall and, of course, that isnt even close to being true. The city had barriers back in 1993, and an expansion of them authorized during the George W. Bush administration didnt start until 2008. As it happens, violent crime was already in steep decline and continued on that path, which generally reflects national trends. But dont take our word for it  or even all the fact-checkers who have repeatedly pointed this out. Just pick up a copy of U.S. News & World Report, which ranked El Paso as one of the nations safest cities in  wait for it  2005, or three years before the most recent border fence project started.
Maximus, Inc. provides business process services (BPS) to government health and human services programs worldwide. It operates through three segments: U.S. Services, U.S. Federal Services, and Outside the U.S. The U.S. Services segment offers various BPS solutions, such as program administration, appeals and assessments, and related consulting works for U.S. state and local government programs, including the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, child support programs, Preadmission Screening and Resident Reviews, and Independent Developmental Disability assessments. This segment also provides program eligibility support and enrollment; centralized multilingual customer contact centers, multichannel, and digital self-service options for enrollment; application assistance and independent health plan choice counseling; beneficiary outreach, education, eligibility, enrollment, and redeterminations; person-centered independent disability, long-term sick, and other health assessments; and specialized consulting services. The U.S. Federal Services segment offers centralized citizen engagement centers and support services; document and record management; case management, citizen support, and consumer education; independent medical reviews and worker's compensation benefit appeals; Medicare and Medicaid appeals; and federal marketplace eligibility appeals. This segment also provides modernization of systems and information technology infrastructure; infrastructure operations and support services; software development, operations, and management services; and data analytics services. The Outside the U.S. segment offers BPS solutions for governments and commercial clients outside the United States, including health and disability assessments, program administration for employment services, and other job seeker-related services. The company was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia.

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Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides fixed voice-related, mobile voice-related, IP/packet communications, and system integration services in Japan and internationally. The company's Mobile Communications Business segment offers mobile phone services and related services, including movie and music distribution, e-book, and finance and payment services, as well as smart life area and internet connection services. Its Regional Communications Business segment provides intra-prefectural communications services, and FTTH and other services. The company's Long Distance and International Communications Business segment offers inter-prefectural communications services, international communications services, and services related to the solutions business and related services. This segment primarily provides cloud, data center, migration and maintenance support, IT system building, professional security, ICT, network, managed, mobile connectivity, and other services, as well as teleconference, web conference, and video conference services. Its Data Communications Business segment offers network system and system integration services comprising ERP services, ICT outsourcing, consulting, system design and development, and other services. The company's Other Business segment engages in the acquisition, development, lease, and management of real estate; design, management, and maintenance of buildings, equipment, and electric power facilities; development of smart energy solutions and energy management systems; lease and sale of telecommunications-related devices; development, production, operation, and maintenance of information communications systems and software; finance; and technology transfer and technical consulting businesses. It also sells telecommunications equipment. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

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Yara International ASA provides environmental and industrial solutions in Norway and internationally. It operates through three segments: Sales & Marketing, New Business, and Production. The Sales & Marketing segment offers nitrogen-based fertilizers, including urea, urea ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, and compound fertilizers that contain plant nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as foliar and fertigation solutions through micronutrients. It also offers urea and phosphates used as raw materials for feed products in both agriculture and aquaculture; and ammonia, urea, and nitric acid used as input factors for a large range of products and applications. This segment sells its products to distributors, as well as directly to farmers and co-operatives. The New Business segment focuses on developing, commercializing, and scaling up of profitable businesses; and delivers equipment and services to store or handle products. It also provides solution of reagents, technology, and service for NOx abatement for industrial plants, and transport at land and sea. The Production segment produces ammonia, fertilizers, and industrial products. It is also involved in the operation of phosphate mines; trade and shipping of ammonia; and sale of fertilizers; as well as provides logistics services. The company provides its products under the YaraBela, YaraLiva, YaraMila, YaraTera, YaraVera, and YaraVita brands. The company was founded in 1905 and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway.

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Greenwich Art Society / Contributed photo

The Greenwich Art Society will host a lecture highlighting the extraordinary Havemeyer collection, From the Occident to the Orient and from Clouet to Cezanne, on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Greenwich Public Library.

Laura Dickey Corey, Research Associate in European Paintings at New York Citys The Metropolitan Museum of Art, will discuss the legacy and impact of the Havemeyer bequests on American museums, according to a Greenwich Art Society news release.
Mayor Catherine Pugh said Thursday that she was just learning about the vice president's visit, but said she's hopeful that Pence also will meet with businesses at the port and talk with them about their needs.
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.  A neighbor of Valerie Reyes said she had prayed that the body found in Greenwich earlier this week was not that of the quiet young woman she knew who asked about her kids and made sure to check if others needed anything before snowstorms.

Soon after the body was discovered, stuffed in a suitcase left off Glenville Road on Tuesday morning, police began investigating a possible connection with Reyes, 24, who had been reported missing from her New Rochelle, N.Y., home in late January.

I was praying to God it wasnt her, Brenda DeGiacomo, a New Rochelle native who lived across the street from Reyes, said Thursday. And then when I found out it was her and the way she was, it was horrible. I really pray to God that they find out who did it.

Greenwich police confirmed Thursday morning that the homicide victim was Reyes but did not release the cause of death in the grisly murder.

The victims mother, Norma Sanchez, tearfully told the Journal News that her daughter was afraid the night before she disappeared that she would be murdered.

Reyes, who lived alone, had moved into a basement apartment in a multifamily house in the historic Westchester County city about two or three years ago, DeGiacomo said. The young womans family lives nearby.

At first, they only knew each other to say Hi, and Reyes kept mostly to herself. But they became friends after the younger woman adopted a pitbull puppy, which attracted kids from the neighborhood.

You know how kids are. All the neighborhood kids went to her, said DeGiacomo, a mother of five.

They also bonded when Reyes saw DeGiacomos tattoos and mentioned that her brother is a tattoo artist.

After that we were just talking, friends  every morning we would have a conversation, she said. If she didnt see my son for a couple of days she would ask how he was, Is he OK?

She was a sweetheart.

When Reyes wasnt around for a couple of mornings, DeGiacomo said she thought her neighbor might be on vacation.

Until they posted an article Friday on Facebook (looking for Reyes).  I got home and I read it and thats when I started crying, DeGiacomo said.

Still, she held out hope against the worst, even after learning Tuesday about the grim discovery up the highway in Greenwich.

She was the sweetest most gentle girl, like I cant see anyone harming her, DeGiacomo said. Its disgusting. And to put her in a suitcase? And just think about her last minutes, her last breaths.

Reyes neighbor began to tear up at the thought.

Its disgusting. Its disgusting. And this person is on the streets? Walking the streets still? Its unbelievable, she said. And then to find out someone took pictures of her?

DeGiacomo was reacting to reports that Greenwich authorities are investigating a town Department of Public Works foreman, identified by his lawyer as James Clifford, who was called to the scene by a co-worker and then took photos of Reyes and the crime scene.

That disgusting, she said. Her family didnt even get to identify her yet, and youre taking pictures and sending them out? This is not a joke. Its someones life.

His lawyer, Lindy Urso, said Clifford was stunned and devastated by what he found ... and it was an obvious error in judgment to take a picture - but he certainly had no ill will or bad intention. Clifford has been placed on administrative leave by the town.

Reyes killer did not just take her life, and a beloved daughter from her family, DeGiacomo said, but a neighbor and friend from their neighborhood.

The kids are horrified and hurt, too, to see something happen to their neighbor. This is the first time something happened close to home, she said. My kids are prisoners now because I dont know where this happened and until I know where this happened, I dont feel safe letting my kids out on my own block where I live. Not even in front of my house, which is scary.

I really pray to God they find out who done this, she said.

The Greenwich Police Department is asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious on Glenville Road in the last few days to contact the Greenwich Police Tip Line at 203- 622-3333, or send an email at Tips@greenwichct.org.

As news spread quickly through Reyes tight-knight community, many expressed shock and dismay over the fate that befell their young neighbor.

At a small market around the corner from Reyes apartment, Mary Narvaez learned late Thursday morning that police had positively identified Reyes as the homicide victim.

Oh my God, Narvaez said, as she heard the news. Im sad because I saw her that day. (She was) very young. Oh my God, Im so sorry for her family. How can this happen?

The woman said even though she didnt know Reyes well, she will miss seeing the happy, friendly, bubbly customer.

Its gonna be hard, she said.

Narvaez said she was interviewed about the womans disappearance a couple of days ago, and police checked the stores video surveillance.

They asked me if I saw her, said Narvaez. And I said that that she was here like a regular client. I told them, Theyre gonna find her maybe tomorrow. Maybe next week. And I was hoping to see her again.

The last time Narvaez said she saw Reyes in the store was Jan. 28. Reyes picked up groceries and seemed, Very normal. Like a happy person, she said.

The woman said Reyes brought her boyfriend into the store right after the start of the New Year. It was the first time Reyes brought anyone in with her, she said. The man, who Narvaez described as Filipino, didnt talk much, but seemed normal, she said.

A man working at a deli near Reyes home said his sister saw the woman with a guy about two-and-a-half weeks ago. He said Reyes usually came in alone.

At Allesios Floral Decorations, owner Eddie Loprete said he met two customers mourning Reyes on Thursday morning.

They commented that they knew the girl. They were friends of hers, he said. Obviously, they were very upset, because you could see them, one was almost tearing. They were shocked.

Co-workers became worried when Reyes didnt show up to her job at Barnes & Noble in Eastchester, where she had worked for two-and-a-half years.

The entire Barnes & Noble community is grieving the loss of our beloved employee Valerie Reyes, said spokesman Alex Ortolani. Our hearts go out to her family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time.
As always at the CTNext Entrepreneur Innovation Awards, held last month in Hartford, Connecticut ingenuity was on full display  from a Darien mans app to pay youth-league referees to a Westport startup with a digital solution for absentee voting.

As it turns out, the state produced a record turnout last year of new inventions  at least those that pass the inspection of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Connecticut saw a 3.2 percent increase last year in patents awarded to inventors who live in the state, pushing beyond the previous record total in 2017 even as overall U.S. patent awards dropped by a similar margin.

And patents assigned to Connecticut-based companies spiked 19 percent last year, including those where the listed inventors live elsewhere as tracked by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

After a record 320,000 U.S. patents granted in 2017, the USPTO granted 3.5 percent fewer awards last year to inventors, for under 308,900 in all according to New Haven-based IFI Claims Services.

Overall patent applications edged upward for the first time in three years, however, by 0.7 percent to nearly 375,800, suggesting that total patent output will increase this year or next, with USPTO typically requiring at least a year to rule on a patent application, and in some cases far longer.

According to IFI, China was the only nation to increase its U.S. patent total, and at an impressive 12 percent gain, receiving approval for about 12,600 patents. Huawei Technologies, a Chinese mobile phone technology company that is the target of a U.S. Department of Justice probe on whether it stole trade secrets, boosted its U.S. patent output 14 percent last year.

Its so important that we provide an environment in which all Americans  who are willing to work hard, persevere and take risks  have the opportunity to innovate, start new companies, succeed in established companies, and ultimately achieve the American dream, said Andrei Iancu, director of USPTO, speaking in December at at North Dakota conference on the state of U.S. technology. My top priorities include making sure that our patent system remains strong and effective, that our inventors and entrepreneurs thrive, and that the United States remains the market of choice when it comes to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Mighty Bite and cupcakes

Derby resident Anthony Bardelli was the first Connecticut resident last year to win patent protection for an invention, a device to slice off the used portion of a cigarette and store the remainder. His was one of nearly 90 patents issued on Jan. 2 last year, ranging from complex jet engine technologies from the East Hartford-based Pratt & Whitney division of United Technologies; to a cupcake container from Inline Plastics in Shelton that was the brainchild of Robert Sellari, Rafael Rivera and Sameh Guirguis.

Myriad more inventions would spring from the minds of the states innovators: a modular fishing lure by Stamford resident Jeff Mancini and his Mighty Bite brand; an online system to cobble together a preferred bundle of online streaming services, by Norwalk resident and Cobblecord founder Virginia Juliano; or the Cleatline robotic docking system for boats, by Bridgeport resident Ira Nachem, to name a few.

A group of engineers from the Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft subsidiary of Lockheed Martin was among the last batch of Connecticut patents awarded in 2018, with a system to calibrate sensors on aerial drones.

After a multiyear effort to support entrepreneurial hubs across the state, Connecticut is beginning to reap the rewards of that effort, according to Matt McCooe, a Greenwich resident who is CEO of the Connecticut Innovations venture fund in Rocky Hill that provides financing to new startups.

We rank high in patents per capita, McCooe told Hearst Connecticut Media. Theres a lot going on.

IBM, UTC in lead

While plenty of small business owners secured intellectual property rights in 2018, so too did large corporations with extensive resources to capitalize on their inventions. UTC and Pratt & Whitney led all major patent filers nationally by doubling their combined patent output to just over 1,000 in all.

On an absolute basis, IBM topped all with 9,100 patents for a 1 percent increase, with Amazon, Boeing and Ford also registering gains.

Despite a tumultuous year in which it eased out a new CEO and prepped for the sale of several big units, General Electric was among the U.S. companies to increase its patent haul last year, matching IBMs rate of increase for about 1,600 in all to rank inside the top 20.

Several companies considered among Americas most innovative saw their patent totals fall, to include Apple, Google, Intel and Microsoft.

After billionaire Carl Icahn blocked a Xerox plan to sell itself to Japan-based Fujifilm Holdings, the Norwalk-based technology giant saw its U.S. patent awards plummet 28 percent to 325, failing to secure as many as the Fuji Xerox joint venture controlled by Fujifilm Icahn has threatened to dissolve in two years when the venture comes up for renewal.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman
NEWS FLASH

The Croatian Minister for Sea, Transport and Infrastrucure, Oleg Butkovic, has said Croatia Airlines is "ready for privatisation". He noted, At the next session of the government, or the one after that, a decision will be made to form a commission, which will monitor the entire process of finding a strategic partner for the airline. The airline's management has already begun the process of selecting a financial advisor. The carrier recently told EX-YU Aviation News, "The goal of this is to ensure the companys further development, and to strengthen the competitive advantages and position of Croatia Airlines on the air traffic market via a quality strategic partnership. This would include an expansion of the companys flight network, an increase in Croatia Airlines' market share, and recapitalisation for the purpose of facilitating the future development of Croatia Airlines".
Rosie Castro gets interrupted a lot these days. In the middle of a busy Mexican restaurant, perfect strangers stop her. Good luck to your son, one woman says. Ive seen you on TV.

Longtime friends head over to her booth, too. People from the old days, people who won and lost campaigns alongside her, who protested with her, who may remember that her political work once included buying the wooden stakes that anchored campaign signs in the ground.

Theyre all rooting for her son, they say, not just the one in Congress who has become a foreign policy expert on Sunday morning talk shows, but the one running for the Democratic nomination for president, a long shot among a growing number of long shots.

She has been here before, on the precipice of a historic moment and a seeming impossible dream  like creating a third political party in Texas; like running for City Council before single-member districts; like giving birth to two embodiments of the American Dream.

OnExpressNews.com: Castro launches his presidential bid

Castro, 71, will be involved in Julian Castros presidential campaign.

Next week shell be in Chicago to speak at the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institutes conference, where shell pick up a lifetime achievement award. As she did so powerfully at Plaza Guadalupe last month, shell make her case that Julian Castro is the Democrat to back, that he needs their support.

He has a very good chance, she says of her son, who went on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday night, where the host asked whether he might really be running for the second spot on the Democratic ticket.

Julian Castro said, No.

His mother admits fundraising will be difficult.

But it will be rough for everyone, she said. Hes already announced hes not taking PAC (political action committee) money. Hell focus on the average American who cares enough to make a contribution.

Retired as interim dean of student success at Palo Alto College, Castro continues to do the political work she began at Little Flower Catholic School, where she was president or vice president of every student group and editor of the school newspaper. At Our Lady of the Lake University, she helped establish the Young Democrats and helped recruit Young Republicans, because the university wouldnt allow one group on campus without the other.

Those roles led to Young Democrats posts on the county and state level and then to a failed run for City Council on the Committee for Barrio Betterment banner, a precursor group to the Raza Unida Party in Texas, one of the few states in which a third party was established.

Such work made an impact, she says. When politicos studied the map to see where support for Barrio Betterment candidates was strong, she said, it showed they could have won if theyd been able to run in geographic districts, rather than as at-large candidates dependent on the city-wide vote.

OnExpressNews.com: The many remarkable moments of Julian Castro presidential announcement

It was a game changer, she said. We started to get more clout. It scared both parties.

She learned that people dont give up power, she said, You have to take it from them.

The work made a big impact on her, too. Along with learning to speak before audiences, it put her in the same rooms with top Democratic Party leaders in the state. She met donors and supporters from all communities. She paid dues. She helped put on campaign rallies and ran phone banks.

She learned the basics of running a campaign, she said, just like the many young, college-educated campaign workers at Julian Castros announcement.

Her preparation included learning the Texas Election Code, backwards and forwards. We had to find election judges and train them.

In addition to her sons presidential campaign, shes backing Democrat Coda Rayo-Garza in the Texas House District 125 race, a Feb. 12 special election to fill Justin Rodriguezs seat.

Castro, above all else, serves as baby-sitter-in chief to four young grandchildren.

Her Chicago crowd will want to hear about how she managed, basically on her own, to nurture two rising U.S. political stars on a modest salary, in public schools and on public transportation, dragging them to rallies, elections and speeches.

She may not share some of those early stories and stay on the campaigns message, but theyll hang on her every word anyway.

eayala@express-news.net | @ElaineAyala
Confluence Park, a 3.5-acre outdoor classroom that opened to the public nearly a year ago, has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects for design quality.

The park, the result of a $13.7 million project led by the nonprofit San Antonio River Foundation, in partnership with the San Antonio River Authority, officially opened March 3, 2018. It is south of downtown at the confluence of San Pedro Creek and the San Antonio River.

In late January, the park was among nine projects nationwide honored with a 2019 Institute Honor Award for Architecture, for creating a sense of place and purpose. Criteria included connections to ecology, environmental sustainability and history.

On ExpressNews.com: Confluence Park hailed as game changer

It was the collaboration that made this project so successful, said Tenna Florian, associate partner with Lake|Flato Architects. We worked closely with the design team and the client to create a park that achieved the clients vision of the design itself inspiring environmental education and stewardship.

Robert Amerman, the foundations executive director, said the park and its one-of-a-kind pavilion were designed and built with authenticity as something that matters.

On ExpressNews.com: Park project gets help from Eagle Ford operator

The park is a living laboratory that provides greater understanding of the ecotypes of the South Texas region and the function of the San Antonio River watershed, the foundation said in a release. It has served more than 14,000 students and program participants, and partnered with more than 50 schools and 30 nonprofits.

To see our neighbors and community internalizing and acting upon what it means to be an environmental steward by way of the built space is incredible, and it is wonderful to see this validated on a national level, said Frates Seeligson, park director.

Scott Huddleston is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | shuddleston@express-news.net | Twitter: @shuddlestonSA
The Pentagons active-duty force along the Southwestern border will be substantially larger than it has been since it was downsized in time for Christmas.

Defense officials say theyll deploy 3,750 troops to the border to support the presidents continued operation there, with the total coming to more than 6,000 when National Guard soldiers are included.

Around two thirds of the new contingent of active duty troops, 2,600, will continue unrolling concertina wire in California and Arizona, a mission that is to wrap up at the end of April. Another 1,200 will support mobile surveillance missions at multiple locations in the border states, including Texas, through Sept. 30.

The deploying service members include military police, engineers, medical, command and control, logistics and general purpose forces, said a Pentagon spokeswoman, Army Col. Catherine Wilkinson.

As January closed, 2,350 troops were on the border, the largest number, 1,100, in California. The National Guard Bureau said 1,175 part-time soldiers were in Texas, 650 in Arizona, 350 in California and 114 in New Mexico. All are providing support to state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Earlier this week, however, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, ordered most of New Mexicos guardsmen withdrawn from the border, except for the states southwest corner, where Central American families have been arriving in increasing numbers, according to published reports.

The Washington Post reported Wednesday that, based on Department of Defense figures and independent analysis, the cost of the deployment at the border could approach an estimated $1 billion by the end of the fiscal year should it continue until then.

The Pentagon has not finalized a list of units or the posts from which they would deploy.

So far, Wilkinson said, troops have laid out 97 linear miles of wire barriers in Texas, Arizona and California.

The total number wont top the original mission requirement, 5,800 soldiers, that President Donald Trump ordered to the border a week before the Nov. 6 midterm elections.

Announcing the new deployment Tuesday in his State of the Union address, he spoke of a tremendous onslaught of illegal immigrants at the border and has often suggested the soldiers would be employed to fight them off, particularly those arriving in caravans from Central America to ask for asylum.

U.S. Army North, based in San Antonio, has repeatedly said the soldiers would not be used to physically prevent immigrants from crossing the border. The Pentagon this week told the San Antonio Express-News that it does not have the authority to conduct law-enforcement functions, and that its troops are not involved in building a wall of any kind as part of their daily engineering operations.

Wilkinson said military personnel evaluated and treated about 200 migrants in January for minor illnesses and ailments and then released them to CPB.

On ExpressNews.com: Far from home, GIs mark Thanksgiving on the border

The soldiers in Arizona and California are providing engineering and military police support for ports of entry designated by the Department of Homeland Security, and the Defense Department has provided aviation units to transport U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel in those states.

On ExpressNews.com: Troops on border strung 70 miles of razor wire

Trump has repeatedly spoken of his readiness to declare a national emergency to bypass Congress, which appropriates funding, and use existing but yet-to-be dedicated military funds for construction of a border wall.

Lujan Grisham , the New Mexico governor, said she rejected the federal contention that there exists an overwhelming national security crisis at the southern border and said her state will not take part in the presidents charade of border fearmongering by misusing our diligent National Guard troops, the Washington Post reported.

Sig Christenson covers the military and veterans and their impact on San Antonio, Bexar County and the nation. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | sigc@express-news.net | Twitter: @saddamscribe
Henry Cisneros said his new infrastructure investment firm will not be involved in any projects that come out of ConnectSA, the group chaired by the former San Antonio mayor that is developing a long-term transportation plan for the city.

Cisneros, who has launched American Triple I Partners to invest client capital in a variety of infrastructure projects, said Wednesday he wants to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.

On ExpressNews.com: Cisneros launches infrastructure investment firm

I dont want to create a situation where people doubt the (ConnectSA) program, or it is tainted somehow by a sense that my role in creating it  was for the purpose of generating investments that I would be involved in, Cisneros said.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff formed the nonprofit ConnectSA in April to address the transit needs of a community expected to see its population increase by roughly a million people over the next two decades. Cisneros is one of ConnectSAs three chairs.

On ExpressNews.com: A transportation plan for San Antonio

American Triple I anticipates investing in projects requiring $25 million to $50 million in equity. Cisneros, the firms chairman and co-chief investment officer, said American Triple I will invest in infrastructure projects that generate revenue and a return for investors.

Noting that ConnectSA is not a public authority, Cisneros said there may be competitive bid opportunities where American Triple could participate. But American Triple I would not bid in instances where VIA Metropolitan Transit, the Texas Department of Transportation, the city or Bexar County determine it is inappropriate.

I know that we will not be involved in anything (where) we benefit from inside information or inside knowledge, Cisneros said.

Cisneros started American Triple I with principals of New York investment bank Siebert Cisneros Shank & Co. The former U.S. housing secretary chairs the firms executive committee.

Patrick Danner is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering banking and civil courts. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | pdanner@express-news.net | Twitter: @AlamoPD
At the start of a panel discussion last month, the East Central Independent School District superintendent raised the question that had filled the auditorium with parents: Why on earth, then, would you be talking about possibly arming staff?

Why, when most districts that do so are small and rural and depend on sheriffs deputies to respond in a crisis, would East Central, with 10,200 students and a 13-person police department, consider arming educators?

Because, said Superintendent Roland Toscano, its a final layer, hopefully never needed, that can join every other precaution and advantage the school district has  police assignments, campus hardware, entry practices, its focus on teaching social and emotional skills and its nationally recognized attention to childrens trauma.

Arming teachers is one little piece in case everything else fails, he said in a later interview.

The gun debate in East Central ISD has been loud and bitter since the Guardian Plan, a legal option allowing Texas school districts to set rules and training requirements for teachers and staff who want to carry guns, appeared on a school board agenda in November.

Even parents who are firearms enthusiasts and licensed to carry concealed handguns have stood before board members demanding more information and complaining that they hadnt sought more public input.

A group of opponents has formed, called ECISD Families United, and has delivered a petition to Toscano demanding a cost analysis and a draft of the plan.

These are things you want to know, even if youre on the fence, said Michelle Rodriguez, who organized the group. Her two children attend Legacy Middle School.

The board has slowed its process leading to an eventual vote, keeping the proposal off recent meeting agendas. Board president Steve Bryant said trustees and administrators are waiting to see how lawmakers respond to Gov. Greg Abbotts recomendations for school safety and are tracking funding bills in the current legislative session.

We really dont have a timetable, Bryant said.

In the meantime, Toscano has been presenting the gun proposal as only the latest, and not necessarily the most crucial, of several steps the district has taken to improve school security.

EC Cares, its program that lets teachers know which kids might be suffering from traumas outside of school and trains all employee to be alert to changes in students behavior, has been held up as a model for other districts. A licensed psychologist is in each of the districts 11 campuses.

At the end of the day, thats where our investment needs to be, Toscano said of mental health and social-emotional learning.

The districts police department has an average response time of three minutes and partnerships with San Antonio police and the Bexar County Sheriffs Office. An officer now is assigned to be on each campus, three of them at the high school, Toscano said. The district also designates employees as unarmed school monitors to patrol each campus.

We feel like within a few minutes we can be at any school or any building anywhere in our 280 square miles, Toscano said.

On ExpressNews.com: A school districts response to student trauma is now a model for San Antonio

He can tick off other measures that started with a bond program in 2008. The district has been amping up security measures at campuses, with every facility redesigned to provide a single hardened entry point, said Ashley Chohlis, its director of administrative services and leadership development. Teachers and staff have smart badges and key fobs programmed to limit access depending on their jobs. Interior doors have keys that cant be duplicated at Walmart or hardware stores.

Kids can only get in with adults, Chohlis said. Campus visitors must scan their driver licneses. Any criminal past or other red flags will automatically alert campus police. Receptionists are positioned near alert buttons.

Every campus has security cameras that can be watched by campus police. And the district adopted Navigate Prepared this year, an app on teachers cellphones with instructions for responding to different levels of emergencies.

So, what options are available to us if everything were talking about here failed? Toscano said.

School board members started talking about arming teachers and staff a year ago, after the Sutherland Springs shooting late in 2017 not far across the Wilson County line. It was followed by the Parkland school shooting in Florida on Valentines Day and by another mass shooting in May at Santa Fe High School near Galveston.

In Florida, the gunman carried out a massacre in six minutes. In Sutherland Springs, nearly 50 people were shot in about 10 minutes.

Weve always been confident that if the worst thing happened, were good. But then you learn about what happens in one minute, or two minutes, or three minutes when someones shooting an AR-15, Toscano said.

One reason the districts proposal to arm teachers got so much attention is because no other school district with a police department that we know of is having that conversation, he said.

Abbott has recommended expanding the Marshal Program, which allows school boards to authorize employees to be school marshals but requires licensing by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement after they meet a minimum training standard. The Guardian Plan allows school boards to set training standards and does not require state oversight.

Whether I agree politically or morally or personally about that, we have to at least listen to that and talk about it, Toscano said.

Opponents complain the discussion has been too secretive. A panelist at the January forum, a school police chief from Georgia, complimented East Central on its draft policy, but no such document was provided to parents who wanted to see what training and rules the board was considering. Toscano told them it was actually a state-provided template, and Chohlis later said it was from the Texas Association of School Boards, a draft of the policy boards must adopt that says the board has the authority to approve certain handgun licensed people to carry their firearm on campus without it being a violation of the law.

For as many parents as have contacted the district in opposition to the Guardian Plan, Toscano and Chohlis said theyve heard from others pressing the district to adopt it, accompanied by the question, What are you going to do to ensure this could never happen to my kid?

On ExpressNews.com: East Central ISD board considers arming employees

Joe Ochoa, whose three children attend district schools, believes a majority of parents support the plan but dont want to invite backlash for defending it and are a little more apprehensive to speak because the media shames people and others (shame people) on social media.

About 280 school districts in Texas allow teachers and staff to be armed, said Joy Baskin, director of legal services for the Texas Association of School Boards. The association does not identify them but Baskin said they generally are smaller, in rural settings and without their own police.

Most districts considering the Guardian Plan indicate that officer response time is their main motivation, she said. Baskin has talked to officials at districts whose law enforcement has a response time of up to 30 minutes or as short as seven minutes.

In an October 2017 University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll conducted after the Las Vegas concert shooting, a quarter of respondents blamed mass shootings on failures of the mental health system.

Starting in prekindergarten, kids at East Central schools are taught lessons about safe, respectful, responsible behavior. Teachers challenge kids to talk about how to be a good friend, how to get along with people and how to mitigate conflict. They use fictional characters to discuss responsible choices.

Just like we teach algebra, we have to teach behavior, Toscano said.

Where that intersects with safety, Chohlis said, is making sure each child doesnt feel disconnected from society, a common trait shared by mass shooters, who dont see their place or dont feel loved or needed, she said.

But what if a perpetrator never went to schools in East Central, Toscano asked. You can have all the mental health, all the safety training, all the counseling support, but if a gunman arrives from elsewhere, weve never touched that kid, he said.

Opponents of the plan are not moved by these arguments, pointing to the chance of an accident and the difficulty for responding officers who must distinguish between a criminal and an armed civilian protector.

Rodriguez, the ECISD Families United organizer, points out that Toscano himself, during the panel discussion, said the chance of being struck by lightning is greater than the chance of being caught in a school shooting.

If were going to be so concerned about this small percentage, then we also have to worry about this number on the other side that says when you increase guns, you increase chances for loss of life, Rodriguez said.

Krista Torralva covers several school districts and public universities in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | Krista.Torralva@express-news.net | Twitter: @KMTorralva
I cant imagine where this kind of idiocy comes from? Hogan said of the bill. I believe the legislature is going to take this action. And there is a 100 percent chance this will be overturned by the public with a referendum that will pass by 70 or 80 percent and they will all say if theyre ever re-elected, Im really sorry I did that stupid thing. 
The Brooks mixed-use development on the South Side will get fried chicken, tacos and brunch when a new shopping center opens this summer, Brooks officials said Thursday.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio developer planning housing, retail near Toyota Field

City Base Commons, a 50,000-square-foot retail complex at Brooks developed by local company GFR Development Services, will house at least 11 retail, restaurant and medical tenants including Raising Canes, Tias Taco Hut, and Mr. Cs Fried Chicken and Waffles when it opens in July.

The complex is 80 percent leased, officials said.

GFR Development was an original pioneer of investment in this area with its City Base Landings development, and were thrilled at their continued interest in and around Brooks, Brooks CEO Leo Gomez said in a statement. City Base Commons will provide our community with even more great options for dining and shopping.

On ExpressNews.com: Homebuilders in San Antonio were busy in 2018, just not constructing affordable homes

Planned tenants at Brooks retail development McAllister's Deli Jimmy John's Raising Cane's HuHot Mongolian Grill Tia's Taco Hut Deco Pizzeria Smoothie King Mr. C's Fried Chicken and Waffles Laundry Rey's Wash N' Fold Rio Nail Salon Medusa Hair Salon See More Collapse

The City Base Commons complex is the latest development at Brooks. The master-planned community recently landed the states first project under a program established by President Donald Trumps $1.5 trillion tax overhaul in 2017 thats designed to encourage investment in low-income areas: a $16-million climate-controlled self-storage facility with flex office space.

Czech company Okin Business Process Services picked Brooks to house its U.S. headquarters, promising to create more than 1,400 jobs and invest about $23 million at the site.

In exchange, officials with the city, county and state have promised Okin at least $8.4 million in incentives.

Joshua Fechter is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering real estate, economic development and philanthropy. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports
Thursday, February 7, 2019

One of the pains of being a car historian is a lot of shoulda, woulda, coulda comes along with the job. Take this red, white and blue Targa-topped Ferrari Daytona for example.

In 1978, painted red with no hint of its competition DNA, this Ferrari sat on a used car lot in West Los Angeles. A genuine, built-in-Modena, 1972 Ferrari 365GTB/4, the car had a different body shape. I recognized it as the white Ferrari with blue and red trim Id seen at Bruno Borris Ferrari shop on La Brea Avenue in Hollywood a few years earlier. While the side and back shapes looked genuine, the rest of the car resembled a 68 Corvette body style. Who would want to drive a Ferrari that could be mistaken for a Vette?

The car had initially been scheduled to race in the 1975 24 Hours of Le Mans. And theoretically, it should have since the team entering the car was lead by Ferrari legend Luigi Chinetti, founder of the North American Racing Team (NART).

Chinetti had requested ex-Pininfarina designer, Giovanni Michelotti, to re-body the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Spider for NART. In 1974 Michelotti fitted the 1972 s/n 15965 with a new body, a Targa style top with cut down doors, molded bumpers, and faired in open headlamps.

Chinetti planned to enter s/n 15965 in Le Mans, as a kind of return-of-the-champion appearance, to celebrate his victory ten years earlier when his 250LM took first place (much to the surprise of everyone in attendance). What made chassis 15965 unusual is that it was still a street car, but had all the equipment for racingroll bar, the whole nine yards.

Ready to Race in France and It Never Happened

For Le Mans, the Ferrari had a racing paint job: white with faded blue and red (or is it orange?) sections. The interior was blue. It was shipped to the automotive repair and maintenance company Sportauto Modena SNC di Silingardi and Diena in Modena, Italy, to be prepared for Le Mans. Heres where the oops." factor kicked in. Building another competition Ferrari Daytona at the same time, Diena thought, Lets use the Daytonas engine, its ready to go.."

The engine from the Group IV Daytona s/n 15685 already had high-lift camshafts, racing headers, and a higher compression ratio, and came with side-mounted exhausts.

Chinetti and crew arrived at the 1975 Le Mans 24 Hours race with three other cars in addition to the Michelotti 365 GTB/4: a standard Group IV Daytona, a highly modified 308 GT4, and a 365 GT/4 BB. Running in the GTX class, the Michelotti 365 GTB/4 qualified with a lap time of 4:31:08 with Jean Pierre Malcher and co-driver Patrick Langlois sharing the driving.

Politics on the Race Course End in Disagreement

Did I mention that Italians and French dont always get along? One auction company said, Politics took over, and the Automobile Club de lOuest (ACO) and Chinetti became involved in an argument over the qualification of the 308 GT4.." The ACO is the largest automotive group in France and is responsible for organizing the annual Le Mans 24 Hours race. The auctioneer continued, Furious, and feeling disrespected by the organizers despite his history with the event, Chinetti withdrew his entire team from the race 88 minutes before the start.."

A Second Chance at Racing Fails to Take Place

Its been said that in life there are no second chances, but in the case of s/n 15965, there wasthe 24 Hours of Daytona. After being entered and accepted, the Ferrari had a good practice lap time beating most of the other cars qualifying times. And then it happened again. A rival racer, Peter Gregg, complained that the car didnt have a mass produced body like the other Ferrari Daytonas. The cars American racing debut was canceled. Gregg smugly went on to win the race in his Porsche.

A Texas oil millionaire, with a sharp eye for unusual cars, bought s/n 15965 next. He had the car reconditioned for the road and drove it occasionally over the next 12 years. In 1987, famous car collector Patrick S. Ryan purchased the car and started showing it in events like the Ferrari Club of America national meet, Lake Lanier, Georgia. And who should be there but Luigi Chinetti himself, as that convention was highlighting NART, his old racing team.

In 2002, s/n 15965 returned to racecar specs. When Dyno tested it delivered 420 bhp at 6,400 rpm in road configuration and 450 bhp at 8,100 rpm when set up for racing. At the very minimum, the Ferrari pumped out 70 bhp more than a standard-specification 365 GTB/4 Daytona, making a monumental difference in performance.

The car also spent some time in France where it was advertised by GTC, a French classic car dealer who reported, The car became accepted officially by the FERRARI factory in September 2002 as a Daytona Competition car.."

In 2006, the new owner of s/n 15965 decided to run it in historical races and had it painted and trimmed to its original unique colors. Entered in the Shell Historic Ferrari Maserati Challenge and European Ferrari Challenge, the car also campaigned in both the Le Mans Classic and Tour Auto on three separate occasions for each event: 2008, 2010, and 2016 for Le Mans and 2007, 2014, and 2015 for the Tour Auto. In 2018, due to the rarity of the car, the auction company handling the car said, It remains hugely eligible for Concours events around the globe.."

To France and Back Again Increased the Cost

The car had been driven only 14,000 miles over 50 years and was marketed to sell for $2,300,000 or more by RM Sothebys. When the 2018 auction took place in Monterey, California, bidding reached $1,700,000, but the Ferrari never made the official list of sold cars.

The fact that the last owner resides in France presents a wee problem as any buyer in the United States would have to pay customs dutynot fair, I say, because the car was imported to America decades before and duties were already paid. How many times do you have to pay duty on the same damn car?

Ive quenched any errant tears when it came to how I missed a Competizione Daytona because I thought it looked too much like a Corvette. I didnt realize how truly rare it was.

We live and learn.

Thank you to author Wallace Wyss for allowing us to reprint The Ferrari that Thought It was a Corvette story that originally appeared in VeloceToday.com.

Wallace Wyss is the author of the action thriller FERRARI HUNTERS. Authorized literary agents can contact him at Photojournalistpro2@gmail.com

If you have comments or a story about a Ferrari, or any other classic car story, please share it with us here. Be sure to attach photos as well.
From: Ad Council For Immediate Release: Dateline: New York , NY Thursday, February 7, 2019







This story, 

Every advertiser aspires to break through the clutter. Few do it with the force of a thousand Marie Kondos like

This story,  Davos Debate: When It Comes to Gillette, What Constitutes a Win? , was originally published on Media Village Every advertiser aspires to break through the clutter. Few do it with the force of a thousand Marie Kondos like Gillette and its now famous  We Believe  spot.

It was the hot topic at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, as the C-suite comes to grips with the growing expectation that they drive positive social change, not just revenue growth. According to the

Across the cultural spectrum, some attendees praised We Believe as a brave move by an iconic brand to shine the light of #MeToo on its own history. Some decried it as a broad, clumsy attack on its own customers. Others questioned whether Gillette was trying to co-opt a vital feminist movement for profit, while some pointed to

So, whos right? Was We Believe a win or a misfire?

In todays culture of immediacy, we have an almost insatiable desire to know who won  to make a call and declare a victor. But in the fast-growing world of purpose-driven marketing, its not that easy. When Nike released its

When Dicks Sporting Goods pulled assault rifles from its shelves in the wake of the Parkland high school shooting, big box retailers lined up to follow its lead. In the following months, the company saw an overall decline in sales that it attributed in part to its decision.

Measuring purpose-driven marketing in terms of sales can be tricky; measuring in terms of social impact is even more challenging. A

Of course, as the conversations at Davos considered to underscore, CEOs need to assess the impact on their employees, as well. The Edelman Trust Barometer also found that workers trust today is extremely local. People trust their employers more than any other institution  government, business, the media, even NGOs. Civic engagement is a crucial element in that trust  the study found that 71% of employees agree its critically important for CEOs to respond to challenging times like political issues and national crises. Furthermore, 67% of workers expect that their employer have a greater purpose and that their job will have a meaningful societal impact.

So how do purpose-driven advertisers know if theyre on the right track? The answer, as it often does, lies within.

Brands that have successfully moved the needle on social issues have one thing in common: clear values. Companies with immutable values have more than a few words that look nice in an annual report; they have a scorecard by which to judge the success of everything they do.

CVS followed its values when it became the first national retailer to halt all cigarette sales  running headlong into a $2 billion loss in sales. They didnt stop there. This past year, the company spent more than $30 million on smoking cessation efforts, including programs for teens and young adults.

But CVS knew it had succeeded from the word go. As its CEO said at the time, The sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose  helping people on their path to better health. Within eight months, the company noted a one percent reduction in cigarette pack sales  95 million packs  across states where it had at least a 15 percent market share.

A few years ago, the Ad Council came to a similar crossroads. Throughout our long history, wed always been strictly nonpartisan. When we waded into causes like LGBTQ rights with our 

Not only did the campaigns resonate widely across culture, they also became rallying cries for our organization  a reminder to all of us here of how much weve evolved and what we want to be on our best days. Sometimes, acting on your values is the best way to remind yourself who you are.

In response to the attention generated by Gillettes We Believe, the company issued a statement:

If we get people to pause, reflect and to challenge themselves and others to ensure that their actions reflect who they really are, then this campaign will be a success.

Gillette was referencing the audience. But I believe it could just as easily have been talking about itself.

The provocative, two-minute piece confronting toxic masculinity has been viewed more than 25 million times on YouTube. It launched dozens of think pieces, hours of heated segments on cable news and countless hot takes on social media.It was the hot topic at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, as the C-suite comes to grips with the growing expectation that they drive positive social change, not just revenue growth. According to the 2019 Edelman Trust Barometer released at the Forum, 76% of people expect CEOs to take the lead on change rather than waiting for the government to impose it  an 11-point jump over 2018.Across the cultural spectrum, some attendees praised We Believe as a brave move by an iconic brand to shine the light of #MeToo on its own history. Some decried it as a broad, clumsy attack on its own customers. Others questioned whether Gillette was trying to co-opt a vital feminist movement for profit, while some pointed to social data indicating that the ad successfully engaged women.So, whos right? Was We Believe a win or a misfire?In todays culture of immediacy, we have an almost insatiable desire to know who won  to make a call and declare a victor. But in the fast-growing world of purpose-driven marketing, its not that easy. When Nike released its Colin Kaepernick ad , boycotts erupted and high-tops burned. The companys stock took its biggest single-day hit in months. And yet, only a few short months later, sales are soaring and shares have rebounded to all-time highs.When Dicks Sporting Goods pulled assault rifles from its shelves in the wake of the Parkland high school shooting, big box retailers lined up to follow its lead. In the following months, the company saw an overall decline in sales that it attributed in part to its decision.Measuring purpose-driven marketing in terms of sales can be tricky; measuring in terms of social impact is even more challenging. A study by Dentsu Aegis found that 60% of advertisers engaged in brand purpose initiatives fail to measure their impact. Our campaigns at the Ad Council run a minimum of three years precisely because driving real social change requires patience and a long-term commitment.Of course, as the conversations at Davos considered to underscore, CEOs need to assess the impact on their employees, as well. The Edelman Trust Barometer also found that workers trust today is extremely local. People trust their employers more than any other institution  government, business, the media, even NGOs. Civic engagement is a crucial element in that trust  the study found that 71% of employees agree its critically important for CEOs to respond to challenging times like political issues and national crises. Furthermore, 67% of workers expect that their employer have a greater purpose and that their job will have a meaningful societal impact.So how do purpose-driven advertisers know if theyre on the right track? The answer, as it often does, lies within.Brands that have successfully moved the needle on social issues have one thing in common: clear values. Companies with immutable values have more than a few words that look nice in an annual report; they have a scorecard by which to judge the success of everything they do.CVS followed its values when it became the first national retailer to halt all cigarette sales  running headlong into a $2 billion loss in sales. They didnt stop there. This past year, the company spent more than $30 million on smoking cessation efforts, including programs for teens and young adults.But CVS knew it had succeeded from the word go. As its CEO said at the time, The sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose  helping people on their path to better health. Within eight months, the company noted a one percent reduction in cigarette pack sales  95 million packs  across states where it had at least a 15 percent market share.A few years ago, the Ad Council came to a similar crossroads. Throughout our long history, wed always been strictly nonpartisan. When we waded into causes like LGBTQ rights with our  Beyond I Do  campaign and gun safety with  End Family Fire , we were nervous. We were ready for the backlash, but we said to ourselves, were doing it. We find our truth in science and in facts. In doing so, we realized that to drive real change you have to be willing to put a stake in the ground.Not only did the campaigns resonate widely across culture, they also became rallying cries for our organization  a reminder to all of us here of how much weve evolved and what we want to be on our best days. Sometimes, acting on your values is the best way to remind yourself who you are.In response to the attention generated by Gillettes We Believe, the company issued a statement:If we get people to pause, reflect and to challenge themselves and others to ensure that their actions reflect who they really are, then this campaign will be a success.Gillette was referencing the audience. But I believe it could just as easily have been talking about itself.

The post Davos Debate: When It Comes to Gillette, What Constitutes a Win? appeared first on AdLibbing.org


This is a serious issue and needs to be sorted out as soon as possible. I don't know why you are contacting them over mail. Just call over phone, explain the circumstances and ask them to connect to the CO who processed your application to have a detailed discussion.



If there is something wrong in your CDRs, they would have informed you first and then based on your replies they'll take decisions. I think this has more to do with them thinking that one or some of the documents you have provided for passport/english test/degree etc is fake. This is a direct code violation and they need not ask you for explanation to ban you.



By the way, did you disclose your masters to EA? If not, you should, withholding any information indicates you want to mislead EA as they have access to all your data from DHA.
BREXIT POUND UPDATE 09:10 8th Feb: The British Pound Sterling (GBP) held firm against the Euro (EUR) into Fridays session, largely retaining the gains achieved in the wake of the EUs agreement to work with the PM to find a way out of the current Brexit impasse.

At the time of writing, the Pound-to-Euro exchange rate remained capped by the overnight range of 1.141 - 1.143.

After Thursdays spike, the Pound-to-Dollar exchange rate edged lower, dipping into Fridays session and was last seen trading at $1.29311.

On the Brexit front, Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to travel to Dublin to meet with Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, to discuss the Irish backstop provision of the EU withdrawal agreement.

BREXIT POUND UPDATE 15:10 7th Feb: The Pound Sterling (GBP) rallied sharply against peer currencies on Thursday following reports of Brexit progress in the wake of Prime Minister Theresa Mays crunch talks with EU leaders over proposed alterations to the EU withdrawal agreement.

After a dip below $1.286, the Pound-to-Dollar exchange rates surged to a session high just shy of $1.3 and was last seen trading at $1.29731 to 1.

Likewise, the Pound Sterling depreciated against the Euro (EUR) earlier in the session before spiking to a session high above 1.1450. At the time of writing, the GBP/EUR cross was seen at 1.1432.

The Prime Minister returned to Brussels on Thursday to continue efforts to secure amendments to the Irish backstop component of the EU withdrawal agreement despite numerous statements from EU officials that negotiations would not be re-opened.

A European Union statement issued after the talks said that the EU would work with the Prime Minister on whether a way through can be found in a bid to avoid the economic disruption a no-deal outcome could yield for parties on both side of the channel.

Donald Tusk however tweeted that no breakthrough was in sight.

Meeting PM @theresa_may on how to overcome impasse on #brexit. Still no breakthrough in sight. Talks will continue. pic.twitter.com/vn2CVybc1j  Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) February 7, 2019

Pound Sterling (GBP/) Declines in Early Trading as Investors Brace for Brexit Developments

Early trading saw the Pound Sterling (GBP/) dip sharply against a basket of peers as Prime Minister Theresa May travels to Brussels to pursue alterations to the EU withdrawal agreement in an effort to appease a majority in the House of Commons.

After trawling resistance at $1.295 in recent session, the Pound-to-Dollar (GBPUSD) exchange rate saw a downside break earlier in the session, extending recent losses to a session low of $1.28971. The GBP/USD cross was last seen at $1.29058.

From a narrow overnight range, the Pound-to-Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange-rate saw a similar downside slump, declining to a session low of 1.1363 before returning to the lower bound of the overnight range at 1.1370.

Wednesdays session saw a number of UK politicians outraged in the wake of a tweet from European Commission President, Donald Tusk.

I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted #Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely.  Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) February 6, 2019

Tusk later went on to tweet, I hope that tomorrow we will hear from PM @theresa_may a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse.

The Prime Minister has found herself caught between a rock and a hard place and another hard place. The PM faces pressure from a number of pro-Brexit, Conservative Party, MPs and Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) members who oppose the Irish backstop component of the current withdrawal agreement and backed an amendment earlier in the month which instructs the government to seek alternative arrangements.

PM May also faces considerable difficulty on the European front with EU officials apparently firm in their refusal to consider reopening negotiations on the EU withdrawal agreement.

Further convoluting an already murky situation, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn today set out five demands the Labour party would require to be met in order to back the PMs deal. In a letter to the PM, Corbyn wrote that Labour wants a UK-wide customs union and close alignment with the single market  the opposite of hard-line Conservative Party Breixteers.

He also added his scepticism that simply seeking modifications to the existing backstop terms is a credible or sufficient response.

Given the current situation, PM May is expected to appeal to EU leaders aversion to a no-deal outcome  a scenario which likely negatively impact both the UK and EUs economies  in her attempts to pressure the bloc into accepting changes that allow enough support for a deal to be passed before the UKs exit date of March 29th.

Elsewhere, a report from the Telegraph has suggested that the PM may seek to delay the second vote on her Brexit deal from its initial date next week until the end of February. A development which if confirmed would likely compel the government to seek an extension to the already looming March 29th deadline.

In their daily FX brief, Danske Bank chief analyst, Arne Lohmann Rasmussen, wrote With less than two months to go, the UK remains divided and pressure is increasing We expect EUR/GBP to stay within the 0.86-0.89 range near term with the development in Brexit negotiations directional for the cross

Rasmussen added his expectation for GBP sentiment to wane in lieu of progress reports, Theresa May is expected to visit Brussels today. As such, appetite for GBP is likely to deteriorate as time passes without any signs of a new agreement between the EU and UK.
Maryland's judiciary is helping more people who can't afford legal counsel to better represent themselves in civil legal matters, the state's chief judge, Mary Ellen Barbera, said Wednesday in her State of the Judiciary Address.
New Haven, Conn. -- When the Zika virus arrived in the Americas in early 2015, it struck hard, infecting 73% of people in one Brazilian community at the epicenter of the pandemic, according to a new study led by the Yale School of Public Health.

The study, conducted in collaboration with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation-Brazilian Ministry of Health and international partners, is published in Science.

The findings confirm why the epidemic of Zika-associated birth defects was so severe in Brazil. "The exceedingly high infection rate among pregnant women from impoverished communities such as our study site was surely the major reason why we had a large outbreak of microcephaly among infants at the end of 2015," said Albert Ko, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health and one of the study's lead authors.

The research also reveals that people who had antibodies to dengue -- another common mosquito-borne virus circulating in much of the world's tropical regions -- were less likely to become infected with Zika during the outbreak.

Zika and dengue viruses share many genetic similarities and circulate in the same regions. A key open question has been whether antibodies that are generated from a dengue infection protect people or make them more susceptible to a Zika infection.

"This study is the first to evaluate this question and demonstrate that immunity to dengue can protect against a Zika infection in human populations," said Federico Costa, associate professor at the Federal University of Bahia and associate adjunct professor at the Yale School of Public Health.

The researchers followed 1,453 residents from a densely populated slum community in the city of Salvador, Brazil, during the 2015 Zika outbreak. They used a novel test for identifying Zika infections in surveys of large populations.

While the overall rate of infection was high in the neighborhood that was studied, the researchers found wide differences in the risk of Zika infection across short distances. Depending on where people lived, rates of infection varied from a low of 29% to a high of 83%.

The authors state that although there were pockets of the community that were not hit by Zika during the outbreak, the large majority of the population was infected with the highly transmissible virus and developed immunity to this virus, which in turn drove transmission to extinction and caused the outbreak to burn out.

"The Zika pandemic has created overall high rates of immunity to this virus in the Americas, which will be a barrier for outbreaks in coming years," said Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer, an assistant professor at University of California, San Francisco.

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The study was supported by the Yale School of Public Health, Brazilian Ministries of Health, Education and Science and Technology, and the National Institutes of Health.
When Washington voters legalized marijuana in 2012, many parents found themselves with a new teachable moment.

Though illegal for anyone under 21, the drug presented a dilemma similar to alcohol: Retailers sold it, people openly consumed it -- sometimes to excess -- and parents themselves struggled with how to talk to their kids about their own use, past or present.

Unlike with alcohol, research on the health and developmental effects of marijuana is still emerging. And the law's complexity, along with the accessibility of marijuana products and stores, has left parents thinking more deliberately about how and why to set some ground rules.

Most parents agree that marijuana should be off-limits to children and teenagers, but they want information and advice from trustworthy sources, said Nicole Eisenberg, a research scientist with the University of Washington's Social Development Research Group. Those findings come from a study published online Jan. 16 in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, by Eisenberg and a team of researchers.

"What I heard a lot of parents saying is, essentially, 'I can tell my kids not to use it, but I just don't know how to enforce and reinforce that message,'" Eisenberg said. "Parents are having a hard time reconciling societal norms with personal norms. Society has become more permissive, but at home, most parents don't want their children to use marijuana. It's a challenge that leaves them feeling like they don't know what to do."

To that end, parents said they want guidance, she added.

"Parents are eager to learn, and open to materials and programs that can help them. They're open to factual, unbiased, scientific information, and they want to know how to talk to their kids," Eisenberg said.

Based on focus group interviews with 54 adults, the study examined parents' attitudes and challenges around marijuana use. Researchers grouped parents according to the ages of their children and by their own usage of marijuana during the past year (as measured by a prior confidential survey); those who had used during the past year, to any degree, were in one group, and those who had not were in another. That separation was designed to better identify differences in how these groups parent; participants were not told anything about other group members' marijuana use.

Yet, in both groups, there were common themes that emerged which can be useful in delivering educational and prevention-oriented messages, Eisenberg said.

For parents, talking to kids about marijuana can mean many things: explaining its risks and effects, deciding on rules and consequences, and choosing whether to share their own history. Researchers didn't offer answers -- that wasn't their role, or the purpose of the study -- but parents appeared to appreciate hearing from each other, Eisenberg said.

Among the challenges parents discussed were adequate and appropriate consequences for breaking house rules, while a few parents of older kids, especially in the user-groups, described a harm-reduction approach, such as discussing with their teens how to use marijuana safely. Parents who chose this strategy said that while they didn't want their children to use marijuana, they figured that if the children were going to try it anyway, they might as well educate them.

What makes the issue so thorny is the relatively rapid legal and cultural change around marijuana, said Rick Kosterman, a co-author of the study from the Social Development Research Group. While marijuana has become even more available since these interviews were conducted in 2014, parents' questions are unlikely to have changed.

"In many ways, parenting around marijuana use is similar to that of alcohol use, since they're both legal for adults," Kosterman said. "A key difference is where I think parents and society in general have accepted that some people can become dependent on alcohol and it can ruin people's lives if used in excess. Parents and kids aren't so clear about risks of marijuana use --like the potential for misuse or effects on adolescent brains.

"We are still learning about the risks of teen marijuana use, as well as potential medical uses."

The study's conclusion points to how parents might seek answers, whether through community-oriented drug prevention programs or through information from health care providers, public health agencies or school programs.

"The fact that parents in this study openly asked for guidance highlights an opportunity for the prevention science community to work with medical professionals, schools and policymakers to fulfill this vital need at a critical time of policy transition in the United States," the authors wrote.

Alongside this study of parenting practices is a companion study by the same research team, forthcoming in the Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, about parent perceptions of teens' exposure to marijuana use following legalization in Washington state.

The parents who agreed to participate in both studies came from a longitudinal study the research group launched in the 1980s called the Seattle Social Development Project. The focus group sample was 39 percent white, 37 percent African American, 17 percent Asian American and 7 percent Native American. Of these groups, approximately 5 percent were Latino.

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The study on parenting practices was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Additional authors were Tiffany Jones, a postdoctoral researcher at the UW School of Social Work and an affiliate at Colorado State University; Jennifer Bailey and Kevin Haggerty, of the Social Development Research Group; and Jungeun Olivia Lee of USC.

For more information, contact Eisenberg at neisen@uw.edu.

Grant numbers: R01DA023089, R01DA033956
HOUSTON - (Feb. 6, 2019) - Pregnant women face a much greater risk of having a fatal, but less common, type of stroke caused by bleeding into the brain, according to results of two studies presented by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) at the International Stroke Conference 2019.

A study led by senior author Farhaan Vahidy, PhD, MBBS, MPH, found that pregnant women and those who recently gave birth were three to 10 times more likely to suffer intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which occurs when a blood vessel inside the brain bursts and spills blood into or around the brain. Vahidy is an associate professor of neurology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and director of the Population Health & Health Services Research Division at UTHealth Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease.

"It's important to remember that stroke is uncommon among the younger female population. Women undergo a number of physiological changes while pregnant, so we hypothesized that pregnancy would confer a higher ICH risk," said first author and presenter Jennifer Meeks, MS, a research coordinator in the Department of Neurology at McGovern Medical School. "However, the scale of the increase was highly significant and strikingly greater than what was anticipated."

Women with a history of other medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes were found to be at a greater risk of ICH. Those who had preeclampsia or eclampsia were 10 times more likely to suffer ICH, according to the study.

Using publicly available administrative data, researchers analyzed more than 3.3 million deliveries among women in hospitals in New York, California, and Florida. The same women, age 28 on average, were followed and served as their own controls when no longer pregnant or postpartum.

"The results showed that the risk of ICH starts to increase during the third trimester and continues to rise into an extended postpartum period. Other attributes, such as race, also appeared to influence the likelihood. For instance, black women were twice as likely as white women to suffer ICH and Asian women were 1.68 times more likely," Meeks said. "Further research is required to more precisely predict those groups of women who are at an increased risk of ICH during pregnancy so preventive measures may be taken."

There are two types of stroke, hemorrhagic and ischemic, which occurs when a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain is blocked by a clot. Around 15 percent of all strokes are hemorrhagic, but they account for approximately 40 percent of all stroke deaths, according to the National Stroke Association.

In the second study, researchers found women with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain, had increased incidence of ICH from AVM rupture during pregnancy.

Results showed women with AVMs were almost 3 times more likely to have ICH associated with pregnancy and delivery.

"Researchers have suspected that brain AVMs are more likely to bleed with pregnancy, but because they are uncommon, this connection was hard to prove. In our study, we looked at millions of women; the data confirmed this and were very compelling," said Sunil Sheth, MD, the senior author, who is an assistant professor of vascular and interventional neurology at McGovern Medical School.

The study analyzed data from nearly 6.3 million women, age 28 on average, with first-time pregnancy in hospitals in New York and Florida. Of these patients, 1,024 (0.02 percent) had an AVM, which was linked to a 340 percent increased risk of ICH during the pregnancy period.

"An AVM is like having a little bomb in the head, which creates an explosion of blood in the brain if it ruptures. When this happens it can put the mother and baby in considerable danger," Sheth said.

The abstract called for further research and improved methods to reduce ICH risk.

"We need to understand exactly what is happening - why do AVMs bleed in the first place and what is causing this substantially higher risk among pregnant women who have them?" Sheth said. "These findings could change the conversation of care for a very particular patient group. If we know a woman with a brain AVM is planning a pregnancy, it may be appropriate to treat the AVM before pregnancy or counsel for close monitoring during pregnancy."

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UTHealth co-authors for both studies included Arvind Bambhroliya, MD, MPH; Louise McCullough, MD, PhD; and Sean Savitz, MD. Co-authors on Vahidy's research were Jon Tyson, MD, MPH; Charles Miller, PhD; and Sunil Sheth, MD. Co-authors on Sheth's research were Annika Medhus; Peng Roc Chen, MD; and Spiros Blackburn, MD.

The UTHealth Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, founded in 2017, serves as a multi-disciplinary hub for research and best practices in acute stroke treatments, stroke prevention, stroke recovery, population health and health services. It includes pilot funds for new studies, clinical trial design expertise, and new training opportunities in stroke and cerebrovascular disease. Core services include biology, data/statistics, clinical care, and imaging.
Combination of novel nanomaterials with a genomics-based approach will allow for precise identification of pathogens that cause Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).

Healthcare-associated infections are the fourth leading cause of death in Canada, predicted to move up to second place by 2050. Scientists at the University of Toronto received $1.5 million in newly-announced funding from Genome Canada to support efforts to develop a new nanoparticle sensor technology that will allow hospitals and long-term care facilities to rapidly detect and visually identify highly infectious pathogens including C. difficile, methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA), Norovirus and influenza.

"Patient-to-patient transmission of dangerous bacteria and viruses through contact with contaminated surfaces is a major problem in healthcare facilities," says Shana Kelley, University Professor and scientist at the University of Toronto's Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. "The sensors that are the focus of this project will enable the rapid and sensitive detection of these pathogens on surfaces to enable their effective decontamination, and potentially reduce or prevent the spread of illness."

Kelley and her team have partnered with Charlotte Products Ltd., a family-owned Canadian company that develops and manufactures innovative cleaning products. The company has developed an environmental monitoring system and optical sensor technology, called Optisolve Pathfinder, which is able to identify areas of biological contamination but not specific bacterial species.

"To effectively prevent the spread of these illnesses, infection control experts need to be able to identify exactly what is on a surface in order to properly decontaminate it. By using nanomaterials enhanced with pathogen-specific recognition units, this information will be gleaned on site, without the need to wait and run tests in a lab offsite," says Kelley.

Called OptiSolve Insight, the new system will significantly reduce healthcare-associated illness while also enabling infection control specialists to avoid taking a "worst-case scenario" approach to infection outbreaks, which can include bed closures and costly cancellation of procedures. The system could also be used to detect and identify pathogens in other high-risk locations like transit hubs and education facilities.

"We hope that the research funded by Genome Canada will decrease rates of infection significantly, which will benefit patients and the healthcare system overall," says Kelley. In addition to the Genome Canada funding, the project is receiving support from the Ontario Centres of Excellence, University of Toronto and Charlotte Products Ltd that gives the project $4.5M in total funding.

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PITTSBURGH, Feb. 7, 2019 - The higher a person's immunity to dengue virus, the lower their risk of Zika infection, an international team of scientists led by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Yale School of Public Health and University of Florida report today in the journal Science.

The study - which followed nearly 1,500 people living in a poor neighborhood at the heart of the 2015 Zika outbreak in Brazil - also provides evidence that Brazil's Zika epidemic has largely petered out because enough people acquired immunity to reduce the efficiency of transmission.

"Take that with a grain of salt, though," said co-senior author Ernesto T.A. Marques, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in Pitt Public Health's Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and public health researcher at Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz in Brazil. "Our study was in a very small urban area, and it is likely that in other parts of Brazil, even different neighborhoods within the same city, people are still susceptible to Zika infection."

The discovery relied on tests for dengue and Zika developed by Marques and his team and patented by Pitt. Marques is scientific director of Cura Zika, an international alliance to spur research into Zika, microcephaly and other congenital conditions it causes in babies.

The research team tapped into a long-running study of the health of people living in urban slums in Salvador, a city in northeast Brazil, led by co-senior author Albert Ko, M.D., chair of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health. Study participants gave multiple blood samples before, during and after the Zika epidemic. Samples collected in October 2014 and March 2015 were almost entirely negative for Zika, but by October 2015, 63 percent showed evidence of Zika infection.

Before the Zika outbreak, a subset of 642 participants also had been tested for previous dengue infection, and 86 percent were positive. Specifically, the test assessed the level of antibodies the participants had in their blood against dengue. The team found that each doubling of dengue antibody levels corresponded to a 9 percent reduction in risk of Zika.

"This means that there are some cross-protective antibodies that dengue provides against Zika," said Marques. "Future study may be warranted to assess whether the new dengue vaccines could be useful in preventing Zika infection."

Paradoxically, computational models by co-senior author Derek A.T. Cummings, Ph.D., professor of biology at the University of Florida, revealed that participants who had a very recent dengue infection were actually more susceptible to Zika.

The scientists suspect several possible explanations: It could be that protective antibodies haven't developed yet or there's something about these people's immune systems that increases their risk of contracting Zika. And the mosquitoes that transmit dengue also transmit Zika, so a recent dengue infection could simply mean they are in a place where Zika transmission is active as well.

Additional study also is needed to determine how these findings could prove useful to clinicians, Marques said.

Developing reliable, commercially available tests for women of child-bearing age to assess their previous dengue and Zika exposure is of immediate concern, along with evaluating recommendations so clinicians know what to do with that information, noted Marques. Testing could help clinicians determine whether vaccinating women against dengue could help protect them from Zika during pregnancy. It also would give a baseline, so obstetricians would know how closely to monitor a pregnant woman's fetus for microcephaly, based on her susceptibility to Zika.

Ongoing studies also are following babies born to women who contracted Zika during pregnancy to assess the effect of the mother's immunity to dengue on the degree of Zika-related congenital conditions in the babies.

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Co-lead authors on this research are Eduardo J.M. Nascimento, Ph.D., Pitt's Center for Vaccine Research; Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer, M.D., Ph.D., the University of California San Francisco; and Federico Costa, Ph.D., Yale.

Additional institutions that participated in this research are the Universidade Federal da Bahia in Brazil; Universidade de Pernambuco in Brazil; University of Texas; Sustainable Sciences Institute in Nicaragua; Ministry of Health in Nicaragua; University of California Berkeley; and Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Jose do Rio Preto in Brazil.

This research was supported by grants from the Yale School of Public Health; Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health; Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (400830/2013-2, 440891/2016-7 and INCT-Dengue); Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, Brazilian Ministry of Education (440891/2016-7); Research Support Foundation for the State of Bahia (FAPESB PET0026/2013, APP0044/2016, 10206/2015 and PET0022/2016); Research Support Foundation for the State of Sao Paulo (FAPESP 2013/21719-3 and 2016/15021-1); Cura Zika Foundation; Wellcome Trust (102330/Z/13/Z) and National Institutes of Health (R01 AI121207, R01 TW009504, R01 AI052473, U01 AI088752, R25 TW009338, R01 NS064905, R24 AI120942, U01 AI115577, R01 AI099631, U54 AI065359, P01 AI106695, U19 AI118610, R01 AI114703 and U54 GM088491).

About the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, founded in 1948 and now one of the top-ranked schools of public health in the United States, conducts research on public health and medical care that improves the lives of millions of people around the world. Pitt Public Health is a leader in devising new methods to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, HIV/AIDS, cancer and other important public health problems. For more information about Pitt Public Health, visit the school's Web site at http://www. publichealth. pitt. edu .

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Soil erosion can have a devastating impact on traditional farming landscapes in developing countries. But its effects can only be fully addressed through significant advances in interdisciplinary scientific and societal approaches, according to new research.

A major international study led by the University of Plymouth has shown that traditional pastoralist communities - such as the Maasai in East Africa - are abundantly aware that climate change and intensive grazing are having a marked effect on the resources they rely on for survival.

But finding solutions is not an easy task. The communities face significant cultural and political barriers when it comes to implementing soil conservation measures, meaning that huge swathes of former pasture land are being lost or degraded.

The new research, published in Environmental Research Letters, suggests an interdisciplinary approach is the only way to secure real and lasting change. That includes engaging local communities to work together to see how they contribute to the problem and how they can have a significant role in solving it.

The study is the result of the Jali Ardhi (meaning 'care for the land' in Swahili) project, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Economic and Social Research Council, as part of UK Research and Innovation's Global Challenges Research Fund.

It focussed on the East African Rift System of Tanzania, where soil erosion has created huge canyons in the heart of Maasai pastoral lands.

Working in collaboration with the local District Council and Maasai communities, scientists conducted a series of field-based research including soil degradation surveys, lake and floodplain sediment coring, mapping with satellite imagery and evaluation of past aerial photographs.

They also completed a suite of interviews and workshops with community leaders, to understand the barriers to change, and worked together to look for opportunities to overcome them.

Professor of Catchment Science Will Blake, lead author on the study said: "This project has shone a light on the many and varied challenges associated with soil erosion. But in developing a greater understanding of the issues in East Africa, we have also proposed an environmentally and socially sustainable solution that could be adapted in similar communities across the world.

"The devastating effects of soil erosion on Maasai lands are quite shocking to see. In recent decades, some parts of the Tanzanian Maasai landscape have witnessed an almost total destruction of the soil resource in many areas used for grazing of livestock.

"But these problems are certainly not restricted to East Africa and every year 12 million hectares of productive land are lost to soil erosion globally, with a third of all soils are currently thought to be degraded. Unless we take action now, communities who rely on the land for their survival will be left facing an increasingly uncertain future."

The research was led by Plymouth's School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences, in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, University of Exeter, Schumacher College and the International Water Management Institute.

It also involved a collaboration with photojournalist Carey Marks, facilitated by Plymouth's Sustainable Earth Institute as part of its Creative Associates programme, to develop a photographic documentation of the research project in action, a whiteboard animation and a soil erosion game.

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New University of Otago research has improved our understanding of when and why penguins evolved, and has identified two recently extinct penguins from New Zealand's remote Chatham Islands.

In the study, published online today in the scientific journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, an international team of researchers sequenced mitochondrial genomes from all living and recently extinct penguin species. By analysing the genetic relationships of species, and using ancient fossil penguins to put a time scale on these, the team showed that many penguin species arose soon after the geological formation of islands, including those inhabiting the Antipodes and Chatham Islands, Macquarie Island, Gough Island and Galapagos Islands. http://dx. doi. org/ 10. 1093/ molbev/ msz017

Lead author of the study, Otago University PhD candidate Theresa Cole, says: "From an evolutionary perspective, it's fascinating to understand how and why species evolve. We were able to provide a comprehensive framework for exploring these questions about penguins, and demonstrated for the first time that islands may have played a key role in penguin evolution."

The study, which included sequencing DNA and examining hundreds of prehistoric bones across New Zealand, also confirmed that a now extinct, unique crested penguin species existed on the Chatham Islands until a few centuries ago.

The former existence of this species had long been suspected by study co-author Alan Tennyson of Te Papa, who had previously examined penguin bones from these islands. However the study also threw up a complete surprise - revealing that a previously unknown small subspecies of yellow-eyed penguin also once existed on the Chatham Islands.

Study authors, including Cole, Tennyson, Daniel Thomas from Massey University, Dan Ksepka from the US Bruce Museum, named the two new penguins Eudyptes warhami and Megadyptes antipodes richdalei in honour of John Warham and Lance Richdale, who carried out pioneering studies on penguins in New Zealand.

"Evidence suggests Eudyptes warhami and Megadyptes antipodes richdalei inhabited the Chatham Islands up until the last few hundred years, and became extinct only after humans arrived," Cole says. "The discovery of these two new penguins adds greatly to our understanding of how humans impacted New Zealand's marine biodiversity in the past."

"The more we learn about New Zealand's past ecosystems, the more we realise how dramatically they have changed since human arrival." says Otago Professor Jon Waters, who helped supervise the study.

This new study follows another led by Cole and published recently in the journal Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, which used ancient DNA to show that prehistoric penguin bones from New Zealand included several species that no longer breed there. The link to that paper is here: https:/ / www. sciencedirect. com/ science/ article/ pii/ S1055790318306274

The researchers are now extending the study by sequencing whole genomes to explore penguin evolution and adaptation.

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Please note: The image attached with this release is an original artwork created to mark this research.

Artist: Sean Murtha. The painting shows Eudyptes warhami in the foreground, with Megadyptes antipodes richdalei in the background.

For more information please contact:

Theresa Cole

Department of Zoology

University of Otago

Mob +64 21 025 88235

Email colth567@student.otago.ac.nz

Prof Jon Waters

Department of Zoology

University of Otago

Mob +64 27 244 3018

Email jon.waters@otago.ac.nz
Lav Varshney, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will lead a session on 'Blockchain and the Scientific Method' as a part of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in Washington D.C. The press briefing associated with Varshney's session at the Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Road, Washington will be from 10-11:30 am ET on Friday, February 15. Those unable to attend in person can register to participate remotely at https:/ / bit. ly/ 2SfVphn .

The practice of researchers using the scientific method -- developing questions, formulating hypotheses, developing testable predictions, collecting data, accepting or rejecting those predictions based on the data, publishing the results in peer-reviewed journals, and having others reproduce the results -- has been a standard practice for some time. However, in today's environment, there are anxieties over issues related to hypothesizing after the results are known, lack of reproducibility and replication, overstressed peer review, paywalls preventing access to results, and an overall misalignment of incentives for scientists, among others.

The session raises the question of whether blockchain can help resolve the crisis. The technology underpinning cryptocurrencies has found recent usage in domains as diverse as shipping, political elections, food safety, and health record management. The basic unit of a transaction, which could be a hypothesis, a prediction, a dataset, a data analysis script, or a manuscript, is posted onto a decentralized ledger in an immutable way with a time stamp. Smart contracts can then act upon these transactions in an irreversible way. In this symposium, speakers will discuss how the ills of science may be ameliorated by pre-registering hypotheses and posting data, analyses, and results on a public Blockchain. Topics include the way that a directed acyclic graph of scientific transactions underpins discoveries and how their replications can spread credit.

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Varshney leads the Information and Intelligence Group at Illinois. The group is focused on augmenting individual and collective intelligence by understanding computation in various forms - social computing, nanoscale information processing, neural computation, blockchain, and computational creativity. His research team focuses on science and engineering of informational systems involving human and machines. He received his PhD from MIT in 2010 and was a researcher at IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center for three years before joining the Illinois faculty in 2014.

The speakers include James A. Evans from the University of Chicago, Krishna Ratakonda from IBM, and Kewku Opoku-Agyemang from the University of California, Berkeley.
In the epicenter of the Zika epidemic in northeast Brazil, 73 percent of people living in an urban slum in Salvador were infected in 2015. However, in this highly affected population, those with immunity to dengue, a genetically similar virus, had a reduced risk of infection with Zika. University of Florida epidemiologist Derek Cummings is a senior author on the first study to explore the relationship between dengue antibodies and Zika resilience. This new research, published in Science on Feb. 8, 2019, offers insights into how immunity might be conferred from dengue-infected individuals exposed to Zika. "This study is the first to demonstrate that immunity to dengue can protect against Zika infection in human populations," said Cummings, professor of Biology and faculty in the Emerging Pathogens Institute.

Led by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, a team including Cummings, as well as scientists from the Yale School of Public Health and the University of California San Francisco, examined a cohort of 1,453 residents participating in a long-term health survey in Pau da Lima, Salvador, Brazil. The residents may have been exposed to Zika during the 2015 outbreak in northeastern Brazil. The team then examined a subset of 642 dengue-infected residents and analyzed their risk for Zika. "Even though there was protective immunity in the population, this community was heavily infected," said Cummings. "We estimate that 73 percent of the population was infected by Zika."

The team developed a unique assay that measured immunoglobulin G3, which responds to a key protein in Zika. Despite the study area comprising less than one-quarter of a square kilometer, the researchers found an overall attack rate of 73 percent, yet wide variation in the risk of Zika infection across short distances. Likely depending on environmental factors such as mosquito breeding grounds, rates of infection varied from a low of 29 percent to a high of 83 percent.

Out of the 642 samples, 86 percent were positive for dengue, and for those with this prior immunity to dengue, each doubling of antibody titers was associated with a 9 percent reduction in risk of Zika infection.

"Although there are pockets of susceptible populations which were not hit by Zika, the Zika pandemic has created overall high rates of immunity in the Americas, which will be a barrier for outbreaks for the next few years," said Cummings.

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The study was supported by the US National Institutes of Health (grant to the University of Florida NIAID R01 AI114703, other institutes supported by NIAID R01 AI121207, NIAID U01 AI088752, FIC R01 TW009504 and FIC R25 TW009338), Yale School of Public Health and the Brazilian Ministries of Health, Education and Science and Technology.
Researchers with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati find that indoor smoking bans may not fully protect children

The harmful effects of exposure to tobacco smoke have been known for many years. Cigarette and cigar smokers are at significantly higher risk of contracting all sorts of respiratory maladies, and research linking secondhand smoke to cancer goes back nearly three decades.

But what about the chemicals that stain the walls, ceilings, carpet and upholstery in rooms in which tobacco has been smoked? What about the lingering nicotine on the fingers of smokers? Is there something dangerous in the residue that lingers long after the smoke clears?

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati have found more evidence of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to the residue and particles left behind by tobacco smoke. In "Nicotine on Children's Hands: Limited Protection of Smoking Bans and Initial Clinical Findings," published Jan. 16 in Tobacco Use Insights, Cincinnati Children's attending physician Melinda Mahabee-Gittens and UC assistant professor Ashley Merianos found that not smoking around children doesn't stop the children of smokers from being exposed to nicotine. They also found that that higher levels of exposure to tobacco smoke residue -- which likely includes carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines -- may be linked to respiratory problems.

"It just goes to show that indoor smoking bans don't necessarily protect children from tobacco smoke exposure and related pollutants, such as thirdhand smoke," says Merianos.

"It also shows that exposure to tobacco smoke toxicants is more widespread than previously thought because exposure in children is not limited to inhaling secondhand smoke," adds Mahabee-Gittens.

Research staff collected wipes of the dominant hands of 104 children visiting the Cincinnati Children's Pediatric Emergency Department between April 2016 and August 2017 with complaints potentially linked to tobacco smoke exposure and who had at least one caregiver who smoked. The handwipes were then analyzed for nicotine.

The research explored several variables, including the self-reported smoking behaviors of the children's caregivers, as well as the number of smokers living with the child, the number of cigarettes per day smoked by caregivers, the number of cigarettes smoked around the child in any location (such as in the home and the car) and the number of cigarettes smoked around the child inside the home. The research also looked at the medical records of the children for possible smoke exposure-related complaints such as wheezing and cough, as well as past medical histories and discharge diagnoses.

The study found significant levels of nicotine on the hands of children of smokers whose caregivers did not smoke in their presence, averaging 82 nanograms (ng) of nicotine. A similar amount was found on the hands of children whose caregivers smoked between one and five cigarettes per day in their presence. Children whose parents smoked 15 or more cigarettes around them had nicotine levels on their hands in excess of 200 ng.

More than half of the children in the study were under 2 years old. Children in that age group averaged about 69 ng nicotine, while children between the ages of 2 and 4 -- who accounted for 25 percent of the children studied -- averaged nearly three times as much (185.6 ng). Children ages 5 and over were found to have only slightly more nicotine on their hands than the children under 2.

"Future work should explore the associations of hand nicotine and age to determine how children's changing interactions with their environment and behaviors contribute to increased nicotine in 2- to 4-year-olds, whether handwashing decreases the risk and whether increased levels are associated with increased [secondhand smoke-related] clinical illnesses," according to the research article.

Children whose caregivers smoked five or less cigarettes per day had an average of about 55 ng nicotine on their hands, while children whose caregivers smoked 15 or more per day were found to have an average of 124 ng nicotine on their hands.

Children with higher levels of nicotine found on their hands were significantly more likely to have respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and coughing, Merianos says.

"That's just a preliminary finding," she cautions. "We need to do more work. There's a paucity of literature available on the impact that thirdhand smoke has on health effects in children."

Merianos advocates for caregivers to quit smoking to decrease the exposure of children to nicotine and smoking-related chemicals. For those who do not quit, she recommends handwashing, showering and changing clothes after smoking to minimize thirdhand smoke exposure.

Mahabee-Gittens adds that parental smokers should know that these measures alone are not enough to protect their children since deep-seated reservoirs of toxicants continue to build when smoking continues.

The researchers will continue to study the issue to see if the results are replicated with a larger sample of children.

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The Maryland State Board of Elections did not post election results online on Election Day until after 10 p.m.  two hours after polls were scheduled to close in the state. Hogan said he and many others were frustrated they had to wait for hours for the results to be announced.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7)  President Rodrigo Duterte will ask Congress to prioritize the passage of a bill reforming the pension system for members of the military and other uniformed personnel.

Malacanang on Thursday said the President made this commitment in a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

"Also discussed was the Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) Pension Reform Bill proposed by the Department of National Defense which the President said he will certify as an urgent piece of legislation," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing as he discussed the agenda of the Cabinet meeting.

Reportedly among the provisions of the proposed measure includes raising the age of compulsory retirement from 56 to 60. Panelo said it would actually be favorable for soldiers who want to stay in the Armed Forces for more years.

In his 2017 budget message, Duterte said the reform should be pursued "in view of the ballooning budget burden where the total cost of the pensions of retired soldiers will exceed the compensation of those in active service."

He wants a pension fund similar to or that is part of the Government Service Insurance System to provide the retirement pay of military and uniformed personnel.
WASHINGTON -- A new analysis has revealed that advanced satellite-based instrument capabilities are needed for global monitoring of microscopic particles, or aerosols, in the stratospheric layer of the atmosphere. Aerosols in the stratosphere -- located above approximately 12 kilometers -- increase drastically after a volcanic eruption, leading to changes in the Earth's climate and providing a critical opportunity to test scientific models designed to predict short- and long-term climate variations.

Researchers from NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York and the National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv, Ukraine, report the new findings in The Optical Society (OSA) journal Optics Express.

When a volcano erupts, large amounts of ash and sulfuric-acid particles can blanket the entire planet, blocking much of the sunlight and temporarily causing global cooling. Scientists are now exploring whether this blanketing effect could be used to counteract global warming by injecting man-made aerosols in the stratosphere. Such geoengineering projects would also require a way to monitor the amount and size of artificial particulates in the stratosphere and the resulting climate effect.

"The global nature of natural and man-made stratospheric aerosols means that a specialized Earth-orbiting instrument is necessary to obtain comprehensive information on their properties and distribution," said Janna Dlugach, a member of the research team from the Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences. "This information is critical for testing climate models and for monitoring climate effects from potential geoengineering projects and major volcanic eruptions, which can affect the livelihood of the entire population."

Monitoring aerosols from space

Over the next decade NASA plans to carry out a specialized mission to monitor aerosols and clouds on Earth. This mission would include an instrument that measures not only the brightness of sunlight reflected by the atmosphere and Earth's surface but also the light's polarization, which carries rich information about the size, composition and amount of aerosol particles.

"The technical characteristics of this future polarimeter are currently the subject of active debate among the scientific community," said Michael Mishchenko, a member of the research team from NASA. "Our paper brings into this discussion the necessity of monitoring not just aerosols in the lower atmosphere, but also stratospheric aerosols that could become a major part of the climate system in the case of a major volcanic eruption or the implementation of a massive geoengineering program."

Measurements of reflected sunlight by orbital instruments are usually dominated by bright water clouds, the land surface and aerosols found in the troposphere -- the atmospheric layer closest to the ground. "This is not problematic when stratospheric aerosols are minimal and thus unimportant relative to tropospheric aerosols," explained Dlugach. "However, it becomes essential to separate out the light coming from stratospheric aerosols in the case of volcanic eruptions or geoengineering activities."

Separating stratospheric aerosols

In the new study, the researchers argue that any future aerosol-monitoring orbital instrument should provide measurements within a narrow spectral channel centered at 1.378 micrometers. "At this wavelength the water vapor in the troposphere can almost completely absorb the sunlight scattered by clouds, terrestrial surfaces and tropospheric aerosols," said Mishchenko. "This enables us to infer the properties of stratospheric aerosols separately from those of tropospheric aerosols."

The researchers used simulated measurements to determine the best way to measure stratospheric aerosols. They began by using a realistic model of stratospheric aerosols to calculate the theoretical brightness and polarization of sunlight that these aerosols would reflect into space. They then added measurement errors that mimic those found in actual satellite data. With the resulting information, they simulated several types of realistic measurements to determine which provides enough information to determine the amount, size and composition of stratospheric aerosols.

"We found that measuring the brightness of light alone does not allow the inference of stratospheric aerosols," said Dlugach. "Our analysis suggests that future aerosol-monitoring space mission should include an instrument that can obtain precise polarization measurements of a terrestrial scene from multiple angles at the 1.378-micrometer wavelength."

The strong water-vapor absorption channel is necessary to cancel out light coming from the lower atmosphere and surface while precise polarization measurements from multiple angles yield detailed information about stratospheric aerosols.

Next, the researchers plan to analyze more challenging observation conditions that would put additional requirements on the instrument design. They also want to determine whether combining polarimetric and lidar observations from the same orbital platform would be beneficial for certain conditions.

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Paper: M. I. Mishchenko, J. M. Dlugach, A. A. Lacis, L. D. Travis, B. Cairns, "Retrieval of volcanic and man-made stratospheric aerosols from orbital polarimetric measurements," Opt. Express, 27, 4, A158-A170 (2019).

DOI: https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1364/ OE. 27. 00A158

About Optics Express

Optics Express reports on new developments in all fields of optical science and technology every two weeks. The journal provides rapid publication of original, peer-reviewed papers. It is published by The Optical Society and edited by James Leger from the University of Minnesota. Optics Express is an open-access journal and is available at no cost to readers online at: OSA Publishing.

About The Optical Society

Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org.

Media Contact: mediarelations@osa.org
New York, NY (February 7, 2019) -- A team of researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed a novel machine-learning framework that distinguishes between low- and high-risk prostate cancer with more precision than ever before. The framework, described in a Scientific Reports paper published today, is intended to help physicians--in particular, radiologists--more accurately identify treatment options for prostate cancer patients, lessening the chance of unnecessary clinical intervention.

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in American men, second only to lung cancer. While recent advances in prostate cancer research have saved many lives, objective prediction tools have, until now, remained an unmet need.

Presently, the standard methods used to assess prostate cancer risk are multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), which detects prostate lesions, and the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System, version 2 (PI-RADS v2), a five-point scoring system that classifies lesions found on the mpMRI. Together, these tools are intended to soundly predict the likelihood of clinically significant prostate cancer. However, PI-RADS v2 scoring is subjective and does not distinguish clearly between intermediate and malignant cancer levels (scores 3, 4, and 5), often leading to differing interpretations among clinicians.

Combining machine learning with radiomics--a branch of medicine that uses algorithms to extract large amounts of quantitative characteristics from medical images--has been proposed as an approach to remedy this drawback. However, other studies have only tested a limited number of machine learning methods to address this limitation. In contrast, the Mount Sinai and USC researchers developed a predictive framework that rigorously and systematically assessed many such methods to identify the best-performing one. The framework also leverages larger training and validation data sets than previous studies did. As a result, researchers were able to classify patients' prostate cancer with high sensitivity and an even higher predictive value.

"By rigorously and systematically combining machine learning with radiomics, our goal is to provide radiologists and clinical personnel with a sound prediction tool that can eventually translate to more effective and personalized patient care," said Gaurav Pandey, PhD, Assistant Professor of Genetics and Genomic Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and senior corresponding author of the publication alongside co-corresponding author Bino Varghese, PhD, Assistant Professor of Research Radiology at the Keck School of Medicine at USC. "The pathway to predicting prostate cancer progression with high accuracy is ever improving, and we believe our objective framework is a much-needed advancement."

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About the Mount Sinai Health System

The Mount Sinai Health System is New York City's largest integrated delivery system, encompassing eight hospitals, a leading medical school, and a vast network of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. Mount Sinai's vision is to produce the safest care, the highest quality, the highest satisfaction, the best access and the best value of any health system in the nation. The Health System includes approximately 7,480 primary and specialty care physicians; 11 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 410 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. The Icahn School of Medicine is one of three medical schools that have earned distinction by multiple indicators: ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report's "Best Medical Schools", aligned with a U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" Hospital, No. 12 in the nation for National Institutes of Health funding, and among the top 10 most innovative research institutions as ranked by the journal Nature in its Nature Innovation Index. This reflects a special level of excellence in education, clinical practice, and research. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 18 on U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" of top U.S. hospitals; it is one of the nation's top 20 hospitals in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Nephrology, and Neurology/Neurosurgery, and in the top 50 in six other specialties in the 2018-2019 "Best Hospitals" issue. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital also is ranked nationally in five out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked 11th nationally for Ophthalmology and 44th for Ear, Nose, and Throat. Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, Mount Sinai West, and South Nassau Communities Hospital are ranked regionally.
JUPITER, FL -- Feb. 7, 2019 -- When women or men receive the worrisome diagnosis of breast cancer, that news comes with an important piece of information, namely, whether their cancer is HER2-positive or HER2-negative. It can be especially difficult to hear that one's cancer is HER2-negative, because it means an effective group of targeted anti-cancer drugs isn't available.

A new study from the lab of Scripps Research chemist Matthew D. Disney, PhD, suggests that in the future, that might not be the final word on the matter. Writing in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Disney's group describes shifting three different cancer cell lines from HER2-negative status to HER2-positive status with the addition of a selective micro-RNA binding molecule they referred to as TGP-515.

It's a revolutionary idea, that a cancer's genotype might not have to be the limiting factor in its range of targeted treatment options. However, this is just a first step in a long series of work ahead to enable the technology to benefit cancer patients, Disney notes.

The team designed their compound by using a mathematical system Disney developed called Inforna. The compound rendered the cancer cells vulnerable to both Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine), both targeted therapeutics. Meanwhile, it left healthy breast cells unaffected.

"It's possible that precision medicines like Herceptin can be made available to a wider group of people by altering gene expression with therapeutics that bind not to the proteins but to noncoding RNA," Disney says.

About 20 percent of people diagnosed with breast cancer have the HER2-positive mutation, which means the surface of their cancer cells have more of the HER2 protein on them. While that mutation is associated with faster growing, more aggressive cancers, since 1998 it has come with good options for effective treatment. Since the monoclonal antibody drug Herceptin was introduced, 10-year disease-free survival rates for the HER2-positive breast cancer subtype surged to 84 percent.

For breast cancer patients with dwindling options, switching on HER2 sensitivity might be life-changing, Disney says.

"This study is proof of concept for the strategy of creating sensitivity to a drug where one otherwise wouldn't exist," Disney says. "It also validates the notion that transcription of genes can be modulated via small molecule compounds engineered to bind to relevant noncoding RNA. This means that supposedly untreatable diseases may, one day, be readily treatable. There is a long way to go for this to get to patients, however."

There were many challenges that had to be overcome to create the effective compound, says first author Matthew G. Costales, a Scripps Research graduate student. Unintended targets had to be identified and blocked, and selectivity engineered into the molecule. Disney's computational system, Inforna, guided the efforts.

The first compound the Inforna database highlighted bound to two different micro RNAs, both 885 and 515. That could have posed problems. Further refinement made it clear that a compound could be designed to be selective for one micro RNA but not the other. Eventually they created a molecule that successfully selected only for the desired microRNA, 515. The result was that the cells produced increased HER2 levels, making them sensitive to the drugs.

"The demanding synthetic, biochemical, and cellular experiments described in this paper were three years in the making," Costales says. "It required tremendous effort, but the work is by no means complete. I am looking forward to future work guided by the lessons we learned here."

Disney credits his colleague, Scripps Research chemist Alexander Adibekian, PhD, with helping understand the mechanisms of action of their compound, TGP-515, and demonstrating its selectivity.

It's important to note that this is a first step toward making drugs to boost HER2 sensitivity where there is none, Disney says. Significant additional research lies ahead, he says.

Successful tests in cultured cells must be followed with tests in mouse models of cancer, a process that will take several years. Financial support from the community, including Frenchman's Creek Women for Cancer Research, Alan and Susan Fuirst, and the R. J. Scheller Graduate Student Fellowship, has helped made the work possible.

"These studies would not have been realized without the local support graciously provided by the community," Disney says. "I am incredibly grateful for the community taking the time to invest in the future of biomedical research completed here at Scripps Research."

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In addition to Costales and Disney, the authors of the study, "A Designed Small Molecule Inhibitor of a Non-Coding RNA Sensitizes HER2 Negative Cancers to Herceptin," were Dominic Hoch, Daniel Abegg, Jessica Childs-Disney, Sai Pradeep Velagapudi and Alexander Adibekian of Scripps Research in Jupiter, Florida.
From DNA pioneer Rosalind Franklin to the NASA mathematicians in the film "Hidden Figures," the historical contributions of women to science are increasingly coming to light. And a new study by San Francisco State University researchers shows that it's possible to reveal women's once-hidden scientific work by analyzing decades-old research papers in the field of theoretical population biology. The implications of the study stretch far beyond that particular field of science, and the historical bias shown by the research likely continues to impact the representation of women in the discipline today.

"What our work shows is that in fact there were women who were working in the field," said San Francisco State Assistant Professor of Biology Rori Rohlfs. "But we didn't even know they existed."

To peek into the history of their discipline, Rohlfs and Brown University Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Emilia Huerta-Sanchez took advantage of how scientific research papers are structured. Being listed as an "author" of a scientific paper is the primary way scientists receive credit for their work and is critical to securing both jobs and research funding. But those who contribute less to a paper are sometimes listed in the "acknowledgements" section, buried at the bottom and rarely read by other researchers.

Despite the importance of authorship in determining career success, there are no standardized rules for how much work a scientist needs to do in order to earn recognition as a study's author. So when Rohlfs and Huerta-Sanchez noticed that many women seemed to appear only in the acknowledgements section of decades-old studies in their field  despite what appeared to be important programming contributions  the duo saw a chance to measure just how much the scientific work of women had been overlooked.

Rohlfs recruited a team of seven SF State undergraduate researchers who recorded data on the authors and acknowledgements from 883 papers published in the scientific journal Theoretical Population Biology between 1970 and 1990. They found that the people mentioned in acknowledgements were disproportionately women: Women made up 43.2 percent of those mentioned as programmers in the acknowledgements, but made up only 7.4 percent of those listed as authors.

Through the decades, the study shows, the proportion of women programmers in the acknowledgements shrank. That shift tracked broader trends in the workplace, as programming went from a "pink collar job" associated with women to one perceived to be both more masculine and more prestigious. The researchers reported their results in the journal Genetics on Feb. 7.

"Some of these programmers were doing really creative work and making substantial contributions," work that today would likely qualify them for authorship, said Rohlfs. Several names were repeated in the acknowledgements sections of multiple papers  like Margaret Wu, who contributed to a study describing a way to estimate genetic diversity that became one of the most influential papers ever published in the journal.

Because these women never got proper credit for their work, they were denied the opportunity to advance as scientists, which may have had a lasting impact on the field. While women have increasingly found success in closely related fields like evolutionary biology, the more programming-heavy biology disciplines have lagged behind. "Population genetics continues to be male-dominated at the faculty level," explained Rohlfs. "In part that might be because women who were thinking about what subfield of biology they wanted to get into didn't see women there."

One goal of publishing the research was to shift that dynamic by highlighting the historical contributions of women to the discipline. "Making women in the field more visible could actually help to improve equity in the field," Rohlfs said.

But population genetics is far from the only field where programmers historically had a large role. So the team plans to look for more traces of women's hidden contributions to science, and hope that their study will serve as an inspiration for other scientists to put the history of their own disciplines under the microscope.

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Other co-authors of the study are SF State alumni Samantha Kristin Dung, Andrea Lopez, Ezequiel Lopez Barragan, Rochelle-Jan Reyes, Ricky Thu, Edgar Castellanos and Francisca Catalan. This work was funded by a National Science Foundation grant (NSF-DEB-1557151) and a San Francisco Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (SF BUILD) National Institutes of Health grant (1UL1-GM-118985).
HOUSTON - (Feb. 7, 2019) - When metastatic cancer cells need to avoid a threat, they simply reprogram themselves. Rice University scientists are beginning to get a handle on how they survive hostile environments.

Members of Rice's Center for Theoretical Biological Physics (CTBP) and cancer metabolism researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have created a basic framework of how cancer cells -- whether in tumors or as single cells -- adapt when their attempts to metastasize are blocked by drugs or the body's immune system. Understanding the cells' strategies could someday help scientists design therapies that keep them in check.

Their model shows a direct connection between gene regulation and metabolic pathways and how cancer cells take advantage of it to adapt to hostile environments, a process known as metabolic plasticity.

In particular, the team led by physicists Herbert Levine and Jose Onuchic and postdoctoral fellow Dongya Jia looked at oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis, metabolic processes that provide cells with the energy and chemical building blocks they need to proliferate.

From their model, they detailed for the first time a direct association between the activities of two protein players, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), the master regulators of OXPHOS and glycolysis, respectively, with the activities of three major metabolic pathways: glucose oxidation, glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation.

Their theoretical model was experimentally supported by Baylor cancer mitochondrial metabolism researchers led by Dr. Benny Abraham Kaipparettu.

The new study appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"A lot of early cancer papers focus on the Warburg effect, when cancer cells primarily use glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen," Onuchic said. "This is true, but it's not like cancer cells give up on other mechanisms. The more aggressive they become, the more they are able to use any available choice to acquire energy. Our model shows how that's possible."

"Only recently have people paid attention to OXPHOS," Jia added. "But they don't really understand how cancer cells regulate these two metabolic phenotypes. We want to know how cancer cells orchestrate them. Since there is an extensive cross-talk between gene regulation and metabolic pathways, we think it's necessary to simultaneously look at these two different aspects of cancer metabolism."

The researchers said their model helped the team hone in on critical processes that traditional genome-scale metabolic models might miss. "We start with simple models where we can figure out completely what's going on, and then we add details to that scaffold without losing the basic understanding of how the system's working," Levine said.

Jia's mathematical model details connections that allow cancer cells to adopt three stable metabolic states. One is a glycolytic state, characterized by high activity of HIF-1 and high activity of the glycolytic pathway. The second is an OXPHOS state, characterized by high activity of AMPK and high activity of such OXPHOS pathways as glucose oxidation and fatty acid oxidation.

The third is a hybrid metabolic state characterized by high activity of AMPK and HIF-1 and of the glycolysis and OXPHOS pathways. The Rice model revealed the presence of both HIF-1 and AMPK can lead to the hybrid state that is difficult for current cancer therapies to address.

The researchers also found the hybrid metabolic state can be promoted by the stabilization of HIF-1 and the elevated production rate of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells relative to normal cells. ROS are chemically active molecules that are important to signaling but at high levels can damage cells.

Kaipparettu's Baylor team backed up the theory using gene expression data from breast cancer patients and metastatic triple negative breast cancer experimental models. Experimental evidence showed that repressing glycolytic activity in the cells activated AMPK and enhanced OXPHOS. The reverse was also true. But a combination of inhibitors that attacked both glycolysis and OXPHOS successfully eliminated the cells' metabolic plasticity.

"We're trying to push the field of metabolic modeling towards more flexibility, allowing for the decision-making processes we see in cells," Levine said. "And here we're coupling genes to metabolism in a way that's rather novel.

"It's still a limited view of all the metabolic pathways," he said. "There are yet other possibilities that are not included in our model. We eventually need to tell a more complete story to really know what's happening."

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Co-authors of the paper are former Rice postdoctoral researcher Mingyang Lu, an assistant professor at The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine; postdoctoral associates Kwang Hwa Jung and Jun Hyoung Park of Baylor; and Rice alumnus Linglin Yu. Levine is an adjunct professor of bioengineering at Rice and a University Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University. Onuchic is the Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Chair of Physics, a professor of physics and astronomy, of chemistry and of biochemistry and cell biology and co-director of the CTBP.

The research was supported by the National Science Foundation; National Cancer Institute; The Jackson Laboratory; the National Institute of General Medical Sciences; the Department of Defense; the Collaborative Faculty Research Investment Program, the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, all at Baylor; and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Jeff Falk 713-348-6775 jfalk@rice.edu

Mike Williams 713-348-6728 mikewilliams@rice.edu

Read the abstract at http://www. pnas. org/ cgi/ doi/ 10. 1073/ pnas. 1816391116 .

This news release can be found online at https:/ / news. rice. edu/ 2019/ 02/ 07/ cancer-cells-plasticity-makes-them-harder-to-stop/

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews. Related materials:

Jose Onuchic: https:/ / chemistry. rice. edu/ people/ jose-onuchic

Herbert Levine: http://www. bioe. neu. edu/ people/ levine-herbert

Benny Abraham Kaipparettu: https:/ / www. bcm. edu/ people/ view/ benny-kaipparettu-ph-d/ b1915357-ffed-11e2-be68-080027880ca6

Center for Theoretical Biological Physics: https:/ / ctbp. rice. edu/

Wiess School of Natural Sciences: https:/ / naturalsciences. rice. edu

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A new model by Rice University researchers details a direct connection between gene expression and metabolism and how cancer cells take advantage of it to adapt to hostile environments, a process known as metabolic plasticity. (Credit: Illustration by Dongya Jia/Rice University)

https:/ / news-network. rice. edu/ news/ files/ 2019/ 02/ 0201_CANCER-2-WEB-11ezu6r. jpg

Rice University researchers -- from left, Dongya Jia, Herbert Levine and Jose Onuchic -- detail a direct connection between gene expression and metabolism and how cancer cells take advantage of it to adapt to hostile environments. (Credit: Rice University)
PRINCETON, NJ - Feb. 7, 2019 - Certara, the global leader in model-informed drug development, regulatory science, real-world evidence and market access services, today announced its latest advances in bringing model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) to the point of care. Certara scientists have been engaged in critical assessments of hurdles to MIPD (starting with a white paper in 2017) and now have published four new MIPD papers1-4 in the past months delineating the vision and practical path(s) for making individualized dosing a reality under the efforts for "Precision Medicine."

MIPD uses computer modeling and simulation to predict the drug dose for a given patient which, based on their individual characteristics, is most likely to improve efficacy and/or lower toxicity compared with traditional dosing. MIPD is particularly useful when dosing patients who belong to a vulnerable population, such as neonatal or pediatric patients, patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment or the frail elderly who receive multiple drugs and hence are susceptible to drug interactions.3 Those patients are at increased risk of drug-related harm, so improved dosing will likely enhance their care. This is a significant problem for society as well as individual patients because drug-related harm is estimated to cost about US $42 billion per annum globally.5

"Certara recognized several years ago that model-informed drug development (MIDD) could also provide tremendous value if used by healthcare providers (HCPs) to determine the optimal drug dose for individual patients in the clinic," said Certara Chief Scientific Officer Professor Amin Rostami. "We decided to apply our experience in making MIDD operational by collaborating with colleagues in pharma, academia and global regulatory agencies in the area of MIPD to achieve widespread adoption and practical use in clinic instead of the current restricted applications in academic research settings."

"We believe that MIPD will enable the healthcare industry to complete the transition from the traditional 'one size fits all' drug dosing through the current 'stratified/average population' dosing to reach the goal of 'individualized' dosing," said Professor Rostami.

This transition is being facilitated by several factors that are improving researchers' understanding of inter- and intra-individual variability in drug response. They include the availability of fast and affordable genetic testing, the rise of multi-omic technologies to identify biomarkers to monitor handling of the drug by individual patient and the specific effects in each patient, improved medical imaging, rapid pathology testing, characterization of the gut microbiome, superior analysis of biological samples, and powerful computational tools to analyze large quantities of patient data.2,4

"MIPD will be especially valuable for HCPs dosing drugs with a narrow therapeutic index - where a small change in dose can have a large impact on the drug's therapeutic effect or risk of an adverse reaction - and when treating patients from vulnerable populations, which tend to be more complex cases due to changing physiology or polypharmacy," said Tom Polasek, MD, PhD, Medical Director of MIPD at Certara and lead author on three of the new MIPD papers. Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index include anti-arrhythmics, anti-coagulants, anti-epileptics, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and immunosuppressants.4 Dr. Polasek is also a clinical pharmacology registrar at Royal Adelaide Hospital and an adjunct senior lecturer at the Centre for Medicines Use and Safety at Monash University in Australia.

Historical Perspective

Certara, in partnership with The University of Manchester, organized the first-ever Health Care Summit on MIPD in the UK in May 2016. The Summit attracted speakers from research institutions, academia, pharmaceutical companies, and legal authorities in eight countries. During that meeting, 15 case studies were presented that demonstrated the successful use of MIPD in the hospital research environment.

The Summit conclusions, prepared by more than 20 of the participants, were published in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics in May 20176. In addition to describing early examples of the successful clinical application of MIPD, the paper outlined a framework for the broader integration of MIPD into healthcare. Summit participants drew three main conclusions:

Computer models exist that can assess individualized dosing but more data are required to feed them.

Further consideration needs to be given to the implications of using MIPD tools from both a regulatory policy and pharmaceutical development standpoint.

The biggest challenge will be getting clinicians to adopt MIPD and that will require evidence-based efficacy and cost-benefit analyses.

Building on MIPD Momentum

Certara has been working diligently with its industry partners to address those points. It created a broader range of clinically-relevant drug profiles and population files for its physiologically-based pharmacokinetic Simcyp Population-based Simulator.

Certara also published its first 'virtual twin' study in which it used the Simcyp Simulator to create a computer-simulated model for each patient to predict their olanzapine exposure.7 Olanzapine is an antipsychotic drug that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Certara's Virtual Twin Technology was used to replicate all of the patient's attributes that would affect the drug's fate in their body and hence its effects. They included the patient's age, weight, height, sex, ethnicity and genetics and activities of the drug metabolizing enzymes important for olanzapine's elimination from the body.

"Certara is proud to be collaborating with MIPD pioneers and conducting scientific research to generate the data needed to advance this field3 and improve patient care. We believe that the co-development of companion MIPD devices and/or apps during drug development will help drive adoption and we are strongly supporting those efforts," added Dr. Polasek.

The company has also been helping to gather evidence demonstrating the successful real-time use of MIPD in treating infectious diseases and pediatric cases. Those are particularly strong case studies.

Then in December 2017, Certara organized the 1st Asian Symposium on Precision Dosing in Busan, Korea in partnership with Inje University. That meeting drew participants from Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, India, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. They represented academia, the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, and government agencies. The conference conclusions were published in The AAPS Journal in January 2019, together with participants' commitment to continuing research into the clinical implementation of MIPD and educating other healthcare professionals about its benefits.4

Partnering with Regulators

Global regulatory agencies are also following MIPD developments closely. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its first companion MIPD tool for octocog alfa, which is used for the treatment and prevention of bleeding in patients with hemophilia A.

In July 2019, Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency will host a workshop in Tokyo entitled "Challenges for Further Utilization of Pharmacometrics in Drug Developments." Dr. Polasek will address MIPD advances during his presentation at that meeting.

Then in August 2019, FDA will be hosting a workshop entitled "Precision Dosing: Defining the Need and Approaches to Deliver Individualized Drug Dosing in the Real-World Setting." One of the presenters at Certara's inaugural Health Care Summit on MIPD, Bob Powell, PharmD, an adjunct professor in the Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics at the University of North Carolina is co-chair of the FDA workshop. In addition, Larry Lesko, PhD, FCP, who is a member of Certara's Scientific Advisory Board and Strategic Council, and director of the Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology at the University of Florida in Lake Nona, is a presenter at the workshop. Dr. Polasek has also been invited to speak at this workshop.

Scientific interest in and research into MIPD are growing and gaining momentum. It is anticipated that MIPD adoption will follow a similar path to MIDD, which will result in it becoming a required element in clinical practice within a few years.

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References

Martyn Howard, Jill Barber, Naved Alizai and Amin Rostami-Hodjegan. Dose Adjustment in Orphan Disease Populations: The Quest to Fulfill the Requirements of Physiologically-based Pharmacokinetics. Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology. https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1080/ 17425255. 2018. 1546288 . Thomas M. Polasek, Sepehr Shaki and Amin Rostami-Hodjegan. Precision Dosing in Clinical Medicine: Present and Future. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. 2018, Vol. 11, No. 8, 743-746. https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1080/ 17512433. 2018. 1501271 . Thomas M. Polasek, Craig R. Rayner, Richard W. Peck, Andrew Rowland, Holly Kimko, and Amin Rostami-Hodjegan. Toward Dynamic Prescribing Information: Codevelopment of Companion Model-Informed Precision Dosing Tools in Drug Development. Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development. 2018, 0(0) 1-8 2018, The American College of Clinical Pharmacology DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.638. Thomas M. Polasek, Amin Rostami-Hodjegan, Dong-Seok Yim, Masoud Jamei, Howard Lee, Holly Kimko, Jae Kyoung Kim, Phuong Thi Thu Nguyen, Adam S. Darwich, and Jae-Gook Shin. What Does it Take to Make Model-informed Precision Dosing Common Practice? Report from the First Asian Symposium on Precision Dosing. The AAPS Journal (2019) 21:17. DOI: 10.1208/s12248-018-0286-6. World Health Organization. Medication Without Harm - Global Patient Safety 476 Challenge on Medication Safety. Geneva; 2017. AS Darwich, K Ogungbenro, AA Vinks, JR Powell, J-L Reny, N Marsousi, Y Daali, D Fairman, J Cook, LJ Lesko, JS McCune, CAJ Knibbe, SN de Wildt, JS Leeder, M Neely, AF Zuppa, P Vicini, L Aarons, TN Johnson, J Boiani and A Rostami-Hodjegan. Why Has Model-Informed Precision Dosing Not Yet Become Common Clinical Reality? Lessons From the Past and a Roadmap for the Future. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2017 May;101(5):646-656. doi: 10.1002/cpt.659. Epub 2017 Apr 4. Polasek TM, Tucker GT, Sorich MJ, Wiese MD, Mohan T, Rostami-Hodjegan A, Korprasertthaworn P, Perera V, Rowland A. Prediction of olanzapine exposure in individual patients using physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation. Br J Clin Pharmacol. (2018) 84: 462-476. doi: 10.1111/bcp.13480.

About Certara
Avian influenza viruses infect horses in Mongolia but do not cause large outbreaks of disease because they failed to acquire key genetic changes to enable greater cross-species transmissibility, according to a study published February 7 in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Pablo Murcia of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, and colleagues. Future studies aiming at understanding those blocks to cross-species transmission using avian and equine influenza viruses will provide insight on the mechanisms and determinants that underpin influenza emergence in mammals.

Viral diseases pose a constant threat to humans and animals. Occasionally, viruses establish in new hosts, sometimes with devastating consequences. It is not clear what allows a virus to infect and become transmissible in a new population, but ecology and evolution play an important part in this process. Influenza A viruses constitute the archetypical example of emerging viruses: their main natural reservoir is in wild birds, but they have also established in humans, pigs and horses. To better understand how influenza A viruses circulate in nature and the ecological and evolutionary factors mediating viral emergence, Murcia and colleagues sequenced more than 20 avian influenza viruses collected from wild birds in Mongolia. By combining field studies, phylogenetics and experimental infections, the authors documented with unprecedented detail the stages that precede initial outbreaks during viral emergence in nature.

The results revealed that the avian influenza viruses are genetically related to a virus that caused an equine influenza outbreak in 1989. Experimental infections showed that most avian influenza viruses replicate in the respiratory tract of the horse without causing any tissue damage. Moreover, horses in Mongolia have been regularly exposed to them over a broad geographical area without causing clinically evident outbreaks. The findings suggest that equine infections by avian viruses able to replicate in horses are more common than originally thought, and that the failure to acquire key genetic changes is the main barrier to disease emergence. According to the authors, surveillance efforts should be directed to monitor for the presence of horse-adaptive mutations in viruses derived from birds.

"New influenza viruses fail to emerge in horses despite abundant ecological opportunities, Murcia adds. "This is likely due to the inability of the viruses to acquire the necessary changes in their genome to adapt to horses."

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Research Article

Funding: Support for this project was provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services (Contract HHSN266200700007C). PRM was supported by the Medical Research Council of the United Kingdom (Grant MC_UU_12014/9), and the Horserace Betting Levy Board (Grant 779). HR-M was supported by the program PASPA-DGAPA-UNAM. JARA was supported by the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine VetFund. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Citation: Zhu H, Damdinjav B, Gonzalez G, Patrono LV, Ramirez-Mendoza H, Amat JAR, et al. (2019) Absence of adaptive evolution is the main barrier against influenza emergence in horses in Asia despite frequent virus interspecies transmission from wild birds. PLoS Pathog 15(2): e1007531. https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1371/ journal. ppat. 1007531

Author Affiliations:

MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom

State Central Veterinary Laboratory, Transboundary Animal Disease Laboratory, Avian Influenza Section, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Departamento de Microbiologia e Inmunologia, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico

Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom

Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, United States of America

School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China

Laboratory Animal Unit, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China

Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
February 7, 2019: We are delighted to announce that Greece's national consortium for academic and research institutions, HEAL-Link, has signed a consortium membership agreement with ORCID, starting on January 1, 2019. All 52 HEAL-Link members will participate in the consortium and will benefit from premium-level ORCID membership.

HEAL-Link (Hellenic Academic Libraries Link) will act as consortium lead, helping its members to coordinate their ORCID researcher engagement and system integration activities and to build shared tools and resources that can be used across the consortium. They will provide basic technical and implementation support -- backed up by the ORCID team -- as HEAL-Link members integrate ORCID at their organizations.

HEAL-Link joins a community of ORCID consortia active in 20 countries around the world. Its members span across all disciplines and research and scholarly activities and include Greek universities, research institutes, foundations, the National Library, and the General Secretariat of Research and Technology of the Ministry of Education. HEAL-Link provides a suite of services to its members, including authentication and authorization infrastructure, to support open research objectives.

Leonidas Pispiringas, Network Technologies and Infrastructure Manager - Software Developer for HEAL-Link noted that: "We are excited and eagerly looking forward to collaborating with ORCID in order for HEAL-Link members to embrace ORCID Premium services. Subsequently this collaboration will aid to the identification of the researchers of HEAL-Link members and to the connection with their affiliations and activities accordingly."

Laure Haak, Executive Director of ORCID, welcomed the HEAL-Link agreement: "We are excited to be partnering with HEAL-Link and its members to support the adoption of ORCID in Greece as part of our shared open research infrastructure goals."

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About HEAL-Link

HEAL-Link , the Greek Consortium for the Academic & Research Institutions in Greece, is actively involved to projects, initiatives, developments to the scientific publication landscape and its goal is to act in a way that is beneficial to its members and to the scientific community in Greece. Colaboration with ORCID would be of great benefit for all the researchers in Greece as identification of a researcher (name ambiguity problem, etc.) is an enduring issue over the years.

Contact: Leonidas Pispiringas

About ORCID

ORCID's vision is a world where all who participate in research and innovation, from imagining to building and managing, are uniquely identified and connected to their contributions across disciplines, and borders, and time. ORCID provides an identifier for individuals to use with their name as they engage in research and innovation activities. We provide open tools that enable transparent and trustworthy connections between researchers, their contributions, and affiliations. We provide this service to help people find information and to simplify reporting and analysis.

Contact: Laure Haak, Executive Director
The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has elected 86 new members and 18 foreign members, announced NAE President C. D. (Dan) Mote, Jr., today. This brings the total U.S. membership to 2,297 and the number of foreign members to 272

WASHINGTON -- The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has elected 86 new members and 18 foreign members, announced NAE President C. D. (Dan) Mote, Jr., today. This brings the total U.S. membership to 2,297 and the number of foreign members to 272.

Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to "engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature" and to "the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education."

Individuals in the newly elected class will be formally inducted during a ceremony at the NAE's annual meeting in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 6, 2019. A list of the newly elected members and foreign members follows, with their primary affiliations at the time of election and a brief statement of their principal engineering accomplishments.

New Members

Agonafer, Dereje, Jenkins Garrett Professor and director, mechanical and aerospace engineering department, University of Texas, Arlington. For contributions to computer-aided electro/thermo/mechanical design and modeling of electronic equipment.

Ahuja, Krishan K., Regents Professor, Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Tech, Atlanta. For the development of quieter aerosystems and contributions to aeroacoustics research, literature, and education.

Aizenberg, Joanna, Amy Smith Berylson Professor of Materials Science and professor of chemistry and chemical biology, School of Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. For contributions to understanding of biological systems and bioinspired materials design.

Antonsson, Erik K., president and chief executive officer, aiPod Inc., Pasadena, Calif. For leadership in the development of aerospace/defense systems, formal methods of engineering design, and active learning in engineering education.

Axelrad, Penina, Joseph T. Negler Professor, Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder. For application of multipath GPS signals to improve satellite navigation and new approaches to remote sensing.

Baker, Mary, chairman and president, ATA Engineering Inc., San Diego. For computer simulation methods for structural mechanics problems and engineering leadership.

Balta, Wayne S., vice president, corporate environmental affairs and product safety, IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y. For advancing corporate environmental sustainability practices worldwide.

Barabino, Gilda A., Daniel and Frances Berg Professor and dean, Grove School of Engineering, City College of New York, New York City. For leadership in bioengineering research and inclusive models of bioengineering education and faculty mentoring.

Barrangou, Rodolphe, Todd R. Klaenhammer Distinguished Scholar in Probiotics Research, and professor, food, bioprocessing, and nutrition science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh. For discovery of CRISPR-Cas genome editing and engineering microbes, plants, and animals for food and other applications.

Barros, Ana P., James L. Meriam Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, N.C. For contributions to understanding and prediction of precipitation dynamics and flood hazards in mountainous terrains.

Benioff, Marc R., chairman and co-chief executive officer, Salesforce, San Francisco. For leadership in cloud computing and corporate philanthropy.

Bishop, David J., director, CELL-MET Engineering Research Center, and head, division of materials science and engineering, Boston University, Boston. For contributions and leadership in high-capacity optical switch technology.

Biswas, Pratim, Stanley and Lucy Lopata Professor and chair, department of energy, environmental, and chemical engineering, Washington University, St. Louis. For advancing the science of aerosol dynamics and particle removal technologies.

Braatz, Richard D., Edwin R. Gilliland Professor of Chemical Engineering, chemical engineering department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. For contributions to diagnosis and control of large-scale and molecular processes for materials, microelectronics, and pharmaceuticals manufacturing.

Broadbelt, Linda J., Sarah Rebecca Roland Professor, department of chemical and biological engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. For contributions to complex kinetic modeling, particularly for understanding the pathways by which hydrocarbons and polymers undergo pyrolysis.

Chen, Wei, Wilson-Cook Professor in Engineering Design and professor of mechanical engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. For contributions to design under uncertainty in products and systems, and leadership in the engineering design community.

Clark, Douglas S., dean, College of Chemistry, and professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, University of California, Berkeley. For advances in biocatalyst and bioreaction engineering for drug discovery, drug screening, and bioprocessing.

Conger IV, Harry M. "Red," president and chief operating officer, Americas, Freeport-McMoRan Inc., Phoenix. For contributions to copper mine/plant design and leadership of Freeport to become the world's top private copper producer.

Deisseroth, Karl, D.H. Chen Professor, bioengineering and psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Stanford University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, Calif. For molecular and optical tools for discovery and control of neuronal signals behind animal behavior in health and disease.

Deligianni, Hariklia, retired research scientist, IBM Corp., Tenafly, N.J. For electrochemical processes used by major microelectronic chip producers worldwide.

Eccles, Thomas J., rear admiral, U.S. Navy (retired), and chief executive officer, Trident Maritime Systems, Arlington, Va. For service in naval engineering and advances in submarine technology.

England, Paul, director, Microsoft Research, Redmond, Wash. For defining the hardware foundations of secure computing, Trusted Platform Module, and secure enclaves, and for conceiving the darknet.

Erdemir, Ali, Distinguished Fellow and program lead, materials for harsh conditions, applied materials division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne Ill. For contributions to the science and technology of friction, lubrication, and wear.

Fascetti, Robert J., retired vice president, global powertrain engineering, Ford Motor Co., Bloomfield Hills, Mich. For leadership in powertrain products with improved fuel economy, superior performance, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Gallimore, Alec D., Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering and professor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. For advanced spacecraft electric propulsion, especially Hall thruster technology.

Glotzer, Sharon C., Anthony C. Lembke Department Chair of Chemical Engineering and professor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. For development of computer-based design principles for assembly engineering and manufacturing of advanced materials and nanotechnology.

Grejner-Brzezinska, Dorota A., Lowber B. Strange Endowed Professor and chair, civil, environmental, and geodetic engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus. For contributions to geodetic science and satellite navigation, including integration with artificial intelligence.

Halpern, Joseph Y., Joseph C. Ford Professor of Engineering, computer science department, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. For methods of reasoning about knowledge, belief, and uncertainty and their applications to distributed computing and multiagent systems.

Hassan, Yassin A., Sallie and Don Davis '61 Professor in Engineering, departments of nuclear engineering and mechanical engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station. For experimentally validated thermal hydraulic analyses of multiphase flow fields for nuclear reactor operations.

Heritage, Jonathan P., professor emeritus, department of electrical and computer engineering, University of California, Davis. For contributions to optical pulse shaping and wavelength selective optical switches.

Hudson, Linda P., chairman and chief executive officer, The Cardea Group, Charlotte, N.C. For leadership in development and production of military systems, and for mentoring and developing future engineering leaders.

Ingebritsen, Steven E., research hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Interior, Menlo Park, Calif. For contributions to understanding the role of groundwater in geologic processes.

Jordan, William C., principal, Jordan Analytics LLC, Beverly Hills, Mich. For development of analytic methods to improve manufacturing systems and for quantitative analysis of future mobility systems.

Katz, Joseph, William F. Ward Sr. Distinguished Professor, department of mechanical engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. For development of optical methods in experimental fluid mechanics for turbomachinery, cavitation, turbulence, and environmental flows.

Khoshnevis, Behrokh, president and chief executive officer, Contour Crafting Corp., El Segundo, Calif. For innovations in manufacturing and construction, including the application of 3D printing methods.

Kiesler, Sara, program director, division of social and economic sciences, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, Va. For leadership, technical innovation, and identification of social trends with the adoption of computers and robots in work and society.

Kircher, Charles A., principal, Kircher & Associates, Palo Alto, Calif. For advancing structural engineering practice in earthquake engineering and loss prevention in building design.

Kiss, Robert, vice president, process and analytical development, Sutro Biopharma Inc., South San Francisco. For contributions to mammalian cell culture and microbial processes that produce recombinant proteins and antibodies.

Kogel, Jessica E., associate director for mining, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta. For sustainable development and innovation of industrial clay products and processes.

Koon, John H., president, John H. Koon & Associates, Atlanta. For contributions to the design of systems to treat chemically complex industrial wastewaters.

Kuehmann, Charles J., vice president of materials engineering, SpaceX and Tesla Motors, Palo Alto, Calif. For contributions to the creation and commercialization of computational materials design.

Kumar, Anil, associate fellow, specialty coatings and materials, PPG, Monroeville, Pa. For contributions in photochromism and variable polarization and leadership in commercialization.

Lam, Monica S., professor, computer science department, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif. For contributions to the design of advanced compiler and analysis systems for high-performance computers.

Lievense, Jefferson C., senior adviser to the chief executive officer, bioengineering and technology, Genomatica Inc., San Diego. For leadership in biomanufacturing of sustainable chemicals.

*Lorenz, Robert D., Elmer and Janet Kaiser Chair and Consolidated Papers Professor of Controls Engineering, department of mechanical engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison. For contributions to modeling and control of cross-coupled electromechanical systems for high-performance electric machines and drives.

McCarthy, Kathryn A., vice president, research and development, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada. For leadership in research and data analysis in support of licensing extensions for light water nuclear reactors.

McGill, Laura J., vice president, engineering, Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz. For technical leadership of missile systems for the United States and its allies.

McKinley, Gareth H., mechanical engineering department, School of Engineering Professor of Teaching Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. For contributions in rheology, understanding of complex fluid dynamical instabilities, and interfacial engineering of super-repellent textured surfaces.

Moghaddam, Mahta, William M. Hogue Professorship in Electrical Engineering and professor of electrical engineering-electrophysics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. For development of physics-based computational algorithms for mapping of subsurface characteristics.

Mokhtari, Sasan, president and chief executive officer, Open Access Technology International Inc., Minneapolis. For development of software for web-based electric power transmission access, including tagging and scheduling.

Morel, Thomas A., president, Gamma Technologies Inc., Westmont, Ill. For development of computer-aided engineering tools for engines and vehicles.

Morris, Robert T., professor, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. For contributions to programmable network routers, wireless mesh networks, and networked computer systems.

Moyer, Mary Pat, founder, chief executive officer, and chief science officer, INCELL Corp. LLC, San Antonio. For entrepreneurship and development of cell lines, cell media, and testing technologies for regenerative medicine and biopharma products.

Nunes, Sharon L., retired vice president, smarter cities and big green innovations, IBM Corp., Falmouth, Mass. For corporate leadership in development of next-generation green technologies, focusing on novel materials and processes.

O'Sullivan, Stephanie L., consultant and retired principal deputy director, U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Duck Key, Fla. For science, technology, and leadership in national security.

Picard, Rosalind, professor and director of affective computing research, Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. For contributions to effective and wearable computing.

Pines, Darryll J., professor and dean, A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park. For inspirational leadership and contributions to engineering education excellence in the United States.

Prather, Kimberly A., Distinguished Chair in Atmospheric Chemistry, department of chemistry and biochemistry and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, Calif. For technologies that transformed understanding of aerosols and their impacts on air quality, climate, and human health.

Reid, John, director, product technology and innovation, Moline Technology Innovation Center, John Deere, Moline, Ill. For innovation in automation technologies for agricultural systems.

Samuel, Clifford M., senior vice president, access operations and emerging markets, Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, Calif. For innovations in supply chain management and manufacturing technologies central to delivering medication in developing countries.

San Martin, A. Miguel, chief engineer, guidance, navigation, and control, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. For technical contributions and leadership in guidance, navigation, and control leading to successful Mars entry, descent, and landing.

Sarter, Nadine B., professor, industrial and operations engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. For innovation in the design and use of tactile displays for improved safety in aviation, automobiles, and health care.

Schuh, Christopher A., department head and professor, materials science and engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. For contributions to design science and application of nanocrystalline metals.

Scott, Robert A., vice president, technology transfer, surgical research and development, Alcon, Lake Forest, Calif. For contributions in ophthalmological biomaterials for intraocular lenses, glaucoma implants, and surgical equipment.

Seltzer, Margo I., Herchel Smith Professor of Computer Science, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. For engineering contributions to databases, file systems, and operating systems.

Semiatin, Sheldon Lee, senior scientist, materials/processing science and research leader, Metals Processing Group, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. For contributions to thermomechanical processing of aerospace alloys and emerging intermetallic materials.

Shanahan, Patrick M., acting secretary, U.S. Department of Defense, Washington, D.C. For aerospace industry leadership in commercial aircraft, missile defense, and rotorcraft and for service to the Department of Defense.

Shoop, Barry L., dean and professor of electrical engineering, Albert Nerken School of Engineering, The Cooper Union, New York City. For leadership in developing engineering systems solutions for national security and contributions to military engineering education.

Shyu, Heidi, president and chief executive officer, Heidi Shyu Inc., Arlington, Va. For development of innovative radar/electro-optics/infrared systems in support of the U.S. Army and Air Force.

Sigur, Wanda A., retired vice president and deputy general manager, civil space, Lockheed Martin Corp., Seabrook, Texas. For contributions to human spaceflight exploration systems.

Smith, Jane McKee, senior research scientist for hydrodynamic phenomena, Engineering Research and Development Center, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Miss. For leadership in coastal engineering research and development resulting in improved infrastructure resilience.

Speer, John G., John Henry Moore Distinguished Professor and director, Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center, Colorado School of Mines, Golden. For the conception, invention, and reduction to practice of quenching and partitioning steel.

Stanney, Kay M., president and founder, Design Interactive Inc., Orlando, Fla. For contributions to human factors engineering through virtual reality technology and strategic leadership.

Stein, Robert M., consultant, Brookline, Mass. For contributions to electronic systems for national security applications.

Stephens, Daniel B., chairman of the board and principal hydrologist, Daniel B. Stephens & Associates Inc., Albuquerque, N.M. For innovations in vadose zone hydrologic practice and theory.

Tabors, Richard, president, Tabors Caramanis Rudkevich, Boston. For development of technologies for real-time locational pricing of electricity for reduced electric transmission congestion.

Tarokh, Vahid, Rhodes Family Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, N.C. For contributions to space-time coding and its applications to multi-antenna wireless communications.

Thapar, Hemant K., chairman and chief executive officer, OmniTier Inc., Milpitas, Calif. For contributions to theory and practice of coding and signal processing for high-density magnetic recording.

Tom, Jean W., group director, process research and development, Bristol-Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, N.J. For leadership in the process development of multiple commercialized drugs.

Tomlin, Claire J., Charles A. Desoer Chair and professor, electrical engineering and computer sciences, University of California, Berkeley. For contributions to design tools for safety-focused control of cyberphysical systems.

Trolier-McKinstry, Susan, professor of ceramic science and engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park. For development of thin film multilayer ceramic capacitors and piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems.

Tsividis, Yannis, Edwin Howard Armstrong Professor of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City. For contributions to analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit technology and engineering education.

Udren, Eric A., executive adviser, Quanta Technologies, Raleigh, N.C. For leadership in advancing protection technologies for electric power grids.

Vaidyanathan, P.P., Kiyo and Eiko Tomiyasu Professor of Electrical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena. For contributions to digital filter bank theory and design.

Wang, Christine A., senior staff scientist, Laser Technology and Applications Group, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, Mass. For contributions to epitaxial crystal growth of III-V compound semiconductors and design of organometallic vapor-phase epitaxy reactors.

Wu, Margaret M., retired senior scientific adviser, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co., Odenton, Md. For contributions to synthetic lubricants for improved energy efficiency and machine protection.

New Foreign Members

Betin, Pierre Claude, retired senior vice president, Safran S.A./SNECMA, Villenave d'Ornon, France. For leadership of Europe's solid rocket propulsion industry and contributions to launch and missile systems.

Brignole, Esteban A., professor emeritus, chemical engineering, Universidad Nacional Sur/CONICET, Bahia Blanca, Argentina. For contributions to molecular design of solvents, modeling of high-pressure phase equilibria, and leadership in research and academic-industry collaborations.

Cates, Michael E., Lucasian Professor of Mathematics and Royal Society Research Professor, department of applied mathematics and theoretical physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. For research on the rheology, dynamics, and thermodynamics of complex fluids, and for scientific leadership in the European Community.

de Geus, Aart J., chairman and co-chief executive officer, Synopsys Inc., Mountain View, Calif. For leadership and technical contributions to logic synthesis for integrated circuits.

Dordain, Jean-Jacques, consultant and former director general, European Space Agency, Paris. For contributions to complex space systems and leadership of space exploration programs worldwide.

Dyson, James, chairman and founder, Dyson Technology Ltd., Malmesbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. For development of advanced technologies and innovative products and for contributions to design and engineering education.

Jonah, Samuel E., executive chairman, Jonah Capital, Accra, Ghana. For leadership and technical contributions in advancing the mineral industry in Africa.

Laporte, Gilbert, Canada Research Chair in Distribution Management and professor, department of decision sciences, HEC Montreal, Montreal, Canada. For domain-defining contributions to the theory and practice of vehicle routing, facility location, and distribution management.

Mair, Robert, emeritus professor of civil engineering and director of research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. For contributions to underground construction and smart infrastructure and for leadership in government, engineering practice, research, and education.

Mazumdar-Shaw, Kiran, chairperson and managing director, Biocon Limited, Bangalore, India. For development of affordable biopharmaceuticals and the biotechnology industry in India.

Murray, Christopher B., Richard Perry University Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. For invention and development of solvothermal synthesis of monodisperse nanocrystal quantum dots for displays, photovoltaics, and memory.

Qu, Jiuhui, professor, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing. For development of water treatment technology and leadership in improving water quality in China.

Ramamoorty, Mylavarapu, former chancellor, K L University, Vijayawada, Nacharam, Hyderabad, India. For technical leadership of power engineering research, development, education, and establishing national laboratories in India.

Rudnick, Hugh, emeritus professor, electrical engineering, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. For leadership in South American electric power markets, resource and transmission planning, and standards.

Sohrabpour, Saeed, professor, mechanical engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran. For establishing Sharif University as an academic Center of Excellence and advancing engineering and science education in Iran.

Spaldin, Nicola A., professor for materials theory, ETH Zurich, Zurich. For theoretical contributions to advance the field of multiferroics.

Stevens, Molly, professor of biomedical materials and regenerative medicine, Imperial College - London, South Kensington, United Kingdom. For contributions to materials-based approaches for tissue regeneration and biosensing.

Zheludev, Nikolay, head of nanophotonics and metamaterials, Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom. For leadership and technical contributions to optical metamaterials and nanophotonics.

*Elected posthumously

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Contacts:

Randy Atkins, Senior Program Officer Media/Public Relations

202-334-1508; e-mail <atkins@nae.edu>

Kim Garcia, Membership Elections Manager

202-334-2195; e-mail <kgarcia@nae.edu>

National Academy of Engineering
School after Labor Day will remain the law in this state, as nearly everyone has been pushing for for many, many years. Regardless of what action the legislature attempts to take, they will fail, Hogan said. Marylanders will have the deciding vote on this, one way or another.
The first study of the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab as the initial treatment for patients with a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer known as Merkel cell carcinoma reports better responses and longer survival than expected with conventional chemotherapy.

The study, co-led by Suzanne Topalian, M.D., associate director of the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, is the longest observation to date of Merkel cell carcinoma patients treated with any anti-PD-1 immunotherapy drug used in the first line. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, supported the recent (Dec. 19, 2018) U.S. Food and Drug Administration accelerated approval of pembrolizumab, marketed as Keytruda, as a first-line treatment for adult and pediatric patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma.

For this study, investigators from the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute collaborated with researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, along with 11 other U.S. medical centers. The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute team includes Topalian, William Sharfman, M.D., Evan Lipson, M.D., Abha Soni, D.O., M.P.H., and Janis Taube, M.D., M.Sc.

In the 50-patient study of pembrolizumab as the initial treatment for patients with recurrent, locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, more than half of the patients (28 patients, 56 percent) had long-lasting responses to the treatment, 12 of whom (24 percent) experienced a complete disappearance of their tumors. Nearly 70 percent of patients in this study were alive two years after starting treatment.

"This is the earliest trial of immunotherapy as a front-line therapy for Merkel cell carcinoma, and it was shown to be more effective than what would be expected from traditional therapies, like chemotherapy," says Topalian, who is a Bloomberg~Kimmel professor of cancer immunotherapy at the Kimmel Cancer Center. "Immunotherapy provides an effective treatment for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma who before had few options. Immunotherapy is unique in cancer treatment, because it does not directly target cancer cells but rather removes constraints on the immune system's natural ability to find and destroy cancer cells."

The 50 patients in this study were treated at 13 centers across the United States in a clinical trial conducted by the Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network, which is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The Kimmel Cancer Center, where much of the medical science contributing to the development of pembrolizumab unfolded, was a lead institution. Preliminary findings regarding the first 26 patients enrolled in the study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2016. The study was subsequently amended to add 24 more patients.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifies Merkel cell carcinoma as an "orphan disease," as it is diagnosed in fewer than 2,000 people annually in the United States. It typically occurs in older people and those who have suppressed immune systems. About 80 percent of Merkel cell carcinomas are caused by a virus called the Merkel cell polyomavirus. The remaining cases are attributed to ultraviolet light exposure and other, unknown factors.

In the study, treatment with pembrolizumab worked well against both virus-positive and virus-negative Merkel cell carcinomas, resulting in high response rates and durable progression-free survival in both subtypes. The findings also showed that tumors expressing a PD-1-related protein called PD-L1 tended to respond longer to treatment, although patients whose tumors did not express PD-L1 also responded.

"These findings could be a precursor to developing more effective treatments for other virus-related cancers, which account for about 20 percent of cancers worldwide," says Sharfman, the Mary Jo Rogers Professor of Cancer Immunology and Melanoma Research.

The non-virus-related subtype is characterized by high numbers of genetic mutations in cancer cells, which has also been shown by the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute group to be a biomarker of response in various cancers to checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab.

Pembrolizumab works against Merkel cell carcinoma by blocking PD-1, a molecule on the surface of immune cells that regulates immune responses, turning them on and off. Cancer cells often manipulate PD-1 to send a "stop" signal to the immune system. Blocking that signal with a checkpoint inhibitor, such as pembrolizumab, initiates a "go" signal, sending immune cells to attack cancer cells. A protein on the surface of cancer cells, called PD-L1, is one mechanism cancer cells use to manipulate PD-1 and disrupt the immune response.

"Under the microscope, PD-L1 looks like an armor around the cancer cell," says Taube, an associate professor of oncology, dermatology and pathology. "Pembrolizumab interrupts PD-1 signaling by blocking the communication between PD-1 and PD-L1, removing the stop signal and re-engaging the immune system to go after cancer cells."

Patients in the just-published study received the immune checkpoint blocking drug pembrolizumab intravenously every three weeks for up to two years. During this time, the status of their cancer was monitored periodically with imaging scans. Overall, most patients tolerated the treatment well. However, 28 percent of patients experienced serious side effects, including one treatment-associated death.

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Paul Nghiem, M.D., Ph.D., affiliate investigator in the clinical research division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, and professor of medicine in the division of dermatology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, is the principal investigator and first author of the study.

In addition to Topalian, Sharfman, Taube, Lipson, Soni and Nghiem, study investigators included Shailender Bhatia, Ragini Kudchadkar, Andrew Brohl, Phillip Friedlander, Adil Daud, Harriet Kluger, Sunil Reddy, Brian Boulmay, Adam Riker, Melissa Burgess, Brent Hanks, Thomas Olencki, Kim Margolin, Lisa Lundgren, Nirasha Ramchurren, Candice Church, Song Park, Michi Shinohara, Bob Salim, Steven Bird, Nageatte Ibrahim, Steven Fling, Blanca Homet-Moreno, Elad Sharon and Martin Cheever.

The research was supported by the National Cancer Institute (1U01CA154967, K24CA139052, R01CA162522, R01CA142779, T32CA193145), the NIH/NCI Cancer Center Support Grant in Seattle (P30CA015704), Merkel cell carcinoma patient gift fund at the University of Washington, Kelsey Dickson Merkel cell carcinoma challenge grant from the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and Merck.

COI: Lipson reports a consulting or advisory role: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis, EMD Serono, Array BioPharma, Regeneron/Sanofi Genzyme, MacroGenics, Merck, Millennium; research funding: Bristol-Myers Squibb (Inst), Merck (Inst), Sysmex (Inst); patents, royalties, other intellectual property: Method of preventing organ transplantation rejections using agonists to the PD-1 checkpoint pathway (Inst). Sharfman reports honoraria: Bristol-Myers Squibb; consulting or advisory role: Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis, Regeneron; research funding: Bristol-Myers Squibb (Inst), Merck, Novartis. Taube reports consulting or advisory role: Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, Merck, Amgen; research funding: Bristol-Myers Squibb; travel, accommodations, expenses: Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, Merck, Amgen. Topalian reports stock and other ownership interests: Aduro Biotech (I), Compugen (I), Potenza Therapeutics (I), Jounce Therapeutics (I), Five Prime Therapeutics, Tizona Therapeutics (I), DNAtrix (I), FLX Bio (I), WindMIL (I), Dragonfly Therapeutics, Ervaxx (I); consulting or advisory role: Five Prime Therapeutics, Amgen (I), MedImmune (I), Merck, AbbVie, Compugen (I), DNAtrix (I), FLX Bio (I), Tizona Therapeutics (I), WindMIL (I), Dragonfly Therapeutics, Bayer (I), Dynavax (I), Ervaxx (I), Immunomic Therapeutics (I), Janssen Oncology (I); research funding: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Compugen (I), Potenza Therapeutics (I); patents, royalties, other intellectual property: Aduro Biotech (I), Bristol-Myers Squibb (I), Immunomic Therapeutics (I); travel, accommodations, expenses: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Five Prime Therapeutics. (I) = immediate family member, (Inst) = my institution.

Potential conflicts of interest reported by other authors can be found at ascopubs.org.
Scientists from ITMO in collaboration with their international colleagues proposed new DNA-based nanomachines that can be used for gene therapy of cancer. This new invention can greatly contribute to making the treatment of oncological diseases more effective and selective. The results were published in Angewandte Chemie.

Gene therapy is considered one of the promising ways of treating oncological diseases, even though the current approaches are far from perfect. Oftentimes, the agents fail to discern malignant cells from healthy ones, and are bad at interacting with folded RNA targets.

In order to solve this issue, scientists, including a Russian team from ITMO University headed by professor Dmitry Kolpashchikov, proposed special nanomachines. Their operation principle is based on using particular molecules, deoxyribozymes, which can interact with targeted RNA, bind them, unfold and cleave. According to the scientists' idea, these nanomachines have to recognize DNA oncomarkers and form complexes that can break down messenger RNA of vital genes with high selectivity, which will then result in apoptotic death of malignant cells.

The researchers have tested the efficiency of the new machines in a model experiment and learned that they can cleave folded RNA molecules better than the original deoxyribozymes. They showed that the design of the nanomachine makes it possible to break down targeted RNA in the presence of a DNA oncomarker only, and the use of RNA-unfolding arms provides for the machine's better efficiency. The scientists also learned that the nanomachine can inhibit the growth of malignant cells, though cellular experiments didn't show high specificity. The researchers associate such a result with a possibly poor choice of the RNA target and a low stability of DNA structures in the cell.

The new approach differs fundamentally from the ones used before. The existing gene therapy agents are aimed at suppressing the expression of oncological markers. In the research in question, the scientists focused on the messenger RNA of vital genes, and the oncological marker was used as an activator. This makes it possible to apply the DNA nanomachine in treating any kind of cancer by using new DNA oncomarkers for activating the breaking down of targeted molecules.

The new invention opens new ways of treating oncological diseases. Still, there are many experiments to be conducted before it can be applied in therapy.

"For now, we are trying to introduce new functional elements in the framework, ones that will contribute to a more effective recognition of oncological markers, and are also optimizing the DNA nanomachine for various RNA targets. In order to improve the efficiency and selectiveness of our constructions in cellular conditions, we are selecting new RNA targets and studying the stability of DNA machines in cells, which we plan to improve with the help of the already existing chemical modifications," comments Daria Nedorezova, Master's student at ITMO University.

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Reference: Towards DNA Nanomachines for Cancer Treatment: Achieving Selective and Efficient Cleavage of Folded RNA. Dmitry M Kolpashchikov et al. Angewandte Chemie. 28 January, 2019.
A slowdown in fertility decline in sub-Saharan Africa was partially caused by disruptions in women's education in the 1980s, according to new IIASA research

A recent stall in declining fertility rates in Africa is at least partially due to disruptions in women's education, according to a study published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"The stalls in fertility decline have been a puzzle to researchers for many years since Africa was expected to undergo the 'demographic transition,' where socioeconomic development leads first to reduced death rates, and after some lag, to reduced birth rates," says IIASA researcher Endale Kebede, who led the study.

Starting in the 1980's, it appeared that many African countries were on the onset of fertility decline. But in the 1990s and early 2000s, some sub-Saharan African countries saw a leveling-off of this decline. A few countries, such as Kenya and the Cote d'Ivoire, actually saw increasing fertility rates for some periods of time.

This leveling-off has led to revisions of population projections, and concern about the impacts of continued population growth in the region.

Previous research from IIASA's World Population Program and the affiliated Wittgenstein Centre for Global Human Capital has shown that women's education is a key factor linked to falling fertility rates.

"We were suspecting that the stalls could be linked to an education crisis some years back" " explains IIASA researcher Anne Goujon, a study coauthor who started exploring the topic descriptively some years ago.

The new study provides strong evidence to support that theory, as well as further support for policies that encourage and support education for women.

In the study, researchers reconstructed fertility histories by age and education level of the mother from 18 African countries both with and without fertility stalls. They pooled these data to create a dataset of more than two million births to some 670,000 women born between 1950 and 1995.

This painstaking reconstruction allowed the researchers a much more detailed view than previously available of what was happening in the populations.

"Our study was a cohort-wise analysis, meaning that we followed women by birth-year to understand their entire birth histories and the factors that contributed," says Kebede, "We found that cohorts who were affected by the educational discontinuities in the 1980s tend to have higher level of fertility. This is both due to the direct effect of education on fertility and the high vulnerability of the poorly educated cohorts to period specific shocks."

Wolfgang Lutz, IIASA World Population Program director and Wittgenstein Center founding director, says that the study marks and important step in understanding and projecting future population trends in Africa.

"Africa's future population growth is the key factor driving future world population. And not only will population growth affect the African continent, it will have major impacts on the rest of the world through migration and global environmental impacts," says Lutz.

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Reference

Kebede E, Goujon A, Lutz W (2019) Stalls in Africa's fertility decline partly result from disruptions in female education. PNAS. doi:10.1073/pnas.1717288116

More info/Links

Policy Brief: http://www. iiasa. ac. at/ web/ home/ resources/ publications/ IIASAPolicyBriefs/ pb11. html
SINGAPORE, 5 February 2019 - Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have demonstrated for the first time a physical interaction between two types of immune cells that plays an important role in the early fight against dengue virus infection.

Dengue virus is widespread in the tropics and is transmitted by mosquitos. Dengue virus infection incidence has grown dramatically in recent years, with estimates suggesting 390 million infections annually. It manifests as a severe, flu-like illness with high fever, and can in some cases develop into a life-threatening condition. No treatments exist for dengue fever. A vaccination does exist but is only recommended for use in people who have had dengue at least once before.

"We need much better vaccinations for dengue and for related viral pathogens that are injected into the skin by mosquitoes," said Dr Ashley St. John, Assistant Professor of Duke-NUS' Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Signature Research Programme and corresponding author of the study.

Very little is known about how the immune system first recognizes viruses, such as dengue virus, in the skin, she explains. Understanding how this happens could help design better vaccines for this and similar viruses.

Dr St. John and study co-author Dr Chinmay Mantri, a Research Fellow in the EID Programme, investigated the role played by a type of immune cell, called a mast cell, which patrols the skin to guard against infections. Mast cells are largely known for recruiting other types of immune cells through the release of special attracting chemicals. Much is understood about how mast cells react in the presence of bacteria and parasites, but investigations into their roles with viruses have only recently begun.

The researchers analysed how the dengue virus reacted in an animal model without any mast cells and compared the responses to animals with normal numbers of mast cells in order to determine which reactions were dependent on the presence of mast cells.

They found that mast cells attracted several types of immune cells to the site of infection. One of these is called gamma delta () T cells. Not only were  T cells attracted to the infection site, they also physically interacted with the mast cells, something not previously observed in viral infections. The  T cells bound to a receptor present on the mast cells called the endothelial protein C receptor. This so-called 'immune synapse' led to the T cells activating, proliferating, and producing interferon gamma, which initiated their role in killing cells infected with dengue.

"These [immune synapse] structures of cells in the process of communication were very exciting and visually striking to us when we first made this observation, and provide a glimpse into the ways that cells must work together to fight infection," said Dr St. John.

Professor Patrick Casey, Senior Vice Dean of Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, commented, "According to recent news, the number of dengue cases in Singapore since the start of 2019 have been at their highest in over two years. This timely study is all the more important as an example of how we develop insights from outstanding basic research that can one day lead to clinical innovations to protect against such diseases."

The study authors next plan to use the results of their research to work toward the development of better vaccines for viruses, like dengue, that are spread by mosquitoes.

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NEW YORK, NY (Feb 7, 2019)--Compounds found in fish oil prevent pregnancy complications, including preterm birth, neonatal death, and stillbirth, in mice when the complications are caused by a common oral bacteria, according to research published today in the journal JCI Insight.

The study, by scientists at Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine and Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, suggests a new strategy for protecting pregnancy in women.

Why it matters

Approximately one in 10 U.S. infants are born before term. Between 10 and 30 percent of preterm births have been attributed to uterine infections with a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouth, F. nucleatum.

This research identifies a potential prophylactic treatment for pregnant women to lower the risk of adverse outcomes including stillbirth.

Background

"This type of bacteria is ubiquitous; everybody has it in their mouths," says Yiping Han, PhD, senior author of the new study. "The problems start when it travels to other parts of the body."

In pregnant women, the placenta is at particular risk for infection with F. nucleatum. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause inflammation and bleeding in the gums, which affects between 30 and 100 percent of pregnant women. Bleeding gums create an entryway for bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. Once in the circulatory system, the bacteria can migrate to the placenta and cause inflammation there, sometimes triggering miscarriage or stillbirth.

Isolating the inflammatory mechanism

"We knew from our previous work that uterine inflammation due to infection with this bacteria is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but in order to prevent those outcomes, we needed to determine exactly how these infections trigger inflammation."

Using a mouse model, the researchers injected the bacteria into mice during their third trimester of pregnancy. As predicted, the bacteria invaded the animals' uteruses.

The researchers saw that the bacteria triggered an inflammatory response in endothelial cells within the mouse placenta, leading to preterm births.

The inflammatory response only occurred when a specific immune protein was present in the mothers' endothelial cells. In pregnant mice lacking this protein, fewer fetuses died, suggesting that inflammation ignited by this protein is critical for causing preterm births.

Omega-3's prevent inflammation, improve birth outcomes in mice

After determining how the bacteria trigger inflammation within the placenta, Han's team used cultured cells to look for ways to inhibit those mechanisms.

"We were looking for an anti-inflammatory agent that's safe for pregnant women to use," says Han.

Because omega-3 fatty acid supplements are widely used to reduce inflammation in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Han considered fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements are already recommended for pregnant women to support fetal development.

The experiments showed that supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids also inhibited inflammation and bacterial growth in pregnant mice, and reduced preterm births, miscarriages, and stillbirths.

What's next

Han now hopes to begin a clinical trial to test whether omega-3 fatty acids can prevent intrauterine F. nucleatum infection and adverse outcomes in pregnant women.

Caveats

The doses of omega-3 fatty acids used in this study were far higher than those recommended for people taking fish oil supplements. The study points to a promising avenue for further research, but does not support any immediate changes in clinical practice.

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More details

Yiping Han is a professor of microbial sciences in dental medicine at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and of microbiology and immunology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons.

The study is titled "Omega-3 fatty acids suppress Fusobacterium nucleatum-induced placental inflammation originating from maternal endothelial cells" appeared online Feb. 7, 2019 in the journal JCI Insight.

The other contributors are Jeewon Garcia-So, Xinwen Zhang, Xiaohua Yang, Mara Roxana Rubinstein, De Yu Mao, Jan Kitajewski, and Kang Liu.

The authors report no financial or other conflicts of interest.

Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CDM), one of the nation's first dental schools, educates general dentists and specialists to practice dentistry as the oral health specialty of medicine. CDM provides comprehensive, precision care to over 30,000 patients each year through more than 130,000 visits, making CDM the largest source of oral healthcare to underserved upper Manhattan communities. A centerpiece of the school's offerings is the Center for Precision Dental Medicine, a clinic that will personalize care and education through big data and first-of-its-kind technology. Other programs bring oral healthcare to local schools, seniors, and community centers. For more information, visit dental.columbia.edu.

Columbia University Irving Medical Center provides international leadership in basic, preclinical, and clinical research; medical and health sciences education; and patient care. The medical center trains future leaders and includes the dedicated work of many physicians, scientists, public health professionals, dentists, and nurses at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, the College of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, the biomedical departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and allied research centers and institutions. Columbia University Irving Medical Center is home to the largest medical research enterprise in New York City and State and one of the largest faculty medical practices in the Northeast. For more information, visit cuimc.columbia.edu or columbiadoctors.org.
Humans are unusual in that women go through menopause and stop reproducing long before reaching the end of their life expectancy. One theory holds that this aspect of human life history may be explained by the evolutionary benefits associated with the role of grandmothers in helping their grandchildren. Now, two studies reported in Current Biology on February 7 add to evidence for this so-called "grandmother hypothesis." However, they also show that there are limits.

"Grandmother help is central to human families all around the world, but we find that the opportunity and ability to provide help to young grandchildren declines with grandmother age," says Virpi Lummaa of the University of Turku, Finland, corresponding author of one of the two studies.

"In our study, women whose mothers were alive had more children and more of those children lived to the age of 15," adds Patrick Bergeron of Bishop's University, Canada, a lead author on the other study. "Interestingly," he adds, "the grandmother effects decreased as the grandmother-daughter geographic distances increased, suggesting that the potential for help may be related to geographic proximity."

While the influence of grandmothers has been well studied in some contexts, Lummaa's team saw a key question that hadn't been addressed: does the age of a grandmother affect the benefits her presence offers to her family? As the researchers explain, identifying situations when help does and does not occur could help us understand how post-reproductive life may have evolved and how grandmothering may have selected for its length.

The researchers relied on long-term life-history data from detailed pre-industrial Finnish church registers. The Finnish population in question experienced large fluctuations in rates of mortality and fertility. Its members were at risk due to a harsh climate, poor crop yields, and outbreaks of disease. About a third of the population died before the age of 5.

The data suggest that the opportunity and ability for grandmothers to help grandchildren declined with age. The presence of maternal grandmothers, aged 50 to 75, increased the survival of grandchildren, lending support to the idea that post-reproductive lifespan comes with a fitness advantage.

However, the researchers report, living with a paternal grandmother over the age of 75, who was presumably in poor health, was actually detrimental to grandchild survival. The findings suggest that the evolutionary benefits of grandmothering can select for a longer lifespan, but "only up to a certain point."

"Our work implies that, whilst post-reproductive lifespan could indeed have evolved at least partly due to beneficial grandmother effects, such benefits wane with age as the opportunities and ability to provide help decline, leading to limits to the evolution of even longer lifespan," first author Simon Chapman says. "As lifespan in modern industrialized nations is much longer than in the past, it may be that medicine has allowed us to overcome the 'natural' limit on longevity."

To study the potential for grandmothers to help in their study, Bergeron's team, including first author Sacha Engelhardt, took advantage of exceptionally detailed data on the first French settlers to Quebec, Canada, during the 17th and 18th centuries. The data made it possible to explore the benefits of grandmothers on grandchild survival while accounting for geographic distances between grandmothers and their daughters.

"French settlers had large family size at the time, allowing us to control for potential shared familial genetic and environmental effects, by comparing the reproductive profile of sisters that lived with or without their mother," Bergeron says.

Living grandmothers allowed their daughters to increase the number of children they had by about 2 and the number surviving to the age of 15 by about 1 on average in comparison to families in which the maternal grandmother had passed away. As geographic distance increased, the researchers report, the number of children born and lifetime reproductive success decreased, while the age at first reproduction increased, despite the grandmothers' being alive. In other words, grandmothers weren't much help when they lived too far away.

"In investigating geographic distances, we have empirically shown another mediating factor of grandmother help, adding another piece to the complex puzzle of post-reproductive lifespan," Bergeron says.

The findings show that the influence of grandmothers can be context dependent, highlighting the importance of testing its importance in different populations, Bergeron notes. Chapman says they plan to continue exploring different contexts where grandmother effects have been particularly important, to build a clearer picture of the role of grandmother help in the evolution of post-reproductive life.

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Current Biology, Engelhardt et al.: "Using geographic distance as a potential proxy for help in the assessment of the grandmother hypothesis" https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(19)30029-6 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.01.027

Engelhardt et al. was supported by a FQRNT postdoctoral fellowship, the Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science, SSHRCC and CFI Grants, and NSERC Discovery Grants.

Current Biology, Chapman et al.: "Limits to fitness benefits of prolonged post-reproductive lifespan in women" https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(19)30008-9 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.12.052

Chapman et al. was supported by the Academy of Finland and the Kone Foundation.
CABI scientists have helped map the ferocious speed and probable cause of a devastating spread of the invasive alien tree Prosopis juliflora across an area equivalent to half of neighboring Djibouti in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia

CABI scientists have helped map the ferocious speed and probable cause of a devastating spread of the invasive alien tree Prosopis juliflora (Swartz DC) across an area equivalent to half of neighbouring Djibouti in the Afar Region of north eastern Ethiopia.

Dr Urs Schaffner, who is supervising lead author Hailu Shiferaw for his PhD studies, contributed to the Scientific Reports published paper 'Modelling the current fractional cover of an invasive alien plant and drivers of its invasion in a dryland ecosystem', which shows that the Prosopis invaded 1.2 million ha of grassland/shrubland in just 35 years.

The fractional cover map produced by Mr Shiferaw not only provides information on the current distribution of Prosopis in the Afar Region, it also shows the percent cover of this alien tree across the invaded range.

Hailu Shiferaw, from the Water and Land Resource Centre of Addis Ababa University, Dr Schaffner and colleagues from Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources and University of Bern, Switzerland, believe the main drivers for the invasion are river courses, road networks and village vicinities.

The scientists, who modelled the spread using a Random Forest algorithm in combination with satellite data, also suggest that the migration of livestock and wildlife could have contributed to the distribution of the woody weed but state this claim requires further investigation.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, various species and hybrids of Prosopis - native to South and Central America - were planted in areas outside of their native range including Australia, southern Asia and eastern Africa. The aim was to provide firewood, charcoal, fodder and timber to stabilize soil in degraded ecosystems and prevent desertification.

While the first introductions in Ethiopia were made during the 1970s and 1980s, problems soon arose in the early 1990s when the tree started invading croplands, grasslands, riverbanks and roadsides - causing significant environmental impacts and a source of conflict among pastoralist groups due to the effect on dwindling grazing land.

Mr Shiferaw said, "Our study suggests that river courses, particularly during flooding events, are known to serve as modes of transportation of Prosopis pods and seeds to downstream areas - a process otherwise known as corridor dispersal.

"In particular, our findings reveal that the invasion of riparian habitats along the Awash River will continue downstream, thereby, quickening the loss of drought-season grazing areas which may aggravate conflict among pastoralist communities."

The researchers say that despite the potential benefits of Prosopis, by way of firewood and charcoal, Ethiopia has declared it a noxious weed and has recently published a Prosopis management strategy to try and tackle it.

"The Random Forest regression can help produce accurate fractional cover maps of Invasive Alien Plant Species that help explain their current abundance as well as predict future invasion patterns," Mr Shiferaw added. "Fractional cover maps help us identify areas with early stages of invasion, where Invasive Alien Plant Species management is still relatively cheap but the benefits are high. We propose that the establishment and interpretation of fractional cover maps of this nature should become a key component of management strategies at the regional and national scale."

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Notes to editors

Additional information

Full paper reference

Shiferaw, H., Schaffner, U., Bewket, W., Alamirew, T., Zeleke, G., Teketay, D., and Eckert, S. 2018. Modelling the current fractional cover of an invasive alien plant and drivers of its invasion in a dryland ecosystem. Scientific Reports, DOI:10.1038/s41598-018-36587-7

The paper is available as an Open Access document and can be viewed here https:/ / www. nature. com/ articles/ s41598-018-36587-7

Funding

Swiss Programme for Research on Global Issues for Development (r4d), funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), for the project "Woody invasive alien species in East Africa: Assessing and mitigating their negative impact on ecosystem services and rural livelihood."

Urs Schaffner was supported by CABI with core financial support from its member countries.

Photograph

A photograph of a riverbank invasion of Prosopis is available.

Media enquiries

Wayne Coles, Communications Manager, CABI, email: w.coles@cabi.org Tel: +44 (0) 1491 829395

About CABI

CABI is an international not-for-profit organization that improves people's lives by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment.

Through knowledge sharing and science, CABI helps address issues of global concern such as improving global food security and safeguarding the environment. We do this by helping farmers grow more and lose less of what they produce, combating threats to agriculture and the environment from pests and diseases, protecting biodiversity from invasive species, and improving access to agricultural and environmental scientific knowledge. Our 49 member countries guide and influence our core areas of work, which include development and research projects, scientific publishing and microbial services.

We gratefully acknowledge the core financial support from our member countries (and lead agencies) including the United Kingdom (Department for International Development), China (Chinese Ministry of Agriculture), Australia (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research), Canada (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), Netherlands (Directorate-General for International Cooperation, and Switzerland (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation). Other sources of funding include the fees paid by our member countries and profits from our publishing activities which enable CABI to support rural development and scientific research around the world.
The current idea about how tuberous sclerosis occurs places mTORC1, a protein complex that regulates cell metabolism, as the major driving force behind the disease. But according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U.S.A. by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, the development of this rare condition also involves a second mechanism that is independent of mTORC1. The findings can potentially lead to new treatments that might benefit patients who partially respond to current therapies focused on mTORC1.

"Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic disease that causes benign tumors to grow in the brain, kidneys, skin and other organs. Patients present with a combination of symptoms that can include seizures, developmental delay, skin abnormalities and kidney disease," said first and co-corresponding author Dr. Rituraj Pal, postdoctoral associate of molecular and human genetics at Baylor.

Tuberous sclerosis is caused by mutations in the genes TSC1 and TSC2. The current thought is that the dysfunctional proteins produced by these mutated genes fail to regulate mTORC1, which then becomes hyperactive and leads to the development of the disease. How the disease actually develops is still not clear.

"Previous studies have associated tuberous sclerosis with excessive accumulation of glycogen, a main source of energy, inside cells, although this has not been clearly shown," said corresponding author Dr. Marco Sardiello, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor and a member of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital. "We know from other conditions that glycogen accumulation damages cells."

Cells are like homes. Both are constantly producing waste that must be disposed of to keep a healthy, functional environment. Even materials that are usually not toxic, such as glycogen, will become so if they accumulate inside the cell. To gain insights into how the disease happens, the researchers first investigated whether glycogen accumulated inside cells with the disease.

Discovering a second player in tuberous sclerosis

"We clearly show that glycogen accumulates inside both human and mouse cells with the condition," Pal said. "Then we investigated the mechanism."

The researchers looked at mTORC1, the only player that was known to be contributing to tuberous sclerosis, and found that in some cases in which the TSC2 gene is completely deleted, mTORC1 is hyperactive and partially responsible for the accumulation of glycogen.

But when the researchers tested samples from patients carrying two particular TSC2 mutations that do not completely eliminate the gene but just change the protein, they observed that mTORC1 was working normally, yet glycogen accumulated inside the cells. This suggested that there was another glycogen-clearing mechanism at play and that it was independent of mTORC1.

"One clue about what the second mechanism might involve was the observation that the affected cells had fewer lysosomes than normal cells," Pal said. "Lysosomes are structures in charge of clearing cellular waste. When lysosomes fail and cellular waste accumulates, disease follows."

Further investigations showed that the second mTORC1-independent mechanism involved defects in the formation of lysosomes and in the process that digests cellular materials, including glycogen. And this led to the accumulation of glycogen inside the cells.

"Our findings put forward a new perspective on this disease that can have implications for patient treatment. We show that mutations of TSC2 are not all equal, implying that the same is true for patients," Pal said.

Current treatments are focused on modifying only mTORC1 activity. This work suggests that further studies are needed to systematically analyze the TSC mutations carried by each patient. Some patients may be carrying TSC mutations that affect mTORC1. But in other patients TSC mutations may be affecting the second mechanism without disrupting mTORC1.

"This could lead to the development of novel approaches to treat the disease that might improve the response of patients who partially respond to the treatments focused on targeting mTORC1," Sardiello said.

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Dr. Yan Xiong at Baylor College of Medicine also contributed to this work.

Financial support was provided by National Institutes of Health grant NS079618.
Las Vegas, NV (Feb. 7, 2019) -- It is estimated that 3 million Americans live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Currently, there are no cures for these diseases. For many patients, their disease impacts other areas of their health and well-being, including aspects of their reproductive and mental health.

Studies being presented at the Crohn's & Colitis Congress -- a partnership of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and the American Gastroenterological Association, in Las Vegas, NV, from Feb. 7-9 - highlights the need to treat the entire patient and reinforces the role of patient-provider communication.

UC patients and GI physicians disconnected on communication priorities

Study Titles:

* Discordance of Communication Priorities Between Healthcare Professionals and Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: Results of a Global Ulcerative Colitis Narrative Survey.

o J. Colombel, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, et al.

* Patient and Healthcare Professional Views on Emotional Health and Intimacy in Ulcerative Colitis: Results of Global Ulcerative Colitis Narrative Survey.

o D.T. Rubin, The University of Chicago Medicine, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, et al.

Significance: The Ulcerative Colitis (UC) Narrative is a global survey of patients and gastroenterology physicians aimed at identifying the impact of the disease and comparing and contrasting perceptions of UC burden and management approaches. Key findings:

- Among patients and physicians, symptom control is a high priority. However, patients are more likely than physicians to prioritize cancer risk, fatigue management and emotional impact. This disconnect reveals opportunity for physicians to be mindful of topics that are of greatest concern to the patient. - The majority of patients consider their UC mentally exhausting. Thirty percent of patients wished their GIs better understood the effect of UC on their mental health and only 52 percent of patients felt comfortable discussing emotional concerns with their GI. The study shows that impact of UC on emotional health should not be underestimated.

Pre-conception counseling needed for IBD patients

Study Title: Infrequent Counseling by Physicians on IBD and Reproductive Health Issues Reported by Patients in Conjunction with Low CCPKNOW Knowledge Scores in an Educated Cohort.

* A. Rao, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford, Palo Alto, California, et al.

Significance: Male and female IBD patients, ages 18-45, were surveyed about their reproductive health and education experiences. Results show that both male and female patients considered not having a child due to IBD; the majority among them did not receive prior reproductive health counseling. The study also shows the majority of patients pregnant after diagnosis did not seek GI care pre-conception and many stopped or changed medications during pregnancy without consulting a physician. The study shows patients want to receive more education on pregnancy-related topics and the need for proactive counseling by gastroenterologists on IBD and reproductive health issues.

- Featured resource: IBD Parenthood Project (http://www. IBDParenthoodProject. org ) and care pathway (https:/ / www. gastrojournal. org/ article/ S0016-5085 (18)35437-4/fulltext?utm_source=aga&utm_medium=hub&utm_campaign=ibd_parenthood_project&utm_term=ibd_pregnancy&utm_content=organic).

All abstracts accepted to the Crohn's & Colitis Congress will be published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (the official journal of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation) and Gastroenterology (the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association) on Feb. 7.

Attribution to the Crohn's & Colitis Congress is requested in all coverage.

###

About the Crohn's & Colitis Congress

The Crohn's & Colitis Congress, taking place Feb. 7-9, 2019, in Las Vegas, combines the strengths of the nation's leading IBD patient organization, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, and the premier GI professional association, American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). Together we are committed to convening the greatest minds in IBD to transform patient care. The Crohn's & Colitis Congress is the must-attend meeting for all IBD professionals. Learn more at http://crohnscolitiscongress. org .

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary, health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The Foundation's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who are affected by these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research; providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public; and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD. For more information visit http://www. crohnscolitisfoundation. org , call 888-694-8872, or email info@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.

About the AGA Institute
Las Vegas, NV (Feb. 7, 2019) -- It is estimated that 3 million Americans live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Currently, there are no cures for these diseases. For many patients the path to diagnosis and effective treatment is long and arduous, leading to delayed treatment and increased complications.

Studies being presented at the Crohn's & Colitis Congress -- a partnership of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and the American Gastroenterological Association, in Las Vegas, NV, from Feb. 7-9 -- reinforce the need for and highlight advances towards improved diagnosis of patients with IBD.

Most patients wait a year or more for IBD diagnosis, while their disease progresses

Study Title: Delayed Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease is Common and Associated with Increased Risk of Disease Complications

* Z. Gallinger, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, et al.

Significance: Diagnostic delay in IBD patients is associated with increased risk of disease complications. Utilizing IBD Partners, a validated online cohort of IBD patients, a survey assessed self-reported diagnostic delay and perceived reasons for delay. Overall, 68 percent of patients reported delayed diagnosis -- with Crohn's patients more likely than ulcerative colitis patients to report delays. An uncertain or wrong initial diagnosis were the most commonly reported reasons for delay. Prolonged delay, greater than two years, is significantly associated with poor outcomes. The study supports the need to further investigate ways to identify approaches to mitigate the delay.

New biomarker predicts patient prognosis, could make personalized IBD therapy a reality

Study Title: A Blood-based Prognostic Biomarker in Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Towards Personalised Medicine in IBD

* P.A. Lyons, Cambridge Institute of Medical Research

Significance: The course and severity of IBD is unique to the individual patient and varies substantially. The absence of a widely-accepted, predictive diagnostic in clinical practice is a hindrance to disease management, with the potential for over- or under-treatment. This preliminary work on the development and validation of a whole blood qPCR classifier that can predict disease course at diagnosis is a great step towards personalized medicine in IBD. The molecular biomarker is currently being investigated in the first-ever biomarker-stratified trial in any inflammatory disease, to determine whether this biomarker can deliver personalized medicine to patients with Crohn's disease.

Artificial intelligence could expand patient access to advanced diagnostics

Study Title: Using Deep Learning for Automated Grading of Endoscopic Disease Severity in Ulcerative Colitis

* R.W. Stidham, University of Michigan, et al.

Endoscopic severity of ulcerative colitis predicts clinical outcomes, making it critical for assessing efficacy of new therapies. However, review requires a high level of experience and there is limited availability of trained reviewers. Interpretation is subjective. This study showed the use of a deep learning algorithm and automated analysis to accurately grade the severity of ulcerative colitis from still images and video colonoscopies as compared with the human reviewers. The study shows the novel use of machine learning to overcome the lack of standardization, a contributing factor in the disparity in patient care. This could substantially improve patient access to disease severity assessments where skilled human reviewers are not available.

All abstracts accepted to the Crohn's & Colitis Congress will be published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (the official journal of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation) and Gastroenterology (the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association) on Feb. 7.

Attribution to the Crohn's & Colitis Congress is requested in all coverage.

###

About the Crohn's & Colitis Congress

The Crohn's & Colitis Congress, taking place Feb. 7-9, 2019, in Las Vegas, combines the strengths of the nation's leading IBD patient organization, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, and the premier GI professional association, American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). Together we are committed to convening the greatest minds in IBD to transform patient care. The Crohn's & Colitis Congress is the must-attend meeting for all IBD professionals. Learn more at http://crohnscolitiscongress. org .

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary, health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The Foundation's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who are affected by these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research; providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public; and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD. For more information visit http://www. crohnscolitisfoundation. org , call 888-694-8872, or email info@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.

About the AGA Institute
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2017 that the two North Carolina congressional districts gave Republicans an unfair advantage and would need to be redrawn, according to the Associated Press. The case is closely tied to a similar suit brought against the state of Maryland, in which justices ruled the congressional map for Montgomery County was drawn too heavily in favor of Democrats.


Breakthrough IBD research to be presented at the Crohn's & Colitis Congress

Las Vegas, NV (Feb. 7, 2019) -- It is estimated that 3 million Americans live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Currently, there are no cures for these diseases.

Studies being presented at the Crohn's & Colitis Congress -- a partnership of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and the American Gastroenterological Association, in Las Vegas, NV, from Feb. 7-9 -- highlight advancements in treatments for patients with IBD.

JAK inhibitors continue to expand their reach in ulcerative colitis

Study Title: The Gut Selective, Orally Administered, PAN-JAK Inhibitor TD-1473 Demonstrates Favorable Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetic, and Signal for Clinical Activity in Subjects with Moderately-to-Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis

W.J Sandborn, University of California San Diego, et al.

Significance: There is a need for effective and safe oral therapeutic options for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Oral JAK inhibitors have potential for systemic immunosuppression. PAN-JAK Inhibitor TD-1473 has been designed as a broad inhibitor of the JAK pathway, but with the potential advantage in ulcerative colitis of having a largely topical effect, demonstrating an early signal of efficacy in moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.

Biologic therapy targeting immune cell trafficking to the intestine is effective

Significance: IBD patients already benefit from therapy with vedolizumab. Several studies presented at the Crohn's & Colitis Congress highlight other biologics also showing promise for treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

* Etrolizumab Treatment Modulates Soluable MAdCAM-1 Levels in Serum in Patients with Crohn's Disease

o J. McBride, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, et al.

* Long-term Safety and Efficacy of the Anti-mucosal Addressin Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (MADCAM-1) Antibody SHP647 in Ulcerative Colitis: An Open-label Extension Study (TURANDOT II)

o W.J. Sandborn, University of California San Diego, et al.

* Long-term Safety, Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of the Anti-mucosal Addressin Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (MADCAM-1) Monoclonal Antibody SHP647 in Crohn's Disease: The OPERA II Study

o W.J. Sandborn, University of California San Diego, et al.

All abstracts accepted to the Crohn's & Colitis Congress will be published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (the official journal of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation) and Gastroenterology (the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association) on Feb. 7.

Attribution to the Crohn's & Colitis Congress is requested in all coverage.

###

About the Crohn's & Colitis Congress

The Crohn's & Colitis Congress, taking place Feb. 7-9, 2019, in Las Vegas, combines the strengths of the nation's leading IBD patient organization, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, and the premier GI professional association, American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). Together we are committed to convening the greatest minds in IBD to transform patient care. The Crohn's & Colitis Congress is the must-attend meeting for all IBD professionals. Learn more at http://crohnscolitiscongress. org .

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary, health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The Foundation's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who are affected by these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research; providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public; and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD. For more information visit http://www. crohnscolitisfoundation. org , call 888-694-8872, or email info@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.

About the AGA Institute
Erika Camacho, an associate professor in the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at Arizona State University, is the winner of the 2019 Mentor Award, presented by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

The award honors mid-career academics who have mentored a significant number of underrepresented Ph.D. students and have otherwise played an important role in building a science, technology, engineering and mathematics community that includes women, minorities and people with disabilities. The hundreds of underrepresented students whom Camacho has guided through graduate school include the first Native Hawaiian to receive a Ph.D. in applied mathematics and one of the few African American women to graduate from Cornell University with a Ph.D. in applied mathematics.

"It is critical to the health and excellence of the STEM fields that we build a diverse and inclusive community," said Shirley Malcom, senior adviser to AAAS. "We can only accomplish this through the commitment, belief and dedication of individual mentors who embrace the difficult and rewarding work of supporting the development of the next generation of scholars, future faculty and innovators. Erika Camacho exemplifies this drive and these ideals."

Camacho was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and grew up in Los Angeles. She became the first in her family to receive a high school diploma when she graduated from James A. Garfield High School. There, she had studied calculus under Jaime Escalante, the beloved Bolivian American educator who was the subject of the 1988 film Stand and Deliver.

"I got to where I am today because I had incredible mentors and individuals who believed in me," Camacho said when the youth development organization Kids at Hope named her honorary dean of its 2018 National Youth Development Master's Institute. "One of the first people who believed in me was my high school teacher Jaime Escalante."

Camacho continued to look to Escalante for support during her years as an undergraduate. "When people would tell me that I was just there to fulfill a quota, when I just wanted to pack my bags and go home, I would call him," she told Kids at Hope. She graduated from Wellesley College cum laude in 1997, with degrees in mathematics and economics.

In 2003, Camacho earned her Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Cornell University. In 2007, after a year as a postdoctoral researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory and three years on the faculty of Loyola Marymount University, she joined Arizona State University. Her research focuses on mathematical modeling for use in biology and sociology. She is best known for publishing the first set of mechanistic models to study degenerative disease of the retina.

As a mentor, Camacho works to pass along the inspiration she received from Escalante and others. Her guidance has often made the difference between underrepresented students dropping out and earning their Ph.D. She founded the Applied Mathematical Sciences Summer Institute and co-directed the Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute, providing mentorship to 138 students, of whom 76 were women and 76 were underrepresented minority students. More than 100 of these students have completed doctorate degrees. Camacho has also mentored more than 600 undergraduates and reaches wider audiences by telling her story in keynote addresses and plenary presentations.

In 2018, Camacho received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the award is the highest honor bestowed upon mentors who work to expand talent in the STEM fields.

The AAAS Mentor Award was established in 1993 and is directed toward individuals in the mid-stage of their careers, defined by 25 years or less of mentoring experience. The award includes a $5,000 honorarium, a commemorative plaque and complimentary registration and travel to the AAAS Annual Meeting.

Camacho will receive the award during the 185th AAAS Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 17, 2019.

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About the American Association for the Advancement of Science

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world's largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science, as well as Science Translational Medicine; Science Signaling; a digital, open-access journal, Science Advances; Science Immunology; and Science Robotics. AAAS was founded in 1848 and includes more than 250 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals. Science has the largest paid circulation of any peer-reviewed general science journal in the world. The nonprofit AAAS is open to all and fulfills its mission to "advance science and serve society" through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education, public engagement and more. For the latest research news, log onto EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

For more information on AAAS awards, see http://www. aaas. org/ awards .

AAAS is the world's largest general scientific society, dedicated to "Advancing science; Serving society."
BEER-SHEVA, Israel...February 7, 2019 - Bayer, Netafim and BGN Technologies, the technology transfer company of Israel's Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), announced a three-year research collaboration. The announcement was made yesterday at the Fruit Logistica 2019 trade fair and exhibition in Berlin.

The project will combine leading soil research, digital prediction tools and state-of-the art drip technology developed by Netafim to establish best practices for using drip irrigation as a delivery system for Bayer Velum Prime in Israel. Velum Prime combats nematodes (roundworm) and damaging diseases affecting potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, citrus, and brassicas.

"This collaboration agreement with industry leaders such as Bayer and Netafim is a testament to BGU's leading position in the field of agriculture," said Netta Cohen, chief executive officer of BGN Technologies. "Located in the heart of the Negev desert, the research at the University's Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research on the Sede Boqer campus focuses on water, energy, agricultural, and ecological solutions for extreme desert and drylands conditions, which are increasingly becoming more relevant with environmental changes such as global warming."

Due to medical and environmental concerns, use of chemical crop protection is being limited, resulting in loss of certain products. Farmers are now seeking sustainable agricultural solutions to preserve crop yields.

Bayer and Netafim have addressed this challenge with a new innovative solution named DripByDrip. The concept uses Netafim's drip irrigation systems to deliver Bayer's chemical and biological crop protection products.

DripByDrip applies the active substances precisely to the plant, resulting in higher efficacy, lower amounts of crop protection compound and lesser environmental impact.

Assisted by BGU scientists from the Blaustein Institutes, the group will work to calibrate digital prediction models for optimized application of crop protection compounds via drip irrigation. This includes laboratory and field studies evaluating the behavior of Bayer Velum Prime in soils and plants under typical agricultural conditions in arid regions.

Research will be conducted at the Blaustein Institutes and Netafim facilities in Israel. It will be led by BGU Prof. Shimon Rachmilevitch, Dr. Marc Rist of the Bayer Crop Science Division, and Dubi Raz, corporate agronomy director at Netafim.

Holger Weckwert, portfolio management segment manager for insecticides solutions at the Bayer Crop Science Division, said, "Applying crop protection compounds using drip irrigation accurately targets the relevant plants, and is an environmentally friendly, efficient and cost-effective contribution to sustainable agriculture. We look forward to collaborating with leading BGU scientists."

"Drip irrigation delivers water, fertilizers and crop protection, including biologicals, directly to the roots of the crops," says Netafim's Dubi Raz. "This approach enables farmers to apply crop protection products in a more targeted way using Netafim's drip irrigation technology. Following our successful long-term partnership with Bayer, we are pleased to now welcome BGU's scientists in assisting us in optimizing the application of crop protection compounds via drip irrigation."

###

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2017, the Group employed around 99,800 people and had sales of EUR 35 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.4 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.5 billion. For more information, go to http://www. bayer. com .

About BGN Technologies

BGN Technologies is the technology transfer company of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. BGN brings technological innovations from the lab to the market and fosters research collaborations and entrepreneurship among researchers and students. To date, BGN has established over 100 startup companies in the fields of biotech, high-tech and cleantech, as well as initiated leading technology hubs, incubators and accelerators. Over the past decade, BGN Technologies has focused on creating long-term partnerships with multinational corporations such as Deutsche Telekom, Dell-EMC, IBM, PayPal, Bayer, ICL, and Adama, securing value and growth for Ben-Gurion University as well as the Negev region. For more information, visit the BGN Technologies website.

About Netafim

Netafim is the global leader in precision irrigation for a sustainable future. With 29 subsidiaries and 17 manufacturing plants worldwide, Netafim delivers innovative, tailor-made irrigation and fertigation solutions to millions of farmers, allowing smallholders to large-scale agricultural producers in over 110 countries to grow more with less. Founded in 1965, Netafim pioneered the drip revolution, creating a paradigm shift toward precision irrigation. Today, specializing in end-to-end solutions from the water source to the root zone, Netafim delivers turnkey irrigation and greenhouse projects supported by engineering, project management and financing services. Netafim is also leading the way in digital farming, integrating real-time monitoring, analysis and automated control into one state-of-the-art system. In 2017, Mexichem, a leading supplier of innovative solutions in the building and infrastructure, data communications, irrigation and chemicals industries acquired 80 percent of Netafim. Kibbutz Hatzerim holds the remaining 20 percent. Learn more at http://www. netafim. com

About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more.
US to end sanctions on Venezuelan army backing Guaido

'US will consider sanctions off-ramps for senior military officer that stands for democracy,' says Trump aide Bolton.

US National Security Adviser John Bolton on Wednesday said Washington would offer sanctions relief to any top Venezuelan military officer if that person were to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate leader of the country.

"YOUR FINANCIAL CIRCLE WILL BE CLOSED"

"The US will consider sanctions off-ramps for any Venezuelan senior military officer that stands for democracy and recognizes the constitutional government of President Juan Guaido. If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely," Bolton said on Twitter.

In an earlier tweet, Bolton said the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had blocked off its people, including military officers, from receiving humanitarian assistance because he would not step down from his position and recognize Guaido.

After Guaido announced himself interim president during protests that had erupted throughout the country last month, the US followed suit in recognizing the opposition leader, and then later issued sanctions against Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA.

Bolton told reporters last week the sanctions on PDVSA are expected to block $7 billion in assets and result in $11 billion of lost export revenue over the next year.

However, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, a researcher at Rosario University in Colombia, told Anadolu Agency the sanctions are not likely to have much of an impact on the price of oil in Venezuela, unless Maduro were to cut production.
Turkey slams French move on 1915 Armenian events

Foreign ministry spokesman says France should introspect before lecturing others about genocides and massacres.

Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said Ankara could not be lectured by France which is notorious for atrocities committed during the colonial period in Africa. Aksoy's remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macrons declaration of April 24 as a national day marking the so-called Armenian genocide.

"ARROGANT FRENCH POLITICIANS"

"We have no lessons to take from the arrogant French politicians who are ignorant of basic history, which we know for the atrocities it committed in Anatolia while using the Armenians during the Independence War period, massacres in Algeria and the genocide in Rwanda," Aksoy said, responding to a question in the Foreign Ministry building.

Aksoy went on to say that Ankara repeatedly told French officials, especially Macron, that the 1915 incidents should be discussed in the light of judicial, historical and academic angles; however, Macron ignored historical facts and decisions by the European Court of Human Rights and the French Constitutional Court. He added that the main motive of Macron was to appeal to the Armenian voters in a bid to fulfill the promise he had previously made.

Emphasizing that an objective approach was essential to understand the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in which more than 500,000 Muslims were killed by the Armenian rioters, Aksoy said that the Turkish offer to establish a joint historical commission to shed light on the incident was still applicable.
Guaido plans to get oil money from US fund

Venezuelas opposition on Wednesday said it would use a US-based fund to receive some of the countrys oil income in a key step to bankroll its efforts to dislodge President Nicolas Maduro.

The fund would receive income accrued by state-run oil firm PDVSAs US unit Citgo Petroleum Corp since last month, when US President Donald Trump recognized Juan Guaido as Venezuelas legitimate head of state.

Guadio, head of Venezuelas National Assembly, last month declared himself to be the South American countrys interim ruler.

BOLTON'S THREATS

White House national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday the United States would consider lifting sanctions on senior Venezuelan military officers if they recognize Guaido as interim leader. If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely, Bolton wrote on Twitter.

Aside from one senior general, who recognized Guaido in a video and urged others in the military to do the same, most of Venezuelas top military officers have not defected from Maduro.

Citgo, the eighth-largest US refiner and Venezuelas top foreign asset, is in the middle of a tug of war as the United States has made aggressive moves to remove it from Maduros control and imposed sanctions on OPEC-member Venezuelas oil industry.
The services celebrating and honoring the life of Glenn "Wade" Osburn, 60, of Enid, are pending under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home. Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family online at www.Brown-Cummings.com.
Tenant advocates complain that the changes catered to landlords by removing interior cleanliness and lack of rodent infestation from the list of requirements that must be met for a building to pass inspection. Those two standards are instead on a referral list, allowing inspectors to give a passing grade to a rental despite those issues while referring the property for follow-up by the city. Licenses can be issued before city officials check up on such referred items, a provision that frustrates some tenant advocates .
John Timothy Hudson, 62, of Elkmont, Alabama, died Monday, June 21, 2021, at his residence. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday at Spry Funeral Home in Athens. There will be a private graveside service at Limestone Memorial Gardens. Mr. Hudson was born July 3, 1958, in Decatur, Al
CWU reject latest proposals from IOM Post Office

Communicaton Workers Union members have rejected the latest proposals offered by the Isle of Man Post Office.

Over 100 union members voted against the proposal last night following a meeting at the Sefton Hotel in Douglas.

The Post Office held talks with the CWU on Tuesday and Wednesday. Terry Pullinger from the CWU says another proposal will be tabled this weekend.

Postal workers are due to walk out for three days next week.
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Mexico City, Feb 7 (epa-efe).- Mexican former President Enrique Pena Nieto and his wife, actress Angelica Rivera, separated in December, a few days after the end of his six-year term, HOLA! magazine reported Thursday.

"Enrique Pena Nieto and Angelica Rivera separated in December. As confirmed to HOLA! by sources close to the couple," the magazine said in an online teaser for its forthcoming issue.

The magazine said that the couple "maintains a cordial relationship."

Pena Nieto, 52, lives in Mexico with his three children, while the 49-year-old actress, known as "La Gaviota" for a role she played in a telenovela, moved to the United States to be near her children from her first marriage, according to the story.

"The couple separated in December, on the best terms, which is why they decided to go together to the funeral of ex-Gov. Alfredo del Mazo Gonzalez, on Jan. 11," HOLA! said.

The news item appeared online hours after the publication of a photograph showing Pena Nieto with Mexican model Tania Ruiz among a group of people strolling on the streets of Madrid.

Last September, during his final state of the nation address at the National Palace, Pena Nieto warmly praised the first lady, who was sitting in the front row.

Their 2010 nuptials, a second marriage for both bride and groom, captured enormous attention as the union of the then-governor of the state of Mexico and one of the leading telenovela stars.

EFE journalists have spotted Rivera attending theater premieres and other cultural events in Mexico on her own in the months since the end of the Pena Nieto presidency.

In late 2014, a scandal erupted over Rivera's ownership of a mansion in the Mexican capital's upscale Lomas de Chapultepec district.

The house, worth an estimated $7 million, was built between 2010 and 2012 by Grupo Higa, which was the recipient of several public works contracts during Pena Nieto's tenure as governor of Mexico state.

Rivera purchased the Casa Blanca (white house) property with money she earned during her successful career as a soap opera actress, government spokesman Eduardo Sanchez said in November 2014.

The then-first lady ultimately sold the residence.

Pena Nieto, who fathered two children out of wedlock during his first marriage, has long had the reputation of being a lady's man.
Also, flowers and chocolates are all well and good, but how about chocolate paired with just the right wine? Or chocolate flavored liqueur? On Feb. 9, at 2 p.m., the Wine Bin is holding a cocktail class featuring Bicerin Chocolate Liqueur, which they characterize as the worlds best chocolate liqueur, flavored with hazelnuts and hailing from the foot of the Alps. The class is $25.
Rio de Janeiro, Feb 6 (epa-efe).- The world of animation is coming to Rio de Janeiro with an exhibition from one of the leading animation studios, DreamWorks, responsible for creating films such as "Kung Fu Panda," "Madagascar" and "Shrek."

The Bank of Brazil Cultural Center (CCBB) in Rio will host the exhibition, the result of the collaboration between DreamWorks Animation and the Australian Center for the Moving Image (ACMI), until April 15 as part of its world tour.

"This unique exhibition offers a first time exploration of the studio's collaborative and visionary approach to animation, art, technology and storytelling," ACMI says on its Web site.

The exhibition aims to demonstrate how the creative process of animation works, from inspiration and the first sketches to the final product, which in this case results in films such as "The Croods," "How to Train Your Dragon," "Trolls," "Home" and "Bee Movie," among many others.

ACMI director Paul Bowers told EFE that the exhibition is "a unique opportunity" to discover what happens behind the scenes in the making of high-profile and popular animated films such as those produced by DreamWorks.

He pointed out that the exhibit has the benefit of being aimed at all kinds of audiences, from children to adults: "There's something for everyone."

More than 400 items from the studio's archives, including scale models, original drawings, illustrations, photographs, murals, fragments of films and even an interview with famous composer Hans Zimmer, the composer of several soundtracks for the studio's films, introduce viewers to the inner workings of this fantasy factory.

Brazil is the eighth country to host the exhibit, Bowers said.

"Thanks to the collaboration with CCBB we were able to come to Rio, which is ... a city with energy and creativity where people are willing to have cultural experiences," he said.

The exhibition is divided into four parts. The first shows how characters are created, the second walks visitors through the story montage process, followed by the story setting and last, but not least, visitors can design their own animations, thanks to interactive drawing screens.
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
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City officials in Key West have put the cap on sunscreenor at least varieties that contain chemicals believed to harm coral reefs and increase coral bleaching and death.

The Florida Keys is home to the third largest living coral barrier reef system in the world. The ecosystem is a habitat for fish species and other marine life and also serves as economically important touristic and recreational spot.

On Tuesday, the City Commission voted 6-to-1 to prohibit sales of sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, according to FLKeysNews. The ban will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021.

"We have one reef, and we have to do one small thing to protect that. It's our obligation," Mayor Teri Johnston said before the vote, as quoted by FLKeysNews.

People with medical prescriptions are exempt from the ban, Johnston told The New York Times. The first offense would be met with a warning and the second offense would incur an as yet undetermined fine.

The move follows efforts from Hawaii, which became the first state to ban sunscreens with the same two chemicals last year. The Aloha State's ban takes effect in 2021.

Last year, the Pacific archipelago of Palau also banned sunscreens containing any one of 10 chemicals that may be reef toxic.

Oxybenzone and octinoxate, which filter UV rays, can be found in more than 3,500 sunscreen products, including popular ones sold by Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat and Coppertone.

City commissioner Greg Davila, the only dissenter during Tuesday's vote, said, "We're not giving residents the freedom to choose what sunscreens they want to use," according to FLKeysNews.

Studies have shown that the oxybenzone and octinoxate can damage fragile coral reef systems. Even a drop of oxybenzone in 4.3 million gallons of water, or six and a half Olympic sized swimming pools worth, is enough to harm corals, The New York Times previously reported.

In case you'd like try a "reef-safe" sunscreen, Hawaii.com published a list of options. The chief executive of Cancer Council Australia, Sanchia Aranda, told the Guardian that sunscreen should be the last line of defense against UV rays. Aranda advised that sunscreen should be used on top of wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, a hat "and people should also stay in the shade as much as possible."
For the county to receive the money, the bond request must still pass the House appropriations committee. Atterbeary said she is hopeful to clear that hurdle. If the initiative is approved by the General Assembly, Howard County would have to within two years match it in order to receive the state funds.
There's good news and there's bad news. Two new studies focusing on ice melt in Antarctica and Greenland have revised down the worst-case scenario for the amount of sea level rise the world could see by 2100, but say the overall climate impacts of melt water entering the oceans could be devastating.

"The sea-level estimates maybe aren't as bad as we thought, but the climate predictions are worse," lead author of one of the studies and Antarctic Research Center of the University of Victoria, Wellington climate scientist Nick Golledge told National Geographic.

So what did the studies find?



Sea Level Rise

The first study, published in Nature Wednesday, reexamined a shocking study from 2016 that warned that ice cliffs in Antarctica could collapse this century, contributing three feet to global sea level rise by 2100.

Researchers led by Dr. Tamsin Edwards at King's College London looked at the geological record and determined this was unlikely to happen.

"We looked in detail at ice-losses 3 million years ago, 125,000 years ago, and over the last 25 years, and found that these ice-cliff collapses aren't needed to reproduce sea level rises in the past," Edwards said in a King's College press release. This suggested to researchers that they were unlikely to play a role in the future, revising down Antarctica's worst-case scenario sea level rise contribution from 3 feet to 3 to 16 inches by 2100.

That doesn't mean coastal cities wouldn't see impacts this century, as National Geographic explains:

"Adding that to the other components that make up sea level risehow the ocean expands as it warms (which will likely add about 10 inches), the melt from mountain glaciers (about six inches), and changes to the amount of water stored in lakes and rivers on land (one and a half inches), and the total is still a daunting number somewhere between just under two- to over three- foot range."

But, the researchers told National Geographic, the most dramatic sea level increases would likely take place after 2100 and give cities more time to prepare.

'Climate Chaos'

That doesn't mean ice melt won't wreak havoc this century, though. The other paper, also published in Nature Wednesday, looked at the impact ice melt from Greenland and Antarctica would have on global climate overall by 2100 based on current climate policies. The result? What a McGill University press release about the research calls "climate chaos."

"Under current global government policies, we are heading towards 3 or 4 degrees of warming above pre-industrial levels, causing a significant amount of melt water from the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets to enter Earth's oceans. According to our models, this melt water will cause significant disruptions to ocean currents and change levels of warming around the world," Golledge told McGill.



Warmer water entering the oceans from melting ice could weaken currents like the Gulf Stream, the researchers found. This would lead to warmer temperatures in the Arctic, Eastern Canada and Central America and cooler temperatures in Northwest Europe.

This would also cause general temperature instability in both hemispheres, leading to more extreme weather events, according to the King's College release.

"Melt from these ice sheets is going to significantly disrupt the global climate making temperatures in some areas vary much more from one year to the next. This unpredictability is going to prove extremely disruptive for all of us, and will make adaptation and planning much more difficult," Golledge told King's College.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced on Thursday their highly anticipated joint resolutions on a Green New Deal.

The sweeping 10-year plan aims to "mobilize every aspect of American society ... to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and create economic prosperity for all," according to the resolution's FAQs section from Ocasio-Cortez's office posted by NPR.

The star freshman Congresswoman acknowledged that the ideas outlined in the non-binding resolutionsuch as providing "unprecedented levels of prosperity and economic security" for all citizens and "meeting 100 percent of the power demand in the United States through clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources"are incredibly grand but absolutely necessary.

As Ocasio-Cortez said on NPR's Morning Edition: "Even the solutions that we have considered big and bold are nowhere near the scale of the actual problem that climate change presents to us, to our country, to the world."



As the resolution points out, the United States has "historically been responsible for a disproportionate amount of greenhouse gas emissions" so it must take "a leading role" in reducing emissions through economic transformation.

The overreaching goal of the Green New Deal is to entirely transition away from nuclear energy and fossil fuels. To do so, the proposal calls for a wide-ranging mobilization of the U.S. economy and creating jobs through infrastructure and industrial projects, such as zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and manufacturing; installing smart grids; updating or creating buildings that are energy efficient; expanding clean energy jobs (like solar, wind turbine, battery and storage manufacturing); cleaning existing hazardous waste sites; and restoration of damaged and threatened ecosystems.

The Green New Deal calls for a complete transition to clean, zero-emission and renewable energy sources by 2030. Pexels

Along the same lines, the Green New Deal includes a significant social justice component because it aims to create millions of family-supporting and union jobs and will help protect disadvantaged communities on the frontlines of pollution and climate change.



"This is really about providing justice for communities and just transitions for communities," Ocasio-Cortez explained on Morning Edition. "So really the heart of the Green New Deal is about social justice and it's about allowing and fighting for things like fully-funded pensions for coal miners in West Virginia, fighting for clean water in Flint, and fighting for the ability of indigenous peoples to take a leadership role in in where we're moving as a country."



So here's the big questionHow do you pay for it? The FAQ section from Ocasio-Cortez's office puts it bluntly:

"The same way we paid for the New Deal, the 2008 bank bailout and extended quantitative easing programs. The same way we paid for World War II and all our current wars. The Federal Reserve can extend credit to power these projects and investments and new public banks can be created to extend credit. There is also space for the government to take an equity stake in projects to get a return on investment. At the end of the day, this is an investment in our economy that should grow our wealth as a nation, so the question isn't how will we pay for it, but what will we do with our new shared prosperity."

The sweeping progressive proposal, of course, has its naysayers. As NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben reported:

Among Republicanseven those worried about climate changethe package, with its liberal economic ideas, will also likely be a nonstarter.



"Someone's going to have to prove to me how that can be accomplished because it looks to me like for the foreseeable future we're gonna be using a substantial amount of fossil fuels," said Rep. Francis Rooney, R-Fla., co-chair of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, speaking to NPR before the Green New Deal's text was released.

As for the proposal's passage, "That looks unlikely," Kurtzleben wrote.

But this part in Kurtzleben's report is key: "It's worth talking about because it already is a politically powerful idea among Democrats."

Nearly all of 2020 presidential candidates as well as potential contenders have already voiced support for the deal, including Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Kamala Harris, Jeff Merkeley, Julian Castro, Kirsten Gillibrand, Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard and Jay Inslee, the FAQ noted.



That's not to mention the 45 House Reps and 330+ groups that backed the original resolution for a select committee on the Green New Deal.

Momentum for the Green New Deal has been growing ever since its was popularized by Ocasio-Cortez as well as the young climate activists of the Sunrise Movement who stormed then-presumed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office not long after the midterm elections.

"In 2018, young people put the Green New Deal on the national agenda," Varshini Prakash, founder and executive director of Sunrise Movement, said in a statement received by EcoWatch. "The historic support for this resolution, especially among 2020 contenders, shows how far the movement has shifted the political conversation. The Green New Deal is now a litmus test for progressive leadership in 2019."

So far, the resolution has already been cosponsored by nearly 70 members of Congress, according to the Sunrise Movement.

Public opinion of the Green New Deal is strong. A Yale Program on Climate Change Communication survey of 966 registered voters showed that 92 percent of Democrats supported it, 64 percent of Republicans and 57 percent of conservative Republicans also thought it was a good idea.



This week, more than 100,000 petition signatures were delivered to Congressional offices in more than 100 events around the country, 350.org executive director May Boeve said in a press release emailed to EcoWatch.



"The Green New Deal is a critical opportunity to stand up to fossil fuel billionaires while kickstarting a just transition to renewable energy and creating millions of family-sustaining jobs," Boeve said in a statement. "With the window for action to prevent catastrophic climate change quickly closing, it's time for elected officials at all levels to support this visionary effort to secure a sustainable future."
A sobering 15-month study on the declining population of the southernmost herd of African elephants has determined only one elephant, a mature female, is free-roaming in the Knysna forest in South Africa.

The analysistitled And Then There Was Onewas recently published in the African Journal of Wildlife Research.

For the study, researchers set up camera trap across the whole elephant range from July 2016 to October 2017 and concluded upon analysis that the female elephant, estimated at 45 years old, was by herself.

"Because elephants move along defined elephant pathways, we placed our cameras on these paths and covered the elephant range evenly, with spaces between camera traps no larger than the smallest range recorded for elephants," one of the study's authors Lizette Moolman, a South African National Parks scientist, explained in an article posted to the park's website.

"In other words, an elephant would not reside in a gap area, between camera trap locations, for the duration of the survey. The cameras were all active for 15 months, and during this time the same female elephant was identified in 140 capture events, always by herself. No other elephants were photographically captured."

Fellow researchers behind the study were shocked to find only one elephant left in Knysna, as the gentle giants historically roamed the area in the thousands.

"The brutal reality is there is no longer a population of Knysna elephants," study co-author Graham Kerley of the of Centre for African Conservation Ecology at Nelson Mandela University, told Business Day. "All the mystique of the Knysna elephant is reduced to a single elephant left in rather tragic circumstances."

Their numbers have declined dramatically over the past three centuries due to hunting as well as human encroachment that has forced the elephants from their natural habitats and squeezed them into smaller and smaller areas. The Knysna forest was previously a site for rampant timber exploitation.

While the solitary elephant appears in relatively good shape, Kerley explained to Business Day that she has swollen temporal glands with excessive temporal streaming, suggesting she might be stressed from being alone.

According to the National Elephant Center, female African elephants are social creatures and usually roam in herds with a number of related female adults and male and female offspring.

The maximum lifespan for females is more than 65 years, so the lone Knysna elephant could be by herself for two more decades.

As for capturing her and moving her to other elephant populations, Kerley noted that "would be dangerous for her and we don't know if it would even be of any value to her as she knows the forest and she might not be able to settle into another area with other elephants."

Images of her show that her breasts are undeveloped and her mammary glands are shriveled, meaning she has likely never been pregnant or has not given birth in a long time, according to Business Day. Artificially inseminating her would be too risky to attempt, Kerley said.

"Considering all these factors, the debate about how we have allowed this population to go functionally extinct and how to manage the last elephant is very emotional and very serious as she is a symbol of how we are treating biodiversity as a whole," Kerley told the publication.
Children exposed to chemicals commonly found in personal care products may be at a higher risk of suffering from lung damage later in life, according to a new European study.

The longitudinal study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal, conducted by a team of European scientists, found that babies exposed in utero and shortly after birth to three classes of chemicalsphthalates, parabens and the fluorinated compounds known as PFAShad diminished lung function at six and 12 years of age.

The team used data from more than 1,000 pairs of mothers and children in France, Greece, Lithuania, Norway, Spain and the U.K. It's believed to be the first study to look at the effect on children's lung function of exposure to chemicals before or after birth.

Although the chemicals cited in the study have multiple uses, all three classes are found in cosmetics and other personal care products.

"This study provides even more evidence that it's time to finally regulate the chemicals in cosmetics," said the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber. "As if increasing the risk of cancer and infertility were not enough for Congress to act, now we can add lung damage in kids to the list of harms caused by these everyday products."

Parabens are chemical preservatives widely used in cosmetics and have been linked to other health problems, including breast cancer. Parabens were found in one-fifth of the products in EWG's Skin Deep cosmetics database, which analyzes ingredients in more than 70,000 products.

PFAS chemicals have been linked to serious health effects, including cancer, thyroid disease and liver problems. EWG researchers recently scoured the Skin Deep database and found PFAS chemicals in 66 different products from 15 brands.

Phthalates are industrial compounds used in fragrance mixtures and in body care products. They're potent hormone disruptors that can alter the reproductive development of male infants and are associated with sperm damage in adult men.

It's been more than 80 years since Congress last voted on cosmetics law, a delay that means companies are still allowed to add chemicals linked to cancer and other health harms to personal care products. Many cosmetics companies large and small, and public health organizations, agree that the badly outdated cosmetics law must be updated to give the Food and Drug Administration the power to review worrisome ingredients and the tools necessary to oversee the personal care products industry.

Legislation introduced in the last Congress by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), and by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the power to review controversial chemicals.

"We've never been closer to ensuring that cosmetics and other personal care products are safe," Faber said.
By Jorge Rodriguez

It was Thursday, Nov. 8, but the Mayan calendar marked the day as Wukub' Q'anil, or 7 Rabbit, a good day to ask for the rebirth of sterile lands and the fertility of all living beings.

Rumualdo Lopez, a Maya priest and spiritual guide, was prepared to hike up to the top of Siete Orejas, a mountain sacred to the Maya Mam of Concepcion Chiquirichapa, a town of roughly 18,000 in western Guatemala, to perform a fire ceremony. The purpose was to connect with the energies of the mountain and ask for wisdom and the blessing of the Creator, the Ajaw as the Maya Mam call it.

"Nowadays there are many people who prefer to connect with the Ajaw through other rites, such as Christians or Catholics," Lopez had said the day before the ceremony, checking the Mayan calendar. "The important thing is for people to recognize the energy that surrounds us and to connect with it, no matter what type of beliefs they have."

As has been done for thousands of years, Mayan traditions and knowledge are still passed on by word of mouth. Priests or Ajq'ij, which means "counter of days" in the Maya K'iche language, rely on the Mayan calendar, as an astrological chart, to understand the energies of each day and determine when to perform certain ceremonies and what to ask of the Ajaw.

There is no specific time at which ceremonies should be performed. Sometimes the first light of dawn is when guides give thanks to the Ajaw and all the living energies of the universe. On this occasion, however, Lopez, along with Marcelino Aguilar, the head of Concepcion's Department of Protected Areas (DAP, by its Spanish initials), decided to set out from the town center for the mountain at 8:00 in the morning.

Like Lopez, Aguilar believes in the knowledge of their ancestors. "We all depend on each other to survive," he said. That is why he has dedicated his life to protecting the environment and educating the people of Concepcion to value and respect the forest.

A sign inside Concepcion Chiquirichapa's Kum Kum Wutz park on Siete Orejas mountain reads "Without the environment there is no future." Jorge Rodriguez / Mongabay

The Way to the Mountaintop

To reach the top of Siete Orejas takes about 45 minutes by car, one and a half hours by foot. While driving his pickup truck, a Maya Mam radio station playing in the background, Aguilar talked about the community's work over the past four decades to reforest and protect its section of the mountain's cloud forest. Since the 2000s the community got the government to designate a 1,200-hectare (4.6-square-mile) park on Siete Orejas as a protected area; regulated the extraction of organic matter, wood and other natural resources there; created the DAP, a municipal office dedicated to the protected area's management; and started several environmental education and sustainable economic development programs.

While Aguilar spoke, Lopez listened. Sometimes, he would smile or add some detail to the story: "When I was young, this [forest] used to have fewer trees than it has right now." But most of the time his face was serious, as if he were feeding on energy from the forest that rose above the dirt road leading up the mountain.

Rumualdo Lopez, a Maya spiritual guide and one of Concepcion Chiquirichapa's elected municipal councilmembers. Jorge Rodriguez / Mongabay

To be an Ajq'ij is a great honor for anyone who believes in the ancient traditions. Ajq'ijes are believed to serve as the connection between the spiritual and material worlds. They are meant to seek the truth of all things and constantly study the environment and the signals that nature manifests, like the way the wind blows, the shape of the clouds on a rainy morning or the song of certain birds.



Siete Orejas is important because of the energy that lives there, Lopez said. "As Maya we believe in the 13 energies of the nahuales," he said, referring to the connections, represented by different animals, between the natural and spiritual worlds. According to the Maya, every living thing has a nahual, including mountain peaks like Siete Orejas's.

Mountain summits are special places in Mayan spirituality, because the energy flow there is believed to be stronger than in other places. In spots where they believe the mountain's energy dwells, they make altars to perform rituals. There are 22 on Siete Orejas.

Aguilar parked the truck at the entrance to a camping area inside the park and went off briefly to the registration booth to check in with the municipal tour guides working there. Lopez stretched his legs and grabbed the bag of materials for the ceremony from inside the truck.

During the final 25-minute hike to the top of the mountain, he carried in one hand a black plastic bag with candles of various colors, sugar, a ceremonial incense called pom, white rum, water steeped with flowers called florid water, and resin from the ocote tree (Pinus montezumae). In the other he carried a wooden rod called a Tz'ite that is considered the Ajq'ij's spiritual partner and believed to allow him or her to read energies that human senses cannot detect.

At the top, Lopez asked Aguilar to find him some herbs for the ritual. The altar was a semicircle of lichen-crusted rocks in the bare gravel, decorated with a shoulder-high wooden Catholic cross. Large pines and pinabete (Abies guatemalensis) trees surrounded it.

Marcelino Aguilar, head of Concepcion Chiquirichapa's Department of Protected Areas, and Rumualdo Lopez prepare materials for a Maya Mam fire ceremony on Siete Orejas. Jorge Rodriguez / Mongabay

Since the colonization of Guatemala in the 16th century, Mayan spirituality has incorporated some Catholic beliefs and imagery, like the cross. "Catholic believers have a different interpretation of the cross, because it is unbalanced," Lopez said. "For us the sides of the cross are the same length, since they represent our origin, our destiny and the energies that govern our path."



He cleaned the altar of leaves and debris because everything that burns in the fire has a specific meaning. Then, in its center he drew a Mayan cross inside a circle with the sugar: "to sweeten the bitterness and allow us to read in the fire."

Inside the circle, he placed the pom balls, made from the resin of the copal tree (Protium copal). They are one of the most sacred offerings used in rituals, along with the ocote resin. With the florid water he cleaned and blessed the place and those attending the ceremony. After a silent prayer, he started the fire and began the ritual.

Rumualdo Lopez sets a balls of incense called pom inside a Mayan cross of sugar in preparation for a fire ceremony. Jorge Rodriguez / Mongabay

The Favor of the Ajaw

As the fire began to rise, Lopez spoke in his native language, thanking the Ajaw for the blessings it provides through Mother Nature. He walked in circles to symbolize the cycles of time as he asked for the well-being of the other Ajq'ij, of his people and of all living things in the universe.

The Maya understand the dance that fire performs at certain times as a manifestation of the energetic connection that exists during ceremonies. "The nahuales tell us if something is wrong. With the candles, we make requests that are then burned and become part of everything that surrounds us," Lopez said.

For more than 40 minutes, Lopez's prayers and thanks rose with the smoke of the materials he brought. To further purify the act, he poured the rum over the fire, over the rocks of the altar and over the people present at the ceremony.

"This is a day to ask for understanding, for good work and to remove pests from crops," he said, referring to Wukub' Q'anil. At the end of the ceremony, he collected the empty bags and containers and raised a final thanks to the sky, kissing the ground several times.

Ancient Beliefs for Modern Times

The day before the ritual, at his office in Concepcion's municipal building, Lopez, who is an elected member of the municipal council in addition to being an Ajq'ij, had lamented how urban growth and the culture of consumerism were taking over life in Concepcion, and how this directly affected the natural environment and the spirit of the community.

"Now we see disconnection [between people] and their surroundings. We have seen how the clouds have decreased and the wind no longer blows as it did before," he'd said. "Therefore, we are looking for new sacred places, because we are in a time when humanity needs to be redirected toward the spiritual, above the material."

During the ride back to town from Siete Orejas, Aguilar recognized that the spiritual connection with the mountain and a profound respect toward the natural word, knowledge inherited from their grandparents, had propelled him and his supporters to double their efforts to conserve the local forests.

"We are getting the people to understand that everything is connected, that we have to learn how to coexist with the wildlife that inhabits the woods," he said. "Though there are some who oppose what we do, or simply don't care, we are certain that the majority of the people of Concepcion are grateful for the efforts we make to ensure the survival of our mountain."

Pine trees in Kum Kum Wutz park on Siete Orejas. Over the course of four decades, residents of Concepcion Chiquirichapa have reforested the area, turning it into a green beacon. Jorge Rodriguez / Mongabay

Reposted with permission from our media associate Mongabay.


PAKISTAN  An organic cotton project run by WWF-Pakistan and Directorate of Agriculture Extension, Baluchistan recently celebrated the certification of Pakistans first organic cotton bale. Great news. However, this is not a first time organic has been grown in the country. Both organic and Fairtrade cotton were previously grown in Pakistan between 2002 and 2008/09, with a last reported cultivation figure of 289 tonnes of organic fibre ten years ago.

Ecotextile News picked up this story a few weeks ago from a report in Technology Times Pakistan, and although it was regurgitated verbatim elsewhere online, we knew that claims of a first for organic cotton in the country were well wide of the mark  and left the story well alone.

But with todays release from WWF also supporting these claims, we spoke to Anita Chester from the C&A Foundation, which is backing the project, to find out what is really going on with organic cotton in Pakistan.

By 2021 we expect all the cotton will be certified as organic hence giving us about 15,000 metric tonnes of lint, she told us.


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E-commerce fraud is an ongoing problem for online merchants and credit card companies. It has been growing at twice the rate of e-commerce sales. Identity theft traditionally has been one of the most common sources of e-commerce fraud, but online merchants increasingly have been suffering more from chargeback fraud, which requires them to absorb the costs of disputed credit card transactions.

As phony chargebacks continue to rise, it becomes more difficult than ever to manage losses, including effective ways to prevent and track chargeback costs.

There needs to be better policing of online credit card transactions and new strategies implemented to prevent false chargebacks. There also needs to be more transparency in billing for fraud detection services, so merchants can track and project chargeback losses accurately.

New billing technologies have been making it easier to manage chargebacks, but before delving into those solutions let's take a closer look at chargeback fraud and how it works.

The Problem With Chargebacks

E-commerce merchants are especially susceptible to chargeback fraud since they are further removed from the actual credit card holder. Card-not-present transactions are a particular problem for etailers, since with fraudulent chargeback transactions of this type, the burden falls to the merchant to make good on the payment.

In a card-present transaction, the cardholder physically presents the card to make a purchase. With an in-store card-present purchase, the merchant can verify the cardholder's identity using a driver's license or another form of identification, and can collect a signature for verification.

With today's chip-enabled cards, the transaction is even more secure, since the chip card generates a unique transaction code for each purchase. If the merchant follows proper procedures in handling the transaction, the liability for any fraud lies with the card issuer -- that is, the credit card company or the bank.

Unfortunately, in e-commerce, it's the merchants who have to deal with card-not-present transactions, because the cardholder is not physically present with a credit card. Since there is no way to verify the cardholder's identity or the validity of the card using a chip, the sale is considered less secure. Fraudulent online transactions are the merchant's liability -- the rationale being that it's the merchant's option to accept a less secure credit card transaction.

The fees to merchants for accepting fraudulent transactions often are more than twice the cost of the sales, since the merchants can't recover the shipped goods. They suffer the loss of the fraudulent shipments, as well as refunds to the consumers who were scammed.

Chargeback fraud isn't limited to stolen cards. Fifty percent of chargeback fraud is classified as "friendly fraud," according to Juniper's estimates. That occurs when a consumer orders and pays for goods online, but then disputes the charges once the products are shipped.

Sometimes friendly fraud is an honest error. One member of a family may have placed an order, but the credit card holder is another member of the same household who mistakenly reports it, resulting in a chargeback. More often than not, friendly fraud results in re-shipping, so the merchant loses twice -- once for the chargeback, and once for the loss of shipped goods.

Online merchants need to be more aware of chargebacks -- not just because of the losses incurred, but also because of the impact of chargebacks on their credit rating. If the number of chargebacks exceeds 1 percent of transactions, then it's a warning to credit card issuers that the business is high risk.

As a result, the credit card companies start imposing financial penalties and other restrictions to encourage the etailer to reduce the number of chargebacks. Once an e-merchant develops a reputation for having too many chargebacks, payment processors may be less likely to work with them.

New Ways to Combat Chargeback Fraud

There are ways to combat chargebacks. An obvious move is tightening transaction security by adding tools to verify the customer's identity, such as credit card CVV verification and address confirmation to ensure that billing and shipping addresses match.

3D Secure is a new technical standard created by Visa and MasterCard to secure card-not-present transactions. The system verifies the buyer's identity by requesting a personal code, usually sent as a text message or email with a one-time PIN.

"3D" stands for "3 Domain Secure," because it verifies the three parties in the transaction: the vendor, the bank, and the credit card company (Visa or MasterCard). It also excuses fraud liability for merchants that use the system.

Another innovative approach to fighting chargebacks is identifying potentially fraudulent transactions in real time. Using a centralized database of confirmed fraud information reported by credit card issuers, merchants can query the system to verify credit card transactions in real time, giving them a window to stop the sale and refund the money before the chargeback takes place.

Instead of incurring losses due to chargebacks, merchants pay a nominal fee for the database service to validate transactions in advance, saving thousands of dollars, eliminating chargeback disputes, and improving the customer experience.

What to Look for in Chargeback Prevention Services

In addition to prevention, e-commerce merchants need to account for chargeback losses and understand how their business is being affected by chargebacks. Part of the objective is to eliminate disputes with credit card providers. To accomplish that requires a level of transparency that reveals everything there is to know about a transaction, including the costs to prevent fraud.

When shopping for a solution for chargeback monitoring and prevention, online merchants want a security platform that offers reliability -- that is, the ability to monitor every transaction in real time and flag those that are potentially fraudulent before chargeback fees can be incurred.

They also want transparency, with detailed reports and a view into specific transactions to identify patterns and reduce chargeback attacks. Moreover, they want accuracy, ensuring that billing for chargeback services is structured, so merchants are being charged only for problem transactions, so that chargeback fraud prevention costs don't escalate.

They also want a fair and accurate billing model to optimize costs to fight fraud. Rather than paying for a simple service subscription or a flat rate per month, it makes more sense to charge based on the level of activity.

A one-price-fits-all model can't accommodate for variables such as the number of transactions that need to be processed, or the number of incidents detected. For both fraud prevention services and online merchants, there has to be a more equitable billing model based on usage and activity levels.

There are different pricing models for different types of chargeback prevention services that will suit different types of merchants, but they all require complex billing solutions. Billing can be based on credit card transaction volume, and pricing for real-time chargeback monitoring. Detection can be billed per transaction, per transaction value, by transaction outcome, or using other criteria. Global businesses also have to accommodate international currencies, including exchange rates.

As with the fraud prevention services themselves, billing for chargeback monitoring has to be reliable, transparent and accurate. Reliability means that billing reflects all transactional traffic, and the system is monitoring -- and therefore billing -- for everything.

Billing transparency means e-commerce users get detailed reports of activity. Fraud protection services may even provide real-time dashboards to allow their customers to monitor activity.

Billing accuracy is based on monitoring performance based on the specific customer contract. However services are charged, accurate billing not only ensures accurate payments, but also provides metrics to demonstrate changes in the volume and nature of chargeback fraud.

The Value of Agile Billing in Chargeback Fraud Prevention

Working with companies that support complex, agile billing models for services such as chargeback fraud prevention offers e-commerce customers many advantages.

Versatility and the ability to structure complex billing to suit different e-commerce models is essential. Different etailers have different business models, so they want to buy services based on transaction volume, transaction value, and other criteria. Etailers also are attracted by the ability to pay only for those services they consume, which requires reliable service monitoring and a highly flexible monetization engine on the back end.

Flexibility in pricing models is essential, because it can affect an online merchant's credit rating. Consider that the standard industry maximum for chargebacks is 1 percent of monthly transactions.

You can calculate the chargeback rate using a simple formula: Total chargebacks per month / Total transactions per month = Chargeback rate.

If you exceed that 1 percent, then you become a higher-risk vendor to the credit card companies.

However, chargeback rates vary, because different card companies use different criteria for calculations. For example, Visa uses the number of transactions in the same month as a baseline, whereas Mastercard uses the number of transactions from the preceding month. The difference can have a significant impact on the chargeback rate, so be sure that your fraud prevention billing system can accommodate those differences to reflect the most accurate chargeback rates.

Speed in billing for chargeback fraud prevention is also important, especially for merchants that need to dispute transactions with credit card companies. Automating complex billing and revenue recognition eliminates the need for accounts receivable spreadsheets and manual processes that slow down the billing cycle as well as reduce accuracy.

The billing platform behind the fraud engine has to be able to generate accurate invoices that reflect contracting activity quickly (e.g., by a transaction, value or volume), as well as allow for various currencies and variables, such as chargeback rate calculations.

To rein in chargeback fraud, merchants need to tighten security, including contracting for a chargeback monitoring solution. They also need to have a clear understanding of the types and volume of chargebacks incurred. A good chargeback security partner will not only provide real-time monitoring, but also offer accurate, timely billing with the transparency needed to understand the sources of fraud, whether it's merchant error, criminal fraud or chargeback fraud.

James Messer is founder and CEO of Gotransverse, creators of intelligent billing and agile monetization solutions that increase accounting accuracy and shorten time to revenue.




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A new year means a fresh start, but it doesn't mean that old threats will go away. In fact, in the world of cybersecurity things could get far worse before they get better. Cybercrime continues to increase, as it allows nefarious actors to operate at a safe distance from victims -- and more importantly, law enforcement.

Because it rarely is violent in nature, cybercrime often doesn't get the same response from international law enforcement as other types of crimes. It is far from victimless, however. It is a threat of enormous magnitude, with the potential to affect nearly every company in the world. It even ranks as one of the biggest problems plaguing mankind.

On a global basis, cybercrime will cost US$6 trillion annually by 2021, double the toll of 2015, according to the Official 2019 Annual Cybercrime Report from Cybersecurity Ventures.

This is the largest amount of money generated by illicit means, and it could represent the greatest transfer of economic wealth in history. Cybercrime soon will be more profitable than the global trade of all major illegal drugs combined!

Cybercrime is not one thing. It is many -- and fighting it requires understanding the various shapes it comes in. Following is a look at the various types of cybercrime, and things that can be done to fight it.

Phishers Continue to Cast Their Lines

One of the original cybersecurity threats hardly has evolved, but it is unlikely to go away anytime soon.

"Phishing will always continue as long as it works," warned Satya Gupta, CTO of Virsec, a developer of data security software.

In 2019 we can "expect it to become more targeted and specific to organizations," he told the E-Commerce Times.

"Phishing is here to stay because it's simple, it's cheap, and it will work as long as people continue to read their emails," noted Matan Or-El, CEO of Panorays, a provider of third-party security management.

"Users should be on guard against downloading applications from untrusted sources," warned Will LaSala, director of security solutions at OneSpan.

"Phishing remains an easy mechanism to harvest logins and email addresses and potentially passwords, and users should continue to adopt multifactor authentication for all their accounts to help protect against phishing attacks," he told the E-Commerce Times.

This is among the biggest cybersecurity threats, but it also could be one of the easiest to stop, as it relies on human error to work. It is typically just social engineering, rather than complex coding.

"Companies should train their employees on the risks of phishing attacks and how to avoid them," said Mike Bittner, digital security and operations manager for The Media Trust, a firm that provides real-time security for digital properties.

"This type of training should be part of creating a culture that makes cybersecurity a strategic imperative across the organization," he told the E-Commerce Times.

Ransomware on the Rise

Tied closely to phishing scams is the growing threat of ransomware, which can lock a user, or even an organization, out of a computer or network. Even more concerning, it may not be just computer systems or networks that are at risk.

"Ransomware isn't going away; in fact, we will probably see even more of it targeting consumers in 2019," said Hank Thomas, CEO of Strategic Cyber Ventures.

"This will be ransomware at scale, targeting a wider swath of middle class Americans that are equally eager to make the problem go away with a quick payment as corporate America was," he told the E-Commerce Times.

Corporate targets likely will remain in the crosshairs of those who find this an effective illicit business strategy, and due diligence may not be enough to stop all the threats.

"Healthcare remains, by far, the No. 1 target for ransomware, with more than half of all attacks targeting healthcare directly," warned Pravin Kothari, CEO of cloud security software company CipherCloud.

"Ransomware will also continue as long as there are underprotected systems with data that hasn't been adequately backed up," said Virsec's Gupta.

"However,ransomware threats are increasingly being used as red herrings to distract from other types of attacks on critical infrastructure," he added.

The greatest danger of ransomware, once again, isn't that it will block user access to data, but that it could make the leap to any connected device -- from automobiles to smart homes. The Internet of Things has opened a brave new world for hackers to lock users out of!

"Businesses need to begin to secure their IoT mobile and Web applications with the same controls that are being deployed for other markets, like multifactor user authentication, and application shielding and secure user onboarding," said OneSpan's LaSala.

So far that hasn't happened, and many users may not expect that their cars, thermostats and doorbells need the same level of security as their PCs.

"People have already been affected by IoT and automobile exploits, but so far there isn't big money to be had from it, so the scale of this activity remains small," noted Jim Purtilo, associate professor in the computer science department at the University of Maryland.

"We'll see just how weak are IoT protections, just as soon as it is in the interests of an aggressor to trigger chaos," he told the E-Commerce Times.

Here is where healthcare could face a one-two punch.

"In the case of healthcare, many medical devices are also IoT devices," CipherCloud's Kothari told the E-Commerce Times.

"They have closed operating systems, proprietary code, and wireless connectivity," he added. "These devices are essential to healthcare operation and are likely to be targeted as the cyberwar on hospitals escalates."

Protecting the Cloud

The movement of more and more data off site to cloud-based services could direct cybercriminals to the cloud as well. Because their data is off site, many businesses wrongly may assume that it is secure, but that faith may be unwarranted. Choosing a cloud provider should come down to the level of security it provides, and its track record in keeping data secure.

"The cloud is really more like a swamp of data, and it's not this idealistic place of security rainbows and data unicorns," warned Strategic Cyber Ventures' Thomas.

"Nobody really wants to trudge through it, but you know it's where the best treasure probably is," he added. "So it just might be worth it to spend a lot more time there, since the security is often really just a bunch of annoying mud, mosquitoes and thorns that are more of a nuisance than real security."

The question now is whether enough really is being done to keep data secure. The cloud holds treasures comparable to those of Fort Knox, but in many cases it lacks the same level of security.

"Effective cloud security requires strong protection at the application layer, particularly with externally facing Web, mobile and API application assets," suggested Franklyn Jones, CMO at Cequence Security, a venture-backed cybersecurity software company.

"These are prime targets for the growing number of automated bot attacks," he told the E-Commerce Times.

"These attacks are nearly impossible to detect with traditional security tools because they involve the use of legitimate user names and passwords, not malware or APTs," Jones added. "Therefore, cloud security architectures need to include tools that can detect the underlying behavior and intent of application transactions, which is essential to stop malicious automated bots."

The Rising Threat of Digital Ad Fraud

One of the lesser-known types of cybercrime is one few people know much about, but one that affects more and more people each year. Digital ad fraud makes it difficult for online content publishers to generate revenue.

Advertisers lose an estimated $19 billion to fraudulent activities each year -- equivalent to $51 million daily -- according to a report from Juniper Research published last year.

More worrisome is the forecast that ad fraud could reach $44 billion by 2022. The bulk of fraudulent ads affect video, but all content providers online, including newspaper publishers, are potential victims of ad fraud.

This has reached a point where law enforcement is taking it seriously.

The Department of Justice last year announced a 13-count indictment against eight men for various cybercrimes, including what the FBI identified as the biggest-ever ad fraud investigation. The group, which has been dubbed "3ve" (pronounced "eve"), included six Russian nationals and two Kazakhstani citizens.

"In digital advertising, the most common scams take the form of malicious or hijacked ads redirecting Internet users to phishing pop-ups that enable bad actors to commit identity and credit card theft," said The Media Trust's Bittner.

"In such attacks, bad actors pose as legitimate advertisers and use a compromised site to propagate phishing scams," he said. "All organizations are vulnerable to these attacks, which can have multiple phases as the first attack opens up the organization to later ones."

The (Crypto) Currency of Cybercrime

It is now probably safe to say that 2018 didn't exactly become the year of cryptocurrency -- at least to the degree many had suggested. However, it was the year that cryptocurrency became a key tool in many ransomeware schemes -- including the threats that personal data would be released online unless the hacker was paid.

That particular threat turned out to be bogus, but it highlighted the fact that bitcoin and other digital currencies could offer a less-traceable way for criminals to be paid -- at least in theory.

"Cryptocurrencies remain the exchange mechanism of choice for cybercriminals who need whatever direction they can get while fleecing victims," suggested University of Maryland's Purtilo.

However, bitcoin and its rival digital currencies aren't the perfect solution for cybercriminals -- at least not yet.

"Rampant use of cryptocurrencies for illicit use is a glaring misconception," explained Strategic Cyber Ventures' Thomas.

"Bitcoin, the most widely used and secure cryptocurrency, is pseudonymous and easily traceable -- making cash a much more logical choice for many criminals," he added. "Other more privacy-centric cryptocurrencies do exist and can be used for these purposes. However, privacy is never entirely rid of traceability, and attribution is often inevitable."

There are other reasons cybercriminals may shy away from bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

"Many of these are faced with illiquid markets, making cashing out to fiat currency incredibly difficult and costly," said Thomas.

The bigger threat in cryptocurrency might not be in how it is used, but rather how it is created -- as in "mined." Bitcoin and other currencies are created by having computers solve complex mathematical equations, and this is dubbed "mining."

Criminals often remotely control computers or computer networks to take on some of the computer processing. This ties to other nefarious threats, such as phishing or ad fraud, in which users are directed to an illicit website that runs Javascript on a webpage that then turns a user computer into a remote miner.

"Cryptojacking attacks played a very major role in cybersecurity last year," said The Media Trust's Bittner.

"Cryptojacking has surpassed ransomware as a pervasive digital threat in many countries. Although cryptocurrency has failed to reach the critical mass many had earlier predicted, malicious actors will continue to use cryptojacking for its stealth and relative ease," he warned.

"The fact that cryptojacking requires no interaction with the unknowing victim makes attacks easier to deliver and possible to repeat," Bittner said. "Cybercriminals may draw from the well again and again."

The Next Thing in Cybercrime

A pressing concern with cybercrime and cybersecurity is not what criminals are involved with today, but what they might target tomorrow and beyond.

"The scams I would worry about the most are the ones the good guys haven't dreamt up and prepared for yet," said Thomas.

"The scenarios are essentially limitless, with the number of criminals and intelligence services around the world constantly looking to gain access to Western enterprises and users," he added.

"Consumers -- average-Joe Americans without much of any real security -- will remain most vulnerable, but aren't the biggest target," noted Thomas. "Lucrative business and government targets will keep that honor in 2019. Phishing will continue to be a popular and efficient avenue of approach to gain entry to both consumer and business targets."

It appears that what works today, sadly, will continue to work for cybercriminals as 2019 unfolds.

Peter Suciu has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2012. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, mobile phones, displays, streaming media, pay TV and autonomous vehicles. He has written and edited for numerous publications and websites, including Newsweek, Wired and FoxNews.com. Email Peter.


Here comes another one: Second winter storm forecast for this weekend
Ive spent Monday and Tuesday thinking about it, how it could have ended very differently, or if we were in a different part of the house where there was active fire, said Budnick, who manages Spa on the Boulevard in Abingdon. I thought about how we didnt get to say goodbye to our loved ones, that my husband was at work.
An investigation is underway to look at the actions of the student, the principal and the faculty and to determine whether additional charges should be filed against anyone, he said. Police were looking for any other video recordings that offer other perspectives on the days events.
KEENE - Francis (Frank) Gitschier, age 49 of Lowell and Keene, NH, passed away June 4, 2021. He was born on July 29, 1971 in Lowell to the late Patricia Saunders and Francis Marcotte. Frank cared for everyone and everything with a huge heart and best intentions. He was an avid Bruins fan, lo
She said applications to the department have more than doubled since her administration moved the process online in the middle of last year, although she could not say what percentage of online applicants had followed through in person and admitted that many of the 3,000 or so applications received last year have yet to be reviewed.
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ADA [ndash] Wanda Lee Brewer, 91, of Ada, Oklahoma passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021, in Ada. Services for Wanda will be held Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10 a.m. at the Estes-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Roger Arter officiating. Interment will follow at New Bethel Cemetery. For up
It is not as if Tina is going away, Wynn said. She has been through the fires of getting a grassroots organization going. We just believed it was the right time and we have people right here in this community who are a part of what this organization is doing every day. As some of us get shorter in years, it is time for new voices to come to the front.

TOPS was founded in 2001 by the Rev. Kenneth Glasgow, who created the organization with two main prongs  community assistance and political activism. Glasgow was instrumental in changes to Alabama law that returned voting rights to some ex-felons and has advocated for similar rights in other states. Glasgow gave up the title of executive director five years ago.

He is currently charged with capital murder in connection with the death of Breunia Jennings in 2018. Glasgow drove the car that carried Jamie Townes on the evening of the incident in which police believe Townes shot and killed Jennings for allegedly stealing his car. Glasgow is charged under Alabamas complicity law which states that a person believed to have aided or abetted a criminal act is equally liable for the underlying act. He has not been indicted.

Wynn and others connected with TOPS said the announcement of new leadership is about providing fresh perspectives and is not connected to Glasgows charges.
Another group of students was working on a small car made up of circuit blocks and wires that can actually drive. On Wednesday, they added on a fan to function as the cars air conditioner unit.

Its very hard to put it together because youve got to have a lot of hands and plus you have to snap it all together and put tape on it, said Amari Butler, a fifth grade student. He said the car still needed a few more parts to get it just how they wanted.

Ive learned that building is fun, but youve got to use your mind and youve got to work together because if you dont work together, its not going to work, Butler said.

Students were also seen using 3-D art pens to design action figures, towers, and sunglasses, among other various objects. Avery saw this is an important addition to the activities offered, as Girard Elementary does not have a fine arts program.

Avery said they will be continuing and, hopefully, growing parts of the program with help from a small grant to receive 15 more robots.
Alabamians frustrated by Congresss refusal to provide funding for President Donald Trumps proposed wall at the border of the United States and Mexico may soon have a simple mechanism to add their own money to the cause.

Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, wants to add a line to Alabama state income tax forms allowing people to designate a portion of their tax refunds to the wall initiative through We Build the Wall, an organization launched by an Air Force veteran in December.

Should Marshs legislation be passed and signed into law, the designation would join Senior Services Trust Fund, Alabama Veterans Program, Cancer Research Institute, and Children First Trust Fund and more than a dozen other donation options on the state tax form.

Alabama residents dont need to tick a box on a tax form to donate to any cause they desire. However, adding We Build the Wall to the official state tax form is a step on a slippery slope.
ALFORD, Florida  Several Jackson County Sheriffs deputies responding to a suspicious person call in the 2600 block of Vancouver Drive in Alford Wednesday were injured while taking a suspect in custody.

William Ray Howard IV, 37, of Alford, was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer (biting), one count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, one count of battery on a law enforcement officer and two counts of resisting a law enforcement officer with violence.

According to Sheriff Lou Roberts, one deputy arrived on the scene and made contact with the reporting person and then realized the suspect slipped out of the residence and climbed onto the roof. The deputy then called for backup.

As additional deputies arrived, they encountered Howard on the roof wielding a knife. He would not comply with the deputies demands.

Deputies used a Taser stun gun on the suspect and scuffled with him on the roof before the suspect fell from the roof, Roberts said. A deputy on the ground engaged Howard, who swung the knife at the deputy, striking the deputy on the face causing a superficial wound.
Police officers issued four citations to a driver found on the Enterprise High School campus after that person left the scene of an accident involving a school bus.

According to an Enterprise Police Department press release, officers responded to an accident involving an Enterprise City Schools bus at the intersection of Boll Weevil Circle and Shell Field Road. Witnesses reported a Hyundai Sonata rear-ended the bus and left the accident scene, which is not far from the Enterprise High campus.

Officers located the vehicle and driver on the Enterprise High campus and issued the driver four citations. Officials did not disclose the name of the driver.

No injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred before 7:30 a.m. Students on the bus involved in the accident were picked up by another school bus and transported to their schools.

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One week later, Martrell Harris, 21, was gunned down during a drive-by shooting on Reisterstown Road. A woman told police she was walking behind Harris when she saw gunfire flash from a Lexus. In charging documents, police wrote that Carter admitted to shooting Harris, saying the man had disrespected his girlfriend.
A Houston County jury convicted Joshua Steven Nance of the lesser included offense of manslaughter in the death of Paxton Wayne Kennedy. Nance had been charged with capital murder.

The jury deliberated roughly two hours and determined the prosecution did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Nance deliberately intended to kill Kennedy, 23, who was shot and killed in 2016 on Hartzog Road near Wicksburg.

Nance is one of four people charged in the shooting.

Pamela Henderson Whitaker, 45, of Cottondale, Florida, Eric Lance West, 35, of Slocomb, and Dama Nell Clark, 41, of Dothan, are also charged with capital murder in the case.

Houston-Henry County District Attorney Pat Jones argued during the trial that Nance shot Kennedy after receiving a text from Eric West wanting to know if Nance knew someone who would beat up Kennedy. Kennedy allegedly owed Wests girlfriend Pamela Whitaker between $2,000 and $2,500 for drugs.

According to Jones, Clark contacted Kennedy to set up the meeting. During her conversation with Kennedy, she made it sound like she wanted to meet with Kennedy to purchase drugs and Kennedy also believed he would have sex with Clark during their meeting.
Kitchen Collection and Crazy 8 will join a long list of retail stores that have left Wiregrass Commons Mall in the past few years.

Charlotte Russe, a womens clothing store, closed its doors unexpectedly at the end of January.

Kitchen Collection is following close behind with a set closing date of March 28; Crazy 8 will follow suit on April 28.

The closing of Charlotte Russe likely had to do with the American company filing for bankruptcy on Feb. 4. Gymboree filed for bankruptcy the middle of January, announced the closing of about 800 Gymboree and Crazy 8 locations, effectively killing the brand.

Kitchen Collection, a mall tenant for close to eight years, is being closed by the corporate office, although the five employees working there were not given a reason.

No leases have been signed to replace the three tenants or any other mall vacancies at this time, according to mall manager Lori Wilcoxon.

We will continue to try to bring in stores that will serve our community, Wilcoxon said

Despite corporate-owned stores leaving the mall, this past holiday shopping season was one of the best years weve had during the holidays in terms of revenue, Wilcoxon said.
A few months ago, one of our members received a phone call that another member was sitting at home and contemplating suicide, Logsdon said. When he showed up at their house, that member was sitting in a chair in their living room with a pistol in their mouth, fixing to end everything. He was able to talk that vet down, get the pistol away from them, and that vet is now getting the help they should have gotten from the beginning. Had it not been for the diligence of the members and the availability of the Military Support Group, the news media would have been reporting on a suicide instead of being here today reporting on what were doing with the 660.
Two outstanding young people from Letterkenny have been recognised for the exemplary volunteer work theyve carried out in their local communities.

The local students were revealed as Pramerica announced its twenty finalists for the 2019 Spirit of Community Awards (SOC), the only all-Ireland youth initiative of its kind.

Kai McHugh has been nominated for his work on the 4 Ls Campaign within Donegal GAA Health and Wellbeing through which he worked to promote positive mental health.

Ciara OMalley dedicates much of her volunteer work to the Letterkenny Model United Nations and is involved with the European Youth Parliament within the Connaught-Ulster Regional Council.

The SOC programme, which is run in partnership with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) and the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI), honours post-primary students for outstanding acts of volunteerism and the positive contribution they make in their local communities.

Year after year, I am so impressed by the incredible drive and passion shown by our participants, said Andrea McBride, Vice President of Information Systems, Pramerica Systems Ireland.

 2019 is no different. The volunteer work carried out by teenagers and young people in towns and villages in Ireland is truly having an impact and making a difference.

From caring for the elderly and supporting mental health awareness to helping people with learning disabilities, motor impairments and blindness  so much of the volunteering activities that young people are involved in is going under the radar.

The 20 students will be presented with 500 and an engraved silver medallion at the awards ceremony on March 28 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The top two Junior Honourees will also receive an additional 500 for their chosen charity, and two of the twenty students will be named All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year. These two awardees will receive 1,000, a gold medallion, a crystal trophy for their school and an all-expense paid trip to the United States in May to participate in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards ceremony.


A retired Donegal farmer who has won 500,000 in the EuroMillions draw has said that health is your real wealth.

Charlie Meehan, 85, from Carrick, near the main Lifford Road at Manorcunningham is delighted with his life-changing win.

He said: "Naturally, it is a shock. I am in my eighty fifth year. I don't have any great plans for the money to be fair. There are a fair few women about the house so it has added to their wants."

Charlie said that he has led a good active life as a farmer. However, in 2012 Charlie spent almost a year in hospital in Galway as a result of cancer.

"I had cancer in 2012 and spent almost a year in hospital in Galway. I have made a perfect recovery. The staff at the hospital in Galway and the staff at Letterkenny University Hospital are very, very good people."

Charlie said that his tenure in hospital has led him to value what is important in life: "I value my health more than anything. Money can't buy you your health."

Charlie said that despite the fact that no plans have been made yet for the money that a wee holiday may be in store.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was sold on Tuesday at Barclays Newsagent in Raphoe.

The winning EuroMillions Plus numbers are: 02, 12, 33, 42, 44.

This is the third EuroMillions Plus winning ticket in Ireland so far this year.

Jimmy Barclay, owner of Barclays Newsagents in Raphoe expressed his delight after learning that one of his customers had picked up the prize in Tuesday nights EuroMillions draw.

Were absolutely over the moon! We are a small community based shop in the heart of Raphoe Town with a very loyal customer base so were just thrilled that one of these people has won the half a million euro prize," Jimmy said.
Dillons Hotel believes in supporting and providing the best in Donegal, whether that's people, food or drinks.

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Sunday lunch offers a chance for the family to get together, relax and enjoy a full service lunch with all four courses served to your table for just 22.95 per person. All traditional roasts are available or you can choose to have just one or two courses.

Located in the centre of Letterkenny, Dillons Hotel has a great location to suit all parties and with their selection of menus ranging from 19.95, with All-Ireland Finalist Cocktails, award-winning chefs and live music every weekend there is no better place to gather friends and family for all of lifes celebrations.

With two private rooms available they can cater for parties large and small. Let the staff at Dillons help you with your party plans this year  call them on 074 912 2977 or email bookings@dillons-hotel.ie
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Robert Vadra to appear before ED for second round of questioning

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, will appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in New Delhi today, for a second round of questioning, after he was grilled by investigating officials for over five-and-a half hours on Wednesday.

Days after he was directed by a city court to appear before the central probe agency, Vadra's wife Priyanka Gandhi yesterday dropped him outside the ED's office in Jamnagar House where he was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate over its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets.

Vadra entered the ED office at around 3:47 pm, minutes after a team of his lawyers reached the premises. He then signed the attendance register before being taken in for questioning.

During questioning, Vadra denied possessing illegal foreign assets and termed the charges as political witch hunt against him. He has alleged he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Ahead of the questioning by a team of three ED officials, official sources said Vadra was put through a dozen questions on transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London and his statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Vadra, however, was alone when he left the EDs office at about 9:40 PM in the same car in which Priyanka had dropped him. His lawyer said Vadra has fully cooperated with the agency, adding that all charges leveled against him are wrong.

"All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," Suman Jyoti Khaitan, his lawyer told the mediapersons.

It is for the first time that Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings.

Vadra decided to appear before the ED after a Delhi court on 2 February, directed him to cooperate with the probe being carried out by the agency after he sought anticipatory bail in the money laundering case. The court directed him to appear before ED on Wednesday on his return from London.

Reports said Vadra was also grilled about his links with absconding and controversial defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari and Bhandari's relative Sumit Chhadha in connection with certain emails recovered by agencies linked to the renovation of a London-based property.

The ED case against Vadra relates to alleged money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds).

The agency had also claimed to have information about various other properties owned by Vadra in London, including two houses of five and four million each, six other flats and more properties.

The ED had also grilled Vadras aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, in the case in December last year.

The agency had also filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-blackmoney legislation against absconding Bhandari.

It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

"This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had claimed before the court.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi claimed the charges against Vadra are "fickle, superficial, non-existent, non-substantive". The BJP had full four and a half years to investigate but could not find anything, he claimed at a news conference.

The attempt is to mislead, confuse and to create and ambience before election, but people see through this, he said.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, however, alleged at a news conference that Vadra bought 8 to 9 properties in London from the money he got as kickbacks from petroleum and defence deals, which took place in 2008-09.
Kolkota police chief tutored to face CBI interrogation: report

The Supreme Court order on the way the CBI should proceed with the interrogation of the controversial Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Rs10,000-crore Saradha chit fund scam has put the investigating agency in a difficult situation.

Thats because the Supreme Court, while defusing an explosive constitutional crisis with its judgement, ordered the CBI not to take any coercive steps against Kumar including arrest. This means that the CBI should be nice to the officer. At the same time, the judges said that the officer, on his part, must cooperate with the CBI and submit himself to questioning in the neutral place of Shillong.

But, with reports stating that the top cop has already been tutored by a team of Kolkota police with answers to some 80-odd probable questions that the CBI may pose before him, the CBI is unlikely to get the right answers from the Kolkata top cop.

The weather is glorious, the rhododendrons will start blooming in a while, Meghalaya governor Tathagata Roy tweeted. To a suggestion on the partaking of scotch, the governor said: Ah well...

It was after the CBI swooped on the police commissioners home in Kolkata on Sunday evening allegedly to arrest him that Mamata let loose policemen manhandle and intimidate the agencys officers. Then we had the spectacle of the live telecast of a dharna, not by the CBI, but by Mamata herself, and the nation didnt know who did what.

Even if the CBI cant arrest Kumar immediately and must even be hospitable to him during its impending encounter in Shillong, it has, at last, gained access to the allegedly elusive officer.

The CBI fears that Kumar has either destroyed or not handed over to it certain electronic evidence relating to the scam he had accumulated while investigating the case as the head of the West Bengal governments Special Investigation Team (SIT) before the CBI took over the probe on an order by the Supreme Court on 9 May 2014. (Narendra Modi took oath as the prime minister on 26 May, 2014.)

Kumar, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, a BE (Computer Science) graduate from Roorkee University (now IIT Roorkee), joined the IPS ranks in 1989, he apparently possesses better knowledge of anything electronic.

Before he became a blue-eyed cop of Mamata, she had hated him for his alleged electronic surveillance of Opposition leaders during the Left rule of West Bengal. And BJP called him a snooping cop before the 2016 Assembly elections. Kumar is known to be smart but fiercely loyal to his political masters and even considered honestif professional honesty and political loyalty can coexist.
There was a large amount [of] stacked papers that had been strewn about the office floor, several pin-up maps that were hanging on the walls were either fully or partially pulled down, and multiple ceiling tiles were displaced, according to the police report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7)  The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered 108 local government units (LGUs) to explain their failure to implement 10-year solid waste management plans.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source on Thursday, DILG Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said LGUs who have allegedly failed to comply with the law are expected to receive show cause orders by next week and will be given 10 days to explain why they should not be slapped with administrative raps.

"If we find that their explanations are insufficient, then we have no recourse but to file the appropriate case before the Ombudsman," Malaya said.

Under Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, provinces, cities and municipalities are required to prepare and submit 10-year waste management plans.

He added that some of these LGUs also cover the Manila Bay, which is being rehabilitated by the government in the hopes of parts of it being swimmable by the end of the year.

"We don't want another case of Manila Bay. These LGUs have, unfortunately, been accustomed to leniency. The Solid Waste Management Plan is a requirement of law, yet for many years they ignored it. Hence, we have no recourse but to issue show cause orders to them," Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano said in a statement.

Of the 108 LGUs which will receive show cause orders, 78 are from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao - 31 of which are from Lanao del Sur, 18 from Sulu, 11 from Maguindanao and nine each from Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.

Show cause orders will also be served to five LGUs in Mimaropa, eight from Region V, one from Region VI, and four each from Calabarzon, and Regions II, VII, and VIII.

The DILG refused to disclose the full list of the LGUs which allegedly failed to comply with the law, as they want to accord them due process, but vowed to release the results of their investigation to the public once completed.
The lawmakers called in Tyler and went into a closed session immediately following a public council meeting Sept. 10 to discuss the complaint. The mayor and council chose to take no further action, later telling the Times that they had reservations about acting on an anonymous letter and that Tyler had a reasonable answer for all the allegations outlined in the letter.
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LAPWAI, Idaho (AP)  The Nez Perce Tribe has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for a water quality improvement project in north-central Idaho.

The project will include the creation of new riparian habitat, imitation beaver dams and other work in the headwaters of the lower Lapwai Creek watershed.





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De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., ITW haubold Paslode GmbH, Ideal Molding Technologies LLC, Illinois Tool Works (Chile) Limitada, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Norway AS, Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron (Shanghai) Ltd., Instron (Thailand) Limited, Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. 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LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, Norden Olje AB, North Star Imaging Europe, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Odesign Inc., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited (Enping), Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Penta Dnepr LLC, Penta Sever OOO, Penta Volga OOO, Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., Ramset Fasteners (Hong Kong) Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Salter India Limited, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco (Nederland) B.V., Simco Japan Inc., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques  SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tape Group B.V., Stokvis Tapes (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Taiwan) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes BVBA, Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Tarutin Kester Co. 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Ltd., Wynn Oil (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, ZF TRW (Engineered Fasteners and Components), and Zip-Pak International B.V..
Bayhorse Silver Inc., a junior natural resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of natural resource properties. It explores for silver, gold, zinc, copper, antimony, and other metals. The company holds a 100% interest in the Bayhorse Silver Mine Property located in Baker County, Oregon. It also holds an option agreement to acquire 80% interest in the Brandywine project located in British Colombia. The company was formerly known as Kent Exploration Inc. and changed its name to Bayhorse Silver Inc. in December 2013. Bayhorse Silver Inc. was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Burnaby, Canada.

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Overall

The Samsung Galaxy M10 is the first smartphone launched in India by the South Korean giant to feature a notched display. The phone has a dual-camera setup to take wide-angle shots. It has a 6.22-inch HD+ resolution Infinity-V' TFT display, with 720 x 1520 pixels resolution and 19:9 aspect ratio. Samsung has added its custom Samsung Experience UI. It has an Exynos 7870 1.6GHz octa-core processor with 2 GB / 16 GB internal storage and 3 GB of RAM with 32 GB of internal storage.

Samsung Galaxy M10 is priced starting at Rs 6,999 in India and is available in Charcoal Black, Ocean Blue, and Charcoal Blue colours.

Samsung has launched the Galaxy M20 smartphone in India which features a 6.3-inch display with 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution and Exynos 7904 octa-core processor. The Samsung Galaxy M20 price in India starts at Rs 9,999. It is available in Charcoal Black and Ocean Blue colours.

Design

The Samsung Galaxy M10 is an incredibly fresh and different phone and comes with a sleek design. The phone comes with a waterdrop-style notch at the top for the front camera. The device has a similar design to the OnePlus 6T and Oppo F9 Pro. It has a thin black border which can be seen all around the screen. The back and sides of the Samsung Galaxy M10 are plastic with curved edges and corners which makes it easy to hold and use. On the top-left corner of the back of the phone, it has a dual-camera setup and flash with a Samsung logo and some regulatory text. It has a 6.22-inch HD+ resolution Infinity-V' TFT display with 720x1520 pixels resolution and a 19:9 aspect ratio. The Samsung Experience UI looks decent for normal viewing and browsing.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy M10 comes with a dual-camera setup at the rear with a 13MP main sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and a 5MP secondary sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. The phone allows for ultra-wide-angle photography. It has a 5MP f/2.0 front camera which is capable of recording full-HD video.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy M10 is powered by the Exynos 7870 1.6GHz octa-core SoC which was first seen on the Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016). The device comes in 2GB or 3GB of RAM and either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage.

The Samsung Galaxy M10 runs on Android 8.1 Oreo OS, with the Samsung Experience 9.5 UI on top. The device comes preinstalled with a handful of Samsung's system apps, some Microsoft apps, and Daily Hunt. The phone has a lock screen Stories feature and the dual-messenger feature. It comes with a face recognition feature which just takes a few seconds to unlock the phone.

Storage and Battery

The phone has a 3,400mAh battery and a 5W charger in the box. It takes a little over three hours to fully charge the device. The phones battery can easily last for a day. It has a 3.5mm headphone socket lets you connect wired headphones to the phone. It is available in 16GB/32GB storage variants with expandable phone memory.
Highlights:

41 smartphone brands exited Indian market last year

The brands left India due to hyper-competition in the market

Chinese smartphone makers saw growth in the country



As many as 41 smartphone brands, including Zuk, Acer, Datawind, LeEco, and Comio shut shop while 15 companies like Realme and Pocophone entered the Indian market in 2018, market research firm CyberMedia Research (via The Economic Times) has said, adding that these brands exited due to the hyper-competition. CMR also claimed that 2019 is also expected to see out door even as brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and vivo, among other would continue to enjoy good market share by eating up the share of these brands.

Counterpoint Research predicts that 2019 could see the exit of 15 smartphone players, including Sony and five players like Nubia and Razr could try to establish/re-establish themselves in India. In comparison, CMR predicts 10 exits and nine new entrants in this year. CMR says that India currently has around 200 smartphone players operating in the market, which is down from over 300 players at its peak in 2014-15. The news comes following reports which said that global smartphone markets saw decline in shipments.

Analysts said that smaller brands were unable to provide the same specification as that provided by the Chinese brands and they ended up exiting the market to cut their losses. According to CMR, Chinese smartphone brands Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo together grabbed 46 percent market share in 2018 leaving Indian brands like Micromax, Lava, Intex and Karbonn with a combined market share of mere 8 percent.

China-based Realme was a standout hit in the India market in 2018. Realmes success shows that there is still a market for new players. India offers growth opportunities not just in Tier-1 cities, but beyond, Prabhu Ram, Head-IIG, CyberMedia Research, was quoted as saying. South Korean company Samsung grabbed 26 percent share, leaving 16 percent market with smaller players in India to operate in.

India becomes important also in terms of a huge hitherto untapped base for smartphone consumers in next three-five years along with favorable manufacturing policies and ecosystem development efforts by the government, Navkendar Singh, Associate Research Director, Devices and Ecosystem, India & South Asia, IDC, was quoted as saying.

Related Read:

Jio Phones top feature phone, overall handset Indian market in 2018: Counterpoint Research
Highlights:

Microsoft adds new background blur feature to Skype.

The feature uses AI to blur the background in a video call.

The feature is available on most desktops and laptops with the latest version of Skype.

Microsoft has announced that it is bringing a new background blur feature to Skype. As the name would suggest, the feature aims to automatically blur the background in a Skype call, and keep the user in focus. With a simple toggle, right-click, or even through your Skype settings, your background will be instantly and subtly blurred, leaving just you as the only focal point, the company notes in its official blog.

Microsoft notes that the background blue feature uses artificial intelligence that is trained in human form detection. Further, it is able to detect the users hair, hands and arms as well.

The feature is available on most desktops and laptops with the latest version of Skype. In order to turn it on, users can hover over the video button in order to bring up more options, including the option to toggle the feature on or off.

The feature should be a godsend for anyone who has a messy room, or something that they might want to hide when video chatting with someone else. However, since the feature is pretty new, there might be a few chinks. As the company itself notes, We do our best to make sure that your background is always blurred, but we cannot guarantee that your background will always be blurred.

Back in August, Microsoft rolled out end-to-end encrypted Private Conversations on Skype on iOS, Android, Linux, Mac and Windows Desktop. The feature was being tested for eight months before finally rolling out to users. The new features aims to keep conversations hidden in both the chat list and notifications. In order to use the feature, users have to select New Private Conversation from the Compose menu or by tapping the recipients profile. Once a new Private Conversation is initiated, the recipient will receive an invite. When the recipient accepts it, all calls and messages in that specific conversation will be end-to-end encrypted.

Related Read:

Amazon Echo devices get Skype calling via Alexa
I appreciate that we can talk about a child having anxiety and depression and not make it seem like it's a taboo thing or it's something that's wrong, she said. We can talk about them going to see a counselor the same as them going to see a doctor for a cold. That did not used to be that way, 14 years ago, for sure.
Highlights:

Sony has launched 6400 mirrorless camera with a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor

The camera has BIONZ X image processor and it is claimed to have the worlds fastest AF

The camera features 180-degree fully tiltable LCD touch screen



Expanding its E-mount mirrorless camera line-up, Sony has launched the 6400 camera with a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS image sensor and the BIONZ X image processor in India. The company claims that the camera has the worlds fastest autofocus (AF) acquisition of 0.02 seconds, and comes with an advanced Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking capabilities. Sony says that the camera supports high-speed shooting at up to 11 fps with auto exposure and autofocus tracking and 4K video recording. It ships with a fully 180-degree tiltable LCD touch screen.

Image sensor and processor

Sony 6400 comes equipped with a 24.2 MP APS-C sized image sensor paired with an upgraded BIONZ X processor. Sony says that these two are incredible advancements to deliver high-quality images and colour reproduction in all types of shooting conditions. The standard ISO ranges up to ISO 32000 for both still and video, and it is expandable up to ISO 102400 for still images. The Japanese company also says that the camera inherits several image processing algorithms from some of its full-frame cameras.

Autofocus

Sony claims that the 6400 inherits several technologies from some of its full-frame cameras, including the 9, 7R III and 7 III models. It features 425 phase-detection and an equal contrast-detection AF points covering nearly 84 percent of the image area. Sony says that the BIONZ X image processing engine allows the camera to acquire focus in 0.02 seconds and locks it to ensure fast moving subjects tracking.

Advanced Real-time Eye AF

Sony has introduced an advanced Real-time Eye AF in the 6400. It says that the technology employs Artificial Intelligence (AI) based object recognition to detect and process eye data in real time for accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF. In all autofocus modes, the camera now automatically detects the eyes of the subject and activates Eye AF with a half press of the shutter button, and when in AF-C or AF-A mode, the preferred eye (left or right) of your subject can be selected as the focus point, Sony said in a statement. Sony 6400 will also introduce Real-time Tracking mode that utilises AI based object recognition and processes colour, subject distance (depth), pattern (brightness) as spatial information.

180-degree Tiltable LCD touch screen

The Sony 6400 features a fully 180-degree tiltable, 3.0-type LCD flip screen with 921k-dots of resolution. The LCD screen is touch sensitive with options for Touch Pad, Touch Focus, Touch Shutter and new Touch Tracking, which quickly activates Real-time Tracking through the touch screen.

4K movie recording

The camera offers 4K movie recording (3840 x 2160 pixels) with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. Sony claims that the camera collects about 2.4x the amount of data required for 4K movies, and then oversamples it to produce 4K footage. The focusing during movie shooting is assisted by the Fast Hybrid AF technology. You can also create time-lapse videos and for that, it features in-built interval recording that can be set anywhere between 1 and 60 seconds, with a total number of shots from 1 to 9999.

Sony claims that the camera can shoot at up to 11 fps with full AF/AE tracking while using the mechanical shutter, and up to 8 fps with full AF/AE tracking with silent shooting enabled. It can shoot at each of these speeds for up to 116 frames JPEG Standard / 46 frames RAW compressed, greatly increasing the chances of capturing the perfect moment. Sony says with 6400, it is first time in a Sony APS-C mirrorless camera that it has included an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile, which supports an Instant HDR workflow, that lets HDR (HLG) compatible TVs to playback 4K HDR imagery.

The camera also features XGA OLED Tru-finder viewfinder, customisation with 89 functions that are assignable to eight custom keys, a new My Dial and My Menu functionality and enhanced overall menu usability. The 6400 will be available across all Sony Center, Alpha Flagship stores and major electronic stores across India from February 8. The 6400 body is priced at Rs 75,990. The 6400L with SELP1650 lens will cost users Rs 85,990 and the 6400M with SEL18135 lens be available for Rs 1,09,990.

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Sony's 4K HXR-NX200 NXCAM handheld camcorder launched for Rs 1,60,000
SALT LAKE CITY  Three SWAT team members involved in two separate shootings last year were cleared Thursday by the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced he would not pursue criminal charges against the officers involved in shootings on June 17 and July 15, noting that they would likely be able to successfully argue in court that they believed their lives were in imminent danger.

However, as has been the recent trend with officers involved in shootings, Gill noted that all of the officers declined to speak with the district attorney's office as part of the investigation.

On June 17, Abel Chris Martinez, 44, entered the home of his grandmother, 89-year-old Rose Martinez and her 71-year-old husband near 450 E. Stanley Ave. (3180 South), held them hostage and threatened them.

As a SWAT team was arriving at the house, officers received word that an increasingly agitated Abe Martinez had begun attacking his grandparents. That prompted three SWAT members already suited up in full gear to form an Immediate Action Team  consisting of one South Salt Lake officer and two Unified officers  and go to the front of the house. The members "engaged" the suspect through a front window and shot and killed the man, according to police.

Rose Martinez had already been stabbed to death and her husband was in the process of being attacked when officers confronted Abe Martinez, the report states.

Unified police officer Alan Jewett and South Salt Lake detective Tyler Cluff fired the shots that killed Martinez. Jewett fired two shots from a handgun and Cluff fired three from a rifle, according to Gill's report. Neither officer was wearing a body camera at the time.

"While we don't know (because they didn't answer questions or give a statement, as is their right not to) what officer Jewett or detective Cluff saw or heard or believed at the time each used deadly force, we know what they could have seen or heard or believed based on the facts, we presently know," the report states.

Based on the totality of the evidence collected, Gill said the officers' actions would likely be found justified in court.

In the second incident, on July 15, West Valley police attempted to pull over Ricardo Jose Lopez, 28, for allegedly driving recklessly near 1900 West and 3500 South. But rather than stop, Lopez ignored the officer and drove to a house at 3551 S. Shafer Lane and ran inside, according to Gill's final report regarding that incident.

When police tried to negotiate with Lopez to come out of the house, he threatened to kill officers. "When you guys do come in I'm going to stab you," he said, according to the report.

A SWAT team arrived and attempted to use pepper spray and tear gas to get Lopez out of the house, but were unsuccessful, the report states.

Later, Lopez charged at officers with a knife. One officer attempted to use a Taser but was unsuccessful.

West Valley police officer Andrew Swanger then fired two rounds at Lopez, stopping him, according to the report.

None of the officers, however, saw a knife in Lopez's hand until after he fell to the ground, but could see that he was trying to hide something as he came at them, the report states. Gill noted that he does not know exactly what Swanger saw because he declined to be interviewed.

But again, based on the totality of the evidence, Gill said the shooting would likely be found justified in court.

Lopez, who was later booked into jail after being treated at a hospital for his injury, was charged in 3rd District Court with three counts of assault on a police officer, a second-degree felony; injuring a police K-9, failing to stop for police and possession of a weapon by a restricted person, third-degree felonies; and six other misdemeanor crimes.

Lopez was also shot by West Valley police in 2016 in another incident that was determined to be justified.
SALT LAKE CITY  President Donald Trump promised ongoing support for religious freedom during Thursday's National Prayer Breakfast while celebrating some of his administration's most controversial faith-related moves.

"I will never let you down, I can say that," he told the mostly Christian audience.

Trump has become a hero to many conservative religious Americans over his first two years in office, championing faith-based adoption agencies and working to protect Christians in the Middle East. At the prayer breakfast, he highlighted these and other efforts, condemning abortion rights advocates and celebrating Karen Pence's return to part-time work at a Christian school.

"As president, I will always cherish, honor and protect the believers who uplift our communities and sustain our nation to ensure that people of faith can always contribute to our society," he said.

Sometimes, this protection amounts to discrimination against the LGBTQ community and others, according to progressive religious freedom advocates. They've criticized Trump for siding with religiously affiliated agencies and businesses that won't work with LGBTQ couples, non-Christians or anyone else who doesn't share their beliefs.

"The Trump administration (uses) religion to advance a regressive political agenda that harms others," said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, last month after news broke that the administration would allow a faith-based foster care agency in South Carolina to turn away same-sex couples and non-Christians.

While around 7 in 10 white evangelical Protestants (68 percent) have a favorable view of Trump, similar numbers view him negatively among black Protestants (80 percent), Hispanic Catholics (74 percent) and non-Christian religious Americans (73 percent), according to Public Religion Research Institute.

Trump's message resonates most among those who feel like their beliefs are under attack in American culture and by Democratic leaders, said Jeff Hunt, a vice president of Colorado Christian University who has attended multiple prayer breakfasts, to The Washington Post.

"Part of the reason I think evangelicals are so attracted to the president is he stood up for the importance of religious values in the public square," Hunt said.

At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump was addressing a friendly crowd and had to pause his speech for applause several times. Participants seemed particularly excited about the president's comments on abortion.

"All children, born and unborn, are made in the holy image of God," Trump said.

Abortion rights also came up during this week's State of the Union address, which Trump referenced repeatedly during his Thursday remarks. He has said he will work on legislation banning late-term abortion, responding to efforts in states like New York and Virginia to expand abortion rights.

The Trump administration may also work to expand protections for faith-based adoption agencies, which risk losing government funding if they require prospective clients to meet certain religious standards. Many states have considered or passed legislation protecting such organizations, but they still face legislative and legal challenges.

"My administration is working to ensure that faith-based adoption agencies are able to help vulnerable children find their forever families while following their deeply held beliefs," Trump said Thursday.

The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual, bipartisan event that brings together faith leaders, political lobbyists and government officials. "Every president since Dwight D. Eisenhower has attended the event that draws several thousand people," The Washington Post reported.

This year's program included a mix of conservative and progressive speakers, including Gary Haugen, a human rights activist and International Justice Mission founder, and Christian performing artist Chris Tomlin, who provided praise music between speakers. The Rev. Michael Curry, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church who is famous for his remarks at last year's royal wedding, read from 1 Corinthians 13 and offered a brief reflection on love that some saw as a rebuke to Trump's leadership style.

"This passage is often read at weddings, but when the Apostle Paul first wrote it he wasn't thinking about a wedding. He was worried about a community that had divisions in itself and he wrote to show them the way," the Rev. Curry said.

Overall, the event celebrated the power of faith and prayer, praising believers for their work for justice around the world. Prayer makes amazing things possible, even an end to political gridlock, Trump said.

"On today and every day, let us pray for the future of our country," he said.
OGDEN  International environmental experts and a documentary film will introduce audiences to a movement called The Rights of Nature, which advocates for granting legal status to the land, during various presentations and discussions Feb. 19 through 22 at Weber State University.

All events are free and open to the public.

Weber State English professor Hal Crimmel and WSU alumnus and filmmaker Isaac Goeckeritz created the documentary The Rights of Nature: A Global Movement. The film, shot in Ecuador, New Zealand and Santa Monica, California, focuses on a growing environmental initiative where natural areas are given legal rights that can be enforced by people, governments and communities.

Nature often has legal rights as codified in environmental laws, but granting nature legal personhood is a different story, Crimmel said in a statement. The main difference is that a Rights of Nature framework typically grants legal personhood status to nature, meaning that a river, for instance, would have the same rights as a person.

Public screenings of the documentary will be held Tuesday, Feb. 19, at noon in the Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater, and Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. in the Hurst Center Dumke Legacy Hall.

In addition to film screenings, discussions about the Rights of Nature will take place throughout the week of Feb. 19 through 22. International guests include Chris Finlayson, former New Zealand attorney general and minister for treaty of Waitangi negotiations, and Kirsti Luke, chief executive of Tuhoe Te Uru Taumatua, Ngai Tuhoes Tribal Authority, New Zealand.

For a complete list of the discussions, visit weber.edu.
PROVO  Three people have been charged in connection with a drug distribution case with alleged ties to a Mexican drug cartel.

Arturo Efrain Benavides, 29, of Phoenix, Gerardo Andres Luna-Luna, 33, of Lynwood, California, and Kevin Gerardo Corona, 27, of Springville, were charged Wednesday in 4th District Court with two counts each of drug distribution, both first-degree felonies with possible gang enhancements during sentencing if convicted.

On Jan. 31, investigators with the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force, along with Juab County sheriff's deputies, were tipped off that "they could purchase a large amount of methamphetamine" from a man who claimed "he was working with the Sinaloa Mexican cartel," according to charging documents.

After placing an order with undercover officers, investigators monitored the drug shipment as it made its way from California to Utah in two vehicles, the charges state.

"Officers were able to locate and stop both of the vehicles involved," according to the charges. "A K-9 alerted on the vehicle and in the trunk, officers found a bag. Inside of the bag was 14.5 pounds of methamphetamine."

In the second vehicle, police found Benavides. The two other men were in the first vehicle, the charges state. Those men said they were being paid $600 by Benavides to transport "drugs or something" in the trunk of their car, according to the charges.
SALT LAKE CITY  When the Deseret News and KSL started their scholarship program in 1962, the word "sterling" was an obvious choice.

According to sterlingscholar.org, a "sterling" thing was "pure and valuable and scholar seemed like a natural second word choice hence (the name) Sterling Scholar was created."

Honoring students who exemplified academic excellence and community service was what drove Sterling Scholars' founders to take action.

The program began when Deseret News columnist Steve Hale, education reporter Lavor Chaffin and director of marketing Keith West realized that although the paper recognized the impressive achievements of local student-athletes, outstanding academic scholars were not recognized in any manner," the Sterling Scholars website wrote. The group proposed the idea of an academic scholarship program to the Salt Lake Board of Education, and the program was formed.

Within a year, the scholarship program expanded beyond Salt Lake City to include schools in Cache, Davis and Utah counties. Now, the Sterling Scholars program covers five regions of Utah and includes charter schools.

For 57 years, Sterling Scholars program has offered annual scholarships to exceptional students throughout Utah. After a three-tier selection process involving school-based, regional and final interviews, students in subject-specific categories such as mathematics, marketing, world languages, dance, art, vocal performance, science and literature are awarded a scholarship at a final ceremony.

While the first program contained only 12 categories, the 2019 competition contains 14, with the addition of computer technology and dance. Many of the categories, such as home economics and speech/drama categories have been modernized or redefined.

Beyond discovering outstanding students, many internal considerations go into running the program. Jim Wall, the former president and publisher of Deseret News who oversaw the program from 2000-2010, spoke about the programs driving motivation and evolution over time.

We had a wonderful administrator, Sharon Johnson, who had made incredible inroads into the high schools throughout the state," he said. "She had counselors, she had Sterling Scholars representatives in most Utah schools and the program was pretty well-decided on what the criteria for Sterling Scholars would be and how the judging would work.

Johnson, a former schoolteacher who directed the Sterling Scholars program from 1998-2010  referring to the competition as her baby, so to speak,  said that the programs success depended largely on forming relationships with school principles, creating a rapport with exceptional judges and refining the programs selection criteria.

One of the most notable changes Johnson implemented during her time as director was the inclusion of nationally recognized professional and academic judges in the final round.

I had presidents of the universities come (judge the competition)," Johnson said. "I got people who are outstanding in their field, people that students admired. The students were so excited, they would come out of their interview and tell us  'oh, you cant believe who my judges were.' And they would say, 'is there any way I can meet these other judges because I admire them so much.'

Thanks to Johnson and Walls efforts, Sterling Scholars participants are now judged by local and national leaders  the president of the Utah Jazz, a postgraduate-level Brigham Young University mathematics professor, the director of Tanner Dance and the general director of the Utah Festival Opera have been among the many expert judges that evaluated Sterling Scholars candidates in the final round.

The program gained a lot of credibility, Wall recalled. Students were well-rewarded. They got scholarships. They had great acknowledgement, and I think generally a Sterling Scholar was really recognized throughout the state.

However, because of the programs competitive nature, ensuring the fair evaluation of students was  and, continues to be  one of Sterling Scholars administrators' primary concerns. Examining students holistically, evaluating grades fairly and creating equal opportunities for students in alternative school settings such as charter schools was key to improving the Sterling Scholars program.

For example, Wall recalled a minor controversy caused by potential inequality between students' grades, since some schools and teachers were said to grade easier than others.

So, what we did is, we put a lot of effort into our interviews," Wall said. "You can tell a bright student, you can tell when you ask them the questions, what their study habits were and how they fit time to study, and then an incredible amount of extracurricular activity.

Ultimately, the programs winners were determined by their character traits. High integrity, communication skills and on-the-spot problem solving abilities were the final factors which distinguished one Sterling Scholar candidate from another, Wall said.

They could be really, really intelligent, but if they couldnt communicate well, that was a problem, Wall explained. Judges would sometimes "throw in questions outside of a student's category, just to see how they would react, Johnson added.

Overall, creating a positive experience for candidates while finding genuine examples of passionate scholarship in the local community was on both Wall and Johnson's minds while developing the program.

Teachers were happy to promote these students, Wall said. Not everybody can be a winner, but you can have examples  honoring excellence and honoring a commitment to community. And that was our goal, to choose those students who are good examples.

"And if you go to Sterling Scholars the evening we're presenting the awards, you just can't help but fall in love with the whole program. You have students, they're cheering for each other, you have student bodies that have their kids there  they knew who was up, and when you start announcing the winners, you get goosebumps with the support that they're getting, Wall said. So I think it's wholesome, uplifting. You honor education, you honor integrity. And if not us, who?
SALT LAKE CITY  The three largest providers of mental health care in America are the countrys three largest jails.

Together, California's Los Angeles County Jail, Rikers Island in New York City and Harris County Jail in Texas house nearly 44,000 people, many of whom suffer from mental illnesses including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression.

That's according to Kenneth Rosenberg, practicing psychiatrist and director of Bedlam, a documentary that premiered last week at the Sundance Film Festival. The reason many mentally ill individuals end up in jail  or living on the streets or frequenting emergency rooms  is that they can't get access to long-term care, he said.

Bedlam, titled after the notorious London psychiatric hospital founded in 1247, follows several men and women who suffer from mental illness as they seek treatment, navigate the criminal justice system and face life on the street. Rosenberg also tells the story of his sister, Merle, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and subsequently institutionalized when she was 20 years old.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 1 in 25 U.S. adults suffers from a serious mental illness, defined as a disorder that substantially interferes with or limits major life activities. In every country, mental health disorders are on the rise and could cost the global economy up to $16 trillion in health care, social welfare and criminal justice costs by 2030, according to a 2018 report published in The Lancet.

Our tax dollars are being spent on (emergency rooms) and jails because that's where people end up, as opposed to community mental health programs and diversion from jail, Rosenberg told the Deseret News.

Barry Rose, clinical manager of crisis services for the University of Utahs Neuropsychiatric Institute, saw the film on Feb. 3 and called it accurate, sad and frustrating. He commended the filmmakers for highlighting a lack of services for the mentally ill.

Behavioral health issues are as common as any other medical condition that people have, and they should be treated that way, Rose told the Deseret News. Someone struggling with severe depression is often treated differently than if it was diabetes or cancer. People tend to make moral judgements about these people, and that needs to change.

Because of the stigma associated with mental illness, Rosenbergs family tried to hide his sisters illness from friends and neighbors, which made things worse, Rosenberg said. Today in his psychiatric practice, Rosenberg says the biggest obstacle he deals with is shame.

But as celebrities like Michael Phelps, Demi Lovato and Kanye West have opened up about their mental health struggles, and as more individuals use social media to share their experiences, that stigma is changing. Still, Bedlam shows that as a society, we are not providing effective care for the sickest and neediest citizens.

Care providers, affordable housing advocates, doctors and law enforcement officers all have a role to play in solving the problem. According to Rosenberg, there is a lot of disagreement about solutions, but there is little disagreement that the current approach is working. The simple solution is for people to care and for there to be advocacy, he said.

On the street

"Bedlam" follows Todd, a homeless man nearing 50 who has been waiting desperately for years to get into public housing. When he hears about another delay from his case worker, he throws his phone on the ground, unable to control his rage because of his mental illness. When he finally gets to move in to his own apartment, he breaks down in tears of relief and gratitude because he knows he would not have been able to get off the streets on his own.

The film also helps answer the question of why people like Todd end up living on the street in the first place.

In the 1950s, there were roughly 550,000 patients in Americas asylums. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act with the goal of helping those warehoused in institutions move back into their local neighborhoods. Asylums were to be closed and community mental health centers established in their place.

But by the time Rosenberg finished his medical degree in the 1990s, 90 percent of asylum beds were gone, and the number of mentally ill people in jail or living on the streets had ballooned. Some states saw an opportunity to save money by closing expensive state hospitals without reinvesting in community-based care, and many of the proposed centers were never built.

Today, between 20 and 25 percent of homeless people have a serious mental illness, according to Rosenberg. These people are likely to self medicate with drugs like heroin and develop substance abuse problems as well, he said.

There was nothing wrong with Kennedys Community Mental Health Act, but it never materialized, said Rosenberg. People were naive at the time saying they would replace asylums. There are different people who need different types of care.

Rosenberg said its time for Americans to admit we need long-term institutions and community programs that do a better job of filling in the gaps.

"We don't need to go back to the terrible asylums of the '60s, but we need long-term care and thats the reality," said Rosenberg.

Theresa Nguyen, vice president of policy and programs at Mental Health America, said many people were neglected and mistreated in the hospital system of the past and that community-based programs that allow a person to work and live at home are often better than extended stays in state hospitals.

We should strive to keep people close to those systems that are best for long-term recovery, which means opportunities to be connected, not isolated, Nguyen said.

According to Rose, the problem with current public resources is that there is not enough to meet the need, and people who want treatment have to wait a long time. It is not the case that people with serious mental illnesses are not responsive to treatment, its that most people dont have access to those treatments that are effective, he said.

Mental health problems are exacerbated by issues like trauma, stress, and poverty. If someone is responsive on meds but has childhood trauma and is low income, these are factors that complicate recovery, said Nguyen. Poverty and underemployment are harder to solve than mental illness.

In the emergency room

In a review of Bedlam published on Black Girl Nerds, an online community that supports women of color, Sezin Koehler wrote that it was painful to watch how mentally ill people were treated in the movie and she had to take a number of breaks while viewing.

It was hard but worth it, wrote Koehler. We need to stop looking away from people with mental illness. Their stories deserve witnessing. Their bravery, their survival deserves witnessing.

Some of the most dramatic scenes in the film take place in the Los Angeles County Psychiatric Emergency Room, where patients who are acting erratically or threatening staff have to be locked in rooms or tied down on tables in order to be treated. Doctors in the film are visibly drained from the work and express frustration that they are only able to provide short-term help for these individuals.

One of the Los Angeles doctors featured in the film, Dr. Dias (whose first name is not shared in the film), says, If people give up on their family members, if people give up on themselves through suicide, what makes you think society wont give up?

Patients in crisis check themselves in to the ER or are brought there by family members or law enforcement. In most cases, patients are released once they become stable. But because of the complexity of psychiatric conditions, it often takes time to determine which medications will work for an individual long-term. While ER staff can help connect patients to community services, those services may be insufficient to meet the individual's needs, and there may be waiting lists.

According to Rose, commitment laws allow hospitals to keep individuals in treatment when if they are not capable of caring for themselves. But in Utah, for example, the commitment law has no teeth, Rose said.

Someone can leave the hospital or drop out of treatment and nothing happens, said Rose. There is not much effort to find people not following through with treatment and return them to restricted environment or incentivize them to stay in treatment.

Those who need long-term treatment the most have the hardest time staying in services and often end up homeless, he added.

In jail

Patrisse Cullors, founder of Black Lives Matter, appears in Bedlam with her brother, Monte, who is first shown in the ER suffering from a manic episode.

Monte was in and out of juvenile hall for misdemeanors throughout his teen years, starting at age 14.

He is 38 now, and he has been locked up half of his life, said Cullors.

Approximately 1.2 million individuals incarcerated in jails and prisons are mentally ill, according to Mental Health America. And 6 out of the 10 states with the least access to mental health care also have the highest rates of incarceration.

But jails and prisons don't do the best job of treating mental illness.

A 2014 study by researchers at the University of Texas showed that more than half of people in prison who were medicated for mental health conditions at admission did not receive pharmacotherapy while incarcerated, a pattern which the study attributes to faulty screening methods.

Currently, Monte lives in a boarding care facility supported by his family. His condition was part of Cullors' motivation to organize Black Lives Matter to campaign against violence and systemic racism towards black people.

So many of the people who have been killed or hurt by law enforcement have had some sort of mental illness, said Cullors. Ezell Ford was a 25-year-old black man known to have suffered from depression and schizophrenia who was shot by Los Angeles police in 2014. Charleena Lyles, a 30-year-old black mother of four, was shot by Seattle police in 2017 after she called to report what she thought was someone breaking into her house. She was also known to have suffered from mental health problems, Cullors said.

This is important to me because Ive witnessed my family go through hell and back because of a system that has not prioritized us, said Cullors. I dread every time my brother goes through an episode, not because the episode is hard but because there are limited resources.

According to Rose, police are often the first responders when an individual is in crisis, and their expertise in dealing with mental illness is limited. In Salt Lake City, police can call mobile outreach teams made up of mental health specialists who can assist police in these situations, according to Rose.

But its not used 100 percent of the time. Its a difficult thing for the police to have to try and make those decisions, Rose said. Mental health courts that link offenders with community-based treatment instead of sentencing them to prison are another excellent tool to help mentally ill people get the help they need instead of being punished for their illness, Rose said.

Admission to Mental health court is based on a screening of the offender's mental health status and a review of the charged offenses. Most mental health courts exclude DUI charges, sex offenses and extremely violent offenses.

Everyone deserves care, dignity and the chance to live their life whole, said Cullors.

Rosenberg said the success of programs like these rely on better community understanding of mental illness. He hopes the film will "fuel outrage" and inspire people to respond to everyone with more kindness, he said.

Its important to me personally because of my sister, said Rosenberg. (Mental health) is among the greatest social crises of our time, if not the greatest. On every level  personal, medical and political  its hugely important. Whats fascinating is that there arent 30 films at Sundance about this. Whats fascinating is that our film is unparalleled.
SALT LAKE CITY  Benjamin Flowers, Ohios deputy solicitor general, said something recently that ought to kick-start a nationwide discussion.

If women are selecting children with Down syndrome for abortion, if doctors are negatively counseling their patients to abort children when they have a Down syndrome diagnosis, he said, the message that sends not only to children or people carrying a child but to people who are 30 years old is that if you have Down syndrome your life is not worth as much.

Of course, its hardly necessary to kick-start any discussion about abortion. Americans have been talking over each other on that subject for decades now. But when it concerns terminating a pregnancy because the fetus has an extra chromosome, some questions come to mind.

Do we, as a nation, value one life more than another based on characteristics or genetics? If so, does someone have a master list of desirable characteristics?

As science gets better at diagnosing potential problems in the womb, it may be useful to consider which of your shortcomings might have warranted your termination if they could have been diagnosed in utero.

Flowers was defending an Ohio law that seeks to put an end to elective abortions that happen because a mother learns the baby she is carrying likely has Down syndrome. Ohio would punish a doctor who knows the womans decision is based partly on such a diagnosis but proceeds anyway.

Indiana has a similar law that is tied up in litigation. North Dakota and Louisiana have laws that are yet to be challenged.

Utah could be next. For the second year in a row, Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, and Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, are sponsoring a bill that would do the same, only with a few twists. HB166 would outlaw abortions performed when the mothers sole reason for wanting one is because the baby may have Down syndrome, but the bill specifies that this would take effect only when a court of binding authority rules that a law one those other states passed is constitutional, to keep it from costing Utah taxpayers money to defend.

In the meantime, the bill would require that mothers receive information from organizations that represent parents of children with Down syndrome before receiving an abortion.

Supporters of the bill argue these parents currently are left with only their fears, and perhaps doctors urging them to abort. Opponents say thats nonsense.

Still, experts say somewhere between 67 percent and 90 percent of parents choose to abort after receiving the diagnosis, although some say the figure in Utah is much lower.

Last years version of the bill passed the House but failed in the Senate. Late Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee once again voted to send the bill to the floor of the House with a favorable recommendation, this time by a 9-3 vote.

Both sides were at the committee meeting. Parents of Down syndrome children testified of the joys and valuable life lessons they associate with such children. Civil libertarians, attorneys and other concerned citizens testified they worried about the state interfering in what ought to be a private decision.

The arguments are by now familiar to many Americans, if they bother to listen at all. Only one stood out  a young woman with Down syndrome named Lisa. She spoke of the dire predictions doctors made at her birth and how she had proven them wrong. She spoke of her favorite things, such as swimming, bowling, music, art and doing things with her boyfriend.

She reminded me of Frank Stephens, a man with Down syndrome who testified at a congressional hearing in 2017. A video of that testimony has recently gone viral.

Some people say prenatal screens will identify Down syndrome in the womb and those pregnancies will just be terminated, he said. Its hard for me to sit here and say those words.

I completely understand that the people pushing this particular final solution are saying that people like me should not exist. That final view is deeply prejudiced by an outdated idea of life with Down syndrome. Seriously, I have a great life!

Some say HB166 would be nothing more than a message bill, given that courts may not find those other laws constitutional and that the bill would be difficult to enforce. This may be true, but allowing fetuses with Down syndrome to be aborted sends a message, as well  one that forces us to come face to face with Lisa, Frank and many other happily functioning and contributing human beings.
SALT LAKE CITY  While Medicaid expansion is still expected to dominate lawmakers' discussions today in the Utah Legislature, there are several other hot topics brewing on Capitol Hill.

READ MORE: 'Fallback' plan for Medicaid expansion pitched in closed Utah House and Senate Republican caucuses

In the Senate Business and Labor Committee, officials will discuss SB132, which would modify the permissible percentage of alcohol in beer and heavy beer.

READ MORE: Utah one step closer to allowing stronger beer in grocery, convenience stores

The Utah Senate approved HB19 unanimously with two senators not voting. The proposal, which seeks to better protect victims of sexual violence after they report to police, is headed to the governor's desk for final approval.

READ MORE: Utah Senate OKs bill to boost protections for sexual violence survivors

Other issues expected to be discussed at the Statehouse during the day include:

 The Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee is slated to hear SB119 that would extend the date of the automatic repeal of the truck ban on Legacy Parkway.

READ MORE: Push to extend Legacy Highway's 15-year truck ban falters in Senate committee

 The Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee is looking at college campus safety with SB134, which requires an institution of higher education to develop a campus safety plan and a campus safety training curriculum, and includes requirements for what they must address.

READ MORE: Utah bill seeks to strengthen campus safety following University of Utah student Lauren McCluskey's death

Here's what happened on Feb. 6, the 10th day of the 2019 session:
SALT LAKE CITY  A ban on even holding a cellphone while driving got one step further than last year, as a House committee approved Wednesday a measure similar to a bill that failed in 2018.

HB13 makes any handheld use of a cellphone illegal while driving, even when using the phone for navigation and voice communication. It bill would allow a single swipe or tap on a device that is mounted in a way that allows the driver to see the road. It also allows use in an emergency and for reporting hazards or crimes.

"We are having a difficult time controlling it ourselves, all of us, myself included, and its time that we pass a law that says you just cannot do it unless you have a single manipulation or you pull off to the side of the road," Bountiful Police Chief Tom Ross said.

Texting while driving and talking while holding the phone to an ear is already illegal in Utah. According to the bill's sponsor, House Minority Whip Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay, after the law to make texting illegal passed in 2009 crashes went down for the next five years, but in the past six years they have gone up precipitously.

"We really believe that it had to do with the fact that people didnt really think it was against the law," Moss said.

The House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend the bill. Moss presented a similar bill last year but the House Transportation Committee did not vote in favor of the bill.

Greg Douglas, vice president and state liaison of American Bikers Aiming Toward Education, said on his way to the Capitol from Utah County he counted 32 people using a cellphone while operating a vehicle. He stopped counting after seeing a fuel-tank driver texting.

"Anytime somebody uses their handheld device, unconsciously or consciously, theyre making a decision that their lives  and the lives of everyone around them are less important than what theyre doing on their phone," Douglas said.

Moss shared a statistic from 2018 which said 7 percent of drivers, at any given moment, are using cellphones.

"This is the biggest complaint I get from, not just constituents, but people all over the state saying  'you need to pass a law prohibiting handheld phones,'" Moss said.

George Chapman spoke against the bill, saying it would encourage disrespect for the law instead of helping with the real goal, which is trying to stop texting while driving.

Ross pointed out that cellphones are very different from things like doing hair or switching radio stations because we are addicted to them.

"Tell me anyone in this room who, when your phone gets a text message, you dont immediately feel like you need to grab it. And if you dont grab it, it bugs the heck out of you because youre thinking 'what am I missing,'" Ross said.

Moss reminded parents they are models for their kids, and if they don't want their children using phones while driving they need to stop as well. She said if it takes a law to encourage the change, then it is worth it.
The thing probably for me that tipped it over the edge was how much they really showed that they werent just reciting the poem, but rather feeling like they were telling a story in verse, she said. If they crossed that line from looking like they were remembering a poem and doing it well to actually sitting down and telling you a story in verse was when they bumped up in my estimation.
SALT LAKE CITY  Since he was elected, President Donald Trump has never really stopped campaigning, making raucous rallies a hallmark of his first two years in office.

And one thing that has come up at most rallies, before and after his election, has been border security; more specifically, a wall along the southern border.

On Wednesday, Trump announced the location of his first rally of 2019: El Paso. The topic? The wall.

"As the President continues his fight to secure the border, there's no better place to demonstrate that walls work than in El Paso," Michael Glassner, the chief operating officer of the Trump campaign, said in a statement.

During the State of the Union Tuesday, Trump used El Paso as an example of a city that became safer as a result of a border wall.

The border city of El Paso, Texas used to have extremely high rates of violent crime  one of the highest in the entire country, and considered one of our nation's most dangerous cities," Trump said. "Now, immediately upon its building, with a powerful barrier in place, El Paso is one of the safest cities in our country.

"Simply put," he said, "walls work, and walls save lives."

While Trump appealed for bipartisan cooperation in his speech Tuesday night, he did not walk back his immigration agenda, renewing his call for a border wall and casting illegal immigration as a threat to Americans safety and economic prosperity, TheNew York Times reported.

This isnt the first time that Trump has held up El Paso as an example of border wall success. During Trumps visit to Texas in early January, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton shared a similar sentiment with the president.

"El Paso used to have one of the highest crime rates in America," Paxton said. "After that fence went up and separated Juarez, which still has an extremely high crime rate, the crime rates in El Paso now are some of the lowest in the country. So we know it works."

But is it true? Here's what we found.

Is there a border wall in El Paso?

Yes. Some form of barrier has existed between El Paso and neighboring Ciudad Juarez for more than a decade, the El Paso Times reported.

In his conversation with Trump, Paxton was referring to fencing constructed under the Secure Fence Act, signed into law in October 2006 by President George W. Bush.

The same month the law was signed, the El Paso Times ran a front-page story capturing the sentiment of ambivalence on the ground: "If you believe elected officials, business leaders and community activists, the proposed border fence to limit illegal immigration is either a cure-all or a calamity.

Construction started on the fencing in the El Paso sector in 2008 and finished by mid-2009, the newspaper reported.

Did the border fence cut down on crime in El Paso?

No. In his speech, Trump claimed that El Paso had a high crime rate before the fence was built, and that after it was completed, the crime rate plummeted.

That did not happen.

El Paso has never been considered one of the nation's most dangerous cities, and its trends in violent crime mirror national swings before and after border barrier construction from 2006 to 2008, FBI data shows, Fox News reported.

Over the last 30 years the rate of violent crime in El Paso peaked in 1993, with more than 6,500 crimes. Between 1993 and 2006, the number of violent crimes dropped by more than 34 percent, with fewer than 2,700 crimes reported, according to an analysis of FBI data by the El Paso Times.

Construction of the border fence, authorized by Bush in 2006, did not start until 2008. From 2006 to 2011  from two years before the fence was built to two years after  the number of violent crimes in El Paso went up by 17 percent, the El Paso Times reported.

In 2008, before border barriers had been finished in El Paso, the city had the second-lowest violent crime rate among 20 cities of similar size, TheNew York Times reported. In 2010, after the fence went up, it held that place.

How are people reacting?

Some Texas officials have criticized Trumps statements, citing other factors to explain the low crime rate in El Paso.

Richard D. Wiles, who was chief of the El Paso Police Department and then sheriff of the El Paso County Sheriffs Office from 2004 to today, was upset by the presidents remarks.

It is sad to hear President Trump state falsehoods about El Paso, Texas in an attempt to justify the building of a 2,000-mile wall, he stated. The facts are clear ... El Paso was a safe city long before any wall was built. President Trump continues to give a false narrative about a great city that truly represents what this great nation is all about.

Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, tweeted that "El Paso has been one of the safest cities in the nation long before the wall was built in 2008. #WallsDontWork."

He lies. @POTUS is once again lying and using the #SOTU address to spread falsehoods about our beloved city of El Paso.



Fact is that El Paso has been one of the safest cities in the nation long before the wall was built in 2008. #WallsDontWork  Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) February 6, 2019

Fernando Garcia, executive director of the Border Network for Human Rights, said Trump "openly distorted the facts and the reality of our border region to justify the unjustifiable: his absurd obsession of a border wall," Fox News reported.

"El Paso is safe due to its people, the good community relations with law enforcement, and the trust of all communities in our local institutions," Garcia said in a statement Tuesday. "El Pasoans should be offended by the way the president used our community to advance his racist and xenophobic agenda."

Others were more supportive of Trump's remarks.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the president is "absolutely right that Congress must pass his common sense border security bill and end this very real crisis at our southern border."

"In Texas, illegal immigration costs state taxpayers billions of dollars every year in health care, education and law enforcement costs," he said in a statement. "Texans see firsthand the tragedies that take place at our border every day. No one should have to die trying to come to America."

Jon Barela, chief executive officer of the Borderplex Alliance, encouraged Trump to make a visit to El Paso.

We would welcome the president to come to El Paso and see how our region is a model in how you conduct binational commerce, how you reduce crime rates and how you create border security through economic opportunity, Barela said.

Trump will rally supporters Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Brad Parscale, his campaign manager, tweeted that the rally will be held "less than 1,000 feet from the successful border fence that keeps El Paso safe!"
SALT LAKE CITY  Lisa Wilson, a woman with Downs syndrome, told lawmakers Wednesday she was "given a blessing" when she was born weighing 2 pounds, 3 ounces.

At the time, a doctor said she would "never do anything," not even "walk, talk, read or write" and she would be "bald," she said.

Wilson, now an adult, read from a letter in front of a panel of House lawmakers on Wednesday, dressed in a pink, with a full head of curly brown hair.

"God had other plans," she said.

Wilson said she "loves everyone," and loves "listening to music, swimming, reading ... and doing things with my boyfriend, James."

"I am so grateful that I was blessed that I might live so that I could give and receive joy," Wilson said.

Wilson was one of a handful of public speakers urging lawmakers on the House Judiciary Standing Committee to support HB166, a bill that has history on Utah's Capitol Hill.

It's a reincarnation of a bill Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, sponsored last year, but didn't survive the clock in time for a vote on the Senate floor after receiving support in the House.

HB166 is almost identical to last year's bill. Had it passed, the measure would make performing an abortion for that sole reason a class A misdemeanor.

The failed legislation met pushback from women's rights activists, as well as warnings from attorneys that there was a high probability a court would rule it's unconstitutional.

But this year's version includes a "trigger" provision, Lisonbee said, that protects it from an expensive lawsuit should a legal challenge arise. A contingency clause specifies the abortion ban provision would not take effect until a court ruled on its constitutionality.

A legal challenge is now before the U.S. Supreme Court over a similar ban in Indiana.

Lisonbee compared abortions of fetuses with Down syndrome to "eugenics," telling of how mothers have shared horror stories with her of doctors telling them when their unborn babies were diagnosed with Down syndrome: "You need to abort this child."

"Social engineering is alive and well in Utah's abortion clinics and doctor's offices today as we see the eradication of babies with Down syndrome," Lisonbee said.

But Lisonbee was met with pushback from opponents including Michelle Debbink, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, who said it's incorrect that the "general practice" is to recommend an abortion based on a Down syndrome diagnosis. She also said the law is unfairly "aimed at women who have already made the decision to undergo an abortion."

Representatives from Planned Parenthood also attended Wednesday's committee meeting. Earlier in the day, Karrie Galloway, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, issued a statement expressing "compassion for any family faced with a diagnosis of a fetal anomaly" while also encouraging "parents to receive the information and support they need to make the decision that is best for them."

"Instead of playing a divisive political game with the personal decisions of Utah families, the bill sponsors would be better public servants if they worked to ensure that Utahns have equitable access to health care and the disability services they need," Galloway said.

Lets be clear  HB166 is about restricting access to abortion," she added. "No matter the reason, the decision to terminate a pregnancy is a deeply personal and sometimes complex decision that must be left to a woman, in consultation with her family, her faith and her health care provider. Regardless of how one personally feels about abortion, its important that it remain a safe and legal medical procedure for a woman to consider if and when she needs it.

But to Utah mother Amber Merkley, "this bill isn't even about abortion," she said. Instead, she said it's more about the way "people see my son."

Merkley's 4-year-old son, Finn, climbed onto the chair next to her as she testified in front of lawmakers. She said when he was diagnosed with Down syndrome while he was 14 weeks in her belly, she was terrified.

Since he was born, life "isn't all rainbows and butterflies," she said, "but you know what, there are plenty of rainbows and butterflies along the way."

"There is a beautiful richness in our lives that wouldn't be there without Down syndrome," she said.

But Lauren Simpson, policy fellow with the Alliance for a Better Utah, spoke against the bill, saying its only purpose is to "send a message" that it's "only a matter of time" before the Supreme Court reverses Roe v. Wade and Utah will begin to further restrict when a woman is allowed to get an abortion.

"This would be a mistake," Simpson said.

If the Utah Legislature is serious about preventing abortions, Simpson said lawmakers should pass laws implementing comprehensive sex education, expanding access to contraception, and enact "pro-family" policies like paid maternity leave and affordable childcare.

But to Mary Taylor, president of ProLife Utah, HB166 sends the right message.

"I don't think this is a message bill, but if it is a message bill, it's a pretty good message to send," she said.

"This bill does make a statement about who we are as a society," she said. "We do not discriminate against a particular group of people."

The House committee voted along party lines. Three Democrats voted against it, including House Minority Leader Brian King, D-Salt Lake City.

He called it a "tough issue," noting that he has friends who have children with Down syndrome, and they are "remarkable spirits."

But just like doctors who have told women "you need to abort this baby," King said it didn't sit well with him to allow the Utah Legislature to tell a woman "you cannot abort this baby."

Nonetheless, HB166 won a favorable recommendation from the House committee with a 9-3 vote. It now goes to the House floor for consideration.
SALT LAKE CITY  A bill replacing voter-approved full Medicaid expansion with a more limited and initially more costly plan passed a House committee Wednesday, but there may be some big changes before it hits the House floor.

The House Business and Labor Committee voted 9-6 to advance SB96 after members agreed unanimously to remove a provision that would have repealed any Medicaid expansion if the federal government rejects the new plan.

However, the chairman of the committee, Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, who sponsored the amendment and is the bill's House sponsor, voted against sending the bill to the full House.

Dunnigan offered no explanation for his opposition during the more than 1 1/2-hour long hearing and told reporters "no comment" afterward. He did, however, fist bump with SB96's sponsor, Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden.

Christensen told the Deseret News he expects more changes to SB96 before it comes up for a vote in the House.

"Why do you think Dunnigan voted no? They're disagreeing over the fallback plan," Christensen said, referring to what the state will do if the federal government doesn't approve the long-term plan.

"What happens if no secondary waiver comes through," the senator said, noting that under the amendment approved by the committee, Medicaid expansion ends "when we run out of money," about 18 months after the April 1 start date.

"That's what they're arguing about," Christensen said. He said he learned of the amendment just before it was posted during the meeting, but backed it anyway. "It's better than nothing, not as good as what I would have wanted."

An option expected to be considered in caucus is reverting back to full Medicaid expansion in a year if the waivers don't come through, basically implementing the Proposition 3 ballot initiative that passed last November.

House Majority Whip Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, declined to discuss the changes yet to be made to SB96 before it comes up for a vote on the House floor. He said those changes will be discussed in a closed House GOP caucus Thursday.

The House vote on SB96 won't come until Friday, Schultz said, and the bill will have to return to the Senate for action on any amendments. GOP leaders had said they wanted the bill on Gov. Gary Herbert's desk by the end of the week.

"The question is are there more changes? Obviously. The question is, how substantive are those changes. And that's a good question," Schultz said. "I hope we can get to the 50 votes."

That's a veto-proof majority in the House, and the number needed for the bill to take effect immediately, allowing the state to start working on the federal waivers needed.

Unlike SB96, Proposition 3 does not require approvals from the federal government to receive the 90 percent to 10 percent federal to state funding match available for full Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

That's because Proposition 3 provides coverage to Utahns earning up to 138 percent of the approximately $12,000 federal poverty rate, while SB96 limits Medicaid expansion to those earning up to 100 percent of that rate.

While the waivers are being sought, SB96 establishes what's being called a bridge plan that extends coverage for up to 18 months at a higher 70 percent to 30 percent state to federal funding match that also requires federal approval.

Schultz said he doesn't believe a fallback plan will be needed.

"We're not just pulling this out of the sky," he said. "We truly believe we're going to get the waivers."

There was no talk of making additional changes to SB96 in the committee hearing.

Christensen said he's long opposed Medicaid expansion because he's "philosophically opposed to extending more government control over more lives," but was willing to "go along with what the public voted for," with some modifications.

"We're going to expand Medicaid. My bill does that," he said, but in a fiscally responsible way that includes enrollment caps, work requirements and other restrictions intended to help control costs.

He said the 0.15 percent sales tax increase in Proposition 3 isn't going to be enough to pay for the state's share of full Medicaid expansion, according to estimates predicting shortfalls reaching $65 million in four years.

SB96 has a $49 million price tag to help cover the more expensive bridge program.

For those Utahns earning between 100-138 percent of the federal poverty rate who won't receive Medicaid under SB96, Christensen said they can show "personal responsiblity" and buy federally subsidized insurance for as little as $22 a month.

He also said he expects the federal waivers to be approved, even though past efforts to obtain similar approvals from Washington by Utah and other states have been denied.

"Im betting the farm were going to get it," he said. "Its a matter of risk."

Jared Parker spoke in favor of SB96, calling Medicaid expansion a moral issue because of the impact on the budget. He asked lawmakers to be "morally responsible by being fiscally responsible."

Nate Crippes of the Disability Law Center, however, warned that the state will face legal challenges to SB96 because of some of the restrictions being put on Medicaid expansion.

House Minority Leader Brian King, D-Salt Lake, who along with the other two Democrats on the committee voted against advancing the bill, called the bill financially irresponsible.

"I dont see the rush for pushing it through," King said. "There's a real significant downside."

Andrew Roberts, spokesman for Utah Decides, the group behind Proposition 3, said in a statement that now House members are following the Senate "in supporting a bill to overturn the will of Utah voters."

Roberts said "politicians risk bankrupting our state or kicking tens of thousands of Utahns off their health insurance. Either way, this isn't what voters asked for. Fully implementing Proposition 3 is the only responsible path."

Contributing: Emily Ashcraft
WASHINGTON  After a whirlwind VIP experience in the nation's capital, emotions caught up with Jennie Taylor on Wednesday.

Standing at a podium before about 50 people gathered to honor the Gold Star wife, her voice broke as she reminded everyone gathered that it was three months ago today that her husband's remains returned to the United States from Afghanistan.

Maj. Brent R. Taylor, 39, was helping train Afghan forces when was killed and another U.S. soldier wounded on Nov. 3 in an insider attack at the Kabul Military Training Center.

"It is my greatest honor to be a Gold Star widow," said Jennie Taylor of North Ogden, Utah. "We have been treated like gold."

She said when she dwells on the loss of her husband and the challenge of raising their seven children, "the windows of heaven open" and people step in to offer support and memorable moments  like her time here.

Taylor was the guest of Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, to attend President Donald Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday. On Wednesday, she and her late husband's parents toured the White House, Library of Congress and the U.S. Capitol before settling down in a congressional hearing room for a reception in their honor.

Bishop said he invited her because of the ethic of sacrifice and service that was part of the Taylor family. Brent Taylor was also mayor of North Ogden.

"People can take courage from what this family has done before and since Nov. 3," Bishop said, after presenting her with a wood and glass case containing a U.S. flag that flew over the Capitol building on Nov. 3.

A resolution renaming the North Ogden Department of Veterans Affairs Outstation the Major Brent Taylor Vet Center Outstation passed the Senate on Tuesday and will get final approval in the House soon, Bishop said.

Also at the reception and offering remarks were Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, GOP Reps. Chris Stewart and John Curtis, and Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah.

The reception was a somber conclusion to a hectic two days for Jennie Taylor and her in-laws, Stephen and Tammy Taylor.

Jennie Taylor was seated in the gallery of the House for the State of the Union, and she told the reception gathering that one of the most moving moments for her was when the president recognized three World War II veterans and a Holocaust survivor, who was liberated from Dachau Nazi concentration camp by the veteran he was sitting next to.

She noted how that moment put her husband's sacrifice in perspective  that their family's experience is one of thousands. "It's not just his legacy but those before who gave their lives for us," she said. "It's not just Brent and Jennie Taylor's story; this is America's story."

Brent Taylor was a patriot from the time he was a child growing up in Chandler, Arizona. His father and mother, Stephen and Tammy, said he was always interested in politics. Stephen Taylor said his son took a handful of soil and a flag with him whenever he went overseas  even for his church mission  and said the Pledge of Allegiance every day.

As senior class president, Brent told the student body that their 20-year reunion would be in the White House, Stephen said.

It is my greatest honor to be a Gold Star widow. We have been treated like gold.  Jennie Taylor

The Taylors thought of that bold prediction as they toured the White House early Wednesday. Jennie Taylor asked to have a picture of her taken at the gate in front of the president's residence in the same place Brent had his photo taken in 2003. He had taken a trip to Washington when he was a BYU student and member of the Young Republicans, before he and Jennie met.

"I had to recreate that iconic photo," Jennie said.

She said a common bond she always shared with her husband was a love of God and country.

Bishop had a rapt audience as he took the Taylors through the Capitol building, and the former high school AP history teacher relished the opportunity to point out details in the murals and architecture of the building. He began the tour in the narrow brick-lined basement tunnels and pointed out the incongruent wood-paneled ceilings, noting they were standing where the building's original bathhouse was.

"I'm a former high school history teacher, too, so I love all these little details," Jennie Taylor said.

Bishop also took the family to a place few outsiders visit  the Congressional Prayer Room, where an interior stained glass window depicts George Washington kneeling in prayer and is etched with the words of Psalm 16:1, "Preserve me, O God, for in thee do I put my trust," and from President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg address, "This Nation Under God." The names of all 50 states are also inlaid in the glass. Two prayer altars and a Holy Bible are at the front of the small room in a hallway off the main rotunda.

Along the tour the Taylor family met members of Congress who, when introduced, expressed their condolences and thanked her for her husband's service and sacrifice.

In his remarks at the reception, Stewart, a former Air Force pilot, said while the events of the day were to honor Brent Taylor, the families of fallen military men and women also make a sacrifice that should be recognized.

"Sacrifice of the spouses, the children, the parents and the brothers and sisters is not forgotten, and in a meaningful way they sacrifice more than the servicemen," Stewart said, turning to Jennie Taylor. "You are the one left with this great challenge ... teaching the children what their dad represented. And I say bless you in that."
SALT LAKE CITY  With life sciences and high-tech emerging as dominant forces in Utah's robust economy, it may not be surprising that a local company has just achieved a $1 billion valuation  the rare unicorn status  by successfully merging the latest in big data analysis with a deep knowledge of modern health care systems.

Health Catalyst, an effort founded just over a decade ago by a team that was working for Intermountain Healthcare at the time, announced Thursday both a $100 million Series F funding round and hitting the $1 billion valuation benchmark.

CEO Dan Burton said the privately held company uses knowledge gleaned from a data set that includes medical histories of 100 million patients to both aid clinicians in zeroing-in on the best course of treatment action while allowing providers insight into how to best manage their operations to optimize efficiency, and control costs.

"At a fundamental level, we are a health care-focused data and analytics company," Burton said. "The reason that we help our clients aggregate and analyze the data is to help improve the care of their patients."

They focus on saving lives and helping people who are in a moment of medical care needs that can have a very significant impact on their lives.  Fraser Bullock, Health Catalyst board chairman

Burton said one of the biggest changes his company is helping health care providers implement is utilization of the records under their charge and analytics driven by an artificial intelligence engine that helps minimize mistakes and highlights areas where a clinic or hospital needs to focus more attention on.

"Health care as an industry is undergoing a pretty significant transformation right now, and one of the real drivers of that transformation is that, up until a few years ago, the information about you as a patient was still a paper-based operation," Burton said. "There is not a lot of analysis you can apply to paper records and thats just started to meaningfully transform to digital.

"That digital crossover opens up this new horizon of significant opportunities to start harvesting and analyzing that data to help guide good decisions."

Various estimates peg wasted spending in U.S. health care in the neighborhood of $750 billion to $1 trillion annually. It's also the case that when outcomes are measured in relation to health care spending, the U.S. lags well behind other industrialized nations.

A report published last year in the Journal of the American Medical Association noted U.S. patients were spending significantly more, and in some cases almost twice as much, as other high-income countries on health care. For example, in 2016 the U.S. spent 17.8 percent of its gross domestic product on health care. This compares to spending rates that ranged from 9.6 percent of GDP in Australia to a high of 12.4 percent of GDP in Switzerland for the same year.

While outspending other top 10 high-income countries, the U.S. had the lowest life expectancies and highest infant mortality rate in the group.

Burton said Health Catalyst, based in Salt Lake City, is poised to help address those issues for clients that opt-in to its platform and analytics. He noted Intermountain Healthcare, a nationally recognized Utah-based health system in which early development of the system originated, has achieved outstanding results from leveraging its data. And, Burton said it's a path that could alter the cost to results equation on a national level.

"If you compare Intermountain's costs to health outcomes it is about twice as good, or half the cost, of our national average cost per patient for the same or better outcomes," Burton said. "If you use that as a microcosm for what's happening in the U.S., we as a nation could get so much better.

"And what were doing at Health Catalyst could enable those changes."

Fraser Bullock, Health Catalyst board chairman and managing director of Lehi-based Sorenson Capital, said his company has invested some $15 million over the last five years in Health Catalyst and, even among Utah's roster of highly successful life science and technology companies, Health Catalyst is distinguishing itself.

"We could see early on that there was import in their vision," Bullock said. "Whats been accomplished is nothing short of astonishing. They focus on saving lives and helping people who are in a moment of medical care needs that can have a very significant impact on their lives.

"Its all about helping people."

Bullock related a story he'd heard from a mother who was seeking medical care for her daughter who was suffering from asthma. After a doctor visit, the mother returned shortly after, much to the surprise of the physician, who suspected his instructions hadn't been followed. When he asked her if she'd followed his direction, she showed him a folder containing his, and dozens of other instructions she'd received from other doctors who had seen her daughter and also worked for the same provider.

"Which one should I follow?" she asked the doctor. Bullock said the experience isn't an isolated one.

"What health care has been in the past is this doctor's opinion and that doctor's opinion and it's all one-off treatments," Burton said. "What Health Catalyst does is say, 'Let's take all the data and change this into a system. If that child has asthma, based on analysis, here's what we know are the best steps, best protocol in responses.'"

Burton said the company's current success tracks back to founders Tom Burton and Steve Barlow and their ability to envision how technological advances could have profound impacts on the delivery of health care.

"They could see the problem and see taking it to the next level," Bullock said. "They built a foundation of understanding that technology can transform health care."

Health Catalyst's Series F equity and debt funding round was led by OrbiMed, a health care public and private market investment firm. The equity and debt funding will provide Health Catalyst with access to up to $100 million in capital.

Several existing investors, including Sequoia Capital, Norwest Venture Partners, Sands Capital Ventures, UPMC Enterprises and Kaiser Permanente Ventures, also contributed to the financing, which lifts Health Catalysts value above $1 billion.
SALT LAKE CITY  A judge has dropped dozens of child pornography charges against a Montana man previously acquitted of raping a 9-year-old girl.

Randall Flatlip's attorney says the explicit images ended up in his Google account after he gave his password to at least six people and his laptop wound up in a pawn shop.

Prosecutors agreed with the 28-year-old Flatlip that the charges should be dismissed. They asked a judge to toss each of the 74 felonies he faced, court documents show.

On Tuesday, the criminal case became the third to be resolved in Flatlip's favor in the past year.

Flatlip, who moved back to Montana's Crow Indian Reservation after his release from jail in July, "was thrilled. He was sobbing" on Tuesday, said his lawyer, Loni DeLand. The attorney said he believes prosecutors had filed the child exploitation charges, all second-degree felonies, in an effort to push his client into admitting guilt and taking a plea deal in the rape case.

Last year, Flatlip was one of three men found not guilty of raping a 9-year-old girl in a home outside of Vernal on Easter Sunday 2016. Their defense attorneys argued at trial there was no DNA evidence linking them to the alleged assaults.

A different jury acquitted Flatlip of punching another Uinta County Jail inmate in the face in 2017, court records show.

The Uintah County Attorney's office did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday.
WEST VALLEY CITY  For his family, Marquez Grajeda was "the strong one." For his friends, he was the one who always had their back.

As loved ones of the 15-year-old fatally shot Tuesday gathered in the snow in front of his West Valley home on Wednesday, they remembered the outgoing teen who loved soccer and quickly made friends.

According to Agustina Lopez, Marquez's sister, whenever the family went through a difficulty, "He'd always tell us, 'It's OK, we'll get through it.' He'd always let my mom know, 'We'll get through it.'"

"Yesterday, we were all crying at my mom's house, and I just wished he would walk into the door," Lopez said.

West Valley police continued to collect evidence Wednesday in the fatal shooting of the teen, allegedly at the hands of a 14-year-old.

Marquez was in the bedroom of a house, 1347 W. 2320 South, about 12:45 p.m Tuesday, when he was shot in the head at close range, said West Valley police spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku. A 14-year-old boy, whose name has not been released, was arrested for investigation of criminal homicide. Neither Marquez nor the shooter lived in the house.

The 14-year-old told police the shooting was not intentional, Vainuku said.

Lopez says Marquez's family so far knows very little about what happened.

"It's very hard. We want answers. We want to know what happened, how it happened, who did it, you know? Because we're suffering, but that family's suffering too, you know," she said.

Although she doesn't know if the shooting was accidental, Lopez said she knows that the family of the shooter must be "going through a loss too."

"I'm thinking about his family, too, and I'm keeping them in our prayers," Lopez said.

As family members and friends circled in front of a memorial in front of the home that included candles and photos of Marquez, several of his friends wept as they recalled the ways he impacted them.

"He was family to all of us, and then for him to leave this young, he was getting his life back together, he was getting a job, he didn't even get to celebrate his first paycheck. For them just to take his life like that?" Abel Torres, 12, said.

"He would tell us so many things, so many things that were so true. Like if we ever had someone older than us trying to mess with us, he'd always be there. He'd be the first one there," Abel remembered.

"He'll give us good advice, tell us to stay in school," Oscar Contreres, 12, explained.

Jaime Obispo, 14, said "he was like a brother to me."

"He was chill, he was calm, we'd all kick it and stuff, and we'd play basketball," Jaime said.

The boys agreed that they will cherish the memories they shared with him.

Lopez said that Marquez loved playing soccer and boxing in his front yard with other kids in the neighborhood.

"He would play hide and seek a lot and cops and robbers with his little cousins. He was a little rough with them, but they loved playing with Marquez," Lopez recalled.

Leila Littleman, a close friend of the family, called Marquez "a great kid."

"When we'd come around and have barbecues and family gatherings, he always was playing games. Always had a soccer ball at the time. We spent some time with him recently, he was about his friends and everything," she said.

Littleman said the loss comes at a time when the family is also dealing with the loss of a grandmother and an uncle.

"No one's prepared for this, especially when it comes to your own child. Guns are not to be played with. It is just a sad story for this family and for the family of the shooter," Littleman said.

A charge of criminal homicide can be filed if the shooting was intentional or an act of negligence. Vainuku said detectives were gathering evidence to present to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office, which will decide what formal charges, if any, to file.

Both boys were in the house with other juveniles and adults at the time. They were there during their lunch break from school, she said, though police have declined to say which school.

Detectives served a search warrant on the home after the incident and seized two guns, Vainuku said. It was not immediately known if either is the weapon used to shoot Marquez. Where the gun that killed him came from was still under investigation Wednesday.

Police have also not said what the 14-year-old was doing with the gun at the time of the shooting or why it went off.

Lopez said seeing people show up in the snow to support the family meant a lot to them. "It shows you how much he was cared for by his friends, family. He was loved. He's gonna be very missed."
SALT LAKE CITY  A conservation organization is suing the U.S. Department of Interior for offering oil and gas leases in a remote section of southeast Utah it says is packed with ancient cultural relics.

Advocates for the West filed the lawsuit Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Utah on behalf of Friends of Cedar Mesa, which is targeting the first of three related oil and gas lease sales held in March 2018.

The parcels are in an area between Canyons of the Ancients and the former boundaries of the Bears Ears National Monument that the conservation organization says contains dozens of ancient community centers and Chacoan Great Houses that are larger than the largest archaeological site documented at Bears Ears.

Josh Ewing, executive director of Friends of Cedar Mesa, said his organization has worked with federal land managers but they have refused to remove any of the sensitive parcels from potential leasing.

For an on-the-ground organization focused on stewardship and working constructively with government agencies, going to court is an absolute last resort for us, Ewing said. However, if we dont stand up for these lands and cultural sites, no one will."

Ewing asserts the government is tying its analyses of two subsequent sales to the March 2018 sale. Between the three sales, more than 76,000 acres of land will have been leased on 44 parcels of culturally rich lands, he added, noting the federal government has acknowledged the existence of 1,700 archaeological sites. The lawsuit contends more than 900 sites in the area are eligible for listing on the National Register.

The leases from the March 2018 sale, although bid on, have not yet been issued because the Bureau of Land Management has to resolve any protests.

Don Simonis, a former archaeologist for the Bureau of Land Management, said the area is rich with sites sacred to indigenous people.

"In many of these lease parcels, less than 10 percent of the lands have been surveyed; so the recorded sites the BLM knows about are just the tip of the iceberg," Simonis said.

Before any industry activity occurs on a parcel, the Bureau of Land Management must conduct an environmental review that includes an analysis of potential impacts. That review would also include a survey of a cultural sites.

Ewing said those next steps are inadequate.

"The requirements later have loopholes in them large enough to drive bulldozers through. Without a more comprehensive landscape-scale planning effort, the leasing phase is the last chance for the BLM to be smart from the start and take a comprehensive look at the impacts of development to a landscape of incomparable density of cultural resources."
SALT LAKE CITY  Criminal charges were filed Wednesday against a couple accused of causing the death of their 4-month-old boy inside a Midvale motel room.

Jose Alejandro Ramirez, 21, of Kearns, and Jessica Marie Lujan, 20, of Salt Lake City, were charged with child abuse homicide, a first-degree felony, and two counts of child abuse, a second-degree felony.

On Jan. 25, Unified police were called to Motel 6, 7263 S. Catalpa Street (440 West), on a report of an infant not breathing. Officers attempted life-saving measures, but police say the boy died at the motel.

Emergency medical technicians who arrived noticed the boy had many bruises "in varying stages of healing," according to charging documents, including the bridge of his nose going up to his forehead, his cheek and his neck. The boy "also appeared to be malnourished."

A witnesses told investigators that about 12 hours earlier, between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., they could hear a man and woman fighting and a baby crying, the charges state.

"She then heard a loud thump on the wall. After the thump on the wall, the child was no longer crying," according to the charges.

Bail for both defendants was set at $1 million.

Also in the room, police found Lujan's 1-year-old daughter. The girl was placed in state protective custody.

When interviewed by police, Lujan told detectives that she hit the infant "because she had a fight with the father  and because the child was screaming and she became angry. She admitted to striking him several times and scratching him with her fingernails," according to a Salt Lake County Jail report.

Lujan then placed the boy in his car seat, upside down, and went to bed, according to the report.

Ramirez also told police "that he both heard and witnessed the infant's mother  throw the infant into the car seat upside down," the report states.

Ramirez said he then took care of the child after Lujan went to sleep. But even though he noticed something was wrong with the boy, he never called for help, according to the report.

Relatives of Lujan have launched a fundraiser to raise money so they can come to Utah to take custody of her daughter, Anniah.

In a statement to the Deseret News, Lana Greer said, "We are trying to step up and make sure her surviving child, Anniah, is loved and cared for. The abuse and death of baby JR has rocked our whole family. We need help making this happen."
SALT LAKE CITY  A Colorado trail runner reportedly choked a cougar to death after an attack at Horsetooth Mountain Park, according to The Fort Collins Coloradoan.

What happened: Officials at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife said on Tuesday a mountain lion, which was younger than 1 year old and weighed less than 100 pounds, approached a trail runner in the middle of the woods.

The runner suffered puncture wounds and lacerations from the fight with the mountain lion. Though he was released from the hospital, the unidentified runner is still recovering from the wounds.

Ty Petersburg, the CPW wildlife manager, told KUSA-TV in Denver the trail runner yelled and screamed at the mountain lion and stood his ground, which are all tips officials advise when running into wildlife in the woods.

"At that point, it was kind of a fight for survival between him and lion," Petersburg told the station. "The lion was upon his upper body and the man was able to fight the animal off and kill it at the end of it in self-defense, and then get himself off the trail into a car.

"(The man) didn't have any weapons ... He was really creative. He used his hands, feet  things that were around him, and really it was just a fight for survival."

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said the runner killed the lion with his bare hands.

"Don't mess with Colorado trail runners," Polis said about the incident.

Dont mess with Colorado trail runners. A runner near Fort Collins killed an attacking mountain lion with his bare... Posted by Jared Polis on Tuesday, February 5, 2019

The mountain lion tested negative for rabies, according to officials. However, other diseases have not been ruled out. The animal was suffocated, officials said Tuesday, too.

We can also confirm the lion in this case was less than a year old, and we may be able to determine age a bit more tightly in the final reports. The cat also tested negative for rabies, which is very welcome news.  CPW NE Region (@CPW_NE) February 5, 2019

Bigger picture: Three people have been killed and 16 more injured in mountain lion attacks since 1990, CNN reports. These lions tend to avoid parks.
Sergeant George Frazier Jr., 48, was driving south on Interstate 795 at about 7 a.m. Thursday, about half a mile north of Interstate 695, police said. According to a state police news release, a preliminary investigation indicates that Frazier failed to stop his vehicle, a 2004 Chevrolet Blazer registered to the police, and struck a 2010 Chevrolet pickup operated by a 54-year-old man, Michael Becker of Owings Mills.
SALT LAKE CITY  When do words strung together equal more than the sum of their parts?

The answer is the same as to the question of when you can get Utah lawmakers to vote against family values. It is when those words enter the twilight zone of partisan politics.

Members of the Utah Senates Health and Human Services Committee came face to face with a resolution late last week that was virtually dripping with political overtones, as well as traditional Utah family values  quite a load considering the words themselves seemed benign. Scrambling to save face, the committees Republican majority took the only safe course  it punted.

Sen. Gene Davis, a Democrat who has represented Salt Lake City variously in the House and Senate since Ronald Reagan was president, is the sponsor of this verbal Rorschach test, Senate Resolution 1, which concerns the separation of families along the southern border and urges Washington to stop doing it.

You probably can see where this is going.

Davis said his intent wasnt to be partisan, but Im suspecting hes smarter, or perhaps more cunning, than that. He wrote the resolution carefully, omitting any reference to the Trump administration. It urges Congress and policymakers within the federal government to stop the separation of migrant parents from children, and it expressly says its talking about those seeking legal immigration through asylum or other means.

The resolution is filled with other language familiar to many in Utah. It contains phrases such as the role of government in respect to the family should be to support and preserve the family, and the best interests of the child should always be the government's objective when the government takes action in relation to a child. These strike chords that easily get heads nodding  but perhaps only in any other context, when people dont feel obliged to take cover behind political litmus tests.

In this case, clearly uncomfortable Republicans on the committee seemed to begin searching for a credible way out  other than perhaps literally bolting for the exits  as soon as Davis had finished his presentation.

Sen. Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, said I really sympathize, but he didnt trust the stories he had read in the news media about the separations despite, apparently, Senate hearings on the matter.

Others said they just didnt feel ready to support the measure, whatever that means, or they referred to illegal immigration and concerns about children perhaps being in danger from abusive parents.

Davis timing seems a bit odd. President Trumps zero tolerance border policy reached its climax last June, when he issued an executive order ending the separation of families, although reports persist that the practice continues, as well as that many families have not been reunited.

But the Utah Legislature meets in general session only 45 days each year, beginning in January, making a more timely resolution problematic. Besides, as some in the committee meeting noted, its just a resolution, which has no force at all other than to register the feelings of a small Western state.

And yet it seemed to have quite a bit of force for those at the committee meeting.

In the end, one of the few Democrats on the committee, Sen. Luz Escamilla of Salt Lake City, made a motion to pass the resolution to the Senate floor with a favorable recommendation. Vickers countered that with a substitute motion to adjourn, which, according to the rules, is not debatable. The meeting ended with no one having to go on the record against family values. The resolution may never be seen again.

The 21st century seems filled with such verbal twilight zones. They dont serve anybody well. People scramble to escape the unstable cobblestones of facts and retreat to the perceived safety of partisan corners.

Meanwhile, real children are separated from parents, no one is engaged in practical border security or immigration reform discussions and a new migrant caravan has just arrived at the border.

In the end, a resolution in the Utah Senate accounts for little. But what it reveals about us can count for a lot.
ZACH DAVIS is the agriculture and natural resources extension agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. He can be reached at 940-349-2889 or via email at zadavis@ag.tamu.edu.
The Atlanta-based retailer has released few details on the plans to locate at the site of the former Bethlehem Steel mill, but spokeswoman Margaret Smith said Thursday the warehouses are part of a strategy announced more than a year ago to eventually reach 90 percent of its customers with same-day or next-day delivery.
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Parents charged after toddler chewed on opioids in Upper Darby
Islamabad: A Pakistani accountability court on Thursday summoned Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) President Shehbaz Sharif on February 18 in Ramzan Sugar Mills reference. The court remarked that federal government should answer why he was not being produced before the court. Shehbazs counsel said that he was suffering from health issues. The judge enquired that why Shehbaz was unable to come to the court if he can attend political sessions.

While directing the PML-N president to appear in one week, the court pronounced that Shehbaz Sharif should be moved by an air ambulance if he is sick.
Indian-American Narsan Lingala and his girlfriend Sandhya Reddy have been charged with trying to hire a hitman to kill the formers estranged wife. (Photo: AFP | Representational)

Washington: Indian-American Narsan Lingala and his girlfriend Sandhya Reddy have been charged with trying to hire a hitman to kill the formers estranged wife.

Lingala, 55, who has been charged by criminal complaint with one count of murder-for-hire was produced before US Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was held without bail. His ex-girlfriend, Reddy, 52, appeared in the court on the same charge and was also detained.

According to the complaint, in May 2018, Lingala was in a holding cell at the Middlesex County Superior Courthouse as he awaited a court hearing. While there, he asked another inmate if he knew anyone who could kill his estranged wife. The inmate responded that he knew such a person.

In June 2018, at the direction of law enforcement, the inmate introduced Lingala to an undercover agent posing as a hitman. Over subsequent weeks, Lingala and the undercover cop spoke on the phone and planned to meet in person the next time that Lingala travelled from Indiana to New Jersey.

On August 18, 2018, Lingala and the undercover police officer agreed to meet outside a New Jersey shopping mall. Later that day, Lingala and his then-girlfriend, Reddy, arrived outside the mall and approached the cop.

Lingala introduced Reddy and stated that she understood what was going on. The trio then entered the undercover cops car. They proceeded to have a conversation that was video recorded.

The cop asked Lingala to confirm what he wanted him to do and the accused said, I want that woman to be out of my life... totally. Never again. She never comes back. During the conversation, the undercover cop asked, You want me to take care of her? to which Lingala responded, Yeah.

The undercover cop stated, Shes done, Im going to kill her. End of story. Lingala responded, Yeah. End of story. During the conversation, Lingala gave the cop information about the intended victim including his ex-wifes full name, home address, age, and home phone number.

He also described the entrances to and layout of her home; the name of the company where she worked; and the timing and details of her work commute. Lingala showed the undercover officer photos of the exterior and interior of his ex-wifes home. Reddy also provided him information about the intended victim.

The trio also discussed the price and the undercover cop demanded between USD 5,000 and USD 10,000, depending on the jobs complexity. Lingala agreed and asked if he could pay after the job was done. The cop, however, said he would need a down payment. The couple discussed the issue and then Lingala asked the cop, Can I give you a thousand down payment? to which the undercover cop agreed.

Lingala later stated, I want that money to go into your pocket. Lingala informed the undercover officer that making the down payment would take about two weeks. After the meeting, authorities arrested Lingala and Reddy. The murder-for-hire charge is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a USD 2,50,000 fine.
At first, the teachers taught those new students using the same techniques they used for everyone else. Now classroom teachers are learning how to incorporate information in their lessons that can benefit those whose native tongue isnt English. This school year, teachers are adding pictures, graphs and charts to their lessons to provide students with information they can grasp without a lot of English vocabulary. Christina Connolly, Bedfords principal, said the school is still working through the issues associated with teaching immigrants, but she believes it has begun to make progress.
Taking a leap in nurturing the dynamic photography culture, Sony India introduced the 6400 (Model ILCE-6400), a new addition to its E-mount mirrorless camera line-up. The 6400 is a perfect amalgamation of Sonys most advanced technologies from their acclaimed full-frame lineup in a compact, lightweight APS-C camera. The speedy new camera boasts the worlds fastest autofocus (AF) acquisition of 0.02 seconds, while also introducing the new advanced Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking capabilities. Also included are high-speed shooting at up to 11 fps with AF/AE tracking, a new-generation BIONZ X image processing engine that produces excellent image quality, 4K video recording, a fully 180-degree tiltable LCD touch screen and much more, making it the ultimate tool for all types of creators ranging from professionals to everyday vloggers.

24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS image sensor and latest-generation BIONZ X image processor.

Sonys new 6400 is equipped with a 24.2 MP APS-C sized image sensor which is paired with an upgraded BIONZ X processor to deliver incredible advancements in image quality and color reproduction in all types of shooting conditions. Standard ISO ranges up to ISO 32000 for both still and movie, and is expandable up to ISO 102400 for still images, with excellent noise reduction at medium and high sensitivities. The camera also inherits many of the image processing algorithms from Sonys newest full-frame cameras, greatly suppressing noise while preserving resolution and improving texture depiction.

Worlds Fastest 0.02 seconds AF acquisition speed plus 425 phase-detection and contrast-detection AF points covering approximately 84% of image area.

The new 6400 has an impressive autofocus system and inherits many technologies from Sonys newest line-up of full-frame cameras including the 9, 7R III and 7 III models. The new camera features 425 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points that are densely placed over the entire image area, covering approximately 84% of the image area. This high-speed, high-performance tracking AF system is paired with a new-generation BIONZ X image processing engine that together allows the camera to acquire focus in as little as 0.02 seconds and maintain subject lock extremely effectively, ensuring even the fastest moving subjects can be tracked and captured with ease.

Advanced Real-time Eye AF

The 6400 introduces advanced Real-time Eye AF, the latest version of Sonys acclaimed Eye AF technology. This exciting new technology employs artificial intelligence (AI) based object recognition to detect and process eye data in real time, resulting in enhanced accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF. In all autofocus modes, the camera now automatically detects the eyes of the subject and activates Eye AF with a half press of the shutter button, and when in AF-C or AF-A mode, the preferred eye (left or right) of your subject can be selected as the focus point. Choices include Auto / Right Eye / Left Eye, and a Switch Right / Left Eye function can be assigned to a custom function as well. This exciting new technology completely frees the photographer to focus solely on composition with full trust that focus will be tack sharp on the subjects eye. Eye AF support for animals will be added in summer 2019 via a system software update, ideal for wildlife photographers.

New Real-time Tracking for object tracking

With the launch of 6400 Sonys newly developed Real-time Tracking mode will be introduced in the market. This mode utilises Sonys latest algorithm including artificial intelligence (AI) based object recognition and processes color, subject distance (depth), pattern (brightness) as spatial information to ensure that all subjects can be captured with excellent accuracy. Additionally, when photographing or videoing humans or animals, face and eye position information is recognized by AI and the subjects eye is monitored in real time with extremely high tracking precision. This can be activated by a simple half press of the shutter button, or can be assigned to a custom function as well.

180-degree fully Tiltable LCD touch screen for self-recording

The 6400 is designed to offer a high level of functionality and customisation to maximise shooting freedom. Another unprecedented feature on the camera is a fully 180-degree tiltable, 3.0-type LCD flip screen with 921k-dots of resolution that allows for simple and effective framing of selfie-style shooting for both still and video capture. Utilizing this capability, vloggers will be able to check and monitor composition throughout their entire creative process. The LCD screen is also equipped with touch functionality, with options for Touch Pad, Touch Focus, Touch Shutter and new Touch Tracking, which quickly activates Real-time Tracking through the touch screen.

High-resolution 4K movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning, plus advanced AF speed and stability

The exceptional 6400 is a versatile video camera, offering internal 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning to collect about 2.4x the amount of data required for 4K movies, and then oversamples it to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. Focusing during movie shooting is fast and stable thanks to upgraded Fast Hybrid AF technology, which keeps the subject in constant smooth focus no matter the scene, and even if an object crosses in front of the camera. This advanced AF plus touch focus functionality make it an ideal camera choice for many vloggers and video creators that are regularly creating and uploading content online.

Interval recording for time-lapse videos

For time-lapse movie creation, the new camera features built-in interval recording that can be set anywhere between 1 and 60 seconds, with a total number of shots from 1 to 9999. AE tracking sensitivity can be adjusted to High, Mid or Low during interval shooting, allowing for reduced changes in exposure over the shooting interval.

High-speed continuous shooting at up to 11 fps mechanical shutter / 8 fps silent shooting with continuous AF/AE tracking

In terms of overall shooting speeds, the new camera can shoot at up to 11 fps with full AF/AE tracking while using the mechanical shutter, and up to 8 fps with full AF/AE tracking while silent shooting. It can shoot at each of these speeds for up to 116 frames JPEG Standard / 46 frames RAW compressed, greatly increasing the chances of capturing the perfect moment.

Additionally, for the first time in Sony APS-C mirrorless camera, the new model includes an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile, which supports an Instant HDR workflow, allowing HDR (HLG) compatible TVs to playback beautiful, true-to-life 4K HDR imagery. Furthermore, both S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available for increased color grading flexibility, as well as Zebra functionality, Gamma Display assist and proxy recording. The camera can also record Full HD at 120 fps at up to 100 Mbps, allowing footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x or 5x slow-motion video files in Full HD resolution with AF tracking.

The camera features a high quality XGA OLED Tru-finder viewfinder, extensive customisation with 89 functions that are assignable to 8 custom keys, the new My Dial and My Menu functionality, enhanced overall menu usability, a help screen for menus, star rating for images, and many other features that allow for a seamless shooting experience. It is also built with a tough magnesium alloy design, is dust and moisture resistant and has an extremely durable shutter that is rated for approximately 200,000 cycles. It also is capable of seamlessly transferring files to a smartphone or tablet when connected to the brand new Imaging Edge Mobile application.

Price:

6400 (body): Rs 75,990

6400L with SELP1650 lens: Rs 85,990

6400M with SEL18135 lens: Rs 1,09,990

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau deserves to be complimented for withdrawing his ambassador John McCallum from Beijing. Diplomats are privileged officials who represent their country on foreign soil, essentially to look after their own countrys interests. An ambassador, being the seniormost, is the boss of his nations embassy staff in a foreign land. Hence an ambassador, being the confidant of his countrys government and political leadership, has to be in tune with them. There is no scope for any dissent, disagreement or personal opinions to be expressed in public. In case an ambassador feels strongly about an issue and disagrees with his own governments viewpoint of policy, the only course open to him or her is to resign and then express his views as a private citizen.

Mr McCallum, Canadas ambassador to China, surprisingly appeared to be providing legal counselling to Meng Wanzhou, daughter of the founder of Chinese telecommunication giant Huawei Technologies, who was arrested in Vancouver on December 1, 2018 on the serious charges of espionage and financial irregularities. She secured bail, but her extradition to the United States still looms large. Understandably, China was furious as Ms Mengs arrest was seen as a personal affront to Beijings lifelong ruler, President Xi Jinping, and a direct assault on his policies. China, desperate to take Ms Meng out of a legal mess on foreign soil, started its trademark gunboat diplomacy; simultaneously firing on all cylinders and from all possible angles.

In the midst of this deteriorating Sino-Canadian relationship, the intervention by Mr McCallum as the saviour of Beijing left fellow diplomats and compatriots shocked. It stunned many others too, all those who still believe in the concept of a nation state and dont feel the need to provide (unwarranted) extra-jurisdictional support and sympathy to an aggressive foreign nation. Ambassador McCallum appeared to be super sensitive, and more supportive of China rather than his own country, which had appointed him as its representative in Beijing. Reportedly, earlier too, he had stated that Canada has more in common with China than (with) the United States. What makes things a lot murkier is that Mr McCallum had strong personal ties with China. He informed the Chinese-language media that his wife is of Chinese descent, and his three sons have Chinese spouses. Not surprisingly, the Canadian diplomat did not endear himself to his colleagues and countrymen. Even to an Indian, far away from Canada, the entire episode appeared bizarre! Is blood thicker than water? Is this a global phenomenon? Does ones professional duty to ones own nation state come first, or does personal kinship supersede all? The community of professional diplomats were left aghast, but true to their calling, they were mostly circumspect in public.

What really compelled PM Trudeau to sack his ambassador to China was when the envoy made repeated faux pas like a non-professional, flute-playing, sermonising, Left-ideology driven emotional teenager. It would be great if the US dropped its extradition request for a Chinese tech executive arrested in Canada, he said, and went on to add that the extradition of Ms Meng to the US would not be a happy outcome. Further, with his suggestions that the case was politically motivated and that the US could make a trade deal with China in which it would no longer seek her extradition, and two Canadians detained in China could be released, it was clear that Mr McCallum had crossed the rubicon, from being a professional diplomat to resorting to politicking, thereby embarrassing his own country. It was time for Mr McCallum, the ambassador, to go home.

When Canadas Opposition Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer said that Mr McCallum should have been sacked days ago because his remarks had raised concerns about the politicisation of the Meng case, he can hardly be faulted. At the end of the day, the Canadian PM gracefully heeded the advice of the Opposition as the reported view that Mr McCallum caused damage to Canadas reputation by delivering different messages through different media on different days appeared valid and logical.

Unsurprisingly, colleagues like Guy Saint-Jacques, former Canadian ambassador to China, also felt it was the right thing to do and that: Whats worse is this is happening in middle of a crisis when we need all hands on deck. Mr Saint-Jacques rubbed it in further: The Chinese will now know that Mr McCallum was not speaking for the Canadian government. The ambassador completely ignored the fact that in moments like this, the government has to speak with a single, clear voice.

This gross miscalculation by a seasoned Canadian politician-cum-diplomat didnt go well with Canadian academia as well, as Robert Bothwell, a Toronto University professor, spelt out. Its not an ambassadors job to speak out of turn. It does underline the hazards of sending a politician to do a diplomats job.

The episode of the former Canadian ambassador to China provides food for thought for India as well, particularly for the mandarins of the external affairs ministry at South Block. Is sabotaging foreign diplomats on its own soil the new norm of Chinese diplomatic strategy? To penetrate the rival countrys establishment through their own diplomatic personnel? That China is already buying up the foreign media to serve Beijings interests is an open secret. Is it now the turn of diplomats? Its becoming more and more apparent that a sizeable number of non-Chinese diplomats across the globe, after a stint in Beijing, are known to have graduated into diehard China lobbyists once back in their homeland, and in high positions within their foreign offices, in the garb of globalisation, liberalisation, privatisation, bilateralism, trade, investment, people-to-people to contacts.

The situation is becoming graver by the day as can be seen while perusing the simplest of issues  the bilateral trade figures between China and any other nation, India included. This pincer movement of the Chinese state  from within and without  today constitutes one of the biggest challenges facing countries across the world, in Asia and Africa as well as the developed nations of the West!
There was a king who was very pious and spiritual. He had three questions about God in his mind and he could not find anyone who could answer the questions to his satisfaction. One day, he announced that whoever answers those three questions to his satisfaction will be rewarded with half of his kingdom, but if they fail to answer they will be hanged to death.

Many people tried to answer his questions but not being able to satisfy the king, they lost their lives.

As the king was getting restless for not getting satisfactory answers, he ordered his minister, who was the most intelligent man in his kingdom; to help him find the right answer otherwise he also will have to face the same fate as the others.

The minister went home worried as he himself did not know how to satisfy the king since the questions were based on faith. Looking at the worried face of his father, the ministers son asked him the reason for his worries and minister described to him all that which happened in the kings court.

Upon enquiry by the child about the three questions of the king, the minister mentioned to him those questions; (1) Where does God exist? (2) How to see him? and (3) What does he do?

The Ministers son assured his father that he would satisfy the king tomorrow in the kings court and he need not worry anymore.

Next day when the child arrived in the kings court, he first asked the king to get him a bowl of milk. The king laughed and ordered for the milk. When the bowl of milk was given to the child he started rotating his finger in the bowl.

Amused at the childs behaviour, the king asked him what he was doing. The child said that he is trying to find butter in the milk. The king laughed and said, You are still a child. You do not know how to find butter in the milk.

The child said Why do you say so oh dear king! Doesnt butter exist in milk?

No doubt butter exists in the milk replied the king. But to separate the butter from the milk, the milk has to be first set into curd and then churned. After churning, only then the butter separates from the curd.

The child said to the king I have answered your first two questions, oh dear King! God resides in the whole universe but to separate it from the universe you need to first still your mind and churn the still mind with contemplation on God and only then you can separate the God from the universe and see him.

Fully satisfied with the answer, the king offered his reverence at the feet of child and sought the answer for his third question as to what does God do.

The child asked the king that after having offered his reverence at his feet, whether he was asking this question as a king or as a pupil. The king felt ashamed and said that he is asking the question as a pupil. Then the child said that if you are asking this question as a pupil then how can you be seated on the throne, higher than me and make me stand on the floor.

The king immediately came down and requested the child to be seated on the throne and he himself stood on the floor with folded hands.

The child said, Oh king! This is what God does. He brings down the higher ones to the lower levels and uplifts the lower ones to higher levels.

The king, fully satisfied with the answers, bowed down at the feet of his new guru who enlightened him with the secrets of God. He realised that God exists everywhere in the universe but to see him we need to still our mind, shift focus from the worldly matters to Godly subjects and contemplate over him repeatedly.
Faith in the fairness of police investigations is in short supply in India. When prominent persons with political links are interrogated by government agencies, with the probe given publicity through media leaks in the expectation of setting in motion a trial by media in order to influence public perceptions, the question of misuse of governmental authority comes naturally to mind.

The Enforcement Directorate  an investigative agency, like the discredited CBI  questioned Robert Vadra, the husband of recently-appointed AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, for six hours on Wednesday and again on Thursday.

It appears the allegation of money-laundering and the possession of properties in London has been made against Ms Gandhis husband. He has denied these allegations in detailed replies and has alleged a witch-hunt. The BJP, on the other hand, held a press conference on Wednesday at which it alleged that Mr Vadra made money illegally in petroleum and defence deals when the UPA was in power, and used earnings from these transactions to buy the London properties. The saffron party offered no proof.

Its not clear if Mr Vadras questioning by the ED will end on Thursday. Nor can it be said that the CBI or some other investigative outfit will not issue notices to him after the ED interrogation is over. But what is evident is that India sent no letter rogatory to the British authorities to investigate Mr Vadras suspicious dealings, if there were any, in that country. So its not clear on what basis the ED is building its case.

Its a moot point if Mr Vadra would have been of any interest to the ED or any other government agency if he was not married into the countrys most prominent political family, which is ranged against the present ruling setup, and which is seen by the BJP as the real thorn in its side.

The question is apt to be asked if pulling her husband in for questioning is the governments way of degrading the charismatic Ms Gandhi as an effective election campaigner against the BJP, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where Prime Minister Narendra Modis Lok Sabha constituency is located.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Mr Modi insinuated grave irregularities against Mr Vadras business dealings in Haryana and Rajasthan, with no proof. In 2015, the income-tax authorities showed an interest in Ms Gandhis husband when they were investigating another case. The trouble is there was no forward movement in the investigations over the past four years, and matters have come to a head just before the Parliament election. This is the pattern seen in the CBIs recent enthusiasm in cases relating to Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav, and earlier Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mayawati  all prominent Opposition leaders.
A seemingly mellower Donald Trump may not have impressed his Democratic opponents even if he seemed contrite enough in parts of his longish State of the Union address. Seeking an end to the politics of revenge, resistance and retribution, the US President sounded almost like an Indian politician speaking at a time of grave partisanship. A divided US Congress may have not have been convinced by these transient moments of courtesy from the usually combative Republican President, but a chastened Mr Trump trying to win back support at home after several initiatives abroad in Afghanistan and Syria to withdraw American troops appears a good sign for the world. Of course, in trademark Trump style, he bellowed stern warnings over the Democratic-inspired probes into his administration, tax returns, and alleged Russian links facilitating his election two years ago.

A softer Mr Trump may have tried to be convincing in a bipartisan appeal, but it didnt seem to win over his new pet hate person  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was looking over his shoulder as he spelt out his national agenda. The sigh of relief that may have to do with his possible climbdown over the $5 billion smart structure in his Mexican Wall may, however, be shortlived as declaring an emergency to find funding may not be far away. While that is more of a domestic American concern, the project is emblematic of a xenophobic hate of immigration not universally popular in an US where the Democrats now control the House, while Republicans just about control the Senate. The trouble is Mr Trump may soon lose even the few friends he may have won with some humility in his address due to his tweeted barbs and racially-charged rhetoric.
Hyderabad: The Narendra Modi government has repeatedly betrayed its oath of upholding the Constitution, MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi said in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Speaking during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Presidents address, Mr Owaisi said, When you have taken oath under the Constitution how can you state that the excess land in the Babri Masjid issue must be given to one religion? This is betrayal of the Constitution.

He said the NDA government had not given priority to composite culture of the country but to Hindutva. Is mulk ko ayenda chowkidar ki nahi khadim ki zarurath hai (This country in the future does not require a watchman but a person who will serve the people), Mr Owaisi said in what will be the last session of Parliament before the general elections.

He said the NDA government had no policy on Kashmir, and the youth there were ready to take up arms which is because of the government policy.

Mr Owaisi picked up the trial of the Macca Masjid blasts of 2007, where all the accused were acquitted by a NIA court last year, and asked why the government was not challenging the verdict. It is important to find out who were behind the blasts, he said.

The government believes in nationalism but does not appeal in the court to find out about the people who were killed in the blast, Mr Owaisi said on Thursday.

On foreign policy, Mr Owaisi alleged that India had been isolated. external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj intervened to refute the allegation.

He said the Bharat Ratna was an exclusive club of Brahmins and the upper castes.

He has previously asked how many Dalits and Muslims have been conferred the Bharat Ratna.
Who is this Manoj? Yesterday, we saw in news that Vadra has accepted that Manoj is his employee and Manoj used to write emails for him, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: Keeping the heat on Congress party in relation to Robert Vadra's questioning by Enforcement Directorate (ED), the BJP on Thursday listed nine emails that the party alleged were exchanged between Vadra and Sumit Chadha, a relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, regarding properties in London.

Alleging that the Gandhi family owns five properties in London, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said these emails were exchanged between March 8, 2010 and April 17, 2010.

"The first email has been sent by Sumit Chadha, who is relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. He has sent it to Robert Vadra only... What tiles should be used in kitchen? How would the bathroom look? All of it is in this email," Patra said.

The email also discussed issues related to painting at one property in London, Patra added. Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed the charges a political witch hunt against him. He has said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

After first day of his questioning by ED, his lawyer had said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him. "All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan had told reporters.

As Vadra's questioning continued for second day Thursday, Patra also talked about another email allegedly sent by Vadra on April 15, 2010, saying Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband wrote in that email: "Hi, was not aware that nothing has reached you. Will look into it at the morning and let Manoj sort it out. Will be in London soon too. You take care."

Patra claimed, "Vadra is explaining that he didn't know that the money has not reached Chadha so he would ask Manoj to immediately sort this out".

"Who is this Manoj? Yesterday, we saw in news that Vadra has accepted that Manoj is his employee and Manoj used to write emails for him. This establishes a complete trail between Mr B, Deltabhandari, Manoj and Robert Vadra," he claimed.

Patra alleged some mails were marked to an email ID deltabhandari@hotmail.com, and said Congress president Rahul Gandhi needs to answer who were Mr M, Mr B and Deltabhandari.

The BJP spokesperson also listed five properties on London that he alleged were owned by the Gandhi family as per media reports. "The address of five properties have come before us through media... One is on Wellington Road at St John's Wood in London. This property's cost is around Rs 37 crore. Second property has flat numbers 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 and it is on Saratoga Road in London. It looks like there is a property of Gandhi family on each road of London," he alleged.

"You want a house at every place in London so that you can enjoy. You will come here to do photo-ops among the poor of this country. In this new India, every person, big or small, the law will work for everyone the same way," he said.

"Gandhi family will also have to bow down in front of law. The law won't bow to them... The accused have to come before the law and we are seeing that they are coming every day before ED now," he said.

"Rahul Gandhi has said today that if we come to power, we will pick each such RSS person (from the institution) and throw him out. You will throw each RSS or BJP person out, because you need place to keep Rohingyas or Bangladeshis... This is your motive," Patra alleged.
Lately a triple talaq law was brought in and through this Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created an atmosphere of confrontation between Muslim men and women, said Sushmita Dev. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: The Congress will scrap the Triple Talaq Bill if voted to power in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, said party spokesperson and Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev on Thursday.

Dev alleged the Triple Talaq Bill is yet another tool of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put Muslim men behind the bars.

Lately a triple talaq law was brought in and through this Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created an atmosphere of confrontation between Muslim men and women, said while addressing the AICC minority wing national convention.

A lot of people opined that if the Triple Talaq Bill is passed it will contribute to the empowerment of women. However, we opposed it because this is another tool by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put Muslim men behind the bars. I am proud that crores of Muslim women wrote letters and campaigned to oppose it. Congress opposed it in parliament and I promise you that Congress government will come in 2019 and we will scrap this law.

On December 27, the Lok Sabha passed the Triple Talaq bill which makes the practice of giving instant divorce a criminal offence with a provision of three-year jail term for the erring husband.

Dev, MP from Silchar and also the president of All India Mahila Congress, also spoke against the citizenship bill and asserted that it aims at creating a divide among the people of Assam.

I belong to Silchar and about 30-35 per cent people there, are from minorities. In Assam, you can see there is a divisive politics at play. A bill has been brought which aims at creating a divide among people of Assam on the name of providing citizenship. We will not allow any such law to be implemented in the country which is against the constitution. I have full faith in the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, she said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8.

The amendment in the bill aims to facilitate citizenship of six identified minority communities namely Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Christians and Parsis from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who came to India before 31 December 2014 and will make these persecuted migrants eligible to apply for citizenship.
After several payments were in default, the loan collection department of the bank went to Uthukottai, in Thiruvallur district to ask for the payments. (Representational Image)

Chennai: Six people were arrested for fraud after they produced fake documents and cheated a private bank of Rs 1 crore. Kuppuswamy of Mittanamelli near Avadi and his wife Mallika had borrowed Rs 1 crore in 2017 for starting a business. Their house in Uthukottai was given as collateral during the transaction. The couple had said that Thenmozhi, Kuppuswamys sister, owned the house and that she was a partner in the business.

After several payments were in default, the loan collection department of the bank went to Uthukottai, in Thiruvallur district to ask for the payments. They then found out that the person who had come to the bank as Thenmozhi was not the person who owned the house and the person who had come to the bank was untraceable.

A complaint was filed by the bank to the Central Crime Branch, Anti-Bank Fraud Wing, who registered a case and arrested the trio. On probing the trio said the documents were prepared by their friends S Mohan Kumar, A Muralidharan, and S Sreenivasan. All three have been arrested and probe is on.
Wild elephant Chinnathambi is no more fit to lead its life inside the dense forest.

Coimbatore: Wild elephant Chinnathambi is no more fit to lead its life inside the dense forest, says elephant expert, Ajay Desai.

Chinnathambi, who walked out of Varagaliyaru in Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) and returned to human habitat near Udumalpet Krishnapuram within a few days of its relocation from Coimbatore, remained behind a sugarcane mill for the sixth day playing along with Kumkis brought to drive him inside the forest.

While the forest department allegedly planned to turn Chinnathambi into a Kumki, activists along with lawyers and NGOs filed a case at the Madras High Court pleading that the move of turning Chinnathambi into a Kumki be done away with, and they also demanded the two translocated elephants including Chinnathambi be brought back and released in their home terrain (Thadagam valley).

Besides, they also wanted legal action against the constructions including Isha yoga Centre, CRPF training Centre and few more educational institutes and all the illegal brick chambers located there, thereby seriously disturbing the elephants migratory path.

Meanwhile, an elephant researcher suggested the plan of relocating Chinnathambi to Mudhumalai where the so-called another crop-raider Vinayagan was released a month ago. However, confusion prevails among the forest officials about the next move.

Meanwhile, elephant expert Ajay Desai visited Chinnathambi at Udumalpet on Wednesday and observed Chinnathambi who looked so tame as a pet elephant without attacking anyone who approached him for feeding.

Talking to DC, Ajay Desai said, a decision will be taken soon following a meeting with fellow experts.
Over the years we have focused efforts here at the Zoo on topnotch animal care and breeding, cutting edge medical care and research, and creating strong education programs for raising awareness and making connections with our guests in regards to wildlife and the challenges they face in the wild, Dr. Ellen Bronson, the zoos senior director of animal health, conservation and research, said in a statement. Sending staff to assist our partners in emergency situations such as this is just one way we can focus on conservation action for wildlife and supporting our conservation partnerships.
Her parents had earlier appealed to Kejriwal to appoint a special prosecutor in the case as no public prosecutor has reportedly appeared in court during the past few hearings. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday expressed his concern over public prosecutors allegedly missing hearing in the murder case of journalist Soumya Vishwanathan and directed the chief secretary to appoint a special public prosecutor in the case.

Kejriwal's order comes after the parents of Vishwanathan's, who was shot dead over 10 years ago, requested the chief minister for a speedy trial.

"Today I have ordered that if public prosecutors did not attend the hearing then a show cause notice will be issued to them. Also, a special public prosecutor will be appointed," Kejriwal told media here.

Vishwanathan was found shot dead in her car on September 30, 2008 in south Delhi while returning home after work at around 3.30 a.m.

Her parents had earlier appealed to Kejriwal to appoint a special prosecutor in the case as no public prosecutor has reportedly appeared in court during the past few hearings.
Ankit Goswami, resident of Haryana, wanted to meet Akshay Kumar, his favourite Bollywood star, and had travelled to Mumbai only for this purpose , a senior police official said. (Photo: File)

Mumbai: Police have arrested a man in his twenties for allegedly trespassing into the house of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar in suburban Juhu.

Ankit Goswami, resident of Haryana, wanted to meet Akshay Kumar, his favourite Bollywood star, and had travelled to Mumbai only for this purpose, a senior police official said.

He found the actor's address through Google search and tried to enter his house late Monday night but a security guard caught him.

The Juhu Police questioned him and arrested him on Tuesday, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Paramjit Singh Dahiya.

He was charged under IPC for trespassing, he said, adding that Goswami is now in judicial custody.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Travancore Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar may be on his way out following the controversy over the U-turn taken by the board on the Sabarimala issue in the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

A tussle has also broken out between Mr Padmakumar and devaswom commissioner N. Vasu, who was sent to New Delhi in connection with the case.

Mr Padmakumar said at Pathanamthitta on Thursday that the board had actually submitted a plea seeking extension of time to implement the verdict passed by the apex court on September 28 allowing women of reproductive age to enter the temple.

However, Mr Rakesh Dwivedi, the lawyer who represented TDB in the Supreme Court during the hearing on the review petitions, told Indu Malhotra, one of the judges of the Constitution bench, that the TDB had changed its earlier stand supporting the ban on the entry of young women in Sabarimala. Yes, we have changed our view. An application was filed to that effect, he said.

The TDB had joined the LDF government to oppose dozens of pleas seeking a review of the Supreme Court verdict on September 28. It is said that Mr Padmakumar was not taken into confidence on the stand to be taken in the SC on Wednesday.

"Vasu is aware of what transpired in the SC. I have sought an explanation from him," said Mr Padmakumar.

Mr Vasu who returned from New Delhi on Thursday told reporters that the TDB had not taken any decision without the knowledge of its president. The TDB had already made it clear that it was bound to abide by the SC verdict and that this was repeated in the apex court on Wednesday also. He also denied that Mr Padmakumar had sought any explanation from him on the change in stand. Lawyer Rakesh Dwivedi did not take a stand contrary to the boards wishes, he said.

He will meet Mr Padmakumar to apprise him of the developments in the SC. He also visited CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan at AKG centre. The CPM state leadership is unhappy with the U-turn taken by the TDB.

It is learnt that there is pressure on Mr Padmakumar to quit and that former devaswom recruitment board chairman M. Rajagopalan Nair may succeed him. But with the Lok Sabha elections approaching, the LDF government may go slow on the matter. Devaswom Minister Kadakamapally Surendran maintained that Mr Padmakumar will not be shunted out.
Hyderabad: The National Investigation Agency on Thursday filed a supplementary chargesheet against Mohammad Abdullah Basith and Mohammad Abdul Qhadeer, arrested in August 2018 from Hyderabad for alleged links to members of the Abu Dhabi ISIS module.

NIA had booked the case in 2016 in which three persons from India, living in Abu Dhabi, formed a gang owing their membership to ISIS, a banned terrorist organisation.

During the investigation, the NIA found that Basith, a resident of Chandrayangutta, received money from an ISIS member using which he made plans to fly to Syria via Turkey.

Basith had also made two attempts to flee India, once from Kolkata and another time from Nagpur. His plans were foiled by the states counter-intelligence wing and he was brought back to the city.

A case was also registered against Basith and two others, Maaz Hasan Farooqi and Omar Farooq Hussaini, after their failed attempt to go to Srinagar and meet Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi.

Basith, who was counselled several times and given bail, did not change his attitude and continued with his illegal activities.

Basith was continuously making efforts to propagate the ideology of ISIS in India for which he entered into a conspiracy with ISIS handlers and his associates, NIA said on Thursday. He and his associates were involved in identifying, motivating, radicalising gullible Muslim youths to join hands with him.

It also said that Abdul Qhadeer, a resident of Chandrayangutta, who was arrested with Basith in August in possession of explosives, came under the influence of Basith because of their common intention to propagate ISIS ideology in India for which he actively started meeting other gang members. The recovery of explosives from his possession establishes his intention to fabricate an IED.

Basith and Qhadeer are currently in judicial custody in Delhi. In 2016, three persons  Adnan Hussain, Mohammad Farhan and Sheikh Azhar Al Islam  were deported from the UAE for forming a new module and extending their support to ISIS and inspiring Indians to join them.
Hyderabad: The Centre is in a hurry to disburse the first instalment of the PM Kisan (Kisan Samman Nidhi) scheme before the election schedule is announced.

Under the scheme, small and marginal farmers with less than five acres of cultivable land will be given Rs 6,000 per year. The Centre wants to transfer the first instalment of Rs 2,000 by March 1.

Guidelines to identify the beneficiaries have been sent to state governments and the list of beneficiaries must be submitted by February 25. Several state governments say two weeks is not enough time to identify the beneficiaries.

The West Bengal government has announced that it will not participate in the scheme and Congress-ruled states are not showing much interest in identifying the beneficiaries.

The Election Commission is likely to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections in the first week of March.

If the BJP-led NDA government can start doling out the first instalment to farmers across the country, the BJP leadership feels it will have a big impact on voters.

Should the data by state governments  particularly those not ruled by the BJP or its allies  not be sent in time, the Central government has decided to take the help of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in assessing the data. NIC has the data of beneficiaries of various schemes of the Centre.

The Centre estimates that the number of beneficiaries under PM Kisan will be around 12 crore. The Union agriculture ministry has distributed soil health cards to 10 crore farmers.

The Centre feels this data will help identify small and marginal farmers. Neither NIC nor Union agriculture department has verified data of farmers.
Bengaluru: Coalition partners, Congress and JD(S), pulled out all the stops, including a threat of disqualification on one hand and the lure of cabinet berths on the other, to ensure that all their 117 MLAs turn up in the Legislative Assembly to portray a picture of unity when Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy presents his budget on Friday.

The coalition partners felt the need to turn presentation of budget into a show of strength as some rebel Congress legislators continued to stay away from the proceedings in the Assembly for the second consecutive day on Thursday despite a whip by CLP leader, Siddaramaiah, in which a stern warning of the prospect of disqualification under the anti-defection law was conveyed to them. Behind-the-scenes, however, these rebel legislators were told through emissaries that they would be accommodated in the cabinet with each of the coalition partner ready to dump two ministers in order to make room for them.

Besides Mr Siddaramaiah and Mr Kumaraswamy, ministers D.K. Shivakumar and H.D. Revanna took upon themselves the responsibility of shepherding all legislators in the Assembly during presentation of the budget. Though it is believed the coalition government's survival will not be in question even if four or five MLAs fail to turn up on Friday, it seems to be making a prestige issue of parading all its legislators during the presentation of the budget to take the wind out of the sails of BJP's claim that they are unhappy with it.

Mr Siddaramaiah, who reportedly assured Mr Kumaraswamy that he would ensure the presence of all Congress legislators during the presentation and passage of the budget, has set his team to work to contact every legislator, who has stayed away from the session so far, according to sources in Congress.

Using dinner diplomacy, the CLP leader urged all MLAs of his party to attend the Assembly on Friday. Leaders of JD (S), however, seemed to be caught off guard by the absence of their K R Pet MLA, Narayana Gowda, during the day.

The MLA is reportedly upset at not being given any post in the government and is presently in Mumbai where he has some business interests. Meanwhile, a majority of legislators of BJP, the principal Opposition, are reportedly keen to call off the protest in the Assembly and participate in the budget session as any attempt to defeat the finance bill or stall proceedings would have a negative impact on the party.

These legislators are keen to put the government on the mat on various issues and therefore are likely to pressurize their leaders to call off the protest on Friday.
Fifteen days ago, chillies cost anything from Rs 8,300 to Rs 8,800 per quintal. But it has now started falling. (Representational Images)

Khammam: Unprecedented arrival of chillies in the market forced marketing officials to place it in the cotton market after filling up the main and chilli yards.

Farmers have been transporting chillies to the markets in the past two days. Chillies are grown on 60,000 acres in the district but the crop got damaged in some mandals because of unseasonal rains in December.

Farmers from Khamm-am, Kothagudem, Surya-pet and Mahbubabad districts brought around 80,000 bags with chillies in it to the market in the past three days. The officials first placed the produce in the main yard first and then the chilli yard. When both yards got filled up, they asked other farmers to load it in the cotton yard.

About 11,000 bags were dumped in the cotton yard. Officials are expecting more arrivals in the next five days.

Fifteen days ago, chillies cost anything from Rs 8,300 to Rs 8,800 per quintal. But it has now started falling. The highest price on Wednesday was Rs 5,100 to Rs 5,300 per quintal. A year ago, prices had crossed Rs 10,000 per quintal.

The price was raised after farmers began selling at lower prices. Experts asked farmers not to go for panic selling and to instead place it in cold storage if they feared traders would form a syndicate and lift the produce at lower prices.

There are occasions when traders make huge profit margins as chillies are in great demand in Vietnam, China and Thailand.

Farming leader N. Nageswara Rao said: Though the government makes tall claims about implementing e-NAM and other safety nets to safeguard the interests of farmers, it is private traders who have their say and make massive profits at the cost of farmers.
New Delhi: Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhis brother-in-law, was questioned by Enforcement Directorate for nine hours on Thursday, the second consecutive day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

His wife and Congress party leader Priyanka Gandhi came to the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi to pick him in her SUV.



Vadra is expected to be questioned again on Saturday.

Official sources said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the United Kingdom.

It is understood that he was confronted with documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case.
New Delhi: Bringing back memories of the mid-1980s Shah Bano case, when the Rajiv Gandhi government was accused of failing Muslim women, Congress womens wing chief Sushmita Dev declared on Thursday that the party would scrap the new triple talaq law if it was voted to power.

A lot of people told us that women will be empowered if the Triple Talaq Bill is passed. But we opposed that law because it is a weapon Narendra Modiji has prepared to put Muslim men in jail and make them stand in police stations, Ms Dev said.

Addressing the Congress minority wing convention here, the Congress MP from Silchar alleged that Prime Minister Modi had created an atmosphere where Muslim women were being pitted against Muslim men through the triple talaq law.

Claiming that Muslim women from all parts of the country had written crores of letters, carrying out signature campaigns and rebelling against the law, she said:

The Congress Party stood up and opposed it in Parliament. I promise you that the Congress government will come in 2019 and we will scrap this law. But it is also certain that whatever law is brought for womens empowerment, by whichever government, the Congress will support it.

Attacking the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi for its appeasement politics, the BJP on Thursday accused it of having no regard for the Supreme Court, and also hit out at Mr Gandhi for using inappropriate words against Mr Modi, saying it showed the Congress presidents mentality and nervousness.
New Delhi: Getting into the election mode, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his last major speech in Parliament before the Lok Sabha contest mocked attempts to forge anti-BJP coalition as mahamilawat (grand adulteration) and targeted the Opposition Congress for dynasty politics and presented a report card of his government.

While targeting the Congress, he said that his slogan of Congress-mukt bharat (Congress-free India) was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi who had desired that the Congress should be disbanded after independence. Mahatma Gandhi had wished disbanding of Congress. Cong-mukt Bharat is not my slogan but Gandhiji wanted it, he said.

Attacking the main Opposition party in his 100-minute long reply to the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Presidents address, Mr Modi said, There are two periods in time as far as India is concerned - BC and AD. BC stands for Before Congress, when nothing happened, and AD for After Dynasty, when everything happened. This drew cheers and desk thumping from BJP MPs.

In a nutshell in his speech Mr Modi claimed that his four and a half years old government achieved more, much more than what Congress had achieved since 1947.

Reaching out to voters to give the NDA a clear mandate once again, the Prime Minister said, In 2014, for the first time in 30 years, the people gave India its first full majority government. Now the mahamilawat (grand adulteration) is about to come.

Only a party with brute majority can work for the welfare of the nation and not a mahamilawat government, he said, referring to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjees Kolkata rally last month where 26 Opposition parties had shared the dais to form an anti-BJP front.

As he focussed mainly on targeting the Congress regime, Mr Modi yet again played the nationalist card by highlighting Armys surgical strike. You (Congress) had left Army handicapped; it was not in a position to carry out surgical strikes, he claimed.

Countering the Congress allegation of threat to institutions under the NDA rule, Mr Modi blamed the Congress for violating democratic norms and dismissing elected governments.

The Congress imposed Emergency, but they say Modi is destroying institutions. Congress insults Army, calls the Army chief a goonda but they say Modi is destroying institutions, the Prime Minister said in his reply.

The Congress misused Article 356 to dismiss state governments several times. Indira Gandhi herself dismissed state governments 50 times, Mr Modi said.

Unleashing his partys aggressive nationalism mantra, Mr Modi rolled his eyes, flailed his arms and tried to look anguished and angry as he said, In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation. That is why their leaders go to London and do press conferences to show India in bad light.
Well, were back again this year to try to get exactly what he wanted from the first time, which is 100 percent of our pensions not being taxed in the state of Maryland, he said.
At a meeting with Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi two days ago, Telangana Congress leaders reiterated the reason for the Congress defeat in Telangana.

Hyderabad: The Congress leadership does not seem to have learnt any lessons from the defeat in the recent Assembly polls in Telangana and is committing the same mistake ahead of Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress High Command had decided to announce Lok Sabha candidates in advance from February 15 and had asked all Pradesh Congress Committees to send a candidates list by end of January.

But a week after the deadline, the leaders have not started the process yet. Some party leaders are now worried over delay in announcing of candidates. Congress and other leaders of the Peoples Front feel delay in announcing candidates was the main reason for the partys defeat in the Telangana Assembly polls.

At a meeting with Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi two days ago, Telangana Congress leaders reiterated the reason for the Congress defeat in Telangana. The Congress high command has decided not to repeat those mistakes in the Lok Sabha elections.

The high command has directed District Congress Committee presidents to suggest three names for each Lok Sabha constituency to the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee.

In turn, the Pradesh election committee has to scrutinise the names and select two for each constituency and submit it to the high command. The central election committee of the Congress will select one candidate from the two.

But the DCCs have not yet sent their list to TPCC. The Congress high command has decided to appoint DCC presidents to all 31 districts in the state. Earlier, the high command had appointed 10 DCC presidents according to old districts. The delay is because new DCC presidents are yet to be appointed.

DCC presidents

The Congress high command on Thursday appointed new DCC presidents to all 31 districts and two city Congress presidents. In the new list, the high command has continued DCC presidents of old districts.

The poll schedule is expected in the first week of March. TPCC treasurer Mr Gudur Narayanareddy said the Congress central leadership was committing the same mistake that it did in the Assembly elections, that is delay in announcing candidates. He said such delay could cost dearly in the elections.
Vijayawada: The AP Assembly sat late into the night on Thursday to pass a Bill to carve out five per cent quota for Kapus from the 10 per cent reservation for the upper caste poor that was given by the Centre recently.

BC welfare minister K. Atchennaidu moved the AP Economically Weaker Sections (Reservation for Kapus) Bill-2019 which was later passed by the Assembly. The House sat till 9 pm.

Mr Atchennaidu said it was a festive day for the Kapus as the Telugu Desam government had fulfilled the promise of reservations for the community.

He said the community had reservations in Madras State but it was removed after the merger of Andhra with Hyderabad State to form Andhra Pradesh. He said the quota was the right of the community but the previous Congress governments never tried to fulfil the demand.

The minister said that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, during his padayatra in the run-up to the 2014 elections, had learnt about the conditions of the Kapu community and had promised them reservations in the BC quota.

After coming to power, the TD government had passed a resolution in the AP Assembly seeking BC reservations for Kapus and sent it to the Union government. The TD government appointed the BC Commission to study the socioeconomic conditions of Kapus. The government was providing reservations to the community based on the report.
The encounter took place at around 11.30 in the morning when a joint search party comprising district reserve group (DRG) and special task force (STF) was attacked by armed Maoists at Barega under Bhairam-garh police station, a senior police officer posted in Bastar told this newspaper.

Bhopal: At least ten Maoists were on Thursday gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarhs south Bastar district of Bijapur.

This was the biggest counterinsurgency operation undertaken in Naxal-infested Bastar after the new Congress government in Chhattisgarh took charge on December 17, 2018.

The encounter took place at around 11.30 in the morning when a joint search party comprising district reserve group (DRG) and special task force (STF) was attacked by armed Maoists at Barega under Bhairam-garh police station, a senior police officer posted in Bastar told this newspaper.

The encounter lasted nearly one and half hours.

Bodies of 10 Naxals have been recovered so far. Besides, 11 weapons and a large number of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also seized from the encounter site, Chhattisgarh director general of police (DGP) D.M. Awasthi said.

According to him, acting on a tip off on movement of ultras in forests of Takilod on the river bank of Indravati, the joint combat team was dispatched to the area, considered a Maoist-stronghold, on Wednesday evening to launch search operation.

The search party of security personnel came under attack by Naxals in the morning when they were passing by Barega hills.

An encounter ensued leading to death of ten ultras.

According to Mr Awasthi, at least 336 Maoists were killed and 3141 ultras arrested in counterinsurgency operations in Bastar in 2016-18.

As many as 151 security personnel were martyred in the anti-Naxal

operations during the period.

While 818 Naxal weapons were seized, 59 arms of security forces were looted by Maoists following encounters between them in last three years.
He said that accused offered money asking favour to YSRC in the forthcoming election but he rejected the same and informed the same to the higher police officials. He said that he tried to catch accused but he managed to escape from the spot.

Vijayawada: A person claiming himself to be a strong supporter of the YSRC, tried to offer money to the police seeking favour to the YSRC in the forthcoming elections.

The Mylavaram police registered a case against Maganti Venkata Rama Rao alias Abbai for offering money to the police.

SI B. Srinivas said that the accused Abbai first met G Konduru police station SI and offered the money but the SI rejected the same and informed the same to higher police officials. He said that further accused contacted Reddigudem SI and his offer was rejected. He stated that further accused came to Mylavaram police station and stated that YSRC leader Vasantha Krishna Prasad asked him to meet the SI.

He said that accused offered money asking favour to YSRC in the forthcoming election but he rejected the same and informed the same to the higher police officials. He said that he tried to catch accused but he managed to escape from the spot.

He said that the police registered the case and started searches to nab the accused.

Responding to the allegations, YSRC leader Vasantha Krishna Prasad alleged the police, on the orders of TD minister D. Umama-heswara Rao, registered a case against YSRC. He stated that YSRC had lodged a complaint against minister Uma and hisfollowers on illegal wood smuggling, in the past. Hence, the TD is forcing the police to register fake cases. He demanded releasing CCTV footage of the YSRC man.
Farmers led by Kakkarai R. Sukumaran,vice-president of Thamizhaga Vivasaya Sangangalin Koottiyakkam, came to the head post office, and sent the MO. Later, they staged a demonstration. (Representational Image)

Thanjavur: Demanding waiver of farm loans, a section of farmers here on Tuesday sent Rs 17 by money order to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, protesting against the grant of Rs 6,000 per annum for farmers having lands up to two hectares. Farmers led by Kakkarai R. Sukumaran,vice-president of Thamizhaga Vivasaya Sangangalin Koottiyakkam, came to the head post office, and sent the MO. Later, they staged a demonstration.

Sukumar said that Rs 6,000 per annum worked out to Rs 17 per day. This is a pittance and a farmer can have only tea and vada with that amount. Instead of this, what farmers expect is waiver of loans, he added. At least, the state government should announce farm loan waiver in its budget on February 8, added Sukumaran.
Thanjavur: Tension prevailed in Thirubhuvanam near Kumbakonam on Wednesday following the murder of Ramalingam (42), son of Vadivel, former town secretary of the PMK party, on Tuesday night.

According to police, Ramalingam was hacked to death by an unidentified gang of four persons who came in a car and intercepted him when he was returning to his house, on Tuesday night.

Police suspect that the murder could be a sequel to heated arguments Ramalingam had with members of the Muslim community on issues like conversion and Hindu-Muslim relationship at Adi Dravida street on Tuesday morning. Police security has been beefed up with a 200 strong police team.

DIG of police, Thanjavur range, Loganathan, Superintendent of police, Thanjavur district, Maheswaran, SP of Ariyalur district and DSPs visited Thirubhuvanam, and are camping there.

In a video clip that went viral on social media, Ramalingam is seen involved in a heated argument with Muslims, alleging that they indulged in religious conversions, and was pleading with them not to do so. He also takes a cap from a Muslim and wears it. He is also seen applying vibhuthi on the forehead of the Muslim from whom he took the cap. He also argued that Hindus allow Muslims to live in their residential areas, whereas Muslims do not reciprocate the same.

An injured Ramalingam was taken to the government hospital at Kumbakonam on Tuesday night, but later shifted to the Thanjavur Medical college hospital. He died at TMCH.

When his body was taken to Thirubhuvanam on Wednesday afternoon, his relatives and supporters staged a demonstration, demanding the arrest of the culprits. Shops in the town remained closed.

SP, Thanjavur, Maheswaran, told Deccan Chronicle that as the issue was sensitive with the involvement of Muslim youth suspected in the murder, police security has been beefed up. The body was cremated in the evening, and the situation is normal, the SP said.

Three special teams have been formed to nab the culprits. No arrests were made till Wednesday evening.
The TSIC, since its inception, has touched 200 rural entrepreneurs across the state, 45 incubators in Hyderabad and several students and venture capitalists.

Hyderabad: Telangana state is the only one where the innovation cell coordinates between the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL), an initative of the Centre to create an entrepreneurial environment for students. These labs are equipped to acquaint students with state-of-the-art equipment such as 3D printers, robotics and electronics development tools, Internet of Things and sensors.

Mr Phanindra Sama, chief innovation officer, who heads the Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC) said, As part of the fellowship programme being held at TSIC, we are coordinating with 60 colleges that received money and equipment as part of the ATL. The students were not very knowledgeable with sensors and robots. The TSIC has got all of them together and is acting as a nodal agency to help them with the technology. This has been appreciated by the Niti Aayog.

The TSIC, since its inception, has touched 200 rural entrepreneurs across the state, 45 incubators in Hyderabad and several students and venture capitalists. As part of its mandate to build a culture of innovation, the TSIC has reached out to schools and colleges through programmes like Intintiki Innovator, Start-Up Yatra, T-200, T-Catalyst, T-SAP. This is in accordance with the three-fold mandate of the innovation policy promote the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, promote innovation in government departments and organizations, build a culture of innovation from the school stage.

TSIC has been actively working with corporate companies in Hyderabad with specific area of expertise and strengths, facilitating them to work with startups through corporate incubators and innovation challenges. Over the past 10 months, these programmes were driven by six people as part of a one-year fellowship programme which began in April 2018.

Currently, the TSIC has called for paid fellowships for the second year. In order to continue existing programmes which the six interns have begun, permanent staff may be built. Mr Sama pointed that it would take at least five to seven years to see visible results. He said, The primary aim is to foster innovation, identify people and increase success stories. We are trying to get startup communities together as they have been working in silos. This coordination will help members of the startup ecosystem to find their strengths."

Many entrepreneurs with ideas are yet to reach out to the TSIC. For entrepreneurs from Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad and Karimnagar, virtual sessions are being conducted.
Hyderabad: It has been seven months that the government has not released funds to run 2,245 SC/ST/BC hostels in the state, alleged R. Krishnaiah, the president of the National Backward Classes Welfare Association.

He met finance secretary and principal secretary of BC welfare department and requested them to ensure that funds reach the hostels as per schedule.

He said, Wardens of these hostels were borrowing money to run the hostels. Around 1,178 post of wardens and 1,600 posts of workers were vacant. Since five years, the government hasnt issued notifications to fill up the post. Due to which many students are suffering. The government should also look into this issue and take necessary steps to solve the issue.
While addressing the Lok Sabha, Modi said that his govt is known for honesty and it is a government for the poor. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament on Thursday even as the Opposition wants a debate over various issues, including the farm crisis, unemployment and alleged misuse of constitutional bodies.

PM Modi said, I wish for healthy competition in the upcoming elections. I would also like to encourage all those youth who will be voting for the first time.

While addressing the Lok Sabha, Modi said that his govt is known for honesty and it is a government for the poor.

Our friends in the Congress see things in two time periods. BC, which is 'Before Congress', when nothing happened and the other, is AD-'After Dynasty'- where everything happened, PM added.

Attacking the Opposition, PM Modi said, You want to know what is my crime for them? That I am a person born in a poor family and is challenging their 'Sultanate'. In 55 years of their rule, sanitation coverage was around 38 per cent and in our 55 months, it is nearly 98 per cent. See Congress manifestos of 2004, 2009 and 2014. In all the manifestos you have promised that within 3 years every house will have electricity. I am amazed at this.

Gas connections in their 55 years of rule were 12 crore, it is 13 crore in our 55 months. We have worked at much faster speed in our five years," he added.

"Congress insults Army, calls the Army Chief a 'Gunda' but it is Modi who is destroying institutions? Congress leaders create stories that Indian Army is planning a coup but it is Modi who is destroying institutions?, he added.

Lashing out at Mamata Banerjees rally in Kolkata where all the opposition leader were present, PM Modi said people have seen the work a government with an absolute majority can do and do not want a 'Mahamilavat' government of those who recently gathered in Kolkata.

"We speak truth, be it in country or outside, in Parliament or outside but your ability to listen to truth has dimished," PM to opposition.

"It is trust and optimism that will take our nation forward; We are not those who run away from challenges," PM said lashing out at Congress.

"Indira Gandhi dismissed state governments 50 times," says PM replying to debate on motion of thanks to President's address in Lok Sabha.

Hitting out again at the Opposition, PM Modi said, "In 2014, the people of this country elected a government with majority and the country has experienced what happens when a milavati government come into power and that is what is going to come. This milavat wont come to here, gather these people in Kolkata only."

Questioning Congress' motive to bring down the Rafale deal, PM Modi also said, "Congress doesn't' want our Air Force to be strong, I am levelling a serious allegation here. You want this Rafale deal to be cancelled, on whose behest? For which company?"

" Mahatma Gandhi had back then recommended the dissolution of Congress party. So 'Congress mukt Bharat' is not my slogan but I am just fulfilling the wish of Gandhi ji. I have to do this in his commemoration and no amount of 'milavat' is going to help you."

Talking about the economic offenders who have fled the country, PM Modi has said, "Those (economic offenders) who have fled are now crying and Tweeting that I fled with Rs 9000 crores but Modi has forfeited Rs 13000 crores. They are tweeting and saying that twhen they wake up, they realize that their ill-gotten wealth has been detected and has been forfeited."

"99 agricultural schemes which were stuck, are being completed by us now," PM Modi said, talking about farmer plight.

Nearly 65 lakh people were registered in National Pension system: PM Modi.

Criticizing the opposition parties in the states, PM Modi said, "Some states are saying that they wont accept (the farmer) scheme. Why dont they ask the farmers that there is Rs 6000 for them, do they want it or not? You dont want to give one rupee. Youll say you wont accept Ayushman Bharat, think of the poor people of your states. This kind of politics will go on."
Modi congratulated Momen on his appointment as the Foreign Minister and appreciated his gesture of selecting India as the destination for his first foreign visit. (Photo: PMO Twitter)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reaffirmed India's commitment to work with Bangladesh to build on the upward trajectory witnessed in bilateral ties in the last few years.

This assurance was given by the Prime Minister when Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Minister AK Abdul Momen, who is on a three-day visit to India, called on him here.

Modi said that India-Bangladesh relations have been on an upward trajectory in the last few years, according to a release by the Prime Minister's Office.

He also reaffirmed Indias commitment to work with Bangladesh to build on this momentum during the new term in office of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Modi congratulated Momen on his appointment as the Foreign Minister and appreciated his gesture of selecting India as the destination for his first foreign visit.

Bangladesh is expected to seek India's support for an early resolution to the Rohingya crisis.

Momen will attend the fifth India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) on Friday. The last JCC meet, held in October 2017 in Dhaka, was attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Momen is also scheduled to meet former President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday before returning home the next day.

He was appointed as the Foreign Minister after Sheikh Hasina's Awami League came into power following a landslide victory in the 11th parliamentary elections held on December 30 last year.
Under the updated policy, transgender people who want to serve in the military can do so as long as they do not wish to transition so that their biological sex matches their gender identity. The Supreme Court last month upheld the amended ban while lawsuits move through the courts, but there is still one injunction barring the administration from carrying it out.
Moving the court, the petitioner, advocate B. Ramkumar Adityan, stated that even minors including school children were getting exposed to alcohol. (Representational Image)

Madurai: Taking serious note of the minors taking to drinks, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday suggested the installation of closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) in Tasmac bars to bring down the crimes. It also ordered the State government to respond to a public interest litigation seeking a direction from the court to restrict the working hours of retail alcohol outlets, bars and pubs.

Expressing concern over minors taking to drinking alcohol, a division Bench comprising Justices: N. Kirubakaran and S.S. Sundar observed that Tasmac bars alone were not the only means to augment revenue in the State.

The Bench asked the government to file a counter and adjourned the case to February 28 for further hearing.

Moving the court, the petitioner, advocate B. Ramkumar Adityan, stated that even minors including school children were getting exposed to alcohol. Though this caused socio-economic problems, nothing had been done to prevent it, he contended.

He prayed for a direction to restrict the working hours of retail alcohol outlets, bars and pubs in the State to six hours from 2 pm to 8 pm.

He further sought a direction to liquor outlets not to sell alcohol to those below 21 years of age.

The details of the liquor, quality of ingredients, price and address ofmanufacturer must be printed on the label of bottles.
Rajahmundry: The CPI and CPM have called a protest against the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to AP on February 10. The parties wondered as to how the PM could visit the state despite failing to implement several provisions of the split Act and also assurances to benefit the state.

East Godavari CPI district secretary T. Madhu called upon party supporters to stage a protest at all mandal headquarters in the district on February 9 in protest against the Centre for giving a raw deal to the state.

He also called for a Chalo Guntur programme on February 10 to stage a protest opposing the visit of the PM. He said, We will not allow PM Modi to step into the state as he failed to fulfil the sanction of special category to the state so that several unemployed people could get jobs and also allocation of adequate funds for building the state capital city Amaravati.

East Godavari CPM district secretary T. Arun wondered as to how PM Modi could visit the state as he failed to fulfil his assurances.
Kochi: The 21 member delegation from Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Eroor and Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Girinagar, returned to the city after participating in the Harvard Model United Nations Conference 2019 held at Boston, from 24th to 27th Janua-ry. The 66th edition MUN had student delegates representing all member countries of the UN in as many as 30 committees under the aegis of the General Assembly, the Economic & Social Council, a Non- Governmental Organization, six regional bodies and ten specialized agencies. In their respective committees, delegates engaged themselves in debates on matters of international import and they got to experience first hand the challenges of negotiation by assuming the roles of representatives of countries they had been allotted.

Faculty advisors Sreejyothi N of BVM Eroor and Meera Shanker of BVM Girinagar said that the students benefited from the international exposure. Karthika Sanjay of Std XII of BVM Eroor, remarked ,  it was a great opportunity to interact with such a diverse group of smart delegates from across the globe; all of whom had different life stories to tell and an earnest belief that they could change it for the better.
Bengaluru: Hoardings and outdoor advertisements will be back in Bengaluru. The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday quashed a BBMP resolution, passed on August 6, 2018, banning outdoor advertisements for one year.

Several advertisement agencies, which had enrolled with the BBMP under the provisions of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976 and the Advertisement Bye-laws of 2006, had approached the court against the Palike resolution.

Questioning the legality of the resolution, they argued that they make a living out of commercial advertising and there are several employees whose livelihood too depends on this business.

The court, before quashing the resolution, said in a detailed order that the Palike has no powers to pass a resolution contrary to the procedure and substantive law laid out under the Act and Advertisements Bye-Law, 2006.

The BBMP advocate pointed out that the resolution pertained only to unauthorised and illegal advertisements and did not in any way prohibit or regulate advertisements that were legal. In its order, the high court, however, made it clear that such a submission cannot be accepted as the BBMP in its statement of objections filed on January 30, 2019 made it evident that the resolution has been construed by the BBMP itself as imposing a complete ban.

The resolution claimed that the restrictions were placed on the grounds of beauty of the city, environmental pollution and increasing road accidents. But no other material has been placed making out the grounds for imposing restrictions on the right of the petitioners, the court stated.

Implementation of a new set of advertisement bye-laws and transition from the current legal framework is one that must be resorted to without infringing on the legal rights of the petitioners, the court said, adding that the manner in which it is to be done falls in the domain of the BBMP.

"It cannot be that the fundamental rights of the petitioners as well as the rights that flow from the statute and existing Advertisement Bye Laws 2006 could be kept in abeyance till new advertisement bye-laws are framed and brought into force. Such action of keeping vested rights in abeyance in the transitionary phase in the manner as resorted to herein by the BBMP would amount to an arbitrary exercise of power," the court observed.

On the question whether there could be a prohibition of advertisement as contemplated under the existing legal framework till new advertisement bye-laws are brought into force, all that could be said is that the existing statutory provisions and the Bye-laws 2006 contemplate and provide for the above legal contingency and the Palike is to exercise power conferred under the Act strictly in the manner as contemplated and not as exercised, it ruled.

The court stated that the order should not to be construed as fettering the rights of BBMP to initiate action against illegal advertisements as permissible under the Act and Advertisement Bye-laws 2006.
Banerjee called it off on Tuesday evening, after the Supreme Court forbade the CBI from taking action against Kumar. (Photo: PTI | File)

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the West Bengal government to initiate disciplinary action against the officers who took part in protest against the CBI in Kolkata.

The Ministry also plans to strip them of their medals in keeping with the All India Service Rules.

The Centre may also remove the names of the officers from the empanelled list and bar them from serving in the central government for a certain period.

Sources identified the officers as West Bengal Director General Of Police Virendra, Additional Director General of Police Vineet Kumar Goyal, Additional general of Police (Law and Order) Anuj Sharma, Commissioner of Police (Bidhanagar Commissionerate) Gyanwant Singh, and Additional Commissioner of Police (Kolkata) Supratim Darkaar.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had launched a sit-in protest on February 4 against the CBIs attempts to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee called it off on Tuesday evening, after the Supreme Court forbade the CBI from taking action against Kumar.
Anna Universitys syndicate which met here on Wednesday approved the changes made to the 2017 regulations bringing relief to the engineering students.

Chennai: Anna Universitys syndicate which met here on Wednesday approved the changes made to the 2017 regulations bringing relief to the engineering students.

To address the concerns of the engineering students, Anna University has decided to allow the students under 2017 regulations to write arrears (reappearance) in the immediately following semester exam.

The academic council of Anna University has approved it along with other changes recently.

The syndicate has approved the changes made to the 2017 regulations. So, the changes will come into effect immediately, sources in the Anna University said.

Under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), if the students failed to clear a subject, they have to reappear along with regular students when that course is offered next time. It means if a student could not clear a course in an odd semester, he or she can only reappear for the exam when the course is offered next year. Following the poor results in November 2018 exams, engineering students from affiliated engineering colleges protested against the arrear rules.

To keep the minimum standard, the university is also introducing a new rule from the next academic year. As per the new rule, the students who cleared all papers in the first semester only will be allowed to go to the fourth year or seventh semester.

They will get five chances to clear all papers in the first semester. This rule will be implemented from the first year. It is also approved by the syndicate, sources said.

Further, it also approved to conduct revaluation to the university departments in front of the students.

The university departments have been following CBCS since 2015.
Based on a tip off, the police intercepted a person carrying banned gutka and khaini in autorickshaw and took him into custody.

Rajahmundry: Police seized banned gutka and khaini packets worth Rs 15 lakh after raiding a shed located at Undi village in West Godavari. Based on a tip off, the police intercepted a person carrying banned gutka and khaini in autorickshaw and took him into custody.

Based on the information, the police raided a shed and seized huge stocks of gutka and khaini and found a man identified as Kella Rama Rao involved in making them illegally.

The police booked a case and investigation is on.
This is the first time that Robert Vadra is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi: Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for the second day on Thursday in connection with a probe into allegations that he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

Vadra, who was grilled for five-and-a half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday, arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers.

After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the session.

Officials said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in United Kingdom.

His statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as was done Wednesday, they added.

He was asked about a dozen questions by a team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case.

His appearance before the ED on Wednesday acquired political overtones with his wife Priyanka Gandhi, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanying him to the investigating agency's office.

She took charge of her new post at the Congress' national headquarters on Akbar Road after that. "He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka Gandhi said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London on Wednesday.

This is the first time that Robert Vadra is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

Read: 'Stand by my husband': Priyanka after dropping off Robert Vadra at ED office

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

His lawyer said on Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him. "All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan told reporters.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency also told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra.

These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others.

The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra on Wednesday to attack the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime.

Vadra is also supposed to be present before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in another money laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner.

The Rajasthan High Court had directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.
The court had earlier allowed ED to question Deepak in custody for seven days, after the probe agency alleged that he acted as middleman in negotiations to favour foreign private airlines causing the loss to national carrier Air India. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday claimed before a Delhi court that corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar has links with fugitive Vijay Mallya in a money laundering case.

Special Judge S S Mann extended the ED's custody of Talwar till February 12 after the probe agency said he was to be confronted with his son who is currently abroad and has been summoned by the investigating agency for February 11.

ED had sought extension of custody for Talwar by seven days.

The court had earlier allowed ED to question him in custody for seven days, after the probe agency alleged that he acted as middleman in negotiations to favour foreign private airlines causing the loss to national carrier Air India.

ED claimed before the court that investigation has revealed Talwar's links with Mallya, when both were evading the process of law, and the probe is on to determine the trail of the tainted money.

The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss, who has been on bail in the UK on an extradition warrant since his arrest in April last year, is fighting extradition to India on charges of fraud and money laundering allegedly amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores.

UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid on Monday had ordered the extradition of Mallya to India, in a major blow to the embattled liquor baron.

The 63-year-old businessman had lost a legal challenge against his extradition in a British court in December.

Talwar was deported from Dubai on January 30 and arrested by the agency after landing in New Delhi.

ED had earlier told the court that by interrogating Talwar it has to find out the names of officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, National Aviation Company of India Ltd and Air India, who favoured foreign airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia, by making national carrier, gave up profit making routes and profit making timings.

"It has been alleged that officials of Ministry of Civil Aviation, NACIL, Air India, by abusing their official positions as public servants and receiving illegal gratification, in conspiracy with other public servants, private domestic and foreign airlines, made the national carrier gave up profit making routes and profit making timings of Air India in favour of national and international domestic and foreign private airlines. This resulted in a huge loss of market share to the national carrier and also led to pecuniary benefits to private domestic and foreign airlines," the ED has said.

The investigation in the case has revealed the role of the accused as a middleman in the negotiations. "In lieu of the above, entities directly or indirectly controlled by the accused have received exorbitant amounts from Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia," ED has said, submitting a chart of total USD 60.54 million received by the firms directly or indirectly owned by Talwar between April 23, 2008 to February 6, 2009.

Talwar has been charged with criminal conspiracy, forgery and under various other sections of the FCRA for allegedly diverting Rs 90.72 crore worth of foreign funds meant for ambulances and other articles received by his NGO from Europe's leading missile manufacturing company.

His role in some aviation deals during the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) regime at the Centre is under scanner as well.

Talwar was booked by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in criminal cases of corruption, while the Income Tax Department charged him with tax evasion.
They were found to suffer from mood swings, loneliness and extremely low self-esteem, says the study.

Hyderabad: Anxiety levels in 59 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women in Hyderabad were found to increase after they habitually took selfies and posted these on social media sites, according to a study of 300 respondents who had reported to mental health clinics and cosmetologists.

Youngsters in the age group of 15 to 25 years were found to be spending at least five to six hours per day taking and re-taking selfies. Most made use of filters that are available in smartphones, to enhance their physical appearance so that they get the maximum 'likes' for their selfies.

Those that did not use filters suffered from bouts of anxiety and low self-esteem because of the negative comments that they got, the study found. This made them work harder to improve their looks.

On the other hand, those who used selfie filters were not confident about meeting friends or relatives personally because they would not look so physically attractive.

They were found to suffer from mood swings, loneliness and extremely low self-esteem, says the study.

Dr Debraj Shome, senior plastic and cosmetic surgeon, explained, The study was conducted in four cities and Hyderabad was chosen as there were cases reported in the city. While evaluating the data we found that cosmetologists were being approached to change their physical appearance and make them attractive.

The reason was that they wanted the selfies to look good. The inadequacy over looks is creating a strong desire to change looks through cosmetic surgery and procedures. This is a dangerous trend. Family members need to check on teenagers and others if their children are into too much of selfie-taking craze," Dr Debraj added.
Autopilot is controversial because, whereas Tesla owner manuals tell drivers to remain alert and keep their hands on the steering wheel while using it, Musk has long taken a more casual attitude toward the technology, appearing on television and YouTube videos putting his hands in the air, roller coaster style, while the car drives itself. YouTube is filled with videos of people apparently sleeping in moving Tesla cars and otherwise flouting the manuals suggestions.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7)  The Court of Appeals junked a petition of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) to stop the police from "profiling" its members.

In a four-page resolution on Monday, the appellate court dismissed the militant group's petition because of procedural "infirmities."

It said the petition to stop the Philippine National Police (PNP) from collecting information about ACT'S members was not accompanied by certified true copies of the police memoranda they wanted to nullify and did not indicate when these were received by the group. The petition also failed to state when ACT's lawyer was issued a membership number by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and a Professional Tax Number.

The Court of Appeals did not touch on ACT's arguments against the memoranda for being unconstitutional.

JUST IN: Court of Appeals junks Alliance of Concerned Teachers petition seeking to stop PNP from profiling its members due to infirmities | @anjocalimario pic.twitter.com/FAsvTuTS9m  CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) February 7, 2019

ACT said that its members had been the subject of profiling by the police, accusing them of asking schools for a list of their teachers who are members of the organization.

The teachers' group had also filed a complaint before the Ombudsmancomplaint before the Ombudsman against Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano, PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Albayalde, regional police chiefs and other police officials over the alleged profiling.

The Department of Education assured that no personal information of teachers have been turned over with any entity, stressing that any request for such data should be coursed through them.

Police and military officials, while not confirming it, said there is nothing wrong with profiling operations. They accused ACT of being a front of the Communist Party of the Philippines, citing a YouTube video of its founder Jose Maria Sison admitting this.

Sison has denied the claim, saying the video was spliced in a spy report.

CNN Philippines Correspondent Anjo Alimario contributed to this report.
The apology Gucci issued said that they were fully committed to the concept of diversity and focused on increasing it throughout their organisation even. (Photo: BBCNews/Twitter)

Rome: Gucci has apologised for a wool sweater that resembled a "blackface" and said the item had been pulled from its online and physical stores, the latest case of an Italian fashion house having to apologise for cultural or racial insensitivity.

In a statement posted on Twitter on Wednesday, Gucci said it was committed to diversity and considered it a "fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected and at the forefront of every decision we make." The apology further read, We are fully committed to increasing diversity throughout our organisation and turning this incident into a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond.

The turtleneck black wool balaclava sweater which they introduced covered the nose and included a red cut-out for the mouth. It was ridiculed on social media as insensitive and racist, at a time when the US is grappling with cases of old photos of politicians with their faces blackened.

In December, Prada said it was no longer selling a line of accessories that featured a character with brown skin and exaggerated red lips after complaints they resembled blackface.

And last year, Dolce & Gabbana cancelled a Shanghai runway show and apologised after complaints that an advertising campaign featuring a Chinese model trying to eat pizza, spaghetti and a cannoli with chopsticks was culturally insensitive.
The teaser of the song Manikya Malaraya Poovi from the Malayalam movie Oru Adaar Love went viral a few months ago, making debutant Priya Varrier an instant internet hit with her wink. She shot to fame with movie buffs and celebrities raving about it.

The sneak peek of OAL, being dubbed in Tamil and Telugu for release on Valentines Day, was out recently. The romantic kiss of Priya Varrier and Roshan Abdul from the film has gone viral. Thanu of V Creations is getting the Tamil version on to the screen.
Mumbai: Taimur Ali Khan was the bigger star for the media as well as the paparazzi who loved to cover everything, from his first walk to his first wave.

But now it appears that the little boy's popularity has taken a beating by his half-sister Sara Ali Khan.

Sara made her debut last year with Kedarnath and received positive reviews. This was followed by a massively successful film Simmba. Together they led to her being covered fanatically in fanzines as well as on social media.

Score Trend India, a US-based company, evaluated the two on the charts and as per the statistics, Sara Ali Khan has scored more numbers than her baby brother Taimur.

Sara scored 100 points in digital news, newspaper and viral news. Baby Taimur scored merely 4 per cent in digital news, 12 per cent in newspaper coverage and 42 per cent in viral news.

Sara's promotions for her debut film Kedarnath followed by blockbuster Simmba drastically changed the statistics in her favour. It is to be noticed that Taimur has a strong hold on viral news and in near future, the toddler might set a tough fight for his sister, says Ashwini Kaul, co-founder of US-based tech Score Trends India.

The data has been collected from over 600 news sources across 14 languages in India, including Facebook, Twitter, print publications, viral news on social media, broadcast and digital platforms. Various sophisticated algorithms are used to process this massive amount of data and arrive at the scores and rankings of celebrities.

Sanskriti Media
The American spy thriller series Homeland which has completed seven seasons thus far will be starting off its eighth season this year. The good new for Bollywood fans is that Nimrat Kaur who was seen in the fourth season will now return for the final fling as the concluding season is being filmed currently to premiere in the fall of 2019.

Nimrat played the role of a Pakistani ISI agent Tasneem Qureshi in the thriller series.

I had a lot of fun being on that show in season 4. To play a villain is particularly exciting and to go back for the last and final season, and I am promise five awards, she laughs.

It is the last season, I did not know how big it was and when it was so loved and it became so popular. It was fun to be loved to be hated and it is a warm kickass feeling. People would come to me at public places and tell me we love to hate you, so when they asked me to come back to it, it was a no brainer, says the actress who has been roaming the world with the show.

I am born wanderlust. I have been roaming from city to city since I was born as my father was in the defence forces. I will be in Casablanca shooting for the next few days, says the actress adding that her quench for travel has also been fulfilled by the show.

There are talks about other stuff, but I will comeback from Homeland and then plan to decide what I want to do, says the actress.
International Brent crude oil futures were down by 26 cents, or 0.4 percent, at USD 62.43 per barrel.

Singapore: Oil prices fell on Thursday after US crude inventories rose and as production levels in the country held at record levels, but OPEC-led supply cuts and Washingtons sanctions against Venezuela supported markets.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at USD 53.84 per barrel at 0247 GMT, down 17 cents, or 0.3 per cent, from their last settlement.

International Brent crude oil futures were down by 26 cents, or 0.4 percent, at USD 62.43 per barrel.

US crude oil inventories climbed by 1.3 million barrels in the week that ended Feb 1 to 447.21 million barrels, data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, average weekly US crude oil production remained at the record 11.9 million barrels per day (bpd) it reached in late 2018. The United States is currently the worlds largest oil producer, ahead of traditional top suppliers Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Countering the rising US crude output and inventories are voluntary supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) aimed at tightening the market and propping up prices.

Meanwhile, US sanctions against Venezuelas oil industry are expected to freeze the sales proceeds of 500,000 bpd of crude exports.

The cumulative effect of OPEC-led output cuts along with additional US sanctions on Venezuelas state oil company ... bolstered market sentiment, said Benjamin Lu of Singapore-based brokerage Phillip Futures in a note on Thursday.

French Bank BNP Paribas cut its estimated average of 2019 prices for Brent to USD 68 per barrel and for WTI to USD 61 per barrel, both down by USD 8 from its previous outlook.

We expect the oil price to rise in the first-half of 2019 on tightening supply conditions and decline in the second-half on weakening economic activity and an increase in US crude exports to international markets, said French bank BNP Paribas.
It's a well-regulated process and only those companies that have been identified under the resolution process will be able to tap this route, he said.

Mumbai: The RBI on Thursday allowed companies participating in the insolvency process to raise funds through external commercial borrowing (ECB) for repaying existing lenders.

The central bank said the resolution applicants under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 may find it attractive to borrow abroad to repay the existing lenders.

In order to facilitate that it is proposed to relax the end-use restrictions under the approval route of the ECB framework for resolution applicants under CIRP and allow them to utilise the ECB proceeds for repayment of rupee term loans of the target company," the RBI said in a statement.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, while addressing the media on Thursday, said, Our decision gives no room to fly-by-night operator to bring in money just for the sake of bringing in money. There are other openings of bringing in money, we have ECB route, we have the FPI (foreign portfolio investor) route, Das said.

It's a well-regulated process and only those companies that have been identified under the resolution process will be able to tap this route, he said.

Guidelines in this regard will be issued by the end of this month. Under the existing guidelines, the proceeds of ECB denominated in either foreign currency or the Indian rupee are not permitted to be utilised for repayment or for on-lending for repayment of domestic rupee loans.
Till 28th January 2019, benefits have been given to 1.29 lakh establishments covering 1.05 crore beneficiaries under this scheme.

New Delhi: Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) 15.59 crore loans have been sanctioned till January 25, 2019, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Under PMMY collateral free loans up to Rs 10 lakh are extended to small or micro business enterprises and to individuals to enable them to set up or expand their business activities.

Till 25th January, 2019, total 15.59 crore loans have been sanctioned under the scheme, said Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment in a written reply to a question in the Upper House of Parliament.

The minister said that Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana was initiated by Union Ministry of Labour and Employment in 2016-17 for incentivizing employers for employment generation.

Under this scheme, the government is paying the entire employers contribution (12 per cent or as admissible) towards the EPS and EPF for all sectors, with effect from April 1, 2018 to all eligible new employees for the next three years from the date of registration of the new employee, he said.

Till 28th January 2019, benefits have been given to 1.29 lakh establishments covering 1.05 crore beneficiaries under this scheme, the minister said.

Under the Skill India Mission, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is implementing a flagship scheme known as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 2016-20 with an objective to provide skilling to one crore people under short-term training (STT), Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Special Project (SP) across the country for four years, that is, 2016-2020 with an outlay of Rs 12,000 crore.

Under PMKVY 2016-20, as on January 24, 2019, approximately 37.32 lakh candidates have been trained under STT (25.25 lakh), RPL (11.27 lakh) and Special Project (0.8 lakh) in the country. Under PMKVY 2016-20 scheme placement tracking is mandatory. The placement data is reported within 90 days of certification of a trained candidate.

As per the data reported on SDMS, as on 24.01.2019, 21.03 lakh candidates are certified under STT and SPs of PMKVY 2016-20. The number of candidates certified under STT and SPs of PMKVY 90 days prior, that is, 26.10.2018 is 19.39 lakh. Out of these candidates, as on 24.01.2019, 10.64 lakh candidates have been placed in various sectors across the country, said Gangwar.

Employment generation coupled with improving employability is the priority concern of the government, which has taken various steps for generating employment in the country like encouraging private sector of economy, fast-tracking various projects involving substantial investment and increasing public expenditure on schemes like Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), MGNREGA), DDU-GKY, DAY-NULM, said the minister in his reply.
The Mumbai-headquartered auto majors dealerships across the country confirmed that the Tata Nano hatchback has been taken off from production.

Pune: Tata Motor, which launched its ambitious car Nano, nearly a decade ago, is no longer dispatching it to its dealerships, but the worlds cheapest car is being offered at discounts to cut down inventory level ahead of April deadline to discontinue production.

The Mumbai-headquartered auto majors dealerships across the country confirmed that the Tata Nano hatchback has been taken off from production.

Interestingly, most of these dealerships are enticing buyers with a minimum discount of Rs 15,000-Rs 20,000 on the 2018 inventory.

Auto analysts said with anti-lock breaking system or ABS to be mandatory on all cars sold from April 1, 2019, production of Tatas iconic small car, which lacks this key safety feature, will finally end.

With no demand for the model, it makes no financial sense for Tata Motors to invest in upgrading the Nano and giving it ABS at the end of its life cycle.

Therefore, the mandatory ABS will be the final blow for the Nano, and the car will be discontinued in April 2019, analysts pointed out. They pointed out that Tata Nano will die on its own death because it will not meet safety regulations.

Analysts also pointed out that from July 1, 2019 all cars sold in India will have to be equipped with at least a driver airbag, a speed warning system, a seatbelt reminder for driver and co-driver, and rear parking sensors as standard.

This will be followed by more stringent crash test norms by October 2019.

And finally, from April 1, 2020 onward, all cars sold in Asias third biggest car mart will have to meet the stringent BS VI fuel emission norms.

As mentioned before, the Nano in its current form will not meet the new safety and emission norms and may need infusion of fresh investments. No decision has been made yet in this regard. We continue to produce Nano catering to customer demands, the Tata Motors spokesperson told Financial Chronicle.

Sales of the Nano model hit a new low in June 2018, when the company sold just three units, according to Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, a top lobby body. Also, during the entire month of June 2018, only one Nano was produced whereas the Sanand factory has a capacity to produce 2.4 lakh units a month. Between July and December 2018, the company found only 310 buyers whereas the dream was to sell it in thousands every month.

The company in January did not produce nor sell even a single unit of the small car, which was once dubbed as the peoples car.

Tata Nano is emotionally attached to all the Indian engineers and auto enthusiasts of Indian auto industry. It is a sad thing to hear that the brand is not making any fresh investment to revive Nano car and also Nano to be discontinued is a sad chapter for the entire Indian automobile industry, Gaurav Vangaal, country lead, LVP forecasting with IHS Markit told Financial Chronicle.

The iconic Nano was launched in 2008 but the trend of declining sales of the Nano was seen in 2018 when the company sold 65 units in mid-2018 which then dropped to a mere three units.

Decisions on product life cycle is a holistic view taken after considering the market developments, regulations and emerging competitive landscape, the Tata Motors spokesperson said.

Last year, Cyrus Mistry, the former chairman at Tata Group, had stated that Tata Motors had already lost `1,000 crores in keeping the Nano alive. He had also decided to discontinue Nano, but the Tata Group board members did not allow him to.
Brewery staffers first posted Monday that the cat, named Willow and called Will for short, appeared to have been taken by three people earlier in the day from the brewery grounds in the Kresson neighborhood in Southeast Baltimore .
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Jose Camilo remembers well the pressure he felt as a 12-year-old when he acted as a translator for his parents when they bought their first house.

Camilo's family immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic when he was 10, the oldest of five children. Two years later, Camilo's parents bought their first house in Haverhill, Mass. By then, Camilo was fluent in English, thanks to his schooling. But his parents, who worked constantly to support the family, didn't speak English. They depended on their oldest son to translate for them when they signed documents to close on the house.

"It was frustrating because as a young boy it was a lot of responsibility and pressure to take on," Camilo says. "I knew my parents were frustrated and didn't feel secure because they didn't feel understood."

Now 27, Camilo jumps into the role of translator for strangers and family alike. As a mortgage originator at Sunmark Federal Credit Union, he works with all kinds of clients but takes special joy in helping buyers whose first language is Spanish. Camilo has a college degree in hotel management but also studied finance. He switched careers when he looked around and didn't find other Spanish-speaking mortgage originators.

"As a bilingual speaker I felt I could open a lot of doors for people and I thought, 'There are so many Spanish speakers here, they are underrepresented.'"

Real estate agent Gloria Herman also went into the real estate business with the goal of helping Spanish speakers. Herman, raised in Colombia, came to the U.S. as a young woman. She says when she and her now ex-husband bought their first house, she understood only about a quarter of what was being said. It was more than 30 years ago. Herman said she felt like a rare species then because she rarely met anyone who spoke Spanish.

Twelve years ago, Herman got her real estate license. She owns her own company, Tesoros Property Management, and also runs Tesoros Cafe on Union Street in Schenectady. "Tesoro" means "treasure" in Italian and Spanish.

"Real estate is intimidating, especially when you're buying your first home," Herman said. "I like to make people feel comfortable and explain the documents."

Grettel Wong, also a native of Colombia, sought out Herman when it was time to buy her first house in 2011. Wong has been in the U.S. since she was 14 and speaks fluent English. All the paperwork having to do with buying her house in Clifton Park was in English  but Herman explained them in Spanish.

"It's not just the words. It's a vibe, a feeling," Wong said.

Vera Cohen, who owns a real estate company in East Greenbush, was raised in Russia and immigrated to the U.S. when she was 20. She learned English here. She said Russian speakers seek her out, not only because she speaks their language, but because she understands their culture.

"It's part of Eastern culture to negotiate and push, to try to get a little bit more," Cohen said. "And for people who didn't grow up around here, I can translate the documents and explain the rules. They can trust me because I know how it works in the U.S., and I've done it many times for many people."

Three out of 16 real estate agents and an administrative assistance at Vera Cohen Realty are bilingual. Real estate agent Kelly Canuet speaks French and Alvis Milligan grew up speaking Spanish and English. As a Realtor in Los Angeles before moving to the Capital Region, she expected to use her Spanish a lot. She's been surprised how often she's called upon to use it here in the three years since she became licensed in New York.

"There is a need," Mulligan says.

lhornbeck@timesunion.com  518-454-5352  @leighhornbeck
Card Sako joins the debate on the renewal of the Eastern Churches, some of which want to "stubbornly" hold onto the dictates of the past. It is necessary to change, whilst maintaining "originality and authenticity" and facing anew the "missionary" challenge. Persecutions have generated "closed ethnic" communities. Addressing "current" needs and problems is a must.

Baghdad (AsiaNews)  The Chaldean Patriarch, Card Louis Raphael Sako, issued a pastoral letter on the "originality and authenticity" of the "renewal" of the Chaldean Church, which was sent to AsiaNews for wider circulation.

In it, the prelate notes that the Church must "give answers" to the questions and challenges of modernity, the passage of time and prepare for those "that will come in the future". Hence, no one should be afraid" to change rites and traditions without losing their original missionary nature.

In his letter, the cardinal warns against fear of "modernity". To those who criticise changes in rituals, customs and traditions, he asks if they " today wear the garments that were once popular in their villages of origin".

Practices and traditions are not the same as "ancestors" and this change is physiological because it is an adaptation "to the new society".

Thus, he goes on to say, we need to "prepare the texts of our liturgy in Arabic, Kurdish, English, French, German", or the other languages of the Diaspora countries where new Chaldean communities have emerged in the last few decades.

In the new millennium, the US invasion of Iraq and the rise of the Islamic State (IS) group contributed to this exodus, which has bled the communities of their members.

The cardinals letter comes at a time of controversies and divisions in Eastern Churches over liturgical reform, with some stubbornly holding onto the dictates of tradition.

To back his argument, Mgr Sako cites the case of the Malabar Church in India, which translated the various rites from the original "Chaldean-Syriac language, like ours" into Malayam and promoted "a reform" so that rites could be "understood by its believers."

"We are a Church, not a museum called to preserve a certain heritage," the cardinal writes. In fact, for him, there is a danger that the "missionary dimension and the sense of evangelisation" of the Eastern Catholic communities might be lost "because of the geopolitical situation, the pressures and persecutions", which have led to " closed ethnic Churches: Chaldean, Assyrian, Armenian, Syriac, Coptic and Maronite, each with its own geographical and linguistic affiliation".

For the Chaldean primate "if we maintain only the old tradition" we end up "losing our people", as shown by some "traditional" Churches that have been "almost deserted by young people with almost no one participating in the prayers".

Reforming the rites "is the result of academic studies and in-depth pastoral discussions" that sought to maintain "originality and spirituality.

It is important that We distinguish between essence and contingent, between the divine that remains firm and the human that is variable".

Today Eastern Churches are present "in many countries that have different languages and cultures", in the context of a world that is increasingly a "digital village".

For this reason, "Problems have emerged that are not present in the classical and traditional religious vocabulary, so an evaluation of the ecclesiastical heritage is essential to update it to meet current needs and issues."

(Fr Rebwar Basa contributed)
It is past time to end discrimination against our LGBT population. Contact your state and federal legislators to make public-sector discrimination illegal, and expand this to ban discrimination in the private sector as well.

Prohibit discrimination in housing, lending, credit, health insurance, schools, foster care, and adoption. Ban conversion therapy in Virginia. Protect family leave so employees can care for their sick partners without fear of losing their jobs. Include violence against LGBT in hate crime laws. Allow transgender troops to serve in our military.
His tractor is so noisy that, when driving it, the man who calls himself "just a farmer from Butler County" puts his cellphone under his cap, set on vibrate. Charles Grassley, 85, who has served in the Senate longer than all but 11 of the 1,983 other senators  and who still runs 3 miles four mornings a week  does not have ample time for farming because he has visited all of Iowa's 99 counties every year for 38 years, and last missed a Senate vote 8,300 votes ago, when Iowa was flooded in 1993.

He is a non-lawyer who just left the chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee to become chairman of the Finance Committee. In his 45th year in Congress (he was in the House 1975-1981), he will help this institution recover some of the power it has improvidently  and perhaps unconstitutionally  delegated to presidents.

His committee's purview is vast  he intends to address prescription drug prices  but trade policy will be at the top of the committee's agenda. There is the revised agreement with Mexico and Canada to approve, and a developing agreement with Japan to partially undo the damage done by the president's scrapping of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
The White House announced that Monday was Child Tax Credit Awareness Day in an effort to make sure families know about the expanded tax credit and how to apply.
House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, said in another statement: The belated admission from Attorney General Herring is shocking. He should adhere to the standard he has set for others or he loses credibility."

Herring stepped down from one role Wednesday, resigning as co-chair of the Democratic Attorneys General Association. Herring "offered to step aside" and the committee accepted, said Lizzie Ulmer, the organization's communications director.

Herring's admission came five days after a scandal involving Northam broke when the right-wing website Big League Politics published a story on a racist photo in his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook. The photo showed a man in blackface and a man in Ku Klux Klan regalia on Northam's yearbook page.

Northam on Friday said he was in the photo and apologized, but the next day said he was sure he was not in the photo, although he admitted he had used blackface the same year while portraying Michael Jackson in a dance contest. He said he had learned in 2017 from an aide that what he had done was hurtful. The photo led to near-universal calls from Democrats for Northam's resignation. His news conference Saturday prompted further calls for him to step down.
The nine Democrats in Virginia's congressional delegation, each of whom previously called for Northam's resignation, said in a joint statement Thursday night that "Virginians' faith in their government and leaders has understandably been deeply shaken," but they did not call for Herring or Fairfax to step down.

Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and the seven Democrats in the state's U.S. House delegation said in the statement that Herring "has earnestly reached out to each of us to apologize and express remorse" and that Herring is holding "in-depth discussions with leaders and others" in Virginia.

"The attorney general must continue those conversations, and stand ready to answer questions from the public if he is to regain their trust," the Democrats said.

The congressional Democrats said they "are deeply disturbed" by the allegations against Fairfax, adding: "We believe these allegations need to be taken very seriously, and we respect the right of women to come forward and be heard."

The congressional Democrats' statement was similar to a new statement Thursday evening from the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, which renewed its call for Northam to resign, but did not urge Herring or Fairfax to step down.
The National Health Commission (Nhc) ordered the cessation of the use of the immunoglobulin produced by Shanghai Xinxing Pharmaceutical. The authorities have made however conflicting statements. According to the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the samples it examined were free of HIV and hepatitis B and C. The authorities announce that no patient has contracted the virus after treatment. Still, many fear for the safety of drugs produced by the state. Recently, anti-rabies and polio vaccines were found to be unsafe.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  A batch of more than 12,000 blood plasma treatments produced by a state-owned pharmaceutical company in China was found to have been contaminated with HIV.

Yesterday, the National Health Commission (NHC) said it has instructed medical institutions to cease use of the batch of intravenous immunoglobulin produced by Shanghai Xinxing Pharmaceutical.

However, the authorities have made conflicting statements about human blood plasma treatments. The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) yesterday said that samples they had examined were free of HIV and hepatitis B and C.

According to local media, the tainted batch number 20180610Z includes 12,229 50ml bottles of plasma, which carry an expiry date of Jun 8, 2021.

No one appears to have contracted HIV, a representative of Jiangxi Provincial Disease Control Centre said.

For its part, the NHC, citing experts, noted the risk of HIV infection is very low for those who received the treatment. Nevertheless, a follow-up monitoring programme has been arranged.

Shanghai Xinxing Pharmaceutical has been instructed to halt production of the vaccine and to initiate an emergency recall.

The latest scandal is but one in a series that has affected Chinas health care system in recent months.

On Saturday, authorities said they disciplined more than 80 officials, who were fired or demoted, in connection with an anti-rabies vaccine scandal last year that stoked public fears over the safety of domestically produced drugs.

Changchun Changsheng Biotechnology was slapped with a US$ 1.3 billion fine in October after it was found to have fabricated records.

In addition to corruption and poor quality controls, experts blame protectionism for the problem since foreign pharmaceutical companies are kept out of the Chinese market.

Last month, police in China's eastern province of Jiangsu began an investigation after at least 145 children received expired polio vaccines.

Hundreds of parents protested against the Licheng Health Centre in Jinhu County (Jiangsu), clashing with police.

Following an investigation, 17 officials were fired and expelled from the Party.
Chad Montrie, a professor of history at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, has studied instances of blackface at predominantly white institutions and in the North. The practice depended not just on the failings of an individual, he said, but on a society that viewed African-Americans as inferior.

One thing thats been interesting about this [scandal] is it speaks to a gap in the literature; we think of blackface and minstrelsy predominately in the 19th century, but of course it didnt go away, he said. Its all there, right in a yearbook on the shelf.

On Tuesday, Richard Horman, president of Eastern Virginia Medical School, apologized for a pattern of shockingly racist photos in the schools yearbooks. The school has hired a team of lawyers to investigate racist culture in its past and present, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Kirt von Daacke, co-chair of UVas commission on segregation, said his group is in the midst of a page-by-page review of student publications. So far, he said, he has worked through the first half of the 20th century.
ICL Group Ltd, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a specialty minerals and chemicals company worldwide. It operates in four segments: Industrial Products, Potash, Phosphate Solutions, and Innovative Ag Solutions (IAS). The Industrial Products segment produces bromine out of a solution that is a by-product of the potash production process, as well as bromine-based compounds; produces various grades of potash, salt, magnesium chloride, and magnesia products; and produces and markets phosphorous-based flame retardants and other phosphorus-based products. The Potash segment extracts potash from the Dead Sea; mines and produces potash and salt; produces Polysulphate; produces, markets, and sells magnesium and magnesium alloys, as well as related by-products, including chlorine and sylvinite; and sells salt. The Phosphate Solutions segment uses phosphate commodity products to produce specialty products; produces and markets phosphate-based fertilizers, as well as sulphuric acid, green phosphoric acid, and phosphate fertilizers; and manufactures thermal phosphoric acid for various industrial end markets, such as oral care, cleaning products, paints and coatings, water treatment, asphalt modification, construction, and metal treatment. It also develops and produces functional food ingredients and phosphate additives for use in the processed meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, beverage, and baked goods markets; and produces milk and whey proteins for the food ingredients industry. The IAS segment develops, manufactures, markets, and sells fertilizers based primarily on nitrogen, potash, and phosphate, including water soluble specialty, liquid, soluble, and controlled-release fertilizers. It sells its products through marketing companies, agents, and distributors. The company was formerly known as Israel Chemicals Ltd. and changed its name to ICL Group Ltd in May 2020. ICL Group Ltd was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel.

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Webster Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association that provides a range of banking, investment, and financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Commercial Banking, HSA Bank, and Community Banking. The Commercial Banking segment provides lending, deposit, and cash management services to middle market companies; and commercial and industrial lending and leasing, commercial real estate lending, equipment financing, and asset-based lending, as well as treasury and payment services. This segment also offers asset management, financial planning and trust services, and deposit and loan products for high net worth clients, not-for-profit organizations, and business clients. The HSA Bank segment offers health savings accounts, health reimbursement accounts, flexible spending accounts, and other financial solutions to employers for the benefit of their employees and individuals. The Community Banking segment offers deposit and fee-based services, residential mortgages, home equity lines or loans, unsecured consumer loans, and credit cards to consumers, as well as investment and securities-related services, including brokerage and investment advice through a strategic partnership with LPL Financial Holdings Inc. This segment also provides credit, deposit, and cash flow management products to businesses and professional service firms. The company also offers online and mobile banking services. As of February 12, 2021, it operated 155 banking centers and 297 ATMs. Webster Financial Corporation was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in Waterbury, Connecticut.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Vodafone Group: 360 Connect S.A., [email protected] Telecom, A-ccelerator B.V., A-ccelerator Holding B.V, AAA (Euro) Limited, AAA (MCR) Limited, AAA (UK) Limited, Acorn Communications Limited, Africonnect (Zambia) Limited, Ag Mercantile Company Private Limited, Al-Amin Investments Limited, Amsterdamse Beheer- en Consultingmaatschappij B.V., Apollo Submarine Cable System Limited, Array Holdings Limited, Asian Telecommunication Investments (Mauritius) Limited, Aspective Limited, Astec Communications Limited, Autoconnex Limited, Aztec Limited, BelCompany BV, Bluefish Apac Communications Pte. Ltd, Bluefish Communications, Bluefish Communications Limited, Business Serve Limited, C&W Worldwide Nigeria Limited, C.S.P. Solutions Limited, CCII (Mauritius) Inc., CGP India Investments Ltd., CGP Investments (Holdings) Limited, COOP Mobil s.r.o, CT Networks Limited, CWGNL S.A., CWW Operations Limited, Cable & Wireless Access Limited, Cable & Wireless Americas Systems Inc., Cable & Wireless Aspac Holdings Limited, Cable & Wireless CIS Services Limited, Cable & Wireless CIS Svyaz LLC, Cable & Wireless Capital Limited , Cable & Wireless Communications Data Network Services Limited, Cable & Wireless Communications Starclass Limited, Cable & Wireless Communications Technical Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd (Beijing Branch), Cable & Wireless Europe Holdings Limited, Cable & Wireless GN Limited, Cable & Wireless Global (India) Private Limited, Cable & Wireless Global Business Services Limited, Cable & Wireless Global Holding Limited, Cable & Wireless Global Telecommunication Services Limited, Cable & Wireless Holdco Limited, Cable & Wireless Networks India Private Limited, Cable & Wireless Trade Mark Management Limited, Cable & Wireless UK Holdings Limited, Cable & Wireless UK Services Limited, Cable & Wireless Waterside Holdings Limited, Cable & Wireless Worldwide, Cable & Wireless Worldwide Limited, Cable & Wireless Worldwide Pension Trustee Limited, Cable & Wireless Worldwide Services Limited, Cable & Wireless Worldwide Voice Messaging Limited, Cable & Wireless a-Services Inc, Cable & Wireless a-Services Limited, Cable and Wireless (India) Limited, Cable and Wireless (India) Limited Indian Branch Office, Cable and Wireless Nominee Limited, Cable and Wireless Worldwide South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Cavalry Holdings Ltd, Celfocus  Solucoes Informaticas Para Telecomunicacoes S.A, Cellops Limited, Cellular Operations Limited, Central Communications Group Limited, Central Telecom (Northern) Limited, Centurion GSM Limited, Chelys Limited, City Cable (Holdings) Limited, Cobra do Brasil Servicos de Telematica ltda., Commnet Cellular Inc., Complete Network Technology, Connect (India) Mobile Technologies Private Limited, Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited, Dataroam Limited , Device Insight, Digital Island (UK) Ltd, Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, East Africa Investment (Mauritius) Limited, Emtel Europe Limited, Energis (Ireland) Limited, Energis Communications Limited, Energis Holdings Limited, Energis Local Access Limited, Energis Management Limited, Energis Squared Limited, Erudite Systems Limited, Esprit Telecom B.V., Eudokia Limited, Euro Pacific Securities Ltd., Eurocall Holdings Limited, Europolitan Holdings AB (now Europolitan Vodafone AB), FB Holdings Limited, FM Associates (UK) Limited, FinCo Partner 1 B.V., FireFly Networks Limited, Flexphone Limited, GS Telecom (Pty) Limited, Gateway Communications Africa (UK) Limited, Gateway Communications Tanzania Limited, General Mobile Corporation, Generation Telecom Limited, Ghana Telecommunications, Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, Global Cellular Rental Limited, Globe Limited, GrandCentrix GmbH, Grupo Corporativo ONO S.A.U., H3ga Properties (No 3) Pty Limited, HBO Nederland Cooperatief U.A., HBO Netherlands Channels sro, HBO Netherlands Distribution B.V., Hellas Online, How2 Telecom Limited, Hutchison Essar Ltd, Indus Towers Limited, Intercell Communications Limited, Internet Network Services Limited, Invitation Digital Limited, Ipergy Communications NV, Isis Telecommunications Management Limited, Jaguar Communications Limited, Jaykay Finholding (India) Private Limited, Jupicol (Proprietary) Limited, KABELCOM Braunschweig Gesellschaft Fur BreitbandkabelKommunikation Mit Beschrankter Haftung, KABELCOM Wolfsburg Gesellschaft Fur BreitbandkabelKommunikation Mit Beschrankter Haftung, Kabel Deutschland, Kabel Deutschland Holding, Kabel Deutschland Holding Erste Beteiligungs GmbH, Kabel Deutschland Holding Zweite Beteilgungs GmbH, Kabel Deutschland Neunte Beteiligungs GmbH, Kabel Deutschland Siebte Beteiligungs GmbH, Kabelfernsehen Munchen Servicenter GmbH & Co. KG, LG Financing Partnership, LGE HoldCo V B.V., LGE HoldCo VI B.V., LGE HoldCo VIII B.V., LGE Holdco VII B.V., LLC Vodafone Enterprise Ukraine, Le Bunt Holdings Limited, Legend Communications Limited, Liberty Global, Liberty Global Content Netherlands B.V., London Hydraulic Power Company, M-PESA Foundation, M-PESA Holding Co. Limited, ML Integration Group Limited, ML Integration Limited, ML Integration Services Limited, MV Healthcare Services Private Limited, Mannesmann AG, MetroHoldings Limited, Mezzanine Ware Proprietary Limited (RF), Mirambo Limited, Misrfone Trading Company LLC, MobiFon S.A., Mobile Commerce Solutions Limited, Mobile Phone Centre Limited, Mobile Wallet VM1, Mobile Wallet VM2, Mobile by Sainsburys Limited, Mobiles 4 Business.com Limited, Mobileworld Communications Pty Limited, Mobileworld Operating Pty Ltd, Mobilvest, Motifpros 1 (Proprietary) Limited, Multi Risk Indemnity Company Limited, Multi Risk Limited, ND Callus Info Services Private Limited, Nadal Trading Company Private Limited, Nat Comm Air Limited, National Communications Backbone Company Limited, Navtrak Ltd, Netforce Group Limited, Netgrid Telecom SRL, Number Portability Company (Proprietary) Limited, ONO, Omega Telecom Holdings Private Limited, Oni Way  Infocomunicacoes S.A, Oskar Mobil S.R.O., Oxygen Solutions Limited, P.C.P. (North West) Limited, PPL Pty Limited, PT Network Services Limited, PTI Telecom Limited, Peoples Phone Limited, Pinnacle Cellular Group Limited, Pinnacle Cellular Limited, Plex Limited, Plustech Mercantile Company Private Limited, Prime Metals Ltd., Project Telecom Holdings Limited, Quickcomm Software Solutions, Radio Opt GmbH, Rian Mobile Limited, SBC SMART CITY 1517 B.V., SMMS Investments Pvt Limited, Safaricom Limited, Safenet N.P A., Sarmady Communications, Scarlet Ibis Investments 23 (Pty) Limited, Scorpios Beverages Pvt. Ltd, Silver Stream Investments Limited, Singlepoint (4U) Limited, Singlepoint (4U) Ltd., Singlepoint Payment Services Limited, Siro Limited, Spar Aerospace (Nigeria) Limited, Sport TV Portugal S.A, Starnet, Stentor Communications Limited, Stentor Limited, Storage Technology Services (Pty) Limited, T.W. Telecom Limited, T3 Telecommunications Limited, TKS Telepost Kabel-Service Kaiserslautern Beteiligungs GmbH, TKS Telepost Kabel-Service Kaiserslautern GmbH & Co. KG, TNAS Limited, TSM NZ Limited, Talkland Airtime Services Limited, Talkland Australia Pty Limited, Talkland Communications Limited, Talkland International Limited, Talkland Midlands Limited, Talkmobile Limited, Tele2 Italia SPA, Tele2 Spain, Telecom Investments India Private Limited, Telecommunications Europe Limited, Ternhill Communications Limited, The Cobra Group, The Eastern Leasing Company Limited, The Old Telecom Sales Co. Limited, Thus Group Holdings Limited, Thus Group Limited, Thus Limited, Thus Profit Sharing Trustees Limited, TnT Expense Management LLC, Tomorrow Street GP S.a r.l., Tomorrow Street SCA, Torenspits II B.V., Townley Communications Limited, Trans Crystal Ltd., UMT Investments Limited, UPC Nederland Holding I B.V., UPC Nederland Holding II B.V., UPC Nederland Holding III B.V., Unified Communications, Uniqueair Limited, Urbana Teleunion Rostock GmbH & Co.KG, Usha Martin Telematics Limited, VAPL No. 2 Pty Limited, VBA (Mauritius) Limited, VBA Holdings Limited, VBA International (SL) Limited, VBA International Limited, VEI S.r.l., VM SA, VND S.p.A, VSSB Vodafone Shared Services Budapest Private Limited Company, Verwaltung Urbana Teleunion Rostock GmbH, Victus Networks S.A., Vizzavi Finance Limited, Vizzavi Limited, Voda Limited, Vodacall Limited, Vodacash s.p.r.l., Vodacom (Pty) Limited, Vodacom Business (Angola) Limitada, Vodacom Business (Ghana) Limited, Vodacom Business (Kenya) Limited, Vodacom Business Africa (Nigeria) Limited, Vodacom Business Africa Group (Pty) Limited, Vodacom Business Africa Group Services Limited, Vodacom Business Cameroon SA, Vodacom Business Cote Divoire S.A.R.L., Vodacom Congo (RDC) SA, Vodacom Financial Services (Proprietary) Limited, Vodacom Group Limited, Vodacom Insurance Administration Company (Proprietary) Limited, Vodacom Insurance Company (RF) Limited, Vodacom International Holdings (Pty) Limited, Vodacom International Limited, Vodacom Lesotho (Pty) Limited, Vodacom Life Assurance Company (RF) Limited, Vodacom Payment Services (Proprietary) Limited, Vodacom Properties No 1 (Proprietary) Limited, Vodacom Properties No.2 (Pty) Limited, Vodacom Tanzania Limited Zanzibar, Vodacom Tanzania Public Limited Company, Vodacom UK Limited, Vodafone (NI) Limited, Vodafone (New Zealand) Hedging Limited, Vodafone (Scotland) Limited, Vodafone 2, Vodafone 4 UK, Vodafone 5 Limited, Vodafone 5 UK, Vodafone 6 UK, Vodafone Albania Sh.A, Vodafone Alternatif Telekom Hizmetleri A.S., Vodafone Americas 4, Vodafone Americas Virginia Inc., Vodafone And Qatar Foundation L.L.C, Vodafone Asset Management Services S.a r.l., Vodafone Australia Pty Limited, Vodafone Automotive Deutschland GmbH, Vodafone Automotive Electronic Systems S.r.L, Vodafone Automotive France S.A.S, Vodafone Automotive Iberia S.L, Vodafone Automotive Italia S.p.A, Vodafone Automotive Japan K.K, Vodafone Automotive Korea Limited, Vodafone Automotive SpA, Vodafone Automotive Technologies (Beijing) Co Ltd, Vodafone Automotive Telematics Development S.A.S, Vodafone Automotive Telematics S.A, Vodafone Automotive UK Limited, Vodafone Belgium SA/NV, Vodafone Benelux Limited, Vodafone Bilgi Ve Iletisim Hizmetleri AS, Vodafone Business Services Limited, Vodafone Business Solutions Limited, Vodafone Canada Inc, Vodafone Cellular Limited, Vodafone Central Services Limited, Vodafone China Limited (China), Vodafone China Limited (Hong Kong), Vodafone Connect 2 Limited, Vodafone Connect Limited, Vodafone Consolidated Holdings Limited, Vodafone Corporate Limited, Vodafone Corporate Secretaries Limited, Vodafone Czech Republic A.S., Vodafone DC Pension Trustee Company Limited, Vodafone Dagitim Hizmetleri A.S., Vodafone Data, Vodafone Distribution Holdings Limited, Vodafone Egypt Telecommunications S.A.E., Vodafone Elektronik Para Ve Odeme Hizmetleri A.S., Vodafone Empresa Brasil Telecomunicacoes Ltda, Vodafone Empresa Mexico S.de R.L. de C.V., Vodafone Enabler Espana S.L., Vodafone Enterprise Australia Pty Limited, Vodafone Enterprise Austria GmbH, Vodafone Enterprise Bahrain W.L.L., Vodafone Enterprise Bulgaria EOOD, Vodafone Enterprise Chile SA, Vodafone Enterprise Communications Technical Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Vodafone Enterprise Corporate Secretaries Limited, Vodafone Enterprise Denmark A/S, Vodafone Enterprise Equipment Limited, Vodafone Enterprise Europe (UK) Limited, Vodafone Enterprise Europe (UK) Limited  Czech Branch, Vodafone Enterprise Europe (UK) Limited  DubaiI Branch, Vodafone Enterprise Finland OY, Vodafone Enterprise France SAS, Vodafone Enterprise Germany GmbH, Vodafone Enterprise Global Businesses S.a r.l., Vodafone Enterprise Global Limited, Vodafone Enterprise Global Network HK Ltd, Vodafone Enterprise Global Network Pte. Ltd., Vodafone Enterprise Hong Kong Ltd, Vodafone Enterprise Italy S.r.L, Vodafone Enterprise Korea Limited, Vodafone Enterprise Luxembourg S.A., Vodafone Enterprise Netherlands BV, Vodafone Enterprise Norway AS, Vodafone Enterprise Regional Business Singapore Pte.Ltd., Vodafone Enterprise Singapore Pte.Ltd, Vodafone Enterprise Spain S.L.U.  Portugal Branch, Vodafone Enterprise Spain SLU, Vodafone Enterprise Sweden AB, Vodafone Enterprise Switzerland AG, Vodafone Erste Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Vodafone Espana S.A.U., Vodafone Euro Hedging Limited, Vodafone Euro Hedging Two, Vodafone Europe B.V., Vodafone Europe UK, Vodafone European Investments, Vodafone European Portal Limited, Vodafone Finance Limited, Vodafone Finance Luxembourg Limited, Vodafone Finance Sweden, Vodafone Finance UK Limited, Vodafone Financial Operations, Vodafone Financial Services B.V., Vodafone Fixed Ltd, Vodafone Foundation, Vodafone Foundation Australia Pty Limited, Vodafone Gestioni S.p.A, Vodafone Ghana Mobile Financial Services Limited, Vodafone Global Content Services Limited, Vodafone Global Enterprise (Hong Kong) Limited, Vodafone Global Enterprise (Italy) S.R.L., Vodafone Global Enterprise (Japan) K.K., Vodafone Global Enterprise (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Vodafone Global Enterprise Limited, Vodafone Global Enterprise Russia LLC, Vodafone Global Enterprise Taiwan Limited, Vodafone Global Enterprise Telecommunications (Hellas) A.E., Vodafone Global Network Limited, Vodafone Global Network Limited  Slovakia Branch, Vodafone Global Services Private Limited, Vodafone GmbH, Vodafone Group (Directors) Trustee Limited, Vodafone Group Pension Trustee Limited, Vodafone Group Services GmbH, Vodafone Group Services Ireland Limited, Vodafone Group Services Limited, Vodafone Group Services No.2 Limited, Vodafone Group Share Trustee Limited, Vodafone Hire Limited, Vodafone Holding A.S., Vodafone Holdings (Jersey) Limited, Vodafone Holdings (SA) Proprietary Limited, Vodafone Holdings Europe S.L.U., Vodafone Holdings Luxembourg Limited, Vodafone Hutchison Australia Pty Limited, Vodafone Hutchison Finance Pty Limited, Vodafone Hutchison Receivables Pty Limited, Vodafone IP Licensing Limited, Vodafone India Digital Limited, Vodafone India Limited, Vodafone India Services Private Limited, Vodafone India Ventures Limited, Vodafone Institut fur Gesellschaft und Kommunikation GmbH, Vodafone Intermediate Enterprises Limited, Vodafone International 1 S.a.r.l. Luxembourg Zweigniederlassung Bern, Vodafone International 1 S.a r.l., Vodafone International 2 Limited, Vodafone International Holdings B.V., Vodafone International Holdings Limited, Vodafone International M S.a r.l., Vodafone International Operations Limited, Vodafone International Services LLC, Vodafone Investment UK, Vodafone Investments (SA) Proprietary Limited, Vodafone Investments Australia Limited, Vodafone Investments Limited, Vodafone Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Vodafone Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l. Luxembourg Zweigniederlassung Bern, Vodafone Ireland Distribution Limited, Vodafone Ireland Ltd., Vodafone Ireland Marketing Limited, Vodafone Ireland Property Holdings Limited, Vodafone Ireland Retail Limited, Vodafone Italia S.p.A., Vodafone Jersey Dollar Holdings Limited, Vodafone Jersey Finance, Vodafone Jersey Yen Holdings Unlimited, Vodafone Kabel Deutschland Field Services GmbH, Vodafone Kabel Deutschland GmbH, Vodafone Kabel Deutschland Kundenbetreuung GmbH, Vodafone Kenya Limited, Vodafone Leasing Limited, Vodafone Libertel B.V., Vodafone Limited, Vodafone Luxembourg 5 S.a r.l., Vodafone Luxembourg 5 S.a r.l. Luxembourg Zweigniederlassung Bern, Vodafone Luxembourg S.a r.l., Vodafone Luxembourg S.a r.l. Luxembourg Zweigniederlassung Bern, Vodafone M-PESA SH.P.K., Vodafone M-Pesa S.A, Vodafone M.C. Mobile Services Limited , Vodafone Magyarorszag Mobile Tavkozlesi Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Vodafone Malta Limited, Vodafone Marketing UK , Vodafone Maroc SARL, Vodafone Mauritius Ltd., Vodafone Mobile Commerce Limited, Vodafone Mobile Communications Limited, Vodafone Mobile Enterprises Limited, Vodafone Mobile NZ Limited, Vodafone Mobile Network Limited, Vodafone Mobile Operations Limited, Vodafone Mobile Services Limited, Vodafone Multimedia Limited, Vodafone Nederland Holding I B.V., Vodafone Nederland Holding II B.V., Vodafone Nederland Holding III B.V., Vodafone Net Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S., Vodafone Network Pty Limited, Vodafone New Zealand Foundation Limited, Vodafone New Zealand Limited, Vodafone Next Generation Services Limited, Vodafone Nominees Limited1, Vodafone ONO S.A.U., Vodafone Oceania Limited, Vodafone Old Show Ground Site Management Limited, Vodafone Overseas Finance Limited, Vodafone Overseas Holdings Limited, Vodafone Panafon International Holdings B.V., Vodafone Panafon UK, Vodafone Partner Services Limited, Vodafone Payment Solutions S.a r.l., Vodafone Portugal  Comunicacoes Pessoais S.A., Vodafone Procurement Company S.a r.l., Vodafone Property Investments Limited, Vodafone Pty Limited, Vodafone Qatar Q.S.C., Vodafone Retail (Holdings) Limited , Vodafone Retail Limited, Vodafone Roaming Services S.a r.l., Vodafone Romania S.A, Vodafone Romania M - Payments SRL, Vodafone Romania Technologies SRL, Vodafone Sales & Services Limited, Vodafone Satellite Services Limited, Vodafone Servicios SL.U, Vodafone Servizi E Tecnologie S.R.L, Vodafone Servicos Empresariais Brasil Ltda., Vodafone Shared Services Romania SRL, Vodafone Specialist Communications Limited, Vodafone Stiftung Deutschland Gemeinnutzige GmbH, Vodafone Technology Solutions Limited, Vodafone Teknoloji Hizmetleri A.S., Vodafone Tele-Services (India) Holdings Limited, Vodafone Telecel-Comunicates Pessoais S.A., Vodafone Telecommunications (India) Limited, Vodafone Telekomunikasyon A.S, Vodafone Towers Limited, Vodafone UK Content Services Limited, Vodafone UK Investments Limited , Vodafone UK Limited1 , Vodafone US Inc, Vodafone Ventures Limited1 , Vodafone Vierte Verwaltungs AG, Vodafone Worldwide Holdings Limited, Vodafone Yen Finance Limited , Vodafone m-pesa Limited, Vodafone-Central Limited Vodaphone Limited, Vodafone-Panafon Hellenic Telecommunications Company S.A., VodafoneZiggo Group Holding B.V, Vodata Limited , Vouchercloud SA (Pty) Ltd, Wataneya Telecommunications S.A.E, Waterberg Lodge (Proprietary) Limited, Wayfinder, Wheatfields Investments 276 (Proprietary) Limited, Wireless Interactions & NFC Accelerator 2013 B.V., Woodend Cellular Limited, Woodend Communications Limited, Woodend Group Limited, Woodend Holdings Limited, XB Facilities B.V, XLink Communications (Proprietary) Limited, Your Communications Group Limited, ZUM B.V., ZYB, Zelitron S.A., Zesko B.V., Ziggo B.V., Ziggo Bond Company B.V., Ziggo Deelnemingen B.V., Ziggo Finance 2 B.V., Ziggo Financing Partnership, Ziggo Holding B.V., Ziggo Netwerk B.V., Ziggo Netwerk II B.V., Ziggo Services B.V., Ziggo Services Employment B.V., Ziggo Services Netwerk 2 B.V., Ziggo Zakelijk Services B.V., and Zoranet Connectivity Services B.V..
SemGroup Corporation provides gathering, transportation, storage, distribution, marketing, and other midstream services for producers, refiners of petroleum products, and other market participants. The company operates in three segments: U.S. Liquids, U.S. Gas, and Canada. The U.S. Liquids segment operates crude oil pipelines, truck transportation, storage, terminals, and marketing businesses; stores, blends, and transports refinery products and refinery feedstock through pipeline, barge, rail, truck, and ship; and operates a residual fuel oil storage terminal in the U.S. Gulf Coast. This segment has 18.2 million barrels of storage capacity on the Houston Ship Channel; and 7.6 million barrels of storage capacity at the Cushing Interchange. It also operates a 460-mile crude oil gathering and transportation pipeline system in Kansas and northern Oklahoma; 75-mile crude oil gathering pipeline system that transports crude oil from production facilities in the DJ Basin to the pipeline owned by White Cliffs Pipeline, L.L.C.; 2 parallel 527-mile pipelines that transports crude oil from Platteville, Colorado to Cushing, Oklahoma; 3 pipelines with an aggregate of 106 miles of pipe; 30-lane crude oil truck unloading facility in Platteville, Colorado; and crude oil trucking fleet of approximately 245 transport trucks and 235 trailers. The U.S. Gas segment provides natural gas gathering, processing, and marketing services. It operates 842 miles of gathering lines in Oklahoma; and a 53-mile high pressure gathering pipeline located in the STACK play. The Canada segment owns and operates natural gas processing and gathering facilities with approximately 530 miles of natural gas gathering and transportation pipelines in Alberta, Canada. SemGroup Corporation was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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Wistron, Foxconn also called on the government to reconsider the duties on new components.

Samsung had written to the federal government saying it would not make two of its high-end models in India because of the new tariff.

India has deferred a plan to tax imports of touch panels, three sources said, after smartphone makers such as Samsung Electronics asked the government to delay levying tariffs on such new imported components under a phased plan to boost local manufacturing.

The tariff, which was supposed to kick in from February, has been delayed after considering industry demands, a government official told Reuters. All three sources declined to be named as the matter is private and still awaits final approval.

The tariff is now likely to be levied from April 2020 if the Indian finance ministry accepts the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technologys (MEITY) proposal on the matter, the two other sources said.

The finance ministry and MEITY did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Samsung had written to the federal government saying it would not make two of its high-end models in India because of the new tariff.

The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which has Apple and contract manufacturers such as Wistron and Foxconn among its members, had also called on the government to reconsider the duties on new components, and allow local manufacturing to develop in a timely manner.

Samsung declined to comment.

Levying tariffs on different mobile phone components in a phased manner is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modis drive to make India a manufacturing hub like neighbouring China, and his government is hoping this will spur job growth in the country.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7)  Levels of coliform, a group of harmful bacteria found in human and animal feces, have gone down in some parts of Manila Bay following the start of the government's rehabilitation drive.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source on Wednesday, Environment Undersecretary Sherwin Rigor said coliform levels at the beachfront area near Salas in the city of Manila have gone down from 54 million most probable number per 100 milliliters (MPN/100 ml) on January 4 to 7.9 million on January 28.

READ: Just how filthy is Manila Bay?

Coliform levels have also gone down in the beachfront area near Remedios Street in Manila from 160 million MPN/100 ml to 35 million MPN/100 ml in the same time period, following the closure of water supply to the Aristocrat Restaurant, which was found to be violating environmental laws.

READ: Three establishments face sanctions as Manila Bay rehab kicks off

The waters near the Manila Yacht Club have also tested lower for coliform, having clocked in at 92 million MPN/100 ml from 210 million MPN/100 ml on January 28 following the closure of Manila Zoo.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu earlier said coliform levels near the Manila Yacht Club have fallen to 52 million MPN/100 ml, while it has also dropped in the bay area near Padre Faura from 330 million MPN/100 ml to 7.9 million MPN/100 ml, and from 160 million MPN/100 ml to 35 million MPN/100 ml near Remedios.

However, officials warn that Manila Bay is still not safe to swim in as these coliform levels are still several times above the safe coliform level of 200 MPN/100 ml.

LOOK: 'Magical transformation': Netizens share photos of cleaner Manila Bay

"For the first time, we saw sand and beach. So when people saw that sand, 'Wow, it's a beach na, beachfront na pala,'" Rigor said. "They do not realize that it's still hundreds of millions of coliform on (sic) that waters."

Rigor expects the 178 local government units encompassing the Manila Bay to also do their share in the rehabilitation of the iconic body of water and not just wait for national government agencies to step in.

"We can start resettling informal settler families without waiting for the Manila Bay rehab program. You can start inspecting establishments without waiting for the [Department of Environment and Resources] so that we can work together," he said.

The Supreme Court ordered government agencies in 2008 to clean up and preserve the Manila Bay.

DILG: The government failed to clean Manila Bay since 2008 | #TheSource https://t.co/sDo55hwVGt pic.twitter.com/FmJYFhDOO1  CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) February 7, 2019

"In 2008, there wasn't really any political will on the part of government to get this done. It's only now," Malaya said.

The government eyes parts of Manila Bay to be swimmable by the end of the year.
The following companies are subsidiares of Dominion Energy: 96WI 8me LLC, Alamo Solar LLC, Align RNG Grady Road LLC, Align RNG LLC, Align RNG North Carolina LLC, Align RNG Utah LLC, Align RNG Utah-Milford LLC, Align RNG Virginia LLC, Align RNG Virginia-Waverly LLC, Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC, Azalea Solar LLC, BrightSuite Distributed Solar Holdings Inc., BrightSuite Home LLC, BrightSuite Inc., BrightSuite Solar LLC, Buckingham Solar I LLC, CEA Americus LLC, CEA Clovis LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Colorado LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Georgia LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Nevada LLC, CEA Dairy RNG New Mexico LLC, CEA Greely LLC, CEA Mason LLC, CID Solar LLC, CNG Coal Company, CNG Power Services Corporation, Carolina Gas Transmission Corporation, Catalina Solar 2 LLC, Clean Energy Asset USA LLC, Clean Energy Enterprises Inc., Clipperton Holdings LLC, Consolidated Natural Gas Company, Correctional Solar LLC, Cottonwood Solar LLC, Cove Point GP Holding Company LLC, Cove Point LNG Limited, DE Fluvanna Solar LLC, DE Hanover Solar LLC, DE King William Solar LLC, DE Powhatan Solar LLC, Dairy RNG Holdings LLC, Dominion ACP Holding Inc., Dominion Alternative Energy Holdings Inc., Dominion Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC, Dominion Bridgeport Fuel Cell LLC, Dominion Brine LLC, Dominion Capital Inc., Dominion Cogen WV Inc., Dominion Cove Point Inc., Dominion Cove Point LLC, Dominion Energy BTM Inc., Dominion Energy Carolina Gas Services Inc., Dominion Energy Carolina Gas Transmission LLC, Dominion Energy Cove Point LNG LP, Dominion Energy Field Services Inc., Dominion Energy Fuel Services Inc., Dominion Energy Gas Distribution LLC, Dominion Energy Gas Holdings LLC, Dominion Energy Generation Marketing Inc., Dominion Energy Inc., Dominion Energy Kewaunee Inc., Dominion Energy Marketplace LLC, Dominion Energy Midstream GP LLC, Dominion Energy Midstream Partners LP, Dominion Energy Nuclear Connecticut Inc., Dominion Energy Overthrust Pipeline LLC, Dominion Energy Payroll Company Inc., Dominion Energy Questar Corporation, Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline LLC, Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline Services Inc., Dominion Energy RNG Holdings II Inc., Dominion Energy RNG Holdings Inc., Dominion Energy Services Inc., Dominion Energy Smart Home LLC, Dominion Energy Solar CA LLC, Dominion Energy Solutions Inc., Dominion Energy South Carolina Inc., Dominion Energy Southeast Services Inc., Dominion Energy Technical Solutions Inc., Dominion Energy Technologies II Inc., Dominion Energy Technologies Inc., Dominion Energy Terminal Company Inc., Dominion Energy Transmission Inc., Dominion Energy Wexpro Services Company, Dominion Equipment III Inc., Dominion Equipment Inc., Dominion Fairless Hills Inc., Dominion Fowler Ridge Wind LLC, Dominion Gas Projects Company LLC, Dominion Gathering & Processing Inc., Dominion Gathering?& Processing Inc., Dominion Generation Inc., Dominion Greenbrier Inc., Dominion High Voltage Holdings Inc., Dominion High Voltage MidAtlantic Inc., Dominion Investments Inc., Dominion Iroquois Inc., Dominion Keystone Pipeline Holdings Inc., Dominion Keystone Pipeline LLC, Dominion MLP Holding Company II Inc., Dominion MLP Holding Company II LLC, Dominion MLP Holding Company III Inc., Dominion MLP Holding Company LLC, Dominion Modular LNG Holdings Inc., Dominion Mt. Storm Wind LLC, Dominion North Star Generation Inc., Dominion Nuclear Projects Inc., Dominion Oklahoma Texas Exploration & Production Inc., Dominion Oklahoma Texas Exploration?& Production Inc., Dominion Person Inc., Dominion Privatization Florida LLC, Dominion Privatization Georgia LLC, Dominion Privatization Holdings Inc., Dominion Privatization Kentucky LLC, Dominion Privatization South Carolina LLC, Dominion Privatization Texas LLC, Dominion Privatization Virginia LLC, Dominion Products and Services Inc., Dominion Projects Services Inc., Dominion Resources Capital Trust III, Dominion Retail Gas Holdings Inc., Dominion Solar Construction and Maintenance LLC, Dominion Solar Gen-Tie LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings I LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings II LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings III LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings IV LLC, Dominion Solar Projects A Inc., Dominion Solar Projects B Inc., Dominion Solar Projects C Inc., Dominion Solar Projects D Inc., Dominion Solar Projects I Inc., Dominion Solar Projects II Inc., Dominion Solar Projects III Inc., Dominion Solar Projects IV Inc., Dominion Solar Projects V Inc., Dominion Solar Projects VI Inc., Dominion Solar Projects VII Inc., Dominion Solar Services Inc., Dominion Solar?Gen-Tie ?LLC, Dominion State Line LLC, Dominion Voltage Inc., Dominion Wholesale Inc., Dominion Wind Development LLC, Dominion Wind Projects Inc., Eagle Holdco Solar LLC, Eagle Solar LLC, Eastern Shore Solar LLC, Enterprise Solar LLC, Escalante Solar I LLC, Escalante Solar II LLC, Escalante Solar III LLC, Farmington Properties Inc., Four Brothers Solar LLC, Fremont Farm LLC, Granite Mountain Holdings LLC, Granite Mountain Solar East LLC, Granite Mountain Solar West LLC, Greenbrier Marketing Company LLC, Greenbrier Pipeline Company LLC, Greensville County Solar Project LLC, Hecate Energy Cherrydale LLC, Hecate Energy Clarke County LLC, Hope Gas Inc., Imperial Valley Solar Company (IVSC) 2 LLC, Indy Solar Development LLC, Indy Solar I LLC, Indy Solar II LLC, Indy Solar III LLC, Innovative Solar 37 LLC, Iron Springs Holdings LLC, Iron Springs Solar LLC, Iroquois GP Holding Company LLC, Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas, Maricopa West Solar PV LLC, Moffett Solar 1 LLC, Moorings Farm 2 LLC, Mulberry Farm LLC, Mustang Solar LLC, NE Hub Partners L.L.C., NE Hub Partners L.P., NiCHe Storage Solutions LLC, Niche LNG LLC, North Star Generation LLC, PSNC Blue Ridge Corporation, PSNC Cardinal Pipeline Company, PSNC Southgate LLC, Pavant Solar LLC, Phone House, Pikeville Farm LLC, Prairie Fork Wind Farm LLC, Public Service Company of North Carolina Incorporated, QPC Holding Company, QPC Holding Company LLC, Questar Corporation, Questar Energy Services Inc., Questar Field Services LLC, Questar Gas Company, Questar InfoComm Inc., Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Company, Questar White River Hub LLC, RE Adams East LLC, RE Camelot LLC, RE Columbia LLC, RE Columbia LLC, RE Columbia Two LLC, RE Kansas LLC, RE Kent South LLC, RE Old River One LLC, Rev LNG SSL BC LLC, Richland Solar Center LLC, Ridgeland Solar Farm I LLC, SBL Holdco LLC, SCANA, SCANA Communications Holdings Inc., SCANA Corporate Security Services Inc., SCANA Energy Marketing Inc., SCANA Energy Marketing LLC, SCANA Pharmacy LLC, SCANA Services Inc., SRFI LLC, Sappony Solar LLC, Scana Corporation, Scott-II Solar LLC, Scott-II?Solar LLC, Seabrook Solar LLC, Selmer Farm LLC, Siler Solar LLC, Somers Solar Center LLC, South Carolina Electric?& Gas Company, South Carolina Fuel Company Inc., South Carolina Generating Company Inc., Southampton Solar LLC, Summit Farms Solar LLC, TA - Acacia LLC, TA ? Acacia LLC, TWE Myrtle Solar Project LLC, The East Ohio Gas Company, Tioga Properties LLC, Tredegar Solar Fund I LLC, VP Property Inc., Virginia Electric And Power Company, Virginia Power Fuel Corporation, Virginia Power Nuclear Services Company, Virginia Power Services Energy Corp. Inc., Virginia Power Services LLC, Virginia Solar 2017 Projects LLC, Wakefield Solar LLC, Wexpro Company, Wexpro Development Company, Wexpro II Company, Wilkinson Solar LLC, Wrangler Retail Gas Holdings LLC, and roquois GP Holding Company LLC.
Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. provides financial products and services in South Korea and internationally. The company operates through five segments: Banking, Credit Card, Securities, Life Insurance, and Others. It offers retail banking services, including demand, savings, and fixed deposit-taking; checking accounts; mortgage and home equity, and retail lending; electronic banking and automatic teller machines (ATM); and bill paying, payroll and check-cashing, currency exchange, and wire fund transfer services. The company also provides corporate banking services, such as investment banking, real estate financing, overseas real estate and development project financing, infrastructure and structured financing, equity/venture investments, mergers and acquisitions consulting; securitization and derivatives services comprising securities and derivative products, and foreign exchange trading; and working capital loans and facilities loans. In addition, it is involved in treasury and investment activities in international capital markets consisting of foreign currency-denominated securities trading, foreign exchange trading and services, trade-related financial services, international factoring services, and foreign banking operations. Further, the company offers trust account management, securities brokerage, and asset management services, as well as leasing and equipment financing, savings banking, loan collection and credit reporting, collective investment administration, private equity investment, and financial system development services. As of December 31, 2020, it operated a network of 859 service centers; 5,472 ATMs; 12 cash dispensers; and 37 digital kiosks. Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.

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Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells firearms under the Ruger name and trademark in the United States. It operates in two segments, Firearms and Castings. The company provides single-shot, autoloading, bolt-action, and sporting rifles; rimfire and centerfire autoloading pistols; single-action and double-action revolvers; and firearms accessories and replacement parts. The company also manufactures and sells steel investment castings and metal injection molding (MIM) parts. It sells its firearm products through independent wholesale distributors principally to the commercial sporting market; and castings and MIM parts directly or through manufacturers' representatives. The company also exports its firearm products through a network of commercial distributors and directly to foreign customers comprising primarily of law enforcement agencies and foreign governments. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. was founded in 1949 and is based in Southport, Connecticut.

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Some people binge watch Netflix Huluor HBO shows. And some people turn their downtime into cash. James made $2,275 in just 19 minutesall thanks to something called The 15 Minute Workday. The average trade makes 12% in just 5 days (factoring winners and losers) which is out of this world.

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.

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Patralekha Chatterjee focuses on development issues in India and emerging economies. She can be reached at patralekha.chatterjee@gmail.com

The government insists that all is well on the jobs front in Mr Modis New India.

Hows the josh? Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the film fraternity while inaugurating the National Museum of Indian Cinema in Mumbai recently. The reference was to Vicky Kaushals film Uri, based on the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian armed forces in Pakistan in 2016. The audience giggled, and replied High Sir.

And an Internet meme was born. But the social media can be cruel. Josh has been replaced with jobs, a tricky word as far as the Modi government is concerned.

The government insists that all is well on the jobs front in Mr Modis New India. But if Indias spirits were as high as the government claims, as far as jobs are concerned, there would have been no agitations demanding quotas across the country, nor would the government and Opposition parties been competing with each other promising assorted handouts.

As I write this column, Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla is threatening to revive his communitys quota agitation in Rajasthan if Gujjars and four other castes are not provided five per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.

Arguably, the jobs crisis did not start with Mr Modi nor is the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre entirely to blame. But the NDA government, which came to power on the promise of creating millions of new jobs for young Indians, among other things, has not been able to deal with the crisis.

Rest assured, in an election year, the data wars about jobs following the recent revelations about the National Sample Survey Offices (NSSOs) data will continue.

That there is a dearth of josh, or high spirits, on the jobs front has been known for quite some time now.

The State of Working India (SWI) 2018 report brought out by the Centre for Sustainable Employment (CSE) at Azim Premji University noted that even as GDP growth rates have risen, the relationship between growth and employment generation has become weaker over time.

The report pointed out that in the 1970s and 1980s, when GDP growth was around 3-4 per cent, employment growth was around two per cent per year. However, since the 1990s, and particularly in the 2000s, GDP growth has accelerated to seven per cent but employment growth has slowed to one per cent, or even less. The ratio of employment growth to GDP growth is now less than 0.1.

Between 2013 and 2015, total employment actually shrank by seven million, and that more recent data from private sources show that the absolute decline has continued past 2015.

The SWI 2018 report debunks a study that claims that the economy generated 13 million new jobs in 2017. Unfortunately, this optimistic conclusion depends on the selective use of data and unjustified assumptions. As a result, the rate of unemployment among the youth and higher educated has reached 16 per cent. It used to be said that Indias problem is not unemployment but underemployment and low wages. But a new feature of the economy is the high rate of open unemployment, which is now over five per cent overall, and a much higher 16 per cent for youth and the higher educated. The increase in unemployment is clearly visible all across India, but is particularly severe in the northern states.

In a 2017 article in the Economic and Political Weekly, Dr Vinoj Abraham of the Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, also pointed out that since 201112 the labour market in India is facing a severe crisis with employment growth stagnating across almost all sectors, and unemployment rate is worsening.

The fall in employment in agriculture had been conventionally accompanied by increasing labour absorption in two industries, namely manufacturing and construction, along with other sectors such as trade and transport, albeit in the unorganised sector. However, what is worrisome in the recent period is the absolute decline in both manufacturing and construction sector employment, especially in urban areas, Dr Abraham noted.

It is not that no new jobs are being created but the sectors which generated work for the vast numbers of unskilled or barely-skilled Indians are not generating as many jobs, and the new economy is not creating the kind of jobs that people at the bottom of the skills chain can adapt to.

So, for example, there may be new beauty salons, food delivery services and other service sector opportunities springing up in swathes of urban India, but it is no comfort for the barely literate farmer reeling from an agricultural crisis.

Indias employment crisis is compounded by an employability crisis, as Dr Abraham says.

Just this week, N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, reminded an august gathering in Mumbai that only 15 million out of Indias billion-plus population have jobs in the organised or formal sector. Highlighting the skills gap between the formal and informal sectors, he pointed out that within the 15 million in the organised formal sector, 60 per cent have secondary education, while close to 95 per cent in the services sector have secondary or tertiary education.

In short, almost all the skilled people in the country belong to that 15 per cent pool. The other 85 per cent  the vast majority  toil in the unorganised sector, and are far less skilled and educated.

The governments various skill development programmes in recent years dont seem to have made much difference because quite often those imparting skills are not part of the employment-generating sectors.

The SWI 2018 report from the Azim Premji University says that a large majority of Indians are not being paid what may be termed a living wage, and that explains the intense hunger for government jobs.

The situation has affected women far more brutally than men. Their participation in the labour force is tapering off. The SWI 2018 report flags a field study in West Bengal which shows even multiple informal occupations do not fetch women a living wage. For example, one woman undertook tailoring, brick kiln work, daily labour, and mid-day meal cooking to earn `2,700 a month while another performed brick kiln work, daily labour, sand mining, and agricultural work to earn `6,800.

To tweak a famous phrase from that other Bollywood hit Three Idiots  aal izz not well on the jobs front!
Penske Automotive Group, Inc., a diversified transportation services company, operates automotive and commercial truck dealerships. The company operates through four segments: Retail Automotive, Retail Commercial Truck, Other, and Non-Automotive Investments. It operates dealerships under franchise agreements with various automotive manufacturers and distributors. The company engages in the sale of new and used motor vehicles, and related products and services comprise vehicle and collision repair services, as well as placement of finance and lease contracts, third-party insurance products, and other aftermarket products; and wholesale of parts. It also operates a heavy and medium duty truck dealership, which offers Freightliner and Western Star branded trucks, as well as a range of used trucks, and maintenance and repair services. In addition, it imports and distributes Western Star heavy-duty trucks, MAN heavy and medium duty trucks, buses, and Dennis Eagle refuse collection vehicles with associated parts in Australia, New Zealand, and portions of the Pacific. Further, the company distributes diesel and gas engines, and power systems. The company operates 304 retail automotive franchises, including 142 franchises located in the United States and 162 franchises located outside of the United States; 17 used vehicle supercenters in the United States and the United Kingdom; and 25 commercial truck dealerships in Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Georgia, Utah, and Idaho, the United States, as well as Canada. Penske Automotive Group, Inc. was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

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Watts Water Technologies, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells products and systems that manage and conserve the flow of fluids and energy into, through and out of buildings in the commercial and residential markets in the Americas, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. The company offers residential and commercial flow control products, including backflow preventers, water pressure regulators, temperature and pressure relief valves, and thermostatic mixing valves. It also provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and gas products, such as boilers, water heaters, and heating solution; hydronic and electric heating systems for under-floor radiant applications; custom heat and hot water solutions; hydronic pump groups for boiler manufacturers and alternative energy control packages; and flexible stainless steel connectors for natural and liquid propane gas in commercial food service and residential applications. In addition, the company offers drainage and water re-use products comprising drainage products and engineered rain water harvesting solutions for commercial, industrial, marine, and residential applications; and water quality products that include point-of-use and point-of-entry water filtration, conditioning, and scale prevention systems for commercial and residential applications. Further, it provides smart mixing system under the IntelliStation name; thermostat with home automation voice recognition capabilities under the Invita name; and platinum boiler under the AERCO Benchmark name. The company sells its products to plumbing, heating, and mechanical wholesale distributors and dealers, as well as original equipment manufacturers, specialty product distributors, do-it-yourself chains, and retail chains; and directly to wholesalers and private label accounts. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1874 and is headquartered in North Andover, Massachusetts.

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Expressing dissatisfaction over the developments in the Pansare murder case, the court said that much more was expected from the CBI.

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Wednesday told the Central Bureau of Inv-estigation (CBI) that it is the countrys premier investigating agency and the whole world was interested in knowing the outcome of important cases that it is investigating.

Though the court was hearing a case related to the murder of rationalist Govind Pansare, it made reference to recent developments in West Bengal in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam and said, Because of social media, the world is watching what you are doing in important cases, including the incident in West Bengal.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the developments in the Pansare murder case, the court said that much more was expected from the CBI.

During the hearing, counsels of both agencies said that they would file a chargesheet next week and the search for the absconding accused would not be halted. But the division bench of Justice S.C. Dharmad-hikari and Justice M.S. Karnik said that both the probe agencies needed to make a sincere effort towards tracing the absconding accused. The court also said the CBI would have to investigate the case comprehensively. If the accused are still untraceable it means somebody is helping them, the court said.

Dabholkar was shot dead on August 20, 2013, in Pune while he was on his morning walk, while Pansare was shot at on February 16, 2015, in Kolhapur and he succumbed to his injuries on February 20. The high court has been hearing pleas filed by the family members of the deceased seeking a court-monitored probe in both cases.

On last hearing, the court pulled up both the agencies for not filing a chargesheet and arresting the accused. The court had also lambasted agencies for depending on the probe of the Karnataka police in the murder case of journalist Gauri Lankesh.
Invesco Ltd. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm provides its services to retail clients, institutional clients, high-net worth clients, public entities, corporations, unions, non-profit organizations, endowments, foundations, pension funds, financial institutions, and sovereign wealth funds. It manages separate client-focused equity and fixed income portfolios. The firm also launches equity, fixed income, commodity, multi-asset, and balanced mutual funds for its clients. It launches equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and balanced exchange-traded funds. The firm also launches and manages private funds. It invests in the public equity and fixed income markets across the globe. The firm also invests in alternative markets, such as commodities and currencies. For the equity portion of its portfolio, it invests in growth and value stocks of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. For the fixed income portion of its portfolio, the firm invests in convertibles, government bonds, municipal bonds, treasury securities, and cash. It also invests in short term and intermediate term bonds, investment grade and high yield bonds, taxable and tax-free bonds, senior secured loans, and structured securities such as asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. The firm employs absolute return, global macro, and long/short strategies. It employs quantitative analysis to make its investments. The firm was formerly known as Invesco Plc, AMVESCAP plc, Amvesco plc, Invesco PLC, Invesco MIM, and H. Lotery & Co. Ltd. Invesco Ltd. was founded in December 1935 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia with an additional office in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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Meritor, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, sells, services, and supports integrated systems, modules, and components to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket for the commercial vehicle, transportation, and industrial sectors. It operates through two segments, Commercial Truck; and Aftermarket and Industrial. The Commercial Truck segment supplies drivetrain systems and components, including axles, drivelines, and braking and suspension systems primarily for medium-and heavy-duty trucks and other applications; and various undercarriage products and systems for trailer applications. The Aftermarket and Industrial segment supplies axles, brakes, drivelines, suspension parts, and other replacement parts to commercial vehicle and industrial aftermarket customers. It also supplies drivetrain systems and various components, such as axles, drivelines, brakes, and suspension systems for military, construction, bus and coach, fire and emergency, and other applications. The company also sells other complementary products, including third-party and private label items, which include brake shoes and friction materials; automatic slack adjusters; yokes and shafts; wheel-end hubs and drums; ABS and stability control systems; shock absorbers and air springs; and air brakes. Meritor, Inc. sells its products under the Meritor, Euclid, Trucktechnic, US Gear, AxleTech, and Mach brands primarily to OEMs, their parts marketing operations, and their dealers, as well as other independent distributors and service garages in the aftermarket industry in North America, South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company was formerly known as ArvinMeritor, Inc. and changed its name to Meritor, Inc. in March 2011. Meritor, Inc. was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Troy, Michigan.

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Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said, 'You have played with our orders. God help you'.

The top court said the transfer has taken place despite its 'embargo and asked Rao, other officers to be present on February 12 and directed the agency to identify officers who were involved in the transfer of Sharma. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday summoned senior CBI officer M Nageswara Rao over the transfer of officer A K Sharma, who was probing the Bihar shelter home cases, calling it a contempt of court.

The top court said the transfer has taken place despite its embargo and asked Rao, other officers to be present on February 12 and directed the agency to identify officers who were involved in the transfer of Sharma.

A bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, said transferring the CBI officer probing the sexual assault case amounted to a violation of its order.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said, "You have played with our orders. God help you".

A bench asked the investigating agency to file an affidavit giving an explanation.

Enough is enough. Children cannot be treated like this. You cannot let your officers treat children this way. Spare the children, the top court told the Bihar government.

The agency was asked to inform the court that whether the panel, which transfers officers, was aware of the "embargo" and was ordered to do so in writing.
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Equifax Inc. provides information solutions and human resources business process outsourcing services for businesses, governments, and consumers. The company operates through four segments: U.S. Information Solutions (USIS), Workforce Solutions, International, and Global Consumer Solutions. The USIS segment offers consumer and commercial information services, such as credit information and credit scoring, credit modeling and portfolio analytics, locate, fraud detection and prevention, identity verification, and other consulting; mortgage services; financial marketing; and identity management services. The Workforce Solutions segment provides employment, income, and social security number verification services, as well as payroll-based transaction and employment tax management services. The International segment provides information service products, which include consumer and commercial services, such as credit and financial information, and credit scoring and modeling; and credit and other marketing products and services, as well as offers information, technology, and other services to support debt collections and recovery management. The Global Consumer Solutions segment offers credit information, credit monitoring, and identity theft protection products directly to consumers through internet. The company serves customers in financial service, mortgage, employers, consumer, commercial, telecommunication, retail, automotive, utility, brokerage, healthcare, and insurance industries, as well as state, federal, and local governments. It operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil, the Republic of Ireland, Russia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Equifax Inc. was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Some people binge watch Netflix Huluor HBO shows. And some people turn their downtime into cash. James made $2,275 in just 19 minutesall thanks to something called The 15 Minute Workday. The average trade makes 12% in just 5 days (factoring winners and losers) which is out of this world.

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease, and critical care and surgical monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of heart valves; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases. The company also provides surgical heart valve therapy products, such as pericardial valves for aortic and mitral surgical valve replacement; aortic heart valves; annuloplasty rings; cardiac cannula devices; beating heart mitral valve repair system for the treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation, as well as various procedure-enabling platforms to advance minimally invasive surgery. In addition, it offers critical care products, such as hemodynamic monitoring systems to measure a patient's heart function and fluid status in surgical and intensive care settings; pulmonary artery catheters; arterial pressure monitoring products, oximetry central venous catheters, as well as monitoring platforms that display a patient's physiological information; and Acumen Hypotension Prediction Index, which alerts clinicians in advance of a patient developing low blood pressure. The company distributes its products through a direct sales force and independent distributors. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

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PM Modi said, 'I would also like to encourage all those youth who will be voting for the first time.'

While addressing the Lok Sabha, Modi said that his govt is known for honesty and it is a government for the poor. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament on Thursday even as the Opposition wants a debate over various issues, including the farm crisis, unemployment and alleged misuse of constitutional bodies.

PM Modi said, I wish for healthy competition in the upcoming elections. I would also like to encourage all those youth who will be voting for the first time.

While addressing the Lok Sabha, Modi said that his govt is known for honesty and it is a government for the poor.

Our friends in the Congress see things in two time periods. BC, which is 'Before Congress', when nothing happened and the other, is AD-'After Dynasty'- where everything happened, PM added.

Attacking the Opposition, PM Modi said, You want to know what is my crime for them? That I am a person born in a poor family and is challenging their 'Sultanate'. In 55 years of their rule, sanitation coverage was around 38 per cent and in our 55 months, it is nearly 98 per cent. See Congress manifestos of 2004, 2009 and 2014. In all the manifestos you have promised that within 3 years every house will have electricity. I am amazed at this.

Gas connections in their 55 years of rule were 12 crore , it is 13 crore in our 55 months. We have worked at much faster speed in our five years," he added.

Continuing his attack, PM Modi said, "India is now the 6th largest economy in the world from the 11th largest within 4.5 years. When India became the 11th largest, people of the opposition praised themselves. Now the same people are saddened when we reached 6th position."

"Congress insults Army, calls the Army Chief a 'Gunda' but it is Modi who is destroying institutions? Congress leaders create stories that Indian Army is planning a coup but it is Modi who is destroying institutions?, he added.

Lashing out at Mamata Banerjees rally in Kolkata where all the opposition leader were present, PM Modi said people have seen the work a government with an absolute majority can do and do not want a 'Mahamilavat' government of those who recently gathered in Kolkata.

"We speak truth, be it in country or outside, in Parliament or outside but your ability to listen to truth has dimished," PM to opposition.

"It is trust and optimism that will take our nation forward; We are not those who run away from challenges," PM said lashing out at Congress.

"Indira Gandhi dismissed state governments 50 times," says PM replying to debate on motion of thanks to President's address in Lok Sabha.

Hitting out again at the Opposition, PM Modi said, "In 2014, the people of this country elected a government with majority and the country has experienced what happens when a milavati government come into power and that is what is going to come. This milavat wont come to here, gather these people in Kolkata only."

Questioning Congress' motive to bring down the Rafale deal, PM Modi also said, "Congress doesn't' want our Air Force to be strong, I am levelling a serious allegation here. You want this Rafale deal to be cancelled, on whose behest? For which company?"

" Mahatma Gandhi had back then recommended the dissolution of Congress party. So 'Congress mukt Bharat' is not my slogan but I am just fulfilling the wish of Gandhi ji. I have to do this in his commemoration and no amount of 'milavat' is going to help you."

Talking about the economic offenders who have fled the country, PM Modi has said, "Those (economic offenders) who have fled are now crying and Tweeting that I fled with Rs 9000 crores but Modi has forfeited Rs 13000 crores. They are tweeting and saying that twhen they wake up, they realize that their ill-gotten wealth has been detected and has been forfeited."

"99 agricultural schemes which were stuck, are being completed by us now," PM Modi said, talking about farmer plight.

Nearly 65 lakh people were registered in National Pension system: PM Modi.

Criticizing the opposition parties in the states, PM Modi said, "Some states are saying that they wont accept (the farmer) scheme. Why dont they ask the farmers that there is Rs 6000 for them, do they want it or not? You dont want to give one rupee. Youll say you wont accept Ayushman Bharat, think of the poor people of your states. This kind of politics will go on."
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Chubb Limited provides insurance and reinsurance products worldwide. The company's North America Commercial P&C Insurance segment offers commercial property, casualty, workers' compensation, package policies, risk management, financial lines, marine, construction, environmental, medical, cyber risk, surety, and excess casualty; and group accident and health insurance to large, middle market, and small commercial businesses. Its North America Personal P&C Insurance segment provides affluent and high net worth individuals and families with homeowners, automobile and collector cars, valuable articles, personal and excess liability, travel insurance, and recreational marine insurance and services. The company's North America Agricultural Insurance segment offers multiple peril crop and crop-hail insurance; and coverage for farm and ranch property, and commercial agriculture products. Its Overseas General Insurance segment provides coverage for traditional commercial property and casualty; specialty categories, such as financial lines, marine, energy, aviation, political risk, and construction risk; and group accident and health, and traditional and specialty personal lines for corporations, middle markets, and small customers through retail brokers, agents, and other channels. The company's Global Reinsurance segment offers traditional and specialty reinsurance under the Chubb Tempest Re brand to property and casualty companies. Its Life Insurance segment provides protection and savings products comprising whole life, endowment plans, individual term life, group term life, medical and health, personal accident, credit life, universal life, and unit linked contracts. Chubb has collaboration with Marsh to secure insurance coverage for the COVAX no-fault compensation program. The company was formerly known as ACE Limited and changed its name to Chubb Limited in January 2016. Chubb Limited was incorporated in 1985 and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

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State Street Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of financial products and services to institutional investors worldwide. It offers investment servicing products and services, including custody; product accounting; daily pricing and administration; master trust and master custody; depotbank; record-keeping; cash management; foreign exchange, brokerage, and other trading services; securities finance; deposit and short-term investment facilities; loans and lease financing; investment manager and alternative investment manager operations outsourcing; performance, risk, and compliance analytics; and financial data management to support institutional investors. The company also engages in the provision of portfolio management and risk analytics, as well as trading and post-trade settlement services with integrated compliance and managed data throughout. In addition, it provides investment management strategies and products, such as core and enhanced indexing, multi-asset strategies, active quantitative and fundamental active capabilities, and alternative investment strategies. Further, the company offers services and solutions, including environmental, social, and governance investing; defined benefit and defined contribution; and global fiduciary solutions, as well as exchange-traded fund under the SPDR ETF brand. The company provides its products and services to mutual funds, collective investment funds and other investment pools, corporate and public retirement plans, insurance companies, foundations, endowments, and investment managers. State Street Corporation was founded in 1792 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Rahul has convened the meeting of all general secretaries and in-charges of various states to plan the strategy for the Lok Sabha elections.

New Delhi: The day her husband Robert Vadra was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case, Ms Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took charge as AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. The BJP, meanwhile, targeted Priyanka Gandhi by going on an offensive against her husband Robert Vadra, alleging he got kickbacks from petroleum and defence deals during the UPA regime.

Priyanka on Wednesday took charge as AICC general secretary and will helm the partys affairs in Uttar Pradesh East. She assumed charge after dropping her husband Robert Vadra at the ED office. She then met party workers.

The Gandhi scion was appointed as general secretary and in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh region on January 23 by her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. Her office is adjacent to the room of her brothers at the party headquarters at Akbar Road in New Delhi.

Interestingly, posters carrying slogans like Kattar Soch Nahi, Yuva Soch and Jan-Jan Ki Hai, Yahi Pukaar, Rahul ji-Priyanka ji Ab Ki Baar, which were put up late Tuesday evening near the Congress headquarters were removed on Wednesday as some of these carried photographs of Robert Vadra along with the party president and the newly appointed party general secretary of the eastern UP. She will attend her first official meeting on Thursday.

Rahul has convened the meeting of all general secretaries and in-charges of various states to plan the strategy for the Lok Sabha elections.

Meanwhile, after dropping off Vadra at the Enforcement Directorate office she said, I stand by my family.

Her remarks came in response to a query about her husband being questioned by the ED in connection with a money laundering case relating to alleged possession of illegal foreign assets.

Before coming to AICC headquarters, Priyanka dropped off Mr Vadra at the probe agencys office. Mr Vadra was directed by a Delhi court to cooperate with the investigation agency in its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets.

In an attack seemingly aimed at Priyanka Gandhi, the BJP targeted Rahul Gandhis brother-in-law Robert Vadra after the

ED quizzed him connection with a money laundering probe, alleging he got kickbacks from petroleum and defence deals during the UPA regime. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that Vadra bought eight to nine properties in London from the money he got as kickbacks in 2008-09 when the UPA was in power.

Patra said he would like to ask Vadra what is the formula of becoming crorepati from roadpati? Alleging that corruption has been the core agenda of the Congress party, Patra said, Everybody knows every member of the family is out on bail. The 2019 Lok Sabha election is a fight between the gang of corrupt versus transparency of Narendra Modi government, he said.

Patra alleged that the kickbacks received from petroleum deal went to the account of a company linked to Vadra and that he did round-tripping of money through various ways. Similarly, the BJP spokesperson alleged, another company used to get kickbacks in defence deals during the UPA regime, which eventually went to Vadra.

Quoting an e-mail trail, he alleged that Vadras company received kickbacks from a series of companies floated to turn black money into white.
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See how this tiny, unknown gold company secured a prime land package right next door to the worlds two largest gold producers in Nevadas famed Carlin Trend where 84 Million gold ounces have already been extracted. Best of all, investors can still get in well below US$0.50 per share.

Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as a omni-channel specialty retailer and contract manufacturer of nutritional products in the United States and internationally. It operates in two segments, Retail and Manufacturing. The company provides custom manufacturing and private labeling services for vitamin, mineral, and supplement products, as well as develops and markets own branded products. It offers vitamins, minerals, herbs, specialty supplements, sports nutrition products, and other health and wellness products of approximately 900 brands, such as own brands comprising The Vitamin Shoppe, BodyTech, True Athlete, Mytrition, plnt, ProBioCare, Next Step, and Betancourt Nutrition; and national brands, including Optimum Nutrition, Cellucor, Garden of Life, Quest Nutrition, Solaray, Solgar, Megafood, and Nature's Way. The company sells its products through Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements retail stores, as well as through its vitaminshoppe.com Website. As of November 7, 2018, it operated 775 company-operated retail stores under the Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements retail banners. It also operates franchise stores. The company was formerly known as VS Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. in November 2009. Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey.

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Could This Be the Biggest US Gold Discovery in Years?

See how this tiny, unknown gold company secured a prime land package right next door to the worlds two largest gold producers in Nevadas famed Carlin Trend where 84 Million gold ounces have already been extracted. Best of all, investors can still get in well below US$0.50 per share.
The Congress chief has also attacked Mr Modi for not providing adequate prices to farmers.

New Delhi: Hitting out at the BJP government on the issue of growing unemployment and farmer distress, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi jumla raja (king of rhetoric) and his rule chaupat raj (regime of ruin).

Taking to the micro blogging site, Twitter, he made a swipe at the Prime Minister and tagged a media report on the unemployment situation in Uttar Pradesh, claiming that youth with even PhD degrees are applying for class IV jobs.

Farmers do not get the right prices, the youth do not get the right jobs, in 'jumla rajas chaupat raj, no hard working person gets respect, the Congress chief said in a tweet in Hindi.

Mr Gandhi has been highly critical of PM Narendra Modi on the issue of unemployment and has often accused him of not fulfilling his promise  made before coming to power  of providing two crore jobs per year to the youth.

The Congress chief has also attacked Mr Modi for not providing adequate prices to farmers.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, laid the foundation stone of the 624 MW Kiru Hydro Electric Project at Vijaypur. The project aims to harness the hydro electric potential of the state and help in the development of the region significantly

The Kiru Hydro Electric Project is being implemented by the Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL) and is a joint venture between the NHPC Limited, Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDC), and PTC India Limited.

Satya Pal Malik, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Dr Nirmal Singh, Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha and Shamsher Singh, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha also graced the occasion.

During the address Modi said that the hydro electric project shall not only meet the increasing energy requirement of the state but also provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to thousands of persons during the construction phase and thereafter during the operation phase.

Kiru HEP, to be constructed on River Chenab in the District Kishtwar, in Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the biggest hydroelectric projects under implementation in the state. The project is scheduled to be completed in 54 months at an estimated cost of Rs. 4708 crore. The annual generation from the project shall be 2272 MU. The project envisages construction of 135 m high concrete gravity dam and an underground power house with four units of 156 MW each (624 MW).

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has accorded a waiver of free power at decremental rate for the first five years and the water usage charges for the first ten years after the commissioning of the project besides the exemption of levy of tolls on all imports. It has also given a consent for wavier of nine per cent state GST for the project on order to keep the project cost and its tariff at the minimum. The government will get 12 per cent free power from the sixth year of the commissioning and the water usage charges after 10 years.

The welfare of the people affected from the hydroelectric project shall be taken care of through the proper implementation of a comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement plan. The cost of the land for house and house construction assistance, scholarship to children of the project affected families, training program for skill development and so on has been included in the plan. Also, a provision of Rs 29 crore has been earmarked in the plan for infrastructural development in the project affected areas to improve the socio economic condition of the people.

An additional one per cent free power towards Local Area Development Fund (LADF) shall be provided by the CVPPPL with a matching contribution by the Jammu and Kashmir Government after the commissioning of the project as per the Hydro Power Policy of the Government of India and an annual revenue of approximately Rs. 25 crore shall be available for the infrastructural development and welfare schemes for the Project Affected People on a continuous basis over the life of the project.

Extensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities have also been taken up in the region for the development of local area. The construction of the project will also lead to a considerable improvement of the roads and bridges as well as the communication systems and electric supply system in the region, thereby developing the area socio-economically.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is bestowed with huge hydro potential and in the Kishtwar region there are many projects in the pipeline for construction. This potential has to be harnessed so that the state can become the power house of the country which will bring about an overall development of the region as well.

In a similar instance, the FFoundation Stone of the 1000 MW Pakal Dul HE Project of CVPPPL was also laid by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2018 and the construction of the project is in progress. The third project of the company- 540 MW Kwar HE Project, is also ready to begin construction after getting an investment approval of the project.
Another Congress legislator, B.C. Patil, too, skipped the proceedings but sources in the party explained that he was busy with his daughters wedding.

Bengaluru: The coalition government was edgy on the opening day of the budget session of legislature as five Congress legislators skipped the Governors address despite a whip issued by Siddaramaiah, leader of Congress legislature party (CLP). This prompted the former chief minister to talk tough and warn legislators of harsh action in case they stay away from another meeting of the legislature party scheduled for Friday, the day when chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy would present his second budget.

On Wednesday, four rebel legislators  former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, Dr Umesh Jadhav, Mahesh Kumtahalli, and B. Nagendra  did not attend the session.

Ditto with J.N. Ganesh, who has remained at large from the day he was involved in a brawl with former minister Anand Singh, and C.S. Shivalli, who was among legislators wooed by the Bharatiya Janata Party, but who did not turn up as he was hospitalized.

Mr Jarkiholi and Mr Nagendra, however, informed Speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar in advance that they would not be in a position to attend the budget session for personal reasons. Mr Ganesh stayed away from the proceedings fearing his arrest in the case of assault on Mr Anand Singh.

Another Congress legislator, B.C. Patil, too, skipped the proceedings but sources in the party explained that he was busy with his daughters wedding.
The Bharat Rang Mahotsav has a mix of various things. While the street theatre by colleges takes up social issues, the international plays highlight the human conditions that are sometimes specific to a particular country. By Team Viva

The sounds of Keralas Panchvadyam musical form echoed in the Kamani Auditorium as Bharat Rang Mahotsav, the annual theatre festival of National School of Drama (NSD) marked the opening of the festival, which is now in its 20th edition.

The play Karanth ke Rang, directed by Amod Bhatt, was a medley of songs composed by late B.V. Karanth, a stalwart of Kannada and Hindi theatre.

During the Mahotsav there are two distinct streaks this year  the participation of 54 colleges which will be performing street plays on different issues which are wide ranging  from Article 377 to the deteriorating conditions of roads, to terrorism and body shaming to sex education and the condition of rag pickers  all the issues occupied centrestage. Colleges  from the Delhi university as well as those affiliated with other universities showcased their talent.

The other distinct thread is that of directors from different countries who have offerings that have a distinct flavour of that country. So there is Alien being staged by Galiaskar Kamal Tatar National Academic Theatre, Russia in the Tatar language which looks at life of people after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the collapse of the USSR. Soldiers captured during the Second World War who refused to cross over to the side of fascist Germany were first sent to concentration caps of Hitler and after the collapse of the Third Reich became prisoners of the Stalin's GULAG. Some never returned. Naqip, the main character of the play, stayed in Canada and organised a kind of a Tatar village. Most Indians are not aware of this incident in the the pages of history and the play provides an insight into it. And then there is Charahaukosammelan (Conference of the birds) from, Nepal which imagines that the birds from all over the world gather in a conference to debate upon a crisis. Maybe humans need to take lessons from the birds to save the planet.

On the other hand there is Dear Elena Sergeevna from Russia, deals with the exam system and the obsession with marks where children who have not written their papers well break into the house of their teacher and at first they demand the key to the safe in which the examination papers, then they try bribe her and in the end threaten to blackmail her.

Another play from Mexico too talks about students but in a different context. Desaparecidos#43, aims to give voice to the dramatic event of Mexican students who disappeared on September 26, 2014. A strong performance of great emotional impact, it features not only words but also of physical actions, sounds, songs and projected images.

Many of the plays are also a commentary on the universal theme of human condition and the suffering that one undergoes in life. King Oedipus from Bangladesh and My sweet rotten heritance from Sri Lanka fall in the genre.

A play that talks about the perils of modern life which are universal is The Department from Sri Lanka. It is a study of the workplace pressures and competition. On a different note, but still about the workplace When We Dead Awaken consists of a few final episodes from the life of an ageing sculptor, who achieved fame at the expense of personal happiness.

And there are complications that we can create in our personal lives. The Open Couple is the story of a couple where the husband is having multiple affairs and the complications that it can lead to.

To add an element of intrigue, there is Stormy Weather from the same island is a murder mystery that keeps the audience guessing till the end.

But of course there is a regurgitation of the past. In An Iliad, aided by two Muses, a single, modern day storyteller takes the stage. There is also a Thousand and One Nights from Romania which recounts the ancient tales.
At least six persons were injured on Wednesday at Indias leading power producer in public sector NTPCs Sipat unit in Chhattisgarhs Bilaspur district, a company official informed.

Public Relation officer, NTPC, Sipat, M R Sahu said that the mishap took place while some civil works was undertaken in power plant.

The injured that included one staff and five contract labourers, were immediately rushed to the plants medical facility and first aid was given to them, he added.

The official further said that the plant management had initiated an internal probe into the incident and was committed for undertaking all measures necessary to ensure safety of our work force. The NTPCs Sipat thermal power plant has total installed capacity of 2980 MW.
Health Minister T S Singhdeo will launch state level community medicine intake programme for Deworming and launch the National Deworming Day programme on February 7 in an event at 12.00 noon at New Circuit House, Civil Lines, Raipur.

Under the programme, in all the 27 districts, as part of National Deworming Day (February 8) event, the children will be administered medicines to de-worm them.

As per health department, Government of India had launched the drive to make every child in the country worm free. It is one of the largest public health programme where within a short period maximum number of children are covered.

The objective is to deworm all pre-school and school-age children between the ages of 1-19 years through the platform of schools and anganwadi centres.

Due to contamination, children are affected by different types of worms, mainly Helminths, round work, whipworm and hookworms. Generally, if children are infested with worms, then they can have anaemia, malnutrition, impaired mental and physical and cognitive development.
Delhis Labour and Development Minister Gopal Rai on Thursday held a meeting with farmers in outer Delhis Najafgarh. The Minister sought their suggestions to devise a mechanism to implement new minimum support price for crops based on recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee Report.

An official said the meeting was attended by senior government officers, farm experts and farmers from nearby villages.

Talking to reporters here, Rai said the Delhi Government is working on two-three measures on how to provide MSPs to farmers.

We will make a strategy based on farmers suggestions. The government is moving towards implementing new MSP for crops on the basis of Swaminathan Report, Rai said.

On January 29, the Government had organised a meeting to devise a mechanism to implement the minimum support price as per the recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee Report.

Higher wages, input costs, transport charges and cost of other allied services peculiar to Delhi will be factored in while determining the MSP, Rai said last month.

The proposed MSP with 50 per cent margin at the cost of production is Rs 2,616 per quintal for wheat and Rs 2,667 per quintal for paddy.

If implemented, it is likely to incur an additional liability of Rs 96.38 crore, Rai told reporters after an Agriculture Conference on implementing the recommendations of the MS Swaminathan Committee Report on Farmers Welfare in Delhi.
In a major blow to Maoists in the insurgency-hit Giridih district, a hardcore Naxal who was involved in several naxal activities for last 20 years surrendered before police here on Thursday. The State Government had declared a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh on the Maoist identified as Balbir Mahto.

Giving details about the surrendered Maoist, Superintendent of Police, Giridih, SK Jha informed that Balbir Mahto alias Rouson (30) resident of Pirtand laid arms before DIG, North Chhotanagpur Range Pankaj Kamboj ,SP, Surendra Kumar Jha and DDC Mukund Das.

The DIG said that Balbir had joined Maoists in 2002 and after completing training had joined platoon of the guerillas. He had also worked with Area Committee Member of Santhal Pargana and Giridih. Later on he was transferred to region in Bihar and Jharkhand border. During this tenure he was meted with shoddy treatment by the higher Naxal cadres, which forced him to leave the Naxal organisation, the DIG maintained. Kamboj further informed that Balbir had confessed of his involvement in several naxal attacks and was also involved in ambush attack in Pakur area wherein SP, Pakur, Amarjit Balihar and others policemen were killed.

He was also involved in different serious crimes, the DIG added.

A cheque of Rs 25 lakh alongwith Rs 2 lakh in cash was also given to him, the SP said adding that Mahto had been active in ultra outfits including the CPI(Maoists) as he came in contact with them at the tender age of 16 years.

Speaking on the occasion, Balbir said that people look at tribal community in despicable manner, which led him to join the ultra outfit.

He said that he came in contact with ultra group unknowingly and was being used by the Naxals for delivering letter or goods or as an informer.

Balbir said he decided to surrender because of his family responsibility as well as prevailing social evils in his community and admitted that naxals have lost their loyalty towards Maoism and surrendered with an intention to bring his community back into the mainstream of the society.
While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) with its regimented approach has already blown the bugle for the Lok Sabha election a couple of months away , the schism-stricken Congress in Uttarakhand appears to be still in a state of disarray.

The tone of the election campaign of BJP in the state has been set by none other than the its president Amit Shah when, during the conclave of the booth level workers from Tehri and Haridwar Lok Sabha seats constituencies, he exhorted the party workers to ensure that the party repeats its 2014 sweep in this election too.

Notably, BJP had made a clean sweep with its candidates winning from all the five seats up for grab in Uttarakhand. To give a further boost to the partys campaign, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a rally at Rudrapur in Udham Singh Nagar district on February 14.

The State BJP unit is going all-out to make the rally a huge success in terms of turnout. If such back to back presence of the mighty duo is not enough, the chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( RSS)  the ideological fount of the saffron party  Mohan Bhagwat has been camping in Dehradun for the past couple of days seemingly to galvanise the cadres into throwing full weight behind the BJP candidates.

To take on the formidable saffron onslaught backed by its well-oiled election machinery, the Congress leaders are falling back on the party president Rahul Gandhi and the newly appointed AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi to win over the electorate of the State.

It is learnt that the state Congress unit is going the whole hog to bring the scions of the Gandhi family in the State. A Congress insider said that things are being finalised regarding the public meeting to be addressed by the party chief Rahul Gandhi.

He further disclosed that the in-charge of state Congress Anugrah Narayan Singh would meet the Congress president during the meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Thursday.

Besides, the state Congress president Pritam Singh is expected to request Gandhi to visit the state while

he meets him during the meeting of the PCC chiefs slated on February 9.

The Congress has tried to get out of the swamp of inaction through the Parivartan Yatra undertaken by the PCC president Pritam Singh. However, the Yatra failed to bring the verve in the party what with the inclement weather in first phase and what with the absence of the charismatic former CM Harish Rawat and his followers in the second phase.

The political observers say that while BJP is working like a well- oiled election machinery, plunging headlong into the canvassing mode with a regimented approach, Congress leaders, divided in different camps, are, on the other hand, looking devoid of the vigour, the cutting edge, required for the dash into the heat and dust of the electioneering while presenting a semblance of a united face.

The BJP has constituted a team of dedicated workers at the booth level. It has even finalised Pana ( page) Pramukhs who would be the in-charges of one page of the voters list. The Congress, on the other hand, has failed to constitute even its Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), the highest body in the state, said an observer.

Congress leaders, however, are quick to rubbish charges of inactivity. The state Congress spokesperson RP Raturi said that the whole organisation of the Congress is in an active, election mode.

The party has constituted different committees for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and soon the big leaders of the party would plunge into the full-fledged electioneering to strike the right chord with the people, he added.
NH of 5987 KM approved

Bhopal: The central government has given approval in principle for construction of national highway of 5987 kilometers in the first phase in Madhya Pradesh under Bharatmala Yojana. These routes will be constructed as 4-lane routes. The implementation agency of construction works will be NHAI. Construction of Jabalpur bypass, Sagar bypass, Gwalior bypass and Orchha bypass are included in these schemes.

Start Aapki Pension Aapke Dwar

Bhopal: The Chief Minister Kamal Nath has given instructions to start Aapki Pension Aapke Dwar system for pensioners. He said that the Social Justice Department and other departments concerned with the distribution of pension have been told to make convenient system for distribution of all social security pensions to avoid inconvenience, faced by the beneficiaries while drawing money from banks.

Fitur programme organised

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Tourism was honoured with International Award for TVC at Fitur programme held recently in Spain. The awarded TVC is focused on destinations of Madhya Pradesh. This has been selected from the entry of 58 films. The Principal Secretary Hariranjan Rao while informing about this handed over the award to the Minister for Tourism Surendra Singh Baghel. The Minister emphasized to incorporate publicity and information of hotels, resorts etc. of the Corporation in the tourism strategy. PS Rao apprised Baghel about the efforts being made at the global level for the publicity of Madhya Pradesh Tourism. He informed that Madhya Pradesh Tourism is participating in 4 trade fairs and 9 road shows at international level. Moreover, it is also participating in the worlds biggest Travel Trade Show in London and Berlin. Madhya Pradesh Tourism also had participation in Fitur programme held recently in Spain.

Rabindranath Tagore varsity beats SRK varsity

Bhopal: Rabindranath Tagore University registered 8 wicket victory over SRK University. In the final match of University Sports League SRK University 2019 at Bhopal. Eminent International Cricketer Harbhajan Singh gave the trophy to winning team. SRK University bated first and posted 95 runs. Deepak Keer and Sarfaraj picked two wickets. In reply Rabindranath Tagore University managed 95 runs (8 overs, 2 wicket). Vikas Jaat and Rohit Meena smashed 50 and 30 runs respectively.
The Cabinet has decided to introduce the Yuva Swabhiman Yojana in the State. This decision was taken with the purpose of making the youth of the state self-reliant in the time to come and to give them professional skill training.

Under the scheme, urban youth have been given 100 days employment guarantee in a year.

The benefit of the scheme can be taken by such urban youth in 21-30 age group whose income is maximum Rs 2 lakh annually. Rs 4 thousand per month stipend will be provided to the youth.

The process of registration for this scheme will begin from February 10 in urban bodies. Six lakh 50 thousand youth of the state will be trained under the scheme. A financial burden of Rs 750 crore will be incurred in the implementation of the scheme.

The Cabinet approved a hike of Rs 600 from Rs 300-500 as per eligible beneficiary under Government of India schemes including Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme etc.

The Cabinet has hiked the pension of beneficiaries including elderly citizens, disabled, destitutes, widows, unmarried women, kanya guardians, all inmates of old age homes under state governments Integrated Social Security Pension Scheme from Rs 300-500 to Rs 600 per month per beneficiary according to their eligibility.

About 40 lakh 37 thousand 553 elderly citizens, unmarried women, destitute and disabled beneficiaries of the state will avail the benefits.

Similarly, the Cabinet approved Rs 600 per month per beneficiary as per eligibility for mentally retarded, people with multiple disabilities, cerebral palsy patients, autism cases of more than 6 years of age.

The Cabinet approved the creation of four posts of technical level for the establishment of a strong IT cell for Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission.

The Cabinet decided to amend the provisions related to the Commercial Tax Department for the implementation of the Tourism Policy 2016.

For promoting tourism in the state and investing in tourism sector, maximum number of private investors are being encouraged to set up tourism projects. World-class facilities will be provided to attract foreign tourists in the state and provide them with excellent services.

With this purpose conditions in bar licenses have been rationalized. This will increase the revenue in tourism with facilities.

Indira Grah Jyoti Yojana

According to the manifesto, Indira Grah Jyoti Yojana will be started in the state for domestic power consumers. The current Saral Bijlee Scheme will be integrated in it. Under the scheme, bill of maximum Rs. 100 will be given to consumers against consumption of upto 100 units.

Difference amount will be given by the state government in the form of subsidy to the Power Distribution Companies.
In one of its kind initiative, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Government has approved the framework for the entrepreneurship curriculum. The State Council1 of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in its governing council meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also decided that the entrepreneurship curriculum will have no examinations, books or evaluation system.

According to Delhi Government spokesperson, the framework has been finalised by a 16-member committee comprising of SCERT teachers, National Council of Educational Research and training (NCERT) teachers working on entrepreneurship, teachers of prominent private schools and many experts of the field.

The curriculum will be launched in 15 to 20 schools in April as a pilot and the full-fledged launch will be done in all Delhi government schools in July, said Delhi government, adding, The entrepreneurship curriculum will be based on activity and there would be no evaluation, examination and books for the curriculum. It will be based on syllabus and learning sessions.

Another novel initiative of the AAP government Happiness Curriculum is being taught to the students from nursery to class 8th; while the entrepreneurship curriculum will be taught from class 9th to class 12th to equip the students to face the challenges of life after education in a better way. Entrepreneurship curriculum comes as the latest to equip and enhance the Delhi government students after the huge success of happiness curriculum in Delhi government schools.

Sisodia who also holds the education minister said, This initiative will open up a world of possibilities for the Delhi government schools as they explore various options and choose their profession. While this scientifically prepared curriculum is aimed at preparing the students better for their choice of professional journeys, it will invariably bring about a paradigm shift in the education system.

This curriculum is important because of the changing face and rapid pace of technology and also of the realities of today and tomorrow. The companies which are on top today might not exist after 25-years, they may be replaced by ventures that are at the start-up stage today, Sisodia added.
In a major blow to the red-rebels, police forces gunned down 10 Naxals on Thursday after a fierce gun battle in a dense forested patch of Maoist-hit Bijapur district, about 480 km south of Chhattisgarh Capital, Raipur.

Director General of Police DM Awasthi confirmed that bodies of 10 ultras clad in Maoists uniform were recovered from the encounter site. 12 firearms were also seized.

Security forces had received specific intelligence input about the presence of Maad DVC (Divisional Committee Member) Rajman Mandavi and Sukhlal along with 40 to 50 armed Naxals in the forest of Bhairamgarh during a training for Naxal-militia members, the DGP claimed in a crowded Press conference.

He said the operation was carried out by a team of about 200 Special Task Force (STF) and District Reserve Group (DRG) personnel deep in Abujhmad region.

It was at Borga forest in Talibod village about 80 km from Bhairamgarh police station where police confronted Naxals resulting in the exchange of fire. The encounter lasted for about two-and-half hours. Later on, while combing the area, bodies of 10 Naxals along with 11 muzzle loading guns and one 315 bore revolver were found, Awasthi said.

The DGP said between 2016 and 2018, about 575 encounters took place between Maoists and police. During the same period, 336 bodies of Naxals were recovered, said Awasthi.

In past three years, 3,150 insurgents were arrested and 818 firearms were seized from their possession. Overall 829 land mines were also seized during the same period.
'Modi ji, you said you have a 56-inch chest. I challenge you to come a have a face to face debate with me. I challenge you,' Gandhi said.

The Congress president also accused the government of eroding the authority of key institutions. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: Stepping up attack on PM Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday dared a five-minute debate with him on national security and the Rafale deal.

"Modi ji, you said you have a 56-inch chest. I challenge you to come a have a face to face debate with me. I challenge you," Gandhi said.

Gandhi added, I challenge the BJP, let Narendra Modi ji debate with me on stage. He is scared. He is a darpok (coward) person. I have recognised him.

Narendra Modi is a coward, he will run away from debate, Gandhi said at the national convention of the AICC minority department in New Delhi on Thursday.

Gandhis debate challenge was followed by applause from the crowd and standing ovation form the leaders on the dais.

Last year also Gandhi challenged PM Modi to participate in the debate with him over the details of the Rafale deal.

The Congress president also accused the government of eroding the authority of key institutions.

The institutions in India do not belong to any party, they belong to the country, and to protect them is our responsibility, be it Congress or any other party. They (BJP) think they are above the nation, in 3 months they will understand that nation is above them, he said.

Gandhi said that he has understood the prime minister as he is fighting Narendra Modi for five years.

Congress President has coined the phrase the watchman is a thief- in refernce to PM Modi and accused BJP of changing UPA-era deal to benefit industrialist Anil Ambani.

On Wednesday, Gandhi said that the Congress should be able to defeat the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections without giving in to hatred and asked party workers to never use the word murdabad in connection with political activities.
Irked over the delaying tactics adopted by the 2G scam accused, including Shahid Balwa, the Delhi High Court on Thursday ordered the erring persons and companies to plant 16,300 saplings in Delhis South Ridge forest area.

Justice Najmi Waziri was upset to find that Balwa, his associate Rajeev Agarwal, former Telecom Minister A Rajas private secretary RK Chandolia and Balwas companies had not filed replies to the appeals filed by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The court asked them and representatives of their companies to appear before forest officials on February 15 to start planting trees.

Granting the last opportunity to Balwa, director of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Private Limited Rajiv Agarwal, and representatives of Dynamic Realty, DB Realty Limited and Nihar Constructions Private Limited to file responses on March 26, Justice Waziri asked them to plant 3,000 saplings each.

Similarly, the High Court allowed the plea of Rajas erstwhile private secretary RK Chandolia, director of Kusegaon Fruits Balwa and Agarwal to grant the last opportunity to file responses in the CBIs case.

The court also asked Chandolia to plant 300 trees and Balwa and Agarwal will plant 500 trees (in addition to his 3,000) each in South Delhi.

Justice Waziri pointed out to the respondents that three months had passed since the last order was passed in October 2018.

Balwa, Agarwal and the three companies along with others, including former Telecom Minister A Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi, were acquitted by the trial court in the EDs money laundering case. The CBI and the ED have challenged their acquittal.

All of them have been asked to report to the Deputy Conservator of Forests (South) on February 15 for planting of saplings.

The companies will be represented through their authorised signatory. The plants shall be of indigenous variety and they shall be of nursery age of three and a half years and have a height of at least six feet. They will ensure the maintenance of trees till the rainy season, the court said.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI and the ED, said this is the best of way of imposing cost.

Advocate Vijay Aggarwal, appearing for Balwa and others, said they welcome the court order. It is innovative and in right earnest. We do volunteer for the same, Aggarwal said.

The 2G Special Court headed by Judge OP Saini had acquitted all the accused on December 27, 2017. Challenging the controversial judgment of the trial court, the CBI and the ED appealed to the Delhi High Court on March 2018. The HC issued notice to all the acquitted persons and firms and fixed the appeals for arguments in June last year.

But the accused kept seeking more time to file their replies. In October last year, the High Court had said they would not be given any more time and had asked the acquitted persons to file their responses on February 7.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) was abuzz with activity on Thursday with two high-profile politically-linked persons, Robert Vadra and Karti Chidambaram, appearing before the agency for questioning in separate money-laundering investigations being conducted against them.

First to arrive at the EDs Jamnagar House office in central Delhi was Karti, son of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, around 11 am. About 25 minutes later, Congress president Rahul Gandhis brother-in-law Vadra arrived at the office for quetioning in a money-laundering case, in which he was confronted with the allegations of carrying out illegal transactions to purchase assets in the UK.

In the meanwhile, sources said former Finance Minister P Chidambaram is likely to appear before ED on Friday.

On Wednesday, Vadra was accompanied to the ED office by his wife and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

This is the first time Vadra is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the session.

Officials said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in United Kingdom. Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, the sources said. He was questioned on Wednesday for six hours on how he laundered money to purchase properties across UK.

The agency has stated that Vadra owns nine properties in the UK bought illegally through kickbacks received in petroleum deals when the UPA Government was in power. The properties were purchased between 2005 and 2010.

The total value of these properties is around 12 million pounds, more than Rs 110 crore. The agency confronted Vadra with emails allegedly between him and another accused arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari and his London-based relative Sumit Chadha. The email exchanges took place between June 2009 and October 2010. The e-mails stated are about the 12, Bryanston Square mansion for which Sumit Chadha asks for funds for renovation.

The response from Vadra said, Will look into it in the morning and let Manoj sort it out. Later Manoj Arora, a former employee of Skylight Hospitality, a firm linked to Vadra was asked interact with Chadha. The financial probing agency is trying to find that the Bryanston Square mansion, purchased in 2009, was sold in 2010 for the same amount, despite an additional expense of approximately 65,900 pounds that is Rs. 60.85 lakh for its renovation.

The money was transferred to Santech International, FZC, a company based in UAE. Santech then purchased the 12 Bryanstone Square mansion from Vortex, a private holding. Later, Vortex shares were transferred to Skylight Investment, FZE, which is led by NRI businessman C Thampi.

Besides the Bryanston Square mansion, two more properties are worth 4 million pounds that is around Rs 37.42 crore and 5 million pounds that is around Rs 46.77 crore. The agency also stated that he also owns six other flats and they are trying to find from where he got money and who are other players.

His role in money laundering was established during the probe against Bhandari by the Income Tax Department and a money laundering case has been filed against him.

The ED sleuths also questioned Karti, son of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, on Thursday in INX Media money laundering case. He remained evasive most of the time. He was confronted with the incrementing documents the agency recovered during various raids, said ED officials. Karti and his father P Chidambaram have been questioned on several occasions in the case by the
The interim budget was just another instance of how the ruling Government has opted to stay true to its disappointing roadmap of governance

Owing to the fact that Union Minister Arun Jaitley was unable to present the interim budget, Piyush Goyal presented it for the Modi Government last week. Unfortunately, while there was a change in the person presenting the interim budget, there was little about this budget that could distinguish it from what India has seen over the past five years. This budget represented those values that the BJP Government has been repeatedly demonstrating ever since in power. In this weeks column, I will attempt to highlight how the interim budget was only a microcosm of the BJPs approach to governance. It was irresponsible, ill-conceived and insulting.

Irresponsible: It is important to refer to the context in which the interim budget was presented. Frank Snepp, a journalist, had once said, Disinformation is most effective in a very narrow context. True words have never been spoken. While the BJP and its army of social media warriors tried hard to convince the people that this budget was a game-changer, its crucial to understand the context of the budget, which is that it was an interim budget.

An interim budget is typical in a democracy where the party in power is about to witness an election year, where it may be voted out and another political party or a coalition of various parties may be voted to power. Since the two Governments may have different fiscal and budgetary plans, as per established convention, the interim budget is usually limited to signalling and explaining to the country what would be the measures that the Government in power aims to pursue if voted to power again.

At this stage, a vote-on-account is also presented that details an estimate of the expenditure to be sanctioned till the final budget is passed by the next Government in power. This tradition has been followed by responsible Governments in India for over 70 years now. Someone forgot to give the BJP the memo.

As the West Bengal episode shows, the BJP has time and again demonstrated that it has no interest in acting like a responsible Government. This interim budget was no different. As I had said earlier, it is almost unheard of for a budget to introduce sweeping changes. But in this one, the BJP recklessly introduced some tax changes, which otherwise require debate and discussion.

I have heard that the rationale behind introducing the tax reform was that the middle class needed clarity about the tax structure at the beginning of the year. This seems insincere and convenient. Especially because the BJP is aware that this proposal may change further when the final budget is passed in Parliament after debate. So, to hear this Government, that regularly treats statistics and numbers as an inconvenience talk about the need of clarity for the middle class, brings tears to the eye. If only they made the people of this country cry a little less often.

Ill-conceived: Another piece of news that emerged last week was a leaked jobs report by the National Sample Survey Office, which detailed how India was going through its worst job crisis in 45 years. As per the report, its findings were withheld by this Government, which ultimately forced two senior members of the Statistics Commission to quit in protest.

While I could write every week about how the BJP has repeatedly shown utter disregard for any report, any institution or authority that sheds light on just how shambolic this Government has been, today, I want to talk about how this Government ignored the crucial issue of jobs in the interim budget.

This was especially surprising since jobs for the youth was one of the BJPs primary election promises in 2014. While I initially reacted with surprise, I realised that since the BJP has been ignoring the jobs problem for the past five years, why should the interim budget be any different?

In any case, this omission speaks louder than the silence of the Prime Minister when asked an inconvenient question. It demonstrates that the BJP does not have a clear stand on any particular issue. Whether its the question of instituting a Lok Pal and tackling corruption or the issue of creating jobs, this Governments only tactic has been to move from one issue to the other so that people do not stay and examine an issue long enough to question what is actually being done.

While jobs may have been a popular issue for the BJP in 2014, it is now avoiding the issue like a plague or ignoring a scientific report by a reputed institution that reflects the ground reality.

Insensitive: Another facet of the BJP that this interim budget displayed was just how insensitive this Government can be. Take the example of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme announced during the interim budget. Under this programme, the BJP has offered direct cash support of Rs 6,000 per year to farmers who have a land holding of up to two hectares. This amounts to an insulting Rs 17 per day. The BJP is aware that it has failed our countrys farmers completely and believes that its latest attempt will help pacify them. This is unlikely.

Not only because of the insulting Rs 17 per day grant to the farmers but for the reason that people of this country are aware that this is just another jumla of the BJP Government like the Smart Cities initiative or the Clean Ganga promise.

The very idea of direct cash transfer is already in place in Telangana. The only difference is that in that State, first a survey was done and records were updated. Only then was the scheme implemented. In the case of the BJP, however, it has typically gone straight to announce the scheme without the slightest pretence of even attempting to make the scheme work. on the ground. This programme has all the tell-tale signs of a classic jumla.

The current BJP Government has had repeated opportunities at its disposal to mend ways and behave like a responsible Government, one that respects the countrys institutions and holds differing views from its own or at the very least a Government that is connected to the ground situation. But it wasted each and every opportunity. The latest interim budget is just another instance in a long line of instances of the Government choosing to stay true to its disappointing approach to governance.

(The writer is Jharkhand PCC president, former MP and IPS officer. Views are personal)
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has never been a stranger to the headlines  born as she was with the most famous surname in India  but for the past few weeks, ever since her formal entry into politics was announced, she has been the headlines.

Only, on February 6, the 'Vadra' caught up with the 'Gandhi'  and the nature of the headlines changed.

From basking in the endless reams written about her easy charm, eloquence, and her resemblance to her grandmother, poor Priyanka is back to defending her husband Robert and his reported involvement in alleged corruption.

The timing couldn't be more inconvenient.

Standing by Him: Priyanka accompanied Robert Vadra to the ED office on February 6. (Photo: India Today)

But then, what is it about powerful women choosing husbands who often bring them considerable inconvenience? Look around. You'll see many a female netaji, having to tackle the stresses and strains of what her better half represents.

Priyanka, for example, has everything going for her. She has truly won the genetic lottery, inheriting not just a famous surname, but seemingly the most attractive qualities of those who held the name before her  charm, oratory, personality. But then, the first daughter of the country, who could apparently have married anyone she chose, chose to marry Robert Vadra, a brass businessman from Moradabad.

Vadra has been accused numerous times of charges of money laundering and apparent involvement in an alleged land grab scam. While this was the first time a probe agency actually questioned him, he has long been providing fodder for soft-on-corruption charges against the Congress and several 2G, 3G, JeejaG joke opportunities.

Corruption allegations against Zardari took away more than 10 per cent of Benazir's popularity. (Photo: Reuters/file)

It doesn't stop at Priyanka and Robert.

Benazir Bhuttos life was similar to Priyankas in many ways  a powerful political family, tragic losses early in life, and a seemingly less-than-24-carat husband. Bhuttos presidency was marred by Asif Ali Zardari apparently using her power to acquire pelf, to the extent that he was named Mr 10 per cent in Pakistan. In 2007, ahead of Benazirs re-election bid, a Pakistan Muslim League (Q) politician was quoted saying: If Benazir had married anyone else, the story of PPP wouldve been entirely different.

Reportedly, Zardari had become so much of a liability to Benazir that their marriage was on the rocks.

However, Benazir was assassinated soon after. Asif Zardari went on to become President of Pakistan.

Hillary Clinton, again, is a smart, capable woman  but her career has been constantly derailed because she seems fond of a husband who seems much too fond of other women. Ironically, while Bill Clintons own presidency survived the Monika Lewinsky scandal, in 2008, when Hillary was challenging Barack Obama as her partys presidential nominee, there was a special team at work to ensure that Bills exploits didn't hit Hillarys campaign.

Unlike Hillary, Bill Clinton's eyes, we hear, were not always strictly focused on his wife's career ambitions. (Photo: AP)

A New York Post article says there was a war room within a war room during Hillarys campaign. It was devoted solely to tracking down reports of Bills womanizing. What did they learn? Here, in the midst of his wifes historic campaign, Bill was involved in a serious relationship with another woman.

Why is it that while men tend to go for gifted, powerful trophy wives, such women seem to fall for problem partners?

Why is it that men are forgiven sins their wives are held eternally accountable for?

Ponder on these deep questions  and if any woman around you has the potential of becoming Prime Minister, ask for voting rights over her husband-ly choices.

Also read: Five things that made Robert Vadra famous (no, not the obvious)
Recently, MP Shashi Tharoor moved a private members Bill in Parliament, seeking the criminalisation of marital rape. The government refused to consider it.

The Centre has previously opposed the criminalisation of marital rape  the rape of a wife by her husband  in court, saying it would destabilise the institution of marriage.

In response to my question in the Lok Sabha, the Govt says that they are not considering a proposal to criminalize marital rape. Disappointing to note this regressive stand in denying married women autonomy over their body. For BJP, wives are just the property of their husbands! pic.twitter.com/Yj2yPwAkvW  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 5, 2019

Only 36 countries in the world still refuse to treat marital rape as a crime  India is one among them.

The others are Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, China, several African and some West Asian countries.

Contrary to what many like to believe, the law that protects husbands who rape their wives is not a part of Indian culture  its a British import.

In 1736, Sir Matthew Hale, a former Chief Justice of the Court of Kings Bench in England, published a treatise called History of the Pleas of the Crown, in which he wrote: the husband of a woman cannot himself be guilty of an actual rape upon his wife, on account of the matrimonial consent which she has given, and which she cannot retract.

Centuries later, as many former British colonies became independent nations, they retained this little bit of male privilege in their own Constitutions.

However, by now, specially in the last 50 years of the 20th century, Britain and most of its erstwhile colonies have come to recognise that a wife does not sign away her body to her husband upon marriage.

India is faithfully upholding this colonial regression.

Poland was the first country to make marital rape a crime, way back in 1932. More than 100 years later, we are yet to catch up. (Photo: Twitter)

If you are among those who think a husband raping his wife is not a crime, you are very, very wrong. Here are five reasons why:

Marriage = Giving up autonomy

If your concept of marriage is socially sanctioned sexual slavery, you understand neither marriage, nor consent.

A husband does not own his wifes body.

She, and only she, has the right to decide when she wants to have sexual intercourse, or any kind of sexual relationship. If she says no, he has to stop. If he does not, it is rape.

Very simple, really.

If physical violence is illegal, how come sexual violence is not?

A husband in India can be jailed for beating up or abusing his wife. But not for raping her. Why is it a crime for a man to physically assault his wife  but not sexually? This very problematic distinction comes from assuming that a wifes sexuality is her husbands property.

A woman alone has rights over her body. Her husband has to seek her consent every time. (Photo: PTI/file)

Its a shame that even in the 21st century, people are comfortable with dehumanising women in this manner.

Messes up 'consent'

Arguments such as a husband has a right over his wifes sexuality derail the whole conversation around consent and sexual assault. It links sexual assault to honour, and takes it away from what it essentially is  a violent violation of consent.

The underlying assumption behind not criminalising marital rape is that a woman does not lose her honour if her husband has sex with her. But rape is not about izzat. It is about understanding that a woman can say no to sex with anyone at any time  and that no has to be respected.

No institution is above an individuals dignity

The Centre, when arguing against criminalising marital rape in the Delhi High Court, said the move would destabilise the institution of marriage. This shows the government believes the institution of marriage is founded on one partner signing away their physical and sexual autonomy to the other.

Thats not marriage  thats subjugation.

Any institution that degrades and dehumanises an individual should indeed be destabilised, so a more equal institution can take its place.

Husbands will be victimised

Another argument the Centre gave in court  which many other make  is that the law would be prone to misuse, and could become an easy tool for harassing husbands.

Pyaar ka bandhan should not be patriarchy ka bondage. (Photo: PTI/file)

Every law can be misused, and that cannot be an excuse for not making new laws. People have been falsely accused of murder. Does it mean murder should not be criminalised?

There is a court of law in place to examine any charge, the evidence presented to support it, and then decide if the accused is guilty. If we have accepted this system for every other kind of crime, why not for marital rape?

Its truly regrettable that we are still debating whether or not a married woman has rights over her own body.

Most developed and developing countries around the world have criminalised marital rape. It is high time India joins them.

Also read: India has the lowest divorce rate in the world: 5 reasons why its not a good thing
President Trump can keep denying it as much he wants, but nature has made it clear that the man who is supposedly one of the most powerful political leaders in the world is absolutely powerless when it comes to combating nature's retaliation for anthropological actions.

BREAKING: "I don't believe it."President Trump passively rejects the findings of the major new US government multi-agency report that says climate change will wallop the US economy in years to come. https://t.co/ImcZSeAowf pic.twitter.com/hcUnY8Jdui  MSNBC (@MSNBC) November 26, 2018

One-third of the ice in the Himalayas and Hindu Kush (HKH) mountains will be lost due to rising temperatures by the end of the century  that's even if nations take aggressive measures to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, according to the latest report compiled by more than 200 scientists.

Melting ice on Khumbu glacier in the Everest-Khumbu region. (Photo: Alex Treadway/ICIMOD)

One-third of the ice in the Himalayas and Hindu Kush mountains will be lost due to rising temps by 2100, threatening the water supplies for nearly 2 billion people, according to a landmark new report. https://t.co/fAtRd4iUze pic.twitter.com/wRmDhPbLfC  Yale Environment 360 (@YaleE360) February 4, 2019

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)  a regional intergovernmental body  on February 4, 2019, released the 600-page assessment report that was requested by the eight nations in the Hindu Kush/Himalaya range.

We swim together  and sink together

The HKH region stretches 3,500 km across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. About 250 million people live in the mountains and 1.65 billion people in river valleys below. Changes in river flows could also harm hydropower production and cause more erosion and landslides in the mountains.

HKH region: The third pole, the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, was formed around 70 million years ago. Its glaciers are extremely sensitive to changing climate. (Image: India Today)

The finding of the report means that even if the world leaders  including President Trump  wake up to reality now and start cutting carbon emissions dramatically, the glaciers along the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region will still thaw by 2100.

If emissions are not cut, the loss soars to two-thirds, the report found.

The thawing of glaciers will have a direct and disruptive impact on the flow of the rivers that are vital for growing crops in India, Pakistan, China and other nations. The study says the flow of rivers, including the Yangtze, Mekong, Indus and Ganges, will be affected  farmers here rely on glacier meltwater in the dry season.

Rome was not built in a day

In the 20th century, the HKH region oscillated between warming and cooling phases.

In the first 40 years, it reported warming, followed by a cooling phase in 1940-1970. However, since the 1970s, about 15 per cent of the ice in the HKH region has disappeared as temperatures have risen. Considering the length of the HKH range though, the impact of warming is variable. Some glaciers in Afghanistan and Pakistan are stable and a few are even gaining ice  most probably due to the increased cloud cover that shields the sun and changed winds that bring more snow.

However, even these are not impervious to the rising temperatures  they will start melting with future warming, says Philippus Wester, a water and climate scientist at the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), who led the report.

This is the climate crisis you havent heard of, says Wester. Global warming is on track to transform the frigid, glacier-covered mountain peaks of the [Hindu Kush/Himalaya] cutting across eight countries to bare rocks in a little less than a century.

The deluge that will lead to drought

Common sense dictates that the melting of glaciers will increase the water in the rivers  and eventually cause a deluge.

However, Wester says there are two sides to this coin.

Melting glaciers will increase river flows through to 2050 to 2060 and push up the risk of high-altitude lakes bursting their banks and engulfing communities. However, from the 2060s, river flows will go into decline. The Indus and central Asian rivers will be most affected, and those areas will be hard hit, he states. Despite being far more populous, the HKH region had received less attention than other places, such as low-lying island states and the Arctic, that are also highly vulnerable to global warming, he adds.

Not so frosty anymore  the ice from the HKH will be lost sooner than we think. (Photo: India Today)

The authors further added that the people living in small island states were often viewed as the most vulnerable to climate change because of rising sea levels. Its not just occupants of the worlds islands that are suffering. We need to start thinking of mountain regions as climate hotspots worthy of urgent attention, investments and solutions, Dasho Rinzin Dorji, an ICIMOD board member from Bhutan reportedly said.

He said mountain regions were also extremely vulnerable as climate hotspots.

To take action or stay with inaction?

If the apocalypse is inevitable, why not resort to inaction?

The scientists found that if nations drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions and keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the Hindu Kush/Himalaya range will lose one-third of its ice by 2100.

A temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius would lead to 50 per cent of the ice being lost, and if the global temperature increases by 4 to 5 degrees Celsius, two-thirds of the regions glaciers would be gone in the same period, the report said.

Inaction would accelerate the apocalypse.

Aggressive action  if taken now  might just help us delay the catastrophe that we are accelerating at a breakneck speed.

Donald Trump. Are you listening?

Also read: I don't believe you: Donald Trump, the world's biggest climate change denier
Anyone in Vijay Mallyas shoes on February 4, living in his 11.5-m Ladywalk estate mansion in the sleepy Hertfordshire village of Tewin, would have told himself  minus the usual air of insouciance he goes around with  I am deep within a cell of my own making.

Mallya had fled to London in March 2016, owing Rs 9,000 crore to Indian banks, leaving behind assets worth Rs 13,000 crore, hoping British law would protect him and allow him to lead the life the rich and unscrupulous think they deserve.

So far, so crude: Vijay Mallya has managed to remain his fizzy self during his extradition hearings. (Photo: Reuters)

Mallya faces financial and legal trouble not just in India. His alleged financial misdeeds have left distress and disappointment in faraway Barbados in West Indies and California in the US.

But now, the UK is turning out to be not so safe a haven after all. His assets in India are being sucked away  and the prospects of doing jail time in India are turning real.

This will make Mallya contest his extradition with ferocity, as thats the only way he can live as a free man. Probe agencies say he has enough wealth siphoned away to live the opulent life he dazzled people with before the law woke up and told him to pay back the publics money.

Sun setting for Mallya under the Union Jack

On February 4, the UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid approved Mallyas extradition order  clearing the deck for his return to India. A short and telling statement from the UK home department said: On 3 February the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Vijay Mallyas extradition to India.

Mallya has been preparing for this day and the struggle beyond.

He has 14 days to appeal to the UK High Court.

He fired a post on Twitter:

In December 2018, Westminster Magistrates Court Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot had ruled in favour of extraditing Mallya. The chief magistrate had rejected Mallyas attempts to oppose extradition on the grounds that Mumbais Arthur Road prison was not fit to house him. The court said there was no ground at all to believe he faced any risk as the jail had been recently redecorated.

The liquor barons contention was that the extradition plea by India was based on a politically motivated case against him, and the loans he was accused of defrauding were not personal, but to keep his defunct Kingfisher Airline afloat. He claimed: Being held as guarantor is not fraud as the money borrowed was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them.

A UK court wasn't too impressed with Mallya's argument that Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail was not fit for a man of his 'stature'. (Photo: PTI/file)

The extradition battle will turn more intense in the coming days as Mallya has nothing much to return to India to, barring the discomfitting prospect of spending time in jails he has himself been claiming arent a suitable habitat for a man used to mansions, speedboats and all that which makes up a way-above-prosperity-line lifestyle.

Mallya plans to exploit every layer of the British legal system to delay or thwart his extradition.

The UK Home Secretarys approval doesnt mean that Mallya is actually going to be extradited any time soon.

The first extradition order was delivered at the magistrate level  Mallya now has three courts of appeal in the hierarchy of UK courts.

Mallya can challenge the chief magistrates extradition order in the Crown Court, from where his case can be taken to the Queens Bench of High Court of Justice, followed by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of UK. British laws allow one more level of appeal in the form of a judicial review at the SC. Each judicial level takes time. For example, the average time taken for disposing a plea by the Crown Court could be 5-6 months.

Mallyas desperation to stay back in the UK is matched by the Indian governments zeal to get him back. Elections are 100 days away. Vijay Mallyas escape had hurt PM Modis tough-on-corruption image. The Opposition, led by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, linked his escape to demonetisation, to build a dominant harsh on poor and soft on rich who plunder and flee narrative against the government.

Here's laughing at you, kid: The Opposition led by Rahul Gandhi merrily used Mallya's escape to mock PM Modi. (Photo: PTI/file)

Stung, the Centre both escalated its diplomatic efforts to tell the UK it needs Mallya and also brought in the tough Fugitive Economic Offenders law.

But image correction needs bringing back offenders  not bringing in laws.

So, the clock is ticking for the Modi government. If he is extradited post-the May 2019 polls, it would be too late. The next three months are the only window of political opportunity.

Life for Mallya has changed in the last few months. In 2016, he had Rs 13,000 crore assets and a chance to pay up. But he first said no to returning what he had borrowed, then refused to return himself.

So in January, a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court allowed the Enforcement Directorates (ED) plea to declare him a fugitive economic offender. The rules for fugitive offenders arent the same now. Gone are the days when they kept their assets till the time the court decided the cases against them. The new law says: evade the law, turn fugitive offender and lose your assets.

Mallya has admitted that bad news about the confiscation of his properties hits him every morning.

He claimed his groups properties worth over Rs 13,000 crore have been attached  more than the claimed Rs 9,000 crore that he ran away with  asking where is justice and how far all this would go.

Thats the strength of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill.

Banks had lent Mallya nearly Rs 7,200 crore. With interest payments, the amount outstanding is Rs 9,000 crore. But under the law, every asset he or his kin own can be seized to rest with the government, which can dispose of it and repay the consortium of banks he defrauded.

His frustration is visible from his posts on social media sites, where he claims that the banks to which he owes money have given an open licence to their Lawyers in England to pursue multiple frivolous litigations against him, questioning the brazen spending of public money on legal fees.

And despite all the attachments in India, Banks have given an open licence to their Lawyers in England to pursue multiple frivolous litigations against me. Who is accountable for spending Public money on Legal fees in such a brazen manner ?  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) February 1, 2019

Days before he escaped

Just a few years ago, due to his connections in Lutyens Delhis power circles, the King of Good Times Vijay Mallya, liquor baron-turned-lawmaker, was considered above the law. His airlines got most favoured status. Banks gave him loans, virtually no questions asked. He didnt pay back  banks did nothing. There was a lookout circular or LOC at airports in 2015 to nab him if he tried to leave India. Someone in the CBI diluted it.

He managed to escape to London on March 1-2, 2016

February 29, 2016

Finance minister Arun Jaitley was inside the Rajya Sabha as the Finance Bill was listed on top of the days agenda. A few journalists were waiting outside his chamber in Parliament at the entrance of the red-carpeted Rajya Sabha lobby when MP Mallya arrived, with the commotion he usually attracted.

As the finance minister made his way to his chamber, Mallya tried to walk with him and strike up a conversation. One could hear him complaining about action by banks. The finance minister  the administrative boss of the banks to which Mallya owed Rs 9,000 crore  was suitably dismissive.

The conversation ended as Jaitley, without asking Mallya to come inside his chamber, was heard saying settle it with the banks.

Later, we found that Mallya made an unsuccessful attempt to meet the Prime Minister in his Parliament office.

Arun Jaitley did not take kindly to Mallya's attempt to twist a small conversation with him into a so-called proper 'intimation'. (Photo: PTI/file)

In 2018, Mallya burnt his bridges with the government completely when he used that less-than-a -minute ambush meeting with Jaitley to claim that he had informed the government that he was going to London and was ready to settle dues. He did this to build a narrative for the courts that he didnt flee and the government knew he was leaving.

Jaitley reacted angrily. Mallya backed down.

That day in Parliament, Mallya didnt hang around too long after the conversation with Jaitley, and left in a Mercedes Benz. Not the black beauty he used in one of the earlier sessions, making journalists and security personnel waiting outside Gate No 12 drool. Then, he had smoothly eased out of the car and shut the door with a sound that only a hand-crafted Italian masterpiece  a Maserati quattroporte with a V6 3 litre engine that had enough horse power to propel the car like a rocket from 0-100 kmph in less than 5 seconds and a top speed of 290 kmph  would do.

July-August 2015

During the 2015 Monsoon Session, I found the Rajya Sabha MP in a sitting room adjacent to the Central Hall in Parliament. The Houses had been adjourned due to disruptions. Many MPs were there, coffee cups in hand, munching on the very popular toasted multi-grain bread.

Mallya was not in his usual flamboyant whites  he was wearing a linen shirt with a green Jawahar jacket that day. And he was unusually mild, visibly uncomfortable. As though the rising losses and debts had taken some fizz out of the liquor baron. He started talking about the disruptions in Parliament, but other MPs nudged him towards a conversation about his crashing business.

Feeling Blue? In the 2015 Monsoon Session, Vijay Mallya as seen in Parliament was not his usual ebullient self. (Photo: PTI/file)

He talked about how tough the airline business was. How his rivals were short-changing flyers. Lawmakers from Left parties in the group egged him on to first pay his employees, to whom he owed Rs 150 crore-odd.

The door opened  Ashok Gajapathi Raju, then-civil aviation minister, walked in. I kept my eyes on Mallya. His first reaction was a fresh wave of discomfort. After a few minutes, it was clear that he was making small talk, but attempting a rendezvous with the minister.

Gajapathi Raju is the erstwhile Raja of what was the Vijayanagaram kingdom and known to be disarmingly simple man. I saw him smiling, knowingly. Sure you can come and see me some time. I am here during the session, the minister told Mallya.

When Raju got up to leave the room, Mallya tailed him out.

December 2015

The next I heard about Mallya was from a friend holidaying in Goa in December 2015. He told me that people near the Candolim and Sinquerim beaches were startled by loud sounds. They rushed out to find fireworks streaking across the dark night sky.

Mallya was celebrating his 60th birthday at his Kingfisher Villa.

He was nose-deep in trouble due to non-repayment of loans. Already declared a wilful defaulter by banks. The bash was on at the Kingfisher Villa  barely months after the Goa bench of the Bombay high court had cleared that lender banks led by the SBI could take over the villa.

Kingfisher Villa, Goa: When Mallya hosted his 60th birthday bash here, the villa was already in a court battle. (Photo: Reuters/file)

But Mallya was celebrating, as he knew that the day he wanted to leave, no one would block him at the airports.

Sources say that party was attended by nearly 250 guests, accommodated at two Taj Group properties nearby. A probe agency official says a 150 minute-long music session was held, with the highpoint apparently being Sonu Nigam belting out the famous Asha Bhosle number Tum jio hazaron saal, saal ke din hon pachaas hazaar. And the show stopper was the Madrid-born king of Latin pop, Enrique Iglesias, flown in for the party

Two months ago, on October 16, 2015, the CBI had issued a notice (LOC) stating that the liquor and airline tycoon should be detained if he tried to leave India.

But Mallya was celebrating  probably knowing that on November 24, 2015, the old circular was withdrawn and the CBI had issued a fresh LOC. This notice said that the only action to be taken in case Mallya reached any airport to leave India was to just inform the CBI.

Its not a coincidence that Mallya was out of India on the day the LOC against him was scaled down. He arrived from an overseas trip on the night of November 24, a few hours after the CBI had amended its notice.

To camouflage his plan to escape, apparently Mallya used the diluted LOC to the hilt  by frequently flying in and out of India.

He flew out on December 1, 2015. Returned on December 7. Again, on December 23 2015, he went on a foreign trip, and returned on February 2. 2016.

Mallyas Footprint  India to West Indies to California

His last foreign trip before fleeing was to Barbados in the West Indies, where he met PM Freundel Stuart and purchased a Caribbean T20 team, Barbados Trident.

And his collapse has led to a crisis for the Caribbean Premier League as by early last year, a number of Trident players and management faced delays in receiving payments due to them, ranging from US$ 10,000 to more. A CPL spokesperson said, For the Caribbean Premier League, this is an unacceptable situation and we are currently going through due process in order for all of the players to be paid in the shortest timeframe possible.

Mallya's luxury yacht, Indian Empress, was auctioned in Malta in June 2018. (Photo: Reuters)

His brewery firm in the US, Mendocino Brewing Company Inc, too was hit by the legal proceedings in India. The California-based firm was banking on an USD 1 million bridge loan promised by his holding firm UBHL (United Breweries Holding Ltd) for survival. The firm was served default notices by lenders in the past.

February 2016: The escape

By February 28, 2016, someone had tipped off Mallya that the SBI had apparently received advice from senior Supreme Court lawyer Dushyant Dave to approach the apex court to restrain him from leaving the country.

But, in yet another suspicious move, the SBI  lead banker in the consortium of lenders  took its time to act.

That provided Mallya the time he needed to plan his escape.

He was then a Member of the Rajya Sabha and held a diplomatic passport. His ticket was booked on the London-bound Jet Airways flight 9W-122 from New Delhi barely a few hours before his departure. He reached the airport and is said to have gone to the Premium Plaza Lounge.

Swiftly leaving the House: MP Vijay Mallya fled India on a diplomatic passport. (Photo: PTI/file)

His seat number was 1D, in a first class cabin, and he checked in seven large pieces of luggage. No one on a business trip travels so heavy. Immigration officials noted his exit  but did not stop him from boarding the flight as the CBI notice didnt ask them to detain him. But, as mandated by the new notice, they informed the CBI that Mallya had left for London.

Alarm bells started ringing at the CBI headquarters.

Rattled, the then-CBI director Anil Sinha called up the heads of the lender banks to find out why they hadnt filed a complaint against Mallya. He is also said to have given a dressing-down to his juniors in Mumbai over the diluted LOC.

On March 8, 2016, a consortium of banks moved the SC for recovery of dues from Mallya and seeking direction that he was not allowed to leave India.

The public came to know about his escape on March 9, 2016.

The Attorney General of India told the SC that the bird has flown.

From the safety of his London home, Mallya made another move to confuse the agencies and banks. He tweeted on March 11, 2016: I am an international businessman. I have to travel to and from India frequently. I did not flee from India and neither I am an absconder. Rubbish.

I am an international businessman. I travel to and from India frequently. I did not flee from India and neither am I an absconder. Rubbish.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 10, 2016

Mallyas last paycheck

Mallya didnt leave India with just his personal belongings, but a large tranche of cash. Less than a week before he fled, on February 25, Mallya cut a whopping severance package from United Spirits Limited (USL), the company built by him but taken over by the worlds largest liquor manufacturer, Diageo Plc, in 2013.

By the time Mallya left India, he made sure he was sitting pretty with his finances. (Photo: Reuters/file)

After taking over the management of USL, Diageo found Mallya had reportedly transferred Rs 1,225 crore from the company to entities that he privately controlled. A special audit of USL account books uncovered Mallyas apparent sleight of hand.

He was forced to step down, but only after he extracted a promise from Diageo that he would be paid US $ 40 million upfront and the rest in 5 annual tranches.

The liquor giant informed the bourses. The ED filed a PMLA case against him on March 7, 2016  one day before the banks moved the Supreme Court.

But by then, Mallya was in London.

And now, if India fails to secure an extradition, in the UK he will stay.

Also read: Truth behind how Vijay Mallya fled India
A soldier who is believed to have taken his own life was facing a perfect storm of stresses, his mother has told an inquest.

Rifleman Darren Mitchell, 20, from London, was found dead in his room at Abercorn Barracks in Ballykinler, Co Down, on February 10 2013.

It came just months after another soldier, Lance Corporal James Ross, 30, from Leeds, was also found hanged in his room, on December 8 2012.

Undated handout photo issued by Liberty Human Rights of Rifleman Darren Mitchell whose inquest, along with Lance Corporal James Ross, takes place in Ballymena, Co Antrim.

Both men were serving with the Second Battalion the Rifles and had previously been on active service in Afghanistan.

An inquest sitting at Ballymena courthouse is examining both deaths.

Carol Mitchell told the inquest it was a perfect storm of factors that contributed to her sons death.

She described how he had been in debt up to 6,000, an amount that she said would have seemed insurmountable to him, pointing out he was just 20.

Following his death, she said the owed back pay from the Army settled those debts.

Lance Corporal James Ross, pictured, and Rifleman Darren Mitchell both died at their base in Northern Ireland (Liberty Human Rights/PA).

Mrs Mitchell also told the inquest that he had told her about two incidents in Afghanistan which upset him.

In one, he had been due to be the soldier at the front of a patrol but was swapped with a colleague at the last minute. That soldier then suffered severe leg injuries in an attack.

She also detailed that towards the end of 2012, he had become hyper vigilant, confided in her less, was jumpy and struggling to sleep.

He had successfully applied for his dream job in the Army as an outdoor activity instructor, but this had involved undertaking courses across the UK and in Spain and Germany which left him very tired.

In addition, Mrs Mitchell described how her son had felt isolated after a knee injury held him back from joining his unit in Afghanistan, and instead had to serve with a different unit.

The inquests are taking place a Ballymena courthouse (Rebecca Black/PA)

When he returned to Ballykinler and the new job, he continued to feel isolated, as a number of soldiers were taking redundancy at that time.

Everything hit him at that precise moment, Mrs Mitchell told the inquest.

He thought everyone was leaving, he was exhausted, his back pay hadnt come through, he had had a row with Cher (his girlfriend) and he had just got back after being away for a long time.

She added that she did not blame the Army for his death but felt more could have been done to help him.

A statement from Rifleman Mitchells former girlfriend Anita Hassall was also read to the inquest.

It recalled an incident where he had run away from a firework display.

A statement from his friend Kendall Gibson also referred to the same incident.

He said the fireworks reminded him too much of Afghanistan, Mr Gibson said, adding that he was concerned about his friends drinking.

It was a coping mechanism rather than going out and having fun.

The inquest is also examining the culture at Ballykinler at the time of the deaths.

It has heard there were several incidents of self harm at that time.

Three soldiers, friends of Rifleman Mitchell who had discovered his body, were sent twice to another barracks in Lisburn, Co Antrim, by medics for treatment which included counselling and horse riding.

The inquest heard from one of the three, referred to as soldier G, who had self harmed after discovering his friends body.

He said shortly afterwards that Corporal Mark Farragher made a comment during a parade at Ballykinler, whos going to be next and other soldiers started laughing.

I tried to ignore it, soldier G told the inquest, giving evidence behind a screen.

Soldier G has since left the Army and said he has been diagnosed with PTSD.

The inquest also heard from Cpl Farragher, who is now a Sergeant.

He acknowledged he also made the comment someones pulling the wool and made a reference to grief groupies.

Under questioning by Karen Quinlivan QC acting for the Mitchell family, he said the pulling the wool comment was directed at soldiers D and G.

He expressed regret at making the comments.

Six years down the line, PTSD has taken quite a spotlight in the media, I think now people are getting aware of it and mens health, before it was isolated incidents, he said.

Now I am older and more empathetic.

In hindsight they probably were hurting and probably did benefit from the treatment they received.

Sgt Farragher also paid tribute to Rifleman Mitchell.

If they could make make an army of Mitchells we would be undefeatable, he said.

The inquest continues.
MOSCOW (AP) - Residents of Russia's Urals and Siberia, where temperatures recently plunged to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius) have taken to social media to celebrate the cold.

Temperatures in Siberia and the Urals earlier this week plunged to unusual levels even for the cold-resistant Russians.

Hundreds of social media users have been posting photos and videos under the hashtag #dubakchallenge, or "cold challenge," showing people throwing boiling water into the freezing air and it instantly condensing into an elaborate pattern of ice crystals.

The rare cold spell has subsided since the hashtag took off last week, with temperatures in Siberia's largest city, Novosibirsk, climbing to a high of minus 27 degrees Centigrade (minus 18 Fahrenheit) on Thursday.
This is the first time that Mr Vadra appeared before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings.

Businessman Robert Vadra arrives to appear before the Enforcement Directorate in a money-laundering case probe in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Days after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was inducted as the general secretary of the Congress, her husband, Robert Vadra, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case for almost six hours.

Surprising all and sending a clear and firm signal that she stands by her husband, Ms Priyanka Gandhi Vadra dropped her husband at the EDs office for questioning on Wednesday. Mr Vadra was summouned in connection with alleged money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property  located at 12, Bryanston Square  worth 1.9 million. The property is allegedly owned by Mr Vadra. Virtually daring the saffron forces, who have been honing their knives to lunge at her through her husband, Ms Vadra told journalists, He is my husband, he is my family... I stand by him, I stand by my family.

Asked if it was a political vendetta, she said everyone knows why this is being done.

Ms Vadra accompanied her husband, in a white Toyota Land Cruiser along with Special Personnel Group (SPG) personnel in tow, and dropped him outside the agencys office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi. She then drove straight to AICC and assumed charge as AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East. She was appointed to the post on January 23.

Mr Vadra entered the ED office at around 3:45 pm even as a team of his lawyers had arrived minutes before him. He left the ED office at around 9.40 pm.

This is the first time that Mr Vadra appeared before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings. Mr Vadra, who has denied the charges in the past, describe then as a political witch hunt against him. He also claimed that the investigation was political vendetta and described the agencies investigating him as malicious, and their action unwarranted and unjustified.

Mr Vadra, who had earlier sought an anticipatory bail, was asked by a Delhi court to cooperate with the investigation. The court had asked him to appear before the ED on Wednesday after returning from London.

The ED reportedly questioned him on transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London. His statements were recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED had carried out raids in this case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Mr Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP. Mr Vadra has also been directed by the Rajasthan high court to appear before the ED on February 12 in connection with another money laundering case being probed by the agency.

Earlier in the day a Delhi court extended till February 16 the interim protection from being arrested to Mr Arora. The ED requested Special Judge Arvind Kumar that as the next date of hearing in Mr Vadras case was fixed for February 16, this case too be posted for the same date.

The BJP seized on the questioning of Mr Vadra to attack the Congress and allege he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deal that took place during the UPA regime.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged at a news conference that Mr Vadra bought eight to nine properties in London from the money he got as kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal which took place in 2008-09 when the UPA was in power. Mr Patra did not provide any evidence to back up his claim.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that the charges against Mr Vadra are fickle, superficial, non-existent, non-substantive. The BJP had full four and a half years to investigate but could not find anything, he claimed at a news conference. The attempt is to mislead, confuse and to create and ambience before election, but people see through this, he said.

The ED, income-tax department, the CBI, and 10 other agencies could not do a thing against him for so many years. It shows that this is nothing but an electoral jumla.

The ED had told the court that it filed the money laundering case against Mr Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the income tax department under the 2015 anti-blackmoney legislation against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Mr Bhandari for 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 on its renovation.

This gives credence to the fact that Mr Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Mr Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property, the ED had claimed before the court.

Mr Arora was a key person in the case and he was aware of Mr Vadras overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged.
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - The conservative candidate for the European Union's top job has sharply criticized Greece's stance on Venezuela's political crisis, saying Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is "blocking initiatives on a European level" that would support those "fighting for a democratic Venezuela."

Manfred Weber, who heads the European Parliament's largest center-right group, said Thursday it was "a tragedy to see how the Greek government is now behaving on (a) European level."

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president last month, saying President Nicolas Maduro's re-election in May was fraudulent. The United States and a number of European Union countries have backed Guaido, but Greece's governing Syriza party has expressed its "full support and solidarity" for Maduro.

Weber is running in May 23-26 European elections to succeed his EPP Christian Democrat party colleague Jean-Claude Juncker to run the European Commission. He told reporters in Athens: "Everybody who has eyes in his head must see that in Venezuela we have a dictatorship, a socialist dictatorship."

He suggested the European Union should change its decision-making process in foreign affairs from requiring unanimous votes to allowing decisions to be taken through majority votes instead.

That, he said, would ensure decisions "are not anymore in the hands of governments like here in Greece which have obviously more contact with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and Maduro and not so much with the free world of democratic countries."

Manfred Weber who heads the European Parliament's biggest group, delivers a speech during a European People's Party (EPP) Group Bureau Meeting in Athens, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. The top European Parliament lawmaker has slammed Greece's stance on Venezuela's political crisis, saying Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is "blocking initiatives on a European level" that would support those "fighting for a democratic Venezuela." (AP Photo)

Weber was in Athens to attend a two-day EPP group meeting.

Greece's left-wing government says it backs an EU initiative to try to find a political solution to the Venezuela crisis but has refused to endorse Guaido. Government officials had no immediate response to Weber's remarks.

Greek opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a close ally of Weber, said Greece's support for Maduro had hurt the country's standing.

"I'm very sorry to say this but the position of the Greek prime minister on this issue is a disgrace for our country," Mitsotakis said. "It isolates Greece and it really reduces our political influence abroad."

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Derek Gatopoulos in Athens contributed. Follow Becatoros at http://www.twitter.com/ElenaBec

Manfred Weber who heads the European Parliament's biggest group, delivers a speech during a European People's Party (EPP) Group Bureau Meeting in Athens, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. The top European Parliament lawmaker has slammed Greece's stance on Venezuela's political crisis, saying Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is "blocking initiatives on a European level" that would support those "fighting for a democratic Venezuela." (AP Photo)
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - Cambodian police said Thursday they have arrested two Romanians and three Nigerians after seizing nearly 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of methamphetamine from one of them as he prepared to board a flight to Hong Kong.

Deputy National Police Chief Mok Chito said police on Wednesday found the drug in four plastic packets in luggage belonging to Romanian Narcis-Manuel Olaru at the airport in Siem Reap in northeastern Cambodia. It is a major international gateway for tourists because it is home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.

Olaru told police four other members of his gang lived in the capital, Phnom Penh, where they were arrested. Mok Chito said the suspects confessed they received the drug from Laos and its ultimate destination was New Zealand, where it would be worth three times its Cambodian value of about $50,000 per kilogram ($22,700 per pound).

Much of methamphetamine is produced in the Golden Triangle region where the borders of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet, and which has also long been a center for the production of heroin. The illicit drugs often transit Laos for onward shipment to overseas markets. The smuggling is facilitated by porous borders and lax law enforcement.

Mok Chito said the arrests came after nearly a month of investigation following a tipoff from Japanese police, who were informed about the gang's members in Cambodia by an alleged drug trafficker arrested there last month.
BEIRUT (AP) - The leader of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah said Wednesday the organization would defend Iran in the event of war, saying the Islamic Republic would not be alone in a confrontation with America.

Hassan Nasrallah said the Islamic Republic is currently the strongest state in the region, and the so-called axis of resistance led by Iran is the strongest it has ever been. The axis groups the Syrian government of President Bashar Assad with Shiite militias in Iraq and Hezbollah.

Nasrallah was speaking to supporters at a rally marking the 40th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution and the overthrow of the shah.

"If America launches war on Iran, it will not be alone in the confrontation, because the fate of our region is tied to the Islamic Republic," he said.

Speaking via a large screen, Nasrallah said America is set to retreat from the region and has no real option to squeeze Iran except with sanctions.

"We see the struggle in the region may escalate and may take different forms but in all cases, today the Islamic Republic is the strongest state in the region ... and America is headed for more withdrawals and retreats from the region," he said.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah delivers a live broadcast speech, during a rally to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution, in southern Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. Nasrallah says Iran won't be fighting alone in the event that United States launches launch a war against it. He says the Islamic Republic is the strongest state in the region, and the so-called axis of resistance led by Iran is the strongest it has ever been. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Nasrallah spent over an hour extolling Iran and the Islamic revolution's political and economic accomplishments.

The Shiite group was formed in 1982 under the guidance of Iran's Revolutionary Guard to combat Israel. It has been Iran's most successful investment abroad, serving as the Islamic Republic's arm at Israel's doorstep.

The group dominates the political and military landscape of Lebanon and possesses tens of thousands of trained fighters as well as an array of sophisticated armaments. Its intervention in Syria on the side of President Bashar Assad also expanded its influence and reach in the region.

At home, the group remains the unrivalled armed force, also making significant political gains along with allies in the last parliamentary elections. This positioned the group to secure three ministerial posts in the new government, sworn in last week, including the powerful Health Ministry, which has one of the country's largest budgets.

Hezbollah supporters shout slogans and wave Lebanese, Hezbollah and Iran flags, during a rally to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution, in southern Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. Nasrallah says Iran won't be fighting alone in the event that United States launches launch a war against it. He says the Islamic Republic is the strongest state in the region, and the so-called axis of resistance led by Iran is the strongest it has ever been. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A Hezbollah supporter holds a portrait for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a rally to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution, in southern Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. Nasrallah says Iran won't be fighting alone in the event that United States launches launch a war against it. He says the Islamic Republic is the strongest state in the region, and the so-called axis of resistance led by Iran is the strongest it has ever been. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A Hezbollah supporter with a portrait on her head of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, attends a rally commemorating the 40th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution, in southern Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. Nasrallah says Iran won't be fighting alone in the event that United States launches launch a war against it. He says the Islamic Republic is the strongest state in the region, and the so-called axis of resistance led by Iran is the strongest it has ever been. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has pledged to continue security coordination with Israel, despite recent U.S. funding cuts to Palestinian security forces and years of impasse in the peace process.

Abbas told a gathering of Palestinian and Israeli activists on Wednesday that his government has counter-terrorism agreements with nearly 100 countries, including Israel.

He says the West Bank government has a "joint agreement to fight terrorism" with Israel and "will not violate it" - because if it does, "nothing will remain."

He added his hopes that a party committed to peace would succeed in the upcoming Israeli elections.

The U.S. cut all aid to the Palestinian Authority, including $61 million in security assistance, when an anti-terrorism law took effect last week. The forces are considered crucial for Palestinian and Israeli safety.
JUBA, South Sudan (AP) - "I was terrified ... I knew that I was heading for a terrible situation." For the first time, the spokesman for South Sudan's armed opposition leader has spoken out about his alleged kidnapping in neighboring Kenya, deportation to his home country and death sentence.

James Gatdet Dak, one of the highest-profile detainees during South Sudan's five-year civil war, spoke to The Associated Press shortly after his pardon and release under a fragile peace deal signed in September. Now in neighboring Sudan while seeking asylum in Sweden, he says he is ready to have his story told.

His account, which has been shared with a United Nations commission of inquiry, asserts that high-level Kenyan authorities collaborated with South Sudan's government to seize him from his Nairobi home in November 2016 and force him onto a plane for deportation to a country where he feared for his life.

At a detention facility near the Nairobi airport, a high-ranking Kenyan police officer told him there had been a deal between the presidents of Kenya and South Sudan. "There's no way they're going to help you," Dak said, recalling the officer's words.

Soft-spoken and one of the most trusted colleagues of opposition leader Riek Machar, Dak had fled to Kenya shortly after the civil war began in late 2013.

When Dak was seized, he said, Kenyan authorities told him he was being deported because of his statement supporting the dismissal of the Kenyan force commander for South Sudan's U.N. peacekeeping mission. The U.N. had been sharply criticized for not acting quickly to protect the Terrain hotel complex from a deadly rampage by South Sudanese soldiers in July 2016.

In this photo taken Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, James Gatdet Dak, right, the longtime spokesman of opposition leader Riek Machar, clasps hands with William Endley, left, a South African former defense colonel who also worked with the opposition, as they prepare to be released from prison after their death sentence was pardoned, in Juba, South Sudan. Dak, one of the highest-profile detainees during South Sudan's five-year civil war, has shared his account with The Associated Press, after his release under a fragile peace deal signed in September. (AP Photo)

Dak said he resisted boarding the plane to South Sudan, pleading for help from a flight attendant at the Nairobi airport.

"(I told her) I'm press secretary for a rebel leader who's fighting that government and these people are kidnapping me," he said. She prevented him from leaving, but Dak said Kenyan national security officers forced him onto an afternoon flight, warning that if he struggled he'd be handcuffed and carried onboard.

He didn't fight back, Dak said. "I thought it was meaningless to resist."

Machar's frantic calls for assistance to Kenya's deputy president and attorney general were futile, Dak said. An opposition member who saw Dak detained at the airport confirmed that Machar, then based in South Africa, made the calls but to no avail. The opposition member spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

Kenya's government spokesman, Eric Kiraithe, would not comment on Dak's case but said Kenya is committed to making sure "peace was accelerated" in its neighbor.

South Sudan's government denied any collaboration with Kenya in the case. Dak was detained on arrival for fueling the conflict with a Facebook post he made when fresh fighting broke out in the capital, Juba, in July 2016, government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said. The post alleged that President Salva Kiir had attempted to arrest Machar, his deputy at the time, at the presidential palace.

Dak said he spent two years behind bars, including almost 10 months in solitary confinement in a national security prison. Locked in a tiny, dark cell 24 hours a day, he said he lost more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds) on a daily meal of beans and porridge.

He said he maintained his sanity by reading the Bible and trying not to dwell on whether he would be killed. He said he went months before gaining access to a lawyer, who quit during his trial while calling the process unfair.

Fifteen months into his prison term, Dak was charged with treason and sentenced to death.

The peace deal saved him. Two years to the day after he said he was kidnapped in Nairobi, he was released with another opposition member, William Endley, a South African former defense colonel. Machar had demanded that all political detainees be released, per the terms of the peace deal, before he would return to South Sudan.

And yet many political prisoners remain behind bars without charge. Two other opposition figures who disappeared from Kenya, lawyer Dong Samuel Luak and government critic Aggrey Ezbon Idri, went missing from Nairobi two years ago. Both were last seen in a South Sudan national security prison, Human Rights Watch said last month.

The U.N. commission on human rights in South Sudan said it remains deeply concerned by the "complicity of the governments of Kenya and South Sudan" in the unlawful removal and transfer of Dak, chairwoman Yasmin Sooka told the AP last month. Dak has given the commission a detailed report of his ordeal but said that for now he is not taking legal action.

Currently in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, the 45-year-old father of five is waiting to be reunited in Sweden with the family he hasn't seen in years.

While Dak said he is grateful for his freedom, he doesn't feel safe after receiving threats from South Sudan government loyalists that if he criticizes the government it could all happen again. He is taking a break from politics while deciding what to do next.

Despite the harrowing experience, he said he has no regrets.

"It was worth it," Dak said. "What I was doing I believed was good for the country, it was good for the people of South Sudan, because we need change."

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Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa
US Africa Command head, General Thomas Waldhauser, testifies during a US Senate Armed Services Committee

The US military's air campaign against Al-Shabaab in Somalia will not stop the jihadists, a top US general said Thursday as he called on the east African nation's army to take more responsibility in the fight.

The Pentagon is running an ongoing mission in which US forces work with African Union and Somali national security forces to fight the Shabaab movement.

"At the end of the day, these strikes are not going to defeat al-Shabaab," the US military's Africa Command head General Thomas Waldhauser told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"The bottom line is the Somalian national army needs to grow, it needs to step up and it needs to take responsibility for their own security," he added.

Since early 2017, the US has increased the number of strikes it conducts, with 35 that year, 47 in 2018 and about 12 so far this year, Waldhauser said.

He added that US strikes were providing the space for local forces to grow.

African Union troops pushed Shabaab fighters out of Somalia's capital in 2011, and subsequently from other towns and cities.

But the Islamists still hold sway in large parts of the countryside.

They launch regular gun and bomb attacks on government, military and civilian targets in Mogadishu as well as ambushes on military convoys and outposts.

In one strike last month, Africa Command said it killed 52 Somali militants.

In December, the US military said it had killed 62 Shabaab militants during six air strikes in the Horn of Africa nation.
SOUTHCOM commanders Admiral Craig Faller testifies to Congress

Venezuelan soldiers are starving and the military is "degraded", but for now at least the armed forces remain loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, a top US admiral said Thursday.

"The rank and file are starving, just like their population," Admiral Craig Faller, who heads the US military's Southern Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

He called the Venezuelan military a "degraded force," but one that "remains loyal to Maduro -- and that makes it dangerous."

Faller, who assumed command of SOUTHCOM in November, said the US military was keeping a close eye on Venezuela and was prepared to protect American personnel and diplomatic facilities "if necessary."

Though President Donald Trump has declined to rule out military intervention in crisis-gripped Venezuela, Faller said the focus is on supporting diplomatic efforts.

He said the United States is looking for signs the Venezuelan military's loyalty to Maduro might be "cracking," but he declined to elaborate in the public hearing.

International pressure is intensifying on Maduro to step aside and support is growing for his opposition rival Juan Guaido, who has so far been recognized by around 40 countries since declaring himself interim president on January 23.

Faller said he had visited the Colombia-Venezuela border, where US troops deployed on the USNS Comfort medical ship are operating medical camps.

In an apparent reference to enlisted Venezuelan soldiers, he said he had seen "kids" who had lost as much as 30 pounds (13.5 kilos) in the space of a year.

"They are stick thin, they'd never had medical attention, we think that condition affects a large swath of the population and we think that population's ready for a new leader," Faller said.

Food and medicine shortages have pushed 2.3 million people to flee Venezuela since 2015.
A fighter from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) walks through the Syrian town of Hajin after it was recaptured from the Islamic State group

Recent gains by Kurdish-led forces in Syria have shrunk the Islamic State group's "caliphate" to less than one percent of its original size, the US-led coalition said on Thursday.

Major General Christopher Ghika, the coalition's deputy commander, described the size of the last patch of land held by the jihadists as "now less than one percent of the original caliphate".

The coalition and allied Kurdish forces have captured "approximately 99.5 percent" of IS-controlled territory, he said in a statement.

At its height, the jihadist proto-state proclaimed by IS in Syria and Iraq in June 2014 was roughly the size of Britain.

But it has since lost most of that territory to various offensives.

The jihadists are now clinging on to a small sliver of land near the village of Baghouz in eastern Syria and many residents are fleeing and turning themselves in ahead of a final offensive.

Jihadists "are attempting to escape through intermixing with the innocent women and children attempting to flee the fighting", coalition deputy commanding general Christopher Ghika was quoted as saying.

"These tactics won't succeed, our Syrian partners are focused on finding ISIS wherever they hide, and our Iraqi partners have secured their borders," he said, using another acronym for IS.

More than 37,000 people, mostly wives and children of jihadist fighters, have fled IS territory since the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the US-led coalition, intensified its offensive in December, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Britain-based war monitor has said that figure includes some 3,200 suspected jihadists.
Lam Akol has long been a critic of Salvar Kiir, South Sudan's president (file picture)

A long-time critic of South Sudan President Salva Kiir returned to Juba on Thursday to help speed up implementation of a peace deal that is running several months behind schedule.

Lam Akol, a former minister in Kiir's government, fled Juba in 2016 when a former peace deal collapsed and fighting erupted in the capital.

He formed his own rebel movement, the National Democratic Movement (NDM).

A signatory to the September 2018 peace deal, Akol said Thursday he had returned to Juba to help "speed up" implementation of the accord.

"Strictly according to the agreement, all the leaders of the opposition are supposed to be here in May," Akol told reporters upon landing at Juba International Airport.

He said he had returned to send an "essential and critical" message to the people that their leaders were in place and ready to move forward with the deal.

He did not say how long he would remain in the capital.

UN envoy David Shearer said Tuesday that main rebel leader Riek Machar would return to Juba in May under the power-sharing deal brokered by Sudan.

He will become one of five vice presidents under the agreement.

South Sudan descended into war in December 2013 when Kiir accused Machar, his former deputy, of plotting a coup.

Under a previous deal, Machar returned from exile with a group of bodyguards in July 2016, sparking a battle in Juba that forced him to flee the country.

Both Machar and Akol made a brief visit back to Juba in October to celebrate the signing of the peace agreement but returned the same day to Khartoum for security reasons.

Akol was once seen as Kiir's main opposition, and ran against him for the presidency in 2010, a year before South Sudan's independence.

Prior to independence, he served as foreign minister in Khartoum, at a time when the Sudanese government had offered key ministry posts to southern rebels as part of a peace agreement.

Akol said "there are many activities that are running behind schedule" in the implementation of the peace agreement, the latest in a series of efforts to end a war in which some 400,000 people have died.

"We hope that we will speed up so that we are able to fulfill the mission of the pre-transition within the eight months," he said.

In an address to diplomats last month, South Sudan's deputy foreign minister, Deng Dau Deng, appealed for donors to help "plug the gaps" and fund peace efforts.
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe struck a more conciliatory tone

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe struck a conciliatory tone with Russia at an annual rally Thursday to demand the return of small northern isles claimed by both nations.

The conservative leader did not explicitly demand sovereignty of the Southern Kuril islands, an emotive issue that has prevented the Asian economic power from signing an official peace treaty with Moscow since World War II.

Instead, he vowed to focus on concluding an official peace treaty with Russia, after meeting President Vladimir Putin 25 times, most recently last month.

"It is not easy to resolve an issue that has remained unresolved for 73 years," Abe told the rally in Tokyo, attended by hundreds of former islanders and their relatives.

"I am determined to take on the work to resolve the territorial issue by taking one step at a time with your earnest desire etched in my heart," he said.

Abe speaks at the rally every year, but struck a relatively softer tone on Thursday.

Despite the row, Tokyo and Moscow already have vibrant economic relations, with the likes of Toyota and Japanese energy firms heavily invested in Russia, operating major factories and sales networks.

And in recent years, Abe and Putin have discussed joint economic projects on the disputed islands between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean. The Soviet army seized them in the last days of World War II, and Russia continues to control them.

Tokyo's traditional refusal to recognise Moscow's sovereignty there has been a barrier to a formal peace deal.

However, the two sides did sign a 1956 Soviet-Japanese declaration that Japan would receive two of the smaller islands after a peace deal.

Abe said the foreign ministers and special envoys from the two nations will meet this month to discuss a peace treaty, before he plans to meet with Putin again in June on the sidelines of a G20 summit that Japan will host.

The prime minister also said he would work with Moscow to enable former residents to visit their birth or ancestral places.

At the rally, Abe spoke in front of a large banner saying "Return the Four Northern Islands." But he did not utter the phrase.

His focus on economic ties and delicate language on the sovereignty issue prompted some islanders to urge him to focus more on the subject, while others saw it as a realistic approach.

"We must not give up. We must demand the return of all four islands," said Kimio Waki, 78, who left his home island of Kunashiri at the age of seven after World War II.

"Joint economic projects are in focus. But there is no path forward as far as the return of the islands goes," he told AFP.

"I want to see results," he said.
David Dhawan reveals that its just a sprain and rates his sons dancing skills very highly.

There were reports in the press that Varun Dhawan has seriously injured his foot while doing intricate dance steps for Remo DSouzas Street Dancer 3D. But Varuns father, director David Dhawan, debunks the injury theory.

Laughingly he says, Its nothing. Just a sprain in his ankle. How will he fracture his foot during dancing? Its not an action scene. But yes, the level of dancing in Remos film is something else. You require tremendous dancing skills to try these steps.

How high does David rate his son as a dancer? Oh, very high. My boy can out-dance nearly everybody on the dance floor. He has a natural flair for rhythms. You mark my words, this film will be a game-changer as far as dancing in our films is concerned.

Overnight, as it happened, Katrina Kaif was replaced by Shraddha Kapoor in Street Dancer 3D. David is happy with Shradha but he feels Katrina is a dancer on another level altogether.

I remember when she was shooting for my film Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya with Salman. Even then, her dancing left me shocked. Her expressions were to die for.

David hopes Varun and Katrina to come together for a project in future. Meanwhile, Varun and his co-star Shraddha Kapoor leave for London for the next schedule of Street Dancer 3D.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 6)  The chief of the Public Attorney's Office denies that she had anything to do with the spike in measles cases in the country.

Speaking to reporters, Persida Acosta said, "Ideal, 1 year old to 1 year and 3 months, babakunahan ng measles vaccine. One year pa lang halos kami nag-iimbestiga at nakapagfile ng mga cases, e bakit kami ang sisisihin dyan sa measles outbreak?" she said.

[Translation: Ideally, a child who is a year old to 1-year-and-3-months-old should get the measles vaccine. We have only been investigating for only a year and have filed cases, why are we being blamed for the measles outbreak?]

She said there should have been a bigger effort to have children vaccinated against the disease.

"Kaya kung may nagkakameasles, dapat nabakunahan yan nung 2015, 2016, 2017. Bakit hindi ikinampanya noon ng mabuting-mabuti at nagbahay-bahay?" Acosta added.

WATCH: Public Attorney's Office Chief Persida Acosta responds to accusations her office is to blame for vaccination scare | @makoipopioco pic.twitter.com/40iZwYVGwc  CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) February 6, 2019

[Translation: If there is anyone getting measles, they should have been vaccinated in 2015, 2016, 2017. Why wasn't there better campaigning for it and why didnt' they go house-to-house?]

The DOH declared a measles outbreak in Metro Manila and Central Luzon on Wednesday, with at least 861 suspected cases reported in the National Capital region as of February 2, according to Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo.

Of these cases, 55 deaths have been confirmed in January 2019 alone. Cities with the most number of cases include Manila, Caloocan, Marikina, Pasig, Navotas, Paranaque, Taguig, Pasay and Malabon.

Meanwhile, the DOH's regional office in Central Luzon said more than 400 cases of measles have been recorded since January 1. Jesse Fantone, head of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, confirmed five dead from measles.

Dr. Ruby Constantino, DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau Director said they were not able to include all children in their immunization coverage program since some parents' are apprehensive of its adverse effects, similar to the controversial dengue immunization program in 2014.

She told CNN Philippines' New Day Monday, "The major reason, wherein we have a big drop from 70% in 2017, we had only 39% (coverage) in 2018, of course because of the Dengvaxia scare."

Acosta said to be blamed for the outbreak was "unfair."

Acosta to Health Secretary Duque: Sana po bago siya manisi ng iba, tinginan muna niya ang mga pagkukulang sa kanilang kampanya sa mga subok na bakuna. | @makoipopioco pic.twitter.com/D0iJKCOTEz  CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) February 6, 2019

"Sana po si Secretary Duque, bago po siya mansisi ng iba, tignan muna niya ang pagkukulang sa kanilang kampanya sa mga subok na bakuna," she said.

[Translation: I hope Secretary Duque, before he blames anyone, looks at the lack of their campaign against trusted vaccines.]

Vice President Leni Robredo also aired her take on the matter, saying it was politics that dissuaded the country from preventing the outbreak.

"Sana iyong ganito kahalagang mga concerns, hindi dapat napupulitika, kasi kapag pinasukan ng pulitika, iyong tao naman karamihan, ang pinapaniwalaan iyong napapanood o naririnig. Kapag mayroong mga irresponsible na tao na binabahiran ng pagduda iyong effectivity ng isang bagay na matagal nang na-test, parang unfair ito sa ordinaryong pamilyang Pilipino," Robredo said.

[Translation: Regarding concerns such as these, they shouldn't be politicized, because once you inject politics, many people will believe what they see and hear. If there is an irresponsible person who would sow doubt into the effectivity of something that was already tested, it is unfair to the ordinary Filipino.]

Asked if Acosta should be blamed for the spike in measles cases, Robredo said it is no use to point fingers as to who is to blame for the outbreak.

"Iyong para sa akin, hintuin iyong finger-pointing, pero mag-move forward at maghanap ng solusyon. Maraming mga tao iyong naging cause nito," she said.

[Translation: For me, let's cease the finger-pointing, but let's move forward and look for a solution. Many people caused this.]

Acosta appealed to parents to get their children vaccinated.

Acosta appeals to parents to have their children vaccinated. | @makoipopioco pic.twitter.com/HMrowlpILB  CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) February 6, 2019

"Kung subok po ang bakuna...e magpabakuna po tayo. Huwag po natin pansinin yung mga paninisi na di umano dahil sa Dengvaxia... Isipin po natin ang kapakanan ng ating mga anak," she said.

[Translation: If the vaccine is trusted...get vaccinated. Do not mind talk that it is allegedly because of Dengvaxia... Let us think of the welfare of our children.]

TIMELINE: The Dengvaxia controversy
Nepal's decade-long civil war left 17,000 dead

Nepal on Wednesday approved a third extension for commissions tasked with probing crimes committed during its decade-long civil war, promising changes to make the hamstrung bodies effective.

The commissions had initially been given two years in 2015 to probe abuses by government forces and Maoist rebels during the conflict that left 17,000 dead and others missing without a trace.

But even after four years and two extensions, their mandates were to expire on Saturday without resolving a single case.

A parliament meeting passed an amendment to the Transitional Justice Act that allowed a year's extension.

Law minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal said in his parliament address that the terms of the commissions had to be extended to avoid a legal vacuum.

"The government understands that lawmakers are concerned the issues may not be resolved with the existing structure, working approach and speed of the two commissions... we are committed to finding a permanent solution," he said.

More than 65,000 complaints have been filed to the two commissions -- one investigating an estimated 3,000 forced disappearances and the other focusing on crimes such as rape and murder.

Critics say the truth and reconciliation process has been poorly designed from the outset and stymied by a lack of funding and political will.

The government has not granted the commissioners the legal powers necessary to prosecute war crimes, while a provision granting amnesty to perpetrators is still on the books.

"It is certain that the main objective of establishing these commissions will not be met unless the laws, mechanism and process is improved according to international standards," rights organisations said in a joint statement Wednesday.

Last month, the United Nations cautioned Nepal that it risked failing war crimes victims unless there was a broad public trust in the process, in a statement jointly signed by the US, Britain, France and Germany, among other nations.

"No government has been able to give us justice, but we still have to hope for a mechanism we can trust," Bhagiram Chaudhary, president of Conflict Victims' Common Platform, told AFP.

The fighting ended in 2006 with a peace deal between Maoist insurgents and government forces. Many former rebels now fill the political ranks of Nepal's ruling party.

Just two convictions related to civil war-era crimes have been handed down in civilian courts, one linked to the murder of a teenage girl and the other concerning the killing of a journalist.
They're creating a compound in the San Fernando Valley.

Kim Kardashian, 38, and Kanye West, 41, added another property to their real estate portfolio with the silent purchase of a house near their Hidden Hills home, according to The Blast.

The power couple received ownership of the 2,700-square-foot home at the beginning of the month, just days after backing out of purchasing a luxury $14million condo in Miami, Florida.

Moguls: Kim Kardashian, 38, and Kanye West, 41, added another property to their real estate portfolio with the purchase of a house near their Hidden Hills home, according to The Blast

The home theyve purchased comes with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, but its unknown whether they intend on using the second home, or if they just want to make use of the extra land to expand their whopping $60 million estate.

The social media stars reportedly moved into their Hidden Hills mega-mansion in December 2017 after four grueling years of renovations.

Kim and Kanye's new purchase comes after they recently backed out of the sale of $14million holiday home in Miami Beach, after rising concerns over security.

New digs: The social media stars reportedly moved into their Hidden Hills mega-mansion in December 2017 after four grueling years of renovations

Bold: The home theyve purchased comes with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, but its unknown whether they intend on using the second home, or if they just want to make use of the extra land to expand their whopping $60 million estate

The married couple - who have North, five, Saint, three, and Chicago, 12 months, and are expecting their fourth via a surrogate - are now looking into property in the Bahamas.

Focused on their ever-growing family, the Kardashian-West's are interested in a tropical destination for their brood.

Coming in at the top of the list for the perfect dream home is somewhere private and secluded.

Goodbye: Kim and Kanye's new purchase comes after they recently backed out of the sale of $14million holiday home in Miami Beach, after rising concerns over security.

Downside: Unfortunately for the couple, Kanye will lose the $600,000 down payment he made on the property when he reserved it as a Christmas gift for the 38-year-old beauty; seen in Paris in June

They reportedly pulled out of the Miami Beach abode after being photographed on its balcony and realizing it wasn't right for them.

Unfortunately for the couple, Kanye will lose the $600,000 down payment he made on the property when he reserved it as a Christmas gift for the 38-year-old beauty.

The condo was situated just a few steps away from the beach within a building that has been dubbed 'Billionaire Beach Bunker'.
Earlier this week Katie Price admitted she's considering placing her son Harvey, 16, in residential care as she can no longer cope full time with his needs.

However, the mother-of-five previously admitted in 2013 that she would never be sending her son, who is partially blind, autistic and has Prader-Willi syndrome, to residential care homes after watching a plethora of disturbing documentaries about them.

In a recently unearthed interview from 2013 with the Guardian, the former glamour model revealed: 'There are a lot of evil people out there. He'll always live at home. He's not leaving me.'

Throwback: Katie Price, 40, previously admitted that she would never be sending her son Harvey, who is partially blind, autistic and has Prader-Willi syndrome, to residential care

Seeking help: Earlier this week the mother-of-five admitting she's considering placing her son Harvey, 16, in residential care as she can no longer cope full time with his needs.

Six years on, it seems like Katie is struggling as she appeared on BBC's Victoria Derbyshire on Wednesday, where she initially began discussing her pursuit for Harvey's Law - a motion that would make online trolling a criminal offence.

As talk turned to her own experience parenting a disabled child, Katie admitted she has to consider the safety of her four other children when it comes to Harvey staying at home, explaining they sometimes are scared of the teenager.

Last month an inquiry into the online abuse of disabled people triggered by a petition started by Katie said self-regulation of social media has failed and current laws are not fit for purpose.

Holding hands during the appearance, Katie told Victoria of her campaign: 'I've had trolling myself a lot through the years, I've desensitised myself to it but Harvey doesnt understand, he's so innocent, sitting here, why would anyone want to troll him.'

Joint interview: During an appearance on The Victoria Derbyshire, Katie and her son Harvey spoke out on their anti-bullying campaign and her pursuit for Harvey's Law

Single mother: Katie went onto explain that she's considering seeking help for Harvey, whose father Dwight Yorke is not involved in his upbringing

'If there's any trolls out there watching  what do you get about it? Think, if theres someone you love and they commit suicide and left a note saying its because of trolling  how would you feel?'

'If there's any trolls out there watching  what do you get about it? Think, if theres someone you love and they commit suicide and left a note saying its because of trolling  how would you feel?'

Katie went onto explain that she's considering seeking help for Harvey, whose father Dwight Yorke is not involved in his upbringing.

'This year hes smashed eight iPads. For the first time ever I'm thinking he might have to go residential Monday to Friday.' she admitted.

Katie explained that she has to consider the safety of her other four children Junior, 13, Princess, 11, Jet, five and Bunny, four: 'I'm really having to think about it but I hate it because he's my life. The kids can be scared as he's big so I have to think of them', she admitted.

'Hes missing out on his education, he knows if he kicks off in the morning the driver won't take him to school. So he's sussed that out and he wants to spend all his time with me.'

'I havent got a carer. I hate it because he's my life. I've never had respite.'

'I'm literally on my own and it can be lonely, I dont know any of the other parents. If anyone can give me advice or help.'

Meanwhile, it has also been reported Katie has installed Perspex screens over the TVs and boarded up the windows to Harvey-proof her 2million mansion.

Difficulty coping: 'This year hes smashed eight iPads. This year for the first time ever I'm thinking he might have to go residential Monday to Friday. I've never had respite,' she admitted

It has been reported Katie has installed Perspex screens over the TVs and boarded up the windows to Harvey-proof her 2million mansion

An insider told The Sun: 'Harvey has smashed pretty much every window in the house and has caused 7k damage.

'The windows now just get covered with cardboard when he breaks down because its too difficult to constantly replace them.

'Katie has to lock her eldest son out of the kitchen because hes prone to smashing up the plates, glasses and anything else that is breakable in there

Meanwhile, during her appearance on the BBC show Katie went on to detail her dramatic 2018 and the stress she has been under, explaining: 'Last year I found out my mum was terminally ill, my husband was cheating on me.'

'My horse got run over and it literally died in my arms, my dog got run over, then in South Africa I was hijacked at gunpoint, Harvey had a kidnap threat again I just couldnt cope.'

'I was self medicating on a drug. It was cocaine I'm not proud of it. I went to the doctors. It was the hardest thing ever to say, I'm at breaking point, I need help.'

'It was weekly for about a year. I went to the Priory, I was in there for severe trauma and rehabilitation. People dont talk enough about things. Am I ashamed? It's not good, but I needed help.'

Family: Katie explained that she has to consider the safety of her other four children Junior, 13, Princess, 11, Jet, five and Bunny, four as they can be scared as [Harvey] is big'

'I am a working mum of five, I have never taken anything off the government, I have done everything myself.'

Katie later explained that wants to adopt another child to fill the void as he children start growing up.

Elaborating on the plans to adopt from Nigeria, which she first revealed on Loose Women last month, Katie said.

Tough: 'I havent got a carer. I hate it because he's my life,' Katie said as her eldest child sat beside her for the duration of the interview

'I just want to give a child a home.' She explained she's started the adoption process, but said: 'It's easy to adopt a child abroad, but its not easy to get them in the country.'

'In my head, when Junior gets older, hell leave home. In my head, its like a conveyor belt. I've got 11 bedrooms to fill. The papers say I wont be able to adopt in my situation but thats rubbish!'

Speaking about Harvey's Law, Katie told Victoria that she doesn't expect the teenager's dad Dwight Yorke to speak out, but she does want her former husbands Peter Andre and Kieran Hayler to back her.

Ex: Speaking about Harvey's Law, Katie said that she doesn't expect the teenager's dad Dwight Yorke to speak out on the law, but she does want her former husband Peter Andre to back her

Split: Katie asked Kieran to support the law. The couple share two children Bunny and Jet

Father: Yorke has had no involvement in Harvey's life for years with Katie posting a baby photo of the two on Instagram in November and writing: 'Just remember its never too late'

Katie shares two children with Peter, Princess and Junior and two with Kieran, Jet and Bunny.

'Harvey doesnt see Dwight because he doesnt want to know him, but I wish Pete and Kieran would back Harveys Law as well,' she admitted.

The interview also saw Katie address Frankie Boyle, the comedian who in 2010 made a vile sexual slur against Harvey on his Channel 4 show Tramadol Nights.

'Frankie Boyle, who picked on his size and disability, how is he allowed to get away with it? Ill never get that apology from him. I made a programme on it and I never got an apology from channel 4 either', she said.

Mother and son: Katie and Harvey were pictured leaving the BBC studios arm in arm after their headline-grabbing interview

They made it: Katie and Harvey were scheduled to appear on Victoria Derbyshire last week but producers were forced to cancel after they failed to make it into London in time

Katie and Harvey's interview had to be scrapped from the Victoria Derbyshire Show two days in a row last week after she failed to turn up on time.

The former glamour model was slated to appear on the show on January 29, however she didn't make it to the studio so her segment was rescheduled for the next day.

But once again the star didn't appear in time and had to reschedule her joint interview for this week, reported the Sun.

On Wednesday though Katie and Harvey finally made it to the studio, with the mother and son documenting their train journey into London on Harvey's newly set up Instagram account.

Harvey's account has a massive 58.4k followers already, despite only launching a week ago.

The mother-of-five has backed her decision to allow her son a social media account though, hitting back at those who have suggested it makes him more vulnerable to bullying.

A representative for Katie told MailOnline: 'Harvey is a 16-year-old boy who wants his own Instagram. Why should he be stopped by all the haters and trolls? This is exactly why Katie is battling for Harveys Law- to stop this!'
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban certainly have their hearts in the right place.

The Hollywood couple paid a surprise visit to the oncology and intensive care units at the Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick on Thursday.

They visited sick children at their bedsides, including a young patient named Jessica and her mother Rachel, who appeared delighted by the stars' appearance.

Feeling the love! Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban paid a surprise visit to the oncology and intensive care units at the Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick on Thursday. The couple are pictured with Rachel (left) and Jessica (centre)

In one particularly moving moment, mother-of-four Nicole was pictured holding fragile baby Zac alongside a group of ICU nurses.

Later on, young patient Ollie and his mum Rebecca were all smiles as Nicole and Keith posed with them for photos

Another patient, Kayla, was beaming when Nicole joined her for a snap.

Touching: In one particularly moving moment, mother-of-four Nicole was pictured holding fragile baby Zac alongside a group of ICU nurses

Nicole, 51, has been an ambassador for the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation for two decades.

She said: 'It is always so important and special to visit these very sick and incredibly brave young children and their strong parents and families.

'For 20 years now they continue to amaze me with their tenacity and courage. Very humbling.'

Giving back: Young patient Ollie and his mum Rebecca (left) were all smiles as Nicole and Keith posed alongside them for photos

Star moment: Another young patient, Kayla, was beaming as Nicole joined her for a picture

Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation chief executive Nicola Stokes added: 'The joy Nicole and Keith brought to sick kids and their families was beautiful to see.

'Their kindness and care shone through and was such a highlight for young patients and their families. The smiles on their faces said it all.'

Nicole flew to Los Angeles later on Thursday while Keith, 51, and the couple's daughters Sunday Rose, 10, and Faith Margaret, eight, jetted to Nashville.

Celebrity buzz: Patient Iona and her mum were similarly overjoyed by the couple's appearance
She has followed in her sister's footsteps when it comes to her reality TV career, vegan lifestyle and love of Pilates.

And Tiffany Watson took to Instagram on Thursday to show off the results of her clean eating during her South African break with her boyfriend.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 23, posted a slew of bikini-clad snaps as she soaked up the sun and treated herself to a large glass of rose.

Sultry: Tiffany Watson posted a slew of bikini-clad snaps on Instagram on Thursday, posing up a storm in a busty black two-piece for a sizzling mirror selfie during her South African break

Tiffany posed up a storm in a sizzling mirror selfie, posted on her Instagram stories.

The reality star showcased her incredible physique in a busty black two-piece while posing in her bathroom at the luxury hotel, The Royal Portfolio located in the Franschhoek Valley.

Tiff looked ready to soak up the sun as she donned a pair of black aviators and wore her blonde locks in a half-up half-down do.

Living the high life: The former Made In Chelsea star, 23, posted a slew of bikini-clad snaps as she soaked up the sun and treated herself to a large glass of rose

Stunner: Tiffany set pulses racing in a strapless white swimsuit by designer Melissa Odabash. The one-piece showcased her ample cleavage while hugging her slender frame

A day earlier, Tiffany set pulses racing in a strapless white swimsuit by designer Melissa Odabash. The one-piece showcased her ample cleavage while hugging her slender frame.

The reality starlet appears to be having the time of her life on her South African travels.

Tiffany and her boyfriend have been staying at private 30 acre estate, La Residence in the Cape Winelands.

The luxury hotel is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vineyards, olive groves and plum orchards, with a spectacular mountain backdrop and breath-taking views of the undulating countryside.

Soaking up the sun: Tiffany and her boyfriend have been staying at private 30 acre estate, La Residence in the Cape Winelands

Private: Although the precise identity of the mystery man remains unknown because Tiff has kept nearly of her pictures of him with his back to the camera

Back in December, Tiffany finally revealed her boyfriend on social media, while rounding up her 'best bits' from the year.

Although the precise identity of the mystery man remains unknown, this is progress - as Tiff as kept all images of him on social media shrouded until now.

Snaps have seen them cosying up on the beach, with a heart covering his face, or simply feature them with their backs to the camera.

Tiffany has moved on from both the reality TV world and her ex-boyfriend Sam Thompson as she focuses on her vegan restaurant Tell Your Friends with sister Lucy.
She has seen an incredible year playing steely Home Secretary Julia Montague in the BBC's smash hit series, Bodyguard.

And Keeley Hawes looked delighted as she attended the photocall for her newest venture, spy period drama Traitors, at BFI Southbank, London on Thursday alongside co-star Emma Appleton.

The actress, 42, looked undeniably chic in a burgundy dress which cinched in her trim waist before ending in a sensational midi-length style.

Glamorous: Keeley Hawes attended the photocall for her newest venture, spy period drama Traitors, at BFI Southbank, London on Thursday alongside co-star Emma Appleton

Keeley added to the look with a pair of black tights and matching heels as she posed alongside the rest of the new Channel 4's cast.

Rising star Emma certainly turned heads with her perilously plunging dress which was held in place with three blue satin bows.

Joining the leading ladies were Luke Treadaway, executive producers Rory Aitken and Eleanor Moran and creator and writer Bathsheba Doran.

Sensational: The actress, 42, looked undeniably chic in a burgundy dress which cinched in her trim waist before ending in a sensational midi-length number

Rising star: Emma certainly turned heads with her perilously plunging dress which was held in place with three blue satin bows

L-R: Executive Producer Rory Aitken, Keeley Hawes, Executive Producer Eleanor Moran, Emma Appleton, Creator and writer Bathsheba Doran and Luke Treadaway

In a striking departure from her racy Bodyguard role, Keeley will play a frumpy, bespectacled civil servant in the new spy drama, which is set to air on Channel 4 next month.

The actress stars in Traitors as Priscilla, a member of the post-war Civil Service, who is seen with combed-back hair, sparse make-up and demure clothes in a trailer for the Channel 4 show.

The prim and proper look is in marked contrast to her glamorous  and often steamy  turns in BBC series Tipping the Velvet and Ashes to Ashes, as well as Bodyguard.

Drama: Keeley plays a member of the post-war Civil Service in Trators, set to air on Channel 4 (pictured L-R:Luke Treadway, Emma Appleton, Keeley, Garrick Brandon P Bell)

Thrilling: Keeley gripped the nation with her steely portrayal of Home Secretary Julia Montague in BBC's Bodyguard (pictured with Richard Madden)

Traitors, which will be broadcast later this year, follows Miss Hawes as she suspects colleague Feef Symonds, played by Emma, of spying on the 1945 Labour government for the Americans.

Her ambition to make something of her life goes unrecognised by her family, and is further complicated by her American lover.

She agrees to spy on her own government for the Americans, who want to make sure Englands burgeoning Socialist ambitions dont play into Soviet hands.

Secrets and lies: The actress, 42, plays Priscilla, who becomes concerned that new recruit Feef Symonds is working undercover in her own government for the Americans

Glamour girl: Keeley Hawes in BBC series Tipping the Velvet (left) and Ashes to Ashes (right)

The cast also includes Brandon P Bell and Matt Lauria and the series will air on Channel 4 later this year.

The drama is Boardwalk Empire creator Bash Dorans first original commission for British TV.

Directed by Dearbhla Walsh, it also stars The Shape Of Water actor Michael Stuhlbarg, Ordeal By Innocences Luke Treadaway and Stephen Campbell Moore.

Last week, Bodyguard's Richard Madden paid a touching tribute to co-star Keeley Hawes at the National Television Awards as he scooped the coveted prize for Best Drama Performance.

The Scottish actor branded his job a privilege after left speechless by the prize, which came after the record-breaking BBC miniseries also scooped the award for Best New Drama.

Working undercover: The story revolves around Feef (pictured) bold 20-something woman who joins the Civil Service in 1945, just as the Labour party sweeps to victory,

Suspicious: Feef agrees to spy on her own government for the Americans, who want to make sure Englands Socialist ambitions dont play into Soviet hand

Concerned: Feef's ambition to make something of her life goes unrecognised by her family, and is further complicated by her American lover, which causes concern for Keeley's character

This also came as Richard teased that a second series of Bodyguard was already in the works, as he told Digital Spy showrunner Jed Mercurio was 'in talks' for a follow-up.

Paying a touching tribute to the show's cast and crew, Richard gushed that it had been a 'privilege' to work as an actor, while also paying tribute to co-star Keeley, who played Home Secretary Julia Montague.

Finally beginning his speech he said: 'Thank you very very much, what an honour I didn't expect thank you to every single person that voted.'

'Big huge thank you to my team, it's a privilege everyday, Jed Mercurio for writing this incredible character. And the biggest thank you to Keeley Hawes I couldn't ask for a better more talented actress.'
She frequently litters her social media account with sultry snaps from her enviable getaways.

And Elizabeth Hurley sent temperatures soaring once again as she shared a stunning flashback image from her recent Maldives trip on Instagram on Thursday.

The Royals actress, 53, commanded attention as she displayed her ample cleavage in a strapless peach bikini top, before switching into a khaki green two-piece from her swimwear collection.

Wow-factor! Elizabeth Hurley sent temperatures soaring once again as she shared a stunning flashback image from her recent Maldives trip on Instagram on Thursday

Ensuring all eyes were on her, the Aria star posed up a storm in her light beachwear following a refreshing dip in the ocean.

The Hampshire native intensified her out-of-this-world beauty with her signature heavily-applied eyeliner look, teamed with faint pink lipgloss.

Pining for the balmy atmosphere, Liz captioned the image: 'Sadly not in the Maldives, but wishing that I were. #elizabethhurleybeach #moniquebikini.'

Earlier that week, Liz looked nothing short of sensational as she shared a series of smouldering snaps on her social media account.

Turning up the heat: The Royals actress, 53, commanded attention as she displayed her ample cleavage in a strapless peach bikini top, before switching into a khaki green two-piece

The actress glowed as she smiled for the camera, showing off her cleavage in a simple black top with a dramatically plunging neckline.

She highlighted her decolletage with a glittering, gemstone pendant on a silver chain.

Elizabeth is mother to son Damian, 16, from her brief relationship with American businessman Steve Bing, 53.

The mother and son were most recently in India, where they rang in the new year alongside several of the Bedazzled star's friends.

Taking the plunge: Earlier that week, the Aria star looked nothing short of sensational as she shared a series of smouldering snaps on her social media account

Damian, who has six godfathers including actor Hugh Grant and Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish, is often rubbing shoulders with his mum's celebrity pals, as she insists she has an 'open house' policy in order for her son to meet her friends.

Elizabeth has previously confessed she often ropes Damian into taking photographs of her - including her bikini-clad snaps she posts to social media.

On their relationship, she told YOU magazine: 'Damian is a great photographer, and he instinctively knows what younger people want to see, but thats all...

'Our downtime together is usually spent watching something scary on Netflix or Vikings on Amazon Prime. By default we spend a lot of time together and we are utterly comfortable in each other's company.'
Bella Hadid stomped the catwalk at the Ralph Lauren show in New York on Thursday.

The 22-year-old supermodel commanded attention in a gorgeous metallic gold gown that featured a plunging neckline.

And the sister of Gigi Hadid was joined by a bevy of beauties for New York Fashion Week including Karlie Kloss, Candice Swanepoel, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Taylor Hill.

Stunner: Bella Hadid stomped the catwalk at the Ralph Lauren show in New York on Thursday

Daring to impress, Bella flaunted her flawless figure in the sleeveless number that showcased her delicate decolletage.

She added even more glamour to the ensemble as she paired it with gold dangling earrings and a set of sparkling gold pumps.

Her trademark brunette tresses were swept back in a tight bun with a part on the side allowing a full view of her youthful glow.

Accentuating her natural beauty, the catwalk princess went virtually makeup free with a slight smokey eye and dab of berry lip.

Golden goddess: The supermodel commanded attention in a gorgeous metallic gold gown that featured a plunging neckline

Flawless: Accentuating her natural beauty, the catwalk princess went virtually makeup free with a slight smokey eye and dab of berry lip

Meanwhile, the Palestinian-American star recently confessed she only thought of herself as 'beautiful' after being in better health in an interview with LOVE Magazine.

'I kind of was always searching. So I guess when I felt most beautiful was very recently, in the past two years, when my health was at its best, my love was with me and around me,' she revealed.

'I just felt very comfortable in my own being, instead of looking for the person I should be through others,' she continued.

Wonder in white: Candice Swanepoel looked every inch the classic beauty in a white tailored suit

Flared: Joan Smalls sashayed down the catwalk in a sleeveless top and flared pants

Dramatic: Candice added dramatic earrings to her look

Bella started dating The Weeknd in 2015, but broke up the following year, reportedly due to their hectic and often conflicting schedules.

Yet love found a way, and the two reunited last year. Since then, they've documented their loving relationship and international travel on Instagram.

Meanwhile, the Ralph Lauren show is always a classic fan favorite during New York Fashion Week.

Theme: Bella's gold metallic fabric returned in the form of a gigantic cape worn by Anja Rubik

Last fall, the American design house celebrated it's 50th Anniversary extravaganza at Central Park.

This year includes many of the designer's most beloved trademarks as presented by today's hottest models.

Candice looked every inch the classic beauty in a white tailored suit.

Leggings for days: Sporting similar pants as Joan, Taylor Hill rocked a military style jacket

Joan Smalls sashayed down the catwalk in a sleeveless top and flared pants.

Sporting similar pants, Taylor rocked a military style jacket.

Bella's gold metallic fabric returned in the form of a gigantic cape worn by Anja Rubik.

babe in blue: And outside the event, Karlie Kloss looked sophisticated chic in a sky blue suit

Pretty pins: Her gorgeous gams were thrust on center stage as the leggings were form fitting and cut just above the ankle

And outside the event, Karlie looked sophisticated chic in a sky blue suit.

Her gorgeous gams were thrust on center stage as the leggings were form fitting and cut just above the ankle.

The new host of the Project Runway reboot kept her signature blonde locks long and loose with a part down the middle.

Supermodel strut: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stepped out in a fabulous suede jumpsuit that boasted a wrap design across her chest

Additions: Stomping the Big Apple pavement in open toed pumps, Rosie carried a luxury leather handbag

She completed the fantastic look with a set of matching sky blue heels.

Rosie stepped out in a fabulous suede jumpsuit that boasted a wrap design across her chest.

She threw her platinum tresses back in a tight bun as she framed her flawless face with retro shades.

Stomping the Big Apple pavement in open toed pumps, Rosie carried a luxury leather handbag.

And the partner of Jason Statham completed the fashion forward ensemble with a chunky gold braided necklace .

The queen: Anna Wintour showed up for the fabulous fete as well

Daring to impress: The Vogue editor was dressed to impress once again

Wild thing: Bella was seen after the show in snakeskin pants

Bundled up: Bella bundled up in a white vest and sweater for the chilly NYC weather

Letting loose: Candice sported a casual ensemble after the big show
They were engaged to be married just a few short months ago.

But Ariana Grande wishes her ex Pete Davidson all the best in his new romance with English actress Kate Beckinsale, labelling their fling 'so cute' when asked about it on Wednesday night.

Asked by photographers to share her views, the 25-year-old told TMZ simply: 'So cute.'

Ariana Grande labels ex Pete Davidson's fling with much older Kate Beckinsale 'so cute'; she is seen out with her mother and friend in Culver City, California on Wednesday

Kate, 45, and Pete, 25, got people talking after they were spotted holding hands over the weekend.

Pete and Ariana got engaged in June after they started dating in May, but split in October.

Saturday Night Live star Pete has been single since the split, while Kate's 12-year marriage to Len Wiseman ended in 2016.

And Kate's pals have said that despite the age difference, there is no surprise she and Pete are dating.

On fine form: But although she was happy to talk about her ex, Ariana didn't comment on her decision not to perform at the Grammys

Family time: She was with her mother on the outing

Late night: Ariana had been working into the night at a recording studio

'It's no surprise she likes Pete,' a source told Us Weekly. 'He makes her laugh and she likes the fact he's younger than her.'

Being with the twenty-something comic meshes well with her fun-loving lifestyle, the source explained, characterizing the actress as someone who 'loves embracing her youthful side.'

The insider described Kate as someone who loves to go dancing, be 'the life of the party', and hang out at trendy spots with young people.

Kate was spotted holding hands with Pete after his comedy show in Los Angeles over the weekend.

Younger guy: Kate Beckinsale, 45, and Pete Davidson, 25, are seen on Feb 2 holding hands

The two walked hand-in-hand to an awaiting car. Kate was later seen heading to Pete's hotel after his late night stand-up gig.

The Pete and Kate rumors started after they were seen 'outside on the patio and left together' at the InStyle Golden Globes after party on January, 6.

An insider informed Page Six TV that Pete and Kate 'were flirting all night and sipping Moet champagne' at the event.
He returned to television presenting in January after a year off following a conviction for drink driving and a stint in rehab.

And Ant McPartlin continued to settle back into working life as he headed out to the Britain's Got Talent Manchester auditions with Declan Donnelly on Thursday.

The presenter, 43, looked delighted as he cheerily waved at photographers and fans as he exited his lavish hotel.

Hi: Ant McPartlin continued to settle back into working life as he headed out to the Britain's Got Talent Manchester auditions with Declan Donnelly on Thursday

He cut a dapper figure in a black t-shirt and navy peacoat, paired with black jeans.

The Saturday Night Takeaway star completed his ensemble with black trainers and styled in locks in a trendy quiff.

Dec, 43, bundled up in a slate grey denim shirt, teamed with a black padded gilet.

He donned cream chinos and white trainers to complete the casual cool look.

Waving it up: Dec, 43, bundled up in a slate grey denim shirt, teamed with a black padded gilet

Stylish: The presenter, 43, looked delighted as he cheerily waved at photographers and fans as he exited his lavish hotel

Judge Amanda Holden kept her latest ensemble under wraps as she left her hotel alongside Alesha Dixon to head to the auditions in Manchester.

Clad in an emerald green trench coat, the 47-year-old presenter gave little away as she headed to her waiting car.

It was clear, however, that whatever she wore underneath showed off plenty of leg, as the mother-of-two's tanned and toned pins were on full display.

National treasure: He donned cream chinos and white trainers to complete the casual cool look

Boosting her petite frame and injecting some further glitz, Amanda donned towering silver heels with the trench.

She finished off the look by styling her glossy golden locks in loose waves and accessorising with gold rimmed aviator shades.

Alesha also looked phenomenal on the outing as she turned heads in a striped black and white duster coat layered over a sharp suit.

The Mis-teeq star dazzled in a low-cut striped bustier top that she teamed with high waisted flared trousers.

Alesha wore her glossy tresses swept back in a half up style.

Chic: Judge Amanda Holden kept her latest ensemble under wraps to head to the auditions in Manchester

Stepping out in style: Alesha Dixon cut an equally as chic figure as she made her way to the waiting cars in her glamorous striped duster coat

Ant has spent much of the year focusing on his recovery, resulting in close friend Dec hosting the final episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway  including a live finale shot on location in Florida  alone.

He returned to work at the show's London Palladium auditions on January 18, and admitted he was 'really really emotional' as he was given a standing ovation.

The Geordie star was convicted of drink-driving, given an 86,000 fine and a 20 month driving ban following a three-car smash in March and later checked into rehab.

In August last year, Ant revealed he was taking a break from presenting with co-host Dec to focus on recovering from his painkiller addiction, months after his drink-driving charge in April.

Living the high life: Amanda looked in good spirits as aides held the door open for her

Gorgeous in green: Clad in an emerald green trench coat, the 47-year-old presenter gave little away as she headed to her waiting car

Loving life: Amanda flashed a peace sign as she made her way into the car

He also split from wife of 11 years, Lisa Armstrong, in January 2018.

Ant is now dating his former personal assistant Anne-Marie Corbett.

The presenter previously credited Anne-Marie as being 'his rock' over the past year as he battled with drug and alcohol addiction and took time away from the spotlight.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: 'Anne-Marie honestly is the fundamental reason for the great change in my life.

'She's been my rock. She's a beautiful soul. We're very happy.'

Well heeled: Boosting her petite frame and injecting some further glitz, Amanda donned towering silver heels with the trench

Blonde bombshell: She finished off the look by styling her glossy golden locks in loose waves and accessorising with gold rimmed aviator shades

Smile: Head judge Simon Cowell looked casually cool in a navy sweater, paired with his signature flared jeans and Cuban heels

Suited and booted: David Walliams looked dapper in a navy pinstripe suit as he left the hotel

His comments did not go down well with ex-wife Lisa, and it emerged last month that the make-up artist had been left 'disgusted and devastated' by the remarks.

She took to Twitter following the interview where he gushed about 'his rock' Anne-Marie and how he disagreed with Lisa's decision to express her heartbreak on the social media platform.

Despite his hiatus from the screen, Ant and Dec were awarded their 18th NTA for Best Presenter in a row,

Despite their delight, viewers were divided by Ant and Dec's win as some claimed they did not deserve it due to Ant's recent presenting break.

Enraged Twitter users took to the social media site to pen: 'Ant and Dec win an award when one of them hasn't worked for a year? Goes to show what a fix the #NTAs awards are! The height of ridiculousness...
Insurance penetration business premium as a ratio of the GDP has remained stagnant.

Bancassurance channel has doubled the number of lives in just one year from 57.77 lakh lives in FY17 to 195.89 lives in FY18.

Chennai: Individual agent, who used to be the face of life insurance companies, is losing his share of lives while other channels are growing faster. In the past five years, the number of lives insured by individual agents has almost halved.

In 2013-14, individual agents covered 484.37 lakh lives and five years down the line this has dropped to 241.78 lakh lives, as per the latest handbook on insurance published by IRDAI. On the other hand, all the channels have grown in these years. Bancassurance channel has doubled the number of lives in just one year  from 57.77 lakh lives in FY17 to 195.89 lives in FY18. Other corporate agents have doubled their number in the past five years, brokers have increased it four-fold and direct selling channel too has doubled the business in terms of lives covered.

Individual agent is a high cost channel and hence most of the companies are aggressive with the bancassurance channel, where the persistency and productivity is higher. Further, many mid-size insurance companies have been weeding out non-performing agents, despite hiring more. Though the number of lives has declined, the ticket sizes would have improved because the premiums have gone up, said Vignesh Shahane, CEO and MD of IDBI Life Insurance.

According to Manik Nangia, COO of Max Life Insurance, the relevance of insurance agent in the community is coming down with the changing lifestyle of millennials. The age of neighbourhood insurance agent has gone. In yesteryears, this agent would sell the right policy to the right customer in that community at the right time. Today insurance companies have to communicate to millennials who dont even know who all live in the locality and who dont have time to listen to the agent, he said.

Online is emerging as a potential channel targeting the upwardly mobile tech-savvy class. In FY18, online covered 2.92 lakh lives. Overall, the number of lives covered by life insurance companies has gone up only by 60 per cent in the past five years. In FY18, this has moved by just 5 per cent.

Insurance penetration - the total business premium as a ratio of the GDP - has remained almost stagnant in the past five years.

Last year the growth was muted because of the high base effect of demonetization. Further, the GDP too is growing, said Shahane. As per the latest figures available, life insurance penetration in India is 2.76 per cent and five years back it stood at 3.10 per cent.
She shares joint custody of daughter Dream with her ex Rob Kardashian.

And on Wednesday, Blac Chyna headed to a mediation meeting in Los Angeles.

The reality star, 30, put on a head-turning display with her hip-hugging leather skit, thigh-high boots, and floral print blouse.

Here she comes! Blac Chyna has been pictured arriving to a mediation meeting in Los Angeles on Wednesday

All eyes were on the former Rob & Chyna star as she made her way inside the building.

The mom of two wore her long blonde hair down in a sleek and silky style that cascaded beside her legs.

She rocked a futuristic pair of black sunglasses, a glittering choker necklace, and silver bracelet.

Chyna looked as if she meant business as she made her way to the appointment.

Turning heads: All eyes were on the former Rob & Chyna star as she made her way inside the building

Wine not? She also had some fun posing up a storm inside a wine cellar, which she captioned, 'Undecided'

Though the reality star managed to cut loose a bit in the middle of her busy day out.

Taking to Instagram, the star posted several playful photos of herself striking an array of poses from inside a house to a high-rise building.

She also had some fun posing up a storm inside a wine cellar, which she captioned, 'Undecided.'

Priceless views: The mom-of-two did a mini photo shoot inside a high-rise building

The fun-filled photo shoot comes as Chyna's personal woes continue to spiral, after her own mother Tokyo Toni claimed she should temporarily relinquish custody of her daughter Dream.

Tokyo told TMZ that she believes Chyna's personal life is currently a 'mess' and that Dream should stay with Rob until things are sorted.

She added that her daughter is on a 'downward spiral' and is concerned by the star's fling with rapper Kid Buu who was accused of assaulting Chyna - claims he denies - and has prior charges for child abuse.

Tokyo reasoned: 'It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see something is terribly wrong.'

MailOnline has contacted Chyna's representatives for comment.
She always ups the glamour for the Britain's Got Talent red carpet.

Yet Amanda Holden kept her latest ensemble under wraps as she left her hotel alongside Alesha Dixon to head to the auditions in Manchester on Thursday.

Clad in an emerald green trench coat, the 47-year-old presenter gave little away as she headed to her waiting car.

Chic: She always ups the glamour for the Britain's Got Talent red carpet. Yet Amanda Holden kept her latest ensemble under wraps to head to the auditions in Manchester on Thursday

It was clear, however, that whatever she wore underneath showed off plenty of leg, as the mother-of-two's tanned and toned pins were on full display.

Boosting her petite frame and injecting some further glitz, Amanda donned towering silver heels with the trench.

She finished off the look by styling her glossy golden locks in loose waves and accessorising with gold rimmed aviator shades.

Stepping out in style: Alesha Dixon cut an equally as chic figure as she made her way to the waiting cars in her glamorous striped duster coat

Alesha also looked phenomenal on the outing as she turned heads in a striped black and white duster coat layered over a sharp suit.

The Mis-teeq star dazzled in a low-cut striped bustier top that she teamed with high waisted flared trousers.

Alesha wore her glossy tresses swept back in a half up style.

Living the high life: Amanda looked in good spirits as aides held the door open for her

Gorgeous in green: Clad in an emerald green trench coat, the 47-year-old presenter gave little away as she headed to her waiting car

Loving life: Amanda flashed a peace sign as she made her way into the car

The new series has marked Ant McPartlin's return to work after a ten-month break. The presenter took a hiatus from work following his drink-drive arrest in March.

Following Ant's break, Dec presented last year's Britain's Got Talent live shows on his own, but this year the pair are back together, to the delight of fans.

Ant admitted he was 'really really emotional' to the crowd as he embraced Dec last month, earning a standing ovation from the audience as they kicked off the auditions.

Leggy lady! It was clear, however, that whatever she wore underneath showed off plenty of leg, as the mother-of-two's tanned and toned pins were on full display

Well heeled: Boosting her petite frame and injecting some further glitz, Amanda donned towering silver heels with the trench

Blonde bombshell: She finished off the look by styling her glossy golden locks in loose waves and accessorising with gold rimmed aviator shades

Meanwhile, the judges will no doubt be hoping for a smoother day of events at the Manchester auditions after Simon is said to have had a near miss with serious injury after he volunteered to let a contestant throw knives at him.

The music mogul, 59, described the moment as 'the scariest thing ever' as he risked his life for the daredevil challenge last month.

According to the Daily Star, Simon volunteered to be the target for Belarusian act Andrei Gomonov at the auditions earlier this week.

Two's company: Declan Donnelly (L) and Ant McPartlin seemed in high spirits as they made their way into the waiting car

Dapper: Dec, 43, donned a denim shirt which he teamed with cream chinos and white trainers

Looking good: Ant looked casually cool in a navy checked shirt paired with black jeans and matching trainers for the auditions

Far from being scared the act could go wrong, Simon reportedly told Andrei: 'I really want to know what it feels like to have an axe thrown at me.'

The performance was certainly a close call for the head judge as the knives were said to have missed his body 'by inches'.

It was so tense that fellow judge Amanda covered her eyes during the stunt.

Simon later admitted: 'OK, so that was the scariest thing ever. I now realise how hard it is.'

Fellow judge David Walliams jokingly hit out at the performer for not finishing off Simon while he had the chance.

Suited and booted: David Walliams looked dapper in a navy pinstripe suit as he left the hotel

Chirpy: David seemed in good spirits as he made his way into his waiting car

Dapper: Simon Cowell looked handsome in a navy jumper and boot cut jeans

Kind-hearted: After the auditions, Ant stopped to sign autographs

Jubilant: Despite the late night, Ant appeared in high spirits following another successful day of filming

Personable: Dec also delighted fans by signing autographs

Time for bed: The television personalities headed back to the Lowry Hotel in Manchester after a busy day of filming

Tired: Alesha looked weary as she exited the her chaffeur-driven car and headed into the hotel
Titanic director James Cameron has revealed Leonardo DiCaprio wasn't keen on the movie's iconic King Of The World scene, which was improvised during filming.

The scene features the film's lead male character Jack (DiCaprio) standing on the edge of the deck of the ship overlooking the Atlantic ocean.

While it was created on the spur of the moment, James, 64, admitted he had to talk Leo, 44, into saying the words, ordering him to 'just f***ing sell it!'

Artistic licence: Titanic director James Cameron revealed Leonardo DiCaprio wasn't keen on the iconic King Of The World scene from the 1997 film and said he ordered him to 'f***ing sell it'

Speaking to BBC Radio 1's film critic Ari Plumb, James also discussed the film's much debated scene when Rose (Kate Winslet) lies on a floating door after the Titanic has sank.

Jack floats beside her while on the brink of freezing to death but does not climb onto the door because they believe there is no room.

Rose then lets go off his hands and he slips into the water and dies.

Fans of the film have long insisted that there was plenty of room on the door for Jack meaning he both could potentially have survived.

However, James disagreed with the assessment, saying: 'it's just stupid' and called it a 'dumba**' argument.

Tragic: James also discussed the film's much debated scene when Rose (Kate Winslet) lies on a floating door after the Titanic has sank, but there is no room for Jack and he ultimately dies

In a previous interview with Vanity Fair, the director explained that Jack would have died in the film even if he had climbed on the door.

He said: 'I think its all kind of silly, really, that were having this discussion 20 years later, but it does show that the film was effective in making Jack so endearing to the audience that it hurts them to see him die.

'Had he lived, the ending of the film would have been meaningless  the film is about death and separation; he had to die.

'So whether it was that, or whether a smoke stack fell on him, he was going down. Its called art, things happen for artistic reasons, not for physics reasons.'

Interview: James spoke to Radio 1's film critic Ari Plumb about the film for a segment called Movies That Made Me

One person who believes otherwise is the film's leading lady Kate.

During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the host jokingly brought up the famous scene with the actress, leading them to re-enact it.

The Oscar winner, 43, joked: 'I held my hand up, I let him go', but insisted: 'He should have tried harder to get on that door.'

In his Radio 1 interview, James discussed other aspects of his long career.

He also told Vulture this week: 'Kate was a phenomenal collaborator and just so gung-ho. She was really excited about doing the water work and at her peak, I think she held her breath for seven and a half minutes  not during a scene but just during the training.'

Debate: Fans of the 1997 film have long insisted that there was plenty of room on the door for Jack meaning they both could potentially have survived the devastating incident

The Canadian filmmaker had his breakthrough with The Terminator in 1984 and described Arnold Schwarzenegger as a dream to work with.

He also jokingly added that the former Governor of California would sometimes wear a pink tutu and think it was manly enough with him wearing it.

The director added that he hopes US President Donald Trump never uses the Terminator's famous 'I'll be back' catchphrase, explaining that he thinks it is overused.

Watch Movies With Ali Plumb on BBC iPlayer
Danny Dyer has reportedly called a summit with his daughter Dani's boyfriend Jack Fincham after the reality star admitted he took cocaine.

The Love Island stunner has spent the past week in Tanzania ahead of her Mount Kilimanjaro climb for Comic Relief yet she emerged in her parents' hometown of Essex, shortly after the scandal erupted.

The 22-year-old Love Island winner met up with her boyfriend Jack hours before, as they reunited in the wake of his confession that he'd binged on cocaine - leading to The Sun's report that the Dyer patriarch is furious.

Back in blighty: Dani Dyer was back in Britain on Thursday as she was seen on a stroll around her hometown of Essex, where her parents live

Dani looked sombre on the outing as she stepped out in a grey tracksuit that sheathed her lithe figure.

She teamed the garment with a padded black jacket complete with fur-lined hood and donned sensible white trainers.

Dani showcased her natural beauty by going make-up free and sweeping her hair back in a bun, completing the look with a Gucci handbag.

Her outing comes amid claims Danny is demanding a meeting with Jack, as sources said: Big Dan, as he's known to Jack, has summoned him and Dani round to the house for what is ominously being termed a 'chat'.

Happy days: Danny Dyer has reportedly called a summit with his daughter Dani's boyfriend Jack Fincham after the reality star admitted he took cocaine

Back home: The 22-year-old Love Island winner met up with her boyfriend Jack Fincham hours before, as they reunited in the wake of his confession that he'd binged on cocaine

"It's being done in a friendly way, but Jack has no way of knowing whether he's going to get an arm round the shoulder - or a rocket up his backside.

'One thing is for sure though, theres no way Jack will be able to get away without talking about his cocaine-snorting scandal. They are going to have it out...

'What he did at the weekend reflects on Dani - and Big Dan is very, very protective of his daughter.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Danny and Jack for comment.

Keeping a low profile: Dani looked sombre on the outing as she stepped out in a grey tracksuit that sheathed her lithe figure

The outing came after Jack, 26, took to his Instagram stories to share a cosy selfie in bed with the ex barmaid, proving that they had reunited amid his drug scandal.

On Monday, Jack confessed to binging on cocaine during a wild night out after finding fame on the hit ITV2 show

The reality star said that he caved to peer pressure after finding himself on nights out where the drinks are free and everyone is trying to be his friend.

Under wraps: Dani teamed the tracksuit with a padded black jacket complete with fur-lined hood and donned sensible white trainers

During the explosive interview, Jack revealed that Dani told him that everyone makes mistakes and is willing to forgive him as long as he never does it again.

However he believes that her famous father Danny Dyer won't view the situation as lightly, and told The Sun that 'most dads would take a dim view of it'.

After finding love with Dani on last year's series of Love Island the couple went on to win the show, however it appears Jack has struggled with the realities of fame.

Au natural: Dani showcased her natural beauty by going make-up free and sweeping her hair back in a bun, completing the look with a Gucci handbag

Talking to the publication, he said: ' I've told Dani, and obviously she doesnt agree with anything like that at all.

'She doesnt like all that. But obviously, shell always support me. She said: "Ill always support you, you made a mistake, we all make mistakes, but dont ever do it again".

'I dont want to bring her into it, Ive had a conversation with her and its not fair on her.'

However, on Wednesday it was reported that Dani had moved out of their shared home after her mother Joanne Mas was pictured at their flat picking up her belongings.

Reunited: The outing came after Jack, 26, took to his Instagram stories to share a cosy selfie in bed with the ex barmaid, proving that they had reunited amid his drug scandal

Here they go! Away from her scandals at home, Dani's fellow Kilimanjaro climbers Anita Rani and Shirley Ballas (left-right) were spotted prepping
She rose to international fame with her stand-up show Nanette, which became a breakout hit on Netflix.

But Hannah Gadsby has revealed that fame can be 'disorientating' and has admitted that she struggles to remain humble in the midst of success.

'It's quite difficult to be a, you know, unassuming sort of person and be in a very assuming position,' she was quoted in Sydney Morning Herald on Friday.

'I'm trying to be humble!' Hannah Gadsby admits success and fame has been 'disorientating'

'I'm trying to be humble and I'm finding it easier to just hide, so I've been spending a lot of time on my own not networking which is a real waste of my moment. Yeah, it's been a lot.'

The admission comes after the Tasmanian comedian announced a new stand-up show and international tour earlier this week.

On Tuesday, the 41-year-old funny woman revealed she called the new show Douglas, after her beloved dog.

'It's quite difficult to be a, you know, unassuming sort of person and be in a very assuming position,' the funny woman was quoted in Sydney Morning Herald on Friday

Douglas is set to premiere in Melbourne on March 27.

Hannah will then take the show to San Francisco, California, on April 30, before touring all over the US.

She will then head to Canada, Europe, and New Zealand, with more dates set to be announced.

She's back! On Tuesday, Hannah announced a new stand-up show and international tour following the success of Nanette

The big announcement comes after Hannah revealed in Nanette she was quitting stand-up because she was sick of making herself - or others - the subject of jokes.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter this week about her return to the stage, Hannah said that despite previously saying she wanted to give up stand-up, she just couldn't resist doing what she does best.

'I thought after some time that perhaps my best next move would be to do something that is what I'm really good at,' she told the publication.

Coming soon: The 41-year-old funny woman has called the new show Douglas, after her beloved dog. Douglas is set to premiere in Melbourne on March 27 and she will then take the show across the globe

'So, tour instead of trying to learn a whole new skill set [like acting] and translate my creativity into a whole new genre or art form.'

She added: 'There's a certain amount of comfort in going back on stage in an environment that I'm somewhat familiar with  although it's my first U.S. tour.'
They have been hit by claims that they are 'on the rocks' over his wild partying.

And amid his relationship woes, Adam Collard shared a shirtless snap of himself in the gym during a joint work out with a female companion on Instagram.

The Love Island hunk, 23, showcased his rippling abs as he posed alongside the mystery blonde woman, wearing a pair of gym shorts and leggings.

Work out attire: Adam Collard shared a shirtless snap of himself in the gym during a joint work out with a female companion on Instagram

The post came just hours before Zara took to the social media site to share a defiant snap of herself hand-in-hand with Adam, adding a heart emoji to the picture.

Things were reportedly uncertain between the pair after a night of wild partying with Instagram model Brittany Archer according to The Sun.

A source told the publication that they were spending time apart following a huge row between the couple, after it was revealed he enjoyed the raucous evening with Brittany in Maidstone last week.

Adam and Zara are one of only two Love Island 2018 couples that are still together - along with Jack and Dani Dyer - and have surprised many fans with their longevity.

United? The post came just hours before Zara took to the social media site to share a defiant snap of herself hand-in-hand with Adam, adding a heart emoji to the picture

Breaking point: Adam and Zara are reportedly 'on the rocks' over his recent night out with Instagram model Brittany Archer according to The Sun

Zara was reportedly furious when she heard that Adam was on the night out with Jack and Instagram model Brittany at a hotel in Maidstone last week.

Brittany - no stranger to a scantily clad social media snap - boasts 19,000 followers on Instagram, and regularly posts updates around her latest shoots and holidays.

The night out in question was the same time when Adam's Love Island co-star Jack Fincham confessed he had snorted cocaine, and went onto brand it a mistake after 'mixing in the wrong circles.'

Jaw-dropping: A source claimed that Zara was furious to discover Adam had been a raucous night out in Kent with Instagram model Brittany Archer (above)

Following an argument regarding his evening with Brittany, Adam has reportedly travelled back to Newcastle for a break, but he and Zara have not split.

A source said: 'As a girlfriend it isn't always comfortable to see your partner partying with other women you don't know.

'Their fall out has come at a really bad time as they are due to fly to the Maldives next week as part of a lucrative deal.

Scary: A source has also claimed that after a furious row Adam has travelled back to Newcastle for a break, and while he and Zara have not split their relationship is at breaking point

'They do still love each other and are trying to make their relationship work but things have not been good recently.'

The source added that the pair would try and show that all is well in their romance by posting loved-up snaps, but their relationship remains at breaking point.

MailOnline previously contacted representatives for Adam Collard, Brittany Archer and Zara McDermott for comment.
It's been a chilly winter in New York but responsible dog owner Naomi Watts never misses a walk with her beloved pooch.

The 50-year-old looked cheerful as she walked her pup on Wednesday in the Big Apple.

All smiles, the actress wore a camel-coloured coat and matching beanie as she strolled down the road.

Dog day afternoon! A makeup-free Naomi Watts (pictured) rugs up in a beige coat and matching beanie as she takes her pooch for a walk in New York

The King Kong actress paired it with a pair of skinny jeans in a dark blue denim and white sneakers.

A zipped, hooded top was worn under her jacket in tones of red, white and blue, and featured bold stripes.

Her famous face was hidden by a pair of large sunglasses with a pink, squarish frame.

Nice weather for it? The 50-year-old looked cheerful as she walked her pup on Wednesday in the Big Apple

Appearing makeup-free but for some pink lipstick, the star walked her dog on a red lead, and seemed in very good spirits.

It comes after Naomi paid tribute to director David Lynch, who gave the Australian star her big break.

Naomi was 32 when she starred as Betty/Diane Selwyn in David Lynch's 2001 flick Mulholland Drive.

Friends: It comes after Naomi paid tribute to director David Lynch (left) who gave the Aussie star her big break in the 2001 film Mulholland Drive. Pictured 2001

Almost two decades later, Naomi - who is now an A-lister - took to Instagram to pay tribute to the man who launched her Hollywood career on his birthday.

'I am so appreciative of my buddy Dave taking a risk on me and becoming a wonderful friend and mentor,' she wrote.

'The world is a better place because of this man. His wit, charm and intelligence are brilliant. His heart gargantuan. His artistry, otherworldly. We are all better off thanks to his gifts,' she concluded.
She's set to dominate screens this year starring in Cuckoo and One Red Nose Day And A Wedding.

Yet Andie MacDowell proved her busy schedule is never ending as she made a glamorous appearance at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival on Thursday.

The 60-year-old actress looked effortlessly chic as she arrived at the Berlinale before attending a photocall for L'Oreal.

Glamorous: Andie MacDowell proved her busy schedule is never ending as she made a glamorous appearance at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival on Thursday

Wrapped up in the blustery weather, the mother-of-three looked smart in a tailored black coat that she wrapped over a cream jumpsuit.

Boosting her modelesque frame, she donned a pair of crimson heels that also aided in injecting a splash of colour into her ensemble.

Andie finished off the look by accessorising with small hooped earrings and wearing her glossy chestnut locks in their signature bouncy waves.

Stepping in stylish: The 60-year-old actress looked effortlessly chic as she arrived at the Berlinale before attending a photocall for L'Oreal

Bit of all white! Wrapped up in the blustery weather, the mother-of-three looked smart in a chic one shouldered cream jumpsuit

This years festival sees Oscar-winning French actress Juliette Binoche serve as Jury President.

Besides Binoche, this year's jury includes film critic and author Justin Chang, actress Sandra Huller, director Sebastian Lelio, curator Rajendra Roy, and producer, director and actress Trudie Styler.

The festival runs from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th.

Meanwhile, Andie recently finished working on One Red Nose Day And A Wedding, a short sequel to Four Weddings And A Funeral that will be shown on Comic Relief.

Leggy lady! Boosting her modelesque frame, she donned a pair of crimson heels that also aided in injecting a splash of colour into her ensemble

Brunette beauty: Andie finished off the look by accessorising with small hooped earrings and wearing her glossy chestnut locks in their signature bouncy waves

Jury: This year's jury includes (L-R) Rajendra Roy, Trudie Styler, Sebastian Lelio, Juliette Binoche, Sandra Hueller and Justin Chang

Top honour: This years festival sees Oscar-winning French actress Juliette Binoche serve as Jury President

On the panel: The festival runs from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th and Sting's wife Trudie is one of the Jury members this year

Discussing the filming, she told Event magazine: 'I wept seeing everyone again. We all had dinner at [writer] Richard Curtis's house and even his life with his wife Emma is like something out of a movie.

'Being back with everyone was like putting on an old shoe. It fits perfectly.'

The original film saw Hugh Grant's bumbling Charles finally win over Andie's Carrie.

'In the sequel Carrie has relaxed more over the years,' she says. But on the subject of whether Charles and Carrie are still together, she remains tight-lipped.

Leggy: Zoe Kazan cut a chic figure in a thigh-skimming ruffled skirt and white blouse as she promoted her new film The Kindness of Strangers

Radiant: The 35-year-old actress wore her brunette tresses in a poker straight fashion and opted for neutral-toned make-up

Stylish: Never Let Me Go star Andrea Riseborough stunned in a dark plum satin dress, complete with a keyhole detail

'Maybe he's with me. Maybe he's with Kristin Scott Thomas's Fiona. Or maybe he's with Fiona and me.'

She has also been in the UK filming her latest project, the BBC Three comedy Cuckoo, featuring Greg Davies and Helen Baxendale as a couple who find themselves taking in a succession of odd characters.

This season's oddball is Andie's glamorous Ivy Mittelfart, the wife of a billionaire US businessman.

She shows up at Ken's home and ends up staying longer than anticipated when Ivy is suddenly left penniless. 'Inside, she's a good person,' says Andie, 'but she's like a creature from another planet.'

Pop of colour: The screen star, 37, injected a striking contrast to her porcelain complexion with a slick of orange lipstick

Picture time: Love Actually's Bill Nighy documented his time at the photocall on his iPhone
Megan Barton Hanson has credited her personal trainer for being her 'rock' as she deals with the fallout of her split from Wes Nelson.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the 24-year-old Love Island star shared a snap of herself with Michael Jackson's ex bodyguard turned personal trainer Matt Fiddes as she gushed over their bond.

She thanked Matt - who she hired in October to teach her self-defence - for all his 'love and support' and claimed that they must have crossed paths 'for a reason'.

Support: Megan Barton Hanson has credited her personal trainer Matt Fiddes for being her 'rock' as she deals with the fallout of her split from Wes Nelson

Megan gushed: 'Thank you @officialmattfiddes for all your love and support throughout this tough month.

'You have been my Rock! Training with you has really helped me stay calm and clear my mind.

'I honestly believe people cross paths for a reason!'

It's over: Matt has been helping Megan through her heartache after she made the shocking announcement last month that she had split from boyfriend Wes after six months together

Megan first hired Matt in October to teach her self defence after receiving a string of threatening messages online, and in the months that have followed he has become her personal trainer, bodyguard, friend and confidant.

Matt, 39, is a self-made millionaire who owns a string of martial arts schools but vowed to be more frugal after appearing on Rich House, Poor House.

The trainer welcomed his third child with wife Moniqe, 25, on Christmas Eve, and has three more children from a previous relationship.

Supported: Megan hired Matt in October to teach her self defence, and in the months that have followed he has become her personal trainer, bodyguard, friend and confidant

Matt has been helping Megan through her heartache after she made the shocking announcement last month that she had split from boyfriend Wes after six months together.

She spoke about their breakup in an interview with OK! this week, where she also accused Dancing On Ice bosses of 'stirring things up' by pairing Wes with skater Vanessa Bauer.

She said: 'The fact that the producers deliberately stirred things up by partnering Wes with the youngest, hottest girl annoyed me.'

In particular, she noted her 'frustration' with DOI judge Jason Gardiner who branded the skating duo a 'lovely couple.'

Megan didn't hold back on the topic, reasserting her belief that Vanessa's break-up with her own boyfriend Louis Nathaniel was 'completely tactical.'

Meanwhile, Vanessa's parents recently hit back at such accusations, as they insisted the skater is 'rising above' the drama generated by her nemesis.
Hailey Bieber has revealed she donated her Fyre Festival fee to charity.

The stunner was among a host of models who were paid to promote the luxury music event in which ultimately descended into chaos, leaving thousands of attendees and workers poor and abandoned, investors swindled out of millions and, landing organizer Billy McFarland in jail.

Appearing on Thursday's episode of The Late Late Show, the 22-year-old model was asked about her role in the ill-fated 2017 festival, and confessed that she didn't keep her paycheck.

Charitable: Appearing on Thursday's episode of The Late Late Show, Hailey Bieber revealed she donated her Fyre Festival fee to charity

Hailey was playing a gross game of truth-or-dare called Spill Your Guts Or Fill Your Guts with a table full of disgusting dishes to eat for refusing to answer a question.

Host James Corden tasked her with revealing how much she was paid to appear in the Fyre Festival or drink bird saliva.

But he let her off for being 'noble' after she answered: 'I'm not gonna share but it made for a very generous donation to charity.'

Happier times: The stunner was among a host of models who were paid to promote the luxury music event - which ultimately descended into chaos

Hailey was among a host of models, including Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid who were paid to shoot promotional video in the Bahamas for Fyre Festival.

Fyre Festival was marketed as the event of the decade, with thousands of guests showing up to Grand Exuma island to find a half-built campsite with soggy hurricane shelters instead of the luxury villas they were promised.

Organiser McFarland is now serving a six-year sentence in federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to multiple counts of fraud.

Candid: Hailey was playing a gross game of truth-or-dare called Spill Your Guts Or Fill Your Guts with a table full of disgusting dishes to eat for refusing to answer a question

He kept no accounting records during the months he spent dropping millions of investor funds on the event backed by rapper Ja Rule.

Hailey, other models, Instagram influencers and artists who helped promote Fyre Festival will now be forced to disclose information about payments they received.

A New York judge granted an ex-parte order last month that was seeking subpoenas for the celebrities who helped build hype around the ill-fated festival in the Bahamas.

Nearly two years later, the subpoenas are part of an investigation into what happened to the estimated $26 million that McFarland raised from investors and doled out in the weeks and months before Fyre Festival descended into chaos.

One of the requested subpoenas is for IMG Models, the agency that represents supermodels including Hadid, Bieber and Elsa Hosk, who appeared in a widely-seen promotional video for Fyre Festival.

Messer said IMG received payments of $1.2 million from McFarland between November 2016 and February 2017, according to Billboard.
The luxury carmaker also shut down one of its plants in October to cope with the weakening demand.

The company has posted a net profit of Rs 1,214.6 crore, was hurt by the US-China trade war, low demand for diesel cars in Europe and Brexit worries.

Mumbai: Hit by one-time asset impairment in its British arm Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Tata Motors reported a massive net loss of Rs 26,960.8 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2018.

The company has posted a net profit of Rs 1,214.6 crore, was hurt by the US-China trade war, low demand for diesel cars in Europe and Brexit worries.

JLR, that contributes nearly 72 per cent to Tata Motors revenue, had a bumpy the past year as sales fell on account of slowing business in its key market China. The luxury carmaker also shut down one of its plants in October to cope with the weakening demand.

Meanwhile, Tata Motors total revenue from operations rose 4.36 per cent to Rs 77,582.71 crore as compared to Rs 74,337.7 crore, the company said.

On a standalone basis, the company posted PAT (profit after tax) of Rs 617.62 crore as against Rs 211.59 crore.

Total standalone income rose to Rs 16,477.07 crore as against Rs 16,186.15 crore.

JLRs revenue, however, declined 1 per cent to 6.2 billion pounds.

Given the muted demand scenario and the associated impact on the financials, JLR has concluded that the carrying value of capitalised investments should be adjusted down, resulting in a non-cash 3.1 billion pre-tax exceptional charge and an overall pre-tax loss of 3.4 billion for the quarter, Tata Motors said.

Commenting on the step, JLR chief executive Ralf Speth said, We are announcing a non-cash exceptional charge to reduce the book value of our capitalised investments.

The automotive industry is facing significant market, technological, and regulatory headwinds. At the same time, investment in new models, electrification and other technologies remains high, he added.
Lizzie Cundy sure was living her best life when she partied up a storm at a speakeasy bar at The Gobpsy, hidden under a barber shop, on Wednesday night.

The 50-year-old wore a 1920s inspired silver glittering dress with a ginormous feathered headpiece and matching silver shoes.

Her outfit had a fringed beaded section along the hemline and she flashed her long, tanned legs as she perfected some poses.

A step back in time: Lizzie Cundy, 50, wore a glittering silver 1920s dress when she partied up a storm at a speakeasy bar at The Gobpsy, hidden under a barber shop, on Wednesday night

Did someone call 999? It seems her sexy poses caught the eye of a shirtless 'police' officer and a fellow colleague who decided to cart her off for causing a scene

She wore a sky-high pair of silver platform heels, before mounting the bar for a very glamorous photo opportunity.

However, it seems her sexy poses caught the eye of a shirtless 'police' officer and a fellow colleague who decided to cart her off for causing a scene.

Lizzie shared a picture of her sensational outfit on Instagram while at the hairdresser's before heading out.

In the barber's chair: Her outfit had a fringed beaded section along the hemline and she flashed her long, tanned legs as she perfected some poses

Move over Yankee Doodle: Lizzie wore a giant white feathered headpiece for her night out

She captioned the image with the words: 'All about last night ... 1920s party at the amazing @thegobpsy!

'Where to stick my feather ?! #1920sfashion #party #flapperdress @bssmodahouse #fashion.'

No doubt Lizzie is pretty excited about the upcoming release of her tell-all book, Tales From The Red Carpet.

The former WAG will be spilling the beans on Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Kim Kardashian as well as Al Pacino.

Lizzie shared this image on Instagram, writing: 'All about last night ... 1920s party at the amazing @thegobpsy!'

And she plans to leave celebrities quaking in their boots with her no-holds barred revelations about them.

Of Mickey Rourke, she said: 'I locked 9 and a half weeks Hollywood hell- raiser Mickey Rourke into the boot of my car, checked my makeup in the wing mirror, hot-wired the car and drove off into the rainy dark London night.'

Lizzie also told MailOnline: 'I want to help others with my book because I've really seen it all over the years and I've been through a lot.

'I've had dark times but I've come out of the other side, with a little help from my friends.'
He popped the question to his long-term love during a romantic trip to Sweden in August to mark their four-year anniversary.

And Oliver Proudlock and Emma Louise Connolly were the picture of true love as they celebrated the launch of his premium sake brand, Four Fox Sake at Blakes Hotel in London on Wednesday.

The Made In Chelsea star, 30, and his new fiancee, 27, looked smitten as they kissed and cuddled in front of the cameras, with Emma showing off her stunning, custom-made engagement ring.

Engaged: Oliver Proudlock and Emma Louise Connolly looked smitten as they celebrated the launch of his premium sake brand, Four Fox Sake at Blakes Hotel in London on Wednesday

Proudlock opted for his usual edgy attire in a orange, green and cream v-neck jumper which clung to his hunky frame, paired with stonewash jeans.

He completed his ensemble with tan shoes and wore his highlighted locks in a stylish quiff.

Brunette beauty Emma looked sensational in a white sweater with extravagant pouffed sleeves.

Showing her sartorial credentials, the star paired this with check print flares and matching stiletto boots.

Look of love: The Made In Chelsea star, 30, and his new fiancee, 27, looked smitten as they kissed and cuddled in front of the cameras, with Emma showing off her engagement ring

Pals: Oliver posed up with Love Island star Eyal Booker at the launch

Here she is: Britain's Next Top Model star Victoria Clay put on a typically busty display at the launch

Pose: The stunning redhead joined a group of stylish pals at the launch

Her brunette tresses were styled sleek and straight while her pretty features were enhanced with a radiant dusting of make-up.

She completed her look with quirky chandelier earrings, adorned with red metallic lips.

The launch proved to be a star-studded affair with Joel Dommett, Donna Air, and Love Islanders Eyal Booker and Tina Stinnes among the guests.

Star-studded: Presenter and comedian Joel Dommett looked delighted to be supporting the brand

Ab envy: Love Island star Tina Stinnes flaunted her abs in a crop-top

Four Fox Sake is spearheaded by London entrepreneurs Proudlock, nightclub mogul Fraser Carruthers and Carlo Carello.

It is already in glitzy London hotspots, Mahiki Kensington, Raffles Nightclub, Alberts, Cuckoo, Foleys and Cirque le Soir.

Proudlock proposed to Emma in Gothenburg Sweden in August 2018 as the duo celebrated their fourth anniversary over a picnic dinner, following their thrilling day out at Emma's 'favourite' place, theme park Liseberg.

Ahead of their return to London, Emma has been littering her social media pages with elated snaps of herself following Proudlock's proposal.

Style: Proudlock opted for his usual edgy attire in a orange, green and cream v-neck jumper which clung to his hunky frame, paired with stonewash jeans

New love: Donna Air showed up with her new boyfriend Ben Carrington

She also revealed that her engagement ring was designed by the Chelsea star himself, using diamonds from his grandmother's own engagement ring.

Touched by the gesture, Emma told fans that she 'hasn't stopped crying' since accepting her love's proposal.

To confirm their engagement, Proudlock shared a loved up selfie of the happy couple cosying up together minutes after he had popped the question, alongside the caption: 'SHE SAID YES!!! SHE IS MAKING AN HONEST MAN OF ME. GREATEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE. #opxec #engaged #4yearanniversary.'

Proudlock has been focusing on his fashion business Serge DeNimes in recent times, dipping in and out of E4 reality show Made In Chelsea.

Joining in series two, he appeared on ten series of the show before quitting and returning in 2016.

He famously had flings with the likes of Caggie Dunlop and Lucy Waston, who is now happily dating James Dunmore, during his early days on MIC, but his relationship with fitness fan Emma has played out off camera.

He recently told MailOnline: 'She has her own career and focus. It doesnt make sense [for her to be on the show].'

When quizzed about whether wedding bells were on the horizon, Proudlock didn't give anything away, teasing, 'One day. Were not rushing', just five months before his proposal.

Previously, Proudlock's potential romance with Lucy didn't last long and played out on screen when she found out he had been dating other women.
Matthew Perry has sparked concern among his fans after revealing he was kicked out of therapy.

The former Friends actor, 49, worried his 1.26m Twitter followers when he tweeted on Wednesday: 'I got kicked out of therapy today.'

The Chandler Bing actor, who has previously battled addiction and depression, was soon inundated with messages from fans offering their support.

Concern: Matthew Perry has sparked concern among his fans after revealing he was kicked out of therapy (pictured 2017)

Tweet: The former Friends actor, 49, worried his 1.26m Twitter followers when he tweeted on Wednesday: 'I got kicked out of therapy today'

One wrote: 'I don't know what is going on, but I hope you are alright and have people to support you.

'Please feel better. I hope you're okay. You deserve love and happiness. You made me laugh when I was having rough times and always got me through it.

'Addiction and depression will not rule you.'

A third wrote: 'Reach out to someone who can give you immediate help, man. Let them help you get to a better therapist, a better way forward.

'But most importantly, help you in these early hours from a bad event. Don't mean to preach, just truly love you as a fan who is grateful.'

MailOnline has contacted Matthew's representatives for comment.

The post comes five months after the Whole Nine Yards star secretly stayed in hospital for three months after he had surgery to repair a gastrointestinal perforation.

Brave: The Chandler Bing actor, who has previously battled addiction and depression, was soon inundated with messages from fans offering their support (pictured 2017)

Matthew told his Twitter followers he had spent the last three months in a hospital bed in a tongue-in-cheek tweet.

'Three months in a hospital bed. Check,' he wrote on Twitter.

A representative for the star previously confirmed Matthew was having surgery at the time and said: "He is grateful for the concern and asks for continued privacy as he heals."

Gastrointestinal perforation, also known as ruptured bowel, can occur along any point in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

The actor is an outspoken addiction recovery advocate after struggling with addictions to alcohol and several prescription drugs during his time on Friends.

In 1997, he completed a 28-day program for Vicodin addiction and he later told Larry King that he took the painkiller 'mostly just to not drink as much as I was.'

In 2001, the actor entered rehab to recover from his use of Vicodin, methadone, amphetamines, and alcohol.

Matthew found fame as one of the six Friends in the classic 90s sitcom with Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer.

Earlier this year, he sold his home in the Hollywood Hills for $12.5million after having bought a $20million luxury penthouse apartment in Century City last year
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Laurie Brett looked sensational in an exquisite white gown during her wedding to Dennis Longman on Saturday.

The EastEnders actress, 49 - who played Jane Beale in the BBC One soap - was seen beaming while standing in her wedding gown alongside her new husband on the streets of London following the ceremony at Islington and London City Registry Office and the subsequent reception at Hampstead's G Wadley's Meat Room.

Laurie had also invited some of her other famous co-stars to be there on her big day, including Letitia Dean, who plays Sharon Mitchell, who was pictured at The Stag, where some of the celebrations took place.

Stunner; Laurie Brett looked sensational in an exquisite white gown in images from her secret wedding to fiance Dennis Longman on Saturday

Laurie looked stunning in her gown as she paired the look with purple and white flowers and a matching floral crown which sat beautifully in her perfectly curled blonde locks.

Tamzin Outhwaite, 48, who plays Mel Owen in EastEnders, broke the news of the wedding on Instagram. As she posted a picture of some 'gorgeous wedding flowers', before sharing a snap of Laurie kissing her new husband.

She captioned the photo, which teased a glimpse of the wedding dress: 'Congratulations Laurie and Dan.' Her white gown was intricately embroidered with flowers and featured sheer sleeves and an elegant v-neck design.

Having a laugh: The stunner happily walked along with her guests while beaming

Happy days: The stunner wowed as they enjoyed their reception in a Hampstead steakhouse

Woo! Alongside her bouquet, she also clutched a teddy bear from the bus company

Strutting their stuff: Letitia Dean went for a racy ensemble with thigh-high boots to help show off her legs

Lithe legs! Letita was showcasing her endless legs in the chic boots which she paired with a statement coat

Cheers! She could not stop beaming as they enjoyed the wedding among their nearest and dearest

Chic: She paired the boho-inspired ensemble with glitzy shoes and a silver handbag

The mother-of-one looked beautiful, with her blonde tresses styled into tight curls and arranged into a pretty up-do, with flowers woven into her locks.

Laurie herself hadn't confirmed any details of the low-key ceremony, but hinted about her exciting weekend on Twitter on Thursday. She tweeted: 'Roll on the weekend... Have it large.. xx'.

A representative for Laurie Brett confirmed to MailOnline: 'I can confirm that Laurie and Dan married on Saturday in a small private ceremony with close family and friends.'

The happy couple: Her stunning white gown was intricately embroidered with flowers and featured sheer sleeves and an elegant v-neck design

The secret's out: The EastEnders star, 49 - who played Jane Beale in the soap - was shown in her wedding gown with her new husband, in a snap posted on Instagram by Tamzin Outhwaite

A vision: Laurie looked sensational in the white dress with delicate adornments making for an ethereal look

Elegant: She looked stunning in the billowing white gown which boasted intricate details

Cheers! Laurie clutched a glass of Champagne shortly after cutting the cake

Up in smoke! The stunner stole a moment for a quick cigarette before heading in

Personalised: The bus was emblazoned with the couple's names

In December 2014 it was reported that Laurie had split from her husband John Milroy, after five years together.

The star  who had been with her partner since 2009  was allegedly devastated when the pair decided to call time on their relationship.

A source told The Sun on Sunday at the time: 'Laurie was heartbroken when she and John split up, but both of them knew the relationship had run it's course.

'It became clear it just wasn't working  they weren't happy together.'

Glam: Tamzin Outhwaite looked glam for her friend's wedding day, clad in a green ensemble

Chic: Tamzin went for an edgy ensemble comprising of velvet trousers, a monochrome jacket and staggering heels

Happy days: She looked over the moon as she strutted along the streets while surrounded by her nearest and dearest

Famous pals: Laurie had also invited some of her other famous co-stars to be there on her big day, including Letitia Dean, who plays Sharon Mitchell (Pictured with a friend)

Pretty: Tamzin - who plays Mel Owen in EastEnders - took to her Instagram Story on Sunday evening to break the news, first sharing a picture of some 'gorgeous wedding flowers'

The former couple have a daughter together, Erin, aged eight.

Laurie - who was born in Scotland but adopted a London accent when she landed her role in EastEnders and moved down south - first appeared in the soap in 2004.

Her character, who was then known as Jane Collins, quickly revealed that she was married and her husband of 12 years was terminally ill with Huntington's Disease.

After his death she had a brief fling with Grant Mitchell before she married Ian Beale - becoming his fourth wife - and became stepmother to his children Peter, Lucy and Bobby. She left the soap in 2017.

Re-fuelling: Tamzin Outhwaite documented the morning after Laurie's wedding

In character: Laurie first appeared in EastEnders in 2004, with her character, Jane, having a brief fling with Grant Mitchell before she married Ian Beale - becoming his fourth wife (Pictured in EastEnders promotional shots with co-star Adan Woodyatt who played Ian Beale)

Happy days: After his death she had a brief fling with Grant Mitchell before she married Ian Beale - becoming his fourth wife - and became stepmother to his children Peter, Lucy and Bobby. She left the soap in 2017

Happy days: Tamzin was hitting the booze inside the bash
Blac Chyna's personal woes have continued to spiral as her own mother has claimed she should temporarily relinquish custody of daughter Dream.

Chyna, 30, shares the two-year-old with ex Rob Kardashian, 31, with the pair finally agreeing to joint custody after an acrimonious split.

However, amid claims Chyna has been involved in several fights of late and has been accused of neglecting her daughter, the model's mother Tokyo Toni has spoken out.

Concerns: Blac Chyna's personal woes have continued to spiral as her own mother has claimed she should temporarily relinquish custody of daughter Dream

Tokyo told TMZ that she believes Chyna's personal life is currently a 'mess' and that Dream should stay with Rob until things are sorted.

She added that her daughter is on a 'downward spiral' and is concerned by the star's fling with rapper Kid Buu who was accused of assaulting Chyna - claims he denies - and has prior charges for child abuse.

Tokyo reasoned: 'It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see something is terribly wrong.'

MailOnline has contacted Chyna's representatives for comment.

Doting father: Chyna, 30, shares the two-year-old with ex Rob Kardashian, 31, with the pair finally agreeing to joint custody after an acrimonious split

Last month, the former stripper - who is also mother to six-year-old son King Cairo with rapper ex Tyga - shut down claims she was 'drunk and unable to care for the children', branding the rumours 'entirely false'.

Chyna's lawyer, Lisa Bloom, said in a statement: 'They were never in any danger and any reports to the contrary are entirely false.

'I remind the public that anyone who submits a knowingly false report to Child Protective Services may be subject to criminal and civil liability.'

TMZ also reported that Rob and Chyna are close to reaching a new custody deal, which would reportedly see the KUWTK star pay significantly less than his current $20,000 a month in child support.

Looking out for her: Tokyo told TMZ that she believes Chyna's personal life is currently a 'mess' and that Dream should stay with Rob until things are sorted

It's been claimed Rob's family don't feel comfortable with the TV star, after she wanted to leave Dream with nannies as she partied at the Ritz Carlton in Honolulu, Hawaii with musician Kid Buu, 30, according to People.

The source said: 'Rob's family always had issues with Chyna. Her public behavior in the past few days, certainly isn't going to give her a Mother of the Year award.

'Chyna has long acted like her number one priority isn't raising her kids. This is very hard for Rob's family.

'They don't feel like Dream is properly cared for when she is with Chyna. They find it to be a sad situation.'

Hitting back: Last month, the former stripper shut down claims she was 'drunk and unable to care for the children', branding the rumours 'entirely false'

Chyna has also been caught in scandal regarding her ex-boyfriend Kid Buu, who she split from last month.

Buu, 28, is accused of attacking Chyna on a holiday in Hawaii last month - claims he has denied.

TMZ's source said that Chyna had accused Buu of cheating and just before 7AM it became physical.

Chyna scratched the rapper and then he slammed her against the wall several times and choked her according to the insider.

After the claims were made it was revealed Buu was previously charged and convicted of child abuse in 2008.

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Kid, real name Markquez Santiago, was arrested and charged by US authorities after he punched his ex-girlfriend and threatened her with a gun in front of their two-year-old daughter.
She is well-known for her sizzling style.

And Wednesday evening was no different for Victoria Justice as she hit the red carpet at the star-studded amfAR Gala in Los Angeles.

The 25-year-old Victorious star looked nothing short of sensational in a black bustier gown with sheer panels extending along the sides - as she made the most of her perky cleavage and peachy posterior to perfection.

Hot stuff: Wednesday evening was no different for Victoria Justice as she hit the red carpet at the star-studded amfAR Gala in Los Angeles

Victoria, who soared to fame as Lola Martinez in the Nickelodeon series, Zoey 101, looked incredible at the bash as she wowed in black.

Ensuring her figure was on full display, the brunette beauty nipped in her waist with the boned bustier which was adorned with cleavage-enhancing jewels.

The mermaid silhouette on the gown helped highlight her lithe shape while the strapless top showcased her toned arms.

Borrowing from the Fifties with her tresses, she slicked her hair to one side with thick, lustrous curls worked through - meaning she oozed old school glamour.

Stunner: The 25-year-old Victorious star looked nothing short of sensational in a black bustier gown with sheer panels extending along the sides - as she made the most of her perky cleavage and peachy posterior to perfection

Woah mama: The mermaid silhouette on the gown helped highlight her lithe shape while the strapless top showcased her toned arms

amfARa foundation dedicated to AIDS research and preventionpreviously recruited Victoria to co-chair another event in December.

Following the show, which ran from 2005-2008, Victoria took the lead in her own show, Victorious. The comedy co-starred Ariana Grande and ran from 2010-2013.

Victoria recently made a guest appearance on the ABC Comedy, American Housewife. The actress played Harper, a trophy wife who was not so well accepted by the neighborhood wives.

Next up, she'll star in the coming-of-age comedic drama, Summer Nights.

Stunner: Next up, she'll star in the coming-of-age comedic drama, Summer Nights

Hot stuff: Victoria recently made a guest appearance on the ABC Comedy, American Housewife. The actress played Harper, a trophy wife who was not so well accepted by the neighborhood wives

Wow! The former Nickelodeon star , who has 12.8million followers on Instagram, said: 'I know people that have big followings that have other people running it for them without letting on'

Sizzling: Speaking about the importance of not being completely consumed by social media, she said: 'I want to enjoy life, I dont want to constantly be documenting it and be worrying about how many likes something gets

Victoria recently talked to Sorbet magazine about being 'real and true' on social media.

The former Nickelodeon star , who has 12.8million followers on Instagram, said: 'I know people that have big followings that have other people running it for them without letting on.

'I could never do that. I would feel so fake and inauthentic. Everything I post is from me and is my voice. What you see is what you get.

Speaking about the importance of not being completely consumed by social media, she said: 'I want to enjoy life, I dont want to constantly be documenting it and be worrying about how many likes something gets.'

Brunette beauty: Borrowing from the Fifties with her tresses, she slicked her hair to one side with thick, lustrous curls worked through - meaning she oozed old school glamour
Whoopi Goldberg has defended Liam Neeson and claimed that the actor 'isn't a bigot' amid controversy over his racist thoughts to murder a black person.

The 63-year-old actress, who has known Liam for years through being in the industry together, spoke out on the race row during an appearance on US talkshow The View.

Whoopi claimed that people shouldn't be 'surprised' by Liam's desire to attack after hearing that his loved one had been raped.

Speaking out: Whoopi Goldberg has defended Liam Neeson and claimed that the actor 'isn't a bigot' amid controversy over his racist thoughts to murder a black person

During the interview where she was quizzed about the ordeal, Whoopi said: 'People walk around sometimes with rage, that's what happens. Is he a bigot? No.

'I've known him a pretty long time, I think I would have recognised, I've been around a lot of real bigots. I can say this man is not one.

'You can't be surprised that somebody whose loved one is attacked is angry and wants to go out and attack.'

Defence: The 63-year-old actress, who has known Liam for years through being in the industry together, spoke out on the race row during an appearance on US talkshow The View

Whoopi praised Liam's decision to get help after realising that he was suffering from these dark thoughts after hearing that his close friend was attacked.

Liam has denied he is a racist but failed to apologise as he faced the world for the first time on Good Morning America since admitting he wanted to kill a random 'black b*****d' after a friend was raped.

He made the astonishing admission as he discussed his latest film about a father's quest for revenge against a drug baron after his son is killed.

Cancelled: Liam cancelled his appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, he previously appeared on the show last month

Backlash: The New York red carpet for Liam Neeson's Cold Pursuit premiere was also cancelled Tuesday after the fallout over his racist comments

The movie is out in the US on Friday and will be released into UK cinemas on February 22, but it is not yet known if he will attend the UK premiere.

Liam appeared on Good Morning America Tuesday and revealed he had sought help from a Catholic priest after spending a week prowling the streets with a cosh to murder a black man.

He said he 'understood' the hurt his words had caused but insisted: 'I'm not racist, this was 40 years ago. I had a primal urge. I was trying to show honour for a friend I dearly loved, in a medieval fashion'.

The star, who was later hugged and kissed by black audience members on the Live with Kelly and Ryan show, said he had gone to church when he became 'scared' and realised he had wanted to 'unleash' murder on a stranger for his friend, who he said died five years ago.

Friends: 'I've known him a pretty long time, I think I would have recognised, I've been around a lot of real bigots. I can say this man is not one', Whoopi said during her appearance

New role: During an interview with the Independent to promote his new film Cold Pursuit (pictured), the actor described how he walked the streets looking for a 'black b*****d' to kill

Appearing on TV for the first time to explain his comments about wanting to attack a black man after the rape of his friend and said: 'I'm not racist, this was 40 years ago'

He said: 'I did seek help. I went to a priest, who heard my confession' and also later confided in two friends and would go out powerwalking for 'two hours a day to get this [anger] out of me'.

GMA host Robins Roberts asked him if he 'understood the pain of a black person' hearing his words.

He replied: 'Absolutely, you're absolutely right. And at the time, even though this was nearly 40 years ago, I didn't think about that. It was this primal hatred, I guess, that really shocked me, when I eventually came down to earth and saw what I was doing, looking for a fight'.

When asked how he would feel if his unnamed friend's attacker was white he said: 'If he was Irish, a Scot or Brit or a Lithuanian. I know I would have had the same reaction'.

Liam, whose critics have said he should be banned from the Oscars and making movies, said his anger came during the Troubles in Northern Ireland where murder was all around him.

More than 1,000 people died in 30 years of conflict between mostly Protestants, who fought for Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK against mostly Catholics who wanted it to be part of the Republic of Ireland.

He explained that this is why he chose to speak out about prowling the streets with a weapon and said: 'Violence breeds violence. Bigotry breeds bigotry'.

Forgiveness: Liam appeared on Live with Kelly and Ryan where he was mobbed and hugged by the audience before he defended his decision to speak out

Describing what motivated him to try to attack a black man he told GMA: 'Nearly 40 years ago when a very dear friend of mine was brutally raped and I was out of the country and when I came back she told me about it.

'I had never felt this feeling before, which was a primal urge to lash out. I asked her did she know the person, and his race. She said he was a black man.

'I thought okay and after that there were some nights I went out deliberately into black areas in the city, looking to be set upon so that I could unleash physical violence.

'I did it for say, maybe four or five times until I caught myself and it really shocked me, this primal urge. It shocked me and it hurt me. Luckily no violence occurred'.

When asked about his friend he said: 'She passed away by the way five years ago'.

His shocking story has provoked a huge backlash on social media, with many accusing Liam of racism.

Liam's incendiary intervention has split opinion. Some have called for him to be banned from the Oscars or even put out of work for good.

Off the cards: The screening for his latest film went ahead but photo opportunities and chats with the media and fans were off the cards for Liam in the Big Apple

Others called the furor a 'witchhunt' and he 'deserves a medal' for his admission about how society viewed black people in the 1970s and 1980s.

In his latest film Liam Neeson plays Nels Coxman in Cold Pursuit, a small town snowplow operator intent on tracking down the drug dealers he believes to be responsible for the death of his son.

The film is a remake of 2014 Norwegian film In Order Of Disappearance and also stars Emmy Rossum and Laura Dern.
She has been recently holidaying with pals in Mexico.

And Paris Hilton quickly returned to her party lifestyle when she was back on home turf in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday.

The reality star, 37, went braless in a plunging lace embossed dress in a deep blue at the LOUIS XIII Cognac to celebrate 100 years The Song You'll Only Hear #IfWeCare.

Beyond beautiful in blue: Paris Hilton dazzled in a blue lace minidress and a dramatic wig as she attended glitzy bash in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday

Well recognised for her golden locks, Paris commanded attention inside the party when she wore a dramatic platinum wig.

Soft pink hues of make-up enhanced Paris' glowing complexion as she made her presence known at the star-studded affair.

The fashion icon polished off her stylish look with perspex heels and a blazer as well as a metallic chain bag swung over her shoulder.

Among the stars, Big Little Liars star Shailene Woodley looked sensational in her cut-off pants which she paired with a striking red lip and crimson heels.

Looking fabulous: Well recognised for her golden locks, Paris commanded attention inside the party when she wore a dramatic platinum wig

Glam: The fashion icon polished off her stylish look with perspex heels and a blazer as well as a metallic chain bag swung over her shoulder (pictured with Global Brand Director Ludovic du Plessis)

Paris enjoyed a break away boating off the coast of Mexico with five people she counts as her closest friends, including American actor Ansel Elgort.

The socialite has been making the most of her single life since she made the decision to part ways from her fiance Chris Zylka in November.

She was romantically linked to 22-year-old model Jordan Barrett in Florence, Italy earlier in January.

Beautiful: Soft pink hues of make-up enhanced Paris' glowing complexion as she made her presence known at the star-studded affair

What a toast! Paris toasted with her glass of wine when she rubbed shoulders with Private Clients Executive Director Ron Newman at the bash

Stunning: Big Little Liars star Shailene Woodley looked sensational in her cut-off pants which she paired with a striking red lip and crimson heels (pictured with Shamier Anderson)

The pair dispelled the rumours of romance as they insisted they were just good friends, clarifying they had been for many years.

Former flames Paris and Chris were engaged for ten months when they were swept up in a whirlwind romance before they called it quits on their love.

The former Simple Life star revealed her plans to focus on her career after she pulled the plug on her engagement to Chris.

She told The Talk in November: 'I just realised after time it wasnt the right decision... but I wish him the best and one day I would love to get married and have children, but for right now Im just focused on myself and my work.'

Social butterfly: The actress cosied up to Isidora Goreshter inside the swanky venue
He confessed to binging on cocaine during a wild night out in an explosive interview on Monday night, with the aspiring actress 'moving out the home they share together'.

Yet it looks as though Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer have put the drama behind them as they were reunited on Thursday morning following her Red Nose Day work in Africa.

The former pen salesman, 26, took to his Instagram stories to share a cosy selfie in bed with the ex barmaid, 23, who is set to return to Tanzania in coming weeks to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

What drama? It looks as though Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer have put the drama behind them as they were reunited on Thursday morning following her Red Nose Day work in Africa

In the snap, the two reality stars were in their pyjamas as Jack captioned the picture with: 'Spilt tea down my front,' followed by a facepalm emoji.

The Instagram post comes after Dani shared a picture to her own social media platform with her Red Nose Day team in Africa.

Posing on a hill top with stunning scenery behind them, the daughter of EastEnders legend Danny Dyer captioned it with: 'So much love to the team. Thankyou for giving me this experience. Being friends and getting it done together. Always will remember this in my heart @comicrelief.'

Red Nose Day: The former pen salesman, 26, took to his Instagram stories to share a cosy selfie with the ex barmaid, 23, who is set to return to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Dani has been sharing several updates throughout her trip and after Jack's cocaine shame.

On Wednesday, the aspiring actress admitted that being in Africa has been 'emotional for her and put things into perspective.'

Continuing to explain how she was feeling about her gruelling Kilimanjaro trek, Dani continued: 'It shows me what really matters and what I need to address in the world, rather than all pointless things, really.'

Charity work: Dani has been sharing several updates throughout her Comic Relief trip and after Jack's cocaine shame

Candid: On Wednesday, the aspiring actress admitted that being in Africa has been 'emotional for her and put things into perspective.'

Meanwhile, in her selfie Dani looked radiant as she took a selfie of herself wearing a yellow hair wrap and sunglasses in a car with green scenery behind her.

She captioned it with: 'What an experience, what a journey cant wait for you to follow it.'

The two reality stars' updates come just hours after Dani's boyfriend Jack confessed to binging on cocaine during a wild night out after finding fame on the hit ITV2 show.

'It shows what I need to address in the world': Dani continued to explain how she was feeling about her gruelling Kilimanjaro trek after Jack Fincham's drug shame

Drugs shame: The two reality stars' updates come just hours after Dani's boyfriend Jack confessed to binging on cocaine during a wild night out after finding fame on the ITV2 show

The reality star, 26, said that he caved to peer pressure after finding himself on nights out where the drinks are free and everyone is trying to be his friend.

During the explosive interview, Jack revealed that Dani told him that everyone makes mistakes and is willing to forgive him as long as he never does it again.

However he believes that her famous father Danny Dyer won't view the situation as lightly, and told The Sun that 'most dads would take a dim view of it'.

After finding love with Dani on last year's series of Love Island the couple went on to win the show, however it appears Jack has struggled with the realities of fame.

Smitten: During the explosive interview, Jack revealed that Dani told him that everyone makes mistakes and is willing to forgive him as long as he never does it again

Talking to the publication, he said: ' I've told Dani, and obviously she doesnt agree with anything like that at all.

'She doesnt like all that. But obviously, shell always support me. She said: "Ill always support you, you made a mistake, we all make mistakes, but dont ever do it again".

'I dont want to bring her into it, Ive had a conversation with her and its not fair on her.'

However, on Wednesday it was reported that Dani had moved out of their shared home after her mother Joanne Mas was pictured at their flat picking up her belongings.

Just hours before Jack's confession, Dani shared another picture of her getaway as she continues to tease fans with a glimpse into her adventure.

Wow! On Wednesday it was reported that Dani had moved out of their shared home after her mother Joanne Mas was pictured at their flat picking up her belongings

Standing in jeans and a white T-shirt, the Love Island winner, 22, shared a poignant photograph of herself at the top of a hill, overlooking the city below her.

She captioned the breathtaking photograph: 'I cant wait for you to find out what Ive been doing here. Ive met some beautiful people @comicrelief #returntokili.'

The aspiring actress also took to her Instagram Stories to share a photograph of herself journeying to her destination.

Her Comic Relief update comes after Dani she revealed another of her fears on Twitter last week, as she prepares herself for the one of the biggest challenges of her life.

Fear: As Dani prepares herself for her Red Nose Day of Kilimanjaro, she revealed another of her fears on Twitter last week

Showtime: The Love Island champion, 22, will face a gruelling eight-day trek battling altitude sickness, basic camping conditions and freezing night-time temperatures for the charity climb

The Love Island champion will face a gruelling eight-day trek battling altitude sickness, basic camping conditions and freezing night-time temperatures for the charity climb with fellow celebs.

And the brunette beauty admitted she is concerned about taking anti-Malarial tablets, due to fears about horrendous side-effects.

She wrote: 'Has anyone on here taken malaria tablets before any bad side effects? Ive heard such horror stories and Im worrying.'

Malaria is a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes. Unless treated promptly, it can be fatal.

Fear: the brunette beauty admitted she is concerned about taking anti-Malarial tablets, due to fears about horrendous side-effects

WHAT IS MALARIA? Malaria is a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes. Unless treated promptly, it can be fatal. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, and aches and chills. These usually occur seven to 18 days after infection. The main risk areas are large regions of Africa and Asia, and Central and South America. Malaria can be prevented by applying insect repellent, sleeping beneath a special net, and covering your arms and legs. Antimalarial medication should be taken if necessary. Treatment varies but may include antimalarial drugs. Nearly half of the global population is at risk of malaria, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2016 alone, there were an estimated 216 million cases of the disease - a rise of five million from the previous year - and around 445,000 deaths. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, and aches and chills.

These usually occur seven to 18 days after infection, The main risk areas are large regions of Africa and Asia, and Central and South America.

Anti-malarial medication can cause side effects including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, insomnia, dizziness and vivid dreams.

This comes as Dani admitted she will get emotional at the prospect of being separated from beau Jack Fincham during an appearance on This Morning.

Tough: This comes as Dani admitted she will get emotional at the prospect of being separated from beau Jack Fincham during an appearance on Wednesday's episode of This Morning

Miss you: Bar a brief split, the couple have gone from strength to strength since leaving the Love Island villa last summer despite his cocaine shame

The star will join Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Ed Balls, Alexander Armstrong, Dan Walker, Anita Rani, Osi Umenyiora and Shirley Ballas on the February expedition, set to air in a one-hour BBC documentary Kilimanjaro: The Return.

As the show aired a clip of the excited reality star in training, she opened up about being away from her hunky love when she jets to Tanzania.

She said: 'I'll be away for ten days and this is the longest me and Jack will be away from each other, I'll probably will have a little cry, I'll miss giving him a cuddle.'

Discussing how the tough conditions in Tanzania will impact on her beauty regime she said: 'I like having lashes but I'm gonna try and go as natural as possible.'

Challenge: The Love Island winner, 22, will join celebs for the challenge set to air in a one-hour BBC documentary Kilimanjaro: The Return

The brunette beauty added her actor father Danny Dyer had given her 'so much support' ahead of the climb.

Kilimanjaro: The Return takes place 10 years after the original excruciating 19,000 ft climb up Africa's highest mountain led by Gary Barlow, which raised 1.5 million for Comic Relief.

Power hitmaker Leigh-Anne said: 'It's so amazing to be part of this challenge for Comic Relief. I can't wait to get to the top of Kilimanjaro and knowing that we are doing it for Comic Relief makes it incredibly special.'

Jade added: 'Leigh-Anne and I went to Liberia in 2014 for Red Nose Day and we have seen first-hand how much work this incredible charity does and how much it is needed. The nerves are certainly starting to kick in for the climb, but I'm lucky I will have Leigh-Anne up there with me and I can't wait to get stuck in with everyone!'

Smitten: She said: 'I'll be away for ten days and this is the longest me and Jack will be away from each other, I'll probably will have a little cry, I'll miss giving him a cuddle'

Strictly alumni Ed said: 'It's an amazing group of climbers, I'm especially looking forward to dancing up the mountain with Shirley Ballas. My whole family are beyond excited that Jade and Leigh-Anne of Little Mix will be scaling Africa's highest mountain too.'

Celebrities including Cheryl, Kimberley Walsh, Denise Van Outen and Ronan Keating took part in the risky ascent in 2009

Cheryl and Alesha were both struck by altitude sickness, with the former Mis-teeq rapper crawling her way to the summit.

Red Nose Day 2019 will be broadcast live on Friday March 15 beginning at 7pm on BBC One.
They've been married for more than 12 years and have five children together.

And Tori Spelling and husband Dean McDermott looked every inch the happy couple as they attended the Fox Winter TCA (Television Critics Association) at The Fig House in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The former Beverly Hills 90210 star, 45, slipped into a bright purple midi-dress with a plunging neckline and a green and yellow floral design.

Out and about: Tori Spelling and husband Dean McDermott looked every inch the happy couple as they attended the Fox Winter TCA at The Fig House in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The actress added height to her frame with bold yellow heels, accessorising with a gold necklace.

Styling her blonde locks into loose curls, Tori added a touch of glamour to her look with a striking red lip as she cosied up next to her other half.

Dean, 52, was dapper in a black blazer and a monochrome, patterned shirt which he paired with navy, slim-fitting jeans and brown boots.

The couple are parents to kids Liam, 11, Stella, 10, Hattie, seven, Finn, six, and Beau, 23 months, while Dean also has a son named Jack, 20, from a previous relationship.

Bold: The former Beverly Hills 90210 star, 45, slipped into a bright purple midi-dress with a plunging neckline and a green and yellow floral design

Glamour: The actress added height to her frame with bold yellow heels, accessorising with a gold necklace

Dean recently hit out at cruel comments he received from online trolls who body-shamed his children after he shared a photo of them.

He wrote: 'I am absolutely horrified and disgusted by the comments being left about my children. Body shaming and bullying my children??!! What is wrong with you people??!!

'As far as saying my children are overweight, well thats just mean and uncalled for, he said.

'Theyre going through different growth phases, and even if our children are on the bigger side. Who cares.

Fighting back: Dean recently hit out at cruel comments he received from online trolls who body-shamed his children after he shared a photo of them

Style: Dean, 52, was dapper in a black blazer and a monochrome, patterned shirt which he paired with navy, slim-fitting jeans and brown boots

Radiant: Styling her blonde locks into loose curls, Tori added a touch of glamour to her look with a striking red lip

'Theyre happy and healthy and Im sorry they dont look like skinny supermodels. People come in all shapes and sizes. So who are you to judge?'

He added: 'You should all be ashamed of yourselves for passing such horrible judgement on innocent beautiful children.

'Thank you to all the people who came to our defense. Youre all kind compassionate souls.'

In November, the couple were among many who were forced to evacuate their homes during the Woosley fires in California.

Scare: In November, the couple were among many who were forced to evacuate their homes during the Woosley fires in California

The TV star was 'amazed' at kindness shown to her by others who offered to help out.

'My eyes swell with happy tears when I reflect on how many friends immediately reached out and offered their homes to us,' she noted.

'No small offer when you are talking about a family of seven. Some I dont even know that well but as part of our school community they stepped up. Thank you all!'

Tori recently made headlines when she confirmed on Access Live that there is a Beverly Hills 90210 reboot happening with the original cast.

Tori said: 'My eyes swell with happy tears when I reflect on how many friends immediately reached out and offered their homes to us'

'It is the OG crew back together, and we're playing heightened versions of ourselves,' Spelling said in the interview.

'The fans will be pleasantly surprised, though, because we will intercut that with scenes from the show.

'So it will be a whole ensemble cast playing heightened versions of themselves, almost everybody.'
Giorgio Armani is famed for his love of androgynous style and is credited with introducing the power suit to women's wardrobes.

So Dakota Fanning, 24, and Katherine Schwarzenegger, 29 paid homage to the Italian designer as they donned chic two-pieces for The Armani Box pop-up store opening in West Hollywood on Wednesday.

Showcasing her sartorial flair, Dakota dazzled in an oversized grey suit with black panel detailing.

Suits you! Dakota Fanning, 24, and Katherine Schwarzenegger, 29 donned chic two-pieces for The Armani Box pop-up store opening in West Hollywood on Wednesday

Whilst the fabric swamped her lithe frame, the War of the Worlds actress put a feminine spin on the look by forgoing a shirt and bra to showcase her cleavage.

The elder sister of actress Elle Fanning added to the glamour with a pair of patent black heels, whilst she toted a small boxy clutch bag.

The blonde bombshell finished off the look by wearing her glossy golden locks slicked back in a centre parting, whilst she injected a splash of colour with scarlet lipstick.

Suited and booted: Whilst the fabric swamped her lithe frame, the War of the Worlds actress put a feminine spin on the look by forgoing a shirt and bra to showcase her cleavage

Glamorous: The blonde bombshell finished off the look by wearing her glossy golden locks slicked back in a centre parting as she posed with VP of Beauty and Fragrance Gino Luci

Also proving less is more was Katherine, who rocked a tailored black suit with a plunging neckline and barely-there heels.

The daughter of action man Arnold Schwarzenegger finished off the look by wearing a myriad of delicate silver necklaces.

Katherine was not joined by her fiance Chris Pratt, who has been in London promoting his new film, The Lego Movie 2.

Working it: Also proving less is more was Katherine, who rocked a tailored black suit with a plunging neckline and barely-there heels

The Guardians Of The Galaxy star proposed to Katherine a couple of weeks ago, roughly three months after his divorce from Anna Faris was finalized.

Chris, who announced his marital separation jointly with Anna early in 2017, shares six-year-old son Jack with her.

The actor admitted he felt a twinge of anxiety before asking Arnold Schwarzenegger for his daughter Katherine's hand in marriage.

Caped crusader: Leighton Meester dazzled in a black trouser suit with caped detailing on the shoulder that she teamed with laser cut out heels

Sassy in satin: Christa B. Allen dazzled in a cream satin two-piece whilst a slick of scarlet lipstick framed her plump pout

Two's company: : Christa B. Allen (L) cosied up to actress Georgie Flores

Looking good: Georgie Flores dazzled in a black suit dress with voluminous sleeves

He dished the experience to Extra at the Los Angeles premiere of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.

He said: 'Well, you know, I think any person who appreciates a tradition and asks a father for his daughters hand in marriage...

'...It's inevitably going to be something that makes you a little nervous, but that's sort of the beauty of it, you know?'

A dream in cream: This Is Us star Susan Kelechi Watson looked stylish in a cream suit and white blouse whilst she accessorised with a Gucci purse
He's best known for playing Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks in the early 90s and then Trey MacDougal in Sex And The City in 2000-2002.

And Kyle MacLachlan, 59, displayed his natural grey locks as he made a suave appearance at the amfAR Gala on Wednesday night, with his wife, Desiree Gruber.

The actor, who first revealed his grey hair in 2012, wore a smart suit with a matching grey tie at the event, which was held at Cipriani's in Wall Street, New York.

Handsome: Sex And The City star Kyle MacLachlan, 59, displayed his natural grey locks at the amfAR Gala, held at Cipriani's in Wall Street, (left) on Wednesday

He posed for snaps with his television producer wife, who he married in 2002 - they have a son, Callum together.

Desiree looked stunning, wearing a metallic halter neck top tucked into chic wide-leg trousers and strappy sandals.

Kyle could be seen pouring from a bottle of Perrier-Jouet at the table, sporting a pair of chic glasses.

Couple: He posed for snaps with his television producer wife, Desiree Gruber, who he married in 2002 - they have a son, Callum together

Dapper: Kyle looked handsome in his smart suit as he posed for more snaps

Bottoms up! Kyle could be seen pouring from a bottle of Perrier-Jouet at the table, sporting a pair of chic glasses

In Sex And The City, Trey marries Charlotte, whose belief in romance leads her to wait until after they are married to be intimate with him.

However, after having a few drinks, she decides to try to seduce him the night before the big day, but discovers he is impotent.

While they do their best to work through the issue, the relationship breaks down after Charlotte struggles to conceive and Trey's mother gets in the way of their life.

No happily ever after: In Sex And The City, Trey marries Charlotte, whose belief in romance leads her to wait until after they are married to be intimate with him

Stressed out: However, after having a few drinks, she decides to try to seduce him the night before the big day, but discovers he is impotent

Three's a crowd: While they do their best to work through the issue, the relationship breaks down after Charlotte struggles to conceive and Trey's mother gets in the way of their life

Two years ago, Kyle returned to Twin Peaks as Dale Cooper and he spoke to Collider about what it was like to get to go back to that world.

He said: 'It was amazing! It was unexpected and such a unique opportunity. The reaction was extraordinary.

In some ways, I think the fans were responsible for us coming back again. The die-hard fans kept the drum beat of Twin Peaks alive.

When they reminded the creators, Hey, its been 25 years, and you said in the show, 25 years ago, that you were gonna come back, I think it made Mark Frost and David Lynch go, Is there a story here? Somehow, they found one.'
Cara Delevingne and girlfriend Ashley Benson shared a smooch outside Fred Segal in West Hollywood on Wednesday.

The besotted couple were giggling as they enjoyed a private moment together outside the Los Angeles eatery during their lunch date.

Cara, 26, leaned close to her love Ashley, 29, to plant a kiss on her lips while they gazed lovingly into each other's eyes.

Good together: Cara Delevingne and girlfriend Ashley Benson shared a smooch as they enjoyed a giggly lunch date in West Hollywood on Wednesday

They were dining at Fred Segal in West Hollywood and Cara appeared in high spirits as she blew kisses as she walked along with Ashley.

The ladies were wearing complementing low-key styles, with Ashley opting for ripped skinny jeans which she wore with a grey hoodie and leather jacket.

Cara wore a baggy white T-shirt with slim-fit black jeans, chucking a Varsity jacket in maroon over the top.

She wore a mustard coloured beanie hat and had slipped a matching scrunchie around her wrist. Things appear to be going well between the lovely ladies.

Look of love: The besotted couple were giggling as they enjoyed a private moment together outside the Los Angeles eatery during their lunch date

Close! Cara, 26, leaned close to her love Ashley, 29, to plant a kiss on her lips while they gazed lovingly into each other's eyes

Go way back: Cara and Ashley met in 2018 on the set of movie Her Smell, in which they play Akergirls bandmates Cassie and Roxie alongside Dylan Gelula's Dottie O.Z

They enjoyed a rocking Saturday night with pals at Elton John's concert at The Forum in Inglewood, Los Angeles.

The couple spent Christmas in London with Cara's family where they celebrated Ashley's birthday at celeb hotspot Chiltern Firehouse in London on December 19.

Cara and Ashley met in 2018 on the set of movie Her Smell, in which they play Akergirls bandmates Cassie and Roxie alongside Dylan Gelula's Dottie O.Z.

Directed by Alex Ross Perry, the nineties riot grrrl band saga also co-stars Amber Heard, Dan Stevens, Eric Stoltz, Elisabeth Moss, Gayle Rankin, Virginia Madsen and Agyness Deyn.

Lovely day: Cara Delevingne and girlfriend Ashley Benson linked arms and blew kisses as they headed to lunch at Fred Segal in West Hollywood with friends on Thursday

Relaxed: The ladies were wearing complementing low-key styles, with Ashley, 29, opting for ripped skinny jeans which she wore with a grey hoodie and leather jacket

Casual: Cara wore a baggy white T-shirt with slim-fit black jeans, chucking a Varsity jacket in maroon over the top

Puppy love: Cara and Ashley walked their dogs when they stepped out after lunch

It's set to hit US theaters on March 29.

Meanwhile, busy Cara also wrapped filming on her Amazon Video series Carnival Row, alongside Orlando Bloom, late last month posting a few Instagram shots of her last day on set.

Amazon has yet to reveal when it will air the show.

She also has romantic Drama Life In A Year with Cuba Gooding Jr. due out this year and thriller Fever Heart with Alexander Skarsgard in pre-production.

Paw-fect couple: The couple looked close as they enjoyed walking their pooches

Hanging out: The couple spent Christmas in London with Cara's family where they celebrated Ashley's birthday at celeb hotspot Chiltern Firehouse in London on December 19
Crushed velvet is a prevalent feature in most reality star homes.

Yet Love Island's Megan Barton Hanson appears to be a unique breed as she took to Instagram on Wednesday evening to voice her disdain for the material - in what appeared to be an extremely sly dig at her co-star Georgia Steel.

The 24-year-old former exotic dancer took to social media to plea for a sofa for her new apartment - which she is moving into after her split from beau Wes Nelson - yet her message came shortly after her co-star shared snaps of her own velvet furniture.

Happy days: Love Island's Megan Barton Hanson appears to be a unique breed as she took to Instagram on Wednesday evening to voice her disdain for the material - in what appeared to be an extremely sly dig at her co-star Georgia Steel

Megan is newly-single following her split from co-star Wes last month and she has since moved out of their Camden home and been open about her flat hunting.

Following a seemingly successful hunt, the stunner is now looking for furniture for her house as she sent a plea on social media to any furniture companies.

While her message seemed relatively innocuous at first, it did in fact come after Georgia shared a series of posts in which she gushed over her love of the material, while showing off her crushed velvet sofa and bed.

Megan penned: 'Looking for a sofa for the new apartment - strictly no crushed velvet!? Any suggestions please?!'

Uh oh: The 24-year-old former exotic dancer took to social media to plea for a sofa for her new apartment - which she is moving into after her split from beau Wes Nelson - yet her message came shortly after her co-star shared snaps of her own velvet furniture

Silver sensation: While her message seemed relatively innocuous at first, it did in fact come after Georgia shared a series of posts in which she gushed over her love of the material, while showing off her crushed velvet sofa and bed

The blonde beauty has previously fallen out with Georgia after she was alleged to have been rude to her leading to them coming to blows on Love Island: After Sun.

While she is looking for a new sofa, Megan is also facing love woes with Wes after her 'rival' Vanessa Bauer recently made a thinly veiled dig at her following weeks of tension over her relationship with her ex.

But Megan appeared to brush aside the drama as she shared a sizzling snap on Instagram on Wednesday, as she looked every inch the siren as she slipped into a black semi-lace top, embellished with lace trimmings and studded details.

Megan's social media activity comes after DOI's Vanessa, 22, suggested she would take the high road and not respond to things that have been said about her.

Ahem: Megan is newly-single following her split from co-star Wes last month and she has since moved out of their Camden home and been open about her flat hunting

It's a no from me: Megan penned: 'Looking for a sofa for the new apartment - strictly no crushed velvet!? Any suggestions please?!'

Sharing an inspirational quote from martial arts legend Bruce Lee that was posted by her agent, it said: 'You will continue to suffer if you have an emotion reaction to everything is said to you.

'True power is sitting back and observing everything with logic. If words control you that mean everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass.'

Prior to sharing the quote, Vanessa had also gushed to her fans about how grateful she has been for their support.

She wrote in a message on her Instagram story: 'Hey beautiful people. I'm so sorry but I can't find the time to respond to all the DMs.

'I read through them and they mean the world to me. I appreciate all the love so much and will over time do my best to respond! Some of your stories bring tears to my eyes and all your support is crazy and amazing.'
The best friends have made an impressive living out of their shared love of swimwear.

And on Thursday, Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman, both 28, soaked up the summer sun at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

The Bikini A Day bloggers stripped down to skimpy bikinis as they flaunted their toned figures at the iconic location.

Busting out! Bikini bloggers Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman, both 28, struggled to contain their assets as they flaunted their toned figures at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Thursday

The Monday Swimwear co-founders certainly turned heads as they sported the barely-there ensembles with confidence.

Both women chose to wear halterneck-tied tops, which highlighted their busts.

Devin put on an eye-popping display as her leopard-print bikini struggled to contain her DD assets.

Coming in hot! The Bikini A Day bloggers stripped down to skimpy bikinis as they flaunted their toned figures at the iconic location

Sizzling stars! The Monday Swimwear co-founders were sure to have turned heads, as they sported cleavage-baring ensembles at the popular beach spot

That's cheeky! The back of Devin and Tash's swimsuits were just as racy, as the high-cut material showed off their derrieres

The back of her swimsuit was just as racy, as the material showed off her derriere.

Natasha meanwhile flaunted her famous curves in a simple black string bikini.

The blonde bombshell's cleavage was on display as she enjoyed the summer conditions with her friend.

Cooling off: Natasha was seen splashing around in the shallows, and later emerged from the ocean waves with dripping-wet locks

Strike a pose! With no rest for the wicked, the social media stars appeared to pose up a storm for photos along the sandy strip

The blonde bombshell's cleavage was in view as she enjoyed the summer conditions with her friend.

Shielding their eyes from the sun, the pair both wore stylish narrow-framed shades as they took to the water.

Natasha and Devin also rocked similar gold hoop earrings and carried woven beach bags.

Va-va-voom! Devin put on an eye-popping display as her leopard-print bikini struggled to contain her DD assets

Shady chic! Shielding their eyes from the sun, the pair both wore stylish narrow shades as they took to the water

Natasha was seen splashing around in the shallows, and later emerged from the ocean waves with dripping-wet locks.

Standing on the shoreline, the blonde beauty left her salt-sprayed locks down, while Devin chose to place her brunette tresses up in a messy bun.

Throughout the afternoon, Natasha was also spotted lying down under a beach umbrella with another bikini-clad friend.

Relaxing: Throughout the afternoon, Natasha was also spotted lying down under a beach umbrella with another bikini-clad friend

With no rest for the wicked, the social media stars, who boast more than three million followers between them, appeared to pose up a storm for a photographer along the sandy strip.

The photos will no doubt be shared to their blog A Bikini A Day in coming days.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph's Stellar in July last year, Natasha said that she doesn't spend all of her time luxuriating on beaches all over the world.

Embracing her curves! Natasha, who grew up in Sydney's Bronte, went on to suggest that the reason her and Devin have struck a chord with the public is that they aren't rail-thin

'The other side of it is I run my own swimwear and activewear label [Monday Swimwear and Monday Active]. I manage all of our companies - even if I am wearing a bikini while I sit there on the laptop doing work,' she explained.

Natasha, who grew up in Sydney's Bronte, went on to suggest that the reason her and Devin have struck a chord with the public is that they aren't rail-thin.

'I am a curvaceous woman. And I think a lot of people have had newfound confidence within themselves from seeing what we do,' the blonde said.

Best friends in the biz! Natasha launched blog A Bikini A Day with Devin in 2012

Natasha launched blog A Bikini A Day with Devin in 2012.

With their newfound success, the girls co-founded retail brand Monday Swimwear in 2014, and Monday Active in 2016.

Natasha has also partnered with brands including Seafolly, Sunglass Hut and Bonds Australia in the past.

Despite being based in Los Angeles, Natasha always catches up with her family when back home in Sydney.

Twinning! The pair both carried similar wicker beach baskets as they left the Sydney beach
The African-American Film Critics Association celebrated their 10th award show on Wednesday.

And Rashida Jones was among a star-studded crowd to walk the red carpet in Los Angeles.

The 42-year-old actress kept things classy in a black suit, while Amandla Stenberg, 20, opted for an edgier look.

Suit up: Rashida Jones was among a star-studded crowd to walk the red carpet in Los Angeles

Rashida's ensemble consisted of a double breasted black jacket and wide-legged pants.

Underneath she sported a breton shirt and a pair of shiny black flats.

Her brunette tresses were left free with her bangs falling across her forehead and the the rest framed her angelic face.

The Parks & Recreation star painted her lips a deep pink and opted to go accessory free for the occasion.

Style: Rashida's ensemble consisted of a double breasted black jacket and wide-legged pants

Picture perfect: Her brunette tresses were left free with her bangs falling across her forehead and the the rest framed her angelic face

Amandla donned a white dress with buttons down the center and the sleeves were ripped and patched with clear plastic.

She wore strong black heels and painted her lips a gorgeous rouge as she looked stunning in her fashion-forward look.

Her caramel tresses were in braids and swept to one side, framing her face.

Fashion-forward: Amandla donned a white dress with buttons down the center and the sleeves were ripped and patched with clear plastic

Sharp: She wore strong black heels and painted her lips a gorgeous rouge as she looked stunning in her fashion-forward look

Beauty: Her caramel tresses were in braids and swept to one side, framing her face

Storm Reid, 15, donned a pretty white Mulberry dress and shirt that was covered in a leafy toile and added a couple inches via orange heels.

Lakeith Stanfield, 27, a green army coat over a sweater with tight black jeans and a beret.

Ryan Coogler, 32, opted for an all-black ensemble made up of a t-shirt,pants and a suit jacket, which all almost matched.

Red carpet regular: Storm Reid, 15, donned a pretty white Mulberry dress and shirt that was covered in a leafy toile and added a couple inches via orange heels

Handsome: Lakeith Stanfield, 27, a green army coat over a sweater with tight black jeans and a beret

No need to match: Ryan Coogler, 32, opted for an all-black ensemble made up of a t-shirt,pants and a suit jacket, which all almost matched

Tichina Arnold sparkled in a gold, sleeveless dress, which matched her heels, bracelets and earrings.

The 49-year-old multi-hyphenate hosted this year's award ceremony.

Quincy Jones, 85, joined his daughter at the show where he was honored with a Special Achievement award.

The record producer looked fantastic in a stylish coat, whit shirt, and slacks with a thick tie.

Host: Tichina Arnold sparkled in a gold, sleeveless dress, which matched her heels, bracelets and earrings

The honorable: Quincy Jones, 85, joined his daughter at the show where he was honored with a Special Achievement award

Nailed it: The record producer looked fantastic in a stylish coat, whit shirt, and slacks with a thick tie

Coogler was among the recipients of awards during the show, holding his trophy in one hand as he gave his speech.

Ava DuVernay, 46, also took the stage during the course of the night donning an all black ensemble.

The award show took place at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood.

Stage presence: Ava DuVernay, 46, also took the stage during the course of the night donning an all black ensemble
He's the doting father of two daughters with wife Nicole Kidman.

And on Thursday, Keith Urban, 51, was on daddy duty as he escorted Sunday Rose, 10, and Faith Margaret, eight, through Sydney Airport.

The country star beamed as he took the girls through the terminal to catch a flight to Brisbane for the next stop of his Graffiti U tour.

Father takes flight! Keith Urban, 51, was doing daddy duty as he escorted Sunday Rose, 10, and Faith Margaret, 8, through Sydney Airport on Thursday

Both girls wore matching dresses and ankle boots for the low-key outing.

With her reddish-brown hair and porcelain complexion, Faith Margaret bore a striking resemblance to her famous mother.

Sunday Rose, who wore her hair in pigtails, looked more like her country superstar father.

Is that you, Nicole? With her reddish-brown hair and porcelain complexion, Faith Margaret bore a striking resemblance to her famous mother, actress Nicole Kidman

Just last week, the entire family were spotted attending a church service in Sydney's Lavender Bay.

Despite having previously been married to Scientologist Tom Cruise, Nicole is a devout Catholic who regularly attends church.

Keith and Nicole are famously private about their family lives, but the couple have taken to social media in the past to gush over their daughters.

Just like dad! Sunday Rose, who wore her hair in pigtails, looked more like her country superstar father

To mark Sunday's 10th birthday in July last year, Nicole wrote on Instagram: 'Ten years ago today our little girl came into the world. You are our joy Sunday Rose. We love you, Happy Birthday.'

Just months later, in December, Nicole wrote a similar post for Faith, penning: 'Our baby girl turns 8 today. We love you so much. You bring us more happiness than we could have ever dreamed of. We love you Faith Margaret.'

Nicole and Keith are one of Hollywood's longest lasting couple, having tied the knot 12 years ago.
Viewers from across the nation are eager to find out which Married At First Sight couples have taken it all the way.

And while some newlyweds consummated their marriage on their honeymoon, others are yet to get busy between the sheets.

Ahead of Sunday night's highly-anticipated commitment ceremony, Daily Mail Australia takes a look at which other couples have sealed the deal.

From doing the deed for the first time in 29 years to getting hot and heavy on their honeymoon: Which Married At First Sight couples have had sex? Pictured: Elizabeth and Sam

Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli

From a passionate kiss at their lavish nuptials to confessing their attraction by the beach, it's no surprise that Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli have done the deed.

After being questioned by Talking Married hosts, the Greek beauty, 30, confirmed they had sex on their honeymoon.

Michael said: 'I needed some distance to simmer down... It took us a few nights to figure each other out,' while Martha laughed: 'Yeah, we did it.'

'Yeah, we did': From a passionate kiss at their nuptials to confessing their attraction by the beach: Martha Kalifatidis (R) and Michael Brunelli (L) revealed this week that they've done the deed

Lauren Huntriss and Matthew Bennett

Over two million Australians saw Lauren Huntriss take 'husband' Matthew Bennett's virginity on Married At First Sight this week.

Chatting to the latest issue of TV Week, he explained it was his wife's 'compassion' that put him at ease and made him decide to take the next step.

'There was this compassionate, kind woman who's been really supportive. We had this special moment and it definitely brought us closer.'

Matthew also said on the show that losing his virginity at 29 was 'worth the 29-year wait.'

First time's a charm? Over two million Australians saw Lauren Huntriss take 'husband' Matthew Bennett's virginity on Married At First Sight this week

Sweet: Matthew also said on the show that losing his virginity at 29 was 'worth the 29-year wait'

Heidi Latcham and Mike Gunner

Mike Gunner, 44, and 38-year-old Heidi Latcham's raging sexual chemistry at the altar has made them one of the strongest matches this season.

And hours after they arrived on their honeymoon, the couple were caught between the sheets during Thursday's episode.

Flashing his bare derriere as he woke up naked next to his 'wife' aboard a luxury yacht in Queensland, Mike hinted the couple had consummated their love on their wedding night.

'Didn't get a lot of sleep last night,' Mike announced in a voiceover at the start of the scene before a female producer asked whether the pair had sex.

'A gentleman never kisses and tells,' he remarked with a Cheshire cat grin.

'A gentleman never kisses and tells': Hours after they arrived on their honeymoon, the couple were caught between the sheets during Thursday's episode

'Didn't get a lot of sleep last night,' Mike announced in a voiceover at the start of the scene before a female producer asked whether the pair had sex

Melissa Lucarelli and Dino Hira

Melissa Lucarelli was celibate for eight years before signing up for Married At First Sight and marrying 'husband' and meditation expert, Dino Hira.

Appearing on 2DayFM's Breakfast with Grant, Ed & Ash last Friday, the talent manager, 38, revealed whether the pair were intimate in the bedroom.

Revealing her nickname for her 'downstairs region' is Sally, she hinted that Dino became well acquainted with 'Sally' during filming.

'Maybe he meditated Sally to another place!' she teased.

Nice to meet you! Melissa Lucarelli hinted that her 'husband' Dino Hira became well acquainted in the bedroom during an interview with 2DayFM's Breakfast with Grant, Ed & Ash last Friday

Breaking the dry spell! Melissa Lucarelli was celibate for eight years before signing up for Married At First Sight and marrying 'husband' and meditation expert, Dino Hira

Jules Robinson and Cameron Merchant

They appeared to fall in love at first sight, forming an instant connection at the altar.

But Cameron Merchant, 34, confirmed to viewers that he didn't officially 'get lucky' in the bedroom department with his new wife, Jules Robinson, 37, on their wedding night.

The loved-up couple spoke on the MAFS Confessional podcast on Friday, with Jules revealing that they wanted to get to know one another better.

'I just wanted it not to be our focus and make sure everything else was there first before we decided,' she said, adding: 'We decided that we'd adult through this.'

Not tonight: Cameron Merchant, 34, confirmed to viewers that he didn't officially 'get lucky' in the bedroom department with his new wife, Jules Robinson, 37, on their wedding night

No rush: 'I just wanted it not to be our focus and make sure everything else was there first before we decided,' Jules said, adding: 'We decided that we'd adult through this'

Nic Jovanovic and Cyrell Jimenez Paule

Newlyweds Nic Jovanovic, 28, and Cyrell Jimenez Paule, 29 experienced a few hurdles on their wedding day after the TV bride's family expressed doubts about the experiment.

Cyrell's brother Ivan stole the show for all the wrong reasons after he berated his sister's new 'husband' Nic at the couple's wedding reception.

Despite the hardship, the pair bonded over their bawdy sense of humour and ended their wedding night by flirting up a storm in their hotel room.

Once in bed together, the pair's strong sexual chemistry became apparent as Cyrell spanked her new husband and complimented his muscular physique.

It is unlikely the two consummated their marriage however, as Cyrell was even reluctant to kiss Nic at the alter for fear of disappointing her family.

Any action? Once in bed together, the pair's strong sexual chemistry became apparent as Cyrell spanked her new husband and complimented his muscular physique, but appear to have not gone all the way

Jessika Power and Mick Gould

Their 'marriage' got off to a rocky start when the groom's best man made a tasteless speech about Viagra at their reception.

But the night after their special day, newlyweds Mick Gould, 31 and Jessika Power, 26, were shown waking up in bed together, causing viewers to speculate whether they had been intimate.

In the footage, the sleepy pair appeared cosy under the covers and appeared to be enjoying each other's company.

Hinting that they hadn't yet slept together, Mick said: 'I'm hoping that there's a chemistry there. I might have got a sneaky little kiss but yeah, that's about it.'

'I'm hoping that there's a chemistry there. I might have got a sneaky little kiss but yeah, that's about it': Mick Gould (R) said during his honeymoon with 'wife' Jessika Power (L), hinting that they hadn't yet slept together

Ning Surasiang and Mark Scrivens

Ning Surasiang, 33 and former army serviceman Mark Scrivens, 31, married in an uncomfortable ceremony last week.

Their awkwardness continued during the reception, with Ning's abrasive humour leaving Mark wondering if his new bride even liked him or not.

After sharing a passionate kiss on their honeymoon, Ning quickly pulled away - suggesting the pair won't be getting hot and heavy anytime soon.

Not quite there yet? After sharing a passionate kiss on their honeymoon, Ning Surasiang (R) quickly pulled away from 'husband' Mark Scrivens (L) - suggesting the pair won't be getting hot and heavy anytime soon

Ines Basic and Bronson Norrish

Ines Basic and Bronson Norrish's honeymoon got off to a rocky start, with the fiery brunette, 28, asking her new husband: 'Do you feel any sexual chemistry with me? Would you root me?'

Bronson's answer hinted the pair have a long way to go before they do the deed.

'When I kissed you I felt something there, but when Jekyll and Hyde comes out, I lose that feeling pretty quick. I never know when you're going to change into the green beast!' he carefully added.

He also said his first impression of Ines was that she 'was a handful' and likened her personality to 'Jersey Shore and Kardashians on steroids'.

'Do you feel any sexual chemistry with me? Would you root me?': Ines Basic (R) asked 'husband' Bronson Norrish (L) whether he would have sex with her on their honeymoon, but his vague answer suggested the pair haven't done the deed

Elizabeth Sobinoff and Samuel Ball

After Sam Ball, 26, left his TV 'wife' Elizabeth Sobinoff all alone in their hotel room the morning after their wedding night, it appears likely the duo did not have sex.

After their less-than-perfect nuptials, Sam booked the next flight to New Zealand to attend his ex-girlfriend's mother's funeral.

During the shock wedding, Sam fat shamed Elizabeth, revealing his exercise plans to take her running in the mornings while claiming she's larger than girls he's dated before.

Married At First Sight continues Thursday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine
Just over a month after buying a lavish Miami condo for a cool $14 million, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are now backing out of the deal.

The couple reportedly decided that they decided to pull out of the deal at Miami's Faena House, after deciding their money would be better spent at a property that was more 'private and secluded,' according to TMZ.

The power couple are now reportedly eyeing real estate properties in the Bahamas and other more tropical locales after the Miami deal fell through.

Kim and Kanye back out: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West back out of a $14 million deal for a Miami condo, and are now eyeing properties in the Bahamas

No deal: The couple reportedly decided that they decided to pull out of the Faena House (above) condo after deciding their money would be better spent at a property that was more 'private and secluded,' according to TMZ

The couple are reportedly looking for a piece of property that the whole family can enjoy, including kids North, 5, Saint, 3, and Chicago, 1.

They will reportedly lose the $600,000 down payment they spent for the condo at Faena House, which has been dubbed the 'Billionaire Beach Bunker.'

The property, which is 18 stories tall and beach-adjacent, is home to one-per-centers like Ukrainian oligarch Len Blavatnik, Goldman Sachs tycoon Lloyd Blankfein and hedge-funder Ken Griffin.

Expanding: It seems Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are about to add another property to their real estate portfolio: a condo in Miami

The unit is 4700 square feet and reportedly offers up four bedrooms, five and a half baths and a 'wraparound terrace.'

The condo was originally on the market for $15.5 million, but it seemed the power couple managed to talk their way down to $14 million.

The condo was a Christmas present from Kanye to Kim, with the original report from Page Six, just two days after Christmas, reporting the sale was expected to close in January.

Fancy! Apparently the famous couple recently agreed to purchase a unit in Miami's famed Faena House building

Nifty neighbors: The property, which is 18 stories tall and beach-adjacent, is home to one-per-centers like Ukrainian oligarch Len Blavatnik, Goldman Sachs tycoon Lloyd Blankfein and hedge-funder Ken Griffin

Wheeler dealers! It seems KimYe may have scored a good deal, as the condo was originally on the market for $15.5 million

One of the other reasons the couple reportedly backed out of the deal was because it wasn't secluded and private enough.

A TMZ source revealed that, after Kim and Kanye were photographed kissing on the balcony of their new pad in early January, they realized the place wasn't right for them.

The source said the Faena House condo, 'lacked privacy for them and their fam,' which lead them to move on.

Very merry! They just used their giant home in Hidden Hills, California for an outlandishly opulent holiday party

The Kardashian clan does have a connection to Miami, since it's where one of Kim, Kourtney and Khloe's first DASH storefront stores opened.

Still, all of their DASH stores closed in 2018 for the sisters to focus on different ventures.

Meanwhile, Kanye West is a huge fan of the Art Basel art fair which takes place in Miami every December.

While it's not clear what Kim and Kanye plan to do with the new property, surely their neighbors hope they keep the partying to a minimum.

They recently went all out for their holiday party, decking out their entire property in Hidden Hills with snow.

Absurd: They recently went all out for their holiday party, decking out their entire property in Hidden Hills with snow
Antonio Banderas reunites with actress Penelope Cruz and director Pedro Almodovar in the new trailer for Pain & Glory (Dolo Y Gloria).

Banderas, 58, and Cruz, 44, previously starred in Almodovar's 2013 film I'm So Excited, and now they reunite with the director for Pain & Glory.

Sony Pictures has set a March 22 release date in Spain for Pain & Glory, although it remains to be seen when it will be released in other parts of the globe.

Antonio returns: Antonio Banderas reunites with Penelope Cruz and Pedro Almodovar for the new film Pain and Glory, with the first trailer just released.

New character: Banderas, 58, and Cruz, 44, previously starred in Almodovar's 2013 film I'm So Excited, and now they reunite with the director for Pain & Glory

Spanish release: Sony Pictures has set a March 22 release date in Spain for Pain & Glory, although it remains to be seen when it will be released in other parts of the globe

The trailer begins with a shot of Banderas' character, film director Salvador Mallo, described as 'film director in decline,' who is seen sitting at the bottom of a pool.

The footage then features Penelope Cruz's character holding a young boy, while another shot shows Mallo sitting peacefully with a blonde woman.

The trailer is more a collection of unconnected scenes, featuring various characters from Mallo's life, both past and present, along with a cryptic shot of text reading 'El Primer Deseo' - The First Desire.

Director: The trailer begins with a shot of Banderas' character, film director Salvador Mallo, described as 'film director in decline,' who is seen sitting at the bottom of a pool

Penelope: The footage then features Penelope Cruz's character holding a young boy, while another shot shows Mallo sitting peacefully with a blonde woman

The first desire: The trailer is more a collection of unconnected scenes, featuring various characters from Mallo's life, both past and present, along with a cryptic shot of text reading 'El Primer Deseo' - The First Desire

There are also brief shots of hands typing away on a keyboard along with the credits rolling of feature film, along with a group of children lead by a priest, before another shot of Mallo.

The shots drift from past to present, with Cruz's character seemingly the mother of Mallo, as he reflects on his life, with Julieta Serrano playing the mother in present day.

The film is described as, 'a series of reunions' for Mallo, although some of them are actual, in-person reunions, while others are purely in his own mind.

Flashback: There are also brief shots of hands typing away on a keyboard along with the credits rolling of feature film, along with a group of children lead by a priest, before another shot of Mallo

Past mother: The shots drift from past to present, with Cruz's character seemingly the mother of Mallo

Present day mom: Julieta Serrano plays the mother in present day.

At one point in the trailer, Mallo is seen entering an MRI machine, so it's possible that his health could be fading, and that is why he's reflecting on his life.

There are also brief shots featuring what could be posters for Mallo's films, with one dubbed Adiccion and another Sabor.

The trailer end with a number of shots from Mallo's past and present, while revealing the March 22 Spanish release date.

Fading health: At one point in the trailer, Mallo is seen entering an MRI machine, so it's possible that his health could be fading, and that is why he's reflecting on his life

Posters: There are also brief shots featuring what could be posters for Mallo's films, with one dubbed Adiccion and another Sabor

Trailer end: The trailer end with a number of shots from Mallo's past and present, while revealing the March 22 Spanish release date

While Banderas only starred in I'm So Excited, Cruz has starred in six of Almodovar's films throughout the years.

She first starred in Live Flesh in 1997, followed by All About My Mother in 1999, Volver in 2006, Broken Embraces and The Cannibalistic Councillor in 2009 and I'm So Excited in 2013.

Almodovar most recently directed Julieta in 2016, based on Alice Munro's novel.

Big star: While Banderas only starred in I'm So Excited, Cruz has starred in six of Almodovar's films throughout the years
Dermott Brereton was kicked off I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! on Tuesday night.

And after arriving back in Australia, the retired AFL star wasted no time unleashing on his former campmate, Justin Lacko.

In an extraordinary tirade, Dermott, 54, said viewers have only seen 'about 10 per cent of Justin's hissy fits' in the South African jungle.

The shocking behaviour you DIDN'T see on I'm A Celebrity: Justin Lacko's tantrums are 'ten times worse' than what's shown on TV, says eliminated contestant Dermott Brereton (pictured)

Dermott made the remarks in a scathing Instagram comment on Wednesday.

'I can tell you, you've only seen about 10 per cent of his hissy fits,' he wrote in response to a fan.

'I have never met a person with poorer awareness of his personal behaviour. We all endlessly catered for his spasmodic personality.'

Awkward! 'I have never met a person with poorer awareness of his personal behaviour. We all endlessly catered for his spasmodic personality,' Dermott said of Justin Lacko (pictured)

'He did well on most challenges, but he is no team player, that is the truth,' the former sportsman added.

Dermott left the comment in response to a fan who had remarked: 'Justin has proven that he is a great team player. Who cares what the media think.'

The heated discussion took place below a video shared by the I'm A Celebrity Instagram account which showed Justin arguing with fellow camper Angie Kent.

Ouch! Dermott made the remarks in a scathing Instagram comment on Wednesday

In the scene, Angie and Justin called each other 'd**ks'.

It appeared the former Love Island star had reacted badly to being described as a 'human wheel of emotion' and Angie was trying to get him to calm down.

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues Sunday at 7pm on Channel 10
Olivia Colman is set to be honoured with the prestigious BFI Fellowship at the BFI Chairmans dinner in March.

The British actress, 45, who has been setting award season alight with her numerous Leading Actress nominations for The Favourite, has revealed that she is 'absolutely bowled over' by the prestigious recognition from the British Film Institute.

Continuing of the honour, which 'recognises her distinctive and prodigious acting talents', Colman enthused: 'The BFI is a wonderful organisation and that I will soon be in a Fellowship with so many of my heroes is an honour that is hard to compute.'

Highest honour: Olivia Colman, 45, is set to be honoured with the prestigious BFI Fellowship at the BFI Chairmans dinner in March

Clearly unable to contain her delight over the ceremony dinner, which will be held at March 6 at Londons Rosewood hotel, Olivia concluded: 'Thank you a thousand times, I really am thrilled. THANK YOU!'

Following the honour, Olivia will be joining the ranks of previous recipients Helena Bonham Carter, Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Steve McQueen and Hugh Grant.

BFI chair, Josh Berger, couldn't help but gush about the star: 'I am thrilled the BFI is giving its highest honour, the BFI Fellowship, to Olivia Colman, at such an exciting point in her career.

'Olivia is a brilliant comic actor and one of the industrys finest dramatic performers. Her ability to be relatable in such a diverse range of roles generates incredible warmth and admiration from audiences.

Delighted: The British actress, who has been setting award season alight with her numerous Leading Actress nominations for The Favourite, has revealed that she is 'absolutely bowled over' by the prestigious recognition from the British Film Institute

Colman enthused: 'The BFI is a wonderful organisation and that I will soon be in a Fellowship with so many of my heroes is an honour that is hard to compute'

'The Favourite is firmly up there as one of the best films of recent years and showcases Olivias extraordinary and nuanced performance, which is fittingly being acknowledged by critics and audiences all over the world,' he stated.

Olivia has found herself in the running for the Leading Actress category at the Oscars alongside heavy-hitters Glenn Close for The Wife, Lady Gaga for A Star Is Born, Yalitza Aparicio for Roma and Melissa McCarthy for Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Hotly tipped for success, Olivia's portrayal of a frail, eccentric and introverted Queen Anne of Great Britain in The Favourite has also earned her coveted Best Actress nomination at the BAFTAs on Sunday.

Impressive: The honour is in 'recognition of her distinctive and prodigious acting talents and the huge impact she has on audiences all over the world'

Line-up: Olivia has found herself in the running for the Leading Actress category at the Oscars alongside Glenn Close, Lady Gaga, Yalitza Aparicio and Melissa McCarthy

Success: Olivia's portrayal of a frail, eccentric and introverted Queen Anne of Great Britain in The Favourite has also earned her coveted Best Actress nomination at the BAFTAs

Olivia has shown off her incredible acting prowess in a slew of high-profile and critically acclaimed projects over the years, including her role in the British comedy Peep Show in 2003 to 2015 and ITVs Broadchurch from 2013 to 2017.

Her film credits are equally as impressive, starring alongside Simon Pegg in Hot Fuzz and The Iron Lady opposite Meryl Streep.

Fans of Colman will see her next in Netflix's eagerly-anticipated The Crown, in which she will take over the role of Queen Elizabeth II from Claire Foy in the third series.
Channel Nine executives were hoping that the new Today show lineup would halt its downward spiral in the ratings.

But it appears that those hopes have been dashed with the release of the latest overnight metro ratings on Thursday.

Nine's breakfast show drew a five-city audience of just 177,000 viewers on Wednesday, which was 123,000 less than Channel Seven's Sunrise.

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Maybe it wasn't Karl after all! The Today show has plunged to its lowest ratings since 2001 - as the new lineup struggles to find an audience. Pictured: Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner

Things are even worse in the national ratings, with Sunrise pulling 550,000 viewers compared to the Today show's 269,000.

The results show that Today is experiencing its lowest ratings since 2006, when it drew just 176,000 viewers in the five-city metro market.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.

Number crunch: Channel Nine executives were hoping that the new Today show lineup would halt its downward spiral in the ratings. But it appears that those hopes have been dashed with the release of the latest overnight metro ratings on Thursday. Pictured: Karl Stefanovic

The new-look Today show has been suffering from dismal ratings ever since its launch in mid-January during the Australian Open.

And as executives scramble for answers, one TV expert has claimed that co-host Georgie Gardner, 48, should have been sacked at the same time as Karl Stefanovic, 44, so the program started 2019 with a 'clean slate'.

Kevin Perry, the Media Editor at TV Blackbox, recently told Daily Mail Australia: 'Nine has made changes to the cast, but the problem is they haven't gone far enough. Georgie lacks warmth in the hosting role and there is a perception from some viewers that she has stabbed Karl in the back.'

Karl and Georgie hosted the Today show together for 12 months, but it is understood they strongly disliked each other behind the scenes.

Tuning out: Channel Nine's breakfast show drew a five-city audience of just 177,000 viewers on Wednesday, which was 123,000 less than Channel Seven's Sunrise

Karl was axed from the program on December 19, before fellow Today stars Sylvia Jeffreys, 32, and Tim Gilbert, 51, were also shown the door.

Georgie remained as the sole survivor of what Channel Nine insiders described at the time as a 'bloodbath'.

But Kevin claimed this was a mistake, saying: 'Nine had the opportunity to completely reboot Today with new people and they failed to do that.'

Waking up with Seven: Things are even worse in the national ratings, with Sunrise pulling 550,000 viewers compared to the Today show's 269,000. Pictured: The Sunrise lineup

The media analyst added that Sarah Harris and Basil Zempilas 'would have made an excellent alternative to the current lineup'.

Sarah, 37, currently co-hosts Studio 10, while Basil, 47, is an anchor on Weekend Sunrise.

Kevin further claimed that producers should be worried 'there is a real perception problem that Today is a Sydney show that only reports Sydney news'.
Danny Dyer appeared in great spirits as he was seen for the first time since daughter Dani's 'moved out of the home she shares with boyfriend Jack Fincham' after he admitted to binging cocaine.

The EastEnders star, 41, stepped out to attend the press night and afterparty for his latest production, Pinter Seven: A Slight Ache & The Dumb Waiter, at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London on Wednesday evening.

Soap star Danny proved to be in good company as he posed for snaps with co-star Martin Freeman at the event, which also saw an appearance from Game Of Thrones star Natalie Dormer.

Work time: Danny Dyer attended the press night and afterparty for his latest production, Pinter Seven: A Slight Ache & The Dumb Waiter, at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London on Wednesday

Putting on a dapper display, the hardman rocked a crisp black shirt with a pair of form-fitting indigo jeans.

The London native complemented his suave ensemble with a quirky trilby hat and black brogues.

Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the production follows the story of two hit-men Gus and Ben (Danny and Martin).

Danny's display came after Love Island's Jack, 26, admitted to having a cocaine binge - which he said he regrets and was a lapse in judgement.

Family drama: The EastEnders star, 41, was seen for the first time since daughter Dani's 'moved out of the home she shares with boyfriend Jack Fincham' after he admitted to binging cocaine (pictured together last month)

Pals: Soap star Danny proved to be in good company as he posed for snaps with co-star Martin Freeman at the event

Suave: Putting on a dapper display, the hardman rocked a crisp black shirt with a pair of form-fitting indigo jeans

Co-stars: Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the production follows the story of two hit-men Gus and Ben (Danny and Martin)

Following Jack's revelation, Danny shared he binged on crack cocaine in his past and was 'slowly committing suicide'.

The Outlaw star has become 'quite spiritual' as he has got older and has started meditating daily and believes a 'higher power' has helped him through.

Danny told the i newspaper of his past: 'I was in such a dark place, I was slowly committing suicide. I had no hope, I hated myself, couldn't look in the mirror for more than five seconds.

In good company: The 47-year-old Black Panther star beamed with delight as he posed with actress Natalie Dormer

Chic: The 36-year-old Game Of Thrones star put on a stylish display in a floral embroidered jacket

Looking good: The screen star enjoyed a glass of fizz as she joined Luther actress Indira Varma

He recalled one of his darkest moments as staying up all night smoking crack before appearing in his mentor Harold Pinter's play Celebration back in 2001 at New York's Lincoln Center.

The Adulthood star confessed that he's 'never been the same again' since that moment, revealing: 'I was abusing myself so much, my brain wasn't ready and I didn't have a clue what to say.

'The blood rushed from my feet to my head and I was petrified. I felt so vulnerable.'

Beaming: Keith Allen and Jamie Lloyd grinned from ear-to-ear at the event

A-list: Presenter Dermot O' Leary (L) and Being Human star Russell Tovey (R) were also in attendance

Radiant: Tamsin Greig and Jane Horrocks looked stunning as they posed for the cameras

His daughter Dani, 23, has reportedly moved out of the home she shares with former pen salesman Jack after he admitted to binging cocaine.

Just over a week ago, he caved in to temptation after an all-night 'blowout' that lead to him guzzling alcohol and cocaine.

On Tuesday, Jack admitted to the drug binge in an interview with The Sun, and that same day Dani's parents were seen moving her belongings out of their shared flat.

Uh oh: His daughter Dani, 23, has reportedly moved out of the home she shares with former pen salesman Jack, 26, after he admitted to binging cocaine

Dani is currently in Tanzania ahead of her Mount Kilimanjaro climb for Comic Relief, yet it's reported her parents Danny and Joanne Mas urged to her to move back into their Essex home.

In pictures obtained by the publication, Dani's mother was seen leaving the flat with a suitcase after reportedly packing for her daughter.

She was said to be 'heartbroken' after Jack informed her of his drug abuse in a phone-call ahead of her charity climb on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Comedian and actor Steve Bean has died after a long battle with a rare form of nose cancer.

The actor, best known for his roles in Shameless and Ray Donovan, was just 58 years old when he passed away on January 21, according to Variety.

He had been battling Sino-Nasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, one of the rarest forms of cancer, which resulted in him losing his nose.

RIP: Comedic actor Steve Bean passed away on January 21 at just 58 years of age, after battling a rare form of cancer known as Sino-Nasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Steve Bean Levy, who has died age 58, with his wife wife Carrigan and their son Jacob Randall Levy

His fellow Shameless actor Rebecca Metz, who played Melinda, posted a moving Tribute on Twitter calling Bean 'an extraordinary friend, husband, father, actor and human being'.

Bean was born Stephen Joseph Levy in Lynn, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, in late April 1960, and raised in Providence, Rhode Island.

He started performing while attending Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and in local nightclubs.

The comedian teamed up with Chris Zito in 1980, forming a duo known as Zito & Bean, which gained a large following in the Boston comedy scene.

Rebecca Metz, who played Melinda in Shameless alongside Steve Bean Levy, posted this tribute on Twitter

East coast: Bean was born Stephen Joseph Levy in Lynn, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, in late April 1960, and raised in Providence, Rhode Island.

They had their own show for three year's at the popular Beantown club Play It Again Sam's, but after a decade, Bean split from the duo to move to Los Angeles.

He quickly found work writing for The Tim Conway Show and Dot Comedy, while also joining the iconic Groundlings Improv Group.

Bean also found steady work as an actor, making his acting debut in, fittingly, the Boston-set sitcom Cheers, playing a reporter.

Working actor: Bean also found steady work as an actor, making his acting debut in, fittingly, the Boston-set sitcom Cheers, playing a reporter

He went on to land guest starring roles in hit shows like Murder She Wrote and Quantum Leap before transitioning to feature films with Vital Signs and Bobcat Goldthwait's directorial debut, Shakes the Clown.

Bean continued to work regularly with roles in movies like Mousehunt, Blast From the Past and The Out-Of-Towners plus guest starring spots in Dharma & Greg, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Veronica Mars and Justified, to name a few.

Most recently he had guest-starring spots in 2016 in Ray Donovan and Shameless, but towards the end of that year, he was diagnosed with Sino-Nasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Nose cancer: Most recently he had guest-starring spots in 2016 in Ray Donovan and Shameless, but towards the end of that year, he was diagnosed with Sino-Nasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Last September, Bean spoke about his diagnosis and his year of treatment in an article he wrote for Mel Magazine entitled My Year Without a Nose.

Bean's wife Caroline Carrigan revealed to DailyMail.com that her husband started getting chronic nosebleeds in the fall of 2016, but they started getting, 'really bad' by the holiday season.

'The diagnosis was deviated septum/polyps/sinusitis,' Carrigan, an actress and screenwriter, said.

'The tumor, unbeknownst to us, was already pushing his nose literally out of joint and he was starting to look like a boxer. And then like something from Avatar,' she added.

Living with cancer: Last September, Bean spoke about his diagnosis and his year of treatment in an article he wrote for Mel Magazine entitled My Year Without a Nose

She added that she knew it was cancer, since he was, 'losing weight steadily,' but she was not expecting that the doctors were going to remove his nose entirely.

'I did not expect to be told they were going to remove his nose. You can imagine what that does to a working actor,' Carrigan said.

It was mentioned at the end of his Mel Magazine article that he was given 9 to 12 months to live, with Carrigan mentioning that after chemotherapy and more radiation didn't work, they tried a second operation.

Working actor: She added that she knew it was cancer, since he was, 'losing weight steadily,' but she was not expecting that the doctors were going to remove his nose entirely

'There was a second operation where they removed his cheekbone and part of his upper jaw. After the article, they tried 4 months of immunotherapy which would have given him the 9-12 months he mentioned,' Carrigan said.

'In the meantime, the tumor kept growing and pushed on his right eye so hard, they had to remove that eye for his comfort.'

He is survived by his wife Carrigan, their son Jacob Randall Levy, his parents, Irwin and Dorothy Levy, sisters, Lauren Levy Brodie and Jill Levy Sorota and other friends and family members.

Donations can be made to Cancer Support Community Pasadena at 76 E. Del Mar Blvd. #215, Pasadena, CA 91105 or to the GoFundMe page that was started in August for his cancer treatments.

Steve wrote a piece about his cancer for MEL last year and the magazine posted a tribute on Twitter
It's the question on everybody's lips: 'Who will stay and who will go?'

And ahead of Married At First Sight's first commitment ceremony, a body language expert has revealed which couples are most likely to stay together.

Relationship guru and Matchsmith founder Holly Bartter told Daily Mail Australia that some scientifically-matched pairs are much stronger than others.

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Married At First Sight EXCLUSIVE: A body language expert has revealed the VERY telling gestures that prove which couples will stay together - and who will leave the experiment early

Jules Robinson and Cameron Merchant

Jules Robinson, 37, and Cameron Merchant, 34, are a 'key couple' to watch because their body language communicates they both want the same things, Holly said.

'Everyone can see Jules and Cameron are a big key couple. They're on the same page and have been smitten from the get go,' she added.

'Fans have been pleasantly surprised to see something work from more of a deeper level. They are in sync with their movements and provide really good eye contact.'

Holly concluded: 'They're definitely one of the strongest couples.'

'Smitten from the get go': Jules Robinson, 37, and Cameron Merchant, 34, are a 'key couple' to watch because their body language communicates they both want the same things

Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli

Holly believes Martha Kalifatidis, 30, and Michael Brunelli, 27, are 'off to a great start'.

The couple's 'Hollywood-style' kiss on their wedding day is a clear sign 'there's lots of chemistry' between them.

'Martha's issues are family related, but the physical body language shows it's going to work out in the long term,' she added.

'Lots of chemistry': Martha Kalifatidis, 30, and Michael Brunelli, 27, are 'off to a great start'

Nic Jovanovic and Cyrell Jimenez Paule

Newlyweds Nic Jovanovic, 28, and Cyrell Jimenez Paule, 29, are a 'cute couple' with 'high school romance vibes', according to Holly.

'They give off this sweet charm when they're together, especially during their wedding,' she added.

'They're really friendly but they also want to take things slowly with each other. Especially Cyrell, she really wants to do things the right way.'

Holly also observed that Cyrell responded positively to Nic when he revealed some of the fertility issues he has as a result of his testicular cancer battle.

So sweet! Newlyweds Nic Jovanovic, 28, and Cyrell Jimenez Paule, 29, are a 'cute couple' with 'high school romance vibes'

Lauren Huntriss and Matthew Bennett

Matthew Bennett's awkwardness during his honeymoon with Lauren Huntriss arose from a 'fear of the unknown', Holly observed.

'Being a virgin one day and then sleeping in the same bed with a woman the next day was a big leap for Matthew. Lauren was very good and patient with him,' she said.

'He has a lot of insecurities and his body signs show he needs to take it slow. It might take him too long - so much so that Lauren may lose that emotional momentum by the time he is ready.'

Up in the air: Matthew Bennett's awkwardness during his honeymoon with Lauren Huntriss arose from a 'fear of the unknown' which may be hard for him to overcome

Heidi Latcham and Mike Gunner

Heidi Latcham, 38, and Mike Gunner, 44, have 'great chemistry', according to Holly.

But their physical connection does suggest their romance is a 'short-term fling', rather than a serious, committed relationship.

'It's important for Mike to understand Heidi wants to build an emotional connection as well,' she said.

'He brushed her off at the honeymoon when she tried to open up because for him it's too early.'

Heidi Latcham, 38, and Mike Gunner, 44, have 'great chemistry', but their physical connection does suggest their romance is a 'short-term fling' rather than a serious, committed relationship

Jessika Power and Mick Gould

According to Holly, the 'marriage' of Jessika Power, 26 and Mick Gould, 31, is like a 'Hollywood movie' where opposites attract.

But when it comes down to the reality of making a relationship work, they may be in trouble.

'They aren't very connected, and it's possible Jessika had regrets the morning after her wedding. This could explain her grumpiness,' she said.

'Mick, on the other hand, isn't too cautious of her feelings and appears not to trust her character.'

Contrast: The 'marriage' of Jessika Power, 26 and Mick Gould, 31, is like a 'Hollywood movie' where opposites attract - but it's unlikely they will go the distance

Ning Surasiang and Mark Scrivens

Starting off with an awkward wedding, Mark Scrivens, 41, and Ning Surasiang, 33, have failed to connect so far this season.

'These guys have limited chemistry,' Holly observed. 'They're very unlikely to have consummated their marriage on their wedding night.'

She added: 'Their physical language shows a lot of distance. From standing far apart, not holding hands... all the while Ning seems disdainful of him.'

'These guys have limited chemistry,' Starting off with an awkward wedding, Mark Scrivens, 41, and Ning Surasiang, 33, have failed to connect so far this season

Ines Basic and Bronson Norrish

Holly said there was minimal connection between Ines Basic, 28, and Bronson Norrish, 34, but 'there's just a bit of lust' simmering below the surface.

'Ines has had a hard life. Her body language shows she's got a bit of a wall up, she's defensive and over the top,' she said.

'She's so critical of Bronson that this will make it very hard for him to remember anything but how he felt during those times.'

Bad match: There's been minimal connection between Ines Basic, 28, and Bronson Norrish, 34

Elizabeth Sobinoff and Samuel Ball

There's no question about it: Elizabeth Sobinoff, 27, and Sam Ball, 26, have been the most talked-about couple from this year's season of MAFS.

But it's unlikely they will ever get over their rocky start, with Holly claiming they are a '100 per cent mismatch'.

She added: 'They're both superficial people, and they're cynical of one another.

'Elizabeth was genuinely attracted to Sam at the start but he was quite critical of her and it's not really going to improve.'

Holly even suggested that Sam was 'slightly relieved' the funeral of his ex-girlfriend's mother gave him an excuse to avoid going on a honeymoon with Elizabeth.

'They're both superficial people': It's unlikely Elizabeth Sobinoff, 27, and Sam Ball, 26, will ever get over their rocky start, with Daily Mail's body language expert saying they are a 'mismatch'

Melissa Lucarelli and Dino Hira

After studying all the MAFS couples in depth, Holly said that Melissa Lucarelli, 38, and Dino Hira, 35, are 'the most awkward match so far'.

'They look more like colleagues when they're together,' she added.

'For Dino, it's all about the connection but for Melissa it doesn't spark in a realistic way for her. He's just going too overboard.'

Married At First Sight continues Monday at 7pm on Channel Nine
Legendary comedian Billy Crystal re-enacted one of his most famous scenes from the 1989 rom-com classic When Harry Met Sally during Tuesday's episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden.

The two-minute parody featured the Tony-winning twosome lunching at a Katz's Deli-style diner when the 40-year-old host confessed that some of his CBS talk show guests 'think they're way more interesting than they actually are.'

'Well, listen, I've been doing this my whole life,' the grandfather-of-two - turning 71 next month - defended.

Deja vu! Legendary comedian Billy Crystal (R) re-enacted one of his most famous scenes from the 1989 rom-com classic When Harry Met Sally during Tuesday's episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden

'You don't have to worry about me, talk show hosts love having me on as a guest.'

The perky British presenter admitted he's 'faked' enthusiasm in the past and implied they might have been 'faking' their enthusiasm with Billy.

'I'm just saying, most actors from beloved films are sure it never happened to them, and most talk show hosts at one time or another have done it,' James pressed.

'You do the math.'

Parody: The two-minute clip featured the Tony-winning twosome lunching at a Katz's Deli-style diner when the 40-year-old host confessed that some of his CBS talk show guests 'think they're way more interesting than they actually are'

The grandfather-of-two - turning 71 next month - defended: 'Well, listen, I've been doing this my whole life. You don't have to worry about me, talk show hosts love having me on as a guest'

That's when Corden pulled a Sally Albright, excitedly gushing to Crystal: 'This guy! That's why you hosted the Oscars nine times! I love the movie and you are great in it!

'Every time you're here, it's always a hoot! It's always a hoot! Billy Crystal everybody! We'll be right back!'

The skit ended exactly like the critically-acclaimed Nora Ephron-penned flick with Jay Leno telling a waitress: 'Yeah, I'll have what he's having.'

'You do the math': The perky British presenter admitted he's 'faked' enthusiasm in the past and implied they might have been'faking' their enthusiasm with Billy

That's when Corden pulled a Sally Albright, excitedly gushing to Crystal: 'This guy! That's why you hosted the Oscars nine times! I love the movie and you are great in it!'

He continued: 'Every time you're here, it's always a hoot! It's always a hoot! Billy Crystal everybody! We'll be right back!'

The skit ended exactly like the critically-acclaimed Nora Ephron-penned flick with Jay Leno telling a waitress: 'Yeah, I'll have what he's having'

Back in 2013, the SNL veteran revealed that it was Meg Ryan herself who came up with her iconic scene during rehearsals for When Harry Met Sally.

'Meg said, "I should fake one. I should fake it in a public place." And I said, "Yeah, like a restaurant with a lot of people,"' the New York native told TODAY.

'And she said, "I'll give a huge one." And I said, "And then there should be an older woman who says, "Waiter, I'll have what she's having."'

'I should fake one!' Back in 2013, the SNL veteran revealed that it was Meg Ryan (L) herself who came up with her iconic scene during rehearsals for When Harry Met Sally

The New York native told TODAY: 'Meg said, "I should fake it in a public place." And I said, "Yeah, like a restaurant with a lot of people." And she said, "I'll give a huge one." And I said, "And then there should be an older woman who says, "Waiter, I'll have what she's having"'

Classic: That woman was portrayed by director Rob Reiner's mother Estelle, whose hilarious line is ranked 33rd on the American Film Institute's list of the Top 100 movie quotations

That older woman was portrayed by director Rob Reiner's mother Estelle, whose hilarious line is ranked 33rd on the American Film Institute's list of the Top 100 movie quotations.

Billy will next play politically-engaged Rabbi David in Emma Forrest's drama Untogether - hitting US theaters this Friday - with Ben Mendelsohn, Jennifer Grey, Alice Eve, Jamie Dornan, and sisters Jemima & Lola Kirke.

Crystal 'couldn't be more honored' to be honored with a hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood on April 12 during the 10th annual TCM Classic Film Festival.

Hitting US theaters this Friday! Billy will next play politically-engaged Rabbi David in Emma Forrest's drama Untogether with Ben Mendelsohn (2-L) and Jennifer Grey (R)
They broke up again following a blazing row on New Year's Eve.

And now Jen Harley, who shares nine-month old daughter Ariana with Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, is lashing out at him via social media over Valentine's Day plans.

'I'm sorry but if you go away for 6 weeks to become a better boyfriend, father, person, etc to work on your family but you choose to cancel all of our plans on Valentine's Day so you can appear on a dating show bc you need the money that bad over your family your (sic) a joke... How did you better anything?' the 31-year-old reality star posted to Instagram Stories Wednesday.

Angry: Jen Harley lambasted on/off boyfriend Ronnie Ortiz-Magro on social media Wednesday over his cancellation of Valentine's Day plans. The two share nine-month old daughter Ariana

'A joke': The Jersey Shore stars broke up again following a blazing row on New Year's Eve and Jen, 31, clearly isn't impressed with Ronnie's recent behavior

'You continue to put us back in the same position by doing the same things that put us there in the first place,' she lambasted her on/off boyfriend.

The Jersey Shore stars have always had a rocky relationship which has been documented most recently on the MTV reality show Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.

The drama between Ronnie and Jen intensified following a blow-out fight on New Year's Eve.

The couple reportedly got into a physical fight at the Hustler Club in Las Vegas around 2 a.m. on January 1.

Drama: The couple, pictured with their daughter, have always had a rocky relationship which has been documented most recently on the MTV reality show Jersey Shore: Family Vacation

Us Weekly confirmed that Ronnie filed a battery report against his ex after she allegedly threw a glass ashtray at him during their dispute.

In security footage from the venue, the reality star is seen a few minutes before midnight, wiping away blood from his nose with a tissue in the video obtained by TMZ.

The video doesn't show the actual attack, but sources claim Jen 'allegedly nailed him with an ashtray.'

They called it quits again following the NYE outing.

'Ronnie and Jen got into a fight on New Year's Eve. They broke up before New Year's Eve, got back together right before then and got in a big fight on Monday night,' an insider told Us. 'They're currently broken up. But it's the same story every time: They are together, they fight, they break up and then get back together.'

The Famously Single alum reportedly hesitated to contact the authorities because 'he did not know what would happen to his 9 month-old daughter', Ariana, whom he shares with Harley, according to the publication.
She gave birth to her first child, a daughter, on Saturday 2nd February.

And four day on, former Bachelor star, Bekah Martinez, is giving thanks to her body for allowing her to grow a baby.

Taking to Instagram Stories, the 23-year-old shared a photo of her Postpartum body while also wearing a diaper.

New mom: The Bachelor's Bekah Martinez shared an empowering and candid Postpartum photo on Instagram on Wednesday, just four days after giving birth to her first child

'so amazing what we can do,' she began the caption of the Instagram mirror picture.

'I've never felt so much respect and love for my body, diaper and all. #ThisIsPostPartum.'

Bekah lifted her blue sweater top in the photo to show her stomach four days since the birth.

Precious: The reality star, who's yet to reveal the name of her little bundle of joy, also shared a shot of her daughter

Rise to fame: Bekah first rose to fame as one of the contestants on Arie Luyendyk Jr. season of The Bachelor

The reality star, who's yet to reveal the name of her little bundle of joy, also shared a shot of her daughter.

'she already has her poses down. only 4 days old and already an IG model,' she captioned.

Bekah also shared a photo from when the baby was only four hours old and sleeping in a bassinet.

She's here! The unnamed child was born via a water birth at the Natural Birth Center in Los Angeles on Saturday

Bundle of joy: Bekah also shared a photo from when the baby was only four hours old and sleeping in a bassinet

'This is baby girl only FOUR HOURS after being born!! is she perfect or what?! Grayston - you and I MADE this,' she captioned.

The unnamed child was born via a water birth at the Natural Birth Center in Los Angeles on Saturday.

She weighed 7lbs 10oz and was delivered at 10:04am.

Safe arrival: She weighed 7lbs 10oz and was delivered at 10:04am

Pride and joy: Bekah has continued to share precious shots of her little one on social media

Last week Bekah shared a photo of her nearly fully cooked belly, sharing with fans she would be keeping things as natural as possible.

'I know my due date is Tuesday, but I am perfectly at peace with going a couple weeks more,' she wrote at the time.

'I trust my baby and I trust my body. He or she will come when theyre fully ready for the journey earth-side.'
She confirmed she accepted a proposal from Cooke Maroney just one day ago.

Now Jennifer Lawrence and her future husband have been pictured for the first time since news of their engagement broke.

The couple were seen returning to Jennifer's apartment in New York City after enjoying a night on the town.

Congratulations! Jennifer Lawrence and her husband-to-be have been pictured in New York on Tuesday after news of their engagement broke

The couple looked relaxed, calm, and collected as they approached her building after an evening celebrating their big news.

Jennifer was the picture of style in a black pair of trousers, heels, and a sharp winter coat.

Cooke stayed close to his lady love, wrapped up in a smart black jacket and jeans.

Jennifer and Cooke sparked engagement rumors after the actress was seen with a gold band on her wedding finger, with the jewel seemingly turned inward, after dinner at Raoul's on Sunday.

Winter style: Cooke stayed close to his lady love, wrapped up in a smart black jacket and jeans

The actress was seen showing off a 'giant rock' on her finger as she enjoyed dinner with her friends.

A source who witnessed the scene told PageSix the two and their pals were definitely celebrating something.

After rumors spread, the star's representative confirmed the engagement to multiple outlets late on Tuesday.

Has a nice ring! Jennifer and Cooke pictured on February 1 together in New York City

'It was a giant rock. They seemed like they were celebrating and people were talking about it,' said the source.

'The ring was very noticeable. They were sitting back in a corner. She was wearing a cute black dress with white polka dots.'

The couple were dating for only eight months before Cooke popped the question.
The 911 phone call placed by Bow Wow's on-off girlfriend details the alleged abuse she claims to have endured at the hands of the rapper last week.

In the call, obtained by TMZ, Leslie Holden claims Bow Wow, whose real name is Shad Moss, 31, physically assaulted her, took her phone away from her, and prevented her from leaving a bedroom after learning she had called the police on him.

Holden fights back tears throughout the emotional phone call, which she made outside in her car after allegedly leaving the building with the help of Bow Wow's friends.

Details: The 911 phone call placed by Bow Wow's on-off girlfriend Leslie Holden reveals horrific details of the alleged altercation she had with the rapper last week

'Hi, I've been physically assaulted by my boyfriend, and I would like to make a report,' Holden begins the phone call.

'M'am, what's your location?' the 911 operator asks.

'He was hitting me at places and said no one's gonna believe me,' Holden continued.

'Okay m'am so did you need medical attention?'

Mug shot: Holden and Bow Wow were both arrested for battery over the weekend, after officers couldn't determine who was the primary aggressor

'I don't feel like I do,' she said. 'I just want somebody.'

'What's your name?'

'Leslie Holden.'

'Is your boyfriend still there?'

'Yeah he lives here,' she said. 'We live here together,' she said. 'Yeah I'm standing outside because his friends helped me leave,' she said.

Second call: TMZ also retrieved a second 911 phone call placed by the building manager of Bow Wow's apartment building at the time of the alleged altercation (Bow Wow pictured 2017)

'I'm sitting in my car,' she says later. 'The police already came out here but they wouldn't let me out the bedroom.'

'So when the police came, your boyfriend wouldn't let you out the bedroom?' the operator asks.

'Yeah, it was him and two of his other friends. They wouldn't let me out the bedroom, they took my phone from me because I called the police the first time,' she said. 'It was just like a domestic violence. He was just hitting me with his hands.'

TMZ also retrieved a second 911 phone call regarding the same altercation, placed by the building manager of Bow Wow's apartment building.

In the recording, the manager says she received a phone call from a resident who overheard 'screaming from a female.'

Bail met: Both Bow Wow (pictured 2018) and Holden made their $8,000 bonds and were released from custody Saturday, according to officials

The building manager went to the unit to investigate, where she claims to have overheard the resident inside 'very clearly saying he would "slap the f**k out of this b*tch."

'I went upstairs and I heard the noise myself, the resident very clearly saying he would "slap the f**k out of this b*tch." I heard a bunch of things dropping, throwing, a lot of running. I knocked on the door several times to attempt to try to speak with the resident, but no one answered the door.

'And I just continued to hear screams, yelling, and people telling him "stop, don't do that." Yeah, so the resident just called me back again saying that it's still going on, she's screaming really loud, she hears someone saying "No... don't", and it's still going on.'

Holden and Bow Wow were both arrested for battery in Atlanta on Saturday morning, after officers couldn't determine who was the primary aggressor.

Dispute: The rapper, pictured 2018, has offered a different account than Holden's, claiming he did not escalate things to a physical level

Police said both were processed and would be taken to the Fulton County jail. Bow Wow was charged in connection with battery substantial physical harm and Holden was charged with battery, inmate records indicated.

Both Bow Wow and Holden made their $8,000 bonds and were released from custody Saturday, according to officials.

The rapper has offered a different account than Holden's, claiming he did not escalate things to a physical level.

Bow Wow's attorney, Joe Habachy, said in a statement to People: 'Shad Bow Wow Moss was wrongfully arrested earlier this morning for the first time after being beaten by an out of control intoxicated female, Ms. Leslie Holden, in an Atlanta condominium.'

Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
Married At First Sight bride Ines Basic isn't winning many friends on social media.

So much so that Channel Nine has been forced to step in and disable comments on posts about her on its official MAFS Instagram account.

Fans of the show were surprised to discover that recent posts about Ines, who has been called the 'villain' of this year's season, have had all their comments removed.

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'We take our duty of care seriously': Channel Nine has disabled Instagram comments after Married At First Sight 'villain' Ines Basic (pictured) was targeted by trolls this week

One recent post was a meme of Ines looking bored on her honeymoon while her husband Bronson Norrish performed aerial acrobatics nearby. It was captioned: 'Me trying to get bae's attention'.

As of Thursday morning, the comments section is completely empty despite the post having almost 52,000 views.

Similarly, there are no comments below a post referencing Ines' infamous, 'Would you root me?' line.

Wiped clean! Fans of the show were surprised to discover that recent posts about Ines, including this one, have had all their comments removed

Turned off! Channel Nine has been forced to step in and disable comments on posts about Ines on its official MAFS Instagram account

In fact, the only post about Ines which still has comments is a video clip from Tuesday, which shows her having makeup applied to her face.

Unflattering comments include: 'Don't have children, you are revolting,' and 'She's disgusting. What a Joke! ... What a moll you really are! Loser.'

A Channel Nine spokesperson explained the decision to moderate and remove comments in a statement on Wednesday.

'Social media moderation is important': A Channel Nine spokesperson explained the decision to moderate and remove comments in a statement on Wednesday

'We take our duty of care seriously, and vigilant social media moderation is an important part of this,' they told Daily Mail Australia.

'Due to the high volume of adverse comments on Ines' posts, Nine's social media team acted proactively to moderate appropriately.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.
Brad Pitt's upcoming zombie movie has reportedly been put on hold by Paramount.

The studio has halted pre-production on the 55-year-old's sequel to World War Z, the 2013 smash hit zombie movie.

It was supposed to start production in Atlanta, Georgia in the spring or summer with David Fincher, 56, attached to direct.

The way it was: The follow up to Brad Pitt's 2013 zombie horror movie World War Z has been put on hold by Paramount, according to the Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday

But The Hollywood Reporter is claiming that the film was shelved after budgetary issues came to light.

It's unclear how or how long those issues have been brewing.

Its also unclear whether the movie will go back into development or if its being halted permanently.

Having his say: The 55-year-old, who spoke during I Am The Highway: A Tribute To Chris Cornell at The Forum in LA on January 16, has been trying to get the film together since 2013

The development is the latest obstacle for the sequel, which was put into motion soon after the first movie grossed $540 million worldwide in 2013.

The original is an adaptation of the Max Brooks novel that looked at a zombie epidemic from a worldwide perspective.

That same year, J.A. Bayona came on board as director, and in 2015 Paramount announced a release date of 2017.

Suited up: Brad looked elegant in a tux at the Breitling Squadona Mission event on November 20, in Beijing, China. It's unclear whether World War Z 2 has been postponed of canceled

By 2016, Bayona was gone and yearlong, on-off negotiations with Fincher began.

Once he was secured in February 2017, execs energized at the prospect of reuniting the team behind Seven, Fight Club and The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button ,had to watch the project move in fits and starts.

The start date for shooting was pushed back due to various scheduling and script development issues.

Frist time round: World War Z 2 was supposed to start production in Atlanta, Georgia in the spring or summer with David Fincher attached to direct

Brad was joined by Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale, Matthew Fox and Peter Capaldi in the 2013 film. But he is the only actor revealed for the sequel cast so far.

Meanwhile, Brad has been busy working on director Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.

He co-stars with Leonardo DiCaprio, Al Pacino and Margot Robbie in the movie, due out on July 26.
Married At First Sight's Jessika Power turned heads at the first dinner party on Wednesday night when she arrived in a perilously low-cut dress.

But viewers were more concerned with the 26-year-old model's outrageously plump lips, which seemingly prevented her from being able to speak properly.

'She can barely talk through those lips!' one fan tweeted just moments Jessika confronted her co-star Mike Gunner for supposedly calling 'fake'.

'They're so big, she can barely talk!' Married At First Sight fans have mercilessly mocked Jessika Power for her plumped-up lips - after she confronted Mike Gunner for calling her 'fake'

'Jessika looks like she has been stung on the lips by a bee,' another wrote.

Similar comments included: 'I'm sorry, but Jessika is talking like daffy duck with those lips', and, 'Did Jess just call Mick "Mitch"? I can't tell with those lips'.

On Wednesday's show, Jessika confronted Mike after she overheard him describe her as 'fake' when she arrived at the group dinner party with 'husband' Mick Gould.

'Did Jess just call Mick "Mitch"? I can't tell': The 26-year-old model's outrageously plump lips seemingly prevented her from being able to speak properly

'Jessika looks like she has been stung by a bee': Many viewers took to Twitter to accuse Jessika of excessively plumping up her lips with filler

Mike denied saying anything negative about Jessika and they later hugged it out at the dinner table.

Shortly after the argument, Jessika told 'husband' Mick that she was upset he did not support her during her confrontation with Mike.

But she was ridiculed on Twitter for her emotional display, with many viewers agreeing with Mike's assessment of her.

Confrontation: On Wednesday's show, Jessika (right) confronted Mike Gunner (left) after she overheard him describe her as 'fake' when she arrived at the group dinner party

'Surely she knows she's fake?' Jessika was ridiculed on Twitter for her emotional display, with many viewers agreeing with Mike's assessment of her

'How dare he say Jessika has fake lips, I've never seen a more natural beauty in my life!' one viewer tweeted.

Another wrote: 'I'm not sure why she's upset about being fake, surely she knows about the fillers in her lips and the bleach in her hair?'

Rumours began circulating last month that Jessika has undergone lip fillers - but she has yet to confirm or deny the speculation.

Before and after! Rumours began circulating last month that Jessika has undergone lip fillers - but she has yet to confirm or deny the speculation. Pictured left: in 2017

The Perth-born administrative assistant looks very different today compared to photos shared to Instagram several years ago.

One photo, taken in 2017, Jessika is hardly recognisable without makeup and with a noticeably thinner top lip

Married At First Sight continues Thursday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine
Jennifer Garner is starting a new chapter following her divorce from Ben Affleck.

As well as a new man in her life, it looks like the actress has a stunning new home to enjoy, as she was pictured moving some of her belongings into a new Pacific Palisades property on Wednesday.

The six bedroom, seven-and-a-half bathroom home was sold in December for $13,860,000 and it seems the Alias actress is the lucky buyer.

New home: Jennifer Garner is seen getting some keys made before heading to her new property in Pacific Palisades on Wednesday

Palatial: The six bedroom, seven-and-a-half bathroom home was sold in December for $13,860,000 and it seems the Alias actress is the lucky buyer

The palatial whitewash property, which is just a mile down the road from ex Ben's bachelor pad, measures 10,500 sq ft over three floors and was built in 2009.

Jennifer, 46, was spotted getting some keys made before she met with the movers outside the property.

The house boasts a lower level complete with a large wine tasting room, climate-controlled wine cellar, gym with sauna, craft room, en-suite bedroom and billiards room.

The upstairs portion features four en-suite bedrooms, each with a balcony overlooking the treetops.

Moving day: A truck with Jen's belongings is pictured outside the beautiful property

Luxury living: The property boasts a wine cellar and tasting room along with home movie theater

Casually clad: The mother-of-three was seen in a pink sweater and jeans for the moving day

Jennifer will have lots of space to entertain with a backyard complete with pool, farmhouse dining patio and an outdoor entertaining patio with fireplace and BBQ kitchen.

Last month it was revealed Jennifer and ex-husband Ben sold the Palisades compound they used to share with their three children to Adam Levine for $32 million in an off-market deal late last year.

The 13 Going on 30 star appears to have several ongoing projects as it was reported recently that the actress is constructing a new home, designed by celebrity favorite architect Ken Ungar, in Brentwood, not far from the Palisades.

According to X17 she purchased the empty lot in July for $6.5 million.

Meanwhile, Jennifer has found love with Cali Group CEO John Miller, 40, who she's been dating since the spring of 2018.

The actress will surely feel at home in the property which has measures 10,500 sq ft over three floors and has plenty of entertaining space

Fresh start: The 46-year-old actress recently sold her huge Palisades compound, that she shared with ex-husband Ben Affleck, to Adam Levine for $32 million

Real estate: The star appears to have several ongoing projects as it was reported recently that she is constructing a new home in Brentwood, not far from the Palisades

On the go: After the move Jennifer was seen picking up Seraphina and Samuel from school

Taking care of business: The actress covered up in a black button-up sweater as she made a phone call

'Jen is extremely happy,' a source told Hollywood Life last week.

'What she really loves about him is he's normal and not in the industry. It makes her feel so good to just be with a regular, normal guy in a normal relationship.'

The Peppermint star split from Ben in 2015, but didn't finalize the divorce until October 4, 2018.

She shares children Violet, 13, Seraphina, 10, and Samuel, six, with the Batman star.
Uganda's tourism minister is under-fire for suggesting the country should showcase its 'curvy women' to attract more visitors.

Godfrey Kiwanda unveiled a new tourism campaign at a press conference attended by a bevy of curvaceous women in the African nation's capital, Kampala.

Part of the plan is to market Ugandan women in a beauty pageant, Miss Curvy Uganda, to be held in June.

A screen grab showing the website for Miss Curvy Uganda. The country's tourism minister is under-fire for suggesting the country should showcase its 'curvy women' to attract more visitors

'Uganda is endowed with beautiful women. Their beauty is unique and diverse. That's why we decided to use the unique beauty, the curves... to make this beauty a product to be marketed along with what we already have as a country ranging from nature, the language and food, to make it a tourist attraction,' Kiwanda told AFP.

'The winner of the Miss Curvy contest was to be part of our tourism campaign brand using beauty as one other product of tourism.'

But Ugandan women were outraged at the proposal and have called for Kiwanda's resignation.

Rita Aciro, executive director of the Uganda Women's Network, told AFP: 'This is perversion. To think women can be used as sex objects in this age and time is an absurdity and we condemn it.'

While Ugandan entrepreneur and activist Primrose Nyonyozi Murungi launched an online petition to stop the campaign, which she said was 'totally unacceptable and demeaning to us'.

'Women in Uganda have been attacked while on the streets. What happens now that the government is confirming a stereotype that women are sexual objects and can be touched regardless and more so made a product of tourism,' she told AFP.

She said that if the campaign was not stopped immediately, the petitioners would take their case to court.

In addition to Kiwanda's resignation, she has demanded an apology from the government.

Former opposition leader in parliament Winnie Kiiza told AFP the move came 'at the time (when) women face fear and stigma in a male-dominated society'.

She said: 'We have been outraged by this campaign that a government can parade curves of women as a tourist attraction.'

Many women took to Twitter to vent their outrage at the campaign suggested by the tourism minister

But many were also outraged on social media and wanted the authorities to cancel the Miss Curvy Uganda competition all together.

Mrs 007 wrote on Twitter: 'In Uganda, curvy women are now tourist 'products' as if zoo animals. On a scale of 1-10, how stupid is your tourism minister?'

While Winnie wrote: 'Will they put these women in a cage for the tourists to see?'

Funmi Oyatogun added on social media: 'Uganda has some of the wildest adrenaline adventures in Africa, the River Nile, game parks, majestic lakes and a huge untapped market for tourism.

Uganda attracts tourists as it boasts the world's largest population of gorillas and has has more species of birds per square kilometre than anywhere else in the world

'Guess their strategy? Use curvy women to promote the country. You know, sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.'

While CKandi said: 'The country should look for better ways to represent Uganda to the world.

'There is art, sport, nature talent that can be promoted and in turn used to represent us rather than parading our women as the new source of tourism.'

Meanwhile the head of Uganda's Anglican Church added that the pageant 'is a disgusting display of exploitation and brings shame upon our families and our country'.

Kiwanda, trying to stem the anger, insisted the campaign was not aimed at demeaning women.

He explained: 'Diverse as we are as a country we have a message to put out there about the different curves our women have, which we believe is a tourism attraction.'

Many tourists visit Uganda - located in the heart of Africa - to see its wildlife. It has the largest population of gorillas and more species of birds per square kilometre than anywhere else in the world.

In 2017, 1.32 million tourists visited the country - up from one million in 2016.
Qantas has formally cancelled a longstanding order for eight Airbus A380 superjumbo jets.

The decision comes as new doubts have been raised about the future of the four-engined aircraft.

Last year Emirates Airlines struck a $16 billion (12.3 billion) deal to buy 36 A380s, but it is now exploring switching some orders to the smaller A350. The move has Airbus looking closely at closing A380 factories sooner than expected, people familiar with the matter told Reuters last week.

Australian flag carrier Qantas has announced it has formally cancelled a longstanding order for eight new A380 superjumbo jets

Today, a Qantas spokesman said the airline had formalised its decision to cancel the order for eight A380s, which was made in 2006, following discussions with Airbus.

'These aircraft have not been part of the airline's fleet and network plans for some time,' the Qantas spokesman said.

The Australian carrier has 12 A380s in its fleet and the spokesman said it would proceed with plans to refurbish the cabins starting in the middle of this year, with the jets set to remain flying with the airline 'well into the future'.

An Airbus spokesman said the manufacturer had agreed to the 'contract amendment' announced by Qantas.

'This change will be reflected in our end January order and delivery tables,' the Airbus spokesman added.

The spokesman declined to comment on the terms of the cancellation.

It comes after another order long viewed as doubtful for 10 A380s from Hong Kong Airlines was removed last month following negotiations.

Willie Walsh, the CEO of British Airways parent IAG , said last week that Airbus should lower the price of the A380 if it wanted to sell more of them.

The Australian carrier has 12 A380s in its fleet and the spokesman said it would proceed with plans to refurbish the cabins starting in the middle of this year

The A380 has a list price of $445.6 million (344 million), but airlines typically receive significant discounts from manufacturers.

Launched a decade ago the double-decker plane was hailed as a revolution for the industry and a challenge to Boeing's stranglehold on the super-large-aircraft market.

But the superjumbo has struggled to win orders, leading it to ramp down production.

Analysts point to customers demanding flights directly to their destination rather than following Airbus's model of taking a long haul journey from hub-to-hub followed by a short hop on a smaller plane.

Qantas is expected to take delivery of six of Boeing's rival Dreamliners sometime this year.
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Boeing has made a 'significant investment' in a supersonic business jet start-up that hopes to slash trans-Atlantic journey times by three hours.

The world's largest aerospace company announced it would be partnering with Aerion Supersonic as it looks to tap into rising demand for high-end aircraft that can reduce travel times.

Boeing will provide engineering, manufacturing and flight testing services for Aerion's $120 million (93 million) supersonic business jet, which is slated for its first flight in 2023.

Boeing has made a 'significant investment' in a supersonic business jet start-up, Aerion, which is developing a business jet called AS2, pictured, that will cut trans-Atlantic journey times by up to three hours

The jet, the Aerion AS2, can fly at speeds of up to Mach 1.4, or about 1,000mph (1,610kph), 70 per cent faster than conventional business jets.

Aerion introduced its AS2 12-passenger business jet design in 2014 and unveiled the AS2's GE Affinity engine design in 2018.

Both Boeing and Aerion, which is based in Reno, Nevada, and founded by billionaire businessman Robert Bass, did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

Steve Nordlund, vice president and general manager of Boeing NeXt, said: 'Boeing is leading a mobility transformation that will safely and efficiently connect the world faster than ever before.

'This is a strategic and disciplined leading-edge investment in further maturing supersonic technology.

'Through this partnership that combines Aerion's supersonic expertise with Boeing's global industrial scale and commercial aviation experience, we have the right team to build the future of sustainable supersonic flight.'

While Tom Vice, chairman, president and chief executive officer, of Aerion added: 'Aerion is the industry leader mapping out a successful, sustainable return to supersonic flight.

'The AS2 is the launch point for the future of regulatory-compliant and efficient supersonic flight.

A rendering showing how the inside of an AS2 may look. Aerion introduced its AS2 12-passenger business jet design in 2014 and unveiled the AS2's GE Affinity engine design in 2018

Boeing will provide engineering, manufacturing and flight testing services for Aerion's $120 million (93 million) supersonic business jet, which is slated for its first flight in 2023

'Together with Boeing, we're creating a faster, more connected future with tremendous possibilities for enhancing humanity's productivity and potential.'

Lockheed Martin Corp, which announced a partnership in 2017 to develop the AS2, is no longer working with Aerion, representatives from both companies said.

A spokeswoman for the maker of the F-35 and F-22 fighter jets told Reuters that 'Lockheed Martins contract with Aerion to vet the technical viability of the AS2 design expired Friday, February 1, and there are no plans to renew'.

U.S. startups Aerion, Boom Supersonic and Spike Aerospace are working to reintroduce supersonic passenger travel.

Supersonic designs have struggled to meet current subsonic noise standards due to engine constraints, but Aerion said in October it would be able to take off and land without regulatory changes in the United States, providing a potential boost to efforts to bring back faster air travel.

The Aerion AS2 can fly at speeds of up to Mach 1.4, or about 1,000mph (1,610kph), 70 per cent faster than conventional business jets

FAST FACTS: THE AS2 SUPERSONIC JET Capacity: Up to 12 passengers Length: 170 feet (51.8 metres) Wingspan: 61 feet (18.6 metres) Height: 22 feet (6.7 metres) Wing area: 1,350 ft (125 m) Maximum speed: Mach 1.5 (1,217 mph/1,960 km/h) Range: 4,750 miles to 5,300 miles (8,797km to 9,816km) Advertisement

General Electric Co's GE Aviation unit has said it completed initial designs for the new Affinity turbofan engine, which will be used in Aerion's AS2 jet, while Honeywell Aerospace has said it would develop the cockpit for the AS2.

Concorde, the last supersonic passenger jet, entered service in 1976 and continued flying for 27 years. It is one of only two supersonic transports to have been operated commercially.

It had a maximum speed of twice the speed of sound at Mach 2.04 (1,354mph or 2,180kph at cruise altitude) and could seat 92 to 128 passengers.

Concorde was jointly developed and manufactured by Aerospatiale and the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) under an Anglo-French treaty.

Air France and British Airways each received seven aircraft.

Concorde was retired in 2003 due to a general downturn in the commercial aviation industry after the type's only crash in 2000, the September 11 attacks in 2001, and a decision by Airbus, the successor to Aerospatiale and BAC, to discontinue maintenance support.
All of Thursday's racing at British racecourses was cancelled late on Wednesday night because of an outbreak of equine influenza, the first time such drastic action has been taken since the foot and mouth crisis in 2001.

Three horses in an active racing yard tested positive for the highly contagious disease, and the British Horseracing Authority took the extreme measure to call off meetings at four UK tracks in a bid to prevent it spreading further.

The BHA said horses from the affected yard had raced on Wednesday at Ayr and Ludlow, which raised the potential for several yards across the country and in Ireland to have become infected.

All racing across Britain on Thursday has been called off due to an equine influenza outbreak

WHAT IS HORSE FLU? It is a highly contagious respiratory disease. When it broke out in Australian racing in 2007, it took months to be contained and for normal horse-related activities to continue. It is not normally fatal to healthy adult horses. However, it is dangerous to young foals, mares in foal or horses who are already ill. It can be transmitted by air 'over reasonable distances' or passed from horse to horse by people who come into contact with them. Advertisement

'The fact that the cases have been identified in vaccinated horses presents a cause for significant concern over welfare and the potential spread of the disease and the action to cancel racing has been viewed as necessary in order to restrict, as far as possible, the risk of further spread of the disease,' the BHA said in a statement.

The BHA said they had the unanimous backing of their industry veterinary committee to cancel racing on Thursday, which was due to take place at Huntingdon, Doncaster, Ffos Las and Chelmsford.

It is the first time since the foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001  when the Cheltenham Festival was called off  that the authorities have had to cancel all racing on a day owing to an animal disease. It is often abandoned because of severe weather.

This case is particularly worrying given that the horses that tested positive had been vaccinated.

With Betfair Super Saturday at Newbury this weekend, and the Cheltenham Festival only a few weeks away, the racing world will be keen to ensure that the impact of this equine influenza outbreak is kept to a minimum.

Angel's Breath, a strong fancy for next month's Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, was due to run at Huntingdon.

Racing on Thursday was due to take place at Huntingdon, Doncaster, Ffos Las and Chelmsford

A BHA added: 'The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), with unanimous support of the BHA's industry veterinary committee, has taken the decision to cancel racing at all British racecourses on Thursday 7 February 2019. This is following the BHA being informed this evening by the Animal Health Trust of three confirmed Equine Influenza positives from vaccinated horses in an active racing yard.'

It continued: 'The BHA has worked quickly to identify which yards could have potentially been exposed today and identify the further actions required. The BHA is presently communicating with yards potentially exposed to ensure appropriate quarantine and biosecurity measures are put in place and horse movements restricted to avoid possible further spread of the disease.

'The full extent of potential exposure is unknown and we are working quickly to understand as much as we can to assist our decision making.

The unanimous decision was made to stop the flu outbreak spreading to other race horses

'The BHA is working closely with the Animal Health Trust and will issue a further update tomorrow. We recommend that any trainer who has concerns about the health status of any of their horses should contact their veterinarian.'

Angel's Breath was to have the chance to justify his position as favourite for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle when he lined up in the Sydney Banks Novices' Hurdle at Huntingdon.

The Nicky Henderson-trained grey is 5-1 market leader for the opening race of the Festival next month but he still has plenty to prove. It is not sure when they will now get that chance.

Nico de Boinville's mount was a useful-looking winner of the Grade Two Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle at Ascot in December, but an issue with the hurdles meant only four obstacles were jumped.
A shocking new report has found hundreds of bounty hunters had access to highly sensitive user data - and it was sold to them by almost every major U.S. wireless carrier.

The practice was first revealed last month and, at the time, telecom firms claimed they were isolated incidents.

However, a Motherboard investigation has since discovered that's far from the case. About 250 bounty hunters were able to access users' precise location data.

In one case, a bail bond firm requested location data some 18,000 times.

AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint sold the sensitive data, which was meant for user by 911 operators and emergency services, to location aggregators, who then sold it to bounty hunters, according to Motherboard.

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A shocking new report has found hundreds of bounty hunters had access to highly sensitive user data - and it was sold to them by almost every major U.S. wireless carrier

HOW WERE THEY ABLE TO TRACK A USER'S LOCATION? Motherboard first reported how bounty hunters were selling access to users' real-time location data for only a few hundred dollars. Bounty hunters obtained the data from location aggregators, who have partnerships with AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. They were able to estimate and track a user's location by looking at 'pings' from phones to nearby cell towers. But companies could also collect assisted-GPS, or A-GPS, which could even guess a user's location inside a building. Advertisement

The companies pledged last month to stop selling users' location data to aggregators.

Location aggregators collect and sell user location data, sometimes to power services like bank fraud prevention and emergency roadside assistance, as well as online ads and marketing deals, which depend on knowing your whereabouts.

Motherboard discovered last month that bounty hunters were using the data to estimate a user's location by looking at 'pings' sent from phones to nearby cell towers.

But it appears that the data was even more detailed than previously thought.

CerCareOne, a shadowy company that sold location data to bounty hunters, even claimed to collect assisted-GPS, or A-GPS, data.

This A-GPS data was able to pinpoint a person's device so accurately that it see where they are in a building.

Telecom companies began collecting this data in order to give 911 operators a more approximate location for users when they're both indoors and outdoors.

Instead, it was being sold to aggregators, who then sold it to bail bondsmen, bounty hunters, landlords and other groups.

A bail agent in Georgia told Motherboard it was 'solely used' to locate 'fugitives who have jumped bond.'

Neither AT&T, T-Mobile nor Sprint explicitly denied selling A-GPS data, according to Motherboard.

CerCareOne was essentially cloaked in secrecy when it operated between 2012 and 2017, requiring its customers to agree to 'keep the existence of CerCareOne.com confidential,' Motherboard said.

Location aggregators use the data from carriers to estimate a user's location by looking at 'pings' cent to cell towers. But they've also been found to sell assisted-GPS, or A-GPS, data, which can pinpoint a person's device so accurately they can see where they are in a building

The company often charged up to $1,100 every time a customer requested a user's location data.

CerCareOne said it required clients to obtain written consent if they wanted to track a user, but Motherboard found that several users received no warning they were being tracked, resulting in the practice often occurring without their knowledge or agreement.

While CerCareOne is no longer operational, its prior use and existence by location aggregators raises serious concerns about how users' data is being utilized by these companies.

AT&T and other telecoms sought to minimize the use of CerCareOne.

'We are not aware of any misuse of this service which ended two years ago,' the firm told Motherboard.

'Weve already decided to eliminate all location aggregation servicesincluding those with clear consumer benefitsafter reports of misuse by other location services involving aggregators.'

At least 15 U.S. senators have urged the FCC and the FTC to take action on shadowy data broker businesses, according to Motherboard.

'This scandal keeps getting worse,' Democratic U.S. Senator Ron Wyden told Motherboard.

'Carriers assured customers location tracking abuses were isolated incidents. Now it appears that hundreds of people could track our phones, and they were doing it for years before anyone at the wireless companies took action.

'That's more than an oversight -- that's flagrant, wilful disregard for the safety and security of Americans,' he added.
Apple has released iOS 12.1.4 for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

The update includes a long-awaited and important fix for a serious bug in Apple's Group FaceTime software that allowed users to eavesdrop on the audio of a person they were calling before that person picked up the phone.

The bug was first discovered last week by a teenager and Apple said a patch was on the way, however, it wouldn't be ready until several days later.

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Apple has released iOS 12.1.4 for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The update includes a long-awaited and important fix for a serious bug in Apple's Group FaceTime software

HOW TO UPDATE Apple has now issued iOS 12.1.4, promising a fix for the serious Group FaceTime bug. The flaw allowed anyone to eavesdrop on another user's microphone or camera by initiating a Group FaceTime call. To get the update, go into Settings > General. Tap Software Update. Then press Download and Install for iOS 12.1.4. Advertisement

In a description of the update, Apple notes that the flaw was discovered by 14-year-old Grant Thompson of Catalina Foothills High School.

Thompson, along with his mother, Michele, tried to report the bug to Apple but said they struggled to get the company's attention until the problem gained traction on social media.

Apple disabled the Group FaceTime feature as it worked to resolve the bug.

It remains unclear just how long users were able to take advantage of the flaw, which allowed people to eavesdrop on another user's microphone or camera by initiating a fake Group FaceTime call.

With the update, users can make a Group FaceTime call again.

Apple said it found a fix last week and also announced it would improve how it handles reports of software bugs after Thompson and his mother tried for days to warn Apple of the bug.

'We sincerely apologize to our customers who were affected and all who were concerned about this security issue. We appreciate everyones patience as we complete this process,' an Apple spokesperson said in a statement to Dailymail.com.

Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering, speaks about group FaceTime. Apple says it has fixed the internal bug that led to people being able to eavesdrop on others while using its group video chat feature, called Group FaceTime

'We want to assure our customers that as soon as our engineering team became aware of the details necessary to reproduce the bug, they quickly disabled Group FaceTime and began work on the fix.

'We are committed to improving the process by which we receive and escalate these reports, in order to get them to the right people as fast as possible. We take the security of our products extremely seriously and we are committed to continuing to earn the trust Apple customers place in us,' the spokesperson added.

Last week, Apple said it would fix the eavesdropping bug and disable Group FaceTime as its engineers worked to fix the issue.

Apple also thanked the Thompson family for reporting the problem.

Apple said it has fixed the Group FaceTime bug on its servers and will turn on the feature for users again next week. The bug was first discovered by a 14-year-old while playing Fortnite

Thompson told Reuters TV he was trying to chat with his friend while playing a video game when he discovered the bug.

But it took Thompson and his mother, who is an attorney, nine days of phone calls, emails, online postings and even a letter on Michele Thompson's law firm letterhead before getting a response from Apple, the family said.

Many criticized Apple's handling of the critical FaceTime security flaw, particularly in light of CEO Tim Cook's repeated statements around the company's commitment to user privacy.

Last month, Apple erected a massive billboard in front of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas touting its user privacy controls that read: 'What happens on your iPhone, stays on your iPhone.'

The billboard was largely viewed as Apple taking a shot at rivals like Facebook and Google who have faced privacy scandals.

The incident was embarrassing for the technology giant as it was discovered on Data Privacy Day in the US, which Apple's Tim Cook had tweeted about, calling for 'vital privacy protections'

The state of New York is now probing Apple's failure to warn consumers about the bug, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday.

Additionally, Apple now faces a lawsuit from a Houston lawyer who claims the bug resulted in his phone recording a private deposition with one of his clients.

The lawsuit, first spotted by Courthouse News, was filed on Monday by attorney Larry Williams in Harris County, Texas.

In it, Williams claims that Apple 'failed to exercise reasonable care' and that the company 'knew, or should have known, that its product would cause unsolicited privacy breaches and eavesdropping.'

Williams is now seeking punitive damages against Apple and unknown parties, claiming negligence, product liability, misrepresentation and warranty breach.
An Anglo-Saxon sword dating back 1,400 years which was engraved with a swastika by its historical owner is set to fetch up to 3,000.

The gilt silver sword pommel was dug up by treasure hunters last March on the Isle of Wight.

The find has been described as 'extremely rare' as there are only half a dozen examples in existence on Anglo-Saxon weapons.

A swastika is now widely associated with the Nazi regime and Adolf Hitler but was originally a sign of peace, luck and prosperity.

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The gilt silver sword pommel was dug up by treasure hunters last March on the Isle of Wight. The find has been described as 'extremely rare' (pictured)

Local museums were unable to buy the item which is up for auction with an estimated price of up to 3,000.

A historian is crowdfunding to purchase the piece and gift it to a museum so it does not disappear into a private collection.

Matt Bunker, from Nailsea, Somerset, needs to raise the cash before the auction in London on February 26.

He said: 'There are runes on both sides of the pommel. Any runes from the Anglo-Saxon period are rare.

'There are only a small number - half a dozen at most - where runes are carved onto weapons. It's exciting.

'It's not the material value that makes it rare, it's the runes.'

Mr Bunker, 50, wrote on his appeal page: 'Our objective is to raise enough money to buy the pommel at auction, make an accurate study of it and produce a detailed description and a set of high definition photographs.

Local museums were unable to buy the item which is up for auction with an estimated price of up to 3,000. it is now going to auction

A swastika is now widely associated with the Nazi regime and Adolf Hitler but was originally a sign of peace, luck and prosperity (pictured)

HOW DO METAL DETECTORS WORK? The invention of the metal detector cannot be truly claimed by one person. It is a combination and amalgamation of several different pieces of technology. Alexander Graham Bell did fashion a device that was an electromagnetic, metal locating machine. This was based on a device invented by physicist Heinrich Wilhelm Dove. Sometime later, an engineer Gerhard Fischer, filed a patent regarding a design. A metal detector consists of a stabiliser, control box, shaft, and search coil. It is the two coils that are actually responsible for the detection of metal. The outer coil is the transmitter coil while the inner coil is the receiver coil. This works to detect and amplify frequencies. This type of technology is known as Very Low Frequency or VLF technology. When electricity is provided to this transmitter coil, there is a magnetic field created around the coil. This is the same science behind electromagnets. When the machine wafts over metal the electrons in the metal - due to its metallic bonding and sea of electrons surrounding a fixed positively charged mass - are affected by the magnetic field. The change in the electrons triggers a tiny electrical field in the metal object which alters the frequency of the metal detector. This indicates metal is present. More advanced metal detectors are also able of differentiating between different types of metal ad the frequency change is different and therefore the pitch of the note is altered. Source: The Detectorist Advertisement

'We will then place the object with a museum, where it can be appreciated by all who come to see it.'

Metal detectorists found the pommel in Brighstone and, as required, submitted it to the Portable Antiquities Scheme. They declared it 'treasure' which means, by law, it must be offered first to a museum.

The Portable Antiquities Scheme described the runes in detail, writing: 'Both of the pommel's broad faces are decorated, each with a slightly different design.

'One face has an upper border of punched triangles and a central vertical arrow, pointing upwards. Along the base is a row of four ring-and-dot motifs.

'The other face also has an upper border of punched triangles and a central vertical arrow. It has a ring-and-dot motif in each lower corner, and an incised swastika flanking the arrow.'

A historian is crowdfunding to purchase the piece and gift it to a museum so it does not disappear into a private collection. Matt Bunker, from Nailsea, Somerset, needs to raise the cash before the auction in London on February 26

The finder has put it up for sale at Timeline Auctions in London with a minimum bid price of 1,800. Mr Bunker said: 'I want to put it on display on the Isle of Wight rather than disappearing into collection

Mr Bunker believes the local museum service lacks the funds to buy and display the piece.

So the finder has put it up for sale at Timeline Auctions in London with a minimum bid price of 1,800.

Mr Bunker said: 'I want to put it on display on the Isle of Wight rather than disappearing into collection.

'The Isle of Wight was the last part of Anglo-Saxon England to be Christianised and have a Pagan King. This is important to the island's story.'

Timeline Auctions have estimated the value of the pommel at between 2,000 and 3,000 with an opening bid of 1,800.

The auctioneers note the item is in 'fine condition and extremely rare'.
A robot that will scan Mars for signs of alien life will carry the name of the iconic scientist and co-discoverer of DNA's double helix structure - Rosalind Franklin.

The brilliant work by Dr Franklin at Kings College London using X-ray crystallography enabled a major breakthrough in understanding the structure and function of DNA.

She died without recognition for her ground-breaking work but has since become one of the most iconic scientists of all-time.

Her name is now attached to an Oxford research institute and the UK-built ExoMars robot that will launch in 2020.

The name was revealed by astronaut Tim Peake and science minister Chris Skidmore at an event in Stevenage as part of a public competition launched in July last year.

More than 36,000 people submitted ideas in the competition, which were narrowed down by a panel of experts.

The UK-built ExoMars robot that will set out to find evidence of life on Mars has been named after British scientist Rosalind Franklin (pictured)

The name was revealed by astronaut Tim Peake (pictured) and science minister Chris Skidmore at an event in Stevenage as part of a public competition launched in July last year

Major Peake said: 'It's an important name because Rosalind Franklin was one of the great British scientists who unlocked the secrets of human life in terms of understanding DNA and the double helix, and ExoMars is so exciting because we're searching for life and the possibility that life evolved on Mars.'

The Rosalind Franklin rover will embark on a joint mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Russian space agency Roscosmos, planned to launch in summer 2020 with the aim of understanding whether life exists or ever existed on the Red Planet.

Built and designed in the UK, more than 100 scientists across the country have worked on the project, investigating a number of essential aspects such as selecting the best landing location on Mars.

The six-wheeled rover, built by Airbus, is said to be the first of its kind to travel across the Martian surface and drill about two metres into the surface to see if any possible signs of life are buried underground.

It will aim to see as far back as four billion years, exploring the bottom of a Mars ocean that no longer exists.

The first part of the mission was launched in 2016, with the arrival of the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), which sets out to 'sniff' the Martian atmosphere and look for evidence of methane, which may be an indication of active life on or below the planet's surface.

'There were many very colourful entries - Rover McRoverface I think at one point was one of the most popular names, but of course I think Rosalind Franklin is a much more fitting tribute to a great British scientist,' Maj Peake added.

Mr Skidmore used the event to reaffirm that the UK will remain a part of the ESA.

Built and designed in the UK, more than 100 scientists across the country have worked on the project, investigating a number of essential aspects such as selecting the best landing location on Mars

Built and designed in the UK, more than 100 scientists across the country have worked on the project, investigating a number of essential aspects such as selecting the best landing location on Mars

'The European Space Agency is a real asset to the work - the UK is a proud founding member and will remain committed into the future,' he said.

'Although we are leaving the European Union, we are not leaving ESA.'

The discovery of DNA's double-helix shape won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 and was awarded to James Watson, Francis Crick and Dr Franklin's colleague, Maurice Wilkins.

Dr Franklin tragically died of ovarian cancer four years before the prestigious award was given to her male peers, and the Nobel Prize can not be awarded posthumously.

She died without recognition for her ground-breaking work but has since become one of the most iconic female scientists of all-time.

Her name is now attached to an Oxford research institute and the UK-built ExoMars robot that will launch in 2020.

The only surviving member of the quartet that discovered DNA's structure is American Dr James Watson.

While Rosalind Franklin and Francis Crick have been honoured with institutions and now a Mars rover named after them, Watson has ruined his legacy with abhorrent comments about ethnic minorities, women, homosexuality and people with mental disabilities.

WHAT OUTRAGEOUS COMMENTS HAS JAMES WATSON MADE? Dr James Watson (pictured) won the Nobel prize and has made controversial comments in recent years Dr James Watson received the Nobel prize in 1962 for co-discovering the structure of DNA. He published a book in 1968 that developed a reputation as a provocateur and an outspoken scientist, called 'The Double Helix'. In 2007, at the age of 79, he tainted his legacy and cast a dark shadow over his scientific success. In an interview with the Sunday Times, he made comments that have been labelled as racist and homophobic. Since then, he has also made besmirching comments about Rosalind Franklin, the female scientists who used X-ray crystallography to help discover the double-helix structure of DNA. The fallout from his comments has been significant, and he was forced to sell his Nobel medal in 2014 due to financial hardship. It went for $4.1m (2.6m) and was the first Nobel prize to ever be sold by a living recipient. Racist In the 2007 interview, he spoke about people wanting to think that all humans are born with the same level of intelligence. Dr Watson disagreed, and said: '[People] who have to deal with black employees find this not true'. He continued, saying that he was 'inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa. All our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours  whereas all the testing says not really'. Dr Watson added: 'There is no firm reason to anticipate that the intellectual capacities of peoples geographically separated in their evolution should prove to have evolved identically. 'Our wanting to reserve equal powers of reason as some universal heritage of humanity will not be enough to make it so.' Homophobic A decade before his derogatory comments on race pertaining to a person's skin colour, he did an interview with The Sunday Telegraph. Dr Watson reportedly said that a woman should have the right to abort her unborn child if tests could determine it would be homosexual. Sexist Dr Watson called his Cambridge supervisor a 'dinosaur' and said he also had a 'seductive wife'. In his 1968 memoir, he made an assessment of Rosalind Franklin based on her appearence. He said: 'Though her features were strong, she was not unattractive, and might have been quite stunning had she taken even a mild interest in clothes. This she did not.' Rosalind Franklin Dr Watson has been scathing in his opinion on Rosalind Franklin, the co-discoverer of DNA. In an interview with The Big Think, Watson says he thought she had Asperger's syndrome and was 'paranoid'. He continued: 'I don't think her name deserved to be on the paper... because of her failure to interact effectively, it was hard to know how bright she was.' He spoke to an audience at the College de France in Paris this month and said: 'There was no reason to give her the Nobel prize. She was a loser.' In private letters, Dr Watson often referred to Dr Franklin as 'Rosy the witch'. Linus Pauling Linus Pauling was a scientists who was also trying to discover the structure of DNA in the 1950s. His theory centred around a triple-helix. Dr Watson had a low opinion of his fellow scientist. He said: '[Pauling] had probably always been half-insane' and came up with a theory that was 'a load of crap'. Anti-semitic In an other interview from 2007, this time with Esquire Magazine, Dr Watson made comments appearing to condone anti-semitism. He said: 'Some anti-Semitism is justified. Just like some anti-Irish feeling is justified. Advertisement

Waton is also said to have claimed that Catholics are more forgiving than Jews. This image shows Nobel Prize winners Francis Crick (left) and James Watson (right)

The scientist described those who aided him with the discovery as 'losers' and 'autistic'.

During a speech in Paris, the 90-year-old called his former supervisor at Cambridge a 'dinosaur' with a 'seductive wife', and claimed another eminent geneticist 'had probably always been half-insane'.

Watson, one of the founding fathers of modern genetics who revolutionised biology, is no stranger to comments that land him in hot water.

The researcher once argued Africans are inherently less intelligent than Europeans and that 'some anti-semitism is justified'.

During a speech at the Paris-based College de France on May 23 2018, Watson seemed to retract previous comments that Franklin deserved a share of his accolades.

'There was no reason to give her the Nobel Prize,' he was quoted as saying in French news outlet Le Monde.

'She was a loser.'

He also suggested that Crick, who died aged 88 in 2004, may have been 'a bit autistic'.

Watson published a book called The Double Helix in 1968 that developed his reputation as a provocateur and an outspoken scientist.

In 2007, at the age of 79, he tainted his legacy and cast a dark shadow over his scientific success.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, he made comments that were labelled as racist and homophobic.

Watson was commenting on people wanting to think that all humans are born with the same level of intelligence.

The scientist disagreed, arguing: '[People] who have to deal with black employees find this not true'.

He said that he was 'inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa.'

In the same interview, Watson said that a woman should have the right to abort her unborn child if tests could determine it would be homosexual.

Watson has also made number of besmirching comments about Franklin, whose painstaking X-ray crystallography helped him discover the structure of DNA.

In an interview with The Big Think, Watson said he thought she had Asperger's syndrome and was 'paranoid'.

He continued: 'I don't think her name deserved to be on the paper... because of her failure to interact effectively, it was hard to know how bright she was.'

The fallout from his comments has been significant, and he was forced to sell his Nobel medal in 2014 due to financial hardship.

It went for $4.1m (2.6m) and was the first Nobel prize to ever be sold by a living recipient.
Many popular iPhone apps from airlines, clothing stores and travel sites may be viewing your on-screen activity without you knowing.

An investigation has revealed that this data is sent back to app developers to help improve their services.

Major companies including Expedia, Hollister and Air Canada, are monitoring what you do in their apps, including every click, tap and swipe.

One expert fears that data from these session replays may not be sufficiently masked to protect sensitive data.

However, there is no suggestion that Expedia and Hollister are failing to meet this standard.

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Many popular iPhone apps from airlines, clothing stores and travel sites may be viewing your on-screen activity without you knowing. The sensitive data is supposed to be sufficiently masked, or blacked out (left), to protect it but the masking 'didn't always stick' (right), according to one security expert

The investigation, by Zack Whittaker for TechCrunch, found several popular iPhone apps use Glassbox, a customer experience analytics firm, which lets developers embed 'session replay' technology into their apps.

The company recently tweeted: 'Imagine if your website or mobile app could see exactly what your customers do in real time, and why they did it?'

App developers record the screen and play them back to see what people did in the app to see what people liked, disliked, or if an error occurred.

This means that every tap, button push and keyboard entry is recorded, screenshotted and sent back to the app developers.

This means payment information or passport and visa details could potentially be viewed by third parties.

Major companies including Expedia, Hollister and Air Canada, are monitoring what you do in their apps, including every click, tap and swipe. This data is sent back to app developers to help improve their services (stock image)

The App Analyst, a mobile expert who writes about apps on his blog, claims that Air Canada did not properly mask its session replays.

He suggests this may be the reason for Air Canada's iPhone app data breach which exposed 20,000 profiles in August 2018.

'This gives Air Canada employees  and anyone else capable of accessing the screenshot database  to see unencrypted credit card and password information,' the App Analyst told TechCrunch.

The App Analyst looked at a sample of apps that Glassbox listed on its website as customers and 'success stories'.

Using Charles Proxy, a tool used to intercept the data sent from Glassbox, the researcher was able to examine data being transmitted from devices.

Several popular iPhone apps use Glassbox, a customer experience analytics firm, which lets developers embed 'session replay' technology into their apps

The company recently tweeted: 'Imagine if your website or mobile app could see exactly what your customers do in real time, and why they did it?' App developers record the screen and play them back to see what people did in the app to see what people liked or disliked

The App Analyst found that some apps were not masking the data properly.

He also found that none of them said they were recording the user's activity or that it was sending them to another company's servers.

'Since this data is often sent back to Glassbox servers I wouldn't be shocked if they have already had instances of them capturing sensitive banking information and passwords,' he said.

Not every app was leaking masked data and companies like Expedia and Hotels.com were capturing the data but sending it back to a server on their own domain.

The App Analyst, a mobile expert who writes about apps on his blog, claims that Air Canada did not properly mask its session replays. He suggests this may be the reason for Air Canada's iPhone app data breach which exposed 20,000 profiles in August 2018 (stock image)

A spokeperson for Glassbox told Mail Online: 'Glassbox customers use our solution to capture data in order to improve their respective online customer experiences and protect their customers from a compliance perspective.

'The data collected by Glassbox customers is only captured via their apps, and is neither shared with any third parties, nor enriched through other external sources.

'All captured data via our solution is highly secured, encrypted, and solely belongs to the customers we support.

'Glassboxs robust masking capabilities enable our customers to manage and configure the recording feature within our solution to ensure they don't record data which they are not permitted to record; and restrict access to recorded data to authorised users, coupled with a full audit log of every user accessing the customers system.'
Predictions of an imminent and catastrophic surge in sea levels were incorrect and overestimated, a new study has found.

The difference between the two predictions stems from disagreement as to how significant the melting of the Antarctic ice-cliffs will be to global levels.

New research says there is only a five per cent chance that the Antarctic ice-cliff melting will contribute more than 15 inches (39 cm) to global sea levels by 2100.

Previous estimates stated it could contribute a huge 44 inches (1.14 metres) alone - more than seven times the revised value of between 5.5 - 6 inches (14  15 centimetres).

The latest study found that, by the end of this century, global sea levels will rise by a grand total of less than four feet (120 cm), noticeably less dramatic than the doomsday predictions of a 2016 paper from US-based scientists that estimated it would exceed 6.5 feet (two metres).

But, a separate study published by the same scientists found future generations still face a significant fallout from global warming and wilder weather due to 'climate chaos' - even if the previous doomsday prediction was inaccurate.

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Predictions of an imminent and catastrophic surge in sea levels were incorrect and overestimated, a new study has found. The difference between the two predictions stems from disagreement as to how significant the melting of the Antarctic ice-cliffs (pictured) will be to global levels

Dr Tamsin Edwards, lecturer in physical geography at King's and lead author of the study published in Nature, said: 'Unstable ice cliffs in Antarctica were proposed as a cause of unstoppable collapse of large parts of the ice sheet in the past.

'They were, therefore, also predicted to cause rapidly rising seas with global warming in our near future. But we've re-analysed the data and found this isn't the case.'

This would take the combined total for sea level rise to a grand total of 47 inches (120 cm), far less than the previous estimate of more than two metres.



The team included researchers from King's College London, Victoria University of Wellington, and colleagues across the US, Canada, UK and Europe.

They looked at ice loss dating back three million years, 125,00 years and the last 25 years.

It was discovered that collapsing ice-cliffs aren't needed to reproduce sea level rises in the past.

To test the theory that it was irrelevant to sea level rise predictions they removed it from the model and

New research says there is only a five per cent chance that the Antarctic ice-cliff melting will contribute more than 15 inches (39 cm) to global sea levels by 2100. Previous estimates stated it could contribute a huge 44 inches (1.14 metres) alone - more than seven times the revised value of between 5.5 - 6 inches (14  15 centimetres)

The latest study found that, by the end of this century, global sea levels will rise by a grand total of less than four feet (120 cm), noticeably less dramatic than the doomsday predictions of a 2016 paper from US-based scientists that estimated it would exceed 6.5 feet (2 metres)

Dr Edwards, says: 'We've shown that ice-cliff instability doesn't appear to be an essential mechanism in reproducing past sea level changes and so this suggests "the jury's still out" when it comes to including it in future predictions.

'Even if we do include ice-cliff instability, our more thorough assessment shows that the most likely contribution to sea level rise would be less than half a metre by 2100.'

A second paper, led by associate Professor Nick Golledge from Victoria University of Wellington and co-authored by Dr Edwards, found that while previous models had overestimated the impact of Antarctic ice cliff loss, they had underestimated the impact importance of melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica as a whole.

Water from melting Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets is likely to have a major effect on ocean currents and temperatures by the end of the century, the study found.

This melting is expected to lead to extreme and unpredictable weather events, such as severe heatwaves and cold snaps, flash floods and hurricanes.

Dr Nick Golledge said: 'Under current global government policies, we are heading towards three or four degrees of warming above pre-industrial levels, causing a significant amount of melt water from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets to enter Earth's oceans.

'According to our models, this melt water will cause significant disruptions to ocean currents and change levels of warming around the world.'

The team combined detailed simulations of melting climate effects with satellite observations of recent changes to the ice sheets.

The models suggested that sea levels were likely to rise fastest between 2065 and 2075.

Critically, melting ice flowing from land to sea would affect temperatures and circulation patterns in the world's oceans.

The influx of melt water was expected to weaken the Gulf Stream, bringing warmer air to the high Arctic, Eastern Canada and Central America, and cooler temperatures to north-western Europe.

Temperature variability would increase in both the atmosphere and the oceans, resulting in more frequent extreme weather events.

Dr Golledge added: 'Melt from these ice sheets is going to significantly disrupt the global climate making temperatures in some areas vary much more from one year to the next.

'This unpredictability is going to prove extremely disruptive for all of us, and will make adaptation and planning much more difficult.'
Details of a mission to explore uncharted depths in the Indian Ocean have been officially unveiled.

Experts are hoping to discover hundreds of new species and find out what impact plastic is having deep below the surface to test the health of the ocean.

The First Descent expedition, led by British-based ocean research institute Nekton, is set to send submersibles as deep as 10,000 ft (3,000 metres) off the Seychelles

The project was unveiled at the Commonwealth headquarters in London and will set sail in March.

A mission to explore uncharted depths in the Indian Ocean has now launched. A handout picture from 2016 released by ocean research institute Nekton shows a submersible craft working above the seabed off the coast of Bermuda

'The mission is focusing on 30 metres down to 10,000 ft (3,000 metres). This is where you get the peak diversity of species,' said Professor Alex Rogers, part of the scientific team.

'In the Indian Ocean, the deeper zones are almost completely uninvestigated. We simply don't know what's there.'

The Oxford University deep sea biologist said that the mission could find 100 to a thousand new species, including lots of new corals.

'The more you zoom in, the more diversity you're going to find. I'm really confident that we'll discover many new species,' said Professor Rogers.

'The ocean is suffering serious degradation from overfishing, pollution and climate change. It's critically important to understand how life is distributed in the oceans now, so we can make decisions better to manage the oceans.'

The 3.8 million ($5m / 4.4m) collaboration brings together 47 partners from business, philanthropy, sub-sea technology, media and civil society.

The Ocean Zephyr mothership is on its way from Bremerhaven in Germany to the Seychelles (pictured), to assess the effects of overfishing, pollution and climate change (file photo)

The Ocean Zephyr mothership is on its way from Bremerhaven in Germany to the Seychelles. It will be home to 50 scientists, engineers and technicians during the project.

Its two submersibles will take 17 different research tools and technology into the deep, along with 18 cameras to create the first three-dimensional maps of deep sea ecosystems. Some of the dives will be broadcast live.

Ocean campaigner Emily Penn, a Nekton trustee, said the expedition could shed light on the impact of plastic thousands of metres below the surface.

'We really don't know what's going on in the deep ocean when it comes to plastic,' she said.

'We know eight million tonnes of plastic is going into the ocean every year and we're only finding a fraction of it on the surface. The big question is: where is all the rest of it going?

'We expect that it's mostly sinking -- but until we actually go there, we don't know how much is down there and the impact it might be having.'

The First Descent expedition, led by British-based ocean research institute Nekton, is set to send submersibles as deep as 3,000 metres off the Seychelles from March to test the health of the ocean

The Commonwealth, a 53-country grouping that unites nations like Britain, India, Canada and Nigeria with small states like Tonga and the Seychelles, has focused on managing climate change in recent years as many of its members are vulnerable, low-lying island nations.

'Our countries are dying, so we have no choice,' said Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.

'We face an existential threat as a result of the changes in climate.

'Unless we map and understand better what is in our oceans, we may be doomed to repeat some of the mistakes we made on land.

'This is enabling us to get the data to make properly informed choices.'

Nekton chiefs said there were better maps of Mars than the seabed, 95 percent of which remains unexplored.

It is hoped that the data produced by the mission will enable scientists to model where similar observations are likely to be found in the oceans, and provide data on which to base conservation efforts.
Humans have learned to travel through space, eradicate diseases and understand nature at the breathtakingly tiny level of fundamental particles.

Yet we have no idea how consciousness  our ability to experience and learn about the world in this way and report it to others  arises in the brain.

In fact, while scientists have been preoccupied with understanding consciousness for centuries, it remains one of the most important unanswered questions of modern neuroscience.

Now our new study, published in Science Advances, sheds light on the mystery by uncovering networks in the brain that are at work when we are conscious.

Humans have learned to travel through space, eradicate diseases and understand nature at the breathtakingly tiny level of fundamental particles. Yet we have no idea how consciousness arises in the brain. Artist's impression of nerve cells shown

WHAT HAVE OTHER STUDIES FOUND? Researchers are attempting to fill in the gaps of understanding on consciousness, looking at the points at which 'wakefulness' becomes unconsciousness, and the reverse. In a 2016 study published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, researchers tracked the brain activity of volunteers during fMRI scans as an anaesthetic induced unconsciousness Volunteers went through fMRI scans while they became unconscious, and the researchers examined changes in blood flow to the brain as they moved between the different states of consciousness. The scans revealed that conscious brains display a 'flurry of ever-changing activity.' This means that the neural networks were subject to a lot of activity. The study suggests that consciousness is a state in which the brain is at optimal level of 'neural network connectedness.' Advertisement

It's not just a philosophical question.

Determining whether a patient is 'aware' after suffering a severe brain injury is a huge challenge both for doctors and families who need to make decisions about care.

Modern brain imaging techniques are starting to lift this uncertainty, giving us unprecedented insights into human consciousness.

For example, we know that complex brain areas including the prefrontal cortex or the precuneus, which are responsible for a range of higher cognitive functions, are typically involved in conscious thought.

However, large brain areas do many things. We therefore wanted to find out how consciousness is represented in the brain on the level of specific networks.

The reason it is so difficult to study conscious experiences is that they are entirely internal and cannot be accessed by others.

For example, we can both be looking at the same picture on our screens, but I have no way to tell whether my experience of seeing that picture is similar to yours, unless you tell me about it.

Only conscious individuals can have subjective experiences and, therefore, the most direct way to assess whether somebody is conscious is to ask them to tell us about them.

But what would happen if you lose your ability to speak? In that case, I could still ask you some questions and you could perhaps sign your responses, for example by nodding your head or moving your hand.

Of course, the information I would obtain this way would not be as rich, but it would still be enough for me to know that you do indeed have experiences.

If you were not able to produce any responses though, I would not have a way to tell whether you're conscious and would probably assume you're not.

Scanning for networks

Our new study, the product of a collaboration across seven countries, has identified brain signatures that can indicate consciousness without relying on self-report or the need to ask patients to engage in a particular task, and can differentiate between conscious and unconscious patients after brain injury.

When the brain gets severely damaged, for example in a serious traffic accident, people can end up in a coma.

This is a state in which you lose your ability to be awake and aware of your surrounding and need mechanical support to breathe. It typically doesn't last more than a few days.

After that, patients sometimes wake up but don't show any evidence of having any awareness of themselves or the world around them  this is known as a 'vegetative state'.

In consciousness and unconsciousness, our brains have different modes to self-organise as time goes by. When we are conscious, brain regions communicate with a rich temperament, showing both positive and negative connections. These patterns are shown above

Another possibility is that they show evidence only of a very minimal awareness  referred to as a minimally conscious state. For most patients, this means that their brain still perceives things but they don't experience them.

However, a small percentage of these patients are indeed conscious but simply unable to produce any behavioural responses.

We used a technique known as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which allows us to measure the activity of the brain and the way some regions 'communicate' with others.

Specifically, when a brain region is more active, it consumes more oxygen and needs higher blood supply to meet its demands.

We can detect these changes even when the participants are at rest and measure how it varies across regions to create patterns of connectivity across the brain.

We used the method on 53 patients in a vegetative state, 59 people in a minimally conscious state and 47 healthy participants.

They came from hospitals in Paris, Liege, New York, London, and Ontario. Patients from Paris, Liege, and New York were diagnosed through standardised behavioural assessments, such as being asked to move a hand or blink an eye.

In contrast, patients from London were assessed with other advanced brain imaging techniques that required the patient to modulate their brain to produce neural responses instead of external physical ones  such as imagining moving one's hand instead of actually moving it.

We found two main patterns of communication across regions. One simply reflected physical connections of the brain, such as communication only between pairs of regions that have a direct physical link between them.

Our new study, the product of a collaboration across seven countries, has identified brain signatures that can indicate consciousness without relying on self-report or the need to ask patients to engage in a particular task. MRI scanners are shown above

This was seen in patients with virtually no conscious experience. One represented very complex brain-wide dynamic interactions across a set of 42 brain regions that belong to six brain networks with important roles in cognition (see image above).

This complex pattern was almost only present in people with some level of consciousness.

Importantly, this complex pattern disappeared when patients were under deep anaesthesia, confirming that our methods were indeed sensitive to the patients' level of consciousness and not their general brain damage or external responsiveness.

Research like this has the potential to lead to an understanding of how objective biomarkers can play a crucial role in medical decision making.

In the future it might be possible to develop ways to externally modulate these conscious signatures and restore some degree of awareness or responsiveness in patients who have lost them, for example by using non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial electrical stimulation.

Indeed, in my research group at the University of Birmingham, we are starting to explore this avenue.

Excitingly the research also takes us as step closer to understanding how consciousness arises in the brain.

With more data on the neural signatures of consciousness in people experiencing various altered states of consciousness  ranging from taking psychedelics to experiencing lucid dreams  we may one day crack the puzzle.
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A NASA spacecraft orbiting the moon has captured our first glimpse at the lone robotic lander on the far side of the moon.

China landed the Change 4 probe on the floor of the 116-mile-wide (186 kilometers) Von Karman crater on January 3 in a historic accomplishment.

But in the time since, all updates have come from the mission's own point of view.

NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has now spotted Change sitting in its landing site, offering the first external look at the faraway probe  but, the tiny lander only makes up two pixels in the long-range shot.

Scroll down for video

At the time it captured the photo, NASA's orbiting craft was 205 miles (330 kilometers) from the landing site. NASA has annotated the photo with arrows in effort to highlight the tiny lunar lander (circled in red above)

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) captured the latest image a month after Change 4 landed on the far side of the moon.

At the time, the orbiting craft was 205 miles (330 kilometers) from the landing site.

NASA has annotated the photo with arrows in effort to highlight the tiny lunar lander.

Much more visible is the west wall of Von Karman crater, which stands more than 9,850 feet (3,000 meters) above the surface.

China's lunar lander woke up from a freezing two-week-long hibernation last week to find night-time temperatures on the moon's dark side are colder than previously thought.

The Chang'e-4 probe -- named after a Chinese moon goddess -- made the first ever soft landing on the far side of the moon on January 3, a major step in China's ambitions to become a space superpower.

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) captured the latest image a month after Change 4 landed on the far side of the moon

Temperatures on the moon's surface plummeted to minus 190 degrees celsius (-310 degrees Fahrenheit) during the probe's first lunar night, which 'was colder than scientists expected,' the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said.

The night-time temperatures were recorded by the Chinese probe after it became active on January 30, following a slumber that lasted for about two earth weeks.

They were lower than those recorded by previous US missions to the near side of the moon, Zhang He, executive director of the Chang'e-4 mission, told Xinhua news agency.

'That's probably due to the difference in lunar soil composition between the two sides of the moon,' he said.

A rover released from the probe -- dubbed Yutu-2 (Jade Rabbit) after the moon goddess's pet -- also resumed operations 'as planned' on January 29 and will perform experiments in the Von Karman Crater, CNSA said in a statement.

Chang'e-4 is equipped with instruments developed by scientists from Sweden, Germany and China.

It is tasked with studying the lunar environment, cosmic radiation and the interaction between solar wind and the moon's surface.

The probe will now continue with it's experiments, CNSA said.

The freezing night-time temperatures were recorded by the Chinese Chang'e-4 probe after it became active. The Yutu-2 rover resumed operations and will perform experiments in the Von Karman Crater, China's space agency said

Scientific instruments on board China's previous Chang'e-3 moon mission, sent in late 2013, have withstood over 60 lunar nights and are still in operation, Xinhua said.

The Chang'e 4 lander even spent some time at the beginning of its stay growing plants on the moon in a first-ever milestone.

The mission started growing plants on the moon shortly after its historic arrival to the previously unexplored area.

Cotton seeds could be seen sprouting in a photo released by the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

Just one day after revealing the success, however, China said its lunar cotton seedling were as good as dead.

The state-run publication Xinhua News said the groundbreaking experiment ended with the onset of a two-week-long lunar night following its short-lived stint inside a specially-designed biosphere habitat.

The Chang'e 4 lander even spent some time at the beginning of its stay growing plants on the moon in a first-ever milestone. The mission started growing plants on the moon shortly after its historic arrival to the previously unexplored area. Its first sprouts, which did not survive lunar night, are shown

The dying plants will eventually decompose inside the canister, where they will not pose any threats to the lunar environment, according to the China National Space Administration.

Chinese scientists involved in the mission have also revealed that the US is planning its own mission to the far side of the moon  and theyve asked to borrow a Chinese craft to help get there.

According to South China Morning Post , NASA recently asked China to extend the lifespan of the Queqiao relay satellite so it could be used to plan a US lunar landing.

We asked the Americans why they wanted our relay satellite to operate longer, chief scientist Wu Weiren told state broadcaster CCTV.

They said, perhaps feeling a little embarrassed, that they wanted to make use of our relay satellite when they make their own mission to the far side of the moon.
The devastated mother of a toddler who died when he was 'left in a hot car' has begged for help to give her child the 'send off he deserves'.

Jone Rowlands died after he was found unconscious in the family car at Chester Hill, in Sydney's southwest, in 35C heat on Sunday.

His grandmother found the 22-month-old and and rushed him inside the family home, but he died at the scene.

Jone Rowlands, 22 months, died after he was locked in the car parked on his front lawn for more than two hours in 35C heat on Sunday

Samantha Rowlands (pictured) was supported by several of her children and relatives when she arrived at the Chester Hill house, in Sydney's south west, on Monday afternoon

Jone's mother Samantha Rowlands said the family was 'struggling to survive day to day' since it was rocked by the 'unfortunate tragedy'.

'Having six kids, we are struggling to survive day-to-day and we are finding it hard to give the service that Jone deserves,' she said.

'He was a bright and adventurous little baby that would light up the room when you walked in.'

Ms Rowlands said family members were 'working hard to find our feet again' and had 'lost the family car' over the accident.

A fundraiser to help pay for Jone's funeral has attracted more than $1,300 in donations.

His grandmother, who is believed to have found him in the car, rushed him inside and tried to revive him but he died at the scene

On social media, relatives said Ms Rowlands was not home when Jone was found in the car, but that another relative was minding the children. Pictured: Relatives support Ms Rowlands as she returns to the house where her son died

Ms Rowlands was too distraught to speak about her son's death, which is being investigated by police although it is thought to be just a tragic accident

Ms Rowlands was earlier this week too distraught to speak about her son's death, which is being investigated by police although it is thought to be just a tragic accident.

'She's broken - devastated. She doesn't want to believe that this has happened to her baby,' a family member told Daily Mail Australia on Monday.

'My family is angry. This shouldn't have happened to that little boy.'

Police said it was unlikely anyone would be charged over the incident, describing it as a 'tragic accident'.

On social media, relatives said Ms Rowlands was not home when Jone was found in the car, but that another relative was minding the children.

The boy is a twin and the youngest of six children, and was reportedly left in the care of someone else while his mother was out.

His grandmother, who is believed to have found him in the car, rushed him inside and tried to revive him but he died at the scene

The mother of a one-year-old boy who died after being left in a hot car has revealed her heartache in a touching tribute. Samantha Rowlands shared this picture of herself with her son

The boy, named Jone, had been taken inside the family home by the time emergency crews arrived on Sunday

Ms Rowlands captioned a photo with 'my Baby' alongside a string of heartbreak emojis

His grandmother was taken to hospital after suffering from shock.

Earlier, Ms Rowlands revealed her heartache in a touching tribute to her 'beautiful angel'.

Tributes to Jone and messages of support to Ms Rowlands also flooded in.

'So sorry to hear hun, rest in peace little angel,' and 'rest in peace handsome boy,' were among them.

'This is so sad to here Sam and family, thinking of you all,' another wrote.

Neighbours told Daily Mail Australia the family were quiet and mostly kept to themselves.

Frank Ingrati, who lives next door, said he is on friendly terms with the household, and they even gifted him a hamper at Christmas.

'She's broken - devastated. She doesn't want to believe that this has happened to her baby,' a family member said of Ms Rowlands (pictured)

'They're a really friendly family, keep to themselves, a really nice quiet family where the kids play in the backyard,' he said.

'They give me no trouble at all.'

He said there were often visits from extended family, with cousins coming to play in an inflatable pool they kept in the backyard after school hours.

'Sometimes there are three cars [parked out the front] sometimes one, so it's hard to keep track, he explained.

Mr Ingrati said both the mother and grandmother of the children lived at the home, and both appeared to be devoted guardians.

'It's a shocking tragedy,' he said.

The child's mother was seen running down the street screaming 'my baby' after she was told of the news

Another woman, believed to be the boy's grandmother, was wheeled out of the home on a stretcher and was treated for shock

The child was found inside the family home, but it is not yet known how long he was left inside the car

Jone, who is a twin and the youngest of six children, was reportedly left in the care of someone else while his mother was out on Sunday.

Ms Rowlands was seen running down the street screaming 'my baby' after she was told of the news.

His grandmother was put in an ambulance on a stretcher and taken to hospital suffering from shock.

Police established a crime scene and a report will be prepared for the coroner. They spoke with a number of family members at the scene.

'The child had been left unattended, we're still looking into the circumstances surrounding his death,' a NSW police spokesman said.
Police are investigating two more Russian agents suspected of involvement in the Salisbury poisoning.

The total number implicated in the nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia is now five.

The newly identified pair posed as tourists to get a British visa last March and are now thought to be back in Russia, senior security sources said.

The total number implicated in the nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia is now five. The pair are pictured

Alexander Petrov (left) and Ruslan Boshirov (right), thought to be Russian military intelligence officers, have been accused of travelling to the UK under aliases to try to murder Mr Skripal. A third Russian suspect was later exposed as Sergey Fedotov, although his real name remains unclear

Police are expected to brief Government officials on the evidence against the two men within weeks, it was claimed.

They are not believed to have travelled with the two hitmen. Their role was said to have been much smaller.

Mr Skripal, 66, and daughter Yulia, 33, were left fighting for their lives after they collapsed on a bench in Salisbury on March 5 last year. It is thought they were first exposed to Novichok sprayed on their front door handle.

Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, thought to be Russian military intelligence officers, have been accused of travelling to the UK under aliases to try to murder Mr Skripal.

A third Russian suspect was later exposed as Sergey Fedotov, although his real name remains unclear.

Police are now said to have collected more evidence against him, and identified the two new accomplices. Scotland Yard said it continued
Brendt Christensen, 28, is set to go on trial for murder on April 1 in Illinois

Prosecutors are building a case based partly on a bloody hand print and the responses of a cadaver-sniffing dog that a former University of Illinois student killed a Chinese scholar in his apartment.

Prosecutors revealed the evidence in a recent series of filings that they say will help prove Brendt Christensen, 28, kidnapped and killed 26-year-old Yingying Zhang in Urbana, Illinois in 2017.

Zhang was last seen getting into a car at a bus stop on June 9, 2017. Her body has never been found.

Christensen's federal trial is set to begin on April 1 in Peoria. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

In a filing Wednesday, prosecutors disclosed the bloody handprint was found in Christensen's apartment, though it's unclear if they believe it's Christensen's or Zhang's.

Prosecutors also took the opportunity to raise new allegations that the suspect choked and sexually assaulted someone five years ago (Pictured: Christensen and Yingying Zhang)

This surveillance image shows Zhang on the day she went missing in Urbana

Prosecutors also say a cadaver-sniffing dog detected traces of a dead body around the bathroom sink.

Christensen's lawyers want the judge to bar much of that evidence. They argue the dog is unreliable because it wasn't properly trained.

For weeks after Zhang's disappearance, police suspected Christensen but had no evidence to arrest him.

Investigators closed in after convincing his girlfriend to wear a wire to record hours of their conversations in the weeks which followed her disappearance.

Among the conversations was one in which Christensen allegedly confessed to the killing and described how Zhang fought back when he attacked her, according to court filings.

He is also said to have described his 'perfect victim' by pointing them out in the crowd at the vigil for Zhang, where he was filmed walking hand in hand with the woman.

Christensen is seen walking hand in hand at a vigil for Zhang, at which the girlfriend wore a wire. Christensen allegedly pointed out other women who would make good victims

Zhang's death shocked her relatives in China who believed she would be safe in the small campus town where she spent most of her time

Christensen's lawyers did not reveal how the FBI contacted his girlfriend.

They pleaded with a judge to not allow the taped conversations into evidence at his trial, claiming the girlfriend was pressured into wearing the wire because she feared charges herself.

On one occasion, she was apparently so nervous about wearing it in front of him that she fainted, his lawyers claimed.

Christensen also allegedly tried to lure another student into his car on the day Zhang went missing.

That student told investigators that he pretended he was a cop to try to get her into his vehicle. She identified him through photographs shown to her by police.

Zhang's death shocked her relatives in China who believed she would be safe in the small campus town where she spent most of her time.

In addition to the girlfriend, Christensen was also married at the time. His then-wife, 30-year-old Michelle Zortman, filed for divorce in October, citing 'irreconcilable differences.'

Christensen is being held without bond at the Livingston County Jail.
Tougher penalties have helped to slash the number of drivers using their phone at the wheel, an official study suggests.

The proportion of motorists caught using their handset fell to 0.6 per cent in England and Wales in the latest survey by the Department for Transport  almost two-thirds down on the 1.6 per cent from the previous study in 2014.

However, younger drivers and cabbies are far more likely to commit the offence  particularly at rush hour.

Motorists were most likely to use their phone at the wheel in the evening rush hour, the research found. Based on types of vehicle, taxi drivers were the worst offenders, with 3.3 per cent being caught out [File photo]

The figures released yesterday, covering October 2017, follow the introduction of tougher penalties in March that year after the Daily Mail launched its End the Mobile Madness campaign.

Ministers doubled the punishment for the offence from three penalty points to six, with the fine rising from 100 to 200. However, the message does not seem to be getting through to everyone.

Some 2 per cent of Scottish drivers were caught in the roadside observation survey  three times the rate of those in England and Wales.

In addition, those aged 17-29 were twice as likely to be caught using their mobile at stationary sites such as junctions and at traffic lights. Some 4 per cent in this age group were spotted, compared with 2.1 per cent among all motorists.

The proportion of motorists caught using their handset fell to 0.6 per cent in England and Wales in the latest survey by the Department for Transport  almost two-thirds down on the 1.6 per cent from the previous study in 2014 [File photo]

Based on types of vehicle, taxi drivers were the worst offenders, with 3.3 per cent being caught out. Motorists were most likely to use their phone at the wheel in the evening rush hour, the research found.

Edmund King, president of the AA, said: Using the phone to decide what to get for tea or making arrangements for the evening pushes common sense out of the car window for too many drivers. Many will be telling loved ones when they expect to get home - and some wont make it because they were on the phone and not paying attention to their driving.

The RACs spokesman Pete Williams welcomed the figures but said the results for Scotland were worrying.
The Irish woman who sent a 'thank you' card to the EU Commission president has told a radio station why she decided to do so.

The Irish woman called Haley, who did not want to give her last name, said she was motivated to sent the card because she was worried about what would happen to Ireland post-Brexit.

Prime Minister Theresa May is set to try to renegotiate a deal rejected by Parliament and a major part of that will be the Irish border.

Speaking on Irish radio station, RTE Radio, Haley, who did not want to give her last name, said she decide to write to Jean-Claude Juncker to tell him how appreciative she was as an Irish person to have Europe's backing in the Brexit negotiations.

Jean-Claude Juncker shows Leo Varadkar a card he had received - apparently from a family in Ireland thanking him

She said she wanted to thank Mr Junker for standing up for Ireland in Brexit negotiations and 'jumped for joy' after he said 'Ireland's borders are Europe's borders'.

The woman from Co Claire told the programme that she sent the card shortly after the vote in the House of Commons when the EU was speaking about it in the parliament afterwards.

But she said she had no idea the card, the front of which read 'thank you from Ireland', would end up featuring in the international press.

'I sent it because I kinda was worried at the time when Britain were talking about going back to re-negotiations, I was afraid that Ireland would be made to give in,' she said.

'The president of the European Parliament stood up and he said, you know, Ireland's borders are Europe's borders and, as I said in the card, I literally wanted to jump for joy because I knew at that point that we had the support of Europe and that nothing was going to change.

'It was a relief to be honest.'

Images of the large green card hit the headlines during the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's visit to Brussels on Wednesday when Mr Juncker showed Mr Varadkar it during a meeting between the two leaders.

Inside, the card read: 'Mr Juncker, I will be honest I never really understood the EU. It was something we learned about in school, a part of history, more than a part of today. But your five words: Ireland's borders are Europe's borders made me want to jump for joy, punch my hands in the air and kiss you.

It continued: 'For the first time ever Ireland is stronger than Britain. That strength comes not from guns or bombs. It comes from your words, and that of your colleagues.'

The card said for the first time 'Ireland is stronger than Britain' as it thanked Mr Juncker, EU Commission president

'Britain does not care about peace in Northern Ireland. To them it's a nuisance.'

It was signed Haley, Dave, Scooby and Little Boo.

She said the EU Commission president would have received it a couple of days before Mr Varadkar's trip.

Most people presumed the Taoiseach had given him the card when the two leaders were pictured with it.

But she said there was no agenda behind the card and it was complete coincidence that Mr Juncker received it the same week as Mr Varadkar's trip.

'I'm not in politics and I have absolutely no agenda,' she said.

'I'm literally just one person in Ireland. As I said the card is from a family in Ireland. It literally is me, my husband and my two dogs. I just wrote down the dogs' names because that's what dog lovers do.'
Police suspect a Mexican drug cartel with links to Victorian bikies are behind the largest-ever seizure of ice bound for Australia, with an estimated street value of $1.29billion.

The seizure of 1.7 tonnes of the drug in the US - also the biggest ever domestic seizure of the drug there - has led to six arrests in Victoria and NSW.

Officers from the Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police said the people arrested are allegedly involved with a US-based organised crime syndicate.

AFP National Manager Organised Crime, Assistant Commissioner Bruce Hill said Mexican drug cartels were working with outlaw motorcycle gang members to import drugs into Australia.

'Mexican cartels are now actively targeting Australia. They are dangerous. We have averted a tsunami of drugs coming to Australia,' he said.

The seizure of 1.7 tonnes of meth has led to six arrests of people in Victoria and New South Wales on Thursday

Police say the large quantity of ice could have resulted in more than 17 million drug deals.

The blocks of meth were concealed for shipment, with some hidden inside audio equipment.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday for his alleged connection to the packages in Hinchinbrook, west of Sydney.

Police allegedly found a drug lab at his South Liverpool Street home when they arrived.

A 25-year-old man was also arrested on Thursday for his alleged connection to the syndicate in Bonnyrigg Heights, west of Sydney.

Police say the large quantity of ice could have resulted to more than 17 million drug deals
A one time Finks bikie has pleaded guilty to threatening to shoot a former rival from the Hells Angels after he appeared at his unit to help fit an air-conditioner.

Jacob Stanes, who was said to be 'highly agitated' during the chance encounter, told Ben 'Notorious' Geppert he would 'blow him away' seconds before pulling a loaded gun from a cupboard during the altercation on the Gold Coast in November of 2017.

In the Southport District Court on Thursday, Stanes, currently behind bars for other offences, pleaded guilty to dangerous conduct with a weapon, common assault and possessing a shot gun.

The court was told the conflict unfolded when Stanes' landlord unwittingly called Geppert's father Jeffrey, who runs an electrical business, to install an air-conditioning system at a property in Helensvale, the Gold Coast Bulletin reports.

Ben Geppert (pictured) was installing an air conditioning unit at a Gold Coast property where a rival ex-bikie was living

Mr Geppert, with his two sons Benjamin and Samuel, arrived to complete the job only to find the tenant, referred to as 'Jake', wasn't home.

Moments later, Stanes returned from a nearby Bunnings and threatened to bash Jeffrey Geppert.

His son Ben Geppert then stepped in and reportedly said to Stanes 'look, if you have a problem we can go for a walk and sort it out'.

Stanes responded by walking inside the house and producing a shotgun from a cupboard and told the siblings, Ben and Samuel, 'I've got a real problem, how about I blow you way'.

Ben Geppert then charged at Stanes and the pair got into a scuffle, during which Stanes dropped the weapon, the court was told.

Jeffrey Geppert drove his sons away from the scene minutes later 'feeling shaken'.

Former Finks bikie Jacob Stanes (pictured) threatened to shoot ex Hells Angels member Benjamin Geppert in 2017

Jacob Stanes (pictured), a former Finks bikie, threatened to shoot Benjamin Geppert in late 2017 following a chance encounter on the Gold Coast

David Funch, Stanes' defence barrister, told the court Ben Geppert was the protagonist in the altercation, before adding Geppert had previously threatened his client online.

Judge Catherine Muir described Stanes' actions as 'serious, violent and reckless.'

Stanes was sentenced to 18 months prison with a parole eligibility date of May 20, 2019.
It was the night that would change her life forever, plastering her face on the front pages of newspapers and turning her name into the butt of numerous jokes.

But does Lorena Bobbitt regret cutting off her husband's penis 26 years ago?

'Oh my god, how could you regret something that was not planned?' Lorena tells the Today in her first television interview in years.

'I mean, how could you?' she repeats again. 'You have to understand, I wasn't in my right mind set.'

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Lorena Bobbitt asks how she can regret 'something that was not planned' as she reflects on cutting off her husband's penis nearly 26 years ago

Tomorrow on TODAY: Lorena Bobbitt opens up to @NBCNews Kristen Dahlgren in her first television interview ahead of her new Amazon docuseries about the night that changed her life. pic.twitter.com/ZBIm5eW6BX  TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 7, 2019

Lorena, now 49, has maintained that she cut off John Wayne Bobbitt's penis after he raped her at their home in Manassas, Virginia on June 23, 1993.

After he fell asleep, Lorena - who was just 24 at the time - grabbed a knife and cut off his penis at the base.

She then drove off and threw the shaft into a field before calling police and confessing to what she had just done.

Authorities were able to locate John's penis after Lorena described the exact location, and he was reunited with it after a 10-hour surgery.

But the couple's lives were changed forever as the wild story made headlines that followed them through an explosive trial.

While John has gone on to enjoy a career in porn, Lorena has mainly tried to stay under the radar since that fateful night.

After she successfully avoided jail and underwent a 45-day evaluation at a psych facility, Lorena did her best to avoid the spotlight.

Lorena said she wasn't in her 'right mind set' when she sliced off husband John Wayne Bobbitt's penis on June 23, 1993 as he slept in their bed. Both pictured during trial in 1994

Lorena appears on Today this week, the first televised interview she has given in years

But now she is preparing to see her name in headlines once again as she awaits the release of Lorena, a new docuseries produced by Jordan Peele that will be released on Amazon Prime on February 15.

The series promises to retell the familiar tale of the vengeful housewife from Lorena's perspective in the #MeToo era, exploring 'vital moral issues' like domestic violence and sexual assault that, according to the film's description, the national media failed to address 25 years ago.

Lorena hopes to turn the story away from the past obsession over John's penis onto the abuse she said led her to cut it off in the first place.

'They always just focused on [the penis],' Lorena told the New York Times last month.

Lorena used this kitchen knife to severe her husband's organ, after she claimed he raped her

rena testified during the trial to the years of sexual and physical abuse she allegedly suffered at the hands of her husband (Pictured is a photo of John's severed penis being shown during trial)

'And it's like they all missed or didn't care why I did what I did.'

At the time, the male-dominated news media portrayed Lorena as an angry, crazed suburban wife with a grudge, while feminists accused her of hurting their cause with her violent actions.

'I was the subject of so many jokes in the 90s and to me it was just cruel,' she said. 'They didn't understand. Why would they laugh about my suffering?'

When Lorena was first approached by Peele about a documentary, she was concerned that her tragedy would once again be turned into farce.

Lorena became the butt of jokes and was widely vilified in the media as a crazed, vengeful wife

John claimed during his wife's trial that she was angry with him because he denied her sex. Lorena said he raped her before she cut off his manhood

But Peele convinced her that it was impossible to faithfully retell 'the incident' without injecting some dark humor into it.

Lorena was also motivated to join forces with Peele following the election of Donald Trump, who was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women and caught talking about grabbing women by 'the p***y' on that infamous Access Hollywood tape.

Now Lorena hopes to use her reemerging platform to continue to advocate for victims of domestic violence through her non-profit organization Lorena's Red Wagon.

'I'll put myself through the jokes and everything as long as I can shine a light on domestic violence and sexual assault and marital rape,' she said.

John Wayne Bobbitt is pictured in a 'Trump 2020' hat and T-shirt at the Nevada Republican Party's election results watch party last November

John, now 51, also recently spoke out about the night that changed his life, telling Dr Oz that he was suicidal in the hours after his penis was cut off

And Lorena plans to still keep her profile low in Manassas, where she currently lives with her long-time partner Dave Bellinger and their daughter, who is now 13.

But Lorena isn't the only one giving interviews.

John, now 51, also recently spoke out about the night that changed his life, telling Dr Oz that he was suicidal in the hours after his penis was cut off.

Recalling his visit to the ER after Lorena had fled in their car with his severed penis in one hand and the knife she used in the other, Bobbitt said: 'The doctor comes up to me and says, "Show me your wrist."'

'And I said, "That's not where I'm cut." So, "Show me where you're cut."'

'So I pulled off my pants and blood is all over the place, some guy's putting towels on me, he kept putting all these towels on me and I was like pretty much suicidal at that point,' he continued.

'I'm kind of mutilated in the most worst way a man can be mutilated and I was self-terminated, and I was looking for something that can end it with looking around.'

John also made sure to inform the world that his penis is still working 'well'.

'I doing good,' he said. 'I'm super, I'm pretty healthy, pretty strong.'
A 19-year-old University of Washington student has died after slipping on a sidewalk on campus and hitting her head.

University police Maj. Steve Rittereiser said it was not immediately clear if the woman, a sophomore, slipped on ice or what the cause of the fall was. He said detectives are investigating.

Her name has not yet been released.

It happened at around 10.30am Wednesday east of Drumheller Fountain and north of the Electrical Engineering building on the university campus.

The prior two days, on Monday and Tuesday, the campus was closed because of snowy and icy conditions following a recent snowstorm.

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A 19-year-old University of Washington student died Wednesday after slipping and hitting her head on campus

The campus was closed on Monday and Tuesday because of snowy and icy conditions following a recent snowstorm

Police and Seattle Fire Department medics responded, and the woman was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Rittereiser said the students family was being notified.

The campus was closed on Monday and Tuesday because of snowy and icy conditions following a recent snowstorm.

The area where the unnamed student suffered the fall had been treated with sand and salt before classes resumed on Wednesday morning, a university representative told The Seattle Times.

A 'sidewalk closed' sign is seen Wednesday afternoon in the area where the student suffered a fatal fall

University of Washington President Ana Marie Cauce tweeted a statement addressing the student's tragic death

Signs that read 'sidewalk closed' were spotted Wednesday afternoon by KIRO7 in the area near the walkway where the 19-year-old hit her head.

University of Washington President Ana Marie Cauce tweeted a statement addressing the student's passing.

'My heart goes out to the family of the student who died as the result of a fall on campus,' the message read. 'All of us at the University of Washington are grieving this terrible tragedy with them. Student safety is our number one priority, and UWPD is investigating the exact cause of the accident.'
The man who was with Jussie Smollett on the night he was attacked in Chicago has spoken out about the frightening incident.

Frank Gatson, Smollett's choreographer and creative director, recounted his version of events from the early morning hours of January 29 while on the red carpet at the amfAR New York Gala on Wednesday.

'I was there with Jussie. I'm the one who called 911, I am the one who took him to the hospital,' Gatson told Extra.

'Man, that was a scary night  my stomach was numb.'

Gatson said he had picked Jussie up from the airport after his flight got in from New York City on January 28.

The actor, who had been stranded at La Guardia airport for several hours earlier that day, went out to get a sandwich at a Subway near his Chicago apartment when he was allegedly jumped by two men.

Gatson said: 'I'm just glad I was the old man at his apartment when he got there [after the attack], I was responsible.

'I said: "Let's call the cops, let's go to the hospital.'"

'Shout out to Chicago police, especially the sergeant that came and got things together and made us feel comfortable.'

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Jussie Smollett's choreographic and creative director, who was with the Empire actor on the night he was attacked in Chicago, recounted how he called 911 and convinced Smollett to go to the hospital after the alleged hate crime went down on January 29

Gatson spoke out about the attack in an interview with Extra on the red carpet at the amfAR New York Gala on Wednesday (above)

Gatson continued: 'It is amazing to me how the white community really supports the LGBTQ community, but it's amazing how some black families would rather their son be a murderer than be gay.

'I hope that my community, the black community, understands its peoples business what their sexuality is. I just hope that one day the black community, the brown community, can wake up and support our brothers and sisters who are gay. The hateration is just unbelievable.'

Smollett has reportedly returned to the set of Empire and spoke out about the incident for the first time during a performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, which Gatson called 'magical'.

'Jussie is a very strong guy,' he said.

Gatson thanked the Chicago police for their handling of the investigation and called Smollett (above after the attack) 'a very strong guy'

Smollett spoke out about his attack for the first time on Sunday during a performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles (above)

In a video of his Troubadour performance, Smollett said: 'I was bruised but my ribs were not cracked, they were not broken. I went to the doctor immediately, my friend [filmmaker] Fred Gatson drove me, but I was not hospitalized.

'Both my doctors in Chicago and Los Angeles cleared me to perform but they said to take care obviously. And above all, I fought the f*** back.'

Smollett then paused and stated: 'I'm the gay Tupac.'

The incident report from the attack was released on Tuesday, raising some questions about comments made by the police early in the investigation.

In the wake of the attack, the Chicago Police Department opened Smollett up to criticism by electing to publicly announce less than 12 hours into the investigation that detectives had reviewed 'hundreds of hours' of security footage and not found any evidence of an attack.

The report however shows that only four cameras were initially identified as being near the area where the attack took place.

One of those cameras was located in a parking garage and the other attached to a building across the street, which is five-lanes wide.

Those were also both north of the route that Smollett took home from the Subway.

The same goes for the two other cameras, which are used for traffic purposes and were not particularly close to where Smollett was attacked by the men.

It was then made public that after an expanded search that detectives still could not find footage, yet in the end the image of the two persons of interest came from a camera located less than a block from the scene that was in fact closer than the other four cameras noted in the report.

It was also on the route that Smollett took to return to his apartment.

The map above shows where the attack occurred in relation to Smollett's Chicago apartment

The two men who are considered persons of interest were seen in surveillance footage walking across the street from Smollett (above) just before the attack

Smollett has never wavered from his timeline, and prior to the attack had been documenting his much-delayed flight back to Chicago from New York.

He posted on Instagram as soon as he landed, just after a midnight, but it is unclear if he had his luggage with him when he was attacked or had returned to his apartment first before going to get a sandwich at a nearby Subway.

Smollett was then just across the street from his residence when the attack occurred, and appeared to be heading into a back entrance of the building that was closer due to the weather.

The attack happened in a below ground street that runs by the building where Smollett lives, and video did show him entering with a noose shortly after 2am on Tuesday.

The proximity to his apartment would also explain why Smollett was so quick to get inside from the cold after spending close to 10 hours in transit that day.

Smollett told Chicago police that his attackers seemed to know who he was before they beat him and tied a rope around his neck.

He also reported that the two men were dressed in black and wearing black masks, and another eresidence at the apoaportment building recalled seieng men who fit that description earlier that night.

The men shouted a Smollett 'Empire f****t n****r' before attacking him in the street.

Smollett is black and openly gay.

He also revealed that he had been sent 'hate mail' at his work one week prior.

The report also revealed Smollett did not want to report attack, but another person believed to be Jackson went ahead and called police.

There is no mention of Smollett having been to Subway or that the men made any 'MAGA' comments in the incident report.

Police have said they would like to speak with Smollett again, who has been labeled a liar by a number of people in the wake of the attack.

At the same time, Liam Neeson has been making the press rounds after revealing he had an urge to commit a hate crime against a black person in response to learning that a female friend had been raped by a black man.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has done little to help the situation, choosing to comment by stating that Smollett's 'alleged statement of what happened' is 'horrific.'

Police meanwhile have confirmed that Smollett is scene walking across the street from the men in the video, disappears for minute, and then reappears with a noose around his neck.
Attorneys for Mexican drug cartel boss Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman tweeted a photo of a bottle of tequila shaped like a gun on Wednesday morning, with a reference to their client's looming verdict in his federal criminal case. Guzman is pictured being escorted by soldiers at the hangar belonging to the office of the Attorney General in Mexico City, Mexico on January 8, 2016

Attorneys for Mexican drug cartel boss Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman tweeted a photo of a bottle of tequila shaped like a gun on Wednesday morning, in reference to their client's looming verdict in his federal criminal case.

Balarezo Law tweeted a photo of Hijos de Villa reposado tequila, which comes inside of a bottle shaped like a firearm, writing, 'For after trial. #ElChapo'

The firm posted the tweet on Wednesday morning while jurors were in their third day of deliberations following Guzman's 11-week trial in Brooklyn.

Federal prosecutors say that under Guzman, the Sinaloa cartel smuggled at least 200 tons of cocaine into the U.S. and that he used a team of assassins to protect his turf.

The defense says Guzman is being framed by cooperating witnesses.

The jury had still not come to a decision on the fate of the 61-year-old kingpin by the end of the day on Thursday, a full four days after closing arguments were presented.

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On Wednesday, Balarezo Law tweeted a photo of Hijos de Villa reposado tequila, which comes inside of a bottle shaped like a firearm, writing, 'For after trial. #ElChapo'

On Thursday, as deliberations continued, a man was arrested in the Brooklyn courthouse where Guzman's fate is being decided.

A man showed up claiming to be a Guzman relative and trying to use seating for family members.

He was removed to an overflow courtroom and then taken out in handcuffs and arrested on multiple outstanding warrants.

Meanwhile, jurors have been asked to review days' worth of testimony from key prosecution witnesses who testified against the drug lord as they attempt to make a final decision as to Guzman's guilt or innocence.

Federal prosecutors say that under Guzman, the Sinaloa cartel smuggled at least 200 tons of cocaine into the US and that he used a team of assassins to protect his turf. Guzman (center) is depicted with his attorneys in an artist's rendering of court proceedings from federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday

Guzman is accused of trafficking tons of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine into the United States as leader of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel.

He twice escaped from prison in Mexico before being brought to the U.S. in 2017.

If convicted in the U.S., he will face a sentence of up to life in an American prison.

Throughout the course of El Chapo's three-month-long trial, more than 50 witnesses testified.

Through their statements the pubic has been offered an unprecedented look into the inner workings of the cartel, named for the state in northwestern Mexico where Guzman was born in a poor mountain village.

The defense has argued Guzman was set up as a 'fall guy' by Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a Sinaloan drug kingpin who remains at large.

The defense says Guzman is being framed by cooperating witnesses and was set up as a 'fall guy' by Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a Sinaloan drug kingpin who remains at large. In a file photo taken on February 22, 2014 Guzman is pictured being escorted by marines as he is presented to the press in Mexico City

On Wednesday afternoon, jurors asked to review the testimony of Zambada's brother, Jesus 'El Rey' Zambada, and son, Vicente Zambada, as well as of Guzman's former top lieutenant, Damaso Lopez.

U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan told them they would get transcripts of the testimony as soon as they were ready.

The three witnesses pleaded guilty to U.S. charges and agreed to testify against Guzman. All of them spoke at length about Guzman's alleged drug trafficking.

The jurors also asked whether the killing of drug cartel members by members of a rival cartel for personal reasons counted as a 'drug trafficking crime.'

One of the ten criminal counts against Guzman, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, includes the charge that he conspired to murder cartel enemies.

The jury gave no indication of whether their question related to any particular murder.

Cogan instructed the jurors that if a drug cartel member was murdered for 'wholly personal' reasons unrelated to drug trafficking, it was not a drug trafficking crime.

The 12 jurors appeared relaxed and even cheerful as they entered the courtroom to receive Cogan's instructions.

They had already asked on Tuesday to review the testimony of two other witnesses who were cooperating with prosecutors, Colombian drug traffickers Jorge and Alex Cifuentes, as well as part of Jesus Zambada's testimony about manufacturing methamphetamine.
A nine-year-old boy clutched a stuffed animal as he told a judge that his father's girlfriend often withheld food and helped lock him under a staircase in the basement of their Iowa home.

'I couldn't get out' of the basement enclosure, the boy testified Wednesday in an Eldora courtroom at the bench trial of 40-year-old Traci Tyler.

Tyler and the boy's father, Alex Shadlow, 30, are being tried separately on first-degree kidnapping charges, accused of locking the then-eight-year-old in the basement of their Ackley home for at least nine hours a day in the summer of 2017.

A nine-year-old boy clutched a stuffed animal as he told a judge that his father's girlfriend, Traci Lynn Tyler (pictured in court Tuesday) often withheld food and helped lock him under a staircase in the basement at their Iowa home

'I couldn't get out' of the basement enclosure, the boy testified Wednesday in an Eldora courtroom at the bench trial of 40-year-old Tyler (center, with lawyers)

The boy said the basement was dark and 'supercold,' and that he was scared because he had been told a dog had died or been buried in the basement where he had to sleep without bedding, according to the The Des Moines Register.

He also said Tyler hit him with the wire handle of a flyswatter and made him carry a backpack filled with rocks throughout the house.

The boy acknowledged getting into trouble for climbing onto kitchen counters while trying to find something to eat.

One of Tyler's attorneys, Ted Fisher, questioned the boy about his statements to police, in which he said he had urinated in the home.

The boy placed his face in his hands and wiped away tears.

'That's the only naughty thing you did at the house?' Fisher asked when the boy said he climbed on the counters.

The boy said he also had 'accidents' in the home.

Fisher said the boy had told a doctor that he refused to eat at home because he was fed liver and spinach.

Fisher also told the judge that the boy had said he hit himself and pulled out his hair because he didn't want to stay and obey the house rules, which barred lying and stealing.

Police said Tyler acknowledged the boy was locked in the basement because of his 'bad behavior and food stealing'.

Authorities claim the couple 'intentionally subjected' the boy to 'physical and mental torture' in a 6-foot-by-6-foot area under the basement stairs for at least nine hours a day from July to September 2017.

The basement had no light, furniture, or bedding and the boy had to pee in a tin coffee can. He was also never given food while inside the basement, prosecutors said.

Tyler (left), who is accused of helping her boyfriend, Alex Craig Shadlow (right), 30, torture his son, allegedly filmed the abuse in the basement staircase where they kept him

Assistant Attorney General Tyler Buller revealed during Tyler's trial on Tuesday that the boy is seen on the seven-minute video desperately needing to use the bathroom.

Buller said the boy is in visible pain in the footage and eventually 'loses control of his bodily functions and urinates', according to the Des Moines Register.

'This part of the crime is on tape,' Buller told Judge James Ellefson.

Meanwhile, the defense claimed that prosecutors did not accurately depict what occurred in the video.

Aaron Siebrecht, one of Tyler's attorneys, claimed she was following the advice of medical professionals who instructed her that the boy needed to ask for permission to use the bathroom.

The couple has maintained that one of the reasons they kept the boy locked in the basement was because he was having 'accidents' in the house.

'She was desperate,' he said. 'She was trying to figure out what was wrong with this child.'

'At the end of the day there is no intent, there is no injury, there is no kidnapping.'

Police said a makeshift door was locked from the outside and the kitchen door was also locked to prevent the boy from accessing any food.

Ackley Police Chief Brian Shimon said the couple's case was one that 'just makes you sick' and described the basement as being 'locked in a dungeon'.

Authorities claim the couple 'intentionally subjected' the boy (pictured with Shadlow) to 'physical and mental torture' in a basement under the stairs for at least nine hours a day

Authorities said the boy was also assaulted by the couple, who urged their pet dog to bite him.

The boy has permanent scarring on his back and limbs and now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, police added.

Teachers became concerned about the boy when he returned to school in September 2017. He was so underweight that patches of his hair were falling out.

'He looked very pale, he looked very thin and I was very surprised by his appearance,' Susan Brandt, the boy's second-grade teacher, said on Tuesday.

'I couldn't believe that that was the little boy that I knew the year before.'

Cam Schipper, the boy's third-grade teacher, said he 'looked like a skeleton' and often complained of being hungry.

Schipper said the boy finally told her what was going on after she sat him down for trying to steal gum from another student's locker.

'He started talking about how he's hungry all the time, he doesn't get to eat food at home, and when he does try to get food at home he gets in trouble,' Schipper said in court, according to The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.

'He eventually started telling me about the place in the basement where he slept on the floor and it was dark.'

The school reported Tyler and Shadlow to the Department of Human Services, and child protective worker Carol Allen paid the home a surprise visit in September 2017.

Allen immediately asked Tyler about the dark basement the boy had told his teacher about, and she led her right to it.

The basement in the home (pictured) had no light, furniture, or bedding and the boy had to pee in a tin coffee can, prosecutors said

She saw a puddle in the basement, which Tyler informed her was the boy's urine.

'I asked, "Is there a light in there?" They said no. I said, "What does he sleep on? Pillow, blanket, anything?" Traci said, "He just ruins those things, so he doesn't get those things."'

'I said, "This is unacceptable. This is abuse,"' Allen recalled. 'At one point, I asked Traci if she would sleep in there. She responded, "I would behave."'

Tyler claimed that they locked up the boy because he was urinating and defecating all over the house.

But none of the state's witnesses, including multiple school officials, said he exhibited any such behavior at school or in other people's homes.

The boy was removed from the home following Allen's visit and has since been placed with a foster family.

Penny Osborn, a physician's assistant who treated the boy after he was removed from the home, said he had been suffering alopecia due to malnutrition.

Osborn also testified that the boy had six scars on his back that were each between three to six inches in length, as well as multiple bruises.

Tyler could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.

She declined a plea deal from prosecutors that required her to plead guilty to child endangerment and third-degree kidnapping for a 50-year prison sentence.

Shadlow has also pleaded not guilty to first-degree kidnapping. His trial is set to begin in June.
A study by a Saudi research center has found that Millennial Jihadi fighters are not interested in suicide missions.

The 40-page study found that the new generation of Saudi militants are relatively well-educated.

It also found they are not driven purely by religious ideology and show little interested in suicide missions.

The study published by the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in conjection with the International Center for the Study of Radicalisation, looked at 759 Saudi recruits who joined the Islamic State group mostly between 2013 and 2014.

A study by a Saudi research center has found that Millenial Jihadi fighters are not interested in suicide missions. Pictured, a stock picture of a Jihadi fighter

The Saudi Interior Ministry previously said that 2,500 Saudis had gone to Syria in the years before the kingdom criminalized fighting abroad in early 2014 - roughly a third the number of Saudis who fought in Syria.

The data was drawn from leaked Islamic State group entry documents.

The Saudi Interior Ministry previously said that 2,500 Saudis had gone to Syria in the years before the kingdom criminalized fighting abroad in early 2014. Only Tunisia sent more foreign fighters.

Later, the United Kingdom and Kuwair was the target of numerous IS attacks that killed dozens of people.

Researcher Abdullah bin Khaled Al-Saud said the fighters were neither loners nor social outcasts but appear to have been motivated by the heightened sectarianism that began to color the 2011 Syrian revolution as it slid into armed conflict.

He said the turning point came when the Shiite Hezbollah group joined the conflict in May 2013 to defend the Syrian government against the mostly Sunni Muslim resistance.

'That actually was the point when the first wave of Saudis travelling to Syria started to happen,' Al-Saud told The Associated Press.

'So, I think instability, war and violence certainly plays a major role when it comes to the specific Saudi context.'

Other analysis from Associated Press found that issues of disenfranchisement, poverty and criminal pasts factored heavily in IS fighters hailing from European countries like France, Belgium and the UK.

A study on 3,000 leaked IS documents found that most of the recruits hailed from a range of nationalities and around 70 percent had only basic knowledge of Islam - the lowest possible choice on the forms.

The Saudi study released this week found little more than half of Saudi recruits said they had basic knowledge of Islam.

Much of the rest claimed to have intermediate and advanced religious knowledge.

It also found they are not driven purely by religious ideology and show little interested in suicide missions. Pictured Isis fighters in Mosul, Iraq

This was somewhat expected because all Saudi students are given religious education in schools, according to the study.

The report stated: 'Still, the Saudi contingent's religious fluency should not be exaggerated: 58 percent of Saudi (fighters) acknowledged that they had only basic knowledge of the religion of Islam, and only eight percent claimed to be `knowledge seekers.'

Unlike fighters from Europe, where many were high school dropouts or unemployed, the Saudi recruits were relatively well educated.

Close to 340 had a high school-level education, around 60 had a diploma of some kind, close to 120 had university degrees and five held postgraduate degrees.

'This data demonstrates that the Saudi contingent does not consist of educational underachievers, which can lead to the argument that they were not lacking in socio-economic opportunities,' the study said.

The report states 'education does not necessarily equate with job opportunities, and a sense of relative deprivation may still be relevant'.

Of those spoken to for the Saudi study, 15 percent stated they were unemployed.

Out of those who were employed, 50 had been in the Saudi military or police and 36 were either members of the religious police, imams at mosques or considered themselves to be religious preachers.

Half of the Saudi recruits in this sampling were 20-24 years old, and 22 percent were 25-29 years old.

Only 13 percent were over age 30, and 15 percent were under 19 years old, with the youngest just 9 years old.

The overwhelming majority, at 73 percent, were single.

Just 18 percent were listed as married, with the rest unknown.

Additionally, the overwhelming majority of these recruits, or 625, volunteered to be fighters. Just nine percent, or 71, signed up to be suicide bombers.

Al-Saud said this suggests the recruits wanted to contribute to this this 'exciting project of a Caliphate' that had promised a life more rewarding than death.

Unlike in previous decades of Saudi jihadi recruitment, this latest wave saw the highest ratio of Saudi fighters per the region's population from the landlocked, ultraconservative province of Qassim, north of Riyadh.

The largest numbers of Saudi recruits - more than a third - came from Riyadh, where 262 fighters of the total 759 originated.

The next were Qassim and Mecca province, at 134 fighters each.
A federal judge ruled that law enforcement must release materials related to the investigation of longtime Trump lawyer Michael Cohen  and confirmed that an investigation into payments to Stormy Daniels isn't over yet.

The judge, William H. Pauley III, issued his order in response to media requests seeking information related to the search warrant executed by FBI agents on Cohen's New York apartment, home and office.

It turned up a wealth of information, including digital recordings and emails and ultimately helped facilitate a guilty plea by Cohen, President Trump's longtime lawyer and fixer.

A federal judge issued his order in response to media requests seeking information related to the search warrant executed by FBI agents on Michael Cohen's New York apartment, home and office.

The judge confirmed that federal prosecutors continue to investigate the campaign finance crime Cohen pleaded guilty to committing. It involved 'hush' payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal, both of whom got six-figure payments and claim to have had affairs with Trump.

Cohen testified in court he was 'directed' to carry out the scheme of making the payments by a person known to be Trump.

Pauley said some documents should stay secret because making them public could jeopardize ongoing investigations.

'The government represents that aspects of its investigation remain ongoing, including those pertaining to or arising from Cohen's campaign finance crimes,' Pauley said.

A federal judge confirmed that prosecutors continue to investigate the campaign finance crime Cohen pleaded guilty to committing. Porn star Stormy Daniels got a $130,000 payment from Cohen after inking a nondisclosure agreement

Karen McDougal, Playboy Playmate of the Year 1998, received a $150,000 payment from American Media Inc. in exchange for magazine covers and columns. She also claims she had an affair with Trump

He mention did not specify which other individuals, if any the ongoing investigation might pertain to.

He ordered the government to make disclosures with redactions.

"This court concludes that disclosure of the materials with redactions strikes an appropriate balance between the strong presumption of public access to search warrant materials and the countervailing interests identified by the Government," according to Pauley.

In December, Pauley sentenced Cohen to three years in prison for crimes including tax evasion, fraud, lying to congress and campaign finance violations that occurred when two women were paid to stay silent about affairs they claimed to have had with Trump.

Nine media organizations had cited high public interest and a right to access in requesting the records.

President Donald Trump has referred to Cohen, his longtime lawyer, as a 'rat' for assisting prosecutors and says he is lying to get a lighter sentence

The judge gave prosecutors until the end of the month to identify portions of the documents that should stay secret.

The latest legal wrinkle came a day after the House Intelligence Committee revealed it is putting off its long-sought hearing with Cohen, although the panel's new chairman is not saying why.

Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, said only in a brief statement Thursday that 'in the interests of the investigation, Michael Cohens testimony has been postponed until February 28th.'

That meeting, if it occurs as scheduled, would come just days before Cohen goes to prison. Among the offenses he pleaded guilty to lying to the committee about a Trump Moscow tower project that he continued to explore into 2016.

Prosecutors through a spokesman declined comment on the court ruling.

In his decision, Pauley made revelations about the search warrants as he explained his reasoning on why only some search warrant materials can be released and only with redactions.

The judge said prosecutors had opposed the media requests, saying disclosure 'would jeopardize an ongoing investigation and prejudice the privacy rights of uncharged third parties.' He said they provided the search warrant materials for the judge to privately review.

He said the search warrant applications and affidavits supporting them 'catalogue an assortment of uncharged individuals and detail their involvement in communications and transactions connected to the campaign finance charges to which Cohen pled guilty.'

Cohen pleaded in August to two campaign violations and other crimes.

One charge described a $150,000 payment to former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal and another concerned a $130,000 payment Cohen made to porn star Stormy Daniels using a sham home equity loan before he was reimbursed through the Trump Organization using false invoices, court papers said.

Cohen, in his plea, said that it was all done with the knowledge and at the direction of a 'candidate for federal office' - meaning Trump. But whether Trump or anyone else involved with those transactions broke the law remained an open question.

News organizations in the legal action to unseal the documents included The New York Times, The Associated Press, and the parent companies of ABC and CBS News, CNN, the Daily News, the Wall Street Journal, Newsday and the New York Post.

David E. McCraw, vice president and deputy general counsel for The New York Times, said: 'We are pleased that the court has rejected the Government's position that the public has no right to see these important and newsworthy materials. While we don't know how extensive the court-approved redactions will be, we are confident that the release of materials will shed light on the investigations involving Mr. Cohen.'

Pauley called the public's right to access the materials substantial and said the materials are 'entitled to a strong presumption of public access.'
An Australian father is fighting for his life in Bali after he was allegedly glassed in a nightclub.

Nathan Ryan, 44, was allegedly attacked by a British tourist after accidentally knocking into him at Red Carpet Champagne Bar in Seminyak around 11pm on Sunday.

Mr Ryan was taken to hospital that night but was released hours later.

Nathan Ryan (left with his injury and right with his wife) , 44, was allegedly attacked by a British tourist after accidentally knocking into him at Red Carpet Champagne Bar in Seminyak around 11pm on Sunday.

On Wednesday he collapsed and was rushed to intensive care.

Alasdair Ross was arrested over the alleged attack and remains in custody, reported 9News.

Mr Ryan is from Narooma in New South Wales but now runs a realty business in Bali.

He lives with his Indonesian wife of four years, Nono, who was by his bedside in hospital.

Red Carpet Champagne Bar in Seminyak where the alleged attack took place
Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is being criticized by conservatives after she outlined the goals of a 'Green New Deal' to combat climate change.

The condemnation against Ocasio-Cortez was swift on Thursday as everyday conservatives and right-wing news outlets slammed the freshman lawmaker over the plan.

Ocasio-Cortez teamed up with veteran Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts on the policy, which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in 10 years and create thousands of jobs in renewable energy.

Critics seized on parts of the plan, including Democrats' acknowledgement that it would be difficult to reach a zero emissions society in a decade because they weren't sure if they could 'get rid of farting cows and airplanes that fast'.

The condemnation was swift on Thursday as everyday conservatives and right-wing news outlets slammed Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over the Green New Deal plan

Conservatives were also critical of a part of the plan that called for every building in the U.S. to be upgraded or replaced to make them more energy efficient.

The reaction on Twitter was unrestrained in its criticism, while other simply poked fun at Ocasio-Cortez's plan.

Republicans were also quick to criticize the initiative, waving off any kind of proposal as heavy-handed.

The Trump administration does not believe action on climate change is necessary and is focused on increasing production of oil, gas and coal on federal and private land.

Doug Lamborn, a Republican from Colorado, said at a climate change hearing in the House natural resources committee on Wednesday that the policy was akin to a 'Soviet five-year plan'.

The non-binding resolution outlines several goals for the United States, including meeting 100 percent of power demand from zero-emission energy sources.

The plan also calls for new projects to modernize U.S. transportation infrastructure, de-carbonize the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, make buildings and homes more energy efficient and increase land preservation.

The reaction on Twitter was unrestrained in its criticism, while other simply poked fun of Ocasio-Cortez's plan

The Green New Deal also aims to create an economic safety net for 'frontline' communities that will be affected by the impacts of climate change and by a radical shift away from fossil fuel use. In addition, it calls for universal healthcare and federal job and training guarantees.

While setting lofty goals, the plan does not explicitly call for eliminating the use of fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas, a nod to pragmatism that may disappoint some of Ocasio-Cortez's strongest supporters.

Even so, the Green New Deal goes far beyond the Clean Power Plan proposed by former President Barack Obama. President Donald Trump has scrapped Obama's plan, which imposed emissions limits on coal-fired power plants, as a job-killer.

The Democrats are likely to meet resistance to their proposal in Congress, especially in the Republican-controlled Senate. Trump, who has expressed doubts about climate change, also is likely to oppose it.

The announcement of the Green New Deal came as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tapped eight Democrats to serve on a special committee to address climate change. Ocasio-Cortez was not among those named to the panel, which is chaired by Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla. Ocasio-Cortez said Pelosi invited her to join the panel but she declined, saying she wants to focus on the Green New Deal and other committee assignments.

Pelosi said Thursday she hadn't seen the Green New Deal proposal but welcomes 'the enthusiasm' of its backers.

'I welcome the Green New Deal and any other proposals' to address climate change, Pelosi said. She said she also wants to hear from the new climate committee, which she said will 'spearhead Democrats' work' on climate issues.

The resolution being introduced Thursday marks the first time Ocasio-Cortez and other lawmakers have attached legislative language to the Green New Deal, a concept that until now has been largely undefined other than as a call for urgent action to head off catastrophic climate change and create jobs.

Ocasio-Cortez said that the plan will create 'unprecedented levels of prosperity and wealth for all while ensuring economic and environmental justice and security.' She calls for a 'World War II-scale mobilization' that includes high-quality education and health care, clean air and water and safe, affordable housing.

Answering critics who call the plan unrealistic, Ocasio-Cortez says that when President John F. Kennedy wanted to go to the moon by the end of the 1960s, 'people said it was impossible.'

She also cites Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society and the interstate highway system begun under Dwight D. Eisenhower as examples of American know-how and capability.

While focusing on renewable energy, Ocasio-Cortez said the plan would include existing nuclear power plants but block new nuclear plants. Nuclear power does not emit greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming.

The resolution does not include a price tag, but some Republicans predict it would cost in the trillions of dollars. They denounced the plan at House hearings on climate change on Wednesday.

'If anyone thinks that decarbonizing America is going to save the planet, they're delusional,' said Rep David McKinley, R-W.Va.

The Green New Deal would be paid for 'the same way we paid for the original New Deal, World War II, the bank bailouts, tax cuts for the rich and decades of war - with public money appropriated by Congress,' Ocasio-Cortez said.

Read the Green New Deal below
President Trump is waiting to see a bipartisan panel's border security compromise before he makes his next move in the spat with Democrats over funding for his border wall, he indicated on Thursday.

Negotiators have a week left to come up with an agreement both sides can stomach.

Sen. Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby told Bloomberg after a meeting with Trump that he believes it could be done by Monday.

Trump reacted optimistically to the announcement after signing a national security memorandum in the Oval Office midday.

He told a reporter, 'I hear they're working on something, we'll see what happens. But I certainly hear that they are working on something, and both sides are moving along. We'll see what happens.

'We need border security. We have to have it. It's not an option,' he asserted.

President Trump is waiting to see a bipartisan panel's border security compromise before he makes his next move, he indicated on Thursday

Sen. Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby said after a meeting with Trump that he believes it could be done by Monday

Trump is mulling over an emergency declaration to secure the funds. But it could be held up by courts for years or many months.

He did not pull the trigger on Tuesday night in his State of the Union address after yo-yoing on the topic.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told DailyMail.com and other reporters that he wants to see what congressional negotiators come back with earlier that day.

'The president's been laying out that language for weeks. The president's going to continue to talk about the importance of border security, including the wall. And right now, we'll see what the conference comes back with,' she said.

South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Monday that unless Democrats in Congress agree to trade $5.7 billion in border wall money for extensions of two immigration programs, President Trump will declare a national emergency and repurpose Defense Department money to build the barrier on his own.

Graham, a former military lawyer and an ally of Donald Trump, said the president has the legal authority to send soldiers to the U.S.-Mexico border and order them to build barriers to protect themselves.

'What's the difference between barbed wire and a sleet slat?' he asked.

President Trump said Tuesday morning that he could build a 'Human Wall' along the border of U.S. forces should Democrats continue to block his border security request.

'Tremendous numbers of people are coming up through Mexico in the hopes of flooding our Southern Border. We have sent additional military. We will build a Human Wall if necessary. If we had a real Wall, this would be a non-event!' he tweeted on the morning of his State of the Union address.

He appeared to be responding to a story in the New York Times detailing how is options for a wall are shrinking.

Trump has been refusing to rule out a second government shutdown on February 15 if negotiators don't offer a border security plan that includes funding for his border wall.

'We're going to have to see what happens on February 15th,' the president told CBS' "Face the Nation" in an interview that aired Sunday morning, adding 'I don't take anything off the table.'

He also didn't rule out declaring a national emergency in order to build his barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border.

'I don't like to take things off the table. It's that alternative. It's national emergency, it's other things and you know there have been plenty national emergencies called,' he argued.

Speaker Pelosi said there will be no funding for the wall in border security legislation

President Trump took to twitter to argue 'if there is no wall, there is no security'

A group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers are working on a plan to fund border security beyond February 15  the day funding for several government agencies runs out.

Democrats' opening offer had zero money for Trump's wall.

Trump has continued to push a 'physical barrier or wall' as a 'commonsense' solution to illegal immigration at the border.

'The proper wall never got built. I will get it built,' he said of past efforts to fund a border barrier during his State of the Union address.

Trump will take his border wall call on the road to El Paso, a city that is nestled up to Mexico, next week.

El Paso is separated from the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez by the Rio Grande.

Trump name-checked the city on Tuesday, saying'The border city of El Paso, Texas, used to have extremely high rates of violent crime  one of the highest in the country, and considered one of our nations most dangerous cities.

'Now, immediately upon its building, with a powerful barrier in place, El Paso is one of our safest cities.'

He said: 'Simply put, walls work and walls save lives.'

El Paso Sheriff Richard Wiles immediately accused Trump of promoting 'falsehoods' in order to 'justify the building of a 2,000 mile wall.'

The law enforcement officer who identifies as a Democrat told NBC News, 'The facts are clear. While it is true that El Paso is one of the safest cities in the nation, it has never been ... considered one of our nation's most dangerous cities.'

Former Democratic Congressman and possible 2020 candidate Beto O'Rourke, an ex-El Paso city counselor, also pushed back on Trump's characterization of the border city's crime rate.

Not one to back down from a fight, Trump said he would travel to Texas next week on Monday to make his point.

He says that Democrats are being too 'rigid' in their framework for a deal, and they are not acting in the best interest of the country.

In the CBS interview that taped on Friday and aired on Sunday, the president said the White House would 'win' the next round of negotiations.

'She can keep playing her games,' Trump said of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 'but we will win. Because we have a much better issue. On a political basis, what she's doing is - I actually think it's bad politics, but much more importantly it's very bad for our country.'

Pelosi made it clear last Thursday that there would be no money for Trump's border wall in the legislation lawmakers are working on to avoid another government shutdown but she did leave the door open to 'enhanced fencing.'

'There's not going to be any wall money in the legislation,' she told reporters at the Capitol.

But she did say she would accept 'normandy fencing' - crisscrossed posts, lined with barbed wire or mesh - as it already exists in places on the border.

'If the president wants to call it a wall he can call it a wall,' she said. 'Is there a place when enhanced fencing, Normandy fencing would work, let them have that discussion,' she said of the bipartisan, bicameral committee working on a border security compromise plan.

Trump fired back at her when he spoke to reporters at the White House later Thursday.

'If there's no wall it doesn't work. She's just playing games,' he said of the speaker.

He then argued that caravans of immigrants that are in route from Central America to the U.S.-Mexico border would have Pelosi wishing she had approved a barrier.

'Nancy Pelosi will be begging for a wall,' he claimed.
A Belgian backpacker has wept while recounting the moment a man allegedly shoved a gun into her back and threatened to shoot her in an old pig shed in regional South Australia.

The woman gave evidence in the trial of Gene Charles Bristow, 54, who is accused of kidnapping and raping her at Meningie, 150km southeast of Adelaide, in February, 2017.

The 26-year-old told the court Bristow answered an advertisement she had posted on Gumtree looking for temporary farm work.

The woman gave evidence in the trial of Gene Charles Bristow (pictured), 54, who is accused of kidnapping and raping her at Meningie, 150km southeast of Adelaide, in February, 2017

The alleged victim had arranged to meet him at Murray Bridge before he drove her 'a few hours' to the property (pictured) and took her to a disused pig shed

She had arranged to meet him at Murray Bridge before he drove her 'a few hours' to the property and took her to a disused pig shed.

Once inside, she said he asked to check her feet for needle marks to ensure she was not a drug user.

'He checked the feet and then he sat on my back and grabbed my arms,' she said.

'So then I was struggling, I didn't know what happened.

'He placed something on my back and said it was a gun, so then I didn't struggle any more because I was afraid that he would shoot me.'

The woman said Bristow told her to 'behave well' because he could shoot her, bound her hands and feet, and chained her to the ground.

'I was feeling like it wasn't real, you know, you wouldn't believe that something was happening like that,' she said.

Prosecutors alleged in the opening of the trial that Bristow then told her he was 'the nice one' working in collaboration with others, and that she must be good and love him.

They have alleged he left her alone in the shed, before returning to repeatedly sexually assault her.

Gene Bristow is on trial in the South Australian District Court, charged with aggravated kidnapping, rape and indecent assault

The woman eventually managed to break free and use her laptop to raise the alarm, but the court has heard she re-shackled herself because Bristow had threatened to shoot her if she tried to escape.

Jurors heard she was released by Bristow the next day when he checked her into a motel, and she was later discovered by police.

Bristow has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and rape, and on Tuesday his lawyer called the woman's account 'an invention that simply did not take place'.

He said the she was never held against her will and there was no sexual contact between the pair.

The alleged victim, who has travelled back to Adelaide to give evidence, will return to the witness box on Friday.

The trial, before Judge Geraldine Davison and a jury, is expected to last another six days.
This is the heartbreaking moment a dog chases his owner's car after being abandoned at a lake in California.

Disturbing video shows an unidentified man shoving and kicking the black dog on a road by Lake Ming in Bakersfield as the confused pet tries to play with him.

When the dog refuses to leave his side, the man walks back to his car and gets behind the wheel.

The animal puts its paws on the driver's side door, trying to get in, but its owner put his foot down and the black sedan drove off.

The footage shows the poor abandoned pet running after his owner, and almost getting hit by an oncoming car, before the vehicle speeds away.

A heartbreaking video shows the moment a black dog appears to be abandoned by its owner on a road by Lake Ming in Bakersfield, California

The footage was recorded by Stephen Sage Silver, who was sitting in another car watching the incident go down. He claimed that the unidentified man tried to get in a fight with him when confronted about being physical with the dog, which appeared to be trying to play

When the dog refuses to leave his side, the man walks back to his car and gets behind the wheel as the pet jumps on the driver's side door, trying to get in

The footage was recorded by Stephen Sage Silver, who was sitting in another car watching the incident go down.

In the video he can be heard saying: 'Hell no, that's your dog man. That's f**ked up. This guy is dumping his dog right here.'

Silver posted the video to Facebook on Wednesday, writing in the caption: 'These people were hitting this dog in the face when I first approached them.

'They then abandoned the dog after the male tried to get into a physical altercation with me.

'As he drove off he was yelling: "It's your dog not mine."'

Silver said Kern County Animal Services has opened an investigation into the incident and is asking the public for information about the owners, who could face misdemeanor charges for dumping the animal.

KCAS said one of its officers found the allegedly abandoned dog, which is now being cared for at a local shelter.

The dog trots alongside the car as it drives away and Silver reads off the license plate number
Pregnant Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, went out with her husband Prince Harry in London on Thursday evening

Tell your friends to stop peddling the Princess Perfect story, Meghan. Reality stars leak stories to gossip mags, NOT Royal ones

A few weeks away from the birth of your first child, what would be your priorities?

Any normal woman would be debating what pain management to choose, whether to opt for a water birth, and finalising names.

Not the Duchess of Sussex. Meghan seems to have one objective as she awaits the arrival of the latest member of the Royal family in April - a determination to correct the rumours and false stories surfacing about everything from her alleged ability to keep key staff, her feud with the Duchess of Cambridge to her penchant for 5am emails to Palace underlings.

With hormones going haywire, its not surprising that pregnant women can get obsessive. Meghan has the added burden of living a pretty solitary existence - its cant be easy to be on constant show, to be shacked in a relatively small cottage waiting for your first real home together to be completed. One that will be out of London and afford a greater degree of privacy.

Meghan cant pop out for a coffee or a jog without being monitored. Its something she hasnt found easy, and who can blame her?

Her determination to be normal- a peoples princess if you like, is really just a fantasy which will never be a reality. When the Duchess dared to shut her own car door, security staff werent happy - then, we were told the reason why. At every public engagement, if theres any kind of threat, they have to be ready to throw her swiftly into the back of her vehicle. Armed guards have a pre-determined plan for all her public appearances. Her tactic of wandering into the crowds and getting up close and personal with the public might be great for fans and good for her image, but all it needs is one stray nutter and Meghan could be in serious danger.

Thats just one of the reasons why her security staff have been leaving. As for the 5am emails - why cant she just keep them as drafts and press send at 8am? Its less passive-aggressive.

In her latest bid to convince us all that shes normal, just like the rest of us, Meghan has apparently allowed five of her closest female friends to talk to People magazine.

Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, (R) and Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (C) meet guests pre-ceremony reception as they attend the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall in London

Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife the Duchess have been heavily featured in the press since their relationship began - with much of it coming from Meghan's own family

Unfortunately, this tactic has backfired, because now she sounds like a less-than-credible cross between Mother Theresa, Princess Diana at her most saint-like and Mary Berry.

According to her pals, Meghan (apart from her wedding day) does her own makeup, paints her own nails, chooses her clothes, and styles herself. I almost expected to hear the Duchess is a dab hand with a needle and takes up her own hems! Shes described as very self-service.

Apparently, this paragon of modern feminism cooks for Harry every day (not too hard if youre only eating vegetables, drinking mineral water and making vegan smoothies from kale).

The couple do not have a butler or a chef and their cottage is described as cosy. When a friend came to stay, Meghan lit a candle in her bedroom, provided slippers and a bathrobe. When her dogs get dirty, she wipes them down herself with towels. All of the above is pretty normal behaviour, but the fact that the Duchess wants to share these intimate details of her day to day life with us is charming, but irrelevant.

Fact - she wears thousands of pounds-worth of designer clothes and shoes that cost 500 a pair, teamed with handbags that are equally chic. For all the talk about normality she is married to a member of the aristocracy, a multimillionaire, a chap who doesnt have to get up in the morning and go to an office - and shows no sign of doing so out of choice.

I applaud the couples determination to give something back to society, to help the under privileged, but to push their lifestyle as humdrum and normal is rather nauseating. The public are not that gullible!

As for her troubled relationship with her father; letting us know that she wrote him a letter asking him to stop victimising her and revealing that he even asked her to pose for pictures with him is far too much detail.

Janet Street-Porter: 'Her determination to be normal- a peoples princess if you like, is really just a fantasy which will never be a reality'

Even the most hardened republican surely feels sympathy for this poor young woman with such ghastly relatives. Her horrible half-sister and half brother are total idiots. He was in court this week, charged with driving under the influence and snotty half-sister Samantha was telling the press Meghan was a wealthy narcissist suffering from lie-abetes.

The final proof that Megan is determined to follow poor Diana down the path of saintly martyrdom, is the hot news that shes become close friends with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. According to her female pals, she has a huge loving fondness for the leader of the Church of England. A friend says we can be modern womenstrong moms and strong wives, but understand that (our) relationship with God is so critical. Pass the sickbag, I dont think I can stomach any more of this faux-perfection.

All these revelations make me feel inadequate. I just cant measure up to this perfect example of a modern feminist. At the back of my mind, though, there lurks a big question - clearly, Meghan has dispensed with the services of a Press Officer on this occasion - and that is clear a sign of insecurity.

Theres a good reason why the palace hire highly skilled PR people - its to say less, not more. To retain an air of mystique, not a warts and all running commentary on their lives of privilege.

I imagine the Queen is appalled by the twaddle in People magazine, it runs counter to everything she believes in.

Couldnt Meghan learn to act a little bit more (dare I say it?) REGAL? Keep her mouth shut, rise above common gossip, ignore her ghastly family. Blabbing is what we expect from reality stars, not members of the poshest family in Britain.
An Australian woman accused of stealing crystal earrings from an upmarket store in Bali is a Melbourne-based pornstar and escort, Daily Mail Australia can reveal.

Catherine Anne Hogg, 28, was holidaying in Seminyak when she entered a Farah Khan outlet last Sunday and allegedly asked to see a pair of $550 earrings.

Staff alleged that when they turned away, Hogg vanished - but the Melbourne woman has since told local police she simply forgot to pay and didn't intend to steal.

The 28-year-old goes by the name Anne Melbourne on social media, posting thousands of risque photos and advertising her services as an escort.

Catherine Anne Hogg, who is accused of stealing crystal earrings from an up-market store in Bali, is a Melbourne-based pornstar and escort

Hogg, 28, was holidaying in Seminyak when she entered a Farah Khan store last Sunday and allegedly asked to see a pair of $550 earrings

The Melbourne woman has since told local police she forgot to pay and didn't intend to steal

On Sunday, she posted alongside a series of pictures: 'Bali shopping begins.'

She was arrested later that day and has since been in a police cell, charged with one count of stealing.

Hogg describes herself as 'different, quirky and bubbly' and tells her followers she 'loves porn and everything sex'.

'International bisexual Aussie pornstar, model and fashion supermodel - Los Angeles - now based Melbourne,' her bio reads.

On Sunday, she posted alongside a series of pictures: 'Bali shopping begins'. She was arrested later that day

Hogg describes herself as 'different, quirky and bubbly' and tells her followers she 'loves porn and everything sex'

Miss Hogg was holidaying in the Bali city of Seminyak when she allegedly entered an up-market Farah Khan store (pictured) and asked to see a pair of $550 earrings that were in a display case

Media in Bali have described Hogg as a 'sexy and beautiful model from Australia'.

She faces a maximum of five years behind bars if convicted over one charge of theft.

In 2017, Australian Thomas Harman, 31, was found guilty of stealing a pair of designer glasses in Bali and was sentenced to three months and 15 days jail.

The 28-year-old goes by the name Anne Melbourne on social media, posting thousands of risque photos and advertising her services as an escort
British-born Atlanta rapper 21 Savage, who is now facing deportation, was allegedly driving in a reckless manner and had a loaded handgun in the glove compartment when he was pulled over, it emerged today.

However, attorneys for the 26-year-old artist, who is nominated for two awards at the Grammy's next Sunday, disputed the allegations and claimed he's been targeted in an immigration crackdown

New York defense lawyer Alex Spiro told TMZ that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has confirmed that 21 Savage, who was born in England with the given name Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was targeted 'for immigration enforcement and nothing more.'

Scroll down for video

Police reports stemming from the arrest of rapper 21 Savage (left) in Atlanta Sunday state there was a loaded Glock in the glove compartment of the car he was driving (undated photo on the right shows rapper with two firearms)

21 Savage (right) was allegedly driving a red Dodge Challenger recklessly and nearly hit a cop car before he was taken into the custody of ATF and then ICE

Spiro and another attorney representing the rapper also claimed that the loaded Glock and the red Dodge Challenger were not their client's.

As TMZ reported earlier today, citing police reports related to the February 3 traffic stop in Atlanta, 21 Savage was behind the wheel of a red Dodge Challenger when he allegedly drove across the sidewalk and came close to crashing into a marked cop car.

Officers ordered the rapper to stop the car and throw his keys out the window, which he did, along with a bottle containing an unknown liquid.

When police searched the red Dodge, they reportedly discovered a loaded Glock with an extended magazine, according to an evidence list included in the report.

The rapper's 2018 track 'Not All Heroes Wear Capes' includes a track titled 'Glock,' in which Abraham-Joseph talks about having a Glock hanging from his waistband.

Rapper Young Nudy, who was driving beside 21 Savage, was arrested on gang and aggravated assault charges

The artist also often poses with firearms in photos appearing on social media.

According to the disputed police report, Abraham-Joseph was taken away in handcuffs by ATF agents, and ultimately ended up in the custody of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

ICE spokesman Bryan Cox said on Sunday that the rapper was put in deportation proceedings because he has been living in the US illegally since 2006 and has a felony conviction.

According to the police reports of Abraham-Joseph's arrest, the target of the multi-agency operation in Atlanta was another rapper, Young Nudy, who was in a different car driving alongside the red Dodge.

Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that Young Nudy, born Quantavious Thomas, was booked into the DeKalb jail on aggravated assault and gang charges allegedly stemming from an unspecified incident that occurred two years prior  and in which he previously had been cleared by the Atlanta Police Department, according to his lawyer.

A third car on the scene, driven by Kalil Smith, was reportedly found to contain an M4 rifle with a muzzle.

Smith, who raps under the stage name SG Tip, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and violation of street gang terrorism and prevention act, reported Complex.com.

Abraham-Joseph, 26, has three children who are American citizens

Law firm Kuck Baxter Immigration released a statement earlier this week saying US officials have known about Abraham-Joseph's immigration status since at least 2017 when he sought a new visa, and while that application is pending the rapper should not be subject to detainment.

Spiro, the New York attorney who at one time represented rap mogul Jay-Z, has taken on Abraham-Joseph's case at his famous client's request this week.

'The arrest and detention of 21 Savage is an absolute travesty, his U visa petition has been pending for 4 years,' Jay-Z posted on Facebook.

The U visa is for victims of crimes who have faced mental or physical abuse. His team earlier had said it was filed due to his experience as a 'victim of a deadly shooting in 2013.'

ICE has said the artist was convicted of felony drug charges in October 2014, but Spiro said it was a marijuana conviction that was vacated.

The rapper's legal team said earlier that he arrived in the US at age seven, staying there continually for almost 20 years except for a brief trip to Britain in 2005.

Abraham-Joseph has three children who are American citizens, which his lawyers say make him eligible for deportation relief.

'In addition to being a successful recording artist, 21 deserves to be reunited with his children immediately,' Jay-Z said.
Journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in a a 'brutal and premeditated killing' carried out by Saudi officials, a UN human rights expert said today.

Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, made her assessment today after visiting Turkey.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who wrote critically about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

His remains have not been found and it is feared his body could have been dissolved in acid after being cut into pieces by a Saudi hit squad.

Callamard said that Saudi Arabia undermined Turkey's efforts to investigate the death and that the killing was carried out 'by officials of the State of Saudi Arabia'.

Her four-member team met with the foreign and justice ministers, the country's intelligence chief and the prosecutor leading the case.

She found that, 'Turkey's efforts to apply prompt, effective and thorough, independent and impartial, and transparent investigations - in line with international law - had been seriously curtailed and undermined by Saudi Arabia,' the UN human rights office in Geneva said in a statement.

Agnes Callamard, the UNs special rapporteur on extrajudicial summary or arbitrary executions, found the killing of Jamal Khashoggi was carried out 'by officials of the State of Saudi Arabia'

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in October last year when he went to pick up divorce documents so he could marry his Turkish fiance

Callamard said in a statement that 'woefully inadequate time and access was granted to Turkish investigators to conduct a professional and effective crime-scene examination and search required by international standards for investigation'.

The UN team was given access to parts of the audio material obtained by Turkish intelligence on Khashoggi's killing, but was 'not able to undertake a deep technical examination of this material' and didn't have an opportunity to authenticate it independently.

The statement said the team wasn't able to carry out some other inquiries, such as meeting forensic and crime scene experts involved, 'largely, but not only, due to time constraints.'

She plans to present a final report to the UN Human Rights Council in June, but did not point to any specific officials responsible for the killing.

Turkish officials have been frustrated by what they say is a lack of cooperation by Riyadh and have called for an international inquiry.

Callamard ruled the killing of Khashoggi was carried out in a 'brutal and premeditated killing' way

After denying Khashoggi was killed in the consulate for several weeks, Saudi Arabia indicted 11 people in the killing and is seeking the death penalty against five of them.

Turkey says Saudi Arabia must reveal the identity of a person who is thought to have disposed of the journalist's body and hold all involved accountable.

Khashoggi's killing by a team of Saudi operatives provoked widespread revulsion and tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, previously admired in the West for pushing deep changes including tax reform, infrastructure projects and allowing women to drive.

US intelligence agencies believe Crown Prince Mohammed ordered an operation to kill Khashoggi, a critic and Washington Post columnist, and say his body was dismembered and removed to a location still publicly unknown. Riyadh denies the prince had any involvement in the murder.

Delayed access to the consulate and residence and 'clean up of the crimes scenes', had severely limited the potential for the Turkish criminal forensic investigation to 'produce telling evidence', Callamard added.

Saudi officials had 'seriously undermined' and delayed Turkey's efforts to investigate the crime scene at its Istanbul consulate for 13 days last October, she said.

The mission to Turkey with a team of three experts 'could not firmly establish whether the original intention was to abduct Mr Khashoggi, with his murder planned only in the eventuality of this abduction failing.'

After Khashoggi's first visit to the consulate on September 28, Saudi planning included 'the travel of the three teams that carried out the operation; the presence of a lookalike of Mr Khashoggi who was seen leaving the consulate; the presence of a forensic doctor; the escape of the teams' members and, of course, the disposal of Mr Khashoggi's body.'

CCTV footage has emerged allegedly showing Jamal Khashoggi's body parts being carried into Saudi Arabia's consul residence in bags and suitcases on the day he was murdered

It was 'unconscionable' that Saudi authorities continued to fail to disclose the whereabouts of Khashoggi's remains, 'after having admitted that he met his death within their custody in their consular premises,' she added.

Callamard, reporting on a week-long mission with her team of three experts to Turkey, said that they had had access to part of 'chilling and gruesome audio material' of Khashoggi's death obtained by the Turkish intelligence agency.

She had also been promised access to forensic and police reports critical to her inquiry.

The Saudi government communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, but in the past described it as a 'rogue' operation.

A Saudi public prosecutor's spokesman said late last year that 21 Saudis had been taken into custody over the case, 11 of whom had been indicted and referred to trial. The prosecutor has said authorities were seeking the death penalty for five of the 11 indicted suspects.

Callamard said that she had 'major concerns' about the fairness of proceedings for the 11 Saudis facing trial and had sought an official visit to the kingdom.

The images feature three men carrying five suitcases and two large black bags into the home of the Saudi consul general in Istanbul, Turkey

Khashoggi, a contributor to the Washington Post, was killed on October 2 shortly after entering the kingdom's consulate (pictured) in what Riyadh called a 'rogue' operation

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in Riyadh's consulate in Istanbul last October

CCTV footage emerged in December allegedly showing Jamal Khashoggi's body parts being carried into Saudi Arabia's consul residence in bags and suitcases on the day he was murdered.

The images feature three men carrying five suitcases and two large black bags into the home of the Saudi consul general in Istanbul, Turkey.

The residence lies a short distance from the Saudi consulate where Khashoggi was butchered in a killing that has tested Riyadh's relations with the West.

The former Saudi insider turned critic was strangled before he was cut up into pieces by a team of 15 Saudis sent to Istanbul for the killing, according to Turkish officials, with media reports suggesting the parts were dissolved in acid.

The consulate and the residence were searched by the Turkish authorities in October along with several other locations but Khashoggi's body has still not been found.

There has been speculation that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman ordered the hit but Riyadh has absolved the de facto leader of any blame.

Saudi Arabia has also repeatedly rejected Turkish demands to extradite suspects connected to the murder of the journalist, a critic of the crown prince.

Citing unnamed Turkish sources, Turkey's A-Haber television said the 59-year-old's dismembered body was inside the cases and bags

The journalist had decided to leave his native Saudi Arabia for the US in September 2017, but was lured to the embassy in Istanbul on in October this year to collect papers for his upcoming marriage.

Listening devices planted inside the building by Turkish intelligence captured the 'kill squad' planning the murder in the days before and carrying it out on October 2.

A report by the Washington Post, to which Khashoggi was a contributing columnist, says that when he arrived at the consulate a member of the team asked 'whether he would take tea'.

The paper reports that there was an 'edge' in Khashoggi's voice when he accepted the drink that betrayed his sense of unease.

Shortly afterwards, a member of the Saudi 'kill squad' chillingly told the journalist he would be 'going back to Saudi Arabia', before injecting him with a lethal dose of sedative.

There has been speculation that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (pictured) ordered the hit but Riyadh has absolved the de facto leader of any blame

Khashoggi's final gasps for air are audible on the tape recordings, officials told the Washington Post.

They added that there was nothing to suggest that the team had any intent to take Khashoggi alive.

Further reports quoting those who have listened to the recordings claim Khashoggi's last words were to tell his killers 'I can't breathe'.

Just moments after his gasps faded, the silence on the tape gives way to the sound of an electric saw, consistent with reports that Khashoggi's body was dismembered.

His remains - thought to have been dissolved in acid - have never been found.

Last week Time magazine put Jamal Khashoggi on its cover, naming him along with three other journalists and a newspaper as its 2018 Person of the Year for standing up for the truth in the face of persecution and violence.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly said he will not give up the case and has criticised Riyadh for repeatedly changing its story. Turkey has been seeking to extradite 18 suspects, including 15 members of an alleged assassination squad.

CCTV video showing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi (right) entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on October 2, where he was 'offered a cup of tea' before being brutally murdered and his body dismembered

Last month US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he will ask bin Salman to ensure the killers of journalist Jamal Khashoggi are held accountable for their crime.

And a month earlier the US Senate passed a resolution holding Mohammed bin Salman responsible for the killing and calling for the Saudi Arabian government to 'ensure appropriate accountability'.

The passage came shortly after the Senate approved a different measure to end US military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen.

Trump has said he wants Washington to stand by the Saudi government and the prince, who he describes as a key ally, despite the CIA also reporting that it was probably him who ordered Khashoggi's killing.

Saudi officials have rejected the accusations. The Saudi public prosecutor is seeking the death penalty for five suspects, as the kingdom tries to contain its biggest political crisis for a generation.
A Canadian man is fighting for the right to have his name on his license plate.

The only problem is his last name is Assman.

Dave Assman, 47, has never been ashamed of his surname, which he pronounces 'Oss-man'.

'I love my name,' Assman told DailyMail.com. 'It can stir up a good conversation!'

So Assman can't understand why the Saskatchewan driver's licensing and vehicle registration (SGI) won't let him flaunt it loud and proud on a personalized plate.

Canadian Dave Assman has been fighting to get his last name on his dream vanity plate. But this week it was denied for being an 'unacceptable slogan'

Assman called SGI this week to ask why his license plate was rejected, and was told his last name was an 'unacceptable slogan'.

'I called the office and told them it's not a slogan, it's my last name,' he said. 'They said they understood but other people won't know and may find offense to it.'

The SGI website states that vanity plates won't be approved if the general public could find them 'offensive, suggestive, or not in good taste'.

That includes slogans with 'sexual connotations or slang', 'drug/alcohol connotations', 'general or derogatory slang', or 'racial/ethnic slang'.

SGI spokesperson Tyler McMurchy said that the rule stands even if the phrase is 'someone's name and pronounced differently than the offensive version'.

'That's not something that would be apparent to other motorists who will see the plate,' he told CBC.

Assman first tried to get a personalized license plate 20 years ago and was told his request had been denied because 'it's profanity'.

Assman wanted to get a new license plate for one of his cars

'I tried again and this time it was an unacceptable slogan!' he told DailyMail.com. 'I asked if I should be changing my name if it's so offensive.'

Assman revealed that he now just has fun with his last name, which once got him teased on the playground.

'As a kid and growing up, sure I got bullied a bit,' he said. 'But back then the saying was "Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you!"'

'There is always a few idiots that had to make fun of it to feel important, never really bothered me though.'

Now Assman loves when people get too 'scared' to say his name out loud.

Dave Assman has never been ashamed of his surname, which he pronounces 'Oss-man'

'They're afraid to offend me,' he said. 'When they ask how to spell it, I tell them just the way you heard it - ASSMAN!'

Assman said his last name is especially important to him because it connects him to his great-grandfather, who was a prosperous farmer in the province.

'Farmers would come in the early thirties and they borrowed money from him,' Assman said.

'Instead of him foreclosing on their land, he just either forgave it or let them pay when they could.'

The Assman name even made it onto American television more than 20 years ago.

In 1995 David Letterman interviewed Dick Assman, a gas station worker in Saskatchewan who happens to be Dave's distant relative.

McMurchy said Assman can always appeal the SGI's decision, which would then be evaluated by the personalized license plate review committee.

The committee has rejected the name before, and Assman doesn't think this time around will be any different.

But Saskatchewan law requires only one registered license plate on the rear of each vehicle.

So Assman plans to get his dream vanity plate made anyway. And he's going to put it right on the front of his car.
Romantic novelist Rosamunde Pilcher has died at 94. The writer  who sold 60million books after an apprenticeship with Mills and Boon  was last night hailed for changing the face of romantic fiction with her 1987 family saga The Shell Seekers.

That best-seller, which alone shifted 10million copies, focuses on the tribulations of a Cornish family  and is so popular in Germany in particular that it has been credited with generating 50million a year for Cornwalls tourism industry.

Mrs Pilcher has even been called the person who has managed to do more than any to mend the relationships between the German and British peoples.

British writer Rosamunde Pilcher (pictured), whose family saga 'The Shell Seekers' sold millions of copies around the world, has died at the age of 94 at a hospital in Dundee

Her personal prescription for romantic happiness, meanwhile, was a surprise  she said she and her late war hero husband Graham had largely led separate lives. He died in 2009 after 63 years of marriage.

She died at her home near Dundee on Wednesday, leaving two sons, two daughters, and 14 grandchildren. Her son Robin Pilcher, who became an author himself, yesterday confirmed her death saying: She had been in great form up until Christmas, then suffered from bronchitis in the new year, but was always expected to bounce back as before. However, she suffered a stroke on Sunday night and never regained consciousness.

He said that his mother had been a wonderful, rather alternative-thinking mother  I think she might have liked the description Bohemian  who touched and influenced the lives of many of all ages, not only through her writing but through personal friendships. He had said previously that in my mothers books, sex has always stopped at the bedroom door.

The president of the Romantic Novelists Association, writer Katie Fforde, mourned the death of the woman who created page-turners about houses full of secrets, families full of lies, saying: With The Shell Seekers she changed the face of romantic fiction. Mrs Pilchers publisher Jamie Hodder Williams, of Hodder & Stoughton, said she was a one-off, adding: In Germany she was such a star that they arranged Ros Pilcher holiday tours to Cornwall, where much of her work was set.

Mrs Pilcher was born in Lelant on the north Cornish coast, a daughter of the colonial classes. Her father was absent, in the Royal Navy, and later for years in Burma, and her mother was a Christian Scientist.

The future novelist  said to occupy that undervalued middle ground between light fiction and serious literature  was a keen writer as a child, and had her first story published while still a teenager, earning 15.

In 2002, Pilcher was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II for services to literature

In the Second World War she served for three years as a Royal Navy Wren based in Sri Lanka and working on a submarine supply ship. Recalling that time, she once said: I was only 18, a secretary with no aspirations to become an officer and remarkably happy.

Upon returning home to Cornwall, she bumped into Major Graham Hope Pilcher, eight years her senior and in the county to visit his grandmother. He fell for Pilcher instantly, recalling later she had the prettiest legs Id ever seen.

He had been in the Black Watch and had won a Military Cross for an attack on a German snipers nest, but had left the service with a serious shelling injury to his abdomen that initially left him needing a colostomy bag.

The newlyweds  whose third daughter died aged five days old  moved together to Scotland, and he managed a jute business while she used her spare moments from motherhood typing stories on her kitchen table. Her first story had been published when she was still a Wren  a wonderful moment  and from the 1940s under the pen name Jane Fraser, she began writing for Mills & Boon, but later dismissed those first ten early novels as frightfully wet little novels  romantic stuff with red roses on the cover.

Pilcher was especially popular in Germany, where her books - dubbed 'love and landscape' novels - spawned scores of TV films that became staple Sunday-evening viewing

But Mrs Pilchers big breakthrough with The Shell Seekers only came when she was aged 63  with other popular books including September and Coming Home following  after she switched from a British to an American publisher, who encouraged her to write more autobiographically.

Her books huge success in Germany, Austria and Switzerland have led to decades of German Sunday night TV serialisations, with viewers loving the ingredients of sheep, sea, rough shorelines and a posh house, and many flocking to Cornwall to see where the books are set.

Bemused Mrs Pilcher, who continued to dress in Marks and Spencer clothes despite the millions she earned in her later years, said of her continental celebrity: In my local supermarket in Dundee  someone might come up occasionally and say she liked a book, but when I go to Berlin I get hugged on the street!

Mrs Pilcher, who received an OBE in 2002, said of her novels appeal: The mother doesnt mind handing my books over to her daughter because theyre not full of sex, drugs and shopping. Referring to her lack of appeal to literary snobs, she commented: Im like Liberace  laughing all the way to the bank. If you sat around waiting for the critics to praise you, youd never do anything.
Instagram has pledged to ban all graphic images of self-harm after the father of a teenager who took her own life said that the app had helped to kill his daughter.

The photo-sharing platform announced a series of changes to its content rules including a ban on graphic images of self-harm and the removal of non-graphic images of self-harm from searches, hashtags, and the explore tab.

But it will still allow pictures of wounds that have healed. The crackdown came yesterday as Instagram boss Adam Mosseri was hauled in front of Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Mr Hancock earlier said that social media companies 'need to do more' to curb their impact on teenagers' mental health.

Instagram added that it will not be entirely removing non-graphic self-harm content, as it does not 'want to stigmatise or isolate people who may be in distress'.

14-year-old Molly took her own life after handing in her homework and returning to her family home

Head of the social network, Adam Mosseri, said: 'Nothing is more important to me than the safety of the people who use Instagram. We are not where we need to be on self-harm and suicide, and we need to do more to protect the most vulnerable in our community.

'I have a responsibility to get this right. We will get better and we are committed to finding and removing this content at scale, and working with experts and the wider industry to find ways to support people when they're most in need.'

The site's bosses met the Health Secretary on Thursday afternoon to discuss content on suicide and self-harm.

Before the meeting, Mr Hancock said: 'Social media companies need to do more, in particular, to remove material that encourages suicide and self harm, so I'm going to be asking other social media companies to act.

Father Ian Russell said his daughter took her own life after looking at pictures on the social network that glorified self-harm and suicide

'I don't want people to go onto social media and search for images about suicide to get directed to yet more of that sort of imagery. They need help to not post more about suicide.



'I think that parents around the country and across the world worry about the impact of social media on teenagers' mental health.'

He added: 'We're not going to rest until we tackle this problem.'

Mr Hancock's meeting with the internet giant came after the father of a teenager who took her own life in 2017 told the BBC that Instagram 'helped kill my daughter'.

Molly Russell died in 2017 aged 14. Her family found material relating to depression and suicide when they looked at her Instagram account after her death.

Father Ian Russell said that the algorithms used by Instagram enabled Molly to view more harmful content, possibly contributing to her death.

He said: 'We are very keen to raise awareness of the harmful and disturbing content that is freely available to young people online.

'Not only that, but the social media companies, through their algorithms, expose young people to more and more harmful content, just from one click on one post.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock met with Instagram boss Adam Mosseri

'In the same way that someone who has shown an interest in a particular sport may be shown more and more posts about that sport, the same can be true of topics such as self-harm or suicide.'

When the scandal erupted last month, Instagram said it would make the horrifying images harder to find. But it refused to remove them altogether claiming they actually help some people.

Yesterday Instagram finally changed its view and said it has decided to ban the sickening images following a comprehensive review with global experts.

Mr Russell also told the BBC: 'I have no doubt that Instagram helped kill my daughter. She had so much to offer and that's gone.'

The NSPCC said the rule changes marked 'an important step', but that social networks were still not doing enough to tackle self-harm.

In response to the news, CEO Peter Wanless said: 'This is an important step by Instagram towards cracking down on self-harm content that no child should ever be exposed to.

'It shows what can be done, but it should never have taken the death of Molly Russell for Instagram to act. The question is whether it will be enough?

'Over the last decade social networks have proven over and over that they won't do enough to design essential protections into their services against online harms including grooming and abuse.

'We cannot wait until the next tragedy strikes. The Government must legislate without delay and impose a duty of care on social networks, with tough punishments if they fail to protect their young users.'

Yesterday, the childrens commissioner Anne Longfield also called for a seismic shift in responsibility. She also demanded more data about the number of under-13s on each of the major technology platforms.

Miss Longfield made her remarks during a meeting with technology bosses  including executives at Twitter, Pinterest, Google and Snapchat  who had been summoned by ministers.

Instagram boss Mr Mosseri said: Nothing is more important to me than the safety of the people who use Instagram.

We are not where we need to be on self-harm and suicide, and we need to do more to protect the most vulnerable in our community. Following a comprehensive review with global experts, were announcing further changes to our approach on self-harm content. We will not allow any graphic images of self-harm, such as cutting, on Instagram  even if it would previously have been allowed as admission.

We will also make it harder for people to discover non-graphic, self-harm related content and we wont be recommending it. We are not removing non-graphic self-harm related content from Instagram entirely, as we dont want to stigmatise or isolate people who may be in distress.

Last night, Mr Hancock said: What happened to Molly Russell is every parents modern nightmare. I am glad Instagram have committed to me that they will now take down graphic self-harm and suicide content.

Speaking on This Morning before Instagrams pledge yesterday, Home Secretary Sajid Javid said tech giants had done by no means enough. He said: I am certain we are going to legislate, and how far we go will depend on what they do.

The Daily Mail has repeatedly exposed sick material hosted by web giants and their consistent failure to tackle it.

For confidential support, log on to samaritans.org or call the Samaritans on 116123.
Americans only watch 11 channels of an average of 192 included in their TV package  just 5.7 percent of what's available in the average cable deal, according to a new report.

The unused channels are costing them an average $1,088 per year  and nearly 82 percent of Americans believe they waste money on their television bill, according to the survey of 1,009 Americans by Cordcutting.com.

The price tag is not insignificant, considering 57 percent of Americans have less than $1,000 in their savings accounts, according to a separate GOBankingRates survey.

This graphic illustrates the average amount of channels watched - and money spent - on cable television by Americans

The numbers come on the heels of another survey finding that nearly 60 percent of Americans have canceled their cable television subscription.

That survey of 5,027 Americans by Waterstone Management Group, found that a remaining 29 percent of Americans are considering canceling traditional TV, and just 12 percent are committed to sticking with their cable package.

Experts at Cordcutting used the survey data to determine the average monthly cable bill for Americans is $96.18  amounting to about $0.50 per channel. But given that the average American only views 11 channels, that's costing them $8.74 per channel, or $104.88 per channel, per year.

Gesa Pannenborg, product manager for the Cordcutting survey, told DailyMail.com that 96 percent of respondents wanted an alternative to cable TV, signaling frustration among Americans about the high cost of internet-TV bundles.

'It seems to me that the cable companies are realizing that more and more Americans are cutting the cord and they want to up the prices and make it more difficult to only have internet,' she said.

'It shows that more doesn't necessarily mean better,' she added.

Men watch slightly more channels than women (12 compared to 10). Baby Boomers also tend to watch more channels (12 compared to 11 among Generation X and Millennials).

Baby Boomers spend more ($106.80 a month), on average, than Generation X ($97.33) and Millennials ($93.64) on their cable packages.

Despite cost frustrations, about 69 percent of Americans said they chose their TV provider based on a bundled deal for cable and internet  but only about 35 percent said their monthly bill was cheaper than if they bought internet alone.

If they could choose only five channels, men and women had slightly different answers.

The favored channel among men is ESPN (43.9 percent), while ABC  a free local station  was favored among women (45.3 percent).

However, local channels ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox were favorites for men and women, with women also favoring HGTV (19.1 percent) in their top five channels.

This map illustrates which states have the most - and least - proportion of residents canceling their cable TV subscriptions in favor of streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu

The finding shows that four out of five of the most popular TV channels among men and women are ones that consumers don't have to pay for.

But more than 43 percent of respondents said they have called their TV provider and managed to negotiate a better deal.

The survey also follows news that Netflix is increasing its monthly subscriptions fees by $1 - $2 a month, depending on how many screens viewers want to use. Subscriptions start at $8.99 and range up to $15.99.

Netflix is also preparing to crackdown on illegal account sharing via new artificial intelligence software, which will be able to analyze which users are logged in and then flag shared accounts.

The move is expected to recoup major money for the video streaming service: a separate report from Parks Associates found that by 2021, credentials sharing will account for $9.9 billion of losses in pay-TV revenues and $1.2 billion of over-the-top (OTT) revenues.
Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker caved to Democratic demands and will show up voluntarily before the House Judiciary Committee on Friday morning after a tumultuous day of doubts on whether or not he would testify.

'CONFIRMED: Acting Attorney General Whitaker will appear tomorrow morning at 9:30am,' Rep. Jerry Nader, the Democratic chairman of the panel, tweeted Thursday evening.

The Justice Department claimed Democrats agreed to Whitaker's demanded they would not wield a subpoena against him.

'The chairman has made the commitment that we requested, and agreed that, if Mr. Whitaker voluntarily appears at tomorrow's hearing, the Committee will not issue a subpoena on or before February 8,' Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec said in a statement to CNN. 'In light of that commitment, Acting Attorney General Whitaker looks forward to voluntarily appearing at tomorrow's hearing and discussing the great work of the Department of Justice.'

Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker will show up voluntarily for his Friday morning appearance before Congress

House Judiciary panel chair Jerry Nadler had advised Whitaker to show up

'CONFIRMED: Acting Attorney General Whitaker will appear tomorrow morning at 9:30am,' Rep. Jerry Nader, the Democratic chairman of the panel, tweeted

Earlier Thursday Whitaker wrote House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler and asked for a reassurance that Democrats on his panel would not use a subpoena they pre-emptively authorized in case he avoids answering their questions.

Nadler slammed back at his demand, writing that the acting attorney general had no reason to worry if he's 'prepared to respond to questions' and ended with a cheery: 'I look forward to your testimony tomorrow.'

Whitaker had given Democrats a 6 p.m. deadline to respond in their escalating conflict.

Nadler wrote back late Thursday afternoon: 'If you appear before the Committee tomorrow morning and if you are prepared to respond to questions from our Members, then I assure you that there will be no need for the Committee to issue a subpoena on or before February 8. To the extent that you believe you are unable to fully respond to any specific question, we are prepared to handle your concerns on a case-by-case basis, both during and after tomorrow's hearing.'

He concluded with: 'Thank you, and I look forward to your testimony tomorrow.'

The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday voted to authorize the subpoena ahead of his testimony.

Democrats want to ask Whitaker about his conversations with President Trump and Whitaker's decision not to recuse himself from special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe. They are worried he may not answer.

Asked whether Whitaker wouldn't testify due to a subpoena threat, President Donald Trump replied, 'That I don't know.'

'He's an outstanding person. I would say if he did testify he'd do very well,' the president told reporters Thursday in the Oval Office.

The conflict began Thursday morning when the Justice Department sent a letter to the committee asking for reassurances before the acting attorney general met with them.

'I remain willing to appear to testify tomorrow, provided that the chairman assures me that the committee will not issue a subpoena today or tomorrow, and that the committee will engage in good faith negotiations before taking such a step down the road,' Whitaker said in a statement.

He added: 'Political theater is not the purpose of an oversight hearing, and I will not allow that to be the case.'

Nadler said during Thursday's authorization vote that he hoped not to have to use the subpoena but wanted to be prepared in case it was needed.

'I hope not to have to use the subpoena,' he said. 'Unfortunately a series of troubling events over the last few months suggest that we should be prepared.'

Democrats worry Whitmaker may try to evade some of their questions and wanted a subpoena on hand to use if that is the case.

'If Mr. Whitaker appears in the hearing room, as scheduled, and if he provides direct answers to our questions, then I have no intention of ever issuing this subpoena,' Nadler said Thursday.

The resolution to authorized the subpoena passed on a party-line vote, 23 to 13.

In a letter to Nadler, the Justice Department outlined the questions that Whitaker is prepared to answer.

Friday's hearing would likely be Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker's last appearance before Congress

House Judiciary Committee members gather during a debate to subpoena Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker on Thursday

'The Acting Attorney General will testify that at no time did the White House ask for, or did the Acting Attorney General provide, any promises or commitments concerning the Special Counsel's investigation,' Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd wrote in a letter obtained by CNN. 'With respect to the Special Counsel investigation, the Department has complied with the Special Counsel regulations, and the Acting Attorney General will make clear that there has been no change in how the Department has worked with the Special Counsel's office.'

Nadler argued the subpoena was necessary because Whitaker would not tell the committee whether or not he planned to invoke executive privilege.

Friday's hearing would likely be Whitaker's last appearance before Congress.

On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance William Barr's nomination as attorney general to the Senate floor, setting up a vote for next week.
A record 4,239 firearms were seized at US airport security checkpoints in 2018, a seven percent increase from the previous year.

The thousands of firearms were discovered in carry-on baggage across 249 federalized airports, according to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) report, Thursday.

More than 86 percent of them were loaded, another record-breaking statistic.

Airports with higher rates of firearm seizures were generally found in states with less strict gun laws. Eight of the airports ranking in the top 10 - which accounted for one third of all seizures - were located in the Sun Belt, a region of the US spanning from the southeast to southwest.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Georgia came in at number one with 298 guns seized over the course of 12 months  an increase of 53 compared to 2017. It's important to note that ATL is also the busiest airport in the world.

Trailing behind in second place was Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport with 219 and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with 129.

A record 4,239 firearms were seized at security checkpoints across 249 airports in the US in 2018, according to a new report from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Of those firearms seized - many of which are pictured above - 86 percent were loaded

The number of firearms seized at airport security checkpoints has more than quadrupled over the last decade. The TSA released the graphic above with its 2018 Year in Review report

The TSA Year in Review report appeared to credit the uptick in firearm seizures to improvements in security measures.

'Throughout the year, TSA officers demonstrated great professionalism, dedication, integrity and remained committed to the mission to secure you  the traveling public,' the report said.

'Thanks to their vigilance and skills, TSA officers intercepted a record number of firearms in 2018.'

However, one TSA official had another explanation when questioned about the increase.

'I'm just going to guess here: I think more people are just simply carrying weapons in the country and we reflect what we're seeing around the country,' TSA administrator David Pekoske told CBS News.

'When you are going through a TSA screen checkpoint, you know you're there. You don't just happen upon that. Before you hit the first person in line, just take a quick look through your bag.'

The total number of firearms discovered at airport checkpoints has more than quadrupled over the last decade, climbing consistently year-over-year.

Just under 4,000 guns were seized across 239 airports in 2017, a 16 percent increase from the year before.

Under federal law, attempting to bring a firearm through security can result in arrest or a TSA fine of $13,333 per violation.

Airports with the most firearm seizures in 2018 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) - 298 total, 85% loaded Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - 219 total, 88% loaded Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) - 129, 93% loaded Denver International Airport (DEN): 126, 75% loaded Orlando International Airport (MCO): 123, 91% loaded George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): 117, 98% loaded Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): 96, 83% loaded Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): 93, 82% loaded Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL): 89, 93% loaded Nashville International Airport (BNA): 86, 93% loaded Advertisement

Almost every passenger who was found in possession of a gun in 2017 claimed that it was a mistake, according to an investigation by CBS News.

The outlet reported that the vast majority of offenders were men who ranged in age from their 30s to their 50s, and 63 percent were white.

As part of its efforts to strengthen security, the TSA has improved signage reminding passengers that guns cannot be transported in carry-on baggage and offers detailed instructions for how to properly pack an unloaded firearm in one's checked luggage.

Still, though, some weapons have managed to slip through the cracks.

CBS reviewed police records from seven airports in 2017 and found at least three cases where guns appeared to have gotten through security.

'I think that everybody in TSA is troubled by it,' Pekoske said of the CBS finding. 'We do everything we can to figure out why it happened.'

Thursday's TSA report also outline other prohibited items seized at airports, including three smoke grenades found at Nashville International Airport in November.

In December, TSA agents discovered a bottle of lighter fluid on a passenger travelling from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and five replica mortar shells in a checked bag at Orlando International Airport.

The TSA urged anyone who is unsure of what items are permissible to visit the agency's website or reach out on social media.
Emma Davies, 41, is said to have suffered 'horrific' open sores after using the substance

Britian's first victim of the zombie drug Krokodil has revealed 'being eaten away from the inside', as the petroleum cut opiate devoured her rotting flesh.

Emma Davies, 41, a mother-of-three, suffered 'horrific' open sores after using the substance which is ten times stronger than heroin.

The drug - chemical name desomorphine - has been branded 'the world's deadliest drug' after it first appeared in Russia.

Its street name 'Krokodil' was coined for the effects it has on the skin, turning users reptilian after just one hit.

Davies told the Sun: 'If you ask me it's the gasoline that eats into your flesh.

'I was covered in burn marks, I hadn't burned myself, they were coming from inside me.'

She said her condition shocked doctors at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and she was forced to open up about her usage of the lethal substance.

Davis told how doctors raised an arm above her head in a sling to drain the caustic blood from her tissue, while her burning leg was left draped out of the bed.

Her skin was mottled, with sores appearing on her head and a large abscess on her shin leaking blood and plasma.

Horrifying pictures show the effects of a highly dangerous flesh-eating substance known as Krokodil

Side affects of the drug include thrombosis, gangrene, abscesses and crocodile-like skin

She said the drug was 'evil' and was bound to wreak havoc on lives in the UK after tearing through Russia's addicts.

Davies was unable to attend Cheltenham Magistrates Court last August while she received treatment for the side effects.

She failed to attend court because 'a rather unpleasant blood infection caused large ulcers on her arms', the court heard.

The addict, of Tredworth, Gloucestershire, finally appeared in the court on Monday and admitted theft.

Her barrister Clare Buckley told the court of the defendant's severe health issues using various Class A drugs.

The lawyer said after years of abuse she had two heart attacks last year, as well as a stroke, Hepatitis C and deep vein thrombosis.

She also has scarred lungs, an enlarged spleen and recently recovered from MRSA.

The barrister told the court yesterday: 'She wants to move forward with her life. She wants a script [a prescription for rehabilitation].

'She is aware if she continues the way she is going she will meet an early demise, which would be very sad.'

Davies has been prescribed strong painkillers as she awaits treatment for nerve damage caused by Krokodil.

Krokodil originated in Russia, where it is known as the 'cannibal drug', and it may now be in the UK after deadly drug caused havoc in Colombia, Russia and Ukraine.

It is highly addictive and can be 'cooked' using solvents like paint thinner, iodine, hydrochloric acid, and red phosphorus from matches.

Those injecting the caustic drug can develop skin ulcerations, infections and gangrene, and grey, scaly skin which looks like crocodile scales, giving the drug its street name.

The substance causes skin and flesh to rot away (pictured). From the point when an addict first takes the deadly drug, their life expectancy drops to just over two years, doctors estimate

Davies was in court after she and another woman, Marsha Woodwart, were caught shoplifting more than 900 of goods from three Gloucester stores.

Mrs Buckley said Woodwart had been 'bullying' Davies and forcing her to hand over her benefits.

Woodwart stole the majority of the items and continued even after Davies told her to 'slow down', the barrister added.

'Miss Davies was going to swap the items for drugs and food,' she said.

'This was the first occasion she felt remorse for her actions as she was due to start a drug rehab programme the next day.'

Davies was unable to attend Cheltenham Magistrates Court (pictured) last August because she had taken Krokodil and was being treated in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Mrs Buckley said the defendant was living with other drug users in unsuitable accommodation at the time of the offence.

She added that Davies has since moved into a new home with 'a man of good character'.

Presiding justice Peter Liver handed Davies a 12month community order including 30 rehab days. She was ordered to pay 220.

Woodwart was put on a six-month rehab programme and given a fine at an earlier previous court date.
Extra security precautions were being taken on Thursday to protect the Colorado man who is accused of murdering his fiancee after plotting her death for months.

Patrick Frazee arrived at the Teller County Courthouse in a ballistics vest and surrounded by a small team of police and security, who hurriedly shuffled him into a courtroom after getting him out of a police cruiser.

At the same time, press was ordered out of the courtroom for the hearing, with Frazee's mother and sister fighting for custody of his daughter Kaylee.

The 16-month-old is temporarily in the custody of her maternal grandparents and it remained that way on Thursday ahead of Frazee's murder trial.

There will be another status haring in the custody case in two months.

A major development in that trial is set to emerge on Friday, when Frazee's one-time mistress Krystal Jean Lee Kenney will appear in the same courtroom to plead guilty to a charge of tampering with physical evidence.

It is expected that more information about Frazee's arrest and how police were able to charge him with murder for the death of Berreth will be released at that time.

Berreth's body has still not been found.

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Covered: Patrick Frazee (above leaving court on Thursday) arrived in court for a custody hearing regarding his daughter Kaylee on Thursday wearing a ballistics vest

Protection: Press was ordered out of the courtroom for the hearing, with Frazee's mother and sister fighting the parents of Kelsey Berreth for custody of the 16 month old (Frazee on Thursday)

Missing mom: Temporary custody of the child remained with the maternal grandparents (Kelsey with her mother and baby Kaylee) and a status hearing was set for April

NBC reporter Sam Kraemer captured footage of Frazee being led from the courtroom back to the cruiser before he was returned to the Teller County Jail.

Frazee is currently separated from the population there for his own safety.

Kenney will not be heading to jail after her court appearance, even if he does enter a guilty plea.

Court documents show that the crime she committed occurred on November 24, two days after Kelsey Berreth disappeared, having last been seen by Frazee.

Lee and Frazee have known one another for years, and she has long been a person of interest in the case.

She will only get a fine and probation under the current charge, and it is not known if she made a deal with prosecutors.

Friends of Lee have claimed that she was under Frazee's spell, painting her as a helpless accomplice in interviews.

'She had known him since she was 18 years old, right out of high school. I think he had some type of hold on her,' said Patty Rockstahl in an interview with KMVT last month.

Rockstahl, who employs one of Lee's best friends, also said that the pair owned horses together, and described Frazee as Lee's 'first love.'

'She was in love with him from a very young age,' claimed Patty, who has never met Lee but employed her best friend Michelle.

'She was very vulnerable and I think she cared for him, and he took advantage of that He was her first love, I understand, and he had a hold on her.'

It was also the Rockstahls who informed authorities that Frazee had asked Lee to 'kill the mother of his child' on at least three occasions dating back to October.

Close: Krystal Jean Lee Kenney (left with Frazee on right) will enter a guilty plea to one count of tampering with physical evidence in court on Friday

Frazee's mother in court for a previous appearance (above) in early January

In the end, the Rockstahls believe that Lee disposed of Berreth's phone and carried out Frazee's orders because she was afraid of the man, who allegedly went so far as to threaten her children.

'Patrick told Krystal that little girls go missing off the playground all the time,' said Patty.

'Krystal was so scared, he was so angry that he said things that made Krystal think he had killed before. So of course, shes going to be terrified,' added her husband Joe.

Patty also said that she did not believe that Lee was a killer or capable of murder.

'I think she maybe got in over her head, maybe used some bad judgment,' said Patty.

'If I were afraid for myself or for my children, I dont know what I would do.'

The Rocktstahls also believed that this fear is why Lee disposed of Berreth's phone after sending texts to Frazee and the missing mom's employer which were meant to appear to be from Berreth.

'She had the phone,' said Patty.

'She was probably instructed to send those texts by Patrick but thats  theres nobody else that couldve sent those texts to my knowledge.'

It is unclear if Frazee was still with Berreth at the time of the murder.

A friend of Frazee whose granddaughter was a frequent playmate of the accused killer's daughter Kaylee told CNN that Frazee and Berreth had split back on New Year's Day in 2018, just three months after the couple welcomed daughter Kaylee.

That contradicts comments made by Berreth's aunt suggesting that her niece had broken up with Frazee on November 22, the day she was last seen in public.

Authorities have since charged Frazee with first-degree murder despite the fact that Berreth's body and remains have yet to be found.

Two individuals who worked with Lee - who is being investigated for disposing of Kelsey Berreth's cell phone - said that she and Frazee had been in a romantic relationship for months.

DailyMail.com spoke with two people who know the nurse professionally, and they both said that they had been told that Frazee was having an affair with Lee.

Lee divorced her husband a few years back and has two children.

Neither of those individuals knew exactly when the relationship started, but they believed it could have been as early as 2016 - prior to the birth of Frazee's daughter with Berreth.

That would have been the second time the pair dated after an earlier romance as teens.

One of the the people DailyMail.com spoke with also said that Lee was in Colorado around Thanksgiving.

That would explain how Frazee was able to get the cell phone to Idaho while never leaving the state.

It was reported back in December that police in Idaho had discovered information pertaining to the missing mom's cell phone.

The Twin Falls Police Department revealed that officers from the force played a role in the investigation by obtaining search warrants and examining evidence in the case.

Berreth's cell phone pinged off a tower in Gooding, Idaho, on November 25, three days after she went missing and around the same time her employer received a text stating that she would not be in for work that week. The location it pinged is about 800 miles from where Berreth was last seen.

The complaint that was filed in the case states that Frazee plotted the murder of Berreth with at least one other individual in the three months before she went missing.

And while authorities have yet to discover a body or any of Berreth's remains at this time, prosecutors said the investigation has yielded enough evidence to suggest the two ways in which the 29-year-old mother was killed by her fiance.
The son of a Manhattan mom found dead in a trash bag in New Jersey told his girlfriend she 'took a while to die', prosecutors allege.

Paula Chin's 22-year-old son Jared Eng and his girlfriend Caitlyn O'Rourke, 21, have both been charged with concealing a corpse, cops announced on Wednesday.

Eng denied killing his mother, but O'Rourke claims he 'admitted that it took Ms Chin a while to die and that they subsequently transported [Chin's] body to New Jersey', NBC New York reported.

Jared Eng, 22, (left) his girlfriend Caitlyn O'Rourke (right), 21, were charged with concealing a body and tampering with evidence at an arraignment at New York State Supreme Court on Thursday

Their friend Jennifer Lopez (pictured), 18, was also charged with concealing a body and tampering with evidence

The body of missing mother-of-two Paula Chin, 65, was found on Tuesday in a garbage bag at her Morristown, New Jersey property

A friend of the pair, Jennifer Lopez, 18, has also been charged over Chin's murder, which police believe came after a fight about money.

The three of them drove to Chin's New Jersey home where her body was stuffed in a garbage bag and put into a bin, O'Rourke told investigators.

The complaint says they then washed clothes from her Manhattan apartment.

China, 65, reported missing on Monday, was last seen in her Manhattan apartment and was found stuffed in a garbage bag at a property in Morristown on Tuesday.

Police reportedly found duct tape, bloody rubber gloves and blood stained floors inside the garage at the New Jersey home. The same duct tape was found in Paula's car, according to the complaint.

Prosecutors said Lopez sent a text following the incident which reportedly read: 'Honestly the hardest part was backing up the car.'

Video evidence allegedly captured the trio driving Chin's car to her house and loading a garbage bag - which prosecutors claim was filled with her body - into the trunk, the New York Post reported.

Jared Eng, center, is escorted by New York Police Department detectives from the NYPD's 1st Precinct to an arraignment at New York State Supreme Court

Cops believe she was killed in a family dispute over money that turned deadly. She was found with her throat slashed

She was last seen at her Manhattan apartment and found in a garbage bag left with the trash at her secluded New Jersey property

Eng is also likely to face a murder charge for the death of his 65-year-old mother Paula Chin, prosecutors told New York State Supreme Court on Thursday.

He denied killing his mother and told police that he visited his family home in New Jersey to fetch his coin collection for rent money, the court heard.

Police believe Eng fatally slashed his mother in the throat during an argument over money in her third-floor apartment on Vestry Street in Manhattan.

It is thought Eng had help dumping his mother's body as he can't drive, police said.

Her Tribeca apartment, where she was last seen, pictured above
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 6)  The Department of Finance and Department of Health are pushing to tax liquor products much higher than what the House had already proposed in December.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said during a Senate hearing on Wednesday that their proposed liquor tax hike  with rates much higher than what is proposed under House Bill 8618  will generate an additional 32 billion for the government in 2019.

Chua said this will plug the 40 billion funding gap in the first year of the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Law.

He said the incremental increases in these taxes will net the government 40 billion in 2020 and 47 billion in 2021.

The tax measure is also a health measure, Chua said, as it would effectively discourage alcohol consumption and keep the youth and the poor from buying it.

If approved this year, fermented liquors, like beer, will be taxed 40 per liter in 2019, which will gradually increase to 55 in 2022.

Levies on distilled spirits, meanwhile, will go up from 20 percent to 25 percent from 2019 to 2022, on top of a 40 tax per proof liter in 2019, which will go up to 55 in 2022.

Sparkling wines and champagnes priced up to 500 will be taxed 335 per bottle in 2019, while an 885.72 per bottle tax will be imposed in the same year for sparkling wines and champagnes priced above 500.

Still wines and carbonated wines with a 14 percent alcohol content will be taxed 40 per bottle in 2019, while those with an alcohol content of 14 to 25 percent will be taxed 80 per bottle. Above 25 percent, still wines and carbonated wines will be taxed like distilled spirits.

All liquor taxes under the DOH and DOF proposal will be adjusted by 10 percent every year beginning 2023.

The Senate Ways and Means committee, which is looking into the proposal, is planning to release two separate committee reports and recommendations for the increase in the excise taxes on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages before the 17th Congress ends in June.

Congress goes on a three-month break for the midterm polls starting on Monday and would only have three weeks remaining to tackle pending bills when they return on May 20. Bills left untackled during this Congress would have to be filed again under the new Congress, regardless of its progress in the legislative mill.

CNN Philippines Correspondent Joyce Ilas contributed to this report.
Robert De Niro returned to New York divorce court on Thursday and left in a huff, covering his face with two newspapers to avoid being seen.

The 75-year-old actor dodged reporters and photographers at all costs by covering his face with his morning papers and made quite the scene as he headed out to meet his driver.

When his driver wasn't waiting for him at the back of the court house, he exploded with anger in a fiery, profanity-laced tirade.

'Hes in the wrong spot. Im standing right where he dropped me off. What the f**k!' he said while on the phone to his driver, still armed with his newspapers.

'I dont care if they chase you away F**k. Whats the matter with you? Where are you?... This is ridiculous!' he said raising his voice before ending the call.

You talkin' to me? Robert De Niro adamantly tried to avoid reporters and photographers as he left divorce court on Thursday by holding up two newspapers to block his face from view

On Thursday his lawyers continued to fight with his wife of 21 years Grace Hightower, 63, for custody of their seven-year-old daughter Helen Grace

He left the courthouse in a huff trying to avoid press and hide his face

The Oscar winner looked agitated as he walked through the crowds armed with his papers

By contrast, the morning started off on a calm note for the Oscar winner. He was spotted entering Manhattan Supreme Court Thursday morning with his glasses on and a paper in hand.

His lawyers met to continue to fight with his estranged wife of 21 years Grace Hightower, 63, for custody of their seven-year-old daughter Helen Grace.

The divorce hearing itself seemed to go well as De Niro and Hightower's lawyers met for 30 minutes behind closed doors.

The pair avoided each other's glances as they sat apart in court, preoccupying themselves by flipping through newspapers.

De Niro looked for a comfortable ensemble of a navy polo, black pants and a black sweater.

The Oscar winner marched out of court armed with the newspapers to conceal his face. De Niro is pictured on the phone yelling at his driver

Raging bull! He let just one eye peep through in an effort to avoid the press

De Niro is pictured above during the lunch break of his divorce proceedings on Thursday

He got into his car after he berated his driver for failing to meet him at his desired location

He spoke animatedly with his lawyers after they emerged from the judge's chambers at the end of the meeting. His attorneys then reconvened for a private conference, according to Page Six.

The Oscar winner and Hightower also appeared in court last month on January 29 in a three-hour long divorce hearing.

Following that meeting, Justice Matthew Cooper said that although De Niro and Hightower had made 'some progress on some difficult issues', there were still 'particulars' of the settlement they needed to work out.

Cooper added that the couple must also exchange statements of their net worth.

De Niro seemed calm in the morning, noticeably only bringing in one newspaper to the court house

He and Hightower flipped through their own papers as their lawyers spoke on their behalf

His estranged wife Grace Hightower left the courtroom without covering her face alongside her attorney

She looked calm as she excited the divorce hearing on Thursday

The two notably kept their distance at that hearing too, with each one sitting at opposite ends of the courtroom. De Niro read a newspaper as Hightower kept herself busy by reading a book during the hearing, as their lawyers discussed the divorce.

De Niro and Hightower filed for divorce in December and went to great lengths to keep it private, filing the case under an 'Anonymous v. Anonymous' caption.

Anonymous filings are not given lightly in the district. A judge granted the Oscar winner's request for the nameless paperwork before Christmas.

De Niro reportedly asked for visitation with his daughter Helen Grace, who they had via surrogate, on the same day he filed for divorce.

The actor confirmed the couple's split in November, saying he honored Grace as a 'wonderful mother'.

De Niro, 75, is currently fighting for joint custody of the seven-year-old daughter he shares with his estranged wife Grace Hightower (pictured together in 2017)

'Grace and I have two beautiful children together. We are entering a period of transition in our relationship which is a difficult but constructive process,' he said in a statement.

'I honor Grace as a wonderful mother and ask for privacy and respect from all as we proceed to develop our roles as partners in parenting.'

This isn't the first time that the couple have tried to go separate ways.

De Niro first filed for divorce from Hightower in 1999, just two years after they tied the knot.

Back then, they quarreled over custody of their now adult son Elliot, 20, before making amends.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wiped away a tear Thursday during a press conference held by a liberal group to protest the continuing flow of taxpayer dollars to Immigration and Custons Enforcement.

The 29-year-old New York lawmayer, who self-identifies as a democratic socialist, said at a MoveOn.org event that shutting down ICE is 'one of the more urgent moral issues and crises that we have in America right now.'

And she claimed that despite President Donald Trump's words to the contrary in Tuesday's State of the Union address, he 'does not like any form of immigration.'

She cited the case of seven-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin, who died in December after her father brought her and 160 other illegal immigrants across the southern U.S. border into New Mexico.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a freshman Democrat from New York, wiped away a tear during a press conference calling on Congress to cut funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Ocasio-Cortez said ICE abuses human rights and doesn't deserve any taxpayer funds

Also weeping on Thursday was Rep. Rashida Tlaib (center), as the two listened to Rep. Ilhan Omar; Tlaib and Omar are the first two Muslims ever elected to Congress

Jakelin Caal Maquin, pictured at left, died in December after her father brought her and 160 other people across the U.S. border illegally; she was severely dehydrated and ICE lacked medical personnel in the remote region of New Mexico where the group was apprehended; she died in a Texas hospital after an airlift and was buried in her Guatemalan village (right)

ICE officers apprehended the group, but lacked medical support personnel in the remote border region. Severely dehydrated, Caal died after a 90-minute bus trip to a border station and a life flight to El Paso, Texas.

Ocasio-Cortez stepped away from a bank of microphones and listened to immigration activists tell their stories.

Fellow congresswoman Ilhan Omar, one of the first two Muslims elected to Congress, quoted Somali poet Warsan Shire in explaining why migrants trek 2,500 miles from Central America to the United States.

'No one leaves for the mouth of the shark, unless the mouth of the shark is safer than home,' Omar recited.

Ocasio-Cortez wept. So did Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the other Muslim in the House of Representatives.

'Legal immigrants enrich our nation and strengthen our society in countless ways. I want people to come into our country, but they have to come in legally,' President Trump said Tuesday, but Ocasio-Cortez believes he has purposely targeted legal immigration with the power of his office

Protesters in El Paso, Texas blamed Trump for Jacelin Caal's death in December

The young New York upstart's celebrity has so far outpaced her authority to move legislation or confront Republican opponents.

But she vowed Thursday to defund ICE completely and claimed Latinos should be exempt from criminal proceedings and immigration laws because they are descended from Mesoamerican cultures that preceded the United States.

'We are standing on native land,' she claimed, speaking just outside the U.S. Capitol. 'And Latino people are descendants of native people. And we cannot be told, and criminalized, simply because for our identity or our status. Period.'

'We're here to say that an agency like ICE, which repeatedly and systematically violates human rights, does not deserve a dime. They do not deserve a dime,' she said.

Ronna McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, threw a brushback pitch at Ocasio-Cortez following the press conference

'Until they can prove that they are honoring human rights, until they can make a good-faith effort to expand and embrace immigrants, the immigrants in this nation that have always been a part, and have always been a core element of American democracy, until they can prove good faith to an American ideal they do not deserve any resources for their radical agenda.'

Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel tweeted a slap at Ocasio-Cortez after Thursday's presser.

'Last year, ICE removed a Nazi from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs district. Her response: Abolish ICE,' she wrote. 'This week, MS-13 murdered someone in her district. Her response: Abolish ICE.'

'AOC's calls aren't just endangering her community, they're endangering the entire country.'

Ocasio-Cortez has become the darling of the slice of America's political left that embraced Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the 2016 election because the favored Democrat, fellow New Yorker Hillary Clinton, was seen as insufficiently liberal.

On Thursday she potrayed herself as unwilling to negotiate, either with Republicans or with centrist Democrats.

'I will not make a political compromise so that just a few kids less die,' she said. 'I will not make a compromise so that we deport  unjustly deport  just a few less. No. We will stop these practices altogether and we will not stop until they are ceased and fully held accountable.'

'Thank you. I'm mad, y'all,' a smiling Ocasio-Cortez said when applause erupted among a small crowd assembled to provide a video backdrop.

'I'm mad. I am mad.'

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents took part in a safety drill in Sunland Park, New Mexico, across from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on January 31

Ocasio-Cortez is also furious with President Donald Trump, who framed illegal immigration as 'a moral issue' during Tuesday's State of the Union address.

Trump has long sought to draw a bright line of separation between illicit border-crossers  especially those who traffick in drugs and human cargo  and immigrants who earn legal status in the U.S. through legal channels.

'Legal immigrants enrich our nation and strengthen our society in countless ways,' he said Tuesday. 'I want people to come into our country, but they have to come in legally.'

Ocasio-Cortez called that 'a lie' on Thursday, saying that 'the president does not like any form of immigration.'

She cited his attacks on the 'diversity visa lotery' and chain migration, and his terminaton of benefits to people who are avoiding deportation because of President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals program.

'He's taking away the documented status of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of Americans,' she claimed, referring to people in the U.S. without papers as 'Americans.'
The troubled history of blackface in America is once again in the news cycle after a photo emerged of Virginia governor Ralph Northam and a friend dressed as a man in black face and a Ku Klux Klan member in their college yearbook.

That photo quickly became a hot topic of discussion among the late night hosts, thought drew no comment from the liberal-leaning ABC late night host Jimmy Kimmell.

Also silent was Jimmy Fallon, who like Kimmell might have a difficult time attacking a racist practice that he has practiced in the past.

And they are not alone, with celebrities from Judy Garland and Elizabeth Taylor to Tom Hanks and Ted Danson having also done blackface in the past.

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Jimmy Kimmell painted his body for a skit in which he played Karl malone (above) and then Oprah Winfrey on The Man Show

Jimmy Fallon did blackface during his time on Saturday Night Live to play Chris Rock (above)

Billy Crystal was also on SNL when he did blackface to play Sammy Davis Jr (above in 1984)

Crystal then broke out the act again in 2012 when he hosted the Academy Awards (above with Justin Bieber in 2012)

Sarah Silverman did a mamie look for her eponymous show on Comedy Central

Kimmell painted his face to portray Karl Malone and Oprah Winfrey on The Man Show, while his ex-girlfriend Sarah Silverman did a black minstrelsy look for her eponymous Comedy Central show.

Fallon did blackface to portray Chris Rock on Saturday Night Live, while Billy Crystal did the same on the show to play Sammy Davis Jr.

Crystal then revisited that look for the 2012 Academy Awards.

Two View co-hosts have also been criticized for blackface incidents.

Whoopi Goldberg back in 1993 when her then-boyfriend Ted Danson appeared in a tux and top hat with black minstrelsy makeup at a Friar's Club Roast and Joy Behar when she revealed in 2016 that she darkened her skin to dress as a beautiful African woman for Halloween.

Howard Stern later did blackface to mock Danson's blackface.

More recently, Kylie Jenner was criticized for darkening her features on Instagram, Julianne Hough was maligned for dressing up as Uzo Aduba's character on Orange Is the New Black by darkening her face, and Paul Deen's son Bobby felt the heat when he painted his skin brown to look like Ricky Ricardo.

There are also a number of movie stars who have done blackface on film, including: Judy Garland (Everybody Sing in 1938), Gene Wilder (Silver Streak in 1976), Elizabeth Taylor(Il giovane Toscanini in 1988) and Robert Downey Jr (Tropic Thunder in 2008).

Even Joni Mitchell showed up in blackface on the cover of her 1977 alum Don Juan's Reckless Daughter.

Ted danson (left in 1993) and Joni Mitchell (right in 1976) were both criticized when they very publicly went out in blackface

Paul Deen's son Bobby darkened his features to dress as Ricky Ricardo for a Halloween episode (above in 2012)

Joy Behar (left in her 20s) and Julianne Hough (right in 2016) did blackface for Halloween

Howard Stern later did blackface to mock Danson's blackface with Sherman Hemsley dressing a Goldberg (above in 1993)

Kylie Jenner got backlash from an Instagram photo in 2015 (left) while Elizabeth Taylor changed her complexion for a 1988 film (right)

The racist and demoralizing practice dates back to the early nineteenth century.

Blackface minstrelsy would feature white men with their faces painted black and exaggerated lips and eyes.

The characters these men played were ignorant and uneducated, hyper-sexual, lazy and superstitious.

They were also often criminals who stole, scammed and instigated confrontations.

The most famous of these characters was Jim Crow, whose name was later given to the laws legalizing segregation in the United States.

Frederick Douglass was one of the first to call out the practice, denouncing it in a review in 1848 in The North Star.

'We believe he does not object to the "Virginia Minstrels," "Christy's Minstrels," the "Ethiopian Serenaders," or any of the filthy scum of white society, who have stolen from us a complexion denied to them by nature, in which to make money, and pander to the corrupt taste of their white fellow-citizens,' wrote Douglass.

At that time, 89 percent of the 4.4 million black men and women living in the United States were slaves, according to Ronald Bailey, author of The Other Side of Slavery: Black Labor, Cotton, and Textile Industrialization in Great Britain and the United States.

It has been almost 175 years since that review, and yet still the racist practice continues in America.

This latest scandal all comes at the start of Black History Month in the US, and the NAACP did not mince words in its response to the Northam scandal.

CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement: 'Black face in any manner is always racist and never okay. No matter the party affiliation, we can not stand for such behavior, which is why the NAACP is calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor.'

Judy Garland in the 1938 film Everybody Sing in a black minstrelsy look

Gene Wilder in the 1976 film Silver Streak, alongside Richard Ptyor

Robert Downey Jr in blackface for the 2008 comedy Tropic Thunder, for which he received an Oscar nomination

This is now the second time in the past four months that the NAACP has been forced to remind the American public of the deeply racist history of blackface.

In October, race-baiting television host Megyn Kelly declared that she did not believe blackface was offensive at Halloween.

It was a remark that ultimately led to her exit from NBC but was not a huge surprise given her past declarations that both Santa Claus and Jesus Christ were white.

The National Association of Black Journalists responded to Kelly's comments about blackface in a statement at the time.

'Megyn Kelly's flip comments on blackface were inexcusable. It is imperative that media organizations work to maintain the trust of audiences,' said Sarah Glover, the president of the organization who is also an NBC employee.

'The media industry has the power to inform, and an awesome responsibility to dispel ignorance and not encourage it.'

DailyMail.com also spoke with a number of NBC employees back in October whose feelings on the subject ran the gamut from 'deeply hurt' to outright 'appalled' at Kelly's behavior and reports that she might claim her coverage of the #MeToo movement played a role in her termination.

'How dare she? Who the hell does she think she is?' said one NBC employee.

'Her blackface comments were bad but falsely playing the #MeToo card is the worst form of white privilege I have ever seen.'

And another employee remarked: 'She had no respect for the African American staff on her team and her apology was both fake and dismissive.'

The racist practice of blackface is again in the news after a photo of Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia and a friend in a KKK robe and minstrelsy makeup emerged (far right)

An insider at the network told DailyMail.com that after a meeting with Kelly and her staff prior to the host's firing, a number of employees of color on the show voiced their frustration and anger with the host to human resources.

'Lots of people were willing to give her a clean slate after the whole white Santa thing, but she showed her true colors this week,' said the insider.

That insider also noted that what Kelly was doing was not only an affront to her black colleagues, but also the men and women of the #MeToo movement.

'If she truly had remorse and felt like she was wrong she should take no money and go into hiding. But shes greedy and entitled,' noted the first NBC employee who spoke to DailyMail.com.

'What the hell does she have to fight for? Shes been fired for being racist on national television. Shes not coming back and she needs to accept that.'

Al Roker and Craig Melvin were also both very vocal about the impact Kelly's words had on them and why they were so hurtful.

'The fact is, while she apologized to the staff, she owes a bigger apology to folks of color around the country because this is our history, going back to the 1830s,' said Roker.

'Minstrel shows meant to denigrate a race, you know I am old enough to have lived through Amos & Andy where you had white people in blackface playing the black characters just magnifying the worst stereotypes about black people.'

Then, in a pointed barb at Kelly's nonchalant comment about why people were so offended by the practice, he stated: 'And that's what the big problem is.'

Craig Melvin went a step further, adding: 'There was some criticism online that this was political correctness run amok, and that's silly and its disingenuous and its just as ignorant and racist as the statement itself.'

He then went on to say that while Kelly was a friend, her comment was 'indefensible.'
A shy guinea pig that hides in a mug repeatedly climbed back inside every time it was tipped out.

The cute animal quickly scurried back inside the cup each time it was poured out.

A video of the tiny pet, named 'Little Pig' was posted online, showing the animal repeatedly being 'tipped out'.

Every time the black and white guinea pig was tipped out of the mug it jumped straight back inside its hiding place

Hide and seek: As soon as the guinea pig's back legs touched the floor it darted back into the safety of the mug

But as soon as the guinea pig was spilled out of the vessel it immediately jumped back inside.

No sooner as the animal's back legs touch the ground, it pushed itself back inside the cup and refused to come out.

The owner even prodded the white and black animal in the back to try and entice it to come out of it's hiding place.

But it stayed inside the mug with its head buried in the bottom.

After 25 attempts to get the guinea pig out the owner gave up and left it inside the cup.

The video was recorded last October in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
A 92-year-old retired San Diego city attorney who fatally shot his sleeping son in the head has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and will be spared prison.

Richard Peck changed his earlier not guilty plea on Wednesday.

The wheelchair-bound former attorney could have faced up to 11 years behind bars if convicted at trial in the November 2018 killing of his 51-year-old son, Robert Peck.

The defense previously characterized the victim as an abusive alcoholic who tried to scare his elderly parent to death.

Former San Diego city attorney Richard Peck, 92 (left), has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and will be sentenced to probation in the 2018 shooting death of his 51-year-old son, Robert (right)

Robert had moved into his father's San Diego home (pictured) with his father three months prior to the shooting while going through a divorce

Under the conditions of the plea agreement, Peck is expected to receive three years of probation and home detention with a GPS tracking device when he is sentenced in March.

A murder charge was dismissed as part of the deal with the prosecution, reported the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Peck shot his son in the head with a shotgun at his home on November 14, just hours after Robert allegedly smashed the nonagenarian's phone and made a menacing remark.

Robert had allegedly committed 'extreme psychological abuse' of his father and screamed in his ear in a bid to scare him into a heart attack

His attorney, Douglas Gilliland, said Robert committed 'extreme psychological abuse' of his father and screamed in his ear in an apparent attempt to frighten him into a heart attack.

Police were called to Peck's home 14 times last summer and the son was once committed for mental health evaluation.

Gilliland called the plea deal 'a compassionate end to an unfortunate case.'

Deputy District Attorney Daniel Shim suggested that the elder Peck could have handled things differently.

According to the defense, Robert, who was married and had a son, had moved in with his father three months prior to the shooting while he was going through a divorce.

Robert would allegedly get drunk and sometime break things, prompting his father to seek help.

On the night of November 14, Robert told his father: 'I'm going to see you again later,' as he went to bed, but the father was too afraid to go to sleep that night, Gilliland said.

After shooting his son as he slept, Richard went to a neighbor for help, revealing what he had done.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrive at King's Lynn station, after taking the train from London King's Cross for their Christmas break in December 2017

The Queen has extended her winter break at Sandringham as the royals wait to see if Prince Philip will face any police action over his car crash.

In recent years, she has traditionally returned to London by train on February 7 or the first weekday after the anniversary of her fathers death on February 6.

But the 92-year-old decided not to travel back from the train station at King's Lynn, Norfolk on Thursday.

Royal sources said she was staying at the 20,000 acre estate for the weekend and would be making her train journey back to London on an undisclosed day next week.

It is believed that the Queen wants to spend more time with Philip, 97, who has used Sandringham as his base since retiring from Royal duties.

Norfolk Police confirmed they were still investigating Prince Philips crash on January 17 when his Land Rover rolled over after being hit by a Kia.

The accident happened as Philip pulled out of a side road on to the 60mph limit A149 road.

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II driving back from a church service at Sandringham in 2010

Emma Fairweather, 46, was the passenger of the car that Philip collided with, she broke her wrist in the accident

His Land Rover collided with a Kia, sending his vehicle tumbling across the road where it ended up on its side.

The 28-year-old woman driver of the other car suffered a knee injury, while her passenger Emma Fairweather, 46, sustained a broken wrist.

A nine-month-old boy strapped into the back seat escaped serious injury.

The Duke appeared to admit responsibility in a letter to Ms Fairweather several days after the accident.

In his 181-word typed letter, Prince Philip wished her a speedy recovery from a very distressing experience.

The Duke of Edinburgh has sent out thank you letters to all who wrote to him following his crash in Sandringham last month

He said he was deeply sorry and explained while he was familiar with the junction he could only imagine the low sun stopped him seeing her approaching.

The Duke, who has given a police statement, could be charged with careless driving.

The Queen marked her Accession Day on Wednesday - the anniversary of when she took the throne - by spending it quietly at Sandringham as usual.

She has now started her 67th year as Queen after becoming monarch on February 6, 1952, when her father King George VI died at Sandringham.
Another day, another man caught sleeping behind the wheel of his Tesla.

This week a man was captured on camera taking a snooze as his car drove on Autopilot through Interstate 5 in Orange County, California.

Chuck Self, 56, was traveling in the rear passenger seat of a nearby car when he spotted the sleeping driver, who appeared to be in his twenties or thirties.

Self began to film the man, who was driving 30mph in the outside lane of the highway during heavy morning traffic.

Footage shows the man deep in slumber in his chair, which had been reclined.

A California man was caught sleeping behind the wheel of his brand new Tesla on Interstate 5 in Orange County

Footage shows the man deep in slumber in his chair, which has been reclined. One hand appears to be either on or near the steering wheel

Self told DailyMail.com that he was with the vehicle for 10 to 15 miles. The driver didn't appear to wake up once.

He also noticed that the Tesla was 'clearly brand new'. It didn't have license plates yet and Self could see the new vehicle registration paperwork.

The video comes just a week after a man was caught sleeping behind the wheel of his Tesla Model X on a Las Vegas road.

Tesla's website states that every vehicle it produces has the 'hardware needed for full self-driving capability', offering an 'Enhanced Autopilot' package for $5,000.

The package promises the enhanced autopilot will 'match speed to traffic conditions, keep within a lane, automatically change lanes without requiring driver input, transition from one freeway to another, and exit the freeway when your destination is near'.

It claims the system can even 'self-park when near a parking spot and be summoned to and from your garage'.

Tesla's 'Full Self-Driving' package includes the capacity for the car to drive itself. That costs an extra $3,000.

But these pricey features don't guarantee safety. There have been a number of crashes that occurred with a Telsa car that had Autopilot turned on.

In 2016 an Ohio man was killed after his Tesla hit a semi-truck while Autopilot was engaged.

The National Transportation Safety Board ruled that Tesla's 'lack of sufficient system controls' was partially to blame.

The footage comes a week after a man was seen taking a snooze behind the wheel of his Tesla Model X while driving in Las Vegas

Elon Musk's company offers an 'Enhanced Autopilot' package, which costs $5,000. Pictured is the Model X in August

Tesla has since placed restrictions on how long a driver can keep their hands off the steering wheel before a warning beep sounds.

If the driver remains unresponsive, the system is equipped to stop and turn the car's hazard lights on.

But the problems haven't stopped. In December, California Highway Patrol troopers spotted a man sleeping in the driver's seat of his Tesla Model S. He was going 70mph.

The officers had to pull in front of the car and start slowing down so that the car would eventually slow itself down as well, according to Wired.

Videos have also been posted on YouTube teaching Tesla drivers how to bypass the system by wedging an orange or water bottle in the steering wheel.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hit back Thursday at President Donald Trump's claims of 'harassment' by Congress  and claimed the president was 'projecting.'

'I always think whatever the president says about us, hes projecting his own unruliness,' Pelosi said of Trump at her weekly press conference. 'Hes a projector and thats what its about.'

The speaker fired the shot after initially stating she wouldn't comment on the president's attacks, after escalating rhetoric that followed the president's warning shot to Congress during his Tuesday State of the Union speech.

'Let me just say, I am not commenting on what the president has to say about our work,' Pelosi told reporters in the Capitol.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said she thinks Trump is 'projecting' when he complains about Democratic unruliness

Trump set up the clash with powerful chairmen in his State of the Union speech where he blasted 'ridiculous partisan investigations.' He also threatened: 'If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just doesn't work that way!'

That prompted congressional leaders including Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Pelosi to say they took the comment as a threat. Chairmen including Intelligence head Rep. Adam Schiff vowed to keep up their oversight  and Schiff announced his probing would extend to Trump finances and any foreigners who may have leverage over him.

President Trump slammed the Democrats as 'nuts' and said they were continuing their 'Witch Hunt' after the House Intelligence Committee said it would investigate both his financial and personal life

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) convenes a hearing presidential tax returns on Thursday

House Ways and Means Committee chair Rep. Ritchie Neal of Massachusetts on Thursday holds a hearing that is the first step in trying to get Trump's tax returns.

'I think overwhelmingly the public wants to see the president's tax returns,' said Pelosi. 'They want to know the truth they want to know the facts.'

Then, she said with a slight smile: 'He has nothing to hide.'

Pelosi also mocked Trump's multi-year tax audit, which Trump and the White House have cited at times as the reason he has not yet released his tax returns.

She told a story of entering a hotel through the back entrance and the kitchen. A kitchen worker told her: 'When the president says that the Mueller investigation is going on too long, you just say back to him, Not as long as your tax audit, Mr. President,' she said.

'I thought those were words of wisdom,' Pelosi added.

Trump slammed Democrats at the helm of the House Intelligence Committee for what he called 'unlimited presidential harassment' Thursday on Twitter, following a warning that they would widen the investigation into his corporate and personal finances.

Facing chairman Adam Schiff's threat of an investigation that presses the president far beyond Special Counsel Robert Mueller's search for evidence of election-year collusion with Russia, Trump blasted what he called the 'continuation of [a] Witch Hunt!' that Republicans 'never did to President Obama.'

'So now Congressman Adam Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so,' Trump wrote.

'Never happened before! Unlimited Presidential Harassment.'

A Schiff spokesman did not respond Thursday morning to a request for comment.

'PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT! It should never be allowed to happen again!' Trump blasted in another tweet.

'The Dems and their committees are going nuts. The Republicans never did this to President Obama, there would be no time left to run government,' Trump added on Twitter.

'I hear other committee heads will do the same thing. Even stealing people who work at White House! A continuation of Witch Hunt!'

Trump referred to Schiff on Wednesday as a 'political hack' who was harassing him to get his name in the news, as the men stepped up their attacks on one another.

Schiff announced his intention to widen the investigation not long before Trump invited reporters into the Roosevelt Room for the introduction of World Bank nominee David Malpass.

Trump pretended not to be familiar with the politician he has slammed as Adam 'Schitt' before telling a reporter who asked about the probe: 'On what basis would he do that? He has no basis to do that.'

President Trump slammed the House Intelligence Committee chairman as a 'hack' who's harassing him to get his name in the news

Schiff made the announcement not long before Trump invited reporters into the Roosevelt Room for an event. The House Democrat is seen here, talking to reporters, immediately beforehand

'Hes just a political hack, whos trying to build a name for himself. And I think thats fine, because thats what they do,' Trump said. 'But there would be no reason do that. No other politician has to go through that. Its called presidential harassment. And its unfortunate, it really does hurt our country.'

An hour later, Schiff responded on Twitter: 'I can understand why the idea of meaningful oversight terrifies the President.'

'Several of his close associates are going to jail, others await trial, and criminal investigations continue. Were going to do our job and wont be distracted or intimidated by threats or attacks.'

Trump angered congressional Democrats on Tuesday night when he complained in his State of the Union address about 'ridiculous partisan investigations' that are diluting bipartisan sentiments.

'If there is going to be peace in legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just does not work that way,' he lectured.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi encouraged Trump on Wednesday afternoon to use a prodigious amount of caution when addressing lawmakers in that manner.

'The president should not bring threats to the floor of the House,' she said.

Trump's words were taken as a warning to House Democrats from the president about investigations they're launching into his administration.

'He said he wasn't going to cooperate unless we didn't exercise our constitutional responsibility to oversight,' Pelosi said of Trump's remarks.

The U.S. Senate's top Democrat also fired a warning shot at Trump on Wednesday, saying he only demanded d that House Democrats back off from 'partisan' investigations because 'he's afraid of them.'

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer mocked the president's call for bipartisan cooperation instead of 'foolish' opposition from the House majority now led by Pelosi.

'He's scared,' Schumer said hours later during an interview on CNN's 'New Day' program. 'He's got something to hide.'

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday morning that President Donald Trump only demanded an end to congressional investigations during his State of the Union address because he's 'scared' of them

'He's got something to hide,' Schumer said of the president, who faces a raft of new Capitol Hill probes led by the new Democratic House majority

Schumer has been gleefully anticipating probes from the other end of the Capitol, focused on everything from White House securiy clerances to so-far unsubstantiated claims that his 2016 campaign aides colluded with Russian agents to help tilt the election.

Schumer scoffed at the idea that Trump has any place asking for the soft-glove treatment.

'One of the functions of the Congress, the Article I section of government, from the days of the founding fathers, was oversight of the executive branch,' he told CNN host John Berman.

'And the president says, "If you investigate me, I'm not going to make progress." That's already doing what he did with the shutdown, holding the American people hostage. You know what I think it shows, John? He's scared. he's got something to hide.'

Vice President Mike Pence said in a CBS interview while Schumer was talking on CNN that Trump was only complaining Tuesday night about 'partisan' investigations

Trump began his speech with a call for bipartisan unity, but insisted on a my-way-or-the-highway approach to immigration and other contentious issues

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 29-year-old socialist who has emerged as a Democratic Party leader, said on NBC that Trump's demand 'was, frankly, kind of bizarre'

'Because if he had nothing to hide,' Schumer concluded, 'he'd just shrug his shoulders and let these investigations go forward. He's afraid of them.'

On 'CBS This Morning,' Vice President Mike Pence acknowledged that 'congressional oversight is a part of the checks and balances of our system.'

Pence said that Trump was only referring to 'partisan investigations' that have been launched.

'You know his feelings about investigations on Capitol Hill,' said Pence, who served 12 years in Congress before becoming Indiana's governor.

'We don't object to oversight. That's the proper role of committees in the Congress. But when it takes on a partisan tint, when it seems more intent on becoming a forum for invective against the president and the administration, the American people expect better.'

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 29-year-old democratic socialist who has emerged as a Democratic Party leader, said on NBC that Trump's demand 'was, frankly, kind of bizarre.'

'I don't think that investigations into federal misconduct have anything to do with our economy,' she said.

Trump had begun the assault by talking about last month's jobs numbers.

'An economic miracle is taking place in the United States, and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics, or ridiculous, partisan investigations,' he'd said.
Police have released graphic text messages that reveal how two Florida men were plotting to drug and rape a three-year-old girl.

Lafe Best, 37, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of conspiracy to commit sexual battery on a child after the horrifying text message exchange with his male lover was discovered.

His sexual partner, 39-year-old Benjamin Worster, was arrested last month in relation to the case.

Worster was arrested on charges of lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious conduct and 21 counts of possession of child pornography.

Lafe Best, 37, (left) was arrested on Tuesday in Florida after the horrifying text message exchange with his male lover, Benjamin Worster, 39, (right) was discovered

Police started investigating after the mother of the three-year-old girl found the graphic text messages on Worster's phone.

The three-year-old victim and her mother had moved into Worster's apartment in Ormond Beach in December.

Soon after they moved in, the little girl told her mother that Worster had touched her.

Police said Worster was taken to hospital on December 17 after suffering an apparent overdose.

The victim's mother found Worster's phone lying on his bed and discovered a text message exchange with someone named 'Lafe'.

The messages contained a sickening description of their plan to groom and rape the little girl, whether she was conscious or not.

'Single mom&Has a 3 year old daughter&Shes not a very good mom and she ignored her daughter constantly&2nd day of meeting her daughter she ran up to give me a hug and buried her head right in my crotch&So im gonna get to work on that,' a text from Worster read.

'Think I migbt casually accidently let her see it a few times see how she reacts maybe bring her by to watch a movie at your place when your roomates aren't home get her used to you too.

Police publicly released a portion of the sickening text messages as a warning to parents on how predators can work to groom children for sexual abuse

GRAPHIC TEXTS REVEALING PLOT TO RAPE TODDLER GRAPHIC WARNING: Police released a portion of the messages because they demonstrate how predators work to groom young children for sexual abuse. Worster: 'Single mom&Has a 3 year old daughter&Shes not a very good mom and she ignored her daughter constantly&2nd day of meeting her daughter she ran up to give me a hug and buried her head right in my crotch&So im gonna get to work on that' Worster: 'And at 3 im working with memories that wont stick' Worster: 'Think I migbt casually accidently let her see it a few times see how she reacts maybe bring her by to watch a movie at your place when your roomates aren't home get her used to you too' Worster: 'Im looking up things under an anonymous browser on things that will safely make kids pass out for a couple hours:' Best: 'Cant wait lol' Worster: 'Me either&Gotta take this opportunity while I can at my age who knows when something like this will land in my lap again' Best: 'I know right. I've got all kinds of Visions dancing in my head right now lol' Best: 'Would love to bury my tongue in some little (************) Among other things lol' Best: 'You never know if her junkie mom can't come up with rent one month she might just give her to you lol wishful thinking' Best: 'I'd prefer awake if we can manage it without repercussions' Worster: 'Yeah but beggers cant be choosers&Gotta feel this one out and see what shes like and how she can keep secrets and how easily she can be trained before I worry about the drastic things' Worster: 'But im over 100% sure I can at least get her knocked out alone and naked to at least fondle a d defile to my hearts content' Advertisement

'Im looking up things under an anonymous browser on things that will safely make kids pass out for a couple hours.'

Best's responses included: 'Cant wait lol' and 'Would love to bury my tongue in some little (************) Among other things lol.'

In one text message, Worster wrote: 'But im over 100% sure I can at least get her knocked out alone and naked to at least fondle a d defile to my hearts content.'

Police publicly released a portion of the sickening text messages as a warning to parents on how predators can work to groom children for sexual abuse.

In their warning, police advised: 'These aren't a complete record of the text messages exchanged between Worster and Best, but they're still graphic.'

Following Best's arrest this week, officers raided his home and found child pornography on his cellphone and the text messages from Worster.

He is expected to be charged with additional counts after authorities forensically examine the evidence.

Police said Best was living in a home with two people who have a 20-month-old child.

They said that child is not believed to have been a victim of any abuse.

Best is being held at Volusia County Branch Jail without bond.
A swastika and 'family values' tattoo helped police identify a Missouri man accused of choking, raping and stabbing a woman.

James Simpson, 26, of Springfield, has been jailed on six felony charges, including first-degree rape, according to the The Springfield News-Leader.

Charging documents allege Simpson attacked the woman last month after she invited him to her home.

A swastika and 'family values' tattoo helped police identify Missouri man, James Simpson (pictured), 26, accused of choking, raping and stabbing a woman

During the attack, Simpson (pictured) allegedly choked her until she lost consciousness. Police said the man then cut the woman's clothes off and raped her while holding a knife to her throat

The incident occurred on January 23 just 24 hours after the woman met Simpson.

Simpson allegedly choked her until she lost consciousness.

Police said the man then cut the woman's clothes off and raped her while holding a knife to her throat.

The document says that Simpson proceeded to stab her twice in the back, puncturing one of her lungs.

She escaped by crawling out of a window and running to a neighbor's home for help.

The victim was then taken to a local hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

Documents say that Simpson was arrested Monday after struggling with officers.

Simpson's mugshot shows him with scrapes and bruises on his nose and forehead.

In addition to rape, he was also charged with assault, armed criminal action and resisting arrest.

No attorney is listed for him in online court records. He's being held on $250,000 bond.
Luciana Berger has become the latest Labour MP to face a no-confidence vote over criticism of Jeremy Corbyn's handling of the party's anti-Semitism crisis.

The Liverpool Wavertree MP, 37 could be ousted from her job if the local Labour group votes to remove her.

She has been highly critical of Corbyn's response to accusations of rampant anti-Semitic prejudice within the party, which have at times left it in disarray.

This week she branded the situation 'disgusting' and warned Jewish prejudice was going 'unchecked' by senior Labour members.

Berger is Jewish and has suffered anti-Semitic abuse on several occasions, with four men sent to prison for racially-aggravated tirades and death threats.

Luciana Berger, 37, (pictured at Brexit debate in Parliament Square last month) could be ousted from her job if the local Labour group votes to remove her

Berger has been highly critical of Jeremy Corbyn's (he is pictured at an event in Worcester today) response to accusations of rampant anti-Semitic prejudice within the party, which have at times left it in disarray

She had to be accompanied by a police escort at last year's Labour Party conference over fears for her safety.

Speaking at the time she said: 'We are under attack. There are Jews in this country who do not feel safe.'

The Liverpool Wavertree Labour group has called an extraordinary meeting after two motions of no confidence in MP Luciana Berger were tabled.

Agendas have been sent to 1,700 members and the decision will be made on February 17.

The first motion, proposed and seconded by CLP members Howard Sharp and Peter Cain respectively, asks members to vote to agree that: 'Wavertree CLP has no confidence in Luciana Berger as our representative in Parliament.'

It follows a similar motion against MP for Enfield North, Joan Ryan, who is chairman of the Labour Friends of Israel and has also been an outspoken critic of Corbyn.

This week it was reported that six Labour MPs, including Berger, are threatening to quit the party to create a more centrist one over the anti-Semitism crisis and 'confused' stance on Brexit.

Tories such as Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen are feared by Downing Street to be considering a similar move, according to the Sunday Times, with the Lib Dems at the heart of the movement.

Berger had to be escorted to and from the Labour Party Conference by a police officer after two men were jailed for sending her anti-Semitic abuse
Francisco Jaiver Lopez-Martinez (pictured), 59, of Bergenfield, New Jersey

A janitor accidentally recorded himself installing a hidden camera into a high school's bathroom to film a female night-shift employee, police said.

Francisco Jaiver Lopez-Martinez, 59, of Bergenfield, New Jersey, hid in Dwight Morrow High School, in Englewood, and threatened to kill himself after officers learned of his secret recording device, police said.

A female member of the cleaning crew for the school allegedly discovered the Colombian national's hidden camera - which had captured the woman's 'private areas' as well as the moment Lopez-Martinez fitted it - and told officers.

A warrant was issued for his arrest last Thursday and police soon learned that he was hiding somewhere on the Dwight Morrow or Janie E. Dismus Middle School campuses.

Both were sealed off and searched by Englewood police, a sheriff's department K-9 unit, a school official, plus the janitor's family who were 'concerned for his safety'.

Lopez-Martinez refused to surrender. Instead he apologized for what he did and and threatened to kill himself, Englewood Police Chief Lawrence Suffern explained to Patch Media.

At around 3:18am, two of his relatives along with an officer spotted Lopez-Martinez and grabbed him - wrestling a handgun out of his hand and handcuffing him.

Lopez-Martinez hid in Dwight Morrow High School (pictured), in Englewood, and threatened to kill himself after police learned of his secret recording device

The weapon was an airsoft gun but this can look like a large-caliber, semi-automatic handgun, Surfern said.

The hidden camera, installed near the toilet, was the only one found by officers following a check of all the district's schools - which Lopez-Martinez had access to.

'There is no evidence suggesting that any children or school staff were recorded,' Suffern said. 'Preliminary evidence suggests that his single victim was the only individual targeted, however, the investigation is ongoing.'

Lopez-Martinez is charged with invasion of privacy, burglary, resisting arrest, obstruction, hindering and weapons possession.

He was taken to New Bridge medical Center for a psychological evaluation before being apprehended to Bergen County Jail.

For confidential support in the US, 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.
This is the horrifying moment a school bus carrying middle school students speeds out of control and overturns on an icy Missouri road, leaving three children injured.

Shocking surveillance footage shows the vehicle travelling downhill in Kansas City before hitting the curb and flipping over after the driver lost control.

The three school children on board, including one in a wheelchair, were taken to hospital following the crash. A monitor and the driver were also rescued.

Surveillance footage shows the school bus travelling downhill in Kansas City

The vehicle then hits the curb and flips over after speeding out of control in the bad weather

They are all believed to have suffered minor injuries in the crash, which was captured by a security camera at a nearby apartment.

Eyewitness Tomer Badash told 41 Action News buses are 'always flying by over here and dropping off the kids'.

He added: 'Today when it's icy, you can see it on the video, just ran and just flipped.'

Freezing rain is thought to have caused the dangerous conditions in the area on Wednesday afternoon.

A Center Middle School spokeswoman Christina Medina said parents were later asked to pick up their children.

She said: 'We really found it was the neighborhood streets and side roads where our buses were having issues maneuvering the roads.'

The driver reportedly did not think the road was as icy as it was, KCTV5 News reports. District officials said the back tires slid out before the bus flipped over.

The bus comes to a stop on its side and three school children were taken to hospital
DUI suspect Christopher Ryan Larson, 33 (pictured), was captured on police body camera footage appearing to dance his way through a field sobriety test in Holiday, Florida, as he fails miserably

A Florida man was captured in police body camera footage appearing to dance his way through a field sobriety test, as he fails miserably.

Law enforcement officials from Holiday, Florida released video of DUI suspect Christopher Ryan Larson, 33, while warning that though it may seem funny, driving under the influence comes with serious, and potentially deadly consequences.

Larson had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .28, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, which is more than three times the legal limit in Florida, and most states, of .08.

Larson told Fox 13 News that he was not 'dancing,' but would not comment further on his arrest.

Officers asked Larson to submit to a field sobriety tests after they found him sleeping in his still-running parked truck with his foot on the brake.

After the Sheriff's deputies woke him up, Larson got out of the vehicle, which rolled forward and narrowly missed one of the officers.

Larson also told police he was in Clearwater, 20 miles away from where he actually was.

The video shows a man who police have identified as Larson attempting to walk a straight line, heel-to-toe, in the dark in a parking lot in Florida.

At first, it looks like he's making a good faith effort to simply walk the line, but then things get a bit more stylish.

On a second pass, Larson starts churning his arms has he walks, with a bit of bounce in his hips.

He appears to alternate between giving it the old college try to maintain his balance and posture, and adding flair as if the exercise is more performative.

The video shows a man who police have identified as Larson attempting to walk a straight line, heel-to-toe, in the dark in a parking lot in Florida. At first, it looks like he's making a good faith effort to simply walk the line, but then things get a bit more stylish

At one point, about halfway through a third pass down the line he twists his hips and arms like he's doing 'The Twist.'

Then, he appears to raise one arm and lower it across his body, just like John Travolta's Tony Manero character in the 1970s classic, Saturday Night Fever.

After turning a half cirlce, he appears to look at the deputy and sort of shrug, before completing the rotation and getting back to trying to walk the line.

The deputy then asks, 'Are you complete with the exercise?' and it sounds as though Larson says, 'no,' before continuing to groove down the line.

'You're not complete? OK, continue please until you complete it,' the deputy says.

After turning a half cirlce, he appears to look at the deputy and sort of shrug, before completing the rotation and getting back to trying to walk the line. Following more twists, turns, side steps and full rotations, the video ends with Larson appearing to do something like walking lunges and squats in one final pass

After more twists, turns, side steps and full rotations, the video ends with Larson appearing to do something like walking lunges and squats in one final pass.

Before the video began, authorities said they found Larson in his parked vehicle, which was running.

His foot was on the brake, deputies said, and he appeared to be asleep.

A Sheriff's deputy said he knocked on Larson's window and shouted before Larson responded by waving at the deputy, while appearing disoriented.

As Larson got out of the vehicle, according to deputies, it rolled forward as it was still in drive.

The deputy stopped the vehicle from hitting a gate by jumping in, himself, he said.

Following all of this, the deputy asked Larson to submit to the field sobriety test.

After it was all over, Larson admitted to having been drinking for hours, and said that he thought he was in Clearwater, which is about 20 miles south of Holiday, where Larson actually was.

The incident took place near the intersection of Berry Hill Road and Grand Boulevard.
This is the heart-stopping moment a driver skipped a set of red lights and nearly mowed down a 14-year-old schoolboy.

The shocking video shows a Ford tipper jumping the lights, narrowly missing the terrified boy, who was just inches away from being hit.

The driver, Ian Gruber, 39, was tracked down thanks to dash cam footage which was recorded from a nearby HGV driver. He was charged with dangerous driving.

The 14-year-old boy can be seen carrying a blue bad on his back crossing from the right as the truck approaches the crossing

The incident took place on 15 November, 2018 at 3.30pm in Ewell, a leafy suburban area in the borough of Epsom in Surrey. The video shows other school children nearby and the lights clearly on red.

PC Keiron Palmer, a roads policing officer from Surrey Police, said: 'This incident is a sharp reminder of what can happen if you are caught driving dangerously.

'Fortunately the 14-year-old was not hit, but things could have worked out very differently. This incident also demonstrates the important part dash cam footage can play in bringing about a successful prosecution.'

The schoolboy was just inches from being hit by the truck as it passed in front of him in the middle of the road

The truck driver jumped the lights at the crossing and nearly ploughed into a young boy

Gruber, of Beverley Way, London, was found guilty following a trial at Guildford Magistrates' Court. He was given a six week sentence, suspended for 18 months and 80 hours community service.

He also received a 15 month disqualification with an extended test and prosecution costs of 230.

Members of the public have been left stunned at the incident. One wrote on social media: ' Oh my god. The boy was lucky! Shouldn't be driving like that.'

Another wrote: 'That's awful. He's so lucky. That could have been so different.'
A New Jersey community has raised thousands of dollars for three teenage girls whose parents died in a suspected murder-suicide earlier this week.

Four students in Freehold Township launched an online fundraiser for the girls on Tuesday, the day after police revealed their mother, Denise Bartone, was the victim of a homicide and their father, Kenneth Barton, allegedly killed himself.

'We wanted to put something together for the family because theyre in need and they could use the support,' Aidan Matthews, one of the four organizers, told NJ.com.

The GoFundMe page had raised more than $69,110 from donations as of 5pm on Thursday.

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A GoFundMe campaign for the three daughters of a New Jersey couple found dead Monday in a suspected murder-suicide in Freehold Township has raised more than $65,300 in two days as of noon Thursday

Four classmates of the newly-orphaned girls launched the fundraising campaign on Tuesday, the day after police revealed that their mother, Denise Bartone, was the victim of a homicide and their father, Kenneth Barton, allegedly killed himself. The couple is pictured above

Denise Bartone, 48, was found dead at the family's four-bedroom home in Freehold on Monday morning.

Kenneth Bartone, 53, had allegedly killed his wife sometime overnight before driving to the Edison Bridge spanning the Raritan River and leaping to his death.

The husband's body was recovered from the water Monday afternoon following a four-hour search.

The deaths are being investigated by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, which has yet to reveal details about how Denise was killed or the possible motive.

The children were not harmed in the incident, NBC New York reported.

The suburban home in Freehold Township where 48-year-old Denise Bartone was found dead under suspicious circumstances on Monday morning is seen in the aerial shot above

Kenneth Bartone's body was pulled from the Raritan River after a four-hour search. Investigators are seen at Edison Bridge, where the father-of-three allegedly leapt to his death

The deaths are being investigated by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, which has yet to reveal details about how Denise was killed or the possible motive

In the wake of the shocking deaths, classmates flooded Snapchat with posts that featured black screens with purple hearts in honor of the Bartone girls, whose names have been withheld.

The social media support inspired Matt Su and Sam Mueller to do something more substantial to help out the heartbroken children.

They teamed up with Olivia Park and Aidan Matthews, close friends of the middle Bartone daughter, and got permission from a family member to set up the GoFundMe.

The description on the site says: 'On Monday February 4th, a tragic incident took the lives of both Denise and Kenneth Bartoneconsequently leaving their three teenage daughters without their beloved parents. This unexpected and sudden loss was a devastating blow not only to the Bartones, but to the community as well.

'As classmates and friends of the Bartones, we are reaching out for prayers, strength, and donations for the Bartone family. Any donations will help alleviate this terrible situation and will directly go to the Bartones.

'Please keep them in your prayers during this challenging time.'

The four students at Biotechnology High School (above) set up the fundraiser as a way to help the Bartone girls get back on their feet in the wake of their parents' shocking deaths

The GoFundMe is intended to help the three daughters (above with their parents) cover living expenses and college tuition. The girls' names have been withheld to protect their privacy

In a matter of hours, the campaign had far exceeded its original goal.

'It's truly amazing, the support of the community,' said Matthews, a sophomore at Biotechnology High School. 'Everyone is very supportive of everything were trying to do.'

The students said the money will help the girls' cover living expenses and college tuition. The eldest Bartone daughter was reportedly recently accepted to Rutgers University.

Denise Bartone had worked as a marketing specialist at the Food Innovation Center at Rutgers and was a prominent member of the Freehold's education foundation.

A funeral for the mother will be held on Saturday at 10am at the Co-Cathedral of St Robert Bellarmine in Freehold.

The family has asked that donations to be made in Denise's name to St Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

For confidential support call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255
Zhao Qianli, 20, was sentenced to one year in prison and one year of supervised release

A 20-year-old Chinese student has been sentenced to a year in federal prison for illegally taking photos of a restricted naval base in Florida.

A federal judge in Key West imposed the sentence on Zhao Qianli after he pleaded guilty of one count of photographing defense installations on Tuesday.

Zhao's attorney insisted he was merely a tourist who got lost and wandered onto the base.

But investigators say he had only base photos on his cellphone and camera, and none of familiar tourist locations in Key West.

In addition to his prison sentence, Zhao must complete a year of supervised release.

Authorities say he took photos in September of sensitive areas of the Key West Naval Air Station after walking around a fence into a well-marked restricted zone.

According to court documents cited by CNN, Zhao entered the Joint Interagency Task Force South military property, located on Naval Air Station Key West, on September 26 without permission 'by circumnavigating the installation's primary fence line, and entering the military property from the beach.'

Zhao then went directly to an area that contains a range of satellite dishes and antennas called 'the Farm', and took videos and photos of the equipment in the area, court documents say.

The Joint Interagency Task Force South is located at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida

The court documents give no specific indication whether Zhao was attempting to commit espionage, CNN reported.

The Key West facility was referred to as 'one of the leading intelligence fusion centers in the world.'

It tracks more than 1,000 suspect targets a day, the US Navy says, turning intelligence images into virtual reality programmes.

Zhao was in the US to study musicology as part of a summer exchange program from North University of China.

The FBI said he was in the country legally, but his visa ran out a week before his arrest.
Millionaire Jeffrey Epstein has been spotted for the first time in nearly three years at his luxe Manhattan townhouse, pictured in DailyMail.com exclusive photos.

The sighting comes as the Justice Department opened up an investigation into a plea deal the politically connected Florida financier took in 2008, which potentially spared him life in prison after he was accused of sexually abusing at least 40 teen girls.

The 66-year-old was seen leaving his Madison Avenue mansion for a haircut on Saturday, after arriving back home from a trip to Paris.

Epstein looked unkempt with tousled hair, worn-out, baggy, initialed sweatpants, a white T-shirt, a monogrammed jacket with an over-sized parka on top.

Over the course of a few days, at least three women were seen coming and going from his mansion, some making multiple visits.

Disgraced millionaire Jeffrey Epstein has been photographed for the first time since April 2016 in exclusive DailyMail.com photos

Epstein looked ragged with unkempt hair, worn-out, baggy, initialed sweatpants, a white T-shirt, a monogrammed sweater with an over-sized parka jacket

The 66-year-old was seen leaving his Manhattan mansion for a haircut on Saturday, after arriving home from a trip to Paris

Epstein arrived back from France in his Bentley on January 30 shortly before 2pm. Two days later, he ventured outside to head to Mete Turkman for a haircut

Epstein arrived back from France in his Bentley on January 30 shortly before 2pm. Two days later, he ventured outside to head to Mete Turkman for a haircut.

The last time Epstein was photographed was in New York in April 2016, with two young women hanging on his arms.

The department's Office of Professional Responsibility wrote in a letter on Wednesday to U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, R-Nebraska that it would examine whether professional misconduct occurred in the highly publicized case of Epstein.

The letter cited a series of recent articles by the Miami Herald that focused new attention on how the deal came about.

Sasse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who has twice asked the Justice Department to investigate the case, welcomed the news.

'Jeffrey Epstein is a child rapist and there's not a single mom or dad in America who shouldn't be horrified by the fact that he received a pathetically soft sentence,' Sasse said in an email.

'The victims of Epstein's child sex trafficking ring deserve this investigation - and so do the American people and members of law enforcement who work to put these kinds of monsters behind bars.'

Epstein reached a nonprosecution deal in 2008 with then-Miami U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta's office to secretly end a federal sex abuse investigation involving at least 40 teenage girls that could have landed him behind bars for life.

Over the course of a few days, a bevy of women were seen coming and going from his home. The last time Epstein had been photographed was in April 2016, with two young women hanging on his arms

This unidentified woman entered and exited Epstein's New York mansion during his most recent stay in New York. She was previously seen with Epstein in New York in 2016

This unidentified woman was seen spending time at Epstein's New York home. She was seen leaving to go to a local Apple store before heading back to Epstein's

Another unidentified woman was seen going in and out of Epstein's mansion multiple times during his recent stay in New York

Epstein instead pleaded guilty to state charges, spent 13 months in jail, paid settlements to victims and is a registered sex offender.

He had pleaded guilty to two counts of soliciting girls as young as 14 for prostitution.

Acosta, now President Donald Trump's labor secretary, has defended the deal as appropriate but has not commented since the recent round of stories.

The Justice Department has opened an investigation into federal prosecutors' handling of the plea deal struck by Epstein, whose wealth and political connections are suspected to have played a role in the relatively light punishment he received

He was asked about the case during his Senate confirmation hearings for the Cabinet post.

'At the end of the day, based on the evidence, professionals within a prosecutor's office decided that a plea that guarantees someone goes to jail, that guarantees he register generally and guarantees other outcomes, is a good thing,' he said.

The U.S. attorney's office in Miami had no immediate comment Wednesday on the new investigation.

An attorney for Epstein did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to court papers, Epstein had a Palm Beach mansion where underage girls were brought for what they were sometimes told were massage sessions but often turned into sexual encounters.

He allegedly had female fixers who would look for suitable girls, some local and others recruited from Eastern Europe and other parts of the world.

Before the scandal broke, Epstein was friends with Trump and had visited his Mar-a-Lago resort. Trump at the time told interviewers that Epstein was 'a great guy.'

Alleged victim Michelle Licata sheds tears as she recalled her sexual encounters with Epstein saying 'He had no repercussions and doesn't even believe he did anything wrong'

Virginia Roberts, pictured above, claimed Epstein abused her sexually at the age of 16

The underage girls were lured to Epstein's mansion in Florida with the lure of a couple hundred dollars to give him a massage- he allegedly sexually assaulted many of them

Records also show former President Bill Clinton flew on Epstein's jet more than two dozen times on various philanthropic trips.

Epstein also has a home in New York City, a ranch in New Mexico and a private Caribbean island.

Some of his accusers are pursuing a separate legal effort to nullify the plea agreement and, they hope, expose him to federal prosecution again.

That lawsuit in West Palm Beach federal court contends their rights as victims were violated because they were not consulted or informed about the nonprosecution agreement before it was finalized.

Last year, Epstein settled a defamation lawsuit brought against him by some of the accusers' lawyer, Bradley Edwards, who said Epstein tried to derail his representation of the women and ruin his career.

In settling, Epstein apologized and agreed to pay an undisclosed amount to Edwards.

More than 60 girls have claimed they were turned into sex slaves by Epstein when they were teenagers and Edwards previously won $5.5million for some victims.
Ugandan police arrested a team of BBC journalists for illegal possession of prescription drugs, but the country's government spokesman said the reporters had been helping to expose corruption, and demanded their immediate release.

Patrick Onyango, Uganda's police spokesman, said on Thursday five suspects had been detained overnight.

They included two Ugandans and one Kenyan working for the British broadcaster, as well as the wife of a local journalist from NBS Television who was working with them, and a driver.

Fourteen boxes of tablets had been seized, along with other vaccines.

The Ugandan government pleaded with the police to release the BBC journalists on Thursday [file photo]

Government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said the journalists had been cooperating with the State House Health Monitoring Unit to investigate the theft and sale of Ugandan government drugs in neighbouring South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.

'I am yet to find out the logic why police arrested these journalists, who in my view were helping government to unearth the rot which is in the system,' said Opondo. 'They should be released unconditionally.'

The BBC said it was in contact with the authorities over the case.

Uganda's decrepit healthcare system is riddled with corruption and doctors and nurses frequently complain about shortages of basic supplies like gloves, medicines and vaccines.

Opondo said that police had told him the journalists were 'intending to embarrass the government'. He said such a reason for their arrest would be 'absurd.'
A soldier who was 6,000 in debt, jumpy after his service in Afghanistan and felt isolated was found hanged in his room at an Army base in Northern Ireland, an inquest has heard.

Rifleman Darren Mitchell, 20, from London, was found dead at Abercorn Barracks in Ballykinler, Co Down, on February 10 2013.

It came just months after another soldier, Lance Corporal James Ross, 30, from Leeds, was also found hanged in his room, in December 2012.

Both men were serving with the Second Battalion the Rifles and had previously been on active service in Afghanistan.

An inquest sitting at Ballymena courthouse is examining both deaths.

Rifleman Darren Mitchell whose inquest, along with Lance Corporal James Ross, is taking place in Ballymena

Carol Mitchell told the inquest it was a 'perfect storm' of factors that contributed to her son's death.

She described how he had been in debt up to 6,000, an amount that she said would have seemed 'insurmountable' to Darren, pointing out he was just 20.

Following his death, she said the owed back pay from the Army settled those debts.

Mrs Mitchell also told the inquest that Darren had told her about two incidents in Afghanistan which upset him.

Lance Corporal James Ross (pictured) was found hanged. Their deaths were at Abercorn Barracks just eight months apart

Entrance to Ballykinler barracks in Co Down, Northern Ireland where two men died

In one, he had been due to be the soldier at the front of a patrol but was swapped with a colleague at the last minute. That soldier then suffered severe leg injuries in an attack.

She also detailed that towards the end of 2012, he had become hyper vigilant, confided in her less, was jumpy and struggling to sleep.

He had successfully applied for his 'dream job' in the Army as an outdoor activity instructor, but this had involved undertaking courses across the UK and in Spain and Germany which left him very tired.

In addition, Mrs Mitchell described how her son had felt isolated after a knee injury held him back from joining his unit in Afghanistan, and instead had to serve with a different unit.

When he returned to Ballykinler and the new job, he continued to feel isolated, as a number of soldiers were taking redundancy at that time.

'Everything hit him at that precise moment,' Mrs Mitchell told the inquest.

'He thought everyone was leaving, he was exhausted, his back pay hadn't come through, he had had a row with Cher (his girlfriend) and he had just got back after being away for a long time.'

She added that she did not blame the Army for his death but felt more could have been done to help him.

The inquest continues.

Anyone who would like help can call the Samaritans anonymously at any time of the day or night, on 116 123, or visit their website by clicking here.
When Russian authorities attributed the brutal deaths of nine hikers to the 'spontaneous power of nature' it sparked 60 years of conspiracy theories.

The university students set out to explore 'Dead Mountain' in Siberia in 1959 and when they failed to return a search party was sent after them - they were horrified by what they found.

Their tent had been mysteriously slashed from the inside, their camp was deserted and they had left their clothes and belongings behind.

Days later the first two bodies were discovered. They were stripped to their underwear next to a small fire.

Three more were found nearby, apparently they perished making an attempt to get back to their camp.

The last four were not found until the snow melted two months later in a ravine. Some of their injuries were horrifying. One had her eyes and tongue cut out, two had major chest fractures and another extensive skull damage. Their injuries were similar to those caused by a major car crash. They had no external injuries but it was if something had crushed them.

It has also been reported that radiation has been found on their clothes and the bodies were a strange tan colour. People claimed orange orbs were seen around the mountain at the time and the bodies were prematurely aged.

It sparked an avalanche of conspiracy theories from hypothermia induced madness to an attack by an indigenous tribe and was labelled the 'world's greatest mystery'.

Now, however the Russian government has vowed to get to the bottom of the enduring mystery known as the 'Dyatlov Pass incident'.

Alexander Kurennoi, a spokesperson for Russias prosecutor, said: 'All of the deaths are somehow connected with natural phenomena.

'Relatives, the media and the public still ask prosecutors to determine the truth and don't hide their suspicions that something was hidden from them.'

Russian investigators are once more looking into the deaths of a group of nine university student hikers who died under unclear circumstances in the Northern Urals between February 1 and 2, 1959. Pictured is their collapsed tent found by a rescue mission on February 20

Smiling before disaster: (Left to right) Nicolai Thibeaux-Brignolle, Luda Dubinina, SemyonZolotarev and Zina Kolmogorova were all found frozen to death in the Ural Mountains

What is known of that fateful night is that nine students at Ural Polytechnic, seven men and two women, had made camp for the night at the foot of Kholat Syakhl, the Dead Mountain.

The group, led by 23-year-old Igor Dyatlov, had made dozens of similar winter-time hikes before, though none quite so ambitious as this one.

When they failed to return on February 20, a rescue party was sent out to find them - and made a gruesome and baffling discovery.

At first, they came across a collapsed tent, still filled with all the clothing and survival gear needed to make the rest of the journey.

The empty tent baffled investigators, as it still contained items of clothing and pairs of shoes - implying that some of the students had ventured out into the wilderness barefoot and without coats.

Files seen during a press conference on the investigation of the Dyatlov Pass Incident case that has recently been reopened

The head of Sverdlovsk Region's directorate for the supervision over the execution of federal laws, Andrei Kuryakov, is seen at a press conference on the investigation this week

Indeed, despite temperatures well below -20C, two members of the group were found dead in just their underwear.

Yuri Doroshenko and Yuri Krivonischenko were found lying in the snow on flat land near a river, a mile from the tent, next to the remains of a long burnt-out fire.

Around 350 yards away lay the corpse of Dyatlov, the engineering student who had put the expedition together and was its leader. His name would later be given to the area where the tragedy took place, as well as the incident itself.

Nearby, a search dog sniffed out the remains of Zina Kolmogorova, 22, under four inches of snow, and then that of Rustem Slobodin.

The bodies were in a line 200 yards apart, as if they had been trying to crawl behind each other back up to the shelter of the tent, but never made it.

Striking camp: The skiers setting up camp on February 2, 1959 in a snap taken from a roll of film found by investigators, which is the last known photo of them alive

Another two months went by before the rest of the group were found, under 15ft of snow in a den they had desperately hollowed out for themselves before succumbing to the cold.

Some of this group had broken bones and terrible internal injuries but, strangely, no external wounds, not even scratches on the skin.

Post-mortem examinations of all nine bodies threw their own anomalies, as some bodies were fully clothed, others almost naked. One, belonging to Lyudmilla Dubinina was missing her tongue and eyes.

An investigation by a Soviet government inspector was also fruitless, and was quietly dropped after concluding nobody was to blame.

Lev Ivanov, the inspector, concluded only that all nine deaths had been caused by what he described as an unknown elemental force which they were unable to overcome.
A Texas radio host has died after he was hit by an Amtrak train as he was jogging along the tracks.

Michael 'Doc' Thompson, 49, passed away on Tuesday after he was hit by the running train in Haltom City, Texas around 3.45pm, according to the Tarrant County medical examiner's office.

Witnesses and train crew said he was jogging along the tracks when he was struck by the passing train. No one on the train was injured in the crash, according to the Dallas News.

Wireless earbuds were found at the scene, although it's not clear if they belonged to Thompson.

Thompson ran a radio talk show called 'Daily Mojo' and was known for his conservative libertarian views.

Conservative radio host Michael 'Doc' Thompson, 49, died on Tuesday after he was hit by a passing Amtrak train as he was jogging along the tracks

He was struck as he was jogging along train tracks around 3.45pm in Haltom City, Texas. (File image of Amtrak train above)

Tragic spot: This is the intersection where Thompson was jogging when he was hit by the train

He was married to Yuna Lee, a local news anchor in Arkansas. He was a father to three children Tiger, Cubby, and Wythe, and resided in Bentonville, Arkansas. Thompson commuted weekly to Texas for his radio show.

Lee took to Facebook to share the devastating loss.

'I am having a hard time processing all of this and coming up with words, but I am so thankful for the love you have shown Mike and our boys,' she wrote on Thursday to her followers.

'We will take all the love and prayers we can get. Once I can come up with more words, I will share them with you. For now, thank you so so much, sweet sweet friends,' she added.

He ran the 'Daily Mojo' radio talk show and was known for his conservative libertarian views

Wireless earbuds were found at the scene, although it's not clear if they belonged to Thompson

On Wednesday his co-radio hosts Ron Phillips and Brad Staggs paid tribute to him on-air.

Thompson also used to host a show on Fox personality Glenn Beck's The Blaze. Beck also paid tribute to him on Wednesday, fondly remembering him as 'the ultimate entrepreneur'.

'Doc was one of the more gregarious guys I know. He was the ultimate entrepreneur. He left us to start his own business,' he said to TheBlaze.com.

Thompson was married to Arkansas news anchor Yuna Lee and they shared three kids

On Wednesday his co-radio hosts Ron Phillips and Brad Staggs paid tribute to him on-air

'He loved new businesses and because of Doc, many businesses are flourishing because he would take them under his wings. He just always had a positive attitude and a can-do spirit, and we are devastated as a family and devastated for his family,' he added.

Fans lamented the radio icon's death as well. One said on Facebook: 'I just keep waiting for him to show up'.

A GoFundMe page has already raised $104,395 to support Thompson's family, surpassing the goal of $20,000 by Thursday.

Thompson's bio page described his broadcast style as a mix of reporting, commentary and humor. He had a conservative libertarian political philosophy and economically supported a free market.
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Theresa May has had another gruelling day in her quest to strike a Brexit deal with the EU that can win support from MPs.

The PM travelled to Brussels for a brutal round of meetings with commission chief, Jean-Claude Juncker, European council president Donald Tusk, and EU Parliament president Antonio Tajani.

The sessions were especially fraught in the wake of Mr Tusk's jibe that Brexiteers would have a 'special place in Hell'. Meanwhile, Mr Juncker has insisted there is no prospect of reopening the Withdrawal Agreement.

Here, body language expert Judi James looks at how the encounters between the key players in Brussels went:

May and Tusk

Judging from Mays wintry facial expression and lack of eye contact or even recognition of Tusk here Id suggest she really did issue a Nebulous?-style roasting over his place in hell comments.

The two leaders share some similarities in body language demeanour here but with some telling, intrinsic differences. Standing together side by side for their photo-call their cold, unsmiling expressions and the way they both stand to attention with their arms down at their sides suggest mutual frostiness. However Mays cold-eye stare involves a slightly heavier top lid that could make it look more measured and menacing (Think Dirty Harry). Its a reflective look of what could pass as steely anger, which is endorsed by the way she pulls her chin into her neck. Her lips are tight but not clamped and there appears to be a surprising lack of tension in her hands, which dangle loosely at her sides.

Tusk is more openly in fight mode here and seemingly more in the moment. His shoulders are pulled back while his neck is stuck forward. His mouth is clamped shit and his chin juts. His cold stare is wide-eyed and focused with one brow raised. His arms mirror Mays pose but whereas his left hand hangs like hers his right is partly balled into a fist.

Body language expert Judi James looked at how the encounters between Theresa May and Donald Tusk went today

The talks with Mr Tusk (pictured) appear to have been extremely tense as the Brexit pressure begins to fray tempers

Theresa May said she confronted Donald Tusk (pictured together in Brussels today) about his 'unhelpful' barb about Brexiteers having a 'special place in Hell'

The difference in their poses suggest May might excel in intimidation while Tusks suggests more active battling. His right hand could hint at some fear but his eye expression and his signals of aggressive arousal suggest hell be spoiling for a fight and averse to any form of public climb-down.

The body language signals were similar at the meeting. May is the only one not attempting to smile at the meeting and also the only one not showing their hands by placing them under rather than on the table. This could suggest a desire to show shes got something up her sleeve or that shes keeping her thoughts hidden or masked but it also creates a self-diminished look that might not be ideal for a tough meeting where the grim smiles of the others suggest theyre almost spoiling for a fight.

May and Juncker

It would be natural and appropriate at this stage of the negotiations for both sides to put in a performance of aggressive masking to imply a tough, recalcitrant stance.

This would be the weigh-in moment for a prize-fighter and both Juncker and especially May will be keen to suggest toughness and resolve via their body language, not just to each other in a bid to intimidate, but in May's case it is also Parliament and the electorate who are expecting to see naked steel rather than any suggestion of a weak, polite and smiling cave-in.

May previously began her transformation from nice guy to Terminator with the 'Nebulous?' photo-opportunity where she appeared to be giving the normally tactile and amenable-looking Juncker a prime roasting.

Now she has turned up the heat or  to be precise  added further layers to the perma-frost, with this emphatic and deliberate display of coldness and possible anger at today's meetings in Brussels.

May arrives walking at a fair lick, which is guaranteed to leave the less agile Juncker playing catch-up behind her.

She also walks a pace away to the side from Juncker with what looks like an apparent desire to ignore his presence altogether. Her walk is purposeful, bordering on a march.

Unlike some much fonder-looking displays from past meetings, May faces front for the photo-call, again with a large spatial gap.

Body language expert Judi James looked at how the encounters between Theresa May and Jean Claude Juncker went in Brussels today

Mrs May was careful not to smile as she greeted Mr Juncker at the European commission headquarters in Brussels today

Earlier, the PM and the EU commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker - usually known for his exuberant touchy-feely style - stood grim-faced next to each other before disappearing for private talks

The body language between Mrs May and Mr Juncker was distinctly frosty as they met before the crucial talks today

The two leaders went on from the grim-faced photo opportunity to have a 'robust' discussion - often seen as diplomatic code for a blazing row

Juncker offers no intentional gesture for his shake and May still holds her arms down by her sides as Juncker pokes his hand out quickly as though sticking it into the flames of an oven.

There is a lack of eye contact to suggest any form or rapport or like-minded thinking. When their eyes do meet over the shake the prize-fighter theme continues with the exchange of a cold, hard stare.

Juncker's feet are partially turned in towards May but hers remain resolutely pointing forward and when Juncker does pull his hand away she breaks from the eye contact with a skittish head-toss that could imply derision.

May is normally polite with her body language signals but her side-eye stare and then her mouth clamp with her head raised and her chin pulled into her neck suggest open annoyance and exasperation.

Juncker's pursed lips and the way he looks down as he offer his hand suggest a less dramatic form of stubbornness but overall he does look like a man who might not see what she is hoping to achieve by her meetings. In the end she stormed off stage leaving Juncker trailing behind but whereas he looked amused and even slightly apologetic during 'Nebulous-gate', here he looks more like a man who is just plain baffled. He did place one dominant, ushering hand on May's back as she turned to leave but after that he was just treated to a view of her heels as she set off at warp speed.
A Madeira Beach, Florida city commissioner has stepped down, after being slapped with a fine for drunkenly licking the face of a former city manager and groping him in public seven years prior.

Nancy Oakley, 60, on Tuesday submitted a letter of resignation, in which she maintained her innocence but wrote that it was time for everyone to 'move on.'

In January, the Florida Commission on Ethics voted to fine Oakley $5,000 for her conduct towards former Madeira Beach City Manager Shane Crawford, and to appeal to the governor to formally reprimand Oakley.

Three other men have also accused Oakley of licking them against their will.

Oakley had a 'habit of licking men that either she was attracted to or thought that she had authority over,' Crawford said.

Madeira Beach, Florida, City Commissioner Nancy Oakley, 60 (left), has resigned, six years after City Manager Shane Crawford (right) said she licked his face and grabbed his crotch at a fishing tournament

Oakley also was said to have called City Clerk Cheryl McGrady (left), whom she suspected of being Crawford's mistress at the time, a 'f***ing b****'

On Wednesday, the Madeira Beach City Commission accepted Oakley's resignation and publicly censured her for sexually harassing Crawford at a fishing tournament in November 2012, reported The Washington Post.

Since Oakley previously decided to not seek re-election, she would have vacated her seat anyway after serving out her current term ending in March.

'We believe that this is the right thing for the organization to do and shows that we are committed to moving the organization forward,' said current City Manager Jonathan Evans, according to WTSP.

Crawford, 41, who left his post in 2017, claimed in a complaint that Oakley was inebriated when she came up to him and licked the side of his face, starting from his Adam's apple.

The city commissioner also allegedly grabbed Crawford's penis and buttocks, in what he called a show of dominance.

When then-city clerk Cheryl McGrady, whom Crawford later married, told Oakley that her conduct was inappropriate, the city commissioner allegedly called the woman a 'f***ing b****' and took a swing at her, but missed.

At the time, Oakley reportedly suspected Crawford and McGrady of having an affair while being married to other people  a claim the city clerk denied.

Crawford claimed in his complaint against Oakley that she has been known to run her tongue across some of her male subordinates' faces.

Crawford married McGrady in 2017 (left). The mom-of-two, 51, denied having an affair with Crawford at the time of the face-licking incident

Despite Oakley's protestations of innocence, three other men have come forward claiming that she had licked their faces in public against their will.

McGrady claimed in cross-examination that Oakley 'licked a lot of people' and that it was common knowledge 'that's what she did when she got drunk.'

'The act of licking a person on the face and neck is too unusual to be contrived by multiple witnesses and multiple victims,' administrative law judge Robert S. Cohen wrote in his final report on the incident.

In her letter announcing her resignation, Oakley again denied licking or touching Crawford and said she was stepping down to 'still the controversy.'

Oakley also stated she was planning to appeal the commission's ruling fining her.

Crawford kept mum about the face-licking incident for five years, supposedly for fear of losing his job.

He had a change of heart and filed an official complaint in 2017, after learning that Oakley was running for re-election.

Oakley ultimately won the election, and as one of her first orders of business called for Cheryl McGrady's firing.

Shortly after, Oakley voted to suspend Crawford for unspecified reasons, prompting him to step down.

Crawford married McGrady, 51, in 2017. Between the two of them, the couple have three children from past relationships.
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Glorious photos from the 1950s depict model aeroplane enthusiasts and their families enjoying a day out showing off their work.

Taken on a sunny day in Gravesend in Kent in 1951, the images show an eager group of model-makers winding up a propeller for flight, breathless spectators ducking out of the way of an out-of-control plane, and two men making minute adjustments to their beloved craft.

The nostalgic shots also include a group of women enjoying a board game alongside their pristine motorcar and an enthusiast tracking the progress of his 'kite' with the aid of a spyglass.

The Kite and Model Aeroplane Association, the first flying club of its type in the UK, began in 1909, just six years after the Wright brothers took to the air in their landmark first flight.

Aeromodelling Clubs, whose members often referred to themselves as 'aeronauts', became more popular in the mid-20th Century, especially as commercial flight became increasingly affordable in the 1950s.

Before plastic kits became the norm, most planes would have been made with wood, rubber or metal. The propellers would be hand wound before flying and certain models could be controlled from the ground by string held by the aircraft's pilot.

Taken on a sunny day in Gravesend in 1951, these nostalgic photos show model aeroplane enthusiasts showing off their work in front of an appreciative crowd. Pictured on the left is a plane nearly skimming the runway while on the right a woman carries hers nose down

The nostalgic shots an enthusiast tracking the progress of his 'kite' with the aid of a spyglass while standing on his classic car

The Kite and Model Aeroplane Association, the first flying club of its type in the UK, began in 1909, just six years after the Wright brothers took to the air in their landmark first flight. Its members are seen in these photos

A day out flying model planes at the airfield was a great bonding experience, and these photographs show people of all ages taking part

Children examining their owl aircraft in the parched grassland around the airfield before propelling it into the Kent sky

Aeromodelling Clubs, whose members often referred to themselves as 'aeronauts', became more popular in the mid-20th Century, especially as commercial flight became increasingly affordable in the 1950s. Pictured: A man tinkers with his model

Before plastic kits became the norm, most planes would have been made with wood, rubber or metal. Pictured is a boy applying paint to his model

Two model airplane enthusiasts tinker with a large propeller inside a tented workshop at the airfield in Gravesend, Kent

A curious child inspects the cardboard packaging of a model aircraft, showing how the hobby was popular with people of all ages

The model planes were sometimes very large, as this image of two men inspecting one of the models shows

A group of women enjoying a board game alongside their pristine motorcar. The evening newspaper can be seen by their side, along with a radio

The flights did not always go to plan. In this image, a line of spectators attempts to duck out of the way of an out-of-control model

The propellers would be hand wound before flying (right) and certain models could be controlled from the ground by string held by the aircraft's pilot. Pictured left: A plane in flight

Transporting the models to and from the shows took perseverance and a deft hand - this man transported his in a cardboard box attacked to his back by cords

One enthusiast (right) winds up a propeller while the other holds the aircraft shortly before it would have been thrown into the air

The sport remains popular in 2019 with around 780 affiliated clubs across the UK with a combined membership of over 36,000 members of the British Model Flying Association
Two quick thinking police officers worked together to coax a scared kitten stuck around 30ft up a tree to jump to safety.

Officers Devin Trotti and Randy Stallard from Lufkin Police Department in Texas used crime scene tape and a blanket in their ten-minute rescue operation on Friday.

Video from Officer Trotti's bodycam shows him getting supplies out of the police car and walking towards his colleague who is looking up at the tree.

Officers Devin Trotti and Randy Stallard from Lufkin Police Department in Texas hold out a blanket for the kitten to fall on during the rescue

A line of yellow tape can be seen going up to the tree from their vehicle before Officer Trotti says: 'Trust me, I can get that cat down. Hold this blanket.'

The officers then take a side of the blanket each and fold it in half while they position themselves underneath the cat.

The men shake the blanket while Officer Trotti waves one arm to tug the line of crime scene tape, trying to get the cat's attention and get it to move.

He says: 'Come on down cat. Come on cat.'

After a few more shakes the little kitten falls onto the blanket and Officer Stallard gently picks up the scared feline.

The officers high five as Officer Stallard holds the kitten close to his chest and Officer Trotti says: 'We got that cat. There's more than one way to catch a cat.'

The cat eventually jumps from a height of around 30ft and safely lands on the green blanket

Officer Stallard scoops the scared kitten up and holds her close to his chest after the rescue

Lufkin Police Department shared pictures of the kitten, now affectionately named Trotti, who is waiting to be adopted

Sadly, before the officers arrived another kitten fell from the tree and died.

The officers shared the rescue video on Facebook, writing: 'This is the condensed version of their 10-minute rescue which involved crime scene tape and one of the blankets that our officers keep in their patrol units to give to the homeless.

'The kitten, a female now fondly named Trotti, was taken to the Kurth Memorial Animal Shelter and is up for adoption at 1901 Hill St. in Lufkin.'

Lufkin Police Department later posted a picture of the kitten on Facebook saying 'apparently she's got a lot to say.'

Dozens of people have commented on the video, thanking the officers for helping the cat.

One person wrote 'Great job officers! Thanks for all you do.'

Another added: 'Beautiful Blue kitty. Thank you for saving her. I hate to hear that her sibling didn't make it. May this blue baby find the most awesome forever family.'
A man who carried child pornography across the U.S.-Canada border and had photos of himself wearing an 'I'm a child molester' t-shirt has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Jason Harry Bishop was caught carrying child porn from Sault St. Marie, Michigan over the border into Canada in January 2017.

Bishop, who is a repeat child sex offender, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on Tuesday.

Jason Harry Bishop was caught carrying child porn from Michigan over the border into Canada in January 2017. When authorities searched his computer, they found photos of him wearing an 'I am a child molester' t-shirt

When he crossed the border back in 2017, U.S. customs officials said they became suspicious of Bishop and sent him for a secondary inspection.

Officials found Bishop had several photos showing child porn in his possession.

Bishop's electronic devices were then sent over to Homeland Security and additional lewd content was uncovered.

Among the images were ones Bishop took himself of him wearing an 'I'm a child molester' t-shirt and another of him standing in front of a poster that read: 'I love child porn'.

Bishop is a repeat child sex offender.

Authorities said he has solicited sex with underage children on at least three prior occasions.

Among the images authorities found was this photo Bishop took of himself with a bong in front of an 'I love child porn' poster

Bishop was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on Tuesday. He is pictured left in his January 2017 mugshot and right from a prior child porn arrest

He has also previously served time for being in possession of child pornography and annoying or molesting children.

'(This) significant prison term against a convicted child predator should serve as a clear warning for those who target and prey on children,' said Steve Francis, special agent in charge for HSI Detroit.

'The aggressive investigation and prosecution of child predators remains among HSI's highest priorities.'

A Twitter account that appears to belong to Bishop features several pornographic videos and multiple lewd posts about children.

In addition to his 20 year prison sentence, Bishop has been sentenced to serve 10 years of supervision following his release from prison, pay a $40,000 fine and pay $5,100 in special assessments.
These haunting images from World War I show the horrors of the Western Front in motion, as flickering soldiers prepare their weapons and lie dead in the trenches.

The animated stereographs show British troops lowering a shell into a gun, an American bugler calling sailors to attention on the deck of a battleship and hundreds of German prisoners being captured by the Americans.

In one of the most terrifying pictures, the partly skeletonised remains of a British soldier are lying on the battlefield long after the man has died, his rifle and the attached bayonet still on the ground beside him.

Another picture shows the impact on the home front, as a house in Southend has its roof and windows damaged by a German zeppelin raid.

There are also images of life away from the battlefield, as British soldiers bake huge batches of bread and Allied troops hold a Catholic Mass in the trenches.

The pictures were brought to life by Irish artist Matt Loughrey, who found the 'spooky but storyful' images in the U.S. Library of Congress.

The stereograph technique involves two photos taken around three inches apart that are viewed through a stereoscope to fool the brain into seeing a three-dimensional image.

Here, the photos have been put together in an animation to create a rather shaky 3D image.

They were popular in the Victorian age, when people would view them with a stereoscope.

This image shows 12 men lowering a shell into a gun from which it can be fired, on the Western Front. The men would pull on the cables, in a mechanism using pulleys and chains to raise the shells from the ground up to the wooden rack. After inserting the shell they would tug on the cables, prompting it to slip far into the gun. Another row of shells lies on the ground nearby.

This picture shows some 1,900 German prisoners being captured by American forces in France during World War I. The men line up in a queue, many of them wearing grey caps and overcoats. There were fewer than 5,000 Americans taken prisoner during the war, while U.S. troops captured some 63,000 Germans, in particular during the battles of Saint-Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne.

A British 'Archie', or anti-aircraft weapon, in action on the Western Front during World War I. More than a dozen men in helmets surround the weapon and its range finders as they prepare it for defence against German aircraft. Deployed here on the continent, they were also installed in London to fend off air raids. The weapons rarely brought down enemy planes but forced enemy pilots to fly well clear of them.

Horror on the home front: The roof and windows of a house in Southend, England, are ruined by a zeppelin attack. In this picture a crowd of people has assembled to inspect the damage, with one of the front windows completely destroyed by the attack. The town in Essex was the victim of bombing raids in 1915 as German airships attacked the English coast, also targeting Dover and Ramsgate in Kent.

An unknown soldier's last fight: this haunting image shows the body of a soldier lying in a pile of debris in France, his eyes still appearing to be staring at the sky. The idea of commemorating an 'unknown warrior' became popular after World War I, with Britain and France both burying one of their soldiers at historic landmarks - Westminster Abbey and the Arc de Triomphe respectively - in November 1920.

This image from a Serbian trench in what was then Ottoman Turkey shows soldiers awaiting a phone call from a listening post, ready to receive orders to fire a rocket and illuminate no-man's land. The dugout was hidden in the side of the mountain, designed not to be noticed by enemy planes. The rocket was intended to reveal enemy positions, lighting them up for several minutes, and allow for an attack.

Soldiers bring in wounded men after a battle on the French front, in Ablain-Saint-Nazaire in northern France. Two men are seen carrying a stretcher, on which an injured soldier lies with a blanket over his body while fellow troops watch on. The stretcher bearers had to carry the men to first aid stations - sometimes while a battle was still raging - where their wounds would be cleaned and treated.

British troops run past a dead German soldier on the Western Front. It is not clear where this picture was taken but there would have been many such scenes during the war. The British soldiers are running over a pile of rubble and debris, apparently in a hurry, carrying their weapons and backpacks with ammunition being fired in the background. They have no time to stop for the German soldier lying dead on the ground.

A bugler calls to attention on the deck of a battleship, prompting marines and sailors to assemble for instructions. It appears to be an American vessel but it is not clear where the picture was taken. According to the description on the picture, the bugler would open the day by waking sailors up at 5.45am. At 8am the men would stand at attention while The Star-Spangled Banner was played. In addition to the regular routine the bugle would sound for fire alarms and calls to abandon ship.

A class of officers practises the 'short point stab' on a row of sacks, at an American army camp in the United States. In the image the line of around a dozen men lean forward, holding the front of their bayonet with their left hand and stabilising it with their right, and piercing the sacks which are hanging from a frame. Further down the line, two apparently more senior officers are watching the men's progress.

British soldiers from the Highlanders regiment using a periscope to look outside their trench. The improvised looking device is made of two mirrors and a piece of iron. Their rifles and bayonets are positioned nearby, with the men ready to defend themselves if they spy a German attack through the periscope. The blanket on the roof of the trench is intended for protection against a gas attack.

French gunners preparing a 270mm Howitzer, in the Forest of Argonne in the north-east of France. The weapons were designed to fire at high trajectories and the target would often not be visible to the gunner. The direction and angle in which they needed to point the gun would be supplied to them, based partly on observations from reconaissance trips by plane. The Meuse-Argonne offensive was part of the final stages of the war in which the Allies broke through German lines.

Human wreckage in no-man's land, in Chemin des Dames, France. From the helmet and the case which held his gas mask, the man is believed to have been a British soldier, although some time must have passed since the soldier's death as most of his body has decayed, leaving the skeleton of his body and at least one of his legs. The man's rifle, with its bayonet still attached, remains lying on the floor next to him.

This picture shows French soldiers in a trench, protected by sandbags which give the dugout high walls. Next to them in the foreground are flares, used to send signals in case other forms of communication broke down. One of the soldiers is holding a rudimentary hand grenade, which would be used in an assault on enemy lines or deployed at closer range if the French dugout came under attack.

Making bread for British troops in a camp scene in France. In this image loaves of bread are piled on trays on the ground, with two of the men holding long sticks which would be used to bring the finished bread out of the oven. One of the Field Bakeries could make enough bread for 20,000 men.

Religious service on the front line: A Roman Catholic Mass is said in Allied trenches on the Western Front. In this image a large group of men are gathered around what appears to be a makeshift altar. The soldiers are more exposed to the elements than they would normally be in their dugout. There were chaplains on the front line throughout the war, offering religious service and spiritual comfort against the death and destruction which surrounded the men.

The bodies of two Scottish soldiers lie on the battlefield in Belgium during World War I. They lie dead in the mud with barbed wire and wreckage around them, two of the approximately 900,000 British men who fell in the Great War. There were also many war dead from the British colonies and Commonwealth, including tens of thousands from India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

This image shoes sharpshooters in a protected position near enemy lines on the Western Front. Two men crouch at the front of the trench with their weapons, wearing helmets and seemingly concentrating as they look for enemy soldiers to target. Allied snipers were forced to work with primitive equipment but modern British sniper training is still based on the curriculum that was devised during the Great War.
Donald Trump stumbled through a speech to an annual gathering of evangelicals in Washington on Thursday, reading a 20-minute presidential sermonette in a disjointed performance that included praise for Christians who were instrumental in the 'abolition of civil rights.'

The president appeared unfamiliar with the text he recited during his third such speech, peppering it with the ad-libs and asides he often uses to collect his thoughts when he trips over lines on a TelePrompTer.

Still, he proudly tweeted a video of the event after he returned to the White House.

In the audience, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi cringed as the president bashed permissive abortion policies and lionized second lady Karen Pence for agreeing to teach at a school known for its anti-gay policies.

Praising Pittsburgh police officer Timothy Matson for his heroics during a gun massacre at a synagogue last year, Trump said he 'graced'  and then corrected himself  'raced through a very, very bullet-filled doorway' before being wounded.

President Donald Trump stumbled through a disjointed National Prayer Breakfast speech on Thursday, tripping over his TelePrompTer text badly enough to mashup 'abolition' and 'civil rights' in the worst possible way

A massive audience of evangelicals warmly welcomed Trump, as most conservative evangelicals have, despite his shortcomings that would draw their scorn if he were a Democrat

Matson, he improvised, 'was really stopped from having something as bad as it was. The Tree of Life Synagogue was a horrible, horrible event and he really did do a job. He made it so much better.'

Moments later, unfamiliar with the speech scrolling past him, Trump combined slavery 'abolition' and the fight for 'civil rights' in a list of American accomplishments that he attributed to the power of prayer.

Trump bowed his head in prayer before speaking on Thursday at the event

National Prayer Breakfast attendees sang 'Amazing Grace'

'Since the founding of our nation, many of our greatest strides  from gaining our independence, to abolition of civil rights, to extending the vote for women  have been led by people of faith and started in prayer,' he said.

Later, either surprised or confused by a sentence hovering in front of him on a glass panel, Trump took his most frequent mental pause.

'We are blessed to live in a land of faith where all things are possible,' he recited. 'Our only limits are those we place on ourselves.'

Pause.

'So true,' he prodded.

The president's audience, like much of the U.S. evangelical movement in general, applauded his words despite receiving them from a thrice-married, non-churchgoing Presbyterian known for extramarital carousing and an expletive-laced temper.

Trump pledged to defeat 'the scourge of modern-day slavery'  21st-century human trafficking  which he blamed on the Internet

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a devout Roman Catholic, raised her eyebrows as Trump railed against abortion and praised second lady Karen Pence for teaching at an anti-gay school

the National Prayer Breakfast draws big names from Washington who identify as Christians; pictured are (L to R) Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa

Thursday's speech lacked the self-stroking of his 2016 campaign appearances when, childhood Bible in hand, he extolled the virtue of the Good Book while mispronouncing 'Second Corinthians.'

'Two Corinthians, right? Two Corinthians 3:17. Thats the whole ballgame,' he told a Liberty University audience just three years ago.

Trump's first eyebrow-raise came in his opening remarks, when he thanked Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen for sitting on the dais with him, and praised the second lady for 'teaching art classes at a Christian school. Terrific woman.'

Mrs. Pence became a cultural lightning rod last month when she agreed to teach twice a week at Immanuel Christian, a northern Virginia elementary school where parents are required to acknowledge in writing the school's right to exclude children who support or condone 'sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity.'

Trump greeted Democratic Sen. Christopher Coons on Thursday while Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence (right) looked on; Mrs. Pence is under fire for agreeing to teach at an anti-gay Christian school in northern Virginia

Trump has a tortured relationship with evangelicals, who turned out in droves to vote for him despite the fact that he's a thrice-married non-churchgoer who famously mispronounced the name of St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians

Immanuel Christan's application for employment requires job-seekers to pledge that they won't participate in 'premarital sex, cohabitation, extramarital sex, homosexual or lesbian sexual activity, polygamy, transgender identity, any other violation of the unique roles of male and female.'

Trump didn't mention gay rights on Thursday, but did renew his pledge to protect 'the dignity and sanctity of innocent human life.'

That, he said, covers both his anti-abortion position and his treatment of human trafficking as an appendage of immigration policy.

'Together we will end the scourge of modern-day slavery that, because of the Internet, is at levels that nobody can believe,' he said.

'The Internet came along and some good things happened, but some very bad things happened, and this is one of them.'
Blaze William Ayers, 28, was charged with attempted escape on Monday in Indiana

An inmate has fallen through the ceiling of a county jail during an apparent bungled escape attempt.

Blaze William Ayers, 28, was being led by deputies through the jail in Jackson County, Indiana at about 10.15pm on Monday when he saw his chance for freedom, Sheriff Rick Meyer said in a statement.

Ayers had been in custody since Christmas Eve on a charge of failure to appear, apparently in connection with probation terms in a 2017 misdemeanor domestic battery case that he pleaded guilty to.

As officers were taking him back to his cell from an indoor recreation area in the southern Indiana jail, Ayers bolted into a medical examination room, the sheriff said.

The inmate locked the door behind him, the sheriff said. Jail officers rushed around through a connecting room to gain access to the medical room, but when they got there they discovered that Ayers had crawled into the drop ceiling.

Jailers tracked Ayers through the bulges in the ceiling, until he plunged through the tiles

As Ayers, who is listed in records as six-foot-six and 200 pounds, banged and rummaged in the ceiling, the officers attempted to coax him back down, but he refused, the sheriff said.

Tracking his movement by the bulges in the ceiling, officers followed Ayers across the jail's booking area, until his escape attempt came to a crashing halt.

Ayers burst through the ceiling of the booking area, leaving a large hole as he dangled and officers ordered him to the ground.

'Upon falling Ayers still refused to comply with orders given, and he was subdued by Taser,' Sheriff Meyer said.

'The attempted escape by Ayers caused extensive damage to the ceiling. No estimate of the damage is available at this time,' the sheriff added.

The sheriff said that Ayers' escape attempt caused 'extensive damage' the the ceiling

Jailers could not coax Ayers to come out of the ceiling, and tasered him after he fell through

Ayers was treated by paramedics for minor injuries at the scene.

Jackson County Deputy J.L. McElfresh is leading an investigation into the escape attempt.

In addition to failure to appear, Ayers is now charged with felony attempted escape and misdemeanor criminal mischief.

Ayers is being held in the Jackson County Jail pending bail of $2585.

He is due in court on Monday. Attorney Ethan Bartanen, who represented Ayers against prior charges, told DailyMail.com that he is not his lawyer in the attempted escape case, and was unable to comment on the allegations.
FOUR CORNERS BOOKS Greetings from the Barricades Revolutionary Postcards in Imperial Russia By Tobie Mathew.

Amid the chaos and violence of the 1905 Revolution in Russia, the Tsars opponents printed and distributed vast quantities of picture postcards. Easy to share, hide and smuggle, postcards were a way to beat the censor and spread a message of defiance.



Produced by a diverse set of revolutionaries, liberals and opportunists, the content of these cards is equally wide-ranging: from satirical caricatures directed against the government to rare photographs of revolutionary demonstrations. Many of the cards are darkly humorous, combining laughter with a sense of raw indignation at the injustices of Imperial Russia.



Assembled by Tobie Mathew, a writer and historian specializing in Russian graphic art and propaganda, Greetings from the Barricades is the first major study of the design, production and distribution of these cards, featuring more than 200 images. Together, they form a rich body of political art that illustrates the danger of opposing the regime during this turbulent era.

Featured image is reproduced from 'Greetings from the Barricades.' PRAISE AND REVIEWS Creative Review Emma Tucker As small and cheaply produced pieces of print, postcards were easily smuggled from person to person, allowing subversive ideas to be shared among a population that was largely illiterate. It's Nice That Billie Muraben Written by Tobie Mathew, a historian specialising in Russian graphic art and propaganda, the book takes in the publishing activity of a diverse set of revolutionaries; who while differing in their views and intentions, were settled on the efficiency of postcards in spreading messages of defiance. Calvert Journal Writer and journalist Tobie Mathews Greetings from the Barricades explores the history of Russian picture postcards, which opponents of the Tsar came up with as a way of beating censorship and inspiring defiance in the early 20th century. Russian Art & Culture Peter Lowe Greetings from the Barricades: Revolutionary Postcards in Imperial Russia takes as its theme the popularity of the postcard format in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. Chronologically, its content ends with the abdication of the Tsar in early 1917 and the apparent fulfilment of many of the reformist hopes that inspired the cards seen in its pages. These were not, in the main, views of places or people intended to be sent simply through the Russian postal system. They were, rather, inexpensive ways of circulating photographs, cartoons, or other images via underground and, occasionally, commercial channels, facilitating the exchange of ideas in a country where the print media was often heavily censored. Literary Review Donald Rayfield Tobie Mathews magnificent book testifies to Russias unrepeatable two years of free-ranging political satire. White Review Ben Eastham Offers an unexpected illustration of how new communication technologies can upend societies. Tank Greetings From The Barricades, written by historian Tobie Mathew and published by Four Corners books, is the first major study of the design, production, and distribution of these cards, collecting over 200 images. Produced by revolutionaries, liberals and economic opportunists (postcards were in high demand and mostly sold rather than freely distributed), the cards are unified by their subtle design and sharp criticism of Tsarist repression. Spectator Charlotte Hobson In this handsomely illustrated book Tobie Mathew makes a case for the lowly postcards role in the politicization of pre-revolutionary Russia. Times Literary Supplement George Walden The images reproduced here in glorious profusion are as colourful, powerful and original as you would expect at a moment when Russian art was in the ascendancy. Jeff Brooks Greetings From the Barricades, a delight to read, illuminates a hitherto ignored aspect of Russia's revolutionary past.

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A man accused of stabbing a father on a train has denied murder.

Lee Pomeroy was stabbed nine times after he boarded the 12.58pm train between Guildford and London on January 4.

A post-mortem examination found the 51-year-old died as a result of multiple stab wounds including an injury to his neck.

Darren Pencille, 36, (left) was charged with the murder of Lee Pomeroy (right) after he boarded the 12.58pm train between Guildford and London on January 4

Darren Pencille, 36, was charged with his murder and possessing a knife on a train at Guildford in Surrey. He appeared on a videolink wearing a blue prison jumper.

His partner, mother-of-one Chelsea Mitchell, 27, is accused of assisting an offender.

Pencille's partner, mother-of-one Chelsea Mitchell, 27, (pictured today on the right) is accused of assisting an offender

The charge states she transported Pencille back to her home in Farnham after the murder and bought clippers and razors for him to change his appearance.

She also made internet inquiries about CCTV in relation to the murder, is it alleged.

The couple denied the charges against them when they appeared at the Old Bailey before Mr Justice Edis on Thursday.

Pencille appeared via video link from Belmarsh prison while Mitchell, who is on conditional bail, sat in the dock.

Mr Justice Edis transferred the case from Guildford Crown Court to the Old Bailey and set a trial to start on June 24. It is expected to go on for 10 days.

The Hon Mr Justice Ediss said of the upcoming trial in June: 'Ten days is a reasonable estimate at this stage.

'The particular circumstances of this case see that it is desirable to sit in the Central Criminal Court.'
The parents of a toddler who nearly died after ingesting heroin have surrendered themselves to police in Pennsylvania.

Nora Boyle, 35, and Greg Searl, 42, turned themselves into police on Wednesday morning, according to the Upper Darby Police Department.

They were both charged with endangering the welfare of a child and related offenses.

Nora Boyle, 35, and Greg Searl, 42, turned themselves into police on Wednesday after their child nearly died after ingesting heroin

Boyle pictured above in handcuffs on Wednesday after she turned herself into police

Boyle and Searl (above) were both charged with endangering the welfare of a child

Boyle was watching her 16-month son in their home on Monday when she passed out.

The child then chewed on empty baggies that had heroin residue on them. Cops say the boy ingested heroin and possibly fentanyl, according to ABC.

When the father, Searl came home, he found the baby unconscious on the bed surrounded by more than a dozen empty drug packets. He noted two of the packets looked different.

He rushed the child to the hospital where he was revived with Narcan. Authorities said the child was 'lucky to be alive'.

Boyle was watching her son at this Upper Darby, Pennsylvania home when she passed out and the boy began to chew on the baggies and ingested the heroin residue on them

'That child was lucky enough to get to the hospital, being taken by the drug addict father and mother, to where the doctor shot him up with Narcan,' Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood said.

Cops said that Searl allegedly admitted that the night before he used five bags of fentanyl.

'Both parents are opioid addicts. Both parents are heroin addicts. The father admits to shooting up five bags of fentanyl the night before,' Chitwood added.

When investigators searched the home they found 12 empty packages and bags, cops said.
A newly-elected Brazilian state representative who stirred controversy by wearing a revealing red jumpsuit to her oath of office ceremony has hit back at her critics.

Ana Paula da Silva, 43, struck a nerves when she was sworn-in on February 1 in an outfit that accentuated her breasts, causing furor in Brazil.

The controversy started when the lawmaker from the southern state of Santa Catarina wore a tight, red jumpsuit that showed deep cleavage.

This picture of da Silva has drawn over 13,700 likes on Instagram and a little more than 3,000 comments, some which were so vulgar that her staff spent time working to delete them

Da Silva had a simple message for those upset with how she dressed to her oath of office February 1, 'the way I dress is my problem'

She fired back at her detractors in an interview with Brazilian network NSC TV.

'I thought people were going to talk about [the] red [outfit], but they just focused on cleavage. Women have breasts and I have big breasts,' da Silva said.

'I've always been like that. It's not now that I have become [a representative] that I will become another woman. I'm not there to be evaluated for that. The way I dress is my problem.'

Latin America's largest nation has long struggled with gender-based violence, and men continue to dominate much of the public sphere, including politics.

'Women are in politics and society has to get used to them as they are,' da Silva added in response to whether her choice of clothing was a form of protest.

'There are much more important issues for the Legislative Assembly to discuss. '

Santa Catarina Legislative Assembly State Rep. Ana Paula da Silva was criticized after she wore a red jumpsuit to take her oath of office in the Chamber of Deputies in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her outfit choice was criticized by thousands of men and women to take to Twitter, Instagram and other social media.

In this translated text originally written in Portuguese, Facebook user Caritas Cristiana took da Silva to task and writes that 'dressing with dignity is a sign of virtue'

Tania Maria applauded the new Santa Catarina State Representative's choice of clothing in a Facebook message that was written in Portuguese

Da Silva, a mother-of-two, previously served two terms as mayor of the coastal city of Bombinhas

'Breasts of discord,' read a sarcastic headline Thursday in a column by Mariliz Pereira Jorge from leading daily Folha de S. Paulo.

The Santa Catarina State Representative's Facebook and Instagram accounts were bombarded with messages taking her to task for her choice of clothing in a deeply conservative country also known for skimpy swim suits and round-the-clock partying during Carnival.

A ceremony photo was shared on her Instagram account, deputadapaulinha, and it has drawn over 13,700 likes and more than 3,000 comments, some which were too vulgar.

The lawmaker's opponents, including many women, said that her choice of clothing was 'inappropriate,' ''shocking' and 'vulgar.'

Her staff worked quickly to delete some outrageous messages that called for da Silva to be raped.

'A little modesty  does not leave anyone sick and does not hurt anyone, a Facebook user under the name of Caritas Cristiana wrote. Dressing with dignity is a sign of virtue. Youre a public woman.

In several posts on social media network, da Silva defended her wardrobe choice.

Da Silva poses with friends and political colleagues during a ceremony that welcomed her to the Santa Catarina Legislative Assembly

'This macho and prejudiced world you live in is not mine,' she wrote in response to a man who asked how her cleavage contributed to democracy.

'I've seen a lot of men in suits and ties taking money out of the health sector, school meals. That's unacceptable.'

Others said clothes shouldn't matter and asked that politicians focus on more pressing issues.

'Loved your outfit. Beautiful and stylish,' Tania Maria chimed in. 'You are a wonderful, intelligent woman.'

While some wondered whether the state representative known as Paulinha had crossed a line, her backers tried to refocus the debate around her strong electoral results and political action.

Da Silva received the fifth largest number of votes in last year's state assembly election, and she previously served two terms as local mayor in the city of Bombinhas.
Two French journalists have told a terrorism trial in Brussels that they had 'no doubt' the accused Jewish museum killer is the ISIS jailer who imprisoned and tortured them in Syria.

Mehdi Nemmouch, a 33-year-old Frenchman, is accused of opening fire at the Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels on May 24, 2014, killing four people.

Didier Francois and Nicolas Henin were held hostage by ISIS terrorists in Syria from June 2013 until April 2014 and claim to have encountered Nemmouch while they were imprisoned.

Journalist Didier Francois told a trial in Brussels that he 'had no doubt' Mehdi Nemmouche, accused of killing four people at the Jewish museum in 214, was his jailer when he was captured by ISIS

'I have absolutely no doubt about the fact that Mehdi Nemmouche who is present here was my jailer and torturer in Syria under the name of Abu Omar,' Mr Henin told the trial.

Henin described Nemmouche as a 'sadistic, playful and narcissistic' man.

He said Nemmouche expressed 'admiration' for Mohammed Merah in the year after he shot dead a teacher and three children at a Jewish school in the French city of Toulouse in 2012.

Merah, a self-described Al-Qaeda sympathiser, also shot dead three French soldiers nearby three days earlier.

Journalist Didier Francois also said he 'had no doubt' Nemmouche was the man who held him hostage.

Nemmouche, 33, is charged with gunning down an Israeli couple and two museum workers with a revolver and an assault rifle on May 24, 2014

This CCTV image from the day of the attack shows the suspect of the killings in the Jewish Museum in Brussels

'I came for three things: to say that we know him, how dangerous this person is and the risk he will repeat the crimes,' the 58-year-old Francois told the court.

Francois and Henin as well as fellow French reporters Edouard Elias and Pierre Torres were kidnapped in June 2013 and held hostage by the Islamic State group (IS) in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo until April 2014.

Elias and Torres were not present Thursday, though they have also been listed as witnesses in the case.

Francois alleged that Nemmouche abused him, including hitting him with a club 40 times, while he was held at a hospital turned prison in Aleppo.

He added that the violence and 'torture' meted out allegedly by Nemmouche mainly targeted Syrians and Iraqis also held there.

The prosecution and Jewish groups asked the journalists to give testimony against Nemmouche, who had been in Syria between January 2013 and February 2014.

Michele Hirsch, the lawyer for the Jewish groups, said their testimony was 'extremely important' to show the judges and jury what motivated the alleged gunman.

This photo from the days after the attack in May 2014 shows a Jewish boy laying flowers in front of the museum

It will also show how much his 'idol' Merah influenced him, Hirsch added.

Nemmouche's lawyers said the journalists' testimony amounts to a 'stunt' and a 'trial within a trial' because their kidnapping is the subject of separate proceedings in France.

Also on trial in Brussels is Nacer Bendrer, a 30-year-old Frenchman accused of supplying Nemmouche with the weapons.

Bendrer also faces a life term if convicted of the same charge of 'terrorist murder'.

Investigators said Nemmouche attacked the museum shortly after returning from Syria, where he had allegedly fought on behalf of jihadist groups.

He allegedly killed an Israeli married couple, a young Belgian employee and a French volunteer.

Six days after the attack, Nemmouche was arrested in the southern French port city of Marseille. Bendrer was arrested in Marseille in December 2014.

The trial is due to end in late February or early March.

Some observers and lawyers hope the trial may yield more detail about Nemmouche's alleged links with other jihadists.

Henin told the court on Thursday that he also recognised among his jailers 'Abu Idriss,' the alias of the Belgian-Moroccan Najim Laachraoui.

Investigators say Laachraoui made the bombs for the November 13, 2015, attacks that killed 130 people in Paris and wounded hundreds of others.

Laachraoui was one of the bombers who blew themselves up at Brussels airport and a city metro train on March 22, 2016, killing 32 people and wounding hundreds of others.

IS claimed responsibility for both attacks.
Police have identified 24-year-old Valerie Reyes (above), of New Rochelle, New York, as the woman whose body was found inside a suitcase dumped on the side of a road in Greenwich, Connecticut, on Tuesday

A body found stuffed inside a suitcase abandoned on the side of the road in a wealthy Connecticut neighborhood has been identified as a 24-year-old woman who was reported missing last week in New Rochelle, New York.

Valerie Reyes was last seen walking to the train station in New Rochelle on the morning of January 29, one week before her body was discovered bound at the hands and feet in a suitcase off of Glenville Road on Tuesday.

She was confirmed to be the victim by the State of Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME).

Her family has been notified and a murder investigation is underway, according to police.

'The Greenwich Police Department is dedicated to identifying those responsible for the death of Valerie and ensuring justice for her and her family,' the press release said.

'We continue to work with New Rochelle Police and other law enforcement agencies at multiple levels and have engaged a variety of resources to assist in the investigation.'

'The cause of death has not yet been confirmed by the OCME. Many pieces of possible physical evidence were collected and results from forensic analysis are pending.'

Police said they have received a large number of tips and are still urging the public to come forward with any information that may be relevant to the case.

They said previously that Reyes did not die at the location where she was found, but they did not know where she was killed.

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The reddish-orange suitcase containing Reyes' body was discovered by highway workers in Greenwich around 8.15am Tuesday, one week after the 24-year-old was last seen on January 29

Glenville Road runs through a quiet and somewhat isolated area of Glenville, a wealthy suburb of Greenwich with a population of just over 2,200 people

Friends and family members had begun posting pleas for information about Reyes' whereabouts on Facebook on January 30, the day she was reported missing to the New Rochelle Police Department.

One woman who identified herself as Reyes' cousin wrote: 'I hope you are okay, I love you.'

The NYPD shared a missing person poster on January 31 with a photo of Reyes and the words: 'Have you seen VALERIE REYES? 5' 3", black hair, brown eyes, 1/2 sleeve tattoo on left arm. Last seen wearing a green coat, black jeans, and black shoes. Suffers from anxiety and depression.'

According to The Journal News, Reyes had taken her iPad, iPhone, clothes and bed sheets with her when she disappeared.

There were no leads in the missing persons case as of Friday morning.

Reyes' family was notified after the Connecticut state medical examiner's office made a positive identification of the body

Reyes was last seen walking to the New Rochelle train station on the morning of January 29. She reportedly took her iPhone, iPad, clothing and bedding with her when she disappeared

The reddish-orange suitcase containing Reyes' body was found in a wooded area some 15 feet off of Glenville Road in a quiet, secluded area of Greenwich by highway workers around 8.15am Tuesday.

Inside, investigators found the woman fully clothed and bound at the hands and feet. She was initially described as between 18 and 30 years old.

Authorities have said they will be conducting a long, thorough investigation into the murder, with the help of the Chief State's Attorney's Office.

The state's chief medical examiner, which is performing the autopsy, was on the scene for several hours on Tuesday surveying the body and the immediate surroundings, as seen in footage from NBC News.

Officers are interviewing local residents and have asked for video footage from nearby security systems that may have captured relevant information.

Police are unsure of where Reyes was killed but said they had reason to believe she was murdered elsewhere and dumped at the site, which is about four miles from I-95.

Greenwich Police Captain Robert Berry said investigators were in communication with law enforcement agencies across state lines in New York and across the rest of Connecticut, which is standard procedure given Greenwich's proximity to the state's border.

The town highway worker who found the body reportedly took very took inappropriate pictures of the victim and sent them to other people before reporting their find. They are now under investigation.

Police Captain Robert Berry (above) spoke at a press conference on the scene and confirmed that the case is being treated as a homicide

The suitcase had been dumped in a wooded area (above) about 15 feet from Glenville Road

Investigators spent hours on the scene at Glenville Road (above). The murder is believed to have taken place out of town, according to authorities

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Glenville Road runs through a somewhat isolated area in Greenwich's picturesque neighborhood of Glenville, which has been hailed as one of the safest - and richest - communities in the nation. Locals say they often use the road as a running path.

Scott Chiappetta, who works at a local preschool, told Greenwich Time: 'My gut is [the murder] probably happened somewhere else, but these days, you never know. Its very quiet.

'Nothing ever really happens around here, other than [traffic] from the firehouse. It feels safe.'

'It was very upsetting when we originally heard about it,' resident Courtney King told ABC7.

'I'm still trying to take this in, because I just heard about a few minutes ago,' another resident, Joe Allegro, said of the gruesome discovery.

'I've got kids here. I didn't know if it is an adult or a child.'

Glenville has a population of just over 2,200 people with an average household income of around $172,400, according to the US Census Bureau. The median property value in the area is $760,300.

Authorities have asked anyone with information on the case to call 203-622-3333.
Ceon Broughton, 29, (arriving at Winchester Crown Court yesterday), is standing trial over the death of Louella Fletcher-Michie

Holby City actor John Michie today tearfully blasted his daughter's rapper boyfriend for 'leaving her to die', and filming her lifeless body.

The former Taggart and Coronation Street star, 62, stared at Ceon Broughton, 29, as he recalled the night his daughter Louella Fletcher-Michie died after overdosing on party drug 2C-P at Bestival.

Mr Michie and his wife Carol Fletcher, 68, had raced 130 miles to the festival after hearing Louella screech down the phone like a 'wild animal'.

By the time Mr Michie and Mrs Fletcher arrived at the site in Lulworth, Dorset, their daughter had died - just an hour before her 25th birthday.

Today, giving evidence for the first time, Mr Michie broke down in tears as he told Winchester Crown Court how he begged security staff to let him through the gates as his daughter lay dying inside.

The jury heard how her family were eating Sunday dinner in their London home when they received a call from Broughton in which Louella could be heard.

Mr Michie said: 'The thing that I most remember was that Louella seemed very distressed. I could hear her in the background shouting things like 'I hate you, I don't trust you', obviously referring to Ceon.'

He told her alleged killer: 'I don't know how you can say you love someone who you left to die in front of you.'

He said he initially defended Broughton and 'believed him to be a good person at the time.'

But he said he had not realised 'how he had not taken her to get help, how he had seen her in a very, very distressed state and possibly even filmed her after she has died'.

Mr Michie said Broughton dismissed his daughter for overreacting as she was dying. He added: 'I've since learnt he described her as a drama queen, which is hurtful.'

Broughton, from Enfield, London, denies manslaughter and supplying a class A drug.

The former Taggart and Coronation Street star (pictured leaving court with his wife today), 62, stared at Ceon Broughton as he recalled the night his daughter died after overdosing on drugs

Louella Fletcher-Michie was the daughter of former Coronation Street actor John Michie (pictured with Louella, left, and his other daughter Daisy, right)

Louella's brother Sam and sister Daisy Fletcher-Michie are pictured leaving court today

Louella and Ceon (bottom right together) at a family dinner with, clockwise from left: Her actor father John, his wife Carol, brother Sam, sister Daisy and her boyfriend Jamie Jamieson

Louella's boyfriend, Ceon Broughton, gave her a 'bumped up' dose of the class A substance and 'failed to act' for six hours despite her needing urgent medical care, the court heard

When asked about to talk about arriving at Bestival in Lulworth Castle, Dorset, after Louella's death on September 10, 2017, Mr Michie paused to regain his composure.

He told the court how he desperately pleaded with security staff to let him into the site to help his dying daughter and even offered them his phone which contained a pinpoint GPS location of the couple.

Turning to stare at Broughton, Mr Michie said in court today: 'I think Louella loved Ceon, but I'm not sure he loved her.

What is the 2C-P drug? Hallucinogenic drug 2C-P has been described as having a similar effect as LSD, also known as acid. Users are likely to experience a distorted view of reality and objects and will see and hear things that are not really there. 2C-P is in the 2C family of drugs and because it is a stimulant, it can make users feel alert and awake. The drugs, which can be smoked or snorted, also affect emotions. At high doses, people can feel confused, agitated and in some cases propelled into a delirious state. The charity added that the drugs may cause panic attacks and in some cases 'acute psychosis'. Advertisement

'I don't know how you can say you love someone who you left to die in front of you.

'I was inclined to believe Ceon when I made my statement the day after.

'I believed him to be a good person at the time.

'If I was in Ceon's situation I would have taken another human being - let alone my girlfriend who I was supposed to love - to a medical tent to save their life.

'You would have done anything possible to save the life of another human being, being in the distressed state she was in.'

He said 'I believed him to be a good person at the time' and said he initially defended Broughton.

Mr Michie told jurors: 'But what I didn't realise was how in the six hours he was with her he had not taken her to get help, and how he had seen the very, very distressed state she was in and how I believe he has even filmed her after she died.

'Clearly, I made a mistake.'

His wife also sobbed as she told jurors she 'couldn't believe' it was her daughter screeching down the phone when she spoke to Broughton from their north London home that day.

Mrs Fletcher told Winchester Crown Court: 'We cooked a Sunday roast dinner and all the family were there, Sam and Daisy. Daisy had my phone and suddenly Ceon phoned.

Louella's father John Michie is pictured leaving court with his wife Carol Fletcher today

Mr Michie said he desperately pleaded with security staff to let him into the site to help his dying daughter and even offered them his phone which contained a pinpoint GPS location of the couple

Mr Michie posted this picture on Instagram on the one-year anniversary of his daughter's death. He captioned it: 'You came to us on this day and left us on this day. The most loving, most inclusive , least judgmental, kindest.... your energy will never die and neither will our love for you'

Mr Michie, who has starred in Coronation Street, Taggart and Holby City, today gave evidence at Winchester Crown Court. He is pictured here with his daughter Louella on the beach in Spain 'after yet another ankle sprain', in August 2017, just days before she died

Mr Michie posted this picture of himself with Louella as a baby on social media one month after she died

'I only spoke to Ceon, Louella was like a wild animal in the background. I couldn't believe that was her and that was the last time I heard her voice.

'I said to him 'is that Louella?' and he said, 'she will be fine, don't worry' and I said 'let me speak to her, let me speak to her'.

'I kept talking but he said 'don't worry, don't worry, I will look after her'.

Louella Fletcher-Michie was found dead after taking party drug 2CP at the Bestival site

'I've never heard her before like that, I've never heard anyone before like that, that's why we got in the car and drove down - because of her voice.

'How can someone be next to her and not get help? I don't know. 'Daisy said 'tell her to be quiet she's going to blow her brains out', I only had the ear to my phone but it was so loud.

'I could hear Louella saying 'give me my phone' and, 'I don't trust you, I hate you'.

'She loved Ceon but in this moment, under the influence, this was what she was saying.

'I told him to get help and that's what I assumed he would do. I asked what they had taken and he said 'we can see things other people can't see'.

'I thought he was a lot more experienced with drug taking and maybe he knows she would be OK.'

Louella's sister Daisy Fletcher-Michie and her brother Sam Fletcher-Michie also told the court how they had 'begged' Broughton on the phone to take Louella to a medical tent.

Sam, who admitted taking drugs with Louella before, said he could not remember if he had asked Broughton whether his sister had taken 2-CP or 2-CB, but Broughton had replied: 'Yes, but I bumped it up a bit'.

The seemingly inseparable father and daughter often posted pictures of themselves larking around together on social media

Mr Michie posted this picture in April 2014 with the caption, 'Marathon training with my daughter'

Louella's father John Michie told the court today: 'I think Louella loved Ceon, but I'm not sure he loved her. I don't know how you can say love someone who you left to die in front of you'

He said this could have meant a 'bigger dose' or 'maybe something else alongside' the drug.

A tearful Daisy said she 'so wanted to believe that Ceon had done everything he could' to help her sister, but claimed he 'did nothing to help her and put himself first'.

She added: 'If that was me and my boyfriend there is no way he wouldn't have saved me.'

She said: 'I could hear my sister shouting in the background saying 'I don't trust you, I don't trust anyone, get away from me' and I just burst into tears.

'I asked mum if I could take the phone and go and speak to Ceon. Louella was scared and petrified and didn't know what was going on.

Louella could be seen shouting loudly, repeating incoherent sentences and even hitting herself in a series of clips

'I wanted to know what she had taken and Ceon told me 'I didn't want to tell your mum but it was 2C-P' and I said 'where are you? Can you get to a medical tent?'

'He was talking really calm and there was no urgency and said 'we're in the woods'.

'I was worried about her and told him 'please promise me you will take her to the medical tent' and I remember she sounded crazy.

'I don't think he was getting the severity of the situation, I was freaking out.

'I so wanted to believe that Ceon tried everything he could... That was not the case, now I've heard the truth, he did nothing to help her and he put himself first.

'There's no way in six hours you can believe he's tried to get her to the medical tent. 'If that was me and my boyfriend there's no way he would not have got me help.

'I heard her shouting but I'm sure that a 28-year-old man could have overpowered her and carried her [to the medical tent].

'When my parents left and we sat down to eat I burst into tears. I didn't think she was just having a bad trip, I thought that she might die.

'I didn't really trust the fact she was in the middle of a forest. I think she loved Ceon but I don't think he loved her. There's no way I can see that he loved her.'

Louella's sister Daisy Fletcher-Michie and her brother Sam Fletcher-Michie also told the court how they had 'begged' Broughton on the phone to take Louella to a medical tent. Pictured from left: Daisy, Louella, Sam and their mother Carol

Mr Michie said his daughter Louella loved Broughton (pictured together) - but it cannot have been reciprocated as he left her to die

Mr Michie said Broughton didn't sound 'compos mentis' on the phone.

He said: 'The thing I most remember was Louella was very distressed, I could hear her in the background shouting things like 'I hate you' and 'I don't trust you' in reference to Ceon.

'We wanted him to take her to get help.'

He added: 'I can't remember much from what Ceon said but I remember the tone of his voice, it was watery and distant and without energy.

'I felt that I needed to get down there and help my daughter. His voice was slow and he didn't seem to be concerned and any normal person would be.

'The phone call went on for a long time but we didn't get any information except I could hear my daughter in the background in a very distressed state.

'I resisted taking the phone and speaking to him, I didn't want him to be intimidated by speaking to the daughter's dad and him do the wrong thing. He was not very compos mentis at the time.

'I've since learnt he described her as a drama queen, which is hurtful.'

Mrs Fletcher added: 'The decision was made to go to Dorset as soon as I put the phone down - that voice was enough to make anyone get in their car.

'We just left the Sunday dinner and John just said 'let's go' so we got in the car. I thought we would just pick her up and bring her home to look after her.'

Mrs Fletcher sobbed in the dock as she recalled the night her daughter died. She said she had an 'open relationship' with her daughter and spoke about drugs.

She said: 'I'm sure there are things she didn't tell me but we had an open relationship, I told her about drugs and to be careful and if loads of people are doing it around you it does not mean it's normal, and that you don't have to do it.

'She was quite cautious and measured in that way and that's what her friends have all told me. She did it and took things at festivals but she didn't go out every weekend doing drugs.'

The court has heard Broughton gave Louella a 'bumped up' dose of 2C-P and even filmed her after she died.

The on-off couple, pictured here in 2016. The court has heard Broughton gave Louella a 'bumped up' dose of 2C-P and even filmed her after she died

A court today heard Louella's ex-boyfriend, Ceon Broughton, pictured with Louella above, gave her a 'bumped up' dose of the class A substance and 'failed to act' for six hours

The rapper filmed himself with a fidget spinner on the same day as he filmed his girlfriend

The hospital area of Bestival in Lulworth Castle, Dorset, was just 400 metres from the wooded spot where Louella died (circled)

The hospital area on the festival grounds in Lulworth Castle, Dorset, was a mere 400 metres away but Broughton made no attempt to take her there for medical assistance.

Prosecutor William Mousley, QC, said Louella would have had a 90 per cent chance of survival if Broughton sought medical help in the six hours they spent in the woods.

Instead, Mr Mousley QC says, Broughton didn't seek help because he 'didn't want to be arrested' as he was serving a suspended sentence and would likely be jailed.

Yesterday jurors were shown harrowing footage of Louella hallucinating wildly, ending with her lifeless body lying on the ground.

One 51 minute and eight second video, recorded by Broughton on his iPhone from 5.53pm, shows Louella 'tripping' and calling 'Mum' around a staggering 80 times.

'Live' iPhone images taken by Broughton at 11.25pm showed lifeless Louella on her back with bloodied hands.

Mrs Fletcher said Louella was a 'fit and healthy' 'voga' teacher - a mix of dance and yoga.

She said her daughter 'loved and trusted' Broughton and said he spent Christmas with them in 2016 but suddenly broke off the relationship soon after, leaving Louella 'devastated'.

The couple got back together just weeks before Bestival. She said Louella had a 'good sense to do the right thing' but 'didn't' at Bestival.

The trial continues.
The Democratic-run House Ways and Means Committee begins in earnest its quest to get hold of President Trump's tax returns, with a hearing that could lay the groundwork for a court battle.

The hearing was set by the panel's new chairman, Rep. Ritchie Neal of Massachusetts, who under current law may review any taxpayer's return.

But rather than kick off the fight immediately, Neal elected to hold a hearing where tax experts, law professors, and outside advocates who will make the case for their release.

A 1924 law allows the chairman to review any return on a confidential basis. But it would take a vote of the committee to publicly release it.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) convenes a hearing presidential tax returns on Thursday

The move comes just days after Trump warned in his State of the Union address against 'ridiculous partisan investigations.' He also threatened: 'If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just doesn't work that way!'

On Wednesday, House Intelligence Chairman Rep. Adam Schiff of California announced a wide-ranging probe that includes whether any foreigners beyond Russia may have influence over Trump.

Intelligence member Rep. Eric Swalwell of California told Axios: 'We are going to take an MRI to any Russian financing that the Trump Organization and the president may have had. But we are not going to be so naive to assume that he's faithful to the Russians. There may have been other countries who have tried to financially influence him.'

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., has begun a wide-ranging investigation of Trump finances

Rep. Eric Swalwell of California said the Intelligence panel would 'take an MRI to any Russian financing' that the Trump Organization had

The only Trump tax return seen by the public is this 1995 return, which was leaked to the New York Times during the campaign

Trump's tax returns, if obtained, could prove enormously useful for Democrats as a tool for other areas of inquiry. Trump cast off decades of precedent by refusing to release returns as a candidate or president, and he continues to maintain ownership of his real estate and branding empire.

The only return to see daylight is Trump's 1995 return, which got leaked to the New York Times.

The paper conducted an exhausted examination and concluded he may not have paid any income taxes for decades. Full returns could also reveal sources of debt, and unknown business partners.

The Democrats' eagerness for information is being tempered both by leadership, which aims to orchestrate a litany of probes, and an understanding that it could be just the beginning of a long legal fight.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, who was finance chair of Trump's campaign, could refuse to comply with a request from Ways and Means, which would set off a clash.

'You're going to have to, I think, resist the emotion of the moment and make sure your case is carefully documented. This is likely to become the basis of a long and arduous court case,' Neal told reporters last month. 'You can't step on your tongue.'
Two people suffered minor injuries after a large lorry reversed and crashed into a hospital ward in north-east China.

Shocking video footage shows the end of the truck ploughing through the wall of the hospital in Benxi, Liaoning province after the driver lost control of the vehicle.

A patient and his relative were buried in the debris and rescued by hospital staff, Chinese media reported.

Shocking video footage shows the end of the truck ploughing through the wall of the hospital in Benxi, Liaoning province after the driver lost control of the vehicle

A patient and his relative were buried in the debris and rescued by hospital staff

Footage filmed on January 21 shows the male patient noticing the out-of-control vehicle and attempted to get off his hospital bed.

His relative, who was sitting on the bed next to his, also saw the truck - but the vehicle smashed through the wall before either of them could take cover.

Glass, bricks and concrete were left at the scene, along with a massive hole in the wall. The truck's rear right wheel was seen dangling from the hole.

Footage dated Jan 21 shows the male patient noticing the out of control vehicle and attempted to get off his hospital bed. But the vehicle smashed into the ward before he could take cover

The truck's rear right wheel was seen dangling from the hole in the wall after the incident

According to a witness, the vehicle was experiencing mechanical problems when it was travelling along the alleyway next to the hospital.

The two victims were treated for minor injuries, according to Beijing Media Network.

The incident remains under investigation, the report added.
This is the frightening moment a pedestrian has fallen through a manhole while busy on his cell phone.

A CCTV camera near a construction site in southeastern Peru recorded the incident, which left Luis Alberto Cruces Berdejo seriously injured Sunday night.

Footage shows Cruces Berdejo walking while on his phone, unaware a blocked off construction site lies straight ahead.

Luis Alberto Cruces Berdejo was seriously injured Sunday night in the Peruvian province of Nazca when he fell through a manhole because he was too occupied on his cell phone to see where he was going

A CCTV camera shows just how close Cruces Berdejo is to plummeting into a water sewage system

He was solely focused on his mobile device as he suddenly walked right through the yellow caution tape wrapped around a pair of poles attached to concrete slabs.

The man then disappeared from the view of the surveillance video.

Cruces Berdejo plummeted through the manhole several feet into the water sewage system in Marcona, a city in the province of Nazca.

Luckily, a passerby alerted authorities and a responding team of firefighters pulled out the injured man from the uncovered manhole.

Cruces Berdejo was later taken to a local hospital for treatment.
A teenager has died after he and a friend were electrocuted while riding on top of a commuter train.

Jose Fonseca, 18, suffered a fatal heart attack in his hospital bed just two days after being severely burned in the Tuesday accident.

Doctors said the Fonseca, who suffered burns to 80 per cent of his body, died at 5:20am in the intensive care unit wing of a hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES

Jose Fonseca (pictured to the left) went into cardiac arrest and passed away before dawn Thursday at a hospital in Argentina just two days after he was electrocuted while riding atop a train

Ciro Ferreyra (center) assists Fonseca (left) while climbing off a train after the friends were jolted by 25,000 volts

Fonseca was on his way to a construction job with his friend Ciro Ferreyra, 20, on Tuesday morning when the pair decided to climb on the top of the train because they couldn't afford to pay the fare.

A man stands over Fonseca (pictured sitting) near the train tracks where the teenager was badly electrocuted while surfing on top of a train

Ferreyra told reporters that Fonseca stood up to see how many more stops remained on their commute.

Moments later, he was electrocuted by a cable wire running along the train tracks.

Both men were jolted by 25,000 volts but it was Fonseca who suffered severe burns to his neck, head, upper limbs and torso.

A frightening video recorded by a passenger aboard the train that was headed to the popular Atlantic coast resort city of Mar de Plata showed the moment Fonseca struggled to get to feet.

Riders on the track yelled, 'don't get up,' before he sat down while Ferreyra talked to him.

A short while later, Fonseca was helped by his friend as he climbs down the train's side ladder.

The video clip shows just how badly Fonseca was electrocuted.
The Pentagon has re-deployed 250 military personnel from positions in Arizona and other states to the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas.

The troops have been moved to the town due to a migrant caravan camped south of the border, U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson Bill Speaks said Wednesday.

The caravan is made up of about 1,700 asylum seekers, who are now stalled in the Mexican border town of Piedras Negras, just south of Eagle Pass.

Military personnel being deployed to the Texas crossing include military police, medical personnel and engineers, the latter of coming from duty stations in Georgia and Kansas.

Thousands of mostly Central American migrants have made the dangerous trek through Mexico to the U.S. border since October, angering President Donald Trump.

Hundreds of migrants from the first caravan remain stuck in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, many waiting their turn to legally enter and formally request asylum.

Some 250 military personnel are being re-deployed from positions in Arizona, Georgia and Kansas to Eagle Pass, Texas due to a migrant caravan of about 1,700 approaching. Daniela Fernanda Portillo Burgos, 6, is pictured sitting on the shoulders of her mother, Iris Jamilet, 39, as they look out through the fence of a migrant shelter in Piedras Negras, Mexico on Tuesday

Military personnel being deployed to the Texas crossing includes military police, medical personnel and engineers, the latter of which will be coming from duty stations in Georgia and Kansas, presumably as part of the 'Human Wall' President Donald Trump has called for, in the absence of the $5.7 billion in funding he has been fighting for to build a physical barrier. Trump is pictured listening during the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday in Washington, DC

On Tuesday, Trump tweeted: 'Tremendous numbers of people are coming up through Mexico in the hopes of flooding our Southern Border. We have sent additional military. We will build a Human Wall if necessary. If we had a real Wall, this would be a non-event!'

Trump said on Tuesday that 3,750 additional military troops in total would be sent to the U.S.-Mexico border to support border agents in 'hardening the ports of entry' due to with what he described as 'the tremendous onslaught' of U.S.-bound migrants.

This is presumably what Trump meant when he referred to a 'human wall,' writing in a tweet on Tuesday:

'Tremendous numbers of people are coming up through Mexico in the hopes of flooding our Southern Border. We have sent additional military.

'We will build a Human Wall if necessary. If we had a real Wall, this would be a non-event!'

But to the frustration of the Pentagon, the 250 military personnel being reassigned to Eagle Pass will not increase the overall number of troops assigned to securing our borders, NBC News reported.

At present time, there are about 2,400 active-duty troops assigned to the border mission.

It's not immediately clear whether Trump desires 3,750 troops total, or in addition to that 2,400, to be assigned to his priority of border security.

Either way, that number is expected to increase within the month.

The mostly Central American asylum seekers were staged in the Mexican border town of Piedras Negras on Wednesday, which is just south of where Eagle Pass is located on the US side. Members of a Central American family are shown leaving a shelter in Piedras Negras, Mexico on Tuesday

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that 3,750 additional military troops in total would be sent to the US-Mexico border to support border agents and deal with what he described as 'the tremendous onslaught' of US-bound migrants. Honduran Delia Romero, 24, is pictured sitting with her children in their sleeping area at a shelter in Piedras Negras, Mexico on Tuesday

Thousands of mostly Central American migrants have made the dangerous trek through Mexico to the US border since October, stoking President Donald Trump's ire. Central American immigrant families are pictured looking out through the fence of a shelter in Piedras Negras, Mexico on Tuesday

Hundreds of migrants from the first caravan remain stuck in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, many waiting their turn to legally enter and formally request asylum in the United States. A Central American immigrant family is pictured standing in line for food at a sheltered in Piedras Negras, Mexico on Tuesday

Continued requests for support at the border from Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen have been a source of tension among officials at the Department of Defense headquarters in Arlington County, Virginia.

One current and one former official told NBC a common phrase heard around the Pentagon is: 'We don't work for Kirstjen Nielsen.'

Nielsen said on Tuesday that the Department of Homeland Security will 'take all steps to ensure the safety and security of law enforcement personnel' at the border crossing in Eagle Pass.

To that end, she asked on Monday for reinforcement for the area from Customs and Border Protection.

The Texas Department of Public Safety sent state troopers to the area earlier this week.

Some of the members of approaching caravan said on Wednesday they are considering moving to another part of the border, where they may have a better chance of lodging a more speedy asylum claim, in hopes of avoiding a potentially months-long wait for a chance to plead their cases.

Even once aslyum seekers are able to cross into the US legally and begin the process to seek asylum, they may find themselves back in Mexico. Central American immigrants are lined up to register with Mexican Immigration officials at a shelter in Piedras Negras, Mexico on Tuesday

Trump announced a policy on December 20 that the United States will return non-Mexican migrants who cross the border back to Mexico while their asylum requests are processed. Central American migrants are pictured lined up for breakfast at a shelter in Piedras Negras, Mexico on Tuesday

Asylum seekers have traditionally been granted the right to stay in the United States while their cases were decided by a U.S. immigration judge, but a backlog of more than 800,000 cases means the process can take years. One-year-old Julivet Fernando is pictured sleeping on a mattress at a shelter in Piedras Negras, Mexico on Tuesday

Many say they are also waiting for a so-called humanitarian visa from the Mexican government that could lead to local job opportunities, but are afraid of the area's hyper-violent Zetas drug cartel that has targeted migrants in the past.

'We can't stop here,' said Oscar Lopez, a 33-year-old Honduran traveling with his wife and two daughters.

He said that his family fled death threats from gangs back home. 'If we don't [cross] here, we'll go to anther part of the border,' he said.

But even if Lopez and his family can cross legally and begin the process to seek asylum in the U.S., they may find themselves back in Mexico.

Trump announced a policy on December 20 that the United States will return non-Mexican migrants who cross the border back to Mexico while their asylum requests are processed.

'These migrants face many risks,' including organized crime, corrupt local police and hostility from local residents, said Alberto Xicotencatl, who runs a shelter in the Coahuila state capital of Saltillo, which is about 250 miles (400 km) south of Piedras Negras.

Asylum seekers have traditionally been granted the right to stay in the United States while their cases were decided by a U.S. immigration judge, but a backlog of more than 800,000 cases means the process can take years.

Earlier this week, Coahuila Governor Miguel Angel Riquelme said he would not permit caravan migrants to cross his state, but he did not detail any specific measures.
Staff at the Wendy Williams Show are calling on producers to permanently replace the star with stand-in host Nick Cannon claiming she has not been 'authentic' with her fans or her employees, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Cannon, 38, is among the rotating cast of temporary hosts filling in for Williams, who did not return to set after the show's holiday hiatus due to alleged health problems.

Her extended break, however, has sparked outrage among longtime employees who say they were left 'in the dark' about her absence and now claim she actually took time off to deal with her 'cheating' husband Kevin.

One told DailyMail.com: 'I mean it's probably time Wendy steps away from the show. She's not authentic anymore. How can she discuss hot topics when the biggest topic involves her husband publicly cheating on her for years?'

'It's really sad as you'd think that Wendy would have more respect for herself and she would stand up, dump her cheating husband, take control of her business and empower women who are going through the same thing,' the source added.

Staff on The Wendy Williams Show are demanding producers replace the star with Nick Cannon, who is among the rotating cast of temporary hosts filling in for Williams after she did not return to set after the show's holiday hiatus due to alleged health problems

Staff on Wendy Williams' talk show are furious with the host for keeping them in the dark about the show's future while she's on an extended hiatus due to 'medical reasons'

In 2017, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that Williams' husband Kevin Hunter was having a decade-long affair with masseuse Sharina Hudson (pictured together), who was wearing a massive diamond ring on her ring finger

'This is her chance to be a role model, but she's letting women everywhere down by not being the boss that she pretends to be on her show.'

'Think about it - Oprah or Ellen never treated their audience and staff like this on their shows. So it's time Debmar stepped up, said goodbye to Wendy and Kevin and hired Nick to take over. However, if he says no, we'd happily take Jerry O'Connell who is also a joy to work with,' the source added.

In 2017, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that Williams's husband Kevin Hunter was having a decade-long affair with masseuse Sharina Hudson, who was wearing a massive diamond ring on her ring finger.

Although Williams initially said she was standing by her man, more reports over their marriage troubles have emerged, with the National Enquirer reporting last month that Williams was a victim of domestic violence.

Last week, the New Jersey-based host was seen in Florida, where her parents live, sparking speculation she retreated to the Sunshine State to spend time with her family while figuring out if she should divorce Hunter.

The insider told DailyMail.com: 'With Wendy there is always drama, especially when Kevin is around. Now that they are away everyone feels they can breathe and do their best work,' the source added.

'We all want Nick to replace Wendy. He has been an absolute dream. Everyone on the team adores him and he's such a professional.

Employees say they would also be happy with Jerry O'Connell who has also hosted the show in her absence

Last week the New Jersey-based host was seen in Florida, where her parents sparking speculation she retreated to the Sunshine State to spend time with her family while figuring out if she should divorce Hunter

'Debmar needs to sign him up and make him the new host. He's gracious and kind and he's really fun to be around. We have a chance of surviving if he stays on as host.'

'He's also open about his life. He talks about everything. I suppose you can be when you're not in denial about your life like Wendy.'

'A few of us have a theory that the glue from her weave has seeped into her brain and she can no longer think rationally,' the source added.

'Nick can save the show. Women love him, Wendy's fans love him and he's really low maintenance.'

'He also has ideas about how he can make each segment better and elevate what we're doing. He's not checked out like Wendy.'

Staffers had also branded Williams as 'selfish' and 'hypocritical' for calling Cannon during her absence but refusing to speak to her employees.

Cannon told her audience on Monday that he spoke to Williams, and her husband Kevin Hunter, and said shewas doing 'amazing' and praised her 'family unit'.

Another staffer said: 'For her to be talking about her ''family unit'' to Nick, it's an absolute joke. That ain't no normal family unit.'

Meanwhile executives at Debmar-Mercury, the company that produces The Wendy Williams Show, have already been on pins and needles about Williams' alleged health challenges.

Currently, her show is the only talk show the company has on TV right now and Debmar doesn't have a backup plan in case they need to pull the plug on her series.

Although Williams initially said she was standing by her man, more reports over their marriage troubles have emerged, with the National Enquirer reporting last month that Williams was a victim of domestic violence. Pictured: Wendy with Hunter and their son Kevin in August 2017

Meanwhile executives at Debmar-Mercury, the company that produces The Wendy Williams Show, have already been on pins and needles about Williams' alleged health challenges. Before Christmas, Wendy missed a December 17 show and appeared the next day with her arm in a sling under a pink sweater due to a shoulder fracture

A source at the TV network told DailyMail.com the show fill-ins are being used as on-air auditions of sorts, with the network already having its eye on possibly developing one or more replacement show with several of the stand-in guest hosts.

Among those Debmar is looking at as replacement options, include actor Jerry O'Connell, who filled in for Williams in March 2018 when her health challenges caused her to take three weeks off.

Nick Cannon, KeKe Palmer, Michael Rapaport and Jason Biggs have also been announced as guest co-hosts throughout the month of February; but apparently Debmar is also looking at former The View co-host Sherri Shepherd as a possible replacement option as well.

The network source said: 'The truth is, it's become a s**t show behind the scenes and at any given moment, as we've already seen twice this year already, the working plans tend to change day to day, hour to hour, and minute to minute.

'So everyone is holding out hope, and many are already seeking jobs elsewhere.'

A source at the The Wendy Williams Show added: 'We're worried, we have bills to pay  who says she is ever coming back. The last thing any of us want is for the show to be cancelled.

'Just remember  the show is called Wendy. So it needs Wendy Williams back  but when she comes back, she better not bring Kevin back with her because we've all had enough of him.'
National Australia Bank has posted an unfortunately titled job vacancy advertisement just hours after their top two executives resigned.

Chairman Ken Henry and CEO Andrew Thorburn both announced on Thursday evening they would be stepping down following a damning report by the banking royal commission.

The job advertisement posted on Linkedin emerged shortly after calling for a new 'Head of Financial Crime'.

National Australia Bank posted an unfortunately titled job vacancy just hours after two of the company's leading figures announced they would resign

A Linkedin post also emerged as the banking boss' shock resigned advertising for a 'Head of Financial Crime'

The job advertisement was quickly mocked on social media with users pointing fun at the inconvenient name and timing.

After facing a heavy media presence outside the ABC's Sydney studios, Dr Henry told 7.30's Leigh Sales he was 'deeply sorry' the bank had fallen short of customer's expectations.

He said on Thursday night the bank had failed to deliver exceptional service to its customers.

'We're deeply sorry. We have got a mountain to climb if we want to achieve our aspirations,' he said.

'As I see it NAB does aspire to do the right thing by every customer every time but we're a long way away from that.'

He also conceded he may have come across as 'contemptuous' and 'defensive' during his appearance at the royal commission into financial services.

'I understand the criticism, I was feeling defensive,' he said when quizzed on the commentary about his royal commission performance,' he said.

'I did not perform well - I should have been much more open.'

The NAB chairman was slammed as 'sexist' when he first faced questioning at the royal commission in November.

He was shown giving grunted responses, talking under his breath and scoffing at questions.

Responding to Sales' questioning of why it took a royal commission for changes to be made, Dr Henry said it was not the only way they could take responsibility.

'I don't think it's taken a royal commission to do that - it has certainly been useful in shining an intense spotlight on activity and holding people to account,' he said.

Mr Thorburn also apologised earlier in the day for the controversial banking practices during his tenure.

'We've moved a lot forward but it's clear we need to get better and that we have fallen short,' Mr Thorburn, who earns $4.4million, said.

Dr Henry said he would vacate his position on the board once a replacement CEO was found.

Mr Thorburn will finish his role on February 28 with Philip Chronician serving as acting CEO from March 1 until a permanent replacement is found - at which point the NAB chairman said he would also step aside.

The bank chiefs' resignation announcement came after NAB's shares were placed in a trading halt on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Thorburn (pictured) was singled out in Kenneth Hayne's final report, which revealed greed and misconduct in the Australian financial sector at the expense of consumers and businesses

NAB was singled out in Kenneth Hayne's final report, which revealed greed and misconduct in the Australian financial sector at the expense of consumers and businesses.

'I acknowledge the bank has sustained damage as a result of its past practices and comments in the royal commission's final report about them,' Mr Thorburn said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange.

'As CEO, I understand accountability.

'I have always sought to act in the best interests of the bank and customers and I know that I have always acted with integrity.

'However, I recognise there is a desire for change. As a result, I spoke with the board and offered to step down as CEO, and they have accepted my offer.'

'The timing of my departure will minimise disruption for customers, employees and shareholders,' he said.
A Republican political activist who was dating a Russian secret agent has been charged with wire fraud and money laundering in South Dakota.

Businessman and conservative political operative Paul Erickson, 56, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to 11 counts of wire fraud and money laundering after being indicted a day earlier.

He faces up to 20 years in prison for each count.

The charges appear unrelated to the the case of Maria Butina - the 30-year-old Russian spy he was romantically linked to - who pleaded guilty in December to trying to infiltrate conservative political groups.

Businessman and conservative political operative Paul Erickson, 56, (above in 2003) pleaded not guilty in South Dakota on Wednesday to 11 counts of wire fraud and money laundering

Erickson is a well-known figure in Republican and conservative circles and was a senior official in Pat Buchanan's 1992 Republican presidential campaign.

Prosecutors said Erickson defrauded 'many victims' from 1996 through August 2018.

The indictment accuses Erikson of concocting a variety of schemes to carry out well over $1 million in fraudulent transactions in South Dakota and elsewhere.

His Russian spy girlfriend Maria Butina, 30, pleaded guilty in December to trying to infiltrate conservative political groups

He is accused of recruiting investors for a string of elder care homes, developing a wheelchair that allowed a person to use the bathroom from the chair, and home-building in North Dakota's booming oil fields.

Erickson made false representations to get people to invest in the schemes, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Before his indictment, Erickson was caught up in his girlfriend's high-profile case, which was separate from special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Butina admitted to working with a top Russian official to infiltrate the powerful National Rifle Association gun rights group and to make inroads with American conservatives and the Republican Party as an agent for Moscow.

She admitted that Erickson helped her as she tried to use his ties with the National Rifle Association to set up the back channels. It's not clear if Erickson will face charges in that case.

The Russian, who is a former graduate student at American University in Washington, had publicly advocated for gun rights. She was the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence U.S. policy during the 2016 presidential race.

Butina admitted that Erickson helped her as she tried to use his ties with the National Rifle Association to set up the back channels. It's not clear if Erickson will face charges in her case

Butina, above with Erickson, was the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence U.S. policy during the 2016 presidential race

Erickson's indictment did not specifically refer to Butina by name, but it indicates he made a payment of $8,000 to an 'M.B.' in June 2015 and another payment of $1,000 to 'M.B.' in March 2017.

The indictment also indicates he paid American University $20,472.09 in June 2017.

In South Dakota, Erickson in 2015 helped arrange speeches for Butina to talk about freedom and entrepreneurship at a Sioux Falls school, at the University of South Dakota and at a teenage Republican camp held in the Black Hills.

Erickson, a native of Vermillion, South Dakota, has led a colorful career.

He was active in politics as a freshman at the University of South Dakota and became vice president of the Student Association in 1980. A profile of Erickson by the Sioux Falls Argus Leader in 2003, when he was working on a campaign to defeat then-Democratic Sen. Tom Daschle, said Erickson was forced out of that Student Association post after obtaining confidential student records and giving them to a political campaign.

He transferred to Yale, serving as national treasurer of the College Republicans while there. He graduated in 1984 and got a law degree in 1988 from the University of Virginia.

He also worked on Pat Buchanan's 1992 presidential campaign and later made an action movie with Jack Abramoff, the former Washington lobbyist ensnared in a corruption scandal in 2006.
An adulterous husband who strangled his wife and set light to her body after taking out more than 300,000 in life insurance is facing life in prison.

Thomas Peter, 50, forced a flannel cloth down his wife Karen's throat before throttling her at their home in Romford, east London, on August 2.

Just one month earlier, Thomas took out the maximum 310,000 life insurance policy available in the event he or his wife should die.

Thomas Peter, 50, forced a flannel cloth down his wife Karen's throat before throttling her at their home in Romford, east London, on August 2. He was found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey on February 7, 2019

Peter, a plasterer by trade, claimed to have accidentally strangled his wife when they both 'fell over during a row in the bedroom.'

He then said he set her lifeless body on fire accidentally after he lit candles to 'to calm the mood'.

The Old Bailey heard Peter flew into a jealous rage after learning the mother-of-three had finally moved on with a new lover, following years of violent abuse and affairs.

The job centre worker, also 50, had recently ditched her wedding and engagement rings, got a number of tattoos and told friends she had 'met someone special'.

Prosecutor Gary Patterson said Peter set the series of fires to cover up the injuries and obliterate the tattoos he hated along with the phones his wife used to contact her new man.

'The deliberate burning shows his rage, and it shows the reason why he murdered her in the first place,' he explained.

Describing the murder, the prosecutor said: 'He forced a flannel cloth deep into his wife's mouth, possibly trying to silence her. With one or both hands he strangled his wife to death.

'After murdering her, and despite the presence of his daughters, he started at least two fires in the house. He set fire to his wife's body and left it in a locked first floor bedroom.'

Their children were first alerted to their mother's plight when they woke to a 'muffled scream' coming from the bedroom, jurors heard.

Asked what was going on, Peter said she had gone out, even asking his children if they had done something to upset her, jurors heard.

Firefighters found Mrs Peter's body heavily burned around the groin and thighs, with marks also to the head and neck.

The court heard there was evidence Mrs Peter had bitten her husband's hand and a piece of skin was retrieved from her mouth.

Peter had denied murder and arson, saying his wife died in an accident but was found guilty today.

Mrs Peter's parents, Dennis and Margery, clasped hands at the back of the court as the verdicts were announced

The Common Serjeant of London, Judge Richard Marks QC, remanded Peter in custody ahead of sentence on February 11.

He faces spending a minimum of 30 years behind bars due to the fact that the murder was carried out for gain.

Jurors heard the pair married in 1994 but 'it had been a far from happy relationship for Karen'.

She finally applied for a divorce in February 2010 citing her husband's adultery and stating that the relationship had broken down irretrievably.

But they continued to live together under the same roof with their three daughters.

Their divorce was granted weeks later, in September 2010, but they remarried in February 2012.

'Although married again, things were still not easy for Karen,' Mr Patterson said.

'His adultery continued.

'Messages found by police on the defendant's phone showed that for long periods after the remarriage he conducted a series of relationships with other women, often overlapping with each other.

'These other relationships involved his having sex with these women and expressing his love for these other women, often at the same time as he was professing his love for Karen, his wife, or at the same time she was expressing in messages her love or showing the efforts she was making in the marriage.'

The prosecutor told jurors that Peter would 'act in a controlling way towards his wife and in a threatening way towards her'.

During their relationship the couple had 'hundreds of rows' and Karen spent years 'tiptoeing around his ego and his bullying'.

Just weeks before her murder she texted a friend to say: 'I just need to be careful.'

'It's prophetic; she knows he is capable of further violence,' Mr Patterson said

Peter's sense of 'control' was still there last summer when he discovered his wife's plans to leave him.

'His fragile ego couldn't take it and he was not prepared to let that happen,' said Mr Patterson.

Karen was killed the day before she had arranged a night out with a friend.

'What she must have endured in that final hour of her life is difficult to think about,' the prosecutor continued.

He said Peter's claim that his wife ran on his hands when they were stretched forward at her as they tussled together was 'nonsense.'
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Border officials have defended the addition of razor wire to fencing in Nogales, Arizona, after city officials compared the fortifications to something out of a war zone.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement on Wednesday that the new horizontal layers of razor wire were added to the border wall in Nogales at a request for additional support. They did not say who made the request.

The CBP says the request was for 'high-risk urban areas commonly exploited by criminal smuggling organizations.'

Nogales, the border town 65 miles south of Tucson, was the site of the largest fentanyl bust in U.S. history, when agents seized nearly 254 pounds of the deadly synthetic opioid from a secret compartment inside a truck carrying a load of Mexican produce bound for the U.S.

U.S. Army troops place additional concertina wire to the border fence on a hillside above Nelson Street in downtown Nogales, Arizona on Ssaturday. The small Arizona border city is fighting back against the installation of razor fencing

A school bus rolls past the concertina wire-covered fence at East International and Nelson Streets in Nogales on Monday

The razor wire first went up in Nogales three months ago, when President Donald Trump ordered troops to the border to assist CBP in fortifying barriers in certain key sectors.

At the time, migrant caravans appeared possibly bound for Nogales, but the column of Central Americans instead turned for California.

The CBP's defense of the razor wire on Wednesday came quickly after the Nogales City Council passed a resolution condemning the new concertina wire that now covers the entirety of a tall border wall through downtown.

The council is calling on the federal government to remove all concertina wire installed within the city limits. Otherwise, Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino says it will result in a lawsuit.

City officials say Army troops installed more horizontal layers of the wire along the border wall last weekend.

The council's resolution says the razor wire would harm or kill anyone who scales the wall and 'is only found in a war, prison or battle setting' and shouldn't be in downtown Nogales.

Members of the military weld on the U.S-Mexico border fence near Nogales on Tuesday

The additional concertina wire can be seen on the border fence in Nogales on Tuesday

'We had a delegation visiting from Nebraska seeing the military putting up the concertina wire on the wall and one of the folks said 'this looks like a war zone,'' Mark Adams, who heads the Presbyterian binational ministry Frontera de Cristo, told the Arizona Daily Star.

The CBP says the new wires are on U.S. government property.

The new wire is being added to sections outside city limits, according to a CBP spokeswoman.

But she wrote in locations where there is high pedestrian activity, the concertina wire is limited to only the upper portion of the wall.

'Signage in Spanish and English has been put in place warning individuals of these dangers and prohibiting access,' the statement said.

Soldiers have installed concertina wire at or near several official crossings at the border.

Bails of razor wire are awaiting installation on the U.S.-Mexico border fence on Tuesday in Nogales

Nogales, Ariz., Mayor Arturo Garino speaks to the media outside the gate of the U.S. Border Patrol facility in 2014. Garino has threatened to sue the federal government unless new concertina wire is removed from the border

In late November, CBP said the military had sent 36 miles of concertina for use in California, Arizona, and Texas.

At the start of November, soldiers in Texas installed lines of wire coils below a major bridge near McAllen.

City leaders were critical of military exercises at the border during the holiday season, saying they believed it scared shoppers.

Other border mayors have also been critical.

'We have a fence here. The fence is fine. It does what it's supposed to do,' Dee Margo, the Republican mayor of El Paso, Texas, said last year. 'I hear the term wall, I think of the Berlin Wall. I think it's pretty detrimental to the relationships that have lasted more than 400 years.'

Trump has defended the use of razor wire to harden border fortifications.

At a rally in Montana in November, he said: 'Barbed wire used properly can be a beautiful sight.'
Liz Truss warned her party it must take on 'NIMBYs' today to get more houses built and cut prices.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury said the Tories must reform the 'rigid' planning system to make it harder for developments to be blocked by existing home-owners, who she described as 'the worst vested interest we've got'.

Ms Truss - seen by some as a potential successor to Theresa May - said a shortage of affordable housing was driving voters into the arms of Jeremy Corbyn's Labour.

Speaking to the Resolution Foundation think tank in London, she said this year's Spending Review - setting out Government budgets for 2020-23 - is an opportunity for the Conservatives to set out a 'popular free market agenda'.

Liz Truss (pictured in Downing Street on Tuesday) warned her party it must take on 'nimbies' today to get more houses built and cut prices

She said the party should take a cue from market-leading brands like Aldi and Netflix, which 'deliver what people want, when they want it at a price that they want'.

She added that it should cut back on 'virtue-signalling' policies, warning that voters 'resent being told how big their pizza should be or how much alcohol they should drink per week'.

In an attack on the 'nanny state', she said: 'At the moment we have got an increasing quangocracy that does seem to be prepared to say those things.'

Joking that she was not calling on her party to adopt a strategy of 'Netflix and chill', Ms Truss said Tories must take a 'ruthless' approach to stripping back wasteful spending and tearing down barriers to getting on in life.

These include barriers preventing state school pupils getting into Oxbridge, difficulties female entrepreneurs experience in securing finance, and obstacles to building affordable housing for young people.

High house prices were among factors which had led to a 25 per cent drop in people moving to find work over the last 15 years, said Ms Truss, citing studies which suggested workers were missing out on 2,000 of salary as a result.

Conservatives must be 'prepared to take on vested interests', including 'those who want to protect their existing privileges', she said.

She added: 'The worst vested interest we've got is existing home-owners who block development.

'I think that is the biggest challenge we face - how are we going to reform the system when there's a fundamental anti-development bias in our country?'

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury said the Tories must reform the 'rigid' planning system to make it harder for developments to be blocked by existing home-owners, who she described as 'the worst vested interest we've got'

Ms Truss blamed 'rigid planning rules' for 'house prices that are out of reach of many, many people'.

'We do have to be prepared to take on those who don't want a house built in the field next to them,' she said.

'The alternative is getting a public who ... feel like the housing market is not responding to their demand, not because they are dyed-in-the-wool socialists but because they are simply frustrated. I think there's a danger that people will support the Labour Party because they are so frustrated about the situation.'

She hailed liberal planning regimes in Tokyo, Vancouver and Germany which had cut back on bureaucracy and resulted in lower house prices.

Ms Truss said Tories need to create an alliance of 'industrial Britain, enterprise Britain and rural Britain', identifying Labour-held seats in Bassetlaw, Bolton and Bolsover as the kind of areas where the party needs to build support.

Ms Truss - seen by some as a potential successor to Theresa May - said a shortage of affordable housing was driving voters into the arms of Jeremy Corbyn's Labour

People in communities like these would respond to a Conservative Party following the US mantra of 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' and offering them control of their own lives and the opportunity to get on, she said.

There is an opportunity for Tories to appeal to voters who resent the 'vortex of victimhood' offered by Labour and the idea of choices being made on their behalf, she said.

'Our opportunity is to lay out policies which, in the words of the American founding fathers, suggest life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,' said Ms Truss.

'I think if we advocate a popular free-market agenda, we can win over those parts of the country, we can drive up economic growth, we can create prosperity and give people a greater feeling of control over their own destiny and a greater feeling of pride in their country, their area and themselves.'
Danielle Redlick (pictured), 45, of Winter Park, Orlando, said her husband had stabbed himself following a dispute

The wife of a University of Central Florida faculty member found dead in his home was arrested on a murder charge on Wednesday after claiming her husband had stabbed himself.

Danielle Redlick, 45, of Winter Park, Orlando, waited 11 hours to ring the authorities and report the tragedy of 65-year-old Michael Redlicks death on January 12  and even checked her messages on a dating app before making the call, authorities said.

Hes stiff and he might have had a heart attack. I dont know, she first claimed, according to a charging affidavit.

But this was quickly changed to the mother-of-two insisting her husband had stabbed himself following a dispute between the couple.

We had an altercation and he stabbed himself, and I ran and hid in the bathroom and when I came out I was trying to help him and saw he was lying in blood and then I tried to help him and I couldnt, she told the 911 dispatcher, according to the affidavit obtained by the Orlando Sentinel.

But two days following Mr Redlick's death in his Winter Park home, medical examiners determined he had died of a stab wound that was not self-inflicted.

Winter Park police officers also noted the scene and victim had been tampered with - bloody towers were found around the victim and the house smelled strongly of bleach.

Explaining why she didnt immediately call police, Redlick - who has two children aged 15 and 11 - told the authorities that she was scared and exhausted, having fell asleep next to her husbands body after attempting CPR.

However, Redlicks phone showed she was checking messages on a dating app, MeetMindful, around two hours before her 911 call, the affidavit states.

Redlick also claimed she kept slipping on her husband's blood while trying to help him and so cleaned the area with towels.

According to the arrest report, Redlick rang the emergency services at around 9.30am on the Saturday morning - 11 hours after she said the fight with her drunk, angry husband first began.

It started when he spat a piece of a McDonalds hamburger into her face, Redlick told police.

But two days following Mr Redlick's (left) death in his Winter Park home, medical examiners determined he had died of a stab wound that was not self-inflicted

She then claims to have grabbed a serrated knife from the couples kitchen before her husband snatched the blade from her and began making stabbing motions toward himself, Redlick told officers.

Court records purportedly show Redlick had filed for divorce from Mr Redlick in March 2018, describing their then 13-year marriage as irretrievably broken.

Yet a judge apparently dismissed the petition in November, indicating that Mr Redlick had not been properly served the divorce papers.

Officers were informed by those who knew the couple that their relationship was rocky and toxic.

Following her husbands death, Redlick was taken to a local hospital by paramedics as she had tried to harm herself. Her medical records revealed she had alcohol in her system.

At the time, Redlick was on probation from a January 2018 arrest in Seminole County for resisting an officer.

She was arrested on a probation violation charge on January 23.

Prior to his death, Mr Redlick, who was the director of external affairs and partnership relations for the DeVos Sport Business Management Program at UCF, told a witness his wife was crazy but as long as I hide the steak knives I should be good, according to the report.

Redlick has been charged with with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence and was booked into the Orange County Jail on Wednesday.
A Texas woman was horrifically murdered in her driveway while setting up a garage sale to raise money for her wedding anniversary - and it was all caught on video.

Elizabeth 'Liz' Barraza, 29, was outside her Tomball home on January 25 when a black pickup truck pulled up and parked across the street.

Surveillance footage captured the suspect, who appears to be a woman dressed in a light colored robe, getting out of the truck and quickly walking toward Barraza's home.

The video shows Barraza appearing to freeze at the sight of the shooter and taking a step back when they approach her, exchanging a few words.

Just eight seconds pass before the suspect lifts their arm and shoots her at point-blank rage, firing three times.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

Elizabeth 'Liz' Barraza, 29, was horrifically murdered in her driveway while setting up for a garage sale to raise money for her wedding anniversary - and it was all caught on video

Barraza, 29, (pictured) died a day after she was shot outside her Tomball home on January 25

Barraza falls to the ground and the suspect steps over her body and fires one more shot.

They are then seen sprinting back to the car and speeding away from the scene.

Neighbors called 911 after they heard the gunshots and Barraza was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she died from her injuries the next day.

'A coward drove up, approached my daughter, and forever changed our lives,' Barraza's father Bob Nuelle said during a press conference.

'An unknown assailant shot and killed an unarmed and defenseless woman in a brutal act that demands justice.'

Surveillance footage captured the suspect, who appears to be a woman dressed in a robe, getting out of the truck and quickly walking toward Barraza (pictured)

Just eight seconds pass before the suspect lifts their arm and shoots her at point-blank rage, shooting her four times before sprinting from the scene

The pickup truck (pictured) was captured on a surveillance camera nearby shortly before Sergio left for work. Investigators believe the shooter may have been waiting for him to leave to make sure Barraza was alone

'We never imagined a life without her. We still can't.'

Barraza's husband Sergio Barraza had just left for work mere minutes before she was murdered.

Surveillance footage shows him leaving the house at 6.48am. The shooter's truck pulled up to the home at 6.52am, according to ABC 13.

Barraza's family said she planned the garage sale to make extra money for a trip she and Sergio were taking for their fifth wedding anniversary.

They were supposed to leave two days after she was murdered.

'I don't understand how someone could do this to her,' Sergio said. 'She didn't deserve to pass away like this.'

Barraza's husband Sergio Barazza (pictured together) had just left for work mere minutes before she was murdered

Barraza's family said she was putting on the garage sale to make some extra money for a trip she and Sergio were taking for their fifth wedding anniversary

'How someone could be so monstrous to commit an act like this, I just really can't understand. I had to trade our fifth anniversary for a funeral.'

'We need justice for Liz. I need justice for Liz. I love you, Liz.'

Authorities said Barraza did not publicize the garage sale and had only put up signs about it around the neighborhood that morning.

The pickup truck was captured on a surveillance camera nearby shortly before Sergio left for work.

Investigators believe the shooter may have been waiting for him to leave to make sure Barraza was alone.

Sergio said he and his wife were active members of Star Wars fan group the 501st Legion and often dressed up in costume to cheer up people in hospitals

Police have identified the pickup truck as an older model, four-door Nissan Frontier. It could have a badge or tag number in the near quarter panel near the tailgate.

No arrests have been made and investigators have not yet determined if the shooter was a man or a woman. The motive for the attack also remains unclear.

'You have my word, we'll do everything possible to bring justice to Elizabeth's killer,' Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said during a press conference. 'Somebody out there knows something.'

Barraza was an avid Star Wars and Harry Potter fan. Her family asked mourners to bring wands and lightsabers to her vigil last week.

'My wife Liz was a beautiful person with the kindest of souls,' Sergio said during a press conference (pictured). 'I'm just so happy that the last words I got to say to my beautiful wife were "I love you"'

Sergio said he and his wife were active members of Star Wars fan group the 501st Legion and often dressed in costumes to cheer up hospital patients.

Barraza died in the very same hospital where she had spent hours bringing smiles to others, according to the Houston Chronicle.

'My wife Liz was a beautiful person with the kindest of souls,' Sergio said. 'I'm just so happy that the last words I got to say to my beautiful wife were "I love you."'

Houston Crime Stoppers and the the 501st Legion are offering a $20,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest in Barraza's murder.

Anyone with information about the shooter or the pickup truck is urged to call Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
The father of Jayme Closs's kidnapper says he is heart is broken for the 13-year-old Wisconsin girl and her family after his son faced court and was ordered to stand trial.

Jake Patterson's father Patrick wept and told his son he loved him as the 21-year-old waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Barron County Court on Wednesday.

He is charged with kidnapping Jayme and gunning down her parents Denise and James in cold blood on October 15.

His father told ABC News after the court appearance that he is still trying to make sense of what happened.

'My words can mean nothing after such a tragedy has taken place. I most definitely want Jayme's family to know, everyone to know, that our hearts are broken for their family,' Patrick said.

Jake Patterson's father Patrick says his heart is broken for Jayme Closs and her family after his son was ordered to stand trial in Wisconsin for kidnapping the 13-year-old and murdering her family

Patterson, 21, is charged with kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme and gunning down her parents Denise and James in cold blood in Wisconsin on October 15

'I'm very sorry for everything that has happened.

'I wish for a complete healing of Jayme's mind, heart and soul.'

His son Jake showed no emotion during his brief court appearance, which will now go to trial after he waived the preliminary hearing.

Emotion flicked across Patterson's face when he was escorted past his father, sister Katie and brother Erik.

His father could be heard saying: 'Love you Jake'.

Patterson's siblings echoed their father, saying: 'We love you', as he shuffled past in handcuffs and orange prison overalls.

It was the first time Patterson had appeared in person and stood in the same room as Jayme's relatives.

More than a dozen of Jayme's relatives were in the courtroom and had earlier acknowledged that it was 'going to be a hard day.'

According to the criminal complaint released shortly after Jayme was found, Patterson told investigators he knew Jayme 'was the girl he was going to take' after he saw her getting on a school bus near her home.

He made two aborted trips to the family's home before carrying out the attack in which he killed Jayme's mother in front of her.

Jake Patterson waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Barron County Court on Wednesday and the case will now go to trial, as he'll be arraigned on March 27

In the days that followed, thousands of people volunteered to search for Jayme. Investigators believe Patterson hid Jayme in a remote cabin in Gordon, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of Barron, before she escaped and got help from a woman walking her dog.

Jayme told police that on the night she was abducted, she awoke to her dog's barking, then woke her parents as a car came up the driveway.

Her father went to the front door as Jayme and her mother hid in a bathtub, according to the complaint. Jayme told police she heard a gunshot and knew her dad had been killed.

Patterson  dressed in black and wearing a facemask  broke down the bathroom door. He taped Jayme's mouth, hands and ankles before pulling her out of the bathtub and shooting her mother in the head, the complaint said.

He dragged Jayme outside, threw her in the trunk of his car and drove off, according to the complaint.

Patterson took her to a cabin and said no one could know she was there or 'bad things could happen to her,' the complaint said.

When he left or had friends over, he sealed her under the bed with tote boxes and weights so she couldn't crawl out, sometimes for hours, according to the complaint.

When his father visited, Patterson told investigators, he turned up the radio to conceal any noise she might make.

She was forced to live in a squalid basement 'cell' strewn with soft toys, filthy bedding and women's clothes.

The 21-year-old kept Jayme at his remote cabin for 88 days, in Gordon, Wisconsin, until Jayme managed to escape in January. Pictured: Jayme tucking into a steak alongside her grandfather at his home

Patterson is charged with murdering Jayme's parents James (left) and Denise Closs (right) last October 15

The secret den complete with a scruffy mattress and cuddly stuffed pig is beneath Patterson's tumbledown forest cabin in rural Gordon.

A stash of kids' backpacks, including one with panda ears, can be seen piled up in one corner of the 8ft by 8ft room in images obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com.

When Jayme escaped from a cabin in Douglas County she flagged down a woman for help.

She was able to provide a description of the car Patterson was driving, and he was arrested minutes later.

According to a search warrant affidavit, the red Ford Taurus Patterson was driving was taped up and taken to a secure evidence garage.

The FBI's evidence response team searched the car the next day and found his cellphone on the front seat.

The phone was released to the Wisconsin Department of Justice to be analyzed by someone trained in the forensic extraction of data.

Last month it was revealed Wisconsin investigators have examined call logs, photos and videos stored on Patterson's cellphone as investigations continue.

The image above shows the filthy basement den where authorities believe Jayme Closs was held prisoner by her alleged abductor

The den was filled with soft toys, a dirty mattress, women's clothing, and women's makeup

The 13-year-old was held captive for 88 days in a rural cabin in Wisconsin (pictured) before her eventual escape

Jayme was found at the Eau Claire Acres estate near the town of Gordon, which is about 70 miles away from her home in Barron where she was abducted

Search warrant documents filed in Barron County Circuit Court said evidence on the phone could be used 'to determine the chronological context' of what happened.

The documents said authorities were looking for a contact list, a log of incoming and outgoing calls and the dates and times of those calls, texts or other messages and social media communications.

They were also seeking emails that were sent to or from the cellphone, evidence that would tell them where the phone was during their months-long investigation, and any pictures or videos on the device.

Jayme was this week pictured smiling enjoying a steak dinner with her grandfather months after her terrifying kidnapping ordeal was brought to an end.

The photo, shared to a Facebook group, showed Jayme tucking into a hearty meal alongside her grandfather at his home in Wisconsin - after he promised to buy the teenager 'a big steak' when she was found.

'Were so blessed!!! We had to share!!' A caption alongside the emotional Facebook post read.

'Grandpa said since day one he was gonna buy Jayme a big steak when she was found!! Well here it is he bought her steak and they had lunch together at his house!!'
Explicit pictures of female students from two universities in Aberdeen have been shared in a 'men's only' Snapchat group called 'the Brohood'.

The group encourages male students to 'share, receive and enjoy the filthy girls of both Aberdeen universities with their fellow lads'.

Intimate photos of women studying at Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University are being shared in the group, which has sparked outrage among students and staff.

It comes in the same week that two male students were banned from returning to Warwick University after sending messages that endorsed raping their female peers.

Explicit pictures of female students from the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University have been shared in a 'men's only' Snapchat group called 'the Brohood'

One student in Aberdeen said he was horrified to receive a message from 'The Brohood' that read: 'Join the Brohood. Men's only 18+ secret group for the select few.

'Share, receive and enjoy the filthy girls of both Aberdeen universities with your fellow lads. Don't ruin the fun - keep it secret.'

The 19-year-old received the message from a member identified only as 'nobouri94'.

He shared the message online with a warning for his female counterparts to 'watch out'.

He raised concerns about how far the network extends and said: 'The person who contacted me must have searched for students in Aberdeen to add, as I have no idea who it is and quite a lot of people have had this message.

'It seems the same text has been sent through different names and different accounts, as a few pals got it too.

'I think it is vile and I hope that putting this out there will stop people from doing it.'

The group encourages male students to share pictures of women studying at Aberdeen University (pictured)

Local councillor Catriona Mackenzie, who went to both universities, called for those behind the group to be expelled if they turn out to be students.

She said: 'I am disgusted to hear that this group exists and think the individuals behind it are pathetic.

'I have the deepest sympathy to any victims of this perverted and exploitative behaviour.'

An Aberdeen University spokesman said: 'We would urge anyone who has been affected to get in touch with our student advice and support team, where confidential professional advice and support is available in person, by phone or online.'

A Robert Gordon spokesman added: 'We have been made aware of this situation and will assist the authorities in any investigation.

'There are support services available to any of our students who may have been affected.'

Female students at Robert Gordon University (pictured) in Aberdeen are also targeted

Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has campaigned for tighter safeguards on Snapchat and said she was 'appalled but not surprised'.

She added: 'The taking and sharing of intimate photographs without consent puts these people in a precarious position legally.

'I'd question those indulging in this whether it's wise to jeopardise their future by being part of such groups.'

Under the Communications Act it is illegal to disclose private sexual images without the consent of the person in the image.

A Police Scotland spokesman told MailOnline: 'Having become aware of the snapchat message we will work with the two universities to carry out appropriate enquiries.'

It comes in the same week that two male students were banned from returning to Warwick University (pictured) after sending messages that endorsed raping their female peers

Female students in Warwick were outraged this week when two of their male peers who sent offensive messages had their campus bans reduced from 10 years to one.

In a statement released on Monday university vice chancellor Stuart Croft confirmed the two male students will not be coming back.

They were initially banned for 10 years, but had them reduced after launching an appeal.

The tweets were first reported by Warwick University newspaper The Boar last year after it obtained screenshots of the group chat.

Graphic messages encouraged members to rape specific students, as well as ones including anti-Semitic and racist language.

After a university investigation five students were suspended. Two were banned for 10 years, two were excluded for one year and one was given a lifetime ban.
France's foreign ministry has recalled its ambassador to Rome after a series of 'provocations' by leaders of Italy's populist government.

Tensions have flared between the two countries since the Five Star Movement and far-right League party came to power in a coalition in Italy last June.

It comes a day after Paris furiously denounced Italy's deputy PM Luigi Di Maio for meeting leaders of the French Yellow Vest protest movement.

'For several months France has been the subject of repeated accusations, unfounded attacks and outlandish claims,' the French foreign ministry said in a statement today, calling them 'unprecedented' since the end of World War II.

France has recalled its ambassador to Italy after a months-long diplomatic row pitting French President Emmanuel Macron (pictured left today) against the populist government in Rome, including deputy PM Matteo Salvini (right)

Timeline: France and Italy's diplomatic row May 2017: Emmanuel Macron is elected President of France. In a meeting with Italy's then-PM Paolo Gentiloni he admits France had not 'listened to the warning cries given by Italy early enough' about the migrant influx. June 2018: Italy's new populist government takes power. Matteo Salvini is the face of the new leadership's crackdown on migrants. Macron accuses Salvini of 'cynicism and irresponsibility' for turning away a boat, the Aquarius, which was carrying hundreds of migrants. September 2018: Italy's defence minister says France is partly responsible for the crisis in Libya, after it joined the 2011 military intervention there. November 2018: Mass demonstrations begin in France, as the 'Yellow Vest' movement stages huge and often violent protests against Macron and the cost of living in France. December 2018: Italian deputy PM Luigi Di Maio says France risks budget sanctions from Brussels - under the same rules applied to Italy - after Macron makes expensive concessions to the rioters. Salvini says Macron is to blame for the protests. January 2019: Di Maio accuses France of 'colonial' policies in Africa, fuelling the migrant crisis. Salvini calls Macron a 'terrible President', saying he 'talks a lot and achieves little'. February 2019: Di Maio meets leaders of the Yellow Vest movement, angering Paris. Days later recalls its ambassador to Italy, accusing Rome of 'repeated accusations' and 'unfounded attacks'. Advertisement

'Having disagreements is one thing, but manipulating the relationship for electoral aims is another.

'The latest interference is an additional and unacceptable provocation.

'The campaign for the European elections can not justify the lack of respect for each people or their democracy.

'All of these actions are creating a serious situation which is raising questions about the Italian government's intentions towards France.'

Italian interior minister Matteo Salvini said today: 'We don't want to row with anyone.

'We're not interested in controversies: we are serious people and we are defending Italian interests.'

The diplomatic row has escalated since Italy's populist government took office last year and launched a clampdown on Mediterranean migration.

French President Emmanuel Macron blasted Rome for refusing to take in a migrant rescue ship carrying hundreds of people.

He accused Italy of 'cynicism and irresponsibility' for closing its ports to the 629 migrants, who were stranded on the Aquarius vessel until Spain said the ship could land at its port of Valencia.

Italy has accused France of helping to cause the migrant crisis.

Last month Di Maio drew Paris's ire after he accused France of fuelling the migrant influx to Europe by continuing to 'colonise' Africa.

Interior minister Matteo Salvini lambasted Emmanuel Macron directly by saying he is 'close, with all my heart... to the French people, the millions of men and women who live in France under a terrible government and terrible president'.

He called on French voters to back anti-Macron parties in May's European Parliament elections.

Macron was elected French President in May 2017 on a centrist and pro-European platform, but his support has slumped in recent months.

The two countries have also clashed over government spending, after Italy fell foul of EU budget rules.

Di Maio called for the same rules to apply to France, warning Paris could be sanctioned, after Macron was forced to make costly concessions to quell the Yellow Vest violence.

Yesterday the foreign ministry in Paris denounced as 'unacceptable' the meeting between Italy's Di Maio and France's 'yellow vest' anti-government protesters.

Recalled: Christian Masset, the French ambassador to Italy, has been recalled to Paris amid an escalating diplomatic row between the two countries

Last year Macron accuses Salvini of 'cynicism and irresponsibility' for turning away a boat, the Aquarius (pictured), which was carrying hundreds of migrants

France denounced as 'unacceptable' the meeting between Italy's Di Maio and France's 'yellow vest' anti-government protesters (pictured, a protest in Paris last weekend)

Migrants on a dinghy in the Mediterranean after they tried to reach Europe from Libya. Last year Macron accused Italy of 'irresponsibility' for refusing to take a boat full of migrants in

'This new provocation is unacceptable between neighbouring countries and partners at the heart of the European Union,' a ministry spokesman said in a statement a day after Di Maio met the protesters on French soil.

'Mr Di Maio, who has governmental responsibilities, should ensure that he does not impair with its repeated interferences our bilateral relations, in the interest of both France and Italy,' the spokesman said.

Di Maio, head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S), announced on Tuesday he had met near Paris with yellow vest leader Christophe Chalencon and candidates on a yellow vest list for European Parliament elections in May.

He invited them and other yellow vests to a follow-up meeting in Rome, claiming on Twitter that 'the wind of change has crossed the Alps.'

France has recalled its ammbassador to Rome a day after Paris furiously denounced Italy's deputy PM Luigi Di Maio (pictured) for meeting leaders of the French Yellow Vest protest movement

Emmanuel Macron speaks to the nation in December after weeks of protests. Italy said his spending concessions should be subject to the same budget rules applied to Rome

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy celebrates the overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in Libya in 2011, with opposition leader Abdul Jalil and British PM David Cameron. Italy has accused France of worsening the crisis in Libya

The 'yellow vest' protests against fuel taxes began in rural and small-town France in late November, before ballooning into a wider revolt against Macron's policies and governing style.

The French president is hoping to forge an alliance of pro-EU centrists ahead of European elections in May.

Italy has also accused France of worsening the crisis in Libya, which has contributed to the migrant influx into Europe.

France took part in the 2011 military intervention in Libya which toppled longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

However Libya remains divided and unstable, with rival administrations in Tripoli and the east of the country.

While it is the first time that France has withdrawn its ambassador to Italy since 1945, it is not unprecedented among EU members. In 2016, Greece recalled its ambassador to Austria, and in 2017 Hungary withdrew its envoy to the Netherlands.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has finally opened up about one of the most talked about moments of his reign.

Mr Abbott shocked the nation in 2015 when he bit into a brown onion like it was an apple while on tour of a produce farm in Tasmania.

The footage shows the former prime minister grimacing slightly as he bites into the strong vegetable before nodding in approval.

Appearing on Sky News' The Bolt Report , Mr Abbott explained he bit into the onion because the farmer was 'extremely proud of the produce' (pictured: Mr Abbott on The Bolt Report)

Appearing on Sky News' The Bolt Report, Mr Abbott explained he bit into the onion because the farmer was 'extremely proud of the produce'.

'All of us eat raw onion occasionally... salads are full of raw onion,' the former prime minister said.

He explained the onion had no outer skin and was effectively peeled when he took a bite.

'I thought the least I could do for someone who is proud of his product as this particular farmer was... was take a chomp, and it was beautiful,' Mr Abbott said.

Mr Abbott was touring Woolworths supplier, Charlton Farm Produce near Devonport in Tasmania.

He picked up the brown onion during a demonstration of the grading of the post-harvested vegetables.

Many people took to Twitter to react to his explanation, with one person saying: 'It's taken him long enough to come up with the spin'.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has finally opened up about the one thing all Australians have been questioning - why he ate a raw onion (pictured)

'Everyone from the planet Tony Abbott is from eat raw onions occasionally. People from earth not so much,' another person said.

Former Labor Senator Sam Dastyari even made a comment, putting it simply by saying: 'He ate a raw onion'.

'Better than any other onions I've eaten in a long time,' the former prime minister said after finishing it off.

In the same year the ABC unearthed a video of Mr Abbott from 2011 where he was seen munching away on yet another raw onion.

Acting as the opposition leader at the time, he was touring an onion farm in Queensland in 2011 and bites into a spring onion.
A now-banned gynaecologist left more than 50 women's lives in misery after surgeries including removing healthy ovaries and performing a hysterectomy on a woman who did not consent.

Dr Emil Gayed had his medical licence suspended in mid-2018 and New South Wales Health has now announced they are passing a probe into his practices to police.

As the findings were published on Thursday, the women involved in the case spoke of how the disgraced doctor had caused 'irreparable damage' to their lives.

Scroll down for video

A now-banned gynaecologist (pictured) left more than 50 women's lives in misery after surgeries including removing healthy ovaries and performing a hysterectomy on a woman who did not consent

Lee Elliot told A Current Affair she almost bled to death on the operating table after Dr Gayed gave her a hysterectomy without her consent.

'What we've been through is horrendous. If they had done their job properly this doctor would never have operated on any of us - and we'd be normal people today,' she said.

Another of the women treated by the former gynaecologist - who worked at hospitals across the state between 1999 to 2016 - alleged she had a healthy ovary removed.

'I'll never have the same quality of life again - he was meant to help me. He's ruined my life,' former patient Emma Strybis said.

Other accusations previously levelled at Dr Gayed included failing to diagnose a 10-week pregnancy and telling a patient she had cervical cancer when there was no evidence of malignancy.

NSW Health deputy secretary Dr Nigel Lyons said Dr Gayed's botched surgeries should have raised red flags with authorities earlier than they did.

Lee Elliot (pictured) said she almost bled to death on the operating table after Dr Gayed gave her a hysterectomy without her consent

'I'll never have the same quality of life again - he was meant to help me. He's ruined my life,' former patient Emma Strybis said

'There's no doubt along the way there were signs along the way that should have been picked up that weren't. We need to learn from the issues that led to this,' he said.

'Nothing can be done to change the mistakes of the past, but we can ensure that the recommendations in this report are fully implemented to prevent these failures from happening again,' Dr Lyons said in a statement.

NSW Health have accepted the recommendations of Gail Furness SC, who conducted the report, in full.
An American request for the extradition of a Turkish man wanted on terrorism charges was rejected because there was no other option under German law, authorities said Thursday.

The case of Adem Yilmaz has raised the ire of officials in Washington and dates back to 2015, when Yilmaz was indicted under seal in the U.S. on charges of participating in attacks on American military forces on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan nearly 10 years earlier.

The Turkish national was convicted of membership of a terrorist organization in Germany in 2010.

So to extradite him to face trial in the U.S. on terrorism charges would constitute double jeopardy (being tried again on the same or similar charges) under German law.

Adem Yilmaz is pictured in a high security courtroom in Duesseldorf in 2010. A German court has said it had no option but to reject an American request for his extradition to the U.S. on terrorism charges, as he had been convicted of similar offences in Germany

'An extradition could have only occurred if the Americans said they would restrict the charges to crimes not already punished,' Frankfurt state court spokeswoman Gundula Fehns-Boeer said.

The Frankfurt court denied the American request last week and Hesse state officials on Tuesday deported Yilmaz to his native Turkey.

State Interior Ministry spokesman Marcus Gerngross said there was 'nothing unusual' about deporting a foreign national who had violated German laws, but the decision angered American officials.

American officials filed additional assurances on Monday in an attempt to address the Frankfurt court's decision, but the deportation was carried out before those arguments could be considered.

After learning of the deportation Deputy U.S. Secretary of State John Sullivan called a meeting with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas - who was in Washington for meetings of the coalition fighting Islamic State - to express displeasure.

'We are gravely disappointed by Germany's decision to deport a dangerous terrorist - Adem Yilmaz - to Turkey, rather than to extradite him to the United States to face justice for his complicity in the murder of two American servicemen,' acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said in a statement on Wednesday after the two diplomats had met.

Adem Yilmaz (pictured in 2009) has been deported to Turkey where he has been detained by anti-terrorism authorities. He was wanted in the United States over his involvement in the deaths of U.S servicepeople and the acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said in a statement on Wednesday that the U.S was 'gravely disappointed by Germany's decision to deport a dangerous terrorist'

In addition to the allegations of participating in attacks on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Yilmaz was charged with giving advice and instructions on military-type training to a man involved in a 2008 suicide bombing in Afghanistan that killed two American soldiers and injured at least 11 others.

'Adem Yilmaz is responsible for the deaths of U.S. servicemembers,' U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell said in a tweet on Thursday. 'This failure to extradite him to the United States violates the terms and spirit of our Extradition Treaty.'

The indictment against Yilmaz, brought in the Southern District of New York and unsealed earlier this week, includes charges of providing material support to a terrorism organization and aiding and abetting military-style training.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said the country was 'gravely disappointed' by Germany's decision to deport Adem Yilmaz to Turkey rather than to extradite him to the U.S.

He had been in prison in Germany until October 2018 after his conviction for involvement in a foiled 2007 plot to attack American citizens and facilities in the country, including the U.S. Air Force's Ramstein base.

Acting in the name of the radical Islamic Jihad Union, he and three others had stockpiled what they thought was highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide, purchased from a chemical supplier, and planned to mix it with other substances to make explosives equivalent to 550 kilograms (1,200 pounds) of dynamite.

But German authorities acting partly on U.S. intelligence had been watching them and covertly replaced the hydrogen peroxide with a diluted substitute that could not have been used to produce a bomb.

Following his release, Yilmaz had been kept in custody awaiting the resolution of the American extradition request, which dated back to 2016, Fehns-Boeer said.

Upon his arrival back in Turkey, he was detained by anti-terrorism authorities at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, a Turkish security official said.

It was not immediately clear whether he would face charges in Turkey, but he will be questioned by prosecutors, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on security issues.
A 56 year old woman was 'eaten alive' by her hungry pigs after collapsing in their sty.

The unnamed farmer in the Russian region of Udmurtia had gone to feed the swine but fainted or suffered an epileptic attack, say police.

The hungry pigs attacked her, 'completely eating' her face, ears and shoulders, said reports.

The woman died from severe blood loss in the Malopurginsky district of Udmurtia.

The woman was said to have suffered a seizure in the pigs' enclosure while she was feeding them [file photo]

Her husband had been ill and awoke to find her missing.

He went to look for her and found her partly devoured body in the sty.

A spokesman for the regional Investigative Committee said: 'The opinion of forensic experts has been requested in this case.'

The aim is to 'establish all the circumstances and reasons for what had happened'.

It is believed she collapsed in the sty from an epileptic fit or due to fainting.

Detectives said they had not encountered such a 'shocking case' in recent years.
A multi-millionaire businessman has lost a 9.2m court battle with his architect sister and disabled mother over the family property and furniture empire.

Company boss Tanju Yusuf, 51, was the target of an attack by his brother-in-law, wielding a piece of wood, as part of a blazing row over money that has torn his family apart.

Mr Yusuf and his mother, Sue, 70, fell out in 2012 after he 'sided with' his father Joe when Sue decided to divorce him.

Company boss Tanju Yusuf, 51, (left) and Askin Ozerin and her mother Sue Yusuf outside the High Court in London. Images undated

And family relations went from bad to worse after Joe's death in 2014, when he cut Sue and his daughter, Askin Ozernin, 50, out of his will, making Mr Yusuf his sole heir.

The family, which has a property development and a furniture business, went to court last year to fight over London properties potentially worth 9.2m.

Mr Yusuf claimed his mother was not entitled to any part of the family company - Pekalp Properties Ltd - which owns the buildings, despite her playing a vital role in funding and acquiring them.

But Mrs Justice Falk has said a claim by Mr Yusuf's sister that he 'is a liar' was 'justified', and ruled Sue has a 25% share in the property company, which could be worth over 2m.

The judge also ordered Mr Yusuf to pay 100,000 off his mother's mortgage and hand her the family holiday home in Cyprus.

During the High Court hearing in December last year, the judge heard Sue and Joe came to east London as immigrants from Cyprus in the 1960s.

They went from humble beginnings to become millionaires.

Sue and Askin say the family furniture factory in Church Road, Leyton, is coveted by developers and could be sold for 7.2m by itself, with three flats in Bromfield Street, Islington, worth a further 2m.

After the divorce proceedings began, tensions ran so high in the family that Mr Yusuf was the target of an 'attempted attack' with a length of wood by his sister's millionaire husband, Arif Ozernin.

Arif Ozerin with Sue Yusuf, her mother-in-law outside the High Court

This happened in front of workers at the family furniture factory, after Mr Yusuf allegedly 'abused' Askin during a heated phone call.

The property company was originally owned equally by Joe, Sue, Mr Yusuf and Askin, but Joe left his 25% share to his son when he died.

Mr Yusuf claimed in court that he rightfully owned 75% of the company while his mother was entitled to no share at all.

He said that, as well as his 50%, he owned his mum's portion too and that she had only been holding it 'on trust' for him.

But Mrs Justice Falk found that Sue in fact owns a quarter of the company.

The judge said: 'Sue is and has always been entitled to a 25% shareholding in Pekalp Properties Ltd.

'I have no hesitation in concluding that Tanju has not established that Sue's original 25% shareholding was held on trust for him.

'The factory at Church Road...was identified with its long-term residential development value in mind, as well as being suitable for use by the family business...it was a family decision to make the purchase, with Sue taking a significant role,' she said.

She also said that 80,000 'provided by Sue' had been used, along with a mortgage, to buy the Bromfield Street property.

The judge found that Sue had been 'a poor witness', but added: 'I do not think she was telling deliberate untruths.'

Askin was 'a good witness' and the judge observed: 'Her anger with Tanju is obvious.'

Askin's husband Arif was 'a convincing witness,' the judge found.

She also said that Arif 'regarded himself as having been stabbed in the back by Tanju', because he 'had regarded himself as a partner at the furniture factory' but had then been sacked over the attempted attack.

The furniture factory in east London where Mr Yusuf got involved in a fight with his wealthy brother in law

And of Mr Yusuf she added: 'I regret to say that I was unable to accept material parts of his evidence... The picture painted of him by Askin, and in particular her assessment that she could not trust him and that he is a liar, is justified.'

The judge found that under an agreement made in 2015 to compensate Sue for not being left anything in her estranged husband's will, Tanju must pay 100,000 off her mortgage and give her the family holiday villa in Cyprus.

Mr Yusuf had argued during the trial that the properties his mum and sister claim are worth up to 9.2m, may in fact only be worth around 4.3m.

The judge concluded that the Church Road factory should now be sold to the highest bidder.
This is the amazing moment a bald eagle attempts to steal a fisherman's catch before the kind trawlerman decides to share.

After trying to fend off the huge eagle that landed on his boat, Mathias Gilbert decided not to ruffle any feathers and share his catch with the predator.

Mathias was fishing off Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada when the incident took place.

He posted the video in the Facebook group West Coast Fisherman on Sunday, saying: 'The 1st time I've ever pet an eagle after feeding him, feeling truly blessed!'

In the video, a colleague can be heard laughing as the bird of prey pesters Mathias with a second eagle standing nearby.

The man asks: 'What does he want, your fish, man?'

Mathias poses with the bird after deciding to share his catch on his vessel in British Columbia

An amused Mathias wards off the bird with his forearm but it keeps rallying towards the fish set out in a container.

The man videoing then says: 'What's going on with this guy? This is the craziest thing I've ever seen.'

The bird ended up with a nice fillet while Mathias got to pet its back as it feasted on the catch.

The bald eagle poses with its catch after it was kindly donated by the fisherman after a fight

Mathias had swiped at the eagle with his forearm, trying in vain to ward of the bird of pray

His video also garnered nearly nine thousand likes and over 70 thousand shares.

'Glad fisherman shared his catch. As if he had a choice. Lol,' said Maura O'Brien on Facebook.

Conrad Collinson added: 'Cool, it was enjoying the petting too, lucky man.'

Things ended amicably as Mathias shared his catch and got the opportunity to pet the eagle
The adopted son of a former Government minister crushed his girlfriend's little boy with a car seat because he refused to be 'told what to do by a three year old,' a court heard today.

Stephen Waterson, 25, is on trial for manslaughter, accused of deliberately ramming his seat against Alfie Lamb in Croydon, south London in February last year.

Alfie's mother Adrian Hoare, who was in the back seat of the Audi with the boy in the footwell, faces the same charge over claims she failed to protect the youngster.

Hoare, 23, gave evidence at the Old Bailey trial today, telling the jury Waterson had complained about not having enough room for his legs.

Stephen Waterson is accused of deliberately pushing an Audi's seat back against Alfie Lamb, who later died from his injuries

Adrian Hoare and Stephen Waterson are on trial at the Old Bailey - but deny manslaughter

Hoare told the court: 'He [Waterson] made a comment about how he was not being told what to do by a three year old, and he moved his chair back again.

'Alfie had calmed down and stopped crying but then he started again.'

She said she told Waterson, who is the adoptive son of former Tory cabinet minister Nigel Waterson, to move the chair again.

'I was trying to calm Alfie down saying things like "You OK, we will be home soon", little things to stop him crying,' she told the jury.

Hoare denied pinching or slapping Alfie in the car and did not notice spots on his face or his lips going blue.

She insisted she told the driver, Marcus Lamb, to stop the car.

She said she only noticed the spots when the paramedics shone a light on his face after they had got out of the car outside their home and called the emergency services.

Hoare, 23, allegedly put Alfie in the footwell and did nothing to help him as he screamed out

Waterson is the adoptive son of former Tory minister Nigel Waterson (pictured together). He is claimed to have told people he had 'powerful parents'

Hoare continued:'I was stroking his hair. He settled down a bit and calmed down, he had been running about all day.

'When he went quiet everyone assumed he had fallen asleep.'

She added: 'Everyone just thought that Alfie was playing at the start, not wanting to get out,' said Hoare.

'He was all floppy. He has done it before where he would just flop about and not respond to what we wanted him to do.

'As we got out Stephen held him in his arms. That's when we realised something was wrong with Alfie. He was not responding.'

She added: 'Stephen moved away from Alfie. He was saying when we got asked to say that we had not been there and that we had got there in a taxi.

Alfie's death came after Waterson, Hoare, her son and two others travelled in this Audi

Waterson is accused of ramming his seat into Alfie, crushing him and causing fatal injuries

Alfie died three days after suffering a cardiac arrest outside the home he shared with the couple in Croydon.

Hoare and Waterson deny manslaughter. Hoare also denies charges of child cruelty for placing Alfie in the footwell and common assault on Ms Williams on February 14.

Waterson further denies intimidating Marcus Lamb, also known as Marcus Richardson, on 15 February.

But Hoare and Waterson, have admitted perverting the course by submitting false statements to police.

The trial continues.
A Sydney truck driver has been jailed for 12 years after being caught driving almost $200 million worth of ice for a dealer he met at a pub.

Matthew Stuart Hemming, a father of three, overheard two men in a Sydney club saying that they needed a driver for their shipment and offered his services.

He was paid a paltry sum of $15,000 to drive the shipment, consisting of 398kg of ice hidden in buckets of liquid plaster and worth $199 million, but was intercepted by authorities.

Matthew Stuart Hemming (pictured), a father of three, was sentenced to 12 years jail after being caught with 398kg of ice

The court heard this week that on September 23 last year Border Force officers intercepted the shipment at Port Botany as it arrived from Thailand

The court heard this week that on September 23 last year Border Force officers intercepted the shipment at Port Botany as it arrived from Thailand, according to The Daily Telegraph.

They replaced the drugs with a decoy and then let the load pass through the port.

Federal agents then intercepted messages between two people they suspected of being connected to the importation that included 'something's not right' and 'we can get it moved again and see what happens.'

At this point, six days after the shipment was discovered, Hemming, who had rented a storage locker in western Sydney, hired a truck and picked up the pallets of plaster from a freight business in Punchbowl.

He drove to a semi-rural road and began opening the buckets after which he called an unidentified person and told them they were empty.

They replaced the drugs with a decoy and then let the load pass through the port

Police, who had intercepted the call, then jumped into action and arrested the 31-year-old.

'Mate I f***ed up,' he reportedly told a federal officer as he was handcuffed.

'I know I've done the wrong thing but it's for the right reason. They were going to give me 15 grand.'

He also told the officer he thought the shipment was ecstasy.

In a letter he wrote to the court at his sentence hearing, Hemming said that he resented himself for missing his son's birth and for the milestones ahead that he may miss.

'Sadly it's taken all of this for me to understand that there is no such thing as easy money,' he wrote.

He plead guilty to attempting to possess a commercial quantity of ice and was sentenced to 12 years jail with a non-parole period of eight years.
Donald Trump slammed Democrats at the helm of the House Intelligence Committee for what he called 'unlimited presidential harassment' Thursday on Twitter, folllowing a warning that they would widen the investigation into his corporate and personal finances.

Facing chairman Adam Schiff's threat of an investigation that presses the president far beyond Special Counsel Robert Mueller's search for evidence of election-year collusion with Russia, Trump blasted what he called the 'continuation of [a] Witch Hunt!' that Republicans 'never did to President Obama.'

'So now Congressman Adam Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so,' Trump wrote.

President Trump slammed the Democrats as 'nuts' and said they were continuing their 'Witch Hunt' after the House Intelligence Committee said it would investigate both his financial and personal life

'Never happened before! Unlimited Presidential Harassment.'

A Schiff spokesman did not respond Thursday morning to a request for comment.

'PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT! It should never be allowed to happen again!' Trump blasted in another tweet.

'The Dems and their committees are going nuts. The Republicans never did this to President Obama, there would be no time left to run government,' Trump added on Twitter.

'I hear other committee heads will do the same thing. Even stealing people who work at White House! A continuation of Witch Hunt!'

Trump referred to Schiff on Wednesday as a 'political hack' who was harassing him to get his name in the news, as the men stepped up their attacks on one another.

Schiff announced his intention to widen the investigation not long before Trump invited reporters into the Roosevelt Room for the introduction of World Bank nominee David Malpass.

Trump pretended not to be familiar with the politician he has slammed as Adam 'Schitt' before telling a reporter who asked about the probe: 'On what basis would he do that? He has no basis to do that.'

President Trump slammed the House Intelligence Committee chairman as a 'hack' who's harassing him to get his name in the news

Schiff made the announcement not long before Trump invited reporters into the Roosevelt Room for an event. The House Democrat is seen here, talking to reporters, immediately beforehand

'Hes just a political hack, whos trying to build a name for himself. And I think thats fine, because thats what they do,' Trump said. 'But there would be no reason do that. No other politician has to go through that. Its called presidential harassment. And its unfortunate, it really does hurt our country.'

An hour later, Schiff responded on Twitter: 'I can understand why the idea of meaningful oversight terrifies the President.'

'Several of his close associates are going to jail, others await trial, and criminal investigations continue. Were going to do our job and wont be distracted or intimidated by threats or attacks.'

Trump angered congressional Democrats on Tuesday night when he complained in his State of the Union address about 'ridiculous partisan investigations' that are diluting bipartisan sentiments.

'If there is going to be peace in legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just does not work that way,' he lectured.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi encouraged Trump on Wednesday afternoon to use a prodigious amount of caution when addressing lawmakers in that manner.

'The president should not bring threats to the floor of the House,' she said.

Trump's words were taken as a warning to House Democrats from the president about investigations they're launching into his administration.

'He said he wasn't going to cooperate unless we didn't exercise our constitutional responsibility to oversight,' Pelosi said of Trump's remarks.

The U.S. Senate's top Democrat also fired a warning shot at Trump on Wednesday, saying he only demanded d that House Democrats back off from 'partisan' investigations because 'he's afraid of them.'

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer mocked the president's call for bipartisan cooperation instead of 'foolish' opposition from the House majority now led by Pelosi.

'He's scared,' Schumer said hours later during an interview on CNN's 'New Day' program. 'He's got something to hide.'

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday morning that President Donald Trump only demanded an end to congressional investigations during his State of the Union address because he's 'scared' of them

'He's got something to hide,' Schumer said of the president, who faces a raft of new Capitol Hill probes led by the new Democratic House majority

Schumer has been gleefully anticipating probes from the other end of the Capitol, focused on everything from White House securiy clerances to so-far unsubstantiated claims that his 2016 campaign aides colluded with Russian agents to help tilt the election.

Schumer scoffed at the idea that Trump has any place asking for the soft-glove treatment.

'One of the functions of the Congress, the Article I section of government, from the days of the founding fathers, was oversight of the executive branch,' he told CNN host John Berman.

'And the president says, "If you investigate me, I'm not going to make progress." That's already doing what he did with the shutdown, holding the American people hostage. You know what I think it shows, John? He's scared. he's got something to hide.'

Vice President Mike Pence said in a CBS interview while Schumer was talking on CNN that Trump was only complaining Tuesday night about 'partisan' investigations

Trump began his speech with a call for bipartisan unity, but insisted on a my-way-or-the-highway approach to immigration and other contentious issues

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 29-year-old socialist who has emerged as a Democratic Party leader, said on NBC that Trump's demand 'was, frankly, kind of bizarre'

'Because if he had nothing to hide,' Schumer concluded, 'he'd just shrug his shoulders and let these investigations go forward. He's afraid of them.'

On 'CBS This Morning,' Vice President Mike Pence acknowledged that 'congressional oversight is a part of the checks and balances of our system.'

Pence said that Trump was only referring to 'partisan investigations' that have been launched.

'You know his feelings about investigations on Capitol Hill,' said Pence, who served 12 years in Congress before becoming Indiana's governor.

'We don't object to oversight. That's the proper role of committees in the Congress. But when it takes on a partisan tint, when it seems more intent on becoming a forum for invective against the president and the administration, the American people expect better.'

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 29-year-old democratic socialist who has emerged as a Democratic Party leader, said on NBC that Trump's demand 'was, frankly, kind of bizarre.'

'I don't think that investigations into federal misconduct have anything to do with our economy,' she said.

Trump had begun the assault by talking about last month's jobs numbers.

'An economic miracle is taking place in the United States, and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics, or ridiculous, partisan investigations,' he'd said.
Jeremy Corbyn's pro-Brexit stance risks up to 45 seats at the next election, secret research for a major trade union claims.

Leaks from surveys done for the TSSA union suggest switching to a full pro-EU position would also cost seats - but just 11.

The details from the report do not reveal which seats Mr Corbyn stands to lose with a change of tack.

It is likely to be focused on heavily pro-Remain seats where votes could switch to the Liberal Democrats if Mr Corbyn helps deliver Brexit.

There are constituencies in the north of England and parts of Wales where Brexit voters deserting Labour could boost the Tories.

Mr Corbyn finally shifted his stance on Brexit last night, writing to Theresa May to outline changes to the plans for the future trade deal that could win Labour votes for the divorce deal.

Jeremy Corbyn's pro-Brexit stance risks up to 45 seats at the next election, secret research for a major trade union claims

Revealed by ITV's Robert Peston, the research concludes: 'There can be no disguising the sense of disappointment and disillusionment with Labour if it fails to oppose Brexit and there is every indication that it will be far more damaging to the party's electoral fortunes than the Iraq war.

'Labour would especially lose the support of people below the age of 35. which could make this issue comparable to to impact the tuition fees and involvement in coalition had on Lib Dem support'.

It warns 'if Labour supports implementation of Brexit it would lose a further 45 seats' but would only lose 'a further 11 seats' if it opposes leaving the EU.

The polling shows '17 per cent of Labour's 2017 vote would be ''very likely'' to support a new centrist party committed to opposing or overturning Brexit. Another 27 per cent say they would be ''fairly likely'' to support a new centrist party'.

The Labour leader made his move in a letter to the PM setting out his revised conditions for backing a deal - including a permanent customs union and close alignment to the single market.

Tory former minister Nick Boles welcomed the overture as a 'big step to a cross-party compromise' based on an enhanced Norway model.

Mr Corbyn finally shifted his stance on Brexit last night, writing to Theresa May to outline changes to the plans for the future trade deal that could win Labour votes for the divorce deal

But Mr Corbyn's terms - which crucially drop his previous call for her to secure the 'exact same benefits' as current membership - enraged Labour Remainers who accused him of 'enabling' Brexit.

Fresh splits also emerged in Mr Corbyn's frontbench team as shadow Brexit minister Matthew Pennycook said the party 'must move to support a public vote' unless Mrs May accepts the conditions 'in full'.

The intervention came as Mrs May headed to Brussels for the latest round of talks to wring more concessions on the Irish border backstop. It could further undermine her position, by persuading the EU it does not need to give ground.

In the letter to the PM, which follows their Brexit meeting last week, Mr Corbyn called for a 'permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union'.
Amber Peat's biological father was described as 'nothing but a sperm donor' and subjected to 'vile abuse by her stepdad', he told an inquest into his daughter's death today.

Adrian Cook found out about the 13-year-old's disappearance on Facebook and tried to contact her mother, Kelly Peat, for information, but was bombarded with angry insults from Danny Peat.

Danny Peat told Amber's estranged father: 'She is not your f****** daughter. She wants nothing to do with you. You are nothing but a sperm donor', the inquest heard.

Peat, who ran away from home and was found dead in hedgerow three days later felt she was being 'humiliated' by her stepfather and cruelly forced to do household chores.

Amber Peat's biological father Adrian Cook (pictured left) found out about the 13-year-old's disappearance on Facebook. When he appealed for information he said he was bombarded with a angry insults from Amber's stepfather Danny Peat (pictured right)

Adrian Cook found out about the disappearance of his daughter Amber (pictured) on Facebook and tried to contact her mother, Kelly Peat, for information

The inquest heard claims the teenager was being 'emotionally abused' at home and subjected to a series of draconian punishments  including being told to wash every pot in the kitchen - for 'undesirable behaviour'.

Mr Cook gave evidence to the Nottingham hearing on its ninth day after deciding to attend in person. He appeared sombre as he entered the court this morning alongside his new wife, wearing a black jacket and blue jeans.

He told coroner Laurinda Bower how he and Kelly met around 2000 and had two children including Amber before splitting on Christmas Eve 2012, when he moved out of the family home in Derby.

Mr Cook said he last saw his children in early 2013, when Amber was 10, and took them for a meal in a pub. He claimed she was 'happy and cheerful'  until he said he had to take her home.

Asked by Ms Bower why that was the final time he saw them, Mr Cook replied: 'My shifts were all over the place. I tried to ring Kelly and said I would be off this week, and Kelly said I could not see them at the drop of a hat.

'Every time I phoned her it would be inconvenient. There would be 'family business' to see to, or 'we are taking them here, or there''.

'The last time was a heated discussion. It was getting to the point where you are beaten down by it. I wanted to see the children.'

Her mother Kelly Peat (pictured) didn't report her missing for almost eight hours after going to the supermarket and having supper

Mr Cook said that during their last conversation, Kelly told him: 'You just can't see them when you want to.'

The inquest heard he considered talking to a solicitor, but didn't feel he 'had a leg to stand on'.

At some point around March 2013, he went to their home  but found it was empty.

Mr Cook said: 'I went to a friends' house on the estate, but they said that one morning they woke up and they had upped and gone. I had no idea where they'd gone.'

He added the next contact he had with the Peats was on the day after Amber disappeared. Mr Cook told the hearing: 'I found out in Facebook so I tried to contact Kelly with the number off the missing person posters.

'I got vile abuse off Danny  'she is not your f****** daughter, she wants nothing to do with you, you are nothing but a sperm donor.

'I phoned back again and spoke to Danny's mum. I didn't get much information. I was in deep shock about it.'

He added he didn't know about any issues surrounding his daughter that the inquest had heard about, including her running away from home previously and problems at school.

Mr Cook's mother Jennifer Lancaster  Amber's grandmother  then gave evidence.

She described her granddaughter as a 'lovely, sweet, lovable child' who 'liked to cuddle and play silly girly things like dressing up, and with her make-up bag'.

Mrs Lancaster said she saw Amber 'quite frequently' when she was young  but when her son and Kelly split up she only saw her 'two or three' times before her death.

One of the occasions was Valentines' Day in 2013, when Danny wanted to cook Kelly a 'romantic meal' and the children went to stay with her for the weekend.

Danny Peat walks to the Nottingham inquest today alongside an unknown woman

Amber Peat's biological father Adrian Cook (left) arrived at the inquest of his daughter's death for the first time today, as the 13-year-old tragic schoolgirl's grandparents prepared to give evidence

But Mrs Lancaster said Amber was 'weepy' because she had overheard a conversation between Kelly and her mother, Dianne Gillibrand, in which they had said she 'wouldn't want them.'

Mrs Lancaster said: 'I told them I would always want them. How can you not want two little children like that, that give you so much pleasure? It struck me as odd.'

Mrs Lancaster next saw the young siblings on Mother's Day 2013, but they couldn't stop for long because Kelly was waiting in her car outside.

She gave them a pair of charm bracelets, and expected to see them again before she went into hospital that April for a knee operation  but never did.

She told the hearing: 'I got a message from Kelly to say they loved the bracelets, and that was it. I bought them Easter eggs and sent a message to see if they would be coming for them.

'And I wanted to get Amber a birthday present because I was going in hospital. But the message (back) was, 'don't know, not sure'. That was it.'

Mrs Lancaster added that she went to the family home in a bid to see them  but found they had moved.

When she contacted Kelly to ask for the new address  only to be told: 'I am not comfortable with you having it.'

She said: 'I thought, 'this is really strange', but that is the way it was.'

Daniel Peat said to police that Amber's her 'only hobby was reading and she had no real friends'

Mrs Lancaster found out Amber had gone missing through her sister, and 'panicked'. She said she had no concerns about her granddaughter's behaviour, and what had happened 'came as a shock'.

Referring to the Peats, she said: 'They trust you with their kids and then stop you seeing them, and the next thing you know she is missing.

'It's horrible, it really is horrible.

'I phoned Kelly's number and Danny answered, and I said, 'where is my granddaughter?' I said I need to speak to Kelly. He said, 'she does not want anything to do with that side of the family. So what do you do?'

Pausing to wipe away tears, Mrs Lancaster added: 'When she (Amber) passed away, I did not even get to see her at the undertakers. They had to contact Kelly.

'I did not realise until that point just how cruel she could be. And it is cruel. That is how it is.'

The inquest also heard from Kelly's mother, Dianne Gillibrand.

She described Amber as having a 'distinctive laugh' with a 'vibration', adding: 'You would hear her before she entered the room.

'You would see this long black hair flying around the corner, then these beautiful eyes. She had beautiful bone structure.'

Asked by Ms Bower what Amber enjoyed, Mrs Gillibrand said: 'She liked anything adrenalin-filled. She hated sitting still.'

Referring to Danny, Mrs Gillibrand said: 'Amber met him, she found him good enough. She enjoyed his company.

'She chose to call him 'dad' and the children chose to name themselves 'Peat'.

'She said, 'he has been more of a dad to me than my own dad, and we want to become Peats'.

As the inquest into Peat's death in 2015 continued into it's second week, a coroner heard she stormed out of the family home after being told to 'wash every pot in the house'.

On one occasion, Peat had been woken at 1.30am and told to mop the floors, the inquest in Nottingham was told.

Kelly Peat, and step father Danny Peat appeal for missing Amber to come home - but by that time she was already dead

In yesterday's hearing, Kelly Peat showed 'no emotion' after the 13-year-old fled and gave 'rehearsed' information to police before putting Amber's disappearance down to 'attention-seeking', a police officer who was called to the incident said.

Amber's mother and step-father Danny Peat didn't report her missing for almost eight hours after going to the supermarket and having supper.

It came as the last man to see her alive told the Nottingham inquest into her death that detectives turned up at his door two days after he reported it to them.

Adam Lamb said the police asked if they could walk to where he last spotted Amber at 5.20pm on May 30 2015 and she was found hanging in the hedgerow nearby.

The coroner has been told the vulnerable teenager was being 'emotionally abused' at home and subjected to a series of draconian punishments for 'undesirable behaviour'.

On one occasion, she claimed she had been been awoken by her stepfather at 1.30am and told to mop floors as a punishment for failing to fulfil domestic chores.

Amber vanished at around 5.10pm  but wasn't reported missing until 12.56am the following day, after her parents had their dinner and went shopping.

Tragically she was already dead by that point.

The eighth day of the four-week inquest heard from PC Nicola Roe, who was one of the first officers to respond to the missing persons call from Kelly.

She went to the family home with a colleague and was told by the 37-year-old that Amber had stormed out of the house after being asked to clean out a cool box.

Asked by coroner Laurinda Bower for her observations about Kelly, PC Roe replied: 'She was quite matter-of-fact about how she was describing the situation.'

The officer said she 'wasn't really surprised' because 'people present differently', adding: 'She seemed tired but not particularly emotional. Not upset, maybe frustrated.

'She explained the background that she had gone missing previously in similar circumstances, and referred to her throwing temper tantrums and attention-seeking behaviour.'

PC Roe said the family 'seemed quite well rehearsed in giving information to the police', and 'the general consensus was they expected her back the next morning'.

She added: 'They said she normally came back at night and that is why they left it quite late to report it.'

The inquest also heard from PC Kay Yelland, who visited the family home more than 24 hours after Amber walked out in order to 'gain more information', and found a 'group of people' gathered there.

The family did not report Amber missing until they had 'been to Tesco and had their tea'. Pictured above the missing poster which was put up once it had been reported that Amber was missing

Asked by Ms Bower if the atmosphere was 'emotionally charged' and 'people were upset', PC Yelland replied: 'No, not really.'

She added the response at the property was 'just matter-of-fact' when quizzed by the coroner about how she'd describe it.

PC Yelland went on to tell the hearing about a comment Amber's stepfather, Danny Peat, made about her.

She said: 'He told me her only hobby was reading and she had no real friends.'

The inquest heard Amber's disappearance was initially classed as 'medium' risk before later being upgraded to 'high'  although this wouldn't have made a 'material difference' to the response.

Chief Inspector Christopher Sullivan said: 'It felt very much to me this was a teenager, albeit only just a teenager, who had pushed the boundaries beyond what they normally had, and although there was concern, medium risk was appropriate.'

Ms Bower then read a statement from Mansfield resident Adam Lamb who told how he saw a girl, thought to be Amber, at around 5.50pm on the day she went missing.

He described how he and his wife were cleaning their cars when he spotted a young girl approach.

Mr Lamb said: 'She was walking towards me. I was blocking the pavement and I began to move out of the way.

'She looked at me and smiled as if to say thanks. She was chewing on her left sleeve.

'I watched her approach the junction. She then walked across the junction and onto a green area. She then began hanging around the leafy area.

'I thought it was odd she was hanging around there on her own. I spoke to my wife briefly and moments later she was no longer there.' Mr Lamb added he thought the girl had 'walked off'.

He contacted police with the sighting the following day after his wife saw a news story about Amber's disappearance on Facebook.

The inquest heard two officers went to the area  but they didn't speak to Mr Lamb and failed to spot Amber.

Two days later Mr Lamb was visited by a detective, who asked him to show where he had last seen the girl.

Detective Constable Karl Aram told the court how they 'stumbled across' a tiny gap in the 'very dense' hedgerow  and when he leant inside he immediately saw a girl's body.

He added: 'She was facing me. It was immediately clear to me she was dead. She was completely motionless.'

The officer added he could sign no sign that a note had been left. The inquest continues.
A Baptist minister and father-of-three from South Carolina has been accused of repeatedly raping and twice impregnating a young girl who was forced to abort the unwanted pregnancies.

Pastor Phillip Jerard Buckson, 32, was arrested Wednesday at the Cleveland Chapel Baptist Church, where he has worked since 2014.

According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, Buckson has been charged with four counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and has admitted to the allegations.

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South Carolina Pastor Phillip Jerard Buckson, 32 (pictured right in his mugshot), has been accused of repeatedly raping and twice impregnating a young girl

Buckson has served as senior pastor at the Cleveland Chapel Baptist Church since 2014

Investigators say tips provided in January through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led authorities to the victim last week; she told investigators the abuse started in 2015 when she was 13 years old.

The teenager told law enforcement officials that she and Buckson had multiple sexual encounters at his home in Cherokee County on October 9, 2015.

The girl claimed that she and the preacher also had sex multiple times in Spartanburg County when she was 14 years old and attending ninth grade.

Two of the sexual encounters resulted in pregnancies, both of each ended in abortions.

On Wednesday, warrants were issued for Buckson's arrest and he was taken into custody at his church.

Buckson was arrested on Wednesday at the church and thereafter made a full confession to the crimes

Buckson's alleged victim told investigators the sexual abuse started in 2015 when she was 13 years old

The 32-year-old was then transported to the sheriffs office in Spartanburg, where he reportedly made a full confession to the alleged crimes.

In January 2018, the South Carolina House of Representatives adopted a resolution to honor and applaud Buckson for 12 years 'of dedicated service to spreading the lord's word and touching the lives of those around him.'

Buckson got engaged last year and has a son and two daughters

According to the bill, Buckson, a Gaffney native, has a degree in psychology from Spartanburg Methodist College, where he was a star basketball player and earned national recognition.

The clergyman has a son and two daughters. As of last year, he was engaged to be married.

According to the website of the Cleveland Chapel Baptist Church, Buckson has been senior pastor there since 2014. He also serves as one of the coordinators for the Cherokee County School Curriculum Counsel.

He previously preached in Georgia, Chicago, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

His current congregation were horrified by the allegations, describing Buckson as a 'good pastor.'
An essentially frozen and unresponsive cat found buried under a mountain of snow has been saved by vets.

Fluffy, who lives in Kalispell, Montana, with her owners, was discovered last Thursday with her usually voluminous fur matted with ice.

The city was suffering from freezing temperatures of between -1 (30F) and -8 degrees (17F) which saw icy fog as well as snow hit the area.

An essentially frozen and unresponsive cat (pictured) found buried under a mountain of snow has been saved by vets

The blistering weather proved to be too much for the outdoorsy feline, who had to be rushed to the Animal Clinic of Kalispell after being found.

Dr. Jevon Clark, who works at the clinic, recalled that when Fluffy was first brought in her temperature was so slow it didnt register on the thermometer - which had a bottom range of 90 degrees.

Cats should usually have a temperature of around 101 degrees, Mr Clark explained to ABC news.

Fluffy, who lives in Kalispell, Montana, with her owners, was discovered last Thursday with her usually voluminous fur matted with ice. She is now fully recovered (pictured)

After using warm water and blankets for around two hours, the felines temperature remained too low.

She was taken to the emergency room where she finally began to show signs of recovery following a few more hours.

Fluffy is now fully recovered and back home with her owners, with the animal hospital sharing the amazing survival story to its Facebook page on Tuesday morning.

The post read: Amazing success and survival story from this week. Some clients found their injured cat buried in snow.

The blistering weather proved to be too much for the outdoorsy feline, who had to be rushed to the Animal Clinic of Kalispell after being found

They brought her to us essentially frozen and unresponsive. Her temperature was very low but after many hours she recovered and is now completely normal. Fluffy is amazing!

Commenting on the photos, social media users were keen to offer their well wishes for the adorable cat.

One wrote: 'This is a miracle with some quick thinking on the part of her 'parents' and this wonderful vet! This outdoor cat has certainly used up one of her nine lives! She is so lucky that she found such amazing care. LOVE this story!'

Another said: 'Poor little kitty! Thank goodness someone found her! Shes beautiful!'
Theresa May arrived in Brussels for tense talks with Jean-Claude Juncker today - and was immediately disrupted by protesters.

A demonstrator with a placard saying 'don't crash out' jumped in front of the PM's convoy as it pulled up at the EU's HQ for a meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker.

A man was dragged away from the bonnet of one of the Mercedes Benz cars sweeping into the Berlaymont building in the centre of Brussels.

After he was wrestled out of the way, Mrs May continued inside - posing grim-faced next to Mr Juncker before they went for their private discussions.

Theresa May arrived in Brussels for tense talks with Jean-Claude Juncker today - and was immediately disrupted by protesters

A demonstrator with a placard saying 'don't crash out' jumped in front of the PM's convoy as it pulled up at the EU's HQ for a meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker

A man was dragged away from the bonnet of one of the Mercedes Benz cars sweeping into the Berlaymont building in the centre of Brussels

The premier is desperately scrambling to wring more concessions on the Irish border backstop that could get her deal past MPs.

But EU leaders seem in no mood to compromise, after Mr Juncker insisted the Withdrawal Agreement will not be reopened - and Donald Tusk jibed that there is a 'special place in Hell' for Brexiteers.

The vicious barbs have set the stage for a potentially explosive round of meetings for Mrs May - with Mr Juncker first on her list.

Speculation is mounting that the premier will put off a make-or-break vote on her revamped package until the end of the month - raising the stakes as the UK is due to crash out at the end of March.

The Prime Minister has a mountain to climb to get changes to the Brexit deal painstakingly thrashed out over two years - and resoundingly rejected by the Commons last month.

Some Brexiteers have been demanding she gets the backstop - an insurance policy to ensure there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic - dropped altogether.

After he was wrestled out of the way, Mrs May continued inside - posing grim-faced next to Mr Juncker before they went for their private discussions

But Mrs May has made clear she is only seeking 'legally binding' changes to guarantee the UK will not be 'trapped' in the arrangements indefinitely.

Downing Street said that Mrs May is 'open to different ways' of achieving her objectives on the backstop.

The PM will use the meetings to state that Parliament has sent 'an unequivocal message that change is required'.

One of the PM's key messages for EU leaders will be that the Commons has now made it clear it could support the Withdrawal Agreement as long as concerns about the backstop are addressed.
Two hillwalkers who died in a horror plunge on a Scottish peak were highly experienced mountaineers, rescuers revealed today.

Andy Nisbet, 65, of Aberdeen and Steve Perry, from Inverness died in a huge fall from the 3041ft Ben Hope in Sutherland on Tuesday.

Both men were respected climbers and members of the Scottish Mountaineering Club.

Their deaths bring to at least six the number of people who have died on Scotland's mountains this winter.

A two day operation involving nearly 50 members of mountain rescue teams and two Coastguard helicopters was brought to an end on Wednesday with the recovery of the men's bodies.

Andy Nisbet (left), 65, of Aberdeen and Steve Perry (right), from Inverness died in a huge fall from the 3041ft Ben Hope in Sutherland on Tuesday. Their deaths bring to at least six the number of people who have died on Scotland's mountains this winter

The pair were on 3041ft high Ben Hope, pictured, about six miles south west of Tongue. Ben Hope is the most northerly of the Munros - mountains over 3000 ft - and its fine isolated peak is a magnificent viewpoint and a magnet for hikers, especially in summer

No contact had been made with the pair after their initial call for help around 3.45pm on Tuesday.

The men had fallen up to nearly 1000 feet on Ben Hope, about six miles south west of Tongue.

Today Sue Agnew, leader of Assynt Mountain Rescue Team - which led the operation which also involved Dundonnell and Lossiemouth MRTs - praised searchers, many of whom knew the pair.

'They were extremely experienced and well known to the mountaineering community. Many of those involved in the search knew them,' she said.

'It certainly has had an impact on those who knew them as friends and members of the mountain community.

'Everybody who was searching were aware of who they were. They had taken quite a fall. Like all mountains they have their risks but these two were extremely experienced.'

Steve Perry (pictured) was known for his incredible 2005-2006 accomplishment of completing a solo, continuous winter round of all 284 - at the time, now 282 - Munros entirely on foot, with no other means of transport between mountain areas

Ms Agnew said she could not recall another fatality on the mountain.

'Ben Hope is generally a hill that's walked, but there is climbing on it. It is not a mountain we are called to very often, only occasionally for lost or overdue walkers,' she said, adding she would not speculate on what may have gone wrong.

'The weather on Tuesday was patchy with a lot of sleet and rain while on Wednesday the conditions had improved but it was still windy and cold. There is a lot of snow on the hills too.

'I would like to say a huge thanks to all the mountain rescue teams - we are all volunteers - the police and the Coastguard helicopter crews from Stornoway and Inverness, who were really superb and did everything we asked of them. Everybody put themselves out there.'

Local Highland Councillor Hugh Morrison, who runs Smoo Cave Hotel in nearby Durness, said: 'We get a lot of people stay with us just to climb Ben Hope - even in winter - because it's the most northerly Munro.

'The north westerly side they have been found on is very sheer - and they would not have stood much of a chance falling far on that side.

'But I regard Ben Hope as a very safe mountain - in fact I can't think of any previous fatality there in over 30 years. There are very few accidents.

'My heartfelt condolences go out their families, friends and all involved. It is a terrible tragedy.'

Police Scotland confirmed that the bodies of the two men (Mr Nisbet is pictured left and Mr Perry is pictured right) were discovered on the north-west side of Ben Hope shortly after 2am on Wednesday

Mr Morrison, who represents the North, West and Central Sutherland Ward, added: 'I would also like to praise the volunteers of Assynt Mountain Rescue Team, led by team leader Susan Agnew, for the tremendous and difficult job they have done - especially in such bad weather conditions.'

Mountaineering author Ken Crocket paid tribute, tweeting: 'Terrible news from Ben Hope: Two SMC climbers killed... roped together, slipped.'

Mr Nisbet was hailed 'as one the greatest Scottish winter climbers of all time', while Steve once wrote of his passion for 'new routing in winter Scotland'.

He put up almost 1000 new winter routes and his nicknames included 'The Winter Lemming' and 'The Droid', a reference to his ungainly rock climbing style.

A two day operation involving nearly 50 members of mountain rescue teams and two Coastguard helicopters was brought to an end after Mr Perry (pictured) and Mr Nisbet were found

It also emerged today that Mr Nisbet was previously honoured at the prestigious Fort William Mountain Festival and had written countless guidebooks.

While Steve Perry was known for his incredible 2005-2006 accomplishment of completing a solo, continuous winter round of all 284 - at the time, now 282 - Munros entirely on foot, with no other means of transport between mountain areas.

BBC presenter and mountaineer Cameron McNeish also paid his own tributes to the pair.

He said on Twitter: 'Utterly devastated this morning at the news of the loss of Andy Nisbet and Steve Perry on Ben Hope.

'Both were gargantuan and inspiring figures in Scotland's mountaineering scene.

'A massive loss to us all.'

Police Scotland confirmed that the bodies of the two men were discovered on the north-west side of Ben Hope shortly after 2am on Wednesday.

Inspector Kevin Macleod said: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of both of these men at this tragic time.

'I would also like to pass on our gratitude to the volunteers of Assynt Mountain Rescue Team for their efforts in extremely challenging conditions.'

There have been six fatal falls from Scottish mountains already this year. Pictured: Ben Hope

A spokeswoman for the Maritime Coastguard Agency said the initial reports were that at least one of the hikers had fallen between 200 to 300 metres (656ft to 984ft) and that they had raised the alarm by mobile phone.

Ben Hope is the most northerly of the Munros - mountains over 3000 ft - and its fine isolated peak is a magnificent viewpoint and a magnet for hikers, especially in summer. Among those to have tackled it in recent years is TV comedian Ed Byrne.

There have now been at least six deaths this winter on Scotland's peaks. While ten people died in Scotland's hills in the first three months of last year.

Ben Nevis has already seen two deaths and near misses this winter. A woman climber died after falling from the mountain on New Year's Day.

The 21-year-old from Germany was a student, who was studying at the University of Bristol.

She was climbing with three others on Ben Nevis when she plunged 500ft (152 metres) from the Carn Dearg Buttress.

The woman and her friends had been climbing what is known as the 'ledge route.'

It was the second recent death of a student on Britain's highest peak - Patrick Boothroyd, 21, from West Yorkshire, died in a fall on December 16.

Patrick Boothroyd, 21, pictured in the Dolomites in September, 21, from West Yorkshire, died in a fall from Ben Nevis on December 16

Cardiff University students Patrick Boothroyd and Leo Grabowski were scaling Tower Gully when a ledge of snow collapsed, causing them to fall 1,500ft.

Mr Boothroyd suffered a serious head injury while Mr Grabowski survived the fall with only broken bones.

Despite being dazed and disoriented, the 28-year-old immediately rang 999 and did his best to help his friend.

He covered him with a survival bag and huddled next to him, shielding him from the snow and wind. They were rescued after an hour but Mr Boothroyd could not be saved.
EDF Energy is to close a coal-fired power station because of 'challenging market conditions' and the drive to decarbonise electricity generation.

The company said it was proposing to cease generation at its Cottam coal-fired power station, which employs 300 people, in Nottinghamshire on September 30.

A statement said the site has played a critical role in keeping the lights on for more than 50 years.

The Prospect union said the closure was 'premature', describing it as a 'huge blow' to workers and the local economy.

Mike MacDonald, the union's negotiations officer, said: 'The premature closure of Cottam power station will be a huge blow to workers and to the economies of Worksop and Retford.

EDF Energy is to close a coal-fired power station because of 'challenging market conditions' and the drive to decarbonise electricity generation

'We had been led to believe the power station would be wound down by 2025, which would have given plenty of time to mitigate the 60 million which will be lost from the local economy as a result.

'That lead time is now gone and we need reassurances from the company and from the Government that they will do all they can to minimise the impact of this closure.

'Prospect has been working hard with employers, including EDF, to secure a just transition to low-carbon generation ever since the Government indicated that it would wind down coal-fired generation by 2025.'

Coal has been making up a shrinking share of electricity generation in the UK, ahead of the Government's deadline to phase it out by October 2025.

In October, the Business Department said the UK was on track to get less than 5% of its electricity from coal for the first time since the Industrial Revolution, and to take polluting coal power off the grid ahead of the 2025 deadline.

On the international stage, the UK and Canada have launched a coalition to encourage countries and states to move past coal power, called Powering Past Coal.

The company said it was proposing to cease generation at its Cottam coal-fired power station, which employs 300 people, in Nottinghamshire on September 30

EDF said it would honour commitments under the Government's capacity mechanism to pay for back-up power to continue operating another coal-fired power station at nearby West Burton until the end of September 2021. It will review the future of that station beyond that date.

Cottam Plant Manager Andy Powell added: 'We have a highly skilled and experienced workforce and we're determined to support our people throughout this process.

'Today 158 people working at Cottam are in scope.

'During 2017 we supported 19 people to move into alternative roles within EDF Energy, and an additional 22 will be transferring into alternative roles over the coming months.

'We are conscious of the need to support a just transition to a low carbon energy system.

'Our ambition is to close the station safely and responsibly by managing people and the environment properly and continuing to be a good neighbour.'
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A newly unearthed photograph from shows one of the earliest British tanks charging at its own lines after it was captured by the Germans and turned against its makers, in one of a remarkable set of images from World War I.

The images show the German high command inspecting one of the hulking machines in Berlin and adapting them for their own use, sending them charging at British lines in battle.

Some of the tanks were captured at the 1917 Battle of Cambrai, one of the world's first major deployments of the armoured vehicles, after a firm in Lincoln had built the world's first tank in 1915.

The tank photos are part of a set of German World War I pictures showing the Kaiser inspecting his troops, bombs being prepared before they are dropped from early biplanes and horses wearing gas masks.

The collection of 40 pictures has been put for sale by a Swedish private collector and is tipped to sell for 500.

Advancing: A captured 'male' Mark IV of either Abteilung 12 or 14, on manouevres with German infantry in late 1918, the year the Armistice was signed and the war ended. The Mark IV was the successor to the Mark I which had been developed and built in Lincoln in 1915

Inspection: Officers examine the British tank 'Fray Bentos' after captured at the Battle of Cambrai - one of the first major tank deployments- and displayed at Berlin Zoo in January 1918. The British developed the tanks during World War I and deployed them at Cambrai in 1917

British tank in the hands of the enemy: Curious Germans wearing coats and hats examine the captured British army vehicle 'Hyaena', after it went on display in the German city of Leipzig as part of a war booty exhibition in 1918

Captured: People examine some of the tanks taken from the British in a picture taken in the spring of 1918. The wooden planks are fitted across the sponsons to prevent access as captured vehicles were frequently stripped for souvenirs

How Britain invented the tank during WWI The world's first tank, the Mark I, was built by Lincoln firm William Foster & Co in 1915. It came after Winston Churchill formed the Landships Committee to develop an armoured vehicle for the Western Front. It saw action at the Somme in 1916 but proved unreliable as its armour was thin and many broke down. Despite its initial problems, War Secretary David Lloyd George ordered another 1,000 Mark IV tanks - the Mark II and III versions were built for training. It was at Cambrai that the tank came into its own  one newspaper headline read 'Tanks Shock to Huns'  cementing its reputation and making the Tank Corps a permanent fixture in the British Army. There were tens of thousands of casualties on both sides during the battle, which lasted for more than two weeks in November and Deember 1917. Although the battle was a success for the British, the Germans captured several of the Mark IV tanks. Advertisement

One of the images depicts a line of four tanks being examined close up by curious officers, who were jealous of the British tanks' superiority and turned them against their makers.

Another shows Germans examining the captured British army vehicle 'Hyaena', after it went on display in the German city of Leipzig as part of a war booty exhibition in 1918.

In a further picture German soldiers search in the wreckage of a captured British Mark IV male tank, possibly around Cambrai.

Other images in the album show rudimentary methods the Germans used in other aspects of warfare at the time.

These include clipping hand grenades to the sides of biplanes which had to be dropped out of the cockpit by the pilot before more sophisticated bombing methods were invented.

Other snaps relating to the fledgling German Air Force highlights the camaraderie between a group of pilots as they link arms.

Another snap shows jovial pilots posing in a triangle formation around famed flying ace Manfred von Richthoven - the Red Baron.

One unusual image shows how the Germans took great care of horses on the Western Front.

Not only do the German soldiers riding the horses have gas masks on but also their animals do as well.

Debris: German soldiers search in the wreckage of a captured British Mark IV male tank, possibly around Cambrai, where a British attack and German counter-attack in France saw one of the first major tank confrontations

Protection: German cavalry on the Western Front - where even the horses had to wear gas masks to protect against the use of chemical weapons which were deployed during the war. Horses were becoming old-fashioned and Germany stopped using them on the Western Front

Visiting the men: Kaiser Wilhelm II (front) reviews troops near the Western Front during World War I. He abdicated in November 1918, bringing an end to the German monarchy. He lived out the rest of his life in the Netherlands where he died in June 1941

Military hero: The Red Baron, seated centre, is seen with fellow German pilots. Real name Manfred von Richthofen, he became a national hero after joining the German military's air service in 1915, but he was killed in combat in April 1918

Converted: The German crew of captured British tank - 2nd Leutnant Heinrich Kohler (centre) with his crew of tank 207 'Heinz' of Abteilung 14, in a picture taken in May 1918. The first British was built in Lincoln on the orders of a committee established by Winston Churchill

Away from the horrors of the front line: German flying aces in a relaxed moment, with one of their planes in the background. Planes were heavily used in combat for the first time in WWI

Reconnaissance: An observation balloon being prepared for launch behind the German lines, in one of the 40 pictures which have been put up for auction by a Swedish collector

Aircraft: Two members of the German armed forces pose for a picture in front of 'Wolfchen' (Little Wolf), a German biplane carried by the Cruiser SMS Wolf

Kaiser Wilhelm made numerous visits to the front line to visit troops, with one of these sorties also captured on camera.

Matthew Tredwen, specialist at C&T Auctions, of Ashford, Kent, said: 'The photos have come to us from a private collector in Sweden.

'There are some very nice aviation shots and one image which stands out is that of a German tank crew posing in front of a captured British tank which they have converted.

'Other images of note show the Kaiser visiting German troops.'

Weapons of war: German troops prepare bombs, taking them from a cart and readying them to be loaded on to one of the planes seen in the background

In development: German aircraft with 'push' propellers facing backwards. World War I took place during the early days of flight when the best configuration was still a matter of opinion

Open air: The biplane Wolfchen is seen again with a German standing on top. The two-seater plane was used for reconaissance and also targeted and destroyed Allied trading ships

Family visit: The Kaiser (centre) reviewing troops near the Western Front with his eldest son Wilhelm behind (skull and crossbones hat). The younger Wilhelm would never become emperor

Between January and September 1918, German pilots shot down 3,732 Allied planes while losing 1,099 aircraft.

But they were well behind the British when it came to tank warfare.

Roz Skellorn, of the Tank Museum, Covington, Dorset, said: 'The Germans were well behind the British in tank development.

'The Germans made 20 of their own but they weren't up to the job and so they used captured British tanks instead and put their own markings on them.

'These were known as Beutepanzers which means captured tank.

'The tanks in these photos are Mark IV tanks and would have been captured at the Battle of Cambrai which was the first successful battle for the tank and it is where they really proved their worth.'

The sale takes place on February 12.

Early days: A German pilot watches on (right) as rudimentary bombs are about to be loaded on to his German biplane. They had to be dropped out of the cockpit by the pilot before more sophisticated bombing methods were invented

Letters to the front line: The Reich 'Airmail' service in action, as post is carried in tied-up bags and carried by one of the planes seen in the background of this picture
A young activist who pleaded guilty to charges of offensive behaviour after spitting on a local government official during a protest has been awarded a grant to draw comic books.

Nicky Minus has been given a taxpayer funded $30,000 grant by the Australia Council for the Arts in support of her 'freedom of artistic expression' despite her pleading guilty in a court, The Daily Telegraph reported.

During a 2016 Inner West Council meeting with community members who were protesting the WestConnex development Miss Minus was caught on camera spitting on Inner West Council administrator Richard Pearson.

Activist Nicky Minus (pictured) who pleaded guilty to charges of offensive behaviour after spitting on a local government official during a protest has been awarded a $30,000 grant to draw comic books

During a 2016 Inner West Council meeting with community members who were protesting the WestConnex development Miss Minus was caught on camera spitting on Inner West Council administrator Richard Pearson

Miss Minus was lucky that Mr Pearson didn't want to 'infuriate protesters further' and decided not to press charges for common assault.

Instead she was given an 18 month good behaviour bond and escaped having a conviction recorded.

Spokeswoman the Australian Council Brianna Roberts told the publication that the grant was given to Miss Minus to 'uphold freedom of artistic expression'.

'Applications are assessed on merit and there will always be differences of views regarding which applications are supported,' she said.

'Grants are assessed by an arms-length panel of expert peers, according to published criteria.'

Comic books written by Miss Minus in the past have focused on subject matter such as United States President Donald Trump and misogyny.

After being arrested by police miss minus told them she wasn't aware that spitting on another person was a criminal offence.
Ciarra Hunter (pictured) was accused of sending the nude photos across social media and even to family members of the victim

A woman has been arrested for posting revenge porn online of a former friend following an argument over money.

Ciarra Hunter, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was accused of sending the nude photos across social media and even to family members of the victim.

She accessed the revealing images of her friend - which were stored privately on Snapchat - without her consent following the dispute, authorities said.

Hunter was trusted with the friend's password for the account but allegedly took advantage of this and shared the saved photos across the internet, according to court documents obtained by FOX 23.

Hunter was arrested on suspicion of non consensual dissemination of private sexual images late last week.

She accessed the revealing images of her friend - which were stored privately on Snapchat - without her consent following the dispute, authorities said (stock image)

Police warned the television station that they are seeing more and more cases of revenge porn.

Around one in 25 Americans are either threatened with or victims of nonconsensual photo sharing, a 2016 study published by the Data & Society Research Institute found.

The research also discovered that 47 per cent of people in the U.S. will experience some form of online harassment.

Amanda Lenhart, research lead for the study, told Business Insider: 'When we started the study, we wondered whether we would have anybody who said yes to that question.'

She explained: 'We figured it would be a relatively low incident thing, but it turns out that it actually really happens.'
The EU has slashed its growth forecast for the eurozone amid fears of a 'disruptive' Brexit alongside a slowing German economy and the wave of protests in France.

The European Commission is now expecting growth of 1.3 per cent in the eurozone this year, down from the 1.9 per cent it predicted in November.

'The possibility of a disruptive Brexit creates additional uncertainty,' said the commission's vice president Valdis Dombrovskis.

The slowdown 'reflects external factors, such as trade tensions and the slowdown in emerging markets, notably in China,' he said.

'Yellow Vest' protesters stage a demonstration in Bordeaux, France, on the 12th consecutive Saturday of rallies last weekend. The protests have contributed to a European slowdown

EU chiefs are concerned about a possible no-deal Brexit, with no agreement yet in place just 50 days before Britain leaves on March 29.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May is battling to secure a deal but the House of Commons rejected her withdrawal pact and EU leaders have said they will not renegotiate it.

The health of the German economy is also fast emerging as a worry for the EU as slumping demand for foreign cars in China takes a toll on Europe's export powerhouse.

In France Emmanuel Macron has had to put some of his economic reforms on hold and make expensive concessions after a wave of 'Yellow Vest' protests against his presidency.

The demonstrations began as a protest against high fuel prices but have escalated into a wider assault on Macron and his style of governing.

Green traffic lights shine above the city of Frankfurt, Germany. The European Commission is now expecting growth of 1.3 per cent in the eurozone this year

Another problem is Italy, which the commission said would grow by a paltry 0.2 per cent this year, still better than a recession, but a huge cut from the 1.2 per cent forecast late last year.

Slower growth spells big trouble for populist-led Italy, where huge amounts of government money are swallowed up each year to help pay down about two trillion euros in public debt.

Rome's coalition government of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the League party was already forced to water down its ambitious budget in December to avoid being punished by the EU Commission and financial markets.

The latest growth forecast may force Italy to again review its spending plans for 2019 in order to satisfy Brussels and assuage investors.
This is the shocking moment a female teacher slaps a pupil across the face at an all-girl school in South Africa during a heated row over a mobile phone.

The unnamed 33-year-old became infuriated with the teenager after she reportedly turned up to class without the correct textbook and started using her phone, which was then confiscated.

The 16-year-old girl allegedly swore at the teacher and pushed her before trying to take her phone back as stunned classmates watched and filmed the incident at Sans Souci Girls' High School in Cape Town on Tuesday.

The teacher then lost all control and hit the Grade 9 pupil with a brutal slap which echoed through the room - drawing gasps of horror from the other children.

Shocking footage showed the teacher striking the pupil across the face for reportedly using her phone

Police confirmed yesterday that the teacher and the pupil have filed assault complaints against each other, The Times (SA) reports.

No arrests have been made and the local education department has also launched its own investigation. A decision about the teacher's future at the school is expected this week, according to The South African.

Disturbing footage of the incident went viral on social media earlier this week with hundreds of thousands of views.

It shows the angry teacher standing in front of the girl's desk, berating her for not having a book before taking away her phone.

She says: 'This is a disciplinary hearing now. Your phone shouldn't be in your hand. You wanna challenge me, my dear? You're gonna get last. I've been where you've been. Yes. I have three degrees - two, working on my third one. You don't even have a book in Year 9.'

Holding up her phone, she says: 'This thing I shouldn't see. Code of conduct, you know what it says about phones. Why do you disobey that? Why don't you have a book?'

The 16-year-old girl allegedly swore at the teacher and pushed her during the heated incident

The girl then accuses the teacher of breaking the code of conduct by swearing at her previously. She blasts back: 'When did I swear? What did I say to you? Tell me.' The girl responds: 'Don't shout at me.' She is told to get out and mutters something under her breath.

The teacher says: 'So, you're swearing at me?' To which the girl snaps: 'I'm swearing at you.'

Rapidly losing patience, the teacher snatches a pen out of the girl's hand and throws it across the room - then scolds her for 'speaking a different language in my class'.

She gives her the phone back and orders her to leave but the girl refuses to move.

The unruly pupil then starts using the phone right under the teacher's nose and she swipes it back, saying: 'You shall not have this. This is against the code.'

The girl pushes her table into the teacher and stands up to confront her but as she tries to retrieve her phone she is pushed and struck in the face.

The emotional teacher shoves her a second time and accuses the girl of hitting her first before the footage cuts out.

Disturbing footage of the incident went viral on social media earlier this week with hundreds of thousands of views

The girl's mother later told Eyewitness News: 'I feel frustrated as a mother, everyone would. I'm saddened and disappointed. All I can say is there are processes in place and the school is currently running an investigation, and there's also a legal one ongoing. She can't be a drop-out. I pay thousands a year for her to come to school, so she must come to school.'

A protest in support of the teacher was held by pupils at the fee-paying school yesterday - where places cost R 33,385 a year (1,900).

Western Cape Education Minister Debbie Schafer said corporal punishment in schools was 'unacceptable' in all circumstances.

She added: 'I am aware that some commentators on social media platforms are immediately assuming that the incident is race related.

'While I understand their anger at the images displayed on the edited version of the video, we cannot assume that this was racially motivated. We ask that the public allow the school governing body to investigate the incident before such conclusions are made.'

But the Progressive Professionals Forum - an association of local professionals - accused the teacher of 'racism and intolerance' for condemning the pupil for speaking a different language.
As temperatures plunged to minus 30 degrees Celsius in China's northernmost city, a group of police officers proved their mettle by conducting their gruelling winter training in the snow.

About 20 officers of the People's Armed Police Force in Mohe city, Heilongjiang province bared their chests as they participated in army crawls, tyre-pulling and close quarter combat training in freezing temperatures.

The 'extreme cold-resistant training' will help officers increase their tolerance and familiarise themselves the environmental conditions of where they're stationed, according to their captain.

As temperatures plunged to minus 30 degrees Celsius in China's northernmost city, a group of police officers proved their mettle by conducting their gruelling winter training in the snow

About 20 officers of the People's Armed Police Force in Mohe city, Heilongjiang province bared their chests as they participated close quarter combat training in the freezing weather

The officers were also filmed rubbing snow on their bare chests in the bitter wind

'The main purpose of the exercise in the snow is to train our officers' mentality and mindset,' Sun Jian, captain of the Mohe armed police, told video news site Pear.

Video footage shows the shirtless officers tackling each other with bare hands during combat training, their skin turning red in the bitter weather.

Other clips show the young and vigorous policemen rubbing snow on their bare chests as they try their best to maintain their composure.

The officers doing army crawls along the icy ground on a -30C day in Mohe city

Other clips show the young and vigorous policemen rubbing snow on their bare chests as they try their best to maintain their composure

uch extreme exercises have long been practiced by the People's Liberation Army

The Heilongjiang region, regarded as the coldest in China, usually sees winters lasting eight months. Its record low is -52.3C.

Winter in Mohe city beings in October and lasts until late April, and average temperatures stay below freezing for roughly seven months of the year.

Such extreme exercises have long been practiced by the People's Liberation Army.

Winter in Mohe city (pictured above) beings in October and lasts until late April, and average temperatures stay below freezing for roughly seven months of the year

Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang province in north China, is most famous for its annual International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival

Last May, a team of PLA soldiers conducted a training in the snow at an altitude of 4,500 meters in Tibet.

The soldiers dunked their faces into basins of snow, crawled on top of the icy ground and even took a snow shower.

Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang, is famous for its annual International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, drawing millions of visitors to the fairytale-like spectacle every year.
A cafe supervisor told an unsuccessful job candidate who blamed bad weather when she didn't turn up for trial shift that she had a 'poor work ethic' because she is British.

Victoria Atkins, 22, had applied for a position at Intenso Espresso in Hove, East Sussex, and after successfully passing the interview was offered a trial shift last Sunday.

But upon messaging the company to ask if she could rearrange the shift after being unable to get in due to weather, Ms Atkins received a series of 'rude' messages from Jullian Preston-Powers, who is also British.

Cafe supervisor Jullian Preston-Powers (left) slammed the 'poor British work ethic' in response to Victoria Atkins (right) asking if she could reschedule a shift. Images undated

Mr Preston-Powers, who claims to have a 'supervisory role' at the cafe and is married to the owner, lamented her no-show, claiming a 'poor work ethic... is highly synonymous with being British'.

The businessman went on to state that staff 'cannot ever call in sick' and that he would dock wages from a previous shift if they did so without a doctor's note.

He went on to champion one staff member who hadn't had a day off in three years because that was normal for 'thin, healthy people who don't eat bacon'.

Ms Atkins said she was 'very, very offended' and branded his statements about British workers 'nasty'.

However, when approached for comment, Mr Preston-Powers defended and reiterated his stance that the 'very poorest type of employee is a British one, full stop'.

The Trades Union Congress slammed his actions and defended British workers, who they claim 'put in some of the longest hours in Europe'.

Ms Atkins, from Brighton, East Sussex, said: 'He is very rude and nasty. I'd had a really bad morning and just asked if I could rebook the trial shift.

'I'd taken the bus and left plenty of time, but due to delays I soon realised I would be late.

'By this time I was soaking wet because the bus only went half way, and my friend lives on the same road as the cafe so I went there to shower and dry off.

'I was already a couple of hours late so asked if I could go at a later date, which is when he said no.

'Don't get me wrong, I understand why he didn't let me just do another shift, but his comments about British people having no work ethic were shocking.'

The angry exchanges between Mr Preston-Powers and Ms Atkins after she said she was not coming in

Interviewed after the incident, Mr Preston-Powers stood by his belief that British people have poor work ethic and claims 'every single' British person he has employed in the past has had issues

Ms Atkins said the member of staff who interviewed her had been polite and 'really lovely' and even offered her a trial shift, however she felt 'very, very offended' by the comments made by Mr Preston-Powers.

His responses to her texts left her feeling that she was 'grateful' he showed 'who he really is' before she accepted a job.

She said: 'I've worked in the food and drinks industry for years and used to be a barista at [popular coffee chain] and trained as a maestro. I also took management courses.

'I had plenty of experience and knew how to do the job well. When he made the comment about eating bacon, I was very, very offended.

'I never even met him and I'm happy as a size 10. He wasn't even at my job interview.

'It's like saying all British people are fat when especially in Brighton, we are known for lots of vegans.'

In his message, Mr Preston-Powers wrote: 'Sorry you are having a stressful morning. It's probably better you did not succeed in getting the job because you can never be late for or miss work at our business. Ever.

'You cannot ever even call in sick as that is not allowed.

'Literally, you have to be at work as scheduled with us and if you do not, you get a whole day's wages from your previous shift docked and then are sacked if it happens just once again.

'We are British, but generally cannot ever manage to hire British due to poor work ethics.'

An undated exterior photo of Intenso Espresso in Hove, East Sussex, where Mr Preston-Powers is a supervisor

When Ms Atkins replied saying 'how dare' he be rude to her because she is British and that he was an 'awful business owner', he carried on in further messages.

His second message read: 'Not because you are British, because you managed to show poor work ethic before even getting a job - which is HIGHLY synonymous with being British!

'[OMITTED] is perfectly happy and has been with us into her third year now. She has a well paying job and has never, not once, called in sick.'

Ms Atkins responded: 'Well it's not normal to never be sick in the space of three years. Maybe she is spreading her germs about the cafe haha og well I'm done now good luck to you.'

Mr Preston-Powers then said: 'Yes, it is normal for thin, healthy people who don't eat bacon.'

She wrote back: 'I'm not fat, thank you. I'm very happy with my body.'

Interviewed after the incident, Mr Preston-Powers stood by his belief that British people have poor work ethic and claims 'every single' British person he has employed in the past has had issues.

He said his business' experience was that 'the work ethic of Brits are inferior to those of from Eastern Europe'.

Cafe management have previously referred to three ex-staff members as having 'the mental acuity of an apple' on TripAdvisor

MailOnline visited the cafe today.

One barista, who is Slovak, said: 'I've heard about this. It wasn't my friend. It wasn't me. There are two full-time members of staff, a Slovak - that's me - and a Pole.'

She added: 'Julian is a very good boss. Very good.'

The cafe had a number of elderly men drinking coffee and eating cake inside.

One said: 'It's a really good place. The coffee and cake are fantastic and Julian is a lovely guy. We're all on first name terms with him.

'He runs the business extremely well. He opens on time and nothing is ever too much for him.

'Yes, he employs two foreign young women but they are great and look after us very well.

'If he finds those workers are the best then all power to them for working harder than some of the young British people I come across these days.'

A TUC spokesman said: 'If he's looking for the title of Britain's Worst Boss, it sounds like he's going about it the right way.

'It's illegal to discriminate against job applicants based on their ethnicity. And profiteering from staff illness by docking their wages is very likely illegal too.

'Britain's workers have a very strong work ethic. They put in some of the longest hours in Europe and billions of pounds worth of unpaid overtime each year.'

In 2008, the outspoken businessman told a 16-year-old member of staff to quit smoking or she'd be fired - and successfully helped her kick the habit.

Cafe management have also referred to three ex-staff members as having 'the mental acuity of an apple' on TripAdvisor.
The FBI are working with a private security firm to screen mail sent to the cast of Empire to hunt down Jussie Smollett's attackers

The FBI is screening mail sent to the cast and crew of Empire in a bid to hunt down Jussie Smollett's attackers.

Agents are working with a private security company hired by the show to catch the person who sent Smollett a racist, homophobic letter just days before he was jumped by two men in ski masks.

The team wears gloves as they sift through the mail so that evidence is not contaminated and are on high alert to prevent dangerous items and hate mail from being posted to the cast, according to TMZ.

It comes after Smollett, 35, was sent a letter that read You will die black f**' in cut-out letters and featured a drawing of a man being shot and hung from a noose.

It came with MAGA inked on the envelope in red pen and was sent to him eight days before he was attacked.

Sources say the security team has already intercepted hate mail - but hasn't noticed anything out of the ordinary, as the show has been targeted with racist and homophobic letters in the past.

Scroll down for video

It comes after Smollett was sent a letter that read You will die black fag' in cut-out letters and featured a drawing of a man being shot and hung from a noose

Security on the set has been ramped up too, with daily checks being conducted to sniff out anything, or anyone, suspicious.

Yesterday, video emerged from Jussie Smollett's performance in Los Angeles over the weekend, including the moment he spoke out for the first time about the recent hate crime that occurred just a few blocks away from his Chicago apartment.

'I was bruised but my ribs were not cracked, they were not broken. I went to the doctor immediately, my friend [filmmaker] Fred Jackson drove me, but I was not hospitalized,' Smollett says in the video.

'Both my doctors in Chicago and Los Angeles cleared me to perform but they said to take care obviously. And above all, I fought the f*** back.'

Back in action: Jussie Smollett spoke out about his attack on Sunday while performing for fans in Los Angeles (above)

Smollett then paused and stated: 'I'm the gay Tupac.'

The 36-year-old actor is now back at work on Empire, and was seen in a video posted by a crew member on Tuesday.

It has been a busy few days on set as the cast and crew is wrapping up production on the fifth season of the Fox series after Smollett missed work last week in the aftermath of the attack.

The show has also been working around the absence of star Taraji P Henson these past few days, who is currently in New York promoting her new film What Women Want.

Cast members have now been given security details to ensure no one else is targeted while working on the show.

The incident report from the attack was released on Tuesday, and raises some questions about comments made by the police early in the investigation.

Scene: 'I was bruised but my ribs were not cracked, they were not broken. I went to the doctor immediately ... but I was not hospitalized,' said Smollett (map with inset of the scene where the attack occurred just outside Smollett's apartment)

In the wake of the attack, the Chicago Police Department publicly announced less than 12 hours into the investigation that detectives had reviewed 'hundreds of hours' of security footage and not found any evidence of an attack.

The report however shows that only four cameras were initially identified as being near the area where the attack took place.

Th night of: Smollett posted on Instagram after arriving in Chicago around midnight, complaining about the cold weather

One of those cameras was located in a parking garage and the other attached to a building across the street, which is five-lanes wide.

Those were also both north of the route that Smollett took home from the Subway.

The same goes for the two other cameras, which are used for traffic purposes and were not particularly close to where Smollett was attacked by the men.

It was then made public that after an expanded search that detectives still could not find footage, yet in the end the image of the two persons of interest came from a camera located less than a block from the scene that was in fact closer than the other four cameras noted in the report.

It was also on the route that Smollett took to return to his apartment.

Smollett has never wavered from his timeline, and prior to the attack had been documenting his much-delayed flight back to Chicago from New York.

He posted on Instagram as soon as he landed, just after a midnight, but it is unclear if he had his luggage with him when he was attacked or had returned to his apartment first before going to get a sandwich at a nearby Subway.

Smollett was then just across the street from his residence when the attack occurred, and appeared to be heading into a back entrance of the building that was closer, due to the weather.

Persons of interest: The two men who were seen walking across the street from Smollett (above) just before the attack

The attack happened in a below ground street that runs by the building where Smollett lives, and video showed him entering shortly after 2am on Tuesday.

The proximity to his apartment would also explain why Smollett was so quick to get inside from the cold after spending close to 10 hours in transit that day.

Smollett told Chicago police that his attackers seemed to know who he was before they beat him and tied a rope around his neck.

He also reported that the two men were dressed in black and wearing black masks, and another residence at the apartment building recalled seeing men who fit that description earlier that night.

The men shouted 'Empire f****t n****r' before attacking him in the street.

Smollett is black and openly gay.

He also revealed that he had been sent 'hate mail' at his work one week prior.

The report also revealed Smollett did not want to report attack, but another person believed to be Jackson went ahead and called police.

There is no mention of Smollett having been to Subway or that the men made any 'MAGA' comments in the incident report.

Police have confirmed that Smollett is seen on the CCTV footage walking across the street from the men in the video, disappearing for minute, and then reappearing with a noose around his neck.
The City of London is the most dangerous place to own a car in the UK for vehicle crime and accidents, it has been revealed.

If you live, work or even just park your car in the City of London, your vehicle is most vulnerable for crime and accidents, as the bustling Square Mile is the most dangerous place to own a car in the UK by police force.

New data has been revealed which shows the most dangerous places to own a car in the UK for vehicle crime and accidents and the top five includes places such as Scotland, the West Midlands and Bedfordshire.

The results were catergorised into three sections, road accident rate, vehicle offense rate and car danger rate. The road accident rate is calculated by dividing the population of each police force by 1,000 and dividing the amount by the number of accidents or vehicle offences in each area, which represents a rate of 1,000 people.

The 10 worst places to own a car across the UK includes the City of London and Scotland

London's Square Mile (pictured above) is the most dangerous place to own a car

The vehicle offence rate is defined by dangerous, careless or drunk driving, unauthorised taking or theft of a motor vehicle, and accident, speed limit, licence, insurance and record keeping, vehicle test and condition offences.

This is while car danger rate reflects the total of road accidents and vehicle offence according to Quotezone.

Even though Scotland only has a road accident rate of 3.00, it comes in second for the most dangerous place to own a car in the UK as its vehicle offence rate is 24.38 and its car danger rate is 28.17.

10 most dangerous places to own a car 1. City of London 2. Police Scotland 3. Metropolitan Police (London) 4. West Midlands 5. Bedfordshire 6. Warwickshire 7. South Yorkshire 8. West Yorkshire 9. Greater Manchester 10. Cambridgeshire Advertisement

10 safest places to own a car 1. North Wales 2. Dyfed  Powys 3. Norfolk 4. Gwent 5. Cheshire 6. Devon and Cornwall 7. West Mercia 8. North Yorkshire 9. Staffordshire 10. Cumbria Advertisement





Thieves often target cars where possessions have been left visible inside (stock image)

Coming in third place is the Metropolitan Police area of London, where the road accident rate comes in at 7.77, the vehicle offence rate 11.99 and the car danger rate 19.76.

If you are visiting the country's worst hit area, the Square Mile, then it could be a wise idea to steer clear of driving through the area, as the road accident rate in the area is a huge 80.20, its vehicle offenses rate 17.6 and its car danger rate 97.8.

Away from London and Scotland, the West Midlands home to Birmingham and Wolverhampton is next on the list for the most dangerous area with an accident rate of 5.72, vehicle offence rate of 12.77 and a car danger rate of 18.48.

Top tips to avoid car theft If you live in one of the UK's top danger zones then the below tips could help you keep your car safe Keep valuables out of sight and locked away: This might seem obvious to most people but many car owners don't lock their possessions away when parking up. Handbags, phone cables and packages can all attract unwanted attention Turn your car wheels into the curb: Many thieves don't just want the valuables inside the car, but also its wheels. By turning your wheels in when youre parking your vehicle youll make the wheels much harder to steal because they will be locked in the wheel well. Install an anti-theft system: Anti-theft systems are a big deterrent for thieves, and could also help to lower your car insurance costs. Advertisement

In fact, Birmingham had a colossal 100 vehicle crimes in July 2018 alone, with a worrying 11% of those happening near a local childrens hospital, suggesting some criminals may see the vehicles of parents that are distracted or distressed by a childs illness as an easier target.

Bedfordshire came in fifth place with an accident rate of 5.72, vehicle offence rate of 12.77 and a danger rate of 16.38.

Warwickshire came in sixth place, South Yorkshire in seventh, West Yorkshire in eighth, greater Manchester in ninth and Cambridgeshire in tenth.

However, its not all doom and gloom, if you are lucky enough to live in North Wales, which is also one of the UKs top places to visit, then you can rest assured that your car will be safe, as it topped the list of safest places to own a car in the UK.

With an overall car danger Rate of just 7.29 per 1,000 people, North Wales is the UKs leading safe spot for car owners.

The largest town in North Wales is Wrexham, which has only had 14 reported vehicle crimes since January 2018.

Dyfed-Powys, located just a little further south, came in second, boasting the second-lowest car danger rate in Britain despite the fact that its also the largest police territory in England and Wales.

In third place was Norfolk which boasted a road accident rate of 5.92, while Gwent came in fifth with a rating of 3.27.

Cheshire, Devon and Cornwall, West Mercia, North Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Cumbria were also among the other places in the UK where it is safest to own a car.
Germany has announced a clampdown on Facebook's 'unrestricted' gathering of personal data from other websites.

Competition chiefs have ordered the California-based tech firm to stop combining Facebook data with user information from Instagram, WhatsApp and third-party websites unless users give their consent.

The ruling, which comes at the end of a three-year probe, will also limit data collection from external websites which have a Facebook 'like' button.

Facebook has vowed to challenge the decision, saying it had been unfairly singled out and accusing German officials of 'underestimating' the competition they faced.

Facebook will have to ask users for consent before it combines data from WhatsApp, Instagram and other websites, after a ruling from Germany's competition regulator (file photo)

Germany's anti-trust regulator said Facebook's terms and conditions forced users to accept the collection of data from multiple sources.

Announcing their decision, they said Facebook-owned services such WhatsApp and Instagram can continue to collect data, but users will have to consent before the information is assigned to Facebook accounts.

If users do not agree, the data 'must remain with the respective service and cannot be processed in combination with Facebook data,' they said.

The regulator said many people were not aware of how websites with a 'Like' button could be used to gather data linked to a Facebook account.

Some 23million Germans used Facebook every day, the agency said.

The agency's boss Andreas Mundt said: 'As a dominant company Facebook is subject to special obligations under competition law.

'In future, Facebook will no longer be allowed to force its users to agree to the practically unrestricted collection and assigning of non-Facebook data to their Facebook user accounts.

'The combination of data sources substantially contributed to the fact that Facebook was able to build a unique database for each individual user and thus to gain market power.

Andreas Mundt, president of Germany's competition regulator, announces the agency's findings in Bonn this morning

German regulators are clamping down on Facebook's data gathering after accusing it of 'unrestricted collection' of personal information

'In future, consumers can prevent Facebook from unrestrictedly collecting and using their data.

'The previous practice of combining all data in a Facebook user account, practically without any restriction, will now be subject to the voluntary consent given by the users.'

Responding to the decision, Facebook said German officials had 'underestimated the fierce competition we face in Germany'

The ruling would 'implement an unconventional standard for a single company', Facebook said.

They said: 'We face fierce competition in Germany, yet the [regulator] finds it irrelevant that our apps compete directly with YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter and others.

'As part of complying with the GDPR, we revamped the information we provide people about their privacy and the controls they have over their information.

'Using information across services helps to make them better and protect peoples safety.

'Using information across our services also helps us protect peoples safety and security, including, for example, identifying abusive behavior and disabling accounts tied to terrorism, child exploitation and election interference.'
Fears are growing for a teenager who has been missing for three days after police revealed her disappearance was 'completely out of character'.

Viktoria Takacs, 15, was last seen by a family member on Monday morning but failed to return home in Evington, Leicestershire later that night.

She was spotted at around 1pm in Laxford Close and in the afternoon she was seen in Malham Close, but there have been no further sightings for two days.

Leicestershire Police said it was growing increasingly concerned for the teenager's welfare as it issued a second appeal for information from the public.

Viktoria Takacs (pictured) was last seen by a family member on Monday morning but failed to return home in Evington, Leicestershire later that night

Detective Constable Jessica Rippington said: 'Officers along with Viktoria's family are asking for the public to help us find her.

'Following our appeal yesterday we received calls from members of the public reporting having seen Viktoria and those reports have led to a number of new lines of enquiry which we are looking into.

'We are continuing to carry out checks at addresses of friends and associates and looking at local CCTV footage as we try to work out where she went.'

PC James Boyall-Love added that the disappearance was 'completely out of character for Viktoria', who has never gone missing from home before.

Viktoria is described as 5ft tall, with a medium build, brown eyes and long brown hair. She wears fixed braces.

When last seen she was wearing a grey and black Bench jacket with a brown fur-edged hood.

Underneath she had on a black blazer, a white shirt, a black, red and white striped tie and black trousers. She was carrying a black Versace-style handbag.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 and quote incident 652.
Captive: British journalist John Cantlie, pictured before his kidnapping, is believed to be still alive and in the hands of ISIS

British journalist John Cantlie, who was captured by ISIS six years ago, has been kept alive by jihadist leaders be traded for their own freedom, Kurdish forces have said.

ISIS is allegedly trying to use Mr Cantlie and two other Western hostages as bargaining chips as US-backed Kurdish forces close in on the final pocket of jihadists in Syria.

Italian priest Paolo DallOglio, 64, and a female Red Cross nurse, whose identity has been withheld by the organisation for her safety, were both feared to have been executed by ISIS.

All three were captured on separate occasions during the ascent of the terrorist organisation in 2012-2013, and if they are still alive, would have survived several years as ISIS prisoners.

The trio are now being used by ISIS during negotiations with Kurdish forces, who have surrounded the few hundred remaining Islamist fighters in the Syrian province of Deir ez-Zor, according to The Times.

Kurdish army officials told the newspaper that all three have been mentioned by ISIS fighters and their family members captured recently, but stressed that this had not been verified.

It comes after the UK Minister of State for Security Ben Wallace said he believed the photographer was still alive.

However the UK would not pay ransom for hostages such as Mr Cantlie, Mr Wallace told CNN.

The photographer was captured by the terror group in November 2012 along with American reporter James Foley, who was later beheaded by the British ISIS terrorist who became known as 'Jihadi John'.

Hope: Italian Priest Paolo Dall'Oglio, pictured in Syria before his kidnapping, has been presumed dead, but could now be among Western hostages being used as bargaining chips by desperate ISIS fighters

2014: John Cantlie appears in a video two years after his capture by ISIS, wearing an orange jumpsuit and revealing how prisoners were waterboarded for trying to escape

The last public sighting of Mr Cantlie was in a 2016 video but a Kurdish official said last month that he was still believed to be in Syria

Mr Cantlie's skills as a journalist have been exploited by ISIS in an attempt to lend credibility to propaganda films.

In a video which emerged in March 2016, a thin-looking Cantlie was seen speaking about the bombing of Mosul University in Iraq.

In 2014 he appeared in another video wearing an orange prisoner jumpsuit and revealing how prisoners were waterboarded for trying to escape.

He also read out purported emails between IS and the families of American captives who complained about Washington's refusal to negotiate their release.

Last November, a former ISIS member told French magazine Paris Match that he saw Mr Cantlie in the Syrian city of Raqqa, 300 miles from Mosul.

2016: A thin-looking Cantlie appears in another video discussing the bombing of Mosul University in Iraq

He told the magazine in October that he saw him 'seven or eight months ago, in my prison, with an interpreter'.

Mr Cantlie had worked for several publications, including The Sunday Times, The Sun and The Sunday Telegraph.

He was captured in July 2012 but rescued by members of the Free Syrian Army, only to be kidnapped again later that year.

A freed ISIS prisoner said he suffered 'weeks and weeks' of torture after he tried to escape his terrorist prisoners.

Fellow captive Javier Espinosa, a Spanish journalist, said Mr Foley had escaped from a room but waited for Mr Cantlie rather than run for freedom himself.

'The guard saw that Cantlie (had freed himself) and Foley could have tried to escape on his own, but gave himself up,' Mr Espinosa said.

The Briton's sister, Jessica Cantlie, has previously appealed for 'direct contact' with the militants holding him.
Ousted National Australia Bank chairman Ken Henry has said he is 'deeply sorry' for the bank's exploitation of its customers.

His apology in an interview on ABC's 7.30 came just hours after he announced he would step down from his position.

He told Leigh Sales on Thursday night the bank had fallen short of his vision of delivering exceptional service to its customers and 'had a mountain to climb'.

The embattled chairman also conceded he may have come across as 'contemptuous' and 'defensive' when grilled on commentary surrounding his appearance at a royal commission into financial services.

Ousted National Australia Bank chairman Ken Henry (pictured on 7.30 on Thursday night) has said he is 'deeply sorry' for the bank's exploitation of its customers

NAB chief executive Andrew Thorburn and chairman Ken Henry are both stepping down after they were savaged in a royal commission report

'We're deeply sorry. We have got a mountain to climb if we want to achieve our aspirations.

'As I see it NAB does aspire to do the right thing by every customer every time but we're a long way away from that.

Dr Henry has said he will vacate his position on the board once a replacement CEO was found, while Mr Thorburn will finish his role on February 28.

'I understand the criticism, I was feeling defensive,' he said when quizzed on the commentary about his royal commission performance.

'I did not perform well - I should have been much more open.'

The NAB chairman was slammed as 'sexist' when he first faced questioning at the royal commission in November.

He was shown giving grunted responses, talking under his breath and scoffing at questions.

Dr Henry (pictured) conceded he may have come across as 'contemptuous' and 'defensive' when grilled on commentary surrounding his appearance at a royal commission into financial services

Responding to Sales' questioning of why it took a royal commission for changes to be made, Dr Henry said it was not the only way they could take responsibility.

'I don't think it's taken a royal commission to do that - it has certainly been useful in shining an intense spotlight on activity and holding people to account,' he said.

The bank chiefs' resignation announcement came after NAB's shares were placed in a trading halt on Thursday afternoon.

NAB CEO Andrew Thorburn, who earns $4.4million a year, also announced his resignation in the wake of a damning report on the bank.

The halt was announced amid growing speculation about the future of Dr Henry and Mr Thorburn.

The NAB CEO, who earns $4.4million a year, was singled out in Kenneth Hayne's final report, which revealed greed and misconduct in the Australian financial sector at the expense of consumers and businesses.

'I acknowledge the bank has sustained damage as a result of its past practices and comments in the royal commission's final report about them,' Mr Thorburn said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange.

Mr Thorburn (pictured) was singled out in Kenneth Hayne's final report, which revealed greed and misconduct in the Australian financial sector at the expense of consumers and businesses

'As CEO, I understand accountability.

'I have always sought to act in the best interests of the bank and customers and I know that I have always acted with integrity.

'However, I recognise there is a desire for change. As a result, I spoke with the board and offered to step down as CEO, and they have accepted my offer.'

'The timing of my departure will minimise disruption for customers, employees and shareholders,' he said.

Philip Chronician - a NAB director with extensive domestic banking experience - will serve as acting CEO from March 1.
Labour's strained unity over Brexit shattered today after Jeremy Corbyn told Therssa May his price for supporting her deal a Norway-style relationship.

The Labour leader wrote to the Prime Minister setting out changes she could seek to the political deal on the future UK-EU relationship to get his support.

Crucially the changes Mr Corbyn wants are not to the legally binding Withdrawal Agreement - meaning a version of them might be achievable in Brussels.

Remain supporting MPs reacted with horror to the plan, which is designed to appeal to some Tory MPs and show voters Labour is willing to compromise to get a deal.

Former leadership contender Owen Smith even suggested he could quit Labour altogether if the party helps deliver Brexit.

Fresh splits also emerged in Mr Corbyn's frontbench team as shadow Brexit minister Matthew Pennycook said the party 'must move to support a public vote' unless Mrs May accepts the conditions 'in full'.

Mr Corbyn's new terms - which crucially drop his previous call for her to secure the 'exact same benefits' as current membership - suggest a full customs union with the EU and close alignment to the EU single market.

Labour's strained unity over Brexit shattered today after Jeremy Corbyn (pictured today in Worcester) told Therssa May his price for supporting her deal a Norway-style relationship

Tory former minister Nick Boles welcomed the overture as a 'big step to a cross-party compromise' based on an enhanced Norway model

Fresh splits emerged in Mr Corbyn's frontbench team as shadow Brexit minister Matthew Pennycook said the party 'must move to support a public vote' unless Mrs May accepts the conditions 'in full'

Mr Corbyn posed for pictures in his Westminster office last night as he tried to show he is willing to compromise

The grand gesture (pictured) is intended to show voters Mr Corbyn is ready to compromise, while heaping pressure on Mrs May to break her key red lines.

Labour's OLD six tests for Brexit Throughout the Brexit talks, Labour said it would apply six tests to the deal when deciding whether to vote for it - most importantly whether it offered the 'exact same benefits' as the single market and customs union. The phrase was based on a quote from former Brexit Secretary David Davis. The tests were: Does it ensure a strong and collaborative future relationship with the EU? Does it deliver the 'exact same benefits' as we currently have as members of the Single Market and Customs Union? Does it ensure the fair management of migration in the interests of the economy and communities? Does it defend rights and protections and prevent a race to the bottom? Does it protect national security and our capacity to tackle cross-border crime? Does it deliver for all regions and nations of the UK Advertisement

Labour's NEW demands for the Brexit deal In the new letter, Labour sets out five new demands on the future UK-EU relationship as its price for voting for the Withdrawal Agreement as drafted. Crucially the 'exact same benefits' test is gone, demanding instead a permanent customs union and close alignment with the single market. Both are against Theresa May's plan The new demands from the Labour Party are: A 'permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union', including a say in future trade deals. Close alignment with the single market, underpinned by 'shared institutions'. 'Dynamic alignment on rights and protections', so that UK standards do not fall behind those of the EU. Clear commitments on future UK participation in EU agencies and funding programmes. Unambiguous agreements on future security arrangements, such as use of the European arrest warrant. Advertisement

In his letter, Mr Corbyn stated: 'This would include alignment with the union customs code, a common external tariff and an agreement on commercial policy that includes a UK say on future EU trade deals.'

Labour also wants close alignment with the single market 'underpinned by shared institutions and obligations, with clear arrangements for dispute resolution'.

Mr Corbyn urged for 'dynamic alignment on rights and protections' so UK standards do not fall behind those of the EU, commitments on participation in EU agencies and funding programmes, and 'unambiguous agreements on the detail of future security arrangements, including access to the European Arrest Warrant and vital shared databases'.

What is the Norway-plus plan Labour is moving towards? The new Labour position looks like the 'Norway-plus' plan that has long been pushed by Tory backbencher Nick Boles. It would effectively keep the UK in the single market, with a customs bolt-on to avoid a hard Irish border, and backers say it would keep Britain close to the EU while cutting contributions to Brussels. However, critics say it has the drawbacks of keeping free movement - and tightly limiting the possibilities for doing trade deals elsewhere. Former Tory Cabinet minister Oliver Letwin has said he believes there is a majority of MPs in favour of the arrangements. His view is based on support inside the Tory party and substantial number of Labour MPs. But it was almost impossible for the plan to come to fruition without support from the Labour front bench - something Mr Corbyn's letter could change. If Labour was whipped to back a Norway-plus plan, it would probably pass the Commons. It reopens the door to MPs seizing control of the Commons agenda to pass its own version of Brexit in defiance of decades of precedent. A similar plan failed last week but MPs are due to vote again on Brexit on Valentine's Day. Even if MPs did vote for it, the EU is also thought to have concerns about a country the UK's size joining the EEA, while other states in the group might be resistant. Mrs May is unlikely to be able to put the policy in place as it breaks her often-stated red lines. Advertisement

He also calls for further talks with the PM 'with the aim of securing a sensible agreement that can win the support of Parliament and bring the country together'.

The letter does not mention previous Labour demands that any deal must deliver the 'exact same benefits' as membership of the single market and customs union currently does.

The Labour leadership has been distancing itself from calls for a second referendum, despite pressure from rank-and-file MPs.

Asked he would stay in Labour, Mr Smith told Radio 5 Live's Emma Barnett: 'I think that's a very good question - and I think it's something I and lots of people people are considering right now.'

An amendment tabled in Brexit votes last month said a referendum should only be considered after a deal was approved by the Commons.

But Mr Pennycook suggested today that Labour should support a so-called 'People's Vote' if its demands are not met.

'We've now set out in detail the changes needed to secure @UKLabour support for a deal,' he tweeted.

'Either May accepts them in full and commits to enshrining them in law before exit day or we must move to support a public vote. No other credible options left to prevent a 'no deal'.'

Former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie attacked Mr Corbyn's move.

Mr Leslie tweeted: 'Seriously? Offering to help Tory Govt enable #Brexit? It's not just Labour's conference policy in the bin.

'When the jobs go & revenues for services dry up as a result - Labour's leadership will have ZERO right to complain: they share responsibility.'

Labour MP Phil Wilson, a supporter of the People's Vote campaign for a second referendum, said: 'It was perhaps inevitable that at some point my party would publish something like this even though most Labour MPs, members and voters have long since worked out that there is no form of Brexit that can meet the promises made in 2016 or do anything but make people poorer.

'Our party conference agreed last year that if it couldn't get a general election it should explore other options including a new public vote.

Theresa May was in Brussels for crunch talks with Jean-Claude Juncker (right) and others to try to wring more concessions on the Irish border backstop

The PM and the EU commission chief - usually known for his exuberant touchy-feely style - stood grim-faced next to each other before disappearing for private talks

'In the end there is only one way out of this mess for both our country and the Labour Party, a people's vote.'

Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner defended the shift in policy away from the six tests Labour originally set for a Brexit deal, saying the offer was made 'in a spirit of co-operation and compromise'.

'It's not about tests now,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'What we are doing is saying we believe that these are the options that are available that would actually secure a majority in the House of Commons.'

The Labour leader tells the PM that last month's rejection by MPs of her Withdrawal Agreement means a different approach is needed.

He writes: 'Without changes to your negotiating red lines, we do not believe that simply seeking modifications to the existing backstop terms is a credible or sufficient response either to the scale of your defeat last month in Parliament, or the need for a deal with the EU that can bring the country together and protect jobs.'
Chinese tech giant Huawei has warned it could take five years to resolve British security fears about its devices.

The Shenzhen-based firm has supplied technology to BT, Three and Vodafone and has bid for contracts to upgrade Britain's mobile network to 5G.

But the company's presence has sparked fears of Chinese espionage, with Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson warning last year he had 'very deep concerns' about the firm's role in the UK.

In a letter to MPs yesterday the company pledged to spend 1.5billion to address security concerns but said it could take three to five years to bring 'tangible results'.

Chinese firm Huawei (pictured, the company's UK headquarters in Reading) has warned it could take five years to resolve British security fears about its devices and mobile networks

The company also denied claims it could be compelled to assist Chinese national intelligence work using information gathered from the UK.

Writing to Norman Lamb MP, chairman of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, the company said spying would 'destroy our business'.

'Huawei has never and will never use UK-based hardware, software or information gathered in the UK or anywhere else globally, to assist other countries in gathering intelligence. We would not do this in any country.

'Were Huawei ever to engage in malicious behaviour, it would not go unnoticed - and it would certainly destroy our business.

'For us, it is a matter of security or nothing; there is no third option. We choose to ensure security.

'Modern communications networks are complex systems that keep evolving in new and innovative ways.

'Enhancing our software engineering capabilities is like replacing components on a high-speed train in motion.

'It is a complicated and involved process and will take at least three to five years to see tangible results. We hope the UK Government can understand this.'

The letter was a response to concerns raised by the Huawei Cyber Security Evaluation Centre, a body including Huawei, UK operators and Government officials.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson (pictured) recently said he had 'very deep concerns' about the Chinese company's involvement in the UK's roll-out of 5G

It warned that 'areas of concern' in Huawei's security infrastructure meant it could give only 'limited assurance' that Huawei's involvement in UK telecommunications infrastructure did not pose a national security threat.

The letter also defended the company's reputation in the face of several UK allies restricting the use of Huawei equipment in crucial communications infrastructure.

He said that while some countries - including New Zealand, Australia and the U.S. - had 'indeed taken measures to restrict Huawei business activities', some of the restrictions had been 'exaggerated or even misinterpreted by the media'.

The company has suffered a number of setbacks in recent months because of apparent concerns over its security.

The Prince's Trust recently announced it would no longer accept donations from the firm, after Mr Williamson and MI6 chief Alex Younger publicly expressed their concerns over the company.

China accused the UK of 'deep-rooted pride and prejudice' in response to Mr Williamson's comments last December.

Its chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada in December at Washington's request.

U.S. charges of stealing technology and violating sanctions on Iran have since been issued against the company, sparking new tensions in relations between the United States and China.
A son suspected of slitting his mother's throat during a dispute about money before dumping her body in the trash outside her New Jersey home has appeared in court alongside his lover and friend.

Jared Eng, 22, his girlfriend Caitlyn O'Rourke, 21, and their friend Jennifer Lopez, 18, were charged with concealing a body and tampering with evidence.

Eng is also likely to face a murder charge for the death of his 65-year-old mother Paula Chin, prosecutors told New York State Supreme Court on Thursday.

Police believe Eng fatally slashed his mother in the throat during an argument over money in her third-floor apartment on Vestry Street in Manhattan.

Jared Eng, 22, (left) his girlfriend Caitlyn O'Rourke (right), 21, were charged with concealing a body and tampering with evidence at an arraignment at New York State Supreme Court on Thursday

Their friend Jennifer Lopez (pictured), 18, was also charged with concealing a body and tampering with evidence

Police believe Eng fatally slashed his mother Paula Chin (pictured), 65, in the throat during an argument over money in her third-floor apartment on Vestry Street in Manhattan

Video evidence allegedly captured the trio driving Chin's car to her house and loading a garbage bag - which prosecutors claim was filled with her body - into the trunk, the New York Post reported.

Chin was first reported missing by her elder son Brandon Eng on Monday.

Her body was discovered in the bag at another home she owned on Bailey Hollow Road in Morristown, New Jersey, on Tuesday.

She was reported missing on Monday evening, last seen at her lower Manhattan apartment. She lived at her Manhattan and New Jersey residences with her two sons Jared (left) and Brandon (right)

Eng denied killing his mother (pictured) and insisted to police that he visited his family home in New Jersey to his coin collection for rent money, the court heard

It is thought Eng had help dumping his mother's body as he can't drive, police said.

Prosecutors said Lopez sent a text following the incident which reportedly read: 'Honestly the hardest part was backing up the car.'

Meanwhile, O'Rourke told police that her boyfriend admitted to killing his mother, it was revealed in court.

She is said to have went with Eng and Lopez to the house in New Jersey, with a bag of clothes which she washed, prosecutors said.

It is thought Eng had help dumping his mother's body as he can't drive, police said

Prosecutors said Lopez (left) sent a text following the incident which reportedly read: 'Honestly the hardest part was backing up the car.' Meanwhile, O'Rourke (right) told police that her boyfriend admitted to killing his mother, it was revealed in court

Jared Eng, center, is escorted by New York Police Department detectives from the NYPD's 1st Precinct to an arraignment at New York State Supreme Court

Eng denied killing his mother and insisted to police that he visited his family home in New Jersey to his coin collection for rent money, the court heard.

A neighbor told News 4 that Chin lived in her New York apartment and the Morristown home with her two sons.

Photos from Chin's Facebook page show her proudly posing with her two sons.

Eng was ordered to be held without bail. O'Rourke was held on $25,000 bail and Lopez was held on $100,000.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office is assisting the NYPD in the case.

Ms Chin was last seen at her Manhattan apartment and found in a garbage bag left with the trash at her secluded New Jersey property

Her Tribeca apartment, where she was last seen, pictured above
A dog owner has been slammed after she tried to dye her pet's ears bright red - and one of them dropped off.

The Pomeranian named 'Diffy' was taken to a grooming salon in Hua Hin, eastern Thailand, earlier this week where the woman asked for the pooch's ears and tail to be coloured.

Workers carried out a 'foil wrap' dye on Diffy's soft blonde fur and after 40 minutes he emerged with a bright red tail and ears, that were also drooping instead of standing pertly.

The Pomeranian named 'Diffy' whose ears were dyed red on her owner's wishes in a grooming salon

Diffy, pictured before the dying process, was said to have suffered an allergic reaction to the dye

Despite being reassured that Diffy's ears would perk up 'after two or three days', they started burning up after a suspected allergic reaction to the chemicals in the dye.

Within hours Diffy had started suffering itchy skin which later started flaking. The owner, who did not reveal her real name, posted online asking for help - but was hit with an angry backlash for being 'irresponsible'.

She wrote: 'Before the dye, my dog's ears were up. But after I went to the pet store and the dog stylist coloured his ear with aluminium foil for 40 minutes without heat, I took him home and his ears turned out like this. They were folded down. The stylist said that I have to wait for two or three days and his ears will recover. Has anybody experienced this before?'

Despite being told her ears would recover after three days Diffy's ear eventually fell off

Despite receiving advice from other dog owners who had undergone the same procedure, Diffy's left ear was so badly affected that yesterday (Wed) it dropped off.

The dog owner said: 'Diffy's left ear is now falling off because of the colour dye. The pet groomer put too much dye on him. My dog's ear was itchy, burnt, turned black, cracked, and eventually fell off. I don't blame the grooming store but I blame myself for wanting to have his ears dyed.'

After pictures emerged of the procedure and the consequences, dog charities and vets slammed the 'irresponsible' owner for causing the dog to suffer.

Neeyada Sirisampandh, who runs the dog rescue group Mid Road Lover in Bangkok, said: 'Let this be a lesson to other dog owner's. It is dangerous to dye your puppy's fur.

'This dog's ear looks like it suffered an allergic reaction and was burned. Then it fell off. Her ear is gone forever. It's all the owner's fault for trying to colour them.'

Nubdaww Prapharat said: 'I feel sorry for the dog. They are not strong enough to endure all situations and can be easily harmed. I don't understand why the owner would put them through this suffering.'

Praew Panyowat wrote: 'This is just a fashion to make the dog owner happy. It's irresponsible and they should take care of their pet better.'

Another local added: 'Dogs are not unicorns. Dog lovers should know that dying is very dangerous to them. Aren't all dog owners aware of this? Apparently, she hasn't done any research and I bet the grooming is using a human dying colour, which is worse.'
Six-month-old baby William (pictured) was killed by his father in a suspected murder-suicide in remote Queensland

A father who allegedly killed his six-month-old baby boy failed a breath test on the night the baby was reported missing, according to police.

Council workers found the bodies of baby William and his 46-year-old father in a red Holden Commodore on an isolated track in the Beerwah State Forest, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on Wednesday morning.

Police sources told Nine News the man was pulled over for speeding on Monday night, not far from where the bodies were discovered.

He was also breath tested and returned a positive blood alcohol reading but was let off with an infringement notice after telling police a 'sob story'.

The details of the story the man gave to police are not known.

It's also unknown whether the father was pulled over after his baby son was reported missing.

Police sources told Nine News the officer looked inside the car with his torch but didn't see the child and is said to be devastated over what happened afterwards.

Queensland Police wouldn't comment on the claims.

'This matter is subject to a coronial investigation which will consider all aspects of the incident including the police response,' a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.

William's shattered family said he should never have died and claim his mother was 'let down' by the justice system.

Relative Katie Buckingham said the death of baby William (pictured) was the 'saddest day for everyone involved' and that his mother was 'devastated'

The baby boy's relative Katie Buckingham, who has set up a fundraising page to help baby William's mother with funeral expenses, said the child's death was the 'saddest day for everyone involved' and that his mother was 'devastated'.

'This mother needs all the help we can give her so she can grieve for the loss of her child,' Ms Buckingham said.

'This should never have happened! The courts have let her down and not kept the baby's father away from her son!

'Now this beautiful and innocent baby boy has been taken from her by the man who did nothing but make her life hell.'

Ms Buckingham has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to help William's mum pay for his funeral, which has raised more than $5000 within 24 hours.

'She says she needs to go back to work to pay the mortgage and for her babies funeral,' the mother's cousin wrote on the fundraising page.

'Please help her and her kids to be able to pay for everything they need to so that they can grieve.'

Police said the bodies had been in the car for 'some time'.

Daily Mail Australia understands a witness told investigators he saw a red Holden parked in the same spot on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Dave Drinnen said council employees made the grisly discovery while they were working in the remote forrest.

The bodies of baby William and his father, 46, were found in a red Commodore on Wednesday

'It's extremely distressing, it's a very tragic incident. The mother was distraught, as you can imagine,' he said.

Det Insp Drinnen said the baby was reported missing on Monday and that the mother and father had recently separated.

The baby's father was due to hand the child over to his mother as part of a custody arrangement, but never arrived at the allocated time.

'The father and the child failed to turn up as a result of some custody arrangements,' Det Insp Drinnen said.

Council workers made the grisly discovery on an isolated track in the Beerwah State Forest

'The mother was concerned... so [police did] welfare checks initially, before this was reported as a missing person investigation.

'This was treated as a high-risk missing person investigation ... to try and locate the missing person and child.'

Det Insp Drinnen also confirmed that no amber alert was issued, despite the fact the child was missing for more than 36 hours.

Police are now investigating why the alert - which urgently broadcasts a photo of a missing child to media outlets - was never issued.

The bodies were found inside a car on Roys Road (pictured) on Wednesday morning

'There is always an internal review on those issues, but more importantly, the coroner will look at that in detail,' Assistant commissioner Bob Gee said..

'I can't say any more than that because it's still a live investigation but I have great faith in the coroner and their recommendations.'

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described William's death as 'an absolute tragedy.'

No weapons were found in the car and the cause of the deaths is yet to be established.

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The former CEO of Renault is facing new corruption claims after he allegedly made a secret 50,000 deal to have his wedding at the Palace of Versailles.

Carlos Ghosn is said to have been offered a free ceremony in 2016 after making a sponsorship deal between Renault and the historic royal palace.

Renault said it would inform prosecutors about the alleged deal, after Ghosn was arrested last November in Japan over alleged financial misconduct.

His subsequent indictment has led to renewed scrutiny of his management and lifestyle at Renault and Nissan while he sits in a Tokyo jail awaiting trial.

Carlos Ghosn (pictured) is said to have been offered a free wedding at the Palace of Versailles in 2016 after making a sponsorship deal between Renault and the historic royal site

The latest charges involve Ghosn's lavish second marriage at the Chateau de Versailles outside Paris in October 2016.

Ghosn and his new wife Carole threw a Marie Antoinette-themed dinner and party at the former royal residence complete with entertainers in period costumes.

'We wanted it to feel as if we were inviting guests into our home - nothing too studied,' Carole Ghosn told Town & Country magazine a few months later when it published photos of the wedding.

According to a report in the Figaro newspaper, the operators of the palace waived the usual fee of 50,000 (44,000) fee for the reception at the 17th-century Grand Trianon complex.

It said the arrangement was made as part of a sponsorship deal between Versailles and Renault.

The company confirmed Thursday that internal audits 'identified that a contribution of 50,000 euros, under a sponsorship agreement signed with the Chateau de Versailles, was allocated to Mr Ghosn's personal benefit.'

'Renault has decided to bring these facts to the attention of the judicial authorities,' it added.

Ghosn's arrest and continued detention marks a stunning fall from grace for an executive widely credited with forging the Renault and Nissan alliance into the world's top-selling automotive group.

The 64-year-old Franco-Brazilian-Lebanese executive has angrily denied the misconduct charges against him, which saw Nissan and the group's other alliance partner Mitsubishi jettison him as chairman shortly after his arrest.

Ghosn (pictured in Paris last year) was arrested last November in Japan over alleged financial misconduct and is awaiting trial

'I am accused of under-reporting income I never received! There is not one yen that I have received that was not reported,' Ghosn told AFP in an interview at the Tokyo detention centre where he is being held last week.

'Is it a trap? Is it a plot? It's obvious: it's a story of betrayal. There is no question about this,' he said.

So far Renault has said its internal investigations have found that his pay was in compliance with French law.

But facing the prospect of several more months behind bars before his trial opens, Ghosn last month relinquished his grip as CEO of Renault.

The affair has also exposed rifts between Renault and Nissan, which some analysts say was bristling at Ghosn's efforts to bring the two automakers' operations even closer together.

Ghosn was the linchpin of the three-way alliance, earning industry plaudits for driving together a sometimes fractious threesome with headquarters 10,000 kilometres apart.

Much of the tension between the partners stems from a complex ownership structure that gives Renault 43 percent of Nissan, whereas Nissan owns just 15 percent stake in the French company - and no voting rights.

Adding to the complexity, the French state owns just over 15 percent of Renault, and government officials have said they are keeping a close eye on the alliance's future.

'We are being vigilant to ensure the balances of the alliance are preserved,' French President Emmanuel Macron said last month.
An art teacher who drove on a motorway 'almost blind' due to his snow and ice-covered windscreen before nearly hitting a police car has been banned from the roads for a year.

Neil Jessop was wrapped in a sleeping bag while on his 40-mile trip to work when he veered across a motorway near the Queensferry Crossing at speeds reaching 70mph. The father-of-two, 39, was pulled over after the near collision in February.

The visibility from his car was so bad a police officer told Dunfermline Sheriff Court: 'It was like him doing the Bird Box Challenge  that's where people drive blindfolded.'

Neil Jessop was wrapped in a sleeping bag while on his 40-mile trip to work in this iced-up car (pictured after being stopped by police in February near the Queensferry Crossing)

The visibility from his car was so bad a police officer told Dunfermline Sheriff Court: 'It was like him doing the Bird Box Challenge  that's where people drive blindfolded'

Jessop had been driving from his home in Corstorphine, Edinburgh, to St John's Academy in Perth at the time of the Beast From The East cold weather event, according to a report of his trial by The Daily Record.

He told police at the scene his car heater had been working when he left home but broke down two miles from the bridge - five miles later when he was pulled over it had frosted up.

The claim was called 'fanciful' by Sheriff James MacDonald, who banned him from driver for a year and fined him 500 after he was convicted of driving dangerously in heavy traffic without a clear view ahead and driving into the path of a police car.

Jessop told the court: 'I made a mistake. I'm very sorry. I have persecuted myself over this.'
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A British man with motor neurone disease penned an emotional letter to MPs and published it in the moments before he ended his life at the Dignitas clinic today.

Retired accountant Geoff Whaley, from Buckinghamshire, chose to die in Switzerland, rather than face 'immense suffering' in the end stages of the devastating condition.

The grandfather-of-four, 80, died peacefully in his wife's arms, and surrounded by family and friends, the charity Dignity in Dying said today.

Just moments before he passed away at 10am he posted a haunting letter to the Government, calling for a change in the law which he said, 'robbed me of control over my death.'

He revealed how he 'sobbed' for the first time in five decades when his wife was grilled by police for helping him die, adding: '[The law] sought to punish those attempting to help me get there. The hypocrisy and cruelty of this is astounding.'

Mr Whaley wanted assisted suicide to be made legal in the UK after his wife of 52 years, Ann, was interviewed under caution last week and warned she faces 14 years in prison.

When asked about helping her husband 'commit suicide', 76-year-old Mrs Whaley said: 'I don't think of it like that. When you've got a husband as brave as mine you have to support him.'

Geoff Whaley, who has motor neurone disease, died today at the clinic in Zurich, Switzerland today. He is pictured here in an emotional interview with his wife the day before he passed away

Mr and Mrs Whaley on their wedding day. Ann was interviewed under caution and warned she faces 14 years in prison for helping her husband die

Mr Whaley, pictured with his wife Ann hours before he died, said the law in this country 'robbed me of control over my death'

The law on assisted suicide in the UK In England and Wales under the Suicide Act 1961 and in Northern Ireland under the Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 it is a crime to encourage or assist suicide. This crime carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment. If someone provides encouragement or assistance, that is a crime, even if the person ends their life overseas in a country where assisted dying is legal. There is no specific crime of assisting a suicide in Scotland, but it is possible that helping a competent adult to die could lead to a prosecution for culpable homicide. Advertisement

Father-of-two Mr Whaley was diagnosed with motor neurone disease two years ago and in December doctors told him that he had six to nine months left.

He had dinner with his wife and two adopted children, Alix and Dominic, at a hotel in Zurich last night.

Mr Whaley has left letters for his four grandchildren, aged four to 17.

Mrs Whaley booked the flights to Switzerland and a hotel because her husband can no longer use his hands.

But Mr Whaley revealed how the stress of his wife being summoned to a police station had, 'destroyed everything we had done to prepare ourselves'.

He also wrote a letter to the Government asking for them to reconsider the law on assisted suicide.

It was posted online shortly before he died. In the letter, he said he 'does not fear death, but fears the journey.'

The 80-year-old said the final weeks of his life had 'been blighted by visits from social services and police.'

He adds: 'I want to impress upon you the anguish me and my family have experienced, not because of this awful illness (though of course this has been incredibly difficult), but because of the law against assisted dying in this country.

'No family should ever have to endure the torment we have undergone in recent weeks.'

The 80-year-old, pictured with his wife Ann, said the final weeks of his life, had 'been blighted by visits from social services and police.'

Mr Whaley wrote to MPs: 'On Thursday 7 February 2019, I will have taken medication that will end my life, surrounded by my wife, Ann, my children, Alix and Dominic, and a couple of my dearest friends at the Dignitas facility in Switzerland. With their love and support I have been able to fulfil my final wish: to be in control of my end, rather than endure the immense suffering motor neurone disease had in store for me'

The retired accountant left letters for his friends and four grandchildren, aged four to 17. His wife booked his flight to Switzerland because he could no longer use his hands

In his forthright letter to the Government, Mr Whaley wrote: 'No family should ever have to endure the torment we have undergone in recent weeks'

Mr Whaley, pictured with his daughter Alix on her wedding day, had dinner with his wife and children the night before he died

Geoff Whaley, pictured with his daughter Alix, passed away at the clinic at 10am

Speaking on the BBC, Mr and Mrs Whaley discussed their decision to travel to the controversial clinic in Switzerland.

Mr Whaley said he and his wife had 'reconciled themselves' to the fact that he would end his life and gave the reasoning behind his decision.

Mrs Whaley also revealed how she was questioned by Thames Valley Police officers who were responding to an anonymous call received through the social services.

She said: 'They [police] were clearly not expecting to find a non abusive situation . They were quite embarrassed.

'His final limb had gone and he could no longer do anything for himself at all...he can't hold a phone, he can't press numbers, he can't feed himself - whereas before he could hold a glass of gin and tonic even if I put a straw in it, he could do that.'

Mr Whaley added: 'It is one of the illnesses that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy.

'The final weeks or months which can be particularly gruesome I decided that I didn't really want to go through that. We were quite reconciled to that.'

The grandfather-of-four, 80, died peacefully in his wife's arms, and surrounded by family and friends, the charity Dignity in Dying said today

Mr Whaley said the law 'sought to punish those attempting to help me'. Mr Whaley said he and his wife had 'reconciled themselves' to the fact that he would end his life

What are the rules on going to Dignitas for assisted suicide? The Dignitas premises where assisted suicides take place in Zurich, Switzerland Patients travelling to Dignitas need to be sufficiently healthy to travel from the UK to Switzerland, something that can quickly be robbed from patients with degenerative illnesses. In May 2018, Dignitas confirmed the 394th person from the UK had died in its clinic. Dignitas says that in recent years there has been a consistent rise in the number of people from the UK becoming members. Between 2012 and 2016, membership in the UK rose 39% from 821 to 1139. In 2016, 47 people from the UK died at Dignitas, the equivalent of one person every eight days. Campaign group Dignity In Dying estimates that every eight days a Briton makes the journey to Dignitas. The average cost of obtaining an assisted death overseas is 10,000. The organisation, which was founded in 1998, is a not-for-profit society which strives of an 'objective of ensuring a life and a death with dignity for its members'. Among others, its activities consist of the following: Counselling in regard to all end-of-life issues

Cooperation with physicians, clinics and other associations

Carrying out patient's instructions and patient's rights with regard to doctors and clinics

Suicide- and suicide-attempt prevention

Support in conflicts with the authorities, with the management of nursing homes and with doctors not chosen by the patient

Further legal developments in regard to questions about 'the last issues'

Accompaniment of dying patients and assistance with a self-determined end of life. Any adult can become a member of the society, even if they are not a resident in Switzerland. The organisation claims that in order to join, one needs to fill a declaration of membership and send it in. Dignitas will then confirm the acceptance of membership in writing and provide the Dignitas patient's instructions form. The rules on going there for assisted suicide The organisation does require some information before allowing people to carry out an assisted suicide. It claims that it only deals with illnesses which will lead inevitably to death, unendurable pain or an unendurable disability. In this case it can, on reasoned request and with medical proof, arrange for members to have an assisted suicide. Advertisement

Mr Whaley was diagnosed with motor neurone disease two years ago and in December doctors told him that he had six to nine months left

Ann Whaley, 76, was summoned to a police station to be interviewed under caution after officers responded to a tip-off

Mr Whaley decided he wanted an assisted death in Switzerland soon after his diagnosis, but worried police would confiscate his passport, so feared his only other option would be to starve himself.

Police have since dropped the case, although it may be reopened should any new information come to light.

Labour peer Lord Falconer critised the law on BBC Radio 4 today, arguing Mr Whaley should be given the choice to end his own life.

He told the programme: 'The idea that this is anything other than his own choice is absurd. The law is a pig.'

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said today: 'Officers received a third party report that a man from the Thames Valley had plans to travel to an assisted suicide clinic in Switzerland.

'Following this report a thorough investigation was carried out into this matter and on review of the evidence the matter was closed with no further action, pending any further information coming to light.'
A Frenchman was rewarded for his honesty with a gold bar after returning 18,000 worth of gold items which showed up on his doorstep.

According to thelocal.fr, 27-year-old Julien, from Vannes in the northwestern province of Britanny, received the unexpected package last Saturday - initially thinking it was a bikini he had ordered for his wife.

When he unwrapped the parcel, Julien found several Louis d'Or coins and numerous gold ingots weighing between 20 and 50 grammes inside.

'The price on the attached invoice was almost 20,000!' he said.

The Frenchman, named as Julien, said he was expecting delivery of a bikini he had ordered for his wife when the gold arrived [file photo]

'I didn't pay too much attention when I signed for the packages, I thought it was just a swimsuit I'd ordered for my wife.'

Despite the incredible delivery, however, Julien decided to return the package soon afterwards.

Using the address on the invoice, he headed to the person's home nearby but found they weren't in.

Julien then took the parcel to Vannes police station.

'The officer congratulated me for bringing in the package and taking pictures of it,' he recalls.

The mystery proprietor was eventually tracked down and reunited with his gold.

And soon after the incident, France's National Gold Association, who sent the package, rewarded the young man with a gold ingot for him to keep.
News that a notorious paedophile could walk free within a week has prompted local politicians to hit out at the possibility while police warn against vigilante actions.

Notorious sex offender and South Australian man Colin Humphrys, 66, could walk free after it was reported that the Supreme Court will consider whether to release him into the Bowden-Brompton area, north-west of Adelaide's CBD, ABC News reported.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens released a statement saying that any vigilante actions would not be tolerated.

News that notorious paedophile Colin Humphrys (pictured) could walk free within a week has prompted local politicians to hit out at the possibility while police warn against vigilante actions

'In the event that Colin Humphrys is released, we'll have a trigger plan in place which will enable us to respond in the event that he doesn't comply with any of the conditions that are placed against him,' he said.

Meanwhile Croydon MP and Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas hit out at the possible release of Humphrys and said it should spark more calls for a paedophile register.

'Dangerous paedophiles who are unwilling or unable to control their sexual instincts should not be released into the community,' Mr Malinauskas said.

'I am horrified about the potential release of Colin Humphrys into the community.'

'The government must ensure that work commences immediately on the crucial psychiatrist's report needed to prove he should remain behind bars.'

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman told the publication she supported the calls from Mr Malinauskas.

Humphrys (pictured as a younger man) has a long list of sexual offence convictions against him including the abduction and abuse of a young boy in the early 1990s followed by the sexual assault of another boy in Port Adelaide in 2003

'So, I'm very pleased the leader of the Opposition recognises the significance of this,' she said.'

Miss Chapman also went on to say that the safety of the South Australian community was of the upmost importance to her and her office.

'I want to assure all South Australians that this Governments first priority will always be keeping the community safe,' she said.

'And where we have sufficient grounds to believe that an offender continues to pose a risk, we will take whatever action we can to protect the broader community.'

Humphrys has a long list of sexual offence convictions against him including the abduction and abuse of a young boy in the early 1990s followed by the sexual assault of another boy in Port Adelaide in 2003.

Humphrys was jailed without parole in 2009 as a result of his failure or 'unwillingness' to control his sexual instincts and a long history of offending, The Advertiser reported.
A 15-year-old girl went into cardiac arrest and died just hours after she was told by a GP she had an ear infection.

Rosie Umney, who had type 1 diabetes, was taken to a GP surgery by her mother because she was vomiting, hyperventilating and struggling to walk.

Dr Sadaf Mangi from the William Street Surgery in Herne Bay, Kent, failed to recognise Rosie was exhibiting the symptoms of potentially fatal ketoacidosis.

Instead of referring her to hospital, Dr Mangi sent Rosie home. She died later that night.

Rosie Umney, 15, died on July 2, 2018 after Dr Sadaf Mangi told her she only had an ear infection

An inquest heard how Rosie had been feeling seriously ill during the afternoon of July 2, 2018.

With her parents at work, her granddad Michael Umney was called to her school to take her home.

Later that evening Rosie was hyperventilating, had a terrible pain in her side, was sick and had reflux, which she had never experienced.

Although her mother Georgina Umney had booked a GP appointment for Rosie the following morning, they booked an emergency appointment.

They took her to the William Street Surgery, and had to assist her to into the car.

Once there, another woman who was waiting saw the condition Rosie was in, and suggested that the teenager see the doctor before her.

Rosie was examined by Dr Sadaf Mangi, and finding she had a heart rate of 140 beats per minute, said she was suffering from an ear infection and gave her a prescription for some medicine.

Mr Umney said: 'I was amazed because I was sure she was going to say to go to hospital.

'I said to Georgia I didn't feel happy about what Dr Mangi had diagnosed.'

Rosie with her mother Georgina Umney. She booked an emergency doctors appointment for her daughter but the GP incorrectly diagnosed Rosie

WHAT IS KETOACIDOSIS? Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a dangerous build up of chemicals in the body if someone begins to run out of insulin. Insulin is a hormone which the body uses to absorb sugar to be used for muscle energy, but people with diabetes often do not produce enough. When they begin to run out, the body desperately starts to break down fat to obtain energy. This can called a build-up of chemicals called ketones which are released when fat is digested. As ketones build up to cause DKA they can begin to cause frequent urination, vomiting, stomach pain, acidic-smelling breath, breathing problems, sleepiness and confusion. If left untreated the patient can pass out or even die in extreme circumstances. It can affect either type 1 or type 2 diabetics and may be triggered by certain infections, heavy drinking or drug use, or missing doses of insulin. Anyone who suspects they have the condition should phone 111 or try to see a doctor. If suffering from serious symptoms they should go to A&E. Source: NHS Advertisement

Once back home Rosie was still hyperventilating.

Paramedics were called to the schoolgirl's home on July 2 last year just before 1.10am after her father, Lee Hubble, found her lying on the living room floor.

In a statement read to the inquest at Canterbury Magistrates Court, he said: 'I woke up when I heard 'thump, thump' from downstairs.

'Rosie was on the living room floor. I thought she was fitting.'

When paramedic Richard Steinbeck arrived just before 1.10am he was told by Rosie's parents that earlier blood sugar tests had returned a normal reading of 7.9 millimoles per litre.

But two samples taken from her earlobe and finger were so high that his machine was unable to provide a figure.

Rosie stopped breathing and went into cardiac arrest at about 1.30am.

She was taken to the QEQM Hospital in Margate before 2.10am, where she later died.

Rosie's grandfather only found out his granddaughter had died when he overheard someone say on a police radio that the 'little girl has died'.

Speaking at the inquest, Mr Umney said: 'I still blame myself for her death as it was my decision to take her to the doctor's and not to the A&E.'

A post-mortem found that Rosie died of diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition caused by consistently high blood sugar levels.

Speaking during the inquest, Dr Mangi admitted she did not know the procedure in terms of warning signs and action to take in the case of children who may be suffering from type 1 diabetes.

She said that while diabetic ketoacidosis had been her initial thought, she 'discarded this idea completely' when Mrs Umney said Rosie's blood glucose readings were normal.

Dr Mangi admitted she did not know the procedure in terms of warning signs and action to take in the case of children who may be suffering from type 1 diabetes

In a statement to the family, Dr Mangi said: 'I wanted to pass my condolences and apologise to the family of Rosie Ungey.

'I would like to say to the family I deeply regret I fell short of my responsibilities as a GP. I whole-heartedly apologise.'

Dr Peter Wilson, a GP clinical advisor with NHS England, said he found a number of issues with Dr Mangi's actions based on her notes, including her failure to record Rosie's respiratory rate or take blood pressure and that she recorded a very high pulse rate without making any further comment.

While he stated in his opinion, that Rosie would have had a 'much better' chance of living if she had been sent to hospital immediately after visiting the GP, it was noted he is not an expert in the topic of paediatric diabetes.

Assistant coroner James Dillon, who oversaw the inquest, adjourned it until a later date and ordered a report to be made before it resumes.
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Police hunting for Libby Squire today removed computers from the raided home of a married Polish butcher as they zoned in on a pond, a stretch of riverbank and several derelict buildings near her student digs.

Detectives have sealed off Pawe Reowicz's rented house and towed away his silver Vauxhall Astra after they arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of abducting the missing Hull student, 21.

This afternoon officers stopped the public entering a large area of Oak Road playing fields surrounding a pond with a helicopter hovering above as police searched drains and bins. It is half a mile from Libby's home.

Teams were also scouring a stretch of riverbank and a series of abandoned buildings - but officers turned walkers away and refused to say why they were back in an area they have already checked in the seven days since she vanished.

A forensics officer was also seen bagging up evidence and photographing an area of pathway leading into the cordoned-off zone.

Bacon factory worker Relowicz, who according to his Facebook profile is a martial arts enthusiast, moved into the raided property around a year ago with his wife and their sons.

The terraced house is less than a mile from where Libby was last seen sitting on a bench seven days ago and forensics officers were carrying out fingertip searches as detectives removed Relowicz' belongings including a PC and a tablet computer.

Police have raided the home of Polish butcher Pawel Relowicz (left) over the disappearance of Libby Squire, 21, (pictured right) in Hull a week ago

Forensics teams are said to have been carrying out fingertip searches inside the sealed-off property in Hull and were seen taking away evidence in bags including tablets, a laptop and a PC

The score board shows a request fo help finding Libby Squire during the Betfred Super League match at the KCOM Stadium

Police stopped the public entering an area around a giant pond near Libby's home in Hull (circled in red top right) - days after already searching the area

The public have been stopped from entering an area around a pond and police were also surveying the River Hull running through the same area

Police are also searching a cordoned of section of woodland next to an abandoned building at the Oak Road playing fields

Police search a cordoned of section of woodland next to an abandoned building at the Oak Road playing fields and a forensics officer takes away evidence in a bag

Teams of Humberside Police officers have been searching the student area of Hull where she lived including the Oak Road playing fields next to her house where they have been lifting drains

An electronic billboard van was parked near to where Libby lives in Hull pleading for information about the missing student

A map showing where Miss Squire was last seen and where police have been carrying out searches and now an arrest

Last night officers raided their house in Raglan Street and were seen taking away a 24-year-old suspect now arrested on suspicion of abducting Libby, who was last seen on a bench last Thursday after a night out with friends.

Timeline: The week-long hunt for missing Libby 11pm Thursday, January 31: Libby is refused entry at Welly Club around two miles from her home and put into a taxi 11.30pm: Libby was dropped off on Wellesley Avenue - but does not go inside her house 11.45pm: Libby was seen sitting on a bench around the corner on Beverley Road. A witness says she was seen speaking to the driver of a car. 12.09am: Detectives believe Libby stayed in the area for about half an hour and was wandering the streets near her student digs. 12.30am, Friday February 1: A near-neighbour says she woke up after hearing 'blood-curdling' screams. February 6: A 24-year-old man is arrested on suspicion of abduction and is 'helping police with their enquiries' Searches intensified at the suspect's house and near a park pond and abandoned buildings. Advertisement

On the seventh day of the search police insisted the disappearance of the 21-year-old philosophy undergraduate is still a missing person's inquiry with teams of officers again searching the area for her today - three days after her parents Lisa and Russell made a tearful appeal for information.

After last night's arrest officers towed away the Astra and remain at Reowicz's property this morning where they were taking photographs inside and forensics officers were looking for fingerprints on the front door.

John Garrity, 72, described the moment the police arrived on his neighbour's doorstep last night.

He told MailOnline: 'The police came knocking at my door and asked for access to the back garden. I knew it was to do with the couple next door but I never for a second imagined it was anything to do with the missing girl.

'The silver Astra that was taken away by the police last night does appear to belong to him, I have seen him in it many times.

'We've never had much conversation. The most that I have spoken to them was when a wooden panel in their fence fell down the lady asked whether I would call the landlord for them because her English wasn't up to it'.

He said they had children and a dog, adding: 'It is quite a shock to find this kind of police activity at their home to say the least'.

Hairdresser Iwona Reczulska said: 'I last saw Pawel about two weeks ago on Friday or Saturday. He was his normal self and was chatting about his kids as he usually did.

'He works five days a week at a bacon factory in Malton which is about an hour away.

'He's not one to go out drinking he always tells me that he likes to spend weekends at home with the family.

'it's very surprising to me to hear that they have been mentioned over something like this, they have seemed their normal selves with no sign of anything wrong or different.

'To me he was a normal, friendly, quite quiet guy.'

A friend of the couple, who didn't want to be named, said: 'I know him, his wife comes shopping here a lot. He would come in maybe every two weeks and he came in more when she was pregnant.

'He seemed like a normal, very quiet person. I do not believe he could do something so bad.

'I was never scared of him or felt threatened. He would just come and buy his things then leave.

'The woman would sometimes come in every day with her children. They just seemed like a normal family.'

Pawe Reowicz lives with his wife (pictured together) and their two children after towing away his silver Vauxhall Astra from the street outside at 10pm last night

Libby (left, and right with a friend) had been on a drunken night out with friends and returned to her student digs in a taxi at 11.30pm last Thursday after being turned away from a nightclub.

Officers have also towed away a silver Vauxhall Astra from the street outside the property where a man was held over Libby's alleged abduction. Neighbours told MailOnline the car belongs to Relowicz

Police remain at the scene of the abduction arrest today as the investigation into Libby's disappearance took a fresh twist

A forensics officer uses a camera and a tripod to photograph an area near abandoned buildings in Libby's local park

Police are questioning the 24-year-old suspect today - but would not confirm if it was Pawel Relowicz.

Police are looking in areas they have already searched in recent days after arresting a man in suspicion of abduction

Part of a public park only a few hundred yards from Libby's house has also been closed off this afternoon.

Investigators were pictured searching the front gardens of houses surrounding the park with long brown poles.

Others could be seen looking inside a derelict house on the park's grounds that's fenced off to the public.

Officers refused to comment on why a section of the park is closed.

Detective Superintendent Matt Hutchinson said: 'We are still treating Libby's disappearance as a missing person's enquiry.

'I have said previously that we are keeping an open mind as to her whereabouts and that is still very much the case.

'Our number one priority is to find Libby Squire and we are still conducting extensive searches and appealing for any information from the public.'

The senior officer said: 'During the course of our investigations we have spoken to a taxi driver and another motorist who stopped to help Libby on the night.

'I want to make it clear that these two individuals are not suspects in this enquiry.

'My officers have been and will continue to work around the clock in our search for Libby.'

Libby had been on a drunken night out with friends and returned to her student digs in a taxi at 11.30pm last Thursday after being turned away from a nightclub.

Instead of going inside, CCTV revealed that Libby went to sit on a bench around 300 yards away on Beverley Road. She was last seen on an adjacent street, Beresford Avenue, at just after midnight before disappearing and a near-neighbour of Libby's said she woke up suddenly having heard 'blood-curdling screams' at around 12.30am.

It has also emerged today that a man in a balaclava was seen near Libby's home, according to the Mirror.

Police are searching gardens for clues in neighbouring streets to where last night's arrest took place, including here in

Officers are using rakes and other tools in undergrowth as they search for any sign of the missing student

The missing student's parents Lisa and Russell made an emotional appeal for information on Monday and are back in Hull after the arrest

Sepcialist officers with sniffer dogs enter Libby's student house in Hull - where she was dropped off after a night out

Officers were seen raking long grass in a wooded area in Oak Road Playing Fields in Hull, 500 yards from where the university student was last seen on CCTV

Police search the frozen Oak Road Pond in Hull but police have not found any trace of the missing student ye

A witness to the arrest, who lives on the street, and watched out of the window, told MailOnline: 'There were loads of police in the house and you could see the flash of cameras at they took pictures of the rooms. At around 10pm they took away the Vauxhall Astra on the back of a lorry. We're all in shock'.

Jorge Ramos, 22, who lives next door to the raided property, said: 'I think a family live there. I knew there had been searches around the university for Libby, but I never imagined that someone would be arrested on this street'.

A mother-of-two who lives on Raglan Street said the disappearance of Libby had 'upset' many people in the area.

She said: 'It is just awful, you have to feel for the parents to be honest. We heard the noise of the lorry and didn't think anything of it. Apart from the time of it, which I thought was a little bit strange.

'Being a mum, as well, it has really upset me. After a week you feel it is not going to be a good outcome and you begin to wonder. Hopefully, though, it will bring some closure to her parents. It's the not knowing. You fear the worst, but hope and pray for the best that she will be found.'

Police have not named the suspect currently in custody.

A Humberside Police spokesman said: 'The man remains in our custody, assisting us with our enquires. We have not yet found Libby and doing so remains our top priority.

Neighbour John Garrity said identified the Polish family living in the home raided by police

'Libby's parents have been informed of the man's arrest and we're continuing to support them at this difficult time'.

Dozens of police officers have been searching for her for the past six days without finding any clues.

A specialist police marine unit has thoroughly searched a large pond and waterway a few minutes' walk from Miss Squire's home in Hull.

And yesterday 20 officers scoured a wooded area near playing fields without success.

At least one known sex offender has been questioned and had his premises searched, and police have carried out searches at numerous properties in the area.

Humberside Police said today that the investigation is officially still a missing person inquiry - but concerns are growing with each passing day.

A neighbour who asked not to be named said yesterday: 'If she had suffered an accident then you'd think she would have been found by now. It doesn't look good.'

Liberal Democrat city councillor Paul Drake-Davis added: 'People are very concerned about it. Everyone is in a bit of shock and we are praying for good news.

'This is generally regarded as a safe area. I know it's a cliche but you don't expect this sort of thing around here.

'But as long as police say there is hope, we will keep that candle burning for her. It's a desperately sad situation but we won't give up hope just yet.'

A taxi dropped off Miss Squire outside her home in Wellesley Avenue at 11.29pm last Thursday.

Students who saw her said she was so drunk that she was 'mumbling and struggling to walk'.

Instead of going inside, Miss Squire walked down the road and was seen on CCTV sitting on a bench on the main Beverley Road 300 yards away.

Police said she was in the area until 12.09am. There were reports of screams at around 12.30am.

Chief Superintendent Phil Ward said: 'While the investigation has been treated as a missing person inquiry, we continue to keep an open mind as to the circumstances surrounding Libby's disappearance. We must carry out a thorough investigation and explore all possibilities.'

Miss Squire's parents, Lisa and Russell, have travelled to Hull from their home in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and are anxiously awaiting developments.

They have walked the streets where their daughter was last seen.
The Austrian government has been ordered to pay the former owner of the house where Adolf Hitler was born 1.5 million euros (1.3million).

The government bought the house in Braunau am Inn, located on the border with Germany, using a compulsory purchase order in 2016.

They paid owner Gerlinde Pommer 310,000 euros (272,400), which she contested and took the authorities to court.

Unfair price: The Austrian government bought the house where Adolf Hitler was born, pictured, for 310,000 euros in 2016, which a court has now ruled was much too low a price

The district court in nearby Ried im Innkreis ruled that the government 'substantially short-changed' Ms Pommer, and ordered it to pay her 1.5 million euro - the amount the property had been found to be worth after a valuation, Deutsche Welle reports.

It brings to end a decades-long fight over the building between the authorities and Ms Pommer.

The Nazi dictator was born in the building on April 20, 1889, almost 25 years before it was bought by Ms Pommer's grandparents in 1913.

The Pommer family were then forced to sell the property to Hitler's private secretary Martin Bormann in 1938.

Once World War II was over, Ms Pommer's mother was handed back the property after occupation by U.S. troops.

It's over: The ruling brings to end a decades long infected battle between authorities and Ms Pommer over the building, which the government wants to knock down to stop it becoming a shrine to the Nazi dictator

In 1972, the Austrian government signed a lease with the Pommer family and turned the premises into a centre for people with disabilities.

This arrangement came to an abrupt end in 2011, when Ms Pommer, who had inherited the property from her mother in 1977, refused to grant permission for much-needed renovation works.

It was then left empty, with Ms Pommer continuing to net 4,800 euros (4,220) in rent every month.

She continued to reject purchase offers made by the increasingly exasperated interior ministry, but was then finally forced to sell in July 2016 as a result of the compulsory purchase order.

Warning: An inscription reading 'For peace, freedom and democracy. Never again fascism; millions of dead remind us' had been inscribed on a rock brought from a Nazi concentration camp and erected outside the property

Since then, the government has said the building will be torn down to prevent it becoming a Nazi shrine, however this has been citicized and accused of amounting to erasing history.

No sign explicitly marks the three-storey house as the birthplace of one of the most evil men in human history.

Instead, in 1989, the town council placed a granite slab retrieved from the pits of the Mauthausen Nazi concentration camp on the sidewalk outside.

'For peace, freedom and democracy. Never again fascism; millions of dead remind us,' an inscription reads.

The fate of the building is yet to be determined.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a warning for Perth residents as a 'fast moving fire' has already forced the evacuation of a school.

The warning was issued for southern parts of Forrestdale, between Anstey Road, Armadale Road, Tonkin Highway, Nicholson Road, Rowley Road and Keane Road, 9 News reported.

Students and staff from the nearby Forrestdale Primary School have reportedly being evacuated as the school sits in the 'danger zone'.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a warning for Perth residents as a 'fast moving fire' has already forced the evacuation of a school (pictured)

The warning was issued for southern parts of Forrestdale, between Anstey Road, Armadale Road, Tonkin Highway, Nicholson Road, Rowley Road and Keane Road

'You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,' the warning read.

'If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place, do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.'

'If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.'

Firefighters on the scene and actively battling the blaze a DFES told 9 News.

Residents who are now unable to leave their homes safely are being advised to 'get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it'.

The fire started near the intersection of Forrest Road and the Tonkin Highway in Forrestdale.
A toddler suffered more than two dozen wounds including burns from a cigarette lighter to her face, limbs and genitals in the lead-up to her death, a court has heard.

Mohammed Khazma, 25, is accused of killing his girlfriend's two-year-old girl inside a Guildford flat the couple had just moved into weeks after meeting via Facebook in December 2016.

Khazma has pleaded not guilty to murdering the girl and, in the days before her death, assaulting her by burning her with a cigarette lighter and slamming her head into a wall, causing her actual bodily harm.

Mohammed Khazma, 25, has pleaded not guilty to murdering the toddler in December 2016 in the Sydney granny flat he and his girlfriend had just moved into just weeks after meeting via Facebook

He also denies that in the preceding days he assaulted the two-year-old by burning her with a lighter and slamming her head into a wall, causing her actual bodily harm

In the New South Wales Supreme Court on Thursday, Forensic pathologist Lorraine du Toit-Prinsloo testified there were about 28 human bite marks on the two-year-old's arms, legs and buttocks.

She said there were also burns in the shape of a cigarette lighter, inflicted before her death caused by 'blunt force trauma'.

A post-mortem showed the toddler suffered 'massive bleeding' in her skull, consistent with a traumatic injury, Dr Toit-Prinsloo said.

Khazma's barrister, Luke Brasch, has previously told the jury the victim's mother caused her injuries and death but blamed her then-boyfriend to cover up her guilt.

The trial continues before Justice Elizabeth Fullerton.
A woman and man who left seven dogs without adequate food, water or bedding have been banned from owning an animal for two years and each let off with a fine.

Caterina Armanelli appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court on Thursday, where she pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate care for her female Rhodesian ridgeback Brownie, her brother-in-law's male Siberian husky Demon and their five puppies.

Her brother in law, fly-in fly-out worker Adam Manfield didn't attend court but was also convicted, The Cairns Post reported.

Brownie (pictured with her puppies) was found in a severely emaciated condition

According to the RSPCA statement of facts supplied to Daily Mail Australia, inspectors executed a search warrant of Manfield's Woree property last October in response to neighbours' reports of concern about the animals' welfare.

Brownie was found in severely emaciated condition while the terrified puppies, aged 5-6 weeks hid under some old car shells and refused to respond to approach by inspectors.

'There was no food or water available for the dogs or puppies,' the RSPCA statement of facts states.

'There was a substantial build-up of faeces in the yard and no bedding available for any of the dogs.'

'The dog looks like a skeleton  it was appalling treatment of the animal. This poor animal suffered greatly at your hands,' the magistrate told Brownie's owner Caterina Armanelli

RSPCA seized the dogs and took them to a vet to be examined.

'Brownie was emaciated, with a body condition score of one on a scale where 1 is emaciated and 9 is obese,' the statement of facts read.

'The vet stated that it would have taken weeks to months for Brownie to reach that state, depending on what food she was being provided. '

While Demon and the puppies were found to be reasonable condition, all seven dogs seized were dirty and required worming.

Brownie (pictured) remains in the care of the RSCPA and has returned to her goal weight

The court heard Armanelli argued with Manfield to relocate the dogs to her home where she had more room but had her defence dismissed by Magistrate Joe Pinder.

He told the court Armanelli failed every moral test and obligation as a pet owner to Brownie, The Cairns Post reported.

'You don't have to be a veterinary surgeon to understand that this dog is severely emaciated,' Magistrate Pinder said.

Caterina Armanelli and Adam Manfield were each fined $3000 and banned from owning an animal for two years after seven dogs were seized by the RSPCA last October

'The dog looks like a skeleton  it was appalling treatment of the animal. This poor animal suffered greatly at your hands.'

Armanelli and Manfield were each fined $3000.

All puppies and Demon have since been adopted while Brownie remains in the care of the RSCPA, having recently returned to her goal weight.
Furious black cabbies brought parts of central London to a standstill in a protest at plans to fine drivers who use a key route through the capital.

Taxis caused gridlock in Parliament Square and Hyde Park Corner on Wednesday over proposals to restrict their access to Tottenham Court Road.

Cars, lorries and taxis are to be banned from the landmark thoroughfare as part of a 35million project aimed at reducing congestion while improving air quality.

Only buses and bicycles will be permitted to use the road between 8am and 7pm from Monday to Saturday, with drivers who breach the restriction facing a 130 fine.

Tottenham Court Road is also set to be converted from a one-way road to two-way, with pavements being widened in a bid to ease pedestrian traffic.

Taxis caused gridlock in Parliament Square and Hyde Park Corner (shown in Constitution Hill, Westminster) on Wednesday over proposals to restrict their access to Tottenham Court Road

Furious black cabbies brought parts of central London to a standstill in a protest at plans to fine drivers who use a key route through the capital

However the taxi industry claims the plans could make congestion and levels of pollution in the area even worse.

The protests, which have taken place over several days since January, were criticised by commuters, with some claiming that an ambulance was delayed by the action.

A Twitter user wrote: 'I've just witnessed FOUR ambulances with elderly passengers stuck in gridlock 'traffic' on #tottenhamcourtroad thanks to the black cab protest.

'Everyone protesting should be ashamed of themselves! There are better ways to have an impact.'

Black cabs are expected to return to Parliament Square on Friday, with demonstrations lasting from 1pm to 4pm.
One of Tekashi 6ix9ine's ex-girlfriends is claiming that she suffered multiple instances of physical and sexual abuse at the expense of the rapper who recently pleaded guilty to nine federal charges.

Sara Molina, mother to three-year-old Saraiyah, told the Daily Beast that 6ix9ine - whose birth name is Daniel Hernandez - severely beat her while they were on a trip to Dubai in October.

She alleges that the 22-year-old rapper 'started beating me for two hours straight,' because he took issue with her communicating with his then-manager Kifano 'Shotti' Jordan.

The two had been dating since 2011.

Sara Molina, mother to three-year-old Saraiyah, said 6ix9ine severely beat her while they were on a trip to Dubai in October (pictured at a game around the time)

The 23-year-old continued: 'He had the craziest look in his eyes. I was scared. 'Why is he acting this way?' I had never seen him like that. He punched me so hard in my right ear I thought I was deaf.'

She alleges that the 22-year-old rapper 'started beating me for two hours straight,' because she was talking to then-manager Kifano 'Shotti' Jordan

Molina said that the rapper would choke and kick her when he had tired of just punching. She awoke the next morning and claims that Hernandez forced her to have sex.

The mother also said that in the midst of all the commotion, the rapper admitted to sleeping with 70 other women in the past year, resulting in multiple preganancies. Molina had multiple STDs.

'Basically, he admitted to me he is a sex addict,' she added.

Molina provided multiple photos of her swollen face to the Beast. The photos showed her buster lips and swollen eyes.

She also mentioned a previous altercation in April when the rapper allegedly beat the woman in front of her little girl, who was at the time two.

The three - along with Shotti - had been driving back from a concert in Middletown, New York, when Molina had questioned Hernandez about another woman who claimed she was pregnant with his baby.

As Tekashi allegedly beat Molina, Saraiyah was said to have been screaming as Shotti rushed to pull the rapper off of the woman.

She also mentioned a previous altercation in April when the rapper allegedly beat the woman in front of her little girl, who was at the time two

In August, she claims that Hernandez got physical when she asked about his outings with a stripper.

'He dragged me by my hair and slapped me in my face,' she said, causing her to also have a black eye.

Soon after, 'Tekashi issued from long distance eviction orders that landed Molina and their daughter on the street in early morning darkness. She ended up back in Williamsburg at a hotel, and that saved her and Saraiyah from being at the apartment when federal agents and cops raided it several days later.'

The mother also said that in the midst of all the commotion, the rapper admitted to sleeping with 70 other women in the past year, giving her multiple STDs

Hernandez entered his guilty plea for the nine charges towards the end of January. Information about it was unsealed February 1st in Manhattan federal court.

Hernandez entered his guilty plea for the nine charges towards the end of January. Information about it was unsealed February 1st in Manhattan federal court

In total, Hernandez pleaded guilty to nine federal felonies including racketeering conspiracy, firearms charges, narcotics trafficking, and violent crimes in aid of racketeering.

During the plea, 6ix9ine said he joined the Nine Trey Blood Gang in fall 2017 and helped gang members try to kill a rival last March.

He also admitted involvement in the shooting of rival rapper Chief Keef last June, the transcript reveals.

With the plea deal, 6ix9ine can gain leniency at sentencing from what otherwise would have been a mandatory minimum 47 years in prison.

If he admits all nine crimes and testifies truthfully when summoned he could be partially off the hook.

He pleaded guilty in Brooklyn to disorderly conduct in connection with a May traffic stop. In 2015, he was sentenced to probation for appearing in a video in which a 13-year-old girl performed a sex act on another man.
Mount Isa Airport was evacuated after a chemical leak at a mine site in northwest Queensland.

An ammonium nitrate leak was detected in the area and would have to be assessed and cleaned up before it would be safe to return.

Officers said chemicals had come into contact and reacted with each other, releasing a gas into the air.

Mount Isa Airport was evacuated after a chemical leak at a mine site in northwest Queensland

Police about 2.20pm ordered everyone out of the area within the boundaries of Milne Bay Road and the Barclay Highway.

May Down Station farm was also evacuated and Barclay Highway closed north from Owen Stanley Road to Moondarra Drive.

'Police are asking people within the exclusion zone to self-evacuate and to immediately attend the intersection Barclay Highway and Milne Bay Road,' police said.
Yellow Vests meeting fully legitimate says Di Maio Macron often attacked us says M5S leader, deputy PM

(ANSAmed) - ROME, FEBRUARY 7 - Deputy Premier and 5-Star Movement (M5S) Luigi Di Maio said Thursday his meeting Tuesday with members of the French Yellow Vests protest movement in Paris was "fully legitimate".



"And I claim the right to dialogue with other political forces that represent the French people", he said.



"Just like En Marche, the French government party, is allied with the (Democratic Party), an opposition party in Italy, so the M5S meets a political force of opposition to the French government (RIC)".



He added, after France recalled its ambassador, "the French people is our friend and ally. President Macron has on several occasions attacked the Italian government for political reasons in view of the European elections.



"This has not affected the feeling of friendship that ties our two countries, and never will".



On issues such as immigration, he added, "dialogue and collaboration with the French government is always maximum and we are willing to have meetings at the highest level with the French government in order to find solutions". (ANSAmed).




(CNN)  Measles, the highly contagious and previously eliminated viral illness, has been spreading in communities across the United States in recent weeks, with Washington declaring a state of emergency last week and New York reporting in 2018 its second largest outbreak over the past two decades.

As the cases increase in these communities, we sit down with Dr. Julia S. Sammons, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and medical director of the Department of Infection Prevention and Control at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, to talk about some of the most common questions about the illness.

How do you catch measles?

The measles virus spreads through coughing and sneezing and can live in the air where an infected person coughed or sneezed for up to two hours. If someone who is not immune to the virus breathes the air or touches an infected surface, they can become infected, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Measles is one of the most highly contagious diseases known," Sammons said. Once a person has measles, about 90% of close contacts who are susceptible to it will develop the disease, she added.

In the United States, people who are unvaccinated usually catch measles while traveling in other countries and then spread it to other unvaccinated people upon their return, which can start outbreaks, according to the CDC.

What does measles look like?

Measles usually manifests as a combination of high fever, as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit, along with what is known as the three Cs: cough, coryza (another word for runny nose), and conjunctivitis or pink eye, Sammons explained.

Early on, measles can look like many other viral illnesses, but the red blotchy rash that comes with it may help set it apart.

"Imagine that you have a bucket of rash. If you pour that bucket of rash over your head, the rash sort of cascades down," Sammons said. "So the rash starts over the head, typically over the scalp, and then it spreads down head to toe."

People with measles are usually quite ill. "They are miserable and very sick-appearing," she said.

If you suspect measles, call the doctor first

She also urges anyone who is concerned about measles to speak to a health care provider before coming into the office.

"What you don't want to do is to go to a busy pediatric waiting room, for example, and potentially expose others," Sammons said.

Instead, she recommends calling ahead and expressing concerns about measles so the care team can provide guidance on how to most safely bring in the patient.

Symptoms or not, Sammons argues, we should all be concerned about measles.

How worried should parents be about measles?

"We should all be worried when a vaccine-preventable illness is coming back into our country," Sammons said. "We know that we have a highly effective vaccine, and it's really due to under-vaccination that it is coming back."

The vaccine provides protection against the illness well into adulthood, but Sammons warns that for those who are too young to be vaccinated or who have chosen not to vaccinate, the illness can be highly contagious and even deadly.

And public health officials like Sammons have expressed concern over the small but growing number of unvaccinated children in the United States.

Although a high percentage of vaccinated people in one community can keep the virus from spreading, a concept known as herd immunity, the number of vaccinated people required to stop a virus as infectious as measles is close to 95%. With families who choose not to vaccinate often clustering together, herd immunity does not offer adequate protection.

Why do some parents decide not to vaccinate?

"Being victims of our own success with the vaccine, we haven't seen it," Sammons said. "So when you think about parents bringing their children in for immunizations, it's not a disease that looms large in your memory."

Thanks to the effectiveness of the measles vaccine, measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.

She also acknowledges that it can be difficult for parents to navigate the amount of information available online and that misinformation and fear about vaccines have spread widely.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that children get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12 to 15 months old and again at 4 to 6 years old.

Children traveling abroad may need to be vaccinated before their first birthday, and women who are hoping to become pregnant should discuss vaccinations with their health care provider, as the MMR vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy.

"We make a lot of decisions in our life around parenting; unfortunately, this is one that not only impacts the decision you have made for your child but also impacts other children and persons around them," Sammons added.

And with increasing numbers, vaccinated people may be starting to wonder just how protected they are.

Is it possible to contract measles if you've been vaccinated?

Two doses of the measles vaccine protect against measles in 97% of cases, according to the CDC.

In people who have been immunized, it is possible to contract the illness, but it usually has a milder course, Sammons explains.

People who have had measles are also considered to be immune from getting the illness a second time, similar to chicken pox.

As concerning as measles outbreaks are, she also reminds parents that many other viruses are far more common.

"While we do want to have a heightened level of concern and be aware of measles, there are many more much more common viruses that are circulating," she said. "But this is certainly something that we need to pay attention to."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "What you need to know about measles as the virus spreads across the country."
Researchers develop prostate cancer prediction tool that has unmatched accuracy

New York, NY (February 7, 2019) -- A team of researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed a novel machine-learning framework that distinguishes between low- and high-risk prostate cancer with more precision than ever before. The framework, described in a Scientific Reports paper published today, is intended to help physicians--in particular, radiologists--more accurately identify treatment options for prostate cancer patients, lessening the chance of unnecessary clinical intervention.

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in American men, second only to lung cancer. While recent advances in prostate cancer research have saved many lives, objective prediction tools have, until now, remained an unmet need.

Presently, the standard methods used to assess prostate cancer risk are multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), which detects prostate lesions, and the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System, version 2 (PI-RADS v2), a five-point scoring system that classifies lesions found on the mpMRI. Together, these tools are intended to soundly predict the likelihood of clinically significant prostate cancer. However, PI-RADS v2 scoring is subjective and does not distinguish clearly between intermediate and malignant cancer levels (scores 3, 4, and 5), often leading to differing interpretations among clinicians.

Combining machine learning with radiomics--a branch of medicine that uses algorithms to extract large amounts of quantitative characteristics from medical images--has been proposed as an approach to remedy this drawback. However, other studies have only tested a limited number of machine learning methods to address this limitation. In contrast, the Mount Sinai and USC researchers developed a predictive framework that rigorously and systematically assessed many such methods to identify the best-performing one. The framework also leverages larger training and validation data sets than previous studies did. As a result, researchers were able to classify patients' prostate cancer with high sensitivity and an even higher predictive value.

"By rigorously and systematically combining machine learning with radiomics, our goal is to provide radiologists and clinical personnel with a sound prediction tool that can eventually translate to more effective and personalized patient care," said Gaurav Pandey, PhD, Assistant Professor of Genetics and Genomic Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and senior corresponding author of the publication alongside co-corresponding author Bino Varghese, PhD, Assistant Professor of Research Radiology at the Keck School of Medicine at USC. "The pathway to predicting prostate cancer progression with high accuracy is ever improving, and we believe our objective framework is a much-needed advancement."

###

About the Mount Sinai Health System

The Mount Sinai Health System is New York City's largest integrated delivery system, encompassing eight hospitals, a leading medical school, and a vast network of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. Mount Sinai's vision is to produce the safest care, the highest quality, the highest satisfaction, the best access and the best value of any health system in the nation. The Health System includes approximately 7,480 primary and specialty care physicians; 11 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 410 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. The Icahn School of Medicine is one of three medical schools that have earned distinction by multiple indicators: ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report's "Best Medical Schools", aligned with a U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" Hospital, No. 12 in the nation for National Institutes of Health funding, and among the top 10 most innovative research institutions as ranked by the journal Nature in its Nature Innovation Index. This reflects a special level of excellence in education, clinical practice, and research. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 18 on U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" of top U.S. hospitals; it is one of the nation's top 20 hospitals in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Nephrology, and Neurology/Neurosurgery, and in the top 50 in six other specialties in the 2018-2019 "Best Hospitals" issue. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital also is ranked nationally in five out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked 11th nationally for Ophthalmology and 44th for Ear, Nose, and Throat. Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, Mount Sinai West, and South Nassau Communities Hospital are ranked regionally.

For more information, visit http://www. mountsinai. org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

This story has been published on: 2019-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
A cold-blooded triple killer obsessed with guns whose victims included two policemen could learn as early as Friday if he will be let out of prison.

Berwyn Rees has spent 38 years behind bars and the New South Wales State Parole Authority has already formed an intention to grant his release.

The families of Rees's victims are united in opposition to him ever leaving prison and the NSW Commissioner of Corrective Services also opposes his parole.

'I can't believe they're even considering letting him out,' Tracy James, whose father Raymond was murdered by Rees, told Daily Mail Australia.

Rees has been called 'one of the most cold-blooded killers ever to enter a NSW prison' and his shooting spree shocked the nation four decades ago.

The judge who sentenced Rees to three life terms for the 'mindless slaughter of three young men' described his crimes as 'wanton and merciless killings'.

Gun-mad triple murderer Berwyn Rees, now 69, has been called 'one of the most cold-blooded killers ever to enter a New South Wales prison' and his senseless crimes shocked the nation

Raymond James, pictured with his toddler daughter Tracy, was just 26 when he was shot in the back of the head by triple murderer Berwyn Rees in 1977. The killer is now seeking parole

In 1977 Berwyn Rees shot dead Raymond James and Christopher Greenfield at Bondi Junction in Sydney. Mr James's wife Mirjana and their daughter Tracy are pictured left. Mr James and Mirjana are pictured right on their wedding day. Tracy is now 44 and wants Rees to die in jail

As well as the three life sentences, Rees was sentenced to a further 10 years in prison for the malicious wounding of another policeman while trying to evade arrest.

On Friday the 69-year-old will appear before the State Parole Authority to learn if he will be allowed back into the community.

Rees's murders were passionless and marked by the fat loner's obsession with guns.

On August 4, 1977 he walked into a gun shop at Bondi Junction in Sydney's eastern suburbs and shot dead store manager Raymond James and customer Christopher Greenfield.

The men had been ordered to lie on the floor then were executed with shots to the back of the head at point blank range. They were both 26.

Pictures of Raymond's two-year-old daughter Tracy with her grieving mother Mirjana were splashed across the front pages of newspapers after the murders.

Rees, who had stolen 18 firearms as well as ammunition from the gun shop, went into hiding for the next three years, eventually living in a caravan park at Raymond Terrace, near Newcastle.

Tracy James (right), whose father Raymond was shot dead by Berwyn Rees inside a gun shop in Sydney's eastern suburbs, does not want the triple killer to ever leave jail. Rees has been behind bars since his arrest in November 1980. Tracy is pictured with her half-sister Stephanie

Tracy James pictured with her slain father Raymond. 'I had to grow up a bit quicker compared to other kids,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'It was hard but I guess it was all I knew'

Sergeant Keith Haydon, 37, had been a police officer for 16 years when he was murdered by Berwyn Rees near Newcastle in 1980. He was shot three times in the body and once in the head

On November 24, 1980 police responded to reports by forestry and Telecom workers of a firearm being discharged in bushland at Mount Sugarloaf, near Lake Macquarie.

Rees, then 31, had gone to the secluded spot with six handguns and a quantity of ammunition to shoot at cans, as he had done about once a month for three years.

When confronted by Sergeant Keith Haydon, Rees shot him three times in the body with .38 Smith & Wesson revolver he had stolen from the Bondi Junction store.

Rees had then attempted to move Sergeant Haydon's police vehicle but the heroic officer had removed the keys from the ignition. Rees shot the 37-year-old in the back of the head.



After executing Sergeant Haydon, Rees was confronted by Constable Alexander Pietruszka and other police who pulled him over at Beresfield, about 20km away.

Mr Pietruszka told A Current Affair last year that Rees fired at him 'without warning'.

'The first bullet went through my hair,' the now retired officer said.

'They were cold blooded executions,' Tracy James said. 'They were shot in the back of the head at point blank range. It was all premeditated, it was all planned.' She is pictured with her father

'The second bullet flicked my ear and because I was turning sideways the third bullet... luckily hit the rib and bounced out rather than in.'

The young officer had been able to fire two shots back at Rees, who had never shown the slightest emotion while trying to kill him.

'This bloke was nothing,' Mr Pietruszka said. 'I can't explain to somebody how cold he was, how expressionless, just - just evil.'

Rees was arrested that day and has been in custody ever since.

He pleaded guilty to the three murders and malicious wounding before Justice Colin Begg who sentenced Rees to life in prison in April 1981.

Justice Begg told Rees he seemed to have had 'an obsession with firearms since you were small child' and said 'you have lived a somewhat lonely and solitary life.'

Sergeant Keith Haydon, pictured on the day of his wedding to wife Anne, attempted to stop Berwyn Rees fleeing the scene of his murder by removing the key from his car's ignition

Mr Pietruszka believed Rees was still a very dangerous man.

'This man didn't kill these three people,' he said. 'He executed them.

Sergeant Keith Haydon, who was killed by Berwyn Rees, in uniform beside his police car

'I believe that somewhere deep inside him, there is still evil lurking.'

Sergeant Haydon's widow Anne told A Current Affair she was convinced Rees would kill again if released.

'If he gets out, if he gets in a corner, he'll kill again,' she told the program.

Ms James received a letter from the State Parole Authority in September to state it intended recommending her father's killer's release.

'I think I was in shock,' the 44-year-old said. 'I still am.

'I'm just in shock that they're planning to grant him parole.'

Ms James had to grow up without her father and her memories of him are largely confined to photographs and stories told by other family members.

'I had to grow up a bit quicker compared to other kids,' she said. 'It was hard but I guess it was all I knew.'

Constable Alexander Pietruszka, pictured being treated by ambulance officers, was lucky to escape with his life after being shot in the stomach by Berwyn Rees who was resisting arrest

A spokeswoman for the State Parole Authority said the body had formed an intention to grant parole to Rees at a private hearing on September 28 last year.

'If the offender is granted parole he will be subject to strict conditions set by the SPA for the remainder of his life,' the spokeswoman said.

'SPA took particular note of the offenders' prison performance, program participation to address offending behaviour and suitable post-release plans.'

THE HORRIFIC CRIMES OF BERWYN REES August 4, 1977: Berwyn Rees shoots dead Raymond James and Christopher Greenfield inside a gun shop at Bondi Junction in Sydney's eastern suburbs November 24, 1980: After three years in hiding, Rees is confronted by Sergeant Keith Haydon in bushland at Mount Sugarloaf, near Newcastle. He shoots Sergeant Haydon dead. Later that day Rees shoots Constable Alexander Pietruszka at nearby Beresfield. Constable Pietruszka survies and Rees and is arrested April 13, 1981: Justice Colin Begg sentences Rees, 31, to three life terms for the murders of Mr James, Mr Greenfield and Sergeant Haydon and 10 years for the malicious wounding of Constable Pietruszka September 28, 2018: The NSW State Parole Authority forms an intention to grant Rees parole at a private hearing February 8, 2019: The NSW State Parole Authority to hold a public hearing and determine whether Rees, now 69, should be released Advertisement

Ms James said Rees was highly intelligent - completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a double major while incarcerated - but cold and calculating. He had shown no remorse for his crimes.

'All he's doing is saying exactly what they want to hear so he gets let out,' she said.

Ms James began a petition on change.org to keep Rees locked up; as of Thursday afternoon it had almost 25,000 signatures.

'What I would like to see is justice prevail for a change,' she said.

'As far as I'm concerned, originally it was three life sentences plus 10 years for the attempted murder.

'Thirty eight years is nowhere near enough time. That's an average 10 years per offence.

'They were cold blooded executions. They were shot in the back of the head at point blank range. It was all premeditated, it was all planned.

'This grub murdered three people. He's also attempted to murder another policeman.

'He gave them all life sentences. He gave each of the family members life sentences and I think it's only just and fair that he receives exactly the same thing.'



Ms James will attend Friday's State Parole Authority hearing along with family members of Sergeant Haydon and Mr Greenfield.

'We'll all be there,' she said.
A man was swindled out of $9,000 by scammers demanding he pay a fictitious tax debt using mobile phone gift cards.

The 30-year-old was called by people claiming to be from the Australian Tax Office and threatened with jail if he didn't immediately pay up.

He was told to buy $9,000 worth of iTunes and Google Play gift vouchers and given them to the scammers to pay his non-existent tax debt.

The man, from Woodridge in Brisbane, was one of numerous people who called police about scammers pretending to be from the ATO.

iTunes (left) and Google Play (right) gift cards bought by Australians who were told by scammers they had to use them to pay tax debts or be thrown in jail

A 40-year-old woman in Maryborough, north of Brisbane, was another victim who walked into a police station to report the scammers.

She told officers she got a threatening phone call demanding she pay a tax debt with Google Play gift vouchers or she would be arrested.

'Police are asking the community to remain vigilant and remember that no government organisation, particularly the Australian Taxation Office, will seek payment via gift vouchers,' Queensland police said.

Both calls were under investigation and police asked the public to be sceptical of such claims and not fall for the scammers' tricks.

'Think twice after receiving any call requesting you to pay money to a government organisation via gift cards or any other means,' they said.

'Scammers are quick minded and fast acting and will try anything.'
A former U.S. federal agent who hunted Joaquin El Chapo Guzman says Sean Penn should be in prison for allowing the alleged drug kingpin to escape arrest.

Jack Riley was the highest ranking career Special Agent at the Drug Enforcement Administration and the agencys No. 2 at the time he retired.

He writes about the years he spent trying to track the reputed head of the Sinaloa drug cartel, who was notorious for evading arrest and slipping away from authorities just as they thought they had him within reach.

In October 2015, Mexican marines were closing in on El Chapos location in La Tuna, Riley writes in his new book, Drug Warrior: Inside the Hunt for El Chapo and the Rise of Americas Opioid Crisis.

A former U.S. federal agent who hunted Joaquin El Chapo Guzman says Sean Penn should be in prison for allowing the alleged drug kingpin to escape arrest. Penn and Guzman are seen above in October 2015

Jack Riley was the highest ranking career Special Agent at the Drug Enforcement Administration and the agencys No. 2 at the time he retired. He writes about the years he spent trying to track the reputed head of the Sinaloa drug cartel

Riley claims that moments before the order was to be given to Mexican commandos to storm a hilltop compound and arrest El Chapo, two outsiders arrived without notice. It turned out to be the Oscar-winning actor, Penn, and Mexican soap opera star Kate del Castillo

Riley claims that moments before the order was to be given to storm the hilltop compound and arrest El Chapo, two outsiders arrived without notice.

It turned out to be the Oscar-winning actor, Penn, and Mexican soap opera star Kate del Castillo.

Riley recalls the episode in his book, Drug Warrior: Inside the Hunt for El Chapo and the Rise of America's Opioid Crisis

Penn and del Castillo were there to interview El Chapo. The Mexican actress was interested in making a film about the drug lord, and Penn wrote an article for Rolling Stone magazine.

Since authorities feared Penn and del Castillo would be caught in the crossfire, they called off the raid.

After the actors left, the Mexican military canceled plans to storm the compound by foot, according to Riley.

Instead, helicopters were deployed, but El Chapo managed to escape. Riley says the Mexican forces lost the element of surprise.

Oh, my God! If I could get my hands on Sean Penn! Riley told the New York Post.

The people he put at risk because of that stunt. He should be in jail.

Riley tried to persuade his bosses at the Justice Department to prosecute Penn for obstruction of justice, but the feds declined to do so.

Since Penn was acting in the capacity of a journalist, his presence at the scene is protected by law, Riley was told.

Frustrated, Riley vowed to work even harder to get El Chapo.

And if Sean Penn was up there again, to hell with him, Riley said.

Nothing was going to stop us.

Penn later expressed regret for the interview, saying his goal was to start a conversation about the war on drugs.

The acclaimed actor also accused the Mexican government of endangering his life by claiming that his meeting with El Chapo led to his eventual capture.

El Chapo was arrested the next year and eventually extradited to the United States, where he is on trial.

Jury deliberations in his trial were expected to stretch into a fourth day after jurors asked to review days' worth of testimony from key prosecution witnesses.

Guzman, 61, is accused of trafficking tons of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine into the United States as leader of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel.

He twice escaped from prison in Mexico; if convicted, he will face a U.S. prison sentence of up to life.

The 11-week trial in federal court in Brooklyn, in which more than 50 witnesses testified, offered the public an unprecedented look into the inner workings of the cartel, named for the state in northwestern Mexico where Guzman was born in a poor mountain village.

The defense has argued Guzman was set up as a fall guy by Ismael El Mayo Zambada, a Sinaloan drug kingpin who remains at large.

Guzman (center), 61, is on trial for allegedly trafficking tons of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine into the United States as leader of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel. He twice escaped from prison in Mexico; if convicted, he will face a U.S. prison sentence of up to life

On Wednesday afternoon, jurors asked to review the testimony of Zambada's brother, Jesus El Rey Zambada, and son, Vicente Zambada, as well as of Guzman's former top lieutenant, Damaso Lopez.

U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan told them they would get transcripts of the testimony as soon as they were ready.

The three witnesses pleaded guilty to U.S. charges and agreed to testify against Guzman. All of them spoke at length about Guzman's alleged drug trafficking.

The jurors also asked whether the killing of drug cartel members by members of a rival cartel for personal reasons counted as a drug trafficking crime.

One of the 10 criminal counts against Guzman, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, includes the charge that he conspired to murder cartel enemies.

The jury gave no indication of whether their question related to any particular murder.

Cogan instructed the jurors that if a drug cartel member was murdered for wholly personal reasons unrelated to drug trafficking, it was not a drug trafficking crime.

The 12 jurors appeared relaxed and even cheerful as they entered the courtroom to receive Cogan's instructions.

They had already asked on Tuesday to review the testimony of two other witnesses who were cooperating with prosecutors, Colombian drug traffickers Jorge and Alex Cifuentes, as well as part of Jesus Zambada's testimony about manufacturing methamphetamine.

The jurors left court around 4:15pm local time on Wednesday, and were expected to return at about 9:30am on Thursday.

They began deliberating early Monday afternoon.
Hundreds of office workers were evacuated from a building in Sydney's CBD as firefighters investigated reports of a fire.

An inferno started on the 32nd floor of the Westpac building at 275 Kent Street before 3pm on Thursday and crews rushed to the scene.

Kent Street was closed in both directions between Erskine Street and Margaret Street with seven fire engines on site.

Hundreds of office workers were evacuated from a building in Sydney's CBD as firefighters investigated reports of a fire

Workers were seen assembling in a plaza near the entrance to the Wynyard train station after spilling out of the building.

The fire was brought under control with the aid of the building's sprinkler system.

No one was injured in the fire.
A Slovenian man accused of child sex offences is believed to be hiding out in Melbourne and spending his days gambling and playing pokies.

Federal Agent Jesse Whyte this week told the Herald Sun police have pinpointed the movements of Joze Smit, 58, who is wanted over child sex offences in his homeland.

'He is known to be a real fan of cheap poker machines, 20c machines and so on,' Mr Whyte said.

Accused child sex offender Joze Smit (pictured) is believed to be hiding out in Melbourne and spending his days gambling and playing pokies

The federal agent said police tracked the 58-year-old to a business in Essendon last October after they they received a tip-off from a former associate.

He said the pokie-loving gambler would visit his favourite pokie and TAB venues in the Essendon area from about 11am onwards almost every day.

Mr Whyte said the informant was a former associate of Smit's, who allegedly used to work with him in the hospitality industry.

'He is known to work cash jobs throughout hospitality. I do have reports he has also worked in cash jobs in construction and labouring.' he said.

Mr Whyte added the informant provided specific details of locations around Melbourne where Smit had frequented in search of pokies and TAB facilities.

He said those details were then corroborated by managers or employees of the venues and people who lived nearby.

The federal agent said the business owners were shocked and unsettled when Smit quickly got up and left, which might suggest he became nervous and moved on.

He also said it's unlikely Smit will hand himself over to police willingly given that he has deliberately avoided their attention for so long - despite being a key character in the community.

Smit (pictured left and right), who goes by the names of Joze Smit, Joza Smit and Joseph Smit, is wanted for crimes he is said to have committed in his home country

'Although he is well aware that authorities are looking for him, once he adopts a community, everybody seems to know who he is,' the federal agent said.

In addition to recent reports, there has been reported sightings of Smit in Heidelberg and Kew, which the Australian Federal Police have followed up.

Officers have urged people not to approach Smit as he is considered dangerous.

Smit, who goes by the names of Joze Smit, Joza Smit and Joseph Smit, is wanted for crimes he is said to have committed in his home country.

He is believed to have been living in Australia since 2000, when his visa expired, and an Extradition Arrest Warrant was issued by Interpol in July 2017.

Australian Federal Police previously issued a new E-fit of Smit (pictured) in the hope someone will recognise him and help with their investigations

The agent didn't provide specific details about the child sex offences, instead he reiterated his role in apprehending Smit and bringing him to justice.

Smit was last seen in October 2018 in Essendon in Melbourne, and is known to frequent businesses near Mount Alexander Road and Lincoln Road.

Australian Federal Police previously issued a new E-fit of Smit in the hope someone will recognise him and help with their investigations.

He is described as being about 5ft 7in tall and being of a stocky build. He is white, has balding dark hair and brown eyes.

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
An Australian filmmaker and actor says racism is spiralling out of control to the point where racial tensions are now worse than they were during the Cronulla riots.

George Basha - who hails from western Sydney and is of Lebanese background - believes people are now more willing to be openly bigoted than they were during the racial unrest that made headlines in Sydney in 2005.

'Racism used to be swept under the carpet and now people say it to your face thanks to the likes of Pauline Hanson and other politicians,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

George Basha (pictured left) believes racism has become a bigger problem in Australia since the Cronulla riots - and is tackling the issue in a new film

Mr Basha's film The Combination Redemption features white supremacists who've been brainwashed into thinking Islam is taking over (pictured)

'They spill all this hate and talk about immigration, religion... spinning the image which in turn is creating a divide amongst the people and people just believe it.

'Looking back to the Cronulla riots, that was meant to be a protest, not a riot. But the same thing occurred in Melbourne about three weeks ago where another riot was being provoked.'

Mr Basha has experienced the problem first-hand and has depicted it on the big screen in his new movie The Combination Redemption.

The film shows Lebanese youths selling drugs because they think it's their only path forward in life, and a radical group of white supremacists who threaten to shatter their community to 'take back their land'.

'They spill all this hate and talk about immigration, religion...spinning the image which in turn is creating a divide amongst the people and people just believe it,' Mr Basha (left) said

Mr Basha (centre) said people are now more willing to be racist straight to someone's face - which wasn't the case to the same degree at the time of the Cronulla riots

The white supremacists have been brainwashed to think that Islam is taking over.

Mr Basha wanted to demonstrate that showing just one side of an issue is dangerous and more open discussion is needed for people to understand opposing points of view.

'It's a little minority spreading hate but unfortunately they grow pretty quick,' he explained.

'They brainwash one person, and another, and another, until there's a group of them filled with so much hate.'

Mr Basha deliberately depicts the main white supremacist as a bearded man who carries an assault rifle - a look he says many Australians associate with Islamic terrorists.

He believes if he showed a Muslim character in the same way, people would be alarmed - but since the character is an Anglo-Australian, their reaction will be totally different.

'I'm not saying every white person is racist, (and) not every Muslim is a terrorist  we need to coexist together and respect each other,' he said.

Mr Basha said the film's main white supremacist (pictured) is depicted in the same way as Islamic terrorists - bearded and toting an assault rifle

The film also shows Lebanese-Australians who sell drugs as they think it's the only way forward in life

'There's good and bad in every race and religion in the world, and not everyone is great and perfect.

'When you've got someone generalising saying things like "all Muslims are terrorists" or that "all Sudanese people are immigrants", it's putting everyone in the same boat.

'We're supposed to be the country that puts our hands together and creating a loving, caring community,' Mr Basha said

Growing up, Mr Basha struggled a lot with his identity as he was always called a 'wog' or 'Lebanese' despite being born and raised in Australia

Growing up, Mr Basha struggled a lot with his identity as he was always called a 'wog' or 'Lebanese' despite being born and raised in Australia.

Then one day he stood up for himself and realised that no one can tell him who to be and it's not his fault if they can't accept him.

Mr Basha hopes people take away a message from his film and learn more about people of different backgrounds instead of inciting hate

'We live in a multicultural Australia, it's an Australian film. Australia's not white and it's showing Australia the way it is,' he said.

The Combination Redemption is out in selected cinemas from today.
A 47-year-old grandmother who admitted to stealing four Dyson vacuum cleaners and a flatscreen TV from Aldi had turned to stealing to feed her drug addiction.

Gayle Michelle Bessant appeared via video link to Bundaberg Magistrates Court, Queensland, on Tuesday where she pleaded guilty to 17 charges including driving without a license, possessing dangerous drugs and stealing.

The court heard the grandmother developed a habit of entering stores and taking what she pleased following the death of her brother and amidst a growing reliance on drugs and alcohol, News-Mail reported.

Gayle Michelle Bessant (right) pleaded guilty to driving without a license, possessing dangerous drugs and stealing

The 47-year-old grandmother admitted to stealing four Dyson vacuum cleaners (pictured) and a flatscreen TV from Aldi

Police prosecutor Sergeant Dean Burgess described Bessant's stealing as 'unsophisticated' and suggested she had not learnt her lesson.

'Whether it's alcohol, household goods, whatever it may be, she doesn't pay for it - she walks in and grabs it, walks out the door,' Sgt Burgess told Magistrate Neil Lavaring.

'Considering she has previously been afforded every opportunity, she's been given probation, and that's the issue for Ms Bessant, is that most of the offences she's here for she's already been imprisoned for previously.'

Bessant stole and attempted to steal from a number of Bundaberg stores including Toyworld, Repco and Chemist Warehouse, the court heard.

Defence lawyer Lavonda Maloy argued Bessant struggled to find work when she moved to Bundaberg and turned to illicit substances to cope with her brother's death.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Dean Burgess described Bessant's stealing as 'unsophisticated' (stock image)

Mrs Maloy said her client had always been a heavy drinker, had a history of self-medicating and stole drugs to feed her long-term addiction.

'I can't address every single matter that brings my client before the court, that would be too voluminous,' she said.

Bessant was handed several concurrent imprisonment sentences which ranged from one to 12 months.

She is expected to be released on parole on April 15.
Sydney's University of Technology has introduced 'all gender' bathrooms in a bid to make 'students feel safe and welcome on campus'.

The toilets at UTS had previously been designated as 'unisex accessible', but members of the UTS Queer Collective urged the university to go further.

Their calls were heard, with UTS last week announcing the move and acknowledging many of its students 'don't identify with traditional binary genders'.

'Others don't feel comfortable using a bathroom designated by gender, sometimes because they've had a negative experience using a single-gender bathroom due to their appearance or gender identity,' the university posted on its website.

Sydney's University of Technology has introduced 'all gender' bathrooms in a bid to make 'all students feel safe and welcome on campus'

'We have taken a step to improve the on-campus experience for people who prefer not to use single-gender bathrooms, with the establishment of all gender bathrooms in 10 of our buildings.'

Queer Collective members hailed the move on Monday, praising it as a 'big win' for LGBTQI students.

'This is an important step for trans and gender diverse individuals to feel safe and validated on campus,' they posted on Facebook.

A former queer officer for the University Of New South Wales' Queer Collective called for other univeristies to follow suit.

UTS last week announcing the move and acknowledging many of its students 'don't identify with traditional binary genders'.

'It's a huge step towards acknowledging and including trans, intersex and gender non-conforming students and staff,' Alex Linker told Nine News.

'I am disappointed, however, that it was not my university that was the one who initiated this change.

'I hope that UNSW introduces gender-neutral bathrooms soon.'
Almost 100 people have drowned while swimming in Australia in just two months - sparking calls for more to be done to warn people of the dangers of the sea.

A person is drowning at a rate of more than one every day, and 32 more people have died in the 68 days since December 1 than the same period last summer, according to the Royal Life Saving Summer Drowning Toll.

As at February 6, 92 people have drowned in Australian waters compared to 60 at the same time last year.

Almost 100 people have drowned while swimming in Australia in just two months

A person is drowning at a rate of more than one every day, and 32 more people have died in the 68 days since December 1 than the same period of time last summer (pictured: Nossa on the Sunshine Coast)

The sharp increase in drownings has led to calls for more to be done to prevent death in the water.

Surf Life Saving Australia national coastal risk manager Shane Daw said the high frequency of drowning deaths this summer was 'an absolute tragedy'.

'Every one of these numbers is not just a number, it's a person, it's someone's mother, father, brother, sister, a loved one, a family friend,' he told Nine News.

'These are people who can't go home to their families, these are also people who have others - friends and family who are mourning for the loss of them.'

Almost a third of the drowning deaths in Australia this summer have happened in New South Wales.

Surf Life Saving Australia national coastal risk manager Shane Daw said the high frequency of drowning deaths this summer was 'an absolute tragedy' (pictured: Sydney's Coogee Beach)

Almost a third of the drowning deaths in Australia this summer have happened in New South Wales

AUSTRALIA'S SUMMER DROWNING TOLL New South Wales - 29 deaths Victoria - 22 deaths Queensland - 22 deaths Western Australia - eight deaths South Australia - seven deaths ACT - two deaths Tasmania - one death Northern Territory - one death Source: Royal Life Saving summer drowning toll Advertisement

Twenty-nine people have drowned in the state since December 1, making up 32 per cent of all deaths in the water across the country.

In Victoria and Queensland, 22 people in each state have died while swimming this summer.

Mr Daw recommended airlines introducing safety videos on flights advising travellers on how to stay safe in the water.

'To have a consistent water safety message on all our flights - whether its internationally or domestically - can only enhance what we're doing about getting that awareness out there,' he said.

Qantas and Virgin Australia show water safety messages onboard their flights.
A doctor fed-up with bed shortages at his local hospital has penned an open letter warning residents they could wait days for medical attention.

Emergency physician Michael Cameron published the scathing open letter to The Courier Mail to warn residents of Redland Hospital in south east Queensland.

'The staff are all well trained, the Emergency Department is well equipped, I am proud to say we can provide first class first world emergency medical care for the people of the Redlands,' the letter began.

'The difference begins when you need admission to hospital under a medical specialty (eg orthopaedics).'

Emergency physician Michael Cameron published the scathing open letter to The Courier Mail to warn residents of Redland Hospital (pictured) in south east Queensland

While Dr Cameron praised the training of the staff and quality of care, he pointed out the hospital was suffering under the increasing strain of public need (stock picture)

While Dr Cameron praised the training of the staff and quality of care, he pointed out the hospital was suffering under the increasing strain of public need.

He said like most public hospitals, Redland Hospital was struggling to find space to put up its patients.

Dr Cameron said patients could wait days in the Emergency Department just for a bed, and even then they might have to be transferred to another hospital.

While it may be common in other hospitals, he said at least they might have specialists working around the clock. This meant patients could get care sooner.

He couldn't promise as much at Redland Hospital, claiming there simply weren't enough specialists on hand at all hours.

Dr Cameron said any surgery other than maternity related after 5pm on a weekday was unavailable, with patients arriving after that time being transferred to other hospitals.

Anyone in need of an ear, nose and throat, ophthalmology, neurology, urology or vascular surgery would also referred to another hospital due to lack of specialists.

'We do have a Cardiologist available to give an opinion on some days of the week but for Public patients south of the river those procedures are only done at the Princess Alexandra Hospital,' Dr Cameron said in the letter.

Lastly, the fed-up doctor said patients could be put on life support at the hospital, but would have to be transferred to another hospital.

On the upside, Dr Cameron said free parking was available for staff, patients and relatives.

Dr Cameron said any surgery other than maternity related after 5pm on a weekday was unavailable (stock picture)

Australian Medical Association Queensland president Dr Dilip Dhupelia said he shared Dr Cameron's concerns.

While he had been pushing for better resources for sometime he said people needed to consider why they went to the emergency department.

'People need to question themselves why they go to the emergency department, the word emergency means some crisis of some sort, it is not a place for services,' Dr Dhupelia told ABC radio.

'We know for a fact there is a significant growth of population on the southside and  the growth of services need to accommodate that.'

He did admit the Emergency Department at Redland Hospital was one of the busiest in the area.

'Life will be easier if people in Redlands actually consider why theyre going to the emergency department, so beds are not cluttered up.'

A Queensland Health spokesperson said the Redland Hospital was in line for a makeover.

He said a new Redland Hospital Infrastructure Master Plan was 'in the approval stage'.

The plan will include an ICU and the expansion of medical speciality services.

'Were committed to finding ways to constantly improve the healthcare we deliver and a lot of this is led by clinicians on the ground,' the spokesperson said.

'Thats why over the past two years weve increased Redland Hospitals budget by $27 million and its clinical workforce by more than 60 nurses and 24 doctors.'
STRASBOURG - The commissioner for human rights of the Council of Europe, Dunja Mijatovic, on Thursday expressed ''concern'' over the repercussions for migrants and asylum seekers of recent migrant and security legislation in Italy in a letter sent to Premier Giuseppe Conte on January 31 and published on Thursday.



Mijatovic wrote that she was concerned for the possible ''repercussions of the security decree on the right to access accommodation and essential services, healthcare and education, for residents who have a residency permit for humanitarian reasons and by disconcerting information reporting that a number of them would risk becoming homeless''.



The commissioner also expressed ''deep concern'' for the Italian government's policy to close ports to ships carrying migrants.



She asked the government ''to ensure that the human rights of rescued people are not put at risk due to the current disagreements between countries on their landing, and that the humanitarian aspect is always prioritized''.



Mijatovic also said she was worried by the closure of the CARA refugee center in Castelnuovo di Porto.



The closure, she wrote, could ''end the admirable efforts made over the past few years by social services for the integration and rehabilitation'' of refugees.



In the letter, the commissioner asked for more information on alternative solutions for the accommodation provided to people with residency permits for humanitarian reasons.
A primary school teacher compared to Miss Trunchbull has been accused of shoving, pinching and spitting at students.

The 58-year-old faced court in west Sydney on Thursday where she pleaded not guilty to six assaults against four students aged between eight and ten.

During the hearing, one eight-year-old schoolboy said the teacher pushed him hard against a wall and whispered 'f*** off' in his ear.

In a police interview played to the court, he compared her to the headmistress in the Roald Dahl classic book Matilda which was made into a film in 1996.

A primary school teacher compared to Miss Trunchbull (the character is pictured in the film Matilda) has been accused of shoving, pinching and spitting at students

'Have you watched Matilda? The teacher in it, she's very very bad,' the eight-year-old boy said.

'I feel every time I see her I feel like that she (is) like Miss Trunchbull.'

The boy alleged the teacher used her hand to push him 'very hard' against a wall and said 'F off'.

'She says the whole word,' the boy said.

The boy said he recalled one student telling the teacher 'you're no good you're not Muslim' and that she looked like Donald Trump.

The boy also alleged the teacher often grabbed his shirt. 'She does it sometimes in class,' he said.

The teacher and the school cannot be identified for legal reasons.

The hearing at Liverpool Local Court continues.
A batch of feta cheese sold in IGA supermarkets has been urgently recalled for fears it's contaminated with a potentially deadly bacteria.

The herb and garlic feta cheese, manufactured by Maleny Cheese Factory on the Sunshine Coast, was recalled on Wednesday by Queensland Health authorities.

The urgent recall came after concerns mounted that the cheese was riddled with Escherichia coli, more commonly known as E. coli.

If the cheese, which was sold between January 23 and February 5, was consumed it could cause a person a bout of nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

A batch of feta cheese (pictured) has been urgently recalled for fears it's contaminated with E.Coli

'Those concerned about their health should seek medical advice or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund,' Queensland Health stated.

The use by date on the products that could have been contaminated is May 21.

The Maleny Cheese Factory has issued a total recall while they conduct an internal investigation.

Factory owner, Markus Bucher, said this was the first time in 15 years that the company has had to issue a product recall.

The Maleny Cheese Factory (pictured) are currently conducting an internal investigation and were forthcoming with the recall

'We found elevated types of the unwanted bacteria and we are now investigating,' Mr Bucher told The Courier Mail.

'We have used new ingredients in this product and are doing testing on that component.

'Only a handful of products were actually sold - about 20 items - and only to two shops and two market stalls,' he added.

He said that he was confident there was no risk to consumers.

Factory owner, Markus Bucher, said this was the first time in 15 years that the company has had to issue a product recall

While most cases of E. coli are harmless with symptoms lasting under a week, it can be potentially life-threatening for infants and people with weak immune systems.

'The recall was the result of routine testing by the company,' Food Standards Australia and New Zealand CEO Mark Booth said in a statement.

'A food recall is action taken by a food business to remove unsafe food from distribution, sale and consumption.

'All food businesses must be able to quickly remove food from the marketplace to protect public health and safety. FSANZ coordinates and monitors food recalls in Australia.

'Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) advise that any consumers concerned about their health seek medical advice and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund,' it read.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Maleny Cheese Factory for comment.
Comedian Tom Gleeson has been outed after calling Cairns his 'favourite tropical s***hole' on national television while showing a picture of Perth's skyline.

The host of ABC's Hard Quiz confused an image of the far north Queensland city's skyline for Perth's during Wednesday night's show.

It's unclear if Gleeson deliberately used the wrong skyline for the quiz.

Tom Gleeson (pictured) called Cairns his 'favourite tropical s***hole' while showing a picture of Perth's skyline

The host of ABC's Hard Quiz confused an image of the far north Queensland city's skyline (pictured) for Perth's

Gleeson caused a stir last year when he urinated in the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and referred to the swimming spot as the biggest urinal in the city.

He declared the iconic Great Barrier Reef dead and compared the city's weather to a 'human armpit', during a satirical travel segment Go Away for The Weekly.

'So there you have it - just like the Great Barrier Reef Cairns is dead and not worth going to,' he said.

Gleeson has also been slammed for poking fun at Launceston, Tasmania during another segment.

'If you absolutely have to go to Launceston, you should visit the monkeys in City Park. Despite them all having herpes,' he said.

'A fact they seem to be quite proud of.'

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said Gleeson's 'attempt at satire' was 'going about as well as his hairline'.
Liam Neeson has pulled out of his appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert amid controversy over his racist thoughts to murder a black person.

The 66-year-old actor, who last appeared on the late night show in January, was scheduled again for Friday to promote his latest film Cold Pursuit, but instead actress Glenn Close will take his place.

This is the second public appearance Neeson has cancelled after missing the premiere of his new film Tuesday when organizers axed the red carpet.

Neeson has denied he is a racist but failed to apologize as he faced the world for the first time on Good Morning America since admitting he wanted to kill a random 'black b*****d' after a close friend was raped.

Liam Neeson cancelled his appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, he previously appeared on the show last month

The New York red carpet for Liam Neeson's Cold Pursuit premiere was also cancelled Tuesday after the fallout over his racist comments

The actor made the astonishing admission as he discussed his latest film about a father's quest for revenge against a drug baron after his son is killed.

The movie is out in the US on Friday and will be released into UK cinemas on February 22, but it is not yet known if he will attend the UK premiere.

Neeson appeared on Good Morning America Tuesday and revealed he had sought help from a Catholic priest after spending a week prowling the streets with a cosh to murder a black man.

He said he 'understood' the hurt his words had caused but insisted: 'I'm not racist, this was 40 years ago. I had a primal urge. I was trying to show honor for a friend I dearly loved, in a medieval fashion'.

The star, who was later hugged and kissed by black audience members on the Live with Kelly and Ryan show, said he had gone to church when he became 'scared' and realised he had wanted to 'unleash' murder on a stranger for his friend, who he said died five years ago.

New role: During an interview with the Independent to promote his new film Cold Pursuit (pictured), the actor, 66, described how he walked the streets looking for a 'black b*****d' to kill

Appearing on TV for the first time to explain his comments about wanting to attack a black man after the rape of his friend and said: 'I'm not racist, this was 40 years ago'

He said: 'I did seek help. I went to a priest, who heard my confession' and also later confided in two friends and would go out powerwalking for 'two hours a day to get this [anger] out of me'.

GMA host Robins Roberts asked him if he 'understood the pain of a black person' hearing his words.

He replied: 'Absolutely, you're absolutely right. And at the time, even though this was nearly 40 years ago, I didn't think about that. It was this primal hatred, I guess, that really shocked me, when I eventually came down to earth and saw what I was doing, looking for a fight'.

When asked how he would feel if his unnamed friend's attacker was white he said: 'If he was Irish, a Scot or Brit or a Lithuanian. I know I would have had the same reaction'.

Neeson, whose critics have said he should be banned from the Oscars and making movies, said his anger came during the Troubles in Northern Ireland where murder was all around him.

More than 1,000 people died in 30 years of conflict between mostly Protestants, who fought for Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK against mostly Catholics who wanted it to be part of the Republic of Ireland.

Liam Neeson later appeared on Live with Kelly and Ryan where he was mobbed and hugged by the audience before he defended his decision to speak out

He explained that this is why he chose to speak out about prowling the streets with a weapon and said: 'Violence breeds violence. Bigotry breeds bigotry'.

Describing what motivated him to try to attack a black man he told GMA: 'Nearly 40 years ago when a very dear friend of mine was brutally raped and I was out of the country and when I came back she told me about it.

'I had never felt this feeling before, which was a primal urge to lash out. I asked her did she know the person, and his race. She said he was a black man.

'I thought ok and after that there were some nights I went out deliberately into black areas in the city, looking to be set upon so that I could unleash physical violence.

'I did it for say, maybe four or five times until I caught myself and it really shocked me, this primal urge. It shocked me and it hurt me. Luckily no violence occurred'.

When asked about his friend he said: 'She passed away by the way five years ago'.

His shocking story has provoked a huge backlash on social media, with many accusing Neeson of racism.

Neeson's incendiary intervention has split opinion. Some have called for him to be banned from the Oscars or even put out of work for good.

Others called the furor a 'witchhunt' and he 'deserves a medal' for his admission about how society viewed black people in the 1970s and 1980s.

In his latest film Liam Neeson plays Nels Coxman in Cold Pursuit, a small town snowplow operator intent on tracking down the drug dealers he believes to be responsible for the death of his son.

The film is a remake of 2014 Norwegian film In Order Of Disappearance and also stars Emmy Rossum and Laura Dern.
The four family members killed when the plane piloted by a fake cop crashed into their California home during a Super Bowl party have been identified.

Roy Lee Anderson, 85, and his wife Dahlia Marlies Leber Anderson, 68, were hosting daughter Stacie Norene Leber, 48, and son-in-law Donald Paul Elliott, 58, when the tragedy struck.

Their devastated family paid tribute to the four victims, saying: 'Our family bond is tight and each member lost in this tragedy represents more than just one role within our family. We lost parents, grandparents, great-parents, spouses, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles.

'The home lost was a beacon for so many family and friends where many celebrations were held.'

A spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff's Department said three bodies were so badly burnt they had to be identified by dental records.

Neighbor Jane Kramer told KTLA5 Roy and Dahlia were like 'our grandparents'. She said: 'They were like our grandparents, and they treated us like that. We swam in their pool, my daughter played in the play room. I sat on their couch and talked to her at length. We loved them like family.'

Authorities on Wednesday identified four people, including 85-year-old Roy Lee Anderson, left, and his wife Dahlia Marlies Leber Anderson as victims of the plane crash

The sheriff's department released a joint statement from family members thanking first-responders and asking for privacy after the deaths of Stacie and partner Donald, pictured

Stacie was visiting her parents along with partner Donald from Norco when the plane piloted by Antonio Pastini crashed into the Yorba Linda home.

He had originally been identified as a retired Chicago police officer after his Cessna 414A fell apart midair while flying over Yorba Linda, a suburb around 36 miles southeast of Los Angeles, at around 1.45pm on Sunday.

But the Chicago Police Department said it had no record of the 75-year-old, who's actually from Gardnerville, Nevada, ever working for them.

False retirement papers and a police badge with the same issue number as a badge reported lost in 1978 were found at the crash site, Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi revealed.

DailyMail.com also discovered a series of cryptic Facebook posts shared on Pastini's profile in the weeks leading up to the tragic crash.

Four days before the crash on January 31, in what would be Pastini's final post, he eerily told his 'friends' that this would be the last time he ever opened Facebook again.

Antonio Pastini (left) died as his plane fell apart in midair and plummeted in a fiery heap into a home, killing four others. He was found in possession of fake police credentials

The 75-year-old had false retirement papers and a police badge with the same issue number as a badge reported lost in 1978

Neighbors said Roy, left, and Dahlia, right, were like 'our grandparents' and that they loved them like family. The couple were among four victims in a house that caught fire when parts of a plane rained down onto suburban Yorba Linda on Sunday

Stacie's family said: 'Our family bond is tight and each member lost in this tragedy represents more than just one role within our family'

Stacie Norene Leber, left, died alongside her parents and partner Donald Paul Elliott, right

Horrified neighbors watched as the house was torn apart by flames

The plane's main carriage ended up in the backyard of the house behind the one it set on fire. Pilot Pastini was the only person inside the eight-seater at the time

Fire fighters work to put out the blaze at a home in Yorba Linda on Sunday evening after a small private plane crashed into it and set it alight, killing four people inside and the male pilot

Firefighters work the scene of a deadly plane crash in Yorba Linda. The Federal Aviation Administration said a twin-engine Cessna 414A crashed in Yorba Linda shortly after taking off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport

Pastini's twin-engine plane fell apart in midair and plummeted in a fiery heap into the home. Witnesses described seeing some survivors run out of the home screaming for loved ones who did not make it out.

After crashing through the house, the plane smashed through a fence and eventually came to a stop in the backyard of another home on the street behind the burnt property.

Parts of the plane, including one of its twin engines, landed in neighbors' yards. The plane took off from Fullerton Municipal Airport about a dozen miles west of the blaze.

Clint Langford, who lives about a half-mile away, said he was in his living room when he heard a low rumbling.

'It's the eerie, low rumbling sound that keeps getting lower and louder. It was scary,' he said. 'And then all of a sudden boom. It shook the house.'

National Transportation Safety Board investigators collected parts of the aircraft, the plane's records and information about Pastini, who was described as a commercial pilot with an instrument flight rating.

Preliminary information showed the Cessna 414A took off around 1:35 p.m. Sunday from Fullerton Municipal Airport, made a left turn and climbed to an altitude of 7,800 feet (2,377 meters) before starting to descend over Yorba Linda.

Observers said the plane initially appeared intact when it fell through a cloud ceiling at an altitude of about 2,000 to 3,000 feet, NTSB investigator Maja Smith said this week. Witnesses said the plane's tail and wings broke off as it plummeted.

Five people died after the plane apparently came apart, dropping parts that scattered across a suburban neighborhood and ignited a house fire before landing in a backyard, witnesses and authorities said Sunday
The troubled great-grandson of a former New York Post publisher could face life in prison for the attempted murder of two police officers on Staten Island two years ago.

Patrick Allen, 27, was shot three times by cops in January 2017 after a night-gone-wrong of test-firing illegal guns in a snowy woods with a friend.

Allen and his friend, Jonathan Derbyshire, 27, carried the illegal guns and prescription drugs into the wooded area, where they were were firing shots moments before concerned nearby residents phoned 911.

When officers arrived, Derbyshire sprinted through the trees and Allen pulled a handgun.

Cops opened fire and shot Allen - who was wearing a heavy ballistic vest - three times in the left leg and once in the arm, resulting in his hospitalization and an arm sling.

On Wednesday, Allen pleaded not guilty to two new counts of first-degree attempted murder of a police officer, a crime that could be punishable to 20 years to life.

Patrick Allen was shot three times by police on Staten Island on the snowy January 2017 night after a night-gone-wrong of test-firing illegal guns with a friend

Following Allen's shooting and arrest, cops seized his red-painted gun (pictured) and searched for Derbyshire, who fled the scene

Cops also found an AR-15-style assault rifle with a scope and stand, a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver, a .45-caliber pistol, a large hunting knife, prescription pills and spent shell casings

Allen was wearing body armor at the time he allegedly leveled a gun at cops

His charges were upgraded Wednesday from the initial top charge of possession of a loaded firearm.

Allen is set to appear in court next on March 27.

His attorney Jay Goldberg said in a statement to the New York Post: ' The new charges are a mark of desperation fabricated by the prosecution when they realized they couldnt prove their case.

'This is designed as a bullying pressure tactic to try to force [Allen] to take a plea.'

The 27-year-old already has eight sealed arrests for crimes such as drug peddling.

He has been suspected of regularly purchasing legal marijuana in Colorado and bringing it back with him to sell in New York for a profit.

Allen is part of an influential New York family filled with bankers, politicians, and a federal judge.

'His mom owns half of Times Square' a stunned building super previously told the Post.

Dorothy Schiff, now-former owner and publisher of the New York Post, holds a copy of the newspaper as the presses began to roll for the first time after 86 days, in New York on , March 4, 1963

Another source told the post that Allen's father, criminal defense lawyer Gerald Allen, told cops that he 'basically washed his hands' of Patrick and wants nothing to do with him.

PATRICK ALLEN'S INFLUENTIAL NEW YORK FAMILY Allen's mom, Tess Leopold, is a former Brooklyn Prosecutor. His grandmother, Adele Hall Sweet, is married to Manhattan federal Judge Robert Sweet. His great-grandmother is former New York Post owner Dorothy 'Dolly' Schiff. Leopold's late father, A. Frederic Leopold, was mayor of Beverly Hills, and her grandmother was Schiff, whose grandfather was legendary financier Jacob Schiff, according to the New York Post. Advertisement

Following Allen's shooting and arrest, cops seized his red-painted gun and searched for Derbyshire.

Searching the woods, they found an AR-15-style assault rifle with a scope and stand, a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver, a .45-caliber pistol, a large hunting knife, prescription pills and spent shell casings.

Derbyshire was found around dawn.

Neighborhood resident, Pearl Roe 70 said to the Post: 'They were searching around all morning and then at about 6:30 they caught him right here at the end of our property.

'There were so many cops it was incredible. I've never seen that many in one place.'
Two Qatari naval officer cadets clocked up 99 speeding points between them in just four months staying at a British training college, a court heard.

Tameem Mohammed Al-Ishaq and Ahmed Al-Mahmoud, both 20, were based at the historic Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, Devon.

They were due to appear before Newton Abbot Magistrates Court on Friday charged with 25 counts of speeding between them but neither showed up and both were sentenced in their absence.

Al-Ishaq was charged with 15 counts of speeding between May and July 2018, one of which was doing 63 mph in a 30mph zone in the city centre of Plymouth, Devon.

Two Qatari naval officer cadets clocked up 99 speeding points but failed to turn up in Newton Abbot Magistrates Court

He was found guilty and fined a total of 7,810, ordered to pay a 77 victim surcharge and 85 costs.

He racked up a total of 61 points on his licence and was banned from driving for four years.

Al-Mahmoud was charged with 10 counts between April and June 2018, one of which was driving at 97mph in a 70mph zone on Haldon Hill near Exeter, Devon.

He was found guilty and fined a total of 4,840, ordered to pay a 77 victim surcharge and 85 costs. He racked up 38 points on his licence and was also banned from driving for four years.

Prosecutor Simon Clark explained that, while Ahmed Al-Mahmoud was expected to finish his studies at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Tameem Mohammed Al-Ishaq had been medically discharged from the Qatari Navy and was thought to have returned home.

Both men told the police they had sold their cars, two Mercedes Benz, in London.

The three magistrates, chairman John Kiddey, Catherine Matthews and Damien Pope, presided, with Mr Kiddey saying he wanted to make it clear to the Royal Navy that the court took a dim view of the behaviour of the two cadets.

Mr Clark replied that the Royal Navy had been fully cooperative throughout the investigation.

After the hearing, Mr Clark said: These were non-British registered vehicles, but the police have considerable resources to establish ownership.

I would like to thank the Royal Navy for their cooperation and do not see this case as a criticism of them.
A third Russian undercover agent said to be involved in the Salisbury novichok attack may still be in the UK.

The Russian military officer, who entered the UK under the name Sergey Fedotov, came to Britain on the same day the other two hitmen travelled to the UK to assassinate Sergei Skripal.

He was booked on the same flight back to Moscow as the other two Russian agents but checked himself and his baggage out before boarding.

It remains unclear while Fedotov did not board the plane but raises the prospect that a would-be Russian hit man could still be at large in the UK.

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Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned at his home in Salisbury

'It is not clear why Fedotov did not board the flight. But at the last minute he checked himself and his bags off it,' a source told The Telegraph.

'He could still have been running around Britain.'

Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia survived after they came into contact with military-grade poison in March last year.

It raises the possibility that Fedotov stayed in Britain after realising Skripal was not killed.

According to documents, Fedotov is 45-years-old and was using a fake passport similar to the ones of Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, who were accused of the Salisbury posioning.

Petrov and Boshirov were later found to be Alexander Mishkin and Anatoliy Chepiga, senior GRU agents who were awarded Russia's highest honour for services in Ukraine.

The true identity of Fedotov remains unclear, as does his role in the Skripal poisoning.

One theory is that he smuggled in the nerve agent which was used in the attack.

Alexander Petrov (left) and Ruslan Boshirov (right), who were Russian agents responsbile for the Salisbury poisoning

Mishkin and Chepiga were caught on CCTV in Salisbury on the day of the attack. There are no known images of Fedotov.

It has been suggested Fedotov carried out survillance missions, reporting back to the other two about the whereabouts of Skripal.

Fedotov previously travelled to the UK in March 2016 and March 2017 and again in 2018, according to Russian news outlet Fontanka.

There is no trace of Fedotov in documentary databases or on social media. He also has no property, vehicles or telephone registered to his name in Russia, Fontanka reported.

The Skripals survived the assassination attempt, but Dawn Sturgess, 44, fell ill in Amesbury months after the incident and died in hospital in July.

The pair were seen on CCTV in Salisbury on the day of the poisoning

She had come into contact with a perfume bottle believed to have been used in the attack and then discarded at a park in Salisbury.

Her partner, Charlie Rowley, 45, was also exposed to the same nerve agent but was treated and discharged.

Wiltshire Police said around 350,000 worth of police vehicles had to be destroyed over fears they were contaminated with Novichok.

An estimated 7million was needed to cover costs of bringing in officers from 40 other forces, and 1.3million was set aside for overtime pay.

The Government pledged more than 5million to support local businesses in Salisbury and Amesbury following a drop in footfall after the first poisoning.
Twenty criminals due to be deported from the UK on a flight to Jamaica were removed from the plane yesterday after being given a last-minute reprieve.

Up to 50 foreign offenders were set to leave from an RAF base. Home Secretary Sajid Javid had said every man had been convicted of a serious crime and posed a danger to the public.

But crooks were removed from the jet after a row broke out  fuelled by Labour MPs and immigration lawyers.

Most of the men had lodged 11th hour appeals against being kicked out of the country, while three are due to give evidence next month at an inquest into the death of an illegal immigrant at a detention centre.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid had said every man had been convicted of a serious crime and posed a danger to the public

Lawyers also secured an injunction to halt the deportation of Twane Morgan, a Jamaican who served in the British Army before being discharged with combat stress in 2007.

Morgan, who was jailed for six years for assault in 2011, says his offence was a result of his mental condition.

Campaigners tried to halt the flight, but it finally took off with 29 Jamaican criminals on board, including a murderer, rapist and 14 drug dealers.

The BME Lawyers 4 Justice group, said: The resumption of these deportation flights is a grievous and appalling insult to the principles of justice and fairness.

Under immigration law, foreign offenders who have been sentenced to 12 months or longer in prison can be automatically deported from the UK.

A Home Office spokesman said: Yesterday 29 serious foreign criminals were flown to Jamaica on a chartered flight.

The law requires we seek to deport foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality by committing crimes in the UK.
The family of schoolgirl Molly Russell have found it 'impossible' to discover potentially vital information about what she viewed online in the hours before she killed herself.

Her parents  who have accused social media companies of contributing to her death  have been unable to gain access to both her Apple iPhone and iPod Touch, which are both encrypted.

They have also been hamstrung by efforts to access the 14-year-old's social media accounts, which do not become accessible to parents even if a child dies.

The family of schoolgirl Molly Russell have found it 'impossible' to discover potentially vital information about what she viewed online in the hours before she killed herself. Molly is pictured using her mobile phone

Molly's father Ian Russell told the BBC: 'There is data on her electronic devices that we can't access because it is locked in there. It seems to me that the data on Molly's phone should become her parents' property. She died without a will, she was 14 and everything else quite naturally returns to us as her parents.

'We need to find out what it was that drove her to make that final decision  that encouraged her to take her life at the end.'

Meanwhile, north London senior coroner Andrew Walker is writing to tech giants including Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest, demanding they hand over her data.

As part of the investigation into her death, Mr Walker will also ask Apple and the messaging service WhatsApp to provide information.

Mr Russell, who has called for tech firms to do more to remove distressing material glamorising suicide, said the legal situation surrounding ownership of a dead child's data is 'confused'. 'The coroner handling Molly's case thankfully seems to be very interested and wants to know how he should best handle such cases,' he said.

Companies including Instagram have said they will assist the inquest into Molly's death. But it remains unclear whether they will allow access to her accounts. Instagram boss Adam Mosseri is due to meet Health Secretary Matt Hancock today.

Her parents  who have accused social media companies of contributing to her death  have been unable to gain access to both her Apple iPhone and iPod Touch, which are both encrypted. Molly is pictured.

The Government has threatened to ban social media firms after details of Molly's death in November 2017 prompted calls for a clampdown on so-called 'suicide porn'. The development comes as police say they are swamped by online child abuse referrals which have more than doubled in a year.

Scotland Yard revealed yesterday that the number of reports about child pornography and online grooming have rocketed by 139 per cent. Its unit dedicated to tackling the abuse of children saw referrals leap from 1,050 in 2017 to 2,514 in 2018.

Officers received 317 tips about possible offences in London in January this year alone. The alleged crimes range from possession of indecent images through to sexual grooming and planned abuse of vulnerable children.

The proportion of cases reported by tech giants also increased to 1,795 last year, an 80 per cent rise on 2017. Most of these reports are made through the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, an American non-profit organisation that protects children. US federal law requires tech firms to report child abuse.

Detective Inspector Tony Oakes, from the Met's Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation team, said: 'Over the past few years, we have worked closer than ever with other forces, partner agencies, the Government and social media companies to catch those responsible for perpetrating child abuse online and bringing them to justice.

We are continuing to work more cohesively, especially with tech firms all around the world, to make sure that indecent images of children are being removed and that we can track down the criminals who are committing these offences.'

He warned parents and teachers to be vigilant about children sending indecent images of themselves to strangers online.
BEIRUT - Kurdish-Syrian forces leading an offensive against ISIS in south-eastern Syria have denied knowing that Father Paolo Dall'Oglio, an Italian Jesuit priest kidnapped in Syria in 2013, is alive, the spokesman of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mustafa Bali, told ANSA on the phone Thursday.



Well-informed Vatican sources have also not confirmed a report published Thursday by The Times according to which Father Paolo Dall'Oglio is alive.



''We have no confirmation'', the sources told ANSA of the report, which cited Kurdish forces.



The article claims that the extremist Islamist group is using Dall'Oglio and two other Western hostages, British journalist John Cantlie and a nurse from New Zealand, as ''bargaining chips'' in negotiations with the US-backed Kurdish-Arab forces surrounding them.
Six-month-old baby William (pictured) was killed by his father in a suspected murder-suicide in remote Queensland

The shattered family of a baby boy killed by his own father in a suspected murder-suicide say he should never have died and claim his mother was 'let down' by the justice system.

Baby William, just six months old, was found dead in a car on an isolated track in the Beerwah State Forest, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, on Wednesday morning.

Council workers discovered the bodies of William and his 46-year-old father at 8am - but police are now investigating whether they had been in the car for up to a week.

The baby boy's relative Katie Buckingham, who has set up a fundraising page to help baby William's mother with funeral expenses, said the child's death was the 'saddest day for everyone involved' and that his mother was 'devastated'.

Relative Katie Buckingham said the death of baby William (pictured) was the 'saddest day for everyone involved' and that his mother was 'devastated'

The bodies of William and his 46-year-old father were found inside a red Holden Commodore (pictured) on a remote track on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland

'This mother needs all the help we can give her so she can grieve for the loss of her child,' Ms Buckingham said.

'This should never have happened! The courts have let her down and not kept the baby's father away from her son!

'Now this beautiful and innocent baby boy has been taken from her by the man who did nothing but make her life hell.'

Ms Buckingham has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to help William's mum pay for his funeral.

'She says she needs to go back to work to pay the mortgage and for her babies funeral,' the mother's cousin wrote on the fundraising page.

'Please help her and her kids to be able to pay for everything they need to so that they can grieve.'

Detective Inspector Dave Drinnen said council employees made the grisly discovery while they were working in the remote forrest.

Council workers discovered the bodies at about 8am - but police now think they were sitting in the car for days

A 46-year-old man from Brisbane and his six-month-old son were found on an isolated track in the Beerwah State Forest (pictured) on Queensland's Sunshine Coast

'It's extremely distressing, it's a very tragic incident. The mother was distraught, as you can imagine,' he said.

Det Insp Drinnen said the baby was reported missing on Monday and that the mother and father had recently separated.

The baby's father was due to hand the child over to his mother as part of a custody arrangement, but never arrived at the allocated time.

Det Insp Drinnen also confirmed that no amber alert was issued, despite the fact the child was missing for more than 36 hours.

Police are now investigating why the alert - which urgently broadcasts a photo of a missing child to media outlets - was never issued.

Police (pictured at the scene) are investigating whether the man killed the child before taking his own life

The bodies were found inside a car on Roys Road (pictured) on Wednesday morning

'The father and the child failed to turn up as a result of some custody arrangements,' Det Insp Drinnen said.

'The mother was concerned... so [police did] welfare checks initially, before this was reported as a missing person investigation.

'This was treated as a high-risk missing person investigation ... to try and locate the missing person and child.'

No weapons were found in the car and the cause of the deaths is yet to be established.

Police said the bodies had been in the car for 'some time'.

Daily Mail Australia understands a witness told investigators he saw a red Holden parked in the same spot on Tuesday.

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Tough new knife Asbos planned for children as young as 12 were pulled by the Government last night after the Liberal Democrats opposed them in the House of Lords.

Home Office minister Baroness Williams withdrew amendments to the Offensive Weapons Bill that would have meant children caught with knives could have had their use of social media banned by the courts.

Judges would also have been able to impose strict curfews to keep thugs off the streets. Breaching the orders would have carried up to two years imprisonment.

There is growing public horror over bloody violence on the, with knife crime soaring 8 per cent in the year to September to 39,919 incidents  including 276 killings

Home Secretary Sajid Javid during a visit to Brixton police station, south London, where he unveiled the new Asbo-style orders last month

However, Lib Dem peer Lord Paddick, the former Met commander, said the orders risked criminalising young people.

It is a setback for Home Secretary Sajid Javid less than a week after he outlined bringing in Knife Crime Prevention Orders  dubbed knife Asbos after the anti-social behaviour order introduced by Labour in 1998.

It came amid growing public horror over the bloody violence on the streets of Wild West Britain, with knife crime soaring 8 per cent in the year to September to 39,919 incidents  including 276 killings.

However, the Government has vowed to reintroduce the amendment within weeks.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: The aim is to stop vulnerable young people from becoming involved in knife crime by tackling the causes of why they are carrying a knife.
Virulent anti-Semitism within Labour has been blamed for fuelling a record number of attacks on Jewish people.

A charity said the increase in such incidents came after particularly intense debate on a spate of controversies involving Jeremy Corbyns party.

Coverage of high-profile claims of anti-Semitism within Labour was likely to have emboldened offenders, as well as encouraging victims to report verbal and physical assaults.

The Community Security Trust blames virulent anti-Semitism within Labour for fuelling a record number of attacks on Jewish people..The trust's chief executive David Delew (pictured) said: Three years of rising anti-Semitic incidents shows the scale of the problem facing the Jewish community'

The Community Security Trust, which monitors anti-Semitic abuse, recorded 1,652 hate crimes in Britain last year  16 per cent more than in 2017. Around one in 11 incidents  or 148  related to rows over anti-Semitism in Labour.

For the first time, the charity recorded more than 100 Jew-hating incidents in every month of a calendar year.

A report by the charity said attacks also included anti-Semitic beatings, verbal abuse in public, and damage and desecration of Jewish property such as daubing swastikas on synagogues. The CST said there was no sudden trigger for the record high. But it said: The highest single monthly totals came when the problem of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party was the subject of intense discussion and activity.

CST chief executive David Delew said: Three years of rising anti-Semitic incidents shows the scale of the problem facing the Jewish community.

This is happening across society and across the country and it reflects deepening divides in our country and our politics.

Labour MP John Mann, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Anti-Semitism, said: Sadly, these figures are not surprising, indeed they are predictable.

It is now time for everyone in Parliament to stand up, be counted and to stand alongside CST in the fight against anti-Semitism.

The Community Security Trust, which monitors anti-Semitic abuse, recorded 1,652 hate crimes in Britain last year  16 per cent more than in 2017. Around one in 11 incidents  or 148  related to rows over anti-Semitism in Labour.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: All acts of anti-Semitism are utterly despicable and have no place in society. The Jewish community should not have to tolerate these attacks and we are doing all we can to rid society of these poisonous views.

The most common type of incident  comprising 483 cases  involved verbal abuse directed at Jewish people while going about their daily business in public places.

In 224 instances the victims wore religious or traditional clothing, school uniform or jewellery bearing Jewish symbols.

But Jewish people are also being targeted on social media, with 384 recorded incidents  up 23 per cent. However, the problem is likely to be worse because the CST only collated cases where the offender was based in the UK. Mr Corbyn and Labour have been engulfed in claims of anti-Semitism under his leadership, with Jewish Labour MPs targeted for abuse.

The CST report told of a letter from those who described themselves as Corbyn supporters calling Luciana Berger a nasty, stinking, lying, Zionist Jew-b*tch. Mr Corbyn has also faced questions about his links to figures from militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

During a 2014 visit to Tunis, he was pictured at a wreath-laying ceremony in a cemetery where members of Black September  the terror group behind the 1972 Munich Olympics atrocity  are buried.

Earlier this week, Labours general secretary Jenny Formby  a key ally of Mr Corbyn  provoked fury by claiming it was impossible to stamp out anti-Semitism in the party.

Mr Corbyn insists that he does not tolerate anti-Semitism.
The Tory MP who compared Taunton in Somerset to war-torn Aleppo has made an apology  to the Syrian city.

Ian Liddell-Grainger caused a storm with his comments during a Commons debate on the future of the high street last week.

Describing the boarded-up shops of Taunton town centre, he told MPs it resembled the Middle-Eastern city flattened by eight years of civil war.

Tory MP Ian Liddell -Grainger compared Taunton to Aleppo in war-torn Syria in an extraordinary Commons jibe last week

 Slide me  Taunton (left) is a quiet town in the south west of England while Aleppo has been left ruined by years of civil war (right)

After criticism of his extreme remarks, Mr Liddell-Grainger said yesterday: It was not my intention to affront innocent residents by comparing Taunton to Syrias second city. I gladly take this opportunity to offer Aleppo a sincere apology.

Life must have been bad under ISIS, barrel-bombed by Bashir Al Assad and blitzed by the Russians. The last thing they needed was comparison with Somersets neglected town centre.

He continued: Aleppo is already being reconstructed. Taunton still bears the scars of years of municipal neglect, bad planning and flat-footed leadership.

Aleppo, which has a population of around four million, has been one of the hardest-hit cities in the civil war that has been wracking Syria for years.

Thousands of civilians are said to have died in the conflict, while Bashar Assad has been accused of using chemical weapons against the local population.

By contrast, Taunton has a population of around 70,000 and is known for its 10th century monastery and castle.
A three-year-old girl allegedly not properly restrained in her car seat was thrown from her mother's vehicle on Wednesday.

The girl fell from the blue Kia and onto the road at 1:55pm as her mother turned left from Old Wallgrove Road onto Wallgrove Road in Eastern Creek, Sydney.

Police allege the child was not properly strapped into the car seat.

A three-year-old girl allegedly not properly restrained in her car seat fell out of her mother's vehicle on Wednesday (pictured: blue Kia)

The girl was thrown from the blue Kia and onto the road at 1:55pm as her mother turned left from Old Wallgrove Road onto Wallgrove Road in Eastern Creek, Sydney (pictured: car seat)

The young girl fell out of the vehicle's right side door and sustained non-life threatening head injuries (pictured: the girl's mother)

The young girl fell out of the vehicle's right side door and sustained non-life threatening head injuries.

An ambulance was called to the scene and the three-year-old was treated by paramedics.

She was later taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

An ambulance was called to the scene and the three-year-old was treated by paramedics (pictured)

The girl was later taken to hospital as a precautionary measure

The mother will face court over the incident.

The driver will also face court for not displaying P-plates on her vehicle.

The NSW Family and Community Services (FACS) has been contacted and advised of the incident.

The mother will face court over the incident (pictured are paramedics at the scene)
This is the moment convicted sex offender Rolf Harris was seen wandering into a primary school's grounds by shocked locals - before staff threw him out and called police.

The disgraced entertainer, 88, was handed a police warning after passers-by saw him waving at young pupils.

Harris was pictured standing and chatting to a wood sculptor and waving to youngsters at Oldfield Primary School in Maidenhead, Berkshire, on Tuesday.

Harris, 88, in the red jacket, walked on to the school's playing fields to chat to an artist working there before waving to youngsters who saw him through a window

Headteacher Richard Jarrett said he ordered the disgraced Australian former TV star, who was released from HM Prison Stafford in 2017, to leave the school grounds.

Last night the Ministry of Justice confirmed they were investigating but refused to rule out whether Harris faces a recall to prison, when pressed by MailOnline.

Sentencing Council guidelines state that a breach of licence by a sex offender carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a minimum of six months in custody or a fine.

Thames Valley Police said: 'A report was made that a man was on the site of the school.

'An officer attended the scene but no offence was committed. No arrests were made and advice has been given to the man involved.'

Rolf Harris leaving home yesterday morning. He was reported to police after approaching a wood sculptor on the outskirts of a primary school

The Australian entertainer, pictured yesterday morning, was seen waving at the children at the Berkshire school

Police officers outside Oldfield Primary School in Bray, Maidenhead yesterday morning

An MoJ spokesman told MailOnline it will take 'appropriate action', adding: 'Sex offenders are subject to strict licence conditions upon release and enforcement action if they breach them'.

In a statement outside the school yesterday morning Mr Jarrett said: 'In line with our standard procedures, an uninvited individual was asked to leave the outer perimeter of the school site yesterday, which he did without delay.

'At no time did any of our pupils come into contact with the individual nor was the individual invited by us on to the school grounds.

'As a precaution, this incident has been reported to Thames Valley Police.'

A force spokesman told MailOnline the MoJ was dealing with the probe.

The school is located just a few hundred yards from the riverside home of the former entertainer which he shares with his wife Alwen.

Yesterday neighbours defended the artist, saying he was an 'asset to the area'.

Harris was seen leaving his multi-million riverside home in Bray but did not speak to reporters.

One parent at the nearby school said he was unconcerned by the incident. The father who did not want to be named, said: 'Because of what he does and what he is, he's a sculptor. I think he just came in and asked for wood.

'I think he just asked for a bit of wood. I don't think there was anything major at the end of the day. Apparently he asked for some and the headmaster gave it to him and then he was asked to leave.

'The way I look at it, we can't condone what he's done, what he's done is awful, but he's done his time, and he's 88 years old. What harm can he do? If he was 40 or 50 years old, and capable of doing something I'd be concerned.

'In terms of where he was, it wasn't a clever move. He's a known convict. But he lives a few doors down from here, it's almost unavoidable.'

Headteacher of Oldfield Primary School in Maidenhead Mr Jarrett told Harris to leave after chatting with him briefly

Rolf Harris was jailed for five years for indecent assault on young girls - but was seen waving at primary school children

Yesterday heateacher Mr Jarrett said to the Daily Mirror: 'We have got a pick-up and drop-off point at the school, which is 20 metres from a main road, and we have got two forms of security.

'We've got a wood sculptor working close to the road at the moment and Rolf Harris lives about three doors down from the school.

'He must have seen him [the sculptor] and come into the school area. He had no access to the children whatsoever.

'I went over and shook his hand and introduced myself.

'He explained what he was doing  that he was getting some wood from the sculptor. I said, 'You need to go'.'

Harris was seen outside the school chatting to a sculptor and waving at the pupils in the window of the Berkshire premises

Harris was ordered to serve five years and nine months in prison for 12 indecent assaults on teenage girls between 1968 and 1986.

Although he lives nearby it was the first time he appeared at the school, Mr Jarrett said.

The teacher also said he informed police.

Disgraced entertainer's Neighboours say Rolf is an 'asset to the area' Yesterday morning neighbours and campaigners defended the disgraced celebrity. One elderly male neighbour said: 'He's an asset to the area, he's been a tremendous supporter of any charity we've been part of. 'He's very ill, he's not well. His wife is bed bound, she's not well. 'We know he had sex with a 15-year-old but we find it terribly sad that the end of his life has been marred by continual investigation into what happened 30 or 40 years ago.' Another male neighbour putting out rubbish described the outrage in the local community as 'nonsense'. He said: 'There is some wood work being done at the edge of the school. He went and asked for some wood from it. He's a sculptor. This is all silly stuff.' Lizzie Cornish, 63, who runs Support Justice for Rolf Harris, speculated he was 'merely waving' to children while discussing art with the wood sculptor. She went on: 'Headmaster goes out, shakes Rolf's hand, explains he can't be on school grounds, Rolf realizes his mistake immediately, leaves straight away.....Head feels he has to inform police, I'd imagine in case any child told their parents, thus putting him in awkward situation.' Advertisement

Parents and relatives of children at the school were stunned by what they saw when a person who took images shared them.

Grandad John Thirkell, 69, told the Daily Mirror: 'Why would he want to be waving at kids? He's already given himself a terrible name.

'I think the head teacher did the right thing telling him to go and if he's got any sense he won't come back.'

Harris was convicted of 12 indecent assaults at London's Southwark Crown Court in June 2014, one on an eight-year-old autograph hunter, two on girls in their early teens, and a catalogue of abuse against his daughter's friend over 16 years.

He was jailed for five years and nine months, but released from HMP Stafford in May 2017 after serving less than half the sentence.

However while in prison his fortune grew thanks to his firm RHE Investments' holdings which has amassed nearly 4million.

He and daughter Bindi stepped down as directors of the firm set up in 2012 but his wife of 60 years, Alwen, remains the secretary.

Bindi Nicholls, 54, has revealed plans to pen a tell-all book about life with her father after sticking with him throughout his prison term and trial.

In documents obtained by the Daily Star Sunday, Bindi defends her father's behaviour and argues he is simply from a different era.

Ms Nicholls has already created several draft pages of the book in which she slams the courts and claims her father is 'no kiddy fiddler'.

The Ministry of Justice said: 'When sex offenders are released they are subject to strict licence conditions and are liable to be returned to custody for breaching them. We are looking into these reports and will take appropriate action.'
Parents should ban mobile phones from the dinner table and their children's bedrooms, the first official guidance on social media and 'screentime' says today.

Dame Sally Davies, the chief medical officer for England, warns that doctors are increasingly worried that the time children spend online is 'detrimental to their physical and mental health'.

In her official advice to parents and carers, she says phones should be left 'outside the bedroom' at night and recommends 'screen-free meal times' so families interact 'face-to-face'.

Dame Sally Davies, England's chief medical officer, warns that doctors are increasingly worried that time children spend online is 'detrimental to their physical and mental health'

Dame Sally's comments come after schoolgirl Molly Russell took her own life aged 14 in 2017 after accessing social media on her mobile phone

As revealed by the Daily Mail last week, Dame Sally also proposes the first time limits for screentime, advising that children should have a break every two hours.

And she stresses that parents themselves need to act responsibly on the internet  and should not publish their children's photographs on social media without their permission.

Dame Sally also takes aim at the web giants, demanding that they fulfil a 'duty of care' towards children and stop making social media platforms deliberately addictive to young users. The intervention will increase the pressure on ministers to act.

The guidance, drawn up with the chief medical officers for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, was commissioned last year by then Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, amid growing concerns about the impact of technology on children's health.

When Matt Hancock succeeded him, he asked Dame Sally to fast track her findings and come up with guidance that could become a 'norm in society'.

The scale of the problem was revealed in a report by watchdog Ofcom last week, which showed that pre-school children were spending four hours and 16 minutes a day glued to a screen.

Seven out of ten children aged 12 to 15 are allowed to take their smartphones to bed, and a fifth of children aged eight to 12 have signed up to social media. Cyberbullying, online predators, harassment and disturbing content have all been identified as dangers for children online, with experts warning of the impact on mental health  especially when combined with poor sleep and a lack of exercise.

Dame Sally said: 'Time spent online can be of great benefit to children and young people, providing opportunities for learning and skills development, as well as allowing young people to find support and information.

'But we need to take a precautionary approach and our advice will support children to reap these benefits and protect them from harm.'

Experts last night welcomed the guidance as simple, straightforward and achievable.

Seven out of ten children aged 12 to 15 are allowed to take their smartphones to bed, and a fifth of children aged eight to 12 have signed up to social media. Stock picture shows a boy using a smartphone

Dr Ben Carter, a scientist at King's College London, whose research has shown that smartphones can play havoc with a child's sleep, said banning phones from the bedroom is a very good idea. 'This is a really simple message and is very understandable,' he said.

Dame Sally's report also calls on the tech giants to crack down on vile content on their platforms, so that they do not 'normalise' self-harm and bullying.

'Technology is an unavoidable aspect of modern life and technology companies have a duty of care,' she said last night.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, went further and repeated calls for firms to pay a 'social media levy' for the harm they do. He highlighted the 'emerging links between some online activities and mental health pressures'.

At a glance Set boundaries with children about time spent using screens Leave phones outside children's bedrooms at bedtime Have screen-free mealtimes and prioritise face-to-face conversation Adults should lead by example and not use screens excessively in front of children Never assume children are happy for their photos to be shared online Everyone should take a break after two hours using a screen  get up and move Advise children to put screens away while crossing the road or doing an activity Take an interest  talk to your children about what they are watching on TV or seeing online Switch on features which track how much time children spend looking at screens  with their permission. Adults could also try these features Check and abide by your child's school's policy on screentime Keep an eye on your child's behaviour  a change can be a sign they are distressed about something they've seen online Advertisement

Molly's dad urges web firms: Give us secrets on her phone

The family of schoolgirl Molly Russell have found it 'impossible' to discover potentially vital information about what she viewed online in the hours before she killed herself.

Her parents  who have accused social media companies of contributing to her death  have been unable to gain access to both her Apple iPhone and iPod Touch, which are both encrypted.

They have also been hamstrung by efforts to access the 14-year-old's social media accounts, which do not become accessible to parents even if a child dies.

Molly's father Ian Russell told the BBC: 'There is data on her electronic devices that we can't access because it is locked in there. It seems to me that the data on Molly's phone should become her parents' property. She died without a will, she was 14 and everything else quite naturally returns to us as her parents.

'We need to find out what it was that drove her to make that final decision  that encouraged her to take her life at the end.'

Meanwhile, north London senior coroner Andrew Walker is writing to tech giants including Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest, demanding they hand over her data.

The family of schoolgirl Molly Russell have found it 'impossible' to discover potentially vital information about what she viewed online in the hours before she killed herself. Picture shows Molly using her mobile phone

As part of the investigation into her death, Mr Walker will also ask Apple and the messaging service WhatsApp to provide information.

Mr Russell, who has called for tech firms to do more to remove distressing material glamorising suicide, said the legal situation surrounding ownership of a dead child's data is 'confused'. 'The coroner handling Molly's case thankfully seems to be very interested and wants to know how he should best handle such cases,' he said.

Companies including Instagram have said they will assist the inquest into Molly's death. But it remains unclear whether they will allow access to her accounts. Instagram boss Adam Mosseri is due to meet Health Secretary Matt Hancock today.

The Government has threatened to ban social media firms after details of Molly's death in November 2017 prompted calls for a clampdown on so-called 'suicide porn'. The development comes as police say they are swamped by online child abuse referrals which have more than doubled in a year.

Scotland Yard revealed yesterday that the number of reports about child pornography and online grooming have rocketed by 139 per cent. Its unit dedicated to tackling the abuse of children saw referrals leap from 1,050 in 2017 to 2,514 in 2018.

Companies including Instagram have said they will assist the inquest into Molly's death. But it remains unclear whether they will allow access to her accounts. Instagram boss Adam Mosseri is due to meet Health Secretary Matt Hancock today. Stock picture shows a mobile phone

Officers received 317 tips about possible offences in London in January this year alone. The alleged crimes range from possession of indecent images through to sexual grooming and planned abuse of vulnerable children.

The proportion of cases reported by tech giants also increased to 1,795 last year, an 80 per cent rise on 2017. Most of these reports are made through the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, an American non-profit organisation that protects children. US federal law requires tech firms to report child abuse.

Detective Inspector Tony Oakes, from the Met's Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation team, said: 'Over the past few years, we have worked closer than ever with other forces, partner agencies, the Government and social media companies to catch those responsible for perpetrating child abuse online and bringing them to justice.

We are continuing to work more cohesively, especially with tech firms all around the world, to make sure that indecent images of children are being removed and that we can track down the criminals who are committing these offences.'

He warned parents and teachers to be vigilant about children sending indecent images of themselves to strangers online.
An elite selective high school has banned parents from booking holidays during the school term amid claims they could jeopardise course selection for the following year.

Jeremy Ludowyke, the principal of prestigious Melbourne High School, announced the strict rule in the school's first newsletter of the year on February 1.

Students are banned from jetting overseas prior to mandatory final assemblies held on November 28, 29 and December 6.

Jeremy Ludowyke, the principal of prestigious Melbourne High School, announced the strict rule in the school's first newsletter of the year on February 1 (pictured)

'Under no circumstances, including overseas travel, should any family make arrangements which may remove students from the school prior to final assemblies,' Mr Ludowyke wrote in bold text.

The stern ruling follows another requiring all MHS students attend Speech Night on November 26.

The final assemblies are determined by year group.

The school, which accepts male students between year nine and 12, finalises subject selection during the blocked out dates.

'The school will not approve any early removal from school and any student ceasing to attend before this date will place in jeopardy confirmation of their subject and course selection for the following year,' Mr Ludowyke said.

Many families travel in late November and early December to score cheaper deals and beat the Christmas crowds.

Melbourne High (pictured), located in the central and inner city location of South Yarra, is considered to be one of the strongest academic schools in Victoria

Mr Ludowyke reminded students that the conclusion of course requirements did not mean students were entitled to vanish from schooling commitments for a holiday.

'Further, students who have not completed course requirements can be expected to attend after final assemblies,' he said.

Melbourne High, located in the central and inner city location of South Yarra, is considered to be one of the strongest academic schools in Victoria.

Selective by nature, the school claims it welcomes a broad socio-economic and cultural mix.

Mr Ludowyke reminded students that the conclusion of course requirements did not mean students were entitled to vanish from schooling commitments for a holiday (stock image)

Of the 1500 boys who sit the entry exam, only 308 make the cut.

A minimum of 28 students will join in year 10 and there are minimal positions available in year 11.

'The students' talents, efforts and achievements are rewarded in an environment which fosters mutual respect, personal integrity and strong sense of self-worth,' the school website said.

'True to its motto, 'honour the work', the school adheres to a code of conduct based on self-discipline and responsibility to oneself and others.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Melbourne High School for comment.
The life story of Paul Burrell has often seemed more improbable than fiction. The lorry driver's son became Princess Diana's butler and was accused and acquitted of stealing her property.

Now another chapter has reached its conclusion: After nearly 18 years, the garrulous former footman has closed his florist's shop, which came into existence, he says, thanks to Diana.

'I'm retiring from floristry,' he says. 'It's a long time to be doing flowers. I always looked upon it as a service to the community really.

'The Princess set me up in this business, really,' adds Burrell, 60, after announcing the closure of his enterprise in the Cheshire village of Farndon.

Burrell, whose website says that he has 'become a taste arbiter and expert in food, wine, furnishings, flower arranging, etiquette and entertaining', opened his first premises in Wales, with his old friend, the late drag queen Danny La Rue, cutting the ribbon in November 2001.

Diana, The Princess Of Wales, in London with her then butler, Paul Burrell, in 1994

At the time he was married to Maria, a former maid to the Duke of Edinburgh, by whom he has two sons, Alex and Nick.

Since then, however, Burrell has re-arranged his domestic circumstances, marrying his long-term partner Graham Cooper in 2017.

Now Burrell and Graham plan to travel the globe. 'My bucket list is world travel  the two of us  and I want to take him to places I've been with the Queen and the Princess and say I remember walking on this spot with the Queen on the Great Wall of China.

'I want to go to India and sit on the Princess's bench because I didn't actually go there with her.'

I'm sure Princes William and Harry will wish him bon voyage.

Diana Princess of Wales pictured sitting in front of the Taj Mahal during a visit to India in 1992

They responded to the publication of Burrell's 2003 memoir by issuing an unprecedented statement.

'We cannot believe,' it read, 'that Paul, entrusted with so much, could abuse his position in such a cold and overt betrayal.'

Artist Tracey Emin is not a fan of Boris Johnson or Theresa May

Tracey Emin paints Bojo in a poor light

Tracey Emin's friendly relationship with David Cameron, whom she voted for twice, won't be repeated if Boris Johnson takes over the Tory leadership.

'I didn't see any men wanting to jump in to do the job,' the artist recalls of the internal election which followed the referendum.

'I saw twits like Boris Johnson run away when the reality dawned on them.'

Emin, whose latest show opened yesterday at White Cube in South-East London, doesn't enjoy cosy Downing Street dinners with the current incumbent, either.

'Theresa May is not really my kind of PM,' she says.

Who would have thought 71-year-old Lord Blunkett had thespian ambitions? 'Even at my age, I am happy to have a punt at appearing in BBC dramas,' says the Labour peer after a turn as a teacher in the Radio 4 series, Blind School.

'Who knows, this small cameo might one day get me a small part in The Archers?' Don't count on it.

Blunkett once complained that he was 'losing the will to live' with the farming soap in a blast at the producers over the rate at which popular characters were being summarily dispensed with.

James's new venture? A bark and ride service

IS THE Duchess of Cambridge's younger brother James Middleton hoping to expand into the pet travel business?

The entrepreneur, who has spoken of how his dogs have helped him through difficult times, proudly carted some of his canine companions around London in his cargo bike yesterday.

He owns five pooches  Ella, Inca, Luna, Zulu and Mabel  and the four of his pets pictured here looked as if they were enjoying the ride.

James, 31, who was dressed in a padded blue gilet and a brown outback style hat, has said of his black cocker spaniel: 'Ella, particularly, has been my constant companion for ten years. In her own particular way, she has kept me going.'

James Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge's younger brother, riding a cargo bike with four dogs in the front

M&S model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has still to tie the knot with her fiance, Jason Statham, with whom she has a one-year-old son.

But at least she has got her wedding outfit sorted. 'I modelled an enormous amount for bridal catalogues and promised myself I'd never wear a big white frilly dress,' she says. 'I'd opt for a denim jumpsuit a la Penelope Cruz in Blow.

Princes pal goes dotty with lover Sharapova

Its game, set and match to former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova when it comes to outlandish fashion.

She and her boyfriend visited Marrakech this week to try on colourful outfits with Maria, 31, modelling a red polka dot jacket and yellow trousers with pink and black socks.

Meanwhile Old Etonian Alex Gilkes, 39, a chum of Prince William, opted for a black jacket decorated with the Chanel logo and pink and black spotty trousers. Not quite the Chanel campaign, he says.

His ex-wife, fashion designer Misha Nonoo, might not be a fan of the vibrant look, having recently extolled the virtues of simple dressing.

Angela Rippon, who starred in the BBC advert for free TV licences for over-75s in 2001, says the benefit should not be scrapped. This year I shall be 75, she tells me. A lot of people need it free but I think it should be means-tested. Speaking at the Ray Burmiston private view in Piccadilly, which raised funds for childrens charity Variety, she adds: The licence is incredibly good value at about 50p a day; 50p a day is nothing  what can you buy now thats less than that? A box of matches?
Jamie Foxx was out for lunch in Malibu Wednesday when he stumbled upon what looks like R2-D2.

The actor definitely wasn't on the set of the next Star Wars, but instead at the Malibu Village shopping center patrolled by a crime-fighting robot.

The robot, called the K5 Knightsope, has been introduced to the shopping centers near and around Los Angeles in December to patrol the mall with its 360-degree camera and help identify potential shop lifters.

Stunned by this futuristic police officer, Foxx examined the machine before pulling out his phone to take a photo.

Jamie Foxx was out to lunch with a friend Wednesday at the Malibu Village shopping center

The actor stumbled upon a robot patrolling the shopping center and appeared perplexed

The robocop-style guard is capable of picking up video footage and sending information back to security headquarters, so they can respond quickly.

That means, Mr Foxx was captured checking out the autonomous robot.

K5 is equipped with a 360-degree camera, WiFi, sensing units and can stream live video, read license plates and detect people.

The bot operates autonomously and looks like a cross between a dalek from Doctor Who and the main character in Wall-E.

The objective of the machine is to differentiate between a harmless passerby and a possible criminal.

Silicon Valley start-up Knightscope manufactures the bot.

The robocop-style guard is capable of picking up video footage and sending information back to security headquarters, so they can respond quickly

Foxx pulled out his phone to take a picture of the futuristic bot

The tech company was co-founded in 2013 by a former police officer after the Sandy Hook tragedy.

The company says that the aim of the robot is not to replace human police officers and private security guards but to provide a fill-in for blind spots.

Last October, robot cops were deployed around New York City, raising questions about privacy concerns, one being that all the data is stored in the cloud.

But Knightscope insist that the information is secured and is only seen by the security agency controlling the robot.

The robots are also increasingly being used in select cities around the US at venues including malls, like the Bloc in LA.

Other places include hospitals, stadiums and warehouses, according to the company's website.
Syria: NGO, civilians fleeing last ISIS-held area US soldiers try to identify jihadists among them

(ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, FEBRUARY 7 - Syrian civilians and family members of ISIS jihadists are continuing to flee the last area held by the so-called Islamic State in Syria which is under attack from Kurdish-Syrian forces, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports. According to the NGO, hundreds of people are fleeing towards the refugee camp of al Hold in eastern Syria but are in very difficult humanitarian conditions.



Kurdish forces and American soldiers on the ground are separating men from women to try to identify ISIS affiliates among the civilians, including foreign militants from Iraq, other Arab countries as well as Caucasians, Russians and Europeans. (ANSAmed).




Distraught pet owners have been told to hand over a $10,000 ransom if they ever want to be reunited with their stolen dog.

Ange Forbes and Chloe Scherini have been on a desperate search to find their dog Jersey ever since the French bulldog Jersey went missing last month, The Courier Mail reported.

'From the moment we recognised she was gone we immediately had three or four families driving around searching for her,' Ms Forbes said.

Distraught pet owners have been told to hand over a $10,000 ransom if they ever want to be reunited with their dog (pictured, missing dog Jersey)

The adorable and much-loved pet was last seen on Corfe Road at Roma in regional Queensland on January 20.

Only now have the pair been given a solid lead in finding their missing dog.

The pair were sent a text message with a demand of a $10,000 ransom.

The dog-napper even included instructions on how to transfer the money into a bank account.

'It was a lot of mixed feelings when we received the message, because you think i's this for real?' and it gives you hope,' Ms Forbes said.

The pair reported the text to police and have become suspicious the bank details belong to a person living in Western Australia.

Ange Forbes and Chloe Scherini have been on a desperate search to find their dog Jersey ever since the French Bulldog went missing last month (Jersey pictured with Ms Forbes and Ms Scherini's other pet)

Even before they got the text, they were convinced someone had picked up their dog.

'If she had gone off she would have gone home because she knows where to go on the farm and that's why we think someone has intercepted her.'

They say the quiet dirt road where the dog was last seen is parallel to the nearby highway - a perfect location for a nabbing.

Not leaving anything to chance, the concerned pet owners have employed pet detectives and paid as much as $1,850 for their services.

They've also reached out to psychics.

While the pet detective was unable to provide any concrete results, Ms Forbes said the psychic was more reliable.

The adorable and much-loved pet was last seen on Corfe Road at Roma (pictured) in regional Queensland on January 20

She said the psychic had described the exact details of the pet dog and said Jersey was picked up and taken more than 250km away from Roma.

Ms Forbes and Ms Scherini haven't come to totally rely on the powers of the psychic and detective skills and also used drones to scan the region.

A post was also made on Facebook and has since turned viral with more than 10,000 shares.

Ms Forbes said she was desperate to be reunited with the lost pet as she treated it like another member of the family.

She said she had a second French bulldog waiting at home waiting impatiently for its friend to return home.

The French bulldog is described as a 'little pocket rocket' and 'mainly black with a white chest and neck'.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar has been accused of being demeaning and cruel to her staff in days before she's expected to announce her presidential campaign, it was revealed on Wednesday.

Multiple former staffers told the Huffington Post that the senator, who cultivates the image of a nice, laid-back girl from the MidWest, is quite the opposite and that at least three people have turned down the chance to run her campaign because of the stories about her.

The report comes as Klobuchar is set to announce her decision on a 2020 campaign on Sunday in Minneapolis. She has been setting the stage for her chance to win the Democratic nomination.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar has been accused of being demeaning and cruel to her staff in days before she's expected to announce her presidential campaign

Staff describe Klobuchar as a demanding boss who accuses of them of bad work and uses aides to perform personal tasks such as washing dishes

But staff describe the senator as a demanding boss who sends dozens of emails over night accusing of them of bad work, ccing multiple colleagues on said emails to publicly embarrass them with her floggings, and using aides to perform personal tasks such as washing dishes at her home or picking up her dry cleaning.

One staffer even recalled how the senator would write out tardy slips to staffers who came to the office late.

Long hours, being pulled into personal tasks, and temper tantrums can and does happen in offices on Capitol Hill where the political pressure turns the professional environment into a pressure cooker.

And staffers are generally over worked and under paid compared to members of Congress. Klobuchar's Senate salary is $174,000.

But the criticism comes as Klobuchar prepares to enter the national spotlight as part of the crowded Democratic presidential primary field, where the tiniest infraction can be multiplied into days of bad news.

Other former staffers, however, defended the senator, saying she puts in long hours and demands that her office meet the high standards she sets for herself.

And some questioned whether former co-workers who thought she was abusive were falling for sexist stereotypes about female leaders with high standards.

'I've heard people say she's tough to work for and I sometimes cringe when I hear it because I rarely hear that said about male bosses in Congress despite the fact that half of Congress is tough to work for,' Tristan Brown, a former legislative aide who called Klobuchar 'probably the most brilliant, hardworking person I've had the privilege to work for,' told the Huffington Post.

A troubling sign, however, is that Klobuchar's office has one of the highest rates of staff turnover in the Senate.

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar is teasing a big announcement in Minneapolis on Sunday where she'll divulge her decision about running for president

She's believed to be laying the groundwork for a presidential campaign

From 2001 to 2016, she was No. 1 in the Senate for staff turnover as measured by LegiStorm, a widely used database of congressional staff information. She's now third.

Her campaign defended the senator as someone who 'loves her staff.'

'Senator Klobuchar loves her staff - they are the reason she has gotten to where she is today,' a campaign spokesperson told Huffington Post. 'She has many staff who have been with her for years - including her Chief of Staff and her State Director, who have worked for her for 5 and 7 years respectively - and many who have gone on to do amazing things, from working in the Obama Administration (over 20 of them) to running for office to even serving as the Agriculture Commissioner for Minnesota. She is proud of them and the work they have done for Minnesota.'
On 19th January, we published an article with the headline Gender activists want to BAN beloved 1982 British childrens book Dear Zoo for being SEXIST because all the animals are male. We are happy to clarify that the campaign group Let Toys Be Toys has not made any such demand for the book Dear Zoo to be banned, nor has it labelled the childrens book as sexist.

To report an inaccuracy, please email corrections@mailonline.co.uk. To make a formal complaint under IPSO rules please go to www.mailonline.co.uk/readerseditor where you will find an easy-to-use complaints form. You can also write to Readers Editor, MailOnline, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT or contact IPSO directly at ipso.co.uk
A man has been caught proposing to his girlfriend in the middle of a busy Sydney street.

The romantic was captured down on one knee when he popped the question on Cooper Wharf road in the city's east.

The bizarre proposal, uploaded to Reddit, attracted dozens of comments from users who were quick to label the man's proposal as 'trashy'.

One user defended the proposal and predicted the location may have been the spot where the couple first met.

The man was captured down on one knee when he popped the question on the Woolloomooloo highway in the city's east

Another user said he had proposed to his wife at the car park of a bottle shop.

'I proposed to my wife in a Dan Murphy's car park because that's where we shared our first kiss (and because I thought it would be funny),' he wrote.

Reddit user Rosey0210, who posted captured the moment, was not sure if the woman ended up saying yes.

The strange roadside proposal follows a number of other wild romantic gestures by Australians in recent months.

Western Australian farmer Brendan Boyd proposed to the love of his life last week by cutting into a wheat field with a tractor to spell the message 'Marry Me Emma'.

He shared the unique proposal on Twitter and wrote: 'Luckily I can drive neater than I can write.'

'Luckily I can drive neater than I can write. Found a chaser driver dad #dronegogglesdidtherest #font640d,' the farmer wrote on Twitter

In December 2018, Doctor Dennis Neuen, 27, proposed to his girlfriend Melissa Godwin, 27, through a crossword puzzle that appeared in the Australian magazine Good Weekend.

Only those tho made it to question 25 would have noticed the hidden marriage proposal.

'I got up to "will you marry me Mel" and I just started crying,' Ms Godwin told Fairfax.

The quiz's 25th question read: 'Establish the hidden message in today's quiz: it has been constructed using the first letter of every question.'

Dennis Neuen, 27, (left) decided to propose to his girlfriend Melissa Rosamond Godwin, 27, with a quiz (pictured together)

A Melbourne woman, whose proposal came as a surprise to her, came up with a savvy solution for her engagement ring shot.

She asked her helpful cousin, who had perfectly manicured hands, to wear her engagement ring and stretch it over the kissing couple because she hadn't done her own nails.

The cousin could be seen awkwardly crouching out of sight as she tried to stay out of the shot.
The six Nxivm members who have been indicted on federal charges for their role in a sub-group of the cult that branded sex slaves appeared in a New York court on Wednesday.

The five women were all seen making their way into the Brooklyn court looking alarmingly gaunt.

Billionaire Clare Bronfman had announced last week she would no longer be covering the legal fees of her co-defendants. That made for an icy reception inside the courtroom, where the members all ignored one another and their leader Keith Raniere, who showed up after going a week without electricity and heat at the nearby Municipal Detention Center (MDC).

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Actress Allison Mack (center) is seen leaving United States Federal Court Wednesday after a hearing in the case against her in which she accused of helping to run an alleged sex cult in Brooklyn, New York

Mack put on a brave face inside the courtroom and then looked emotional as she headed back to the airport

Lauren Salzman, a co-defendant in the alleged sex cult case related to the Nxivm company and the daughter of the company's co-founder Nancy Salzman, is seen outside the United States Federal Court in Brooklyn Wedneday

As a result, his rapidly graying hair had begin to frizz and gather into an afro of sorts on top of his head.

One day prior he was denied bond in the case for the third time, despite grim conditions at the MDC.

That news prompted one of his exes to tell the New York Post: I dont think anyones rights should be violated and everyone deserves to be treated humanely, but considering the money and power (Nxivm) had, and the way they treated people for so long  karmas a b***h.

Smallville star Allison Mack also seemed to be feeling a bit low on Wednesday, as she put on a brave face inside the courtroom and then looked on the verge of tears as she headed back to the airport.

The actress spent approximately 11 hours in the air round trip to appear at the hearing for approximately 45 minutes.

And she will be coming back soon, with the next hearing set for February 28.

Leader Keith Raniere (pictured) was this week denied bond in the case for the third time, despite grim conditions at the MDC

Raniere is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York (pictured)

Mack spent approximately 11 hours in the air round trip to appear at the hearing for approximately 45 minutes

Judge Garaufis told the lawyers last week that the group was almost out of money, a little over one month after ruled that he would allow Bronfman to create a legal fund to pay counsel for the other defendants in the case.

The exact amount of that fund has never been revealed, and the number has been reported as somewhere between $5 and $10 million.

Unfortunately, Judge Garaufis informed counsel that three-quarters of the fund was gone already, and with the trial set to start in late April there was no conceivable way that the defendants would be able to pay their attorneys once the money was gone from the fund.

That is because Bronfman has elected to not replenish the fund she created, meaning that only she and Raniere are assured high-profile representation when the case heads to trial.

Mack, Lauren and Nancy Salzman, and Russell on the other hand may soon be getting court-appointed representation.

Raniere's lawyer Marc Agnifilo said in court on Monday that he would see the trial through regardless of his client's financial situation.

Salzman is seen leaving Brooklyn Federal Courthouse on Wednesday

Catherine Oxenberg arrives at Brooklyn federal court, in New York, Wednesday. Oxenberg's daughter India has been named in a criminal complaint against NXIVM

Judge Garaufis pointed out however that Agnifilo, unlike the others, was given a sizable retainer fee when he came on as counsel.

That fee is believed to be in the low seven figures.

The other attorneys must now submit an ex-parte letter that details how they plan to move forward, with the judge urging anyone who wishes to step down to do so quickly so new counsel can get caught up ahead of the trial.

A superseding indictment released in July revealed that Raniere, Mack and Lauren Salzman were being charged with wire fraud.

It was also revealed that Raniere and Salzman allegedly locked a woman in a room for two years because she was affectionate for a man who was not her master.

'Raniere and Lauren Salzman trafficked a victim, who was once a sexual partner of Ranieres, for labor and services,' read a statement released by the US Attorney's Office.

'The victim was confined to a room in Clifton Park, New York, for nearly two years as punishment for having romantic feelings for a man who was not Raniere.

'The victim was told that if she left the room she would be sent to Mexico without any identification documents.

Clare Bronfman leaves Brooklyn federal court in New York, Monday

In papers submitted on Thursday, Raniere's (pictured in a courtroom sketch in April 2018) attorneys say his 'detention at the MDC, which is functioning as a more extreme deprivation of his rights than what is typical for pretrial detainees'

'As threatened, she was driven to Mexico and her family was instructed by co-conspirators, including Lauren Salzman, not to send the victim her identification documents.'

The women who are out on bail are under home confinement, while Raniere has not been granted bail in the case.

The six members have all entered pleas of not guilty to the charges against them, which carry considerable prison time.

'Raniere and his inner circle, including the defendants Clare Bronfman, Allison Mack, Nancy Salzman, Lauren Salzman and Kathy Russell also known as 'Prefect,' and others known and unknown, comprised an organized criminal enterprise (the 'Enterprise'),' reads the new indictment.

The branding used by the Nxivm cult. Among the criminal offenses that members of this group allegedly carried out are 'identity theft, harboring of aliens for financial gain, extortion, forced labor, sex trafficking, money laundering, wire fraud and obstruction of justice'

'The principal purpose of the Enterprise was to obtain financial and personal benefits for the members of the Enterprise by promoting the defendant Keith Raniere, also known as 'Vanguard,' and by recruiting new members into the Pyramid Organizations.

'By promoting Raniere and recruiting others into the Pytu-id Organizations, the members of the Enterprise expected to receive financial opportunities and increased power and status within the Enterprise.'

Among the criminal offenses that members of this group allegedly carried out are 'identity theft, harboring of aliens for financial gain, extortion, forced labor, sex trafficking, money laundering, wire fraud and obstruction of justice.'
Cheyanne Harris, 21, has been found guilty of first-degree murder and child endangerment causing death

An Iowa mother has been found guilty of killing her son after allowing the four-month-old to rot to death in a maggot-infested swing with extreme diaper rash.

It took Plymouth County jurors about four hours to find 21-year-old Cheyanne Harris guilty of first-degree murder and child endangerment causing death.

Sterling Koehn was lifeless and bleeding from the mouth when he was found rotting in his swing in a sweltering bedroom on Aug 30 2017, in an apartment in Alta Vista, Chickasaw County.

An autopsy shows he died of malnutrition, dehydration and an E. coli infection from wearing a maggot-infested diaper for up to two weeks.

Drug user Harris - who pleaded not guilty - was arrested after medics found the baby.

Police said they found everything needed to care for the child, including new diapers and baby ointment to treat the rash, inside the home, The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports.

First-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

The boy's father, Zachary Koehn, 29, has already been sentenced to life in prison.

The drug using mother allowed her four-month-old son Sterling Koehn to rot to death in a maggot-infested swing from extreme diaper rash

Sterling, pictured, died of malnutrition, dehydration and an E. coli infection, after being left to rot for up to two weeks

Police said they found everything needed to care for the child, including new diapers and baby ointment to treat the rash, inside Harris' home. She seen here January 30th in court

Koehn is said to have made $45,000 a year and had access to health insurance but witnesses told the court the apartment smelt of urine, feces and decay. The couple's other two-year-old daughter appeared healthy.

Baby Sterling's blanket was covered in urine and there were maggots on his clothing, the court heard.

Chief Deputy Reed Palo said Harris told him she had fed the baby about four ounces the night before he was found.

A forensic entomologist said Sterling had been in his swing for nine to 14 days in the same diaper and said he had 'not had a diaper change, bath, or been removed from the seat in over a week'.

The baby's father Zachary Paul Koehn, pictured, was convicted of first-degree murder and child endangerment. He has already has been sentenced to life in prison

The couple's daughter, two, was also in the apartment at the time the baby was found dead

Koehn and Cheyanne Harris' (pictured together) baby Sterling was found in the swing

Harris, who reported last using meth weeks before the death, had postpartum depression and was expected to use intoxication or diminished responsibility as a defense.

Defence attorney Nichole Watt said: 'The monster in this case is mental health. The monster in this case is depression.'

Zachary Paul Koehn, 29, of Alta Vista, was convicted in under two hours and received a mandatory prison sentence of life without parole for the child endangerment that caused the death of four-month-old Sterling Koehn.

Jordan Clark, a former friend of Koehn's, had testified that he wasn't even aware the man had a baby.
A metre-long deadly eastern brown snake gave a homeowner the shock of her life when he popped his head out of the kitchen sink as she poured herself a cup of tea.

The woman, from Coromandel Valley, in the Adelaide foothills, promptly called Snake Catchers Adelaide to remove the unwanted kitchen guest on Saturday.

'I've got a snake in my kitchen sink, I can see it's head but it's stuck and it can't get out, can someone please come and get it out I don't want it in there,' the women told the snake catchers.

A metre-long deadly eastern brown snake gave a homeowner the shock of her life when he popped his head out of the kitchen sink (pictured)

In a video shared online, the snake's small head is seen popping out of the plughole before quickly retracting.

Snake catcher Max came to the rescue, removing the drainage pipe and taking it outside.

The snake showed no interest in slithering away and Max was forced to unscrew the pipe to get him out.

Wielding a hook, Max latches onto the snake's slithering body before displaying him to the terrified owner.

'Oh my god, it's huge,' she said.

Max said the snake was average size, to which the homeowner quickly rebutted: 'For your sink, probably not'.

Snake catcher Max came to the rescue and removed the sink pipe from the kitchen to take the snake outside (pictured)

The videos were met with an influx of comments on Facebook, with users labeling the instance 'just another day in Australia'.

'Straya, where you can die doing the dishes!' commented one person.

'I'm not washing dishes ever again it's now someone else's job,' wrote another.

Ange Broadstock from Snake Catchers Adelaide said the woman seem a 'little anxious'.

Ms Broadstock said a snake in the sink was 'not a common occurrence' in the city, but they had been met with other peculiar sightings.

'I'd say over the last ten years we have had a blue tongue come up in a bath tub, a baby red belly was on a lady's sink as she was washing up,' she said.

'We have had a small brown snake in a hand basin in a bathroom, a brown snake pop it's head up whilst a lady was in the shower, and another recently where a young boy was on the toilet and a brown snake popped it's head through the grid in the middle of the bathroom floor.'

Wielding a hook, Max latches onto the snakes slithering body before displaying him to the terrified owner (pictured)

The findings served as a reminder for residents to keep an eye on their pipes and fixtures to ensure they aren't broken, Ms Broadstock said.

'Snake only need less than 5mm gap to get under as they can completely flatten themselves out,' she said.

Ms Broadstock explained that Max was met with a few difficulties while trying to remove the snake.

'At first Max took the grate off the sink to make the area bigger so the snake would come out,' she said.

The snake began to come forward before changing its mind and darting back into the pipe.

'This of course made the job harder for Max,' Ms Broadstock said.

'So he ended up undoing the pipe work and taking it outside, pulling it all to pieces to finally remove the snake and then put their kitchen sink back together.'
The royal name blame game rumbles on: did Prince Harry 'ask' the Queen's permission to name his daughter Lilibet or 'tell' her? The baby has been named after the private family nickname for the Queen, the baby's great-grandmother. Harry and Meghan say that they 'shared' their hopes of using the name with the Queen in advance. But senior Palace sources told the BBC that the Queen was 'never asked' her opinion on the couple's decision to name their new baby after her childhood nickname. This prompted furious Harry to send a legal warning to the media, followed by a statement that raised more questions than answers. It insisted that the BBC report was wholly wrong and read: 'The Duke spoke with his family in advance of the announcement, in fact his grandmother was the first family member he called. During that conversation, he shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honour. Had she not been supportive, they would not have used the name.' But Mail on Sunday journalist Kate Mansey (left) says on Palace Confidential that the whole row has made Her Majesty decide that the Palace will challenge 'mistruths' made about the family. 'It's particularly significant that tempers are at such a level in the palace that impeccable sources - insiders - are telling me that 'enough's enough',' she says. 'I think this is very much a shot across the bows for the Sussexes' spin machine they are not going to stand for 'mistruths' - as I was told - being represented in the global media'.
Young renters are being urged to 'watch and wait' before buying a house or apartment with experts tipping a $60,000 plummet by Christmas.

The vast majority of consumers are unfazed about the plunge in Sydney and Melbourne property prices, the ME Bank's bi-annual Household Financial Comfort Report released on Thursday showed.

Just 13 per cent of home owners and 11 per cent of investors expected the value of their properties to fall in 2019.

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Young renters are being urged to consider buying a house or apartment now before prices rise again (stock image)

The survey of 1,500 households had a sunny outlook for real estate despite a panel of economists with finance comparison website finder.com.au predicting Sydney house prices would fall by close to $60,000 by Christmas.

They expected Sydney real estate values to plunge by another 6.5 per cent, or $58,275, bringing median values to $844,511, as Melbourne house prices dropped by 6.7 per cent, or $49,880, to $690,545.

The upbeat assessment from the ME Bank survey also came despite CoreLogic data showing Sydney's median house price had plummeted by 10.9 per cent in the year to January 31 as Melbourne's equivalent values slumped by 10.6 per cent.

'Cooling housing and share markets haven't yet dented the financial outlook of most Australian households, and many residential property owners remain positive,' the ME Bank report said.

ME Bank consulting economist Jeff Oughton said now was a good time for young renters thinking of buying a house to 'watch and wait' for a bargain.

'Keep an eye on the market and if it's moving in your way be ready to pounce,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday.

Consumers are unfazed about the plunge in Sydney (pictured) and Melbourne property prices, the Member's Equity Bank's bi-annual Household Financial Comfort Report showed

'I'd be a happy person watching and waiting. It's a cooling, it's not a crash.

'You've got renters and you've got would-be first-home buyers where the market is cooling and they're benefiting from that.'

Australian house rules Sydney, down 10.9% to $902,786 Melbourne, down 10.6% to $740,425 Brisbane, up 0.1% to $540,750 Adelaide, up 0.9% to $464,584 Perth, down 5.3% to $465,120 Hobart, up 7% to $494,810 Darwin, up 2.3% to $502,023 Canberra, up 4.3% to $668,469 Source: CoreLogic detached median house prices in year to January 31 Advertisement

Major banks are expecting more bad news in real estate, with ANZ expecting Sydney and Melbourne house prices to plunge by 20 per cent compared with their 2017 peaks.

Despite that, Mr Oughton said more consumers believed the worst was over in Australia's two biggest property markets.

'Those investors are still relatively optimistic about house prices compared to the gloom and doom of some commentators,' he said.

'They're looking for the market to bottom out, they're saying it's going to be in the near-term during the next year, it could be a bit longer than that.

'Over the longer-term, the property market will be okay and it will still be a good investment.'

Just 13 per cent of home owners and 11 per cent of investors expected the value of their properties to fall in 2019

The steep drop in property values appears to have reduced mortgage stress, where households are spending more than 30 per cent of their after-tax income on rent or mortgage repayments.

Less than half, or 47 per cent, of households were in this position at the end of 2018, compared with 56 per cent in mid-2018, the ME Bank report showed.

The drop in property prices had hit higher-income earners harder, with the overall financial comfort of those on more than $200,000 a year falling by six per cent.

Australians earning an average full-time salary of $82,400 a year enjoyed a seven per cent improvement in their comfort levels, as did those earning between $75,000 and $100,000 a year.

Lower-income earners also did well, with their financial comfort rising by two per cent, with rent increases now at the slowest pace since the 1991 recession.

'Rents have risen across Australia at less than about half a per cent last year,' Mr Oughton said.

'That's the slowest growth in rentals since the early 90s recession.'
A New Jersey down is expressing disappointment in their resident George Washington impersonator after he claimed that 'all the Indian people' made hum lose a local committee election.

Sam Davis, a well-known impersonator in Chesterfield, lost a second run election for the township committee and demanded that a criminal investigation be launched into the 117-vote margin.

Davis's sentiments were immediately deemed racist by Balvir Singh, the county's first Indian-American elected to the freeholder board.

Sam Davis's comments came after he loss to newcomer Shreekant Dhopte in the general election for the Chesterfield township committee seat

'For the past three years I was a committeeman where I live in Chesterfield, he said on the post . 'I ran again I busted my butt knocking on doors buying my own signs for the lawns. It (a) Indian guy ran against me and he beat me by 116 votes.'

'If you want to be prejudice against a group of people based on their ethnicity that's the text book definition of a racist,' Singh said, NJ.com reports.

Singh said that he learned on Tuesday that Davis had requested an investigation with the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office. They determined that there was no merit in the investigation, however.

Joel Bewley, spokesman for the prosecutor, said that he 'cannot discuss the potential existence of an investigation into election results.'

Davis's comments came after he loss to newcomer Shreekant Dhopte in the general election in November. They were made under a Facebook post from last week that said 'Don't tip immigrants.'

Dhopte, a 45-year-old IT manager for a pharmaceutical company, said that Davis had invited him into his home and promised not to run a negative campaign

'For the past three years I was a committeeman where I live in Chesterfield, he said on the post. 'I ran again I busted my butt knocking on doors buying my own signs for the lawns. It (a) Indian guy ran against me and he beat me by 116 votes.'

'I know for fact all the Indian people in Chesterfield voted for him and I also know that they are not United States citizens. It's a law that you must be a citizen to vote. If you are not a citizen and voted in an election it is a $15,000 fine. At this time The Burlington county prosecutors office is investigating illegal voting activity. I can't wait until those people or slap with that big fine. That'll teach him a lesson.'

Dhopte, a 45-year-old IT manager for a pharmaceutical company, said that Davis had invited him into his home and promised not to run a negative campaign.

'He knows these accusations are baseless. I think he has lost his mind,' he said. 'I did not expect him to say anything like this. I don't know what happened to him.'

Dhopte was born in India and came to the United States when he was 27 in 2000. He became a citizen in 2012.

Dhopte was born in India and came to the United States when he was 27 in 2000. He became a citizen in 2012

The man said that when he initially met Davis, the impersonator was too excited to show off his historical passion.

'He took me to a room of memorabilia for when he plays George Washington  all the costumes, how proud he was,' Dhopte said. 'I thought the guy was a patriot, a nice person.'

In the 2018 midterm, Democrats took nearly 60 per cent of the vote and swung control of Burlington County for the first time since 1975.

But Singh believes that under President Trump, people's prejudice can now come to the forefront.

'In 2016, expressing hatred of groups of people has become normalized,' Singh said. 'I'm astonished we are here in 2019 and this is still happening.'

Dhopte won with 1,174 votes to 1,057 votes for Davis and 211 votes for Independent Indian candidate Jignesh Shah.

Recent census data shows that there are 1,000 Asian residents in the population of 8,000.
Catalan police charge Moroccan minor with six rapes 17-year-old being held under protection in a government centre

(ANSAmed) - MADRID, FEBRUARY 7 - The Mossos d'Esquadra Catalan police force has identified a 17-year-old Moroccan as the suspect in a string of rapes that had terrorised the Poble Sec neighbourhood of Barcelona in recent months and had set off protests by local feminist associations.



Following a complex investigation, police identified the youth, who was being hosted at a reception centre for foreign minors, as the aggressor in six rapes of women between the ages of 40 and 78.



The rapes took place in Montjuic, Poble Sec, and the area surrounding Vall d'Hebron, according to police sources cited by Catalan daily El Periodico.



The minor, whose identity has not been released, is currently being held under protection in the same Generalitat government centre where he was staying last summer from the time he arrived in Spain from Morocco.



Sources said he frequently escaped from the centre to commit the rapes, in which he allegedly managed to hide his face from his victims, who described him only as a heavyset young man of Arab origin.



Police were able to identify the minor through DNA evidence.



(ANSAmed).




Meghan Markle's half-brother Thomas Markle Jr appeared in an Oregon court Wednesday to answer to his January arrest for driving under the influence.

Dressed in a collared short with a checked print, dark blue jeans and a black jacket, the 52-year-old of Grants Pass, casually stood with his hands in his pockets during the hearing.

It was a stark contrast as he appeared alongside a legal rep who donned a gray suit jacket with thin pin-striped shirt and a colorful tie.

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Thomas Markle Jr appeared in court in Grants Pass, Oregon on Wednesday to answer for DUI

The pair nervously exchanged words with a judge at Josephine County Circuit Court a few weeks after he was pulled over on a Josephine County highway by state police at 1.33am.

According to a police log, Markle Jr was 'visibly intoxicated' and the arresting officer administered a standardized field sobriety test.

He was taken to Grants Pass Sobriety Center where he was found to have a BAC level of 0.11 percent. The blood alcohol limit was 0.8 per cent.

Records show Markle's green Chevy Silverado was towed.

Markle Jr explained after the incident that he got caught behind the wheel after arguing with his partner at a bar about when to go home.

He told the Mirror he and Darlene Blount continued an altercation in his vehicle and at their home after she wouldn't stop playing slot machines.

Wedding bells: Thomas Markle Jr, 52, and fiancee Darlene Blount, 38, revealed they will tie the knot in March

When he left the property to deescalate the situation, he hopped into his truck but was arrested when law enforcement pulled him over and he couldn't walk in a straight line at their request because his leg was in pain.

In an interview with DailyMail.com earlier this month, the window-fitter revealed he and fiancee Blount will tie the knot in March.

The pair have been together for more than two years but have endured multiple alcohol-related incidents that have seen both arrested.

Blount, 38, was arrested in late July at the couple's Grants Pass home after she allegedly blacked Markle Jr's eye.

The two quickly reconciled and Markle Jr would later state the incident was an 'accident' and begged a judge to lift Blount's no-contact order.

Markle Jr told District Attorney Michelle Enfield in November that the couple want to be together and have quit boozing, as well as undergoing therapy.

Meghan Markle remains estranged from her half-brother despite his multiple attempts to reconcile. He said the Duchess of Sussex is invited to his nuptials

'I explained to the lady at the DA's office that we've had ups and downs in our relationship, we both have troubled pasts.

Thomas Markle Jr is seen in his 2017 mugshot. He was arrested at his Oregon home after pulling a gun on his now-fiancee during a drunken altercation

'A lot of trauma from our past experiences and that we're both really getting to know each other and sometimes, if we do drink a little bit too much, those buttons get pushed really easy.

'We get in some pretty good arguments and stuff like this happens. But I explained to her, I said we're getting couples' counseling, individual counseling and we've drastically just cut alcohol and beer out of our lives.'

In January 2017, Markle Jr was arrested at his Oregon home after pulling a gun on his now-fiancee during a drunken altercation.

Blount told cops she had been in fear for her life and he spent two nights in the Josephine County Jail as a result, although the case was dropped the following month.

Blount was again previously collared after another drunken argument and bizarrely accused Markle Jr of hitting himself during a 911 call with local cops.
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The damage bill is rising in Townsville as deadly floodwaters slowly recede and residents begin to mop up in the wake of record-breaking rainfall.

In just 10 days, parts of the Far North Queensland city copped the same amount of rain which falls in Melbourne over three years.

The Victorian capital, which was also hit with freak storms overnight, receives about 600mm of rain each year, less than a third of what has fallen since the monsoonal trough started ravaging Townsville.

Locals wade through flood water in the suburb of Hermit Park in Townsville. Parts of the city have received the same amount of rain which falls in Melbourne over three years in just 10 days

The damage bill is rising in the Far North Queensland city as deadly floodwaters slowly recede. Hermit Park in Townsville is pictured

The monsoonal trough started ravaging North Queensland nearly two weeks ago. It is expected to pass by Friday afternoon

'The city has had the rain Melbourne gets in two years - but some of the surrounding areas had what Melbourne sees in three,' Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Lachlan Stoney told Daily Mail Australia.

'In Upper Bluewater, Paluma, and Woolshed we've seen the highest 10-day rainfall since records began - two metres worth.'

The average annual rainfall for those areas is about 1200mm, which means the region has copped over 18 months worth of rain in little over a week.

Damage assessment has begun in Townsville and the Insurance Council of Australia had more than 6,500 claims worth $80 million on Wednesday.

Sue Pollard becomes emotional as she walks around her flood-affected house in the suburb of Hermit Park

Piles of damaged property is seen outside a home in Townsville on Wednesday amid the flood crisis

This map shows the 24-hour rainfall in parts of North Queensland as residents grapple with devastating floods

Residents and helpers remove flood-damaged items from homes in the suburb of Rosslea in Townsville on Thursday

On Wednesday night 350 people remained in four evacuation centres and 8,600 people had no power.

In parts of the north Queensland city, residents have been hosing down their mud-filled houses and throwing out flood-damaged belongings for days while some suburbs remain waterlogged.

The mood has been stoic but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has warned that while they are a resilient people, the enormity of what they'd been through would soon hit.

The once-in-a-century big wet event caused flooding that killed two men, forced thousands of people to flee and is expected to have impacted up to 20,000 homes to some degree.

On Wednesday night 350 people remained in four evacuation centres and 8,600 people had no power. A woman is seen in knee-deep water on the streets of Townsville

Damage assessment has begun in Townsville and the Insurance Council of Australia had more than 6,500 claims worth $80 million on Wednesday

In parts of the north Queensland city, residents have been hosing down their mud-filled houses and throwing out flood-damaged belongings

Cattle have been killed in their thousands and entire herds have been left isolated and facing possible starvation.

McKinlay Shire Mayor Belinda Murphy said graziers are braced for major stock losses but can't yet get a handle on what's happened to their animals.

She has warned that without enduring government assistance in the months ahead, the industry could be 'brought to its knees'.

'Going from extreme drought to extreme flood and losing half of your income in nine or 10 days is just phenomenal,' Ms Murphy has told ABC radio.

Cattle have been killed in their thousands and entire herds have been left isolated and facing possible starvation

Graziers are braced for major stock losses but can't yet get a handle on what's happened to their animals

Residents use a boat and an inflatable pool to salvage furniture from their flood-affected home in the suburb of Hermit Park in Townsville

'Producers are struggling to get out and about to see what they're dealing with.

'But when talking to people who are off the land out here ... for 30, 40 years and longer... even without looking they are knowing that their herd losses could be anywhere from 20 to 50 per cent.'

Rural Aid chief executive Charles Alder said farmers were facing a dire situation.

Sue Pollard (right) is comforted by her daughter as she becomes emotional inside her flood-affected house

A man helps total strangers to remove flood-damaged items from their home in the suburb of Rosslea on Thursday

'These guys have gone from last week feeding their cattle to this week trying to rescue them in thousands of numbers from these flood waters that are just ripping through,' he told the ABC.

He said getting help to flooded communities was very difficult, given how widespread the flooding was.

'There are some farming properties with tens of thousands of cattle that are at risk of being stranded or dying.

A large pile of water damaged items are seen in front of a flood-affected house in the suburb of Hermit Park

A house is surrounded by flood water in Hermit Park on Wednesday morning

Residents are seen salvaging items from their flood-affected homes in Townsville on Wednesday

'We heard this morning of 3,000 or 4,000 weaners (calves) that literally were in a paddock yesterday and aren't there this morning. It's just soul destroying.'

The monsoonal trough is expected to bring further heavy rain and damaging winds between Cardwell and Sarina, south of Mackay, and inland on Thursday - but is expected to move offshore by Friday.

Meanwhile, storms that battered Victoria overnight have led to thousands of power outages, prompted more than 200 calls for help and sparked a house fire.

The State Emergency Service received more than 200 calls for fallen trees, power lines, building damage and flooding, a State Control Centre spokesman said.

Storms that battered Victoria overnight have led to thousands of power outages, prompted more than 200 calls for help and sparked a house fire

State Emergency Service received more than 200 calls for fallen trees, power lines, building damage and flooding in Melbourne on Wednesday night

Two people escaped injury when a lightning strike set their house alight in Melbourne's north on Wednesday night

As at 8.30am, there were 5,000 power outages statewide as a result of the storms, with more of the same weather forecast on Thursday.

Hailstones the size of ping-pong balls damaged cars in parts of the city.

Two people escaped injury when a lightning strike set their house alight in Melbourne's north on Wednesday night.

Thirty firefighters battled the blaze in Penola St, Preston, sparked when a bolt from the violent storms that swept through Melbourne struck a domestic gas meter.

The inferno was brought under control after 45 minutes, with two occupants safely evacuated and helped to find alternative accommodation.

Thirty firefighters battled the blaze in Penola St, Preston, sparked when a bolt from the violent storms that swept through Melbourne struck a domestic gas meter

Hailstones the size of ping-pong balls fell in parts of Melbourne on Wednesday

Wednesday's wild weather left thousands of homes across Victoria without power and lightning brought the suburban Upfield train line to a halt after it damaged rail equipment, with passengers told to find alternative transport.

The severe storm threat isn't over, with the weather bureau predicting another humid day with high chance of rain.

Melbourne is forecast for a top of 30 degrees on Thursday, 80 per cent chance of rain and possible storms bringing heavy falls.

'There is again the chance of some showers and thunderstorms, they'll most likely affect the eastern half, there's less of a risk over the western suburbs today,' the Bureau of Meteorology's senior meteorologist Dean Stewart told 3AW.

'But there's still that chance, particularly this afternoon, into the early evening.'

The severe storm threat isn't over, with the weather bureau predicting another humid day with high chance of rain
A minister has been forced to apologise for inappropriate conduct towards a female soldier during a military exchange trip in Darwin.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) member lodged a formal complaint about Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport Scott Buchholz's conduct, the ABC reported on Thursday.

'I behaved like an idiot on a parliamentary exchange last year and I recognise how inappropriate my actions were,' the Queensland Liberal said.

'I apologised for my conduct and the offence I caused, and I reiterate my deep respect for the ADF (Australian Defence Force) and its members.'

Liberal frontbencher Scott Buchholz (centre), with Liberal Ian Goodenough (left) and Labor's Luke Gosling (right), has been forced to apologise for inappropriate conduct towards a female soldier

The incident occurred while Mr Buchholz, who was a backbencher at the time, and the RAAF member were on a military exchange program in August 2018

The incident occurred while Mr Buchholz, who was a backbencher at the time, and the RAAF member were on a military exchange program in August 2018.

Mr Buchholz was promoted as the Assistant Roads and Transport Minister by the newly installed Prime Minister Scott Morrison weeks after the incident.

The Defence Department declined to detail the inappropriate actions that promoted the female officer's complaint.

The incident was 'referred to the Office of the Minister for Defence Personnel'.

The Department of Defence is reportedly satisfied with an apology Mr Buchholz made to the department.

During the exchange program, Mr Buchholz and fellow MPs angered some in Defence after they ditched a scheduled 'Exercise Pitch Black' event to attend the Darwin Cup races.

The scheduled event was a biennial training exercise in northern Australia involving RAAF members and up to 4,000 personnel from Australia's military allies.

Mr Buchholz was promoted as the Assistant Roads and Transport Minister by the newly installed Prime Minister Scott Morrison (right) weeks after the incident

Liberal MP Ian Goodenough, who joined Mr Buchholz in the Darwin Cup races, has defended the group's actions while taking part in the taxpayer-funded program.

He was advised the Darwin Cup was a major event in the Northern Territory.

Local Labor MP Luke Gosling had consulted with ADF officials to arrange leave during the program to attend the races.
Convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein received a relatively light sentence after he struck a plea deal with Florida prosecutors in 2008

The Justice Department has opened an investigation into federal prosecutors' handling of a plea deal in which a wealthy, politically connected Florida financier avoided potentially severe penalties for sexually abusing teenage girls in favor of a relatively light state conviction.

The department's Office of Professional Responsibility wrote in a letter Wednesday to U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, R-Nebraska, that it would examine whether professional misconduct occurred in the highly publicized case of Jeffrey Epstein.

The letter cited a series of recent articles by the Miami Herald that focused new attention on how the deal came about.

Sasse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who has twice asked the Justice Department to investigate the case, welcomed the news.

'Jeffrey Epstein is a child rapist and there's not a single mom or dad in America who shouldn't be horrified by the fact that he received a pathetically soft sentence,' Sasse said in an email.

'The victims of Epstein's child sex trafficking ring deserve this investigation - and so do the American people and members of law enforcement who work to put these kinds of monsters behind bars.'

The Justice Department has opened an investigation into federal prosecutors' handling of the plea deal struck by Epstein, whose wealth and political connections are suspected to have played a role in the relatively light punishment he received

Epstein, now 66, reached a nonprosecution deal in 2008 with then-Miami U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta's office to secretly end a federal sex abuse investigation involving at least 40 teenage girls that could have landed him behind bars for life.

He instead pleaded guilty to state charges, spent 13 months in jail, paid settlements to victims and is a registered sex offender.

Acosta, now President Donald Trump's labor secretary, has defended the deal as appropriate but has not commented since the recent round of stories.

He was asked about the case during his Senate confirmation hearings for the Cabinet post.

Alleged victim Michelle Licata sheds tears as she recalled her sexual encounters with Epstein saying 'He had no repercussions and doesn't even believe he did anything wrong'

Virginia Roberts, pictured above, claimed Epstein abused her sexually at the age of 16

The underage girls were lured to Epstein's mansion in Florida with the lure of a couple hundred dollars to give him a massage- he allegedly sexually assaulted many of them

'At the end of the day, based on the evidence, professionals within a prosecutor's office decided that a plea that guarantees someone goes to jail, that guarantees he register generally and guarantees other outcomes, is a good thing,' he said.

The U.S. attorney's office in Miami had no immediate comment Wednesday on the new investigation.

An attorney for Epstein did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to court papers, Epstein had a Palm Beach mansion where underage girls were brought for what they were sometimes told were massage sessions but often turned into sexual encounters.

He allegedly had female fixers who would look for suitable girls, some local and others recruited from Eastern Europe and other parts of the world.

Before the scandal broke, Epstein was friends with Trump and had visited his Mar-a-Lago resort.

Trump at the time told interviewers that Epstein was 'a great guy.'

Records also show former President Bill Clinton flew on Epstein's jet more than two dozen times on various philanthropic trips.

President Trump's current Labor Secretary Alex Acosta (right) was the top federal prosecutor in Miami that brokered the deal to have Epstein serve just over a year behind bars instead of life behind bars

Epstein also has a home in New York City, a ranch in New Mexico and a private Caribbean island.

Some of his accusers are pursuing a separate legal effort to nullify the plea agreement and, they hope, expose him to federal prosecution again.

That lawsuit in West Palm Beach federal court contends their rights as victims were violated because they were not consulted or informed about the nonprosecution agreement before it was finalized.

Last year, Epstein settled a defamation lawsuit brought against him by some of the accusers' lawyer, Bradley Edwards, who said Epstein tried to derail his representation of the women and ruin his career.

In settling, Epstein apologized and agreed to pay an undisclosed amount to Edwards.

More than 60 girls have claimed they were turned into sex slaves by Epstein when they were teenagers and Edwards previously won $5.5million for some victims.


When Rebecca Beissel's nine-year-old son Beau first complained he was feeling unwell, she thought he was suffering from a virus that would pass.

She had no idea he had contracted a dangerous bacterial infection which would be dismissed as a fever by doctors before it almost claimed his life.

When Rebecca Beissel's son Beau (pictured) complained he was feeling unwell she first thought it to be a passing virus

'He was not really interested in food and definitely eating less,' Mrs Beissel said.

'He was feeling lethargic, which is unusual for a young boy and the stomach pains in particular were something that was a significant symptom.'

So bad were the little boy's pains, Mrs Beissel said he couldn't get from one room in their house to the next.

'I had to carry him around the house to take him to the toilet,' she said.

Mrs Beissel called an ambulance to their Wallumbilla property in remote Queensland to take him to the closest hospital at Roma - a 30-minute drive.

Doctors carried out a series of tests and sent the family back home, believing he was suffering from a typical virus.

But Mrs Beissel wouldn't take that for an answer.

'He was just getting progressively worse,' she said. 'By this time he was right off his food. Instinct as a mother kicked in and I just felt like we had to do something.'

Mrs Beissel took Beaut to their GP and Dr Rosie Geraghty was immediately suspicious that Beau had a rare and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection.

Beau (pictured) was in so much pain his mother had to carry him from one room to the next

The bacterial infection, Q Fever, can leave lifelong impacts on a person's health if not treated in time.

The bacteria typically spreads from animals including cattle and sheep, but can also live in dust and soil for years. As Australia dips deeper into drought, cases of Q Fever are expected to become more common.

Dr Geraghty referred Beau back to hospital for a (PCR) Q Fever test, but the hospital seemed to reject the referral in favour of a far less effective test.

'It was a pretty critical mistake from the start,' Mrs Beissel said. 'If they did the (PCR) Q Fever test at the start they would've known in the first 24 hours.

Not only was Beau completely off food by that stage, he had started to have difficulty drinking water.

Rather than get the quick and easy fix they expected at the Brisbane hospital, Mrs Beissel found the worst was yet to come (pictured, Rebecca, Beau, Maggie and Craig Beissel)

Doctors at the Brisbane hospital - including many specialists - carried out as many as 108 blood tests, but the cause remained a mystery

Doctors then decided to fly him to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital in Brisbane.

'He was in such a bad way they had to tend to him the whole flight. He had to have oxygen on that flight... his body was starting to shut down,' Mrs Beissel recalled.

Doctors at the Brisbane hospital - including many specialists - carried out as many as 108 blood tests, but the cause remained a mystery.

Beau was placed on a drip and given a feeding tube. He had lost an incredible 10kg in two weeks and the ordeal started to take a toll on his mental health.

'There was so much poking and prodding, he was in so much pain I had to tell the doctors at one point to stop,' his mother said.

While the doctors at the hospital continued to run countless tests, Mrs Beissel said her GP back home kept pushing for the PCR Q Fever test (pictured, Lady Cilento Children's Hospital)

It was around that time that Mrs Beissel admitted she feared for the worst.

'It was after he had an episode, where his oxygen levels would drop and his heart rate would rise. The nurse actually had to press the emergency button and all the nurses came rushing in. That's when I felt like we were in trouble.'

Mrs Beissel said her GP back home kept pushing for the PCR Q Fever test, by which time doctors at the hospital had decided to take the drastic measure of injecting steroids into the boy.

'Literally 30 seconds before steroids were injected the phone rang,' Mrs Beissel said.

The test had finally confirmed Beau was suffering from Q Fever.

He was given the standard antibiotic to treat the bacterial infection and Beau started to show signs of recovery within 24 hours.

Mrs Beissel said the hospital had apologised to her and she credited them for working tirelessly to treat him.

The worst is behind him, but Beau still lives with symptoms of the fever.

'There are periods when he feels lethargic and down in the dumps. He also gets sore joints and his knees and ankles swell up,' Mrs Beissel said.

Aside from running the family farm, Mrs Beissel and partner Craig devote their time to raising awareness about the fever, and they hope more people will support the NSW farmer's petition to the federal government.

The petition pushes for a new vaccine that is safe for children - as it stands, there is no vaccine available for anyone under the age of 15.
Kiana Champagne Fletcher, 20, was arrested on Monday in Lafayette, Indiana

A woman who barked at a police dog has been arrested after attracting the attention of officers, who noticed she had outstanding warrants.

Kiana Champagne Fletcher, 20, was arrested on Monday by officers who were conducting a traffic stop and K9 search of a vehicle outside of her home in Lafayette, Indiana.

When Fletcher stood in front of her home and began barking at the police dog, officers recognized her and knew she had two outstanding warrants, the Journal and Courier reported.

Police say Fletcher fled inside her house, and police waited outside while obtaining a search warrant.

While they waited, other officers continued with the traffic stop.

Inside the car, police found a stolen pistol, and arrested the car's driver and passenger: Wayne Dominique McKinnis, 28, and Myranda Sue Fletcher, 25, whom police do not believe is related to Kiana Fletcher.

Separately, in the traffic stop police arrested the car's driver and passenger: Wayne Dominique McKinnis, 28, (left) and Myranda Sue Fletcher, 25 (right)

Both were charged with theft and carrying a handgun without a license. McKinnis was also cited for failing to signal for a turn and driving on a suspended license.

Since Myranda Fletcher also had a protective order against McKinnis, he faces an additional charge of invasion of privacy.

When the search warrant arrived, police entered the home and arrested Kiana Fletcher on the warrants, for conversion, which is a form of theft, and operating a vehicle without a license.

Cody Keith Campbell, 25, was inside the home and arrested on drug charges

Inside the home, cops also found a stash of methamphetamine and 25-year-old Cody Keith Campbell.

Campbell allegedly gave police a fake name, and was arrested on charges of false informing, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, maintaining a common nuisance, assisting a criminal and resisting law enforcement.

Kiara Fletcher was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, maintaining a common nuisance.

She and Campbell are both being held pending cash bonds of $750. She is due in court on February 22 and he is due in court on March 8.

Myrander Fletcher and McKinnis both made bail.

Online court records don't list an attorney who might speak on their behalf.
A pro wrestler accused of beating a New York shopkeeper to death ten years ago has been charged after he allegedly accidentally revealed his identity with a can of energy drink.

Abakar Gadiyev, 37, appeared in a Brooklyn court on Monday, charged with the 2009 murder and robbery of Brighton Bazaar supermarket owner Vladimir Tolstykh, 35.

Gadiyev, who had been living in Sydney for nine years, was last week extradited to the US.

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Abakar Gadiyev, 37, (pictured) appeared in a Brooklyn court on Monday, charged with the 2009 murder and robbery of Brighton Bazaar supermarket owner Vladimir Tolstykh, 35

Gadiyev and his accomplice allegedly used a hammer and hand axe to brutally beat Tolstykh (pictured with his wife) before stealing the cash, two watches and a handful of Russian candy

Detectives had been watching Gadiyev for four years following Mr Tolstykh's death, and in April 2013 they finally arrested him after he threw out a can of Red Bull, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Police alleged DNA taken from the discarded can in Sydney matched a balaclava and jumpers that the offenders were seen wearing when they beat Mr Tolstykh to death.

The crucial piece of evidence allowed New York police to successfully apply for a warrant to arrest and extradite Gadiyev, who fought the order for almost five years.

The New York Police Department had been trying to coordinate Gadiyev's arrest with Australian authorities after they learned he was applying for citizenship, but Detective Peter McMahon said their requests fell on deaf ears.

The NYPD eventually reached out to the New South Wales Police Force's Detective Inspector David El-Badawi, who McMahon said treated the case 'like his own'.

El-Badawi's trailed Gadiyev closely and it was his detective work that would eventually give New York police the break they were desperate for.

As a result, Gadiyev was extradited from Australia back to New York on Friday and taken into custody a decade after the alleged murder.

'After almost five years, finally sent back,' Det. Insp. El-Badawi wrote in a message on social media.

Gadiyev appeared in Brooklyn Supreme Court on Monday charged with the murder and robbery of 35-year-old Vladimir Tolstykh

Detectives had been watching Gadiyev for four years following Mr Tolstykh's death, and in April 2013 they finally nabbed him after he threw out a can of Red Bull

Mr Tolstykh's wife on Monday wept in court as she described losing her husband and having to raise four children and manage the family business alone.

'He was a good husband, a good father, a good son,' Ms Tolstykh said. 'The pain has not lessened, you just learn to live it.'

Gadiyev and his alleged accomplice Arsen Bashirov are accused of beating the father in a parking garage near his Brighton Beach grocery store in Brooklyn.

The masked men allegedly ambushed the store owner as he was carrying his payroll bag - containing $US32,000 ($44,000) in cash - to his car.

They allegedly used a hammer and a hand axe to brutally beat Tolstykh before stealing the cash, two watches and a handful of Russian candy.

Tolstykh later died in hospital.

Brooklyn shopkeeper Vladimir Tolstykh was brutally beaten to death near his store in March 2009 by two masked men

Gadiyev and his alleged accomplice, Arsen Bashirov, are accused of beating the father in a parking garage near his Brighton Beach grocery store (pictured) in Brooklyn in March 2009

Police alleged Gadiyev and Bashirov were identified as the suspects from surveillance footage in the months after the killing.

Within days of the incident, the two men travelled to Turkmenistan, which does not have an extradition agreement with the U.S.

Gadiyev eventually made his way to Australia where he sought refugee status claiming he was fleeing persecution in his native country for being gay.

NYPD detectives managed to track him down in 2010.

He lost his fight to remain in Australia last month and was subsequently extradited back to the US last week. His co-accused, Bashirov, remains in Turkmenistan.
'Southern Charm' star Thomas Ravenel has fired off a subpoena to Uber in order to force the ride sharing company to hand over its records amid his custody battle with his ex Kathryn Dennis, which Uber has refused to do, DailyMail.com can disclose.

Ravenel, 56, is demanding that a hearing be set to have Uber explain why it has not complied with subpoenas to produce the documents, according to court papers filed in Charleston on Friday.

The former State Treasurer for South Carolina is duking it out in family court with Dennis, 27, who is the mother of his two children, Kensie, four, and St. Julien, three.

In his subpoena request, Ravenel demands that Uber turn over the records from the accounts attached to either Dennis and/or two phone numbers he had listed from the time period of June 2017 to present. Ostensibly Ravenel is seeking information that could prove neglect on Dennis' part.

Thomas Ravenel fired off a subpoena to Uber in order to force the ride sharing company to hand over its records amid his custody battle with his ex Kathryn Dennis - but Uber is refusing

The former State Treasurer for South Carolina is duking it out in family court with Dennis, 27, who is the mother of his two children, Kensington Calhoun, four, and St. Julien Rembert, three

But Uber wrote a letter to Ravenel explaining the subpoena was 'overbroad' and 'burdensome', and it was objecting to turning over any records to him.

Uber then said the documents could be requested from Dennis.

A judge has yet to rule on the most recent filing.

Ravenel's latest legal move comes days after Dennis alleged that he once threw a party and encouraged guests to take magic mushrooms.

The mother-of-two wants Ravenel to testify under oath about his alleged drug use, according to court documents obtained by The Blast.

She also wants the 56-year-old to produce evidence to support his claims made earlier this month that she has abused drugs.

He has earlier claimed in court documents that she had bought prescription medication from the show's producers and that she abused drugs and alcohol during both of her pregnancies.

But Uber wrote a letter back to Ravenel explaining the subpoena is overbroad and burdensome, objecting to turn over any records to him and said the documents could be requested from Dennis

In retaliation, Dennis asked: 'What date was it when you threw a party in your home downtown with illegal drugs present and you informed fellow party participants while standing in the bathroom that mushrooms don't show up on drug screens?'

She also questions in the court documents whether Ravenel has ever been evaluated for having bipolar disorder and asked him to provide a full list of the women who have accused him of sexual assault or harassment.

In his response, Ravenel asked the court for a protective order and refused to fulfill many of the requests Dennis made.

He said the information that Dennis has requested is only an attempt to 'annoy, embarrass, oppress or create an unburden' for him.

Dennis has previously used sexual assault allegations from two separate women against Ravenel to help bolster her effort to get custody of the children.

She filed court documents in December that raised claims he had paid one of the alleged victims $200,000 for her silence.

Ravenel's latest legal move comes days after Dennis (pictured together in 2014) alleged that he once threw a party and encouraged guests to take magic mushrooms. Ravenel had earlier claimed in court documents that she had bought prescription medication from the show's producers and that she abused drugs and alcohol during both of her pregnancies

Dennis argued in the filing that since their custody agreement was put in place in 2017, 'many new things have come to light'.

Ravenel was arrested in September after former nanny Dawn Ledwell claimed she was in his Charleston home in January 2015 when he allegedly took off her pants and fondled her.

He now awaits trial over those charges. Ledwell also filed a lawsuit against him.

Ravenel was subsequently dropped from the reality show, as well as Bravo and its parent companies.

He was arrested in 2007 less than a year into his term as South Carolina treasurer after he bought cocaine for himself and his friends. The real estate developer pleaded guilty and spent 10 months in prison.

In 2014, Ravenel pleaded guilty to driving under the influence on Long Island, New York, resulting in his license being suspended for six months.
The chief of staff for NAB boss Andrew Thorburn allegedly stole $500,000 from shareholders to fund a lavish family holiday.

Police are investigating Mr Thorburn's office in relation to a suspected multi-million-dollar fraud, which included an overseas holiday taken by the embattled bank boss' chief of staff Rosemary Rogers.

Ms Rogers travelled first class to multiple destinations with six family members, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Police are investigating NAB chief executive Andrew Thorburn's (pictured) office in relation to a suspected multi-million-dollar fraud

Police are reportedly investigating an overseas holiday taken by the embattled bank boss's chief of staff Rosemary Rogers (pictured)

Police are investigating if sloppy oversight led to Ms Rogers and a corporate event contractor to commit fraud, according to the report.

A New South Wales Police spokesman confirmed investigations under Strike Force Napthali - set up to investigate the alleged fraudulent scheme - were continuing.

NAB sources told the Sydney Morning Herald there were strategy meetings held at luxury resorts in Wolgan Valley and on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, although this had not been confirmed.

NAB was reportedly aware of the police interest in Ms Rogers' holiday, and a banking spokesman said they would continue to co-operate with police.

'If the alleged fraud is proven, it represents a most serious breach of trust by a former employee,' he said.

In December, the cost of a holiday to Fiji taken by Mr Thorburn was covered by NAB shareholders using inflated invoices, according to reports at the time.

The sources claimed there were strategy meetings held at luxury resorts in Wolgan Valley (pictured) and on Kangaroo Island in South Australia

In December, the cost of a holiday to Fiji taken by Mr Thorburn (pictured) was covered by NAB shareholders using inflated invoices, according to reports at the time

Ms Rogers' home in Williamstown, Melbourne was raided in 2018, and she resigned from the bank in December after working as chief of staff for nine years.

Daily Mail Australia contacted NAB for comment.

Mr Thorburn, who took a $2.1million pay cut last year to earn $4.3million, was singled out in the banking royal commission's report.

Commissioner Kenneth Hayne's report revealed greed and misconduct in the Australian financial sector at the expense of consumers and businesses.

'NAB also stands apart from the other three major banks,' Mr Hayne wrote.

'Having heard from both the CEO, Mr [Andrew] Thorburn, and the chair, Dr [Ken] Henry, I am not as confident as I would wish to be that the lessons of the past have been learned.'

Commissioner Kenneth Hayne's (pictured left, with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg) report revealed greed and misconduct in the Australian financial sector at the expense of consumers and businesses

Mr Thorburn was unable to confirm if he would still be employed by NAB this time next week.

'But I can tell you that I am more committed and more deeply determined than ever to be a strong leader for our company,' Mr Thorburn told The Business.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Mr Thorburn and chairman Mr Henry that they should consider their futures at the bank after the commission's scathing review.
Property prices in the UK have soared in recent years, and even some of the country's most loved soap stars would struggle to pay their mortgage in today's housing climate.

EastEnders star Ian Beale, Coronation Street's Ken Barlow and Casualty's Charlie Fairfield would find it difficult to pay for their homes, according to research which looked into whether soap stars would be able to buy in their on-screen neighbourhood.

One 77 Mortgages, which carried out the research, looked at the price increase in each character's property from the time they joined the soap to the present day.

EastEnders star Ian Beale (pictured left) would not be able to afford a property on set based on the average salary of a self-employed small business owner

They then examined the average earning for each star's job, before comparing it to the salary required to secure a mortgage at 4.5 times the property's current value for a deposit.

Ian Beale has been a fan favourite on Albert Square for many years and has had a number of jobs since moving to the area. When he first moved to the square in 1985, the property would cost 65,000 on average.

A huge 1,042 per cent increase since then means despite he is now sitting on 743,000.

Yet the average small business owner only takes home around 29,000 a year, meaning he would be some way short of the 148,609 minimum income required to secure a mortgage were he to buy the same house today.

Ken Barlow (left) first appeared on the soap in 1960. Right: his home on Coronation Street

Charlie Fairfield has been a prominent figure in Casualty since 1986, and the average semi-detached property in Bristol has increased from 43,845 to 474,225 - a staggering increase of 982 per cent.

Yet Charlie's modern-day NHS wage of 26,252 means he would be priced out of the market by more than 68,000, meaning his annual income would have to be 94,845 in order to be accepted for a mortgage.

Emmerdale's Eric Pollard would also struggle to get his foot on the housing ladder today, as a detached house in Arncliff has increased by more than 2,000 per cent in value since he arrived on the show in 1986.

Each soap stars average salary for their job, required income for a mortgage now and the affordability gap between what they earn and need for a mortgage

Based on the average income of B&B owners, Eric would be nearly 63,000 short of the 91,937 income required to secure a mortgage.

The longest-serving soap star included on the fitures, Christine Barford of the Archers, would have been on around 54,000 as a stable owner before she retired.

Having bought in 1953 for little over 2,000, the price of a detached home in Cutnall Green would have increased by 21,355 per cent today.

Yet were she to buy today, she would be just over 44,000 of the 98,992 needed to secure a mortgage.

Eric Pollard, as played by Chris Chittell, would struggle to afford his property if he were buying it today

The Grange Bed and Breakfast in Emmerdale

The same goes for Tony Hutchinson, Ken Barlow, Jac Naylor and Hywel Llywelyn, who would all be priced out of their respective local markets if they tried to buy today.

Only Jimmi Clay could afford his property today with his GP salary of nearly 70,000 when securing a mortgage in Birmingham.

Alastair McKee, Managing Director of One77 Mortgages, commented: 'Unfortunately for our best-loved soap stars, the cost of getting on the ladder today would see many of them resigned to the rental sector.

Graphic shows the average price when the characters moved into their home compared to what it is in the current housing climate

Only Jimmi Clay could afford to buy the property he now lives in, according to new figures

'Luckily for them, they took that first step when prices weren't as high and as a result have benefited from some very healthy price growth across the board.

'Of course, this research is just a bit of fun and in many cases mortgage affordability would be bolstered by a partner or spouses' income, but it does raise a more serious issue.

'Regardless of property type, profession and location, there is a huge disparity between the price of UK property and the wages on offer and it highlights the struggle facing many aspirational buyers today when trying to secure a mortgage.'
Mysterious 10,000-year-old stones discovered in Morocco Archaeologists document finds in book on Western Sahara

(ANSAmed) - RABAT, FEBRUARY 7 - Mysterious stones dating as far back as 10,000 years have been discovered on the northwest coast of the Western Sahara in southwest Morocco.



The stones have been partially classified by British archaeologists, who said they could be part of a necropolis, although their function is still unclear.



Joanne Clarke of the University of East Anglia and Nick Books, a freelance researcher, authored a book on their discovery, titled "The Archaeology of the Western Sahara: A Synthesis of Field Excavation Work from 2002 to 2009", according to the website Morocco World News.



"The archaeological map of Western Sahara remains literally and figuratively almost blank as far as the wider international archaeological research community is concerned, particularly away from the Atlantic coast," the researchers wrote.



Research work was prevented on several occasions by the presence of terrorist groups.



Research was also made difficult by the long-running dispute between Morocco and Polisario separatists, a sort of internecine war that has gone on for more than 40 years.(ANSAmed).




Two long-serving PR executives at Facebook have quit following the shock appointment of former UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg as their boss.

Caryn Marooney, 51, leader of Facebook's communications group, and Debbie Frost, vice president of global communications and public affairs, announced they were resigning after a combined 19 years at the social media giant.

Frost said she planned to leave Facebook by March after nearly 11 years on the team. Marooney put out word on Wednesday that she is resigning after eight years and said she is working with Mark Zuckerberg and Clegg to find a replacement.

Caryn Marooney, leader of Facebook's communications group, has quit after eight years on the job. Her resignation follows the shock appointment of former UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg as her boss

Debbie Frost, vice president of global communications and public affairs, announced she planned to leave Facebook by March after nearly 11 years on the team

She wrote on her Facebook page 'It's time to get back to my roots' but noted that 'she had 'more faith in Facebook than ever'.

Marooney explained that, with Nick Clegg now settled in his role, it felt like the right time to move on.

With scant experience of neither public relations nor American politics, former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg's appointment turned heads on both sides of the Atlantic.

Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zukerberg pictured with former Liberal Democrat Nick Clegg after appointment, which turned heads on both sides of the Atlantic

He was accused of hypocrisy for accepting a lucrative job working for Facebook even though he previously described its messianic Californian new-worldy-touchy feely culture as a little grating.

Senior sources claimed Cleggs annual remuneration package, including share options, will be worth $20 million (15.3 million).

It turned out, Clegg got the job through a man with whom he has had long-time personal links. The former Lib Dem leaders mentor on his way to becoming a Westminster politician was Richard Allan.

Caryn Marooney explained that, with Nick Clegg (pictured) now settled in his role, it felt like the right time to move on

Most helpfully, Allan stepped down as Lib Dem MP for Sheffield Hallam, offering the chance for Clegg to stand as his replacement. This Clegg duly did, and was elected an MP  with Allan as his campaign manager.

Allan acted as his campaign manager again in 2007 when Clegg successfully stood to be Lib Dem leader.

When Clegg became deputy PM in 2010, he ennobled his friend and mentor  making him Lord Allan of Hallam.

Since then, Allan has been Facebooks European policy director. And now, Clegg 52, is the companys global affairs and communications chief.

Clegg bought a 7million home in California as he readied for his high-powered new job at Facebook. It comes with a swimming pool

The fresh departures come as Facebook was harangued for a series of privacy and data security breaches.

The Cambridge Analytica personal security scandal exposed Facebooks contempt for the privacy of its users.

It has allowed content such as graphic child abuse, self-harm and hate speech to stay on its site.

He's behind you! Richard Allan, left, with Nick Clegg in the Sheffield Lib Dem panto

In the US it became embroiled in the controversy over the Kremlin allegedly using it to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.

Last month, Facebook was forced to kill off a controversial app after it admitted to paying young people to install the 'social media research' app which monitors their web activity.

The social media giant recruited people aged from 13-35 to download the app on their devices.

Apple decided to ban the app, formerly known as Onavo VPN, from the app store because it violated its data collection policies.

But according to an investigation by TechCrunch, Facebook has sidestepped the App Store and paying users up to $20 a month, plus referral fees.

Facebook later told TechCrunch it would shut down the iOS version of its Research app in the wake of the report - but that the Android version will continue.

However, this came after Apple banned the app.

Zuckerberg marked the 15th anniversary of Facebook this week with message saying he sees the social network largely as a 'positive' force for society.

Zuckerberg has acknowledged that Facebook needs to do more to restore trust, and ferret out misinformation and abuse, and on Monday repeated his pledge to spend more 'on safety and security.'
Michael Middleton, 43, who is last known to have lived in Maine, is accused of having at least three wives in separate states

One of three wives married to a man who has been arrested and charged with bigamy says he would charm women and get them to fall in love with him before scamming them out of their money.

Michael Middleton, 43, who is last known to have lived in Maine, is accused of having at least three wives in separate states.

A grand jury in New Hampshire indicted Middleton on a bigamy charge.

He's accused of marrying a woman while knowingly being married to women in Georgia and Alabama.

Prosecutors have identified the other two women as Katherine Lashley of Georgia and Kassandra Shipley of Alabama, according to Journal Tribune of Biddeford, Maine.

The New Hampshire woman, Alicia Grant, of Exeter, tells WMTW-TV that Middleton, whom she married in 2013, made her feel like he cared about her, but eventually scammed her out of $20,000.

'He makes you feel special. He makes you feel like he actually cares about you, and then he marries you, abuses you, drains your assets and leaves,' Grant said.

Grant said she had no idea he had other wives. She said they eventually found out about each other.

In 2014, Grant and Middleton moved to South Berwick, Maine. That year, local police arrested Middleton for domestic violence.

One of the wives is Alicia Grant of Exeter, New Hampshire. She says Middleton, whom she married in 2013, made her feel like he cared about her, but eventually scammed her out of $20,000

Grant said she became suspicious when she dialed a phone number that belonged to a woman claiming to be Middleton's wife.

She then called the authorities and accused Middleton of defrauding her.

Grant said she's been trying to track down Middleton for years to have their marriage annulled.

'The problem is - is that I can't go and get married to someone else because it's still on record that I'm married,' Grant said.

Middleton's scheduled to appear in court Thursday; it's unclear if he'll show. No attorney was listed.

'He hurt me, and he hurts a lot of people,' Grant said.

When asked what she would say to Middleton if she saw him, she said: 'How dare you? How dare you think that this is OK?'

If convicted, Middleton faces a maximum prison sentence of seven years and a $4,000 fine.
Dramatic footage shows a drunk driver three times over the limit crash into a wall during a police pursuit.

Warwickshire Police captured the video from an unmarked car which they used to chase the vehicle in Coleshill on Saturday evening.

The arrested driver took a breathalyser test whilst in custody which registered 108mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when the limit is 35.

Tomas James Cross, 25, from Birmingham was charged with driving a motor vehicle while being above the alcohol limit.

He was bailed and is due at Warwickshire Magistrates' Court on Monday 18 February.

The police dashcam video suggests the pursued vehicle hit speeds of up to 47mph in what is believed to be a 30mph zone.

Warwickshire Police posted the video to their Twitter account and said: 'This car was driving at speed on Saturday evening in Coleshill.

'It was followed by an unmarked car, it lost control on a corner and hit a wall.

Police gave chase in Coleshill and the driver was later found to be three times over the limit

The driver ended up colliding with a wall as they took a corner during the police pursuit

'Driver arrested for providing a positive breath test. Later blew 108 at custody. The legal limit being 35.'

The video shows the unmarked police car clocking the drunk driver on its dashcam, and begins following the erratic blue car as it speeds around a roundabout.

The blue car then indicates right as it takes a turn at a junction, the car can been seen driving on the centre line of the road.

Warwickshire Police posted the dashcam video of the driver's erratic journey on Twitter

The police dashcam video shows the pursued vehicle reaching 47mph in a 30mph zone

The drunk driver picks up speed at a left turn taking the corner at speed before slamming on the brakes to turn right.

The blue car continues to speed down what appears to be a residential street before the unmarked police car starts flashing its lights.

The driver narrowly misses hitting the parked cars on the right hand side of the road.

Once again the driver tries to take a left turn at speed.

But they fail to slow down and end up mounting the kerb and slamming into a wall amid a shower of sparks.
Officials in a small Arizona border city passed a resolution Wednesday night condemning the installation of new razor wire that now covers the entirety of a tall border wall through downtown.

The City Council in Nogales, which sits on the border with Nogales, Mexico, wants the federal government to remove all concertina wire installed within the city limits because not only is it ugly, but it's potentially lethal.

Mayor Arturo Garino threatened to sue if he didn't get his way, noting that the increase in wiring was now in reach of pedestrians, including children.

A school bus rolls past the concertina wire-covered fence at East International and Nelson Streets in downtown Nogales, Arizona Monday. The small border city is fighting back against the installation of razor fencing that now covers the entirety of a tall border fence along the city's downtown area

Members of the military weld on the U.S-Mexico border fence near Nogales on Tuesday. The city council condemned the use of concertina wire. It follows reports that US military troops installed more horizontal layers of the wire along the downtown border fence

The complaint came after Army troops installed even more horizontal layers of the wire along the border wall last weekend.

Photos published by the Nogales International newspaper show six rows of concertina wire stacked along the approximately two-story wall.

Nogales' resolution says the razor wire would harm or kill anyone who scales the wall and that it 'is only found in a war, prison or battle setting'. It said it was 'not only irresponsible but inhuman'.

After the city argued it should not be there because it only serves to incite fear and cause social divisions, US Customs and Border Protection responded that they'd received a request to up the ante.

In a statement, CBP said the wire was added after a request 'for additional support in high-risk urban areas commonly exploited by criminal smuggling organizations'. However, it did not say who made the request.

Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino (pictured left June 2014) threatened to sue and said 'is only found in a war, prison or battle setting'

Bails of razor wire were awaiting installation on the US-Mexico border fence on Tuesday

Nogales' action came one day after President Donald Trump made his case to the American people about the need for a border wall and how he has ordered 3,750 troops to prepare for what he called a 'tremendous onslaught'.

In a tweet, U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, a Democrat, called its placement a stunt by the Trump administration, which he said is 'trying to create the perception of rampant lawlessness and crime.'

Garino said he was most concerned that young people and others could be injured now that it reaches the ground.

It's visible all over the residential downtown area where there are homes only a few feet from the border fence.

'Aesthetically pleasing - it's not. It's very bad. It's not good for business, it's not good for what we're trying to create, a business-friendly community here in Nogales,' Garino told the Associated Press.

Nogales, a city of about 20,000 people, is a fraction of the size of its Mexican counterpart, but its economy is largely reliant on Mexican shoppers and cross-border trade. Illegal crossings in that area have dropped steeply in the past several years.

The additional concertina wire can be seen on the border fence in Nogales. Not only is it ugly but the city warned it was dangerous

Garino told the Nogales International newspaper that he asked U.S. Senator Martha McSally to help the city have the wire removed during a visit to the border last month.

A spokeswoman for McSally said the senator was working on a response to an inquiry from The Associated Press.

The new wire is being added to sections outside city limits, according to a CBP spokeswoman.

But she wrote in locations where there is high pedestrian activity, the concertina wire is limited to only the upper portion of the wall.

'Signage in Spanish and English has been put in place warning individuals of these dangers and prohibiting access,' the statement said.

Soldiers have installed concertina wire at or near several official crossings at the border.

US Army troops place additional concertina wire to the border fence on a hillside above Nelson Street in downtown Nogales on Saturday

In late November, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the military had sent 36 miles (58 kilometers) of concertina for use in California, Arizona, and Texas.

At the start of November, soldiers in Texas installed lines of wire coils below a major bridge near McAllen.

City leaders were critical of military exercises at the border during the holiday season, saying they believed it scared shoppers.

The Nogales measure would be one of the more direct swipes against one of Trump's signature initiatives.

In September 2017, the San Diego City Council adopted a resolution that said Trump's walls would be 'damaging symbols of fear and division that will increase tensions with Mexico, one of the United States' largest trading partners and a neighbor with which communities such as San Diego in the border region are inextricably linked culturally, physically, and economically.'

It said Trump's proposal 'could destroy the vitality of U.S.- Mexico relations and act as a separation to our unique, diverse, and beautiful region.'

Nogales' action came one day after President Donald Trump made his case at the State of the Union address about the need for a border wall and how he has ordered 3,750 troops to prepare for what he called a 'tremendous onslaught'

The San Diego resolution passed 5-3, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. Kevin Faulconer, the city's Republican mayor didn't back the statement but didn't veto it either. The mayor often says the U.S. should focus on building bridges instead of walls.

Other border mayors have also been critical.

'We have a fence here. The fence is fine. It does what it's supposed to do,' Dee Margo, the Republican mayor of El Paso, Texas, said last year. 'I hear the term wall, I think of the Berlin Wall. I think it's pretty detrimental to the relationships that have lasted more than 400 years.'

The number of arrests by the Border Patrol is the lowest since the early 1970s, while the number of agents has more than doubled.

Over 1.6 million arrests were made by just about 9,200 agents nationwide in the 2000. But those figures tapered off as the government dramatically increased staffing and resources like more surveillance technology and tall, steel fencing.

By last fiscal year, about 19,000 Border Patrol agents made 310,000 arrests.
Casey Anthony has revealed she is willing to reconcile with her estranged father George, eight years after her lawyers accused him of sexually abusing her and being responsible for her daughter's death.

Anthony, 32, was acquitted in 2011 for the 2008 killing of her two-year-old daughter Caylee.

During the trial, her lawyers claimed former police officer George, now 67, was to blame for Caylee's death, and that he hid her body after she accidentally drowned in the pool at his Orlando, Florida home.

Casey Anthony, 32, at her West Palm Beach home looks towards a photo of her daughter Caylee. Anthony was acquitted of the two-year-old's murder in 2011

Casey Anthony poses with father George Anthony for a family photo before she was charged with the killing of her two-year-old daughter Caylee

Casey Anthony, 32 (pictured with her late daughter Caylee) was branded the most-hated mom in America during the six-week trial for Caylee's murder

They also claimed George sexually abused Casey when she was a young girl. None of their allegations have ever been proven.

Since then, George has not wanted to speak to Anthony but he had a change of heart after a near-fatal accident on November 24, 2018 which almost left him paralyzed.

His Toyota 4Runner rolled over three times across three lanes of highway in Daytona Beach, Florida, causing him to suffer severe spinal injuries.

After returning home, George, with his head in a halo brace, gave an emotional interview alongside his wife Cindy to Dr Oz on January 14.

Casey Anthony updated her private Twitter profile with a photo of her hugging father George, saying it reminded her of 'happier days' with the former police detective

George said of Anthony: 'I forgive her and that's hard for me to say, but you know what, I need to be forgiven by her, my son and other family members or friends that I care so much about. Forgive me for what Ive done. To all of our lives.'

Oz responded, 'What he said about forgiving Casey, it truly surprised me. It reminded me that the love from a father to a daughter is boundless,' said Dr Oz.

'They can heal any wound. I hope that one day George and Casey can make peace.'

In an exclusive interview with DailyMailTV, Anthony said she is now also ready to reconcile with her father.

On her independently-verified twitter page, which currently only has 20 followers, she posted a photo of herself with George, telling DailyMailTV it reminded her of 'happier days'.

She said, 'I will say that I will always love my dad.. hopefully in time he can heal, we can heal from everything.. better to do it together than apart.. we'll see .. time will tell.'

But she added, 'It would take more than one visit..it would take more than an I love you..he has to admit to things before he can heal..Until then he is not going to do anything but suffer.

"It is obvious I am a strong minded person, I can move past things..Not that they leave my mind, I have just always been taught how to hide my suffering with a smile.. When you are taught that, it is hard to change it.'

Car crash survivor George Anthony, pictured next to his wife Cindy, told Dr Oz (right) he hoped to make amends with his daughter Casey, saying 'I need to be forgiven by her'

Casey Anthony says she has conditions before she reconciles with estranged father George

Casey Anthony tells DailyMailTV how she is considering the $500,000 offer from Larry Flynt to appear in his pornographic magazine Hustler

Anthony also revealed to DailyMailTV she is considering accepting the $500,000 Larry Flynt has offered her to appear nude in his pornographic magazine Hustler.

Anthony said, 'I have a lot of things coming up in 2019, that will probably make some heads spin.'

Larry Flynt offered Casey Anthony $500,000 to appear nude in his porn magazine Hustler

When he first made the offer to Anthony in 2011, Flynt explained to CNN's Larry King, 'You've got men who say hey, I want to see her in her birthday suit. There may be some sick individuals ... but that's what life is all about."

Anthony told DailyMailTV she turned down the offer when it was first made to her, explaining 'It was wrong timing.. I am in better shape now, physically, mentally..and emotionally..It is not off the table

"I like to think I have what it takes to pose in a girlie magazine.. I work hard on keeping fit. I may take him up on his offer..'

'I am in good shape, and I have to brag that my body is fit..and I know undoubtedly the industry really doesn't care about my past, and people - men and women would buy an issue with me in it...including the birds that say they wouldn't!

'Well you know full well that my nudes will fly off the shelf, even if it soft porn..'

Anthony, who lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, claims she has a large group of supporters, despite being branded the most-hated mom in America during the six-week trial for Caylee's murder.

Crash survivor George Anthony (right), his head in a halo brace, needed a medical assistant and a metal walker when he arrived at his Orlando, Florida home on December 24, 2018

Anthony suffered spinal injuries when his Toyota 4Runner rolled over three times across three lanes of highway in Daytona Beach, Florida on November 24, 2018

She told DailyMailTV, 'To be honest, without my friends in person, and online I would not be the person I am today.

'They don't judge me, they don't bombard me with questions about my case, they take me for me...and that is what is special about them.

'All supporters online and off..Regardless of what people think, I have a wide range of support from many people. Not just the 20 on my twitter.'
A caravan of 1,600 Central American migrants was surrounded Wednesday by Mexican authorities in an old factory a short distance from Texas, where they hoped to seek asylum even as U.S. authorities sent extra law enforcement and soldiers to stop them.

President Donald Trump warned in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday of migrant caravans and accused Mexican cities of busing migrants to the border 'to bring them up to our country in areas where there is little border protection.'

The migrants arrived Monday in Piedras Negras, Mexico, across the Rio Grande from Eagle Pass, Texas. The caravan is the first in recent months to head toward Texas instead of California.

A caravan of about 1,600 Central American migrants were held inside an old factory in Piedras Negras, Mexico Tuesday. Honduran Delia Romero, 24, sits with her children in their sleeping area

Migrants arrived Monday in Piedras Negras and the Coahuila government organized 49 buses to ensure their safety. One-year-old Julivet Fernando is pictured sleeping on a mattress. Rooms were turned into sleeping areas with mats, divided by age and gender

The state government organized 49 buses from the interior cities of Saltillo and Arteaga to ensure the migrants' safety, said Jose Borrego, a spokesman for the Coahuila state government.

But Mexican police and soldiers are holding the caravan in the factory and not letting them stay anywhere else, in part to prevent a mass attempt by migrants to cross the Rio Grande. Only migrants who receive a humanitarian visitor visa from Mexico were to be allowed to leave the factory, Borrego said.

Coahuila has long been plagued by the now-fragmented Zetas cartel as well as by colder weather.

The group was surrounded by Mexican authorities. Central American immigrants are pictured hanging around by the fence line of the shelter guarded by Mexican Federal police in riot gear. Some migrants climbed a 12ft fence Monday night to escape but were pushed back

Six-year-old Daniela Fernanda Portillo Burgos sits on the shoulders of her mother, Iris Jamilet, 39, as they look out through the fence of a immigrant shelter

Central American immigrant families look out through the fence of a shelter in Piedras Negras

Members of a Central American family leave the shelter. Only migrants who receive a humanitarian visitor visa from Mexico could leave

'We didn't want to run the risks of them travelling in open trucks,' Borrego said.

People who want to enter the US may wait weeks, if not months. In Eagle Pass, customs officials are processing roughly 12 to 15 applications a day, according to Piedras Negras officials.

US Customs and Border Protection did not respond to a request to confirm that number, but customs offices across the border regularly turn asylum seekers away due to a stated lack of space.

CBP officers were seen on one bridge this week conducting exercises with riot gear and shields.

And the Defense Department said Wednesday that it would send 250 soldiers to Eagle Pass in a support capacity, including military police, medical personnel, and engineers to fortify local ports of entry.

Long lines were forming inside the factory of people applying for humanitarian visas, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

Central American immigrants line up to register with Mexican Immigration officials at the shelter just west of Eagle Pass, Texas. But just 12-15 applications are being processed per day

A woman arrives with donations at a shelter housing Central American immigrants. US authorities sent extra law enforcement and soldiers to stop them entering the United States

Police and soldiers held the caravan in factory partly to prevent a mass attempt to cross the Rio Grande. Mexican Federal Police in riot gear guard outside of a migrant shelter for Central Americans

Meanwhile, the factory's rooms have been turned into sleeping areas with mats, divided by age and gender, the Express-News said.

There appears to be some frustration. The newspaper reported that migrants who tried to climb a 12-foot (3.7-meter) fence Monday night and escape were pushed back.

'Some people have asked to be returned, they want to return to Honduras, above all,' Borrego said.

On the Texas side, a long line of law enforcement vehicles guarded the U.S. side of the Rio Grande to catch anyone trying to cross illegally.

A Central American immigrant gets a haircut at the shelter. Some people expressed a wish to return to Honduras

A Central American immigrant family stands in line for food at a sheltered in Piedras Negras. The governor of the northern state of Coahuila described the migrants as 'asylum seekers,' suggesting all had express intentions of surrendering to US authorities

Central American immigrants line up for breakfast at a shelter in Piedras Negras, Mexico

'You never know what's coming in,' Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber said Tuesday. 'Criminal activity always takes advantage of those situations.'

Eagle Pass has relatively little fencing compared with other sections of Texas or other border states.

Congressional Democrats have not acceded to Trump's demand for $5.7 billion to build a border wall.

DHS in December released a list of where it would want to build new sections of wall if Congress provided $5 billion.

The list included 159 miles (256 kilometers) in Texas, but none in the Border Patrol's Del Rio sector, where Eagle Pass is located.
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A Melbourne penthouse has been sold for a record breaking $30 million, making it one of the most expensive apartments ever purchased in Australia.

The spectacular 800sq m apartment is spread over two levels and includes seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a 10 car garage, cigar room, wine cellar, and two story water feature.

The property was reportedly purchased by ex-Domain boss Antony Catalano, who will move his young family from their waterfront Melbourne mansion into the penthouse, according to The Urban Developer.

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A Melbourne penthouse has just been sold for a record breaking $30 million, making it one of the most expensive apartments ever purchased in Australia

The spectacular 800sq m apartment is spread over two levels and includes seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a 10 car garage, cigar room, wine cellar, and two story water feature

The father of eight, who is reportedly worth in excess of $70 million, resigned as Domain CEO about a year ago and made headlines recently after he unsuccessfully tried to stop the Channel 9 and Fairfax merger at the last minute.

The apartment is designed over 650sq m inside and a further 150sq m of outdoor living areas.

Along with the seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the Fender Katsalidis designed residence features four living rooms and chef's kitchen.

Pair this with the in-home sauna, full gymnasium, two private pools, cigar room, and a 1000 bottle wine cellar and you would never need to leave.

The property also features floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views from every room and a lift directly to the 10 car garage.

The penthouse features an in-home sauna, full gymnasium, two private pools, cigar room, and a 1000 bottle wine cellar

The property was reportedly bought by ex-Domain CEO Antony Catalano (left) and was developed by AFR young rich list number three Tim Gurner (right)

The sale price means the penthouse is worth a staggering $40,000 per square metre, making it the second biggest apartment sale in the country behind a $40 million apartment sold in Sydney.

The two story penthouse is located in the Saint Moritz development on the St Kilda foreshore  a project led by 36-year-old property developer Tim Gurner, who made the number three spot on the Australian Financial Review's young rich list last year with a fortune worth over $600 million.

Gurner had planned to release the penthouse to the market at the official launch in June but it attracted so much interest that he sold it for the $30 million asking price after some healthy competition from potential buyers.
A father-of-two who has struggled to feed his family since moving states nine months ago has been sitting at the roadside for two days with a sign asking for full-time work.

Dale Hardy moved from Goulburn, south-west NSW, to Townsville, north Queensland, last year with his wife, Donna, and their two young daughters.

The 45-year-old said the family moved to the warmer climate for his daughters' immune systems.

Although he was able to find a part-time job, Hardy said he has struggled to land permanent employment.

Dale Hardy (pictured) has struggled to feed his family since moving states nine months ago

The father-of-two (pictured) has been sitting at the roadside for two days with a sign asking for full-time work

Fed up with his fruitless job search, Hardy stood on the side of Woolcock Street and Ingham Road on Monday and Tuesday with a placard touting his skills and phone number.

The father-of-two spent seven hours each day by the roadside.

'We struggle to put food on the table,' Hardy told Daily Mail Australia.

The 45-year-old said his casual work is not enough to feed his family of four.

His wife, Donna, has been unable to work for two years after an accident caused her to lose the ability to use one arm.

Although he has not yet been offered full-time work, Hardy said the idea has been well-received.

'I really want to be working full time so i can support my family, I don't take days off,' he said.

Hardy (pictured) spent seven hours on the side of the road on Monday and Tuesday in a ploy to find a job

Hardy wants the stability of a full-time job to support his family as they are currently struggling to put food on the table (pictured: Hardy's two daughters)

Donna said the couple came up with the idea to hold a sign roadside after nothing else seemed to work.

'I'm overwhelmed by the support he's received from posts we've put on Facebook,' she said.

'Me and the girls are very proud of him, as his willing to do anything to support his family.'

Donna also urged employers not to judge her husband by his age or weight as he is 'a bloody hard worker.'

Hardy says he will head back out with his sign on Thursday.

The 45-year-old said he has a HR truck licence and fork lift licence, as well as bob cat ticket and a white card.
A student has blasted a prestigious selective high school in his leaving speech for 'demanding' donations of up to $50 from students and losing its identity.

Ben Qin, the outgoing student representative council vice-president of Melbourne High School, also said the elite high school no longer understood its pupils.

The controversial claims were aired during a final-year speech on Wednesday in front of staff and students of the boy's school in South Yarra, which takes students based on academic merit and caters for Years 9 through to 12.

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Ben Qin, the outgoing SRC vice-president of Melbourne High, has accused the school of 'demanding donations' from students in his leaving speech

According to The Age, footage of Mr Qin's speech was posted on Facebook shortly after and gained traction online as his peers shared it.

It is believed to have since been taken down.

Mr Qin, 17, said he felt betrayed by the school when it reportedly told Year 12 students their 'legacy' with the school depended on their ability to raise money.

'A threat about a month ago that our legacy as a year level was contingent on demands of $50 donations ... I hardly think this was ever a good attitude,' he said.

'Don't we give back our intellect and our academic ability? Don't we give back our physical, artistic and musical talents? We thought this was valuable. Don't we, every year, give back in leadership, student representation?'

'Don't our parents pay? Don't they donate yearly to the school? The school raised nearly $4.5 million in donations, fees and other private sources in 2014, the latest MySchool data shows.'

Mr Qin, 17, said he felt betrayed by the school (pictured) when it reportedly told Year 12 students their 'legacy' with the school depended on their ability to raise money

He said a series of events throughout the year had whittled away any faith he had in the school.

'When I was in year 10, year 11 and at the start of this year, I believed in Melbourne High.'

'I believed in every aspect, its culture, its history... and I genuinely thought that our year level was perhaps a bit privileged.

'But standing here after all that's happened this year, I no longer believe in Melbourne High.'

Melbourne High is considered to be one of the strongest academic schools in Victoria, with its 2009 cohort finishing with a median ENTER (tertiary rank) of 95.85, the highest of any school in the state's history.

Jeremy Ludowyke, principal of Melbourne High School, responded to the student's allegations in a newsletter released on Friday.

Mr Ludowyke began by saying he disagreed with 'much of what was said' and had 'major issues with the omissions of context from the grievances expected.'

'I also applaud and congratulate the speaker for the courage and eloquence of his presentation and did so immediately after he spoke,' he added.

He also slammed the academic school for not understanding its students

Last year the school captain of Ravenswood School for Girls on Sydney's upper North Shore attracted headlines for the content of her own leaving speech.

Sarah Haynes, 18, used the speech to question the school's values by claiming it was being run like a business driven by financial concerns.

'Some people work hard and get noticed and good on them. Some people work hard, struggle and get overlooked,' Ms Haynes said.
He then had another brown onion a week later when an onion industry rep came to Parliament House

It would seem the man running the country has been quite partial to snacking on raw onions for quite some time now.

A video has been unearthed by the ABC from four years ago of now Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who was opposition leader at the time, seen yet again munching away on a raw onion just like it's the norm.

This time it was one of the spring onion variety that he sinks his teeth into three times on an onion farm in Queensland back in 2011 - with not a watery eye in sight, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

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A video has been unearthed from four years ago of now Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who was opposition leader at the time, yet again snacking on raw onions

This time it was one of the spring onion variety that he sinks his teeth into three times on an onion farm in Queensland back in 2011 with not a watery eye in sight

A farmer and Mr Abbott's colleagues watch as he chows down on the bitter vegetable

It would seem the man running the country has been quite partial to snacking on raw onions for quite some time now

The latest footage comes after Mr Abbott shocked the nation in March by tucking into a brown onion - skin and all - just like it was an apple while on a tour of a produce farm in Tasmania.

Unable to get enough of the bulb vegetable, he went back for seconds a week later when an onion industry representative met him at Parliament House.

The footage from March shows our Prime Minister grimacing slightly as he bites into the strong, bitter vegetable but then nodding in approval.

Mr Abbott did the same thing in March at a farm in Tasmania where he tucked into raw, unpeeled brown onion

Abbott seemed unphased by the peculiarity of the stunt and merely looked as if he were eating a fresh apple

The public took to the Twitter sphere to mock and patronise the Prime Minister

Some compared him to other MPs, others labelled him 'The Minister for Onions'

Many people have taken to Twitter to slam Abbott for yet another bizarre stunt.

Most of the tweets aim to mock and patronise the Prime Minister relating him to George Costanza from Seinfield, an Ogre with layers, a robot and 'the Minister for Onions.'

'Looking forward to Bill Shorten responding to Tony eating a raw onion by daringly chomping into a roast potato,' read one tweet.

Abbott pictured here in a banana factory just created an opening for more ridicule

The Hashtag oniongate has been trending on social media since Friday when the onion incident took place

Many of the messages on Twitter aimed to patronise the PM, comparing him to an ogre, a robot and a child

'I may have said 'it's a shame they weren't peeled,' said Charlton Farm Produce owner David Addison

'Better than any other onions I've eaten in a long time' Abbott was reported to have said

'In other news, PM Tony Abbott shows approval of local vegetable oil manufacturer by dipping his hands into a deep fryer,' said another.

Abbott was touring Woolworths supplier, Charlton Farm Produce near Devonport in Tasmania five months ago when he picked up the brown onion during a demonstration of the grading of the post-harvested vegetables.

'Better than any other onions I've eaten in a long time,' The Sydney Morning Herald reported Abbott said after his meal.

The Prime Minister shocked onlookers as he spontaneously picked up the vegetable during a food grading

Abbott was touring Woolworths supplier, Charlton Farm Produce near Devonport in Tasmania

According to the Hobart's Mercury, the owner of Charlton Farm Produce, David Addison was surprised at the Prime Minister's impulsive move during a general discussion of brown onions.

'I may have said 'it's a shame they weren't peeled' and he just started eating it,' he said.

'It was just spontaneous and there weren't even any tears.'

This stunt has come after Abbott was blasted by the public for his St. Patrick's day video that was labelled patronising and controversial.
ROME - France has recalled its ambassador to Rome, Christian Masset, for consultations. The French foreign ministry said the move was related to "groundless attacks by Italy without precedent since the end of the war" and "outrageous statements" by the Italian government. "Disagreeing is one thing, exploiting relations for electoral ends is another," the ministry added.



Tension between Rome and Paris has been high in recent months over several issues, including the treatment of asylum seekers, the support of Italian Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio's 5-Star Movement (M5S) for the Yellow Vests protestors in France and the TAV Turin-Lyon high-speed rail link.
Leap of faith: Freerunner makes death defying jumps from historic Indian temple look easy



Parkour expert Thomas Couetdic rock hopped in the breathtaking landscape of Hampi, India

The Frenchman has trained extensively with the originators of parkour and is an expert in the art



The stunning photographs were taken by British photographer Andy Day who explored with Thomas



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Leaping through the air seemingly into an abyss below, freerunner Thomas Couetdic looks certain to fall to his death in the breathtaking landscape of Hampi in India.

But Thomas, 28, lands safely on another boulder as he performs death defying jumps from rock to rock - wearing little more than a pair of trousers with no safety harness and no shoes.

While most freerunners chose to master their art in urban landscapes, the intrepid parkour expert prefers to hop from rock to rock in the Unesco World Heritage Site.

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Death defying: Thomas Couetdic leaping off a boulder in India without wearing so much as a pair of trainers to cushion his fall

Giant leap: The freerunner looks tiny in comparison to the rocky landscape of Hampi, India

Located within the ruins of Vijayanagara some of the rocks from which Thomas jumps are as big as the average house.

Thomas, from Arpajon, France was travelling around India in search of adventure with friend and London photographer Andy Day, 32 when they stumbled across the unique landscape, a hotspot for rock climbers.

He said: 'I had been wanting to visit India for a while. parkour was and always is a good way to meet the locals and discover the hidden sides of a country.

'Hampi is a paradise. The boulders seem to have been put there for the sole purpose of being climbed and jumped.

'I seized the opportunity to challenge myself in the way that I like best, by facing obstacles that are as mental as they are physical.

'Technically, it's not a really hard jump, if you've trained a bit. But the challenge for me was to avoid overshooting the landing area, which would have been as troublesome as not jumping far enough.

Preparation: The parkour expert is seen climbing up the side of some ruins sizing up his crucial jump before taking the leap

Acrobatic: The summit of rocks in India's Hampi area offered stunning views while the pair were exploring

Don't look down: Photographer Andy captured some stunning shots of Thomas performing his death defying stunt

'With stress, you tend to push harder, so I had to resist that urge and stay focused on my landing spot.

'The height was the biggest danger of this jump. Falling and dying is usually frowned upon.

He added: 'When you train parkour, you're constantly playing with your fear, and little by little you learn to control it, to channel it so that it serves you but doesn't paralyse you. You never get rid of it entirely, nor should you. It's a self preservation mechanism.

'After some days, people in town start speaking about the parkour guy who jumps from a boulder to another and I even end up teaching a class, at the request of some of the foreigners there, it's a really cool place.'

Photographer Andy said that the pair had already explored Italy and met with a variety of parkour enthusiasts and that they wanted to do something similar in India.

He said: 'We went simply in search of adventure and experiences. Thomas is hugely talented, he trained extensively with many of the originators of parkour and is widely respected by the global parkour community.

Explorers: Photographer Andy Day and Thomas Couetdic explored parts of Italy before heading to India

Relaxing: Thomas pictured trying to get some sleep among the ruins in Vijayanagara

'The Hanuman Temple stands on the top of a pronounced hill and offers incredible views for those willing to spend half an hour climbing the steps that weave a path to the top.

'While visiting the temple, Thomas spotted a jump that he wanted to do and we decided to return the next day when the light was good.

'With this sort of jump there is of course the chance of injury and potentially, death, but this is incredibly unlikely given the level of training.

'We have a developed understanding of danger and risk. With ten years of experience, the risks are still present but the danger is negated through judgement and physical skill.

Talented: Thomas trained extensively with the originators of parkour to learn his trade

'Sometimes the jump is easy but looks amazing, other times you only get one chance and you have to get it right first time.

'On this occasion, Thomas jumped twice. I'm not sure why he felt the need to repeat it. Possibly because he is a perfectionist and felt that there was something about his first attempt that needed improvement.

'The scale of the location made the photographs that we came back with feel even more satisfying, It was definitely the most rewarding location I've ever photographed.'




The Bank of England is prepared to intervene if corporate raider Ed Bramson destabilises Barclays, governor Mark Carney has warned.

Bramson is trying to force his way onto the Barclays board through a shareholder vote, and has hinted he will seek a radical change of direction if he succeeds, including major cutbacks.

But to sit on the board the 68-year-old will need approval from the Prudential Regulation Authority, part of the Bank of England responsible for the stability of major lenders. And while he did not mention London-born Bramson by name, Carney, 53, indicated that the Bank of England was watching developments at Barclays closely.

On the attack: Ed Bramson is trying to force his way onto the Barclays board through a shareholder vote

Asked if he was concerned that Bramson's bid to join the board could cause turbulence in the financial system, Carney said: 'I try and avoid talking about a specific institution.

'But it's absolutely paramount that the core of the banking system is adequately capitalised, manages their risk well and is focused on delivering sustainable returns to their shareholders over the medium term,' he stressed.

'The first thing you have to do as a regulated financial entity is meet the expectations of the PRA, the supervisors, and the Financial Conduct Authority.

'We're working for all UK citizens, and all stakeholders in those institutions should be aware of that. Those standards aren't compromised for anyone.'

If more than 50 per cent of voting investors back Bramson's bid for a board seat at Barclays' annual meeting in May, he will get a job pending PRA approval  regardless of what the bank's bosses think. Bramson controls a 5.51 per cent stake in the lender through his firm Sherborne Investors.

The Connecticut-based investor could earn as much as 40m in extra fees from the fund he oversees if he manages to become chief executive or chairman of the bank, according to analysis seen by the Mail.

It means that a non-executive director job could just be the start of his campaign.

Barclays shares fell 3.2 per cent, or 5.16p, to 156.42p yesterday.
HISTORY

THE BOY WHO FOLLOWED HIS FATHER INTO AUSCHWITZ

by Jeremy Dronfield (Michael Joseph 12.99)

We should all perhaps force ourselves to read this shattering book about the Holocaust, lest we forget the depravities to which humans can sink, and of what the human body and spirit can endure.

We know about the gas chambers, but this account tells us more about the living death outside those hell holes, where those selected to work as slave labourers were worked until they dropped and died.

It is also the astonishing story of the unbreakable bond between a father and a son  Gustav and Fritz Kleinmann, from a happy Viennese Jewish family  a bond so strong that the son volunteered to be transported to Auschwitz in order not to be parted from the father.

The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz is brilliantly researched and written with searing clarity by historian Jeremy Dronfield, its a book where things are horrible from the very beginning

Brilliantly researched and written with searing clarity by historian Jeremy Dronfield, its a book where things are horrible from the very beginning  Viennese Jews being made to scrub the pavements by their previously friendly neighbours who have become rabid anti-Semites overnight  and then get progressively worse, till you cant believe they can get any worse, but they do.

Even to read it is a kind of torture. Its almost unbelievable that the chief protagonists, Gustav and Fritz, lived every day of the hell for almost seven years.

In one of the first round-ups of able-bodied Viennese Jews, on 10 September 1939, those two (aged 48 and 16) were carted off to Buchenwald concentration camp in Weimar. I felt I would have died on the very first day, when everyone, thirsty and terrified, was made to get out of the cattle wagons and forced to run 8km uphill to the camp without stopping. That was a mere aperitif for the daily torture and exhaustion in store.

As always with the Holocaust, there are new details that, once heard, you cant ever forget.

Inside the hell of barbed-wire fences, searchlights, routine beatings and starvation that was Buchenwald, there stood a beautiful old oak tree, known as the Goethe Oak, because Goethe used to sit in it while writing his poems. From the branches of that oak, the enslaved prisoners were hung by their arms for hours on end, as a punishment for not working hard enough in the backbreaking quarries where they had to do twelve-hour shifts pushing wagonloads of boulders uphill, with sadistic guards lashing them and calling them Jew-pigs.

There can be no starker image to bring home that those depraved atrocities happened in the civilised country of Goethe, Beethoven and Bach.

As always with the Holocaust, there are new details that, once heard, you cant ever forget, pictured, entrance to Auschwitz

And theres worse: lethal injections administered by smiling doctors of death, routine lashings and starvation punishments. A favourite sport for the guards was to throw a prisoners cap beyond the sentry line and encourage him to go and fetch it. If he stepped beyond the line he was shot for trying to escape; a guard got three days holiday for every escapee he shot. It was that kind of sadistically jokey vileness I found most upsetting. Another favourite activity was Strafsport: making the prisoners run round the roll-call square and whipping the slow or exhausted ones.

Gustav managed to keep a tiny secret diary, which he hid, for seven years. He didnt write much, as there wasnt much space, but every now and then, he wrote sentences of such humanity, using the vocabulary of a man of morals in a place of depravity, that to read them is balm.

One can scarcely drag oneself along, he wrote, but I have made a pact with myself that I will survive to the end. I take Gandhi as my model. He is so thin, yet survives. Every day I say a prayer to myself: Gustl, do not despair. Grit your teeth: the SS murderers must not beat you.

On 15 October 1942, Fritz heard that his father had been put on the list of 400 prisoners to be transported to Auschwitz the next day. He insisted on getting onto that list as well

What would you have done? you keep asking yourself as you read. Would you have had the physical and mental strength to survive, or would you have voluntarily stepped over the sentry line?

The most pivotal moment comes on page 162. Young Fritz had been taken under the wing of some kind older fellow inmates who had helped him to survive by teaching him the useful art of bricklaying.

On 15 October 1942, Fritz heard that his father had been put on the list of 400 prisoners to be transported to Auschwitz the next day. He insisted on getting onto that list as well, but his chief mentor, a kind man called Robert Siewert, was aghast. What youre asking is suicide, he said. You have to forget your father. These men will all be gassed.

As the whole Nazi murder machine fell apart in 1945, the skeletal surviving prisoners were sent on death-marches or death-train journeys to Belsen

Fritz was adamant. He could not bear to be parted from his father, and requested formally that he too should be sent to Auschwitz.

So it was that the father and son travelled to next place of horror, where they were both selected for work rather than instant death  and to Gustavs astonishment he realised he was in the same barrack building where hed been hospitalised during World War I (he had been a decorated military hero).

If a cat has nine lives, thats nothing compared to how many lives those two totted up between them during the next three years. Again and again, they came within in a whisker of death, whether from random selection, punishment, illness (which nearly always led to the gas-chambers), or American bombing raids.

THE BOY WHO FOLLOWED HIS FATHER INTO AUSCHWITZ by Jeremy Dronfield (Michael Joseph 12.99)

Through a network of good luck and kindness, they somehow survived, day after day, seasoned old Buchenwalders, toughened up through enduring years of the nightmare.

Many newcomers couldnt cope with the shock: within days they were reduced to broken-spirited wrecks, especially when they found out that their wives and children had been sent straight off to Birkenau to be gassed.

Gustav and Fritz were spared till much later the knowledge that Tini and Herta (wife/mother, daughter/sister) had been transported to the east in 1942, shot on arrival and their bodies thrown into a pit. Thankfully, Fritzs brother Kurt had managed to get a visa for the USA, and his sister Edith had managed to get out to England, where she fell in love with and married another refugee.

It was the kind acts of strangers that pulled at my heartstrings most. The slave labourers at Auschwitz worked alongside German civilians in the local factory, and one of these, Fredl Wocher, turned out to be a kind and trustworthy person who went to Vienna on leave, and brought back loving messages and food parcels from Gustav and Fritzs old and loyal neighbours.

As the whole Nazi murder machine fell apart in 1945, the skeletal surviving prisoners were sent on death-marches or death-train journeys to Belsen. Fritz jumped out of one train into the snow and survived for a while but was arrested  using up another of his lives. By the time they were liberated by the Americans, both men were just skin and bone. Fritz weighed five and a half stone.

I could hardly believe that Gustav lived on till 1976, and happily remarried; or that Fritz (who married twice and had a son) lived on till 2009. Gustav never wanted to talk about their ordeal, but Fritz, seething with anger, was determined that the story should be told. His own memoir was entitled And Still The Dog Just Will Not Die. The Nazis had tried to obliterate him and his father, but in the end they failed. Their living, breathing children and grandchildren are the Kleinmanns final triumph.
The Dutch government is desperately trying to get access to life-saving medicines from the UK in case of a no-deal Brexit.

Lives could be put at risk in the Netherlands if drug supplies across the Channel are interrupted, hospitals there have warned.

The country's health minister, Bruno Bruins, said the government had identified 50 vital medicines which have no suitable alternatives on the Dutch market.

But he refused to reveal the names of the drugs out of fear other countries would hoard them.

Dutch health minister Bruno Bruins said the country is working to secure access to medicines to treat life-threatening illnesses and vulnerable people in case there is a shortage in the event of a no-deal Brexit

The Netherlands' revelation is the latest sign of nervousness about how Brexit will affect healthcare in Britain and Europe.

Concerns have been raised about the UK struggling to import drugs, but a lacklustre trading agreement could damage the health of our European neighbours, too.

Mr Bruins's admission comes just a week after UK Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, said the UK's Brexit crisis plans would 'prioritise medicines over food'.

Dutch authorities scoured a list of 2,700 medicines to find the 50, which treat life-threatening diseases or vulnerable people.

'Naming the medicines could lead to stockpiling  also in other EU countries,' Mr Bruins said in a letter to Parliament.

UK'S LEADING INSULIN SUPPLIER BUILDS FOUR MONTH STOCKPILE Britain's main supplier of insulin said in September it would be stockpiling the medicine in case Brexit disrupts the international supply chain. Around 4.6million people in the UK are thought to have diabetes and many of them rely on insulin to stay healthy. Danish healthcare company Novo Nordisk supplies more than half of the UK's insulin and revealed it would import enough of the vital medication to last four months. The move came just weeks after medical experts warned millions of diabetics' health would be at risk if there was an insulin shortage after Brexit. Novo Nordisk said it is committed to making sure its patients' health is not affected. The company said at the time it planned to have built up a 16-week reserve of insulin by this month. Advertisement

'Because this also involves medicines for which few or no alternatives exist, it could lead to speculation'.

Hospitals in the Netherlands have already warned patients' lives could be put at risk if no Brexit deal is reached.

But the country's health ministry said there would 'not necessarily be a shortage' of the medicines on the list, which has been drawn up as a precaution.

If Theresa May does not manage to make a deal with leaders in Brussels, temporary arrangements could be put in place to ensure the free flow of vital medicines.

Permits could be issued to allow the country to import British supplies or to acquire drugs from other countries.

European nations could also experience delays to medical supply deliveries, with some items such as bandages and pacemakers receiving their EU safety certification in the UK.

If there is no deal these certifications could be void in the EU, meaning they would have been sourced from elsewhere.

'We foresee great risks for our daily operations if Britain leaves the EU without a deal,' the Dutch Federation of Academic Hospitals (NFU) said in January.

'This varies from medicines, tissues and medical supplies becoming unavailable, to problems with data storage and the registration of doctors.

'The safety of patients is at risk.'
Noah has undergone chemotherapy and is currently in remission while Kalea has finished radiation and is currently in chemotherapy

Last May, when six-year-old Kalea Avery threw up one morning, her parents assured her she just had a stomach bug.

But the vomiting continued and she began complaining of headaches, so her mother took her to the emergency room near their home in Torrance, California.

Doctors delivered a diagnosis the family had never anticipated: a rare, cancerous tumor growing at the back portion of Kalea's brain.

After Kalea was admitted to the hospital so surgeons could remove the tumor, her five-year-old brother Noah started experiencing similar symptoms.

An MRI was performed and it revealed that Noah had the same tumor growing in the same area of his brain as his sister.

Doctors are absolutely stunned by what they describe as 'lightning striking twice' and believe the siblings may have a genetic condition that predisposes them to have brain cancer.

Kalea Avery (right) and her brother Noah (left), of Torrance, California, were diagnosed with the same brain cancer just two weeks apart.

In May, Kalea began vomiting, which was soon coupled with headaches. A few weeks later she was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor known as medulloblastoma. Pictured, left and right: Dad Duncan, Mom Nohea, six-year-old Kalea and five-year-old Noah

The siblings' father, Duncan, told The Los Angeles Times that when Noah first started saying his head hurt, he and his wife thought he was copying his older sister.

But then his gait started being off balance, he vomited in the mornings and his headaches lasted for days.

In June 21, exactly two weeks after Kalea was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, Noah received the same diagnosis.

WHAT IS MEDULLOBLASTOMA? Medulloblastoma is a fast-growing, high-grade tumor. It accounts for two percent of all primary brain tumors and 18 percent of all malignant pediatric brain tumors. Approximately 70 percent of all cases occur in children under age 10. Signs and symptoms: Appetite changes

Behavioral changes

Increased pressure on the brain (i.e., headache, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, as well as problems with coordination)

Unusual eye movements Treatment consists of surgical removal of the tumor followed by radiation, and then chemotherapy Five-year survival rate, or what percent of children live at least five years after the cancer is found: Average-risk disease: 70% - 80%

High-risk disease: 60% - 65%

Infants with localized disease: 30% - 50% Source: American Brain Tumor Association Advertisement

'[My wife and I] broke down in tears,' Duncan told the newspaper. 'How could two kids in 14 days have the exact same tumor? How does that happen?'

Medulloblastoma is a fast-growing and high-grade brain tumor.

It begins in the part of the brain at the base of the skull - the posterior fossa - and often spreads to the rest of the brain and the spinal cord.

Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, problems with balance and visual problems.

Between 250 and 500 US children are diagnosed with the cancer every year, according to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Approximately 70 percent of all cases are found in children under age 10.

Treatment consists of surgical removal of the tumor followed by radiation, and then chemotherapy.

According to the Instagram page Fight Like The Averys, Noah had surgery scheduled for June 25 for a tumor that was even bigger than Kalea's.

Doctors said it might be the reason he was titling when he walked prior to being diagnosed but his sister didn't.

'When I watched Noah walk down the hall, my heart dropped,' pediatrician Dr Lauren Nguyen told the Los Angeles Times.

'But, of course, could lightning strike twice? It's very unusual. It could be random, but probably not.'

While Kalea (left) was hospitalized so surgeons could remove the tumor, Noah (right) began experiencing the same symptoms. Two weeks later, he received the same diagnosis

Noah has undergone high-dose chemotherapy and is currently in remission while Kalea has finished radiation and is currently in chemotherapy. Pictured, left to right: Nohea, Kalea, Duncan and Noah

The Averys are currently undergoing genetic testing to find out if they're more susceptible to this type of cancer

While there have been reports of siblings developing the same kind of cancer, it's rarely occurred at the same time.

Neither their parents nor their doctors believe the pair developed the cancer from environmental factors and believe it comes down to genetics.

The Averys are now undergoing genetic testing to find if their susceptibility to medulloblastoma is hereditary.

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, there are three genetic conditions that could be linked to a higher risk of developing medulloblastoma.

One is Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome, a genetic condition in which the risk of having multiple basal cell skin cancers can be passed down from generation to generation.

Another is Turcot syndrome, a rare, inherited disorder in which multiple benign masses are found in the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal tract and increases the risk of colorectal cancer and brain cancer.

There is also having a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, which has been linked to a risk in breast and ovarian cancer.

Noah and Kalea have received different courses of treatment at Children's Hospital Los Angeles due to their ages, reported KTLA.

Because Noah was diagnosed at age four, he received six months of high-dose chemotherapy and is currently in remission.

Meanwhile, Kalea underwent six weeks of radiation and is month seven of 11 of chemotherapy.

'It's kind of a blessing that they were diagnosed together because now they're on this journey together and they're there for each other in a way no one else can be there for each other,' their mother, Nohea, told KTLA.
While many see hamsters as just a popular pet, the furry creatures may actually help scientists understand what causes Alzheimer's disease.

A study found when the rodents hibernate, their brains undergo structural changes that help their neurons survive even during low temperatures.

Any protein clumps - a hallmark of Alzheimer's - are also fully and rapidly reversed when the animals wake up.

The researchers hope further studies will help uncover what happens in the brains of hamsters to protect their brain networks.

The Syrian hamster may help scientists understand Alzheimer's, research suggests (stock)

The research was carried out by CEU San Pablo University in Madrid and led by PhD student Carolina Gonzalez-Riano, from the department of pharmacy.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and affects more than 520,000 people in the UK, according to the Alzheimer's Society.

The disease has around 5.7million sufferers in the US, Alzheimer's Association statistics show.

The researchers chose to analyse the Syrian hamster species Mesocricetus auratus due to it hibernating for just three-to-four days at a time when exposed to the cold or darkness.

When the rodents were examined before, during and after hibernation, the scientists discovered 337 substances change while the animals enter the prolonged, deep sleep.

These substances include amino acids - the building blocks of protein - as well as chemicals that protect the brain from freezing.

A group of lipids known as long-chain ceramides - which may help protect brain damage - were notably higher in the hamsters during hibernation than those who had recently woken up.

The results - published in the Journal of Proteome Research - revealed the largest change occurred in the substance phosphatidic acid, which was a staggering five times higher in the hibernating animals.

Phosphatidic acid is known to activate an enzyme that triggers the protein tau to tangle in areas of the brain responsible for memory.

Tau then spread between nerve cells, breaking down their connections and triggering Alzheimer's symptoms.

The researchers believe their study demonstrates the Syrian hamster is an 'excellent model to study substances that could help protect neurons'.
Having human papillomavirus (HPV) raises women's risk of heart disease by 20 per cent, according to a study.

The virus, which 80 per cent of people catch at some point during their life, is spread by close contact such as sexual activity and is the most common STI in the US and UK.

Some HPV strains are already known to cause cancer - but now evidence suggests they raise the risk of heart disease, too.

Heart disease remains the number one killer in the UK, and is estimated to account for 30 per cent of deaths globally, according to HEART UK.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) raises women's risk of heart disease - the world's leading killer - by 20 per cent. Vaccination rates are low, despite HPV being known to cause cancer

Researchers examined data for 63,411 Korean women aged 30 or over who did not have heart disease at the start of the study.

Just over seven per cent of the women, who were studied from 2011 to 2016, had high-risk HPV infections, the scientists said.

The results, published in the journal Circulation Research, show those women with the high-risk strains were 22 per cent more likely to suffer heart disease.

And the findings remained true when known risk factors, such as smoking, exercise levels and obesity were taken into account.

Further analysis found women with HPV who were obese or suffering from metabolic syndrome - a cluster of conditions such as high blood pressure, excess weight around the waist and high cholesterol - had an even higher risk.

WHAT IS HPV? THE INFECTION LINKED TO 99% OF CERVICAL CANCER AND 91% OF ANAL CANCER CASES Up to eight out of 10 people will be infected with HPV in their lives Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that affect your skin and the moist membranes lining your body. Spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex and skin-to-skin contact between genitals, it is extremely common. Up to eight out of 10 people will be infected with the virus at some point in their lives. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Around 30 of which can affect the genital area. Genital HPV infections are common and highly contagious. Many people never show symptoms, as they can arise years after infection, and the majority of cases go away without treatment. It can lead to genital warts, and is also known to cause cervical cancer by creating an abnormal tissue growth. Annually, an average of 38,000 cases of HPV-related cancers are diagnosed in the US, 3,100 cases of cervical cancer in the UK and around 2,000 other cancers in men. HPV can also cause cancers of the throat, neck, tongue, tonsils, vulva, vagina, penis or anus. It can take years for cancer to develop. Advertisement

Those who were obese with HPV were around two-thirds more likely to end up having heart disease, the researchers found.

And those with metabolic syndrome were twice as likely to develop it, according to the team at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital in Seoul.

Dr Seungho Ryu, co-author of the study, said: 'Further studies are required to identify specific high-risk HPV genotypes that may contribute to cardiovascular disease.'

He added that trials will also examine 'whether vaccine strategies to reduce high-risk HPV infection for cancer prevention may also help reduce cardiovascular disease'.

Jeremy Pearson, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: 'The research shows that HPV infection in younger Korean women is associated with a slightly higher risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in those who are obese.

'This raises the possibility that HPV infection directly leads to increased cardiovascular risk through an unknown mechanism, but the results from an HPV vaccination trial would be needed to prove it.'

Figures suggest 80 per cent of people will catch HPV during their life - with around a third of British adults thought to be carriers. And 14million Americans are estimated to be struck down with it each year.

HPV, of which there are more than 100 types, a group of viruses that affect your skin and the moist membranes lining your body.

Around 30 strains of HPV can affect the genitals, of which 13 are considered 'high risk' because they can lead to cervical cancer.

But HPV vaccinations rates have plummeted globally - to as low as one per cent in some countries - due to largely unfounded fears that the jab causes disability.

Last summer, the Government promised to roll-out the vaccines to boys against the virus, which can cause cancer of the penis and anus. The life-saving jabs have been given to teenage girls since 2008.
Hospitals last week became the busiest they've been all winter as only five in every 100 hospital beds were free for new patients.

NHS hospitals entered their fifth consecutive week of being overloaded with inpatients as 94.9 per cent of beds were occupied  the highest figure yet this season.

Not far below the worst point of last year's 'worst ever winter', which hit 95.2 per cent, beds have been above the NHS target of 92 per cent since the new year.

The most recent figure came as snow last week blanketed much of the UK, with temperatures reportedly dropping as low as -16C (3.2F) in Scotland.

To add to the pressure the number of beds closed because of norovirus, diarrhoea and vomiting spiked by more than a third in a week.

Average hospital bed occupancy across all hospitals in England has been above the health service's 92 per cent safety threshold for five consecutive weeks since the beginning of the new year, and last week hit its highest point yet  94.9 per cent

Today's figures released by the NHS show A&E departments appear to be holding their own but staff on the wards are still under immense strain.

The proportion of patients waiting 30 minutes or more to be seen after arriving by ambulance is its lowest since Christmas at 11 per cent.

But hospital beds are full beyond the health service's safe operating limit.

There are approximately 142,000 hospital beds in England, according to the King's Fund think-tank, with statistics suggesting around 135,000 of them were full on an average day last week.

Only 11 hospital trusts were completely full on one or more nights, and none were 100 per cent full all week.

Croydon Health Services in south London was the worst affected, with its beds completely full on five days.

'With many wards already at bursting point and a cold harsh winter still yet to fully bite in some parts of England, hospitals will be fearing the worst is still to come,' said Dame Donna Kinnair, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing.

'Beds in the health service at winter time remain at a premium, and with no way of knowing how many patients are waiting in corridors and armchairs when hospitals become full, the true scale of the problem may be being masked.'

Part of the reason for a rising bed shortage could be a sudden spike in beds being closed because of in-hospital outbreaks of norovirus, diarrhoea or vomiting.

On average, 708 beds were closed each day across the country for this reason  a 34 per cent rise from 530 per day the week before.

Norovirus is a usually short-lived infection which causes vomiting and diarrhoea which tend to last for a few days  it is more common in hospitals than outside.

Despite the fast rise in cases over the past two weeks, Public Health England has reassured people levels are still about average.

In statistics also released today PHE said there were 10 outbreaks of norovirus in English hospitals between January 14 and 27.

It said: 'Reports of suspected and confirmed outbreaks of norovirus in hospitals in England are... at lower levels than the same period in the previous five seasons.'

NHS leaders have praised NHS staff for keeping A&E statistics under control but just five in every 100 hospital beds were free for new patients on average day last week  the NHS's safe operating target is to have no more than 92 per cent of beds full (stock image)

STAFF AND CASH SHORTAGES ADD TO NHS PRESSURES Higher numbers of people visit doctors and hospitals in the winter, making staff busier, but too few staff and funding gaps make it even more difficult for hospitals to run smoothly. There were more than 100,000 empty job posts in September 2018 and analysts feared the situation would only get worse. NHS trusts across England were also 814 million in deficit at the end of June, a shocking quarterly report also revealed. Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said trusts  which run local services and spend money  'are doing all they can'. Commenting on the figures, he added: 'However hard they run, they don't seem able to outpace the increase in demand. 'Trusts tell us they are most worried about the workforce shortages they face, and it's a real concern that these figures have shown such a big increase in vacancy levels. 'It's worrying this problem is getting worse rather than better.' Advertisement

More patients are being treated at hospitals but the number arriving by ambulance is among the lowest since this year's figures began in December.

A total of 97,620 people were taken in by paramedics between January 28 and February 3, with 10,810 of them waiting half an hour or more to be seen.

Hospitals diverted ambulances away from busy A&E departments 13 times  the lowest number this winter.

'NHS staff have been going to extraordinary lengths, battling snowy and icy conditions and increasing norovirus and flu cases to provide patients with the quality care they need,' a health service spokesperson said.

'It is thanks to their hard work and dedication that, despite more people going to hospital than last year, A&E departments have been more resilient, and more people are getting the support they need to return home quickly.

'But the public still has an important role to play by using NHS 111 as the first port of call for non-emergencies.'

A spokesperson for NHS Confederation, which represents NHS providers, said: 'The NHS is coping better with demand this year, despite the cold snap.

'However, we are still seeing ambulance delays and high bed occupancy rates, including over 800 beds closed due to flu and norovirus.

'Patients can take some comfort that the NHS has not buckled under the weight of winter pressures.

'Local services will be fearful of the threat posed by cold weather and flu and norovirus which could strike at anytime. But the signs so far this winter are very good.'
A mother has revealed her heartbreak after losing one of her twin babies when they were born at just 24 weeks.

Ashley Simons, 33, of Basildon, Essex, unexpectedly went into labour while pregnant with twins in January last year.

Doctors tried to administer life-saving drugs to protect the baby girls' brains and lungs while they were still in the womb.

With the birth progressing quickly, Mrs Simons believes baby Esme became stuck in the birth canal to delay her sister Isla's birth, allowing her twin to get the drugs she needed.

Despite doctors attempting to resuscitate Esme for five minutes, the newborn did not make it, with Mrs Simons maintaining she sacrificed herself for Isla, who turned one on January 20 this year.

Ashley Simons (pictured right with her ultrasound scan) believes her daughter Esme got stuck in her birth canal so her twin Isla could get the drugs she needed while in the womb. Esme was stillborn, while Isla (pictured left on her final day of a 138-day stint in hospital) is now thriving

Mrs Simons (pictured recently with Isla) went into labour at just 24 weeks. Doctors rushed to administer drugs that would help protect her babies' developing lungs and brains. Mrs Simon's believes Esme made the ultimate sacrifice so her sister could get the medication she needed

Mrs Simons and her husband Mitchel, 32, were thrilled to discover they were going to be parents after spending five years trying to conceive and 6,000 on IVF.

'We'd had to go all the way to the Czech Republic to have successful IVF,' Mrs Simons said.

'And despite having a cervical ectropion, which was essentially a graze on the cervix which had caused some bleeding, I had a great pregnancy.

'Me and Mitchel were ecstatic and so excited that our dream had come true.'

But the couple's joy was short lived when Mrs Simons - a special needs teacher - went into labour early.

'I was at home at the time and it wasn't until I suddenly felt something drop down through my womb that I began worrying I was in labour,' she said.

'Panicking we rushed to Basildon and Thurrock University hospital, where I was told I was showing signs of being in labour.

'Doctor tried to stop the labour but because I was fully dilated, there was nothing they could do.

'I was told the chances of the babies' survival was very low and if they did survive, they'd be take straight to intensive care.'

Mrs Simons (pictured left with Isla recently) spent five years trying to conceive and 6,000 on IVF. After a near-perfect pregnancy, the special needs teacher was devastated when she lost Esme, while Isla (pictured right with her mother as a newborn) was rushed to intensive care

Isla - who spent 54 days on a ventilator (pictured) - was diagnosed with a grade 4 brain bleed and a valve in her heart that had not closed properly. These issues have since resolved

As soon as Esme was born, Mrs Simons instantly knew the little one had not made it.

'I was told Esme had a heart beat right till the last minute she was born,' she said.

'I knew straight away that there was no sign of life.'

Mrs Simons believes Esme made the ultimate sacrifice to give her sister a chance at life.

'She'd given Isla the time she needed to be able to get the medication the doctors were administering to me,' she said.

'They used steroids and magnesium sulphate, and because Esme had planted herself in the birth canal, Isla had time.'

Steroids are often given to women who go into labour before 35 weeks to help stimulate the development of their babies' lungs.

Magnesium sulfate also helps to protect a foetus' developing brain, reducing their risk of disability.

Mrs Simmons added: 'Esme saved her and is her guardian angel.'

Mrs Simmons describes Isla as a 'fighter' and her sister Esme as her 'guardian angel'

The family celebrated Isla's first birthday on January 20 (pictured left). Mrs Simons and her husband Mitchel thought their 'dreams had come true' when scans showed twins (seen right)

Isla arrived 50 minutes later and was immediately transferred to the Royal London hospital, while her parents said goodbye to Esme.

'We held Esme and treated her like a normal baby, we took photos with her, and took hand and footprints,' Mrs Simons said.

'We were even able to change her nappy and dress her thanks to a cuddle cot, which is a cold bed for babies who have died.

'Then as we prepared for Isla's transferal, a nurse stayed with Esme as I didn't want her to be on her own.'

Isla - who spent 54 days on a ventilator - was diagnosed with a grade 4 brain bleed and a valve in her heart that had not closed properly.

'Isla is a fighter, even now - the bleed is resolving itself although they don't know what long term damage it might have had,' Mrs Simons said.

'The valve has closed on its own and she's now able to breathe on her own.'

After spending 138 days in hospital, the youngster was finally able to go home.

In Esme's memory, the couple have started making care packages - that include everything from deodorant to knitted hats for newborns - for families who have to unexpectedly stay in hospital.

'We want to work alongside families who are in hospital, who are experiencing similar things,' Mrs Simons said.

'We now make care packages for families that are in a similar situation to us - they contain essential items like toiletries and personal care.'

The care packages are available here.
A mother-of-two who became 'paranoid' when she was unable to hear properly was stunned to discover a BB gun bullet had been wedged in her ear for 11 years.

Jade Harris was referred to hospital after having her ears syringed at her GP clinic left her in agony and still unable to hear.

Once at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, stunned medics found a BB gun ball lodged in the 28-year-old's left ear canal.

After doctors used a metal hook to pluck the bullet out, the healthcare assistant could instantly hear more clearly and even says her own voice sounded different.

Seeing the ball instantly made her remember playing with a BB gun at a house party when she was just 17, with the bullet clipping her ear after it bounced off a window.

Jade Harris (left), who became 'paranoid' when she was unable to hear properly was stunned to discover a BB gun bullet (pictured right) had been wedged in her ear for 11 years

Pictured with her daughters - eight-year-old Gracie-Mai Jade Biggs and five-year-old Hope Jade Corbin - Ms Harris went to have her ears syringed when she got water in her right ear, only for the simple procedure to leave her in agony. She was then referred to hospital

For more than a decade, Ms Harris was forced to listen to her TV at near full volume and was always asking people to repeat themselves.

'Everyone always told me off for being loud as I was shouting a lot due to not hearing myself,' she said.

'It felt awful not being able to hear properly and it was so embarrassing.

'I had no pain from the ear but had to turn the telly up and was constantly saying, "what did you say?" and "pardon" to people.

'This went on for 11 years, everyone would always laugh and say I needed my hearing to be checked.'

COCKROACH WAS STUCK IN A WOMAN'S EAR FOR A WEEK A woman had a cockroach stuck in her ear for more than a week after the insect crawled in while she slept. Katie Holley, 29, from Florida, woke startled to find what felt like a piece of ice lodged in her left ear, only to discover two bug legs sticking out. After her husband was only able to remove a few legs with tweezers, Mrs Holley rushed to A&E while the cockroach continue to wriggle deeper into her ear canal. Doctors thought they had removed the roach until - nine days later - Mrs Holley continued to experience pain and a loss of hearing in her ear, leading to a local medic removing six more piece of the insect's carcass. Later that day, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist managed to remove the cockroach's entire head, upper torso, remaining limbs and antennae. 'He told me he extracted bugs from peoples' ears at least once a month - and I was the second person that day who needed it,' Mrs Holley said. Cockroaches are thought to crawl into people's ears in search of food. Advertisement

Ms Harris - who is mother to eight-year-old Gracie-Mai Jade Biggs and five-year-old Hope Jade Corbin - finally went to her GP last July after getting water in her right ear, which made her hearing even worse.

During the appointment, her doctors checked her left ear and recommended she have it syringed to remove a 'build-up of wax'.

When she went to the syringe appointment on July 13, a puzzled nurse realised it was not wax and referred Ms Harris to the hospital that same day.

'The nurse started with the left ear but the "wax" wasn't budging and it was then she asked if I had put anything in there,' Ms Harris said.

'Two more doctors came to look at my ear to see what was in there, I thought they meant a family of bugs so was freaking out.

'They got me an appointment at the hospital straight away because I was a wreck.'

Once at the hospital, Ms Harris' doctor tried to use a hoover-like device to suck whatever was lodged out, with the medic initially think it was a yellow bead.

'She then got a metal hook and had to push past it which absolutely killed, my hand flew up and I almost hit her from the shock of it,' Ms Harris said.

'Once she got behind it she managed to pull it out and that's when when we realised what it was.

'She was really nice throughout the appointment and said she'd seen all sorts in ears over the years but never a BB gun bullet.'

Once at hospital, doctors discovered what appeared to be a build up of wax or a small yellow bead in her left ear. Medics were forced to use a 'metal hook' to pluck the intruding ball out, which was so painful it 'killed'. Ms Harris is pictured left and right with her daughters

Although the ordeal was painful, Ms Harris immediately felt better once the offending bullet was removed.

'As soon as it came out it felt amazing and I could instantly hear better,' she said.

'My voice sounded different and and having the wind hitting it felt really strange.

'Inside my ear was red raw from where the BB gun bullet was lodged but my ear was really clean as it had stopped anything going in.

'I was given an ear spray to put in to ease the redness, which lasted a week.'

Pictured left after the ordeal - holding an image of the bullet - Ms Harris could instantly hear better, with even her own voice sounding different. After years of asking people to repeat themselves, Ms Harris (also pictured right) is enjoying hearing the sound of her children laugh

As soon as Ms Harris saw the pellet, she was struck with the memory of how the obscure item got into her ear canal.

'I had some people in my house for a party 11 years ago and a friend was messing around with a BB gun,' she said.

'The bullet bounced off a glass and then, so I thought, hit me on the ear and pinged off.

'It hurt like it had hit me, it was so fast and powerful, but I wasn't aware it had gone into my ear which it obviously did.'

Doctors discovered - and removed - the bullet at Derriford Hospital (pictured) in Plymouth

Although not painful, having the bullet lodged in her ear had a big impact on Ms Harris' life.

'I never went swimming as I was paranoid about my hearing getting worse,' she said.

'Going to loud places such as gigs or a play centre, or [a] children's party with the kids was a no-no because I couldn't hear well as it was so I wouldn't have heard a thing.

'I used to get my friends and family to take the them to places I couldn't so they wouldn't miss out.

'I just tended to stay home a lot but would take the kids to the park.'

Ms Harris is now relishing being able to hear her children laugh while they play.

'It's a big relief being able to hear properly now and I'm just glad it wasn't something more serious,' she said.

'Since having the bullet removed I've been able to go swimming with the girls which is lovely and I can just hear so much better and not constantly saying "pardon?" which is nice.

'It's great to be able to hear the children laughing and playing - though sadly I can also hear them when they're shouting too.

'It'll be a funny story to tell them when they're grown up, but I'm certainly staying clear of any BB guns from now on.'
(ANSA) - Vatican City, February 7 - Well-informed Vatican sources on Thursday did not confirm a report in The Times according to which Father Paolo Dall'Oglio, an Italian Jesuit priest kidnapped in Syria in 2013, is alive. "We have no confirmation", the sources told ANSA of the report, which cited Kurdish forces. The article said the extremist Islamist group is using Dall'Oglio and two other Western hostages, British journalist John Cantlie and a nurse from New Zealand, as "bargaining chips" in negotiations with the US-backed Kurdish-Arab forces surrounding them.


A woman is relieved to have had surgeons fix the botched boob job she had after her husband and boyfriend cheated on her.

Jessie, whose name and age are unknown, said two men she had loved cheated on her with 'women with bigger boobs'.

But after several failed breast enhancements to boost her confidence, she ended up with one breast for six years.

She turned to the help of celebrity plastic surgeons Dr Terry Dubrow and Dr Paul Nassif on the TLC programme Botched.

Although there was a high chance it could go wrong, they were able to provide Jessie with a 'pretty sweet' cleavage.

Dr Terry Dubrow and Dr Paul Nassif on the TLC programme Botched helped to fix Jessie's breasts. She had one breast for six years after implants ruptured multiple times

The rupture of Jessie's implants caused her 'tremendous pain' a month after her boob job

Jessie said she had breast enhancements after the two men she loved cheated on her with 'women with big boobs'. Pictured, at a younger age with an unknown man

Jessie asked the surgeons to make her 'as big as you can go'. Pictured, younger before her surgery. It is not clear if she is the mother of the baby

Jessie, who lives in the U.S., recalled when she got her first boob job: 'At this point in my life, I'd loved two men and both of them cheated on me with women with big boobs.

'I decided enough's enough, maybe having bigger boobs would make my chances less likely somebody cheating on me.'

Jessie asked for 'as big as you can go', and was given huge implants on her slim frame.

However, two weeks later her right implant 'busted open' and ruptured an incision, coming out of her skin.

She said she was in 'tremendous pain' about a month after the surgery, but it is not clear what surgery she had to fix it.

Unfortunately, the implant rejection occurred a total of three times, leaving Jessie with only one breast for six years.

'There isn't a day that goes by when I don't regret getting my boobs done just to keep a man,' Jessie said.

'I just want to live free, not trapped by this breast. It consumes so much of my life.'

Jessie hoped Dr Dubrow would be able to even out the situation on her chest, but he came across some complications from the offset.

'Jessie's had some very significant early complications, despite the fact that her surgeon used preventive measures,' Dr Dubrow explained.

The implant in Jessie's right breast rejected a total of three times

Dr Dubrow revealed Jessie had 'paper thin' tissue, which would make the operation harder

He said there was a 60 per cent chance the operation would fail - which it did the first time. But Jessie said she would want the surgery even if there was a five per cent chance of success

Dr Paul Nassif and Dr Terry Dubrow are the plastic surgeons from hit TLC show Botched

While listening to Jessie tell her story, Dr Dubrow became concerned about the new patient's 'underlying soft tissue'.

He said: 'We need to figure out a way to thicken up that skin if we have any chance of having an implant survive in that pocket, for any period of time.'

Dr Dubrow revealed that the surgery had a 60 per cent chance of failing due to the patient's 'paper thin' tissue.

But Jessie wanted to go ahead with the operation, saying even if there was a five per cent chance it would work, she would take the risk.

In surgery, Dr Dubrow rotated a piece of tissue from the back part of the pocket to reinforce the thin skin.

He added two small implants for symmetry, but said Jessie could have larger implants in the future if she wanted.

Jessie's first post-operative exam went well, but it wasn't long before the right implant began rupturing.

It was removed by a local doctor in Indiana before Jessie returned to Dr Dubrow.

However, the infection helped create thicker skin which allowed Dr Dubrow to operate again for even better results.

'I was afraid that I would never be normal,' Jessie said. 'But now I have two symmetric breasts that look good in and out of clothes.

'Now I look down and see cleavage. This is pretty sweet.'
The total number of deaths from suicide have increased worldwide to more than 800,000, a shocking new study finds.

Researchers from the University of Washington say between 1990 and 2016, the total increased by nearly seven percent from 765,000 to 817,000 across 195 countries and territories.

Additionally, suicide rates were higher globally for men than they were for women.

But - despite the increase in cases - the age-adjusted global suicide death rate fell over the same time period.

'Suicide rates are going down but we're not winning the war on suicide,' Dr Paul Nestadt, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told DailyMail.com.

He says that attempts to curb deaths have only worked in some parts of the world - like the UK and Sri Lanka - but not in nations like Russia and the US.

A new study has found the total number of deaths from suicide have increased to more than 800,000, but that the global mortality rate has fallen by 33 percent

Suicide has been recognized as a public health issue by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The United Nations agency said it wants to decrease suicide mortality worldwide by 10 percent between 2012 and 2020.

'It's an ambitious goal but suicide is multi-factorial and happening in heterogeneous countries. So while in most countries it's going down, it's going up in others like the US,' said Dr Nestadt.

For the study, published in The BMJ, the team looked at data from the 2016 Global Burden of Disease Study between 1990 and 2016.

Based out of the University of Washington, the GBD study evaluates disability and mortality around the world from diseases, injuries and risk factors.

The researchers found that over the 27-year-study period, the total number of suicide deaths increased by 6.7 percent from about 765,000 to 817,000.

However, the global mortality rate decreased by about 33 percent from 16.6 deaths per 100,000 in 1990 to 11.2 deaths per 100,000 in 2016.

Additionally, researchers determined that 34.6 million years of life were lost from suicide.

When it came to gender, men took their lives more frequently than women with a rate of 15.6 deaths per 100,000 than women at seven deaths per 100,000.

But women experienced a greater decrease in mortality rate from 1990 to 2016 at 49 percent than men did at 24 percent.

'In general, male suicides have always noted to be higher than women,' said Dr Nestadt.

He says that although women attempt suicide much more frequently, men choose more lethal methods.

'One had to do with choice of method,' he said. 'Men use methods that are much more violent such as guns in the US. So its more fatal much more often'.

He says the trend, however, does not hold true in countries that are less developed.

'In less developed countries, you'll see the ratio between men and women is not as large,' said Dr Nestadt.

'They'll use pesticides [to commit suicide] and those are much more egalitarian. Everyone - the farmer, the farmer's wife - has access to them.'

He added that some studies have shown than men may be more vulnerable to economic downturn because they believe themselves to be in the traditional role of provider for their families.

Countries in eastern Europe such as Russia, Lithuania and Ukraine had higher rates due to greater access to weapons and alcohol, experts say

For example, in Japan, there is a period between 1991 and 2010 known as the Lost Score, referring to a period of economic stagnation in the country after the asset price bubble burst

Economic expansion came to a standstill with little-to-no growth, deflation and stock market prices near record-lows.

According to a paper from UC Berkeley on the crisis, 13 financial institutions 'went effectively bankrupt' in 1995, the same year a spike in suicides began.

In the new study, suicide was found to be among the top 10 leading causes of death in five regions: Australasia, central Europe, eastern Europe, high-income Asia Pacific and high-income North America.

For more than three decades, Greenland has been named the country with the highest suicide rate in the world.

Experts have hypothesized this is because Greenland is one of the coldest and least populated countries.

However, Dr Nestadt says the data that comes out of the country is so poor that it can't be taken at face value.

The study also found that where men and women experienced the highest and lowest suicide mortality rates varied regionally.

In 1990, the highest rate for women was in South East Asia, east Asia and Oceania and the lowest was in Latin America and the Caribbean.

By 2016, the lowest rate was still in Latin America and the Caribbean but the highest became South Asia.

This seems to be corroborated by a 2018 study from the Lancet which found two in every five women worldwide who commit suicide are Indian.

Although the authors of that study could not be sure why this is the case, they believe it could be the result of women forced to marry while in their teens as well as a culture that promotes male violence against women.

The new study found that from 1990 to 2016, men had the highest mortality rates from suicide in Central Europe, eastern Europe and central Asia and the lowest rates in North Africa and the middle East.

Countries such as Ukraine, Russia and Lithuania had among the highest rates reported.

'In the case of eastern Europe, white countries have the highest rates of suicide generally and alcohol is a really big problem,' Dr Nestadt said.

A 2009 study showed that, in Russia, 60 percent of suicide victims had a positive blood alcohol concentration at the time of death.

Suicide mortality rates were higher for men than women, which experts say is due to men choosing more violent and lethal methods

'Alcohol is so much more involved in suicide rates and there are a lot of leftover weapons from the [days of the] Soviet Union,' Dr Nestadt added.

'Weapons are valuable. In many of these countries, the people are almost ready for a generational war.'

In an accompanying editorial, Dr Ellicott Matthay, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, San Francisco, says the findings from this study could lead to changes in policy.

'Results could prove useful to governments, international agencies, donors, civic organizations, physicians, and the public to identify the places and groups at highest risk of self harm and to set priorities for interventions, particularly for countries without complete vital registration systems,' she wrote.

Dr Nestadt says one thing that is clear is that we're 'not doing enough' to drive down suicide rates.

'We haven't reached the goals set [by WHO] and suicide still remains a huge issue,' he said.

'The only things that really show to decrease rates are ways to prevent access to lethal methods. In Sri Lanka, it was pesticides; in the US, it's firearms.'

The study comes on the heels of a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which found suicide rates in the US increased by about four percent between 2015 and 2016 alone and spiked by 33 percent since 1999.
Fish and chips can be enjoyed without your waistline taking a battering, a study found.

Experts believe offering smaller versions of our favourite take-away meals could be key to reducing levels of obesity.

Researchers at Newcastle University found that shrinking portions can drastically reduce calorie intake while also keeping customers happy.

They teamed up with a fish and chip supplier to develop a portion with around 600 calories - 1,000 less than a traditional serving and in line with national guidelines for mealtimes.

Experts at Newcastle University believe offering smaller versions of our favourite take-away meals could be key to reducing levels of obesity

These were then offered at a dozen fish and chip shops in the North-East alongside their normal menus.

Takeaway owners were given a three-hour briefing on excessive portion sizes and how market research had shown many customers wanted to be more health conscious and have smaller meals.

They were supplied with promotional posters and business incentives of free packaging and customer loyalty points.

HOW THE GOVERNMENT IS TRYING TO STOP OBESITY Proposed plans to restrict the number of calories in pizzas, pies and ready meals were last year revealed as part of drastic Government moves to try and cut down on obesity. A tax on added sugar in drinks came into force in April, requiring companies to hand over more of the money they make from drinks which contain more than 5g of sugar per 100ml of liquid. As a result, many soft drinks have had their recipes changed in order to avoid paying the tax and putting prices up. Sugary drinks are the biggest single source of sugar for children and teenagers. The Government is also considering making it compulsory for all restaurants and fast food outlets to display the number of calories in each meal on their menu. Some food outlets already do this but there can be unexpected numbers of calories in popular dishes, and the Government is consulting on the plans before a decision is due in spring. In March this year, Public Health England warned Brits to crack down on the number of calories they're eating, advising people to consume no more than 1,600 per day. The watchdog says adults shouldn't eat any more than 400 calories for breakfast, 600 for lunch and 600 for dinner  this would allow for some snacks, experts said. Examples of 600-calorie meals include a tuna pasta salad and a small cereal bar, a chicken salad sandwich and a pack of crisps, or half a pepperoni pizza with a quarter of a garlic baguette and a banana. Advertisement

The meal boxes, called Lite-BITE, consisted of a 5oz (142g) fish and 5oz of chips, fried in vegetable oil and typically cost customers about 4 - around 1.60 less than the full-size versions.

The study found one in five people bought the smaller alternatives while four in ten said they would consider scaling down.

Secret-shoppers, customer surveys and interviews indicated that customers were pleased with the smaller portions and takeaway owners were happy to sell them.

Public Health England wants adults to eat no more than 400 calories for breakfast, 600 for lunch and 600 for dinner.

But the rising number of fast food outlets has been blamed for fuelling the obesity crisis, with two thirds of adults and one in three children now overweight or obese.

Last year it was revealed that the number of fast-food outlets has increased by a third in eight years and is at its highest level since figures were first compiled in 2010.

Jackie Pearson, of independent fish suppliers Henry Colbeck Limited said more than 250 shops were using the boxes, selling 700,000 in the last year.

Lead author Louis Goffe said: 'The independent takeaway sector is one of the most challenging food sectors to work with to make changes.

'This research emphasises the importance of working with wholesale suppliers, who have a strong relationship with traders, to improve the health benefits of hot food takeaways.

'The sales show that there is a demand for smaller portion meals and we hope this will act as a template for others in the fast-food sector to follow.'

In proposed Government plans, calories are set to be capped on our favourite treats across the board.

Limits on ready meals, crisps, chips, biscuits, sandwiches, cooking sauces, soups, burgers and processed meats, among other food products are to be revealed in the spring.

The drastic guidelines from Public Health England state pizzas should contain no more than 928 calories and pies should be capped at 695.

The move is part of the PHE's target to reduce calorie counts in every day foods by 20 per cent by 2024, as around a quarter of adults and a fifth of children are obese in the UK.

In a major obesity crackdown, a tax on sugary drinks, a ban on two-for-one deals on junk food and adverts on London's public transport has been implemented.
More than 400 scientific studies should be withdrawn because they may have been based on organs harvested from dead prisoners in China, experts say.

Transplant trials are thought to have been conducted on hearts, livers or lungs taken from executed criminals and political prisoners who have passed away in the Asian nation.

China is believed to have the highest execution rate in the world and, until 2015, death row inmates were routinely used as a source of organ donation.

But experts say studying these body parts is unethical and papers which don't specify where organs came from should be retracted.

Scientists said it is unethical for countries to benefit from studies which have involved organs harvested from prisoners whilst outwardly condemning the practice (stock image)

Researchers from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, were concerned by 445 papers published in English language journals.

The studies from between 2000 and 2017 involved data from 85,477 organ transplants in China.

But the vast majority did not report whether the tissues had been taken from executed prisoners (92.5 per cent) or if donors had given their consent (99 per cent).

Professor Wendy Rogers, lead author of the study, said the findings were 'morally concerning', the British Medical Journal reported.

She added scientists and journal editors and publishers had showed 'a significant lack of vigilance and failure to stick to accepted ethical standards'.

'We were quite shocked to find that there had been so few questions asked about where the organs came from in this Chinese research,' she told AFP.

Some 19 papers claimed no prisoners' organs were used but had used results from transplants which took place before voluntary donations were allowed.

In 2006, China openly admitted to harvesting executed prisoners' organs to donate, and a law requiring donors' consent was only devised in 2011.

The country has been transplanting organs for decades but the practice was largely unregulated until laws and safeguards began to be introduced in 2007.

From then on they brought in rules to require donor consent, limited which hospitals could do the operations, and set up an official state-run donation system.

In 2015, they officially banned the harvesting of organs from prisoners although it is still technically legal, according to the BMJ.

A judge found last year the state had 'for a substantial period' been harvesting organs from 'prisoners of conscience'  those locked up because of their political or religious beliefs.

Amnesty International calls China's use of the death penalty 'horrifying' and estimates the country executes more people than the rest of the world combined.

Professor Rogers said the studies should be retracted because it would be hypocritical to benefit from China's organ harvesting whilst publicly condemning it.

She said any papers including data from transplants done before 2015 are 'highly likely' to have involved harvested organs.

And the team have called for an international meeting to discuss policy in this area and investigate other unethical research.
Meghan Markle has proven herself to be the hostess with the mostest, if her friends are anything to go by.

In a recent interview one of her close pals revealed that they had flown to London from LA in order to stay with the pregnant Duchess, and let slip some of her hosting secrets.

Speaking to People the anonymous friend revealed that members of Meghan's inner circle have 'all stayed' at the 'cosy' Nottingham Cottage that she shares with Prince Harry.

The acquaintance also noted that the group had stayed while the Duke of Sussex was away, but added that Meghan would usually cook for him 'every day'.

A close friend of Meghan's has described her hosting skills, revealing that the Duchess, who is pictured at the Hub Community Kitchen in November, made 'lovely meals' during a recent visit

They said: 'Weve all been to their cottage. Its small and shes made it cosy, but the perception of their lifestyle and the reality are two different things.

'Meg cooks for herself and Harry every single day.'

And it seems that visiting guests are also given the royal treatment.

The friend revealed: 'In the room she made up for me, there was a candle lit by the bed, slippers and a robe. We were the only two in the house. It was our time. She made the most lovely meals.

'She made tea every day. It was raining and muddy outside, so the dogs got all dirty, and she's wiping them off with towels.'

The interview, which was published yesterday saw five 'close friends' of the Duchess, who have not revealed their names as they don't want to jeopardize their relationship with her, told People that Meghan penned the letter to her father, Thomas Markle, shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry.

'Dad, I'm so heartbroken. I love you. I have one father. Please stop victimizing me through the media so we can repair our relationship,' she is said to have written to Thomas after he gave a flurry of negative press interviews about her.

Her former makeup artist Daniel Martin has previously visited the Duchess and shared a snap of the avocado on toast that she served to him

The five female friends, reported to be in Meghan's innermost circle, say Thomas then responded in a long letter of his own, in which he asked his daughter for a photo shoot.

Daniel, who has known Meghan for a number of years, discreetly shared details of the afternoon tea's venue by geo tagging his Instagram post 'London, United Kingdom'

'She feels like, "That's the opposite of what I'm saying. I'm telling you I don't want to communicate through the media, and you're asking me to communicate through the media. Did you hear anything I said?"' the friends revealed.

The group of unnamed friends also voiced their concerns that the strain of her ongoing estrangement with her father, and the stress of dealing with his public rants about her, could well be taking its toll on Meghan and Prince Harry's unborn child.

While these friends have chosen to stay anonymous, other friends have been more vocal about their visits to the Duchess.

Last month she is understood to have invited US-based beauty guru Daniel Martin for an intimate catch-up at Kensington Palace while he was in London.

The pair enjoyed black tea, posh 'Sandringham' coffee truffles and slices of avocado toast served on silver crockery.

The anonymous friend said that they stayed while Harry was away but that the Duchess would usually cook for him every day. Pictured: Meghan roasting a turkey during her pre-royal days

The friends also revealed that Meghan penned a letter to her dad, Thomas Markle (pictured on GMB last year), shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry, asking him to stop 'victimizing' her

Daniel, who was responsible for Meghan's wedding make-up:, delighted fans by sharing a snap of the spread, writing: 'Back to our Tig days...

'Thank you Meghan for being the consummate hostess this weekend and still being the #avocadotoast whisperer, YUM! #foodie #foodiegram.'

Both Meghan and Daniel tucked into two modest slices of seeded toast smothered in avocado, washing them down with cups of tea apparently served without milk.

Fittingly, the chocolates are Fortnum and Mason's 13.95 Sandringham Coffee Truffles, which were served directly from the royal retailer's distinctive blue box.

The crockery was elegantly mismatched, with a brushed blue ceramic tea pot and cup sitting in contrast with the formal scalloped edged silver saucer and side plates.

Daniel, who has known Meghan for a number of years, discreetly shared details of the afternoon tea's venue by geo tagging his Instagram post 'London, United Kingdom'.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dazzled on the red carpet last night as they stepped out to celebrate the achievements of wounded, injured and sick military veterans who have taken on remarkable challenges.

Harry and Meghan were at the Endeavour Fund Awards in London's Draper's Hall honouring those who, despite life-changing injuries, accidents or illnesses, have excelled in sporting and adventure pursuits.

Meghan, 37, dressed her baby bump in almost head-to-toe bespoke Givenchy, pairing a crisp white shirt with a side-split skirt and box clutch by the designer, which she teamed with 530 Aquazzura 'Rendez Vous' pumps.

As they moved around the pre-awards party at Draper's hall, Harry was heard to tell one invitee: 'There's a heavy baby in here.' For her part, Meghan told one guest: 'He's going to be the best dad.'

The engagement comes in the wake of an explosive People magazine article published this week in which five 'close friends' of the pregnant Duchess spoke out on the 'emotional trauma' she has experienced as the result of abusive comments on social media and the ongoing public feud with her father Thomas Markle.

Monochrome magic! Meghan and Harry arrives at last night's Endeavour Fund Awards. The Duchess dressed her bump in a crisp white shirt tucked into a figure-hugging pencil skirt, believed to be Givenchy, which she teamed with gold heels

The Duchess of Sussex looked radiant as she presented an award to Nathan Forster, a former soldier of the Army's Parachute Regiment, at the annual Endeavour Fund Awards

Classic tailoring: The Duchess of Sussex paired a crisp white shirt with a side-split skirt and box clutch by Givenchy, which she teamed with 530 Aquazzura 'Rendez Vous' pumps

The Duke and Duchess spent time chatting to guests inside. Is it the second year running that the couple have jointly attended the Endeavour Fund Awards, with their 2018 appearance being one of their first official engagements before their marriage

Meghan's bump was clearly visible underneath her skirt. The couple, who are expecting their first child in the spring, recently let slip their due date when Meghan told fans in Merseyside that Baby Sussex will arrive 'at the end of April or May'

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pose with the nominees and guests at a pre-ceremony reception as they attend the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall in London last night. Meghan wore head to toe Givenchy with Aquazzura heels

One gave an account of how Meghan had done her utmost to support her father, despite him betraying her by co-operating with a paparazzi photographer over staged photoshoots.

After the wedding she reportedly wrote him an emotional letter  which was given almost verbatim to the magazine  asking him to stop victimising me through the media so we can repair our relationship. He replied, apparently, requesting a photo opportunity.

The group of unnamed friends also voiced their concerns about the effects the strain could well be taking its toll on Meghan and Prince Harry's unborn child.

'We worry about what this is doing to her and the baby,' they said. 'It's wrong to put anyone under this level of emotional trauma, let alone when they're pregnant.'

Another voiced concerns over the 'global bullying' Meghan is facing, saying: 'We want to stand up against the global bullying were seeing (against Meghan). Meg has silently sat back and endured the lies and untruths.'

However some believe Meghan was wrong to 'sanction' the article.

Former Buckingham Palace press secretary, Dickie Arbiter, who worked as a media manager for both Prince Charles and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, said he feared the decision had opened a Pandoras Box, that would only exacerbate issues, not contain them.

He said: 'Assuming - and as these sources are anonymous we dont know for sure - that this was done with her agreement, is has opened a Pandoras Box, in my opinion. The issue with her father is an open wound and Im not entirely sure it is the best idea to aggravate that.

Old timers: Last night was the second year running that the couple have jointly attended the Endeavour Fund Awards, with their 2018 appearance being one of their first official engagements before their marriage

The couple don formal attire for last night's awards. The Endeavour Fund is a body that was set up by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex to fund projects aiding the recovery of veterans

Close to his heart: Harry, 34, and Meghan chaired the judging panel which chose the winners who will be announced at the event staged at Drapers' Hall in the City of London on Thursday evening

The couple arrive at Draper's Hall last night. Meghan, 37, dressed her bump in a crisp white shirt tucked into a side-split maxi skirt, which she teamed with Aquazzura stilettos and a black box clutch

What feud? After a difficult week that saw friends warn Meghan is battling 'emotional trauma', the Duchess of Sussex appeared in good spirits as she laughed and joked with Prince Harry after arriving at the Endeavour Fund Awards

Meghan's friends' VERY candid magazine interview The magazine quotes Meghans five close and long-standing friends, who spoke on condition of anonymity, hitting out at claims that she has been uncaring towards her father Thomas Markle, and describing criticism of her as global bullying. Meg has silently sat back and endured the lies and untruths, one claimed. We worry about what this is doing to her and the baby. One gave an account of how Meghan had done her utmost to support her father, despite him betraying her by co-operating with a paparazzi photographer over staged photoshoots After the wedding she reportedly wrote him an emotional letter  which was given almost verbatim to the magazine  asking him to stop victimising me through the media so we can repair our relationship. He replied, apparently, requesting a photo opportunity. The article also reveals details of her life at Kensington Palace with Harry, further evidence that the duchess would know the identities of those speaking out. These include everything from the interior decor to how she and Harry spend their day-to-day lives and how she can make a five-star meal out of the garbage in your refrigerator. It reveals how she not only writes her own speeches but many of her husbands too. The article also said she treated her staff to an ice cream and sorbet stand for their office and buys handwarmers for the police guarding the palace gates. Advertisement

'It doesnt entirely surprise me that the press office didnt know, that said. Nothing changes. In my experience, the first inkling we had of a story [at the time of the so-called War of the Wales] was when you read it in the Sun or the Mail. There is something that doesnt sit easy with me. It is an American magazine and in America they are obsessed with their new princess. Im just not sure this will have done anyone any good.'

However any concerns seemed far from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's mind when they attended the awards show last night.

Inside, the couple looked relaxed and at ease among friends and serving and former armed forces members.

Host for the evening was Ross Kemp, the actor and documentary maker. He said he spoke to the couple about their new Labrador puppy.

Describing Meghan as 'stunning,' he added: 'We talked about how they've got a puppy and we got a puppy before we had our first boy. It's a preparation for nappy changing and pooping basically.'

Kemp looked emotional as Harry praised him for his documentaries he made about soldiers fighting in Afghanistan in 2008-9. 'He said it changed public opinion in terms of the sympathy towards the soldiers in the ground,' the actor said.

'He was saying it helped bring awareness. It was actually nice to be banked by someone like him who's been there himself and seen and done it.

'If you look at A-listers in the world there probably aren't many bigger than those two. They are down to earth, very warm, very decent human beings who care. They could potentially be a massive catalyst for great change not just in the UK but around the world.'

The first award of the night was the Recognising Achievement Award given by former Olympic rower Sir Matthew Pinsent to Kelly Ganfield, a visually impaired runner who has taken part in two Invictus Games.'

The couple walk the red carpet hand in hand. Harry and Meghan are at the Endeavour Fund Awards in London 's Draper's Hall honouring those who, despite life-changing injuries, accidents or illnesses, have excelled in sporting and adventure pursuits

The couple are suited and booted for last night's Endeavour Fund Awards. Meghan, 37, dressed her bump in a crisp white shirt tucked into a side-split maxi skirt, which she teamed with 530 Aquazzura 'Rendez Vous' pumps and a black box clutch

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at last night's star-studded awards ceremony. Harry, 34, and Meghan chaired the judging panel which chose the winners who will be announced at the event staged at Drapers' Hall in the City of London

Dazzling in monochrome, the Duchess of Sussex greets a friend after arriving at the Endeavour Fund Awards on Thursday night. Meghan paired a Givenchy skirt with a crisp white shirt, Aquazzura heels and a box clutch

MEGHAN OPENED A 'PANDORA'S BOX' BY 'SANCTIONING' FRIENDS' MAGAZINE INTERVIEW The Duchess of Sussex was wrong to sanction her closest friends to speak out on her behalf in an extraordinary magazine interview, experts and royal insiders said yesterday. The feature, in US celebrity magazine People, saw five of those who know Meghan best set the record straight over the troubled relationship with her father and criticism of her style as a royal. Kensington Palace refused to comment on whether the anonymous sources had co-operated with the magazine at the direct request of the duchess, or, at the very least, with her tacit permission. It was clear, however, that the palace press office had not co-operated on the piece. Indeed, the Mail understands they were only informed by magazine staff about its exceptional detail - including a verbatim account of letter written by Prince Harrys new wife to her estranged father - minutes before publication. Now the suggestion that Meghan, 37, has sanctioned her inner circle to speak to the media over and above the heads of her closest advisors has sparked concern both inside and outside the royal households. Former Buckingham Palace press secretary, Dickie Arbiter, who worked as a media manager for both Prince Charles and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, said he feared the decision had opened a Pandoras Box, that would only exacerbate issues, not contain them. He said: 'Assuming - and as these sources are anonymous we dont know for sure - that this was done with her agreement, is has opened a Pandoras Box, in my opinion. The issue with her father is an open wound and Im not entirely sure it is the best idea to aggravate that. 'It doesnt entirely surprise me that the press office didnt know, that said. Nothing changes. In my experience, the first inkling we had of a story [at the time of the so-called War of the Wales] was when you read it in the Sun or the Mail. There is something that doesnt sit easy with me. It is an American magazine and in America they are obsessed with their new princess. Im just not sure this will have done anyone any good.' Advertisement

'Your Royal Highness, you're absolutely amazing in acknowledging many of us soldiers,' Ms Ganfield said. 'And the Duchess of Sussex you've got all this to come.

Earlier, Ms Ganfield met the couple at the reception when Harry had teased her and her running guide Mikael Huggins as he had watched her race in the Invictus Games. 'He said that Mikael slightly slowed me down and we giggled about that,' she said.

'He met me in Bath for the trials with Meghan. She is a total asset to the British public and nation.'

'She is going to be a mother soon and  yet again from the trials  she saw my daughter Bethany who was two at the time. She is now three. Bethany gravitated to her and [Meghan] kind of gravitated to Bethany. She has cerebral palsy. Meghan was amazing with her. And [Harry] was beaming  but he's always like that.'

Ms Ganfield recalled how in Bath, 'His Royal Highness put my glasses on to see what I see in day to day life and he made Meghan put the same glasses on.'

Meghan appeared in good spirits despite a difficult wek. Five 'close friends' of the Duchess, who did not reveal their names, told People this week that Meghan was so distraught with her father Thomas Markle's behaviour that she wrote him a letter

The Duchess of Sussex meets guests during a pre-ceremony reception as she and Prince Harry attend the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall in London on 7 February

Tough week: The couple's appearance at the Endeavour Fund Awards last night comes after friends warned of the 'emotional trauma' Meghan is dealing with following her family's ongoing public feud and abusive comments made on social media

Harry and Meghan chat to guests. The Royal Foundation's Endeavour Fund Awards celebrate the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women who have taken part in sporting and adventure challenges over the last year

The Endeavour Fund is a body that was set up by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex in order to fund inspiring projects aiding the recovery of veterans.

Since its launch in 2012, the Endeavour Fund has supported 86 different projects that have helped more than 5,000 wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.

Harry, 34, and Meghan chaired the judging panel which chose the winners who will be announced at the event staged at Drapers' Hall in the City of London.

They deliberated over three awards: Recognising Achievement, Celebrating Excellence, and the third named in memory of adventurer Henry Worsley, who died trying to complete the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic.

Worsley, a career soldier and an experienced polar adventurer, undertook the incredible expedition in order to raise money for the Endeavour Fund.

The Duchess of Sussex took to the stage to give the second award  Celebrating Excellence. Before she handed it to Nathan Forster, a former private in the parachute regiment who's now a pilot of 737 planes, she said, 'I'm so, so grateful to be back. Last year was my first time coming and it was such a meaningful night.

The couple, pictured at last night's Endeavour Fund Awards, have a busy roster of engagements ahead of their first child. Their new marital home, Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle, is currently undergoing extensive renovations

The Duchess clutches her bump as she chats to guests during last night's Endeavour reception. A group of unnamed friends this week voiced their concerns over the strain of Meghan's ongoing estrangement with her father Thomas Markle

Meghan and Harry chat to guests at the reception. Is it the second year running that the couple have jointly attended the Endeavour Fund Awards, with their 2018 appearance being one of their first official engagements before their marriage

The couple pose with guests at Draper's Hall last night. As they moved around the pre-awards party at Draper's hall, Harry was heard to tell one invitee: 'There's a heavy baby in her.' For her part, Meghan told one guest: 'He's going to be the best dad'

Pregnant Meghan presents the Celebrating Excellence Award to Nathan Forster, a former soldier of the Army's Parachute Regiment, at the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall in London on Thursday evening

The Duke of Sussex also gave a speech at last night's event. The Royal Foundation's Endeavour Fund Awards celebrate the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen who have taken part in sporting and adventure challenges

British champion rower Matthew Pinsent presents the Recognising Achievement Award to Kelly Ganfield during the Endeavour Fund Awards in the Drapers' Hall in London on Thursday night

'Before the reception Harry and I were talking to all the nominees and in speaking to one of them he said 'gosh the impact you guys make is huge. It's so much bigger than you.'

'No it's not about us, it's the ripple effect. And, in true modesty of all the nominees  'yes it is about the ripple effect.' But what I admired in him  and I feel is true about all the nominees  is you don't have that ripple effect unless each of you is brave enough to make that first wave.

'It's so important to remember that because what you're doing is inspiring so many people  so thank you from all of us for being that inspiration and congratulations to all the nominees.'

Forster, 31, from South Shields, in north east England, was serving in Afghanistan when he seriously injured his left leg following an IED explosion. In five years he has gone from having no experience of flying to being a pilot of 737 jets for TUI taking holidaymakers from the UK to places like Greece, Spain and Tenerife.

'What began as a challenge just to learn how to fly to do something different t and be part of an expedition. And on the back of that training I said I wanted to fly and the challenge opened the door to decide what I wanted to do in my life,' he said.

The Duchess cradles her bump on stage last night. The first award of the night was the Recognising Achievement Award given by former Olympic rower Sir Matthew Pinsent to Kelly Ganfield, a runner who has taken part in two Invictus Games

The Duchess on stage last night. In a short speech, Meghan told guests what a 'meaningful' evening it had been so far and told nominees: 'What you're doing is inspiring so many people, so thank you from all of us'

Meghan gave a short speech as she presented an award last night. The Endeavour Fund is a body that was set up by the Royal Foundation of Cambridges and Sussexes, in order to fund inspiring projects aiding the recovery of veterans

Giving a short speech, Meghan thanked 'inspirational' nominees for creating a 'ripple effect' through their achievements. The Royal Foundation's Endeavour Fund Awards celebrate the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women

The Duchess of Sussex presents the Celebrating Excellence Award to Nathan Forster, a former soldier of the Army's Parachute Regiment, at the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall in London on Thursday evening

His expedition  set for 2021  plans to fly a flex-wing plane over Antartica. 'It's a bit like flying a motorbike in the sky. That got me into flying and I've been lucky enough to forge a career from there and be supported by the airline.'

The last honour of the evening was the Henry Worsley award  which was presented by Prince Harry to Shaun Pascoe, who was an officer commanding the RAF Medical Emergency Response Team on an aircraft. He suffered PTSD after many tours abroad he has since set up a forces' sailing charity  Turn to Starboard.

Is it the second year running that the couple have jointly attended the Endeavour Fund Awards, with their 2018 appearance being one of their first official engagements before their marriage.

Last year she won fashion plaudits for her decision to ditch dresses and heels in favour of a sharp tuxedo suit from Alexander McQueen and towering heels.

The couple, who are expecting their first child in the spring, recently let slip their due date when Meghan told fans in Merseyside that Baby Sussex will arrive 'at the end of April or May'.

Their new marital home, Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle, is currently undergoing extensive renovations said to include a 50,000 green energy unit and a gender-free nursery using vegan paint.
Ivanka Trump was dressed to the nines as she stepped out of her Washington, D.C. home on Thursday morning.

The 37-year-old first daughter appeared to be in good spirits as she flashed a smile and waved while making her way to the Secret Service vehicle parked outside her front gate.

Ivanka wore a $4,600 Alexander McQueen double-breasted coat with an asymmetrical hem over a winter white midi dress that grazed her calves.

Happy as can be: Ivanka Trump smiled and waved as she stepped out of her Washington, D.C. home on Thursday morning

Outfit of the day: The first daughter wore a $4,600 Alexander McQueen double-breasted coat with an asymmetrical hem over a winter white midi dress that grazed her calves

The look: The White House senior adviser was camera ready with her natural-looking makeup and straight blonde hair

Thursday mood: Ivanka appeared to be in good spirits as she made her way to the Secret Service vehicle parked at the curb

Although she often carries her winter coat in her hand while on her way to work, she bundled up on Thursday, despite the weather in D.C. being relatively mild.

The White House senior adviser was camera ready with her natural-looking makeup and straight blonde hair.

Ivanka topped off her outfit with a pair of classic black pumps and a $3,400 Chanel tote bag that was filled with a binder.

The pricey designer bag was a far cry from the $295 black handbag from her now-defunct Ivanka Trump fashion line that she carried the day before.

Ivanka was likely dressed up to watch her father, President Donald Trump, sign a memorandum establishing the Womens Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, or W-GDP, later on in the day.

The mother-of-three promoted the new initiative in an op-ed that was published in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, explaining that her father has directed the U.S. Agency for International Development to allocate an initial $50 million for the new fund.

On the go: The first daughter was seen leaving the bottom gate of her home at about 9:15 a.m.

Style: Ivanka topped off her outfit with a pair of classic black pumps that matched the black piping on the side of her dress

Accessories: In her hand, she carried a $3,400 Chanel tote bag that was filled with a binder

Royal treatment: A Secret Service agent held the door for her as she stepped into the backseat of a black SUV

'This new initiative will for the first time coordinate Americas commitment to one of the most undervalued resources in the developing worldthe talent, ambition and genius of women,' she wrote.

'This initiative aims to help 50 million women in developing countries realize their economic potential by 2025.'

Ivanka explained that W-GDP will establish a three-pillar structure, with the first pillar involving the advancement of workforce development and vocational education for women.

The second pillar is all about empowering female entrepreneurs, and the third 'focuses on eliminating the legal, regulatory and cultural barriers that prevent women from participating in their local economies.'

Ivanka left her home with a smile on her face at 9:15 on Thursday morning, nearly two hours after her husband, White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, was seen heading to work.

Like his wife, Jared, 38, gave a smile and wave as he exited the front door of their home and walked the short distance to the Secret Service SUV parked at the curb at about 7:30 a.m.

Work: Ivanka was likely dressed up to discuss the Womens Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, or W-GDP, which her father will sign a memorandum to establish on Thursday

Latest project: Ivanka spoke about the W-GDP initiative during a roundtable discussion held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex

Passionate: The first daughter was all smiles as she promoted the new initiative that aims to help 50 million women in developing countries realize their economic potential by 2025

Start: Ivanka explained in an op-ed published on Wednesday that her father has directed the U.S. Agency for International Development to allocate an initial $50 million for the new fund

Ivanka was later photographed speaking about the W-GDP initiative during a roundtable held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex.

In recent weeks, Ivanka has taken to leaving her home in a Secret Service SUV straight from her garage, but the past couple of days she made the short jaunt from her front gate to the vehicle parked at the curb.

The first daughter also had a spring in her step as she headed to work on Wednesday morning, the day after her father's State of the Union address.

She embraced the unusually warm winter weather and donned a light black blouse and a cream and black wool skirt with fringe, leaving her legs bare.

Ivanka flashed a megawatt smile as she stepped out of the bottom gate of her home, opting to hold her black wool coat in her hand instead of wearing it.

The White House senior adviser was likely out later than usual due to the State of the Union, and she got a bit of a late start on Wednesday, leaving her home at about 10:30 a.m.

However, Ivanka didn't look tired at all. Her long blond hair was styled straight, and she was sporting natural looking makeup.

She accessorized her black and cream outfit with a pair of large tassel earrings that matched the fringe on her skirt.

Family: Ivanka later joined her father in the Oval Office for the official launch of the Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative

Proud: The first daughter watched on as President Trump prepared to sign off on the initiative

Early bird: Ivanka left her home nearly two hours after her husband, White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, was seen heading to work

He's happy too: Like his wife, Jared, 38, gave a smile and wave as he exited the front door of their home at about 7:30 a.m.

Off to work: Ivanka was also seen leaving the bottom gate of her home on Wednesday morning

Spring is in the air: The first daughter embraced the unusually warm winter weather and donned a light black blouse and a cream and black wool skirt with fringe

The former businesswoman topped off her look with a pair of classic black patent leather pumps and a black handbag from her former fashion line.

The first daughter appeared to be in good spirits as she had a smile on her face as she got into the back seat of the black SUV.

Later on in the day, Ivanka watched her father announce David Malpass's candidacy to lead the World Bank during an event in the Roosevelt Room of the White House.

Last month rumors swirled that the first daughter was under consideration for the job, but it was later revealed the reports that she was in the running for the job were false.

She has, however, been leading the charge to find World Bank President Jim Yong Kim's replacement after he announced in early January he would be stepping down this month.

It's been a busy week for the couple, but Ivanka managed to spend some quality time with her three children before heading to the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday for her father's State of the Union address.

The mother-of-three took to Instagram Stories to share an image of red table decorations, writing: 'Happy Chinese New Year!'

Added touch: Ivanka accessorized her outfit with a pair of large tassel earrings that matched the fringe on her skirt

Work: Later on in the day, Ivanka was on hand to watch her father announce David Malpass's candidacy to lead the World Bank during an event in the Roosevelt Room of the White House

In sync: Ivanka and Jared wore matching black and red to attend her father's State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday

A second photo shows one of her children reaching for a gold coin candy on the table, which featured a red runner and plenty of treats.

The color red symbolizes good fortune and happiness in Chinese culture, and Ivanka revealed she was 'celebrating with the kids...'

Ivanka's eldest child, seven-year-old Arabella, started studying Mandarin since she was 18 months old, and she has carried on the tradition with her two sons.

The proud mom often shares videos and pictures of her children celebrating the language and culture.

After celebrating the Chinese New Year with her children, Ivanka posted a short video of herself in the backseat of an SUV while heading to the Capitol.

'En route to State of the Union. Looking forward!' she said, smiling brightly for the camera.

Ivanka and Jared joined her siblings Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Tiffany Trump as part of 'Team Trump' on Tuesday evening.

Family time: Before heading to the Capitol, Ivanka revealed on her Instagram Stories that she was celebrating the Chinese New Year with her three children

Team Trump: President Donald Trump's children posed for a photo with their respective partners ahead of the State of the Union address

Pride: Jared, Ivanka, her sister-in-law Lara Trump, her brothers Eric and Donald Trump Jr., and her sister Tiffany Trump gave the president a standing ovation at the State of the Union

She donned a $5,000 military-style ensemble by Alexander McQueen that consisted of a fitted black blazer and wool midi skirt featuring red strip detailing on the sides.

The look was a stark contrast to the women of the Democratic party, who put on a united front by donning all white to honor the legacy of womens suffrage.

Interestingly enough, Tiffany and Donald Jr.'s girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, both wore all-white looks on Tuesday evening.

Whether Tiffany, 25, and Kimberly, 49, intentionally chose the color to make a point remains unknown, but they stood out dramatically from the rest of Team Trump, all of whom picked dark ensembles.

President Donald Trump's four oldest children and their respective partners were all smiles as the posed for a photo together ahead of the address.

After the State of the Union, Eric posted another group shot of the family, writing: 'We are all so incredibly proud of @realDonaldTrump! What an amazing night! #SOTU'.

The president reposted the photo of his children, adding the caption: 'THANK YOU to my wonderful family for joining me tonight. I love you!'
Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber, Christie Brinkley and Sailor Brinkley Cook, Kate Moss and Lila Grace Moss: There have been plenty of mother-daughter fashion duos to cover major magazines in recent years.

But Diane von Furstenberg, 72, and her Talita von Furstenberg, 19, may be the first grandmother and granddaughter pair to share the front of a magazine, as the two pose together on the cover of Town & Countrys March 2019 issue.

Inside its pages, the two stunning women discuss family nicknames, person style, and DVF's fashion legacy  and also announce that college student Talita is set to debut her own collection under the DVF label.

Two of a kind: Diane von Furstenberg and granddaughter Talita cover Town & Country's March issue

The next generation: Talita, 19, is set to debut her own collection this spring called TVF for DVF

The collection, called TVF for DVF, is due out this spring and will be priced a bit lower than the main brand.

'I look at it this way,' said Talita, who proclaimed she was 'born to do fashion'. 'Your mom wore DVF, and maybe your grandmother wore DVF, but now I can bring something a little more fresh and youthful.'

That doesn't mean Talita will be totally reworking the brand's signature look. Though she's a member of Generation Z  to DVF's Baby Boomer  Talita's dad said she's his mom in miniature.

'My daughter is an exact copy of my mother. Theyre the same person,' said Alexander von Furstenberg.

And she's been assisting her grandma at work for a while now. When she was just nine, she accompanied DVF on a week-long trip to Florence, where she 'really worked,' said DVF, helping to cast the models and style them.

Working together: Diane has been letting Talita help with her brand since she was nine, when the little girl accompanied her grandma on a fashion show trip to Florence

'Your mom wore DVF, and maybe your grandmother wore DVF, but now I can bring something a little more fresh and youthful,' of her collection

Then, in February of 2018, she modeled clothes for the brand's Fall 2018 lookbook, with DVF calling the teen her new 'muse'.

As for the name of the new collection, the pair note that it comes from their own family nicknames.

'We all call each other by our initials in our family. I call her DVF. She calls me TVF. Its a family thing,' said Talita.

But though her own collection will likely be filled with the brand's prints and wrap dresses, Talita may need to schedule a few trips to New York and LA to actually wear the pieces herself.

At Georgetown University, where she's currently an undergrad, 'I only wear sweatpants. I dont think my friends have seen me in anything structured as blue jeans.

'If you see me at school, its very different from how I am when Im in New York. Its as if I lead a double life.'

Flashback: DVF first covered the magazine in March of 1972 with her then-husband Prince Egon von Furstenberg

Part of the brand: Diane named Talia her 'muse' last year

Model moment: The teen modeled the Fall 2018 collection for the brand's lookbook

Talita said she was 'born to do fashion' but wears sweatpants a lot when she's at college

Certainly, at the shoot with her grandmother, Talita was all dressed up. On their joint cover, she wears a baby pink dress with gold jewelry, while DVF dons a long-sleeve floral number.

This is DVF's second Town & Country cover, and her first was also a shared one: In March of 1972, she posed for the magazine with her then-husband Prince Egon von Furstenberg, Talita's late grandfather.

The two divorced in 1983, over a decade before Talita was even born, and Diane has since gone on to marry Barry Diller.

Returning to the same magazine 47 years after she first appeared on it, the designer certainly looks a bit different  and has accomplished quite a bit since.

'Of course, the physical aspect of aging is challenging,' she said. 'Today I was out of it. I was tired, my mouth was swollen, and I broke my back a few months ago.

Despite her complaints, though, she said she can 'deal with it,' adding: 'I think of aging as an acquisition, not a loss.'

Holiday: Diane and Talita recently enjoyed a vacation together to Africa (pictured with Talita's brother and DVF's grandson, Tassilo Egon Maximilian)

Seeing the world: They had stops in South Africa, Namibia, and Morocco

Jetsetters! The group happily took pictures before boarding a private flight after Christmas

Luxe life: They went on safari, visited a winery, stayed at gorgeous hotels and private residences, rode ATVs over sand dunes, and shopped at local markets.

Diane and Talita recently enjoyed a vacation together to Africa, with stops in South Africa, Namibia, and Morocco.

Much of the family came along, including Talita's dad, his wife, and Talita's siblings Tassilo and Leon.

Talita also brought along her boyfriend, Rocco.

The group flew private to the continent, where they went on safari, stayed at gorgeous hotels and private residences, rode ATVs over sand dunes, and shopped at local markets.
The small penis emoji may have garnered all the attention following the announcement of 59 new additions, but many people hope its the womens period emoji, symbolised by a drop of blood, that gets people talking.

This week, the Unicode Consortium  the non-profit organisation in charge of creating and maintaining the emoji language standards  announced 59 newcomers that make up the class of 2019.

They are designed to more widely reflect members of society, including emojis for men and women in wheelchairs, blind people and guide dogs.

The period emoji was included in the list after a campaign by the Plan International UK charity

The drop of blood emoji was promoted by Plan International UK and is intended to help normalise periods, and break down the stigma around them.

The charitys campaign comes on the back of its 2017 survey, in which it found, among other things, that two-thirds of women do not feel comfortable discussing their periods with their fathers or male friends.

The survey also found that nearly half of girls aged between 14 and 21 were embarrassed by their periods.

With emoji becoming one of the fastest growing global languages, we realised having a period emoji could help change things, the charity explained on its website.

It initially submitted a design that featured a pair of womens underwear with blood on them.

Nearly 55,000 people voted for the design, and although that was rejected, the drop of blood, created in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant, was ultimately included in the February 2019 batch.

We are thrilled to announce that we are actually getting a #PeriodEmoji!



It is through your support that we can now celebrate that the @unicode have announced that we will get our first ever #PeriodEmoji in March 2019 



Find out more here https://t.co/dKd4WwEShX pic.twitter.com/CdyG5fapAx  Plan International UK (@PlanUK) February 6, 2019

Lucy Russell, head of girls rights and youth at the charity, said: The inclusion of an emoji which can express what 800 million women around the world are experiencing every month is a huge step towards normalising periods and smashing the stigma which surrounds them.

For years weve obsessively silenced and euphemised periods. As experts in girls rights, we know that this has a negative impact on girls; girls feel embarrassed to talk about their periods, theyre missing out, and they can suffer health implications as a consequence.

She added: An emoji isnt going to solve this, but it can help change the conversation. Ending the shame around periods begins with talking about it.

The response on social media has been very positive. One person, commenting on Plan Internationals tweet about the news, described the new emoji as stunning and brave. Another wrote: Every step to erase the stigma counts!

The new period emoji and the other 58 additions will be released in the second half of 2019.
The Duchess of Cornwall was looking smart today as she wrapped up against the windy weather in a smart blue coat for a visit to a South London school.

Camilla, 71, paired the mid-length outerwear with black leather gloves and added a touch of fun with a jaunty spotty scarf around her neck.

The Duchess was visiting St. John's Angell Town Church of England Primary School in Brixton to officially open a new library, and also helped to finish a mural during the visit.

She also dropped in on St. John's Angell Town Church, meeting with the Bishop of Southwark and chatting to local community groups.

The Duchess of Cornwall wore a smart blue coat today as she visited St. John's Angell Town Church of England Primary School, in Brixton

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall helps to finish a mural in the new library during her visit to St. John's Angell Town

Camilla poses with school children who are holding books she presented them with for the new library

The Duchess accessorised with pearl earrings, and completed her look with a pair of black suede boots to finish off her look.

The dark blue coat, which was fitted had a soft collar and buttons down the front - keeping her warm on a windy afternoon in London.

Children from the St. John's Angell Town Church of England Primary School welcomed the royal as she arrived and accompanied Camilla as she was shown around by teachers.

he Duchess of Cornwall walks with pupils from St. Johns Angell Town Primary School in Brixton

A keen eye: Camilla holds a paintbrush and some paint as he adds to the schools mural

Camilla looks as if she was concentrating as she added red paint to a mural in the schools new library

The Duchess of Cornwall looks happy as she helps to finish a mural in the new library during a visit to the Brixton school

The mural that the Duchess of Cornwall helped paint as she visits St. Johns Angell Town school in Brixton

Camilla also got a chance to help finish painting the mural in the school's new library. She looked as though she was taking the job seriously as she added some red paint to the artwork.

The Duchess looked delighted as she met more pupils and was able to cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the library.

Camilla also posed with pupils for a picture gave new books to them as she was shown around the library in the school.

Camilla looks delighted as she greets pupils at the new library at St. Johns Angell Town Primary school

The Duchess of Cornwall cuts the red ribbon, as pupils and a teacher looks on, as she opens the new library at a school in Brixton

The Duchess of Cornwall gives new school books to a little boy for the new library at St. John's Angell Town Primary School

Camilla, paired her mid length coat with black leather gloves and a spotty scarf, as she visited St. John's Angell Town Church

Camilla speaks with local people during a visit to St. John's Angell Town Church - which is in Brixton, South London

The Duchess of Cornwall and Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark watch school children dance during her visit St. Johns Angell Town school in Brixton

Later on she visited St. John's Angell Town Church, sitting with the Bishop of Southwark, Christopher Chessun, and chatting to locals.

There she watched a show put on by the pupils of the school, smiling and clapping as they danced and performed.

Later on she met women from local community groups and was even given flowers by one well wisher.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall speaks with Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark during her visit St. Johns Angell Town church

Camilla and Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, as they watch pupils as St. John's Angell Town Church

The Duchess of Cornwall speaks with local people during a visit to St. John's Angell Town Church

Camilla met women from local community groups and was even given flowers by one well wisher

This afternoon The Duchess of Cornwall also visited the Lambeth GP Food Co-op Garden at Swann Mews, in Stockwell.

She met some of the gardeners during a reception for their 6th anniversary, posing for pictures and talking to them about their projects.

She also spoke to staff from the Learning department at the Garden Museum showing Camilla a leaf from our Tradescantia zebrina plant and talking to her about the food and science learning programme at the museum, which gives local school pupils the opportunity to learn about cooking and science using plants.

She was also asked to cut the cake, which was made to look like a garden, for the celebration of the garden's anniversary.

The Duchess of Cornwall meets the people who grow garden produce during a visit to the Lambeth GP Food Co-op Garden at Swann Mews, in Stockwell

The Duchess of Cornwall met the people who grow garden produce during a visit to the Lambeth Food Garden

Going down the line Camilla manged to speak to all of the people who grew the garden produce

Camilla chatted to the staff from the Learning department at the Garden Museum, talking to her about the food and science learning programme at the museum, which gives local school pupils the opportunity to learn about cooking and science using plants.

Camilla looked through the telescope at the Garden Museum showing Camilla a leaf, through a telescope, from their Tradescantia zebrina plant

The Duchess of Cornwall talks to staff from the Learning department at the Garden Museum showing Camilla a leaf from their Tradescantia zebrina plant

Camilla was also asked to cut the cake, which was made to look like a garden, for the celebration of the garden's anniversary
(ANSA) - Rome, February 7 - Self-proclaimed interim Venezuelan president Juan Guaido on Thursday appealed to Pope Francis to mediate in the crisis pitting the opposition leader against President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro has already asked the pope to mediate.

"I make an appeal that all who can help us, like the Holy Father, may collaborate for the end of the usurpation, for a government of transition, and to lead to really free elections in Venezuela, as soon as possible," said Guaido in an exclusive interview on Sky Tg24.

"I would be happy to receive the Pope in our country, a very Catholic Country, very devout, with a great religious tradition".

Pope Francis wants "to verify the will of both sides" in Venezuela "ascertaining if the conditions exist to (mediate)", Vatican Spokesman Father Alessandro Gisotti said Thursday.


The BBC has confirmed The Missing spin-off Baptiste will premiere next week - and released a heart-pumping trailer that promises fans the same dark twists and gritty drama as the original.

The highly-anticipated show sees fictional detective Julien Baptiste - played by French-Turkish actor Tcheky Karyo - return to tackle another missing person case, this time of a prostitute named Natalie who has vanished in Amsterdam.

The minute-long trailer shows Baptiste searching for Natalie on the streets of the city's red-light district alongside her uncle Edward, played by Tom Hollander.

The fast-paced TV spot hints at a web of violence, sex and underground crime which Baptiste must unravel to find what really happened to Natalie, played by Anna Prochniak.

After the BBC announced yesterday that the show would premiere at 9pm next Sunday, fans quickly took to Twitter to say they are 'counting down the days'.

Fans of The Missing were sent into a frenzy after the BBC confirmed its spin-off series Baptiste will premiere next week. The show stars Tcheky Karyo as Julien Baptiste, who returns to take on a new case in Amsterdam. Pictured, Julien in an Amsterdam station in a scene from Baptiste

The minute-long trailer shows Baptiste searching for missing prositute Natalie on the streets of the city's red-light district alongside her uncle Edward, played by Tom Hollander, pictured

Viewers desperate for the return of Baptiste promised they were 'counting down' the days until the first episode and took to Twitter to share their excitement

One tweeted: 'At last! Woohoo, looking forward to it'. Another posted: 'Really looking forward to this!'

The show is written by brothers Harry and Jack Williams who were behind The Missing.

A handful of images have been released from the show, including ones featuring new character Edward, played by Tom Hollander.

Edward, an expat living in Antwerp, Belgium, enlists the help of Dutch police in the hunt for his missing niece, who vanished in Amsterdam.

Head of the city's police is a woman named Martha, who just happens to be Baptiste's ex girlfriend, and drafts in the retired cop to help with the case.

Edward, an expat living in Antwerp, Belgium, enlists the help of Dutch police in the hunt for his missing niece, who vanished in Amsterdam, while taking to the red light district himself, above

Julien Baptiste appears to have fought back from cancer to take on the new case. The show is written by brothers Harry and Jack Williams who were behind the Missin

The fast-paced TV spot hints at a web of violence, sex and underground crime which Baptiste must unravel to find what really happened to Natalie, played by Anna Prochniak

The BBC has promised 'dark secrets' and 'thrilling drama' in a Twitter post announcing that the show will air next Sunday night, pictured. It prompted a flurry of responses on Twitter

WHO IS TCHEKY KARYO? Tcheky Karyo, 65, became a household name in the UK when he starred as fan-favourite detective in The Missing. But the Turkish-French actor was already famous in France, and starred in Hollywood films like Bad Boys, with Will Smith, The Patriot with Mel Gibson and James Bond GoldenEye. Tcheky, who was originally born in Istanbul, Turkey, but grew up in Paris, has appeared in countless French films. His French acting credits include Requiem for a Killer (2011), Les mille merveilles de l'univers (1997) and L'ange noir (1994). He released an album Ce lien qui nous unit (English translation, The Link That Binds Us) in 2006, and another titled Credo in 2013 to mark his 60th birthday. Advertisement

Baptiste then teams up with Edward to help track down th missing niece.

Also joining the new series is Call the Midwife actress Jessica Raine, who will play a character Genevieve, though no details have been released about her part in the show.

Speaking previously about the show, Hollander, who originally auditioned for The Missing, promised a major twist during the first episode.

The first two installments of The Missing were an instant hit with viewers and followed Baptiste as he attempted to solve two missing person cases.

In the first series he joined forces with a British man called Tony - played by James Nesbitt - to track down his son Oliver.

In series two he searched for missing girl Alice Webster, who had been snatched from Germany where she'd been living with her expat parents Sam and Gemma, played by David Morrissey and Keeley Hawes respectively.

Viewers are excited for the return of Baptiste to screens following the series two cliffhanger

While many British fans will recognise Tcheky from The Missing, he was a star in his own right before the BBC series began in 2014.

He has been working steadily for 30 years - including starring in Hollywood films like Bad Boys, with Will Smith, The Patriot with Mel Gibson and James Bond GoldenEye.

He played a drug kingpin in the former and a vengeful French officer opposite Gibson.

His French acting credits include Requiem for a Killer (2011), Les mille merveilles de l'univers (1997) and L'ange noir (1994).

Tcheky is also an acclaimed musician and songwriter.

The last time viewers saw Baptiste was when he went into surgery for a brain tumour (pictured) after solving the case in the second season of The Missing

In the first series of the show Baptiste (right) teamed up with Tony, played by James Nesbitt (left) to look for his missing son Oliver, who disappeared in France
Two British expats have built their own off-grid tiny eco-home in Australia in nine months for just 30,200.

Jan and Kevin, who are originally from Littlehampton in West Sussex, moved to Queensland in 2007 with their three kids, Laura, Sarah and Callum.

Last January they decided to downgrade their home to get closer to nature after the last of their children left home, eventually stumbling upon the tiny house movement.

The couple, who have no building experience, spent nine months on the project, working on everything themselves.

They currently run Smoothjuice, a smoothie bar in a vintage caravan, but back in the UK Jan was a hairdresser and Kevin, 52, worked as a plumber.

Now the pair have no monthly bills to pay, instead using a wood-burning stove for heat, solar panels for electricity and a water tank, and far more free time for travelling.

Jan and Kevin, who are originally from Littlehampton in West Sussex, have built their own off-grid tiny home in Queensland, Australia

They spent nine months on the project, doing everything themselves - despite having no building experience

The spacious home has a wood burning stove for heating, solar panels for electricity and a large tank to collect rainwater. Pictured: the living space from above

Jan, 51, said: 'Off grid means that there are no bills moving forward and we are able to live away from the usual services and so more within nature.

'It's only been a short while but we love it already, its very peaceful in the woods and we love being surrounded by nature.

'The minimalist lifestyle is very liberating, we've cleared out even more since we moved in and now only own things which we really need or love.'

The tiny home is just 10ft-wide and has 323 sq ft of floor space, but packs in a double bed upstairs, a luxurious bathroom, plenty of living space and an area for al fresco dining.

Jan and Kevin are already planning a trip to New Zealand later this month, and another to Thailand in April with their free time.

Despite their one-bedroom home being just 10ft wide, the couple have plenty of space to dine al fresco

Jan and Kevin decided to build their tiny home after the last of their children moved out. Pictured: stairs leading up to the bedroom

In total, the nine-month long project cost them just 30,200. Pictured: the kitchen

Jan said: 'The minimalist lifestyle is very liberating, we've cleared out even more since we moved in and now only own things which we really need or love.' Pictured: the luxurious bathroom

Jan added: 'Tiny house life allows us to be free of the usual bills and so allows us much more free time.

'We are also free of the huge amount of time spent on maintaining a normal size house and grounds. Travelling will be a lot easier as we are able to just lock up and leave.

'Even though the house is on wheels we only plan to move it when we change locations probably every few years.

'We have only been living here five months and so only just beginning to plan trips. We are off to New Zealand this month and then Thailand in April.

'It's a very individual choice to make and not for everyone... But if you think its a lifestyle you could live then go for it 100 per cent as it's not something you can do part time.

'The down scale has to be in every aspect of your life but no regrets here.'

Jan and Kevin now have more free time to focus on the things they really care about, such as travelling. Pictured: their bedroom

The couple run Smoothjuice, a smoothie bar in a vintage caravan, but back in the UK Jan was a hairdresser and Kevin, 52, worked as a plumber

They built everything in the house themselves - despite having no building experience
The Oscar nominated film The Favourite opened the public's eyes to the fact that the royal family are not quite as straight-laced as we might have thought.

The film captured Queen Anne's close relationship with the Duchess of Marlborough and her cousin Abigail Masham.

However, Anne was not the only royal believed to have had same sex relations as the Historic Royal Palaces hopes to point out.

The charity, which helps to maintain six royal residences, will be offering LGBTQ+ tours at some of their sites so visitors can learn more about the same-sex relations of royals past.

Matthew Storey, curator at the HRP, has spent over a year researching lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender stories in order to develop the tours which will run later this year.

Here we share just a few of the stories from the palaces' queer history...

THE WOMAN WHO ENTRANCED CHARLES II AND HIS DAUGHTER

Hortense Mancini (portrait pictured) was the mistress of Charles II but also bedded his illegitimate daughter Anne the Countess of Sussex

Among those to feature on the tour is a woman named Hortense Mancini who managed to entrance both Charles II and his daughter.

Storey tells the Times that the king became besotted by Mancini when in exile during the Commonwealth.

While her family rejected his offer of a marriage proposal she became his mistress but is said to have bedded his illegitimate daughter Anne, Countess of Sussex also.

Storey says that the king was likely to have been 'amused' by his mistress's trysts.

He told The Times: 'These are very sexually sophisticated settings. Different relationships form across the court and it is always related to power.'

This attitude is not all surprising as while same-sex relationships between men were banned at the time ones between women were not.

THE COURT MUSICIAN WHO MARRIED HER CROSS-DRESSING GIRLFRIEND

However, same-sex marriages were of course still a long way off, but one court musician attempted to find a loop hole.

Arabella Hunt served at the court of Queen Mary II and taught Queen Anne to sing.

Arabella married James Howard on 12 September 1680 and they lived together for six months in Arabellas mothers house.

Arabella Hunt, who taught Queen Anne to sing (pictured in a lesson), married James Howard, who later turned out to be her lover Amy Poulter dressed as a man

However, it later transpired that James was a woman called Amy Poulter, who dressed in male clothes, and had courted Arabella dressed as a man and as a woman.

In addition Amy had also married to a man called Arthur Poulter when she married Arabella.

KING JAMES VI AND I AND THE 'HANDSOMEST BODIED MAN OF ENGLAND'

King James is said to 'have loved men throughout his life' according to the HRP and initially feel for athlete Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset, at a joust in 1607.

But after Carr fell out of favour following his imprisonment at the Tower of London James' wife Queen Anne of Denmark set about looking for a replacement for her husband, taking the form of George Villiers in 1614.

King James VI and I (pictured in an engraving) is said to 'have loved men throughout his life'

George Villiers is thought to have won the affections of the king and was described as the 'handsomest bodied man of England'

Bishop Godfrey Goodman described Villiers as the handsomest bodied man of Englandand so sweet of disposition.

Villiers rose to become Duke of Buckingham, and with the favour of the King, was a powerful man.

James wrote in a letter to Villiers:There is this difference betwixt that noble hand and heart, one may surfeit by the one, but not the other, and sooner by yours than his own; therefore give me leave to stop, with mine, that hand which hath been too ready to execute the motions and affections of that kind of obliging heart to me.

QUEEN ANNE'S 'DARK DEEDS'

It comes as Hampton Court Palace, one of the Historic Royal Palaces, introduced an exhibition dedicated to the costumes used in The Favourite last month.

The gorgeous collection was designed by three-time Oscar winning costume designer Sandy Powell.

The designer worked with charity Historic Royal Palaces to create the exhibition in the atmospheric Cartoon Gallery - which eagle-eyed viewers will be able to spot throughout the film.

Queen Anne, who is currently depicted by Olivia Coleman in The Favourite, is thought to have enjoyed sexual relationships with two women

Lady Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough (pictured in portrait), life-long friend and political adviser of Queen Anne and is thought to have had 'intimate relations' with her

Queen Anne is thought to have also been involved with Sarah's cousin Abigail Masham. Pictured: Sarah confronts the Queen and Abigail in this sketch

The film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, explores Queen Anne's intimate relations with her life-long friend and political adviser Lady Sarah Churchill, played by Rachel Weisz, and Sarah's impoverished cousin turned chambermaid Abigail, played by Emma Stone.

While the nature of Anne's relationships with Abigail and Sarah will never be crystal clear - a pamphlet circulated in 1708 certainly gave a clue.

Sarahs secretary Arthur Mainwaring, circulated political pamphlets against the Queen, talking of the sweet service and dark deeds at night between Anne and Abigail.

The film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, explores Queen Anne's intimate relations with the two women. Pictured: Rachel Weisz as Sarah Churchill and Olivia Coleman as Queen Anne in The Favourite

It comes as Hampton Court Palace, one of the Historic Royal Palaces, introduced an exhibition dedicated to the costumes used in The Favourite last month

A letter addressed from Anne to Sarah ahead of this also seems to shed light on their affections.

It read: 'If I could tell how to hinder myself from writing to you every day I wouldbut really I cannotwhen I am from you I cannot be at ease without enquiring after you'.

Anne and Sarah had a terrible, final argument in the Queens Apartments at Kensington Palace in 1710 after which they never spoke again.
The Duchess of York revealed she has been targeted by bullies because she is 'red-headed and full of life' during a TV appearance today.

Sarah Ferguson, 59, appeared on Good Morning Britain via video link from Sierra Leone, where she is visiting one of the projects with her charity Street Child.

Speaking to Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid, Sarah Ferguson admitted she found bullying on social media 'very frightening' and that it was a concern for herself and her daughters, Princess Beatrice, 30, and Princess Eugenie, 28.

Sarah Ferguson, 59, appeared on Good Morning Britain via video link from Sierra Leone, where she is visiting one of the projects with her charity Street Child, pictured. She revealed she has been targeted by bullies because she is 'red-headed and full of life' during the appearance

The Duchess of York, pictured at an event last week, said she has not given up despite the criticism. She encouraged others to be true to themselves no matter what others say

But she urged young people to try and stay true to themselves, even in the face of criticism.

'It's okay to be yourself,' she said. 'Don't try and compete with the next-door neighbour, just be yourself.

'And if you are red-headed and full of life, like me, and full of colour of course everyone is going to sometimes have a jab at you.

'And? You get up, you get on, and you never give up. And that's what I've done.'

The mother-of-two has 169,000 followers on Instagram and uses the platform to promote her charity endeavours. Pictured, a post shared online today promoting Street Child

The Duchess was promoting the Street Child Count Me In appeal, which will use funds to buy school uniforms, train teachers and build classrooms for disadvantaged youngsters in 10 countries including Sierre Leone. Pictured, Fergie in Sierra Leone in an Instagram snap today

The Duchess, whose charity Children In Crisis merged with Street Child last year, said children must be educated on the threat of bullying and harmful content on social media from a young age.

The mother-of-two has 169,000 followers on Instagram and uses the platform to promote her charity endeavours.

She said: 'I find the whole of social media bullying really frightening for myself, let alone for my girls Beatrice and Eugenie.... You go on social media and that's where the pressure comes on.

The Duchess spoke to Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid via video link from Sierra Leone, above

'That's why I am so convinced we must start very young - in kindergarten, in primary school - to teach children about not losing their way.'

Fergie also praised those like the Duchess of Sussex, 37, who use their profile to give voice to important causes.

She added: 'I think that anybody that's on the public stage [speaking out] should be absolutely honoured and heralded.

'I believe very strongly that I am so lucky, I've been at this for 32 years now.'

The Duchess was promoting the Street Child Count Me In appeal, which will use funds to buy school uniforms, train teachers and build classrooms for disadvantaged youngsters in 10 countries from Sierra Leone to Afghanistan.

Donations to the campaign made before 21 February will be matched by the UK Government.
Keeping children entertained for the duration of a long drive is a struggle for thousands of parents across Australia.

But a new gadget hitting shelves as part of Aldi Australia's latest special buys could solve this problem for good.

Set to hit shelves on Saturday, February 9th, the back seat car organiser is retailing for just $9.99 and is set to be a game-changer for road trips with the family.

Set to hit shelves on Saturday, February 9th, the back seat car organiser is retailing for just $9.99 and is set to be a game-changer for road trips with the family

The handy organiser, which has been labelled 'genius' by hundreds of parents online, easily attaches to the head rest and has several storage pockets for common items.

There is an area to put an iPad for movie watching, a tissue pocket for any spills or unexpected mess and two bottle holders for easy access to water throughout the drive.

There is also a second design on offer which has multiple compartments on the back to store toys, colouring books and pencils.

There is an area to put an iPad for movie watching, a tissue pocket for any spills or unexpected mess and two bottle holders for easy access to water throughout the drive

The item will be on sale in stores on Saturday and is one of several car accessories launching as part of the latest 'Special Buys'.

Other standout items include a car boot cooler bag for $14.99, a car tidy organiser and a roof cargo bar.

Also included are $79.99 roof racks, a $49.99 trailer light board and a ratchet tie down sets for $19.99 each.
With the average couple splashing out around $30,000 on their dream wedding, it's no wonder many brides and grooms are looking at ways to slash costs.

But a 'cheapskate' bride has come under fire after advertising for a student photographer to take all her wedding pictures for free.

Taking to social media, the New Zealand woman said a student would be the perfect candidate for her special day because it's an 'opportunity' for them to 'build their profile'.

She said her medieval-themed wedding reception will be held in a historic restaurant called Sign of Takahe in Christchurch in April.

'I am looking for a student photographer wanting to get some experience or to build their profile,' she said in Christchurch - Buy/Sell/Trade Facebook group.

'Please note: This is a volunteering role. The bonus: You will get an opportunity to build a pretty cool portfolio. The theme of the wedding is medieval (Games of Thrones). If you're keen, flick me a message.'

A New Zealand 'cheapskate' bride has come under fire after placing an advertisement on social media seeking a student to take their wedding photographs for free - she explained the wedding reception

Poll Do YOU think the bride is in the wrong? Yes No Do YOU think the bride is in the wrong? Yes 21 votes

No 13 votes Now share your opinion





However, many were not impressed with the bride's request, with people suggesting the student should be paid for their work.

'So I'm all for going to a student for cheaper services (my own photography budget is non existent) but wanting them to do if for free?' one wrote.

Another said: 'Just because you're a "student" doesn't mean you're willing to do it for free. If someone is willing to do it for free, I doubt they would be any good.'

One commented: 'If I had the opportunity to get married in a castle, my a** would be paying a good photographer to capture it so I could brag on Facebook.'

Another suggested: 'Radical idea: students should be paid for their work.'

One posted: 'It's funny that as a creative [worker], other (broke as hell) students are always more willing to pay for my work than grown adults with cars and houses.

And another said: 'This is such a bad idea but some cheapos [sic] have to learn the hard way.'

The New Zealand woman said a student photographer would be the perfect candidate who's looking to 'build their profile; (stock image)

Others joked about attending the wedding just for the free alcohol - while some suggested deliberating taking bad pictures if they were hired.

One said: 'I would go and just get drunk for free with my camera hanging from my neck all night.'

Another posted: 'They should take all the pictures with the lens cap on.'

'It would be hysterical to take a ton of pictures and cut everyone's head off. Or just get their heads and nothing else,' another wrote.

And another added: 'Cut all their heads off - it's medieval.'

Meanwhile some former photography students said the opportunity wasn't so bad as long as the bride doesn't complain about the quality.

'As long as she doesn't tip them a new one if it isn't super great quality or slander them for it, then I see nothing wrong with this,' one said.

Another said: 'There's a lot of student photographers that would love to do this to help their portfolio. It would be nice to pay them a little something though.'

And one added: 'I did a lot of work for free when I was building my portfolio... But I volunteered.'
Resourceful residents of flood-stricken Townsville have found a thrifty way to save their cherished possessions, using cheap inflatable kids' pools to prevent their belongings being lost to the rising waters.

A group of brothers living in Hermit Park in the flood zone bought the pools from Kmart for $15 and used them to transport their goods down the flooded streets to safety.

And a young Australian Defence Force couple, who can't be named, loaded their belongings into a blow-up pool within their own house - keeping them dry even as the filthy water crept ever higher.

Brothers (pictured) living in Townsville's flood zone have showed residents in surrounding neighbourhoods how to use a $15 inflatable pool to save their prized possessions

Their car was gone and the water was rising inside their home so, initially, the couple lifted all their furniture onto their kitchen counters.

With a return to work looming, they realised the counters may not be high enough, so they piled their goods into the inflatable pool.

The couple was then able to return to army duty for a 24-hour shift saving others from the floods, knowing their belongings would be safe in the pool even as the water rose.

'Thousands of dollars of our stuff saved by $15 pools. We're feeling pretty good about it,' added another man WIN interviewed (his things pictured here)

A local man living on the same street spoke to WIN about his own use of the inflatables (pictured)

The brothers came up with the clever pool plan on Wednesday when they, along with a couple of mates, moved house using the pools to float their belongings to a waiting moving truck.

'If we didn't get it out today the mould was going to start destroying everything,' they said.

'The house is in a state. It had been a metre-and-a-half inside, 30cm above the door handles. The walls are falling apart, it smells bad and everything is covered with sewage and mud.'

On Thursday they will all be back at work and living in a new home in a flood-free suburb.

As one of the band of brothers put it: 'You can be part of the problem, or part of the solution and a $15 inflatable pool from Kmart is the cheapest flood insurance you'll ever get'.

As one of the band of brothers put it: 'You can be part of the problem, or part of the solution and a $15 inflatable pool from Kmart is the cheapest flood insurance you'll ever get' (picture of the floods from social media)

Residents have been trying to put back the pieces in their communities after the horrifying rainfall levels (picture from social media)

'We managed to save a lot of our furniture in inflatable pools. So we're looking to try and get it out now because it's getting pretty mouldy,' she said (picture from social media)

Speaking to WIN News, another woman in the area showcased the inflatable pools in action.

'We managed to save a lot of our furniture in inflatable pools. So we're looking to try and get it out now because it's getting pretty mouldy,' she said.

'Thousands of dollars of our stuff saved by $15 pools. We're feeling pretty good about it,' added another man WIN interviewed.
Meghan Markle is well known for her love of yoga, and shared pictures before she joined the royal family showing off her flexible body.

Now, eagle-eyed fans have noted that the Duchess of Sussex's suppleness even stretches to her hands.

They have spotted that she is often pictured holding her thumbs in a stretched backwards position, and an expert has now suggested that this could be a clue about when Meghan has her baby.

The Duchess of Sussex, 37, is expecting her first child with Prince Harry, 34, towards the end of April, but a midwife has noted this could be earlier, due to her exceptionally 'bendy thumbs'.

Liz Halliday, Deputy Head of Midwifery at Private Midwives, told FEMAIL that the increased mobility seen in her hands could mean Meghan might have Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder.

The condition means joints can move beyond the normal range expected, and if it extends beyond her hands and towards her pelvis, the looser ligaments could encourage an earlier birth - but also increased pain.

The Duchess of Sussex, 37, is expecting her first child with Prince Harry, 34, towards the end of April, but a midwife has now suggested this could be earlier- due to her hypermobile limbs (seen in her thumbs above, last week)

Liz said: 'Photographs taken of the Duchess of Sussex's hands may suggest that she has some level of hypermobility in her thumbs.'

Explaining that hypermobility could help loosen the pelvic muscles, which will already be more relaxed during pregnancy, she said this could mean an earlier delivery date.

'If Meghan has a Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and her cervix and pelvis are affected, she could potentially have a slightly increased chance of labouring prematurely or having a precipitous labour,' she added.

And speaking of the disadvantages, she explained: 'Women who suffer with HSD often have a plethora of health issues ranging from mobility challenges, chronic pain, headaches, joint sprains, subluxations or dislocations amongst other things.

Liz Halliday, Deputy Head of Midwifery at Private Midwives, told FEMAIL that the increased mobility seen in her thumbs could mean Meghan, pictured last month, has Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder

'HSD may also carry some challenges around pregnancy and birth such as increased pelvic pain, postpartum haemorrhage and uterine prolapse.

What is hypermobility syndrome? This condition, also known as double jointed, is when limbs move beyond the normal range, due to joints being extremely flexible. This mainly affects elbows, shoulders, hips and fingers and is because the collagen in the ligaments is more easily stretched. Those with the condition can often get pain or stiffness in the joints or muscles, and may be more susceptible to getting sprains and strains. Source: NHS Advertisement

'Hypermobility in itself is rarely an issue in pregnancy or birth, but if women have any concerns, I would advise them to talk to their health care providers.'

Meghan's increased flexibility could also be the reason she is so good at yoga, a talent she has no doubt inherited from her yoga teacher mother, Doria Ragland.

'That practice is in my blood,' she told Canada's Women's Health Magazine in 2015, the year before she met Harry.

'There are so many benefits that come with the practice of yogaincreased flexibility and muscle strength, greater happiness, increased mental focus, a greater ability to relax, decreased anxiety and better sleep.'

During her visit to Australia with Prince Harry last October, Meghan revealed she was using yoga to battle jetlag.

The condition means joints can move beyond the normal range expected, and if it extends beyond her hands and towards her pelvis, the looser ligaments could encourage an earlier birth. Meghan seen last month

Meghan's increased flexibility could also be the reason she is so good at yoga, a talent she has no doubt inherited from her yoga teacher mother, Doria Ragland. She is seen proving her skills in a past Instagram post from her now defunct account

Charlotte Connell, 35, was at the beach with her son Finn and said the duchess had been suffering from the 'double whammy' of jet lag and pregnancy.

Mrs Connell, who is 23 weeks pregnant, said: 'Meghan told me that pregnancy was like having jet lag.

Are you hypermobile? Joint hypermobility syndrome is diagnosed using the Beighton score, which consists of five tests. You add up your score as follows: Score one point if you can place your palms on the ground while standing with your legs straight.

One point for each elbow that bends backwards.

One point for each knee that bends backwards.

One point for each thumb that touches the forearm when bent backwards.

One point for each little finger that bends backwards beyond 90 degrees. If your Beighton score is four or more, it is likely that you have joint hypermobility. Advertisement

'She said she was up at 4.30am this morning doing yoga in her room as she couldn't sleep.

'It's a bit of a double whammy for her, she said, as she has both the baby and jet lag to contend with.'

Reports emerged at the beginning of this year claiming that Harry and Meghan could even be building a yoga studio at the Grade II listed Frogmore Cottage at Windsor Castle, which is being currently being refurbished ahead of their move.

Sources told The Express that a new floor with a yoga studio is being installed so the family can enjoy regular sessions together.

Meghan is not expected to check into the private 7,500 a night Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in London, where Kate Middleton gave birth to all three of her children, but rather give birth at home in Windsor.

A source said recently: 'Doria plans to be around a lot when the baby arrives, and there are plans for her to have a dedicated space at their new home.

'She wants to be on hand to help Meghan and Harry with the baby. Doria will be involved and if she's involved she will be encouraging Meg to go for a natural birth.'
A range of plush velvet couches has been declared among the most popular in the UK, with sales up a staggering 4,500 per cent in the last year alone.

The sofas, billed as 'love seats', are from online furniture retailer Swoon, which has been forced to create new designs to meet the demand for the product.

Starting at 749, the Tivoli is the most popular model while 'rose' has proved the most requested hue.

With small frames designed with just enough space for two, the love seats are enjoying a surge in popularity in the run-up to Valentine's Day.

The sofas, which are made to order and available in a variety of different fabrics, include the Berlin (749), the Dallas (999) and the Porto (849).

Swoon's Rennes love seat: The online retailer has seen sales of the sofas rise by 4,500 per cent in the last year. Since August there have been almost 10,000 monthly searches for 'loveseat'

The Merano starts at 899 coming in various colours and an option of four different fabrics including velvet. Sales are up a staggering 4,500 per cent in the last year alone, Swoon said

Its most popular love seat, the Tivoli, is priced at 699 and boasts a classic mid-century shape characterised by clean lines and a firm cushioning.

Meanwhile the Merano love seat is among the comfiest styles in the range with two large soft, feather-lined cushions at each end.

The love seats are all named after destinations, including the Seattle and Plymouth.

Swoon's website has seen an increase in searches for the love seats since 27 January and the company's analytics predict searches will double next week, in the lead up to Valentines day.

Since August last year there have been almost 10,000 monthly searches, according to Google Trends, for 'loveseat'.

The Tivoli is the most popular 'love seat' model because of its clean lines and firm cushioning. The sofas, billed as 'love seats', are from online furniture retailer Swoon

The Tulum love seat (pictured) in Rouge is 799 - These 'love seats' are some of the most popular couches in the UK, with sales of them rising 4500 per cent in the last year

The sofas, which are named love seats, are from online furniture retailer Swoon, who also sell other furniture including lamps and footstools. The Berlin (pictured) is 749

The love seats are also all named after destinations, including the Seattle and even Plymouth. The Dallas (pictured) starts at 999

Debbie Williamson, Co-Founder of Swoon said: 'We know that our customers homes come in all shapes and sizes and the love seat is that perfect in between fit, a stylish solution when you need to maximise your space.'

She continued: 'A lot of our customers have searched for love seats on our website and our design team has been able to respond quickly to this demand, creating ten new and distinctive designs, which has contributed to the huge increase in sales that weve seen.'

Swoon's business model mirrors that of high street giant Zara, which involves launching new products on a weekly basis to keep up with growing market trends.

The online retailer also has as partnerships with selected Debenhams across the country.
On the day Sirin Steele felt something 'drop' in her stomach, she thought it was a sign that she was pregnant with her third child.

The 36-year-old from Melbourne was lying in bed next to her husband, who had just lost his mother to cancer, when she felt something she had never felt with her previous two pregnancies.

'I felt something drop in my belly, with gravity. I wondered if I was pregnant. But I thought to myself "babies don't just fall and respond to gravity",' she told FEMAIL.

On the day Sirin Steele (right) felt something 'drop' in her stomach, she thought it was a sign she was pregnant with her third child

The 36-year-old from Melbourne was lying in bed next to her husband, who had just lost his mother to cancer, when she felt something she had never felt before

In an effort to figure out what the problem was, Sirin visited her local GP the next day.

He felt her abdomen carefully and told her 'there is definitely something in there but I know it's not a baby'.

Not yet fearing the worst, the mother-of-two was referred for an ultrasound that same afternoon, with the sonographer uttering 'good luck' to her after taking the scan.

What is ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovaries begin to multiply out of control and form a tumour. This is called metastatic ovarian cancer. The ovaries are two female reproductive glands that produce ova, or eggs. They also produce the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Source: Healthline Advertisement

'I felt odd when he said "good luck" to me. I thought, "I've had two babies and no one has ever said good luck to me",' Sirin explained.

The next day she went to collect her scans and the GP simply turned to her and uttered two terrifying words.

'It's cancer'.

'I just didn't believe what he was saying. I just lost it. I cried,' Sirin said.

Knowing that she had a 13cm growth on her ovaries, but not knowing much else about ovarian cancer, Sirin was thrust into a period of 'unknown' where she was Googling symptoms and treatment plans.

The next day she went to collect her scans and the GP simply turned to her and uttered two terrifying words: 'It's cancer'

'It's a really scary time, the not knowing. Of course the first thing you see is that the survival rate is five years,' she said

What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer? * Unexplained fatigue * Unexplained weight gain or loss * Changes in bowel habits * Increased abdominal size or persistent bloating * Abdominal or pelvic pain * Feeling full after eating a small amount * Needing to urinate often or urgently Advertisement

'A few days later I felt a sharp pain on my left side and my husband took me to hospital. I went in for emergency surgery and the doctors removed a 20cm tumour.

'So in the space of six days - from check up to surgery - it had grown seven centimetres.'

She was released from hospital hours after the surgery before admitting herself again after coming down with a fever. Doctors told Sirin it was the result of an infection she'd picked up during the operation.

'My husband was at his mother's funeral. My admission doctor came into my room and said "'I don't know how to say this to you but it's malignant. You have a germ cell tumour". He was in shock himself because I was only 34,' she said.

'So in the space of six days - from check up to surgery - it had grown seven centimetres,' she said

Sirin's particular treatment plan involved three rounds of chemotherapy - four hours a day, five days a week - and a two week break between rounds

'You know that colourful image you have of what tomorrow will look like in your mind's eye? At that moment my image went completely black. I immediately thought of my kids. And my siblings. How would they remember me when I'm gone?

'I knew my siblings would have my kids to remind them of me, and I'd chosen a good partner who would take care of the children... and then the doctor burst back into the room and said "there is a cure for this particular kind of tumour".'

'Suddenly all of the colour came back into my mind.'

Sirin's particular treatment plan involved three rounds of chemotherapy - four hours a day, five days a week - and a two week break between rounds.

'You feel really wiped out. In the second round I had anaemia and had to get a blood transfusion. My body wasn't really coping,' she said.

What is Sirin's best advice for women in regards to their health? * Advocate for your own health: 'Women tend to put everyone else first. The ovarian cancer symptoms - tiredness, back aches and bloating - are so common you'd likely brush them aside. But don't do that.' * Listen to your body: 'Please go and talk to your doctor. So many women are misdiagnosed with IBS when they have ovarian cancer. Ask them if they can 100 per cent rule out cancer.' * Cancer doesn't discriminate: 'People tend to view ovarian cancer as an "old person's disease" but it's not. I was 34.' Advertisement

'I'm an electrical engineer so my mind doesn't really stop,' she said

'I'm an electrical engineer so my mind doesn't really stop. But I remember one day I just saw a leaf outside and all I could think was "that's a leaf",' she said.

'That's all I was able to concentrate on.'

One of the most devastating side effects of the chemotherapy was losing all of her hair - particularly her eyebrows.

'Because you can't really hide your eyebrows. Suddenly I looked like I had cancer. And I wasn't telling people I had cancer until after the fact,' she said.

She was also asked ahead of the treatment whether she wanted to freeze any of her eggs, because infertility was a very real side effect.

'I was one of the lucky ones that had their children before being diagnosed, but for a lot of survivors this is a life altering decision they need to make,' Sirin explained.

Now cancer free, Sirin still has check ups with her doctor every three months. so far there is no evidence of the disease returning.

'Even though the cancer has left me the experience stays. I have neuropathy (pain from nerve damage), muscle atrophy (when muscles waste away) and I put on a lot of weight doing chemo,' she said.

'Just yesterday my arms and legs felt like lead. It's an ongoing struggle.'

During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Sirin will be running a workshop to raise money for ovarian cancer research. You can follow her blog, Instagram, or read more about her story here.

Australians are being encouraged to take ovary-action during Februarys Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Australians can ovary-act by making donation to Ovarian Cancer Australia at ovariancancer.net.au, by hosting a Paint the Town Teal fundraising event or by purchasing and wearing a teal ribbon on Ovarian Cancer Australias flagship day - Teal Ribbon Day - on Wednesday 27 February.
(ANSA) - Rome, February 7 - France has recalled its ambassador to Rome, Christian Masset, for consultations. The French foreign ministry said the move was related to "groundless attacks by Italy without precedent since the end of the war" and "outrageous statements" by the Italian government. "Disagreeing is one thing, exploiting relations for electoral ends is another," the ministry added.

Tension between Rome and Paris has been high in recent months over several issues, including the treatment of asylum seekers, the support of Italian Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio's 5-Star Movement (M5S) for the Yellow Vests protestors in France and the TAV Turin-Lyon high-speed rail link.


To celebrate its 13th year the Bonds baby search team scoured the country to find the most adorable and photogenic tots for 2017.

The search finished on Wednesday with 65,383 entries and almost 1 million votes were cast online.

Bonds choose the 'Wonder Bub' overall winner but there is a 'peoples choice' category that allows everyday Australians to decide on the sweetest child.

Scroll down for video

Annika B from WA took out the top prize of $600 and a photo shoot with Bonds as their 2017 'Wonder bub'

Bonds Choice winner Nicholas (pictured) was snapped in a grey and yellow dotted top with his shock of black hair looking adorably fluffy

There are 14 different categories that cater to children zero to three years.

There were more boys (52 per cent) than girls (47 per cent) entered in this year's competition, with a mere one per cent representing the multi-birth category.

'Every year Bonds looks for babies with character, individuality, and charm and of course, the cute-factor,' the company said.

Elijah (pictured) was a Bonds Choice winner and wore a red and white striped v-neck for this picture, showing an impressive array of teeth and a cute and curly hair do

Mila (pictured) was also a Bonds Choice winner and walked away with a $300 prize pack

Milla and Evie (pictured) won the multi birth category for their age group and were snapped wearing identical outfits, including gorgeous white bows around their heads

Lily and Rose (pictured) rocked matching denim in their picture, and were also winners in their age category

Christian and Isaiah looked like they were having a lot of fun in this photo and the pair were multi birth category winners in their age group

They also use the entrants to decipher the most popular boy and girl name for the year. This years winners were Oliver, which was the same as 2016, and Charlotte.

Each of the 14 winners has the chance to feature in a Bonds ad or commercial but they also win a $300 prize pack.

The 'Wonder Bub' of the year, which was taken out by Annika from WA, wins a $600 major prize pack, flights to Sydney, a photo shoot and a billboard.

Ema was snapped pulling a cheeky grin the bath which landed her a winning prize in the peoples choice 0-6 years category

Novella-Eve looks pretty pleased about landing one of the top spots while lying down on a bed. She picked up a $300 prize in the 0-6 years category

Noah gives the camera a grumpy pout, but it didn't stop him from being the Bonds Choice winner for the 19 months to three years category

Look at that gorgeous hair! Behnan was all smiles winning the peoples choice 19 months to three years baby category

The tot who boasts a mop of curly hair was pictured in a floral outfit, while other entrants, including Nicholas with his shock of black hair showed off equally adorable looks.

Daily Mail Australia spoke to Farron Sullivan, 26, who is mum to people's choice winners, triplets Zadie, Brodie and Harlen Owen, about taking out the popularity prize.

'This was almost a year ago today!': Ms Sullivan at 30 weeks pregnant with the triplets

'We entered because I am totally bias and think the trio are just the cutest. I also felt them being triplets would give them a good chance as I haven't seen triplets win the Bonds search before,' the mum-of-three said.

Ms Sullivan and her husband Mark, 27, couldn't have been happier when they found out they'd won.

'I was so happy, we found out yesterday on their birthday. The plan is to go interstate for a photo shoot. We also get a voucher for bonds clothing (zippys are our favourite as the trio are little houdinis when trying to dress them). Best present ever,' Ms Sullivan said.

Mark Owen with his three kids Zadie, Brodie and Harlen lazing on an activity mat

The triplets, who just turned one, celebrated their birthday in style with a very messy cake photo shoot their mum uploaded to Instagram.

'The best thing about triplets is triple the fun, triple the laughs and triple the love. But it's also triple the word (feeds, nappies etc.)

'I never get a lot of down time so I'm constantly busy and exhausted,' the 26-year-old mum said.

Dinner is served! The three triplets won the 'peoples choice' award after Ms Sullivan entered them into the Bonds search

But if she had to give other parents any advice she'd tell them to 'enjoy the moment because in the blink of an eye the moment is gone and you will never get it back'.

'They grow and develop so rapidly and life is so busy it is easy to forget to take time to stop and enjoy special moments.

'Both the good and bad moments don't last forever, I promise it will get better,' she said.
After all these years, we can at last be grateful to Yoko Ono.

Back in 1964, she published her first book, Grapefruit. It was full of top tips such as 'Hammer a nail in the centre of a piece of glass. Send each fragment to an arbitary address.'

There was only one thing wrong : most of these tips seemed to guarantee unhappiness, eg: 'Build a house that serves only to make way for the rain.'

But she has steadfastly refused to let this deter her. Half a century on, advice continues to pour from her in an unstoppable flow, although over time dottiness has given way to banality.

Paradox: Yoko Ono has been branded as dishing out airy-fairy requests leading to a variety of jokes on social media

So far this year, her tweeted tips have included: 'Keep your mind empty so important ideas come through' and 'Sometimes it's nice to be a needle in a haystack rather than not existing at all'.

But then last Friday she made the mistake of tweeting: 'Give some advice that will make our lives heal and shine'.

This gave rise to some irreverent responses, a number of which were reprinted in yesterday's paper.

'Don't split up The Beatles when they still have a few more albums in them', was one of my favourites. Others were 'Don't take laxatives if you have a tickly cough' and 'Don't give up on your dreams. Stay asleep.'

And this is why we should be grateful to Yoko: without her airy-fairy request, none of these fine jokes would have been cracked.

She is an example of one of life's paradoxes: it is only the most clueless people who are eager to hand out advice.

I have a shelf in my library devoted to books of advice. Most of them are filed under D for 'Duh!', since their authors never shy away from stating the obvious.

For instance, in Pippa Middleton's Celebrate! comes this tip for gift wrapping: 'Don't forget to remove the price tag from the gift'. Once you have done that, 'Place the present on the paper to gauge how much you will need, then cut to length.'

And for those who like looking at the stars at night, Pippa suggests: 'Star gazing is best in pitch darkness on a very clear night.'

Arianna Huffington has also drawn up a book of advice urging people to wonder at the globe

America is, of course, the home of the celebrity advice industry. Five years ago, Arianna Huffington published Thrive, full of suggestions for 'Creating a Happier Life'.

Top among them was: 'If you love to paint, paint.' But I also liked: 'We need to take time to wonder at the world around us.'

She also quoted a 'mindfulness teacher', who advises: 'At the traffic crossing, instead of being impatient for the green man, appreciate how the red man gives us a chance to stop, breathe and look around.'

Ivanka Trump, Donald's daughter, published a book of tips for a successful career, though she forgot to mention step one: work for your billionaire father.

'One of the best ways to master communication? Ask questions and listen well,' she advised. And, for those who might not have thought of it for themselves: 'A way to foster your curiosity is to talk to people.'

Offering advice: Ivanka Trump has also come up with a book packed with tips to succeed in life

Even our own dear Mary Berry followed the Path of Ono in last year's Mary's Household Tips & Tricks, subtitled, Your Guide To Happiness In The Home. 'Cotton, sponge or microfibre cloths are handy for mopping up spills and wiping down surfaces,' she suggests. And she advises placing reading lamps 'beside chairs and at the end of sofas . . . if you are fond of reading.'

And to those who are thinking of placing a big sofa in a small room, she comes up with this advice: 'The scale of the sofa compared to the room you want to sit in is something to think about.'

Jokes are the best way to counteract this barrage of banality. The only book of advice worth consulting is Viz magazine's Top Tips:

'Shoes last twice as long if only worn every other day.'

'Rappers: Avoid having to say: 'Know what I'm saying' all the time by actually speaking clearly in the first place.'

'Dog owners: Stop your pet drooling whenever you fry bacon by placing an odour-eater under each rasher as it cooks.'

'Banging two pistachio nut shells together gives the impression a very small horse is approaching.'

Oh dear! If only Yoko Ono had had this book to hand when she was a young woman, she need never have bothered.
@ChescoCourtNews on Twitter

Michael P. Rellahan has been a staff reporter and editor at the Daily Local News since 1982. He has covered all kinds of news over the years but is now assigned to report on court and legal news, as well as Chester County government news and politics.
(ANSA) - Rome, February 7 - France said Thursday that it has recalled its ambassador to Rome, Christian Masset, for consultations. The French foreign ministry said the move was related to "groundless attacks by Italy without precedent since the end of the war" and "outrageous statements" by the Italian government. "Disagreeing is one thing, exploiting relations for electoral ends is another," the ministry added.

Tension between Rome and Paris has been high in recent months over several issues, including the treatment of asylum seekers, the support of Italian Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio's 5-Star Movement (M5S) for the Yellow Vests protestors in France and the TAV Turin-Lyon high-speed rail link. Di Maio and M5S No.2 Alessandro Di Battista met members of the French protest movement on Tuesday.

"The latest interference is an additional, unacceptable provocation," the French foreign ministry said.

"It breaches the respect due to democratic choices made by a friendly, allied people. "It breaches the respect that democratically and freely elected governments should have for each other".


Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here.
Glo Stidham Whitt of South Charleston, WV, formerly of Catlettsburg KY passed away on June 19, 2021. She is survived by her children, Judson Whitt, Lee Jones, Daniel Whitt, and Robin Whitt, five grandchildren and four grandsons. As requested there will not be a public service.
US Dollar, GBP/USD, EUR/USD Talking Points:

- The big item on todays economic calendar has already taken place with this mornings Super Thursday rate decision at the Bank of England. The BoE cut growth forecasts as Mr. Mark Carney noted that the Fog of Brexit is creating tension and the UK economy is ill-prepared for a No-Deal scenario. He did note, however, that clarity on Brexit could bring on upside, but at this point, that seems to be the lower-probability scenario.

- The US Dollar topside rally has finally run into an element of resistance as taken from the monthly highs in the currency. This shows around 96.66, and since coming into play a couple of hours ago, prices have started to pull back. This pullback may need a bit more room, however, as prices had become very overbought on a short-term basis.

- DailyFX Forecasts have been published for Q1, 2019 on a variety of currencies such as the US Dollar or the Euroand are available from the DailyFX Trading Guides page. If youre looking to improve your trading approach, check out Traits of Successful Traders. And if youre looking for an introductory primer to the Forex market, check out our New to FX Guide.

Do you want to see how retail traders are currently trading the US Dollar? Check out our IG Client Sentiment Indicator.

US Dollar Rally Runs into Resistance at Monthly Highs

The week-long rally in the US Dollar has continued, and the currency is now trading above two resistance levels of note; testing above both the trend-line projection and the 96.47 Fibonacci level. This move has had reverberations through many FX pairs, with bearish themes showing more prominently in pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, AUD/USD and NZD/USD.

The big question around the US Dollar at this point is for how long might bulls be able to push? A bit of resistance has started to show off of the late-January swing-high of 96.66, and a bit-higher on the chart is another area of interest around 97.00. Inside of recent price action, that 96.47 level could be of interest for support themes; but given the deep overbought nature of RSI on shorter-term charts, prices may pose a deeper retracement before that bullish trend is ready to resume, and this can keep interest around the 96.30 and 96.04 levels for deeper zones of potential support.

US Dollar Four-Hour Price Chart: Overbought USD Pulls Back from Monthly Highs

Chart prepared by James Stanley

GBP/USD Dips then Bounces on BoE

Going along with that Dollar-strength over the past week has been a reemergence of sellers in Cable. GBP/USD topped out around the 1.3200 level in late-January, and since then sellers have been getting more aggressive, posing two key support breaks so far this week. The 1.3000 level was taken-out on Monday, and after building in a day of support at the 1.2920 Fibonacci level, prices have sunk down to test the next potential zone that I looked at in yesterdays article, spanning 1.2828-1.2850.

This mornings drivers in GBP are emanating from the first Super Thursday rate decision of 2019. The Bank of England cut growth forecasts, and Mr. Mark Carney noted that the Fog of Brexit is creating tension and the British economy is not properly prepared for a No-Deal Brexit, which is looking increasingly likely with Brexit-day now just seven weeks away. This brought in an initial move of weakness that drove prices down towards that 1.2850 support. Mr. Carney did also note, however, later in his speech that clarity on Brexit could bring on upside, which did appear to help soften the blow to a degree as buyers returned to push prices back above 1.2920.

In GBP/USD, prices remain above the 50% marker of the January bullish run, and RSI is in deep oversold territory, approaching the 20.0 value on the four-hour chart. But it may take a bit more than that to bring bulls back into the picture on a longer-term basis. For those looking at short-side strategies, resistance potential exists around that former area of support around the 1.3000 area, which currently syncs fairly-well with the bearish trend-line taken from swing-highs over the past week.

GBP/USD Two-Hour Price Chart

Chart prepared by James Stanley

EUR/USD Bearish Short-Term Trend Continues

I had looked at this one in Tuesdays webinar, remarking that the short-term trend thats shown with prominence recently is in the midst of a longer-term range thats now been in-effect for more than three months. With prices making a fast approach towards longer-term support of that range, the big question is whether bears might have the motivation to finally break-through.

On the driver side, Italy has become a focal point again as yields are rising in response to a slowing economy and a less-optimistic outlook across both Italy and the Euro-Zone as a whole. The big question here is whether thatll last long enough for bears to re-encounter deeper support within this longer-term range. Such potential exists around 1.1270 and 1.1215, which is the 18-month low in the pair.

EUR/USD Daily Price Chart

Chart prepared by James Stanley

To read more:

Are you looking for longer-term analysis on the U.S. Dollar? Our DailyFX Forecasts for Q1 have a section for each major currency, and we also offer a plethora of resources on USD-pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, AUD/USD. Traders can also stay up with near-term positioning via our IG Client Sentiment Indicator.

Forex Trading Resources

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KINGSTON, N.Y.  One hundred years ago, on Feb. 7, 1919, Kingston Police Officer James Lawrence died of a stab wound inflicted by a suspect the day before in front of City Hall.

Lawrence is the last Kingston officer to die in the line of duty and the only one to die as a result of violence.

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Several years ago, as Lawrence's grandson, 72-year-old Charles Lawrence of Lake Katrine, stood among a few hundred people at the police officers memorial in Albany, waiting for an annual service to begin, he was struck by how intensely hed been affected by the tragic death of the grandfather he never met.

That was the first time that I went anywhere for my grandfather, Charles Lawrence said of the service during a recent interview.

He recalled listening, while standing alongside his wife, Donna, as guest speakers paid tribute to slain officers, and, in the distance, bagpipers played "Amazing Grace."

By the time they (the bagpipers) got to where the memorial was and where the people were gathered, tears were coming down ... and that one moment was when I realized how much the death of my grandfather had impacted me, Lawrence said. I get chills when I think about it.

I really never knew my grandfather, but I saw what his death did to my father, Lawrence added.

Since that day, Charles Lawrence has worked diligently to keep his grandfathers memory alive. Among other things, hes participated in annual bicycle rides in honor of slain officers and he organized a ride in Kingston to pay tribute specifically to his grandfather.

Charles Lawrences father, Ted, was 12 years old on Feb. 6, 1919, when his father was stabbed by Montague Byrd. Charles Lawrence said his father never really spoke about James Lawrence because memories of the death were too painful.

Charles father did, however, forbid Charles and his brother from referring to police officers as cops and instilled respect for the profession in his sons, Charles said.

Ted Lawrence also discouraged Charles from becoming a state trooper, a career he said he briefly considered as a young man.

It was clear from the tone in his voice that he really didnt want me to do that, Charles said, adding that he wound up working for IBM which was a little safer and pleased his father.

Officer James Lawrence was 35 years old on the night of Feb. 6, 1919, when he was called to quell a disturbance on East Chester Street caused by several drunk men.

According to the Feb. 7, 1919, edition of the Kingston Daily Freeman, Lawrence was confronted by two men, Byrd and Thomas Olden. Byrd struggled and was arrested by the officer.

As the two walked toward City Hall on Broadway, where the police station was located, Olden is believed to have slipped Byrd a knife, which he used to stab Lawrence in the side before breaking free.

With the knife wound in his side and dripping blood at every step, Officer Lawrence pluckily gave chase after Byrd over the City Hall lawn, the Freeman reported. Lawrence drew his gun but refrained from firing for fear of hitting pedestrians on Broadway. But when he reached a sufficient elevation ... he fired three shots at the fleeing Byrd before he fell exhausted to the ground. None of the shots took effect.

Lawrence, who also had been a Kingston firefighter, died the following day, leaving his wife and their young son.

Byrd, a U.S. Army veteran, was convicted of first-degree murder and executed on July 22, 1920, in the electric chair at Sing Sing prison in Ossining.

Kingston Police Detective Lt. Thierry Croizer said it is essential to honor officers lost in the line of duty.

We at the Kingston Police Department have lost two members, he said Wednesday, referring also to Officer John Given Boyd, who died on March 4, 1918, when he was struck by a New York newspaper train.

Thankfully, [Lawrences death] was a very long time ago, and we havent experienced losses recently, Croizer said. Still, he called Lawrences death a great loss for the department.

Any day, any of us can go out to work and not come home, Croizer said. We have to remember and honor that individual and remember what he gave to protect the citizens of the city of Kingston.

Croizer said a monument to Lawrence and Boyd that was at the intersection of Albany Avenue and Col. Chandler Drive has been moved because of construction there to create a traffic roundabout. It will be relocated to a spot on Garraghan Drive, near the city police headquarters, he said.

Charles Lawrence echoed Croizer, calling on people to honor and respect police officers ... and be concerned and spread the word that police officers are people too.
The following items are based on information provided by officials in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Diane Pineiro-Zucker has been a reporter at the Daily Freeman since April 2013. Pineiro-Zucker worked as a reporter in the Freemans Rhinebeck bureau in the early 1980s, left to become executive editor at Taconic Newspapers in Dutchess County.
KINGSTON, N.Y.  Ulster County lawmakers will wait to hear from city of Kingston officials before moving forward with the plan for the county 
featured

Kingston

Raises could be tied to cost of living
(ANSA) - Rome, February 7 - Father Paolo Dall'Oglio, an Italian Jesuit priest who was kidnapped in Syria in 2013, is alive and in being held in one of the pockets of territory still controlled by ISIS, The Times reported on Thursday citing Kurdish sources.

The British daily said that the extremist Islamist group is using Dall'Oglio and two other Western hostages, British journalist John Cantlie and a nurse from New Zealand, as "bargaining chips" in negotiations with with the US-backed Kurdish-Arab forces surrounding them.

It said that the ISIS group holding the three are seeking to "escape annihilation".

Well-informed Vatican sources on Thursday did not confirm the report. "We have no confirmation", the sources told ANSA of the report, which cited Kurdish forces.
KINGSTON, N.Y.  Reform laws set to take effect Jan. 1, 2020, represent a seismic change in how the criminal justice system in New York state 
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Ilana is Arts and Culture Editor at the Daily Emerald. In her free time she likes to collage, go to concerts and watch way too many movies for her own good.

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SANDRA LEPLEY

The Daily American

I could not have written this column without the help of my friend from Meyersdale, Kim Clapper.

The other day when I called Kim about scheduling an interview for something else, we got into a chat about winter. She said, Isnt it crazy that winter storms are named nowadays and when we were young, storms were just storms that we survived?

I wondered that myself awhile back but never researched all this winter storm naming like Kim did. She shared links to websites with me so I can impart this information to you. Kim works on a government contract for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA  pronounced like Noah).

Of course, as we all know, tropical and super storms are named. Dont forget Hurricane Sandy in October 2012!

By the way, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) names hurricanes and I rather enjoy the fact that that particular storm made a memorable name for herself. Hurricane names are recycled every six years so thankfully Sandy didnt make a comeback in 2018.

According to Wikipedia, Hurricane Sandy (unofficially referred to as Superstorm Sandy) wreaked havoc as the largest Atlantic hurricane on record, spanning 900 miles and affecting 24 states here in the U.S. alone. President Obama signed emergency declarations on Oct. 28, 2012.

Remember how New York and New Jersey got hit so hard? Our lights were out for four days but poor New Yorkers suffered for weeks without electricity. Now that was a storm deserving of a such a name!

Right before Hurricane Sandy, for whatever reason, The Weather Channel announced it would name winter storms from a predetermined list. TWCs decision was met with criticism from other weather forecasters, who called the practice self-serving and potentially confusing to the public; however, TWC argued that the winter storm names would improve communications of storm warnings and help reduce storm impacts, according to Wikipedia.

And, TWC didnt run their decision by the big shots like NOAA, the National Weather Service (NWS), AccuWeather, the American Meteorological Society (AMS), or WMO. It ruffled some feathers back then but it continues to be the channels practice today. They announce the names every October and they are usually taken from Greek and Roman mythology. These past two storms were Harper and Indra.

While this is no doubt going to be the trend for winter now, it doesnt matter that the winter storms of our youth werent named. We remember them anyway.

What about December 1974 when the lights went out for 11 days (for us) and we had no telephone service for 19 days? Just take away a cellphone away from some individuals for that many days now and they would probably die of technology deprivation. Yet, somehow we survived!

Remember when we had two weeks off school in 1977? That was one for the record books! John Bowman, a radio weatherman at that time, reported back then that with wind chills, temperatures reached 100 degrees below 0. Everything was frozen solid! Even though the lights didnt go out then, everyones water to their barns froze in our neck of the woods.

One of our neighbors, Phillip Hershberger, devised a method back then that everyone started using to defrost their lines. He used sugar water tubing hooked onto the hot water spigot and adapted into the underground line somehow, feeding the smaller tubing through the larger line inch by inch until thawed. True mountain ingenuity, Phil!

By the time the 1984-85 winter arrived, I could drive and was getting ready to graduate in the spring. But, I was shanghaied for five weeks in my house (without the privilege of going to the mall on weekends with my best friend Karen) because of weather conditions.

OK, so I did a needlepoint creation I still look at every once in awhile and remember how imprisoned I was at 17 years old but am rather proud of that craft. It is a memento of survival! That year my graduating class did not turn their tassels until June 16 (almost summer) because of so much time off from snow days.

Here, in Somerset County, called Little Alaska by some truckers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, we are simply tough when it comes to this sort of weather. Naming winter storms doesnt change the fact that each winter brings with it a new set of challenges and memories  whether rain, sleet or snow, we mountain people survive.

(Sandra Lepley is a correspondent with the Daily American.)
Kasie Campbell

Meyersdale

The recent government shutdown has students and faculty at Meyersdale Area High School wondering how it will affect them and their families. Although the shutdown largely affects federal employees in Washington, D.C., it is also affecting families in our own rural area that have family members serving in the military or working at government-funded jobs.

Once the government shut down, those people that work government-funded jobs stopped getting paid, which has placed a lot of stress on the families. In many cases, these families are now existing on one income instead of two.

As high schoolers, it can affect what we do. Some teenagers who have jobs feel that it is important that they pitch in on some of the costs and payments on certain household costs.

Senior Rylee Weaver said that his mom is the only income for his family during the shutdown.

This has caused us to have to cut back on things we want but dont really need, she said.

She further explained why she feels that it is important to help out during this situation.

I would rather use our money than have to worry about paying people back once the government opens back up, she said.

Times can be hard for families struggling from this setback. Along with different types of law enforcement, the members of the military are also affected by the shutdown as far as not getting paid.

Meyersdale history teacher Chris Schrock shared how the shutdown has affected his son, Chris Schrock Jr., who was previously in the military.

His son just recently got out of the Navy in November. After getting out of the Navy, he enrolled at a university. The military gives its veterans something called a GI Bill. This provides college tuition and housing allowance. The housing allowance is meant to be used for rent and food.

During the shutdown, neither of these funds are available but once the shutdown is over those fundings will come through, Schrock said. Housing is another issue because he has housing off campus and landlords are expecting him to pay that back at the end of each month.

Despite the assurance that the money will become available once the shutdown ends, certain bills must be paid immediately.

In December, President Donald Trump demanded $5 billion to support the building of a border wall between the United States and Mexico. Without this funding, the President followed through on his promise to shutdown the government. During this shutdown, many federal employees are expected to work without pay including law enforcement, Coast Guard and correctional officers, like Weavers dad.

The shutdown has not only affected people at a federal level. In response to the many calls to action, the President announced a temporary return of workers.

History teacher Andy Stahlates said that politicians have until around Feb. 15 to come up with a solution to immigration or face another shutdown.

Locally, this could also affect where the seniors at Meyersdale high school go on their senior trip if the situation does not get solved by mid April.

Stahl explained that when he visited Washington, D.C., to see a Civil War battlefield, the gate was shut and no one was allowed in.

This is also the longest shutdown in history and the fifth or sixth shutdown since the first one that took place in the mid 1970s, Stahl said.

He also said that this is a funding issue and, with time, the inability to fund can affect our school system because a portion of our funding is federal. So if the issue does not get solved here eventually it will just lead to another shutdown that can later lead to more problems locally.
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STORY LINK Euro US Dollar (EUR/USD) Exchange Rate Slips on Eurozone Slowdown

Euro US Dollar (EUR/USD) Exchange Rate Falls as German Industrial Figures Disappoint

USD/EUR Exchange Rate Rises on Safe-Haven Benefit as Eurozone Struggles

EUR/USD Forecast: Eurozone Recession Fears Could see Euro Plummet

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The Euro US Dollar (EUR/USD) exchange rate is down today and is currently trading around $1.1346 on the inter-bank market.The Euro (EUR) fell against the US Dollar (USD) after the publication of German industrial production figures for December, which slipped -0.4%.These were followed by the publication of the French trade balance figures for December which also fell to a disappointing -4.65bn.EUR traders are becoming increasingly concerned as the Eurozone economy is showing signs of slowing.This is following yesterdays plummeting German factory orders and Italys recent slide into a recession.UK Brexit concerns are still putting pressure on EUR as Prime Minister Theresa May met with EC President Jean-Claude Juncker today.In a joint statement it was reported that Juncker underlined that the EU27 [would not] reopen the withdrawal agreement, however, it continued:[Juncker] expressed his openness to add wording to the political declaration [to be] more ambitious in terms of content and speed when it comes to the future relationship.The US Dollar, meanwhile, benefited today after the publication of the US initial jobless claims figures for February, which decreased to 234K.These were followed by the printing of the US continuing jobless claims figures for January, which also decreased.USD has also benefited from its safe-haven status following the poor performance of the Eurozone economy this week, with many EUR traders fleeing to its rival.Many Greenback traders, however, are remaining cautious as the divide between the White House and the House of Representatives is showing sides of widening.President Donald Trumps demand for funding for the controversial Mexican border wall also shows no signs of abating, with the President recently tweeting:Tremendous numbers of people are coming up through Mexico in the hopes of flooding our Southern Border. We have sent additional military. We will build a Human Wall if necessary. If we had a real Wall, this would be a non-event!EUR investors will be looking ahead to tomorrows printing of the German trade balance figures, which are expected to further decrease.Tomorrow will also see the release of the French industrial output figures for December, which are expected to increase.Many EUR traders, however, will be looking further ahead to Monday next week, which will see the publication of the German ZEW survey of economic sentiment for February.USD investors, meanwhile, will also be looking ahead to Mondays US unit labour cost figures for the fourth-quarter, which are expected to increase  potentially providing some further uplift for the Greenback.The EUR/USD exchange rate will remain sensitive to any further political or economic developments next week.With signs that the Eurozone is slowing down, any further hints of a possible recession could see the single currency come under further pressure.

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

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Eugene Crow, age 91, of Cullman, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, June 19, 2021. He was born June 13, 1930 to Felix and Pearl Stowe Crowe. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Irene, his parents, two brothers and a sister. Mr. Crow served his country and is a veteran of The 
We are in the era of digital transformation. A time where data is being collected at exponentially growing rates all around us. A wide variety of businesses and institutions, including credit unions, have been collecting personal data on their customers/members for quite some time now. How can you receive any benefit from all of this available data? The answer lies in the use of Big Data Analytics. Big Data is used to help analyze extremely large data sets to identify patterns, trends and associations in human behavior. This method of analyzing data is very versatile and proving to become one of the most sought-after tools of today.

This has made the overall collection of consumers data much easier and more widespread. This is also commonly referred to as Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and the influx of access to it has raised some concerns. Common questions include: What data is being collected? How has it been collected? What is it being used for? Which third parties have access to it? And, how much control do we have over our own data?

Understanding the Current Technology Regulation Market

Even though there are many regulations relating to the use of technology, many would argue that technology regulation is a lagging indicator of what is to come. Meaning that the regulation of technology hasnt quite caught up to the quickly changing way of doing business. The PII of consumer data and behavior is becoming more commoditized whether we like it or not. To combat this, technology regulations will grow in strength and number throughout much of the 21st century.

The ultimate purpose of instilling more privacy regulations with regard to PII is to protect the consumer from two different things. They are meant to: 1) Help protect consumers from the increasing number of hackers, and 2) Prevent businesses from having too much control and power over their customers.

A Perfect Example  What Could Happen if Your Business is Unprepared

The nearly perfect reputation of the well-known tech giant Facebook (FB), the worlds largest social media network, was tarnished in mid-March of 2018. Cambridge Analytica, a large big data analytics company based in the UK, exploited FBs proprietary database by harvesting the PII of nearly 87 million peoples Facebook profiles without the consumers consent. Its believed that Analytica used the obtained data to help influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

As you might expect, this realization didnt thrill many Facebook users, and to a larger extent, the U.S. public in general. This isnt the first time personal data has been leaked, but this instance stirred more controversy, as it enabled foreign propaganda that potentially affected the results of the election. As a result, Facebooks Chairman and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, was put in the hot seat in front of the U.S. Congress in a senate hearing to answer questions. U.S. Congress asked questions closely resembling these: Just how secure is your proprietary database? What information do you have on all of your users? What is it used for? What third party/vendors have access to it and what do they use if for? All of the backlash towards Facebook caused their stock price to plummet in just a couple of days, losing nearly $100 billion in market capitalization (at the time, 15% of their total valuation).

Facebook was unprepared from the commoditization of personal data. This is a change and issue that businesses must address as consumer data is much easier to obtain in size and method. If businesses cant adapt to the changing landscape, then consumers will simply find/select products from a different company that understands and respects their rights as a consumer.

Current Legislation  Aimed at Protecting Consumers

Recently, lawmakers have started taking more action regulating businesses with control over the PII of their customers. The two most notable laws pertaining to this are the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The GDPR is already in effect, since late May of 2018, and the CCPA is still under review by California Legislators.

The GDPR replaced the 1995 EU Data Protection Directive, which generally did not regulate businesses based outside of the EU. However, this law is different. It is intended to place stricter laws on businesses, so they cannot have free reign over the use and distribution of EU citizen data. In addition, the GDPR is enhanced as it relates to potentially any business, not just within the boundaries of the EU. The need for GDPR compliance depends almost entirely on the companys marketing efforts. If the company actively pursues/monitors EU citizens to better track and collect useful PII for their business, then the GDPR will likely apply to them.

Why is understanding the GDPR important? Its important to know because these types of laws and regulations will continue to grow in prevalence. Thus, companies may need to change their strategies, especially regarding the creation and overall strengthening of data security (IT) teams. Understanding the European law is also important because there is some overlap between this and the newly composed CCPA which will directly impact the state of California. In short, both laws require individuals consent before businesses collect and start using that consumer-specific data. Subsequently, businesses are then required to disclose how they collected that data and what it will be used for. Failure to comply results in very predictable consequences, very heavy penalty fees.
SEYMOUR  For a fourth consecutive year, First Selectman Kurt Miller has proposed a budget for fiscal year 2019-20 that does not increase taxes.

Miller unveiled his proposal to the Board of Finance Wednesday. His $57.2 million bottom line includes $18.6 million for the town side of the budget and $33.9 million for the Board of Education. The proposal represents an overall increase of about $1 million over the current budget, or 1.8 percent.

Even though the proposal is higher than the current budget, Miller said thanks to significant growth to the grand list in both real estate and motor vehicles, hes able to keep the current tax rate of 36 mills the same.

Miller said economic development growth, especially in the Silvermine Industrial Park, where major taxpayers such as Basement Systems continue to expand operations, have contributed to the grand list growth.

Our goal from day one has been to insulate taxpayers from budgetary shocks, Miller said.

Miller boasted that Seymours financial outlook is strong, and over the last 17 years that hes been involved, either as chairman of the finance board, or as first selectman, the towns finances are in the best shape to date.

Arguably, Seymour is in the best financial position its ever been in, Miller said, adding the tax collection rate exceeded 98.5 percent last year and is trending to improve even more this year.

Thanks to continued strategic planning, both short and long term, and taking advantage of optimum financial opportunities, Miller said the town has been able to move forward without putting additional strain on residents pocketbooks.

The finance board will spend the next couple of weeks reviewing Millers budget, as well as holding meetings with individual town department heads to discuss their budget requests. The board usually votes on the budget sometime in March, sends it to a public hearing and town meeting, and ultimately to a townwide referendum in spring.

For the past three years in a row, voters have approved both the town and school budgets on the first try, unlike in years past, when it sometimes took three to four votes .

Millers proposal contains no frills, and basically covers contractual obligations for town employees, health insurance and retirement benefit increases and gives the Board of Education a 1.8 percent increase, although the school board requested 1.9 percent or about a $653,000 increase.

Some of Millers proposed budget highlights include $37,500 toward hiring a third school resource officer, a cost the town will split with the school board; $35,000 to bring an economic development person onboard through the Connecticut Economic Resource Center; $30,000 for a town planner that would be shared with neighboring Oxford; a $5,000 donation to the Seymour Land Trust to bring back the annual Christmas fireworks display at Legion Pool; and some additional funds for the Seymour Community Center to create a newsletter and increase a part-time administrative assistant to full time due to increased programming there.

A factor driving the proposed increase is a likely jump of 8 percent in employee health benefits, according to Miller.

I think the budget proposal is fiscally responsible and continues to move the town forward, said Miller.

jean.sos@snet.net
Another country's judiciary is at the center of public outcry in the European Union's east.

Slovakia's former prime minister, Robert Fico, is vying to join the nation's Constitutional Court after protesters forced him out with the largest anti-corruption rallies since the fall of communism. His candidacy has ignited outrage among many of the euro-area country's 5.4 million voters, who charge that he allowed graft to thrive under his rule.

"His appointment would be a blow not only to all protesters but justice as such," said Juraj Seliga, an organizer of the demonstrations. "If lawmakers approve him as a candidate, they'll show a complete lack of political self-reflection."

The uproar over the Constitutional Court, seldom the subject of front-page news in Slovakia, comes as the EU battles nationalist and populist governments that it says are undermining the rule of law and backsliding on democracy. Front and center are Poland and Hungary, which have overhauled their judicial systems to give politicians more sway, while Romanian authorities are rolling back anti-graft efforts.

Party Connection

If Fico takes the bench at the highest court when Slovakia replaces nine of its 13 judges, he'd be the first former prime minister and head of a ruling party to do so since the country was founded in 1993 when it split with its federation partners, the Czechs. Lawmakers are expected to vote on a list this week.

He's vowed to step down as chairman of Smer, the party he founded 20 years ago, if he gets the job, but his position there makes him a shoo-in for the short list.

During his time as prime minister, which stretched to a decade during multiple terms, Slovakia's economy leaped forward as it attracted billions in foreign investment, mainly from the car industry, to become an export powerhouse.

And while some of his counterparts in eastern Europe resisted closer integration with the EU, the 54-year-old Social Democrat embraced the adoption of the euro, and advocated for Slovakia to be at the bloc's "core" alongside Germany and France. He acknowledged public anger over graft and pointed to actions that his government took to fight it, including increasing whistle-blower protections and making public procurement more transparent.

"There indeed is corruption in Slovakia," Fico said in late 2017. "But there is a big difference between the perception of corruption and reality. Today we are fighting the perception."

Public ire came to a head last year after Jan Kuciak, a journalist who wrote about white collar crimes with ties to politicians, was murdered with his fiancee in an execution-style assassination.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Slovakia, prompting Fico to step down halfway into his third term. He vowed, standing next to a table stacked with 1 million euros meant as a reward for information, to solve the killing. Taking a page from his populist peers in the region, he also blamed billionaire George Soros for orchestrating his demise.

Citizens aren't keen to see him at the court. Only 18 percent of Slovaks said he should get the job, a January poll conducted by Focus for TV Markiza showed.

His court ambition is a problem not only for voters but also for President Andrej Kiska, an outspoken critic of Fico who has said that moral integrity is a key precondition for Constitutional Court justices. That has raised speculation that the Smer-controlled government may try to delay the judge-selecting process until after Slovakia's presidential elections this March.

Kiska said he won't run again, and that might increase Fico's chances, particularly as Smer's candidate, European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic, is leading opinion polls.

"It's a complicated plan which may not succeed," said Grigorij Meseznikov, Director of the Institute for Public Affairs, a Bratislava-based think tank. "If Fico doesn't get the post, he won't leave the politics. I wouldn't write his political obituary yet."
Connecticut lawmakers are sounding the alarm on teen vaping and tobacco use with a wave of legislation that would impose further restrictions on the products and attempt to curb youth access as states across the country are taking up similar measures.

Bills introduced from both sides of the aisle or with bipartisan support include raising the minimum age for buying electronic cigarettes and tobacco products from 18 to 21, banning flavored vapor products, and taxing vapor delivery systems and related goods.

Public Health Committee co-chairman Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport, said lawmakers on the panel will primarily try to move legislation focused on raising the age of consumption of both tobacco and vaping products.

But thats only the beginning, there are any number of other bills that deal with flavoring and access, helping schools deal with the crisis, very interesting sort of portfolio of different things we could look at, Steinberg said.

The magnitude of the states teen vaping problem became evident this week when the Board of Education released a report showing that there has been a six-fold increase in the number of suspensions and expulsions related to vaping in Connecticut schools, from 349 disciplinary actions taken in the 2015-16 school year to 2,160 last year. The problem is so significant, state officials said, the state Department of Education has asked the state departments of public health and mental health and addiction services to help educators respond.

Lawmakers share these concerns, and are pushing for regulations that would tackle tobacco and vaping products from multiple angles.

Those measures include increasing fines and penalties for the illegal sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products to underage people, banning smoking and vaping on beaches, and prohibiting flavored vapor product advertisements and marketing to minors.

Vaping companies are using flavors to seem kid-friendly, Sen. Mary Abrams, D-Meriden, co-chairwoman of the Public Health Committee, said Thursday. There is nothing friendly about nicotine.

Abrams said she hopes Connecticut adults who used flavored e-cigarettes would support removing them from the market as a means to stop children from becoming addicted.

We must stop todays youth from becoming tomorrows customers, she said.

State Rep. William Petit, who serves as a ranking member on the Public Health Committee, said vaping represents a major public health issue that lawmakers have to tackle.

I assume that everybody, like me, is hearing about it in their localities from teachers, principals, superintendents, and junior high schools and high schools, Petit said.

The push in Connecticut to keep battery-powered e-cigarettes out of the hands of young people comes as U.S. health officials are calling the issue an epidemic. Federally funded research shows vaping has surged among teens.

In November, the Food and Drug Administration said it will move to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, and tighten rules regarding the sale of flavored versions of vaping products.

A federally funded study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan and University of Minnesota found increases in teen vaping among high school seniors went up 10 percent in the past year. The study found that 21 percent of 12th-graders reported vaping nicotine in the past 30 days  the largest one-year increase for any substance ever recorded by the 44-year study.

Overall, there were at least 1.3 million additional nicotine vapers among students in grades 9 through 12 in 2018 compared to last year, the study found.

Vaughan Rees, the director of Harvards Center for Global Tobacco Control, said the results show an increase in both youth interest and experimentation, which have fueled concerns from parents and those in the public health community. But those results do not reflect daily use among adolescents, Rees cautioned.

Rees said there needs be a balancing act in restricting access because vapor products offer an opportunity to reduce the health harms of combustible cigarettes and help mitigate the overall smoking epidemic. He said municipalities that have raised the age for the sale of tobacco products have seen declines in adolescent use.

One hesitation is by making less harmful products more difficult to access it may encourage youth who are vaping to use cigarettes instead, so whatever they do with vaping they need to do it in tandem with cigarettes, Rees said.

Currently, there are seven states that have restricted access to e-cigarettes starting at age 21, and ten states that have taxed the products, according to the Public Health Law Center.

Karmen Hanson of the National Conference of State Legislatures said in addition to raising the age for use of tobacco products, states are also proposing bills to add e-cigarettes to clean indoor air rules, include vapor products in the definition of tobacco, impose taxes on e-cigarettes at the wholesale or retail level, and create educational campaigns on vaping for adults and students.

CT Mirror Reporter Keith Phaneuf contributed to this story.
STRATFORD  About 50 people showed up this week for the first meeting of the towns Shakespeare property task force.

Appointed last month by Mayor Laura Hoydick, the group has been charged with overseeing a community conversation about what will happen at the property since a Jan. 13 fire burned down the historic theater.

To that end, the committees members tentatively scheduled another meeting for Feb. 19, at which they said theyll hash out the process more.

What our job is to do is to get the communitys input about what should happen now, Tom Dillon, one of the task forces co-chairs, said at Tuesdays opening meeting.

Members of the task force listened to about 40 minutes of comments from residents. None got louder applause than Elm Street resident Rachel Rusnak, who said the town should use the property to offer residents a chance to engage with the arts more.

Im tired of going to Milford and Im tired of going to Fairfield to do anything, Rusnak said. Theres such an opportunity here. I hope the town doesnt let it go to waste.

The sentiment summed up the broad agreement that the property should be redeveloped for public use and enjoyment  as mandated by the 2005 deed turning over the land from the state.

But there was less consensus about specific ideas.

Rosemary Martin Hayduk held up a newspaper clipping from Stratford-upon-Avon, U.K., about last months fire.

Our theater is a global story. It always was, and it still is, she said. We are global and were going to be global again.

Dan Rawson asked for a practical outlook given the recent history of the property.

The venue that it was had not worked for decades, when we did in fact have a building, he said. What makes it work now when we dont have a building? The emotion and the practicality arent necessarily the same.

Rawson suggested using the property for a park, with some seasonal theater, without the huge financial burden that comes with trying to resurrect something that hasnt been viable for 30-plus years.

Others suggested having a bandshell on the property for outdoor concerts.

Roxanne Khazarian asked the town to release more details about the insurance for the theater, so members of the public could offer more-informed comments.

She also said the town should be less insular about the property and look at other regional resources for assistance.

Stratford once caught magic in a bottle, Khazarian said. Stratford was a factory town that had an amazing palace, the Shakespeare theater. You dont really find those combined.

Afterward, Hoydick thanked residents for being sensitive and deferential while discussing an emotional subject. She said 150 people have asked to be put on an email distribution list for updates on the property.

Dillon said Tuesdays meeting was a good start to a long process. At the next meeting, he said, the task forces members and consultants would discuss specific details about gathering more public comment.

I was really grateful that everybody came out and presented their opinions in a really respectful and civil way, because thats what we want to encourage here, Dillon said.

The task force is co-chaired by Dillon and Anthony Nizzardo, and its other members are Al Baran, Amanda Meeson, Ed Goodrich, Eric Hampton, Peter Wood, Sib Law, Scott Bartelson, Patti Sorrentino-Galello and Frank Bevacqua.

ethan.fry@hearstmediact.com
Theres a din in Gotham City as George Jepsen, the former attorney general, and Perry Zinn Rowthorn, who was Jepsens top deputy, started work on Wednesday as partners in the novel attorney general practice at Shipman & Goodwin LLP in Hartford.

Theyve been taking some heat  including from my once-again colleague, Colin McEnroe  about hanging out a shingle to represent corporate clients against AGs that are going after them for one transgression or another. Jepsen and Rowthorn did, after all, devote much of their careers to the white-hat side, going after bad guys.

A skeptical McEnroe, in this weeks newsletter: How is this not like Batman and Robin making their services available to the Joker and the Penguin, with the specific purpose of telling them how not to be defeated by other superheroes? For money!

Ive known Colin for decades. Hes saying that because hes in the Amalgamated Superheroes and Bone Repair Union with Dick Blumenthal.

I spoke with Batman and Robin and as always, theres more than meets the eye in the big city. Yes, theyre representing clients up against the righteous slings of law enforcers. But theyre also hoping to work with superhero attorneys general in other states on strategy and multi-state negotiations.

They did a lot of that over the last eight years.

And, theyre available as outsourced lawyers to jump in the Batmobile and rush from Wayne Manor  Jepsen does, after all, live across the street from the stately governors mansion  to do the very work that AG offices do, for the AGs.

Finally, theyre now in the business, they hope, of monitoring big, multi-state settlements as the neutral referee. Bet you didnt know that existed. I certainly didnt.

On the enforcement side, Jepsen took a more collaborative approach with businesses than his predecessor, now-Sen. Blumenthal  though both filed no shortage of lawsuits over the years.

Its a little simplistic to say that were just switching teams, Rowthorn said. When they were involved in a case, he added, If there were cool heads who were credible, reasonable, creative, who could help us solve problemswe always appreciated those people.

And so we kind of want to be those guys, the practical problem-solvers.

Under ethics rules, they cant appear before the Connecticut AGs office for a year. Theyre defining that broadly, so theyll probably avoid most in-state work for clients on the hook even if theyre appearing before other agencies  if the office of Attorney Generals office under William Tong is any way involved, as often is the case.

Also at the same firm, on the same floor, is former state Supreme Court Justice Joette Katz, now a litigator, who just finished a long stint as commissioner of the Department of Children and Families. Katz is not in the fledgling AG practice but Shipman lawyers may help out and the practice could grow.

One practical concern: Whos the boss between the two West Hartford residents?

Its Jepsens second tour of duty at Shipman & Goodwin, and he had the big title and the mandate from voters in their last gig. But theyre strictly partners now.

If there were a hierarchy, Rowthorn demurred, he would be the practice head.

dhaar@hearstmediact.com
WASHINGTON  Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy on Thursday reintroduced legislation aimed at helping homeowners in Connecticut and Massachusetts who are plagued with crumbling foundations built with tainted concrete.

Blumenthal sponsored the The Crumbling Foundations Small Business and Homeowners Assistance Act of 2019, which would establish a grant program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, to award funding up to $20 million each year for five years to reimburse affected owners of homeowners, small businesses and others for money spent to prevent, repair and mitigate damage caused by concrete foundations containing pyrrhotite.

About three dozen towns in north-central and northeastern Connecticut  and some areas in nearby Massachusetts  have foundations built with concrete containing pyrrhotite from a quarry in Willington. Pyrrhotite is a mineral that expands with moisture and causes foundations to bow and crack.

FEMA rejected former Gov. Dannel Malloys efforts to consider the crumbling foundation crisis a natural disaster that would be eligible for federal disaster relief.

Sens. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, are co-sponsors of Blumenthals bill, as well as separate legislation introduced by Murphy called the Aid to Homeowners with Crumbling Foundations Act.

That bill also seeks $100 million over five years to establish a grant program at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for states like Connecticut that have created non-profit crumbling foundations assistance funds to help homeowners.

Connecticut has a Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund to allow $100 million in bonding, which would amount to annual payments of $20 million, over the next several years to assist victimized homeowners. Payments from the relief program, which began processing claims last month, are capped at $175,000. That isnt enough to cover the cost of raising a house and replacing a foundation  estimated at about $250,000  however, which is why federal relief is needed.

As of now, the only federal help for homeowners with crumbling foundations is the determination by the Internal Revenue Service  sought by Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, and Connecticuts U.S. senators - to make an exception to the new federal tax laws that eliminated casualty loss deductions. The IRS announced last February it would allow Connecticut homeowners with crumbling foundations to take advantage of a deduction on qualified home repairs through December 2020.

The senators introduced similar bills in the last Congress, but they did not win final approval.

The federal government must step up and provide real relief from the unconscionable stress and expense made worse by the unacceptable inaction of many insurance companies. Blumenthal said.

Murphy agreed.

While weve been successful in getting Congress to take some action, he said, its not enough.
Attorney Jonathan Perkins has expanded his practice to serve people facing discrimination.

His firm, which has traditionally represented people who have suffered physical injuries in Connecticut, is now representing clients suffering emotionally and financially as victims of discriminationincluding age discriminationin the workplace.

We provide a service to our clients and we found that that is a potentially a growth area, so we wanted to be able to assist more people, he said.

Census data shows that almost 40 percent of people 55 and older were working or actively looking for work in 2014 and is expected to increase through 2024. There is also a surge expected among workers 65 and older.

While employment and anti-discrimination laws promote employment of older personsover age 40based on their ability rather than age, recent research suggests that age biases still exist.

A 2018 study by the Urban Institute analyzing data by the Health and Retirement Study showed that more than half of working adults in their early 50s were edged out of their jobs through layoffs, business closings, job dissatisfaction or unexpected retirement.

Although discrimination against anyone in the workplace is not a good idea and can be extremely harmful to the victim, in addition it is almost doubly bad for an older person to lose his or her job because of his or her age, because its harder for an older person to get a new job than it is for a young person, Perkins said.

Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers has five locations statewide Bridgeport, New Haven, Waterbury, Hartford and New London  and recently added two positions to accommodate discrimination cases for the entire business.

Additional hires could be on the horizon depending on the number of cases that they receive, Perkins said. Since the expansion, the firm has already received four cases  none for age discrimination.

That could change in coming months as area organizations say that older workers face a number of barriers to employment brought on by stigmas.

Its constantly in the background, said Marie Allen, director of programming for the Southwestern CT Agency on Aging in Bridgeport, which offers several services to the senior population in Fairfield County including connecting clients to financial and health benefit programs.

Its common, Allen said, for the SWCAA to receive complaints from clients looking to work but being met with challenges that they associate to their age.

We hear that there is a lot of passive discrimination, Allen said, like interview questions or an application process that appears designed to discourage or rule out older applicants.

Age discrimination has been the focus of lawmakers who proposed a bill to prohibit employers from asking an applicant when they were born or when they graduated from high school or college.

Employers are cheating themselves because these are experienced people, said Joe Carbone, president of The Workforce in Bridgeport. Theyve got good work records and theyve got skill.

The workforce development organization, which serves the entire state, is preparing to launch another orientation for its Platform for Employment, which president Joe Carbone said has seen an uptick in older participants in recent years.

After more than five years since it was established, the program, which has traditionally attracted younger individuals seeking employment, has shifted. Right now, Carbone said, roughly 77 percent of applicants for Platform to Employment program are 50 or older.

That is a monumental shift just from what it was five years ago, Carbone said.

Jordan.grice@hearstmediact.com
File this under how a vendor should not react when researchers tell them they discovered a massive security hole in their product.

The vendor is Atrient, the product is PowerKiosk, and the flaw allows personal data to be transmitted unencrypted  reportedly serious enough to make it extremely vulnerable to criminal abuse. PowerKiosk customers include some of the biggest casinos  Caesars, Hard Rock and MGM. And what casino wouldnt be concerned to learn that personal details of its loyal customers, such as driver's license scans, home address and contact details, were being transmitted in plaintext  as in wide open, unencrypted and publicly visible to anyone on the internet who knew where to look. (Shodan?)

Additionally, Atrients third-party subcontractors were allegedly not taking even basic security steps to secure any of this infrastructure from being discover on the open internet.

The vulnerability was discovered by @Me9187 and Dylan Wheeler, aka @degenerateDaE, but Atrient allegedly ignored them as they repeatedly tried to report the vulnerability.

After a friend tweeted about the flaw to help the researchers, it wasnt Atrients attention that was snagged but the FBIs  the FBI Cyber Fusion Unit division, according to an article on Secjuice. While that might give any number of security researchers a near panic-induced heart attack, the FBI realized the seriousness of the vulnerability and offered to help. In fact, the FBI set up a call with Atrient and the security researchers the very next day. Apparently the feds werent as easy to ignore as the researchers had been. During the conference call, Atrient reportedly told the FBI it would rather talk about this offline when the feds asked if Atrient had properly notified their customers of the breach and flaw in the systems.

The scary one in this scenario is actually not the FBI, but Atrient because it allegedly offered the researchers a $60,000 bug bounty as long as they were quiet about the flaw and waited on attorneys to draw up an NDA. Four months later  no bug bounty payment, no NDA, and no fix for the flaw.

After learning Atrient planned to speak at the ICE London conference about a new facial recognition feature in their kiosks that scanned users faces and uploaded the biometric data to their servers, the researchers registered as attendees.

When Wheeler approached Atrient COO Jessie Gill, the article states that Gill suddenly lunged at the researcher and violently grabbed him by his clothes on his chest before then tearing his attendee badge away from him, telling the researcher that he didnt need it anymore and that he would keep hold of it.

In a video recorded after the incident in which Wheeler retrieved his allegedly ripped-off badge from the table where Gill was sitting, Gill denied knowing Wheeler. The assault was reported to the London Metropolitan Police and the ICE conference, which vowed to take the safety of attendees seriously. CCTV video likely exists of the whole incident, but that is unlikely to be handed over to anyone except the police, so anyone who witnessed the assault or can refute it, has been asked to speak up.

The unfolding saga doesnt end here, as Gill sent a threatening email to the researchers. The FBI may need to step up to clarify if Atrient contacted the feds to report the security researchers last November or if the feds contacted Atrient to set up the initial conference call to disclose the vulnerability. As for the rest of the threats, you really should read the email yourself.

UPDATE: The company (my attacker specifically) has now emailed myself and @Me9187, with the stance that we 'hacked' them and 'threatened' them.



I will make it perfectly clear publically that all calls where recorded, and emails where also archived, we made no attempt to (1/2) pic.twitter.com/h8tt2E2xA4  Dylan  (@degenerateDaE) February 5, 2019

extort the company, and never did we personally make any claims of monetary payment, infact the contrary was purported, and my attacker himself proclaimed he would like to buy our research off us. @atrient please know that you can not abuse security researchers like this. (2/2)  Dylan  (@degenerateDaE) February 5, 2019

This is undoubtedly not the last you will hear about this clusterflub.
Silversea Cruises announced it recently held its second Expedition Leadership Training Academy, both on land and aboard the Silver Discoverer.

A small group of trainees, each with specialist knowledge in an expedition-related field, met in Durban, South Africa, on December 7, 2018, to start their training.

On January 22, 2019, the group disembarked Silverseas ship in Chennai, India, and Silversea welcomed eight new members to the cruise lines expedition team, after almost seven weeks of intensive preparations, according to a statement.

The program started with an experience in a Zulu village where the eight team members developed a understanding for cultural sensitivity when visiting a remote community.

Subsequently, led by the Wilderness Leadership School, the group spent three nights remote camping in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and Game Reserve, a massive 96,000-hectare wildlife park in the heart of Zululand.

While based in this setting, the group worked on the development of skills such as situational awareness, on-foot risk assessments, incident prevention, group management, effective communication strategies, conflict resolution, management of emergency scenarios, and orienteering.

The experience in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi served as a solid foundation in the theories and best practices of being a strong wilderness guide and natural history interpreter, said Kit van Wagner, Silverseas Director of Expedition Training and Staff Development. Exposure to the Zulu culture and traditional knowledge of the landscape served to give our trainees an intimate understanding of these people and their place on the planet. Our Expedition Teams share similar experiences with our guests and these trainees now know how best to deliver an authentic interaction.

Onboard the Silver Discoverer, the new team shadowed existing team members over a six-week program that focused on core competencies, such as boat handling skills in difficult conditions, seamanship, emergency drills and other scenarios. Attention was given to cross-training in various academic disciplines, environmental and ecological knowledge and cultural sensitivity and more.

By recruiting ambitious, multilingual individuals with a graduate degree or equivalent life experience, the goal of the program is to bring new perspectives, enlightened minds, and solidly trained staff members to our expedition ships and thereby further enhance the expedition experiences offered aboard and ashore, continued van Wagner. The latest cohort has emerged from the Expedition Leadership Academy with guiding, customer service and group management skills honed; ideas for lectures and evening recaps solidified and developed; and, above-all, an enhanced comprehension of the complex operational protocols involved in safely and carefully hosting our guests on authentic experiences world-wide.

The eight trainees who have now been recruited to Silverseas industry-leading Expedition Team include a Physical Geographer, a Historian, a Wildlife Biologist and Naturalist, a specialist in International Studies and Anthropology, an Ecologist and Conservationist, a Marine Biologist, an expert in Tourism and Sustainability, and a General Naturalist and Master Mariner. Each has now returned home and is preparing for their first contract aboard a Silversea ship.
Edward "Ed" G. Day, 76, of Fairfield Glade, passed away June 11, 2021, at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville. He was born Aug. 29, 1944, in Detroit, MI, son of Marie (Stalski) Weber. Ed worked as a photocopy salesman and retired from Panasonic in 2001. He was a member of Shepherd of the
Close

University of Miami researchers have discovered a clue in the humble zebrafish's digestive tract that, one day, could help people on the autism spectrum alleviate one of the most common yet least studied symptoms of their disorder: gastrointestinal distress.

By replicating a mutation in zebrafish that causes a rare, autism-related genetic condition known as Phelan-McDermid Syndrome in humans, the researchers found a drastic reduction in the number of cells that produce serotonin in the mutant zebrafish's gut. Perhaps better known as the body's natural mood stabilizer, serotonin also initiates the contractions that move food through the digestive system.

Published last week in the journal Molecular Autism, the study is the first to show that a mutation of a particular autism-associated gene, SHANK3, causes food to move through the digestive tract at an abnormally slow pace. While the finding applies to zebrafish, a common freshwater aquarium species that shares about 70 percent of its genes with humans, it could explain why many people with an autism spectrum disorder, and particularly those with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS), often suffer severe and disruptive bouts of constipation, diarrhea, reflux, and/or cyclical vomiting.

More importantly, it could open the door to treatments that alleviate such unpleasant gastrointestinal, or GI, symptoms.

"The fact that we see reduced motility in the GI tract of fish with shank3 mutations is likely explained by the absence of these serotonin-producing cells, and that suggests that if we could find a way to increase motility we might be able to help with the GI problem," said senior author Julia Dallman, associate professor of biology whose UM lab studies inherited nervous system disorders by modeling them in zebrafish. "One issue in autism right now is that a lot of the drugs given to kids with autism to address their behavioral issues actually make their gut function worse. So by having a model of gut function we can try to find treatments that don't make it worse."

Dallman and two of her graduate students, David M. James and Robert A. Kozol, the first co-authors of the study, began earnestly modeling GI distress in zebrafish after they were invited to the 2016 biennial meeting of the international Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation in Orlando. There they heard firsthand accounts from parents of children born with PMS which, caused by a deletion or mutation of the SHANK3 gene at the end of chromosome 22, is characterized by moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and developmental delays, absent or delayed speech, decreased muscle tone, and epileptic seizures.

Yet, despite all those very daunting challenges, parents often expressed deep frustration over their child's GI issues, which affected their quality of life on a daily basis, often making ordinary routines and milestones, like eating and toilet-training, exceedingly difficult.

"At that time, there hadn't been much published about GI issues in our community, but when you listen to parents they would always talk about how troubling it was," said Geraldine Bliss, past chair of the foundation's research support committee."There was a whole constellation of issues--sometimes diarrhea, sometimes constipation, sometimes alternating diarrhea and constipation, reflux--all kinds of GI problems, but it hadn't really been characterized or reported in the literature."

Now, the common zebrafish and James' interest in characterizing GI issues in autism seem destined to help shed light on the confounding problem.

About an inch long at maturity, the zebrafish is a valuable model for human disease because, aside from having a similar genetic structure to humans, it develops rapidly and, until its second week of life, is almost completely transparent. That's when it begins developing the telltale dark stripes for which it is named.

That early transparency, coupled with an apparent zeal for what juveniles consider yummy food, enabled James and Kozol to record what happens when zebrafish lacking the shank3 gene digested chicken egg yolks, which were infused with tiny, florescent-green tracking beads. The films clearly showed that the mutant fish not only had slower and less frequent gut contractions than normal zebrafish, but that the ingested food particles got stuck in the junction between the stomach and the intestine for prolonged periods of time.

The reason came as a surprise. Initially, the researchers hypothesized the shank3 mutation somehow damaged the fish's enteric nervous system--the "brain" that controls the gut--but that was perfectly normal. Instead, the researchers found the shank3 mutants had drastically fewer serotonin-producing cells than their wild-type counterparts.

"It was definitely an 'Aha!' moment," James said. "It opens up a lot, in terms of studying potential mechanisms for how all this dysmotility is occurring. If we can figure that out, we can start talking about what the proper treatments are, and what's going to fix this--that's the real question."

The answer may lie in the distant future, but this first crucial step in unraveling a biological reason for autism-related GI distress is heartening to members of the PMS foundation, which began as a family support group in 1998, when 20 of the 23 families then known to be affected by a deletion or mutation of chromosome 22 first met.

Today, nearly 200 affected families from around the world attend the foundation's meetings, the last of which was held in Texas last summer. That's when James presented UM's research on intestinal dysmotility in zebrafish, which not only won the conference's research award but gave parents like Gail Fenton hope for a better future for their children.

"Joanna's tummy troubles have been a major source of family stress for 15 years," Fenton wrote from Australia about her 36-year-old daughter. "She is often hunched over because of tummy pain. She cries, even yells, when her tummy is sore. She'll always have Phelan-McDermid Syndrome but her life, and the lives of fellow sufferers with these complex GI issues, would be so much happier without these negatives and we are so very thankful for the research that can lead to any helpful interventions."

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David Langham Horace, 44, passed away June 9, 2021 in Lufkin. Viewing will be held on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Emanuel Funeral Home of Crockett from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Antioch Baptist Church in Pennington at 12 p.m. with burial to follow in A
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02/07/2019

Photo (c) tupangato - Getty Images Wells Fargo customers found they couldnt access their online bank accounts Thursday, nor could they withdraw money from Wells Fargo ATMs.

Were experiencing system issues due to a power shutdown at one of our facilities, initiated after smoke was detected following routine maintenance, the bank said in a brief statement. Were working to restore services as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

KULR-TV in Montana reported that a bank employee told the station the outage was caused by a fire at a server farm in Shoreview, Minnesota. The bank has not confirmed a fire was involved.

Whatever the cause, some Wells Fargo customers may have been caught short on cash or blocked from paying a bill just before the deadline. Arielle O'Shea, NerdWallet's banking specialist, says its possible some Wells Fargo customers could be facing late fees, interest on missed credit card payments, or may have to go without cash to pay for everyday expenses.

"Unfortunately bank outages have become fairly commonplace  if you havent experienced one yourself, you might be in the minority, OShea said in an email to ConsumerAffairs. To safeguard yourself from these potential situations, its a good idea to have an emergency savings account at a separate financial institution to at least help you cover the basics while your account is down.

Even though customers cant access their money at the moment, they can rest assured that its safe, as long as its deposited in an FDIC-insured financial institution.

OShea says its always a good idea to pay your bills a few days before the due date if you can, just in case your bank suffers a service interruption.
Donald Tusk has it the wrong way round. Those to whom he was clearly referring  pro-Brexit Conservative politicians  had a sketch of a plan, and more. It was more or less the Canada-style proposal that he proposed on March 7 last year, and described himself as a Canada Plus Plus Plus plan on October 4, echoing the language of David Davis and others. The main divergence between those Brexiteers and himself was over the Northern Ireland backstop. So he should not be entirely surprised that the Commons has now rejected it, and that that he, the EU and the UK are where they are today.

What has brought all three to this pass is not disagreement among Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and the former Vote Leave Team, but the refusal of the Commons (broadly) and the Conservatives (specifically) to unite behind a Canada-type plan. None the less, Tusk cannot now complain that he doesnt know what both want where the Withdrawal Agreement is concerned. The former has voted for junking the backstop and the latter agrees that it must change, at the very least (with the exception of a small band in this case of Remainers and Soft Brexiteers). The most likely driver of Tusks remark, which was carefully planned and promoted, is that he is frustrated by the Commons unwillingness to roll over. That is certainly Hell  at least for him.

There will be other readings of his words. One is that he knows that the EU will, in time, offer concessions on the backstop, if the Commons holds firm  even if these are not the removal outlined in the Brady amendment and the Malthouse Plan. And that this frustrates him. Another is that he and the EU are determined not to make any such offer now. They are waiting to see if the Commons hares off in the other direction to that it took last week: in other words, whether it will vote next week for the Cooper amendment, or something like it, thereby making it likely that the Commons will take control of the negotiation and shift towards a Norway Plus-type approach. It may be that the point of Jeremy Corbyns latest volte-face on Brexit is to anticipate precisely that.

On this site yesterday, Richard Graham wrote about how political positions can emerge by accident  by the different actors mis-reading each others intentions. The UK and Brexiteers themselves have sometimes misread the EUs. But the reverse is also true, and Tusks remarks may be evidence of it. His calculation may be to try to isolate the European Research Group and Cabinet pro-Leavers. But all he may have achieved is to bolster the view among many voters, not all of whom voted Leave in 2016, that the EU is dragging its feet and gambling on MPs backing down. Hence perhaps the support for No Deal were seeing on the BBCs Question Time  and elsewhere.
Architect of the Belfast Agreement rallies support for challenge as UUP call for direct rule

The News Letter reports that Lord Trimble, the Northern Irish peer who helped negotiate the Belfast Agreement, has managed to raise more than 10,000 to mount a legal challenge against the mooted backstop.

An appeal by the informal group supporting his efforts has apparently elicited a strong response, backed by an online crowdfunding effort.

Trimble, who served as First Minister of the Province whilst leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, backed Brexit and has been a public opponent of the Governments approach to Northern Irish issues during the Brexit negotiations  particularly its habit of giving false credence to Dublins assertions that the Agreement required an invisible border.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the legal basis for the challenge is set out in this Policy Exchange paper from Lord Bew, who also set out his thinking in the News Letter and on this website.

Outside Trimbles circle there is a great deal of scepticism about his cases chances of success. However, that one of the two men who won the Nobel Prize for the Belfast Agreement felt moved to take this step illustrates once again the depth and breadth of political unionisms opposition to Dublins demands in the Brexit negotiations.

All of this comes in a week when the Democratic Unionists sent out their own, somewhat contradictory signals over the backstop.

Whilst the Financial Times reported that Arlene Foster was hinting at flexibility over making a deal work, Sammy Wilson  the DUPs Brexit spokesman and most vocal Brexiteer  declared that the party would vote against any backstop proposal.

He added that Eurosceptics had been surprised and annoyed when the Prime Minister used a speech in Belfast to reiterate her commitment to the backstop  in the same week that the Times reported Angela Merkels intention to try to pressure the Irish Government into softening its own stance. Meanwhile Jacob Rees-Mogg told a DUP meeting that even a no-deal departure need not require a hard border.

In commentary this week, Ben Lowry claimed that it was a massive failure of civic unionism that the backstop got so far with so little criticism; Henry Newman set out 12 reasons the backstop makes no sense at all; and Eilis OHanlon alleged that Ireland was in the grip of Anglophobia.

Labour vote against SNP-led inquiry into Salmond

Scottish Labour yesterday voted against plans for a Scottish Parliament inquiry into the botched handling of the allegations against Alex Salmond  because the Nationalists would lead it.

The Guardian reports that under Holyroods rules the SNP is entitled to chair the next committee established, and that Nicola Sturgeon has declined the option of relinquishing control. Moreover, she has appointed to it four ex-ministers who served in her predecessors administration.

In an attempt to reassure MSPs and regain cross-party support, the Nationalists highlighted that one of these, Linda Fabiani, is currently Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. But despite voting for the proposals alongside the Liberal Democrats and Greens, the Conservatives insisted that they would still prefer the governing party to cede the leadership of it to another group.

Elsewhere this week Derek Mackay, the Scottish Governments Finance Secretary, insisted that his party was united around a controversial new parking tax he included in his budget to win the support of the Scottish Greens, after a Nationalist MSP had to perform a very public u-turn on the subject. Earlier this week business leaders said that they had been humiliated and dismayed by the raft of new tax measures the left-wing, separatist-inclined party had managed to extract from the Scottish Government.

Ulster Unionists call for direct rule in the event of a no-deal Brexit

Robin Swann, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, has said that Theresa May must introduce proper direct rule over Northern Ireland in the event of a no-deal departure from the European Union, according to the News Letter.

The North Antrim MLA said that the Province would require political leadership and direction to navigate the challenges posed by such a scenario. He added that the Prime Minister had apparently been extremely reluctant at their meeting to discuss progress towards restoring Northern Irelands devolved institutions.

Ulster has been run by its civil service, operating on effective autopilot and without direct political accountability, since the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly in January 2017.

Karen Bradley has been criticised for saying that getting the devolved institutions back on their feet was her top priority despite the dearth of any pro-active efforts by the British Government to do so.
Alex Morton is Director of Policy at the Centre for Policy Studies, and was a member of David Camerons Downing Street Policy Unit.

The current debate raging about Brexit has occasionally thrown up a view  expressed more by columnists than politicians  that Brexit is so difficult that, for practical purposes, it might as well be impossible. We simply are incapable of leaving.

This argument is distinct from the argument for or against the compromises of Mays deal, or even the argument put forward by Nick Boles and Oliver Letwin around EEA membership.

The Boles and Letwin view is that while a harder Brexit is possible, the economic and political disruption of a complete split is too great, particularly given Northern Ireland. They suggest instead a compromise version, which trades off retaining economic integration and some loss of control for exiting the political drive toward ever closer union.

This is in some sense an acknowledgement that Brexit must happen in some form, although it may be one that too few Conservative MPs and voters support to make viable. The Brexit is impossible position is even more hardline and instead argues that Brexit in any form is just too big for politics to cope with. That the question should never have even been asked. That it was an impossible task you could not achieve and so it was dishonest even to debate it  and, of course, that David Cameron was utterly wrong to call the referendum.

Indeed, they argue that the whole premise of the referendum was a sham, because the little people who voted Leave, for whatever reason, did not understand that it is simply not possible for us to do so. That is why, if the EU will not give ground, the only real option is to cancel Brexit and put this whole sorry mess behind us. Not because there has been inadequate preparation for No Deal, but because Brexit is somehow impossible in a very fundamental sense.

If we cannot leave the EU now, we cannot remain a sovereign nation

But if we cannot leave the European Union now  when it consists of a trading bloc with a partially formed political super state above it  surely we can never, in the long run, retain any national sovereignty, and once inside the EU we will never be able to resist further erosion of sovereignty.

If we are too weak to be able to leave, and must go crawling back to the Commission, what trajectory does that put us on? Towards a slightly slower dismantling of the UK as a nation state in favour of a European federal super state? In which case, why not simply just dissolve Britain as a realistic entity and run us by email from the EU Commission?

Its often said that the Brexit referendum showed that Britain was split down the middle. In fact, polls showed that the overwhelming majority of people wanted either to leave the EU or reduce its powers. For every true believer in integration on the Remain side, there were many more who were sceptical of the EU but worried about how we would or could actually get out. After the vote a staggering 75 per cent of people either wanted to leave the EU or reduce its powers, according to the British Social Attitudes Survey.

Now, some federalists see a chance, through the high-stakes game of poker we are in, to undo that decision. But the logic of having to abandon our attempt to Leave is that any attempt to reverse the one-way federal ratchet is doomed. Even when we were a member in good standing, the best we could do was to slow the flow of powers to Brussels rather than halt it, let alone reverse it. What leverage will we have as a defeated, humbled nation whose threats to Leave have been exposed, in the EUs eyes, as hollow?

If Brexit is impossible, what is the point of politics?

There is a deeper point here. If Brexit is impossible, what hope is there for other difficult tasks in politics, such as reforming public services, controlling immigration, increasing living standards? Will it all be parked in the too difficult box? Or will the lesson that our elites learn be that we should never trust the people to make their own decisions?

Those who incline to the Brexit is impossible view are, after all, usually those who tend to idealise the rule of technocrats. They get particularly angry that voters think they are doing a much less effective job than they themselves think they are doing.

The Twittersphere, much of the academic and legal professions, the bureaucratic class  all think they will be able to manage governing quite well enough with no real involvement from the plebs. The last thing they want is an engaged population.

Of course, the paradox here is that the UK political system is bearing up better than many. The USA since 2000 has been in near-permanent gridlock, with only a few years of effective government here and there. Italy, Spain, France, Germany  almost all have undergone or are undergoing serious political (and often economic) dislocation.

In terms of the future, all of the focus recently has been on the effects of No Deal. While the mayor of Calais, the Irish, and the Dutch all claim No Deal will not lead to delays, relying on this is a high-risk strategy. If No Deal is seriously disruptive there would be serious consequences for the economy.

Yet if the UK cannot manage to deliver Brexit, then it may shatter the political system as we know it. It certainly may well shatter the Conservatives.

Before Christmas, YouGov ran a poll which found that if Brexit was cancelled, 63 per cent of Conservatives would feel angry, betrayed or disappointed, with betrayal by far the largest response at 42 per cent. That was over twice as many as would feel relieved, pleased or delighted (21 per cent for all three combined). The political establishment is unlikely to survive such a shock. Certainly the Conservative Party could not.

Brexit is not impossible. But if we abandon the idea, and declare it impossible for our political system to deliver, then we are effectively declaring to the voters that the political system itself is not fit for purpose.
Dr Stephen Haraldsen is a Research Fellow at the University of Central Lancashire and a Cumbria County Councillor. He stood as the Conservative candidate for Copeland in the 2015 General Election.

New nuclear developments in the UK are struggling. From the initial eleven sites suggested in 2008, to the nine later designated as suitable to be delivered by 2025, only one is now being built.

In the past few weeks and months both the Moorside site in Cumbria, and the Wylfa site on Anglesey in North Wales, have had their Japanese backers pull out or halt development.

The major obstacle for these massive nuclear developments is finding the significant amount of investment needed. The Hinkley Point C site is only progressing because George Osborne, when Chancellor, agreed to a 35-year guaranteed minimum price for the electricity produced.

However, while very large reactors are struggling owing to their huge construction costs, there is another option which Government is keen to pursue: Small, or Advanced, Modular Reactors.

These smaller, modular reactors are intended to use off-the-shelf components to provide much smaller amounts of electrical power and heat for industrial processes. Their smaller size should, in theory, enable them to be more flexibly located nearer to the demand for their output, minimising the need for expensive long-distance grid connections and the associated transport losses.

Through the Industrial Strategy and Nuclear Sector Deal, the Government is putting 44 million into developing designs. There is a significant amount of debate as to whether these modular reactors can achieve a competitive cost compared to other energy sources, and I will leave that to the more economically- and technically-minded. But there is another issue which is significant, which is that at the moment there is no clarity about where they will go, or how the process of planning permission will be handled.

The large gigawatt-scale reactors are designated by Government as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, and from 2008 there was a Strategic Siting Assessment where sites nominated by landowners and operators were assessed. All but two of the nominated sites were at or adjacent to existing nuclear sites. The two that were further away, Braystones and Kirksanton (both in Cumbria) were not shortlisted as deliverable by 2025 after significant local opposition.

To make small reactors viable in the long-term, they will need to be located near to the demand for the electricity and heat, and in the short-term prototypes will need to be developed somewhere. Existing nuclear sites are generally located in sparsely-populated areas, and while that will be advantageous for initial developments, it may be economically problematic if these are to be deployed widely.

Therefore the issues of siting and planning permission currently on the desk of Richard Harrington, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, are important.

In this difficult time for the British nuclear industry it may be tempting to centralise the whole process, in order to give investors more confidence and reduce uncertainty for wider deployments. I want to appeal to the Minister and department to resist that urge.

Democracy and pragmatism

The sites and planning environment are there already for small reactor development. There are no shortage of nuclear sites in the UK that could play host to the development of new reactor designs, and the National Planning Policy framework already has a favourable environment for low-carbon electricity and heat generation.

The British Government has last year distinguished between sites with single reactors above 1GW and those sites with reactors below 1GW by modifying the National Policy Statement for Nuclear to be only about the large-reactor sites. I hope this is a signal that the small reactors will not be subject to determination by the Secretary of State nationally, but by councils locally.

So, in the short term there is simply no need to centralise. Public opinion towards nuclear developments at existing sites is positive: see the local support for, and then disappointment with, the Moorside and Wylfa developments.

Place-making

In a highly-connected, globalised economy, places are competing with places across the world for investment and prosperity.

Some areas may have specialisms in financial and professional services, like the City of London, and others may have a nuclear specialism. We should be allowing those areas to determine what they want for their future, and as far as reasonably possible allow their locally elected representatives the freedom and power to create the local conditions to achieve their goals.

For low-carbon generation, the NPPF has this to say regarding local planning (p44):

151. To help increase the use and supply of renewable and low carbon energy and heat, plans should: a) provide a positive strategy for energy from these sources, that maximises the potential for suitable development, while ensuring that adverse impacts are addressed satisfactorily (including cumulative landscape and visual impacts); b) consider identifying suitable areas for renewable and low carbon energy sources, and supporting infrastructure, where this would help secure their development; and c) identify opportunities for development to draw its energy supply from decentralised, renewable or low carbon energy supply systems and for colocating potential heat customers and suppliers.

Those areas which seek to pursue the research and development in advanced reactors should be looking now to their Local Plan, development policies and the site allocations to make a statement about their willingness to host such facilities.

Rather than wait for government to decide, send a signal now to developers that areas like West Cumbria and Anglesey want to host this new generation of nuclear sites. In the wake of the disappointing developments in Cumbria and North Wales, Copeland Borough Council and Isle of Anglesey County Council should designating land as advanced nuclear development zones and state clearly in the Local Plan their support for attracting and developing these new technologies.

Indeed, the timing is good, as many local plans are currently being updated, and have to be at a minimum every five years (although there is nothing stopping councils taking account of changing circumstances and altering their Local Plan at any time).

The news for these communities, the industry, and the Government has been challenging recently. Government is putting the money in to advanced reactor research, and while these will never match the jobs and investment that would have come from the larger nuclear sites, local areas like Copeland and Anglesey should seize this opportunity now to send a clear message to government and the industry that they are nuclear communities, and despite the difficulties they are open for business.
Soutiam Goodarzi is a Conservative activist and Sixth Form college student.

The Conservative Party is nothing better than terrible where social media is concerned. But, to be honest, so is Labour. Both owe this to cheapened political rhetoricdebates which are short on substance, but long on outrage. This shift has been swift, establishing the superiority of remarks over facts among a new generation.

A Tory grows thick skin from the false accusations of Nazism, however it is legitimate and respectable debate which shapes deeper political character. Real debate has unfortunately disappeared as all arguments are reduced to opposing sides labelling each other traitors, fascists, racists, or idiots. Whilst activists can become accustomed to hateful words, were depriving our future politicians of legitimate scrutiny of ideas. Cheap insults arent the pull factor for political activism, robust policies are.

The Conservative Party is incompetent online. Instead of being the party of common sense and sanity, it has decided to jump on the bandwagon, focussing on painting the opposition as evil with accusations of -isms and -phobias, rather than allowing them to drown in their own mistakes and failures. Im sorry to disappoint CCHQ, but no-one who is okay with Corbyns friendship with anti-semitic terrorists is going to vote Conservative because he insulted Theresa May. Leave the accusations to the Left; it suits them far better.

Online activism has to be short and sharp. It has to make the youth think youve owned your opponent, whilst including enough factual information to convince the sceptics that youre right. Those who are flexible will shift their opinion. Those who are not will be pile up on you regardless of the concessions you make, but at least when given a choice between sensible politics and a chorus of abuse, the average person will side with you. By disassociating yourself from aggressive and substance-free politics, members are also less likely to make unsavoury comments picked up on by the media in years to come.

A good example would be some of the tweets posted by Andrew Scheer, the Leader of the Canadian Conservatives. He knows how to tweet. He takes a policy, like the carbon tax, says briefly why its not a good idea, and then attempts to own Justin Trudeau. It works. His tweets certainly are far less ratiod than Mays, and he manages to touch upon issues ordinary people care about without fear of being labelled an -ist for it. Topics like illegal immigration and the economy are high among his priorities.

Now of course, Scheer shares one tiny little advantage with Corbyn. Hes the leader of the opposition, and therefore doesnt have to face scrutiny for the lived consequences of his policies. The Conservatives could influence this by concentrating on ensuring that their record is great, however theyve stolen so many of Corbyns ideas its impossible for them to fault his policies and get their own to work.

Take the NHS plan which the Party recently flooded its social media channels with: this is the same party who used to say higher public service spending is not possible due to the deficit. Its necessary to ensure that the policies youre now advocating for dont contradict valid arguments you used to make against them. If, in the past, you were suggesting that the countrys deficit is far too high for extra public service spending, and implying that the NHS needs to manage its finances better, then parroting the Labour line now will not be effective. People really hate hypocrisy, and they simply wont believe you anymore, rendering your campaigns useless.

Another problem CCHQ, and May herself, has is that desperate attempts to blame the Opposition for their own failures make them look foolish. For example, the Conservative Party shared a video of May blaming Corbyn for her lost vote, accusing him of putting party before country. There is no denying that he is, but all oppositions attempt to damage an unstable government. The Prime Minister didnt lose the vote because of Corbyn, she lost it because she blew her own majority and is now forced to beg the Opposition for sympathy.

People dislike weakness in politicians, and the adversarial everything is Corbyns fault attitude drives away support. The public are looking for success. If May cannot convince them that the Conservatives are making the best of a bad situation, and constantly bases her campaign on trial and error, potential supporters wont waste their time on her party.

To conclude, here are six guidelines on how to win on social media:

Avoid accusing the opposition of discrimination if discrimination has occurred, leave it for journalists to deal with, and simultaneously highlight the actions that the Conservatives have taken to stop abuse;

Explain the ideological backing to your policies, and open up discussion on those policies;

Dont be afraid of funny posts, long as they have some factual backing to them and arent ad hominem;

Dont be afraid of accusations flung by opponents people want political parties to discuss sensitive topics like the criminalisation of verbal hate crimes, or immigration, regardless of how many times David Lammy might complain;

The Party should be banned from taking offence  Conservatives are stronger than whining about being called stupid. Let the media deal with it.

Avoid U-turns.

In short, control the narrative, dont be controlled by it.
John Myers is co-founder of YIMBY Alliance and London YIMBY, campaigns to end the housing crisis with the support of local people.

After years of increasingly bitter and divisive argument, both sides dig in to their positions. They trade insults and then shots. A battle royal begins.

Brexit? No: the Governments proposal to give you a permitted development right to extend your house upwards by a floor or two.

The outrage has soared to heights many times those of the proposed buildings.

Kit Malthouse with his #MoreBetterFaster mantra and Mr Brokenshires clever team are determined to augment the nations housing stock.

Since 1947, the number of UK homes has never grown at the net percentage rate of the 1830s, let alone the far higher rate of the 1930s. We have failed to build enough high-quality homes for decades. That drives down wages in places with more homes than jobs, and holds people away from better opportunities in places with more jobs than homes. Fixing that would boost fairness, wages, economic growth and opportunity.

Stasis is less controversial but has caused a slowly-mounting human and economic catastrophe. Brokenshire and Malthouse are absolutely right about the need for improvement.

The current proposals are a small step back towards the historic position.

Until the 1940s, you could build nearly anything on your own land. Since Londons Great Fire, simple regulations were written on fire safety and later to guarantee light, air, and back yards at least ten feet deep. After the 14-storey Queen Annes Mansions caused a backlash, height limits were reduced in 1894  to 80 feet.

The current need for discretionary planning permission for almost everything dates from 1947. Few would argue it has engendered the best buildings across the land.

Nearly all of our most-loved heritage  centuries of it  was built before 1940.

And yet one small move back towards clear rules, not dependent on some officials fiat, has caused an outcry.

Why?

The Royal Town Planning Institute has magisterially weighed in, arguing the proposals will damage character and amenity.

Has the current system preserved character and amenity across the land? And if those would be even more jeopardized by simple rules, how were so many stunningly beautiful places built in prior centuries?

We all know that furniture is different. The best pieces appreciate over time, but the banal sinks in price until you must pay to be rid of it.

Back when houses were priced more like furniture, people would pay for good design.

Investors love things guaranteed to get ever scarcer and more expensive  like planning permissions since the new 1947 system. In the South-East, most of the value of a home is the planning permission, not the building, nor the land. Even a concrete box with a door and a window will gain value over time.

Planning permissions have ballooned in value until they now account for some two-fifths of the entire net worth of the nation: around 4 trillion.

Why spend money on design when houses go up in price anyway, and when most new buyers are painfully stretched to afford something their family can just about squeeze into?

Is it surprising that good design has almost disappeared?

Putting the genie back in the bottle will take time. The RTPI is right that new rights to jam on any old storey or two will not give the best results.

Other countries have clear, simple rules with angles and setbacks to preserve light for neighbours, as we once did. That would help, but how can we avoid a forest of concrete excrescences?

There is one proven way to get higher quality buildings: a design code.

True, some of our prettiest places were built without such codes: the Cotswolds, or Hampstead.

But in many others  Edinburghs New Town or Baths Royal Crescent  a single landowner set standards for high quality.

That, then, is an obvious way to allow more housing that almost everyone can support. Happily, the consultation has given hints in that direction.

Who should write those codes? I suspect Sir Roger Scruton, chair of the new Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission, would agree that it should not be the housing Ministry.

Even setting good design rules across a single county, town or borough is almost impossible  a Herculean task given the range of existing buildings, even before the great style debate begins.

Whats more, many places simply dont want change.

But there are plenty of others where the locals would be delighted to take back control and pick designs that would allow them to add rooms for growing families or an additional flat for a grandparent or adult offspring.

We already have neighbourhood planning, but it works best in small villages where people know each other. Good luck getting ten thousand people in a borough to agree.

Smaller is better. In existing towns or cities, the simplest decision unit that makes sense is the single street  with limits and rules to protect neighbours on other streets.

What is missing, then, is a simple way for the residents of single street to choose their own designs and vote by, say, a two-thirds majority to permit the extensions that make sense for them.

How can we expect the layperson to come up with high-quality design? With a great British institution that worked for centuries: the pattern book. Architects can compete to offer designs over the internet. Picking a design that makes sense for your street should be easy. The designs that give the best results  and the best prices on sale  will soon become known.

The way forward is to learn from how our favourite heritage was built. Design and quality are key. The best results come when local people have the power to improve their own communities and homes.
Prime Minister braces for fresh confrontation with Brussels

Theresa May is braced for a bruising encounter with European leaders today after Donald Tusk declared that there will be a special place in hell for the leaders of the Brexit campaign. Downing Street believes that the prime minister will receive little sympathy from Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the commission, as they meet for the first time since her Brexit plan was defeated in the Commons. The prime minister is also meeting Mr Tusk, president of the European Council, and Antonio Tajani, president of the European parliament. Mrs May does not believe that the EU will give any additional help in time for next weeks Commons votes over her approach on Brexit. While Brussels may allow a change to the withdrawal agreement, in the form

of a legally binding letter making clear that the

backstop insurance policy

is temporary, this will not emerge until much closer to the March 29 Brexit deadline,

May preparing to delay vote on deal  Daily Telegraph

Prime Minister to scrap unity plan once Brussels shoots it down  The Sun

May to get no help until March  Daily Express

MPs urge Government to ditch backstop and go for Plan C  The Sun

UK wont be trapped in the backstop, May insists  Daily Mail

More:

Business fury at UK failure to roll over trade deals  FT

Tusk faces backlash from both Brexiteers and Brussels  The Times

Pressure mounts on Council President to apologise  Daily Mail

Irish opposition leader attacks hell comments  FT

What German business thinks of the negotiations  Daily Telegraph

Europhile MPs hold fire on push for second vote  The Guardian

>Yesterday:

as Clark and Fox start a Cabinet trade war over tariffs

A Cabinet trade war erupted yesterday as Greg Clark rubbished calls to unilaterally scrap tariffs on post-Brexit imports. The Business Secretary said it was vital Britain kept some defensive tariffs in place to protect industries such as steelmaking and ceramics. The comments came 24 hours after claims Trade Secretary Liam Fox was considering a plan to slash tariffs on imports to zero to keep prices low for consumers. Union leaders immediately condemned the idea as the ultimate Brexit betrayal. Speaking to MPs yesterday Mr Clark said zero-tariffs was not an agreed government position Speaking separately Mr Fox admitted a zero tariff approach was among a range of options being considered. But he insisted that was not what I would propose and I have not actually heard anyone else in government propose it.  The Sun

Trade Secretary says zero tariffs is a possibility  FT

Deadline for agreement is next week, says Clark  The Times

as he warns MPs that delay would only prolong uncertainty  FT

More:

Brussels will cave at the 11th hour, Davis insists  The Sun

BBC faces bias accusations over 4 million EU funding  Daily Telegraph

Ministers attack EU over post-Brexit data threat  The Sun

>Yesterday: ToryDiary: Hunt loses pole position in our Cabinet League Table as overall ratings languish

and Corbyn faces backlash over his EU demands

Labour leader offers May his support if she meets five tests  The Times

Tusk claims Labour leader has killed chance of a second referendum  Daily Express

End of Corbynmania as 50,000 abandon Labour over Brexit shambles  The Sun

Leaked report says not opposing Brexit could cost party 45 seats  The Guardian

Jeremy Corbyn is facing a backlash from pro-EU Labour figures after setting out five demands that need to be met in order for the Prime Minister to get his partys support for a Brexit deal. In a letter to Theresa May, the Labour leader insisted the PM needs to get Labours priorities enshrined in the Political Declaration setting out future relations with the EU. Mr Corbyn said securing in law the demands, which include joining a customs union, is the only way of achieving Labour support and uniting the country. But the move, which came as Mrs May heads to Brussels for talks with EU leaders on Thursday, has angered prominent party members who have accused Mr Corbyn of putting the Brexit policy agreed at Labours conference in the bin. The Labour leader has told the PM that just seeking modifications to the Northern Irish backstop proposals is not enough to win widespread backing and that she must change tack on key red lines.  Daily Telegraph

>Today: Alex Mortons column: If Brexit is impossible, what is the point of politics?

Greg Hands: I voted Remain, but Tusk and friends arent helping find a compromise

As someone who voted Remain in 2016, I find European Council President Donald Tusks comments today that Brexiteers deserve a special place in Hell unworthy and unhelpful. What we need from President Tusk and the whole of the Brussels machine is a spirit of compromise, not words of devilish condemnation. Tusk should have stronger feelings towards Britain. He was Deputy Speaker of the Sejm, the Polish Parliament, in 2004, when Poland joined the European Union. Ironically given Brexit, Britain was the principle advocate of Polish accession to the European Union. Poland might not be in the EU  and therefore Tusk in his job  if the UK hadnt been such an early and forceful arguer for enlargement in the 1990s. But this is part of a pattern: top EU politicians and officials have moved the negotiations away from finding a reasonable compromise with Britain, towards complete intransigence, straining relations with many of the member states, who want to maintain good relations with Britain.  Daily Telegraph

Comment shows exactly why we need to leave  Jacob Rees-Mogg, The Sun

Furore over hell jibe obscured two key points  Henry Newman, Times Red Box

Tusk didnt go far enough  Martin Kettle, The Guardian

Its our EU overlords who deserve that place in hell  Stewart Jackson, Times Red Box

Ignore the insults, well get a deal if the ultras dont sabotage it  Stephen Glover, Daily Mail

More:

Heres why Trump and Brexit turned out so similar  Simon Kuper, FT

We must break free from Brussels on trade  Greg Hands, The Sun

Politics has rarely been in greater need of experts  James Kirkup, Daily Telegraph

Mays plan is doomed: heres one which will work  Gina Miller, The Guardian

Brexit is testing, but no apocalypse  Bill Jamieson, The Scotsman

Editorial:

What was the real motivation for this provocative outburst?  Daily Telegraph

Tantrum shows a disregard for democracy  The Sun

>Today: ToryDiary: To Hell with Tusk

>Yesterday: Richard Graham MP in Comment: Brexit with Muskets  or, lessons from our past about the essential art of compromise

Mordaunt unveils new back to work fund for homeless and abuse victims

Hinds wants to give all pupils shot at public school swagger

Victims of domestic abuse and homelessness struggling to return to work are to be supported by a new 500,000 UK government fund, Penny Mordaunt has announced. Her Women and Equalities department said the money would be targeted at domestic abuse victims, those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as people with mental or physical health issues. The funding will also be available to help men, but the focus will be on women who face greater barriers returning to work. Ms Mordaunt has said improving opportunities for the 1.8m women who are economically inactive because they are carers is also one of her departments priorities The new funds come on top of a 1.5m so-called Returners Fund set up last year to support parents and carers back to work through refreshing skills and training. The Government Equalities Office, which collects gender pay gap data for all companies with more than 250 employees, estimates that 91 per cent of potential returners in the UK are female.  FT

A public school swagger should not be the preserve of the wealthy, the education secretary will say today as he unveils five foundations for building character and resilience. Damian Hinds says that confidence and self-esteem are as important for future success as GCSEs and that no child should be denied access to the activities that help them to develop these attributes. Independent schools have for years marketed themselves on the wealth of character-building activities they offer, including sport, drama and debating. Ministers fear that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are missing out The five foundations are sport, including purposeful recreational activities, such as rock climbing or yoga; creativity; performing; volunteering or membership of an organisation such as the Scouts, and work experience. For primary age children work experience may involve meeting people from different jobs.  The Times

Hobbies as important as GCSE results, claims Education Secretary  The Sun

Parents told to ban smartphones from mealtimes and bed  Daily Telegraph

Comment:

The Government will move against social media firms who fail children  Matt Hancock, Daily Telegraph

Companies like these must grow up and take responsibility  Ross Clark, The Sun

Tories need to be more than the party of freedom  Nick Timothy, Daily Telegraph

>Today: Soutiam Goodarzi in Comment: The Conservative Party must up its game online  where its attacks on Labour arent working

Javid outlines radical new plans to curb traveller trespassing

Labour helps push antisemitic incidents to record high

Travellers who set up unauthorised camps could be jailed for the first time under radical plans unveiled by ministers yesterday. Currently they can only be dealt with through trespassing laws, which is a civil matter. But Home Secretary Sajid Javid has now launched a review that will consider making it a criminal offence to set up illegal camps. And police will also be given sweeping new powers to close traveller sites. Mr Javid said unauthorised camps can cause settled communities significant distress. As of July last year there were 22,662 traveller caravans in England, according to government figures. Some 86 per cent were on authorised land, while the remaining 3,000 are on unauthorised sites. Currently police can only step in to ask travellers to move on if there are at least six vehicles on the site. But under the new plans this threshold will lower to just two vehicles.  The Sun

Anti-semitism in Labour accounted for almost one in 10 anti-Semitic hate incidents reported last year, helping push the figures to a record high. Some 148 incidents of verbal or physical abuse or damage were linked to the anti-semitic rows in Labour out of a total of 1,652, according to the Community Security Trust (CST). The total for 2018  the highest on record and a rise of 16% on the previous year- also represented the first time there has been more than 100 anti-Semitic incidents in every month of a year. It is also the first time that the CST charity, which provides security and advice to the Jewish community, has separated out an analysis of the impact Labour has had on anti-semitism incidents in the UK. David Richards, CST head of policy, said: The incidents were both internal arguments between people in the Labour party but also people expressing their concern about anti-semitism in the party who then received abuse in response to that.  Daily Telegraph

Record smashed for third year in a row  The Times

Comment:

Thornberry right to challenge Corbyns foreign policy  Tom Harris, Daily Telegraph

>Yesterday:

Mackay insists SNP is not divided over parking tax

S

Finance Secretary hits out at scaremongering  The Scotsman

cotlands Finance Minister has insisted the SNP is not divided over introducing a tax on parking at work as a senior Nationalist MSP who opposed it performed a spectacular about-turn. Derek Mackay denied most SNP MSPs oppose his Budget deal with the Greens to approve the workplace parking levy, saying it has the full support of the Scottish Government and members of my own party. Richard Lyle, the SNP MSP for Uddingston, told a Holyrood inquiry in November that he opposed the scheme and I speak on behalf of thousands of motorists who have been taxed enough. But Mr Lyle said he would vote for the plan and sought clarity that employers rather than their workers would be forced to pay the charge in the first instance. However, nearly half of affected firms in the only English local authority area to introduce such a tax pass the cost onto their employees and Mr Mackay failed to rule out that happening in Scotland.  Daily Telegraph

More:

Scottish Labour oppose SNP-led inquiry into Salmond  The Guardian

Surge in support for Trimbles legal challenge to the backstop

A surge of support for Lord Trimbles legal action against the Brexit backstop has seen him raise almost 10,000 in two days. At the start of this week the informal group supporting the former first ministers judicial review made an urgent appeal to prospective supporters to donate money so that the case can get into court and there has been a significant response through an online crowdfunding effort. The Conservative peers legal action is being taken in conjunction with the veteran gay rights campaigner Jeffrey Dudgeon, now Ulster Unionist councillor, and the journalist Ruth Dudley Edwards. Mr Dudgeon said he was pleased at the surge in support and said he was also seeking significant single larger donations from wealthy individuals. It is understood that a letter of claim is to be sent to the government within days.  News Letter

Experts warn that trusted trader status wont solve backstop  FT

as DUP vow to vote against any version of it  News Letter

Ulster Unionists urge May to reintroduce direct rule  News Letter

News in Brief:
MAS wins Central Bank of the Year award: Reports

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has won the Central Bank of the Year award, according to media reports.

Awarded by London-based publication Central Banking, MAS was praised for having displayed an enviable track record for monetary and financial stability, implements coherent financial system oversight as a super-regulator".

It also noted that Singapore's financial regulator was a pioneer in creating a framework to "facilitate next-generation technological and financial innovation.

In the past year, MAS tightened its trade-weighted exchange rate and introduced macro-prudential cooling measures. At the same time, it upgraded its regulatory, supervisory and resolution practices.

Monetary Authority of Singapore logo. Photo courtesy: MAS

The MAS has placed a keen emphasis on understanding the risks and benefits of new technology. It has upgraded Singapores payments infrastructure and supported pioneering initiatives around cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data and distributed ledger technology," said Central Banking.

MAS managing director, Indian origin Ravi Menon, said the central bank is honoured to receive the award, which is in its sixth edition. This award is a tribute to the staff of MAS  their unstinting commitment to doing their best and the One MAS spirit of teamwork across the organisation, he said.

We would not have been able to achieve what we have without the strong partnership and support of the financial industry in Singapore, which has maintained high standards of prudence while pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Christopher Jeffery, chairman of the Central Banking Awards committee and editor-in-chief of Central Banking, commented that Singapore's central bank stands out for its pioneering fintech efforts combined with its consistency of performance in monetary policy, financial stability and supervision.

The MAS has proven itself to be a well-structured and agile institution capable of introducing joined-up rulemaking while embracing technological change, all the while seeking to maintain a focus on prudent oversight of financial institutions  for which it has a strong track record, he added.
'Lungi' rocker Raghu Dixit set for another sensational Singapore show

It looks like fourth time's the charm for one of India's most prolific fusion music stars who is set to return to Singapore. Raghu Dixit, who turned the words lungi and rock into an associated pair, will be performing along with his band The Raghu Dixit Project on February 16 at the Capitol Theatre, 17 Stamford Road, in Singapore.

The Raghu Dixit Project performing during the ASEAN-India PBD 2018. Believe it or not, Dixit worked as a scientist in a pharmaceuticals company in Belgium before switching careers to become a musician. He has a masters degree in microbiology from the University of Mysore. Photo: Connected to India

"Our musical style is an amalgamation of influences from around the world and not just the ASEAN. And you will certainly see it on full display when we play in Singapore," he told Connected to India in an interview.

Dixit's music is an amalgamation of Indian ethnic music and styles from different parts of the world. He returns to Singapore at the behest of local event planners Teamwork Productions for the fourth time, having performed during the Kalaa Utsavam 2014 in The Raghu Dixit Projects first international outing, at the ASEAN-India Music Festival 2017 and again last year during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in 2018.

With over 1,500 concerts in more than 30 countries, the band is one of India's biggest Indie acts. Dixits unique brand of infectious, happy music transcends age, genre, and even language. His music is strongly rooted in Indian traditions and culture and is best known for presenting ancient Kannada poetry with a contemporary, global sound.

The Raghu Dixit Project is one of the most sought after bands in India at the moment and features prominently and quite regularly in some of the biggest music festivals around the world. From their colourful lungis, a take on their cultural heritage, to their rooted and earthy sound, they have become a stellar example of modern India.

With over 1,500 concerts in more than 30 countries, the band is one of India's biggest Indie acts. Photo courtesy: Teamwork Productions

Most notably, their last International tour spanned six countries and over 30 venues of the likes of the Sydney Opera House.

Raghu has also been involved in composing scores for the film industry. His credits include Kannada films Psycho and Just Math Mathalli, Bollywood films like Quick Gun Murugan, Bewakoofiyaan, Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge, Amit Sahni Ki List and Chef, starring Saif Ali Khan, and more recently a Malayalam film Koode in 2018.

Tickets to the show are available here. For further details and bookings, contact Karishma Khanna, +65 81189144 or at karishma@teamworkprod.com.
25 drivers lured by online ads to smuggle cigarettes into Singapore in 2018

Singapore Customs said in a press statement that 25 drivers lured by online advertisements to smuggle duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore were caught in 2018.

The online advertisements on social media platforms  such as Facebook and WeChat  typically offer a payment ranging between SGD100 and SGD600 for every smuggling trip into Singapore.

The 25 drivers caught were sentenced by the State Courts to imprisonment terms of between ten weeks and six months. The vehicles used to smuggle the duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore were seized.

Duty-unpaid cigarettes being smuggled into Singapore. Photo courtesy: Singapore Customs

Drivers who are hoping to make easy and quick money from the syndicates by smuggling duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore should think twice. They will end up paying a higher price when they are caught, said Assistant Director-General (Intelligence & Investigation) Yeo Sew Meng.

We strongly advise the public not to fall prey to such online advertisements. We will take firm actions against those who respond to these advertisements to smuggle duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore.

Singapore Customs added that buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, having in possession or dealing with duty-unpaid goods are serious offences under the Customs Act and the GST Act.

Offenders can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded and/or jailed for up to six years. Vehicles used in the commission of such offences are also liable to be forfeited.
By this point, it's no secret that Android upgrades are a mess  but this was supposed to be the cycle where everything got better.

Google's Android 9 Pie release was the first Android version to feature the full benefits of Project Treble, a complex effort to make it easier for manufacturers to update their devices with new operating system versions. And lemme tell ya: Such a solution has never been more desperately needed.

Last year's Oreo upgrade marked the worst performance by device-makers we've ever seen on Android  and when you consider the already-rock-bottom starting point, combined with the sharp downward slope in upgrade delivery times over the past several years, well, that's really saying something.

[Get fresh tips and insight in your inbox every Friday with JR's Android Intelligence newsletter. Exclusive extras await!]

With Pie, the story is a mix of good and bad news: On the positive side, there's definitely been some progress this year  and parts of the picture are a bit less bleak than they were with Oreo. At the same time, the overall picture is pretty darn depressing, especially when it comes to Android's most powerful and relevant hardware-making companies. Improvement is all relative, and these results really speak for themselves. (And if you think Android upgrades don't really matter, do me a favor and go read this.)

Now that we're six full months past the launch of Android 9 Pie, it's time to step back and look at who's making upgrades a priority and who's treating them as an afterthought. Get ready for some raw, honest, data-driven truths  and for a more detailed look at what these results tell us about Treble, see my separate analysis: "Android Pie and Project Treble: Did Google's upgrade fix work?"

(Want the full nitty-gritty on how these grades were calculated? You can find a detailed breakdown of the formula and every element taken into account at the very end of this article.)

Google

Length of time for upgrade to reach current flagship: 0 days (60/60 points)

Length of time for upgrade to reach previous-gen flagship: 0 days (30/30 points)

Communication: Excellent (10/10 points)

It's no surprise to see Google leading the pack with a solid "A" score in this latest Report Card  but it is worth noting that Google has actually earned its highest grade ever with its first 100% mark this go-round. In past analyses, Google has either faltered  slightly  with its previous-gen flagship, or at the very least lost some points for leaving certain models of its phones hanging longer than others and then failing to communicate anything about its progress to the people who own said products.

This year, the big G started rolling out Pie to both its then-current-gen Pixel 2 phone and its then-previous-gen original Pixel model on the same day the software was announced. (For the purposes of this analysis, it's the start of a rollout  to a flagship phone model in the U.S.  that counts.) And while the usual "rolling out in waves" asterisk applied, Pie made its way to all Pixel owners within a reasonable amount of time, without the need for any extra communication beyond the company's initial announcement.

Pixel upgrades may not always be immediate, given the staged rollout process Google likes to use, but they are always quite speedy  and consistently in a league of their own. Sure, we could argue that Google has a unique advantage in that it's both the manufacturer of the devices and the maker of the software, but guess what? That's part of the package.

And the results tell you all there is to know: Google's phones are without question the most reliable way to receive ongoing updates in a timely manner on Android. It's the only company that overtly makes a guarantee about that, let alone delivers on it  and it's the only company that now offers such support for a full three years from a phone's launch date, compared to the typical two-year window, thereby giving its devices even greater long-term value.

OnePlus

Length of time for upgrade to reach current flagship: 47 days (53/60 points)

Length of time for upgrade to reach previous-gen flagship: 142 days (21/30 points)

Communication: Poor (0/10 points)

Coming into second place for its second straight year, OnePlus did reasonably well with getting Pie onto all of its recent devices. The then-current-flagship, the OnePlus 6, saw its upgrade in late September  a respectable if not exemplary month and a half after the software's release. (The OnePlus 6T didn't come out until November, after Pie's release, so it isn't relevant to this analysis.) The dual second-gen flagships, meanwhile  the OnePlus 5 and 5T  both received their upgrades just under five months after Pie's arrival, right before the end of 2018.

As has been the case in the past, OnePlus didn't do much in the way of communication with customers  no official estimates, no promises, no meaningful updates or ETAs along the way. The only real communication was an announcement in the company's forums that a rollout was beginning. So if you owned a OnePlus device, all you could do was wait blindly and hope the upgrade might show up on your phone soon.

All in all, it's a decent performance, and it's heartening to see OnePlus steadily improving with each passing year. (Last year, while it still rather astonishingly held the second place position, the company came in with a pretty poor 65% "D" score.) So there's plenty of good stuff to be said for its efforts.

Even so, a 74% "C" grade shouldn't be the second best upgrade delivery performance by any Android manufacturer. And, just like last year, things get way, way worse from here.

Samsung

Length of time for upgrade to reach current flagship: 177 days (37/60 points)

Length of time for upgrade to reach previous-gen flagship: Still waiting (0/30 points)

Communication: Poor (0/10 points)

Credit where credit's due: Samsung actually got Pie onto some U.S. flagships within the first six months of the software's release. That's more than we can say for the company's efforts last year, with Oreo, when it had accomplished absolutely nothing by this point and consequently received a big fat zero in this assessment.

But, c'mon: Taking just shy of six months to get a major operating system update onto your current-gen flagship is not cause for celebration. When you set the bar embarrassingly low the previous year, with a nearly seven-month wait time for your highest-priority customers, sure: There's (hopefully) only room for improvement from there. But this is hardly a respectable result, and we still haven't heard a peep about when Pie will make its way to owners of Samsung's previous-gen flagship products.

In the bigger picture, all Samsung has really done here is return to its minimal-effort level from two years earlier, with the Android 7.0 Nougat rollout. That rollout was a big step backwards from Samsung's performance with Marshmallow, which itself was a big step backwards from its results with Lollipop. (And, you guessed it: That result was nothing to write home about, either.) Adding insult to injury, Samsung never makes any effort to communicate with customers about the process or what can be expected.

Samsung can  and should  do better. As I've said more times than I can count, particularly for a company of its size and with its immense financial and engineering-related resources, not being able to deliver updates to people after all those months (with the benefits of Treble in place, no less) comes down to one thing and one thing only: priorities.

Motorola (Lenovo)

Length of time for upgrade to reach current flagship: Still waiting (0/60 points)

Length of time for upgrade to reach previous-gen flagship: Still waiting (0/30 points)

Communication: Poor (3/10 points)

Man, I miss the days when Motorola was a shining high point on these reports. This year, the now-Lenovo-owned company has yet to deliver a taste of Pie to any flagship-owning customer  including those who bought its current-gen flagship, the Moto Z3, and those who paid good money for its previous-gen top-of-the-line phone, the Moto Z2 Force. (Some reports last month suggested the rollout for the Z3 was beginning, but those were based solely on the presence of a support page on Motorola's website that has since been taken offline. I've seen zero indication that any rollout ever actually began.)

There is one interesting asterisk to this: Motorola did deliver Pie to its midrange Moto X4 phone in the middle of December. My guess is that that's because the X4 is also available as an Android One phone, which means it has a model that ships with "stock" Google software and is part of a contractual agreement with Google that requires Motorola to deliver OS updates within a certain window. This pretty clearly suggests that when Moto has the motivation and has to make an upgrade happen in a semi-reasonable amount of time, it can do it. But when it doesn't have the motivation? The data says it all.

Regardless, for the sake of consistency and establishing a metric for comparison, this analysis focuses solely on regular flagship phones that are readily available in the U.S. (you can read more about my methodology here)  and that means, unfortunately for Moto, its midrange phone upgrade doesn't factor into this result.

The company does get a few points for putting in a minimal amount of effort on the communication front and at least releasing a list of which devices would be updated shortly after Pie's release. Motorola also still maintains a database where you can search for info about the upgrade status of any particular device model. But the initial announcement contained no specific timing info  not even vague estimations  and the database, a leftover from the company's Google-owned era, is barely even updated anymore and doesn't seem to contain any specific info about the progress or likely launch window for any phone's upgrade.

It's a token effort, basically  a relatively empty one  and so a few points are all it can earn.

NEXT PAGE: More shameful single-digit scores  including a big, fat zero  and a few glimmers of hope
Robert Lee Alexander passed away in Florissant, Missouri on June 11, 2021, at the age of 90. He was a loving and devoted husband of 64 years to Jacqueline Lee (Blaine) Alexander, who preceded him in death in 2018, and a devoted and loving father to Cindy Sander, and Robert Alexander Jr., and
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
I'm a graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism and former reporter with the Missourian. Currently, I'm a working for a law firm in Dallas, Tx before beginning law school later this year. Reach me at @ByHunterGilbert on Twitter

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(CNN)  WhatsApp has a powerful platform in India. Sometimes too powerful.

Last year, a spate of lynchings triggered by viral hoax messages on its service put the company at the center of a debate about misinformation in the country, where it has more than 200 million users.

Now it's bracing for India's upcoming national elections, the biggest in the world.

WhatsApp is deploying artificial intelligence to clean up its platform ahead of the elections, in which more than 800 million Indians are eligible to vote. It's also warning India's political parties against spreading politically-motivated spam messages.

The Facebook-owned app is using AI tools to detect and ban accounts that spread "problematic content" through mass messaging, it said in a statement on Wednesday.

WhatsApp's automated systems helped it ban more than 6 million accounts globally in the last three months. The systems monitor and flag suspicious behavior like bulk registrations of similar accounts and users that send a high volume of messages in a short amount of time.

"These efforts are particularly important during elections where certain groups may attempt to send messages at scale," WhatsApp said.

The company has also warned Indian political parties that their accounts could be blocked if they try to abuse the platform during the campaign.

"We saw how parties tried to reach people over WhatsApp, and in some cases that involved attempting to use WhatsApp in a way that it was not intended to be used," spokesperson Carl Woog told reporters in New Delhi, referring to a recent Indian state election.

"We have engaged with political parties to explain our firm view that WhatsApp is not a broadcast platform and is not a place to send messages at scale, and to explain to them that we will be banning accounts that engage in [suspicious] behavior," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a prolific user of social media himself, is seeking a second term in office when the country goes to the polls in the coming months. Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp were used extensively by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party and its rivals during India's last election in 2014, and are expected to play an even bigger role this time around.

But WhatsApp's reputation in India, its biggest global market, has been dented by the mob violence and the misinformation spread on its platform.

The company last year attempted to stem fake rumors by labeling messages that are forwarded rather than composed by the sender, and by imposing limits on the number of simultaneous chats a message can be forwarded to.

It has also tried to raise awareness about misinformation by taking out newspaper, radio and television ads, targeting the hundreds of millions of Indians discovering the internet for the first time. The campaign, called "Share Joy, Not Rumors," will be rolled out to other countries, including Brazil and Indonesia.

There are limits to how far WhatsApp is willing to go to stamp out abuse. It has pushed back against Indian government demands to trace individual "harmful" messages, and hit out against proposed tech regulations that would require online platforms to take down "unlawful" content within 24 hours.

"The proposed changes are over broad and are not consistent with the strong privacy protections that are important to people everywhere, not just in India but around the world," Woog said.

"What is contemplated by the rules is not possible today, given the end-to-end encryption that we provide, and it would require us to re-architect WhatsApp, leading to a different product," he added.

This story was first published on CNN.com "WhatsApp is getting ready for the world's biggest election"
Despite a few flaws, President Donald Trump gave a pretty strong State of the Union address Tuesday night.

It was certainly good compared to the incendiary rhetoric of his tweets or his long, ad-libbed rants at campaign stops.

Overall, it was uniting and presidential. Trump made strong points about his record, important issues that need to be addressed and Americas future. He also broke news about an upcoming summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

But its one thing to read words somebody else wrote off of a teleprompter. Its a completely different thing for Trump and Congressional Democrats to start governing like adults.

Were very well off

Trump touted his tax cuts, rollbacks of regulation, repealing the highly-unpopular individual mandate and gutting the death tax for those it hurt the most  small businesses and family farms.

African-American, Hispanic-American, and Asian-American unemployment have all reached their lowest levels ever recorded, Trump said. Unemployment for Americans with disabilities has also reached an all-time low.

This was a nice reminder that things in 2019 are actually pretty good thanks to the advances of capitalism. In fact, the global extreme poverty rate is the lowest its ever been.

According to Human Progress, 90 percent of the world lived on less than $2 per day in 1820. By 2015, less than 10 percent of people were living on less than $1.90 per day  and that number is still steadily decreasing.

Investigations

Trump sent a warning shot across the bow of House Democrats, implying if they decided to open investigations into his administration the legislative process would stall out.

If there is going to be peace in legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just does not work that way. We must be united at home to defeat our adversaries abroad, he said.

The newly-minted House Democratic majority has yet to really ramp up its subpoena power against the president to investigate him for a variety of supposed misdeeds. That will likely start soon after the release of the Special Counsel Robert Muellers report, which acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker said is coming soon.

Democrats should investigate some of the issues in the Trump administration that Mueller may not cover, potentially Trumps domestic financial entanglements.

But both sides should be careful to make sure they dont forget about their responsibility to the American people to govern efficiently in the middle of what will be highly partisan battles.

Immigration

Trump bloviated about immigration like he always does, bungling a few facts about whether human and drug traffickers come through ports of entry or across the border. But there was one very encouraging sentence in this part of the speech.

Legal immigrants enrich our nation and strengthen our society in countless ways. I want people to come into our country in the largest numbers ever, but they have to come in legally, he said.

If Trump actually means this, it could show he is recognizing the root of our immigration problem is that its often cost and time prohibitive for immigrants to come here legally. So they do it illegally.

Congress and Trump have nine days to compromise on immigration before the government shuts down yet again. I wrote last month that any border compromise would have to streamline the immigration system in order to address the root cause of its problems.

Tariffs

After one bright moment on immigration, Trump was back to being Trump.

He bragged about all the money the treasury the Treasury is receiving from tariffs on Chinese goods  taxes paid by American consumers, not manufacturers in China. Seems like an odd thing for a GOP president to tout in the same speech he talks about cutting taxes.

Abortion

Trump painted a picture of parents bonding with their newborns under his proposed family leave policy, then contrasted it with the image of New York State lawmakers raucous applause at the passage of a bill legalizing late term abortion and Virginias Gov. Ralph Northam advocating infanticide in a radio interview.

He then asked Congress to pass a law banning abortion past the point where when babies can feel pain.

As a fervent pro-lifer, this was probably the best part of Trumps speech. I just wish he hadnt based his argument on the, fundamental truth  all children  born and unborn are made in the holy image of God.

This is true. But how are you going to convince people who dont believe in God about the holiness of this thing you say is holy? There are so many effective secular arguments against abortion, as I wrote last year, and pro-lifers shouldnt have to rely on religion at all to make their case.

With the kind of person we know Trump is, any arguments he makes involving faith fall flat anyways.

Foreign policy

Trump also touched on foreign policy, most notably announcing a new summit with North Korean despot Kim Jong Un later this month. This is after North Korea has done almost nothing to denuclearize in the wake of the first meeting between the two leaders.

Trump has been strong denouncing the terroristic Iranian regime in the past and is doing the right thing supporting the coup against Maduro in Venezuela. Why hes decided he can trust the murderous dictator in North Korea specifically is a wonder.

We just have to hope the meeting in Vietnam doesnt do more harm to American interests than good, as Kim and his father have hoodwinked American presidents for years.
Kelsey Denny went to get pregnancy and STI tests, but she did not expect to get a prayer, too.

The staff at State Colleges Pregnancy Resource Clinic showed her disturbing photos and prayed for her to be abstinent when she visited them after what she said was an unwanted sexual experience.

Like many Penn State students, Denny (junior - political science and global and international studies) went to the clinic unknowing of its religious affiliation.

I was in a vulnerable position in my life, Denny said, describing her visit. She sought care in the case of an emergency and left feeling ashamed and as if the entire experience was [her] fault.

Denny shared her story with me after a tweet of hers brought attention to a PRC ad that was posted in Penn State bathroom stalls. The advertisement, which featured Wonder Woman and was approved by the HUB marketing team, boldly asked, Do you Wonder what that Woman gave you?

Penn State later responded to accusations of slut shaming that the advertisement was removed and that it would review its guidelines.

I have not been to a PRC, and I never intend to. I knew enough before the recent ad controversy to understand it is not a legitimate resource, but many women fall victim to its misinformation. The PRC briefly states on its website that its desire to help you is based on Christian principles and values, but it fails to detail the deep extent to which religion affects its patient care.

Aside from Denny, a few people reached out to me with stories of their own. They asked to remain anonymous to protect their privacy.

One student told me their friend, a trauma victim, carried a baby to term because a PRC falsely told them abortions could be done up to their final week of pregnancy. Additionally, the clinic refused to help the woman once she asked for its support after giving birth.

They literally told her, Were not a charity and treated her like crap, the student said.

The clinic is inconsistent in what it says about abortion. It cannot offer abortions and says online that it will not offer resources. However, it has been known to wrongly educate clients to push its own agenda.

Another student said they were lectured by Care Net, a Christian pro-life organization that is affiliated with PRCs, when they were active in a Catholic youth group.

A lot of it was misinformation, they said, describing flat-out lying about abortion procedures, presentations of inaccurate fetus models, descriptions of outdated practices and claims that theres never any medical reason to have an abortion.

I tried to contact State Colleges PRC to ask whether its clients may opt out of its religious aspects and whether it was aware it was misleading women about available resources and the medical information pertinent to them. Unsurprisingly, I got no response.

Even if I had gotten answers, I would not be able to excuse the PRC for the harm it does. Women go to these clinics expecting support and medical attention, not handouts of grotesque photos and forced prayers for their abstinence.

Whats worse, the clinics have somehow duped colleges to refer students to them. Because the nearest Planned Parenthood is two hours away from Penn State, students are waved off to the PRC down on South Pugh Street for free appointments.

Even The Daily Collegian, the outlet you are now reading from, listed the center as a student resource to prevent unwanted pregnancies in a recent article, based off the centers listed available services. It is Penn States  as well as the Collegians  duty to promote students well-being. Promoting the PRC does the opposite.

Lured in by location, convenience and false advertising, women visit the center in times of need. The staff there then take advantage of vulnerability, their bizarre conduct potentially discouraging women from seeking legitimate medical services.

Denny said she was greeted with coffee and made to feel comfortable when she entered the PRC lobby, but she soon felt she was being shamed once she seated in an exam room.

The Pregnancy Resource Clinic is a dangerous place filled with Christian extremists who deliberately push their religious views on you, Denny said, despite all scientific evidence to the contrary.

The PRC preys on its clients with prayers. While the clinic itself is unlikely to stop, colleges have a responsibility to vet the resources they promote to their students.
In an effort to engage with the State College community and businesses, the University Park Undergraduate Association approved YuNa Choi unanimously as community diversity liaison during the Feb. 6 meeting.

The role will serve as an intermediary between UPUA and the Borough of State College.

Choi (freshman-international politics and business) expressed her desire to be an agent of change for the university.

I want to be part of a bigger community in order to advocate and better represent those who might not have a voice at this university, Choi said.

As community diversity liaison, Choi will be involved in various different committees and focus groups within the borough pertaining to diversity. The International Student Focus Group, the Business Diversity Group and other committees will work with Choi to encourage unity, diversity and inclusion.

Further, following the death of associate teaching professor Dr. Mary Miles, Resolution #21-13 was passed unanimously. The resolution called for the commendation of Miles for her remarkable contribution to Penn State.

Miles taught English and history at Penn State, and was an active member of the faculty senate.

RELATED

The Koch brothers' relationship with Penn State also arose after President Cody Heatons report.

Charles and David Koch are co-owners of Koch Industries, Inc., an energy corporation. The brothers often donate money to libertarian and conservative-leaning causes and organizations.

While the Koch brothers currently invest money in the university, UPUA said it wishes to distance itself from the brothers.

According to a press release by UPUA, The university does not stand with those actions and steps will be taken to ensure that the university does not advertise or show their support for the Koch brothers to the community.

UPUA also passed a bill for a new elections commission budget. Bill #10-13 called for an approximate increase of $3,000 for the 2019 election budget. The bill passed unanimously.

Five students Lewis Richardson, Max Melito, Nick Lopez, Patricia Whelan, Sarah Hohman, and Adrien Fourneaux were also sworn in as student conduct advisors.

RELATED

+3 Freshmen UPUA representatives discuss goals to represent a diverse student body Two freshmen are ready to make an impact this year in the University Park Undergraduate Asso
There is no denying that long-distance relationships in college take a lot of work, effort, trust and communication but it is possible.

College is already difficult enough for students as they juggle classes, extracurriculars, part-time jobs and a social life. Adding a long-distance relationship can be tough on someone and their significant other as they have two different lives in two different places.

Cheyenne Oswald started off college at Bowling Green State University running track. She said the adjustment to her new school environment, being a college athlete and living eight hours away from her then-boyfriend, was a lot to deal with.

Oswald (senior-broadcast journalism) transferred to Penn State her sophomore year. Her now ex-boyfriend already attended the university.

I was used to [my boyfriend] being around all the time, Oswald said. I was used to having him there to celebrate the little things and being there for comfort when I was having bad days.

Molly Sarangoulis said being in a long-distance relationship can be especially disheartening around romantic holidays like Valentines Day.

We dont get to spend the day together like normal couples, Sarangoulis (senior-broadcast journalism) said. Every year we say that we arent going to get each other anything [for Valentines Day], but we always end up surprising each other which makes the day fun.

Sarangoulis has been with her boyfriend, who attends Oklahoma State University, since high school. Even though he is over 1,000 miles away, they still talk every day.

FaceTime is the best thing to happen to long-distance relationships. I also love finding new ways to show my boyfriend that Im thinking of him, Sarangoulis said. Something small that shows you appreciate them.

Modern technology can help long-distance couples spend time with their partners while still being miles apart by utilizing video chat. Seeing ones partner, even through ones phone screen, can be very beneficial to ease separation anxiety.

Not seeing a significant other often does make the time you spend together much more special.

I was lucky to see [my now ex-boyfriend] twice a month, so our time together was never spent bickering or fighting, Oswald said. We always tried to make the most out of the short weekends we were together.

I would get upset sometimes seeing my friends at school and their boyfriends be able to go to parties together, or even just go study at the library or get lunch, Oswald said. Dont take [your significant other] being down the street for granted.

Rachel Tessier moved to the United States from Montreal her senior year of high school, and her boyfriend still resides and goes to school at Concordia University in Montreal.

Tessier and her boyfriend have been together for over four years and she said things between them worked out because they were both very invested in the relationship and had hope it would work, despite living in different countries.

You really have to trust the person youre with, which was sometimes one of the hardest parts, but once are you are with each other for a long time and are mature about it then you can learn to adjust to it, Tessier (junior-vet and biomedical sciences) said.

College life comes with its own set of challenges as students deal with grades, money, growing up and figuring out what one wants to do with the rest of their life, but Tessier said there were some things she liked about being in a long-distance relationship.

I felt like I had a lot of freedom, Tessier said. I was in a relationship, but I didnt necessarily have any obligations to see him every day, so we both were able to have our own individual lives.

Megan French and her boyfriend both attend Penn State and have been dating for a year, but upon her boyfriends graduation in May they will find themselves starting a long-distance relationship.

Ill be staying another year to get my masters and [my boyfriend] got a job in Chicago, French (senior-special education) said. He will be working nine-hour days so not being in constant contact like we usually are will be weird, but we are both really invested in making things work.

While many may be hesitant about getting into a long-distance relationship, Tessier said she thinks everyone should give it a shot so they dont have any regrets.

Just put in the effort and see where it goes, Tessier said. You have to be good with communication and not just shut down and also keep an open mind and have a lot of trust in your partner.
Dark smoke coming from the roof of the Moyer Jewelers building, at 100 E. College Ave., caught the eyes of many students Thursday  and eventually blocked afternoon traffic on the street.

Alpha Fire Company firefighter Carmine Prestia told The Daily Collegian a fire call in from across South Allen Street, a caller having noticed the smoke, and from there it wasn't long until police and other officials had both roads closed.

Three fire trucks have blocked off the intersection of E. College Ave. and S. Allen St. Smoke can be seen coming from a building on S. Allen. @DailyCollegian pic.twitter.com/5hPZHS459b  Madeline Messa (@madeline_messa) February 7, 2019

After determining the smoke poured from one of the building's chimneys, firefighters were able to determine the cause.

"We finally got through to where we found out that it was a malfunctioning boiler," Prestia said. "The firing system had malfunctioned, hence the black smoke."

After firefighters eliminated that problem, focus shifted to ventilating the space, and held up cars and CATA Buses were released again.
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February 22, 2021 10.00 am

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The biggest banking merger in a decade between regional powerhouses BB&T and SunTrust Banks won't result in job cuts for employees who deal with customers, the CEOs promised Thursday on CNBC.

"We are saying to our client-facing performing associates, 'Don't worry, you have a job,'" said BB&T Chairman and CEO Kelly King on behalf of himself and SunTrust Banks Chairman and CEO Bill Rogers. "If you are a client-facing associate, and doing a good job, then your job is assured."

King and Rogers appeared on "Squawk on the Street" after their companies announced before the opening bell on Wall Street a "merger of equals." The terms are a little more equal for Winston Salem, North Carolina-based BB&T, which agreed to buy slightly small SunTrust of Atlanta in an all-stock deal with a combined stock market valuation of around $66 billion.

The deal to create the nation's sixth-largest bank based on assets and deposits calls for SunTrust shareholders to get just under 1.3 shares of BB&T for each share they now own, valuing SunTrust at about $28.24 billion or $62.85 per share. That's about a 7 percent premium to Wednesday's close. SunTrust shares were trading above that premium Thursday, while BB&T's were also seeing a bounce.

The new headquarters of the yet-to-be-named merged company with about $442 billion in assets, $301 billion in loans and $324 billion in deposits  will be in Charlotte, North Carolina. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter.

King, sitting next to Rogers for the interview, cited as a reason for the deal the "tremendous" amount of money that needs to be spent on technology to keep up with the rapid industry shifts to mobile banking. "We needed a digital scale."

For his part, Rogers said the merger should be viewed as "building for the future" and a "doubling down on organic" growth.

After the transaction, King will serve as chairman and CEO of the new bank until Sept. 12, 2021, and then as executive chairman until March 12, 2022. Rogers, who will initially be president and COO of the merged company, will take over as CEO on Sept. 12, 2021, and then add the chairman title on March 12, 2022. After the executive transition, King will continue to serve on the board until the end of 2023.

WATCH: Here's the full interview with BB&T CEO Kelly King and Suntrust CEO Bill Rogers
Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors in the world Adam Jeffery | CNBC

Warren Buffett has said in the past that he isn't "a card-carrying Democrat," but as the son of a conservative Republican congressman from Nebraska, he did ultimately break with dad on politics. Buffett has long been a supporter of liberal causes and candidates, dating back to at least the civil rights era and including public and financial support for the campaigns of both President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. On policy, Buffett has publicly supported higher personal income taxes on billionaires. In a widely read 2011 op-ed in the New York Times headlined "Stop Coddling the Super-Rich," he wrote that there was something wrong with a tax code that resulted in his secretary paying more in taxes on a percentage basis than a person like himself, who had a majority of his wealth in stock rather than wage income. But when it comes to the new attack on stock buybacks started this week by Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer of New York and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Buffett is less likely to be a vocal supporter. He has long separated his personal politics from what is best for his company and shareholders, and Buffett has long argued that in many instances the best use of all for corporate cash is share buybacks.

The Democratic war on buybacks is part of a broader messaging war making the case to Americans that the Trump tax cuts did not serve the vast majority of the country  corporations bought back their own stock with the tax savings rather than investing in workers and businesses. However, as financial advisor Michael Batnick, who runs the Irrelevant Investor blog, noted on Twitter this week, there is no end to the logic that "stock buybacks don't benefit the vast majority of Americans." "Neither does the stock market. Time to shut it down," Batnick tweeted. Stock buybacks are at record levels, but they were increasing for years before the tax cuts. Buffett has a big financial interest in buybacks being preserved. His biggest stock holding, Apple, has been among the biggest buyers of its own shares in recent years. Berkshire Hathaway, which has never paid a dividend because Buffett is philosophically opposed to them, also has been increasing  and making more flexible  its buyback activity.

Until 1982, the government discouraged buybacks

The buyback idea does not need to be seen as an example of a new far left "socialist" agenda from the Democratic Party, as some recent reports would suggest. In fact, buybacks were long discouraged by the federal government. It was not until November 1982 that the Securities and Exchange Commission under President Ronald Reagan adopted Rule 10b-18 which encouraged corporations to repurchase their shares without fearing allegations of stock manipulation. There is logic beyond the stock manipulation context to support less buyback activity  the less cash going to buybacks the more cash on the balance sheet to invest in people and operations. Indeed, Buffett has maintained that there are many times when executive managers buy back their own shares for all the wrong reasons, but he has been clear over the years that there are times when a corporation faces no better investment choice than its own shares. He put it simply at the 2004 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting: "When stock can be bought below a business's value it is probably the best use of cash."

The poor are most definitely not poor because the rich are rich. Nor are the rich undeserving. Warren Buffett 2015 Wall Street Journal op-ed

Schumer and Sanders intend to introduce "bold" legislation that will prohibit a corporation from buying back its own stock unless it invests in workers and communities first, including things like paying all workers at least $15 an hour, providing seven days of paid sick leave, and offering decent pensions and more reliable health benefits.

Billionaires from the center are speaking out

Other billionaires and Wall Street figures associated with at least some liberal policy ideas have questioned the recent economic proposals from the Democratic Party. Former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein attacked the buyback proposal this week. Former New York City Mayor and Wall Street billionaire Michael Bloomberg and Starbucks founder Howard Schultz are considering independent runs for president based on the idea that the center of the political spectrum is being neglected by both right and left. Some comments Buffett has made in the past reveal his thinking on a few of the issues tied up in the buyback proposal. Buffett wrote in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal in 2015 that there were better ideas than raising the minimum wage to $15 to help the poor in this country, such as expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit. He wrote it was clear that the wealth gap was growing, but "The poor are most definitely not poor because the rich are rich. Nor are the rich undeserving." He went on to write, "We should wish, in our rich society, for every person who is willing to work to receive income that will provide him or her a decent lifestyle. Second, any plan to do that should not distort our market system, the key element required for growth and prosperity. That second goal crumbles in the face of any plan to sizably increase the minimum wage." His views on personal income taxes and the EITC show a preference for the tax code as a way to reduce economic inequality. Two leading think tanks on the left and right recently joined together in an effort to figure out how to find common ground and economically improve life in America. The Brookings Institution and American Enterprise Institute recommended in their November 2018 report, "Work, Skills, Community: Restoring Opportunity for the Working Class," an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit, which was already expanded during the Bush and Obama administrations, among other policy ideas, and they suggested a higher estate tax as one of the methods to pay for it. When it comes to the Democratic senators' buyback proposal, the structure of Berkshire Hathaway shows how it might be a difficult idea to fairly implement across companies. Berkshire Hathaway is a conglomerate that owns many businesses operating in many sectors of the economy, from utilities to private jets, fast food restaurants, candy makers, clothing companies and grocery suppliers, but those businesses are operated and managed independently. Buffett has always made clear that he does not believe it is his business to tell someone else how to run their business. Berkshire Hathaway has hundreds of thousands of employees across these affiliated companies, but at its own headquarters, Berkshire directly employs only a few dozen people.

Abolish the billionaires

It is possible that billionaires who try to position themselves as reasonable will find it more difficult, if not impossible, to have their policy ideas given the benefit of the doubt. Howard Schultz is finding out how loaded the term "billionaire" is as he struggles out of the starting gates to mount a bid for the White House. Among the new wave of progressive leaders, the very existence of billionaires in America is the problem. And the idea that billionaires need to be abolished is gaining traction, with columnists finding the need to consult eminent ethicists about their very existence. New star New York Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently said, "I'm not saying that Bill Gates or Warren Buffett are immoral, but a system that allows billionaires to exist when there are parts of Alabama where people are still getting [hookworm] because they don't have access to public health is wrong." Buffett's views on buybacks have been offered at Berkshire's annual meetings and in interviews over the years. The following four buyback ideas from Buffett provide a summation of his thinking. They don't deal with the issue of income inequality in the U.S., but they do deal with why he thinks buybacks are a vital part of corporate cash management.

1. The key is a management team that knows when a buyback is justified

In a 2015 interview with CNBC, Buffett said, "Many management are just deciding they're gonna buy X billions over X months. That's no way to buy things. You buy when selling for less than they are worth. ... It's not a complicated equation to figure out whether it is beneficial or not to repurchase shares." At the next year's annual meeting, in 2016, he added, "Anytime you can buy stock for less than it's worth, it's advantageous to the continuing shareholders ... but it should be by a demonstrable margin," he said.

2. For stock market investors, whether Democrat or Republican, buybacks done right are beneficial

At the 1996 Berkshire annual meeting Buffett explained one of the greatest benefits of stock buybacks to shareholders: You don't need to spend a dime to increase your percentage of shares held. Speaking About Apple at the 2018 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, he said, "I'm delighted to see them repurchasing shares. ... You can say we own 5 percent of it. But I figure with, you know, with the passage of a little time we may own 6 or 7 percent simply because they repurchase shares. ... I find that if you've got an extraordinary product, and ecosystem, and there's lots to be done, I love the idea of having our 5 percent, or whatever it may be, grow to 6 or 7 percent without us laying out a dime. I mean, it's worked for us in many other situations."

3. Buybacks are better than most acquisitions

Buffett noted in a May 2015 interview with CNBC that because big tech firms like Apple earn enormous amounts of money, even with R&D spending, they are likely to have trouble deploying all of their cash. When questioned at the 2018 Berkshire annual meeting about Apple not using its huge cash pile for acquisitions, Buffett said if the tech company doesn't see an acquisition that's even more attractive, buying more shares is the right decision. Berkshire vice chairman Charlie Munger said mergers often lead to a decrease in value. He added, "I think that a great many places have nothing better to do than to buy in their own stock, and nothing as advantageous to do as they can  as buying in their own stock."

4. There are an increasing number of bad buybacks
Wells Fargo said Thursday that customers are unable to log in to mobile and online banking and it was investigating the cause of the outage.

In a post on Twitter, the San Francisco-based bank said, "We apologize to our customers who may be experiencing an issue with our online banking and mobile app. Thanks for your patience while we research this issue. If you are impacted, please check back here for updates."

Tweet

A subsequent post said, "We're experiencing a systems issue that is causing intermittent outages, and we're working to restore services as soon as possible."

A "fire suppression" system was accidentally activated earlier Thursday at a Wells Fargo data center in Minnesota, though the fire department near the center told CNBC it responded and there was no fire. Fire Chief Tim Boehlke of Lake Johanna Fire Department told CNBC that the incident started 5 a.m. local time and Wells Fargo called the fire department at 9 a.m. it is not known whether this was related to the system interruption.

In another tweet Thursday, the bank said the system issues were "due to a power shutdown at one of our facilities, initiated after smoke was detected following routine maintenance."

Tweet

Wells is the fourth-largest U.S. bank by assets with a sprawling branch operation that reaches coast to coast. People attempting to visit its website see a message that says it's experiencing technical difficulties.

Wells Fargo's Hilary O'Byrne acknowledged the systems issue in a statement to CNBC. "We're experiencing a systems issue that is causing intermittent outages, and we're working to restore services as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience."

CNBC's Ryan Ruggiero contributed reporting.

WATCH: Here's why you should think twice before using your debit card
The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits dropped from near a 1-1/2-year high last week, but the decline was less than expected, suggesting some moderation in the pace of job growth.

Still, the Labor Department's report on Thursday continued to point to strong job market conditions, which should underpin the economy amid rising headwinds, including a fading fiscal stimulus boost and a trade war between Washington and Beijing, as well as slowing growth in China and Europe.

The Federal Reserve last week kept interest rates steady but said it would be patient in lifting borrowing costs further this year in a nod to growing uncertainty over the economy's outlook. The U.S. central bank removed language from its December policy statement that risks to the outlook were "roughly balanced."

"Labor market conditions remain quite positive, good news for workers, for the consumer sector and the economy more broadly," said Jim Baird, chief investment officer at Plante Moran Financial Advisors in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits tumbled 19,000 to a seasonally adjusted 234,000 for the week ended Feb. 2, the Labor Department said on Thursday. The drop partially unwound the prior week's jump, which lifted claims to 253,000, the highest reading since September 2017.

Claims that week were boosted by layoffs in the service industry in California, most likely striking teachers in Los Angeles.

A 35-day partial shutdown of the federal government as well as difficulties adjusting the data around moving holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. day, which occurred later this year than in recent years, also probably contributed to the spike in filings.
Democratic leaders are under growing pressure to immediately request President Donald Trump's tax returns as the party flexes its newfound oversight authority.

Democrats plan to pursue a broad range of investigations into possible conflicts of interest and ethics violations within the Trump administration. Just this week, key committees took action to expand cooperation with special counsel Robert Mueller's probe and grill top administration officials.

Securing the president's tax returns is a crucial part of that effort, a promise invoked since Trump broke with decades of precedent and refused to release them during the 2016 election. But Democrats have yet to request the documents from the administration.

On Thursday, a key branch of the powerful House House Ways and Means Committee is slated to hold a hearing on presidential tax returns. Democrats will call for presidential and vice presidential candidates to disclose 10 years of tax returns as part of a comprehensive ethics reform package known as HR1.

But progressives are urging lawmakers  in particular, Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass.  to take a more strident stance.

"While we strongly support the inclusion of this provision in HR1 to ensure that tax return disclosure is forever a requirement for presidents, we also want to make sure that the committee focuses in on Trump explicitly and uses their granted authority to get his now," said Lisa Gilbert, vice president of legislative affairs at Public Citizen, a watchdog group.

Neal is also facing critical TV ads in his home district. Need to Impeach, the activist organization funded by billionaire Tom Steyer, is running 30-second spots calling on Neal to go after Trump's returns and begin impeachment proceedings. The group said it intends to run similar ads targeting House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., next week, followed by campaigns against rank-and-file members of key committees.

Kevin Mack, the group's lead strategist, said it is committing $40 million to fund its current efforts. It is also launching a direct mail campaign and getting on the ground to knock on doors.

"Voters went to the polls in record numbers because they want to hold Donald Trump accountable," he said. "I think everyone's a little surprised that Democrats are saying they're going to wait for some unforeseen time to take action."

Over the past few weeks, Neal has publicly stated that he does intend to request Trump's tax returns but has not laid out a timeline for doing so.

"We feel that this is exceptionally important to get right," Neal spokesman Dan Rubin said. "We'd rather do it right than do it on day one."

Under the law, the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee has the authority to request a confidential review of the tax returns of any individual. The committee would have to vote to allow members access to the information  and even then, it can only be viewed in closed executive session unless the taxpayer agrees to make the return public. Violating that confidentiality is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and five years in prison.

"Weaponizing the tax code for political purposes sets a dangerous precedent," Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the ranking Republican on the committee, told reporters Wednesday. "If Democrats or any party can abuse their power to rummage through the tax returns of the president, what will stop them from abusing that power in the future to frankly target any individual American that they see as a political enemy?"

The law does not provide a deadline for the Treasury Department to hand over the president's returns once a request is made. In addition, any request is almost certain to be met with a court challenge. A Treasury spokeswoman said Secretary Steven Mnuchin will review any request with the department's general counsel for legality.

Democratic aides say the purpose of Thursday's hearing is to begin building the public case for requesting the president's tax returns, which could serve as a bulwark against potential litigation. Democrats are also still mapping out their plan of action for holding the Trump administration accountable. With multiple committees wielding oversight authority, leadership is attempting to coordinate their work.

"We don't want to be scattershot," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters Wednesday. "We want to do oversight, which is substantive and appropriate."
Juan Guaido, President of Venezuela's National Assembly, reacts during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government and to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the end of the dictatorship of Marcos Perez Jimenez in Caracas, Venezuela January 23, 2019.

In a bid to block Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from the country's lucrative oil business, opposition leader Juan Guaido will name a new governance board for the country's Citgo Petroleum, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio told The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.

This comes after Guaido, supported by the U.S. President Donald Trump and several European nations, declared himself to be the country's interim president in January. The U.S. has since placed sanctions on Venezuelan oil to weaken Maduro's government and wrestle assets over to the opposition.

In an interview with the Journal, Rubio said the new board  which he said will be named "as early as today or tomorrow"  will be backed by the U.S. as Citgo's controlling legal entity.

"We are aware that there may be new members elected to the Citgo Petroleum Corp. board of directors. In corporate governance, as with all matters, we will follow the laws of the United States," a company spokesman told the Journal in a statement.

The Journal said it had yet to receive comment from Guaido's officials, the U.S. Treasury and the White House. The Commerce Department has declined to comment.

Read more about Rubio's remarks in The Wall Street Journal's report.
A boy waves a Venezuelan national flag, as supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro gather at Bolivar square in Caracas to take part in a signature campaign to urge the United States' to put a halt to intervention threats against Maduro's government, on February 6, 2019.

Venezuela's armed forces have barricaded a bridge on the country's western border with Colombia, in a dramatic attempt to prevent a delivery of humanitarian aid.

It comes at a time when tensions in Venezuela are reaching boiling point, with the South American country in the midst of the Western Hemisphere's worst humanitarian crisis in recent memory.

The opposition government, led by Juan Guaido, has said it is preparing to deliver tens of millions of dollars in food and medicine over the coming days, with supplies donated by the U.S. and others being stocked in warehouses near the border.

President Nicolas Maduro, who has the support of the military, has consistently rejected letting foreign aid into the country.

In a tweet on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: "The Maduro regime must let the aid reach the starving people."

Tweet 1

In addition to easing a devastating shortage of basic products in the crisis-stricken country, the opposition's proposed move to deliver aid is widely seen as an attempt to undermine Maduro's authority.

The socialist leader has long used subsidized food handouts as a tool to maintain the backing of his supporters.

"A delivery of humanitarian aid will test the loyalty of Venezuela's armed forces  this moment represents a tipping point," Diego Moya-Ocampos, principal political analyst for Latin America at IHS Markit, told CNBC via telephone.

"Food has been used as a political weapon to control the population and one of the many reasons Maduro has not allowed humanitarian aid into the country," he added.
Sunset over St Peter's basilica at the Vatican, Rome Tiziana Fabi | AFP | Getty Images

With its immense debt pile and potential budget blowout, Italy is a risk first and foremost to itself, Valdis Dombrovskis, a vice president at the European Commission told CNBC. "Fragility in Italy's economy needs to be addressed," Dombrovski told CNBC's Willem Marx in Brussels Wednesday. "Given the high level of Italy's public debt, and Italy has the highest debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio in the EU after Greece, it's important that Italy puts its debt-to-GDP ratio on a downwards trajectory. And this is something which we have (been) consistently emphasizing and we think that this is important," he said. Italy's debt pile of 2.3 trillion euros ($2.6 trillion) is "first and foremost (it's) a risk factor for Italy itself, but one that needs to be addressed," he added. Italy's 2019 spending plans, that have caused a furor in recent months with the Commission  the EU's executive arm  were one area of particular concern, he noted. Dombrovskis' comments come as the European Commission cut its forecast for Italy's growth in 2019 to 0.2 percent, from a previous prediction (made last November) of 1.2 percent. In 2020, it predicts Italy's economy will grow 0.8 percent. The Commission also lowered its prospects for the euro area as a whole. The 19-member bloc is set to grow 1.3 percent this year, from a previous forecast of 1.9 percent. "The most pronounced slowdown is in Italy, and we have been in difficult discussions in Italy over the last couple of months on how their chosen fiscal trajectory negatively affects growth. Unfortunately we see this materializing in our winter economic forecast," he said.

Recipe for success?

Italy's anti-establishment government has been admonished by the European Commission in recent months for its 2019 budget plans to increase spending, cut taxes and to row back on some key reforms introduced by the previous administration. Some of the measures envisaged by the coalition government  of the right-wing party Lega and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) include lowering the retirement age (to free up jobs for younger people), introducing a universal basic income for the poor (a M5S initiative), increasing welfare spending and introducing a flat tax rate. A row ensued with the government and Italy was threatened with what's known as an "excessive deficit procedure"  a disciplinary measure for countries that breach the EU's budget deficit and public debt rules. In order to avoid this, Italy agreed to lower its budget deficit target, to just over 2 percent of GDP by rolling back on some of their more costly budget pledges; EU limits are set at 3 percent. Ignazio Corrao is a member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing one of Italy's governing coalition partners, M5S. He told CNBC Thursday that Italy's 2019 budget was a new "recipe" for Italy and that the government expected it to have "good effects on the Italian economy" in the second half of the year. "We will see if the results we hope to achieve will be achieved in the second half of the year, or end of the year," he said. "They are expensive measures, and very different from the economic measures that were used by the last government  they were always saying that we would grow in a certain way and their predictions were always mistaken. So we've changed the recipe and we are still very positive that the results will be good." Italy's economy is already in trouble, however, with the latest GDP data showing that the euro zone's third-largest economy had entered its third recession in a decade. Italy's GDP fell a quarterly 0.2 percent between October and December, following a 0.1 percent decline in the third quarter, data from ISTAT showed. A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of declining growth.

Bad elsewhere too

Worryingly for Europe, growth is not only expected to be lower in struggling economies like Italy, however, but in stronger ones too, like Germany and France. It cut its forecasts for German growth in 2019 to 1.1 percent from 1.8 percent in its previous fall forecast. France is now predicted to grow 1.3 percent, down from the last forecast for 1.6 percent growth. For Europe as a whole (including the U.K.) growth is expected at 1.5 percent, down from 1.9 percent forecast last November. Dombrovskis said risks affecting EU economies included external factors such as trade conflicts and a slowdown in emerging economies, notably China. There were also domestic factors "at play when we discuss structural and fiscal policies in some member states," he said, citing Italy as a concern. Francesco Papadia, a senior fellow at European think tank Bruegel, told CNBC Thursday that Italy would remain a "sore point" for Europe. "It's a large country that seemed to be on a path towards confrontation with the European Union, with the European Commission, but they (the Italian government) has done some correction to what they initially wanted to do (in terms of spending) and that was seen as being enough by the Commission not to start an excessive deficit procedure but still, Italy remains a lukewarm member of the euro area," he told CNBC's Willem Marx in Brussels.

'Governments haven't done enough'
President Donald Trump on Thursday aimed to shore up his support with religious conservatives in an address at the National Prayer Breakfast.

Trump delivered his remarks at the annual religious event in Washington, D.C., as a vast slate of his potential 2020 presidential opponents come out of the woodwork. At the same time, Capitol Hill has become increasingly focused on one of the most galvanizing social issues in religion and politics alike: abortion.

"All children, born and unborn, are made in the holy image of God," Trump said to cheers and applause from the audience at the breakfast.

Supporters of abortion's legality, wary of the threat that an increasingly conservative Supreme Court could pose for the perennially controversial Roe v. Wade decision, have pushed for new state legislation expanding protections for the practice.

One of those bills in Virginia gained national notoriety among conservatives and Republicans, who are more likely than Democrats to oppose abortion, after Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on a radio show defended the proposal, which would allow the procedures with the approval of one doctor, rather than the three that state law currently requires. Northam came under fire after claiming that an already-delivered newborn would be "resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired. And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother."

Northam's office later clarified that his comments referred only to a situation in which a woman with a "nonviable pregnancy or severe fetal abnormalities went into labor."

But Trump has seized upon the issue. "Democrats are becoming the Party of late term abortion, high taxes, Open Borders and Crime!" he tweeted last week.

At his State of the Union address Tuesday, Trump called upon Congress to pass legislation prohibiting so-called late-term abortions, which the practice's opponents call the termination of any pregnancy past the 21st week. Late-term abortions accounted for about 1 percent of total abortions in 2015, according to the latest data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"To defend the dignity of every person, I am asking the Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mother's womb," Trump said in his speech before a joint session of Congress. He specifically called out "the case of the governor of Virginia where he basically stated he would execute a baby after birth."

Religious events are generally friendly crowds for the president, who has been embraced by some Christian leaders standing astride the ostensibly separate worlds of religion and politics. One of his friends and most committed supporters, evangelical leader and Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr., regularly champions Trump's policies, and has vouched for the president as a "good, moral person" even amid allegations that he was involved in multiple hush money payments to women who claimed they had affairs with him.

"Evangelicals believe every human being is a sinner. We're all imperfect, we're all flawed, and we're redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ," Falwell told The Guardian in an October interview.

Thursday's breakfast wasn't a completely partisan gathering. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who has quickly become Trump's chief adversary in the new Congress, was present in the audience. And in remarks preceding the president, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., touched on the theme of unity, an echo of Trump's State of the Union address delivered two days earlier.

"This breakfast is and always has been a moment of unity and healing to counteract the division, strife and difficulty of the day-to-day work here in Washington," Coons said.

Trump delivered his remarks as the specter of another government shutdown hangs over the nation's capitol.

Time is running out for a bipartisan group of lawmakers to hash out a deal to fund the federal government that Trump will approve. If no deal is reached by Feb. 15, about a quarter of the government will once again shut down  just three weeks after the longest shutdown in U.S. history was temporarily resolved.

Trump once said he would be "proud" to shut down the government in pursuit of securing the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border  the central promise of his 2016 presidential campaign. He has entrenched himself in his position that any deal to fund the government must include billions of dollars toward a border wall, which his administration estimates will cover about 234 miles of wall construction along the nearly 2,000-mile-long border.

Democrats, led by Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, refuse to allocate any money for Trump's wall, though they have expressed willingness to support other immigration security measures.

Correction: The Democrats control the House in the new Congress. An earlier version misstated their status.
President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would not meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping before the March 2 deadline to reach a Chinese-U.S. trade deal.

Trump's remarks came hours after CNBC reported, citing a senior administration official, that it was "highly unlikely" for the meeting to happen in the coming weeks.

While Trump and Xi are still expected to meet eventually, there's too much work to do to flesh out a deal with China and prepare Trump for a high-stakes meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Trump's summit with Kim is set for Feb. 27-28.

Trump and Xi may still meet "shortly thereafter" March 2, said the official, who requested anonymity, citing a lack of authorization to speak publicly about the talks.

Later Thursday, when asked whether he would meet the Chinese leader, Trump said: "Not yet." Pressed further on whether he would meet Xi before the March deadline, Trump said "no" and shook his head.

White House officials have advised against merging the issues of China and North Korea, despite China's invitation for Xi and Trump to meet immediately following the Kim summit.

The administration official cautioned that the situation was fluid and that the status of the meeting could change after a trade delegation travels to Beijing next week.

Trump's top economic advisor, Larry Kudlow, told reporters Thursday that he expects Xi and Trump to meet, but that when and where it happens is still up in the air.

Earlier, Kudlow told Fox Business that there's a "pretty sizable distance" to go on a potential trade deal between the world's two largest economies.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has said he and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin would make a recommendation to Trump on whether to agree to a summit after the two return from their trip to China next week. A delegation of U.S. deputies will conduct talks beginning Monday, with Lighthizer and Mnuchin joining later in the week, according to an administration official and a person briefed on the plan.

The question now is what happens to a tranche of tariffs in Chinese goods that is set to double automatically after March 1, in lieu of a presidential order. The likely outcome is that the tariffs remain at the current 10 percent rate, according to two administration officials and two people briefed by the White House.

The deadline was raised in a Feb. 6 briefing with the Senate Finance Committee. The information Lighthizer provided was "not very definitive," according to Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the committee's chairman.

As part of a broader deal, China is expected to require tariffs to be removed entirely, Lighthizer said, but he declined to say what would happen if a deal is not reached by the March 2 deadline.

The U.S. may also consider an alternative: a "snap-back," in which certain tariffs are selectively rolled back but could be reintroduced if China does not follow through, according to three people briefed by the administration.
President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd of supporters during a campaign rally at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Nov. 5, 2018.

UPDATE: The Trump campaign announced a slew of hires Feb. 19, including communications directors and a press secretary. See the announcement at the bottom of this story.

President Donald Trump's campaign is looking to beef up its communications team to prepare for an onslaught of attacks from Democrats running in the 2020 campaign, CNBC has learned.

Trump's team has been interviewing dozens of candidates for positions ranging from communications director to press secretary, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

Some candidates who have discussed jobs with the campaign currently work in the White House, according to the sources, who declined to be named.

The campaign, which is headed up by Trump 2016 digital media director Brad Parscale, is expected to officially announce the new additions in the coming weeks, one source said.

It was not immediately clear whom the campaign is considering for the positions.

A spokesman for the Trump campaign declined to comment.

The Trump campaign is beefing up its communications team as several Democrats enter the 2020 race. More than a dozen are expected to be competing for the party's nomination. Some candidates are already on the offensive against the president and his proposals.

During a recent CNN town hall in Iowa, California Sen. Kamala Harris, who has declared her candidacy for president, called Trump's proposed border wall a "medieval vanity project." She committed to not support a compromise government funding deal that includes wall funding, even if it included protections for immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, another 2020 hopeful, took a swipe at Trump on Twitter after his State of the Union speech on Tuesday about his boasting the jobs he claims his administration helped create for women.

"President Trump seems not to understand that the female jobs he created were Democratic women in Congress," the New York lawmaker said.

Sen. Gillibrand tweet: President Trump seems not to understand that the female jobs he created were Democratic women in Congress.

The Trump campaign will also need a communications shop that can respond to bad press that might come from the House Oversight and Intelligence committees' push to investigate the president and his administration.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff announced on Wednesday that the investigation will start to look into whether any foreign actors have leverage over Trump and whether any of his associates coordinated with Russian operatives.

The investigation will look into "whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Donald Trump, his family, his business, or his associates" Schiff's statement reads.

The Trump campaign is flush with cash as it goes on this hiring spree.

It has $19 million on hand plus another $15 million between its two joint fundraising committees that work in tandem with the Republican National Committee.

Read the Trump campaign's Feb. 19 press release:
Tim Armstrong  whose tech career included chief roles at Google, AOL and Verizon  told CNBC on Thursday he thinks of Howard Schultz as a mentor and would support the former Starbucks CEO if Schultz were to run for president as a centrist independent in 2020.

"Howard Schultz has been one of my mentors. He's spent a lot of time with me. I really have a tremendous amount of respect for what he's done at Starbucks," said Armstrong, who was one of Google's longest-serving executives before he left for AOL. "Howard is somebody who's done a lot for this country and a lot for the economy."

Late last month, the billionaire Schultz told CBS' "60 Minutes" that he's considering running for president "outside of the two-party system."
New York City may be one of the most popular places to live in New York state, but that doesn't make it the best place in the state to buy a home. It's not even close  literally.

The No. 1 place to buy a home in the Empire State is Bethlehem, a town of roughly 35,000 in Albany County that's about three hours away from, and 150 miles north of, New York City, according to financial website GOBankingRates, which conducted a study to find "the best place to buy a home in every state based on the quality of the area and what sort of value you can expect based on the local housing market."

The study used data from real-estate websites Zillow and AreaVibes and focused on five metrics: livability (measuring factors such as amenities, employment and education); median home listing price; median home value; home value forecast (gauging the "return you can expect on your money"); and buyer-seller index (a score that determines "whether the current market favors people looking for housing or looking to sell" relative to other towns in the same metro).

Here's how Bethlehem ranks:

Livability score: 63

Home value forecast: 9.6 percent

Buyer-seller index: 0.27

Based on the most recent data from Zillow, here's what buyers can expect to pay:

Median listing price: $309,900

Median home value: $267,100

"Buying in Bethlehem is projected to give you one of the best one-year returns on your money at 9.6 percent," says GOBankingRates.

"And if you're younger and looking in the Empire State, you might need alternatives to the Big Apple, one of the worst cities for millennials looking to buy homes."

The median listing price for a home in New York City is $829,000 and the median home value is $681,500. Meanwhile, only 5 percent of millennials looking to buy a home this year said they plan to spend $500,000 or more, according to a survey from Clever Real Estate.
Pew researchers said the historic shift, which is partially linked to an uptick in immigration and naturalization patterns, "likely has political implications," as nonwhite voters are more likely to vote for Democratic candidates.

The Hispanic population is expected to account for 13 percent of all eligible voters  a slightly larger share than African-Americans, and 9 percentage points greater than Asian-Americans.

Hispanic voters are projected to be the largest minority group in the electorate for the first time on record in 2020, according to a recent report by the Pew Research Center.

"Almost certainly, this is good news for Democratic candidates," said Alan Abramowitz, an Emory University political science professor who studies public opinion and election voting behavior. "I don't see Trump saying or doing anything that's going to improve his showing among Hispanic voters. He seems to be trying to alienate them."

President Donald Trump has been criticized for making inflammatory comments about Hispanics. When he launched his campaign in 2015, he referred to some Mexicans as rapists. As president, he has imposed a family separation policy for migrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border, attempted to end an Obama-era program protecting immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children, and in a demand for a border wall intended to keep out migrants from Mexico and Central America, he prompted the longest partial government shutdown.

Yet, polls show that Hispanics are not monolithic in their political beliefs.

Pew found, in a separate report, that slightly more than two-thirds of Hispanics believe that the Trump administration's policies have been harmful to them. But a more recent NPR/Marist poll revealed Trump's approval rating among Hispanics soared from 31 percent in December to 50 percent.

It was an improvement the president himself noticed and touted.

Trump tweet.

Broader polling data show that Trump's standing among Hispanics has remained steady since the 2016 election  32 percent in a February Economist/YouGov survey, 30 percent in a February poll from Morning Consult/POLITICO, and 28 percent in a late January Reuters/Ipsos poll.

In 2016, Hispanics favored Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton by 66 percent to 28 percent, according to data from Pew. That margin was smaller than the 71 to 27 percent split former President Barack Obama won by in 2012. It was also smaller than the 72 to 21 percent margin former President Bill Clinton won by in 1996.

Exit polls from the 2018 midterm elections showed that an estimated 29 percent of Hispanics backed the Republican candidate in congressional races nationwide. Among other minority groups, African-Americans (9 percent) and Asian-Americans (23 percent) voted for Republicans by a lower share.

While Democrats have traditionally enjoyed the majority of Hispanic voting share, results in several states show that the picture is more complicated, said Mark Lopez, a demography researcher at Pew who specializes in U.S. Hispanics.

"In some states, like Florida, the Hispanic population have sometimes voted majority with a Republican presidential candidate. And the composition  Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Nicaraguans  is a mixture that is different than other parts of the country," he said.

In Florida, Cubans were about twice as likely (54 percent) as non-Cuban Hispanics (26 percent) to vote for Trump in 2016, according to National Election Pool exit poll data. Lopez said Cuban and evangelical Hispanics are more likely to vote for the Republican Party for their strong views against abortion. However, Mexicans, Salvadorans and Puerto Ricans, who tend to vote for Democratic candidates, make up a far greater share of the country's Hispanic demographic.
Masayoshi Son, chairman and chief executive officer of SoftBank Group at the SoftBank World 2018 event in Tokyo, Japan. Kiyoshi Ota | Bloomberg | Getty Images

SoftBank's stock skyrocketed on Thursday after its CEO Masayoshi Son announced a share buyback following the company's release of strong quarterly earnings. The Japanese conglomerate's shares surged 17.73 percent on the day. SoftBank Group said it would repurchase 112 million shares worth 600 billion yen (approx $5.46 billion) in the next 11 months, or about 10.3 percent of its total outstanding shares, excluding treasury stock. That came as the company announced a more than 50 percent surge in its net income for the first three quarters of the fiscal year.

Funded by proceeds from the bumper IPO of its domestic telco, Son said the buyback  the company's largest ever, according to Reuters  was driven by what he sees as a chronic undervaluation of SoftBank's shares. One investor described the share buyback as "enormous." "It's definitely going to ... propel the stock, at least in the coming months," Andrew Jackson, head of Japanese equities at SooChow CSSD Capital Markets (Asia), told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday. "If you go back to 2016, you look at the last large buyback they did, the 500 billion buyback then, I mean, the stock essentially doubled in the 12 months after that," Jackson said. "Whether this is unlocking value in the future ... is hard to say."
"The president urged me to get to yes," Shelby told reporters, according to Bloomberg . "He would like us to conclude our bill in a positive way for the American people."

Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, the top Republican negotiator on a conference committee trying to keep government running past Feb. 15, said Thursday that he expects a deal on border security funding by Monday. Shelby, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, made the comments after briefing President Donald Trump on the talks.

Capitol Hill sounds hopeful about an agreement to prevent another government shutdown. Where the White House stands is less certain.

Despite Shelby's confidence, it is unclear whether Trump will back an agreement lawmakers reach. The president has repeatedly pushed for Congress to approve $5.7 billion to build his proposed border wall. Democrats have refused, but shown willingness to pass funds for other security measures such as technology, more personnel or repairing existing fencing.

Congressional leaders are rushing to avoid a partial government closure, after the wall dispute led to a record 35-day lapse in funding in parts of December and January. Top Republicans and Democrats have shown no appetite for another shutdown, even as Trump threatens to let funding lapse again. He has also warned that he could declare a national emergency to build the barrier without congressional approval  a move that numerous Senate Republicans oppose.

A White House spokesman did not immediately respond to a request to comment on the progress of talks and what the president would accept in a deal. Still, Congress appeared optimistic Thursday as negotiations on the bipartisan, bicameral conference committee continue.

Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., believes a deal "can be reached" as talks are still ongoing, according to his spokesman Jay Tilton. Meanwhile, a House Democratic aide said crafting a deal by Monday is feasible, adding that the negotiators want to strike an agreement "as quickly as possible."

Congressional leaders clearly want to avoid another lapse in funding. The last closure led to 800,000 federal workers missing two paychecks and disrupted various government services. Voters largely pinned the blame for it on Trump, according to opinion polls.

On Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Politico flatly: "There will not be another shutdown." She said Thursday that she has "confidence" in the lawmakers in charge of appropriations.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has also warned Trump against another shutdown.

WATCH: What Republicans want to avoid another shutdown
North Korea leader Kim Jong Un inspects Unit 1524 of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) June 30, 2018. KCNA | Reuters

For example, Kim has offered to destroy all facilities in Yongbyon, the country's primary nuclear site, if Washington takes reciprocal measures. Such actions could include withdrawing American troops from South Korea or a formal treaty to end the Korean War. According to experts, however, those steps are far too risky and Trump should instead pursue other options. The White House must "see whether [Kim] is prepared to depart from the traditional Kim family playbook in return for economic incentives, diplomatic normalization, and security guarantees that would convince him that his regime could survive even without nuclear weapons," analysts at American think tank Atlantic Council said in a Wednesday note.

What Trump can offer

Washington could offer to roll back some U.S. sanctions, reduce the size and frequency of U.S. military exercises in South Korea and create small liaison offices to promote the eventual normalization of bilateral relations, analysts at political consultancy Eurasia Group wrote in a note. Regarding the possibility of a peace treaty, Trump is likely "to stress that possibility without firmly committing to it," they added. Troop removals in South Korea, meanwhile, aren't realistic at this stage as Seoul just agreed this week to pay more for the U.S. military presence, they continued. The action-for-action style of negotiating has long defined North Korea's interactions with the international community. Previous rulers have promised nuclear disarmament more than once in exchange for economic concessions and aid, only to repeatedly backtrack on commitments. But this time could be different given Kim's desire to open up his country.
The U.S. military is more interested than ever before in stepping up investment in space startups, especially with the number of private companies building small rockets.

Last month, Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson met with Air Force leadership to discuss the capabilities of Branson's small rocket builder, Virgin Orbit. The meeting between Branson and Secretary Heather Wilson, the Air Force's top civilian, took place on Jan. 17, the Air Force told CNBC. Branson also met with Dr. Will Roper, the Air Force's acquisition head.

"I am very excited about small launch," Roper said on Wednesday. "I think small launch is going to be a big deal."

Typically priced between $3 million and $10 million per launch, small rockets provide a direct method of sending inexpensive payloads into orbit. Small rockets also can save customers months of time getting to orbit, which Roper said is a key advantage for the Air Force's needs.

"If you lose a satellite, put another one up at the time you need it," Roper said.

Roper described the space industry as a "ripe area" for the Air Force, especially "with companies that hope to be selling satellites to commercial providers."

Roper said he wants to approach it the way a venture capital firm or business developer would, to better understand the needs of private space companies. "If we can understand what a company needs to get from being that entrant  at 10 people with an idea and designs  to getting to that first product that they can go sell or pitch ... we've got huge money to invest in this," Roper said.

A growing number of companies, including Virgin Orbit, are looking to seize upon the small rocket market. Virgin Orbit is currently deep into testing its LauncherOne rocket, which the company plans to launch from a modified Boeing 747 jet named "Cosmic Girl." This horizontal method, rather than the more common vertical launch approach, gives Virgin Orbit more flexibility for when and where the company launches its rockets.
Planning a trip is nice. Paying down your student loan tab may be nicer.

Last year alone, American workers gave up about $62.2 billion in lost benefits by forfeiting over 200 million vacation days that could not be rolled over, according to Project: Time Off, which is sponsored by the U.S. Travel Association.

What if all that dough went toward your student debt?

In 2018, Fidelity Investments began to offer businesses a way to contribute to their workers' education loans. Since then, more than 50 companies have signed up.

One company is now trying a different approach to help its employees tackle student debt in the year ahead.

Employee benefits provider Unum recently announced that, starting next year, U.S. employees can trade up to five days, or 40 hours, of unused vacation time for a payment against their student loan tab through the Student Debt Relief Program, which is also managed by Fidelity.

Full-time employees receive 28 days of paid time off, including holidays and personal days, their first year at Unum, with additional PTO available over time.

Unum estimates that around 40 percent to 50 percent of those employees carry over five days, or 40 hours, each year. In fact, American workers use about half of their eligible vacation time on average, according to a separate study by jobs and recruitment website Glassdoor.

"PTO is often underutilized," said Carl Gagnon, an assistant vice president of Global Financial Well-being & Retirement Programs at Unum. "We just felt that this fell right in a sweet spot."

Of its 8,700 workers in this country, Unum estimates that 2,000 to 2,600 have student loans. The program is available for recent graduates as well as their parents and other loan co-signers.
Theresa May, U.K. prime minister, left, and Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, arrive ahead of talks in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019.

U.K. Prime Minister May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker have jointly agreed to continue the discussion on breaking the impasse that surrounds the Brexit process.

In a statement issued Thursday, after a meeting in Brussels, the pair said that the "Political Declaration", which sets out the framework for the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom, would now be "more ambitious in terms of content and speed."

The text added that both sides would seek compromise that would "gain the broadest possible support in the U.K. Parliament and respect the guidelines agreed by the European Council."

The pair will meet again before the end of February to review what negotiating teams from both sides have drawn up.

Juncker's team cautioned however that any solution would have to be agreed by the European Parliament and leaders of the other 27 European member countries.

The EU also reiterated that a separate document known as the "Withdrawal Agreement" would not be reopened for discussion.

Some U.K. lawmakers who back Brexit want a safety net designed to prevent the return of a hard border in Northern Ireland, also known as the "backstop", to be removed from the "Withdrawal Agreement." They argue it could trap the U.K. into a customs union with the EU for an indeterminate period.

Shortly after the statement was issued, the Bank of England cautioned that the U.K. economy was facing its weakest economic growth in a decade because of Brexit uncertainty.

In reaction to the central bank's view, sterling fell 0.6 percent.
White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Thursday that the administration is hoping for a trade agreement with China but much work remains before anything is finalized.

"The president has indicated that he's optimistic with respect to a potential trade deal," Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, said on Fox Business. "But we've got a pretty sizable distance to go here."

The comments coincided with a sharp drop in the stock market that sent the Dow industrials down more than 200 points as Wall Street waits to see whether Washington and Beijing can meet a March 2, when another round of tariffs could be levied.

Kudlow's comments tempered a statement Wednesday from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who told CNBC that the talks with China have been "very productive." However, Mnuchin also said a "wide range of issues" remains to be worked out.

Mnuchin along with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will head to Beijing next week for another round of talks with Vice Premier Liu He.

Kudlow characterized previous talks involving the three leaders as having "a good vibe to them."

"We covered a tremendous amount of ground and all the major issues," he said. "All of those things are on the table and discussed in some detail. I think those conversations are going to continue."

The two sides are working on a number of issues, in particular opening China to more American products and halting forced technology transfers from U.S. companies. President Donald Trump has set reducing the trade deficit between the U.S. and China as a major economic priority.

WATCH: Twelve US execs explain how Trump's trade war affects their bottom lines
Wolverine star Hugh Jackman and Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds have released a video on Twitter showing them attempting to call a truce over their long-running social media "feud."

The two actors are shown discussing the commercials they've agreed to make for each other's products: Jackman's coffee company Laughing Man Coffee and Reynolds' Aviation Gin.

Reynolds shows his commercial, featuring Jackman's coffee beans as being "born with a special power." "Hugh can be behind such a hugh-roic company?" Reynolds' voiceover asks, before the flattering conclusion, "My friend, Hugh Jackman, the loving and caring man who created Laughing Man." Reynolds then claims the ad cost $1 million to make.

TWEET

Jackman's ad for Aviation Gin is far from flattering, however, as the video shows next. He uses an expletive to describe Reynolds before pouring a bottle of gin all over a table after saying: "The gin's pretty great though, I'll have to try it someday."

The video, released on the actors' Twitter accounts on Wednesday, cuts back to the two sitting in a studio, with Jackman saying: "Sorry man, I didn't think the truce was actually real," before both their companies' logos appear on the screen.

Reynolds tweeted the video with the caption "F for effort."

The two stars have been sending each other up for years. In 2017, when Jackman tweeted a picture of him with fans in Beijing, Reynolds commented: "Pretty sure those are protesters." Last November, Jackman posted a video of his dog pooping on a photo of the Deadpool actor after Reynolds made a political-style video questioning Jackman's name and nationality.

Reynolds bought a stake in Aviation Gin in February 2018 and in September announced it would be available on Virgin Atlantic flights. Jackman launched Laughing Man in 2011 after a 2009 visit to Ethiopia where he met coffee farmers. His company provides a marketplace for farmers to sell goods to the U.S and donates all profits to a community foundation.
"Finances are by far the No. 1 hurdle Americans are facing," said Collin Czarnecki, content strategist at marketing firm Digital Third Coast.Traveling was the most popular experience on people's bucket lists, followed by financial objectives, including paying off debt and retiring early.

Money. Close to 6 in 10 respondents said finances were deterring their goals. Fourteen percent said "lack of time," while 10 percent cited family responsibilities as an obstacle.

Of those individuals, 66 percent said they'll complete at least one item off their list in the next year, according to the company's December online survey of 2,000 people.

You're certainly not alone. More than 9 in 10 participants in a survey by Provision Living , an operator of senior living communities, said they had bucket lists.

Maybe you want to visit Australia, buy a home or go sky-diving before you die.

When it comes to bucket lists, people prefer experiences over things, said Josh Ackerman, a certified financial planner at Context Financial in Lexington, Kentucky.

When clients come to him, he gives the following advice:

 Know what it is you want to do

The clearer your goal, the more likely you'll achieve it, said Ackerman.

He said he tries to get his clients to visualize exactly what they want, since they're usually more willing to make changes once they have a goal in mind.

Ackerman said he once told a client contemplating a vacation to get a guidebook for that specific location to make it more real.

"The more you can polish up the future so that it looks appealing, the more likely you are to make changes today to get the thing you want tomorrow," he said.

 Cut out little expenses

Once you have the goal in mind, take time to look at your daily and household budgets and ask what you can take out of that budget to put into your bucket list account.

Review your credit card receipts, Ackerman said, since that's where most of the recurring bills are.

Be sure to look for the expired trials or subscriptions you may not use often. When was the last time you watched Hulu or used Amazon Prime?

Eating out is the biggest expense. "Everybody does it more than they think they do," Ackerman said.

"You're spending money on something that doesn't matter to you as much," he said.
Uber driver uses GPS navigation. Jaden Urbi | CNBC

Cybercriminals are turning to new technologies to launder their ill-gotten gains, including recruiting fake Uber drivers, shady Airbnb hosts and crypto conversion specialists via the underground dark web, experts say. Criminals are also ramping up older methods of money laundering, including buying gift cards and reselling them for a fraction of their price on the web, and relying on bank insiders to filter their funds through legitimate accounts and credit lines. Ziv Mador, who leads cybersecurity firm Trustwave's SpiderLabs research team, said money laundering is essential to allowing cybercrime to proliferate. In fact, if you've ever had money stolen in a cyber scheme or from a hacked credit or debit card, this may be where it ended up. "Cybercrime headlines tend to focus on new variants of malware or gross negligence resulting in large data breaches. It's a proverbial game of cat and mouse, with white hats fortifying defenses and black hats adjusting to bypass," he said. "However, missing from these stories and just as important for grasping how cybercriminals operate is what takes place post-breach or when funds are acquired illegally."

Fake Uber drivers and the 'acupuncture' scam

Techniques used by cybercriminals often differ from those used for laundering other types of dirty money. That's because techniques and methods for cybercrime are quickly shared and traded via dark web marketplaces, Mador explained. Cybercriminals are already operating fully on these marketplaces, and so it's a natural transition, he said. For at least the past two years, cybercriminals have used increasingly creative methods centered on "gig economy" apps like Uber and Airbnb, according to Mador. The schemes work to filter dirty money through several automated systems, eventually making their way back to the criminal clean. In one common scam, criminals recruit Uber drivers to pretend to take them on a ride. The criminal never shows up, but uses illicit money from a stolen credit card to pay for the trip. The driver then wires a portion of the payment for the trip back to the criminal. Ads seeking help laundering assets by this method can be seen on the dark web, a network of websites outside the established internet only accessible through special applications, Mador said.

A dark web ad, provided by security researchers at Trustwave's SpiderLabs, seeks "fake" Uber drivers to help launder illicit cybercrime proceeds. Trustwave

Uber first learned about the money laundering because it was so prevalent in the Chinese market, according to a spokesperson, and has taken several steps to fight this type of fraud. Uber ramped up its fraud-detection techniques in 2016, around the time the company pulled out of China. It has fallen to "historical lows" since then, the spokesperson said, but acknowledged it remains a problem. To fight it, the company frequently works with U.S. law enforcement, including one case involving a fake-passenger scheme that led to 13 arrests in New York in 2017. One common technique fraudsters use is known on underground forums as "acupuncture," the spokesperson said, because it involves a criminal overseas  typically in China or India  colluding with a U.S.-based driver by dropping location "pins" in the application along the driver's regular route. The driver collects the earnings, usually from a stolen credit card, then wires a portion of it back to the overseas criminals, who are known as "nurses" in this scheme. "One reason it's enticing to the real driver is they think 'at least I'm getting paid for driving a route that I'm normally driving anyway.' What they don't realize is it's not just defrauding Uber or our platform, it's wire fraud, it's serious legal liability for the driver," the spokesperson said. Criminals use a similar scheme with Airbnb hosts, Mador explained. Hosts answer ads, generally posted on the dark web. But instead of hosting an actual guest, with all the work and hassle that might involve, they take payment from a fake guest who never has any intention of showing up. Once the money is processed through Airbnb's system, the host refunds a portion of the nightly bill to the cybercriminal. In one ad provided by Trustwave, posted on the dark web in May 2018 in Russian, a cybercriminal says he or she is seeking "managers of Airbnb hosts -- I'm looking for people who have real hosts from this company," for a money laundering operation.

In a statement, Airbnb said, "Airbnb takes its responsibility as a participant in the financial ecosystem seriously and has developed sophisticated models, systems and processes to detect and prevent all forms of misuse and illegal activity. In addition to our own controls, Airbnb also works with other participants in the financial system including financial institutions, regulatory agencies and law enforcement to spot new trends in potential misuse and illegal activity and share information to combat illicit activity." Cyber criminals also continue using more "traditional" laundering methods, especially in the form of "bank drops" and gift card purchases. Commodities like iPhones are also popular -- criminals will buy them in bulk with dirty money and sell them at a steep discount, pocketing the clean money. According to the FBI, "Criminals can direct federal or state tax authorities to issue fraudulent tax refunds on prepaid debit cards," according to the Bureau, making it a popular method of executing tax refund scams. Virtual currency payment processors are also popular, as a way to funnel proceeds from cyber schemes like ransomware -- which often result in funds paid in cryptocurrency -- through several transactional layers in order to mask the origins of the cash.

Cleaning bitcoin with 'mixers' and other techniques

Other professional criminals on dark web chat rooms offer a variety of methods to clean dirty bitcoin. One of them involves using "mixers," which "divide currency among multiple accounts, transfer bitcoin through several other accounts, and eventually send them to one, external and clean account," Mador said. The mixing service provider collects a fee for this service, making it a lucrative illicit business of its own.

Ziv Mador, Trustwave research leader
Alphabet's experiment in offering high speed internet service is leaving Louisville.

Google Fiber will end its service in Louisville on April 15, CNET first reported, but only after its method of installing fiber caused them to dig up streets that eventually left cables exposed.

Service will remain and expand in the ten other areas where Google Fiber is operating, Google Fiber said in a blog post following the initial report Thursday.

A Google Fiber spokesperson told CNET the problems in Louisville were unique to the construction method it used there, which involved digging trenches on the edges of roads that were two inches deep and filling them with rubbery liquid that turns solid. This method was meant to be a cheaper and faster alternative to the standard methods, reportedly allowing Google Fiber to get its service up and running in Louisville in five months and outpace AT&T's internet service there.

Now, Google Fiber uses a modified method that involves digging deeper trenches, at least six inches deep, so that cables do not pop out like they did in Louisville. AT&T has used similar forms of shallow trench installation without the same issues, according to CNET.

Google Fiber would apparently have to rebuild its network in Louisville entirely to get the service up and running there again to a desired standard, "and that's just not the right business decision for us," Google Fiber said in its blog post. The company said it will not charge customers for their last two months of service and will "work with our customers and partners to minimize disruption."

Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.

Watch: Alphabet is cutting costs with its latest Google Fiber launch
Traditionally seen as the powerhouse of Europe, Germany's economy is starting to cause concern with uncertainties over global trade and the car manufacturing industry.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, revised down its growth forecasts for the country on Thursday. It's now expected to grow by 1.1 percent this year, from a previous forecast of 1.8 percent. The Commission also lowered its prospects for the euro area as a whole. The region is now set to grow 1.3 percent this year, from a previous forecast of 1.9 percent.

"In the case of Germany we see that there are certainly some short-term factors in play," Valdis Dombrovskis, vice president of the Commission, told CNBC's Willem Marx in Brussels.

"If we discuss global trade tensions, if we discuss the slowdown in emerging economies including China, it's going to affect the economies of countries which are relying on exports to a large extent, and Germany is by far the EU's largest exporting economy," he said.

"So, if there are tensions and uncertainty around trade, of course it's going to affect the exports and it's going to affect the economic growth (of Germany), so this is something that we need to watch very closely," he added.

German bond yields dropped to their lowest level in over two years after the announcement, according to Reuters.
Italys Labor and Industry Minister and deputy PM Luigi Di Maio (L) and Italys Interior Minister and deputy PM Matteo Salvini smile before the swearing in ceremony of the new government at Quirinale Palace in Rome on June 1, 2018.

France has recalled its ambassador in Rome on Thursday after what it described as baseless and repeated attacks from Italy's political leaders, whom it urged to return to a more friendly stance.

Italy's two deputy prime ministers, Matteo Salvini of the right-wing League and Luigi Di Maio of the populist, anti-establishment 5-Star movement, have in recent months goaded French President Emmanuel Macron on a number of issues.

"France has been, for several months, the target of repeated, baseless attacks and outrageous statements," its foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Having disagreements is one thing, but manipulating the relationship for electoral aims is another," it added, calling Italy's attacks without precedent since World War Two.

Di Maio has labelled France a creator of poverty in Africa and met with leaders of the "yellow vest" anti-government movement, while Salvini accused it of doing nothing to bring peace to Libya.

The two deputy premiers, who swept to power last year, appear to believe that attacking Macron, a fervent Europhile, would motivate their domestic voter base before EU elections in May.

"All of these actions are creating a serious situation which is raising questions about the Italian government's intentions towards France," said the French ministry.

The Italian foreign ministry had no immediate comment about the French decision, which a diplomatic source said was unprecedented since 1945.
A options strategy this earnings season would have netted short-term traders an eye-popping 88 percent return, according to Goldman Sachs. That's the largest return since the firm started tracking this method nine years ago and well above the 11 percent return it typically yields.

"We find that stocks have traded up on earnings, even in a challenging market backdrop and when macro has slowed," Goldman equity derivatives strategists Katherine Fogertey and John Marshall said in a note Thursday. "This magnitude of earnings move is higher than we have observed since the financial crisis."

The strategy is to buy the closest out-of-the-money call option five days ahead of a company's fourth-quarter earnings report and then selling it a day after. Call options are a contract giving investors the right to buy a stock at a strike price within a set period of time. So if the underlying stock price jumps above the strike price (e.g., following a positive earnings result), the trader profits on the difference between the strike price and the market price.

That strategy has paid off so far this season, with nearly 70 percent of reporting S&P 500 companies posting better-than-expected profit. The reward for topping estimates has been sizable with big moves coming off those beats. As CNBC noted earlier this month, the average stock performance in reaction to earnings was the best in nine years.

To be sure, options are a contract and can expire as worthless, so this strategy is not for the faint of heart but is used mostly by sophisticated traders who can afford the risk.
Swedish financial technology start-up Tink says it's raised 56 million euros ($64 million) in a funding round aimed at fueling its expansion plans.

The funding exercise values Tink at approximately 240 million euros ($273 million), a person familiar with the deal told CNBC on the condition of anonymity as the valuation has not been publicly announced.

The Stockholm-based firm, which is backed by European banks SEB, Nordea and ABN AMRO, offers an app for people to get a snapshot of how they're spending across all their bank accounts.

But it also licenses its technology to banks with partnership deals, through which it either integrates its platform with their apps or helps them develop new standalone apps.

For instance, the company joined forces with ABN AMRO to help the Dutch lender create a new financial management app called Grip.

Tink said Thursday it had picked up fresh capital in a venture round that was led by Insight Venture Partners, with backing from SEB, Nordea's venture capital arm and ABN AMRO's corporate venture fund.

Christian Clausen, former chief executive of Nordea, and Nikolay Storonsky, co-founder and chief executive of fintech start-up Revolut, also invested in the company.
President Donald Trumps former attorney Michael Cohen arrives at US Federal Court in New York on December 12, 2018, where he is expected to be sentenced after pleading guilty to a number of charges.

Michael Cohen might be headed to prison, but federal prosecutors are continuing to investigate issues related to the campaign finance crimes that brought down the former personal lawyer and fixer for President Donald Trump.

That continued interest by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan presents yet another area of legal peril for Trump. Cohen has said Trump directed him to facilitate secret hush-money payments to two women shortly before the 2016 presidential election, which led to Cohen's prosecution.

The fact that prosecutors have an "ongoing investigation" stemming from those payouts was underscored Thursday in an order by U.S. District Court Judge William Pauley in Manhattan.

Pauley, responding to a request from multiple media organizations, said he would unseal some  but not all  of the documents relating to search warrants executed by the FBI last April on Cohen's home, office and hotel room where he and his family are residing during renovations at their home.

Those documents would explain in detail why prosecutors thought at the time that Cohen  and possibly others  may have committed crimes.

Pauley said the information that will remain hidden from public view when the documents are unsealed includes information about ongoing investigations by prosecutors, "including those relating to or arising from Cohen's campaign violations."

Pauley noted that "wholesale disclosure of the Materials would reveal the scope and direction of the Government's ongoing investigation."

He added that making such information public could lead "uncharged individuals to coordinate or tailor their testimony and interactions" with investigators, and lead to "witness tampering, harassment, or retaliation" if the identities of cooperating witnesses became known.

Pauley gave prosecutors until Feb. 28 to propose redactions in the search warrant documents. After that, Pauley will order the prosecutors to file the redacted documents publicly with the court clerk.

Months after the search warrants were executed, Cohen, 52, pleaded guilty to financial crimes, lying to Congress and the campaign finance violations. He was sentenced to three years in prison and is set to begin that term March 6.

Cohen in August admitted facilitating payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal, at the direction of Trump, to keep them quiet about their alleged affairs with Trump. Cohen said the payments were made to prevent the women's stories from affecting the outcome of the presidential election.

Trump has denied having sex with either woman and also has denied directing Cohen to pay them.

But Cohen's legal advisor Lanny Davis has noted that Trump could be at risk for prosecution given Cohen's claims.

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In addition to the campaign finance-related issues, prosecutors in the Southern District of New York also are investigating Trump's big-spending inauguration committee for possible crimes.

Earlier this week, prosecutors in that office served officials on that committee with a subpoena ordering them to turn over documents detailing who donated money to the committee, spending and other information. The subpoena also reportedly seeks information about foreign donors to the committee. It is illegal for foreigners to give money to an inaugural committee.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is conducting a separate inquiry into Russian agents interfering in the presidential election, possible collusion by the Trump campaign and possible obstruction of justice by Trump.

The president has denied any wrongdoing by his campaign or himself.
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said he's putting pharmacy chain Walgreens "on notice" for allegedly selling tobacco products to minors.

The agency has already filed formal complaints seeking to block a Walgreens' location in Miami and a Circle K Store in Charleston, South Carolina, from selling cigarettes or cigars for 30 days, citing "repeated violations."

Walgreens, the FDA noted, is currently the top violator among pharmacies that sell tobacco products. Some 22 percent of Walgreens locations inspected by the agency caught employees illegally selling tobacco products to minors, the FDA said in a press release Thursday.

"I will be writing the corporate management of Walgreens and requesting a meeting with them to discuss whether there is a corporate-wide issue related to their stores' non-compliance and put them on notice that the FDA is considering additional enforcement avenues to address their record of violative tobacco sales to youth," Gottlieb said in a statement.

Gottlieb said he's "deeply disturbed that a single pharmacy chain racked up almost 1,800 violations for selling tobacco products to minors across the country."

"I have particular concerns about whether the pharmacy setting is influencing consumer and retailer perceptions around tobacco products in a way that's contributing to these troubling findings," he said.

Walgreens in a statement said it takes this matter "very seriously" and has taken a number of steps to address these concerns, including requiring employees to ask anyone buying tobacco products for identification. The drugstore chain said it will also train all of its store employees on the new requirement and will strengthen disciplinary actions against employees who violate the policy.

WATCH: How Juul made vaping cool and became a $15 billion e-cigarette giant
European stocks fell Thursday as investors digested cautious economic guidance from the European Union and the Bank of England.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 closed provisionally down 1.36 percent, with all sectors and major bourses in negative territory. The EU slashed its growth outlook for the euro zone this year as it expects the bloc's largest economies to be held back by global trade tensions, among other issues. The bloc said euro zone growth will slow to 1.3 percent this year from a previously forecast 1.9 percent. Over in the U.K., the Bank of England cut its growth and inflation forecasts. The central bank projected the weakest economic outlook for the U.K. economy since 2009. This is on the back of Brexit uncertainty as well as a slowdown in the global economy. Nonetheless, the bank stated that a gradual and limited rate hiking path lies ahead. Sterling initially fell following the U.K. central bank's decision, but later turned course, rising 0.3 percent against the dollar.

Trade tensions

Comments from White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow on U.S.-China trade talks later into the session added to downside pressure on equities. On Wall Street, stocks fell as Kudlow said in an interview with Fox Business that the U.S. had a "pretty sizable distance to go" before reaching a trade agreement with China. Stocks fell sharply off the back of that report. Officials from the world's two largest economies poised to meet for a fresh round of talks next week. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday trade representatives from Washington and Beijing would both aim to reach a deal next week. The talks come with less than three weeks to go before a March 2 deadline could see an increase in U.S. tariffs on Chinese products. Trader sentiment stateside was also damaged by fears of a slowdown in global economic growth.

Earnings
Edward Lampert speaks during a news conference to announce the merger of Kmart and Sears in New York, Nov. 17, 2004. Gregory Bull | AP

Sears Holdings was granted a new lifeline on Thursday as its sale to Chairman Eddie Lampert, through an affiliate of his hedge fund ESL Investments, was approved by a federal bankruptcy court judge. ESL has said the $5.2 billion deal to buy the company will save 425 stores and roughly 45,000 jobs. Judge Robert Drain, of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, said he expects to enter the order on Friday, thereby making it official. The company, which owns both Sears department stores and Kmart, filed for bankruptcy in October, and Lampert's bid had been the only option that could have saved it. The deal though, has been protested by its unsecured creditors, which have lambasted the deal as a "scheme to rob Sears and its creditors of assets." They have accused Lampert of using his unique position as Sears' longtime chairman, CEO and largest shareholder to orchestrate deals that unduly benefited him.

In a trial that spanned three days and two courtrooms within the White Plains, New York, courthouse, Drain overheard a litany of concerns from Sears' unsecured creditors, who pointed to potential flaws in ESL's business plan and its previous failures running the retail giant. The creditors attacked the bankruptcy sale that Sears ran as it looked for a buyer and argued that ESL's bid was deficient. As Drain read his ruling Thursday, he outlined the obligations before him, as laid out by the bankruptcy code. He said he had to determine whether the deal made "good business sense," which the judge said he believed it did. He said the auction process conducted by Sears, though expedited, was fair considering the time-limits imposed by its liquidity constraints. Despite Lampert's unique status as Sears' chairman and largest investor, Drain believes Lampert's acquisition of Sears was thoroughly and independently evaluated by an independent committee appointed for the process. Drain was unhappy, though, with a letter Lampert sent to the independent committee during the auction, in which Lampert threatened legal action for breach of fiduciary duty after it rejected several of his offers. Drain said that when notified of that letter, he "made it clear in no uncertain terms that the letter was a mistake and should be ignored by all parties, including those who were handling the sale on behalf of the debtor." He said he believed his advice had been heeded. As Drain closed his ruling, he addressed Lampert directly, though the reclusive billionaire was not in attendance, opting instead to listen by dial-in from his office in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida, according to an eyewitness. Lampert's mysticism, combined with the magnitude of Sears' fall and the finger-pointing that has accompanied it, has set the groundwork for the "verbal abuse" Drain believes Lampert has been subject to. In addition to the accusations lobbed by the company's unsecured creditors during the course of Sears' bankruptcy, Lampert has also been a target of presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren, angry former Sears' workers, as well as retail pundits. He has been accused of not only making decisions that led to the retailer's troubles, but doing so with an intent to profit from them. With Sears' revival, said Drain, Lampert "has the opportunity not to be a cartoon character ... he should do that." The judge urged Lampert to continue to have a clear communication process with the company and its employees as he guides the emerged business.

Missed plans, uncertain future

Lampert's previous missteps, communicating and otherwise, were well documented over the course of the trial. Lampert merged Sears and Kmart in 2005, and both companies have tumbled since then. The combined company has not turned a profit since 2010. "I do recall us missing our plan for every year when I was on the board," conceded Kunal Kamlani, president of ESL, who has served on the board since March 2016. Kamlani outlined the vision the company has for its resurgence, echoing papers ESL filed with the bankruptcy court last week. It plans to build out smaller stores focused on selling its most popular products like appliances and mattresses. It expects to improve its performance by only running 425 of its profitable stores, rather than the roughly 700 stores  some of which were money losing  that were open when it filed for bankruptcy in October. When Drain inquired whether a smaller footprint also meant for decreased operating clout with suppliers, Sears Chief Financial Officer Rob Riecker said he believed a smaller scale will help the company "optimize" its inventory, rather than "starving" its unprofitable stores.

People line up outside the U.S. Courthouse in White Plains, New York, Feb. 7, 2019. Lauren Hirsch | CNBC

Drain made clear during the course of the hearing he was well aware of the uncertainty pertaining to Sears' future viability. That uncertainty however, did not appear strong enough to override a deal that would have saved 45,000 jobs. "Whether it's a company that used to print educational books or used to sell plus-sized clothes, the internet has changed everything  and any projection is more in doubt than a projection you would have had 15 years ago or 10 years ago," said Drain, seemingly referring to the bankruptcies of Houghton Mifflin and Fullbeauty, respectively. He also acknowledged another continued uncertainty: the litigation unsecured creditors have lodged against Lampert for deals he did under his tenure as Sears chairman, CEO and largest shareholder. The unsecured creditors believe that Lampert unduly benefited from deals that include Sears' spinoff of Lands' End in 2014 and transactions with Seritage Growth Properties, a real estate investment trust Lampert created through some Sears' properties a year later. Lampert tried multiple times throughout the bankruptcy auction to secure a release from those claims as part of his deal to buy the company. The independent committee overseeing the auction rejected those efforts.

What happens to the employees?
Apple has added an obstetrician-gynecologist to its growing health team.

Christine Curry was the subject of a magazine profile about treating pregnant women in South Florida with the Zika virus.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that improving health will be the company's greatest contribution to mankind.

Christina Farr

Apple's health team has hired an obstetrician, Dr. Christine Curry, to look into how the company can bolster its efforts in women's health, among other projects, according to three people familiar with the hire.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has described health care as a growing priority and a major part of Apple's legacy. He told CNBC's Jim Cramer in January, "If you zoom out into the future, and you look back, and you ask the question, 'What was Apple's greatest contribution to mankind?' It will be about health."

Apple has hired dozens of doctors to work across a variety of projects, including its so-called "AC Wellness clinics" for Apple employees and its health-tracking Apple Watch. Curry has a particular interest in women's health, but she'll be working on various issues across the health teams, one of the people said.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Curry is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente in Redwood City, California. She has not updated her profile to reflect that she works at Apple, although that's not uncommon given the value that Apple places on secrecy.

Apple declined to comment. Curry did not respond to an inquiry.

Studies have found that women's health companies have historically struggled to raise funding. It's also often an overlooked area, including briefly by Apple when the company first launched its HealthKit service in 2015 and claimed to offer "comprehensive" health tracking but did not include reproductive health. It quickly rectified that with a service called Apple Reproductive Health, adding features for menstruation, ovulation test results, basal body temperature and more (still, that service has been critiqued in reviews for being a little challenging to use.)

Since then, there's been an explosion of health apps from third-party developers that are geared to women, such as apps for tracking fertility, connecting with a doctor and so on. But Apple could do even more when it comes to women's health, both in hardware and software, in areas like pregnancy, fertility tracking and improving diversity in clinical research.

Curry's online profile notes that she worked in a women's prison facility in Massachusetts, and led a clinical response effort to the Zika virus in the obstetrics populations at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. That made her South Florida's go-to doctor for pregnant women with Zika, which earned her a profile in Cosmopolitan.

Apple Watch competitor Fitbit is also looking into women's health, and has an advisor that engages with its community, Dr. Katherine White, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University. When Fitbit released its new women's health, the company referred to it in a blog post as one of its community's "most requested features."

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Former Goldman Sachs Chairman Jim O'Neill has told CNBC that the single most important thing in the world economy is reviving the Chinese consumer.

China's official government figures said the country's economy slowed last year to 6.6 percent. The country is enduring an ongoing trade war with the U.S. while attempting a long-planned transition from a manufacturing and export-led economy to a consumer-driven model.

O'Neill who now acts as chair of Chatham House, an international affairs thinktank, told CNBC's "Street Signs" on Thursday that it was no surprise the country's growth had dipped.

"People shouldn't be freaking out, the demographics have turned," said O'Neill before adding that some of the reduction in growth was planned by Beijing.

The former Goldman supremo noted that while the headline growth figure of 6.6 percent last year was the slowest in almost three decades it was also, year-on-year, "still equivalent to adding another Australia."

O'Neill did note one area of concern that Beijing authorities were struggling to address.

"The one thing that does bother me is the Chinese consumer is slowing, that's not supposed to happen," he said before adding, "The single most important thing in the world economy is the Chinese consumer slowing down."

Brexit aggressiveness

With just 50 days until the U.K. is scheduled to leave the European Union, the mood between the two parties has soured after EU Council President Donald Tusk suggested on Wednesday there would be a "special place in Hell" for Brexiteers who had still offered no-exit plan.

O'Neill told CNBC the rhetoric was perhaps "a bit surprising by Brussels leadership standards," who were "normally extremely diplomatic," but did not come completely out of the blue.

"It doesn't look like the Brexiteers have thought about Irish border question at all, so kind of not surprising so for Brexiteers to feel a bit of their own general aggressiveness, you know they are not the only guys that can be mean and tough."

O'Neill said his own probability of Britain and Northern Ireland leaving the U.K. with no deal was about 20 percent.
Jeffrey Smith speaking at the 2017 Delivering Alpha conference in New York on Sept. 12, 2017. David A. Grogan | CNBC

When it comes to defending a company against an agitated investor, the devil you know may be better than the devil you don't. That's the recent mindset among corporations and investors alike when it comes to fending off potential intruders  and it's increasingly blurring the lines of how management views the role of activist investors. Case in point is Papa John's International. On Monday, the pizza maker announced that Starboard Value, led by Jeffrey Smith, would be investing as much as $250 million, and named Smith as chairman. For some, the move was surprising. Just four years ago, Fortune Magazine named Smith the "investor CEOs fear most" after Starboard upended the entire board at Darden amid a bruising proxy fight. But rather than fear him, Papa John's welcomed Smith as a means of stability for the company after a year of chaos. "We approached the company and said we want to get involved and we want to help and we want to provide leadership," Smith told CNBC's David Faber in an interview this week. "Obviously, we're in a moment of distress here," Steve Ritchie, Papa John's CEO, said in the CNBC interview. "It's been a difficult year for the brand but we know we have a plan to do the right things to move forward."

The concept of an activist investor as a "white squire" is not a new phenomenon, per se, but it's becoming an increasingly popular one. The trend has been exacerbated as traditional activists have gained more credibility with the broader shareholder base, according to Jim Rossman, head of shareholder advisory at Lazard. He added that as newer activists cropped up, the more traditional ones were seen as more sophisticated and capable of fending off the smaller funds. "It's a new factor on the playing board for public companies," said Rossman, who works with large corporations on activist or potential activist situations. "We think it's interesting and potentially useful to public companies because it's more long term, it's larger sources of capital and can even be more creative than what we've had to work with in the past." That's how Starboard investment was seen as beneficial at Papa John's. For the better part of a year, the pizza chain had been embroiled in drama after founder John Schnatter made comments construed as racial epithets. He stepped down first as CEO and later as chairman, and the company launched a strategic-review process, which ultimately yielded Starboard's investment. Meanwhile, Schnatter sued the company for wrongful termination and sought to claw back influence by matching Smith's investment offer, which the company denied. Starboard's investment and role on the board was seen by the broader market as stabilizing Papa John's after a roller-coaster year.

Keith Meister speaking at the 22nd Annual Sohn Investment Conference on May 8, 2017. Heidi Gutman | CNBC

But Starboard saw the other side of this trend. It had been reported by several news outlets that Smith's firm was building a stake in MGM Resorts International. Shortly thereafter, the company announced a deal to put Corvex Management's Keith Meister on the board, a move that was seen at least, temporarily, as thwarting any rattling by another hedge fund.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street in London on February 5, 2019. - A top EU official warned Monday that the prospect of Britain crashing out of the bloc next month looks more likely than ever, as Prime Minister Theresa May sought to reassure foreign investors worried about a chaotic Brexit.

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May is in Brussels on Thursday seeking changes to the Brexit deal with the European Union (EU) with just 50 days to go until the Brexit departure date.

May met European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker Thursday morning and the pair said they would work together to "achieve the U.K.'s orderly withdrawal from the EU." In a joint statement issued after their meeting, Juncker said EU would not reopen negotiations over the Brexit deal reach with the U.K. (known formally as the "Withdrawal Agreement").

However, he said he was open to adding wording to the "Political Declaration" agreed by the EU and the U.K. (which sets out the terms of a future relationship and guidelines for future trade talks) to make it "more ambitious in terms of content and speed when it comes to the future relationship between the European Union and the UK."

May had gone to Brussels to seek changes to the Brexit deal, however, and especially the thorny subject of the Irish "backstop" within it. The backstop is something of an insurance policy designed to prevent a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland if there's no trade deal between the U.K. and EU.

May sought changes to the backstop arrangement within the Brexit deal (known formally as the "Withdrawal Agreement") because of widespread objection to it in the U.K. Parliament.

She headed for the continent ready to tell her European counterparts Thursday that the U.K. "cannot, and will not, be trapped in the backstop," according to remarks released earlier by Downing Street. The U.K. is exploring "alternative arrangements" and legal provisions to the current backstop, the statement said.

The EU has said repeatedly that it will not renegotiate the withdrawal agreement, however. Speaking on Wednesday, European Council President Donald Tusk said the EU would "insist" on the backstop.
Trump is 'highly unlikely' to meet Chinese President Xi before March trade deadline

A meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is "highly unlikely" before the March 2 deadline for reaching a trade deal, according to a senior administration official.

While Trump and Xi are still expected to meet, there's too much work to do to flesh out a deal with China and prepare Trump for a high-stakes meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

Trump's summit with Kim is set for the end of February.

Kayla Tausche | @kaylatausche

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A meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is "highly unlikely" before the March 2 deadline for reaching a trade deal, according to a senior administration official.

While Trump and Xi are still expected to meet, there's too much work to do to flesh out a deal with China and prepare Trump for a high-stakes meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Trump's summit with Kim is set for Feb. 27-28.

Trump and Xi may still meet "shortly thereafter" March 2, said the official, who requested anonymity, citing a lack of authorization to speak publicly about the talks.

White House officials have advised against merging the two issues, despite China's invitation for Xi and Trump to meet immediately following the Kim summit.

The administration official cautioned that the situation was fluid and that the status of the meeting could change after a trade delegation travels to Beijing next week.

Trump's top economic advisor, Larry Kudlow, told reporters Thursday that he expects Xi and Trump to meet, but that when and where it happens is still up in the air.

Earlier, Kudlow told Fox Business that there's a "pretty sizable distance" to go on a potential trade deal between the world's two largest economies.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has said he and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin would make a recommendation to Trump on whether to agree to a summit after the two return from their trip to China next week. A delegation of U.S. deputies will conduct talks beginning Monday, with Lighthizer and Mnuchin joining later in the week, according to an administration official and a person briefed on the plan.

The question now is what happens to a tranche of tariffs in Chinese goods that is set to double automatically after March 1, in lieu of a presidential order. The likely outcome is that the tariffs remain at the current 10 percent rate, according to two administration officials and two people briefed by the White House.

The deadline was raised in a Feb. 6 briefing with the Senate Finance Committee. The information Lighthizer provided was "not very definitive," according to Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the committee's chairman.

As part of a broader deal, China is expected to require tariffs to be removed entirely, Lighthizer said, but he declined to say what would happen if a deal is not reached by the March 2 deadline.

The U.S. may also consider an alternative: a "snap-back," in which certain tariffs are selectively rolled back but could be reintroduced if China does not follow through, according to three people briefed by the administration.

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New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addresses a rally in New York in January 2019. Ira L. Black - Corbis | Getty Images

Freshman Congress member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and veteran lawmaker Sen. Edward Markey are introducing a resolution spelling out congressional support for a Green New Deal  an ambitious plan to remake the U.S. economy and drastically reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. The resolution largely sticks to a blueprint Ocasio-Cortez laid out when she proposed creating a House select committee to establish a Green New Deal. That framework called for generating 100 percent of the nation's power from renewable sources, making all buildings energy efficient and eliminating carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and industry  all within about 10 years. The plan also proposes massive investments in research and development to make the U.S. a leader in clean energy technology. In addition, the Green New Deal envisioned by Ocasio-Cortez aims to implement progressive policies such as a federal jobs guarantee, basic income and universal health care. The resolution being introduced by Ocasio-Cortez and Markey clarifies the scope and scale of the Green New Deal and paves the way for legislation that would lay out explicit projects and policies. Ocasio-Cortez plans to begin crafting that legislation immediately.

The resolution is co-sponsored by 60 members of Congress and nine senators, including 2020 Democratic presidential contenders Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren. The same day Ocasio and Markey released the resolution, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the Democratic lineup for the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. Ocasio-Cortez, who participated in a protest advocating for bold climate action at Pelosi's office in November, is not on the roster. On Wednesday, Pelosi appeared to cast aspersions on Ocasio-Cortez's plan, saying it is a "suggestion" that the select committee would discuss. "The green dream or whatever they call it, nobody knows what it is, but they're for it, right?" Pelosi told Politico.

Clarifying Green New Deal goals
Alabama asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday to permit it to execute a Muslim man convicted of murder without his imam present in the room.

Domineque Ray was scheduled to be executed at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday before the sentence was halted on Wednesday by a federal appeals court in Atlanta. Ray was convicted of a 1995 killing of a 15-year-old, although, in a separate court petition, he is challenging certain evidence that was used to convict him.

Alabama had said it would allow for a Protestant chaplain to be in the execution chamber. The state said the chaplain is a state employee and a member of the execution team, and that permitting a member of the "free-world" into the room  such as Ray's imam  would raise security concerns.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals stayed the execution, saying that the case "touches at the heart of the Establishment Clause."

The Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment bars the government from "prohibiting the free exercise" of religion, which the top court has interpreted to mean that the government may not favor one religion over another.

Alabama asked the justices to overturn the lower court's ruling, reasoning that its prohibition on the imam being in the room does not substantially burden Ray's religious freedom. In court documents, the state said the imam "may witness from one of the adjacent viewing rooms, separated from the execution chamber by two-way glass."

But that argument was unlikely to succeed, the Eleventh Circuit said in its Wednesday ruling. It requires five of the nine justices to grant a stay of the lower court's order.

"We are exceedingly loath to substitute our judgment on prison procedures for the determination of those officials charged with the formidable task of running a prison, let alone administering the death penalty in a controlled and secured manner," wrote Judge Stanley Marcus.

"Nevertheless, in the face of this limited record, it looks substantially likely to us that Alabama has run afoul of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment," Marcus wrote.

The court also chided Alabama for failing to provide evidence for its claims that it could not allow an imam into the room without jeopardizing its security protocol. It noted that both the prison warden and the chaplain declined to provide Ray the prison's policy in writing.

In a last-minute submission to the high court on Thursday, Alabama provided the justices with an affidavit from Jefferson Dunn, the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections.

Dunn said in the affidavit that barring the imam and others who are not specifically trained on prison procedures was necessary "to maintain the security of the execution chamber and of the persons present, both employees and witnesses."

Attorneys for Ray disputed the claims in the affidavit, responding that Dunn "actually adds no new information" about specific security concerns and protesting the inclusion of new evidence so late in the legal process.

The imam, Yusef Maisonet, said he wanted to be present in the room to ensure that Ray's last words are "There is no God but God, and Muhammad is his prophet," in line with Muslim religious practice, according to local media.

"If they exclude me, they may ask him something and ask him to reply and those won't be his last words," Maisonet said.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee speaks during a rally at the beginning of the March For Science in Seattle, Washington, U.S. April 22, 2017. David Ryder | Reuters

LOS ANGELES  While other 2020 Democratic contenders are focusing on wealth inequality in America and taxing the rich, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is trying to position himself as the "carbon warrior." But he sees climate change as an economic issue, too. Over the past year, Inslee has made several trips to early caucus and primary states such as New Hampshire, Iowa and Nevada to test out the political waters for a possible 2020 presidential run. The governor told CNBC this week that he's going to "decide in weeks, not months," on whether to toss his hat in the ring for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Inslee, who turns 68 years old on Saturday, talks very much like he's already running while also touting a record of expanded investment in clean energy programs and technologies statewide. Last year, he announced the largest-ever purchase of green power for state operations through solar and wind power facilities. Read more: A Green New Deal would reshape the economy and shock the energy sector "My candidacy I think has a couple of unique things driving it," Inslee said. "One, both by experience and passion and commitment, I have had a long, demonstrated vision statement for economic growth around clean energy that is unique amongst potential candidates." Yet Inslee, a two-term governor, suffered a setback to his climate agenda last year when the oil industry funded a campaign to defeat a carbon emissions fee initiative Inslee supported. The measure was seen as a way to raise revenue as well as to help the state achieve ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals. The failure did not disrupt his larger message, however, particularly as he gears up to potentially run for the White House.

Green message

Inslee served more than a decade in Congress as well as the state legislature before getting elected governor in 2012 and re-elected in 2016 by a wide margin. He was chair of the Democratic Governors Association in 2018, a year that saw the party flip seven governorships, or the biggest gain for Democrats in more than three decades. Clean energy and climate policies have been a longtime issue for Inslee. As a congressman, he wrote a 2007 book, "Apollo's Fire," about how America can reduce greenhouse gases and gain energy independence. Several Democratic presidential contenders are also talking about similar climate change themes and a mix of solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii. Other possible presidential hopefuls such as Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and billionaire and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg also have previously called attention to global warming as a pressing issue. Inslee acknowledges other candidates have discussed climate change but issued a polite jab at potential 2020 presidential rivals: "Recognition is not enough; just checking a box is not enough. We have to have a leader who will make it a central, defining issue of their presidency." At the same time, the Washington governor has established himself as a visible foe of President Donald Trump on the environment and other issues. The Evergreen State has sued the Trump administration at least 33 times since January 2017 on cases involving the travel ban, family separation and public lands. Inslee has slammed Trump for pulling out of the Paris climate agreement, and he said he believes Americans are ready for a president "with a vision of economic development centered on clean energy and the ability to defeat climate change. I think this is a very American moment because Americans are very optimistic, can-do people."

Fighting oil and coal

The two-term governor has a record of taking on the oil industry, including last year opposing what would have been the country's biggest oil-by-rail terminal. His administration also touched off a legal battle with six coal-producing states when it denied permits for a large coal export terminal on the Columbia River. Inslee's climate agenda suffered a blow last year when Washington voters rejected Initiative 1631, a carbon-fee measure the governor publicly backed. The opposition, led by oil companies, spent about $31 million to defeat the carbon tax plan while supporters only raised about half that amount. "He's kind of a square peg in a round hole because he wants to be a carbon warrior," said Washington state Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Bellingham. "Washington state already has an extremely low carbon footprint. We're a hydro and nuclear state. We have one coal facility that is shutting down." According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the state of Washington is the nation's hydroelectric power leader and ranks second lowest in retail electricity prices after Louisiana. Ericksen said the governor's "anti-energy policies don't make sense here in Washington." The Republican contends Washington is "one of the most regulated states in the country, and Jay Inslee has been a big part of that." For his part, the governor defends his record on business and said Washington's "robust economic growth" is the fastest in the nation and continues to attract people from out of state.

Carbon tax fails
President Donald Trump's attacks on the press could put reporters and news organizations in danger, New York Times CEO Mark Thompson told CNBC on Wednesday. While the president is certainly entitled to his opinion on how journalists do their jobs, there are times when he can cross the line, he explained. "Describing journalists from the Times and elsewhere as 'enemies of the people' and using extreme rhetoric about journalism, I think, is dangerous," Thompson said on "Power Lunch." "It could encourage people to do crazy things in relation to news organizations and individual reporters."

A man wears a shirt reading "Rope. Tree. Journalist." as supporters gather to rally with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in a cargo hangar at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. November 6, 2016. Jonathan Ernst | Reuters

Trump has repeatedly claimed the press is biased against him and has referred to mainstream media outlets as "the enemy of the people." TWEET 1 After a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue and a series of mail bombings addressed to prominent Democrats and CNN last October, Trump pinned the blame, in part, on what he called the "Fake News Media." TWEET 2 The president recently sat down with the publisher of The New York Times, A.G. Sulzberger, as well as two of the paper's journalists, for an on-the-record conversation. During that interview, he called the news media "important" and "beautiful" as well as "so bad" and "unfair." He also said he was a "victim" of unfair coverage and didn't take responsibility for a rise in threats against journalists. Thompson said during that interview, Sulzberger "had to admonish the president for the intemperate and irresponsible language he sometimes uses about journalism."

President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. Oliver Contreras | Bloomberg | Getty Images
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Source: Toyota

The pickup wars are escalating. Toyota refreshed its best-selling Tacoma midsize pickup trucks with Apple Car Play, larger touch screens and other features drivers have come to expect in today's utility vehicles. The Japanese automaker's move comes as American automakers  not content to rule the full-size segment  release smaller trucks that threaten the one category where Toyota has managed to hold its own with the Big 3 in Detroit.

2020 Toyota Tacoma Limited Source: Toyota

The Tacoma has led the midsize segment in sales in the U.S. for the last 14 years, and the company is anxious to hold onto that crown. Ford just brought back the Ranger midsize pickup truck and Chevrolet has been successful with its Colorado. Even Jeep is getting into action. Fiat Chrysler's brand known mostly for sport utility vehicles launched the Gladiator pickup at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year. As the historical leader in the segment, Toyota has the most to lose. The good news is this segment is growing overall, as the broader market turns toward utility vehicles. Midsize pickup sales are expected to grow from about 3 percent of the total market in 2018 to 4 percent by 2021, according to data from LMC Automotive, a firm that tracks the auto industry.

2020 Toyota Tacoma Limited Source: Toyota

The number of models is also expected to grow, reversing a multiyear pullback in the segment. In 2010, there were 11 midsize pickups to choose from, according to LMC. But there were only five models from 2014 to 2018. But by 2021, that is expected to more than double, back to a total of 11.

2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road Source: Toyota

Toyota's refresh, announced Thursday, is not a dramatic redesign, said IHS Markit analyst Stephanie Brinley. But it's adding some key upgrades, such as an improved infotainment systems with Apple Car Play, and a few other features that customers have come to expect in new vehicles. A larger touchscreen in the truck's console will come standard on every model. Each trim level will come with upgrades specific to that variant, such as new grille designs and new headlights and taillights.

2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Source: Toyota

In addition to overhauling the Tacoma, Toyota is beefing up its TRD Pro off-road racing lineup, adding a TRD Pro version of its three-row Sequoia sport utility vehicle. Toyota already makes TRD Pro versions of its Tacoma and Tundra pickups and its 4Runner SUV.

2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Source: Toyota
After years of struggling to compete with lower-cost Chinese counterparts, European telecommunications companies Nokia and Ericsson stand to win big from the U.S.-China trade war, CNBC's Jim Cramer argued Wednesday. "These once-beleaguered companies now have a chance to win the race for 5G supremacy," he said on "Mad Money." "Their equipment might be more expensive than what the Chinese can make. Sometimes I think a lot of people would say it's even lower quality. Actually, I think the majority might say that. But you better believe neither Sweden nor Finland are pressuring their companies to spy on their customers." Which stock wins out? Cramer thought both companies' most recent earnings reports were solid, with Ericsson delivering strong sales and a bullish outlook for the year ahead and Nokia issuing good headline numbers. And even though Nokia's stock dropped on what some saw as weak outlook for the first half of 2019, Cramer didn't agree with the move. "The truth is Nokia's stock soared higher when Ericsson posted good numbers the week before, and stocks that run up into earnings tend to sell off even on strong numbers. Now, Nokia's American shares are at $6.05, which, to me, is crazy," he said. "I prefer Nokia here, both because it's too cheap here and because it has a better portfolio of end-to-end solutions. I have not recommended Nokia since 1997." Click here for Cramer's full take.

Centene CEO simmers

Michael F. Neidorff, CEO of Centene. Adam Jeffery | CNBC

The decline in shares of Centene after its much better-than-expected earnings report stumped even its Chairman and CEO, Michael Neidorff, he told Cramer in a Wednesday interview. "I used to think, 'The market's irrational.' This one I don't understand," Neidorff said on "Mad Money." "Every number was solid, no noise in the quarter, no noise in the year, executing superbly." Shares of Centene lost 1.03 percent overall in Wednesday's trading session. Part of the weakness could've been tied to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, the CEO said, citing his "policy, not politics" refrain. "We have all kinds of ideas and an active Washington office promoting things that are good public policy," he told Cramer. "It's all about access, high-quality care, lower cost. That's what we're focused on." Click here to watch Neidorff's full interview.

Ready for 5G?

Attendees look at 5G mobile phones at the Qualcomm stand during China Mobile Global Partner Conference 2018 at Poly World Trade Center Exhibition Hall in Guangzhou, China. VCG | Visual China Group | Getty Images

Five semiconductor companies are in a prime position to benefit from the rollout of 5G, the fifth generation of wireless communication that telecom companies are racing to implement, Cramer said Wednesday. "If you're a semiconductor company with 5G exposure, this is your moment," he said after Skyworks Solutions, an Apple supplier that fits that description, surged over 12 percent intraday after delivering its quarterly earnings results. Skyworks' surge was so strong that it lifted shares of other chipmakers involved in 5G, including Intel, Qualcomm, Broadcom, and Xilinx, all of which stand to benefit from the rise of 5G, Cramer said. And while he preferred the stock of Skyworks to its peers because of its low price tag and the company's focus on 5G, he said investors "can make the case for all five." Click here for his full analysis.

Short sellers cause a short squeeze

Snap cofounders Evan Spiegel (C) and Bobby Murphy ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with NYSE Group President Thomas Farley shortly before the company's IPO in New York, U.S., March 2, 2017. Lucas Jackson | Reuters

Wall Street received a boost from four unexpected stocks that managed to surprise on their earnings reports, Cramer said Wednesday. "Today we had a whole parade of short squeezes in Skyworks Solutions, The New York Times, Capri Holdings (that's the old Michael Kors), and even Snap," the "Mad Money" host said. "Together they helped stabilize a market that seemed that it was really going to head pretty low." Short sellers, who try to make a profit on declining equities by borrowing and selling them at a lower price, have targeted each of these stocks, he said. Snap, the parent of the Snapchat social media platform, surely made it hard for those betting against it after shares closed 22 percent higher Wednesday. Short sellers scrambled to make up for the unexpected result, which caused it to surge higher because of a shortage in shares to meet demand. Click here for his full analysis.

Buy into the future of retail?

Larry Page chief executive officer of Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc. Getty Images

Google parent Alphabet's stock is "a steal here" considering the internet giant's power in the burgeoning e-commerce industry, Cramer said Wednesday after the stock dropped 2.52 percent. "This was the quarter where we realized that you need to pay the piper to get sales on the internet, and in most cases, the piper is Alphabet's Google, hence its 22 percent revenue growth," the "Mad Money" host said. Cramer noted how many company executives have cited their direct-to-consumer businesses as areas of strength, a sign that companies like Alphabet are becoming increasingly important in driving revenue. He also called attention to how few people carry shopping bags these days on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, a well-known retail hub, which could mean consumers are browsing in store before buying products online. "Whenever you hear some executive say 'direct to consumer,' ... you should immediately think Facebook, Amazon and, most importantly, Google, because their ads are how you sell things directly to the consumer," he said. "If you're a retailer, you need to pay Google for advertising, just like you had to pay rent on Fifth Avenue in the old days. It's simply where all the shoppers are, which is why I like Google's parent, Alphabet, so much into today's pullback."

Lightning round: IDXX idea
Five semiconductor companies are in a prime position to benefit from the rollout of 5G, the fifth generation of wireless communication that telecom companies are racing to implement, CNBC's Jim Cramer said Wednesday.

"If you're a semiconductor company with 5G exposure, this is your moment," he said after Skyworks Solutions, an Apple supplier that fits that description, surged over 12 percent intraday after delivering its quarterly earnings results.

Skyworks' surge was so strong that it lifted shares of other chipmakers involved in 5G, including Intel, Qualcomm, Broadcom, and Xilinx, all of which stand to benefit from the rise of 5G, Cramer said on "Mad Money."

And while he preferred the stock of Skyworks to its peers because of its low price tag and the company's focus on 5G, he said investors "can make the case for all five."

Still, Cramer began with his case for Skyworks. While he didn't find its earnings results very impressive, he liked that the company finally managed to change the narrative around its 5G prospects. The CEO repeatedly cited "the shift to 5G" as a "tremendous catalyst" thanks to all the new connected devices that will need Skyworks' chips.

"No wonder Goldman Sachs upgraded the stock today, predicting that the business will bottom in the first quarter and arguing that the risk-reward here is too attractive to ignore. That's a gutsy call. Makes sense to me," the "Mad Money" host said. "Even after today's run, get this: Skyworks sells for less than 12 times next year's earnings [estimates], and I think there could be a long runway here."

People might think of Intel as a personal computer business, but the company's multi-year diversification efforts have made it a player in areas like autonomous driving, the internet of things and communications, Cramer said, citing his recent interview with now-permanent CEO Bob Swan in which he spoke about Intel's 5G opportunity.

"Now, Intel's had some real execution issues of late  their latest results and guidance were unambiguously bad, although the stock has now rebounded back to where it was trading before the quarter because investors figured the industry is about to bottom," Cramer explained. "With its 2.5 percent yield [and a] new CEO who is very energized, I think you could do a lot worse than Intel as a slow-and-steady way to play the 5G buildout."

Third up is communications technology giant Qualcomm, whose president believes that "virtually all 5G mobile devices launched in 2019" will be embedded with Qualcomm's 5G tech.

"If Qualcomm's 5G business was an independent company, it would be the obvious winner here," Cramer said, acknowledging that Qualcomm's stock has been under pressure of late because of the company's ongoing intellectual property dispute with Apple, its largest customer.

"I'm optimistic about Qualcomm's long-term prospects when it comes to 5G, but if you want to buy it, I recommend building a position gradually over time because you might get more weakness," the longtime stock-picker said.

Broadcom is another way investors can play the 5G buildout, though Cramer admitted that the sprawling chipmaker was "far from a pure play" on the next-gen network.

"My only hesitation here is that Broadcom has run so much," he said. "That said, the darned thing still, even after that rally, sells for just 10 times next year's earnings estimates, Hock Tan is a fabulous CEO and he's been buying back stock hand over fist. My view? Broadcom's terrific, but if you don't already own it, you might want to wait for a pullback to pull the trigger."

Last but not least is Xilinx, a programmable logic device maker that recently reported what Cramer saw as "one of the biggest blowouts" of this earnings season. He attributed the strength, in large part, to its 5G rollout efforts.

The "Mad Money" host's only qualm was Xilinx's overseas business lines. While they're still strong, Xilinx's China business  which accounts for roughly 25 percent of its total sales  poses a risk while the trade war continues, he said.

"I like the stock of Xilinx so much, ... I re-named my new rescue mutt Xilinx," Cramer said. "But if you're going to buy the stock at these levels, you need to understand that this is the high-risk, high-reward way to play 5G."

So investors have options if they want to try and profit from the rise of 5G. And even though telecommunications stocks might seem to be the best bets, stock-pickers shouldn't ignore the chipmakers that actually build the tech, Cramer argued.

"The 5G buildout has arrived and there are a host of semiconductor companies that are poised to benefit," he said. "At the moment, Skyworks is my favorite because it's so darned cheap and [CEO] Liam [Griffin] is such a good manager [that] they've finally got investors focused on the 5G future, but you can make the case for all five."
After years of struggling to compete with lower-cost Chinese counterparts, European telecommunications companies Nokia and Ericsson stand to win big from the U.S.-China trade war, CNBC's Jim Cramer argued Wednesday.

"These once-beleaguered companies now have a chance to win the race for 5G supremacy," he said on "Mad Money." "Their equipment might be more expensive than what the Chinese can make. Sometimes I think a lot of people would say it's even lower quality. Actually, I think the majority might say that. But you better believe neither Sweden nor Finland are pressuring their companies to spy on their customers."

Cramer's line of thinking stemmed from U.S. intelligence agencies' crackdown on Chinese telecom players Huawei and ZTE, which have both been accused of having close relationships with the Chinese government and using their hardware to spy on U.S. consumers.

The flood of damaging news reports about the two companies  including stories about the White House considering an executive order to ban U.S. companies from purchasing their products and the criminal charges filed against Huawei's chief financial officer  "hurts their ability to win new contracts," Cramer explained.

"That's where the opportunity comes in," he said. "If you're a telco carrier and you've been warned off of Huawei and ZTE, where are you going to go buy your 5G technology?"

Enter Nokia and Ericsson. After being "horrific underperformers" for years, their stocks have finally caught a two-pronged tailwind from their improving prospects in the 5G arena and the U.S. government's China crackdown, the "Mad Money" host said.

Which stock wins out? Cramer thought both companies' most recent earnings reports were solid, with Ericsson delivering strong sales and a bullish outlook for the year ahead and Nokia issuing good headline numbers. And even though Nokia's stock dropped on what some saw as weak outlook for the first half of 2019, Cramer didn't agree with the move.

"The truth is Nokia's stock soared higher when Ericsson posted good numbers the week before, and stocks that run up into earnings tend to sell off even on strong numbers. Now, Nokia's American shares are at $6.05, which, to me, is crazy," he said. "I prefer Nokia here, both because it's too cheap here and because it has a better portfolio of end-to-end solutions. I have not recommended Nokia since 1997."

So while the U.S.-China trade dispute might be a hindrance to some industries, the global telecom space seems to be breathing a sigh of relief, Cramer concluded.

"For years, Nokia and Ericsson have been steamrolled by Huawei and ZTE. That's over. Now, the U.S. government is doing everything it can to keep these companies out of 5G wireless, not just here, but worldwide, and that is a huge opportunity for Nokia and Ericsson," he said. "I think they both work, although I do prefer Nokia, and I bet both stocks will get more attractive as our government keeps ratcheting up the pressure on well, our allies, to not use anything from these Chinese companies. Let's be honest: convincing Europe to buy European? It isn't really all that tough a sell."
Yelp has hired Evercore to help defend itself from activist investor SQN, who last month called for a board skake-up and potential sale of the company.

SQN says Yelp has missed investor expectations in 12 of the last 19 quarters.

The hedge fund has urged shareholders to replace three of Yelp's eight directors when they come up for re-election this year.

Alex Sherman

Yelp, the review site for restaurants and local businesses, has hired Evercore to help defend the company against an activist investor, who recently called for a board shake-up and potential sale, according to people familiar with the matter.

Hedge fund manager SQN, which owns 4 percent of Yelp shares, released a presentation on Jan. 16, about the company's "significant underperformance," and said that based on its own research "an immediate sale to a private equity firm could yield a $47 to $50 stock price." The shares are currently trading at $37.59.

Yelp co-founder and CEO Jeremy Stoppelman and the board have now tapped Evercore to work with the company and explore the market, but the bank hasn't started running a sales process, said the people, who asked not to be named because the matter is confidential. At the current market valuation of over $3 billion, there are few, if any, "credible buyers," one of the people said.

Representatives from Yelp and Evercore declined to comment.

SQN's report suggests that the company is worth $4 billion or more. But SQN, a technology-focused hedge fund with more than $1.1 billion in assets, is a virtual unknown in the world of activist investing, where Carl Icahn, Bill Ackman and Daniel Loeb are among the most recognizable and influential players. Yelp is SQN's first activist investment.

Yelp has struggled to fend off competition from Google, which is both the largest search engine and a rival in the reviews market. Google reviews and Instagram photos of food and restaurants have given consumers new ways to find recommendations for restaurants.

Yelp has also lagged behind other companies that offer tools and technology to measure the effectiveness of ad spend, and has failed to keep up with Google's local discovery features, SQN claimed in its investor presentation.

Shares of Yelp have plunged by more than half over the past five years and are down 15 percent in the past 12 months. SQN said that Yelp has underperformed the Russell 2000 Technology Index by 117 percent and its own peer group by about 74 percent over the last half-decade.

Yelp has been on the M&A market in the past. The company hired Goldman Sachs to run a sales process in 2015. That effort ended when Stoppelman decided not to move forward despite having several interested buyers, people familiar with the matter said at the time.

The Evercore-led process could end up with the company looking for a buyer, especially if Yelp shares were to fall, sources told CNBC. Yelp hasn't made any decisions about selling this time around, the people said.

SQN said in an email to CNBC that it knows of "multiple buyers" that would be interested in buying Yelp.

Here's the firm's full statement.

As we made clear in our detailed presentation released in January, SQN believes there are multiple pathways to significant value creation at Yelp, including through the company remaining public and implementing our recommendations, or through a sale of the company to a large universe of private or strategic buyers. We are unclear on how anyone could credibly state that potential buyers don't exist without having run a fulsome strategic process. As we've previously stated, we know of multiple buyers who would be interested, and we believe these potential acquirers would be eager to participate in such a process.

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Clinton, IA (52732)

Today

Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low 59F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch..

Tonight

Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low 59F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
The people of Iran were again subjected June 18 to the farce that befalls them every four years, when the Islamist regime calls for mass participation in its presidential election. Ten hours after the polls opened, a CBS News team in Tehran reported that less than 25% of eligible voters had bothered to turn out, providing early confirmation of what was widely suspected before the ballot  that Iranians at large would shun the risible attempt of their rulers to persuade the outside world that their corrupt, bloodstained theocracy is a respectable form of government.
COLUMBUS, OhioThe company that handles warehousing and distribution of Ohio Lottery instant tickets claims in a court filing that the state illegally awarded the work to another company using a flawed bidding process that included a secret rule and a biased evaluator.

Intralot, Inc., a Greek company which has had a Lottery work contract worth an estimated $5.5 million per year when it was first awarded in 2009, is challenging the Ohio Department of Administrative Services decision in 2017 to give the contract to the only other bidder: Scientific Games Corporation of Las Vegas.

In court briefs, Intralot states that DAS disqualified its bid because it didnt meet the departments secret 60 percent rule, under which it automatically disqualifies any bids that dont get at least 60 percent of possible points awarded during the review process for things like cost, technical qualifications, and whether the business is minority-owned.

Intralot alleges the reason it fell short of the 60-percent threshold was because one of the evaluators, Ron Fornaro, had a longstanding relationship with Scientific Games and gave Intralot poor grades even though he refused to participate in much of the process.

Intralot noted that the Lottery gave it satisfactory to excellent reviews during the years it had the contract.

In its reply brief, DAS stated that Fornaro was excluded from the evaluation and scoring parts of the process that he didnt participate in. There is no evidence, much less clear and convincing evidence, to indicate that the committee members acted in a biased manner that adversely affected Interlot, the departments brief stated.

A DAS employee who participated in the review process, Jennifer Schaefer, testified that the 60 percent rule was purposely not told to prospective bidders and evaluators, so that companies dont submit proposals that meet bare minimum requirements and so evaluators dont give artificially high scores to push a certain bid past the threshold.

Intralot filed suit against DAS in 2017 and sought a preliminary injunction to delay awarding the contract to Scientific Games. While a state appeals court held the lawsuit could proceed, it rejected the preliminary injunction, holding that Scientific Games score was so much higher than Intralots that it would have won the contract even without the 60-percent rule.

Another twist in the case came earlier this week. Intralot claimed in a new court filing that last November, while this court battle was playing out, DAS allowed Scientific Games to alter its warehousing and staffing proposals without any evaluation or review. In other words, Intralots brief stated, DAS has effectively permitted Scientific Games to submit an entirely new proposal without having to face any competition.

Such an allegation follows reports that, in other cases, DAS engaged in contract-rigging and improperly awarded no-bid contracts.

Spokespeople for DAS and Scientific Games each declined to speak to cleveland.com about the lawsuit on the grounds that they have a policy not to comment on pending litigation.

An email sent Wednesday to Intralot seeking comment was not returned. The Ohio Lotterys communications department didnt answer phone calls Thursday, and its voicemail was full.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday voted along party lines to approve President Donald Trumps nominations of Ohio Solicitor General Eric Murphy and former Acting Assistant U.S. Attorney General Chad Readler to lifetime judicial appointments on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Democrats including Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown said stances the pair took in past litigation should disqualify them from judgeships. Murphy drew fire for arguing the state of Ohios position on issues including its procedures for purging inactive voters from its rolls and its ban on gay marriages.

Readler signed briefs that challenged the legality of the Affordable Care Acts protection of Americans with pre-existing medical conditions, and defended controversial Trump administration immigration policies including separation of undocumented immigrant children from their parents. Brown also objected to Readlers role as an advocate for public charter schools in Ohio.

They have a proven record of fighting to strip Ohioans of their rights, Brown told reporters on Wednesday.

In an October confirmation hearing, the pair told the Senate Judiciary Committee they were merely arguing their clients positions in controversial cases. Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman endorsed them, saying both had very distinguished public service careers.

U.S. Senate considers controversial Ohio nominees for federal judgeships

Mr. Murphy and Mr. Readler are both well-qualified, Portman said in October. They both have argued and won cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and numerous lower courts. They both clerked for Circuit Court judges, which gives them unique insights into the roles theyd be asked to take on should they be confirmed.

The Judiciary Committee approved their nominations in 12-10 votes, with approval from all the committees Republicans and disapproval from all its Democrats.

The committee unanimously signed off on two other Ohio judicial nominees who were less controversial: Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Pamela A. Barker, to be a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio, and Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation Administrator Sarah Daggett Morrison, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio.

Brown had described them as two very qualified, experienced and well-respected nominees, and said their nominations proved that Democrats and Republicans could find consensus on judicial nominees.

A fifth Ohio nominee - University of Akron professor Ryan T. Holte - got the committees approval to be a U.S. Court of Federal Claims judge in a 15 to 7 vote.

All five nominations will proceed to the Senate floor, where theyre likely to be approved. A Brown spokeswoman said hell continue to oppose Readler and Murphy when the full Senate considers the matter.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Democratic presidential hopeful Sherrod Brown on Thursday unveiled a legislative package aimed at reducing the high cost of prescription drugs. It would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate drug prices for people on Medicare and give other companies the ability to produce generic versions of medications if the initial drug company wont negotiate in good faith.

The purpose of medicine is to help people, not to line the pockets of Big Pharma executives," said a statement from Brown, Ohios senior senator, who is introducing the Medicare Negotiation and Competitive Licensing Act with Democrats Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin. "Our bill would call Big Pharmas bluff and demand prescription drug companies offer fair prices, or be boxed out.

Brown says drug companies have threatened to refuse to sell drugs to people on Medicare if they were forced to negotiate, as they currently do with the Veterans Administration. Although his bill currently lacks Republican sponsors, Brown predicted its passage by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives will pressure Republicans who lead the Senate to reassess their allegiance to the drug industry and pass it.

The bills main sponsor in the U.S. House of Representatives, Texas Democrat Lloyd Doggett, said that when the Medicare prescription drug benefit was established during the presidency of Republican George W. Bush, pharmaceutical manufacturers successfully lobbied to block the government from negotiating lower prices. Meanwhile, he said taxpayers foot much of the bills to research and develop new medications.

While there is no wonder drug to eliminate price gouging, we put patients first to ensure that only their health and security is nonnegotiable," said a statement from Doggett. "We call on President Trump to follow the advice of Candidate Trump, by saving billions through bidding.

Another of the bills Democratic House sponsors, Vermonts Peter Welch, says he discussed the idea of negotiating prescription drug prices with Trump in 2017, when Thomas Price was Secretary of Health and Human Services. According to Welch, Price told Trump that Republicans had opposed the idea of negotiations because they considered it to be price fixing.

There is price fixing, said Welch. It is what Pharma does every single day. They are holding hostage the desire all of us have for people we love and ourselves to have life extension and pain relief. The reason is, we let them do it."

Brown also announced that hes re-introducing previously proposed legislation that would require drug companies to report price increases to the government and justify them. Under the bill he authored with another Democratic presidential aspirant - New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand - drug companies that cant justify their price increases would face financial penalties proportionate to the price spike.

We must stand up to pharmaceutical companies that are more worried about lining their own pockets and bolstering profits for Wall Street investors than making sure patients can access the life-saving medications they produce, said a statement from Toledo Democrat Marcy. Kaptur, who is introducing the House of Representatives counterpart of that bill with Wisconsin Democrat Mark Pocan. As policymakers, we must shine a light on price gouging. The predatory pricing practice must stop. The health and well-being of millions of Americans depends on it.

Any revenues collected through the Stop Price Gouging Act would be reinvested in future drug research and development at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Congress members said.

A White House official acknowledged that drug prices are unacceptably high, and said President Trump has proposed a number of bold reforms, with more in the works.

"When it comes to legislation, we are always eager to work with the Congress on ideas that put American patients first: their safety, their wallets, and their access to the cures of the future, the White House official said.

A spokesperson for the PhRMA drug manufacturing trade group said Browns legislation would jeopardize patient access to medicines by reducing choice and restricting coverage. By nullifying manufacturers patents, it would gut incentives for future innovative research and undermine the intellectual property system that is the backbone of American innovation," mirroring the playbook of countries that dont respect the rule of law, not leaders in innovative research like the United States," the spokesperson said

Instead, we should pursue effective policy solutions that improve affordability and predictability for seniors and encourage competition and the development of new innovations that meet patients needs, said the PhRMA representative.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  In the Roman Catholic Church, only men can be priests. But Catholic bishops worldwide have called for more women in church decision-making roles  a move already happening in many Northeast Ohio parishes, women say.

I would say 70 percent of our ecclesial positions are held by women, and I am confident their thoughts are reflected in parish decisions, said Mimi Thompson, 69, of Medinas St. Francis Xavier parish. But that is just my parish, so I think its good to have this set forth as an over-all goal of the Church.

The call to involve more women was part of the final document of the month-long October Roman Catholic Synod on "Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment.

Women at the Vatican chanted, Knock knock! Whos there? More than half the Church!"

But women here arent necessarily pushing for more power.

Brianne Thome, 29, of Old Brooklyn's Mary Queen of Peace, sees different roles for men and women as not only appropriate, but based firmly on scripture and Church catechism.

"Just because roles are different, that does not imply inferiority," she said. "Equality does not mean sameness."

Cleveland.com interviewed six active Catholic women about their thoughts on men, women, the priesthood and ecclesial employees, who work alongside the dwindling number of ordained male priests and deacons serving the needs of the more than 667,000 Northeast Ohio Catholics.

Women are parish directors of liturgy and music, catechetical leaders, school principals, and campus and hospital ministries. Set in place after the Second Vatican Council, there are now almost 31,000 paid ecclesial positions in the United States, 80 percent of them filled by women.

Meghan Rieth, 33, of St. Ambrose parish in Brunswick feels that women can offer fresh perspectives, and can also stand as a safeguard against a misuse of power among priests.

But theres no move to allow women to be priests. Even though Lori Rodgers, 58, of Holy Martyrs parish, believes that if Jesus were alive today, he would want the best and brightest for any vocations.

"Until every role is open to all," said Barb McCoy of St. Augustine parish in Barberton, "there is probably always going to be a patriarchy."

While this may frustrate some Catholic women, those interviewed bycleveland.com arent forcing the issue.

I might agree or disagree with one stance, Rieth said, but one stance is not a deal breaker. The church, the foundation, is more than one issue for me -- and that will not change.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Cleveland is the No. 1 city in America in which to become a U.S. citizen, with the nations shortest average processing time, among the highest rates of clearing its backlog, and the most efficient U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office, according to a just-released study by Boundless Immigration.

Relative to other metro areas, Cleveland  at 95 points  is as good as it gets across all of these weighted factors, and it earns the No. 1 spot on the index, said Boundless Immigration, a Seattle technology company that helps families navigate the immigration process and apply for green cards and citizenship.

In comparing how eligible immigrants across the U.S. become naturalized, Boundless Immigration ranked 103 major metropolitan areas and 86 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field offices according to three major barriers to citizenship, using Department of Homeland Security and other federal data.

Cleveland came out on top of both its lists: the Best (and Worst) Cities to Become a U.S. Citizen, and the Best (and Worst) Field Offices to Become a U.S. Citizen. While it takes an average of only four months to process an application for citizenship in Cleveland  the shortest wait time in the country  the average waiting period nationally is more than twice that at 10 months.

At the other end of its ranking, in comparison, immigrants applying for citizenship in Houston have to wait an average of 17.3 months, in a USCIS field office with a backlog completion rate of only 35 percent, among the nations worst. The only city where immigrants would fare worse is Austin  because theyll have to go through the same struggling field office in Houston, but travel 80 miles to get there as there is no office in Austin, the study said.

Xiao Wang, co-founder and CEO of Boundless Immigration, said the intent of the study was to demystify a process that to applicants is often a very frightening and terrifying experience, a fear of not knowing if youre doing it right.

By gathering data across government agencies and putting it into terms applicants can understand, we wanted to shine more light on this process, he said. There is a significant difference across geography, across cities and across field offices.

Immigration attorney Margaret Wong, president and managing partner of Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC, said the idea that Cleveland has the nations shortest average processing time is absolutely true. Cleveland, which used to have one of the lower rankings in terms of USCIS efficiency, has improved under new leadership, she said.

Our clients and us lawyers dont have to wait for hours in the waiting room for our turn to be called and then see the officers taking their breaks and-or [at] lunch, she said. U.S. citizenship applications are taking only weeks to be fingerprinted and called in for interviews with decisions issued faster. Their approval rates are not high but at least their reasoning is reasonable. Our applications for green cards are also being called for interviews at record time, which is good, because it means foreign-born immigrants can get faster approvals for jobs or to visit their families, she said.

Boundless Immigration points out that if the 9 million lawful permanent residents (also called green card holders) eligible to become citizens actually did so, they could get hired for better-paying jobs and increase their annual incomes by 8 percent to 11 percent by demonstrating to employers a long-term commitment to live and work in the United States.

The path to citizenship, however, is longer and more complicated than it has ever been. On top of the costly application fees and required tests in English and civics, processing times have doubled since 2016 and are expected to increase, because the governments ability to clear its backlog of applications is at its lowest point in years. On top of that, the likelihood of people being approved for citizenship varies according to where they live, and more applicants than ever are being denied.

There is immense variation by location, the study says. Immigrants in some cities are encountering minimal backlogs, short wait times, and convenient locations for the citizenship interview, while immigrants in other cities face large backlogs, long (even outrageous) wait times, and an interview location over 100 miles away.

On a third list, Which Cities Are Producing the Most New American Citizens, the Greater Cleveland area ranks No. 10, with 13.3 percent of its immigrants eligible for citizenship approved in 2017.

On that chart, Columbus ranks No. 1, having approved 20.6 percent of its eligible immigrants, and Greater Cincinnati is No. 2, with a 16.8 percent citizenship approval rate.

Joe Cimperman, president of Global Cleveland, said: This ranking is a big deal, as it speaks to the great work of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services office and its awesome staff in Cleveland. As anyone who has naturalized in Cleveland knows, Global Cleveland has been at every single ceremony since May 2016, four naturalizations a month every month.

Naturalization is so important. Peoples rates of job promotion increase, there is more access to financing for entrepreneurs and new business start-ups for those who naturalize, and the chances of someone staying in the community in which they naturalize rise exponentially, he added.

Cleveland is ranked this way because we do welcome well, peoples applications are processed quickly, and each year we welcome close to 3,000 people who made the choice to become new citizens. I think they choose to naturalize because Cleveland is the best American warm welcome there is, he said.
DAYTON, Ohio  A man involved in an 11-hour standoff at a home in which he exchanged gunfire with police used two young children as shields, according to reports.

No one was injured during the standoff and the suspect eventually surrendered Wednesday morning.

The standoff started late Tuesday night after police responded to the home because of reports of a domestic disturbance, the Dayton Daily News reports.

WDTN Channel 2 reports the 57-year-old suspect, armed with possibly two rifles, including a sniper rifle, and a handgun, immediately opened fire on officers when they arrived. Officers returned fire but stopped when they saw the suspect holding the two children, ages 2 years and 8 months old.

The children were actually placed up in front of the suspect at times, when he would come to a window or door," said Dayton police Major Joe Wiesman, according to ABC 22. "We believe that was done to prevent officers from trying to, you know, fire on him or do what was necessary.

A SWAT unit and a robot were brought to the home as police tried to get the suspect to surrender.

Several homes in the neighborhood were evacuated before the suspect finally surrendered at about 9 a.m. Wednesday. The children were not injured and were turned over to their mother.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio  A 28-year-old man was killed and three other men injured in a shooting inside a home in Clevelands Clark-Fulton neighborhood, police said.

Two others an 18-year-old man and a 32-year-old man are in critical condition and a 33-year-old man in serious condition, according to police.

Police have not yet released many details about the shooting or if any arrests have been made.

The shooting happened about 10 p.m. inside a home on Roehl Avenue between West 33rd Street and Fulton Road.

Someone called 911 from inside the home and said several people had been shot, according to police dispatch reports.

The person gave the address of the shooting and dispatchers noted it sounded like there was fighting in the background and that it appeared someone took the phone from the caller and hung up.

Dispatchers called the number back and no one picked up, the dispatch reports say.

Another person called back from the home screaming for help. Fighting could still be heard in the background of the call and a caller told the dispatcher he couldnt move, the report says. A third call came in and someone told the dispatchers: Theyre killing my friends, the report says.

Officers arrived and found four people shot, including the 18-year-old man from Berea who told officers others were injured inside the home, including the man who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The officers also found a gun inside the home, according to dispatch reports. The dispatch report notes that one of the men who was inured in the shooting has a history of drug abuse, and court records show he has been convicted several times of drug trafficking and possession.

Police reports also said officers seized drugs from the home, but the records do not say what drugs were found.

Two cars  a Mazda and a Volvo  were towed from the scene in order for police to search for evidence.

A man told investigators that a woman lives at the home, but was out of town at the time of the shooting, according to the dispatch records.

Officers reported chaotic scenes at both the home and MetroHealth after the victims family members showed up, dispatch reports say.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio  One year ago, few people outside the Cuyahoga County jails knew of any problems behind the bars, in part because state inspectors routinely gave the county facilities passing grades.

That changed on May 22, when a County Council committee heard testimony about a health-care crisis at the jails: a severe shortage of nurses, an inability to hire more nurses and conflicts between the jail director and the medical staff.

Im not sure everybody understands how serious this issue is, Council President Dan Brady said in the hour-long hearing. It is not a line item [in a budget] somewhere. It is really a life-and-death situation that, if not handled properly, could lead to very big trouble.

Bradys assessment would prove prophetic. Three weeks after the hearing, an inmate died. Over the next seven months, seven others died. And in November, the U.S. Marshals Service released findings of inhumane treatment of inmates at the jails.

In light of the inmate deaths and the scathing review of the jails by the Marshals Service, cleveland.com reviewed a video recording of the committee meeting to learn how county officials reacted. Here is what we found:

Why was the hearing called?

The hearing was convened because Ken Mills, who was jail director at the time, had made an emergency request to hire temporary nurses for a recently opened satellite jail in Bedford Heights.

Mills said the county had tried to hire permanent nurses, but candidates fell through at the last moment. Mills and Gary Brack, the director of ambulatory care at the jail, attributed the problem to the countys low hourly pay for nurses.

Brady asked why Mills had waited until after the Bedford Heights jail opened to remedy the problems with nursing.

How in the world did we get in a place where we have to come in and ask for an emergency allocation for something that weve known for months and months and months that we were going to do? Brady asked.

Brady and Committee Chairman Michael Gallagher criticized Mills and others in the administration of County Executive Armond Budish for opening the satellite jail before they had enough nurses.

We cant do business this way, Brady said. We certainly cant put ourselves out [there] as someone whos offering a service and not be able to offer it.

Mills said the county had just started looking into the nursing issue, though he acknowledged that the main jail in the downtown Justice Center had lacked enough nurses for awhile.

Who said what about the shortage?

Maggie Keenan, director of the countys Office of Budget and Management, told council members that Budish had recently approved a pay increase to alleviate the nursing shortage.

Weve done the financial analysis, Keenan said. Weve had all the approvals for over a month now.

Jane Platten, chief of staff at the MetroHealth System, told council members that MetroHealth had requested that the county hire more jail nurses, but Mills and other county officials denied the requests.

MetroHealth oversees health care at the jails, providing doctors, a psychiatrist and pharmacy services. But the county runs nursing at the jails.

Platten said money seemed to be the reason why the county and Mills refused to bring on more nurses.

It was budgetary potentially, she said. Often those recommendations have been denied because theres a conversation of are we over-staffing a medical clinic for a correction facility or not.

During the hearing, Mills said he had not blocked the hiring of more nurses. (He was indicted Jan. 19 as part of the ongoing county corruption probe in which prosecutors accuse him of lying about his role in the blocking of hiring nurses. Mills has pleaded not guilty.)

What were the conflicts?

Brack, a MetroHealth employee who served as the jails ambulatory care director, told council members that conflicts arose between Mills and MetroHealth staff at the jails.

The [jail] medical director is kind of told what to do by Ken Mills, where it should be the medical director from MetroHealth making these decisions [because] they affect the inmates health, Brack said.

Platten said the disconnect could likely be fixed by letting MetroHealth take over nursing operations.

I think operationally, obviously it would be a much more seamless operation, she said.

Council members seemed supportive. Really, wouldnt it be wise to have Metro come in and run this show? Gallagher asked.

The committee chair warned that the county needed to resolve the health-care issues to avoid costly litigation in the future.

Thatll cost this county multiple millions of dollars, he said. We want to avoid that.

Who did what after the meeting?

Budish didnt attend the meeting, but he was aware of what Brack had to say about Mills.

The next day, Budish went to MetroHealths CEO, Dr. Akram Boutros, and demanded that Brack be removed from his position at the jail.

Being a contracted service provider to the county, which controls county corrections property and operations, MetroHealth was required to comply with the countys demand, states a MetroHealth document that was provided by the county to cleveland.com.

The document also stated that Brack violated hospital policy during meeting when he spoke against Mills personally.

Mr. Bracks unprofessional and personally offensive conduct caused immediate damage to MetroHealths relationship with Cuyahoga County, the document says.

Brack was removed from the jail and is no longer employed by MetroHealth. He was subsequently subpoenaed to testify in December before the Cuyahoga County grand jury investigating corruption in county government.

The week after Bracks ouster, Budish spoke with Brandy Carney, the countys soon-to-be chief safety and protection officer, according to an email obtained by cleveland.com through a public records request.

Carney sent an email to Sheriff Cliff Pinkney on June 4 saying that Budish told her that he wanted Pinkney to write a letter to the countys judges to ease concerns about jail health care.

Armond wants the letter to come from you, Carney said in the email. The main message he would like to relay is that there is no crisis (following some of the rumors, media stories and even Council meeting) from last week, the email states.

Carney also provided several bullet points about nursing staff levels that Budish wanted Pinkney to include in the letter.

Pinkney responded to Carney via email that he had strong concerns. Pinkney said Wednesday that he never sent the letter.

Brady sent a letter to Budish that same week that said council would provide whatever money was needed to raise nurse wages and end understaffing. Budish replied that his administration had already authorized the extra expenses.

But the administration did not raise the wages. An administration official later explained that a wage study showed the countys existing pay levels for nurses was adequate.

At the May committee hearing, the sheriffs fiscal manager had told council members that the countys pay for jail nurses was $6 to $7 an hour below industry standards.

Because of media coverage of the May committee hearing, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction also conducted a special review of the jails health-care operations.

The inspector, Joel Commins, sent a letter to Mills stating that the jail was compliant with many Ohio Jail Standards related to the health-care problems cited at the meeting. Commins did fault the county for failing to provide required medical assessments of inmates in required timeframes.

By the time Mills received the inspectors letter on July 30, three inmates had died.

What was the countys reaction?

During the remainder of the summer, the county continued to talk with other communities about taking over their jails as part of the Budish administrations jail regionalization efforts.

In August, three more inmates died.

On the October day of the seventh inmate death, Budish said that the countys jail regionalization efforts would be put on hold.

He then asked the U.S. Marshals Service to inspect the jails, and told cleveland.com that the county would begin hiring nurses and corrections officers to address understaffing.

The marshals report was made public nearly two months later on Nov. 21, and painted a dire picture of conditions in the jail, including crowded and unsanitary conditions and the mistreatment of inmates.

It took another month for Budishs administration to reach and fund an agreement with the American Correctional Association to recommend changes to jail operations. The association is expected to complete that process by late April.

An eighth inmate died in December.

In January, Budish announced that MetroHealth would take over all jail health care operations health.

As of Feb. 6, a formal agreement had not been reached by the county and MetroHealth. The deal is expected to add 32 extra staff positions at a cost of about $6 million per year.

Thats about $2.1 million more than the county spent on nursing in 2018.
AKRON, Ohio  A man and woman were wounded while sitting in their vehicles during separate shootings Tuesday night, police say.

The first shooting occurred at about 5 p.m. at the intersection of Ericsson Avenue and South Arlington Street, which is just west of Akron Fulton International Airport.

According to police, the 23-year-old victim says he was sitting in his vehicle at the intersection when the shots were fired. The man was hit in the right arm and his vehicle, an Oldsmobile Alero, was hit three times.

The victim was in stable condition at Akron City Hospital, police say.

The second shooting occurred near the intersection of Manchester Road and Kenmore Boulevard between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., police say.

The 34-year-old female victim tells police she was sitting in her 2009 Dodge Journey when two suspects opened fire, shooting out the back window and grazing her in the shoulder.

The woman drove to the 800 block of Princeton Street in downtown Akron, where she was spotted by officers who noticed she was in distress. She was treated on the scene by EMS workers.

Neither victim was able to give a description of the suspects or their vehicles, police say.

Anyone with information can contact detectives at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2TIP, or the Summit County Crimestoppers Inc. at 330-434-COPS. Tips also can be sent by text to TIPSCO at 274637 (Crimes). Callers can remain anonymous.

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LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Coffee lovers will be happy to learn Starbucks has announced its first Lakewood location taking over the existing Burger King building at 15027 Detroit Ave.

"Starbucks is always looking for great locations to better meet the needs of our customers," said a Starbucks spokesperson. "We're happy to confirm that we will be opening a new location in Lakewood this summer.

"This new store will offer a drive-thru option for customers and will employ approximately 20 employees."

Next week Starbucks is expected to present its site plan and proposed building modifications to the Architectural Board of Review.

Lakewood Mayor Mike Summers said the notion of Starbucks replacing Burger King in the city center is an intriguing development.

"I welcome Starbuck's interest and commitment," Summers said. "Starbucks does not make such commitments lightly. I believe this is a continued sign of the vibrancy of our community.

"Lakewood has over 170 food establishments, and very few are chain restaurants. I believe this is also a positive sign of our community's enthusiasm for supporting independent businesses."

Lakewood Director of Planning and Development Bryce Sylvester echoed the same sentiment indicating not only the strength of the retail sector in the downtown district but also across the community.

"Starbucks had been looking around to locate in Lakewood for the last couple of years and then found a location that made the most sense for them," Sylvester said.

"From our perspective, it's almost less about the tenant and more about the improvements that they're proposing to make to the property -- new windows, improved site lighting, an outdoor patio and expanded use of bike racks in the downtown district."
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Cleveland Heights police are asking for the publics help finding the boyfriend of a woman who was found dead under suspicious circumstances in her apartment last month.

Police believe Oscar Allen, Jr., 35, might have information about the death of 33-year-old Crystal Smith since he was in the apartment the night she died, Chief Annette Mecklenburg said.

Smiths 14-year-old son found her dead in her bed Jan. 22 at their apartment on the 2500 block of Noble Road, according to police.

In the 911 call, Smiths son reported she was not breathing, her arm was stiff, she had blood on her face and was covered in bruises. The boys younger siblings are heard crying in the background.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office has not yet determined a cause of death, according to CCMEO spokesman Christopher Harris.

Preliminary investigation suggests there are suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Ms. Smith but no signs of trauma, Mecklenburg said previously.

Detectives want to speak with Allen about Smiths death, police said Wednesday in a Facebook post.

Allen has active warrants for probation violation and stealing Smiths vehicle, police said.

Investigators learned Allen was in the apartment the night Smith died and left during the night in her vehicle, Mecklenburg said. The vehicle was found in Lake County.

Since he was reported to be in the apartment near or possibly at the time of her death, we would like to speak with him about what occurred, Mecklenburg said.

Anyone with information about Allens whereabouts is asked to contact Cleveland Heights police at 216-321-1234 or Cuyahoga County CrimeStoppers at 216-252-7463. Tips can also be submitted on their website.

CrimeStoppers are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to Allens arrest. Tips can be submitted anonymously.

The Cleveland Heights Police Department is attempting to locate the male pictured below, 35 year old Oscar Allen Jr., in... Posted by Cleveland Heights Police on Wednesday, February 6, 2019

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CLEVELAND, Ohio  Six Ohio residents, including a businessman who owned reproductions of the Batmobile, the Back to the Future DeLorean and the Ghostbusters car, were indicted by a federal grand jury in a scheme to improperly bill Medicaid for more than $48 million.

The U.S. Attorneys Office says Ryan Sheridan and five others conspired to commit health care fraud in doing work for Braking Point Recovery Center, a for-profit company that provided detox, outpatient treatment, day treatment and sober living services.

Federal authorities arrested Sheridan, who lives in Leetonia, on Thursday, one day after the grand jury handed up its indictment. He is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, and a detention hearing is set for Feb. 12.

Sheridan, a 38-year-old flashy businessman and developer, has made a name for himself in the Mahoning Valley. He was known for his collection of automobiles, which included replicas of cars featured in popular movies. Federal authorities seized them last year and now are seeking their forfeiture, along with five other cars, nearly $3 million and property.

He also has a pending drug case in Columbiana County.

Also charged are Ryan Sheridans ex-wife Jennifer Sheridan, 40, of Austintown; Kortney Gherardi, 29, of Girard; Lisa Pertee, 50, of Sunbury; Dr. Thomas Bailey, 44, of Poland, and Dr. Arthur Smith, 54, of Austintown.

All six are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Other charges include health care fraud, money laundering, operating a drug premises, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and use of a registration number issued to another to obtain controlled substances.

Braking Point had facilities in Austintown and Whitehall, near Columbus. The Ohio Department of Medicaid stopped paying claims from the company in October 2017, around the time the FBI executed its first set of search warrants. The company no longer provides addiction treatment.

Ryan Sheridan was the sole owner of Braking Point, along with other businesses. One was for sober living houses, prosecutors say.

The defendants sent Medicaid 134,744 reimbursement claims between May 2015 and October 2017, often for services that were more expensive than ones Braking Point staff actually provided. The claims were for more than $48.5 million in services it claimed to provide, and Medicaid paid out more than $31 million as a result, according to prosecutors.

Federal prosecutors say the documentation the facility provided to Medicaid was often for services that werent provided or werent medically necessary. Other claims lacked proper documentation or had other issues that rendered them ineligible for reimbursement, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The Sheridans, Gherardi, Bailey and Smith also developed a standard of giving the same amount of Suboxone, a drug used to wean addicts off of more heroin and other powerful opiates, to all clients as soon as they entered Braking Points detox program, according to the news release. This happened without a doctor evaluating whether it was medically necessary to use Suboxone.

Bailey, Gherardi and the Sheridans used Smiths DEA data waiver license to dole out more than 3,000 doses of Suboxone in 2017, even though Smith never saw the patients. While Smith said he was the company medical director, he only was there about twice a month, authorities say.

Ryan Sheridan used money he made from his health care fraud schemes to make numerous purchases, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Thomas Dailey, a former executive for Braking Point, died in July 2017 of an accidental overdose. The Trumbull County Coroner found fentanyl, heroin and cocaine in Daileys system after he was found dead in a motel in Warren, according to WFMJ-TV.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio  A North Royalton contractor is charged with paying bribes to a former Cleveland official, as part of an expanding federal probe into corruption within the citys demolition operations.

A federal grand jury indicted ABC Construction owner Martin Fano Wednesday on seven counts of honest services mail and wire fraud. The U.S. Attorneys Office said in a statement that the 69 year old paid cash bribes to Rufus Taylor, then the citys demolition bureau chief.

Fano bribed Taylor between June 2016 and January 2017 so the city would provide quick inspections of his companys work and get more immediate access to signed permits for his jobs, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. This allowed him to garner faster payments for demolition jobs, according to a news release.

The case centers on two demolition jobs ABC Construction did for on East 72nd Street and Marshall Avenue for the Cuyahoga County Land Bank in 2016. Charging documents detail three instances in which authorities say Fano gave Taylor a combined $460.

Fano declined to discuss the case when contacted Thursday and said he would have his attorney call a cleveland.com reporter. His attorney James Lynch said his client would plead not guilty and fight the charges.

Lynch said Fano paid nobody bribes but declined to discuss the case any further.

Taylor pleaded guilty Sept. 4 to extortion and bribery in a federally funded program. He admitted to taking thousands of dollars from two contractors and gave them preferential treatment for government-funded demolition and abatement projects. He has yet to be sentenced.

Fano is the second contractor charged as part of an investigation being led by the FBI. Eric Witherspoon, the head of Aricks Environmental Services and Aricks Services, is accused of paying Taylor cash bribes exchange for confidential information and preferential treatment for city jobs.

Witherspoon has pleaded not guilty.

U.S. Attorneys Office spokesman Mike Tobin said the case remains under investigation. A grand jury subpoena issued July 26 by the U.S. Attorneys Office and the IRS sought records pertaining to Joseph and Gwen Tucceri, as well as companies affiliated with the Lake County couple.

The Tucceris have not been charged.

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Thursdays crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  City officials declined Wednesday to provide details about another security breach at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, including how quickly security responded to the breach.

Dan Williams, a spokesman for Mayor Frank Jackson, cited an ongoing investigation for refusing to elaborate on reports of a man crashing a car through a perimeter fence Sunday and onto the Hopkins airfield.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, the driver crashed the car through the fence at 2:51 a.m. and then into a snowbank.

Dispatchers were called about the incident at 3:47 a.m., police reports show.

A ticket issued to 26-year-old Daniel Allen is time stamped for 4:22 a.m. Allen is charged with fifth-degree felony vandalism, drunken driving and driving without a valid license, both first first-degree misdemeanor.

A report from Cleveland polices airport officers was not immediately available.

Further investigation is in the hands of the city, which ultimately is responsible for the airport security plan, according TSAs Mark Howell.

The security breach is the second at Hopkins in four months. The city has refused to make public details of its investigation into the October breach, which involved two of Jacksons top administrators.

Sources told cleveland.com that the Oct. 25 breach involved then-Assistant Airport Director Fred Szabo helping the mayors chief of operations, Darnell Brown, bypass TSA screening as Brown was preparing to board a plane.

By bypassing TSA, Brown boarded a commercial flight with an electronic device that had not been subjected to screening.

Szabo and Brown were both suspended. Szabo ultimately was reassigned away from the airport.

TSA is still concluding its review of that incident and whether it will mete out any fines to the individuals or the city.

But the security agency said in December that the city waited 20 hours to notify the federal government about the incident  so long that the delay made immediate corrective action impossible.
ASHTABULA, Ohio  The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final air emissions permit for a proposed $475 million high-grade pig-iron plant projected to bring more than 100 jobs to Ashtabula.

Ohio EPA issued the final air emissions permit-to-install Wednesday to Petmin USA Inc., whose parent company is based in South Africa. The companys CEO, Bradley Doig, said the plant would be the first to produce this type of pig iron in the U.S.

Doig explained that the facility will make a high-purity nodular pig iron, or NPI, a niche commodity that is low in manganese, sulphur (or sulfur) and phosphorous. He said NPI is essential in the manufacturing of many products, including cars and other vehicles, appliances and medical devices.

The majority of the plants customers are located in the Great Lakes region, Doig said in a news release.

The grade of pig iron to be produced by the Petmin plant in Ashtabula is currently imported from countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Brazil, he said, adding that Ashtabula was chosen from among 11 potential sites in North America.

The company still must obtain water pollution control permits before beginning construction and also before starting-up the facility. Also, the EPA air permit is subject to appeal, should anyone object. Petmin also needs to get a number of state and local funding incentives.

That aside, the company said it plans to break ground this year on the plant located on a 30-acre site at Pinney Dock Terminal. Doig said the plant could become operational by 2021. He projects another 500-plus jobs will be created constructing the plant. Company officials say Petmin intends to establish its U.S. headquarters in Ashtabula.

JobsOhio is among the entities willing to provide support for the project, provided it receives all the permits and other requirements necessary for the plant to be built.

"Petmins planned investment would bring a world-class pig iron production facility and 110 new jobs to Northeast Ohio, Dana A. Saucier, JobsOhios vice president and head of economic development, said in a release. We and our partners at Team NEO are excited Petmin chose Ashtabula to invest in this advanced technology that will support its customers throughout North America.

Christine Nelson, Team NEOs vice president of projects, sites and talent, said the new plant would add to Northeast Ohios manufacturing base.

Manufacturing continues to be an important part of the economy, making up 20 percent of our gross regional product, she said in an email. Petmins planned investment is a game changer for the Ashtabula port area and demonstrates the strategic assets the site and region offered to attract this South African based company to Northeast Ohio.

Local officials are also looking forward to the project.

Its going to compete globally and its also going to be designed and constructed in a manner that is environmentally-conscious, Ashtabula City Manager James Timonere said in a release. We want business development in our city that takes the welfare of our residents and environmental concerns into account, and Petmin is doing just that.

Ohio EPA held a public meeting about the project in Ashtabula last December. In issuing the final permit, the agency took into account concerns raised by residents. Some were focused on whether emissions from the plant would be routinely and adequately tested to ensure that it is in compliance with regulations.
Its so widely accepted that its verging on conventional wisdom: misinformation, or fake news, spread primarily by Facebook to hundreds of millions of people (and created by Russian agents), helped distort the political landscape before and during the 2016 US presidential election, and this resulted in Donald Trump becoming president. But is it really that cut and dried? Not according to Brendan Nyhan, a political scientist and professor of public policy at the University of Michigan. He and several colleagues have been researching this question since the election, and have come to a very different conclusion. Fears about the spread and influence of fake news have been over-hyped, Nyhan says, and many of the initial conclusions about the scope of the problem and its effect on US politics were exaggerated or just plain wrong.

Nyhan says his data shows so-called fake news reached only a tiny proportion of the population before and during the 2016 election. In most cases, misinformation from a range of fake news sites made up just 2 percent or less of the average persons online news consumption, and even among the group of older conservatives who were most likely to consume fake news, it only made up about 8 percent. Not only that, but the University of Michigan researcher says a new paper he and his colleagues recently published shows the reach of fake news actually fell significantly between the 2016 election and the midterm elections last year, which suggests Facebook has cracked down on the problem. Nyhan also says no credible evidence exists that exposure to fake news changed the outcome of the 2016 election.

This might come as a surprise to Kathleen Hall Jamieson. Shes a veteran public policy researcher who published a book last year entitled Cyberwar: How Russian Hackers and Trolls Helped Elect a President. Jamieson, whose colleagues call her the Drill Sergeant for her no-nonsense attitude, has more 40 years of studying human behavior under her belt. In the book, she says the evidence suggests misinformation propagated by Russian trolls likely influenced the outcome of the election, in part because of the number of swing or undecided voters who were susceptible to those kinds of tactics. Jamieson also notes that the traditional news media played a key role in spreading this fake news and propaganda, by writing innumerable articles about Hillary Clintons emails. And she argues fake news wouldnt have had to make much of an impact to influence the election, since a fairly small number of votes gave Trump the electoral college wins he needed.

Nyhan and his fellow researchers, however, including Princeton political scientist Andrew Guess, say their study looked at the actual behavior of a large sample of users who consented to have their online activity tracked and recorded in real time, and then followed up with interviews about their perceptions of the content. Not only was the amount of actual fake news they encountered incredibly tiny, Guess told CJR this past fall, but the idea that this would influence their behavior is also a bit of a stretch (something Nyhan wrote about for The New York Times last year). Its predominantly people who are inclined to believe the conclusions that are being made in this content, not so much swaying them to believe something, Guess said. In other words, its more or less just confirmation bias.

So why has this myth of fake news swinging the election persisted despite a lack of evidence to support it? Nyhans theory is that its a little like the myth that Orson Welless radio play War of the Worlds caused widespread panic among the US population when it was aired in 1938. The play was likely only heard by a tiny number of people, and theres no actual evidence that it caused any kind of panic, and yet the myth persistsin part because newspapers at the time played up the idea, as a way of discrediting radio (a relatively new competitor) as a source of news. In the same way, Nyhan argues, concerns about fake news being spread by Russian agents on Facebook are fueled by broader concerns about the influence of social networks on society.

Heres more about fake news and US politics:

A fake problem : In an article he wrote for CJR in 2017, Jacob Nelson, a professor at the Arizona State Universitys journalism school, argued that fake news was a fake problem. Evidence gathered from online analytics tools like comScore, he said, showed that the audience for fake news is real, but its also really small.

: In an article he wrote for CJR in 2017, Jacob Nelson, a professor at the Arizona State Universitys journalism school, argued that fake news was a fake problem. Evidence gathered from online analytics tools like comScore, he said, showed that the audience for fake news is real, but its also really small. A crazy idea : In an infamous quote not long after the 2016 election, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg scoffed at the idea that fake news could have influenced the outcome. I think the idea that fake news on Facebookwhich is a very small amount of the contentinfluenced the election in any way [is] a pretty crazy idea, he said. He later said he regretted downplaying the effect of fake news.

: In an infamous quote not long after the 2016 election, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg scoffed at the idea that fake news could have influenced the outcome. I think the idea that fake news on Facebookwhich is a very small amount of the contentinfluenced the election in any way [is] a pretty crazy idea, he said. He later said he regretted downplaying the effect of fake news. Blame the media : In a study published in late 2017, Duncan Watts and David Rothschild from Microsoft Research argued that the amount and reach of misinformation was unlikely to have had any noticeable impact on the election, and that instead of blaming fake news, we should blame the mainstream media.

: In a study published in late 2017, Duncan Watts and David Rothschild from Microsoft Research argued that the amount and reach of misinformation was unlikely to have had any noticeable impact on the election, and that instead of blaming fake news, we should blame the mainstream media. Blame the media 2: A group of researchers from Harvard and MIT argued in a paper looking at the election results that the problem was a right-wing media ecosystem anchored around Breitbart News that used social media as a backbone to transmit a hyper-partisan perspective to the world.

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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.
In November 2018, Ariana Grande released thank u, next. It resonated with me on a spiritual level.

In particular, the songs pre-chorus struck a nerve: One taught me love, one taught me patience, one taught me pain. At the moment it reached the zenith of its cultural relevance, I was being laid off for a third time in my first three years in journalism. Im 26.

I was platforms editor at the digital startup Mic. That meant audience developmentthe euphemism for attempting to ensure, mostly through social media and sharpened headlines, as many clicks as possible for whatever we published. My job sat squarely between the journalism I had grown up idolizing and the business interests that have laid off nearly half of American journalists since 2007.

ICYMI: I cry in the office. I cry outside the office: Diary of a laid-off reporter

The first signs I was going to be laid off from Mic came as I sat in a noisy Financial District bar with a few coworkers. Rumors of layoffs had been circulating among the staffers, some of whom had already survived one painful layoff after a much-maligned pivot to video in 2017. There was less of a feeling of whether a layoff was about to occur and more of how devastating that inevitable layoff would be.

And then, as we were sitting in the bar, a Recode article hit everyones phones. Mic was in talks to sell to Bustle, another startup company that attempted to make money from clicks. The small group that had gathered read the article in near-silence, peppered with occasional incredulous laughter. I stopped short when I got to this line: Right now, it looks like Bustle would consider bringing in half or less of the Mic staff.

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I needed to get some air, to be by myself. I left the gathering abruptly, took a PATH train to Hoboken, feeling completely numb, and wept in my wifes arms as soon as I entered our apartment.

The next day, 113 staffers were laid off, before the company was sold in a fire sale to Bustle Media Group.

The feeling was all too familiar for me. Four months earlier, in July, I was one of about 90 people laid off after the New York Daily News was acquired by Tronc (now Tribune Publishing, again). And in 2016, I was laid off from my first job at a website called Slant, a sort-of Medium or Huffington Post that sought to publish contributors. The venture fund that had been bankrolling it was moving on to a new project: a $14,000 smartphone.

Growing up, I was lured by the romantic notion of wanting to be a writer, coupled with the pragmatic understanding that writing doesnt necessarily present the most linear career. As the child of two Wall Street parents turned middle school teacher and bartender, I craved stability, whatever that meant. At the time, journalism seemed like a perfect fit.

Slant hired me as a social editor in 2015, because, I believe, I used social media personally and was willing to do anything to get my foot in the door at a journalism company.

ICYMI: Amid BuzzFeeds massive layoffs, remember that in 2015 the company made a fateful decision

Like many other digital publishers, we leaned heavily into Facebook as a way to rapidly scale. I loved working with individual writers to collaborate on how best to sell their piece on social, or how to optimize it for search. Our morning meetings revolved around discussing wins and losseswhat drove traffic and what didnt drive traffic. Soon, I was constantly chasing the high of watching stories take off and occasionally go viral.

They laid me off via Facetime. I wore it like a badge of honor, remembering the cliche that successful people experience a string of colossal failures before finding any success.

I had also convinced myself that, in a time of digital transformation, intimately understanding the platforms that distribute content to consumers was an invaluable skill. Publishers who didnt take distribution seriously would be bested by those who did. My ideal was not just to help a publisher survive, but to thrive in a landscape where data and analytics tools could sharpen strategy and ultimately maximize the impact of journalism.

When I entered the industry, I thought that bloodletting was a natural result of publishers failing to evolve. I was horribly naive. Ive now realized I had a front-row seat for the decision-making processes and warped priorities of publishers, who chase scale with abandon, pay gobs of money for traffic, and preach an ethos of independence while quietly maneuvering toward a lucrative exit for themselves following a merger or acquisition.

As Ive tallied up layoffs, a number of younger friends in the industry have come to me for advice after losing their jobs due to downsizing or restructuring. The basic question that is almost always asked is, Should I continue doing this or should I find something else?

My answer is always the same. If theres something else that will bring you as much joy that journalism does, do that. But if you feel like you have unfinished business, and that your perspective and talent would be wasted by getting out of Dodge, then youll always regret leaving.

Fortunately, my story has a silver lining. I started a new job, as deputy editor of content strategy at Mens Health magazine, this month. And Ive realized that the initial panic and pain of being laid off (not to mention the enforced patience of waiting for that next offer) has always quickly been replaced by love; an outpouring of compassion and kindness from coworkers, union representatives, and from total strangers.

Its an American ethos that predates Ariana Grande. In 1776, Thomas Paine, the great philosopher of the early days of this nation, wrote, I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. In essence, it was the Revolutionary era Im so fuckin grateful for my ex.

ICYMI: Meet the journalism student who found out she won a Pulitzer in class

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Spencer Dukoff is the deputy editor of content strategy at Mens Health. His work has been featured in Salon, Forbes, Thrillist and New York Daily News.
Donald Trumps February 5 State of the Union address, which Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi originally cancelled due to security concerns, came three months after Democrats won back a majority in Congress. During those months, tensions between Trump and Pelosi amplified. At a December 11 Oval Office meeting, Trump, Pelosi, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer argued in front of television cameras over immigration, government funding, and Novembers election results. Trump said he would be proud to shut down parts of the government in his fight for a border wall. On January 9, weeks into what would become the longest shutdown in US history, Trump stormed out of a closed meeting with congressional leaders when Pelosi again refused to fund the wall.

So when New York Times White House photographer Doug Mills was appointed pool photographer for the State of the Uniona designation that meant he would be the only photographer allowed on the House floor during the eventhe planned to follow both Trump and Pelosi with care.

By the time the State of the Union was over, a photo Mills captured early on in the address had already circled the globe, a viral phenomenon that encapsulated the raw conflict between two very public adversaries.

Mills spoke with CJR by phone from outside the White Houses West Wing about that night and the responsibility that comes with photographing Trumps presidency. His words have been condensed for length and clarity.

ICYMI: Meet the 26-year-old who has been laid off three times

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I knew there was this tension, and I was the only news photographer on the floor last night. I was trying to keep my eye on the handshake. Its traditional that the President hands the Vice President and the Speaker of the House a copy of his speech so they can read along, and they shake hands.

That was cordial, and Pelosi really contained herself at first. But then when Trump brought up unity, said that the two parties were going to start working together, she jumped up out of her seat. Her look said, OK, you said it, this is on you to deliver.

If I had missed that moment, maybe been shooting with a different lens, I wouldnt have slept that night. Many photographers took the same picture, it was just from a different angle. In mine, Pelosis right over his shoulder, so you see her lips, her mouth. Its better to be lucky than good. I was very lucky to be on the floor last night. There are great photographers in this town. Im sure any of them would have gotten the same shot.

I was using a mirrorless camera. As you push the shutter, you see what youre getting. I knew what Pelosi was doing right away. From the floor, I sent my disk to an editor upstairs. I said Hey, theres some pretty nice frames of Pelosi gesturing in there. She texted back, Got it, looks great, got it.

I didnt think anymore about it. I just kept shooting. My phone started blowing up while I was still working. Reuters had been the first to tweet it out. My photos were pool, meaning everyone had access. My phones going so hard, I thought my battery was going to go dead. Then I started getting direct messages on Twitter about it. But Im just concentrating on shooting the rest of the speech.

When I got upstairs, one of the guys in the press gallery said, My son just contacted me and said your photo is going viral. Gosh, it had probably been 45 minutes since I took it. Someone else called it global viral. I was like, What is that?

I woke up the following morning to hundreds of notifications. Then people started texting me the memes. Maybe the response is so strong because everyone was expecting some sort of moment between the two of them. Its been such a chilly relationship since she became speaker.

If I had missed that moment, maybe been shooting with a different lens, I wouldnt have slept that night

People told me this is the womens movement clap. Some people thought it meant something like the Dems are back now, Ive got my eye on you. Others on the right thought it was disrespectful. On Twitter, people called it the f-you clap. Oh my gosh, I dont want my name on that.

Some of the impact of the photo is because hes controversial, hes not a politician. Interestingly enough, the country did not elect a politician this time. A politician would not speak when they were attacked, they might just blow it off. Thats the last thing this guy does. If someone attacks, he avenges himself.

I really felt I photographed the real Trump during the midterms. I got lots of images that spoke to his not wanting to lose. This president uses the media to his advantage a lot. Hes pretty photo savvy. When he gets onstage, he knows where we are. Not that he plays to us, but he knows that we are there. Theres no doubt hes giving a message when he comes out yelling and pointing. I mean, he gets up there and pulls audience members up onstage quite often. He did it during midterms.

Someone at the White House today said pictures dont lie. It was a moment, it was there. No matter what picture you take, both sides will have a way of describing whether they like it or hate it. Thankfully, the press has retweeted my pictures. I dont have an agenda. I just try to make the best picture I can at each event I go to. I could never work at The New York Times with an agenda.

Ive been covering the White House since 1983, since Reagan. I have no axe to grind. I plan on staying here, its not a four-year term for me. Each president is different. My job is to be fair, record it. Its a photographers job and duty, good or bad. I make sure New York Times readers see the correct image.

One of the things I always say about Trump is that we have more access than we had to the last five presidents Ive covered. Were allowed to stay in the meetings longer. Its a photographers dream.

Being around him the last two years, Ive gotten to know his tendencies, but hes not really predictable. He keeps us all on our toes, its so exciting. During the shutdown it was like the old days with less access. Plenty of photographers and journalists were happy to have a break. Its consuming, covering Trump. Its a daunting task. Its draining, its nonstop. You look for your days off, you look forward to them.

ICYMI: A reporter was harassed by Roger Stone for years. It ended in a violent confrontation.

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Amanda Darrach is a contributor to CJR and a visiting scholar at the University of St Andrews School of International Relations. Follow her on Twitter @thedarrach.
In 1970, political demographers Ben Wattenberg and Richard Scammon argued that the countrys median swing voter, the sort of person who decided election outcomes, was the Dayton housewife. Hillary Clintons shocking loss of five Obama-carried Midwestern states in 2016 could send Democrats in search of a candidate who can unite their party while appealing to the contemporary version of the Dayton housewife and her family. If so, they should be looking closely at Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar.

Youve probably never heard of Klobuchar unless youre a constituent or a political geek, but shes quietly gaining attention in Washington as a potential contender in 2020, moving up in unofficial estimations of the likely candidates. She rarely breaks through in early national polls, but thats not a disqualifier. At this stage of the 2016 nomination fight, Bernie Sanders was rarely mentioned in national polls, either.

Klobuchars chance rests on how she differs from most of the other serious nominees. With Democratic energy clearly on the left, contenders like Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris are vying to outdo one another for progressive favor. Even New Jersey senator Cory Booker, once known as a school-choice-friendly mayor, is swinging portside, as with his attention-seeking histrionics during the Brett Kavanaugh hearings. But that just means that the progressive lane will be crowded. Klobuchars appeal will lie with the rest of the party.

Here, she faces a more wide-open field. Only former vice president Joe Biden polls well among contenders considered more amenable to the partys moderate wing. Biden will be 77 in early 2020, the oldest man ever to run actively for president. Hes prone to gaffes and has failed to make a mark in two prior runs for the White House. Hes also a man, surely no advantage in a party that is nominating women in record-high numbers. Should Biden run and stumble, theres no obviously strong national figure who could garner moderate Democratic support.

Klobuchars record, demeanor, and background are a model of centrist appeal. She is a former prosecutor who nevertheless has compiled a solidly liberal record on economic and social issues. She is low-key in that Minnesota nice sort of way, an attribute she displayed during the Kavanaugh hearings when she was virtually alone in treating the nominee with respect, while asking serious questions. She voted to confirm half of Trumps cabinet nominees, easily the highest share among potential presidential contenders, but nevertheless voted no on every controversial choice. She voted against Neil Gorsuchs nomination to the Court, and she will surely oppose Kavanaughs, especially with the sexual-assault allegations now made against him.

Klobuchars electoral record also stands out. Minnesota, like the rest of the Midwest, has been moving Republican in recent years. Trump nearly carried the Gopher State, and Republicans control both houses of the state legislature. Yet Klobuchar is set to win easy reelection to her third term this fall. The contenders ranked ahead of her in CNNs survey of the presidential field all hail from deep-blue states: none has ever had to engage seriously with the sorts of swing voters, suburban and rural, that a presidential nominee must reach. Klobuchar has done so, repeatedly and successfully.

Geography gives her another potential advantage. The long road to the nomination starts in the caucuses of Minnesotas southern neighbor, Iowa. She has already visited the state twice, appearing in its two largest citiesDes Moines and Cedar Rapidsas well as at Iowa State University. Iowa was one of the five Midwestern states that Trump took from the Democrats, and party activists will be open to the argument that it will take a local to win them back.

Klobuchar will face obstacles should she decide to run. Progressives are on the march, and they seem to want someone whose devotion to the cause is loud and proud. She has never been a national figure, nor demonstrated that she can raise the tens of millions of dollars that a winning candidate must generate. Her appeal to minority voters, who make up close to half of the Democratic base, has been limited; Minnesota is not a minority-heavy state. Should an African-American like Harris or Booker catch fire on the left, Klobuchar would likely face serious headwinds picking up substantial African-American or Latino support.

She should nevertheless be on the radar screenand she might raise her profile this week. If the planned testimony goes forward in the Senate on Thursday, its a good bet that the former prosecutor will play a key role in examining Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford, and she would make herself known to many more Americans. In any case, the kinds of Democrats who preferred Andrew Cuomo over Cynthia Nixon in the recent New York gubernatorial primary will be looking for a plausible candidate in 2020and the earnest, soft-spoken liberal from the Great Plains has as good a chance as anyone of becoming their choice.

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Two crises have deepened Americas anxieties over immigration since Congress tried to reform the law two years ago: the global recession and an outburst of murder and mayhem in northern Mexico. The recession has aroused antipathy for foreigners who compete for jobs. The violence along the border, which stems from a high-stakes campaign by Mexican president Felipe Calderon to bust apart several large drug cartels, has inflamed fears that our borders arent secure.

Americans differ on what to do about illegal immigration, but most agree that the root of the problem is Mexicos failure to provide adequately for its own people. Mexicans differ on how to create a more prosperous, democratic nation, but most are eager to improve the status of their countrymen living illegally in the United States. These attitudes suggest the contours of a grand bargain that both peoples might be persuaded to accept: immigration reforms that help Mexicans in the United States, conditioned on economic and political reforms that help more Mexicans get ahead and stay back home.

Mexicos problems have not changed much in 500 years. The country has never managed to organize itself into a liberal democracy founded on the habit of inquiry, an engaged citizenry, and the rule of law. Its people endured centuries of domination as a colony of Spain, decades of war and tyranny after independence, and a decade-long revolution, begun in 1910, that killed 2 million people and replaced one autocracy with another. For the rest of the century, power was concentrated in an immense political corporationthe Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI)and in a succession of presidents who ruled like kings. Even the PRIs defeat in 2000 by Vicente Fox and the conservative National Action Party (PAN) has not brought much democracy: its main effect has been to weaken the presidency and to set off a free-for-all among political parties, state governments, and the big unions, bureaucracies, and businesses that control them. Unchecked by executive power, these institutions are authoritarian, averse to change, and corrupt; Mexicans joke that theirs is the first country in history to move from monarchy backward to feudalism.

Political institutions remain antiquated. The Mexican constitution prohibits elected officials from standing for reelection. It is a chicken-and-egg dilemma: the people dont trust their elected officials to represent their interests, so they bar them from serving consecutive terms, thereby making them less likely to represent their interests. Two-fifths of the members of the lower house of Congress arent elected at all, but appointed by the parties in proportion to their share of the vote.

Citizens efforts to challenge the system are stymied by laws that prohibit anyone outside a party from running for office and also make it hard to form new national parties. Political discourse is stifled by laws restricting private funding of campaigns and prohibiting all but the parties from buying campaign ads on radio or television. Rules forbidding campaigns from criticizing one another infantilize the political debate. The people are not happy with the system. A survey last year by the Mexican newspaper Reforma found that just 36 percent of Mexicans were satisfied with their new multiparty democracy and that only 25 percent felt that their congressional delegates represented their interests.

Political weakness has produced economic weakness. The privatization in the 1980s and 1990s of hundreds of state-owned enterpriseseverything from banks and mines to airlines and the phone companystrengthened public finances; but, in most cases, the sales were poorly designed and created private monopolies that have impeded productivity growth. NAFTA, sold to Mexicans as their ticket into the First World, has disappointed expectations: trade and foreign investment have created jobs, but because of government restrictions, there hasnt been enough of either to solidify a consensus against protectionism. Government revenues depend too much on petroleum: nearly 40 percent of the federal budget comes from the sale of oil to the United States. Annual per-capita growth over the last decade has averaged just 1.9 percent, 40 percent of the population lives below the official poverty line, and 60 percent of the nations households earn less than 25 percent of the nations income.

The lack of consensus on how to achieve healthier growth was vivid in the 2006 presidential election, when PAN candidate Calderon defeated a left-wing coalitions candidate, former Mexico City mayor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, by fewer than 250,000 votes out of more than 41 million cast. The results set off months of protests and laid bare a long-standing demographic wound. The more prosperous North, blessed by its proximity to the United States, voted by healthy margins for Calderon, the standard-bearer for free markets. The Southmore isolated, more Indian, and with four times the poverty rate of the Northvoted for Lopez Obrador, who campaigned for social justice for the poor through more government control of the economy.

Ill-conceived laws and regulations impede economic growth. The World Bank Group estimates that it takes nearly two months to open a business in Mexico, compared with five days in the U.S. and three in Canada. Labor laws make it hard to fire workers, land-tenure laws make it hard to transfer farmland, and inadequate property-rights laws make it hard to secure title and get a mortgage. Many Mexicans resort to bribery to skirt these rules. A study by the Private Sector Center for Economic Studies in Mexico City found that one in three businesses made extra-official payments, totaling $11.2 billion, to legislators and other public officials in 2004. Tax evasion is widespread, with total tax collection from all levels of government in 2007 estimated at 19.8 percent of GDP, the lowest among 40 countries studied by Eurostat and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Economists estimate the size of the informal economybusinesses not registered with the governmentat 40 percent of GDP.

The country remains organized into large corporatist powers, toxic to free enterprise. Another OECD report this year cites telecommunications, electricity, railroads, and the media as areas where competition is weak. Nor is there great clamor for change: in a lawless society, it pays to be big. Few Mexicans want the government to sell its giant oil monopoly, PEMEX, even though the state runs it dismally and the people hate the state: the industry was expropriated from foreign companies in 1938, and Mexicans are taught in grade school that though the U.S. stole half their nations territory, the oil at least remains theirs.

Reuters/Corbis

Schools are another enormous problem in Mexico. Student knowledge of reading, math, and science, as gauged by the Programme for International Student Assessment, is the lowest of the 29 OECD nations. Graduation rates are low, too. Mexicos 2,400-plus municipalities receive half the federal budget, but they spend it poorly because most municipal presidents have only a seventh-grade education. Reports are common of teachers extorting parents, abusing children, skipping class, teaching subjects they dont know, drawing salaries for no-show jobs, and shutting down schools for months at a time when they dont get their way. The head of the National Educational Workers Unionthe largest trade union in Latin America, with 1.4 million members, and the single most powerful institution in Mexicoagreed last year to permit some competitive hiring based on independent evaluation of teacher competence; her members, accustomed to selling or bequeathing their posts to offspring and friends, protested with strikes.

But the most notorious challenge to Mexico today is the drug cartels and the related surge in crime. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Mexico produces about eight tonnes of heroin and 10,000 tonnes of marijuana per year, mostly for U.S. consumption. It is also the main source of methamphetamine production and the transshipment point for 90 percent of the cocaine that enters the United States. A report by Barry McCaffrey, former director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, estimates that drug cartels earn over $25 billion a year from U.S. sales and repatriate over $10 billion a year in cash to Mexico. Tens of thousands of Mexicansfrom shanty dwellers to state governorsbenefit directly from the drug trade.

Drug abuse has increased in Mexico as well, seeded by the cartels, which began dumping and bartering surplus product as U.S. markets shrank several years ago. An estimated 5 percent of the Mexican population consumes illegal drugs, the government says, and chronic use has doubled in the last six years, to half a million addicts.

Murders involving the drug cartels more than doubled last year, as the mafias fought one another and the Calderon government; more than 730 troops and police have been killed since January 2008. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Defense caused a stir when it issued a report noting that Mexicos government, in a worst-case scenario, might suffer a rapid and sudden collapse . . . under sustained assault and pressure by criminal gangs and drug cartels. Cocaine traffickers spend as much as $500 million on bribery in Mexico, more than double the budget of the Mexican attorney generals office. Credible analysts say that the cartels have a significant presence in 20 of the countrys 32 states and arrangements of various kinds with at least eight governors. The finance ministry estimates that organized crime costs Mexico 1 percent of GDP growth per year.

Mexicos kidnapping rate, which spiked in the 1990s as drug traffickers diversified or were driven out of business, remains among the highest in the worldmore than 500 kidnappings per month, according to a 2008 study by the Citizens Institute for Crime Studies. Protection rackets have also grown; the government says that it received 50,000 extortion complaints last year. In the border state of Chihuahua, where fighting against and among the cartels has been fierce, even Wal-Mart was approached to pay protection money.

The countrys prison population has doubled, to 219,000 in the last eight years, but people still dont feel secure. Four out of five respondents to a national survey last year by the polling firm Ipsos-Bimsa said that they felt very or somewhat unsafe. In a Reforma poll of Mexico City residents this year, 65 percent called security the citys biggest problem; 20 percent said that they had been the victim of a crime within the prior 12 monthsmost often, personal assault. When I visited earlier this year, one friend I met witnessed an armed robbery; another had his car stolen at gunpoint; and another, an accountant, was held up on his way to meet me (he hadnt brought his bodyguard).

Law enforcement is terrible. A study by researchers at Mexicos National Autonomous University estimates that for every 1,000 crimes committed in Mexico, just 16 get prosecuted. The offenses that are prosecuted are not the most serious ones: 75 percent of state spending on public safety and criminal justice goes to fight minor, nonviolent crimes, the Center of Research for Development reports. A Reforma poll found that 36 percent of Mexicans consider police corruption an urgent national problem, the highest percentage of 65 countries surveyed. Calderon, who has staked his presidency on beating back the cartels and improving public safety, had to deploy the army instead of the state and local police because the military is the only security apparatus in Mexico that works comparatively well.

Millions of Mexicans have fled the countrys woes. Between 1970 and 2008, the percentage of the Mexican-born population living in the U.S. grew from 1.5 percent to 11 percentfrom about 760,000 to 11.8 million people, roughly 15 percent of the countrys potential male workforce. About 7 million are here illegally, making up 61 percent of the total illegal immigrant population, the Department of Homeland Security estimates. Most Mexicans have relatives living in the U.S., and as many as one in four households has at least one member here, surveys by Mexican polling firms show. The migration is self-perpetuating because the most likely to emigrate are those with relatives already here. Though the exodus has slowed a bit since the recession, Mexicos National Population Council projects that it will last another 30 years or longer. The desire for a better life trumps even national pride: polls find that most Mexicans would be willing to join the two countries into one if doing so would raise their standard of living.

The most powerful engine of migration is jobs. The income gap between Mexico and the U.S. is the largest of any two contiguous countries in the world: in 2005, $7,750 per capita in Mexico versus $35,878 per capita in the United States. An American manufacturing job pays four times as much as a Mexican manufacturing job and up to 30 times as much as a Mexican farming job. The gap in per-capita GDP between the two countries has barely narrowed in 20 years.

Americans, of course, cant decide what to do about immigration. Most business, labor, and nonprofit organizations support pro-immigration policies, such as qualified amnesty for illegal aliens, increases in legal immigration, and new or expanded guest-worker programs. President Barack Obama, who supported the comprehensive reform bill that failed in 2007, has said that he intends to promote a similar plan that would increase the number of legal immigrants and allow undocumented immigrants to stay in the country, pay a fine, learn English, and go to the back of the line for the opportunity to become citizens.

Most voters, however, believe that offering amnesty to illegal immigrants would harm American workers and put a strain on the nations resources. There is evidence to support their view. A 1997 National Academy of Sciences study found that the typical U.S. household pays between $166 and $226 in extra taxes to cover the cost of schools, health care, and other services used by immigrants. And a 2004 study by Harvard labor economist George Borjas concluded that competition from immigrants depressed wages by 7.4 percent for U.S.-born men without a high school education. If these studies are correct, its hard to imagine a policy that protects Americas low-skilled workers, eases the burden of immigrants on public services, and satisfies the demands of large U.S. employers and Hispanic-rights groups.

The grim fact is that Mexico must help solve Americas immigration dilemma by becoming a better country for its people. But the United States has two big cards to play to encourage Mexico to reform: its legal power to resolve the status of 7 million Mexicans living here in limbo, and its more pervasive economic power as Mexicos dominant trading partner and source of foreign investment.

Polls by the magazine Este Pais show that the Mexican people would be willing to abandon one of their most cherished convictions and open PEMEX to private investors in exchange for measures that benefit their relatives in the U.S. Privatizing the oil company would require amending Mexicos constitution. But energy-sector productivity would improve dramatically even if the Mexican Congress simply passed laws to eliminate restrictions on the import, export, and domestic sale of crude, gasoline, basic petrochemicals, electricity, gas, and oil derivatives. If opening the energy sector to foreign competition proved too controversial, lawmakers could begin with other industries that the OECD identifies as sheltered and inefficient, such as telecommunications and the media. In return, the U.S. could offer Mexican immigrants various benefitshigher quotas for work visas or green cards, for example. Like Mexico, it could avoid the more controversial concessions at first, such as guest-worker programs.

Beyond the virtues of any one deal, establishing the principle of linkageimmigration liberalization in the U.S., conditioned on economic liberalization in Mexicowould change the political conversations in both countries. Mexicans in the U.S. have influence back home, and surveys show that they are more likely than the vested interests there to support policies that lead to growth. Americans likewise might be more willing to accept as truly comprehensive an immigration reform that took into account the key variable affecting migrant flows into the U.S.: Mexicos own behavior.

More broadly, the best way to strengthen Mexico and ease the pressure of illegal immigration is to stimulate free trade and investment to promote the continents competitiveness. The goal should be to create regional mechanisms like NAFTA that are accountable to each countrys people but that strengthen Mexicos institutions in a range of areas, including economic regulation, competition, and monetary policy.

America should also continue to help Mexico fight the drug cartels. Calderon has won support from the U.S. Congress, which last year approved $1.4 billion in security aid for Mexico, and from President Obama, who has stepped up efforts to interdict illegal weapons and cash flowing into Mexico from the U.S.

We could increase support, too, for Calderons effort to build a competent national police force. The U.S. Agency for International Development, which has given grants that are stimulating judicial reforms in Chihuahua and other states, might fund efforts to improve how states and municipalities screen, train, deploy, monitor, and reward their security forces. We might also consider funding border cities or states to work with their neighbors in the U.S. to prevent smuggling, illegal immigration, and crime.

The U.S. and Mexico grow more intertwined every year. Mexico supplies a third of our imported oil and is our second-largest export market. Half of Mexicos imports come from the U.S., and more than 80 percent of its exports20 percent of its GDPgo to the United States. Four of five tourists in Mexico come from the U.S.; 18,000 Mexican companies have U.S. investment. More than 1 million Americans have established Mexican residency, the largest U.S. expatriate group in the world.

Despite these ties, there is no taking Mexicos stability for granted. The country mistrusts itself. A survey by Reforma found that only one in four Mexicans agreed that most other Mexicans were honest. Every year brings fresh challenges. In 2008, drug violence soared and the global recession slowed growth. This year, the economy contracted 8 percent through June, and the PRI, corrupt as ever, made a strong comeback in Julys congressional elections, hurting prospects for reform. Next year is the bicentennial of Mexicos independence and the centennial of the Revolution. U.S. policies should give both countries something to celebrate.

Top Photo: chameleonseye/iStock
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The political crisis in Virginia spun out of control Wednesday when the state's attorney general confessed to putting on blackface in the 1980s and a woman went public with detailed allegations of sexual assault against the lieutenant governor.

Virginia Gov.-elect, Lt. Gov Ralph Northam, center, walks down the reviewing stand with Lt. Gov-elect, Justin Fairfax, right, and Attorney General Mark Herring at the Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 12, 2018. [File photo: AP]

With Gov. Ralph Northam's career already hanging by a thread over a racist photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook, the day's developments threatened to take down all three of Virginia's top elected officials, all of them Democrats.

The twin blows began with Attorney General Mark Herring issuing a statement acknowledging he wore brown makeup and a wig in 1980 to look like a rapper during a party when he was a 19-year-old student at the University of Virginia.

Herring  who had previously called on Northam to resign and was planning to run for governor himself in 2021  apologized for his "callous" behavior and said that the days ahead "will make it clear whether I can or should continue to serve."

The 57-year-old Herring came clean after rumors about the existence of a blackface photo of him began circulating at the Capitol, though he made no mention of a picture Wednesday.

Then, within hours, Vanessa Tyson, the California woman whose sexual assault allegations against Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax surfaced earlier this week, put out a detailed statement saying Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex on him in a hotel room in 2004 during the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

The Associated Press typically does not identify those who say they were sexually assaulted, but Tyson issued the statement in her name.

Tyson, a 42-year-old political scientist who is on a fellowship at Stanford University and specializes in the political discourse of sexual assault, said, "I have no political motive. I am a proud Democrat."

"Mr. Fairfax has tried to brand me as a liar to a national audience, in service to his political ambitions, and has threatened litigation," she said. "Given his false assertions, I'm compelled to make clear what happened."

Fairfax  who is in line to become governor if Northam resigns  has repeatedly denied her allegations, saying that the encounter was consensual and that he is the victim of a strategically timed political smear.

"At no time did she express to me any discomfort or concern about our interactions, neither during that encounter, nor during the months following it, when she stayed in touch with me, nor the past 15 years," he said in a statement.

Tyson said she suffered "deep humiliation and shame" and stayed quiet about the allegations as she pursued her career, but by late 2017, as the #MeToo movement took shape and after she saw an article about Fairfax's campaign, she took her story to The Washington Post, which decided months later not to publish a story.

The National Organization for Women immediately called on Fairfax to resign, saying, "Her story is horrifying, compelling and clear as day  and we believe her."

The string of scandals that began when the yearbook picture came to light last Friday could have a domino effect on Virginia state government: If Northam and Fairfax fall, Herring would be next in line to become governor. After Herring comes House Speaker Kirk Cox, a conservative Republican.

At the Capitol, lawmakers were dumbstruck over the day's fast-breaking developments, with Democratic Sen. Barbara Favola saying, "I have to take a breath and think about this. This is moving way too quickly." GOP House Majority Leader Todd Gilbert said it would be "reckless" to comment. "There's just too much flying around," he said.

The chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Del. Lamont Bagby, said, "We've got a lot to digest."

Cox issued a statement late Wednesday calling the allegations against Fairfax "extremely serious" and said they need a "full airing of facts." Cox also urged Herring to "adhere to the standard he has set for others," a nod to Herring's previous call that Northam resign.

Democrats have expressed fear that the uproar over the governor could jeopardize their chances of taking control of the GOP-dominated Virginia legislature this year. The party made big gains in 2017, in part because of a backlash against President Donald Trump, and has moved to within striking distance of a majority in both houses.

At the same time, the Democrats nationally have taken a hard line against misconduct in their ranks because women and minorities are a vital part of their base and they want to be able to criticize Trump's behavior without looking hypocritical.

The State Capitol is illuminated in Richmond, Va., Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. [File Photo: AP/Steve Helber]

Northam has come under pressure from nearly the entire Democratic establishment to resign after the discovery of a photo on his profile page in the Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook of someone in blackface standing next to a person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe.

The governor initially admitted he was in the photo without saying which costume he was wearing, then denied it a day later. But he acknowledged he once used shoe polish to blacken his face and look like Michael Jackson at a dance contest in Texas in 1984, when he was in the Army.

Herring came down hard on Northam when the yearbook photo surfaced, condemning it as "indefensible," and "profoundly offensive." He said it was no longer possible for Northam to lead the state.

On Wednesday, though, Herring confessed that he and two friends dressed up to look like rappers, admitting: "It sounds ridiculous even now writing it."

"That conduct clearly shows that, as a young man, I had a callous and inexcusable lack of awareness and insensitivity to the pain my behavior could inflict on others," he said. But he added: "This conduct is in no way reflective of the man I have become in the nearly 40 years since."

Democratic Sen. Louise Lucas said several people were crying, including men, as Herring apologized to black lawmakers Wednesday morning before issuing his public statement.

"He said he was very sorry," Lucas said.

Lucas said the black lawmakers told Herring they needed to discuss their next steps among themselves.

Herring, who was elected to his second four-year term in 2017, made a name for himself nationally by playing a central role in bringing gay marriage to Virginia.

When he first took office, he announced he would no longer defend the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

A federal judge overturned the ban, citing Herring's opposition, and Virginia began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2014, nearly a full year before the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage nationwide.
Express Entry off to its biggest start ever

Express Entry off to its biggest start ever Express Entry-linked PNPs also had a busy January

Express Entry off to its biggest start ever Express Entry-linked PNPs also had a busy January

Express Entry off to its biggest start ever Express Entry-linked PNPs also had a busy January CIC News Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Canadas Express Entry system got 2019 off to its best start ever in January, issuing 11,150 invitations to apply for permanent residence over the course of three draws.

The last draw of the month, held on January 30, saw the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score drop to 438  the lowest score drawn in an all-program invitation round since October 2017.

The Express Entry system manages the pool of candidates for Canadas thee Federal High Skilled economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class and Canadian Experience Class.

Eligible candidates are entered into the pool and issued a CRS score based on factors that include age, skilled work experience, education and their level of proficiency in English or French.

A set number of the highest-ranked candidates are drawn from the pool and invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence through regular invitation rounds, which are typically held every two weeks.

Find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool

In two of the three draws held in January, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,900 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Prior to these draws, the most ITAs that IRCC had issued in a single, January invitation round was 3,508 back on January 25, 2017.

These two draws helped push Express Entry to a new January record of 11,150 ITAs issued over the course of the month.

Januarys results are indicative of what should be a big 2019 for the Express Entry system. IRCC has set higher admissions targets for the three programs managed by the Express Entry system for both this year and 2020.

In order to meet these targets, it is likely that IRCC will have to issue more ITAs over the next 11 months than it did in 2018  a year that saw IRCC set a new ITA record. This could mean bigger draws in the coming months, or more frequent draws.

One advantage of more frequent draws is the effect they can have on the minimum CRS score. This effect was made clear in the January 30 draw, which took place only one week after the previous invitation round on January 23 and saw the minimum CRS score drop from 443 to a 16-month low of 438.

The fact only one week was allowed to pass between draws meant the Express Entry pool had less time to replenish with higher-scoring candidates.

Express Entry-linked provincial nominee programs

A number of Express Entry-linked provincial immigration streams also got off to big starts in January.

Nine Canadian provinces and two territories have provincial nominee programs that allow them to nominate a set number of economic immigration candidates each year for permanent residence.

Each participating province and territory has at least one immigration stream that is connected to the Express Entry system and allows it to nominate Express Entry candidates for permanent residence in that province or territory.

Express Entry candidates who are nominated by a province or territory receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score, moving them to the front of the line for an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Ontarios Human Capital Priorities Stream is one of the most active Express Entry-linked provincial nominee streams and January was no exception.

The stream allows the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to search the federal Express Entry pool for candidates who meet the streams federal and provincial eligibility criteria.

On January 14, Ontario issued 1,493 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to Express Entry candidates with scores as low as 439 through the Human Capital Priorities Stream.

Ontario also issued 470 NOIs to Express Entry candidates through its Skilled Trades and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams in January.

Other provinces that invited Express Entry candidates to apply for a provincial nomination in January were Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island.

Looking for more information on Canadas Provincial Nominee Programs? Use the interactive Canada PNP Finder to explore programs, filter your search, and keep up to date on all PNP-related news

Nova Scotia invited 300 Express Entry candidates with work experience as financial auditors or accountants through its Labour Market Priorities Stream, which allows the province to search the Express Entry pool for candidates who meet specified labour needs and invited them to apply for a provincial nomination.

Express Entry candidates were also among nearly 700 immigration candidates invited through Manitobas Skilled Worker Overseas Stream in January. The stream operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) basis that requires Express Entry candidates to register a profile with the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program as a first step to being considered for a provincial nomination.

Like Manitoba, the province Saskatchewan also uses an Expression of Interest system to select Express Entry candidates for a provincial nomination. Saskatchewan held its first draw of the year on January 16, issuing 362 invitations to Express Entry candidates.

On Canadas West Coast, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program held weekly draw through January that included invitations to registered Express Entry candidates in the provinces Express Entry-linked Skilled Worker and International Graduate categories.

Express Entry candidates who have registered an EOI profile with Prince Edward Island were also among 91 immigration candidates who were issued invitations in a draw held January 17.

Find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool

 2019 CICNews All Rights
January numbers suggest Canada well on its way to achieving million immigrant goal by the end of 2021

Canada opened its door to more than 40,000 immigration applicants in January

Canada opened its door to more than 40,000 immigration applicants in January January numbers suggest Canada well on its way to achieving million immigrant goal by the end of 2021

Canada opened its door to more than 40,000 immigration applicants in January January numbers suggest Canada well on its way to achieving million immigrant goal by the end of 2021

Canada opened its door to more than 40,000 immigration applicants in January January numbers suggest Canada well on its way to achieving million immigrant goal by the end of 2021 Stephen Smith Noah Turner Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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If the first month of 2019 was any indication, Canada should have no trouble achieving its goal of welcoming one million immigrants by the end of 2021.

January saw the Government of Canada and provinces across the country open the door to more than 40,000 potential applicants through key economic immigration and family sponsorship programs.

Both economic immigration and family sponsorship are central components for Canadas new three-year immigration levels plan, which has a target of 331,000 new permanent residents for 2019.

This number is set to rise to 341,000 in 2020 and reach 350,000 by 2021  nearly one per cent of Canadas population. A one per cent immigration rate is considered vital for ensuring the continued growth of Canadas labour force and economy in the years ahead.

The majority of these new arrivals are expected through Canadas various economic immigration programs, namely those managed by the federal Express Entry system and Canadas Provincial Nominee Program.

Canadas Express Entry system is its principal source of skilled foreign labour and expedites permanent residence applications from immigration candidates with the talents needed to integrate quickly into Canadas labour market.

January saw the Express Entry system get off to its biggest start ever, issuing 11,150 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Invitations are based on a candidates Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which considers factors such as age, education, work experience and proficiency in English or French.

Find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool

Januarys Express Entry ITA record came on the heels of a banner 2018 for the Express Entry system, which issued 89,800 invitations to apply for permanent residence over the course of the year  the most ever in its five-year history.

Given Canadas higher admissions targets for 2019 and 2020 for the three economic immigration programs managed by the Express Entry system, it is expected that a new record will be set this year.

Canadas Provincial Nominee Program, or PNP, also contributed to the impressive numbers produced in January.

The PNP allows participating provinces and territories to nominate a set number of economic immigration candidates for permanent residence.

Nearly 5,000 immigration candidates were issued invitations to apply for a provincial nomination last month through programs in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Another big factor in January was the reopening of Canadas Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) to new expressions of interest.

The Parents and Grandparents Program provides an opportunity to eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents over the age of 18 to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.

The first step in the process is completing an Interest to Sponsor form, which Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made available on January 28 on a first-in, first-served basis.

IRCC had a target of 27,000 expressions of interest for the PGPs reopening, which it met in a matter of minutes.

The next step in the process is inviting eligible interested sponsors to apply to the program. IRCC will issue invitations in the order Interest to Sponsor forms were received.

Family reunification is a central pillar of Canadas immigration program. As IRCC noted in its 2018 report to Parliament, family reunification plays an essential role in attracting, retaining and integrating newcomers so that they are able to build successful lives in Canada.

January was indeed impressive and kicked off what should be a big year ahead for Canadian immigration, said David Cohen, senior partner at the Campbell Cohen Canadian immigration law firm in Montreal.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

 2019 CICNews All Rights Reserved
Soon, President Donald Trump's most fervent supporters can own the ultimate piece of commander-in-chief memorabilia: his boyhood home in Queens, NY. That sure beats "Make America Great" hats and "#BuildTheWall" T-shirts, eh?

The president's five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom childhood home in Jamaica Estates, a tony enclave in Queens, hit the market on Monday. With a $2.9 million price tag, the 2,500-square-foot Tudor is the third highest-priced home listed on realtor.com in its ZIP code. The real estate developer-turned-politician would likely approve.

The appeal of Trump's former home is simple.

"It's the birthplace of Donald Trump," says Compass real estate agent Edward Hickey, who is representing the property. "It's listed on his birth certificate, and that adds a lot of value for some people."

Living room trumpbirthhouse.com

The brick and stucco house, which features a library, finished basement, and enclosed patio, is no longer owned by the Trump family and isn't affiliated with the Trump Organization. Its current owner, listed simply as the Trump Birth House LLC, has been renting out the property on Airbnb for about $700 a night. The listing, which is no longer available, featured a life-size, cardboard cutout and copies of Trump's book "The Art of the Deal."

The owner of the home hopes to close within the next two weeks, says Hickey. Interested buyers can view the property here and should email TrumpBirthHouse@gmail.com with proof of funds to schedule a showing. Only all-cash offers will be accepted.

"We just don't want it to become a circus," says Hickey.

Bunk beds trumpbirthhouse.com

The president lived in the home, constructed in 1940, until he was about 4. Then his family moved around the corner into a three-story, 23-room McMansion that the president's father, real estate developer Fred C. Trump, built around 1950. The larger residence is visible from the previous home's backyard.

The current owners bought the president's original home for $2.14 million in April 2017 after it was sold in December 2016 for $1.35 million. Hickey declined to say why the owner is selling.



Watch: This Is Where Donald Trump Grew Up--and You Can Stay There, Too

The post President Trump's Childhood Home Can Be Yoursfor a Huge Price appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
Violent offenders, rapists and gang members top the lists of Texas' most wanted.

To be named on the Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, suspects must be wanted for a violent, aggravated or sexual crimes.

>>>See the most wanted sex offenders and fugitives in the gallery above.

However, other factors are also considered: suspects with ties to gangs or cartels, especially criminally active groups along the border.

Recidivism is another factor authorities consider when compiling the notorious list: suspects wanted for parole violations can also be bumped onto the roster.

Beyond those placed on the Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list are "Featured Fugitives" which change each month. During that time, the reward offered for anyone who can lead to the arrest of a featured offender will increase significantly.

GANG CRACKDOWN: HPD chief calls for border funds to go to local law enforcement instead, details on his plan available at HoustonChronicle.com.

For August 2019, the Featured Fugitive is 48-year-old Leonard Dee Taylor, a 5'11", 170-pound male with tattoos on top of both hands. He is wanted for terroristic threat, aggravated sexual assault of a child, failure to comply with sex offender registration requirement and parole violation.

According to the Department of Public Safety, Taylor's last known address was 10950 Beaumont Highway.

This month, the reward for Langley is $8,000. (Please note that he is considered armed and dangerous.)

Per DPS: "Leonard Dee TAYLOR is a convicted sex offender with ties to Houston, Texarkana, and parts of Louisiana. In 2003, TAYLOR was convicted in Bowie County of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child after incidents involving a 4-year-old girl and a 9-year-old girl. He was subsequently sentenced to 20 years in TDCJ prison.TAYLOR was released on parole in March 2015 and is required to register as a sex offender every three months for life. In early 2018, TAYLOR absconded from his last known address in Houston.On April 4, 2018, a parole violation warrant for TAYLOR's arrest was issued by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. An additional warrant has since been issued by the Harris County Sheriff's Office for TAYLOR's arrest for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Requirements."

NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.
Monday's burglary at the River Oaks mansion of Tony Buzbee (the millionaire attorney running for mayor of Houston) is still being investigated by police, the Houston Chronicle reports.

The thief reportedly made off with $21 million worth of jewelry, artwork and other valuables, including $50,000 in watches, $300 in cash and an Apple computer, reports abc13.

RELATED: Millions in artwork, jewelry stolen from Tony Buzbee's home, police say

Several firearms were also reportedly stolen, including three guns, a pistol, rifle/shotgun combo, and an automatic rifle, along with millions of dollars worth of artwork, according to abc13.

The roster of paintings, abc13 reports, includes Femme Accoudee by Pablo Picasso valued at $216,611; La Plaine de Gennevilliers by Claude Monet valued at $1,273,125; and Jeune Femme au Chapeau noir by Pierre Bonnard valued at $832,125.00.

Paysage au coq rouge by Fernand Leger valued at $1,284,015; Femme en Vert by Jean Pierre Cassigneul valued at $111,563; and California Hills in Spring by Childe Hassam valued at $985,000 were also stolen, abc13 reports.

In a social media post Monday afternoon, Buzbee incorporated the theft into his mayoral campaign. The tweet reads: "Last Friday we learned that Police Chief Art Acevedo's wife's car was burglarized, and this morning my own home was burglarized. Murders, robberies, burglaries, etc. continue to rise. Crime knows no boundaries or zip codes. We have to address this crime wave, NOW."

Monday's burglary marks the second artwork-related incident at Buzbee's mansion. In December 2017, a Dallas woman, on a date with Buzbee, was accused of destroying at least $300,000 worth of sculptures and original paintings, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Buzbee has amassed a multi-million-dollar fortune representing plaintiffs in a variety of cases, from wrongful death suits to breach of contract actions. He successfully defended then-Governor Rick Perry against a 2014 abuse-of-power charge, getting the charges dismissed, reports the Houston Chronicle.

Marcy de Luna is a digital reporter specializing in social media, the famous, and food. You can follow her on Twitter @MarcydeLuna and Facebook @MarcydeLuna. Read her stories on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | Marcy.deLuna@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message
Three toddlers are OK after an unknown shooter opened fire toward a car in which they were riding in north Harris County on Thursday.

A man in the same car, however, is in critical condition after being shot in the head, deputies said.

The shooting was reported in the 1200 block of FM 1960 West near Ella Boulevard around 10:15 a.m.

A shooter fired several rounds toward a car filled with the three children and two men, according to Harris County Sheriff's Office Senior Deputy Thomas Gilliland.

The man in the front passenger seat was hit in the head and rushed by ambulance to an area hospital in critical condition.

No one else was injured in the shooting, Gilliland said.

A passerby who witnessed the shooting drove the car that was shot at the the hospital where the adult passenger was taken.

Little is known about the shooter, but detectives believe he or she was driving an early model Grand Marquis with a distinctive black hood.

"It's a calloused individual, anybody who would fire in a roadway," Gilliland said.

Anyone with information is urged to call Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message
GALVESTON  The city of Galveston has proposed a 21 percent increase to its contribution to the police pension fund, a key step in breaking a months-long stalemate in negotiations with the police union and moving its underfunded pension system toward solvency.

The proposal offered to Galvestons police pension board Tuesday could pave the way toward stabilizing the pension fund while staving off any threat that the state Legislature might step in to mediate negotiations between the city and police union, which have grown tense in recent months. The Galveston Municipal Police Association recently leased a billboard on Interstate 45 advertising Galveston as Home of the Worst Police Retirement in Texas.

The citys offer would raise its contribution to the pension fund to 18 percent from the current 14.83 percent, an increase of more than 21 percent. The police unions 12 percent contribution would be frozen for the first five years under the citys proposal. The city would reduce its contribution once the pension fund achieves stability, though an exact time frame has not been determined.

City Manager Brian Maxwell said the proposal is the first step toward restoring the police pension to good financial health. The fund has over $32 million in unfunded liabilities, according to the state comptrollers office.

While Galvestons police pension is not as troubled as those of other Texas cities faced with massive deficits  Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin have accumulated more than $22 billion combined in municipal pension shortfalls, according to a 2016 report from Moodys  the city has seen its police pension plunge from 99 percent funded in 2000 to 42 percent funded in 2017.

These cities pension funds face a common problem  unsustainable projected rates of return on investments that fail to account for economic and market volatility. Houston, for example, projected rates of return as high as 8.5 percent for its three municipal pension funds, when those returns were averaging closer to 3 percent or 4 percent.

Galveston was using an assumed rate of return on its police pension plan of 8 percent, which had been reduced to 7.5 percent as of 2018, still one of the highest rates in the state. Galvestons sluggish returns on investment combined with a reduction in the citys workforce since 2010  and, subsequently, reduced contributions to the funds  led to a slow deterioriation of the police pension fund.

Galvestons proposal includes a reduction in its expected rate of return from 7.5 percent to a more realistic 6.75 percent.

The long-term goal for Galveston is to move its entire municipal pension system to the statewide retirement system, though Maxwell said the city would likely have to do that gradually over time. The civil employees pension fund, which is in better fiscal health, would be migrated first, with the police pension plan likely another 10 to 20 years down the road, Maxwell said.

Galveston Police Pension Board Chairman Geoff Gainer cautioned that while it is incredibly premature to say that the police union had agreed to the proposal, he is receptive to the contribution structure and has begun to discuss the plan with his members.

One thing I told (the members) in the meeting, even if we were to reach an agreement on these things, thats 20 percent of the battle because the devils in the details, Gainer said. It is a long way to go before its done and we can put it in ink.

The contours of the citys plan mirror an approach advocated by state Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Canton, who chaired the House of Representatives pension committee and stepped in to draft plans to help struggling pension funds in Houston and Dallas.

The Galveston Daily News reported in November that Flynn penned a letter to Galveston city officials advocating a higher retirement age and a retirement board heavily weighted towards investment professionals with experience protecting pensions.

Maxwell said Flynn and Rep. Jim Murphy, R-Houston, the new House pension committee chairman, would likely take the lead in filing the bill to amend the current statute that governs the Galveston police pension plan. Gainer said he would meet Friday with Mayes Middleton, the new state representative for Galveston, to gauge his opinion.

As a show of good faith, if the police union approves of the citys proposal, the two sides could submit a plan reflecting the changes before the Legislature amends the statute.

Gainer and Maxwell agreed that they would rather come to a resolution than punt the issue to Austin, though legislators will likely have input on the final agreement.

I would want them to be at least in the general vicinity to keep tabs on everything so that we dont go off the rails like we have been, Gainer said. The prospect of having to do this in front of, or with state oversight is what got things back on track.

nick.powell@chron.com
Banning gender bias is just one of the many bills that Sen. Sean Bowie has introduced in the State Legislature in recent weeks.
The family of a woman and two children who escaped a fire at their home are pressing local officials to fully prosecute the husband accused of setting the blaze.

At their private consultants office on Wednesday, Tessie and Darren Fraysur recounted their daughters recollection of the fire and urged the Harris County District Attorneys Office to pursue prison time for the husband.

If we were harder on crime and if we charged people to the fullest extent of what our laws say the penalty should be, I dont think we would have the crime that we have in Houston right now, Tessie Fraysur said. It is my wish that we get justice and that he gets the time that he deserves.

The district attorneys office responded with a statement Wednesday afternoon.

The defendant stands charged with two felonies, and if convicted, faces up to life in prison. A judge has also issued a protective order covering the mother and her children, spokesman Dane Schiller said. No plea agreement has been offered, nor have any decisions been made regarding possible punishment.

The daughters husband, Jimmy Klayton Lauder, has posted $51,000 bond on arson and child endangerment charges after allegedly coming home intoxicated and setting the house ablaze with his wife and two children upstairs.

The incident began around 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 16 when Lauder walked into the home in the 12100 block of Rockharbor, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. Deputies originally said that Lauder began arguing with his wife and threatened her.

The Fraysurs daughter, Lindsay Yanchak, went upstairs with her 4-year-old boy and 2-year-old girl. Lauder then poured an accelerant - later identified as gasoline - all over the house, the sheriff said. Yanchak heard Lauder smashing the windows and an aquarium before hearing the stove click, triggering the smoke alarm.

She and her children got out of the house safely, and no one was injured. The fire never spread beyond the kitchen.

Tessie Fraysur said that both Yanchak and her two children are in counseling. The children havent seen their father since the fire due to a court order.

I still think shes numb from it all, Fraysur said.

The couple has a history of domestic violence and verbal abuse, the mother said. Theyve been married for five years.

Wayne Dolcefino, the couples investigative consultant, said that he wants the District Attorneys Office to release any body camera footage from the night of the incident.

We want this case to go to trial, Dolcefino said. We want a jury to hear the evidence. They want justice.

Tessie Fraysur said she hopes her son-in-law gets sentenced for the arson charge.

I worry for all of our safety, she said. I think were all checking our mirrors, side mirrors. I dont sleep a lot at night because of fear. Its been a rough couple months.

samantha.ketterer@chron.com
Members of the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice have called for Houston Police Officers Union President Joe Gamaldi to resign after they felt comments he made on national television last week threatened activists.

At a news conference Jan. 29 that followed a botched drug raid which left five HPD officers injured and two residents dead, Gamaldi said "we're going to be keeping track of y'all," saying critics were spreading negative rhetoric about police officers. He also said, "we've all got your number now."

"This man went on not only local TV, but national TV to try to use this very particular instance to put a target on activists' backs," said Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL Houston at a news conference in front of City Hall Thursday afternoon. "We do not need this in our city."

Gamaldi had no comment on the call for him to resign.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT: HPD officer connected to deadly raid, shootout relieved of duty

The members have asked for a Department of Justice investigation to determine if HPD has any files on activists.

FIEL Houston, Kallinen Law, Amnesty Houston and Houston Peace and Justice Center made up part of the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice that asked for Gamaldi to resign.

Organizers also responded to news Thursday that a veteran HPD narcotics officer involved in the Jan. 28 drug raid was relieved of duty and was being questioned. Authorities, including Gamaldi and HPD Chief Art Acevedo, said earlier Thursday that "ongoing questions" surround the role the undercover officer had in the raid, but did not offer further detail. The officer has not been identified.

"It's good that someone was relieved of duty, but Chief Acevedo should tell the public why he was relieved of duty," said civil rights lawyer Randall Kallinen.

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A man wasn't about to let two people get away with his car Thursday morning after the parked vehicle was stolen from a north Houston neighborhood.

Houston police said the man initially saw a vehicle drop off two suspects who then stole his car around 1:30 a.m. on Suburban Oaks Road in the Eastex-Jensen area.
A longtime Houston doctor will spend 18 months in prison after being convicted of tax evasion Wednesday.

Dr. Edward Crouse, an OB-GYN who established his solo practice in Houston in 1983, pleaded guilty last August to one count of tax evasion.

At a hearing on Wednesday U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ordered Crouse to prison for 18 months to be followed by one year of supervised release. Before Wednesday's hearing Crouse paid $678,103  the estimated the total intended tax loss in his case  in restitution, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and Special Agent in Charge D. Richard Goss of the IRS.

'I WAS VERY LOST': Former teacher appears in federal court on charge he backed ISIS

According to his plea agreement, which says that he earned more than $4.4 million from 2009 to 2012, Crouse had not filed a timely U.S. individual income tax return since 1997.

Crouse admitted to concealing his true income from the IRS and concealing business records from his bookkeepers and tax preparers in the signed plea agreement.

Immediately following his release, Crouse will spend one year of supervised release.
County Supervisor Denny Barney got flowers and kudos during his final meeting on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. While he takes the reins of the East Valley Partnership, his fellow board members will be looking for his replacement from among 13 applicants.
SHERIDAN, Wyo. (AP)  A 62-year-old man has been charged with poaching more than 100 deer in northern Wyoming.

KROE-AM reports Gregg Lambdin has been charged with 11 counts of wanton destruction of big game animals in Sheridan County.
AUSTIN  House Speaker Dennis Bonnens tweet started out like this: Four Speakers and a President walk into a room

Bonnen and three former Texas House speakers joined President George W. Bush at a fundraiser in Austin on Wednesday, a picture-worthy reunion featuring several Texas politicians who have held some of the highest positions in state government over the last quarter century.

Bush, who was elected governor of Texas in 1994, was in the middle of his first term when a 24-year-old Bonnen began serving in the Texas House. The two would work under the same dome for four years until Bush left the governors office in 2000 to become president.

ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Texas chief judge laments judicial turnover driven by partisan politics

The current and former politicians gathered at the Texas State University Foundation Gala, which raises money for university programs. Gathered together in a picture Bonnen posted to Twitter were Republicans Bush, Bonnen, former speakers Joe Straus (2009-2019) and Tom Craddick (2003-2009) and Democratic former Speaker Pete Laney (1993-2003).

All worked in the Texas Capitol while Bush was governor except for Straus, although he worked in the late President George H. W. Bushs first presidential campaign and in Bushs administration with a post the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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Chances are that somewhere, hanging in the very back of a womans closet, theres a dress hidden there that hasnt been worn in years  the prom dress. One organization is encouraging women in Montgomery County to donate those dresses for a good cause.

The Junior League of The Woodlands has again teamed up with The Giving Gown Foundation with a goal to collect 1,700 gowns and formal wear for junior and senior high school girls who want to attend the prom but may not have the financial ability to do so.

Amber Niemeyer, who is the Junior Leagues admissions and provisional chair, has been involved with the effort for all six years the organization has helped out by collecting the items necessary for prom.

Our new members each year organize the collection of dresses, shoes and toiletry items, Niemeyer said.

The Junior Leagues new members have set up dress donation bins across Montgomery County and the greater Houston area, including in The Woodlands, Conroe and Spring.

The project is one of the ways the organization helps to give back within their own communities. In addition to the formal wear, Junior League also collects toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste to give as swag bags.

We want to build the potential of women and children within our community to build better communities. This effort aligns with our mission of doing things in our own hometown to help, Niemeyer said.

The organization wants to collect all donations in time for the Giving Gown Foundations boutique days scheduled for March 27 through March 30, where the Junior League members will also serve as volunteers.

During those days, its time for the main event. The boutique is set up at Bammel Church of Christ in Houston with dresses on racks, volunteer seamstresses on-hand to do alterations and fairy godmothers there to help girls find their perfect dress for free.

Girls from the Houston area come to the event; some even come from other areas like Corpus Christi and Dallas. Recipients dont need to prove they need the help  the foundation assumes that they are in need if they register to come to the event.

Cassie Miller, president of the Giving Gown Foundation, said while the girls receive everything necessary to attend their prom, the event is about more than just outward appearances.

The girls come to us and leave with so much more than a gown. Our goal is to empower them to know theyre strong and capable and worthy of great things just as they are, Miller said.

The foundation hosts an empowerment workshop as part of the event, where volunteers will mentor the girls in attendance by teaching them about self-esteem. Theres also the opportunity for the girls to apply for a college scholarship provided by Tide Dry Cleaners.

Miller said its important to have partners like Junior League to show the girls that there are people in the community who care about them.

Its hard to be a teenager anyway, but to have people who are willing to serve you in this way is really beautiful, Miller said.

Donations are to be accepted until March 15. To see a full list of donation sites in the area, visit their website.

jane.stueckemann@chron.com
The Woodlands newest raptor residents  a pair of baby bald eagles hatched on Christmas Eve in a nest high above Lake Front Circle in Hughes Landing  are the 39th and 40th eaglets born in the township since the first pair settled above Lake Woodlands in 1999.

The babies new home has been used by their parents for around five or six years, said Fred LeBlanc, the Howard Hughes Corporations senior environmental manager.

Eagles mate for life around a body of water where a steady stream of food can be found. And, LeBlanc said, until one of them dies, the same couple returns each winter from a loose migration pattern to the Loblolly pines of The Woodlands to nest and raise their young until summer.

But its hard to know for sure if the current pair and their hatchlings are the same couple thats been living in the nest, LeBlanc said. There are private residents and social media groups that monitor the eagles, but neither officials from Howard Hughes nor the The Woodlands Township actively track each individual eagle. While the pair in question could be the two that built the nest years ago, one could have died  bald eagles have a life span of 20 to 25 years  and mated with anotherm he added.

If these are the same eagles that settled here originally, theyre getting kind of long in the tooth, LeBlanc said.

Eagles have made an incredible rebound from near-extinction, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The raptor which is the national bird of the United States were on the endangered species list from 1963 to 2007 in the continental United States, but LeBlanc credits their seemingly sudden adaptation to human development with their bouncing back.

All thats going on in Hughes Landing doesnt seem to bother them, LeBlanc said. Theyre comfortable with it and they keep coming back every year.

In the 20 years since the first eagle pair settled in The Woodlands, the population has soared  there are now five nests in the Bear Branch and Hughes Landing areas. In The Woodlands, mature bald eagles return to repair their nests or build new ones in October or November and lay eggs in early December. Eaglets are usually born in January, start to fly around 12 weeks later and mature at five years old.

The early birth date of the two newest eaglets, LeBlanc said, is telling.

Which makes me think its a different couple thats laying the eggs, he said.

Residents wont have to wait long to see them take flight, LeBlanc said. By the time the weather warms up, the eagles will be cruising the skies.

By summer, theyre all over Lake Woodlands learning to fend for themselves, he said.

mrincon@chron.com
3 1 of 3 Yi-Chin Lee, Staff / Houston Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Jerry Baker, Houston Chronicle / Contributor Show More Show Less 3 of 3





Piano and pinot noir will be featured at an upcoming concert and wine tasting hosted by the Rotary Club of Champions Sunrise to benefit the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts.

The upcoming concert will be the first event hosted by Rotary Club to help raise funds for the museums educational programs, said club president Phil Graiff.
Pearland police recently arrested two men accused of being caught with burglary tools and the key to a stolen vehicle and also investigated a variety of reported break-ins involving homes, vehicles and a coin-operated machine.

Police said they found the key and burglary tools in the mens possession on Jan. 28 in the 3500 block of Main Street, authorities said.

The first suspect, a 24-year-old Houston man, was arrested for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and unlawful use of a criminal instrument, police said. A 43-year-old Houston man also was charged with unlawful use of a criminal instrument, according to the report.

Police filed a motor vehicle burglary report Jan. 29 in the 8700 block of Broadway Street.

Unknown suspects burglarized a business Jan. 28 or Jan. 29 in the 2700 block of Broadway Street, police said.

Burglary of a coin-operated machine occurred Sept. 4 and Dec. 27, 2018, in the 3500 block of Broadway Street, according to police reports filed Jan. 30.

Burglary of a habitation was reported Jan. 30 in the 3900 block of East Spring Circle Drive, police said.

Attempted motor vehicle burglary was reported Jan. 31 in the 3200 block of Nolan Court.

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Police filed a building burglary report Jan. 31 in the 3200 block of Manvel Road.

Motor vehicle burglary occurred Jan. 27 or Jan. 28, according to a police report filed Jan. 31 in the 2300 block of Short Springs Court.

A storage unit was burglarized between Jan. 30 and Feb. 2 in the 3500 block of Broadway, police said.

A building was burglarized between Jan. 1 and Feb. 2 in the 3500 block of Broadway Street, according to a Feb. 2 police report.

Burglary of a habitation was reported Feb. 2 in the 3600 block of Sunset Meadows Drive.

Theft

Police arrested a Pearland woman, 45, for shoplifting Jan. 28 in the 1900 block of Main Street. A 23-year-old Houston man also was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant, police said.

Police conducted a theft investigation Jan. 28 in the 2500 block of Broadway Street.

Shoplifting was reported Jan. 28 in the 2800 block of Business Center Drive, police said.

Police filed a shoplifting report Jan. 29 in the 15800 block of Texas 288.

A gold and diamond ring was stolen between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, 2018, from a dresser drawer in a master bedroom in the 5200 block of Carmona Lane, according to a Jan. 30 police report.

Police arrested a Houston man, 44, for theft, failure to identify as a fugitive and a warrant Jan. 30 in the 15800 block of Texas 288. A 31-year-old Missouri City man also was arrested for theft and a warrant, police said.

CITY PROPOSAL: City of Pearland considers $80 million bond election

Shoplifting was reported Jan. 31 in the 1900 block of Main Street, police said. About an hour later, in a separate incident, a suspect allegedly drank a Red Bull and left the store without paying.

A vehicle was stolen Jan. 27 or Jan. 28 from a residence in the 2600 block of Sunday House Drive, police said.

Shoplifting occurred Jan. 15 in the 11200 block of Broadway Street, according to a Jan. 31 police report.

Motor vehicle theft was reported Feb. 1 in the 2000 block of Orchard Spring Drive, police said.

A vehicle owner claimed his boyfriend took his car keys and refused to return them Feb. 1 in the 2700 block of Broadway Street, police said.

A purse was stolen Feb. 1 in the 2300 block of Hatfield Road, according to a Feb. 2 police report.

An unknown suspect used counterfeit $100 bills to steal a laptop Feb. 3 in the 11500 block of Shadow Creek Parkway, police said.

Robbery

Police filed an aggravated robbery report Jan. 30 in the 15800 block of Texas 288.

Aggravated robbery was reported Feb. 1 in the 2800 block of Business Center Drive, police said.

Fraud, forgery

A victims Social Security number was used fraudulently for employment and to file an income tax return, according to a police report completed Jan. 28 in the 3500 block of Chatwood Drive.

Fraudulent debit cards were used to steal money from an ATM machine between Jan. 27 and Jan. 28, according to a police report filed Jan. 29 in the 2300 block of Main Street.

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A victims identity was used fraudulently to open a Verizon account between Jan. 8 and Jan. 22, according to a police report filed Jan. 29 in the 2000 block of Shore Breeze Drive.

A fraudulent credit card transfer over the telephone occurred between Jan. 28 and Jan. 31, according to a police report filed in the 2500 block of Sun Spot Lane.

An unknown male suspect cashed a check on a fraudulent account Jan. 30 or Jan. 31, according to a police report filed in the 1300 block of Sentore Drive.

Police filed an identity fraud report Feb. 1 in the 2500 block of Main Street.

Forgery occurred between Jan. 29 and Feb. 1, according to a police report filed in the 2800 block of Business Center Drive.

Assault

A female victim told police she was assaulted by her boyfriend around Dec. 26, 2018, according to a report filed Jan. 28 in the 3900 block of Spring Arbor Court.

Police filed an assault, family violence report Jan. 28 in the 4900 block of Sterling Crossing.

Police arrested a Pearland man, 55, for assault Jan. 29 in the 5300 block of Main Street.

A Pearland woman, 47, was arrested for assaulting an elderly man and woman Jan. 29 in the 3400 block of Randall Drive, police said.

Family violence was reported Jan. 30 in the 9700 block of Berkshire Trace, police said.

Police filed a family violence report Feb. 1 in the 12500 block of Broadway Street.

Police arrested a Pearland man for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon Feb. 2 in the 5700 block of Cantu Road.

Police arrested a Houston woman, 26, for assault, family violence Feb. 3 in the 2800 block of South Sam Houston Parkway East.

Assault, family violence was reported Feb. 3 in the 12100 block of Shadow Creek Parkway, police said.

Narcotics

A Pearland man, 35, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and a warrant Jan. 29 in the 3600 block of Hampshire Street, police said.

Fentanyl was found Jan. 30 in the 2800 block of Pearland Parkway, police said.

Police arrested a suspect for possession of a controlled substance after a traffic stop Jan. 30 in the 10900 block of Shadow Creek Parkway.

A 21-year-old Houston woman was arrested for marijuana possession Jan. 31 in the 1500 block of Cullen Parkway, police said.

Driving while intoxicated

A Houston man, 33, was arrested for DWI Jan. 30 in the 2800 block of Tranquility Lakes Boulevard, police said.

Police took a Houston man, 38, into custody for DWI Feb. 2 in the 4900 block of Victoria Avenue.

A Rosharon man, 43, was arrested for DWI Feb. 2 in the 3400 block of Broadway Street, police said.

A traffic stop in the 1400 block of Main Street led to the arrest of a 24-year-old Pearland man for DWI and fleeing an officer, police said.

A Houston man, 39, was arrested for DWI and unlawful possession of a firearm Feb. 3 in the 3100 block of Cullen Parkway, police said.

Police arrested a Pearland man, 30, for DWI Feb. 3 in the 11600 block of Shadow Creek Parkway.

A Manvel woman, 23, was taken into custody for DWI and resisting arrest Feb. 3 in the 2600 block of McLean Road, police said.

Police took a Houston man, 33, into custody for DWI Feb. 3 in the 16700 block of Texas 288.

Public intoxication

Police arrested a Missouri City man, 28, for public intoxication Jan. 30 in the 11100 block of Shadow Creek Parkway.

A 25-year-old Cathedral City, California, man was arrested for public intoxication Feb. 2 in the 13900 block of Texas 288, police said.

Disorderly conduct

Police arrested a Pearland man, 35, for disorderly conduct Jan. 28 in the 2800 block of Tranquility Lakes Boulevard.

A Rosharon man, 45, was taken into custody for disorderly conduct and displaying a firearm Feb. 1 in the 3000 block of Kirby Drive, police said.

Criminal trespass

An unknown suspect committed criminal trespass Jan. 28 in the 2500 block of North Rachel Court, police said.

Criminal trespass was reported Jan. 28 in the 3200 block of Randall Drive, police said.

A Houston woman, 48, was taken into custody for criminal trespass and resisting arrest Jan. 30 in the 11000 block of Shadow Creek Parkway, police said.

Criminal mischief

A Houston man, 28, was arrested for criminal mischief Jan. 28 in the 11600 block of Shadow Creek Parkway, police said.

Criminal mischief was reported Jan. 28 in the 1800 block of Lazy Creek Lane, police said.

A BB gun was used to shoot a vehicles windshield twice Jan. 30 in the 3800 block of South Pin Oak Drive, police said.

Police filed criminal mischief report Jan. 31 in the 13100 block of Shallow Falls Lane.

Child endangerment

Police completed an abandoning or endangering a child report Jan. 31 in the 3300 block of East Walnut Street.

Weapons

Police arrested a Dickinson man, 37, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and a warrant Jan. 30 in the 13600 block of Shadow Creek Parkway.

Evading arrest

Police took a Pearland man, 38, into custody for forgery and evading arrest following a pursuit Jan. 30 in the 3200 block of Lee Circle Drive. A Pearland woman, 26, also was arrested for theft and possession of a controlled substance, police said.

Threats, harassment

Police detained a girl for terroristic threat Jan. 28 in the 12400 block of Shadow Creek Parkway.

Harassment was reported Jan. 29 in the 2700 block of South Belgravia Drive, police said.

A female juvenile made threatening comments about another female student Jan. 29, according to a police report filed Jan. 31 in the 3000 block of Old Alvin Road.

An online threat was reported Feb. 2 in the 3400 block of Warren Road, police said.

Traffic

Police took a Houston man, 30, into custody for driving while license invalid and a warrant Jan. 28 in the 1900 block of Main Street.

Police arrested a 19-year-old Houston man for reckless driving Jan. 31 in the 5400 block of Broadway Street.

Police arrested a Houston woman, 37, for displaying a fictitious license plate and driving while license invalid Feb. 2 in the 9900 block of Broadway Street.

A Pearland man, 55, was arrested for no drivers license Feb. 3 in the 8900 block of Fite Road, police said.
Alvin ISD plans to seek input from district residents through online forms and a Feb. 12 open-microphone session as it searches for candidates to be its next superintendent.

AISD assistant superintendent Daniel Combs is serving as interim superintendent while the district works with search consultants education law attorney David Thompson and former state education commissioner Mike Moses. The districts previous superintendent, Buck Gilcrease, retired Feb. 1 after serving in the post since 2014.

The district reported that it will continue taking applications for the superintendent position until Feb. 18 and that internal candidates will be considered.

Alvin ISD has indicated that it will provide a link on Feb. 13 on its site at www.alvinisd.net to online submission forms for residents to share qualifications and experience they believe are needed in the next superintendent.

The open-microphone session will be from 6-7 p.m. Feb 12 at the Liberty Alumni Hall at the Alvin ISD Heritage Complex 10855 Iowa Colony Blvd.

Iowa Colony before the districts trustee meeting that night.

The board wants to know what the community thinks is important in terms of character and what skills, education and special expertise the person should have in order to be the next leader of the district, district spokeswoman Rachel Moore said.

A focus group committee also has been selected.

Each board member nominated nine individuals to serve on the committee, Moore said. These individuals included parents, students, community members, business owners.

Interviews of superintendent candidates are likely to occur through March with a candidate being named as early as April, when the required 21 day waiting period would begin, according to a district press release.

The district, which has about 25,000 students, is growing by more than 1,200 students each year.

District voters last year approved a $480.5 million bond package to fund construction of two elementary and two junior high schools and a new high school as well as update security on campuses, acquire land for future campus growth and replace the aging E.C. Mason Elementary and Alvin Primary School campuses. The district is preparing to build a fourth high school, which would go in Iowa Colony, with construction to start in the summer.

Combs, the districts assistant superintendent of professional learning and student and community engagement, has been with Alvin ISD for nearly seven years. Combs previously served as a high school history teacher, curriculum coordinator, and campus administrator.

For more information on the districts schedule for selecting a finalist candidate, visit https://www.alvinisd.net/Page/39664.
A Pasadena ISD grounds maintenance employee has been charged with "super" aggravated sexual assault of a child, according to a release from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Jose Armando Lopez Solorio, 61, admitted to allegations that he continually sexually abused a child Feb. 1, according to the release. An aggravated sexual assault charge is upgraded to "super" "when the victim is either under six years of age, or if someone previously convicted of violent sexual assault of a victim under the age of fourteen commits the same crime again," the release stated.
A Houston police officer has been relieved of duty in light of "ongoing questions" stemming from a botched drug raid that left a couple dead and five officers wounded, police said Thursday.

It's not clear what role the officer played in the Jan. 28 bust at 7815 Harding, but law enforcement sources said his suspension comes amid a probe into questions over whether the sworn affidavit used to justify the no-knock warrant may have contained false information.

It's not clear if the two developments are connected.

Investigators are also reviewing whether internal police policies and procedures were followed during the drug investigation, sources said.

"I know that in addition to the officer-involved shooting itself, many have questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the search warrant," Chief Art Acevedo said Thursday in response to news of the officer's suspension. "All of these questions are part of our ongoing criminal and administrative investigations."

READ THE WARRANT: Search warrant from drug raid that left five officers injured released

Instead of "releasing piecemeal information," Acevedo said, the department will report findings once they've wrapped up the internal investigation. He declined to identify or release any details about the officer in question and did not specify whether the investigation would focus on the possibility of false information in the affidavit.

"When an officer-involved shooting occurs at HPD, we consider it a legal and moral obligation to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances leading up to and resulting in the officer-involved shooting," he said. "There is a lot of speculation as to the circumstances regarding this officer-involved shooting at 7815 Harding Street, but we urge everyone to let the investigation take its proper course and proceed to conclusion."

As is standard practice with officer-involved shootings, the Harris County District Attorney's Office will launch a civil rights investigation into the case and eventually turn over findings to a grand jury.

"Our Civil Rights Division prosecutors are currently working with the Houston Police Department's special investigation team to look at every aspect of this incident," District Attorney Kim Ogg said Thursday in a statement. "As is our policy, every shooting by a police officer  in every instance  is presented to a grand jury to determine if any criminal charges are warranted."

Houston Police Officers' Union President Joe Gamaldi dismissed "rumors" about the suspended officer, adding that "nearly all" officers relieved of duty come back to work following an investigation. He said the probe has been hampered by the inability of the case agent to talk with investigators; the case agent was among those officers shot during the raid.

"The department made the decision to relieve the officer of duty while a thorough investigation continues," he said. "Rumors will undoubtedly continue until the case agent is able to be interviewed. Unfortunately, his gunshot wound has resulted in him being incapacitated while surgeries continue. Any assumptions or conclusions made prior to the interview taking place are just assumptions."

No-knock raid

The drug probe leading up to the botched bust started on Jan. 8, when officials say an anonymous caller phoned police to complain that her daughter was "doing drugs" inside the Harding Street home.

When officers showed up, they didn't see any suspicious activity, but stopped a passerby to ask if she'd called 911. She hadn't, but  according to what Acevedo told reporters at a Jan. 31 press conference  the woman allegedly turned back to her phone call and said, "Hey the police are at the dope house."

Afterward, police launched a full-on investigation and eventually sent in a confidential informant, authorities said. That buy allegedly netted some quantity of heroin, though officials have never said how much of the drug they recovered.

The next day, police used that purchase as a key piece of their request for a no-knock search warrant at the quiet Pecan Park home. In a three-page sworn affidavit, officers laid out their reasons for the raid.

Before the buy, police said they met with the informant  who'd worked with them on 10 other cases  and searched the informant for drugs before the buy. The informant came out of the house, according to the court filing, and turned over a packet of a brown powder described as "boy," which is slang for heroin.

The informant also warned police of a "large quantity" of drugs inside, packaged in plastic baggies, and a 9mm handgun, according to the court filing.

When presented on Jan. 28 with the police affidavit  written by an officer whose name was redacted in public records  a municipal court judge signed off on the warrant. Hours later, police crashed through the couple's front door, sparking a gun battle that left Dennis Tuttle, Rhogena Nicholas and their pitbull dog dead. In the process, five officers were wounded, including four who were shot.

Ultimately, investigators found small amounts of marijuana and cocaine, but no heroin. They also found two 12-gauge shotguns, a 20-gauge shotgun, a .22-caliber rifle and a second rifle  but no 9mm handgun described in the warrant.

Mixed reactions

Afterwards, the couple's friends and family pushed back on the idea that 59-year-old Tuttle  a disabled Navy veteran  and his wife could be drug users.

Monique Caballero, a friend of the couple who has been outspoken in her questioning of the official narrative of the raid, gushed with anger and relief at hearing the news Thursday that the officer had been relieved of duty.

"It's about time they look into what needs to be done," she said. "I firmly believe they went to the wrong house and now they're trying to cover it up, and it pisses me off that that head of the union wants to call my friend a dirtbag  you can't retract that. You can't retract and you can't bring back the dead."

Union officials on Thursday pushed back on speculation that the raid took place at the wrong house.

"To be clear, officers were not on the wrong street and entry was not made at random," Gamaldi said, in the union's statement. "We would refer you to the call slip from that location on Jan. 8, over two weeks prior to the shooting."

Ashton Woods, a local activist who criticized the department's handling of the bust as well as the union's fiery response afterward, lauded news of the disciplinary action while still pushing for closer scrutiny.

"This whole situation has been suspicious from the jump," he said. "I'm glad that they're being investigated but it sounds like it's time for Houston police to bring in an outside entity to investigate the case."

Since the raid, the couple's home has been boarded up, with flags, balloons and flowers on the doorsteps and messages and a Bible verse scrawled on nailed-down wood.

"Matthew 6:10-13 RIP", someone wrote on the door. In the Bible, that verse starts, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Neighbor Sarah Sanchez, 42, said she'd been friends with Tuttle and Nicholas for years, and that she'd frequently trusted them to take her kids to school. She never believed the couple was dealing drugs, she said.

"The truth will all come out," she said. "It's not going to bring them back, but it's going to clear their names and bring them justice."

Janie Aviles, 25, said she never knew Tuttle and Nicholas well but always saw them as nice people who waved and said hello when they crossed paths. She never thought her neighbors had drug activity  not enough people went in and out of the house.

"(The police) should have done things differently," she said. "Maybe this wouldn't have happened."

This story has been updated to correct what was scrawled on the door.

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Medical cannabis for all Texans could come to the state if a pair of bills put forth by State Rep. Ron Reynolds becomes law.

Reynolds (D-District 27) has submitted House Bill 209 and House Joint Resolution 21 for consideration during the 86th Legislature regular session.

I am proud to announce the filing of House Bill 209 and HJR 21, which seeks to make access to medical cannabis available for more patients with debilitating medical conditions, instead of it being reserved only for patients with epilepsy, Reynolds said in a news release.

In making the budgetary case for HB 209, Reynolds pointed to a 2017 Legislative Budget Board study which projected the bill to have a $9,288,521 positive impact on our state economy within two years of implementation.

HIGHER PAY: State Rep. Ron Reynolds introduces bill to increase state minimum wage

HB 209 would authorize parents to administer medical cannabis to children with debilitating medical conditions if the treatment is recommended by their physician.

The bill would also authorize establishing licensed cannabis testing facilities to analyze the safety and potency of medical cannabis.

Its time for Texas to join the other 33 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico, whom all have comprehensive public marijuana/cannabis programs, Reynold said. We should not be afraid or reluctant to explore new ways to provide compassionate care, cure diseases, and ease the pain and suffering of Texans, especially our veterans, critical care patients, and the elderly.

If HB 2019 passes, it will go into effect immediately if two-thirds of both houses pass the legislation. Otherwise, it will go into effect on Sept. 1.

POT HISTORY: New class in Houston teaches how to cultivate medical marijuana

All states which border Texas  New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana  have legalized medical marijuana.

According to a recent University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll, only 16 percent of Texans said possession of marijuana should remain illegal under any circumstances, Reynolds said. This is why I filed HJR 21, which proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas voters to decide if medical cannabis should be legal.

If HJR 21 passes, it will be put before Texas voters on Nov. 5.

Reynolds represents Texas House District 27, which encompasses communities of Fort Bend County. Representative Reynolds currently serves as a member of the House Committees on Defense and Veterans Affairs and Environmental Regulations.

rkent@hcnonline.com


New Metallurgical Test Work Confirms up to 94% Gold Recovery

Sydney, Feb 7, 2019 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Alt Resources Ltd ("Alt" or "the Company") ( ASX:ARS ) is pleased to announce that it has completed initial metallurgical test work on oxide gold samples at the Emu and Southwark deposits from the Bottle Creek Gold Project in the Mt Ida region of Western Australia (Figure 1 in link below). The Bottle Creek Gold Project is the cornerstone asset of the Company's Mt Ida Gold Project.KEY POINTS:- 94% recoverable gold and 65% recoverable silver using conventionalcyanide leach processing on samples of Emu and Southwark oxide material- Metallurgical recovery tests completed at a range of grind sizes from 80%passing 106 micron to 80% passing 45 micron. An optimum grind size of80% passing 60 micron has been chosen for additional work.- Rapid leach kinetics for both gold and silver after first 12 hours usingexisting site water- Bond ball mill Work Index 10.6 in line with historical record of 10.9recorded from the historical mining cycle at Bottle Creek- Cyanide and lime consumption in line with existing WA CIP plantoperationsAlt CEO James Anderson said, "This is a significant and very positive result at Bottle Creek confirming the historical performance by the previous miner Norgold and reinforcing our view that Bottle Creek is a robust, small scale open pit development project. The new metallurgy, along with recent pit optimisation work, paves the way to complete a treatment plant design to be located at Bottle Creek and move rapidly to the feasibility study.""The project is looking favourable for a simple processing route, and these test results support our aim of developing a gold plant at Bottle Creek. It is another positive step towards the planned mining hub to service this northern end of the Mt Ida gold belt."BOTTLE CREEK METALLURGICAL TESTWORK SUMMARYOxide composite samples were collected from five representative diamond core drill holes drilled across the strike of the Emu and Southwark deposits at Bottle Creek (Figures 2 & 3) and provided to Australian Minmet Metallurgical Laboratories Pty Ltd (AMML). The samples were representative of the various ore types in the oxide zone, which would be the focus of any future open pit mining and processing activities. Samples were composited from diamond holes drilled by DDH1 Drilling in 2018 at the Emu and Southwark ore bodies announced to the market 28 August 20181. Table 1 details the sample intervals combined in to a single 'bulk' composite sample, from which sub samples were utilised in the various tests completed by AMML. The metallurgical results confirm gold and silver recoveries in line with expectations utilising conventional cyanide leach techniques (full details outlined in AMML's test work report attached as appendix 1).The test work program entailed four leach tests, two viscosity tests and a Bond Ball Work Index comminution test. Three tests, on different particle sized material (106, 75 & 45um), were completed utilising stirred kinetic cyanide leaching with ground water delivered to AMML laboratory from the Bottle Creek mine site. A conventional 24hr cyanide leach (Appendix 1) was also carried out to determine if preg robbing material is present in the ore. The CIL test showed no difference in Au dissolution compared to the non-carbon leach, indicating that no preg robbing material was present.The test work has demonstrated very rapid leaching kinetics for both KL & CIL samples and favourable gold recovery consistent with expectations to produce a near maximum leaching of gold and silver within the first 12 hours (Figure 2). Cyanide consumption from the KL tests ranged from 1.37 to 1.45 kg/t (increasing with finer grind). A Bond Ball Mill Work Index of 10.6 kWh/dry tonne was determined, indicating the Bottle Creek oxide ore is relatively soft. Reports related to the initial mining at Bottle Creek, completed by Norgold in the 1990's, indicated a Bond Ball Mill Work Index of 10.9 kWh/dry tonne.The test work was undertaken by AMML Metallurgical Laboratories in Gosford, NSW and was managed Tim Baily, Senior Metallurgist (Grad. Dip. Metallurgy, B Sc), M AusIMM and reviewed by William Flannery of Timora Pty Ltd. AMML's report is included as Appendix 1. Timora Pty Ltd has recommended additional testing to be completed at a 60 um grind, which is considered to be optimal based on the current results. AMML is currently undertaking this work which will be completed within the next 7 days.NEXT STEPS The Company aims to determine a viable mining and processing option for Bottle Creek. Since commencing operation on the project Alt has progressed the Bottle Creak project through three stages of drilling, supporting an initial resource estimation followed by an updated resource estimation in October 2018 (refer below), confirming the projects potential for development.Final interpretation of drilling completed later in 2018 will support a further resource update expected first quarter 2019. The positive metallurgical results allow the Company to finalise pit optimisation work aimed at determining optimal plant capacity and indicative project economics, allowing metrics around plant design to be confirmed.Minecomp Pty Ltd and Timora Pty Ltd are assisting the company with this work with results expected to be available in the near term. FUTURE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND SHARE PLACEMENT Pursuant to the positive metallurgical test results announced the Company intends to raise additional capital during the first quarter of 2019 to further advance and fund key studies relative to the development of the Bottle Creek gold project treatment and processing plant to be located at Mt Ida, WA.As the various independent scoping studies evolve they will be incorporated into the Bottle Creek Pre Feasibility Study (PFS). The Company is proposing to undertake a capital raising during the first quarter of 2019 to raise up to $1.6M before issue costs at an issue price of $0.03 per fully paid ordinary share, placing a maximum number of 54M new shares in the capital of the Company. The Placement will be made to investors qualifying under Section 708 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Act) and the Company will seek shareholder approval to complete the Placement. Planned funds to be raised during this quarter will be allocated towards completion of:- The Emu and Southwark pit optimisation and scoping study- The Bottle Creek treatment plant design parameters and plant layout- Treatment Plant preliminary hazard operations assessment- Power generation requirement, electrical summary and operating philosophy- Tailings storage facility design- Working Capital for operationsPursuant to the ongoing planning and development of the Bottle Creek treatment plant the Company will issue 15.2 million fully paid ordinary shares to Timora Pty Ltd (Timora) subject to shareholder approval. The Company is currently preparing the Notice of General Meeting (EGM) to be held in March. Timora is an independent gold treatment plant design development and procurement Company engaged by Alt to co-ordinate the Bottle Creek treatment plant development project. The shares will be issued to Timora at $0.03 and represents a 20% premium on the current price of the Company securities trading on the ASX.Under the agreement, Timora will invest $456,000 into the Company by way of cash and fees for service and equipment supplied. Timora will pay $280,000 in cash and the equivalent of $176,000 will be issued in shares in consideration for services and equipment supplied. Additionally the Company will utilise its existing sophisticated and professional investor network to raise the balance of $1.32M.BOTTLE CREEK and MT IDA RESOURCEAlt acquired the Bottle Creek Gold Mine in November 2017 under an Option to Purchase Agreement2 (Option) from the Vendor. Pursuant to the Option the Company has undertaken ~19,000 metres of reverse circulation drilling and 1160 metres of diamond drilling producing its maiden resource announced in August 20183 and a second resource upgrade announced in October 20184. The Company produced the maiden resource and a second resource upgrade at Bottle Creek within 7 months of commencement of drilling in March 2018.The total for Alt's Bottle Creek Gold Project is 2.6Mt @ 1.9 g/t Au, for 160,000oz Au including 2.5Mt @ 10.7 g/t Ag for 900,000oz Ag which is shown in Table 3 and forms the basis of the recently completed Minecomp pit optimisation and design. Additional to the Bottle Creek resource are the Mt Ida South and Quinn's satellite resources (Table 4) which In combination with existing mineral resources at Bottle Creek deliver Alt's combined Mt Ida Gold Project mineral resource Inventory which is now standing at 3.9 Mt @ 2.07 g/t Au, for 257,000 ounces Au and 900,000 ounces Ag of which 122,000 ounces is in the Indicated category on 6 granted existing mining leases.The Company recently completed an additional ~5,500 of RC drilling announced to the market on 14 December 20185 and is currently upgrading the Southwark resource bringing it into the indicated category intending to deliver the Southwark resource into the mining inventory as probable ore reserve. The delay in bringing the Southwark resource into indicated was due to the digital terrain model (DTM) being incomplete. The Company surveyors have now finalised the DTM, which will allow the resource geologist to complete the Southwark resource and upgrade from inferred into the Indicated category.To view tables and figures, please visit:About Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd

Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd is an Australian based mineral exploration company that aims to become a gold producer by exploiting historical and new gold prospects across quality assets and to build value for shareholders.
A capital murder trial defendant recently won acquittal in a Willis cold case where the defense attorney is alleging evidence and testimony were unreliable.

A jury of 12 and two alternates found Fred Dexter Lee, 62, not guilty Jan. 14 in the shooting death of 29-year-old Brandon Glenn Brazel. Authorities alleged Lee killed Brazel during a drug deal gone bad Sept. 12, 2007 in a Willis Kroger parking lot. Lee was being tried in presiding Judge Lisa Michalks 221st District Court after a 2015 indictment following an investigation by Willis Police Department Sgt. Kevin Rooney.

The testimony was unreliable  I think there were issues about whether the witnesses were given information about what they had seen or witnessed versus what had been supplied by law enforcement personnel and others, said Lees attorney, Gerald Bourque. Rooney admitted that he gave out too much information in his interviews of prospective witnesses and/or subjects and targets.

Rooney forwarded all questions on the cases outcome to the trials chief prosecutor, Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Andrew James.

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We believe that Fred Lee committed the offense. We went forward with the evidence that we had in the case. The jury ultimately decided that the evidence did not meet the beyond a reasonable doubt standard and we respect their verdict, James said in a statement.

The prosecutors did an admirable job, Bourque pointed out.

Bourque declined an interview with Lee, who he said has an extensive criminal history. Bourque said he told Lee, a Livingston resident, to take his happiness and go back to (his native) Oklahoma.

Trial evidence Bourque is pinning as unreliable includes what he described as crime scene video.

It could have been as simple as a man walking up and killing him  that the camera didnt catch  and walking off, Bourque said. Adding, there were potential targets and suspects who were willing to say anything to keep the laser off them.

In a July 2015 interview with The Courier, Rooney said he was compiling very, very good evidence in the cold case.

Im going to keep working. If somebody comes in and says I heard this or I heard that, Im going to follow it up just to see if I can get any more than what I already have, Rooney said at the time.

jose.gonzalez@chron.com

twitter.com/jrgzztx
I had my three brothers over last week for a barbecue. We hadnt had a real get-together since our hiking trip in the mountains. The experience did much to curtail our togetherness. It was a time that tried mens souls. And stamina. Tried our stamina big time.

Before the hike, we had gone on a couple of thrilling canoe trips that nearly separated us from life. (I kept a log on each journey, just in case none of us made it.) Fortunately, we survived the experiences and were better for it. Had one or all of us not survived, we wouldve been worse for it. Know what I mean? But, it was the mountain hike that soured us on any further multi-day adventures.

So, after a couple of decades of boredom, I invited my three brothers over for barbecued ribs and loads of fun. Told them they were to bring their CPAP machines and stay the night. They liked the rib idea, but refused to do an overnighter. Kay told me to take small steps. She says weird stuff like that all the time.

I had my brothers meet me at the 105 Cafe for breakfast, because The 105 has the best breakfasts. Tom, the owner, has the awards to prove it. A nice guy, Tom.

But enough about him. Its Big Al I want to tell you about. At some point earlier in life, my kid brother turned angry, over-critical and gloomy as all get out. Each of those traits is a symptom of depression. I was diagnosed way before Al. Its one of those feelings that nothing is right. I couldnt summon up a happy thought to save my life.

It was a clinical depression. Something about the wiring in your brain. Happy thoughts dont reach the part of your brain that is the purveyor of happy feelings. Ive written about this before. Its personal as all get out and controversial to boot. I only mention it with the thought that it may help one of you who might be suffering from something similar.

A short-circuited brain is not the only cause of depression, but it is a major one. The malady runs in my family. And, unlike baldness, Im fairly sure it comes from my fathers side. Moms immediate family didnt believe in depression. Wouldnt tolerate it. They were a staunch people and I loved them dearly. Not crazy about their dry wit, but I loved them.

What Im leading up to is the fact that, after a few minutes with Big Al, I noticed he was behaving like his old self, the guy who was great to be around. He talked and laughed and joked just like before. While at the house, he didnt get up and pace up and down. And get this, at the beginning of the visit, Dennis told Big Al that it aggravated him that Al had been such a braggart as a kid. I couldnt believe it. Had Dennis completely lost his mind? I figured the rest of the short day would be bad as all get out.

Turns out, Al had a questioned look. Was I really that way? he said. I sure didnt feel that way. He just sluffed it off. I couldnt believe it. The real Big Al had returned? I had only prayed about it for years.

During a brief lull in the conversation, Al said he had something tell us. He said that his psychiatrist had recently written him a prescription for a new anti-depressant.* Like me, Al had always been told that that it might take weeks or maybe a month or two before he would notice any change. If he didnt notice anything, hed have to take a couple of weeks to wean off the medication before trying the next one. However, on this occasion, the doctor told him that if the pill did work for him, he should notice a difference within days. And, he did.

It was as if a cloud had lifted. Al wasnt giddy or hallucinatory. He was himself. Big Al was back. God had rescued him from the Dark Side. It made me wonder about Faris Hayter. All they had back then for depression was valium. To my knowledge, Dad took only a couple of doses of the pill. It turned him from depressed, to a person who didnt give a hoot about anything. Had I thought about it, I might have asked to borrow his wallet.

But seriously, I cant help but wonder what our childhood wouldve been like had medication been available to rewire my daddys brain. Its ridiculous to wonder about such a thing, but I do wish I couldve known my real Dad. However, that thought does nothing to dampen my joy in the return of the real Big Al. Im telling you, hes one of the best persons to be around. Even at that, I dont see another mountain hike in the cards. Small steps, remember?

* I dont wish to advertise a particular prescription drug, but if you e-mail me, I will let you know the name of the medication that worked for my brother. Please know that all medications dont work the same on everyone. Were wired differently. (I dont really understand that, either.)

You can contact Mark at hayter.mark@gmail.com.
Katy city officials are warning the public to listen to the local health authority regarding the recent spread of measles in the greater Houston area.

In Katy ISD, district officials said it was closely monitoring events concerning communicable diseases, is "constantly vigilant concerning measles" and any other "which might emerge in our school.s"

The district said it follows the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as well as our local health departments' protocols for such diseases and is compliant with the Immunization State Laws.

"As of today, Katy ISD does not have any measles cases among our student and staff population," the district said in a statement.

The district has a list of recommendations on its website its staff, students and nurses follow to ensure everyone stays healthy. According to its website, "campuses are routinely disinfected with QUAT 256 cleaner, which is affective against multiple disease-causing viruses and bacteria."

The staff will also "monitor students for symptoms and refer students to the school nurse for assessments as appropriate," according to the district website.

In Katy, Greg Goedecker, the city's new emergency management coordinator, said he wants Katy residents to practice "situational awareness" and follow the guidelines laid out by the Harris County Public Health agency, which confirmed in a news release Monday that three people who live in northwest Harris County had measles.

Goedecker reposted a news release to the Katy's Office of Emergency Management's Facebook Page this week. The release by the Harris County Public Health recommends that people get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease.

"My belief is that of situational awareness and that we should be able to share that information with our citizens," Goedecker said. "(Measles has) been in the news lately. I figured some people had some questions about (measles). I thought it was good information to share."

Fives cases of measles have been confirmed in the greater Houston area, including three in Harris County, one in Galveston County and one in Montgomery County. They involve four children under 2 years of age, and a woman between the ages of 25 and 35, according to the Houston Chronicle. All are reportedly doing well.

'TEXAS WALKS DANGEROUS PATH:' Houston's current vaccination rate is appalling, editorial board says

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease, and is airborne, which means its spreads to others by coughing or sneezing, according the Harris County Public Health's news release. If one person has it, nine out 10 people around that person will also become infected if they're not vaccinated, the release said.

Goedecker said the city was not under any sort of emergency preparedness preparation due to the five recent cases in the area but it was informing people about the situation.

"If we had any preventative type of measures, we would follow the Harris County Public Health and just mirror them," he said. "They are the experts on that."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children get two doses of the combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to fully protected.

The best way to protect yourself and your family against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases is by immunization.

For a list of recommended vaccines, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/

michelle.iracheta@chron.com
A man who robbed an armored car Wednesday morning is on the run and the FBI is seeking the public's help in finding him.

According to the FBI's Violent Crime Task Force, the man robbed an armored car outside a Bank of America in west Houston. Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering up to a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the robber.

The robbery occurred about 9:50 a.m. near the Bank of America at 11288 Westheimer Road.

"While an armored car courier was servicing an ATM outside the Bank of America, a dark-colored, newer-model Nissan Altima, driven by an unknown driver, approached the ATM," according to an FBI news release. "The suspect exited the backseat of the vehicle and walked toward the courier brandishing a pistol. The suspect grabbed the courier bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash and fled in the same vehicle. No physical injuries were reported."

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The FBI described the suspect as a black male in his early to mid-20s, about 5-feet 8-inches tall with a slender build. At the time of the crime, the suspect wore a dark hooded sweatshirt, a blue and green ski mask, dark pants and blue latex gloves.

Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of this robber. Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or the FBI Houston Field Office at (713) 693-5000.

Tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers through their website, www.crime-stoppers.org, or the Houston Crime Stoppers mobile phone app which can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices. All tipsters remain anonymous.

rkent@hcnonline.com
Kings Harbor now has its slice of Italy back.

Zammittis opened its doors again on Sunday after being closed for almost a year due to damages from Hurricane Harvey.

The Italian restaurant, located next to Raffas Waterfront Grill at the intersection of West Lake Houston Parkway and the Lake Houston bridge, sustained the most damage out of all the businesses in Kings Harbor and had to replace everything, according to Zammittis owner Eddie Ghazal.

Zammittiss opened its doors on Feb. 3 and Ghazal was surprised to see how many people have come to eat the homemade food and drink wine with friends at the restaurant. Ghazal said he ran out of wine bottles to serve during the reopening.

We had a packed house. We literally (couldnt move). We had to push people in order to walk by, Ghazal said.

From the kitchen tools, to the tables and chairs and even the bathroom doors, Ghazal said everything in Zammittis is brand new. One very distinguishing feature guests will see when they dine in Zammittis, aside from the wine cellar, is a very old looking door at the back of the restaurant.

Ghazal said that door is built from a 300-year-old door that came all the way from Italy and weighs nearly 500 pounds.

The new Zammittis will make its guests feel like they have traveled to Italy as they enjoy the many Sicilian menu items, he said. Some signature items on the menu include Grilled Mahi-Mahi, Chicken Scaloppini and Linguini with Clam Sauce.

Guests can even indulge themselves in the handmade gelato Zammittis has on display for dessert or enjoy a cup of cappuccino.

The difference here between (other Italian restaurants) and us is the location and the atmosphere you see here, Ghazal said. We have an extremely beautiful lake view that nobody else has it around as an Italian restaurant. Its (also) the way we do our food; its a Sicilian style that we have here.

Zammittis is planning on celebrating its 8th anniversary in Kingwood on Feb 26. by having a five-course meal celebration for their guests. People can make a reservation by calling the restaurant.

I love my customer support. They have been calling all the time to find out when were going to open and things like that. Thats a lot of support of love and I do appreciate everything my customers, Ghazal said. They were really a big desire for me to come back (in business) because of their loyalty to Zammittis.
Investigators with the Harris County Sheriff's Department have released a sketch of a suspect wanted for sexual assault of a juvenile female.

The assault occurred as the 14-year-old victim was "forced into a vehicle as she walked near the 19400 block of Wood Village Lane in far west Harris Count" about 9 p.m. Oct. 5, 2018.

The girl stated the suspect grabbed her and threw her in the backseat of his vehicle, a black newer-model Nissan Altima. The suspect drove the teenager to the parking lot of a nearby hotel located in the 19900 block of Park Row Drive in Katy. At this point, the victim said this is when the sexual assault occurred.

Child Abuse investigators with the Sheriff's Office are now seeking the public's help in identifying the subject.

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The male subject is described as a black male, 18 to 24 years old, 6-feet tall with a slim build, medium brown complexion and short dreads. He was wearing a long sleeve black shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to call the HCSO Child Abuse Unit at 713-830-3250.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org. Tips may also be sent via a text message by texting the following: TIP610 plus the information to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.

rkent@hcnonline.coSubmitm
A Friendswood homeowner appears to have thwarted an attempted break-in Jan. 23 in the 2800 block of Everett Drive, authorities said.

The woman reportedly heard glass breaking at her back door and saw a black, glove-covered hand reaching inside.

Before calling police, she opened the back door and found a man wearing a black mask and dark shirt, according to the report.

The woman slammed the door and the suspect, described as short with a light complexion, ran off, police said.

Burglary

Jewelry was stolen from a residence Jan. 24 in the 1900 block of San Joaquin Parkway, police said. The homeowner reportedly returned home to find his back gate open, rear glass door shattered and office and master bedroom ransacked.

Two cases of Crown Royal liquor and a roll of quarters were stolen Jan. 27 at One Stop Liquor, 520 N. Friendswood Drive, police said. The suspect was described as a white male with a mustache, wearing a green cap, brown jacket, camouflage pants and brown boots, police said. He reportedly was driving a black Pontiac sedan with no front license plate.

A truck was burglarized between 5:15 p.m. Jan. 27 and 4:15 a.m. Jan. 28 at Bay Meadows Apartments, 17201 Blackhawk Blvd., police said. The suspect or suspects allegedly punched out the drivers side door lock, removed the steering column and tampered with the ignition. Papers from the console were found on the floorboard, but nothing appeared to be missing, according to the report.

Theft

Checks were stolen out of a mailbox around Jan. 5 in the 1900 block of Hunt Drive, according to a Jan. 24 police report. One of the checks was altered to indicate a different payee and cashed, police said.

A wedding ring was stolen from a home in the 1200 block of Yorkshire Drive, according to a Jan. 24 police report. A housekeeping crew is suspected of the theft, police said.

Fencing materials were reported stolen Jan. 24 from a residence in the 2800 block of Fairway Drive, police said.

Fraud

A Friendswood resident discovered two fraudulent charges on his account to a Timewise store in Spring, according to a Jan. 22 police report.

A Friendswood woman believes she was scammed after paying an online dealer $850 for a dog and another $1,000 for insurance, according to a Jan. 22 police report. The dog was supposed to arrive Jan. 20, but the seller reportedly said inclement weather would delay delivery until Jan. 22. The victim then was told the animal experienced medical difficulties during the journey and that she was responsible for veterinary expenses, police said. The woman asked for a refund, but the seller refused, according to the report.

A Friendswood man told police someone wrote a check to Lowes in Texas City using his business account information, according to a Jan. 25 report.

A Friendswood woman discovered AT&T and Verizon accounts had been opened using her personal identifiers, according to a Jan. 25 police report.

Narcotics

Police charged a Texas City woman, 27, with possession of a controlled substance after she allegedly made an illegal turn Jan. 23 in the 3100 block of FM 528. An officer found Vyvanse and Ecstasy in her purse during a vehicle search, according to the report. The passenger, a 41-year-old Texas City woman, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. She allegedly dropped a joint outside the vehicle while the officer was speaking to the driver. The passenger had an outstanding probation violation warrant out of Caldwell County and was taken into custody, police said.

Police charged a Houston man, 20, with marijuana possession after a traffic stop for speeding Jan. 24 in the 600 block of South Friendswood Drive. The officer reportedly found several bags containing marijuana residue in the center console as well as a jar of marijuana and a scale in a storage compartment. Bond was set at $1,000.

A Washington man and League City man, both 24, were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop for running a stop sign Jan. 25 in the 3000 block of West Bay Area Boulevard, police said. Asked if there was marijuana inside the vehicle, both men admitted to having a bag, and two bags were found during a search, according to the report.

Driving while intoxicated

Police charged a Seabrook man, 60, with DWI and failure to stop and give information after a reported hit-and-run collision Jan. 24 on FM 528 at West Bay Area Boulevard. The suspect vehicle fled the scene and was stopped with citizen assistance in the 400 block of East Parkwood Avenue, according to the report. The man said he had taken prescription medication, and officers found a bottle of Soma filled that day, but it only contained 58 of 90 prescribed pills, police said. He reportedly failed a field sobriety test and consented to a blood draw.

A Dickinson man, 45, was charged with DWI after a traffic stop for expired registration Jan. 25 in the 2400 block of South Friendswood Drive, police said. He reportedly failed a field sobriety test and agreed to take a breath test. Bond was set at $1,500.

Police charged a Pearland man, 34, with DWI after he allegedly made an illegal turn Jan. 25 at the intersection of FM 528 and West Bay Area Boulevard. The officer followed the driver and paced him at 69 mph in a 45-mph zone before conducting a stop in the 1500 block of East Winding Way, according to the report. The man failed a field sobriety test and refused a breath or blood test, police said.

Police charged a Webster woman, 66, with DWI after reportedly finding her in the drivers seat of a vehicle in a ditch Jan. 25 in the 100 block of West Edgewood Drive. She failed a field sobriety test and consented to a blood draw, police said. Bond was set at $1,000.

An Alvin man, 35, was charged with DWI after a witness reported a reckless driver Jan. 25 in the area of South Friendswood Drive and West Parkwood Avenue, police said. An officer found the vehicle in the 700 block of West Parkwood Avenue, stopped at a red light, with both driver and passenger passed out, according to the report. The driver failed a field sobriety test and refused a breath or blood test, police said. Bond was set at $1,000. The passenger, also a 35-year-old Alvin man, reportedly was charged with public intoxication.

Police charged a Clute woman, 30, with DWI after she allegedly was observed drifting over the lane line Jan. 26 in the 1600 block of FM 528. Her drivers license was expired, according to the report. She also failed a field sobriety test and refused a breath or blood test, police said.

A 25-year-old Baytown man was charged with DWI after a traffic stop for swerving and no rear lights Jan. 28 in the 400 block of East Parkwood Avenue, police said. He failed a field sobriety test and consented to a blood draw, according to the report.

Weapons

Police charged a Liverpool man, 47, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a controlled substance after a traffic stop Jan. 26 in the 2900 block of West Parkwood Avenue. The officer found a counterfeit $100 bill and a lockbox containing methamphetamine and marijuana during a vehicle search, according to the report. The officer also found a firearm behind the drivers seat, police said. Bond was set at $80,000.

Traffic

Police charged a Houston man, 31, with no drivers license after a traffic stop for invalid registration Jan. 23 in the 3700 block of FM 528.

An Alvin man, 47, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia Jan. 25 after a witness reported a man crawling through the window of a vacant home in the 300 block of North Clear Creek Drive before exiting with a wheelbarrow and leaving in a white Ford truck, police said. The man allegedly had permission from the homeowner to be at the residence but did not have a drivers license. The officer found a bag of marijuana, a joint and rolling papers during a search, according to the report.

A Houston woman, 29, was charged with expired license plates and possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop Jan. 25 in the 1200 block of West Parkwood Avenue, police said. She reportedly denied consent to search her vehicle, and a police K-9 provided a positive alert for the presence of narcotics. A search yielded a meth pipe, according to the report.
If you like farce with a sting, how about a show that explores what happens when two Hollywood divas who are violently bitter enemies wind up assigned to the same hotel suite?

Thats Suite Surrender, which premieres Feb. 22 as the first play of the 2019 season at Dinner Theatre at Francas, 1101 E. NASA Parkway.

The setting is the fictional, luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel, circa 1942. The 2011 farce by Michael McKeever begins just as the lodges manager discovers that two stars are somehow both assigned to the Presidential Suite.

Complicating the mix-up is the fact that Athena Sinclair, star of stage and screen, and Claudia McFadden, beloved matron of song, are legendary rivals in the vein of Joan Crawford and Bette Davis.

We each want top billing at a benefit performance were both in, Jada August of Bacliff said of her character and Sinclair, played by Clear Lakes Teri Miller.

The two have had physical rows in the past; so fans never know whats going to happen when they share the stage, August said.

Friendly rivals in real life

Offstage, the actresses have been best friends since first appearing together in Hot Shotz, an improvisational comedy troupe, several years ago.

Want to go? What: "Suite Surrender" by Michael McKeever Where: Dinner Theatre at Franca's, 1101 E. NASA Parkway, Houston When: Dinner is served at 6:15 p.m. before shows at 8 p.m. Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2 and 8-9. Cost: $35 per person plus tax and gratuity Details: Call 281-488-2207 for reservations. www.francasrealitalian.com See More Collapse

I adore Jada, said Miller. She is more than my friend; she is part of my family.

However, August admitted, the women share an offstage rivalry, too.

Not in an unseemly way, she clarified. But as an actor in the real world, if we are trying out for the same role, we are rivals.

Fortunately, she added, In this show, I got the role I wanted, and Teri got the role she wanted.

Miller gets to dress like Carole Lombard, in a platinum-blonde wig, a fur stole and a slinky black velvet gown that looks beautiful on her, August said.

Funny, I look like my mom in that wig, said Miller. I love it, and I am going to work it.

August wears what she described as a quite stunning, satin, strapless gown with a soft, turquoise and green pattern, very befitting of what a diva would wear.

2019 play lineup

Suite Surrender will be followed Boeing Boeing by Marc Camoletti April 19 through May 4 (auditions, at the restaurant, are March 5-6; directed by Kathy Pero); Love, Lies & the Doctors Dilemma by Michael and Susan Parker June 14-29 (tryouts April 30 through May 1; directed by Patti Meiners); Neil Simons Rumors Aug. 9-24 (auditions June 25-26; directed by Hunter Mehrens); Joseph Ketterlings Arsenic and Old Lace Oct. 4-19 (tryouts Aug. 20-21; directed by Kathy Pero); and A Nice Family Christmas by Phil Olson Dec. 5-14 (auditions Oct. 15-16; directed by Kathy Pero).

Claudio Sereni performs music during the 6 p.m.-8 p.m. preshow before each dinner theater performance, said producer Lina Pignataro.

In the production of Suite Surrender, Steve Quimby of Sugar Land portrays Bernard S. Dunlap, the hotel manager, who must manage the clash of the two actresses while also prepping a fundraiser for World War II troops and obeying orders from stressed-out social secretaries.

At Dunlaps disposal are dutiful bellboys, Otto and Francis, played by Alan Gardiner-Atkinson and Emilio Cervantes of Houston.

Kathy Edge of Bacliff portrays Dora Del Rio, a persistent gossip columnist and paparazza.

Rounding out the cast are Pete Miller of Clear Lake, Ruth Anderson of Webster and Janet Marston Harris of Pasadena.

Kathy Pero of Dickinson directed the play.

Netanya Nicole of Pasadena is the assistant director and stage manager.

The tech crew includes Mike Pero of Dickinson and Pete Palmeri of Bacliff.

Dinner is served at 6:15 p.m. before shows at 8 p.m. Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2 and 8-9. The cost is $35 per person plus tax and gratuity. Call 281-488-2207 for reservations. For further information, including the dinner theater menu, visit www.francasrealitalian.com.

Don Maines is a freelance writer who can be reached at donmaines@att.net
Joanna Chen hugged her beloved Cabbage Patch Kid doll as she reveled in her new, private living space above the garage of Reach Unlimiteds recently-opened group home.

The Chen family was glad to see their daughter Joanna Chen, 38, receive a fresh start.

Reach Unlimited, an organization providing support services for intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals, held a Chinese New Year-themed ribbon cutting on Feb. 4 for their 24th group home in the northwest Houston-area.

The home will house three of their clients along with 24-hour staff of professional caretakers hired by the organization.

Group home residents hosted the event, which was coordinated in partnership with the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce.

Verna Noack, donor and communications relations manager for Reach Unlimited, said the new home is a step forward for Reach Unlimited considering the amount of time put into acquiring a house and matching residents together properly. The two-story house features an indoor patio, a large living room and separate rooms for each resident.

Related: Reach Unlimited opens 24th group home for clients with intellectual, developmental disabilities in Cypress

Its about a $55,000 to $60,000 investment just to get a home up and running, she said. Its like putting a family together. Folks who say theyre interested in care within the organization, we certainly will place them on the waiting list. However, that doesnt mean theyre going to quit looking because if they need a place for their folks with special needs, they have to continue to look.

Joanna Chen, resident and client of Reach Unlimited, lives in the home in her own separate apartment upstairs with a bedroom, living room and a kitchen, although the appliances are unplugged to encourage her to eat downstairs. Ying Chen said the home is a great place for her daughter.

Were just extremely lucky that they found this place where shes in a situation where she can be in her own space, she said. But, then theres always people downstairs so she can go socialize if she wants to.

Noack said each group home is built near the Reach Unlimited Learning Activity Center  the space where clients, learn, work and participate in activities  so clients can reach the location easier. Meals and activities at home are handled by in-house caregivers, she said. As of Jan. 2019, Reach Unlimited has 300 clients and 160 clients on the waiting list for a group home.

Chen said the decision to give her daughter a separate, independent space works well due to her daughters high functionality and energy.

Shes so high-functioning at times that people have certain expectations for her that she cannot achieve and she gets frustrated with herself, Chen said. Sometimes you can maybe have a bunch of high-functioning people together and they may get along well and its great. But it doesnt always work that way because you can have high-functioning people, but if there are different needs, it can clash.

Carlton Chen, Joanna Chens father, said he is thankful for Reach Unlimited getting Joanna into a home fit for her needs. Ying Chen said Reach Unlimited made sure they found a home with a separate apartment after the owner of Joanna Chens previous home was sold.

The Chens daughter had trouble at previous group homes as well, including encounters with violence and mistreatment, she said.

Joanna Chen said she is happy to have her own separate apartment where she can be herself and play with her Cabbage Patch Kids, including one she has had since childhood. She said she was glad to celebrate the group homes ribbon cutting with guests the day before Chinese New Year, a holiday dear to her as a Chinese-American.

My favorite part is my isolation, she said. I love being isolated, but when it comes to my friends, I love my friends no matter what.

chevall.pryce@chron.com
Houston Endowment has purchased 1.5 acres near the intersection of Memorial and Waugh to build a new home the institution says will better reflect its values and offer a more collaborative workplace for its employees and community partners.

The site is in the 3600 block of Willia Street, just north of Buffalo Bayou and overlooking Spotts Park.

"This building has to reflect our values and priorities," Ann Stern, president and chief executive of the philanthropic institution, said, citing sustainability, innovation and collaboration. "We're viewing this as an investment in our current work."

A plan to relocate has been in the works for several years. The Endowment has a staff of about 30 people who currently work in 16,000 square feet at downtown's Chase Tower where it has had offices since 1992.

RELATED: Hines downtown office tower gets new name

"As a perpetual institution, this just makes business sense for us," Stern said. "And it's also appealing to have it be ours from a functional standpoint."

The Endowment finalized the purchase of the land Wednesday. Stern would not disclose the acquisition price or the name of the seller, but Harris County records show the previous owner as Pinto Urban Building. The county valued the property in 2018 at $4.4 million. At one time the site housed a YWCA.

An architect has not yet been selected to design the new building, which is estimated to be between 35,000 and 40,000 square feet.

Stern said it will likely be late 2021 or 2022 until the group is ready to move.

RELATED: Ismaili Muslims hire rising architect Farshid Moussavi to design first U.S. cultural center in Houston

The Endowment was established by builder and philanthropist Jesse H. Jones and his wife Mary Gibbs Jones in 1937 and has more than $1.8 billion in assets. Each year it provides some $70 million in funding toward efforts that aim to enhance civic assets and strengthen systems that support residents.

Cushman & Wakefield represented the endowment in the land acquisition. The Gensler architecture firm, Forney Construction and law firm Jackson Walker also assisted the institution.


Menzies and Goongarrie gold projects return to Intermin

Perth, Feb 7, 2019 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Intermin Resources Limited ( ASX:IRC ) ("Intermin" or "the Company") wishes to advise that it has agreed a Deed of Settlement and Termination with Eastern Goldfields ("EGS") (Administrators appointed) covering the Menzies and Goongarrie farm in joint venture1 with the projects now returning to Intermin on a 100% basis.All relevant mining and geological information, drilling samples and property pertaining to the projects will be returned to Intermin. Intermin now intends to undertake a detailed review of work completed by EGS and integrate both the Menzies and Goongarrie projects into the exploration and development programs planned for 2019.In addition, Intermin has arranged for the off market sale of all the remaining shares held by EGS which was taken up by existing Intermin shareholders.About Horizon Minerals Limited

Horizon Minerals Limited (ASX:HRZ) is a gold exploration and mining company focussed on the Kalgoorlie and Menzies areas of Western Australia which are host to some of Australia's richest gold deposits. The Company is developing a mining pipeline of projects to generate cash and self-fund aggressive exploration, mine developments and further acquisitions. The Teal gold mine has been recently completed.

Horizon is aiming to significantly grow its JORC-Compliant Mineral Resources, complete definitive feasibility studies on core high grade open cut and underground projects and build a sustainable development pipeline.

Horizon has a number of joint ventures in place across multiple commodities and regions of Australia providing exposure to Vanadium, Copper, PGE's, Gold and Nickel/Cobalt. Our quality joint venture partners are earning in to our project areas by spending over $20 million over 5 years enabling focus on the gold business while maintaining upside leverage.
Sanctions on Venezuelan crude oil could choke President Maduro's economy but they likely won't choke production at U.S. refineries, a new report from the U.S. Energy Department suggests.

Last week the U.S. government slapped sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil company Petroleos De Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) in attempt to starve an economic lifeline to Nicolas Maduro's regime. Effectively the sanctions froze all of PDVSA's assets in the U.S. and any money exchanged between PDVSA and a U.S. company must sit an escrow account as long as Maduro is in power.

While the United States imported just 670,000 barrels a day from Venezuela last year - 7 percent of total crude imports  most of that oil heads to the Gulf Coast where it is mixed with lighter crude coming out of West Texas.

Many Gulf Coast refineries, particularly ones owned by the Houston refiner Citgo Petroleum Corp., Valero Energy of San Antonio and other could struggle to find substitutes. Citgo is the U.S. subsidiary of the Venezuelan national oil company PDVSA.

The Energy Department, however, doesn't expect the sanctions to dampen refinery runs, or the amount of crude the refineries process to pump out gasoline, diesel and other products.

EARLIER: Venezuelan oil sanctions would hit Gulf Coast refiners

Although Venezuelan crude still makes up a big share of total crude imported by Gulf Coast refineries, here and across the country refineries have steadily reduced imports from the politically-troubled country in recent years. That's primarily because the country's production levels plunged from about 2.4 million barrels a day in January 2015 to well below 1.5 million barrels now, according to the U.S. Energy Department.

On the Gulf Coast, Venezuelan crude oil imports fell from an average of 618,000 barrels per day in the first 11 months of 2017 to 498,000 barrels a day over the same period in 2018.

U.S. Energy Information Administration

Many refineries may prefer the properties of heavy Venezuelan crude  which is good for making asphalt and road oil -- but they have been forced to find slightly less heavy alternatives from Canada Mexico and Iraq, the Energy Department found. On average, crude oil imports have gotten heavier, reflecting a trend that refineries are trying to satiate their appetite for heavy crude elsewhere. This is happening even as U.S. refineries are processing more light crude oil from West Texas.

Among the 14 U.S. refineries that imported Venezuelan crude last year (12 of which are in the Gulf Coast), imports fell by 129,000 barrels a day through November compared with the same period in 2017. Meanwhile imports from Canada jumped by 113, 000 barrels a day and Mexican crude imports increased 48,000 barrels a day in the same period.

DETAINED: Citgo executives, arrested by Maduro, forgotten in Venezuelas turmoil

Five of the 14 U.S. refineries that import Venezuelan crude oil have some ownership ties to PDSVA through subsidiaries, such as Citgo, or previous joint ventures. Citgo's refineries in Lake Charles and Corpus Christi will be the hardest hit, while Citgo's Lemont sources its heavy crude from Canada instead of Venezuela, the report said.

Citgo imported about 56 million barrels of Venezuelan crude in the first 10 months of last year, while San Antonio-based Valero Energy imported about 55 million barrels of Venezuelan crude over the same period, according to earlier Energy Department data.

Other reports have suggested the sanctions could be disruptive for Gulf Coast refineries, especially because they come at a time of declining crude production in Mexico and sanctions on Iran, according to an analysis from Rystad Energy.

The sanctions are expected to boost prices for heay crude oil that normally is traded at a discount.

"Heavy oil usually trades at a discount to lighter grades. Now, however, Heavy Louisiana Sweet is trading at a premium to Light Louisiana Sweet. That shows just how tight the market for heavy oil has become. Sanctions could increase the premium for heavy crudes, and that would be fundamentally bad for US refiners," said Rodriguez-Masiu, a native Venezuelan and researcher at Rystad Energy, in a report.
A pair of pipelines to move crude oil and natural gas liquids from the Permian Basin to Corpus Christi have received their final federal permits.

San Antonio pipeline operator EPIC Midstream Holdings LP announced on Wednesday that the company had obtained the final permits needs for the company's crude oil and natural gas liquids pipelines.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a Nationwide Permit 12 for the projects, giving the company approval for final construction activities and placing the pipelines into service.

"The issuance of the Corps permit further demonstrates our ability to safely and responsibly build these two pipelines and I would like to thank all stakeholders involved in the approval process," EPIC Midstream Holdings CEO Phil Mezey said in a statement.

Permian Basin: Noble Energy buys stakes in two Permian Basin pipelines

Already largely complete, the EPIC Y-Grade Pipeline is a 700-mile project to move natural gas liquids, or NGLs, from the Permian Basin of New Mexico and West Texas to a facility in Robstown.

Construction for the EPIC Crude Oil Pipeline is expected to be completed by January 2020. The 650-mile project will move crude oil and from seven terminals in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale of South Texas to a facility in Robstown.

As part of a plan announced in October, EPIC plans to temporarily use its natural gas liquids pipeline to ship crude oil starting in the third quarter.

Fuel Fix: Get daily energy news headlines in your inbox

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permit comes days after a subsidiary of Houston oil company Noble Energy bought stakes in both pipelines.

Los Angeles private equity firm Ares Management is backing both the natural gas liquids and crude oil pipelines.
Women-owned small businesses operating in their first year have lower revenues, experience slower growth and are less likely to receive external financing than those owned by men, according to a report issued Thursday.

Despite those hurdles, good cash management strategies over time generally allow women-owned businesses to achieve the same survival rates as male-owned small businesses, according to a study by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Those strategies include the ability to hold emergency cash.

Average first-year revenues of women-owned small businesses in Houston are 40 percent lower than their male counterparts: $47,000 for women compared to $79,000 for men, the report's author's found. Nationally, they found women-owned small businesses have 34 percent lower first-year revenues than male-owned small businesses, or $50,000 for women and $75,000 for men.

Related: Millennial business women to watch in Houston this year

The report, from the JPMorgan Chase Institute, a think tank funded by the banking giant that frequently focuses on economic trends, used transactional-level data on daily revenues, expenses and financing flows of 138,000 small businesses founded in 2013. The report explored the outcomes of small businesses broken down by their owner's gender, age and location.

The report did not consider types of industries when examining the disparity in first-year revenues. According to the Small Business Administration, women are the primary owners of businesses in child care, healthcare and administrative services. Those sectors are often lower paying.

But a 2017 SBA analysis of individual industries shows that women-owned businesses still have lower sales and employ fewer workers than their male counterparts. This trend holds true not only in industries with few women-owned businesses, but in those industries with high female ownership.

For example, while 81 percent of home-healthcare service businesses are owned by women, they account for only 39 percent of industry receipts and 33 percent of employment, the SBA said.

The JPMorgan Chase study also found that small businesses with founders age 55 and older have the highest survival rates but are least likely to have employees. That group was also found to be good at stockpiling emergency cash.

"Cash management strategies and cash buffers are key to the survival of small businesses, and this new research shows that is true, especially when a business is experiencing lower revenues or slower growth," said Diana Farrell, president and chief executive of the institute. "While women and older entrepreneurs may have lower revenues or slower growth, their conservative approaches to cash management appear to be paying off."

Only 18 percent of women-owned small businesses in the study used external financing to fund growth.
Crime Stoppers and the Houston Police Department's Robbery Division are seeking the public's help in identifying an aggravated robbery suspect. The alleged robber should be considered armed and dangerous.

In what is believed to be his latest robbery, the suspect entered the HTV Nail location at 12380 West Bellfort in southwest Houston.

According to the Robbery Division, "As the male was walking to the counter, he pulled out a handgun, placed a magazine in the weapon and racked the slide, placing a round into the chamber. The male then pointed the handgun at the employees and demanded the money from the cash register along with their personal property. Once the male had the money, he then fled the location in an unknown direction."

THE NEWS YOU NEED: Chron.com Catch-up. Delivered to your email. Sign up now.

This is the fifth incident in which investigators believe this robber is involved. Other incidences include:

 Dec. 29, 2018, at 11231 Bissonnet at 1:30 p.m. at Boost Mobile.

 Dec. 29, 2018, at 12635 Bissonnet at 2:20 p.m. at Boost Mobile.

 Jan. 9, 2019, at 11231 Bissonnet at 2:20 p.m. at Mattress King.

 Jan. 14, 2019, at 12629 Bissonnet at 11:40 a.m. at a nail shop.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic or middle eastern male, 18 to 30 years old with a light complexion. In his latest crime, he was wearing a red Nike pullover and jeans.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org.

rkent@hcnonline.com
A man in his 70s, who lives in a remote cabin in the Scottish Highlands, was airlifted to a hospital after his SOS signal was picked up by a company thousands of miles away ... in Texas, The Telegraph reports.

On Sunday, the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) received the distress beacon. The IERCC, located approximately an hour north of Houston in Montgomery, Texas, is a satellite emergency notification device (SEND) monitoring company.

"The gentleman normally activates his SPOT beacon (personal satellite tracker) in a 'check-in' alert mode on a Sunday to let family and friends know he is okay. However, last Sunday, he triggered an SOS instead of the normal alert mode, potentially signifying he needed urgent assistance," reports The Telegraph.

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In stepped GEOS. "Within a minute of receiving the SOS from the device user, we called the United Kingdom's Mission Control Centre (MCC) and informed them of the activation," GEOS operations manager Emily Thompson tells Chron.com.

GEOS was not only able to relay the longitude and latitude coordinates of the man (known only as "Ken," to the MCC) but after quickly pulling up his profile, they were able to call his emergency contact and provide his medical background as well.

The MCC was then able to begin coordinating rescue efforts. Ken, who has "lived off-grid" at his cabin in the Scottish Highlands for quite some time, reports The Telegraph, could only be rescued by helicopter. Thus, the UK Coastguard flew members of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue team to the scene.

"The helicopter arrived on the scene within two hours of the activation," Thompson says. "It transported him to an ambulance that took him to a nearby hospital to be treated for a severe head injury."

But GEOS' job didn't end there. "We continue updating the agency if the coordinates change. We also get updates on the emergency crew and on the device user until they get to a medical facility," says Thompson.

"The last we heard, Ken made it to the hospital and is doing well," she adds.

While GEOS does not charge a fee to use the company's services, you must subscribe by purchasing a SEND monitoring device. GEOS has monitoring agreements with dozens of satellite equipment providers and satellite network operators, such as Iridium, Garmin, Inmarsat and Globalstar.

"You buy the device and it comes with the SOS. Anytime it's activated, we receive it," Thompson explains.

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GEOS, founded in November 2007, receives between 15 to 50 incident reports per day, with summer being the busiest time of year, Thompson notes.

"The reports we receive range from a bear attack in Canada to a broke-down vessel in the middle of the Pacific and everything in between," she says.

Today, the GEOS IERCC is also the 911/112 end-point for all Globalstar and Inmarsat Satellite phones.

"At our secure facility, we've operated during all types of severe weather including hurricanes," says Thompson. "We have never missed a call for help."

Marcy de Luna is a digital reporter specializing in social media, the famous, and food. You can follow her on Twitter @MarcydeLuna and Facebook @MarcydeLuna. Read her stories on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | Marcy.deLuna@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message
A Honduran citizen convicted and deported for multiple sex offenses on Wednesday was charged for illegally re-entering the U.S., according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Southern District of Texas.

Marvin Mejia Ramos, who the federal prosecutor's office says has also operated under the names Ricardo Morales Rodriguez and Martin Jose Ramirez, was convicted in 2007 in California for sexual abuse and lewd acts on a child, according to court records.
When the new Perry's Steakhouse & Grille opens its new River Oaks restaurant on Feb. 11, there will be much for Perry's fans to take in.

First, there's the scope of the project, situated in the former California Pizza Kitchen spot  a 12,000-square-foot build-out on two levels with 150-seat signature Bar 79 on the first level and a second-story dining room that can accommodate 275, including three private dining rooms. The spaces, tricked out with custom lighting fixtures, chandeliers, tufted booths, a warm color scheme and textural juxtapositions throughout, are grand.

Houston-based Perry's obviously wanted to go for the wow factor with its newest outpost  the 15th Perry's Steakhouse & Grille, spread across four states  which will act as the brand's flagship. Not only is the River Oaks Shopping Center location the chain's first two-story restaurant, it is also the first inside the Loop. Not too shabby for a steakhouse that began in 1979 as a family butcher shop and deli in southeast Houston.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Alison Cook thought she was too cool for Houston's restaurant. She was wrong.

And then there's the food. The River Oaks restaurant is a handsome showcase for Perry's steakhouse menu that begins with shrimp cocktail, steak tartare, seafood towers, crab cakes and tempura lobster tails segueing to an abundant lineup of steaks and chops and signature dishes such as Filet Perry (a fist of beef wrapped in applewood smoked bacon and topped with jumbo lump crabmeat), tableside-carved chateaubriand with a trio of sauces, Symphony Kabob (beef tenderloin, lobster and shrimp suspended like acrobatic proteins from a hanging metal rod), and the showcase pork chop. If that famous "seven-finger" pork chop, neatly sliced at tableside, were the only thing on the menu, Perry's would still be able to fill each of its restaurants daily. (On Fridays, when a lunch-cut portion of the pork chop is offered for $14.95, the restaurants are mobbed.)

Perry's spent years finding the right location for its first restaurant inside the Loop, said chief operations officer Rick Henderson. River Oaks, with its easy access to neighboring Montrose, Heights and Midtown, offered an opportunity to bring the brand to a new demographic, he added.

"It had to be the perfect spot and we feel this is it," Henderson said. "This location offered everything we were looking for."

As opulent as Perry's has made its flagship store, the company insists it is appealing not just to high-end steakhouse connoisseurs but to everyday diners with a range of price points and affordable specials, particularly during happy hour when $9 cocktails and bar bites rule.

"We don't want to be someone's only-special-occasion place," Henderson said.

TOP BEEF: Two Houston steakhouses named best in US

And yet, there are a few other special things about the new Perry's. The lavish Bar 79 aims to become a new River Oaks canteen with its generous "social hour" and live music Thursday through Saturday. Upstairs, the glass-fronted kitchen offers a dramatic counterbalance to the impressive windows that provide a striking vista onto West Gray and the area's retail axis. Perry's is planning a number of special chef and wine dinners. Speaking of wine, Perry's will feature 30 prestige vintages (1979-2008) of Chateau Mouton Rothschild exclusively at the River Oaks location.

"We've come a long way from our butcher shop beginnings back in 1979," said founder and owner Chris Perry. "I am proud to bring the best of Perry's to the heart of Houston."

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille River Oaks, 1997 W. Gray, opens Feb. 11. It will be open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m.

Greg Morago writes about food for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Send him news tips at greg.morago@chron.com. Hear him on our BBQ State of Mind podcast to learn about Houston and Texas barbecue culture.
Boss Women Media is collaborating with candy brand Sugarfina to bring the Black Girl Magic Tour networking event to Houston.

On March 2 at the Sugarfina at 2510 University Blvd., the event will bring together lifestyle experts, corporate women, hustling entrepreneurs and others working to create a name for themselves.

Topics will be related to entrepreneurship and the tools and resources available to help modern working women.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston Black Chamber celebrates African-American success stories

"Community and connection is the blueprint of how we all rise, so why not build a safe space where that can happen," Boss Women Media founder and CEO Marty McDonald said in a news release. "How we rise as women and when we understand what each other is going through determines how we succeed together."

In addition to Houston, the Black Girl Magic tour will visit Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and New York.

Dallas-based Boss Women Media is a curator of networking experiences. It helps corporate and entrepreneur women cultivate their careers by providing tips and tools from professionals.
Christies continues to lead the global art market

Sales in 2018 total 5.3 billion ($7 billion)  the highest ever in the history of the auction house

In 2018 Christies sales totalled 5.3 billion, an increase of 3 per cent on 2017 ($7 billion, up 6 per cent) and were led by the historic Rockefeller sale, the most significant collection ever sold at auction. Global auction sales rose 3 per cent to 4.7 billion ($6.3 billion, up 6 per cent) with sell through rates by lot increasing to 82 per cent. Private sales realised 491.2 million, up 4 per cent ($653.3 million, up 7 per cent), while 88 online-only sales totalled 65.1 million, up 16 per cent ($86.6 million, up 20 per cent). Across the year, 32 per cent of all buyers were new to Christies with spend by this group increasing by 20 per cent across regions and price points. Online sales continued to contribute the highest percentage of new buyers (41 per cent of new buyers joined Christies via online sales, up from 37 per cent).

We remain confident of continued success in 2019, thanks to judicious planning and continued focus on curation, selection and pricing  Guillaume Cerutti

The top categories for attracting new buyers were Luxury sales (32 per cent) and Post-War and Contemporary Art sales (16 per cent). The demand for works over 10 million continued with 67 works sold at this level during the year, up from 65 in 2017. It was a record-breaking year at Christies with several major collections and continued demand across all categories, commented Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Cerutti. While signs of a more challenging macro-political and economic environment increased towards the end of last year, we remain confident of continued success in 2019, thanks to judicious planning and continued focus on curation, selection and pricing. Americas Sales in the Americas increased to 2.7 billion, up 9 per cent ($3.6 billion, up 12 per cent). In 2018, American buyers accounted for 39 per cent of global spend, with 40 per cent of new buyers to Christies coming from the United States.

A packed New York saleroom during an historic week of sales of The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller

A world record price for an Assyrian relief was set in October in New York when the gypsum relief of a Winged Genius made for the palace of Ashurnasirpal II, circa 883-859 BC, realised $30,968,750, the second highest price for any work of ancient art.

Asia Sales in Asia totalled 613.1 million, up 5 per cent ($815.4 million, up 8 per cent) and Asian client spend accounted for 25 per cent of total global sales. Of the total Asian client base spend, 57 per cent was outside the Asian Art sales category. The Spring sale highlights in Hong Kong included Zao Wou-Kis 14.12.59, which sold for more than double its estimate (HK$176,725,000), and an extremely rare doucai and famille rose Anbaxian vase, tianqiuping, which achieved HK$130,600,000.

In November, Wood and Rock by Su Shi (1037-1101) became the most expensive object sold by Christies in Asia, when it sold for HK$463,600,000.

Paris held 40 sales with 17 world auction records set during the year, and 27 per cent of clients registered were new to Christies Paris in 2018. In Amsterdam Christies continues to lead with strong results for Post-War and Contemporary Art. The November auction totalled 8,078,500 and included the curated selection Cobra 70 Years, dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the European avant-garde group, selling 99 per cent by lot. Christies celebrated its 50th anniversary in Switzerland in 2018. The November Luxury sales in Geneva attracted over 4,000 visitors, many of whom came to see The Winston Pink Legacy, which sold for CHF50,375,000, the top price achieved across all houses in Geneva. These results secured Christies Jewellery departments 25th year as market leader. Marking the 60th anniversary of Christies in Italy, the annual Milan auction in April was 91 per cent sold by lot with Achrome by Piero Manzoni selling for 2,970,000, becoming the most expensive work of post-war art ever sold at auction in Italy.

During the annual Dubai auctions in March a new auction record for a watch sold in the Middle East was set by a Patek Philippe reference 1518 made for King Farouk of Egypt, achieving AED3,350,700. The London sale of Middle Eastern Modern and Contemporary Art in October attracted registrants from 18 countries, demonstrating the continued international appeal of art from the region. Online sales Total sales of art online reached 188.3 million ($250.4 million) in 2018, compared with 165.6 million ($214.5 million) the previous year. Online-only sales continue to be the number one recruiter for new buyers to Christies (41 per cent). The value of lots in online sales averaged $8,357 (up from $7,305 in 2017).

A third of the volume of lots from the Rockefeller Collection were sold online, while more unusual objects sold online across the year included a Matchless Canyon Diablo Meteorite, which achieved $237,500 in February, and a wheelchair that belonged to the late Stephen Hawking, which realised 296,750 to benefit his Foundation and the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Portrait of Edmond Belamy, created by GAN (Generative Adversarial Network), became the first artificial intelligence artwork offered in a major auction, and sold for $432,500.
'Thought police' warning after Portsmouth University delays Peter Hitchens talk over concerns about his views

Writer and broadcaster Peter Hitchens has warned of censorship at British universities after a talk he was due to give at Portsmouth University was postponed because his views were in contrast to its celebration of LGBT History Month.

The announcement came days after the Government issued new guidance to protect free speech at British universities over fears that debate around contentious issues like abortion and gender identity is being stifled.

The talk by Hitchens had been planned for February 12 but the University of Portsmouth's Students' Union announced on Wednesday that it would be delayed until a later date over concerns that his views 'are not necessarily aligned with the Students' Union's vibrant celebration of the LGBT+ community this month'.

Violet Karapaseva, Union President, said: 'We are committed to ensuring freedom of speech on the University of Portsmouth campus, however recognise that the timing of the scheduled event and the speaker's previously published views do not align with our current celebration of the LGBT+ community.'

Karapaseva did not elaborate on which views in particular had been deemed problematic.

Hitchens, a Mail on Sunday columnist, responded by warning on Twitter that British students were being taught to fear dissent rather than embrace it.

'Thought Police alert: Portsmouth University Students' Union have "postponed" a meeting I was due address next Tuesday, because my opinions are unacceptable. Poor old Pompey has suffered so much in defence of English freedom, and this is how it all ends,' he wrote on Twitter.

In another post, he said: 'Censorship and thought policing are the future. Our schools teach their pupils what to think, not how to think. So they are afraid of dissent, and - given the power to do so - rush to silence it. Heaven help us when these people come into government, law and media in large numbers.'

Thought Police alert: Portsmouth University Students' Union have 'postponed'a meeting I was due address next Tuesday, because my opinions are unacceptable. Poor old Pompey has suffered so much in defence of English freedom, and this is how it all ends. https://t.co/oYtBLCnWkN  Peter Hitchens (@ClarkeMicah) February 6, 2019

Censorship and thought policing are the future. Our schools teach their pupils what to think,not how to think. So they are afraid of dissent, and - given the power to do so - rush to silence it. Heaven help us when these people come into government,law and media in large numbers. https://t.co/6z3A4Urf6E  Peter Hitchens (@ClarkeMicah) February 6, 2019

Free Church minister David Robertson criticised the announcement, writing on Twitter: 'Some people are more equal than others! We agree with freedom of speech as long as you don't speak anything that we don't like!'

Hi Ashleigh, The Union has taken the decision to postpone a talk by Peter Hitchens due concerns raised by students relating to a conflict between his published views and the current campaign running which celebrates LGBT history. More info at: https://t.co/f2tnuvXooi  UPSU (@portsmouthsu) February 6, 2019

Concerns over threats to freedom of speech at British universities prompted the Government to issue new guidance last week aimed at ensuring campuses remain a 'forum for open and robust enquiry'. Among those welcoming the guidance was Dr David Llewellyn, Chair of GuildHE and Vice Chancellor of Harper Adams University, who said it was important that students be taught how to engage with different perspectives.

'Higher education institutions are champions of free speech, places where ideas and views - even those that some might find offensive - can be rigorously discussed and challenged. Our staff, and others contributing to our educational and research activities, must be able to freely consider contentious issues,' he said. 'We also have to be able to work with students to develop their ability to critically analyse what is being said, weigh up different arguments and contribute to the debate. 'That is why we welcome this new guidance, which will provide greater clarity on the rights and obligations for freedom of expression, particularly in areas such as the balance between our commitment to free speech and legislation to prevent radicalisation.' Following the publication of the new guidance, former equalities chief Trevor Phillips warned in The Telegraph that free speech was being curtailed on campuses in favour of 'rule of the mob' and that vice-chancellors acting like 'frightened children' needed to take a tougher stand. He said that a no-platforming policy that had originally been drawn up in the 70s to stop the National Front from gaining a foothold on university campuses was now being used in an 'ugly' and 'authoritarian' way to bar opponents from sharing their views with students. 'People use what was originally a protective proposition to damn others with whom they disagree,' he said. Phillips said university culture was becoming increasingly like the Stasi, East Germany's secret police organisation, where 'the expression of a non-sanctioned opinion becomes a crime - and that's where we have got to on some campuses'. He said: 'The debate becomes not the most persuasive argument but who can gather the loudest shouting voices. What you are really talking about is the rule of the mob - that has come to campuses. I find all of those things incredibly threatening.'

I am well aware @billysubway that some people don't want to listen to what I say. I couldn't force them to even if I wanted to, which I don't But some students at Portsmouth University *did* want to listen to me, and they were prevented from doing so by their Student Union. https://t.co/vafuDM5QRq  Peter Hitchens (@ClarkeMicah) February 7, 2019

Last year, pro-life groups raised concerns about censorship after being barred from two Scottish universities.

Glasgow Students for Life was denied affiliation by the Students' Representative Council (SRC) at Glasgow University, while in a similar move, the Aberdeen University Students' Association (AUSA) prevented the Aberdeen Life Ethics Society from affiliating.

Without affiliation, groups are unable to benefit from the privileges of official university clubs, such as funding and access to campus buildings for events.

No doubt @toadmeister, but these Quango gestures cannot overcome the spirit of the age, Far too many students come to university having been taught *what* to think, but not *how* to think. This is what we need to change above all. And your Tories aren't much use at that. https://t.co/YR1uidJoUG  Peter Hitchens (@ClarkeMicah) February 7, 2019

They are also not able to have a stall at the student freshers' fair, one of the most important events in the university calendar for advertising university clubs and attracting new members.

Lauren McDougall, president of the SRC, said at the time that the council objected to the anti-abortion campaigning of Glasgow Students for Life.

'The executive view affiliation as a form of endorsement because affiliated clubs and societies are permitted to use our branding in their promotional material,' she told the Scottish Herald newspaper.

'Given the SRC's campaigning on a number of related social issues over the years, including support for the recent Repeal the 8th campaign in Ireland, it would be contrary to our ethos to endorse a society which calls for limited rights for women.'

As the transformation of universities into egalitarian indoctrination centres intensifies and accelerates, it's time for a revival of Malcolm Bradbury;s brilliant, prophetic novel, 'The History Man' . Read it and weep https://t.co/CcjbGiLVWl  Peter Hitchens (@ClarkeMicah) February 7, 2019

Writing in Aberdeen University's student newspaper The Gaudie, the Aberdeen Life Ethics Society accused AUSA of censorship.

'AUSA's willingness to censor dissenting speech, even though such speech is protected by UK and EU laws, should be chilling to any fair-minded student who believes that the free exchange of ideas is essential to a university's ethos,' it said.

'Moreover, this decision exhibits AUSA's hypocritical enforcement of tolerance. Although our students' association prides itself on being radically tolerant, its willingness to block the formation of a minority-view society illuminates the lopsided nature of how tolerance is actually practised on our campus.'

Academics have also reported experiencing intimidation and harassment after publicly expressing their views on transgenderism, particularly proposed changes to the law to allow gender self-identification.

University of Reading professor Rosa Freedman said she was 'scared' for her safety after opposing gender self-identification.

The law professor said her office door had been doused in urine and that an anonymous caller had told her she 'should be raped and killed' for her views.

'This evening I was followed by students on campus, and ended up hiding behind trees because I was scared for my physical safety,' she said.

'I have been open about being a survivor of sexual violence, despite which young male-bodied persons have seen fit to abuse me verbally about rape or follow me in the dark into secluded spaces.'

Last month, Alice Sullivan and Judith Suissa, of the UCL Institute of Education, said that trans activists were intimidating academics 'who do not adhere to a particular line on gender and transgender issues'.

In an article on the blog of BERA, the British Educational Research Association, they complained of a 'misogynistic name-calling culture' being pursued by trans activists who want to close down all debate on transgenderism.

'The people under attack are not mavericks or extremists,' they wrote.

'They are feminists who question the trans-orthodox view that biological sex is a social construct while gendered identities are fixed and innate. They also seek to defend women's sex-based rights.'

They continued: 'When academics disagree with a piece of research, they would normally encourage debate, critique and more research. However, in the case of transgender issues, activists have derailed this process repeatedly.

'This is particularly troubling given the need for research into the rapid growth in the numbers of young people presenting with gender dysphoria.'

They said that in the current climate, students were being denied the opportunity to hear a range of views and that certain topics had become 'off-limits'.

They also claimed that some female students in particular had reported feeling unable to speak up about their views in class.

They called upon universities to safeguard academic freedom and take disciplinary action against students or staff who engage in campaigns of harassment.

'For anyone concerned about language and meaning, and committed to democratic values, it is deeply troubling to see reasoned disagreement  often motivated by a concern with rights and justice  routinely labelled as "fascist",' they said.

'It is precisely within a climate of engaged, informed and intellectually rigorous debate, and not in some rarefied 'marketplace of ideas', that ethically and politically troubling ideas can be challenged and criticised.

'Part of the point of going to university is to be exposed to a range of ideas that may challenge, inspire and even unsettle, and to develop the ability to engage with, articulate, defend and criticise arguments on a range of topics.

'This involves developing the disposition to listen to and appreciate nuanced discussion.'


Probanx Coreplus core banking & APRA CPS234

Melbourne, Feb 7, 2019 AEST (ABN Newswire) - iSignthis Ltd ( ASX:ISX ) ( FRA:TA8 ) ("The Company") is pleased to announce that it has received communications from its auditors Grant Thornton Australia Ltd and its IT Security Auditors, Security Centric Pty Ltd ("the Auditors"), regarding the use of the Probanx Coreplus core banking platform in Australia to satisfy its ADI operations and APRA requirements.Highlights- iSignthis eMoney (AU) Pty Ltd ADI application ongoing/progressing- Probanx.com CorePlus assessed by Grant Thornton & Security CentricThe reports received from the Auditors have been submitted to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) as part of the application process that is currently ongoing/progressing by iSignthis eMoney (AU) Pty Ltd for an Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADI) license.All APRA regulated entities must adhere to CPS 234 by 1st July 2019, with third party verification of an operative and compliant core banking system being a key milestone towards achieving ADI licensing.On the basis of the foregoing, the Company advises that its ADI application is progressing well, with only minor matters remaining to be addressed. The Company is of the view that the license issue remains on target for early Q2 2019.Probanx & APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234Grant Thornton has completed an Independent validation of the Probanx.com CorePlus core banking system. Accordingly, the Company is satisfied that Probanx is 'fit for purpose', in that the system maintains fair and true records for financial obligations, the system calculates interest accurately and performs key functions as required.Security Centric Pty Ltd (www.securitycentric.com.au) has also reviewed the Company's IT policies and procedures incorporating Probanx CorePlus and has assessed these against compliance with APRA's Prudential Standard CPS234 'Information Security'. Accordingly, the Company is satisfied that it has met its requirements in this regard.Probanx is an alternative to Temenos T24, Oracle Flexcube and SAP Cloud core banking platforms. The Company is already third party audited and certified to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Level 1 by Security Centric, and BSI audited and certified to ISO27001 'Information Security Management'. The Company has also previously been audited by the major card schemes for PCI security and general compliance.About iSignthis Ltd

iSignthis Ltd (ASX:ISX) (FRA:TA8) is a hybrid monetary financial institution and also a RegTech leader in remote identity verification, payment authentication with deposit taking, transactional banking and payment processing capability. iSignthis provides an end-to-end on-boarding service for merchants, with a unified payment, electronic money and identity service via our Paydentity(TM) and ISXPay(R) solutions.

By converging payments and identity, iSignthis delivers regulatory compliance to an enhanced customer due diligence standard, offering global reach to any of the world's 4.2Bn 'bank verified' card or account holders, that can be remotely on-boarded to meet the Customer Due Diligence requirements of AML regulated merchants in as little as 3 to 5 minutes. Paydentity(TM) has now onboarded and verified more than 1.5m persons to an AML KYC standard.

iSignthis Paydentity(TM) service is the trusted back office solution for regulated entities, allowing merchants to stay ahead of the regulatory curve, and focus on growing their core business. iSignthis' subsidiary, iSignthis eMoney Ltd, trades as ISXPay(R), and is an EEA authorised eMoney Monetary Financial Institution, offering card acquiring in the EEA, and Australia.

ISXPay(R) is a principal member of Mastercard Inc, Diners, Discover, (China) Union Pay International and JCB International, an American Express aggregator, and provides merchants with access to payments via alternative methods including SEPA, Poli Payments, Sofort, PRZ24 and others.

Probanx Solutions Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of iSignthis Ltd, provides API based access to CORE Banking solutions, SEPA Core, SEPA Instant and SEPA business scheme, for neobanks, banks, credit unions and emoney institutions, and provides a bridge to the Eurosystem's Central Bank of Lithuania's CENTROLink service.
GAFCON leader says Lambeth Conference 'will be an obstacle to the gospel'

The head of GAFCON has repeated his call to Anglican bishops to think twice before they accept an invitation to attend the Lambeth Conference in 2020.

In a letter to GAFCON members, the movement's chairman Archbishop Nicholas Okoh revealed serious concerns about recent developments in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

These included the appointment of Dr John Shepherd as the Archbishop of Canterbury's envoy to the Vatican who came under fire for a 2008 sermon saying that the faithful needed to be 'set free' from a belief in the physical resurrection of Jesus.

'The resurrection of Jesus ought not to be seen in physical terms, but as a new spiritual reality,' he reportedly said.

Commenting on Dr Shepherd's appointment, Archbishop Okoh said: 'Dr John Shepherd has responded by issuing a statement which apparently affirms belief that Jesus was raised bodily, but has not repudiated his previous statements to the contrary. Such confusion is itself an obstacle to the gospel.'

Of 'deep concern', he continued, was the wedding late last year of Canadian Suffragan Bishop Kevin Robertson and his partner Mohan Sharma.

They were married in St James' Cathedral, Toronto, in the presence of their two children, family members and friends, including Archbishop Colin Johnson and Bishop Andrew Asbil.

'We wish them much joy in their marriage,' the Diocese of Toronto said at the time.

Responding to the developments, Archbishop Okoh said they were strong enough grounds for orthodox Anglican bishops to stay away from Lambeth 2020.

'This step by the Anglican Church of Canada underlines the urgency of our advice in the Jerusalem 2018 'Letter to the Churches' warning against attending the 2020 Lambeth Conference as currently constituted,' he said.

He added: 'With great sadness we therefore have to conclude that the Lambeth Conference of 2020 will itself be an obstacle to the gospel by embracing teaching and a pattern of life which are profoundly at odds with the biblical witness and the apostolic Christianity through the ages.'

Bishops from the Anglican Churches of Nigeria and Uganda have both said they will not be attending Lambeth 2020.

In a statement, leaders in the Church of Nigeria said that invitations should not be extended to 'those Provinces that have endorsed by word or deed sexual practices that are in contradiction to the teaching of Scripture' unless they repent of their actions and reverse their decisions.

'In the event that this does not occur the Bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) unanimously resolved that they will decline any invitation to attend Lambeth 2020 and all other meetings of the Instruments of the Communion,' they said.
First legally non-binary person in the US reverts back to being man

The first person in the US to be legally recognised as non-binary has reverted back to being male.

In a public announcement on his blog, Jamie Shupe said he had returned to his male birth sex and now believed gender identity to be a 'fraud'.

He posted a picture of his new driver's license showing his gender to be 'M' for male.

It marks a dramatic turnaround for the man who once made international headlines as the first person in the US to successfully petition for a non-binary gender classification.

In 2016, an Oregon judge granted his petition to be recognised as non-binary and he assumed 'they' pronouns.

'I have my life back,' Shupe said at the time. 'I'm not a male. I'm not a female.'

But in the years since, he has become disillusioned and decided to desist.

'In the days ahead, I will be taking further steps to restore my birth sex to male more formally,' he said in the announcement.

'In my thirty plus year marriage, I am the husband. To my daughter, I am her Father. I no longer identity as a transgender or non-binary person and renounce all ties to transgenderism.'

He added: 'I will not be a party to advancing harmful gender ideologies that are ruining lives, causing deaths and contributing to the sterilization and mutilation of gender-confused children.'

Shupe went on to say that he had 'always been male' and that 'there should be no social or legal penalty for others to state that'.

He also voiced support for Donald Trump's ban on transgender people in the military and the US president's plan to write only two biological sexes into the law.

In a follow-up post, he said that his experience of being transgender, non-binary and then desisting back to being male was 'a cautionary lesson for anyone who believes that you can change your sex'.

He also hit out at the narrative that 'cutting off healthy body parts and sterilizing children' is a cure for gender dysphoria.

'It's not,' he said.
Church leaders to come together to discuss vision for post-Brexit Britain

Church leaders will be taking part in a seminar next month to discuss what a positive vision for Britain might look like after it leaves the European Union.

With Britain set to leave the EU on March 29, Andy Flannagan of Christian Politics said it was vital that churches work together to heal the cultural divide.

He will be bringing church leaders together for the seminar at the Christian Resources Exhibition North in Manchester on Mar 13.

In addition to looking for areas of collaboration, they will also look consider whether the church is in part responsible for the current situation.

'Have we critiqued from the sidelines instead of getting on the political pitch?' said Flannagan.

'Whatever the situation on March 29 we need to move forward positively. We will discuss what role churches can play in bridging the cultural divide and bring communities together again.'

The Archbishop of York, the Most Rev John Sentamu, said it was important that churches have a 'positive discussion' about Britain's future beyond the EU.

'My prayer is that we all find wisdom, courage, integrity and compassion for our political leaders and MPs, for reconciliation and a fresh and uniting vision for everyone,' he said.

Archbishop Sentamu has been holding a daily prayer vigil for Brexit for the past few weeks. He has been saying a special prayer three times a day asking for God's guidance through the current political crisis and is asking others to join in with him.

The prayer reads:

God of eternal love and power,

Save our Parliamentary Democracy;

Protect the High Court of Parliament and all its members

From partiality and prejudice;

That they may walk humbly the path of kindness, justice and mercy.

Give them wisdom, insight and a concern for the common good.

The weight of their calling is too much to bear in their own strength,

Therefore we pray earnestly, Father,

send them help from your Holy Place, and be their tower of strength.

Lord, graciously hear us. Amen.
Christian couple turned down as foster parents because of 'bias' against their religious beliefs

A Canadian human rights law firm is accusing a government adoption agency of discriminating against a Christian couple who wanted to become foster parents.

The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms sent a letter to the Simcoe Muskoka Child, Youth and Family Services in Ontario demanding that they end what the group called "religious discrimination" against the couple.

The letter, whose online copy simply identified the couple as "A" and "L," claims the couple's application to become foster parents was denied "not due to any legitimate deficiency in their qualifications, but due solely to Child Services' prejudice and bias against the religious beliefs of [the couple]."

According to the letter, the couple submitted an application in November 2017 to become foster parents. In the week of April 30-May 4 of last year, they met with a Child Services social worker.

The social worker asked the couple, one of whom is a pastor, if they "still" believe "in some of the more outdated parts of the Bible" and if they considered homosexuality a sin.

Last October, the couple received a letter from Child Services declining their application, stating that "the policies of our agency do not appear to fit with your values and beliefs."

In a statement released last week, the Centre explained that with the demand letter, they hope to have "Child Services reopen the couple's application to foster and properly process their application to become foster parents in a non-discriminatory manner."

Founded in 2010, the Centre's stated mission is "to defend the constitutional freedoms of Canadians through litigation and education."

Last year, the Centre got a legal victory for an evangelical couple in Alberta who had been told they could not adopt because they oppose same-sex marriage.

Centre lawyer John Carpay said in a statement last May that he was "thrilled" by the decision in favor of the Alberta couple, adding that the legal battle "has not diminished their enthusiasm for adopting a child."

"The government has no right to discriminate on the basis of religion when looking at couples who are seeking to adopt," stated Carpay in 2018, according to The Canadian Press.

"You can't say that someone can't become an adoptive parent because they're Muslim, they're Jewish or because they're evangelical Christian."

Courtesy of The Christian Post
Archbishop of Canterbury leads tributes to theologian and evangelist Michael Green

Tributes have been paid to Canon Michael Green who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89.

Green was the author of more than 50 books, many of them offering his perspectives on evangelism and apologetics.

Popular titles include How Shall We Reach Them?, co-authored with scientist and theologian Alister McGrath, Evangelism in the Early Church, I Believe in the Holy Spirit and Who is this Jesus?.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, said Green had been a 'compelling and consummate evangelist' and 'an example and model to all of the joy and energy that living and loving the gospel bring to proclaimer and listener'.

'He served the church locally, nationally and internationally through his ministry of communication in speech and writing,' he said.

'As the church we are deeply grateful for his tenacious ministry. Beyond telling, however, will be the gratitude of all those that Michael introduced to Jesus Christ  the Lord in whose presence he now knows joy beyond our imagination.'

In Inspire Magazine, evangelist J John paid tribute to Green's 'rich and extraordinarily fruitful earthly life'.

He credited Green with changing British culture, particularly where it concerned evangelism and the church's understanding of the Holy Spirit.

'Particularly important was the way that, in two key areas, Michael was able to dispel prejudices,' he said.

'One was the belief, widely held until into the 70s, that you couldn't be a scholar and an evangelical, and certainly not one who was passionate for evangelism.

'Michael had an extraordinarily sharp mind and accumulated academic honours  indeed, had he chosen to be purely a scholar he could have been a professor in any of the great universities  but he remained openly and enthusiastically committed to sharing the good news of Jesus.

'The second widespread preconception was that the only people who believed that the Holy Spirit might be a powerful and active force in the world today were those who were uneducated and knew no theology.'

Others paid tribute to Green on Twitter.

Rev Sally Hitchener added: 'Very sad news - hope they have a cathedral big enough for all the lives he's touched to say goodbyes.'

Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, said he was a 'great evangelist and servant of the gospel'.

Sad to hear that Michael Green has died. Amazing evangelist, kind mentor, brilliant scholar, faithful teacher, irrepressible disciple. Rest in peace and rise in glory.  RuthBushyager (@RBushyager) February 7, 2019

Sad yet grateful for the memory of Michael Green, great friend and colleague who died yesterday. He was an inspiration - an evangelist, a scholar, an encourager, a true enthusiast in an often cynical age.  Graham Tomlin (@gtomlin) February 7, 2019

RIP Michael Green - inspiring evangelist and apologist - passed into heaven last night after running the race faithfully and with great energy- honoured to have known him, be taught by him, follow in his footsteps and call him a friend.  Frog Orr-Ewing (@missionalfrog) February 7, 2019
Syrian Muslims find Jesus after ISIS brutality: 'Christianity was the religion I was searching for'

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Syrian Christians have shared how they converted from Islam to Christianity after witnessing the brutality of Islamic extremist groups like ISIS, who carried out barbaric acts in the name of Allah.

Members of the recently-established Church of the Brethren in Kobani  the first local Christian place of worship for decades  shared with NBC News how Christianity appealed to them after living under Sharia law.

Farhad Jasim, 23, who works as a mechanic, converted to Christianity late last year. He told NBC he was jailed by ISIS for six months in early 2016 after the militants discovered he didn't know the basics of Islam. During his time in captivity, he was tortured and forced to read the Quran.

After I witnessed their brutality with my own eyes, I started to be skeptical about my belief, Jasim said.

After hearing about the Church of the Brethren, which opened in September and is part of a denomination that dates back to 18th-century Germany, Jasim decided to visit: It didnt take me long to discover that Christianity was the religion I was searching for, he said.

Jasim told the outlet his family has rejected him because of his newfound faith and expressed hope that one day, his loved ones will not only forgive him but embrace Christianity, too.

If ISIS represents Islam, I dont want to be a Muslim anymore, he said. Their God is not my God.

Firas, a 47-year-old farmer, told NBC he converted to Christianity after living under ISIS for two years. He recalled how militants would terrorize anyone who didnt adhere to their particular brand of Islam.

I saw men and young teenagers being whipped on the streets because they were caught smoking. I saw dead bodies of young men being thrown from high buildings for being gay, Firas said. This was their Islam.

"If heaven is made for ISIS and their belief, I would choose hell for myself instead of being again with them in the same place, even if its paradise," he added.

While ISIS was driven out of the city, located along the Syrian-Turkish border, over four years ago, converting to Christianity remains taboo  and even dangerous  in the Muslim-majority region. Persecution watchdog Open Doors notes that even in more secure parts of Syria, Christians who have converted from Islam face pressure and discrimination from their communities. Kobani is home to about 300 Christians, according to estimates.

Omar, 38, who serves as church administrator, said that even before ISIS overtook the region, it was strictly forbidden to change religion from Islam to Christianity. But under ISIS, converting to Christianity wasnt even imaginable, he said, adding: ISIS would kill you immediately.

Most of the brothers here converted or come to church as a result of what ISIS did to them and to their families, he said. No one is forced to convert. Our weapon is the prayer, the spreading of spirit of love, brotherhood and tolerance.

Currently, just 4.6 percent of Syrians are believed to be Christian, according to a report by Aid to the Church in Need. Additionally, about 700,000 Christians are believed to have left Syria since the civil war began in 2011.

In December, President Donald Trump announced that US troops would withdraw from Syria, stating, "We have won against ISIS. We've beaten them and we've beaten them badly. We've taken back the land and now it's time for our troops to come back home.

However, amid concerns that pulling U.S. troops out of Syria will put persecuted Christians, Kurds and other ethnic minorities at risk, Trump later clarified he would send U.S. forces back if ISIS and other terror groups regain their strength.

"The President's made clear that we support Christians, that we support the Kurds," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders recently told CBN News. "He's made that clear to Turkey, he's made that clear publicly on a number of fronts, and just one of the reasons that the President has been tough on Iran is to make sure that people don't feel threatened. We've supported the safe zones that are going to be very important, and the idea that the President is just stepping away and ignoring any potential problem doesn't understand the fundamental decision that he's made."
480, mostly Christians, killed in Nigerian military massacres' from 2015-2017: NGO report

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Nigerian military and security forces killed hundreds of mostly Christian ethnic Igbo civilians advocating for self-determination, in massacres that took place from 2015 to 2017, according to the most comprehensive report to date, which took three years to make.

The NGO International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) released a new 85-page report this week that purports to highlight how Nigerian military and security forces are responsible for the deaths of 480 and the injuring of over 500 other unarmed and defenseless civilians in crackdowns targeting Igbo self-determination activists and members of the Igbo population.

The crackdowns were carried out through various internal security operations in Southeast and other southern regions of Nigeria that have drawn criticism from those warning that the Nigerian military is being deployed against unarmed civilians.

The new Intersociety report, titled "Under Buhari & Osinbajo: Many Have Gone & Crippled For Life In Eastern Nigeria," is based on three years of research that includes interviews with survivors, relatives and victims.

Most, if not all the slain, wounded or abducted victims are members of the Nigerian Christian Faith and other non-Muslim religions, the report reads. Hospitals, where the wounded were taken to for treatment, were also invaded by soldiers at night or late evening during which some of them were abducted to unknown locations where they must have been shot dead and remained untraced.

The report lists 10 locations identified during the course of Intersocietys investigations where the killings and massacres occurred.

The report also lists seven significant graveyards or dumping sites where the slain were shallowly buried, or burnt to ashes, or lacerated with suspected raw acid substances. Other dead bodies were reportedly either dumped in the open, thrown off a bridge or left in secret or isolated places to decompose.

The alleged killings highlighted in the report occurred as there has been a revival in the call for Biafra independence in the Igbo population in Southeast Nigeria, most of which are Christian in faith.

The secession of Biafra in 1967, which represented the aspirations of the Igbo people concerned about ethnic, economic and religious tensions, is what led to the Nigerian Civil War and deaths of over 2 million people from 1967 to 1970.

According to the report, the segment of the general Igbo and other non-Igbo Christian population affected by the massacres and killings were exercising their rights to self-determination using nonviolence through democratic assemblies such as street protests, picketing, prayers and worship, and religious processions.

The massacres in question were said to be part of the Nigerian Armys Operation Python Dance and other internal security operations designed to stamp out terrorist activity, according to Intersociety.

However, the report refutes the governments terror claim.

This is the first time in the world an unarmed and defenseless self-determination group is dubbed terror group, the report explains. The intents and purposes for same were for intensification of the Governments racial profiling and attempts to cover the massacre and escape from being held to account.

Intersociety Board Chairman Emeka Umeagbalasi told CP that the organization decided to launch an investigation into the killings because it is our region and we are professed Christians.

[This is so we are] able to put this in a database and in a document because the law says when a crime is committed and there is no documentation, then no crime has been committed, Umeagbalasi, an Igbo criminologist, continued. If a crime is committed by a perpetrator and they do not put it in writing or in black and white, then we [have no case] against the perpetrator. But when you put it in a database, the perpetrator can be tracked anytime or any day.

Intersociety claims that some Igbo citizens were killed, wounded or abducted at their places of work, on their way home or while they slept in the dead of the night.

The report asserts that the massacre operations were the crude and deadly response of the federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to renewed nonviolent campaigns by disenchanted people of the old Eastern Nigeria calling or agitating for the restructuring of Nigeria and end to their age-long political exclusion and persecution or total independent statehood for the Biafra People.

However, John Campbell, the former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria during the George W. Bush, administration and a current senior fellow of Africa Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, told CP that he is skeptical of the claim that the president and vice president are complicit in the crimes.

Campbell also contended that the fact many of those killed in the report are Christian is irrelevant because the crimes were committed more so in the context of stamping out a separatist movement.

There is a so-called Operation Python Dance that has been conducted by the security services, which seeks to root out those who are supporting a revival of the idea of Biafran independence, Campbell explained. The government claims that the some of the secessionists advocate violence and even terrorism. The secessionists argue though that what they are arguing for is self-determination.

The Nigerian security services, including the Army, are quite rough, not to say brutal in terms of their tactics, Campbell continued. In fact, security service human rights abuses are often said to be a primary driver of Boko Haram recruitment in eastern Nigeria so that I would view as credible claims that the security service had killed civilians in Southeastern Nigeria.

Campbell also questions if the number of people killed highlighted by the report are completely accurate.

Frankly, everybody lies on one side and down the other about casualties, Campbell said. You have to put this in the context of government response to a secessionist movement of which the government, in my view, is frightened because of the experience of the civil war, meaning the 2 million [dead].

Nina Shea, a prominent international human rights lawyer and director of the Center for Religious Freedom at the Washington-based think tank Hudson Institute, told CP that the scale and nature of the human rights violations alleged in the report are shocking considering they are alleged to have been carried out by security forces.

The report's accounts of mass murder, torture, abuse and unlawful imprisonment by Nigerian security forces are extensively detailed and documented apparently by legal and investigative professionals, she stated. This report needs to be taken with utmost seriousness.
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A couple of years ago, Jeremiah Johnston and his wife binge-watched the HBO series The Man in the High Castle. The series is set in a world where Nazi Germany and Japan won World War II and now occupy the United States.

Its a world where euthanasia is mandatory, and the ashes of victims fall on passersby. In other words, its a world without Christianity, not to mention Judaism.

After watching the series, Johnstons wife told him that he needed to write about what they had just watched. He did, and the result is his outstanding book, Unimaginable: What the World Would Be Like Without Christianity.

But Johnstons book is not about a fictional world like the The Man in the High Castle. His book is straight out of history, about the real world that Christianity replaceda pagan world that is showing signs of a comeback in this post-Christian age.

Johnston introduces us to the world in which Christianity was born, and eventually transformed. He tells the story of Hilarion, an otherwise-unremarkable Roman citizen who had traveled to Egypt. He writes to his pregnant wife that he may not make it home in time for the birth. So he wishes her good luck and then tells her what to do when the child is born: If it is a boy, keep it; if it is a girl, throw it out.

As I said, there was nothing remarkable about Hilarion or his attitude towards his soon-to-be-born child. As Johnston tells us, in the first-century Roman world . . . killing an unwanted child was no big deal. He quotes the philosopher Seneca, who wrote: Unnatural progeny we destroy; we drown even children who at birth are weak or abnormal.

Into this world came Christianity, whose teaching and practice was 180 degrees from that of the surrounding societies. The early second century Christian document known as the Didache told Christians, Do not murder a child by abortion, nor kill it at birth. The Epistle of Barnabas, which dates from a few decades later, similarly said, Do not murder a child by abortion, nor, again, destroy that which is born.

Believe it or not, infanticide is just one example of the cruelty and callousness that characterized the ancient world. Anyone who wasnt a noblemanemphasis on the manwas a potential, and often actual, victim of this same kind of cruelty: infants, women, slaves, and the poor to name but a few.

Against this backdrop, Pauls declaration that There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus had the potential to turn the world upside down.

And thats exactly what it did. It took time, and there were fits and starts, but Christianity made the world we now take for granted, possible.

As Johnston tells readers, the Wests rejection of Christianity threatens to undo this world. For those who scoff at such an idea, he lays out the recent historical record, which isnt pretty. Evils such as scientific racism, which posits that some groups are inherently inferior to others, eugenics, and its ultimate expression, the Third Reich, all have their origins in worldviews that rejected Christianity.

He reminds us that these literally godless worldviews have left a body count in the hundreds of millions: the Holocaust, Stalins victims, the killing fields of Cambodia, and the estimated seventy million Chinese who died under Mao.

Given this historical record, it is unimaginable that we should want to revert to a world prior to Christianity. Or at last it should be unimaginable. Thats why I cant recommend the book Unimaginable highly enough. Its a book that every Christian interested in worldview, and, especially those who arent, should have in their library. And this month, its our gift to those who make a donation to BreakPoint and the Colson Center. Just come to BreakPoint.org.

And you can join Jeremiah Johnston on a free webinar tomorrow, February 5, at noon Eastern. Again, come to BreakPoint.org to register.

Resources

Unimaginable: What Our World Would Be Like Without Christianity, Jeremiah J. Johnston | Baker Books | 2017

Unimaginable: What Our World Would Be Like Without Christianity, webinar, Warren Cole Smith, Jeremiah Johnston | Colson Center | February 2019

Originally posted at Breakpoint.
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You could sum up in one word why many evangelicals voted for Donald Trump: abortion. It is therefore highly significant that it was Trump who made what might well be the strongest pro-life statement ever in a State of the Union address.

In 2003, President George W. Bush spoke out against partial-birth abortion, saying, By caring for children who need mentors, and for addicted men and women who need treatment, a we are building a more welcoming society -- a culture that values every life. And in this work we must not overlook the weakest among us. I ask you to protect infants at the very hour of their birth and end the practice of partial-birth abortion.

But Trump took things to another level by rebuking the celebration of New Yorks new abortion law and Virginia Gov. Northams infanticide comments. The President minced no words.

He said, There could be no greater contrast to the beautiful image of a mother holding her infant child than the chilling displays our Nation saw in recent days. Lawmakers in New York cheered with delight upon the passage of legislation that would allow a baby to be ripped from the mother's womb moments before birth. These are living, feeling, beautiful babies who will never get the chance to share their love and dreams with the world. And then, we had the case of the Governor of Virginia where he basically stated he would execute a baby after birth.

So, he first appealed to a mothers instincts, then contrasted that with the heartlessness of lawmakers cheering a brutal abortion law, then described Gov. Northams position for exactly what it was: giving parents the right to execute a baby after birth.

This was a significant moment in the history of the pro-life movement.

He continued, To defend the dignity of every person, I am asking the Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mothers womb. Let us work together to build a culture that cherishes innocent life. And let us reaffirm a fundamental truth: all children -- born and unborn -- are made in the holy image of God.

To repeat: This was a historic moment.

The President spoke of the personhood of the baby in the womb, thereby declaring that it is not simply a mass of cells. He spoke of the babys ability to feel pain, underscoring the cruelty of abortion. He spoke of the unborn as innocent life, reminding us of the injustice of abortion. And then he spoke of all children  inside and outside the womb  as made in Gods holy image.

Was Trump simply playing to his base? Was he trying to rally the troops for 2020? We he sounding religious when he is no such thing?

Perhaps. Perhaps hes simply saying what his constituents want to hear.

But even if that was the case, it would be still highly significant, given the power of the Presidents bully pulpit.

But the truth is that Trump has backed his words with actions.

He has appointed pro-life justices to the courts.

He has signed pro-life bills.

And he has been consistent in his stance throughout his presidency.

In that respect, whether he really means what he says and does is secondary. What matters is that he is both saying it and doing it.

Not surprisingly, there was immediate liberal pushback against comments, with Lydia OConnor at the Huffington Postproclaiming, Trump Turns To Absurd Abortion Imagery In State Of The Union Speech.

The president claimed that a new New York law would allow a baby to be ripped from the mothers womb moments before birth.

OConnor dismisses Trumps claims, writing, what the bill does is expand access to abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy to women carrying a fetus that cannot live outside the womb. Previously, the procedure was available only to women at that stage of pregnancy if their health was threatened.

In support of this, she links to another article which notes that, Under the new law . . . women can also get an abortion after 24 weeks if their health is threatened or the fetus isnt viable.

So, the very link provided by OConnor contradicts her argument and vindicates Trumps imagery: Right up to the moment of the birth, if an abortion was deemed necessary for the mothers health, it could be performed.

Why not own up to it?

Why not celebrate it, as the New York lawmakers did?

And, in the spirit of womens rights, why does it matter if the baby is aborted at 8 weeks or at 30 weeks? What is wrong with Trumps imagery if the baby is still in the womb?

Right now, with the increasing militancy of the pro-abortionists, the pro-life movement is freshly mobilized.

And the roles of President Trump and Vice President Pence have been highly significant as well, with Pence addressing last months pro-life rally in person and Trump doing so remotely.

Pence also wrote a stinging response to Gov. Northams remarks, which he characterized as morally reprehensible and evil.

Against this backdrop, the importance of Trumps State of the Union comments can hardly be exaggerated, underscoring why many evangelicals voted for him.

How different things would look today had Hillary Clinton been president.
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In a recent Christian Post editorial, Napp Nazworth claims that evangelical Christians who voted for Donald Trump have compromised their witness and hurt the work of the gospel. He also believes that evangelical leaders who have been brought into Trumps inner circle have become nothing more than useful idiots (my words), being duped by the allure of power.

With all respect to Napp, whom I honor as a committed Christian and fine journalist, I believe he has overstated his points and confused the roles of politics and the gospel.

Before sharing my perspective, however, let me make clear that: 1) to the extent evangelical supporters of Trump have looked to him to change the moral fabric of the nation, we have made a gross miscalculation; 2) to the extent evangelical leaders have excused the Presidents bad behavior (especially in the present, with his tweets and his treatment of others), we have compromised our moral authority (a major point made by Napp); and 3) to the extent evangelicals have exchanged voting for praying and preaching, we have lost sight of our mission.

As the author of the book Donald Trump Is Not My Savior: An Evangelical Leader Speaks His Mind About the Man He Supports As President, I am under no illusions when it comes to our Commander in Chief.

That being said, I differ with Napps thesis for four principle reasons.

First, he confuses our vote for a political leader with our personal morality and witness. He wrote, Before the election, I warned my fellow evangelicals to not vote for Trump, that associating with a person of Trump's character would damage us.

But you can vote for someone without tying your soul to that person. You can vote for someone with reservation, even expressing that publicly. You can vote for someone while having a moral difference.

One of the main reasons I voted for Trump (after opposing him strongly in the primaries) was because I was voting against Hillary Clinton.

I felt she would be a staunch opponent of our religious liberties, a zealous advocate for abortion, and a supporter of radical LGBT activism.

In my view, her presidency could have negatively affected our country for many years to come, impacting our kids, our grandkids, and beyond.

Despite my very real concerns about Donald Trump, I hoped he would keep his promises in these key areas (along with supporting Israel). Thankfully, he has, which is why Im still glad I voted for him, despite the collateral damage.

In the last two years, I have had serious gospel conversations with Trump-hating non-believers, and when I explained why I voted for Trump, expressing my reservations as a Jesus-follower, those I spoke with were able to separate my vote for Trump from my witness for Jesus.

Second, some evangelical leaders have made a positive impact on the president without compromising their moral authority at all.

One of my dearest friends is close to President Trump, and on several occasions, he has lovingly rebuked Trump in strong and clear terms. My friends public ministry goes on just the same, affecting as many people as he has for years, and he remains unimpressed by the lure of the White House, having been in different presidential circles over the years.

And he is not alone. There are strong evangelicals on the Cabinet, along with strong evangelical voices like former Ambassador Nikki Haley, who often spoke with prophetic clarity to the UN on behalf of Israel. And there is Vice President Mike Pence, who recently penned a strong article condemning the infanticidal comments of Virginia Governor Northam, calling his position morally reprehensible and evil.

This is highly significant, helping to energize the pro-life movement as well. How different things would be if Hillary Clinton had been elected!

Third, I believe Napp downplays the role of the courts in American society.

It is not just the Supreme Court that Trump is impacting. He is also impacting many other federal courts, again, with the possibility of changing the face of the courts for the next one to two generations.

Before Trump, we were facing a rising tide of judicial tyranny  what Mark Levin famously called Men in Black  a tyranny that was rewriting the Constitution and threatening our most fundamental liberties.

And while having better justices in the courts will not win the lost or bring revival  who ever thought it would?  it will protect some of our most cherished liberties and institutions.

Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, The Christian gospel is a two-way road. On the one hand, it seeks to change the souls of men, and thereby unite them with God; on the other hand, it seeks to change the environmental conditions of men so the soul will have a chance after it is changed.

We might say today that, while we seek to change the souls of men, we also want to preserve our right to live in accordance with our faith.

Not only so, but in my view (and the view of many), the issue of abortion is todays slavery issue. How will we respond?

If Trump were a strong anti-slavery candidate in the 1850s, I would have voted for him. And I would have had no problem giving a Christian reason for doing so.

Napp argues that, at best, overturning Roe v. Wade would merely push the battle back to the States. But that is something we already know and we already embrace.

The alternative, which we are witnessing in front of our eyes, is the push to extend abortion rights, up to and including infanticide. Which do we prefer?

That, again, is why I can vote for Trump without compromising my moral authority. I was also voting for the lives of the unborn.

Napp writes, But backing Trump won't end abortion. Just the opposite. In aligning with Trump, pro-lifers are only extending the time that will ultimately be required to end abortion because they're losing their moral authority to speak on this issue.

To the contrary, the pro-life push under Trump has only highlighted the moral bankruptcy  and radicality  of the pro-abortion position, thereby clarifying our moral differences.

Of course, I agree that we will put an end to abortion on demand only by changing hearts and minds. But that also presupposes that, once someones heart is changed, they will then vote accordingly.

Fourth, while it is true that some of our witness has been hurt by evangelical leaders who defend Trump at every point, overall, I believe it is largely the leftwing media that is driving this narrative.

They are the ones shouting at every turn, You must renounce Trump if you want us to take you seriously! No Christian can stand with Trump!

I for one refuse to play this game (as I articulated in some of the chapters in my aforementioned book).

The fact is that this same media was mocking our position before we ever voted for Trump.

And I dont believe for a split second that if we suddenly renounced him that these media leaders would say to us, Please, share your views on abortion and homosexuality and the Bible. We would love to hear what you have to say.

Not a chance.

Moreover, this same media despises Vice President Pence, in particular, because of his strong Christian views.

Had he been our president (or, if he one day becomes president), evangelicals supporting him would be accused of seeking to set up a theocracy, and we would be vilified day and night.

In sum, I believe we make a grave, fatal mistake if we look to the President to bring spiritual renewal or moral reformation to America. Perish the thought.

And I believe if we excuse his ungodly conduct or feel the need to become his defenders in chief, we do compromise our moral authority.

But if we give our souls to our Savior alone, to Him who died for us so we might live for Him, and if we give the President our vote, our witness remains firm and our integrity uncompromised.
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Much of America was shocked to learn about New Yorks passage of a law that allows for an abortion during all nine months of a womans pregnancy, and for any reason. The law so expands abortion that even a child born alive in a botched procedure isnt protected. The new law says health care practitioners that are not physicians may also terminate the child within the womb. It removes abortion from New Yorks state criminal code, meaning if a baby in utero was to die from an assault on a woman there could be no severe prosecution. Furthermore, the New York law allows young girls of every age to have an abortion without parental consent.

The passage of the abortion bill was met with cheers and thunderous applause in the Gallery of the State Senate. After signing the legislation in the Capitals Red Room, Governor Cuomo ordered the states One World Trade Centers spire, the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the Kosciuszko Bridge, and the Alfred E. Smith Building, to be lit up in celebratory pink.

If ever the country was seemingly and largely immunized from the unspeakable evil of child-killing, what happened recently in New York should be the antidote. Wickedness is always progressive, and Americans are moving from the so-called objective of making abortions safe, legal and rare to merriment over infanticide.

What adds to these alarming circumstances is that before New Yorks legislature voted to remove gestational limits on abortion, seven states and Washington, D.C. already had laws allowing third-trimester abortions, reports the Christian Post. Those states say CP are Alaska, Colorado, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Vermont, and the nations capital. What is more, every state that has laws banning late-term abortions still allow it under certain circumstances, one of which can include mental health  a loophole in abortion rights law large enough through which a locomotive could pass.

Just recently a Virginia delegate, Kathy Tran (D), pushed for the passage of her bill, which failed, but would have allowed abortion at every stage of pregnancy including during labor. Rhode Islands Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) has been pushing for legislation that allows abortions until live birth and also tramples parental rights by allowing minors to have an abortion without parental consent.

North Carolinians neednt rest easy either. In 2017, companion legislation introduced by Democrats in the state House and Senate was very similar to New Yorks new abortion law. Neither piece of legislation, S. B. 588  Whole Womans Health Act and H.B. 563 by the same title, were acted upon by the House or Senate, and its a good thing they didnt. The legislation would have legalized late-term abortions, repealed the states Womans Right to Know, law, legalized sex-selection abortions, allowed physician assistant abortions, allowed post 20 week abortions to be performed in clinics, eviscerated statistical reporting of abortions, expanded the type of physicians who could perform abortions to any physician and not simply an OB/GYN or those with experience.

Certainly, if the Democrats had been in the majority and not the Republicans, the legislation would have succeeded, and our current Governor, Roy Cooper (D), would have gleefully signed it into law. Thats not being politically partisan; its just the reality of the matter.

Three years before the Supreme Courts decision to legalize abortion, Dr. Malcolm Watts wrote for the California Medical Association:

The traditional Western ethic has always placed great emphasis on the intrinsic worth and equal value of every human life regardless of its stage or condition. This ethic had the blessing of the Judeo-Christian heritage and has been the basis for most of our laws and much of our social policyThis traditional ethic is still clearly dominant, but there is much to suggest that it is being eroded at its core and may eventually even be abandoned

We are now at that point in our national history where the core erosion is giving way to abandonment.

If this barbarism ever ends, it will be because those who love Christ and know the Word of God have fearlessly proclaimed the truth and shown the way. The media certainly wont do it. The news media was once good for telling the whole story, but not anymore.

In yesteryear, the newsreels displayed in their reports the emaciated dead bodies of Jews piled like cordwood that had been killed by the Nazis. During the Jim Crow era, the media presented pictures of blacks lynched from trees with White Supremacists standing around like it was a community picnic. When the Vietnam War was going on, major news outlets brought the horrific images of that conflict into our living rooms. American troops were bared as they were: bloody, burned, shot and blown to pieces. These days, however, we never see the news showing what happens to an infant during an actual abortion, especially a late-term abortion. We cant hear the silent scream. We dont see the doctor plunge the poisonous needle into the little ones beating heart. We never see the legs, arms, torsos, and other body parts of unborn children oozing from a bloody birth canal or cast into the trash after the abortionists knife has done its ghastly work. Neither do we witness the infant from a spoiled abortion left underneath a pile of towels, neglected on a cold clinic table, or twisting like a live piece of refuse in a bedpan.

All of these grisly things remain hidden and kept in secret. It would seem if the state of New York had done something so stupendous as to light up a city with festive lights, then the news media ought to let the public see whats actually being celebrated. But do you think that will happen? No, because if they did, the practice of abortion might be abandoned in a New York minute.

Christians need to see that it can no longer be business as usual. This is not to subtly suggest violence, or some unlawful means must be employed to halt the blitz on lifes sanctity. God forbid! Nevertheless, it is to suggest Christians lovingly sharing the Gospel of Christ with people in the abortion field, educating others from a pro-life perspective, contributing generously to the pro-life cause, and supporting politicians and legislation which will protect and preserve life. Most importantly, Christians need to stop being hypocritical and having abortions themselves.

It is also to suggest that if Christs emissaries and other pro-lifers cannot demonstrate a passion equal to or superior to that of abortion proponents, the killing will continue. It will grow until next it is the aged, the weak, the sick, the political reject, etc. If they can find a justification for celebrating the destruction of an innocent and defenseless gestational nine-month-old baby, they can find the same for killing you!

Rev. Mark H. Creech is executive director of the Raleigh-based Christian Action League of North Carolina Inc.
Court finds Harper Collins Christian Publishing guilty of fraud

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HarperCollins Christian Publishers, formerly Thomas Nelson, has been found guilty of fraud and breach of contract by a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.

A recent news release from EPAC Technologies, a leading high-technology manufacturer and printer based in California, announced that the Tennessee jury awarded them $12 million in punitive damages on top of more than $3 million in compensatory damages for fraud and breach of contract they suffered at the hands of HarperCollins Christian Publishers after a six-year battle.

HarperCollins executives say they are innocent and will challenge the jury's verdict in court.

We disagree with the jurys verdict and have already begun the process of challenging it in court, a Thomas Nelson spokesperson The Christian Post. Thomas Nelson believes that the so-called fraud claim (not disclosing to EPAC that it was also negotiating with a competitor) is wholly without merit, legally or factually, and that it acted properly in 2011 when it terminated the printing contract that EPAC admitted it could not fulfill.

HarperCollins Christian Publishers, which is a subsidiary of HarperCollins Publishers and News Corp, produces religious-themed books and other literature.

While the dispute between the Christian publisher and EPAC Technologies was initially argued as a communication failure, according to the Nashville Post, evidence presented by EPAC Technologies supported their case that HarperCollins officials not only fabricated claims in a bid to end their contract with EPAC, but they repeatedly purged evidence relating to the case even though they were asked by the court to preserve them.

EPAC Technologies showed that HarperCollins' claims of defects and late deliveries were pre-textual fabrications designed to give HarperCollins an excuse to terminate the contract. Thomas Nelson was not able to show any orders were late, that even a single book was returned, not a single credit was requested or issued, not a single customer complained about the quality of book produced by EPAC, and EPAC showed that HarperCollins wanted to terminate the contract after it improperly disclosed EPAC's business information to a competitor, EPAC said.

The California company said the jury awarded them punitive damages because they were able to present clear and convincing evidence showing that HarperCollins acted either intentionally, recklessly, maliciously or fraudulently. The company was able to prove that the Christian publisher allowed evidence of their conduct to be destroyed, amounting to nearly 1.5 million messages.

The spoliation of emails that showed Thomas Nelson's fraud resulted in the court appointing a Special Master. The court found that HarperCollins had a duty to preserve no later than April 18, 2011, but failed to meet minimum standards of diligence and competence; spoliated all the physical evidence of the product in question; negligently destroyed nearly 1.5 million messages; did not stop the purging of key business records until 2015 (three years after the lawsuit was filed, and four years after the duty to preserve was issued). The court issued an adverse-inference charge against HarperCollins to the jury, the release said.

Sasha Dobrovolsky, founder and chief executive officer of EPAC, praised the verdict.

"We are thankful for the jury's service, and this case reaffirms the value of our jury system for civil cases. We believe that the jurors were able to see HarperCollins' fabricated defenses for what they were. These same jurors also sent a loud and clear message that such egregious behavior by companies and their executives cannot be tolerated, Dobrovolsky said.

HarperCollins executives, however, are not backing down from their claim that they ended their contract with EPAC for cause despite the verdict from the jury.

We disagree with the jurys verdict and have already begun the process of challenging it in court, a Thomas Nelson spokesperson said in a statement to The Christian Post Tuesday. Thomas Nelson believes that the so-called fraud claim is wholly without merit, legally or factually, and that it acted properly in 2011 when it terminated the printing contract that EPAC admitted it could not fulfill.
Christian university cancels Ben Shapiro speech, citing 'extremely divided' America

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An Arizona Christian university has canceled a speech from conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, saying that while they support much of what he stands for they want to focus on opportunities that foster unity in a divided time.

In a statement Friday, Grand Canyon University, an evangelical school in Phoenix that was founded in 1949 by Southern Baptists, explained that they moved to block the event in light of the polarized climate in the United States.

"We believe in many of the things that Ben Shapiro speaks about and stands for, including his support for ideals that grow out of traditional Judeo-Christian values and his belief in a free market economy," the university said.

"Our decision to cancel Shapiros speaking engagement is not a reflection of his ideologies or the values he represents, but rather a desire to focus on opportunities that bring people together."

In light of the division in America and the high volume of rhetoric, the university aims to posture itself in an action-oriented way in order to contribute to community-building and solving problems in society. To do that, the school has developed a plan to collaborate with groups like Habitat for Humanity to rebuild the inner-city, reducing crime in their neighborhood through a $1.6 million partnership with the city law enforcement to pay for police overtime.

"We hope it is a model that is emulated by others and builds strong communities where people can live and prosper in harmony, no matter their differences," GCU explained.

"It was not our intent to disappoint or offend anyone. It was, rather, to use our position as a Christian university to bring unity to a community that sits amidst a country that is extremely divided and cant seem to find a path forward toward unity," the school said, grounding their rationale with the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:9.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God, the verse, which is part of the Sermon on the Mount, reads.

GCU concluded: "Making peace in a way that honors Christ is something we will continue to try to do."

Penny Nance, president of the Concerned Women for America was not impressed, noting that the purpose of a college education should involve exposure to a variety of viewpoints.

"My alma mater @LibertyU recently hosted @benshapiro @SenSanders and #PresidentJimmyCarter Isnt that the point of the university experience? To learn, think and grow?" she tweeted Monday.

"@GCU not your job to shield your students from diverse thought. I am embarrassed for you."

Shapiro, who hosts The Ben Shapiro Show and is also the editor-in-chief of the Daily Wire, had been invited by to speak by the GCU chapter of the Young Americans for Freedom, a conservative student group. He was one of the featured speakers this year at the March for Life in Washington, D.C.

In response to the school denying Shapiro an on-campus venue, YAF spokesman Spencer Brown said it was all too familiar given that UC-Berkeley did something similar to Shapiro in 2017, calling GCU's decision "pathetic."

By caving to an unseen mob and ignoring the popularity of Shapiro among its student body, Grand Canyon University just played itself and deserves whatever negative response this brings. GCU has abandoned the sentiment of its own proclaimed values, deluded itself into acting like the liberal campuses it claims to differ from, and blindly accepted the Lefts ludicrous argument that Shapiros presence somehow damages students, campuses, or debate, he said Friday, according the Daily Wire.

GCU YAF also weighed in, saying they were disappointed.

"We cannot understand why our school would refuse to host someone who is a tireless advocate for traditional Judeo-Christian values, the student group commented.

In an op-ed for National Review, columnist David French argued that GCU's explanation for cancelling Shapiro was "simultaneously self-righteous and cowardly."

"At the outset, [the statement] acknowledges that the school agrees with 'many of the things that Ben Shapiro speaks about and stands for,'" French continued, "but then it (nonsensically) claims that 'our decision to cancel Shapiros speaking engagement is not a reflection of his ideologies or the values he represents, but rather a desire to focus on opportunities that bring people together.'"

French also argued that while GCU claimed it wanted to avoid division, its actions were "inherently divisive."

"Its an explicit rebuke and rejection of the (many) people who wanted to hear Shapiro speak," he wrote.
Vermont legislature looking to safeguard abortions up to birth

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Legislators in Vermont have proposed a bill that would strengthen legalized abortion up until the moment of birth, one of many new state-level pro-choice initiatives.

Vermont is one of eight states that already has no gestational limits on abortion, the others being Alaska, Colorado, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon, along with Washington, D.C.

H. 57, which was introduced last month, would codify the existing law, to safeguard the right to abortion in Vermont by ensuring that right is not denied, restricted, or infringed by a governmental entity.

A public entity  shall not, in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information, deny or interfere with an individuals fundamental rights to choose or refuse contraception or sterilization or to choose to carry a pregnancy to term, to give birth to a child, or to obtain an abortion, stated the bill.

No State or local law enforcement shall prosecute any individual for inducing, performing, or attempting to induce or perform the individuals own abortion.

Groups like Vermont Right to Life are actively campaigning against H. 57, which is scheduled for a public hearing on Wednesday evening.

We are doing everything we can to alert Vermonters, said the pro-life organization in a statement emailed to The Christian Post on Tuesday.

Vermont RTL told CP that they considered the bill dangerous to both women and their unborn babies, adding that the chances of passage are high as there are 91 co-sponsors of the bill.

Chloe White, policy director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont, told CP on Tuesday that her organization was fully supportive of the legislation.

It simply codifies current practice in Vermont, which is to leave the decision about whether to parent or not between a woman and her family and her doctor, said White, who believed that a lot of people recognize the need in this current climate to ensure that the right to make individual decisions about ones body is secured.

The importance of codifying that personal decision-making process into law and ensuring it remains a decision that belongs to the person whose body it affects.

Last month, New York passed a bill making it legal for doctors and other health care professionals to perform abortions up to birth for any reason.

Known as the Reproductive Health Act, the bill codified federal abortion rights guaranteed under Roe v. Wade and removed abortion from the state's criminal code.

 an abortion May be performed by a licensed, certified, or authorized practitioner within 24 weeks from the commencement of pregnancy, or there is an absence of fetal viability, or at any time when necessary to protect a patient's life or health, read section 2 of New Yorks act.

New York's Democrat Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law, prompting the Most Rev. Edward B. Scharfenberger, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, to question the elected official's faith.

Your advocacy of extreme abortion legislation is completely contrary to the teachings of our pope and our Church. Once truth is separated from fiction and people come to realize the impact of the bill, they will be shocked to their core, wrote Bishop Scharfenberger in an open letter to Cuomo.

By that time, however, it may be too late to save the countless lives that will be lost or spare countless women lifelong regret.

President Donald Trump criticized New York's law during his Tuesday State of the Union address, and asked Congress to ban late-term abortions.

"Lawmakers in New York cheered with delight upon the passage of legislation that would allow a baby to be ripped from the mother's womb moments before birth. These are living, feeling, beautiful babies who will never get the chance to share their love and dreams with the world. And then, we had the case of the Governor of Virginia where he basically stated he would execute a baby after birth. To defend the dignity of every person, I am asking the Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mother's womb. Let us work together to build a culture that cherishes innocent life. And let us reaffirm a fundamental truth: all children  born and unborn  are made in the holy image of God," he said.
Trump admin. claims reuniting migrant families 'could be traumatic to the children'

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The Trump administration claimed that reuniting migrant families that were separated at the U.S.-Mexico border could be traumatic to the children who the administration separated from their parents.

Reuniting the thousands of children with their parents may not be "within the realm of the possible," the Trump administration claimed in court documents filed late Friday.

In a statement from the Office of Refugee Resettlement, the federal agency said reuniting the children separated from their families could "destabilize the permanency of [the children's] existing home environment, and could be traumatic to the children" to remove them from sponsor homes they placed following separation.

Jallyn Sualog, deputy director in the refugee resettlement office, said in Friday's court filing that it would take up to eight hours to review each of the 47,083 cases between July 1, 2017 and a June 2018 court order from a San Diego federal judge saying children in government custody must be reunited with their parents. Doing so would "substantially imperil" operation without extensive hiring of more staff, Sualog said.

The court filings come as a result of a lawsuit from the ACLU scheduled to head back to court later this month. A hearing is set for Feb. 21.

"The Trump administration's response is a shocking concession that it can't easily find thousands of children it ripped from parents, and doesn't even think it's worth the time to locate each of them," said ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt, who is leading the suit.

"The administration also doesn't dispute that separations are ongoing in significant numbers."

The issue of separating children from their families came to a head last summer following a "zero tolerance" policy which began last spring.

Then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions said at the time that anyone who crossed the border illegally would be criminally prosecuted. The result was a notable increase in family separations and immense pushback ensued, particularly as photos and footage of emotionally distressed children circulated around the Internet.

"The vast majority of children are released to relatives, but many of them are not parents. Of children released to sponsors in the 2017 fiscal year, 49 percent went to parents, 41 percent to close relatives like an aunt, uncle, grandparent or adult sibling and 10 percent to distant relatives, family friends and others," the Associated Press reported Saturday.

Separating families at the border has long been allowed under federal law in specific situations, including when there are serious criminal charges against a parent, or when the children are ill or if their welfare is endangered.

The Department of Health and Human Services assistant inspector general for evaluations, Ann Maxwell, said in January that the number of separated children was larger than the 2,737 figure the government listed in court documents. Maxwell said her staff estimates the number to be in the thousands but could not give an exact number.
Senate Democrats block bill to protect babies who survive abortion

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A bill meant to preserve the life of babies who survive an abortion attempt was rejected by Senate Democrats after Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse pleaded with them to unanimously pass the measure Monday.

This isnt about Republicans or Democrats. We're way beyond that. Everyone in the Senate ought to be able to say unequivocally that the little baby deserves life. That she has rights, and that killing her is wrong, Sasse declared in remarks seeking unanimous consent on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

The bill sought to require "any health care practitioner present" at the time of a birth to "exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care practitioner would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age."

It exempted mothers involved from prosecution, and proposed requiring practitioners to "ensure that the child born alive is immediately transported and admitted to a hospital." A possible term of imprisonment of up to five years for violations, not including penalties for first-degree murder that could also apply was also proposed.

The U.S. House passed a similar bill in January, 2018.

A similar bill, the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, was signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2002, but that legislation didn't contain any penalties or enforcement mechanisms.

Sasse pointed to recent decisions by New York and a proposal by Virginia supported by the states embattled Gov. Ralph Northam, to allow abortions up to birth as a march toward removing protections against infanticide.

Governor Northam is a disgraced coward and he has such an abysmally view of human dignity that he couldnt bring himself to say this basic truth: its wrong to let little babies who've been born die, Sasse said.

The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act prohibits exactly the kind of infanticide that Governor Northam was endorsing. Thats it. Thats what the legislation is about.

Its based on the simple idea that every baby deserves a fighting chance. Its a simple idea that every human being is an image bearer, even the weakest and the most marginalized among us are no less human, and every one of us has a moral obligation to defend the defenseless, he said.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, who was the only Democrat on the floor objected to Sasses request however, arguing that there are already laws in place to protect against infanticide.

We have laws against infanticide in this country. This is a gross misinterpretation of the actual language of the bill that is being asked to be considered and therefore I object, she said before leaving.

Four Republican senators, including Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who spoke in favor of Sasses proposal, expressed dismay at Murrays objection, the Omaha World reported.

We have moved beyond all common sense when this body can no longer unanimously condemn murder, Ernst said. We face a moral crisis when this body refuses to acknowledge the repugnancy and savagery of infanticide. This assault on human dignity cannot stand.

Conservative groups following the proceedings also quickly condemned the decision to scuttle Sasses proposal to protect infants born alive.

Im grieved that any senator would in any way stand with Virginia Governor Ralph Northam who left many wondering last week what he believes about infanticide. The governor seems to be perfectly fine with letting babies born-alive die after a botched abortion, so long as that is the wish of the parents and their physician. Additionally, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo should not have signed legislation expanding abortion until birth while also removing care protections for babies born alive after a failed abortion, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said in a statement Monday.

Senator Murray wont have the final say on whether infants born alive will be fully protected by federal law. One day soon, Im confident U.S. senators will be forced to take a vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and then voters will hold them accountable for their votes, he added.
Cory Booker asks Trump judicial nominee if she believes gay relationships are a 'sin'

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Democrat 2020 presidential candidate and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker prodded a Trump judicial nominee Tuesday over her views on same-sex marriage and even asked if she thought gay relationships were a sin.

The 49-year-old Booker didnt mince words during the confirmation hearing for judicial nominee Neomi Rao about his disapproval with the Trump administration's push to end Obama's practice of awarding contracts to employers and nonprofit organizations that have sexual orientation and gender identity anti-discrimination policies. The Obama-era policy likewise banned contracts from being awarded to companies that don't have LGBT policies.

Booker asked Rao, who was nominated to fill the D.C. appellate court judgeship left vacant by the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh last year, whether she personally thinks gay relationships are immoral.

Rao, who serves as the administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, pushed back, saying she didnt think that line of questioning was relevant.

But Booker responded: I think that [it is] relevant, your opinion if you think that African-American relationships are immoral, do you think gay relationships are immoral? Do you personally believe that gay relationships are immoral?

After reluctantly responding that she did not think gay relationships were immoral, Booker followed up by asking if Rao thought gay relationships were a sin.

Senator, my personal views on any of these subjects are things that I would put to one side and I would faithfully follow [the precedence of the Supreme Court], Rao, the 45-year-old attorney, explained.

Booker responded: So you are not willing to say here whether you believe it is sinful for two men to be married? You are not willing to comment on that?

My response is that these personal views are ones that I would put to one side, whatever my personal views are on this subject, I would faithfully follow the precedence of the Supreme Court, Rao assured.

Bookers line of questioning started when he asked Rao to elaborate on a 2008 piece she wrote in which she criticized the courts ruling in Lawrence v. Texas, which invalidated state laws that criminalized same-sex relationships.

You said that the courts tradition eschews older traditions in favor of an emerging awareness of the meaning and the scope of liberty, Booker said. In your view, should the Supreme Court have been in the business of upholding older traditions, as you said, of laws that criminalize same-sex relationships?

Rao reasoned that the comments were made in the course of an analysis about dignity and constitutional law.

Of course, Lawrence is precedent of the Supreme Court, which I would faithfully follow, she said.

Later on in his questioning, Booker asked Rao about a 2013 piece in which she criticized the Supreme Courts ruling in the case of United States v. Windsor, which struck down the Defense of Marriage Act that defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

You said the court had found a novel constitutional right of two peoples freedom to marry to recognize same-sex marriages. And you said that the courts decision amounted to a political choice, not a judicial choice, Booker said. What do you believe the Supreme Courts decision to respect the status of a same-sex marriage, how is that a political choice and not a judicial one?

In that particular article, what I was saying is that in the case in Windsor did not recognize same-sex marriage as a right, she explained. It only recognized the right to have your marriage recognized if the state provided such a marriage. Of course, that later step was taken in Obergefellbut Windsor, part of what I was explaining, was a rather empty right that was in that case.

Booker wrapped up his line of questioning by asking Rao if she had ever had any LGBT law clerks.

I have not been a judge so I dont have any law clerks, she said.

He followed up by asking if she had ever had an LGBT people on her staff.

To be honest, I dont know the sexual orientation of my staff, she explained. So I take people as they come irrespective of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation. I treat people as individuals. Those are the values that I grew up with and those are the values I would confirm.

Bookers questions did not sit well with fellow senator and 2012 Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz of Texas. Later on in the hearing, Cruz voiced his disapproval.

The Senate Judiciary Committee should not be a theater for mischaracterizing or twisting nominees' records or views, nor should it be an avenue for persecution, Cruz asserted. We've seen a growing pattern among Senate Democrats of hostility to religious faith. I have to say, I was deeply troubled a few minutes ago to hear questioning of a nominee, asking your personal views on what is sinful.

Cruz added that the U.S. Constitution states that there is to be no religious test for public office.

We have also seen Senate Democrats attack what they have characterized as religious dogma, we've seen Senate Democrats attack nominees for their own personal views on salvation, he added.

I don't believe this is a theological court of inquisition. I think the proper avenue of investigation is a nominee's record. So let's look at your record, which is what this committee should be looking at, not our own personal religious views, or your religious views, whatever they may be.

Booker and fellow Senate Democrat Kamala Harris of California, who is also running for president in 2020, previously questioned Kavanaughs views about the legal precedent of same-sex marriage last year during his confirmation hearings.

Last April, Booker asked Sec. of State Mike Pompeo during his confirmation hearing whether he thinks being gay is a "perversion."

More recently, Senate Democrats Kamala Harris and Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii questioned Trump judicial nominee Brian C. Buescher about his membership in the Catholic fraternal organization Knights of Columbus.

Both senators oppose the organization, which spends millions of dollars every year in humanitarian aid, because of the organizations views on marriage and abortion.

Specifically, Hirono brought up the organizations support for an initiative over 10 years ago in California to ban same-sex marriage.

In 2017, liberal Sen. Bernie Sanders questioned a Trump nominee on his views of salvation. Sanders pointed to an old blog post the nominee wrote in which he argued that Muslims "stand condemned" for not believing in Jesus Christ.
Trump to faith leaders at National Prayer Breakfast: 'I will never let you down'

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President Donald Trump started off his speech at Thursdays National Prayer Breakfast assuring faith leaders, I will never let you down  Never.

Among his list of actions and vows to the faith community, the one that received the most enthusiastic applause was his commitment to protect the unborn.

All children, born and unborn, are made in the holy image of God, Trump said to a standing ovation as he vowed to build a culture that cherishes the dignity and sanctity of innocent human life.

Every life is sacred and every soul is a precious gift from Heaven. As the Lord says in Jeremiah, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.

His words come as more states are introducing bills that would allow abortion up to birth. New York passed such a law last month to the horror of pro-lifers and the faith community. While similar legislation was voted down in Virginia, Rhode Island and Vermont are now considering bills to remove restrictions on abortion until the moment of birth.

Trump highlighted the miracle of a premature baby, Grayson Watkinson, who was born during a snowstorm in Virginia at 24 weeks, weighing just 1 pound, 11 ounces. To the surprise of doctors, he not only survived but improved over the next few months.

Grayson just celebrated his first birthday and is a healthy boy today.

As his mom Nikki has said, he was put on this earth to do big things. He may be here someday, Trump said, pointing at his position at the podium. Nikki, he already has and he will do more and more as he grows older.

During his 20-minute speech, Trump also vowed to protect religious liberty, including that of faith-based adoption agencies which have been challenged in various states to either allow children to be placed with same-sex couples or shut down.

St. Vincent Catholic Charities is currently in the midst of a court battle after the American Civil Liberties Union sued the state of Michigan on behalf of two lesbian couples. The lawsuit seeks to end funding to faith-based agencies that do not place children with same-sex couples.

Becket, which is representing St. Vincent, argued, ACLUs lawsuit is not about helping kids. Its about scoring cheap political points at the expense of kids. The only thing that the ACLUs lawsuit would accomplish is fewer homes for children, especially minority children and those with special needs.

Citing St. Vincents case, Trump stated Thursday, We will always protect our countrys long and proud tradition of faith-based adoption. My administration is working to ensure that faith-based adoption agencies are able to help vulnerable children find their forever families while following their deeply-held beliefs.

Trump lauded charities and faith-based groups for their works in aiding people in need.

Every day, the people in this room demonstrate the power of faith to transform lives, heal communities and lift up the forgotten, he told those at the prayer breakfast, including Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders.

As president, I will always cherish, honor and protect the believers who uplift our communities and sustain our nation to ensure that people of faith can always contribute to our society.

Praising the work of International Justice Mission, whose president, Gary Haugen, gave the keynote address, Trump also noted his administrations efforts to end human trafficking.

Last year, Trump directed the State Department to cut off aid to countries that do not commit to combating human trafficking. He also signed bills that would bring human traffickers to justice and support survivors of modern slavery.

Together, we will end the scourge of modern-day slavery that, because of the internet, is at levels that nobody can believe, he stated.

Other notable statements from Trump's speech included the acknowledgment of second lady Karen Pence, who was the target of the media recently over her decision to work as an art teacher at a Christian school.

"She is a Marine Corps mom, a tremendous woman, a proud supporter of military families and she just recently went back to teaching art classes at a Christian school. Thank you, Karen. Terrific woman."

He also quoted John 16:24, saying, "As Jesus promises in the Bible, ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete."

At the end of his speech, Sens. James Lankford, R-Okla., and Chris Coons, D-Del., prayed for the president.
Pastor Brunson desires return to Turkey despite imprisonment; thanks USCIRF for advocating his release

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WASHINGTON  Even after being imprisoned for two years, Pastor Andrew Brunson is hoping to return to Turkey.

At a small gathering in the Senate Welcome Center at the Capitol Wednesday, the North Carolina pastor who was jailed in Turkey for two years thanked the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom for their tireless work to secure his release. It was especially encouraging, he said, to hear from those who visited him while in prison that the U.S. government had not forgotten him.

"I don't know how many countries have this kind of emphasis on religious freedom, not just in their own country but trying to advocate for it around the world. I think this is something very unusual, very admirable," about the United States, Brunson said.

Brunson's wife, Noreen, also thanked USCIRF staff, saying, "We're aware that not all stories end the way ours did, so just keep up your work."

"And we have to give glory to God," she added.

Commissioners who were present include: Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council; Gayle Manchin, vice chair of the commission, an educator and the wife of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.; Gary Bauer, president of American Values; Nadine Maenza, founding executive director of Patriot Voices; along with USCIRF's newest member, Anurima Bhargava, a civil rights attorney and founder of Anthem of Us.

"I think there is going to be more difficulty for the church in Turkey," Brunson added.

"There are more restrictions coming right now. There have been a number of missionaries who have been deported from the country. There has been a real dampening effect on the Church; in some ways because a lot of what the [Turkish] media put out about me, which was government supported or initiated, which was painting a very negative picture of Christians, through me, saying, for example, that I'm a terrorist or that Christians support terrorist groups and we want to divide the country," Brunson added.

But the truth is the opposite, he said, emphasizing that Christians are praying for their nation and desire to be a blessing to their country.

While Christians are undoubtedly facing increased opposition from their government, much of the hostility is directed toward the Fethullah Gulen movement, a transnational Islamic social movement inspired by the teachings of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish imam who has lived in the U.S. since 1999, Brunson noted.

Brunson often shared a cell with people who were accused of being part of that movement and as far as he could tell they were innocent of the charges against them and were not involved in any activity that would undermine the state.

"I have many friends in prison in Turkey now who should not be in prison. Many families have been destroyed," he said.

Yet despite his ordeal, Brunson maintains that he loves the Turkish people, and that God sent them to that nation 25 years ago.

"If we could we would go back, but USCIRF probably doesn't want us to go back," he said, eliciting laughs.

"We would love to go back, we love the people, because we believe God loves the people there. And we want to show God's love to them. ... Some day we hope the conditions will be right for us to go back."

Perkins praised the couple for rallying the nation around the important principle of international religious freedom.

Gayle Manchin explained in an interview with The Christian Post that when they received the news Brunson had been released "we were excited and yet there was this sort of trepidation."

"Throughout these two years that he'd been in prison there would be these moments that you thought 'Oh, we've progressed a couple of steps' and then it was to no avail."

When Brunson was put on house arrest they were encouraged because they thought it meant he would soon be released. That did not turn out to be true, and the disappointment was compounded by fear that rogue people in the country could harm him while he was on house arrest.

"When he was really released, I think everyone just held their breath until he was on that plane and out of their airspace," Manchin said.

"If I was feeling that way, I can only imagine how they [Brunson's family] felt having these ups and down through these two years."

Manchin stressed that religious freedom is an important American right even for those who practice no religion.

"What I would say to these individuals is that you live in country where you don't have to practice a religion. You can be vocal about a nonbelief. And there are many countries that you would go to that you would not be given that right," she replied, when asked about how USCIRF plans to promote its cause in a country where self-described "nones"  those who do not identify with any particular religious affiliation  are rising.

Other nations care what the U.S. thinks and want to try to prove that they are better, she added. That USCIRF continues to home in on prisoners that are being held unjustly  because of their religious beliefs  is important human rights work regardless of one's religious views or lack thereof, she said. Manchin is now advocating for a prisoner being held captive in Iran for his spiritual beliefs.

Brunson, who was freed in October, famously prayed for President Trump in the Oval Office days after returning to the United States. He is presently working on a book about his experiences which will be published in the fall.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is a federal government commission created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. USCIRF commissioners are appointed by the president and the leadership of both political parties in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Pastor Andrew Brunson, Wife Pray for Trump to Have 'Supernatural Wisdom,' 'Fear of the Lord'

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Andrew Brunson and his wife prayed for President Trump at the White House Saturday after the pastor was freed from Turkey where he was held captive for over two years.

Brunson told Trump that he and his family "pray for him often" and said he'd like to pray for him in the Oval Office and asked if that would be OK. The president replied, "Well, I need it probably more than anyone else in this room, so that would be very nice, thank you."

In his prayer, Brunson said:

"Lord God, I ask that you pour out your Holy Spirit on President Trump. That you give him supernatural wisdom to accomplish all the plans you have for this country and for him. I ask that you give him wisdom on how to lead this country into righteousness. I ask that you give him perseverance and endurance and courage to stand for truth. I ask that you protect him from slander from enemies, from those who would undermine. I ask that you make him a great leader for this country. Fill him with your wisdom and strength and perseverance, and we bless him. May he be a great blessing to our country. In Jesus' name, we bless you. Amen."

Brunson's wife, Norine, followed in prayer, adding: "I pray that the spirit of the Lord rest on the president. The spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit counsel and might, spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord. Amen."

After thanking the Brunsons for their prayers, Trump asked if he could ask Norine one question: "Who did you vote for?" Norine confirmed that she voted for Trump instead of Hillary in 2016, and Brunson quipped, "I would like to say I sent in an absentee ballot from prison." Brunson's joke received resounding laughs from the reporters, State Department officials and congressional leaders in the room.

Including Brunson, the Trump administration has so far secured the release of 19 Americans held captive worldwide.

"From a Turkish prison to the White House in 24 hours  that's not bad," Trump said of Brunson's release, adding that he won't ask if the couple plan to return to Turkey where they pastored a Protestant church in Izmir for 25 years.

Brunson was arrested in October 2016 and charged with providing assistance to groups the Turkish government accused of being involved in a failed coup.

On Friday, The Christian Post reported that Brunson had been granted his freedom after a court convicted him of aiding terrorism but sentenced him to time already served.

Brunson faced 35 years in prison for the controversial charges of espionage and terrorism. After being imprisoned for nearly two years, in July he was remanded to house arrest and banned from leaving the country.

In an interview with CP on Friday, Pastor Bill Devlin who leads a church in New York City and was at Brunson's trial in Aliaga, Turkey, said after the lengthy hearing ended abruptly he and other American supporters didn't understand what happened until they got to the courthouse parking lot and were able to talk with interpreters.

"We were shell shocked. Through our translators, we learned the judge said, 'Pastor Brunson is guilty. We sentenced him to three years and one month in prison. But he has been in prison for two years and a week. Time served. The travel ban is lifted. We are releasing you. You are free to go. Court dismissed,'" Devlin said.

Other Americans who attended the hearing included North Carolina Pastor Richard White of Christ Community Church in Montreat, North Carolina, and FRC President Tony Perkins, a commissioner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Perkins shared photos on Twitter of him with the Brunsons as they arrived at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

A memorable moment from the trial, Devlin said, came during a 15-minute recess when Norine and her husband were able to embrace in an emotional hug that lasted for about five minutes.

"It was the picture of the trial. They just embraced one another. It was just an emotional time. Everybody was standing and was just thick with emotion looking at those two just hugging each other," Devlin said.

After leaving Turkey with Perkins en route to the U.S., Brunson and his wife were taken to Ramstein Air Base in Germany where they were greeted by U.S. Ambassador Richard Grenell who gave the pastor a folded American flag. In a photo share by Grenell on Twitter, Brunson is seen holding the flag tightly to his face and kissing it.

Ambassador ?@RichardGrenell? welcomed Pastor Brunson and his wife to Germany on his way home. ?@POTUS? and many others within the administration have worked tirelessly to get this great American home. ?@usbotschaft? pic.twitter.com/rR2xtkT5zE  USConsulateFrankfurt (@usconsfrankfurt) October 13, 2018

Trump strongly criticized his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan over Turkey's handling of the case, and accused the Turkish courts of imprisoning an innocent man.

Brunson, alongside persecution watchdog groups around the world, insisted that he was innocent, and argued that he was being punished for his Christian faith.

Erdogan insisted that Brunson had to be tried for his alleged involvement in terror schemes. The dispute between the two countries lead to economic penalties for Turkey.

Erdogan had also demanded that the U.S. extradite Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Turkey blames for the coup, in exchange for Brunson, but the U.S. administration refused the deal.

After condemning Erdogan's government for imprisoning Brunson on false charges, Trump thanked the Turkish president for releasing the pastor, which he said wasn't easy.
Myanmar pastor killed after being kidnapped at gunpoint, leaves behind wife and 3 kids

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A pastor in Myanmar who led multiple fellowships is confirmed dead after being kidnapped from his home at gunpoint last month, the nonprofit mission organization Gospel for Asia has confirmed.

Pastor Tun Nu, who was one of GFAs missionary field partners in the Rakhine state, was confirmed to have been killed along with others who were abducted by a faction believed to be a rebel army, according to a press release from the nonprofit. His death was reported on Feb. 1.

The 41-year-old Tun pastored a congregation of about 50 members in the Sittwe District of the southwestern Rakhine state, which is known for being torn by the Rohingya conflict and Rohingya genocide committed by Myanmar military forces in 2017.

According to GFA, Tun served as a pastor in Myanmar for two decades and is one of the hundreds of people to come to Christ and establish churches in that region. Since coming to Christ, Tun was believed to disciple 12 different fellowships of believers in the area.

GFA reports that on Jan. 19, Nu was taken from his home by five men who reportedly told him that they just wanted to question him.

The pastor leaves behind a wife and three children.

We are heartbroken to learn of Pastor Tuns death, and we ask you to join us in praying for his wife, family and church at this time, that they may know Gods comfort, peace and strength, said GFA founder and director KP Yohannan.

According to GFA, Pastor Nus death and kidnapping are the first incident of this kind to happen to a GFA-supported ministry in Myanmar. GFA is affiliated with over 500 congregations in the country.

All of the brothers and sisters on the field know that, as Jesus said, they go out as sheep among wolves, Yohannan explained. Like Pastor Tun, they are willing to lay down their lives, if need be, to share Gods great love with those who have not yet heard the Good News.

Since the news of Pastor Nus death, GFA-supported church across Myanmar have taken up an offering to support Pastor Tuns family.

According to U.S.-based nonprofit International Christian Concern, local police and government forces were not able to locate the pastors whereabouts during the two weeks that he was missing. GFA reported late last month that they had not received any requests for money or ransom.

A local pastor who chose to remain anonymous told ICC that people in the district were too scared to look for the Tun. The pastor asserted that the community did not receive any help in searching for him.

ICC Regional Manager Gina Goh called on authorities in Myanmar to hold Tuns killers accountable.

Our hearts sank at the devastating news of Pastor Tun Nus death, Goh said in a statement. We urge the authorities to investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators who think they can get away even if they shed the blood of the innocent. Our heartfelt prayers go out to Pastor Tun Nus loved ones, especially to his wife and three young children.

Violence continues to mar the Rakhine state as insurgents continue the push for greater autonomy for ethnic Buddhists in the region.

The continuous savage attacks on the Rakhine state are heartbreaking," said Bob Roberts, co-chair of Faith Coalition to Stop Genocide in Burma, in a statement to CP. "Last June, I spent 10 days in Burmas Kachin state, in which about 95 percent of the occupants are Christian. Our brothers and sisters cannot keep suffering at the hands of these thugs. Kachin and Rohingya people need to be repatriated to their country and villages with full rights.

In early January, a Rakhine Buddhist rebel group killed 13 police officers and injured nine others in attacks on four police posts. Later in the month, security forces returned the favor in a counterattack that killed 13 ethnic fighters.
Iranian President Ahmadinejad Tells UN Jesus Christ and 'Ultimate Savior' Are Coming Blames World's Woes on Those 'Who Have Entrusted Themselves to the Devil'

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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivered his address before the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, saying that the return of Jesus Christ was soon to come, along with the Islamic end-time figure the 12th Imam.

"God Almighty has promised us a man of kindness, a man who loves people and loves absolute justice, a man who is a perfect human being and is named Imam Al-Mahdi, a man who will come in the company of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) and the righteous," Ahmadinejad said, according to a transcript by PolicyMic.

According to Shi'a Muslim beliefs, which the Iranian president subscribes to, Jesus of Nazareth will return to Earth along with the above-mentioned Imam, and they together will solve many of the world's problems.

In his speech, which was over half an hour long, Ahmadinejad spoke about the need for a reform in the United Nations, and opened his statement with a prayer.

"I thank the Almighty God for having once more the chance to participate in this meeting," his speech began. "We have gathered here to ponder and work together for building a better life for the entire human community and for our nations."

Most of the Iranian president's points were focused on calling for peace and unity among all nations, and even suggested that Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, and Buddhists do not have problems and are not hostile against each other. "They get along together comfortably and live together in an atmosphere of peace and amity," he said

Ahmadinejad blamed the current problems of the world and "the bitter incidents of history" on "wrong management" and "self-proclaimed centers of power who have entrusted themselves to the Devil."

He called on the leaders of the world to place their trust in God and defend human rights.

"The Almighty God has not left us alone in this mission and has said that it will surely happen. If it doesn't, then it will be contradictory to his wisdom," the Iranian leader said.

On the return of Jesus and the Imam, which he called the "Ultimate Savior," Ahmadinejad said that it will mark a "new beginning, a rebirth and a resurrection. It will be the beginning of peace, lasting security and genuine life."

He noted that oppression, immorality, poverty, and discrimination will end, while justice, love and empathy begin.

"He will come and he will cut through ignorance, superstition, prejudice by opening the gates of science and knowledge. He will establish a world brimful of prudence and he will prepare the ground for the collective, active and constructive participation of all in the global management," the president continued.

"The arrival of the Ultimate Savior, Jesus Christ and the Righteous will bring about an eternally bright future for mankind, not by force or waging wars but through thought awakening and developing kindness in everyone," Ahmadinejad concluded in his U.N. address. "Their arrival will breathe a new life in the cold and frozen body of the world. He will bless humanity with a spring that puts an end to our winter of ignorance, poverty and war with the tidings of a season of blooming."

The Iranian president, in his second and likely final term in office, believes like many Muslims that Jesus was one of God's prophets, but deny his divinity and crucifixion.

Ahmadinejad has often spoken openly about his desire to see the arrival of the 12th Imam, with observers suggesting that he believes he is being guided by God to help eschatological events unfold.

"Ahmadinejad belongs to the mainstream of Shi'a Islam, known as 'Twelvers," according to an article by the The Kairos Journal's website, as shared by CBN.com. "They recognize a historical succession of Imams, connected by family ties, commencing with Muhammad and concluding with the 12th Imam."

"President Ahmadinejad seems to think that the time is ripe for the 12th Imam's reappearance and that, as president, he should play a role in opening the way for his return," the publication added.
How many Christians believe in evolution? Depends on how you ask

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If you ask white evangelical Protestants whether they believe humans have evolved over time, 32 percent agree that they have, according to the Pew Research Center.

But thats only the case when the question is split into two parts. After the first question (of whether humans have evolved or existed in their present form since the beginning), those who agree are then asked if they believe evolution occurred due to natural selection or if God had a role in it.

When posed with only one question (rather than a two-step approach), white evangelical Protestants are more likely to say evolution occurred and less likely to hold a creationist stance. In fact, the percentage jumps from 32 percent to 62 percent who agree that humans evolved over time.

In the single question approach, respondents are asked:

Which statement comes closest to your view?

Humans have evolved over time due to processes such as natural selection; God or a high power had no role in this process. OR

Humans have evolved over time due to processes that were guided or allowed by God or a higher power. OR

Humans have existed in their present form since the beginning of time.

A similar pattern is seen among black Protestants and Catholics.

When given the two-step question, 41 percent of black Protestants believe humans have evolved over time as opposed to having existed in their present form since the beginning of time. But that percentage increases to 71 when given the single question.

Among Catholics, 71 percent believe humans evolved over time when asked in two questions, and 87 percent believe the same when asked in a single question.

Pew noted that for the past decade-and-a-half, it has been asking Americans about their views on the origins of humankind mostly in a two-step process.

But last spring, the research center decided to ask the question in two different ways. Half of the respondents were asked in a two-step process while the other half were asked a single question.

When respondents are immediately given the opportunity to say God played a role in human evolution, the percentage of those who reject evolution drops considerably.

Essentially, those who respond differently are those who primarily believe that God or a higher power had a role in human evolution, Pew noted.

Religious people who believe both that evolution has occurred and that God played a role in it might nevertheless  when asked cold  choose the creationist option simply as a way of registering their belief that God exists, and not because they truly reject evolution. Without having first been given the chance to stipulate that they believe God exists and played a role in the creation of life on Earth, some respondents may have seen it as socially undesirable to say they believe humans have evolved over time.

Moving forward, Pew said it plans to ask about evolution using the single question approach, maintaining that it allows for more nuance in the views of respondents.

The only Christians who were consistent in their responses to both question formats were white mainline Protestants, many of whom believe in evolution due to natural selection. In response to both approaches, a majority (at least 83 percent) agree with evolution.

Overall, among U.S. adults, 68 percent agree that humans evolved when responding to the two-step question, while 81 percent agree when posed with the single question.

The survey was conducted April 23May 6, 2018, among 2,537 respondents. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.

Gallup has documented a decline in Americans who believe God created man in present form. While 44 percent held that view in 1981, 38 percent (a new low) supported that view in 2017. Meanwhile, the share of those who believe human beings developed and that God had no part in the process increased from 9 percent to 19 percent over the past three decades.
'Finishing the task': Misconceptions about Christian missions to the unreached

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In the aftermath of American missionary John Chau's controversial death, mission agencies and scholars are refuting misconceptions that have emerged about the way the Gospel is being brought to the worlds most unreached communities.

While Western missionaries are part of the effort to fulfill the Great Commission, the predominant manner in which unreached people groups and tribes worldwide are being presented with the Gospel is through people who have more culturally in common with them than your average foreign missionary.

To reach them, the Lord is using people like Greg Buckingham, a layperson who spearheaded a California megachurchs mission to bring the Good News to an ethnic minority group located in the mountainous terrain of Myanmar.

Buckingham is not a pastor or an evangelist with extensive biblical education who spent years in mission training to bring the Gospel to the lost. Rather, he's a businessman whose skills God used to bridge a gap between the biblically unengaged and unreached Rumai Palaung community in the Shan state with a local pastor hungry to show the predominantly Buddhist people group the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

A community that was once considered to be unengaged with Christianity, the Rumai Palaung in the Shan state now have their own vibrant church community thanks to the efforts of leaders and missionaries from Coast Hills Church in Aliso Viejo, California  an effort that began in 2008.

But the way in which Buckingham and the Coast Hills team went about bringing the Gospel to that community was not by going themselves to encounter the Rumai Palaung. Rather, it was centered on empowering the local Baptist church and pastor in that region to bring the Gospel to the ethnic community located in their own backyard.

Coast Hills method was in line with the way most global mission work is being done today to fulfill the Great Commission.

The one thing that Christian mission history has taught us is that the best evangelists are folks who belong to the same people as themselves, Arun Jones, the Dan and Lillian Hankey associate professor of world evangelism at Emory Universitys Candler School of Theology and a former Methodist missionary, told The Christian Post.

John Allen Chau really is quite unique. That is not how things work, even in evangelical circles, Jones added, suggesting that the era of solo-pioneer missionaries from the West is just about over.

The vast majority of evangelical groups are partnering with evangelicals around the world. It really needs to be a joint effort. Because there are resources we have that can be helpful but we do need the wisdom of the local people to help and guide us in terms of how we can work together to best proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The historical narrative of missionaries being white colonialists in pith helmets is "anachronistic," according to Jones, and it doesnt belong to the 21st century.

The way global missions is done today is different than the way it was done in the 19th or early 20th centuries as national churches in the undeveloped parts of the world have grown in strength over the last several decades and are now capable of leading their own efforts to reach the lost people groups in their regions.

'Finishing the Task'

Today, there are at least 343 people groups throughout the world with populations of 500 or more where there are no known church planting movements present. This is according to the nondenominational missionary coalition Finishing the Task.

Finishing the Task was first launched in the mid-2000s as a global network of churches, denominations, church planters and mission agencies that have committed to planting churches in communities that are considered to be unengaged, unreached people groups (UUPG).

Finishing the Task defines UUPGs as communities where no missionary agency or church has yet taken responsibility to start church planting efforts.

Although 343 UUPGs might seem like a lot, there were 4,000 people groups with no known Bible movements present over 13 years ago when Finishing the Task first began.

But since then, 382 churches, missionary agencies, and other organizations have committed to launching their own efforts to bring the Gospel to one or more of the groups highlighted on the networks UUPG list.

Finishing the Task Director Paul Eshleman told CP that the list was compiled by looking at research done by organizations like the Southern Baptist Conventions International Missions Board.

We just decided to start with every people group over 100,000, Eshleman explained. In 2005, there was about 639 groups with about 700 million population of the groups. We just began to challenge one another and have a meeting each year and everybody would report on which groups they got engaged. We try to work on common systems of measurement so that we were measuring the same thing.

The movement has grown rapidly in the decade-plus and has led to the placement of as many as 4,766 missionary teams (over 28,000 missionaries) worldwide, which have planted at least 136,556 churches in UUPG communities. As many as 2,800 people groups have been engaged with full-time workers.

We wanted to always have a major list in front of people. So we lowered it after we got most of the 100,000-plus groups engaged, Eshleman said. We lowered it to groups with 50,000 [population] then to 25,000, then to 10,000 and so we are down to 500 right now. Well keep dropping as people sign up to go there.

According to Finishing the Task, 80 percent of the missionaries that are sent to directly evangelize with these groups are local missionaries or those who have a closer cultural upbringing to that of the target people group.

It was through Finishing the Task that Buckingham and Coast Hills found out about the need to bring the Gospel to the Rumai Palaung people in Myanmar, an impoverished farming community of over 100,000 where there was believed to be no known church planting movement present.

Today, there are hundreds of Rumai Palaung believers in Christ. There are also at least two house churches and one physical church building within the Rumai Palaung community in the Shan state, according to Buckingham. This would not have been possible if it weren't for the partnership Coast Hills had with Campus Crusade and the Wa Baptist Church in Lashio.

The partnership formed thanks to an unexpected visit Buckingham made to a local orphanage.

"When we got up to Lashio [for the first time], which was our home base, we partnered with an elder board with the Wa church," Buckingham told CP. "We knew where we had to go to reach the people and then the thing was how to figure out the strategies to go. We used the Jesus film as one of our strategies and then we found a pastor up there. He was great. We trained him up and we equipped him with the Jesus film and different things. He kind of led the way. Some of the people he pastored were Rumai Palaung. That is how they planted that church up there.

Coast Hills offered financial support and strategic advice for the pastor and those who were on the front lines trying to spread the Gospel to the Rumai Palaung.

The first Jesus film that we had, they were just shotgunning it all over the place and they would have chiefs that would kick them out [of the village] and stuff like that. The education level was minimal. Its not like it is in the United States, Buckingham detailed. We asked, Do you have a friendly village? Why dont you make that your hub and then go out to the different villages to build relationships through people in those villages and start to work that way instead of the shotgun approach? We just helped them form those strategies and kept increasing.

Just as Coast Hills partnered with the Wa Bible Church, Matt Kirkas, the Southeast Asia director for Partners International, a nonprofit that partners with national churches and other local mission agencies to bring the Gospel to hundreds of unreached people groups across the 10/40 window, says the future of mission efforts to unreached groups will be through indigenous national churches.

An important shift has been in the area that the national church has begun to grow a mission vision of their own, Kirkas explained. So for example, when I first came to [Southeast Asia] there was very little information about unreached people groups, very little research data, as well as church leaders talking about it. That has changed considerably and now we have networks and meetings and consultations, which raise the profile of the remaining people groups in their countries that need to be reached with the Gospel.

Kirkas said the best illustration for the way global missions to the unreached is being carried out today is by comparing it to how the United States fought the war against the Islamic State.

The way we fight wars today is we come to Kurdistan and we collaborated with Kurdish fighters there. What do we do? We dont have American troops shooting the guns, we actually put special forces in there to help them plan a raid, to train their soldiers, to call in air support when you might need it, Kirkas said. That is a bit what we are seeing today in missions as well because the national church has grown and matured and has people now that are called to engage unreached people.

The unreached groups are categorically different than unengaged unreached people groups.

The common definition of an unreached people group and the one used by the Joshua Project is a community where less than 2 percent of the population are authentic Christ followers. This is not to be confused with Finishing the Tasks definition of UUPG, where there is absolutely no missionary agency or church organizing church planting efforts in that community.

According to the Joshua Project, there are over 7,000 unreached people groups (less than 2 percent Christian) worldwide today.

Bringing the Gospel to unreached populations is important because of the fact that there are as many as 2.1 billion unevangelized people in the world today, according to Greg Kelley, head of the U.S.-based nonprofit World Mission. World Mission is part of the Alliance for the Unreached.

The demographic trends and the lack of prioritizing these areas is causing the number of unevangelized to increase. If it is 2.1 billion unevangelized today, what they say is by 2025, there will be an additional 165 million, Kelley told CP. Meanwhile, the Church is sending out more Bibles and the church is sending out more missionaries and more money but that number is increasing. What does that tell you? We are prioritizing the wrong thing.
Davey Blackburn reveals he knew Resonate Church would close before he resigned

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A week after his surprise resignation from the now defunct Resonate Church he founded with his late wife, Amanda, Indiana Pastor Davey Blackburn said he knew the church was going to close before his resignation but he didn't reveal that to the congregants.

Blackburn revealed in a post on his blog shortly after The Christian Post asked him about how the closure was handled that he was heartbroken about the church having to shut down and took responsibility for it.

When Amanda and I launched out eight years ago with a vision and a dream to build a life-giving church in Indianapolis, we certainly did not think that eight years into the journey Resonate would no longer be in existence, he wrote.

As the leader of Resonate for the past eight years, I take responsibility for the organization not being in a place where it could continue forward beyond our departure. If I was given the opportunity to start the church all over again there are many leadership decisions I would make differently, he said.

John Berry, who took over as interim pastor for Resonate Church after Blackburns resignation, told CP that the church was closed because they could not find a successor. He also noted that poor stewardship of church finances and dwindling membership also contributed to the death of the ministry.

It was only a year ago that Berry, who formerly pastored at Liberty Baptist Church in Spring Lake, North Carolina, told friends and family on Facebook that he was moving to Indiana to be Gods answer to Blackburns prayers.

Many of you have heard our family is moving to Indianapolis this week. Some have asked why? Some have asked, 'Why would you move to Indiana where its so cold? Where youre so far away from family? Where youve never been before?' Heres why! Take some time and listen to why we are trusting God in this, Berry said in January 2018.

About two years ago Pepper (Berrys wife) and I began praying he would use our family to make a difference in His kingdom on Earth no matter where we are. We positioned ourselves with open hands, knowing this could be life changing but hoping it wouldnt mean we had to leave. Then God. Then God heard the prayers of a pastor in Indianapolis and began making a way for the Berrys to be the answer."

But staying at Resonate Church, Blackburn said, was not Gods will for his life.

Its with a heavy heart, a nervous apprehension, a trusting spirit, and yet an excited anticipation for the future that I must announce that Kristi and I are stepping away as the leaders of Resonate Church. We are doing this in order to answer a call God has placed on our lives to help people from all over the world find purpose in their pain through Nothing is Wasted, he revealed in his resignation message to the congregation where he named Berry as the interim pastor.

If you consider Resonate Church your home church and youre wondering whats next for Resonate as an organization, I would urge you to attend next week. John Berry, the interim lead pastor, will be sharing what the future will look like for Resonate Church and the spiritual community there, he added without any discussion about the sustainability of the church.

A dissolution plan presented to the church by Berry showed that a week after Blackburn resigned the church had liabilities of $73,817.97 and cash totaling $38,154.48. To offset the deficit of $35,663.97 the church said the worship, production, and other valuable equipment owned by the ministry would be sold. Any funds remaining from the sale was expected to be donated to a church or nonprofit that is yet to be determined.

In his latest statement on the closure Blackburn admitted that he knew the church would have to be shut down but didn't respond to questions from CP about whether he had personally discussed this with the churchs membership. Reports from persons present at the dissolution meeting said members were shocked and angry to learn that the church was being closed.

The reality that Resonate Church would not be able to move forward in ministry was discussed by this (churchs) team and everyone agreed we would labor to finish well the good work that was started. This meant making relational, pastoral, and financial decisions to (1) take care of any of Resonates outstanding balances, (2) take care of the remaining staff families  the Berrys and the Shilts specifically  by providing a generous severance so that these families can transition into their next season of life and ministry, and (3) take care of the people of Resonate by pointing them to other congregations they can worship with, serve in, give to, and join in small groups, Blackburn wrote.

Barely a week after Blackburns claim about taking care of his staff and former congregants, Pepper Berry, John Berrys wife, revealed on Instagram Wednesday that her family was in dire straits.

Currently we have no job (and no that WAS NOT our choice  dont believe everything you hear). We have no idea whats next for our family of six, no back up plan, no next destination, no home. Who would choose that for their family of six? No one. We also have a car that now has engine problems and a tremendous amount of unknowns, Pepper Berry wrote.

We have kids who are frustrated and angry about why we are moving and we have zero explanations that make any sense. Nothing  I repeat nothing  is clear, she continued. Despite her familys struggles however, Pepper Berry said she was trusting in God to see her family through.

Pastor Berry did not respond to questions from CP on whether he was informed by Blackburn when he was hired in 2018, that he had planned on following Gods call elsewhere.

I know the buttoning up process of any organization is not easy and Im thankful to the Berry's (sic) and Shilts for leaning into these arduous details. Both John Berry and Emily Shilts are very capable of carrying out the remainder of the process well. Kristi and I are grateful that this new season of ministry allows our family to remain in Indianapolis and continue doing ministry with many of the folks who once called Resonate Church their home, Blackburn wrote.

Blackburn and his late wife, Amanda Blackburn, moved to Indianapolis in January 2012 to plant Resonate Church. Before that, he had spent four years on staff at NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina, under then Pastor Perry Noble. On the morning of Nov. 10, 2015, while Blackburn was away at the gym, police said his late wife was shot three times, including once in the head, during a home invasion. She succumbed to her injuries the following day along with her 13-week-old unborn daughter, Everette "Evie" Grace Blackburn. He found love again with his second wife, Kristi, less than a year later and wed at the end of 2017.

After Amandas death, Blackburn recast the vision of Resonate Church, saying: We're on a mission to turn Indianapolis upside-down for Jesus and we believe it is only just the beginning of our story. Our story is played out in the light of a greater Story  Jesus Story. Scripture tells us in Jesus story that Nothing is Wasted, even the most tragic of situations."
Anne Graham Lotz to go through final round of chemo after feeling God healed her

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Nearly four months into receiving chemotherapy, evangelist Anne Graham Lotz believes she will be healed after her seventh treatment next week.

The 70-year-old evangelist revealed in an update on her blog this week that she felt God had healed her after her fifth treatment and was pondering whether to stop.

While praying with my two daughters following my fifth chemo treatment, God seemed to indicate He had healed me. Cleansed me. Removed cancer from me. I pondered in my heart what I believe He had said, she wrote.

She sought God in prayer to confirm whether to continue with chemo. That day, her daughter, Rachel-Ruth, shared the biblical story from 2 Kings 5. In it, an army commander named Naaman was healed of leprosy after washing himself seven times in the Jordan as instructed by Gods prophet.

That story was an answer to Lotzs prayer.

I could hear the clear whisper of the Spirit, answering my prayer, confirming that I was to continue chemomy next and last full treatment would be my seventh time! So as much as I resist the muck and mud, in obedience to Gods leading to complete the seventh infusion on Feb. 14, I am committed to seeing these treatments through to the end, she said.

Lotz was diagnosed with breast cancer last August and began receiving chemotherapy in October. She has been open about the difficult process, including the daunting side effects.

Though she had prayed that the cancer would be gone after her surgery last year, the cancer was still there and had also spread to the lymph nodes.

During a December interview on "The Drew Marshall Show," she was asked if she ever shook her fist at God. Lotz never did.

She expressed her belief that the devil is alive and after Gods people and did find it bizarre that her diagnosis came on the anniversary of her husbands death (and within the same time frame).

Though she doesnt understand everything that happens, she stressed that her faith in God remains strong and vibrant and she has found peace in knowing that the blood of Jesus trumps death, disease [and] the devil.

Whether you work for the Lord or whether you dont, people get cancer, people have their husbands die, people have their daddies die; thats part of life, she said.

Life isnt about being easy, about being comfortable, about  taking no risk. Life is about triumphing over the obstacles, she added, pointing to the Apostle Paul and Jesus as examples of those who suffered in life and overcame.

I dont want Him (God) to give me what I want, I want Him to give me what He wants to give me and I feel like Hes giving me a journey thats a challenge but its a blessing at the same time because Im closer to Him and I have something to share with other people going through the same journey.

She considers her breast cancer battle a new aspect of her faith journey and one in which she is experiencing God in a new dimension.

At the same time, it gives me the opportunity to turn around call back to people behind me who are suffering and dont have that relationship with the Lord or they dont have a strong faith or theyre confused and angry. God has given me multiple opportunities to encourage other people who are on the same journey.

Lotz emphasized that she spends time with the Lord every day and is thus able to get through this difficult stage in her life.

Her doctor told her, Anne, you have an indomitable spirit. And Lotzs reply was: Yup, and his name is Jesus.

In her interview, Lotz also addressed the eyebrow-raising comment she made earlier about her breast cancer being a possible warning sign that Israel could be in danger of being attacked.

Though she admitted that she doesnt know if there is a connection between her and Israel, she said she has always felt her life was somehow entwined with the nation of Israel, given that Israel was reborn the same month and year as her birth.

God told me years ago that my messages, I would live them out, she explained.

Why would I get cancer? Nobody in my family has cancer, she recalled thinking. To my mind, was this the message I was to live out?

I wondered at 70,  I was suddenly attacked with cancer  Is she (Israel) going to be suddenly attacked in a way that will be life-threatening for her as a nation?

When the thoughts first came to mind, she decided to put that on the shelf for a week, knowing that it sounded bizarre.

But feeling that God would hold me accountable and not wanting to be disobedient, Lotz said she decided to write about her cancer and Israel in a blog.

My urge to Israel is its time for Israel, as Joel says, to return now to the Lord and repent of your sin and who knows  He (God) can protect Israel if shell turn to the God of her fathers.

She also urged Christians to pray for Israel. Were commanded in Scripture to pray for the peace of Jerusalem so I issued that challenge.
Andrew Brunson Relied on This Bible Passage to Help Him Endure Turkish Prison

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Pastor Andrew Brunson revealed the passage from Scripture that he most relied on during his days of imprisonment in Turkey.

The 50-year-old Brunson, who spent over two years in detention in Izmir before his release earlier this month, appeared on "CBS This Morning" last week to talk about his imprisonment for what he says are false terrorism charges.

Appearing on the show with his wife, Norine, Brunson detailed the tribulations of his detention and was asked if he was allowed to keep a Bible while in prison and if there was a passage from the Bible that helped him through the experience.

"It took a while before I could have any books or Bible but eventually I did have one," Brunson, a North Carolina pastor who ministered in Izmir for over two decades, answered.

"I read 2 Timothy where Paul talks about suffering and finishing the race well," Brunson added. "This became my prayer. I want to be faithful and endure and finish well."

Brunson told the hosts that he was first held in solitary confinement and eventually moved to an overcrowded cell that held 20 people.

Brunson had previously explained that he was the only Christian among the Muslim prisoners in the cell. Brunson had said in an earlier interview that it was "like living in a mosque."

"There was very little contact with the outside," Brunson said on "CBS This Morning."

"I could see Norine, for example, 35 minutes a week through window glass talking by phone. She actually is very strong and had to take me through this emotionally and spiritually. She was the only one I could receive truth from. So when she would come in, she would encourage me and that is what would keep me going through the next week."

Brunson, who spent over a year and a half in prison before he was charged with a crime, explained that he was not beaten or interrogated. He was only told that he was a threat to national security.

After 18 months of detention, Brunson was accused of having ties to an Islamic group blamed for the 2016 coup attempt against the Erdogan government. He was also accused of supporting Kurdish terrorists. Brunson has strongly denied all charges.

"We were very shocked because we had spent 23 years working very openly to tell people about Jesus, helping refugees and things like that," Brunson said. "We hadn't done anything to harm national security. We were just telling people about Jesus."

As many have claimed that Brunson was being held for political reasons, Brunson was asked if he was being as a "pawn" in an attempt at "hostage diplomacy."

"People have certainly written that and President Trump and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told me that," Brunson explained. "I just had the view from the cell. [For] whatever reason the Turkish government was holding us for, I believe that God was involved in this for us because I think of millions of people who prayed for Turkey and how God is bringing blessing out of it."

Brunson was convicted of his crimes in court on Oct. 12 but was released on time served and the court waived his travel ban, allowing him to return to the U.S.

Upon return to the U.S. last weekend, the Brunsons were greeted by President Donald Trump. They prayed over the president the words of Isaiah 11, just as Norine Brunson had envisioned in a dream.

"I had a specific dream with specific verses," Norine Brunson said. "So when I had the opportunity, I knew what I was supposed to pray over him."
The Least of These starring Stephen Baldwin is a message of love over fear (review)

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The story of missionary Graham Staines is the focus of the film "The Least of These" which is now showing in theaters nationwide. And while it doesn't have a happy ending that most moviegoers like to see in films, its message of sacrificial love is encouraging.

The Least of These, tells the life story of Graham Staines who was martyred in India in 1999. The film details the events leading up to the murders of the Australian Christian missionary and his sons, Philip, 10, and Timothy, 6, who were in India helping a community of lepers.

Featured in the film are Stephen Baldwin as Staines, Shari Rigby as his wife, and Sharman Joshi, who plays Sharman Joshi's Manav Banerjee, a journalist and skeptic who tries to make his big break in the press by proving that the missionarys motives in helping lepers was to forcibly convert them to Christianity.

Cinematically stunning, The Least of These was shot in India and gives viewers a sense of the culture in the majority Hindu country and what a missionary's life there might be like.

The film has subtitles to help the audience understand whats being said by some of the actors who have strong accents. At times the script is underwhelming. But if you stick with it, it picks up 40 minutes into the movie when Banerjee incites a Hindu mob to fight against Staines who they accuse of Christian proselytizing.

The call to arms eventually leads to the murders of Staines and his two sons while they were on one of their ministry excursions. Banerjee changes his mind about Staines after watching him closely and seeing the sincerity of his work. Although the reporter tries to deescalate the conflict with the villagers, but he's too late.

The film is a memorial to Staines and the work his family continued in India even after his death. In times of such uncertainty, Staines' message of love over fear is one that needs to be seen and heard.

At the National Religious Broadcasters conference in Nashville, Tennessee, last year, Baldwin told The Christian Post that the film divinely came to him.

"I know God called me to the 'Staines' movie," said Baldwin who described the film as an answer to prayer "empowered by the Holy Spirit."

For more information on "The Least of These" visit the film's website.
Gateway Church opens new campus in maximum-security prison, over 500 embrace Christ

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Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church in Dallas, Texas has announced an unconventional location for the church's newest campus: The state's largest prison.

On Sunday, Morris told his congregation, We have a new campus. And youre gonna be really surprised.

He then shared a video revealing that in November, the church launched a new campus at the Coffield Unit in Anderson County, which houses over 4,000 criminal offenders. More than 650 inmates attended the megachurch's first service, and over 500 men made decisions to follow Jesus.

"Gateway has really impacted my life because a lot of us do not have visits, and you guys comin' in here and sharing y'alls love to us has really impacted our life," one of the inmates says in the video.

Morris revealed that Stephen Wilson, an ex-offender who went to seminary school and has been ministering in prisons for years, will serve as the Gateway Coffield campus pastor.

We welcome you guys and we love you. We are your brothers and sisters in Christ, Morris said amid applause. Were excited that we have a campus there now.

According to Fox News, the Coffield Campus runs like any other church campus, with inmates serving as greeters, ushers, operating the sound, video, and audio, and leading the worship team.

Over the next two years, the church reportedly plans to open ten prison campuses within 100 miles of existing Gateway campuses. Additionally, there are small groups at every Gateway campus for families of the incarcerated.

Gateway Prison Ministry is committed to discipling the incarcerated and their families, notes the church website. We plant Gateway churches inside prisons and build community within prison walls, so offenders will feel part of the Gateway family. They can experience regular worship and attend Gateway Equip classes centered on discipleship, marriage, and parenting to help prepare them for life after incarceration.

On Facebook, Samaritans Purse CEO Franklin Graham applauded the move and encouraged other churches to follow suit: Now thats a great ideathis church is setting a great example for reaching out in Jesus Names, he said. Lives are being transformed!

I challenge churches across America to pray about doing something like this for the prisoners in their area, he added. One inmate summed it upI never knew that I could feel so free inside prison.

Previously, Scott Highberger, a former inmate who now serves as the outreach and prison pastor at Road to Life Church in Michigan City, told The Christian Post that God often uses prison as a place of refinement and transformation for inmates.

To the outside world, prison is a place for punishment. For me, prison was a place to be alone with God, to begin a recovery process, to be away from negative influences, and to be stripped of everything. I found freedom in prison, he said.

What I really preach from the rooftops is that Jesus leaves the 99 for that one, he continued. He left those 99 for me and he grabbed ahold of my life in prison. There is hope for that drug addict, the alcoholic, the career criminal, the one that is so far gone that you think they can never be redeemed. Abundant life can be found right there in the jailhouse.
Are altar calls biblical? Pastor responds

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Pastors today continue to debate whether the modern phenomenon of altar calls is biblical and should be encouraged.

Todd Wagner, senior pastor of Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas, believes altar calls are not unbiblical but theyre also not a required biblical act. Thus, he does not issue an altar call very often at his megachurch.

One major problem with altar calls that many pastors and theologians have identified is that they have led to false conversions. Those who responded spontaneously by going forward and saying a prayer to receive Jesus Christ might have done so out of emotion rather than out of conviction.

Im not telling you that youre screwing up if you have an altar call, Wagner said in a recent video. Im telling you that you might not be saved if you respond to an altar call and youre probably wrong as a pastural leader if you say weve got conversions just because people in a moment came forward.

Jonathan Leeman, editorial director for 9Marks, doesnt believe altar calls are necessarily wrong but he doesnt support them because it has produced more bad than good for Christian churches in the West.

The altar call relies on the powers of emotion, rhetorical persuasion, and social pressure to induce people to make a hasty and premature decision. And producing professions is not the same thing as making disciples, he argued earlier.

Some, including Wagner, argue that altar calls originated with revivalism just over a century ago.

Famous evangelists who have employed altar calls include Dwight Moody, Billy Sunday and Billy Graham. Generally, they invited people to come forward after a sermon to make a public confession of faith.

Revivalist preacher Charles Finney, who contributed to the Second Great Awakening, was notorious for using what Wagner labeled as mostly manipulative tactics to evoke a response.

He had an anxious bench put up front. If you felt like something was stirring in you, you can come to the bench and someone  would pray with them  until they crossed over, until you make a decision, Wagner explained.

Im not sure thats a really great way to measure the success of your preaching. The way you should measure the success of your preaching is not whats the immediate emotional response of people.

Arguing against emotional responses, the Dallas pastor contended that if he can convince someone of something, then somebody else can convince that same person differently.

I dont want you to do something because I was persuasive in speech, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2, or that my words were impressive in any way, Wagner said.

I want you to come because the Spirit of God has pricked your heart and Ive been faithful. Good preaching is faithful to the text (Bible) and tells people the truth about who they are and who Jesus is and the necessity to respond to Him.

It might lead them to come to your altar. But if you say I can promise you I can emotionally manipulate people to close the deal, youre right, you might close the deal but it may not be Gods deal.

For David Guzik, teaching pastor at Calvary Chapel of Santa Barbara, altar calls (a deliberate invitation to profess faith in Jesus Christ as one's Savior and Lord) are biblical and important and should be done without using manipulative tactics.

At its core, the question of the altar call comes to this: Is it proper for the preacher to call his listeners to decide regarding Jesus Christ? From a New Testament perspective, the answer is an overwhelming yes  it is proper to call for decision, said Guzik, while noting that an altar call does not require calling people to come up.

Looking at the example of Jesus ministry, Wagner noted that while Jesus did call His disciples to follow Him, the word disciple means learner and not convert. Peters moment of conversion, many believe, came when he confessed that Jesus was the Christ (Matthew 16) as opposed to the moment he began following Jesus.

Its not your job to convert; its the Spirits, Wagner maintained. When he, the Holy Spirit, comes, he will convict the world of sin and righteousness and judgment.

What youre called to do is make disciples who then identify through baptism and then you teach them everything that He commanded.

Looking at how Peter preached (Acts 2), Wagner noted that Peter simply laid out the Gospel message and taught the truth. When people asked him what they must do to be saved, he said to confess with their mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts that God raise Him from the dead.

Were not saved because we come to an altar call. Were saved because of deep, heartfelt belief in who Jesus is and His provision for our sin, said Wagner.
Image: James Meeks/Wheaton College

Through our masters-level courses in the Wheaton College Graduate School, we offer students cohort-style learning experiences for them to continue in ministry while learning from each other and some of the best professors in the world. One of the students in our cohort is Pastor James Meeks, who leads Salem Baptist Church in Chicago. I was glad to interview James about his experience going back to school. If you are interested, Ive also recently interviewed Ann Voskamp Christine Caine , and Matt Chandler on the same subject. Since most of our masters students are adult learners, I hope this short series is helpful.

Ed: You've been a pastor for many yearsand a remarkably successful pastor at that. We often joke that you're the Christian godfather of Chicago, and yet you're wanting to pursue more theological education. Can you tell us why?

James: Ed, for 39 yearsand this is the 40th year Im going to be a pastorI have encouraged many people to go back to school and finish their education whether that be a bachelors, master's, or doctorate.

Every single year, I have parishioners come to show me an additional degree and they always tell me, "Pastor, if it were not for that message that you preached on going back, starting over, trying your best, I never would've gone back, so this degree is dedicated to you." It started dawning on me that I needed to listen to my own preaching. It was over 40 years ago when I stopped pursuing a master's degree. At that point in my life, it was just a timing issue.

I had just began pastoring, had recently gotten married and had a baby, so it was too many pressures at one time. I couldnt drop any of the responsibilities I had on my plate and that meant school had to be the thing to go.

In all honesty, the masters was always something that I thought I would quickly get back to, and 40 years later I happened to look up and discover that I had never gotten back to it. I knew right then that this was the right time and a good time to start that pilgrimage again.

Ed: How has it been jumping back into school while also pastoring one of the largest churches in the country?

James: One thing about being an adult learner is that the pressures are different. When iwas younger and in school, I believed that I would have to know everything that I read and retain it perfectly, because it was what was going to make me a success as I move forward in life.

Once you've already lived your way through a large chunk of life, you are much more aware of how high or how far you're going to go. Right now, as an adult learner, Im mostly focusing on improving the knowledge and abilities that I already have.

Truthfully, the books that I'm reading now are so exciting. I do see so many missteps and mistakes that I am presently making being exposed through this work. There are so many things that I'm learning in the process.

For example, one of our classes deals with organization, and I've chosen to write on a leadership pipeline because I have a chance to see that the structure that I have loosely set up is really not a good structure at all. The excitement of having discovered some new things in reading has been much more substantial than I ever thought it would be, especially this fast. The changes that I've implemented have happened much quicker than I ever thought I would be able to pull off.

Ed: Talk to me a little bit more about being in a cohort. What's challenging? What's good?

James: Well, it has not been a challenge to me because it seems like the commonality in the cohort is that everybody is trying to figure out how to do this pastoring thing right; how to make financial decisions as it relates to the church, how to make organizational decisions, how to look at succession and much more.

I guess I thought that most pastors were going to just go all our lives and periodically change our batterykind of like the Energizer bunny. I discovered that several of the guys are kind of tired and facing burnout and we do need to be looking toward what a healthy succession process looks like. I think the class is helping us to even determine how important a sabbatical is so that burnout will never occur in the first place.

When you get a chance to talk to pastors from all around the countryespecially because we're in such a polarizing time period with our politics in America and the churchthe cohort has been a safe haven for conversations to about how decisions are made. We discuss some things that we wouldn't talk about with just anybody.

Ed: Youre a student now, but, you're also a trustee at Moody Bible Institute. You obviously love theological education. What kind of closing thought would you give to people who are considering if they should go back to school?

James: I think that in life, it's going to take more than our Bible to really be effective pastors. For a long time, there were people who thought that all a preacher needs to know about is the Bible. But the truth is that we need to have mastered much more than the Bible.

We need to know finances. We need to know leadership. We need to know organizational development and skills. We need to know the art, the fine art of homiletics or hermeneutics and how to develop a sermon and how to construct a sermon and how to critically analyze a situation.

I love the Biblein fact, if I only had one book in the whole of life in which I could breathe out my life reading, it would be the Bible. But since I'm not limited to just one book, there have been many other books written, and theological higher education demands that we find out what those books are and read them.
Fetus Shall Not Have Independent Rights, Vermont Abortion Bill Declares Share Tweet

A bill in the Vermont House that has more than 80 co-sponsors declares that fetuses have no rights and that women who perform their own abortions cannot be prosecuted.

Some observers are calling this bill even more radical than the controversial abortion bills in New York and Virginia. The abortion bill in New York was signed into law last month.

Every individual who becomes pregnant has the fundamental right to choose to carry a pregnancy to term, give birth to a child, or to have an abortion, the bill, H. 57, says.

The bill then declares: A fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus shall not have independent rights under Vermont law. The New York law did not include such language.

It even gives Vermont citizens the right to perform their own abortions.

No State or local law enforcement shall prosecute any individual for inducing, performing, or attempting to induce or perform the individuals own abortion, it reads.

The bill is known as the Freedom of Choice Act.

This bill proposes to recognize as a fundamental right the freedom of reproductive choice and to prohibit public entities from interfering with or restricting the right of an individual to terminate the individuals pregnancy, it reads.

The states pro-life leaders say they will fight to defeat it.

I think its completely dangerous, irresponsible, poorly written and should be voted down, Mary Hahn Beerworth, of Vermont Right to Life Committee, told a local TV station.

Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com.

Photo courtesy: Pixabay
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews Founder and President Passes Away at 67 Share Tweet

President and Founder of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, zl passed away Wednesday in his Jerusalem home. Eckstein was 67 years old. The ministry released a statement following his death expressing their sadness for his loss but their gratitude for his life.

The Fellowship wrote, "We are in shock and mourning the loss of our visionary leader, rabbi, friend and colleague. Rabbi Eckstein was a giant in the Jewish and Christian communities, a man who devoted his every moment to helping Israel and the Jewish people. Yechiel forged unbreakable bonds of Christian-Jewish friendship and unity around a shared love for Israel that will stand as his timeless legacy."

According to the press release, Eckstein founded The Fellowship in 1983 and spent his life working to help low-income Israeli families, Holocaust survivors and toward "strengthening the State of Israel and the Jewish people."

In the past four years leading up to his death, Eckstein was working to help relocate and resettle more than 17,000 immigrants to Israel struggling with "economic hardship, persecution, and terror in 31 countries." Eckstein was also working on building a global center for Christians in Jerusalem.

Eckstein's loss was felt around the globe. Many prominent figures of faith and dignitaries have voiced their sadness for his loss.

In remembrance of his humanitarian efforts, Israel's President Reuven Rivlin issued a statement about Eckstein noting that he was a great man, a great Jew and a great Zionist."

Christian Broadcasting Network's Pat Robertson said of Eckstein, Yechiel has been a pioneer and champion of Christian/Jewish relations for decades.

Christians United for Israel's John Hagee noted the powerful impact Eckstein had through his efforts to bring the two faith communities together. He said, His impact on the state of Israel and on bringing Jews and Christians together will be felt for generations.

According to the Jerusalem Post, Eckstein's funeral was held on Thursday and hundreds of thousands of people -- including dignitaries -- came out to pay tribute to the great man.

His daughter Yael paid tribute to him by noting his devotion to his family, Israel and his work. She said, "Your life was dedicated to other peoples happiness you dedicated your life to chessed [acts of kindess] and you will be praised for doing so."

Photo courtesy: Pixabay
Senate Passes Bill Allowing States to Boycott Businesses Boycotting Israel Share Tweet

The U.S. Senate passed a bill this week that allows state and local governments to stop doing business with companies that support boycotts, sanctions and divestments (BDS) against Israel.

Sen. Marco Rubios bill passed by a 77-23 vote on Tuesday.

"The goal of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement is to eliminate any Jewish state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea," he wrote in a New York Times piece before the measure passed.

Before the vote, Rubio had said the bill would allow for the U.S. to stand strong with our allies.

At its core, the linchpin of it is helping Israel defend itself, he said.

Some Democrats, however, say the bill is a violation of the First Amendment.

"This is a bad faith and disingenuous effort by Republicans to turn boycotts into a wedge issue, and to threaten Americans' right to free speech," said

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.), the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress. "Economic boycotts have defined historic social justice and human rights movements in the United States and beyond."

Said Sen. Dick Durbin: "I oppose it because it limits the right of individuals to express themselves.

But Rubio said the bill does not infringe on First Amendment rights.

By design, it focuses on business entities  not individuals  and, consistent with the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling in Rumsfeld v. Forum for Academic and Institutional Rights (2006), it focuses on conduct, not speech, he wrote in The Times. Indeed, it does not restrict citizens or associations of citizens from engaging in political speech, including against Israel.

The bill also reaffirms cooperation with Jordan on defense operations and says it will provide humanitarian assistance to allies in the Middle East struggling because of the Syrian civil war. The legislation is part of a Middle East policy bill that asks President Donald Trump not to remove troops from Syria.

Photo courtesy: Pixabay
Legal Struggle of Doctor Reflects Wider Harassment of Christians in India Share Tweet

HYDERABAD, India, February 7, 2019 (Morning Star News)  Emergency medicine doctor Christo Thomas Philip was returning with his family to his native India from a medical conference in Greece when immigration officials at Delhis Indira Ghandi International Airport took him into custody.

His deportation from India on that day, April 26, 2016, came after working for three years treating destitute people on the verge of death from snakebites, HIV, diphtheria, tuberculosis and heart failure, among other conditions, in Raxaul, a remote area of eastern Indias Bihar state. He was planning to return to his work there at the emergency care unit of Duncan Hospital.

My wife and children were allowed entry back into the country, Philip, 36, told Morning Star News. But as soon as my passport was scanned, I was surrounded by multiple Indian immigration officials, taken into custody and was informed that I had an hour to leave the country.

At age 10 Philip had migrated with his family to the United States, where he was educated. He had a life-time visa to India and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, but the immigration officials confiscated the card and his passport, telling him only that he was no longer welcome on orders of the Consulate General of India in Houston, Texas.

It broke my heart to see my family from behind the cordoned-off section of the immigration detention centre. It was hard to watch my three young children crying, not knowing when they would see me again, the Christian doctor told Morning Star News.

His children were 11, 9 and 7 at the time. He recalled sitting in his seat on the flight back to Istanbul, Turkey, the transit point from which hed arrived, tears filling his eyes as he watched India disappear from view through the window, he said.

Being deported from India and being separated from my wife and three young children was one of the most difficult days of my life, he said. It was hard to see my wife knowing that there was nothing she could do  realizing that I had never been this far away from her since we were married.

In Istanbul, officials locked him in a detention cell with 25 others for 24 hours, until he could board a flight to Spain, a prior transit point, the next day.

It was one of the darkest moments in my life to have my freedom taken away even though I had done nothing wrong except sacrifice a comfortable and lucrative life in the U.S. to serve those that were marginalized in India, he said. It was devastating to me and my family when I was ordered to leave this country and the people I love so much, with no explanation other than that the government no longer considered me welcome.

From court records of the battle he fought for the next three years to regain his right to return to India, Philip could not detect who directed the consulate in Houston to order his deportation, he said. But he has not been the only Christian deported since Prime Minister Narendra Modis Hindu extremist Bharatiya Janata Party assumed power in 2014.

His deportation was not an isolated case, as he became aware of numerous other individuals and families working with engineering organizations, hospitals or small businesses that were deported from India around the same time, he said.

The only common thread among the deportations was that the individuals involved were Christians or working with Christian organizations in India, he said. We are also aware that it was the policy of the government to place individuals on a blacklist without informing them of such an action being taken, and the only time someone would find out about the blacklist was when they were trying to enter India.

The failure to issue notices to the blacklisted Christians appears to have been intentional to prevent any type of judicial review since, once deported, they have limited legal ability to make legal challenges, he said.

Reasons for Deportation

With legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom-India (ADF-India) handling Philips case, the native of southern Indias Kerala state filed three petitions to the High Court of Delhi over the past three years seeking the reasons for his deportation.

In response to a petition filed in 2016, the counsel representing the government submitted in court that the consulate in Houston cancelled his visa because he was found to be engaging in evangelical and subversive activities. It further recommended that immigration authorities cancel the Christians OCI card.

In August 2017, officials passed an order under Section 7D (e) of the Citizenship Act that the cancelation of his OCI and lifetime visa was necessary in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of the Indian subcontinent and its security and friendly relations with foreign countries, all in the interest of the general public. The order also cited involvement in missionary activities as the reason for Philip being blacklisted, preventing his re-entry into India.

The High Court permitted him to challenge the August 2017 order. But immigration authorities and the ministry of foreign affairs rejected the application, claiming he was involved in missionary and evangelical activities, and that he had suppressed his real purpose of conversion activities by carrying out medical work.

The officials said he was responsible for acting against the interest of general public, causing unrest and law and order problems.

Aggrieved by the narrative built against him, Philip through his ADF attorneys filed the third petition. Last month High Court of Delhi Justice Vibhu Bakhru ruled in a 23-page judgment that two matters had to be decided: First, whether the consulate had any reason to require the cancellation of Philips rights in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India or in the interest of the general public; and second, whether engaging in missionary activities in India was against the law.

The court called on authorities to produce all relevant materials that had led to the cancellation of Philips OCI. Government counsel Rajesh Gogna submitted a one-page report asserting that Philip was born in the United States, was registered with a U.S. missionary organization, was practicing medicine at Duncan Hospital in India and that he violated rules prohibiting missionary activities by OCI card-holders.

The report also expressed doubt that Philip had obtained a license from the Medical Council of India, although he had obtained one in 2014.

The court stated that the report contained untruths and requested that authorities submit the materials on which the assertions were based.

In response, immigration authorities, embassy and Houston consulate officials and the Ministry of External Affairs submitted printouts of blogs posted on the Web.

The blogs only contained his experiences serving at Duncan Hospital and had no solid evidence suggesting Christos involvement in any activities that are regarded as against the nations interest, a legal expert told Morning Star News.

No evidence or reports on investigations carried out against Philip that were submitted to the court were revealed to him, as he was accused of putting the integrity and security of the country in danger, the source said.

The matter was highly confidential, and he was treated like a criminal through this entire episode of deportation, the source said.

Verdict

On Jan. 8, the High Court in its ruling reminded the government that India is a secular country and that all persons therein have a right to practice their faith as they wish if it does not offend other people.

If the petitioners faith motivates the petitioner to volunteer for medical services at a hospital, there is no law (certainly not of this land) that proscribes him from doing so, the verdict read. There is no material whatsoever that could even remotely suggest that the cancellation of the petitioners OCI card is in the interest of general public.

It added that the cancellation of Philips OCI card would deprive impoverished patients much needed medical assistance, and therefore would be contrary to public interest rather than in favor of public interest.

Justice Bakhru further ruled that Philips right to practice his faith and his rendering medical service, even if it is for furtherance of his religion, cannot be denied.

The three-year legal battle thus came to an end as the High Court of Delhi set aside the consulate orders, directed officials to restore Philips OCI card and instructed them to ensure that there is no impediment to his entry into the country.

We are so grateful to the judicial system in India for reaffirming these fundamental values guaranteed by the Indian constitution and held dear by all free democratic nations, Philip told Morning Star News. Im grateful that the court recognized that I dont have to compartmentalise my faith and my work. I am a Christian doctor, and Im glad that I dont have to turn my back on my faith to practice my profession.

He added that his faith is what compels him to serve his fellow man, and that he was privileged to get the opportunity to do so through medicine.

A Passage to India

Still residing in Texas, Philip told Morning Star News that it is his dream and desire to return to India.

Since being deported, he and his wife have adopted six children between the ages of 1 and 8, in addition to their three children, he said.

Our children were in foster care for several years before they came to our home, and so our primary goal has been to provide stability for them so that they can heal from the trauma and pain they endured before they came to us, he said. We know that at the right time, God will make it clear when we should return to India so that we can continue to train and mentor young medical professionals and provide holistic care for the poor and marginalized in India.

Believing that God has given him the gift of a world-class education in the United States, Philip said he wants to return to serve those that were left behind during the fast-paced development of modern India. [In Bihar] we loved our work and the tangible difference we made in the lives of people.

The High Court verdict is a landmark judgment protecting the rights of foreigners working in Christian organizations to freely live out their faith in India, said ADF-India Director Tehmina Arora.

It restricts the arbitrary action of the Ministry of Home affairs targeting foreigners merely because they are Christians, Arora said.

The administration and police need to ensure that no one is targeted for their faith, and that everyone is able to freely exercise their fundamental right to practice and propagate their faith, as protected under the constitution of India, she said.

ADF-India recorded 292 cases of hostilities toward Christians in India last year. India ranked 10thin Christian support organization Open Doors 2019 World Watch List of countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, up from 11th the previous year.

If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews.org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved.

If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at https://morningstarnews.org/donate/?

Article originally published by Morning Star News. Used with permission.

Photo courtesy: Morning Star News
Despite Being Held Prisoner for Two Years in Turkey, Pastor Brunson Says He Wants to Go Back Share Tweet

Despite being held prisoner in Turkey for more than two years, North Carolina Pastor Andrew Brunson shared on Wednesday that he would like to go back.

According to the Christian Post, Brunson shared with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom that he knows God loves the Turkish people and he feels as if he is still being called to serve there.

Brunson met the USCIRF on Wednesday at the Senate Welcome Center to thank the commission for the tireless work they put forth while advocating for his release.

He said of the United States to the commission, I don't know how many countries have this kind of emphasis on religious freedom, not just in their own country but trying to advocate for it around the world. I think this is something very unusual, very admirable."

His wife Noreen also thanked the commission for providing support to her husband while he was being jailed in Turkey. She said, We're aware that not all stories end the way ours did, so just keep up your work. And we have to give glory to God.

Brunson added that since his arrest and eventual release he fears that restrictions on Christians will become more aggressive in Turkey. He told the USCIRF, I think there is going to be more difficulty for the church in Turkey.

"There are more restrictions coming right now. There have been a number of missionaries who have been deported from the country. There has been a real dampening effect on the Church; in some ways because a lot of what the [Turkish] media put out about me, which was government supported or initiated, which was painting a very negative picture of Christians, through me, saying, for example, that I'm a terrorist or that Christians support terrorist groups and we want to divide the country," he added.

As Christian Headlines previously reported, Pastor Brunson was arrested in 2016 on charges of terrorism. The North Carolina man was accused of supporting an attempted coup against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and being a part of a terror organization. After being in a Turkish prison for about a year and a half, Brunson was placed under house arrest in July 2018. Several months later, on October 12, Brunson stood before a Turkish court for a final hearing and it was decided that the pastor would be released and sentenced to time served.

Brunson has not indicated when he plans to return to Turkey.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Mark Wilson/Staff
Pastor Brunson desires return to Turkey despite imprisonment; thanks USCIRF for advocating his release CP Reporter | 07 February, 2019 by Brandon Showalter

Even after being imprisoned for two years, Pastor Andrew Brunson is hoping to return to Turkey.

At a small gathering in the Senate Welcome Center at the Capitol Wednesday, the North Carolina pastor who was jailed in Turkey for two years thanked the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom for their tireless work to secure his release. It was especially encouraging, he said, to hear from those who visited him while in prison that the U.S. government had not forgotten him.

"I don't know how many countries have this kind of emphasis on religious freedom, not just in their own country but trying to advocate for it around the world. I think this is something very unusual, very admirable," about the United States, Brunson said.

Brunson's wife, Noreen, also thanked USCIRF staff, saying, "We're aware that not all stories end the way ours did, so just keep up your work."

"And we have to give glory to God," she added.

Commissioners who were present include: Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council; Gayle Manchin, vice chair of the commission, an educator and the wife of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.; Gary Bauer, president of American Values; Nadine Maenza, founding executive director of Patriot Voices; along with USCIRF's newest member, Anurima Bhargava, a civil rights attorney and founder of Anthem of Us.

"I think there is going to be more difficulty for the church in Turkey," Brunson added.

"There are more restrictions coming right now. There have been a number of missionaries who have been deported from the country. There has been a real dampening effect on the Church; in some ways because a lot of what the [Turkish] media put out about me, which was government supported or initiated, which was painting a very negative picture of Christians, through me, saying, for example, that I'm a terrorist or that Christians support terrorist groups and we want to divide the country," Brunson added.

But the truth is the opposite, he said, emphasizing that Christians are praying for their nation and desire to be a blessing to their country.

While Christians are undoubtedly facing increased opposition from their government, much of the hostility is directed toward the Fethullah Gulen movement, a transnational Islamic social movement inspired by the teachings of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish imam who has lived in the U.S. since 1999, Brunson noted.

Brunson often shared a cell with people who were accused of being part of that movement and as far as he could tell they were innocent of the charges against them and were not involved in any activity that would undermine the state.

"I have many friends in prison in Turkey now who should not be in prison. Many families have been destroyed," he said.

Yet despite his ordeal, Brunson maintains that he loves the Turkish people, and that God sent them to that nation 25 years ago.

"If we could we would go back, but USCIRF probably doesn't want us to go back," he said, eliciting laughs.

"We would love to go back, we love the people, because we believe God loves the people there. And we want to show God's love to them. ... Some day we hope the conditions will be right for us to go back."

Continue reading about Pastor Andrew Brunson on The Christian Post.
Syrian Christians have shared how they converted from Islam to Christianity after witnessing the brutality of Islamic extremist groups like ISIS, who carried out barbaric acts in the name of Allah.

Members of the recently-established Church of the Brethren in Kobani a the first local Christian place of worship for decades a shared with NBC News how Christianity appealed to them after living under Sharia law.

Farhad Jasim, 23, who works as a mechanic, converted to Christianity late last year. He told NBC he was jailed by ISIS for six months in early 2016 after the militants discovered he didn't know the basics of Islam. During his time in captivity, he was tortured and forced to read the Quran.

"After I witnessed their brutality with my own eyes, I started to be skeptical about my belief," Jasim said.

After hearing about the Church of the Brethren, which opened in September and is part of a denomination that dates back to 18th-century Germany, Jasim decided to visit: "It didn't take me long to discover that Christianity was the religion I was searching for," he said.

Jasim told the outlet his family has rejected him because of his newfound faith and expressed hope that one day, his loved ones will not only forgive him but embrace Christianity, too.

"If ISIS represents Islam, I don't want to be a Muslim anymore," he said. "Their God is not my God."

Firas, a 47-year-old farmer, told NBC he converted to Christianity after living under ISIS for two years. He recalled how militants would terrorize anyone who didn't adhere to their particular brand of Islam.

"I saw men and young teenagers being whipped on the streets because they were caught smoking. I saw dead bodies of young men being thrown from high buildings for being gay," Firas said. "This was their Islam."

"If heaven is made for ISIS and their belief, I would choose hell for myself instead of being again with them in the same place, even if it's paradise," he added.

While ISIS was driven out of the city, located along the Syrian-Turkish border, over four years ago, converting to Christianity remains taboo a and even dangerous a in the Muslim-majority region. Persecution watchdog Open Doors notes that even in more secure parts of Syria, Christians who have converted from Islam face pressure and discrimination from their communities. Kobani is home to about 300 Christians, according to estimates.

Omar, 38, who serves as church administrator, said that even before ISIS overtook the region, it was strictly forbidden to change religion from Islam to Christianity. But under ISIS, converting to Christianity "wasn't even imaginable," he said, adding: "ISIS would kill you immediately."

"Most of the brothers here converted or come to church as a result of what ISIS did to them and to their families," he said. "No one is forced to convert. Our weapon is the prayer, the spreading of spirit of love, brotherhood and tolerance."

Currently, just 4.6 percent of Syrians are believed to be Christian, according to a report by Aid to the Church in Need. Additionally, about 700,000 Christians are believed to have left Syria since the civil war began in 2011.

In December, President Donald Trump announced that US troops would withdraw from Syria, stating, "We have won against ISIS. We've beaten them and we've beaten them badly. We've taken back the land and now it's time for our troops to come back home."

However, amid concerns that pulling U.S. troops out of Syria will put persecuted Christians, Kurds and other ethnic minorities at risk, Trump later clarified he would send U.S. forces back if ISIS and other terror groups regain their strength.

"The President's made clear that we support Christians, that we support the Kurds," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders recently told CBN News. "He's made that clear to Turkey, he's made that clear publicly on a number of fronts, and just one of the reasons that the President has been tough on Iran is to make sure that people don't feel threatened. We've supported the safe zones that are going to be very important, and the idea that the President is just stepping away and ignoring any potential problem doesn't understand the fundamental decision that he's made."

Courtesy of The Christian Post
I always keep up to date about my favorite USA Puppet in waiting (Mikhail Saakashvili)

Former Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili recorded a video in which he poses with an American bagel in his hands. A video of the performance he posted on his Facebook.

The politician in a denim shirt and with an Airpod in his ears emphasized that he was holding a real American bagel in his hands, then spread soft cream cheese on it. After that, he removed the dish from the veiw and continued to talk about the future.

Currently, Saakashvili is in the USA. On January 27, he once again promised to return to Georgia and change the power there in 72 hours. We have no time to wait. We must mobilize. Here in America, there in Europe in order to end the existing regime in Georgia, he said .

In Georgia, the politician served as president in 2004-2013. In 2014, several criminal cases were opened against Saakashvili in Georgia, he was put on the national wanted list.
OLYMPIA  The state attorney general has stepped in with a warning to more than half the states county law enforcement officials who say they
Drew Scott, one half of the real estate duo known as the Property Brothers, married his longtime girlfriend, Linda Phan, back in 2018. The couple have also had specials on HGTV detailing their home remodel  but fans still want more. Fans who love Phan and Scott have been waiting for the two to announce theyre and expecting, and the couple has hinted that theyll soon be having kids.

Drew Scott and his wife, Linda Phan | Drew Scott via Instagram

Scott and Phan tied the knot in Italy in 2018

Scott and Phan had a wedding for the books. The couple got married in Italy last May. Scott and Phan had their bachelor and bachelorette parties when they arrived for the wedding celebrations. According to HGTV, they hosted a pre-wedding welcome dinner for their roughly 300 guests, which included chefs making homemade pastas and mozzarella. Scott, who has Scottish roots, wore a kilt to the ceremony. Phan and Scott originally met during New York Fashion Week back in 2010. The two hit it off and dated for about eight years before finally getting married. Their next stop? Having kids.

Scott said just after they married that hes looking forward to being a dad

Scott and his brother, Jonathan Scott, recently came out with their first childrens book. This is the first time the brothers have sat down to write a book, but all anyone could think about was weather it meant Scott and Phan would soon be having children of their own. Im excited to have kids; so is Linda, Scott said in an interview with People in November 2018. He said he doesnt quite know how many kids the couple will have (and joked that it could be as many as 15), but he does seem to be looking forward to everything fatherhood will have to offer. He also mentioned that theres no rush in their family plan.

Scott commented on Joanna Gaines Instagram photo, hinting that hell be having kids soon

Scott got fans excited when he commented on one of Joanna Gaines Instagram photos. Gaines posted a photo of her youngest child, Crew, who turned six months in January. She captioned the photo I think its time for the next size up. Scott commented, Well be having kids soon so Ill hit you up for hand me downs, on the photo, which immediately sent everyone into a tizzy. Soon could mean anything, but since Scott had said back in November that he and Phan were looking forward to being parents, it could mean a pregnancy announcement within the year (we hope).

Scott said hes looking forward to settling down and not working as much

Scott and Phan havent even been married for a year, but he told People that hes looking forward to settling down. Scott has starred with his brother on HGTVs Property Brothers for several years now, and the brothers shot to fame quickly. It seems they havent taken much of a break since they started working, so hopefully when the two decide to have kids, Scott will be able to spend plenty of time with his little one. Its unclear exactly when the couple will grow their family, but between Scotts excitement about fatherhood and his comment on Gaines Instagram photo, there could be an announcement in 2019.

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There was a time where everyone knew what was going on with Kate Gosselin. The mother of eight children  one set of twins and the famous sextuplets  was one of the stars in the reality show Jon & Kate Plus 8. The TLC series explored the lives of the Pennsylvania family as they navigated the trials of raising their family.

When the show premiered in 2007, it became apparent almost immediately that Jon and Kate had a tricky relationship. Kate would often claim that Jon was liked her ninth child rather than a true partner. Meanwhile, Jon complained about Kates controlling tendencies and nagging. Even as the couple was fighting, their ratings were going up, and the show became a huge success.

So where is Kate now 12 years after it all began? She has a totally different life than she did back then. Heres what Kate Gosselin is up to today.

Kate Gosselin and her pet dog | Kate Gosselin via Instagram

Jon and Kate went through a bitter divorce

No one thought that Jon and Kate were the perfect couple, but it was still shocking when news of Jons infidelity broke in the tabloids. Photos of the 31-year-old father of 8 partying with scantily clad college co-eds started making the rounds in the tabloids. Adding insult to injury? He was out partying while Kate was home caring for their kids a few miles away in their new $1.3 million home.

But things took a turn for the worse when US Weekly made the accusation that Jon Gosselin was having an affair with grade school teacher Deanna Hummel. Kate officially filed for divorce in June 2009 with a statement that left no question on how she was feeling. She said Jons actions left her no choice but to protect her family from her adulterous husband.

John and Kate Gosselin from John and Kate Plus 8 | Wikimedia Commons

They became more famous after their split

Rather than retreating from the public eye following their divorce, Jon and Kate seemed to do the exact opposite, with each vying for attention and fame. Most people thought fans would take Kates side  after all, she was the one who got cheated on. It also didnt help that Jon broke up with Hummel and started dating a college aged woman, the daughter of Kates tummy tuck surgeon.

But in a shocking twist of events, the fans seemed to like Jon Gosselin better and even mentally justified his affair. In their eyes, her patronizing, harsh treatment of her husband was a deal breaker. These perceptions changed again when Jon started wearing Ed Hardy shirts and going through women quickly  most notably the kids nanny. In the end, Kate was the one who got her own reality series, Kate Plus 8.

Kate reinvented herself in 2010

Kate Gosselin | Kate Gosselin via Instagram

After her divorce, Kate Gosselin had a rough time of it. But a year later she was working on her new look and new focus. She got hair extensions to replace the haircut that everyone loved to hate. She also appeared on Dancing With the Stars and later Celebrity Wife Swap in 2013.

Despite Jons claims that filming the show was harming the kids, Kate insisted that they enjoyed the events and being on the show.

What is Kate Gosselin doing now?

These days, Kate and Jon still despise each other and will only communicate via text or through a neutral third party. Most recently, Kate lost custody of their son, Collin, who was enrolled in an outpatient program for special needs student. Jon claims he does not have special needs at all. Jon claimed on Instagram that Kate hasnt made an effort to see her son since losing custody in December 2018.

Besides Collin, the couples daughter Hannah also lives with her dad. A source explained that Hannah was, unhappy and uncomfortable in the house with Kate. The other six children, who are all teenagers now, still live with their mom.

Shes still filming Kate Plus 8 sporadically, most recently in 2017, even against her ex-husbands wishes. Rumors of an affair with her married bodyguard Steve Neild were never confirmed.
Olivia Colman | Tolga Akmen/AFP/Getty Images

Olivia Colman born Sarah Caroline Olivia Colman is an English actress and alum from Cambridge Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Her classical theater training has given her all the skills shes needed to carve out a niche for herself across film, radio, television, and of course theater. Colman has been in the industry since 2000.

In her 18+ years rubbing shoulders with Hollywood elite shes managed to talk her way into roles and put unique spins on some of her characters. The underrated actress just recently made headlines when she won the Golden Globe for her work on The Favourite, one of her few leading roles.

How did Olivia Colman get her start?

Colmans first time on stage was in the leading role of a school play, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Colman was just 16 at the time. From there she appeared in several TV series between 2000 and 2001. She was a mainstay on Bruiser, followed by smaller parts in People Like Us, Life as We Know It, Mr. Charity, and Comedy Lab.

She also worked with two of her former classmates, David Mitchell and Robert Webb on The Mitchell and Webb Situation. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) her agent felt like she was getting too invested into their work. She was pushed to distance herself from the pair to broaden her horizons.

Olivia Colmans noteworthy roles

Olivia Colman will play Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown Season Three. pic.twitter.com/EI7EBihFwn  The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) April 5, 2018

By far Colmans most notable role is as Queen Anne in The Favourite. Her riveting acting didnt just land her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe. She also won an AACTA International Award, British Independent Film Award, Critics Choice Award from the BFCAA, COFCA Award, CFCA Award, and countless other awards and nominations.

Her second most noteworthy role will be as Queen Elizabeth II in the TV series, The Crown. Being able to play two Queens less than a year apart is an honor and a testament to Colmans talent. The Favourite actress took over the role from Claire Foy who was cast as the Queen in the first two seasons. Colmans portrayal hasnt netted her any awards as the series hasnt gone live on Netflix but its only a matter of time. She will be playing the Queen in both the third and fourth season at the very least.

Other outstanding parts the English actress recently brought to life are Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables, Strawberry in Watership Down, Deborah in Flowers, Hildegarde Schmidt in Murder on the Orient Express, Ellie Millerin Broadchurch, and Angela Barr in The Night Manager.

Olivia Colmans humanitarianism

Hollywood has been good to Colman so shes made sure to give back. After working on the film Tyrannosaur, Colman became a Patron for Tender, a UK charity that focuses on preventing violence and sexual abuse through theater. Other philanthropy work has included walking during the Alzheimers Societys Holkham Hall Memory Walk in 2013 and being a voice for Marie Curie Daffodil Day. She even spoke on behalf of Afghani women for Amnesty International because those women could not appear to read their stories.

What is Olivia Colmans net worth?

Between her work in theater, film, TV, and radio, the Watership Down actress has amassed a net worth of $3 million. While details about her paychecks are under wraps there is one thing that has gone public. When news that Claire Foys pay was less than her male co-stars went public, fans and critics rallied against the show gaining her a boost in her income. The pay bump has definitely been passed down and Colman is looking at a check on par or better than her co-stars for The Crown.
Meghan Markle has some gift-giving tips | Chris Jackson/ Getty Images

Meghan Markle aka the Duchess of Sussex is known for a lot of things. She was an iconic member on the TV series Suits, before rising to royalty. Shes the controversial Duchess that the internet loves, and loves to hate. Shes a stellar sister-in-law to the Duchess of Cambridge, a loving wife to Prince Harry, a fantastic Patron, and a soon-to-be mother. She wears many hats, but theres one title that is lesser known  expert gift-giver.

The Royal Family isnt allowed to keep every gift

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have asked that anyone who might wish to mark the #RoyalWedding considers making a donation to charity, rather than sending a wedding gift.



Take a look at the seven charities chosen by Their Royal Highnesses: https://t.co/K9bgolanZ4 pic.twitter.com/yWtujm9V5R  Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 19, 2018

For those of you who dont know, the royal family has a gift policy. But that brings up a great question. What happened to all the great wedding gifts Prince Harry and Markle received? The couple did request that guests donate to charities of their choice, but of course, some people cant shake old habits! While certain gifts can be kept, many of them need to be put through a specific protocol.

Fans shower the royal family with gifts every day; this holds especially true for special events such as a birth or wedding. While they are given gifts during public appearances, tons of gifts also get mailed directly to the palace. Need an example? There were an impressive 4,200 gifts sent to the palace in celebration of Prince Williams birth.

Considering the royal rules, Markles creative gift ideas come in handy when shopping for her royal family.

Meghan Markles sole gift-giving tip

The Duchess used to have a lifestyle blog, The Tig. One of the posts shared secrets on how she liked to select gifts for her loved ones. In her words, Instead, give him something creative that hell actually enjoy. This is opposed to something basic like a t-shirt that most women would end up stealing anyway.

For Prince Harrys 34th birthday, Markle went to the drawing board for her gift planning. The two happen to have a history of spoiling each other with tastefully selected gifts. While details about the exact gift remain unknown, its clear the Duchess puts a lot of thought into her gift choices.

Markle got creative for Kate Middletons gift

Meghan Markle gifted her closest friends a 'Kensington' bracelet from California based designer Zofia Day, a brand she has worn several times before. It's available for purchase at their shop for $450 https://t.co/3laKw7tIlz pic.twitter.com/tUryqEGxSs  Meghans Mirror (@MeghansMirror) May 19, 2018

The Duchess of Sussex also channeled her expert gift getter for her sister-in-laws gift during her and Prince Harrys royal wedding. Markle and Middleton may be cut from different clothes, but they are two women with just the right amount of things in common. They are both non-royals who wed into the royal family. They are big philanthropists. Middleton even helped her sister-in-law adjust to royal life. Being so close, its no surprise the former Suits star selected a meaningful gift for her sister-in-arms.

The blushing bride gave her new sister-in-law a custom Zofia Day Company piece  A Kensington bracelet. Only Middleton and six close friends received this particular gift, a showing of solidarity and friendship. Despite rumors of the two being at odds, its clear they have a blossoming relationship in the works.

So whats Markles idea of the best birthday gift?

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex | Stephen Pond/Getty Images

When Markle was 33 years old, she wrote the most thought-provoking post ever. It was her birthday, and she revealed to the world that she was happy. The former actress went on to describe how both her teen years and twenties were brutal. She was in a constant battle, like many others, trying to figure out how to keep up with the trendy, hip, and cool people around her.

In her mid-20s a casting director shared some words of wisdom that stuck with her You need to know that youre enough. Less makeup, more Meghan. The mantra, you need to know that youre enough, is now something she reflects on every day.

So when reaching out to her fans, she asked them to elevate to that level of acceptance. As a birthday gift, she wanted them to be kind to themselves. But thats not all. She wanted her fans to find happiness because when she found it, it was the best feeling in the world. While Markle may get a lot of slack, shes clearly worthy of being a Duchess due to her care and compassion.
Justin and Hailey Biebers relationship is usually followed by the words, whirlwind romance. And while that is partly true (the two dated for a month before The Biebs popped the question), Mr. and Mrs. Bieber share a long history together.

Nearly five months into their marriage, Justin and Hailey Bieber recently opened up to Vogue for a cover story about their relationship and the difficulties theyve already had as Mr. and Mrs. Find out why Hailey Bieber says marriage is very hard, ahead.



How long were Justin and Hailey dating before engagement?



Justin and Hailey Bieber have a complicated dating history. The two first met in 2009 at the Today show (Hailey received tickets from her uncle, Alec Baldwin). Hailey told Vogue for the first few years of their now decade-long friends there was a weird age gap. Then, in 2011, 14-year-old Hailey joined her heartthrob friend on the red carpet for the premiere of Biebers Never Say Never documentary.

The two continued to stay close friends, often traveling with friends and even sitting together at Hillsong Church, where the two attend service. Then, in 2016, Justin Bieber posted a photo of him and Hailey locking lips and thus began their on-again-off-again relationship.



Around the same time, Bieber told GQ how he felt about his now wife (and even looked to the future). [Hailey is] someone I really love. We spend a lot of time together, he noted. I already have a lot that I have to commit to. A lot of responsibilities. I dont want to feel like the girl I love is an added responsibility, he continued. What is Hailey ends up being the girl Im gonna marry, right? If I rush into anything, if I damage her, then its always gonna be damaged.



As for why they initially broke up? They hinted at betrayal in their Vogue interview. But, they eventually found their way back to each other in 2018. Last June, the two ran into each other while attending a conference in Miami hosted by Vous Church pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. The common denominator, I promise you, is always church, Hailey told Vogue. By then we were past the drama. I just gave him a hug. By the end of the conference, he was like, Were not going to be friends. I was like, Were not? About a month after that, Justin asked Hailey for her hand in marriage.



Hailey says marriage is very hard



Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin | Getty Images/Nicholas Hunt

Mrs. Bieber might call Justin her best friend but she admits that being married  especially at such a young age  is no easy feat. The thing is, marriage is very hard, she told Vogue. That is the sentence you should lead with. Its really effing hard.



As with most couples, the two admit that they struggle with their difference in personality and behavior. One of the big things for me is trusting myself, Justin notes. Ive made some bad decisions personally, and in relationships. Those mistakes have affected my confidence in my judgment. Its been difficult for me even to trust Hailey. Weve been working through stuff. And its great, right? he added while turning to his new wife for confirmation.



The two also have found navigating their emotions to be a difficult task  especially since Justin is more emotionally unstable (as he explains). Hell say I feel, and Ill say, I think. I have to really dive deep and struggle to be in touch with my emotions. He gets there immediately, Hailey explains. Its been really difficult to get her to say what she feels, Justin confirms while discussing their current efforts to practice healthy communication.



Despite their challenges in this new season of life, Justin and Hailey Bieber share a deep love for each other and look forward to learning and growing together. They married in a New York City courthouse last year and are in the midst of planning a celebration of marriage with their friends and family.



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Bob Goff, New York Times best selling author of Everybody Always and Love Does, will be the keynote speaker for On Point's An Evening of Hope on Tuesday, March 5. The doors of Exhibit Hall A, at the Chattanooga Convention Center, will open at 6 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m.

After practicing law for 25 years and becoming the honorary consul for the Republic of Uganda to the United States, Bob Goff gave up his practice to pursue writing and speaking full time. He is the founder of the non-profit organization, Love Does, operating schools and pursuing justice for women and children in conflict areas such as Uganda, Somalia and Iraq. Mr. Goff lives in San Diego with his wife, children and extended family. Most recently Mr. Goff co-authored Love Does for Kids with his daughter, Lindsey Viducich.

On Point is a youth development organization established in 1991 to partner with schools and communities to cultivate the strengths in youth and guide them on their path to thrive. An Evening of Hope is On Points Annual Dinner gathering approximately 800 attendees in support of the more than 13,000 youth On Point serves yearly.

For additional information, please call On Point at 899-9188 or email Director of Community Engagement, Ashley Humble at ashley@liveonpoint.org.






An independent third-party audit resulted in certification of Volkswagen Chattanooga as a Top Employer for 2019. Volkswagen Chattanooga is one of 23 U.S. employers to receive this acknowledgement from the Top Employers Institute, a global independent Human Resources certification company. To be certified as a Top Employer, 600 working condition practices and indicators are assessed and validated.

The Top Employer Institute specifically acknowledged Volkswagen Chattanoogas efforts in three key areas: workforce planning; career and succession management; and talent strategy. Additional human resource practices evaluated by the organization include: onboarding; learning and development; performance management; leadership development; compensation and benefits; and culture.



We view this recognition as a reinforcement of our commitment to building a positive company culture and fostering a great place to work for our team, said Nicole Koesling, Volkswagen Chattanooga senior vice president of human resources. This certification does not mark the end of our efforts; it strengthens our commitment to continue building quality careers in Tennessee.



The annual, international research recognizes employers around the world who successfully achieve the required standards for top employment practices and working conditions.



The Top Employer Institute has certified and recognized more than 1,500 companies in 118 countries across five continents since 1991.


The man in charge of the Chattanooga branch of the Mafia Insane Vice Lords was sentenced on Wednesday to 70 months in federal prison.

Jovani Robinson appeared before Judge Curtis Collier in the major heroin distribution case.

His wife, Heather Robinson, received the same sentence.

Farrah Westmoreland, who distributed heroin for the Robinsons, got six months to serve and six months on home confinement.

The Robinsons initially faced up to 162 months in prison, but got significant reductions for their help to the government. They testified against James Silas, who was identified as the head of the Mafia Insane Vice Lords nationwide. Silas was convicted after a trial in Chattanooga and is expected to face a lengthy prison sentence.

Also sentenced earlier in the conspiracy were Marlon Eberhardt and Brandon Moore, identified as other heroin suppliers to the Robinsons. They got 10 years each. Eberhardt and Moore are also mafia Insane Vice Lords members, it was stated.

Prosecutors said Jovani Robinson's primary role in the conspiracy was to distribute heroin to street level customers.

Authorities said Ms. Westmoreland would get heroin from the Robinsons at their home in LaFayette, Ga., and deliver the heroin to the Robinsons' customers, most of whom resided in Chattanooga. She would then return to the Robinsons with the money.

Ms. Westmoreland was primarily paid with heroin for her services, it was stated.

Jovani Robinson admitting traveling to Chicago on multiple occasions to get heroin from Silas.

Robinson said a portion of the money he made from drug trafficking went to pay dues to the Mafia Insane Vice Lords. He said some of the money he and other members of the Mafia Insane Vice Lords paid went directly to Silas and that some of the money went to Troy Martin's prison account. Martin was identified as the founder of the Mafia Insane Vice Lords.

Jovani Robinson admitted that he obtained at least 500 grams of heroin from Silas during the course of the conspiracy.

Heather Robinson said she was sorry that she had involved Ms. Westmoreland in the conspiracy.

An attorney for Ms. Westmoreland said she had never been arrested before. He said she suffers from Lupus and had taken opioids for it. He said when the prescriptions ran out for opioids, she turned to heroin. He said she got off heroin "on the concrete floor of a jail" after she was arrested and denied bond.

Judge Collier stressed the extreme seriousness of heroin use, saying some users die from it.

Prosecutor Joseph Wilson said he did not know of anyone who died from heroin obtained during this conspiracy.

But he said, "I wouldn't wish heroin use on anybody. It's a terrible addiction."
La Paz Chattanooga, in partnership with its Business Development arm, Compania will host a panel discussion to include three local law firms as part of its monthly networking event on Feb. 11.



The lunch event will take place at the Chattanooga Business Development Resource Center on 1250 Market St. at noon.



The panel will include Brittany Faith Thomas, director at Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C., Carlos Calderin, shareholder at Calderin & Oliva, P.A. and Martin Lester of Lester Law, P.A. Thomas and Calderin both currently serve on the board of La Paz Chattanooga.



The three panelists are all immigration attorneys in Chattanooga and have worked closely with the Latinx/Hispanic population.



The purpose of the panel is to educate the community and reduce misconceptions about the immigration process in the United States. The expert panelist will help La Pazs constituents understand the process more clearly, specifically how it has changed during the current presidential administration.



The panels moderator is Vivian Lozano-Sterchi, director of Social Impact at La Paz Chattanooga. Ms. Lozano-Sterchi has worked closely with the participating attorneys over the years while serving La Pazs clients seeking immigration services.



Were giving people an opportunity to be more knowledgeable about a subject that oftentimes is confusing, said Ms. Lozano-Sterchi.



The panel is only one hour, so there is only so much we can cover, but we hope it encourages people to continue researching and learning about this subject.



Tickets to the networking event and panel are available for purchase on the La Paz website and Facebook page.

Compania is the business development arm of La Paz Chattanooga. Compania promotes inclusion within the business community through professional development, market guidance, and membership.



Compania networking events are held monthly and are sponsored by a local organization or agency each month. For more information on how to be involved, please contact Angela Garcia at agarcia@lapazchattanooga.org.
A 47-year-old LaFayette, Ga., man who had sex with a 17-year-old and wanted to marry her has been sentenced to serve four years in federal prison.

George Gaines earlier pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography related to photos he took of the girl nude and semi-nude on her camera.

He is also charged in state court with aggravated statutory rape and sexual exploitation of a minor. He is due in Hamilton County General Sessions Court next Wednesday.

He was arrested on Sept. 29, 2017, when an assistant principal found him alone with a female student in a car on the parking lot of Soddy Daisy High School.

The nude photos were found on a phone in the car.

His attorney, Gianna Maio of the Federal Defender's Office, said Gaines met the girl at a trucking firm. She said she flirted with him and others.

The attorney said the girl had been intimate with others as well. The photos were not passed along to anyone else.

She said Gaines had been married and divorced three times.

Prosecutor James Brooks said Gaines went to Florida with the girl and her family and she rode in his vehicle.

He said both professed their love for one another and talked about getting married.

He said the girl was in special education classes.

The prosecutor said when her parents took her phone away from her that Gaines bought her another one.

He said it was very dangerous that Gaines met with the girl at a public school. He said her father could have shown up and caused an incident..

Gaines said, "I know it was poor judgment on my part. I take full responsibility. I ain't laying any blame on her."

He added, "It won't happen again. I can tell you that."

Gaines was sentenced by Judge Curtis Collier.
A mother and daughter got into a fight with a girl in a bathroom at Soddy Daisy Middle School on Wednesday morning.

Officials said, "At approximately 9:55 a.m., the mother of a Soddy Daisy Middle School student arrived at the school to dismiss her daughter early. During class change, the mother observed her daughter and another child enter a nearby bathroom, where she then proceeded to hear the two students begin fighting inside the bathroom.

"The mother then entered the bathroom and joined in the fight. The School Resource Officer was alerted and immediately responded, taking all three parties into custody.

"The mother was transported to the Hamilton County Jail where she was charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct. She was also given a criminal trespass warning to stay off the school property.

The two female juveniles have been petitioned to appear in Juvenile Court for disorderly conduct.

The Soddy Daisy Police Department was also notified of the incident and responded.
Huaxin Cement announces new Uzbekistan project

07 February 2019

Huaxin Cement has announced that it will construct a new cement plant in Uzbekistan, with government approval already received. The company has set up a new venture, Huaxin Cement Jizzakh, for the implementation of the 1.2Mta facility.



The plans will see the plant built in Zafarobod, Jizzakh, at an investment cost of US$150m, with the company expecting to spend US$78m to purchase equipment. Commissioning is expected in December 2019, while plans for the first stage of production include exporting around 120,000t of cement.

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APCMA releases dispatch data for January and 7MFY19

07 February 2019

The Pakistan cement sector posted a double-digit decline of 10.7 per cent in the month of January compared with corresponding month last year, raising alarm bells among producers with a large production capacity, reports the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).

The cement industry dispatched 3.646Mt in January 2019 against 4.083Mt in January 2018, says APCMA.



The buoyancy in exports stayed on course, increasing by a healthy 67.3 per cent. The industry exported 0.579Mt of cement in January 2019. One year earlier, exports stood at 0.347Mt.

7MFY18-19

Dispatch data for the first seven months of the FY2018-19 stood at 26.765Mt, only 1.7 per cent higher than the dispatches of 26.325Mt achieved during the same period of the previous financial year. Out of this, exports during the July 2018-January 2019 period were 4.141Mt, which was 50.5 per cent higher than the 2.775Mt exported in the corresponding period last year.



Regional performance shows the domestic consumption of north-based mills declined by 8.4 per cent to 17.831Mt in the 7MFY19 from 19.473Mt same period last year. The exports from the north declined 16.7 per cent to 1.692Mt in 7MFY19, from 2.032Mt in July-January 2018. During July-January 2019, the domestic uptake in south increased by 16.9 per cent to 4.793Mt and exports increased by a whopping 239.89 per cent to 2.448Mt from 0.721Mt during same period last year.



The APCMA spokesman expressed dismay on the constant decline in cement demand in the country and felt this is because of reduced government spending on infrastructure.

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Intercem Engineering wins Russian high-efficiency separator order

07 February 2019

Intercem has been awarded the contract to supply a high-efficiency separator ICS 143, as well as the associated plant aggregates for a new cement plant in Russia.

The high-efficiency separator, an in-house development manufactured in the company workshop, has a capacity of 115tph at 3000cm2/g according to Blaine and a total output of 258tph. The volume flow of classifying air is 143,000m3/h.

The scope of supply also includes the engineering for the complete grinding plant as well as the supervision of the assembly and the commissioning of the components included in the delivery.

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Ecebol Oruro plant to start production testing at end February

ICR Newsroom By 07 February 2019

Bolivia-based cement producer Ecebol is finalising construction of its plant at Jeruyo, Oruro. The company expects the start production tests at the end of the month. President Evo Morales is due to visit the plants facilities on Friday 8 February.



The plant has a packing capacity of 3600 bags/h and a production capacity of 1.3Mta of cement. While the plant uses German technology, some 96 per cent of labour used to build it is Bolivian. The project is under administration of the Development Service of Public Productive Enterprises (SEDEM).

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Woman wanted in alleged murder, mutilation of boyfriend may be in metro Atlanta
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Do you have an athlete in mind that contributes to the team or sport, holds sportsmanship and team spirit, has epic playmaker moments and/or in general makes the the sports fun? If yes, please make your nominations for our edition of Athlete Spotlight.

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Everything you need to know about South Dakota government
As most readers will be aware, the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut has one of the worlds finest collections of rare and unique aircraft. The museum has a near constant procession of fascinating projects going through their restoration shop, and one of these is the sole-surviving Burnelli CBY-3 Loadmaster, an unusual cargo design with a blended wing. We covered the history of this aircraft HERE when it first moved into the museums workshop back in early 2014. In subsequent articles we have followed the restorations progress, and most recently published (with permission) an update from the projects crew chief, Harry Newman, about where things stood back in mid-October 2018. Harry Newman recently posted a year end review of their work, and substantial progress has occurred in the interim. We thought you would enjoy reading and seeing what Harry Newman has documented about how far this his team has moved on this unique and important restoration project.

2018 Accomplishments

Several major milestones were reached during the 6th year of the CBY-3s restoration. Most notably the major reconstruction of the damaged and corroded areas of the fuselage was completed along with the replacement of many of the underbelly skin panels. The entire fuselage was then progressively fine sanded and the initial primer coat of paint was applied.

Similarly, the repairs and preparation of the interior cargo bays, storage compartments and accessory bays was an enormous undertaking. Work began on the interior on day one of the restoration effort and countless hours were put into removing old paint, sanding, priming and finally finish painting the interior.

As components were removed from the aircraft  many months and even years earlier  they were restored and put into storage to await reinstallation at a future time. We have now reinstalled the majority of these parts and subassemblies, and several major assemblies such as the twin boom empennage and the engines have now been brought back into our restoration hangar as we begin to reassemble the aircraft.

Final assembly of all of the engine components was completed and the port side engine was mounted on the fuselage.

The internal lighting system was restored and installed and we now have active lighting in the cargo bays.

The cockpit and cargo bay windows all needed replacement, as well as their mountings and operating hardware. This year saw the completion of this work and the windows have been set aside for installation once final painting of the aircraft has taken place.

The rear landing gear was installed, with the exception of the tires, which will be installed after the finish painting of the fuselage.

Several of the control surfaces  ailerons, rudders and elevators  received new fabric coverings and were then painted and put into storage.

Ongoing Work

As mentioned in the September update, both engine stacks have been restored and assembled. However, when the CBY-3 was in active service a separate set of accessory cowlings spanned the gap between the fuselage firewalls and engine cowls. The accessory cowls had been custom made for the CBY-3 and were not with the aircraft when it was acquired by the museum. Replacements will have to be fabricated from scratch. In order to do this we needed to have an engine mounted on the aircraft to determine the proper measurements and contours of the new cowls. We have now mounted the port side engine on the aircraft and work has begun on the accessory cowl replacements.

Our heavy equipment operator, Dick Phillips, adjusts the rigging in preparation to hoist the 2600 pound engine assembly into position on the port firewall.

Crew chief Harry Newman guides the engine into final position.

With the port engine securely in place we can now begin the fabrication of the missing accessory cowls which will span the gap between the engine and the firewall.

One of the interesting features of the CBY-3 was how far forward the engines were mounted on the aircraft; 5 feet forward of the firewall and 3 feet forward of the cockpit nose. This presented us with a concern about where the longitudinal (lengthwise axis) center of gravity (CG) was on the aircraft in its current configuration with the wings and large tail section detached and the aft end of the fuselage elevated. If mounting the 2600 pound engine caused the CG to shift forward of the main landing gear the potential existed for the aircraft to nose over (a condition unique to tail dragger aircraft). Both lateral (side to side) and longitudinal CGs are important, but our primary concern was with the longitudinal balance, that is, the location of the CG along the lengthwise axis. The lateral CG is not a concern with the wide-body CBY-3 because the engines are mounted on the fuselage directly in line with the main landing gear rather than outboard on the wings so there is no risk of the aircraft tipping to the side with one engine installed.

In order to better understand this dynamic and to ensure the safety of our crew and the aircraft we decided to perform a weight and balance analysis of the fuselage prior to mounting the engine. This involved using Revere Electron Weighing Scales to precisely determine the weight at each of the three landing gear points. From these measurements we were able to calculate changes to the position of the longitudinal CG in various configurations for the fuselage; with no engines installed, one engine and two engines, as well as when we move the aircraft which involves raising the aft end. This analysis confirmed that it was safe to install one engine, but two engines cannot be installed prior to attaching the tail section and/or adding an appropriate amount of ballast at the aft end of the fuselage. (The dry, empty weight of the fuselage is 8373 pounds with no engines installed.)

Don Durner installs one of the pressure pads under the rear landing gear strut. With a pressure pad under all three gear, the aircraft is then jacked up so it sits entirely on the pads and the weights are transmitted to a recording device.

Here Tom Palshaw uses the Revere Electron Weighing Scales to monitor and record the readings from the three pressure pads under the landing gear points during our weight and balance analysis.

Wheel Well Hydraulic Lines

One of our volunteers, Al Steinmetz, gained extensive experience while in the military in fabricating and maintaining aircraft hydraulic systems and has brought that skill to bear as he has taken on the task of making and installing many of the missing lines in the CBY-3s wheel wells.

Volunteer Al Steinmetz deep in his work of recreating the myriad of hydraulic lines in the wheel wells.

Exterior and Interior Painting

At the time of the previous update we had primed the lower portions of the fuselage and were preparing the upper surfaces for primer. The weather finally cooperated and we were able to complete the priming of the entire fuselage. We were also able to complete the finish two-tone painting of the interior cargo bays, as well as applying the initial coat of red finish paint on the twin boom tail section. With this work done we will now start to lay out the patterns for the finish painting of the fuselage exterior.

Steve Seiser (left) and Jim McGuire apply the white primer coat to the upper surfaces.

The unique lifting body of the CBY-3 with a fresh coat of primer.

A view of the cargo bays prior to removing the old peeling paint. In this photo the aft of the aircraft is on the left and the two-tone port side cargo doors are to the right.

A view of the same area after thousands of hours of preparatory work and final painting. The recently reinstalled cargo doors on the right are still to be finish painted. (The flooring is temporary and will be replaced nearing the end of the restoration.)

Pete McConnell applies a coat of finish paint to the CBY-3s twin boom tail section.

The tail section, now sporting a coat of red finish paint. The white areas have a primer coat which will eventually be painted silver.

After extensive restoration the two wingtips have also been finish painted in red

 as have the two engine nose rings.

Steve Seiser puts a coat of primer on a newly covered aileron.

The freshly painted twin boom tail assembly has been brought back into our restoration hangar where we will begin to fit the rudders and elevators. The empennage assembly jig also serves as a storage area for the newly re-covered flight control surfaces. Here the empennage is adorned with some Holiday decorations.

It has been another very successful and productive year of restoration on the unique Burnelli CBY-3 Loadmaster. While the core team on the Burnelli consists of about 18 people, nearly all of our restoration volunteers have contributed to the project at one time or another. They come from all of the branches of the military and many had long careers in the aerospace industry. Their dedication to restoring and preserving our collection of historic aircraft and artifacts is greatly valued and appreciated.The group is shown here with NEAMs interim director, Debbie Reed (front row, second from the left).

Many thanks to the New England Air Museum for this report, and to Harry Newman as well of course. It is exciting to see how well the Burnelli is moving forwards, and it will be great to see the last example of this innovative design on display in its completed form for the first time in more than half a century. For anyone wishing to know how they may contribute to this important project or to the museum itself, please click HERE to find out more.
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news, crime

Facebook and Instagram raised the alert about a Canberra man who was allegedly sharing child exploitation material in private messages, court documents suggest. Police arrested Ernest Henry Yardley, 33, at his parent's home in Gilmore on Tuesday. Documents tendered in court say that earlier this year federal police received two reports from a US-based organisation, the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. The reports were about information provided by Facebook and Instagram about child exploitation material being shared by users on their platforms. One related to Australian Instagram user yardleyernie allegedly sending a video file to an unknown person, and the second to an Australian Facebook user ernest.yardley.12 allegedly requesting an image from another user. On Tuesday, police searched Mr Yardley's Gilmore home and seized a mobile phone, an external hard drive, a tablet and a laptop after allegedly finding child exploitation images. They also searched a caravan described as Mr Yardley's second bedroom and found a Micro SD card and adaptor, which also allegedly contained child exploitation material. Mr Yardley denied knowledge of how the material came to be on his phone and suggested it could have been a Dropbox link or that he had been hacked. A prosecutor in the ACT Magistrates Court opposed Mr Yardley's release on bail, citing a likelihood he would not appear in court and interfere with evidence. Part of the prosecution's concern was that during the search Mr Yardley had on him a passport and several thousands of dollars in cash and had expressed existing plans to travel to America. But a Legal Aid lawyer said bail conditions would mitigate the risks. Magistrate Glenn Theakston agreed and freed Mr Yardley on bail on strict conditions including that he not be left alone in the house with any children. His passport had already been seized by police but Mr Yardley is also banned from going near airports, as well as using any device that connects to the internet. Mr Yardley is charged with five counts of possessing child exploitation material. He did not enter pleas. He is next due in court on February 27.

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news, crime

Graphic content: A convicted murderer was sentenced to 13 years in prison on Thursday for a range of other crimes, including forcing a dog to have sex with a 16-year-old girl. Justice Michael Elkaim of the ACT Supreme Court labelled the acts "so base they stretch the limits of morality". The court heard Jeffrey Lee, 49, had begun a relationship with a girl 27 years younger than him while she was 15 years old. Lee was convicted of two charges of sexual intercourse with a minor, three charges of bestiality, several assault charges and multiple counts of creating and distributing child pornography. The incidents occurred in 2012 and Lee pleaded guilty to all charges in 2017. Lee has been in prison since 2016 for murdering his stepfather. The court heard Lee took the 15 year old to Mount Taylor and Red Hill Lookout to engage in a range of sexual acts. Their relationship continued after the girl was 16 and was legally able to give consent. The acts of bestiality relate to a dog that Lee had access to. After consuming methamphetamine together, Lee convinced the girl to allow the dog to engage in sexual activity with her, while he watched. On another occasion, the girl was unconscious and Lee once again enabled the dog to engage in intercourse with her. The prosecutor described the relationship between Lee and the girl as being defined by child sexual abuse and escalating violence. On one occasion Lee plunged a fishing spear into the girl's arm during an argument. He pulled the spear out of her arm, bound the wound with socks and a bandage and refused to allow her to go to hospital. During a different incident Lee discovered the girl had used a tattoo gun she found in his home to tattoo two stars on her leg. He tried to cut the tattoo out of her with a knife. The girl has been left with lasting scars from both incidents. Lee faced nine charges extending from using the girl to create child pornography. Lee and the girl performed live sex shows broadcast online and he also took photographs of the naked girl. On one of the photographs scratch marks from the dog are visible on her. Lee was also convicted of a charge of conspiring to engage in bestiality. It stemmed from Lee and a man he met online sharing pornographic images of each other, some of which included a dog. The two men discussed plans to carry out sexual activity with a dog and Justice Elkaim declared the specific facts of the incident "dig down to the very depths of depravity". Lee's defence barrister Ken Archer said his client had led a normal life prior to the breakdown of his marriage in 2002. He said his client had become a heavy drug user, which had led to the "destruction of his moral compass". "He was pursuing interests and fetishes that were clearly not in the mainstream," Mr Archer said. Mr Archer tried to argue the girl, who was 16 at the time of the acts with the dog, had not been a victim in those instances but had also committed an offence. In sentencing, Justice Elkaim said the girl had suffered physical injuries but expected the psychological effects "upon her have been overwhelming and will probably dictate aspects of her life for very many years to come". He also said the impacts on the dog, whose health apparently deteriorated after the incidents, equated to animal cruelty. Justice Elkaim sentenced Lee for a total of 13 years imprisonment for the offences with a seven year non-parole period. However when taken into account with his sentence for murder Lee may only serve a further four years on top of his non-parole period.

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news, latest-news

Canberrans are facing the longest waits in the country to access residential aged care, with a median of 301 days between when an application is approved and a person enters an aged care home. The waiting period far surpasses that of any other state or territory; Western Australia's is the closest in comparison at 176 days, while people from NSW wait about 117 days, and Victorians wait about 90. More than half of ACT applicants approved by an aged care assessment team wait for over nine months to get into a facility, a report by the Productivity Commission has found. And for many families, that can be far too late. North Canberra resident Rennae Woodland says her mother Robyn was hospitalised in May last year in Albury after multiple illnesses led to falls, and those falls led to decreased mobility. She started to apply for residential facilities in Canberra on her mother's behalf and got approved in June, thinking that if they were closer together she would be there in the event of an incident. But despite the approval, 16 weeks in hospital went by, then an additional nine in respite, and there were still no availabilities. Ms Woodland, an only child, ended up accepting a permanent place in Albury for her mother - three-and-a-half hours from home. Her mother is still on the waiting list in Canberra. "The last time I called was the second week in January. They say she's still on the waiting list, but there's no availabilities," Ms Woodland said. "I remember they did say very blatantly at two open days that the onus was on people like me calling and nagging constantly, weekly, so we were at the front of their minds and more likely to get a place. "That was a bit of a shock." The toll on her family has been huge, Ms Woodland said. Along with her three-year-old and 19-year-old sons, she has had to organise the sale of her mother's house in order to pay for her care. She and her husband - a "team, going into this" - are still smoothing out the bumps in their marriage as a result of the stress, and she has had to sacrifice work to help her mother. "It hasn't really helped the relationship with my mum. It's not as easy as popping in at lunch time to see her - I have to arrange time off work," Ms Woodland said. "Chances are that mum's just going to stay in Albury because she's not mobile. We're now in the position where ... she would have to be transported by car into a new place and she would not be able to do that." Of the 830 people who entered residential care in the ACT in 2017-18, about one third did so within three months of their aged care assessment applications being approved. The median time elapsed, 301 days, is up from 228 days in 2016-17, and 185 days in 2015-16. A spokesperson for Canberra Health Services said there was no recommended time frame from application approval to when someone should enter residential care. Entry to residential care was based on bed availability, personal choice and preference - such as someone only wanting a particular suburb, or preferring a single room, the spokesperson said. Bed availability was the responsibility of the Commonwealth government rather than the ACT government, but measures had been introduced by the territory to keep Canberrans out of hospital, including delivering an orthogeriatric service to people who fractured a hip, the spokesperson said. "Older people who have an [aged care assessment] for aged care services and are approved for any type of aged care service including residential aged care may take up that care at a time of their choosing," the spokesperson said. "The approval is simply an option for that person, and many people do not take up care immediately after being approved. "We note the report does not provide detailed analysis on the types of residential beds available in the territory, and this may influence the type of places that are available for Canberra residents." Of the 264 people who got approved for home care packages in the ACT in 2017-18, 37 per cent had their services started within three months, while about 63 per cent waited for up to nine months. A spokesperson for Canberra Health Services said these waits could also be the result of personal choice or preference. The median elapsed wait time in 2017-18 for home care packages was 164 days, but the Productivity Commission says historical data is not comparable since the "increasing choice in home care" initiative was introduced in February 2017. The initiative sees consumers allocated a package, from levels one to four, and being given a list of providers to choose from, rather than providers being allocated a certain number of levelled spots. "The time frame between someones [aged care assessment] approval and access to a home care package is determined by the national home care package queue, governed by the Commonwealth. The ACT government has no influence over Canberrans access into this program," the spokesperson said. "The national queue for home care packages commenced in February 2017 and has had an impact on access to all levels of home care packages in the ACT region." Total federal and territory government spending on aged care services in the ACT was nearly $295 million in 2017-18, up from about $221 million in 2016-17. National government spending on aged care was about $18.4 billion in 2017-18, or $4572 per older person, which is up from about $17.6 billion in 2016-17. But ACT Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris insisted spending had dropped. "We know that the federal Liberal government has cut funding for aged care over the past two years," Ms Fitzharris said in a statement. "This has led to longer waiting times, and more needs to be done at a federal level to ensure Canberrans have access to aged care when they need it." Some Commonwealth government-funded programs have had their funding cut in the past two years, including veterans' community nursing. But overall, federal spending on aged care has increased. There were 61,997 older people who entered residential care nationally, and 24,156 people who commenced home care packages. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety began on January 18 this year, with a report due by April 2020.

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2019 will mean new dispatch building is open for business
It was announced last month that Realtime Technologies Space Systems Engineering Division has been awarded a 3.4m contract from German space company OHB System AG to design, develop and deliver the PayLoad Interface Unit (PLIU) for the European Space Agency (ESA) PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars (PLATO) mission that will be launched in 2026.



The PayLoad Interface Unit (PLIU), that will be designed and built by the team at Realtra and Realtime in Dublin, will be the largest space electronics hardware contribution and the largest ever single contract awarded to an Irish company for an ESA Science mission.



Realtime Technologies Ltd is an Irish-owned company, employing over 50 people, that was founded by Paddy White in 1996 as a supplier of printed circuit board assemblies to the global IT, aerospace, automotive and medical device sectors.



Welcoming the news, Minister for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, John Halligan said, "I am delighted to be here today to announce the signing of this significant contract between OHB System AG and Realtra to provide the PayLoad Interface Unit for ESAs PLATO mission. The awarding of this contract is a significant achievement for Realtra and demonstrates how Irish space companies can succeed in the delivery of cutting-edge space technologies."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is set to launch new housing scheme 2019 by the end of this month, suggested media report.

The scheme will mostly have one-bedroom flats and majority of them would be located in Narela and Bawana.

The authority will launch around 10,000 flats for the economically weaker section groups as flats for HIG (High Income Group) and MIG (Middle Income Group) are not yet complete, according to a Times of India report.

"We are trying our best to launch the housing scheme 2019 by the end of February, but no date has been finalised for the launch yet," Times of India quoted a senior DDA official as saying.

"However, the proposal for the housing scheme will have to be first placed at the authority's meeting, which will be chaired by lieutenant governor Anil Baijal. Only after the approval by the authority can the housing scheme be launched," he told TOI.

Also Read: RBI rate cut: If you have home loan of Rs 50 lakhs, your EMI may reduce by Rs 1,750

Earlier the authority was expected to launch a housing scheme in 2017, but it was not rolled out due to various reasons.

Here's all you need to know about DDA Housing Scheme 2019.

Eligibility
During the 1971 India-Pakistan War, the Indian Air Force deployed nearly 600 combat aircraft and lost around 70 aircraft. According to figures released by the IAF, around 50 per cent of the fighters were brought down by ground fire and around 30 per cent were lost in dogfights. Incredibly, a fifth of aircraft losses were not due to enemy action - during the 14 day conflict India was losing more than one aircraft daily in accidents.

Nearly five decades since that war, India's armed forces continue to have a poor air safety record and have experienced troubles with virtually every aircraft in its fleet. According to the Ministry of Defence, since 1963 more than 490 MiG-21s have been lost in crashes, resulting in the deaths of 171 pilots. The British made Jaguar also has an unusually high crash rate, and even the latest Russian Sukhoi Su-30s - each costing Rs 450 crore - aren't immune from accidents.

It is in this backdrop that the crash of the Mirage-2000 on February 1, leading to the tragic deaths of squadron leaders Siddhartha Negi and Samir Abrol, has once again focused attention on the IAF's safety record as well as the competence of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to service these jets. The French made jet that crashed at HAL Airport in Bangalore while the aircraft was taking off for an acceptance test flight after it had been upgraded by the public sector company.

Since the Mirage-2000 fleet is 34 years old, sections of the media and several observers have raised the possibility that the aircraft's age may have been a contributing factor. HAL's abilities - or the lack of them - have also been cited as one of the reasons for the crash. However, pinning the blame on any single organisation is a mistake because there are a number of stakeholders in the purchase, operation and maintenance of aircraft.

India isn't the only country to lose Mirage jets. Exactly a month back, on January 1, a French Air Force Mirage-2000 went off the radar while conducting a low-altitude training flight in eastern France. Days later the bodies of its two pilots were found in the plane's debris buried in the snow. In April 2018, a Hellenic Air Force Mirage-2000-5 crashed into the Aegean Sea, killing its pilot. In fact, Greece has lost a total of 13 Mirage-2000 jets in the last 29 years.

Attempting to pin the blame on aircraft age or HAL is futile because there are a number of factors that impact flying efficiency. Let's look at the different issues at play and what needs to be addressed to lower the accident rate.

Also read: US approves sale of two missile defence systems for Air India One

HAL: Myriad of problems

Those who take potshots at HAL for its allegedly shoddy products forget that the public sector undertaking once exported spares to a technologically advanced Western country. In 1962, the company inked a licensing arrangement with Aerospatiale of France to build the Lama (Cheetah) and Alouette III (Chetak) in India. In his book 'Military Industry and Regional Defense Policy: India, Iraq and Israel' military historian Timothy D. Hoyt writes that HAL eventually built 300 Chetaks, "and by 1966 the French were buying spares from HAL".

Four decades before it developed the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft, HAL had built India's first jet fighter, the HF-24 Marut. Like any developmental aircraft, the Marut too had teething issues, which were hardly insurmountable. The way forward would have been for the IAF to accept limited numbers of the initial version and then wait for HAL to build better iterations. This is called the incremental or ladder approach in which the weapons system gets better with each generation.

However, in 1975 production was halted - barely 20 years after the decision to begin development. The culprit was the Soviet Union which convinced India to licence build the MiG-21 aircraft in India. However, HAL could never build a fully 100 per cent MiG-21 because its production always required procurement of some parts from the Soviet Union. In the end, HAL was not allowed to build the Marut and neither was it able to master the MiG-21. It was a clear case of external sabotage coupled with internal acquiescence.

HAL can only be as good as it's allowed to be. Being a PSU, it faces a myriad of problems that state owned companies generally suffer - political interference, bureaucratic inertia, mismanagement of resources, job reservations and corruption.

This doesn't mean HAL isn't accountable. A newly upgraded Mirage-2000 exploding at takeoff is a scene straight out of a B-Grade Bollywood flick, but the fact that it happened is a pointer to the notorious 'chalta hai' attitude that exists in India's government sector.

According to Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey, Former Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Training Command, one of the contributory factors to the poor quality of output by HAL especially on aircraft engines is the rush to meet with production targets towards the end of the financial year. "In one particular year, HAL overhauled four engines of the MiG-29 aircraft in the first six months of the financial year," he writes inMilitary, Aerospace and Internal. "However, in the last three months of the same financial year, under pressure to meet with deadlines, the Indian aerospace major completed overhaul of four engines. Compression of time by 50 per cent would have undoubtedly had deleterious effect on the quality of work output."

Another example of the inefficiencies inherent in HAL can be seen in the production of the Su-30, which HAL licence builds in India. The original Russian aircraft costs Rs 350 crore but its price shoots up to Rs 450 crore when built at HAL. But more serious from a war fighting point of view is that the Sukhoi's availability rate (aircraft available for immediate combat) is just 55 per as opposed to the minimum stipulated 70 per cent to meet operational tasks. This means on any given day, only half of the IAF's 272 frontline fighter jet are ready for missions, as the remaining are grounded for repair and maintenance due to delay in supply of spare parts.

In such a scenario, aircraft cannibalisation is a common practice worldwide. Compared with MiGs, Sea Harriers and Jaguars, the Mirage-2000 has one of the best safety records in the IAF fleet, but whether individual aircraft are being cannibalised will only be known once the current inquiry is over.

Clearly, a confluence of factors is responsible for all that's wrong at HAL. While PSU chiefs, unions and workers will come and go, the sufferer is the IAF. As former navy chief and 1971 War hero Arun Prakash concluded after the Mirage crash: "HAL bashing may be justified to a point, but (it's) time to question elected (representatives) too; 35 defence ministers have overseen this giant defence PSU since 1947. While pampering its union, none demanded quality, productivity and aeronautical innovation of HAL, or hand-picked a dynamic CEO."

Also read: Lockheed Martin offers to shift fighter aircraft F-16 production from US to India

Intense training

The IAF is among the few air forces in the world that conduct intense, year-round training. Benjamin Lambeth of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace says the IAF trains for a "high intensity, high stakes" conflict. Keeping in mind the possibility of a two-front war, the IAF puts its pilots and aircraft through the wringer.

Mock air combat can involve hundreds of aircraft flying thousands of kilometres. Last year's Gaganshakti 2018 saw the participation of large numbers of Sukhois, Jaguars, MiG-29s, Mirage-2000s, MiG-21s, Hawk and even the Tejas. The IAF also carried out long-range strike missions over the extended area of the Indian Ocean Region. In a previous war game in 2013, Sukhois flew 1,800 km bombing missions from Chabua in Assam to the western front, with mid-air refuelling. In fact, IAF pilots are known to lead missions over 10 hours in their Sukhois.

Such training places a great deal of stress on aircraft, pilots and air crews, which means potentially more accidents. But that's the way the IAF trains for war. In fact, a former air force chief has gone on record that he would rather lose pilots during training than during war.

The strategy has been amply rewarded. In the 1971 War, for instance, the IAF was able to conduct a wide range of missions - troop support; air combat; deep penetration strikes; para-dropping behind enemy lines; feint runs to draw enemy fighters away from the actual target; and reconnaissance.

In contrast, the Pakistan Air Force, which was solely focused on air combat, was blown out of the subcontinent's skies within the first week of the war. Those PAF aircraft that survived took refuge at Iranian air bases or in concrete bunkers, refusing to offer a fight.

Similarly, the PLAAF has nearly 2,000 planes, but only a fraction of the peace-time accident rate. According to Foreign Policy, "(Chinese) pilots are neither trusted nor properly trained. Drills are regimented, centrally controlled, and divorced from realistic combat conditions."

A PLAAF fighter pilot would most likely be reprimanded if he deviated from the flight plan set by his commanders. Losing a plane would be cause for a court martial. Thankfully, the IAF does not believe in having robots but values superior training and innovation. IAF pilots have truly internalised what Sergei Dolgushin, a Russian Air Force ace with 24 victories in World War II, said is a prerequisite to be a successful fighter pilot: "A love of hunting, a great desire to be the top dog." Such aggressive is what makes the IAF one of the world's most respected and feared air forces but it comes with a price - the occasional accident.

Harsh environment

Harsh is normal in India. The tropics are an unforgiving environment for any aircraft, especially European designed aircraft that were designed, tested and built to fly in completely different weather conditions. The hot air of the tropics means aircraft engines produce less thrust and the wing produce less lift compared with similar aircraft flying in European skies. Sun baked runways are also known to impact landing safety. These are factors IAF pilots have to live with.

Bird hits are another huge factor in aircraft accidents over India. The IAF attributes around 10 per cent of accidents to bird hits. Most IAF bases are located near populated areas, where birds are a constant menace. Take the Hindon Air Force Station, east of Delhi, which is a C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft base. When it was built in the middle of the last century it was the middle of nowhere, but today it is surrounded by thickly populated housing colonies.

The situation has got so dire that the IAF has issued global bids for 45 bird detection and monitoring radar systems to be installed at airports and air bases across India.

Depleted air force

The IAF's fleet strength is currently down to 29 squadrons or less than 600 warplanes - the same number of aircraft the service had 50 years ago. The sanctioned number is 42 squadrons. In a country as vast as India, with multiple threats, such depletion in fighter numbers means fewer aircraft have to perform more missions to get the same job done. The IAF is therefore forced to keep older aircraft such as the MiG-21 in its fleet well past their use by date. It also means aircraft are spending less than the required down time in maintenance hangars.

Fleet shortages are primarily because of decision making delays by the political leadership. The worst example is the 10-year tenure of former Defence Minister A.K. Antony during which procurement reached its nadir. The drawn-out fighter competition that finally led to the current drama over the Rafale took more than 10 years.

This is where induction of more locally built LCA Tejas and Su-30s can mitigate the fighter crunch. However, HAL's erratic production isn't helping. Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhano told the media in October 2018: "Additional production of the Su-30 is delayed by over two years and LCA production commitment (has been delayed) by over six years."

Silver lining

The good news is that aircraft crashes have shown a declining trend over the past few years. The Indian armed forces lost as many as 264 fighter aircraft from 2000 to 2015 or an entire squadron (approximately 18 aircraft) in each of those years. However, during the period 2014-17, the collective aircraft losses of the IAF, army and navy fell to around seven per year. "India has reduced its military aircraft crash rate by over fifty percent in the last decade," says Strategy Page.

Bringing the crash rate down to US or European levels should be the goal. While the armed forces are clearly doing their best under the circumstances, it needs to be kept in mind that military aviation will never be crash-free. Military aviators push their aircraft to their limits - test pilots even more. Intense dogfight manoeuvres during mock combat place a huge strain on both men and machine and this is often a contributory factor in crashes. As India phases out older combat aircraft, and acquires modern jets and trainers, the crash rate is bound to come down. Continuous upgrading of the fleet is the only way to ensure fleet safety.

(Rakesh Krishnan Simha is a New Zealand-based defence and foreign affairs analyst)
The Central Bureau of Investigation has sent summons to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in relation to the investigation in the Saradha chit fund scam. Kumar has been asked to report to the Shillong headquarters of the probe agency on February 9. The place has been selected by the Supreme Court for being a neutral venue. The CBI has already formed a team of 10 officials, include a Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent rank officials to look into the Saradha chit fund scam.

The development comes after a showdown between the central agency and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on February 1 after a team of CBI officials, en route to take Kumar in custody, was apprehended by Kolkata police. Following the tussle with Kolkata police, and much political brouhaha, the CBI had approached the apex court with a contempt plea. In its judgement on Tuesday, the Supreme Court had asked Kolkata's Commissioner of Police to cooperate in the investigation and appear before the CBI at its Shillong offices.

Earlier, the CBI had alleged Kumar of tampering with the evidence in the Saradha scam and even dubbed him a potential accused in the matter. It said in an affidavit to the top court that Kumar tampered with call records related to the case, and sought permission to submit incriminating evidence in a sealed cover.

In this affidavit, the CBI stated that it was investigating "inaction", "selective action" and a "police and chit fund nexus". The probe agency went to claim the special investigation team (SIT) was used to shield chit fund firms like Saradha, Rose Valley and Tower Group. The CBI alleged that these companies gave huge contributions, including payments by cheque, to the party in power in West Bengal.
Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani Wednesday said the textiles ministry alongwith the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) will identify powerloom clusters in the country and go ahead in a big way for skilling of powerloom sector. "CMAI, along with its members, has resolved that in conjunction with the textiles ministry, powerloom clusters will be identified from which adequate resources for retail businesses will procured, with assistance to powerloom weavers by the government," Irani said at a function here.

The government is going to go ahead in a big way for skilling of powerloom sector, in synergy with CMAI, she said. Textiles secretary Raghvendra Singh recalled that MoUs were recently signed with industry players wherein government will facilitate sourcing of handloom products from handloom clusters, based on requirements of industry, so that cost of production comes down for weavers.

He said that specific discussions were held today with CMAI members, and it has been decided that government and industry will work together for enhancing income of weavers and generating employment. Textiles minister also launched 'India Size' project and study of Apparel Consumption in India, at the event. A first-of-its-kind project, India Size aims to arrive at a standard Indian size for the ready-to-wear clothing industry, on the lines of the standardized sizes available in countries such as the US and the UK.

Also read: Salaried people take note! Here's how you can pay zero tax on income up to Rs 10 lakh

A size chart that is specific to Indian consumers' measurements will be developed. This will help Indian apparel manufacturers to tailor their cuts closer to the actual body measurements of consumers. The India Size project will benefit manufacturers, consumers and will also generate data for textile ministry. The minister also launched a study of Apparel Consumption in India. Representing over 45,000 apparel manufacturers and retailers, CMAI will be conducting a study spread across three to six months, for arriving at an accurate assessment of the total apparel consumption in the country, thereby resulting in more accurate business projections, better marketing strategies and investment into the industry.

The study aims to bridge the lack of accurate and reliable data on the size, spread, and extent of the domestic market. The study will attempt to come up with region-wise and product category-wise consumption patterns in the country, to arrive at a statistically reliable database, which could then become the foundation to study growth patterns in the coming year. The report would be ready for release by July 2019.

Also read: Government defers plan to tax mobile touch panel imports
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries has said that he plans to further invest Rs 10,000 crore in the digital space of the state. Speaking at the fifth edition of The Bengal Global Business Summit 2019, Ambani said that they are the biggest investor in the digital space of West Bengal with Rs 28,000 crore so far. The company's investments in the state already account for one-tenth of the total investments in the country so far, he added. The plan to invest Rs 10,000 crore more is already under implementation. He added that in 2016 when he first attended the summit, Reliance's investment in the state was to the tune of Rs 4,500 crore.

Ambani spoke about Reliance Industries' role in the development of West Bengal. The Reliance Industries Chairman said that their aim to cover 100% of the state's population with the Jio network is "progressing at a fast pace" and that they aim to meet their goal within 2019. He also said that they plan to transform every home in West Bengal into a smart home and that Jio's Gigafiber project to this end "has progressed well".

Mukesh Ambani also brought up Reliance Retail and said that the company operates 500 stores and 46 Petro Retail Outlets across 400 cities and towns of the state. He added, "West Bengal is poised to become the logistics hub of the East with plans to attract investments of Rs 5,000 crore by 2020. This can create direct and indirect jobs for 50,000 people.

"Jio and Reliance Retail will shortly launch a unique New Commerce platform, which will bring win-win benefits to consumers, retailers and producers. Across the country, this platform will enrich and empower as many as 3 crore small shopkeepers," said Mukesh Ambani.

Ambani mentioned that they have also set up Jio Points, which are direct distribution channels that will cater to the growing rural market. There are already 350 Jio Points in Bengal, which the company is targeting to increase to 1,000 by the end of the year.

He then thanked the state government for allotting land for their Data Centre project in Kolkata. "I assure you that we will implement this project speedily and make it as good as the ones in Silicon Valley," Ambani added.

Ambani took the stage to congratulate CM Mamata Banerjee for transforming West Bengal into "Best Bengal". "Bengal's GDP has crossed Rs 10 lakh crore. It was less than Rs 4 lakh crore at the beginning of this decade, when you took reins of this state in your able hands," he added.

Mukesh Ambani finally added, "The deepening and broadening of relationship between Bengal and Reliance will continue for years to come. Reliance's commitment to be an unflinching partner in your dream of a Shonar Bangla is unassailable."

(Edited by Anwesha Madhukalya)

Also read: Reliance Infrastructure share price falls over 23% as Q3 earnings fail to cheer investors
The UN human rights investigator leading the international inquiry into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said evidence showed he was a victim of "a brutal and premeditated killing, planned and perpetrated by officials of the state of Saudi Arabia".

Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard said on Thursday her three-member team had access to part of "chilling and gruesome audio material" of the murder obtained by Turkish intelligence agencies.

Saudi Arabia also "seriously undermined" Turkey's efforts to investigate Khashoggi's killing at its Istanbul consulate, said a UN statement, Al Jazeera reports.

"Woefully inadequate time and access was granted to Turkish investigators to conduct a professional and effective crime-scene examination and search required by international standards for investigation," Callamard said.
In another round of interrogation, the Enforcement Directorate will question Robert Vadra at 10AM on Thursday. Reports suggest interrogators were not satisfied with Vadra's answers during the interrogation on Wednesday, specifically his claim that he does not own properties in question, including two houses worth several lakh each and six other flats. Before his grilling, his wife Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also accompanied him to the ED office and left. The businessman was asked several questions related to his alleged links to defence and petroleum kickbacks for over six hours.

Vadra's lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan on Wednesday said his client had given an undertaking that he would appear before the ED whenever he would be summoned. During the gruelling question-and-answer session, Vadra reportedly answered around 40 questions related to properties allegedly owned by him, his relation to other accused in the money laundering case and charges of kickbacks received in petroleum and defence deal during UPA regime. His statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Also read: What are the allegations against Robert Vadra?

In his statement issued later, Vadra refuted the charges of owning multiple immovable properties in London levelled against him by the ED. During the bail trial before Delhi's Patiala House Court, the agency said it had discovered mansions and several apartments worth Rs 112 crore in total, which were allegedly owned by Vadra.

Also read: No properties in London; no ties with Sanjay Bhandari, Sumit Chaddha: Robert Vadra during ED interrogation

During the questioning, Vadra also denied having business ties with arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari and his cousin Sumit Chadda. He did acknowledge that he knew Manoj Arora, whom he said used to work for him. He, however, added Arora had never written an e-mail on his behalf. This was in relation to the e-mail trail between Vadra and Bhandari, which ED posed before Vadra during the questioning. The e-mail thread in question showed the two talking about refurbishing a London property, which the agency believes is owned by Vadra.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also come out in support of Robert Vadra by terming the questioning of son-in-law of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi by the ED as an "attempt to stop the opposition parties to unite", reported ANI.

Rober Vadra's wife, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who recently joined active politics, said: "Everybody knows what's happening." While accompanying him to the office, she said: "He is my husband, he is my family... I support my family," Priyanka had said in a show of support to Vadra.

Also read: BJP finally opens fire! Robert Vadra is the target as Priyanka Gandhi enters politics
Diehl Aviation has opened an engineering and support center (ESC) in Debrecen, Hungary. The site has been in development since 2016, and will complement a production site in Nyirbator in supporting the divisions development and production activities in Hungary.

Until recently, all support for engineering, administration, program management, customer services and procurement was chiefly located in Germany. By 2020, up to 150 employees will be based at the Lion Office in southeast Debrecen.

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Diehl Aviation says the decision to establish the site in Debrecen was based on the citys cost advantages, its proximity to the Nyirbator production site, the opportunity to work closely with the local university and the economic-cultural environment of the region.

Diehl Aviation and Diehl Aerospace (a joint venture with Thales) supply aircraft systems and cabin solutions. Currently, Diehl Aviation employs more than 5,400 people. Customers include Airbus (for both aircraft and helicopters), Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer, as well as airlines and operators of commercial and corporate jets.
By Pete Schroeder and Michelle PriceWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Court, avoid or sideline? Barely a month into the new Congress, financial lobbyists in Washington are already strategizing how to handle the star power of rookie Democrat lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.The Democratic Socialist and Wall Street critic joined the 60-member House Financial Services Committee in mid-January and more than a dozen lobbyists interviewed by Reuters say the 29-year-old activist and former bartender is too high-profile to ignore.Richard Hunt, chief executive of the Consumer Bankers Association, said he had ...
By Jeff Mason and Steve HollandWASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are unlikely to meet before a March 1 deadline set by their governments to reach a trade deal, U.S. officials said on Thursday. China and the United States had taken a 90-day hiatus in their trade war to hammer out an agreement, and another round of talks scheduled for next week in Beijing.White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters on Thursday that the leaders of the two economic superpowers could still meet later."At some point the two presidents will meet, that ...
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are unlikely to meet before their countries' March 1 deadline to reach a trade deal, two U.S. administration officials and a source familiar with the negotiations said on Thursday. The countries had taken a 90-day hiatus in their trade war to hammer out a deal, and another round of talks is scheduled for next week in China. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters on Thursday that the leaders of the two economic superpowers could still meet later."At some point the two presidents will meet, ...
President Donald Trump said on Thursday he did not plan to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping before a March 1 deadline set by the two countries to achieve a trade deal. Asked by a reporter whether there would be a meeting before the deadline, Trump said: "No." When asked whether there would be a meeting in the next month or so, Trump said: "Not yet. Maybe." The remarks confirmed comments from administration officials who said the two men were unlikely to meet before the deadline, dampening hopes of a quick trade pact and sparking a drop in U.S stock ...
ZURICH (Reuters) - Swisscom said it faced "fierce" competition with global internet companies while reporting 2018 net profit that matched expectations amid looming market consolidation in Switzerland.The internet, mobile phone and digital television provider reported net profit down 3 percent to 1.52 billion Swiss francs ($1.52 billion), matching estimates in an Infront Data poll.The company, which is 51 percent owned by the Swiss government, proposed paying an unchanged dividend of 22 francs per share, in line with its previous guidance. It also plans the same payout for 2019 if it reaches ...
By Amanda CooperLONDON (Reuters) - Oil steadied on Thursday as growing expectations that global supply could fall significantly short of demand this year lent support, offsetting the negative impact of a rise in U.S. inventories.Brent crude oil futures were last down 12 cents at $62.57 a barrel by 1022 GMT, while U.S. crude futures were down 7 cents at $53.94 a barrel.The oil price came under pressure earlier in the day following weekly data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration on Wednesday that showed an unwelcome increase in stocks of crude oil. Still, some analysts were ...
By Byron Kaye and Paulina DuranSYDNEY (Reuters) - The chief executive and chairman of Australia's fourth-largest bank NAB are quitting, the biggest scalps following a major inquiry that levelled blistering criticism at the country's financial sector for widespread misconduct.After a year-long inquiry that exposed a culture of greed in the financial sector, the Royal Commission this week issued a final report that singled out the National Australia Bank (NAB) chiefs for their apparent unwillingness to accept responsibility for past wrongs at the lender.The departures of NAB CEO Andrew Thorburn ...
By Iain Withers and Kirstin RidleyLONDON (Reuters) - A former Petrofac executive has pleaded guilty to eleven counts of bribery in an ongoing investigation, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) said on Thursday, triggering a 20 percent fall in the British oil and gas firm's shares.David Lufkin, ex-global head of sales for Petrofac International Ltd, was convicted over corrupt attempts by Petrofac to secure deals worth more than $730 million in Iraq and more than $3.5 billion in Saudi Arabia, the SFO said.The 51-year-old Briton will be sentenced at a later date. His lawyer did not immediately ...
A Syrian soldier was killed and another was wounded when militants opened fire from the Idlib de-escalation zone, the head of the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria, Lieutenant General Sergei Solomatin said.

"Over the past 24 hours, militants operating in the Idlib de-escalation zone shelled Zahra in the Aleppo province, killing a servicemen of the Syrian Armed Forces and injuring another," TASS cited him as saying.

According to Solomatin, Russian reconciliation center had handed out 500 food sets to people in need in Arbid during a humanitarian mission.

"Since the beginning of settlement process, the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides has carried out 2,057 humanitarian missions. A total weight of the humanitarian cargoes has amounted to 3,249.4 tonnes," the head of the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria added.
By Philip BlenkinsopBRUSSELS (Reuters) - ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaker, forecast on Thursday a moderate expansion in global steel demand in 2019 after a healthy market drove its 2018 earnings to their highest in a decade.But its shares slid 3 percent, as analysts said a fall in steel prices and tighter margins had yet to feed into figures for the company that is battling global overcapacity and is facing the risk of an economic slowdownThe company said it expected demand to grow by 0.5 to 1 percent this year after rising 2.8 percent in 2018."Although this is a more moderate ...
Assam government Thursday informed the Assembly that it would not tolerate efforts to create communal disturbance in the state and assured the members of maintaining peace at any cost.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said the Home department is keeping a strict vigil in this direction after AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam alleged that attempts are on to engineer a communal riot in the state.

"If anyone tries to disturb the peace of Assam, we will not tolerate it. We are taking all precautions to avoid any untoward incident," Patowary replied on behalf of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal who holds the Home portfolio.

He said Assam did not witness any Hindu-Muslim clash even after the demolition of the Babri Masjid when communal riots took place in many states.

"It is our responsibility to maintain peace. We assure you that it (riots) will never take place. It is the land of Sankardeva and Aajan Fakir," Patowary said.

Sankardeva was a 15th century Hindu socio-religious reformer while Aajan Fakir was a 17th century Sufi poet and Muslim preacher.

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) member had alleged that 8-10 people of Dhing constituency have been trying to create communal tension by various means such as throwing meat inside a temple and abusing Muslims for this.

"Because of our initiative with the local police, nothing untoward has happened yet. People are also very sensitive and tolerant. But you never know when something wrong may take place. So, I request the government to take strict action against those people," Islam added.

Patowary said Dhing police station has already registered a case and a probe is on to nab the culprits.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders said Thursday that Iranian authorities arrested, jailed and sometimes executed 1.7 million people around the capital Tehran alone in the first 30 years after the 1979 Islamic revolution.

The organisation revealed its count that included regime opponents, Baha'is and other religious minorities and at least 860 journalists.

The group said at a conference that its information was based on a confidential file of judicial proceedings obtained by whistleblowers.

The file registering judicial procedures contains details on some 1.7 million people, including minors, locked up in Evin prison in the first three decades of the Islamic regime that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, shaking the region and the world.

Among the journalists, at least four were executed, according to RSF, as the watchdog group is known. The organization noted that the detailed



Iranian file never mentions the professional status of individuals, suggesting this made it easier for the regime to claim it wasn't holding journalists or, more broadly, prisoners of conscience.

RSF set up a committee that combed through the Iranian file. It is headed by 2003 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian human rights lawyer.

The file reveals some previously undisclosed information, RSF said, "After months of verification, we have identified in these files of 1.7 million records, the cases of at least 61,940 political prisoners during the period of 1979 until 2009, only in Tehran," said Christophe Deloire, head of RSF. Of these, 520 were aged between 15 and 18, he said.

Deloire said the files show the "relentless machinations" used "to persecute men and women for their opinions or their reporting."



RSF is referring "these state lies" to the U.N. human rights commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, "so that Iran can be held to account," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has expressed shock over public prosecutors "missing" hearings in the journalist Soumya Vishwanathan case and directed the chief secretary to issue "show cause notice" to those prosecutors, officials said.

The bereaved parents of the TV journalist, who was shot dead more than 10 years ago, had knocked the door of the chief minister, seeking speedy trial and justice for her.

The chief minister has taken a strong note of the Vishwanathan case, a senior government official said.

"He (Kejriwal) has also directed Chief Secretary Vijay Dev to issue show cause notice to the public prosecutors who missed the hearings," the official said.

The chief minister has said it is shocking to hear that they missed hearings.

Kejriwal has also directed to appoint a good special public prosecutor in consultation with the Home Ministry immediately, he added.

In a letter to the CM, Soumya's father, M K Vishwanathan, had written that he and his family were tired of the "hollow assurances" from authorities, and expressed hope from a "concrete response" from him.

Five people were arrested in 2009 on the charges of murder and are presently in custody. The trial in the case is going on in the Delhi's Saket district court for the last 10 years.

"We are seriously concerned about both, the pace at which the trial is moving as well as the quality of efforts being put in the proceedings by the prosecution.

"Hollow assurances from authorities have tired us out and we sincerely hope for a concrete response from you at the earliest," her father said.

He said the recent change in the "public prosecutor has raised our concerns as he, once again, was absent from the court on the date of the last hearing (Feb 2)".

Unlike the first prosecutor on the case, the current and the previous public prosecutors have been "unresponsive" in giving any updates to his family on the progress in the case, M K Vishwanathan said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the second time on Thursday in connection with a moneylaundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets.

He arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11:25 am.

Vadra was grilled for five-and-a half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday.

Officials said Vadra was required to rejoin probe on Thursday as more questions needed to be put across to him in connection with acquiring immovable assets in United Kingdom.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Robert Vadra, chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, appeared before the for the second day on Thursday in connection with a probe into allegations that he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

Vadra, who was grilled for five-and-a-half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday, arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central at about 11:25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers.

Officials said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the United Kingdom.

His statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Act (PMLA) as was done Wednesday, they added.

He was asked about a dozen questions by a team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case.

His appearance before the ED on Wednesday acquired political overtones with his wife Priyanka Gandhi, appointed general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanying him to the investigating agency's office. She took charge of her new post at the Congress' headquarters on Akbar Road after that.

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: Court gives interim protection from arrest to Robert Vadra till February 16

This is the first time that Vadra is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

On February 2, he was directed by a court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the case.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

"All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan told reporters.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency also told the court that it has received information about various new properties in which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others.

The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against absconding defence dealer

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra on Wednesday to attack the and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime.

Vadra is also supposed to be present before the ED on February 12 in in another money laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The had directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.
The United States has called on all sides in Nigeria including the military to ensure that next week's election is "free from outside pressure and intimidation."



Amid mounting tensions over potential violence and vote-rigging, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Thursday said the February 16 vote offered "an opportunity for Nigeria to solidify its place as a democratic leader in Africa."



"The United States government supports a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election that reflects the will of the Nigerian people," Pompeo said in a statement.

"Nigerian security services must provide a safe and secure environment for the Nigerian people to exercise their rights. Those who interfere in the electoral process or incite violence must be held to account," he said.

Fraud accusations and violence have marred elections since civilian rule was restored in 1999 in Africa's most populous country, although observers say the last vote in 2015 that elected President Muhammadu Buhari were generally fair.

Buhari is running for a second term against former vice president Atiku Abubakar, whose main opposition party has accused the ruling forces of trying to rig the vote.

Buhari's All Progressives Congress has in turn accused the opposition of fomenting unrest.

Defense spokesman John Agim earlier Thursday promised that the military would remain neutral in the election.

The United States has built political and economic relations with Nigeria since the restoration of democracy and in recent years has been especially involved in supporting its fight against Boko Haram extremists.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US is speaking out against religious persecution around the world, President Donald Trump said on Thursday, asserting that his administration has taken historic action to protect religious liberty



"As president, I will always cherish, honour and protect the believers who uplift our communities and sustain our nation to ensure that people of faith can always contribute to our society. My administration has taken historic action to protect religious liberty," Trump said in his address to the national prayer breakfast.

Addressing the annual gathering of religious and faith leaders from across the world, he said his administration is working to ensure that faith-based adoption agencies are able to help vulnerable children find their forever families while following their deeply-held beliefs.

"My administration is also speaking out against religious persecution around the world, including against religious minorities, Christians and the Jewish community," the US President said, amidst applause from the audience.

This week, he appointed Elan Carr as a new special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism.

Trump said his administration is also continuing to fight for American hostages who have been imprisoned overseas for their religious beliefs.

"Last October we reached an agreement with Turkey to release Pastor Andrew Brunson who is now free and joins us here this morning," he said.

Noting that to protect the dignity and worth of every person, his administration has taken historic action to combat human trafficking, Trump said that last year he directed the State Department to cut off development aid to nations that do not demonstrate a commitment to ending human trafficking in their own countries.

"We are fighting every day to stop the tragedy of human trafficking all along our Southern border. Together we will end the scourge of modern day slavery that because of the internet is at levels that nobody can believe," he said.

"The internet came along, and some good things happened, but some very bad things happened, and this is one of them. As part of our commitment to building a just and loving society, we must build a culture that cherishes the dignity and sanctity of innocent human life," Trump said.

Referring to his State of the Union address, Trump said "there is no limit to what we could achieve if we follow the path of cooperation, compromise and common good."



America's potential is unlimited because its extraordinary people are just something that is number one no matter where one goes.

"We have people, they love our country, and they love their faith," he said.

"America is a nation that believes in redemption. Every day the people in this room demonstrate the power of faith to transform lives, heal communities and lift up the forgotten. Some of those in this room are among the Muslim and Christian faith leaders, from Minnesota who partnered to send millions of meals to Somalia last year," Trump said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Coming out in support of scholar more than 600 scholars from top US and European universities have issued a joint statement urging the governments of and to bring the alleged "witch-hunt" to an immediate halt.

Protesting against the "false allegations" against Teltumbde, the statement issued on Wednesday "strongly" condemned the threat of Teltumbde's imminent arrest calling him distinguished scholar, civil rights activist, and one of India's leading intellectuals.

Admired by many as an organic intellectual of the community, his writings have contributed immensely to critical debates on democracy, globalisation and social justice, the statement said.

"Teltumbde's house was illegally searched by the police on August 28, 2018," the statement said issued by Indian Civil Watch (ICW), a collective of scholars from major Universities like Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Oxford and the London School of Economics among others.

"The state and central governments then acted in concert to concoct manifestly baseless charges against Dr. Teltumbde, and have threatened him with arrest under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) Act, a draconian law that allows the state to suspend a citizen's right to a fair trial and detain him or her indefinitely," it added.

"Such dangerous allegations against one of India's leading and most prolific public intellectuals is a grave attack on democracy and civil liberties, and urgent redress is necessary," it said further.

Prominent among those who have signed the petition, include Elizabeth Woods of Yale, Cornel West and Doris Sommer of Harvard, Robin Kelley and Eric Sheppard of UCLA, Mriganka Sur of MIT, and Cindi Katz of the City University of New York.

"The 600 odd signatures came in like an avalanche over 72 hours," said Prof. Raja Swamy, spokesperson for ICW, the North America based group that initiated the petition.

Among the reputed scholars who have signed the statement include Partha Chatterjee and Akeel Bilgrami of Columbia University, Thomas Bloom-Hansen of Stanford, Rajeshwari Sundar Rajan and David Ludden of New York University, and Barbara Harris-White and Karin Kapadia of to name a few.

"The depth of support among South Asianists for Dr. Teltumbde and the Bhima Koregaon 12 is indicative of the sense of alarm and concern over the government's abuse of law and order to target the most dedicated civil rights activists and gifted intellectuals of Indian society," said Sangeeta Kamat of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Congressional Democrats have unveiled an unprecedented plan to reverse climate change and eliminate all US carbon emissions within 10 years, by taking drastic steps that would require transformational action across the economy.

The "Green New Deal" introduced by liberal congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a rising Democratic star in the House, and Senator Ed Markey on Thursday is a dramatic, potentially unrealistic, statement of intent on a sustainable path forward.

"This is our first step," Ocasio-Cortez told reporters.

"Today is the day we choose to assert ourselves as a global leader in transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy and charting that path."



The plan does not detail exactly how America will wean itself off of fossil fuels, or how much the ambitious transformation will cost.

The Republican Party hammered the deal as a "socialist wish list" which could cost upwards of $2 trillion.

The non-binding resolution is effectively a blueprint of dramatic action -- it proposes "upgrading all existing buildings" in the country, for example -- that could be taken to address climate change.

It is already playing a role on the 2020 presidential campaign trail, with progressive Democratic hopefuls including Senators Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren expressing support.

"The green generation has risen up, and they are saying they want this issue solved," Markey said.

"So this is going to enter the 2020 election cycle as one of the top two or three issues."



The ambitious goal, according to the measure, is to achieve "net-zero greenhouse gas emissions," in part by meeting 100 percent of the power demand through clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who appeared to brush off the resolution as a "green dream" the day before, welcomed the "enthusiasm" with which Democrats were engaging in pushing the framework.

The measure has dozens of sponsors, none of them Republican.

The goal to become carbon neutral within a decade will most likely prove exceedingly ambitious, given the oil and gas industry's deep entrenchment in the global economy.

One critical factor will be the buy-in of President Donald Trump, who pulled the US out of the Paris climate accord, as is seen by Democrats as the world's most prominent climate-change denier.

The Paris deal saw nations agree to limit global temperature rises this century to below two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), and under 1.5C if possible.

Failure to meet those goals, scientists have said, could result in irreversible sea level rise, disastrous droughts and higher temperatures.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sputnik news agency launched a 24/7 Farsi-language newswire at a multimedia press conference in Moscow devoted to the event .

The press conference brought together Rossiya Segodnya Director General Dmitry Kiselev, Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Mehdi Sanaei and deputy director of the Russian Foreign Ministrys Second Asia Department Maxim Baranov.

Sputnik Farsi News Service is a 24/7 newswire in Farsi for professional journalists, corporations and the diplomatic community, as well as those who want to keep abreast of the latest world news.

The newswire contains news articles, reports, analytical reviews, as well as interviews and exclusive comments of Russian and foreign officials and representatives of international organisations to Sputnik correspondents from around the world. Sputnik Farsi offers a wide range of news content about politics, economy, security, and culture, Sputnik reported.
The United States on Wednesday blocked a proposed UN Security Council statement expressing regret over Israel's decision to end an international observer force in the West Bank city of Hebron, diplomats said.

Kuwait and Indonesia had circulated the draft statement following a closed-door council meeting during which many countries expressed concern about the Israeli move.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that he would not renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), accusing the mission led by Norway of bias.

The 64-member team of unarmed observers was established in Hebron following a massacre of Palestinians in 1994.

The proposed statement was to express the Security Council's "regret" about Israel's "unilateral decision" and call for "calm and restraint" in Hebron, according to the text seen by AFP.

It stressed "the importance of the mandate of the TIPH and its efforts to foster calm in a highly sensitive area and fragile situation on the ground, which risks further deteriorating, as reflected in the escalating cycle of violence."



The text warned Israel that it has an obligation under international law "to protect the Palestinian civilian population in Hebron" as well as the rest of the occupied territories.

The United States, which has firmly defended Israel's policies at the United Nations, moved quickly to block the proposed response, diplomats said.

Council statements require unanimous approval.

Kuwait's Ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi said the council would discuss a proposed visit to the Israeli occupied territories for a close-up look at the situation on the ground.

The Hebron mission is tasked with promoting a sense of security for Palestinians in Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank.

Hebron is holy to both Muslims and Jews and has been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

At least 600 Jewish settlers live under heavy military guard in the city, which is home to around 200,000 Palestinians.

Israeli settlements are seen as illegal under international law and a major obstacle to peace, as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US has agreed to sell two advanced missile defence systems to India for two Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft for an estimated cost of USD 190 million, a decision that will enhance the security of the planes flying the president and the prime minister.

According to the Pentagon, the sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship.

The Trump administration approved the purchase of the two systems known as Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and Self-Protection Suites (SPS) for an estimated cost of USD 190 million, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a notification to the Congress on Wednesday.

The US decision came after the Indian Government recently made the request for LAIRCM and SPS, given the high-level threat to the prime minister and the president.

The defence systems, which would bring the security of 'Air India One' at par with that of 'Air Force One' used by the American President, would be installed in two Boeing 777 Head-of-State aircraft, the Pentagon said.

The Indian Government plans to buy two Boeing 777 ERs from the national carrier Air India for this specific purpose. Unlike in the past, the two aircraft would not be used for commercial purposes by Air India.

The purpose of the LAIRCM programme is to protect large aircraft from man-portable missiles. Once installed, the LAIRCM system increases crew-warning time, decreases false alarm rates and automatically counters advanced intermediate range missile systems, according to the Federation of American Scientists.

The missile warning subsystem will use multiple sensors to provide full spatial coverage.

The counter-measures subsystem will use lasers mounted in pointer-tracker turret assemblies. It also automatically counters advanced intermediate range missile systems with no action required by the crew.

The pilot will simply be informed that a threat missile was detected and jammed.

Observing that it will improve India's capability to deter regional threats, the Congressional notification said the SPS will facilitate a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats.

"India will have no problem absorbing and using this system," the DSCA statement said.

The department said the proposed sale will not "alter the basic military balance in the region".

The prime contractor will be the Boeing Company. "The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor," the DSCA statement said.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of one additional US contractor representative to India, it said.

According to the notification, India requested to buy two SPS consisting of AN/AAQ 24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), ALQ-211(V)8 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS) and AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) to protect two (2) Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft.

"This potential sale would include twelve Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (6 installed and 6 spares), eight (8) LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (LSPR) AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (2 installed and 6 spares); twenty-three (23) Missile Warning Sensors (MWS) for AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (12 installed and 11 spares), five (5) AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) (2 installed and 3 spares)," the notification said.

Also included in this sale are Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites (AIDEWS), LAIRCM CIURs, SCAs, HCCs, and UDM cards, initial spares, consumables, repair and return support and support equipment.

The US is the second-largest arms supplier to India. It has already recognised India as a "major defence partner", a status that which commits the US to facilitate technology sharing with India.

In 2018, the US granted India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status. India is the only South Asian country to get STA1 status and third Asian country after Japan and South Korea. The status eases India's defence procurement from the US.

Last year India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) to facilitate interoperability between the two militaries and sale of high end technology.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US has agreed to sell two state-of-the-art missile defence systems to One for an estimated cost of $190 million, a move that will enhance the security of planes flying the prime minister and the president.

According to the Pentagon, the sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship.

The Trump administrations approved purchase of the two systems known as Large Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCAM) and Self-Protection Suites (SPS) for an estimated cost of $ 190 million, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a notification to the on Wednesday.

The US decision came after the recently made a request for LAIRCAM SPS, given the high-level threat to the prime minister and the president.

The defence systems, which would bring security of One at par with that of Air Force One, would be installed in two 777 Head-of- State aircraft, the said.

The plans to buy two Bowing 777 from the national carrier for this specific purpose and unlike in the past would not be used for commercial purposes.

The purpose of the LAIRCM programme is to protect large from man-portable missiles. Once installed, the LAIRCAM system increases crew-warning time, decreases false alarm rates and automatically counters advanced intermediate range missile systems, according to the Federation of American Scientists.

The missile warning subsystem will use multiple sensors to provide full spatial coverage.

The counter-measures subsystem will use lasers mounted in pointer-tracker turret assemblies. It also automatically counters advanced intermediate range missile systems with no action required by the crew.

The pilot will simply be informed that a threat missile was detected and jammed.

Observing that it will improve India's capability to deter regional threats, the Congressional notification said SPS will facilitate a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats.

"India will have no problem absorbing and using this system, it said.

According to the notification, India had requested to buy two SPS consisting of AN/AAQ 24(V)N Large Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), ALQ-211(V)8 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS) and AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) to protect two (2) Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft.

"This potential sale would include twelve Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (6 installed and 6 spares), eight (8) LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (LSPR) AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (2 installed and 6 spares); twenty-three (23) Missile Warning Sensors (MWS) for AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (12 installed and 11 spares), five (5) AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) (2 installed and 3 spares)," the notification said.

Also included in this sale are Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites (AIDEWS), LAIRCM CIURs, SCAs, HCCs, and UDM cards, initial spares, consumables, repair and return support and support equipment.

The department also assured that the sale will not "alter the basic military balance in the region".

The US is the second-largest arms supplier to India. It has already recognised India as a "major defence partner", a status that which commits the US to facilitate technology sharing with India.

In 2018, the US granted India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status. India is the only South Asian country to get STA1 status and third Asian country after and The status eases defence procurement from US. Last year both and signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement).
The Uttar Pradesh government Thursday allocated Rs 1,200 crore for a scheme for girls and Rs 612 crore for stray cattle and construction of cow shelters in the Budget for 2019-20 financial year ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

The Yogi Adityanath government presented a Rs 4.9 lakh crore budget, which is 12 per cent higher than the amount of Rs 4,28,384.52 crore earmarked for the current financial year ending March 2019.

After presentation of his government's third budget, Adityanath said it is the biggest one in the history of Uttar Pradesh.

"The budget should be 'lok kalyankari' (welfare-oriented) rather than 'lok lubhawan' (populist)," he said even as the Opposition parties described it as a populist budget.

In his speech, punctuated with Urdu couplets, Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal announced new schemes worth Rs 21,212.95 crore, including the 'Kanya Sumangala Yojana' to improve health and educational standard of girls as well as



bring in a positive change in the thinking towards women.

An allocation of Rs 612.6 crore has been made for maintenance of stray cattle and constructing 'gaushalas'. The announcement also comes against the backdrop of reports of farmers locking up bovines in schools and public health centres following instances of stray cattle damaging crops.

Besides, the government would provide Rs 942 crore towards scholarship scheme for students belonging to minority communities and Rs 459 crore proposed for modernisation of Arabi-Farsi madrasas.

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Uttar Pradesh government has earmarked Rs 3,194 crore for construction of expressways and Rs 13,135 crore for laying of roads in the state.

It has also allocated Rs 3,522 crore for the maintenance of roads and expressways by the Public Works Department (PWD).

A budgetary provision of Rs 2,100 crore would be made for construction and maintenance of bridges apart from Rs 850 crore to connect the villages and settlements through concrete link roads under various schemes. Also, Rs 1,174 crore would be earmarked for widening and strengthening of important roads on the interstate and international border.

Another Rs 500 crore would be provided for acquiring land to develop defence corridor along with Bundelkhand expressway and Rs 100 crore allocated for strengthening of the proposed Agra-Lucknow entry-controlled 6-lane expressway project.

Among others, Rs 800 crore has been earmarked to acquire land for the Jewar airport, which is coming up near the national capital.

Allocations have been made for development of Ayodhya, including Rs 200 crore for an airport and Rs 101 crore for the development of tourist spots in the city.

As part of its focus on development and beautification of religious places, the state government has selected Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura and Allahabad.

Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal said Shri Kashi Vishwanath Special Area Development Board has been set up to ensure implementation of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Expansion Scheme in Varanasi, the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Agarwal said Rs 207 crore has been pegged for the expansion and beautification of the road from the Ganga bank to Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

About the budget, Adityanath said there is no need for anyone to worry. "... it is my belief that the state requires 'lok kalyankari' rather than 'lok lubhawan' schemes...which could extend the right for a poor to lead an honourable life...," he added.

To a query related to deficit in the budget, the chief minister said it was well under limit and it is reflected in the figures because of the loans of the previous governments which were not paid "and we are repaying it".

Opposition parties, however, lashed out at the government for presenting a "populist" budget.

"However populist the budget might be in an election year, the works all through the year relating to people's welfare and interest and control over law and order are important for the common people," BSP president Mayawati said in a tweet.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said the budget is a betrayal of the people in the name of 'Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas" and that the financial plan neither has "development nor vision".

"The person running the government is 'sanyasi' and 'yogi', who does not understand much. The budget neither has anything for 'rajkosh' (state exchequer) nor for 'dharmkosh' (religions affairs). This budget will hardly get any marks from me," Yadav said.

Congress spokesman Ashok Singh said the budget was aimed at befooling the people of the state while Rashtriya Kisan Manch president Shekhar Dixit said it was a "jugglery of figures".

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A UN human rights expert said Thursday that undermined Turkey's efforts to investigate the death of Jamal Khashoggi, which she described as a "brutal and premeditated killing" planned and carried out by Saudi officials.

Agnes Callamard, the U.N. special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, made her assessment Thursday after visiting

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who wrote critically about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on October 2. His remains have not been found.

During its January 28-February 3 trip to Turkey, Callamard's four-member team met with the foreign and justice ministers, the country's intelligence chief and the prosecutor leading the case.

Callamard concluded that "Turkey's efforts to apply prompt, effective and thorough, independent and impartial, and transparent investigations in line with law had been seriously curtailed and undermined by Saudi Arabia," the U.N. human rights office in Geneva said in a statement.

"Woefully inadequate time and access was granted to Turkish investigators to conduct a professional and effective crime-scene examination and search required by standards for investigation," Callamard said.

Evidence collected during the trip indicates "that Mr was the victim of a brutal and premeditated killing, planned and perpetrated by officials of the State of Saudi Arabia," she said. She did not point to any specific official.

Callamard's team was given access to parts of the audio material obtained by Turkish intelligence on Khashoggi's killing, but was "not able to undertake a deep technical examination of this material" and didn't have an opportunity to authenticate it independently.

The statement said the team wasn't able to carry out some other inquiries, such as meeting forensic and crime scene experts involved, "largely, but not only, due to time constraints." Callamard plans to present her final report to the U.N. Human Rights Council in June.

Turkish officials have been frustrated by what they say is a lack of cooperation by and have called for an inquiry.

After denying was killed in the consulate for several weeks, indicted 11 people in the killing and is seeking the death penalty against five of them.

says must reveal the identity of a person who is thought to have disposed of the journalist's body and hold all involved accountable.
Ukrainian lawmakers on Thursday voted to ban Russians from monitoring a forthcoming presidential election, as tensions between the neighbours flare before the poll.

Kiev, fighting a Moscow-backed insurgency in eastern Ukraine, has said it suspects Russia of planning to interfere in the election.

Lawmakers also voted to allocate around USD350 million to the intelligence services to counter the perceived threat.

Thursday's measure would block Russian nationals from taking part in international election-monitoring missions, and would also apply to parliamentary and local votes.

The proposal has been condemned by Moscow and Kiev's Western allies alike.

Kurt Volker, the US special representative in Ukraine, said Russians should take part in monitoring as long as they were overseen by international organisations.

If they do not take part, this allows "people to question election," Volker wrote on Twitter ahead of the vote.

"No games. Ukraine needs to have confidence in its own democratic institutions," he said.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is preparing an extensive mission for the March 31 poll.

Russian senators told agencies that Moscow might not recognise the results of the Ukrainian election if Russian observers are not allowed to monitor them.

Russia's OSCE envoy Alexander Lukashevich called the ban "a gross violation of Ukraine's OSCE commitments and international legal norms," in comments carried by the RIA agency.

Volodymyr Zelensky, a comedian who plays the Ukrainian president in a TV series, is currently favourite to take on the real-life role, according to polls.

Zelensky is ahead of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko and incumbent Petro Poroshenko, as many voters turn their backs on the political class.

But there are a record number of candidates and the race remains unpredictable.

Ties between Moscow and Kiev dramatically deteriorated after a pro-Western government came to power following a 2014 revolt against a pro-Kremlin leader.

That year Moscow annexed Crimea and began backing rebels in a conflict in eastern Ukraine that has already claimed some 13,000 lives.

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Britain's economy is "not yet prepared" for a disorderly no-deal departure from the European Union next month, Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned Thursday.

"Although many companies are stepping up their contingency planning, the economy as a whole is still not yet prepared for a no-deal no-transition exit," Carney said after the central bank slashed its economic growth forecasts.

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The Gurgaon Police has arrested two dreaded criminals who were wanted in murder, attempt to murder and other heinous cases here, a police officer said Thursday.

"Following a tip off, Deepak Singh and Mohit, residents of Haryana's Sonepat, were arrested Wednesday night from Dwarka Expressway intersection on Gurgaon Pataudi road," Gurgaon police PRO Subhash Bokan said.

"Both the accused persons are gang members of notorious Delhi-based gangster Jitender alias Gogi, Bokan added.

Three country-made pistols, 11 live cartridges and an SUV were recovered from their possession, the police PRO said.

He said he accused persons were planning to execute a crime in Gurgaon but were nabbed by a police team.

Four cases of loot and murder have been solved with their arrest, the officer said.

On interrogation, the accused admitted that they were involved in escaping operation of gang's kingpin Jitender alias Gogi while he was in custody of the Delhi Police. They had fired indiscriminately on a police party in 2016 and managed to take away Gogi, he added.

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TV journalist Arnab Goswami moved the Delhi High Court on Thursday, challenging the summons issued to him in a criminal defamation complaint filed by an advocate for allegedly making defamatory remarks on a channel.

The journalist sought quashing of the February 28, 2018 order of a magistrate, summoning him as an accused in the defamation complaint, in which advocate Vikram Singh Chauhan had claimed that he was deliberately and wilfully defamed by Goswami and others on a TV channel.

The alleged remarks were made during the broadcast of a programme relating to the violence that took place at the Patiala House court, following the 2016 Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) incident where anti-India slogans were allegedly raised.

The scribe's plea has been listed for hearing on Friday before Justice R K Gauba.

In his complaint, the advocate had submitted that during the programme on February 19, 2016, Goswami had levelled baseless and humiliating allegations against him.

He had said the defamatory allegations were levelled against him with the motive to tarnish his reputation and to wreak vengeance against him with a view to destroy his career.

The magistrate had said the imputations against the lawyer were prima facie against his reputation and there was sufficient material to summon the scribe and others for the alleged offence of defamation.

The offence of defamation under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) entails a maximum of two-year imprisonment or fine or both.

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US President Donald Trump has said that he does not expect to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping before a March 1 deadline in trade war negotiations between the two economic superpowers.

"Not yet," Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday when asked if a meeting had been arranged for within the next month.

Asked if a meeting could happen before March 1, he said: "No." Trump has said that final resolution of the trade dispute would depend on him and Xi meeting "in the near future."



There had been speculation that Trump might meet the Chinese leader after he flies to Vietnam in late February for a summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

The United States has threatened to more than double existing tariffs on Chinese goods at the start of March if there is no agreement on measures to reform China's trade practices, which Washington says are deeply unfair.

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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan issued a decree dismissing Inessa Gabayan as the head of the Armenian Water Committee.

Earlier, Armenian media sources reported that Gabayan has given herself and the committees officers bonuses equal to 150% of their salaries.

Inessa Gabayan was appointed as chair of the water committee on July 10, 2018. Before that appointment she worked on small hydro power plants projects and was the director of Hydroenergy LLC
President Donald Trump needed barely a day after a soaring State of the Union speech to revert to his usual combative self, branding an opponent a "hack" and investigations into his allegedly suspicious dealings with Russia "harassment."



Trump's address to Congress on Tuesday made repeated appeals to optimism and the spirit of cooperation.

Although he goaded opposition Democrats by lashing out against "socialism" and insisting, as ever, on his controversial US-Mexico wall project, he spent much of the speech in unusually compromising mode.

At least, until around lunchtime Wednesday.

Asked by reporters about the Democrat-led intelligence committee in the House of Representatives expanding a probe into his Russia connections, Trump reverted to his habit of name calling.

He labelled Adam Schiff, the chairman of the committee, "a political hack who's trying to build a name for himself."



Schiff has been a frequent target of Trump, who has referred to him on Twitter as "Schitt" and "Little Adam Schitt."Trump was infuriated by Schiff's decision to boost an already sensitive look by the committee at Trump's dealings with Russia.

Schiff said that the committee wanted to know whether "any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Donald Trump, his family, his business, or his associates."



"The American people have a right to know," Schiff said.

Trump said he is being victimized.

"There would be no reason to do that. No other politician has to go through that. It's called presidential harassment and it's unfortunate," he told reporters at the White House.

"It really does hurt our country."



The intelligence committee's investigation will run parallel to a major existing probe run by special prosecutor Robert Mueller into explosive allegations that Russian agents colluded with Trump in his 2016 election campaign.

Trump says he has only had legitimate links with Russian real estate and other partners, calling Mueller's efforts a "witch hunt."



But the subject needles him and is set to become ever more intrusive, with Mueller believed to be finalizing a report on his findings, Democrats mounting their own probes, and federal prosecutors in New York targeting yet more allegations.

In his State of the Union speech, Trump mentioned the probes only briefly, but emphatically, claiming the "ridiculous partisan investigations" pose as much danger to the US economy as wars in places like Afghanistan.

Vice President Mike Pence drove home the idea on Wednesday, telling CBS television: "We don't object to oversight. That's the proper role of committees in the Congress.

But when it takes on a partisan tint..., more intent on becoming a forum for invective against the president and against the administration, the American people expect better."



But Chuck Schumer, the senior Democrat in the Senate, accused Trump of trying to intimidate Congress.

"The president says if you investigate me I'm not going to make progress," Schumer told CNN, accusing Trump of "holding the American people hostage.

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Muslim women and the people of India will not forgive the Congress for its "perverted mentality", the BJP said on Thursday after the opposition party announced that it will scrap the law banning triple talaq if it forms government in 2019.

Accusing the Congress of following the policy of appeasement, the BJP also referred to the "audacity" of Rahul Gandhi in not caring about the Supreme Court.

"What kind of mentality is this? This is only to appease. The people of this country are looking. Neither Muslim women nor the people of this country will forgive Rahul Gandhi for this kind of perverted mentality," said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.

His comments came after Congress' women wing chief Sushmita Dev promised to scrap the law banning triple talaq if the party comes to power in the general elections. Addressing the party's Minority Department convention, she also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had created an atmosphere pitting Muslim women against Muslim men through the law.

With the triple talaq bill continuing to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the central government issued an ordinance in September last year, incorporating certain amendments.

The ordinance was re-promulgated last month as the first one was about to expire.

"Look at the audacity of Mr Rahul Gandhi? His party... to appease says that if we come to power, we will not care about the Supreme Court (and) we will ban the ordinance, the law, the bill Mr. Modi is trying to bring in consonance to what Supreme Court has said," Patra said at a press conference.

The Supreme Court's constitution bench banned triple talaq saying it is not constitutional, Patra added.

"Women should have right of life. Women should lead a life as anyone else in this beautiful country and beautiful democracy. This is why Supreme Court through a constitution bench struck down triple talaq," he said.

The central government maintains that despite the Supreme Court striking down the practice of talaq-e-biddat (instant triple talaq) as unconstitutional, men were divorcing their wives on flimsy grounds and even via WhatsApp.

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French energy giant Total announced Thursday it had found "significant" gas off the southern coast of South Africa, a discovery expected to boost the nation's struggling economy and reduce reliance on imports.

"Total has made a significant gas condensate discovery on the Brulpadda prospects,... in the Outeniqua Basin, 175 kilometres off the southern coast of South Africa," it said in a statement.

Total's CEO Patrick Pouyanne said the potential quantities "could be around one billion barrels of global resources, gas and condensate light oil".

"So it could be quite big, it's probably quite big," he told journalists in Paris.

"Having said that this region is quite difficult to operate, with huge waves, so the weather is not very easy," he said of the block with water depths ranging from 200 to 1,800 metres.

South Africa's Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe welcomed the of the discovery in the deep waters as "potentially a major boost" for the economy which grew less than one percent last year "It is exciting for our country. We welcome it as we continue to seek investment to grow our economy," the minister said.

The came just hours before President Ramaphosa delivers a state-of-the-nation address, his final one before crucial elections due in May this year.

Analysts see the deep water find as a potential "game-changer" for the continent's most industrialised country.

Total said it was planning to drill up to four more wells on the same block.

"In fact, if the gas find indeed proves to be very large, Brulpadda could answer one of South Africa's most intractable dilemmas - how to replace coal in the energy mix," said Ben Payton, an analyst with London-based Maplecroft.

"Using natural gas from Brulpadda as feedstock for gas-to-power plants would reduce or eliminate the need to import LNG or construct additional pipelines from Mozambique," he said.

Andrew Latham of the natural resources consultancy Wood Mackenzie said that while the well is not an oil discovery "if Brulpadda proves to be anywhere near as big as the estimates of up to 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources, it will still be a game-changer for South Africa".

South African mining analyst Makwe Masilela said the discovery was "positive" for South Africa, which is desperately seeking foreign direct investment and to cut down on gas imports from neighbouring Mozambique.

"Foreign direct investment is something we are seriously looking for as a country," he told AFP on the sidelines of a mining investment conference in South Africa.

"With this discovery, Total has opened a new world-class gas and oil play and is well positioned to test several follow-on prospects on the same block, " said Kevin McLachlan, Senior Vice President Exploration at Total.

Total holds a 45 per cent stake in the block, alongside Qatari, Canadian and South African firms.

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Inspired by crime shows on television, three men hatched a conspiracy and demanded ransom from a businessman after threatening him to kill his son in southeast Delhi, but were arrested, police said Thursday.

Vijendra Singh (22), Ritik Srivastava (19) and Amit Kumar Yadav (23), threatened the businessman and demanded Rs 30 lakh from him as ransom to earn quick money, police said.

The three were inspired by crime shows, police said.

On January 30, the complainant reported that when he reached near Palla in Faridabad, two bike-borne men broke the window glass of his car and fled the spot. After some time, he received a phone call from an unknown number wherein the caller demanded ransom of Rs 30 lakhs.

The caller also threatened to kill his son if the money was not paid, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) Ghanshyam Bansal said.

As part of investigation, CCTV footage of the area was scanned and technical surveillance was also mounted, he said.

Based on a tip-off, police apprehended three persons on Sunday, he added.

During investigation, they revealed that they used to go to Palwal, Faridabad from Jaitpur in Delhi to mislead police and to make threatening and ransom calls, police said.

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Three doctors of the Centre-run Ram Manohar Lohia hospital were booked on Thursday for allegedly abetting the suicide of their colleague, police said.

Dr Poonam Vohra, 52, allegedly committed suicide on Wednesday by hanging herself from a ceiling fan at her residence in North Avenue area here.

She was a consultant Radiologist at the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) hospital.

Following the incident, the RML Hospital has initiated an inquiry into the suicide of the doctor, who had allegedly blamed three of her colleagues from her department for harassing her.

According to hospital sources, the administration so far has not found anything against the three doctors concerned. The Health Ministry has also ordered an inquiry into the matter.

"The hospital inquiry so far has revealed that neither any inquiry nor any case of vigilance was being conducted against the doctor who has committed suicide. Interaction with the other doctors from her department also has not thrown any light in the matter. The probe is still on," a source at the hospital said.

An FIR has been registered under Indian Penal Code Section 306 (abetment to suicide, punishable with a maximum term of 10 years) against the three doctors who were named in the suicide note, Madhur Verma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) said.

The alleged doctors will be questioned in connection with the incident, he said.

Vohra was the chairperson of the Annual Confidential Report (ACR) committee at the hospital and two of the three members mentioned in her suicide note are members of the committee. Together, they were reviewing a case, he added.

In her suicide note, she alleged that they humiliated and harassed her, police said.

The North Avenue police station was informed about a suicide at 1 pm Wednesday, following which they rushed to the spot, police said.

Investigations revealed that Vohra was on leave. Her husband and two children were not at home at the time of incident. The flat was found locked from inside, a senior police officer had said.

A suicide note was also found from the spot. Legal proceedings have been initiated and the post-mortem will be conducted after her brother arrives from abroad, he said.

Vohra lived with her husband and two children at a government flat in Baba Kharag Singh Marg. Her husband works as a consultant with a private firm, police said.

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Thousands of students from varsities across the country braved the winter chill to march from the Red Fort to Parliament Street in Delhi on Thursday to demand better employment and educational opportunities.

More than 50 youth groups, students' unions and organisations came together in December last year to form the Young India National Coordination Committee, under whose banner the 'Young India Adhikar March' was held this afternoon.

Starting with the historic Red Fort in the background, students carrying red flags, placards with messages like 'Enact Rohith Act', 'End 13-point roster' and 'Where is Najeeb?' walked through the busy Daryaganj-Barakhamba Road stretch to the Parliament Street.

Slogans of 'Inquilab zindabad', 'ab jumlebaazi nahi chalegi' resonated in the heart of Delhi as students from institutions like Ambedkar University, Delhi University, Allahabad University, Hyderabad University marched, bringing traffic to a halt on several major roads and intersections.

The protesting students claimed that when they reached Red Fort, police did not allow them to take out the march but they did not budge and said they would make their voices heard.

A senior police officer said, "We did request them to not take out the march since it was a huge gathering and there was no permission for it. But then we allowed them since it might have created a law and order issue, if we had not allowed them."



The officer said that 11 companies of outside force, with each comprising 70 personnel, accompanied the students along with local police personnel from north, central and New Delhi police districts.

Police said the gathering was of around 4,000 people.

DMK MP Kanimozhi, who addressed the students at the end of the march, said many young Indians have come to free the country from "this fascist government".

"We know how students have been silenced ever since this government came to power. Today we are here to say in one voice that we won't tolerate this anymore. I am so happy to see you coming together against this government and intolerance," she told the gathering.

Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav said the 'JP movement' had dislodged the government and this movement by the students also has the same potential.

"We stood with Kanhaiya, Shehla in 2016 when no parties supported them. Our party has always taken up the issues of jobs, privatisation of and students," he said.

Former JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar also took to the stage to express solidarity with the students. Kumar's one-liners revved the crowd with loud cheers and slogans.

"It seems Modi-ji has been in election mode right from the time he was elected. He speaks but has not been working. In the first year, Modi-ji was talking about cleaning Ganga and in the second year, he was talking about his own mother but when demonetisation came, he made his own mother stand in the queue. Then the issue was about 'gai maata'," he said.

Kumar said the government's "anti-people policies" will be shattered.

Gujarat MLA and Dalit activist Jignesh Mevani said there are only 100 days left for the election and this elections will ensure 'ghar waapsi' for the prime minister. "But we do not want to keep him in Gujarat," he quipped.

He said the government which will come to power after the Lok Sabha polls should employ people in the 24 lakh sanctioned government jobs within 100 days and if it failed to do so, they would again come back to Parliament Street to register their protest.

"They sent CBI after Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee... Why don't they send CBI after Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Vijay Mallya?" he questioned



All India Students Association (AISA) national president Sucheta De said students from all the universities who have been branded 'anti-nationals' have come here to place their demands.

Several issues were raised at the march including the disappearance of JNU student Najeeb Ahmed, bringing back the 200-point roster for faculty appointments, absence of adequate facilities at the Delhi School of Journalism despite the students being charged high fees and removal of hostel curfews for women.

"Fill all vacant government jobs and end the regime of paper leaks and corruption in recruitment. Spend at least 10 per cent of the budget on Stop the policy of school closure, seat-cut, fund-cut, fee-hike and reservation-cut in higher education," the 'Young India Charter' released by the students' groups said.

"End gender discriminatory rules, ensure girls' hostel and effective anti-sexual harassment cells. End saffronisation of Ensure academic freedom and freedom of expression in campuses. Fulfil constitutionally-mandated reservation. Institute anti-discrimination cells in all campuses," it added.

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Chinese health officials on Thursday said tests conducted on a batch of human blood plasma, which was feared to have been contaminated with HIV, came out to be negative for the AIDS causing virus.

The officials were probing reports that a Chinese pharmaceutical company may have sold over 12,000 units of a blood plasma product contaminated with HIV.

The results of nucleic acid test (NAT) for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C on the drugs manufactured by Shanghai-based China Meheco Xinxing Pharma Co Ltd were all negative, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) said in a statement.

The HIV tests conducted on patients in Jiangxi were also negative, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

The NMPA said the samples they had examined from a batch of 12,229 bottles of intravenous immunoglobulin were free of HIV and hepatitis B and C.

The administration's clearance of the batch contradicted a notice from the National Health Commission on Tuesday announcing its contamination and warning hospitals to immediately suspend use of the treatments, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported Thursday.

The provincial health commission and disease control centre in eastern China's Jiangxi province had detected traces of HIV in the batch, although the disease control centre told The Beijing on Wednesday that it had not yet discovered any cases of patients having contracted HIV.

This latest blow to confidence in China's health services came less than a month after it was revealed that 145 children in the eastern Jiangsu province were treated with expired polio vaccines, sparking widespread protests from parents and the investigation of 17 local officials.

In July last year, as many as 252,600 faulty rabies vaccines made by Changchun Changsheng Bio-technology, one of China's biggest vaccine firms, were found to have been administered to thousands of toddlers.

Similarly in October last year, state-owned Changchun Changsheng Biotech Co in Jilin province, whose rabies vaccines were recalled from India after they were found faulty, was fined USD 1.3 billion by China's State Drug Administration.

In the 1990s, thousands of cash-strapped villagers in China's central Henan province contracted HIV after being persuaded by middlemen to sell their blood illegally in the black market, the Post report said.

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A row broke out in the Travancore Devaswom Board Thursday as its chief sought an explanation from the Devaswom Commissioner for reversing its stand on the Supreme Court's verdict allowing women of all ages into the Sabarimala shrine.

In a U-turn Wednesday, the board which manages the Ayyappa shrine supported the apex court's order, joining the Kerala government to oppose a batch of pleas seeking review of the historic verdict in the Supreme Court.

The temple board, in earlier round of litigation, had opposed the PIL by Indian Young Lawyers Association seeking to throw open the shrine for all women.

TDB chief A Padmakumar Thursday said the board had actually submitted a plea seeking extension of time to implement the September 28 verdict permitting women of all age groups into the shrine.

"Our counsel got only three minutes when the review petitions were taken up (in the supreme court) on Wednesday. When the court asked whether the board was accepting the verdict permitting women's entry, he naturally replied in the affirmative.

We are yet to know what had actually happened in the court," Padmakumar told reporters in Pathanamthitta.

"The Devaswom Commissioner (N Vasu) was the one who was sent to New Delhi in connection with the case. He knows the things...I have sought an explanation from him in this regard," the TDB chief said.

Padmakumar's comments assume significance in the wake of reports that the TDB chief, who had earlier opposed the entry of young women into the Ayyappa shrine, had differences of opinion with the CPI(M)-led LDF government and other board members over the sensitive issue.

Rejecting the charges, Vasu said the TDB had taken no decision without the knowledge of its president.

"...The Board had already made it clear that it was bound to abide by the SC verdict. The same stand was repeated in the apex court Wednesday also," he told reporters in Thiruvanathapuram.

Vasu rejected media reports that the TDB advocate had taken a stand contrary to the board's.

He also termed as "incorrect" the reports in a section of the media that Justice Indu Malhotra, one of the members of the five-judge constitution bench hearing the petitions, had asked whether the TDB had changed its earlier stance on the women entry issue.

The Devaswom Commissioner said the TDB chief had not sought any explanation from him so far.

"There is no circumstance at present to seek any explanation over the matter. But I will be meeting him soon to brief the developments in the apex court.I just came from Delhi," he added.

When asked about the TDB's earlier petition seeking more time to implement the verdict, Vasu said the plea was filed citing the board's difficulties in implementing it in the recently concluded pilgrimage season due to dearth of facilities for women.

The board's changed stand had invited strong protests from various quarters including the Pandalam royal family, attached to the Sabarimala Temple.

The Pandalam family has been vehemently opposing the entry of women belonging to the traditionally barred age group of 10-50 years.

The temple body had told a five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, that it was high time that a particular class not be discriminated on the ground of "biological attributes".

Meanwhile, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala demanded resignation of TDB president following the changed approach on the Sabarimala women entry issue.

"TDB president has been wavering right from the beginning over the matter. First he said review petition would be filed which was changed after allegedly being threatened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan," he said in Thiruvananthapuram.

Chennithala said a petition seeking more time to implement the September 28 verdict was filed by the board later.

Both the government and the board had ignored the sentiments of devotees, he said, adding the TDB chief had no moral right to continue in the position.

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Families with income tax payers, serving or retired government employees and former or present MPs, MLAs and ministers will not be eligible for the Rs 6,000 a year cash dole announced in the Budget for small and marginal farmers.

Besides, professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects registered with professional bodies and their immediate family members will be ineligible.

Releasing operational guidelines of the Rs 75,000 crore scheme 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' (PM-Kisan), the agriculture ministry said the threshold limit of 2 hectares cultivable land would take into account holding of husband, wife and minor children.

In the interim budget, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced direct income support of Rs 6,000 per year to 12 crore small and marginal farmers holding cultivable land up to 2 hectare.

The guideline has defined a small and marginal landholder farmer family as "a family comprising of husband, wife and minor children who collectively own cultivable land up to 2 hectare as per land records of the concerned State/UT".

It has also listed defined categories of person who despite meeting the land holding requirement would not be eligible for getting the cash support.

The government intends to release the first instalment before March 31, but will make Aadhaar mandatory for availing the second instalment in the next fiscal.

Institutional landholders have also been excluded in the list of the categories of beneficiaries of higher economic status that would not be eligible for benefit under the scheme.

Farmer families will also be excluded if one or more members belong to following categories -- (a) former and present holders of constitutional posts (b) former and present ministers/state ministers and former/present members of Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha/ state legislative assemblies/state legislative councils, former and present mayors of municipal corporations and former and present chairpersons of district panchayats.

The exclusion list includes families of all serving or retired officers and employees of central/state government ministries/offices/departments and its field units central or state PSEs and attached offices/autonomous institutions under government as well as regular employees of the local bodies (excluding multi tasking staff/class IV/Group D employees).

All superannuated/retired pensioners whose monthly pension is Rs 10,000/or more (excluding multi-tasking staff/Class IV/Group D employees) of above category will also be excluded.

The benefit of the scheme would not be available to "all persons who paid income tax in last assessment year."



Families having one or more members as professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects registered with professional bodies and carrying out profession by undertaking practices would also be excluded from the beneficiary list.

"For the purpose of exclusion State/UT Government can certify the eligibility of the beneficiary based on self declaration by the beneficiaries," the ministry said.

In case beneficiary is not available, the ministry said State governments may consider certification based on the declaration by other adult member of his/her family.

"In case of incorrect self declaration, beneficiary shall be liable for recovery of transferred financial benefit and other penal actions as per law," it added.

PM-Kisan, will be implemented from this year and the first installment will be transferred by March.

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Democratic presidential aspirant and the first Hindu lawmaker in the Congress Tulsi Gabbard has said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is "not the enemy" of the US and the war-torn country does not pose a "direct threat" to America.

Gabbard, 37, who recently announced her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, has previously been criticised for meeting with Assad in 2017. The Syrian leader is believed to be responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Syrian civilians in the ongoing brutal civil war.

"Assad is not the enemy of the United States because Syria does not pose a direct threat to the United States," Gabbard, elected to the House of Representatives from Hawaii, said Wednesday on MSNBC.

When pressed over whether Assad, who has been accused of using chemical weapons on his own people over the course of a more than five year civil war, is an adversary of the US, Gabbard said "you can describe it however you want to describe it.

My point is that whether it is Syria or any of these other countries, we need to look at how their interests are counter to or aligned with ours," she said.

When asked if she thought Assad was a good person, Gabbard said, "No, I don't," and asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin was an adversary to the US, she responded, "Yes."



Gabbard has previously defended her 2017 meeting with Assad, saying American leaders must meet with foreign leaders "if we are serious about the pursuit of peace and securing our country."



She said last month that there is no possibility for a "viable" peace agreement in the war-torn country unless Assad is part of the conversation.

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Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak held a meeting with new Turkish ambassador to Russia Mehmet Samsar, the energy ministry said.

The sides discussed the major energy projects of the two countries, in particular, the Turkish Stream gas pipeline and the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, as well as interregional cooperation.

Special attention was paid to the issues of cooperation in the sphere of culture and tourism in the context of the events planned this year within the framework of the Turkey-Russia Culture and Tourism Year

In addition, Novak and Samsar reviewed the current trade and economic cooperation between Moscow and Ankara. The parties noted the results of the work of the Russian-Turkish intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, led by the Russian Ministry of Energy since 2012, RIA Novosti reports.
Thousands of students from varsities across the country braved the winter chill and marched from the Red Fort to Parliament Street in Delhi on Thursday to demand better employment and educational opportunities.

More than 50 youth groups, student unions and organisations came together in December last year to form the Young India National Coordination Committee, under whose banner the Young India Adhikar March was held on Thursday.

DMK MP Kanimozhi said many young Indians have come to free the country from "this fascist government".

"We know how students have been silenced ever since this government came to power. Today we are here to say in one voice that we won't tolerate this anymore. I am so happy to see you coming together against this government and intolerance," she told the gathering.

Former JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar also took to the stage to express solidarity with the protesting students. Kumar's one-liners revved the crowd with loud cheers and slogans.

"It seems Modi-ji has been in election mode right from the time he was elected. He speaks but has not been working. In the first year, Modi-ji was talking about cleaning Ganga and in the second year, he was talking about his own mother but when demonetisation came, he made his own mother stand in the queue. Then the issue was about 'gai maata'," he said.

Kumar said the government's "anti-people policies" will be shattered.

Gujarat MLA and Dalit activist Jignesh Mevani said there are only 100 days left for the election and this elections will ensure 'ghar waapsi' for the prime minister. "But we do not want to keep him in Gujarat," he quipped.

All India Students Association (AISA) national president Sucheta De said students from all the universities who have been branded 'anti-national' have come here to place their demands.

Several issues were raised at the march including the disappearance of JNU student Najeeb Ahmed, bringing back the 200-point roster for faculty appointments and removal of hostel curfews for women.

"Fill all vacant government jobs and end the regime of paper leaks and corruption in recruitment. Spend at least 10 per cent of the budget on Stop the policy of school closure, seat-cut, fund-cut, fee-hike and reservation-cut in higher education," the Young India charter released by the students' groups said.

"End gender discriminatory rules, ensure girls' hostel and effective anti-sexual harassment cells. End saffronisation of Ensure academic freedom and freedom of expression in campuses. Fulfil constitutionally-mandated reservation. Institute anti-discrimination cells in all campuses," it added.

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UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi Thursday led the Congress in Lok Sabha in appreciating Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari for the "wonderful" work he has been doing in improving the country's infrastructure.

During the Question Hour, the House took up two questions related to Gadkari's ministry in which he gave detailed description of the works being executed and works being undertaken for expanding the country's network.

"I must say here that all MPs, cutting across political affiliations, have been appreciating me for the work being done by my ministry in their respective constituencies," he said.

As Gadkari completed the answers amidst thumping of desks by ruling BJP members, saffron party member from Madhya Pradesh Ganesh Singh stood up and told Speaker Sumitra Mahajan that the House should appreciate the "wonderful" works being carried out by the Union Road Transport Minister.

At this, Sonia Gandhi, who all through was patiently listening to Gadkari and often seen nodding in response to his replies, smiled and started thumping the desk as a sign of appreciation.

Seeing this, Congress MPs, including party leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, too started thumping the desks appreciating Gadakri's work.

There were reports in August last year that Sonia Gandhi had written to Gadkari thanking him for his "positive response" to road issues she had raised relating to her constituency Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh.

Sonia Gandhi's son and Congress President Rahul Gandhi too recently had complimented Gadkari for his remarks that "one who cannot take care of home, cannot manage the country", saying he has guts and should also comment on the Rafale deal, "farmers distress and destruction of institutions".

"Gadkari Ji, compliments. You are the only one in the BJP with some guts. Please also comment on: The Rafale scam and Anil Ambani, farmers' distress and destruction of institutions," he tweeted and tagged with it the report on Gadkari's comments.

The Union minister had made the remarks last week while addressing former workers of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the BJP's student wing, in Nagpur.

Incidentally, Rahul Gandhi was seen exchanging notes with Gadkari while being seated along with him during the Republic Day parade at Rajpath.

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Separatists have called for protests in Kashmir on Saturday and Monday to mark the death anniversaries of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat and demand for return of their mortal remains.

Guru was hanged on February 9, 2013 and buried inside Tihar Jail following his conviction in the Parliament attack case. Bhat was also hanged and buried inside Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984 for killing an intelligence officer.

While calling for shutdown and protests on Saturday and Monday, joint resistance leadership (JRL) said it will send a memorandum to UN Secretary General to seek his intervention for the return of mortal remains of Guru and Bhat for a proper burial in Kashmir.

JRL is an amalgamation of both factions of Hurriyat Conference and JKLF which have been spearheading the separatists agenda in Kashmir.

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Seaplane and helicopter services are planned at six water aerodrome sites including Guwahati, Statue of Unity and Sabarmati river fronts, Parliament was informed on Thursday.

Under regional connectivity scheme (UDAN), six water aerodrome sites have been awarded to start seaplane and helicopter services, Minister of State for Shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

He, however, said: "There is no proposal so far to start seaplane and helicopter operations on 1,680 km length of Ganga river for passenger transport".

The minister said the water aerodrome sites are Guwahati river front, Nagarjuna Sagar, Sabarmati river front, Shatrunjay Dam, Statue of Unity (Sardar Sarovar Dam) and Umrangso Reservoir.

Keen on introducing such services in the country, Shipping and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has been stressing that India has the potential of starting 10,000 seaplanes.

"We have 3 to 4 lakh ponds in India, plenty of dams, 2,000 river ports, 200 small ports and 12 major ports. It will cost less," the minister has said.

The minister had participated in a seaplane trial run of budget carrier SpiceJet at the Girgaum Chowpatty off the Mumbai coast earlier.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had a seaplane ride from the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam in north Gujarat.

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A 22-year-old driver, who was operating a bus using a bamboo stick as gear lever, was arrested after his vehicle carrying school students hit a car in Mumbai, a police official said on Thursday.

No injury or casualty was reported in the mishap.

Raj Kumar was driving the bus to Poddar International School located in Khar suburb on Wednesday when the vehicle hit the high-end car of a businessman, the official said.

The angry businessman then confronted the driver for causing damage to his car.

When two policemen arrived at the spot, Kumar blamed the steering wheel of his bus for the mishap, he said.

The car owner and the policemen then went inside the bus and they were shocked to see the bamboo stick in place of the gear lever, he said.

Kumar, who was subsequently arrested for negligent driving, told the police that the bus gear knob had broken some days back and since then he was using the bamboo stick as gear lever, the official said.

"All the students inside the bus were safe," he said.

The driver was later produced in a local court which granted him bail, he said, adding that a probe was underway into the incident.

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The Supreme Court Thursday ordered that the sensational Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual assault case be transferred from Bihar to a New Delhi court which would conclude the trial within six months, saying "enough is enough" and the children cannot be treated like this.

Directing the Nitish Kumar government to render all assistance in the transfer of the case and subsequent trial, the apex court came down heavily on the sexual and physical abuse of children in shelter homes across in the state.

Several girls were allegedly raped and sexually abused at an NGO-run shelter home in Muzaffarpur and the issue had come to light following a report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi took a grim view of the of the progress made so far in the case and said it will now be transferred to a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court at Saket district court complex here.

The bench, also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, said the transfer of records to a Delhi court be completed within two weeks and the trial be completed within six months by holding preferably "day-to-day" trial.

The bench was irked over inadequate response of the Bihar government counsel on issues like number of shelter homes, their management and the administrative control over them.

"Enough is enough. Children cannot be treated like this. You cannot let your officers to treat children this way. Spare the children," the bench said.

At the outset, the bench Thursday asked questions as to how many shelter homes are there and how they are funded and the extent and nature of government control in running them.

"We will not ask you (state government) to file an affidavit. Affidavit means two weeks time. Answer the question one to one. Tell us the exact details," it said.

"We are asking you (lawyer) some questions. If you are in a position to answer, then answer, otherwise we will call your chief secretary or the officer who is conversant with the facts. By 3 pm your chief secretary will be here. In any case Patna is well connected," the bench said.

The bench said that it was asking questions because it is entitled to know from the the government, which is running the state, the status of kids living at shelter homes.

"Is this the way you treat the children at shelter homes. You cannot let the officers treat the children the way they are treating them right now... the questions will get enlarged now," the bench said had asked the state counsel to be ready with the fact and figure at 2 PM.

It had also warned the counsel that the inadequate response would lead to an order seeking presence of the chief secretary or an officer, conversant with the cases, in the court.

Later in the afternoon, the bench said that the Bihar shelter home issue would be taken up with a similar pending case.

The bench was apprised by lawyer Aparna Bhat, who is assisting the court as an amicus curiae, that the CBI has filed the charge sheet in the Muzaffarpur case on December 19, last year and the trial was yet to begin.

Earlier the apex court had directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the probe into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of inmates at 16 shelter homes in Bihar, besides transferring of the Muzaffarpur sexual assault case.

While transferring the cases to CBI, the top court had dismissed the state government's request not to do so.

The top court, while directing CBI to probe into the allegations of physical and sexual abuse of inmates in 16 shelter homes in Bihar, had taken note of the report of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) which had highlighted rampant sexual and physical abuse of inmates in several shelter homes in the state.

On the TISS report, the apex court had said it raises grave concern about 17 shelter homes in Bihar and the CBI must look into all of them. Of these, the Muzaffarpur case is already being looked into by the CBI.

In the Muzaffarpur shelter home case, an FIR was lodged on May 31, 2018 against 11 people following the TISS report.

The probe was later taken over by the CBI and so far, 17 people have been arrested.

The amicus curiae had also told the court that there were 1,028 shelter homes across India where instances of sexual and physical abuse have been reported.

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The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the transfer of the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual assault case from Bihar to a court in New Delhi and slammed the state government for its management of shelter homes.

A bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, said the cases should be transferred from the Bihar CBI court to a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Saket trial court within two weeks.

It ordered the Saket trial court to conclude the trial within six months.

The apex court also rapped the CBI for transferring its officer probing the sexual assault case and said it amounted to a violation of its order.

A bench asked the investigating agency to file an affidavit giving an explanation.

"Enough is enough. Children cannot be treated like this. You cannot let your officers treat children this way. Spare the children," the top court told the Bihar government.

It said the court will summon the chief secretary if the state fails to give all information.

Several girls were allegedly raped and sexually abused at an NGO-run shelter home in Muzaffarpur. The issue came to light in May last year following a report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

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Another US-Russian nuclear pact is in danger following the US move to withdraw from a Cold War-era arms control treaty, a senior Russian diplomat said Thursday.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov charged that the US refusal to negotiate an extension to the New Start treaty signals Washington's intention to let it expire in 2021. He warned that time is running out to save the pact, which was signed in 2010 by U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Ryabkov said that the U.S. has shown "no readiness or desire" to engage in substantive talks on extending the pact, which limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers.

He noted that the U.S. said it has converted 56 Trident submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles and 41 B-52H strategic bombers that carried nuclear weapons for use with conventional weapons, but stonewalled Russia's repeated requests for a verifiable way to exclude their conversion back to nuclear status.

"In the worst-case scenario, they may carry 1,286 nuclear warheads," he said, meaning that the US could nearly double the number of deployed warheads allowed by the New Start treaty.

He said "that there is almost no time left" to discuss that and other issues for the treaty to be extended by another five years as envisaged during the signing. "It gives reason to suspect our American counterparts of setting ground to avoid those discussions ... and just let the treaty quietly expire," Ryabkov said.

Ryabkov also said Russia stands ready for talks on a possible successor to the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty.

"We are ready for dialogue," Ryabkov said. "If the U.S. is interested, it should spell out its proposal." Citing Russian violations, the U.S. on Saturday formally suspended its obligations under the INF that bans all land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310 to 3,410 miles), setting the stage for the treaty to terminate in six months.

Russia, which has denied any breaches, has followed suit. Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the military over the weekend to work on developing new land-based weapons that were previously forbidden by the INF treaty, but emphasized that such new weapons won't be deployed to the European part of Russia or any other region unless the U.S. does so in those areas.

Ryabkov expressed particular worry about U.S. plans to produce new, low-yield nuclear weapons, warning that it could dramatically lower the threshold for their use. "It's very alarming," he said, adding that the plans could revive old Cold War era concepts.

"It throws us many decades back to the ideology of nuclear battlefield weapons," he said. "There are just a couple of steps left ... before the revival of nuclear artillery, nuclear mortars, nuclear mines, nuclear grenades and other things like that. It appears to reflect the eagerness of those who have grown up in the age of computer games to easily push the button.

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Cash-strapped Pakistan is set to receive an integrated Russian investment package of USD 14 billion for the country's energy sector, including offshore gas pipeline and underground storage projects, a media report said Thursday.

A Russian delegation headed by Gazprom Management Committee Deputy Chairman Vitaly A Markelov pledged to make the investment during a recent visit to Pakistan, the Express Tribune reported.

The Russian companies would build a gas pipeline from Karachi to Lahore to transport imported gas for meeting the needs of the Punjab province.

Out of the USD14 billion, Russians would invest around USD 10 billion in an offshore gas pipeline project, USD 2.5 billion in the North-South pipeline project and the remaining on building underground storages in Pakistan, the report said.

Pakistan and Russian state-run entities on Wednesday signed inter corporate agreement to conduct a feasibility study of the USD10-billion offshore pipeline project.

The planned massive Russian investment in Pakistan is coming at a time when bilateral relations between Moscow and Islamabad were warming up.

Pakistan's ties with Russia have moved past the bitter Cold War hostilities and the chill in the US-Pakistan relations has further pushed the country towards Russia and China.

Under this project, Russian company, Gazprom, will conduct feasibility steady to build offshore pipeline from Iran to Pakistan, according to the report.

Pakistan's Minister for Petroleum Division, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, appreciated the expanding trajectory of bilateral relations between Russia and Pakistan and welcomed Gazprom's interest in off-shore gas pipeline project and termed it a manifestation of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

The pipeline construction is expected to be completed in three to four years.

Inter State Gas Systems (ISGS) Managing Director Mobin Saulat and Markelov signed the agreement.

Under the deal, Russia will export 500 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to one billion cubic feet per day gas to meet the growing demand of gas following industrialisation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

A feasibility study would be conducted by Gazprom at its own cost with no financial implications on Pakistan.

Russia holds huge gas deposits in Iran and has offered Pakistan and India gas exports by laying an offshore pipeline that will pass through the strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian sea.

Russia has been a big gas exporter to the European Union countries and Turkey since long and despite US anger, the European bloc has continued to make imports to meet its domestic needs.

Moscow receives gas from Turkmenistan and then exports it to EU states. It has got and managed gas deposits in Iran as well and is looking to gain foothold in the Pakistani market, the report said.

Certain economic benefits such as transit fee would accrue to Pakistan if the project is implemented, the report said.

Pakistan will import some 500 million to 1 billion cubic feet of gas from Russia daily, which would be transported through sea link, the agreement says.

The pipeline would follow an integrated approach including other ancillary projects such as underground gas storage, desalination and other power projects.

Moreover, the project would bring Pakistan on the world map as the transit country for offshore gas pipelines, the report said.

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Russian authorities have detained Jehovah's Witnesses in the central region of Mordovia, police said on Thursday, as part of a crackdown which the UN warned was setting a "dangerous precedent".

Russia brands the US evangelical Christian movement a totalitarian sect and in 2017 designated it as an extremist organisation, ordering its dissolution in the country.

On Wednesday, a Russian court sentenced Dennis Christensen, a Danish Jehovah's Witness, to six years in prison for "extremism" - the first adherent of the movement to be sent to prison in Russia.

The same day, several Jehovah's Witnesses were detained in Mordovia, police said.

"The large-scale operation" was conducted by the FSB security service together with police and other law enforcement agencies, police said.

"An investigation is under way," police said in a statement.

The sentencing of Christensen provoked an outcry, with rights groups comparing Moscow's pressure on the group to the persecution of the Soviet era.

The UN on Thursday condemned what it called a "dangerous precedent" and criticised the "criminalisation of the right to religious freedom."



"The harsh sentence imposed on Christensen creates a dangerous precedent, and effectively criminalises the right to freedom of religion or belief," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in a statement.

The UN called on Russian authorities to revise federal laws that too vaguely define extremism and also release those being held for exercising their rights to religion or belief.

Jehovah's Witnesses are a Christian denomination that originated in the United States in the late 19th century and preaches non-violence.

Since 2017, a Russian crackdown on believers has intensified, with more than 20 Jehovah's Witnesses in custody, awaiting trial on extremism charges, while 25 are under house arrest.

Christensen was given the lengthy prison term even though Russian President Vladimir Putin said in December that Jehovah's Witnesses should not be seen as terrorists.

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday the Kremlin could not comment on the court ruling but added that officials would be looking into the issue.

"This will be happening. This is a process. This is not an easy subject," he told reporters.

Asked whether the Jehovah's Witnesses were an extremist or religious organisation according to common sense, Peskov said: "We cannot be guided by the notion of common sense for state purposes."



Foreign governments have said they were concerned by Christensen's sentencing.

"We agree with President Putin that persecuting peaceful believers is utter nonsense, and call on Russia to respect freedom of religion," Andrea Kalan, a spokeswoman for the US embassy in Moscow, said on Twitter.

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Armenia's Court of Appeal declined the motion filed by lawyers of former Armenian president Robert Kocharyan, prosecutor general Vahagn Muradyan said.

"The court has unveiled the decision  all the complaints of Kocharyans lawyers were completely declined, and he will remain detained," he said, adding that only the final part was read out.

The lawyers had filed the motion demanding to void the first instance counts decision to extend their clients pretrial detention for another two months, ARKA recalls.

Former head of the Central Bank of Armenia Bagrat Asatryan, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza earlier, noted that bringing Robert Kocharian to justice for the March 2008 crimes in the new conditions is only a matter of time. "It is important that 10 years after the March 2008 tragic events, our authorities finally took up the matter. I was an active participant in those protests and I know that back then all the means were used against people who disagree with the results of the presidential election, in which Serzh Sargsyan became the head of state, starting from crimes to military," he said .

The expert noted that today there are no political forces left in Armenia ready to support Robert Kocharyan, including his former comrades. Robert Kocharyan has never been a public politician, he was a manager, thats why he set the goal to destroy Armenia's internal policy at one time - so that no one would interfere with his rule. 15 years ago, he actually privatized the Armenian parties and distributed them to the oligarchs. As a result of his efforts, the old internal political field of Armenia was destroyed, but now it turned out that Kocharyan does not have any comrades and supporters in politics. Having lost power, he became simply not interesting for the domestic political situation," Bagrat Asatryan stressed.

Kocharyan, who served two terms as president in 1998-2008, is charged with toppling constitutional order in collusion with other persons in 2008 March. He was detained on July 26, 2018 for two months in pre-trial detention pending investigation. However, he was released from custody on June 13 after the Court of Appeals ruled that he could not be prosecuted for the 2008 March 1 post-election violence.

That ruling was later denounced by the Special Investigative Service, which described it as illegal, saying that the Court of Appeals "overstepped the bounds of its authority." Kocharyan was arrested again in December 2018. On January 18, the court in Yerevan has ruled to extend the arrest of Kocharyan for another two months.

The case dates back to late February and early March 2008 following the disputed presidential election, when then prime minister Serzh Sargsyan was declared the winner, angering the opposition, led by the first Armenian president Levon Ter-Petrosyan and setting off 10 days of nonstop protests that led to a crackdown on March 1, in which 10 people were killed and more than 200 injured.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that the RSS was trying to capture the institutions of the country and his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh will remove the organisation's loyalists from the system.

He also launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "coward" and challenging him to a debate on issues such as national security, Rafale and the economy.

"I know his (Modi) character after fighting him for five years. He is a coward. When someone stands up to him, he runs away," Gandhi said at the party's minority cell convention here.

The Congress chief said fear was writ large on Modi's face.

"He now knows you can't rule India by dividing people," he said in his speech in Hindi.

"The image of Narendra Modi is finished," Gandhi declared.

He alleged that the RSS was attempting to capture institutions, from the judiciary to the Election Commission.

"We have not merely formed governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh... we will ensure that RSS people put in institutions in these states are removed," he said.

The Congress chief also alleged that while China sent its army to Doklam, the prime minister flew to China and held a summit without an agenda.

He had folded his hands in front of China, Gandhi alleged.

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Rajya Sabha proceedings were Thursday disrupted for the fourth day in a row amid protests by opposition parties, including RJD, BSP, TMC, SP and Congress, over roster system for reservation in universities.

As soon as the House resumed proceedings at 2 PM, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu asked members to begin the discussion on motion of thanks on the President's address to Parliament.

In the meanwhile, opposition members were on their feet and sought a discussion on the issue of roster system under Rule 267. The rule provides that all business of the House is suspended for taking up discussion on a particular issue.

SP member Javed Ali Khan demanded discussion on reservation issue under Rule 267 of the House while other opposition members raised slogans.

When the Chairman did not heed to their demand saying the discussion on Motion of Thanks would go on, opposition members--RJD, SP, BSP, TMC and Congress-- trooped into the well protesting over introduction of roster system in educational institutions, which they claim limits the scope of reservation for jobs.

They kept on raising slogan like "Anti-Dalit Government will not function", "Scrap new roster system", "We will not tolerate attack on reservation system", "Anti-reservation government will not function anymore".

Naidu pointed out that the House is lagging behind and requested opposition members to let the House function.

"Please allow the House to function. The entire country is watching your functioning in the House. You don't want to discuss the President's address," he said.

He also assured members that the government has taken note of the issue raised by them as the minister has also replied on that.

As members refused to relent, Naidu adjourned the House for the day.

The roster system provides that number of vacancies are considered department or wing wise in a college or university and not total number of posts available for recruitment in any institution. This results in limited seats available for recruitment by each department or wing under reserved categories.

Earlier in the morning the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 PM amid protest by opposition parties mainly SP and BSP members over the issue of faculty reservation in Universities even after the government assured them that it will file a review petition in the Supreme Court.

Members of SP, BSP, RJD and CPI, who had given notices to discuss the issue, were not satisfied with the government's reply that it will file a review petition in the apex court.

Speaking on the issue in the morning session, the members demanded that a new bill be introduced to protect the interest of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBC.

While replying on the issue in the Upper House, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said, "We are fully committed towards reservation. We will ensure they are not affected."



The Minister said the government will soon file a review petition in the apex court on this issue and expressed confidence of getting a favourable judgement.

However, Opposition members were not satisfied with the minister's reply and were on their feet protesting, forcing Naidu to adjourn the House till 2 PM.

Javadekar had earlier said the government will file a review petition in the Supreme Court after its Special Leave Petition on faculty reservation mechanism for universities was rejected by the apex court.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) had announced in March last year that an individual department should be considered as the base unit to calculate the number of teaching posts to be reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates following an order by the Allahabad High Court in April in 2017.

Earlier after laying of papers, Naidu said since only four days are left in the Budget session, the House should decide when to have a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address.

He adjourned the House for 10 minutes till 11:20 PM to give time to both treasury and Opposition benches to decide on the issue.

When the House resumed, Naidu allowed members who had given notice on the issue of reservation to raise their concern.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Investments to the tune of Rs 51,600 crore are at various stages of implementation by different corporate houses across Assam, the state Assembly was informed Thursday.

Replying to a query by Congress MLA Abdul Khaleque, Commerce and Industry Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said works for 55 projects worth Rs 23,269.48 crore have already begun at different places.

Another investment of Rs 28,334.65 crore by 15 corporates of diverse segments are in the pipeline, he added.

Patowary, however, said the recent series of protests in Assam over various issues are making the investors apprehensive of the social peace in the state.

Stating that many companies have talked to him about the protests, he said the agitations is making the investors apprehensive.

"If we cannot stop that, no investment will come. I strongly register this in the House," the minister said.

During organising the 'Advantage Assam' global investors' summit in Guwahati last year, a total of Rs 41.66 crore were spent, he said.

"In the summit, investors from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, England, America, the UAE and Vietnam took part apart from India," Patowary said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A gang of robbers broke into two shops in Kolhapur city in western Maharashtra early Thursday morning and made away with jewellery worth Rs 22 lakh, the police said.

The gang struck simultaneously at Mahalaxmi Jewellers at Gujari Market and Pramod Kallappa Kolekar Jewellers on Jyotiba Road around 4.30 am, CCTV footage at the two shops showed.

The robbers opened the doors using iron rods, it showed.

Senior officials of Kolhapur Police rushed to the spots after the heists came to light. Further probe is on.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Renault said Thursday it has informed investigators that its former chief Carlos Ghosn, who is being held in Japan on allegations of financial misconduct, personally benefited from a corporate sponsorship deal.

The firm's internal audits "identified that a contribution of 50,000 euros, under a sponsorship agreement signed with the Chateau de Versailles, was allocated to Mr Ghosn's personal benefit", Renault said, adding it had informed the authorities.

The French daily Le Figaro reported late Wednesday that contribution was for Ghosn's June 2016 wedding reception at the Grand Trianon, one of several at the Versailles former royal palace complex outside Paris.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India's largest private sector company Reliance Industries Thursday said it had firmed up Rs 10,000 crore investments in West Bengal which is under implementation.

"Today, our investments stand at Rs 28,000 crore in West Bengal alone, and we have firmed up our plan for further investment of over Rs 10,000," CMD of Reliance Industries Mukesh D Ambani said at the Bengal Global Business summit here on Thursday.

Most of the investments would be from Reliance Jio.

Jio network will cover 100 per cent of the state's population, he said.

In 2016, Reliance made investments worth Rs 4500 crore and after more funds were pumped, it stood at Rs 28,000 crore at the moment, which accounted for one-tenth of total investments in India so far.

Reliance Retail operates 500 retail stores and 46 petro retail outlets in West Bengal, Ambani said adding that Reliance operates three million square feet of warehouses in the state.

The company was in the process of setting up a state-of-the art data centre project in the proposed Silicon Vally hub in the city.

Reliance had also set up 350 Jio Points which are operational to be increased to 1000 by the year end, meant for serving villages of the country with digital connectivity.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
State Bank of India Thursday said the Reserve Bank of India has slapped Rs 1 crore penalty on the country's largest lender for violating norms.

RBI "in exercise of powers conferred under Section 47 A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 has levied a penalty of Rupees one crore on the bank for not monitoring the end use of funds in respect of one of its borrowers," SBI said in a regulatory filing.

SBI, however, did not share details of the borrower and the loan amount given to the borrower.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rain, hailstorms and snowfall lashed several parts of northern India on Thursday, disrupting normal life at many places, officials said.

The Kashmir region remained cut off for the second consecutive day due to heavy snowfall. The arterial Srinagar-Jammu road was closed after snow accumulated around the Jawahar Tunnel and landslides at several places in Ramban district



All flights at the Srinagar airport were cancelled for the day, an official of the Airports Authority of India said.

Authorities have issued an avalanche warning for 16 of the 22 districts of Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours. The Valley and high-altitude areas of the state have been experiencing heavy snowfall over the past 24 hours, officials said.

Several parts of Delhi and adjacent areas reported heavy rain and hailstorm in the evening.

As many as 38 flights, including 23 domestic and nine international, were diverted from the Delhi airport to nearby cities between 6-8.45 pm. The remaining six flights that were diverted during this time period were either private jets or belonged to the Indian Air Force, an official said.

In Uttarakhand, cold conditions intensified as the hilly districts received fresh snowfall and the lower areas were lashed by rains.

It has been raining intermittently in Dehradun since Wednesday evening. Schools and colleges in several districts remained closed in view of the inclement weather, officials said.

According to the state emergency operation centre, the Sonprayag-Kedarnath trek route to the Himalayan shrine was closed after being clogged with snow. The weather office has forecast heavy-to-very-heavy snowfall in the hilly areas over the next 24 hours.

Moderate-to-heavy rains also lashed parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, the meteorological department said. Widespread rainfall occurred in Himachal Pradesh during the past 24 hours.

The weather change was caused by a western disturbance, an official said.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh ordered for a assessment of possible crop damage.

In Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district, a hailstorm damaged potato crops in over half-a-dozen villages, said Buddha Singh Pradhan, state vice-president Bharatiya Kisan Union.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress president Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra make a "great team" and would "wipe out" the Modi government in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh claimed Thursday.

Trashing allegations of the Congress promoting dynastic politics, he said, "The people vote for individuals, not for dynasty."



Attributing the Congress victories in recent assembly polls in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattishgarh to Rahul Gandhi's efforts, he said the party president has "evolved greatly" as a leader.

Describing Rahul Gandhi as "extremely receptive with a deep understanding of issues" facing the country, he said the Congress party president would make an excellent prime minister.

Singh made the remarks, while speaking at a media house conclave, said an official release.

In contrast to his mother, who used to listen and mull over the issues, Rahul Gandhi discusses them and takes prompt decisions with total confidence, he said.

Reacting to the recent Kolkata standoff between the Mamata Banerjee's government and the CBI, the chief minister described the central agency's action "as a sheer case of victimisation and unacceptable in a democratic polity".

"Even the ED cases against Robert Vadra are nothing but victimization and vindictiveness by the Central government, he said, adding that such acts have no place in a civilised nation".

"The things are not done this way in a democratic society," he said.

Drawing an analogy with his own style of functioning, Singh said, "Lot of my colleagues tell me to fix X, Y or Z, but I do not believe in indulging in political vendetta."



Claiming there is no vendetta against the Badals, the chief minister, however, added, "Investigations are in progress in all the allegations against the Badals and (former Akali minister) Bikram Singh Majithia and they will pay for their misdeeds.

On the Narendra Modi government's performance, Singh claimed it has failed to do anything for the welfare of farmers, who were not being given even the MSP on their crops.

He claimed even the sugar and cotton industries were in dire straits.

Accusing Prime Minister Modi of backtracking in implementing the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations on the farming sector, Amarinder Singh said, The report had to be implemented in toto and not piecemeal for their own advantage."



Despite being a minister in the Union government, Harsimrat Badal has also failed to do anything for the state or its people, particularly the agrarian sector, the chief minister alleged.

He claimed the Congress government, on the other hand, has managed to bring things on track "despite the massive fiscal crisis we inherited from the erstwhile Badal government".

"Apart from successfully generating 6.25 lakh jobs in less than two years, our government has so far waived Rs 4,786 crore of debts of farmers, which, though not sufficient, was much better than the Rs 17 a day earning announced by the Modi government in its recent interim budget," he said.

Listing out major challenges facing the BJP in the upcomning Lok Sabha elections, Singh claimed that it would lose the elections due to disenchantment of youths over massive unemployment and the distress among farmers.

Hailing the opening of Kartarpur Sahib corridor, Singh said though it was a welcome step, there was need for vigilance as Pakistan's ISI could misuse it for its own nefarious ends.

He said the Pakistan military has been constantly thwarting India's initiatives for peaceful resolution of bilateral issues.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mounting a fresh offensive on Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Thursday called the prime minister a "darpok" (coward) and dared him to a five minute face-to-face debate on issues such as the controversial Rafale jet deal and national security.

Addressing the Congress' minority department convention here, a combative Gandhi also alleged that the RSS was trying to capture the institutions of the country and said his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh will remove the organisation's loyalists from the system.

In his speech covering a range of topics, Gandhi slammed Modi for his China policy, saying the prime minister flew to the country and held a summit without an agenda while Beijing sent its army to Doklam, a reference to the China-India border standoff in 2017.

Modi folded his hands before China, the Congress chief claimed, adding that China realised within two months that "leave alone 56 inches, he doesn't even have a four-inch chest".

"I know his (Modi) character after fighting him for five years...I say to BJP leaders... make Narendra Modi stand with me on stage for five minutes and debate on national security, Rafale," Gandhi said in his speech in Hindi.

"I want to say he is a darpok (coward) person. I have recognised him. He gets scared when he faces someone who says I will not back off, he backs off," the Congress president said, walking away dramatically from the mike for visual effect, eliciting applause from Congress workers.

In a speech laced with sarcasm, Gandhi did not spare Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, mocking him for allegedly taking instructions from the British.

Gandhi urged his party's workers to face the RSS, the BJP and Modi with all their might. If Congress workers stand together, they (RSS, BJP, Modi) will run away as "they are cowards", he added.

The Congress chief said fear was writ large on Modi's face and asserted that those who spread hatred will be defeated.

Declaring that the "image of Narendra Modi is finished", Gandhi said, "He now knows you can't rule India by dividing people."



The Congress chief alleged that the RSS was attempting to capture the country's institutions, from the judiciary to the Election Commission.

"We have not merely formed governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh... we will ensure that RSS people put in institutions in these states are removed," he said.

Gandhi claimed that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath informed him that there was a special ministry in the state under the BJP rule to which Rs 800 crore were given and it was full of RSS people.

"In these states (MP, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan), one by one, we will do the work of removing RSS people from government's institutions. The bureaucracy of these states should know and India's bureaucracy should know that you are not RSS' bureaucracy, but India's bureaucracy," Gandhi said.

He asserted that irrespective of language, religion, and caste, the Congress party will always protect all Indians.

The aim of the RSS is to set aside the Constitution and run the country from Nagpur, he alleged.

"The RSS puts its people in the judicial system, in the Election Commission. The CBI chief if he wants to probe Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he is set aside and an RSS person is put in his place. Their aim is to finish all institutions in the country," Gandhi alleged.

He also alleged that Modi was the face but the government was being run by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

"With Narendra Modi as PM, four Supreme Court judges come out and say that 'we are not being allowed to work' and in the same line take the name of Justice Loya and indirectly say that BJP president Amit Shah is not allowing the Supreme Court to do its work," Gandhi said, referring to CBI judge B H Loya who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh and died in Nagpur on December 1, 2014.

The RSS and the BJP think that they are above India, but in three months the country will make them understand that it is not so, Gandhi said.

He alleged Modi snatched the Rafale contract from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and helped Anil Ambani to make a profit of Rs 30,000 crore.

The government, as well as Anil Ambani, have strongly denied any wrongdoing in the fighter jet agreement with France.

"Do you accept that five years ago PM Narendra Modi's reputation was very good. Do you accept that today Narendra Modi is a thief. He can't even speak openly," Gandhi said.

In his tenure Modi gave Rs 3.5 lakh crore to 15 industrialists, Gandhi alleged.

"I asked the team framing the Congress manifesto to give something that shakes up the country. I asked them to give me something that I could offer loudly and change the mood of the people," he said of his party's minimum income promise for the poor.

The minimum income amount will be deposited in the bank accounts of the poor across the country by the Congress, he said.

"If Modi ji can give lakhs of crores of rupees to 15 individuals, we can also put money in the pocket of the poor people," he said.

This decision will be first of its kind in the world, where a big country like India will directly transfer money in the accounts of poor people, Gandhi said, adding that this will eradicate poverty.

Gandhi again brought up the Rafale deal while talking to reporters after his meeting with the party's general secretaries.

"The Prime Minister has helped steal Rs 30,000 crore from the defense forces and handed it to Anil Ambani and he has done it personally. Please remember what I have said. He has done it personally," he alleged.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Head of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has held a meeting with President of Astana Group Nurlan Smagulov, Kazinform reported citing the press service of Akorda.

At the meeting, the Head of State was informed about the execution of the instructions regarding the further development of the domestic automotive industry. Nurlan Smagulov reported to Nursultan Nazarbayev on the commencement of Hyundai car factory construction in Almaty by Astana Motors.

"The capacity of the factory will be 30,000 cars at the first stage and will be increased to 45,000 cars per annum at the second stage. This will make it possible to saturate Kazakhstan's market with high-quality and affordable Hyundai cars and to export them to the CIS countries. The investment in the project will total KZT 25 billion. In addition to own funds, borrowed funds will also be raised on commercial terms. The opening of the factory will create 700 new jobs," said the head of the company.

At the end of the meeting, Nurlan Smagulov thanked the President of Kazakhstan for his continued support for Kazakhstani business development and the decision made on a car loan program similar to the 7-20-25 Mortgage Program.
Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Thursday described him as a "darpok" (coward) and dared him to a five minute face-to-face debate on issues such as Rafale and national security.

Addressing his party's minority department convention here, Gandhi also alleged that the RSS was trying to capture the institutions of the country and asserted that his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh will remove the organisation's loyalists from the system.

In his speech covering a range of topics, an aggressive Gandhi slammed Modi for his China policy, saying the prime minister flew to the country and held a summit without an agenda while Beijing sent its army to Doklam.

Modi folded his hands before China, the Congress chief said, adding that China realised within two months that "leave alone 56 inches, he doesn't even have a four-inch chest".

"I know his (Modi) character after fighting him for five years...I say to BJP leaders... make Narendra Modi stand with me on stage for five minutes and debate on national security, Rafale," Gandhi said in his speech in Hindi.

"I want to say he is a darpok (coward) person. I have recognised him. He gets scared when he faces someone who says I will not back off, he backs off," the Congress chief said, walking away dramatically from the mike for visual effect, eliciting applause from Congress workers.

In a speech laced with sarcasm, Gandhi did not spare Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, mocking him for allegedly taking instructions from the British.

Gandhi urged his party's workers to face the RSS, the BJP and Modi with all their might. If Congress workers stand together, they (RSS, BJP, Modi) will run away as "they are cowards", he added.

The Congress chief said fear was writ large on Modi's face and asserted that those who spread hatred will be defeated.

Declaring that the "image of Narendra Modi is finished", Gandhi said, "He now knows you can't rule India by dividing people."



The Congress chief alleged that the RSS was attempting to capture the country's institutions, from the judiciary to the Election Commission.

"We have not merely formed governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh... we will ensure that RSS people put in institutions in these states are removed," he said.

Gandhi claimed that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath informed him that there was a special ministry in Madhya Pradesh under the BJP rule to which Rs 800 crore were given and it was full of RSS people.

"In these states (MP, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan), one by one, we will do the work of removing RSS people from government's institutions. The bureaucracy of these states should know and India's bureaucracy should know that you are not RSS' bureaucracy, but India's bureaucracy," Gandhi said.

He asserted that irrespective of language, religion, and caste, the Congress party will always protect all Indians.

The aim of the RSS is to set aside the Constitution and run the country from Nagpur, he alleged.

"The RSS puts its people in the judicial system, in the Election Commission. The CBI chief if he wants to probe Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he is set aside and an RSS person is put in his place. Their aim is to finish all institutions in the country," Gandhi alleged.

He also alleged that Modi was the face but the government was being run by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

"With Narendra Modi as PM, four Supreme Court judges come out and say that 'we are not being allowed to work' and in the same line take the name of Justice Loya and indirectly say that BJP president Amit Shah is not allowing the Supreme Court to do its work," Gandhi said, referring to CBI judge B H Loya who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh and died in Nagpur on December 1, 2014.

The RSS and the BJP think that they are above India, but in three months the country will make them understand that it is not so, Gandhi said.

He alleged Modi snatched the Rafale contract from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and helped Anil Ambani to make a profit of Rs 30,000 crore.

The government, as well as Ambani, have strongly denied any wrongdoing in the fighter jet agreement with France.

"Do you accept that five years ago PM Narendra Modi's reputation was very good. Do you accept that today Narendra Modi is a thief. He can't even speak openly," Gandhi said.

In his tenure Modi gave Rs 3.5 lakh crore to 15 industrialists, Gandhi alleged.

"I asked the team framing the Congress manifesto to give something that shakes up the country. I asked them to give me something that I could offer loudly and change the mood of the people," he said of his party's minimum income promise for the poor.

The minimum income amount will be deposited in the bank accounts of the poor across the country by the Congress, he said.

"If Modi ji can give lakhs of crores of rupees to 15 individuals, we can also put money in the pocket of the poor people," he said.

This decision will be first of its kind in the world, where a big country like India will directly transfer money in the accounts of poor people, Gandhi said, adding that this will eradicate poverty.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Thursday returned Congress President Rahul Gandhi's fire over the Rafale jet deal, saying the opposition party does not want the Air Force to be strong and questioned whether it was bidding for a company.

He also accused the Congress of rendering the Army handicapped due to which it was not in a position to launch surgical strikes.

"I am levelling a serious allegation," he said in his reply in Lok Sabha to the debate on Motion of Thanks on the President's address.

"I want to say it on the floor of Parliament that the Indian Congress doesn't want our armed forces to be strong. They don't want our security apparatus to be strong. Which companies are they bidding for that they are acting so shamefully," he said.

Congress President has been intensifying attack on Modi, accusing him of corruption in the multi- billion dollar jet deal with a French company.

ALSO READ: Modi says formal, informal sectors creating jobs after employment criticism

Modi's retort came hours after Gandhi, at a Congress event in Delhi, described him as a "darpok" (coward) and dared him to a five-minute face-to-face debate on issues such as Rafale and security.

The Prime Minister said that the armed forces were adversely affected due to delay in procurements under the Congress rule and its personnel did not have bullet-proof jackets, proper shoes, communication equipment or even helmets.

"You had left the Army unarmed. It was not in a position to carry out surgical strikes," he said, adding it is a great dis-service to the nation.

ALSO READ: Congress is about 'BC and AD': PM's new acronym is fresh attack on rival

Modi wondered why advanced jets were not procured for 30 years when India's neighbours were equipping themselves with latest weaponry.

"The nation will not forgive you for this sin," the prime minister said.

Taking a swipe at the Congress, he said, "They are surprised that there is a defence deal without kickbacks... they assume that a defence deal cannot happen without commission."

Modi also accused the Congress of insulting Army by calling its chief a "goonda".
Movement of trains was affected in Assam on Thursday morning as members of a youth organization blocked rail tracks, demanding immediate revocation of the citizenship bill and introduction of inner line permit (ILP) in the state.

With banners and placards in hand, the members of Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) squatted on the tracks for about an hour in several districts of the state, including Guwahati, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Nalbari and Udalguri, police sources said.

Slogans such as 'Joi Aai Asom' (Victory to mother Assam), 'Scrap the Citizenship Bill' and 'Introduce inner line permit' rented the air as agitators sought measures to repeal the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was recently passed by the Lok Sabha.

The legislation, which is currently waiting for Rajya Sabha approval, seeks to provide citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India.

In Guwahati, the AJYCP picketers blocked the railway level crossing near Kamakhya station, preventing movement of Satabdi Express, a senior police officer said.

It was only after the police cleared the tracks and dispersed the crowd, the train could resume its service, he added.

In Udalguri, the agitators staged a semi-nude protest against the Bill and blocked train tracks for about 30 minutes, official sources said.

The AJYCP units of twin districts of Sivasagar and Charaideo also halted the Awadh-Assam Express at Simaluguri railway junction.

Similar protests were witnessed at Biswanath Chariali and Tinsukia districts.

At Numaligarh oil town in Golaghat, the agitators came out in large numbers to block National Highway-39 at Rongbong, Letekujan and Panka areas.

A massive protest meeting was also organized by All Assam Students Union (AASU) and 30 allied ethnic groups on Thursday at Naharkatia in Dibrugarh, demanding the withdrawal of the legislation.

Protests against the bill have rocked the entire northeast over the past six weeks, with several organisations and political parties claiming that the bill threatens the identity, language and culture of indigenous people.

In the state, the agitators have reasoned that the legislation contradicts the Assam Accord of 1985, which clearly states that illegal migrants who entered India after March 25, 1971, would be deported irrespective of their religions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will arrive here Monday on a four-day visit, her first trip to the state after being appointed the Congress general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary in charge of western Uttar Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia, will accompany her on the February 11 visit to the state capital, party spokesperson Anshu Awasthi said Thursday.

Preparations are on in the party to accord a big welcome to the three leaders, who will be brought from the airport to the state party office in a roadshow.

Rahul Gandhi is likely to return the same day, but Priyanka Gandhi will stay on in Lucknow till Thursday, meeting office bearers and party workers, Awasthi said.

Workers representing the party's district and city units will meet her, a party leader said.

After her brief appearance before the media while dropping off husband Robert Vadra at the Enforcement Directorate office in Delhi on Wednesday, the Lucknow visit will mark her first public appearance after formally joining the party.

The Congress in Uttar Pradesh is seeing the visit by her and Scindia as the virtual launch of the Congress campaign in the crucial state for the coming Lok Sabha elections.

The two newly appointed in-charges for Uttar Pradesh will take stock of the party's preparation for the polls.

"The impending visit by the senior leaders, especially Priyanka Gandhi, has enthused party workers, Awasthi said.

Priyanka Gandhi was appointed a Congress general secretary last month, a move that ended years of speculation over her induction into the party.

Home to 80 Lok Sabha seats, Uttar Pradesh sends the highest number of MPs to Parliament, making it a key electoral battleground.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party faces a challenge here from the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj alliance, while the Congress is trying hard to retrieve lost ground in the state.

Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha seats held by her brother Rahul Gandhi and mother Sonia Gandhi, are in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Varanasi constituency and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's stronghold Gorakhpur are also part of this region, under Priyanka Gandhi's charge.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Playing down the statements of former chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah targeting the army, a top official Thursday said such statements do not affect the morale of the Indian armed forces and will continue anti-terrorism operation "as per our mandate".

"The Indian army does not get affected by variousstatements. We know that the Government of India is committed to ensuring peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

"They havemandated the Indian army to conduct counter terrorismoperations in Jammu and Kashmir and those operations are beingconducted," Northern army commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh toldreporters here.

He was replying to a volley of questions seeking his reaction about the statements of Mufti and Abdullah targeting the army on counterinsurgency operations in Kashmir and their effects on morale of troops.

"We will continue to do so (counter terrorismoperations). These statements does not affect the moral of thearmed forces, if any person makes any statement to thecontrary", he said.

He said that the strength of the Indian army lies in "our ability to carry out action and tactical operations in most professional manner".

"It (the statements of politicians) has certainly not impacted as far as morale of the Indian armed forces is concerned", he added.

Mufti alleged that an Army officer, Major Shukla, had tortured Tawseef Wani atthe Shadimarg camp of the Army and threatened to kill him in an encounter.

"Kashmir is a political issue and cannot be resolved through military power," Mufti tweeted.

"Army menhailed as heroes for their bravery also need to be heldaccountable if they commit human rights violations," she said.

She saidshe visited Wani on Wednesday.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday dismissed PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's demand for action against an Army officer, saying "she doesn't need to be taken seriously".

Former chief minister Omar Abdullah last Thursday took on the Indian Army for hailing crackdownon terror.

After Northern Command Chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singhsaid that over 250 terrorists were killed and 54 were caught alive by security forces in 2018, the National Conferenceleader said that "a great year would be one in which no youngman would join militancy" GoC-in-C said "everybody have been giving views of various incidents.Governor has given its response. I want to assure the Indian army conducts its operations in most professional manner. There is not any kind of leeway and SoP is put in place".

He said that there are "do's and don'ts" for every soldier, who is part of any counter terrorist operation.

"Anybody does any wrong, we investigate and take action accordingly. Please see through action not the statements only. The Indian army have been able to deliver good results," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Polish Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki has met several victims of church sex abuse ahead of a Vatican meeting on the issue later this month.

Pope Francis has called senior bishops from around the world to Rome on February 21-24 to provide them with concrete measures to deal with widespread clergy sex abuse of children and young people.

"A couple of weeks ago... I invited victims of clergy sexual abuse in childhood or youth to meet with me," Gadecki said in a video message on the episcopate's website on Wednesday.

"I am grateful to all 28 individuals who accepted the invitation. I have already met with some of them. The rest of the meetings will be scheduled bit by bit," he added.

It is difficult to pinpoint the extent of sex abuse by clergy in the devout Catholic country of 38 million people.

But Marek Lisinski, head of a Polish foundation for its victims, told AFP that around 700 victims had disclosed clergy abuse to the organisation.

Polish courts have convicted 62 priests of the crime.

Gadecki, head of the Polish Episcopal Conference, said he is unable to reveal the details of his private conversations with victims because they had requested "total discretion".

He said each meeting was important to him, broadening his knowledge of the issue and raising his awareness of the "harm" done to the victims.

He said it is necessary to "respond appropriately to the painful facts of the past and present and to prevent their repetition in the future."



The statement came a day after Pope Francis's public admission that priests have used nuns as "sexual slaves" and may still be doing so.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently in a jail for his alleged role in a housing scheme scam, will be indicted on February 18 in the case, a media report said Thursday.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had taken 67-year-old Sharif, the younger brother of jailed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, into custody on October 5 in the Rs 14 billion Ashiana-i-Iqbal housing project scam.

He is accused of allegedly cancelling the contract of a successful bidder in the scheme and awarding the same to his favourite firm.

During Thursday's proceedings of the case in the accountability court, the court inquired why Sharif was not present, stating whether he was ill or had a PAC meeting, the Geo TV reported.

A police officer informed the court that Sharif was not well and also had a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Islamabad.

At this the court stated that the police were just guardians and it was the state which was answerable on who had allowed Sharif to stay in Islamabad, adding that he was not granted the right to a medical so he wouldn't appear in court, the channel said.

NAB prosecutor said it was not the bureau's responsibility to present Sharif but rather the police.

Sharif's lawyer informed the court that his client had an issue with his backbone and his doctor had advised him against long journeys.

The judge hearing the case said Sharif was supposed to be indicted in the case today, to which the lawyer replied that there was no such order.

The court ordered for Sharif to be present at all cost during the next hearing.

The judge added that Sharif could end the meeting and come, and if he was ill he can take an air ambulance.

The judge informed Sharif's counsel that his client would be indicted during the next hearing and there will be no excuses acceptable on his absence.

The hearing of the case was adjourned will February 18.

Sharif served as the chief minister of the politically crucial Punjab province from 2013 to 2018. He became PML-N president after his elder brother was barred from holding the top party position and public posts.

Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Thursday that Sharif should resign from the post of PAC chairman.

He said the government believed that Sharif was using PAC as a shield against corruption cases initiated against him.

"Sharif should step down and face corruption cases against him."



Sharif was elected unopposed as PAC chairman on December 22 last year after months of wrangling between the ruling party and the opposition parties.

PAC is the apex parliamentary watchdog that oversees the audit of revenues and expenditures of the government and is considered to be the parliament's most powerful and important committee.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate several projects and lay foundation of many vital schemes in Arunachal Pradesh during his visit to the north-eastern state on Saturday, officials said Thursday.

Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of a green field Airport at Hollongi near here, they said.

The ambitious airport project in the state has been pending for several years due to controversies over site selection. Arunachal Pradesh is the only state in the country without a full-fledged airport.

Initially, Karsingsa was selected as the site for the airport but owing to technicalities, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had asked the state government to find some other site.

On the request of the state government, a central joint inspection committee visited Itanagar to study the feasibility of the site during 2017 and recommended Hollongi.

The prime minister will also inaugurate a retrofitted airport at Tezu in Lohit district besides a 110 MW hydro electric project, Arun Prabha channel of Doordarshan and 50 health and wellness centres in the state.

Modi will also lay the foundation stone of a Film and Television Institute at Jote, near here and seven electric sub stations under Comprehensive Scheme, the officials said.

He would lay the foundation stone of Sella Tunnel and its approach road in Tawang district besides declaration of cent per cent household electrification in the state under Saubhagya Scheme.

All the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony would be held from Indira Gandhi Park here, they said.

From Itanagar, Modi is scheduled to visit Assam and Tripura.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of the PMs visit to the state capital. Large contingents of central paramilitary forces besides state police have spread a dragnet across the state capital since Wednesday and thorough checking of visitors at all checking points is going on to prevent entry of unwanted elements, DGP S B K Singh said.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Wednesday took stock of the arrangements at IG Park, the officials added.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the state on February 9 to address a rally here and inaugurate several projects, including a railway line and a new block at Tripura Institute of Technology campus, sources in the chief minister's office said Thursday.

The new railway line, spanning 23km, will connect Garji to Belonia in South Tripura district.

The PM is also scheduled to unveil a statue of Tripura's erstwhile ruler Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya here, the sources said.

A high-level team, comprising Inspector General Rajeev Singh, West Tripura Superintendent of Police (SP) Ajit Pratap Singh and SP (security) Sankar Debanth, visited the airport and the rally venue here Wednesday to check the security arrangements, they said.

"A team of Special Protection Group has arrived in Agartala Tuesday for the PM's programme. Apart from that, Tripura State Rifles personnel and police officers will be deployed in large numbers across Agartala to ensure Modi's security," Debnath stated.

BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharya said the prime minister is set to arrive in Tripura around 3pm.

After unveiling the statue of the Maharaja, the last ruler of the state, Modi would proceed to Swami Vivekananda Maidan for addressing the public meeting, he added.

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The acrimony between the BJP-led government at the Centre and the TMC regime in West Bengal hit another low on Thursday with the state government alleging that it was kept in the dark about the inauguration of the long-awaited Jalpaiguri circuit bench of the Calcutta High Court by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday nor invited to it.

Neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor the judges of the Calcutta High Court were invited to the programme by the Centre, state Law Minister Malay Ghatak said.

"The prime minister should be ashamed for taking to such petty politics," he said, adding that the Centre's move to inaugurate the circuit bench was "politically motivated".

Besides, it was illegal to keep the state government in the dark about the inauguration programme, Ghatak said.

"We (the state government) have not received any invitation from the Centre for the inauguration of the circuit bench tomorrow by the prime minister. This is politically motivated. The BJP government must understand that the judiciary is different from politics," he told reporters here.

The relations between the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre and the Trinamool Congress government in the state are fraught with tension with a strident Banerjee calling for Modi's ouster from power in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and drumming up support from major opposition parties.

"If the inauguration happens tomorrow, it will prove how shameless Modi is. We bore all the costs for setting up the circuit bench and now they (the Centre) are trying to take the credit for it. The people of north Bengal know that the circuit bench was set up by the TMC government," Ghatak said.

The project cost had already crossed Rs 350 crore and the state had spent Rs 40 crore for the infrastructure, he added.

According to state secretariat sources, Home Secretary Atri Bhattacharyya sent a letter to the central law and judicial department on Thursday, protesting the move.

Asked whether the TMC would hold any demonstration on the issue, Ghatak said a decision in this regard would be taken by the party high-command.

The state government had earlier set September 17, 2018 for the inauguration of the circuit bench.

The Union cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod to inaugurate the circuit bench of the Calcutta High Court in Jalpaiguri district.

Jalpaiguri adjoins Darjeeling district, whose BJP MP S S Ahluwalia had earned the ire of the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha during the 104-day-long agitation in the hills in 2017 as he did not visit the region then.

The proposed circuit bench will have jurisdiction over the north Bengal districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri.

The decision to set up the circuit bench was taken in a full-court meeting of the Calcutta High Court in 1988 and was approved by the Union cabinet in June, 2006.

A team of judges had visited the proposed site in Jalpaiguri in August last year to assess the progress in the setting up of the infrastructure.

A circuit bench is for territories which are far-flung but do not have too many matters to justify a full-fledged permanent bench.

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France is set to signal its support for revising the Gas Directive, which is effectively a vote against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline across the Baltic Sea to the EU, German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung reported citing French government sources.

Paris sources said the move is because of concerns in Eastern Europe that this new pipeline will leave them vulnerable to Russian geopolitical pressure, Express reported.

"We do not want to increase our dependency on Russia and thereby harm the interests of EU countries like Poland and Slovakia," the newspaper cited the source as saying.

The voting will be held tomorrow. Germany already has the support of the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Greece and Cyprus for the pipeline, but without the backing of France it stands to lose ground.
The Congress on Thursday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Robert Vadra's questioning by the Enforcement Directorate, alleging he was "blinded by revenge" and taking out his anger fearing an "imminent defeat" in the coming Lok Sabha election.

Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by ED for nine hours on Thursday, the second day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is blinded by revenge. Prime minister Modi is taking out his anger due to the imminent defeat in the upcoming polls," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

"False cases on opposition leaders and their families are being registered... The whole country knows that since 2012 there has been a conspiracy against Robert Vadra by Modi and BJP. Seven years have gone by, but no evidence has been found against Robert Vadra or his associates," he said.

Vadra's wife and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi came to the ED office, in Jamnagar House in central Delhi, in a black SUV to pick him up around 9:30 PM. Her vehicle was guarded by SPG personnel when it went inside the ED office.

Priyanka had also dropped off her husband for questioning at the ED office on Wednesday.

Vadra is expected to be questioned again on either Friday or Saturday.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jalpaiguri on Friday to lay the foundation stone for the four laning of the Falakata-Salsalabari section of National Highway-31 D there.

This 41.7 km-long section of National Highway falls in the Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal, and will be constructed at a cost of about Rs 1938 crore, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

The project will reduce the distance from Salsalabari and Alipurduar to Siliguri by nearly 50 km. This is significant as better access to Siliguri means better access to railways and airways.

The National Highway will facilitate better movement of tea and other agricultural produce from the region to markets. The improved connectivity will also lead to an increase in tourism in the region. All this in turn will give a major boost to socio-economic activity in the state, opening up employment opportunities for the local people, it said.

The National Highway will incorporate all necessary safety features to provide relief to road users. There will be 3 Railway Over Bridges, 2 flyovers, 3 vehicular underpasses, 8 major bridges and 17 minor bridges on this section of the highway.

Modiwill also inaugurate New High Court Circuit Bench at Jalpaiguri, the statement said.

The Circuit bench of Calcutta High Court at Jalpaiguri will provide speedy justice to people of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar in North Bengal. Residents of these four districts will now have to travel less than 100 km to access the bench instead of 600-km trip to Calcutta High Court, it added.

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The Rajasthan government on Thursday started conducting camps at all the district headquarters for waiving off loans of farmers.

Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot inaugurated the camp at Sirsi road here and gave certificates to the farmers.

Similar camps were also started in other districts in which loan-waiver certificates will be given to the farmers.

"Congress president (Rahul Gandhi) had promised the loan-waiver to farmers and the decision of loan waiver was taken within two days of the government's formation. We are executing this, which shows that Congress does what it says," Pilot said at the function.

He accused the former Bharatiya Janata Party government of neglecting the interests of the farmers.

Agriculture Minister Lalchand Kataria said the camps were being held in every district from Thursday and certificates to farmers were being issued.

The entire loan taken by farmers from cooperative banks and land development banks will be waived off in the first phase.

The government had also announced waiver of loans up to Rs 2 lakh (for defaulter farmers) from commercial banks. The government officials are in discussion with the bank officials for carrying out the loan-waiver for the eligible farmers and this will be taken up in the next phase, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had said on Wednesday.

Gehlot had on December 19 announced to waive off the farmers' entire short-term croploan from cooperative banks and agriculture loans up to Rs 2 lakh for defaulter farmers from nationalised and other banks.

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PepsiCo India plans to expand its operations in West Bengal with a new production line at its snacks manufacturing facility in the state.

The company which has shied away from disclosing the investment figures for the installation of its additional snack line, said in a press release on Thursday, that it will increase the sourcing of potatoes by 50 per cent from the state.

When contacted, a PepsiCo official declined to divulge the investment figure saying he was not authorised to speak.

The beverages to snacks MNC said the company plans to double its snacks business in India by 2022, the release said.

The company also has the potential to generate over 300 additional employment opportunities in the state, the release said.

The PepsiCo announcement came at a time when the city is hosting the Bengal Global Business Summit.

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Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced on Thursday that the monthly pension for freedom fighters would be increased to Rs 25,000 and the medical allowance to Rs 5,000 per month.

Gehlot said the pension for soldiers and war widows of World War II would be more than doubled, from Rs 4,000 per month to Rs 10,000.

The chief minister made the announcement at a function here to mark the birth anniversary of social worker and Gandhian thinker S N Subba Rao.

Gehlot said freedom fighters would get a pension of Rs 25,000 per month instead of Rs 20,000 earlier. The medical allowance would be increased by Rs 1,000 per month to Rs 5,000.

The Congress leader ruled out the possibility of a complete ban on liquor in the state, saying it was not practical.

Citing the example of Gujarat where liquor is banned, Gehlot said alcohol was being smuggled and consumed in that state. He was reacting to some suggestions at the event for a ban on liquor.

The chief minister said a museum on Mahatma Gandhi would be set up to promote the principals and teachings of the Father of the Nation, conducting research on him and for other similar activities.

Speaking on the present situation in the country, Gehlot alleged that the Constitution and democracy was in danger. "Some people use the name of Mahatma Gandhi to come to power, but they are not ready to follow his ideology."



Gehlot also pointed out to the state government's decision to give wheat to 1.74-crore families, who are below the poverty line, at Re 1 per kg.

Social activist Medha Patkar and others also attended the programme.

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"Captain Phillips" team of actor Tom Hanks and director Paul Greengrass are expected to once collaborate for the new film, " of the World".

Luke Davies has written the script for the film, which is based on the best-selling novel by Paulette Jiles.

According to Variety, Greengrass, who most recently helmed the 2011 Norway attacks film "22 July", is in negotiation to direct the new movie, which hails from Fox 2000 stable.

The story is set in the aftermath of the American Civil War and follows a widowed reader, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Hanks), who travels from town to town in Texas announcing the of the times.

He is given a handsome sum to deliver a young orphan girl, whose parents were killed by a Native American tribe who then raised her as their own, to her family in San Antonio. The duo travel 400 miles through dangerous terrain, slowly developing a bond that will be tested when the man must give the girl up to relatives that not only don't want her but have abusive plans for her.

Hanks and Gary Goetzman will be producing the project through Playtone with Gail Mutrux through Pretty Pictures.

The director is best known for directing three films of the Matt Damon-starrer "Bourne" franchise -- "The Bourne Supremacy" (2004), "The Bourne Ultimatum" (2007) and "Jason Bourne" (2016).

The 2013 biographical drama, "Captain Phillips", Greengrass' maiden collaboration with Hanks, had received six Academy Award nominations, including best picture.

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The parliamentary debate on a resolution to form a national unity government in Sri Lanka was put off on Thursday after the government held back a proposal over it, days after President Maithripala Sirisena said he is opposed to any such move.

A motion which was to be tabled in Parliament for approval for the formation of the national government was held back, ruling United National Party (UNP) general secretary Akila Viraj Kariywasam said.

The proposal will not be presented today," he said.

The motion if approved would have enabled Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to expand his Cabinet and more importantly to secure the simple majority.

Wickremesinghe is stuck with limiting his Cabinet to 30 members in terms of the 19th amendment to the Constitution. He could expand it only in the event of forming a national government with another party.

Since the restoration of Wickremesinghe as the prime minister in mid-December at the end of a major constitutional impasse, the government has lacked simple majority of 113 in the the 225-member House.

The national government formation would have allowed members from President Maithripala Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) defectors to join the government.

Sirisena in his National Day address this week slammed the move to form a national government saying it was unethical to do so with a party which had just one member, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.

The President said he is opposed to forming a national government only to expand the Cabinet of ministers and attain more privileges, indicating that his rift with Wickremesinghe was far from over.

Wickremesinghe was sacked by President Sirisena in October last year and strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed the prime minister. The president also removed the members of his SLFP from the national unity government.

The UNP, with 106 seats, had joined hands with the Sirisena's SLFP in 2015 to form a unity government.

Sirisena was forced to reappoint Wickremesinghe as the prime minister after Rajapaksa failed to prove his majority twice in Parliament.

Since his reappointment, the Wickremesinghe-led government has been functioning without the required majority of 113 in the House.

Wickremesinghe plans to set up a national government by entering into a pact with the solitary member from the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress while roping in the members from Sirisena's Freedom Party.

The year 2019 is a crucial year for Sri Lanka as the next presidential election is scheduled to be held between November this year and early January 2020.

Wickremesinghe's party has already announced that they would not back the president again due to the ongoing rift between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa cannot contest again as he had been twice president before. The former president's new Sri Lanka People's Party is less inclined to back Sirisena.

The Rajapaksa-led opposition has been demanding holding of fresh elections ahead of its schedule in August 2020.

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Pakistan on Thursday said it will send a delegation to India next month to discuss and finalise the draft agreement for setting up a corridor to facilitate the visit of Sikh pilgrims to the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara.

India and Pakistan agreed to open up a special border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district.

Kartarpur Sahib is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, the first Gurdwara, was established by Guru Nanak Dev in 1522, where he is said to have died.

The corridor will facilitate the visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal announced on that Pakistan also proposed a return visit by Indian delegation on March 28.

"In a spirit of constructive engagement, Pakistan has proposed to India that the Pakistan delegation may visit India on March 13 followed by the return visit of the Indian delegation to Pakistan on March 28 to finalise the draft agreement for the Kartarpur corridor," he tweeted.

Faisal further said that "we look forward to positive reciprocity from India."



Last month, the two countries floated proposals to host talks in order to give the final shape to the agreement.

Pakistan has committed to open the corridor in November on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

M Venkaiah Naidu and Punjab Chief Minister on November 26 last year laid the foundation stone for the in Gurdaspur district.

Two days later, Pakistan's Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the corridor at Narowal, 125 km from Lahore.

The decision to build the corridor -- from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border -- was taken by the on November 22.

ALSO READ: Pakistan establishes immigration centre at Kartarpur border near Lahore

The two governments have also launched the construction work to build corridor for the Sikh pilgrims to help them visit the shrine through the shortest route.

But, both sides are yet to finalise the modalities of travel of the Indian pilgrims to the Gurudwara across the international border without visa.
The general officer commanding-in-chief of the northern command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, said Thursday the has been using to mobilize support among the youth of and to stir them towards militancy.

He also said that terrorist infrastructure continues to remain intact in PoK and

He said is trying to develop narratives to alter public opinion in to disrupt peace and stability. "It is matter of concern for us. We are seized of this concern."



He said the has been exploiting platforms to influence the youth of the Valley to join militancy.

"Radicalization is not only a concern in but a global concern," Lt Gen Singh told reporters here.

However, he added, the has developed effective counter-terrorism capabilities and the fight against terrorism has now entered "an important phase".

"We are using technology and artificial-based solutions to counter the message, so that youth do not fall prey to the designs of the army," he said.

"I am hopeful that in the coming year, we will be able to see peace, prosperity and development in the state," he said.

Replying to a question on America's proposed pullout of troops from Afghanistan, the officer said the and all agencies are keeping a close watch on the developments.

"We are prepared for any contingency," he said, referring to possible infiltration by Afghan-based militants into and

He said options for another "surgical strike" on terrorist bases are open.

"Surgical strikes were a tactical operation to give a strategic message that has the capability to do acts which are unpredictable. We were successful in conveying that message," he added.

On the investigation into sepoy Aurangzeb's killing in south Kashmir last year, he said, "We got information that one or two jawans intentionally or unknowingly passed information about his movement."



"Perhaps the terrorists picked up the news and took benefit of it," he said, adding a probe is going on.

Aurangzeb was abducted by militants from Pulwama. His bullet-riddled body was found on June 14 in on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr.
A team from Pakistan will visit India next month to discuss and finalise the modalities for facilitating visit of pilgrims through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.

The Ministry of External Affairs Thursday said India has also proposed technical-level discussions between the engineers on both sides without waiting for discussions on the modalities.

"We welcome the visit of #Pakistan team to discuss and finalise modalities for facilitating visit of pilgrims through #Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on 13 March 2019 to India. Follow up meeting can be held in Pakistan, as required.

"For expeditious realisation of #kartarpurcorridor, India has also proposed technical level discussions between engineers on both sides without waiting for discussion on the modalities. We hope #Pakistan would positively respond & confirm coordinates of crossing point as well," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Last month, India shared with Pakistan the coordinates of the crossing point of the proposed Kartarpur corridor which will link Baba Nanak village in Punjab to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Narowal in Pakistan.

Pakistan had said it shared a draft agreement on the Kartarpur Corridor with India and invited New Delhi to urgently send a delegation to Islamabad to negotiate and finalise the proposal.

Both sides are yet to finalise the modalities of travel of the Indian pilgrims to the Gurudwara.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on November 26 last year laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor in Gurdaspur district.

Two days later, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone for the corridor at Narowal, 125 km from Lahore.

The decision to build the corridor -- from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border -- was taken by the Union Cabinet on November 22.

The corridor was a long-pending demand of the Sikh community. Pakistan has committed to open the corridor in November on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

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A terrorist attack was prevented on the Turkish-Syrian border as a result of a special operation carried out by the police of the Sanliurfa Province.

During the operation, 65 kilograms of explosives and a remote detonation device were found.

According to preliminary reports, the attack was planned to be committed by members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be on a day-long visit to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, Foreign Office said on Thursday.

Khan will be visiting Dubai on February 10 on the invitation of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum to participate in the 7th edition of the World Government Summit, it said.

"Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Dubai on February 10, 2019, on a day-long visit," the FO said.

The annual gathering of heads of states, policy makers, business leaders and experts will provide an occasion to discuss current and future opportunities to improve governance through reform, innovation and technology, it said.

Imran Khan's participation will underscore Pakistan's strong interest in the knowledge economy, artificial intelligence, green development and the importance of innovation for growth.

In his key note address, the Prime Minister will highlight his vision for a strong and prosperous Pakistan. He will encourage investment in different sectors of Pakistan economy, the FO said, adding that he will be accompanied by the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Maritime Affairs and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce.

Khan will also meet the UAE leadership.

This will be his third visit to the UAE after coming to power in August last year.

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A court in Pakistan on Thursday ordered that a senior Punjab minister from Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party be held in detention for nine days so that the top anti-graft body can question him on corruption allegations.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income.

The NAB secured Aleem's physical remand till February 15, Geo TV reported.

Amid tight security, NAB officials brought Aleem to the court to seek his remand. The accountability court building was sealed off and a large number of police personnel were deployed along the route.

Soon after his arrest on Wednesday, Aleem resigned from the post of Punjab local government minister and sent his resignation to the provincial chief minister.

The NAB has been probing Aleem in multiple inquiries, including his offshore company Hexam Investment Overseas Ltd, owning assets beyond his known sources of income and his two housing societies - Park View housing society and River Age Housing Society in Lahore - for the last one year or so.

Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has welcomed the arrest of the minister and said that there should be across the board possibility.

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Calling opposition parties' efforts to forge an alliance to take on BJP in upcoming national polls a futile exercise without a prime ministerial candidate, senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan Thursday said it was like readying for a wedding without anyone knowing who would be the groom.

The BJP national vice-president and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said the opposition alliance is without any principle, intention or leader and claimed the BJP will win 300 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, expected to take place in April-May.

He also took a swipe at Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party getting into a seat-sharing arrangement in Uttar Pradesh and said it is not clear who has prevailed over whom - Akhilesh Yadav or Mayawati - to form the alliance.

"Only hands have come together, but not the hearts," Chouhan said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, while alleging that the alliances are being formed only to serve interests of the opposition leaders and not on the basis of any idealism.

He said the BJP will improve its tally from the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and the entire NDA (National Democratic Alliance) will win 400 seats this time.

"The opposition does not have any niti, niyat aur neta (principle, intention or leader), while in our case all these are in front of the world," Chouhan said.

He said the "in-cohesive" opposition alliance was like a wedding where preparations have been done for the party and even the bridegroom's horse is decked up, but nobody knows who will be the groom (prime minister).

He also dismissed allegations the opposition allegations that summoning of Robert Vadra, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband, or the CBI action against Kolkata Police Commissioner had links to the upcoming elections, saying investigations had started long back and the summons being issued now was incidental.

Chouhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was being wrongly accused of vindictiveness.

He also alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was standing by a police officer now, but she did not shed her tears for poor who lost their money in chit fund scam or for those who committed suicide after having been rendered penniless.

"Despite the poor people's sufferings, you (Banerjee) did not sit on a dharna. When your party's (TMC) leaders and MPs were arrested you did not think of sitting on a dharna. But when the CBI reached the residence of a police commissioner who is required for assistance in the probe, you opted for a sit-in," he said.

It is unprecedented that an elected head of a state sits on a dharna for a police commissioner and police officers also join the demonstration, Chouhan said.

"If officers are there for providing security do they sit or stand, or do they come in uniform instead of civil dress?" he asked.

Chouhan alleged that the TMC government in the state is throttling democracy and making a mockery of the Constitution by preventing opposition leaders from holding public meetings and rallies.

"Recently assembly elections were held in Madhya Pradesh. There was not a single incident of violence or booth capturing, while more than 100 people died during panchayat elections in Bengal," he alleged.

He claimed that Trilochan Mahato, a 20-year old man in Purulia district, was hanged before local body polls because he was a BJP worker.

Mahato's body was found hanging from a tree under Balarampur limits in Purulia district on May 30, 2017 after the rural polls. BJP had claimed that he was a party member and an unsigned handwritten note in Bengali found near the body of the 20-year-old victim said that he was "punished for working for the BJP" during the recent rural polls in the state.

Chouhan also alleged that West Bengal began to slide in terms of development during the 30-year Congress rule (from 1947-1977), while violence was ushered into the state's during the 34-year Left Front rule (1977-2011).

"During the current TMC rule, the state is suffering from poverty, violence and syndicate raj," he alleged and said Banerjee needs to answer the country on the Saradha scam.

He accused the TMC government of stopping BJP from holding rallies, trying to create impediments for Modi and BJP president Amit Shah's meetings and preventing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from holding rallies by refusing permission to land helicopters.

Chouhan, however, thanked Banerjee for not giving permission for his helicopter to land, saying he got an opportunity to travel by road and could interact with people who are disillusioned with the the TMC rule.

He was scheduled to address two public meetings Wednesday but could attend only one at Kharagpur. A scheduled public meeting at Baharampur had to be cancelled as the district administration did not give permission to land his helicopter.

He said that the opposition is talking of 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance), but its constituents are afraid of Modi's rule.

"What kind of a grand alliance is this where Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee talk of going together, while the state unit of Congress is opposed to TMC," he said and claimed that he has learnt about the CPI(M) and Congress coming closer now.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Aam Aadmi Party in Haryana is open to forging an alliance with all parties, other than the BJP, the Congress and the INLD, for the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections, AAP's state unit chief Naveen Jaihind said here Thursday.

"To keep the BJP, the Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal out of power, we are open to talks with other parties. Though we are in touch with some like-minded parties, formal negotiations on tie-up for the forthcoming polls are yet to begin," Jaihind told reporters here.

The AAP had supported Digvijay Singh Chautala, a candidate fielded by the recently floated Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), in the recently held Jind bypolls. JJP was formed after a split in the INLD.

Asked whether the AAP would enter into an alliance with the JJP, Jaihind said formal negotiations on alliance had not yet been initiated.

"To expose the BJP government's alleged false promises, the AAP would organise a rally at Gohana in Haryana on February 17, which would be addressed by Delhi Chief Minister and party convener Arvind Kejriwal," Jaihind said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Odisha government Thursday presented the budget of Rs 1,32,660 crore for 2019-20 in the Assembly, projecting an economic growth in the range of 8 per cent to 8.5 per cent.

Finance Minister S B Behera presented the budget amidst a walkout by opposition BJP and Congress members.

"The budget of Rs 1,32,660 crore for 2019-20 is about 10.4 per cent more than the annual budget of 2018-19 (Rs 1,20,028 crore)," Behera said.

The minister also presented the Vote-on-Account amounting Rs 56,921 crore for the first quarters from April to July, 2019.

As tenure of the current assembly is coming to an end on June 11, the new government will seek appropriation for the full financial year 2019-20 after the general elections, he said.

Keeping in view the requirement of funds for expenditure on payment of salary, pension, interest, old age pension, scholarship for SC and ST students, a sum of Rs 56,921 crore has been proposed in the Vote-On-Account before the House to defray the expenses during the first four months of the financial year from April to July 2019, said Behera.

The Finance minister said Odisha's economy is expected to grow at the rate of 8.35 per cent in 2018-19 surpassing all India growth rate of 7.2 per cent.

"This comes on top of a robust average growth of more than 8 per cent in the last six years compared to the national average of about 7.1 per cent," he said.

Behera said: "Going by the trend in the external and domestic economic evnironment, the state economy can be expected to grow in the range of 8 per cent to 8.5 per cent during 2019-20."



In the revised estimates for 2018-19, Behera said the total expenditure from consolidated fund is estimated at Rs 1,20,125 crore. Total revenue receipt is estimated at Rs 1,01,883 crore and revenue expenditure at Rs 91,328 crore.

Thus the revenue surplus is estimated at Rs 10,555 crore in the revised estimates for 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is estimated to be contained at Rs 13,935 crore which would be 2.9 per cent of GSDP, he said.

Behera said total administrative expenditure is estimated at Rs 58,170 crore in 2019-20, including Rs 25,500 crore for salaries, Rs 13,300 crore for pension, Rs 6,500 crore for interest repayment and rs 4,880 crore for maintenance of capital assets.

While giving focus in agriculture and farmers welfare, Behera said an outlay of Rs 4461 crore is made for scheme like Krushak Assistance for livilihood and Income Agumentation (KALIA) for all round development of farmers. Similarly, Rs 800 crore is also allocated for interest subvention to farmers.

Similarly, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana has been allocated Rs 846 crore and Rs 2120 crore allocated for Madhubabu Pension Yojana. Rural water supply got Rs 2935 crore while Rs 1777 crore for Parvati Giri Mega lift irrigation scheme.

While the BJP and Congress termed the Vote-On-Account as propagandist, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) described it as development oriented.

It is a pro-women, pro-SC/ST, development oriented budget. Actually, its a vote on account for four months.

"I am happy that adequate provision is made for KALIA and KALIA scholarships, universal health scheme Biju Shruti Kalyan Yojana,women-related initiatives like Mamata and Mission Shakti,scholarships for SC/ST students,rural development programme 'Ama Gaon Ama Bikash',social security programmes like Madhu Babu Pension Yojana,housing,special focus on branding of Make in Odisha commitments for employment and revenue generation," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said.

"We believe in actual work, and not just promises. Our work does the talking, the Chief Minister said.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Niranjan Patnaik, however, criticised the budget.

"There is nothing new in this budget and there is no clear indication for the overall development of the state," OPCC president said.

BJP leader and MLA Rabi Naik also criticised the budget and said that there was nothing new in it.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Norwegian Air Shuttle plane en route to the French city of Nice returned to Stockholm safely after receiving a bomb threat shortly after take-off on Thursday, the airline said.

"Norwegian can confirm that a bomb threat was issued against flight DY4321 from Arlanda to Nice," it said in a statement, providing no other details.

Stockholm police spokeswoman Towe Hagg told AFP that local and border police as well as tactical units were "working actively at Arlanda to gather information, follow up and take necessary measures."



A traveller at Arlanda airport, Pertti Arnberg, told daily Expressen the plane was parked at the far end of the runway, surrounded by a swarm of emergency vehicles with blue lights flashing.

The plane had taken off at 10:09 am (0909 GMT) and landed back at the airport around 11:15 am.

Sweden's Joint Rescue Coordination Centre for sea and air rescues, which was informed of the bomb threat about 30 minutes into the flight, said in a statement 169 passengers were on board the plane.

A passenger who declined to be named told Expressen they were waiting for mobile staircases to be able to disembark, more than hour after landing.

It was not immediately known how the bomb threat was communicated.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Northern Railway has demanded Rs 16.43 crore from the Lok Sabha secretariat for running four canteens in Parliament -- where food prices are significantly low -- during 2017-18, an RTI query has revealed.

This amount was claimed as "subsidy claim and establishment cost".

A copy of the demand note sent by Northern Railway for running catering units at Parliament House, Parliament House Annexe, Parliament House Reception and Parliament House Library Building was provided under the Right to Information to Neemuch-based RTI activist Chandrashekhar Gaud.

Through this note, sent in July 2018, the railways demanded Rs 16,43,90,598 for 2017-18 towards "subsidy claim and establishment cost".

As of January 16, 2019, railways had not received payment on these two heads, the RTI reply further said.

Replying to another RTI query by Gaud, the Lok Sabha secretariatinformed on December 11, 2018 that "subsidy claim...submitted by the Northern Railway Catering Unit, Parliament House Complex, has been sent to the Ministry of Finance for scrutiny and vetting.

However, to Gaud's specific query as to how much subsidy Northern Railway demanded on account of the loss suffered due to sale of food at low rates, there was no clear reply.

"Separate reimbursement of losses on account of food is not demanded from Lok Sabha Secretariat. Total expenditure on account of food, establishment and other charges etc. is given to Lok Sabha Secretariat for reimbursement," it said.

Low food prices at Parliament canteens had been a controversial issue in the past.

On December 31, 2015, the Lok Sabha secretariat had informed that these canteens will henceforth operate on "No-profit, No-loss" basis from January 1, 2016, and the rates would be hiked accordingly.

As per an RTI reply obtained by Gaud in December 2018, a chapati in Parliament canteens cost Rs two, assorted dal Rs five, rice Rs 7, kheer and masala dossa Rs 18 each and chicken curry Rs 50.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute in Noida Sector-12, where a fire broke out on Thursday, was functioning without a fire licence that expired over five months ago, officials said.

"The hospital authorities had got a license from the fire department in March 2017, but they did not get it renewed from over five months," Gautam Budh Nagar Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Arun Kumar Singh told PTI.

The hospital authorities did not respond to repeated calls and text messages.

The CFO said that a major tragedy was averted following the quick response from the fire fighters.

Another official of the fire department said the hospital's licence was up for renewal from past four to five months.

"We did not accept their request as we gave them several suggestions as per laid down rules and asked them to implement the same," he said.

The official said that the Noida fire department will take necessary action against the hospital management for their "failure" in getting their licence renewed from the authorities.

"We will send a report over the lapses on the part of the hospital to the director general for necessary action in the case," he said.

More than 60 people were inside the hospital when the incident occurred, Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate B N Singh said, adding all were safe.

"More than 40 patients have been shifted to Metro's another hospital," Singh said.

Around 10 fire tenders were rushed to spot and the situation was brought under control, fire department officials said.

The second floor of the hospital, where the fire broke out, has already been sealed, he said.

The cause of the fire was short circuit that occurred in a water heater which was placed inside the recovery area of the hospital where patients are kept for sometime after being discharged from Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the official added.

In December 2017, a similar incident took place at the Metro Hospital and Cancer Institute in east Delhi's Preet Vihar area.

The hospital had two buildings and one of them did not have a fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Later, the hospital demolished the two buildings and built a single structure which also did not have the NOC.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BJP national vice-president Shivraj Singh Chouhan Thursday hit out at the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal and said no new industry would come to the state as long as she helmed it.

"The Trinamool Congress has imposed the Trinamool Tolabaji Tax (Triple T) in West Bengal. Will any industry come?" Chouhan told a press conference here echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's words at his Durgapur rally on Februray 2.

In local parlance, 'tolabaji' is roughly understood as an act of organised extortion.

"Add to the triple T the fourth T - that is terror by Mamata Banerjee (government)," he said.

He took a swipe at the Banerjee government's slogan of 'Bengal means business' for the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS), whose fifth edition commenced Thursday, saying "What kind of business is she talking about?"



Chouhan said the West Bengal government has already held four BGBS and he has been told that promises of investing Rs 10 lakh crore had been made by the industry captains. "But did even Rs 5,000 crore come?" he asked.

Banerjee has "failed" to keep her poll promise to reopen the large number of closed industrial units in the state, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said, adding that 55,000 industries were closed when she came to power (in 2011).

Inaugurating the fifth edition of the BGBS during the day, the West Bengal chief minister said a new industrial policy would be formulated if the government at the Centre changes after the Lok Sabha polls.

She also urged the industrialists who have left the country to return and invest in it.

Banerjee, a strident critic of the BJP and the prime minister, has called for ousting it in the coming Lok Sabha polls for "dividing the country on religious lines" and held a united opposition rally of 23 political parties in the city on January 19.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tata Motors Thursday said in case of a "no deal Brexit" JLR will have two to three weeks of plants shutdown in the UK, while its British arm's profitability will be adversely impacted in the long term.

As part of its preparations for a 'no deal Brexit', JLR said in an investor presentation that in the long term the company will have to reassess its manufacturing and sourcing strategy to overcome hurdles.

In the short term, Tata Motors said delays at ports could disrupt import of components into the UK for manufacturing as well as export of finished vehicles.

In order to overcome such a scenario, JLR have "factory downtime" under which it will pull forward five scheduled Easter Holiday beginning April 15 with an additional five days of additional plant downtime from April 8-12.

The company further said it plans to have sufficient buffer stock to minimise potential disruption due to plant shutdown expected in the first week of April.

JLR has also put in place a comprehensive cross-functional Brexit governance programme to minimise impact of a 'no deal' Brexit, wherever possible, the presentation said.

Commenting on the move, Tata Motors Group CFO PB Balaji said, "We also need to prepare for a scenario where there could be disruptions. So, we are preparing ourselves by first accelerating or moving ahead some of the Easter breaks and the way we schedule production, so that we are able to keep our factories running as much as possible".

Stating that it is not physically possible to stock up raw materials and keep production going, he said, "Therefore we are going to have a shutdown from the end of first week of April. We will have two and half to three weeks of production shutdown".

When asked if there would be more job cuts in JLR in addition to reduction in its global workforce by 4,500 people announced in January, Balaji replied in the negative.

"At this point in time what we announced is what stays," he said.

In the long term, Tata Motors said imposition of tariffs on UK-EU and UK-EU-third country trade will adversely impact JLR's profitability.

To overcome such a scenario, the company said it will attempt to pass on pricing for tariffs "but it is uncertain to what extent this will be possible".

JLR would also need to reassess its manufacturing and sourcing strategy, it added.

Balaji, however, said the company believed that there would be a "negotiated settlement sooner than later".

"Therefore as per UK market is concerned our plans remain unchanged and as far as manufacturing footprint in UK is concerned there is absolutely no change in our plans at this point in time," he added.

Hoping for a negotiated settlement with the EU, he said it would be in everybody's interest.

"We want free borders and frictionless trade that is something we have been consistent about and we continue to expect that as our base case," he said.

In case of a no deal Brexit, Britain, which voted to leave the EU will leave the European Union immediately on March 29 with no agreements in place about what their relationship would be like in future.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order to establish the Center for International Relations Analysis in the republic.

According to the order, the Center for International Relations Analysis will analyze the ongoing global and regional processes, conduct fundamental researches into various aspects of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and international relations and security issues.

The establishment of the Center aims to enhance researches into foreign policy directions, which are of importance to Azerbaijans national interests, improve the comprehensive analysis of the ongoing global processes and expand the scope of activities aimed at raising the international communitys awareness of Azerbaijans foreign policy priorities.

The Presidential Administration was instructed to approve the statutes of the Center and submit it to the Azerbaijani President within two months.
No confirmed case of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, has been reported from any part of Dakshina Kannada district,a health official said.

The tests on samples of dead monkeys and blood samples of suspected patients from the district at the National Institute of Virology, Pune have been negative for KFD, districthealth officer M Ramakrishna Rao told reporters here Wednesday.

Five suspected cases had been reported so far in the district.

Rao said 22 monkeys were found dead in various parts since the KFD broke out in neighbouring districts.

Autopsy conducted on the dead monkeys also did not confirm that theydied of the disease.

The health department is keeping a close watch on the situation and continuing the tests and people in the district need not panic, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Nigerian team Thursaday visited some locations in the Hazaribagh district to learn about construction of community toilets which they said they would emulate in their country.

The team from the African nation would spend two more days in the district to have a first hand knowledge about building the community toilets.

Our country Nigeria, having the third largest population after China and India, is facing open defecation problem. We have come to Hazaribagh to learn from the district administration how it has succeeded in making community toilets so that the same can be implemented in Nigeria too at the earliest, the head of the 35-member Nigerian team, Bruener (one name) told PTI.

An engineer by profession and coming from Abuji in Nigeria, he said their visit has been sponsored by the World bank.

Jharkhand has become ODF (Open Defecation Free) state.

He praised Hazaribagh Deputy Commissioner Ravi Shankar Shukla and his team for setting an example not only in India but also at the world level.

Accompanied by District Development Commissioner (DDC), Vijaya Jadhav, the team visited Kanchanpur in Katkumsandid and Banha in Katkumsandi blocks in Hazaribagh district Thursday.

The Nigerian team witnessed projects like Anganwadi Centre, Gobardhan Yojana and Swajal Yojana (the community owned drinking water programme) at Kanchanpur.

They also toured rural schools and learnt about children being provided assistances, including in the fields of education and health care.

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The National Green Tribunal Thursday directed the Bihar government to submit within two weeks the total number of hospitals and medical health care centres which generate biomedical waste.

A bench headed by Justice Raghuvendra S Rathore also directed the principal secretary of health to remain present before it on February 25.

The green panel passed the order after noting that despite its January 10 order to submit the total number of government and private hospitals, the state government only filed an incomplete affidavit which is "abstract" in nature.

"The order clearly speaks that the details which are being sought from State of Bihar, since the year 2017, should be complete and authentic in all respect to be submitted through an affidavit. But the needful has not been done as per the direction.

"Therefore, last opportunity is granted to principal secretary (Health), State of Bihar to comply with the order dated January 10, 2019 in letter and spirit, within two weeks from today," the bench said.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by NGO Veterans Forum for Transparency in Public Life seeking execution of October 24, 2017 order of the NGT which had directed the state government to prepare a complete inventory of the units generating biomedical waste, its collection and disposal in accordance with Biomedical Waste Rules, 2016.

"The Central Pollution Control Board shall ensure execution of this order. The State of Bihar and the Bihar Pollution Control Board shall file compliance report within three months," the NGT had said in its order.

The tribunal had earlier directed the Bihar government to submit complete details about the units generating biomedical waste and share as to how does it plan to deal with the trash generated by the hospitals and nursing homes in the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 36-year-old man who was wanted in alleged murder cases by the Punjab Police and has a red corner notice against him was deported from the UAE on Thursday, officials said here.

Prabhjot Singh was wanted in two cases of attempt to murder and murder in Hoshiarpur, Punjab.

Cases of attempted murder on August 21, 2017 and of murder on December 6, 2017 were registered against him at Gardiwal police station, the officials said.

He was allegedly involved in the killing of one Amrik Singh in Garhdiwala village on December 6.

A red corner notice was issued against the 36-year old Singh on the request of the Punjab Police on December 19, 2017.

He was arrested in the UAE with the help of Interpol, the UAE and the CBI, they said.

The CBI, which is the national central bureau of Interpol in India, informed the Punjab Police which sent a team to the UAE.

Singh was deported to India Thursday. He landed in Amritsar, the officials said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
JD(S) and Congress MPs from Karnataka on Thursday accused the BJP of trying to "blackmail" their MLAs by offering them Rs 30-40 crore to resign in a bid to topple the coalition government and said they have "all proof" to support their allegation.

Addressing a press conference, the MPs alleged that in the last six months, the saffron party made several attempts to "force" the legislators of the JD(S) and the Congress to defect from their parties.

They demanded a probe into the alleged horse trading.

"Some legislators were kept in Mumbai under the pressure of goons and police. They were not allowed to go to their constituencies. They were blackmailed. They were forced to resign," Congress MP D K Suresh told reporters.

He alleged that the BJP-ruled Maharasthra and central governments are pressuring some Karnataka MLAs and threatening to "finish" their political career if they did not support them.

"A video of money being offered by them (BJP) and all documents will be released at the right time, after consulting legal experts," he said.

Suresh also said that the coalition partners will insist President Ram Nath Kovind to set up a separate investigation team to probe the alleged horse trading in Karnataka.

D Kupendra Reddy of the JD(S) attacked the BJP for not allowing the coalition government to function.

"The BJP's state unit thinks it's the largest party. But there have been instances where NDA had run the government with the help of several parties. Don't weaken the government, else the people will teach you," he added.

V S Ugrappa of the Congress alleged that there's a threat to democracy and the Constitution and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team were responsible for it.

"We have CDs and other documents, we will release them at an appropriate time," he said.

Congress's L Hanumanthaiah said, "In Karnataka, they (BJP) are auctioning legislators. We have proof, we will give. The time will come. Proof will be given."



"They have the Enforcement Directorate and all agencies, let them probe and say what we are saying is wrong. They are not courageous to do so because they are involved in the activity," he alleged, adding the Congress will raise the matter in Parliament.

JDS' Shivarame Gowda and Congress's Dhruv Narayan, B N Chandrappa and G C Chandrashekhar were among the MPs present at the press meet that came a day after nine Congress MLAs ignored party whip and skipped the legislature session on Wednesday, keeping the ruling coalition on tenterhooks on the opening day of the budget session in Karnataka.

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A five-year-old girl's mother and aunt were arrested for allegedly burning the minor with a candle for her mischievous behaviour in Thane district of Maharashtra, a police official said on Thursday.

The child was playing at her home in Roadpali area of Kalamboli locality in Navi Mumbai town on Wednesday, and not listening to her mother and aunt, he said.

The two women apparently got annoyed over this. They caught hold of the girl and allegedly burnt her with the candle, causing several injuries to her, the official said.

When the child's father, who works as a vegetable vendor, returned home at night, he found his daughter crying and saw burn injuries on her body, he said.

When he asked the child about the injuries, she pointed towards her mother and aunt, the official said.

The girl's father then lodged a complaint against his wife and sister-in-law (his brother's wife) at Kalamboli police station, the official said.

The two women were subsequently arrested and booked under relevant provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, he said, adding that a probe was underway into the incident.

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Two more women have accused former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, a Nobel peace laureate, of sexual misconduct after a criminal complaint alleging sexual assault against another woman was filed against him this week in the Central American nation.

Eleonora Antillon, a well-known Costa Rican journalist and TV presenter, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Arias assaulted her in the mid-1980s when she was working for his fledgling presidential bid.

In a separate interview, Emma Daly, communications director for Human Rights Watch, said Arias groped her in a hotel lobby in Nicaragua in 1990 when she was working as a young journalist based in Costa Rica.

The New York Times also reported that a fourth woman, a 53-year-old book editor, alleged that Arias unexpectedly put his hand on her leg during a meeting in 2012. AP was not immediately able to confirm the report.

While the #MeToo movement swept up a number of powerful men in recent years in the United States, its spillover effect has been more muted in Latin America, where critics say macho attitudes die hard.

In Brazil, starting in December, more than 250 women accused a prominent spiritual healer of acts from unwanted fondling to rape, leading to his arrest and a raft of charges.

In Argentina, accusations ranging from sexual assault to sexual harassment have been levelled against the likes of a well-known actor, a senator and a legislative chief of staff.

But none have had a profile like Arias, who was twice elected president of Costa Rica and in 1987 was honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize for his work bringing an end to Central America's protracted and bloody civil wars.

The criminal complaint filed Monday in Costa Rica charged that Arias fondled a woman's breasts, kissed her and penetrated her with his fingers in December 2014 at his home in the capital, San Jose.

The woman, a nuclear disarmament activist whose name was not released, had gone there for a meeting related to her cause.

In a brief statement Tuesday, Arias denied the allegation. He said he never violated the will of any woman and fought for gender equality during his career.

He said he would not have further public comment because of the pending legal case.

As more allegations emerged Wednesday, his lawyer, Erick Ramos, echoed that, telling AP that "out of respect for the process that is in course, we are not going to make any kind of declaration."



Antillon, a renowned journalist and TV presenter known as "Nono," decided to break three decades of silence after the complaint became known this week.

Antillon told AP that in the 1980s, when she was 25 and working for a local TV station, she learned that Arias was interested in having her work for him as he made a preliminary run toward the 1986 presidential election.

She said she expressed disinterest in politics, but Arias insisted and didn't blink when she asked for a salary three times the going rate to try to discourage him.

"He laughed and said others were working for free, that later they were guaranteed a political job," Antillon said.

"I said I wasn't interested, that if he wanted me he would pay me. And he laughed and looked at me and said that he would pay it."



After an agreement was struck, she said, Arias summoned her to a restaurant in San Jose where he met her in a private room. Almost immediately he put his hand on her thigh and tried to kiss her neck, she said. Antillon said she pushed him away and asked what he thought he was doing.

"'It's just to gain trust,' he told me, laughing," she said.

Antillon said she left, rejecting his offer to escort her.

Four days later she was with Arias and another adviser, but he sent the adviser away, she said.

"He stood up, he was at his desk, he came over staring hard at me, and he grabbed my hand and put it on his penis, over his pants," Antillon said.

"I said to him, 'What are you doing?' and he said, 'What do you think we're doing? Look how hard I am.'" Antillon said she recoiled, knocking over a chair, and Arias grabbed her shoulders, pushed her into an open closet and again placed her hand on his genitals. She pulled it away. Someone made a noise at the door, he composed himself and she left.

Afterward, Antillon said, she never allowed herself to be alone with Arias, whom she described as someone with "serious problems with arrogance."



"He sees himself as the master of the world, that everyone has to submit to him," Antillon said.

"He sees himself as a conqueror."



Since then, Antillon said, she felt physically ill whenever she heard about Arias' Nobel prize.

She said the experience left a mark and she has tried to dress in a less "feminine" way, not wanting to show much skin.

Only this week was she emboldened to come forward amid of the complaint, she said.

"I believe her based on what I lived through," Antillon said of the woman whose complaint was filed this week.

Although it's been more than 30 years since the incidents she described to AP, Antillon said if any lawyer could find a way to bring a complaint against Arias, she would be willing to do so.

AP normally does not use the names of alleged victims of sexual assault, but both Antillon and Daly came forward to tell their stories publicly.

Speaking to AP in New York, Daly said she had been in Costa Rica for a couple of years when her encounter with Arias happened in February or April of 1990 in neighbouring Nicaragua.

At the time she was in her mid-20s, working for an English-language weekly in Costa Rica and stringing for Reuters.

The lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel was packed with journalists and diplomats when she saw Arias, with whom she had established a cordial relationship in her role as a political reporter, Daly said.

They had first met years earlier through her parents, who were diplomats, she said. She called out to him and asked a question.

"And instead of answering my question, he stopped and looked at me and leaned forward, and he put his hand on my chest and sort of pulled it down between my breasts and then said, 'You're not wearing a bra' or words to that effect," Daly told AP.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
co-founder N R Narayana Murthy Thursday lauded company CEO Salil Parekh for expanding the scope of the internship programme InStep, saying it was part of the transformational initiatives taken by the top official since assuming the post last year.

"I am glad that Salil has blessed Instep programme. Salil has indeed, in fact, for the first time in so many years, has expanded the scope of this project. I believe as against 175 we used to take, interns across the globe is probably now is 250 or so.

"This is the part of the various transformational initiatives that he has put in place ever since he took over in January 2018 as CEO of the company," he said at an event here.

InStep is the city-based software major's internship programme which is an intensive stint offered every year to students selected from universities in the US, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region for getting hands-on experience in projects ranging from application development to business consulting across verticals.

This programme had turned out to be an ideal launch pad for overseas interns to pursue a global career, he said.

Explaining the philosophy behind the InStep, Murthy said realised in 1999 that to enhance company's brand, it should not only aim at becoming a multinational firm, but also interacting with professionals belonging to multi-cultural systems around the world.

"This interaction will give a chance for the interns to know the Indian culture and the company's philosophy, which will build India's and Infosys' brand value in their eyes," he added.

Murthy said the best incentive a company can provide these youngsters was to promise them of using their projects to solve problems afflicting the society or a nation, which Infosys did in future by creating a repository of experiential knowledge acquired by way of InStep.

Since 1999 when the programme was launched, Infosys has trained several hundred overseas students for global careers in diverse sectors.

Some of them have joined Infosys and are working at its development centres in the US, Europe and Australia.
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan Thursday said his Makkal Needhi Maiam would contest all the 39 seats in Tamil Nadu on its own in the coming Lok Sabha polls, indicating a shift in its policy to forge alliances.

"we are trying to serve good for the people with clean hands. We are trying to keep our hands clean by not allying with any of the Dravidian parties," the 64-year-old Haasan told reporters here.

Asked whether his party would contest all the 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and one in neighbouring Puducherry, he said, "yes, we have taken such a decision".

Haasan had earlier announced that his party would contest the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with like-minded parties.

To a query on his two-day meeting with the district assembly constituency and area in-charges in Pollachi near Coimbatore, he said discussions centred around the areas that need to be focused ahead of the polls.

Amid fanfare, Kamal Haasan had in February last year launched his political party.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate B N Singh Thursday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the fire incident at Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute in Noida.

"I have ordered a magisterial probe into the incident. The city magistrate has been asked to submit his report within 15 days," Singh told PTI.

A fire broke out on Thursday, trapping several people inside the multi-storeyed hospital building in Sector-12, officials said.

No casualty was reported in the incident, they said.

According to authorities, more than 60 people were inside the hospital when the incident occurred. He said all were safe.

"More than 40 patients have been shifted to Metro's another hospital," Singh said.

Around 10 fire tenders were rushed to spot and the situation was brought under control, fire department officials said.

Gautam Buddh Nagar Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Arun Kumar Singh said the hospital did not renew its fire licence from over five months.

The hospital authorities did not respond to repeated calls and text messages.

Staffers tried to help patients out of the building in Noida, a suburban town in Uttar Pradesh on the outskirts of the national capital.

Thick smoke could be seen billowing out of the building. People stood on ledges and on balconies as rescuers tried to reach them by smashing glass window panes.

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Russian senator from the Karachay-Circassian Region Rauf Arashukov, who was arrested on murder charges, among others, has complained of being placed in a cell with an inmate serving a 17-year sentence on terrorism charges.

In response to Arashukovs complaint, the prosecutor said the man is now "closer to the people."

Today, Moscows City Court considered a motion from Arashukovs defense lawyers challenging his arrest and ruled to uphold the first instance courts decision.

Senator from the Karachay-Circassian Region Rauf Arashukov on January 30 was stripped of immunity and detained right at the session of the Federation Council. This was the first such case in the history of Russias upper house. He was charged with murder, as well as participating in a criminal group and exerting pressure on a witness.

The senators father, Raul Arashukov, and a number of other people were arrested on suspicion of organizing a criminal group and embezzling gas from Russias gas giant Gazprom.
Britain and the EU agreed Thursday to hold more talks to try to avoid a no-deal Brexit, after a "robust" meeting between Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.

A joint statement issued after the talks in Brussels said Juncker had again warned that November's withdrawal agreement could not be renegotiated -- after May came hoping to persuade Brussels to agree on the need to change the so-called "backstop" clause for the Irish border.

But Juncker "expressed his openness to add wording" to a parallel political declaration laying out ambitions for future EU-UK ties if London wants to seek a "more ambitious" closer relationship after Brexit.

In a sharp reminder of the urgency of finding a solution before Brexit day on March 29, Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned that Britain's economy was "not yet prepared" for a no-deal departure.

May came hoping to change the backstop so that Britain cannot be "trapped" in the bloc against its will -- and by doing so win over enough MPs at home to get the deal through parliament.

She reminded Juncker that the British parliament had mandated her to seek "a legally binding change to the terms of the backstop", but instead was offered a fresh round of talks. EU negotiator Michel Barnier will now meet British Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay in Strasbourg on Monday.

May herself will meet Juncker again before the end of February, a commission spokesman said.

A stony-faced May shook hands stiffly with Juncker as she arrived at commission headquarters, refusing to answer questions, but she was expected to make a statement later Thursday.

Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement.

Juncker told reporters May already knows and accepts that the Union will not reopen talks on the deal, while Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for -- in his view -- recklessly failing to plan.

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said.

But even this latest demonstration of EU unity did not deter Downing Street, which insisted May's top priority on the trip was to "find a way to guarantee we cannot, and will not, be trapped in the backstop".

Number 10 said that because the British parliament rejected the deal, May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail.

The impasse in Brussels has deepened fears that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing. May has exasperated EU leaders by repeatedly coming to Brussels without detailed proposals to solve the Brexit deadlock, and Tusk warned her he expected her to bring "a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse".

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the main opposition Labour party, wrote to May on Thursday setting out his five conditions for backing her on Brexit -- including the UK staying in the EU's customs union.

While his demands will not be palatable to many in May's Conservative party -- not least because of the deeply entrenched tribalism of British -- it suggests there may be room for manoeuvre, if not yet a clear path to a cross-party deal. After seeing Tusk and Juncker on Thursday, May will have dinner with her Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar Dublin on Friday.

Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, said recent "instability in British politics" showed why a backstop was essential. On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province.

Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy.

May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland.

May's spokesman stressed that she was not coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29 deadline.

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Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May heads back to meet EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday as she seeks a way to avoid a no deal in 50 days time.

Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins and torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement.

The president of the European Commission, Juncker, told reporters May already knows and accepts that the Union will not re-open talks on the deal.

And Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro- politicians for -- in his view -- recklessly failing to plan.

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said.

Juncker, at a later news conference, did not use the same language, but cheerfully laughed off Tusk's remark.

But he also repeated the same warning that the withdrawal agreement, and the backstop clause designed to keep the Irish border open if no future trade deal is agreed, will not be changed.

"She knows that the commission is not prepared to reopen the issue," Juncker said, after talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who also insisted on the need for the backstop.

This apparently united front did not daunt Number 10, who insisted that the British parliament's rejection of the deal meant that May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail.

ALSO READ: Theresa May calls for EU to renegotiate Brexit in search for a deal

According to talking points provided by Downing Street ahead of the visit, May will admit that: "Securing such changes will not be easy."



But she will add: "Last week, Parliament made clear that for the first time it could support the withdrawal agreement, subject to changes to the backstop.

"The Government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes.

The EU shares the UK's commitment to leave with a deal. We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line."



The impasse in Brussels has led to heightened fears Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing.

Tusk and Juncker said they look forward to hosting May on Thursday, and Varadkar will have dinner with her in Dublin on Friday.

Offering warm support for his Irish guest, Tusk said the "will not gamble with peace" on the Irish border by removing the backstop from the deal.

ALSO READ: How the British Parliament can wrest control of Brexit from Theresa May

"I hope that tomorrow we will hear from Prime Minister May a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse," he said.

But he added: "A sense of responsibility also tells us to prepare for a possible fiasco."



Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and after Brexit, thanked Tusk.

"While we expect the backstop will never be used, we agreed again today it is needed as a legal guarantee to ensure there is no return to a hard border," he said.

On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province.

Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy.

May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for

May's spokesman stressed that she wasn't coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a before the March 29 deadline.
By creating a special category for grant of reservation to the Marathas, the Maharashtra government is giving them special treatment, petitioners opposing the quota argued in the Bombay High Court Thursday.

A division bench of justices Ranjit More and Bharati Dangre is hearing arguments on petitions challenging the quota for the politically dominant community in jobs and education.

By creating a special category -- Socially and Educationally Backward Class -- for the Marathas, the government is giving them a special treatment, the petitioners' lawyers claimed.

"Maratha reservation is exclusive. This one community has been treated as special," said senior counsel Srihari Aney, appearing for Uday Dhople, one of the petitioners.

"There are impoverished and socially and educationally backward people in each caste, not just the Maratha community, and hence Marathas cannot get anything special," Aney said.

Further, introduction of a special category for the Maratha community was "Constitutionally" wrong, he said.

"People from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes can say they are from that caste, but a person included in the new category of Socially and Educationally Backward Class cannot say they are from that 'caste'. SC and ST is a caste but SEBC is a class," Aney said.

A person may be socially and educationally backward but may not remain so in future, Aney said, asking why such a person should get a "permanent concession" by way of reservation.

Aney, a former advocate general, added that by creating new categories and increasing the overall reservation to 78 per cent, the state government is doing exactly opposite of what was envisaged in the Constitution.

He further argued that the government cannot rely on Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution which allow measures for "advancement" of any caste deemed to be socially and educationally backward and not having adequate representation in state services.

"The word used in these Articles is advancement. Advancement need not necessarily mean reservation. Tomorrow, Brahmins might also come and say their caste does not have adequate representation in state services and hence, seek reservation," Aney argued.

Senior counsel Arvind Datar, appearing for petitioner Sanjeet Shukla, said the Constitution does not give state governments the power to make provisions for a community which it feels needs recognition or advancement.

"Article 342(A) clearly says that a notification has to be issued by the President after consultation with the concerned governor if a state wants to include any caste in the list of Backward Class," Datar said.

The decision granting reservation to the Marathas was a classic case of a "communal" act by a government, he said.

"A law meant for only one particular community is Constitutionally wrong and illegal....historically and geographically speaking, the Maratha community cannot be said to be a backward class," Datar argued.

The court will continue hearing the arguments Friday.

On November 30, 2018, the Maharashtra legislature passed the bill giving 16 per cent quota to the Marathas following an intense agitation by the community.

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A man killed a married woman, 18 years older than him, after she rejected his marriage proposal in outer Delhi's Nangloi, police said Thursday.

Shyam Yadav, a native of Pansalwa in Madhubani district of Bihar, wanted to marry 45-year-old Madhuri. Both of them worked at a shoe factory where Yadav allegedly fell in love with her. Since the woman was already married, the proposal did not interest her, they said.

The woman left the job after sensing Yadav's desperation for her. This was not the end of her ordeal as Yadav started following her and eventually stabbed her to death Wednesday.

Officials of Nangloi police station were informed regarding stabbing of a woman on Wednesday, following which they rushed to the spot, police said.

The woman was taken to a nearby hospital where she was declared brought dead, Seju Kuruvilla, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer) said.

The woman's daughter told police that she was killed in front of her by one Shyam. Based on her statement, a case was registered and an investigation was taken up, he said.

The arrest was made after the police received a tip off that the accused would come at Shiv Bux Park in Nangloi. Subsequently, he was apprehended from the spot and the knife used in the crime was recovered at his instance, he added.

The accused was planning to leave Delhi after killing the woman, the officer said.

Further investigation is underway, police said.

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Mahindra group's realty firm Mahindra Lifespace Developers Thursday said it has acquired 7 acre land in Pune to develop a mid-segment housing project.

The company did not share the value of the deal.

"As part of its pursuit to acquire land for business growth, the company has executed an agreement to acquire approximately seven acres of land in Pune. The sale deed will be executed in due course," Mahindra Lifespace said in a statement.

The company plans to develop a mid-segment residential project with development potential of about 0.7 million square feet. The project falls within Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation jurisdiction.

It has, so far in this fiscal, tied up three new projects with estimated development potential of 2.1 million square feet across Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore and has a robust pipeline of land deals under negotiation.

Established in 1994, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd is the real estate and infrastructure development business of the USD 20.7 billion Mahindra Group.

The company's development footprint spans 24.5 million sq ft of completed, ongoing and forthcoming residential projects across seven Indian cities; and over 5,000 acres of ongoing and forthcoming projects under development/management at its integrated developments/industrial clusters across four locations.

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Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has termed the "mahagathbandhan" an "outcome of desperation and despair" which has all the constituents but any public base.

Khattar, who was in Jodhpur on Thursday to address a meeting of BJP party workers in four parliamentary constituencies falling under the Jodhpur cluster, said this while talking to media.

"Mahagathbandhan was an outcome of desperation and despair. The parties in this gathbandhan have no public base and support," Khattar commented on the grand alliance.

He said people are well abreast of the intentions and agenda of these constituencies of the alliance and would not be influenced by them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation of "New India" and it would be in the interest of the country to bring Modi back to power, he said.

"Narendra Modi, by way of his policies, has laid the foundation of new India. It is in the interest of the country to bring Modi back to take the country further," Khattar said.

Before this, Khattar, while addressing the party workers, said the BJP would be back to power on the basis of the strength and unity of its workers.

"Workers are the strength of the BJP and we would make a comeback harnessing this strength and unity of our workers," Khattar said.

After addressing the party meeting, he left for Jaipur. He was supposed to address the party workers in Rajasthan capital but headed straight to Delhi on account of inclement weather conditions.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday mocked the Opposition's proposed grand alliance as "maha-milawat" which the country's "healthy democracy" will reject as he blasted the Congress for "intimidating" judiciary, targeting the EC and "betraying" the nation by neglecting the armed forces.

In a hard-hitting reply in Lok Sabha to the motion of thanks to the President's address, Modi compared the work under his "55-month" rule to the Congress' record of "55 years" in power, while making a re-election pitch in what was likely his last speech in the House before the general election.

The motion was passed by a voice vote following the prime minister's 100-minute reply, in which he highlighted his anti-corruption plank and targeted the opposition parties that had come togther at a recent Kolkata rally saying their leaders are "out on bail in wholesale".

While the Congress' rule of 55 years was about "satta- bhog" (enjoying power), his government was all about "sewa bhav" (sense of service), Modi said, adding that the opposition party's main grouse against him was that he had challenged its "sultanate" and shaken it up despite coming from a poor family and being from outside Delhi.

"This intoxication (of power) is the reason of your problem," he added.

With Congress president Rahul Gandhi constantly targeting his government for alleged corruption in the Rafale deal, he claimed that the opposition party wanted the transaction cancelled as it was batting for another company.

"You do not want the Air Force to be strong. With which company are you siding? At whose behest you have been speaking so?" he asked, charging that middlemen were always part of defence deals when Congress was in power.

"Some chacha or mama (uncle) were part of one deal or another," he said.

BJP leaders have been alleging that the Congress has been batting for Eurofighter, which was in competition with Rafale for India's bid to acquire the next generation fighter aircraft.

Expressing confidence that the BJP will return to power, he took a swipe at the Congress and said it should carry on its preparations against his government so as to bring a "no- confidence" motion against it in 2023 as it had done in 2018.

As he said so, Congress leaders were heard accusing him of arrogance, to which he retorted that his confidence was driven by his party's "sewa bhav" as this brought the BJP to power with a majority in 2014 after it had fallen to two seats in 1984 polls.

"You fell to 44 seats from over 400 due to your arrogance," he said pointing to Congress leaders in the House.

Taking a dig at Gandhi without naming him, Modi said he was "crying" over EVMs on the day the country was discussing the budget.

"What has happened to you?" he asked.

In an apparent reference to liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, who is wanted in cases of defrauding banks and whose extradition from London is being pursued by India, he said, "People who have fled the country are crying on Twitter that 'I had left with Rs 9,000 crore but my assets of Rs 13000 crore have been seized'".

Referring to development figures cited by the Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge to list achievements of its past governments, Modi said the opposition party's "suffered from 'BC- before Congress' and 'AD- after dynasty'" as it believed nothing was done in the country before its advent and everything was done after the (Gandhi) dynasty came to power.

With opposition parties joining hands to build a grand alliance against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, he said the country has seen for 30 years such "milawat-wali" (adulterated) governments and the new combination against him is "maha-milawat" (highly adulterated).

"A healthy society keep away from adulterated food. Our healthy democracy will keep away from this maha-milawat," he said.

The prime minister also cited various job figures and his government's works for the farmers to respond to charges of rising unemployment and agrarian distress.

The Congress used "loan waiver" for farmers as a "10-year scheme" to win elections but in reality did nothing for small peasants, he alleged, asserting that his government is dedicated to national interest and rooting out corruption and black money.

In an oblique reference to the Enforcement Directorate's probe against Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra on corruption charges, he said details of properties are being unearthed in investigation of graft cases.

"For whom, where, when... details are coming out," he said, and then referred to recent extradition of people wanted in corruption cases by central agencies.

Congress leaders are downcast as they are not sure what these "raazdar" (ones having secrets) will reveal, Modi said.

To the charge that his government was destroying institutions, he hit back at the Congress saying it was a case of "ulta chor chowkidar ko dante" (thieves scolding the watchman).

The Congress imposed the Emergency, insulted armed forces, called the Army chief a "goonda", manufactured story of coup, tried to intimidate the judiciary by proposing impeachment of the then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, he said and accused it of being behind a press conference in London in which EVMs were questioned.

The Election Commission is respected worldwide and even it was targeted, he said, adding that the Congress in its zealousness to criticise him has ended up running down the country.

A former prime minister, a reference to Rajiv Gandhi, had called the Planning Commission a "bunch of jokers" while the Congress governments at the Centre misused Article 356 and dismissed close to 100 state governments, he said.

Former prime minister Indira Gandhi dismissed almost 50 of them, Modi added.

"I want to remind the voters of 21st century how power was enjoyed and abused for 55 years," he said, claiming the Commonwealth Games, held in India in 2010 when the Congress-led UPA was in power, were used to augment personal wealth.

Crooks and those who looted public money had ceased to be scared and his government has put in them the fear of law, he said.

"I have no baggage. I don't give favours or depend on favours from others for survival....

"Those who have looted the nation will continue to be scared of Narendra Modi," he said.

Citing his government's report card at the outset, he said India became the sixth largest economy in the world from 11th, second biggest steel producer, record producer of milk and grains and biggest consumer of internet data.

Comparing his government and previous Congress dispensations, he said the sanitation coverage is now 98 per cent compared to 40 per cent in 2014 and 13 crore new LPG connections were given compared to 12 crore allotted by 2014.

In its manifestoes in 2004, 2009 and 2014, the Congress always spoke about electrifying villages and building houses for the poor but never did it and repeated the same promises.

"The task of fulfilling these was to left to me and my government has done it," he said.

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The ambitious Rs 11,700-crore Char Dham programme to connect Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath has been delayed and its completion will depend on the outcome of litigation pending with high courts, Parliament was informed on Thursday.

The original target date of the completion of the 889 km projects under the programme was March 2020.

Char Dham National Highway connectivity programme aims at development of 889 km length of NHs leading to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath and part of route leading to Kailash Mansarovar yatra at a total cost of Rs 11,700 crore, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Mansukh L Mandaviya told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

"Out of a total 53 separate and independent projects under this programme 37 projects in total length of 633 km has been sanctioned, which include 28 projects in total length of 508 km at implementation stage," Mandaviya said.

He said Rishikesh to Rudraprayag, Rudraprayag to Mana village, Rishikesh to Dharasu bend, Dharasu bend to Gangotri, Dharasu bend to Yamunotri, Rudraprayag to Gaurikund and Tanakpur to Pithoragarh are included in the programme.

The minister said nine projects are at tender/award stage and out of balance of 16 projects, five projects lie on National Highway leading form Dharasu bend to Gangotri which lies in Bhagirathi eco sensitive zone and where change of land use is not permitted.

"...No work has been taken up so far for want of finalisation of master plan of Baghirathi eco sensitive zone....The programme has been delayed due to litigation related to forest and clearance in various courts and the exact date of completion of the programme depends upon the outcome of the same," he said.

In order to mitigate impact of project on environment, mitigative measures such as slope protection, adequate drainage works and compensatory afforestation are taken up, he said.

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Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal directed the Delhi Police on Thursday to focus on projects related to the safety and security of women and senior citizens.

He said this after reviewing the current status and future plans of use of technology by the Delhi Police with specific deadlines for various projects.

Projects related to information technology, licensing, the special cell of the police, the modernisation unit, the operations and communication unit, the cyber cell and the crime branch were reviewed, a statement issued by the LG house said.

Baijal was apprised of the present status and future plans of integration of all applications (single app), automation of the licensing process, procurement of cyber cell equipment for the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and setting up of the Malware Forensic Lab among others.

The LG was also informed about the use of technology in various projects in the Traffic and Cyber Crime cells and their status. These projects include the setting up of a damaged hard disk forensic lab, procurement of a network analysis software, a cloud analysis software, an "Open Source Intelligence Solution" and the establishment of a hall for cyber training.

The city police made a unit-wise detailed presentation on its various ongoing and upcoming technology projects.

Baijal emphasised that the projects needed to be prioritised and taken up in a phased manner to ensure time-bound completion.

"He also directed the Delhi Police to focus on those projects, which were related to the safety and security of women and senior citizens," the statement said.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday asserted that Ram temple will be constructed at "the very place, the very spot" where the deity was believed to have been born, and there should be no confusion regarding this.

Addressing booth-level BJP workers here, the firebrand leader explained his government's controversial city-renaming acts, saying pilgrims visiting the birthplace of Lord Rama now visit Ayodhya and not Faizabad district and those who participate in the ongoing Kumbh festival were coming to Prayagraj and not Allahabad.

Adityanath was speaking at a meeting of shakti kendra prabharis (micro-level election managers) drawn from four Lok Sabha segments of Purnea, Araria, Katihar and Kishanganj, all falling in the Seemanchal area which has a sizable Muslim population.

"Much is going to happen in UP in the time to come. Do not worry, we have made it clear that the temple of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram will be constructed at the very place, at the very spot. Let there be no confusion," he said, amid a thunderous applause from party workers.

Stating that Bihar was the birth place of Sita Mata, Adityanath came down heavily on the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal, saying the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led party had made it a matter of shame to be called a Bihari.

He praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi for slowly changing the state's perception.

A similar change of perception has been effected by the Narendra Modi government at the national level and I was told by a visitor at the recently-held Pravasi Sammelan in Varanasi that they are proud of the new-found identity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Adityanath said.

"We are not like them (the opposition) who side with those who speak in favor of splitting up the country. We believe in slaying 100 soldiers across the border for every jawan of ours who is killed," he said.

He claimed that under his rule, criminals and terrorists did not dare venture into Uttar Pradesh, which he believes led to the Kumbh going on fairly peacefully.

We are not like the RJD which worships terrorists, we believe in sending terrorists to their actual destination, he said.

He asked the people of Bihar to visit Kumbh and appreciate the change that UP has undergone. "For long, people had to contend with the 'sangam' which was the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, but now Saraswati koop has been thrown open for the pilgrims after nearly five centuries," the UP chief minister said.

Similarly, the people can now have a darshan of the sacred Akshayavat tree, which he alleged Mughal emperor Akbar and his successors had tried to destroy in vain.

Exhorting the BJP workers to work with full dedication towards ensuring the victory of the NDA in all 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Yogi said for a committed party worker sky is the limit in the BJP unlike other parties. He said party president Amit Shah was a booth-level worker in the 1980s.

You have a lot of achievements to speak of, unlike 2014 when you had the leadership of Narendra Modi and the resentment of the people against the Congress-led UPA to propel the BJP to victory, he said.

Now you can go to the people with Modi governments achievements in improving the lives of all sections of society, with latest examples from the budget, he said.

Yogi spoke in the presence of a host of BJP leaders, including state president Nityanand Rai, general secretary (organisation) Nagendra and state ministers Prem Kumar, Krishna Kumar Rishi and Vinod Kumar Singh and MLAs Tarakeshwar Prasad and Vijay Khemka among others.

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On February 11th, Iran will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Islamic revolution. "This event has changed the situation in the region, in global politics, in the Islamic and Arab-Muslim worlds, the balance of the global political forces," the head researcher at the Center for Arabic and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Boris Dolgov, said.

"As a result of this Islamic revolution, a new state emerged that proposed a new path of development. The principles laid down by Khomeini and his supporters, on which Iran was built, are relevant today as well. The state is developing despite the unprecedented external pressure from the US and its allies. Iran became a regional center of power, affecting global politics. Iranian leaders managed to resist external pressure, sanctions, unite society, build the economy that was able to develop dynamically. In Iran, today, there are no large-scale problems that we observe even in the developed democratic countries, such as the "yellow jackets" movement in France, Boris Dolgov said.

Historians compare the revolution in Iran with the 1917 revolution in Russia. After the Islamic revolution in Iran, the international situation underwent a drastic, concrete and tough change. If there had not been a revolution in Iran, the current situation in the world would be completely different. The IRI leadership had changed the foreign policy course in a tough manner. If the course remained the same, the forces that opposed the Islamic regime, the country's leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, could receive additional support from the West, which could lead to a change of the Islamic regime,  the senior researcher at the Center for the Study of Near and Middle East at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irina Fedorova, said.

According to her, at that time, Irans foreign policy was characterized by the mottos of the struggle of oppressed against oppressors all over the world and the export of the Islamic revolution for these purposes: This export of revolution and the struggle took place not only at the diplomatic level. Iran supported pro-Shiite groups in Arab countries, provided them with military support, which led to the unification of many Arab states on the anti-Iranian basis and creation of various unions of Arab states, in particular, the Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. Iran supported and participated in the creation of such a powerful grouping as Hezbollah."

Irina Fedorova believes that anti-Americanism, which was characteristic of the regime that came to power in Iran, radically changed the system of relations with the United States: "Under the Shah, the United States defined Irans foreign policy by being the countrys ally. Under the Islamic Republic of Iran, the US also defines Irans foreign policy by being the largest, most serious force that opposes the country in the international arena. The influence of the United States remains the same. " According to the expert, the anti-Americanism led to the emergence of Carters doctrine: It became possible to use the American military forces to protect US national interests in South-West Asia. This led to a sharp increase of the US military presence in the region.

Speaking about the relations of modern Iran with Russia and Turkey, the head of the Oriental Languages Department of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Turkologist Aslambek Mozloev noted: It was possible to pave the first trails to the regional cooperation between Turkey and Iran due to the mediation of the Russian Federation. This is a very serious achievement. The historical contradictions between Turkey and Iran have not gone away. However, Russia, Iran and Turkey have identified for themselves the issues that allow removing contradictions. Once, the Iranian nuclear problem could not be solved through Ankaras mediation, since Turkey was still not ready to get rid of the American protectorate, and Iran always felt that the US was behind Turkey. Today the situation is changing. Thus, on February 14th, the next meeting of the Astana troika that replaced the UN Institute solving the Syrian problem will take place. Russia's mediation has allowed both Iran and Turkey to rise to the level of the global players.
Medical services in Guinea are on alert after a man died from Lassa fever, health officials said on Thursday, with some 80 people being monitored for the deadly disease.

Lassa fever is caused by a haemorrhagic virus which belongs to the same family as Marburg and Ebola.

The virus was found in a 35-year-old man from the southwestern town of Kissidougou. He died on January 29 in Mamou, some 400 kilometres away, according to officials.

Kissidougou is where an outbreak of Ebola began in December 2013, leading to thousands of deaths in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

"(We) have set to work to see if there are any hidden cases and to trace all the contacts" of the deceased man, said Sakoba Keita from the National Health Security Agency (ANSS).

Keita said it was not yet clear whether this was "an isolated case or an epidemic".

Around 80 people -- 30 in Kissidougou and 50 in Mamou -- are being monitored but none have so far shown any symptoms of the disease, Keita said.

Lassa takes its name from the town of that name in northern Nigeria where it was first identified in 1969.

The virus is spread through contact with food or household items contaminated with rats' urine or faeces, or after coming into direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.

It can be prevented by enhanced hygiene and avoidance of all contact with rats.

Nearly four in five peple who become infected with the virus do not have symptoms of the disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) says on its website.

A Lassa outbreak in Nigeria last year left 171 dead, and a resurgence of the disease there last month killed 16, according to official figures.

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Senior IPS officer Dinkar Gupta Thursday took over as new director general of Punjab police, succeeding Suresh Arora, who was on an extension after his retirement on September 30 last year.

Gupta's appointment was cleared by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Thursday morning, an official spokesman said here.

Soon after taking over as the state's new police chief, Gupta said keeping the border state, facing multiple challenges, safe and secure would continue to be the priority of Punjab police under him.

Pointing out that Punjab shares over 550 km of international border with Pakistan, he said the state police has to counter terrorism, tackle gangsters and drug menace, besides curtailing other crimes.

"A safe and secure Punjab has always been the priority of the force and this will continue to be our priority," he said.

A 1987-batch IPS officer, Gupta is the senior-most of three officers, all of the same batch, empanelled for appointment to the top post by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) earlier this week.

Prior to taking over as state police chief, Gupta worked as the chief of the intelligence wing of the Punjab police. His responsibilities included direct supervision of the Punjab police Intelligence Wing, state's Anti-Terrorist Squad and Organized Crime Control Unit.

Gupta was empanelled on April 26 last year for appointment to the post of additional director general at the Centre.

He did an eight-year stint on central deputation with the Home Ministry, from June 2004 to July 2012, where he held many sensitive assignments.

During his younger days, Gupta served as senior superintendent of police of Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur districts for over seven years, when Punjab was bearing the brunt of pro-Khalistani terrorism.

Gupta was also decorated with the Police Medal for Meritorious Services and the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2010.

Interacting with reporters here at the Punjab police headquarters, Gupta lauded the work being done by the Special Task Force of the state police in tackling the drug menace.

Be it the reduction of drug supply, enforcement of anti-drug laws or working for the de-addiction of drug addicts, both the STF and district police have done good work in the past two years, he said.

On the Punjab police busting some terror modules in the past including the Pakistan's ISI-backed one with the arrest of a Patiala resident last November, Gupta said, "The Punjab police has always lived up to the challenge to defeat the nefarious designs of enemies.

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Karti Chidambaram, son of former minister P Chidambaram, appeared before the (ED) on Thursday in connection with a probe against him.

Officials said was summoned to record his statement under the Prevention of Act (PMLA).

He arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central at about 11 am.

It is understood that he would be questioned in the INX Media case, officials said. The agency has alleged that Karti received money from INX Media, using his influence to manipulate a tax probe against it in a case of violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) conditions to receive investment from

It registered a PMLA case in May 2017 to probe the issue.
The Karnataka Assembly was adjourned for the day Thursday as BJP MLAs disrupted proceedings for the second day alleging that the Congress-JD(S) coalition government lacked majority.

The nine Congress MLAs, who had skipped the legislature sitting Wednesday, were not present in the House on Thursday as well.

A chaotic scene greeted Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar as he entered, with the BJP MLAs in the Well of the House.

Before Kumar could take his seat and start the proceedings, the BJP MLAs raised slogans like, 'Go backCM, Go back CM', 'Step Down CM, Step Down CM', 'Down down government without majority' and 'No unity, no majority'.

The agitating MLAs did not pay heed to the speaker's request that the BJP members resume their seats, prompting him to adjourn the proceedings for 10 minutes.

When the House met again, the BJP continued with its protest, forcing the Speaker to adjourn proceedings till 12.30 p.m Friday when Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's government will table the 2019-2020 budget.

A similar chaos prevailed in the Karnataka Legislative Council where the BJP members trooped into the Well of the House and raised slogans saying the government has lost majority.

Disgruntled Congress MLAs Umesh Jadhav, Mahesh Kumtalli,Ramesh Jarkiholi and B Nagendra, who are reportedly in touch with the BJP, remained absent for the second day and were incommunicado.

Absconding Congress MLA J N Ganesh, for whom the police are on the lookout for allegedly assaulting fellow lawmaker Anand Singh during a brawl at a resort recently, too was absent.

"It is an anti-people government which lacks majorityand hence, it has no right to continue," state senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister R Ashok told reporters.

Ignoring the whip, nine Congress MLAs had skipped the legislature sitting Wednesday, giving the jitters to the ruling coalition on the opening day of the budget session itself.

Unruly BJP members created a ruckus disrupting the address of Governor Vajubhai Vala to the joint session of the legislature, forcing him to cut short his speech and read the last para.

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The Jammu and Kashmir Police has filed a charge sheet against eight people, including journalist Aasif Sultan, for allegedly harbouring militants and conspiring with banned terror group Hizbul Mujahideen, officials said on Thursday.

Police had registered a case after militants had escaped from a residential area of Batmaloo in August last year after firing indiscriminately at a police searching party. Constable Parvaiz Ahmad had died in the attack.

Besides the journalist, police also charge-sheeted Mohammed Shafeeq Bhat, Waseem Khan, Bilal Ahmed Bhat and Shazia under various sections, including those relating to murder, of the Ranbir Penal Code and the Arms Act.

Three absconding, active militants of Hizbul Mujahideen -- Abbas Sheikh, Aqib Nazir and Tehseen Ahmed -- have been named in the charge sheet.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has secured prosecution sanctions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act against all the accused named in the charge sheet.

During preliminary investigation, the involvement of Mohammed Shafiq Bhat and Wasim Ahmed Khan was established in harbouring the militants in Bhat's house.

They were arrested and thoroughly questioned to unearth the conspiracy during which the identity of the escaped militants was ascertained as Umar Rashid, Umar Majeed and Aqib Nazir -- belonging to Hizbul Mujahideen.

Khan, during interrogation, also mentioned that the group of militants was involved in snatching of weapons from Dalgate area on May 17 last year.

He also named Aasif Sultan, Bilal Ahmed Bhat, an employee of Government Medical College, and Shazia as over ground workers of Hizbul Mujahideen terror group.

Shazia, during her questioning, also gave a statement on the involvement of all the five persons, including the journalist, in various terror activities.

Shazia further alleged that the scribe was a key worker of Hizbul Mujahideen and a close associate of wanted terrorist Abbas Sheikh, who she claimed had stayed with him at his Srinagar house on earlier occasions.

At her instance, police conducted raids at Sultan's house and recovered 17 letterheads of the banned terror group.

Police has recorded statement of some independent witnesses before a judicial magistrate in which role of all the five accused has been established.

Police alleged that the journalist was involved in various terror activities. "During investigation, Facebook account of Sultan was perused which revealed that the accused is circulating and propagating messages of banned Hizbul Mujahideen outfit."



The charge sheet comes three weeks after the Committee to Protect Journalists, a global organisation advocating press freedom, had appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik to release Sultan.

In a letter to Malik, the CPJ had advocated releasing the journalist, who works for a weekly newspaper, and said "freedom of the press is a vital tenet of democracy and a proud part of India's history. We urge you to use the authority vested in you as governor of Jammu and Kashmir to help immediately ensure that Aasif Sultan is released and that the charges against him are dropped".

The journalist had approached sessions court for a bail which was rejected. Under UAPA, police is supposed to file a charge sheet within six months after arresting.

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An MoU was signed on Thursday between the Lombardy Region government of Italy and West Bengal government to promote industrial growth, technical skill development and research & innovation in both the regions.

Deputy Chief Minister of Lombardy Region government Fabrizio Sala and West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra signed the MoU at the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) here.

Also the minister for research, innovation, and export, Sala said the MoU will also help promote cooperation in manufacturing sector, investment and process standardisation.

"It will also help to exchange information on facilitations for trade exhibitions, trade fairs and business missions between the two regions," Sala said.

Another MoU was signed between the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Jeollanamdo Province of the Republic of Korea on the sidelines of the BGBS.

Both sides have set a target of bi-lateral trade and investments amounting to USD 30 million in the next three years, an ICC statement said.

They also hoped the initiative would help exchange economic data that would lead to enhancement of business and trade in the fields of chemicals, fertilisers, petro-Chemicals, ports and ship building, SMEs, start-ups, agricultural produce, fisheries and other sectors.

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has been decimated, US has said, adding that sometime probably next week, he will formally announce to have 100 percent of the caliphate.

The military, its Coalition partners and the Syrian Democratic Forces have liberated virtually all of the territory previously held by in and Iraq, Trump said on Wednesday.

"It should be formally announced sometime probably next week that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate. But I want to wait for the official word. I don't want to say it too early," Trump said in his address to the Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat

He said the new approach developed by his administration, empowered US commanders in the field, enabled partners on the ground, and directly confronted ISIS's "wicked" ideology.

Over the past two years, US and its partners have retaken more than 20,000 square miles of land, he said.

"We have secured one battlefield. And we've had victory after victory after victory, and retaken both and We have eliminated more than 60 mile high-value ISIS leaders," he said.

"Now, they re-form; we know that. But they're having a hard time re-forming, and I wouldn't say it's a great job to have because of us. It's not exactly - hopefully will not be a sought-after occupation," he said.

"More than a hundred other top ISIS officials have been eliminated, and tens of thousands of ISIS fighters are gone. They're gone," he stressed.

US and its partners, he said, have freed more than five million civilians from the grip of these bloodthirsty killers.

"Thanks to the Global Coalition, including all of you here today, and to our other partners, the ISIS caliphate has been decimated. Nobody thought it was possible to do it this quickly," Trump said.

Observing that the struggle against was a shared fight, Trump said: "We do it together. If we don't do it together, it can never be the same. Everyone must do their part and contribute their fair share."



"We must also recognise that immigration security is national security, and that foreign fighters must not gain access into our nations," he said.

Later in a statement, the Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/DAESH said that the territorial defeat of ISIS in and will mark a significant milestone in the war against ISIS.

But this does not mean the campaign against ISIS is over, it said.

Further engagement was needed in and Syria, where the terrorist group is still resilient, it added.

ISIS's leadership, affiliates, and its supporters view its territorial losses in and as a setback, not as defeat, the statement said.

In 2019, with the conventional military effort against ISIS in Syria nearing culmination and shifting to a supporting rather than a central role, the Coalition members will open a discussion to plan the next phase of the campaign, it said.

This could involve an effort to counter ISIS's reversion to insurgency in Syria and Iraq, the statement said.

"The Coalition is determined to increase the pressure to disrupt ISIS's trans-regional network through increased information sharing and complementary efforts in counter-finance, strategic communication, law enforcement, the justice sector, and security for our homelands," the statement said.

The meeting was attended by foreign ministers and representatives from more than 70 countries.

was the only South Asian country to be present in this coalition to defeat ISIS.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pardoned a "large number" of prisoners in honour of the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, state TV reported Thursday.

The report did not say how many prisoners were released, but previous reports suggested it would apply to some 50,000 people, the largest number ever covered in a single pardon. Some prisoners would be released while others would have their sentences reduced.

According to judiciary website Mizanonline.com, the pardon covers a wide range of people, from those serving a year in jail to life in prison.

It said convicts in jail on armed opposition charges, kidnapping, rape, armed robbery, fraud, embezzlement, bribery, forging bank notes and coins, money laundering, smuggling and organized crimes will not be pardoned.

However, men above age 70 and women above age 60 as well as prisoners suffering from certain diseases could be pardoned, according to the website.

If so, the pardon could include 81-year-old Iranian-American businessman Baquer Namazi, who has been held for more than two years and has been diagnosed with epilepsy.

Namazi and his son Siamak Namazi, who has been held for over three years, are each serving a 10-year sentence on a charge of collaborating with a hostile power.

Iran has some 240,000 prisoners. It is holding several other people of dual-citizenship with Western nationalities on allegations of threatening national security. It's unclear whether any, including Baquer Namazi, would be included in the pardon.

Iran is celebrating the 1979 revolution, which toppled a Western-backed monarchy and ushered in four decades of clerical rule. Khamenei, who issued the decree, has the final say on all major policies.

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The Iranian authorities arrested 860 journalists in the 30 years following the 1979 revolution, according to leaked files unveiled by a media watchdog Thursday.

Reporters Without Borders said the confidential records for the period from 1979-2009 were provided by whistleblowers to coincide with Tehran's marking the 40th anniversary of the Islamic republic's founding this week.

The file contains some 1.7 million records of judicial procedures, and although people's professions are not listed, RSF said researchers spent months to compile and verify the names of 860 journalists or citizen-journalists who were arrested or imprisoned.

At least four of them were executed, it said.

"The very existence of this file and its millions of entries show not only the scale of the Iranian regime's mendacity for years when claiming that its jails were holding no political prisoners or journalists, but also the relentless machinations it used for 40 years to persecute men and women for their opinions or their reporting," the rights group's secretary general Christophe Deloire said in a statement.

He added that the findings would be submitted to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.

Prominent journalists in the file include Farj Sarkhohi, editor of a political magazine who Tehran said disappeared en route to Germany in 1996.

"The regime staged a press conference at the airport at which it produced Sarkhohi and claimed he had just returned from Turkmenistan. In reality, he had just spent two months in prison," the report said.

It also said Iranian-Canadian photographer Zahra Kazemi died of beating injuries at Tehran's Evin prison in 2003, after taking pictures of families waiting outside the facility.

Iran has denied her killing, with an official report on her death failing to disclose the cause of death.

The report also claims that over 6,000 people were arrested for protesting against the re-election of former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009, accused of "action against national security".

Other records in the leaked files include those of human rights advocates, notably Shirin Ebadi, a lawyer who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 and who now lives in exile after she and other women were forbidden from working as judges following the 1979 revolution.

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Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, was questioned for about six hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday in connection with a money-laundering probe against him in the INX Media case.

Officials said Karti was summoned to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He was grilled a number of times in the case in the past.

Karti arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11 am and left shortly before 6 pm. He took about an hour-long break for lunch.

It is understood that Karti was confronted with certain statements of the other accused and witnesses in the case. Officials said he might be called again for questioning.

The ED had attached Karti's assets worth an estimated Rs 54 crore, located in India and abroad, in the case last year.

The central probe agency had registered the PMLA case on the basis of a CBI FIR and had alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007, when P Chidambaram was the finance minister.

It had registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), the ED's equivalent to a police FIR, against the accused named in the CBI complaint, including Karti, INX Media and its directors -- Peter and Indrani Mukerjea.

Karti was arrested on February 28 last year by the CBI, the other central agency investigating the case, for allegedly taking money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media in 2007. He was granted bail subsequently.

The agency has alleged that Karti received money from INX Media, using his influence to manipulate a tax probe against it in a case of violation of FIPB conditions to receive investments from Mauritius.

Officials said P Chidambaram was also expected to be questioned in a money-laundering case at the same ED office on Friday.

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Russias Gazprom is looking to gain an even larger gas market share in Europe following record-high 2018 exports, expecting a decline in Europes gas output combined with rising demand, a senior manager at the company said.

Reuters reports in its article Gazprom seeks bigger gas market share in Europe after bumper exports that last year it sold more than 200 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe, including Turkey, while its gas market share in the region rose to more than a third. Elena Burmistrova, in charge of the Russian companys exports, said Gazprom would be able to offset a production decline in the European Union, mainly at the Netherlands Groningen, once Europes largest natural gas field. North Sea production is also gradually declining ... So, the space for Russian gas is being freed up, she said on the sidelines of the European Gas conference in Vienna.

EU gas production will halve by 2040, the Paris-based International Energy Agency has said. Moscow has piped gas to Europe from its fields in Siberia and northern Russia for more than 50 years. It can ill afford losing the lucrative market for Kremlin-run Gazprom, whose sales account for over 5 percent of Russias $1.6 trillion economy. Burmistrova said Gazprom was striving to raise its market share in Europe, where the company generates two thirds of its gas sales. According to preliminary estimates, our share (in Europe) stood at 34 percent in 2017, while in 2018 it could have reached around 35 percent, Burmistrova said in remarks cleared for publication on Wednesday. Russian energy sales have become increasingly politicized since 2014 following the annexation of the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine, accusations of meddling in the U.S. presidential election in 2016 and a nerve gas attack in Britain.

Gazprom last year escaped the specter of big fines in a case that had dragged on for seven years after it clinched a deal with EU antitrust regulators to reform its pricing structure and allow rivals a foothold in eastern Europe. Burmistrova said Gazprom did not want to look too aggressive in the eyes of Europe with its plans to boost sales. We dont set a target of gaining 40 or 45 percent of the (EU) market, she said. Some European countries, mainly in Eastern Europe, have voiced concern about Russias growing energy clout.

The Gazprom manager said the company had proven to be a reliable gas supplier and that its exports in Europe would not suffer because of politics. However, Gazproms exports have been jeopardized by a shale gas production boom in the United States and President Donald Trumps plans to sell vast amounts of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe. U.S. LNG shipments to Europe totaled 3.23 million tonnes, or 48 cargoes, in October to January, compared to 0.7 million tonnes, or nine cargoes, a year earlier. The United States is now second only to Qatar, the worlds largest LNG producer, as an LNG supplier to Europe, Refinitiv Eikon data showed.

Burmistrova played down the danger to Russian gas dominance in Europe from the United States. We will always be competitive against American LNG, she said.
Eight states including Uttar Pradesh are offering inter-state trading via 21 electronic national agricultural market (eNAM) so far in the country, Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Agarwal said Thursday.

Under the eNAM, launched in 2016, agri-trading was initially allowed within a mandi and later inter-mandi within a state was permitted. So far, 10 states are offering inter-mandi trade within their states.

Now, inter-state trading via eNAM mandis has started.

"Inter-state trade of agricultural produce in wholesale mandis through eNAM platform is gathering pace...," Agarwal said in a statement.

As many as 136 transactions have taken place so far via inter-state eNAM trading. Over 14 commodities like vegetables, pulses, cereals, oilseeds, spices among others have been traded in a short span of time, he said.

"Volume of inter-state trade is also picking up as farmers and traders are gaining confidence in the system," the Secretary said.

Initially started with 25 commodities, e-trade facilities have been provided on 124 commodities with tradable parameters on e-NAM portal.

Agarwal said, the latest transaction took place at the Madhya Pradesh Mandsaur e-NAM mandi, which sold coriander to the Ramganj mandi of Rajasthan.

Similarly, inter-state transaction took place at the Maharashtra's Akola e-NAM mandi, which sold green gram to the Nokha mandi of Rajasthan.

"So far, 21 e-NAM mandis of eight states namely Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have joined hands to start inter-state trade on e-NAM," Agarwal said.

Apart from Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, inter-state trade also happened between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Rajasthan is the first state to start inter-state trade with more than one state, establishing trade link with Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh through e-NAM.

Inter-state trade on eNAM aims to remove barriers of movement of agriculture produce between geographies, increases income through appropriate monetisation of farmers' produce.

The Secretary said the details on logistic providers is also being provided on the e-NAM portal to traders from outside the state, which will facilitate transportation of commodities after trading.

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A five per cent rise in the number of Indian students applying to study at UK universities is part of a wider hike in applications from international students from the outside the European Union (EU), new figures released here on Thursday revealed.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), the UK's centralised university application system, disclosed that 4,690 students from India applied to take up courses at universities across Britain from September this year. This compares favourably to 4,470 applications last year and a considerable hike over the previous years.

While the figures do not reflect the actual number of Indian students who will be successful in their applications to be able to join these courses, they reflect an interest in the UK as a destination for higher

Last month, the UK's Higher Statistics Agency (HESA) had revealed that 28 per cent more Indian students enrolled on courses in the UK in the academic year 2017-18 than in 2016-17.

"It is fantastic for the UK that the number of Indian students coming to our country appears to be on the rise. We hope to see these numbers continue to grow over coming years," said Vivienne Stern, Director, Universities UK International.

"Indian students are a vital part of the international university communities that we are so proud of in the UK. Indian students bring diverse perspectives to our campuses, new ideas to our classrooms and essential skills to our workforce," she said.

The UCAS data this week shows that a total of 561,420 students applied for a UK university course this year, almost 2,500 more than at the equivalent point last year, marking the first increase in three years.

The hike is largely down to a record number of applicants from outside the EU standing at 63,690, an increase of 9 per cent. The number of applicants from the EU increased by 1 per cent, to 43,890.

"In this time of uncertainty, it's welcome to see more EU and international students wanting to come and study in the UK," said UCAS' Chief Executive Clare Marchant.

China maintained its lead as the largest source country of non-EU student applicants, with 15,880 applications, up from 11,920 in 2018 and followed by Hong Kong at 5,100.

India with 4,690 applications, the US with 4,050 and Singapore with 3,060 complete the top five non-EU countries list of student applications for the UK this year.

The figures are based on analysis of undergraduate applications received at UCAS by the January 15 deadline.

Meanwhile, Universities UK, the representative body for leading UK universities, said it will carry on campaigning for a student visa regime that makes the country even more attractive as a higher destination.

It has welcomed some of the UK government's recent post-Brexit visa proposals to make it easier for students from outside the UK to remain in the country and look for work after they graduate.

Under the proposed changes, undergraduate and Masters students will be able to stay in the UK to look for work for six months after graduating. They will also have three months before graduating during which they can find work and change from a study visa to a work visa.

PhD students will be able to stay in the UK for a year to find work after graduating. They will also have three months before graduating during which they can find work and change from a study visa to a work visa.

International graduates will be given two years after graduating during which they can apply to switch their UK study visa to UK work visa from outside the UK.

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Indian American Narsan Lingala and his girlfriend Sandya Reddy have been charged with trying to hire a hitman to kill the former's estranged wife.

Lingala, 55, who has been charged by criminal complaint with one count of murder-for-hire was produced before US Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was held without bail.

His ex-girlfriend, Reddy, 52, appeared in the court on the same charge and was also detained.

According to the complaint, in May 2018, Lingala was in a holding cell at the Middlesex County Superior Courthouse as he awaited a court hearing.

While there, he asked another inmate if he knew anyone who could kill his estranged wife.

The inmate responded that he knew such a person.

In June 2018, at the direction of law enforcement, the inmate introduced Lingala to an undercover agent posing as a hitman.

Over subsequent weeks, Lingala and the undercover cop spoke on the phone and planned to meet in person the next time that Lingala travelled from Indiana to New Jersey.

On August 18, 2018, Lingala and the undercover police officer agreed to meet outside a New Jersey shopping mall.

Later that day, Lingala and his then-girlfriend, Reddy, arrived outside the mall and approached the cop.

Lingala introduced Reddy and stated that she understood what was going on. The trio then entered the undercover cop's car.

They proceeded to have a conversation that was video recorded. The cop asked Lingala to confirm what he wanted him to do and the accused said, "I want that woman to be out of my life... totally. Never again. She never comes back."



During the conversation, the undercover cop asked, "You want me to take care of her?" to which Lingala responded, "Yeah."



The undercover cop stated, "She's done, I'm going to kill her. End of story." Lingala responded, "Yeah. End of story."During the conversation, Lingala gave the cop information about the intended victim including his ex-wife's full name, home address, age, and home phone number.

He also described the entrances to and layout of her home; the name of the company where she worked; and the timing and details of her work commute.

Lingala showed the undercover officer photos of the exterior and interior of his ex-wife's home. Reddy also provided the him information about the intended victim.

The trio also discussed the price and the undercover cop demanded between USD 5,000 and USD 10,000, depending on the job's complexity.

Lingala agreed and asked if he could pay after the job was done. The cop, however, said he would need a down payment.

The couple discussed the issue and then Lingala asked the cop, "Can I give you a thousand down payment?" to which the undercover cop agreed.

Lingala later stated, "I want that money to go into your pocket."



Lingala informed the undercover officer that making the down payment would take about two weeks.

After the meeting, authorities arrested Lingala and Reddy. The murder-for-hire charge is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Indian-American man and his girlfriend have been arrested for hatching a conspiracy to hire a hitman to kill the former's estranged wife.

Narsan Lingala, 55, and his 52-year-old girlfriend Sandya Reddy have been charged with one count of murder-for-hire and were produced before US Magistrate Judge Michael A Hammer in Newark federal court.

Both of them were arrested without bail.

According to a complaint filed in May 2018, Lingala was in a holding cell at the Middlesex County Superior Courthouse as he awaited a court hearing. While there, he asked another inmate if he knew anyone who could kill his estranged wife. The inmate responded in affirmative.

In June 2018, at the direction of the law enforcement body, the inmate introduced Lingala to an undercover agent posing as a hitman. Over subsequent weeks, Lingala and the undercover police officer spoke over phone and planned to meet in person when Lingala travelled from Indiana to New Jersey.

On August 18, 2018, Lingala and the undercover agent planned to meet outside a New Jersey shopping mall.

Later that day, Lingala and Reddy arrived at the mall and approached the cop.

Lingala introduced Reddy and said that she was in the know-how of what was going on. The trio then entered the undercover cop's car.

They proceeded to have a conversation that was video recorded. The police officer asked Lingala to confirm what he wanted him to do and the accused said, "I want that woman to be out of my life... totally. Never again. She never comes back."



During the conversation, the undercover cop asked, "You want me to take care of her?" to which Lingala responded, "Yeah."



The undercover cop stated, "She's done, I'm going to kill her. End of story." Lingala responded, "Yeah. End of story."During the conversation, Lingala gave the cop information about the intended victim, including her full name, home address, age and phone number.

He also described the entrances to and layout of her home; the name of the company where she worked; and the timing and details of her work commute.

Lingala showed the undercover officer photos of the exterior and interior of his ex-wife's home. Reddy also provided the him information about the intended victim.

The trio also discussed the price and the undercover cop demanded between USD 5,000 and USD 10,000, depending on the job's complexity.

Lingala agreed and asked if he could pay after the job was done. The cop, however, said he would need a down payment.

The couple discussed the issue and then Lingala asked the cop, "Can I give you a thousand down payment?" to which the undercover cop agreed. He informed the undercover agent that making the down payment would take about two weeks.

After the meeting, authorities arrested Lingala and Reddy. The murder-for-hire charge is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine.

According to local media reports, Lingala was married in December 1995 and the couple had a son and a daughter. He filed for divorce in May 2011 and then spent several years unsuccessfully contesting the financial terms of the matrimonial settlement agreement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
British tech firm Dyson on Thursday said it expects India to be a 'significant' market in coming years for its range of airpurifiers, said a company official.

The company is looking at Indian market in long terms and expects it to be as other developed Asian markets such as China, which has almost similar air pollution level.

Dyson, as part of expansion of its product range in the air purifier, introduced Pure Hot+Cool, which delivers room heating in winter, cooling in summers making it suitable for all seasons.

"India is a long term market and we are really happy to be here and I look forward to that kind of education process, which other countries like China and Japan have, to make them a significant market (for air purifier)," said Dyson Global Category Director, Environmental Control Sam Bernard.

People in India are now getting understanding about the air pollution and this would make product as airpurifier a significant one, he claimed.

"We have a great sales in country like China, which has a similar air pollution problem like India," Bernard added.

The Indian air purifier industry is at nascent stage, limited to some key metro markets only.

However, according to reports, it is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 35 per cent during 2018-24.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Health Minister J P Nadda said Thursday India has set an example by increasing its domestic financial allocation for health and stands committed to increase its overall health allocations to 2.5 pc of its GDP, as enunciated in the 2017 National Health Policy.

In his address at the inauguration of India Showcase Event' as part of the preparatory meeting of the sixth Global Fund replenishment here, Nadda said India has continued to focus on improving health indicators and other determinants of wellness.

He said India is prioritising resource allocations for tuberculosis with more than USD 2 billion being invested in the implementation of the National Strategic Plan to end TB by 2025.

"This amount is separate from the additional amount of USD 100 million being invested for nutritional support to TB patients under the Nikshay Poshan Yojna," he stressed.

Nadda said, India is making efforts to end TB by 2025, five years ahead of the SDG target.

"By 2024, the target is to ensure that 95 per cent of HIV positive people in the country know their status, 95 per cent of those who know their status are on treatment and 95 pc of those who are on treatment experience effective viral load suppression," he said.

He said a WHO malaria report has singled out India for its impressive gains.

Among the high-burden countries, only India showed a substantial decline in disease burden, with a 24-per cent drop in cases. India is on course to meet the goal of ending malaria by 2030, he asserted.

He also said that the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana, a national scheme which envisions health assurance of Rs 5 lakh per family per year, has covered nearly 1.1 million people in just 135 days of its rollout.

Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey reaffirmed the government's commitment to make India free of TB, malaria and HIV/AIDS.

Peter Sands, executive director of Global Fund, stated that India's hosting of the preparatory meeting of Global Fund's sixth replenishment demonstrates country's strong commitment to fighting the diseases in India, and its leadership in global health.

India is in a sustained partnership with Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and Malaria since 2002 as a recipient as well as a donor.

A high-level preparatory meeting for the sixth replenishment conference is being hosted by India on February 7-8 in New Delhi. The meeting will set the stage for Global Fund to launch its investment case for its sixth replenishment conference and its fund mobilization campaign.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India has called for a collective international effort towards revitalisation of the 193-member UN General Assembly, saying the "closest institution to a global parliament" must lead the multilateral effort to address global challenges.

India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador K Nagaraj Naidu stressed that the reform of the Security Council is central to the overall process of revitalising the United Nations and there is no better platform than the General Assembly where this process can be driven in the most democratic and representative manner.

"The 75th anniversary of the United Nations will be celebrated in less than two years from now. We must take advantage of this significant milestone in our collective quest for a revitalized General Assembly which is capable of addressing global challenges, shaping peoples' aspirations and transforming lives across the world," Naidu said Monday.

Speaking at the informal meeting with former Presidents of the General Assembly on Revitalization of the United Nations in favor of a strengthened multilateral rules-based system', he said the General Assembly, which includes a significant number of environmentally vulnerable countries, is uniquely placed to accelerate efforts for Environment and Climate Action.

Describing the General Assembly as the closest institution to a global parliament by virtue of being the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations, Naidu said no other global institution can match its representative character and the credibility that it derives from such representativeness.

Emphasising that multilateralism is coming under severe strain because of multiple developments, Naidu said that global challenges cutting across boundaries and regions cannot be addressed in isolation and the General Assembly, with its broadest possible participation and ownership in decision-making, must lead the multilateral effort.

He also highlighted specific areas that the UN member states should focus on while discussing the broad subject of revitalizing the UN. He pointed out that there is need to restore the sanctity of the annual General Debate, the high-level gathering each September of Heads of State and Government for the General Assembly session.

"Multiple high-level events running parallel to the annual General Debate undermines importance of this most important event on the UN calendar, he said adding that there is also need to ensure that the General Assembly is well attended during the annual general debate when global leaders congregate at the UN.

"Images of world leaders addressing a General Assembly with empty seats does not send a positive signal. Further, the office of the President of General Assembly must be adequately funded and it should not be left to the individual PGAs to raise funds for discharging their activities," he said.

"The General Assembly has been bold in the past and by being bold about the future will it be seen as revitalized and relevant," he said.

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The Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), a centre of the Indian Air Force, is in talks with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to provide medical support to crew members of Gaganyaan, India's maiden manned space mission.

ISRO plans to send a three-member crew to space for seven days by 2022 under the Gaganyaan programme.

"ISRO has contacted us to collaborate with IAM which conducts research in aerospace medicine and trains airmen and pilots," said Bipin Puri, Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).

Bengaluru-based IAM is affiliated to the AFMS.

"Since the infrastructure such as simulators at IAM is one of the best in the country, ISRO wants to join hands with IAM to train the crew members of Gaganyaan mission," he said.

Puri was talking to reporters on the sidelines of 67th Annual Armed Forces Medical Conference here.

Air Marshal Rajvir Singh, Director General, Medical Services (AIR) said the challenge of providing life support in space is very complex.

"The complexities of life support in space are enormous....and IAM is the only centre in the country to contribute in this direction. We are currently in discussion with ISRO to provide full spectrum of life support to the crew members of the space mission," he said.

IAM, which conducts MD programs in aerospace medicine, is the only institute in India and South East Asia which conducts research in aerospace medicine, he said.

"We also conduct programs for pilots and airmen to improve their effectiveness in the cockpit," he added.

As per the IAM website, the institute, earlier called Institute of Aviation Medicine, had provided medical support to the Indo-Soviet Manned Space Flight programme in 1980s.

Puri, meanwhile, also informed that the AFMS is going to start a three-year MD program in marine medicine for doctors deployed on ships and submarines.

"The reason is that Indian Navy is spreading its footprints by going everywhere, and since maritime rules are different, the challenges faced by the members related to health on ships and submarines are also different," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The will soon decide on the kind of start-ups that can be exempted from angel tax, a top official said Thursday.

Central Board of (CBDT) Chairman Sushil Chandra said they have received several suggestions from start-ups on exempting them from angel tax.

"Very shortly we will find out a solution on the basis of the suggestions we have received. We will have to decide which start-ups are real start-ups and how they can be exempted from Section 56(2) of Income Tax Act," he said.

Chandra said even earlier, any start-up recognised by DPITT was exempt from Section 56(2) and tax notices sent to start-ups over funding have been stayed.

Last week, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), along with tax officials, met start-up industry representatives to hear their suggestions.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of various start-ups raising concerns on notices sent to them under Section 56(2) of I-T Act to pay taxes on angel funds.

The Section provides that the amount raised by a start-up in excess of its fair market value would be deemed as income from other sources and would be taxed at 30 per cent.

Touted as an anti-abuse measure, this Section was introduced in 2012. It is dubbed as angel tax due to its impact on investments made by angel investors in start-up ventures.

Last month, the government eased the procedure for seeking income tax exemption by start-ups on investments from angel funds and prescribed a 45-day deadline for a decision on such applications.

The new procedure says that to seek an exemption, a start-up should apply, with all documents, to DPIIT. The application of the recognised start-up shall then be moved to CBDT. A start-up recognised by DPIIT would be eligible to seek exemption, subject to certain conditions.

will have to provide account details and return of income for last three years. Similarly, investors would also have to give their net worth details and return of income.
The Himachal Pradesh government spent Rs 2.31 crore on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Jan Abhar Rally which was organised at Dharamshala in December last year, marking the first anniversary of the Jai Ram Thakur-led government here.

In a written reply to Congress MLA from Kinnaur Jagat Singh Negi's question, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur told the state assembly on the fourth day of the ongoing budget session that Rs 2,31,41,187 was spent by the state government on Jan Abhar Rally.

A total of 441 government and 63 private buses were hired for the event, he said, adding no private school bus was hired for the same.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address was nothing less than sensational, a great show worthy of a great showman. The show included several people/attractions who added an emotional spin to the presidential speech. People like the officer who was badly wounded in the attack on the synagogue in Pittsburgh or the father of a fallen solider who perished in the attack on the USS Cole 18 years ago were present. Every now and then, Trump would call on one of them, salute to him or her and receive a huge round of applause, UPI writes in the article Trump's State of the Union reveals no strategy for Middle East.

However, the speech laid no strategy for the year to come, especially regarding the Middle East. He started his talk on the Middle East by saying that he adheres to realism and rejects "discredited theories" that achieved no progress in the past. From this perspective, he said, he moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. However, Trump did not explain how this move will achieve any progress. What is next? What is the strategy behind this move? Will it galvanize the stalling peace talks? Will it ensure a viable Palestinian state that can co-exist peacefully next to the Israeli state? Nothing of this sort was revealed.

He said that before he assumed the presidency, the Islamic State had control of over 20,000 square miles in Syria and Iraq. He claimed that IS is defeated and that U.S. allies will exterminate its remnants. However, Trump should have known better from the Iraq episode how the early disengagement allowed terrorist groups to re-emerge in a more virulent manner. His statement totally contradicts the account of his generals who realize that IS can regroup and reorganize.

He also said, "Great nations do not fight endless wars." The problem with war is that a country can decide when to start it, but does not necessarily have control of when to end it. Ending a war haphazardly, when certain conditions are not met, will only result in more chaos. So far, we have seen increased chaos in Syria because of the unplanned American withdrawal. The president also did not mention Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, despite the fact that he is today the platform for Iranian expansionism that is fueling the instability in the region.

On Afghanistan, he pledged to give peace a chance and to engage with various Afghani groups, including the Taliban. However, Trump, being a tough negotiator, should have known better that negotiations should be conducted from a position of strength and not of weakness. The unconditional accelerated withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan is likely to be perceived as a sign of weakness by the United States' most vehement enemies in the country.

Trump then moved to Iran, accused the country of doing very "bad bad" things. He also promised that he will never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. This is why, he said, he withdrew the United States from what he described as a "disastrous" nuclear treaty. He did not say how he can ensure that Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons now that the United States can no longer inspect its nuclear sites. Was he signaling a possible pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities? Again, on this very important issue, the speech was ambiguous.

He referred to sanctions. Nevertheless, sanctions in the past did not deter Iran from pursuing its nuclear program. The nuclear program is developed domestically in Iran and does not rely on any expertise or input from the West. Therefore, there is no clear policy on Iran except for increased sanctions. No policy was spelled out to counter the proliferation of its non-state actors in the region. Nothing. Though the imminent threat from Iran comes from those militias fomenting chaos more than from a hypothetical nuclear strike that will be fatal to everyone, including Iran.

In a nutshell, we see no strategy behind the president's speech, but only a glimpse of a fragmented policy. American troops are withdrawing from conflict zones without any concrete agreements with allies. On the contrary, we see allies acting on their own, now that they can no longer rely on American support. Most importantly, there is no coherent and complete team in Washington to devise a comprehensive plan for the region. The very critical position of assistant secretary of state for near eastern affairs remains vacant. The nominated candidate has not been confirmed by the Senate due to bitter and petty partisan bickering. So for the coming year, we do not expect an action plan driven by an overarching strategy but more of a set of actions and reactions so that the show can go on.
The Allahabad High Court Thursday declared the strike by a section of Uttar Pradesh government employees "illegal" and ordered the government to initiate disciplinary action against them and their unions.

The court prohibited the employees and unions from going on strike or inciting any employee for it.

It further directed the senior officials of various departments to record the employees' attendance and videograph their agitation.

It asked the government to furnish the "action taken report" to it within a month.

A bench of justices D K Arora and Ajay Bhanot passed the order on a writ petition by one Rajeev Mishra.

In its order, the bench expressed sympathy for the employees and directed the government to develop a mechanism to sort out their problems and meet their demands.

Arguing for the petitioner, advocate S M Royakwar said the parents and wife of the petitioner needed medical treatment.

But he came to know from newspapers that the government employees were going on strike from February 6 to 12 due to which he would not be able to get medical assistance for them, he said.

Apart from it, the UP school board examination started on February 6 but due to the strike, the students are suffering a lot, he pleaded.

Royakwar argued that the strike is illegal and would subject the the society to miseries, besides affecting the career of the UP Board examinees.

Advocate General Raghvendra Singh told the bench that the state government had on January 16, 2018issued a notification warning the agitating employees' unions not to go on strike or else Essential Services Maintenance Act would be imposed on them.

He said only 10 percent employees are reported to be on strike but the government is taking strict action against them also.

The state government employees are on strike from Wednesday for restoration of an old pension scheme.

The government has invoked ESMA and banned the strike.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Calcutta High Court Thursday sought to know from the West Bengal government why Justice (retd) Shyamal Sen Commission was dissolved before it could complete its task of disbursing money to the investors of Saradha ponzi scheme.

The court also directed the Centre to look into ways for distribution of seized funds pertaining to the Rose Valley scam.

A special bench, hearing cases related to chit fund scams, told the state government to present before it an affidavit, stating reasons for not extending the Justice Sen commission's term, in the next seven days.

The bench, comprising Justices Joymalyo Bagchi and Shekhar B Saraf, asked the state if the commission can be given a fresh lease of life, and, if not, then whether the residual amount earmarked by the government for disbursal can be handed over to the investors.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had in April 2013 announced setting up of a Rs 500-crore fund for paying back small and medium investors, who were allegedly duped by the Saradha Group. She set up the one-man commission headed by Sen for the task.

The commission was, however, wound up in October 2014 before it could finish its assignment.

The court also asked the state government, represented by lawyer Amitesh Banerjee, to apprise it of the manner in which the money was disbursed by the commission to the investors and sought a list of names who have got refunds.

Taking up the Rose Valley ponzi scheme, the bench asked the Centre to inform it as to how it plans to reimburse the duped investors with the money seized by the Enforcement Directorate from the company.

In July 2016, the then chief justice of the high court, Justice Manjula Chellur, had constituted a special bench for speedy disposal of chit fund cases.

At least 150 matters related to chit fund companies, including Saradha Group and Rose Valley Group, were then pending before the high court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The government Tuesday said in Rajya Sabha that it is fully committed to and will soon file a review petition in the Supreme Court on mechanism for faculties in universities.

The Upper House took up a short discussion on notices given by SP, BSP, RJD and CPI members regarding the issue in universities.

Opposition parties demanded that the government bring a separate law to protect the interest of scheduled castes (SC) scheduled tribes (ST) and other backward classes (OBC) instead of filing review petition in the apex court.

Replying on the issue, HRD Minister said, "We are sensitive to the issue raised in the House because we are part of the reservation campaign. We want reservation to continue."

"The department-wise roster has not been brought by the government but it had to be brought following the court's direction. We were not in agreement with the court's direction and therefore filed a special leave petition (SLP)."

The government has put forth its views strongly during the hearing of SLP, the minister said and added the SLP was filed after conducting a study in 30-40 universities to ascertain how department-wise reservation to faculty would affect SC, ST and OBCs.

"We are 100 per cent committed towards reservation," he said, and expressed confidence of getting a favourable judgement in the review petition.

On the University Grant Commission (UGC) circular on appointments, the minister said it has not withdrawn the circular. "We are taking a legal opinion to seek a stay on the circular."

Opposition members were not satisfied with the reply and were up on their feet. Amid uproar, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House till 2 PM.

Earlier initiating the debate, Ramgopal Yadav (SP) said that he feared that reservation to backward classes will be affected if the 13 point-roster is followed.

"After the Allahabad Court order, the 13 point-roster has been issued instead of the earlier mechanism of 200-point roster. Earlier an university was considered as one unit, now a department in a college is treated as one unit," he said.

"If there are 13 posts in a department, then there will be nine from general category, 3 from OBC and one from SC.The fourth post for ST will never be there. In the next 200 years also, a ST will never get a posting in a department or a college," he added.

Yadav said 13 universities have come out with advertisement for 706 posts. Of which, 18 are for SCs, 57 for OBCs and none for ST and 640 for general category.

"If this is the situation, then the reservation provided in the Constitution and the Indra Sahani case being said as valid -- will make no sense," he said.

ALSO READ: Govt's 10% upper caste quota move puts political parties of Bihar in a fix

Charging that the government did not present the case in the court properly, Yadav asked the government to bring a new bill.

"You brought a bill on Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in 48 hours. Why don't you bring a bill that concerns 85 per cent of the people?," he said.

Echoing his views, Satish Chandra Misra (BSP) said advertisements have been issued despite assurance by the minister that no appointments would be made under the guidelines issued following the judgement of the Allahabad High Court.

"STs in departments with less than seven seats will never get reservation or get in 20 years. The minister agrees that it is wrong. If it is wrong, why is he not bringing the bill," he said, insisting the government bring a bill in this session.

Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD) said the matter was very important as there is huge uproar in colleges and universities.

"I saw new roster and on the 10th number, EWS is there. There is no mention of ST on the roster. The representation for OBC, ST and SC is also reducing. The review petition is of no help," he said.

Jha said the government had brought a bill for EWS in 48 hours and urged it to show the same sensitivity towards Dalits, SC and STs.

Holding that the present move of the government is going to close the doors for SC, ST and OBCs, Binoy Viswam (CPI) said the government should uphold the principle of social justice.

"We believe that with all sense the government will now understand the pulse of the House and give an assurance that roster should be according to the 200-point," he added.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) had announced in March last year that an individual department should be considered as a base unit to calculate the number of teaching posts to be reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates following an order by the Allahabad High Court in April in 2017.

Earlier after laying of papers, Naidu said since only four days are left in the Budget session, the House should decide when to have a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address.

He adjourned the House for 10 minutes till 11:20 PM to give time to both treasury and Opposition benches to decide on the issue.

Before adjourning, Naidu got visibly upset over Neeraj Shekar's (SP) interruption when the Chairman was making his suggestion to run the House for taking up discussion on the President's address.

Then Leader of Opposition in the Upper House, Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "I will appeal to members not to disturb."

Naidu said, "Ramgopal Yadavji, if this is the way to run the House. I will not run. I am incapable of running the House like this."

Earlier when the House resumed at 11.20 PM, Naidu allowed members, who had given notice on the issue of reservation, to raise their concern.

"We will be taking up the Presidential address, before that an important issue has been raised that still remains unresolved and it has wider implication across the country including some misgivings in some section," he said.
Development Minister Gopal Rai held a meeting with farmers in outer Delhi's Najafgarh Thursday and sought their suggestions to devise a mechanism to implement new minimum support price for crops based on recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee Report.

An official said the meeting was attended by senior government officers, farm experts and farmers from nearby villages.

Talking to reporters here, Rai said the Delhi government is working on two-three measures on how to provide MSPs to farmers.

"We will make a strategy based on farmers' suggestions. The government is moving towards implementing new MSP for crops on the basis of Swaminathan Report," Rai said.

On January 29, the government had organised a meeting to devise a mechanism to implement the minimum support price as per the recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee Report.

Higher wages, input costs, transport charges and cost of other allied services peculiar to Delhi will be factored in while determining the MSP, Rai said last month.

The proposed MSP with 50 per cent margin at the cost of production is Rs 2,616 per quintal for wheat and Rs 2,667 per quintal for paddy.

If implemented, it is likely to incur an additional liability of Rs 96.38 crore, Rai told reporters after an Agriculture Conference on implementing the recommendations of the 'M S Swaminathan Committee Report on Farmers' Welfare' in Delhi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actors Gary Oldman and Armie Hammer are set to star in thriller "Dreamland".

The film, being directed by Nicholas Jarecki, will also feature "Ant-Man and the Wasp" star Evangeline Lilly and German actor Veronica Ferres, reported Variety.

Jarecki, who last directed Richard Gere-starrer "Arbitrage", has also penned the script of the new feature.

The film will see three stories about the world of opioids collide: a drug trafficker arranges a multi-cartel Fentanyl smuggling operation between Canada and the U.S., an architect recovering from an OxyContin addiction tracks down the truth behind her son's involvement with narcotics, and a university professor battles unexpected revelations about his research employer, a drug company with deep government influence bringing a new "non-addictive" painkiller to market.

Jarecki said, "The devastating impact of the opioid crisis reaches all corners of society. Gary, Armie, and Evangeline are the perfect performers to bring the human face of this epidemic to audiences everywhere."



The film is currently shooting in Montreal and Detroit.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A notorious gangster Ankit Bhadu, wanted in several cases, died after being critically injured in an encounter with Punjab police in a residential locality near Zirakpur on Thursday evening, a senior police official said.

"Gangster Ankit Bhadu was critically injured and succumbed to his injuries in a hospital, AIG of the Punjab Police's Organised Crime Control Unit (OCCU), Gurmeet Singh Chauhan told PTI over phone.

Mohali SSP Kuldeep Singh Chahal said that OCCU team, which led the operation, had information about the gangster and his associates after which operation was launched to nab them.

Some arms and ammunition have been recovered from the encounter site and two associates of Bhadu were also arrested, the SSP said.

The operation to arrest the gangster was carried out at crowded Peer Muchalla near Zirakpur in Mohali district.

The gangster, said to be around 25 years of age, carried a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh which was announced by Rajasthan Police.

Police said Bhadu was wanted in several criminal cases both by Punjab and Rajasthan police.

According to AIG Gurmeet Chauhan, the gangster jumped from upper floor of the residential apartment when police reached to arrest him.

The gangster then took a family that included a six-year-old girl as hostage.

When Bhadu was asked to surrender, he opened fire at the police party in which a cop was said to have sustained injury.

The girl also sustained injury and had to be hospitalized, however the family is safe,Chauhan said.

Police said Bhadu had jumped regular bail over a year back.

Bhadu, a close aide of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was said to be on Rajasthan Police's "most wanted" list in connection with cases of murder, dacoity, loot and extortion.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
To boost cargo movement on Ganga, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Friday will inaugurate the second phase of river information system (RIS) between Farakka and Patna.

The minister will also unveil the new navigation lock at Farakka to enable breeding of Hilsa fish, government said Thursday.

The projects are aimed at boosting the movement of cargo and fishery development in river Ganga. The Minister will also visit a Namami Gange Exhibition at Kumbh Mela.

"Gadkari will be in Prayagraj tomorrow (Friday) to inaugurate Phase 2 of the RIS on National Waterway-1 (River Ganga) between Farakka and Patna (410 km) and also unveil new arrangement of Navigation Lock at Farakka that would enable breeding of Hilsa fish in River Ganga and help preserve the river ecosystem," Ministry of Shipping said in a statement.

It said the inauguration of 2nd phase of RIS will enhance swift electronic data transfer between mobile vessels and base stations on shore through advance and real-time exchange of information.

RIS is a form of vessel traffic management using next generation technology. It will help in crisis management and enhanced inland navigation safety by preventing ship-to-ship collisions, ship-bridge collisions, groundings etc.

The services are being used in advanced waterways of Europe, China and the USA.

"The operationalisation of this system in India is a landmark in itself," the statement said.

Under phase II, five base stations Manihari, Bhagalpur, Munger, Barh and Hatidah and one control station have been made at Patna, it said.

IWAI is implementing the project in three phases on NW-1 at a cost of about Rs 57 crore.

Earlier, in 2016, the first phase of RIS - 545 km on Haldia- Farakka stretch was commissioned.

Work on third, 356 kms Patna-Varanasi stretch is currently in progress.

About the hilsa passage through Farakka Navigation Lock, the statement said the operations at the Navigation Lock in Farakka will be synchronised to suit the requirements of Hilsa fish movement.

Under Jal Marg Vikas Pariyojana, a fish pass has been envisaged for the free movement of Hilsa at Farakka Navigation Lock.

After the construction of Farakka Navigation Lock in 1976, movement of Hilsa, which once reached up to Prayagraj also, was restricted up to Farakka only.

"Based on research and breeding season of Hilsa Fish, the operation of navigational lock will be regulated to facilitate Hilsa movement from Hoogly-Bhagirathi-River system to the upstream in river Ganga and vice-versa," the statement said.

Fish pass/Fish way is a structure on or around artificial and natural barriers (such as dams, locks and waterfalls) to facilitate natural fish migration. Most fishways enable fish to pass around the barriers by swimming into the waters on the other side, it added.

Under the Jal Marg Vikas Project a new state of the art navigational Lock on NW-1 is being constructed at Farakka at a cost of Rs 361.35 crore and work will be complete by June 2019.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A decision by Australian airline Qantas on Thursday to cancel an order for Airbus A380 superjumbos raised fresh questions about the future of the world's largest passenger jet, which has struggled to find enough buyers to justify its production.

Launched with fanfare a decade ago, the double-decker plane capable of seating up to 850 people was hailed as a revolution for the industry as it prepared for soaring numbers of long-haul passengers.

It was also seen as a bold challenger to Boeing and the US giant's stranglehold on the large-aircraft market.

But after an initial spurt of orders the A380 has hit bumpy skies, with aviation experts suggesting its future is now in doubt.

When one expert was asked if the whole programme could be wound up, he said: "Honestly, it seems inevitable."



"Airbus is facing a difficult dilemma, and the more orders dwindle, the more it becomes pressing," said the expert, who asked to remain anonymous.

"Economically, the programme is lopsided" and "the current production tempo is barely viable, including for Airbus suppliers," he added.

Airbus has been forced to reduce work on its A380 production lines to a minimum in a bid to keep the programme going.

The company says 321 of the superjumbos have been ordered so far -- including 178 by Middle East airline Emirates -- though that doesn't take into account Qantas's cancellation of an order for eight, on top of the 12 it already flies.

In 2015 Airbus built 27 superjumbos, but that figure dropped to just one a month last year.

Last March, the company said it would axe around 3,700 jobs in Europe as it cut back production of the A380 as well as the A400M military transporter.

It also announced it was downscaling A380 deliveries, from eight in 2018 to just six in 2020.

Former Airbus president and chief operating officer Fabrice Bregier had hoped China could provide a new launchpad for the A380 as Western demand tapered off.

But in the end it was Emirates that saved the day with a new order in early 2018.

Shortly after John Leahy, Airbus's former sales director, warned that without an Emirates deal "there is no choice but to shut down the programme," the Dubai-based airline came through with an order for 20 A380s and an option to buy 16 more.

But even that plan is now looking uncertain.

Emirates is now looking instead at Airbus's smaller A350 twin-engine, the company's most recent jet, which could prove less expensive to operate.

Airbus last week said it was engaged "in discussions with Emirates in connection with its A380 contract," while declining to give further details.

Should Emirates switch orders from the A380 to the A350, shutting down the superjumbo programme could fall to Tom Enders, who is stepping down as chief executive in April.

Airbus's decision in 2007 to develop the A380 was diametrically opposed to Boeing's bet on the 787 Dreamliner, marketed as a more efficient plane that could be used for both medium and long-distance flights.

The economics of the A380 have proved daunting, with airlines having to fly every flight at full capacity in order to make a profit.

But the plane still has its fans: Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways owner IAG, praised the superjumbo earlier this month.

"I've no concerns about the A380. We are very pleased with the 12 A380s that BA operates. It's been an excellent aircraft for us," Walsh said. But he also urged Airbus to consider lowering its cost if it wanted more buyers.

"I've been very clear with Airbus that if they want to sell the aircraft they are going to have to be very aggressive on the price, because there is great competition between aircraft manufacturers at the moment," he warned.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In what is considered a security breach, a foreign yacht called on various ports in Lakshadweep islands late last year allegedly without necessary permission and has been impounded here by the Customs authorities, a senior official said Thursday.

Registered in Basel, Switzerland, the unoccupied yacht "S Y Sea Dreams" was seized Wednesday near the Bolgatty Island on the basis of intelligence gathered by officers of the Customs Preventive Division here, Customs Commissioner Sumit Kumar said.

It was seized from the Cochin International Marina in the backwaters where it remained anchored since December 1 last year, he said in a release.

The yacht's owner, said to be its sole occupant, had left for Switzerland. He was expected to return next month.

Kumar told PTI that such voyages in Indian waters for weeks without customs permission was "a serious security breach".

The marina, the first of its kind in the country, has been set up by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation to meet demands of tourists and has the infrastructure to berth 34 yachts at a time.

After arriving at the Cochin Port in February last year, the yatcht had called on Bangaram, Kalpeni, Agatti, Kadamat, Amini and Kavaratti islands of Lakshadweep, which are not notified Customs Ports, without permission of the competent authority, Kumai said in the release.

The vessel violated various sections of the Customs Act, 1962, rendering it liable for confiscation, he said.

According to the release, the yacht had initially arrived at the Cochin Port on February 23, 2018, anchored at the Marina on February 26 and remained there up to October 13.

It had left for the Lakshadweep islands on October 13 and returned to the marina on December 1.

"The Marina authorities informed that the owner of the said yacht Thomas Reichert has left for Switzerland and will be back in the month of March," the release said.

In the absence of the owner of the yacht, the purpose and reasons of its visit to Lakshadweep islands could not be ascertained and it was under investigation, Kumar said.

The Customs officers did not enter the yacht as its door was found locked.

The yacht had been handed over to the safe custody of Marina authority.

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India staved off an unexpected scare from lower-ranked Thailand as Ankita Raina won her both singles and doubles matches to lead the side to a 2-1 win in their Fed Cup opener, here Thursday.

Taking the court first, Karman Kaur Thandi, ranked 211, suffered a shock 2-6 6-3 3-6 defeat to Nudinda Luangnam, who is ranked as low as 712 in the world.

The onus to bring the team back then rested on country's number one singles player Ankita, who lost the first but regrouped to secure a 6-7 (3) 6-2 6-4 win over Peangtarn Plipuech in the second singles.

With scores 1-1, the doubles became the decisive rubber and captain Vishal Uppal fielded both the singles players.

The combination of Ankita and Karman then had to battle hard for two hours and 38 minutes to go past the fighting Thai combo of Peangtarn and Nudinda 6-4 6-7(6) 7-5 in a thriller.

"I know my opponent was tricky. I have beaten her and lost to her as well. More than my opponent I had to fight mentally the cold which I don't like, and I am really happy I have passed my own test," Ankita said.

Uppal said India didn't play to its potential but showed great fightback to clinch the tie.

"Thailand played exceptionally well today but we dug deep to beat them. Our lapse in concentration made our task tougher for us," Uppal told PTI after the match.

"Karman was not at her best today and Ankita also played patchy. In the doubles we went from almost winning at 6-4 in the tie-break to almost losing 3-5 in the final set."



India next play hosts Kazakhstan on Friday.

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U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced in the annual State of the Union (SOTU) speech a second meeting with the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong Un, on Feb. 27-28 in Vietnam. Xinhua reports in its article News Analysis: Why Trump, Kim choose to meet in Vietnam in late February? that the two sides chose the meeting timing and location based on multiple considerations.

Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told Xinhua that the two leaders' meeting venue has to be in "neutral territory with enough hotel rooms to accommodate the crowd." Speaking of the reason for the two sides to choose late February, the expert said that "Trump needs a win after the elections and shut down" and "the SOTU and Tet (lunar new year 2019 holiday) new year makes end February the soonest time."

Kyle Ferrier, a U.S.-based scholar of Korean studies, told Xinhua that Vietnam is the choice because of "logistics and symbolism." Speaking of the timing, he told Xinhua that the end of February timing for the second summit "seems to be more a function of how quickly both Trump and Kim want to meet." "Working level talks between the U.S. and North Korea broke down last October soon after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Special Representative for North Korea Policy Steve Biegun visited Pyongyang. These talks have only just recently been restarted and a late February summit date was likely picked to give them some cushion to work out substantive and logistical issues," he explained.

SPECIFIC LOCATION REMAINS UNSETTLED

While announcing the meeting, Trump did not give its specific location in Vietnam. Jenna Gibson, a Korea expert at the University of Chicago, told Xinhua that it is widely speculated that the second Trump-Kim summit will take place in Da Nang, although the location has not officially been confirmed yet. "Trump's team may still be working on details to make sure both sides walk in on equal footing despite the location," she said. The expert also noted that Trump benefitted from good timing in terms of his DPRK policy. "He was in office during a time when North Korea had finished its nuclear program to the point where Kim was willing to come to the negotiating table. At the same time, our ally South Korea elected a president who was very active and willing to put in the work to make progress on engagement with North Korea," she said. "To his credit, Trump was willing to seize this opening, and agreed to the historic summit in Singapore last year."

"It's good to see North Korea included in this year's speech, but the amount of time Trump spent discussing his North Korea policy has shrunk significantly compared to last year," she said.

Trump met with Kim first in Singapore last year on June 12, reaching several points of general consensus that have led to the improvement of the U.S.-DPRK relations. However, differences between the two sides remain over key issues including the scale of denuclearization, U.S. sanctions on the DPRK and whether to issue a war-ending declaration.

MAJOR CHALLENGES AHEAD

U.S. experts generally expected more substantial results from the second summit concerning trust-building and denuclearization. Speaking of what the Trump administration wants to get from the meeting, Paal cited the end of conflict declaration, moderation of UN sanctions, and inspection of nuclear and missile test sites, adding that it is possible that the two sides could achieve what they want during the meeting.

However, Dan Mahaffee, senior vice president and director of policy at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, told Xinhua that he doubts the Trump administration could find a solution that will end the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs.

Other experts noted the importance of reciprocity in the process. Ferrier, for his part, told Xinhua that "going into a second summit, the Trump administration will be looking for Pyongyang to commit to taking real steps towards denuclearization, which will need to be met with reciprocal concessions from Washington."

Gibson, while saying that the Trump administration needs to get from the second summit "something concrete," noted that "for Trump to be successful and for this summit to be worth it both policy-wise and politically, he needs a specific change, not just a promise from Kim."

"One likely candidate for a concrete take-away is movement toward declaring an official end to the Korean War. Stephen Biegun, the U.S. special representative for North Korea, specifically mentioned that President Trump is willing to talk about such a declaration, along with other trust-building moves," she said.
/ -- Progress towards malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion and urgent need to stop spreading of drug-resistance discussed at a side-event to the New Delhi preparatory meeting for the Sixth Replenishment of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to be held in October 2019



Call for increased efforts to eliminate malaria, antimalarial drug resistance



The Asia Pacific Leaders' Malaria Alliance (APLMA) convened a panel of senior officials today in New Delhi to discuss the global fight to end malaria, outlining strategies to improve collaboration, increase investment and identify innovative approaches to eliminate the disease and stop drug-resistance. The event took place on the sidelines of the preparatory meeting for the Global Fund's Sixth Replenishment, hosted by the Government of India.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/819088/APLMA_Logo.jpg )



Discussion centered on the alarming emergence of antimalarial drug resistance in countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS): Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Thailand. India remains susceptible to drug resistance as it lies in the middle of what is often referred to as the 'world's malaria corridor' between the GMS and Africa. In the face of great progress, challenges like drug resistance can reverse collective efforts and put us off track from global malaria elimination.

Last month, the Global Fund called on the world to 'Step Up the Fight' against malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS with an aim to raise US$14 billion at its upcoming Sixth Replenishment meeting, which will be hosted by France in Lyon, in October 2019.

"We need to double down on our efforts to eliminate malaria in the Mekong region and we need to do it quickly. The tools we have now are sharp and we have to use them more aggressively. We know that eventually resistance is going to blunt the tools to fight malaria," said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund.

The Global Fund allocated US$359M to end malaria and drug resistance in the GMS from 2014 to 2020, which has to date led to a 43% decline in the number of malaria cases in the region and a rise of close to 200% in domestic investments to combat the disease. These efforts are funded by the Global Fund through a grant called the Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative Elimination (RAI2E).

Moderating the panel, Dr. Ben Rolfe, Chief Executive Officer of APLMA, said, "Many countries in Asia Pacific have made significant strides in their efforts to eliminate malaria. This makes the rise of antimalarial resistance in the Mekong region a significant concern. In the face of progress and a declining caseload, we risk the emergence of complacency, which can allow challenges like drug resistance to percolate and spread to potentially devastating consequences. However, given the commitment and momentum I have seen today, I am confident that effective leadership, increased action, and innovation will bring us closer to the goal of elimination by 2030."



Melanie Renshaw, Interim Chief Programme Officer at the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, said, "To end malaria, we need global action supported by coordinated local efforts. Strong political commitment and sustained financial investments will help us maintain our gains and make new headway in our fight against malaria. The RAI2E has demonstrated how strategic investment and partnerships can yield success and serve as a model for efforts in other parts of the world."



Other prominent speakers at the event included H.E. Stephanie Seydoux, Ambassador for Global Health, France; Dr Neeraj Dhingra, Head of Malaria Division, National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India; Dr. Thandar Lwin, Deputy Director General, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar; Dr. Arjen Dondorp, Chair, Regional Steering Committee (RSC), RAI2E; Sanne Wendes, Chief of Staff, Unitaid; and Dr. Dr Khuat Thi Hai Oanh, Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (Civil Society Platform for RAI2E).

About the Asia Pacific Leaders' Malaria Alliance (APLMA)



APLMA is an affiliation of Asia and Pacific heads of government, formed to accelerate progress against malaria and to eliminate it in the region by 2030. APLMA was created by the East Asian Summit (EAS) leaders in 2013 to further strengthen anti-malaria efforts, both to help protect hard-won national gains and, ultimately, to defeat malaria in the region altogether.

Visit aplma.org to learn more.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Exit of Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra and from the RBI's prompt corrective action (PCA) framework is credit positive, Moody's Investors Service said Thursday.

The banks' net non-performing loan (NPL) ratios and capital -- two of the four parameters that the Reserve (RBI) tracks as part of the PCA framework -- improved significantly in the quarter ended December 2018, it said.

"On January 31, the Reserve announced it had removed (BoI), Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) and (OBC) from its PCA plan after the three public sector improved their asset quality and capital, a credit positive," Moody's said in a statement.

Exiting the PCA will remove some of the lending restrictions, which the PCA plan imposed, on these However, we do not expect the banks' loan growth to rebound significantly as they are likely to focus on repairing their balance sheets and conserving capital, Moody's added.

The continue to breach the profitability parameter of the framework, but we expect this to improve gradually, helped by a decline in credit costs. The banks are already in compliance with the leverage ratio parameter.

The government's December 2018 capital injections into the banks Rs 10,100 crore into BoI, Rs 4,500 crore into BoM and Rs 5,500 crore into OBC was a key driver in the banks' improvement.

"The capital injections helped the banks significantly increase their loan loss coverage and reduced their net NPL ratios below the trigger point for PCA inclusion," Moody's said.

Of the total 21 state-owned banks, 11 were put under the PCA framework by the last year.

Eight public sector banks -- Allahabad Bank, United Bank of India, Corporation Bank, IDBI Bank, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank and Dena Bank -- continue to remain subject to the plan.

The PCA framework kicks in when banks breach any of the four key regulatory trigger points namely capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio, net non-performing assets, return on assets (profitability), and leverage ratio.
An international meeting to negotiate a solution to the Venezuelan crisis was set to open Thursday in Montevideo as President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido sparred over allowing humanitarian aid into the crisis-wracked country.

The European Union, eight other European countries and five Latin American nations were scheduled to meet in the Uruguayan capital with the goal of creating conditions for a peaceful political process, according to a European diplomatic source.

The initiative, originally launched by Mexico and Uruguay as a "neutral countries" conference on Venezuela, has evolved into a meeting of a "Contact Group" launched by the EU in late January, and joined by Costa Rica, Bolivia and Ecuador.

On Wednesday, Maduro -- having rejected an EU ultimatum on organizing snap presidential elections -- welcomed the meeting and expressed support for "all steps and initiatives to facilitate dialogue".

But Guaido, who on January 23 declared himself Venezuela's interim president and is now recognised by 40 countries, has strongly rejected any talks with the government, dismissing it as a way for Maduro to buy time.

"The Venezuelan government ... will not lend itself to any kind of false dialogue," he reiterated Wednesday.

The same day, Guaido had warned the army of its responsibilities after soldiers blocked a key border bridge, sparking angry demands from the United States to allow desperately needed humanitarian aid to enter the country.

Venezuela's army had to choose between "a dictatorship that does not have an iota of humanity, or to side with the constitution" from which he takes his legitimacy, Guaido said in an interview on Colombian radio.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Venezuela's military was deliberately blocking the aid "under Maduro's orders."



Washington has pledged USD 20 million in aid, while Canada has pledged USD 40 million and the EU USD 7.5 million.

Maduro, who is supported by Russia, China, Turkey, Cuba and Iran, has refused all humanitarian aid shipments to Venezuela, which he says would open the way to allow a US military invasion.

The 56-year-old has repeatedly accused the United States of fomenting a coup.

He dismissed the need for aid on Wednesday as a "political show".

"Imperialism does not help anyone in the world," he told Russia Today.

But while tensions remained at a peak, participants in Thursday's meeting intended to "find a way between" the positions of US President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan and others, an EU source told AFP.

It is "not easy", added the source, whose delegation will be led by EU diplomacy chief Federica Mogherini.

Even around the negotiating table, views are divided.

On Wednesday, ahead of the meeting, Uruguay and Mexico -- among the few Latin American countries that did not recognise Guaido -- proposed a dialogue without pre-conditions.

"If we demand elections at this time, we impose conditions that make dialogue difficult," Uruguayan Foreign Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa said in a joint statement of the two governments.

Meanwhile among the Europeans, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden are among the 21 out of 28 EU member states that officially support Guaido.

Italy has not done so.

Mexico agreed to attend the meeting, but did not wish to formally join the Contact Group.

Above all, the EU diplomatic source told AFP the meeting was about agreeing on "working methods".

Meanwhile, 35-year-old National Assembly chief Guaido has continued to ramp up pressure on the regime with a series of mass protests, the next of which is scheduled for February 12.

His fledgling alternative administration will hold talks in Washington on February 14 on responding to "the largest hemispheric humanitarian crisis in modern history".

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Senior IPS officer Dinkar Gupta, who took over as new Punjab police chief Thursday, said a safe and secure Punjab has always been the priority of the police force of the border state facing many challenges.

Pointing out that Punjab shares over 550 km of international border with Pakistan, Gupta said the state police has to counter terrorism, tackle gangsters and drug menace, besides curtailing other crimes.

"A safe and secure Punjab has always been the priority of the force and this will continue to be our priority," said the new director general of Punjab police.

He made the remarks while interacting with reporters here at the Punjab police headquarters after taking over as the new police chief of the state.

Replying to a question, Gupta lauded the work being done by the Special Task Force of the state police in tackling the drug menace.

Be it the reduction of drug supply, enforcement of anti-drug laws or working for the de-addiction of drug addicts, both the STF and district police have done good work in the past two years, he said.

On the Punjab police busting some terror modules in the past including the Pakistan's ISI-backed one with the arrest of a Patiala resident last November, Gupta said, "The Punjab police has always lived up to the challenge to defeat the nefarious designs of enemies.

Gupta succeeded Suresh Arora, who was on extension after his retirement last September.

Prior to taking over as state police chief, Gupta worked as the chief of the intelligence wing of the Punjab police. His responsibilities included direct supervision of the Punjab State Intelligence Wing, State Anti-Terrorist Squad and Organized Crime Control Unit.

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Eminent Indian-American philanthropist and entrepreneur Gurinder Singh Khalsa, who was recently conferred with the prestigious Rosa Parks Trailblazer award for his campaign that forced the authorities in the US to change their policy towards turban of the Sikh community, has announced his decision to enter electoral politics in America.

Indianapolis-based Khalsa, 45 on Wednesday announced that he will run for City Council of Fishers. "An interest in public policy based on my past experiences along with the desire to give back to my community are among the prevailing factors as to my decision to run for office," Singh told his supporters in Indianapolis.

A resident of the Fishers community in Indiana for over a decade, Khalsa is a prominent business leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist who has worked with public service leaders and organisations across the state and nation.

"I want to be a part of giving back through public service," he was quoted as saying in a statement.

Asked why he decided now was the time to run for council, Singh responded, "I have met many trailblazers who have made a difference in the lives of others through their work in public service."



"My experience in business operations and the ability to bring a new voice to the table as we strive for forward-thinking visions and goals for the community will be an asset for Fishers," he added.

Singh said he desires to invest in the very community that provided him with the same opportunities which have contributed to his success as a community leader.

"I desire to invest my time in Fishers - working towards collaborating with others as we address the fast-paced growth of our community and inspiring others to get involved with the community, as well," Singh said.

"My values center on the growth of our community and the voice of our community," he reiterated.

Last month, Khalsa received the prestigious Rosa Parks Trailblazer award because of his courage and integrity displayed in May 2007 when he was asked to remove his turban while attempting to board a flight in Buffalo, New York.

Following this incident, he worked towards bringing the issue to the attention of the US Congress, which later resulted in headgear policies being changed in airports nationwide.

As a result, Sikhs can now wear their turban through airport security in the US.

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Egyptologists and other experts gathered in Italy this week to celebrate a successful campaign to save ancient Egyptian temples from being submerged by a dam project 50 years ago and heard of cultural sites facing similar threats now.

The international campaign that saved the temples of Abu Simbel during construction of Aswan High Dam was remembered in Turin as an unprecedented engineering achievement and a turning point that made the preservation of cultural treasures a responsibility that cut across borders.

But experts at the Monday event said that with major dam projects underway in Sudan and Ethiopia, the job of protecting Nubian culture is not finished.

The director of Turin's Egyptian Museum, Christian Greco, noted that the focus in a modernising Egypt half a century ago was on saving major monuments, largely due to time pressure.

Recording and salvaging settlements and domestic artifacts received less emphasis, and many were lost underwater when the dam across the Nile River and its lake reservoir went in, he said.

"Unfortunately, we know that the traces, above all of pre-history before mummies, were lost under the waters of Nasser Lake," Greco said.

"It also needs to be a lesson for the future because there are still great challenges."



In 1960, UNESCO issued an international appeal to save the temples of Amu Simbel, an ancient gateway to pharaonic Egypt, dedicated to Ramses II and his wife Nefertiti.

More than 113 countries responded with funds or expertise. Expert marble cutters from Carrara engaged by the Italian construction firm Impregilo, today Salini Impregilo, led cutting of the imposing sandstone temples into 1,070 blocks.

The blocks were subsequently moved to higher ground, and the temples reconstructed and positioned as ancient architects intended: allowing the sun to shine on the end wall two days each year.

Ana Luiza Thompson-Flores, director of UNESCO's office in Venice, said it was debated at the time whether the USD 36 million earmarked for the temples' preservation would have been better spent on initiatives such as ending poverty.

But Thompson-Flores said the global response ultimately "was the birth of the recognition that there were aspects of this world, whether monuments or landscapes, that actually have a recognized outstanding universal value for humanity.

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Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for the second day on Thursday in connection with a probe into allegations that he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

Vadra, who was grilled for five-and-a half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday, arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers.

After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the session.

Officials said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in United Kingdom.

His statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as was done Wednesday, they added.

He was asked about a dozen questions by a team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case.

His appearance before the ED on Wednesday acquired political overtones with his wife Priyanka Gandhi, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanying him to the investigating agency's office. She took charge of her new post at the Congress' national headquarters on Akbar Road after that.

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka Gandhi said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London on Wednesday.

This is the first time that Vadra is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

"All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan told reporters.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency also told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others.

The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra on Wednesday to attack the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime.

Vadra is also supposed to be present before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in another money laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court had directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

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Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by Enforcement Directorate for the second day on Thursday, for over six hours, in connection with a probe into allegations he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

Official sources said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the United Kingdom.

They said the questioning of Vadra is underway and it is understood that he is being "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, the sources said.

He was grilled for five-and-a half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday. His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

On Thursday, Vadra arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi in an SUV at about 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers reached there.

After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the session.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Vadra's lawyer K T S Tulsi told reporters outside the ED office Thursday his client has not committed any wrongdoing.

A team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case, has put across about two dozen questions to Vadra over two days.

His statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done on Wednesday, the sources added.

His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanies him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday. She took charge of her new post at the Congress national headquarters on Akbar Road shortly after that.

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka Gandhi said in a show of support to Vadra, who had returned from London earlier on Wednesday.

That was the first time Vadra had appeared before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked on its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others.

The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against Bhandari.

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

Seizing on the questioning of Vadra, the BJP has attacked the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal during the UPA rule.

Vadra is also expected to present himself before ED on February 12 in Jaipur in an unrelated money-laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

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Robert Vadra, chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by Enforcement Directorate for nine hours on Thursday, the second consecutive day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

His wife and party leader came to the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi to pick him in her SUV.

Vadra is expected to be questioned again on Saturday.

Official sources said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the United Kingdom.

It is understood that he was "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources said.

He was grilled for five-and-a half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday. His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

On Thursday, Vadra arrived at the ED office in an SUV at about 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers reached there.

ALSO READ: Robert Vadra appears before ED; 'I support my family' says Priyanka

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Vadra's lawyer K T S Tulsi told reporters outside the ED office Thursday his client has not committed any wrongdoing.
The Netherlands is in diplomatic discussions with Russia about the European country's assertion that Moscow bears legal responsibility for its role in the 2014 downing of a passenger jet over Ukraine, the Dutch foreign minister said.

Foreign Minister Stef Blok Thursday said the initial diplomatic contacts were aimed at paving the way for formal talks and conducted in "a positive atmosphere."



He said it was too early to say where and when formal talks might take place.

"There are diplomatic contacts to see if we can begin formal talks about national responsibility for shooting down MH17," Blok told Dutch reporters.

The Netherlands and Australia said last year they held Russia legally responsible for providing the missile that brought down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over conflict-ravaged eastern Ukraine.

All 298 passengers and crew members were killed.

About two-thirds of the people killed when a Buk missile fired from territory held by pro-Russian rebels slammed into the Boeing 777 were Dutch.

The Netherlands has been one of the main driving forces behind seeking accountability for the attack.

Silene Fredriksz-Hoogzand, whose son Bryce was on board the scheduled flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur with his girlfriend, tweeted in response to Blok's update: "It's about time ... 5 years on."



International investigators last year said they had strong evidence the Buk missile system that shot down the airplane came from a Russia-based military unit.

Russia has denied involvement and dismissed the findings from the international criminal probe because it was not invited to be part of the investigation team.

If Russia were ultimately to acknowledge some form of legal responsibility, it could lead to compensation claims from relatives of the people killed.

When the Netherlands and Australia last year said they were holding Russia responsible, they quickly got backing from the United States, Britain and other allies.

"It is time for Russia to acknowledge its role in the shooting down of MH17 and to cease its callous disinformation campaign," US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement at the time.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov completed his Central Asian tour with a visit to Ashgabat. During the talks with President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, matters on the bilateral agenda, as well as a number of international and regional issues affecting the interests of the Caspian states were discussed.

The Caspian issue emerged as a key theme of the meeting. Speaking with the Turkmen state agency TDH, the head of the Russian foreign ministry recalled that the negotiating process between the heads of the Caspian states started in Turkmenistan in 2002, which ended with a historic event in 2018 - the signing of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea. "Agreements on trade and economic cooperation and interaction in the transport sector, initiated by President Berdymukhamedov, play great importance in strengthening the interaction of the five littoral states," the Russian minister said. He noted that "in general, Russia has good plans for further cooperation with Turkmenistan, including within the framework of the upcoming First Caspian Economic Forum and 6th Summit of Heads of Caspian states."

Experts explain Moscows concern that the EU-U.S. cooperation has recently intensified in the Caspian region. One of the participants in these projects was Ashgabat, which wants to diversify its gas supplies. The talks with Gazprom, which promised to buy Turkmen gas from January 1, 2018, are still underway. But as Lavrov noted, "Turkmenistan is satisfied with the continued contacts with Gazprom."

The European direction should be next. This intention coincides with the plans of Brussels, which expects an increase in gas supplies through the Southern Gas Corridor, which currently exports Azerbaijani gas. To implement these plans, it is necessary to connect Turkmenistan to the Southern Gas Corridor. This can be done by building the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline.

The project is most likely to be funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). On January 31, the EBRD delegation led by Managing Director for Central Asia Bruno Balvanera visited Ashgabat. Simultaneously, EU Special Representative for Central Asia Peter Burian visited Turkmenistan. "The high dynamics of the development of relations between Ashgabat and Brussels, based on dozens of joint projects and programs already implemented and those in progress", were noted at meetings with President Berdymukhamedov. It was also reported that the European Union will open its office in Ashgabat.

Deputy Director General of the Center for Strategic Estimations and Forecasts Igor Pankratenko said that the main geopolitical approach has changed in relations between Russia and Turkmenistan, as well as other countries of Central Asia. "If before there were some joint economic, energy, transport projects, in particular, the North-South road corridor, then now Moscow has only one commodity left - security," Pankretenko told Vestnik Kavkaza. Moscow offers to act as a guarantor of the security for nonaligned Turkmenistan. But it's not just about security of Turkmenistan's gas production and gas transportation infrastructures, but also of those recently built there by China. Today's well-being of Turkmenistan largely depends on them. Lavrovs job is to convince the Turkmen leadership that appealing for help to Russia would be the best way to maintain neutrality. "Security in exchange for loyalty. Testing the waters regarding the opening of the second Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan was part of the same story," the expert believes. In his opinion, it is possible that Ashgabat will agree, but since neutrality is the basic principle of Turkmenistan, and the abandonment of the basic principle is very expensive: no-interest loans, commodity loans, especially food ones, which urgently need to close the trade deficit existing in the country. "This bargaining can take a very long time. The thing is that Russia is already an extra player in Turkmenistan," the expert emphasized.

Turkmenistan and Romania are promoting the Caspian Sea - Black Sea transport and transit corridor. The Lapis lazuli corridor became the second transport link, the main participants of which were Afghanistan-Turkmenistan through the Caspian Sea - Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey. It is assumed that this route will export cargo to/from Afghanistan. According to Turkmen expert Serdar Aitakov, by these cargoes is meant "Afghan transit." The fact is that Afghanistan has nothing for export. "A few dozen containers of saffron, as much wool, dried fruit. But Afghanistan needs a lot weapons. And a lot of food for NATO soldiers. Therefore, the context of probable transit of goods in the interests of the military (and other) presence of Western countries in Afghanistan, across the Caspian Sea, is important. The spirit and letter of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, as well as the agreements (and objectives) of the signatories, also ban the presence of military forces of non-regional countries and military blocs on the Caspian Sea. However, it's possible that the entire propaganda entourage is intended to disguise the organization of the systemic transfer of goods in the interests of the U.S. and NATO grouping in Afghanistan. It is not clear from the Convention's text whether such transit is possible, but all experts and government officials are denying this idea, although there are enough direct and indirect leaks on this topic," Serdar Aytakov told Vestnik Kavkaza. At the same time, according to the expert, it is possible that all goods will be processed as commercial and humanitarian. Judging by the organizers' plan, they should not attract the attention of Russia and Iran, and the fact of their movement across the Caspian Sea should not raise any suspicions or objections.
A 34-year-old man was stabbed to death in front of his wife allegedly by his two friends during a drunken brawl between them over a petty issue in outer Delhi's Nangloi area in the early hours of Thursday, police said.

The deceased was identified as Deepak, they said, adding the accused and the victim had previous criminal records.

The officials of Nangloi police station were alerted at 3.28 am about the incident, a senior police officer said.

In her complaint, the victim's wife told police that Deepak returned home from Haridwar after a trip on Wednesday night.

Two of his friends visited him at his residence. They dinned and consumed liquor together and were having a conversation. Suddenly, a heated drunken brawl broke out between them over a third person and the accused stabbed Deepak in front of his wife and fled away from the spot, the officer added.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead, the officer said.

The accused have been identified and teams have been formed to trace them, he added.

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A suspected drug peddler was arrested with 6 kg ganja in a village here, police said Thursday.

S P (City) Shlok Kumar said that during routine checking, a team of Shahibabad police approached a man who was waiting for a public conveyance holding a gunny bag in his hand near Teela Shabazpur village trisection here.

Upon frisking, police recovered 6 kg ganja from his possession Wednesday, he said.

The accused was identified as Parvez, a resident of Lisadi gate in Meerut city. During interrogation, he disclosed that he was selling ganja in small pouches, police said.

He also confessed to his long involvement in drug peddling, they said, adding that Parvez was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and sent to jail.

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There has been a decline in the number of candidates recommended for jobs by the Railway Recruitment Boards/cells in the past five years, the Personnel Ministry said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

A total of 24,462 candidates were recommended by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) and Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs) during 2017-18, as against 26,318 and 79,803 such selections made in 2016-17 and 2015-16 respectively, it said.

As many as 47,186 and 63,455 candidates were recommended for jobs by the RRBs and RRCs in 2014-15 and 2013-14 respectively, the reply added.

Giving details of the recruitments done by other agencies, the ministry said a total of 45,391 candidates were recommended for jobs by Staff Selection Commission (SSC) during 2017-18 as against 68,880 in 2016-17.

In 2015-16, 25,138 candidates were recommended by the SSC as against 58,066 in 2014-15 and 48,842 in 2013-14, it said.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recommended 6,294 candidates for 2017-18. In 2016-17, 5,735 candidates were recommended as against 6,866 in 2015-16.

A total of 8,272 and 8,852 such recommendations were made in 2014-15 and 2013-14 respectively, the reply said.

"There is no sharp decline in the recruitment made by the commissions/ recruitment boards. The number of candidates recommended for recruitment by the commission/recruitment boards varies from year to year, largely depending on the vacancies reported by the user departments for a particular year," Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said in the reply.

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Senior IPS officer Dinkar Gupta was on Thursday appointed as the Punjab director general of police.

He succeeds Suresh Arora, who was on an extension after his retirement on September 30 last year. Gupta's appointment was cleared by the chief minister Thursday morning, an official spokesman said here.

Gupta, a 1987-batch IPS officer, is the senior-most of three officers, all of the same batch, to be empanelled for appointment to the top post by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) earlier this week.

In his previous stint, Gupta was posted as Director General of Police, Intelligence, Punjab. His responsibilities involved the direct supervision of the Punjab State Intelligence Wing, State Anti-Terrorist Squad and Organized Crime Control Unit.

Gupta was empanelled on April 26 last year for appointment to the post of additional director general at the Centre.

He did an eight-year stint on central deputation with the Home Ministry, from June 2004 to July 2012, where he held many sensitive assignments.

Gupta had served as Senior Superintendent of Police of Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur districts for more than seven years. He held the posts when Punjab was bearing the brunt of terrorism.

He was decorated with Police Medal for Gallantry (1992) and Bar to Police Medal for Gallantry (1994) for display of exceptional courage, conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty of a high order.

Gupta was also decorated with the Police Medal for Meritorious Services by the President and the Presidents Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2010).

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The entrepreneurship curriculum that will be soon launched by the Delhi government will have no exams, books or evaluation, an official statement said Wednesday.

The government will start the entrepreneurship curriculum as a pilot project in 15 to 20 schools in April and will see a full-fledged launch in all government schools in July, the statement added.

The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in its governing council meeting chaired by the Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia approved the framework of entrepreneurship curriculum.

The framework is now ready for a formal release on February 13, the statement said, adding the framework has been made by a 16-member committee comprising SCERT teachers, NCERT teachers working on entrepreneurship, teachers of prominent private schools and many experts of the field.

"The framework will be launched on February 13 in Delhi. The chief minister will chair the programme and Dharampal ji of MDH Masala fame will be the chief guest on the occasion. The launch will also be attended by several other entrepreneurs from different fields, the statement added.

The entrepreneurship curriculum will be based on activity and there would be no evaluation, examination and books for the curriculum, the statement said.

It will be based on syllabus and learning sessions.

The entrepreneurship curriculum will be taught from classes 9 to 12 to equip the students to face in a better way the challenges of life after

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A Danish court on Thursday sentenced a mother to four years in jail for aggravated abuse for having unnecessarily drawn a half-litre (one pint) of blood from her son weekly for five years.

A trained nurse, the 36-year-old woman began drawing her son's blood when he was 11 months old, averaging about once a week for the next five years.

The mother said she would not appeal the verdict handed down by the district court in the western town of Herning.

"It's not a decision that I took consciously. I don't know when I started doing what I had no right to do. It came gradually. I threw the blood down the toilet and put the syringes in the garbage," she told the court.

The boy, today aged seven and who lives with his father, suffered an intestinal illness shortly after birth but as the years went by doctors could not explain why he had so little blood in his system.

To remedy the situation, doctors gave him 110 blood transfusions over the years.

They eventually grew suspicious of the mother, and police began investigating her.

She was arrested in September 2017 carrying a bag of blood.

On social media, she had presented herself as a single mother fighting for her sick son.

Psychiatric experts told the court they believed the mother suffers from Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a rare condition in which a person, usually a mother, fabricates an illness for a dependent and puts them through unnecessary medical treatment.

However, they deemed her healthy enough to go to prison.

She has been barred from the nursing profession.

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Authorities of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) Thursday granted permission to a section of students in its Alappuzha campus to conduct 'pooja' for Goddess Saraswati, in a peaceful manner following a protest by them.

The permission was granted after north Indian students studying in the Cochin University College of Engineering Kuttanad (CUCEK) protested the CUSAT authorities' decision not to grant permission to organise the religious function in the institution, college authorities said.

Students from North India had sought permission from the college authorities to conduct 'Saraswati Pooja' in the campus on February 9,10 and 11, following which the request was forwarded to the CUSAT authorities.

However, the request was declined by the CUSAT authorities, sayingit "cannot permit religious function/activities of any religion inside campus" "since it was a secular campus.

The North Indian students staged a protest against the decision, claiming that such a pooja was performed in the campus last year with the permission of the college authorities.

Considering the protest of the students, a high-power committee of the CUSAT comprising Vice Chancellor and registrar met and decided to grant permission to the students to organise the Saraswati pooja on February 10 "in a peaceful" manner in the college campus, sources said.

CUCEK Principal N Sunilkumar said the university authorities have orally communicated to him about the decision granting permission to conduct the pooja in the campus.

The North Indian students have also been informed about the decision taken by the University authorities, he said.

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A woman, close aide of corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar and a suspect in a money laundering case against him, was on Thursday granted protection from arrest till February 21.

Yasmin Kapoor moved the court seeking anticipatory bail, claiming that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had threatened her to take names and also convince Talwar to give names of government officials/political functionaries, failing which she would be arrested and face trouble.

She further submitted that the probe agency was after her as she had businesses with him in the past.

Special Judge Santosh Snehi Mann granted the relief to Kapoor after her advocate told the court that she was ready to cooperate in the investigation.

Talwar is currently in the ED custody, which has alleged that he acted as middleman in negotiations to favour foreign private airlines causing loss to national carrier Air India.

The application claimed that ED had conducted a search at her Delhi residence and office on February 1 during which she was allegedly threatened by the probe agency that her liberty would be curtailed if she did not cooperate with them.

"A number of officers were repeatedly telling Kapoor that she should take names and also convince Talwar to give names of government officials/political functionaries, failing which she would be arrested and she would face trouble in her life," the application claimed.

It said this was despite Kapoor cooperating with the investigating authorities during the raid and answering all the questions put to her.

"However, the investigating authorities were relentless in their onslaught. They were stating again and again that since Kapoor has had past business connections with Talwar, she should convince him to cooperate with the investigating authorities and give answers to their suitability, otherwise face the consequences.

"During raid proceedings, Kapoor was repeatedly threatened by the investigating authorities who stated that her liberty would be curtailed if she did not cooperated with them," the application said.

It said that ED had conducted a search at the residence of Kapoor and office premises in Delhi whereupon they had seized documents, mobile phones, laptops, computers, hard disks.

Search was conducted at the residence from 10 am to 10:30 pm during which she was also summoned at the ED offices on February 4 which was "illegal" as the Supreme Court is seized of the matter pertaining to a fundamental legal proposition whether a woman can be issued a summon to appear in person before the ED in their offices, the application claimed.

Talwar was deported from the UAE last week in connection with a money laundering case.

ED had earlier said that it needed to interrogate Talwar to get the names of officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, National Aviation Company of India Ltd and Air India, who favoured foreign airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia.

The agency had claimed entities directly or indirectly controlled by the accused received exorbitant amounts from Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia and submitted a chart of total USD 60.54 million received by firms directly or indirectly owned by Talwar between April 23, 2008 to February 6, 2009.

His role in some aviation deals during the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) regime at the Centre is under the scanner as well.

Talwar was booked by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in criminal cases of corruption, while the Income Tax Department charged him with tax evasion.

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The opposition Congress walked out of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly during Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur's reply to the Governor's address on the fourth day of the ongoing budget session on Thursday.

The opposition Congress MLAs staged the walkout, raising the slogan 'chhor machaye shor' (thief is making noise). Unperturbed, the chief minister continued his reply.

The CM said the opposition members had been given adequate time for expressing their views on the Governor's address. If they were not satisfied with his reply, they could have raised questions but the walk out was not a welcome step in a democratic set-up, he said.

Earlier, the chief minister said, "Jan Manch Programme was one of the most successful programmes so far launched in Himachal Pradesh by any state government."



Thakur said as many as 26,700 problems of the public had been solved in 106 Jan Manch Programmes (JMPs) held so far in 65 Assembly constituencies.

He said, "The opposition raised several adverse questions on JMPs and their worries showed it was the most successful programme."



The CM asked, "What is the harm in organising such programmes where a villager gets his or her minor works done at their doorstep."He said as many as 4.23 lakh digital ration cards had been issued to the public during JMPs. Besides lakhs of villagers were benefited from the health camps organised in JMPs, he added.

"We want to reduce the footfall of villagers in government offices for minor works like getting water or power connections or ration cards," Thakur said.

JMPs are held in a democratic set up and every person -- irrespective of his or her political affiliation -- is allowed to speak in these meets, he added.

Speaking on heli taxis, Thakur said the service was launched on June 4 last year between Shimla and Chandigarh by making available the helicopter, which usually he uses, three days a week.

As many as 400 tourists used this heli taxi but the service had to be stopped as the helicopter developed some technical problems and took two months for repairs.

Subsequently, the chopper was made available to the people of the tribal areas to tackle adverse weather conditions.

Efforts are on to start heli taxis on regular basis from Shimla to Chandigarh, Kullu and Mandi soon, he said adding that these taxis may start services from later this month.

Speaking on the questions raised by the opposition regarding law and order situation, the chief minister said the number of criminal cases had increased slightly last year as compared to previous years. He claimed during the Congress-led previous government several criminal cases had not been registered.

The CM said, "We are doing our best for the welfare of the public but there is always scope for improvement and we will keep on improving ourselves for the betterment of the state.

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The Congress will lead the opposition alliance in Jharkhand for the Lok Sabha polls and contest more seats than any other partner in the state, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha sources said Thursday.

The JMM will lead the opposition alliance, that has the Congress, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM), and the Rashtriya Janata Dal as its part, in the assembly polls also slated for this year, they said.

The understanding was given concrete shape as JMM leader and former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren met Congress chief Rahul Gandhi here.

Congress' state unit chief Ajoy Kumar and All India Congress Committee general secretary in-charge of the state R P N Singh were also present during the meeting.

"Met former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and Executive President of JMM, Shri Hemant Soren ji at my residence today. We are together in this fight for saving democracy," Gandhi tweeted after the meeting.

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The Congress has lodged an FIR against the Tripurasundari Temple Trust, headed by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, alleging that many jewelleries donated to the deity, Mata Tripurasundari, by devotees have been stolen.

Tripurasundari temple, built by King Dhanya Manikya in 1501 and located in Gomati district, is one of the 51 "Shaktipeeths" in the country.

The Manikya kings used to run the royal temple before Tripura's merger with the Union of India in 1949.

The Temple Trust was formed in April last year after the BJP led government came to power and the chief minister became its chairman and Gomati district magistrate ex-official secretary.

Gomati district Congress president Soumitra Biswas lodged the FIR in the RK Pur police station Wednesday claiming that the valuables donated to deity were not maintained properly and many of the jewelleries have been stolen.

During the evaluation made in July last year, the Trust recorded 12.95 kg of gold and 65.176 kg silver, a pearl necklace weighing 29 gm and one US dollar among assets in possession of Mata Tripurasundari Temple in its seven vaults.

It is not believable that the temple has only 13 kg of gold, Biswas said.

Tyres and tubes of bicycles, rugs, outdated food coupons and slippers were also found in vaults in them, he said adding, "We have lodged the FIR to find out the actual details of the valuables".

The party had on January 17 submitted a memorandum to the Gomati District Magistrate Tushar Kanti Debnath demanding a high level inquiry into the 'theft'.

"However, the DM, but he declined to initiate any inquiry saying the chief minister is the chairman of the Trust and unless directions come from him, he would not be able to do anything," Biswas told PTI.

The DM was not available for comment.

When contacted, BJP spokesman Nabendu Bhattacharya also sought a proper investigation into the issue.

"It is really unbelievable that the temple which is so old and was looked after by the kings has only 13 kg of gold," Bhattacharya said.

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Climate change is a reality which needs to be tackled at the ground level, a top government official Thursday said while inaugurating a workshop on global facility (GEF) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme.

Speaking at the event, C K Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), said the UNDP's small grants programme (SGP) has helped achieve successes in different corners of the country.

"Climate change is a reality which will affect the day-to-day life of the people. We need to tackle it from the ground level. This GEF-SGP workshop is very important. The overall impact of programmes with big funding is lesser compared to small programmes initiated on small funding," he said.

"The objective of this workshop is to learn from the experiences of the people under the SGP across the country and reshape our policy," Mishra said.

The UNDP has been with the MoEFCC in implementing the Global Facility (GEF) and has financed the Small Grants Programme (SGP) in India since 1997.

Projects under the SGP are implemented through a National Host Institution - Centre for Education (CEE), and other NGO partners and stakeholders that have a presence in different parts of the country, a statement released by the MoEFCC said.

The event was also attended by A K Jain, Additional Secretary, MoEFCC, who said that the workshop would enable various field-level workers share their experiences.

Nadia Rasheed, Deputy Country Director, UNDP, also addressed the meeting and said there had been substantial contribution under the Special Grants Programme by the ground-level NGOs from various parts of India.

The SGP has been working extensively in the areas of biodiversity conservation, climate change and land degradation, the statement from the ministry said.

It said that SGP India has supported 112 community-based projects that benefited more than 400,000 people across the country.

Under the SGP, 1,10,000 hectares of land have been brought under sustainable land and resource management in the Western Ghats, Himalayan Front and the arid and semi-arid regions through sustainable measures such as organic farming and community-managed enterprises for non-timber forest products.

Other achievements include improved agricultural, land and water management practices and promotion of sustainable income generation activities among the small farm holders.

The workshop, which will conclude Friday, has 120 participants that include organisations and individuals contributing to environment conservation.

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China is conducting test run of a self-driving bus, assisted by the 5G mobile network, as part of its efforts to fast track 5G technology use, amid escalating trade row with the US and other countries.

The bus is being tested in Chongqing, a vehicle-manufacturing hub in southwestern China, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

The bus, equipped with technologies such as Controller Area Network and laser radar, is able to complete all autonomous operations with the assistance of the 5G mobile network.

The electric-powered 12 seater has a designed maximum speed of 20 km per hour. The bus was co-developed by China Mobile, tech giant Huawei, Southeast University and French company Easy Mile, the report said.

China is fast tracking 5G network in the country to use the next generation telcom technology amid escalating row with the US over the detention of Meng Wenzhou, CFO of Chinese telcom giant Huawei in Canada.

China has already launched the 5G service in Guangzhou airport, opened its first 5G base station for the Qinghai Tibet plateau region and the road trials of a 5G autopilot bus without a driver, driver cabin or a driving wheel.

Earlier, official media reported that the bus tests were carried out in a 5G network-covered area, where the network helps the bus adjust speed, and detect obstacles and traffic lights.

Chinese officials say China would like to be ahead of US and other countries to develop 5G telecom network to capture the markets abroad.

Also, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's planning body, said that it will speed up the granting of 5G commercial licences to upgrade so-called information consumption in the country.

NDRC would promote high-quality video and support the launch of 4K television channels across China to enrich content as well as subsidise super high-definition TV sets, virtual reality and augmented reality devices in certain regions, it said.

The move is part of a broader effort to boost domestic consumption amid slowing economic growth. It also comes at a time when Huawei, which leads China's bid to become the leading supplier of advanced telecoms equipment to the world's mobile carriers, faces growing pressure from the US amid allegation that it is an arm of the Chinese government, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

The US filed charges against Huawei, contending that the Chinese smartphone and network gear maker had stolen trade secrets from a telecoms rival and violated US sanctions against doing business with Iran.

Also as the row over Huawei escalated, major suppliers of US technology giant Apple, the Foxconn Technology Group and Pegatron Corp are reportedly accelerating efforts to build new production plants in Southeast Asia and India.

It is part of their efforts to diversify their supply chain away from the Chinese mainland and to save costs, the report said.

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Several parties to the Central African Republic's peace accord have yet to sign the much-trumpeted deal, a minister said on Thursday.

The accord was signed in the capital Bangui on Wednesday by militia leaders and President Faustin-Archange Touadera, but its contents have not been disclosed.

"You cannot publish a document until everyone has signed," government spokesman and communications minister Ange Maxime Kazagui told AFP on Thursday.

"There are still three signatures" needed, he said, without identifying the individuals or their affiliation.

Those signatures could be made during the upcoming summit of the African Union (AU), taking place in Addis Ababa on February 10-11, he said.

If so, the accord, named the Khartoum Agreement after the city where it was brokered, will be published afterwards, he said.

The accord was reached in the Sudanese capital at the weekend by the CAR government and 14 armed groups.

The deal is the eighth attempt in nearly six years to forge peace in the war-ravaged country -- one of the poorest in the world.

The conflict has left thousands dead and forced a quarter of the population of 4.5 million from their homes. The rural exodus, the UN warned last year, could drive the country into famine.

One of the biggest obstacles to peace has been demands by rebel leaders to be amnestied -- a condition that Touadera, under pressure from western partners, has traditionally refused.

Several leaders face UN sanctions or have been accused by rights groups of abuses, and others face the notional risk of arrest in CAR itself.

Lack of clarity about the Khartoum Agreement on Thursday prompted a rights organisation, the Civil Society Working Group on the Central African Crisis (GTSC), to urge the government to publish the details.

"In the absence (of these details), the GTSC calls on the Central African people to stage mass protests to press the ruling elite to publish the agreement," it said.

The CAR's descent into crisis began in 2012, when a predominantly Muslim movement, the Seleka, rose in the north of the country.

The following year, the rebels overthrew President Francois Bozize, a Christian, which led to the formation of mainly Christian militias called the anti-Balaka.

France, the former colonial ruler, intervened militarily under a UN mandate, and the Seleka were forced from power.

Touadera, a former prime minister, was elected president in February 2016, but controls just a fifth of the country,helped by a large UN peacekeeping force.

Militia groups, often portraying themselves as defenders of a community or religious group, control the rest of the territory, often fighting over control of mineral resources.

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The CBI will question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam, officials said Thursday, in the backdrop of Sunday's dramatic raid on Kumar's residence by the agency that triggered a slugfest between the Centre and the state government.

The agency has also called former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh to Shillong on February 10.

The CBI wants to question Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as he was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal government to probe Saradha and other ponzi scheme cases, they said.

The CBI is relying on a 91-page letter from Ghosh, who was expelled by TMC, to the Enforcement Directorate, detailing the role of Kumar in handling the ponzi scam probe after the main accused Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee, both promoters of Saradha group of companies, had fled to Kashmir, officials said in Kolkata.

Sen and Mukherjee were arrested in 2013 from Kashmir.

"State police was first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause disappearance of evidence," a senior CBI official had said on the condition of anonymity.

The agency may confront Ghosh and Kumar to cross check their claims, CBI sources said.

"I got a telephone from the CBI asking me to be in Shillong on Sunday. I will be there and cooperate in every possible manner," Ghosh told PTI.

Kumar's questioning on February 9 will happen in the shadow of the raid on Sunday evening on his Kolkata residence by CBI officials.

The officials had to beat a hasty retreat from Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police.

The incident had triggered an unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sat on a sit-in against the CBI move. On Monday, the agency rushed to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation but made it clear clear that he should not be arrested.

The court said "to avoid all unnecessary controversy", it was directing Kumar to appear before the agency at a neutral place in Shillong, Meghalaya.

The CBI has temporarily attached 10 more officers with its Kolkata unit, which is probing the scam, to augment strength during questioning of high-profile persons, including Kumar, officials said.

Officers from Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow units have been sent to Kolkata and they will remain stationed there till February 20.

A team led by Superintendent of Police Jagroop S Gusinha from CBI's special unit in New Delhi will camp in Kolkata, an official order said.

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Commissioner Rajeev Kumar will be questioned by CBI in Shillong on February 9 in connection with the multi-crore Saradha chit-fund scam, officials said Thursday, two days after the directed him to "faithfully" cooperate with the investigation.

The CBI wants to question Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as he was heading the SIT formed by government to probe Saradha and other similar ponzi scheme cases, they said.

The CBI has attached 10 officers from its Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow units to its Kolkata office, which is probing the chit-fund scam cases, till February 20 to provide additional manpower during questioning of high-profile suspects, including the chief.

A team led by Superintendent of Police Jagroop S Gusinha from the special unit in New Delhi will camp in Kolkata, an official order said.

ALSO READ: Defusing a crisis

The on Tuesday directed Commissioner Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation of cases related to the Saradha chit-fund scam, but made it clear he will not be arrested.

"State police was first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post-collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause the disappearance of evidence," a senior CBI official said on the condition of anonymity.

The agency, which wanted to probe the SIT members, was not gettinga positive response from the police as many officials, including Kumar, gave excuses to evade questioning, they sad.
Ousting US troops from Iraq despite Donald Trump's vow to stay is now the top goal of pro-Iranian Shiite armed groups. And their leaders say there are only two ways -- by passing a new law, or by force.

US-Iraq relations have grown tense once again, after a series of ups and downs over the years, from the 1990 Gulf war though crippling sanctions to the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein and the fight against the Islamic State group.

But a year after Iraq declared victory over IS following a three-year war against the jihadists in which it was also backed by Iran, the Americans are seen by some as an unwanted "occupying force".

And if they do stay, "every Iraqi will have the legitimate right to confront them by any means," warned Mohammed Mohie, spokesman for the Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq, a force close to Iran that has also fought on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

The powerful leader of the Asaib Ahel al-Haq (League of the Righteous) armed group, Qais al-Khazali, echoed the warning.

"If we are ever needed, we are ready," he said.

There were nearly 4,500 US troops killed in Iraq between 2003 and 2011, including in fighting with Shiite armed groups.

But before any decision to take up arms again and spill more blood, Mohie said he wants to give lawmakers a chance to set a timeframe for the departure of US troops from Iraq.

A bill has been tabled in parliament, and there could be a rare show of unanimity in support of it between its two biggest factions: populist cleric Moqtada Sadr's alliance, which champions Iraq's independence, and the pro-Iranian bloc of former anti-IS fighters.

"For three years, the main rivalry in parliament has been among Shiite factions," said Renad Mansour, a researcher at the Chatham House think-tank.

"They cannot agree on the choice of a minister, but they do on one point: that the experience of having America in Iraq has been bad."



Ironically, the person who has given new impetus to the proposed timetable for American troops to leave Iraq is the US president himself.

At the weekend, Trump provoked indignation even among Washington's allies in Baghdad when he said he plans to keep American forces in Iraq to keep an eye on Iran.

As a result, US diplomats and military officials in Baghdad were "very worried" and doing everything to "minimise" the impact of the remarks, said Mansour.

Trump had already irritated the Iraqis by not meeting any of the country's officials during a surprise Christmas visit to US troops stationed less than 200 kilometres (125 miles) from Baghdad.

US forces left Iraq in 2011, only to return in 2014, at the head of the coalition against IS in Iraq and Syria.

But the United States is now seeking to use Iraq as "a base for attacking neighbouring countries," Khazali told AFP.

"Trump does not understand that Iraq is now a strong country. But he can be sure that if he persists, he will pay very dearly," said the Asaib leader wearing a Shiite white turban.

Mohie said adoption of the bill on a US withdrawal would be the "first step".

But he swiftly added that "we think the United States will again challenge the popular will" by trying to stay in Iraq.

In that case, Mohie said his forces and others like it would move to the "second step" and take up arms against "an occupying force".

"The resistance factions have gained capabilities and expertise in the fight against IS," he said.

The experience they gained "will serve to confront any army that threatens Iraq and its sovereignty."



He said that above all any confrontation would allow Shiite factions "to find an external threat on which to focus attention rather than their internal problems.

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Britain's main opposition Labour party has signalled it could back Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal if she commits to closer future ties with the EU after leaving the bloc.

In a letter sent to May as she meets EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn suggested her efforts to modify the deal itself to amend or remove the controversial "backstop" arrangement on the Irish border would fail.

But he said that if she secured changes to an accompanying political declaration on future ties before Britain leaves the EU on March 29, then his party could support the agreement.

The changes include a commitment to a "permanent and comprehensive" UK-EU customs union, in which Britain has a "say" on future EU trade deals.

May has repeatedly rejected this idea, saying a customs union would stop Britain signing its own trade deals, one of the advantages of Brexit.

Labour also wants "close alignment" with the EU's single market, underpinned by shared institutions and obligations. Corbyn said there should also be "dynamic alignment on rights and protections", commitments to maintain Britain's participation in EU agencies and funding programmes, and continued access to security databases and the European Arrest Warrant.

"My colleagues and I look forward to discussing these proposals with you further, in the constructive manner in which they are intended, with the aim of securing a sensible agreement that can win the support of parliament and bring the country together," he wrote.

May's Brexit deal was rejected by MPs in the House of Commons last month, but a majority then voted to send her back to Brussels to renegotiate the backstop.

This is an insurance plan that would keep Britain aligned to EU trade rules if and until another way was found to keep open Britain's border with Ireland.

Corbyn noted the EU's determination to keep the backstop, but said that a relationship along the lines he has suggested "would make it far less likely that any backstop arrangements would ever be needed".

Labour MPs who oppose Brexit responded with fury to the plan.

"Seriously? Offering to help Tory govt enable Brexit?" tweeted Chris Leslie.

"When the jobs go and revenues for services dry up as a result, Labour's leadership will have zero right to complain." Another, Chuka Umunna, added: "This is not opposition, it is the facilitation of a deal which will make this country poorer.

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Activists of BJP's youth wing clashed with the police and many of them courted arrest while trying to gherao the Assembly building here Thursday accusing Odisha government of failing to provide jobs.

A large number of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) activists took out a rally from the party office here in a bid to gherao Assembly building shouting slogans against the BJD government for growing unemployment.

However, police personnel were deployed in strength to prevent the demonstrators from moving close to the Assembly building, a police official said adding that the protesters were stopped at certain points.

A scuffle ensued between police and demonstrators when they tried to break the cordon in a bid to proceed. Several protesters were taken into preventive custody.

As prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC are in force in the area, around 400 activists were taken into custody as a preventive measure, Commissioner of Police Satyajit Mohanty said.

BJYM National Secretary Sourav Choudhury, who was also into preventive custody after the clash, said the voice of the youths was being suppressed but the agitation against the BJD government will be stepped up for its failure to provide employment opportunities to the jobless.

BJYM's state President Tankadhara Tripathy said the morcha will intensify its agitation against Naveen Patnaik government which has failed to provide jobs to the youth during the last 19 years of its rule.

Terming BJYM's protest as surprising, senior BJD leader Puspendra Singh Deo said it is the BJP-led Government at the centre which needs to give an explanation about its failure to keep its promise of generating two crore employment opportunities in the country every year.

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BJP member Nishikant Dubey in Lok Sabha Thursday demanded a CBI inquiry into the functioning of chit fund companies and jail for people involved in ponzi schemes.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, he said people in states like West Bengal have been hit by chit fund companies as they take deposits illegally.

"All chit fund companies should be closed and CBI should do an inquiry. Jail people who are behind these," Dubey said.

Without taking any name, he said after 2011 in West Bengal, the number of companies increased rapidly.

These firms, he alleged, are being run by a nexus of journalists, bureaucrats and politicians.

Taking a dig at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he alleged that in such cases, when a bureaucrat was called by the CBI for questioning, people sat on dharna.

Raising the issue of NRC, Gaurav Gogoi (INC) said the government should speed up the implementation of National Register of Citizens.

He said passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill would violate the Assam Accord.

"The bill is unconstitutional," he added.

Arvind Sawant (SS) raised the issue of loss making firms MTNL and BSNL.

"Both these companies should be made profitable," he added.

CPI-M member M B Rajesh demanded immediate withdrawal of fee hike in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya.

The fee was hiked from Rs 200 to Rs 600. "This is unjustifiable and unacceptable," he said.

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Odisha's ruling BJD has close ties with the Congress which had always neglected the state, a senior BJP leader said on Thursday, hitting back at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's allegation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remote controls Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Lashing out at the Congress, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Gandhi's family had ruled India for over four decades and his party was in power in Odisha for long but still did nothing for the state.

"The people of Odisha already know how the Congress has neglected Odisha and are aware of the true character of the Congress party," he said.

Pradhan alleged that the Biju Janata Dal has close ties with the Congress and raised questions on "links" between Patnaik, Gandhi and Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the VVIP chopper deal now under arrest in India.

The BJP leader said Michel had lobbied for the Eurofighter, a fighter aircraft that competed with Rafale for India's bid to purchase fighter jets.

A BJD MP's support for the Eurofighter along with Gandhi exposes the links between the two parties, Pradhan alleged.

He also claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Gandhi and Patnaik share the same stand in chit fund scam and protect accused.

At a rally in Odisha, Gandhi accused the Patnaik government of being "remote controlled" by Modi from Delhi.

He said the state was hit by the chit fund scam, in which many leaders of the ruling BJD were involved, while the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre was stung by the Rafale scandal.

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In a novel move aimed at providing alternative livelihood to transgenders, the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has launched a two-month training programme for them.

As many as 26 transgenders of three self-help groups are taking part in the training programme on slipper-making which commenced on Wednesday.

Experts from a reputed shoe manufacturing company of Kolkata will impart training on slipper making as well as marketing, said BeMC Commissioner Chakravarti Singh Rathore.

At least three trainers are engaged to impart training to the participants. "We are providing training to the transgenders under the Odisha Urban Livelihood Mission (OULM). The state government will bear entire cost, he said.

While Rs 1.76-lakh would be spent on training, each participant would be provided Rs 100 per day as stipend money, Rathore said.

Besides, each self-help group would also be provided Rs 50,000 as seed money by the government to undertake the business, he added. "The main objective of the training programme is to make them self-employable and economically empowered," he said.

Sweety Sahu, President of Sakhi, an organisation of transgenders in this south Odisha city, said the programme was a ray of hope for us. "The training will help us to become a self-employed," Sahu said.

In Berhampur, the population of transgender is around 200. Most of them are presently engaged in the traditional practices of dancing at family functions, fairs and festivals and to run the beauty parlours.

The training programme will enable us to lead a dignified life, said Lovely, a transgender.

After getting training, we will try to train other members of the community said Preety, another transgender.

Besides slipper-making training, the civic body has also decided to set up three-storied hostel for transgender in the city. While the ground floor of the hostel will be meant for the different shops, managed by the transgender, the first and second floors will be made dormitories.

Around Rs 2.50-crore would be spent on construction of the hostel, the Commissioner said.

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Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen on Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi who reaffirmed India's commitment to work with the neighbouring country in building on the momentum in ties during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's fresh term in office.

Abdul Momen's India trip is the first high-level visit from Bangladesh since Prime Minister Hasina's landslide victory in the parliamentary election last December.

During the meeting, Abdul Momen briefed Modi on the recent developments in the bilateral relationship, a statement said.

Prime Minister Modi said India-Bangladesh relations have been on an upward trajectory in the last few years. He reaffirmed India's commitment to work with Bangladesh to build on this momentum during the new term in office of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Modi congratulated Abdul Momen on his appointment as the foreign minister, and appreciated his gesture of selecting India as the destination for his first foreign visit.

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The NIA has seized assets worth Rs 7.23 crore of alleged operatives of a banned naxal group, Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), in Jharkhand, the agency said in a statement.

It said the action came in an ongoing case against members of the TPC.

The National Investigation Agency had filed a charge sheet against 16 TPC members, including 2 employees of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and some businessmen, in a special NIA court in December last year.

The property attached belongs to TPC operatives Binod Kumar Ganjhu, Bindeshwar Ganjhu, Pradeep Ram and Akraman, the regional commander of the TPC, it said.

The NIA said two plots of land and a double-storeyed house belonging to TPC operative Binod Kumar Ganjhu, besides five vehicles worth Rs 31 lakh have been attached.

The agency has also seized 10 vehicles, including a JCB loader, belonging to TPC operative Bindeshwar Ganjhu; 10 trucks valued at Rs 1.61 crore, four vehicles belonging to Pradeep Ram and three acres of land worth Rs 4 crore of TPC commander Akraman.

"All the properties seized/ attached have been acquired by TPC members using terror funds collected by way of levy/ extortion," NIA Spokesperson said.

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The Indian Army on Thursday said 450 terrorists were operating in and the terror infrastructure across the (LoC) was intact with the full support of Pakistan as 16 terrorist camps were operating in the neighbouring country and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"The number of terrorists is more on the north of Pir Panjal. Around 350 to 400 terrorists are active in the On the south of Pir Panjal (the Jammu region), there are 50 terrorists," Northern Army commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh told reporters.

He said most of the terrorists on the south of Pir Panjal were dormant.

"The security situation is stable on this side. However, the operations are mostly conducted on the north of Pir Panjal (Kashmir) as more terrorists are present there," he added.

Lt Gen. Singh said the terror infrastructure was intact in PoK and Pakistan.

"It is sad that the terrorist infrastructure in PoK is still intact. The Pakistan Army, in its bid to support infiltration of terrorists from across the border, carries out and certain tactical activities along the LoC," he said, adding that 16 terrorist training camps were operating in PoK and Pakistan.

"They (terrorists) are being trained and then brought to the LoC. Then they infiltrate into We are keeping these (activities) under surveillance," the Northern Army commander said.

He added that 191 youngsters had joined terrorist groups in the Kashmir valley, but there was a relative decline in the number of people joining such outfits over the last few months.

"According to reports, 191 youngsters are reported to have joined militancy. Most of the recruitments took place up to the month of August. There was a relative decline in the number of youngsters joining militancy from October till now," Lt Gen. Singh said.

He added that there were concerted efforts on the part of the Army to reach out to the youngsters and their parents and teachers so that they prevailed upon the youngsters not to join any outfit propagating terrorism.

"We hope that the youth engagement programmes will pay dividends in the months to come," the Northern Army commander said.

Castigating the narrative being created that it was an indigenous movement, he said of the 836 terrorists killed in the state in the last five years, 490 were "Pakistani or foreign terrorists".

Lt Gen. Singh added that there was a significant percentage of Pakistani terrorists, who were being used as cannon fodder and pushed into to cause casualties among Indian citizens.

However, the Army was taking action to arrest this trend, he added.
The Indian Army has started the induction of new sniper rifles along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, a top army officer said.

Under the General Officer Commander-in-Chief ofNorthern Command's special financial power, the Army floatedtenders for procurement of 5,719 sniper rifles from global vendors in January.

"We have been able to commence the induction of thenew sniper rifles (along LoC with Pakistan) and some more are still in the pipeline", General Officer Commanding in Chief(GoC-in-C), Lt Gen Ranbir Singh told PTI in reply to a question.

He was asked when the Army will be inducting 5,719 sniper rifles fromglobal vendors to replace Soviet-era Dragonov SVD as global tenders have already been floated.

The Army commander said some of these equipments have been received and some are likely to come in next some time.

Lt Gen Singh said that upgradation of weaponry is an ongoing exercise.

"Other equipments which enhances our counter terrorism capability is also being inducted. The capability building is in the pipeline", he said.

As per the reports, soldiers guarding the LoC are being armed with deadly new sniper rifles, including an anti-material rifle that can go through concrete and metal objects, such as vehicles.

The guns being given to the soldiers are the .338 Lapua Magnum Scorpio TGT by Beretta, and the .50 Calibre M95 by Barrett. These snipers will replace the ageing Russian Dragunov, the mainstay of Indian soldiers.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat had said last month that "the Northern Command of the Indian Army taking care of the borders with Pakistan and some parts of Line of Actual Control is soon going to be equipped with the new sniper rifles from this month."



The US-made Barrett M95 is an anti-material rifle which has a whopping range of 1,800 metres.

The other gun that will be available to the troops along the LoC is the Victrix Armaments .338 Lapua Magnum Scorpio TGT, owned by Italian firm Beretta.The Scorpio TGT uses the .338 Lapua Magnum (8.670mm or 8.5870mm), a rimless, bottlenecked, centre-fire rifle cartridge, reports added.

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Richest Indian Mukesh Ambani Thursday announced Rs 10,000 crore more investment in West Bengal in expansion of his firm's telecom network as also new e-commerce venture.

Ambani, who heads India's biggest private sector company Reliance Industries, said his firm's investment in West Bengal has grown from Rs 4,500 crore in 2016 to Rs 28,000 crore.

"This accounts for about one-tenth of our total investments in India so far," he said adding the firm's telecom arm, Jio has become the largest investor in the digital space in the state.

"Now, we have firmed up our plan for a further investment of over Rs 10,000 crores," he told the Bengal Global Business Summit here.

Fresh investments would be in extending Jio's high-speed 4G network coverage to all entire state within 2019, connecting homes with fibre to carry high-speed internet and HD quality broadcasting and in logistics hub.

"West Bengal is poised to become the logistics hub of the east, with plans to attract investments of Rs 5,000 crore by 2020," he said. "We at Reliance operate nearly 3 million square feet of warehouses in Bengal and with our new commerce initiative, this will increase manifold in the next 24 months."



Jio and Reliance Retail will shortly launch a unique new commerce platform, which will bring win-win benefits to consumers, retailers, and producers, he said without elaborating.

"Across the country, this platform will enrich and empower as many as 3 crore small shopkeepers," he said.

He complimented West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for "a remarkable transformation" she had brought about in the state in just one year.

"Both Bengal and its capital are not just leapfrogging; they are pole-vaulting to new heights of progress," he said. "Bengal's GDP has crossed Rs 10 lakh crores. It was less than Rs 4 lakh crores at the beginning of this decade when you took reins of this state in your able hands."



The state's GDP growth at 9.1 per cent is higher than the national average.

"West Bengal has gained a foothold in the group of the fastest-growing states in India with an all-around turnaround under your leadership," he said adding agriculture is booming and farmers' incomes are rising.

Ambani said India in 2019 is all set to become the world's fifth largest economy, overtaking the United Kingdom.

"We are ahead of all countries except the United States, China, Japan, and Germany," he said. "In about a decade, India will become the third largest economy with a GDP of over USD 10 trillion which is about four times the size of our economy today."



In two decades, India will become the second largest economy in the world, he said expressing confidence that the country can even overtake China to become the world's No. 1 economic power by 2047.

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Punjab Chief Minister on Thursday assured External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj that appropriate action would be taken against the travel agents accused of sending four Punjabis to Armenia fraudulently.

ccording to a media report, four Indians from Punjab are stuck in Armenia and had uploaded a video on social media, requesting Aam Aadmi Party parliamentarian Bhagwant Mann to bring them back.

Singh told Swaraj that a case had already been registered by the state police in the matter.

".@SushmaSwaraj ji a case has already been registered and I've instructed the @DGPPunjabPolice to take appropriate action against the suspects immediately. Will keep you informed," Singh tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Swaraj tweeted about the plight of four Indians from Punjab. The external affairs minister said the Indian ambassador in Armenia had reached them and was providing all help and assistance.

Swaraj also spoke to the chief minister and asked him to apprehend the travel agents concerned. "He (Singh) has promised immediate action in the matter," she added.

The Kapurthala police have booked six people, including an Armenia-based travel agent, for allegedly fraudulently sending the four men to Armenia on tourist visa last December after promising work visa.

On the basis of the statements by the family members of the trapped persons, the Punjab police has registered two FIRs -- one under Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code and another under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012.

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The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Thursday said its move to forge alliances for Lok Sabha polls was a reciprocation of the 'respect' shown by other parties towards it.

The AIADMK continued to enjoy the same level of clout among the people as it had under the leadership of late chief minister Jayalalithaa, senior party leader and Minister D Jayakumar told reporters here.

He was responding to a question on the party's intention to form an alliance this time though it had faced the 2014 Lok Sabha elections on its own.

The K Palaniswami government's performance was based on the directions laid down by Jayalalithaa. It had addressed issues such as drought while welfare schemes were being implemented for the poor, he said.

"AIADMK is now enjoying the same clout that it had when Amma was alive. It has not gone down even a bit," Jayakumar, state Fisheries Minister, said.

"But, even if we are strong, we accommodate other parties respecting them as they come to us out of respect (for an alliance)," he said.

AIADMK Coordinator and deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam has recently said the party was holding talks with regional, national and friendly parties and the permutation of the alliance would be made known after a clear picture emerged.

The ruling party had won 37 of the 39 seats in the 2014 Parliamentary polls under Jayalalithaa and its leaders have been repeatedly asserting that AIADMK will put up a similar show this time also.

Jayakumar too expressed confidence of a 'grand victory' in the coming polls.

Asked if the AMMK headed by ousted leader TTT Dhinakaran could make an impact in the polls, Jayakumar said AIADMK doesn't consider it as a party at all.

"As far as we are concerned, DMK is our rival," he said.

Dhinakaran had stunned the ruling party as well as the DMK by his thumping victory in the 2017 RK Nagar assembly constituency bypoll as an independent candidate.

The bypoll was necessitated due to Jayalalithaa's death.

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Pakistan on Thursday rejected as "irresposible" and "gross interference" Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's tweet over recent incidents of alleged violence against protesters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

Ghani had expressed serious concern about the violence perpetrated against peaceful protestors and civil activists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, both bordering Afghanistan.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi took to Twitter to reject Ghani's tweet, saying "We reject the tweet by President Ashraf Ghani. Such irresponsible statements are only gross interference. Afghan leadership needed to focus on long-standing serious grievances of the Afghan people."



Qureshi's tweet came hours after the Afghanistan President tweeted that the Afghan government had "serious concerns about the violence perpetrated against peaceful protesters and civil activists" in the two provinces.

Ghani also said it was the moral responsibility of every government to support civil activities that take a stand against terrorism and extremism that "plagues and threatens our region and collective security."



The Afghanistan President was apparently referring to the alleged killing of a Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) leader over the weekend in Loralai area of Balochistan.

Protests and sit-in followed the PTM leader's death in Balochistan and neighbouring Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

The PTM emerged last year to address the grievances of local Pashtun population in areas close to border with Afghanistan.

PTM is a rights-based alliance that calls for the de-mining of the former tribal areas and greater freedom of movement. It has been demanding an end to the practices of extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances and unlawful detentions.

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TCN News with inputs from SN Asari

Maulana Mukhtar Ahmed Nadvi Technical Campus (MMANTC) to organize and host their 1st National Conference on Technology to promote the innovation, entrepreneurship, and awareness especially amongst female students and rural students at MMANTC, Mansoora Malegaon on 23rd & 24th Feb 2019. The conference aims to bring together researchers, scientists, industry experts, academicians and policy makers to promote STEM( Science, technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and specially promote & encourage womens participation in STEM.

Honorable Arshad Mukhtar, Chairman Jamia Mohammediya Education Society (JMES), said that Our founders vision was to empower the youth of India through quality technical education. Through our conferences such as 1st National Conference on Technology we want to connect our students with Industry and skilled masters of the industry for their professional career and entrepreneurship journey.

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As one of the aims of the conference is to promote womens participation in STEM, the organizers have invited Ainul Attar who is Former, Deputy Director DTE, Former, Joint Secretary of Minority Development Department, Government of Maharashtra, Ex-Executive council member of I.S.T.E., New Delhi as a Chief Guest to inspire the rural girl students.

MMANTC have also invited Dr. Tausif Malik, Treasurer, Democrats Abroad India (Democratic Party USAs International chapter), Founder MAHAbfic.com (Maharashtra Blockchain Fintech ICO Crypto currency) Pune, GCC Startup News, All India Muslim Business Startup Network (AIMBSN), IndiaStartupFest.com, Muslim Spelling Bee, USA, Chicago as Chief Guest. He believes in the Gandhian Philosophy of empowerment of Rural India through sustainable development through Future Technologies.

The sole objective is to promote and create a talent pool in Future Technologies creating sustainable development through Reverse Migration. He is a legend in his field and students will surely be benefited with his presence. The MMANTC has also invited dignitaries such as Prof. (Dr.) N. B. Pasalkar Sahab, Dr. A. K. Kureshi, Dr. Neha Dand, Shahzed Lehry and Altaf Pirjade.

Dr. Munnazza Afreen, Chief Convener & Head, Faculty Training & Development JMES; said thatFemales participation in Technology and entrepreneurship is subjacent and through the conference we want to promote maximum participation of rural students in STEM.

Dr. Munnazza Afreen further added that we want our students to benefit from the Government of India schemes such as Make in India, Digital India, and Skill India & Startup India.

The conference specifically focuses on publication with our publication partner IOSR Journal, JMES Startup Showcase, JMES Hackathon, networking, branding and most importantly campus recruitment of college students.

The conference organizers are seeking Sponsorship, Media Partnership and Applications & Judges for JMES Hackathon, Applications, Investors & Judges for JMES Startups Showcase and Strategic Partnerships for Recruitment & Internship opportunities.

They can contact: [email protected]

About MMANTC

Maulana Mukhtar Ahmed Nadvi Technical Campus (MMANTC) is located at the outskirts of Malegaon, the textile township of northern Maharashtra. The college offers Degree and Diploma courses in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering since 2012.

The Technical Campus has been a dream project of the Societys President, Maulana Arshad Mukhtar, a great visionary, philanthropist, industrialist, educationist, and a worthy son of a worthy father, Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi, who founded Jamia Mohammediya Education Society (JMES) in the year 1978. JMES has twelve institutions running in various parts of the country. Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi strongly believed that only through education would the people of India, gain the vision of the future while preserving their timeless cultural values. Maulana Arshad Mukhtar, having taken the mantle from him in the year 2007, has been painting the canvas with such elegance that Jamia Mohammediya Education Society is now a name in the country to reckon with.

The full borchure can be downloaded here:

NCT
A 53-year old Afghan man has been extradited to the US on charges of attempting to import heroin into the country as well as for engaging in narco-terrorism to benefit terrorist organisations Taliban and the Haqqani network.

Haji Abdul Satar Abdul Manaf, who had been taken into custody by Estonian authorities in Tallinn last October, was extradited to the United States Wednesday, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey Berman said.

The indictment charges Manaf, a citizen of Afghanistan, with attempting to import heroin into the United States and narco-terrorism.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

As alleged, Manaf, already sanctioned by the Treasury Department for assisting the Taliban, attempted to import large quantities of heroin into the US, funnelled heroin trafficking proceeds to the Taliban and attempted to provide financial assistance to the Haqqani terrorist network," Berman said in a statement.

According to the allegations contained in the complaint and indictment, in June 2012, the United States Treasury Department sanctioned Manaf for storing or moving money for the Taliban through his money remitting business, the Haji Khairullah Haji Sattar Money Exchange.

Beginning in January 2018, he attempted to import large quantities of heroin into the US, used the proceeds of heroin trafficking to benefit the Taliban and attempted to provide financial support to the Haqqani Network.

Specifically, Manaf participated in in-person meetings, recorded telephone calls, and electronic communications with five men whom he understood to be affiliated with an international drug trafficking organisation.

During those meetings, he helped arrange to import large quantities of heroin into the US with the assistance of and recognising that some of the proceeds of that narcotics trafficking would be provided to the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.

However, four of these men were US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confidential sources, while the fifth was an undercover DEA agent.

The Justice Department statement said the Haqqani Network and the Taliban have been and are engaged in highly public acts of terrorism against US interests, including US and coalition forces in Afghanistan.

In August 2018, Manaf sold the undercover agent a 10-kilogram shipment of heroin in Afghanistan, after the agent told Manaf that the heroin would ultimately be imported into the United States for sale in New York.

Manaf repeatedly told the agent that he had paid the Taliban in connection with the production of the 10 Kilo shipment and reported that armed members of the Taliban would guard and transport future heroin shipments for them.

In August 2018, Manaf facilitated the transfer of thousands of dollars of what he believed to be narcotics proceeds to individuals he had been advised were members of the Haqqani Network.

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An assistant engineer of Jaipur Discom was caught red-handed while taking a bribe of Rs 1 lakh in Alwar for conducting inspection of works done by a contractor.

The accused engineer Ramesh Chand Meena, posted in Neemrana office of Jaipur Discom, had demanded the bribe from the contractor Devi Singh for the inspection so that the payment against the work could be released.

Singh's firm had got a contract from Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) for laying underground cable and the work was completed in July last year. The work was to be supervised by the electricity department but the accused engineer was demanding the bribe for conducting inspection of the work site police said.

Since there was no work completion report from the assistant engineer, RIICO had stopped the payment of Rs one crore to the contractor.

"The contractor gave complaint against Meena. After verification of the complaint, a trap was laid and the accused was held in his office on Thursday while taking the bribe amount of Rs 1 lakh, deputy SP- Anti Corruption Bureau, Saleh Mohammand said.

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More than nine crore toilets have been constructed across the country till February 5 this year under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) launched in 2014, increasing the sanitation coverage in rural areas to over 98 per cent, the government said Thursday.

Giving out the details of toilets constructed under the mission, Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi said so far 27 states and 5.5 lakh villages have been declared open defecation free (ODF).

"Under SBM(G), 9.16 crore toilets have been constructed till February 5, 2019. As a result, sanitation coverage in the rural areas of the country, which was 38.7 per cent on October 2, 2014, has increased to more than 98 per cent.

"Twenty-seven states, 601 districts, 5,934 blocks, 2,46,116 gram panchayats and 5,50,151 villages have been declared ODF," he told the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The minister also said that since the launch of SBM-G in 2014, 9.16 crore individual household latrines (IHHLs) have been constructed till February 5 this year out of which, 5.22 crore IHHLs have been constructed during the last two years.

According to the government, the maximum funds under the SBM-G for the year 2018-19 were released to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar at Rs 6,592.64 crore and Rs 2,943.69 crore, respectively.

The data provided by the government revealed that both the states received double amount of funds in 2018-19 compared to 2017-18.

The government had launched the SBM-G from October 2, 2014 with an aim to attain open defecation free (ODF) India by October 2, 2019, by providing access to toilet facilities to all rural households in the country.

The states and UTs which have been declared ODF are Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand.

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Eighty per cent farmers in Maharashtra are eligible for the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, a state minister said here on Thursday.

Maharashtra Revenue and Agriculture Minister Chandrakant Patil said the estimated number of beneficiaries in the state is around 1.20 crore.

"As per the Agriculture Census 2015-16, there are 1,52,85,439 farmers in Maharashtra, of whom 80 per cent would be eligible for the Centre's relief of Rs 6,000 per year," Patil told reporters after a meeting with agriculture and revenue officials on the scheme.

"A family holding up to two hectares of land and having children less than 18 years old will be eligible for this scheme. But an agricultural land holding person having a government or a semi-government job or any other profession for earning, then such families will be omitted from this scheme," he said.

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Nine members of an inter-state gang of car lifters, who allegedly stole more than 100 vehicles from several states, have been arrested by Thane police, a senior official said on Thursday.

As many as 80 cars valued at around Rs 3.4 crore were seized from Pune, Mumbai (in Maharashtra), and some places in Rajastan and Karnataka, Thane's Joint Commissioner of Police Madhukar Pandey told reporters here.

The gang operated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan and the north-east region, he said.

During the probe, the police got information about the gang's involvement in theft of around 170 vehicles, he said.

The police first received a complaint in December 2018 of theft of a car from Thane city. During the investigation into it, they traced the vehicle to Pune and seized it.

All the nine accused were subsequently nabbed in the last few days for their alleged involvement in various cases of car thefts, Pandey said.

The modus operandi of the gang was to first steal the vehicle, take it to a godown in Pune, and then obtain a fake RC (registration certificate) book for it from Nagaland.

They would would later change details of the car's engine and chassis before selling the vehicles in Belgaum (Karnataka) and Rajasthan, the police official said.

Following their arrest, the accused were produced in a local court which remanded them in police custody till February 14, he added.

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With the release of six male Rohingya Muslims from jail, all the 31 refugees who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border for four days last month are now free, their counsel said Thursday.

Eight women and 17 children of the group of 31 had already been released.

The six male Rohingyas were released on Wednesday night after the Rohingya Refugee Committee (RRC), an organisation working for Rohingyas in the country, furnished their bail bonds.

West Tripura District and Sessions Judge S L Tripura had granted bail to the six men on Monday, their counsel Prasenjit Debnath said.

Mohhammad Shaqir, who had come from New Delhi as a field representative of the RRC, said they submitted Rs 1.80 lakh for the six male refugees.

The RRC had paid the bail amount for the eight women and 17 children and they were released from the Bishalgarh Central Jail on Tuesday.

The court had granted bail to the women and children on January 22 and sent the remaining six Rohingya men to judicial custody for 14 days.

However, the women and children had to remain in jail as no one appeared to pay their bail amount.

Judge Tripura Monday ordered for releasing them from jail after the bail bonds of Rs 5,000 for each of them were deposited by the RRC.

The 31 Rohingyas, who had apparently come from Jammu and Kashmir, were stuck in a no-man's land beyond the barbed wire fence along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura since January 18.

The Border Security Force (BSF), after consulting with the Union Home Ministry, had handed them over to the Amtoli police station in West Tripura district on January 22. They were later produced before the court.

Debnath, who had appeared in court on behalf of them, sought their bail on the grounds that they could not be treated as illegal immigrants because India was a signatory to the resolutions of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

He also pleaded before the court that there would be no one to look after the innocent children in the absence of their mothers.

The court granted bail to the women and children, but as no one appeared to furnish the bail bonds, they were sent to the Bishalgarh Central Jail. The male Rohingyas were also lodged in the same jail.

The situation of the 31 Rohingyas had led to a blame game between the BSF and its counterpart in Bangladesh, the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), with the two sides accusing each other of pushing them into their territories.

The decision to hand over the Rohingyas to the Tripura Police was taken after the BSF and the BGB failed to reach a decision during several rounds of talks on the issue.

Security forces had apprehended 12 and 62 Rohingyas in Tripura in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

In October 2017, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had ordered all the state governments to identify and monitor Rohingya refugees.

It had said that the Centre viewed the infiltration of Rohingyas from Rakhine state of Myanmar into Indian territory as a burden on the country's resources, aggravating the security challenges to the country.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, described by the UN as the most persecuted minority in the world, fled their homes in 2017 to escape an alleged crackdown by the Myanmarese military.

Many of them reached India via Bangladesh.

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Operations at the Delhi airport saw massive disruption on Thursday as total 38 flights were diverted to nearby cities between 6 pm and 8.45 pm and several were facing departure delays of more than two hours due to severe rain and hailstorm in the national capital, according to officials.

Operations of smaller aircraft such as Bombardier and ATR were suspended for a while due to strong winds but resumed later, the officials said.

"Looks almost like snow in Delhi! Massive disruption to flights with multiple diversions across airlines. Customers are requested to be patient, really not in staff or airline control," tweeted Sanjiv Kapoor, Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer, Vistara airlines.

A Delhi airport official said that 23 domestic flights and nine international flights were diverted to nearby cities between 6 pm and 8.45 pm. Remaining six flights that were diverted were either private jets or belonged to the Indian Air Force.

Among those diverted was a chartered plane carrying Haryana Chief Minister Monohar Lal Khattar. Khattar's chartered plane was flying from Jodhpur to Delhi but it was diverted to Jaipur. He later left for Delhi in a regular flight, Jaipur airport director JS Balhara said.

"In between 6 pm and 7 pm, nine flights were diverted to Jaipur airport. In the same time period, three flights each were diverted to Lucknow airport and Amritsar airport. Two flights were diverted to Varanasi and one flight to Indore in this one-hour period," the Delhi airport official said.

"Due to extremely bad weather, many of the flights are facing a departure delay of more than two hours," he added.

According to another airport official, four out of the nine flights diverted to Jaipur were of Air India. "These four flights of Air India were heading to Delhi from Varanasi, Kathmandu, Dubai and Kabul," he said.

Vistara airlines said that its flight from Guwahati to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur. Its Bangalore-Delhi flight was diverted to Lucknow and its Kolkata-Delhi flight was diverted to Varanasi.

Heavy rains and hailstorm accompanied by strong winds lashed the national capital this evening and brought the mercury down by four to five notches.

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The of India's (RBI's) surprise 25 basis point (bps) repo is likely to bring some cheer to borrowers of home and car Adhil Shetty, CEO of Bankbazaar.com, says: "The is most welcome. But we need to wait and see how much of the 25 bps cut is transmitted to retail borrowers." That is, it is over to banks now to transmit the to, not just new borrowers, but also existing borrowers.



If the entire rate cut is passed on by banks, there would be some relief to borrowers. For example, if a 20-year of Rs 75 lakh was taken by a borrower at an annual interest rate of 8.8 per cent, the equated monthly installment (EMI) would have been Rs 67,238. After the rate cut, if the interest is 8.55 per cent, the new EMI would be Rs 66,039 -- a drop of Rs 1,199. Over the entire tenure of 20 years, the savings on interest outgo would be Rs 287,760.





ALSO READ: From insolvency code to foreign investments: How RBI policy impacts sectors

In case of a seven-year car loan, the impact is even lower. For a loan of Rs 10 lakh, the difference in EMI between a loan taken at 9.25 per cent and 9 per cent is merely Rs 127 (see table). However, a point to note is that banks seldom pass on the entire rate cut. So, a 10-15 basis point rate cut will not have a major impact on borrowers.



In fact, Gaurav Gupta, founder and CEO, Myloancare.in, feels that there won't be any immediate impact on rates, and things will change only from April. "Banks would find it difficult to pass it any time soon, as they are grappling with low liquidity in the banking system, post the non-banking finance company (NBFC) liquidity crisis in November." He feels that transmission is more likely to happen in March-end, which will be effective from April 1. "There is a possibility that public sector banks may face pressure to reduce rates as elections are around the corner. In such a situation, banks will find ways to work around it. They can, for example, withdraw discounts to card rates and other schemes they are offering now," he adds.





ALSO READ: RBI cuts repo rate by 25 bps; Viral Acharya votes to keep rates unchanged

Also, given that many existing borrowers are under the marginal cost of lending rate or MCLR regime, the transmission may happen at a later date. Naveen Kukreja, CEO & co-founder, Paisabazaar.com, says: "As and when banks transmit policy rate reduction through MCLR rate cut, the cost of borrowing for fresh borrowers will come down. However, existing borrowers will continue to pay at the same rate of interest until their next interest reset date. The MCLR applicable on their reset date will remain in force till the next reset date."

If your bank does not cut rates while other banks do, should you shift? "Compare your rate against the best rates available in the market. If a difference of 25-50 bps has developed, and you have a good number of years left in your tenure, you are likely to benefit from shifting," says Aditya Mishra, founder and chief executive officer, SwitchMe, a digital home loan broker.
By Inder Bisht, TwoCircles.net

Sitting cross-legged in a small room, Fayaz, Hussain and Saifful are poring over their textbooks as they prepare for their annual exams scheduled in April this year.

For the last one year, the three Rohingya teenagers along with seven other community members have been living in a two-BHK apartment in Delhis congested Jamia Nagar under the Hostel Literacy Project, run by 23-year-old Ali Johar, a fellow Rohingya.

Handpicked out of hundreds of schoolgoing Rohingya children from around the country, these boys stand a much better chance to clear their exams compared to their peers in the refugee camps thanks to the efforts of Johar. The food, transportation, and stationery expenses at the hostel are borne by Johar through donations from sponsors.

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The hostel provides an encouraging environment to study which we often lack in a refugee camp, says Saifful. The brunt of forced migration from Myanmar has been felt by Rohingya children who have lost the opportunity to be educated.

Those Rohingya children who finished their primary education in Myanmar are facing difficulty in adjusting to Indian education system due to a different language of instruction and also because education here is more advanced than Myanmar, says Zohar.

Only 25 Rohingya children study in ninth and tenth standards in India while only 13 students are studying in 12th standard in India, says Johar, adding, Only two Rohingyas are presently studying in Indian colleges.

Around 20,000 Rohingya are currently living in India according to the UNHCR while the government pegs the number higher. The students staying in the hostel in Jamia Nagar had little hope of a good future until about a year ago, but now they dream of a respectable profession in India or in their native country after finishing their graduation.

Some of the students are interested in starting their own business while others want to become doctors. One of the students wants to become a journalist to better represent his communitys issues.

Often, other people raise the issues of our community. I think that someone from the community can highlight its problems in a better way, says 17-year-old Hussain.

A quiet and shy science student, Fayyaz, 18, is all geared up for his Board exams scheduled for later this year for which he also takes private tuition in Physics. After some persuasion, he opened up about his life and said that he had arrived in Hyderabad from Myanmar in 2017 after his village Renohali was engulfed in ethnic violence.

He worked in Hyderabad as a waiter initially and then tried to enrol in the local schools. However, due to insufficient documents, he couldnt get admission in the 11th standard.

One day, Fayaz heard about the hostel programme for Rohingya students in Delhi which promised free accommodation. He applied for it and got selected.

Earlier, I used to just hope to survive somehow but thanks to this hostel now I can dream of achieving my goal of becoming a doctor, says Fayaz. The idea to start the hostel struck to Johar in 2015 when he was working as an interpreter at the UNHCR office in Delhi.

We did a survey of our community children in India and found out that only two of them were going to school for secondary education although around 80 such children had completed their primary education in Myanmar, says Johar.

First, they opened a hostel in Vikaspuri in 2016 however due to financial constraint it had to be shut after three months.

Then Johar met a person at a refugee camp while he was donating food packets to the people.

I asked him to help the Rohingya children for their education as education would last longer than food packets. Convinced by my argument, he gave one of his apartments to us to move in, said Johar.

Shortly after, an NGO came forward and offered to take care of the grocery bills of the hostel. Johar then crowd-sourced the funds for transportation, stationary and other expenses to run the hostel with the help of students from St. Stephens College, Delhi, and from Jindal and Ashoka University in December 2017 and successfully managed the hostel for one year.

In January 2019, however, the NGO which had been providing funds for grocery items for the hostel backed out citing a dearth of funds causing uncertainty over the future of the hostel and its residents. The students are preparing for their annual exam in April but we have funds for this month only. I am worried if I dont manage to collect the money all the efforts of us could go to waste, Johar rues.

Most of the Rohingya children in India have enrolled into National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) where classes take place during the weekend. However, due to their financial condition, they are unable to afford tuition classes and clear their exams.

In Delhi, a non-profit-organisation Don Bosca in partnership with UNHCR runs five-day-a-week tuition classes for refugee students which the Rohingya students term crucial to clear their annual exams.

However, the classes are held only in the national capital leaving the refugees in other parts of the country in a disadvantageous position.

In the absence of a proper educational framework for the children of Rohingya refugees in India, thousands of children fritter away into child labour with few of them are even gravitating towards criminal activities in the absence of proper guidance and opportunities.

A 16-17-year-old teenager who has studied only till fifth or sixth standard in Myanmar and is unable to study in India has nothing else to do but to work as a labourer or rag-picker here. We have noticed that some of these kids have become drug addicts and commit petty crimes like pick-pocketing and theft to sustain their addiction, says Johar.
Two papers published in Nature this week call into doubt recent predictions of imminent Antarctic ice sheet collapse. They are led by Kings College London and Victoria University of Wellington, and involve colleagues from across the US, Canada, UK and Europe, including the University of Bristol.

The first paper suggests that sustained collapse of Antarctic ice-cliffs into the ocean, caused by rising global temperatures and melting ice shelves, may not have a large impact on sea level rise. This means that high-profile and controversial predictions from 2016, which claimed that this type of cliff collapse could add more than a metre to rising seas by 2100, may be substantially over-estimated.

Dr Tamsin Edwards, Lecturer in Physical Geography at Kings College London, who led the work, explains: Unstable ice-cliffs in Antarctica were proposed as a cause of unstoppable collapse of large parts of the ice sheet in the past. They were, therefore, also predicted to cause rapidly rising seas with global warming in our near future. But weve re-analysed the data and found this isnt the case.

By looking at ice losses three-million-years ago, 125,000 years ago, and over the last 25 years in more detail, the team show that unstable ice-cliff collapses arent needed to reproduce sea level rises in the past. When they remove this proposed mechanism from the model, they predict that there is only a five percent chance that the Antarctic contribution to sea level rise will exceed 39 cm by 2100 - much lower than the previous predictions of over a metre.

Dr Edwards added: Weve shown that ice-cliff instability doesnt appear to be an essential mechanism in reproducing past sea level changes and so this suggests the jurys still out when it comes to including it in future predictions. Even if we do include ice-cliff instability, our more thorough assessment shows that the most likely contribution to sea level rise would be less than half a metre by 2100.

Professor Tony Payne, a co-author on the paper and professor in Bristols School of Geographical Sciences, commented: This is a significant step forward in efforts to reconcile recent estimates of future sea level rise and will of great use in the upcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessment of the impacts of future climate change.

It is also a useful reminder of the caution required in using geological data to constrain future sea level rise.

In a second paper, led by Associate Professor Nick Golledge from Victoria University of Wellington, they show that current climate models do not consider the full effect of melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. Overall, both papers agree that the most likely Antarctic contribution to sea level rise will be around 14  15 centimetres under conditions of very high greenhouse gas concentrations.
A year-long journey that artist Astha Butail undertook in researching living traditions that are passed on to generations through teaching and oral poetry, has culminated in the form of an ongoing exhibition here titled "In the Absence of Writing".

The exhibition, commissioned by The Gujral Foundation, is focussed on the Indian Vedic traditions, Zoroastrian Avesta, and Jewish Oral Torah, including their respective linguistic families Sanskrit, Avestan, and Hebrew.

Butail travelled to Varanasi, several towns in South India, Yazd (Iran), Jerusalem (Israel), and London, where she observed and recorded different memory techniques, as well as interviewed scholars, students and practitioners of each tradition. She also received BMW's Art Journey award for this research in 2017-2018.

The exhibition is ongoing at 24 Jor Bagh till February 28.

"Unlike a gallery or a museum, 24 Jor Bagh is an unconventional space that provides an artist with the platform to create experimental and site-specific projects that respond to the spaces within the house as well as its architecture. At the same time, it creates an unusual environment for viewers to experience art," said Reha Sodhi, Curator of the exhibition.

"In the Absence of Writing", according to The Gujral Foundation, is a suite of works whose titles are fragments of hymns from the Rig Veda.

Butail uses a range of media to offer glimpses into the architecture of collective memory using video, sound, sculpture and interactive installations - to respond to the notions of space and time, values and culture, history and identity.

--IANS

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The World Bank has provided a grant of $235 million to the Afghan government to support its efforts for development and stimulating growth in the country, the country's Finance Ministry said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Acting Minister of Finance Humayon Qayoumi and World Bank Country Director for Afghanistan Shubham Chaudhuri signed the new financial package, the Ministry said in a statement cited by Xinhua news agency.

"It will be implemented in line with the requirements and priorities of the government and the people of Afghanistan to support economic empowerment, service delivery and institutional reforms," the statement said.

Out of the grant, some $75 million will finance Tackling Afghanistan's Government Human Resource Management and Institutional Reforms (TAGHIR) project, which will strengthen the capacity of selected line ministries.

"Access to job opportunities and better services is the most crucial need of Afghan people specially the returnees and internally displaced Afghans at this particular time," said the World Bank Country Director for Afghanistan.

"These new grants are a significant step forward in the path to help the government of Afghanistan strengthen its service delivery capacities and meet its key policy objectives through boosting institutional reforms," he added.

The latest grant came as poverty and rising unemployment have spread across Afghanistan. Prolonged conflicts and fighting in the country as well as drought have added to the miseries of the war-weary Afghans.

--IANS

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US President Donald Trump will on Thursday introduce an initiative that will seek to help bring economic security to 50 million women across the world by 2025.

The plan, called the Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, will draw from a $50 million starter fund from the US Agency for International Development, and will team up with several private companies, including UPS and Walmart, The New York Times quoted the President's daughter and senior White House adviser, Ivanka Trump, as saying on Wednesday.

The initiative will be led by Ivanka Trump.

"'America First' does not mean 'America Alone'," she said in a call with reporters on Wednesday as she detailed the rollout.

"We are proud to be the most generous nation in the world."

The plan had been on track to be announced last month, but the partial government shutdown delayed the formal rollout.

Ivanka Trump, 37, will attend the Munich Security Conference next week in Germany to promote the programme as a plan to help bolster the global economy and to draw a stronger link between women's economic empowerment and national security, a senior White House official said on Wednesday.

She first became interested in gender equality when she worked in the corporate world - she once started a "Women Who Work" hashtag to sell her branded merchandise.

Last year, Ivanka Trump helped start a World Bank fund with the goal of generating $1.6 billion in capital for female entrepreneurs in developing countries, and she has tried to work with members of Congress to advance initiatives she cares about, including the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act.

--IANS

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Union minister and former Army chief VK Singh said on Thursday that he has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a high-level probe into reports about the alleged army coup in 2012 during the tenure of UPA-II government, saying it amounts to "treason".

"I have written to the Prime Minister that this was treason and such people need to be exposed by a high-level inquiry," Gen. Singh (retd.) said here.

His letter to the Prime Minister came after a media report said that some leaders in the UPA-II government had sought to build a false narrative that the Army was planning a "coup" while he was the Army chief in early 2012.

Singh, who is Minister of State for External Affairs, told reporters here that he had already said in 2012 that nothing like this happened and the Indian Army does not even think of such things.

He said then Defence Minister A.K. Antony had also said that "nothing like this happened".

Singh said he had written to the Home Ministry in 2013 seeking an FIR following publication of the report about movement of "key Army units" towards Delhi without notifying the government.

He said the latest expose has come out because "facts are hidden by people for some purpose".

"Now let the law take its own course," he said.

--IANS

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A US House panel has announced that it would conduct a broad investigation into President Donald Trump's finances and Russia.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said on Wednesday that the probe would "allow us to investigate any credible allegation that financial interests or other interests are driving decision-making of the President or anyone in the administration", CNN reported.

"That pertains to any credible allegations of leverage by the Russians or the Saudis or anyone else," Schiff told the media after the House Intelligence Committee's first meeting in the new Congress.

In a statement, Schiff said the investigation would include a continued probe into Russia's actions during the 2016 presidential election and contacts between Moscow and Trump's team, as well as an examination of "whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Trump, his family, his business, or his associates".

Schiff said the investigation, which could involve additional congressional committees, would also look at whether the President or his associates have "sought to influence US government policy in service of foreign interests" and any potential obstruction into the various investigations.

Trump reacted on Wednesday to Schiff's announcement by slamming the California Democrat and saying he has "no basis to do that".

"He's just a political hack trying to build a name for himself," Trump said in the Roosevelt Room on Wednesday after announcing his new nominee to be World Bank President.

"It's called presidential harassment and it is unfortunate."

Trump's comments followed his State of the Union speech on Tuesday in which he warned Democrats against undertaking "ridiculous partisan investigations".

Schiff responded to Trump's attack on Twitter, saying: "We're going to do our job and won't be distracted or intimidated by threats or attacks."

The House Intelligence Committee met for the first time in the new Congress on Wednesday and took its first action by voting to send more than 50 transcripts from its Russia investigation interviews to Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

--IANS

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Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu US Congresswoman and Democratic presidential candidate, has said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has been accused of using chemical weapons to attack civilians in his country's years-long civil war, is not the enemy of the US.

"Assad is not the enemy of the US because Syria does not pose a direct threat to the US," Gabbard said on MSNBC on Wednesday.

She met Assad in Syria two years ago, saying at the time she "felt that it's important that if we profess to truly care about the Syrian people, about their suffering, then we've got to be able to meet with anyone that we need to if there is a possibility that we can achieve peace".

Asked if she viewed Assad as an "adversary" of the US, Gabbard demurred and said it was important to look at who posed a threat to the US and how the interests of other nations compare to those of Washington.

Pressed on the point, she said: "You can describe it however you want to describe it."

Asked later in the interview if she thought Assad was a good person, Gabbard said, "No, I don't," and asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin was an adversary to the US, she responded: "Yes."

Gabbard said she did not want US troops in Syria and that she was not interested in regime change and nation-building on the model of US efforts in Iraq or Afghanistan.

She also voiced scepticism about the Assad regime's widely reported and confirmed use of chemical weapons against its own people.

Her appearance on MSNBC came after she brought a Syrian Kurdish leader to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday night. Gabbard said they discussed her meeting with Assad and stressed the importance of meeting "adversaries or potential adversaries, not just our friends, if we are serious about the pursuit of peace".

Earlier she drew a comparison between her meeting with Assad to Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2018.

Later on Wednesday, Gabbard tweeted that "warmongers" were wrong to label her as a "'cozy' with evil regimes".

"We heard attacks from warmongers in politics/media before. Those opposed to Iraq/Libya/Syria regime change wars are called "dicatator-lovers" or "cozy" with evil regimes. Rather than defend their position, they resort to name-calling & smears. American people wont fall for this," she said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Five swine flu deaths were reported in Rajasthan on Thursday taking the toll to 96, officials said.

Around 100 others tested positive for swine flu on the same day, taking the total count to 2,706, since January 1, they added.

One death each were reported from Kota, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Pali and Barmer on Thursday.

In Jaipur 46 patients tested positive, followed by Barmer with 11 patients. Ganganagar reported eight new swine flu cases, Udaipur six and Bhilwara five.

Rajasthan Health and Medical Minister Raghu Sharma said over 25 lakh people were tested till Wednesday under the aggressive screening campaign in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner and Ajmer, between February 4 and February 9.

The rising number of swine flue cases in the state have also perked up political parties with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blaming the Congress for being negligent over the issue. Retorting to the charge, the ruling Congress accused the BJP of being lackadaisical during its tenure.

Former Rajasthan Health Minister Kalicharan Saraf accused Sharma of missing on priorities and engaging in election campaigning and inauguration projects as the state suffered due to the outbreak of disease.

Responding to the BJP's demand for his resignation, Sharma said: "If my resignation can stop these deaths, I am ready to resign."

--IANS

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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena may sanction death penalty for convicted drug traffickers within two months after he vowed to free the country from the drug menace by 2020, the media reported on Thursday.

Sirisena informed Parliament on Wednesday he was determined to impose capital punishment on convicted drug criminals as part of the anti-narcotics drive, according to Xinhua news agency.

Sri Lanka's Justice Minister Thalatha Atukorale told Parliament earlier this week her ministry had complied with the President's request to revive capital punishment and names of five drug convicts had been sent to Sirisena between October 12 and the end of January this year.

However, Sirisena is yet to sign the warrants and set execution dates.

Although capital punishment is a legal penalty in Sri Lanka, there have been no executions since 1976.

--IANS

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A US Senate panel voted on party lines on Thursday to advance President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, William Barr.

The nomination now heads to the Senate floor, where Republicans have a 53-47 majority over Democrats and Democratic-caucusing independents.

Barr, who served as attorney general between 1991 and 1993 under President George H.W. Bush, is expected to be confirmed in a vote that could come as early as next week.

All 12 Republicans on the Senate Intelligence Committee voted for Barr Thursday, while all 10 Democrats voted against him, Xinhua news agency reported.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the panel's chair, urged his colleagues to confirm Barr, allowing him to take the helm of the Department of Justice, which has been led by acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker since Jeff Sessions was ousted in November.

"We need a new attorney general," Graham said on Thursday.

"I appreciate what Mr. Whitaker has done, but I think the time has come for new leadership at the department," Graham added.

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, the committee's ranking member, opposed Barr's confirmation, citing a memo he wrote the Justice Department last year before he was nominated criticising the wide-ranging Russia inquiry led by special counsel Robert Mueller.

"Mueller should not be permitted to demand that the President submit to interrogation about alleged obstruction," according to the Barr memo.

Feinstein called the memo "disqualifying," claiming Barr's theory would leave the president "above the law in most respects."

If confirmed by the full Senate, Barr will assume oversight of Mueller's investigation, which has focused on possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow during the 2016 US presidential election and whether the president obstructed justice, among other things.

The special counsel has so far indicted or gotten guilty pleas from 34 people, including six former Trump associates and over two dozen Russian nationals, as well as three Russian entities. Trump has repeatedly dismissed any collusion between his campaign and Moscow, while slamming the Mueller probe as a "hoax" or "witch hunt."

Whitaker said late last month the Mueller-led investigation is "close to being completed," although there has been no confirmation of this from the special counsel's office. Democrats have also criticized Barr for not committing to publicly releasing Mueller's findings.

During his confirmation hearing earlier this year, Barr, 68, assured senators of his independence and said that he would not be bullied by anyone into doing something he believes is wrong if he becomes the attorney general.

Barr also said he will not allow any interference with the Mueller probe, adding that he will release the special counsel's final report as much as he can under the law.

--IANS

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Accusing the BJP of giving it a stepmotherly treatment, the Shiv Sena on Thursday said though it was a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), it was not sure whether it will continue in the future.

Participating in the debate on motion of thanks to the President's address, Shiv Sena leader Anandrao Adsul said his party was once a happy NDA ally but now it wasn't being treated well.

"There was a good time when the NDA had leaders like Bal Thackeray, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani and Pramod Mahajan. We were allies of a party that followed the Hinduism ideology. We were happy then. But then we started getting stepmotherly treatment. We are still there, but no one knows what will happen tomorrow," Adsul told the Lok Sabha.

The Sena leader said Bala Saheb Thackeray had formed his party on his own strengths and its president Uddhav Thackeray was also following the same.

"Our leaders founded the Shiv Sena not for making an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)," he said.

Adsul's remarks come at a time when there is growing tension between the old allies. The Shiv Sena has been critical of the Modi government on various issues.

Advising the BJP to introspect, he said, "Think about the recent elections in three states. If you have committed mistakes, there is need to correct them."

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the President's speech that lauded the Modi government's demonetisation move, the Shiv Sena leader termed it "disastrous" as it didn't help any farmer, trader or consumer.

"It didn't help bring back the black money. He should've accepted his mistake," he said.

The Sena leader, however, praised government initiatives such as Swachha Bharat and Ayushman Bharat.

--IANS

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) has signed $154 million financing agreement with the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG) to finance the imports of natural gas.



Zied Ladhari, Minister of Development, Investment and International Cooperation,. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO ITFC inked the agreement in the presence of Dr Slim Feriani, Minister of Industry and SMEs, and Moncef Harrabi, general manager of STEG in Tunis.



"ITFC strives to develop it relationship further with Tunisia through providing trade integrated solutions to support its strategic sectors. This signing is a stepping stone towards signifying our cooperation and partnership with the Tunisian Government, which in turn contributes to the countrys Sustainable Development Plans, commented Sonbol.



Ladhari stressed on the importance of financing to help secure the natural gas needs of STEG to produce electricity as well as the domestic consumption in response to the necessary energy needs for the benefit of the citizens.



He also expressed his satisfaction with the existing cooperation with ITFC which is considered as one of Tunisia's leading partners in financing many national institutions for the imports of strategic materials as crude oil, petroleum products, steel and others.



In his statement, Dr Slim Feriani commented on the importance of the partnership with ITFC and its role in supporting a number of public institutions by financing their strategic raw materials.



The agreement is part of the framework agreement adopted at the Annual Meeting of the IsDB Group in Tunis in 2018, on the financing of the needs of national strategic commodity institutions for the period 2018-2020 with total amount of 1.5 billion, the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company, the Tunisian Steel Manufacturing Company and the Tunisian Company for Refining Industries and the Central Pharmacy.  TradeArabia News Service
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Thursday called for scrapping the sedition law following the BJP-led Tripura government's order to file charges of sedition against those protesting the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

"Section 124A of Indian Penal Code that defines the offence of 'sedition' must go lock, stock and barrel," the former Minister said in a tweet.

"In Tripura, if you speak against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, you will be charged with sedition."

The Tripura Police on Tuesday slapped sedition charges against two tribal leaders and one human rights activist for participating in a rally against the Bill at Khumulwng where allegedly "anti-national" slogans were raised.

--IANS

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The Supreme Court on Thursday assured a Sikh lawyer that it will look into his grievance of not being allowed into the court room with a kirpan - a symbol of the Sikh religion.

The assurance from the top court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi came after lawyer Amritpal Singh Khalsa told the court that he was being prevented from entering the court room with his kirpan and felt humiliated and harassed by it.

He said that this was violative of Article 25 of the Constitution guaranteeing freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion. "We will look into the matter," CJI Gogoi said.

--ians

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Sans any accountability and transparency, the Supreme Court Collegium system has been functioning like a "cabal", says former Law Commission Chairman A.P. Shah, who insists that the system of appointment to higher judiciary has outlived its utility and it should be replaced by an independent appointment commission.

A votary of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), declared unconstitutional by the apex court earlier, the former Delhi High Court Chief Justice says the appointment of judges lies at the heart of an independent judiciary, and it is indispensable that the process is transparent.

Architect of several bold judgments including the historic verdict of decriminalising homosexuality, he also calls for doing away with the "impractical" impeachment process and introduce an independent panel empowered to investigate and act on complaints against judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

"Time and again the Collegium system has proved to be opaque with its members working as if in a cabal. This process of appointment of judges has outlived its utility and it's time for the Collegium system to go," Justice (retd.) Shah told IANS.

The "Judges-selecting-Judges" system evolved through judgements of the Supreme Court (SC). The SC Collegium is headed by the CJI with four other seniormost judges as its members which sends its resolution to the government for appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts.

The recent elevation of Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna to the Supreme Court, superseding 32 others, reignited the debate on the efficacy of the Collegium system with sitting and former judges expressing their reservation.

Incidentally the Collegium had recommended the elevation of Justices Maheshwari and Khanna overruling its earlier resolution of sending Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice Rajendra Menon to the top court.

"The decision to supersede as many as 32 judges including several Chief Justices of High Courts is not just an issue of concern but yet again proves how faulty is the system. The problem is the Collegium is not accountable to any other authority," Shah said.

While Justice Sanjay Kaul of the Supreme Court had written to Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi objecting to the sidelining of Justice Nandrajog, former Delhi High Court judge Kailash Gambhir had written to President Ram Nath Kovind against the elevation of Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna saying the superseding of 32 judges was "appalling and outrageous".

Notwithstanding the objections from the judicial fraternity, the Narendra Modi government went ahead with the appointment of the two judges.

Referring to instances where eminent judges have strongly criticised the Collegium system, Shah pointed to lack of clarity on the criteria of the selection of the judges and said several appointments have in the past have reeked of "biases".

"Sons and nephews of previous judges or senior lawyers tend to get the benefit," he said, adding that setting up a full time judicial appointment commission independent from the government for the higher judiciary was indispensable.

"The need is to have an independent full-time body which can take up such appointments systematically after laying down a criteria, evaluating candidates on that criteria and selecting them based on that," he said.

Justice Shah as the Chairman of a citizen collective named "Reclaiming the Republic" has recommended a host of judicial reforms that include the setting up of the commission for the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary.

About the composition of the appointment commission, he said retired judges, jurists and eminent citizens from legal or other fields could be members.

"The essence of this commission would be laying down a criteria for selection with a mechanism for analysing the candidature including their background," he said, adding that the selection process should be transparent with public disclosure of the names shortlisted candidates.

On the issue of corruption in the judiciary, he advocated for a "Judicial Complaints Authority", an independent panel empowered to investigate and adjudicate on complaints against judges including the CJI.

"The fact that no judge has been impeached in independent India though six judges have faced it, amply signifies the impracticability of the process. Moreover, except for the impeachment motion there is no mechanism to look into allegations against the Chief Justice of India.

"The need is to have a commission similar to appointment commission, which shall be empowered to receive and investigate complaints and allegations of misconduct or otherwise and recommend and take action against those found guilty," Shah said.

He also called for scrapping draconian laws like sedition, criminal defamation and criminal contempt of court citing their frequent misuse.

(Anurag Dey can be contacted at anurag.d@ians.in)

--IANS

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The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Election Commission to consider allotting a common symbol -- pressure cooker -- to the T.T.V. Dinakaran-led AMMK for contesting the Lok Sabha elections, and by-elections to 20 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

A bench of Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice Ajay Rastogi in their order also asked the Delhi High Court to dispose of the appeal filed by the AMMK against the EC decision to allot the 'two leaves' symbol to the AIADMK led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E. Palaniswami in four weeks.

If for some reason, the court said, the appeal against the November 23, 2017, EC order could not be disposed of by the High Court in four weeks, the EC should pass an order allotting a common symbol to Dinakaran's AMMK, it said.

While disposing of the application by Dinakaran, the top court virtually upheld the High Court's interim order and asked the EC to decide the allotment of a common symbol as per the High Court's order.

The AIADMK had split into two, both claiming the 'two leaves' symbol.

The Election Commission recognised Palaniswami's group as the real AIADMK and gave it the 'two leaves' symbol.

--IANS

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(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.)
On February 8, 1995, an enthusiastic, 35-year-old engineering-cum-management graduate arrived at Paradh, a small village in the Yavatmal district, to address a group of around 2,000 farmers - an event that would bring their plight onto the world stage.

Sadly, nothing has changed as around 110,000 farmers have committed suicide in the state in the past 25 years. Of this, around 18,000 suicides have occurred in the past five years.

Kishore Tiwari, the technocrat, who had learnt of the farmers' plight through the local vernacular media stressed the 'right to exist' and not the "government doles' at the meeting.

The tiny spark lit 25 years ago by Tiwari and his supporters turned the global attention towards farmers' suicides and also made it one of the biggest social, economic and political issue after the 1989 Mandal Commission report.

"Tomorrow (February 8) I am going to the same village to meet farmers and pass the same resolution that we did 25 years ago. Nothing has really changed," said Tiwari.

Ancestors of Tiwari, 60, migrated from Uttar Pradesh to Pandharkavda, Yavatmal, nearly seven decades ago. He lost his father to the plague when he was barely two years old. His grandparents sold vegetables in the local markets for a living.

Stung by the huge farmers' turnout in a remote village, then Chief Minister Sharad Pawar put Tiwari behind the bars along with around 1,000 farmers. Female members of the congregation were detained and let off later.

A month later, a Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition led by Chief Minister Manohar Joshi took office. For the next three months it refused to release Tiwari, until the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court freed him.

Over the years, Tiwari set up the Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS), an NGO, that ventured deep into the agrarian crisis in Maharashtra, its neighbouring as well as other states across the country.

To help resolve the crisis, Tiwari gradually adopted a holistic approach, which included promoting related issues like food security, health security, right to education, problem of unwed tribal mothers, rehabilitation of farmers' widows and orphans through education, jobs and entrepreneurship.

"As per official records and our own data, in the past 25 years, more than 110,000 farmers, including 10,000 women farmers, have committed suicide in Maharashtra. There are 125 recorded cases of young girls ending their lives as their debt-ridden parents could not bear the cost of their education or marriage. It shook me to the core. Now I have dedicated myself to the cause of farmers' upliftment," said Tiwari.

Initial studies revealed while earlier farmers' suicides were largely limited to Vidarbha (eastern part of the state), it spread to entire Maharashtra, barring the lush Western parts of the state.

"Today the scenario is pretty bad. Besides Maharashtra, the issue now affects practically every state in India. The worst-hit are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and surprisingly, even Punjab, which was the cradle of the Green Revolution around 1960," said Tiwari.

Plight of farmers affected him so deeply that Tiwari, also a lawyer, who had worked in several companies, decided to dedicate his life to the cause despite stiff opposition from family.

For political parties, Tiwari's passion became a handy tool to be exploited during elections to come to power and then "forget about it", he lamented.

"In the past 25 years, only one panel, led by M. S. Swaminathan, was set up in 2004 to enquire into the agrarian crises by then Agriculture Minister Rajnath Singh in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-headed BJP government at the Centre.

The panel submitted its report in 2008 to then Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar (NCP), but it was left on the self to gather dust.

"It suddenly catapulted into national limelight when Narendra Modi raised the issue, promising to implement the Swaminathan report, as part of his 2014 election campaign. Naturally, sensing hope, farmers voted hugely for the BJP. Once again the matter was relegated to backstage, and now has now been revived for the 2019 elections," Tiwari rued.

Tiwari has, so far, has spent nearly 16 months in jail for espousing the farmers causes.

His agitations brought the farm crises to the front pages of the Indian media and into living rooms in urban centres. Today, most Indians are aware of the farmers' plight, he said.

"In fact, after reading several series of articles in IANS, many people from all over the world have connected with us to help the cause. They include prominent personalities like Cyrus Guzder (Mumbai), Krishnakumar Taori (Dubai), Rohit Shelatkar (the UK) and Suresh Ediga (the USA)," Tiwari said.

The revelations were shocking, which forced the global media outlets to cover it extensively. The US, German and Australian television networks have made documentaries on the subject, including "Bitter Seed" and "Dying Fields", while several Indian films and television serials were made on the topic.

Though he claims that he has not been able to do as much as he wanted to ease the life of farmers, he turns to wife Smita in gratitude who stood by him through all his stints in jail and hardships to keep the family and ensure decent education for two daughter -- Abha, now an engineer with a US multinational company, and Apoorva who works in Brisbane.

The high-profile campaign for farmers earned him nominations for various national-international awards/honours, but Tiwari politely declined them, saying "it belittles my cause".

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two Reliance Jio's group companies shall soon shift their registered headquarters from Maharashtra to Gujarat pursuant to the outcome of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held here on Tuesday.

Confirming the developments, sources in the Jio group told IANS on Thursday that "this was in the pipeline since long" and the formal process has been initiated now.

The Mukesh Ambani-run Reliance Group has strong roots in Gujarat, with even some other companies headquartered there earlier, but since long no new entity had been launched from the neighbouring state.

Accordingly, it was decided to shift the headquarters of two Jio companies - the Reliance Jio Digital Services Ltd. and the Reliance Jio Messaging Services Ltd. - currently based at Maker Chamber IV, Nariman Point in Mumbai, to a new location in Gujarat, the sources explained.

An EGM on February 5 passed a Special Resolution to the effect for the two companies, by which they will now apply to the Central government under Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013.

They will seek confirmation of the alteration of the Memorandum of Association of the two companies - both incorporated in Mumbai in January 2013 - to enable them shift their registered offices from Maharashtra to Gujarat.

On Thursday, the Reliance Jio Digital Services Ltd. through its Director Sanjay Mashruwala and Reliance Jio Messaging Services Ltd. through its Director R.M. Kamath, issued public notices on this proposal.

They have also sought objections from the people whose interests are likely to be affected due to the proposed change in the registered offices of these companies within a fortnight, informing the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and both the companies.

--IANS

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Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Thursday said the group has firmed up Rs 10,000 crore of investments in West Bengal, which is already under implementation.

"In 2016, when I first attended the Bengal Global Business Summit, the Relaince's investment was Rs 4,500 crore. Today, our investment stand at Rs 28,000 crore in West Bengal alone," he said addressing the fifth edition of the summit.

"This accounts for about one-tenth of our total investments in India so far," Ambani added.

"Now, we have firmed up our plan for further investment of Rs 10,000 crore and this plan is already under implementation," he said.

The state is poised to become the "logistics hub of the East" with plans to attract investments of Rs 5,000 crore by 2020. Ambani said the group currently provides directly and indirectly about 1,00,000 employments in the state.

The group's endeavour to cover 100 per cent of the state's population with its Jio network is "progressing at fast pace". "We hope to achieve this within the current year," he said, adding the time has come for Bengal to become "the land of digital revolutionaries".

Reliance Retail operates here over 500 stores and 46 petro-retail outlets in West Bengal and the group has been supporting local businesses by procuring 4,000 metric tonne of agricultural produce in addition to 2.5 million garments annually, he said.

"We operate nearly three million sqft of warehouses in Bengal and with our new initiative, it will increase manifold in the next 24 months," he said.

Jio and Reliance Retail will shortly launch unique new commerce platform which will benefit consumers and producers and it will empower 3 crore shopkeepers.

He said 350 Jio points are already operational and the group is targeting 1,000 by end of this year.

In the last summit, Ambani had hoped "Bengal is becoming the best Bengal", which he said was "indeed coming true".

He congratulated the state for providing land for its Data centre projects and assured to make it progress speedily.

--IANS

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Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Thursday said the group has firmed up Rs 10,000 crore of investments in West Bengal, which is already under implementation.

"In 2016, when I first attended the Bengal Global Business Summit, Reliance's investments in the state were Rs 4,500 crore. Today, our investments stand at Rs 28,000 crore in West Bengal alone," he said addressing the fifth edition of the summit.

"This accounts for about one-tenth of our total investments in India so far," Ambani added.

He said Jio has become the largest investor in the digital space in this state.

"Now, we have firmed up our plan for a further investment of over Rs 10,000 crore. This plan is already under implementation," he said.

The state is poised to become the "logistics hub of the East" with plans to attract investments of Rs 5,000 crore by 2020. Ambani said the group currently provides directly and indirectly about 100,000 jobs in the state.

The group's endeavour to cover 100 per cent of the state's population with its Jio network is "progressing at a fast pace".

"We hope to achieve this within the current year, 2019," he said, adding the time has come for Bengal to become "the land of digital revolutionaries" and "a leader to the Fourth Industrial Revolution".

Ambani said Jio's Gigafiber project of connecting Bengal with optic fibre to bring superior digital services to every home has progressed well and this will transform every home in the state into a "smart home".

Reliance Retail operates here over 500 stores and 46 petro-retail outlets spanning nearly one million square feet across 400 cities and towns of West Bengal and the group has been supporting local businesses by procuring 4,000 metric tonnes of agricultural produce in addition to 2.5 million garments annually, he said.

"We operate nearly three million sq.ft. of warehouses in Bengal and with our new commerce initiative, it will increase manifold in the next 24 months," he said.

Jio and Reliance Retail will "shortly launch a unique New Commerce platform", which will bring win-win benefits to consumers, retailers and producers, Ambani said, adding that across the country, this platform will enrich and empower as many as three crore small shopkeepers.

According to him, Jio has close to one lakh active business partners across the state and the group has set up "Jio Points" as a direct distribution channel in deep rural markets, to cater to the growing rural market and each and every village in the state.

He said 350 such points are already operational and the group is targeting 1,000 by end of this year.

He congratulated the state for providing land for its Data Centre project and gave the assurance of implementing it speedily.

Last year, Ambani announced the establishment of the "Satyendra Nath Bose Chair Professor" in the Department of Physics at the University of Calcutta.

He said the state government has approved the group's proposal and it is setting up this Chair this year.

In the last summit, Ambani had hoped "Bengal is becoming the best Bengal", which he said was "indeed coming true".

He said Reliance will be the "most trusted partner" in the fulfilment of the dreams of nearly 10 crore people of West Bengal.

--IANS

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Four rebels and a few other disgruntled legislators of the Congress are keeping the H.D. Kumaraswamy-led coalition government in Karnataka on the edge ahead of the general elections due in April-May.

Defying the party whip, the Congress MLAs, said to be 10 in number, skipped the joint session of the state legislature on the first day of the 10-day budget session on Wednesday.

As the rebels -- Ramesh Jharkiholi, Mahesh Kumatalli, Umesh Jadhav and B. Nagendra -- continued to remain incommunicado, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday warned them of disqualification under the anti-defection law if they do not attend the CLP meeting on Friday morning.

Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy of the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) is scheduled to present budget for the next fiscal (2019-20) on Friday.

To tackle disgruntled legislators, the Congress general body reviewed the situation and plans to write to Speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar to disqualify the MLAs who do not attend the House when the budget is presented. The budget has to be passed after debate by February 15.

With the BJP deciding to press for division at voting on the budget, the presence of all the 79 Congress members has become necessary to ensure its passage.

In the 225-member Assembly, including one nominated from the Anglo-Indian community, the Congress has 80 members, including the Speaker, the JD-S 37, the BJP 104 and remaining are an Independent and one each from the BSP and the KPJP, a regional outfit.

As the combined strength of the ruling allies is 116, including four rebels, the government will be able to pass the budget as 113 is the halfway mark required for a simple majority.

"Even if the four rebels are disqualified, the government will still be able to pass the budget, as the overall strength of the Assembly will come down to 221, with 111 as the halfway mark for a simple majority," a Congress leader claimed.

Two legislators, H. Nagesh of Karnataka Pragnavantha Janatha Party (KPJP) and Independent R. Shankar, who withdrew their support to the coalition government last month, also kept away from the session on Wednesday. The allies are, however, trying to woo Nagesh and Shankar to vote in favour of the budget or abstain to prevent its defeat on the floor of the House.

B.S. Yeddyurappa, BJP state president and its leader in the House, however, claimed that his party would not move a no-confidence motion against the coalition government or prevent Kumaraswamy from presenting the budget

"We will neither move a no-confidence motion nor approach the Governor. The government will collapse on its own, given the bickering among its MLAs. The government is on the brink due to 'revolt' in the Congress and serious differences between the two allies over many issues," said Yeddyurappa.

Though the ruling allies have survived over the last 8 months despite uncertainty and bickering over power-sharing, fear of the 'big brother' (BJP) staging a coup has kept them together, however uneasy their relations may be.

It is for the first time an out-of-power Congress was forced to keep the JD-S alive and relevant in the state by extending unconditional support to form a coalition government on May 23 after the three-day BJP government fell on May 19 for want of a simple majority.

As the hung verdict was against then ruling Congress, which won 78 seats initially against 121 in the 2013 Assembly elections, it lost no time in wooing its arch rival (JD-S) to form a post-poll alliance after a bitter electoral battle, though the latter could win only 37 seats.

While the necessity of keeping the BJP at bay forced the allies to hold on, absence of "chemistry" between the two has taken a toll on their "opportunistic" alliance, which is evident from pot-shots between them over many issues from day one.

While JD-S supremo and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Chief Minister Kumaraswamy still consider coming to power again as a providential gift despite having only 37 members, the "big brother" attitude of the Congress is turning to be a millstone around their neck due to its alleged interference in administration, appointments, transfers and allocation of funds to various sectors, a political analyst said.

"Though coming to power with just 37 MLAs has been a dream come true for the JD-S, the Congress dominance in power-sharing in terms of cabinet posts, heads of boards and corporations and portfolios has made Kumaraswamy bear the cross for the survival and continuation of the fledgling coalition government as long as it can," he said.

--IANS

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Rajasthan police's NOC (no-objection certificate) to Jennifer Kathleen Margaret Robertson, wife of Gerald Cotten, the CEO of Canadian cryptocurrency exchange Quadriga CX, on December 10, 2018, raised several doubts on Thursday in the chain of events in Cotten's death reported on December 9 in Jaipur.

"As Cotton's death was reported in Jaipur-based Fortis Escorts Hospital, there was no point of suspicion at that time. The Fortis hospital had sent a letter along with a body; so we gave an NOC. Had the case not been reported by the hospital, we would have opted for a post-mortem," said Laxman Gaur, additional commissioner of police.

He confirmed that the police gave an NOC to his wife to take back his body to Nova Scotia in Canada in December.

However, it is not yet clear as to where he wanted to open an orphanage in Jaipur, said Gaur, adding had his wife been here, we could have asked this and other questions. "Now, it looks very difficult," he said.

Cotten had spent a day in Jaipur at Fortis Escorts Hospital before he died on December 9, 2018.

Speaking to IANS, hospital sources said Cotten's condition seemed to be a case of gastroenteritis initially when he was admitted. Cotton had complained of watery stools, vomiting, cramps abdominal pain. He was also feeling feverish when he came to hospital, sources said.

Later it was confirmed that he was a patient of Crohn's disease. After a thorough diagnosis, it was found that he suffered from septic shock, perforation, peritonitis and intestinal obstruction. Soon after, his organs kept deteriorating and he died on December 9 after suffering from the recurrent episodes of cardiac arrest at 7.26 pm, said Pragya Sharma, spokesperson for Fortis Escorts Hospital while talking to IANS.

The Facebook page of Quadriga CX reported his death more than a month later, on January 14, 2019.

Cotten's sudden death has left $145 million in Bitcoin and other digital assets which are protected by his unretrievable passwords. He had signed his last will and testament on Nov. 27, 2018 in which he left his assets for his wife, Jennifer Robertson, announcing her the executor to his estate.

(Archana Sharma can be contacted at arachana.g@gmail.com)

--IANS

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The UAEs Ministry of Finance (MoF) will discuss the development of SMEs in the UAE with the director of the International Monetary Fund director Christine Lagarde at the upcoming World Government Summit in Dubai, UAE.



The round table discussions will include the future of Blockchain and digital assets.



MoF will hold two closed sessions and a number of open meetings on global financial trends at the summit from 10 to 12 February.



Younis Haji Al-Khoori, Undersecretary, said: The Summit is the starting point for the development of ideas, visions and initiatives that enhance human life and enhance the role and work of governments in promoting the quality of their societies.



The UAE has made a quantum leap in embracing this important event by analysing and anticipating the future and building for it, not only for today and tomorrow's generations but also for future generations. We seek to ensure the future sustainability of financial and economic resources and meet the aspirations and needs of future generations by identifying and taking on challenges. "



During the first day of the event, MoF will hold high-level closed-door discussions on the development of SMEs and Blockchain and digital assets as well as on good governance. On the second day, MoF will hold an open session with the IMF on the role development funds can play by investing in the digital economy, and an open session on the coordination of fiscal policies with the World Bank.



Al-Khoori stressed the importance of participating in the World Government Summit, which brings together more than 4,000 participants, including world leaders, policy makers and experts from more than 150 countries, to identify future trends and showcase best practices and technologies that encourage creativity and innovation.



Al-Khoori added that MoF is keen to organise a series of events associated with the World Government Summit to help it become the most important international forum discussing the prospects and challenges of governments worldwide.



The 2018 World Government Summit gathered more than 4,000 people from 140 countries and organised more than 120 key and interactive sessions with 130 speakers ranging from politicians, decision-makers and representatives of 16 international organisations, entrepreneurs, experts, specialists, researchers and academics.  TradeArabia News Service
Most parts of Uttar Pradesh woke up to heavy rains on Thursday morning, while the office announced that more heavy showers were in store.

The present conditions would continue till the weekend and it would get sunny only after Sunday, according to the Met Department.

The rainfall, the Department said, has been triggered by a western disturbance over the Himalayas and a moisture feed from the Bay of Bengal.

The rains that started on Wednesday, are continuing in Lucknow, Ayodhya, Sultanpur, Rae Bareli, Amethi, Balrampur, Gonda, Bahraich, Shrawasti, Hardoi and Lakhimpur.

Intermittent rains will occur throughout the day in Ambedkarnagar, Lucknow, Sitapur, Gonda and Barabanki, the Department said.

Besides adding to the winter chill, the rains have disrupted normal life at many places as school going children have been stranded at many places.

The attendance in some schools has dropped, a teacher at a school here told IANS.

Vehicular traffic has also been hit and the speed of vehicles on major highways has slowed down.

More than a dozen trains were delayed inculding the Archana Express, Jan Sadharan Express, New Delhi-Jalpaiguri Express, Rajdhani Express and the Swatantrata Senani Express.

Meanwhile, four persons have been injured in rain-related incidents across the state, including an 11-year-old who was struck by lightning in Hardoi.

--IANS

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Seeking to invigorate party's campaign in Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi and new party general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia will visit Lucknow on February 11.

It will be the first visit of Priyanka Gandhi to Uttar Pradesh after being appointed general secretary incharge of the eastern UP. They will reach the Lucknow party office in a procession from the airport.

Briefing reporters after a meeting of Congress general secretaries here, party leader K. C. Venugopal said Scindia, incharge of UP (West), and Priyanka, incharge of UP (East), will interact with workers on February 12, 13 and 14.

It was the first meeting of general secretaries attended by Priyanka Gandhi, sister of Rahul Gandhi, after her formal entry into politics, recently.

The Congress, not a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in UP, has decided to go it alone but also keep the door open for prospective allies.

The Congress could win only two seats in the state, which has 80 Lok Sabha constituencies, at the 2014 general elections.

--IANS

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Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday accused the government of using the President's address to the joint session of Parliament for political "gains" and dubbed it a compilation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches in rallies.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the motion of thanks to the President's address, Kharge criticised the government's actions like demonestisation, GST implementation and the Rafale fighter jet deal and said that the BJP came to power in 2014 by "misleading the people which it is still continuing".

"This was not President's address. It was a compilation of Prime Minister's speeches in rallies. Here is a Prime Minister who never listens to anyone but keeps talking about himself. The use of President's address for political gains shows that how low this government can stoop to save its deteriorating reputation," he said.

He alleged that the government was not only weakening Constitutional institutions but trying to finish them day after day.

"This government is not working according to the Constitution. Issues are not being discussed in the Cabinet. Whatever Modiji says, that happens," he said referring to the Constitution amendment Bill that provides 10 per cent reservation for economically poor among general categories.

Kharge said that even as the Bill was taken up in the Lok Sabha for discussion and passing in an unstarred reply in Paliament, the Minister concerned had denied that the government has any proposal to provide reservation for the poor among upper castes.

He said that it pained him when the President, in his address, compared the work done by the Modi government and the previous governments.

"At least give us the credit for our work. But you won't give us credit because you are full of hatred. Despite our doing so much work, you allege every now and then that nothing has happened in last 60 years," the Congress leader said.

He listed the Congress's achievements in the form of reducing illiteracy and infant mortality rate while it took several measures like green revolution, establishing educational institutions and many other pioneering measures.

Kharge said the Congress governments in the past had done everything to save the country and the democracy while the BJP-led government has been misleading the youth.

"We developed this country as self-dependent, competent and one with self respect. We strengthened the democracy and saved the country. You came in power by making false promises but you did not stop here. You are continuously lying. Because it has been in your habit," he said.

Referring to issues of demonestisation and the GST, Kharge slammed the government saying the two decisions broke the back of the farmers, labourers and the small and medium businessmen.

He also raised the issue of Rafale fighter jet deal and demanded a joint parliamentary probe into it.

Hitting out at government over the farmers' plight across the country, he said it did nothing for the farmers in the last five years.

"Why are you not writing off the farmers' loans when you can waive Rs 1.10 lakh crore of loans of industrialists. You did nothing for the farmers. You did not even implement the promises for them. Now, when you are going to face elections, you are trying to give them something. But this is not going to work," he said.

--IANS

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The Indian government has got Prabhjot Singh -- wanted in two cases by Punjab police -- extradited from the UAE, CBI officials said on Thursday.

A senior Central Bureau of Investigation official said that Singh, wanted in in Punjab for two cases of murder, destruction of evidence and under sections of Arms Act was extradited to India on Thursday morning.

The CBI had informed the Punjab Police which had sent a team to the UAE.

Singh landed in Amritsar, the CBI official said.

The official said that a red corner notice against Singh was earlier issued by the Interpol.

This is the fourth extradition of a high-profile accused in last two-and-a-half-months from the United Arab Emirates.

The government on December 4 last year got extradited Christian James Michel, a British national and alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case.

In January the government extradited corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar and coaccused in AgustaWestland case Rajeev Saxena from Dubai on the intervening night of January 30-31.

--IANS

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Several posters appeared in the city on Thursday describing Congress President Rahul Gandhi as 'Ram Bhakt,' a day ahead of his visit to Madhya Pradesh to express "gratitude to voters" after the party succeeded in dislodging the BJP government in the state, party sources said.

"Gandhi will reach Bhopal in a chartered plane and will take helicopter to reach Jamboori Maidan where the 'aabhaar rally' is being organised," Congress said in release.

"He will be in the state capital between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will also meet party legislators and farmers," the release said.

Many poster welcoming Gandhi have been placed across state capital of which some are describing him as 'Ram Bhakt'. In some posters, promises to built Ram Temple read : "Will build Ram temple in Ayodhya with consensus, we welcome such Ram Bhakt".

Besides, in some posters Gandhi has been addressed as "future Prime Minister".

During the Assembly election party leaders had promoted him by saying 'Ram Bhakt' and Shiv 'Bhakt'.

--IANS

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A team from Pakistan will visit India on March 13 to discuss and finalise the modalities for visit of pilgrims to the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahab through the Kartarpur corridor with New Delhi on Thursday accepting the dates proposed by Islamabad.

"We welcome the visit of Pakistan team to discuss and finalise modalities for facilitating visit of pilgrims through Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on March 13, 2019 to India. Follow up meeting can be held in Pakistan, as required," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

India has also proposed technical level discussions between engineers on both sides and hoped that Pakistan will respond positively.

"For expeditious realisation of Kartarpur Corridor, India has also proposed technical level discussions between engineers on both sides without waiting for discussion on the modalities. We hope Pakistan would positively respond & confirm coordinates of crossing point as well," Kumar said in another tweet.

Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan on Thursday offered to send a delegation to India on March 13 to finalise the draft agreement for the Kartarpur corridor.

"In a spirit of constructive engagement Pakistan has proposed to India that the Pakistan delegation may visit India on 13 March followed by the return visit of the Indian delegation to Pakistan on 28 March to finalise the draft agreement for the Kartarpur corridor," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said in tweets.

"We look forward to positive reciprocity from India," he added.

The proposal from Pakistan, which had earlier been seeking talks be held in the country and had pitched for Kartarpur Sahab itself as a site, came after reports that India would will soon send a draft proposal for the corridor.

India, which had last month shared with Pakistan the coordinates of the Kartarpur Corridor zero point, had also proposed two sets of dates, February 26 and March 7, for the visit of Pakistan delegation to New Delhi to discuss and finalise the modalities so that Indian pilgrims can visit the gurdwara using the corridor at the earliest.

The shrine, located about 3km from the international border near the town of Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, is highly significant for the Sikh community as it is here that Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years of his life and is his final resting place.

On Tuesday, Indian Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a high level meeting in New Delhi to fast-track the implementation of the corridor project.

Punjab Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh, Border Security Force Director General R.K. Misra, Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Ajay Bisaria and senior officers of other agencies attended the meeting where they discussed acquisition of land for the highway as well as for the integrated check-post.

The meeting was informed that the preliminary notification for land acquisition for the highway has been issued.

Home Ministry officials said the Punjab government has assured that land for both the projects would be made available by mid-March.

The land to start preliminary work would be made available to the National Highway Authority of India and the Land Ports Authority of India.

The Indian government had in November 22, 2018 decided to develop the Kartarpur Corridor from Gurdaspur to the International Border to facilitate pilgrims' passage to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahab as part of the 550th birth year celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, later this year.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, while Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 on their side of the border, in presence of Indian ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu.

--IANS

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The Himachal Pradesh government spent over Rs 2 crore for a public meeting addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark the completion of its first year in office, the assembly was informed on Thursday.

In a written reply, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said approximately Rs 2.31 crore was spent by the state on 'Jan Abhar' rally on December 27, 2018.

Replying to a question by Congress member Jagat Singh Negi, he said 441 government buses and 63 private buses were hired for the rally. However, no school bus was hired for it, he added.

Leader of Opposition Mukesh Aghnihotri has been repeatedly alleging that the cash-strapped government has misused official machinery for Modi's rally.

"The state government of and on has been using official helicopters for ferrying top BJP central leadership, which is a gross misuse of resources," Agnihotri told IANS.

According to him, the state is under a debt of over Rs 50,000 crore and they are meeting their day-to-day expenditure by raising loans.

Officials said nearly 100,000 people attended Modi's rally in Dharamsala towm, some 250 km from the state capital.

At the rally, Modi said those who were in the habit of looting money were now afraid of the country's 'chowkidar'. Like the soldiers earlier, the Congress "is now befooling the farmers", he said.

In his nearly one hour-long address in Hindi at the rally, he said his government has given Rs 12,000 crore to soldiers in four instalments under the One Rank, One Pension scheme. He had also compared the financial incentives his government has extended to the state with those of the previous United Progressive Alliance government.

--IANS

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Roughly 9,920 Havana residents were forced from their homes by the tornado that hit the Cuban capital 10 days ago, killing six people, injuring 195 others and damaging more than 4,800 residences, Cuban official media reported on Wednesday.

Most of the displaced people are staying with relatives and friends, according to a briefing delivered during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

The latest report on the effects of the tornado on the capital districts of Diez de Octubre, Regla, Guanabacoa, Habana del Este and San Miguel del Padron nearly quadruples the initial estimate of 1,238 homes either destroyed or significantly damaged by the twister.

And the number continues to grow, with dire implications for Cuba's already acute housing shortage, Efe reported.

The president told ministers to prioritize the repair of relatively minor damage to buildings that remained largely intact.

The government is selling construction materials at half-price to the affected families who have registered at the help centers set up after the tornado, which have assisted more than 5,000 people so far, Finance Minister Meisi Bolanos said.

For people whose homes were damaged beyond repair, the government has promised to set up sites to accommodate temporary quarters.

Havana was surprised the night of January 27 by a intense tornado that tore through five eastern districts with winds of 300 km/h (186 mph).

It the first tornado to hit the Cuban capital since 1940.

The storm toppled some 1,600 trees, which is complicating the cleanup in affected areas, though power and water service has been restored.

Havana Mayor Reynaldo Garcia said authorities have set up 28 centers to receive donations of goods for the people displaced and described that process as becoming progressively better organized.

Within hours of the disaster, Cubans both inside and outside the country mobilized to aid victims without waiting for the government to swing into action.

Some would-be Good Samaritans posted on social media that they ran into problems with local officials who rejected private donations, though the government later attributed those incidents to "confusion" and said that all donations would be accepted.

--IANS

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A mother of five was stabbed to death by a jilted lover here, after she turned down his marriage proposal, a senior police officer said on Thursday. The accused has been apprehended.

"The accused identified as Shyam, works as a constructor in a shoe factory where the deceased also used to work under him. He was apprehended on Thursday morning from West Delhi's Nangloi area, following a tip-off. The weapon used in the crime was also recovered," Additional Commissioner of Police Rajender Singh Sagar told IANS.

Police said the incident occurred on Wednesday night when the victim, Madhuri, was taking a stroll outside her residence with her younger daughter in Nangloi.

"Seeing Madhuri alone, Shyam came to her and stabbed her over half a dozen times following an argument after she refused to elope with him. When her daughter came to rescue Madhuri, Shyam dragged her and escaped," Sagar said.

"Locals informed the police and Madhuri was taken to the hospital where she was later declared dead," the officer added.

"During investigation, it was found that Madhuri was already married and a mother of five children. Shyam used to harass her. He was forcing her to get married to him from the last few days," he added.

However, the deceased family members have alleged that Madhuri had earlier filed a complaint against Shyam after he threatened her with dire consequences if she turned down his marriage proposal.

--IANS

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Bloom  a fascinating exhibition of abstract paintings by well-known UAE-based artist Nada Al Barazi has opened at Canal Central Hotel Business Bay.

The touring exhibition will continue at the hotel until February 28 before moving to the luxurious Royal Central Hotel The Palm where it will remain until March 31.

Welcoming the artist, Ahmad Al Abdulla, Chairman of Central Hotels, said: We are delighted to support this beautiful exhibition by Ms Nada Al Barazi who is an accomplished painter. We are confident this exceptional exhibition will serve as a big milestone in collaboration of art between Central Hotels and local artists as we believe great art, music, culture, people and food all combine to enrich the soul of a hotel. Therefore, art for us is not only ornamental but fundamental.

As a brand Central Hotels strives to support the local community of artists as well as cater to its guests desire for new experiences by enhancing the hotel ambience, he said.

Ammar Kanaan, Group General Manager of Central Hotels, stressed: Travellers today are looking to be immersed in local culture and a focus on art is woven into our brand. It is wonderful to see how Ms Nada has used a blaze of colours to capture the diverse moods and landscapes.

Using a mix of mediums such as oil and acrylic on canvas, Nada has produced stunning abstracts inspired from nature.

Elaborating on the style, Nada said: My art is a reflection of my soul like a piano with many strings, my eyes are the hammers, and my colours are the key, which I use to create a unique shade for each work of art. What is incredibly significant to me as an artist is to share my vision with this beautiful world through my art and I am very pleased to collaborate with Central Hotels to showcase my works. - TradeArabia News Service
Amid BJP's accusations of harassment and intimidation by the state's ruling Trinamool Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a public meeting in Jalpaiguri district's Churabhandar on Friday, in a bid to give a further fillip to the saffron outfit's Lok Sabha poll campaign in northern West Bengal.

The BJP's big hopes for a good show in the eastern state, where the party has been traditionally weak, hinges around a good performance in the eight seats spread across seven North Bengal districts. It has lined up a series of big public meetings in the region by drafting top national leaders as part of its ongoing February campaign blitz across Bengal.

After bringing Amit Shah in Malda, Rajnath Singh in Falakata (Alipurduar) and Mathabhanga (Cooch Behar) and Aarranging telephonic address of Yogi Adityanath in Balurghat (South Dinajpur) and Raiganj (North Dinajpur) after his helicopter was not given landing permission, the saffron outfit's first round of campaign in north Bengal reaches a climax with Modi's programme.

The Prime Minister's visit comes in the backdrop of the surcharged political atmosphere in the state, with Mamata Banerjee taking to the streets with all her might to throw the gauntlet at the BJP, and to Modi in particular, after an ugly face-off between the CBI and the Kolkata police over the federal agency's attempt to grill police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in the Ponzi scheme scam.

There are no prizes for guessing that Modi would return the fire with all his customary gusto at Churabhandar - in Maynaguri block and over 500 km from state capital Kolkata. The ponzi scam issue and alleged involvement of Trinamool leaders in the scandal are likely to feature prominently in his speech.

Modi is also likely to question Banerjee's street protests to protect a police officer under the CBI scanner and attack her for the way the federal agency's officers were aassaulted and detained' while carrying out a probe ordained by the Supreme Court.

The meeting would be the third by the Prime Minister within six days in the state. On February 2, he had addressed two rallies in Thakurnagar (of North 24 Parganas district) and Durgapur (West Burdwan district).

On Thursday, Special Protection Group personnel in charge of the Prime Minister's security were seen making a thorough inspection of the spot and its surrounding areas, and supervising the arrangements.

Three helipads are being built, and a host of state and district-level and BJP leaders have descended on the area to tie up the loose ends.

After the collapse of a canopy during Modi's meeting in Midnapore town, and the mini stampede at Thakurnagar, the district administration and the BJP leadership are living no stone unturned to prevent any such accident at Churabhandar.

"There will be a huge crowd. Initially, we thought there will be a turnout of one lakh. But now the sort of response we are getting, the crowd can swell to several lakhs," BJP Jalpaiguri district chief Debasish Chakraborty told IANS.

He alleged that all sorts of obstacles were created by the Trinamool and the administration in organising the meeting.

"First, the administration rejected our application for using grounds of government-run bodies for the meeting. When we managed to convince some private owners to hold the meeting on their land, the Trinamool forced some farmers to object to the landing of the helicopter in or around their land, saying their crops will be destroyed.

"But we held discussions with the farmers. We have now got all the permissions. However, now the Trinamool goons are now threatening car and bus owners not to rent their vehicles for the meeting. They are even going from door-to-door threatening people not to attend the rally," Chakraborty alleged.

--IANS

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Mexico and Uruguay on Wednesday in this capital proposed the so-called "Montevideo Mechanism," a four-stage process consisting of immediate dialogue, negotiation, commitments and implementation to achieve peace in Venezuela.

"We're proposing the Montevideo Mechanism as per our legitimate interest and readiness to contribute to helping the Venezuelan people and the involved actors find a solution to their differences," the two nations said in a joint communique backed by the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

If Venezuela's elected government, headed by President Nicolas Maduro, and the opposition -- unified behind the figure of self-proclaimed interim President Juan Guaido -- agree to dialogue in accord with this plan, the head of the Ibero-American General Secretariat (Segib), Rebeca Grynspan, former Uruguayan Foreign Minister Enrique Iglesias and former Mexican Foreign Secretary Bernardo Sepulveda would be invited to accompany the process.

In addition, a top Caricom representative and "figures of recognized international experience and moral quality" would also be called upon to participate, reports Efe.

In that regard, the tripartite initiative is being established as a "peaceful and democratic alternative that favours dialogue and peace to foster the necessary conditions for a comprehensive and lasting solution."

According to the proposal, the first phase -- that of immediate dialogue -- is designed to generate the conditions for direct contact among the involved actors "within a secure environment."

Immediately thereafter, the process would move to the negotiation phase where a "strategic presentation of the results of the dialogue phase" would be made to the parties in which points in common and areas of opportunity would be sought to make their positions more flexible and identify potential areas of agreement.

The third phase, that of commitment, would consist of constructing and signing the agreement based on the results of the previous phase.

Finally, the implementation phase would be undertaken with international monitoring and support.

Although Mexico and Uruguay, along with the Caricom countries, recognize "the level of complexity and the circumstances" in Venezuela, they also said in the document that they feel this is "no reason to reject diplomatic routes to the solution of controversies."

In addition, they reiterated their concern over the serious humanitarian situation in Venezuelan and "respectfully" urged the parties to guarantee the preservation of human rights.

Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez and his foreign minister, Rodolfo Nin Novoa, met in Montevideo on Wednesday with Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard to discuss the Venezuelan crisis.

--IANS

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To protect the rights of indigenous communities, the Confederation of Hynniewtrep Social Organisations (CoHSO) on Thursday said the Meghalaya government has promised to an amendment to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 by incorporating provisions of British-era inner line permit (ILP) system.

"Deputy Chief Minister (Prestone Tynsong) has assured that the political and law departments will ensure that amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 incorporate ILP provisions into the Act," CoHSO chairman Robertjune Kharjahrin told journalists.

Members of the CoHSO, a conglomeration of 14 organisations, met Tynsong and reiterated the demand for implementation of ILP to tackle the influx problem.

The ILP is an official travel document issued by the Union government to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected/restricted area for a limited period. It is obligatory for residents of other states to obtain the permit for entering into the restricted areas.

During the meeting, CoSHO urged the government to incorporate four provisions of the ILP to ensure that no Indian citizen or foreigner enter and settle without permission, penalise outsiders for illegally settling in the state, the stay of an outsider in the state not exceed 179 days and a also prevention of sale of indigenous tribal land to an outsider.

Kharjahrin said CoHSO was against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Bill that seeks to remove hurdles in the case of migrants from six minority groups from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan in getting the Indian citizenship despite opposition by political parties, including the Congress and the Trinamool Congress.

--IANS

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One of the two BJP legislators in Meghalaya on Thursday threatened to quit the party party if the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP legislator Sanbor Shullai said he would leave the party within a month if the controversial Bill is passed in the Rajya Sabha.

"Considering the outcome of the proposed Bill, I have left it to the wisdom of the people of my state and have decided to leave the party within one month in the event if the proposed Bill is passed in Rajya Sabha," Shullai noted in the letter.

The BJP which has two members in the 60-member Meghalaya assembly is supporting the National People's Party (NPP) coalition government.

Shullai's party legislator Alexander Hek is a senior cabinet minister.

In the letter, Shullai reminded Modi that during the BJP National Convention at Ram Lila Maidan, New Delhi on January 12, Shullai along with party workers had submitted a memorandum opposing the Citizenship Bill, citing various reasons which can affect the demography of Meghalaya and the northeastern region if the Bill is implemented.

The Lok Sabha has already passed the Bill that seeks to remove hurdles in eligible migrants from six minority groups from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afganistan from getting Indian citizenship despite opposition by political parties including the Congress and Trinamool Congress.

--IANS

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It's been a long journey for India and champagne, going back over three centuries and in 2017, over 400,000 bottles of the bubbly were shipped to India in spite of the high taxes, says the head of a key French organisation that ensures that only the original product is served around the world.

"Champagne and India have a long story that dates back to the first shipments in the 18th century. Maharajas were the most important consumers of this new wine at that time. Since then, shipments have continued and Champagne enjoys a great recognition, which was confirmed with the registration of the Champagne appellation by India in 2008," Vincent Perrin, Directeur General of Comite Champagne, told IANS in an email interview.

How would he describe the journey over the past decade and how have the two sides benefited?

Noting that one of the Comite Champagne's key missions is to ensure that the name Champagne is reserved only for sparkling wines produced in the Champagne region of France to give "to our winegrowers and houses the best environment to sell their wines", Perrin added: "To achieve this objective, education programmes and protection of the Champagne name are two levers that we continuously use."

To this end, the registration of the Champagne appellation, which was renewed recently, "is a recognition of the reputation of Champagne wines on Indian territory. It's also a guarantee for Indian consumers of the origins of the wines," added Perrin, who joined the Comite Champagne in September 2014 after an extensive career in diplomacy and international business development.

Speaking about the impact of the association on India-France relations, Perrin said Champagne has had a strong connect with India "and it perhaps showcases best the French art de vivre. We hope that this relation will only grow and strengthen in the future".

How does he foresee the roadmap for the future?

"As India emerges as a global economic power, Indians who are likely to consume luxury products should increase in the coming years and wines play a growing part in the drink sector. There is a strong potential, despite high taxes, for Champagne wines which have grown steadily over the years.

Educational tools, including e-learning like the 'Champagne Campus' app, have been developed by the Comite Champagne to educate a wide audience, both in France and abroad, about the wine-growing region of Champagne the vines, winemaking process, tasting et al. These will help more Indians approach champagne with more confidence.

--IANS

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Corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar has links with fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) told a Delhi court on Thursday while seeking extension of his custody for interrogation.

"Investigation has revealed his (Talwar) links with fugitive Vijay Mallya when both the said persons were evading the process of law and the investigation on the said aspect is ongoing for determining the trail of the tainted money in the instant case," Special Public Prosecutors D.P. Singh and Nitesh Rana told the court.

Investigation on routing of the funds through various entities registered in India and other countries will enable the agency to determine the beneficiaries of money laundering, they said.

"It would also throw light on the involvement of the public officials and other persons connected to generation of proceeds of crime by the said accused (Talwar)/his associates as a syndicate," the ED said adding that further custody of Talwar will help in ascertaining key elements of the case.

Special Judge Santosh Snehi then allowed the ED to quiz Talwar till February 12.

Talwar was presented before the court on expiry of his seven-day ED custody.

The ED told the court that Talwar's custody is required as he needs to be confronted with documents as well as his son Aditya Talwar, who is abroad and his associate Yasmine Kapoor.

It also told the court that the probe has disclosed Talwar and his family members were owners of eight offshore companies and the credit into the bank accounts of these companies are under investigation for uncovering the money trail.

"The custody of Talwar is required to unearth the proceeds of crime laundered through these companies," ED's counsel said.

Talwar's counsel opposed the plea, saying that Talwar was forced to take names of politicians and that some companies were his.

Talwar was deported from the UAE on January 30 night. He was presented before a court on January 31 which sent him to seven days ED custody.

The ED said that Rs 200 crore was allegedly received in one of the bank accounts of a company of Talwar in Singapore and that he is being probed for his suspected role in the irregular seat sharing on Air India's profitable routes with some international airlines.

Talwar had fled to Dubai after the Indian agencies started probing his role in concealing the income of more than Rs 1,000 crore as well as facilitating aviation contracts during the UPA regime.

He is accused of brokering aviation sector deals, getting government approval for foreign companies, and securing favours for clients due to his ties with UPA functionaries.

--IANS

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Uproar and protest by BJP legislators against the JD-S-Congress coalition government on Thursday forced the Karnataka legislature, comprising Assembly and Council, to adjourn.

As soon as the Assembly and Council began the second day of the 10-day Budget session, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators walked towards the Chairs of the Houses and shouted slogans against the ruling allies.

"Step down, step down. Chief Minister, step down!" the legislators screamed, alleging that the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S)-Congress coalition government was in power despite "not having majority".

In the Assembly, Speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar adjourned the proceedings till Friday as the BJP members continued their protest and refused to return to their seats to allow smooth conduct of the business listed for the day.

The Legislative Council was also adjourned till Friday.

"We are protesting because the JD-S-Congress coalition does not have the support of the majority. They do not have the moral right to present a new Budget under such circumstances," BJP state unit President B.S. Yeddyurappa told the media outside the Assembly.

His party, however, will not be moving a no-confidence motion against the government, he said.

Congress party leader Siddaramaiah asserted that the party had the support of all its legislators.

"We have called for a legislature party meeting on Friday and all our MLAs will be present for it," he said.

The former Chief Minister said the BJP could move a no-confidence motion to know the strength of the coalition government.

"Let the BJP move a no-confidence motion, what's preventing them?" he asked while addressing the media.

The Budget session began on a stormy note on Wednesday amid BJP legislators' protests, forcing Governor Vajubhai Vala to cut short his address.

As many as 10 Congress lawmakers and three from BJP skipped the first day.

Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy of the JD-S, who also holds the Finance portfolio, is scheduled to present the state budget for ensuing fiscal (2019-20) in the Assembly on Friday afternoon.

--IANS

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Changing gears, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) floated by actor Kamal Hassan will not align with Dravidian parties in the Lok Sabha polls, he said.

Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore, about 500 km from here, said his party will contest all the 39 Lok Sabha constituencies in

He said by not aligning with the Dravidian parties, the MNM is keeping its "hands clean".

The actor-turned-politician has been openly critical of and BJP.
Karti Chidambaram, the son of former Finance Minister and Congress leader P. Chidambaram, on Thursday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with its probe into the INX media case.

Karti, arrived at the ED's Jamnagar office in central Delhi at 11.05 a.m.

He will be questioned under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

P. Chidambaram has been asked to appear before the financial probe agency on February 8.

Karti has been questioned on several occasions in the case being probed by the ED as well as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Both the agencies are probing how Karti managed to get clearance from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in 2007 when his father held the Finance Minister portfolio.

Karti was arrested on February 28, 2018, by the CBI for allegedly accepting money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media. He was later granted bail.

Karti's chartered accountant S. Bhaskararaman was also arrested and released on bail later.

The agency has also questioned the senior Congress leader twice in the case for giving FIPB clearance to the INX group.

The ED had registered a PMLA case based on a CBI FIR and alleged that irregularities took place in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007.

The ED probe so far showed that for the FIPB approval, INX Media directors Peter and Indrani Mukerjea met P. Chidambaram so that there was no hold-up or delay in their application.

The ED has said that the money so received by associated entities was channelled back into the ASCPL.

The ED has attached properties worth Rs 54 crore belonging to Karti and a firm in the case. It has also attached properties belonging to the Mukerjeas in connection with the same case.

--IANS

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An Indian-American man and his girlfriend have been charged with trying to hire a hitman to kill the man's estranged wife.

Narsan Lingala, 55, was charged with one count of murder-for-hire. He appeared before US Judge Michael A. Hammer in the Newark federal court and was held without bail on Wednesday, NJ.com reported citing a news release from US Attorney Craig Carpenito.

Lingala's former girlfriend, Sandya Reddy, 52, appeared before Hammer on the same charge and was also detained.

Their court appearance came five months after Lingala and Reddy, both residents of Nobleville, Indiana, appeared before a Middlesex County Superior Court judge on attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges. The case is now being handled at the federal level.

According to the federal complaint, Lingala was in a holding cell at the Middlesex County Courthouse in May 2018 awaiting a court hearing when he asked another inmate if he knew anyone who could kill his estranged wife. The inmate indicated he knew a person, according to Attorney Carpenito's release.

The following month on the directions of law enforcement authorities, the inmate introduced Lingala to an undercover officer posing as a hitman. Over several weeks Lingala and the alleged hitman spoke on the telephone and planned to meet in person when Lingala travelled from Indiana to New Jersey, the release stated.

Lingala and Reddy met the alleged hitman in August last year and had a conversation inside his vehicle that was video recorded, the report said.

"I want that woman (his former wife) to be out of my life ... totally. Never again. She never comes back," Lingala said, according to the news release.

Lingala and his former wife, a North Brunswick resident, married in December 1995 and had two children before he filed for divorce in May 2011. He then spent several years unsuccessfully contesting the financial terms of the matrimonial settlement.

Lingala also allegedly showed the undercover hitman photos of the exterior and interior of his former wife's home, while Reddy allegedly provided him information about the intended victim.

The three also discussed the price that the undercover hitman would be paid. The "hitman" said the job would cost between $5,000 and $10,000,

Lingala and Reddy were arrested in Woodbridge after the meeting, the news release stated.

If convicted of the murder-for-hire charge Lingala and Reddy could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the news release.

The Indian-American had also been arrested in the past for violating a restraining order.

--IANS

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The Saudi Plastic and Petrochemical Exhibition has concluded its successful edition this year with the participation of leading government figures, decision-makers, regional and international experts and pioneers from the kingdom and around the globe.



The exhibitors showcased new innovative platforms, products and services related to the plastics and petrochemical industries, said a statement from the organisers.



The event, organised by Riyadh Exhibitions Company, was held under the patronage of Prince Mishaal Bin Majid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Jeddah, with support of public and private sector entities as a direct gateway to the investment opportunities in the Saudi market to coincide with national efforts to increase the output of petrochemical industries to $453.3 billion by 2030.



The 16th edition of the expo was sponsored by Sabic as Diamond Sponsor, and received critical acclaim from both regional and international exhibitors who have made significant deals and partnerships with Saudi companies in support of plans to develop high-value industrial products and activate the contribution of the plastic and petrochemical sector in driving the growth and diversification of the economy in line with the goals of the National Transformation Program 2020 and Saudi Vision 2030.



The event coincided with the 16th edition of the Saudi Printing & Packaging Exhibition, which attracted a wide range of national companies to learn about the latest technologies, services and products related to packaging and printing.



It also received acclaim from international pioneers for showcasing the many opportunities available in the kingdom and demonstrating the country as a promising market for printing technologies and innovations of packaging.



Mohammad Al Al-Sheikh, head of marketing, Riyadh Exhibition Company, said: The strong momentum achieved by the successful 16th edition of the event reflects the leading level of the exhibition as a strategic platform for fruitful partnerships between Saudi and regional and international pioneers.



Such a platform paves the way for huge investment opportunities within the Saudi market under the incentives, facilities and government support provided to activate the contribution of vital industries to diversify income sources in the Kingdom by 2030, he said.



Al-Sheikh continued: We are delighted to have welcomed a huge number of visitors to the exhibition. This reflects the growing interest in investment prospects within the plastics, petrochemical, printing and packaging sectors within the Saudi Arabia.



The exhibitions provided an ideal opportunity to learn about the latest technologies, equipment and solutions offered by the world's leading manufacturers, as well as explore the latest innovations and trends in environmentally friendly solutions that will add significant importance to the Saudi petrochemical sector's growth-- which is growing at an annual rate of 7 per cent, thus enhancing its role as a vital resource of the tributaries of the national economy, he said.



The Sabic workshops, which ran throughout the exhibition, were one of the most attractive events that gave the attendees an overview of the most important and latest solutions related to these vital sectors that provide an integrated manufacturing base, he added.



We look forward to organising the next edition of the Saudi Plastic and Petrochemical Industries Exhibition from January 13 to 16 2020, at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center  a continuation of our achievements in providing the Saudi market with the finest events and exhibitions to explore the future of pivotal sectors that strengthen the Kingdom's leadership position as an influential force on the global economic map, Al-Sheikh concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met visiting Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Minister A.K. Abdul Momen and said that relations between the two neighbouring countries have been on an upward trajectory and New Delhi will work to build on this momentum.

Modi congratulated Momen on his appointment as Foreign Minister and appreciated his gesture of selecting India as the destination for his first international visit.

According to an official statement, Momen briefed Modi on recent developments in the bilateral relationship.

"The Prime Minister said that India-Bangladesh relations have been on an upward trajectory in the last few years. He reaffirmed India's commitment to work with Bangladesh to build on this momentum during the new term in office of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," it said.

Momen will co-chair the Fifth Joint Consultative Committee meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday.

It is the first high-level visit from Bangladesh since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's victory in the parliamentary elections last December.

The two sides will also sign agreements during the visit.

--IANS

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In one of the strongest public remarks ever, a senior representative of Chinese technology major Huawei on Thursday night rebutted fear-mongering against the company.

In a ballroom in Brussels packed with well over 100 guests, mostly Europeans, Huawei's envoy to the European Union institutions launched into a robust defence of the Chinese technology giant.

"Recently, Huawei has been under constant attack by some countries and politicians. We are shocked, or sometimes feel amused, by those ungrounded and senseless allegations," Abraham Liu, Huawei's vice president for the European region and chief representative to the EU institutions, was quoted as saying to Xinhua news agency.

"For example, yesterday, the US ambassador to the European Union, Mr. (Gordon) Sondland, said (that) someone in Beijing (could) remotely run a certain car off the road on 5G network and kill the person that's in it. This is an insult to people's intelligence, let alone the technological experts across the world," Liu said.

"Excluding Huawei from the market doesn't mean the network is safe. For example, since Huawei's equipment is not used in the US networks, is the US having the most secure network? The answer is no," Liu said.

The company has an excellent cyber security record, Liu said, with its devices being approved by strict reviews by multiple regulators and operators.

Huawei's partners in Europe include big-name telecoms operators such as Deutsche Telekom, British Telecom, Vodafone, Orange, Proximus and others, Xinhua reported.

These partners "have publicly endorsed their trust in Huawei. I applaud these sensible approaches," Liu said.

"Cyber security should remain a technical issue, instead of an ideological issue. Because technical issues can always be resolved through the right solutions, while an ideological issue can not," he said.

Certain western governments and media outlets have consistently cast doubt over Huawei's ownership and governance. Liu made it crystal clear that "Huawei is a 100 per cent employee-owned private enterprise," adding that "if we want to pursue our commercial success, we must follow our own business ethics. We have never harmed the interests of any customer or nation."

Huawei has more than 12,000 employees in Europe, over 70 per cent of whom are hired locally, Liu said. In 2018, the company procured goods and services worth $6.3 billion from Europe.

"For Huawei, Europe has become our second home," he said, adding that "our success is Europe's success. Our loss would be Europe's loss."

--IANS

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In the run-up to the general election in India, Facebook has smartly tweaked a new tool aimed at bringing transparency to ads related to politics in the country.

Unlike in other countries where the feature is available, political advertisers in India will be able to skip the "Paid for by" disclaimer by choosing a "Published by" label - leaving people guessing who actually paid for the ad.

The social giant earlier introduced the political ad transparency tool in the US, Brazil, and the UK, and in December last year, it announced that the tool would be brought to India ahead of the forthcoming general election in the country.

It finally brought the tool to India on Thursday.

As part of these changes which will be enforced by Facebook from February 21, anyone who wants to run ads related to politics in India will have to reveal their identity and location to pass the authorisation process and have a "Published by" or "Paid for by" label.

"The tool comes with some India-specific features," Shivnath Thukral, Facebook's Public Policy Director for India and South Asia told IANS in an interview.

"The law of the land does not require us to make the 'Paid for by' label mandatory in India," Thukral added.

When asked if that could help some advertisers to fudge data, Thukral said the social platform has taken key steps towards transparency and that it would be open to feedback and suggestion and learn from them.

"Many new things will happen over the next months and years," he added.

Facebook requires those who opt for the "Published by" label to go through another level of authentication to ensure the entity/organisation cited is authentic.

Whatever of these two options one chooses, users will still be able to see how much money was spent on the ad, which age group the ad targets and how long it will run among other details.

Facebook verifies residency of advertisers either by physical verification (by sending someone to the address provided) or by sending a code in the post. Facebook, Thukral added, has partnered with external agencies for physical verification of the location of the advertisers.

To be approved by Facebook, one needs to have a residency in India, he said, adding that the verification process takes around four to five days.

Since the authorisation process was announced in December, thousands have applied so far, Thukral said.

Another India-first feature that Facebook introduced was that advertisers can begin the authorisations on their mobile phones itself instead of logging in from a desktop.

Moreover, Facebook also introduced for registered political parties in India an option to upload their Certification and Monitoring Committee Certificate from India's Election Commission.

"In our conversation with Election Commission, we learnt that it is essential to give political parties the option to upload the certificate," Thukral told IANS.

When a person clicks on the disclaimer, they will be taken to a searchable Ad Library where they can see important information related to the ad, including range of impressions, range of spend, and information about who saw the ad, like age, gender and location across India.

The disclaimer credentials will also appear in the Ad Library, Facebook said.

(Gokul Bhagabati can be reached at gokul.b@ians.in)

--IANS

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A die-hard fan of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar performed 'khiladi-style' stunts to catch a glimpse of his favourite actor but ended up in the lock-up, police said here on Thursday.

The incident happened late on Tuesday when the 20-year-old Haryana youth Ankit Goswami went to the actor's building near Juhu Beach, demanding to meet Akshay, but was chased away by the security personnel.

He went away, but returned later in the evening to try his luck again though he was unaware that his idol was not at home.

Goswami climbed onto a parked tempo near the building, to reach the top of the boundary wall and then waited for a couple of hours on a tree branch to avoid detection by the security guards.

Around 1.30 a.m. that night, he quietly got off the tree and attempted to go to Akshay's house, but was caught by the security personnel who handed him over to the police.

He was booked for tresspassing and sent to police custody, an official said, adding that the boy's father, Brijendra will reach Mumbai in a couple of days for bailing him out.

"Considered as a harmless but starstruck 'fan', the youth had run away from his home and reached Mumbai by train on Monday, wanting to meet Akshay and also try his own luck in Bollywood," the police said.

--IANS

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The self-proclaimed interim president of Venezuela, Juan Guaido, on Wednesday ordered the country's armed forces to allow the entry of international humanitarian aid, which is beginning to be collected at storage centers.

"Once again, a direct order to the armed forces at this time: Allow the necessary humanitarian aid to enter to take care of your families, your sister, your mother, your wife, who surely need supplies and some of whom, unfortunately, surely also have certain health conditions," said Guaido at a meeting with agricultural producers.

Specifically, on Wednesday morning opposition lawmaker Franklyn Duarte complained that a military convoy was blocking the border crossing point at Tienditas, a modern facility linking Venezuela and Colombia and where humanitarian aid is slated to be brought in.

"What is blocking ... the Tienditas bridge, where (the soldiers) are expecting the humanitarian aid to pass, is a cistern (truck), a container and today in the morning a convoy of the National Armed Forces arrived," Duarte was quoted as saying to Efe.

Later, in remarks to reporters, Guaido said that he knew that container trucks were blocking the bridge, which he said he considered to be "an absurd reaction by a regime that is not interested in the public."

"Despite that, we're going to do everything possible so that this aid can come in," said Guaido, reports Efe.

He also reiterated that "if part of the aid does not come in" in an urgent manner and is not distributed among 250,000 and 300,000 Venezuelans "they are at risk of dying," and for this reason he emphasized that when the opposition speaks about "a life or death fight" that is meant quite "literally."

"The regime still doesn't know what to do. The first information we had is that they were going to steal it. The next is that they're not letting it come in, the next is that they're letting it enter and stealing it later on," the interim president said.

However, he emphasized that the opposition is determined to "seek every mechanism" whereby the humanitarian emergency can be alleviated and the attitude of the Nicolas Maduro government to block the entry of the aid is "another stupid thing" that it's doing.

The humanitarian aid for Venezuela was requested by Guaido, despite the refusal of the Maduro government to accept it, claiming that allowing it to come in could open the door to a foreign invasion of the country.

Although it's still not clear how the aid will get into Venezuela, the opposition-controlled Parliament has already reported that collection and staging centers for the aid were set up in Cucuta, Colombia, by a group of Venezuelans on Tuesday.

According to the National Assembly, which Guaido heads, additional staging centers will be established in Brazil and on an as-yet-undetermined Caribbean island to collect and ship the aid coming from Venezuelan-capitalized firms abroad, particularly in Colombia and the US.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das on Thursday said it was the government's prerogative to decide on the usage of the surplus and dividend paid by the central bank to the government.

"How the government uses the proceeds of RBI dividend or surplus, is a decision they have to take," Das said in reply to a query asking his views on the usage of the RBI's dividend to meet the fiscal deficit breached by the government.

The issue of the transfer of the surplus from the central bank to the Centre had become a major bone of contention between the previous RBI Governor Urjit Patel and the Centre, which felt that the RBI was sitting on additional funds more than the actual need.

On whether the government has been putting pressure on the RBI to part with the previous years' surplus apart from the interim dividend, Das rubbished it saying it was mere speculation and that the RBI is always driven by certain principles and accounting norms.

"Payment of surplus or dividend from RBI is a part of the RBI Act. There's a legal provision and we are not doing anything beyond what is there in the legal provision," Das said after presiding over his first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting that encouraged an easy monetary policy by lowering the bank's key lending rate by 25 basis points.

Apart from cutting the repo rate to 6.25 per cent despite the earlier stance being "calibrated tightening", the bank also changed the stance to "neutral".

The RBI's central board meeting, which now stands deferred to February 18, will take a call on the amount of interim dividend to be paid by the bank to the government.

The government, in its interim budget, had revised its fiscal deficit for the current fiscal from 3.3 per cent to 3.4 per cent of the GDP due to the direct income support programme for small farmers.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A day after the court slammed the Delhi government for sitting on a file seeking clearance to prosecute former student leader Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others in a sedition case, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the government is working on it.

"The government is studying the charge sheet. The police took three years in filing it, and it is a lengthy charge sheet," Kejriwal told the media here.

He also said the charge sheet was filed just before the election, which is also raising questions.

"They filed it without permission and before the election, this raise certain questions. It is important to study the charge sheet as per the law and the government will take any decisions accordingly," he said.

A Delhi court on Wednesday told the Delhi government not to sit on the file seeking sanction to proceed in a case of sedition against former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others.

The Delhi Police on January 14 filed a charge sheet naming former JNU student leaders Kumar, Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya and seven Kashmiri students as accused in the case.

The case involves an event organised in the JNU campus in February 2016 against the hanging of Parliament-attack mastermind Afzal Guru.

Both Kumar and Khalid have questioned the filing of the charge sheet, saying it was "politically motivated" and a "diversionary ploy" by the Modi government ahead of the general elections.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph on Thursday dismissed as baseless the media reports that he would be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Kerala.

Justice Joseph, however, said he was approached by political parties.

Speaking to IANS, Joseph who retired from the apex court last year, said he has been informally approached by people from both the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).

"Several people have informally approached me from both the political fronts asking if I would be interested in contesting polls. From the UDF, it was the Kerala Congress (Mani) that asked my opinion. From the other front also, I was approached. But my answer to all has been I am not at all interested," he said.

Interestingly, both the fronts are in search of suitable candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, which is just few months away.

Joseph, 65, was in the news when he along with three of his colleagues, in January 2018, addressed a press conference against then Chief Justice Dipak Misra.

Joseph, in his student days, was active in

In 1996, he was designated a senior advocate and in 2000 appointed judge of the Kerala High Court.

In February 2010, he was made the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court. On March 8, 2013, he became a judge of Supreme Court.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A top European Union (EU) official on Thursday said he was willing to clarify points in the joint non-legally binding political declaration on the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the bloc, but seemed to dash any hopes the British Prime Minister Theresa May had.

"She travelled to Brussels in search of concessions on the Irish border safeguard as laid out in the legally-binding withdrawal agreement, which is to remain firmly shut," the EU official said.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker met May in the Belgian capital to discuss ways to end the Brexit impasse, Efe news agency reported on Thursday.

"President Juncker underlined that the EU27 will not reopen the withdrawal agreement that represents a carefully-balanced compromise between the EU and the UK in which both sides have made significant concessions," a joint statement said.

May returned to Brussels after members of the House of Commons, the UK's lower chamber of Parliament, first rejected the withdrawal deal in its current form and then passed an amendment to it, requiring the Prime Minister to seek alternative solutions to the backstop, which could include legally-binding changes to the clause to add an expiration date or grant the UK the powers to unilaterally withdraw from it, should it come into use.

"President Juncker, however, expressed his openness to add wording to the political declaration agreed by the EU27 and the UK in order to be more ambitious in terms of content and speed when it comes to the future relationship," the statement said.

The political declaration is a non-legally binding text adjoining the withdrawal deal, which serves more like a statement of goodwill for a deep future partnership.

May and Juncker held "robust" discussions in search of a solution to the logjammed deal that would command a majority in the Commons. Teams from both sides of the negotiating table would meet again before the end of February, raising the chances of discussions that could trundle towards the official Brexit date -- March 29.

The Irish backstop in its current form sent disunion in May's Conservative Party. Hardline party members fear that the safeguard could bind the UK to the EU indefinitely.

The Democratic Unionist Party, a Northern Irish group whose voting power in the Commons keeps May's minority government afloat, also rejected the measure as they say it would in effect subject the UK territory in Ireland to different rules compared with the rest of Britain.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the left-leaning Labour Party, wrote to the Prime Minister that he would back her withdrawal agreement if she made five alterations, which included the addition of remaining in the customs union.

The move sought to smooth over disagreements regarding the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but angered pro-remain Labour members.

The open border in Ireland, now all but invisible, is a 499-kilometre (310-mile) geographical line running through the countryside, and bisecting main roads and even rivers, is enshrined in an international peace deal that in 1998 helped end decades of sectarian and political violence in Northern Ireland.

Over 3,000 people died during the unrest, which saw unionist para-militaries from largely Protestant areas, who consider themselves to be British, and Republican militias from largely Catholic areas who sought a re-unified Ireland, indulge in violent fights.

Neither the EU nor the UK want to return to the hard border.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Oman government has announced plans to float the tenders for development of key industrial cities at Shinas, a coastal town in the northern part of the sultanate bordering the UAE and Thumrait, a small town in southern Oman on the main road to Dhofar.



The tenders will be floated locally and internationally amid potential investment opportunities in the development field.

The government is also expected to start similar development work at Mahas in addition to other major projects. There are a number of strategic projects with significant investments in the final stages in Suhar and Sur Industrial Cities, it stated.

The announcement comes at a time when the sultanate is gearing up for the Oman Industry Day celebrations that commemorates the visit of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to Rusayl Industrial City on February 9, 1991.



The history of the industrial cities in Oman extends for more than 35 years, remarked Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani, the chief executive of The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn).



"The march started in 1983 with the establishment of Al Rusayl Industrial Estate Authority by a royal decree followed by the setting up of Madayn in 1993 to complement the march of Al Rusayl Industrial Estate Authority with the objective of planning, establishing, managing and developing the industrial cities across Oman," he explained.



"In order to ensure the continued achievement of specific national objectives, Madayn has developed since 2007 short and medium term strategies to preserve the achievement and aim to further growth," stated Al Hasani.

He pointed out that this year's Industry Day comes at a time when Madayn is witnessing rising growth rates in various fields.

By the end of the first half of 2018, the total investment volume in the various industrial cities pertaining to Madayn has witnessed a growth of 2.16 per cent compared to the same period the previous year.



The workforce in the various industrial cities during the first half rose to 56,887 with the Omanisation rate put at 34 per cent.



"Moreover, the number of investing projects in their various construction stages during the same period has touched 2,071, of which 1,389 are existing, 368 are under construction and 314 have been allotted with space," explained Al Hasani.



The total area of the industrial cities has surged to hit 104.5 million sq m during the same period with utilisation rate of up to 54 per cent.



On the public-private partnership programme, Al Hasani said Oman Investment and Development Holding Company (Mubadrah) represents the main pillar of the PPP scheme.



"The programme is aimed at attracting international developers to the new industrial cities in the sultanate with several sops for the developers and investors including provision of all the governmental services to them," he explained.



Mubadrah aims at attracting international developers and operators as per the best practices for the development of industrial cities, he added.



In addition to the launch of Madayn brandmark and establishment of Mubadrah, 2018 also witnessed major achievements by Madayn.



An agreement was signed to develop, construct, and operation management of the sixth and seventh buildings in KOM and multi-level parking project, said Hasani.



An agreement was also signed to develop the commercial zone in Al Rusayl Industrial City, in addition to the agreement of the Facility Building in Samail Industrial City.



In the area of development, Madayn has commenced developing phase two of Al Mazunah Free Zone, expansion phase of Raysut Industrial City, as well as developing the mountain area and expansions in Al Rusayl Industrial City, stated the top official.



Design works and processing of tender documents for the development of projects in KOM and Al Buraimi, Nizwa and Sur Industrial Cities have been completed. The tenders will be floated in the coming weeks, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Five Canadian diplomats and members of their families who fell victim to mysterious health complaints while posted to Cuba are suing the government for 28 million Canadian dollars ($21.1million) in damages.

The group of 14 said Ottawa delayed their evacuation from Havana and their medical treatment. Last year, Canadian and US officials were recalled from Havana after complaining of dizziness and migraines.

Despite being back in Canada for over 18 months, they said they all still suffer from what they called "Havana Syndrome", Canadian broadcaster CBC reported on Wednesday. They said they began experiencing symptoms of this syndrome in spring 2017.

The causes of their illness were not known, but Canada discounted the idea of a "sonic attack" on its Embassy, reports say.

According to the broadcaster, several families were subsequently moved from Havana, but until April 2018 Canada continued to post new staff to Cuba despite warnings from US counterparts.

"Throughout the crisis, Canada downplayed the seriousness of the situation, hoarded and concealed critical health and safety information and gave false, misleading and incomplete information to diplomatic staff," the diplomats said in a statement.

"My wife, she isn't the same anymore," one unnamed diplomat told CBC, adding that "she has gaps in her memory, headaches, problems hearing".

"She picks up the telephone to make a call but forgets why, enters rooms without reason. She can't concentrate anymore," the diplomat said.

Another diplomat and a young mother taking part in the lawsuit, said she suffers from migraines and excessive fatigue. She said she has become very sensitive to light and needs to wear sunglasses in her own home.

Washington withdrew most of its non-essential personnel from Cuba in September 2017 and said 21 embassy employees had been affected.

Last month, Canada said it would be cutting its embassy staff by up to half.

The affected Canadian diplomats were being monitored by the University of Ottawa's Brain and Mind Research Institute and the Brain Repair Centre at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, CBC said.

Meanwhile, at a news conference in Washington, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said she was aware of the lawsuit.

"I... want to reiterate that I have met with some of these diplomats and, as I said to them, their health and safety needs to be our priority."

Cuba has repeatedly denied any involvement in the incident.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Delhi court on Wednesday said that it will hear, on February 14, the plea of former INX Media director Indrani Mukerjea seeking to become approver in the INX Media case.

Mukerjea, who is in Mumbai's Byculla Jail as she faces trial for murder of her daughter Sheena Bora, appeared before special judge Sunil Rana through video conferencing.

Responding positively as the court asked her whether application seeking grant of pardon has been moved voluntarily, she also said that she has not engaged counsel to represent her and requested a legal aid counsel be provided to her.

The court directed Delhi Legal Service Authority to appoint counsel for Mukerjea.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are probing how former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram managed to get clearance for INX Media from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in 2007 when his father was minister.

The probe so far showed that for the FIPB approval, INX Media directors Peter and Indrani Mukerjea met P. Chidambaram so that there was no hold-up or delay in their application.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Delhi court has settled over 22 years old case allowing the Canadian government to recover over Rs 90 lakh from one of its former accountants, accused of defrauding money. The order was issued on Thursday.

Additional District Judge Sumit Dass in an order last month allowed the Canadian government and the Canadian High Commission here to recover Rs 37,84,470 with 6 per cent interest from January 1, 1995 from its former accountant N.V. Ramani. The money had been siphoned while he was employed by the commission.

The court said: "It is not my benevolence nor there is any sympathy towards defendant (Ramani) but fact of the matter is that this grinding litigation for the past 22 years filed by a Sovereign state against an individual which they have pursued vigorously by itself is a sufficient lesson to the defendant (Ramani."

"The loss of job, the social stigma attached and the fact that he had contested the suit for 22 years all have been taken into consideration," the court said.

The court said the defendant committed an act for which he requires to be penalised.

The court also said Ramani should be given an opportunity to reform and extricate himself out of such a mess to live honorably by compensating the plaintiff Canada government.

"Ramani should be given an opportunity to reform. He is 70 or may be more as is evident from his physical appearance. The case as well as age both may have taken a toll," the court said.

The civil suit was filed in the Delhi High Court on April 6, 1996 and was transferred to the Patiala House Courts when the court's pecuniary jurisdiction was revised upwards in 2015.

The Canadian government had alleged that Ramani defrauded large amounts, adding up to Rs 37,84,470.

Ramani was appointed librarian and typist on March 21, 1975. Later on June 4, 1982, he was appointed accounts officer.

Representing the Canadian government, counsel Amir Singh Pasrich told the court the amount had been misappropriated and remained unaccounted. The amount was received by Ramani out of official funds of the Canadian High Commission, he added.

The court also appreciated advocate Pasrich, assisted by advocate Kalyan Arambam and defendant counsel Pradeep Dubey, for helping the court and presenting the finer points of the case in a lucid manner.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai has warned that the so-called "decoupling" of Beijing and Washington, who are locked in a damaging trade row, would be disastrous for both economies and the world economy at large.

Speaking at the reception for the 40th anniversary of China-US diplomatic relations and the Chinese New Year at the Chinese Embassy here on Wednesday, Cui said history proved that cooperation serves the interest of both countries.

"China will open its door wider to the US and look forward to more cooperation at various levels," he was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency, adding that both countries to remain open to each other and become more connected.

The trade war has seen both sides levy tariffs of billions of dollars worth of one another's goods. In December, both countries agreed to hold off on new tariffs for 90 days to allow for talks.

They have a deadline of March 1 to strike a deal, or the US has said it will increase tariff rates on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 per cent to 25 per cent.

The trade war will have a number of negative effects on global trade, especially within certain markets, according to a UN study.

"New global challenges keep coming up. More than ever before, the world needs China and the US to work together.

"The two countries have interacted on such an extensive scale and influenced each other in so many ways that each is stronger and better than it would be otherwise," the Ambassador said.

Cui said daily trade between the two countries was over $1.5 billion and added that more than 14,000 people fly between the two countries every day for work, study and leisure.

"We are the two largest economies in the world... Both will be much more prosperous if we cooperate with each other."

Cui also extended an invitation to Washington to participate in the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which will be held in China in April.

US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs Matt Pottinger, a number of members of Congress and about 750 guests attended the reception.

China and the US formally established diplomatic ties on January 1, 1979.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Seven more bodies were found under the debris on Thursday afternoon, raising to 10 the death toll from the collapse of an eight-storey apartment building in Istanbul, the governor said.

"The number of our citizens who lost their lives increased to six, with 13 others wounded," Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said on the scene in the Kartal district on the Asian side of the city, noting another three bodies were found.

The governor later raised the death toll to ten, saying in a one-sentence statement that "four more bodies were found under the rubble."

Earlier in the day, a five-year-old girl was rescued from the rubble 19 hours after the collapse, lifting the number of the wounded to 13, reports Xinhua news agency.

Yerlikaya said on the scene that the condition of the girl was getting better following a surgery.

Considering the risk of collapse of other buildings on either side of the debris, experts have been monitoring even the "tiniest movements," the governor noted.

"The safety of our friends working on the rubble is also very important for us," Yerlikaya said, adding all the structures within the specific location will soon be technically examined.

The authorities have earlier evacuated a total of seven buildings in the area as a precaution.

Mehmet Gulluoglu, head of the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, said it is unclear how many people are being trapped under the debris.

"It is also not possible to say on which floor our teams are working, as the building slipped toward the front before the collapse," Gulluoglu told reporters on the scene.

The rescue operation is continuing despite a cold and wet day.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who appeared for the second round of questioning before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday, was confronted with his mails that were exchanged with Sumit Chadha, a relative of absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, sources said.

Vadra, who was questioned for over two hours before he stepped out for lunch, was asked about the mails he exchanged with Chadha in reference to a London property, the ED sources said.

The case relates to the ownership of 1.9 million pounds of undisclosed assets abroad, allegedly belonging to Vadra.

A money laundering case was registered against Vadra's close aide Manoj Arora after his role surfaced during a probe by the Income Tax Department into another case under the new Black Money Act and tax laws against Bhandari.

The London property was allegedly bought by Bhandari and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses on its renovation.

Vadra left the ED's Jamnagar office around 1.30 p.m. He had joined the session almost an hour late at 11.20 a.m., although he was asked to appear at 10.30 a.m.

On Wednesday, Vadra was questioned for the first time by any of the investigating agencies for over six hours.

Unlike the first day, the businessman was not accompanied by his wife Priyanka Gandhi, who had dropped him off at the office on Wednesday.

On December 7, 2018, as part of the investigation, the ED conducted searches at a number of premises in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.

The ED told a city court earlier that the London property was part of the kickbacks received in a petroleum deal. The money was transferred by Santech International, FZC, a UAE-based company controlled by Bhandari.

Arora, who is an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, is a key suspect in the case as he is aware of the overseas investments and purchases made by his employer.

The questioning came in the wake of an order by a Delhi court on February 2 directing Vadra to appear before the ED for questioning while hearing the anticipatory bail plea filed by him.

Vadra was on February 2 granted interim bail for a fortnight.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, was grilled for over nine hours by the Enforcement Directorate as he appeared for the second round of questioning on Thursday, and also confronted with his mails exchanged with a relative of absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, sources said.

Vadra was asked about the mails he exchanged with Sumit Chadha in reference to a London property, the ED sources said.

The source also said that Vadra was also asked how he knew Bhandari and Chadha and what were the business transactions they did.

According to sources, Vadra was confronted with the emails he exchanged with Chadha for the payment of the renovation of a London property.

The ED officials also asked Vadra about his account details.

The case relates to the ownership of 1.9 million pounds of undisclosed assets abroad, allegedly belonging to Vadra.

A money laundering case was registered against Vadra's close aide Manoj Arora after his role surfaced during a probe by the Income Tax Department into another case under the new Black Money Act and tax laws against Bhandari.

The London property was allegedly bought by Bhandari and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses on its renovation.

Vadra arrived at ED's Jamnagar House office in central Delhi at 11.20 a.m. Unlike the first day, the businessman was not accompanied by his wife Priyanka Gandhi, who had dropped him off at the office on Wednesday.

He stepped out for lunch at around 1.30 p.m. and returned to join the probe at 2.20 p.m.

The questioning went on till 9.30 p.m.

Priyanka Gandhi arrived at the ED office at around 9.20 p.m. and left with him at 9.30 p.m.

The financial probe agency source said that the ED also asked Vadra about his transactions and business dealings.

On Wednesday, Vadra was questioned by the ED for six hours, in the first time he daced any of the investigating agencies.

On December 7, 2018, as part of the investigation, the ED conducted searches at a number of premises in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.

The ED told a city court earlier that the London property was part of the kickbacks received in a petroleum deal. The money was transferred by Santech International, FZC, a UAE-based company controlled by Bhandari.

Arora, who is an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, is a key suspect in the case as he is aware of the overseas investments and purchases made by his employer.

The questioning came in the wake of an order by a Delhi court on February 2 directing Vadra to appear before the ED for questioning while hearing the anticipatory bail plea filed by him.

Vadra was on February 2 granted interim bail for a fortnight.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Highlighting the risks in the poorly-regulated cryptocurrency market, death of entrepreneur Gerald Cotten in India who was the owner of Canada's biggest cryptocurrency exchange Quadriga has left thousands of his investors in a quandary.

Cotten who died in a Jaipur hospital in December has plunged Quadriga into crisis and left it struggling to figure out how to refund more than 100,000 of its users as only he had access to $145 million of bitcoin and other digital assets.

With his death, the passwords that can unlock the cryptocurrencies are now gone as his laptop and smartphone are highly encrypted.

"Many of the digital currencies held by Quadriga are stored offline in accounts known as 'cold wallets', a way of protecting them from hackers and Cotten is the only person with access to the wallets, according to the company," CNN reported.

Cotten, 30, died due to complications with Crohn's disease while travelling in India.

"For the past weeks, we have worked extensively to address our liquidity issues, which include attempting to locate and secure our very significant cryptocurrency reserves held in cold wallets. Unfortunately, these efforts have not been successful," Quadriga said in a statement on its website.

Cotten's widow, Jennifer Robertson, said in the affidavit posted online that the laptop that Cotten used to run the currency exchange is encrypted.

"I do not know the password or recovery key. Despite repeated and diligent searches, I have not been able to find them written down anywhere," she said.

The company has hired an investigator to see if any information could be retrieved but ongoing efforts have had only "limited success in recovering a few coins" and some information from Cotten's computer and phone, BBC reported.

The Canadian High Commission in New Delhi told CNN that it was aware of Cotten's death and had "provided consular assistance," but declined to reveal further details.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board's plea against December 15, 2018, National Green Tribunal's (NGT) order asking it to give its consent to Vedanta for restarting operations at its copper smelting plant in Thoothukudi.

The bench of Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Navin Sinha reserved the order upon the competition arguments which saw TNPCB telling the court that the copper smelting plant which was the cause of near irreversible ground water pollution can't be allowed to resume operation.

On the other hand, Vedanta described as "political" the decision to put the plant under the lock.

The copper smelting plant was shut down permanently on May 28, 2018, in the wake of violent incidents that claimed many lives. Reserving the order, the court gave both the parties time till February 11 to file their written submissions.

Coupled with TNPCB and TN government's plea was an application by Vedanta seeking direction to the state government to take steps, including restoration of electricity to the plant as directed by the green tribunal for the plant to commence its a operation.

The order was reserved today on the conclusion of the hearing that lasted for two weeks.

--IANS

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The Supreme Court on Thursday came down heavily on CBI Joint Director M. Nageswara Rao and prosecution in-charge S. Bhasuran for transferring an agency officer probing the Muzaffarpur shelter home case despite the court's embargo against the transfer of then Additional Director A.K. Sharma who was heading the investigation team.

In a sudden turn of events, the apex court initiated contempt proceedings against the two officials for processing a file relating to the transfer of then Additional Director A.K. Sharma of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) who was heading the Muzaffarpur horror case.

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Deepak Misra and Justice Sanjiv Khanna slammed both officials for transferring Sharma without obtaining prior nod of the court or informing the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) about October 31 and November 28, 2018 orders of the court that had said that A.K. Sharma would continue to be the "senior-most officer as a part of the investigating team..."

Similarly, by November 28, 2018 order by which the CBI was allowed to expand the investigating team as it took upon itself the responsibility of probing other cases of "grave concern", the court had clarified that "we make it absolutely clear that Mr. A.K. Sharma, Additional Director, in-charge of the investigations, will continue to remain the in-charge of the investigations and the expanded team including the new members will report to him directly".

Taking a "very very serious view" of the transfer, the bench sought their response by Monday and their personal presence in the court on Tuesday.

The court also sought the presence of all CBI officials who dealt with the file relating to the transfer of Sharma from the CBI to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as its Additional Director.

Describing it as a "fit case of contempt", the CJI said: "We will get to the bottom of the matter... We are going to take it very very seriously. You have played with the orders of this court. God help you."

As CBI Superintendent of Police D. Singh, who is posted at Patna, told the court that he had filed the affidavit on the transfer of Sharma on instructions from Nageswara Rao, CJI Gogoi asked: "How this SP is competent to file this affidavit?"

"This is happening. This is a reality. We intend to deal with it," he said also telling D. Singh, who was present in the court, "Never ever file an affidavit without satisfaction."

"Law is the only master you serve, not any bureaucrat, not any politician. Keep that in mind," CJI Gogoi told the CBI official.

--IANS

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UAE-based Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) has announced that it has secured a syndicated loan of Dh1.5 billion ($408 million) through a group of local, regional and international banks to finance its upcoming projects.



These include Citibank, Emirates NBD, Standard Chartered, Mashreq and Samba Financial Group. The repayments are scheduled to be made in half-yearly instalments, said the company in a statement.



This loan will be used to expand the capacity and district cooling infrastructure in various projects, including Jumeirah Village South, International Media Production Zone, Business Bay, Barsha Heights, Deira Waterfront Development and others, it added.



The banks have a significant appetite for businesses with robust performance, and as a result, Empowers loan was oversubscribed by more than 3.5 times, which clearly indicated the confidence that banks had in the company, said Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, at the signing ceremony.



The deal was inked by Elissar Antonios, CEO of Citibank; Ahmed Al Qassim, Executive VP and General Manager Corporate Banking of Emirates NBD; Rola Abu Manneh, CEO of UAE Standard Chartered; Ahmed Abdelaal, Executive VP and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking Group of Mashreq and Manbir Dhillon, GM and Country Head of Samba Financial Group Dubai.



Bin Shafar stressed that bank financing for district cooling projects contributed to enhancing energy efficiency, thus reducing CO2 emissions.



"District cooling saves 50 per cent of the energy compared to conventional air conditioning systems. This makes banks an active partner in sustainable development and achieving the objectives of sustainable financing," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The opposition Congress on Thursday staged a walkout from the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, saying that the state's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had failed to get Rs 65,000 crore for 70 national highways sanctioned from the Centre.

After the walkout, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur blamed the previous Congress government for deliberately stalling the process for the highways for more than one year before the 2017 Assembly polls.

"The (state) Congress didn't want to give advantage to the BJP for giving in-principle approval to 70 national highways," he said.

Thakur said the Congress government had started the process for just eight detailed project reports (DPRs) of the highways in over one year, whereas "our government has started the process of outsourcing for 50 DPRs".

"It takes time for notification of the highways after in-principle approval as there are so many procedures involved," the Chief Minister added.

Describing the move as unfortunate, the Chief Minister said the Congress was looking for an opportunity to stage a walkout.

"The Congress wants to make a hue and cry in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls. Development is a collective programme and nobody should create hurdles in the development," he said.

Raising the question earlier, Leader of Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri said the government had been making tall claims on the issue, but there was nothing on ground.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Class 10 and 12 examinations conducted by the Uttar Pradesh government began amid tight security on Thursday with magistrates, police on high alert, besides the introduction of coded answer sheets to prevent any foul play, officials said.

A total of 58,06,922 students have enrolled for these exams which were being conducted at 8,354 examination centres.

There are 31,95,603 students taking the Class 10 or the Higher Secondary exams, while 26,11,319 were writing the Class 12 or the Intermediate exams.

Uttar Pradesh Board Secretary Neena Srivastava told IANS that District Magistrates (DMs), police chiefs and even the Special Task Force (STF) were on vigil to take on organised crimes.

They have been tasked to ensure that there was no cheating and unfair means adopted by the students during the conduct of the annual exams.

For the first time, she informed, coded answer sheets were being used in which roll numbers has to be written on every page to ensure that there is no change of copies.

"We always received complaints that the copies have been changed but now because of the new rules, this would not be possible as the students will write their roll numbers themselves.

"In case of an eventuality that an allegation of answer sheets altered is made, the handwriting will be examined," she added.

According to Board officials, 1,314 examination centres have been identified as "sensitive" and 448 "very sensitive".

This demarcation has been done on the basis of the past track record of mass cheating in these places.

Mobile squads under magistrates would be conducting surprise checks and ensure that there was no copying. Some 2.50 lakh invigilators were on duty.

Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, who also holds the basic charge has been making efforts to cleanse the system, which has been virtually destroyed by the copying mafia over the years.

Sharma also visited some centres in the state capital to check the ground level preparations.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A US federal judge has sentenced a Chinese student to a year in prison after he pleaded guilty to illegally taking pictures at a restricted US Navy base in Florida, the media reported on Thursday.

Zhao Qianli was given the maximum sentence after his guilty plea on Tuesday of one count of photographing defence installations, CNN reported.

According to court documents, Zhao entered the Joint Interagency Task Force South military property, located on Naval Air Station Key West, on September 26, 2018, without permission "by circumnavigating the installation's primary fence line, and entering the military property from the beach".

"The primary installation fence line contained multiple signs that stated the Farm area was a 'Restricted Area' and the 'Keep Out'."

Zhao was in the US to study musicology as part of a summer exchange programme from North University of China.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Union government has decided to take stern action against five senior police officers who were involved in the face-off between the Kolkata Police and CBI officials, sources said on Thursday.

The police officers face action for participating in a street protest with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, an action that comes on top of an unprecedented stand-off between the state and Central governments which lasted over 45 hours starting Sunday.

According to Ministry of Home Affairs sources, the government is planning to withdraw the medals given to these police officers for meritorious services.

An MHA source said that Director General of Police, Virendra, a 1985 batch IPS officer, Additional DG Vineet Goyal, a 1994 batch IPS officer, Additional DG law and order Anuj Sharma, a 1991 batch IPS officer, Commissioner of Police Gyanwant Singh, a 1993 batch officer and Additional CP Supratim Sarkar, a 1997 batch officer will face action.

On Tuesday, MHA sources had said that Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar would face fresh problem with the Centre on Tuesday asking the West Bengal government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.

The source had said that a letter was written to the West Bengal Chief Secretary to initiate action against the 1989-batch IPS officer citing "indisciplined behaviour and violation of All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968/AIS (Discipline and Appeal), Rules 1969 by the officer".

--IANS

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In a move to aid the non-performing assets (NPAs), or bad loans, resolution process under the Bankruptcy Code, the RBI on Thursday proposed to allow bidders to raise funds through External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) to enable them to repay their existing lenders.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies issued following the fiscal's last bi-monthly monetary policy review announcement noted that under the existing guidelines, the proceeds of ECBs, denominated in either foreign currency or the rupee, are not permitted to be used for repayment or for on-lending for repayment of domestic rupee loans.

The resolution applicants under Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 may find it attractive to borrow abroad to repay the existing lenders, the statement said.

"In view of the above, it is proposed to relax the end-use restrictions under the approval route of the ECB framework for resolution applicants under CIRP and allow them to utilise the ECB proceeds for repayment of rupee term loans of the target company.

"Your decision gives no room to fly-by-night operators to bring in money just for the sake of bringing in money. There are other openings of bringing in money -- we have ECB route, we have FPI (foreign portfolio investor) route," Das said.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is the final arbiter in the insolvency cases brought before it after exhausting the out-of-court resolution process with the Committee of Creditors.

"It's a well regulated process and only those companies which have been identified under the resolution process will be able to tap this route," the Governor said.

The RBI guidelines in this regard would be issued by the end of February 2019.

The central bank also said that as part of the review of FPI investment in corporate debt done in April 2018, it was stipulated that no FPI should have an exposure of more than 20 per cent of its corporate bond portfolio to a single corporate, "including exposure to entities related to the corporate".

"FPIs were given exemption from this requirement on their new investments till end-March 2019 to adjust their portfolios. While the provision was aimed at incentivising FPIs to maintain a portfolio of assets, further market feedback indicates that FPIs have been constrained by this stipulation," it said.

"In order to encourage a wider spectrum of investors to access the Indian corporate debt market, it is now proposed to withdraw the exposure limit."

A circular to this effect will be issued by mid-February 2019, the RBI said.

--IANS

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West Bengal has bagged over Rs 40,000 crore worth of investment proposals on the opening day of the flagship business summit, which was inaugurated by state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday.

Over 4000 delegates from over 36 countries are participating in the two-day summit, being held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Rajarhat here.

Addressing the fifth edition of the investors' meet, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani said the group has firmed up Rs 10,000 crore of investments in West Bengal, which is already under implementation.

"In 2016, when I first attended the Bengal Global Business Summit, Reliance's investments in the state were Rs 4,500 crore. Today, our investments stand at Rs. 28,000 crore in West Bengal alone," he said.

Ambani said this accounts for about one-tenth of our total investments in India so far.

"Now, we have firmed up our plan for a further investment of over Rs 10,000 crore. This plan is already under implementation," he said.

FMCG major ITC Ltd also proposed to make new investments of Rs 1,700 crore in the state in its various businesses.

The company's committed investments in the state, with an outlay of Rs 4,000 crore across agriculture, manufacturing and services, are "a reality and on the ground", said its Managing Director Sanjiv Puri.

"...we propose to make new investments of Rs 1,700 crore in the near future, taking our recent total investments to Rs 5,700 crore (in the state), which includes a FMCG personal care products manufacturing facility, investments in the decor paper manufacturing capacity in Tribeni to substitute imports, expansion of the Dhulagarh facility and others as well as milk productivity improvement and procurement programme across 300 villages in the state," he said.

JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal felt that West Bengal could become a trillion-dollar economy by 2032 and the group is in the process of "doubling" the capacity of its cement manufacturing plant to 4.8 million tonnes per annum at Salboni in West Midnapore district.

According to state officials, the group proposed an investment of Rs 7,000 crore (one billion dollar) in a pump storage (electricity) facility but the venue for the project has not yet been announced.

H-Energy, part of the Hiranandani Group, also announced a prospective investment of Rs 2,000 crore towards new gas pipeline network in the state.

"...we have already committed investment of Rs 3,000 crore in this sector and we also bid for pipelines, which will add another Rs 2,000-crore investments in the next couple of years," Goup's co-founder Niranjan Hiranandani said.

Great Eastern Energy Corporation Ltd (GEECL), leading Indian coal bed methane (CBM) company, recently announced an upgrade in its resources at its Raniganj (South) block.

It is planning to take up the initial exploration programme for exploiting shale in its block after the Central government allowed exploration and exploitation of all types of hydrocarbons including shale resources under the existing CBM contracts.

"We have invested close to Rs 2,000 crore and our reserves are around 2.6 tcf. The Central government has allowed shale gas production from our licence. Our company has decided to go ahead with this," company's Executive Chairman Y.K. Modi said.

He further said: "We have done our preliminary studies and found that 6.63 tcf of gas is available in our block, which means we will have about 9.25 tcf of gas... To exploit this, huge capital is needed. The investment would be around Rs 15,000 crore in the next 5-6 years to complete this project."

Sharing his experience of investing in the state, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group's Chairman Sanjiv Goenka said the group, which invested Rs 23,000 crore over the last few years, found these investments fruitful.

He said the leadership in West Bengal is "clear and decisive" while the administration is "transparent".

Another Rs 500 crore worth of investments is being considered by Coca Cola and the details about the project are awaited, state Industries Minister Amit Mitra said.

Construction of the riverine port at Kulpi at an investment of Rs 3,000 crore is expected to start with UAE's DP World expressing interest in it, he said.

Luxmi Tea's chief Rudra Chatterjee also announced a Rs 350-crore health-city project in the state.

--IANS

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A batch of over 12,000 human blood plasma has been found contaminated with HIV in China and the government has launched a probe into the latest medical scandal in the country.

A batch of Intravenous immunoglobulin, a product made of human blood plasma to treat a weak immune system, was tested positive for HIV. The drug was manufactured by Shanghai-based company Shanghai Xinxing Pharmaceutical.

China's National Health Commission (NHC), which launched an investigation into the matter, said experts believe the risk of HIV infection in patients using the drug was very low.

According to Beijing News, a news portal in Chinese, a total of 12,226 50ml bottles of the product were issued and approved by the Shanghai food and drug testing institute under the Shanghai Food and Drug Administration.

The batches of the product expire in June 2021.

The NHC ordered the suspension the use of the batches of products by the hospitals.

"According to international relevant literature reports, combined with the characteristics of the production process of the drug inactivated virus and the PH value of the product, experts believe that the risk of HIV infection in patients using the drug is very low," the NHC said in a statement.

This is the third big health scandal hitting China since July 2018 when hundreds of children were administered expired polio vaccines.

This week some 29 children were given wrong vaccines.

--IANS

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Newly appointed AICC General Secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi, was on Thursday allotted a seat away from Congress President Rahul Gandhi during an important party meet here.

Priyanka was given a seat next to Jyotiraditya Scindia, General Secretary in charge of western Uttar Pradesh, in the middle of the right side row.

Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge were seated on the front.

Political observers say Priyanka was deliberately not seated next to Rahul but away from him to give a message to senior party leaders that as the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretaries, they are as important as Priyanka Gandhi who is also a General Secretary.

Earlier, soon after her appointment at the General Secretary, Priyanka was allotted a room next to that of Rahul Gandhi's at the AICC headquarters. The room was earlier used by Rahul when he was the party Vice President.

However, Jyotiraditya Scindia was also allotted an office in the same room, in a way to show that as Uttar Pradesh in-charges, both he and Priyanka are on the same pedestal.

In another gesture, when Rahul Gandhi arrived from the meet, the SPG personnel tried to hold an umbrella over Rahul as it was raining, but he ignored it and walked in the rain to show respect towards hundreds of party workers who had gathered here to greet him and Priyanka.

Rahul is holding a meeting with all the AICC General Secretaries in charge of all the states in preparation of the coming Lok Sabha polls.

--IANS

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Focusing on chronic ailment segments like diabetes, introduction of line extension for its flagship product Zincovit, getting regulatory approvals for its plants to export to Europe, US and other markets are some of the plans of Apex Laboratories to touch a turnover of Rs 750 crore by March 2021, said a senior company official.

"Zincovit is about a Rs 200 crore revenue product. We will be launching line extensions for geriatric patients and for women. Already sugar free Zincovit and Zincovit - CL - for improvement of Vitamin C and Lysine for growth and improvement of appetite of adolescent children has been launched," S.V. Vishagan, Executive Director - Business Development told IANS on Wednesday.

He said, the company's rapid wound healing product now exported to some markets, is being targeted for regulated markets and and necessary steps for that are being taken.

The company is also into dermatology, pain management, anti-infectives, anti-viral, nutraceuticals and herbal products.

Vishagan said the company will launch more herbal based over-the-counter products to be sold in retail outlets including modern retail trade/department store chains.

"We have about 22 IPRs and have patents from several countries. The idea is to house these IPRs in a separate company and go for PE funding. We don't have plans to take Apex Laboratories public," Vishagan added.

"We will be closing the current year with a turnover of Rs. 500 crore. Once exports-now at about Rs 60 crore picks up in the regulated markets and new products are launched in the domestic market, the turnover will touch Rs.750 crore by the end of fiscal 2020-21," Chief Financial Officer V. Viswanathan told IANS.

He said nearly 2 per cent of the turnover is spent on research and development per year.

Meanwhile, Vishagan set to become the son-in-law of actor Rajnikanth soon, laughs when asked on a lighter vein whether the company's products would have the tagline "oru tablet saapita, 100 tablet saapita madhiri" (taking one tablet is equivalent to taking 100 tablets).

One of the famous one liners of Rajinikanth in the movie "Baadsha" was "naan oru thadava sonna nooru thadava sonna madhri" (If I tell once, it is like telling 100 times).

He will be marrying Rajinikanth's daughter Soundarya.

Vishagan said Apex Laboratories would be an ethical marketing company, that is, majority of its products would be sold on doctor's prescription.

--IANS

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Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh has sought the support of state chief ministers for the effective and speedy implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to ensure expeditious transfer of benefits to farmers.

He said the committed involvement of the administrative machinery was essential for the timely implementation of the PM-KISAN scheme.

"I would request you to provide your able leadership for speedy implementation of this scheme so that the eligible small and marginal families are transferred the entitled benefits expeditiously so that they can move towards prosperity with renewed enthusiasm," Singh wrote in a letter to the chief ministers on February 6.

In the Interim Budget, the government had announced Direct Income Support of Rs 6,000 per year to 12.5 crore small and marginal farmers with landholdings of up to 2 hectares under the scheme.

Singh said that the selection of the eligible small farmer families must be done by the state governments by providing the Central online portal of the scheme with their essential details such as bank account numbers so that the first instalment of the benefit can be transferred to them.

He also wrote that "adequate funds" had been provided in the Supplementary Budget 2018-19 as the scheme would be effective from December 2018, and operational guidelines had been sent to the chief secretaries of the states.

--IANS

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At least 15 people were killed and several others injured on Wednesday in Bole-Bakundu, a locality in Southwest, one of the two troubled English-speaking regions of Cameroon, sources said.

"I personally counted 15 dead bodies, men and women. All of them were shot in the market. They were not armed," a local resident was was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying.

There were conflicting reports of who committed the act. Locals claimed that they were shot by government forces but government said they were killed in a clash between the military and armed separatists.

"They (separatists) blocked the road to the locality and the military opened fire to scare them. They retaliated and soldiers decided to invade the area. Most of those killed died in the crossfire," a local official who preferred not to be named told Xinhua.

The army is yet to comment on the incident.

On Tuesday, at least four civilians were shot dead in the two war-torn Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest as armed separatists began what they called a "10-day lockdown".

Separatists have banned all sorts of activities in the regions from Tuesday to February 14 as a move to disrupt National Youth Day activities expected to be celebrated on February 11.

Since November 2017, government forces have been clashing with armed separatist forces who want the two regions to secede from the largely French-speaking nation and form a new country called "Ambazonia".

--IANS

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The government is going to introduce a four-year Bachelor in (B.Ed) course from next year with an aim to improve the quality of teaching, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Thursday.

"We are going to launch a four-year integrated course from next year. The standard of teaching has gone down because it tends to be last option for those who join. This should be first choice. This should be a professional choice, not some leftover," Javadekar said while addressing principals of Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas on the second day of the two-day conference.

The B.Ed course, in works for over a year, will be conducted in three streams -- BA, B.Com and B.Sc. The curriculum has been reworked by the National Council for Teacher Education, a statutory body responsible for coordinating teacher

The course, when implemented, will save one year of aspirants' since they can join it right after their Class 12, against the current system of first doing graduation and then the two-year B.Ed.

The Minister also said 15-20 states will be conducting examination from Class 5 to 8 after the scrapping of the no-detention policy, a part of the Right to Act in January.

"We lost 10 years of education because of the no-detention policy. It was a mistake. But now, about 15-20 states will start conducting exams from this year," Javadekar said.

Twenty-five states supported the scrapping of the clause. An amendment was passed in both Houses of Parliament last month leading to the abolition of the clause that proscribed examinations for students from Class 5 to Class 8.

--IANS

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At least 30 students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have returned from the US. They were those who were not detained or served notices by the US authorities in the "pay-to-stay" scam, according to Telugu organisations.

Telugu organisations working with the students, who had enrolled in a fake university floated by the US authorities to expose the immigration racket, said returning home was the safest option for the students who were not detained or received notices for violation of immigration laws.

As many as 129 students, all from the two Telugu states, continued to remain under "administrative detention" since the racket was busted last week.

About 600 foreign students, 90 per cent of them Indians, had enrolled themselves with a fake University of Farmington floated by the US authorities under a sting operation. More than 80 per cent of these students were from the two Telugu states.

While eight students, who worked as recruiters, were arrested, 129 were kept under aadministrative detention at different places.

"Those who had shifted to other universities are safe but there is no problem for others in returning home," Buchiram Kalapatapu, chief coordinator, Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu (APNRT) Society, told IANS.

Those working with the "victim" students believe that there should be no problem for the students returning home in finding suitable job opportunities in India. They had already done MS from other universities and subsequently availed Optional Practical Training (OPT), a one-year work permit.

"To stay in the US and work, they took admission in this university for another MS as it lured the students with the offer that they need not attend the classes," said Buchiram.

The students doing MS in any US university have to attend classes for a specified period to avail Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or to work as intern during the course period.

"Even if a university is offering online courses, the students should find out if it has physical presence or not. This particular university was offering online courses but had no physical presence," said Buchiram.

Since many of students had taken bank loans for the studies in US, they wanted to continue to stay and work there to repay the loans.

Each student had paid $20,000 to $25,000 to enrol in the fake University of Farmington, which recruited students in 26 states across the US.

Ravikumar P. Vemuru, President of APNRT Society, had earlier said that since there was no clear-cut intention by the students to defraud the US government, the maximum punishment they could undergo was deportation.

APNRT is working with the Indian Embassy to provide legal assistance to all the students. It is working closely with Indian Consulate in Houston.

Even the eight students who worked as recruiters were provided attorneys. One of them has already got the bail. The Society officials hoped that the remaining would also get the bail soon.

--IANS

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At least three people were killed when an eight-storey building collapsed in Turkey, the Istanbul Governor's office announced on Thursday.

Twelve people have been rescued from the rubble of the building that collapsed on Wednesday in Istanbul's Kartal neighbourhood, south of the Aydos Forest, on the Asian side of Turkey's largest city, Efe news reported.

According to the Governor's office statement, rescue work continued on Thursday in search of survivors, though it was not specified how many people were still trapped under the debris.

Governor Ali Yerlikaya said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was following up on the situation, according to the Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu.

Yerlikaya told reporters that the building housed 14 apartments and that 43 people were registered as living or working there.

The building, constructed in 1992, had only been granted planning permission for five storeys, he said, meaning the top three storeys were added on illegally.

There were fears that passersby could also have been buried in the rubble as Zeki Dag, a local district administrator in Kartal, said about five cars were also trapped under the collapsed building.

--IANS

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In an innovative punishment, the Delhi High Court on Thursday directed Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa and four others to plant 15,000 trees in the Delhi South Ridge, observing that they have failed to file a response on an ED appeal challenging their acquittal in the 2G case.

Justice Najmi Waziri, while granting a final opportunity to Balwa, businessman Rajiv Agarwal and three companies -- Dynamix Reality Pvt Ltd, DB Reality and Nihar Constructions -- asked them to plant 3,000 trees each in Delhi's South Ridge forest area.

The court has listed the matter for further hearing on March 26. The court also directed the parties to submit photographs of their plantation drive on the next date of hearing.

It has also asked former Union Telecom Minister A. Raja's close aide R.K. Chandolia to plant 300 trees for not filing a reply to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) appeal challenging his acquittal.

The directors of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd Asif Balwa and Rajiv Agarwal were asked to plant 500 saplings each.

The court has asked them to appear before the Deputy Conservator of Forests on February 15, which will allocate land for the plantations.

The court said that the trees should be of indigenous variety and must be taken care of till the monsoon.

It added that the trees are to be of nursery age three-and-a-half years and six feet in height.

The court was hearing an appeal challenging the acquittal of former Telecom Minister A. Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and others in the 2G spectrum allocation case.

A special court here had acquitted Raja, Kanimozhi and the others on December 21, 2017.

The others acquitted included DMK supremo M. Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal, Shahid Balwa, Asif Balwa, Vinod Goenka, Rajiv Aggarwal, film producer Karim Morani, P. Amirtham and Sharad Kumar.

The probe agencies approached the court in March 2018 challenging the trial court order.

In the last hearing on October 9, 2018, the Delhi High Court had granted the persons the last opportunity to file their responses on the agencies' plea, warning that no more delays would be allowed.

However, when Balwa and the others failed to file a reply despite repeated reminders, it asked them to carry out a plantation drive instead of imposing monetary costs on them.

Mostly in such circumstances, the court imposes costs on the litigants.

But this time, stressing on the need to revive 48,000 acres of the Delhi ridge, it said it has passed similar orders for planting of thousands of saplings since Thursday morning.

The judge said that the forest must be revived as it can help in reducing pollutants in the

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta welcomed the decision and said that it was the best way to impose costs.

However, he informed the court that the survival rate of saplings planted is low as they die due to lack of care.

The court said that the persons will have to take proper care of the plants till the monsoon.

--IANS

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Mahindra Lifespace Developers announced that as part of its pursuit to acquire land for business growth, the Company has executed an agreement to acquire approximately seven acres of land in Pune. The sale deed will be executed in due course.

The Company plans to develop a mid-segment residential project with development potential of approximately 0.7 million square feet. The project falls within Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation jurisdiction.

The Company has, so far in this fiscal, tied up three (3) new projects with estimated development potential of 2.1 million square feet across Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore; and has a robust pipeline of land deals under negotiation.

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Bangalore Fort Farms announced that its application for setting up new unit at Falta SEZ as decided in a meeting of Board of Directors on 5 March, 2018, has been approved by the Development Commissioner, Falta SEZ.

Further, the company has decided to commence commercial production of Jute Bags and Accessories in its new unit at Falta SEZ w.e.f 15 February, 2019.

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The United States on Wednesday proposed to end sanctions on senior Venezuela Army officers who switch their allegiance to National Assembly leader Juan Guaido, whom the Trump-led US government recognises as the legitimate President of Venezuela.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton took to Twitter saying, "The U.S. will consider sanctions off-ramps for any Venezuelan senior military officer that stands for democracy and recognises the constitutional government of President Juan Guaido. If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely. Make the right choice!"

President Trump last week had stated that military action in the South American nation "was an option", because of the "horrible things that were happening in that country."

On Tuesday, in a stern warning against Trump's remarks, embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said that Trump risks "staining his hands with blood" if he attempts to pursue military action in his strife-torn South American country.

Meanwhile, Guaido said that the Opposition would hold an international conference in Washington on February 14 to seek emergency humanitarian assistance to Venezuela to cope with the severe food, medicine shortages and "other dire impacts of their country's political and economic crisis" caused by the "illegitimate" Nicolas Maduro regime.

On January 23, the opposition leader had proclaimed himself as President of Venezuela to crowds of cheering protesters, while, Maduro, labelled it as a coup attempt by the US authorities and severed all ties with the country.

Despite major protests and an ultimatum by most nations to hold fresh elections, Maduro continues to hold on to his post. Countries like Russia have backed Maduro while condemning international interference in the nation.

Other countries which have recognised Guaido as the interim President are Australia, Canada, UK and Brazil, amongst others.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US State Department on Wednesday approved the sale of two 777 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Self-Protection Suites (SPS) for an estimated cost of USD 190 million to India.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the US Department of Defense, in a press statement said: "The Government of India has requested to buy two Self-Protection Suites (SPS) consisting of AN/AAQ 24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), ALQ-211(V)8 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS), and AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) to protect two Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft."

"This potential sale would include twelve Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (6 installed and 6 spares); eight LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (LSPR) AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (2 installed and 6 spares); 23 Missile Warning Sensors (MWS) for AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (12 installed and 11 spares); five AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) (2 installed and 3 spares)."

"Also, included in this sale are Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites (AIDEWS), LAIRCM CIURs, SCAs, HCCs, and UDM cards, initial spares, consumables, repair and return support, support equipment, Self-Protection Suite (SPS) engineering design, integration, hardware integration, flight test and certification, selective availability anti-spoofing modules (SAASM), warranties, publications and technical documentation, training and training equipment, field service representatives; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated cost is USD190 million," the statement read.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defensive partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region, the US Defence Department stated.

The proposed sale will improve India's capability to deter regional threats. The SPS will facilitate a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats. India will have no problem absorbing and using the SPS system, the statement added.

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United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) nominated David Malpass for the candidature in the elections to appoint the next president of the Bank.

Washington Post reported that Malpass, a former Wall Street economist, is currently working as the undersecretary for international affairs at the Treasury Department of the US government.

On Wednesday, a senior government official was quoted as saying that Malpass would aim to direct loans to "those countries that are the poorest and most in need of financial resources."

While announcing his name, Trump stated that Malpass would be a "strong advocate for accountability" at the Bank and would support the government's aim of ensuring "that U.S. taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and wisely."

Meanwhile, Malpass, from his side, noted that he would implement reforms that would help the bank "combat extreme poverty and increase economic opportunities in the developing "

If elected as the President of the World Bank, Malpass would replace South Korea's Jim Yong Kim in April this year. Jim Yong Kim resigned unexpectedly last month from his post.

Malpass worked as Trump's economic adviser during the Presidential elections in 2016, following his unsuccessful bid to run as a Republican nomination in 2010 for the U.S. Senate from New York.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The United Nation's (UN) special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, Agnes Callamard, leading the investigations into deceased scribe Jamal Khashoggi's death, on Thursday confirmed that evidence showed the latter to be victim of "a brutal and premeditated killing, planned and perpetrated by officials of the state of Saudi Arabia".

Al Jazeera reported that Callamard had heard recordings of Khashoggi's last moments. The tapes, which are in Turkey's possession, have been previously shared with USA's Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Director Gina Haspel and countries like the UK, France, Germany amongst others.

"Woefully inadequate time and access were granted to Turkish investigators to conduct a professional and effective crime-scene examination and search required by international standards for investigation," Callamard said.

A statement issued by the UN on the gruesome killing of the former Washington Post columnist revealed that Saudi Arabia "seriously undermined" Turkey's efforts to investigate the issue at its consulate in Istanbul, along with stopping Saudi officials from meeting with the UN official.

Callamard further met with Khashoggi's fiancee Hatice Cengiz, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Yasin Aktay, who is an aide of the Turkish President.

During her investigation, Callamard expressed serious concerns over the trial of the 11 accused in the murder case continuing in the Saudi kingdom.

Callamard plans to present a final report to the UN Human Rights Council in June. The council could either ignore the dossier, use it as a basis for a more comprehensive investigation, or take the issue up in the UN Security Council (UNSC). The UNSC has the power to set up tribunals, inquiries or refer a case to the International Criminal Court.

According to the US intelligence agencies, the murder of Khashoggi was enacted upon orders by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A delegation from the Federal Council of Russia met with members of Rajya Sabha on Thursday and discussed the whole range of Russian-Indian bilateral cooperation with a special focus on the development of relations through India-Russia Parliamentary Friendship groups.

During the meeting, both the countries discussed various issues of mutual interest, comprising of inter-regional cooperation between Russia and India including in economic sphere, youth entrepreneurship, educational and cultural exchanges, boosting inter-parliamentary contacts, not only on a bilateral level, but also on a multilateral one, as well as developing forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS.

The two sides also stressed on the necessity of early signing of the agreement on mutual recognition of diplomas between Russia and India.

In addition to this, both India and Russia have agreed to develop direct trade relations to achieve a turnover of up to 30 billion dollars.

To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, both India and Russia have agreed to host events in Moscow.

The Russian delegation was headed by member of the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Yelena Afanasyeva, deputy chairperson of the Committee on Budget and Financial Markets Elena Perminova and first deputy chairperson of the Committee on Economic Policy Vyacheslav Timchenko.

The Russian delegation met with Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh and the India-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group led by member of Lok Sabha Hema Malini, General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Ram Madhav, leader of the parliamentary opposition Sonia Gandhi, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs Shashi Tharoor.

The Russian delegation took part in a working dinner held on behalf of Strategy and Planning Advisor to FICCI Peter T. Hassan, in the presence of senior Indian officials and ambassadors of Japan and Brazil.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Joshua Trump, an 11-year-old boy who was bullied for his last name, was visibly enjoying the best sleep of his life at the State of Union address by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday night (local time). Joshua was one of the special guests for Trump's State of Union address.

Joshua, a sixth-grade student from Wilmington, Delaware who had to drop out of school, had been invited to the event by first lady Melania Trump. She hoped his presence would send an important message that's in line with the anti-bullying platform of her Be Best initiative.

Photos of the night that went viral on the internet, showed Joshua within a distance of two seats from Melania Trump during the most awaited address of the year, where many hailed him as an unlikely talisman of the anti-Trump "resistance" while one wag remarked: "Joshua Trump spoke for all Americans".

Joshua can be seen enjoying an open-mouthed sleep, uninterrupted by the loud applause of the Parliamentarians, flashing cameras, or the 82 minutes speech of the US President.

"Joshua Trump is a Trump I can get behind," quipped another while a third enthused: "Not all heroes wear capes."

While giving a brief description of the young guest, the White House in a statement said that the sixth-grader is a fan of science, art and history and hopes to pursue a career that has something to do with animals.

South China Morning Post reported that Joshua, after dropping out of school in 2017, "had lost the will to live" according to his mother. Joshua was home-schooled for a year, before getting re-enrolled in middle school.

"They say are you related to Donald Trump? And I say, 'Would I be here if I'm related to him?'" the schoolboy told Inside Edition in December.

However, Joshua's school has instructed his teachers not to use his surname any more and disciplined five students, who apologised to the boy regarding the issue.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A scuffle broke out between a teacher, who identifies himself as Afzal Hussain, and locals at a primary school in Abdullahpur on Wednesday after the former allegedly refused to say 'Vande Mataram' after flag-hoisting on the Republic Day (January 26).

The video of the incident has apparently gone viral on social media after which Hussain too stated that he had not said 'Vande Mataram' as the same is against his religious belief.

He said, "We believe in Allah and Vande Mataram is against our belief. The term means Vandana of Bharat Mata which is not what we believe in. Nowhere in the Constitution is it written that saying Vande Mataram is necessary. I could have lost my life."

However, District Education Officer Dinesh Chandra Dev told the media that he has not received any complaint regarding the incident.

Furthermore, Dev asserted: "Had we got any such information, an investigation would have been done. But till now we have not got any such complaint.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Within hours of the RBI cutting its key rates by 25 bps, state-run Bank of Maharashtra, which is under the PCA framework, Thursday announced a 0.05 per cent cut in its marginal cost of funds-based lending rate.

The rate cut is only for the loans with six-months tenor, while it has been left unchanged in four other time categories including the one-year MCLR.

Under the revised rate structure effective immediately, the Pune-headquartered lender will charge 8.55 per cent for a six-month loan, an official statement said.

Earlier in the day, the Reserve Bank cut its repo rate at which it lends to the system by 0.25 per cent to 6.25 per cent in a policy which has been termed as pro-growth.

Governor Shaktikanta Das had said he will speak to bankers to ensure a quicker and better transmission of the policy rates in a meeting scheduled to take place in two-three weeks.
Rosamund Sutherland, Emeritus Professor and former Head of the School of Education, died on 26 January. Andrew Pollard leads this remembrance of an international mathematics educator who promoted social justice in the digital age.

Professor Rosamund Sutherland, who has died aged 72, was a specialist in the teaching and learning of mathematics and the application of new technologies in education.

Born in Birmingham in 1947, Ros was the daughter of Joan Hatfield (nee Reynolds), a geography teacher, and Percy Hatfield, a physicist. The family moved to Cwmbran, South Wales, in 1953 and later to Raglan, where Ros spent her formative years. She was sometimes disturbed by the relative poverty of some of her classmates at primary school and was one of only two to pass the 11+. At Monmouth School for Girls, Ros flourished academically, particularly at Mathematics, and indelible impressions were left by the power of female friendship as she negotiated schooling and by the pleasures of exploration  whether locally or on family holidays to Europe.

In 1965 Ros began a degree in Mathematics at the University of Bristol. In what was to become a hallmark of her approach to life, she combined work and pleasure through warm relationships. Puzzling assiduously over mathematical problems was combined with a social life centred on the Student Union with its bars, bands and opportunities for other activities. Ros met Ian on a computer programming course and they married in 1968.

Her first job was for Bristol Aerospace as a computer programmer, but she soon became a research assistant at the University while Ian completed a PhD. Ros and Ians children, Joanna and Andrew, were born in 1972 and 1974. Ros later reflected on the joys of motherhood, being alongside children as they play and explore  and she was to put such observations of learning to good use in her later career. Having moved to Hertfordshire with the young family, Ros worked as a tutor for the Open Universitys Foundation Mathematics degree and, later, as a lecturer in A-level Mathematics and Statistics at Borehamwood College of Further Education. This experience was her first practical encounter with young people with poor educational backgrounds seeking to learn mathematics  a challenge to which she would return many times.

Having developed a rapport with Professor Celia Hoyles at an OU summer school, a plan was hatched to apply for research funding for what became the Logo Mathematics Project  a study of how a computer programming language could be used to enhance mathematical understanding. Ros demonstrated her confidence and decisiveness by resigning her FE post before the outcome of the application was known. She had decided to become an academic researcher.

From 1983 until 1995, Ros was a member of the Mathematics, Statistics and Computing Department of the Institute of Education, University of London. Celia Hoyles writes: Ros became a well-respected and much-loved colleague in the department, as well as across the Institute more generally. She reached out to other researchers across the institution, across the country and internationally. She was such an excellent collaborator, who always listened carefully to comments and suggestions, judging them not as personal criticisms but rather as a way of improving and learning together. Ros was the ultimate team player. She was just perfect as a researcher, colleague and friend.

Joined also by Richard Noss as part of the Microworlds Project, Ross team developed new courses to help teachers embed digital technologies in their mathematics teaching. Many of these teachers not only transformed their practice but became leaders in the field. This was due in no small part to Ross ability to encourage, inspire and support classroom teachers, as well as to develop and implement research methodologies and practice. With Alison Wolf, Ros co-directed a curriculum development project on the use of spreadsheet materials by young people on engineering and technical courses in further education. This succession of projects shows Ross intellectual openness, team working and confidence in teachers. We also see the roots of what was to become part of a sophisticated theory about learning by the person plus appropriate technological tools.

Ros travelled widely and developed productive research collaborations and friendships in many countries, in particular Mexico, France and Chile. For example, Teresa Rojano writes from Mexico: Together we researched the processes of learning algebra using technology learning environments. Her deep knowledge of the role of the Logo environment in learning mathematics coalesced with the line of research on algebraic thinking that we had developed. Our projects showed that by using spreadsheets as tools, students of different ages and school levels could carry out activities that involved very powerful ideas in mathematics, such as generalization and infinite processes. In like manner, we collected evidence on how algebra-resistant secondary school pupils were able to succeed by performing activities with spreadsheets. From France, Nicolas Balacheff writes: Rosamunds research was deeply rooted in the field, working and researching with teachers, because the teacher is central, as she insisted. During her stay in Grenoble at the beginning of the 1990s, she didnt just stay in the lab but worked in a French classroom. Her engagement at a theoretical level was always tightly associated with this practical immersion to better understand classrooms as complex systems where learning and teaching productively interact.

In 1995 Ros returned to Bristol as one of three strategically appointed Chairs in Education  the other two being John Furlong and myself. We were recruited to lead a new phase in the development of the Graduate School of Education by promoting a socio-cultural model of learning. We joined with Patricia Broadfoot and Guy Claxton to reconceptualize teaching and learning processes holistically  in social, cultural, psychological and contextual terms  and to draw colleagues into this endeavour. The Graduate School was restructured into complementary centres to map the major dimensions of our overarching rationale: Ros provided exceptional leadership of her research centre, LKIT (Learning, Knowing and Information Technologies), and began to contextualise her person plus insights with broader approaches to socio-cultural theory. It was an intellectually stimulating period: visits by James Wertsch, Barbara Rogoff, Gordon Wells, Vera John-Steiner and other luminaries of socio-cultural research were particular highlights, as was the appointment of Martin Hughes. Ros not only contributed to theoretical development but was also crucial in facilitating the relationships and processes that made everything possible. In due course, the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise strongly affirmed this collective initiative.

Ross expertise in mathematical learning was recognised in 2000 when she led a working group of the Royal Society/Joint Mathematical Council on the teaching of algebra in schools. Forging coherence from wide-ranging views of teachers, mathematicians and researchers, the report reversed the marginalization of algebra within the National Curriculum. At Bristol, Ros continued to develop her mathematics education research, working particularly with Laurinda Brown and, later, Alf Coles. In 2007, this culminated in an accessible, synoptic book, Teaching for Learning Mathematics. She chaired the Joint Mathematical Council from 2006 to 2009.

Ross insights on the role of digital tools in learning were further developed through collaboration, both with Sally Barnes and with international doctoral students whom she inducted into the academic world with great skill and generosity. Joining with John Furlong, Ruth Furlong and Keri Facer for the ScreenPlay project, Ros directed her attention to the ways in which young people use digital technologies in the home. She also won and led an even larger ESRC project, InterActive Education, focused on the design and evaluation of teaching, learning and digital technologies across a range of school subjects. Ross research teams were noted for their friendships, energy and success. Keri Facer writes: Ros was the model of a collegial academic leader and mentor, demonstrating that the value of the work is so much more important than individual competition or disciplinary differences. She was a tremendous role model for the women who followed her  demonstrating every day that you can achieve real success while still being yourself.

This capacity to develop intellectually enquiring and collaborative ways of working was affirmed by Ross international peers, and she was an executive member of two successive European Networks of Excellence in technology-enhanced learning: Kaleidoscope and STELLAR. The latter produced, under Ross leadership, a Vision and Strategy for the future (2012) and led to a state-of-the-art overview of what is known about technology-enhanced learning (2017).

Ros was Head of the Graduate School of Education at Bristol from 2003 to 2006, and again for a period in 2014, ably supported for much of the time by Mary OConnell. She not only generated bold and principled strategies but used her energy and drive both to motivate her colleagues and to negotiate effectively within the University. The renovation and contemporary decor of the present School of Education, funding for which she achieved almost single-handedly, symbolises her future-oriented vision.

However, perhaps Ross greatest legacy was to the city of Bristol itself.

Despite its overall affluence and vitality, Bristol is a divided city. Parts of South Bristol suffer from considerable poverty and many of its state schools have struggled to meet contemporary expectations. To the north, built on centuries of wealth, Bristol has one of the highest concentrations of independent schools in the UK. In 2006 the University was approached to co-sponsor, with the Society of Merchant Venturers, a new South Bristol academy. Ros was shocked at the condition of the predecessor school, at the poverty within the community and at the realisation that, each year, over 80% of students failed GCSE Mathematics and English. How, she asked, could this be happening in contemporary Britain? Working closely with Denis Burn, chair of the academy trust (and later of the University of Bristol Council), she began a phase of intense activity to interrupt taken-for-granted relationships between key city institutions and build new, co-operative strategies to tackle educational inequality. Among the most significant of these was the establishment of the South Bristol Youth charity, a collaboration between schools, both city universities and a wide range of supporters and delivery partners. Each of the programmes, such as Unlocking Potential, Discover Maths and Future Quest, has evidence-informed common elements and is now recording significant annual impacts on the self-confidence and achievements of young people from South Bristol.

In her 2014 book, Education and Social Justice in a Digital Age, Ros held firm to the importance of academic forms of knowledge  forms unlikely to be learned out-of-school. Among the final research projects in which Ros was involved was an evaluation of the South Bristol Youth Ambitions Programme, working with Jo Rose and long-term collaborators Wan Yee and Pat Triggs. Their hard-hitting report provides clear recommendations on how post-16 and higher educational inequalities can be tackled and argues that organisations across the city all have a role to play. Another of her final projects was the Future Brunels Programmewhich encourages young people into careers in science and engineering. As a trustee of the SS Great Britain Trust, Ros played a pivotal role in this. It is no wonder that flags on the great ship were flown at half-mast when news broke of Ross death.

The work to which Ros committed herself towards the end of her life shows us new ways forward in times when inequalities still disfigure Britain  moving beyond mere outcome measurement to practical, formative support of learning; and beyond institutional isolation and competition to practical, evidence-informed forms of co-operation.

Ros Sutherland looked inexorably to the future. She was a pioneer in demonstrating how students school learning can surpass expectations with the support of expert teachers and digital technologies. She explored and piloted new ways in which the institutions of a city can, through co-operation, begin to overcome educational inequality.

Ros is survived by her husband, Ian; by her children, Joanna and Andrew; and by her four much-loved grandchildren, Hugh (11), Percy (11), Skye (9) and Vyvyan (8).

With contributions from Nicolas Balacheff, Sally Barnes, Laurinda Brown, Patricia Broadfoot, Denis Burn, Keri Facer, John Furlong, Celia Hoyles, Helen Manchester, Richard Noss, Mary OConnell, Teresa Rojano and Jo Rose.
After recruiting close to 2,500 fresh graduates in US and other onsite geographies in the last one and half year, Infosys is now planning to double its campus hiring in the coming year as part of its localisation drive. The Bengaluru-headquartered company, which has already added 7,600 locals to its US workforce so far, is also on track to achieve its overall target of hiring 10,000 local employees by 2020. "One of the pillars of our (growth) strategy is localisation.

In last couple of years, we have been on a journey to localise our workforce. In the last 18 months (alone), ...
Apex Laboratories is planning to have some of its 21 intellectual property rights (IPR) related projects handled through a seperate entity, as part of its plans to expand presence to the regulated markets of US and European Union. The company might also look at diluting a significant minority share in the new entity to Private Equity investors to raise funds to support this plan.

The company is expected to reach a turnover of around Rs 750 crore by March, 2021, as against around Rs 500 crore now. The IP projects which it would move to the new entitiy would be mostly for the ...
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Prosecutors charged a foreign national and former Brighton Beach resident with second-degree murder for allegedly beating a neighborhood shopkeeper to death in a 2009 robbery, and then fleeing to Australia, the district attorney announced.

The defendant, a citizen of Turkmenistan, faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count, and his long-awaited prosecution brings some closure to Vladislav Tolstykh and his family a decade after the horrific crime occurred, according to Eric Gonzalez.

For nearly 10 years, the family and friends of Vladislav Tolstykh have waited for this defendant to be prosecuted for a truly ruthless attack. I commend the New York City Police Department and Australian law enforcement for working together to bring this defendant back to Brooklyn to face justice, he said following the suspects Feb. 4 arraignment in Kings County Supreme Court.

The defendant and another man allegedly ambushed Tolstykh inside a parking garage on Brighton 11th Street at Brighton Beach Avenue  near a supermarket the victim co-owned and managed  on March 14, 2009, and beat the 34-year-old merchant to death before running off with a pouch containing $32,000 in cash, paychecks, and luxury watches, according to

prosecutors.

Surveillance cameras captured the defendant and his partner-in-crime concealing their faces with sweatshirts and ski masks before the victim arrived, and also showed the duo running from the garage carrying the pouch, authorities said.

Investigators later recovered the ski masks and sweatshirts, which the suspects discarded as they fled the scene, and found traces of DNA belonging to both of them and the victim.

The attack occurred during an uncharacteristically violent few months in nearby Coney Island, with six murders in as many weeks that left Southern Brooklyn communities reeling, this newspaper reported at the time.

The two men fled to their native Turkmenistan a few days after the incident, before the now-captured suspect traveled to Australia where he sought asylum and failed to mention his alleged criminal past, according to prosecutors.

The second suspect is still on the lam, said a law-enforcement source, who requested anonymity due to authorities ongoing search for him.

In April 2013, Police Department detectives worked with their Australian counterparts to get a DNA sample from the defendant, which the Aussie authorities collected from an energy-drink can the suspect trashed. The DNA they found matched that on the clothing cops recovered from the Brighton Beach crime scene, according to prosecutors.

A local grand jury indicted the man months later, in October 2013, and Australian authorities detained him in 2014, while he awaited extradition to the United States.

In December 2018, the foreign officials surrendered the defendant to the U.S., and he arrived in New York City on Feb. 1.

Justice Vincent Del Giudice ordered the defendant be held without bail, and he will return to court on March 29, according to authorities.
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Shes building a business brick by brick!

A Kensington mom created an after-school program and events operation on the back of her super-massive Lego collection  which is so large it defies calculation, she said.

One of my kids once asked how many Legos I have, so we did some multiplying, and gave up after we hit 10,000, said Eleanor Rodgers. Ive gotten a lot more Legos since then.

Rodgers took her entrepreneurial turn after failing to find an appropriate after-school program for her Lego-obsessed son in 2015, when, much to her surprise, she discovered the fabled mom-clave of nearby Park Slope did not boast any kids clubs centered around the worlds most popular toy.

I figured theyve got everything under the sun in Park Slope, they must have a Lego club said Rodgers. But I couldnt find one.

So, like any super mom, Rodgers built one herself, creating an after-school program that same year at PS 130, which gives kids in kindergarten through fifth grade a chance to play with Legos four days a week  and take their creations home, she said.

Other Lego after-school programs dont do this, Rodgers said. Its one thing I objected to about them.

Rodgerss program  which costs $24 a session  includes film classes, during which youngsters build Lego sets and use iPads to record and edit stop-motion footage they then stitch together to make short films, such as the whirlwind adventure Pirate Treasure, which clocks in at an epic four-minutes and 16-seconds.

The mom used her after-school program as a building block to grow her Lego-themed event business, which now also includes birthday parties, and camps during many school holidays, including the upcoming February mid-winter break, when she will host a four-day brick-building bonanza from Feb. 19 to 22 at Greenwood Avenues Holy Apostles Episcopal Church between Prospect Avenue and E. Seventh Street.

Rogerss Lego camps all revolve around themes  such as ninjas, medieval castles, and even food  that encourage kids to collaborate to create bigger and better creations, she said. But tykes who attend the camps  which cost around $60 for a half day and $125 for a full day  dont get to take home their masterpieces.

The mom-trepreneur initially promoted her programs as fun ways to keep kids busy, she said. But after watching long-time attendees significantly improve their construction skills, as well as their abilities to socialize and collaborate, she now advertises the sessions as providing far more than a good time.

At first I was really careful to say this is not educational, but Ive stopped saying that, she said. The kids whove been in my program a year or two, you can tell them from the other kids.

Sign your kid up for Lego camp at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church (612 Greenwood Ave. between Prospect Avenue and E. Seventh Street in Kensington, www.kensi ngton legoc lass.wordp ress.com ). Feb. 1922, $60 for half-day session, $125 for full-day session. E-mail elean orleg o@out look.com to enroll.

Reach reporter Colin Mixson at cmixs on@cn gloca l.com or by calling (718) 260-4505.
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Music venues, at night, offer a different rhythm than the one I find at home, unleashing another side of me than the Park Slope Mom I personify during most other waking hours.

I seek these places out as much as possible, sometimes to the surprise and dismay of family, friends, and even Uber drivers  who are most certainly judging the middle-aged, married mom heading out into the city after dark. Once, a driver went so far as to hit the brakes and nearly put his car in reverse in an attempt to bring me back the half-block hed driven.

You should be home, with your kids, he said, his eyes dark and stormy in the rearview.

I just laughed, explaining that I needed to move and dance, and, luckily, he drove on toward my destination. Maybe he heard in my voice that nightlife was a necessity, maybe he just remembered he had a job to do. I doubt I changed his mind about a womans place being home by a certain hour, but we at least agreed to disagree, and I made it to my desired dance venue.

Stephanie After Dark is a side of me some people know, and others have no idea of. It is difficult to explain, but I will try, because just like my reasoning got that Uber driver to at least hear me, it may likewise enlighten others initially turned off by the mere idea of a mom like me spending a night on the town.

Barbes in Park Slope has long been a place I go to seek out the tunes of many different types of musicians. I have danced and tranced to Moroccan band Innov Gnawa in the dark back room there, clapping along with the men on stage dressed in intricate djellabis. Years back, I became a groupie of the band, after meeting some of the musicians by following another great group, The Brooklyn Gypsies, into the far reaches of Bushwick, and Manhattans Lower East Side.

Now, I head straight to the front when Innov Gnawa plays, clapping loudly with other fans to their clattering qraqebs, not caring when I am off rhythm (which, sometimes, I am). They know me. They have played in my house, and the house of friends. I have partaken in their personal celebrations.

I follow other rhythmic music from all over the world as well. The other night, I ventured to Nublu 151 on Avenue C in Manhattan to hear Brazilian music with drummer Davi Vieira. I first saw Davi perform at the old Nublu, a small dim space down the street from the new Nublu, marked only by a red light in front of an unsigned metal door.

I stood right in front of Davi as his hands flew in a fast flurry, and his deep voice rang out in Portuguese. I was mesmerized. The body moves in amazing ways to such music, if you let it.

Ive seen Davi in many a bar, inside a school auditorium during a Brazilian Day celebration, and on stage at Kings Theatre when his world tour with David Byrne brought him back to Brooklyn. I learn of his gigs on Facebook, and I reach out sometimes with the odd Congratulations, or Happy Birthday. I always go up to him after a show to tell him how his music brings me joy.

And Davi isnt the only musician I befriended on my forays into the night. For years, I would slink over to Korzo, a Central European restaurant on the southern end of Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, to hear the Konceptions Jazz Series started by pianist James Carney and his wife Heidi Bayer, which is currently looking for a new home.

Those performances drew some of the worlds greatest jazz artists to the restaurants tiny back room. Id see saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, bassist Dezron Douglas, and harpist Brandee Younger. Years ago, the trio traveled with me to Bedford-Stuyvesant one day to play for a class of second- and third-graders, a special group who drew and danced to their rhythm. It was amazing.

One night at Korzo, I chatted with a young jazz guitarist, Andy Bianco, and was so taken with just his cadence that I hired him to work with my son. I have since gone to see him play, and pledge often that I will go again to hear his amazing compositions performed live.

I could go on about the music and musicians I leave home late at night to hear in the far corners of this great city, dancing and grooving into the wee hours with groups of other strangers. It is a parallel life in a way, a life my father often shakes his head about  a woman, alone, in a city, after dark.

To be fair, I sometimes go with friends, other people able who dare stay up as late. But I am fine heading out alone too. New York is full of interesting people, and the great beats its bars provide are enough to bring us together as a family.

And so, I go forth, unafraid, to find my musical expression, to move and sway, to clap and shout. Try it, if you havent. It feels amazing.

Read Fearless Living every other Thursday on Brook lynPa per.com .

Stephanie Thompsons Talking to Strangers podcast can be found on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play.
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Its order in the recording studio!

Schneps Media is thrilled to announce the debut of an all-new Brooklyn Paper Radio podcast, which is returning to the airwaves as one of the first digital programs under the companys streaming arm, Schneps Broadcasting.

Starting next week, the new Brooklyn Paper Radio will return with weekly Tuesday episodes chock full of local news you need to know, including exclusive interviews, deeper dives into its stories that are driving conversations across Kings County, and expertly curated lists of where to go and what to do in the better borough.

But to celebrate its launch, co-hosts Anthony Rotunno, Brooklyn Papers editor-in-chief, and Johnny Kunen, whom some listeners will remember as Jimmy the producer, welcomed Schneps Media President and Publisher Victoria Schneps-Yunis for a very special episode this week, featuring a must-listen interview between the Brooklyn-bred Schneps-Yunis and another local luminary, the Hon. Judith Sheindlin  whom millions of television viewers know better as Judge Judy.

The two forged a friendship as classmates at Midwoods James Madison High School, back when kids were more familiar with their neighbors than their smartphones, according to the judge.

You knew your neighbors and your neighbors knew you, Sheindlin said. It was a closer community and we werent tied together by machines the way children are now.

The women only strengthened their bond as each pursued their equally accomplished careers, with both offering some sound advice to young professionals looking to kick-start their own professional journeys.

For that, however, youll have to tune in to the full show, which is live now on Brook lynPa per.com , and, of course, available via one of the many fine services that stream the beloved podcast.

And dont forget to come back next week for the first full episode of the new Brooklyn Paper Radio.
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Meet the beetles!

A Queens entomologist will teach oddball Brooklynites how to pose dead beetles and display their jauntily dressed, desiccated carcasses in whimsical bug-scale dioramas at a Williamsburg bookstore on Feb. 10.

The creepy-crawly craftswoman behind the Anthropomorphic Beetle Dollhouse Diorama Class at Quimby Bookstore said she is not being weird for weirdnesss sake. She really just likes dioramas  and bugs!

I just like insects, said Daisy Tainton. Its a combination of all the really cute miniature stuff Ive liked since childhood, and nature.

At the workshop, ticketholders will be provided with a dead rhinoceros beetle  a whopping three-inch tank of a bug, graced with charmingly cartoonish proportions.

I feel like these guys are just adorable and they seem sort of bumbling, Tainton said.

Unlike some beetles, it is easy to tell which way a rhinoceros beetles head is facing, thanks to its namesake horn, Tainton said.

It gives them a greater sense that we can tell where their face is, she said.

Lady bug: Daisy Tainton with one of her handcrafted beetle dioramas Daisy Tainton

Once everyone has selected an insect, Tainton will give her budding beetlers a rundown on how to pin and pose the bugs. Students will also receive a shadowbox, and can choose from Taintons selection of bug-sized doodads and bric-a-brac. Then it is up to the students to wrack their imaginations and craft a scene for their insectoid actor, who could be cooking in a bug-sized kitchen, drinking in a bug-sized bar, or reading a bug-sized newspaper while sitting on a bug-sized toilet  all actual scenes created in previous classes.

Tainton encourages would-be beetle wranglers to bring their own dollhouse props if they want something specific for their six-legged star.

Previous sessions have attracted a wide variety of people, she said.

Ive had all kinds of people over the years, from 10-year-old kids who just love insects, to adults who are trying to conquer their fears of insects. In between are crafters who want a new way to make interesting displays and gifts.

The upcoming class, just a few days before Valentines Day, can be a unique night out for the right pair, said the rhino beetle wrangler.

Valentines Day class has typically been a great couples night, she said. Its something theyve definitely never done together, and they seem to love it as a date event.

Tainton earned her expertise preserving bugs for the Museum of Natural History, where she labored for 12 years as the institutions senior insect preparator, drying out a myriad of six-legged creepy crawlers for the museums world-class collection.

Make a bug diorama at Quimbys Bookstore [536 Metropolitan Ave. between Union Avenue and Lorimer Street in Williamsburg, (347) 8895569, www.quimb synyc.com ]. Feb. 10 at 5 pm. $65.

Having a ball: A beetle knits, while little bugs play with a ball of yarn. Daisy Tainton
New York: A global fugitive wanted in relation to a murder in New York was granted refugee status in Australia and was able to delay his extradition for five years with the help of the Australian government.

Abakar Gadiyev, 37, was finally extradited from Sydney to New York last week, almost 10 years after a Brooklyn supermarket owner was bashed to death in a car park and robbed of $US32,000 ($44,000).

Abakar Gadiyev, who fled to Australia in 2009, was finally extradited to New York last week. Credit:Nine News

Brooklyn South homicide squad detective Peter McMahon sent a letter to the Australian government in 2014 warning that Gadiyev was not a genuine refugee but the government responded that it was too late to reverse his refugee status, he said.

"Basically, they said, 'unfortunately we already gave him refugee status and that cant be undone'," he said.
New York: An alleged Afghan narco-terrorist who is accused of selling heroin to fund the Taliban, had tentacles into Australia and boasted of wiring drug money around the world from Melbourne "within an hour", prosecutors allege.

Haji Abdul Satar Abdul Manaf, 53, was extradited from Estonia to the United States on Thursday, months after an elaborate sting operation caught him trafficking heroin to an undercover officer posing as a New York drug lord.

Alleged Afghan narco-terrorism Haji Abdul Satar Abdul Manaf (inset) and a 10-kilogram shipment of heroin bound for New York. Credit:US Department of Justice

Court documents filed in the Southern District of New York reveal Manaf had two associates in Melbourne who sent and received drug money, and had a direct line to the Taliban and its affiliate, the Haqqani Network.

Manaf was put on a blacklist by the US Treasury in 2012 for storing or moving money for the Taliban through a money remitting business called the Haji Khairullah Haji Sattar Money Exchange. He was unable to move money in or out of the US, costing him $US20 million ($28 million) in lost business.
Ramallah: The Palestinian Authority has given a cautious welcome to comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's toughest election rival, a former general, who said Israel should not maintain its dominion over others.

With a general election and the overdue unveiling of a US peace initiative on the horizon, centrist candidate Benny Gantz has been signalling an openness to territorial compromise in the occupied West Bank. That marks a contrast with the right-wing Netanyahu, who has ruled out withdrawing settlements.

The secret US proposal for breaking a five-year diplomatic deadlock is widely expected to be unveiled after Israel's April 9 ballot. Pollsters see Netanyahu's conservative Likud party winning about 30 of Parliament's 120 seats, setting him up for a fifth term.

Benny Gantz with supporters at the launch of his election campaign. Credit:AP

In an interview on Wednesday with Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Gantz was asked about prospects for accommodation with the Palestinians, who seek a state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Paris: It has happened rarely between European Union allies, and not between France and Italy since the start of World War II. But on Thursday, Paris time, after months of barbed commentary from Italian leaders, the French government said it had had enough: it recalled its ambassador from Rome.

"This is without precedent since 1940, when Mussolini declared war," said Marc Lazar, a leading specialist of Franco-Italian relations who teaches at universities in Paris and Rome. "This is very, very harsh. There's never been anything comparable."

The grave step not only demonstrated the breakdown of relations between France and Italy, two founding members of the European Union; it also reflected the mounting strains at Europe's core, brought on by populists who are now overreaching in their attempts to denigrate the bloc and forge anti-European alliances across borders.
The chairman of Chinese telecommunication giant Huawei has defended a $206 million contract with the state government, citing confirmation it received from the Department of Home Affairs and the Prime Minister's Office that the company was "very welcome to participate in the PTA [Public Transport Authority] project in Western Australia".

John Lord, the former Navy officer who heads the company in Australia, said he respected and admired the WA Government for their focus on security and it had "gathered the best information possible from state and commonwealth agencies, and private security experts, before awarding the contract".

Huawei Australia chairman John Lord has defended the company's contract with the state government. Credit:Arsineh Houspian

Huawei was given the job of building a mobile data communications network for Perth's public train system.

"The cyber security requirements contained in the PTA tender were some of the most stringent Huawei has responded to anywhere in the world," he said.
Representatives from Australia's commercial fishing industry met in Fremantle on Wednesday for crisis talks prompted by the state government's plan to grant itself a commercial stake in WA's rock lobster fishery.

Seafood Industry Australia chief executive Jane Lovell told Gareth Parker on 6PR's Mornings program the industry's access to fisheries was under assault from governments around the country and WA Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly's rock lobster proposal was the tipping point.

Australia's commercial fishing industry met in Perth on Wednesday for "crisis talks" about the WA government's plans for the state's rock lobster industry. Credit:Geraldton Fisherman's Co-Operative

She said there were different issues "burning" around the country, but WA's rock lobster policy was at "flashpoint" and she was worried about the precedent the policy would set nationally.

Mr Kelly wants to amend the states lobster management plan to increase the WA lobster catch quota from 6300 tonnes per annum to 8000, with 1385 tonnes reserved for the state government's use.
Hundreds of thousands of people in parts of Sydney have been exposed to potentially dangerous levels of air pollution, a study has found.

The air quality report found air pollution has increased in NSW, with fine particle air pollution exceeding the annual standard at 14 locations across the state in 2018, up from four to six locations in the previous four years.

The view of Penrith, obscured by air pollution, from Hawkesbury Lookout. Credit:Wolter Peeters

The reports author, Dr Ben Ewald, said while coarse particle air pollution has also increased, the fine particles are the most damaging for people's health.

"Fine particle air pollution exacerbates a number of serious and very common diseases," he said.
Never, you might think, has a political figure offered a more accurate description of himself for something less explained.

"I behaved like an idiot," the said political figure, Scott Buchholz, currently pleads from every media website, as if this might excuse him for whatever it was he wont say he did.

Scott Buchholz has apologised for "idiot" behaviour. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

"Political figure" might be gilding the lily a bit.

Until now, Scott Buchholzs big moments were serving as Barnaby Joyces chief of staff before getting handed a Queensland seat in 2010, and getting sacked in 2015 by Malcolm Turnbull as the governments chief whip (he was appointed by Tony Abbott seven months previously).
The Home Affairs Department has referred federal police to the leak of its advice to the government about the impact on the nation's border protection architecture if independent MP Kerryn Phelps' medivac bill were to become law.

A classified briefing leaked to media reportedly warned offshore processing of asylum seekers would be dismantled as a "pillar" of border control policy if Parliament passed the crossbencher's proposed changes to the regime.

Mike Pezzullo has argued that the public service must remain politically neutral. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The appearance of the department's advice in The Australian prompted questions about the source of the disclosure and accusations that the Coalition was "politicising" parts of the federal bureaucracy. Home Affairs' briefing to the government was reportedly based on advice from ASIO and the Australian Border Force.

Labor finance spokesman Jim Chalmers called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton to explain the leaking of classified information.
Among her 42 recommendations were restrictions on takeaway alcohol services, a voluntary cashless welfare card trial and voluntary options for children to attend residential schooling. The situation in the Kimberley region is dire and children and young persons have continued to die by suicide, despite the valiant efforts of service providers, despite the increased governmental funding, despite a better understanding of the importance of being culturally competent, and despite the numerous initiatives being implemented to avoid these preventable deaths, she said. The considerable services already being provided to the region are not enough. It may be time to consider whether the services themselves need to be co-designed in a completely different way, that recognises at a foundational level, the need for a more collective and inclusive approach towards cultural healing for Aboriginal communities. More research and services for children with foetal alcohol syndrome, a Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People and more local community liaison officers to assist families to access services also formed part of the Coroner's recommendations.

Aboriginal Senator Patrick Dodson said he hoped the inquest findings would not "sit and gather dust" like some other reports into Aboriginal well being. "This inquiry confirms what we already know  we have a crisis in the Kimberley," he said. "The rate of suicide in the Kimberley by Indigenous people, in particular young Indigenous people, is amongst the highest in the world. "Ten years have passed since the last major inquiry into the deaths of young Indigenous people  the Hope Inquest. "Today confirms yet again, we have made little or no progress."

The inquest report made a number of adverse findings against the Department of Child Protection and Family Support in relation to four of the young people, including a 10-year-old girl from Looma Aboriginal Community, whose shocking suicide in 2016 led to the inquest. The findings detailed occasions when the agency failed to assess allegations of violence and neglect flagged by social workers, carers and anonymous members of the community. The department, during the inquest, conceded that in hindsight it should have acted and that it had since changed some policies to address the short falls. The state government has made a commitment to work with Aboriginal communities to allow local people more input into policies that impact them. In its submission to the inquest, it said the changes would be a significant shift in policy and would require time to nurture and embed.

Ms Fogliani said the shift would require the principals of self-determination and empowerment and would also require significant funding. Families of the deceased children and young people listened to the findings be handed down via video link from Broome, Halls Creek, Kununurra and Fitzroy Crossing. The recommendations at a glance Recommendations regarding FASD 1. Universal screening for FASD during infant health assessments and upon a child entering into the child protection system or justice system for the first time; all children at risk of brain damage due to trauma or alcohol exposure in the womb be assessed for impairments at one year old and in the year before entering school; that comprehensive IQ and functioning assessments be done where required; there be referrals to other treatment services for trauma-related impairments, developmental and behavioural issues

2. Neurodevelopmental impairment (an umbrella term which includes behavioural, developmental and cognitive impairments) be recognised as a diability under the NDIS; Severe FASD be separately recognised as a disability within the NDIS 3. The government consider including FASD treatments under Medicare Benefits Scheme 4. GPs in areas with high burdens of neurodevelopmental impairment get additional funding to improve diagnosis and services 5. The government expand the Fitzroy Valleys Making FASD History project throughout the Kimberley 6. High school students throughout WA get education campaigns about FASD

7. That the state government appoints a special Commissioner or Advisor for Aboriginal children Recommendations regarding alcohol abuse 8. Restrictions on the purchase of takeaway alcohol across the entire Kimberley* 9. That the state consider the possibility of a Banned Drinker register, modelled on therapeutic support* 10. That police be resourced to enforce laws against sly grogging

11. Local Aboriginal-operated street patrols get secure long-term funding General recommendations 12. Local Aboriginal Area Co-ordinators or Family Advocates assist families to access service providers 13. Consider funding culturally appropriate short-stay accommodation in Kununurra for Aboriginal people visiting the East Kimberley to reduce demand for social housing 14. Transitional Housing Project continue in Broome, Derby, Halls Creek and Kununurra and extend to other town sites in the Kimberley

15. Kimberley people in public housing not be disadvantaged if they start earning money above the eligibility threshold 16. Expand support service The Yiriman Project, which aims to protect young people by strengthening their cultural connection to country 17. Ensure ongoing strategies for addressing suicide are designed and implemented in consultation with Aboriginal people 18. Introduce measure to increase reporting of domestic violence including considering laws to allow for visually recorded statements taken from victims to be admitted as evidence-in-chief in court 19. Provide cultural training for service providers on effects of trauma and FASD

20. Give regular training in suicide intervention to child protection workers and public/private schoolteachers who deal with Aboriginal children 21. Make efforts to bridging courses, cadet programs, and training courses that will allow local Aboriginal people to be employed in health, child protection and police 22. Consider extending an offer of a voluntary cashless debit card program to include the entire Kimberley 23. Expand use of video-conferencing for mental health assessments throughout Kimberley 24. Mental health treatment plans for Aboriginal persons offer option to include traditional cultural healing

25. Government fund more cultural healing projects in Kimberley such as that at Nyamba Buru Yawuru Centre in Broome 26. Kimberley service providers operate in trauma informed model and take account of the need for trauma-specific care 27. Better train Kimberley heath workers to assess and care for people with substance abuse and mental health issues 28. Build or undertake a feasibility study for a centre in the East Kimberley that incorporates co-morbid treatment of mental health and substance abuse issues 29. Kimberley health workers to incorporate mental health treatment into perinatal and infant care through resources of the WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit

30. Establish or refurbish youth centres in the Kimberley* 31. Base a mental health clinician in Halls Creek or increase clinician visits 32. Kimberley police stations consider running something like the Adopt-A-Cop program in Halls Creek* 33. Expand Halls Creek Elders Reference Group model throughout Kimberley towns, recognise this work through the CDP 34. Develop and fund children and young peoples drug and alcohol rehab in the Kimberley, with step-down processes

35. Maintain early education programs such as Kindylink for the Kimberley with consideration for funding beyond the period of the pilot* 36. Encourage and resource Kimberley schools to introduce re-engagement classrooms at a primary school level. 37. Provide Kimberley high schools with facilities enabling non-academic students of all genders to engage in vocational programs 38. Department of Education expand teaching of Aboriginal languages through Kimberley schools* 39. Link the expanded Yiriman Project to Kimberley schools
The social worker informed the department of the girl's sisters recent suicide, and the violence the girl had witnessed between her parents in the past. Nothing was done. Four months later the same social worker reported to the department the then-eight-year-old girl was no longing attending school, had stopped engaging with her, and had moved from Perth to the remote community of Looma. No action was taken and the department advised the social worker the girls case had been closed a month prior as there were no child protection concerns that had been noted. Two years later, the girl took her own life.

The department, during the coronial inquest, conceded the girls welfare should have been checked following the allegations of violence and her sisters suicide; and her living arrangements should have been reviewed, following her move to Looma. The Coroner called for a major policy reform which empowered Aboriginal people to have a say on policies which impacted them. Counsel assisting the Coroner, Phillip Urquart submitted the girls family life, which included entrenched violence, alcohol abuse and neglectful parenting, coupled with her sisters suicide, ought to have cried out for the girl to be assessed. It cannot in retrospect be known what the outcome of those assessments would have been, but I am satisfied that they could potentially have helped this child, Ms Fogliani found. The department has since changed its policy so that if a concern is raised about one child in a household, the other children within that household are also assessed.

12-year-old girl from Wyndham Authorities were made aware in 2009 that a 12-year-old girl from Oombulgurri Community was living in a dysfunctional household from at least the age of eight. The closure of the community in 2010 forced the distraught family to move to Wyndham, where their residence became known as a party house and was often overcrowded with people abusing alcohol. The girl rarely attended school, smoked gunga and drank alcohol, and often walked the streets at night unsupervised. One month before her death in February 2013, her family told police on two occasions she wanted to take her own life.

Her tragic death came on the day she was meant to see a visiting mental health professional, however the meeting was cancelled due to service priorities in other areas of the Kimberley. It was the second time in days the meeting had been cancelled following a three week delay by the Youth Justice team to refer her to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service for assessment after the agency learnt of her suicidal thoughts. She never accessed any mental health assistance. The delay in assisting the girl was due to staff shortages, and the difficulties around recruiting people to the East Kimberley. The Youth Justice team now has an additional regional manager (two in total) and three additional officers (11 in total) to better manage the areas case load of around 100 children.

The inquest also found the girl was not adequately assessed by the Department of Child Protection and Family Support in the last 11 months of her life, despite authorities knowing she was living in unsafe conditions. Ms Fogliani said various agencies had tried, however, to assist the girls family over the years. It cannot now be known what the outcome of that (mental health) referral might have been, she said. Suicide is very difficult, if not impossible, to predict. With the benefit of hindsight the matter was clearly urgent. The child was very vulnerable as a result of long-standing and entrenched trauma and she had already expressed an intention to take her life.

Numerous attempts had been made by agencies over an extended period to help her and her family under very difficult and trying circumstances. 13-year-old girl from Kalumburu On two occasions, the Department of Child Protection and Family Support was tipped off that a young girl in the Kimberley, aged around five or six, was being neglected by her mother and was asked to intervene. When the department learnt the child had been voluntarily placed in the informal care of extended relatives, no assessment of the child, or her living conditions was conducted and she was never placed under the agencys care. The department did not know where she lived from the time of the most recent complaint in 2006 to her death in 2013.

It was revealed during the inquest she was moved to Derby to live with extended family where she witnessed alcohol abuse and domestic violence. She then lived with her aunt in Kalumburu for six or seven years until 2011 when her mother took her back to Derby. During the inquest, the department conceded that at the time, it was common for the agency to rely on informal arrangements when a child went to live with other family. It now requires more formal placement arrangements which include an assessment of the childs living conditions and checks-ups. The Department of Child Protection and Family Support previous Executive Director of Country Services and Therapeutic Care, Ms Julianne Davis, told the inquest no assessment of the child was ever undertaken. A retrospective review of [the childs] case highlights the prominence of alcohol abuse, domestic violence, neglectful parenting, the absence of a responsible legal guardian and the presence of cumulative harm, she said.

It is also evident that on a number of occasions no assessment was undertaken in relation to [her] safety and wellbeing and care arrangements. 17-year-old boy from Broome In 1997, Department of Child Protection and Family Support officers were notified of a boy who had been born into a dysfunctional family. In 1998 and 1999, the agency failed to adequately assess the boys risk, and in 2011, it ignored a plea from a carer for him to be rescued from his living arrangements, which were described as chaotic and transient. The latter request was never investigated, with the department admitting during the inquest that the boy should have been assessed.
This is around 30,000 Victorians who take illicit drugs on any given day. There are about 2000 police on patrol doing general duties, which means each patrol could arrest 30 drug users per shift, meaning they would need to be driving buses rather than patrol cars. At that rate they would fill every prison cell in Victoria in five hours. If those who use average one dose a week that is nearly 130,000 a day, which would fill all our prisons in 90 minutes. The sheer volume of drug use in Australia presents police with a huge challenge. Credit:Graham Tidy The accepted view is 15 per cent of drug users are addicts, which means Victoria has about 135,000 - enough to fill every hospital bed in Australia. As these figures are based on a voluntary survey it would be reasonable to suggest participants may understate their drug use, so lets look at the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commissions wastewater sampling, where tests can extract illicit drug residue.

Using wastewater data gathered over 12 months from August 2016, it is estimated that more than 8.3 tonnes of methamphetamine is consumed in Australia each year, three tonnes of cocaine, 1.2 tonnes of MDMA and over 700 kilograms of heroin. Victorias figures are two tonnes of methamphetamine, 681.5 kilograms of cocaine, 326.5 kilograms of MDMA and 348.8 kilograms of heroin. Australia-wide the rate is 40 doses of methamphetamine taken per 1000 people per day. This means that in Victoria we consume more than 54,000 doses of pure speed a day, but as the drug is usually cut, the figure is closer to 90,000. Around Australia police made more than 150,000 arrests over cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis in 2015-16. Drug seizures are up 85 per cent in 10 years and the number of arrests has jumped 87 per cent in the same time. Seized drums of 1,4-Butanediol, sold as a party drug. Credit:Victoria Police The ACIC reported that of 23 countries with comparable figures of MDMA, cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine, Australia has the second-highest total estimated consumption after the US. We pay through the nose for cocaine, swallow industrial solvent 1,4-Butanediol masquerading as Liquid E, accept any new synthetic drug smuggled in from China, gobble horse tranquilisers like lollies and would probably sniff road tar or smoke Vegemite if we thought it would give us the mildest buzz. In his 1980 book Drug Traffic: Narcotics and Organised Crime in Australia, Professor Alfred McCoy found: "Australia has had a demonstrated capacity for consuming vast quantities of drugs of all kinds, both legal and illegal."

Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent. Credit:Victoria Police Clearly many people love to take illicit drugs and dont see their actions as wrong. As one policeman said many years ago: You can make something illegal but that wont make it unpopular. When police arrest a Mr Big or seize tonnes of product on the docks, the price and purity does not change. The iron law of crime is where there is a demand, there will be a supply. Rick Nugent is the senior officer putting together the police forces drug strategy and he knows enforcement alone is not enough but also that giving up is not an option. The question is 'how do we improve our effectiveness'. Just locking up drug users wont work, we know that, he says. A prime example, he says, is a successful country plumber who at the age of 30 became addicted to ice. He starts stealing and we charge him because we are pretty good at that. He is bailed, continues to offend and be charged. Two years later he goes to court and is put on a diversion program but it is too late. We are treating the symptoms, not the cause.

When your son or daughter takes drugs it is a health issue. When your house is burgled and the TV stolen it is a law and order issue. The truth is it is both. He says while the taskforce model is effective at tackling syndicate heads, police also have to target middle-tier dealers to disrupt supply and make it more difficult for users to source the drugs in the first place. The key points, he says, are prevention, treatment, supply reduction and reducing harm. The safe injecting room at North Richmond Community Health. Credit:Darrian Traynor Police, for example, support the Richmond safe injecting room. Nugent says it is used by 200 people a day and has succesfully dealt with 500 overdoses without a single death. So what about pill testing at festivals, so the users know what they are taking?

Pill testing is seen as the panacea but a lot more has to be done. How did we get to the point where drugs became part of the culture at music festivals? he says. Pill testing may prove a pill is not laced but it will not show what the person is also taking or any underlying medical conditions. One pill can kill. People who would otherwise not take it may start. That pill may have been tested, but what about the next? Revellers at the Rainbow Serpent Festival last year. Credit:Fairfax Media He says of the 3100 people between 2000 and 2017 who have died of drug overdoses in Victoria, 70 per cent had taken multiple drugs and 40 per cent were illegal substances. In the same time, eight people have died at music festivals, five from multiple drugs. Pill testing wouldnt have saved them, Nugent adds. He is also unimpressed by the legalisation argument as the most dangerous drug, alcohol, is available everywhere. Doesnt that prove that if illicit drugs were legal and easily accessible, more people would take them?

Crims making these drugs dont care about your health and wellbeing. It is just a commodity, like guns or people trafficking. They are only after the money. Using police, ambulance and hospital data, investigators will provide region-by-region illicit drug intelligence, as substance abuse is not universal. What we do know is regional Australia is in the grip of an ice epidemic and the affluent suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne have a voracious appetite for cocaine. The Station, a retail and medical cannabis dispensary in Boulder, Colorado. Credit:AP The use of recreational cannabis was legalised in Colorado, a state with a smaller population than Victoria, in 2012. This year sales cracked $US1 billion for the first time. There are more cannabis stores there than Starbucks, says Nugent. He sees the argument to legalise as unproven and dangerous: Where would we be if it were legal? It is a giant social experiment and you would never put the genie back in the bottle.
From genetically engineered mosquitoes to adapting bush medicine, Australian researchers are working on multiple fronts to prevent the arrival and spread of Zika virus in this country.

Zika is a mosquito-bourne virus similar to dengue fever, and is of particular concern because it causes extreme birth defects in babies whose mothers contract the virus. There have been more than 4000 cases of serious birth defects in countries with Zika since 2015.

Since concerns were first raised about the virus in 2015 in Australia, there has been dozens of cases of Zika here, but all of those were contracted overseas by people who then returned here.

Maria Lys was born with microcephaly due to her mother contracting Zika virus in Brazil. Credit:AP

Health authorities are still on alert for any cases contracted in Australia, with the main mosquito species which carries the disease - Aedes aegypti - common in north Queensland.
Torrential rain in North Queensland has forced floodwater to overflow from the Abbot Point port into the 5000-hectare Caley Valley Wetlands near the port in Bowen.

The port was closed earlier this week because of the rain, with the region receiving more than 700 millimetres in the past week.

Water lillies in the Caley Valley wetlands surrounding Abbot Point. Credit:Tom Jefferson/Greenpeace

Staff returned to the port on Thursday morning to find the port had overflowed into the adjacent wetlands.

The volume of floodwater flowing into the wetlands is now being assessed by the Queensland Department of Environment officers.
Norm McFarlane of Lithgow shared the story of "the teacher in Sydney who asked her students: Which is further away, the Moon or Perth? One student answered: Well, you can see the Moon, so..."

While David Gordon of Cranebrook notes that "holding the office of Lord Privy Seal (C8) does not confer membership of the House of Lords" and gives the example of "Ernest Bevin (LPS in 1951) remarking that he was 'neither a lord, nor a privy, nor a seal'", Don Firth of Wooli and Ted Richards of Batemans Bay take a different, and hoped for, direction, and refer instead to the BBC's satirical gem The Frost Report. Specifically, the episode that contained a famous parody of television news bulletins over-using images to illustrate key stories, where a story about the Lord Privy Seal was illustrated with consecutive images of lords, an outdoor toilet (the privy) and a performing seal.

Lynette Silver of Wahroonga was amused to read the following disclaimer from the British publishers of a Marco Polo travel handbook: "Despite all of our authors' thorough research, errors can creep in. The publishers do not accept any responsibility for thi "

With apologies to Mike Phillips, John McGrath of Naremburn thinks "cocktail tomatoes (C8) might be targeting the Bloody Mary set rather than the Martini set."

The following was sent in by Coral Button of North Epping shortly after it occurred on Thursday. "The scene: the reference desk at a local library. Enter, Coral Button (CB), who says to the librarian on duty: 'My name is Button, you have a DVD on reserve for me.' An older lady standing nearby (OLSN): 'Is your name Coral?' CB: 'Yes it is.' OLSN: 'Are you Coral Button of North Epping?' CB: 'I think I must be.' OLSN: 'Oh we love your letters.' CB: 'Thank you, I think the editor likes my name.' OLSN: 'No no, we all love your letters, please keep them up.' CB: 'Thank you, It keeps me occupied.' CB exits, pink faced." Enjoy your well-deserved 30 seconds of fame, Coral, your name IS delightful but the content of your contributions is the real reason you are featured so regularly.
You'd forgive some nervous Liberals for their forward planning, laying down the foundations for a potential new life (and income stream) after the federal election.

In fact, we take comfort from the fact that some enterprising MPs already have options in play.

Now it appears Liberal MP and Peter Dutton advocate Jason Wood has a side hustle: antiques.

Liberal MP Jason Wood has a lucrative side-hustle: antiques. Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit:

A flick through Woods Invest Antiques ebay sales page reveals a man who isnt messing around.
Staff at a Canberra sushi bar were underpaid nearly $300,000, with company operators accused of creating fake rosters and payslips to hide their actions, the Fair Work Ombudsman has alleged.

The Ombudsman has filed a Federal Court action against the Hero Sushi chain for underpayment at three stores in Canberra, Newcastle and the Gold Coast.

Hero Sushi at the Canberra Centre. The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a Federal Court action against the chain for underpayment of workers. Credit:Elesa Kurtz

It is alleged the operators failed to pay minimum hourly rates, casual loadings, penalty rates, overtime, clothing allowances, annual leave entitlements and superannuation, or provide payslips.

The operators are also accused of creating false records to provide to Fair Work inspectors during their investigation, showing inaccurate hours of work or claiming employees had been paid higher rates and superannuation when they had not.
Because kindness is fashionable and comes at the top of the list of required qualities, the perfect man for a woman in her 50s is a nice guy. What we once took for weakness has acquired shades of nobility. First impressions can be supplemented by a few second opinions, but watch out for advisors and the light-fingered. If there's a perfect man knocking about, your rivals are bound to be prowling around him already, armed with a butterfly net. THE PERFECT MAN IS SEDUCTIVE He's not the most handsome, but you look at the perfect man and you like what you see. If he doesn't have all the aforementioned qualities, it's not too much of a problem. The simple fact that you fancy him cancels out certain qualities that you would never have imagined being able to overlook on an empty stomach. But even so, be sure to get your hands on the low-down of his services rendered. Seductiveness can be treacherous. Sometimes, steering well clear of a man who is too obviously appealing is a sensible course of action. THE PERFECT MAN IS NOT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

He keeps his narcissism to himself. At worst, he's a passive user, at best, he's not on Facebook or Instagram and doesn't tweet either, because he's not involved in politics and doesn't have anything particular to sell. Nor is he on LinkedIn, because he's not looking for clients or for work. He already has a job, and he knows very well that at his age (the same age as you), that's not the way to go about finding one. THE PERFECT MAN HAS DEALT WITH HIS PROBLEMS The perfect man is divorced. His past life is finished, digested and tidied away somewhere in the cellar. There's nothing worse than living to a schedule of delayed divorce-court rulings and maintenance payments still to be negotiated. For a long time, the perfect man went to bed early with the same woman. Perfection demands that she was the guilty party, who left him after time took its toll. Once the surprise had worn off, and the awareness that he had also been bored in their relationship had dawned, the perfect man was relieved. So he stayed good friends with his ex. The details of the divorce were settled over a good bottle, with the division of assets scribbled down on the corner of the paper tablecloth, which they simply handed over to their shared lawyer. THE PERFECT MAN IS A WIDOWER

On the face of it, I wouldn't have spontaneously come up with this. We're cynical, yes, but like to keep things elegant. And yet a conversation with a friend got me thinking. At 55, Lauren had been single for three years. Her husband had left after 25 years, the day after their last child got his degree. Since then, he'd been writhing in the arms of a 30-year-old Ukrainian. For her, it was as if he was dead, but even crueller. If he was dead, at least she'd have a pension, she told me half-seriously. Shortly after, when it was her children's turn to leave, she told herself it was time to find a new companion. She went through the people she knew, in vain, and then spent a bit of time on a dating site. At first it was funny, then disappointing, and she ended up getting hurt several times. Between the eternal bachelors never ready to settle down, the men whose divorce will never be settled, and those who are still sleeping with their ex-wives, Lauren explained to me one evening that the market was paralysed, before triumphantly exclaiming: "Who's available and has no ex-wife to get in the way? A widower!" Widowers are rare and highly sought-after commodities. In the race for the perfect man, a widower is a good bet for a place, or even a win. They have many things going for them: they're available, don't pay maintenance, and might even have ended up with a bit of an inheritance.

With a little luck, his children will be grown up, and with even more luck, Madame tip-toed off stage without a heart-rending story, just one of those stupid things, sudden but not violent, that can happen to anyone at any time. Be warned: there is only a narrow window for bagging a widower, the slightly vague period between when his mourning ends and his social resurrection begins. After that, you can be sure he's already spoken for. The brooding widower you're hoping to console is only weighed down by one thing you can't fight against: his memories. Initially, you'll have to put up with this. But once you're settled in, you need to subtly deconstruct the decorative influence of the absent woman, who's a bit too present for your liking. If by chance your new squeeze has left a mysterious urn in pride of place on the mantelpiece, you'll have to think about letting it go. But how? Moving a piece of furniture is easy, repainting the kitchen is doable, getting rid of a chandelier or a carpet he bought with Her in Iran isn't impossible. You can always put it on Gumtree and tell him one day it went for an amazing price. However, even on eBay for a token price, the urn from the mantelpiece is going to be hard to offload. I can imagine the listing: "Urn for sale, barely used, nearly new  sober, contemporary design, would suit any style. Offers accepted." Having her disappear from his life for a second time without consultation isn't fair play, and neither is relegating her to the cellar.

THE PERFECT MAN DOES NOT HAVE A BEARD There's a reason for the way men wear their facial hair. That it's become non-negotiable by this point is irritating, and not just to the cheeks. More than a fashion accessory, beards have now become the touchstone of the most endemic herd-following behaviour. Beards project an image somewhere between virility and affectation, and for a long while I wondered what to think. I think I was waiting until I was sure of my judgement on the subject. After all, our opinions can change, sometimes radically. There was actually a time when I liked blond men with highlights and shoes with pompoms. For men over 50, beards are only acceptable if they're not white, or even grey, which is problematic as these areas are the first to go. Otherwise, it's an absurdity. The same goes for dyeing it, and if that's what you're doing boys, you've gone through the looking glass. In the time it takes to grow a beard, I see dashing, funny 50-somethings suddenly transform into hairy old ashtrays. Not to mention the state of our skin if the ashtray decides to try anything more than a kiss on the cheeks. This is an edited extract from Why French Women Feel Young at 50  and How You Can Too (Hachette Australia) by Mylene Desclaux, out now.
Drug companies really only have a mandate to their shareholders to do the trials that will bring the drugs onto the market, she explained. The system is not structured for anyone to have responsibility. Given the lengths of time that these drugs have been on the market, its extraordinary that we still dont have the kind of evidence that we need. Loading I dont want to debate the merits of antidepressants. For some people they are lifesavers, for others they dont seem to work. What Im advocating for is adequate information so withdrawal can be better managed and people can make informed decisions.

One in 10 Australians take antidepressants, second only in the world to Iceland. The rate has almost doubled from 2000 to 2016. At the moment, many are resorting to groups on the internet for advice. But these pills are big business, and users deserve correct information. For example, I didnt know  and neither it seems did my doctors  to reduce symptoms, it's better to taper off over months, not weeks. A doctor I saw during my withdrawal said it was rare, but a little survey of my friends has made me doubt this. Almost a dozen told me theyd experienced similar withdrawals, while others knew friends or clients who had. One friend, bestselling mental health author Jill Stark, said she experienced an absolutely horrendous six weeks of debilitating brain zaps, eye twitches, nausea, the shakes, gut problems and so much more. Plus, a brain fog so bad I could hardly focus on anything and would forget my words mid-sentence, she said.

Another friend, a health worker in her early 40s, also had brain zaps  the sensation of electric currents  plus vomiting. I wasn't warned, she said. Actually I was told there were no side effects at all before I took them. A third, an academic in his mid-30s, said he experienced three months of brain zaps, along with insomnia and hyperactivity. I didnt know  and neither it seems did my doctors  that it was better to taper off over months, not weeks. The doctor definitely minimised it in my experience. Its such a serious side effect, and yet I felt it was completely glossed over.

Then there are even more serious cases. A lawyer friend, aged in his 50s, said hed given up trying to come off the pills he was first prescribed 25 years ago. [I] have tried on multiple occasions to taper but always get severe brain zaps and the other symptoms. Withdrawal makes working impossible, he said. All psychs have told me I should be able to taper over a week or so. Rubbish. Alarmingly, two friends said they became suicidal. One, a fashion designer in her late 30s, was experiencing this at the time we spoke and couldn't get in to see her doctor.

I have never in my life felt this out of control, nor suicidal, she said. The crying and the hysteria is scary. But we dont need to rely on anecdotal evidence. Research has, in fact, begun to emerge. Loading A New Zealand survey of long-term users of psychiatric medications, three-quarters complained about withdrawal symptoms. In another of 250 long-term users, most commonly antidepressants, half rated their withdrawal as severe. In a third, 130 of 180 users reported withdrawal symptoms and almost half felt they were addicted. Many of the participants complained of a lack of information and support on withdrawal.

The doctor I saw said she didnt warn patients as she believed it was more important to treat a persons mental illness than worry them about what could occur if they go off it. Professor Mangin disagreed, saying patients were entitled to be informed and warning them took the fear out of the equation. She described brain zaps as alarming and listed a litany of other possible symptoms including ones similar to the flu, gut problems, vivid nightmares, insomnia, distress and panic. One patient told her she would have thought she was going mad if she wasnt warned. She was quite a high-functioning woman, with a high-pressure job, and she said, I would just burst into tears for no reason at all, Professor Mangin said.

Thats why its so important to know so that you can plan for it from the outset and not feel alarmed by it. And I think youve got to be able to prepare your family for it too. Professor Mangin hopes her research  due to be published in the coming months  will help doctors set a course length, rather than parking patients on the drugs long-term unnecessarily, and plan for a gradual, monitored and supported withdrawal. Loading The only options my psychiatrist, who worked at a major Melbourne hospital, could give me to treat withdrawal was to restart the antidepressant (which hadnt helped my condition in the first place and carried risks to my baby), take another antidepressant that others also report experiencing withdrawals from, or start an anti-psychotic. None of these felt appealing, and, seeing Id already passed through the worst of it by the time I was able to see him, I hung on.
Electrical contractors say the smart meter installation method is broken and small businesses and customers are feeling the pain because of complicated systems, particularly in New South Wales.

The concerns come as smart metering business Acumen and Origin Energy sent emails this week to sub-contractors who were part of a program to install Acumen meters, informing them that they would no longer be able to complete these jobs because of the "low volume" of installations they were doing.

Andrew Dwyer of RIC electrics.

"It's been an absolute nightmare," says head of Riverina business RIC Electrics, Andrew Dwyer.

Mr Dwyer's business was informed this week it would no longer be able to log jobs to install smart meters to Origin customers and would instead have to arrange for the work to be done by an Origin technician.
Harrisonburg, VA (22807)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds light and variable.
The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now.

Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market.

In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender.

India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex.

Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted.

But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted?

Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner.

If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems.

I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now.

I want more variation in masturbation

I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own.

If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end.

What is sex toys for Indian?

Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation.

It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms.

They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable.

Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner.

The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner.

It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past.

In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping.

Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order.

In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing.

Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome.

Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own.

But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance.

More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around.

Sextoy situation in India

Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years.

In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India.

Mumbai

Kolkata

Bangalore

Delhi

Chennai

Hyderabad

These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India.

In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well.

If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too.

If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it.

What are Sextoys for beginner?

Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms.

Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy.

I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion.

I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy.

If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma.

Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it.

Advantages of using sextoy for Indians

There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians

You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways.

Can have stimulating sex

Can develop new sexual zones

If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern.

However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways.

You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation.

Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever.

There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure.

This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it.

When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems.

It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms).

For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles

[Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou...

Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India.

Sextoy for beginner men in India

So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners.

For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men!

The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men

Masturbator

Cock rings

Love Doll

Sex Lubricants

Toys for the prostate

Lets check each one in detail.

Masturbator

The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products.

It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands.

Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands.

They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.)

Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much.

Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! !

Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa   SEXToys India PR  (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018

Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood.

If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here

Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ...

[For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien...

Cock Ring

A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis.

It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow.

It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber.

In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection.

Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction.

It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it.

Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time.

Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function.

Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy.

You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect.

[Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat...

Love Doll

Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex.

There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women.

Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price.

The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true.

You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste.

There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice.

You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls.

If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here

Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to...

Sex lubricants

Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules.

It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution.

Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse.

There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent.

Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent.

If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here.

What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many...

Toys for the Prostate

Another sextoy for men is prostate toys.

The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line.

Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men.

Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm.

You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus.

By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms.

Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.)

The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation.

Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure.

sextoy for beinner women in India

The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy.

The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy.

Vibrator.

Dildo

Electric Masserger

Lets check out what each one is in detail.

If you want to check out womens toys, click here.

[BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm...

Vibrators

A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator.

Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy.

It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy.

Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women.

For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators.

Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex.

Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself.

This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual.

Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men.

When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons.

Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most...

Dildo

A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis.

It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass.

A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it.

They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well.

It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device.

A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo.

Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands.

For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis.

This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one.

To learn more about dildo, please click here.

What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th...

Electric Masserger

A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores.

It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low.

Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels.

Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation.

It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure.

For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm.

It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out.

If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager?

To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here.

What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th...

How to choose a sextoy for Indian

Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one.

Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points:  Does the size fit you (the partner)?

Does the size fit you (your partner)?

Is the environment able to produce sound without problems?

Price range

First of all, the choice of size is quite important.

Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women.

For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage.

Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems.

Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise.

If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level.

Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it.

Finally, there is the price range.

The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest.

Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy.

Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy?

I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance.

For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics.

If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out.

How to buy sextoys in India

The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping.

For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below.

Sextoy is one of them.

Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping.

SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India.

They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry.

Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card.

To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy.

ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal.

Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on.

Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture.

Cautions for Indians using sextoy

When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind

Keep sex toys clean

Watch out for electrical leakage

Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy

As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone.

Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there.

It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case.

In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness.

Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful.

If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it.

You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly.

Summary

What did you think?

In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India.

The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future.

As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values.

However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health.

If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try?

Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women.

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Two award-winning Irish fashion designers will have their dresses on the red carpet at the Academy Awards later this month.

Dublin couturier Helen Cody is known for her ethereal and romantic signature look on the catwalks. She has dressed some of Ireland's biggest names including Mary McAleese in the 1997 presidential election, Ali Hewson and actress Amy Huberman, and the delicate pale pink, feathered couture dress she made for Ballon d'Or finalist Stephanie Roche in 2014 made headlines (pictured below).

And now the 52-year-old is dressing producer Nuria Blanco for the Oscars red carpet. Blanco's animated film Late Afternoon (by Kilkenny-based Cartoon Saloon) has been shortlisted for best short film award.

She will wear a lavishly embellished smoky grey and lavender silk taffeta creation which took more than 300 hours to complete, and which was made originally for the Crafts Council of Ireland Portfolio.

Helen Cody

Ms Cody said: Nuria fell in love with a dress I said I would never sell and only allow to be worn to such an important event and (on) a nominee.

(She) knew about my work and emailed me. When she came to my studio and tried it on, I realised I could not top this, ever. It is a master dress and it brings me joy to see someone so exquisite representing an Irish brand on the red carpet.

The designer and Irish fashion favourite was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer a year ago and has undergone months of crippling chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She is now in remission and spoke recently of her experience on the Late Late Show.

Meanwhile, Galway born Alison Conneely is making a gown for the same films Louise Bagnall who is the writer and director of Cartoon Saloon.

Ms Conneely added: The most important thing for the Oscars - when the worlds eyes are upon you - is that you want the wearer to be comfortable and relaxed and not worry about the dress. A director is not a glamour model and there is a different form of artistic expression to an A-list celebrity.

It is nine years since an Irish-based designer has had a creations adorn the Oscars red carpet. The Oscars will be on February 25 in Los Angeles.
Ruth Morrissey, who is suing over the alleged misreading of her cervical smears, has only a maximum of two years to live, the High Court heard today.

A leading cervical cancer expert Professor John Shepherd who has reviewed Ms Morrisseys recent scans said it was correct to say that Ms Morrissey is looking at one to two years from todays date.

And he told the court it was "totally unacceptable" that the 37-year-old mother did not find out until May last year, the results of audits on her 2009 and 2012 cervical smear slides which showed they had been incorrectly reported as negative.

Consultant gynaecological oncologist Prof Shepherd who has reviewed Ms Morrissey's case along with the scans she had earlier this year said there is a significant mass on her pelvis and on the balance of probabilities the mass is still malignant.

The mass is stable at the moment but on balance, there is still active cancer at the centre, he said.

Ruth Morrissey and her husband Paul Morrissey of Kylemore, Schoolhouse Road, Monaleen, Co Limerick have sued the HSE and the US laboratory Quest Diagnostics Ireland Ltd with offices at Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin along with Medlab Pathology Ltd with offices at Sandyford Business Park, Dublin 18.

It is claimed there was an alleged failure to correctly report and diagnose and there was an alleged misinterpretation of her smear samples taken in 2009 and 2012.

A situation it is claimed allegedly developed where Ms Morrisseys cancer spread unidentified, unmonitored and untreated until she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in June 2014.

It is further claimed a review of the 2009 and 2012 smears took place in 2014 and 2015 with the results sent to Ms Morrissey's treating gynaecologist in 2016, but she was not told until May 2018 of those review results which showed her smears were reported incorrectly.

The Morrisseys further contends that if Ms Morrissey had been told the results of the smear test audits in late 2014 or early 2015, she would have insisted on an MRI and other scans.

The HSE the court has already heard admitted it owed a duty of care to Ms Morrissey but not to her husband. The laboratories deny all claims.

In the witness box yesterday Prof Shepherd said Ruth Morrissey had a smear test in 2002 which came back normal and she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014.

He said she went from a normal result in 2002 over twelve years through the spectrum to invasive cancer in August 2014.

He said if Ms Morrissey who seemed a sensible and intelligent woman had the audit results in 2015 or 2016 she would have wanted to ensure the absolute best of care and further tests.

Prof Shepherd said cervical cancer can reoccur within 18 months to two years and he believed Ms Morrissey if she had known the audit results would have asked for scans on a surveillance basis.

A scan after two years on the balance of probabilities would have shown an abnormality he said and the recurrence of the cancer could have been detected and treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy with a 50% chance of salvage.

If Ms Morrissey had a scan in 2016 and if cancer was detected she would have had a biopsy and this would have confirmed a recurrence and she could have had treatment with the intention of a cure.

The court heard there is no criticism of the treatment of Ms Morrissey since her cancer came back last year.

The case before Mr Justice Kevin cross continues tomorrow.
Three people who were arrested by gardai yesterday as part of their investigation into the murder of Michael Keogh in Dublin in 2017 have been released without charge.

Mr Keogh was shot dead at the age of 27 on May 31, 2017, at Sheridan Court on Dorset Street.
A public health nurse is on trial charged with theft of more than 11,000 from a patient in her 80s via 59 bank card transactions at shops and ATM machines.

Deirdre Kenneally, 47, of Leitrim, Kilworth, County Cork, pleaded not guilty to all 59 theft charges and three other related charges and she went on trial before Judge Gerard OBrien and five women and seven men of the jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Prosecution barrister, Donal McCarthy, said the evidence he anticipated the prosecution would present in the week-long trial would be that Ms Kenneally allegedly used the bank card belonging to a patient in her 80s to get money from ATM machines for her own benefit.

He said 59 of the charges related to alleged theft and three of them related to phoning online banking to transfer money belonging to the injured party from one account to another.

Mr McCarthy stressed that both accounts belonged to the elderly woman and that the three transactions were done to facilitate bank card transactions at ATM machines.

Betty Darcy said her widowed sister, Alice Twomey, lived in a remote country farm in Castlelyons and became fragile mentally so she (Ms Darcy) rang her three times a day.

Nurses called to see her. Everyone tried to help her. She was a difficult person to relate to. She did not trust anyone in this world including myself. Only one person succeeded in getting her confidence  Nurse Clancy."

Clancy, the court head, was the maiden name of the accused, Deirdre Kenneally.

She got on my sisters wavelength. My sister trusted her absolutely. She was an excellent nurse.

I was not aware my sister had a debit card. She possibly did not know it herself. She had Alzheimers and she was in her mid-80s. She always used money. She always used cash.

As far as finances are concerned if I borrowed a euro she got it back. She was always very honest. She would not owe you anything. She would not take anything belonging to you but also it worked the other way. She knew what she wanted. She did not get what she wanted - that is why the court case is here today.

Ms Darcy who is 80 and a former bank official said she was the one who discovered what allegedly happened and not a bank inspector or anyone else.

I was horrified and devastated. My sister was very straight, very honest. She would not do a dirty trick on anyone. She would expect me to look out for her. I have nothing to gain, only hassle, it has been a living nightmare for the past two and a half years.

Defence barrister, Tom Power, suggested to the witness that Alice Twomey had a good relationship with nurse Clancy.

Ms Darcy replied:

The only person in this world she had a good relationship with was nurse Clancy. She had got her confidence. I knew nothing. Nurse Clancy knew everything.

Mr Power BL asked if she knew that her sister had entered an arrangement to pay the defendant every week for services to her.

Ms Darcy replied in relation to the defendant, She was paid by the HSE. She (her sister) was a highly intelligent woman before she got Alzheimers. She knew quite well she (the nurse) was paid by the HSE. She would not do it if she was in her right mind or even if she was in her wrong mind.

I always like to be right I would be delighted if anyone could prove me wrong because she was an excellent nurse.

It took an hour for the arraignment of the accused where she replied not guilty to 62 charges and for the charges to be read over to the jury by the registrar at the outset.

Fifty-nine charges are contrary to Section 4.1 of the Criminal Justice (Theft) Act, which refers to the dishonest appropriation of various sums of money, the property of Alice Twomey, without her consent, with the intention of depriving Alice Twomey of it. Sums range from 11 to 396 from August 2015 to July 2016 at various locations in Fermoy, Kilworth, Mitchelstown, Cork city and Swords, County Dublin.

Three charges are contrary to Section 9 of the same Act between February and June 2016 where it is alleged she operated a computer with the intention of causing a loss to Alice Twomey.

The total amount of money referred to in charges is more than 11,000.
We are losing pay because of the industrial dispute and that is not going to be easy but we have to wade through this."

That was the view of Nicole Menton, who works as a midwife sonographer at the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital in Dublin.

Nicole, who grew up in Dublin but is now living in Naas, Co Kildare said it was not all about money.

I don't think anyone did nursing for the money but, at this stage, it is all about keeping our younger nurses here.

Nicole hopes the dispute is resolved soon but she was not so sure. I had thought it would not go to this stage but here we are.

Brid Shine, a bereavement midwife at the Coombe Hospital, is originally from Listowel, Co Kerry.

I think the strike is so much more than pay for midwives, she said.

We are losing midwives at an awful rate. We now have our young midwives leaving the hospital and we are really short-staffed all the time.

When she goes on duty in the morning she often meets young midwives who are crying because they feel they were not able to provide adequate care to their patients.

We can't continue like that, said Brid.

"I will not be paid because I am on the picket line and will struggle to pay the mortgage and other bills but I had to make a stand."

Fiona Walsh, a community midwife at the Coombe Hospital and originally from Blackrock, Cork, said We are totally frustrated. We don't have enough midwives to give the care that we want to give.

I am rostered to work today (Thurs) but I won't get paid because I am on picket duty.

Fiona hopes the dispute does not continue into next week but she is not optimistic that there will be a resolution any time soon.

It is miserable for everybody on the picket line but we feel we have to be here because we are so short-staffed all the time, she said.

If management doesn't have the staff, what can they do? They can't do anything about it. That's the problem.
Gardai are appealing for the public's help in tracing a man missing from his home in Dublin.

41-year-old Tony Galvin from Ballyfermot has not been seen since Tuesday.
Gardai are investigating the death of two prisoners in the last 10 days at the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise.

The first death occurred sometime between the evening of January 27 and the following morning.
Businessman Denis OBrien has told a High Court jury he is not "self-obsessed" in maintaining he was among 22 people allegedly blamed in newspaper articles for the 2008 financial crisis here.

It was "outrageous" that he was "lumped in" with the "gang" of 22 when he is a good borrower and not a "developer king", he said.

When he said the word they in a sub headline The files they didnt want you to see included him, and was defamatory, Michael McDowell SC said the Sunday Business Post (SBP) denied the word they meant him.

Counsel remarked Mr OBrien (pictured) had probably heard of the song, Youre so vain and the articles, published on March 15, 2015, did not mean that Mr OBrien or others were being blamed for the 2008 financial crisis.

Mr OBrien responded he did not know counsel was a music buff to which Mr McDowell replied he was a great fan of 98FM.

Mr OBrien reiterated his view the articles meant he was part of a gang of 22 responsible for the crisis in 2008.

He did not know how counsel could say the articles did not refer to him or that he was self-obsessed or like the person Carly Simon was referring to in the song, Youre so vain.

Earlier, Mr OBrien said that counsel, as a former Minister for Justice, would understand what was meant by the word gang.

He also said it was pretty shocking stuff to be referred to under a headline People of Influence, People of Blame when he is not a developer king, is not reckless and not a person who blew up this country".

Counsel said the SBP would say the information set out in the articles was based on the contents of a report compiled by Price Waterhouse Coopers which was provided to the Government in 2008.

The report concerned the exposure of Irish banks in 2008 and was based on information given to PWC by the banks themselves, the jury was told.

Mr McDowell said the SBP would say publication of the report was in the public interest.

He said PWC went to the Government saying this was the information it was given by the banks.

"I'm not a 'developer king'"

The SBP maintained it was in the public interest to know the Government did not want the public to know the Government was misled about the position of the banks, he said.

Mr OBrien said PWC should have analysed in much greater detail the loan books.

Earlier, he said the PWC report was illegally obtained and it was a criminal offence to have it.

He said has never seen the report which, the jury has been told, was destroyed soon after the articles were published so as to protect the source.

It was possible the journalists got the PWC report wrong, he also said.

He said he is a good borrower and strongly believes in the confidentiality of peoples banking affairs.

Journalists have a blase attitude to peoples private banking affairs and it was not ok to release information about them, he said.

He said the articles referred to 22 developers and one would want a Disney-like imagination to say, because he had various small investments, he was one of the 22 people who unravelled the banks. He is a property investor, not a developer king, he said.

Counsel is continuing his cross examination of Mr OBrien who is suing over alleged defamation in articles published in the SBP on March 15, 2015.

In the action against Post Publications Ltd, the businessman is seeking substantial damages, to include aggravated damages on grounds of alleged malicious publication.

The articles were run over six pages and their focus was what the SBP referred to as a "secret" report into Ireland's banks by Price WaterhouseCoopers (PWC), called "Project Atlas". The report was provided to the government in November 2008 and obtained in 2015 by the newspaper.

The articles include a front page article headlined "22 men and 26 billion" with a subheading: "The secret report that convinced Cowen the banks weren't bust."

Above the headline was a stamp with the word "Confidential" and a strapline, "The files they don't want you to see".

Beside the headline, and below the words "Top Secret" was a list of names, including Denis O'Brien's.

It is claimed the front page article stated the PWC report "shows how just 22 men ended up owing 25.5 billion to their banks" and that it and other articles meant Mr O'Brien was one of the 22.

Mr O'Brien claims the articles identify the 22 with the downfall of Ireland and the bankruptcy of its banking system and mean certain things that injure his reputation.

The defendant denies defamation, denies the words complained of mean what Mr O'Brien says and denies malicious publication. It has also pleaded "fair and reasonable publication on a matter of public interest".
Businessman Denis OBrien has said he is not self-obsessed in believing he was lumped in with 22 borrowers allegedly blamed in newspaper articles for the 2008 financial crisis here.

"Im second place to you in the vanity stakes, he told Michael McDowell SC during cross-examination in his High Court action alleging defamation in several articles published in the Sunday Business Post (SBP) on March 15th 2015.

He said he was maliciously put into a category of borrowers where he should not have been and defamed because the articles wrongly meant he was a member of a select group responsible for the property bubble in Ireland.

He had made some property investments but was not a developer and disagreed it was not defamatory to describe someone as a developer in 2015. If you interacted with the public between 2008 and 2015 and said you were a developer and not a barrister, you would get dogs abuse, he told counsel.

"I am not a property developer king and I didnt bust the country.

Mr OBrien is suing Post Publications Ltd for substantial damages over the alleged defamation.

The focus of the articles, run over six pages, was what the SBP referred to as a "secret" report concerning exposure in 2008 of Ireland's banks, compiled by Price WaterhouseCoopers (PWC).

The report was provided to the government in November 2008 and obtained in 2015 by the newspaper but was destroyed shortly after publication to protect the source who provided it.

The articles include a front page article headlined "22 men and 26 billion" with a subheading: "The secret report that convinced Cowen the banks weren't bust."

Mr O'Brien claims the various articles wrongly meant he was among 22 borrowers identified with the downfall of Ireland and the bankruptcy of its banking system and injured his reputation.

The defendant denies defamation, denies the words complained of mean what Mr O'Brien says and denies malicious publication. It has also pleaded "fair and reasonable publication on a matter of public interest".

On Thursday, Mr McDowell said the SBP denied the "they" in a strapline The files they didnt want you to see included Mr O'Brien.

Remarking Mr OBrien had probably heard of the Carly Simon song, Youre so vain, counsel put to him the articles did not mean Mr OBrien, or others, were being blamed for the 2008 financial crisis.

Mr OBrien reiterated his view the articles, including one headlined "The Gang of 22", meant he was part of a gang of 22 responsible for the 2008 crisis. He did not know how counsel could say otherwise or suggest he was self-obsessed or like the person referred to in the song, Youre so vain.

He denied his interpretation of "gang" as referring to people engaged in wrongdoing or criminality was "excessive".

Mr McDowell put to him "gang" is used widely to describe different groups of people, such as the gang of 22 in the Fianna Fail party who opposed Charlie Haughey.

Mr OBrien said counsel, as a former Minister for Justice, knows what gang means and it is not "a loving term.

He said he has never seen the PWC report but believed the newspaper had sensationalised it and the journalists involved had set out to do him damage.

When counsel suggested it was accurate to describe Mr O'Brien as among those under huge financial pressure in 2008 in the context of his having loans of some 750m to Anglo, Mr oBrien said he was not under huge financial pressure and, had he had to, could easily have written a cheque for Anglo to repay his loans.

He had paid all his loans off and, at the request of Bank of Ireland and AIB because of a flight of deposits by multinationals from Ireland, put 600m on deposit in those banks, he said. The taxpayer never had to shoulder any burden from his loans, he added.

A file image of Michael McDowell, SC

Counsel said the SBP would say the 22 people referred to in the articles, including Mr OBrien, all featured in the PWC report which had put Mr OBrien at number ten in a list of 22 borrowers and it was in the public interest to publish the report.

Mr OBrien said PWC should have analysed the banks' loan books in much greater detail.

He said it was possible the journalists got the PWC report wrong.

He said he is a "good borrower" who strongly believes in the confidentiality of peoples banking affairs.

Mr McDowell said there are times when peoples banking affairs become matters of public importance. If the Taoiseach was told in 2008 none of the banks would have difficulty meeting capital adequacy ratios, people were entitled to know that in 2015, counsel said.

Mr OBrien said it would have been illegal for people to know that because the PWC report was a private government cabinet paper.

During other exchanges, Mr OBrien said an experienced editor would have said he could not be described as he had been in these articles and, had the matter gone to the SBP owner, he believed the owner would have said the same thing.

He said he had received a letter from the owner of the SBP.

Mr McDowell said it "may be news to you but in most newspapers the owners are not in control, the editor is and put to him the widespread convention is owners do not seek to influence editorial content.

Mr OBrien said when one looks at some newspapers, such as the Daily Mail, he was sure their owners have influence and it could not be said one cap fits all in relation to editorial control.

In reply to counsel, he said he is a minority shareholder in INM and does not interfere with editorial policy there or with Newstalk.

The hearing continues before Mr Justice Bernard Barton and a jury.
A contract cleaner is to receive undisclosed damages in settlement of his High Court action for being falsely accused of stealing over an 85 cent price shortfall for two pastries he bought in a supermarket.

Tesco Ireland also acknowledged Syed Asif Hussein did not engage in any dishonest conduct in the course of his employment with Mid West Cleaning while working at Tesco, Coonagh Cross, Limerick.

Mr Hussein, Inis Mhara Shannon, Co Clare, sued Tesco for defamation arising out of an incident on February 14, 2016, when he had finished his work for Mid West Cleaning in the store. Tesco denied he was defamed.

It was claimed he requested two Danish pastries at the bakery which a Tesco staff member put in a transparent plastic bag and applied the price tag to it.

Mr Hussein paid for them at the self-service checkout when, it was alleged, a trainee manager asked him to attend the service desk for a staff search.

He retrieved the receipt which he had thrown in the bin. The trainee manager contacted the store manager, Joe Rooney, because the two pastries had been tagged as butter croissants which meant he had paid 85 cent less than he should have.

Mr Hussein said he was unaware they had been incorrectly tagged.

It was claimed the manager, Mr Rooney, told him: "The guy in the bakery is your friend and he gave you a favour and gave you a discount."

Mr Hussein offered to pay the balance but this was not accepted. He asked Mr Rooney was he accusing him of stealing.

It was claimed Mr Rooney replied: "Yes you were, 'cause you were stealing 85 cent from the company and this is a serious issue and I am going to talk to your manager about this."

Mr Hussein said this was audible members of the public doing their shopping.

He was later suspended with pay from his job with Mid West Cleaning.

Two days later, it is claimed, while his wife was travelling on a bus, a Tesco employee sat beside her and said: "I heard your husband got caught stealing in Tesco".

Mr Hussein's solicitors wrote to Tesco seeking an apology and amends.

The following month, another Tesco employee went into Mr Hussein's wife's shop and, in the presence of other customers, said she understood her husband had been dismissed for stealing.

His wife was also told by an employee of Mid West Cleaning that Mr Hussein and another employee had been justifiably dismissed because they "had been taking headphones and other items" from the store and had been caught on camera.

Tesco was requested to provide undertakings that it would inform its staff and Mr Hussein's employer the allegations had no basis.

It refused or neglected to comply with the request, it was claimed, and he sued for defamation.

Following talks on Thursday, a High Court jury sworn in to hear the case was told it had been settled before it opened.

Michael Delaney SC, instructed by Alec Gabbett of Leahy Reidy Solicitors, for Mr Hussein, said the defendant had agreed to pay a sum of damages plus costs.

The defendant would also read a statement as part of the settlement.

Declan Doyle SC, for Tesco, said his client wished to acknowledge Mr Hussein "is of the highest integrity and was not at any time engaged in dishonest conduct in the course of his employment at the defendant's store".

Mr Justice Michael McGrath congratulated the parties, thanked the jury, discharged it, and struck out the proceedings.
The Government has been called on to "do the right thing" and engage with striking nurses without preconditions.

Nurses and midwives who took part in a third day of industrial action today and are set to strike for three consecutive days next week.

Speaking in the Dail, Health Minister Simon Harris said the Government is eager to come to "a fair and satisfactory solution" but it would have to be one that preserves the integrity of all elements of the public sector pay agreement reached last year.

Solidarity PBP TD Mick Barry encouraged a group of nurses who watched the debate from the public gallery to "keep your nerve" and keep up the pressure on the picket line.

Mr Harris said the current agreement commits to "significant increases" in pay by 2020 and will mean many will see wage increases of between 2 to 2.5% by the end of this year.

The Minister said he is willing to engage in talks on the range of workplace-related issues other than pay.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe also said: "If we make any one movement in this wage agreement for one group, it has immediate consequences for every other group".

But he acknowledged that recommendations from the commission allow for targeted changes, particularly around allowances that would be unlikely to trigger any competing claims from elsewhere in our public service.

"I still accept, stand by and believe in that piece of work," said Mr Donohoe.

TDs from across the opposition demanded that the Government enter talks without preconditions with Labour TD Alan Kelly asking "what's to be lost" in doing so? "It's going to happen anyway, it might as well happen now," he said.

Sinn Fein health spokesperson Louise O'Reilly said nurses working abroad want to be given a reason to come home. "Pay them decently, stop educating our nurses and our midwives to work in health services elsewhere," she said.

Ms O'Reilly said Mr Harris now has the opportunity to "do the right thing" and enter talks but said "there is no point everyone sitting around a table looking at each other when there is no will to resolve the dispute."

Fianna Fail's Stephen Donnelly said health care professionals are now at their wits' end while his party colleague Barry Cowen said patients and the public are now suffering.

Dr Michael Harty said the strike is a result of a "failure to anticipate and deal with the frustration that nurses have" and said there is now a need for massive reform of the health system.
An 84-year-old farmer who has just scooped 500,000 on the Euromillions lotto says he doesn't care about money after revealing he has overcome cancer.

Co Donegal pensioner Charlie Meehan had to wake his wife from her sleep after he checked his lotto numbers on Tuesday night.

Charlie, from Carrick in Drumoghill, said he often does the lotto when buying a newspaper but never thought he would win.

He admitted that he had a nightcap after checking the numbers with his family.

"I woke the wife from the bed as she was sleeping and I told her that we'd won some money. Of course, like a good woman she asked me exactly how much we'd won," laughed Charlie.

But despite winning the huge sum, Charlie said he has already won the lotto before after overcoming cancer.

I've no real plans for the cash. It is a nice sum but I have my health now and that's all that matters.

"I had my own health problems in the past when I had cancer in 2012. I spent most of that year in hospital in Galway but I have made a great recovery.

"The staff in Letterkenny and Galway hospitals were very good to me. To be honest I don't worry too much about the money at this stage in my life.

"All I'm concerned about is being able to live a happy and healthy life and money can't buy you that," he said.

Charlie said he has no immediate plans for the cash as he has a decent car and a house.

But he quipped: "It's a lovely sum of money. I'm kind of glad that I didn't win anything bigger because it might bring it owns worries with it then.

"I haven't thought about what to do with the cash. There are a few women about the house so I'm sure they'll come up with ways of spending it."

Charlie chose a quickpick to buy his ticket and the winning EuroMillions Plus numbers were 02, 12, 33, 42, 44.

This is the third EuroMillions Plus winning ticket in Ireland so far this year.

Jimmy Barclay, owner of Barclays Newsagents in Raphoe said he was delighted after learning that one of his customers had picked up the prize in Tuesday nights EuroMillions draw.

Were absolutely over the moon! We are a small community-based shop in the heart of Raphoe Town with a very loyal customer base so were just thrilled that one of these people has won the half a million euro prize," Jimmy said.
Over 37,000 was spent on a mobile phone contract at Aras an Uachtarain, the Public Accounts Committee has been told.

Department of Taoiseach secretary general Martin Fraser yesterday confirmed the spend and explained staff on the grounds in Phoenix Park had problems with getting a signal on their devices as there was only one mobile phone network.

A mobile phone framework, he said, was acquired to improve phone signals and the resulting cost was over 37,000.

While a number of TDs quizzed officials about the cost, Mr Fraser said he was not directly in charge of spending for the independent office of the President. Addressing problems with signals was necessary all over the whole place in the Park, the department chief explained.

The Presidents office said last night: A tender comp was run last year for a new contract for phone services.

Spending by President Michael D Higgins and his office came under the spotlight in the run-up to the presidential election last October.

Figures provided to PAC yesterday included 3.6m

allocated for the Presidents office, spent out of a total 3.9m in 2017. There was a saving due to 294, 236 being handed back to the exchequer that year, committee members heard.

Spending by the office had also been audited. It followed criticism last year that the audit committee had not met. PAC heard yesterday the audit committee had now convened four times and was overseen by former secretary general of the Department of Community Affairs, Joe Hamill.

Other general funds paid out for the office of the president, Mr Fraser added, included pensions, the upkeep of the grounds, security, foreign travel and state visits. Expenses that would have been incurred, PAC heard, included in recent years presidential visits to Cuba, New Zealand, Australia, Colombia, the Vatican and Scotland among destinations.

PAC also discussed continuing bills for inquiries and tribunals many of which, while independent, came out of funding from the Department of Taoiseach.

Catherine Murphy TD inquired about ongoing costs for the Moriarty Tribunal which, so far, have amounted to over 63m.

Mr Fraser explained how there were legal fees that must be paid out for the tribunal, which had produced its report in 2011. The probe, which looked at payments to politicians as well as the awarding of the

States second mobile phone licence, was expected to cost another 10m for 2017 but came in at 6.5m while legal costs and other fees amounted to 2m last year.

Some legal claims were very big, explained Mr Fraser, and amounted to millions of euro.

Mr Fraser signalled that he was not happy to have ongoing tribunal costs coming out of the departments spend. Asked by TDs if there was a cut off point for some inquiries, he responded that the Department of Taoiseach annually asked inquiries if or when they would conclude and they would simply respond they had not.

He also outlined how the IBRC inquiry, a judicial probe into the sale of SiteServ to a company controlled by businessman Denis OBrien, was still delayed and would now cost north of 20m.

Meanwhile, the Government is expecting in March an update on the Cregan Inquiry, set up in 2015
Brexit has been "really expensive" for industry so far, while Ryanair has had a significant amount of waste even before Britain leaves the EU, the airline's chief operating officer has said.

Speaking at UCC Commerce Societys 37th annual conference in Cork County Hall, Peter Bellew said: "The amount of time we have had to waste on it (Brexit) -- we've had to set up a whole other airline in the UK, due to the cost and the difficulty.

"We use the same soap and toilet roll in every place in Europe, but we had a meeting this week where someone asked how we are going to get that soap and toilet roll to Leeds without World Trade Organisation (WTO) tariffs.

"We've just got to get on with it, and blast through. If we started thinking about it at the moment, we wouldn't even get out of bed in the morning. Tough times come, so we have to battle through."

Mr Bellew said car manufacturing had been hit hard by Brexit since the 2016 vote.

"There is a change happening already. The car industry and a lot of manufacturers have had to get EU registration fast-tracked. It's been really expensive...there is a whole lot of very simple trade organisation stuff -- the chartered surveyors are the same with restrictions -- the trade bodies have decided a lot of that already, and it is been kept very quiet."

PepsiCo Ireland general manager David Murray said firms were spending money already on Brexit preparation, and that money was going to be wasted whatever way Brexit ended up.

"That is a big problem. If you spend any time in the UK, like I do, you see Nissan's decision not to go ahead with manufacturing the X-Trail in Sunderland. People in Sunderland are not happy, and pressure is building with these types of stories.

But it is the sovereign right of the people in that jurisdiction to make that call, and we kind of get one version of the story here...Personally I am confident there will be a grow-up outcome. Nobody wants the cliff, but unfortunately, it has got into that space, and with politics being politics, it is playing out that way.

UCC president Patrick O'Shea told the annual conference that applications from international students from outside the EU had trebled since the Brexit vote, while there has also been a spike from British academics applying for positions in Cork.

Diarmuid Cronin, Model Farm Road, Cork; Thomas McElligott, Ballincollig, and Prof. Patrick O'Shea, president, UCC, at today's conference. Photo: Denis Minihane.

However, a shortage in housing in Cork was proving an issue for new staff, which had to be addressed, Professor OShea said.

KPMG partner Michael Lynch told the conference that while the organisation was in favour of reducing Vat to 0% on building homes, it would not be the panacea to the housing crisis.

It is not the entire solution, but it is an important cog in it. The risk you take is that it is just added to the price of a house. However, many people just cannot get on the ladder, so it is at least worth trying, Mr Lynch said.

Ryanairs Mr Bellew said we have to build really high really fast in order to tackle the housing crisis.

That meant going up 20-storeys, he said.

Weve got to knock down three-storey buildings and go up 20 floors, Mr Bellew said, adding that China and South Korea were all over the planet building such entities.

The commerce conference also heard from speakers such as RTE director general Dee Forbes; chair of the Marketing Institute of Ireland, Paula Murphy; Cpl Resources chief executive Anne Heraty; and Glanbia group financial controller Gordon Murphy.

At the UCC Commerce Society's 37th Annual Business Conference 'A New Eire' were Dee Forbes, director general of RTE, and Jennifer O'Dowling (left) and Elaine Murphy, conference directors. Photo: Denis Minihane.

Conference directors Jennifer ODowling and Elaine Murphy said the theme of the conference was a new Eire, a play on words, as 2019 marks just over 10 years since Ireland survived the global financial crisis which culminated in the bailout.

As a society, we feel that the dedication and hard work of Irish businesses to survive this era should be celebrated as we enter a new Eire of growth in our countrys economy, they said in their conference address.

Fellow committee members were Laura Joy, Ciara Dineen, Darragh Cronin and Ger OConnell on the committee.

The Irish Examiner was media partner for the annual conference, while main sponsors were KPMG, Enterprise Ireland, Port of Cork, ODM Financial Advisors, Janssen, Cork Airport and Musgrave.
UBS has received approval from a London court to move up to 32bn in assets from Britain to Germany as part of plans to keep business in the EU after Brexit.

UBS, Switzerlands biggest bank, received approval from Judge Alastair Norris to transfer operations from UBS Limited, its London-based subsidiary primarily handling investment banking activities, to Frankfurt-domiciled UBS Europe on March 1.

A UBS spokeswoman confirmed the courts decision.

The Swiss banking group is the latest financial institution to disclose a material transfer of its business away from London ahead of Brexit on March 29.

British bank Barclays was last month granted permission to transfer 190bn in assets to its Dublin-based subsidiary so it could continue to serve EU clients in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

It had secured the approval last year from the Central Bank to expand its operations in Ireland.

UBSs plans could be deferred until July 24 at the latest if the bank receives sufficient comfort before then that suitable transition arrangements have been agreed by the UK and the EU, according to court filings.

Last year, UBS had said in its annual report that it would merge its British entity with the German-headquartered European bank in the absence of a transition deal between the EU and Britain prior to the March 29 departure date.

The bank also said it would look to move fewer than 200 of its roughly 5,000 London-based staff from Britain as part of its Brexit preparations, to Frankfurt and other locations.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch has already started its operations by relocating staff to Dublin as part of its own Brexit contingency plans.
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TORONTO - Lawyers for a transgender girl fighting the Ontario government's repeal of a modernized sex-ed curriculum say the document should be reinstated to protect their 11-year-old client and other LGBTQ students from discrimination, at least until a new lesson plan is developed.

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TORONTO - Lawyers for a transgender girl fighting the Ontario government's repeal of a modernized sex-ed curriculum say the document should be reinstated to protect their 11-year-old client and other LGBTQ students from discrimination, at least until a new lesson plan is developed.

In closing arguments Thursday at the province's human rights tribunal, the legal team said the government was putting the sixth-grader identified only as AB at a disadvantage by not having mandatory gender identity lessons in the current temporary curriculum.

"AB needs this information now," her lawyer Marcus McCann said. "If this information is not taught this year there is no way to go back and teach it ... that window will have passed."

The case before the tribunal was launched in August and focuses on the impact of the curriculum repeal on LGBTQ students.

The Progressive Conservative government announced last summer that it was scrapping the updated version of the curriculum brought in by the previous Liberal regime in 2015. That document included warnings about online bullying and sexting, but opponents, especially social conservatives, objected to the parts of the plan addressing same-sex marriage, gender identity and masturbation.

An interim curriculum based on a version from 1998 is in place while a new lesson plan is under development.

McCann said the government's actions, specifically excluding references to gender identity in the interim curriculum, increased the risk of AB being bullied.

"This sends a message that trans people don't exist," he said.

McCann said the tribunal should order the government to ensure any new curriculum is compliant with Ontario's human rights code.

Lawyers for the Ontario government have argued that the interim curriculum introduced last fall does not discriminate against students, saying teachers can expand on what's required by the document.

Teachers make their own lesson plans, the province's lawyers have noted, and language in the introduction of the curriculum opens the door for them to discuss LGBTQ issues.

On Thursday, lawyers for the Ontario Human Rights Commission, an intervener in the case, also asked the tribunal to order the government to reinstate the modernized curriculum while a new one is developed.

They argued that the government has discriminated against AB by "erasing" mandatory references to LGBTQ people from the curriculum. Unless that material is included, it does not guarantee that teachers will tackle the subject in their classrooms.

"AB has been made to feel less worthy of recognition and value," said lawyer Reema Khawja.

The commission isn't seeking to "entrench" the 2015 curriculum as the province's permanent sex education lesson plan, but the curriculum must comply with the Ontario's human rights code, Khawja said.

The tribunal should order the government to include lessons on gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and consent in any future sex education curriculum, she said. That order would ensure that whatever lesson plan the Ontario government eventually develops does not discriminate against AB and other LGBTQ students, she said.

"AB should not have to start all over again if that curriculum is not (human rights) code compliant," she said.

The tribunal is expected to decide on the case in the spring.

The repeal of the modernized curriculum is also being fought in a separate court challenge.
CHARLOTTETOWN - Three whistleblowers whose private information was leaked from Prince Edward Island's government to the Liberal Party are suing a former premier and other top officials for a total of $1.3 million in damages for the economic and emotional toll on their lives.

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CHARLOTTETOWN - Three whistleblowers whose private information was leaked from Prince Edward Island's government to the Liberal Party are suing a former premier and other top officials for a total of $1.3 million in damages for the economic and emotional toll on their lives.

The lawsuit says that after the three women came forward at a 2011 news conference with allegations of bribery and fraud in the province's business immigration program, personal information designed to damage their claims was deliberately given out to the media by top Liberals.

Susan Holmes is shown at her home in Moncton, N.B., Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. Three whistleblowers whose private information was leaked from Prince Edward Island's government to the provincial Liberal Party are suing a former premier and cabinet minister, two senior officials and a provincial agency for a total of $1.3 million in damages for the economic and emotional toll on their lives. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ron Ward

A statement of claim, which has not been proven in court, filed in the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island by Susan Holmes, Cora Plourd Nicholson and Svetlana Tenetko, describes the action as a "conspiracy."

The lawsuit names former premier Robert Ghiz, former innovation minister Allan Campbell, former deputy minister of economic development Michael Mayne, and former Liberal party spokesman Spencer Campbell as defendants.

Asked to comment, Ghiz said he has "no comment as the matter is before the courts." Spencer Campbell, Allan Campbell and Mayne were not immediately available for comment.

John Kingman Phillips, a Toronto-based lawyer who was one of the lawyers who represented Omar Khadr in civil litigation, said his clients were badly mistreated.

"The privacy violation is beyond egregious. ... it demands a response," he said in an interview.

A report by the province's privacy commissioner  completed six years after the women's initial complaint  found the province had breached the women's privacy rights, though it couldn't specifically say how the leak occurred.

The statement of claim says personal information was printed out on Sept. 15, 2011, in the innovation minister's office as the province was just weeks away from an Oct. 3 provincial election.

It also says the defendants were involved with "organizing a press release ... that included defamatory statement about the plaintiffs in order to undermine their standing and the strength of their allegations against the government."

Ghiz denounced their allegations before going on to win the election.

One of the released files revealed Nicholson's affiliation with the Tories years earlier, as well as confidential details of a human rights complaint she'd launched for job discrimination on the basis of her political affiliation.

Emailed records of the two other employees were also shared with the media.

The women had come forward to discuss the province's provincial nominee immigration program, alleging applications that didn't meet criteria were approved and that bribes were provided for fast-tracked applications. Holmes also sent the allegations of fraud to federal officials at Citizenship and Immigration.

The RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency later started investigations but decided not to proceed with any charges.

The women allege in their lawsuit that the defendants had devised "a strategy ... to undermine the plaintiffs' credibility by portraying them as liars, 'crazy,' or partisan towards the Prince Edward Island Conservative Party."

They also claim the intent was to "send a message to other individuals involved with the program that whistleblowers would be punished."

The immigration program was suspended in 2011 after the federal government determined it was permitting immigrants to provide investment but didn't have sufficient actual involvement in the businesses  as many of the PNP immigrants moved on to other parts of the country.

A more recent incarnation of the program was also shut down recently, as the majority of applicants simply didn't start a business or created short-lived enterprises before moving on to other parts of Canada or remaining abroad.

The statement of claim says the women had provided their personal information to the Crown agency Island Investment Development Inc. on the understanding it would be kept private and not distributed, and the province was "negligent" in allowing the information out.

It also alleges that the women's charter rights to freedom of expression and the right to "life, liberty and security of person" were violated by the defendants' actions.

The action says the plaintiffs' actions harmed their mental health, left them humiliated and isolated, caused them to lose income and have difficulty finding work, diminished the value of their homes and resulted in medical and prescription drug expenses.

After the release of the privacy commissioner's report last year, Liberal Premier Wade MacLauchlan promised to follow the privacy commissioners' recommendations to improve education in government on privacy rules, and create clear rules requiring an internal investigation if a privacy breach occurs.

However, Holmes said he declined to meet with her and discuss what had occurred personally, leading her to start seeking legal counsel for her lawsuit.

 By Michael Tutton in Halifax and Teresa Wright in Ottawa.
SHIPPAGAN, N.B. - Ottawa has announced measures aimed at protecting North Atlantic right whales, finessing rules that officials say helped prevent any known deaths of the endangered mammals last year in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

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In this Wednesday March 28, 2018 photo, the baleen is visible on a North Atlantic right whale as it feeds on the surface of Cape Cod bay off the coast of Plymouth, Mass. Ottawa had announced this year's measures to help protect North Atlantic right whales, building upon and adjusting rules in place in the Guld of St. Lawrence last year ??? when none of the endangered mammals were found dead in Canadian waters. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Michael Dwyer

SHIPPAGAN, N.B. - Ottawa has announced measures aimed at protecting North Atlantic right whales, finessing rules that officials say helped prevent any known deaths of the endangered mammals last year in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Federal Fisheries Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced the new rules Thursday in Shippagan, N.B.

"We met with harvesters, shippers, Indigenous leaders, environmental organizations and other stakeholders to ensure we appropriately reflected on the 2018 experiences, and looked to ensure the integrity of whale protection initiatives while also being as sensitive as possible to important economic interests," said Wilkinson during a news conference.

Beginning April 28 through Nov. 15, the government will reintroduce mandatory speed restrictions for vessels 20 metres or longer when travelling in the western Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Ships will continue to be allowed to travel at safe operational speeds in parts of two shipping lanes north and south of Anticosti Island, when no whales are in the area.

But the area where mandatory speed restrictions apply will be adjusted this year to reflect data on right whale sightings and to minimize the impact on the cruise ship and shipping industries.

Last year's speed reduction measures led some cruise ships to cancel visits, and prompted at least one shipping line to hike rates.

Senior government officials said Thursday the southeast area around the Magdalen Islands will be removed from the speed restriction zone, helping reduce the impact on cruise ships by providing a passage around a speed reduction zone "where no North Atlantic right whales have been detected for the last two years."

Ottawa is also reducing the protection area for the season-long closure to the snow crab and lobster fisheries by more than half, and the area is now longer from north to south.

"This decision is based on latest scientific evidence and reflects where 90 per cent of the right whales were observed during the peak fishing season," said Wilkinson.

The government had implemented temporary fisheries closures in 2018 in areas where right whales had been spotted. This year, the rule will not automatically apply to shallower waters of under 20 fathoms  only if a right whale is present in those depths.

Fisheries licence holders must also report all lost gear, and Ottawa said it is aiming to phase-in mandatory gear marking by 2020.

Last year, Some fishermen had argued the so-called dynamic and static closures were heavy-handed and unnecessary at times when the whales didn't appear to be in their fishing zones.

Officials said work is ongoing to explore new innovative fishing technologies, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans continues to work and communicate with its U.S. counterparts about right whale conservation.

As well, monitoring and reporting efforts will continue, including aerial and drone surveillance and acoustic monitoring.

Kim Elmslie, campaign director for the ocean conservation organization Oceana Canada, said she was concerned by the adjustments to temporary fishery closure and shipping zones, noting they are based on one year of data.

"One year isn't a lot of data, especially when we know there are shifts in the Gulf, we know that there are quite a few of these whales that we tend not to see," said Elmslie.

"There is some movement going on, so I think it's a bit of a risk to narrow down this area based on last year, but I'm sympathetic as well that people need to make a living and need to be out on the water fishing."

Elmslie said she would like to see increased and robust surveillance going forward, as it will inform future measures.

"There were no deaths last year in Canadian waters, but we can't relax and we can't rest and say the crisis has past," she said. "This animal's population is still declining, so that is a concern."

In 2017, 12 North Atlantic right whales were found dead in the Gulf.

Necropsies on seven of the whales found four died from trauma consistent with vessel collisions while two deaths were the result of entanglement in fishing gear.

Researchers in the United States recently reported seeing three right whale calves off Florida's Atlantic coast.

The U.S. government also recently extended the duration of a protected area off Massachusetts to help protect right whales.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has asked mariners to transit the area at 10 knots or less, or to simply travel around the area, until Feb. 11.

 By Aly Thomson in Halifax, with files from The Associated Press.

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MONTREAL - The man who killed six worshippers inside a Quebec City mosque in 2017 could receive the longest prison sentence in Canadian history when he appears before a judge Friday.

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Alexandre Bissonnette arrives at the court house in Quebec City on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mathieu Belanger - POOL

MONTREAL - The man who killed six worshippers inside a Quebec City mosque in 2017 could receive the longest prison sentence in Canadian history when he appears before a judge Friday.

Alexandre Bissonnette, 29, faces a sentence of up to 150 years before being eligible for parole in what is being watched as a possible landmark decision. He will learn his fate at the Quebec City courthouse in a ruling by Superior Court Justice Francois Huot.

Bissonnette pleaded guilty last March to six counts of first-degree murder and six of attempted murder after he walked into the mosque during evening prayers on Jan. 29, 2017 and opened fire.

The charges resulted from his Jan. 29, 2017 attack on the Islamic Cultural Centre that left six men dead: Mamadou Tanou Barry, 42; Abdelkrim Hassane, 41; Khaled Belkacemi, 60; Aboubaker Thabti, 44; Azzeddine Soufiane, 57; and Ibrahima Barry, 39.

Witnesses described the former Universite Laval student entering the mosque and calmly opening fire on the crowd of men who were gathered there for evening prayers.

In addition to the men killed, five other men were struck by bullets, including Aymen Derbali, who was shot seven times and was paralyzed from the waist down. The sixth attempted murder charge related to others who were nearby in the mosque.

The first-degree murder charges carry an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole before 25 years. But under a new provision of the Criminal Code adopted in 2011, a judge can now order that the sentences be served consecutively in cases with multiple victims.

The Conservative government of the day said the change was needed to bring an end to "discount sentences" for mass murderers.

At Bissonnette's sentencing hearing, Crown prosecutor Thomas Jacques argued that the six sentences should be served consecutively, totalling 150 years before he could seek parole. He called for a sentence "that reflects the scale of the crimes committed."

Bissonnette's lawyers said he should be eligible for parole after 25 years in prison. They called a 150-year sentence the equivalent of a "death sentence by imprisonment" and said it would be "contrary to human dignity."

They are seeking to have the section of the Criminal Code permitting consecutive sentences declared unconstitutional, arguing that it infringes the protection against cruel and unusual punishment contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The defence said even two consecutive sentences would violate the Charter because it would exclude any possibility that the accused could be rehabilitated and re-enter society. Even if the judge decides the sentences should be served concurrently, it does not necessarily mean Bissonnette would walk out of prison after 25 years. That decision would lie with the Parole Board of Canada.

Mohamed Labidi, former president of Quebec City's Islamic Cultural Centre, said the Muslim community is looking for justice in Friday's ruling. He said people in the community are "almost unanimous" that serving just 25 years would not be enough considering six people were murdered.

"Every life is important," he said.

The longest sentence to date in Canada is 75 years without parole. Justin Bourque in New Brunswick, Dellen Millard in Ontario and Derek Saretzky in Alberta all received that sentence for triple murders.

Benjamin Hudon-Barbeau of Quebec was sentenced to 35 years without parole last year for ordering two murders and two attempted murders. In Ontario, the Crown is seeking 50 years in prison for the Toronto serial killer Bruce McArthur, who pleaded guilty to eight first-degree murders.

By comparison, Robert Pickton, who was sentenced in 2007 before the Criminal Code was changed to allow consecutive sentences, received life with no chance of parole for 25 years after being found guilty of killing six women.
OTTAWA - A Conservative MP is hoping to increase the amount of time convicted killers must spend behind bars before they can apply for parole, just as serial killer Bruce McArthur awaits his sentence.

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Conservative MP James Bezan stands during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on October 25, 2018. As Bruce McArthur and the Quebec City mosque shooter await their prison sentences, a Conservative MP is trying to change the law to increase the amount of time a convicted killer must spend behind bars before they can apply for parole. Tory MP James Bezan has a private members' bill that would give judges and juries the ability to increase parole ineligibility for convicted killers from the current 25 years to 40 years. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA - A Conservative MP is hoping to increase the amount of time convicted killers must spend behind bars before they can apply for parole, just as serial killer Bruce McArthur awaits his sentence.

James Bezan's private member's bill would give judges and juries the ability to increase parole ineligibility for certain convicted killers to 40 years, up from the current 25 years, if their crimes involved kidnapping, sexually assaulting and murdering a person in Canada.

McArthur has pleaded guilty to killing eight men, and many of the murders had sexual elements.

Bezan says he wants to ease the impact on victims' families when serious offenders, who often do not get paroled, apply anyway and get the hearings they're entitled to when they do.

"If these monsters are allowed access to these parole-board hearings, all they do is re-victimize the families," Bezan said. "None of these sadists ever get full parole ... but they still have access to go out there and traumatize the families, who have to go to the parole-board hearings, read their victim-impact statements to ensure these people never get released."

McArthur has pleaded guilty to eight serial murders in Toronto, most of them with sexual elements.

A first-degree murder conviction comes with a mandatory life sentence, with no right even to apply for parole for 25 years. But if, as often happens, a judge orders someone with multiple convictions to serve his or her sentences concurrently instead of consecutively, he or she becomes eligible to apply at the 25-year mark no matter how many people he or she killed or what other crimes he or she committed.

Bezan cited the gruesome case of serial killer Clifford Olson, who pleaded guilty to murdering 11 children in 1982. He was sentenced to 11 concurrent life sentences, but applied for early parole after 15 years (the threshold at the time) and, when this was denied, applied at every future opportunity, causing the families of his victims reoccurring grief.

Giving judges the option of telling particular offenders they can't apply for parole for 40 years would reduce the chances of that happening.

"It's not a mandatory minimum (sentence), it's not something that is dictated to the courts, the judge still has the discretion to level the parole-ineligibility period at the time of sentencing," Bezan said.

In cases of multiple counts of first-degree murder, judges can choose consecutive life sentences, which would increase the years of parole ineligibility for convicted murderers. However, in cases like those of Michael Rafferty and Terri-Lynne McClintic, who were given life sentences involving the death of just one victim  eight-year-old Tori Stafford, who was kidnapped and sexually assaulted before her death  they will be eligible to apply for parole as early as 2023, Bezan said.

Two previous, almost identical bills introduced before the 2015 federal election did not make it through the often onerous legislative process. The first was taken off Parliament's agenda when Bezan was promoted to the role of parliamentary secretary in the Conservative government, which made him ineligible to put forward a private member's bill. The second made it through the committee stage without amendments, but did not get a final vote before the House of Commons dissolved for the 2015 election.

The Liberals, who were in opposition at the time, voted in support of the last version of this bill. Bezan says he now hopes the party in government will help pass his legislation before June, when MPs will leave for the summer and turn their attention to this fall's federal election.

Earlier this week, Karen McCrimmon, parliamentary secretary to the minister of public safety, said the proposed changes "present one avenue" for helping victims in these cases, and that government would closely monitor the views of other MPs as the bill continues to be debated.
OTTAWA - The referee of the House of Commons has given MPs a stern warning about their use of overheated partisan rhetoric lest they find themselves in a parliamentary penalty box.

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Speaker of the House Geoff Regan rises in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Wednesday, March 22, 2017. The referee of the House of Commons is giving MPs a stern warning today about their use of language lest they find themselves in a parliamentary penalty box. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA - The referee of the House of Commons has given MPs a stern warning about their use of overheated partisan rhetoric lest they find themselves in a parliamentary penalty box.

Speaker Geoff Regan says he'll cut off MPs if their comments are couched in wording that veers into pointed, personal accusations during the daily question period.

For days, the Opposition Conservatives have referred to the trust fund and personal wealth of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well as of Finance Minister Bill Morneau, in attacking the Liberals over the deep deficits they've run while in office.

The attacks sharpened after Trudeau remarked this week that low-income Canadians don't pay taxes, which the Conservatives argued showed how out of touch he is with everyday Canadians.

Before the start of Thursday's question period, Regan took two minutes to let MPs known he was going to start putting his foot down.

Regan said anyone who skirts the line between legitimate question and personal attack may be cut off and find their turn to question the government is passed along to another MP.

"I have listened carefully and patiently  perhaps too patiently  to questions put forward this week, some of which clearly fell outside of the scope of permissible questions since they had little to do with the administrative responsibility of the government," Regan said.

"I will not allow such questions or such personal attacks. I will interrupt any member who asks a question that raises a matter that does not properly deal with public policy."

His words drew heckles from the Tory benches and applause from the Liberals.

Regan chided both sides for their responses.

Later on, he cut off Liberal MP Matt DeCourcey when he accused the Conservatives and their leader, Andrew Scheer, of "Scheer-mongering" over immigration.

When question period ended, DeCourcey told the Commons he would retract the comment, and asked to insert the word "fear mongering" instead, drawing a round of jeers from the Tory benches.

"Order," Regan shouted, before counselling DeCourcey to "apologize unconditionally."

DeCourcey agreed. He said he would "retract my use of the word"  and then added a "but."

Regan cut him off  again.

"Just to be clear," Regan said, "unconditionally doesn't mean including the word 'but.' There are no 'buts.' Now that's enough."

NDP MP Nathan Cullen was up next.

"Sunny ways, Mr. Speaker," he said, using Trudeau's oft-quoted mantra.
VICTORIA - British Columbia's mental health and addictions minister has joined health officials to call for a safer drug supply to fight the rising overdose death toll while urging the federal government to open a "courageous conversation" on decriminalization.

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A man injects drugs in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. Despite significant efforts to combat overdose deaths in British Columbia, the provincial coroner says illicit drug overdose deaths increased to 1,489, just over the 2017 death total. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

VICTORIA - British Columbia's mental health and addictions minister has joined health officials to call for a safer drug supply to fight the rising overdose death toll while urging the federal government to open a "courageous conversation" on decriminalization.

"They are not prepared to do that at this time but we're pushing the limits within British Columbia," Judy Darcy said Thursday after the BC Coroners Service reported 1,489 people overdosed last year.

The province is using "every available tool" to address the crisis but criminalizing people living with addiction has not worked, she said, adding some police forces are co-operating on projects that connect drug users to outreach teams to begin treatment instead of arresting them.

"We have some pilot projects that are happening in downtown Vancouver, where we are working to increase people's access to safe prescription alternatives to a poisoned street supply," she said.

"This is a poisoned drug supply that is killing people," she said during a news conference in Surrey, B.C.

The coroners service said 1,486 people died in 2017 despite efforts to combat the province's public health emergency.

Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, Dr. Evan Wood, of the BC Centre of Substance Use and Leslie McBain, who co-founded Moms Stop the Harm after her son died of a drug overdose, said that more must be done to fight the crisis.

"Substance use disorder is a health issue and forcing those attempting to manage their health issue to buy unpredictable and often toxic substances from unscrupulous profit-motivated traffickers is unacceptable," Lapointe said at a joint news conference at the B.C. legislature.

Lapointe said the province must do things differently to save lives, adding the highly potent and addictive opioid fentanyl was detected in 86 per cent of the overdose deaths. She said illicit overdose deaths claimed more lives in 2018 than deaths from motor vehicle accidents, homicides and suicides combined.

Henry said her office is working with the Health Ministry, the Mental Health and Addictions Ministry and the Justice Ministry to find ways to deal with the crisis.

She said she is looking to help supply people with safe drugs and working with law enforcement to steer people into treatment and away from the courts and jails.

"These are the people we need to support with regulated pharmaceutical-grade opioids to help them and meet them where they are so that they are able at some point to look at the possibility of recovery," Henry said.

She said the "de facto decriminalization" of drugs can help people get rid of the shame and criminal stigma that prevents some from seeking treatment.

B.C.'s drug death numbers appear to be levelling off, but the crisis is far from over, Henry said.

"We need to find something positive in all of the work that has been put into keeping people alive over the last few years," she said. "If anything, it tells us that measures we're taking are helping out but they are not enough."

The provincial health officer declared a public health emergency almost three years ago in B.C. as the number of drug overdoses and deaths rose.

The figures for 2018 show middle-aged men are over-represented in the death toll, with 80 per cent of the suspected fatalities involving males. People aged 30 to 59 accounted for 71 per cent of the deaths.

Wood said there's an urgent need to end the harms caused by prohibition.

"Its incumbent for all of us to keep the pressure on and not get complacent," he said. "Fentanyl, unfortunately, is something that's not going away."

McBain agreed that a stronger response is needed.

"Work has been done, but the numbers, almost 1,500 people dying last year, is not good."

A task force involving mayors from 13 cities including Vancouver pushed in 2017 for prescription heroin to be made available to people who have not responded to other forms of intervention. Vancouver has the only clinic in Canada providing prescription heroin but it accepts a limited number of patients.

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, said in December that creating a safer opioid supply was being reviewed and discussed with provinces and territories.

Officials in cities including Vancouver and Toronto have also called for decriminalization as the number of overdose deaths increases across the country.

Canadian health-care experts have encouraged Ottawa to adopt Portugal's approach to drug policy, which decriminalizes limited amounts of drugs for personal use, while offering education and social supports.

Data from a federal task force on opioid deaths said nearly 4,000 Canadians died as a result of overdoses in 2017, a 34 per cent increase from the previous year.

 With files from Camille Bains in Vancouver.
OTTAWA - "Mr. Speaker, the facts speak for themselves. This is the Conservative position on parents and grandparents. The Conservatives described parents and grandparents as a burden on the federal government in terms of financial support. They have described parents and grandparents as a drain on the provinces. That is their position. They can run, but they cannot hide from that position. We are responsible for quadrupling the number of spaces that parents and grandparents have to come to Canada. We will continue to reunite more families. I am amused by the Conservatives' new-found passion for reuniting families. However, when they had the chance they failed."  Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen during question period last week in the House of Commons.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 7/2/2019 (866 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA - "Mr. Speaker, the facts speak for themselves. This is the Conservative position on parents and grandparents. The Conservatives described parents and grandparents as a burden on the federal government in terms of financial support. They have described parents and grandparents as a drain on the provinces. That is their position. They can run, but they cannot hide from that position. We are responsible for quadrupling the number of spaces that parents and grandparents have to come to Canada. We will continue to reunite more families. I am amused by the Conservatives' new-found passion for reuniting families. However, when they had the chance they failed."  Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen during question period last week in the House of Commons.

The Liberal government was forced to fend off criticism last week over its new first-come-first-served online application for immigrants hoping to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons, Monday, February 4, 2019 in Ottawa. Hussen says Canada has begun resettling hundreds of people rescued from slavery in Libya. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Some critics called the process unfair and discriminatory after it closed less than 10 minutes after opening, which prevented tens of thousands of people from submitting an application. About 100,000 people were competing for 27,000 spots, said a spokesman for Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen.

Debate over the program launched the Liberals and Conservatives into a battle over how committed their respective governments have been in recent years to reuniting immigrants with their parents and grandparents.

Hussen's remark raises a question  have the Liberals succeeded in reuniting more families under the parents and grandparents program than their Tory predecessors?

Spoiler alert: The Canadian Press Baloney Meter is a dispassionate examination of political statements culminating in a ranking of accuracy on a scale of "no baloney" to "full of baloney" (complete methodology below).

Hussen's remark earns a rating of "a lot of baloney"  the statement is mostly inaccurate but contains elements of truth. Here's why.

THE FACTS

Between 2011 and 2015, the then-Conservative government admitted an average of 20,370 permanent residents per year under the parents and grandparents program, according to the Immigration Department's annual reports.

The Liberals, who took office in late 2015, approved an average of 18,768 permanent residents per year under the program in 2016 and 2017.

But Mathieu Genest, a spokesman for Hussen, stresses that Hussen was referring to overall family reunification in the part of the his statement where he said: "We will continue to reunite more families."

He insists the parents-and-grandparents program is only part of the Liberals' work towards family reunification.

"When talking about family reunification, as the minister does in the second portion of the quote, it is important to not limit yourself to the parents and grandparents program," Genest wrote in an email.

Overall family reunification is made up of the parents-and-grandparents program as well as the larger category of spousal sponsorship.

Under the Liberals, there has been a notable increase in the number of people getting permanent residency status under the spousal program.

In 2016 and 2017, the annual reports show an average of 61,117 people per year were accepted under this category. During the Conservatives' time in office, the annual average of new permanent residents in the spousal program was 46,027.

For overall family reunification, Genest said the numbers will be even higher in 2019 and 2020.

When it comes to the parents-and-grandparents program, he said the Liberal government has reduced wait times to between 20 and 24 months while keeping a low backlog.

During their time in power, the Tories paused the acceptance of new applications for parents and grandparents between 2011 and 2013. The move was intended to allow Ottawa to catch up on a backlog of files that had forced many applicants to wait several years before securing permanent residency.

After re-starting the process in 2014, the Conservatives set the maximum number of applications accepted in the parents-and-grandparents program at 5,000. Even with fewer new submissions, Canada still approved tens of thousands of permanent residency applications, including a burst of 32,318 new ones in 2013 alone.

The 2018 annual report said the Immigration Department managed to reduce the backlog by over 80 per cent between 2011 and 2017  a period that spanned both the Conservative and Liberal regimes.

Since taking office, the Liberal government has raised the maximum number of applications. This year, it will take in 20,000 complete applications from the 27,000 online submissions.

Last week, Conservative MP Michelle Rempel argued in a statement that the Liberals are accepting more applications to the program without raising the number of parents and grandparents that actually get permanent residence. Rempel insisted this approach will only create another backlog, which means applicants will find themselves on a waiting list.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

Immigration experts say there's been little difference between the Liberal and Conservative approaches when it comes to the parents-and-grandparents program.

"It just sort of shows how, in fact, Liberals and Conservatives are kind of working on lockstep in this particular issue, despite the fact that the Liberals might want to identify their immigration policies as more humane," said Sharry Aiken, an immigration law expert at Queen's University.

"In this particular domain, we see that it's not all that different. In fact, they've managed to facilitate reunification for fewer parents and grandparents than were ... admitted in the Harper years."

She noted that both the Liberals and Tories have steadily eroded the importance of family reunification within Canada's overall immigration program.

Aiken said about 40 per cent of the overall immigration intake came from the family class in the early 1990s. Since 2000, they've been making up just over 20 per cent because the government has put more emphasis on economic-class immigrants, she said.

"What we've seen under both governments is a steady decline in opportunities for family reunification," Aiken said. "Both governments, really, actually wear that. It's part of a trend in Canada's immigration program to privilege economic-class immigration above all else."

David Cohen, a Montreal immigration lawyer, agreed that on average the Conservatives and Liberals have admitted roughly the same of parents and grandparents each year as permanent residents.

Cohen said even when the Conservatives took in just 5,000 new applications, the number of admissions was similar to what has been accomplished under the Liberals.

"There really isn't a right and wrong here," he said. "It's just a fact that there are a lot more people who want to sponsor their parents than there are visas."

THE VERDICT

The Immigration Department's latest publicly available numbers show that fewer permanent residents have been accepted under the parents and grandparents program under the Liberal government, compared to its Conservative predecessors.

For that reason, Hussen's assertion the Liberals have reunited more immigrants with their families under this program is "a lot of baloney."

METHODOLOGY

The Baloney Meter is a project of The Canadian Press that examines the level of accuracy in statements made by politicians. Each claim is researched and assigned a rating based on the following scale:

No baloney  the statement is completely accurate

A little baloney  the statement is mostly accurate but more information is required

Some baloney  the statement is partly accurate but important details are missing

A lot of baloney  the statement is mostly inaccurate but contains elements of truth

Full of baloney  the statement is completely inaccurate
A pair of Virden-based oil companies that specialize in equipment rentals have been taken to court over a $2.3-million debt to Royal Bank of Canada, court documents detailing the ongoing legal action show.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 7/2/2019 (866 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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A pair of Virden-based oil companies that specialize in equipment rentals have been taken to court over a $2.3-million debt to Royal Bank of Canada, court documents detailing the ongoing legal action show.

A judge from the Manitoba Court of Queens Bench granted a receivership order on Dec. 21 to RBC, the principal lender to Force Rentals Ltd. and a numbered Manitoba company known as Titan Production Testing.

Both are described as providing oil field services and equipment rentals, primarily in and around southwestern Manitoba.

A report from Deloitte, which was named the receiver of all of the companies assets, filed on Jan. 7 and posted to the firms website, says that on top of the $2.3 million that was owed to RBC on the date of receivership  of which $1.7 million is from Force and $600,000 is tied to Titan  the companies may also owe more than $300,000 in unremitted payroll source deductions and GST, as well as unpaid wages and vacation.

The Sun made attempts to speak to the presidents of both companies, including Derek Coulter from Force and Aaron Rookes from Titan, but did not receive a formal response.

Coulter, who is also the secretary and treasurer of Titan, told The Sun in a brief phone call that he would need to speak to his partner first before commenting. The Sun did not hear back from Coulter and has not spoken to Rookes.

In an email, Richard Schwartz, a partner at the Winnipeg law firm Tapper Cuddy who is listed by Deloitte as the counsel for Force and Titan, wrote to The Sun: "Its not my place (or practice, for that matter) to speak to the media."

The Jan. 7 report from Deloitte says Force and Titan were both incorporated in 2007 in October and December, respectively.

The companies head offices are located at 165 Queens St. West in Virden and their primary assets include pressure tanks, flare stacks, barrel test tanks, flow back tanks, pipe and light towers.

When the receivership order was granted, the companies were winding down their operations for the holidays, with their only active job being a 24-hour project for Corex Resources Ltd.

In discussions with management and a review of the companies internal financial statements from Oct. 31, 2018, Deloitte reported that the net book value of the land, buildings and equipment was approximately $2.9 million, or $2.1 million for Force and $800,000 for Titan.

However, due to the absence of accurate and up-to-date equipment lists, Deloitte said it has had to compile the companies capital assets through physical site inspections and contacts with third parties believed to be in possession of their equipment.

The Canada Revenue Agency has also advised Deloitte that Force may owe approximately $130,000 for unremitted payroll source deductions and $60,000 for unremitted GST.

Titan, meanwhile, may owe approximately $110,000 for unremitted payroll source deductions. However, the CRA noted that as of the reports date, it had not done any audits to confirm how much was actually owed.

As of the date of receivership, the companies also owed 11 individuals $38,000 in unpaid wages and vacation.

The companies also had $580,000 in claims with unsecured creditors, including $354,000 with Force and $226,000 for Titan.

Deloitte said it was unable to obtain an updated accounts receivable sub-ledger due to "limited co-operation from Forces directors."

But the most recent information available from RBC as of Oct. 31 showed Force was owed approximately $71,000 from 10 customers.

Titan was also owed approximately $253,000 from seven customers and had not been paid by the time the report was released.

Tapper Cuddy told Deloitte on Jan. 4 that Force and Titan were hoping to have enough funds to pay RBC in full for the $2.3 million, with the money expected to be paid into a trust on Jan. 7.

"As at the time of finalizing and filing this First Report, Tapper Cuddy confirmed that they were not yet holding any funds in trust, but Management advised the Receiver that the Companies were expecting Tapper Cuddy to be in receipt of certain refinancing proceeds (to be held in trust) on or before Jan. 8," the document said.

 mlee@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @mtaylorlee




NEW DELHI (PTI): India and Maldives on Thursday resolved to deepen their maritime security cooperation and give a new momentum to overall military ties during talks between Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her Maldivian counterpart Mariya Ahmed Didi, officials said.



In a statement, the defence ministry described the talks as "substantive" and said that the two countries will continue their counter-terror cooperation.



"India and Maldives held substantive discussions on further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation here today. Both side agreed that the two countries would continue their traditionally close cooperation on issues of maritime security, counter-terrorism," it said.



In the talks, Sitharaman reiterated India's commitment to contribute towards capacity building and training requirements of the Maldives national defence forces, the officials said.



The issue of maritime security cooperation figured prominently during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in New Delhi last month.



The two countries had agreed to remain mindful of each other's concerns and aspirations for the stability of the Indian Ocean region and not allow their respective territories to be used for any activity inimical to their interests.



India is concerned over China's efforts to expand influence over Maldives.



Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P called on the Maldivian Defence Minister.



It is Didi's first visit to India after becoming Defence Minister around four months back.



The second round of the India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Dialogue was also held on Thursday.



The Indian delegation was headed by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Maldivian side was led by Chief of Defence Forces of Maldives Maj. Gen. Abdulla Shamaal.



Didi will witness the 70th Republic Day Parade at Rajpath as well as visit various Indian defence institutions such as the Indian Maritime Analysis Centre in Gurugram and Army Training Command in Shimla.


Manhattan, KS (66502)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph.
Canada NewsWire

OTTAWA, Feb. 6, 2019

OTTAWA, Feb. 6, 2019 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of Paul Dewar, former Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre:

"Ottawa lost one of its most dedicated voices today.

"I was saddened to learn of the death of former Member of Parliament Paul Dewar. On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Julia; their two sons, Nathaniel and Jordan; and to Paul's many friends and all those he represented.

"A teacher, politician, labour activist, and community leader, Paul dedicated his life to the service of others. Whether from his seat in the House of Commons, or at the front of a classroom, he challenged us all to dream bigger and do better to care for the people around us.

"Paul represented the people of Ottawa Centre as an NDP Member of Parliament from 2006 to 2015. During that time, he distinguished himself as a community builder, an advocate for young people, and a tenacious voice for human rights around the world. He lived up to everything a leader should be  principled, compassionate, and brave.

"Faced with a terminal diagnosis, Paul responded as he always did: he showed his love for his family and community, and encouraged those around him to take care of each other and live as lovingly and generously as possible. In the last few months of his life, Paul launched Youth Action Now  an initiative to support young people and help them lead change in their communities.

"Paul Dewar brought people together, stood up for the most vulnerable, and touched lives in Canada and beyond. He showed us what stewardship looks like, and earned the love of his community and the respect of so many of us. He will be sorely missed."

This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca/

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office
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reported that the EFF Student Command (EFFSC) disrupted the SA Students Congress' (Sasco) address at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).They had pushed TV cameras away and insulted journalists. One of them had also tried to assault a photographer who was taking pictures and went on to smash the phone of another photographer.Read more here.
For years, Sylvia quoted best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell's theory that it takes 10,000 hours to master a craft. Whether it's to improve as an athlete, a musician or to be a better leader, it's about the time you put in to master that skill. But then there are people who improve faster than others, so it clearly can't just be about putting in the 10,000 hours...
Its been a tough week in America for the truth. While the hate Trump media counts all the Presidents lies, the Democrat who replied to Mr. Trumps State of the Union speech put three whoppers out there with no scrutiny whatsoever. Stacey Abrams, who almost won the governorship of Georgia, told the world that the U.S. economy is essentially bad. By every calculated measure, that is a false statement. Then Ms. Abrams stated that the federal tax cut has not benefited working Americans. Not true. An exhaustive study by the Cato Institute shows the average family of four pays about $3,000 in taxes less than it did before the cut. Finally, Ms. Abrams contends that voter suppression is a huge national problem when there is not a shred of evidence to back that up. In fact, Georgia had a near record turnout for the vote on Ms. Abrams candidacy. Even though Stacey Abrams misled all who watched her speech, CNNs Anderson Cooper said on the air that he liked her talk better than President Trumps address. The only thing that I can think of is that Mr. Cooper is a big fan of Jon Lovitz, the compulsive liar on Saturday Night Live. Yeah, thats the ticket. Then theres the border wall thing. The left is saying its a fabricated crisis, that its fear-mongering by President Trump and his allies. Hard to believe when tens of thousands of migrants are being bused to the U.S. border with the intent of illegally crossing into the USA. And then theres the tons of narcotics that are smuggled across the border by murderous cartels. But no worries, mate. Its fear-mongering bunky. Finally, late term abortion. It was actually applauded in New York State by people who apparently believe that the vague category of a womans health is a valid reason to terminate a baby who could live outside the womb. In Virginia, the governor there agrees with Adolf Hitler that even a birthed baby can be executed if the mother doesnt want it. The T-4 program in Nazi Germany killed an estimated 300,000 babies. Whats the difference from the brutal idiocy coming out of Richmond? There is truth in the world but it is now being obscured by fanatics who want to advance their political agenda at any cost - even if that means terminating infants alive in front of them. What say you, Kamala Harris? It is my job to tell you the truth so here it is - too many Americans are more than happy to accept lies and turn the other way while bad things happen. That kind of national attitude will lead to disaster. Its just a matter of time.
After years of focusing inward to stabilize its economy and internal political situation, Egypt is feeling confident enough to reassert itself as a stronger regional actor.Egypt is focused primarily on preserving its leadership over the Nile, the Red Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean and the eastern Sahara, where it increasingly will butt heads with other regional powers competing for influence.Its importance as a strategic regional power increases Egypt's value to greater powers like the United States, Russia and China as they pursue their competing goals in the Middle East.

In 2019, Egypt will mark 150 years since the completion of the Suez Canal. The waterway linking the Mediterranean and Red seas and providing a global shipping shortcut attests to the country's highly strategic location. But controlling a key chokepoint has not sufficed to ward off Cairo's declining significance on the global stage.

While Egypt's importance in the global system may be debatable, few in the Middle East would dispute its pivotal role in the region. Its willingness to involve itself in regional affairs, however, waxes and wanes according to how stable it is at home. Today, after years of political chaos since the Arab Spring and the return of the military to power, Egypt's internal politics have stabilized.

Under this renewed approach, Egypt's parliament is even debating relaxing presidential term limits, a sign of the government's confidence that it is immune to domestic challenges. And the economy is also back on track, with macroeconomic indicators stabilizing after the near-completion of an ambitious three-year International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. So while the last decade has been a time of internal focus for Egypt, the country is now positioned to return to its historic role as a middle power.

Egypt's Regional and Global Strengths

For much of its modern history, Egypt has acted as a strategic middle power in the Middle East, participating in or mediating various conflicts and providing diplomatic support to allies seeking to benefit from the country's heft. Egypt occupies a pivotal position in the Arab and Muslim worlds, with ample coastline along three key waterways, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Nile River. It also has the largest Arab military force, including a sizable navy and a sophisticated diplomatic corps.

While Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states have tended to be the most visible Arab states in public diplomacy in recent years, Egypt's government was a regional leader well before the modern Gulf states even existed  and before they found the oil that now fuels their power. Culturally, Egypt  which has the largest population in the Arab world at more than 100 million and rapidly growing  is a touchstone in the Arab and broader Muslim world. Cairo's al-Azhar Mosque and religious institute, for example, is widely acknowledged as the global center of Sunni Islamic education.

Under this renewed approach, Egypt's parliament is even debating relaxing presidential term limits, a sign of the government's confidence that it is immune to domestic challenges. And the economy is also back on track, with macroeconomic indicators stabilizing after the near-completion of an ambitious three-year International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. So while the last decade has been a time of internal focus for Egypt, the country is now positioned to return to its historic role as a middle power.

Egypt's Regional and Global Strengths

For much of its modern history, Egypt has acted as a strategic middle power in the Middle East, participating in or mediating various conflicts and providing diplomatic support to allies seeking to benefit from the country's heft. Egypt occupies a pivotal position in the Arab and Muslim worlds, with ample coastline along three key waterways, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Nile River. It also has the largest Arab military force, including a sizable navy and a sophisticated diplomatic corps.

While Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states have tended to be the most visible Arab states in public diplomacy in recent years, Egypt's government was a regional leader well before the modern Gulf states even existed  and before they found the oil that now fuels their power. Culturally, Egypt  which has the largest population in the Arab world at more than 100 million and rapidly growing  is a touchstone in the Arab and broader Muslim world. Cairo's al-Azhar Mosque and religious institute, for example, is widely acknowledged as the global center of Sunni Islamic education.

Periods of intense internal political and economic struggles in Egypt, however, have periodically undermined its ability to act as respected power and mediator between regional states. But they have not altered Egypt's primary regional imperatives. First, it will defend its population core along the lower Nile River and Delta from any security threats that risk bleeding over its borders. Second, it will fight anything, whether political or material, that threatens its access to the water, fuel and economic supplies it needs for its rapidly growing population. Third, it will fight to preserve its freedom to decide who it engages with or what conflicts it becomes involved in (which now often involves supporting friendly governments that reject Islamist movements).

Stabilizing the Home Front

The Arab Spring protests marked a rare moment of democratic optimism in Egypt, with the overthrow of longtime president Hosni Mubarak in 2011 followed by the presidential elections in 2012 that ushered in a Muslim Brotherhood government. It also marked the beginning of a tumultuous period that would see Egypt retreat from its historic regional role as part of a unique moment of democratic optimism for the entire Arab world. However, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), the military body that dominates Egyptian affairs, viewed 2011-2012 as a period of frightening volatility.

The military coup in 2013, the drafting of the current Egyptian Constitution and the election of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in 2014 represented SCAF-led efforts to calm the turbulent political waters  even if that meant a violent crackdown on the opposition. As a result, al-Sisi's administration easily won a second term in 2018, giving him the next four years to solidify his legacy  and the SCAF plenty of time with a leader it approved of, along with a government it could both readily and discreetly control.

Meanwhile, Egypt's fragile economy improved, though it remains the country's Achilles' heel. Its continued weaknesses include high levels of debt, a hefty public wage bill, high subsidies that the government has struggled to reduce, high unemployment, dependence on a weakening agriculture sector, and a poor educational system unequipped to train a labor force for the country's future needs. Moreover, the Egyptian currency is weak and will likely continue to weaken, reducing the already paltry purchasing power in the country.

But at the macroeconomic level, Egypt's economy is emerging stronger than it has been in years, due in part to Cairo's commitment to the IMF program. The country has achieved its highest levels of growth in a decade and the most inbound foreign direct investment of any country in Africa in 2018, along with rising tourism numbers. Cairo's progress in stabilizing its economy and its internal political system means it is now comfortable enough to resume a more active role as mediator and leader in some regional conflicts.

Reaching Outward Once More

While Egypt has begun playing a more assertive role in the region, its focus remains on protecting its core at the Nile River and Delta. Over the past year, Egypt sought to lessen tensions with its southern neighbors Sudan and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam that straddles the Nile. The need for solutions that ensure Egypt maintains access to sufficient water for irrigation and drinking has driven this more pragmatic approach. Historically, Egypt was the dominant player on the river despite being a downstream country. But lately, its upstream neighbors have proved more willing to use their leverage over the Nile against Egypt. During recent unrest in Sudan, Egyptian support for embattled leader Omar al Bashir testifies to Cairo's efforts to make peace with its Red Sea neighbors, though tensions over the allotment of the Nile's waters will undoubtedly persist.

Egypt's next priority is defending against militancy, most of which emanates from the vast expanses of desert on both sides of the Nile. Its western neighbor, Libya, has lately been a hotspot for militancy. For several years, Egypt has given military and diplomatic support to Libyan National Army leader Khalifa Hifter. Working quietly in conjunction with the United Arab Emirates, the Egyptian air force has also bombed Islamist militias in eastern Libya as it seeks to stop militancy from bleeding over the porous Libyan-Egyptian border. Differences over engaging with certain Islamist factions will eventually strain the Egyptian-UAE alliance, while deeper Egyptian involvement in Libya risks rousing the opposition of Saharan powers such as Algeria and Morocco.

Egyptian leaders have begun pragmatically re-engaging with the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip to boost security in the Sinai Peninsula after years of diminished engagement with the Palestinians. Egypt has also re-established itself as a primary actor helping Israel, the United States and Arab states negotiate between feuding Palestinian parties. Although the limits of these efforts are clear, since the latest reconciliation deal between Hamas and Fatah now appears to be failing, Egypt at least hopes to diminish the security threat that the Gaza Strip poses.

In its pursuit of reasserting itself as a Mediterranean power, Egypt has also become a key player in the oil and gas rush in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, where sizeable recent discoveries have given Cairo hopes of finding even more hydrocarbons. Eager for greater energy security and to be able to better fuel its manufacturing sector, Egypt has carefully sought to align itself closely with Greece and Cyprus, meeting with its Mediterranean neighbors in multiple summits throughout the year. Aligning with Greece and Cyprus, as well as with Israel and Italy, better positions Egypt to challenge chief rival Turkey in any disputes over future oil and gas discoveries in the eastern Mediterranean (where territorial lines often blur and overlap). The more Egypt pushes, however, the more likely it is to spark tensions with Turkey.

All of this activity in Egypt's immediate sphere of influence has increased under al-Sisi's presidency. This risks creating dissidence with other regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, which have been active in the region during the time that Egypt's focus was largely turned inward. Cairo believes its disinterest in the affairs of countries farther afield in the region, such as Syria and Iraq and on the Arabian Peninsula, will mitigate these tensions. In areas that do not border Egypt, Cairo is interested in helping work toward stability, but not without careful consideration.

Egypt's participation in the partial blockade of Qatar is telling in this regard. Cairo is broadly aligned with the priorities of the Gulf Cooperation Council members and depends on their economic aid. Plus, it resents Doha for sheltering the Islamist movements it opposes. But even then, it has been the quietest of the four states that initiated the blockade. Likewise, Egypt has avoided significant involvement in the Syrian civil war, fearing it'll get drawn into a quagmire that would generate significant blowback. However, it has also swiftly warmed again to the prospect of a Bashar al Assad-led Syria  a reflection of Cairo's enthusiasm for stable Arab governments with little space for Islamists.

While Egypt may be emerging as a more solid Middle East middle power, it still faces significant political and economic headwinds. The more Egypt involves itself beyond its borders, the more it will meet complications with regional and global powers that do not share its priorities. The United States already objects to Egypt's close relationship with Russia, with Congress particularly opposed to Cairo's purchases of Russian arms. Increasing Egyptian economic cooperation with China will similarly become an issue in Washington, especially if Egypt increases its purchases of Chinese technology. But while domestic political opposition and economic fragility remain ongoing challenges, as long as Cairo feels more confident at home, Egypt will play a more active role in the Middle East.
Opinion

Lessons we can learn from Abraham Lincoln
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Lisa Mitchell is an editor for Berks-Mont Newspapers, covering news and events in the Northeast Berks County area.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

A shower is possible early. Mostly clear early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable..

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A shower is possible early. Mostly clear early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable.
Police and soldiers provide security after two bombs exploded outside a Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, Jan. 27, 2019.

A senior Abu Sayyaf militant commander accused by local authorities of planning twin bombings that killed 22 people at a Catholic church in the southern Philippines last month has likely emerged as the new leader of Islamic State in the country, according to a senior U.S. defense official.

Glenn Fine, acting inspector general for the U.S. Department of Defense, said Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hatib Sawadjaan was believed to be the new acting IS leader in his quarterly report to the U.S. Congress. The report covered Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 last year, but was made available to journalists in Manila only on Thursday.

This quarter, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command reported that it had no update on the status of an ISIS-Philippines emir, but it still believed Hatib Sawadjaan, an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-unit commander, was the acting emir, the report said, using the other acronym for IS.

Sawadjaan is currently the target of a massive military operation in Jolo, where the military and police accused him of masterminding the twin blasts that hit the towns Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Jan. 27.

Five other Filipino militants have been captured by police last week. Authorities allege that the five men worked with a couple, believed to be Indonesians, who carried out the bomb attacks under the direction of Sawadjaan. Members of Densus 88, Indonesias elite counter-terror police unit, arrived in Manila on Monday to help probe those suspicions.

The report identifying the IS emir or leader in the Philippines was significant because no unified leader for the terrorist group has clearly emerged in the Philippines after the death of Isnilon Hapilon in October 2017.

Hapilon, the acknowledged chief of IS in the Philippines, was killed at the end of the takeover of the southern city of Marawi. Fighter jets pounded the militants with nearly daily bombing runs, destroying the formerly scenic Muslim trading hub, but ultimately ending the five-month siege. The battle to break the militant takeover left more than 1,200 people dead, most of them militants.

While the IS did not confirm a new emir after Hapilons death, Sawadjaan was known to be in command of a pro-IS faction.

Abu Dar, who also fought in Marawi but escaped as Filipino troops closed in on the rebel positions at ruined city, was initially thought to be next IS leader in terms of seniority.

Two days before the Jolo cathedral bombings, the military overran what it said was a jungle encampment of Dar, also known as Humam Abdul Najb, near Marawi, although officials said the militant had escaped.

Dar, is believed to be a cousin of the Maute brothers, who plotted the siege in Marawi with Hapilon. He is believed to be the highest-ranking Filipino leader of Marawi militants, and is said to be the next in line to inherit the IS leadership.

Continued US assistance

Fine, who became the acting inspector general in 2016, justified Washingtons military assistance of $61.9 million (about 3.2 billion pesos) to Manila, as he also discussed in his report Washingtons Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines, which was created by the U.S. defense department in 2017 to support the Philippine government and military in their efforts to isolate, degrade, and defeat Islamic State.

As part of that operation, about 250 U.S. troops, including 102 special operations forces members and 14 military contractors, flew a fleet of drones targeting the militants during the Marawi siege, the U.S. newspaper Marine Times said in August last year, quoting an earlier report from Fines office.

Fine said the aid package would help enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capacity of Philippine forces to better track and target terrorist organizations.

Included in the ISR assistance to the Philippine military are a training package, software, unmanned aerial vehicle systems, tactical command posts and other equipment.

Citing an analysis of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Fine said that IS-inspired groups in Mindanao made no progress in expanding [their] areas of operations of influence after their defeat in Marawi.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano confirmed on Thursday that Sawadjaan has emerged as the new leader of the IS-inspired groups in Mindanao.

Before it was Abu Dar who is the candidate, Now it is Sawadjaan who is overall [leader], he said.

However, Ano said, Sawadjaan did not replace Hapilon, as the emir of IS in Southeast Asia.

He did not pledge allegiance to ISIS, he remains a traditional Abu Sayyaf, but after the death of Hapilon and they looked for a new leader, it was Sawadjaan, Ano said.

Philippines authorities have filed murder charges against five companions of Sawadjaan in connection with the Jolo bombings.

Jeoffrey Maitem in Cotabato City contributed to this report.
Men identified by local authorities as Bangladeshis are seen gathered outside a police station following a raid on shop-house where they were found living together, in Medan, Indonesia, Feb. 6, 2019.

More than 250 foreign migrants believed to be Bangladeshis are likely to be expelled from Indonesia, after being detained in North Sumatra province because they failed to show authorities valid travel documents, the local immigration chief said Thursday.

Among the scores of men rounded up and held after raids in Medan city on Tuesday, as many as 193 were found huddling within the cramped confines of a two-story shop-house, where they allegedly had been living for several months in squalid conditions and with little food.

The other 59 were found in a separate location in Medan on Wednesday, said Icon Siregar, head of the provincial immigration department.

It is likely they will be deported to their country, after the investigation is complete, Icon told BenarNews. Our preliminary finding is that they are all Bangladeshi  as can be inferred from their physical features, language and accent  and all are adult men.

Bangladeshi government representatives in Jakarta and Dhaka said they could not immediately verify the mens nationalities, but planned to send officials to North Sumatra to investigate.

They [the Indonesians] informed us that the rescued people had Bangladeshi passports. But we are not sure whether they are Bangladeshis, Azmal Kabir, Dhakas ambassador to Jakarta, told BenarNews on Thursday.

They may hold fake passports. Once we get the passports, we will send those to the home ministry via the foreign ministry for verification of their identities by the police, he said.

Delwar Hossain, who heads the Southeast Asia desk at Bangladeshs Foreign Ministry, said the embassy had notified his office about the mass detention.

We do not have details about them. But they may be Rohingya, not Bangladeshi. They may have illegal Bangladeshi passports, he told Benar.

However, the 253 foreigners were not carrying any travel documents when authorities took them into custody, although it appeared they had entered Indonesia with tourist visas through airports in Bali, Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Icon said.

The men told the officers that their passports were kept by suspected overseas labor agents who had arranged their travel.

According to their admission they wanted to work in Malaysia. They do not intend to work in Indonesia, Icon said.

Icon, the immigration chief in North Sumatra, said he suspected that the men were in transit while travelling illegally to Malaysia to find work, because Medan is close to the neighboring country.

Their documents have not been found. They said they had passports but they couldnt show them, he added.

Rohingya, Nepalese in the Crowd: Witness

Meanwhile, a Bangladeshi national who works as a chef at a hotel in nearby Penang, Malaysia, said he spoke to at least 10 of the detained men. They were in a crowd of some 100 foreigners who were sitting out in the street in rows, and whom he encountered while visiting Medan on Wednesday.

The men he spoke to told him there were 55 Bangladeshis among them and the rest were made up of Rohingya Muslims and other people from Myanmar, as well as Nepalese.

All these people were working in Malaysia. Some of them are legal workers, most are illegal, witness Adid Shorful Maklukat, 32, told BenarNews by phone from Medan on Thursday.

They were trying to go Australia, he said, adding that the men told him they had each paid agents up to 20,000 Malaysian ringgit (U.S. $4,909) to take them Down Under.

In Jakarta, a spokesman on immigration matters at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Theodorus Simarmata, said officials were trying to find a labor agency that might have been responsible for recruiting the foreign migrants.

If the foreigners are in fact Bangladeshis, it would not be the first time that people from Bangladesh have been caught in North Sumatra while traveling illicitly to Malaysia, a top destination in Southeast Asia for migrant-workers from the South Asian nation.

In December, 30 Bangladeshis were arrested at Tanjungtiram Port in Batubara regency while trying to board a boat to Malaysia.

In recent years, more than 1,700 people from the persecuted Rohingya ethnic group in Myanmar became stranded on Sumatra while heading to a third country. Most of the Rohingya who ended up on the island have since left for Malaysia in search of work, while some have obtained asylum in third countries.



Myanmar considers Rohingya Muslims to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Myanmars government systematically discriminates against them and has denied them citizenship. They also do not get access to basic services, such as education and health care.



In recent years, tens of thousands of Rohingya have fled or attempted to flee persecution in Buddhist-majority Myanmar on boats organized by human traffickers and bound for other Southeast Asian nations.



About 720,000 Muslim Rohingya fled to Bangladesh from Myanmars Rakhine state following a brutal military crackdown that began in August 2017.
A Sinn Fein delegation led by party president Mary Lou McDonald told the British Prime Minister in no uncertain terms that we will not tolerate anything that undermines the Good Friday Agreement, which is precisely what a hard border in Ireland would do.

Brexit belongs to the Conservative Party and the people of Britain, but the Good Friday Agreement belongs to the people of Ireland, North and South.

The backstop is an insurance policy to prevent a hard border. It is the bottom line of the four pro-Remain parties in the North and all the other parties across the island.

It is supported by the majority of citizens and businesses and other key sectors of our economy.

Theresa May's attempt to row back on it is an act of gross bad faith and an act of hostility against Irish interests.

It is also very foolish, because an agreement will never be found in pandering to the DUP's opposition to the backstop.

We've had two years of a British Government pandering to the DUP, and look where that has got us. The DUP are wreckers like their friends in the ERG. The government here collapsed because of the DUP and they have now brought their dysfunctionality and chaos into the heart of the Brexit process.

Sinn Fein want a withdrawal agreement, just as we want a restoration of power-sharing at Stormont.

But it's abundantly clear that the DUP aren't interested in a sensible Brexit agreement. Just as they aren't interested in the rights of citizens here or in restoring power-sharing unless it is on their terms.

That won't change while they continue to be appeased by the British Government. Despite introducing legislation in October 2018, Karen Bradley has done absolutely nothing to resolve the issues or restore the institutions.

Any genuine attempt to restore power-sharing must involve challenging the DUP's ongoing refusal to govern on the basis of rights and equality for all citizens. The British Government are simply not prepared to do that while they rely on the DUP for their own survival.

The British Conservative Party's lust for power will always trump the rights and interests of people in Ireland.

So here we are only six weeks from the exit date with no deal and hurtling towards a crash-out.

This must be avoided to prevent increased household costs, to prevent hampering many businesses from trading and to safeguard people's livelihoods.

In the event of a no-deal crash Sinn Fein believe the people should decide our future beyond Brexit through a referendum on Irish unity under the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement

That is the logical thing to do in the event of a no-deal crash.

But for now, Theresa May has an opportunity to bring an end to the chaos and the uncertainty.

To achieve that, it isn't the backstop that she needs to ditch, it is the DUP.

Michelle O'Neill is vice-president of Sinn Fein
It wasn't a day for anyone on either side of the Brexit debate to mince their words. At Stormont our political parties tore strips off each other, and Theresa May, over the way forward.

Elsewhere, there were wildly emotive utterances from Donald Tusk and Sammy Wilson that bore more resemblance to bar-room barracking on a Friday night than to serious political discourse.

The Prime Minister met the leaders of Northern Ireland's five main parties at Stormont yesterday in what was the epitome of pointlessness.

If she hoped to help bridge the gap between them, or garner support for her quest for a new Brexit deal, she was on a fool's errand.

They emerged out of their respective meetings to give Press conferences at which it was clear they were more deeply divided than ever.

Indeed, all that effectively unites our political leaders is that none have much faith in Mrs May.

"We are now 51 days from the Brexit deadline and the British Prime Minister has come here empty-handed with the same old rhetoric with no plan, no credibility and frankly no honour," said Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald.

Ouch. The party has traditionally had some forthright exchanges with Downing Street, but you'd surely have to wind the clock back a good few years to find it launch such a stinging broadside against an occupant of No.10.

The DUP may have mended its relationship with the Prime Minister in the past fortnight.

But there remains scepticism in the party's ranks over how forcefully she will seek changes to the withdrawal agreement in Brussels today.

Having been betrayed by the Government over the backstop last autumn, the DUP leadership does not need reminding that while Mrs May currently seems onside, another U-turn can't be ruled out regardless of parliamentary arithmetic.

In August 2016 the DUP and Sinn Fein penned a joint letter from Stormont to Downing Street outlining the challenges of leaving the EU and how they must not compromise the gains made during the peace process.

But the toxic nature of the Brexit debate means it's been all downhill since.

The relationship between the two parties could best be described today as one of pure poison.

The DUP accuses Sinn Fein of selfish scaremongering, and in today's Belfast Telegraph Michelle O'Neill describes the DUP as "wreckers" who brought their "dysfunctionality and chaos" into the heart of Brexit.

But no matter how unlikely it seems now, these two parties' desire for power will bring them back into talks and eventually they will have to work together in another power-sharing administration.

Yet, for the moment, the division and bitterness runs so deep that, to their supporters, a "special place in hell" may be preferable.
This week I am turning away from politics, Westminster, Brussels, borders, Barnier and Brexit and turning instead to a local cultural travesty... and it is all about the name of a roundabout.

There was some comment last week on social media about how Northern Ireland radio presenters reading the traffic updates pronounce  or sometimes mispronounce  the name of the Sandyknowes roundabout on the M2.

Do any local any mis-pronunciations drive you crazy? Contact us at digital.editorial@belfasttelegraph.co.uk

It is a motorway junction, indeed one of the busiest junctions in Northern Ireland, and so it gets mentioned fairly often.

Presenters dont have a problem with the first syllable, but some of them really do have a problem with the second, and that is what caused one listener to take to Facebook.

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That second syllable should be pronounced nows, but some presenters seem to think that it should be pronounced nose. They are wrong. Thats what happened last week and thats what irritated a number of listeners.

The second syllable knowe is a Scots and Ulster-Scots word for small hill and, so, sandy knowe means small, sandy hill.

Before the motorway was built the general area was known as the Sandyknowes and the name described the area.

Many presenters do pronounce it properly, but some dont, and I have to confess that I, too, find it annoying. Very annoying.

Judging by some of the social media comments last week so do others, with one person observing: It drives me nuts.

Now, radio presenters arent the only culprits as regards the mispronunciation of Sandyknowes. There is a website  www.howtopronounce.com  which provides guidance on pronunciation for almost anything you could imagine and even it manages to get it wrong in all three audio clips.

The word knowe also occurs in north Belfast in the place name Fairyknowe, which is beside the M2 in the Whitewell area. In folklore such hills were often associated with fairies and hence that particular name which, like Sandyknowes, is found in Scotland as well as Ulster.

Of course, those are only two of the Ulster-Scots place names in that area. There is a White Brae above Ligoniel and nearby there is a Flush Road as well as Flush River.

Ulster-Scots names also occur in other areas and there is a Flush Bend on the Springfield Road in west Belfast (the Ulster-Scots word flush means boggy ground).

Mispronunciation of place names is nothing new and is not restricted to Ulster-Scots names.

Back in the days when Terence ONeill was Prime Minister we used to smile at the efforts of some English and international newsreaders to pronounce his home village of Ahoghill. There were many who pronounced it as a hog hill and couldnt manage the guttural gh sound of Ahoghill.

At first we smiled, but then it became irritating and, eventually, it was downright annoying.

Thankfully, our local presenters did not inflict that travesty on listeners and viewers, and I suspect Scottish newsreaders also managed to get it right.

Here in Ulster we have three main linguistic and cultural traditions and they are all part of our cultural wealth. Indeed, such cultural wealth is increasingly important in a world that is becoming more globalist and globalised.

The Ulster-Scots tradition that finds expression in names such as Sandyknowes and Flush Road is very much alive and we are all the better and the richer for that.

I had the privilege of attending and then viewing the Burns Night celebration which was broadcast by the BBC in both Ulster and Scotland, with performers from both sides of the narrow sea.

I also had the privilege of attending another Burns celebration in Kilkeel. This event is now well-established in the cultural calendar of the Kingdom of Mourne and the song, dance, poetry and music, all by local performers, were excellent.

So, perhaps someone in the BBC will read this and have a word in the right quarters and perhaps we will see an end to the misnaming of that roundabout.

Its pronounced Sandy-nows  not Sandy-nose.
DUP Leader Arlene Foster said she hopes to speak to the Irish government later this week (Yui Mok/PA)

Whilst pressure was building in Brussels, I led a party delegation for another useful meeting with the Prime Minister yesterday. We had a simple and straightforward message urging the Government to stand strong in Brussels and be faithful to the commitments made in the House of Commons during the debate on the Brady Amendment.

We will work with the Government to get a sensible deal and we will hold the Prime Minister to the commitments she has made about securing legally binding changes to the draft withdrawal agreement.

We want to get a deal which works for the entire United Kingdom but also, importantly, one that works for our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland too. But people need to be realistic.

There can only be an agreement if it can command the necessary support in Parliament. I understand that some people are loyal to the draft withdrawal agreement from last year, but they must recognise that it was rejected by Parliament by an historic proportion. It is now time to focus on getting a deal which can work.

The withdrawal agreement is flawed because the backstop would undermine the economic and constitutional integrity of the UK. The backstop is the core of the problem. The Prime Minister must press for it to be dealt with.

Just before our meeting yesterday, Donald Tusk's comments about a "special place in hell" for those of us who campaigned to leave the EU were broadcast. Those comments were premeditated and deliberately provocative. It mirrored the disrespect shown to the Prime Minister previously in Europe.

Donald Tusk and others in Brussels may disagree with the 17.4m UK citizens who voted Leave, but the 2016 referendum result must be respected. To do otherwise would be an affront to democracy. It would be a betrayal of the people.

Rather than cast insults, now is the time to concentrate on genuine diplomacy and solutions.

When I talk with people in our core industries, they want certainty. They want to be clear on what the future north-south and east-west arrangements will be for their trade. They expect their political leaders, whether in London, Dublin or Brussels, to be focused on getting a deal rather than playing political games.

Those who are scaremongering about a hard border, checkpoints, barbed wire and violence are being deliberately misleading.

They can only be serving their own narrow interests. They are exploiting genuine fear amongst people who live on the border and remember the borders of the past.

No one is building border checkpoints or sending troops to the border. The borders of the 70s, 80s and 90s existed to stop terrorism. Brussels, Dublin and London have already stated they will not build a hard border in any circumstance.

Whilst some may seek to exploit the uncertainty for their own political ends, we will focus on getting a better deal which can work for everyone in Northern Ireland.

Judging by recent comments, there are some parties who seem to be secretly hoping for a no-deal exit from the EU.

It is a time for cool heads and pragmatism. If minds are focused, then we can reach a deal.

Arlene Foster is leader of the DUP
The political crisis in the US state of Virginia has spun out of control with the states attorney general confessing to a blackface incident in the 1980s and a woman going public with detailed allegations of sexual assault against the lieutenant governor.

With Governor Ralph Northams career already hanging by a thread over a racist photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook, the days developments threatened the careers of all three of Virginias top elected officials, all of them Democrats.

The twin blows began with state attorney general Mark Herring issuing a statement admitting he wore brown make-up and a wig in 1980 to look like a rapper during a party when he was a 19-year-old student at the University of Virginia.

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Mr Herring, who has been among those calling on Mr Northam to resign, said that he was deeply, deeply sorry about the costume and that the days ahead will make it clear whether I can or should continue to serve.

Then, within hours, Vanessa Tyson, the California woman whose sexual assault allegations against Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax surfaced earlier this week, put out a detailed statement saying Mr Fairfax forced her to perform a sex act on him in a hotel room in 2004 during the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

Ms Tyson disclosed her name in the statement.

Ms Tyson, a 42-year-old political scientist who is on a fellowship at Stanford University and specialises in the political discourse of sexual assault, said, I have no political motive.

I am a proud Democrat.

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Mr Fairfax has tried to brand me as a liar to a national audience, in service to his political ambitions, and has threatened litigation, she said.

Given his false assertions, Im compelled to make clear what happened.

Mr Fairfax, who is in line to become governor if Mr Northam resigns, has repeatedly denied her allegations, saying that the encounter was consensual and that he is the victim of a strategically timed political smear.

At no time did she express to me any discomfort or concern about our interactions, neither during that encounter, nor during the months following it, when she stayed in touch with me, nor the past 15 years, he said in a statement.

Ms Tyson said she suffered deep humiliation and shame and stayed quiet about the allegations as she pursued her career, but by late 2017, as the #MeToo movement took shape and after she saw a news article about Mr Fairfaxs campaign, she took her story to The Washington Post, which decided months later not to publish a story.

The string of scandals that began when the yearbook picture came to light last Friday could have a domino effect on Virginia state government.

If Mr Northam and Mr Fairfax fall, Mr Herring would be next in line to become governor.

After Mr Herring comes House Speaker Kirk Cox, a conservative Republican.

Democrats have expressed fear that the uproar over the governor could jeopardise their chances of taking control of the Republican-dominated Virginia legislature this year.

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The party made big gains in 2017, in part because of a backlash against President Donald Trump, and has moved to within striking distance of a majority in both houses.

Mr Herring, 57, went public after rumours of a blackface photo of him began circulating at the Capitol.

But in his statement, he said nothing about the existence of a photo.

The attorney general made a name for himself nationally by playing a central role in bringing gay marriage to Virginia, and he had been planning to run for governor in 2021.

That conduct clearly shows that, as a young man, I had a callous and inexcusable lack of awareness and insensitivity to the pain my behaviour could inflict on othersMark Herring

If he resigns, the legislature gets to pick his replacement.

In his statement, Mr Herring said he and two friends dressed up to look like rappers they listened to, including Kurtis Blow, admitting: It sounds ridiculous even now writing it.

That conduct clearly shows that, as a young man, I had a callous and inexcusable lack of awareness and insensitivity to the pain my behaviour could inflict on others, he said.

But he also said: This conduct is in no way reflective of the man I have become in the nearly 40 years since.

Mr Northam has come under pressure from nearly the entire state and national Democratic establishment to resign after the discovery of a photo on his profile page in the Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook of someone in blackface standing next to a person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe.

He admitted at first that he was in the photo without saying which costume he was wearing, then denied it a day later.

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But he acknowledged he once used shoe polish to blacken his face and look like Michael Jackson at a dance contest in Texas in 1984, when he was in the US Army.

Mr Herring came down hard on Mr Northam when the yearbook photo surfaced, condemning it as indefensible, profoundly offensive and shocking and deeply disappointing.

He said that it was no longer possible for Mr Northam to lead the state.

Mr Herring, who was elected to his second four-year term in 2017, announced when he first took office that he would no longer defend the states ban on gay marriage, saying it was time for Virginia to be on the right side of history.

A US federal judge overturned the ban, citing Mr Herrings opposition, and Virginia began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2014, nearly a full year before the US Supreme Court legalised gay marriage nationwide.
Renault said a company investigation had found Ghosn personally benefited from an exchange worth 50,000 euros in the framework of a philanthropic accord with Versailles (Kin Cheung/AP/PA)

French carmaker Renault has alerted the countrys authorities to a 50,000 euro (43,777) gift from the chateau of Versailles to its former chairman and chief executive Carlos Ghosn.

The gift is reportedly linked to his lavish wedding at the royal estate.

Renault said that a company investigation had found Ghosn personally benefited from an exchange worth 50,000 euro in the framework of a philanthropic accord with Versailles.

The carmaker said in a statement on Thursday that it was alerting French judicial authorities.

Renault started investigating Ghosns past activities after he was arrested in November in Tokyo, where he has been charged with falsifying financial reports and breach of trust.

Ghosn, one of the most influential executives in the global car industry, denies wrongdoing.

French newspaper Le Figaro reported that Versailles had allowed Ghosn to host his 2016 wedding reception in its grounds in exchange for Renaults donations to the chateau, home to Frances last kings.

The chateau said it was given 2.3 million euro (2 million) by Renault to fund renovations in a 2016 philanthropic deal.

In exchange, Renault was entitled to benefits from the chateau worth up to 25% of the total donation.

As part of the arrangement, Renault asked for permission to rent out space in the Grand Trianon mansion on the Versailles grounds for a dinner on October 8 2016, the chateau said in a statement.

It estimated the rental was worth 50,000 euro.

Versailles officials would not comment on whether Ghosn himself had made the request, or confirm that the dinner was in fact his wedding reception.

Officials in various French prosecutors offices who could investigate the case said on Thursday that they had no information yet from Renault about the gift.

Meanwhile, a Renault official said that it and Nissan were also conducting a joint investigation into Ghosns activities as head of the alliance between them, Netherlands-based Renault-Nissan BV.

Ghosn led both Renault and Nissan and championed their alliance as it grew into the worlds biggest-selling car maker.

He has faced a stunning downfall since his arrest.

Renault initially stood by Ghosn, but named a new CEO and chairman last month to replace him as his Japanese legal case drags on.

The Japanese case includes suspicions that Ghosn under-reported his income as chairman of Nissan and falsified financial reports.

Ghosn has said fellow executives opposed to forging closer ties between Nissan and Renault schemed against him.
US President Donald Trump has said Treasury Department official David Malpass is his choice to lead the World Bank.

Mr Trump introduced Mr Malpass as the right person to take on this incredibly important job.

Mr Malpass, a staunch critic of the 189-nation lending institution, said he was honoured by the nomination.

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Key goals, he said, would be to implement changes to the bank that he and US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin helped negotiate, and to ensure women achieved full participation in developing economies.

Mr Malpass would succeed Jim Yong Kim, who departed in January three years before his term was due to end.

Other candidates are likely to be nominated for the post by the banks member countries.

A key goal will be to ensure that women achieve full participation in developing economiesDavid Malpass

The banks board will take the final decision about who will become its new president.

In a nod to the presidents daughter and adviser, Ivanka Trump, Mr Malpass said he would focus on improving the status of women.

A key goal will be to ensure that women achieve full participation in developing economies, Mr Malpass said.

I know Ivanka has been a strong leader on womens economic empowerment, and I look forward to continuing our work together on her womens global development and prosperity initiative.
A state may be violating the religious rights of a Muslim inmate set for execution by refusing to allow an imam at his death, a US federal court said on Wednesday in blocking the lethal injection.

The 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay for Dominique Ray, 42, a day before he was scheduled to die for the murder of a teenager more than two decades ago.

The state of Alabama indicated it would appeal.

Ray objected to Alabamas practice of allowing a Christian prison chaplain, who is a prison system employee, to stand near the inmate during the lethal injection and to pray with the inmate if the inmate requests it.

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Ray asked to bring in his imam to stand with him during the procedure, but was told he could not because only prison employees were allowed in the execution chamber.

(It) looks substantially likely to us that Alabama has run afoul of the Establishment Clause of the First AmendmentJudges

A three-judge panel of judges wrote that it was exceedingly loath to substitute our judgment on prison procedures.

But, they added that it looks substantially likely to us that Alabama has run afoul of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

The central constitutional problem here is that the state has regularly placed a Christian cleric in the execution room to minister to the needs of Christian inmates, but has refused to provide the same benefit to a devout Muslim and all other non-Christians, the three-judge panel wrote.

The Alabama chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said it supported Rays bid to have an Islamic leader present.

We welcome this decision and hope Mr Ray will ultimately be provided equal access to spiritual guidance, Ali Massoud, government affairs coordinator for CAIR-Alabama, said in a statement.

In opposing the stay, the Alabama attorney generals office said Alabama allows inmates to visit with a spiritual adviser of their choosing before an execution, and they can have the adviser witness the execution from a room adjoining the execution chamber.

They said the state has a security interest in keeping non-prison employees out of the room during the procedure.

The state agreed to remove the prison chaplain from the chamber but the federal appeals court said the case merited review.

Robert Dunham, executive director, of the Death Penalty Information Centre which studies capital punishment in the US, says generally other states allow spiritual or religious advisers to accompany the inmate up to the execution chamber but not into it.

Instead the adviser can witness the execution, as do other people, from a designated area.

The constitutional issue here is not whether he is able to have an imam present, it's whether he is entitled to have the same religious treatment as Christian prisoners who are being executedRobert Dunham

He did not know of any other states where the execution protocol calls for a Christian chaplain to be present in the execution chamber.

Even though the chaplain is now not going to be in the room with Ray, the fact that Christian inmates being executed would have access to a chaplain in a similar situation is potentially problematic, Mr Dunham said.

The constitutional issue here is not whether he is able to have an imam present, its whether he is entitled to have the same religious treatment as Christian prisoners who are being executed, he said.

Ray was convicted in the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old Tiffany Harville.

Harville disappeared from her Selma home in July 1995.

Her decomposing body was found in a field a month later.
Bill Cosby has been moved to a general population unit (Matt Slocum/AP)

Bill Cosby has been moved to a general population unit as he serves his prison sentence for sexual assault in Pennsylvania.

The move last week comes after the 81-year-old actor spent about four months in special housing as he acclimatised to the SCI-Phoenix in Philadelphia.

A state prison spokeswoman says Cosby has a single cell and is not on a ward for older inmates.

Spokeswoman Amy Worden says inmates there can spend several hours a day in the gym or exercise yard, and other time in the library, class or day room.

She says Cosby, who is designated legally blind, has inmates assigned to help him at times, given his age and disability.

Cosby is serving time for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his home in 2004.
Farmer Brendan Boyd, 24, set a high bar for wedding proposals with the big question carved into a field of wheat (Credit: Brendan Boyd/PA)

A farmer in Australia has set a high bar for wedding proposals ahead of Valentines Day by asking the big question in 70-metre high letters carved into a field of wheat.

Brendan Boyd, a 24-year-old from Babakin in Western Australia, asked his girlfriend of three years to marry him in a message taking up most of a field more than 300,000 metres square  big enough to be seen from space.

I cant remember exactly how but I have had the idea for a couple of years and I think I just came up with it on a tractor one night, he told the Press Association.

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His girlfriend, 26-year-old Emma Starcevich, lives a five-hour drive away in the coastal city of Esperance, so Brendan planned the gesture for a weekend when she was visiting.

He used a harvester to carve the message into the crop on a Friday afternoon, knowing Emma would be arriving later that evening.

I didnt practice, that was my first go at it.

Saturday morning I took her to the paddock, told her what a nice day it was and flew our drone up above.

I then put FPV (first-person view) goggles on her and it was looking out over the horizon. I then panned down on to the paddock for her to see.

Her reaction was a little bit of silence followed by are you sure?, and then a yes.

Expand Close Brendan, 24, and Emma, 26, hope to get married next year (Credit: Ellie Morris Photography/Facebook) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Brendan, 24, and Emma, 26, hope to get married next year (Credit: Ellie Morris Photography/Facebook)

They harvested the rest of the field together that evening, to make sure none of the crop went to waste.

The episode happened in December, Brendan said, but he only put the pictures online to show the world in the last week.

Reaction to the gesture has gone a bit crazy, he said.

I have had radio interviews and offers for TV interviews as well as a few papers. I cant believe it.

The wedding is probably going to be early next year, he added.
The Home Office came under fire over the Windrush scandal (Yui Mok/PA)

More than 3,000 people have been granted British citizenship under a scheme established in the wake of the Windrush scandal, new statistics show.

From May last year, members of the Windrush generation, their UK-born children, and those who arrived in the country as minors have been able to apply for citizenship free of charge.

As of the end of December, the number of individuals granted citizenship stood at 3,406.

The figure passed the 3,000 mark after 585 people were given citizenship in the last two months of 2018.

I can reassure members that my department remains entirely focused on righting the wrongs experienced by the Windrush generationHome Secretary Sajid Javid

Ministers faced a furious backlash over the treatment of members of the Windrush generation, named after a ship that brought migrants to Britain from the Caribbean in 1948.

Commonwealth citizens who arrived before 1973 were automatically granted indefinite leave to remain but many were not issued with any documents confirming their status.

A public outcry erupted after it emerged that long-term UK residents were denied access to services, held in detention or removed despite living legally in the country for decades.

The latest statistics, detailed in a letter from Home Secretary Sajid Javid to the Commons Home Affairs committee, show that as of New Years Eve:

-2,453 people had been given documentation confirming their right to remain in the UK

-The Home Offices dedicated taskforce had refused 384 applications made under the Windrush Scheme

-Sixteen requests had been made for urgent support, of which 10 were under consideration, one had been approved, and five declined

-Officials had traced 131 individuals of 164 identified in a review of historical removals and detentions.

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The Government has already apologised over 18 cases where people were considered most likely to have suffered detriment because their right to be in the UK was not recognised.

Ministers are also preparing to set up a compensation scheme for those affected by the failings.

Mr Javid said: I continue to believe it is important that we take a cross-party approach which recognises the most important thing we can do is ensure the wrongs which some members of the Windrush generation have faced are put right.

I can reassure members that my department remains entirely focused on righting the wrongs experienced by the Windrush generation.

Labour MP Yvette Cooper, who chairs the Home Affairs committee, said it was very disturbing and shocking that only one person had been helped through a special hardship fund by the end of the year.

She said: There have been too many delays setting up the hardship scheme in the first place, and the compensation scheme still isnt in place.

Given that we know the pressure many Windrush families have faced as a result of Home Office failures and mistakes, the Government should be providing far more support, far more swiftly than this.
A spaceflight company has unveiled a new rocket as it opened its headquarters and rocket design facility in the Highlands.

Orbex, which is involved in plans to create a spaceport in Sutherland, said its new base in Forres, Moray, will bring more than 130 jobs to the region.

At the opening on Thursday the company unveiled its Prime rocket which is designed to deliver small satellites into Earths orbit.

Made from a specially-formulated lightweight carbon fibre and aluminium composite, it includes what the company said is the worlds largest 3D printed rocket engine.

Orbex reveals its new #Prime rocket which includes the worldas largest 3D printed rocket engine, made in a single piece without joins, giving it the edge over other engines, which can suffer from weaknesses associated with joining & welding. #OrbexReveals https://t.co/jl0qARduyb pic.twitter.com/q9Xrzdcaou  Orbex Space (@orbexspace) February 7, 2019

It is designed to work with bio-propane, a clean-burning, renewable fuel source that cuts carbon emissions.

Prime will make its maiden flight from Scotland in 2021, when it will carry an experimental payload from UK-based Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), which manufactures small satellites.

Graham Turnock, chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said: Orbexs new rocket design facility brings Britain one step closer to having its own domestic commercial launch capability and firmly positions the UK as Europes frontrunner for those looking to Earths orbit and beyond for new opportunities.

The new facility and future spaceport operations will help unlock vast economic and societal benefits not just in Scotland but right across the UK.

Expand Close The 3D printed engine in the new Orbex Prime rocket (Orbex/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook

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The 2,000 square metre headquarters building in Forres will combine a rocket design and integration facility, an operations centre and executive offices.

UK Business Secretary Greg Clark said: The plans for a spaceport in Sutherland have already attracted significant investment, and Orbexs rocket design facility will bring more than 100 new jobs to the Scottish Highlands region  this is our modern Industrial Strategy in action.

The space sector is a great British success story and we are working closely with industry to ensure we thrive in the commercial space age.

New innovations, capabilities and expertise are driving significant growth, with the sector generating close to 15 billion in income each year.

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Chris Larmour, Orbex chief executive, said: Since the announcement in July 2018 that we had been chosen to launch from the Sutherland spaceport, Orbex has been on an incredible journey, largely behind-the scenes.

That is changing today, as we publicly reveal the companys technical and commercial momentum.

Not only do we have a full engineering prototype of the complete Stage 2 of the Prime rocket, but also a growing roster of customers hoping to be among the first to launch satellites from Scotland.

Scotlands innovation minister Ivan McKee MSP welcomed the new facility.

He said: The new Orbex facility at Forres is an incredibly welcome development for Scotlands space sector.

It brings us one step closer to reaching our ambitions of hosting the first orbital launch facilities in Europe and will complete our full offering to build, launch and operate satellites right here in Scotland.
Former West Midlands Police officer Paul Davies admitted a charge relating to five images (Matthew Cooper/PA)

A police constable asked a teenager he met while working as a young persons officer to send him sexual images of herself on social media, a court has heard.

Paul Davies has previously admitted one charge relating to five images he had received on WhatsApp or Snapchat from the victim.

The 57-year-old, who had special responsibility for schools and colleges in the Dudley area of the West Midlands, then made a screen-shot of the items and made a copy of them between March and April last year.

Walsall Magistrates Court heard how the officer had then sent sexual images and videos of himself to the victim  either via WhatsApp or Snapchat.

Expand Close West Midlands Police said Davies left the force last June (West Midlands Police/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp West Midlands Police said Davies left the force last June (West Midlands Police/PA)

Outlining the facts of the case on Thursday, prosecutor Alisha Bartimus said: The defendant asked her to send sexual images of herself and in return he would send videos of himself.

The defendant had initially screen-shotted these items but has since made a copy. This is not akin to downloading images.

He was a serving police officer so there is a breach of trust there.

Davies, of Thoresby Croft, Dudley, was granted conditional bail until his sentencing hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on March 7.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said Davies left the force last June, having been arrested in May.
Theresa May is heading to Brussels for crunch Brexit talks insisting that the UK must not be trapped in a backstop deal.

The Prime Minister is meeting EU leaders on Thursday in the wake of the latest war of words between the two sides.

The spat was triggered by European Council president Donald Tusk saying there was a special place in hell for those who pushed for Brexit without a plan.

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David Lidington, who is effectively Mrs Mays deputy, said Mr Tusks comment wasnt the most brilliant diplomacy in the world.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I think Mr Tusk was venting yesterday, but I dont think that will detract from what I expect to be a courteous and sensible grown-up discussion between the different EU leaders and the Prime Minister.

Mrs Mays latest diplomatic offensive comes as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to the PM setting out five demands, including joining a customs union, that would need to be met for Labour to back the Government on Brexit.

Last week Theresa May and I met to discuss how the Brexit deadlock can be broken after her botched deal was rejected by MPs.



Today I have written to outline Labour's five demands for a sensible agreement that can win the support of parliament and bring the country together. pic.twitter.com/8Kw8gE054U  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 6, 2019

The PM will use the top level Brussels talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, Mr Tusk and other prominent EU figures to press for legally binding guarantees on the Northern Ireland backstop.

At present the backstop, which is intended to prevent the return of a hard border in Ireland, would see the UK continue to obey EU customs rules after a transition period if no wider trade deal had been reached.

Downing Street said that Mrs May is open to different ways of achieving her objectives on the backstop.

The PM will use the meetings to state that Parliament has sent an unequivocal message that change is required.

One of the PMs key messages for EU leaders will be that the Commons has now made it clear it could support the Withdrawal Agreement as long as concerns about the backstop are addressed.

"The measure of this moment in Northern Irelandas history must be more than whether we avoid a return to the challenges of the past. It must be how, together, we move forwards to shape the opportunities of the future." a PM @Theresa_May pic.twitter.com/TBuQ5Qfe88  UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) February 6, 2019

Mrs May also intends to stress that Labour leader Mr Corbyn also has concerns about the backstop, so it is not just an issue for the Tories and their DUP allies.

In Mr Corbyns letter to the PM, which follows their Brexit meeting last week, he insists that Labours Brexit demands must be enshrined in the Political Declaration setting out future relations with the EU.

Mr Corbyn said that securing in law the demands is the only way of achieving Labour support and uniting the country.

He calls for a permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union that gives the UK a say over future trade deals, and close alignment with the single market, underpinned by shared institutions.

I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted #Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely.  Charles Michel (@eucopresident) February 6, 2019

Mr Corbyn also calls for dynamic alignment on rights and protections in order that UK standards do not fall behind those of the EU, as well as commitments on participation in EU agencies and funding programmes, and unambiguous agreements on the detail of future security arrangements, including access to the European Arrest Warrant and vital shared databases.

The letter drew criticism from some pro-EU Labour figures who said it went against Labours Brexit stance.

Among the prominent EU figures Mrs May is set to meet is European Parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt who joined in with Mr Tusks Brexit hell analogy.

Mr Verhofstadt tweeted that Lucifer would not welcome such Brexiteers because after what they did to Britain they would even manage to divide Hell.

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph reported that Mrs May is seeking to delay another Commons meaningful vote on the Governments Brexit stance until the end of February  just a month before the UK is scheduled to quit the EU on March 29.
Theresa May has arrived in Brussels for crunch Brexit talks after insisting that the UK must not be trapped in a backstop deal.

The Prime Minister is meeting EU leaders on Thursday in the wake of the latest war of words between the two sides.

The spat was triggered by European Council president Donald Tusk saying there was a special place in hell for those who pushed for Brexit without a plan.

The PM was greeted by European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker at EU headquarters.

Both leaders struck a business-like stance as they posed for pictures and did not respond to reporters, including one who asked: Is this hell Prime Minister?

A protester waving a placard reading Dont crash out leaped out in front of the PMs convoy as it arrived at the Commissions Berlaymont HQ but was quickly whisked away.

David Lidington, who is effectively Mrs Mays deputy, said Mr Tusks comment wasnt the most brilliant diplomacy in the world.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I think Mr Tusk was venting yesterday, but I dont think that will detract from what I expect to be a courteous and sensible grown-up discussion between the different EU leaders and the Prime Minister.

Theresa May is greeted by European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker as she arrives in Brussels for crunch Brexit talks - her first visit since her deal was defeated by the Commons pic.twitter.com/jo2nVWuKJX  Harriet Line (@HarriLine) February 7, 2019

Mrs Mays latest diplomatic offensive comes as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to the PM setting out five demands, including joining a customs union, that would need to be met for Labour to back the Government on Brexit.

Downing Street confirmed that Mr Corbyns letter had been received, and a spokeswoman added: We will reply in due course. Our positions on many of the issues in the letter are well known. Our position on the backstop has not changed.

The spokeswoman said that no further meeting between Mrs May and the Labour leader to discuss Brexit had been scheduled, but added that her door is open.

The PM is using the top level Brussels talks with Mr Juncker, Mr Tusk and other prominent EU figures to press for legally binding guarantees on the Northern Ireland backstop.

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At present the backstop, which is intended to prevent the return of a hard border in Ireland, would see the UK continue to obey EU customs rules after a transition period if no wider trade deal had been reached.

Downing Street said that Mrs May is open to different ways of achieving her objectives on the backstop.

The PM is using the meetings to state that Parliament has sent an unequivocal message that change is required. But it is understood that she does not have a specific proposal for change to present to Brussels at this point.

Mrs May was offered a chink of light by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who again ruled out reopening the Withdrawal Agreement, but said she believed solutions could be found.

Last week Theresa May and I met to discuss how the Brexit deadlock can be broken after her botched deal was rejected by MPs.



Today I have written to outline Labour's five demands for a sensible agreement that can win the support of parliament and bring the country together. pic.twitter.com/8Kw8gE054U  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 6, 2019

Speaking during a visit to Slovakia, Mrs Merkel said: I think we can find solutions without reopening the Withdrawal Agreement. That is not on the agenda for us.

One of the PMs key messages for EU leaders is that the Commons has made it clear it could support the Withdrawal Agreement as long as concerns about the backstop are addressed.

Mrs May is also stressing that Mr Corbyn also has concerns about the backstop, so it is not just an issue for the Tories and their DUP allies.

In Mr Corbyns letter to the PM, which follows their Brexit meeting last week, he insists that Labours Brexit demands must be enshrined in the Political Declaration setting out future relations with the EU.

Mr Corbyn said that securing in law the demands is the only way of achieving Labour support and uniting the country.

He calls for a permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union that gives the UK a say over future trade deals, and close alignment with the single market, underpinned by shared institutions.

Mr Corbyn also calls for dynamic alignment on rights and protections in order that UK standards do not fall behind those of the EU, as well as commitments on participation in EU agencies and funding programmes, and unambiguous agreements on the detail of future security arrangements, including access to the European Arrest Warrant and vital shared databases.

The letter drew criticism from some pro-EU Labour figures who said it went against Labours Brexit stance.

The possibility of a disruptive Brexit is causing economic uncertainty in the EU, commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said, as Brussels revealed its latest economic forecast.

I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted #Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely.  Charles Michel (@eucopresident) February 6, 2019

The EU economy is expected to grow 1.5% in 2019, with the UKs forecast at 1.3%  although this is a purely technical assumption based on a status quo relationship with Brussels.

Mr Dombrovskis said: The possibility of a disruptive Brexit creates additional uncertainty.

Among the prominent EU figures Mrs May is meeting is European Parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt who joined in with Mr Tusks Brexit hell analogy.

Mr Verhofstadt tweeted that Lucifer would not welcome such Brexiteers because after what they did to Britain they would even manage to divide Hell.

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph reported that Mrs May is seeking to delay another Commons meaningful vote on the Governments Brexit stance until the end of February  just a month before the UK is scheduled to quit the EU on March 29.
The death of a man whose body was found at a property in Kirkcaldy is being treated as murder by police.

Officers found the body of Kevin Byrne, 45, who was known locally as Kevin Forrester, when they were called to an address in Alison Street in the Fife town at around 10am on Tuesday.

Following a post-mortem examination his death is now being treated as suspicious and police have appealed for information.

The death of a man in Alison Street is being treated as murder. His body was discovered on Tues 5 Feb. The man has been identified as Kevin Byrne (known locally as Kevin Forrester). We are appealing for information.



More info: https://t.co/58RjjzxlVA  Kirkcaldy Police (@KirkcaldyPolice) February 7, 2019

Detective Inspector Carol Craig, from Police Scotlands major investigation team, said: Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Mr Byrne at this difficult time and our officers will continue to provide them with specialist support.

Were appealing for anyone who may have seen Kevin between 9.30am on Sunday 3 February and 10am on Tuesday 5 February

Kevin wouldve been distinctive to anyone who saw him because he had an amputated left leg and used crutches.

Officers will be carrying out additional patrols in the local area to offer reassurance to the community, and anyone with concerns or questions should speak with them.

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident reference number 0915 of February 5, or to speak anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
DUP MLA Jim Wells can not speak on behalf of the party after having the whip removed for speaking out against the leadership.

Jim Wells has lifted the lid on the crunch DUP meeting which decided which side the party would back in the EU referendum campaign which subsequently saw it catapulted into the centre of UK and EU politics.

He revealed there was no impact assessment presented on how a leave win would affect Northern Ireland and that there was no voices raised in support of remaining with the matter decided on within minutes although the meeting lasted "several hours".

He said given the party's opposition to the EU for over four decades - and the experience gathered over that time - it was an easy decision to make. He said the mechanics of how the UK departed - including for a solution to the Irish border - were not discussed. Nor was a presentation on the strengths or weaknesses of leaving or remaining done.

"There didn't need to be because there was such a huge body of experience of people around that table that knew exactly the problems the EU was causing to our economy," he said.

"Once we established the principle of leaving Europe the modalities would work out later... we were just concentrating on the getting out from under the yoke of the EU."

"Frankly we could see little positive in remaining."

Mr Wells - who has been ostracised by the DUP having had the party whip removed for speaking out against its leadership also said that while there was currently "uncertainty" around the UK's departure he was confident in "five or six years time we will look back and say we were right".

The DUP said the sanctions against Mr Wells remained in place and he was speaking in a personal view and not representing the party in any form.

"It is unclear what meeting Mr Wells is speaking about," a DUP spokeswoman added, "The Party Officers and DUP Executive Members set the policy of the party.

Sinn Fein said it was more evidence of the DUP chasing a "Brexit fantasy".

We made right decision and each day we get more confident.

Veteran DUP man Wells made the revelations on the BBC Stephen Nolan show. He said he was at the DUP policy meeting - along with all the other MLAs and MPs - which took the decision to back leave for the 2016 poll.

He was asked what was discussed, as there was no debate on how leaving the EU would affect the border, businesses or farmers.

The South Down MLA said the meeting concentrated on the principle of what side to take and there had been an "entirely negative" experience among the party - which has held seats in the European parliament for decades - saying many saw the EU as "senseless bureaucracy, interference, meddling and control".

It was put to him that given the party's experience in the RHI scandal, would it not have been better to examine all the data and anaylsis in detail and it would have been healthier to consider the merits in remaining.

He added: "We didn't have the depth of knowledge on the RHI scheme that they had on the EU."

Mr Wells said there was not a single voice of dissent. He was asked if former Finance Minister Simon Hamilton had spoken up. Mr Hamilton has continually refused to answer how he voted in the referendum.

Mr Wells said he had never seen the party as united on one issue as they are on Brexit and there was unanimity in backing leave.

The former health minister also said he "struggled" to meet any unionists who advocated remain having knocked thousands of doors during the last election campaign. Although he did concede there would be a "small number" of DUP members on the remain side.

"I'm talking about the unionist community. Areas like Kilkeel because of the fishing industry I was genuinely shocked by the force of resentment to the EU."

He said many farmers were "fed up" with EU bureaucracy and the "nay-sayers of the Farmers' Union" did not speak for those in South Down. He said the burden of rules and regulations from the EU was costing farmers a fortunate, citing the nitrates directive which, he explained, meant farmers had to invest in slurry tanks for winter time storage as opposed to spreading the material.

He said it was a very expensive rule for farmers to adhere to but admitted he did not know if the directive should be scrapped or if it was beneficial to restrict the spread of nitrates in soil.

What's surprising you is that a party would have such an anonymous view on such an important subject.

The DUP politician of 43 years was asked that if during the meeting any numbers were discussed or data shared on how a leave vote would impact the local economy.

He said within the DUP the "universal view" based on decades of experience was leaving the EU would "ultimately benefit all of the economy of the UK and Northern Ireland".

"In the same way we have never had a statistical analysis of remaining as part of the Union, the DUP at its core we are a unionist party," he continued.

"It's not as if we were looking to join the EU, we had been in it in 40 years. We had direct statistical background information as to the impact it was currently having... and the decision was unanimous.

"And there has not been a raised eyebrow since despite all the facts and information we have been exposed to since .. we made the right decision.

"We feel vindicated and we see the attitude of the EU which has been so belligerent in negotiations we were right to try to get out of the institutions as quickly as possible.

"Apart from UKIP there is no more united party on this issue. And that has been the heart of the party since 1973. nobody who voted for us in the last 40 years would be in any doubt that the DUP would vote enthusiastically for leaving the EU.

"No one has said we made the wrong decision. We are not having a guilt phase here, we are not worried or concerned. We made the right decision and each day we get more confident."

In response the DUP said: "In June 2018, the Party informed all local media editors that the Party whip had been removed from Jim Wells. That remains the case. The operational note also stated:

Any comments made by Mr Wells during broadcast or print press interviews are his personal opinions and should not be quoted by your organisation as representing the views of the Party.

The statement added: "It is unclear what meeting Mr Wells is speaking about. The Party Officers and DUP Executive Members set the policy of the party.
Arlene Foster has called for "cool heads and pragmatism" as the Prime Minister flies to Brussels today to seek significant changes to her Brexit deal.

The DUP leader last night said Theresa May must press the EU strongly for legally binding changes to the backstop.

But Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill said it was time for the Prime Minister to ditch the DUP, not the backstop.

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Our political leaders remain deeply divided about the withdrawal agreement despite holding talks with Mrs May at Stormont yesterday.

Mrs Foster accused European Council president Donald Tusk of being disrespectful after he suggested there was a "special place in hell" for those who promoted Brexit without a plan.

Writing in today's Belfast Telegraph, she said: "It is a time for cool heads and pragmatism. If minds are focused, then we can reach a deal."

She said that she had delivered a "simple and straightforward message" to the Prime Minister to "stand strong in Brussels" and remain faithful to her parliamentary promise to seek legally binding changes to the backstop.

"We want to get a deal which works for the entire UK but also importantly one that works for our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland, too," she said.

"But people need to be realistic. There can only be an agreement if it can command the necessary support in Parliament.

"The backstop is the core of the problem.

"The Prime Minister must press for it to be dealt with.

"Rather than cast insults, now is the time to concentrate on genuine diplomacy and solutions."

She hit out at those "scaremongering about a hard border, checkpoints, barbed wire and violence" and claimed they were being "deliberately misleading".

Mrs Foster said people expected their political leaders "whether in London, Dublin or Brussels to be focused on getting a deal rather than playing political games".

But as the Prime Minister prepares to fly to Brussels, Mrs O'Neill said: "Theresa May has an opportunity to bring an end to the chaos and the uncertainty.

"To do achieve that, it isn't the backstop that she needs to ditch, it is the DUP."

Also writing in today's Belfast Telegraph, the Sinn Fein vice-president rounded on her party's former partner at Stormont.

"We've had two years of a British Government pandering to the DUP and look where that has got us," she said.

"The DUP are wreckers like their friends in the ERG (European Research Group). The government here collapsed because of the DUP and they have now brought their dysfunctionality and chaos into the heart of the Brexit process."

Mrs O'Neill claimed that the DUP wasn't interested in a sensible Brexit deal "just as they aren't interested in the rights of citizens here or in restoring power-sharing unless it is on their terms". She insisted that a border poll must be held in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

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Speaking yesterday after meeting the Prime Minister, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald accused Mrs May of coming to Belfast with "no plan, no credibility and no honour".

She said: "We have told her that the British strategy of running down the clock and playing a game of chicken with Ireland and Irish interests is profoundly unacceptable and wrong.

"We have told her that the days of Britain dictating to Ireland or Irish people... are over and will not return."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said Mrs May hadn't filled him with confidence about her ability to broker a deal that included the backstop.

"These are extremely serious times. People can be in no doubt that we are heading towards a hard border if the backstop is not banked prior to March 29; a retrograde step that will devastate our economy and our hard-won peace," he said.

"We made it very clear to Theresa May that Northern Ireland must stay in the single market and the customs union if our interests are to be protected. Westminster must heed that. "

UUP leader Robin Swann said the Prime Minister must introduce direct rule here if there is a no-deal Brexit.

"She has to put direct rule in place come March 30 because Northern Ireland needs political leadership and it needs political direction," he said.

Mr Swann claimed Mrs May appeared reluctant to talk about efforts to restore power-sharing.

"The conversation we were having with the Prime Minister was initially about Brexit, we had to drag her to a place where we actually started to talk about how we get these institutions back up and running," he said.

The UUP leader said Karen Bradley should move to begin talks to restore devolution. "If some parties do not want to participate, that's up to them. They will be self-excluding. It was done at the time of the Belfast Agreement negotiations, so there is no reason why it can't be done now," he added.

Speaking after meeting the Prime Minister, Alliance leader Naomi Long said the time for repeating red lines was gone.

"What we need now, and the only lines we are interested in, are black and white on paper, an actual deal," she said.

"That is the only thing that is actually going to reassure the public; it is the only thing that is going to reassure business."
Theresa May has been in Brussels for talks with senior EU leaders in an attempt to break the deadlock in the Brexit negotiations.

 What happened?

Following a robust but constructive meeting with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, the two sides agreed their teams would hold further talks to see whether it was possible to agree away forward which could command a majority in Parliament while respecting the EUs negotiating guidelines.

 What happens next?

Mrs May travels to Dublin on Friday for talks with Irish premier Leo Varadkar focused on the Northern Ireland backstop, which remains the key sticking point in the negotiations.

Expand Close Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is due to meet Theresa May on Friday (Brian Lawless/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will then meet the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday to open discussions on possible solutions to end the impasse.

The Prime Minister and Mr Juncker have also agreed to meet again before the end of February to take stock of the situation.

 What about Parliament?

The Prime Minister is expected to make a statement to MPs on Wednesday setting out the latest situation. Then on Thursday there will be a another debate on a neutral motion, with an opportunity for MPs to put down amendments which can then be voted on.

 After that?

Focus may shift to an EU-Arab League summit on February 24 and 25 in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh. If Mrs May is to get the legally binding changes she wants, it will require the unanimous support of the other 27 leaders  and this is the next occasion on which they are scheduled to meet together under the same roof.

After the Commons defeated her original Brexit plan last month, Mrs May is also required to stage a further meaningful vote but reports suggest she will wait to the end of February before doing so.

In the meantime, the clock continues to tick towards March 29  the day Mrs May says Britain will finally leave the EU.
The armed robbery happened at a commercial premises in the Durham Street area at around 6.05pm on Thursday.

A shop in west Belfast has been robbed by two men armed with a hammer and a metal pole.

The armed robbery happened at a commercial premises in the Durham Street area at around 6.05pm on Thursday.

A female member of staff was threatened before the men fled with cash towards the Divis Bridge area.

"The female member of staff was left badly shaken, but not injured," Detective Sergeant Gardiner said.

"The males are described as being of heavy build and wearing navy hooded tops, with one top having distinctive writing on its left sleeve. Enquiries are continuing.

"We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1113 7/2/19."

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Study confirms beaked whales' incredible diving abilities

DURHAM, N.C. -- A new Duke University-led study provides the first detailed record of the diving behavior of Cuvier's beaked whales in U.S. Atlantic waters.

Cuvier's beaked whales are the world's deepest-diving mammal, but studies of their behavior are constrained by the animals' offshore location and limited time spent at the surface.

The new data, recorded from 5,926 dives of tagged whales off Cape Hatteras, N.C., showcases the remarkable diving abilities of these animals and provides new clues to how they make a living at the extremes of depth and cold.

"Their deep dives average about 1,400 meters, lasting about an hour, while they are feeding near the sea floor. They typically only spend about two minutes at the surface between dives," said Jeanne Shearer, a doctoral student in ecology at Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment. "It's amazing that they can dive to such depths, withstand the pressure, and be down there that long, with such brief recovery times."

Past studies have documented the diving behavior of Cuvier's beaked whales in Pacific waters, Italy, and the Bahamas, but this is the first one focused in the U.S. Atlantic. Scientists estimate about 6,500 Cuvier's beaked whales live in the northwest Atlantic. Populations in different areas exhibit some differences in diving behavior, highlighting the need for data from around the world.

To conduct the study, scientists attached LIMPET satellite-linked tags to 11 Cuvier's beaked whales that live and dive most of the year in waters a two-hour boat ride from Cape Hatteras. One tag failed, but the other 10 recorded 3,242 hours of behavioral data from 5,926 individual dives -- both deep and shallow -- between 2014 and 2016.

Aside from the extremely deep dives that these whales are able to make, the data showed that they dive nearly continually, with deep dives followed by 3-4 shallow dives that extend to around 300 meters. How they continuously dive to these depths without long recovery periods is still a mystery to scientists.

"Cuvier's beaked whales are only half the size of the sperm whale," Shearer said. "Their dives push the limits of mammalian physiology, but we still don't know how they're able to behave this way."

She and her colleagues published their peer-reviewed findings Feb. 6 in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

Aside from adding to our knowledge of the species' remarkable diving capability, the findings provide a baseline for controlled experiments, now underway at Duke, to study their reactions to low levels of sonar.

"It's important to understand their typical diving behavior in order to interpret the results of behavioral response studies," said Shearer, who conducts her research at the Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, N.C.

"These animals are fascinating and there is so much we still don't know about their behavior and physiology," Shearer said. "They are the world's deepest mammalian divers, but we don't yet understand how they dive to such extremes."

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Funding for the new study came from the U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Shearer's co-authors were Nicola Quick, William Cioffi, Heather Foley, Zachary Swaim, Danielle Waples and Andrew Read, all of Duke; Robin Baird and Daniel Webster of Cascadia Research Collective; and Joel Bell of Environmental Conservation, Marine Resources Section, at Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic.

CITATION: "Diving Behaviour of Cuvier's Beaked Whales (Ziphius cavirostris) Off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina," Jeanne M. Shearer, Nicola J. Quick, William R. Cioffi, Robin W. Baird, Daniel L. Webster, Heather J. Foley, Zachary T. Swaim, Danielle M. Waples, Joel T. Bell and Andrew J. Read. Royal Society Open Science, Feb. 6, 2019. DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181728

This story has been published on: 2019-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
The Government has been urged to reveal its plans to address the legacy of the Troubles.

Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said he raised the matter when his party met the Prime Minister and Secretary of State Karen Bradley in Stormont yesterday.

"The Secretary of State confirmed that the consultation on legacy received nearly 17,000 responses, many very personal and harrowing stories," he said. "I understand that many of the responses showed a lack of support for many of the legacy proposals, in particular for the Historical Investigations Unit (HIU)."

Mr Beattie said it was now four months since the legacy consultation closed and a way forward must be found. But he said his party does "not support the structures of the deal that was agreed by the DUP and Sinn Fein at Stormont House, because it was not balanced, was not victim-centred and simply would not work".

"Our position has not changed. We told the Prime Minister that the proposals were problematic for us and we could not endorse or support them," he added.

The former soldier said it would be a "major mistake" for the Government to ignore the fact that "what was agreed at Stormont House... does not have sufficient public support".

He added: "Without a doubt Sinn Fein will try to use legacy as yet another red line to prevent or delay the restoration of Stormont, but in doing so they will be using victims for their own political ends.

"Likewise, if the DUP try to force through what they negotiated without the support of the people through this consultation, then the Northern Ireland Office and the Conservative Government need to realise that such a course of action will not end well."
A Queen's University professor has defended stating hell was "too good for no-deal Brexiteers," saying he did not mean it literally.

John D Brewer took to Twitter after the European Council President Donald Tusk said there was a "special place in Hell" for those Brexiteers who advocated leaving the EU "without a sketch of a plan".

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The post-conflict studies academic took to Twitter saying: "Special place in hell for no deal Brexiteers? Hell is too good for them."

Like Donald Tusk before him, many took to Twitter to vent their anger at the remark.

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Of the hundreds to respond, some backed his comments. Others described them as "disappointing" saying he should delete the tweet.

Some highlighted how the professor had written about the need for forgiveness after conflict and public tolerance and compromise, suggesting that was at odds with his tweet.

"Hell is coming (maybe)," another tweeted.

"It's called a no-deal #Brexit, sadly we will all suffer, keep speaking your mind and don't be intimidated."

Responding to the criticism Professor Brewer said he was talking figuratively about a "wrong/bad place".

"Hell is not real. Its not a place. It is figurative not literal. Figurative speech for a wrong/bad place. A no deal Brexit - which is the kind referred to - is thought by many people to be one such bad place," he tweeted.

Tusk's comments sparked fury in Westminster and in Northern Ireland.

The DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson branded the European Council President a "devilish, trident wielding, euro maniac," accusing him of "contempt" for Brexit voters.

This devilish euro maniac is doing his best to keep the United Kingdom bound by the chains of EU bureaucracy and control, he said.

It is Tusk and his arrogant EU negotiators who have fanned the flames of fear in an attempt to try and overturn the result of the referendum.

All he will succeed in doing is stiffening the resistance of those who have exercised their choice to be clear of Tusk and his trident wielding cabal.

Later DUP leader Arlene Foster described Mr Tusk's remarks as deliberately provocative and disrespectful and a time for "cool heads".

"It is a time to have focus and it is a time to try and find solutions, not to be disrespectful to those of us who voted in a democratic way to leave the European Union."

On Thursday the Prime Minister is to meet senior EU officials in Brussels where she is hoping to secure

Queen's University has been approached for a comment.
Assets belonging to the man accused of being the Armys top-ranking IRA agent should be frozen by the NCA pending the outcome of an independent police investigation, relatives of his alleged victims said (Kirsty OConnor/PA).

Assets belonging to the man accused of being the Armys top-ranking IRA agent should be frozen during an independent police investigation, relatives of his alleged victims said.

They urged the National Crime Agency (NCA)  Britains FBI  to investigate cash allegedly transferred by the UK Government to a former bricklayer claimed to be the informer known as Stakeknife.

Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Jon Boutcher says he is rigorously but fairly gathering information about a high-ranking mole who reputedly led the republican organisations nutting squad, which brutally interrogated and murdered suspected spies and informers during the Northern Ireland conflict.

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In 2003, Stakeknife was widely named as west Belfast man Freddie Scappaticci, but he has always strongly denied it, and rejects claims that he was an IRA informer.

Mark Thompson, chief executive of Belfast-based Relatives for Justice lobby group, in a letter to the NCA said: On behalf of the families killed as a result of the activities of agent Stakeknife we request that the NCA investigate these payments by the UK Government; freeze all assets of Mr Scappaticci and the accounts to which these monies were paid into; if necessitated conduct financial forensic audits of his accounts and any financial transfers to other accounts should there have been a bid to conceal money; transfers including property deeds, shares, bonds and other assets and net gains to relatives and/or close friends and associates.

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Mr Thompson claimed payments were made for potentially criminal action and should be seized or frozen pending the outcome of Mr Boutchers investigation.

Dozens of detectives are probing more than 50 murders linked to Stakeknife as part of the chief constables Operation Kenova.

Suspects including members of the security forces and the Provisional IRA are being brought in for questioning, the senior officer has said.

The inquiry is centred on possible crimes by paramilitaries, agents and Army and police handlers linked to Stakeknife.

Multiple murders, attempted murders, torture and unlawful imprisonments are included.

Steve Rodhouse, director of general operations at the NCA, said: Given the obvious evidential nexus to Operation Kenova, whether the alleged proceeds of any criminal benefit purportedly obtained by Mr Scappaticci up to circa 1994 can in fact be identified and pursued is clearly a matter for the Public Prosecution Service Northern Ireland (PPSNI) and Mr Boutcher collegiately to consider.

Furthermore and in any event, while the NCA has functions conferred on it under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, it does not currently have a counter-terrorism remit under the Crime and Courts Act 2013, in consequence of which, the NCA is not empowered to investigate the activities of Mr Scappaticci et al and by extension, evidence of any assets which may be identified as having been acquired in consequence of the activities alleged.

The NCA will however keep the matters raised in your letter under review pending the outcome of Operation Kenova.
An inquest is taking pace into the death of Rifleman Darren Mitchell (Liberty Human Rights/PA)

A soldier who is believed to have taken his own life was 6,000 in debt, jumpy after his service in Afghanistan and felt isolated, an inquest has heard.

Rifleman Darren Mitchell, 20, from London, was found dead in his room at Abercorn Barracks in Ballykinler, Co Down, on February 10 2013.

It came just months after another soldier, Lance Corporal James Ross, 30, from Leeds, was also found hanged in his room, on December 8 2012.

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Whatsapp Lance Corporal James Ross, pictured, and Rifleman Darren Mitchell both died at their base in Northern Ireland (Liberty Human Rights/PA).

Both men were serving with the Second Battalion the Rifles and had previously been on active service in Afghanistan.

An inquest sitting at Ballymena courthouse is examining both deaths.

Carol Mitchell told the inquest it was a perfect storm of factors that contributed to her sons death.

She described how he had been in debt up to 6,000, an amount that she said would have seemed insurmountable to Darren, pointing out he was just 20.

Following his death, she said the owed back pay from the Army settled those debts.

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Mrs Mitchell also told the inquest that Darren had told her about two incidents in Afghanistan which upset him.

In one, he had been due to be the soldier at the front of a patrol but was swapped with a colleague at the last minute. That soldier then suffered severe leg injuries in an attack.

She also detailed that towards the end of 2012, he had become hyper vigilant, confided in her less, was jumpy and struggling to sleep.

He had successfully applied for his dream job in the Army as an outdoor activity instructor, but this had involved undertaking courses across the UK and in Spain and Germany which left him very tired.

In addition, Mrs Mitchell described how her son had felt isolated after a knee injury held him back from joining his unit in Afghanistan, and instead had to serve with a different unit.

When he returned to Ballykinler and the new job, he continued to feel isolated, as a number of soldiers were taking redundancy at that time.

Everything hit him at that precise moment, Mrs Mitchell told the inquest.

He thought everyone was leaving, he was exhausted, his back pay hadnt come through, he had had a row with Cher (his girlfriend) and he had just got back after being away for a long time.

She added that she did not blame the Army for his death but felt more could have been done to help him.

The inquest continues.
Carol Mitchell (right), the mother of Rifleman Darren Mitchell, who died at Abercorn Barracks in Ballykinler in 2013, attended an inquest into his death (Rebecca Black/PA)

A soldier who is believed to have taken his own life was facing a perfect storm of stresses, his mother has told an inquest.

Rifleman Darren Mitchell, 20, from London, was found dead in his room at Abercorn Barracks in Ballykinler, Co Down, on February 10 2013.

It came just months after another soldier, Lance Corporal James Ross, 30, from Leeds, was also found hanged in his room, on December 8 2012.

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Whatsapp Undated handout photo issued by Liberty Human Rights of Rifleman Darren Mitchell whose inquest, along with Lance Corporal James Ross, takes place in Ballymena, Co Antrim.

Both men were serving with the Second Battalion the Rifles and had previously been on active service in Afghanistan.

An inquest sitting at Ballymena courthouse is examining both deaths.

Carol Mitchell told the inquest it was a perfect storm of factors that contributed to her sons death.

She described how he had been in debt up to 6,000, an amount that she said would have seemed insurmountable to him, pointing out he was just 20.

Following his death, she said the owed back pay from the Army settled those debts.

Expand Close Lance Corporal James Ross, pictured, and Rifleman Darren Mitchell both died at their base in Northern Ireland (Liberty Human Rights/PA). Press Association Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Lance Corporal James Ross, pictured, and Rifleman Darren Mitchell both died at their base in Northern Ireland (Liberty Human Rights/PA).

Mrs Mitchell also told the inquest that he had told her about two incidents in Afghanistan which upset him.

In one, he had been due to be the soldier at the front of a patrol but was swapped with a colleague at the last minute. That soldier then suffered severe leg injuries in an attack.

She also detailed that towards the end of 2012, he had become hyper vigilant, confided in her less, was jumpy and struggling to sleep.

He had successfully applied for his dream job in the Army as an outdoor activity instructor, but this had involved undertaking courses across the UK and in Spain and Germany which left him very tired.

In addition, Mrs Mitchell described how her son had felt isolated after a knee injury held him back from joining his unit in Afghanistan, and instead had to serve with a different unit.

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When he returned to Ballykinler and the new job, he continued to feel isolated, as a number of soldiers were taking redundancy at that time.

Everything hit him at that precise moment, Mrs Mitchell told the inquest.

He thought everyone was leaving, he was exhausted, his back pay hadnt come through, he had had a row with Cher (his girlfriend) and he had just got back after being away for a long time.

She added that she did not blame the Army for his death but felt more could have been done to help him.

A statement from Rifleman Mitchells former girlfriend Anita Hassall was also read to the inquest.

It recalled an incident where he had run away from a firework display.

A statement from his friend Kendall Gibson also referred to the same incident.

He said the fireworks reminded him too much of Afghanistan, Mr Gibson said, adding that he was concerned about his friends drinking.

It was a coping mechanism rather than going out and having fun.

The inquest is also examining the culture at Ballykinler at the time of the deaths.

It has heard there were several incidents of self harm at that time.

Three soldiers, friends of Rifleman Mitchell who had discovered his body, were sent twice to another barracks in Lisburn, Co Antrim, by medics for treatment which included counselling and horse riding.

The inquest heard from one of the three, referred to as soldier G, who had self harmed after discovering his friends body.

He said shortly afterwards that Corporal Mark Farragher made a comment during a parade at Ballykinler, whos going to be next and other soldiers started laughing.

I tried to ignore it, soldier G told the inquest, giving evidence behind a screen.

Soldier G has since left the Army and said he has been diagnosed with PTSD.

The inquest also heard from Cpl Farragher, who is now a Sergeant.

He acknowledged he also made the comment someones pulling the wool and made a reference to grief groupies.

Under questioning by Karen Quinlivan QC acting for the Mitchell family, he said the pulling the wool comment was directed at soldiers D and G.

He expressed regret at making the comments.

Six years down the line, PTSD has taken quite a spotlight in the media, I think now people are getting aware of it and mens health, before it was isolated incidents, he said.

Now I am older and more empathetic.

In hindsight they probably were hurting and probably did benefit from the treatment they received.

Sgt Farragher also paid tribute to Rifleman Mitchell.

If they could make make an army of Mitchells we would be undefeatable, he said.

The inquest continues.
The UK Government has rejected Sinn Fein's call for a border poll, saying the criteria set out in the Good Friday Agreement "are not satisfied".

Downing Street was responding to Mary Lou McDonald after the Sinn Fein president said she had pressed the Prime Minister for a referendum on Irish unity yesterday.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters in Westminster: "The conditions for a border poll are set out in the Belfast Agreement. It remains the Northern Ireland Secretary's view that the majority of the people of Northern Ireland continue to support the current political settlement and that the circumstances requiring a border poll are not satisfied."

Ms McDonald said Theresa May did not commit to saying in what circumstances an Irish unity poll might be called.

The 1998 Belfast Agreement states that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland may call such a referendum if at any time it appears likely that the majority of voters in Northern Ireland would wish to leave the United Kingdom and enter into a united Ireland.

The exchange between the Prime Minister and Sinn Fein leader came during a series of meetings with political parties at Stormont House in Belfast.

Ms McDonald said that a majority here voted for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union, and that by the region being taken out of the EU with the rest of the UK, the principle of consent - a key principle of the Belfast Agreement - has been damaged.

"Nobody in Ireland has consented to Brexit, the people of the north of Ireland voted to remain," she said.

"The Good Friday Agreement, the central premise of it as regards to constitutional arrangements, is the concept of consent. We believe that in attempting to coerce the north of Ireland out of the European Union against the democratically expressed wishes of the people, that the concept of consent has been damaged.

"We also know from polling data north and south that public sentiment is of a view that in the event of a crash Brexit, that people's preference would be for Irish unity.

"The only way that anyone can act in a democratic fashion is to respect consent, to respect the democratic wishes of the people of the north of Ireland and to use the Good Friday Agreement, its provisions, to guide us in the time ahead.

"So if there is a Tory crash, and Mrs May has conceded as much on the floor of the House of Commons, in that event, not alone will there be pressure for a referendum on Irish unity, there will be absolute democratic imperative to call such a referendum."

When pressed over how Mrs May had responded to this during their meeting, Ms McDonald said that neither the Prime Minister or Secretary of State Karen Bradley committed to saying when or if an Irish unity poll would be called.

She said: "But that is the secondary consideration, the primary issue here is the concept of consent which is hardwired into the Good Friday Agreement, the fact that the people of the north of Ireland have not consented to Brexit, the fact that business, farmers, academia, community sector, trade unions and political system almost unanimously regard Brexit as damaging and negative, almost unanimously regard the backstop as the absolutely bare minimum and the bottom line.

"The exception to that consensus is the DUP. The DUP cannot rule the roost on these matters, actually the people need to be in the driving seat, just as they voted against Brexit. In the event of a crash, I think the democratically correct thing to do, the compliant thing to do as regards the Good Friday Agreement, is to return to the people again, and in a structured way, to allow for the debate for the conversation for the transition and to put the question on Irish unity.

"Mrs May is a unionist, she takes a different view."
An investigation has found that a PSNI officer resorted to using his baton "too quickly" after striking a man several times without warning.

The incident took place in Londonderry city centre last March.

A man was struck several times with a police baton as he restrained his friend during a street disturbance.

Police Ombudsman investigators concluded that the officer had resorted to the use of force too quickly without issuing a warning. They noted that his colleague had not used any force when faced with the same situation.

The man said an officer struck him on the leg four or five times as he was holding his friend in a headlock in an attempt to calm him down after a row with his girlfriend.

The complainant said the officer did not ask what was happening before using unnecessary and excessive force which had caused nerve damage to his leg.

Police Ombudsman investigators reviewed all police documentation about the incident, as well as radio transmissions, city centre CCTV footage and police body worn video recorded by an officer at the scene. Statements were taken from two witnesses.

When interviewed, the officer admitted hitting the man several times but denied assault or using excessive force. He insisted his actions were reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances, and said he gave a warning before using his baton.

CCTV footage showed police arriving at the scene and two officers running towards the melee, one with his baton already drawn and extended.

His colleague tried to separate the men, but he immediately used his baton to strike the complainant three times. He told investigators he had done this as the first two strikes had not forced the man to release the headlock.

The baton strikes were not captured on the body worn video footage, but some of the events afterwards were recorded. The man was seen limping and explaining that it had been a fight between friends.

Two witnesses said they had seen the officer strike the man several times, but neither had heard any warning being given. Both felt that the officers actions were excessive and said the situation could have been dealt with without such force.

A doctor who examined the man the day after the incident found no evidence of nerve damage.

Following the Police Ombudsman's investigation a performance recommendation was made to the PSNI which has since been acted upon.

PSNI Superintendent Alan Hutton said that the police service and public expect officers "to behave with professionalism at all times".

Where it is perceived that conduct falls short of these high standards, it is right that officers should face an impartial, thorough enquiry by the Police Ombudsmans office. Where learning regarding future actions can be gained, these are taken forward.

PSNI cooperated fully with the Ombudsman's investigation and their recommendations have now been implemented."
One of the burglaries took place in the Windsor Road area of south Belfast on Tuesday evening.

Police are investigating a possible link between two burglaries at the homes of older people in Belfast.

In the first incident, two men called at the home of a older man in the Windsor Road area of south Belfast at around 7pm on Tuesday claiming to be there to fix the water.

"One stayed with the occupant, while the other ransacked a spare room," police said.

"The two left when they were disturbed by a visitor and it is believed that a quantity of jewellery may have been stolen in the incident. The householder was not physically hurt but was left shaken by the ordeal."

An hour later, an older woman was left shaken after three men entered her home in the Park Avenue area of east Belfast, also claiming to be there to fix the water, and stole cash.

It was reported the men then ran down Park Grange and got into a blue or silver vehicle.

"It is despicable that an older and vulnerable person should have been targeted in this way," police said.

"We are investigating a possible link to a similar incident in the Windsor Road area of south Belfast reported around the same time.

"I am appealing to the community to help us identify and locate those responsible. If you have any information, or witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area on Tuesday evening, please get in touch by calling 101 and quoting reference 1143 of 05/02/19."

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Gaelscoil an Lonnain on the Falls Road / Credit: Google Maps

The parents of a child at an Irish language primary school are attempting to go to the UK's highest court in a bid to secure a move from its current 117-year-old building in west Belfast.

They are seeking to overturn a ruling that former Education Minister Peter Weir was entitled to refuse Gaelscoil an Lonnain's proposed relocation.

Senior judges in Belfast today formally refused leave to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

But the outcome clears the way for the parents to directly request a hearing in London.

Their solicitor, Michael Flanigan, confirmed: "My clients now intend to petition the Supreme Court to consider the issues in this case."

The school wants to move from premises regarded as being cramped and no longer fit for purpose.

With an enrolment of around 60 children, Gaelscoil an Lonnain currently operates at a building on the Falls Road which first opened in 1901.

In 2015 its Board of Governors submitted a relocation proposal to the Department of Education.

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The plan was to move to the former site of St Comgall's School in the nearby Divis area.

Support was said to have been secured from the Education Authority, the Education and Training Authority and Comhairle na Gaelscolaiochta - the statutory body set up to advise the Department of Education on compliance with the obligation to facilitate the development Irish language education.

Mr Weir turned down the proposals in June 2016 amid concerns about the school's sustainability.

A judicial review was sought amid claims the Democratic Unionist MLA acted irrationally and failed to comply with a statutory duty to develop Irish medium education.

Lawyers for the parents who took the case also argued that irrelevant factors were taken into account.

In October 2017 a High Court judge backed their case, ruling that the Minister had not properly taken into account the views of Comhairle na Gaelscolaiochta, and described his approach at one point as being "too rigid".

At that stage his decision was quashed and a direction given for the development proposal to be reconsidered.

But last month judges in the Court of Appeal reversed the verdict by a two-one majority.

Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan and Lord Justice Deeny both held the Minister had been entitled to make the decision.

In court today Fiona Doherty QC, representing the parents behind the legal challenge, applied for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.

She stressed there had been no objection to the development proposal from relevant authorities and surrounding schools.

"Issues were only raised when it reached the Department of Education, despite the fact that it was a cost neutral proposition and would allow this school to demonstrate its sustainability in a way its current position doesn't allow," Ms Doherty said.

However, the judges refused leave - again by a majority decision.

It means lawyers will now ask the Supreme Court to hear a case they believe has significant public importance.

Outside court Mr Flanigan claimed: "It would have ramifications for both the Irish medium sector and integrated education."
Stills from Kevin Magees documentary in which the BBC reporter was confronted by so called paedophile hunters including George Keenan

Three men have been found guilty of attempting to intimidate a journalist investigating paedophile hunters.

George Keenan, Richard Curtis and Tim Heron were also convicted of disorderly behaviour and obstructing a road in south Belfast.

They were each given a three-month suspended prison sentence, the Courts Service confirmed.

The charges against them related to an alleged confrontation with BBC reporter Kevin Magee in February last year.

He was said to have encountered a group at a coffee shop on Botanic Avenue while making a news report on paedophile hunter groups operating in Northern Ireland.

Footage showed him being followed outside as he made his way to a car.

Keenan, 35, of Glenwood Court in the Dunmurry area of Belfast; 33-year-old Curtis, from Albert Road in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim; and Heron, 29, of Cloverhill Vale in Bangor, Co Down, all admitted charges of disorderly behaviour and obstruction of a road.

They contested a further allegation of attempting by force, threats or menaces to cause Mr Magee to refrain from questioning them and others about paedophile hunting in his role as an investigative journalist.

But each of them was found guilty of the attempted intimidation charge at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, it was confirmed.

District Judge Peter Magill imposed three-month jail terms, suspended for two years, on all three defendants.

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Keenan, Curtis and Heron have lodged appeals against that conviction.
Several social workers in Northern Ireland are still living with death threats from the Troubles, a new study has revealed.

The pioneering Voices of Social Work through the Troubles study, released today, recounts the experiences of staff who put their safety on the line while working to support vulnerable people during the conflict.

Among the incidents faced by respondents were the Shankill and Omagh bombings and violence surrounding the Drumcree parade dispute.

Documenting their experiences of violence, the 102 respondents estimated that they had witnessed around 212 bombings between them, as well as 168 shootings, 508 incidents of sectarian abuse and 1,804 road blocks. They had also witnessed nearly 1,000 bomb scares.

Of the 90 who responded to questions about their own experiences, 78 had encountered bombings, 50 experienced shootings, 38 faced sectarian abuse and 41 came up against road blocks.

However, the report noted that "several respondents stated that their experiences with violence were too numerous to quantify".

Over a fifth (21%) of respondents indicated that they felt at risk a lot of the time because of working during the Troubles.

The study reveals that "social workers were necessarily and routinely engaged in working with paramilitaries, which also raised a number of anxieties".

Social workers told how they were directly threatened by paramilitaries because of perceived religious background, followed by an unmarked car for a day and faced service users armed with firearms.

Other incidents involved protecting a child from being injured while caught in crossfire, walking through a suspected booby-trapped front door to discharge child protection duties and directly interfacing with paramilitaries after domestic violence incidents, when paramilitary personnel were also in the home talking to the victim.

The majority of respondents to the study relied on peer support as a coping mechanism, followed by support from family and friends.

Eight interviewees noted the "lack of an organised and coordinated response to the Troubles with the profession and social workers being forced to respond to events as they happened".

Less than half (47%) of the 102 respondents said that they received support from their employer when they experienced violence during the conflict - with one worker revealing they had been instructed to return to the same house the next day after being threatened by masked paramilitaries.

Just over a fifth (22%) said they had received education and training in helping service users affected by the Troubles, with some feeling their student education was "inadequate" to deal with the conflict.

In fact, the study says that there was a "perception that agencies were ill-equipped to deal with the conflict".

Almost a fifth (17%) felt that their sense of political, cultural and religious identity were significantly challenged in carrying out their professional role.

The report notes that "social workers sought to make the abnormal normal" when dealing with service users' needs, with one interviewee stating that the "trauma of living in besieged communities was not spoken about openly in the staff team let alone with the families".

The impact of the Troubles was directly linked to clients' mental health needs by respondents. Only one-third (33%) of the 102 respondents had considered ways of putting government strategies for victims and survivors of the conflict into operation.

Many respondents indicated an "absence of strategic thinking" on supporting people affected by the Troubles.

Several respondents recognised that social workers needed to "actively engage with the transgenerational impact of the Troubles" on the lives of service users today and that there is a need for specialist training on the ongoing impact of the violence.

The report said some social workers also discussed the "trauma with issues they were having to deal with, and concerns regarding their safety caused, and the impact that it had and continues to have on their lives".

Participants felt social work "could take a proactive stance in addressing legacy issues".

British Association of Social Workers chief executive Ruth Allen said it was "essential" that social workers "are now offered appropriate support to address the impacts of the traumatic events they encountered in decades past and to thrive in the present".

She said: "Social workers were also on the front line in response to some of Northern Ireland's worst atrocities, working tirelessly with others to help and support people.

"To this day, several social workers are living with unexpunged death threats and the majority of social workers felt at risk in their daily work.

"As a result, for some social workers, the trauma of what they experienced in the Troubles is still something they have to deal with."

The national director of the British Association of Social Workers Northern Ireland, Carolyn Ewart, said social workers had "displayed courage, resilience and an unwavering commitment to the needs of their service users" at a time when it "often felt as if the fabric of society was tearing apart".
A Northern Ireland journalist has been told she does not have to reveal her sources in a key victory for press freedom.

It follows a judgment at Belfast Crown Court yesterday on an application brought by Alex McCrory, one of the co-accused in an ongoing criminal trial involving Colin Duffy and Harry Fitzsimmons against Sunday World investigative journalist Paula Mackin.

Mr Justice Colton dismissed the bid to have Ms Mackin hand over material and disclose information to the applicant.

Richard Sullivan, the Northern Ireland editor of the Sunday World, said the verdict was "an important day for investigative reporting".

"This is a recognition by the court of protection of confidential journalistic sources and source material," he said. "Investigative journalism is the hallmark of what the Sunday World does. In this judgment, the court has upheld, recognised and preserved the right of a free press to responsibly and impartially report allegations of criminality, and the important right of Sunday World readers to receive information about serious criminality and of the right of journalists working in Northern Ireland to investigate crime without fear."

He added: "Mr Justice Colton delivered a judgment that recognises the public's right and the media right to freedom of expression. But the judgment is more important than that: it protects confidential journalistic sources and the information they communicate in confidence and anonymously which helps us at the Sunday World to inform the public in Northern Ireland about serious criminal activity.

"The court did recall that freedom of expression is a constitutional right in our democratic society and that protection of journalistic sources is a foundation of that right. Protecting these fundamental rights enable the press to carry out their duties as public watchdog."

McCrory's application arose out of a series of criminal investigative reports published by the Sunday World. He sought an order compelling Ms Mackin to disclose source material, an order compelling the disclosure of the journalistic source or sources who provided information, and sought to compel that journalist to attend the criminal trial and give evidence.

The court heard evidence from Ms Mackin that she was "simply doing her best to recollect and communicate the gist" to her readers and that the newspaper articles "related to a wide range of individuals who may be classed as dissidents".

In protecting her confidential sources and source material, Ms Mackin informed the court of the risk to her life and to the lives of her sources.

The Sunday World and Ms Mackin were represented by Olivia O'Kane, partner and head of media at Belfast law firm Carson McDowell.

Edward McCann, managing editor at Independent Newspapers, publishers of the Sunday World, welcomed the judgment.

"Today's judgment underlines the continuing importance of investigative journalism in our society," he said. "Confidentiality of journalistic sources is a fundamental tenet and it is important that this is recognised.

"Unfortunately, we have to incur costs defending applications such as this - costs that we cannot recover and money that would be better spent on journalism. The journalist is also to be commended for her work."

The National Union of Journalists' Irish Secretary, Seamus Dooley, paid tribute to the Sunday World for its strong stand in defence of media freedom.
A second investigation has been launched into abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

A second Serious Adverse Incident (SAI) review is being carried out following fresh allegations of abuse.

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The latest independent investigation will examine "the care and treatment of a former patient" at Muckamore Abbey.

The BBC has reported that the review will be carried out by an independent panel.

"With the agreement of the Department of Health, it was determined that this would be more appropriately undertaken by a fully independent panel under the trust's complaints procedure," a Belfast Trust spokesperson said.

A previous report commissioned by the Belfast Trust to examine safeguarding procedures over the five years up to 2017 discovered a "culture of tolerating harm" at Muckamore.

Police are currently carrying out an investigation in relation to the hospital and a number of staff at the facility have been suspended.

Relatives of patients at the hospital have called for an independent inquiry to be held into abuse there.

Last month Department of Health (DoH) permanent secretary Richard Pengelly said that he was "shocked and appalled" after viewing CCTV images of Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew said the latest developments had been "deeply concerning".

"I have been regularly engaging with the Trust with regards to developments on Muckamore and I have raised concerns with the previous SAI report into the facility," the party's carers and well-being spokesperson said.

"I met with the Belfast Trust in recent weeks to discuss developments in Muckamore but I was not made aware of this new SAI investigation.

"The Belfast Trusts previous SAI report-which has yet to be published-was seriously lacking, particularly with regard to involving families of those affected in shaping the terms of reference.

"This must not be repeated. Deepening concerns around the treatment of patient's in Muckamore adds further weight to calls for a public inquiry."
Nearly 500 children and young people sought refuge last year. (Picture posed by models/PA)

Nearly 500 children and young people in Northern Ireland found shelter from domestic violence in women's refuges last year.

Figures published by the BBC show a total of 485 children and young people sought refuge in 2018, with ten mothers giving birth to their babies while living in refuges.

The Women's Aid Federation NI has called for funding for a 10-year strategy aimed at protecting these young people, who the organisation describes as being the "hidden victims" of domestic violence.

Clare Allen, from the Women's Aid Federation NI, said: "There has never been core regional funding to support children affected by domestic violence. That has to change.

"For too long, children have been regarded as merely witnesses in domestic abuse situations. We know that is not the case.

"All domestic violence is underpinned by coercive, controlling behaviour and children repeatedly tell us about the on-going fear and toxic stress they have lived with in the home."

A 10-year strategy for young people affected by domestic violence- called See, Hear, Act- will be launched at Stormont later on Thursday.

Louise O'Kane, an assessment manger with Women's Aid, said: "All of these children are living with toxic stress, in constant fear and in a hyper-aroused state.

"It's 'fight or flight', they are not able to think logically or rationally. It is a constantly about survival and they are living on egg shells. Home is not a safe place."

She added: "We asked one small boy who was dealing with domestic violence at home and with bullying in school to draw his safe place.

"He drew a school toilet with the door loacked.

"We have children who are locked in a cupboard while their mummy is being beaten. They are forced to listen.

"These children are no longer silent victims, they have a voice and want to be heard."
The funeral of Ian Ogle in east Belfast

The daughter of murdered loyalist Ian Ogle has hit out at his killers for depriving her of "a father who was due to give me away at my wedding".

On Monday, east Belfast came to a standstill as more than 1,000 mourners gathered at the funeral of Mr Ogle, who was stabbed in the back 11 times and suffered horrific injuries including a fractured skull in an attack by a group of at least five men.

The savage assault took place yards from his Cluan Place home just before 9.30pm on January 27.

Yesterday, a 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, marking the 13th arrest in relation to the killing.

Twelve people who had previously been arrested - 10 men and two women - have all since been released.

Mr Ogle's daughter Toni Johnston-Ogle (27) has said her family endured 18 months of intimidation over accusations that her 23-year-old brother Ryan gave a "dirty look" to someone she believed to be a UVF member in a bar.

In an emotional social media tribute yesterday, Toni hit out at Mr Ogle's murderers for depriving her of "a father who was due to give me away at my wedding".

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera, Ryan and Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Ian Olge's family including his son Ryan and daughter Toni pictured at the funeral. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Ian Ogle's children Ryan and Toni during the Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Ian Ogle's daughter Toni during the Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph MP Gavin Robinson as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera, Toni and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera, Toni and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera and Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. Ian Ogle Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Floral tributes placed at the scene where father-of-two Ian Ogle was murdered by UVF thugs last week Freddie Parkinson Ian Ogle Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook

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Whatsapp Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week.

"To the men who tore my family's life apart - you've taken away my daddy," she said.

"I was a daddy's girl through and through.

"You've taken away my brother's first and last best mate.

"You've taken away my mummy's first and last love. You've taken away my nanny and granda's second born son.

"You've deprived me of a father who was due to give me away at my wedding and if me and Ryan go on to have children you have deprived them of a grandfather. I wonder how you can actually live with yourselves?

"Or maybe you don't even care because you are all able to still give your children a hug and a kiss."

At Mr Ogle's funeral service in the Covenant Love Church earlier this week, Toni said that she and her brother were "going to be lost without him, but we have to be there for my mummy".

"He was her first love, and last," she said.

"I'm just going to leave it at that, but daddy, deserted you stood alone."

Earlier this week, a statement posted on behalf of the family on social media thanked supporters who donated over 13,000 to cover Mr Ogle's funeral expenses.

It said: "This has been a massive help to the family and a huge weight off their shoulders for the funeral expenses and even the headstone expenses in the next few months."

In a statement released to the Irish News last week, the UVF said it was "seeking answers as to who carried out this attack" and "wholeheartedly condemned" the actions of those responsible.

The terrorist group added that whoever carried out the murder "did not do it in the name of loyalism or the UVF".

But the PSNI subsequently confirmed that one line of enquiry is that Mr Ogle was murdered by members of East Belfast UVF.
Prosecution barrister David Russell told Judge Paul Ramsey QC that the mother of the baby, who was sleeping in a cot beside her and her partner, awoke to find an armed man in the downstairs bedroom of her mother's home in south Belfast (stock photo)

A young mother begged for the life of her baby son after her home was invaded by two drug-addled men brandishing knives - like something from a "horror movie" - a Belfast court has heard.

Details of the family's ordeal were given yesterday during Crown Court submissions in the case of Seamus Rooney (30) and Tyrone Boyle (26), who had previously pleaded guilty to robbing the family of phones, computers and cash in November 2017.

Both Boyle, with a north Belfast hostel address and identified as threatening the baby boy, and Rooney, of St Dympnas Park, Downpatrick, who fought with the child's grandmother, will be sentenced in a fortnight.

Prosecution barrister David Russell told Judge Paul Ramsey QC that the mother of the baby, who was sleeping in a cot beside her and her partner, awoke to find an armed man in the downstairs bedroom of her mother's home in south Belfast.

Mr Russell said as the young mum pleaded for the life of her son, aged six to seven months, the man kept demanding: "Where's the stuff?"

She later told police how "the knife was pointing blade-down towards my son in his cot... it was a big knife.

"I thought he was going to kill my baby... the knife moved towards him... it was as if he was going to stab him... it was almost touching his neck," she said.

The woman then watched as the "blade of the knife was moved back and forward towards my son, like something out of a horror movie".

"I was on my knees pleading and begging the male not to hurt my baby", she said.

The woman told the intruder she had nothing to give him, "but he kept putting the knife at the child's neck".

After the man left the bedroom, the woman saw an armed man struggling with her mother at the foot of the stairs.

"I was pleading with him not to kill my mummy," she said. "I was distraught like never before. I thought I was going to have to watch my mummy being stabbed."

The woman's mother managed to eventually bundle the man out the front door after he slipped on a mat as she grappled with him for the knife, which was pointing at her stomach.

Defence QC Charles MacCreanor, for Boyle, said the burglary was opportunistic in nature and escalated after the two men lifted knives after they got inside.

Mr MacCreanor insisted that while his client has a criminal record, he had no history of causing harm to others.

He also told the court how Boyle's life spiralled out of control after the death of his father, who died after stumbling and falling while out walking.

Mr MacCreanor added, however, that his client knew he had to be punished and had to "make amends".

Patrick Lyttle QC, for Rooney, said it was accepted his client's actions were "appalling".

He stressed, however, that Rooney was "out of his mind" on drink and drugs at the time of the incident and his behaviour had been "out of character".

Mr Lyttle said the life of the father-of-three had been "blighted" by drugs. He told the court that while his client had been out of trouble since 2009, "it appears, on this particular night, on this particular day, he was, to use the vernacular, on a bender".

Counsel added later that Boyle was "normally quite a placid individual... not a hard man, or vicious".
Former UUP leader Lord Trimble has raised almost 10,000 for a planned legal challenge against the controversial Brexit backstop.

The Newsletter has reported that Lord Trimble has joined forces with UUP councillor Jeffrey Dudgeon and journalist Ruth Dudley Edwards in a legal bid to stop the plan, aiming to prevent a hard border in Ireland after Brexit.

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Earlier this week Lord Trimble announced that he and others were planning to initiate judicial review proceedings over an alleged breach of the Good Friday Agreement.

He said the proposal, which would see the region adhere to a different regulatory framework to the rest of the UK, undermines the agreement's principle of consent.

The principle of consent guarantees the right to self determination for people living in Northern Ireland, and recognises the legitimacy of aspiring to both a united Ireland and remaining part of the UK.

Conservative peer Lord Trimble said that the backstop should be replaced by alternative arrangements set out in a report entitled 'A Better Deal and A Better Future' authored by Eurosceptic Conservative MP Steve Baker and published by the Global Britain group.

Lord Trimble backed the 1998 Agreement despite opposition from the DUP and elements of his own party. He was recognised for his part in the peace process by being awarded the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize alongside then SDLP leader John Hume.

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After the former First Minister's announcement, a group of supporters launched a fundraising campaign which has already gathered nearly 10k.

Councillor Dudgeon confirmed that the money had been raised in a matter of days.

The EU and Irish government have argued that the backstop is the only sure-fire way to avoid a hard border in Ireland after Brexit on March 29.

However unionists have argued that the backstop could create a trade border in the Irish Sea and leave Northern Ireland tied to the EU indefinetly.

Speaking during a visit to Belfast on Tuesday, Prime Minister Theresa May said that the backstop did not breach the Good Friday Agreement.

The Attorney General (Geoffrey Cox) made clear in the House of Commons that we believe that, legally, the protocol that was negotiated with the European Union does respect all aspects of the Belfast Agreement, she said.
Jeremy Corbyn is facing claims that Labour MPs and members could quit the party over his stance on Brexit.

The Labour leader has written to the Prime Minister setting out five demands that need to be met to get his partys support for a Brexit deal.

But Owen Smith, his former leadership rival, said he was considering his position in the party and hit out at the prospect of Labour MPs being asked to back a deal which he said would damage livelihoods.

Other pro-EU MPs also criticised Mr Corbyns plan, claiming it was a change to the partys policy of keeping open the prospect of a second referendum if Labour couldnt force a general election.

This letter sets out in robust terms that the Prime Minister must abandon her Brexit red lines. It does not take the option of a public vote off the table. pic.twitter.com/T0bk7vq8cZ  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 7, 2019

Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer insisted the move by Mr Corbyn did not take the option of a so-called Peoples Vote off the table.

Downing Street, however, said ministers were looking at the proposals with interest  although there were still very considerable points of difference between them.

In his letter to Mrs May, the Labour leader set out five demands:

 A permanent customs union to deliver frictionless trade and help avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland

 Close alignment with the single market, including shared institutions and obligations

 Alignment on rights and protections so that UK standards keep pace with those across Europe as a minimum

 Participation in EU agencies and funding programmes,

 Unambiguous agreements on the detail of future security arrangements, including access to the European Arrest Warrant and vital shared databases.

On a visit to Worcester, Mr Corbyn told reporters: Half of our trade is with Europe. A lot of our manufacturing industries are very frightened, very worried at the moment that on March 29 therell be a cliff edge.

There cannot be a cliff edge. We will do everything we can in Parliament to prevent this cliff edge exit.

But Mr Smith, who stood against Mr Corbyn in 2016, said he was considering his future in the party.

aI think itas something that I and lots of other people are considering nowa



Labour MP @OwenSmith_MP tells @EmmaBarnett heas considering whether to quit the Labour party over their #Brexit stance.#EmmaBarnettShow pic.twitter.com/FaWpBv4n5h  BBC Radio 5 Live (@bbc5live) February 7, 2019

I think its something that I and lots of other people are considering right now, he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

At the moment I may be asked by the Labour Party to row in behind a policy decision that they know, and the Government knows, is going to make the people I represent poorer and  more fundamentally actually  is at odds with the internationalist, social democratic values I believe in.

I hate to think what all those young voters who flocked to the party for the first time in 2017 will make of this. Vote Labour, get a Tory Brexit. They will feel they have been sold down the river. /3  ChukaUmunna (@ChukaUmunna) February 6, 2019

Prominent pro-EU MP Chuka Umunna said the position was totally demoralising.

He said: This is not Opposition, it is the facilitation of a deal which will make this country poorer.

He added: I hate to think what all those young voters who flocked to the party for the first time in 2017 will make of this.

Vote Labour, get a Tory Brexit. They will feel they have been sold down the river.

Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner defended the shift in policy away from the six tests Labour originally set for a Brexit deal, saying the offer was made in a spirit of co-operation and compromise.

Its not about tests now, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. What we are doing is saying we believe that these are the options that are available that would actually secure a majority in the House of Commons.

Sir Keir said the letter sets out in robust terms that the Prime Minister must abandon her Brexit red lines.

It does not take the option of a public vote off the table.

Matthew Pennycook, a member of Sir Keirs frontbench shadow Brexit team, said if Mrs May did not accept Labours terms we must move to support a public vote.

There were no other credible options left to prevent a no-deal Brexit.

Weave now set out in detail the changes needed to secure @UKLabour support for a deal. Either May accepts them in full and commits to enshrining them in law before exit day or we must move to support a public vote. No other credible options left to prevent a 'no deal' #Brexit. pic.twitter.com/Plz48AQ3Vv  Matthew Pennycook MP (@mtpennycook) February 7, 2019

A senior No 10 source said it was welcome that Mr Corbyn was prepared to engage on the issue.

We are looking at those proposals with interest but there are obviously very considerable points of difference that exit between us, the source said.

The PM continues to believe that an independent trade policy is one of the key advantages of Brexit. Her position on the customs union hasnt changed.

Mrs Mays effective deputy prime minister, David Lidington, said the Labour plan for a customs union with a say in EU trade deals was wishful thinking.

In Brussels, a European Commission spokesman declined to discuss Mr Corbyns proposals, saying only: Our interlocutor is Her Majestys Government and the Prime Minister.

On Wednesday European Commission president Donald Tusk highlighted Mr Corbyns pro-Brexit stance and said there is no political force and no effective leadership for Remain.
Liam Adams, who was convicted of the rape of his daughter Aine

The paedophile brother of former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, Liam, has been moved from Maghaberry Prison and into a medical facility for end-of-life care, it has been reported.

The Irish News reports the 63-year-old is is undergoing treatment for terminal cancer.

He had been sentenced to 16 years in 2013 for abusing his daughter Aine Dahlstrom - who waived her right to anonymity - when she was just four in the late 1970s and continued until she was around nine in the early 1980s.

The paper reports Adams has served most of his time in segregation due to his profile.

It also stated his second wife and daughter have been by his side in the new facility.

The Northern Ireland Prison Service said it did not comment on individual prisoners.
Military veterans are being hampered by "sectarian intransigence" in Northern Ireland, a DUP MP has claimed.

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson claimed Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill was blocking the implementation of the military covenant.

Bringing forward a Ten Minute Rule Bill on the Armed Forces Covenant (Duty of Public Authorities), Mr Robinson said the treatment of veterans was "substandard" despite the "enormous sacrifice" of soldiers who served during the Troubles.

Referring to Mrs O'Neill, when she was Health Minister, he said: "She stated categorically the Armed Forces Covenant does not apply in Northern Ireland - in fact she said it doesn't apply 'here' because she can't bring herself to say Northern Ireland.

"She was wrong but she was able to abuse her ministerial role to frustrate the honourable out-working of our nation's commitment.

"Such sectarian intransigence exists and, depending on the allocation of ministerial office in Northern Ireland, has the potential to block the implementation of all the key operational departments.

"The shame of such action is only matched by the apparent unwillingness of this Parliament to meet it head on."

The military covenant represents Britain's duty of care to its armed forces, in return for the sacrifices made in the line of duty.

The coalition Government enshrined the covenant in law for the first time in November 2011, requiring the Defence Secretary to make an annual statement on what the Government is doing to support the armed forces.

But a long-running dispute between the DUP and Sinn Fein means no action has been taken here, unlike in the other UK regions.

Sinn Fein has voiced its opposition to the full implementation of the covenant and has reportedly claimed it amounts to "a cover-up".

Mr Robinson's Bill calls for a statutory duty to implement the covenant and was uncontested.
A DUP councillor has written to the Vice Chancellor of Queen's University after a professor tweeted that "hell is too good" for Brexiteers.

Professor John D Brewer made the comments after European Council President Donald Tusk said there was a "special place in hell" for those Brexiteers who advocated leaving the EU "without a sketch of a plan".

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Taking to Twitter post-conflict studies professor Brewer backed Mr Tusk's comments saying "special place in hell for no deal Brexiteers? Hell is too good for them".

I have now written to the Vice Chancellor of @QUBelfast regarding Prof Brewers comments. Many of my constituents have indentified themselves as ano deal Brexiteersa

Free speech is valued in a democracy; but with it comes responsibility. https://t.co/DVqhMeSsne  Peter Martin (@petermartindup) February 7, 2019

DUP Ards and North Down Councillor Peter Martin said that he has written to Queen's Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Greer concerning Professor Brewer's comments.

"Many of my constituents have identified themselves as 'no deal Brexiteers'. Free speech is valued in a democracy; but with it comes responsibility," he wrote.

Of the hundreds to respond to Professor Brewer, some backed him, others described the comments as "disappointing" saying he should delete the tweet.

Responding to the criticism Professor Brewer said he was talking figuratively about a "wrong/bad place".

"Hell is not real. Its not a place. It is figurative not literal. Figurative speech for a wrong/bad place. A no deal Brexit - which is the kind referred to - is thought by many people to be one such bad place," he tweeted.

When contacted by the Belfast Telegraph Councillor Martin directed us to the DUP press office. We have not yet received a response.

Queen's University has also been approached for comment.
Just under half of 18 year olds (46.8%) have applied to start a full-time undergraduate course in September 2019 - down 0.7%. (stock photo)

The number of Northern Ireland students applying to university has fallen - but remains higher than other UK regions, new figures show.

Just under half of 18 year olds (46.8%) have applied to start a full-time undergraduate course in September 2019 - down 0.7%.

Statistics from UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, showed 10,470 applicants from here compared to 11,020 last year.

One reason cited by UCAS is a 3.5% drop in the number of 18 year olds in the Northern Ireland population compared to 12 months previously.

Despite the slight drop in numbers, the proportion of students applying from here still remains considerably higher than other UK regions.

The 46.8% figure in NI compares to a record 38.8% of 18 year olds in England, while Scotland remained static at 32.5% and Wales had a slight increase of 0.2% from 32.2%.

Applicants from within the European Union increased by 1% to 43,980, while there was a record number of applicants from outside the EU - 63,690, up by 9%.

The gap between the most and least advantaged applicants also narrowed. Around a quarter of young people classified as living in the UK's most disadvantaged areas applied - a record of 23.2%.

This compares to over half (53.5%) of those in the most advantaged areas, a growth of 1%.

UCAS chief executive Clare Marchant said: "In this time of uncertainty, it's welcome to see more EU and international students wanting to study in the UK. "Demand from UK 18-year-old students remains strong, despite the falling numbers of this age group in the population."

She added the unexpected spike in English applicants showed undergraduate education was still valued.

"However, interest in our apprenticeships hub and our insight research shows that almost a quarter of this age group is also considering an apprenticeship at the same time, and we can expect students to keep their options open."

The results are based on the most recent deadline admission of January 15, but students can still apply until June 30 and directly afterwards through the clearing process.

While the figures show an increased interest in the UK from foreign students, the threat of a no-deal Brexit has created uncertainty for many UK students.

The Erasmus+ programme was established by the European Commission and helps around 17,000 UK students study abroad each year.

Universities UK represents 136 institutions, and this week launched the #SupportStudyAbroad campaign to urge the government to guarantee funding for foreign study would continue.
The father wants a "kind, ambitious, hard working, Northern Irish man who hopefully has sown his wild oats" to marry his daughter. (Rui Vieira/PA)

An anxious Northern Ireland man has posted a classified advert to look for a husband for his daughter in a bid to stop her leaving the country.

The advert, in today's Belfast Telegraph, is written by the anonymous father of a woman in her 20s who is going abroad to live.

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The worried dad is fearful that his daughter, who he describes as being "6ft tall and gorgeous", will meet a man while abroad and will never come home.

The advert reads: "I'm a dad looking perhaps for a potential son-in-law for my wonderful daughter, she is about to leave Northern Ireland.

"The best wee country in the world and I fear that if she meets some nice man abroad we may never see her again."

"She is the youngest of a house that was full of girls. In her early 20s, loves her mum and dad, nothing she has ever been asked to do has been beyond her. She went to the top university, came home with top honours and went straight to work.

"She is 6ft tall, gorgeous and can hold a conversation in any company. Who would her daddy like her to meet?

"A kind, ambitious, hard working, Northern Irish man who hopefully has sown his wild oats. If your interested in finding out more call her friendly dad."
Brexit is an expanding distraction to policing in Northern Ireland, PSNI chief constable George Hamilton warned (Niall Carson/PA).

Brexit is an expanding distraction to policing in Northern Ireland, the chief constable has warned.

George Hamilton said his diary had been turned around this week by five hours of meetings on the challenges posed by the EU divorce in areas including counter-terrorism.

As a result he had to cut short talks with his Irish counterpart, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, dealing with exit issues among others.

A special team has been established to plan for a hard Irish border as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) addresses the complexities of policing the 310-mile frontier without certainty about the future.

Important for society that @NIPolicingBoard are convened. Looking forward to engaging with members of the Board in informing them on the operational pressures and personal impact on our @PoliceServiceNI members. https://t.co/msmbugCdgJ  Police Federation for Northern Ireland (@PoliceFedforNI) February 7, 2019

Mr Hamilton said: Managing ambiguity and uncertainty is a key requirement for people in senior leadership.

Our planning around it is good, we are in the best place that we can be, and I think our work with partners, other law enforcement agencies, other countries is in a really good place.

He said there tended to be more specialists and fewer generalists and Brexit planning required quite a bit of energy across the organisation.

It is an opportunity cost, it is perhaps a distraction, but actually it is just the reality, it is where we are.

There has been a referendum, there has been a result, the politicians are charged with working out how they are going to do EU exit and we need to stand ready against a number of scenarios and working assumptions to ensure that policing can continue to function.

They are planning for no deal and a deal.

We don't want to get too focused on any one scenario, the trick for us will be to remain agile and dynamic and try to pre-empt as much of the challenge as possible and get a workaround if possiblePSNI chief constable George Hamilton

Whatever happens, deal or no deal, there will be implications and consequences for policing.

We dont want to get too focused on any one scenario, the trick for us will be to remain agile and dynamic and try to pre-empt as much of the challenge as possible and get a workaround if possible.

We would be irresponsible not to plan along sensible assumptions.

The challenges created by Brexit reach into criminal justice reform and service delivery, he said.

Mr Hamilton told the Policing Board scrutiny body in Belfast: We need to be responsible around making sure that we are equipped to handle the consequences and implications of that.

Extra money from the Treasury has already financed a project team of three or four posts and a more hefty financial boost was announced recently.

The main issues identified in a paper drawn up by the PSNI last year on Brexit include how tighter immigration controls can be created while maintaining the common travel area, ensuring criminals and terrorists do not exploit the border, and avoiding a hard border.

All sides aim to avoid physical infrastructure at the border but Brexit could mean increased compliance checking and enforcement activity.
Richwood, TX (77531)

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A shower is possible early. Some passing clouds. Low 78F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
The girlfriend of a British soldier found dead in a Co Down army barracks believed he had a "physical fight" with a driving instructor before he died.

Lance Corporal James Ross (30), from Leeds, was found hanged in a suspected suicide on December 8, 2012, at Abercorn Barracks at Ballykinler.

Sharon Mitchell told an inquest into his death she had planned to move in with the "loving, caring and funny" squaddie she met on the Plenty of Fish dating site and described spending a "wonderful" week with him while he was on a driving course.

"He told me (that day) that he had fought with the instructor and his test wasn't going to take place," she said. "I believed he meant a physical fight."

Earlier this week William Riley, of Lloyds School of Motoring, told how LCpl Ross had cut a "frustrated" figure, displayed an attitude problem and had been involved in a verbal altercation with another instructor two days before his death.

But yesterday Ms Mitchell said the only thing LCpl Ross was "distressed" about was a reprimand for being late to the Christmas party he helped organise, although his last words to her at 7.30pm led her to believe everything was fine.

"He texted to say 'I'm back' and sent a kiss," she recalled.

She said her Yorkshire boyfriend, who she met for the first time in Belfast's Cafe Vaudeville on August 25, never showed any signs of mental health problems

Ms Mitchell became concerned on the Saturday afternoon after failed attempts to contact him, which she said was "out of character".

She called the guardhouse at 4pm, which prompted a search for the missing soldier, who was found dead inside his private room just over two hours later.

The coroner also heard how Ms Mitchell "would have loved to have gone" to the Christmas party but was told by LCpl Ross that it was too late to add her to the guest list - something she later discovered to be a lie.

LCpl Ross' colleague Rifleman Andrew Fischer told the inquest that LCpl Ross had been upset and was crying in the early hours of the morning. The witness said he surmised LCpl Ross was emotional after an argument with his girlfriend on the phone, but Ms Mitchell said the pair never spoke that night.

She learned after his death that there had been a "resumption" of his relationship with former fiancee Gemma, who subsequently contacted her on Facebook.

Rfn Fischer also described how LCpl Ross visited his room up to 30 times during the party to bring "beers and shots" before entering his room at around 4.30am. He did not recall a struggle or if LCpl Ross used a key and was forced to concede his memory was unreliable because he was "out of my head" on drink.

Ms Mitchell said her boyfriend, who regularly talked about his two tours of Afghanistan in a "bravado" kind of way, often showed her videos of people being "shot in the backside" and wanted to return to the conflict zone.

However, she did describe one incident involving a young girl in Afghanistan which seemed to bother LCpl Ross. "She was handed to him and he couldn't save her - that's all I know," she said.

PSNI Constable McConn, who arrived at the scene just before 7pm, shortly after paramedics alerted police, told the inquest that no suicide note was found inside the "dishevelled" room where LCpl Ross' body was discovered behind a damaged door.

He ruled out signs of "a fight or struggle" and could not explain what caused the damage to a hinge on the inside, damage around the exterior frame and damage to the lock hatch, which had been unscrewed and forced out. The coroner described the damage as another "mystery" in the circumstances of the death.

Former corporal Andrew McAtee, who was president of the mess committee that organised the Christmas ball, said "embarrassment" over mental health issues deterred squaddies from seeking help and claimed owning up to struggles was synonymous with requesting a career change and avoided by "ambitious" soldiers like LCpl Ross.

The medically retired veteran recalled discovering a "box of problems that Ross had kept to himself" in the days following his death. "The Army has failed a lot of people and I think they failed James as well," he said.

The former serviceman, who has himself been diagnosed with PTSD, acknowledged that procedures are improving but said in LCpl Ross' case it was too late.

Mr McAtee blamed the Army's "progressive" policy of allowing soldiers to have single dorms as the reason why the "sign that something was amiss" was ignored.

However, MoD barrister Philip Aldworth forced Mr McAtee to concede that help was available for anyone who wanted it and that soldiers who complained about feeling isolated shunned Army initiatives providing transport into nearby cities.

The inquest continues.
A former postman turned paedophile, convicted of sexually abusing three young schoolgirls, was jailed for three years on Thursday.

Jailing 68-year-old Daniel Hill at Antrim Crown Court, Judge Brian Sherard said it was his view the opportunistic pervert, who maintains his innocence and has shown no remorse, still presents a danger to children.

You continue, and will continue to represent a serious danger...to prepubescent children, the judge told Hill, adding that the fact he now has no sustained family network would in fact serve to highlight or heighten that risk.

At the end of his month long trial last year Hill, from the Clare Road in Ballycastle, was convicted of seven counts of indecently assaulting the three young girls on unknown dates between 9 November 1995 and 13 June 2001.

The jury who convicted Hill heard how the three victims would often come to his house to play with his daughter and that is where they were sexually abused from an early age of around five until they were around ten when they would have been in P1 to P6.

The abuse amounted to Hill groping the girls breasts, bottoms and private parts.

Rehearsing the facts of the case at an earlier hearing, prosecuting lawyer Tessa Kitson took each victim in turn, reminding the court how the first victim testified how Hill touched her breasts under her clothing approximately 20 times.

The former postman was convicted of three counts of indecent assault against this victim and the lawyer said as well as touching her breast area, Hill also touched her between her legs over her clothing.

During one sleep over however, Hill put his hand down the front of her pyjamas around her genital area, under her pants and kept his hand moving around for some time.

Another victim gave similar testimony that when she was there watching a scary movie, Hill had put his hands down the back of her pyjama bottoms and felt her backside, an attack which happened on more than one occasion.

The third victim, said Mrs Kitson, described how Hill had groped her around the area of her chest on a number of occasions.

The jury also heard evidence that in 2001, the girls teacher intercepted a note being passed around that said I hate Danny Hill; I hate him too; I hate the way he puts his hand down your pants.

The note was given to Eamon Magee, the headmaster of St. Patricks & St. Brigids Primary School, but despite arranging a meeting with the parents of all three girls, the note was never shown to them nor its contents read to them.

At the time, Hills wife was also a teacher at the school and Mrs Kitson revealed how one victim only realised her father had not seen the note when the trial was up and running.

As a child of ten, right until this trial started, she had always believed that her father had been shown the note and decided to do nothing about it but brush it under the carpet, said Mrs Kitson who continued:

This was in 2001, not the 40s or 50s or a Magdalene Laundry setting - any delay in this case lies fairly and squarely at the feet of Mr Magee....and that is something that Mr Magee should reflect on and address his mind to.

In court on Thursday, Mrs Kitson highlighted numerous aggravating factors including the fact that Hill had abused multiple victims, all of whom were vulnerable due to their extreme youth and that by touching them inappropriately, he had abused the trust which had been placed in him.

He was known to the victims as the local postman and known to the children as the husband of a teacher at their school so in my submission, this was a breach of trust, argued Mrs Kitson.

She further submitted that rather than being totally opportunistic, given the circumstances of the abuse committed over an extended period, there clearly was a degree of planning or premeditation.

As regards mitigation points, such as remorse, the lawyer told the court thats not present here, revealing that Hill has already lodged an appeal against his conviction and sentence even before he has been sentenced.

Defence QC Peter Irvine conceded there is no doubt that a custodial sentence is appropriate in these circumstances, submitting that due to Hills ill health undoubtedly he will endure a hardship serving a jail sentence.

Hill was due to be sentenced four months ago but that was delayed due to a scheduled prostrate biopsy and it has since been confirmed the paedophile has cancer.

Giving evidence to the court, head of prisoner development at Maghaberry prison Andrew Tosh, testified that with daily radiotherapy sessions set to begin next month, we will get him to whatever appointments that he needs to get to - to not do it would put us in an indefensible position.

Jailing Hill, Judge Sherard said he was having significant regard to his ill health but was satisfied that the prison state is capable of accommodating your medical needs.

Describing indecent assault as an abhorrent behaviour, the judge said the maximum ten year sentence demonstrates the attitude of Parliament, society and the courts towards such offences.

He told the court that while he had read and taken account of the victim impact reports, he would not reveal their details in open court but declared it was to their credit that these young women have not been overwhelmed by the abuse perpetrated upon them.

As well as the jail term, Judge Sherard ordered Hill to sign the police sex offenders register for the rest of his life and also imposed a five year Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
Daniel and Amy McArthur, the couple at the centre of the gay cake row (Brian Lawless/PA)

A bakery which beat a discrimination case after it refused to make a cake with the slogan Support Gay Marriage will not seek legal costs.

Ashers, a bakery in Belfast, Northern Ireland, was judged in 2015 to have broken the law after it was sued by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, sparking a gay cake row.

The bakery, run by a Christian family, later won a Supreme Court case in October 2018 to have the decision overturned.

Following consultation between Ashers, their lawyers and ourselves, it has been decided that Ashers will not be pursuing the legal costs of defending the caseChristian Institute

Its owners, Daniel and Amy McArthur, have now decided they will not pursue their legal costs.

Colin Hart, director of The Christian Institute, which funded the companys legal challenge, said: Following consultation between Ashers, their lawyers and ourselves, it has been decided that Ashers will not be pursuing the legal costs of defending the case.

He added: This complex case involved significant issues of wider public interest, including balancing the requirements of discrimination law and human rights.

It has strong parallels with a case we supported in 2013 where the Christians lost.

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In that case we argued that each side should pay their own costs because of the wider public importance of the case and because both sides were supported by third parties.

In the end that is what the Supreme Court ordered.

The McArthurs had declined to make the 36.50 cake because it conflicted with their religious beliefs.

Belfast County Court initially ruled it broke political, religious and sexual orientation discrimination laws.

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The Court of Appeal in Belfast then upheld the decision before it was overturned by the Supreme Court.

Mr Hart added: The case was always going to cost money to defend.

Even if you win you never expect to get all your costs back and you may get nothing.

The costs orders against Ashers in the lower courts were limited to several hundred pounds in each case, so even if the Supreme Court were persuaded to grant costs, the award could have been similarly limited.
British Prime Minister Theresa May is welcomed by European commission President Jean-Claude Juncker ahead to a meeting on Brexit, on February 7, 2019 in Brussels. (Photo by Aris Oikonomou / AFP)ARIS OIKONOMOU/AFP/Getty Images

Theresa May gave an assurance there will be a backstop in the UK's withdrawal deal with the EU, Guy Verhofstadt has said.

The EU parliament's Brexit co-ordinator said the backstop issue should be solved in the Political Declaration.

The European Commission pledged to help Mrs May find a solution in order to gain the support of parliament.

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The Prime Minister travelled to Brussels on Thursday after Parliament rejected her agreement with the EU. She pledged to seek changes to the deal and the so-called insurance policy, the backstop which is aimed at ensuring there is no need for a hardening of the border in Ireland.

The parliament's Brexit co-ordinator Verhofstadt said Mrs May "assured us that there will be a backstop".

He added: "There is no question to remove the backstop because that is absolutely necessary for securing and safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement, safeguarding the internal market and safeguarding also the peace process."

Mr Verhofstadt welcomed the letter from Jeremy Corbyn to Theresa May, saying "cross-party co-operation is the way forward".

He hit out at Brexiteers who support the "disaster" of a no-deal outcome.

"It is a disaster on both sides of the Channel and it is, in fact, irresponsible from some politicians in Britain to go for such a no deal and to prefer such a no deal," he said.

After talks with European Parliament president Antonio Tajani said: "We are open to being more ambitious on our future relations, including looking at the Irish situation again if the UK's red lines change."

The meeting - in a joint statement - was described as "robust but constructive".

A spokesman added: "Despite the challenges, the two leaders agreed that their teams should hold talks as to whether a way through can be found that would gain the broadest possible support in the UK Parliament and respect the guidelines agreed by the European Council.

"The Prime Minister and the [EU Commission] President will meet again before the end of February to take stock of these discussions."
A group of influential Irish-Americans has written to the Prime Minister and Taoiseach urging them to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement.

The 40 signatories include former US Senator Gary Hart, an ex-special envoy to Northern Ireland, and Nancy Soderberg, who was a key adviser to President Bill Clinton during the years when the 1998 peace accord was being negotiated.

Some unionists have claimed that Theresa May's deal with the EU would amount to a breach of the agreement.

The US group has now written to Mrs May and Leo Varadkar outlining their concerns.

Members have established the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement, which is bipartisan and claims to reflect Irish America.

Former member of Congress James Walsh, a co-chair of the committee, said members had been "alarmed" by developments.

"The decision by the Prime Minister and Parliament to seek to reopen the agreement and find an alternative to the backstop has put the Good Friday Agreement into play," he said.

"This alarms us. The backstop is the insurance policy that protects the Good Friday Agreement, which cannot be used as a bargaining chip as the Brexit advocates search for an alternative arrangement.

"The United States, led by President Clinton and former Senator George Mitchell, worked tirelessly to bring the Good Friday Agreement about.

"Many of us have continued to work and support the peace process during the last 20 years.

"Political leaders who support Brexit seem to have little knowledge of Northern Ireland and are continuing to play down the role of the Good Friday Agreement in maintaining the peace in their effort to leave the EU."

In its letter to Mrs May and Mr Varadkar, the committee states: "We are writing to you as co-guarantors of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement to encourage you to do everything within your power to protect the Good Friday Agreement as the UK and the European Union continue their negotiations regarding the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.

"Twenty years ago, the United States, led by President Clinton, mounted a diplomatic effort to broker and secure the peace process in Northern Ireland which, after two years of negotiations chaired by Senator George Mitchell, led to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

"As Americans, we worked to support the negotiations leading up to the Good Friday Agreement and the challenging steps of implementation."

The letter states that "pro-Brexit advocates in London have set about diminishing the importance of the Good Friday Agreement almost to the point of dismissing it as irrelevant even though it is a binding international peace agreement".

It adds that this "is an enormous mistake" and will resurrect "old animosities over the constitutional integrity of Northern Ireland".

Among those signing the letter is Mr Hart, a Democrat who ran for the US presidency in 1984 and 1988. He served as US envoy between 2014 and 2017.

Other signatories include Ms Soderberg, who was former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Clinton; Kevin O'Malley, the US Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland from 2014 to 2017; and John Fitzpatrick, the chairman of the American Ireland Fund.

Mr O'Malley referred to the Prime Minister's visit to Northern Ireland this week.

He said: "The Prime Minister is giving a speech in Northern Ireland reaffirming her support for keeping the border open, protecting the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and arriving at an agreement that 'commands broad support' from the people of Northern Ireland.

"That would be a trifecta of a win given the fact that the majority of people in Northern Ireland voted to Remain and support the backstop while the DUP views the backstop as toxic.

"We hope she can square the circle. We really do. We will be watching closely and working with our colleagues in the US Congress to do all we can to protect the Good Friday Agreement."

Former Congressman Bruce Morrison, who co-chairs the ad hoc committee, said "pro-Brexit advocates have been diminishing the importance of the Good Friday Agreement almost to the point of dismissing it".

He added: "This really is short-sighted and the ongoing debate is only resurrecting old animosities and stereotypes.

"The people of Ireland, north and south, overwhelmingly supported the Good Friday Agreement in the 1998 referendum. They know what is at stake."

Leaders of the ad hoc committee will seek to meet with both the Irish and UK ambassadors in Washington DC and senior US State Department officials to make the case that Irish America "is mobilised and vigilant".

They also pledged to work closely with colleagues in the US Congress "to support and protect the Good Friday Agreement".
Prime Minister Theresa May has welcomed the EU's commitment to further talks, saying she will be "negotiating hard" to get changes to the backstop.

She described the meetings in Brussels with senior EU leaders as robust but constructive and there was a desire among EU leaders to get a deal.

Earlier the EU's Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt said Theresa May had given an assurance the backstop was here to stay.

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Following her meetings, Mrs May said: "What I have set out is our clear position that we must secure legally binding changes to the withdrawal agreement to deal with the concerns parliament has over the backstop.

"Changes to the backstop together with the other work we are doing on workers rights and other issues will deliver a stable majority in parliament.

"That's what I will continue to push for.

"Now it is not going to be easy. Crucially President Juncker and I agreed talks will now start to find a way through this and to find a way to get this over the line and to deliver on the concerns parliament has and we can get a majority.

"I am clear I am going to deliver Brexit, on time. That is what I am going to do on behalf of the British public and I am going to be negotiating hard in the coming days to do just that."

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She said she raised with Donald Tusk his comments about a place in hell for those without a plan for Brexit telling him they were "not helpful and caused widespread dismay".

"The point I made was that we should both be working to ensure we can deliver a close relationship between the EU and UK and that's what we should be focusing on."
Do you ever wonder why a work task that should take 20 minutes ends up taking over an hour? Between emails, WhatsApp groups and general distractions, honing your concentration to get something done can be easier said than done.

Yet mastering the art of single focusing is a common trait among high performers and business leaders - and could likely benefit us all when it comes to levelling up in the workplace and recouping more free time.

A new book called Stress Less, Accomplish More: The 15-Minute Meditation Programme For Extraordinary Performance suggests that just 15 minutes of daily meditation could be the strategy you need to unlock your focus.

Its author, Emily Fletcher, founder of Ziva Meditation (zivameditation.com), says learning how to meditate didn't just help her tackle stress and insomnia, but also transformed her into a productivity ninja.

"I was an actress on Broadway for 10 years, before I became a meditation teacher," she adds. "My last job was to understudy three of the leads in A Chorus Line, which means you show up to the theatre with no idea of which character you're going to play that night.

"Some people thrive in that type of role, but I'm not one of them. It was causing a lot of stress and anxiety, leading to endless nights of sleeplessness. I ended up having insomnia for 18 months. I started going grey aged 26. I started getting sick and injured. It was very confusing to me - while I was living my dream, doing the thing I'd wanted to do since I was a child, I was miserable."

A chance encounter with a fellow actress led Fletcher on a path to discovering meditation. "She had a harder job than I did, yet she seemed to be effortless and effervescent," she recalls, laughing. "Every song, every dance every bite of food seemed to be a celebration. I asked her, 'What do you know that I don't know?'"

When Fletcher discovered that her colleague's backstage serenity was down to meditation, she snapped up the chance to learn the practice from the same teacher.

"On the first day of the first course, I was in a different state of consciousness than I'd ever been in," she says. "That night, I slept through the night for the first time in 18 months, and I have every night since." That was 11 years ago - and Fletcher's life hasn't been the same since.

"If curing my insomnia was the only thing meditation has done for me, it would have been worth it, but I stopped going grey, I didn't get sick for eight years, I started enjoying my job again and my performance got so much better," she says. "I thought, 'Why doesn't everybody do this?'

"I left Broadway, went to India and I started a three-year training programme. After graduating, I opened up a studio in New York, created the world's first online meditation training and now have written this book, all with the aim to make these powerful practices accessible to a mainstream audience."

Fletcher's 'Z Technique' is a trifecta of three Ms: mindfulness, meditation and manifesting. "Once you learn it, you do it for 15 minutes, twice a day," she says.

"We recommend it in the morning, before coffee, breakfast or computers, and then at some point in that mid-afternoon to early evening slump, where most of us would have a tea or coffee or a nap. It's a beautiful time to peel away to a coffee shop or a hotel lobby, or steal away to your car - wherever you can find to meditate."

The three Ms constitute different mental exercises and guided meditations. "First, we move through the mindfulness, which is a little bit more focused and gives high performers, who tend to have busy minds, something active to do," Fletcher says. "That way, there's an appetite into the main course that is the meditation. We end the practice on manifesting. To me, manifesting means constantly creating a life you love. We get disciplined about taking those few minutes at the end of the meditation to ask better questions, like 'What does my dream job look like? How much money do I want to make? What does my dream relationship look like?'"

Fletcher, who believes everyone should try meditation at least once, has taught her technique at global companies such as Google, Barclays and Viacom to help improve company performance. She has seen huge changes when a workforce gets behind the idea.

"People report fewer migraines, increased productivity, and less time they actually spend at work - they just get things done faster," she says. "There's an increase in team morale and sick days are down, so it's hugely impactful for the company."

When asked whether she thinks more UK businesses should be offering meditation to employees, she replies: "A thousand percent, yes. Millennials want to work at a company that they believe in. They expect to be treated as a human, not a robot. I think this is a tool that can feed the humanity of the employee and increase productivity for the company in one fell swoop.

"If you look at the companies who were voted the top 25 to work for, all of them are teaching meditation. I think smaller companies have to start to get serious about their employee benefits if they want to compete and get the top-tier talent."

For anyone who says they'd struggle to find the time, it can be helpful to re-think your work coffee break.

"I like coupling coffee and meditation in the same category because ultimately we're coming to both for productivity, and I would argue that they take up the same time," Fletcher says.

"By the time you go to the coffee shop, order it, drink it and then come back to work, that's probably 15 or 20 minutes. Why not close your eyes right at your desk and do meditation instead? You have this hit of productivity and energy, but in a much more sustainable way than caffeine, which is just masking your brain's ability to feel tired.

"Try it and see what happens - even if you're allergic to the word 'meditation'. What have you got to lose?"

Stress Less, Accomplish More: The 15-Minute Meditation Programme For Extraordinary Performance by Emily Fletcher, published by Bluebird, February 21, 14.99

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A European tech company has announced it is creating 30 jobs in Belfast.

The move by Assystem Technologies, which originated in France, comes as it announced a rebrand to become Expleo following its acquisition of digital business partner SQS.

Expleo helps businesses carry out technological change across consultancy, product design and production. It said its focus will now be on the pharmaceutical, manufacturing, aerospace, automobile and government industries as key growth areas for the future.

And the track record of SQS in Northern Ireland would help its growth, the firm said.

The jobs in the SQS Digital Labs at Catalyst Inc in the Titanic Quarter are the result of a 1.3m investment. It is also creating 120 jobs in Dublin. Expleo is recruiting for roles in robotics, quality engineering, project management and business agility. The Belfast arms provides digital software engineering and governance services to global clients.

Further services include automation and robotics, security and performance engineering, business intelligence and DevOps.

Rob McConnell, director and global head of Digital Labs, Expleo, said: "We are delighted to become Expleo today and to mark the beginning of this exciting new chapter with jobs and investment in Northern Ireland.

"We have a wealth of incredibly talented and educated people in Northern Ireland and they will be key to our future growth and success.

"There is a rich digital ecosystem within the island of Ireland and we look forward to becoming an even greater driving force at the heart of it."

Expleo employs around 15,000 people in more than 25 countries worldwide. It now plans to expand its footprint in Germany, North America and India.

Its growth in Belfast comes after Catalyst Inc's annual knowledge economy report said the sector - encompassing tech, manufacturing and pharma firms - needed more support to grow in future.

Catalyst Inc said that a future 80,000 jobs in the knowledge economy could be in jeopardy as growth was slowing down.

It added that the knowledge economy was likely to prove resilient post-Brexit, as just 20% of sales were made into the European Union.
Work began on an additional 1,400 homes in Northern Ireland last year as the number of new dwelling registrations soared to nearly 5,000, according to a report today.

The statistics from the National House Building Council (NHBC) show that the number of new homes registered here went from 3,391 in 2017 to 4,804 - an increase of 42%.

But another industry body said we would need more than 9,000 new homes a year to meet demand, and that problems such as a lack of capacity at water treatment works were holding up housebuilding.

Last year NI Water warned that its plants in locations including Saintfield, Co Down, could not withstand the pressure of more new homes.

According to the NHBC figures, we bucked the UK-wide trend, where 159,617 new homes had been registered in 2018, down 0.5%.

Growth in new home registrations here was double that in the next strongest region, which was Yorkshire and Humberside, with growth of 20%.

Padraig Venny of NHBC said: "2018 was a very positive year for the industry in NI and the Isle of Man with registrations up by 39% compared to 2017.

"House prices have grown at the highest rate in the UK at approximately 6% showing that there is a real confidence within the sector and those people looking to buy a new, quality home.

"Belfast and the surrounding commuter belt continues to be an in-demand region and we have also seen an upturn in housing association activity over the course of the year."

John Armstrong, managing director of the Construction Employers Federation, said: "The substantial rise in new home registrations in 2018 that these figures show is a welcome reflection on a housebuilding industry which has now seen several years of sustained growth.

"This growth has undoubtedly helped many get onto the housing ladder but it must be set against the context of NI needing to build north of 9,000 units a year to meet our identified housing need.

"Blockages within the system to seeing these kinds of delivery levels must therefore be dealt with.

"And this is why, as we have previously highlighted, the capacity issues at wastewater treatment works across Northern Ireland must be dealt with before development grinds to a wholly unnecessary and avoidable halt."

Conor Mulligan, managing director of housebuilder Lagan Homes, said that based on population growth, we would need between 10,000 and 12,000 new homes a year. He added: "The industry has seen an increase in sales demand. Lagan Homes has just had a record number of sales in January receiving three times our monthly average and this appears to be continuing into February. Based on that we will be, where possible, increasing our output."

The minimum number of new homes needed each year, according to the Construction Employers Federation
Copyright 2019 Tom Purcell. Tom Purcell is author of Misadventures of a 1970s Childhood, a humorous memoir available at amazon.com.

is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. For info on using this column in your publication or website, contact Sales@cagle.com or call (805) 969-2829. Send comments to Tom at Tom@TomPurcell.com.
Here are four spine and neurosurgeons who recently received honors, awards or promotions in January.

Richard Wohns, MD, hosted the Annual Mazama Spine Summit in Winthrop, Wash., Jan. 25-27.

Joseph Maroon, MD, joined Activz Global's advisory board.

Board-certified neurosurgeon Kapil Moza, MD, was named to the Southern California Super Doctors list for the fourth consecutive year.

Plano-based Texas Back Institute orthopedic spine surgeon Theodore Belanger, MD, was recognized as MedicalMissions.org's 2018 Physician of the Year.
Southfield, Mich.-based Beaumont Health seeks to hire salaried General Motors Co. workers who are being laid off, according to The Detroit News.

The eight-hospital system reportedly has about 500 nonclinical jobs available for these workers and has reached an agreement with GM to have laid-off workers notified of the openings.

Beaumont Health became involved after learning that GM plans to cut about 4,000 jobs across North America, including nearly 1,300 at its Warren (Mich.) Technical Center.

Amid the news, Beaumont Health Chief Human Resources Officer Aaron Gillingham saw an opportunity to help workers in Michigan find employment, as well as hire affected GM workers with experience in human resources, finance and information technology, he told The Detroit News.

"There is absolutely a war on talent right now, combined with an unemployment rate under 4 percent in Michigan, that creates problems," said Mr. Gillingham. "This is an opportunity for us to go out into the market and get good talent much more quickly."

GM stated: "We're pleased there are companies eager to begin the interview process and fill openings."

Beaumont Health is one of the largest health systems in Michigan based on inpatient admissions and net patient revenue. It has nearly 5,000 physicians and 38,000 employees.

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Healthcare job growth dips in January
Value-based incentive programs, which aim to drive quality improvements by linking financial incentives and penalties to hospital performance, did not lead to changes in one of the most common healthcare-associated infections, researchers report in JAMA.

CMS implemented the programs in 2013 to financially reward or penalize hospitals based on quality metrics. The programs targeted hospitals' rates of certain HAIs deemed preventable.

The study, which is the first to look at how these programs affect HAI rates, focused on catheter-associated urinary tract infections in hospitals.

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute looked at changes in trends for different catheter-linked quality measures in about 600 U.S. hospitals.

They found no evidence that the value-based incentive programs had any measurable association with catheter-linked infection rates in the critical care units of U.S. hospitals.

Specifically, the researchers found the implementation of these programs was not linked to reductions in device-associated catheter infection rates, which the programs explicitly target.

"The good news for patients is that we found modest improvements over time in the use of urinary catheters in the critical care units of U.S hospitals, along with decreased risk for associated urinary tract infections in hospitalized patients. However, from a policy perspective, we did not find any evidence that the federal payment programs designed to motivate hospitals to engage in further prevention efforts made any difference," said corresponding author Heather Hsu, MD.
The decision to criminally prosecute a former nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center who allegedly killed a patient after a medication error is directly linked to the nurse overriding safeguards at a medicine dispensing cabinet, The Tennessean reports.

Steve Hayslip, a spokesperson for the Davidson County (Tenn.) District Attorney's Office, said prosecutors were barred from publicly discussing the merits of the case, but that the override was central to the reckless homicide charge the nurse faces.

Mr. Hayslip's statement suggests prosecutors built their case on findings by CMS, which investigated the death at the Nashville, Tenn.-based hospital last year, according to The Tennessean.

"As you could tell from the CMS report, there were safeguards in place that were overridden," Mr. Haysmith said. "By the definition of 'reckless,' the defendant's actions justify the charge."

The nurse, Radonda Leanne Vaught, was indicted Feb. 1, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

That report said the nurse, who at the time was not identified, meant to give the patient a routine sedative but instead injected vecuronium, a powerful drug for keeping patients still during surgery.

The drug was given to the patient, who was put into a body-scanning machine before staff realized a medication error had been made. The drug appears to have caused the patient to lose consciousness, suffer cardiac arrest and be left partially brain dead. She died a day later after being taken off a breathing machine.

Ms. Vaught, who declined to comment, is due in court Feb. 20.
A federal district court judge denied Oscar's preliminary injunction to stop Florida Blue from enforcing a policy that Oscar said bars Orlando insurance brokers from selling any other insurance if they sell Florida Blue policies.

In a lawsuit filed Nov. 13 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida Orlando Division, Oscar accused Florida Blue of barring Orlando insurance brokers from selling any other insurance if they sell Florida Blue policies. Insurance brokers help Americans choose health insurance policies.

Oscar, which is offering individual health plans in Orlando for the first time in 2019, further claimed Florida Blue's policy allows it to effectively operate as a monopoly.

However, Federal District Court Judge Paul Byron ruled Feb. 5 that "the Court is unpersuaded by Oscar's argument that Florida Blue's exclusivity policy is responsible for the market share obtained in Orlando in the first year of competition."

Additionally, Florida Blue filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.



"We believe that we presented compelling evidence to the court, and are pleased that Judge Byron found in Florida Blue's favor. In fact, we have already filed a motion asking the Court to dismiss the lawsuit in its entirety," the health insurer said in an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review.



Oscar General Counsel Bruce Gottlieb told Becker's in an emailed statement that, "We're disappointed the court denied a preliminary injunction. We look forward to further pursuing our claims on the merits."



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Matthew Napoletano, a former marketing manager at Insys Therapeutics, told a Boston jury that the opioid maker's founder John Kapoor promoted a policy that pushed physicians to prescribe higher doses of Subsys to boost profits, according to Bloomberg.

Mr. Napoletano, who worked for Insys from November 2011 to August 2014, said he repeatedly objected to his boss' methods and policies that urged and pushed physicians to prescribe higher doses before he quit. When he left the company, he gave up $5 million to $7 million in stock options.

"My position was in pharma, we don't push the dose," Mr. Napoletano testified at the Insys founder's racketeering and conspiracy trial. "That's what got Purdue [Pharmaceuticals] in trouble."

The lawsuit claims Mr. Kapoor, 75, and four other executives conspired to bribe physicians with speaker fees and duped insurers into covering Subsys prescriptions.

Mr. Napoletano was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony about how the company promoted and ensured sales of its painkiller.

Read the full report here.
Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia on Feb. 6 filed a civil lawsuit against the nonprofit group Safehouse, which plans to open a supervised space in Philadelphia for people to use illicit drugs, according to WHYY.

Former Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell launched Safehouse in October, despite government pushback. Along with running a safe injection site, the nonprofit would offer social services and referrals to primary care physicians to those wishing to seek permanent care.

The suit, filed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice, represents the government's first move to intervene on supervised injection sites after months of threats. Prosecutors are asking U.S. District Court Judge Gerald McHugh to determine whether the sites are illegal based on the Controlled Substances Act.

"This is in-your-face illegal activity using some of the most deadly, dangerous drugs that are on the streets. We have a responsibility to step in," William McSwain, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, told WHYY. "It's saying, 'Safehouse, we think this is illegal. Stop what you're doing.'"

If the supervised injection site is deemed legal, Philadelphia would be the first city to open such a site in the U.S.
The former pharmacy director for Omaha, Neb.-based Children's Hospital & Medical Center accused of embezzling more than $4.6 million from the hospital pleaded guilty to wire fraud Feb. 4, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

According to federal court filings, Lisa Kwapniowski, PharmD, submitted fraudulent invoices to the hospital for pharmaceuticals and supplies from RxSynergy, a company she created. Some of the invoices were for a fake drug called Broxcilam.

Between 2012 and 2018, Ms. Kwapniowski submitted at least 227 false invoices to the hospital and used fraudulent means to obtain payment. The hospital fired Ms. Kwapniowski in June after she was accused of embezzling the money.

Ms. Kwapniowski is scheduled to be sentenced in late April. She faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Prosecutors said she will be ordered to pay restitution as part of her sentence, according to the report.

Ms. Kwapniowski agreed to relinquish her license to practice pharmacy for at least two years under a settlement reached with the state in January.

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Nacogdoches (Texas) Memorial Hospital appointed Gary Stokes interim CEO, according to KTRE-9 News, an ABC News affiliate.

Mr. Stokes came out of retirement to lead the hospital on an interim basis. He was previously CEO of Nacogdoches (Texas) Medical Center, a Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare facility, for a decade.

Steven Smith, the hospital's previous interim CEO, resigned Feb. 3. He left for a new job opportunity.

The Nacogdoches Memorial board of directors is searching for a hospital service partner and has hired a firm to help identify one.
In January, two of health IT's biggest trade groups  the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society  named Ed Kopetsky the 2018 CIO of the Year, honoring of his decades of leadership in the hospital space.

Mr. Kopetsky, now CIO of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford and Stanford Children's Health in Palo Alto, Calif., has worked as a hospital CIO for nearly 30 years. In the 1980s he helped lead the development of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' homegrown EHR, VistA. Since then, he's served as CIO of Centura Health in Centennial, Colo., and Sharp HealthCare in San Diego.

CHIME and HIMSS jointly selected Mr. Kopetsky for the 2018 John E. Gall Jr. CIO of the Year award for his ongoing leadership and commitment to the field. Mr. Kopetsky was among the founding members of CHIME in 1992 and started a HIMSS chapter in San Diego in 1988. He also helped launch the CHIME Opioid Task Force in 2018, after losing his son to an accidental opioid overdose the previous year.

"I really wanted the challenge of working in a new field to tangibly improve results  for me, healthcare met that goal," Mr. Kopetsky said during an interview with Becker's Hospital Review, describing his decision to dedicate his career to health IT.

Becker's Hospital Review caught up with Mr. Kopetsky ahead of HIMSS19, where the two trade groups will formally present Mr. Kopetsky with the CIO of the Year award at the CHIME-HIMSS CIO Forum. HIMSS19 runs from Feb. 11-15 in Orlando, Fla.

Editor's note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Question: How has the IT landscape changed for hospitals since you began working in healthcare?

Ed Kopetsky: Very early on, health IT functionality was primarily focused on revenue collection and payroll. Although early clinical data repositories helped centralize and share data, they lacked direct clinician interaction. It was actually the Institute of Medicine [now the National Academy of Medicine] and other patient safety studies that led to the mandate for direct computerized provider order entry, or CPOE, as a solution to errors or harm. From there, healthcare reform and the Affordable Care Act incented widespread adoption and use of CPOE and integrated EMRs. Now, in the last 10 years, over 95 percent of hospitals have achieved EMRs and CPOE. The industry now has the benefit of big data and analytics capabilities to build new knowledge and innovate new processes.

Q: How has the position of technology in the hospital setting changed in recent years? How has it affected your role as a CIO?

EK: Technology is now a strategic asset to healthcare organizations, and the CIO is at the table and an integral part of the executive team and board. Nowadays, CIOs are partnered with executive teams to envision and lead innovation and change. Our digital health program, for example, is co-led by the CIO, along with the CMO and our vice president of outpatient services. Nearly every major health IT initiative requires partnership with executives and clinicians to advance clinical practice and develop innovative ways to care for patients. A couple examples that highlight the importance of technology at Stanford Children's Health are:

The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital expansion, which opened December 2017 and has numerous new technologies integrated with our EMR and directly support patients and families.

The HIMSS Davies Award, which we received in 2017, validated the advanced use of our EMR patient data and analytics to change care delivery and have sustained improvements in patient outcomes.

Q: Which health IT initiative has required most of your time during the past few months?

EK: Our digital health strategy is now our primary health IT initiative. I co-chair the digital health steering committee at Stanford Children's Health, and in partnership with clinical leaders, we focus on ensuring that patients and families have access to the care they need regardless of their location. This has been a priority for Stanford Children's Health over some time, and promotes the organization's "in our care anywhere" strategy, which provides patients with multiple access options to care through virtual and telehealth visits. We're pushing the boundaries to be able to extend care and make healthcare continuous, not episodic. This is the driver of our digital strategy, and, consequently, technology and connectivity decisions fall into place from there.

Q: Looking toward the future, what are a few emerging health IT trends you want to learn more about?

EK: There are several, for sure. One is going to be the future of virtual care, including telehealth visits and remote monitoring. These technologies will expand greatly in the next five years, and could significantly impact in-person visits and office overhead costs. Rapid development in sensor technology, wearables and remote monitoring will also drastically alter the healthcare delivery system in the next 10 years, promoting access to care and continuous data capabilities regardless of location of the patient. Another trend I want to learn more about is how consumerism and related technologies alter healthcare and drastically improve access to care and health information, and how people with long-term needs will be connected continuously to promote proactive care and interventions.
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Microsoft's Dynamic 365 is the top enterprise resource planning system for 2019, according to a report from Third Stage Consulting Group, a consulting firm focused on ERP implementations.

For its 2019 rankings, Third Stage Consulting Group assessed nearly 100 ERP systems on metrics such as market share, ease of implementation, scalability of solutions and ease of integration with third-party systems.

The top five ERP systems the firm said businesses should consider in 2019:

1. Microsoft's Dynamic 365

2. SAP's S/4HANA

3. NetSuite

4. Workday

5. Salesforce

Third Stage Consulting also named Infor, Epicor, IQMS, Deltek, IFS, Ariba, SAP SuccessFactors and Plex as high-scoring ERP systems, though they did not make the cut for the firm's ranking of the top five vendors.

To download Third Stage Consulting Group's report, click here.
Mississippi legislation designed to help patients avoid surprise medical bills failed to advance after some lawmakers who are also healthcare professionals indicated they did not want to take up the bill in an election year, Mississippi Today reported.

House Insurance Chairman Rep. Gary Chism, R-Columbus, who introduced the bill, told the publication lawmakers who are healthcare providers opposed the bill, as well as the current balance-billing law.

He said since the current law "sort of snuck through [when it passed], they didnt want to deal with it in an election year," and that they "want to be able to get their money."

Current state law prohibits balance billing, which typically occurs when out-of-network providers bill patients for remaining balances after the insurance company submits a portion of the bill.

The Mississippi Insurance Department told the Clarion Ledger last year that it can try to mediate balanced bills for patients but has little ability to enforce the law. The attorney general's office also said it could not enforce the 2013 law.

A bill was subsequently introduced in the state House to require the attorney general's office to enforce the law and establish arbitration of disputes regarding billing between providers and and patients, according to the report. But the bill died in committee Feb. 5.

Access the full report here.

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Physicians practicing in corporate- or hospital-owned settings show stronger signs of frustration than independent physicians, according to Geneia's Physician Misery Index.

Geneia surveyed 400 U.S. physicians in January 2015 and conducted a follow-up survey in July 2018. Fifty-one percent of respondents practiced at a physician-owned or independent practice, and 43 percent practiced in a hospital- or corporate-owned setting. Six percent practice in another type of ownership model.

How physicians responded:

Challenges of practicing medicine have caused me to consider career options outside of regular clinical practice

1. All physicians: 66 percent

2. Corporate: 73 percent

3. Independent: 6 percent

Heightened demand for data reporting has diminished joy in practicing medicine

4. All physicians: 86 percent

5. Corporate: 91 percent

6. Independent: 82 percent

Talk about work in a negative way increasingly often

7. All physicians: 60 percent

8. Corporate: 69 percent

9. Independent: 51 percent

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WASHINGTON  It turns out Louie Gohmert kinda likes the "Louie Gohmert rule."

The Republican congressman from Tyler, an arch-conservative, Tea Partying supporter of President Donald Trump, is best known in Congress for his prolific speechifying on the House floor, often after the close of business when the chamber is mostly empty  except for C-SPAN's cameras.

He has held forth on topics ranging from international terrorism to Capitol barbecue restrictions. His most famous, a 2010 speech recounting claims of foreign "terror babies" taking advantage of U.S. birthright citizenship laws, has become legend.

But now, he might have to ration his thoughts.

COMING MONDAY: Trump to rally in El Paso to push for border wall funding

Under new House rules rolled out by the new Democratic leadership, so-called "special-order speeches" will be limited to one a week. The privileges are not transferable.

The change ends an era of free-wheeling speeches by lawmakers with agendas or axes to grind, until now afforded limitless opportunities to talk alone and without interruption on the House floor.

Gohmert, who has been in Congress since 2005, has emerged as one of the chief practitioners of the art, logging hundreds of C-SPAN video clips, some an hour in duration or more.

According to the Washington Examiner, Gohmert logged almost 29 hours speaking on the House floor in 2014. Coincidentally or not, he unsuccessfully challenged John Boehner for the position of House Speaker the following year.

2020: On Oprah, Beto keeps his supporters guessing about a White House bid

If new House Speaker Nancy Pelosi aimed the new rule at him, Gohmert said, he was not the only one. Naming names, he specifically pointed the finger at former Florida congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schulz, who is also a past chair of the Democratic National Committee

"The new rule has actually been great," Gohmert said in a statement. "Speaker Pelosi may have meant it to stop me from doing what Debbie Wasserman-Schulz did for two years with the '30 Somethings' who claimed time night after night in 2005-6, while the Republicans rarely ever used their time at all."

Gohmert said he was merely trying to claim equal time for conservative opinion.

"Since January of 2007, I have encouraged other Republicans to speak during our allotted time on the House Floor," he said. "However, if no one else signed up, I'd do what I could to get back to the floor to speak during our allotted time. That opportunity is precious to relay meaningful information that alt-left or mainstream media will not provide."

At bottom, he sees the rule change as a form of flattery.

"If Speaker Pelosi thought I was hurting the Republican Party, she surely would want me speaking every night," he said. "Obviously that's not the case. In fact, one Democrat friend said 'It's the Louie Gohmert rule'  which to me is quite a compliment."
Central American migrant families continue to turn themselves in at the US-Mexico border, recent images show.

This past weekend, families could be seen wading across the Rio Grande from Mexico into the United States at the El Paso border. They turned themselves into authorities shortly after crossing into domestic territory.

FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Trump's wall strategy aimed at Rio Grande Valley, only on HoustonChronicle.com

According to the Department of Homeland Security, more immigrants are expected to head to the border in days to come. Groups from Central America recently made their way to northern Mexico, said DHS.

"Approximately 2,000 aliens have arrived in northern Mexico as part of a 'caravan' seeking to cross the border into Texas. Illegal entry will not be tolerated and we stand ready to prevent it," DHS Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen said in a prepared statement Tuesday. "DHS will take all steps to ensure the safety and security of law enforcement personnel on the frontlines."

Meanwhile, President Trump is still calling for the construction of a wall along the border. In his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Trump again asked for both parties to reach an agreement regarding the barricade, although he didn't repeat his threats to declare a national emergency in an effort to gain federal funding.
Tech Mahindra and KMD announce a new age delivery partnership by renewing their contract. Tech Mahindras services to KMD will include Application Outsourcing  SAP, Microsoft, Testing, Application Development, Application Modernization, ERP implementation, amongst others in a comprehensive new age delivery portfolio.

Tech Mahindra and KMD have been partners for last twelve years in application development, support and implementation area. This renewal of relationship will further strengthen the partnership and will focus on brining Tech Mahindra digital value propositions to KMD. This renewal is a part of KMDs strategy to expand global delivery set up to address customer need via new age delivery model and co-innovation.

Thomas Flarup, Executive Vice President, Software Center, KMD, said, For many years, we have been working together with Tech Mahindra, and the renewal of the contract is a signal of mutual benefits from the partnership. The Tech Mahindra consultants working for KMD are highly skilled it-professionals, and we look forward to our continuing collaboration.

Aloke Palsikar, Head  Continental Europe, Tech Mahindra, said, With our commitment to innovation and dedication to customer service, we are confident of growing our engagement and delivering value to KMD. Our long standing and continuing partnership is a testimony to our success in the region. This also reinforces our commitment to the Danish market; we will continue to invest in local capabilities to serve the market.

As part of the TechMNxt charter, Tech Mahindra is betting big on next gen technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, 5G and Blockchain, and driving collaborative disruption by working together with partners, academia and startups to build and deliver cutting-edge technology solutions and services.
The Port Arthur Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect of a convenience store theft.

At approximately 9:38 p.m. on December 30 the man went into the store and is believed to have committed theft.
On the night parents and students came to learn about the charter school selected to assume operations at Jones-Clark Elementary School, a top Beaumont ISD official insisted that things were already looking up.

We are so close to coming out of improvement-required status, Associate Superintendent Shannon Allen said during a community meeting Wednesday night at the North End school.

Jones-Clark is one of three BISD schools threatened with closure after failing to meet Texas Education Agency standards for four consecutive years. The schools could have been closed in 2017, but they were granted waivers in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey.

The state-controlled Beaumont board last month formally approved three contracts with two nonprofit charter schools to manage the BISD schools. The contracts are for five years, although the district can cancel them if the school ratings dont rise to at least a C on the TEAs A-through-F system within three years.

The BISD board chose Indianapolis-based Phalen Leadership Academy to operate Jones-Clark Elementary and Smith Middle School. Fehl-Price Elementary will be placed under ResponsiveEd, which is based in Lewisville.

Wednesdays meeting was the second of three get-acquainted sessions at the affected campuses. It was attended by some 40 parents, students and BISD board members and employees.

Allen stressed to the group that Jones-Clark principal Yvonne DuPont and her staff have made significant progress over the last year.

Academic growth is the goal of this district, Allen said. Its what Mrs. DuPont pushes for.

DuPont, who will remain as principal of the so-called in-district charter school, said the partnership with PLA will increase the pace of learning and bring the school up to the state-mandated standard more quickly.

The meeting was held in part to clarify the relationship between the charters and the partner schools, BISD Chief Innovation Officer Jody Slaughter said.

Its very much like contracting someone to come in and operate the school in lieu of shutting it down, Slaughter said. These are still our kids, they follow our code of conduct and are part of our school system.

Weve identified a partner in Phalen, and its exactly that  a partnership, Assistant Superintendent Anita Frank said. They will oversee the academic aspects, but the students will still be part of our districts, with the same benefits that come with it.

The operators will have autonomy to dictate curriculum, learning models and other administrative aspects of the school as they see fit. The name of the school will be changed to PLA at Jones-Clark Elementary.

The charters also have the ability to assess and appoint staff, although PLA has a history of retaining faculty in most cases and ResponsiveEd has agreed to leave the staffing of Fehl-Price up to BISD as part of its contract.

Founded in 2013, PLA currently runs 18 schools. It says its educational model is specifically geared toward low-income, African-American and non-native-speaking students.

Allen cited PLAs strong track record of quickly turning schools from IR-status to viable, stable centers of education as a driving factor for selecting the group.

Both Frank and DuPont also said they hope to take what they learn from PLA and apply it throughout the district.

We are extremely humbled and grateful to be able to serve the scholars of Jones-Clark Elementary and Smith Middle schools, PLA spokeswoman Michelle McConnico said in a statement.

She declined to comment further.

A similar meeting on Monday addressed PLAs upcoming role at Smith Middle, which would become PLA at Smith Middle School.

Fehl-Price Elementary will host Thursdays meeting to discuss the partnership with ResponsiveEd. That organization runs a charter school, Beaumont Classical Academy, which is not part of BISD.

If the Texas Education Agency approves the contracts, BISD expects ResponsiveEd and PLA to assume their roles in the district by mid-spring.

haley.bruyn@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/HaleyWrites_BE
Detectives are still searching for answers in the January shooting death of a loving wife and avid Star Wars fan in the driveway of her Tomball-area home.

Elizabeth "Liz" Barraza, 29, was setting up for a garage sale outside her home in the 8600 block of Cedar Walk Drive around 7 a.m. Jan. 25 when she was shot several times, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Barraza's family said Liz hoped to make some extra spending money for an upcoming wedding anniversary trip she was taking with her husband, Sergio Barraza.

They were supposed to leave two days later.

"A coward drove up, approached my daughter and forever changed our lives," Liz's father, Bob Nuelle, said fighting tears during a press conference Wednesday. "An unknown assailant shot and killed an unarmed and defenseless woman in a brutal act that demands justice."

The shooter struck Liz several times and drove away in an older, dark-colored Nissan Frontier pickup truck. Detectives are unsure if the shooter was a man or a woman.

Paramedics rushed her to a nearby Memorial Hermann hospital, where she stayed in critical condition until her death the next day.

"We never imagined a life without her," Nuelle said. "We still can't."

Sergio Barraza had just left for work minutes before his wife was shot, according to Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Detective Michael Ritchie.

Detectives have spoken with him and other family members about Liz's death, all of whom have been cooperative throughout the investigation, Ritchie said.

Sergio Barraza told reporters that he and Liz were active members of the 501st Legion  a Star Wars fan group infatuated with the saga's villains.

However, Sergio and Liz's involvement in the group was anything but evil. The couple spent hours dressing up in costume with other group members, bringing smiles to sick children and adults at area hospitals.

In fact, Liz died in the same hospital she had spent those hours bringing cheer to countless patients.

"I don't understand how someone could do this to her," Sergio Barraza said. "She didn't deserve to pass away like this. How someone could be so monstrous to commit an act like this ... I just really can't understand. I had to trade our fifth anniversary for a funeral."

Houston Crime Stoppers and the 501st Legion are working together to offer a $20,000 reward to find her killer.

"I need justice for Liz," Barraza said, turning to speak as if his late wife was standing right next to him.

"I love you," he said.

Sheriff Gonzalez urged the public to check surveillance cameras near the neighborhood to see if the pickup truck shows up in the early morning hours of Jan. 25. Investigators said the pickup truck was seen on camera shortly before Sergio Barraza left for work that morning, possibly indicating that the shooter was waiting for their victim to be alone with her guard down.

"We will do everything possible to bring justice to Elizabeth's killer," Gonzalez said. "... Somebody out there knows something."

Anyone with information about the shooter or the pickup truck is urged to call Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message
Five cases of measles have been confirmed in the greater Houston area, a regional cluster that makes Texas the eleventh state this year to report the highly contagious disease until recently thought virtually eliminated in the U.S.

The cases, all announced Monday, include three in Harris County, one in Galveston County and one in Montgomery County. They involve four children, all under 2 years of age, and a woman between the ages of 25 and 35. All are doing well now.

"This is a reminder for people to be on guard and be up to date on their vaccinations," said Dr. Umair A. Shah, executive director for Harris County Public Health. "Measles, a serious disease, is in our community."

Measles, caused by an airborne virus, is particularly dangerous, capable of causing serious neurological disorders and death in infants and the developing fetus in pregnant women. It is spread through direct contact with discharge through the nose and mouth as well as coughing and sneezing.

Shah said it was too early to say whether the five cases might be the start of a local outbreak. The counties are monitoring anyone exposed to the measles patients while they were contagious to see if they develop symptoms. None has so far.

Dr. Peter Hotez, an infectious disease specialist at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, said he's concerned because in the pre-vaccine era, measles typically peaked in the late winner and early spring. He said "a perfect storm could be coming."

'TEXAS WALKS DANGEROUS PATH:' Houston's current vaccination rate is appalling, editorial board says

The numbers have already begun increasing in Texas. There was one case per year in the state in each of 2015, 2016 and 2017, then nine cases last year. This year's possible sixth case, elsewhere in Texas, awaits lab testing, said a spokesman for the state department of health.

The local cases occurred independently of each other except for the Harris County woman and the Montgomery County child, a girl. Health officials said there was a connection between the two cases but provided no details.

Hotez said the fact that the other three cases, all involving boys, were unrelated suggests there may have been multiple original sources. Shah noted that Harris County's original source or sources, known in public health circles as Patient Zero, is unknown.

The cases come amid a resurgence of measles, often linked to people not being vaccinated. The largest recent outbreak, at least 209 cases since October, has occurred in New York and New Jersey since last fall, an outbreak linked to unvaccinated children's travel to Israel. In all in Europe, there were nearly 60,000 cases last year.

There have also been 49 cases reported since late last year in the state of Washington, which has declared a state of emergency. A vast majority of those weren't vaccinated against the disease, health officials there report.

It was unclear Monday if a lack of vaccination played a role in any of the Houston-area cases. All four children had received the first of the two shots  the second is given between the ages of 4 and 6  and the woman said she'd been vaccinated, though the county is still working to confirm that through records.

Shah noted that the first dose of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is fully protective in 85 percent of those who get it, but there's no way of knowing if a child is in that group or the 15 percent who need the second shot to receive full protection.

Shah also noted that the person or persons who originally transmitted the virus may have been unvaccinated, he said.

"2019 might be the year we really see the public health consequences of anti-vaxxers," said Hotez, who's waged a campaign against the movement the last two years. "In a sense, we already saw that in 2018, but it looks like cases may pick up more in 2019."

A 2018 study led by Hotez found four Texas counties, including Harris County, ranked in the top 15 metropolitan "hot spots" of vaccine exemptions, the nation's areas with the highest numbers of kindergartners not getting inoculated for nonmedical reasons. Throughout the state, those numbers have spiked from less than 3,000 in 2003 to about 50,000 in 2017, the latest year for which statistics are available.

There are no current measles cases in Houston. The last confirmed report of measles in Houston was last year, a case imported from overseas that received attention after a Texas Children's nurse posted about it on a Facebook page called Proud Parents of Unvaccinated Children. Before that, the last case in Houston was 2013.

The current cases in Harris County are in the northwest area.

Houston's MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination rate for children under 2 is 87.8 percent, below the national rate of 91.5 percent and the Texas rate of 90.3 percent.

About 1 of 4 who get measles will be hospitalized  two of the five local people were  and nine of 10 people around someone showing symptoms will become infected if they're not vaccinated.

Common symptoms include fever, a runny nose, a hacking cough, red eyes with severe sensitivity to light and a distinctive rash. The vaccine's first dose is not given until 12 to 15 months of age.

Other states that have reported measles cases this year are Hawaii, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Colorado, California and Georgia.

todd.ackerman@chron.com

NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect the latest MMR vaccination rates.

NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.
North Redondo Beach will absorb most of the 2,500 new homes over the next eight year.
After years of grassroots efforts to improve air quality, the communities of Arvin and Lamont now stand to receive tens of millions of dollars
Recently published study findings show Cellmids midkine antibodies prevented cardiac muscle damage and preserved cardiac function

The research demonstrates that midkine plays an essential role in inflammatory heart failure - strong validation of the inflammatory programs

Cellmid now plans to validate further findings, the subject of a patent application, using its antibodies for autoimmune myocarditis triggered by checkpoint inhibitors as cancer treatments

SYDNEY, Australia, February 07, 2019 / B3C newswire / -- Cellmid Limited (ASX: CDY) is pleased to advise that the prestigious Journal of Experimental Medicine has published a highly significant study showing for the first time that midkine, around which the Company holds extensive intellectual property rights, promotes cardiac muscle inflammation associated with the occasionally fatal autoimmune disease, myocarditis. Cellmids midkine antibodies prevented cardiac muscle damage due to rampant inflammation, thereby reducing fibrosis and preserving cardiac function.

The paper, entitled Midkine drives cardiac inflammation by promoting neutrophil trafficking and NETosis in myocarditis, by Cellmid collaborators Dr Ludwig Weckbach and Professor Barbara Walzog based at the Biomedical Center und Klinikum der Universitat, Ludwig Maximillian University (LMU), describes how midkine drives the recruitment of neutrophils and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in cardiac tissue that underpin the inflammatory processes of myocarditis leading to the end-stage heart failure of dilated cardiomyopathy.

This highly significant publication is yet another example of the value and importance of the Companys biennial Midkine Symposia, most recently held in Munich and hosted by Dr Weckbach and his team from LMU, and delivers four critical benefits for Cellmid as follows:

The data published further validates the Companys patent application covering the use of midkine antibodies for the treatment of myocarditis, which was filed in January 2018 and has now entered PCT stage;

By showing efficacy in a clinical indication with urgent need for treatment it significantly increases the value, visibility and credibility of Cellmids inflammatory/fibrotic therapeutic antibody programs targeting midkine;

It adds to the data on the value of midkine as a biomarker for a variety of chronic inflammatory disorders, where increasing midkine levels are linked to progressive disease; and

As the holder of the most significant intellectual property assets around midkine globally, the publication provides the Company with a strong platform for partnerships;

Chief Editor of Nature Reviews Cardiology, Dr Gregory Lim, released Editorial Comment on the findings, reinforcing the potential of the efficacy of Cellmids midkine antibodies. In his Editorial Comment, Dr Lim explained the significance of identifying NETs for the first time in cardiac biopsies from patients with myocarditis, as well as from mice with experimental autoimmune myocarditis. He has also outlined the molecular detail by which midkine promotes neutrophil recruitment and NETosis involving the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1, pointing to a clear mechanism of action by which Cellmids reagents provide therapeutic benefit in myocarditis.

The role of neutrophils in NETosis is becoming accepted as a critical initiating step in many chronic inflammatory disorders. By providing the experimental evidence for midkines contribution to the early development of myocarditis, the current publication extends previous clinical studies that found elevated cardiac midkine in myocarditis patients.

Cellmids antibodies against midkine have already shown considerable promise in other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders including chronic kidney disease and a model of multiple sclerosis called experimental autoimmune encephalitis (ASX announcements: 1 December 2015, 18 January 2017 and 12 September 2018).

The common feature of these studies is that blocking midkine modifies the behaviour of immune and inflammatory cells that perpetuate the destructive tissue injury and organ dysfunction associated with several chronic diseases.

Support for the role of midkine in inflammatory processes came from previous studies by Dr Weckbach, who demonstrated that midkine is critical for recruitment of neutrophils into the inflamed tissue. The current study extends these findings with detailed analysis of the molecular and cellular interactions though which midkine promotes neutrophil accumulation in heart tissue.

The finding that Cellmids midkine antibodies restrict neutrophils from undergoing NETosis in myocarditis places midkine at a pivotal step in progression from the initial acute phase of cardiac muscle injury to chronic heart failure that is a significant cause of mortality in children and young adults. The ability of midkine antibodies to not only limit neutrophil recruitment but also NET formation reinforces the potential of Cellmids drug development program in inflammatory heart failure.

To date, there is no established therapy for patients with chronic inflammatory cardiomyopathy other than non-specific immunosuppression with limited benefit and severe side effects, said Dr Ludwig Weckbach. Blocking midkine or NETs could represent novel and promising therapeutic options for patients with myocarditis he added.

As explained by Professor Barbara Walzog: "We demonstrated that antibody-mediated inhibition of midkine indeed reduced neutrophil infiltration into the heart tissue and led to a significant improvement in heart function. This intervention protected the tissue from undergoing fibrotic remodelling, a process which is a major contributor to heart failure.

Important further studies planned as a result of the publication

The findings of midkines role in autoimmune myocarditis may be relevant to a dangerous side effect of the block-buster new cancer drugs that boost the immune system to combat tumours. By taking the breaks off the immune system, checkpoint inhibitors often cause immune related adverse events that can develop rapidly and, in the case of autoimmune myocarditis, are fatal in approximately one to four percent of all patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors.

While interventions with standard steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provide some benefit, there is an urgent unmet need to counter the significant problem of immune related adverse events, especially as cancer patients are increasingly treated with combination immunotherapies.

The potential of Cellmids midkine antibodies to alleviate the heart failure experienced by cancer patients may lead to deploying our midkine assets as an adjunct therapy in oncology to work alongside immuno-oncology drugs said Head of R&D at Cellmid, Dr Graham Robertson.

Cellmids midkine antibodies have already demonstrated anti-metastatic and anti-tumour benefits (ASX announcement 3 July 2017). Cellmid plans to explore whether the midkine antibodies will not only improve myocarditis induced by checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients, but also have a direct anti-cancer action in limiting the spread of primary tumours to other organs.

Details of the study and results

In a series of 14 patients with myocarditis confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and reduced cardiac function assessed by echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction, NETs were detected in EMBs of two patients with evidence of parvovirus infection and eight patients with evidence of parvovirus. The presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils was shown in all 14 biopsies by standard immunohistochemistry while NETs were identified by colocalization of the H2A-H2B-DNA complex, myeloperoxidase and citrullinated histone 3 (H3Cit).

An experimental mouse model of myocarditis (EAM mice) involving injection of myosin heavy chain peptide to elicit autoimmune responses was used to obtain further evidence for the presence of NETs in inflamed cardiac tissue. H3Cit and neutrophil elastase were readily detected amongst extra-cellular DNA 21 days after induction of EAM when inflammatory infiltrate is maximal.

EAM mice were treated with reagents (DNase or Cl-amidine) that block NET formation to elucidate the functional relevance of NET formation for cardiac inflammation. These treatments reduced the EAM inflammatory score (p<0.05 DNase vs. vehicle; p<0.01 Cl-amidine vs. vehicle) alongside normalised heart/body weight ratio (p<0.05) indicating that NETs are required for cardiac inflammation and remodelling.

Midkine expression was increased 8-fold in the hearts of EAM mice relative to sham mice (p<0.05), consistent with midkines role in neutrophil recruitment. Blocking midkine with a Cellmid antibody that recognizes the midkine protein dramatically reduced the number of neutrophils from 768/mm2 to 158/mm2 (p<0.001) in heart muscle, together with a 5-fold decrease in the percentage of neutrophils that colocalised with NETs, (p<0.001), demonstrating that midkine contributes to both formation of NETs as well as enhancing neutrophil recruitment.

Examination of total inflammatory infiltrate by immunohistochemistry and specific inflammatory cell populations by flow analysis revealed that treatment with the Companys midkine antibody reduced the EAM inflammatory score (p<0.05) and diminished the recruitment of leukocytes (p<0.001), neutrophils (p,0.05) and T-cells (p<0.001), but not macrophages.

In the chronic stage of heart failure in the EAM mice, treatment with Cellmids midkine antibody out to day 63 attenuated the development fibrosis (p<0.05) and improved echocardiographic parameters of heart performance fractional shortening (p<0.05) and left ventricular ejection fraction (p<0.05).

Detailed mechanistic studies using molecular and cell-based experiments were carried out to show that treatment with Cellmids midkine antibody blocked leukocyte adhesion, but not rolling, in blood vessels, the essential first step for extravasation of neutrophils into damaged tissue.

The involvement of the potential midkine receptor LRP1 in general leukocyte and neutrophil trafficking was dissected in both in vitro and in vivo experiments that showed an absolute requirement for the interaction between midkine and LRP1 for neutrophil recruitment.

These findings and planned future studies support the therapeutic application of Cellmids midkine antibodies in the treatment of myocarditis, including myocarditis resulting from injury to the myocardium by toxins, therapeutic agents and other drugs, infectious agents and other autoimmune diseases/conditions.

About Cellmid Limited (ASX: CDY)

Cellmid is an Australian life sciences company with a consumer health business and biotech assets in development. Advangen is Cellmids wholly owned subsidiary engaged in the development and sale of first in class, best in class, clinically validated anti-aging products for hair, skin and body. Advangen has a range of FGF5 inhibitor hair growth products which are sold in Australia, Japan, USA and China. Advangen has a rich portfolio of hair growth and anti-aging hair care assets which include formulations of products on market, trademarks, patents and patent applications, proprietary assays and manufacturing processes. For further information, please see www.cellmid.com.au and www.myevolis.com.au.

Cellmid also has two wholly owned subsidiaries, Lyramid and Kinera, which develop innovative novel therapies and diagnostic tests for fibrotic diseases, cancer and ischemic diseases of the heart. Cellmid holds the largest and most comprehensive portfolio of intellectual property relating to the novel targets midkine (MK) globally.

Forward looking statements

This announcement may have forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such statements involve known and unknown risks that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Cellmid to be materially different from the statements in this announcement. Actual results could differ materially depending on factors such as the availability of resources, regulatory environment, the results of marketing and sales activities and competition.

Contact

Maria Halasz

+61 (0)2 9221 6830

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published by B3C newswire and shared through Newronic


At least 10 US states have reported cases of measles so far in 2019, including Washington, where an outbreak is to blame for 50 cases.
A Florida woman who recently moved to Phoenix says she's having a tough time with her moving company. From getting her goods delivered to figuring out what she owes, she says nothing seems to be panning out. So, she contacted 3 On Your Side's Gary Harper.
Dolphinaris will be open until Friday. After that, two dolphins will go back to Dolphin Quest in Hawaii, and the other two will go to an undisclosed location
New Memoir Chronicles an Unlikely Sojourn to Christianity That Began in Iran

Political writer Sohrab Ahmari tells his unforgettable conversion story in From Fire By Water



Contact: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276, KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com



SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2019 /Standard Newswire/ -- Sohrab Ahmari was an Iranian teenager living under the ayatollahs when he decided that there was no God. Nearly two decades later and as an American citizen, he would be baptized and confirmed into the Roman Catholic Church.



In FROM FIRE BY WATER, he recounts this unlikely journey, from the strident Marxism and atheism of a youth misspent on both sides of the Atlantic to a moral and spiritual awakening prompted by the Mass. At once a young intellectual's finely crafted self-portrait and a life story at the intersection of the great ideas and events of our time, the book marks the debut of a compelling new Catholic voice.



Ahmari is currently the op-ed editor at the New York Post but previously served as a columnist and editor with the Wall Street Journal opinion pages in New York and London, and as senior writer at Commentary magazine. FROM FIRE BY WATER illuminates his skill as an expert story-teller, delivering the reader an unforgettable experience.



Ahmari expertly weaves the tales of his unique childhood in Iran, his move across the ocean to the United States, and his terrible life choices into a book reminiscent of the great Saint Augustine's own Confessions. FROM FIRE BY WATER honestly, and sometimes painfully, reveals that Ahmari clung to his indulgences and self-fulfillment rather obstinately before he was able to surrender himself fully to the truths of Catholic Christianity.



"FROM FIRE BY WATER is not so much about Sohrab Ahmari but about the work of divine grace in his soul disposed to hear God's voice calling him with immeasurable and enduring love," said Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke. "It is the story of the journey of faith in which it is always God who first calls us to believe in Him and place all our trust in Him. The same humility before God, which disposed the author to respond to God's call, permits him to give a most compelling and indeed inspiring account of how He came to know God, to love Him and to serve Him with all his heart. The author's extraordinary gift for writing truly approaches, as best as one can at any given time, a true account of the incomparable beauty of the reality he recounts."



For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview with Sohrab Ahmari, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com) of Carmel Communications.


By Abdul Kerimkhanov

Russia's largest gas producer, Lukoil, produced 67 percent more gas in 2018 in Uzbekistan than in 2017.

Thanks to the launch of new gas treatment facilities, the production of Kandym and Gissar projects in 2018 increased to 13.4 billion cubic meters, which is 67 percent more than in 2017, noted on the official website of the company.

As the company notes, in 2018, Lukoil produced 33.5 billion cubic meters of gas, which is 16 percent more compared to the previous year. The main factor in the growth of gas production is the projects' development in Uzbekistan.

By 2020, the company intends to increase gas production in Uzbekistan to 18 billion cubic meters. "By that time, the company's investment in Uzbekistan will reach $ 8 billion", the report says.

The Kandym gas processing complex in the Bukhara region, built by Lukoil for $3,4 billion 400 million, was put into operation on April 19, 2018.

Lukoil is one of the largest publicly traded, vertically integrated oil and gas companies in the world accounting for more than 2 percent of the world's oil production and around 1 percent of the proved hydrocarbon reserves.

Each day Lukoil improve the quality of life for millions of consumers in over 100 countries around the globe through the supply of products, power, and heat. The company employ over 100,000 people who join their efforts and expertise to ensure the companys efficient development and secure its market leadership.

Lukoils corporate mission is to make the energy of natural resources serve the interests of mankind, to efficiently and responsibly develop the unique hydrocarbon fields by providing company growth, the wellbeing of its employees and community at large.

The Board of Directors approved in 2017 the Strategic Development Program of LUKOIL Group for 20182027. The updated strategy is focused on driving sustainable growth in key performance indicators and the companys progressive dividend policy in a conservative oil price scenario while pursuing additional growth opportunities and distributions to shareholders in a more favorable environment.

Diplomatic relations between Russia and Uzbekistan were established on March 20, 1992.

The trade turnover between Russia and Uzbekistan in 2018 increased by 21 percent to $5.7 billion.

The structure of Russia's exports to Uzbekistan includes metals and products, wood and pulp and paper products, machinery, equipment and vehicles, food products and agricultural raw materials, mineral products, chemical products.

The structure of imports of Russia from Uzbekistan includes textiles and footwear, chemical products, machinery, food products and agricultural raw materials, metals and products from them.

Uzbekistan is one of Russia's leading economic partners in the post-Soviet space.

These are the Economic Cooperation Program for 2019-2024, the Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation Program for 2019-2021, the Road Map for the creation of the International Radio Astronomy Observatory Suffa, the Agreement on the establishment and operation of branches of leading universities in Russia in Uzbekistan, the Agreement about cooperation in the textile industry.

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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
By Leman Mammadova

Greek Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Alexis Tsipras was on his visit to Turkey on February 5-6.

The visit mainly focuses on the development of trade relations between the two countries and the doubling of the trade volume .

Greek minister hopes to double the Turkish-Greek trade which reached $ 4.2 billion in 2018.

The highest level of trade between Turkey and Greece had reached 5.6 billion dollars in 2014. Products exported to Greece include automotive and supply industry, white goods, television, healthcare equipment, renewable energy, textile and apparel, leather, furniture, hotel equipment, ceramics.

Prior to his visit to Turkey, Tsipras told Anadolu agency that it is necessary to formulate conditions for the historical steps in the Turkish-Greek relations.

Tsipras assessed bilateral relations and stressed that Greece is in favor of a dialogue with Turkey that meets the interests of peoples and the region in general.

Minister also expressed his trust in effective cooperation between Ankara and Athens. He noted that there are positive results of cooperation between the two countries in the field of energy.

We promoted cooperation in the energy sector with the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) pipeline and with the discussion on the extension of the Turkish Stream pipeline to Europe, we initiated the procedures for the start of a Thessaloniki-Izmir sea route, the Istanbul-Thessaloniki railway link and the improvement of the Kipi-Ipsala crossing, while we put the development of trade and investments on the negotiating table once again, said Tsipras.

The Prime Minister also stressed that Turkey has taken over the great burden of hosting 4 million refugees. The world community should take into consideration this fact and EU should do all it can to support our neighbor, he said.

Tsipras also noted that his relationship with Erdogan is based on respect, sincerity, and honesty.

We must build a relationship of mutual respect that is based on international law, for the benefit of our peoples and the surrounding region, said Tsipras. He also recalled that Erdogan was the first Turkish leader to visit Greece.

Earlier, Tsipras stated that the Southern Gas Corridor, also covering TAP, is of primary importance for Greece and is included in the EU's energy strategy.

The TAP is planned to be connected to the Greece-Macedonia line, as well as the Greece-Bulgaria interconnection line, for the delivery of gas to the Western Balkan countries.

The TAP and Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB), which envisage transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe, have been named among important international energy projects of Greece, according to the Greek Integrated Energy and Climate Plan for the Period from 2021 to 2030.

The plan includes the following important international energy projects: TAP, IGB, Turkey-Greece-Italy (ITGI) pipeline, East Med and others.

IGB is a gas pipeline, which will allow Bulgaria to receive Azerbaijani gas, in particular, the gas produced from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz 2 gas and condensate field. IGB is expected to be connected to TAP via which gas from the Shah Deniz field will be delivered to the European markets.

The initial capacity of IGB will be 3 billion cubic meters of gas.

Estimated at 4.5 billion euros, TAP is a part of Southern Gas Corridor project, that envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijani Shah Deniz-2 gas field to Greece and southern Italy across the Adriatic Sea through Greece and Albania, and involves designing, construction and operation of the natural gas pipeline.

About 82.4 percent of TAP pipeline construction works were implemented.

TAP expects to fully complete Greek section in 2019. Recently, TAP AG and DESFA SA which is responsible for the management, operation, maintenance and development of the National Natural Gas System (NNGS) of Greece, have signed an agreement on the maintenance of Greek section (550 km) of the TAP pipeline, extending from Kipoi in Evros close to the Greek-Turkish border, to Ieropigi, Kastoria, on Greeces border with Albania.

On May 29, Baku hosted the launch ceremony of the first phase of the Southern Gas Corridor project.

The Intergovernmental Agreement on the TAP project was signed by Albania, Italy and Greece in February 2013. The 878-kilometer-long TAP pipeline (Greece 550 kilometers, Albania 215 kilometers, Adriatic Sea 105 kilometers, and Italy 8 kilometers) having connected to the TANAP on the Turkish-Greek border, will run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italys south.

In November, TAP and TANAP successfully completed their connection on the banks of the Merich River on the Turkish-Greek border.

The initial capacity of TAP will be 10 billion cubic meters of gas per year with the possibility of doubling it.

TAP shareholders include BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam S.p.A. (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).

The TAP project is one of the strategic objectives of the EU in the energy security and diversification of energy sources, chosen as the shortest and direct way to export natural gas from Azerbaijan to the European markets.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Hispanic Pastors Support POTUS

Contact: John White, ControlTheGovernment.com , 704-437-6185TERRELL, N.C., Feb. 7, 2019 / Standard Newswire / -- Recently, there was a meeting on the southern border of Texas in the Rio Grand Valley between President Trump, border officials, senators and leading Hispanic Pastors.This meeting clearly showed that Christians should not only be aware of what is happening on our southern border, but should aggressively be praying for a divine intervention in this situation.2 Chronicles 7:14 says "If my people, who are called by name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn away from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."There is power in prayer, especially when being led by The Lord. This is not a battle against flesh and blood but clearly initiated by principalities in high places.John White, Operations Director of Control The Government dot Come said, "As Christians we have a responsibility to engage in this spiritual battle for the sake of our country and families. We need to put on the whole armor of God as in Ephesians 6:13 daily."These border meetings are not being reported as aggressively as they should be and it is a valuable thing to see that our Hispanic brothers and sisters in the Lord are actively attempting to be part of a peaceful and loving solution.MRC Latino recorded Pastor Ramiro Pena's remarks with the president as a public service. Hats off to their effort to publicly show the heart of compassion he has to see the end of human suffering that comes with illegal immigration.This humanitarian crisis that is under reported is causing human suffering brought by human trafficking, drugs, violent crimes and arms as well as bringing sickness and death to many.The mission statement of Control The Government dot com is "The Government and their employees must serve the people not their own ambitions. Our mission is to educate, engage and empower the people of the United States to be able to elect and keep all elected officials accountable to values that will bring life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in a dignified manner."This means that we should all urge our elected officials to do the right thing, get past pride, power and greed motivations to bring a dignified resolution to this crisis. We ask all Americans to contact their states US elected officials and encourage them to bring peace and honor to this crisis before it becomes totally out of our hands and totally controlled by the enemy. www.ControlTheGovernment.com
By Trend

The rise of meat price in recent days in Iran has created additional problems for the market and affected the consumption level of the low income class, the member of parliament's Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee Nazar Afzali told Trend.

"The livestock smuggling has increased after rise of US dollar rate, the surge has caused the lack of meat supplies in the country," he said.

Afzali went on to say that the smuggling of breeding livestock supplies is a big challenge for the country and if this approach continues without the necessary supervision, soon more shortage will follow.

"The country's imports need prior to the rise of USD rate was 100,000 tons of meat, the domestic production volume was 800,000 tons and alongside imports meat the country need for meat was 900,000 tons. Now due to recent smuggling, in past months the domestic production level has dropped dramatically, while the volume of imports increased," he said. "This has caused the rise of meat price, today many families have cut their meat consumption due to high prices," he added.

According to the MP, the first thing in managing the market is to control the borders, so further livestock smuggling would be prevented.

"The fattening period of livestock is three months, after that there will be time to supply the livestock to the market, so hopefully necessary help would be provided by the government," he said.

He went on to say that all officials should work together to solve the issue of this significance and prevent the trend that is against nation's interests.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
By Trend

The Caspian Sea issue is significant, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Feb. 6.

Lavrov made the remarks following the talks in Ashgabat with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea was signed following the Ashgabat summit in 2018, he said.

This year, for the first time in history, Turkmenistan will hold an economic forum of the Caspian countries in August. The next, sixth summit of the leaders of the Caspian countries is to be also held in Turkmenistan.

"We support your plans to intensify the cooperation of the Caspian countries," he added.

Turkmenistan is considering the possibility of supplying its energy resources to the European market through the Caspian Sea. This project can be implemented within the EU-lobbied Southern Gas Corridor project. A 300-kilometer gas pipeline may be laid through the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijans shores to implement the project.

Turkmenistan declared its readiness to provide Europe with up to 40 billion cubic meters of gas annually.

Russia and Turkmenistan have recently declared their readiness to expand cooperation in the Caspian Sea.

A strategic partnership agreement between Turkmenistan and Russia was signed in early October 2017.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
By Abdul Kerimkhanov

After the meeting of the President of Azerbaijan and the Armenian Prime Minister in Davos, the Armenian society asks a question - what did the leaders talk about? The fact that the conversation on Karabakh issue with Baku cannot be in favor of the Armenian stance is well understood in this country.

One of the members of the ruling parliamentary faction "My Step" reported on details of the closed conversation in the building of the Armenian National Assembly of the faction members with its leader Nikol Pashinyan.

He said during the conversation Pashinyan told Aliyev that he could not negotiate instead of Karabakh, its necessary that Karabakh should sit down at the negotiating table. To this, Aliyev replied that if so, the Azerbaijani community of Karabakh should also participate from the Azerbaijani side. Pashinyan objected that this community votes for Aliyev in the elections, but the Karabakh people do not elect him, said a member of the My Step faction.

Pashinyan needs to take into account one important milestone - there is no such notion as a Karabakh people. There is a population of Karabakh, previously exclusively Turkic, and after the conquest of the region by Russia, consisting of two communities - Armenian and Azerbaijani.

The ethnic cleansing carried out by the occupiers among the indigenous population could not eradicate the Azerbaijani community, which continues to exist and has all the rights to decide their homeland fate and return to their native lands.

In a word, Azerbaijanis and their descendants expelled from Karabakh have the right to vote, whether Armenia wants it or not.

Today, everything is different, and it is already clear to Karabakh Armenians that there will be no independence, people want to live a normal life or that at least their children to have a normal life.

MP Rasim Musabekov believes that the inclusion of the Azerbaijani community as well as the Armenian community is not determined by whether they voted during the election of the highest authority in Azerbaijan and Armenia, but determined by the fact that they are residents of the area.

Armenia keeps under occupation the territory of Azerbaijan and negotiations are held with it on the issue of their troops' withdrawal.

Musabekov expressed hope that Pashinyan would not have enough audacity to deny the fact that the Armenian armed forces, numbering more than 10,000 people, are constantly in the territory of Azerbaijan. Among them are the sons of both Pashinyan himself and the Minister of Defense, who are in no way related to Karabakh.

Political scientist concluded that therefore, if Pashinyan is looking for an excuse to evade meaningful negotiations, his actions and arguments are unlikely to be understood and accepted by the Minsk Group co-chair countries, and the entire responsibility for the negotiations breakdown and the subsequent negative course of events will fall on Pashinyan.

It is doubtful that Pashinyan does not understand all this. Most likely, he is really trying to avoid responsibility for the process, a convenient way out of which for Armenia simply does not exist. Otherwise, it is difficult to understand the meaning of thoughtless statements where it would be better to keep silence. Here is visible only the desire to please the Armenian society with its "courage".

The question is whether Baku wants to continue the meetings when there is not a serious negotiator on the other side.

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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

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By Abdul Kerimkhanov

The new authorities of Armenia have long denied that the April revolution has its sponsors. However, the masks are dropped and Soros openly supported new Armenian power.

Founder of the Open Society Foundations George Soros in his microblog on Twitter made a post dedicated to Armenia. In particular, he expressed his vision of the development of democracy in Armenia.

"The strong support of civil society in Armenia is vital for the democratic present and future of the country", he wrote.

Soros also shared a link to an article entitled How the United States can support young democracy in Armenia, published recently on the Foundations website.

What can the support of Soros for Armenia lead to? The situation is in principle predictable and not new - this is a proven technology that has already been successfully used by some western states in several countries.

In those countries where some western states received absolute power, processes began to liquidate state institutions so that they cease to be competitive with respect to their own state institutions. And the defense institutions of any state are provided by state institutions.

What does the statement of Soros mean? The fact that funding from his foundation will increase many times and, if so far the Soros Foundation in Armenia has been working at the level of some of its agents of influence (in the government or at the level of individual public organizations), it will now have access to direct government administration. And Soros's development and recommendations will be directly implemented in government agencies.

The difference between the current appeal of Soros and his previous activities in Armenia is significant. Under the previous authorities, the Soros Foundation also actively functioned, developed strategic documents, many of which were accepted by government agencies and implemented. But then at least there was a small group of people who resisted. The Soros Foundation had a great influence, but there could be no direct total control. Today, this direct control is quite possible.

First, at least five members of parliament are directly or indirectly funded from the Soros Foundation. Government members are almost 100 percent westernized people. At the moment in Armenia there is no point of support for national forces, even in the ruling party, it is not possible to see. Under the previous regime, there were forces that resisted a destructive alien influence. And there were no parliamentarians directly funded by the Soros Foundation. But now situation changed colossally.

Remarkable, that the Open Society Foundation, which is also known as the Soros Foundation, has been operating in Armenia since 1997. Since then, the foundation has allocated grants worth more than $48 million to more than 200 organizations for implementing programs mainly aimed at protecting women's rights, preventing family violence, developing a free press, investigative journalism, observing missions, developing civil society institutions, on the solution of other similar important tasks that require prompt solution.

But what the organization of the Open Society Foundation and its office in Armenia is doing in no way contributes to the implementation of the principles declared by the organization.

Organizations and individuals that actively cooperate with the foundation are marked by activities aimed at influencing the internal political processes and the mood of the society.

These organizations are the Asparez Journalists' Club, the Consortium of Informed Citizens, an advisory public organization, the Helsinki Citizens Assembly Vanadzor office, Transparency International anti-corruption center.

During their entire activity, these organizations received hundreds of thousands of dollars from the fund and spent millions of dollars not on the implementation of their stated goals, but on conducting propaganda and anti-propaganda in Armenia, on a distorted view of various professional concepts, on the impact on certain public stocks.

The main part of the activities of these organizations was propaganda and anti-propaganda in various foreign policy and domestic policies, and by all means, facilitating the change of power in April-May 2018.

Thus, numerous representatives of these organizations and various individuals funded by the Soros Foundation, after the change of power, took various government positions.

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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

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By Trend

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received Ambassador of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko upon termination of his diplomatic term, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

At the meeting, the sides expressed their gratification with the development of political and economic relations between the two countries. In this regard, Mischenko's efforts were appreciated.

Mischenko stressed the support rendered to him by the Azerbaijani side for fulfillment of his diplomatic activities and expressed gratitude in this regard.

Mammadyarov wished Mischenko every success in his future endeavors.

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By Trend

Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Ramiz Tahirov has met with a delegation led by Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Commander of the Air Force of Nigeria, Trend reports referring to the Defense Ministry.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the possibilities of cooperation between the air forces of Azerbaijan and Nigeria, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest.

The Nigerian delegation also visited an air base of the Air Force of Azerbaijan. The guests were fully informed about the activities of the air base.

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By Mirsaid Ibrahimzade

The earthquakes that occurred recently in some areas of the country may affect the activation of some volcanoes in Shamakhi and in the north of Gobustan, Adil Aliyev, the head of the mud volcanism department of the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences told Trend on Wednesday.

"To check the state of volcanoes after the earthquake, it is necessary to organize an expedition to this territory. It is possible that after this earthquake volcanic eruptions will occur in Shamakhi and in the north of Gobustan," said Aliyev.

Earlier, Aliyev said that activation of volcanoes indicates a possible earthquake.

At the same time, it can be said on the basis of the conducted research, that a strong earthquake awakens a mud volcano, he added.

Recently, five earthquakes were recorded in the country. Three of the earthquakes that occurred were felt.

Characterized by high seismic activity and situated in the active collision zone of Arabian plate with Eurasian, the territory of Azerbaijan has complicated block structures differing from each other by the level of seismic activity.

Therefore, Azerbaijan is considered to be a seismically active region  a lot of earthquakes occur here every year, however, majority of them are not felt.

In general, about 7,000 earthquakes were recorded in 35 seismic telemetry stations in Azerbaijan in 2018 year, the Republican Center for Seismological Service of ANAS said in its annual report. About 4,000 of them are earthquakes in Azerbaijan and adjacent territories, about 3,000 are distant earthquakes.

In Azerbaijan, there are more than 350 mud volcanoes. It is more than in any country and they appeared on the territory of the present Azerbaijan 25 million years ago. Most of volcanoes are active throughout the year and only 43 of the mud volcanoes are protected by the state.

Mud volcanoes by origin are associated with oil and gas fields. Rich deposits of gas condensate and oil have been discovered in the areas of mud volcanoes. In addition, the mud and liquid that mud volcanoes spew are used as raw materials for the chemical and construction industries, as well as for pharmacology.

Eruptions occur every year with a varying intensity of 3-5 volcanoes. But during the growth of seismic activity, the number of eruptions goes up.

From 1810 to the present, 50 volcanoes caused approximately 200 large eruptions. The eruption of mud volcanoes is accompanied by strong explosions and underground roar. Gases come out of deep layers of the earth and immediately ignite. The height of the flame above the volcano reaches 1000 meters (Garasu volcano). The volcano Toragay from 1841 to 1950 erupted six times.

Geologists of NASA studying Mars planet, concluded that mud volcanoes of Azerbaijan are similar to uplands of the planet for their structure.

Otoman Bozdag is the second largest mud volcano, according to the media reports. Its eruption on September 23, 2018 produced mud extrusions that have reached 4 km long and cracks as deep as 80 m.

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By Leman Mammadova

Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Oreshkin will visit Azerbaijan on February 8, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy told Trend.

During the visit, the Azerbaijani and Russian delegations will review the reconstruction of the Yarag-Kazmalar checkpoint, the Samur checkpoint, as well as the construction of an automobile bridge across the Samur river.

"These projects are important for realization of Azerbaijan's transport and transit potential, as well as the creation of favorable conditions for further expansion of cooperation and trade between the two countries," the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy said.

Moreover, the opportunities for development of the economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia are planned to be discussed in the Hajigabul Industrial Zone on Feb. 9 and a foundation of a plant for production of commercial and special-purpose vehicles will be laid upon the joint project between Azermash and GAZ Group.

Azerbaijan is one of the main economic partners of Russia among the CIS countries and Russia remains one of Azerbaijans main foreign trade partners. Interregional cooperation plays an important role in the development of Russian-Azerbaijani trade and economic relations and the increase in trade turnover. Russia ranks first in terms of export of non-oil products from Azerbaijan.

Recently, the 17th session of the State Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia.

So far, Azerbaijan invested more than $1 billion in the Russian economy, and Russia invested more than $4.2 billion in Azerbaijans economy. About 760 companies with Russian capital operate in Azerbaijan.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia amounted to almost $2.27 billion in January-November 2018. The trade turnover between the countries increased by 20 percent compared to the same period of 2017.

Being implemented jointly with Russia, the construction of an automobile bridge across the Samur River on the Azerbaijani-Russian border,is underway. The bridge construction was launched in October 2017. Its length is 325 meters. The Russian side controls the construction work. Previously, Russian media reported that the cost of the bridge construction will be 1.2 billion rubles and the project is financed jointly.

The decision on construction of a new bridge was made in accordance with the agreement signed between the two countries on Sept.13, 2013. The new bridge will replace the existing one, which was built in 1957.

In Azerbaijan, the creation of the automobile industry and its development was chosen as a strategic goal.

The growth in population size and well-being, on the one hand, and the improvement of the business climate in the country on the other, create opportunities for the development of the automotive industry in order to meet primarily domestic demand for vehicles in the country.

It is planned to launch a new truck assembly plant in the Hajigabul Industrial Zone at the end of 2019 to produce the GAZel NEXT, GAZon NEXT Russian trucks, as well as GAZel Business and Sable Business and their all-wheel drive versions.

GAZ Group and Azermash signed the corresponding agreement on September 3, 2018 in Sochi as part of negotiations between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia.

At the second stage of automobile plant development, the production of Vektor NEXT and LiAZ buses is envisaged.

Earlier, it was also reported that 14 million manats ($8.24 million) will be invested in the construction of the plant.

It will be the second automobile plant in Azerbaijan for AzerMash OJSC which established in 2017. Currently, the company is also a co-owner of "Khazar" automobile plant, the joint venture established together with the Iranian Iran Khodro company in the Neftchala industrial zone.

GAZ Group is the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Russia. GAZ Group specializes in the development and production of light and medium-duty commercial vehicles, buses, heavy trucks, power units and automotive components.

It should be noted that Hajigabul Industrial Zone was established in Hajigabul region to support the activities of small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of industry, to ensure the sustainable development of the non-oil sector and to increase the employment of the population in the production area.

The total area of the Industrial Zone is 20 hectares. It is planned to implement 7 projects here worth 44 million manat, covering heavy mechanical engineering, special carpentry and composite materials, plastic water containers and production of tar, automotive, building materials.

Russia is a strategic partner of Azerbaijan. The legal framework between the countries includes over 180 documents, including about 50 in the economic sphere.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

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By Trend

On February 5-6, 2019 the 7th meeting of the European Union and Azerbaijan Subcommittee meeting on Justice, Freedom, Security (JFS) & Human Rights and Democracy was held in Baku. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev and Head of the Department of bilateral relations with the Eastern Partnership countries of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Richard Tibbels, Trend reports citing Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry.

The JFS meeting took place in an open and constructive atmosphere giving space to fruitful discussions over the areas of mutual significance.

On the first day of the meeting the sides exchanged their views on a number of issues of mutual interest in the field of justice, freedom and security, including the rule of law, judiciary and judicial cooperation; migration, asylum and border management, as well as combating organized crime and other types of illegal activities. The next day issues of human rights and democracy, including civil, economic, political and social rights, the national framework for the protection of human rights, as well as cooperation in international forums on human rights protection and etc. were discussed.

The operational conclusions document highlighting the outcomes of the previous meetings and future cooperation projections was adopted as a result of the JFS meeting.

Representatives from 26 state institutions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and from the EU side representatives of the EEAS, the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, Director-General for Justice and Consumers, as well as the Delegation of the EU to Azerbaijan and representatives of diplomatic missions of the EU member states in Baku participated at the meeting.

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By Abdul Kerimkhanov

The topic of Israeli drones in service of the Azerbaijani army was an unpleasant surprise for Armenia.

Recently it became known that the Department of Defense Export of the Israeli Ministry of returned to Aeronautics a license to supply unmanned aircraft to Azerbaijan, withdrawn in the fall of 2017 due to a criminal investigation.

This is a company that supplies unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Azerbaijan.

It is not surprising that Armenia is disappointed with this decision. According to Armenian media, the ban, it turns out, applies only to managers, and not to the company as a whole.

The Armenian diaspora and lobby also raised a noise. Armenian National Committee of the United States stated that Israel is giving this decision a signal to attack Armenian positions with the help of kamikaze drones.

It seems that the Armenian lobby does not understand that the weapon is purchased in order to use it in battle.

Azerbaijan is in a state of war with Armenia, that stations its military units in the occupied Azerbaijani territories. And the only real reason for the Armenians discontent in connection with the use of Israeli drones by the Azerbaijani army is their absence in Armenia itself.

Armenian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Anna Naghdalyan said at a briefing in Yerevan that Armenia raises this issue both at bilateral meetings and on multilateral platforms. However, Armenia, stating that the arms race in the region is extremely dangerous, recently launched a deal for the purchase of four Su-30SM multi-role fighters from Russia, which the Armenian armed forces will receive in 2020. The planes are sold on credit and at Russian domestic prices.

Colonel in the reserve Shair Ramaldanov noted that Israeli drones were indeed used for the first time in the April battles and showed their reliability in combat conditions.

He underlined that Azerbaijan has always purchased and will buy those weapons that it sees fit, and from those it deems necessary.

Ramaldanov said in geopolitical terms, Azerbaijan has a huge advantage over Armenia.

Armenia is an occupying country. Even if it is not officially announced, this reality is accepted by all. Everyone accepted the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. In addition, we know that Armenia has never been sovereign. Yerevan always performed the commands of its owners," he stressed.

Moreover, he added that Azerbaijan has recently launched the production of a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Pegasus 120, in cooperation with the Israeli company Aeronautics at the Azad Systems enterprise.

He concluded that it is possible in the future there will be no need to purchase UAVs abroad - Azerbaijan will meet the needs of the army itself and even become an exporter of drones.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the World Bank for 2016-2017, Azerbaijan today is the largest importer of weapons in the former Soviet Union. Baku purchased weapons for $279 million in 2017, which is by $7 million more than the previous year.

In turn, Armenia receives weapons either on credit or as a bone for a dog from its owners. Thats why Azerbaijan will always remain a welcome customer for countries producing weapons.

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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

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It has been announced that Three Mile Island p,2,1:56.2f ($288,079) has passed away at the age of 34.

Alisa Horner, the office manager at White Birch Farms in Allentown, New Jersey stated that Three Mile Island passed away on Saturday, February 2 of natural causes. Horner also stated that the mare didnt have any health issues prior and still looked great, considering her age.

A bay mare by No Nukes, Three Mile Island was from the Race Time dam Racy Kathy.

Foaled in 1985, Three Mile Island took a two-year-old world record mark of 1:56.2f and earned $288,079 on the racetrack before starting her Hall of Fame career as a broodmare.

From 15 foals, Three Mile Island was a 100 per cent producer whose foals earned over $4.3 million with 12 going over $90,000. Her most notable son was Island Fantasy p,3,1:50.1 ($1,371,525), but she also produced another six sub-1:53 pacers.

Three Mile Island was inducted into the Living Horse Hall of Fame in Goshen as a broodmare in 2001, two years before her sire No Nukes.

Three Mile Islands page in the Standardbred Old Friends book explains that the mare was named for the worst nuclear disaster in North America.

Three Mile Islands last foal was born in 2007 and she has lived the last 12 years as a happy retiree at White Birch Farm.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Three Mile Island.

(With files from White Birch Farms)
By Abdul Kerimkhanov

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is not able to really resolve the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Soon it will turn a year he took power into his own hands, but nothing has been done during this time to resolve this conflict, which continues to poison the lives of Azerbaijanis and Armenians.

Pashinyan is not ready for Nagorno-Karabakh conflict negotiations, because his power in Yerevan has not yet been strengthened, said Head of the Baku International Policy and Security Network Expert Group, expert on security and international issues, Professor Elkhan Alasgarov.

Despite the fact that Nikol Pashinyan came to power in Armenia through demonstrations and even gained a majority in parliament after the last elections, there are opposition forces that oppose him with the help of financial and military resources, he said.

Alasgarov added that those who do this are mostly members of the "Karabakh clan".

"The soldiers in the occupied Azerbaijani territories and the so-called separatist-political structure began a secret war with Pashinyans team. Their main argument and objections are Pashinyans meetings with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the Nagorno-Karabakh problem settlement," said Alasgarov.

"The soldiers in the occupied Azerbaijani territories and the so-called separatist-political structure began a secret war with Pashinyans team. Their main argument and objections are Pashinyans meetings with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the Nagorno-Karabakh problem settlement," said Alasgarov.

Even the resumption of the negotiation process has created some trust, he added.

Many people in Armenia do not like direct bilateral meetings, and the campaign against Pashinyan in Armenia started. There is no official statement of the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides on the negotiations content after the Davos meeting said Pashinyan during his visit to Germany. This statement underlines that he is trying to overcome oppositions criticism, trying to show the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh as a separate side of the conflict," he said.

Alasgarov noticed that at the same time, other forces interested in this issue should be taken into account.

There are third countries that do not want the conflict to be resolved. Some forces oppose changing the status quo in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Although these forces are not open, they secretly use media to campaign against Pashinyan, he said.

Pashinyan made several populist statements during his visit to Germany, stating that "the concessions of the Azerbaijani side are acceptable to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia".

It seems that Pashinyan has forgotton about occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions by Armenian armed forces. And Armenia must comply with four UN resolutions which speak of the immediate withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied regions of Azerbaijan.

Otherwise, it is impossible to explain this statement of Pashinyan, which reduces all negotiations to zero.

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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

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By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijani culture has been successfully presented at the International Festival of Culture of Islamic Countries in Egypt.

The Islamic Festival under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is held under the slogan "One Nation, Diversity of Cultures".

The opening ceremony took place at the Cairo Opera House on February 5.

Representatives of more than 20 countries attended the festival.

Mugham trio of the national artist Simara Imanova and the Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble took part in the concert program.

The performance of national artists was greeted with a storm of applause.

Azerbaijani delegation is headed by advisor to the Minister of Culture Aydin Ismiyev.

International Festival of Culture of Islamic Countries will see various cultural and artistic events, scientific seminars and much more.

The festival features a number of Islamic international institutions, including the Center for History, Art and Culture, the Islamic Center for the Development of Trade, the Islamic Foundation for Solidarity, as well as the Islamic Organization for Education, Science and Culture, etc.

The event will last until February 9.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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By Trend

The Russian subsidiary of the International Bank of Azerbaijan, IBA-Moscow, filed a lawsuit against the Kazakh company Munai Ontustik for $5.57 million, Trend reports via Russian media.

A lawsuit was filed with a court of arbitration for failure to fulfill obligations under credit agreements. As of Feb. 7, the claim is accepted, and the trial will be held on March 5.

Munai Ontustik is engaged in exploration, production, processing, purchase and sale of oil and oil products.

The International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA) has been operating since 1992 and is one of two state-owned banks in Azerbaijan. Since July 2015, the bank is at the stage of recovery.

IBA-Moscow was founded in 2002.

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By Trend

Azerbaijani alcohol manufacturer "Goygol Wine Plant" OJSC will broaden its range of exports, the company told Trend.

Exports to Europe are expected to begin this year.

"We have received several proposals to date, and this year we will supply our wines to the European market. We are planning to increase the production capacity of the enterprise in the future. It is currently running at full capacity, without any downtime. More than 200,000 wines are produced in the factory", the company representative said.

The products are also delivered to points of sale in Baku, Ganja and Sumgayit for domestic consumers.

The products possess an ISO 9001: 2008 and Compliance Certificate issued by the State Committee on Standardization, Metrology and Patents of Azerbaijan.

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By Mirsaid Ibrahimzade

Russia and Turkmenistan are exploring opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday, following talks in Ashgabat with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, said that cooperation in the oil and gas sector will be discussed at the meeting of the intergovernmental commission, the Russian Foreign Ministry reports.

The dates for its holding are now being coordinated,he said.

During the conversation, Lavrov said that the President of Turkmenistan expressed satisfaction with the way the gas issue is being considered in our current dialogue with a view to finding new, far-reaching, large-scale agreements. The Russian Foreign Ministry also published a speech by Lavrov at a meeting with the President of Turkmenistan.

"There are positive movements in the energy sector between our countries. We support them. We want the Eurasian Economic Union to be understandable for all our partners who are not part of this structure," Lavrov said. He noted that there are plans to link the Central Asian electro-energy system, in which Turkmenistan plays a very important role, and the common electric-energy market, which is formed in the Eurasian Economic Union by 2025.

Diplomatic relations between Russia and Turkmenistan were established on April 8, 1992. The basic document is the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation of April 23, 2002 (replaced the similar Agreement of July 31, 1992). In total, more than 170 agreements have been signed between Russia and Turkmenistan, covering all areas of interaction.

Russian-Turkmen relations are based on the principle of strategic partnership, which is fixed in the bilateral Agreement on the expansion of strategic cooperation in the field of energy and engineering dated December 22, 2009 and signed interstate Agreement on strategic partnership on October 2, 2017 in Ashgabat.

Trade and economic relations between Russia and Turkmenistan are developing steadily, but recently they are characterized by a reduction in mutual trade. At the end of 2016, it amounted to $ 901.8 million, at the end of 2017 - $ 428.2 million, including Russian exports - $ 343.8 million and imports - $ 84.4 million.

In the first half of 2018, the foreign trade turnover of the two countries amounted to $ 149.3 million, including Russian exports - $ 90.9 million and imports - $ 58.3 million.

There are about 190 companies with Russian capital in Turkmenistan. Since 2009, on the basis of a signed production sharing agreement in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, the ARETI holding (formerly Itera) has been operating. At the same time, the Russian OAO Gazprom, a traditional trading partner, in 2016 completely cut off purchases of Turkmen gas. At this stage, negotiations are underway on the conditions for the resumption of the gas deal.

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By Mirsaid Ibrahimzade

The mechanism of purchasing agricultural equipment is changing in Azerbaijan.

From February 15, agricultural machinery in Azerbaijan will be sold under new regulations, the Ministry of Agriculture told Trend.

The ministry noted that the preferential sale of agricultural machinery will be carried out not only by OJSC "Agroleasing".

"About 20 percent of the customs cost of equipment will be paid by the farmer, and 40 percent by the State Agency for the Agricultural Credits as a subsidy," the ministry said.

The ministry also noted that the remaining part of the amount will be issued in the form of a loan for a maximum of five years, with the bulk of the loan being paid by the farmer, and the interests by the state.

"Previously, benefits were applied only to equipment purchased from Agroleasing, and now they will also apply to equipment acquired in any other company," the ministry said.

The ministry noted that the paperwork was also carried out at Agroleasing; from now on, however, after acquiring the equipment from any company, the clearance will be carried out at authorized banks, not Agroleasing.

"The farmer will be responsible not to Agroleasing, but the bank," the ministry said.

The possession of loan tracking mechanisms by the banks, and lack thereof by Agroleasing, was named by the ministry as the primary reason for such changes.

Development of agriculture is constantly in the spotlight of Azerbaijani government. The competitiveness of Azerbaijani agricultural products is growing, export opportunities are expanding. In most areas of the agricultural sector, production increases with the direct and indirect support of the state.

Moreover, the state has enough potential and capabilities to use extensive and intensive ways of development to achieve goals which have been set, taking into account all economic indicators.

Support measures and the provision of services continue to improve the supply of the agricultural sector in all areas, in particular, agricultural machinery. On the part of Agroleasing JSC, about 44,000 agricultural equipment, 843,000 tons of mineral fertilizers and over 30,000 heads of pedigree cattle were brought into the country, which were transferred for use on preferential terms.

In addition, the implementation of the e-agriculture information system being created by the Ministry will serve to ensure transparency and flexibility in the agricultural sector, including the issuance of subsidies. Implementation of all services through e-government will create additional benefits for farmers.

They will increase their awareness, productivity and sales forecasting capabilities, as well as the opportunity to simplify public services and reduce documents, accessibility of services, and the introduction of new market mechanisms.

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By Trend

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 24 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Feb. 7, Trend reports.

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.

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Virginia's Democratic Attorney General Mark Herring said in a statement Wednesday that he wore blackface at a college party in 1980, amid a deepening scandal in Richmond after the discovery last week of a racist photo on Gov. Ralph Northam's medical school yearbook page and his subsequent admission that he wore blackface in 1984.

Why it matters: Herring is next in line of succession to become the state's governor after Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who is facing allegations of a 2004 sexual assault, which he has denied. In his statement, Herring did not offer to immediately resign but said that "honest conversations and discussions" would take place in "the days ahead." Herring said on Saturday that it was "no longer possible" for Northam to serve as governor after his blackface admission. Also on Wednesday, he resigned as the co-chairman of the Democratic Attorneys General Association.
Sea level rise isn't the only thing we have to worry about as the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets melt. A new modeling study finds that runoff from these ice sheets could significantly alter crucial ocean currents in ways that disrupt the Gulf Stream and accelerate ice loss in West Antarctica.

Why it matters: The study, published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, shows the potentially far-reaching ramifications of ice melt.

The big picture: Scientists are racing to better understand and anticipate the pace, extent and impacts of melting glaciers, both in Greenland and Antarctica. Since the last report from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2014, sea level rise estimates have increased, but uncertainties remain high.

The new study, by a group of researchers from New Zealand, Canada, Germany and the U.K., is one of the first to pair a climate model with an ice sheet model  fed with the latest observational data on ice loss  to see how ice melt might alter the planet's climate.

It finds that the influences may be profound.

The threat: If the Greenland or Antarctic ice sheets melt quickly and significantly enough, they could pour enough cold, relatively light freshwater into adjacent areas of the ocean to disrupt global ocean circulation, the study finds.

In particular, the study adds to the growing concern in the scientific community about a slowdown in a current known as the Atlantic-Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC.

This current is also referred to as a global conveyor belt or global thermohaline circulation, carrying heat and oxygen from the bottom of the world to the far north, and back again.

There are clear signs that part of this current is already slowing down, due to freshwater inputs from Greenland.

The new study says this could lessen the heat transported to Europe and may make weather more variable in the northeastern U.S., among many other areas. Worse yet, in the Antarctic, adding freshwater to the surface ocean would serve to reduce the amount of mixing between ocean layers, the study says.

This would trap salty and warm water well below a film of cool, freshwater on the surface.

Such warm, salty waters are melting marine-terminating glaciers in West Antarctica by eating away at their floating ice shelves and infiltrating the ice bed in areas where the bedrock is below sea level.

What they're not saying: The study assumes that the ocean is not playing a large role in melting Greenland's glaciers, which is at odds with observations, according to Eric Rignot, a professor of Earth system science at UC Irvine, who was not involved in the new study.

Rignot says Greenland will melt faster and more extensively than the study's models show.

What they're saying: Luke Trusel, a study coauthor and geology professor at Rowan University, told Axios that melting ice sheets will have effects far beyond sea level rise.

"Ice sheets aren't passive bodies of ice, they're dynamic, interactive components of the Earth system. They change in response to climate, and climate then responds to their change."

 Luke Trusel, Rowan University

"'Melting ice sheets don't just cause sea level rise. They also disrupt the climate system, by dumping a lot of cold freshwater into the ocean," says study coauthor Kaitlin Naughten of the British Antarctic Survey, in an email to Axios. "This affects deep ocean circulation, surface ocean currents, and weather patterns across the globe."

Go deeper:
White House senior adviser Jared Kushner will travel to several Middle Eastern capitals in late February for talks on the Trump administration's upcoming Israeli-Palestinian peace proposal, U.S. officials told me.

Why it matters: The Trump administration is expected to release the long awaited peace plan after the April 9th elections in Israel. Until then, it is trying to mobilize support for the plan, especially in the Arab world, and build a public diplomacy strategy with allies.

Details: Kushner is expected to visit Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and possibly Morocco. He is not expected to visit Israel on this trip, but will likely meet Prime Minister Netanyahu next week during a Middle East conference in Warsaw, where he is expected to speak publicly about the status of the plan.

On his trip to the Middle East, Kushner is expected to discuss with Arab officials the economic parts of the peace plan, which will entail huge investment in the Palestinian economy  mainly in Gaza.

U.S. officials say Kushner will ask the Gulf states to contribute to the economic plan, but that he is not planning to discuss details from the political components of the plan during his tour of the region.

Go deeper: Kushner expected to give update on Middle East peace plan at conference
Expedition 58 Flight Engineer and astronaut Anne McClain of NASA peers into a microscope and takes photographs for the Protein Crystal Growth-16 experiment that is exploring therapies for Parkinson's disease. Credit: NASA. Date: January 3, 2019.

The Expedition 58 crew participated in a suite of psychological, biomedical and physics experiments today. The orbital residents are also getting ready to send off a U.S. cargo craft on Friday.

Astronauts Anne McClain and David Saint-Jacques collaborated today on an experiment that observes how living in a spacecraft for long periods impacts crew behavior. The duo typed personal impressions about working in space in a private journal then took a robotics test to measure cognition. The astronauts also answered a questionnaire to gather more cognitive data before going to sleep.

McClain also collected and stored biological samples for a pair of human research studies looking at physiological changes and negative effects on bone marrow and blood cells. Saint-Jacques looked at how fluid mechanics affects fuel tanks in spaceships and ocean systems on Earth.

Commander Oleg Kononenko focused his day inside the station's Russian segment. The veteran cosmonaut worked on computers, maintained life support systems and photographed Earth landmarks today.

Friday at 11:10 a.m. EST, Northrop Grumman's Cygnus space freighter will depart the station after 81 days attached to the Unity module. Robotics controllers will remotely guide the Canadarm2 robotic arm to grapple Cygnus overnight. McClain will then command the Canadarm2 on Friday to release Cygnus back into Earth orbit as Saint-Jacques backs her up and monitors the activities.

Cygnus has more to do after its release. It will begin to deploy several sets of CubeSats after it reaches a safe distance from the space station. The U.S. resupply ship will then reenter Earth's atmosphere in late February over a remote portion of the Pacific Ocean for a fiery but safe destruction.

On-Orbit Status

Marrow: This morning a crewmember collected Breath and Ambient air samples for the Marrow study. 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.

Fluid Dynamics in Space (FLUIDICS): Today a crewmember installed the Fluidics hardware and initiated the session 5 autonomous science run. The measurement of liquid displacement within a sphere in microgravity relates to a given kinematic representation of a spacecraft's fuel tank. The FLUIDICS investigation evaluates the Center of Mass (CoM) position regarding a temperature gradient on a representation of a fuel tank. The observation of capillary wave turbulence on the surface of a fluid layer in a low-gravity environment can provide insights into measuring the existing volume in a sphere.

Lab Utility Outlet Panel (UOP)-4 Cable Reconfiguration: The crew worked to transfer loads from Lab UOP4 J4 to J3 connections and installed a 120 Volts Direct Current (VDC) Power / Ethernet Cable and Cobalt Brick on J4. This allows for a network connection through Ethernet on UOP4 J4 and enables troubleshooting of Payloads Joint Station LAN data with the ZBook Network Management System Laptop.

Mobile Servicing System (MSS): On Monday evening, robotics ground controllers powered up the MSS and maneuvered the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to grapple the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) located on the U.S. Lab Payload and Data Grapple Fixture (PDGF). Once the SPDM was grappled by the SSRMS, the SPDM was commanded to release the Lab PDGF and it was maneuvered to the Mobile Base System (MBS) and where it was commanded to grapple the MBS PDGF1. Now that the SPDM is located on MBS PDGF1, it is in a good configuration for the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) survey this evening.

Completed Task List Activities:

ARED Bench Fastener Tighten

Ground Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

SSRMS Operations in support of SAGE and MUSES Survey (Ongoing)

Two-Day Look Ahead:

Wednesday, 02/06

Payloads:

Lighting Effects log and Cognition tests (NASA)

Standard Measures Questionnaire (NASA)

Repository urine collection (NASA)

Actiwatch Spectrum PLUS chk (NASA)

BCM Questionnaire (NASA)

Blood collections (CSA/JAXA)

WMS-MMS data transfer (NASA)

FLUIDICS sessions 2&3 (ESA)

Systems

Cygnus Egress and Return Preparation

Thursday, 02/07

Payloads:

Slingshot Installation (NASA)

POLAR 3&4 installation (NASA)

WORF laptop reconnect (NASA)

Systems

Cygnus Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) Release Session

Node 1 Nadir CBM Control Panel Assembly (CPA) Installation

Pressure Management Device (PMD) Equipment Setup and Power and Data connections

Today's Planned Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

Marrow Breath And Ambient Air Sample Collection - Subject

Reminder Behavorial Core Measures ROBoT-r Testing

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Training Review

Preparation of Reports for Roscosmos website and social media

URAGAN. Observations and photography

SCENARIO. Observation and photography using the camera

RS ISS Module Photos

ECON-M. Observation and photography

Progress 440 [AO] Cargo Transfers and IMS Ops

Lighting Effects Sleep Log Entry Subject

Checkout of Virus Definition File Update on Auxiliary Computer System () Laptops and Report

HRF Generic Urine Collection For Lighting Effects Female

COLUMBUS Deck 1 and 2 clean-up

HRF Generic Sample MELFI Insertion Operations

ABOUT GAGARIN FROM SPACE. HAM Radio Session with Amur State University in Blagoveshchensk

Pressurization of Elektron-VM Liquid Unit before Activation

Fluidics hardware installation

JEM Airlock Press

VIZIR. Experiment Ops using  P/L

JEM Airlock Leak Check

Fluidics hardware installation

HRF Generic Urine Collection Female

Elektron-VM Signal And Command Matching Unit () R&R

Fluidics Run 1 execution

HRF Generic Sample MELFI Retrieval And Insertion Operations

In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA) 1 Inter Module Ventilation (IMV) Cleaning

Plug-in Plan LAB Utility Outlet Panel 4 Receonfiguration

On MCC GO Mating Elektron-VM  telemetry connector

Current stabilizer -64 and  R&R

HRF Generic Urine Collection Female

HRF Generic Sample MELFI Retrieval And Insertion Operations

Behavioral Core Measures Journals Entry

Fluidics Power OFF

Behavioral Core Measures Journals Entry

 maintenance

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill

MERLIN EXPRESS Rack Relocation

Quarterly Maintenance of Central Post Laptop, start test 1

HRF Generic Urine Collection Female

MERLIN 3 Desiccant Insert

Scheduled Quarterly Maintenance of Central Post Laptop, end test 1 and start test 2. Creating reports

HRF Generic Sample MELFI Retrieval And Insertion Operations

MELFI 1 Ice Brick Insert 2

Robot Startup

Contingency Water Container - Iodinated (CWC-I) Degas

Quarterly Maintenance of Central Post Laptop, start test 3

CSA Generic Frozen Blood Collection Setup

Behavioral Core Measures ROBoT-r Testing

Behavioral Core Measures Cognition Testing HRF PC 1

Preparing for Troubleshooting FGB Power Supply System and  devices

Emergency RS ISS VHF-1 Comm Checkout from USOS

Scheduled Quarterly Maintenance of Central Post Laptop, end test 3 and start test 4

Behavioral Core Measures Cognition Testing HRF PC 1

Behavioral Core Measures ROBoT-r Testing

Health Maintenance System (HMS) ISS Food Intake Tracker (ISS FIT)

Hematocrit. Hardware Setup

Quarterly Maintenance of Central Post Laptop, End of test 4 and Closeout Ops

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House Intelligence Committee chair Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) announced Wednesday that the panel has voted to release all witness transcripts related to the Russia investigation to the Department of Justice and special counsel Robert Mueller.

Why it matters: Longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone and former personal attorney Michael Cohen have both been indicted for lying to the committee. Schiff has previously said that he would like Mueller to review the transcripts to determine whether other witnesses, including Donald Trump Jr. and Erik Prince, may have also lied during their testimonies.

Now that Democrats are in the House majority, Schiff said the renewed investigation will examine...
European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, left, talks to Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom prior the weekly College of Commissioners meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. European Union authorities on Wednesday rejected a massive rail merger deal between France's Alstom and Germany's Siemens in what the two nations had hoped would have created a global competitor to stand up to China. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
AMG

Well, the answer obviously depends on whether the Beast Of The Green Hell (this is the official nickname of the GT R) comes in stock condition or not. So, if the Affalterbach toy doesn't pack any mods, in theory, there shouldn't be any reason to worry.You see, the Italian exotic's superior power-to-weight ratio means that is should be able to leave the Merc far, far behind in the quarter-mile - the Fezza comes with 2.5 kilos per hp, while the German missile burdens each of its horses with 3 kg.And if we take a look at magazine tests involving the two, we notice that the 488 GTB can play the quarter-mile game in as little as 10.3 seconds, while the best time delivered by the GT R sits at 11 seconds.However, things don't always go like that when you're out at the strip and we've brought an example of a situation that brought a plot twist.We're talking about a recent encounter between a Mercedes-AMG GT R and a Ferrari 488 GTB. The pair of coupes got together at the Palm Beach International Raceway, going for the good old 1,320 feet sprint.You'll get to see both drivers attempting to pull burnouts. However, the dual-clutch trannies of the cars meant getting the rear tires up to temperature was more difficult than it seemed.The driver of the 585 hp Mercedes-got pedal-happy and ran a red light, but we'll remind you that this only influences the visual part of the race, since the clock only starts ticking once the car takes off the line. As such, we can rely on the numbers delivered at the end of the run (these can be seen in the video below) to determine the winner.
4WD

For the Sequoia, the TRD Pro package comes as an boost needed by the car to fulfill its off-road aspirations. A TRD-tuned Fox internal bypass shock suspension is the main tool needed for the task, providing the car with 7 compression zones and 2 rebound zones, as well as an increase in rebound travel of 18 mm.On the 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, the Multi-Modewill be offered as standard, as will 18 x 8-inch black BBS forged aluminum wheels dressed in P275/65 R18 tires.Setting the model apart visually from the stock Sequoia are a special TRD grille, front skid plate, exclusive Army Green paint, and cat-back exhaust. Running boards in cast aluminum and a roof rack are also on the table.The TRD Pro package will only be offered for the 7-seat model with middle-row captains chairs and a three-across third-row seat configuration. All of the seats will be dressed in leather, adorned with red contrast stitching.Only one engine will power this version of the car, a 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8 gasoline unit that develops 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.Toyota did not yet say when the model will become available, nor did it release any info on pricing. The carmaker did say that the introduction of this new model in the TRD lineup is a herald of changes to come for all of the models wearing the TRD badge.Full details on the 2020 Sequoia TRD Pro can be found in the document attached below.
Lander & Rogers has recruited an experienced executive to be its head of technology.

Karen O'Connor has joined the firm, adding to the firm nearly two decades of experience in the technology industry. She has held leadership roles at IBM, Telstra, and Hewlett Packard, as well as consulted to clients including National Australia Bank, the Department of Health and Aged Care, and the Australian Taxation Office.

OConnor is a client-focused technologist, whos an expert in innovation, transformation, and digital enablement, Lander & Rogers said. She has been at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, including eBusiness, eCommerce, and cloud computing.
DLA Piper and Baker McKenzie have used their legal expertise to make sure that the purchase of an Australian infrastructure adviser by a UK company succeeds.

DLA Piper advised UK-listed RPS Group on its acquisition of Corview Group, which was advised by Baker McKenzie. The company was acquired for $32m. With offices in Brisbane and Sydney, Corview provides strategic advice on major infrastructure projects.

Corporate partner Mark Burger headed the DLA Piper team. He was supported by senior associate Dylan Burke.
A man was publicly executed in Iran last month for being gay, according to Fox News.

Richard Grenell, the U.S. ambassador of Germany told Fox News about the public hanging of a 31-year-old man for being gay.

I am committed to a more aggressive coordination with our European allies to make clear that criminalizing homosexuality or publicly hanging someone for being gay is incompatible with the UNs Universal Declaration of Human Rights," he told Fox News. This is not the first time the Iranian regime has put a gay man to death with the usual outrageous claims of prostitution, kidnapping, or even pedophilia. And it sadly wont be the last time they do it either.

Both Grenell and human rights activists are calling on the European Union to take action against Iran, saying the E.U. has been silent on previous human rights violations.
In June 2019, Disneyland Paris will host Magical Pride, Disneys first ever official Pride event.

Though Gay Days has been celebrated at Disney since 1991, Paris is making history with Magical Pride, according to Orlando Weekly.

Considering the way Disney has pretended not to notice the source of the tidal wave of cash flowing their way from the thousands of red-shirted attendees lo these many decades (not to mention from LGBTQ Disney stans the other 364 days of the year), we think it's pretty cool that Le House du Mouse is stepping up, Orlando Weekly wrote.

Disneys Gay Days is being moved to August, so fans can attend both Gay Days and Magical Pride. The first unofficial Magical Pride in Paris was in 2014.
Local Magazine is here!

The summer 2021 issue of Local Magazine is out. Pick up a copy of your favorite local magazine around town or peruse our e-edition below. Because the best things in life are local.
Watch Snob on Unique Collections

Watch Snob: Round, Square, or Rare, Your Watch Is Out There

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Room for Squares

Could you share with us your impressions of the major shape case watches offered today?

Your regard for the Reverse is well established, but what of the Patek Gondolo, Golden Ellipse, Corum Golden Bridge, Cartier Tank (or Tonneau, Santos, Tortue, Crash, etc.), Girard Perregaux 1945, or the Vacheron Historiques 1968?

Are these worthy choices for a collector? Should a well-rounded collection include a non-round watch?

RELATED: Last Week: The Watch Snob Explains How to Choose From All the Options

You have asked a question, which, I confess, astonishes me that more of us do not ask more often and indeed, there is much, much more to enjoy in the course of a horological lifetime than round watches. Round watches are all well and good  we all like round things, including the sun, the moon, balloons, and stuffed Savoy cabbages as far as that goes, but limiting oneself to only round watches is to limit oneself to a tyranny of design mediocrity.

Watch brands make round watches overwhelmingly for many reasons; the twofold most significant reasons are tradition and simple practicality. But of course, the majority of clients prefer round watches, which is understandable to a point. However, I feel that it can and does also reflect a certain sad lack of imagination. Its as if we were all to go to restaurants and order only grilled beef steaks with red Bordeaux, when there are  I dont know, lievre a la Royale and Swiss pinot noir out there to discover. (Say what you like about the Swiss, they make some of the worlds best pinot noir, which being Swiss, they naturally keep the best of for themselves.)

Absolutely every one of the watches you mention represents a bold step outside the dull design vocabulary imposed by the round watch. If you look among vintage watches  from AP, Vacheron, and Patek from the 1950s and 1960s  you can find some deliciously imaginative designs, all a welcome breath of fresh air in an often all-too-round world.

Mark Your Calendar

For my next watch, I would like to obtain a full calendar with a moonphase complication. Im deciding between the first generation Parmigiani Tonda Annual Calendar and the Blancpain Monopusher Complete Calendar. I love the retrograde date and annual calendar complication of the Parmigiani, but I also find the monopusher chronograph and unique under the lug corrector buttons incredibly interesting on the Blancpain. Im stuck between a rock and a hard place. Show me the light, Watch Snob!

I have to admit, Im not especially a fan of either watch. I dont know that this is necessarily down to a deficiency per se in either design, but they simply dont make my pulse race, and the older I get the more grateful I am to find a watch that passes that simple test. Actually, the older I get, the more grateful I am to have a pulse at all, but thats another story.

Quite honestly, if you happen to have that sort of budget, I think the nicest complete calendar from anyone out there currently comes from Vacheron Constantin in the form of the Historiques 1942 and 1948 Triple Calendrier watches. Yes, in terms of style they are essentially copy-pastes of vintage models, but in this instance I have absolutely no problem with that at all; a good design is a good design, whether it appears in the 1940s or the 2000s. I give Blancpain a lot of credit for the under-the-dial corrector buttons, which are an excellent idea and one of the few so-called innovations I have seen in modern horology which actually offer real benefit to the consumer. But the Vacherons are simply, to my eye, anyhow, more attractive watches, with a unity of style that comes along very, very rarely.

Love at First Sight

I have recently bought a Gorilla Fastback Drift watch. It was love at first sight. I think it is an interesting and fun timepiece. I love the combination of materials and the complication of the wandering hour and believe that I got a lot of bang for the buck (a poor man's Urwerk).

I would love to hear your opinion on this watch.

I take great pleasure in occasionally saying things that I think will shock people, and this is one of those times: I like the Gorilla Fastback watches and the Drift is everything that makes them wonderful magnified a hundredfold (if thats possible).

For readers not aware of the (small) brand, its a company that was started by a fellow named Octavio Garcia, who was for many years chief designer at Audemars Piguet. He left some time ago having apparently decided that he simply couldnt take variations on octagons any more, and is now producing his own rather bold, somewhat Pop/Op Art take on automotive inspired watches.

They are colorful and, for lack of a better word, fun. The Drift is a wandering hours complication and a very fresh take on a basic idea that has been around since the mid-1600s and which, as you say, Urwerk has made their entire stock in trade. Interesting and fun, sums it up very well and if we had more of this really inventive and fresh sort of thing in modern watchmaking, the world would be better for it. Certainly the last thing we need from an independent small batch brand is more pseudo-Bauhaus and pseudo-vintage design.

Send the Watch Snob your questions at [email protected] or ask a question on Instagram with the #watchsnob hashtag.

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Of custody and crypto The normally staid world of custody banking is now having to embrace the wild child of global assets: cryptocurrency. And this is happening just as bitcoin, the poster child of cryptocurrency, seesawed from US$30,000 one week to $40,000 the next, shedding then recovering 30% of its value. Some bitcoin bulls are talking of $100,000 by year-end
Workers at the Vancouver Art Gallery in Canada went on strike on Tuesday over claims that the museums wage policies are unfair. According to members of the union CUPE Local 15, tension between workers and the Vancouver Art Gallery has been mounting since a previous contract expired in June 2017, with attempts at negotiation mired in institutional politics.  ARTnews
The museum instead put the images on Twitter on Friday with the French word for censored over the statues presumably private parts, adding: Maybe its time that this platform changes its policy for museums and cultural institutions?  Time
Bulgaria's Ministry of Defence said that its drive to get people to enlist in the military will resume on February 7 and continue until the end of October 2019. Titled "Be a Soldier", the campaign was launched by the Defence Ministry in October 2018, in a response to the serious shortfall of military personnel in Bulgaria.



The Bulgarian army lacks volunteers willing to enlist for military duty (Picture source: Bulgarian Military)

The ministry announced the creation of information offices in 29 cities across Bulgaria for people who are interested in military service. Detailed information would be available about the requirements for applying to join the military, and also about specific posts in the army, Air Force, Navy, special forces, National Guard and the military police. In addition, there would be displays of weaponry and other military equipment, and performances by military bands to attract the public's attention, the ministry said.
Gay Fyre Festival organizer Andy King revealed he has been approached by several notable networks about getting his own reality show after his scene in the Netflix Fyre Festival documentary went viral.

[The Fyre CEO] called and said, Andy, we need to take one big thing for the team [...] Youre our wonderful gay leader and we need you to go down [to the customs officers home] will you suck dick to fix [the festivals] water problem?' King recalled in the documentary scene.

Fyre, which premiered on Netflix in January, covers the chaos surrounding 2017s disastrous Fyre Festival.

The "luxury music festival" was created to promote the Fyre music booking app and scheduled to take place on the Bahamian island of Great Exuma. The event was promoted on Instagram by "social media influencers" including socialite and model Kendall Jenner, model Bella Hadid, as well as model and actress Emily Ratajkowski, many of whom did not share they'd been paid to do so at first.

During the Fyre Festival's inaugural weekend, the event experienced problems related to security, food, accommodations, medical services and artist relations; resulting in the festival never happening.

Instead of being welcomed to the luxury villas and gourmet meals which the festival attendees paid thousands of dollars for, they received prepackaged sandwiches and FEMA tents as accommodations.

In one memorable scene of the Netflix documentary, King recalls being told to suck the dick of a customs official to secure the release of a crucial water shipment for the failing festival. The blowjob encouraged was never required, but Kings level of commitment was seemingly enough to land him several offers for reality shows, as well as offers of branding campaigns with a few bottled water companies, according to Vanity Fair.

I got into my car, to drive across the island to take one for the team. And I got to his office, fully prepared to suck his dick, King, 58, went on to say in the documentary.

He couldnt have been nicer, and said, Andy, listen, I will release all the water, but I want to be one of the first people paid this import fee for what youre doing, King said.
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Posted on: February 7, 2019 12:36 PM

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will this afternoon (Thursday) welcome nearly 30 new Anglican bishops from around the world to his official London residence Lambeth Palace. This morning, the bishops are at the Anglican Communion Office (ACO) in west London. They are taking part in an annual 10-day course run by Canterbury Cathedral  the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion  to teach them about the role of a bishop and the Anglican Communion. This years cohort comes from Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Melanesia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Scotland, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, the US, and Zimbabwe.

The annual event, affectionately nicknamed the baby bishops course by those who have taken part in previous years, includes a programme of talks, presentations and workshops and a chance to build networks and relationships with other new bishops across cultural and geographical divides.

Their time at the ACO including a briefing on the Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops, which will take place in Canterbury in August 2020, and discussions on different areas of work undertaken by staff at the ACO, including Unity, Faith and Order; Women in Church and Society; Mission; Advocacy with the UN; and the Anglican Alliance.

One of those on this years course is the Bishop of Toliara in Madagascar, part of the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean, Bishop Samitiana Jhonson Razafindralambo. He told the Anglican Communion News Service that the course had enabled him to make new friends and meet new faces, saying: It is very good for us to meet at the beginning of our ministries to share our challenges.

He said that the course had enabled him to understand the wider context of ministry not just in the Anglican Communion but the wider Church, too. Yesterday, it was really clear in my mind that we are serving within the Church of God, not just the Anglican Church, he said. We are bishops in the Church of God. For me that is clear. It is inspiring.
Spotify officially announced the acquisition of two companies as it aims to gain ground in the podcasting industry. One of the two firms bought by the music streaming service is Gimlet, a company founded by Alex Blumberg and Matt Lieber in 2014. Gimlet produces several popular podcasts including Reply All, Startup, and Homecoming.

Spotify noted in its press release that aside from the podcast content, the acquisition of Gimlet will also bring the startups development, production, and advertising capabilities to the streaming service. Another company that Spotify recently acquired is Anchor, a tech firm that offers tools for podcast creation, publication, and monetization. Among the services offered by Anchor to producers include easy distribution of podcasts to numerous platforms, matching content with sponsors, remote co-hosting through its mobile application, and audience analytics.

Even though the Spotifys announcement provided limited information about the acquisitions, the streaming service was clear on why it acquired the two companies. In its quest to become the leading audio platform in the world, Spotify aims to become both a premier producer of podcast content and the preferred platform of podcast creators. At this point, Spotify intends to expand its library of exclusive podcasts, which is currently dominated by talk shows related to music, while the acquisition of technology from Anchor will enable the streaming service to supply the necessary tools that content creators need to produce podcasts on its platform.

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Background: While the press release for the acquisitions does not show how much Spotify paid for the two companies, earlier reports mention that the streaming service paid at least $200 million to buy Gimlet. This amount is higher than the $70 million valuation of the company, according to recent articles. However, no information is available about the price Spotify paid for Anchor.

Even though the company made its mark as a streaming service, Spotify aims to increase its library of exclusive content. The tech firm repeatedly attempted to create its own video content, to the point of hiring people with television and video production experience, although it seems that the companys digital video plans did not succeed.

Now, Spotify focuses on audio content to boost the portfolio of content exclusively available on its platform. Even though the ad revenue generated by podcasts is significantly lower compared to digital videos, the industry has seen massive growth over the last few years, and more content creators have started offering their own podcasts.

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Aside from Gimlet and Anchor, Spotify acquired several smaller companies over the last few years. Among the tech firms that the streaming service bought out include Soundtrap, a company that offers tools for creating podcasts on multiple types of device, and Loudr.fm, which provides solutions for licensing audio. However, it is likely the first time that Spotify acquired a content company.

Impact: It is often important for a company to diversify its revenue sources. Spotify aims to branch out from its main business of streaming music to find new revenue streams with much higher profit margins. Meanwhile, by offering tools for podcasting, more content creators may start publishing their works on Spotifys platform.

By increasing its exclusive content library and expanding the podcast portfolio that it hosts, these developments may entice more users to switch or stay on Spotifys streaming platform.
Alphabet posted its second highest quarterly capital expenditure figure ever, a princely $7.08 billion, and Chief Financial Officer, Ruth Porat is promising worried investors that theyll be seeing the web giant slow down on spending in the near future. Traffic acquisition costs, meanwhile, sat at $7.44 billion for the quarter. This means that there was a grand total of $14.52 billion for the quarter in major spending, more than one third of the quarters $39.28 billion in total revenue.

This massive spending represents a capex jump of close to $4 billion year-on-year, and is about $1.7 billion higher than last quarter. A figure that accounts for a number of things, including talent costs, resource acquisition and maintenance, as well as research and development costs.

Alphabet and its relative companies have a long history of making vast amounts of money each quarter, and spending large swaths of that in order to ensure that the revenue continues to roll in. While investors didnt seem fond of the high spending, this isnt exactly new territory for Alphabet or Google.

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The tech companys stocks saw a bit of a squeeze following the announcement. The expenditures werent entirely to blame, as there was other areas including earnings per share that failed to meet expectations. The discrepancy between Wall Streets expectations and what Alphabet delivered was small, but it was clearly more than enough to give investors pause. Given Alphabets fairly long history and the astronomical sums of money the company deals in, its not hard to see why its held up to high standards.

Traffic acquisition costs only grew 15-percent year-on-year, as seemingly high as they may have been. The important thing about that growth figure, however, is that it actually trailed growth in advertising revenue, something that hasnt happened for almost three years. Alphabets Other Bets category, including things like Verily and Waymo, meanwhile, managed to net $154 million in revenue for the quarter, only about $30 million shy of analysts expectations. Thats still considered a failure by many metrics, but its not bad for a category that was notorious for hemorrhaging money before.

If Porats promise was in earnest, expect to see Alphabets spending slow down in a meaningful way very soon. Just how it plans to wipe extra spending off the budget is unknown for now, but there are a lot of possibilities. Layoffs and talent acquisition costs are probably foremost in mind, given the current socioeconomic and political climate in both America at large and within Alphabet, but thats actually pretty unlikely; Alphabet spends a lot of time and money to net its talent, and it often takes a real scandal before someone is let go.

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Whats a bit more likely is that the company is going to slow down or perhaps even scale back plans for things like data center expansion, campus expansion, and high-dollar R&D jobs. Other possibilities include executive pay cuts, doubling down on project monetization in order to offset spending, and sunsetting some projects or departments, to name a few. Naturally, all of these are mere possibilities, and nothing is certain just yet.
It seems like Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 may be launching soon after all, as the device has been certified by the National Radio Research Agency (NRRA) in South Korea. This certification, granted, does not reveal any new info about the device, or anything of the sort, but it is yet another confirmation that the device is coming, following the FCC certification well talk about in a minute.

If you take a look at the certification filing down below, you will notice that the model name is listed as GG2, and the company that submitted the documents is Google LLC. The certification date is listed as February 7, which means that the device was certified earlier today. Now, it is worth noting that these smart glasses will only be available for business use, hence the Enterprise Edition addition to their name, so you probably wont be able to buy, as a regular consumer.

Everything We Know Thus Far

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This gadget was spotted at the FCC back in November, and after some digging back then, we were able to find out that the device will include a 3.08Wh 800mAh-rated battery. On top of that, the certification revealed that the glasses will support Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, though only 802.11 a/b/n/ac was tested back then, for some reason. In any case, Bluetooth 5.0 will also be included, which was to be expected, as connectivity will be a huge part of the experience.

About two weeks after the FCC listing, the Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 was spotted at Geekbench with Android 8.1 Oreo, and that is a customized variant of Android 8.1 Oreo, in case you were wondering, as the usage of Android on Google Glass is considerably different, of course.

On top of that, Geekbench reported that the glasses have 3GB of RAM, and are fueled by the Snapdragon 710 64-bit octa-core SoC, which is a 10nm SoC. This processor is usually clocked much higher than 1.21GHz, but for Google Glass purposes, it was clocked at 1.21GHz during that benchmark, and chances are it will sport that same clock speed once Google opts to release it.

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First-Gen Google Glass Enterprise Edition

The first-gen Google Glass for business use was built on the Intel Atom platform, and it sported 2GB of RAM. The original product also packed in 32GB of storage, and it supported both Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 n/ac. A GPS chip was included in that product, and it will be a part of the second-gen model as well. The original product also shipped with a 5-megapixel camera, and a 780mAh battery on the inside. At this point in time, we do not have any information regarding the camera of the second-gen Google Glass Enterprise Edition.

Googles upcoming smart glasses will include an improved camera over the original model, of course, and that pretty much goes for all other aspects of the device as well. Google reportedly has no plans to release these glasses for consumer use, which makes sense, as the first-gen glasses were quite expensive, and barely anyone could justify the expense, not to mention that for general use these glasses cannot compete with smartphones, nor are they ready to be a full-fledged accessory either. For business use, however, they did find its niche, as theyve been used for medical purposes and security purposes, amongst others.
The Samsung Galaxy S10 rumors and leaks are constantly coming in, and the latest leak actually shows off both the Galaxy S10 and S10+ in live photos. If you take a look at the gallery down below, you will be able to see both devices in fairly clear images, from both the front and the back, so theres very little to hide when it comes to the design of these two smartphones. These images come from Twitter, and theres a good chance theyre legit.

As you can see, in the provided images, the only difference between these two phones in terms of the design lies on the front, in their front-facing cameras. The Galaxy S10 includes a single camera in the top-right corner of its display, while the Galaxy S10+ comes with two selfie cameras which are placed in the same spot. Both devices sport three cameras on the back, and those three cameras will be completely identical on both phones.

Now, if you take a look at the picture that shows the front side of the Galaxy S10+, you will be able to see the fingerprint scanning icon on the lock screen, which is more or less a confirmation that the phone will include an in-display fingerprint scanner, even though that was quite obvious thus far. Both the Galaxy S10 and S10+ will include an in-display fingerprint scanner, while the Galaxy S10e will be the only Galaxy S10-branded phone not to include such a sensor, it will ship with a side-facing fingerprint scanner.

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The Prism Black Galaxy S10 is shown in the provided images, while the Pearl White Galaxy S10+ accompanies it. Both phones are made out of metal and glass, and both sport curved displays. The Galaxy S10 will include, according to rumors, a 6.1-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED, curved display, while the Galaxy S10+ will ship with a 6.4-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED, curved display.

If you take a closer look at the provided images, you will be able to notice that a power / lock key is located on the right-hand side of both phones, while the Bixby, volume up, and volume down buttons are included on the left. Both phones include a really thin chin below the display, and both come with Samsungs branding on the back.

One interesting thing about the design of these phones is the position of the power / lock key, as its placed high-up on both phones, for the Galaxy S10 it makes more sense as its a bit smaller than the S10+, but it just seems to be placed too high on the Galaxy S10+ at least it seems like it based on these, and all the other images that leaked, but well see what will it feel like once the two devices become official.

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Early launch gets the worm

Samsung had scheduled its Unpacked event for February 20 in San Francisco, and its pretty obvious that the Galaxy S10 series will be announced at the event, hence debuting even earlier in the year than most of its predecessors did. Samsung is planning to announce the Galaxy S10e, S10, and S10+ handsets there, and a top-of-the-line variant of the Galaxy S10+ will include a ceramic backplate, 5G support, and more RAM than all the other Galaxy S10 models, as it is rumored to ship with 12GB of RAM.

The Galaxy S10e will be the most affordable variant of the Galaxy S10, and it will be the only Galaxy S10-branded device to ship with a flat display, two rear-facing cameras, and a side-facing fingerprint scanner. The Galaxy S10e will also have the smallest display out of the bunch, as it will include a 5.8-inch fullHD+ or QHD+ panel.
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It's time for fools to take a bow. Congratulations Marxists, and complicit members of the GOP. Your commitment to importing large numbers of people from third-world countries is really paying off.

After more than two decades of steady decline in active cases of tuberculosis in America, the trend has now reversed .

CDC stats from 2017 show that 70% of reported cases of TB in the United States was found among non-U.S.-born individuals. Migrants from Mexico accounted for the largest share.

On top of that, we're seeing strains of TB that are multi-drug resistant (MDR). And as dangerous as these strains are, we're seeing even more lethal strains that are extensively drug resistant (XDR).



TB bacteria (via Flickr).

Then there's the issue of screening. Per a Star Tribune report:

Immigrants and refugees are screened for TB and treated before entering the United States. Tourists, students and temporary workers are not screened[.] ... Because TB hits some ethnic and racial groups harder than others, TB patients can face discrimination and social isolation. Public health officials worry about finding ways to target high-risk populations with TB education and treatment without stigmatizing those groups.

Why aren't we testing everyone, and especially those from regions where we know TB is endemic? Come on, folks. Stigma versus public health risk? Common sense, no?

Apparently not.

We'd rather put healthy people at risk lest we offend some foreigner carrying a potentially deadly disease. If someone wants to come here, he'll need to deal with whatever "stigma" he feels when we test him for a contagious and increasingly fatal disease. Geez. You'd think people would be glad to be tested for the sake of their health, the health of their loved ones, and the health of those around them.

But apparently not.

Meanwhile, as you might imagine, treating tuberculosis is labor-intensive and costly. The treatment regimen lasts at least six months, if not longer. Some programs require that health care workers witness patients swallowing every dose of medication and that they monitor them for side-effects. If a patient can't get to a health clinic, the worker goes to wherever the patient resides. All the while, cultural and language barriers present additional challenges.

Then there's the financial cost.

For patients who respond to standard treatment, the cost of treating active TB is about $17,000 per person. For those who have drug-resistant strains, the cost is anywhere from $130,000 to $430,000, depending on how resistant the strain is.

Got that? Taxpayers may shell out nearly half a million dollars to treat one case of a drug-resistant strain of TB.

Then there's the issue of tracking. After folks develop active disease, tracking them is spotty. So if they fall off the radar, oh, well.

And as you probably guessed, no state is immune to this madness, though some regions account for a disproportionately high number of cases.

California, Texas, New York, and Florida (states with the largest number of foreign-born residents) have more than half the active TB cases in the country. Despite California having the largest TB prevention and control program, its infection rate is nearly twice the national average, though that figure is likely higher since about 2.5 million Californians who are infected are unaware they have it.

In addition, data from just a few years ago in Minnesota showed that 26% of all foreign-born cases of TB were Somalis who came here through the "refugee resettlement" program and 20% of these colonizers forced upon the good people of Minnesota tested positive for latent TB (latent TB is not contagious, but it can turn into active TB, which is contagious).

On and on it goes. The same pattern is seen everywhere: an uptick in TB due in large part to an influx of people from impoverished countries (here, here, here, here, here, here, and here).

And if I may take a brief detour, in addition to TB, leprosy is making a comeback, as is chicken pox. We're also seeing cases of flesh-eating bacteria. In addition, CDC data document migrants from Bhutan, Burma, Congo, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, and Central America infected with malaria, hepatitis, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, dengue virus, zika virus, and a wide array of intestinal parasites, among others. And that's just communicable diseases that have been reported in those we know about (here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here).

The impact of this is devastating. Border patrol is on the front line, battling diseases, as its people contend with sick migrants, most of whom aren't vaccinated. Buildings have become infested with scabies. Many of the illegal wannabes showing up with symptoms aren't being quarantined. And our resources are being depleted and misdirected.

Border patrol agents spend tens of thousands of hours transporting sick migrants to urgent care clinics and hospitals, which diverts time and attention from where they belong. Dealing with sick migrants is also impacting local communities who are struggling with limited resources to take care of their own citizens, no less citizens from some other country.

And so I ask: why are these people even in the United States? Why are they on our side of the border? Shouldn't they be on the Mexican side of the border?

Why are we obliged to take care of them? It's a "humanitarian crisis" of their own making. I resent my tax dollars being spent taking care of people who made the choice to drag themselves and their kids on a dangerous journey to enter the United States illegally or make a bogus claim for asylum. Let them figure out how to make their own country better instead of coming here and making ours worse.

We don't need "immigration reform." We need to secure our border and enforce our immigration laws. Why is that so hard?
Talking with Telemundo last night about the speech

As happens often, I was invited to the Dallas Telemundo studios to talk about Trump's State of the Union speech. I'm grateful to the station for letting me share my viewpoints with their large audience. This is what I said:

First, I congratulated President Trump for talking about Venezuela. It may turn out to be the last straw for the Maduro regime. At the moment, Maduro's friends are down to Raul Castro and Evo Morales. I understand that Mexico and Uruguay have decided to sit it out. In reality, this has nothing to do with Maduro, but rather pandering to the left in their countries. All of the heavyweights, from Colombia to Brazil to Chile to Argentina, are calling for Maduro to leave. He will be gone soon! Second, I was very happy to see the president discuss the economy. It is his strongest card. The economy is great, and that's obvious to anyone who wants to look honestly at the situation. The Democrats do not look smart trying to find fault with this or that. Hispanics living in the real world have a better GDP and unemployment rate than they did before. Third, the president spoke about school choice. I've argued that Hispanic families would be the greatest beneficiaries of such a policy. President Trump and the U.S. Senate should force the Democrats to vote against school choice. My guess is that it will be a bridge too far for many of these new Democrats elected in conservative districts. In other words, force Democrats to choose between parents and the teachers unions. Fourth, and last but not least, it's great to hear the president talk about late-term abortion. Abortion is not a winning issue in Hispanic districts. This is why Beto O'Rourke said nothing about his vote in support of abortion after 20 weeks. This is also why you never heard a radio ad in Spanish saying "I'm with Hillary" because she supports Roe v Wade. I'm hoping the Spanish media will finally start asking Democrats to explain their position on abortion, and especially late-term abortion. Overall, a good State of the Union speech. Like most such speeches, it will be largely forgotten as other issues hit the front page. However, I think the president scored big points, as we can see in the polls that spoke positively about the speech. And yes, my late father must be smiling hearing President Trump say the U.S. will never be a socialist country. This is why he and my mom risked so much to bring us to the U.S. P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
Jill Abramson, the former New York Times editor who carries a little plastic Obama doll in her purse for comfort, has written quite a book, trying to describe the news industry the same way the great David Halberstam once did in The Powers that Be in the 1970s. She examines four news outfits, plus Facebook, in an attempt to replicate Halberstam's tome about how the news industry evolved in her new book, titled Merchants of Truth . Her conclusion? Legacy media rule. Upstart media have no value.

Here's the New York Times' generally positive review from Jan. 22:

The episode [Abramson's firing from the New York Times], in more ways than one, set Abramson on a path that would produce "Merchants of Truth," her book examining four news organizations trying to sail through the storm of digital transformation: BuzzFeed, Vice, The Washington Post and The Times. It's partly a memoir and partly a work of investigative reporting. But it's mostly an audit of an industry that has spent much of the past decade wetting its pants in fear of digital technology and then worrying about whether to go to the dry cleaners. And it's a damn good read.

Abramson's pious, pompous, and plummy conclusion? Old ways are best; reporting flourishes when it's left in the hands of the legacy media and, kid you not, its heirs. Any media upstarts challenging this particular press can only be punky little idiots.

She'd get away with this except that one of those punky little idiots at one of the agencies she decried...has found that Abramson, doyenne of the Times and guardian of its claimed values, plagiarized the heck out of other people's work in her book.

VICE contributor Michael C. Moynihan put out an amazing string of ten tweets showing instance after instance. Look at this  I'll include a few, and the rest can be checked out here:

So...Jill Abramson's book has finally hit bookstore shelves. A few weeks ago, reading a galley copy, I noticed an egregious error about my colleague @adrs. She tweeted it out, a shit storm followed, Abramson corrected the mistake.  Michael C Moynihan (@mcmoynihan) February 6, 2019

The following examples from the final booknot the galleyare only from the Vice chapters (I didnt check the others). So lets begin...Here is Abramson on Gavin McInnes (whom she interviewed) and the Ryerson Review of Journalism https://t.co/hx0XcyZ89k pic.twitter.com/qroN59gyVk  Michael C Moynihan (@mcmoynihan) February 6, 2019

This paragraph can be sourced to two places: a *masters thesis* and a 2013 New Yorker piece by Lizzie Widdicombe https://t.co/ZWX5RgKxlahttps://t.co/Ux6gdDO9Qg pic.twitter.com/tSIKyRoKDP  Michael C Moynihan (@mcmoynihan) February 6, 2019

The book ends with a final wag of the finger, reminding me that my colleagues apparently dont possess the expertise to compete on the biggest news stories. If Abramson is the arbiter of ethics & expertise, I think were doing just fine.  Michael C Moynihan (@mcmoynihan) February 6, 2019

Oh man. So what we have is scolding, schoolmarmy "leave the news to us, the professionals," with a side of "we are the upholders of the traditional values," and right out the gate, she gets caught and exposed violating the first rule of journalism, which is not to copy off other people's papers. Basic stuff. Multiple times. As this tweeter put it:

NSS.

The apparent plagiarism, from someone supposedly at the Olympic pinnacle of journalism, using her soapbox to point the bony finger at others for their supposed turpitude, is a doozy.

Plagiarism. That's rule one of news, violated. When I was a student at Columbia Journalism School, I knew of people who were thrown out on the spot for plagiarism. Back then, we learned of some guy who lifted quotes from an interview with a guy named Joseph Papp and tried to pass them off as his own reporting. His problem was that Papp was dead, and the professor, an old-guard Daily News guy, knew that. That was the sort of thing that got no forgiveness at J-school, which booted the kid, and which, by the way, is a place where Abramson occasionally gives lectures.

And, well, here we are. Jill Abramson, vaunted guardian of journalism and its old-school values, getting called out by one of the upstarts, catching her out so very fast in this age of Google. Moynihan used new media's natural advantage to pretty well tell us what's wrong with the legacy media.

And don't think I'm overstating this when I say that Abramson had contempt for the new upstart media.

NPR pretty well destroyed Abramson with this, first citing what she wrote:

"Most of the on-air talent was very young and had scant experience; only three had ever reported on camera before. What they had was 'the look.' They were diverse: just about every race and ethnicity and straight, gay, queer, and transgender. They were impossibly hip, with interesting hair."

...and then adding this:

Not only is this framing dismissive and cruel, it also shows that she doesn't understand that diversity is one of the biggest advantages of Internet media. Young people do and should expect journalists to look like the people they write for. Abramson's snide tone also contrasts sharply with the way she writes about journalists who have a different "advantage"  family ties. "[T]he news was in his blood," she writes of one editor with an editor father. The book concludes with a hopeful line about the newest Sulzberger, a baby girl, who is held up, Simba-like, as the heir to the fight for truth: "This sixth-generation Sulzberger would be reared with the values necessary to be both a guardian and a merchant of truth." This dismissal of new and diverse talent in favor of the establishment makes it clear which group of people Abramson sees as her natural allies.

Now she's got a publishing disaster on her hands, explaining why her plagiarism isn't plagiarism, and rest assured, she's not persuasive:

She doesn't even justify herself well  she only insists she's not a plagiarist, and she hasn't "looked at" the VICE reporter's charges in what looks like a hope that the whole thing will go away. Her publisher put out this one, suggesting it's a matter of footnoting:

Simon and Schuster stupidly paid a million dollars for this disastrous book. If these obvious examples of plagiarism arent enough and they require more examples of egregious mistakes and secondary source...ummm...cribbing, Ill happily provide them. https://t.co/DbV3dkgjni  Michael C Moynihan (@mcmoynihan) February 7, 2019

And the Times delicately noted in its Jan. 22 piece that there seemed to be a spot of bother, not mentioning any plagiarism:

[A] number of former Vice employees have claimed on social media that there are errors in her text.

Um, plagiarism is kind of a big one. Any questions as to why the public is convinced the media are untrustworthy?
Moreno gained national prominence back in 2013, when he tried to prevent the opening of a Chick-fil-A store in the Logan Park neighborhood of Chicago, in his ward because of its alleged opposition to redefining marriage. He backed down but claimed a win, as the Chicago Tribune dryly noted:

I am having a hard time coming up with sympathy for Chicago's First Ward alderman, Proco "Joe" Moreno, whose district includes the hip and fashionable Wicker Park neighborhood. Moreno, who claimed to be the youngest person ever to be elected to the City Council, is the so-called "hipster" alderman and serially embraces fashionable causes. Until now, he has gotten plenty of love from the media (see this published list of "Proco Joe Moreno's Favorite Hipster Bars," for instance).

A Chicago alderman who made national headlines during the summer for opposing a Chick-fil-A in his increasingly trendy Northwest Side ward has reversed course, saying he will let the fast-food chain open a store in Logan Square. Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno, 1st, said the restaurant has agreed to include a statement of respect for all sexual orientations in an internal document and promised that its not-for-profit arm would not contribute money to groups that oppose gay marriage. Though Moreno said he scored a "big win," the company made nearly identical pledges in a July 19 Facebook post that went up even before Moreno took issue with Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy's opposition to gay marriage [sic]. The statement of respect also falls short of Moreno's goal of adding language opposing discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people to the company's employee handbook. Moreno said the statement will be included in a memo called "Chick-fil-A: Who We Are" to be distributed to all corporate employees and restaurant operators. The alderman said the memo will state the company's commitment to "treat every person with honor, dignity and respect  regardless of their beliefs, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender." It also would state that it is the company's "intent ... not to engage in political or social debates." Company officials did not respond to repeated requests to confirm Moreno's assertions about the document or the foundation's donation policies.

But now Moreno has shot himself in the foot and is under police investigation. The Chicago Tribune reports:

Chicago police are investigating whether Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno filed a false report last month when he told police his car was stolen from his Wicker Park home, authorities said Tuesday. Moreno, 1st, reported to police on Jan. 4 that he returned home from a trip to find that the vehicle, a leased black 2016 Audi A6 sedan, was missing from his property and that no one else had access to the vehicle, police said. Police located the car early Monday when they saw a woman driving it and initially charged her with misdemeanor trespass to a motor vehicle, authorities confirmed. But the woman, 35-year-old Liliya Hrabar, told the Tribune on Tuesday that Moreno, whom she said she dates on and off, let her use the car. Cook County prosecutors dropped the charge against Hrabar on Tuesday, the state's attorney's office confirmed, and police opened an investigation into the possibility of a false report. ... Hrabar told the Tribune in a phone interview Tuesday that she was in shock when police pulled her over and said she was driving a stolen vehicle. She said Moreno allowed her to use the car because hers was ruined in a crash months before.

WGN-TV notes that Ms. Hrabar spent a night in jail, and seems a bit upset:

She spent the night in jail and has been charged with a misdemeanor after police arrested her driving the alderman's Audi this week. But she provided WGN with photos and text messages. They appear to show Moreno telling her to come pick up the car in early January, one day before he reported it stolen. Even after he filed that police report, Moreno continued friendly and flirtatious banter with the woman promising to see her more after the election. Here's what Moreno told WGN's Meghan Dwyer Monday night: Moreno: "Again it was a miscommunication with a person that I dated and uh is a friend of mine." Dwyer: "Why did you report that your car was stolen?" Moreno: "There was a misunderstanding that she had it for longer than she wanted to and I had a hard time getting ahold of her so that was the only reason that I needed to." Moreno also told WGN: "There were calls that I wanted to have the car back so I got the car back. She's fine. She's a single mom who I'm trying to help out. You know, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

What a guy! Always looking out of the little people. Moreno, it should be noted, was married in 2013. Here is his announcement of his engagement:

It's official: the "hipster' alderman" is about to be hitched. Ald. Joe Moreno (1st) announced on his Facebook page Friday that later in the day he will be getting married "to the most inspiring, beautiful and opinioned person I've ever known. She brings out the best in me, and every day I feel lucky to know her." Moreno is marrying Celena Roldan, executive director of Erie Neighborhood House, a nonprofit organization in West Town that provides education and housing programs to area families and youths.

Ms. Roldan certainly seems like a nice woman, as pictured on Moreno's Facebook page in 2013:

So Ald. Moreno was "dating" a woman and "forgot" that he loaned his car to her. That's plausible...when it comes to Chicago politics, you can't be too cynical. Municipal elections are coming this month, and my bet is that the "hipster alderman" is returned to office. But will the Chicago cops and prosecutors let him off the hook? When it comes to Chicago politics...
Does Warren believe she can apologize her way to the White House? On the basis of her public actions, it would appear so, for she still has scheduled a formal announcement of her presidential campaign on Saturday but spent yesterday apologizing. For her colleagues in the Democratic Party, that is a nightmare.

The long knives of the Left are unsheathed for Elizabeth Warren, who is damaging not just her own reputation and political future, but that of the entire Democratic Party, which has embraced the very identity politics she has discredited.

As readers already know, the Washington Post obtained (from oppo researchers of another Dem running for president, for instance Kamala Harris?) a copy of her 1986 registration card for the Texas Bar in which she appears to have written in her own hand that her "race" is "American Indian."

This came only a couple of days after her latest apology to representatives of the Cherokee Nation, during which even the Warren-friendly Boston Globe noted that "[she] chose not to immediately explain to the public what the apology was for."

The rival Boston Herald, as anti-Warren as the Globe is pro-, editorializes:

The Texas state bar application, in which Warren lists herself as an "American Indian" is hard proof that Elizabeth Warren has infused a false narrative into transactions that have been pivotal to her professional ascendance throughout her adult life. Her success cannot be uncoupled from her professed identity, which was purported to be true but was not.

She's in deep trouble now because she not only falsely appropriated a minority identity and during a frenzy over the lack of minority hiring at Harvard Law School gained a tenured slot as the school's first Naive American faculty member, but also recently lied about never using a claim to Native American heritage. William A. Jacobson notes at Legal Insurrection:

FLASHBACK: In March 2018, @SenWarren discussed her Native American heritage on #MTP and said she "never used it for anything. Never got any benefits from it anywhere."



Full interview: https://t.co/tFFRHdQRwh pic.twitter.com/5yExQ0tXg2  Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) February 6, 2019

It's pretty clear that when leftist outlets like the Washington Post and NBC News actively release damaging information about Warren, they are trying to get her to drop out. The journalism division of the Democrats has its ling knives in use. She is a walking billboard for the phony and arbitrary way in which racist preferences, also known as "identity politics," give unwarranted advantages to people based on immutable characteristics they were born with that have nothing to do with actual merit  and which can be faked for years and years.

Last night on Tucker Carlson's show, the Herald's Howie Carr laid out the process by which Warren tested out her lie (Carr appropriately calls it "grift") about her heritage (video below):

[W]e're starting to find out the outlines of this grift. Like a small-time criminal starts with shoplifting. She starts with the cookbook, the plagiarized recipes. Now she files the application with the Texas bar. Nobody calls her out on it. So, she just keeps upping the ante, a year later she puts in that she's an Indian in the law school directory. And she's suddenly at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard making major wampum for many moons. She's done now. She's announcing her candidacy on Saturday and then to seven states. She apologized nine times today in that press conversation. Four minutes, nine times she used the word apology. She has a better chance of being president of the Cherokee nation than president of the United States.

For my part, I urge Senator Warren to continue her embarrassing quest and keep apologizing for revealing how successful race fraud can be in the gullible quarters of the Ivy League. The feminist motto, "Nevertheless, she persisted" could be her campaign slogan.
Donald Trump all but announced one of his major themes for his 2020 re-election campaign during his State of the Union speech that had Republicans cheering and Democrats fidgeting nervously in their seats.

The most remarkable moment in President Trump's speech on the Union's state was, by our lights at least, his declaration in respect of socialism. He set up the haymaker with the vow that Americans "stand with the Venezuelan people in their noble quest for freedom." He marked how the Maduro regime's "socialist policies" have turned the South American land into "a state of abject poverty and despair." "Here, in the United States, we are alarmed by new calls to adopt socialism in our country," Mr. Trump declared. And then the already famous words: "America," the President said, "was founded on liberty and independence  not government coercion, domination, and control. We are born free, and we will stay free." Most of the congresspersons reacted by leaping to their feet in applause. Not, however, all of them. The Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, clapped briefly during the President's point about Venezuela. She stayed seated, through, with her jaw set. Most of her caucus took the cue. The cameras caught the socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, sitting glumly. It caught Senator Bernie Sanders, who's weighing another run, running his hand over his face. Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, a defender of President Maduro, was later quoted by the Hill as reckoning the president was using scare tactics. "I think he's scared," Ms. Ocasio-Cortez said. "He sees that everything is closing in on him and he knows that he's losing the battle of public opinion." Our guess is that the Mr. Trump [sic] knows what he said and plans to use the footage in the next presidential campaign.

Trump doesn't have to use scare tactics against Ocasio-Cortez and a large slice of the Democratic Party who wish to impose socialism on the U.S. These self-admitted socialists can't defend themselves rationally because they know that Trump is right.

Here's a tweet sent by Bernie Sanders after the speech that illustrates perfectly the socialist's political dilemma.

Trump said tonight, We are born free, and we will stay free.



I say to Trump: People are not truly free when they cant afford health care, prescription drugs, or a place to live. People are not free when they cannot retire with dignity or feed their families. #SOTU  Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 6, 2019

Note that in order to respond to Trump, Sanders had to redefine the word "free." Now the American people need to be "truly free"  which means a total transformation of the American economy and society.

Trump's campaign theme to tar all Democrats with the socialist label will work for a variety of reasons. While younger voters  1829  actually prefer socialism to capitalism, the rest of the nation remains totally unconvinced. And Trump's base of supporters is far more enthusiastic about defending capitalism than Democrats are in pushing socialism.

Another reason Trump playing the socialism card will work is that he will be allowed to define his opponents  up to 20 of them  any way he wishes. Imagine Trump attack ads scoring the Democratic Party as the party of socialism and late-term abortions. Whichever Democrat emerges from the primary scrum will already have those issues hanging around his neck. Needless to say: advantage, Trump.

Democrats won't talk about socialism openly. They will talk about "community." They will seek to redefine terms, just as Sanders did. But Trump has been blessed politically with the perfect illustration of the socialism menace. Venezuela will still be in chaos in two years, and Trump will use it as a primary example of what lies in store for America if we elect a Democrat president.
The Progessives and Your Money

First things first. Theyre no longer Democrats. Democrats are so yesterday, so obsolete, so unrepresentative of current liberal thought. JFK was a Democrat and he believed in a strong military, cutting taxes and confronting worldwide evil from an absolutist -- not relative -- vantage point. Thats all so wrong. We need a more enlightened approach, one that benefits from the knowledge weve gained in the 60 years since JFK. Were progressed so far. Thats it -- well call ourselves Progressives. And now, just when we need it the most, the Progressive Party has several new faces poised to lead the way and show the country the path we need to take in order to fulfill our societys promise of greatness, a greatness that can finally be shared equally by all.

There are so many inequities waiting to be solved: blatantly unfair, inconsistent access to healthcare, a college educational system that inflicts outrageously crippling, life-long financial burdens on students, employment opportunities that are still shamefully skewed towards white males of European decent, and of course, the crisis of Climate Change, which is a veritable Gordian Knot of environmentally-sinful practices and social injustices. Thankfully, Progressive solutions for all of these societal problems exist in the form of new, innovative, effective government programs -- such as the Green New Deal -- policies that will reorder the most harmful structures of American society once and for all, removing underserved privilege and replacing it with fairness and social justice. These lifesaving new policies need just one thing in order to be implemented: money. And the required money is easy to find -- it exists in the form of ill-gotten, undeserved conservative wealth. All that needs to happen is to tap that wealth in the form of long-overdue taxes, then redistribute it appropriately, and Americas problems will be permanently solved. First-year Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wants to increase the top marginal tax rate above $10 million -- the tippy-top in her ultra-sophisticated financial-speak -- to 70% from the current 37%. Not to be outdone, another first-year Congresswoman (Ilhan Omar D-MN) feels that 90% is the appropriate figure. And the estimable Senior Senator from MA, Elizabeth Warren, is proposing a wealth tax, a tax that would be levied on individuals simply because they own assets in excess of $50 million. It would be like an automobile excise tax or a residential property tax, but instead, it would tax all the assets a person has in their possession. The scary thing is that some polls (like this one from the left-leaning Politico) actually show the public is not opposed to this and may actually favor it to some degree. Progressives like Kamala Harris shroud this approach with virtuous, principled-sounding phrases like, The wealthy need to pay their fair share, Everyone should play by the same rules, and they often cite implementing something called the Buffet Rule -- a minimum 30% tax on anyone earning over a million dollars, so Warren Buffets secretary doesnt pay a higher percentage in taxes than a billionaire. (In fact, the 1%-ers pay more than their fair share -- they earn only 20% of all income but pay 35% of all income tax! Fair share, indeed!) As any first-year, peach-fuzz accounting freshman can tell you, the capital gains taxes levied on corporations and individuals like Buffet are taxes on investment profits -- investment profits that come from corporations or individuals after theyve already paid their income tax on either their salary or the regular company operating profits. In other words, capital gains taxes are double taxes -- taxes on profits made by investments from money that has already been taxed. No amount of taxation on the rich is going to pay for socialized medicine (conservatively estimated at $32 trillion over 10 years) or eliminate the debt (currently $22 trillion). The rich currently pay about a third of all U.S. income taxes, or around $600 billion. If we doubled their taxes, it would only amount to a tick over $1 trillion a year -- nowhere near enough to cover Medicare For Alls annual cost estimate of $3.2 trillion, nor be able to cover the estimated $1 trillion in additional government debt. The rich employ a huge chunk of American workers. Remove their incentive to continue working by hitting them with ultra-high taxes and you succeed in accomplishing only one thing -- hurting employment. Taxing the rich simply wont work. Its safe to assume that some Democrats know this. Nancy Pelosi quite obviously knows this, since her family has made a fortune in profits from the winery business, operated for years under the unrelentingly harsh rules of free-market competition. They know all about capital gains, finding legal tax shelters, minimizing their expenses, maximizing their revenue, etc. In other words, they know how to run a successful business. Elizabeth Warren does not have the same first-hand business knowledge as Nancy Pelosi. Warrens bleatings -- You didnt build this! Billionaires are immoral! -- are equal parts disingenuous and ignorant, whereas Pelosis denunciation of high individual wealth leading to economic inequity is 100% double-standard fast-talking on her part. Socialist heroines Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar likely have zero real-world experience in leading a private company, understanding the difficulty of making a profit, meeting a payroll or managing a company budget and making the decisions required to keep the company afloat. Progressive Socialists of their ilk have no understanding whatsoever about the nature of free-market economics, how companies actually operate, what enables a private company to be profitable, and then to expand and hire additional workers. But what of their strategy to simply tax the rich? Why wont that work? Apart from the inescapable factual/mathematical conclusion that no amount of taxation will eliminate -- or even meaningfully close -- our long-term budget debt crisis or pay for socialized medicine, what the current crop of Progressive Socialists dont understand is the concept of economic elasticity. They obviously regard the rich and the corporations as static, immoveable, ever-constant objects, whose income and assets are permanent and there to be taxed to whatever degree the government wishes. The Progressive Socialists and their advisors apparently think the richs income is inelastic -- i.e., not subject to change in changing circumstances. Its not inelastic. Quite the opposite -- its very elastic. That income will shift and move and disappear the more the Progressives try to go after it. Corporations will shift more and more of their profit-producing operations to locales beyond the reach of U.S. income tax laws. Wealthy individuals will find more and more tax havens and loopholes to avoid payment. Enterprising entrepreneurs will be disincentivized by onerous taxation and never become wealthy in the first place. Many individuals and companies will simply retire or close up shop, weary of the chase, and then those fat, juicy taxable assets evaporate into nothingness. This is the folly of punitive taxation, when done primarily for vote-glomming reasons of appearing to be fair. It reduces the net tax take and hurts the economy, especially the middle class. The overriding question is whether these socialist Progressives like AOC (impressive -- she already has an unmistakably-recognizable three-letter nickname after just two months in Congress. Certainly a record.), Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris actually know how blatantly false the economic hooey is that they spout, or whether theyre so strikingly ignorant of basic economics and financial matters that they actually believe what theyre saying is accurate. Either way, for people who want their kids to have good jobs and live a nice life, its both frightening and dangerous. Whether Progressives are intentionally deceiving voters about economic matters or whether theyre just stupid, Progressive economics will change this country forever. It will wreck it.
The Democratic Party and the Decline of the Vital Center

As the Democratic field of candidates proliferates, the traditional liberal center of the Democratic party must be watching with horror. The current group of candidates appears intent on securing office by promising the electorate an unending supply of public goods ranging from free education to free medical care: goods that cannot be delivered without a massive increase in both the deficit and the national debt. And those outcomes would sink the nations economy. The American electorate is basically centrist. The voters are not naive when it comes to the granting of public goods. Theyve experienced the promises of ObamaCare and its reality. There is a difference between the public goods that are promised and those that are delivered.

Americans can look across the globe at the collapse of socialist economies. And while the oft-mentioned socialist economies of the Scandinavian countries with their large safety nets, are held up by self-proclaimed socialists as examples of what America should be, those examples are as meaningless as former President Obamas promises about keeping your doctor and getting a reduction in your health insurance premiums. Venezuela is a socialist country, but the Scandinavian countries are not. They are free-market economies where the means of production are privately owned. In recent years, they have adopted more free market solutions while seeing their extended and costly safety nets as being of questionable viability. Norways social largess, for example, is a consequence of North Sea oil. As the oil declines so too will the sustainable safety net. The prime minister of Denmark conspicuously chose to remind Americans, during the 2016 campaign, that Denmark is not a socialist country. The great American ideological divide is a constant theme in newscasts and the popular political literature. The Democratic candidates have embraced that theme in their campaigns to the point of stumbling over each other as to who will tax the rich more and who will give out more free stuff. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, for example, wants to go beyond raising tax rates to taxing wealth or more accurately confiscating property. On a day when breaking economic news could not have been better, Democratic presidential hopeful Cory Booker characterized the economy as if we were back in the recession of 2008 and how his leadership would change the system. The palpable irony of his statements seemed lost on Booker as his sound bites were being destroyed by the chyron at the bottom of the television screen. Despite the hype about an increasingly polarized America and the Democratic presidential hopefuls pandering to it, academic research using the American National Election Survey, the gold standard for empirical studies on the issue, tells us that the American electorate is not particularly ideological and clusters near the center on opinions. The normal curve that characterized the ideological preferences of the American electorate so much in evidence in Anthony Downs classic, An Economic Theory of Democracy, written over half a century ago, is still true. As Downs noted, the more a candidate moves toward the ideological extremes, the more the candidate loses from the vital and dominant center. The Democratic candidates have mistaken the partys new-found love of socialism with the electorate. What it takes to win the Democratic primary is not what it takes to win an election. To be competitive in the national election, the Democrats must field a candidate who not only can win in the primaries but appeal to a national electorate that does not share its progressive ideology. The media finds the new face of the Democratic Party newsworthy, but what plays in New York or San Francisco does not play in fly-over country. Part of the Democrats new face is its Hamas chorus in the Congress, which disseminates almost daily hateful comments about Jews and Israel. This garners a lot of media attention and is characteristic of the new face of the progressive-wing of the Democratic Party, but if the Democrats lose 25% of the Jewish vote and corresponding campaign contributions, they are in difficult circumstances. Jews make up 2% of the population and 50% of the contributions to the Democratic Party. About 70% of the Jewish vote goes to the Democratic presidential candidate. The oft-mentioned requiem for Jews voting Democratic that has been on the political radar since the candidacy of Ronald Reagan has not occurred. But prior Democratic candidates have not had to deal with the persistent anti-Semitism of Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, and the confused relationship Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has with the Jews. She bounces between showcasing her Sephardic heritage while supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel and calling for Israels extinction. As the progressive wing of the Democratic Party moves from being less than pro-Israel to being actively anti-Israel, it becomes harder for Jews to ignore that the party line is changing, just as it is more difficult for the rest of America to ignore the crackpot economic theories of the Democratic hopefuls. This is why the Democrats will need to field a mainstream candidate who can rescue the party from itself. The question is whether any Democrat who can appeal to a broad-based, nonideological electorate can win the Democratic nomination. Even if that happens, the electorate is predisposed to vote its pocketbook, something that makes Donald Trump a formidable opponent.
For decades, Democrats have dehumanized the unborn and argued against protecting the most innocent and helpless among us, even when they escaped death in their mothers' wombs. In order to further their wicked sexual agenda, Democrats at the highest levels have taken some of the most radically gruesome views of life in the womb. No less than Barack Obama took a position on children who survived abortion that can be described only as infanticide.

When it comes to the most significant moral issues of our time, no one should be surprised by immoral actions of modern liberals. You can be saddened, shocked, angry, disgusted, and the like, but you should not be surprised. This is certainly true when it comes to the issue of even infanticide.

Obama, while a member of the Illinois state Senate, opposed multiple versions of an Illinois bill that mirrored the federal Born-Alive Infants Protection Act (BAIPA). According to National Right to Life, BAIPA was essentially "a simple two-paragraph proposal  [that] established ... for all federal law purposes, any baby who was entirely expelled from his or her mother, and who showed any of the specified signs of life, was to be regarded as a legal person for however long he or she lived, and that this applied whether or not the birth was the result of an abortion or of spontaneous premature labor."

In 2000, the original BAIPA was passed by the U.S. House by a vote of 380 to 15. This occurred in spite of opposition by the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL). Even staunch pro-abortion leaders, such as Jerrold Nadler, ignored the NARAL position and supported BAIPA. This version of BAIPA was later killed in the Senate by an objection to unanimous consent.

In 2001, the Illinois Legislature took up a bill patterned after the federal BAIPA. Obama voted against this bill in committee. On the floor of the Illinois Senate, he later gave the only speech against the bill, saying, "I mean, it  it would essentially bar abortions, because the equal protection clause does not allow somebody to kill a child, and if this is a child, then this would be an antiabortion statute." Because, of course, we need the "equal protection clause" to tell us we shouldn't kill our children.

Obama finally, and "boldly," voted "present" on the bill, which had the same effect as voting "no." The bill passed the Illinois Senate but died in a House committee. The scene pretty much repeated itself in 2002, this time with Obama voting "no."

In 2002, a "neutrality clause" was added to the federal BAIPA. This clause basically said that, as far as federal law was concerned, legal protection could not be conferred upon a human being prior to being "born alive." This effectively protected Roe. The bill unanimously passed both houses of Congress and was signed into law by President Bush in 2002.

Obama is on the record saying he would have supported the Illinois bill had it contained the neutrality clause. In October of 2004, the Chicago Tribune reported, "Obama said that had he been in the U.S. Senate two years ago, he would have voted for the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act[.]" However, in 2003, the exact language of the federal neutrality clause was added to the Illinois bill, making it virtually identical to the federal BAIPA. In March of 2003, Obama chaired an Illinois Senate committee and led the Democrats on that committee to kill the amended bill.

In attempting to blunt the extremism of his abortion record, Obama stated time and again that the lack of a neutrality clause was all that was preventing him from supporting the Illinois bill. When he was called out on the matter, Obama accused individuals and institutions of lying about his record. His campaign later had to admit that his critics were correct about his voting record.

Obama's radical  evil  position on infants born alive was widely reported on in the pro-life media. There was even audio of him making his case! Obama's position was described as infanticide prior to his presidential re-election bid in 2012. He not only won two presidential elections with such evil positions on life, but was so emboldened that once Obamacare became the law of the land, then President Obama instructed his Department of Health and Human Services to issue its notorious contraception and abortifacient mandate.

As David French noted at the time, "[t]his is who Barack Obama is. There is no reason to be surprised by this. He is not being pulled to extremes by his base  he is the one doing the pulling." Obama pulled, and along came New York governor Mario Cuomo, Virginia governor Ralph Northam, and Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo. On infanticide, each of these Democrat governors has picked up where Obama left off.

It seems clear that what immoral Democrats in New York passed and what immoral democrats in Virginia and Rhode Island are proposing all violate the federal Born Alive Infants Protection Act. However, as Operation Rescue points out:

Some have postulated that with New York's new abortion law, crimes committed by late-term abortionist and convicted murderer Kermit Gosnell will now be legal in New York. He was convicted of first-degree murder on three counts of snipping the spinal cords of living newborns who survived abortions at his Philadelphia "House of Horrors" clinic. That may well be the case. The Federal Born Alive Infant Protection Act of 2002 mandates that babies born alive during abortions must be cared for as patients. Unfortunately, that act has no enforcement clause, meaning there is no criminal or civil penalty for violating it. Even Kermit Gosnell could not be charged with breaking that law.

The proposed Rhode Island bill, co-sponsored by state senator Gayle L. Goldin and Rep. Edith H. Ajello, would, as LifeNews notes, "strip away even minor, common-sense abortion regulations." LifeNews continues:

The bill appears to allow restrictions for late-term abortions, but it adds a broad "health" exception for abortions after viability. The exception would allow women to abort unborn babies up to nine months of pregnancy for basically any "health" reason, including "age, economic, social and emotional factors," a definition given by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case Doe v. Bolton. Ajello described protections for unborn babies as "insidiously restrictive, harmful and patriarchal reproductive laws." Her bill would even repeal the state partial-birth abortion ban and fetal homicide law, which provides justice to pregnant mothers whose unborn babies are killed by abusive partners, drunken drivers or others whose illegal actions cause the death of the unborn baby.

Do you remember our partial-birth abortion debate? With 281 House votes (65%), including 63 Democrats, and 64 Senate votes, including 17 Democrats, and President Bush's signature, in 2003, the federal partial-birth abortion ban became law. Twice Bill Clinton vetoed similar bills, and while a partial-birth abortion ban was finally being passed at the federal level, state senator Barack Obama was opposing the Illinois version.

When he arrived in the U.S. Senate, Obama denounced the U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 decision to uphold the ban. In the months prior to the 2008 U.S. presidential election, then-candidate Barack Obama said, "The first thing I'll do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA)." FOCA, as co-sponsor Barbara Boxer described it, "supersedes any law, regulation or local ordinance that impinges on a woman's right to choose."

As Rich Lowry described FOCA in Politico:

The act would enshrine in federal law a right to abortion more far-reaching than in Roe v. Wade and eliminate basically all federal and state-level restrictions on abortion. This isn't a point its supporters contest; it's one they brag about. The National Organization for Women says it would "sweep away hundreds of anti-abortion laws [and] policies."

Look for the next Democrat nominee for POTUS to make a pledge similar to Obama's. Whether Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, Andrew Cuomo, or another, it seems that all of the candidates seeking to replace Barack Obama at the head of the Democratic Party will continue his wicked war on the unborn.

Trevor Grant Thomas: At the Intersection of Politics, Science, Faith, and Reason.

www.trevorgrantthomas.com

Trevor is the author of the The Miracle and Magnificence of America.

tthomas@trevorgrantthomas.com
They describe it as "a massive cavity" that "has been discovered growing in an Antarctic glacier, signaling rapid ice decay that has shocked scientists." It's growing at an "explosive rate" beneath the Thwaites Glacier, they anxiously report.

CNN is breathless over a "Gigantic hole two-thirds the size of Manhattan discovered in Antarctic glacier." I'm sure the reporters wish the hole actually were in Manhattan and included Trump Tower, but alas, the hole is far away from their nemesis, the president.

CNN's primary concern is that the melting glacier will flood the world, including its television studios. How big is this "massive cavity"?

It's just a small hole within a glacier the size of Florida. Manhattan is about 23 square miles, so a hole two thirds the size of Manhattan would be almost 16 square miles. Yes, a hole is three-dimensional, and surface area is two-dimensional, but I'm simply trying to create perspective.

By comparison, Florida is 65,755 square miles. The hole in the glacier is about 0.01 percent of the entire glacier, and the water released from the melt will not even be measurable in the ocean. But CNN won't let that minor point interfere with its doomsday prognostications.

Not only CNN, but its other media brethren are also in a panic over this news. The Hill reports a similar story, as does CBS News. The only explanation offered in any of the articles is climate change  just as climate change was blamed for the polar vortex and recent cold spell in the Upper Midwest.

Media mavens attribute everything bad in the world to climate change. Forbes believes that climate change caused ISIS. Obesity is also blamed on climate change.

Why aren't the journalistic sleuths thinking beyond their preprogrammed left-wing talking points? What else might be causing holes in the Antarctic glaciers?

I wonder if CNN ever considered volcanoes as the cause of glacial melting. The network's cousins across the pond at The Guardian did. They reported that scientists recently discovered 91 new volcanoes below the Antarctic ice sheet. This is in addition to 47 already known volcanoes.

How many more volcanoes might be hidden below miles-thick ice? As technology improves, more than the 140 known volcanoes may be discovered.

The Antarctica.eu website, readily available to CNN, provides some actual science, rather than Al Gore-style arm-waving.

First, "[t]he Thwaites Glacier is largely based well below sea level, as is the case for large parts of the West Antarctic ice shield." This means that the glacier has already displaced water equivalent to its weight, if floating on the water, or its volume if still attached to the land. This is why an ice cube in a glass of water doesn't raise the water level in the glass as it melts.

In other words, the current sea level already reflects the presence of the glacier in the sea, and the water level won't rise or fall depending on the solid or liquid state of the glacier below sea level.

It also happens that the Thwaites Glacier sits over an area of volcanoes. The Independent reports, "Chemical data from water samples revealed an active source of volcanic heat beneath the Pine Island glacier, which is the fastest-melting glacier in the entire region." The Pine Island and Thwaites Glaciers are neighbors and flow together into the sea.

Melting of glaciers at their edges, meaning at the ocean, could be due to warmer ocean water. But not the melting occurring at the glacier base, which is where the Manhattan-sized hole was found.

As the Antarctica.eu website describes it:

The Thwaites Glacier is accordingly losing large volumes of ice due to melting at its base. The geothermal heat flux is not influenced by climate changes, as opposed to melting that takes place near the coast, in the contact zone with sea water which is getting increasingly warmer.

It seems that volcanic activity, not SUVs or toxically masculine backyard grilling, is causing the hole in the glacier. How long have volcanoes been around? Longer than people or animals. They have always been a part of the Earth, whose crust floats on liquid magma, which occasionally burps to the surface in the form of an erupting volcano.

As the scientists describe it:

The glacier sits on something more like a multi-burner stovetop with burners putting out heat at different levels at different locations. ... And then you plop the most critical dynamically unstable ice sheet on planet Earth in the middle of this thing, and then you try to model it. It's virtually impossible.

Another common theme arises: unpredictability. Whether glaciers or climate, there are too many variables and too much uncertainty to create accurate models or make predictions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change explains why. "The climate system is a coupled non-linear chaotic system, and therefore the long-term prediction of future climate states is not possible."

This won't stop CNN and other media from claiming to have all the answers and giving credence to Al Gore and Alexandria Occasional-Cortex and their doomsday predictions of how many years we have left before Planet Earth melts or explodes.

Science is the process of observing natural phenomena, formulating a hypothesis, to explain the phenomenon, then testing the hypothesis against future events.

Unfortunately, climate science has become the opposite, starting with a conclusion, then fudging the evidence to support the conclusion  just as Special Counsel Robert Mueller is doing with the Russia investigation.

Mueller's approach is from Beria: "Show me the man, and I'll show you the crime." Climate science has become "Show me a natural event, and I'll find a way to blame it on global warming."

How refreshing if CNN and other media organizations could take an objective look at a natural phenomenon, do a few minutes of research, and then report facts, not conjecture, acknowledging what is known and even more importantly what is not known.

Brian C Joondeph, M.D., MPS is a Denver-based physician and writer. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
McNeese State University is partnering with local high schools to offer a new program and scholarship aimed at recruiting male teachers of color. Call Me Mister will begin in the universitys education department this fall offering scholarships to men of color interested in elementary educ
Lake Charles  Last night at approximately 11:00 p.m. the Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Office received a call in reference to a man in the roadway near the intersection of Opelousas Street and Ange Street in Lake Charles.
Ten journalists were killed in the deadliest attack on Afghanistans media since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, underscoring the dangers faced by the media as the war-torn country slips deeper into violence.
The country that they knew growing up seems to be changing for the worse in their eyes.
The Lake Worth City Commission passed a resolution, 4-0, Tuesday night urging all members of the Florida legislature to support the Florida Inclusive Workforce Act.

FIWA would protect the LGBT community from workplace discrimination by adding sexual orientation and gender identity to Floridas Civil Rights Act.

We stand strongly behind the [LGBT] community

We embrace all people, said Andy Amoroso, the gay Vice Mayor of Lake Worth. We need to support every bill going forward that can protect our rights.

The Palm Beach County Human Rights Council applauded the citys efforts.

We can always rely on the Lake Worth City Commission to do anything they can to move LGBT equality forward, said Rand Hoch, president and founder of the PBCHRC.

The Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, State Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), introduced the bill giving LGBT activists hope it would have a chance at passing.

Opponents of the bill include the anti-LGBT organization, the Florida Family Policy Council, as well as Equality Florida, the statewide LGBT rights group.

The FFPC believes, if passed, it would infringe upon Christians religious freedom. Meanwhile Equality Florida believes the bill does not far enough since it only covers workplace discrimination. The bill does not include housing and public accommodations.

Visit SFGN.com/FIWAfor more coverage from SFGN.
In recent times it seems entirely impossible to find adults reading, much less children.

Compass Youth Group is doing their due diligence to decrease those issues in Palm Beach County with its version of Drag Story Time. The event was hosted at the quaint and eclectic Book Cellar, in the heart of Lake Worth.

We recently noticed an influx of trans and gender-non-confirming youth coming to Compass, and we wanted to have an event that demonstrated to them the inclusion and acceptance of gender fluidity and non-conformity in our community, mentioned Rex Barnes, Youth Program Coordinator for Compass. Our group was thrilled at the turnout of the first story time, and hope for similar crowds for the next three in the event series.

Drag Story Time is open to the public, in addition to being open to all ages. The inaugural guest reader was spider queen Charlotte Shotgun. "I felt completely honored to be the first person to do something like this in our county. You see it on TV and online all the time but never in our area, Charlotte said.

"Its one of the first books I bought growing up, Charlotte declared. "I read Charlottes Web because thats where I got my name and aesthetic from. My love for spiders developed after reading it! Charlotte read the first chapter in addition to gracing the crowd with a performance.

LGBT activist Michelle Tea and literacy company Radar productions created drag story time in 2015. One of the first sessions occurred in San Francisco. According to a recent article from USA today, there have been several cities that have spoken out against the program. Warriors for Christ, TFP Student Actions, and Citizens for a New Louisiana recently expressed their disdain by rallying up protestors in honor of the Drag Story Time that was scheduled to occur at the Lafayette Public Library in Louisiana.

The TFP Student Action acquired over 17,000 signatures in opposition towards all drag story times held in libraries across the country. Despite the controversy, Compass is committed to creating spaces where everyone can be accepted, no matter their gender, race, age, or sexual identity.

"42 percent of LGBT youth say the community in which they live is not accepting of LGBT people, according to Human Rights Campaign. Seeing a real demonstration of acceptance where they live can make a real difference in how supported they feel, and contributes to a decrease in suicidal ideation," Barnes said. "The fact that it's a story time also encourages literacy and a love of reading, it also encourages families to participate together."

SFGN had the opportunity to catch up with the Oftedal family as they were leaving the book store:

Why do you feel this event was needed?

Oftedal Family:I'd heard about Drag Queen Story Hour and was so inspired. I want our son to experience all sorts of things, to learn empathy, and to have role models of all kinds. It's important for us that our son can feel confident meeting new people, asking appropriate questions and finding the good in all sorts of cultures and communities. Especially in our country's climate, I'd like for him to grow up with an appreciation that different is great.

How did your child act during the experience?

Oftedal Family:He was excited about meeting a "Queen" and was really into the bats on Ms. Charlotte's dress and her tattoos. We have some family [members] that represent as gender nonconforming and he's questioned if so-and-so is a boy or a girl; I think this experience has aided in his toddler-level understanding that it doesn't really matter and that it's okay to kindly ask them.

What would you say to parents who are hesitant to bring their family/kids?

Oftedal Family: It's our job, as parents, to raise good humans. One of our family values is being an ally to the community. So, for us, attending and supporting events like this fit into our core family values. So, I guess I would ask parents to first identify their core family values and identify where those values come from. If you can justify taking your kid to sit on an old man's lap during Christmastime, but not listening to a drag queen read a children's story, then you're just not my people and I'm not sure there is any advice I can share on the subject. Right!?

The next Drag Story time will take place Dec. 12. For more information visit CompassGLCC.com.
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Even in the era of same-sex marriage, gay relationships can still be very complicated. Afterglow, the hit OffBroadway play about the unexpected twists a modern gay couple must face in their marriage, opens next weekend in Wilton Manors.

The show, which will receive its regional premiere Feb. 14 - March 10 at Wilton Theater Factory, is a raw, one-act play exploring the emotional, intellectual, and physical connections between three men and the broader implications within their relationships.

Josh and Alex, a married couple in an open relationship, invite Darius home for an innocent three-way. When a lasting, intimate connection begins to form between them, all three men must come to terms with their individual definitions of love, loyalty and trust. Their futures are questioned, relationships shaken and commitments challenged.

"Love, sex and relationships have always been complicated," said producer and director Ronnie Larsen, who fought for the rights to present the regional premiere. "This is the first major play since we won marriage equality to examine how this new freedom is affecting our relationships in a real way."

Gelman, the artistic director of The Stage, a leading English language theater company in Tel Aviv, is also a millennial, bringing a unique voice that is just now being heard in mainstream theater. Larsen and the cast workshopped the play with Gelman during rehearsals in New York City over the past several weeks.

Larsen, who is also a prolific playwright and the creator of the Off-Broadway hit Making Porn, said, "At the heart of all my plays has been the seeming contradiction between sex and commitment, but Gelman brings a fresh millennial perspective that I think will intrigue our older gay audiences."

Fans of Larsens productions will also not be disappointed as the play contains significant nudity and the infamous on-set shower that had New York City critics and audiences buzzing when the play debuted in 2017.

The cast includes Ian Patrick Stack as Josh, Ryan Knight as Alex and Mikhail Duggan as Alex. Local audiences will remember Duggan from his recent performance in Larsen's comedy "3 Card Stud" at the Foundry at Wilton Theater Factory.

The regional premiere of S. Asher Gelman's "Afterglow" will be performed Feb. 14  March 10, Tuesdays through Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Wednesdays at 3 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 7 and 10 p.m.; and Sundays at 3 and 7 p.m., on the main stage at Wilton Theater Factory, 2304 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. Tickets are $35 - $50 at RonnieLarsen.com.
Although President Donald Trump did not spend a lot of time on the Middle East issues in his largely self-congratulatory State of the Union address before Congress on February 6, what he did say on these matters was a mix of positions reflecting isolationist strands of his America first approach on the one hand, and some neo-conservative positions on the other.

A large part of Trumps strategy is to keep his political base happy in the hope that it will continue to stick with him through the 2020 elections. This means he has to fulfil, or show that he is fulfilling, his campaign promises from 2016.

His political base from 2016 included: white working-class Americans from rural areas and the industrial heartland who came to see the Iraq war of 2003 as a mistake and questioned why the US was spending so much blood and treasure in the Middle East; Christian evangelicals who not only espouse strong anti-abortion sentiments but are uncritically supportive of Israel; and Republican party foreign policy hawks who were adamantly opposed to former President Barack Obama for signing the Iran nuclear deal, pulling US troops out of Iraq and supposedly being weak against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) and other terrorist threats against the US homeland.

In other words, Trump and much of his political base believe the US should stay away from Middle Eastern conflicts (like the Iraq war of 2003) unless they have a direct bearing on the security of the US and Israel. With ISIL nearly defeated (at least territorially) in Syria and Iraq, Trump believes that US troops should now come home from the former, but should stay in the latter to watch Iran as he said in a recent interview.

Many observers in the US and the Middle East have interpreted the new Iraq strategy as a way for Trump and his foreign policy team (namely, National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo) to either try to foment regime change in, or take military action against, Iran. To make such a policy credible and to deter other US adversaries, Trump wants the US military to be unrivalled in the world.

If all of this sounds confusing, it is because Trump does not have a clear foreign policy vision. In his mind, the US should not be the worlds policeman, nor should it pay for the defence of others, but if the US sees an enemy that it must confront, it will do so with overwhelming force. Trump does not care what happens inside a country (hence, human rights is not a concern), nor is he interested in solving other nations conflicts or rebuilding countries devastated by strife. Those things are better left to others.

This kind of go-it-alone strategy when need be but minimising US involvement overseas sits very well with his political base with the exception of the foreign policy hawks. The latter have liked his toughness against Iran and his strong support for Israel but have been uneasy with his equivocal support for NATO, his coziness to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his desire to bring US troops home from Syria and Afghanistan before their missions have been achieved.

After two years of being afraid of criticising Trump publicly, the hawks have grown more courageous in recent weeks. For example, the Republican-led Senate recently passed a non-binding resolution that essentially rebuked Trump for precipitously wanting to withdraw troops from Syria and Afghanistan.

This is the backdrop to the Middle East portion of Trumps State of the Union address, which he used to shore up his more isolationist political base and mollify the hawks, while reminding everyone that he alone sets the foreign policy agenda.

In the speech, he reminded his base that he pledged a new approach to foreign policy compared with his political rivals in the 2016 campaign, and cited figures of what he said were the costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan: $7bn in monetary costs (which some analysts have disputed), and the deaths and wounding of 7,000 and 52,000 Americans, respectively. He emphasised that great nations do not fight endless wars. This was his way of saying that he was going ahead with the withdrawal of troops from Syria despite military advice to the contrary and was not going to get bogged down in future conflicts in the region.

He also touted his decision (and campaign pledge) to recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital and to move the US Embassy to that city, and bragged about his decision to act decisively against the radical regime in Iran by pulling out of the disastrous nuclear deal and imposing very tough sanctions on Tehran. Trump added that he would not ignore Irans anti-American stance and its threats to impose genocide against the Jewish people.

Such rhetoric kills two birds with one stone. He placated both the Christian evangelicals as well as the hawks with his staunchly pro-Israel stance while hinting to the neo-conservative wing of the latter that the US was going to do what it can to bring about regime change in Tehran.

While saying different things to please his different supporters, Trump seems to be relying on a lot of wishful thinking. Pulling out of Syria while keeping troops in Iraq is likely to be insufficient in preventing the ISIL from emerging in the near future, nor will it have much effect in deterring Iran. And unequivocal support for Israel while ignoring the Palestinians is a recipe for disaster down the road. But if Trump can hold this coalition of supporters together by touting his fulfilment of various campaign pledges, at the end of the day that is all that matters to him as he eyes re-election in 2020.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
There is much I can agree with in Yoav Litvins article The Zionist fallacy of Jewish supremacy. Without a doubt, Zionism is a modern settler colonial movement which emerged in the twilight of the colonial era. It is also true that Zionism was a reaction to the anti-Semitism of the European colonial and racial movements of the late 19th century and it is equally true that Zionisms reaction to anti-Semitism was to try and take advantage of it and harness it as an engine does with steam power.

It is also true that Zionism perceives Jews as a biological race. Because, what else is the myth of Jewish nationhood other than a racial one? Given that Jews are members of every nation on the Earth and speak most languages, what else but race binds them according to Zionist folklore?

I also agree with Litvin that Zionism mercilessly exploits and uses Judaism or parts of it in order to justify its racist and indeed genocidal practices. On all this and more we agree and yet I cannot concur with the idea that Zionism in the form of the Israeli state is a white supremacist as opposed to a Jewish supremacist state. This flies in the face of the evidence. What Litvin is doing is substituting wishful thinking for reality and that is never a good basis on which to construct an argument.

It is of course true that within the Israeli Jewish population, there is discrimination against the Sephardi/Misrahi Jews and even more against the Falashas (Ethiopian) Jews. But while intra-Jewish racism exists, the major division within the Israeli society is not between black and white, but between Jewish and non-Jewish, and in particular between Israeli Jewish and Palestinian. That is inescapable.

The Law of Return allows Jews of any colour to emigrate to Israel anytime they want. That is not a right which non-Jews  black or white  possess. Only Jews can be nationals in Israel and some 93 percent of Israeli land is Jewish national land from which non-Jews are legally barred from. Of course, the best land in Israel is reserved for the Ashkenazim. So yes, Zionism is certainly tainted by white supremacy, but this is a secondary, not primary, feature.

We can see this politically. The Sephardic Jews vote for the openly racist and nationalist parties whereas the Ashkenazi or a (diminishing) section of them vote for the nominally leftist Zionists of the Israeli Labour Party and Meretz. What we see in Israel is a phenomenon known to the Deep South of the United States. The Sephardic or Arab Jews display what is known as the poor white mentality. Yes, they are oppressed by their white Jewish brothers, but that only intensifies their hatred of the Arabs and Palestinians.

Litvin says that Zionism is based on a distinctly secular outlook. Yes and no. Zionism from the very beginning made enormous compromises with what became the religious Zionist sector. It did this because religion was and is a powerful form of legitimation of the Zionist claim to Palestine. In 1949, when David Ben Gurion, leader of Israels Labour Party, had a majority of 65 out of 120 Knesset seats with the leftist Zionist Mapam Party, he chose to form a coalition with the National Religious Party (NRP). From 1949 to 1977, Israel was ruled continuously by coalitions of the Labour and religious Zionist parties.

Since the creation of Israel, the Orthodox rabbinate has had exclusive control over the question of who is a Jew. All personal matters, from birth to marriage to death, are in the hands of its representatives; Reform Rabbis do not get a look in. Why? Because Israel is a state based on the concept of the Jewish race, in the same way in South Africa or Nazi Germany it was necessary to define who was part of the white or Aryan race.

Nazi Germany had the Nuremberg Laws, South Africa had the Population Registration Act and Israel has the Law of Return, each with its own race experts. In Israel, it is the rabbis who decide who is and who is not Jewish.

In a 2016 survey by Pew Research Center, one of the more interesting yet least commented upon findings was that 46 percent of Israeli Jews saw themselves as Jewish first and 35 percent saw themselves as Israeli first, but 79 percent agreed that Jews should receive preferential treatment. In other words, Israeli Jews have an identity crisis, which is not surprising since Israel itself doesnt have a nationality but subscribes to the myth of one worldwide Jewish nation.

Litvin argues further: Zionist propagandists have promoted the anti-Semitic fallacy that Israel is a Jewish state, which represents Judaism and thus all Jews. This fundamental canard is at the root of Zionist propaganda. Unfortunately, he conflates two separate concepts. Israel is a Jewish state in so far as Jews are privileged over and above non-Jews. However, Israel does not represent all Jews or even Judaism.

How can this be so? Just as Ulster/Northern Ireland was described as a Protestant state and Stormont as a Protestant Parliament for a Protestant People, so is Israel a Jewish state. South Africa was, by the same token, a white state for white people.

Does this therefore mean that racism and sectarianism are inherent to Protestantism? Or that apartheid is inherent to those who have white skin? Of course not, and likewise discrimination and racism are not inherent to being Jewish. But when a state is formed by a group of Jewish (or Protestant, or white) settlers on the basis of ethnic cleansing, exploitation and/or exclusion of the indigenous population, then whatever the character of the settlers, religious/ethnic/colour will be used to define and justify the repression that follows.

Litvin falls into a logical fallacy when he states: If it is accepted, as it is by Zionists, that Israel indeed represents Judaism and all Jews  an expression of Jewish supremacy  then those who are pro-Palestinian must also reject Jews and Judaism.

The whole point is that we do not accept the Zionist narrative. Israel does not represent all Jews or Judaism despite the claims of British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis that Zionism and Judaism are intertwined. This is why rejection of a Zionist state does not involve the rejection of Jews and Judaism. One of the most welcome phenomenon today is the growing divorce between Zionism, Israel and the worlds Jewish diaspora.

When Zionism first arose, Orthodox Jews were fiercely opposed to it. Munichs rabbis objected to the First Zionist Congress being held in that city and it had to be relocated to Basel in Switzerland. The Jewish religion has changed in the past century just as the identity of Jews has changed. Zionisms claim on Jewish identity is contested.

White racists and Zionists have long made common cause, Zionism was the favoured son of western imperialism. Arthur J Balfour, the author of the Balfour Declaration, was also notoriously anti-Semitic and racist imperialist. As prime minister, he introduced in 1905 the Aliens Act aimed at curbing Jewish immigration from Eastern Europe.

Today, racists, such as former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard David Duke, try to use Jewish supremacism in Israel in order to generalise about Jewish supremacy and there are also white supremacists, such as Richard Spencer, who define themselves as white Zionists. However, this does not mean that Israel is a white supremacist state.

As we saw in the Pittsburgh attack and the Charlottesville march, white supremacists are more than capable of distinguishing between Jews and Zionism. Pittsburghs Jews, for example, were singled out because of their support for refugees. In the diaspora, despite the inroads made by Zionism, most Jews still subscribe to a liberal and multicultural state.

Support for Zionism among the Jewish diaspora was a consequence of the Holocaust when six million Jews were exterminated. Today, however, Israel has, I would argue, an increasingly weakened hold on Jews abroad. That is why we have seen the growth of Jewish groups like Jewish Voice for Peace.

At the same time, it should be no surprise that the Zionist movement in the US should see the struggle for black liberation as their enemy. The fight against racism in the US is also the fight against American imperialism.

The alliance between Palestine solidarity activists and supporters of black anti-racist movements is a natural one like the late Hedy Epstein, a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust, epitomised. However, we do no service to the black or the Palestinian and anti-Zionist struggles by pretending that they are one and the same. They complement each other but they are not identical.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
WASHINGTON

(February 6, 2019)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities., is awardedfor modification P00011 to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-firm contract (N00019-16-C-0055). This modification provides for the procurement of five Fire Scout MQ-8C unmanned air systems and two lightweight fuel cells. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (33 percent); Ozark, Alabama (27 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (18 percent); Moss Point, Mississippi (16 percent); and various locations within the continental U.S. (6 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2021. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $55,062,919 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor modification P00017 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-15-D-0001). This modification exercises an option for organization, selected intermedia, limited depot level maintenance, and logistics services in support of the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center's (NAWDC) F/A-18A/B/D/D/E/F, EA-18G, MH-60S, F-16A/B, and E-2C aircraft. Work will be performed at NAWDC, Fallon, Nevada, and is expected to be completed in January 2020. No funds are being obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded acost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract for Identity Dominance System (IDS) technology refresh for the Department of Defense. The IDS technology refresh effort is a refresh of the entire current configuration. The primary focus of this contract is the acquisition of a hand-held biometric hardware device for the IDS program to replace the current integrated base unit. Work will be performed in McLean, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by January 2024. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding in the amount of $1,522,548 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was solicited on a full and open competition basis via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received. The, is the contracting activity (N00178-19-D-4000)., is being awardedfor modification P00002 to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-18-C-0088). This modification provides for engineering and manufacturing development of the Miniature Air Launched Decoy - Navy. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed in July 2021. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $16,197,594 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded afirm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to procure a maximum quantity of 840 technically refreshed multi-function displays for retrofits and spares in support of the AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircraft. Work will be performed in Alpharetta, Georgia, and is expected to be completed in September 2022. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The, is the contracting activity (N00019-19-D-0009)., was awardedfor modification P00001 to delivery order N0001918F1652 previously placed against basic ordering agreement N00019-16-G-0001. This modification exercises an option for the procurement of 79 Harpoon Block II Plus Tactical Missile upgrade kits for the Navy. Work will be performed in St. Charles, Missouri (69.5 percent); Galena, Kansas (10.5 percent); Minneapolis, Minnesota (6.6 percent); St. Louis, Missouri (6.5 percent); Lititz, Pennsylvania (2.2 percent); O'Fallon, Missouri (1.1 percent); Cedar Rapids, Iowa (.6 percent), and various locations within the continental U.S. (3 percent). Work is expected to be completed in March 2022. Fiscal 2019 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $15,991,141 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor modification P00007 to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N0042117C0044) to exercise an option for maintenance and support services for F/A-18 C/D and associated equipment in support of the government of Kuwait. Work will be performed at various locations in Kuwait including Almed Al-Jaber Air Base (98.38 percent); Kuwaiti Air Force Headquarters (6.04 percent); Air Institute/Air Defense Base (1.89 percent); and Subhan/Air Defense Base (1.13 percent). Work is expected to be completed in January 2020. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $63,016,210 are being obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor cost-plus-fixed-fee order N0001919F2667 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0026). This order provides for aerial refueling envelope expansion and objective tanker qualification testing in support of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (75 percent); and Melbourne, Florida (25 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2021. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,000,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order N00019-18-F-2684 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0057). This delivery order provides for the management, sustainment, and upgrade of the Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System software product baseline and the required system and software documentation for the Navy and the government of the United Kingdom. Work will be performed in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (98 percent); and Patuxent River, Maryland (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2020. Fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy); fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy); fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds; and foreign military sales funds in the amount of $10,939,237 will be obligated at time of award, $1,361,805 of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This order combines purchases for the Navy ($8,687,257; 79.4 percent); and the government of the United Kingdom ($2,251,980; 20.6 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor modification P00068 to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-13-C-9999). This modification provides for non-recurring engineering to incorporate the Multifunctional Information Distribution System/Joint Tactical Radio System into the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft in support of the government of Japan. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida (75.15 percent); Norfolk, Virginia (8.98 percent); Ronkonkoma, New York (8.42 percent); St. Augustine, Florida (6.34 percent); Misawa, Japan (.32); and various locations within the continental U.S. (.79 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2020. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $11,654,051 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded amodification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-17-C-0001). This modification provides for the identification and execution of cost reduction initiatives to reduce the cost of the F-35 Lightning II Air System. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in June 2022. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $90,345,180 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the Air Force ($44,929,818; 50 percent); Navy ($26,000,000; 29 percent); and the Marine Corps ($19,415,362; 21 percent). The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor firm-fixed-price delivery order N0001919F2701 against a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-17-D-5517) to procure 9,999 additional Lot 7, full-rate production units of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II. The procurement of the additional APKWS II weapons will upgrade the current 2.75-inch rocket system to a semi-active laser guided precision weapon in support of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and the governments of Nigeria and the Netherlands. Work will be performed in Hudson, New Hampshire (70 percent); and Austin, Texas (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2020. Fiscal 2019 procurement of ammunition (Army, Navy and Marine Corps and Air Force); and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $225,034,247 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity.
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Alabama has executed Domineque Hakim Marcelle Ray for the 1995 slaying of a 15-year-old Selma girl, after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a federal appeals court stay based on the inmates request to have his Muslim spiritual adviser at his side when he dies.

Rays execution by lethal injection was set for 6 p.m. at Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore. The U.S. Supreme Court lifted the stay about 8 p.m., and the execution began at 9:44 p.m.

The curtains to the viewing room closed at 10:05 p.m, and the official time of death was 10:12 p.m.

His execution comes 20 years after being put on death row, and while he was also serving time for the killings of two teenage boys who were slain the year before Tiffany Harville was fatally stabbed. For the boys killings, he was sentenced to life in prison.

Rays last words were in Arabic. He made a hand signal consisting of a closed fist with his index finger pointed and looked toward the viewing room where two of his attorneys and spiritual adviser were sitting, along with members of the media.

No representatives of the victims family attended.

Several minutes after the execution began, Ray lifted his head and looked at his arm. When a correctional officer performed a consciousness check a few minutes later, Ray did not respond.

One of Rays attorneys from the Federal Defenders of the Middle District of Alabama, Spencer Hahn, said after the execution, Domineque was a devout Muslim and a human being. He was a son, a father, a brother. He wanted equal treatment in his last moments. I am beyond appalled at the willingness of Steve Marshall and the State of Alabama to treat a human being differently because he was part of a religious minority. We are better than this.

ADOC Commissioner Jeff Dunn said after the execution that the department is prepared to carry out more executions this year. When asked if the department would be changing their protocol to exclude chaplains of any faith from the execution chamber, as mentioned in an earlier court filing, Dunn said currently the ADOC has not made any changes to the formal protocol.

Dunn also said the department relies very heavily on volunteer chaplains who visit the prison, but the ADOC hires chaplains based on a state registry.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement after the execution: "For 20 years, Domineque Ray has successfully eluded execution for the barbaric murder of a 15-year-old Selma girl. In 1995, Ray brutally deprived young Tiffany Harville of her life, repeatedly stabbing and raping her before leaving her body in a cotton field. A jury gave him a death sentence for this heinous crime. A year before, Ray had also taken the lives of two teenage brothers, Reinhard and Earnest Mabins. Tonight, Rays long-delayed appointment with justice is finally met.

The U.S. Supreme Court lifted the stay of execution after voting 5-4 in favor of the state. Justices Elena Kagan, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, and Sonia Sotomayor dissented.

Kagan issued a dissenting opinion. Under [the states] policy, a Christian prisoner may have a minister of his own faith accompany him into the execution chamber to say his last rites. But if an inmate practices a different religion whether Islam, Judaism, or any other  he may not die with a minister of his own faith by his side. That treatment goes against the Establishment Clauses core principle of denominational neutrality, she wrote.

The opinion states, Here, Ray has put forward a powerful claim that his religious rights will be violated at the moment the State puts him to death. The Eleventh Circuit wanted to hear that claim in full. Instead, this Court short-circuits that ordinary process  and itself rejects the claim with little briefing and no argument  just so the State can meet its preferred execution date.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., ADOC Spokesperson Bob Horton said Ray was visited Wednesday by his uncle, brother, sister-in-law, attorney, and Muslim spiritual adviser. Thursday, he was visited by two attorneys and his spiritual adviser. Also on Thursday, Ray made calls to family members and attorneys.

For breakfast, he had milk, eggs, jelly, prunes, two biscuits, and potatoes. Ray refused the last meal of the day. He made a special request to have his spiritual adviser, or imam, in the execution chamber.

In his final days, Ray was at the center of several legal battles.

An appeal and motion for a stay of execution was filed to the U.S. Supreme Court after the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals granted Ray a stay of execution on Wednesday. Both Rays attorneys and the Alabama Attorney Generals Office filed several briefs throughout the day Thursday, before the court ultimately made their ruling just after 8 p.m.

Rays attorneys filed a federal lawsuit last week claiming Rays religious freedom was being violated because the Alabama Department of Corrections would not allow his imam to be in the execution chamber. Officials told Ray he would be allowed to meet with his imam up until being prepared for execution, the lawsuit claims, but the imam would have to watch the execution in a witness room with two-way glass. The ADOC also said they wouldnt remove the Christian chaplain who is typically in the execution chamber.

Horton said the department follows protocol regardless of the chaplains spiritual belief or that of the inmate. Horton said the ADOC protocol only allows approved correctional officials, that includes the prisons chaplain, to be inside the chamber where executions are lawfully carried out. The inmates spiritual adviser may visit the inmate beforehand and witness the execution from a designated witness room that has a two-way window.

Chief U.S. District Judge Keith Watkins of the Middle District of Alabama held a hearing last Thursday and issued an order the next day denying the stay of execution.

Rays lawyers from the Federal Defenders for the Middle District of Alabama appealed Watkins ruling to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, and Wednesday the appeals court vacated Watkins ruling and issued a stay of execution, writing in its order: "Notably, Alabama did not provide the Court with any affidavit from the Warden or from any other prison official addressing in any way why there were not lesser measures available to protect its interests and provide the same faith-based benefits to Christians and non-Christians alike. Nor did Alabama offer anything from its Chaplain or from anyone else about the perceived risks or the things that a cleric might need to learn in order to undertake this solemn and sensitive task. Alabama has presented us with nothing in support of its claims.

The appeals court noted in its order that the clerk should expedite the appeal so that we may promptly resolve these claims.

The Alabama Attorney Generals Office appealed that ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday afternoon. They said in their motion to the nations top court that the 11th Circuit missed the mark. The filing said, It was bad enough that the court amended Rays pleadings for him. But worse still is that the courts Establishment Clause analysis and proposed remedy make no sense. The Eleventh Circuits holding that the State had favored one denomination over another might make sense if the State allowed only Christians to bring their preferred spiritual advisers into the execution chamber, but the State forbids anyone who is not employed by ADOC into the execution chamber.

Attorneys for the ADOC said while they wouldnt allow Rays imam to be in the execution chamber, as he isnt an ADOC employee, they would allow Ray to expel the chaplain from the room. The judge granted Rays request in his order that the ADOC must remove the chaplain from the execution chamber, and make sure he cant be seen by Ray during the procedure.

The inmates volunteer Muslim imam, Yusef Maisonet, said there are prayers required of a Muslim before he dies and that Ray needs his assistance to die honoring his faith.

I know the things that are required of Muslims before they die, Maisonet, imam of Masjid As Salaam in Mobile, told AL.com. We want to make sure his last words are, There is no God but God, and Muhammad is his prophet."

Maisonet said he would also read Ray verses from the Quran, the holy book of Islam, so that those are the last words Ray hears. As hes going through his transition, I can read from the Quran, and he can leave with that on his spirit, Maisonet said.

Ray was given access to a Quran on Thursday after his lawyers argued in a Wednesday filing that the inmate spent two nights without it. Ahead of a scheduled execution, the ADOC moves a condemned inmate to a cell near the execution chamber, called a death watch cell. According to the filing, Ray was without his Quran since being moved into that cell on Tuesday.

The attorneys also asked for Ray to be executed by nitrogen hypoxia, a newly approved method of execution in the state. There are more than 50 death row inmates who have chosen to die by the new method, but they made their elections by the June 2018 deadline implemented by the state. According to Watkins order, Ray claimed to have waited until January to make his election because in June, Rays religious beliefs hindered him from choosing the nitrogen hypoxia method.

Watkins dismissed Rays nitrogen hypoxia request.

Dunn said Thursday night the ADOC is working with the AGs Office to develop a protocol for executions by nitrogen hypoxia, but has no timeline on when that protocol might be finalized and ready to implement.

The AGs Office described Harvilles killing in a recent federal court filing: On a midsummer evening in 1995, fifteen-year-old Tiffany Harville was taken to a cotton field outside of Selma, Alabama, by Dominique Ray and Marcus Owden. Regrettably, Tiffany did not know what sort of person Ray was. If she had known that Ray and Owden had previously murdered thirteen-year-old Reinhard Mabins and his eighteen-year-old brother Earnest, then perhaps the horrific events that occurred in that cotton field could have been avoided. But she did not know, and that night, Ray and Owden raped Tiffany and stabbed her repeatedly as she cried out her final prayer: God, help me. Then they left her abused body in that cotton field, where her bones would be found almost a month later.

Previous court documents said Harvilles throat was also cut and that when her body was found off County Road 62 by a farmer, the teens purse with approximately $6 was missing and her underwear was gone.

The case went unsolved for over two years, before Owden talked to police in 1997 after experiencing a spiritual awakening, court records state. He implicated himself and Ray in the crime, and Ray was arrested shortly after. He was convicted in 1999.

Owden pleaded guilty to the slaying and testified at Rays trial, where records state he detailed the raw brutal sexual abuse the men inflicted on Harville before stabbing her in the head and slashing her throat. Owden is currently serving a sentence of life in prison without parole at William Donaldson Correctional Facility.

Records state Earnest and Reinhard Mabins were shot to death inside their home on February 4, 1994, because they refused to join a gang with Ray and Owden. Owden confessed to the Mabins killings at the same time he confessed to his role in the Harville case. In February 1999, several months before the Harville trial, Ray was convicted of capital murder for the Mabins brothers deaths and was sentenced to life in prison.

Owdens testimony at the Harville trial was the focus of Rays appeal at the state level. Court records say Owden was suffering from serious mental illness, including schizophrenia with hallucinations and delusions, at and before the time of Rays trial, rendering Owden an unreliable witness. That appeal was filed last year, because attorneys said in the complaint they had just learned of Owdens medical history.

That appeal was dismissed by a Dallas County judge, and Owdens attorneys also appealed that case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
An Alabama Death Row inmate set to die Thursday night was given access to the holy book of Islam after his lawyers argued in a recent court filing that the inmate spent the last two nights without it.

A document filed late Wednesday to U.S. District Judge Keith Watkins says Domineque Ray, an inmate who is scheduled to be executed Thursday night., hasnt been allowed to have a Quran in the death watch cell. On Thursday, the lawyers declared that motion moot and said the Alabama Department of Corrections provided Ray a Quran early Thursday morning.

Mr. Ray has been deprived of access to the central and most important text of his religion during what are likely to be his last two nights on Earth, the filing states.

Ahead of a scheduled execution, the ADOC moves the condemned inmate to a cell near the execution chamber, called a death watch cell. According to the filing, Ray was without his Quran since being moved into that cell on Tuesday.

According to a filing Thursday morning by Rays attorneys, the ADOC gave Ray a Quran early Thursday. This morning counsel for [ADOC] Commissioner [Jefferson] Dunn... instructed ADOC officials to provide Mr. Ray with access to a Quran. Undersigned counsel has now confirmed that, this morning, Mr. Ray was provided with access to a Quran," the filing says.

Although the serious violation that has occurred cannot be undone, he would like access to a Quran as soon as possible, the earlier document states. If the ADOC believes Rays personal Quran would be a security risk, the filing says, the department could provide him with an institutional copy.

The filing says Ray was permitted to bring his prayer rug into the death watch cell. An ADOC spokesperson said Thursday, The Quran and other items are available to the inmate just outside his holding cell where correctional officers can obtain and deliver the items to the inmate upon request. The inmate was given the Quran at his request.

The execution, scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, was stayed by the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday afternoon after Rays lawyers claimed his religious freedom was being violated. Following the stay, the Alabama Attorney Generals Office filed a motion to lift the stay to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Another group of attorneys for Ray, who are litigating a separate appeal in the state courts, also filed to the U.S. Supreme Court for a stay of execution and a request for the nations highest court to review Rays case.

The U.S. Supreme Court has yet to respond to any of the motions in Rays case.

Ray was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder, rape, and robbery of 15-year-old Tiffany Harville. Tiffanys body was found weeks after she went missing in a cotton field in Selma. Ray was also sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 1994 shooting deaths of two teenage brothers, Reinhard and Earnest Mabins.

Last week, Watkins denied Ray a stay of execution after his lawyers argued the ADOC should allow Rays Muslim spiritual adviser, or imam, to be in the execution chamber while Ray is put to death. The ADOC said their policy only allows trained officials in the chamber, and their Christian chaplain is the only trained spiritual adviser allowed inside. The department said Rays imam would be allowed to meet with Ray up until he is taken to the execution chamber, and then will be allowed to witness the execution in an adjacent room through two-way glass.

Watkins ordered while Ray couldnt have his imam in the chamber, the Christian chaplain would not be required to be present during the procedure.

Rays lawyers appealed that ruling to the 11th Circuit, which then issued the stay Wednesday.
A traffic stop in Walker County led to the arrest of a seven-time convicted felon and,ultimately, the seizure of 1 kilogram of methamphetamine.

It all began Tuesday night when Walker County sheriffs Investigator Ralph Williams stopped a vehicle on Old Birmingham Highway near Cordova Cut-Off Road. Four people were inside, including Christopher Shane Wright who has been under investigation for allegedly supplying large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine to mid-level dealers in Walker and Cullman counties, said sheriffs spokesman T.J. Armstrong.

Wright has been convicted for seven previous felonies and had outstanding warrants in Cullman County when he was stopped Tuesday night. When Wright was pulled over, he gave Williams a forged drivers license, the same phony identification that hes given to other agencies in the county recently, Armstrong said.

During the traffic stop, investigators seized two semi-automatic handguns, 70.7 grams of methamphetamine worth an estimated $7,000 street value, 6.3 grams of heroin/fentanyl, with an estimated $1,200 street value, as well as oxycodone pills, pseudoephedrine pills, two 20-ounce bottles of liquid G (a date-rape drug), digital scales, and paraphernalia.

Wright is facing charges for trafficking heroin, trafficking methamphetamine, obstructing justice using a false Identity, along with numerous other felony charges. Wright is an upper-level drug dealer, and shutting this guys activity down is a very substantial bust to the department, Armstrong said.

The others in the vehicle were Kimberly Michelle Wright, Johnny Wayne Bubba Johnson and Jennifer Nicole Weaver. All three face charges of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities said Weaver also faces additional charges of obstruction of justice using a false identity after she is accused of giving investigators the false name of Jessica Rose Dye. She is also wanted for charges in Cullman and Jefferson counties.

All four were booked into the Walker County Jail. The investigation, however, continued and Williams reached out to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Less than 24 hours after Wright was arrested , a team of lawmen from the Walker County Sheriff's Offices and the Jasper Police Department, as well as DEA agents out of Birmingham, were able to capture and arrest the source of the seized methamphetamine, which was transported from Birmingham to Walker County. When the supplier was arrested, agents also seized 1 kilogram of methamphetamine, the original source likely being from Mexico. Authorities said the drugs are worth more than $98,000. The suppliers name has not yet been released.

Not only were we able to shut down one of the largest suppliers of methamphetamine for Walker County, we were also able to go straight to the very toparresting one of the main suppliers responsible for getting this horrible drug into the hands of our children, Armstrong said.

All of the suspects could face federal prison time and the seizure will deal a blow to the drug market in Walker County, authorities said. While this is a very substantial bust, theres plenty of work left to do, said Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith. Please know that your sheriffs department is working hard around the clock to help clean Walker County up and go after the source of the drugs that have given our home a bad reputation and are killing our children.
A 15-year-old student from a private school in Huntsville last month blended into the student body of a crosstown high school for two days, attending classes while texting friends back at the private school bragging about her escapades, according to the private school principal.

The fun ended when the student returned to Jemison High School for a third day. She was detained by Huntsville City Schools officials and, later in the day, expelled from the private school.

Christie Finley, superintendent of Huntsville City Schools, said the student was only on campus one day for about three hours. But as a result of the incident, Finley said she intends to mandate students wear identification badges similar to the ones employees wear.

The student attended Huntsville Achievement School, which has an enrollment of about 70 students and provides a small-class setting for at-risk students as well as those with dyslexia, high-functioning autism and attention deficit disorder.

Richard Reynolds, the schools principal, said that the student did not show up on Jan. 7-8 when classes resumed following the Christmas break. The student had disciplinary issues at Huntsville Achievement School, Reynolds said.

Citing federal privacy laws, Reynolds said he could not release the students name.

She was sending texts to students here, Reynolds said. After we found this out, she was essentially bragging through texts.

For two days, the student was embedded with the students at Jemison and sat through classes, Reynolds said. Jemison is about six miles north of Huntsville Achievement School.

Finley, however, gave a different report at a school board meeting last month.

The superintendent spoke unprompted about the situation with the unauthorized student on campus at the Jan. 24 board of education meeting. She said there was a school-aged student who was on campus the afternoon of Jan. 7 for approximately three hours. That timeframe, Finley said, was determined by reviewing video at the school.

We went minute-by-minute, second-by-second through it, she said.

Finley said the student did not return until Jan. 9, at which point school officials stopped her.

If not for Reynolds, though, the students presence at the public school might not have been detected at all.

He said a faculty member from Huntsville Achievement School made an anonymous call to Jemison to alert administrators about the unauthorized student.

I thought that would be it, Reynolds said of the call to Jemison the first day. Then the second day, shes back. Shes texting again and enjoying it more. This is happy days are here again. This is like shes at Disney World.

On the second day, Reynolds said he bypassed calling the school again and instead contacted Pam Hill  a member of the Huntsville City Schools board of education and a lifelong friend.

Hill brought the issue into the public spotlight two days after she got the call from Reynolds.

For the last two days, there has been a student from a private school in one of our high schools every single period, Hill said in beginning her remarks from the dais at a Jan. 10 school board work session. Only one teacher caught it on one day in one class. We have a security problem.

For real, how can students be in our classes for two days? And then when they got caught, they got expelled from the private school because the private school is who called me.

Following Hills remarks, Beth Wilder, president of the school board, turned to the superintendent sitting to her right.

Ms. Finley, are you aware of this? Wilder asked.

No, I was not, Finley said.

Finley did not respond to multiple interview requests AL.com made through a school system spokesman.

Reynolds said that, according to the students mother, administrators at the high school were searching for the student without success.

I heard from the mother that they were honestly calling her name over the loudspeaker thinking she would turn herself in at Jemison, Reynolds said.

In her comments at the Jan. 24 school board meeting, Finley emphasized the security concerns of having an unauthorized student on campus.

We used to have student ID cards, Finley said. We are bringing them back. We have the resources in place to make that happen. Just like we wear a badge every day, students will be wearing a badge every day when they enter that building.

The student ID cards are not yet school system policy, spokesman Keith Ward said Wednesday.

Right now, the district is working on details of the implementation process, Ward said in an email to AL.com. The district will develop a draft proposal for consideration that will be shared and discussed soon at a future board meeting.

Finley also said a renewed emphasis should be placed on teachers to take roll in each class each day and making eye contact with each student during that process.

Kenneth Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services in Cleveland, Ohio, said it was concerning that an unauthorized student could attend class without detection.

While many schools invest a good deal of time and staff to supervise student arrivals to school, it is possible that an individual might slip in undetected with a large group of students, Trump said in an email to AL.com. Once inside the building, we would hope the person was detected as students dispersed to their classrooms.

But to think that a student sat in a classroom for two days undetected by an adult in charge of supervising the class is highly uncommon and concerning. First, we would expect teachers to take attendance, be alert, know their students, and recognize when someone does not belong in their room.

Responsibility also falls to the students at the school, Trump said, just as everyone is expected to be alert to anything in the see something, say something society.

We would also expect that at least one student report to an adult along the way that there was a non-student in their school and in their classroom, he said. Kids are typically very alert and in today's climate where school and safety officials are repeatedly warning students, If you see something, say something, we would hope that at least one student would step up to report this intruder in their school and classroom.

Reynolds said his motivation for contacting the high school and Hill, the school board member, was safety.

The reason we did this was because of safety issues, Reynolds said. We try to collaborate with the public schools, we have teachers referring to us. This is not a gotcha thing.
President Donald Trump is taking a wait-and-see approach to a potential bipartisan agreement on border security.

Asked about the congressional negotiations, Trump told reporters on Thursday: "I hear they're working on something, we'll see what happens." But he added: "We need border security. We have to have it, it's not an option. Let's see what happens."

It was a more measured tone from Trump, who had previously been dismissive of the congressional negotiations and has threatened to declare a national emergency to bypass Congress and fund his long-promised border wall.

But Trump met earlier Thursday with Sen. Richard Shelby.

Shelby, the Appropriations Committee Chairman, said Thursdays session in the Oval Office was the most positive meeting Ive had in a long time and that the president was very reasonable.

Both Democratic and GOP negotiators said a deal could come as early as this weekend to make a Feb. 15 government shutdown deadline.
WASHINGTON (February 6, 2019)Following President Donald Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday in which he called for an end to "ridiculous, partisan investigations," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, said Wednesday the House will continue its probes and increase oversight of potential ethics violations by the administration.



In a press briefing, Hoyer said that Congress has "a constitutional responsibility" to continue to investigate whether there was Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether there was collusion in those efforts by the Trump campaignand possibly by Trump himself.



"If it was a threat, then it was unfortunate," Hoyer said of Trump's assertion that there cannot be effective bipartisan governance with ongoing investigations. "It certainly is not going to have any impact on the responsibility that Congress has to oversee the operations of government, the honesty of government."



Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, said in a statement Wednesday that the Democratic Party needs to put "the public interest ahead of political spite."



Trump, he said, "offered a chance to walk together, unified, along a higher road. Both the tone and the substance of his speech would strike any fair observer as reasonable and thoroughly bipartisan."



Hoyer insisted that the investigations are not political, adding it was ironic that Republicans would disapprove of oversight efforts of a president who has had "almost daily chaos and crisis and (has made) a considerable effort to undermine education, the environment and healthcare processes."



Hoyer's comments came on the same day that the House Intelligence Committee voted to send more than 50 transcripts of the panel's witness testimonies to special counsel Robert Mueller's office. Those statements potentially could be used to make perjury cases.



Hoyer also emphasized that House Democrats are pushing for a broad reform bill that would change ethics and campaign finance laws, improve voting procedures and boost government transparency. Among the bill's provisions is a requirement for Trump to release his tax returns.



"It is important that the American people know whether the president is acting on their behalf or in his interest," Hoyer said. "Therefore, financial disclosure is important."



The House's No. 2 Democrat also addressed the possibility of another government shutdown, saying that it would not be "an acceptable alternative."



Despite his confidence that a bipartisan deal would be reached in time for next Friday's deadline, Hoyer seemed concerned that the president might not sign it. He said that negotiations were moving forward, and he wanted to believe the president would sign a bill if it successfully passed the House and Senate.



But after a pause, Hoyer added: "Am I sure of that? No."



In December, the president changed his mind on McConnell's continuing resolution funding the government without border wall funding, a measure that had support from the then-Republican House.



Recalling that reversal, Hoyer said, "I don't think any of us can be confident."
Protesters and the family of Emantic EJ Bradford Jr., demonstrated today outside Attorney General Steve Marshalls office to denounce Marshalls decision to clear the Hoover police officer who fatally shot Bradford at the Riverchase Galleria on Thanksgiving night.

Several dozen protesters, some carrying signs and wearing Justice for EJ shirts, chanted Bradfords name and called for Marshall to come out of the state office building and answer their allegations that the decision not to send the case to a grand jury amounted to a cover-up.

Marshall did not appear. About a half-dozen speakers, including Bradfords father and mother, expressed outrage at Marshalls decision and said it perpetuated what they say is a pattern of police killing black men without justification.

Full coverage of the Galleria shooting.

The protest was spirited but appeared to be winding down without any confrontation between protesters and police standing by. That changed when most of the protesters moved to the rear side of the office building. Some attempted to enter the locked doors.

Political activist Frank Matthews calls on Attorney General Steve Marshall to come out of his office and face the family of Emantic "EJ" Bradford, seated.

Protest leaders Frank Matthews and Carlos Chaverst had a tense exchange with police about an order to disperse. After a few minutes, protesters agreed to disperse while asserting that the police were misinformed about the law.

The Associated Press reported that two women were arrested on disorderly conduct charges after they returned. One of the women said they returned to get signs and other property that were left behind.

Marshall issued a report on Tuesday saying that an investigation determined that the Hoover police officer, who was not named, acted reasonably within his duties when he shot Bradford and should not be criminally charged.

The report says two officers on duty in the Galleria heard two gunshots about 75 feet away and moved toward the gunfire. The report says they encountered Bradford holding a firearm in a ready position.

Officer 1 identified E.J. Bradford as an immediate deadly threat to innocent civilians and thus shot, the report says.

Hoover police initially said Bradford, 21, was the shooter in an incident that injured an 18-year-old man and a 12-year-old girl who was a bystander. Hoover police later said that was a mistake. Erron Brown, 20, is charged with attempted murder for shooting the 18-year-old, Brian Wilson. Brown said he shot Wilson in self-defense.

Protesters today said it was wrong for Marshall to take the case away from Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr because of potential conflicts of interest.

Bradfords father, Emantic Bradford Sr., said Marshall should have met with the Bradford family before releasing the report to the media, but did not.

My son was a victim," Bradford said. "Whether the case was going the way you thought it was going to go, got some news good or bad, you shouldve told us something before you released it to the media.

The attorney generals office said today it would have no comment on the case beyond the 24-page investigative report released on Tuesday.

The rally in Montgomery followed one outside the Hoover City Hall on Tuesday night, when protesters burned two American flags.
Two weeks ago, AL.com published a story about Alabamas three remaining womens clinics that offer abortion services. AL.com spoke with multiple women about sharing their stories about getting an abortion in Alabama. Only one was willing to use her name in the piece.

Jenna King-Shepherd, of Guntersville, shared her abortion experience in the story. Since then, King-Shepherd said she has been berated online by strangers, received harassing phone calls from blocked numbers and was shamed by members of her family.

Full coverage of the abortion debate in Alabama

Unfortunately, abortion is so stigmatized in Alabama that you may find it hard not to use anonymous sources, said Amanda Reyes, president of the Yellowhammer Fund, in an email to AL.com. The Yellowhammer Fund helps women fund abortions in Alabama. Alabama is a very small place.

We sat down with King-Shepherd to talk about the backlash she received since telling her story publicly.
The former clerk of a small northeast Alabama town has pleaded guilty to using her position to steal thousands of dollars.

Jennifer Lynne Hall, the former town clerk in Pisgah, stole more than $64,200 by giving herself extra paychecks and manipulating the towns health insurance payments, state prosecutors said. Pisgah, a town of about 700 people, is atop Sand Mountain in Jackson County.

Former Pisgah, Ala. town clerk Jennifer Hall pleaded guilty to using her position for personal gain.

Hall pleaded guilty in Jackson County Circuit Court to a felony charge of using her position for personal gain. She got a 12-year reverse split sentence, court records show. That means if she successfully completes 10 years on supervised probation, Hall can avoid a two-year prison sentence. Hall is required to make a $535 restitution payment each month.

If Hall doesnt pay the full restitution in 10 years, shell have to serve the two-year prison sentence, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshalls office said in a news release. If Hall misses a payment, Jackson County Judge Jennifer Holt can revoke her probation and send her to prison, the AGs office said.

Hall, 43, is prohibited from working for a governmental body while she is on supervised probation, prosecutors said. The plea agreement required her to resign as a magistrate in the small town of Henagar in neighboring DeKalb County.

In her guilty plea, Hall admitted using her position to give herself extra paychecks that she didnt earn or have approved by a supervisor, prosecutors said. Hall also admitted she manipulated the towns health insurance payments to force the town to pay for her familys health insurance coverage, Marshalls office said.

The people of Alabama deserve to have confidence that their local government employees perform their jobs with honesty and integrity, Marshall said in a news release. I am pleased that this defendants breach of the public trust will be punished, and that the Town of Pisgah will receive restitution for its loss. Our citizens can be assured that the Attorney Generals Office will be vigilant in pursing those who violate Alabamas ethics laws.

Assistant Attorneys General Kyle Beckman and Jasper Roberts prosecuted the case.
Two years after Alabama reported fake high school graduation rates, federal officials are once again asking questions.

The question this time: How did so many more students with disabilities suddenly graduate from high school?

A recent federal report ranked Alabama high schools among the most efficient in the nation, claiming the fourth highest overall graduation rate, 89 percent, for the class of 2017.

Additionally, according to Alabama figures, 74 percent of students with disabilities finished high school on time. It was just 54 percent the year before.

Now federal officials are asking how Alabama improved that overall rate by more than 20 percentage points in one year and how the number of graduates with disabilities went up a whopping 40 percent from one year to the next.

In 2017, federal officials busted Alabama for reporting false graduation rates for the 2014 class and beyond. Alabama officials implemented a plan to ensure the rates were accurate and fixed the 2016 rates, which showed 54 percent of students in special education graduated that year.

Last year, after federal officials reviewed the increase in 2017 rates, they asked questions that the state has yet to answer, said Liz Hill, Press Secretary for U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

We did send a letter to Alabama asking for more information regarding significant variances in graduation data year over year, Hill responded when asked whether those questions were answered.

Hill provided a link to the copy of the federal audit which includes the corrective action plan that state education officials created to ensure graduates were counted accurately.

Advocates here are also skeptical of the new numbers.

I am suspicious of a 20-percentage-point jump in a year, said Nancy Anderson, Associate Director for the Alabama Disability Advocacy Program. Anderson said school and state officials need to accurately track how many students with disabilities are graduating from year to year.

In response to AL.coms questions about these latest graduation rates, the state education departments spokesperson, Michael Sibley, acknowledged the sudden gains, but did not have an immediate explanation. He provided the following statement:

We are aware of what appears to be non-standard growth in the graduation rates of Alabamas Special Education students in certain areas of the state. Whenever there are statistical anomalies, a deeper dive into the data is necessary to review for mistakes, oversights, or justifiable rationale.

In Alabama, students in special education graduate at far lower percentages than most groups of students and only students with limited English proficiency drop out in higher percentages. Achievement rates for special education students in Alabama on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the gold standard in testing, are far below other states proficiency levels.

If you dont accurately know that number [of graduates], then how do you know what to improve in terms of your practice, Anderson asked. Or for that matter, if theyve been successful, what practices they need to build on?

It is unclear exactly what numbers were originally sent to federal officials, because graduation rates currently posted on Alabamas federal report card show a 20-percentage-point increase, from 54 percent in 2015-16 to 74 percent in 2016-17. Federal officials initially asked about a 22-percentage-point increase.

The chart below shows the rapid climb in the percentage of students with disabilities who graduated over a four-year time period.

Alabama graduation rates for students with disabilities from the 2013-14 through 2016-17 school years.

Sibley at the state department said local school districts report those rates, and several districts show significant increases in their special education graduation rates.

The state department is reviewing the data for accuracy, Sibley wrote, and will make corrections if necessary. If the data prove to be accurate, Sibley added, We will look for ways to replicate the successes experienced within our special education subgroup.

AL.com has requested further information from some local superintendents who had large increases in the number of students with disabilities graduating from one year to the next. For example, Gadsden City schools had a 48-percentage-point gain, Autauga County had a 40-percentage-point gain, and Monroe County had a 39-percentage-point gain. A full table of both years graduation rates is posted at the end of this article.

Sibley provided a document showing the state department responded to the U.S. Department of Educations inquiry on May 28, 2018, but that response only admitted the graduation rates transmitted electronically to federal officials in February and in April were inaccurate.

No documents were produced showing that state officials had sent corrected rates to federal officials, which is what the U.S. Department of Education is waiting for.

The Advocacy Institute, a national nonprofit organization that advocates for students with disabilities, took a look at graduation rates nationwide. Their findings show Alabamas rates increased the most among all states---from 30 percent to 74 percent---since the 2010-11 school year.

Nevada is close behind, with a 42-percentage-point gain over the same period. Nevadas big gains appear to come from its having dropped the graduation exam in 2017. After having a graduation rate that hovered between 23 percent in 2010-11 and 29 percent in 2015-16, that states graduation rate rose to 65 percent in 2016-17.

Given the difficulty many students with disabilities have in finding work or pursuing college after high school, keeping track of how many students in special education are graduating with which diploma is important, Anderson said.

When it comes to kids with disabilities, Anderson added, one of the key indicators of future employment and a way out of the poverty that is so often associated with persons with disabilities is legitimate graduation with a regular diploma.

Heres a look at the number of students with disabilities and their graduation rate, by district, for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school years.

Only 80 of Alabamas 137 school districts reported graduation rates for students with disabilities for the 2015-16 school year, as the other 57 had fewer than 10 students graduate so that information was privacy-protected.
Alabama Democratic Senator Doug Jones will vote in favor of William Barr, President Donald Trumps nominee for the next U.S. Attorney General.

After thorough consideration, I have concluded that Mr. Barr is qualified for the position of Attorney General and his record strongly suggests he will exercise independent judgment and uphold the best interests of the Department of Justice. Should the Judiciary Committee move forward with his nomination, I will vote to confirm Mr. Barr as Attorney General of the United States, Jones said in a statement.

Jones, a former U.S Attorney, said he had the opportunity to meet and question Barr personally.

I believe that Mr. Barr shares my commitment to the institutional independence of the Department of Justice and that he will bring stabilizing leadership that is badly needed, Jones added.

Jones is the first Democrat to announce he would support Barr, who served AG from 1991 to 1993 under former President George H.W. Bush. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 to advance Barrs nomination today; the full Senate could take up the matter later this month.

If confirmed, Barr will succeed Jeff Sessions, who resigned in November at President Trumps request. Sessions is a former Alabama Senator, who was replaced by Jones after a December 2017 special election.
Auburn City Schools is currently investigating an inappropriate social media post made by an Auburn High School student.

The Snapchat shows a white student whose face is smeared with what appears to be a black face mask. The caption reads, "Is this what being a n***er feels like?"

The photo has been modified to blur (or obscure) the students face and the offensive language. Schools officials said in a statement Thursday morning that measures will be taken following the investigation. They did not provide any specific details in the statement.

"What has been presented to the administration at AHS and the leadership of ACS in this case does not reflect the school systems statements of belief," Auburn officials said.

This incident happened while two Virginia Democrats are facing backlash for participating in blackface in years past, launching a national re-examination of the past use of blackface by public officials and celebrities.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam initially admitted last week that he was in a photograph showing a man in blackface standing next to another man wearing a KKK attire. The picture was in Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook.

A few days later, Northam contradicted his earlier statements and said during a press conference that he wasn't the man in the photo and will not resign. He also said that he did wear blackface once when dressing up as Michael Jackson.

Virginia's attorney general also released an apology after admitting on Wednesday that he appeared in blackface during a 1980 college party.

The controversy spurred a host of headlines and a nationwide look at the use of blackface in recent decades from local politicians to late night comedians to fashion designers.

In Florida, a Republican state representative, Anthony Sabatini, has come under renewed scrutiny today for a photo of him dressing in blackface during a homecoming event. And the Italian fashion line Gucci stopped selling a black jumper after social media users pointed out that the design, with its long turtleneck and big red lips, resembles blackface.
One man and two juveniles have been jailed on attempted murder, assault and firearms charges in a shooting that left two female victims hospitalized with gunshot wounds Tuesday night, Tuscaloosa police said.

Alexander Bishop, 19, Doriyan Thomas, 17 and Quentarius Farmer, 16, were charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, police said.

Each suspect will be held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail with bail set at $120,000.

About 9 p.m. Tuesday, Tuscaloosa police responded to a report of a shooting at Hay Court Apartments on 21st Street. Officers found two black females, ages 19 and 17 suffering from gunshot wounds.

The 19-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the head. The 17-year-old was shot in the leg, police said. The 19-year-old was in critical condition earlier Wednesday. The 17-year-old was listed as stable, police said.

Investigators said the shooting may have stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two groups of males or an issue between one of the female victims and another female.

Further details about the shooting were not immediately available.

Investigators ask that anyone with information please contact the Violent Crimes Unit at (205) 464-8690 or CrimeStoppers at (205) 752-STOP (7867).
It may have been a formality, but the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and Business Council of Alabama President Katie Britt have made it clear they back a gas tax increase expected to be a hot topic for the state legislature this year.

On Thursday the Chamber held a luncheon to unveil its legislative agenda, with Britt as a guest speaker. Britt, who was chosen to lead the BCA in October and who started in January, said she was still mapping out her the organization's course of action, beyond certain broad priorities such as support for early childhood education.

"A lot of people have asked me, what's the agenda, what's going on?" she said. "I have been in the job 26 days, so we're still trying to figure out what direction we're going to take it." She was specific, however about backing a gas tax increase.

"Back in the day, Ronald Reagan said the bridges and roads we don't repair will cost us far more to do in the future," Britt said, "And I think that is where we are today without a doubt."

Since the state's current gas tax was passed in 1992, cars have gotten more efficient, meaning the revenue collected per mile driven has dropped. Meanwhile construction costs have risen, further shrinking the amount of infrastructure work the tax can fund.

Whether it be bridges, roads, ports  Weve got to invest in that today, Britt said, adding that she sees it as a bipartisan issue. Weve had about 30 states that have increased their gas tax in the last few years and I certainly dont want us to be last. I want us to lead.

Rather than go through its own legislative agenda line by line, Chamber officials announced they were putting it online, where it could be a living document updated to reflect economic and political developments.

The "Action Items" that appeared later Thursday afternoon on the Chamber website lead off with support for "increasing Alabama's investment in transportation infrastructure."

That bullet point says the primary focus is on "deepening and widening the Port of Mobile and building the I-10 bridge." But it also says the Chamber "recognizes that there is a gap between current state resources and what is required to address the highway, bridge, and other road maintenance and capital needs in Alabama today and in the future, specifically for critical needs such as the completion of the four-laning U.S. Highway 98."

While that doesn't specifically mention a gas tax, a Chamber news release issued after the luncheon says that the gas tax is will be an issue of particular interest. One reason it may be a while before specifics emerge: Despite backing from many parties, questions remain about how a tax increase would be implemented and distributed.

Others include advocacy and support on a wide range of other issues: adequate education funding, a larger budget appropriation for the University of South Alabama, the establishment of a USA program to help ease the shortage of emergency room physicians and other emergency room personnel, a new governance structure for the Alabama Department of Transportation, rollbacks of overly burdensome regulations on business and more.
All Dolled Up

If youve been down First Avenue North lately, you may have noticed that Tavern on 1st looks a little different. The staple downtown bar has reopened as Paper Doll, a high-end cocktail lounge featuring moody lighting, luxe Parisian decor, and an extensive cocktail menu. Cozy up on a velvet couch in an intimate alcove divided by floor-to-ceiling curtains and sip on an innovative libation like the The Sgt. Pepper made with Brokers dry gin, firewater tincture, orgeat, fresh lime juice, and pineapple juice.

Side Chick

We all know and love Saws for their famous barbecue, but their Homewood location is diversifying with a new concept right next door to the popular barbecue joint. Saws on the Side is a neighborhood watering hole featuring a full bar and a limited menu of Saws favoritesjust without the barbecue. Options include a burger, sweet tea chicken sandwich, and fried green tomato BLT, plus fries, fried green tomatoes, and fried pickles.

Magic City Krabs specializes in Cajun-style seafood.

Crab Attack

Did you know some of the best crab legs in town can be found downtown off Finley Boulevard? Magic City Krabs is a go-to spot for in-the-know locals looking to get their seafood fix. For a full taste of their selection, order the Magic City Plate, which comes with one cluster of crab legs, Cajun potatoes, five shrimp, two corn on the cobs, two eggs, and sausage for $24; its definitely enough for two. If youre not feeling quite as hungry, try a smaller seafood plate ($8-$14), or grab a cup of gumbo (when they have it), packed with shrimp, sausage, and crab meat, for only $3.

Wine and champagne suggestions for Valentine's Day.Getty Images

Lovely Bubbly

Couples commonly celebrate Valentines Day with champagne, cremant, and other sparkling wines. Wendy Watts, former wine director at Western market on Rocky Ridge Road, suggests bubblies both for couples and those flying solo.

Couple on a budget: Deligeroy Cremant De Loire Brut ($13.99). Pink dry sparkler from Frances Loire Valley offers great taste at a good price.

Couples splurge: R. Pouillon ($59.99). Pink premier cru growers champagne with complex, layered flavors is produced in the vineyard where its pinot noir grapes grow in Frances Champagne region (only wines from there may be labeled champagne).

You, celebrating you: A half-bottle, like Californias Gloria Ferrer blanc de noirs ($10.99) would work. But for a treat, a full bottle of Gonet-Medeville ($45.99) is a dry, toasty, premier cru white growers champagne made with chardonnay (70 percent), pinot noir (25 percent), and pinot meunier (5 percent) grapes. With a $5 pressure sealer, leftover champagne stays fresh in the fridge. Eric Velasco

Chinese New Year FoodGetty Images/iStockphoto

Meaningful Food

People in China take food quite seriously; a traditional greeting translates as Have you eaten? Food also holds great symbolic significance, so what people eat during Chinese New Year (Feb. 5) theoretically sets the table for the year. Heres a guide when dining at a restaurant with a traditional Chinese menu, like Great Wall, Red Pearl, and the two Mr. Chens: Round dumplings represent a family reunion, as do the large orbs in the Shanghai dish Lions Head Meatballs. Crescent-shaped dumplings, which resemble ancient gold ingots, might bring wealth. Spring rolls, with a shape evoking gold bars, also portend prosperity. Since noodles represent longevity, do not cut them short. Duck symbolizes fidelity and affection. Make sure to incorporate one of these dishes for a prosperous new year! EV

What is Kouign-Amann?

Kouign-Amman (pronounced queen-ah-mahn) is a French laminated pastry, similar to a croissant, that is made with three main ingredients: butter, sugar, and yeasted dough. What really makes it deliciously indulgent is the fact that the sugar is sprinkled between each layer of dough, resulting in caramelization when baked. The end product is a perfect pastry thats crunchy and flaky on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside. Since the process to make them is pretty labor-intensive, theyre not abundantly common, but you can find them at one place in town: The Essential. This Morris Avenue cafe makes them in-house and offers them on weekends. Go early to snatch one before they sell out!

Irish Coffee with Whiskey and Whipped CreamGetty Images/iStockphoto

Winter Warmer

Irish Coffee is a simple winter-warmer cocktail. But a little thought and care elevates it from basic to breathtaking, says Laura Newman, co-owner of the recently opened cocktail bar, Queens Park. Thats a drink I just love, when correctly made, says Newman, who in 2018 became the first woman to win the U.S. Bartenders Guild award as Bartender of the Year. At Queens Park, she starts with brewed coffee held in a sous-vide bath at 150 degrees to maintain the perfect temperature for a hot cocktail. Different flavor profiles among Irish-whiskey brands allow customization. For added lushness, Newman sweetens the drink with rich simple syrup from demerara (raw sugar), and tops it with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon. It sounds very basic, but its awesome, she says. Nuances make the drink. EV

Magic City Ferments makes homemade kimchi.Getty Images/iStockphoto

Pickled Perfection

Have you ever tried kimchi? Koreas version of sauerkraut is a traditional condiment of salted and fermented vegetables. The side dish typically consists of napa cabbage or radishes fermented with chili sauce, garlic, and other spices. One local company, Magic City Ferments, offers vegan kimchi made in small batches. The products are sold by the pint, quart, or half-gallon, and you can have them shipped or home-delivered. Find them on Instagram at @magiccityferments.

More than Cue

Located in the former Urban Cookhouse space on 18th Street in Homewood, Marks Joint also has strong ties to the fast-casual restaurant. Owner Mark Snyder is the brother and brother-in-law to David and Andrea Snyder and helped the couple launch Urban Cookhouse eight years ago. The pink-themed barbecue restaurant features all the classic barbecue favorites like brisket, pork shoulder, smoked chicken with white sauce, and ribs, but they also have seared ahi sliders and tacos with your choice of barbecue meat.

This story appears in Birmingham magazines February 2019 issue. Subscribe today!
ANKARA, Turkey  Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras concluded his visit to Turkey today with no deal to settle any of the disputes between the rival nations. But both he and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent unusually positive signals of their aim to improve ties.

The president told me that we have nothing to sign today, but he added that maybe we will have the next time we meet, Tsipras told reporters at the press conference with Erdogan. He spoke of the occasions when he has managed to de-escalate confrontations by calling Erdogan, and that Erdogan always took the call.

For his part, Erdogan said a politician's job is not to win enemies but friends."

Erdogan said they had discussed improving transport links such as a ferry service between Izmir and Thessaloniki, and a high-speed train between Istanbul and Thessaloniki. And the two leaders agreed to meet later this year in Thessaloniki, the northern Greek town where Ataturk was born.

Tsipras said the two countries had agreed to reduce tension in the Aegean Sea and proceed with confidence-building measures, but he did not give details. The maritime and airspace borders of the Aegean have never been clearly defined, leading to frequent charges that Turkish warplanes are violating Greek airspace, and standoffs between the rival navies over possession of uninhabited islets.

Tsipras, who arrived in Turkey on Tuesday afternoon, spent Wednesday touring the landmarks of Greek culture in Istanbul. He went to the Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine basilica built in A.D. 537 by Emperor Justinian I, and stared at a fresco of the Madonna and Child.

"You can feel the burden of history here," Tsipras told AFP.

At a previous Erdogan-Tsipras summit in Athens in 2017, the Greek leader expressed concern about Muslims praying in Hagia Sophia, which had served as a mosque after the Islamic conquest of Istanbul in 1453 until Ataturk made it a museum in 1935. But last year, Turkeys top court rejected an application by Muslim activists to resume prayers in Hagia Sophia.

Tsipras then went to Heybeliada, an island off Istanbul, to visit the Greek Orthodox Church seminary, becoming the first Greek head of government to do so. He was welcomed by Patriarch Bartholomew, who gave him a tour of the school, whose desks are now empty, where he himself trained as a priest.

Turkey closed the seminary in 1971 during tensions with Greece over Cyprus. The move violated the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, under which Ankara is obliged to allow freedom of education to its Greek minority. Athens and Washington have long urged Turkey to reopen the seminary, but Erdogan seeks reciprocal concessions from Greece toward the Turkish-speaking minority in Thrace.

Bartholomew conducted a short service for the prime minister in the seminarys ornate chapel. Tsipras lit a prayer candle and placed it upright in a sandbox, but was not seen to be praying.

I want to believe that the day is approaching when these rooms will be filled again with the laughter of happy students, Tsipras said in a speech at the seminary. "Next time I come, I hope we reopen the school with Erdogan."

At the joint press conference, Erdogan raised the issue of the Turkish-speaking minority in Greece, which numbers more than 100,000 people, saying he expected Athens to treat them as fairly as Ankara treats its 3,000 Greek-speaking Turks.

The Turks in Greece have two main grievances. Athens insists on appointing their religious leaders, arguing the state has ultimate authority. And Athens does not allow their organizations to carry the word Turk or Turkish in their titles, apparently fearing this would give Turkey a territorial claim to eastern Greece.

Tsipras did not address these issues during the visit. His answers to questions showed he wanted to avoid controversy. But he did say at Heybeliada: "The minorities in Greece and Turkey are no reason for conflict but are here to build bridges."

At the press conference, Erdogan pointed to the case of the eight Turkish soldiers who have received asylum in Greece after fleeing Turkey in a helicopter following the coup attempt of July 15, 2016.

Our expectation of Greece is that it should not become a safe haven for members of terrorist organizations, Erdogan said.

Tsipras replied: "Coup plotters are not welcome in Greece." But, he added, the government had to respect the decision of the Greek courts, which had ruled against the soldiers extradition on grounds that they would not get a fair trial in Turkey.

On Cyprus, which has been divided into a Turkish north and a Greek south since 1974, Tsipras called for a "fair and lasting" settlement. But the frequent collapse of UN-mediated negotiations has shown that such an ideal is elusive. The two communities of Cyprus have very different ideas of what constitutes a fair division of power and territory.

In the meantime, Turkish warships occasionally put a stop to off-shore energy exploration authorized by the recognized Cypriot government, which is Greek Cypriot. Cyprus protests the Turkish navys interference, but Turkey counters that the seabed resources belong to Turkish Cypriots as well as Greek Cypriots.

"I believe that we, as Turkey, can peacefully solve all issues with Greece on the basis of fairness," Erdogan told reporters.

Separately, Turkey condemned the decision of French President Emmanuel Macron to declare April 24 as a day of remembrance for the Armenian genocide.

Allegations of a so-called Armenian genocide are political lies lacking any legal basis, Erdogans spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said in a statement. They are null and void for Turkey.

Nobody can accuse Turkey of a crime it has not committed, Kalin added.

Turkey has accepted that as many as 300,000 Armenians died during World War I, but it says they were killed during ethnic clashes in which many Muslims died. It argues there was no systematic killing of Armenians so the word genocide does not apply. However, Armenians say up to 1.5 million of their people died, either being killed or dropping dead on deportation marches for which adequate food and water were not supplied.

Macrons declaration made good a promise from his 2017 election campaign.

The French president said he had informed Erdogan of his decision in advance as he did not wish to break communications with Turkey.

"We have disagreements over the fight against the Islamic State, human rights and civil liberties in Turkey," Macron said. "We also have points of agreement such as the necessity for a political transition in Syria. As such, dialogue with Turkey is indispensable."

However, Kalin was not moved by such talk. He accused Macron of trying to deflect attention from the months of gilets jaunes, or yellow vests, protests in Paris and other cities.
WASHINGTON (February 6, 2019)Maryland's Democratic lawmakers were cold to President Donald Trump's call for unity in Tuesday's State of the Union, saying it failed to live up to its advance billing and broke no new ground.



House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Mechanicsville, said he didn't want to call it an official State of the Union, telling reporters Wednesday, "It reminded me more of one of his political rallies."



Hoyer gave reporters stacks of papers that detailed his fact-checking of the president's speech.



"I was deeply disappointed with the president's speech," Hoyer said. "It was anything but what it was projected to be, either a focus on bringing people together and bipartisan action, in fact it was exactly the opposite."



Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, said Trump was clearly disconnected from the country: "He didn't acknowledge the shutdown or the people affected by it. He didn't provide confidence to the country that we'll avoid another shutdown."



Van Hollen tweeted, "It turns out, (SOTU) doesn't get better the second time around. We mostly heard reruns of the same division and dishonesty that has become the hallmark of this presidency. But I know Americans are hungry for real, bipartisan solutions."



Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, agreed with the president's recognition of the increase in women serving in Congress but noted that the issue of gender equality needed more than just "lip service."



"It deserves to be expressly protected by our Constitution. If we're serious about women's rights, we must support ratifying the #ERANow," Cardin tweeted.



The Equal Rights Amendment would guarantee overall equality for women under the U.S. Constitution. The National Organization for Women (NOW) has made this issue its top priority, and many female lawmakers showed their support by wearing all white and "ERA YES" buttons to Trump's address to symbolize the women's suffrage movement.



After attending the address, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Montgomery, said he liked the message conveyed about peace, but disapproved of how it neglected "the major crises of our time" like gun violence by Americans, immigration reform or climate change.



"It was a typically dreadful Trump speech. It was interminable," he said. "He also seemed to threaten war at a couple of different of times."



Raskin spoke at a Wednesday House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing about new legislation, proposed by Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Towson, that would impose stronger ethical rules on the executive branch.



Raskin said "the executive branch is drowning in big money corruption, self-dealing, and lawlessness. They said they were going to drain the swamp. Instead, they moved into the swamp, built a hotel on it, and started renting out rooms to foreign princes, kings, and governments."



Sarbanes said that his "For the People" Act will ensure that, "when people come to Washington to serve, they behave themselves. They act in the public trust, and they serve the public interest."



Rep. David Trone, D-Potomac, said Trump's discussion of the bipartisan support for criminal justice reform was a great start.



However, Trone also criticized Trump's proposed border wall with Mexico, tweeting: "Modern border security means increased funding for technology, surveillance, border patrol officers, and immigration judges. Not a fifth century wall."



Similarly, Rep. Anthony Brown, D-Mitchellville, dismissed the president's border security plans for the funding of a wall, citing their inability to prevent drug trafficking and curb the issues resulting from the refugee crisis.



"Only American leadership, multilateral partnership, and living to our highest ideals can accomplish that," Brown tweeted.



Trump's labelling of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation as "ridiculous" and "partisan" drew fire from Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Baltimore, and chairman of the House oversight panel.



"The president seems to believe that because Congress must legislate, we should not investigate," Cummings said in a statement. "Of course, the Constitution requires us to do both. That is exactly how it works."



Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Timonium, also found fault with the president saying, "If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation."



"Cute rhyme, but @realDonaldTrump should not fear investigation if he has done nothing wrong. Congress and the special prosecutor should follow the facts whichever way they lead," Ruppersberger tweeted.



Maryland's lone Republican in Congress, Rep. Andy Harris of Cockeysville, praised Trump's address.



"It was a great speech," he said. "I think the president did what he had to do to make the case to the American people that the economy is sound but we have some security issues that we have to deal with both far and on our southern border. I think he challenged Congress to step up and do what it should do."



He also praised Trump's call for legislation that would prohibit late-term abortions.



"We must protect children, born and unborn, and we have to start now," Harris tweeted.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump, addressing diplomats from some 70 countries at the State Department today, said he expected a formal announcement on the territorial defeat of the so-called Islamic State, IS or ISIS, possibly as early as next week.

It should be formally announced sometime probably next week that we will have [liberated] 100% of the caliphate, Trump told diplomats attending a ministerial meeting of the 79-member Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. You cant do better than weve done, militarily.

While US officials have scrambled to reassure partners and allies that US commitment to the goals of fighting terrorism and countering Iran havent changed since Trumps surprise announcement in December of a US withdrawal from Syria, Trumps message remains firmly focused on extracting the United States from the long wars he inherited.

Great nations do not fight endless wars, Trump said in his State of the Union address Tuesday.

Now, countries in the region and across our coalition step up their commitments, and we continue to destroy the remnants [of IS]  We look forward to giving our brave warriors in Syria a warm welcome back home, Trump said.

Trump continued that theme of bringing the troops home in his address to foreign ministers and ambassadors today, in his second visit to the State Department since taking office. But praising the US military and also coalition partner militaries, Trump acknowledged that even with the territorial defeat of IS, remnants of the group would still exist and pose a continued threat, including the risk posed by returning foreign fighters and in cyberspace.

Our military has been incredible. And your militaries have been incredible, Trump said. It's an honor to work with you. We will be working with you for many years to come  unfortunately, but that is the way it goes.

That the threat posed by IS is not over after its territorial defeat in Iraq and Syria is a point coalition ministers made in a joint statement following todays consultations.

The territorial defeat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria will mark a significant milestone in the war against ISIS, but does not mean our campaign against ISIS is over, the coalition ministers said in a 10-point joint statement this afternoon. Further engagement is needed in Iraq and Syria, where the terrorist group is still resilient. ISISs leadership, affiliates, and its supporters view its territorial losses in Iraq and Syria as a setback, not as defeat.

US officials, meanwhile, stress even with the withdrawal of US forces from Syria, US goals for Syria remain unchanged.

US strategic goals for Syria havent changed, a senior State Department official, speaking to journalists not for attribution, said Monday. Our top three priorities  which are mutually reinforced  continue to be to secure an enduring defeat of ISIS, to see the exit of all Iranian-commanded forces from the entirety of Syria, and to reach a political settlement of the conflicts.  So a withdrawal of US forces from northeast Syria is the change in the way we employ our military means under our broader strategy. Its not a change in the strategy.

US officials still seem to be in partial denial that Trump remains focused on the exits, said Turkey expert Aaron Stein.

Its all done backwards, Stein, director of Middle East programs at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, told Al-Monitor. They are retroactively justifying leaving and cant just let go of the fact that nothing that they want to happen will happen."

We are leaving, Stein said. US Syria and counter-IS envoy Jim Jeffrey "is trying to get an agreement with the Turks, but we havent settled on key details, and Ankara and the [Syrian Democratic Forces] reject key elements of the proposal.

The majority of US forces are currently expected to have left Syria by the end of April, expert and regional sources said they understood from the latest consultations with US counterparts.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Two Palestinian students have developed a new application that will help travelers to cope better with health risks. Salamat-e, a GPS-enabled health service application that can be downloaded to cellphones and tablets, will provide information to travelers on epidemic diseases around the world, enabling them to prepare for their travels by getting vaccinated, for instance.

The Salamat-e app helps travelers and tourists to identify the types of diseases in the areas where they are traveling. It also explains methods of prevention before they travel, such as vaccines and medicine. If they get sick during their travels, the application will assist in locating hospitals and medical centers offering treatment, Yafa Abd al-Rahim, a student at Birzeit University's Faculty of Business and Economics, told Al-Monitor.

She explained that the app regularly updates following media reports on health alerts and information shared by major hospitals and health institutions around the world.

Rahim and her friend Bashar Shawar, a student at the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Engineering at Palestine Polytechnic University, are members of a multinational and multidisciplinary team of five that developed the app. The team also includes Tareq Osman Babiker, a medical student at Al-Neelain University in Sudan; Chaimae El Mahdaoui, a student at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Mohammed VI University of Morocco; and Polina Ladchenko, who studies marketing at MGIMO University in Moscow.

On Jan. 15, the team won first place in the 2019 Arab Innovation Academy (AIA) competition, in partnership with the European Innovation Academy, held at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) in Doha. Their project was selected from more than 30 projects submitted by 200 students from 30 countries, according to the AIA website.

The AIA program aims to raise awareness about technological innovation and entrepreneurship by offering training to young talents who want to launch new technological products and services.

Rahim said that Salamat-e, which means e-health in Arabic, is still in development and will launch in the next few weeks on Android and iOS. Even though the application is in English, most of the content uses graphics that are easy to understand by users speaking different languages.

Shawar told Al-Monitor that the cost of launching Salamat-e, which includes design, programming and marketing services, is estimated at $20,000. AIA will cover these costs.

On the first day of the competition, the participants presented their university's specialization. Then the teams were formed, taking into account the diversity of their academic disciplines, Shawar said of the event in Doha that started on Dec. 30. All the participants took part in training workshops with international innovation specialists from AIA. We were taught how to identify innovative ideas and turn them into fully executable creative ideas and market them within 10 days.

Shawar noted that the members of his team possess a wide range of skills that contributed to the different aspects of the project. "Our team includes students of business, e-programming, marketing and health services, which helped us transform our idea into a viable project," he added.

Rahim said that she was chosen, along with Shawar, from among dozens of young technology and business entrepreneurs to participate in the AIA competition through the Palestinian Techno Park (PTP) in Ramallah.

PTP is a nonprofit organization established in 2016, in partnership with the Republic of India and Birzeit University in Ramallah. Birzeit University donated 20,000 square meters (5 acres) of land to PTP, while India funded the construction of the main building on an area of 8,000 square meters (2 acres), as well as other facilities such as open work spaces, conference rooms and innovation labs.

Mustafa Ali, the project manager for Creative Cluster Campus at PTP, told Al-Monitor that PTP is the first of its kind in the Palestinian territories and aims at establishing an infrastructure to enable growth in the Palestinian technology sector. He added, PTP also aims to attract foreign investments to boost Palestinian technology, launch new technology projects in the Palestinian territories and develop new products.

He concluded, We are working on creating a favorable environment for Palestinian students to promote innovation and develop their technology ideas. We also provide them with opportunities to participate in local and international technology programs.
Jordan and five other Arab countries are attempting to adopt a common stand on key regional issues ahead of an international conference on the Middle East to be held in the Polish capital, Warsaw, on Feb. 13, and more than a month before an Arab League summit in Tunisia. Two particularly pressing issues under discussion are Syria and Iran.

On Jan. 31, the foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, the UAE and Kuwait met at a Dead Sea convention center to hold consultations and go over bilateral relations and regional developments, according to a Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesperson. A ministry statement also said the ministers exchanged ideas on ways to deal with various issues in a way that contributes to solving the Middle Easts crises and serves pan-Arab causes.

The day before, the ministers were received by King Abdullah who, according to the royal court, stressed the importance of Arab coordination on issues and crises facing the region, further enhancing joint Arab action in the best interest of Arab countries and their peoples.

But despite the media buildup that preceded the event, it took the ministers less than 40 minutes to wrap up the meeting before heading to the airport. There was no final communique and no press conference  only a brief statement to journalists by Jordans Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi, who said that the meeting was "fruitful and positive."

He added that the consultations were open and without an agenda and that the ministers had met the previous day for six hours.

Lack of further information on the brief meeting led local observers to believe that the ministers were either in full agreement on the issues discussed or the exact opposite.

There was also ambiguity regarding the issues and regional crises that the ministers had discussed. One unnamed Jordanian source had told Russias Sputnik on Jan. 29 that the ministers would discuss the possible return of Syria to the Arab League. Syrias membership was suspended in 2011 following the eruption of the popular uprising.

But political commentator and correspondent for London based Al-Quds newspaper Bassam Badarin told Al-Monitor that the meeting was held in the wake of last months regional tour by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who announced that Washington was seeking to build a regional anti-Iran alliance. Pompeo also said that the United States was planning to convene an international conference in Warsaw to discuss Irans regional and international threats.

Badarin said that Jordan and Egypt, in particular, may not like being forced into an anti-Iran coalition. But what choice do they have? he added, pointing to pressure from Washington on its Arab allies.

Since Pompeos statements on forming a regional military coalition and the Warsaw conference, there has been no comment from any of the six countries whose top diplomats met in the Dead Sea.

Professor of political science at the University of Jordan Hassan Barrari was quoted by Arabi21.com Jan. 31 as saying that the six countries do not share priorities. Jordan does not see Iran as a threat, while Israeli policies, the [US President Donald] Trump peace plan and the demise of the two-state solution are, he said. This is not Saudi Arabias position, which sees Iran as the main regional threat, and in the meeting, the Saudis will have the final say, Barrari added.

Jordan's former Deputy Prime Minister Mamdouh al-Abbadi was quoted by Sputnik on Feb. 2 that the Dead Sea retreat was unsuccessful. He said that there were differences and that Saudi Arabias position on the return of Syria to the Arab League was negative.

In contrast to Riyadhs position, the UAE and Bahrain recently reopened their embassies in Damascus. Jordan, which kept its mission open throughout the Syrian crisis, decided on Jan. 22 to appoint an acting charge daffaires at its embassy in Damascus.

Following the Jordan meeting, a number of Arab foreign ministers, including those of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, flew to Brussels Feb. 4 to participate in an EU-Arab ministerial meeting about, among other things, normalizing Arab relations with Damascus. Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who attended the meeting, said Feb. 4 that there was no Arab consensus on Syrias return to the pan-Arab organization.

Saudi Arabias Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir was quoted by Arab News daily on Feb. 4 as saying, We are consulting with the Arab countries for a result that includes the implementation of UN Resolution 2254. That resolution, which the EU is calling to be implemented as a condition for normalizing ties with Damascus, demands that the Syrian regime take steps toward a political settlement to the crisis, something that the regime is resisting.

On the same day of the Brussels meeting, Syrias Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad was quoted by a Lebanese website as saying that those trying to impose conditions on his countrys return to the Arab League will not succeed.

The contentious Syrian file will almost certainly take center stage in the Arab Leagues upcoming summit in Tunisia March 31. With a number of countries such as Lebanon, Iraq, Oman and Algeria publicly calling for the restoration of Syrias membership and others undecided or opposed, the issue is likely to jeopardize the summits success.
Since he first served as prime minister from 1996 to 1999, Benjamin Netanyahu has warned voters of a dangerous tide of leftism. He utters the word with contempt and fear, as he would the name of a communicable disease. Netanyahu, along with his fellow Likud members and those to the right of them (HaBayit HaYehudi and New Right parties), all see a leftist virus spreading and threatening to infect all Israelis. The way they see it, anyone who is not one of them has probably come down with the leftism disease. Whoever says hes not right and not left, is left, Netanyahu claimed following the Jan. 29 maiden speech by his rival Benny Gantz, who urged voters to put the good of the state before divisive partisanship. Netanyahus close ally, Regional Cooperation Minister Tzachi Hanegbi, went further, declaring on Feb. 2, Anyone who is not Likud is left.

However, Netanyahu is still unhappy. According to Israeli law, votes cast in favor of a party that does not reach the Knesset entry threshold are lost. And so, fearing a loss of votes for his right-wing bloc in the April 9 elections, the prime minister is busy extending its borders and is even willing to include those once considered the forbidden right. These are disciples and admirers of radical activist Rabbi Meir Kahane, whose Kach party platform called for a forceful expulsion of Israels Arab citizens. In 1984, Kahane was elected to the Knesset, but when he got up to speak, Likud lawmakers, including then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, would often walk out in protest.

Shamir, a right-wing stalwart, was unwilling to hear Kahane spew anti-Arab vitriol. Ahead of the 1988 elections, Kahanes party was banned because of its racist platform. In 1994, the government declared it a terror organization and outlawed Kach. Kahane himself was shot and killed in 1990 by a Muslim assassin.

Netanyahu, however, no longer sees red lines. As far as he is concerned, anything and everything goes. After former army chief Rabbi Rafi Peretz was named on Feb. 5 to head HaBayit HaYehudi, the Likud urged the party to join forces with Otzma Leyisrael, which consists of Kahanes disciples and fans, to prevent the weakening of the right. Netanyahu thus bleached the mark of shame that Israeli society had imprinted on Kahanes racist movement, granting his successors a political clemency that they probably never imagined was possible.

Otzma Leyisrael, Hebrew for power to Israel, is a union of two parties formed by former Knesset members Michael Ben-Ari and Aryeh Eldad ahead of the 2013 elections to the 19th Knesset. However, the party did not win sufficient votes to get into the Knesset. Its campaign slogan was We will wipe out a thousand terrorists and not a single hair on the heads of our soldiers will fall. Ahead of the 2015 elections to the 20th Knesset, one of its members, Baruch Marzel, a student of Kahane and chair of the Kach party, was named to fourth place on the Knesset slate of a party established by the former head of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, Eli Yishai. This party, too, did not garner sufficient votes to get into the Knesset.

Otzma Leyisrael is now headed by its founder, Michael Ben-Ari, who holds a Ph.D. in Israel studies and archaeology. While still in high school, he was active in the Kach movement. In the run-up to the 2009 Knesset elections, he laid out his philosophy in an interview with the Ynet website. The saying, 'Kahane was right,' has already been used up. You can practically see how what Rabbi Kahane brought up 24 years ago has now become the central issue of this election campaign," he said. Ben-Ari espouses undermining the standing and rights of Israels Arab minority. He calls for their transfer to other countries, as well as for Israeli soldiers to disobey orders to evacuate Jewish settlements.

Another senior party figure is attorney Itamar Ben-Gvir, who gained notoriety over his role in the wild incitement against Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in the mid-1990s. Television reporter Hezi Mahlev documented him at the age of 19 participating in a demonstration of radical activists, most of them residents of the West Bank city of Hebron, against Rabin. In a particularly memorable photo, he is seen brandishing an emblem he took off Rabins armored Cadillac, saying, Just as we reached this emblem, we can reach Rabin. A few months later, in November 1995, a right-wing assassin killed Rabin.

Ben-Gvir, who was a parliamentary aide to Ben-Ari during his short term, carried out many of the provocations he engineered over the past 20 years with Marzel, the last chair of Kach before it was banned. In 2015, Ben-Gvir said he had been served with 53 indictments for disruption of public order, destroying property, inciting racism, supporting a terror organization and more. He was convicted in eight of the indictments.

After spending years as a radical activist, Ben-Gvir studied law at the Kiryat Ono Academy and was admitted to the bar. He has since represented radical right-wingers in courts, among them one of the suspects in the July 2015 murder of the Palestinian Dawabsheh family by Israeli Jewish terrorists, and the Israeli youth suspected of killing a Palestinian woman, Aisha Rabi, from the West Bank village of Bidya in October 2018.

Yet another member of Otzma Leyisrael is Bentzi Gopstein, also a Kahane disciple and founder of Lehava, a movement dedicated to preventing assimilation in the holy land, in other words, the coupling of Jews with Arabs. Gopstein has extended his partys activities over time to Jewish boycotts of Arab-owned businesses.

There is not enough time or space to describe the crimes and misdeeds of this partys members. Most did not do their mandatory military service, and the Shin Bet security agency monitors their activity, viewing them as dangerous individuals motivated by hatred of Arabs and xenophobia.

This week, the members of this radical group could not believe their luck when Netanyahu handed them a seal of approval. Ben-Gvir told a radio interviewer that his party is open to any kind of union. What does he have to lose after Otzma Leyisrael failed in all its past incarnations to overcome the electoral threshold and make it into the Knesset? After all, Netanyahu might even offer them a spot in his next government. Their criminal records, radical views and ongoing incitement against Arabs have all been forgiven.

Even Knesset member Bezalel Smotrich, the newly elected chair of the National Union party, a radical rightist in his own right, was put off by Netanyahus unity call. He realizes that Ben-Ari, Marzel, Ben-Gvir and Gopstein are too dangerous even for his party. In response, Smotrich proposed snidely that the Likud adopt Otzma Leyisrael to prevent the loss of any votes, obviously a non-starter.

After turning those who do not support the Likud into dangerous leftists, and endorsing those on the margins of the right once considered beyond the pale, Netanyahu appears willing to do anything to ensure victory. There is room for racists, Arab haters and criminals with records as long as they can boost his power and buy him more time as prime minister.
The Likud primaries this week were discouraging for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. None of the high-ranking Likud officials likely know what came over Netanyahu to make him paint former Minister Gideon Saar as the enemy of the nation. Saar, who resigned from the Knesset more than four years ago, is now making a comeback. Netanyahu is obsessed with demonizing Saar as someone conspiring to bring the prime minister down.

One way or another, Netanyahu has used his extensive influence, including the dirtiest of the tricks in his arsenal, to politically eliminate Saar or at least to restrain him. Saar, who was confronted with Netanyahus mythological power in the Likud, scored quite an achievement, arriving reaching fourth place on the list, a dramatic blow for Netanyahu. Even the Likud voters are signaling the prime minister that his powers are limited. They are willing to follow the prime minister through hell and high water, but not everywhere.

The Likud has never seen such a phenomenon. Netanyahu stopped at nothing: First he enlisted his son Yair to make a series of toxic posts to Facebook against Saar. The young Netanyahu accused Saar and his wife, popular television presenter Geula Even, of being leftists. Saar was blamed for all the woes of the Likud and even of the entire country.

When that didnt succeed, Netanyahu went on the offensive directly. He accused Saar of subversion and conspiracy with President Reuven Rivlin to depose him while his associates hinted that Rivlin plans to charge Saar with composing the next government if the Likud wins. Netanyahu did not let up even on the day of the primaries. I do not retract a syllable of what I said regarding Saar, he said into the microphones. The prime minister invested tremendous energy this past week in telephone calls and a personal lobbying campaign against Saar. Someone in the Likud told Al-Monitor that if Netanyahu had been so determined with the Iranians, Iran would have long since become a liberal democracy.

Evidently, Saars main sin was that he took first place in the two Likud primaries in which he participated (2009 and 2012). Another was running Rivlin for president over Netanyahus head and winning.

Saar, a clear-cut right-wing figure, is viewed as the only one in the Likud capable of standing up to Netanyahu when the time comes to do so. That time is coming soon, if and when an indictment is filed against the prime minister. Netanyahu is investing all of his energy into erasing any source of opposition within his home party. Netanyahu is fighting a defensive battle to nip any signs of rebellion in the bud and harness the future coalition hell assemble (assuming he wins the election) into letting him continue to serve in his position even during a criminal trial. In the prime ministers residence, Saar is viewed as the only Likud member capable of challenging that outcome, not because of anything that Saar said or did, but because of his independent personality and record.

Netanyahus efforts failed miserably and achieved the opposite effect: Saar became the natural candidate to inherit the premiership, to Netanyahus great consternation. Thus, on the morning following the primaries, Saar emerged strengthened as the candidate who received the partys votes against the express opposition of its leader. It was Netanyahu's first defeat of this magnitude in his own political home for many years.

Netanyahus campaign against Saar began in April 2017, when Saar announced his return to politics. Netanyahus initial goal was to convince Saar not to run in the Likud primaries. He failed. Afterward, Netanyahu continued to Plan B: to keep Saar out of the top ten. That did not happen either. In the next stage, Netanyahu swore to block Saar from the top five, but then had to concede defeat again.

Netanyahu has most recently shifted to keeping Saar off the top of the list. At least here, Netanyahu earned a modicum of success. However, now everyone in the Likud knows that if not for Netanyahu's valiant efforts, Saar would have reached first place. Netanyahu forced Saar to demonstrate leadership and pass a test that few would have withstood. At the same time, Saar demonstrated statesmanlike behavior by refusing to engage in an ugly mud-slinging contest. Instead he succeeded in portraying Netanyahu as the bad-guy persecutor, the image that Netanyahu tried to attach to the former Police Inspector General Roni Alsheikh and the Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit. Saar himself took on the coveted role of the persecuted.

If Mandelblit ultimately indicts Netanyahu (which seems to be inevitable at this point) toward the end of the current year, it will be a windfall for Saar. Other contestants will be Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz, Knesset Chairman Yuli Edelstein and perhaps Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan, all of whom scored in the top five. Another name to remember is tech millionaire and former Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat. The next Likud leader will evidently be someone on this list, and the changing of the guard will probably take place in the course of the year.
In a Feb. 5 meeting between head of the Fatah Alliance Hadi al-Amiri and leaders from Muqtada al-Sadrs Sairoon Alliance agreement was reached on cooperation to pass a resolution in the parliament to eject US troops from the country.

This came after US President Donald Trump's statement on the important role of US troops in Iraq to keep an eye on Iran. In an interview with CBS, Trump said it is important for Washington to keep its military presence at al-Asad air base in Iraq's Anbar province, so the United States can keep a close eye on Iran  because Iran is a real problem.

This has created a strong backlash against US troops in Iraq among Iraqi politicians, who consider this an intention of interference in Iraqi politics and the use of Iraqi territory against a neighboring country, which is prohibited per the Iraqi Constitution.

Iraqi President Barham Salih slammed Trump's statement, requesting an explanation of the number of US troops in Iraq and their tasks. "Trump did not ask Iraq's permission to 'watch Iran,'" Salih said.

"Don't overburden Iraq with your own issues," Saiih told a forum in Baghdad Feb. 4. "The United States is a major power  but do not pursue your own policy priorities. We live here," he added.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi also rejected using Iraqi territory by any country against another. Iraq should not be a part of any conflicts between other countries, he said during his weekly press conference Feb. 5. We do not agree with the recent US statements. We reject them as these statements are not useful and should be withdrawn.

Abdul Mahdi had previously announced that Iraq is not a part of US sanctions against Iran.

This clearly indicates that Iraq does not want to be pulled into a regional or international conflict, whether between the United States and Iran or Saudi Arabia and Iran. The recent trip of the head of the Popular Mobilization Units, Falih al-Fayadh, who is supported by Iran for the post of Ministry of Interior, to Saudi Arabia is another indication of this nonaligned policy.

This policy is even supported by secular forces that are known to have a good relationship with the United States and take distance from Iran.

Ayad Allawi, head of the Iraqi National Alliance and interim prime minister of Iraq in 2004-2005, called on the Iraqi government and parliament Feb. 5 to regulate the presence of US troops in Iraq in a clear agreement that gives full sovereignty to Iraq, not any other country. He added that rejecting Iraqi conditions on the presence of US troops would change these forces to interventional forces that should then leave the country immediately.

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi tweeted in this regard, Iraq should not be used as a springboard to attack its neighbors. We are not proxies in conflicts outside the interests of our nation." He continued, "Iraqi sovereignty must be respected.  Its interests should not be compromised.

Nouri al-Malikis State of Law Coalition and the Hikma bloc headed by Ammar al-Hakim, among other Iraqi political forces, slammed Trump's statements, rejecting any role for US troops against Iraqs neighbors.

The deputy parliament speaker, Hassan al-Kaabi, considered the statements by the US president a violation of the Iraqi Constitution, assuring that US troops would be ejected following a parliament resolution.

A member of the Fatah Alliance in parliament, Mohamed Karim, said that all political parties in the parliament agree on ejecting foreign forces including US troops. Even if a minority refuses, the Fatah Alliance, Sairoon Alliance and Nasr coalition (Victory Alliance) have enough votes to pass this resolution.

In addition to Trump's recent statements, his Christmas visit to US troops stationed at al-Asad air base without visiting Baghdad or meeting Iraqi officials have caused strong discontent among Iraqi political forces.

Trump also said in the CBS interview that some US troops that move out of Syria will go to Iraq, and that they will respond to developments in Syria from their bases in Iraq. This is also against the legal role of US troops in Iraq, as they are only part of a coalition against the Islamic State (IS) and are not allowed to take part in any other conflicts, especially outside Iraq from Iraqi territory.

US military officers have also recently appeared in public in Baghdad, Fallujah in Anbar province and other Iraqi cities, which has spread rumors among Iraqis, linking these activities to a US plan to overthrow the government in Iraq and put in place a military government supported by the United States.

Trump's remarks on monitoring Iran from Iraqi territory have also caused confusion at the Pentagon, with officials unsure whether the US mission in Iraq has changed or not. During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Feb. 5, Gen. Joseph Votel, the commander of US Central Command, said that the US mission in Iraq had not been given "additional tasks."

CNN quoted a senior State Department official as saying, "Our troops are there in a relationship with the government of [Iraq]  by invitation of the government of Iraq, articulated by the strategic framework agreement. They're there for the enduring defeat of IS, that hasn't changed."

As expected, pro-Iranian military factions were among the first forces that showed strong reactions against Trump's statements. Head of Asaib Ahl al-Haq Qais al-Khazali said Feb. 4 that the statements by the US president reveal the truth of the American project in Iraq, noting that the Iraqi military apparatus can easily eject US troops overnight.

Shiite militias also threatened to target US troops in Iraq. On Feb. 2, Iraqi security forces captured a number of rockets in Anbar that were going to be launched at al-Asad air base.

Trump's apparent reassignment of the mission of US troops in Iraq has created resistance among Iraqis that their country will be used as a battleground for a proxy war between conflicting forces in the region. As a result, Iraqi politicians, including those who support the United States, will unite and ask US troops to leave the country.
With the presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey slated to attend a new round of Syria peace talks within the Astana framework on Feb. 14, the relationship between Tehran and Moscow  two main allies of the Syrian government in its eight years of fighting against rebel and terrorist groups  is facing a new durability test, mostly due to the Israeli factor.

On Jan. 21, Israeli warplanes carried out a series of strikes against alleged Iranian targets in Syria. The attacks were considered the most serious since the downing of an IL-20 Russian military aircraft by a Syrian air defense missile on Sept. 17. Russian officials interpreted the incident as the consequence of a deliberate attempt by the Israeli pilots to mislead the Syrian air defense by hiding behind the Russian surveillance plane. As a result, Moscow announced that it would provide Damascus with advanced S-300 missile defense systems and upgrade Syrias air defense capabilities. However, the advanced Russian systems, seen by some observers as a potential game changer in Syria, were inactive during the latest round of Israeli airstrikes.

Head of the Iranian Parliaments National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh criticized Moscow, saying, If the S-300 systems in Syria operated correctly, the Israeli military would be unable to easily conduct airstrikes on Syria. He went on to speculate that there seems to be coordination between the attacks and Russian-provided air defenses deployed in Syria.

Iranian public opinion, which has always been sensitive toward Tehrans ties with Moscow, was further alarmed when Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in a Jan. 26 interview that Israels security is a top priority for Russia, adding that he doesnt see Iran and Russia as allies in Syria.

These developments led to speculation in the Persian-language media that Russia and Israel are collaborating against the Islamic Republic, and whether Falahatpishehs remarks mean that Tehran is reconsidering its partnership with Moscow in Syria.

To better understand the current state of the Iran-Russia cooperation in Syria as seen by Iranian political elites, it should be noted that at present there is no unified view regarding Irans involvement in Syria and its partnership with Russia in the Arab country. There are two main narratives currently competing on this issue.

The first, promoted mostly by the Reformist camp, is an economic view toward Irans presence in Syria that insists Iran must get seriously involved in the process of Syrias reconstruction to compensate for its expenditures during the eight years of conflict in the country. During his recent official visit to Damascus in mid-January, Falahatpisheh touched upon this issue, saying that Irans financial aid to Syria has to be settled in the relations between the two countries. Behrouz Bonyadi, another Reformist member of parliament, took a similar position in a June. 28 speech, asking, Why should we easily spend our national wealth elsewhere in the world without obtaining economic benefits? He also criticized Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for giving more weight to cooperation with Russia on Iran.

This perspective maintains that as Syria moves toward the reconstruction phase, Iran and Russia are turning into rivals and the Russians are trying to deprive Iran from the economic benefits of the post-war period. Based on this logic, Falahatpishehs remarks on the S-300 system can be interpreted as Moscow having given a tacit green light to Israel to target Iranian interests, thereby weakening Tehrans position to have a say in Syrias future.

In contrast, the conservative camp as well as Irans military apparatus present another narrative based on a security-oriented view toward Iran-Russia ties in Syria. This narrative argues that regardless of the economic benefits the two parties will be able to gain in Syria and despite the potential areas of disagreement or even rivalry between them, cooperation with Russia has preserved Irans basic security and geopolitical interests in Syria. In this view, partnership with Russia has not only saved Syria from falling into the hands of Irans regional and transregional rivals, but has also prevented the spread of extremist terrorism throughout the region that could pose a direct threat to Iran.

Those who believe in the second narrative not only hail the Iran-Russia partnership in Syria as a successful model of security cooperation, but seek to expand that partnership to a wider framework of regional and international issues. A top military aide to Irans supreme leader, Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, said Jan. 28 that Iran should form an alliance with Russia and China to deal with the hybrid war the United States is conducting against the Islamic Republic.

As for Russias ties with Israel, those with a security-oriented view seem to be trying to downplay their importance for Irans position in Syria. Conservative news agency Tasnim published an interview with Russian Ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan on Jan. 29 in which he claimed that Ryabkovs remarks on Israel and Iran had been distorted by the Western media and that Iran and Russia are strategic partners. On the other hand, while most of Irans conservative media outlets preferred to remain silent on why the S-300 system did not operate during the Israeli strikes, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman Ramazan Sharif dismissed reports that Iranian bases were targeted in the attack.

All in all, the recent criticism by some Iranian officials of the role of Russia in Syria and its impacts on Tehrans interests in the war-torn country do not mean that Iran is in the process of revising its partnership with Russia. Instead, the different Iranian positions are mainly the result of different viewpoints toward the nature of Irans involvement in the Syrian crisis. In fact, as recently argued correctly in Al-Monitor, both Tehran and Moscow are well aware of their points of convergence and divergence in Syria, but at the same time try not to let disagreements hinder their cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.
Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani set off a media firestorm by announcing that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for structural reforms, leading to speculation about the future of the government.

During a trip to Qom Feb. 6, Larijani said, The Supreme Leader instructed that within the next four months there will be structural reforms, which can possibly lead to budget reforms. He added, After the work of the budget in parliament is finished, this discussion can be pursued. Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting published a video of this segment of Larijanis comments, leaving no doubt as to what was said. Larijani continued, Structural reforms will be to facilitate the work of the people.

Larijani, who some believe has political ambitions beyond the parliament speakership, is a seasoned Iranian politician and aware of the ramifications of publicly discussing orders by the head of state for structural reforms. Even reforms within the budget could have a large impact in the aftermath of the disclosures of allocations for previously unaccountable state institutions, which have come under fire over the past year. While reforms would be popular with the public, certain entrenched forces and recipients of budget allocations would definitely push back against any changes. Perhaps more terrifying for these forces, reforms could ultimately lead to changes within the political structure of the country.

Given the widespread reactions to Larijanis comments, conservative media outlets were quick to report on clarifications by other members of parliament. Parliament member Behrouz Nemati, spokesman for the parliaments presiding board, said, The intention of the speaker was more budgetary structural reforms in the country.

Fars News Agency spoke Feb. 7 to Mohammad Ali Vakili, a member of parliament and its presiding board, who reiterated Nematis clarification. Based on the discussions that took place previously within the presiding board, my understanding is that it means reforms within the budgetary system, Vakili said. He continued, Our budget is an accounting budget and not a planning budget. It is also a waste-costs budget and not a development budget.

Vakili went on, An important segment of the budget is not transparent.

Making sure that discussion remains limited to economic reform and not reform of the power structure of the country, Amir Hussein Ghazizadeh Hashemi told Tasnim News Agency Feb. 7, The instructions of the supreme leader are about structural reforms in the budget and not structural reforms in the country.

Parliament member Mehdi Kiaee tweeted, The parliament speakers comments  were about structural reforms in the budget planning system of the country and what was headlined mistakenly in the media as structural reforms in the country is not accurate.

After the clarifications, conservative Tasnim News Agency took the opportunity to gloat over Reformist media coverage, welcoming what they believed would be political structural reforms. Larijanis comments made the front page of a number of Reformist newspapers. According to the Tasnim article, Shargh Daily interviewed parliament members and former officials to discuss changes in the constitution and other political moves. Etemaad Daily discussed potential changes in the administration and state budget in its coverage of Larijanis comments. Sazandeghi asked what was on many observers minds: Would structural reforms be limited to budgetary laws or will more important issues be taken up?
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Hamas announced Jan. 23 its rejection of the third tranche of a Qatari grant to the Gaza Strip because of the behavior of the Israeli government. Israel froze the transfer of the grant to Gaza twice, on Jan. 7 and Jan. 22, due to the security tensions on the frontlines between Gaza and Israel.

Hamas announcement portends an escalation in the frequency of the marches of return on the borders in the coming weeks.

In November 2018, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum considered the Qatari grant of $150 million a result of the weekly marches of return on the Gaza borders that started in March. Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani announced the grant in October to be disbursed in humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The funds are intended to pay the salaries for Gazas civil servants and to buy fuel for Gazas only power plant.

Mohammed al-Emadi, head of the Qatar National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza and Qatari ambassador to the Palestinian territories, started transferring the funds to the Gaza Strip in November through the Israeli-controlled Erez border crossing in installments of $15 million per month. The funds are to be paid over six installments for six months. This is in addition to $60 million for fuel needed to run Gazas electric company over six months.

On Jan. 25, Emadi announced during a press conference in Gaza that the grant would be spent on humanitarian projects, in coordination with the United Nations, despite Hamas rejection. These projects include helping poor families, improving and developing electricity networks and health care. Because of the movements refusal to accept the funds, the money will not go to paying civil servants appointed by Hamas at this time.

Hamas spokesman in Gaza Hazem Qassem told Al-Monitor, We refused the third tranche of the Qatari grant of $150 million because Israel stalled in allowing its transfer to the Gaza Strip, knowing it was scheduled for the beginning of the month through Qatari mediator Emadi.

Qassem said that Israel tried to extort Hamas by pressuring it to halt the marches of return on the eastern borders of the Gaza Strip in exchange for Israels allowing the entry of the Qatari funds. Hamas cannot accept this.

He noted that the marches of return are now seeking to force Israel to commit to the latest understandings brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the UN, since July 2018, by beefing up public mobilization and fostering peaceful protesting methods. Qassem refused to discuss what methods he was referring to.

Since March 2018, Palestinians have been protesting on the Gaza borders with Israel. They clashed with Israeli soldiers and launched incendiary balloons toward Israeli settlements near the borders with Gaza, leading to huge fires in agricultural fields, to force Israel to lift the ongoing siege since 2006.

Qassem said that the Palestinian resistance will not allow Israel to respond to the marches of return by shelling resistance locations. We will have the right to answer any Israeli attack, and we will not allow changing the rules of engagement in favor of Israel.

On Jan. 22, Israel shelled Hamas positions in Gaza, killing a Palestinian and wounding four others, after an Israeli soldier was injured in an exchange of fire on the Israel-Gaza border.

The governmental authorities in the Gaza Strip will continue to pay 40% of government employees salaries through local revenues until the general situation improves and the Israeli blockade is lifted," Qassem noted.

Member of the Higher National Commission for the Great Return March Talal Abu Zarifa told Al-Monitor, Israel wants the marches of return to stop in return for allowing aid to Gaza, but this is not possible. We will continue with our marches, and we have plenty of pressure cards we can use on Israel to break the siege on Gaza.

He said, The understandings reached with Israel did not include a condition to halt the marches, but only to reduce the violence on the borders and stop burning tires, launching incendiary balloons and infiltrating through the border fence into Israel.

Abu Zarifa noted that Israel is slackening in respecting its understandings, which include allowing entry of funds, halting attacks on Gaza, expanding the fishing space in the Gaza waters, allowing the entry of fuel to the only power station in Gaza, lifting the ban on commodities entering and leaving the Gaza Strip and expediting the reconstruction of the enclave.

He said that the committee is looking to increase the frequency of the marches and mobilize more people to force Israel to break the siege, adding, Egypt is pressuring Israel to fulfill the agreed-upon understandings. If Israel does not oblige, several marches of return will take place in the coming days. He warned that Gaza is on the verge of blowing up in the face of Israel.

Saleh al-Arouri, deputy head of Hamas political bureau, warned Jan. 25 during a TV interview on the Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa satellite channel that the Gaza Strip is at the tip of the volcano with Israel.

He said, Israel is trying to impose field realities that foil the brokered understandings with Israel. But the Palestinian resistance does not take extortion lying down when it comes to these understandings and is willing to defend our people.

Political analyst and former editor-in-chief of the local Felesteen newspaper Mustafa al-Sawaf told Al-Monitor, All Palestinian parties refuse Israel's extortion attempts and their linking the Qatari grant to the calm in Gaza or to halting the marches of return. The marches will continue as long as Israel keeps reneging on its agreements with regional and international mediators.

Sawaf said, The marches of return will go back to their tools such as launching incendiary balloons on Israeli settlements adjacent to Gaza, burning tires near the fence and infiltrating through the security fence.

He believes that the armed factions in Gaza will not stand idle facing an Israeli attack, and they will respond if Israel does not lift the siege. The resistance will have different measures that Israel will not be able to bear, and the coming confrontation will be painful for everyone.

He noted, Israels ongoing slackening and evasion of its commitments to calm the situation mean that it will all blow up in Israels face, and everyone will have to suffer the consequences.

Talal Okal, political analyst and writer, told Al-Monitor, If Israel does not commit to its understandings, the great marches of return on the Gazan borders will intensify, and Israel will use excessive force. This will only worsen the situation between Gaza and Israel.

Okal believes that Hamas rejection of the Qatari grant is a good call. He said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is exploiting the issue of the Qatari funds to garner public support in the run-up to the Israeli elections. The issue of funds is also widening the Palestinian rift, after the Palestinian Authority refused their entry to the Gaza Strip, according to Okal.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) pronounced its judgment on a case seen as a litmus test for justice in the face of the orgy of state-sponsored violence that unfolded in the town of Cizre during blanket curfews imposed in response to Kurdish militants attempts to declare self-rule in towns and neighborhoods across Turkeys mainly Kurdish southeast.

The Strasbourg-based body declared a case filed on behalf of Orhan Tunc and Omer Elci inadmissible. They were among more than 130 people who perished when Turkish security forces surrounded three buildings in Cizre during operations between December 2015 and February 2016. Human Rights Watch said the forces that laid siege to the buildings had deliberately and unjustifiably killed about 130 people  among whom were unarmed civilians and injured combatants trapped in the basements.

In its reasoning, the ECHR asserted that all domestic remedies had not been exhausted, meaning the plaintiffs had not taken their case to Turkeys Constitutional Court first. In general, litigants can only appeal their case in Strasbourg after the highest court of appeals in their country passes judgement against them. The European body has made exceptions to this rule but did not deem it necessary this time. It is unlikely to act differently in some 33 remaining cases that were filed by families who lost loved ones during the curfew.

Lawyers representing Tuncs family said they were stunned because the court had earlier issued an injunction in the victim's favor in January 2016, when he was wounded but still alive. At that time, the Constitutional Court rejected his appeal for the curfew and military operations to cease so that he could receive treatment for his injuries. The authorities also denied access for an ambulance to carry him to a hospital and he died soon after.

The president of Turkeys Human Rights Association, Ozturk Turkdogan, lamented todays decision, saying it squarely contradicted the ECHRs earlier position on the case. He told Al-Monitor the decision left victims with an irreversible sense of injustice and accused the ECHR of complicity with Turkish diplomats and members of the judiciary who lobby them incessantly in Strasbourg. Turkdogan asserted, As of today, we can count the European Convention on Human Rights dead.

Yaman Akdeniz, a prominent cyber-rights activist and vocal critic of the ECHR because of its recent stance on Turkey, tweeted, The European Court of Human Rights has become an apologist for the Turkish Constitutional Court claiming that the Turkish Court provides an effective remedy.

Tuncs widow Guler had even harsher words for the judges in France. She told Al-Monitor, With this judgement, the ECHR did not execute justice, it committed a crime against humanity. Through this verdict it told Turkey We accept this massacre, go ahead and commit even greater ones. That is the message that was delivered today.

Tunc died with his brother Mehmet, a locally elected Kurdish official. They were identified by their remains, a few bones the BBC reported. Many of the victims were said to have burned to death, ostensibly as a result of shells fired at the buildings. Tunc was badly wounded but relatives insist he could have been saved had authorities granted an ambulance access to him.

One of the more likely reasons the European body seems reluctant to admit such cases is because of their sheer volume, in parallel to the spike in abuses since Turkeys ruling Justice and Development Party began cracking down on dissidents in the wake of the failed 2016 coup.

A total of 7,100 cases were filed against Turkey in Strasbourg in 2018 alone, ranking Turkey behind Russia, Romania and Ukraine. The court lauded Turkey, however, for having settled 146 cases last year even before the ECHR issued its own verdict, a twofold increase over 2017.

Among the most prominent cases submitted to Strasbourg are that of the imprisoned former co-chair of the Peoples Democratic Party, Selahattin Demirtas, who faces up to 144 years on a slew of thinly evidenced terror charges, and of Osman Kavala, a globally acknowledged philanthropist who has yet to be indicted some 464 days since his arrest on similarly spurious charges. In November, the ECHR called on Turkey to free Demirtas, saying the extensions to his detention throughout presidential and parliamentary elections in 2018 had been designed to stifle pluralism and limit political debate.

Turkey ratified the European Convention on Human Rights in 1954 and in 1990 accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the European court, part of an effort to jumpstart its now stalled efforts to join the European Union. It became a fount of justice for thousands of Turkish citizens, notably Kurds, who faced a barrage of abuses during the Turkish armys scorched-earth campaign in the 1990s against the same militants who recklessly carried their fight to urban areas like Cizre two decades later, a move that deeply alienated the people they claimed to be defending.
ANNAPOLIS (February 6, 2019)After a comprehensive law overhauled the state's criminal justice system, Maryland has seen a decline in the state's prison and jail populations and more streamlined treatment for addicts who are charged with crimes, but advocates want to add to the law to keep inmates from returning behind bars.



Signed into law in 2016, the Justice Reinvestment Act is a thorough criminal justice system reform that focuses on increasing supervision and treatment and decreasing incarceration rates in Maryland prisons.



Described by Sen. Bobby Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, as the "most comprehensive reform" he's seen while serving in the Senate, the law has significantly reformed many criminal justice policies since becoming fully effective on Oct. 1, 2017. But some of its provisions are up in the legislature again.



The law aims to keep spots in prison beds open for serious, repeat violent offenders while also enforcing mandatory minimum sentences for high-level drug dealers.



It also places caps on maximum sentences for nonviolent offenders who violate probation on a technicality.



About 700 inmates have been screened for administrative release since the legislation went into effect, with 21 percent, or 147 inmates, being found eligible. Of those, 60 percent have been released and the rest are fulfilling their minimum length of stay, according to a report from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention.



The state's prison population dropped 1.8 percent in fiscal year 2018, and the local detention population dropped 10.3 percent, according to the report.



The bill also emphasizes treatment over incarceration for individuals struggling with addiction and has sparked a drastic drop in wait times for psychiatric beds.



Between fiscal years 2012 and 2014, placement times averaged around 167 days, dropping to 91 days in fiscal year 2017. With the Justice Reinvestment Act's new 21-day deadline adding pressure, average placement times dropped to just 10.6 days for the 788 individuals placed in treatment in fiscal year 2018, according to the report from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention.



For those returning to life outside the correctional system, the law states that the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services must issue a certificate of rehabilitation to specified individuals.



Professional licensing boards then can't deny occupational licenses or certificates to former convicts solely based on the fact that the individual had previously been convicted of a crime.



But for some individuals, return to life outside is complicated by how the state categorizes and links related charges.



Under the Justice Reinvestment Act, expungement is permitted after 10 years of good behavior, including any parole, probation or supervision, for misdemeanor charges.



After 15 years of good behavior, expungement is permitted for second degree assault, felony theft, intent to distribute controlled, dangerous substances and burglary in the first, second and third degrees.



Before the law was enacted, only nuisance crimes such as public urination or other activities not normally done in public were eligible for expungement through the Justice Reinvestment Act.



Under current state law, a charge is not eligible for expungement if one conviction in a group of convictions is not eligible for expungement.



However, House Bill 13, sponsored by Delegate Erek Barron, D-Prince George's, seeks to repeal that provision, and would authorize a person to file a petition for partial expungement of certain criminal records under certain circumstances.



The bill, previously introduced in the 2017 General Assembly, has been a topic in the legislature since 2012, and is scheduled to be heard in the Senate on Thursday.



Alphonso Smith of Baltimore wrote to lawmakers this year that he has been working at the Maryland Transit Administration as an operations instructor for 20 years. He submitted written testimony that he is an ex-offender, and described the 34 years following his conviction, which he did not detail, as "somewhat successful."



"There are many limitations and road blocks in place due to prior, non-expungeable convictions preventing any further advancement in law enforcement, child care and many other career paths," he said Jan. 22 in a written testimony supporting the bill. He added that the bill's passage would clear a path for himself and others to begin the expungement process and to advance in his career without convictions weighing them down.



Along similar lines, House bill 19, sponsored by Delegate Cheryl Glenn, D-Baltimore, seeks to authorize individuals to file a petition for expungement if the person was convicted of a nonviolent crime.



For former convicts entering the workforce again, employers also don't often understand the difference between conviction and non-conviction dispositions, said Delegate Darryl Barnes, D-Prince George's, the chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.



Non-conviction dispositions are standard police records listing an individual's involvement with courts or law enforcement, and conviction dispositions are criminal records with formal penalties.



Even if a charge receives a non-criminal disposition, under the Justice Reinvestment Act, if it's in the same unit of charges as a criminal one, it can't be expunged.



"Even when they understand these differences, employers often draw negative impressions about job applicants who have been involved with the criminal justice system, regardless of case outcome," Barnes stated in his written testimony supporting House bill 13.



Another factor to consider is race, Barnes said. Black residents make up 28 percent of the state population, yet they comprise over 70 percent of the incarcerated population.



With higher conviction rates for persons of color, these individuals face exclusion from the job market, challenges finding stable housing, and other cyclical problems affecting communities of color, according to written testimony from the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland.



Ex-offenders who are employed are much less likely to commit new offenses than those who are unemployed, according to a 2017 Greater Baltimore Committee report that described employment as the "single largest determinant of rearrest and reconviction."



The expungement legislation faces opposition from the Maryland Judicial Conference, Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and the Maryland Sheriffs' Association.



Law enforcement officials generally oppose legislation that increases categories for expungement because it could interfere with access to prior criminal information and be a safety factor for law enforcement personnel, according to written testimony from co-chairs Chief David Morris of the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and Sheriff Darren Popkin of the Maryland Sheriffs' Association.



Technological roadblocks are also a reason for opposition, according to representatives of the Maryland court system.



Online access to case records in Maryland are available through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website, which currently has no functionality to remove single records at the charge level from the website, according to written testimony from the Maryland Judicial Conference.



Each charge is also assigned an individual number for each case. If a partial expungement is granted for one charge of a two-charge case, the system can't renumber the charges to appear as if only one charge exists, according to written testimony from a Maryland court system representative.



"A missing numbered charge could raise more questions and red flags, therefore, nullifying the purpose of the expungement," the Legislative Committee of the Maryland Judicial Council, the main policy advisory body to the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, said in written testimony opposing the bill.
Egypt cut ties with its top US lobbying firm just days after CBS broadcast a controversial interview with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi that Cairo tried to stop from airing.

The Glover Park Groups $2 million-per-year contract with the Egyptian Embassy in Washington was terminated Jan. 15, according to lobbying filings reviewed by Al-Monitor. The firm first started working for Cairo in 2013 when Egypts long-time lobbyists dropped their contracts following the military coup against sitting President Mohammed Morsi.

The reason for the termination remains unclear. A lobbyist for Glover Park declined to comment, citing company policy. The Egyptian Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment. Glover Park's fees had in the past been covered by the United Arab Emirates, according to private emails from UAE Ambassador to Washington Yousef al-Otaiba published by The Intercept in 2017.

The split came just nine days after CBS aired a testy "60 Minutes" interview in which the Egyptian president appeared surprised by tough questions about political prisoners and the 2015 massacre of Muslim Brotherhood supporters in Cairos Rabia Square. The interview also touched on Cairos close military cooperation with Israel, a taboo subject in Egypt.

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Glover Park was hired to help President Sisi make good on his promise to stabilize Egypt. They produced some glossy brochures that showed that, said Sarah Margon, the Washington director for Human Rights Watch. Since he took office, she said, things have gone from very bad to a whole lot worse.

The contracts termination is particularly ill-timed as newly empowered House Democrats prepare to take a hard look at US aid to Egypt, including $1.3 billion in annual military assistance. For its part, the Republican-controlled Senate has long sought to condition more aid to Egyptian progress on human rights.

The whole flavor of the House has changed, said Allison McManus, research director at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy. It was the House that was always the more conservative when it came to maintaining the status quo.

Instead, Egyptian lawmakers are considering a series of constitutional changes that could extend Sisis rule until 2034 or beyond. Human rights and civil society organizations are worried that the country is on a path to continue its post-Arab Spring slide away from democracy.

Id love to think that [Glover Park] had a come-to-Jesus moment that this country was having lasting and fundamental changes to the constitution that were cementing authoritarianism, said McManus.

While the Egyptian Embassy in Washington no longer has any registered foreign agents, Egypts Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation retains the services of Hill and Knowlton. Meanwhile, APCO Worldwide and Cassidy and Associates ended their contracts with the countrys General Intelligence Services within days of each other in April 2018, shortly after Sisi won a second term in an election widely seen as undemocratic.
CAIRO  In a visit to Egypt that concluded Jan. 29, French President Emmanuel Macron held talks with his Egyptian counterpart Abdul Fattah al-Sisi to discuss the political situation in both countries and ways to boost economic cooperation, as well as the regional situation in Libya and Syria. Macrons first visit to Cairo since he took office mid-2017 coincided with the opening events of the France-Egypt Cultural Year, marking the 150th anniversary of the Suez Canal inauguration.

Egypt and France share historical ties in addition to military cooperation such as the Cleopatra naval drill. Since 2015, France has supplied Egypt with advanced weapons like Rafale aircrafts and Mistral aircraft carriers, which raised the ranking of the Egyptian army globally and boosted the economy. French investments in Egypt have reached $5 billion, according to the State Information Service report published Jan. 28, and trade between the two countries was worth $2.2 billion in 2018, according to Minister of Trade and Industry Amro Nassar.

During a joint press conference held Jan. 28, the second day of Macrons visit, Sisi said that the two sides agreed to beef up trade and investment exchange between the two countries. He underlined the signing of an agreement worth 1 billion euros ($1.14 billion) to establish a strategic partnership with the French Development Agency from 2019 to 2023.

Macron indicated during the press conference that his visit to Egypt is a chance to bolster ties with an important partner in the region.

The Investment and International Cooperation Ministry organized the Investment Economic Forum in partnership with the French Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 28 during Macrons visit. The two countries signed 32 agreements including cooperation protocols, memoranda of understanding and investment contracts in the fields of renewable energy, transportation, health, social protection, entrepreneurship, communication, small and medium-sized projects, car technology and women's empowerment. Eight other agreements brought the total 40 deals worth $1.6 billion.

Professor of political science at Cairo University Tarek Fahmi told Al-Monitor over the phone that Macrons visit to Cairo also brought about an agreement on coordination between the African Union  over which Egypt will preside Feb. 10  and the European Union. A partnership will also be built with the French Development Agency to offer soft loans and financial grants to Egypt. Fahmi said, France and Egypt clearly agree on the security affairs in the region and want to counter terrorism and illegal migration, which Egypt is trying hard to deter.

The two presidents discussed the situation in Libya and the Syrian crisis, in addition to the Palestinian cause and fighting terrorism. Macron said they saw eye to eye on several of these issues.

Yaman al-Hamaki, professor of economics at the University of Ain Shams in Cairo, told Al-Monitor over the phone that the agreements would contribute to increasing funding to Egypt as well as French investments, boosting Egyptian trade and the country's economy.

Hamaki added that Egypt is undergoing economic reforms and that they will lead to good cooperation with France in the fields of technology and renewable energy as well as tourism and interreligious dialogue.

Macron started his trip to Egypt by visiting Abu Simbel Temple in Aswan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the temple being saved from flooding by the Nile River. Atef Bakr Ajlan, a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, said in press statements Jan. 28 that Macrons visit is a clear message to urge French people to visit Egypt.

Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmad al-Tayeb welcomed Macron at the sheikhdom residence on the third day of his visit. Macron also met with Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark at St. Mark Cathedral, where he underlined that the diversity in Egypt and the region constitutes a key element for peace.

Macron and Sisi discussed the human rights situation in Egypt, and Macron called on Sisi to improve the countrys rights record by releasing some political activists. Sisi responded that Egypt and the region have their particularities and that Egypt's situation requires great effort.

Member of the National Council for Human Rights Hafez Abu Saada told Al-Monitor that Macron and Sisi did not clash over human rights and that the visit was good overall. He noted that the human rights situation stems from political, economic and social conditions that must be overcome for progress in that area to be made.

He said that there are indications that the state intends to put the controversial civil society law regulating the work of nongovernmental organizations back up for discussion after approving it and acquitting those accused of providing foreign funding to civil society organizations.

Fahmi said that the difference in opinion are unlikely to affect the results of the visit. The West always sees human rights from a political perspective, while Sisi addresses them from a wider perspective that includes political and social rights, he concluded.
Egyptian lawmakers have proposed changes to Egypt's constitution, including amendments to expand the military's powers and to allow President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to remain in office following the end of his second term, and potentially until 2034. The amendments have sparked controversy in the country, drawing mixed reactions from members of parliament, analysts and activists.

The suggested alteration to Article 140 of the constitution would extend presidential terms from four to six years, and changes to Article 200 would allow the military to ensure "that the principles of the June 30 Revolution are observed," which means preventing Islamists from ever rising to power. The amendments are being packaged with progressive changes, to make them more palatable to the public.

Sisi's supporters praised the amendments, arguing that "four years are not enough" and that the president needs "more time to complete the development plans that he started," while critics decried the changes as an "Arab Spring in reverse" and "a coup against the Egyptian Constitution."

Though the two-term limit would remain in place for future presidents, these changes would reset the clock for Sisi, allowing him two additional terms after his current one ends in 2022.

Hassan Nafaa, a professor of political science at Cairo University, warned on Twitter that the changes signal "the start of a major political battle between a people aspiring for freedom, social justice and human dignity and a ruler determined to remain president of Egypt for life."

On Feb. 5, parliamentary speaker Ali Abdel Aal stated that two-thirds of parliament's general committee had endorsed the amendments. This came 48 hours after he had received a motion submitted by more than 100 members of parliament  a fifth of parliamentarians  calling for the revisions. Parliament's endorsement of the amendments paves the way for a referendum.

The constitutional changes were spearheaded by deputies from the pro-Sisi Support Egypt coalition. Surprisingly, in addition to the presidential term extension, the amendments also include some unfulfilled aspirations of the revolutionary activists who took to the streets in 2011 demanding democratic change, like: the appointment of a vice president; a quota guaranteeing at least a quarter of parliament's 596 seats go to women; and "adequate" parliamentary representation for youth, workers, farmers and Christians. Yet other amendments would boost the president's control of the judiciary, allowing him to appoint judges and the public prosecutor. The head of state would also be entitled to reshuffle the Cabinet without parliament's approval. Furthermore, the president would be empowered to appoint one-third of the members of a second parliamentary chamber, or the so-called Council of Senators.

Critics denounced the amendments as "a consolidation of Sisi's powers" and an attempt "to enshrine an authoritarian government." Members of the opposition 25-30 parliamentary bloc, which comprises the civil democratic movement and independents, also objected to the planned amendments, describing them as "a continuation of the dictatorship."

"We were naive to think they would only extend the presidential term limits," Haitham El Hariri, a member of the opposition parliamentary bloc, told Reuters.

Khaled Youssef, another opposition member of parliament, rejected the changes, despite anticipating a "fierce backlash" for his stance.

"I know that my continued objection to the constitutional amendments may land me in prison on trumped-up charges, but I'm willing to pay the price and face the repercussions, no matter how harsh they may be. Those opposing the amendments will likely face intimidation to silence them," he wrote in a Facebook post.

Mohamed ElBaradei, a former diplomat who briefly served as vice president in the 2013 interim government, lambasted the authorities in condescending remarks on Twitter on Feb. 5.

"Are we so ignorant that we fail to understand that the constitution is a mutual contract among all parties and not one of submission imposed by one party on another?" he wrote. "Have we not yet realized that disputes over the constitution since 2011 are partly to blame for our dismal state of affairs? Are we so stupid as not to learn from our bitter experiences that a controversial constitution often spells the end for its creators?"

The Arabic hashtag #NoToChangingTheConstitution, meanwhile, became the top trending hashtag in Egypt on Feb. 3, after being shared by more than 14,000 people.

Sisi's Nov. 17 pledge to respect the constitution and refrain from running for a third term was widely shared by activists on social media networks, often with snide remarks.

The activists also used humor to vent their frustrations. A widely circulated joke on social media suggested that the president remain in power for life and that elections be held every four years to change the electorate instead.

Defending the planned amendments, chairman of the pro-government al-Akhbar newspaper, Yasser Rizq, wrote in an op-ed that the 2014 constitution was "badly in need of an overhaul." The overdue political reforms will preserve the people's gains in security, stability and economic recovery, he said.

Mustafa Bakri, an independent member of parliament, argued that the current constitution was drafted "under heavy international pressure," citing Article 241 on transitional justice as an example. "That article was drafted to pave the way for future reconciliation with the Muslim Brotherhood," he told the English-language Ahram Weekly, insisting there would be no rapprochement with the Muslim Brotherhood, designated as a terrorist group by Egypt.

Appearing with prominent talk show host Amr Adeeb on the Saudi-owned satellite channel MBC, Moataz Abdel Fattah, a professor of political science at Cairo University, downplayed the changes.

"No articles of the constitution are sacred or untouchable," he said. The constitution "is a document meant to protect people's rights and govern their relations with the state and its institutions. It can be subject to change with the changing circumstances on the ground." He also recommended that a referendum be held to decide on each amendment separately, rather than putting all the changes to a popular vote as a package.

The government is turning a deaf ear to public criticism of the proposed amendments and Rizk predicted that by late summer 2019, the constitution will likely have already been altered. Mustapha Kamel El Sayyed, a professor of political science at Cairo University, offered a plausible explanation for the authorities' intransigence on the matter. "Sisi does not want to step down while he is alive; he fears that he could be held to account if he leaves office," he said.
RAMALLAH, West Bank  Azzam al-Ahmad, a member of Fatah's Central Committee and the PLO's Executive Committee, held a series of meetings in mid-January in Beirut with high-ranking Lebanese officials to discuss the political situation in Palestine and the Palestinian refugees and camps in Lebanon. His meeting included visits with President Michel Aoun, parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, then-Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri. Gen. Joseph Aoun, commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem.

That a Fatah representative met with a Hezbollah representative in and of itself signifies an improvement in ties between the two movements. Relations between Hamas and Fatah, the leading faction in the PLO, have not been close in part because of PLO talks with Israel in US-sponsored negotiations, which Hezbollah has roundly criticized. Meanwhile, to Fatah's consternation, Hezbollah has offered its support to its rivals, Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Fathi Abu al-Ardat, Fatah secretary-general in Lebanon and PLO representative in the country, told Al-Monitor, We have a normal relationship with Hezbollah, and it is improving. We are both concerned about issues related to the security and stability of the refugee camps as well as protecting the civil rights of Palestinians living in them.

According to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), there are 483,000 registered Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, many of whom live in 12 camps spread around the country, the biggest camp being Ain al-Hilweh, in Sidon. The UNRWA figure contrasts sharply with that of the Lebanese Central Administration of Statistics, which reported 174,000 Palestinian refugees in December 2017. According to media outlets quoting Palestinian officials, the discrepancy might suggest that many camp residents have managed to move over the years.

The refugees suffer under extremely difficult conditions stemming from inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding and poverty due to unemployment, all of which is then reflected in poor health and education. Because Palestinian refugees are not citizens of any state, they are unable to claim the same rights as other foreigners living and working in Lebanon. For example, they are barred from as many as 20 professions and prohibited from forming trade unions or joining Lebanese unions.

Hezbollah's political and security weight in Lebanon makes it an actor that cannot be ignored. This was reflected in its gains in 2018 parliamentary elections, in which the bloc that included Hezbollah won more than half of the seats. Hezbollah holds three portfolios in the government formed Jan. 31.

Fatah and the PLO have become more eager to strengthen political relations with Hezbollah as it could play a role in containing any security problems that erupt in the refugee camps, where preserving the peace and stability are mutual goals of the PLO and the Lebanese government. The PLO is also seeking to improve living and social conditions in the camps, which can only be accomplished with all Lebanese parties being onboard.

In a Jan. 6 interview with Radio Monte Carlo, Ahmad said that he had met with Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah , who assured him of his support for the Palestinian struggle. Ahmad did not go into details.

Shiite-PLO relations date back to the 1970s, when Fatah was recruiting and training young Shiites as allies in southern Lebanon to launch attacks into Israel. The relationship with Hezbollah, which formed in the early 1980s around the 1982 Israeli invasion, gradually started to deteriorate with the Oslo Accords, signed in 1993 by Israel and the PLO. With the outbreak of the second intifada, in 2000, there were indications of Hezbollah providing financial support and weapons to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Fatahs military wing.

After the death of long-time PLO leader Yasser Arafat, the relationship between the two organizations deteriorated at the official level. Arafats successor, Mahmoud Abbas, moved to end the armed intifada, rejected violence against Israel and dismantled the Al-Aqsa Brigades in the West Bank. The two sides later reconnected over security challenges in the Palestinian camps in Lebanon, where Fatah holds sway. Radical armed groups have periodically emerged in the camps, which is what happened in 2007 at the Nahr al-Bared camp in the north. In that case, the Lebanese Army had to intervene against the jihadist Fatah al-Islam. One of Fatah's fears is such fighting occurring in larger camps.

In August 2018, Abbas deputy Mahmoud al-Aloul traveled to Beirut for the first visit by a high-ranking PLO official since the organization left Lebanon in 1982. Aloul met with several Lebanese and Palestinian officials and stressed the Palestinians' keenness to maintain the security and stability of the refugee camps, by ensuring that they not become a refuge for armed groups or individuals fleeing the Lebanese security forces, which do not enter the camps.

A Fatah source on the West Bank speaking to Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity, said, The Palestinian leadership has concerns about the US administration creating security tensions in the Palestinian camps in Lebanon to stir up chaos as part of its effort to quash the refugee issue.

Hamas had also warned of this possibility in November 2018. Last year, the administration of US President Donald Trump appeared to be attempting to eliminate the issue of Palestinian refugees by altering the definition of who qualifies as a refugee and halting aid to UNRWA.

A number of noteworthy security incidents took place in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon in 2018. In October in the Mieh Mieh camp, near Sidon, armed clashes erupted between Fatah and Ansar Allah militants led by Jamal Suleiman, a Palestinian reported to have had past affiliations with Fatah and to Hezbollah. Hezbollah and Amal, another Shiite organization, intervened to calm the situation and expel Suleiman from the camp. Earlier, in February, Fatah and Jund al-Sham militants engaged in gunfights in Ain al-Hilweh. The month before, someone had attempted to assassinate a Hamas leader, Mohammad Hamdan, in Sidon. On Jan. 23 of this year, the Lebanese army announced that it had arrested an individual who allegedly took part in the attempt and reportedly admitted to working for Israeli intelligence.

Sultan Abu al-Einein, Fatah leader and former secretary for the PLO in Lebanon, told Al-Monitor, The relationship with Hezbollah must be developed, because it has great political and field influence and strength in Lebanon, and it considers the suffering of the Palestinians a matter of its concern.

Speaking to Al-Mayadeen on Jan. 26, Nasrallah praised the Palestinians' opposition to any proposed Trump peace plan, stressing that Hezbollah has good relations with the Palestinian leadership, including Fatah, through the Palestine Embassy in Beirut. In light of the US transferring its embassy to Jerusalem, I met with all Palestinian factions, including a Fatah delegation from Ramallah, Nasrallah said. We, in Hezbollah, have maintained ties with all factions without exception.

Ardat said, Cooperation with the Lebanese authorities has succeeded in overcoming many of the security crises that were aimed at blowing up the camps. He added, however, The situation in the camps is better now, but the reasons for the tension, albeit minimal, still exist.

One cause for concern is the bad blood between Fatah and dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan, who has a significant number of supporters in the camps. At a December event held by Dahlans Democratic Reform Current in Ain al-Hilweh, the military leader known as Lino threatened Fatah should it move in anyway against Dahlans faction.
Iraqi President Barham Salih approved the controversial 2019 budget on Feb. 4. The budget passed the parliament Jan. 23 after long debates over allocations for the Kurdistan Region and southern provinces and amendments that ignored Iraq's obligations under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mandating austerity measures until 2021.

The Iraqi parliament approved draft legislation for the 2019 budget amid objections from authorities in the southern provinces. At 133.1 trillion Iraqi dinars ($112.6 billion), the budget, if passed, would be the country's third largest, behind those for 2013 and 2014. With a 27.8% increase in spending, it would appear to blow up the IMF agreement.

Compared to the 2018 budget, the current one estimates oil exports of 3.88 million barrels per day (bpd), a daily decrease of 8,000. It also assumes a $10 per barrel price increase, which based on the current market would be from $46 to $56. Budgeted oil revenue accounts for 88.8% of total revenues.

Meanwhile tax revenues and fees are set at 6.8 trillion dinars ($5.7 billion), compared to last year's 9.2 trillion dinars ($7.7 billion). The decrease in taxes is evidence in and of itself of the governments non-compliance with the IMF Stand-by Arrangement to reform the economy.

The IMF-required reforms included raising personal and business taxes to increase state revenue and halting increases to the government payroll. Yet, the 2019 budget provides for a 24.7% increase in state employee salaries, for a total of 43.4 trillion dinars ($36.7 billion). In addition, the state's domestic and foreign debt will increase by 30.87%, to 10.7 trillion dinars ($9 billion).

A source at the Ministry of Finance speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Al-Monitor, The members of parliament did not discuss the budget bill with the Ministry of Finance. They also did not consult with the Ministry of Planning and simply amended provisions at will. The source added, The Iraqi government will file an appeal to the Supreme Court to reverse the amendments and articles added by the parliament.

In Iraq's budget process, the government prepares a draft budget and sends it to the parliament, which is allowed to offer amendments before approving it and sending it back to the government. If the government is unhappy with the legislative changes, it can approch the courts for resolution.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) should be pleased with the proposed budget, which provides it benefits not allocated since 2013.

Ahmad Hama, a Kurdish representative on the Parliamentary Finance Committee, told Al-Monitor, The Kurds have a few comments on the 2019 budget, but it is fair to them since it guarantees the salaries of [KRG] employees, increases the regions share [of expenditures] from 12.67% to 13.93% of the total budget and gives the region $2 billion in investment loans.

Hama also observed, The 2019 budget resolves some issues ongoing with Baghdad over the years, announcing a fresh start for ties with Baghdad.

One of those issues involves oil. The Kurdistan Region produces 480,000 barrels of oil per day, Hama remarked. Baghdads share [from that] will be 250,000 barrels. Added to that, there are 150,000 barrels used within the region for daily consumption, so the region will benefit from exporting 80,000 barrels. Kurdistan ships both its share of oil as well as Baghad's to market through a pipeline to Ceyhan, Turkey, and then disburses Baghdad its share of the revenue, as per prior agreement.

The government allocated 1 trillion dinars ($846 million) for the petrodollar project allocating a percentage of oil revenues for oil-producing provinces suffering damage from the industry. The regions suffering the most from production and refining receive a higher share of the amount set aside. For example, Basra are to receive 69.2%, Kirkuk 6.3%, and Wasit 4% in the 2019 budget. The Kurdistan Region was excluded. Local authorities can use the money at their own discretion, such as to buy power, send residents abroad for medical treatment and provide other services.

Southern province representatives were not pleased with the budget. They have criticized the draft budget because it does not allocate enough funding to complete stalled projects or quell popular dissatisfaction that eruped in protests last year over the lack of basic services, including potable water and electricity.

Ahmad al-Salayti, speaker of the Basra governorate council told Al-Monitor, The 2019 budget confiscated the rights of Basra governorate and gave it less than its constitutional right [to petrodollars]. This is particularly crucial since Iraqs economy greatly relies on Basra.

Salayti stated, The main problem is that the budget bill was not yet distributed to the members of parliament, and it was not published on the parliaments website either [before the vote]. He added, When we asked some members of parliament, they said that they did not know what they voted on and that the amendment and addition of articles to the 2019 budget was disorganized and random.

This is the first time Iraq has witnessed such chaos in passing the budget, which demonstrates the parliaments negligence toward the Iraqi people, Salayti remarked. Basra governorate will appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the budget [if passed], and it will approach the Iraqi courts.

The draft budget should be sent to parliament and approved before the start of the new year, but it is usually behind schedule, meaning the government conducts public finance without a budget plan. This unaccountability is a major source of corruption. Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index for 2018 gave Iraq a score of 18 out of 100, with 1 being highly corrupt and 100 very clean. Last year, Iraq did not follow its budget to the letter, only implementing 80% of the budget at the most.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has a background in economics and attained office based in part on an economic reform agenda. Yet, his government is repeating the mistakes of 2012 and 2013 by randomly increasing spending without investing in developing production sectors.

Iraq is currently experiencing crises in health, agriculture, industry, education, and energy production. The rate of health expenditures under the current budget is only 2.4%, while agricultural allowances do not exceed 1% and education 3.6%. To be productive, the budget must be aligned with economic realities, not political goals.

It appear that the budget crisis, which began in October, might last another three months as the government makes plans to appeal to the courts over parliament's random amendments and other changes to the draft budget.
Tran Van Cong, deputy head of the Agro Processing and Market Development Authority, said that Vietnamese firms will be able to expand their export markets to some of the worlds largest, as well as boost exports of high-value processed produce, making it easier to join the global supply chain.



According to Cong, processed fruits and vegetables, and dairy products will face intense competition. However, the sector also has some advantages in low-cost manufacturing and low-paid workforce, along with an abundance of supply.



In order to fully reap the benefits of the CPTPP and mitigate the impacts of possible challenges, he said the agricultural sector must step up restructuring by improving added value and sustainability, and limiting reliance on imported materials.



Focus must be given to national, provincial, and local-level products in combination with geographical indication and the One Commune, One Product programme, he said.



Meanwhile, the wood sector will benefit from preferential tax as import tax for Vietnamese wooden furniture into Canada, Mexico, and Peru has been high in the past.



Huynh Van Hanh, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Handicraft and Wood Industry Association, said incentives from the CPTPP will help the sector reduce prices and improve its competitiveness.



Vice President of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association Nguyen Ton Quyen said that apart from wooden furniture, taxes for wood processing equipment will also be cut to zero, raising hopes for wood processors.



He suggested that domestic firms improve corporate governance, technical process, and marketing.
The National Nuclear Security Administration, a semiautonomous U.S. Department of Energy agency, remains confident it can satisfy a district court's Savannah River Site plutonium removal order.

On Wednesday, a NNSA senior spokesperson told the Aiken Standard via email the agency continues to "be on track" to get a total one metric ton of weapons-usable plutonium out of South Carolina by 2020.

A half-metric-ton has already been moved from SRS to the Nevada National Security Site, according to an end-of-January court declaration. That relocation was done prior to November 2018, the same declaration states.

Nevada lawmakers have not taken the news well.

Late last year, a NNSA spokesperson said the agency was "actively working" to get the plutonium out of the Palmetto State. At the time, the spokesperson said half of the metric ton would be moved by the end of the year, and the other half would be moved by the end of 2019.

The total one metric ton is to be sent to NNSS, the Pantex Plant in Texas, and Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, according to a NNSA study dated July 2018. The metric ton will ultimately be used for weapons  pit production  purposes, according to the same study and a Jan. 31 statement from the DOE.

"This material is essential for maintenance of the U.S. weapons stockpile, and is handled with the highest standards for safety and security," the statement reads.

No more plutonium related to the SRS-removal campaign will be sent to NNSS, according to court documents filed by the federal government.

"All other shipments of plutonium  are going elsewhere," a filing reads.

Asked if the remaining half-metric-ton would be sent specifically to Pantex, the senior NNSA spokesperson would neither confirm nor deny the matter.

"Pantex, NNSS, and LANL were the designated recipient staging sites," the spokesperson said.

No new recipient sites have been identified, either, the spokesperson added.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak is outraged by the recent relocation of a half-metric-ton of weapons-grade plutonium to the Nevada National Security Site.

The clandestine plutonium shipments  which many Nevada officials say they were unaware of  destroyed "any semblance of trust" the U.S. Department of Energy and its National Nuclear Security Administration fostered in the state over the years, Sisolak wrote in a Feb. 6 letter. The letter was sent to U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry and NNSA chief Lisa Gordon-Hagerty.

Sisolak said the plutonium relocation campaign, handled before November 2018, represented a "callous disregard" for Nevada and its residents.

"While you have shown little regard for maxims of states' rights," Sisolak's letter reads, "it is nonetheless a bedrock concept of this country and a principle I demand that you respect."

The plutonium, flagged for future weapons use, came from the Savannah River Site and was moved to satisfy  at least in part  a district court's December 2017 order. The DOE is required, per the order, to get at least 1 metric ton of defense plutonium out of South Carolina by 2020. More removal is required past that.

Sisolak's letter is but the latest in a string of serious written criticisms sent to the DOE regarding the SRS-to-NNSS shipments.

Earlier this month, Nevada's senators, both of whom are Democrats, sent a letter to Perry expressing "continued outrage" and outlining what they jointly called a "breach of trust."

One day after the plutonium relocation was made publicly known, Clark County Manager Yolanda King wrote to Perry, expressing the Nevada county's collective "dismay" and general "opposition."

The Aiken Standard obtained the letter Wednesday.

King  who in her letter accused the DOE of "deliberate" obfuscation  demanded a face-to-face meeting in Las Vegas with the energy secretary and other stakeholders.

Clark County has not received a response from the DOE as of Thursday afternoon, according to Erik Pappa, the county's director of public communications.

NNSS is about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
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The crowd was keyed up with excitement Wednesday morning at USC Aiken, anticipating the delivery of the university's six new Steinway pianos.

And when the last grand piano rolled off the truck and on to the pavement, students, faculty and community members lining the walkway in front of the Etherredge Center applauded and cheered, led by the USCA cheerleaders waving pom-poms.

A representative from Steinway & Sons in New York declared USCA an all-Steinway school Jan. 31 at the annual Winter Nocturne piano concert, but the arrival of two grand and four upright pianos on campus made the announcement official.

We're so excited to become the first public university in the state of South Carolina to become an all-Steinway institution USCA Chancellor Dr. Sandra Jordan said. Steinway, of course, is a quality name. Everyone knows they produce excellent instruments.

Jordan said achieving all-Steinway status is a testament to our dedication to quality.

We have been ranked the No. 1 Regional Comprehensive Public College in the South by U.S. News & World Report for 14 years. When we created a veterans' center, we were ranked No. 1 in the South, Jordan said. So quality is where we live, and we wanted to extend that to our music students, our future music students, our music and performing arts faculty and, of course, to our entire community, which will enjoy many Steinway performances here at the Etherredge Center.

Austin Bowers, an junior music education major from Columbia, has been playing piano since he was 4 and knows the quality of Steinway.

It's a wonderful opportunity particularly for the piano students but also for all students, said Bowers, sporting a black T-shirt with the Steinway & Sons logo in white across the front that he and all USCA music students wore to welcome the new pianos. It will enhance every musician here.

Dr. Mark Hollingsworth, USCA's dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, said the university's all-Steinway status will benefit not only students and faculty but the entire community.

Arts groups, including the annual Joye in Aiken arts festival, that need a concert grand no longer will have to rent one, Hollingsworth said. Many students in the community study piano with USCA professors and students

They now will get to practice and play on quality pianos, he said.

The university also can expand its music offerings, including possible piano camps in the future.

It's an exciting time, Hollingsworth said.

Joel Scraper, an assistant professor of music and the chairman of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, agreed, calling the university's new all-Steinway status a win-win for students and the community and reiterating the quality theme.

This is an excellent opportunity for us as a program and a department because we now have the finest instruments for our students, and it reinforces our commitment to a high quality education, Scraper said. We have such deep ties to the community with outreach and programs. This allows them access to these instruments, as well, either for personal enjoyment or for practice.

The new pianos bring USCA's Steinway count to 10, including the 9-foot concert grand for the Etherredge Center main stage, which arrived in December 2017, and the refurbished concert grand the late Robert Penland and his family gave the center when it opened in the mid-1980s.

The arrival of the new pianos on campus marked the end of a two-year campaign to raise the money to buy the Steinways. Donations came not only from local residents but also alumni and friends of USCA across the country.

I want to thank the extended community who helped with the campaign, Jordan said. We actually exceeded our goal, which will allow us to have an account to refurbish these pianos as they are in use over the years.
DES MOINES  From increased ease of use in displays to additional sensors to alert farmers of an issue, the next big (or small) thing is always changing in agriculture technology, but one word continued to be thrown around at the Iowa Power Farming Show Jan. 29-31 in Des Moines: autonomous.

Scott Meldrum, an associate with John Deere, said he expects continued advancement of autonomous technology, and said soon we could be seeing tractors running by themselves in the field.

I really think that artificial intelligence or autonomy is going to play a factor in farming, Meldrum said. It may not be in the next one or two years, but in the next five or 10 for sure.

Our skilled labor force is dwindling and our machines arent getting any smaller. If we have something that can be done autonomously in the field, we are probably going to start seeing it go that way.

Advantages of autonomous vehicles are easy to spot, from efficiency to limiting the amount of hired help a farmer might need.

However, one of the challenges is going to be convincing farmers that this is technology they can trust.

There has to be some form of a trust factor, Meldrum said. Someday you may see a tractor alone in the field, but I think the autonomous grain cart, so its not off on its own, is probably the first baby step. I think that maybe you could see something in the tillage realm where theres maybe two pieces of equipment, a leader and a follower type of thing.

With very new technology, the other factor that could make farmers hesitate to make purchases of an unknown commodity is cost.
Traders are in the middle of a tumultuous time in the markets.

From the partial government shutdown which ended Jan. 25 to trade talks between the U.S. and China, there was a lot of uncertainty this past week, and headlines and rumors can make things volatile.

As government reports start to funnel back into the market cycle, one of the only certain things farmers can keep an eye on is the weather in South America.

What weve got right now is a lot of expectation of what is to come, said Jeff Peterson, president of Heartland Farm Partners. Right now, if we think about the bean market, what we are factoring in is South American weather. Currently, what we have factored in is a little bit of a threat. They havent had as much rain as they would like to have had. As a result, weve seen yields continue to drift back.

On Jan. 30-31, the U.S. and China met in Washington, D.C., to continue working toward a trade deal. While no deal has been struck yet, there appears to be optimism, with recent purchases of U.S. soybeans coming through export sales reports.

However, if and when a new deal is agreed upon, Peterson said it might not affect much, especially right away.

Overall, our concern we have on the trade talks side is that the trade may actually be expecting too much to come out of it, Peterson said. We are talking about some very tough issues that havent been dealt with in a long time with China. The fixing of the trade deficit is very easy. If China wants to buy more, they can do that easily.
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Note: There are few people I admire as much as Leslie Phillips in our community. I've known her for many years, and together, our kids have grown from children to young adults with autism. Her son has weathered one of the most difficult versions of autism that I know. And her family has paid a steep price. Most of us are quiet about the agony we face when the doors close. Or when the cameras turn off. Thank you to Leslie for this interview. It's really hard to get your point across to the mainstream media and not be edited into either a 1 second soundbite or a into a caricature.



The article is about FIVE active cases of measles. 1-2-3-4-5. The Brady Bunch had six cases of measles and got a sitcom.





Houston TX People, considered to be anti-vaxxers are getting the blame for a spike in measles cases reported in the Houston area, throughout Texas, and in different regions of the U.S., but these parents say they are not opposed to all vaccinations. They just want more research to combat what they call a one size fits all approach to vaccinations.

"Its wise to consider all the possibilities because the consequences for vaccines injuring my family have been really horrific, says Leslie Phillips, a mother to three children who claims her youngest son Andrew had an adverse reaction to vaccinations that he received as a baby.

Phillips is also a member of several non-profit groups and has dedicated her life advocating for her son, and for other parents, hoping to spare them from what happened to her.

"People have the right to look at the risk and benefits of any medical procedure and vaccines are no different," adds Phillips. "They have risks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website, the last death due to measles was only one person in 2015.

Phillips says that website has great facts, but she advises to look deeper.

"But if you look at their vaccine adverse events reporting system, there have been more than 100 deaths by the vaccine, and if you look at the history, its even more troubled, explains Phillips. She suggests that like with most medical procedures, you may want to get a second opinion if there is something that concerns you about vaccinations. Read more here.
As the nations storyteller, Star India is driven by its purpose of stimulating change through its stories. As part of its continuing mission to bring ever new and innovative stories for millions of its viewers, Star has announced the third edition of its bespoke Star Writers Program, #TheWriteMove , which represents a unique and perhaps most significant opportunity in India for aspiring writers alike to make a career in creative writing for television. They will be trained and nurtured to become the future storytellers for television in India by some of the best experts, under the aegis of Star India, the nations top content innovator for 25 years now.

Gaurav Banerjee, President, and Head - Hindi GEC at Star India, said, Writing is at the heart of great television, which, to take the next big leap, needs the best set of potentially great writers. However, there exists an immense training gap in India, and hence the Star Writers Program is our attempt to identify the next set of truly talented writers and arm them with the art and craft of television screenwriting. There was no institute teaching television screen-writing when we started this program two years ago in India, and we are happy that our program has given writers a formal path into establishing themselves in television.

Star Writers Program is a seven-month, full-time course and internship in television screenwriting, and open to both -aspiring and experienced writers. The shortlisted candidates, selected after a rigorous selection program, will undergo training and an internship and will receive a monthly stipend throughout the course. Successful completion of the program will be followed by a two-year writing contract with Star. Over the past two years, alumni writers from the Star Writers Program have been part of the writers rooms for shows like Kaal Bhairav, Nimki Mukhiya and Nazar from the Star Network.

Registrations for the Star Writers Program 2019 began from January.

Aspirants can apply online through an easy and intuitive process at https://starwritersprogram.startv.com and make #TheWriteMove watch the promo https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/ugcPost:6494088916797353984

A top team of mentors and trainers

SWP attempts to fill the gap in television writing in India. The 2019 edition will have some of the best Indian and global writing stars will conduct it, sharing their secrets of storytelling at the Star Writers Program 2019. With insights and wisdom acquired through years of experience, they will analyze their victories and failures, and tell aspirants a lot about what to expect going forward.

David Freeman, one of the most accomplished and respected script writers and teachers of creative writing in Hollywood, is Dean and lead instructor of the Star Writers Program. He has put a down the course syllabus in partnership with the Star team. It is based on Beyond Structure, http://beyondstructure.com/about-david-freeman a course he taught to key personnel at global film studios and television networks, as well as famous film and television writers. His course titled Beyond Structure equips participants with more than 200 different screenwriting techniques to make their characters and stories highly engaging and thrilling.

The bespoke Star Writers Program aim is to find, nurture and grow the best television writing talent from across the length and breadth of India, in keeping with Star Indiascommitment to storytelling. It began in January 2017, when the first batch of SWP graduates joined Indias TV universe. Thereby giving each writer the opportunity to change storytelling in India.
SBI Life Insurance, one of the leading private life insurance companies in India, today released a new ad film under its 'Main Se Hum' brand campaign. Capturing the essence of 'Main Se Hum' with instinctive moments of happy responsibility, this new ad film appeals to today's consumer by highlighting their positive and responsible approach towards life insurance.

Connecting with consumers across the country, Mullen Lintas conceptualized a light-hearted storyline integrating insurance with elements of romance and humor, thereby making it a subject of household conversations. The simple storyline of a mother along with her daughter cajoling her son to get married cuts across all sections of the society creating a universal appeal. The ad starts with the son trying to fill a life insurance proposal form, wherein without realizing he has accidentally written the name of the girl as the beneficial nominee, inferring that he is ready to take the step ahead (marriage) in life and is ready to protect her. While the boy gets teased by his younger sister in the ad, a larger message of life insurance being a symbolic commitment of happy responsibilities towards our loved ones is conveyed.

Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand & Corporate Communications, SBI Life Insurance, said, Our communication is aimed at having a universal appeal for insurance and simultaneously establishing a emotional connect with the consumer. We believe our creative partners have stood up to the challenge of integrating a financial product like insurance with elements of humor and romance, making it a topic of household conversations.

He further added, We hope the symbolic significance of life insurance in establishing our commitment towards our loved ones is conveyed well to help consumers realize their own happy responsibilities towards their loved ones. 

SBI Life's 'Main se Hum' campaign meticulously positions insurance as a happy responsibility tool for one's protection needs. Using a very apt situation the ad fittingly displays the selfless intuitive progression from 'Main' to 'Hum', in a inventively ideated fashion, where a young man transitions to an intuitively protective version of himself, through smaller steps that one takes to ensure the safety of their loved ones.

The ad film will be aired on television as well as on various digital and social media platforms.

Brand / SBI Life Insurance

Director / Gauri Shinde

Agency/Mullen Lowe Lintas

Executive producer / Khalil Bachooali

Producer / Anirudh Sharma

Production co. / Offroad Films
92.7 BIG FM, one of Indias largest radio networks has announced the successful completion of #BarbaadiBandh, a social initiative campaign aimed to feed 5 lakh under-privileged people across the country. The radio station in association with Robin Hood Army well surpassed its goal by feeding 8.5 lakh people. The campaign was led by none-other-than Bhukhyamantri RJ Khurafati Nitin who pledged to educate listeners on food wastage.

The celebrity RJ who has always believed in contributing to the society with the motto of 'thrive not survive, not only shared numerous tips to avoid food wastage with listeners on-air but also went on-ground to ensure the implementation of the practice. The radio station through a series of on-air, digital and on-ground activities reached out to its listeners and guided them to not waste food, which could be further donated to the under-privileged people.

Commenting on the successful completion of the campaign, Manoj Lalwani, Chief Marketing Officer, RBNL said, Food has become a show-off currency where excess food is eventually wasted. As part of our new brand philosophy of breaking stereotypes and looking at things differently, we thought of educating the masses about food wastage. Our #BarbaadhiBandh leaves the audience with a positive thought of helping the lesser fortunate in our society through minimum efforts. As a responsible brand, we have always believed in bringing forth such critical issues and contribute our bit towards making a difference in the society. We are glad to receive immense support from our listeners since that is what truly propels such campaigns in the direction of success.

Speaking about contributing in the initiative, RJ Khurafati Nitin, said, Its sad to see people wasting food without the realization that so many people struggle for even a single meal in this country. With this campaign, we have been able to educate so many people who havent only understood the problem but have also come forward to support this initiative. I would like to thank Robin Hood Army who relentlessly took the efforts to make this campaign a success. I am glad to be a part of such a campaign that is adding value to the society and spreading awareness around the issue.

With the completion of the campaign, the radio network encouraged its listeners to generously distribute the surplus food among the less privileged, with an intent to eradicate hunger from the society thus aiming for hunger free India.
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) for introducing the Cinematograph Amendment Bill, 2019 to amend to the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The Bill aims to tackle film piracy by including the penal provisions for unauthorised camcording and duplication of films.

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal, while presenting the Interim Budget for 2019-2020 in Parliament on February 1, 2019, had announced that the Government would introduce anti-camcording provisions in the Cinematograph Act to control the menace of piracy.

In order to tackle the menace of film piracy, the Amendments provide for the insertion of new Section 6AA for prohibition of unauthorised recording. The following section shall be inserted after Section 6A of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

6AA: Notwithstanding any law for the time being in force, no person shall without the written authorisation of the author be permitted to use any audio visual recording device to knowingly make or transmit or attempt to make or transmit or abet the making or transmission of a copy of a film or a part thereof. (The expression author shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the clause (d) of section 2 of the Copyright act of 1957.)

Amendment in Section 7 to introduce Penal Provisions for violating provisions of section 6AA: In section 7 of the principal act, after subsection 1 the following subsection (1A) shall be inserted: If any person contravenes the provisions of section 6AA, he shall be punishable with an imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years or with fine which may extend to Rs 10 lakh or with both.

The proposed amendments would increase Industry revenues, boost job creation, fulfil important objectives of Indias National IP policy and will give relief against piracy and infringing content online.

The background

The medium of cinema, the tools and the technology associated with it and even its audience has undergone radical changes over a period of time. There have also been many changes in the field of media and entertainment with the proliferation of TV channels and Cable network throughout the country, advent of new digital technology, apprehension of piracy, particularly release of pirated version of films on internet, causing huge losses to the film industry and Government exchequer.

For a long time the film industry has been demanding for a long time that the Government should consider Amendments to the law preventing camcording and piracy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an announcement at the inaugural function of the National Museum of Indian Cinema at Mumbai on January 19, 2019 to tackle the menace of camcording and piracy. The MIB piloted this matter for consideration of Union Cabinet.
Chico Opens Temporary Warming Center

Chico has issued a Code Blue alert and opened a temporary warming center to protect people. It is at Depot Park on Cedar Street, between Third and Fifth Streets. It closed at 8 a.m. on Thursday. The tent can shelter around 50 people. The city will put up a second tent if needed.

Shasta County Sheriff's Office Investigating Homicide in Anderson

The Shasta County Sheriff's Office says a man killed his roommate on Happy Valley Road in Anderson. Deputies arrested Michael Oconnell who confessed to shooting his roommate during an argument. Action News Now is working to learn the victim's identity.

Man Sentenced for Assaulting Mercy Medical Center Security Guard

A judge sentenced Christopher Cook to six years in prison for assaulting a Mercy Medical Center security guard with a bike chain in Redding. Cook pled guilty just this week. Prosecutors say Cook had just been released from prison for another assault conviction.

Redding Police Search for Man Accused of Child Molestation

Redding police are searching for Bo Nunn who is wanted on multiple charges of child molestation. Anyone with information is asked to call Redding police at (530) 225-4200.

Anderson Panel to Discuss 'Forests, Fires and Politics'

Thursday, hundreds of logging experts will gather in Anderson to talk about fighting wildfires with forestry practices. The panel is called "Forests, Fires and Politics." It takes place at 1 p.m. inside Fusaro Hall at the Shasta District Fairgrounds.

4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Humboldt County

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit just east of Blue Lake in Humboldt County Wednesday night. The sheriff's office says there was no damage. Around 10 earthquakes hit near Petrolia and Eureka within a 24-hour span over the weekend. The biggest was a 4.3 magnitude earthquake.
REDDING, Calif. -Redding Fire says two people were injured in an RV explosion early Thursday morning.

Investigators say the explosion was caused by a propane leak inside the trailer, which blew out both walls around 5 a.m. Thursday. The RV was parked in the parking lot of the 99 Cent Store on Hilltop Drive. Firefighters have not determined the ignition source of the explosion.

Redding Fire says a couple in their late 50's were inside the RV at the time of the explosion. A man was flown to UC Davis Medical Center with second-degree burns over 60 percent of his body. A woman suffered minor burns to her head, but investigators say a blanket covered her from the fire.

Officials say the couple was living in the 20-foot trailer for some time, and are believed to be homeless. Investigators say they were not victims of the Carr or Camp Fires.
CHICO, Calif. - The Chico City Council is asking the City Manager to explore all possible options to help the homeless during the winter weather.

The project is called "Code Blue," and it refers to the process of finding locations in city buildings to open warming shelters during the day and night.

Chico Mayor Randall Stone said that the winter weather is causing a climate emergency. Some evacuees from the Camp Fire are impacted in the Chico area.

With temperatures dropping and the first snowfall in the city in five years, Chico is looking for buildings and even parking lots to put gas burners.

"I was literally thinking that city and the floor there would be an acceptable solution," Stone said. "There's space out at the airport even though there are rules and regulations that don't allow that, they've been violated because we're in a federal disaster zone."

Stone said that the city of Chico intends to take action, although the council is not sure how it's going to play out.
HBO TV

The company appears to be giving people their freedom in viewing the relationship of the puppet roommates.

Feb 7, 2019

AceShowbiz - People apparently are still hung up on finding out the actual relationship between Bert and Ernie from "Sesame Street". After a former writer of the fan-favorite show claimed that they are indeed a gay couple, the folks at Sesame Workshop finally address the matter.

Brown Johnson, the executive vice president of the Sesame Workshop tells The Hollywood Reporter that the company is giving people their freedom in viewing Bert and Ernie's relationship. "People can think whatever they want [about Bert and Ernie]," he says.

"You want to think they're gay? OK," he continues saying. "You want to think they're not gay? They're not gay."

The gay speculation first emerged back in September 2018 after Mark Saltzman suggested in his interview with LGBTQ lifestyle website Queerty that the puppet roommates were gay lovers. "I remember one time that a column from The San Francisco Chronicle, a preschooler in the city turned to mom and asked 'Are Bert and Ernie lovers?' " Saltzman revealed. "That coming from a preschooler was fun, and that got passed around, and everyone had their chuckle and went back to it."

He went on comparing his own relationship with acclaimed editor Arnold Glassman to the characters. "I always felt that without a huge agenda, when I was writing Bert and Ernie, they were. I didn't have any other way to contextualize them. The other thing was, more than one person referred to Arnie and I as 'Bert and Ernie,' " he explained.

Sesame Workshop, however, were quick to deny Satlzman's statement. Through a Twitter post, the show insisted that "Bert and Ernie are best friends." The show continued, "They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves."

The tweet continued, "Even though they are identified as male characters and posess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation."
WENN/Adriana M. Barraza TV

The 'Taken' star was initially set to stop by the late-night talk show on the Friday, February 8 episode to promote his new movie 'Cold Pursuit'.

Feb 7, 2019

AceShowbiz - Liam Neeson apparently can't take the heat. The "Taken" actor is reportedly canceling his scheduled appearance for "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" amid backlash he's receiving for racist revenge story. TheWrap is the first to report.

The actor allegedly was initially set to stop by the Stephen Colbert-hosted late-nigth talk show on the Friday, February 8 episode to promote his new movie "Cold Pursuit". Following the cancellation, it was reported "The Wife" star Glenn Close would appear in his place.

It arrives after fans plan to boycott "Men in Black International", another movie starring Liam. Internet urges the movie to remove scenes featuring the actor with one user writing, "Was really excited for Men in Black: International with @chrishemsworth & @TessaThompson_x. Was 1 of my most anticapated (sic) films for 2019. Hated his casting before the horrifying controversy, but now really hope it's not too late to digitally erase racist f*** Liam Neeson from it."

The boycott is not the only aftermath that Liam is facing after his controversial remarks that anger many people. Previously, the New York premiere of "Cold Pursuit" that was scheduled for Tuesday, February 5, was canceled.

Liam landed in hot water following his interview with The Independent, in which he said he wanted to kill a "black bastard" to seek revenge for his friend after she was raped by an unknown black man. "I'm ashamed to say that -- and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some 'black bastard' would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could... kill him," he said, adding that he eventually realized that it wasn't the answer.

In an attempt to clarify his remaks, the actor said on "Good Morning America" on Tuesday, February 5, "We were doing a press junket and the topic of our film was revenge. The lady journalist was asking, 'How do you tap into that?' and I remembered an incident nearly 40 years ago when a friend of mine was brutally raped I was out of the country and when I came back she told me about this ... I had never felt this feeling before which was a primal urge to lash out."
Felicia Frazar is the managing editor of the Seguin Gazette. You can e-mail her at felicia.frazar@seguingazette.com .
Celebrity

The 'Greatest Showman' actor reignites their fake feud after returning Ryan's heartwarming ad for Hugh's Laughing Man company with a mock ad for Aviation Gin.

Feb 7, 2019

AceShowbiz - Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds recently called a truce with a vow to make ads for each other's company, but their friendly feud may have just been reignited. On Wednesday, February 6, the two actors took to Twitter and Instagram to show the ads they made for Hugh's coffee company Laughing Man and Ryan's Aviation Gin.

"Hey everyone, Ryan and I recently called it a truce in our social media war and we promised to make ads for each other," Hugh greets fans in the video. Ryan continues, "Yeah, we sure did. I've been working 24/7 on an ad for Hugh's incredible coffee company Laughing Man and he's been working hard, 24/7 I imagine, on an Aviation Gin ad so I'm going to go first, let's roll it."

The Canadian actor is full of praise for Laughing Man in the ad, calling it "a heroic company" and crediting his "friend, Hugh Jackman. The loving and caring man who created Laughing Man." The former Wolverine depicter is in awe after the ad ends.

When it's time to play the Aviation Gin ad that Hugh has made, the Australian hunk isn't ready to show it. "I'm not quite ready to show mine yet, mate," he admits. "Let's just cut the segment. It's almost finished, just some color correcting, it's almost there."

But Ryan insists and as the ad plays, it shows Hugh sitting with a bottle of Aviation Gin in front of him. "Ryan Reynolds is a complete and total f**king a**hole. Gin's pretty great though. I'll have to try it some day," he says to the camera, as he pours out a bottle of the gin onto the table.

"Sorry man, I didn't think the truce was actually real," Hugh tries to explain to Ryan after the ad ends. The "Deadpool" star is looking completely disappointed, posting the video on social media along with the caption, "F for effort."

Now it's up to Hugh to make amend or let their social media war escalate again.
Instagram Celebrity

Alice Marie Johnson's memoir, 'After Life: My Journey From Incarceration to Freedom', will be released in May, and has the 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' star writing its foreword.

Feb 7, 2019

AceShowbiz - The convicted drug smuggler who won her freedom with the help of Kim Kardashian has signed a book and movie deal.

Alice Marie Johnson, 63, was serving a life sentence when she was released last year (18) after the reality star met with U.S. President Donald Trump and urged him to free her.

Kim reminded Trump that Johnson was a non-violent offender with no criminal record when she was arrested for cocaine trafficking in Memphis, Tennessee.

At the time of her conviction in 1996, she was coping with the tragic death of her son, the breakdown of her marriage and the loss of her job. Falling on hard times, Kim claimed she turned to selling drugs.

The President agreed Alice posed no threat to society and ordered her release, and now Johnson is set to become a published author - her memoir, "After Life: My Journey From Incarceration to Freedom", will be developed at Harper Collins and Kardashian has agreed to write the book's foreword.

"My life has forever changed because of Alice Marie Johnson," Kardashian said in a statement. "Her story is a gift that will now reach so many millions more through her book and film. I hope Alice's case is just the beginning of a movement to help those left behind. I am invested in continuing to support Alice and this cause."

The story rights have already been sold to bosses at film and TV development houses Endeavor Content and One Community.

"I feel humbled that the telling of my story gives hope and my years of pain were not in vain," Johnson said in a press release.

The book will be released on 21 May.
WENN/Joseph Marzullo Movie

The creator of Funny Or Die's 'Billy on the Street' is joining forces with producer Judd Apatow and director Nicholas Stoller on the film project which he will write and star in.

Feb 7, 2019

AceShowbiz - Billy Eichner is putting a new spin on the romcom with a gay love story, which he will write and star in.

The three-time Emmy nominee, who is well known to U.S. audiences as the creator and star of Funny Or Die's "Billy on the Street", is teaming up with super-producer Judd Apatow's Apatow Productions and director Nicholas Stoller, who helmed the two Bad Neighbors films, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and its follow up "Get Him to the Greek", on the film.

"Excited, terrified, completely in shock and PROUD as hell to announce this movie. We're making a big, new romantic comedy for Universal!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!" Billy tweeted alongside Deadline's casting story.

The news prompted an outpouring of love from Billy's millions of followers, including famous fans like Chrissy Teigen, Julianne Moore, and Ben Platt.

"Getting emotional reading all your messages about this, especially from my LGBTQ friends. I will do my best not to let you down!!!" the openly gay star later tweeted. "Well I hate when people say 'my heart is full' but my heart is f**king full. Don't worry, it won't last."

Well I hate when people say my heart is full but my heart is fucking full. Dont worry, it wont last. https://t.co/mlPtSacvg0  billy eichner (@billyeichner) 5 February 2019

According to editors at Deadline, the story will centre around two men who have commitment problems and are attempting a relationship. Billy will also co-produce the feature.

The comedian has been making his mark on the big screen in recent years with films like "Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising", where he worked with director Nicholas, and "The Angry Birds Movie". He's also in the highly anticipated "The Lion King (2019)" live-action remake, where he voices Timon.
Instagram Celebrity

Additionally, the 'FEFE' rapper accuses Sara Molina of having an affair with his manager, Kifano 'Shotti' Jordan.

Feb 7, 2019

AceShowbiz - Tekashi69 a.k.a. 6ix9ine's ex-girlfriend is making huge allegations against the rapper. Sara Molina, who shares three-year-old daughter Saraiyah with the "FEFE" star, claimed in a new interview that she was physically abused at the hands of the rapper during their sever-year relationship.

Speaking to Daily Beast, the 23-year-old recalled one particular alleged assault which occured in October 2018. According to Sara, Tekashi, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, assaulted her at the hotel in Dubai, where "he punches me out of nowhere." She continued saying that he punched her so hard that it drove a hair extension clip into her scalp.

"So I was leaking blood," she shared. "There was blood on the hotel pillow cases. He got scared."

Sara then planned to get back to New York, but Tekashi allegedly stopped her. "He basically was telling me I can't, he was sorry," she went on saying. "He convinced me to stay."

The rapper allegedly confronted her about a guy. Noting that she previously saw pictures of Tekashi cavorting in Dubai with two young women, Sara added, "And he's punching me in the head because a guy talking to me."

Additionally, Tekashi accused her of having an affair with his manager, Kifano "Shotti" Jordan. Sara also said that the rapper confessed to her that he had been sleeping with more than 70 women in the past year, hoping that Sara would admitted her alleged affair. "Basically, he admitted to me he is a sex addict," Sara said, adding that he told her he had acquired multiple STDs.

He reportedly went on confronting her about Shotti affair, and when she denied, he beat her. "He started to punch me again," she said. "He started beating me for two hours straight."

Sara continued saying, "He had the craziest look in his eyes. I was scared. 'Why is he acting this way?' I had never seen him like that. He punched me so hard in my right ear I thought I was deaf." She then added that he pressed a pillow over her face because "this was his way of telling me to stop screaming."

They later ended up on the bed and "he put his arm around my neck and started choking me," Sara claimed. "He said, 'I just have to make an example. I can't have you out there, making me look stupid.' "

The next morning, "He woke up, forced me to have sex with him. I cried," Sara said. "My face was so swollen. It was so bad. I could barely open my eyes."

In addition to two black eyes, Sara revealed her right ear was purplish black and her arms and back were covered with bruises. "I tried to cover my face with makeup and I couldn't," she remembered. "Nothing was working. I didn't bring makeup on my trip to cover up black-and-blue. He told me, 'Tell me what you need. Ill go to the mall and get it.' "

Tekashi is currently in prison as he awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to multiple accounts of racketeering, firearms charges, and trafficking narcotics.
WENN/DJDM/Ivan Nikolov Movie

On the casting of the two actors and Evangeline Lilly for the opioid thriller, director Nicholas Jarecki says that the trio are perfect 'to bring the human face of this epidemic to audiences everywhere.'

Feb 7, 2019

AceShowbiz - Gary Oldman and Armie Hammer are set to headline opioids thriller "Dreamland (2021)".

The Hollywood stars have signed on to star in director Nicholas Jarecki's latest project, according to Deadline, with the shoot already underway in Detroit and Montreal.

Few details about the plot of "Dreamland" have been made available, though the story is believed to focus on three narrative threads involving a drug trafficker smuggling opioids between the U.S. and Canada, an architect recovering from an OxyContin addiction, as well as a university professor investigating links between the drug company he is employed by and the government.

It is unclear what roles Oldman and Hammer will take on in the film. "Ant-Man and the Wasp" star Evangeline Lilly and German actress Veronica Ferres will also have key parts.

"The devastating impact of the opioid crisis reaches all corners of society," said Jarecki in a statement. "Gary, Armie, and Evangeline are the perfect performers to bring the human face of this epidemic to audiences everywhere."

Jarecki will direct from his own script. The project is his largest since his 2010 drama-thriller "Arbitrage", which saw lead actor Richard Gere receive a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. The filmmaker has also written and directed 2009 short "The Weight" and 2005 documentary "The Outsider".

Meanwhile, Oldman is currently working on a string of films, including "The Woman in the Window", "The Laundromat", and "Killers Anonymous". He won the 2018 Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe for Best Actor for his work as Winston Churchill in 2017 war drama "Darkest Hour".

Hammer has a number of projects lined-up too, and was most recently appeared in "Hotel Mumbai" and in "On the Basis of Sex". He is attached to appear as Simon Doyle in Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of "Death on the Nile", also starring Gal Gadot and Jodie Comer.

A release date for "Dreamland" has not yet been announced.
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At the opening of the new Memphis facility, the Aerosmith frontman reveals he was inspired to set up his Janie's Fund organization by his band's hit song, 'Janie's Got a Gun'.

Feb 7, 2019

AceShowbiz - Aerosmith star Steven Tyler launched his Janie's House safe haven for abused women in Memphis, Tennessee on Tuesday, February 05.

The rocker donated $500,000 (386,500) to the cause and helped with the renovation of the second facility - a sister to the Janie's House, which opened in Atlanta, Georgia last year (18).

The new Tennesse campus will house 14 women and their families, annually.

The two shelters were funded by Tyler's Janie's Fund organisation, which he created to raise cash for women in need.

At the launch of the latest Janie's House, Tyler revealed his band's hit "Janie's Got a Gun" inspired him to set up his foundation.

The doors to our Janies House in Memphis are officially open! Janies Fund is proud to work with @youthvillages and @IamStevenT, to provide brave and courageous girls with a safe haven to heal. https://t.co/fNrtfFnySc  JaniesFund (@JaniesFund) 5 February 2019

The track chronicles the story of a woman who gets revenge on her abusive father.

To date, Janie's Fund has raised almost $5 million (3.8 million) and Tyler and his band are hoping to raise more money at the second annual Janie's Fund Grammy Awards Viewing Party on Sunday, February 10, in Los Angeles.

The event will be hosted by Jane Lynch and include a performance from Aerosmith.
WENN/Brian To Celebrity

Roger Alvarado, who has pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and criminal contempt charges, is also ordered to enter a mandatory mental health program in Florida upon his release.

Feb 7, 2019

AceShowbiz - A man who broke into Taylor Swift's New York City townhouse has been handed a six month prison sentence.

Roger Alvarado, 22, pleaded guilty to charges of attempted burglary and criminal contempt in December (2018). He entered the "Shake It Off" hitmaker's Manhattan pad back in April by using a ladder and used her shower and slept in a bed. She was not at home during the break-in.

According to New York Post's Page Six gossip column editors, Alvarado has been hit with a six month jail term, which he has nearly completed due to time served. Following his release he will return to his home state, Florida, to serve five years' probation and enter a mandatory mental health program.

Officers were called to Swift's $18 million (13.9 million) home by a neighbour and found Alvarado asleep at the property. He had been arrested at the same address two months earlier after allegedly breaking the front door with a shovel.

The 29-year-old popstar has suffered a string of housebreaking attempts from obsessed fans trying to enter her properties across the U.S.

She won a five-year restraining order against Julius Sandrock in June following his arrest at her Los Angeles home while armed with a knife.

Another obsessive, Justin Christoph Lilly, also targeted her California home, and was busted trying to scale a wall at the mansion. She has reportedly made plans to double the height of the perimeter walls at the mansion after the security breaches.

In addition to these incidents, a Texan man named Eric Swarbrick was arrested in Tennessee in September after allegedly menacing the star with expressing intentions to rape and kill her. He stands accused of attempting to hand-deliver threatening letters addressed to Taylor at her then record label in Nashville, Big Machine.

A judge ordered Swarbrick to stop contacting her immediately, and issued a restraining order banning him from going near her or her properties.
Paramount Pictures Movie

Budget issues have been blamed for the pulling out of the follow-up movie to Brad Pitt's 2013 zombie apocalypse thriller from Paramount Pictures' release schedule.

Feb 7, 2019

AceShowbiz - The sequel to Brad Pitt's zombie apocalypse thriller "World War Z 2" has been pulled from Paramount Pictures' release schedule.

The film was set to start shooting in Atlanta, Georgia this summer, but it no longer has a start date due to budget issues, according to Deadline. It is unclear if it will go back into production or be shelved permanently.

This is the second time the sequel to the 2013 movie has been shelved - in February 2017, production suffered a setback following the departure of filmmaker J.A. Bayona, who left to direct "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom".

Rumours swirled that Pitt's "Seven" and "Fight Club" director David Fincher was in talks to take on the project, and he officially signed up in April 2017.
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Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

Holloman Air Force Base near Alamogordo was served Wednesday with a notice of violation from the New Mexico Environment Department after monitoring wells tested at twice the acceptable levels for suspected carcinogenic contaminants.

The Air Force reported groundwater concentrations of polyfluoroalkyl perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at 137 parts per trillion at monitoring wells. The federal Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water health advisory for PFAS is 70 parts per trillion.

Sampling at other locations not covered by the base's groundwater discharge permit exceeded 1.2 million parts per trillion  more than 18,000 times the EPA's drinking water health advisory, according to New Mexico Environment Department spokeswoman Maddy Hayden.

In a joint statement, New Mexico's governor and congressional delegation accused the Air Force of failing to respond urgently to the contamination and made clear it will pursue all available avenues to achieve compliance.

Jim Kenney, secretary-designate of the New Mexico Environment Department, said in a statement that the state is seeking to remedy the situation with cooperative action from the Air Force, but was dismayed by the Air Force's lack of prompt response to the contamination.

PFAS are a group of suspected carcinogenic chemicals that were present in fire-suppressant foam previously used by the Air Force. Hayden said the chemicals are known to be environmentally persistent and mobile in groundwater. They bioaccumulate in the food web  the interlocking and interdependent system of food chains.

Information on the EPA's website indicates that exposure to PFAS can lead to cancer, thyroid disorders and low infant birth weights. In animal studies, PFAS were a factor in problems related to reproduction and development, as well as the functioning of the liver, kidney and immunological system.

In response to Wednesday's notice, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and New Mexico's congressional delegation voiced their concerns in a conference call with U.S. Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson. After the call, the governor and members of the delegation issued a joint statement:

We firmly expect the Air Force to show much more urgency in responding to the contamination around Holloman and Cannon Air Force Bases than they have to date. Their activities have caused contamination in groundwater surrounding these bases, and it must be fixed immediately. We will continue to work with Secretary Wilson to ensure the Air Force moves quickly to determine the full extent of PFAS contamination and take substantive action to protect the health of impacted communities and our service members.

The statement went on to say that New Mexico is entitled to accountability and that the state will pursue all available avenues to protect water supplies and ensure that affected New Mexicans are made whole.

The current groundwater issue at Holloman is the third time in recent years the Air Force has been asked to deal with contamination problems at a New Mexico base.

In November, the New Mexico Environment Department issued a notice to Cannon Air Force Base. Dozens of private wells tested around the base, located just outside Clovis, had PFAS levels three times higher than the EPA's health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion. Two of those wells supply area dairies.

In Albuquerque, Kirtland Air Force Base has been trying to remediate a massive amount of groundwater contaminated by jet fuel leakage from underground pipes at a Kirtland loading facility built in the 1950s.

The Air Force first suspected there was a problem in 1999 and believed that it may have been leaking for decades. It wasn't until 2007 that investigations conducted by the Air Force revealed the fuel had reached the water table and was spreading beyond the base beneath the neighborhoods of southeast Albuquerque, toward the city's water wells.

Four extraction wells have since been drilled. So far, more than 370 million gallons of contaminated water has been removed, treated and pumped back into the aquifer.

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Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

Members of the Santa Fe Fire Department are mourning the loss of one of their own after police say the firefighter was killed in a domestic dispute at a northeast Albuquerque apartment early this week.

Albuquerque police spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said officers responding to a domestic dispute on Monday morning found the body of 25-year-old Christian Reed outside the Chateau apartments, near Osuna and San Mateo NE.

Detectives are now investigating Reeds death as a homicide, although Gallegos would not say how Reed died, what led to his death or if anyone was in custody.

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We are not yet able to release other details at this point in the investigation, he said in an email.

On Thursday, blood was still visible leading to neighbor Kevin Gonzales door.

He might have knocked, maybe, Gonzales said. Maybe he didnt hear nobody answer, so he went on his way to the next one.

Gonzales said nobody knows what happened, but neighbors on the other side of the building told him Reed died on their porch.

Greg Gallegos, Santa Fe Fire Department wildland superintendent, said Reeds death was a real shock for the department.

It hit everyone pretty hard, Gallegos said Thursday. Hes going to be missed. Its unfortunate that such a young life was taken.

Reed, a father of two, had seen a lot of action during his brief nine months with the department.

A lead sawyer with SFFDs Atalaya Wildland Fire Hand Crew, Reed fought several forest fires, including in Oregon, California and here at home when the Ute Park Fire torched 36,000 acres near Eagles Nest last spring.

He was real passionate about his job, Gallegos said. He loved being in the outdoors.

Gallegos said Reed also showed a desire to expand his knowledge and experience, and was involved with helping educate and train youths to fight fires on the Jemez Pueblo, where he is originally from.

He said the department is planning to hold a memorial for Reed.

Chief (Paul) Babcock and the entire department send our condolences out to his family, friends and hand crew members, the Santa Fe Fire Department posted on its Facebook page Wednesday.

Journal staff writer Elise Kaplan contributed to this report.
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Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

Facebook on Thursday announced it has opened its $1 billion data center in Los Lunas, the first of what will eventually be six buildings in use by more than 150 employees and contractors, according to the company.

We are thrilled to announce (the site) has begun serving traffic and is now an important part of our global network of hyper-efficient data centers, said Facebook in a statement.

The company expects to complete construction on five additional buildings, with about 300 employees, by the end of 2023. When finished, the facility will form two H shapes on a 2.8-million-square-foot campus and will contain a total of 22 data halls of servers and related equipment.

Facebook said Thursday it has signed commitments to add 396 megawatts of green energy to the states electric grid through eight wind and solar projects. The company estimates the projects will result in an investment of more than $800 million. The eight projects, as previously reported, include a solar array near the data center, two new wind farms in Torrance, Quay and DeBaca counties, and solar facilities in Cibola, Sandoval and Torrance counties.

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At a news conference in the finished building, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham thanked the company for bringing national attention and much-needed capital to the state.

Because of the recession, we really didnt have the construction industry where we needed it, said Lujan Grisham. And who invested in New Mexico? Facebook.

The data center broke ground in October 2016.

Among information provided by Facebook on Thursday:

 The construction of the data center has so far used 128,000 cubic yards of concrete, 14,600 tons of steel and 4,572 miles of wire. More than 1,100 workers have been on-site each day.

 The company says it has partnered with the local community to restore the wetlands and stream to the Comanche Creek area in Northern New Mexico.

 Facebook plans to award its first Community Action grants in a few weeks, grants that aim to support organizations and initiatives that help to connect the community and increase digital skills.

Facebook would not disclose the average salary for the 150 employees and contractors.

To entice Facebook to choose New Mexico over Utah for its seventh data center, local and state officials gave the company $30 billion in industrial revenue bonds that function as a 30-year property tax break, $10 million in Local Economic Development Act funding and up to $1.6 million in gross receipts tax reimbursement annually. The state also offered Facebook access to up to $3 million in Job Training Incentive Program funding, then-Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela told the Journal in 2016, though the agency said earlier this week that Facebook has neither applied to JTIP nor reserved funding from the program.

While the social media giant faces international scrutiny for its handling of user data and other issues, state and local officials have lauded Facebook for its positive impact on the states economy. According to Los Lunas most recent budget, gross receipts tax revenue jumped by more than 50 percent to $7.4 million during the prior fiscal year due primarily to the construction of the new Facebook Data Center in Los Lunas, and associated spinoff economic growth from the residential, commercial, retail and industrial sectors.

The Journal has yet to determine how much water the data center uses. In 2016, Facebooks sustainability website suggested its data centers use about 25,000 gallons a day. According to an agreement in the LEDA contract, Facebook is guaranteed 1.5 million gallons of water a day for the data center in the projects initial phase and up to 4.5 million gallons a day after completion of the project.

The Water Capacity Guarantee is necessary to protect against a worst-case scenario, because it is critical that the 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week operation of the data center not be interrupted for any portion of any day due to lack of water, the agreement says.

A Facebook spokeswoman said in an email that the company would publish annual water usage for the data center once the information is available.

In a video played during the news conference, Los Lunas Mayor Charles Griego said his father herded sheep in the area where the data center now stands. Asked by the Journal what he thought his father would say about the project, Griego said he cant be sure because his father died when Griego was very young. But I think hed be happy knowing the people here are making in a day what he would make in a whole month, Griego said.
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AZTEC  The man convicted of killing a Lee Acres woman said he was sorry for his actions just before a judge sentenced him to 15 years in prison, the maximum sentence for second-degree murder.

A jury found Johnson Mud, 52, guilty of killing 49-year-old Roselyn Dennison. He was convicted on Jan. 16 after a two-day trial.

District Judge John Dean Jr. sentenced Mud to serve his time in the custody of the New Mexico Department of Corrections during a proceeding on Monday in Aztec District Court.

He will get credit for time served at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center and will have two years of parole after completing his sentence.

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Mud was convicted of cutting Dennisons throat with a box cutter-type knife on Feb. 18, 2017. She died from her injuries the next day.

He was charged with an open count of first-degree murder, a conviction the San Juan County District Attorneys Office was pursuing.

The San Juan County Sheriffs Office handled the investigation.

Amanda Martinez, the victims daughter, spoke during the hearing.

Martinez spoke about how her mother was a huge part of her life and she deserved justice.

She described Dennison as having a huge and caring heart and said she always provided a shoulder to cry on.

Deputy district attorney Michael Sanchez spoke about how Mud did not render aid to Dennison, echoing testimony from Dr. Lauren Decker of the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator during the trial.

She told the court Dennison could have possibly survived the knife wound if Mud has applied pressure to control her bleeding.

Muds attorney Christian Hatfield told the court the incident was a tragedy fueled by alcohol and remorse.

Mud spoke briefly before Judge Dean sentenced him.

He briefly turned to the audience and stated he was sorry for his actions and that he had been drinking alcohol that night.

Joshua Kellogg covers crime, courts and social issues for The Daily Times. He can be reached at 505-564-4627 or via email at jkellogg@daily-times.com.



2019 The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.)

Visit The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) at www.daily-times.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Alamogordo Police Officer Michael V. Dias, 36, pleaded not guilt to charges of aggravated DWI Wednesday.

Dias was allegedly traveling northbound at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, when he lost control of his APD marked vehicle in a hydroplaning incident on Cuba Avenue.

The Daily News previously reported the accident occurred on the 800 block of Cuba Avenue based on information distributed by the City of Alamogordo in the form of a press release.

However, court documents and witness Melissa Woodall of Alamogordo said that the wreck occurred on the 200 block of Cuba Avenue.

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I had just dropped my son off at Pre-K, Woodall said. I was actually behind him and he was trying to pass the car in front of him and all of a sudden he tried to go around the car in front of him and then he went almost like he was going to block him off, like he trying to stop them. But then he just started spinning and almost did a full 360, like a 240 (degree turn) and he ended up on the curb in that persons yard and he was backing out and he was pulling out the speed limit sign, the 30 mile per hour one, with his bumper. As he was backing out, he pulled it all the way out.

The police unit eventually came to a stop, then fled the scene.

I was pretty scared out of my mind, Woodall said.

.17 blood alcohol level

According to court documents, Dias lost control of the patrol unit, jumped the curb and struck a speed limit sign, backed off the pole and left the scene without making any type of notice.

The vehicle was found in the Alamogordo City Hall parking lot where the arresting officer, Sgt. Scott Winrow, observed damage to the driver side front headlight, driver side tire, right rear and right rear quarter panel, which matched the type of damage which would have occurred after striking a pole, court documents state.

Winrow found Dias in a training class at City Hall; he was in uniform with his duty firearm in its holster on his side, court documents state.

Winrow allegedly spoke with another officer who witnessed Dias exit his police unit and begin to walk towards City Hall where he was having a hard time maintaining his balance, court documents state.

Winrows report said he observed his (Dias) eyes to be watery and bloodshot and had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath and person.

Winrow said Dias admitted to losing control of his vehicle but denied he struck anything, court documents state.

Dias alleged he had not had alcohol since going on to duty or training, court documents state, but said he had consumed alcohol the night before.

Two breath analyses on the Intoxilyzer 8000 show Dias blood alcohol content at .17 both times. The legal limit in New Mexico is .08.

Winrow confirmed Dais had not reported the crash to any law enforcement agency, court documents state.

Dias was also charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon, for being in possession of a weapon during a DWI offense.

Dias also faces a petty misdemeanor charge for failure to give notice of an accident.

He appeared in a video arraignment before Alamogordo Magistrate Judge Steve M. Guthrie, and is being held on $1,000 unsecured bond.

Should he be convicted, the DWI charges carry potential penalties of up to 90 days in jail and a $500 to $1,000 fine; negligent use of a deadly weapon carries potential penalties of up to 182 days in jail and a maximum of $500 fine; and failure to provide immediate notice of the crash carries potential penalties of up to 90 days in jail and a maximum $300 fine.

Continuing investigation

This is such a shock, Dias father Vincent Dias said.

Dias served his country for 15 years as a law enforcement officer, Vincent Dias said.

He believes theres more to the story of why his son was intoxicated while on the job.

Im confident in the departments integrity. Im confident in their professionalism and their impartiality and for those reasons, I dont have any issues with us conducting this investigation, APD Chief Brian Peete said.

Also, because it was something that we had suspicions it would have been more conducive to us to have one (internal investigation) rather than turning it over to someone else.

The APD continues to investigate the incident. Dias was placed on administrative leave.

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for March 12.

Nicole Maxwell can be reached at nmaxwell@alamogordonews.com or 575-415-6605. Follow her on Facebook at Nicole Juliana Maxwell or on Twitter @nicmaxreporter.



2019 the Alamogordo Daily News (Alamogordo, N.M.)

Visit the Alamogordo Daily News (Alamogordo, N.M.) at www.alamogordonews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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SANTA FE  The state House pushed ahead late Wednesday with a bill that would repeal New Mexicos anti-abortion law  one of just eight of its kind left in the country.

The proposal, passed 40-29, now heads to the Senate for consideration.

The legislation aims to remove a state law that makes it a crime to end a womans pregnancy, except in certain circumstances, such as rape.

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The statute is largely unenforceable now because of the U.S. Supreme Courts 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade.

It simply removes an antiquated law that criminalizes health care, said Rep. Joanne Ferrary, a Las Cruces Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill.

Opponents, in turn, said the measure would go too far  that it would weaken safeguards that ensure medical providers can avoid participating in an abortion as a matter of conscience. They also assailed New Mexico as the late-term abortion capital of the country and said more restrictions, not fewer, are needed.

Doctors in New Mexico dont want to be forced to do this  to do something that sickens them, House Minority Whip Rod Montoya, R-Farmington, said.

Ferrary and other supporters argued repeatedly that no one would be forced to perform abortions. State and federal laws already ensure medical providers can abstain from procedures they object to, except in emergencies, she said.

In her State of the State address, newly elected Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham pushed for passage of the measure, House Bill 51.

It cleared the House largely along party lines after an emotional, three-hour debate.

Six Democrats crossed party lines to vote against the bill  Anthony Allison of Fruitland, Doreen Wonda Johnson of Church Rock, Patricia Lundstrom of Gallup, Patricio Ruiloba of Albuquerque, Joseph Sanchez of Alcalde and Candie Sweetser of Deming.

Every Republican voted against the bill, except for Paul Bandy of Aztec, who was excused.

The proposal now heads to the Senate with 38 days left in the session. Democrats hold a 26-16 majority in that chamber.
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CARLSBAD CURRENT-ARGUS

HOBBS  During his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump championed American energy independence as the country becomes a major global producer of oil and gas.

On Wednesday, acting Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt traveled to the heart of one of the nations biggest oil plays in southeast New Mexico and a region, he said, that was a cornerstone to achieving the presidents goals.

Bernhardt met with workers at Watson Hopper in Hobbs, where oil rigs were being built to service operations in the Permian Basin.

He took a tour of the facility and addressed the workers and local government officials on oil and gas and southeast New Mexicos role in Americas energy industry.

The president knows what youre doing here in the Permian, and appreciates it, Bernhardt said. He knows its important for the entire country. You are helping to keep prices low, youre reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating jobs. You are the piston that powers the machine.

He said the Interior Department recently revamped how it processes applications to permit drilling, putting more authority on state-level managers, and only giving the Washington, D.C., headquarters three days for reviews.

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But U.S. Sen. Tom Udall questioned the Department of the Interiors commitment to the cultural value of New Mexico, aside from the money-making oil and gas industry.

He said public resources such as national parks and Native American lands must be preserved alongside increased oil and gas production.

Around Hobbs and southeast New Mexico, oil and gas production is a major industry, but local community members still expect protection for special places like Carlsbad Caverns, and for their health, clean air, and clean water. Real leadership is required to protect the public interest, Udall said in a Wednesday statement.
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Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

A bill that would require public agencies to conduct an environmental assessment for many development projects is wending its way through the Legislature, with strong opposition from business interests and support from environmental advocates.

House Bill 206, also known as the Environmental Review Act, would mandate that state agencies in charge of leasing, permitting or licensing development projects assess the environmental consequences of projects estimated to cost over $2 million.

A more detailed environmental impact statement is required if the agency determines the project is likely to have a significant effect on the environment, or if it is anticipated to cost $100 million or more.

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When a project is proposed to occur within 15 miles of tribal land, the state agency must ask the tribal authority to participate in the analysis. The tribal authority can choose to limit its participation or decline to participate altogether. The state must also provide the authority with a notice that an environmental impact statement is being undertaken or has been completed.

Exempt from the act are law enforcement activities; mineral lease adjustments and transfers; approval of leases, easements, funds or permits for residential homebuilding; projects on tribal lands; and projects reviewed under the federal National Environmental Policy Act, among others.

The bill is an amended version after the original received a do not pass recommendation from the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee on Saturday. It now awaits a hearing in the House State Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee.

Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque, the bills sponsor in the House, said the measure is the result of about a decade of work and builds on similar legislation introduced in 2013. She said the law would help the state avert damaging and costly environmental disasters, such as a brine-well-turned-potential-sinkhole in Carlsbad that officials estimate will cost up to $43 million to remediate.

Im hopeful, Chasey said. We want to make it really clear that we have a responsibility to our citizens and to our descendants to protect our land. Were certainly not trying to put anybody out of business or detract from the opportunities that are here.

The bills Democratic sponsor in the Senate, Sen. Mimi Stewart of Albuquerque, said she and her colleagues have had long, detailed meetings with the industry to create a bill that would acknowledge business concerns while protecting the environment.

But several prominent business groups have strongly objected to the measure on the grounds that the review process would delay development projects and discourage investors and new businesses.

In an email to its membership, the New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry said the act would bring to (a) halt new development in New Mexico.

The Sandoval County Economic Alliance said the bill could cripple the states economy, and it called on members to contact legislators and voice their disapproval.

It would deter investment, plain and simple, Terri Cole, CEO and president of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement.  This kind of unnecessary and onerous regulation would certainly make us less competitive; it would delay all kinds of new construction, and it would limit the power of our closing fund to help companies relocate and grow in New Mexico.

The bill was drafted by Judy Calman, staff attorney for the conservation organization New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, according to Calman and Chasey. Calman said a similar law exists in 15 other states. In Minnesota, she said, 97 percent of the review activities are conducted by filling out a nine-page worksheet that is quickly made available to the public.

We just dont think its that onerous, Calman said.

To implement the changes, the bill would appropriate $500,000 for the State Land Office, $250,000 for the Department of Environment, $500,000 to the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, and $250,000 for the Office of the State Engineer.
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Senate Bill 229, sponsored by Albuquerque Democrat Sen. Mimi Stewart, would replace easily understood school letter grades with a so-called dashboard guaranteed to drive parents nuts. Any claim its designers make that it provides transparency and accountability needs to be placed firmly in air quotes.

Because when a parent looks at their childs report card, they want to know, first and foremost, if their student is making the grade and has done the work expected. And depending on that grade, follow up with questions about why the student received that grade and whether it shows improvement.

When it comes to New Mexicos K-12 public schools, all that information is already available on the first page of each schools six-page report card. Those use students standardized test scores, graduation rates and reading improvement to determine a schools annual letter grade. It shows if students are performing at grade level; if the school as a whole is improving academically; how it compares to the rest of the schools in the state; if the school is ensuring its struggling students as well as its high achievers are making academic progress; and in the case of high schools, if students are graduating and ready for college or careers. The majority of the grade is focused on whether students are improving academically.

Again, all that is on the first page. The next five pages break down reading and math proficiencies among student subgroups, map whether those are improving or not over time, and cover student attendance and survey answers to 10 questions.

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The proposed dashboards, by comparison, offer no specific information other than the name of the school and a photo of the principal on the first screen. Parents will have to click through subtopics ranging from academic achievement to the murky our story and school quality and student success to try to figure out how their childs school is performing. And the quality of that information is now questionable as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham delivered on a campaign promise and left the state without a standardized test benchmarked to the past five years of data.

As this exercise in misdirection was being created by the Legislative Education Study Committee, Rep. Dennis Roch, R-Logan, spoke up to say he worried it would be coddling and dilute the successes of schools meeting academic benchmarks. And last week, Sen. Craig Brandt, R-Rio Rancho, voted against it in committee because his primary concern as a parent is getting academic information about schools.

We get it; Stewart, the major local teachers unions and some school districts  including Albuquerque Public Schools  are like a student with a poor report card. They want to front-load the conversation with explanations and excuses before parents see their actual grade.

But it gets worse, because with these dashboards there will be no grade. Critics say the grades stigmatize and punish low-performing schools. The federal Every Student Succeeds Act does mandate that states identify schools that are not educating their students, and it has kinder, gentler sounding categories the dashboard crowd must love  $12 feel-good terms including comprehensive support and improvement, targeted support and improvement and more rigorous intervention. Stewart says schools will still be categorized on the dashboard, but instead of letter grades they will be assigned a different label, perhaps a color, to show how they are doing.

And this is simply putting a favored shade of lipstick on a farm animal; parents are not stupid and can equate a red (or yellow or blue or green) school with failing, for example. They deserve transparency, and this misdirection conveniently ignores the fact that while school grades may hurt some adults feelings, they also make them do better by our kids.

In 2012, the year after the New Mexico Legislature passed, and then-Gov. Susana Martinez signed, A-F school grades into law, just 4.8 percent of the states K-12 public schools earned an A. Last year, 12.9 percent did. Since 2015, 13,000 more N.M. students can read at grade level and 11,000 more are on grade-level in math. The need for remedial college courses is down. And in the six years the grades have been in place, an estimated 25,000-plus people have logged on to the state Public Education Departments website to see how a school is doing. Thats public engagement that helps ensure our schools are accountable to our kids and our taxpayers.

That transparency and accountability need to continue for our childrens sake. Lawmakers need to look at SB 229 as parents and taxpayers and ask if it delivers the information they need to know how a school is doing  information they have gotten since 2012. And they will see it does not deserve a passing grade.

editorials

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
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SANTA FE  A now-former Santa Fe District Court judge has ruled that a Santa Fe Japanese restaurant did not properly compensate three employees for overtime and has ordered the restaurant to pay more than $58,000 in damages.

David Thomson, sworn in as a state Supreme Court justice earlier this week, issued a ruling on Friday that orders the owners of Shohko Cafe on Johnson Street to pay three employees  Wilmer Alexander Gaytan, Victor Matzir and Luis Ramirez  all the lost wages plus an amount equal to double the lost pay.

The judge found that the restaurant owner, Fukuda Family, LLC, paid the employees legal hourly wages, the workers did not get overtime pay they were due.

While overtime hours appeared on some of the Defendants payroll records and on some of Plaintiffs respective pay stubs from Defendant, Plaintiffs were only paid at a regular rate of pay instead of time-and-a-half for some or all of those overtime hours, Thomson wrote.

The complaint was filed in April 2017, and a bench trial was held last July. The plaintiffs were represented by lawyers from immigrant rights group Somos un Pueblo Unido.

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The judges decision sends a clear message to restaurant owners who believe they can engage in wage theft without any consequences, Somos staff attorney Gabriela Ibanez Guzman said in a news release. Employers who pay their workers less than the minimum wage, fail to pay overtime or take away an employees tips will be held accountable.

No one could be reached at Shohko Cafe by phone Wednesday afternoon. Shohkos lawyer, Trent Howell, could also not be reached for comment.

Under New Mexicos anti-wage theft laws, employers can be held liable for an additional amount equal to twice the unpaid or underpaid wages of an employee.
Sindhuli, Nepal: At least five people killed and eight others injured when a passenger jeep met with an accident at Chande Bhanjyang of Fikkal rural municipality-2 of Sindhuli district on Thursday.

The ill-fated jeep with registration umber Ba 15 Cha 9422, which was heading to Sindhuligadi from Mahadev Dada, met with the accident when driver tried to stop the jeep in a downhill road.

As the driver lost control, the jeep had plunged head-on about 200 meters down the eyewitnesses have said.

It is said that four people died on the spot while another succumbed to injuries while rushing to a nearby hospital. Injured eight other passengers including the driver are undergoing treatment at Khurkot Hospital.

According to the police, the deceased have been identified as Kun Man Tamang 65, Til Maya BK, 56, Laxmi BK, 50, Anita Mahat, 25 and Shanti Maya Shrestha. All the deceased were from Fikkal Rural Municipality-3.
Chronic absenteeism. College preparation. Student mental health. Hot education issues all, and none of them lack for research and programs. But often the interventions proven to work in large urban or suburban districts fall flat in small rural districts, and most of those districts lack the capacity to develop and test out their own solutions.

Thats been going on in a lot of education policies, said Tom Kane, Harvard economics and education professor. The research is done in urban and suburban areas and we dont stop to learn whether those same things are effective in rural areas.

Thats why the Institute of Education Sciences is providing $10 million each to launch the National Center for Rural Education Research Networks at Harvard University and the National Center for Rural School Mental Health at the University of Missouri.

The research networks center will work during the next five years with 60 rural districts in New York and Ohio to develop and test interventions to reduce student absenteeism and improve college-going among rural students. For example, the center may look at how students distance to school affects their absenteeism, or how outreach from universities can target high-achieving rural students.The center also plans to evaluate Proving Ground, a school improvement program that has shown benefits in urban and suburban schools but which has never been tested in rural schools.

One of the reasons why rural schools have been too often overlooked in education research is that the cost ... just makes it cost prohibitive for researchers, said Kane, a co-principal investigator for the network center. Creating a research network to support data analysis, information-sharing agreements and implementation studies means no single district needs to try it out on a big scale.

The mental health center, to be run by Wendy Reinke, an educational counseling professor at the University of Missouri, will work with rural districts in Missouri, Virginia, and Montana to test and expand a program to identify students with mental health problems early and connect them to supports.

The center builds on an existing research-practitioner partnership with the Boone County Schools (Mo.) Mental Health Coalition , which has piloted a checklist and professional development to help teachers and other staff coordinate mental health services in the district.

Im particularly excited because their work is so complementary, said Elizabeth Abro, the commissioner of IES National Center for Education Research, which awarded the grants. Its the first time the agency has supported two rural education research centers simultaneously. They are tackling different sets of problems, both of which are extremely critical to improving success for the many students in rural contexts.

The grants were announced Wednesday, along with a $5 million grant to create a Writing Research to Improve Teaching and Evaluation (WRITE) Center at the University of California, Irvine, which will study ways to improve writing instruction in middle and high schools.

These centers will provide us with valuable research into topics that are not always given the weight they deserve, said IES Director Mark Schneider, in a statement. Over 20 percent of U.S. students attend rural schools, and research on schools and education must reflect this fact.

Photo: Jupiter Images
Staff reports

Aberdeen News

What do South Dakotans want from our legislators in Pierre?

Is it that they should hit the ground running at the start of our brief legislative session to tackle issues that most affect their constituents pocketbooks and basic well-being?

As the clock ticks away on the 40 days allotted to make laws that can improve the lives of all South Dakotans, do we expect lawmakers will finally buckle down and tackle the challenge of closing gaps in mental health care access? Of crafting effective criminal justice reform? Of inoculating our citizens against a raging opioid and meth epidemic?

Do we need them to put their noses to the grindstone to address a broken health care system on our reservations that, instead of healing its patients, leaves them sicker and worse off?

Do we hope that they roll up their sleeves and plunge into rescuing our parents and grandparents from the crisis of a failing nursing home network brought low by stingy Medicaid reimbursement rates?

Is that what we expect from our elected representatives in Pierres House and Senate chambers?

If so, judging by the most visible debates undertaken in the first weeks of the current legislative session, South Dakotans are not being properly represented.

What weve seen instead is bluster and posture from the majority party on motions that do little to make the lives of our citizens less fraught.

Tell the federal government to Build That Wall!

Tell our senators in D.C. Well done! on their lockstep party-line confirmation votes for newly minted U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Tell the South Dakota High School Activities Association that they can take their carefully researched policy for transgender athletes and stuff it.

Thankfully, for the economic good of the state, that latest tilt at transgender windmills was scuttled early.

Also on the docket was another run at eliminating the permit process for carrying a concealed firearm in South Dakota.

Several state lawmakers trotted this chestnut out again after two successive years of it failing to become law. New Gov. Kristi Noem telegraphed support for such a bill during her campaign, and this year it passed. It goes into effect July 1.

In separate polls taken in 2017 and 2018 to determine statewide support for similar bills during those legislative sessions, SurveyUSA found that just less 90 percent of South Dakotans supported permits that require background checks and a fee for carrying a concealed firearm. Those polled included Republicans, Democrats and independents, gun owners and nongun owners, parents and nonparents.

On its face, the concealed carry argument sounds plausible: the U.S. Supreme Court has found that Second Amendment constitutional protections extend to individuals, not only to well-regulated militias.

But our eyes need only drift up from the Second Amendment to the First to remind us that constitutional rights arent absolute.

There are numerous exceptions to the First Amendment right to free speech, among them libel, slander, lying under oath, fraud, child pornography, and speech that is likely to incite imminent lawless action. Crying Fire! in a crowded theater is excluded. We also advise not joking about bombs when youre at an airport.

But its too late to save time on the concealed carry measure, so we ask lawmakers to now take swift and decisive action that will improve access to mental health care, address the growing nursing home crisis, and grapple with opioid and methamphetamine addiction and related crime.

We appeal to the supermajority partys self-image of fiscal responsibility and conservative stewardship of taxpayer dollars, to their boldly stated mission of cutting government waste and inefficiency.

The clock is ticking. Stop wasting time.
Kelda Pharris

kpharris@aberdeennews.com

The Brown County Historical Society's annual meeting is Feb. 23 at the Dacotah Prairie Museum, 21 S. Main St.

Lunch is at 11:30 a.m., with a program beginning at 12:15 p.m. by Brad Tennant, professor of history at Presentation College and author of "On This Day In South Dakota History." A business meeting will follow.

The lunch and program are open the the public. Lunch reservations are $10 each and should be made by Feb. 19. Call 605-626-7117.

 Staff reports
Shannon Marvel

smarvel@aberdeennews.com

Defendants in a civil lawsuit involving the 2015 death of a Brown County Jail inmate claim jailers had no reason to suspect that Sarah Circle Bear had a lethal amount of drugs in her system.

Circle Bear, 24, died July 5 at the jail after ingesting methamphetamine before her arrest two days earlier, according to an autopsy report.

Several defendants admitted in court paperwork that in the hours before her death, multiple inmates in custody with Circle Bear wrote and signed a letter to jailers indicating that they were afraid for her.

The inmates wrote in the letter that Circle Bear was talking about killing someone and about suicide.

The letter was given to a jailer named Joe, believed to be defendant Joe Embury, according to the documents.

Embury and another jailer escorted Circle Bear to the locker room where she was changed into a suicide gown and placed in a holding cell, according to the paperwork.

Brown County Sheriff Mark Milbrandt, former Roberts County Sheriff Jay Tasa, several jailers, Northeastern Mental Health Center and others are being sued in federal court concerning Circle Bears death.

The claims in the lawsuit include:

Wrongful death and civil rights violations.

Failure to provide medical care and treatment.

Racial discrimination.

Negligent medical care and treatment.

And loss of consortium related to Circle Bears two children having to grow up without their mother.

On behalf of Circle Bears estate, New Mexico attorney Frances Carpenter is seeking unspecified damages to cover medical care, treatment, funeral and burial costs; Circle Bears pain and suffering; the value of her life aside from earning capacity; attorney fees and costs; benefits for her beneficiaries; exemplary and punitive damages; and any other damages allowed.

Exemplary and punitive damages serve as a financial punishment in civil lawsuits.

Circle Bear was taken to the Brown County Jail on a bond violation following her arrest in Roberts County. She had two pending cases in Brown County for impaired driving. She also faced drug-related charges in Marshall and Roberts counties, according to the Brown County Clerk of Courts Office.

According to court paperwork filed on behalf of Lisa Meier, a former clinical therapist at Northeastern Mental Health Center and a defendant in the case, she was notified by jail staff of Circle Bears suicide threats.

Meier saw Circle Bear and documented the visit in an emergency services report, which reflected that Circle Bear appeared to be withdrawing from a chemical substance as seen by dilated pupils (and) distorted cognitive process, according to paperwork filed in the case.

Meiers recommendation was to place Circle Bear on suicide watch, but she did not recommend or seek any medical intervention or drug screenings.

Embury and Meier both conceded the claims in the letter and in Meiers report, but denied that Meier failed in her duties by not recommending more medical or drug interventions.

The civil lawsuit was filed in May by Aberdeen attorney Chad Locken on behalf of Carpenter. Aberdeen attorney Scott Kuck is now acting as the personal representative.

The case will be heard in Aberdeen before Federal Judge Charles B. Kornmann. No hearing dates have been set.
Brazils former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been given a second prison term for a new corruption charge, meaning hell spend the next 25 years in jail.

Yesterday a court found him guilty of accepting $270,000 worth of renovations to a farm house in return for ensuring the two construction firms won contracts with state oil company, Petrobras.

The sentence handed down in the southern city of Curitiba is for 12 years and 11 months, the AFP news agency reports.

Lula, as he is known, is already serving a 12-year sentence after being convicted of receiving a renovated beachfront apartment worth approximately $1m in a similar deal with construction firm OAS, in April last year.

He has denied all charges, insisting they are politically motivated and designed to prevent him from running in the 2018 presidential elections, which saw Jair Bolsonaro elected.

In the latest case Lula argued that the farmhouse in question did not even belong to him, but rather to a friend.

But the judge, Gabriela Hardt, rejected that argument, saying the family of ex-president Lula very often frequented the farm as if he was the owner.

The accused received these unjustified benefits because of his position as president of the republic, of whom exemplary behaviour is demanded, she said, according to AFP.

According to the BBC, his lawyers said he would appeal against the new conviction, which, together with the former one, sees the ex-president in jail for nearly 25 years.

The persecution of Lula continues, tweeted Gleisi Hoffmann, head of Lulas left-wing Workers Party (PT).

Lula is the highest-profile politician to be prosecuted under Brazils vast Lava Jato (Car Wash) corruption probe, which has led to the imprisonment of dozens of officials and executives, including senior politicians.

The probe revealed that construction companies formed a cartel in 2003 to overcharge Petrobras for building contracts, and then paid some of the illicit cash to Petrobras executives and politicians from several parties.

Judge Hardt has taken over Lava Jato investigations from former judge Sergio Moro, who was appointed justice minister by the President Bolsonaro.
Probe opened into alleged abuse of whales in Russias Far East

17:03 07/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 7 (RAPSI)  Investigation has been opened into alleged cruelty to orca whales and white whales, which had been illegally captured in the Primorsk Territory of Russias Far East, the Investigative Committees press service reports Thursday.

During the probe into a mammal poaching case investigators have established that 90 white whales and 11 orca whales have been mistreated in a local oceanic mammal adaptation center.

A criminal case has been opened over animal abuse.

Investigators are intended to immediately return all mammals to their habitat, the statement reads.




Dan Hancox at Poetry Magazine:

Grime music is catharsis delivered from a vertiginous height. Born and bred in Londons inner city housing projects in the early 2000s, among a Black youth subculture that drew more on Jamaican reggae than American rap, grime was a product of confinement. Londons social housing tower blocks, in which many of grimes pioneers grew up, became synonymous with the genres grittiness and hyperlocal roots, but they were also essential to the musics distribution. Grime was first popularized by pirate radio stations broadcast from illegal transmitters and squatted studios erected on the rooftops of 20- and 30-story buildings. Up there, elevated from their impoverished upbringings, grimes founders found space to breathe. What they created was unapologetically strange and uncompromising: music built from beats too irregular to dance to, rapping too fast to be intelligible on the radio, lyrics full of niche slang and swear words, and songs not geared around hooks and choruses. Moreover, all of this was produced by artists unwilling to play with a British music industry focused on developing homegrown guitar bands and importing rap and R&B from the United States.

more here.
Han Zhang at The New Yorker:

In 724 A.D., the twenty-three-year-old poet Li Bai got on a boat and set out from his home region of Shu, todays Sichuan province, in search of Daoist learnings and a political career. He wasnt headed anywhere in particular. Instead, he began a life of roaminghiking up mountains to Daoist sites, meeting men of letters all over the country, and leaving behind hundreds of poems about his travels, his solitude, his friends, the moon, and the pleasures of drinking wine. In the centuries since, Lis verse, by turns playful and profound, has made him Chinas most beloved poet.

In The Banished Immortal, a biography of Li, the novelist Ha Jin narrates the poets unusual life with erudition and empathy. Jin, a National Book Award-winning writer, is most known for his fiction, which is largely set in China during the Cultural Revolution and in Chinese immigrant communities in the U.S. One might easily take The Banished Immortal, his first work of nonfiction, as a departure from his previous work.

more here.
Italy to extradite Russian citizen charged with $9 mln land plot fraud

 flickr.com / Vaughan Leiberum

16:03 07/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 7 (RAPSI)  Italian authorities have approved extradition of Russian businessman Ilya Sherman charged with land plot fraud estimated at about 570 million rubles (about $9 million), Russia's Prosecutor Generals Office has announced.

According to the spokesman of the Prosecutor Generals Office Alexander Kurennoy, Sherman will be extradited to Russia on February 8.

Investigators claim that in 2010 Sherman and his accomplices illegally gained a right for acquisition of land plots in the Moscow Region. Under false pretences, they acquired the ownership of two land plots with a total area of 174.5 sq. m worth over 568 million rubles, the statement reads.

Following that, Sherman fled Russia and was put on the international wanted list, Kurennoy told journalists.

In April 2018, the businessman was arrested in Italy.




Denmark-based architecture studio Native Narrative has completed this poetic learning center within a lush vegetation of rural area of Philippines.

Located in Mas-in Village, Ormoc City, Island of Leyte, Philippines, the 63-square-metre space provides a new home for children who want to be educated in this rural area.

Commissioned by the local government and a local NGO in Ormoc City, the brief was simple for the architects: a library unit, a reading area, a study space, a performance practice area, two washrooms, an informal teaching environment and a performance stage within the 9 x 7m footprint, the standard size of a Filipino classroom.

The space was designed as a informal learning environment that encourage children in the age of 4-17 to play and study after school, while at the same time providing a safe meeting spot for children during calamities.

Native Narrative had experiences on designing spaces for after-school facilities. After running architectural practice for nearly 2 years in rural Philippines, Native Narrative have designed built this learning center as one of four after-school facilities that have been constructed in 2018.

The building is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire area which makes the Philippines highly vulnerable region known with typhoons, earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. "Latest was the 110 villages that Ormoc consist of hit by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 where over 6000 people died," said the architects.

"The project collaboration is a response to the newly approved Childrens Emergency Relief Protection Act in the Phillipines, that increases the accountability of local and national agencies to prioritise the protection and development of children by establishing child-friendly spaces," added the architects.

For the building, the architects kept the column system as simple and symmetric as possible in order to enhance a typhoon and earthquake resilient structure, while the structure itself is made of reinforced concrete with hollow block walls.

The building is lifted from the ground to prevent the building from flooding allows at the same time for a dedicated performance stage area that gives the children an opportunity show various performances during local fiestas and celebrations. This is conceived as an essential part of the Filipino community culture.

"Everything that can be seen in the building are elements of things that we have seen in the locality, we didnt want to introduce anything that was completely foreign. It have been important to us to create something that felt like it belonged to the local community," explained Jakob Gate, architect at Native Narrative.

The building seems as a collection of borrowed components from the predominant architectural language in the locality, although it does not resemble any one particular building.

Therefore the building presents a minimal aesthetic in sharp contrast to the warn and rugged context. The colour palette is reduced to a backdrop where color variation mainly is created by children and the rich tropical context.

In the interior, all furnitures and fixtures are made of plywood by local carpenters while the bespoke woven seat covers are made of pandan, a grass that is grown, dried, dyed and woven by a local collective of weavers.

Native Narrative wished not only to celebrate native produce but also to raise the status of native woven products in an area where imported foreign products is often preferred over locally produced crafts.

Axonometric drawing

Ground floor plan

South west elevation

North east elevation

North west elevation

South east elevation

Section A-A

Section B-B

All images  Jakob Gate

> via Native Narrative
MIAMI (TWH)  A recent article, The Genomic Formation of South and Central Asia, found genetic evidence that challenges the Hindu Nationalist Out of India theory. That theory holds that the Aryan race emerged in India and then expanded into Iran and Europe. Members of the ruling party in India, have been reportedly trying to embed this theory into textbooks as history. This Wild Hunt article reports on that article.

The Out of India theory conflates speakers of Indo-European languages with a biological Aryan race. Similarities exist among Indo-European languages in grammar and vocabulary; so linguists can estimate how changes occurred over time. This estimation allows them to theorize an ancestral Indo-European language.

Indo-European refers to a linguistic family not a biologic family. Systematic language variations point to a singular language source. Random genetic variations point to many ancestral groups mixing. This mixing and remixing produce new variations rather than maintaining a prototypical race.

The Out of India theory contrasts with the Indo-Aryan Migration theory. That other theory holds that the Proto-Indo-European language arose in the Eurasian Steppe. One group of speakers of this language moved south to India and Iran. Another group of speakers moved west, south, and north to Anatolia and Europe.

The Out of India theory allows Hindu nationalists to claim a continuous prototypical Hindu civilization, threatened by invasions. It began with the Indus Valley Civilization. That civilization lasted from ~3300 to ~1300 BCE. Hindu Nationalists claim that various invasions have threatened that prototypical civilization, particularly the Muslim/Mughal invasions that began in the 16th Century CE. The remains of the Indus Valley Civilization lie largely within Pakistans current borders. That 5,000 year old civilization has become embroiled in the current Hindu/Muslim and India/Pakistan conflicts.

Hinduism remains the largest and oldest living polytheistic religion in the world.

The Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization had developed a distinct urban style. Its major cities were Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. No one has found evidence of palaces, possibly indicating some social equality. It had sewers to transport waste and toilets that flushed. Skeletal teeth show signs of drilling, indicating some dentistry. Its metal smiths worked with copper, bronze, and tin. Wheat and barley were its main crops. Rather than developing irrigation systems, this civilization depended upon monsoons to irrigate its farms. When the monsoons changed course, the Indus Valley Civilization entered its terminal decline. As no one has yet deciphered the writings of this civilization, much of it remains a mystery. Its religious practices are mostly unknown.

Merikanto [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

One surviving artifact has provoked a great deal of speculation  The Seal of Pashupati. He is seated, erect, and horned. Animals surround him. Hindu nationalists have linked him to Shiva. Some Pagans have linked him to the Cernunnos figure on the Gundestrup Cauldron.

permalink FuzzypegDetail_of_antlered_figure_on_the_Gundestrup_Cauldron.jpg: Bloodofox [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons permalink permalink

The DNA of the Indus Valley Civilization

The genetics of the Indus Valley Civilization reflected two groups: the Iranian farmers and South Asian Hunter Gatherers. The farmers brought farming skills to the Indus valley. While there, the farmers genetically mixed with the South Asian Hunter Gatherers. This process began sometime between ~4700 to ~3000 BCE.

The Steppe Herder migrations

In the Middle to Late Bronze Age, ~2000 to ~1400 BCE, a different genetic sub-group and culture developed in the Eurasian Steppe. Linguists consider this culture to be the most likely source of Indo-European languages.

Before ~1000 BCE, that culture migrated from the Steppe into South Asia, introducing Indo-European languages to that area. This migration occurred around the time that people from the Indus Valley Civilization began to follow the changing monsoons.

DNA investigation revealed three ancient, distinct population groups in South Asia. Indigenous South Asian Hunter Gatherers and Iranian Farmers created the Indus Valley Civilization. Later Steppe herders migrated to South Asia. Analysis of current South Asian DNA reveals two distinct genetic groups: the ASI and the ANI.

The ASI formed after ~3000 BCE. This appears to have developed after the monsoons began to change and they moved east and south, mixing with other South Asian Hunter Gatherers. The ASI generally spoke Dravidian languages. No evidence suggests that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization spoke an Indo-European language.

The ANI formed after ~2000 BCE. Iranian farmers and South Asian Hunter Gatherers formed the Indus Valley Civilization. Again as monsoons changed directions, people from the Indus Valley Civilization began to migrate and mixed with Herders from the Eurasian Steppes. These groups mixed culturally and genetically. They adapted parts of the Indus Valley Civilization, but adopted the Indo-European language of Herders.

The study finds that Steppe ancestry was not randomly distributed among the ANI. Instead it was concentrated in certain key groups, such as the priestly caste of Brahmins. Those with more Steppe ancestry had a more central role in spreading Vedic culture. This study highlights how DNA continues to change the way we understand the past.
Iowa celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Home Rule Amendment in 2018  one of 10 states giving local governments authority to pass laws that go beyond state legislation, unless pre-emption exists.

The so-called Dillons Rule was embedded in the state constitution, named for Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice John Forrest Dillon, 1863-69, a noted legal scholar on municipal law, including two opinions that received the blessing of the U.S. Supreme Court.

While Iowa cities and counties were busy issuing proclamations honoring Home Amendment Rule last year, the Republican-controlled Legislature was busy dismantling it.

After four county boards of supervisors  Johnson, Linn, Polk and Wapello  passed increases in the minimum wage, the Legislature and Gov. Kim Reynolds undid their actions.

This comes because of the patchwork effect that it creates on trying to operate businesses that are multi-county, that are multi-state. It makes it difficult to keep track of each and every initiative that is passed that would impact that business as far as wages or other conditions, said Rep. John Landon, R-Ankeny, the author of the pre-emption bill.

Iowa continues to be one of 21 states adhering to the 2009 federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Much of what was treated by some members of the Senate Judiciary Committee as the closest thing to evidence against Kavanaugh came from his high school yearbook page. Did he or didnt he drink a lot of beer? became an essential question of his character among Democrats on the committee. And, in some twist of logic, his answer some 40 years later was supposed to be correlative to his guilt or innocence of sexual assault. Obviously sexual assault is a horrific crime, but without conclusive evidence or corroborating testimony, theres no basis for a prosecution.

In Northams case, a photo on his personal page in his yearbook featured two individuals  one wearing blackface and the other dressed as a member of the Ku Klux Klan. The image isnt just offensive; its appalling. Even way back in 1984, most would have found it so.

Did the young individuals think they were just goofing around? Most likely, but again, the image is too hurtful in the glare of history. Klansmen were and are terrorists who murdered, raped and lynched African-Americans and burned communities during a reign of terror that affected multiple generations. Horror, not humor, is the only appropriate response both to this history and to those who would mock it.
"Crossbow Coup" plotter to be released as extremism case dropped

 RIA Novosti

12:40 07/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 7 (RAPSI) - A court in Russias Republic of Mordovia has dropped an extremism case against retired Russian military intelligence colonel Vladimir Kvachkov. He is expected to be released from the colony on February 19, lawyer Oksana Mikhalkina has told RAPSI.

The case has been closed due to the recent changes in legislation mitigating punishment for extremism and incitement of hatred and enmity.

In December 2017, the Supreme Court of Russia upheld a 1.5-year prison sentence given to Kvachkov for inciting hatred and enmity.

According to case papers, Kvachkov serving his sentence in a Mordovias prison for attempted instigation of an armed riot made a video appeal via his cellphone in 2015. Investigators believe that other inmates sent the video to email of persons at large. These people later posted it on the Internet.

Experts found that the video contained linguistic and psychological elements of inciting the public to violent coup and acts of violence against Russian authorities, press service of Mordovia prosecutors office reported earlier.

The former colonel has pleaded not guilty.

Kvachkov, who was acquitted of charges in the attempted murder of former UES CEO Anatoly Chubais in 2005, was found guilty on February 8, 2013, of organizing an armed coup and was sentenced to 13 years in prison. Later, the Supreme Court mitigated the sentence to eight years in a high security prison.

Kvachkov is thought to have masterminded plans to oust the government with a small group of followers. Kvachkov has denied all charges but during the trial defended the right of Russian citizens to hold an uprising."

A career military officer, Kvachkov commanded a Special Forces unit in Afghanistan in 1983. In 1984, after sustaining a head injury, he was awarded the prestigious Order of the Red Star and later received the Order of Courage.




"There are some people that would say that Matthew was a stain on our family's reputation. That's not how we see it at all."
Thompson said applying 25 percent of his patrol costs to the countywide levy was pretty accurate.

You think about the Gilbertvilles, the Dunkertons; we are their patrol when theyre not working, Thompson said. We do back up Cedar Falls and Waterloo on calls.

Most of our mental health calls  emergency committals and things of that nature  are not out in the rural county, he added. Theyre in other municipalities, and mostly in Waterloo.

Deaton said tax base growth in the rural area has not kept pace with increases in the patrol costs, namely salaries and benefits for deputies. The county is also correcting a situation from previous years by moving the sheriffs dispatch costs to the rural levy instead of the countywide levy.

The biggest problem (with dispatch) now is the cities are being double-taxed, Thompson noted. The cities are taxing for their share and the county is taxing our cities for the countys share.

But that move could result in a large boost in rural tax rates next year.
A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items of interest for Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019:

IPERS CHANGE: After the state public employee retirement system became a campaign issue and after a key Republican legislator said there would be no changes to IPERS this year, a Democratic lawmaker is proposing an interim committee to look at changes to the program that covers approximately 360,000 Iowans.

Rep. Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City, has sponsored HF 252 that would require the public retirement system committee to look at the feasibility of allowing IPERS to use internal investment management.

IPERS Chief Investment Officer Karl Koch told lawmakers in January that an independent study of internal investment management had been commissioned. There is a potential to save $1 million a year, he said, but there would be startup costs for employees and necessary technology. To attract investment managers, he said, IPERS likely would have to offer significant incentive-based bonuses or commissions. Currently, management fees are paid to out-of-state organizations.

SCHOOL AID: Plans to increase state aid to local school districts by more than $89 million in the coming school year won committee approval Wednesday and are headed to floor debates as early as Monday.
IOWA CITY  Some lawmakers want to level the playing field for private booksellers at Iowas college communities after vendors last year aired concerns public universities were capitalizing on sales tax exemptions to gain an edge on not just textbooks but clothing and fan gear.

Legislation that passed a subcommittee Wednesday with unanimous support would exempt from sales tax  no matter who is selling  all instructional materials required for a course of instruction at a postsecondary institution in this state.

The sales tax exemption does not extend to non-academic gear commonly sold at bookstores like sweatshirts, jerseys and socks.

It does level the playing field for books and equipment that are required by the universities or their instructors as part of a class, said Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, the sole Democrat on the House Ways and Means subcommittee that advanced the measure.

It was reported last year that the University of Iowa and Iowa State University had stopped collecting sales tax on all items at their campus bookstores  from textbooks to face tattoos  which drove down their prices and upset private competitors.
WATERLOO --- A Waterloo man was arrested on felony gun and drug charges following a search of his residence Tuesday.

Oshea Taelly Wright, 22, of 303 Logan Ave., #4, faces charges of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and carrying weapons.

On Tuesday at about 2:50 p.m. officers with the Violent Crimes Apprehension Team (VCAT) executed a search warrant at Wright's home regarding a narcotics investigation.

During the search, officers located a quantity of marijuana, items associated with the sale and use of marijuana, and a loaded Ruger LCP 9mm handgun.

Bond was set at $7,000 and he remained in the Black Hawk County Jail as of Wednesday.

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CEDAR FALLS  One person has been arrested for allegedly entering womens showers at a University of Northern Iowa dorm and exposing himself in January.

Tre Mone Jalin Nimmers, 20, who has addresses in Cedar Falls, Oskaloosa and Rock Island, Ill., was arrested Wednesday on warrants for invasion of privacy and two counts each of indecent exposure and trespass. Bond was set at $8,000.

The case was investigated by UNIs police department.

According to authorities, a man entered the womens restroom at Noehren Hall around 7 p.m. on Jan. 13 and walked to the shower area where he moved a shower curtain to look in at a woman showering. The victim reported seeing the suspect naked from the waist down fondling himself.

The woman screamed, and the man left.

Former Wartburg student arrested in dorm groping attacks WAVERLY  Bond has been set at $100,000 for a Minnesota man accused of groping Wartburg Coll

Then on Jan. 31, a different woman reported a similar encounter in the same shower area around 6:45 p.m. In that case, the woman was reaching for a towel after showering and saw the suspect fondling himself. He left when he realized he was discovered.

Security camera images from the second incident were posted on Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers, and Nimmers was later identified as a suspect, according to court records. Nimmers isnt a UNI student, according to UNI police.

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Trends in Vietnams network safety, security in 2019

VNA/VNP

The Authority of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications, has forecast five major trends in network safety and security to watch in 2019.These five trends include network attacks, especially malicious code attacks using artificial intelligence (AI); attacking e-commerce and financial-banking systems with the aim of stealing personal information and data from users; attacks on infrastructure, internet of things (IoT) equipment, smart urban areas, and taking advantage of these devices to carry out network attacks; intentional network attacks on state agencies and organisations in order to steal information and data; and the tendency to smear, defame and spread malicious information against agencies, organisations and individuals.Commenting on Vietnams information security this year, Khong Huy Hung, CEO of the Vietnam Cyberspace Security Technology JSC (VNCS), emphasised the risks and challenges in ensuring information security and data security with the rapid increase of IoT devices.According to Hung, with the explosion in numbers as well as variety, IoT devices have gradually changed the network attack market when bringing a large amount of resources, leading to a conflict over the control of IoT networks worldwide with hacking organisations. The explosion of malicious code exploiting a wide-ranging IoT device will take place."In addition, malicious codes that use AI to carry out cyber-attack campaigns are also expected to increase," he said.Earlier, at the end of December 2018, in the network security report and 2019 trend forecast, Bkav experts predicted malicious code using AI could appear in 2019, initially in the form of proof of concept (PoC) prototype.However, Bkav experts also said that the biggest threat to Vietnamese internet users came mainly from malicious code for extortion, to deleting data, mining virtual currency and advanced persistent threat (APT).These types of malware can combine many different infection paths to maximise their spread, the most common being in exploiting software, operating systems and fake email vulnerabilities.Additionally, the status of spam fraud on Facebook is also expected to worsen in 2019, therefore, social network users need to be more vigilant, Bkav experts recommended.
Deripaskas defamation claim against Russias Communist leader set for February 26

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

11:27 07/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 7 (RAPSI)  Moscows Tverskoy District Court will begin hearing a defamation suit lodged by Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska against the Communist Partys leader Gennady Zyuganov on February 26, RAPSI reports Thursday from the courtroom.

Deripaska filed the lawsuit seeking one million rubles ($15,000) in compensation for moral harm from Zyugankov in late January.

The businessman demands compensation for disparaging remarks about his activity allegedly issued by Zyuganov during the State Duma plenary session on January 9.




Tell us if this situation sounds familiar: You've just met someone new and by the end of the night (or sometimes by the time you're finished shaking hands), you've completely forgotten their names. Hey, it happens to the best of us.

There's no such thing as a good or bad memory, says Kevin Horsley, an International Grand Master of Memory based in South Africa. There's only a good or bad memory strategy. According to Horsley, the problem is most likely plain and simple distraction. This does make sense. Think about to the last time you met someone. Were you in an unfamiliar space? Or on a crowded elevator at work? Or balancing a drink in your hand with music playing in the background? These situations prevent you from giving your undivided attention.

But studies have proven that hearing our name activates our brain. We perk up and noticed it, even when it's spoken in a noisy room. You may have noticed how influential people like world leaders often make an effort to use people's namesthis is because they're aware how much it matters. We simply feel better when people remember us. And it stands to reason we feel worse when they don't. But fear not. Here's why we forget and some proven ways to increase your ability to catch and retain names.
"The Young and the Restless" has announced they will have a tribute for Kristoff St. John on Wednesday's episode. The last air date for his character, Neil Winters, will be Friday. St. John was found dead by a friend in his home on Sunday. The world of daytime drama is in shock and the Y&R cast is devastated that this talented actor is no longer with them. The man who portrayed Neil Winters had not been on screen in quite a while due to checking himself into a mental health facility. He was on camera briefly last week to offer wisdom to his family and will be missed by cast crew, the soap world, and his fans.

Y&R tribute to Kristoff on Wednesday

Celeb Dirty Laundry reported that "Y&R" fans desire a proper sendoff for the man who portrayed Neil Winters. The spoiler speculated that the show would have a spectacular funeral. The daytime drama's Facebook page, however, indicates that a tribute will be done for Kristoff St. John on Wednesday and that Friday, fans will see the actor's final taped scenes.

This seems to indicate that the powers that be at "The Young and the Restless" are not wanting to drag things out. The shock of Kristoff St. John's untimely death has hit the world of daytime drama pretty hard. Soap Dirt reports that in addition to the cast from Genoa City, other soap stars are sharing how much the man who portrayed Neil Winters meant to them.

St. John mourned by colleagues and fans

Daniel Goddard who is St. John's on-screen son in law said the two used to tell each other jokes on a regular basis and had a great relationship. Eric Braeden, (Victor Newman) and Doug Davidson (the former Paul Williams), said they truly enjoyed working with Kristoff. Soap veterans Tyler Christopher and Jaclyn Woods also spoke highly of the actor and expressed their sadness that he is now gone.

The fact that "The Young and the Restless" will pay tribute to Kristoff St.John on Wednesday just two days before his final scenes speaks volumes. This most likely indicates that they want fans, cast, and crew to have closure and will not be having a big funeral service later in Genoa City. They may have Neil Winters decide to leave town, perhaps even to reunite with Asley.

Be on the lookout for breaking news and spoiler alerts to update what comes next on "Y&R" regarding the final farewell to Neil Winters. No matter how they handle it, the loss of this beloved actor will be felt by all who loved him and his work for quite some time.
Uprooted Palestinians are at the heart of the conflict in the M.E Palestinians uprooted by force of arms. Yet faced immense difficulties have survived, kept alive their history and culture, passed keys of family homes in occupied Palestine from one generation to the next.
FILE - This 2005 photo provided by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration officials shows puppies rescued from a farm in Colombia destined for use by a U.S. veterinarian working for a Colombian drug trafficking ring. Veterinarian Andres Lopez Elorez used the puppies to smuggle packets of liquid heroin on commercial flights to New York City, where the heroin packets were eventually cut out of the puppies, who died in the process, officials said. Elorez, who pleaded guilty in September 2018 to conspiring to import heroin into the United States, received a 6-year sentence on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration via AP, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  A veterinarian who surgically implanted liquid heroin in puppies on behalf of Colombian drug traffickers was sentenced to six years in prison Thursday.

One of the puppies went on to become a drug-detection dog named Heroina.

The sentence for Andres Lopez Elorez was announced in Brooklyn by U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue and other law enforcement officials.

Elorez, who pleaded guilty in September to conspiring to import heroin into the United States, was part of a scheme that turned puppies and dogs into drug couriers by stitching packets of liquid heroin into their bodies.

The U.S. government said Elorez leased a farm in Medellin, Colombia, where he secretly raised dogs and surgically implanted bags of liquid heroin in nine puppies for importation.

On Jan. 1, 2005, law enforcement searched the farm and seized 17 bags of liquid heroin, including 10 bags that were removed from puppies.

Three of the puppies died after contracting a virus following the surgeries.

The Colombian-born Elorez was a fugitive until he was arrested in Spain in 2015; he was extradited to the United States in May 2018.

At least two of the puppies went on to a better existence.

Donna, a beagle, was adopted by a Colombian police officer and his family. Heroina, a Rottweiler, was trained by Colombian police to be a drug detection dog.
Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens has accused the University of Portsmouth of censorship after delaying his talk (Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire)

A university has been accused of thought policing and censorship by a newspaper columnist whose talk was delayed because it coincided with a celebration of the LGBT+ community.

Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens was due to speak at the University of Portsmouth on February 12, but the universitys Students Union announced that the event will be delayed due to concerns that his views are not necessarily aligned with the Students Unions vibrant celebration of the LGBT+ community this month.

Mr Hitchens wrote on Twitter: Thought Police alert: Portsmouth University Students Union have postponed a meeting I was due address next Tuesday, because my opinions are unacceptable.

Poor old Pompey has suffered so much in defence of English freedom, and this is how it all ends, he wrote on Twitter.

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He added: Censorship and thought policing are the future. Our schools teach their pupils what to think, not how to think. So they are afraid of dissent, and  given the power to do so  rush to silence it.

Heaven help us when these people come into government, law and media in large numbers.

MORE: Fake plastic surgeon performed operations in Romania while posing as British doctor

MORE: This is why February 15th is the REAL Brexit deadline

The Students Union said it wanted to make it clear there was no suggestion or inference that the talk scheduled for February 12 was aligned to any views previously published by Peter Hitchens or the LGBT+ community and said it welcomes guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds and a variety of views to encourage strong debate and ensure freedom of speech on campus.

Union President Violet Karapaseva said: We are committed to ensuring freedom of speech on the University of Portsmouth campus, however recognise that the timing of the scheduled event and the speakers previously published views do not align with our current celebration of the LGBT+ community.

Peter Hitchens was due to speak at the University of Portsmouth on February 12th (Picture: Getty)

Concerns over threats to freedom of speech at British universities saw guidance issued by the government last week aimed at making sure university campuses remain a forum for open and robust enquiry.

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The guidance prompted Trevor Phillips, former chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, to warn vice-chancellors were acting like frightened children and a no-platforming policy drawn in up the 1970s was being used to ban controversial views.

He said: People use what was originally a protective proposition to damn others with whom they disagree.

The debate becomes not the most persuasive argument but who can gather the loudest shouting voices.
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States blocked a draft United Nations Security Council statement on Wednesday that would have expressed regret at Israels decision to eject a foreign observer force from the flashpoint Palestinian city of Hebron, diplomats said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week he would not renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), accusing the observers of unspecified anti-Israel activity.

Norway, which has headed the multi-country observer mission for the past 22 years, said: The one-sided Israeli decision can mean that the implementation of an important part of the Oslo accords is discontinued.

The 15-member U.N. Security Council discussed Israels decision behind closed doors on Wednesday at the request of Kuwait and Indonesia, which also drafted the statement. Such a statement has to be agreed by consensus.

U.N. diplomats said the United States did not believe a council statement on the issue was appropriate.

The draft statement, seen by Reuters, would have also recognised the importance of the TIPH and its efforts to foster calm in a highly sensitive area and fragile situation on the ground, which risks further deteriorating.

The United States has long accused the United Nations of anti-Israel bias and shields its ally from Security Council action.

Hebron, a Palestinian city of 200,000 people, is home to a community of about 1,000 Israeli settlers who are guarded by a large Israeli military presence.

The TIPH was set up after a Jewish settler killed 29 Palestinians at a Hebron shrine holy to both Muslims and Jews in 1994. The city has also seen stabbing and shooting attacks against settlers and Israeli soldiers by Palestinians.

Since Israel partially withdrew from Hebron in 1998 under interim peace deals with the self-rule Palestinian Authority, the TIPH has monitored breaches of the agreements (and) violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, the forces website says.

Peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians collapsed in 2014. Most world powers consider Israels settlements in the West Bank, territory captured by Israel in a 1967 war, to be illegal. Israel disputes that, citing biblical, historical and political ties to the land.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Peter Cooney)
President Trump will visit the UK in December as part of a Nato meeting of alliance leaders. (PA)

Donald Trump will return to the UK in December for a Nato summit.

The US president, who has repeatedly criticised the military alliance, will meet with heads of state in London, Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg announced on Wednesday.

It will be Mr Trumps second visit to Britain since his election, having jetted in amid swathes of protest last July.

Confirming the meeting, Mr Stoltenberg said: I am pleased to announce that allies have agreed that the next meeting of Nato heads of state and government will take place in London in December 2019.

Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Theresa May and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at a Nato summit in Brussels in may 2017. (PA)

The meeting in London will be an opportunity for allied heads of state and government to address the security challenges we face now and in the future, and to ensure that Nato continues to adapt in order to keep its population of almost one billion people safe.

The news came hours after President Trump used his State of the Union address to announce a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this month.

The two leaders first met in June 2018 for a historic summit, and will now meet for more talks in Vietnam on February 27 and 28.

The President said his outreach to Kim and their first meeting in Singapore had now opened a path to peace.

Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to announce a second North Korea Summit

Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018 (Getty)

However, Trump warned that there is not yet a concrete plan for how denuclearisation could be implemented  something that has eluded the US for more than two decades.

The pairs first meeting only led to a vaguely worded commitment by the North to denuclearise.

Trump, who was speaking to a divided Congress, said: As part of a bold new diplomacy, we continue our historic push for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

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Boasting of his previous meeting with Kim, Trump said: Our hostages have come home, nuclear testing has stopped, and there has not been a missile launch in 15 months.

If I had not been elected President of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea.

Much work remains to be done, but my relationship with Kim Jong-un is a good one.

Story continues

Trump devoted much of his speech to foreign policy (Getty)

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told Congress last week that US intelligence officials do not believe Kim will eliminate his nuclear weapons or the capacity to build more because he believes they are key to the survival of the regime.

Satellite video taken since the June summit has indicated North Korea is continuing to produce nuclear materials at its weapons factories.

Trumps speech to Congress saw him call on officials to reject the politics of revenge, resistance and retribution.

The President called on Congress to end the political stalemate (Getty)

IN PICTURES: DONALD TRUMP MEETS KIM JONG-UN IN HISTORIC SUMMIT

The President, who has spent two years levelling fiercely personal attacks on his Democratic rivals, declared that it was time to bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions and unlock the extraordinary promise of Americas future.

He warned emboldened Democrats that ridiculous partisan investigations into his administration and businesses could hamper a surging American economy.

Trump added: If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation.

Despite his appeals for a truce, Democratic women sat silently for much of Trumps speech, but leapt to their feet when he noted there are more women in the workforce than ever before.

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A soldier who is believed to have taken his own life was 6,000 in debt, jumpy after his service in Afghanistan and felt isolated, an inquest has heard.

Rifleman Darren Mitchell, 20, from London, was found dead in his room at Abercorn Barracks in Ballykinler, Co Down, on February 10 2013.

It came just months after another soldier, Lance Corporal James Ross, 30, from Leeds, was also found hanged in his room, on December 8 2012.

Lance Corporal James Ross, pictured, and Rifleman Darren Mitchell both died at their base in Northern Ireland (Liberty Human Rights/PA).

Both men were serving with the Second Battalion the Rifles and had previously been on active service in Afghanistan.

An inquest sitting at Ballymena courthouse is examining both deaths.

Carol Mitchell told the inquest it was a perfect storm of factors that contributed to her sons death.

She described how he had been in debt up to 6,000, an amount that she said would have seemed insurmountable to Darren, pointing out he was just 20.

Following his death, she said the owed back pay from the Army settled those debts.

The inquests are taking place a Ballymena courthouse (Rebecca Black/PA)

Mrs Mitchell also told the inquest that Darren had told her about two incidents in Afghanistan which upset him.

In one, he had been due to be the soldier at the front of a patrol but was swapped with a colleague at the last minute. That soldier then suffered severe leg injuries in an attack.

She also detailed that towards the end of 2012, he had become hyper vigilant, confided in her less, was jumpy and struggling to sleep.

He had successfully applied for his dream job in the Army as an outdoor activity instructor, but this had involved undertaking courses across the UK and in Spain and Germany which left him very tired.

In addition, Mrs Mitchell described how her son had felt isolated after a knee injury held him back from joining his unit in Afghanistan, and instead had to serve with a different unit.

When he returned to Ballykinler and the new job, he continued to feel isolated, as a number of soldiers were taking redundancy at that time.

Story continues

Everything hit him at that precise moment, Mrs Mitchell told the inquest.

He thought everyone was leaving, he was exhausted, his back pay hadnt come through, he had had a row with Cher (his girlfriend) and he had just got back after being away for a long time.

She added that she did not blame the Army for his death but felt more could have been done to help him.

The inquest continues.
Online travel operator Secret Escapes is expanding its own horizons with the purchase of the Irish company behind Pigsback.com, the leisure discounts website.

Sky News understands that Secret Escapes Group will announce on Thursday the acquisition of Empathy Marketing Limited, one of Ireland (Other OTC: IRLD - news) 's leading providers of premium hospitality deals.

It will be the latest in a string of takeovers by Secret Escapes as it progresses towards an eventual stock market flotation or sale in the next couple of years.

Operating in more than 20 countries across Europe, Asia and the US, the company has 62 million members globally, with 22 million in the UK alone, it says.

Secret Escapes employs nearly 1,000 people and is on the way to becoming a British "unicorn", the term given to technology companies which achieve valuations of at least $1bn (773m)

Launched eight years ago, Secret Escapes was founded by Alex Saint and Tom Valentine, and has since secured backing from a string of prominent start-up investors, including Google Ventures.

Insiders said the Irish deal being announced on Thursday was being financed by the Searchlight Opportunities Fund, a new credit vehicle that helps fast-growing companies to finance acquisitions.

The fund is a division of Searchlight Capital Partners, the private equity firm which owns the Hunter brand of 'wellies'.

Empathy Marketing's shareholders are understood to have been informed about the deal with Secret Escapes on Wednesday.

Secret Escapes and Searchlight both declined to comment.
By Andrew Osborn

MOSCOW (Reuters) - A Russian court on Wednesday found a Danish adherent of the Jehovah's Witnesses guilty of organising a banned extremist group and jailed him for six years in a case critics condemn as crushing religious freedom.

Armed police detained Dennis Christensen, a 46-year-old builder, in May 2017 at a prayer meeting in Oryol, some 200 miles (320 km) south of Moscow after a court in the region outlawed the local Jehovah's Witnesses a year earlier.

Russia's Supreme Court later ruled the group was "extremist" and ordered it to disband nationwide. Christiansen's detention, Russia's first extremism-related arrest of a Jehovah's Witness, foreshadowed dozens more.

The court in the city of Oryol on Wednesday found Christiansen guilty after a long trial, his lawyer, his wife and a representative for the Jehovah's Witnesses told Reuters.

Christiansen had pleaded innocent, saying he was exercising freedom of religion guaranteed in Russia's constitution.

Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen called on Moscow to respect religious freedom and criticised it for classifying Jehovah's Witnesses on a par with terrorist groups.

The U.S.-headquartered Jehovah's Witnesses have been under pressure for years in Russia, where the dominant Orthodox Church is championed by President Vladimir Putin. Orthodox scholars have cast them as a dangerous foreign sect that erodes state institutions and traditional values, allegations they reject.

DOZENS MORE CAUGHT IN CRACKDOWN

But Russia's latest falling-out with the West, triggered by Moscow's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, spurred a more determined drive to push out "the enemy within".

With about 170,000 followers in Russia and 8 million worldwide, Jehovah's Witnesses are a Christian denomination known for door-to-door preaching, close Bible study, and rejection of military service and blood transfusions.

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They believe the end of the world as we know it is imminent, an event "the obedient" will survive to inhabit the Kingdom of God they believe will follow.

Christiansen moved to Murmansk in northern Russia in 2000 where the Jehovah's Witnesses were already well established and met his wife Irina there. The couple later moved to Oryol because the climate is milder and housing cheaper.

He speaks Russian and says he is a fan of Russian culture.

Anton Bogdanov, Christiansen's lawyer, said he planned to appeal Wednesday's verdict, which he termed illegal and feared would set a dangerous precedent.

More than 100 criminal cases have been opened against Jehovah's Witnesses, with another 24 people in prison awaiting or on trial and a similar number under house arrest. Some of their publications are on a list of banned literature.

Yaroslav Sivulsky, a representative of the European Association of Jehovah's Witnesses, said the verdict evoked the atheist Soviet period when Moscow persecuted the group.

"In essence we have returned to Soviet times," said Sivulsky, whose own father Pavel was jailed for seven years in 1959 for printing bible literature. "It's sad that in the 21st century people are being jailed for holding what the authorities believe to be the wrong beliefs."

Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, said there were clearly reasons for Christiansen's arrest but he was unaware of details.

Irina, Christiansen's wife, said she and her husband were calm despite what they saw as an injustice. Before the verdict, she said state TV had nurtured existing widespread prejudice in Russian society against Jehovah's Witnesses, a strategy she said helped distract people from low living standards.

(Additonal reporting by Tom Balmforth in Moscow and by Andreas Mortensen and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen in Copenhagen; Editing by Christian Lowe)
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP)  Guyana's elections commission says it won't be ready to hold general elections in March, despite a court order to do so in the wake of a no-confidence vote.

The commission said Tuesday it might be ready by July. Election commissioners say they need to compile a new list of voters because the current one likely contains thousands of names of voters who have died or left the South American country.

The delay has angered opposition parties, who passed a no-confidence motion in December to remove President David Granger. He has nearly two years left in his term.

Granger's administration is fighting a court ruling that upheld the motion passed, which passed with a majority 33 votes instead of the 34 the government contends is needed in the 65-member Parliament.
A Norwegian Air Shuttle plane carrying 169 passengers has been forced to turn around mid-flight and return to Sweden after receiving a bomb threat.

Swedish police said the threat had been made against a specific plane and the airline confirmed it was one of theirs.

The carrier tweeted: "Norwegian can confirm that a bomb threat has been made against flight DY4321 from Arlanda to Nice.

"For safety reasons, the aircraft returned to Arlanda. Norway's foremost priority is the safety of our passengers and employees."

The flight, which was heading from Stockholm to Nice, in southern France, landed again safely at the Swedish capital's Arlanda Airport, where police and ambulance were waiting.

All 169 passengers and the crew were evacuated.

They were made to wait for around two hours before being taken off in small groups, Swedish paper Expressen reported, adding that passengers were being interviewed by police in a hangar at the airport.

Swedish police said in a statement. "The national bomb squad will shortly begin a search of the plane."

The Boeing 737 took off at 10.09am local time, according to flightradar24.com, and was scheduled to arrive in Nice at 12.45pm.

It spent around an hour in the air before landing again at Arlanda at 11.14am.

Among the passengers on flight DY4321 were members of the Swedish swimming team travelling to France for a competition and a training camp, according to Swedish television station SVT.

One of them, freestyle swimmer Isak Eliasson, said: "Everyone is sitting quietly and waiting to know when we can get off the plane," SVT reported.

A police spokeswoman said officers were at Arlanda after a threat was made against an airline, but declined to give any further information.

The Maritime Administration, which deals with air and sea emergencies, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Dominique Ray had a stay of execution over a ban on an imam in the execution chamber (Police handout)

A Muslim inmate has seen his execution blocked at the 11th hour after he was denied a request to have an imam present at the time of his death.

Dominique Ray, 42, was due to die by lethal injection over the murder of a teenager more than two decades ago.

But the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay for Ray, who has been imprisoned at the Holman Correctional Facility in Alabama for nearly 20 years, the day before he was scheduled to be put to death.

Ray objected to Alabamas practice of allowing a Christian prison chaplain, who is a prison system employee, to stand near the inmate during the lethal injection and to pray with the inmate if the inmate requests it.

The killer asked to bring in his imam to stand with him during the procedure, but was told he could not because only prison employees were allowed in the execution chamber.

A three-judge panel of judges wrote that it was exceedingly loath to substitute our judgement on prison procedures.

Ray was scheduled to be killed by lethal injection (Wikipedia/stock photo)

But, they added that it looks substantially likely to us that Alabama has run afoul of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

The panel wrote: The central constitutional problem here is that the state has regularly placed a Christian cleric in the execution room to minister to the needs of Christian inmates, but has refused to provide the same benefit to a devout Muslim and all other non-Christians.

The Alabama chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said it supported Rays bid to have an Islamic leader present.

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Ali Massoud, government affairs coordinator for CAIR-Alabama, said in a statement: We welcome this decision and hope Mr Ray will ultimately be provided equal access to spiritual guidance.

In opposing the stay, the Alabama attorney generals office said Alabama allows inmates to visit with a spiritual adviser of their choosing before an execution, and they can have the adviser witness the execution from a room adjoining the execution chamber.

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They said the state has a security interest in keeping non-prison employees out of the room during the procedure.

Ray has been imprisoned at the Holman Correctional Facility in Alabama for nearly 20 years (Wikipedia)

The state agreed to remove the prison chaplain from the chamber but the federal appeals court said the case merited review.

Robert Dunham, executive director, of the Death Penalty Information Centre which studies capital punishment in the US, says generally other states allow spiritual or religious advisers to accompany the inmate up to the execution chamber but not into it.

Instead the adviser can witness the execution, as do other people, from a designated area.

He did not know of any other states where the execution protocol calls for a Christian chaplain to be present in the execution chamber.

Ray was convicted in the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old Tiffany Harville, who disappeared from her Selma home in July 1995.

Her decomposing body was found in a field a month later.

The state of Alabama said it would appeal the decision to stay the execution.
President Nicolas Maduro said on February 6 that an open letter condemning US intervention in Venezuela would be circulated across the country to collect 10 million signatures.

In a video posted on Twitter, Maduro held a booklet with Hands off Venezuela written on the front.

He said the petition would ask for solidarity and support for peace in Venezuela and would condemn intervention by US President Donald Trump. He said the petition would be available to sign in all parts of the country.

The White House said on February 6 that it would discuss the situation in Venezuela with Colombian President Ivan Duque during his upcoming visit to Washington. Credit: Nicolas Maduro via Storyful
While on a trip to Lavender Primary School in North London yesterday with Place2Be, one of her royal patronages focusing on providing mental health support to children in schools, Kate Middleton revealed one of Princess Charlotte's favourite foods. "Charlotte loves olives," she said.

Talking to the schoolchildren, Kate also shared that both Charlotte and Prince George really enjoy cooking.

Princess Charlotte: 3 Years in Photos24

Matthew Kleiner-Mann, chief executive of the Ivy Learning Trust dished to reporters, "She was telling us how much her children love cooking and how they cook for her. They made cheesy pasta the other day. One stirs the flour, one puts the milk and butter in. And they make salads and stuff."

Kate reportedly also told the kids, "It's interesting how food and energy and how you feel work together. It's amazing the connection between physical and mental well-being."

This isn't the first time the Duchess of Cambridge has shared her family's love of cooking. Last March, during her final outing before the birth of Prince Louis, she revealed that her children enjoy making pizza from scratch. "They love it because they can get their hands messy," she said while working with volunteers to prepare meals for the Commonwealth Big Lunch.
France has recalled its ambassador to Rome following "baseless attacks and outrageous statements" from Italy in recent months.

Paris said Rome's verbal assaults were without precedent since the two countries joined together after World War Two to help create the European Union.

In response, Italy said France must stop sheltering Italian criminals.

President Emmanuel Macron has been goaded on a series of controversial issues by Italy's two deputy prime ministers - Matteo Salvini of the right-wing Northern League, and Luigi Di Maio of the 5-Star Movement, who entered power last year.

Last month, Mr Salvini described Mr Macron as "terrible president". He has also accused Paris of doing nothing to bring peace to Libya.

Earlier this week, Mr Di Maio met supporters of a yellow vest group thinking of running in the European elections in May.

France's yellow vest movement has become the biggest challenge to Mr Macron's presidency, protesting against his economic reforms, which are seen as favouring the rich while squeezing the household incomes of ordinary people.

Mr Di Maio has also described France as a creator of poverty in Africa.

It is thought that by attacking Emmanuel Macron - a fervent europhile - the two Italian deputy PMs are trying to appeal to domestic voters ahead of the EU elections.

"France has been, for several months, the target of repeated, baseless attacks and outrageous statements," France's foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Having disagreements is one thing, but manipulating the relationship for electoral aims is another.

"All of these actions are creating a serious situation which is raising questions about the Italian government's intentions towards France."

Mr Salvini said the Italians did not want to argue with Paris, and were happy to meet Mr Macron, adding that he was ready to forge better relations for "the good of our people".

But he also said France must stop pushing back migrants at the border, and cease sheltering Italian criminals.
By Antonio Denti

GENOA, Italy (Reuters) - Egle Possetti has to avert her eyes when she drives past the remains of the road bridge in Genoa as she cannot bear looking at the place where her sister was killed along with her family.

A 200-metre-long section of the Morandi bridge, part of a motorway linking the Italian port city with southern France, gave way on Aug. 14 last year in busy lunchtime traffic, sending dozens of vehicles into free-fall and killing 43 people.

On Friday, some six months later, builders will start demolishing sections of the bridge ahead of its reconstruction.

For Possetti, 53, just seeing what is left is too much.

"For us, seeing this structure broken in two every time we come is really terrible. And to think underneath 43 people lost their lives and apart from anything else, almost all of them were young people," she told Reuters.

Her sister Claudia, Claudia's husband Andrea, and children Camilla, 16, and Manuele, 12, were killed. They had been heading to a resort east of Genoa for the Aug. 15 public holiday. Possetti started to fear the worst when she could not reach any of them by cellphone.

"Every minute of your life you think about it. You may laugh, smile, but you're dead inside," Possetti said as she tried not to look at the ruins.

Possetti is now part of a committee calling on Italian lawmakers to speed up judicial investigations when dealing with tragedies such as the bridge collapse.

Her despair is shared by Giovanna Donato, whose son Cesare, 11, lost his father, also called Andrea, from whom she had separated.

"I would like it morally to remain a symbol, let's not forget that the bridge collapsed and people died. It should not have happened," the 42-year-old said.

Marco Bucci, Genoa mayor and special commissioner for bridge reconstruction, said he was pleased with the rebuilding development so far.

"Since the afternoon of Aug. 14, when we became aware of the tragedy, we rolled up our sleeves and started working immediately. The whole city did the same," he said. "Every time a segment of the bridge is demolished or rebuilt we prove to the citizens that this is the way things should be done."

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After the bridge collapse, the Italian government blamed operator Autostrade per l'Italia for poor maintenance of the viaduct and threatened to revoke the group's concessions. Autostrade has denied any wrongdoing in the disaster.

The reconstruction contract has been awarded to Italy's biggest builder Salini Impregilo and shipbuilder Fincantieri. Demolition and reconstruction of the new bridge is planned to take about 15 months.

(Reporting by Antonio Denti; Writing by Eleanor Biles and Alison Williams; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Marie-Louise Gumuchian)
By Pilar Suarez

SANT CUGAT, Spain (Reuters) - David Aguilar has built himself a robotic prosthetic arm using Lego pieces after being born without a right forearm due to a rare genetic condition.

Aguilar, 19, who studies bioengineering at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya in Spain, is already using his fourth model of the colourful prosthetic and his dream is to design affordable robotic limbs for those who need them.

Once his favourite toys, the plastic bricks became the building material for Aguilar's first, still very rudimentary, artificial arm at the age of nine, and each new version had more movement capability than the one before.

"As a child I was very nervous to be in front of other guys, because I was different, but that didn't stop me believing in my dreams," Aguilar, who is from Andorra, a tiny principality between Spain and France, told Reuters.

"I wanted to ... see myself in the mirror like I see other guys, with two hands," said Aguilar, who uses the artificial arm only occasionally and is self-sufficient without it.

All the versions are on display in his room in the university residence on the outskirts of Barcelona. The latest models are marked MK followed by the number - a tribute to comic book superhero Iron Man and his MK armour suits.

Aguilar, who uses Lego pieces provided by a friend, proudly displayed a red-and-yellow, fully functional robotic arm built when he was 18, bending it in the elbow joint and flexing the grabber as the electric motor inside whirred.

A presentation video on his YouTube channel that he runs under the nickname "Hand Solo" says his aim is to show people that nothing is impossible and disability cannot stop them.

After graduating from university, he wants to create affordable prosthetic solutions for people who need them.

"I would try to give them a prosthetic, even if it's for free, to make them feel like a normal person, because what is normal, right?"

(Writing by Blanca Rodriguez; Editing by Andrei Khalip and Alison Williams)
George Hamilton said his diary had been turned around this week by hours of meetings on the challenges.

Brexit is an expanding distraction to policing in Northern Ireland, the chief constable has warned.

George Hamilton said his diary had been turned around this week by five hours of meetings on the challenges posed by the EU divorce in areas including counter-terrorism.

As a result he had to cut short talks with his Irish counterpart, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, dealing with exit issues among others.

A special team has been established to plan for a hard Irish border as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) addresses the complexities of policing the 310-mile frontier without certainty about the future.

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Mr Hamilton said: Managing ambiguity and uncertainty is a key requirement for people in senior leadership.

Our planning around it is good, we are in the best place that we can be, and I think our work with partners, other law enforcement agencies, other countries is in a really good place.

He said there tended to be more specialists and fewer generalists and Brexit planning required quite a bit of energy across the organisation.

It is an opportunity cost, it is perhaps a distraction, but actually it is just the reality, it is where we are.

There has been a referendum, there has been a result, the politicians are charged with working out how they are going to do EU exit and we need to stand ready against a number of scenarios and working assumptions to ensure that policing can continue to function.

They are planning for no deal and a deal.

Whatever happens, deal or no deal, there will be implications and consequences for policing.

We dont want to get too focused on any one scenario, the trick for us will be to remain agile and dynamic and try to pre-empt as much of the challenge as possible and get a workaround if possible.

We would be irresponsible not to plan along sensible assumptions.

The challenges created by Brexit reach into criminal justice reform and service delivery, he said.

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Mr Hamilton told the Policing Board scrutiny body in Belfast: We need to be responsible around making sure that we are equipped to handle the consequences and implications of that.

Extra money from the Treasury has already financed a project team of three or four posts and a more hefty financial boost was announced recently.

The main issues identified in a paper drawn up by the PSNI last year on Brexit include how tighter immigration controls can be created while maintaining the common travel area, ensuring criminals and terrorists do not exploit the border, and avoiding a hard border.

All sides aim to avoid physical infrastructure at the border but Brexit could mean increased compliance checking and enforcement activity.
The screenwriter behind last years ABC Murders is adapting another Agatha Christie whodunnit for the small screen.

Sarah Phelps will bring standalone novel The Pale Horse (1961) to the television.

It comes after her adaptations of Christies works And Then There Were None, The Witness For The Prosecution, Ordeal by Innocence and The ABC Murders, which starred John Malkovich and was broadcast on BBC One over Christmas.

The writer told RadioTimes.com she always intended to adapt five of the authors books.

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She said: When I was working on And Then There Were None (in 2015), there was a little voice in my head saying that I could write a quintet and cover 50 years of the tumultuous blood-soaked 20th century within the genre of the murder mystery.

Having now done the 1920s, the beginning and end of the 30s, as well as the 1950s, the next one is going to be set in the 1960s.

The Pale Horse centres around Mark Easterbrook, who probes the murder of a Catholic priest struck dead in the fog after hearing the confession of a dying woman.

Phelps version of the story will follow Death Comes As The End, a Christie tale set in ancient Egypt that is to be adapted by Gwyneth Hughes.

Her Ordeal by Innocence adaptation drew criticism because the killer was changed and some criticised the added backstory for John Malkovichs Hercule Poirot in The ABC Murders.

The writer said she recognised that criticism could be brutal but that she had deliberately made it her mission to subvert viewers expectations.

Agatha Christie plants these little clues in her books and I pick them up and run with them, she said.

Im honouring the secret, subversive Agatha.

Theres something dangerous about her  and theres a lot of academic work to be done on the tension in the novels between the book she knew the public wanted to read and the one she wanted to write.

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I always think Im doing the version of the book she wanted to write.

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FILE PHOTO: The 'Europacity' construction site is pictured in Berlin, Germany, July 27, 2018. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's DIHK Chambers of Industry and Commerce on Thursday slashed its 2019 growth forecast for the German economy to 0.9 percent from 1.7 percent, pointing to growing headwinds from abroad for Europe's biggest economy.

"Companies' outlook is getting clouded. Business expectations have significantly deteriorated in all economic sectors," DIHK said in its latest business survey.

"Global trade conflicts are slowing business development, especially in the industrial sector," the DIHK said, adding that business morale in domestically driven sectors such as construction and services remained relatively high.

The DIHK's survey of around 27,000 managers - the biggest of its kind in Germany - found that business morale worsened in terms of current conditions and outlook.

Asked about the biggest threat for future business, most companies pointed to a shortage of skilled labour.

(Reporting by Michael Nienaber; Editing by Michelle Martin)
vladimir putin is a charismatic leader who is admired by many all over the world and has solid support in Russia. A bizarre event took place in Moscow on Tuesday when a number of witches held a coven in support of the Russian president. They formed a "circle of fire" to channelize their supernatural energy in support of President Putin. The Daily Mail has reported that the witches wearing black hoods, chanted spells and incantations to support the 66-year-old Russian leader to protect him as well as defeat his enemies.

Witches' purpose

The head of the coven, Alyona Polyn said the purpose of the gathering was to use the power of the occult not only to support Putin but also to improve the quality of life in Russia which recently celebrated 75 years of the lifting of the siege of Leningrad.

She added that this, in turn, would make the world a better place to live in.

Putin recently won a general election for president with an overwhelming majority. Thousands of ordinary Russians believe in witches and magical spells. Russia's Health Ministry data of 1917, reveals that close to 800,000 people in the country are so deeply involved in occult rituals and psychic mediums that it is a source of income for them.

Support for Putin

The coven showed that Putin has support from people from all walks of life, whether he believes in the spells of the coven or not. The New York Post has reported that Russian people have traditionally believed in superstition and have a long history of casting spells since pagan times.

Aloyna Polyn the leading witch, led the gathering in an elaborate ceremony that was supposed to release forces that will support the Russian president. Putin does have a lot of friction with the United States and despite having excellent relations with Trump who recently recognized Guaido as president of Venezuela, relations are at an all-time low.

Perhaps the witches hope to fix that lowering relationship through their gathering.

History

Russian history is full of examples of men and women with occult powers. The most famous of them in recent times was Rasputin who appeared to have magical healing powers and saved the son of Tsar Nicholas II many times from bleeding to death from a rare disease, haemophilia.

The empress had full faith in Rasputin and it took a sinister plot to kill him. This was just before the October revolution of 1917.

Witches covens

Witches covens are also held in Europe and the UK, though no evidence has come to light that these covens have any supernatural effect. Basically, the coven in Russia echoed nationalistic sentiments as the chief witch led the incantation with the words, "Oh primordial power, return to the abyss those who wish to hate upon Russia".
Government Reporter

Erin came to Tyler from Vermont, where she worked for VTDigger.org and previously the Rutland Herald. She received her B.A. in Economics and Spanish from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where she also attended journalism school.
Ive considered abandoning my star ratings and replacing them with emojis to make me seem cool and

relevant to the youth out there. (You can stop laughing.) Im not actually going to do that, but I

sometimes think an emoji could accurately describe my reaction to each movie.

In the case of Miss Bala, the emoji would be the gigantic, jaw-breaking yawn.

Rating: *1/2 (out of 5)

Miss Bala is a (ha) thriller following Gloria (Gina Rodriguez), a makeup artist who travels to Tijuana to visit her friend, Suzu (Cristina Rodio). Gloria is there to do Suzus makeup for the Miss Baja California pageant. The pair go clubbing and run into Saucedo (Damian Alcazar), the corrupt chief of police who loves to get to know the winners of the pageant.

Gloria is horrified to learn that Suzu will do whatever she can to win the pageant.

When members of the Las Estrellas gang, led by the benevolent Lino (Ismael Cruz Cordova), enter the club and begin shooting up the place, Gloria escapes. She and Suzu get separated in the chaos, which leads Gloria to begin searching for her friend.

The search leads her to being taken by Lino and his men, who force her to drive a car filled with explosives that will be used to blow up a DEA safehouse.

She escapes Lino, only to be arrested by the DEA, who tell her if she can help them take down Lino, she can go free. However, the DEA doesn't really follow up on the promise, leading Gloria to save Lino from a shoot out.

Now trapped in a world she never wanted to be in, she will do whatever it takes to find Suzu and get them both out alive.

Miss Bala is based on the 2011 Mexican thriller of the same name, which is loosely inspired by a real incident. This version is directed by Catherine Hardwicke, a once promising director with dramas such as Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown, only to lose all of her goodwill thanks to a little movie called Twilight. It is the point when Hardwickes career took a turn from strong voice to bland and generic.

Those two words perfectly describe Miss Bala. Theres no way a PG-13 Hollywood remake about a girl taking down a crime syndicate is going to have some shocking, grim twist, the way reality might.

Not once did I buy that Rodriguez was ever in danger.

Miss Bala is nothing more than a CW version of Sicario. Its nice to see Rodriguez taking on a role that is probably much different from her star-making role on Jane the Virgin, and for all intents and purposes, shes not bad. She was given mediocre material to work with and a director thats just been on autopilot for the last decade.

In a world that cries out for films about strong women by strong women, this is nowhere near the best Hollywood has to offer.
De Document Foundation heeft versie 6.2 van LibreOffice uitgebracht. Dit opensource-officepakket is ontstaan als afsplitsing van OpenOffice en wordt geleverd met tekstverwerker Writer, spreadsheetprogramma Calc, presentatieprogramma Impress, tekenprogramma Draw, databaseprogramma Base en Formula, een applicatie om wetenschappelijke notaties mee te maken.

In versie 6.2 treffen we onder meer een nieuw menu met tabbladen aan en hebben de iconen in het klassieke menu ook een opfrisbeurt gekregen. Verder kan het beter overweg met EMF+ vector-afbeeldingen van Microsoft Office, is de manier waarop veranderingen in documenten worden bijgehouden veranderd wat tot flinke prestatieverbeteringen leidt en kunnen cellen uit Calc nu probleemloos in Writer worden ingevoegd. De complete release notes zijn op deze pagina te vinden, dit is de aankondiging van versie 6.2.0:
13 creatives will be assisted to travel to New York in March for professional development and networking opportunities at the Australian International Screen Forum, through Screen Australia funding.

They include Kate McClennan & Kate McCartney from Get Krack!n, The Letdowns Alison Bell and writers from Bloom, Dance Academy and On The Ropes.

There is an increasing appetite for Australian stories in the USA, most recently evident at the Sundance Film Festival where our films were making substantial sales, said CEO of Screen Australia Graeme Mason. Talent USA is an important opportunity to showcase and promote some of our best creative talent to the North American market and help elevate their projects to be in the best position to compete and be seen internationally.

Attending the Screen Forum will give these delegates an opportunity to hear from key US players on latest trends, challenges and opportunities in the current global market. This year the Talent USA delegation will also benefit from the Forums ambassadors Deborra-Lee Furness, Hugh Jackman, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin drawing industry attention to the work of Australian creators.

The 13 are:

Niki Aken: A prolific television writer, Aken has extensive experience working across both drama and comedy. Starting out in film, she wrote and produced her short film Poppy, which screened at both Flickerfest and St Kilda Film Festival. Since transitioning to television, Aken has worked on a number of popular series including The Secret Daughter, Janet King, Why Are You Like This plus the AWGIE award-winning series ANZAC Girls and Underbelly: Badness. Aken is also an experienced script producer, having worked on the highly anticipated comedy-drama series Upright starring Tim Minchin. Recently, she co-wrote The Hunting for SBS and Closer Productions, which will star Logie award winner Asher Keddie and AACTA/Logie award winner Richard Roxburgh.

Kodie Bedford: Beginning her career as a cadet journalist for SBS, Bedford is an accomplished storyteller, having written for a range of drama series including the AACTA award-winning ABC series Mystery Road, which became the most streamed non-childrens show in ABC iview history and was the New York Times Critics Pick on US streaming. She also wrote an episode of the AACTA nominated NITV series Grace Beside Me. Recently, Bedford was awarded the Balnaves Fellowship with Belvoir Theatre for 2019 to develop her own play. She is currently working on the much anticipated second series of Mystery Road.

Alison Bell: An AACTA award-winning writer, Bell is best known as the co-creator/co-writer/producer and star of the ABC and Netflix Original series The Letdown. Prior to The Letdown, Bell spent much of her career on the stage, receiving numerous nominations and awards for her work with the Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company, Malthouse, Belvoir and STCSA, including two Helpmanns and one Green Room Award. She has also appeared in television series including the AACTA award-winning comedy Laid (available on Neflix in the US) and US television hits The Leftovers, No Activity and the reboot of Spielbergs Amazing Stories. Bell recently completed production of the The Letdown Series 2, which also marked her debut as a director. The series will air later this year.

Joe Brumm: Brumm worked as an animator for 10 years in London on numerous childrens series, including the BAFTA award-winning Charlie and Lola. After returning to Australia, he founded Studiojoho animation studio whose clients include ABCs Good Game, Viacom, CollegeHumor and Ludo/Cartoon Network. His original web-series Dan The Man has been turned into a highly successful mobile game in partnership with HalfBrick studios. Brumm is the writer and creator of the breakout ABC/BBC Worldwide childrens series Bluey, which gained over 11 million views in its first month in Australia, and has since become the most watched program in ABC iview history.

Matthew Cormack: Cormack is an award-winning writer, with credits including the feature film 52 Tuesdays, which was awarded the Crystal Bear at Berlin International Film Festival and an AWGIE award for Original Screenplay. He was also a writer on the ABC comedy series F###ing Adelaide along with the award-winning short film My Last Ten Hours With You. Cormack is the co-creator and co-writer of the SBS drama The Hunting, starring screen luminaries Asher Keddie and Richard Roxburgh which is due for release in 2019. Cormack also has 10 years experience working in development, production and sales, most recently working as a script editor on the Irish/Australian co-production feature film Animals, which premiered to rave reviews at Sundance 2019.

Glen Dolman: An established writer and executive producer working across film, television and web series, Dolman created, wrote and executive produced the six-part drama series Bloom, which premiered on Australian streaming service Stan in early 2019. Dolman also wrote the Australian feature film I Met a Girl which will star Brenton Thwaites and Lily Sullivan. Working on international projects across Australia, the UK and the US, he wrote the screenplay for the animated comedy feature The Ark and the Aardvark, which is currently in production with Kung Fu Panda director John Stevenson. Dolmans television writing credits include the TV movie Hawke, which won an AWGIE award and three AFI awards, along with working as a writer and script editor on the UKs longest running crime drama, The Bill.

Liz Doran: Working across both feature film and television, Doran is an experienced writer and script producer, having worked on a range of popular Australian series including Please Like Me (available on Hulu and Netflix in the US), Molly, Doctor Doctor, Dance Academy (available on Hulu and Netflix in the US), Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries (available on Netflix in the US) and The Secret Life Of Us. In 2015 and 2016, she co-created and was the head writer and script producer on the AACTA and Logie award-winning childrens series Ready For This. Doran is currently developing a drama series for the ABC, along with two feature films titled Chain Reaction and Bondi Beach Breakfast Club.

Benjamin Gilmour: An acclaimed author and filmmaker, Gilmour was the writer/director of the recent Australian/Afghanistan feature film Jirga. After its world premiere at Sydney Film Festival Jirga was selected for the Toronto International Film Festival and won the highly coveted Film Prize at CinefestOZ in 2018, along with the AACTA award for Best Independent Film. Jirga is due for a US theatrical release in June 2019. Gilmours other credits include the feature documentary Paramedico and the Australian/Pakistani drama Son of A Lion, which screened at a range of international film festivals including the Berlinale.

Kate McCartney: A writer, director, producer and performer, McCartneys work has featured on Hamish and Andy, Adam Hills Tonight, Youre Skitting Me and Big Bite. In 2015, alongside writing partner Kate McLennan, McCartney created, executive produced and starred in the web series The Katering Show, which has accumulated over 10 million views on YouTube since its release. The series returned in 2016, premiering on ABC iview. McCartney (alongside McLennan) then went on to write, executive produce and star in their full length AWGIE-winning series Get Krack!n, where they set their satirical sights on the world of breakfast television. The highly anticipated second series of Get Krack!n is set to premiere today on ABC TV.

Kate McLennan: McLennan is an award-winning writer, comedian and actress whose writing credits include Bleak and Little Lunch and The Mansion. Alongside writing partner Kate McCartney, she created and performed in the web series The Katering Show, which has accumulated over 10 million views on YouTube since it was first released in 2015. The second series of The Katering Show premiered on ABC iview in 2016, receiving an AACTA nomination for Best Online Video or Series and remains iviews most watched original series. In 2017, McLennan (alongside McCartney) set their sights on the chirpy world of morning TV in their full-length series titled Get Krack!n, with the second series of the show due to air on ABC TV today.

Grant Sputore: An internationally renowned commercial director, Sputores work has been recognised at award shows around the world including the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and the London International Advertising Awards. In 2017, his feature film script I Am Mother (formally titled Mother) was included on the prestigious Black List of Hollywoods most sought after screenplays. I Am Mother, starring new-comer Clara Rugaard alongside two-time Academy Award-Winner Hilary Swank, is Sputores debut feature film and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019. Variety said of the film, If this were his [Sputore] job application for a blockbuster gig, hed get the job.

Samantha Strauss: A writer and producer, Strauss was the co-creator and head writer of Australian teen drama series Dance Academy (available on Hulu and Netflix in the US), which screens internationally in over 160 countries and has won over 10 awards including a Logie award for Most Outstanding Childrens Program in both 2011 and 2013. Her other television credits include The Wrong Girl and Mary: The Making of a Princess. In 2017, Strauss wrote the feature film Dance Academy: The Movie. She is currently writing and executive producing her latest original series The End with See-Saw Films for Foxtel and Sky Atlantic.

Courtney Wise: A former development producer at Lingo Pictures, Wise is a renowned writer and producer, having recently created and produced the critically acclaimed four-part drama series On The Ropes for SBS. Working in the Television Fiction Department at the ABC, she was development manager on The Secret River, a two-part telemovie adaptation of Kate Grenvilles award-winning novel and The Beautiful Lie, a six-part adaptation of Tolstoys Anna Karenina. Wise also produced series 1 and 2 of the award-winning online series Fragments of Friday along with writing for the award-winning teen series Dance Academy (available on Hulu and Netflix in the US).

Related
Cosentino became the second Aussie act to compete at Americas Got Talent: The Champions this week, defying arrows, fire and a bear trap.

Alas even with an act this strong he couldnt defy elimination.

Related
It will feature more than 40 panel sessions and masterclasses from over 60 speakers from around the world.

A full program of Sessions, Speakers, Screenings, Events, Decision Makers and Marketplace opportunities is now released at www.aidc.com.au

This years AIDC program encourages the Australian documentary and factual community to consider the bigger picture when confronting the industrial and cultural challenges of digital disruption, funding scarcity and reactionary populism, finding instead opportunities, inspiration and reasons for optimism.

The AIDC 2019 program contains more than 40 panel sessions and masterclasses from over 60 speakers  covering co-production, distribution, documentary craft and new technology  and complements a packed schedule of marketplace and pitching sessions (featuring over a quarter of a million dollars in commissioning and development funds) and an expanded public screening program.

Weve been reminded a lot in the last little while that the struggle for those working in the documentary and factual industry is real. While we do want to recognise this, AIDC also prides itself on being a beacon of hope, creating opportunities, building networks and supporting ideas, said AIDC CEO & Conference Director, Alice Burgin.

Our co-production strand is in part a way to highlight in our program that we do in fact live in a world that wants to engage, create and work with us. From Singapore to Sweden, international commissioners and producers will be speaking on sessions focusing on the opportunities for genuine collaborative outcomes  which is part of what the bigger picture is really all about.

While sessions on working with broadcasters from Nordic countries, the USA and Asia extend AIDCs international business scope, craft sessions with filmmakers and producers such as Sandi Tan (Shirkers), Diane Weyermann (An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power), Tom Brisley (Under the Wire [pictured]) Al Hicks (Quincy), Eddie Martin (Have You Seen the Listers?), John Brown (Dynasties), Tosca Looby (The Magical Land of Oz), Gabrielle Brady (Island of the Hungry Ghosts) and Tamra Simmons (Surviving R. Kelly), ensure that AIDC delegates will be hearing from the makers of projects that get people talking.

As Ms. Burgin notes, We also want to remember  filmmaking can be fun! Quirky creators and celebrated masters are bringing to AIDC craft sessions that are designed to open minds and inspire us all to get back out there and keep making. From early-career doco makers to established factual heavyweights, there is something for everyone to get excited about in the program.

Innovation in form, storytelling and distribution is another key focus for AIDC 2019, bringing together sessions by science & technology media experts (Dr. Jordan Nguyen, Becoming Superhuman; Tea Uglow, Google Creative Lab), interactive non-fiction creators (Lisa Jackson, Biidaaban: First Light VR), and distribution experts (Jess Fuselier, Sundance Institute), with debut pitching opportunities such as Raw Data, Real Stories (presented by Google News Initiative) and Sound it Out (presented by Audible).

Our focus on technology and innovation  from blockchain to interactive non-fiction to data journalism to audio documentary  means that theres more reason than ever to be hopeful about the future of the sector, said Ms. Burgin.

AIDCs public-facing component also steps up a notch this year, with an expanded screening program  the Non-Fiction Documentary Showcase  presented in conjunction with ACMI, and an exhibition of Lisa Jacksons Biidaaban: First Light VR work at Melbourne Museum. The Non-Fiction Showcase will feature 14 films, including several premieres, and special screenings of [Censored], Island of the Hungry Ghosts, Quincy, Under the Wire, Shirkers, Rockabul, Rocking the Foundations & Where the River Runs Red featuring AIDC guest speakers. (See the full list of Screenings on the AIDC website)

Combined with AIDCs delegate networking program, including the SBS Slow Summer Opening Night Party, ABC Magical Land of Oz Happy Hour, and the return of both the Getty Images Delegate Hub and Screenrights Industry Lounge, AIDC 2019 is set to be an essential gathering for networking, business, learning, collaboration and community discussion.

AIDC is supported by Principal Partner Film Victoria and Presenting Partners ACMI and Screen Australia.

AIDC 2019 Key Facts:

 65 sessions, screenings, events and marketplace activities

 Over 60 national and international speakers

 70 Decision Makers from 30 different national and international broadcasters, funders and sales agencies

 15 delegate and public screenings/exhibitions (plus a delegate-only screening of the final episode of Undercurrent)

 The FACTory International Pitching Forum  Australias only dedicated public pitching forum for non-fiction screen content

 Over quarter of a million dollars unlocked in development and commissioning funds for AIDC marketplace.

 Stanley Hawes Award for Outstanding Contribution to Documentary  awarded at AIDC

 FIRSTS:

 Raw Data, Real Stories data journalism pitch (with Google News Initiative)

 Sound it Out audio documentary pitch (with Audible)

 Indigenous Creators Program series of sessions

 Non-Fiction Documentary Showcase ( with ACMI)

For full program details, including all sessions, marketplace activities, social and networking events, and screenings, please visit: www.aidc.com.au

Sponsored Post
Here are the leading news stories for today, February 7, the third day of the new lunar year.

Politics

-- Hanoi welcomes the second U.S.-North Korea summit and strongly supports dialogues to maintain peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula, the Vietnamese foreign ministry Le Thi Thu Hang said on Wednesday, hours after President Trump said in his State of the Union speech that the meeting is planned for February 27 and 28 in Vietnam.

Society

-- People in southern Vietnam will celebrate the third day of the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday in hot weather, with temperatures forecasted to reach as high as 38 degrees Celsius, while the high in the north will be 28 degrees Celsius on February 7, according to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

-- A family in Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday had a wireless microphone with speaker shipped to their house via a delivery app, with the device exploding immediately after it was plugged into charge, hurting the mother and her son in what police suspect to be a deliberate attack.

Business

-- Vietnams textile and garment industry targets an export revenue of US$40 billion for 2019, 10.8 percent higher than last year, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Wednesday, citing the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association.

-- A Ho Chi Minh City-bound flight operated by budget carrier Vietjet that departed from the north-central city of Vinh on Wednesday night had to land in the central city of Da Nang due to technical problems of the aircraft.

Lifestyle

-- A Vietnamese-style coffee shop is slated for opening soon in Turin, the capital of the northern Italian region of Piemonte, the Vietnam News Agency on Wednesday quoted the Honorary Consular of Vietnam in Turin Sandra Scagliotti as announcing at a recent event.

Sports

-- Tennis player Thai Son Kwiatkowski, born to a Vietnamese mother and a Polish-American father, will take part in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games later this year as a naturalized Vietnamese citizen. The 23-year-old American player has an ATP world rank of 275.

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Hanoi welcomes the second U.S. - North Korea summit, planned to take place in Vietnam by this month-end, the spokesperson of the Vietnamese foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

In his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump said his second meeting with North Korea leader Kim Jong-un is scheduled for February 27 and 28 in Vietnam.

Responding to an inquiry over Hanois comment on President Trumps naming the place and date of the upcoming summit, Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said on Wednesday that Vietnam welcomes the meeting, and strongly supports dialogues to maintain peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Vietnam stands ready to actively contribute to and cooperate with relevant sides to ensure the success for the second U.S. - North Korea summit to help achieve that goal, the official Vietnam News Agency quoted Hang as saying.

Much work remains to be done, but my relationship with Kim Jong-un is a good one, the U.S. leader said in his speech to Congress.

Chairman Kim and I will meet again on February 27 and 28 in Vietnam.

But he did not name a precise venue.

Trump and Kim met in a historic first summit in Singapore in June 2018.

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While most Vietnamese were rushing home to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year holiday), some of Vietnams brave coast guardsmen are quietly setting sail to perform their duties in waters far from home so that offshore fishermen could celebrate the holiday with peace of mind.

We work on Tet so that fishermen can comfortably celebrate, Captain Bui Van Thang told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, explaining that, for him and his unit, spending the Lunar New Year holiday off shore is a pride that not all soldiers get to experience.

Thang and his fellow crewmen on coast guard ship CSB 9001 under the Coast Guard Zone 3 High Command have only enjoyed one Tet holiday at home since 2010. For the nine Tet holidays that they were on duty, the group welcomed the New Year together as a unity or with other sea patrols.

A memorable rescue

One of Thangs most memorable Tet holidays was in 2018 when he and his coast guard unit were called upon to rescue a sinking fishing boat near Phu Quy Island off the coast of Binh Thuan Province in south-central Vietnam just ten days ahead of New Years Eve.

The group mission was to rescue the fishing boats crew from where their boat was going down about 30 nautical miles (55.56 km) southwest of Phu Quy. To make matters worse, strong winds, rough seas, and restricted visibility was making it nearly impossible for Thang and his crew to make contact with the fishing vessel.

It took nearly four hours of searching, but the CSB 9001 eventually found the sinking boat.

The 12 fishermen aboard were all gathered on the roof of the cabin to shout for help, Thang recounted.

By that point, the roof of the cabin was the only part of the ship still above water.

It was difficult to access the fishing boat because the waves were getting bigger and bigger, Thang continued.

Our coast guard ship and the fishing boat were only ten meters apart and we worried that the five meter tall waves would push us into the other ship.

Captain Thang decided to maneuver the coast guard ship so that it could drop raft buoys down to the fishing boat and pull the fishermen to safety.

They were able to save ten of the crew members on the first approach, but then fishing boat began to drift away.

We had to constantly motivate [the last two crew members] through loud speakers, telling them to try to cling to the ropes, Thang said.

Eventually, all 12 fishermen were safely rescued and given treatment by the medical team aboard the coast guard ship.

Welcoming the Lunar New Year on the open sea

During last years Tet, the rescued fishermen gifted the coast guard unit that saved their lives fish and chicken as their token of gratitude.

In return, our unit invited some fishermen working near our base to join us on Lunar New Years Eve, Thang said.

We spent holiday with the fishermen, singing, eating candy and banh chung [square glutinous rice cake], and sharing stories about each others hometown, he added.

The experience helped the officers and soldiers forget their homesickness at a time when most Vietnamese are with their families.

Each year, Thangs unit works to give themselves a memorable Tet.

The team spends time wrapping banh chung a day before Lunar New Years Eve and cooks the traditional cakes right through the last minutes of the old lunar year.

Importantly, despite having to patrol at the high command station on the last night of the lunar year, Thangs division still manages to prepare small trays of spring rolls and banh chung for a year-end meal.

The banh chung of Thang and his team are often wrapped right on their ship, in the middle of the sea, which gives them a unique test which cant be found anywhere else.

When the clock reaches midnight on Lunar New Years Eve, the ship blows its horn while Cap. Thang wishes his team a happy new year and gifts them lucky money on behalf of Coast Guards Board of Commanders.

Afterwards, the group sings together to ring in the New Year.

For the coast guardsmen of CSB 9001, it might not be home, but its the next best thing.

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Le Thi Tham has never let the fact that she was born without arms derail her goals of becoming a Vietnamese language teacher for foreigners in Vietnam.

Throughout her life shes experienced extreme hardship due to both her physical and socio-economic conditions. At 19 years old she hasnt grown past the size of a ten-year-old and her family lives far below the poverty line in Thanh Hoa.

But these hardships dont seem to faze Tham. Despite suffering from amelia and several other bone-related issues, she has managed to make it to her third year in university, where she studies ESL teaching and brings her A-game to any obstacles life throws at her.

Le Thi Tham (left) learns to write. Photo: Le Kien / Tuoi Tre

Foster the dream

Tham has always had a fiery desire to pursue education.

At six years old, while her peers were all being sent off to school, Tham persuaded her mother, Nguyen Thi Tinh, to let her go to, despite the fact that she was born without arms.

As she grew older, she set her sights on becoming fluent in English so that she might use those skills to instruct foreigners in learning Vietnamese.

As time went on, she earned respect as a top student in her classes and became a role model for her peers, never letting her disability get in her way. In one particular show of drive, she won a seemingly unattainable prize for a girl with no arms  a handwriting contest award held by her district.

But after high school, trouble came knocking.

Though she wanted to take the Vietnamese university entrance examination, she was deemed physically incapable of being able to sit for such a long exam. Her mother then took charge, venturing herself to the nearby Hong Duc University to petition them to allow Tham to take the test.

Nguyen Manh An, the principal at the time, after hearing out the plea, immediately gave consent, and vowed to assist Tham however he could.

Overjoyed with the news, Tham threw herself into preparing the exam.

Though she was resilient enough to show up at the testing location, her body could not handle the pressure, and Tham failed.

By will of fate, the principal, owing to her disability and sheer resolution, deemed Tham an exception, and admitted her into the universitys English Department, ESL Faculty.

Now, as part of her goal to one day instruct English-speaking foreigners in Vietnamese, Le Thi Tham works as a student-teacher with her own batch of students.

During the day she studies English teaching at university and in her free time she offers a tutoring service.

Tham is so kind. Her pedagogical approach is also easy to comprehend. My mother lets me study under Tham on the weekends. She makes me like English so much, one of Thams students, Phuong Linh, said.

Le Thi Tham (right) and her student. Photo: Le Kien / Tuoi Tre

For the mother, Tinh, her daughers leap from a disabled child to a respected adult makes her the happiest woman on Earth.

Due to her academic achievement despite precarious living situation, Tham is eligible to a VND510,000 [US$21.94] monthly state-funded grant, Tinh revealed.

Just in November, she was awarded for her extraordinary academic performance from Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam himself! she added.

Will of steel

Thams father is a bricklayer and her mother a housewife. Neither expected that their first born child would be born without arms. Likewise, neither expected their daughter to have such drive.

When school age hit, Tham did not want to lose out to her peers and began her first attempts at writing by using her feet.

Through sheer force of will, Tham finally enrolled at Hong Duc University, setting her fist stepping stone to become a full-fledged Vietnamese language teacher in place.

However, she was met with financial crisis, which meant her dream could be cut off at any moment.

Yet thanks to principal An, the situation took a turn for the better. An reached out to a long-time acquaintance, Vietnamese lawmaker Bui Si Loi, who offered VND2 million (US$86.02) from his salary to Tham as a monthly incentive to help her afford her studies until she graduates.

I am honored to be of help to such a noble soul like Tham, Loi stated.

In the future, Tham aims to pursue knowledge overseas.

As her dream is not to teach English, but use it as a tool to instruct foreigners of her mother tongue, she yearns to learn more about the world in order to better improve her performance.

While the task at hand seems daunting, there is no way Le Thi Tham, the girl who has done the impossible countless times, would throw in the towel anytime soon.

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OPINION: "The fact that he kept this small black book for almost nine decades suggests he may have wanted us to learn more about him, even after he was gone," writes Amy Hirshberg Lederman.
PARIS  A suspect in the fire that killed 10 people as it devastated a Paris apartment building was hospitalized at least 13 times in the past decade for mental health issues and completed her most recent stay a week ago, the Paris prosecutor said Wednesday.

Prosecutor Remy Heitz told reporters the female suspect who was detained on suspicion of arson spent nearly two weeks at a Paris psychiatric facility before she was released on Jan. 30. She had a clean police record but was involved in three prior judicial procedures, one for setting fire to clothes in a store, Heitz said.

Two other complaints were thrown out due to her mental state, he said.

The woman was under evaluation Wednesday in the police psychiatric infirmary. She was transferred there Tuesday after she gave investigators confused responses to their questions, Heitz said.

Central African Republic

Some uneasy as nation, rebels sign peace deal

BANGUI  Central African Republic and 14 rebel groups signed a peace deal Wednesday even as some expressed alarm about the possible suspension of prosecutions after five years of bloody conflict.
Mendez said hes one of those people who purposely delays casting his ballot.

Its a strategic position, he said. I do this because I know someones going to say something thats the equivalent of putting their foot in their mouth or theyre just going to show their true colors. I want to wait until the very last day.

Ugenti-Rita was unsympathetic.

Remember, the system is called vote by mail, she said. But you need to mail it back.

Ugenti-Rita also said no one is forced to vote by mail. And if they do get an early ballot and cant  or wont  get it into the mail on time to arrive by Election Day, they can still vote a regular ballot.

But Sen. Andrea Dalessandro, D-Green Valley, said if the goal of the legislation is to speed election returns this is precisely the wrong thing to do.

She said that the election systems in Cochise, Gila, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Pima, Pinal and Santa Cruz counties are not set up to be able to tell whether someone who shows up at a polling place already has cast an early ballot.
We are a company from Uzbekistan who is searching for a long-term partnership. We are interested in wood pellets. We speak Russian and English.
The recovery effort for the 82-year-old hiker who got lost while hiking in Madera Canyon last week was suspended Monday evening, officials said.

Joe Smallwood called around 4 p.m. on Feb. 5 and reported he was lost. Shortly after, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office sent out a search-and-rescue team.

After a week of searching, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Lieutenant Gerardo Castillo said search crews, who came from all over the state, needed to recover and regroup before planing future recovery efforts.

Castillo said as many as 120 people from 17 or 18 different organizations helped in the search, including agencies from Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Pinal, Maricopa, Gila, Yuma, Yavapai and Coconino counties, as well as personnel from Fort Huachuca and with U.S. Border Patrol and volunteers with the Southern Arizona Rescue Association.
In Nogales, six rows of concertina wire are now stacked along the approximately two-story wall.

Nogales, a city of about 20,000 people, is a fraction of the size of its Mexican counterpart, but its economy is largely reliant on Mexican shoppers and cross-border trade. Illegal crossings in that area have dropped steeply in the past several years.

Garino said he asked U.S. Sen. Martha McSally, R-Tucson, to help the city have the wire removed during her visit to the border last month.

A spokeswoman for McSally said the senator was working on a response to an inquiry from The Associated Press.

Garino said authorities didn't tell him why more wire was installed.

He said he was most concerned that children and others could be injured now that it reaches the ground. The downtown area is also residential, and there are homes that stand a few feet from the border fence.

"Aesthetically pleasing  it's not. It's very bad. It's not good for business, it's not good for what we're trying to create, a business-friendly community here in Nogales," Garino said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Defense did not respond to inquiries about why additional wire was installed last weekend.
After being arrested on bestiality charges in Tucson last August, 37-year-old Jacob Blatchford probably didnt think his dog would be a piece of evidence connecting him to out-of-state crimes.

Nonetheless, the black-and-white dog caught on surveillance video from a crime scene in Cheyenne, Wyoming, matched photos Pima County officials had of the dog with Blatchford at the time of his Pima County arrest, according to Cheyenne Police spokesman Kevin Malatesta.

In the surveillance video from Aug. 4, 2018, the dog is following the man police believe to be Blatchford while he stakes-out a gas station before busting through the wall with an excavator and scooping up the ATM.

The excavator was stolen along with a trailer, totaling $100,000 worth of heavy equipment, according to Malatesta. He says the gas station alarm went off and Blatchford allegedly fled with his dog in a truck, which was also stolen, towing the trailer.

Almost two weeks later, Blatchford was caught on surveillance video climbing into a pen of animals at the Rocking K Ranch, 13401 E. Old Spanish Trail, and sexually assaulting a small pony, according to an interim complaint filed in Pima County Superior Court.
Two Trains Running  Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. Part of August Wilsons Pittsburgh Cycle, this play takes place in the 1960s, when black power was on the rise and bigotry and police brutality were daily occurrences. The slice-of-life play about neighbors who gather in a local cafe gets a stunning production under the direction of Lou Bellamy. One of the finest ensemble casts weve seen in a long time. Final performances are 7:30-10 p.m. Feb. 7-9; 2-4 p.m. Feb. 7 and 9. $25. 622-2823. Arizonatheatre.org

Top Girls  Tornabene Theatre on the UA Campus, 1025 N. Olive Road. Arizona Repertory Theatre travels back to 1982 England and into the lives of women on the rise in the working world and the sacrifices they made. The first act is a dinner party where women from history and literature gather. Its that first act that won playwright Caryl Churchill a slew of fans. The Hollywood Reporter heaped praise on a California production: A once-daring play has matured over 30 years into a genuine classic, as pertinent and piercing as ever. David Morden directs University of Arizona student actors. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Feb. 10; 7:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 7-9, 14 and 15. Through Feb. 24. $17-$28. 621-1162. See review in Sundays Home + Life section.
State regulators have extended a moratorium on new natural-gas power plants until August, drawing praise from environmental groups who say the move will help keep the air clean and save consumers money.

The Arizona Corporation Commission on Wednesday voted to extend until Aug. 1 a previous order effectively banning Tucson Electric Power Co. and other state-regulated power companies from buying or constructing new gas-fired plants with generating capacities of 150 megawatts or more.

The utility panel had adopted the initial order in March 2018, requiring the utilities to submit detailed studies of alternative energy storage options and petition for approval before mounting plans for any new gas plants.

In a surprise move at the time, the Corporation Commission also refused to acknowledge integrated resource plans filed by TEP, sister utility UniSource Energy Services and Arizona Public Service Co., citing concerns they relied too much on natural gas and overestimated future energy demand growth.

The ban will have little immediate effect on TEP, which is building a new gas plant at the H. Wilson Sundt Generating Station in Tucson, TEP spokesman Joe Barrios said.
Newly elected Natrona County Assessor Matt Keating wants county leaders to give him the money to hire 11 additional employees, more than doubling the size of his office in the process.

But the Natrona County Commission, of which Keating was a member until stepping down recently, rebuffed the request.

While Keating said the expansion is needed for his office, which now employs 10 people, to complete its mission, Natrona County Commissioner Rob Hendry said Wednesday that the request is infeasible.

We dont have the budget to give him any more money for people, Hendry said.

Wyoming took a hard hit when energy prices sank a few years ago, as taxes on industry provide much of the states revenue. Many local governments, like Natrona County, have yet to fully recover.

Even if the money was available, Hendry said that the commissioners likely wouldnt be interested in growing the government.

Hendry said the assessors office budget allowed for up to 15 employees. But Keating gave raises to his current staff members and no longer has any money left to hire new workers, according to the commissioner.
In a statement, Purdue said it shared the citys concerns about the opioid crisis and would work collaboratively with Casper and the state of Wyoming to bring forward meaningful solutions.

However, the company said it vigorously denied the citys allegations and looked forward to the opportunity to defend itself.

The city claims Purdue acted improperly by communicating with prescribers about scientific and medical information that FDA has expressly considered and continues to approve, the company said in a statement. We believe it is inappropriate for the city to substitute its judgment for the judgment of the regulatory, scientific and medical experts at FDA.

Two-pronged lawsuit

Caspers lawsuit is similar to the one filed by Ochs on behalf of Carbon County and to suits filed by hundreds of counties and municipalities across the country in that it takes broad aim at both the manufacturers of opioids  like Purdue  for allegedly using deceptive marketing and other means to sell the medications and the distributors, which allegedly ignored the lines of defense Ochs described.
Numerous folks donated to upgrade the kitchen and provide convection cooking equipment and upgrades to plumbing and wiring. The actual cost of the project was $10,000.

The pantry is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Sunday for distribution of grocery rescue and other food products. For more information, check out the Poverty Resistance Food Pantry page on Facebook or contact Mary Ann Budenske at 215-4732, email her at mbudenske@aol.com or PM her on Facebook.

Mission refuge from cold

Wyoming Rescue Mission is available for those who need a place to get out of the cold. The mission serves hot meals and provides safe shelter for those in need. More than 80 guests have stayed at the new Park Street Center, 230 N. Park St., in recent nights and there is plenty of room for additional guests.

Gifts of food and new/gently used coats, hats and gloves can be delivered to the Park Street Center. Monetary donations may be made online at wyomission.org or mailed to P.O. Box 2030, Casper, WY 82602.

Celebrate Recovery
Felipe Jacinto Nyusi, the President of Mozambique, has stressed the need for an intensified Economic Co-operation between Ghana and Mozambique.



This is boost cooperation in the areas of Energy, Infrastructure Development, Agriculture and also strive to deepened cultural ties between the two countries



He expressed his admiration of the progress Ghana has made in the sphere of Governance, and looked forward to Ghana sharing its experiences with Mozambique.



President Nyusi made the call when Mr Eric Odoi-Anim, Ghanas Ambassador to Zimbabwe with Concurrent Accreditation to Mozambique presented his Letters of Credence to him in Maputo, Mozambique.



He recalled Ghanas credentials as a torch-bearer in the struggle against Colonialism which resulted in the attainment of political Independence bmost African Countries.



The Mozambican President also called on Ghana to consider setting up a Resident Mission in Maputo.



Mr Odoi-Anim on his part said the present Global Economic outlook called for closer Economic Co-operation, including Expansion of Trade links between African countries for mutual benefits.



He called for increased Trade between both countries, and pledged to accelerate work on the Joint Technical Committee between the two countries which will be a precursor and an essential building block for the establishment of a Permanent Joint Commission on Co-operation between Ghana and Mozambique.



The Ghanas Ambassador called for Educational Exchanges and Research collaboration between Institutions of Higher Learning and Research in both countries.



He said Ghana is looking forward to sharing its experiences in Governance with Mozambique and that the Ghana Mission will therefore work towards promoting co-operation between the various Arms of Government in Ghana and Mozambique.



Mozambique is the only Member country of the Commonwealth, which was not a former British Colony.

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.

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According to the Ministry of Health, the number of new infections has risen drastically in the last two weeks.

In an interview with RTL, the head of the Ministry of Health's Sanitary Inspection, Dr Pierre Weicherding, explained that the situation is similar to last year. The influenza season is still going strong and expected to reach its peak soon.

Getting vaccinated against the flu before winter starts remains the best defense, Weicherding explains. This year, unusually high numbers of Luxembourg residents decided to get vaccinated, which led to a vaccine shortage in mid-December.

Luxembourg affected by flu vaccine shortage?

Apart from the vaccine, doctors recommend frequent hand-washing and to stay away from infected people.
Rally in Luxembourg City to raise awareness about the plight of millions of women

"Non d'une femme" was the title of Wednesday's rally on Place d'Armes.

The aim of Wednesday's "Non d'une femme" rally was to raise awareness on this important issue on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.

Millions of women worldwide are suffering from this cruel mutilation, which is still practised in many African countries, Indonesia and different Arab regions.

Globally, about 200 million women are affected and every year, some 3 million young girls are at risk of FGM.

Fondation Follereau educates people about the issue, also in Luxembourg. Conny Reichling from Fondation Follereau explains that there are women in Luxembourg that are affected by FGM.

Even though it is not practised in Luxembourg, some residents have moved here from countries were FGM is still practised. The foundation is working on adequately supporting these women and preventing their children from suffering the same fate when returning to their country of origin.
Florian Weber and his wife Myriam Zimmer were awarded for their efforts in protecting nature and the environment on Tuesday evening.

The two shepherds travel through Luxembourg with their flock of more than 700 sheep. In the process, they contribute actively to the protection of nature. They travel through conservation areas and contribute towards biodiversity in the sense that their sheep travel from habitat to habitat.

The two were awarded with the "Hellef fir d'Natur" (helping nature) prize, which is an award of 5,000.

The jury also awarded a special prize to the late Green politician Camille Gira. Gira was posthumously honoured for his work towards the conservation of nature in the Grand Duchy.




















Q: Welcome to The Writer's Life! Now that your book has been published, wed love to find out more about the process. Can we begin by having you take us at the beginning? When did you come up with the idea to write your book?

The Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series came from a desire to write stories that reflected the people, culture and customs of Newfoundland, the most easterly province in Canada. The protagonist, Sgt. Winston Windflower came out of the fog one night and starting telling me stories. I just wrote them down.





Q: How hard was it to write a book like this and do you have any tips that you could pass on which would make the journey easier for other writers?





It is hard to write a book and a series. But it is even harder to do it well. Practice and polish. Repeat. Find some people to guide you and writing groups to help you. Then get to work. It does get easier once you start.





Q: Who is your publisher and how did you find them or did you self-publish?





I have used various models to publish the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series from self-publishing, to cooperative publishing to independent publishers. My current publisher is Ottawa Press and Publishing.





Q: Is there anything that surprised you about getting your first book published?





Almost everything. From how long it took to how hard it was to get noticed and reviewed. To the reaction that readers had. Everybody had an opinion. Not all positive. Yikes.





Q: What other books are you working on and when will they be published?





I am working on a collection of Christmas stories, an audiobook for the first in the series, The Walker on the Cape, and a new book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series. All will be published sometime in 2019.





Q: Whats one fact about your book that would surprise people?





That I dont know how they end until I get to the ending. I write the stories as they come to me and I am often just as surprised by the outcome as anyone else.





Q: Finally, what message are you trying to get across with your book?





The Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series is supposed to be fun, light reading. I would like people to say that they really enjoyed meeting Windflower and the cast of characters and that they would like to visit Grand Bank and Newfoundland.





Q: Thank you again for this interview! Do you have any final words?





Thank you for listening. Its been fun!!











SERIES BLURB:



The Sgt. Windflower Mysteries are a light mystery series set in Newfoundland on the east coast of Canada. These cozy-like books follow the adventures of Sgt. Winston Windflower, a Cree from Northern Alberta as he finds a new life and new loves in the tiny village of Grand Bank. There are crimes and mysteries for the Canadian Mountie to investigate and solve but the Sgt. Windflower Mysteries are more about family, friends, good food and good times.





The recurring cast of characters include the love of his life, Sheila Hillier who keeps him well-fed and grounded in reality. Theres also his fellow Mounties like Corporal Eddie Tizzard and a long list of bad actors, both local and just visiting, to cause havoc in their sleepy little town. Windflower brings his native background and traditions with him and finds ways to use them to help himself and his friends through difficult times. Rounding out his life are his collie, Lady, who often has adventures of her own and some new additions to his family that appear in the latest book, Darkest Before the Dawn.

ORDER YOUR COPIES:













Mike Martin was born in Newfoundland on the East Coast of Canada and now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a long-time freelance writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand. He is the author ofand has written a number of short stories that have published in various publications includingandmagazine.was his first full fiction book and the premiere of the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series. Other books in the series includeand, which was shortlisted for the Bony Blithe Light Mystery Award as the best light mystery of the year.was released in 2017 and the newest book in the series is
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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, left Ghana on Sunday, 3rd February, 2019, for an 8-day working visit to South Africa, the United States of America, and Ethiopia.



In South Africa, President Akufo-Addo will participate in the 2019 edition of the Investing in African Mining Indaba, the worlds largest mining investment conference dedicated to the capitalisation and development of mining in Africa, where he will deliver the keynote address.



In the United States of America, the President, at the invitation of the National Prayer Breakfast Host Committee, will attend and deliver a keynote speech at the 67th Annual National Prayer Breakfast, to be held on Thursday, 7th February, 2019. He will also participate in a fundraising event for the construction of the National Cathedral.



In Ethiopia, President Akufo-Addo will lead Ghanas delegation to the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU), which is being held on the theme Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa.



The President will return to Ghana on Monday, 11th February, 2019, and in his absence, the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, shall, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution, act in his stead.

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.

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Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship.
The right can prevail

Before President Donald Trump took office, we heard "impeach, impeach, impeach." The left has continued with the same mantra for the two years following his inauguration.

The national news media, television in particular, have continually assailed Trump unrelentingly. You've got to give it to the left, they are united, they are vocal and seemingly use the same buzz words i.e., impeach or impeachment.

A reporter from The Hill recently counted more than 160 times the words "impeach" and "impeachment" were used by CNN and MSNBC in ONE day. Sort of reminds me of a tactic used in brainwashing.

The right seems to be reluctant to take the offensive on a scale equal to that of the left. I think it is past time to take the offense and attack the left vehemently. Regrettably, we on the right do not have the same support of the so called Fourth Estate, so it becomes incumbent to unrelentingly use all available tools such as writing letters to editors; making phone calls; challenging every article decrying Trump; attending local gatherings; making speeches to organizations; encouraging friends to join in the fight. In other words, we need a strong grassroots organization.
There also were two offers to buy parts of Santee Cooper, four offers to take over its management and two offers to enter into a long-term agreement to supply power, a move that could allow Santee Cooper to close its coal-fired power plants.

As noted in a report by The State newspaper of Columbia, Lawmakers, particularly in the state Senate, have been skeptical that a for-profit company can buy Santee Cooper, pay off its more than $8 billion in total debt and still charge lower electric rates than the not-for-profit state agency.

We, too, are skeptical, agreeing with lawmakers such as Orangeburg Sen. Brad Hutto that while changes are needed at Santee Cooper, there should be no rush to sell the asset. Hutto and Calhoun County Rep. Russell Ott are members of the Public Service Authority Evaluation and Recommendation Committee assigned to plot a future course for the state regarding Santee Cooper.
Sen. Cory Booker will stop at Voorhees College in Denmark as part of his swing through South Carolina, his presidential campaign announced on Wednesday.

On Monday and Tuesday, the South Carolina Rise Tour will focus on introducing South Carolinians to Bookers record of running towards challenges when others had given up, bringing people together to do big things, and building a more fair and just nation for everyone, the campaign said in a release.

The New Jersey Democrat is the former mayor of Newark. He has been a U.S. senator since 2013.

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Booker announced he is running for president on Feb. 1.

His trip begins in Fairfield County at 2 p.m. Sunday where hell participate in a rural healthcare forum. It will be held at Fairfield Central High School in Winnsboro. Doors open at 1 p.m.

At 6 p.m. Sunday, hell have a South Carolina Rise Rural Forum at Voorhees Colleges Massachusetts Hall at 151 Academic Circle, Denmark. Doors open at 5 p.m.

At 9:30 a.m. Monday, hell hold a South Carolina Rise Student Forum at Morris College in Sumter. Doors will open at 9 a.m.

Members of the public interested in attending can find more information and RSVP by visiting corybooker.com and clicking on "Events" at the top of the page.

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Beagle recalled that "just seeing" former Fort Jackson commanding general, retired Maj. Gen. Abraham Turner, for the first time years ago inspired him to aim for his current position.

Having a positive influence is key, said Lt. Gen. Nadja West, surgeon general of the U.S. Army and commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Command, one of the senior Army leaders present.

West said that "events just like this" led her down the path to become surgeon general after more than 30 years in the Army.

Getting "exposure to those who have walked this journey in front of me" helped immensely, she said.

One of her best mentors was a "self-proclaimed redneck from Alabama," who West incorrectly assumed wouldn't like her, an African American woman in the Army.

"Don't sell anyone short," West concluded. "You never know who you can learn from  reach out past your comfort level."

Events like the LDPS can improve ROTC cadets' leadership skills by giving them access to mentors who "have gone through their careers and faced a lot of challenges that they will be facing," West said. "We all benefit from that, because good leaders take care of their Soldiers, and that's what we're all about."
Here's how our local lawmakers reacted to President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday night:

US Rep. Mike Bost

I appreciate President Trump using his address to highlight some of the work he and Congress can pursue together to protect Americas workers, grow our economy, and keep our families safe. These bipartisan, common sense solutions are vitally important to the future of Southern Illinois. Lets not kid ourselves, our nation faces many challenges. But Ill always believe that we, as Americans, share so much common ground. Washington just needs to spend less time digging in our heels and more time building upon the values that make this country great.

US Rep. John Shimkus

In his first address to a divided government, President Trump reported on his record  a stronger economy, a more powerful military, and a modernized tax code that is putting more money in middle class families' pockets. He noted important bipartisan achievements as well, including criminal justice reform, workforce education, landmark VA reform, and legislation to combat the opioid crisis.
DONGOLA  Gail West Rigby, 78, of Gainesville, Georgia, went to be with her LORD and Savior, at 11 a.m. Saturday Feb. 2, 2019.

Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, in Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Burial will be in Friendship Cemetery near Dongola. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Bailey Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship, P.O. Box 348, Warrenton, MO 63383.

To share a memory of Gail or to leave an online message of condolence for her family, visit www.baileyfh.com.
Bucky came to Carbondale from the East Coast in 1960, at the encouragement of a friend in the SIUC Design Department.

His apartment caught on fire, and he lost all his models, said Jon Davey, an SIUC architecture professor. So he called up Harold Cohen [founder of the SIUC Design Department] and said, Can I come over during the summer and get some graduate students to help rebuild my models?

The university hosted him that summer, and then offered him a research professor position. It was unlike most faculty appointments, Davey explained, more a celebrity role than a teaching job.

He was a signature person, Davey said. They said, you need to be on campus at least two months of every year. The rest of the time whatever you do, go do it. So Bucky traveled around the world. He wore three different watches, from different time zones.

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Though Bucky didnt teach many classes, his time at SIUC was tremendously productive, Davey said.

While he was here he wrote over 25 books, received over 25 honorary Ph.D.s, received the Medal of Honor from Ronald Reagan, and earned many patents, Davey said.
Aaaaaa, ooooh, eeeeeei, aaaooow!



Maaba, adn, nuke, yaa ya, why?

Are we goats, sheep, cows, or are we chickens?

Is Ghana now an abattoir (slaughter house)?



I heard wailing and gnashing of teeth at Ayawaso West Wuogon on January 31, 2019. The by-election left many unanswered questions and unresolved mysteries:



 Is it true that masked, heavily armed men masqueraded as authentic security personnel riding in military grade vehicles marked Police SWAT?



 Is it true that they assaulted, shot at and brutalised Ghanaian citizens all in the name of Ayawaso West Wuogon by-elections?



 Is it true that gunshots and bullets found their resting place in human flesh as the blood flowed on the streets of La-Bawaleshie?



 Is it true that at least ten persons were rushed to the Legon and 37 Military hospitals?



 Is it true that Sam George (MP) was violently assaulted and threatened with words like remember that there are stray bullets?



 Is it true that Edem Agbana, NDC Deputy National Youth Organiser, was brutally assaulted at Legon?



 Is it true that Harvey, brother of the NDC Deputy National Womens Organiser, was brutalised until he lost consciousness with blood oozing out of his mouth?



 Is it true that Maame Afua, NDC Deputy Womens Organiser, was badly manhandled?



 Is it true that Kate, NDC Womens Organiser for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, was assaulted?



 and still counting 



I weep this morning, my heart is heavy, I pray for the wounded ones, I pray for their families, I pray for the NDC, I pray for the nation. Lord, hear my prayer and let my cry come onto thee!



Then I ask - where are the voices of reason in this nation?



Being a Presbyterian at a time when the Charismatic revival took place in Ghana, I defied all odds to join the Charismatics and to worship as a Charismatic Pentecostal. No one understood me in my home, but I had had a Saul to Paul spiritual encounter and no one could stop me. They asked why I was joining one of the corner churches or mushrooming churches when persons of dignity were in the orthodox churches. I was put under severe pressure by any means necessary to stop attending that church. Those were very different days from today. Today, it is fashionable to attend Charismatic Churches, well decked out, and worship in nice big buildings with high social status.



Our time was a time of spiritual warfare when you had to defy all kinds of forces (physical and spiritual) to worship as a Charismatic, but with my usual passion and zeal for tackling matters, I burst into it with power and with might. I defied my parents, defied friends, defied social status, defied everything defiable. After a short stint at the Legon Pentecostal Church while on campus, I moved to Action Chapel on the advice of my spiritual mother, Olivia. We met for services under a canopy behind the premises of the airport duty free shop. We moved to trade fair  we moved to the Teachers Hall  we moved back to the duty free premises  then we moved to Spintex road. When we moved as a group to pray on the land on which the Action Chapel stands now it was a mini forest. We walked through thick bush to bless and sanctify the land wondering where the money would come from to build the church. The vision was big but our faith was bigger.



The struggle called for days of fasting and prayer. I could attend all-night services four or five times a week. Apologies to those who attend one all-night prayer service a week today and think the world should bow and call them holy.



I smile, casting my mind back to days on campus when we would be rudely awoken at 4.30am by a gentleman shouting at the top of his voice, in what was known as a dawn broadcast. He would parade the inside lane of Volta Hall calling all out to Christianity and born-againism. He would not limit his calls to generality and the word of God. He would call our names and our room numbers and literally castigate us. For example, Sybil your hair is your vanity. If you do not change your ways, you will end up in the lake of fire. Sybil had very long and beautiful hair. Needless to say, Volta Hall especially those who he had lambasted on a particular morning, would rain insults on him as they murmured amongst themselves the whole day. Several times did we hear K3 being blasted during dawn broadcast. K3 was my room number at the time. That gentleman was Bishop Dag Heward Mills, overflowing with the power of the Holy Spirit and sometimes with emotions. I doubt if the democratic dispensation will allow this violation of private space in this day and age. But compared to the brutality, violence and hooliganism being exhibited under President Akufo-Addo, that kind of spiritual privacy violation would seem like drops of sweet rain.



Where are our Charismatic Churches, where are our Charismatic Leaders? Where are you? I am calling you because you are the ones I know in times of crisis. All my lessons from the Charismatic Church are still put to full use. I raise my hands in prayer, I blast in tongues, I worship, I praise, I battle in prayer in the spirit realm, and God never fails. In times of demonic pressure, I refuse to buckle. I have, with the help of God, stayed the course and trusted in Him to deliver. He has never failed me!



I have heard some of you lambasting in the political world. I have heard some of you lambasting for national cathedrals. I have heard some of you lambasting this and that. Where are you, men of the Holy Ghost? Where are you when our land is burning? Where are your voices we cannot hear?



I know you may be praying. That is good! Continue praying, but we want to hear you. We want to hear words of comfort from you, we want to hear words of discipline from you, we want to hear words of admonition from you, we want to hear words of encouragement in these times of darkness. Rise up and show yourselves as God-chosen leaders in the land.



Please do not tell me this is an NPP/NDC matter. This is a national matter - a matter of crisis in the land that is escalating beyond acceptable proportions. Comfort us! Speak the word of peace to us! Give us hope!



I have always been careful when commenting on Men of God as I remember the words of 1 Chronicles 16:22  touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm. In remembering this verse, I thank God that Jesus was the true leader of his time. He spoke up against injustice, he spoke up against uncleanliness, he spoke up against indiscipline, he spoke up against spiritual wickedness in high places, he spoke, he spoke, he spoke  and the people listened.



Today, I am calling you from the depth of my spirit to rise up and be counted in the land. Our blood is flowing, our tears are flowing, we need intercession, we need intervention, we need you to speak and call the nation to order since the President of the nation seems unable to do so.



Rev. Dr. Ampiah Kwofie, Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Markwei, Bishop Charles Adjin Asare, Rev. Eastwood Anaba, Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah, Archbishop Duncan Williams, Bishop Dag Heward Mills - Where are you? Where are you?? Where are you???



Did I defy everyone in vain to be part of the Charismatic faith? Where are my fathers I run to when I defied my biological father? Where are you? I know you are good and brave men. Please stand and be counted in these dangerous times. Please do not wait till the situation degenerates further.



 And if the men will not speak, where are our Charismatic Women Leaders? Where are you? Can you not see that the blood of your children is flowing on the streets of the land? Can you not hear the cries of the destitute echoing all over the land? Do you not have compassion and empathy for the violated? Where are you? Rev. Dr. Christie Doe Tetteh, Rev. Olivia Dotse, Rev. Adelaide Heward-Mills, Apostle Lyanne Kwofie!



If I mentioned your name it means I hold you in very high esteem. Surely you cannot be afraid of the terror by night, nor the arrow that flieth by day; you cannot be afraid when the tempest rages or the billows are tossed high. Surely, the 19th century images of cowering Christians huddled in the colosseum awaiting their deaths at the hands of the lions cannot cower you into silence. How was the Christian church born? Was it not born from toil and tribulation?



Where are you  our Charismatic leaders? Where are you as my heart bleeds? Where are the Daniels in the lions den; where are the Shadrachs, the Meshachs and the Abegnegos? When I was young I thought these were mere stories but as I grew up I realised they were not. They were men who stood up for the destiny of their people. I weep as I type these words. Where are our leaders? If the political leaders have failed us, where are our spiritual leaders?



President Nana Addo, President Addo Dankwa, President Akufo Addo! While you are building a national cathedral supposedly for the advancement of Christianity in the land, you are presiding over a slaughter session of your citizens. You have become the Abattoir Commando, commanding what seems to be the slaughtering, cutting, deboning and processing of precious lives. Will you complete the building of the national cathedral and find that you have no human beings left in Ghana to occupy it?



Or maybe it is your intention that only NPP members will worship in the national cathedral? At the rate at which you are going, do you think the wounded will submit themselves to this kind of violation without defending themselves?



The leadership of the NDC has spoken to NDC members to remain calm and to avoid reprisal attacks. Indeed, to avoid further slaughter, the leadership of the NDC withdrew the partys participation in the elections and left the seat for the NPP. That is how far the NDC Party has gone to avoid violent reprisal clashes that could destroy the thin thread that Ghanaians are hanging onto under this shambolistic government, knowing perfectly well that if reprisals occur the NDC members will be further terrorised, manhandled and thrown into jail while the powers that be will claim that they cannot identify the NPP terrorists who initiated the violence, even when their faces are clear on video for all to see.



Mr. President! Mr. President! Mr President  how many times did I call you? My right hand is cupped behind my right ear and I have bent my head towards you as I call. President Akufo Addo wake up! Are you sleeping! Are you snoring! Search your conscience, search deep within your heart if you can find it, search the recesses of your sullied soul and find the sparks of goodness and democracy you seemed to understand and adhere to very, very long ago. We are waiting Mr. President! Your citizens are waiting!



While we are at it, may I ask -



 Is it true that after all this vandalism of human flesh and blood and hooliganism of the highest order, out of the 90,000 or so names on the Ayawaso West Wuogon voters register, less than 17,000 persons voted, i.e., barely 19%?



 Is it true that after boycotting the elections at 11am on the day of voting, NDC lost the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat by only 6,000 votes, compared to 2016 when NDC lost that seat with over 10,000 votes?



In the midst of your abattoirism, Mr. President, the record speaks for itself. The people have spoken. They are totally dissatisfied with your governance style and skills. Apart from the hunger, the moaning and the groaning you have brought upon them, you are now maiming and brutalising them.



Mr. President, do you know the story of the king who woke up one day to find that he had no subjects? Ayooooo! Remember the words of Ling Yao - a king exists for his people; without subjects rulers cannot exist. Also remember Proverbs 14:28 which says in the multitude of people is the kings honour; but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.



Mr. President, I challenge you to do the right thing to bring decency and honour to your term in office.



Oman Ghana  due due due  due ni amanehunu!!!



I am for peace  Shalom!

Source: Dr. Valerie Sawyerr









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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CARBONDALE  Valentines Day is coming with a French flair this year as The Southern Illinois Symphony coordinates romantic musical events.

The symphony begins the second half of its season accompanying The Poor People of Paris, a well-established St. Louis combo specializing in romantic French music. The Southern Illinois Symphony has over 100 years of history at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 at Shryock Auditorium. In keeping with the French theme, the concert will feature music by Michel Legrand, Marvin Hamlisch and instrumental selections from "Les Miserables."

A pre-concert wine and cheese benefit, with special Valentines gifts and music by Mel Goot, will take place before the concert at 6 p.m. Feb. 12 in the Shryock balcony lobby. The benefit will support the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets for both the concert and reception are available online at events.siu.edu or by calling 618-453-6000. Concert tickets will also be available at the door an hour before the performance.

Concert tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for students of any age.

Pre-concert benefit tickets are $30 and must be purchased separately.
While Amelia Goes to the Ball is the only show of the semester, students are using it as a springboard for the annual Southern Illinois Music Festivals operatic performances in June.

As a partner in the performance, Carbondale Community Arts is also hosting a national ceramics exhibition that overlaps with the upcoming show. Audience members can show up a little early for the opera, have a glass of wine, check out the exhibition, and settle in for the fun, 50-minute performance, Dillard said.

I love the idea of combining art and music, and then hosting an opera, all in an unconventional space like an art gallery, Dillard said. The space has an openness and the boundary between stage and audience is more fluid.

For Brianna Sitton, music vocal performance student, community involvement is vital to keep shows like this alive. This performance is perfect for the community because it keeps people entertained and impacted by the music, while also supporting the arts, Sitton said.

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See how this tiny, unknown gold company secured a prime land package right next door to the worlds two largest gold producers in Nevadas famed Carlin Trend where 84 Million gold ounces have already been extracted. Best of all, investors can still get in well below US$0.50 per share.
The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Advisors S.r.l., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited, AIG Asset Management (U.S.) LLC, AIG Assurance Company, AIG Australia Limited, AIG Brazil Holding I LLC, AIG CIS Investments LLC, AIG Canada Holdings Inc., AIG Capital Corporation, AIG Capital Services Inc., AIG Claims Inc., AIG Egypt Insurance Company S.A.E., AIG Employee Services Inc., AIG Europe (Services) Limited, AIG Europe Holdings S.a.rl., AIG Europe S.A., AIG Federal Savings Bank, AIG Financial Products Corp., AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp., AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., AIG Global Reinsurance Operations, AIG Holdings Europe Limited, AIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, AIG Insurance Company China Limited, AIG Insurance Company JSC, AIG Insurance Company of Canada, AIG Insurance Company-Puerto Rico, AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited, AIG Insurance Limited, AIG Insurance Management Services Inc., AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited, AIG International Holdings GmbH, AIG Investments UK Limited, AIG Israel Insurance Company Ltd, AIG Japan Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited, AIG Korea Inc., AIG Latin America I.I., AIG Latin America Investments S.L., AIG Lebanon SAL, AIG Life Holdings Inc., AIG Life Insurance Company (Switzerland) Ltd, AIG Life Limited, AIG Life South Africa Limited, AIG Life of Bermuda Ltd., AIG MEA Holdings Limited, AIG MEA Limited, AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, AIG Markets Inc., AIG Matched Funding Corp., AIG PC Global Services Inc., AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., AIG Property Casualty Company, AIG Property Casualty Inc., AIG Property Casualty International LLC, AIG Property Casualty U.S. Inc., AIG Re-Takaful (L) Berhad, AIG Resseguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., AIG Shared Services Corporation, AIG South Africa Limited, AIG Specialty Insurance Company, AIG Technologies Inc., AIG Travel Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., AIG Travel Assist Inc., AIG Travel Assist Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., AIG Travel EMEA Limited, AIG Travel Inc., AIG Uganda Limited, AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, AIG WarrantyGuard Inc., AIG-FP Pinestead Holdings Corp., AIG-Metropolitana Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., AIGGRE EOLA LLC, AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund I GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I LP, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund II GP LLC, AIU Insurance Company, AM Holdings LLC, Ageas Protect, AlphaCat Managers Ltd., American General Corporation, American General Life Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Co. Ltd., American Home Assurance Company, American Home Assurance Company Escritorio de Representacao no Brasil Ltda., American International Group Inc., American International Group UK Limited, American International Overseas Association, American International Overseas Limited, American International Realty Corp., American International Reinsurance Company Ltd., American International Underwriters del Ecuador-Holding S.A., American Security Life Insurance Company Limited, Arthur J. Glatfelter Agency Inc., Avondhu Limited, Blackboard Customer Care Insurance Services LLC, Blackboard Insurance Company, Blackboard Services LLC, Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company, Blackboard U.S. Holdings Inc., Chartis Takaful Enaya B.S.C. (c), Commerce and Industry Insurance Company, Crop Risk Services Inc., Eaglestone Reinsurance Company, Ellipse, Fortitude Group Holdings LLC, Fortitude Life & Annuity Solutions Inc., Fortitude Reinsurance Company Ltd., Franklin Life Insurance Company, Fuji Fire and Marine, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Globe and Rutgers Insurance Group, Grand Isle SAC Limited, Granite State Insurance Company, Group Risk Services Limited, Group Risk Technologies Limited, Illinois National Insurance Co., Jefferson Eola Venture LLC, Johannesburg Insurance Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Laya Healthcare Limited, Lexington Insurance Company, MG Reinsurance Limited, Mt. Mansfield Company Inc., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Vermont, New Hampshire Insurance Company, PT AIG Insurance Indonesia, Pine Street Real Estate Holdings Corp., Private Joint-Stock Company AIG Ukraine Insurance Company, Risk Specialists Companies Insurance Agency Inc., SA Affordable Housing LLC, SAFG Retirement Services Inc., Service Net Warranty LLC, Stratford Insurance Company, SunAmerica Affordable Housing Partners Inc., SunAmerica Asset Management LLC, Talbot Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Ltd., Thai CIT Holding Company Limited, The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Travel Guard, Travel Guard Group Canada Inc./Groupe Garde Voyage du Canada Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., Tudor Insurance Company, VALIC Financial Advisors Inc., Valic Retirement Services Company, Validus Holdings, Validus Holdings (UK) Ltd., Validus Holdings Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd, Validus Reinsurance Ltd., Validus Ventures Ltd., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc., Western World Insurance Company, and Western World Insurance Group Inc..
Altria Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells cigarettes, oral tobacco products, and wine in the United States. It offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars principally under the Black & Mild brand; and moist smokeless tobacco products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands, as well as provides on! oral nicotine pouches. The company also produces and sells varietal and blended table wines, and sparkling wines under the Chateau Ste. Michelle and 14 Hands names; and imports and markets Antinori, Torres, and Villa Maria Estate wines, as well as Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte in the United States. In addition, it provides finance leasing services primarily in transportation, power generation, real estate, and manufacturing equipment industries. The company sells its tobacco products primarily to wholesalers, including distributors; and large retail organizations, such as chain stores. Altria Group, Inc. was founded in 1822 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

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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.
Finance PhD: Move your money BEFORE June 30th  (Ad)

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The Undead Archives

I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world.
The Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce combined two of its annual events  The Chamber Experience and Business and Bites  to bring the business community together for fun, networking and fundraising for the chamber. It was the chambers first large-scale in-person event since early 
Dedicated to the Restoration of Progressive Democracy
In conjunction with the Chinese New Year festivities, Hotlink has released the longest CNY Hotlink ad in Malaysia which you can check out on their Youtube channel. Not only that, but Hotlink is also giving away 88GB of free Youtube data as part of their HotlinkMU CNY Sale from the 24 January 2019 until 20 February 2019.

In order to be eligible for the 88GB of free Youtube data, simply purchase any HotlinkMU CNY Sale Deals from the Hotlink RED App and the data will instantly be credited to your number. Do take note, the free Youtube data will not have a speed cap as well.

In the 88 minute CNY video, the number 88 will appear at a certain point in the video which you can participate by spotting it as well as easter eggs littered throughout. There are also 3 more videos which are basically a mini version of the ad touching on topics such as a Yee Sang Recipe guide, DIY Nail Art as well as 2019 Zodiac Predictions. To find out more about the HotlinkMU CNY Sale as well as the free Youtube data, simply head over to Hotlinks official website and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.
"Leaked official" content seems to be the in thing nowadays as now it is the turn of the vivo V15 Pro which has been revealed in a leaked official TV ad. The ad confirms the pop-up camera as the "World's First 32MP pop-up Selfie Camera" but we're not sure if it will be a Sony or a Samsung ISOCELL GD1 sensor. We expect that 32MP to actually be a photo binning function (8MP x 3) though with the actual front pop-up camera probably being an 8MP sensor.

Other expected (but not confirmed) tech specs include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 chipset, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage and all screen super AMOLED display. There may be an in-display fingerprint sensor while rear cameras are expected to be 48MP + 8MP + 5MP to go with the 32MP / 8MP front camera. It'd be great if we were wrong and it actually is 32MP, but for now, take things with a pinch of salt.

No actual Malaysia release dates or pricing yet, but vivo Malaysia have confirmed that the V15 Pro and the V15 will be coming to Malaysia soon (it might be coming to India on 20 February 2019). Gizmochina thinks the V15 Pro could arrive in India for around 25000 INR (~RM1422) to 30000 INR (~RM1707). Would you be interested in getting the vivo V15 Pro at that price? Stay tuned to TechNave.com and we'll update you as soon as we know more.
Three Multnomah County residents have measles, which brings Oregons total to four.

These new cases are linked to the Clark County outbreak, where 49 people have been diagnosed with measles.

The Multnomah County health department said Wednesday that the three new cases were in close contact with a person who tested positive for measles a week and a half ago.

A person can carry measles for up to two weeks before symptoms show.

All four people never received the vaccine for measles.

Multnomah Countys communicable disease team checks in daily with people suspected of being exposed to measles to make sure they can work and do other normal life responsibilities without infecting other people. That includes attending church by video feed and working with employers.

Officials said the recently diagnosed residents stayed home and limited contact with other people.

However, measles is highly contagious. The virus spreads through the air and can linger for up to two hours in an isolated space. People who have never received a measles vaccine are susceptible to the disease, which can be deadly.
(The buildings) look pretty good from the outside, but we couldnt really renovate another one or get them occupied until we dealt with the antiquated utilities system, Hazell said.

The overhaul makes up Phase Two of the historic sites utilities upgrades. Phase One of the projects, completed in 2016, replaced about 15 percent of water lines, hydrants, sewer lines, and underground electrical infrastructure.

Its all part of Fort Vancouvers master plan, Hazell said. Moving forward, the next step will be to adjust vehicle and pedestrian traffic patterns to be safer and more intuitive.

Its about improved circulation and access thats more sensical, Hazell said.

That will include changing the location of entrances and exits, adding sidewalks and parking lots, and potentially extending a couple of streets to create intersections.

The site was designed for military use, not for the general public.

It was a living, breathing post.  it really wasnt for a general member of the public, Fortmann said. Weve really sought ways to create paths and trails. Its an amazing site that you can access by foot, by bike  we want to encourage people to do that.
Rainiers drainage district is pushing up against a March 1 deadline to secure funding needed to recertify the citys levees, a step necessary to keep flood insurance rates from skyrocketing in lowland parts of the city.

Without recertification, flood insurance costs would likely be astronomical, and one Rainier business was quoted $42,000 for a year of flood insurance, said Terry Deaton, the districts secretary and treasurer.

The two-phase process, which is a federal requirement to make sure the levee is up to engineering standards, costs about $481,000. Deaton said the drainage district has already covered $109,500 for the first phase of the cost of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to survey the dikes. That leaves about $372,000 for phase two.

The state of Oregon will contribute $100,000 if the district can raise the remaining $272,000, and the district already has received pledges from the Rainier City Council ($50,000) and the Port of Columbia County ($15,000), Deaton said.

It has requested $25,000 from Columbia County but received no response, Deaton said, and asked the Rainier Economic Development Council Monday for $107,000.
The Lewis County Sheriffs Office launched an investigation Wednesday after finding a man dead in his car. The car was located on the shoulder of Interstate 5 near Toledo, according to a press release.

The Washington State Department of Transportation reported the vehicle to law enforcement Wednesday around 5:15 p.m. It was on the shoulder of southbound I-5 near milepost 60, according to the release.

Deputies responded and found the sole occupant of the car appeared to have trauma to the head, the release said. Officials have not yet released the identity of the man.

Deputies gained entry to the vehicle and determined the man was dead. The cause and manner of death are still under investigation.

The sheriffs office is not seeking any other individuals at this time, according to the release.

Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to call the Lewis County Sheriffs Office at 360-748-9286 or Lewis County Communications at 360-740-1105.

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March 7, 1953  Jan. 29, 2019

Paul Lee Gardner, born March 7, 1953, in Longview to Floyd and Merelyn Gardner died Jan. 29, 2019, due to complications related to Parkinsons disease in his home.

Paul was preceded in death by a sister, Marva. He is survived by his wife, Suzy; a daughter, Sarah; a son, Andrew; a brother, Harry; a sister-in-law, Diane; four nieces, Michelle, Marci, Daisy and Molly; and nephews in love, John and Joe.

He was a 1971 graduate of Toutle Lake High School, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Washington University with a degree in political science and history. Once he obtained his bachelors degree, he volunteered for the Peace Corps. He taught individuals living in an underdeveloped county to be self-sustainable. He taught them skills in ranching, raising cattle, and farming. He used his education as a gift to others. He wanted love to be his highest goal, and this was one way he could love others, by serving and giving.

He met his wife in the Peace Corps in Malaysia. In the states Paul worked at Cascade Natural Gas. He was often recognized for his dedication, drive, and amazing work ethic. In his free time, Paul very much enjoyed hiking, hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He was a man who laughed from the bottom of his belly on hikes with his family and friends.

A graveside memorial is planned for 2 p.m. Friday at Silver Lake Cemetery, followed by a celebration of Pauls life at Amber and Joe Gardners home.
A leading Indian-origin trade expert has joined hands with a former Brexit minister to launch new draft proposals for a future free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and European Union (EU).

Shanker Singham, CEO of free market consultancy Competere and Director of the International Trade and Competition Unit at the London-based Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) think tank, claims that unlike other trade agreements which could take many years to negotiate, the UK can conclude an FTA with the EU more quickly.

"We know the EU wants to do a deal with us because they have repeatedly told us so. We also know that unlike other trade agreements which can take years and years to negotiate, this one should be concluded more quickly," said Singham, citing three main reasons.

First, unlike all other trade agreements, we have the unique starting point of identical regulations and as well as zero tariffs and no quantitative restrictions, he said.

"Secondly, the proposed FTA is a sound basis for future agreement as it is based, wherever possible, on existing EU agreements with other nations. Third, the FTA approach also respects the integrity of the European Single Market and Customs Union and builds on the EU's original offer of a comprehensive FTA with the entirety of the United Kingdom."

Singham's proposals have found the backing of pro-Brexit Conservative Party MP David Davis, who had resigned as British Prime Minister Theresa May's Secretary of State for Exiting the EU last year in protest over her Brexit plan.

Davis welcomed the approach as it shows the British public what a "comprehensive, advanced FTA" would look like and reflects what voters expect following the referendum in favour of Brexit in June 2016.

"We have lived with the customs union and the single market for so long, but an FTA would be very different," says the ex-minister.

"Our proposed FTA would lower barriers to trade and, through mutual recognition, would improve domestic regulation on both sides. And, of course, our draft FTA will enable the UK to seize the Brexit prize of our own independent trade and regulatory policy," he said.

The draft proposals for a future FTA came as the think tank Singham is associated with was given an official warning by the UK's charity regulator for "misconduct and mismanagement" for campaigning for a hard Brexit without proper balance during an event in September 2018.

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) received the warning by Charity Commission on Wednesday over its 'Plan A+: Creating a prosperous post-Brexit UK' document, authored by Singham.

The IEA, which is registered as an educational charity, removed the report from its website after receiving the warning but said it was "disappointed" with the watchdog's move.

Neil Record, chair of the IEA's board of trustees, said the think tank was "considering a range of options, as we believe this warning has extremely widespread and worrying implications for the whole of the think tank and educational charity sector".

The latest developments come 50 days before Britain is set to formally exit the 28-member economic bloc on March 29.

European Council President Donald Tusk made a harsh intervention into the ongoing debate over a withdrawal agreement acceptable to all sides during a press conference in Brussels with Ireland's Indian-origin Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk told reporters on Wednesday.

He was immediately attacked for his "arrogance" by Brexit-backing British MPs, with Varadkar heard over the microphones warning him of "terrible trouble in the British press" for that remark.

Downing Street said it was a question for Tusk "whether he considers the use of that kind of language helpful".

Therea May is due to arrive in Brussels on Thursday to seek legal changes to the withdrawal deal she signed with the EU. She hopes these changes will help her get it through the UK Parliament, which had vehemently voted it down.

The so-called Irish backstop remains the biggest stumbling block to a deal, which is aimed at avoiding a hard border between the UK and EU member-country Ireland post-Brexit.

The EU has reiterated that the remaining 27 member countries have no plans to reopen the withdrawal agreement already struck in December last year.

"The EU is first and foremost a peace project. We will not gamble with peace or put a sell-by date on reconciliation. This is why we insist on the backstop," said Tusk.

Varadkar added that while he was "open to further discussions" with the UK government about post-Brexit relations, the legally-binding withdrawal agreement remained "the best deal possible".

Also Read: MPC meet: RBI projects GDP growth of 7.4% for FY20
It thought that the released Islamic State leaders will conduct attacks against the regime, that will serve as an excuse for a greater regime clampdown in the south reports Alsouria Net.

Over the last two weeks, a branch of the Assad regimes Air Force Intelligence has released a number of members of the Islamic State (ISIS), or what was known previously as the Khalid bin al-Waleed Army, who had previously been captured by the regime during military operations against the group at the start of August, which were focused in the Yarmouk basin area, along the Syrian-Jordanian border with the Golan Heights.

The release of these members by the regime comes in light of the complications confusing the military and security scene in southern Syria, as the regime army continues to try to solidify its grip on the area it captured over six months ago, while Iran tries to expand its presence there through various proxy militias.

The same situation faces the Russians, who have imposed their presence by conscripting about 3,000 fighters for the Fifth Corps of the Hemeimeem base. It seems that the release falls within the context of the increasing chaos and security tensions that have been occurring in the region for about a month, and which could help the regime and its allies impose their control over the entire area again.

Alsouria Nets sources in Daraa said that those released included Maher Kanhoush from the town of Jabab north of Daraa, who was a prominent commander in ISIS and had held an important position in the so-called Hisbah diwan.

The released prisoners also included Youssef al-Nablusi, known as Abu al-Baraa, who was previously a general commander for ISIS cells outside the Yamouk basin and was responsible for the first assassinations there.

Sources who asked not to be named for security reasons, said that more than 30 fighters from ISIS, including prominent commanders, were released by a branch of the Air Force Intelligence over the past few days.

The same sources said it is expected those who were released to target checkpoints and regime military barracks, but that attacks would be very limited in scope. The attacks will give the regimes security branches an excuse to carry out a major arrest campaign. Additionally, the Lebanese militia Hezbollah is looking to clear the area of any weapons by next summer.

Sources added that the main aim pushing the regime to release these fighters may be their desire to rid themselves of the opposition who are still present in the area, and by supporting the groups released members, they can push them to carry out limited security operations in the interests of the regime and its allies, Iran and Hezbollah.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The Syrian Authority for Internal Security Forces will maintain security and hopes to be included in discussions on the law and political negotiations writes Anadolu Agency.

The Syrian Authority for Internal Security Forces, a project recently established in opposition areas of northern Syria, is an agency working to rehabilitate members of the police who defected from the regime through forums and workshops before deploying them to carry out their mission of maintaining security.

A few days ago, the curtain was lifted in Istanbul on the Syrian Authority for Internal Security Forces, following coordination and consultations that included defected police officers and opposition representatives from inside and outside the country.

The establishing parties selected General Mohamed Fawaz al-Shimali to be president of the new authority.

The agency says that it represents officers and members of the internal security forces who defected from the regime Interior Ministry and who refused to use their weapons against civilians.

It said that those who meet these criteria comprise about a third of the regimes Interior Ministry staff.

The authority is trying to, absorb all the energy and skills provided by the defected police in order to establish a police agency and to develop the performance of its centers in the liberated areas.

It also aims to, work to represent police officers as experts in any committee concerned with reviewing laws related to the Interior Ministry in liberated Syria, in accordance with human rights and international accords, as well as supply representation in any negotiations or political solution.

In an interview with Anadolu, General al-Shimali said that those participating in the agency were elite police officers from a variety of ranks, who are interested and involved in public affairs, human rights, and fighting terrorism.

He added that the agency was working to contact police in the Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch areas through the Turks to see what joint work could be done.

He said that they are currently looking for support for their activities, and that they are working to organize workshops and forums to rehabilitate staff and to improve the performance and ideas of officers and members.

Shimali said that the project was distinctly national, without the intervention of any party. He added that there were no backers so far.

He said that the authority aspired to obtain representation in the opposition National Coalition and to have representatives and advisers in the opposition Negotiations Committee.

He stressed that the authority represented a fundamental segment of the opposition forces that, have a right to have their own vision regarding the final political solution and to discuss the rights of defected officers.

Turkish forces and the Free Syrian Army during the Euphrates Shield operation managed to clear the Islamic State from broad swathes of the northern Aleppo countryside, including al-Bab and Jarablus, between August 2016 and March 2017, which allowed thousands of Syrians to return to their homes.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The Syrian army witnessed mass defections when the conflict in the country broke out, but as the regime has secured the upper hand, they have offered pardons to some writes Asharq al-Awsat.

Russia has intervened in order to ensure the success of a settlement that would see the mass return of Syrian defectors to the countrys military, local sources said.

They told Asharq Al-Awsat that Moscow had provided guarantees that would see the defectors return to their assigned military unit before the deadline for a regime pardon expires.

The regime had issue the pardon for defectors in October 2018.

The mass return of deserters in southern Syria is being overseen by Russian forces.

The pardon did not specify whether the defectors will join the unit they were assigned to prior to their desertion.

This prompted officials in the regime-held southern region to coordinate with a number of Russian officers and Syrian military leaderships to provide guarantees that the deserters would not be persecuted for their actions.

They have been asked to compile the names of all defectors in the South ahead of referring them to the military judiciary in Damascus where they will be able to benefit from the pardon.

This explains the gatherings of defectors that have been witnessed in the South. Regime officials were also present in order to address their cases and promote guarantees that they will not be persecuted by security agencies.

Defectors in the city of Nawa in the western Daraa countryside have benefited from the pardon. The former defectors had their cases settled at the military judiciary, with some joining an assigned unit and others receiving a three-day leave of absence before joining the military.

One former defector from the Quneitra countryside said that he had recently enlisted after the October pardon was issued. He voluntarily turned himself over to the recruitment unit in his region and it referred him to the military police in the al-Qaboun district in Damascus. He was held there for ten days before appearing before the military judiciary where he received his official pardon.

He revealed that several defectors, who had turned themselves over, were present at the military police station in Damascus. Some of the deserters had come from areas that had never fallen from regime control during the war. Others were members of local popular and national defense factions that were armed by the regime during the early years of the conflict.

The former defector said that some deserters were subject to insults and beatings by the police, depending on the charges laid against them. News of such acts struck fear in a number of defectors and prompted the officials in the South to turn to the Russian police to provide guarantees over the deserters safety.

The reality is that many Syrian youth in the South found themselves in a difficult spot after the pardon was issued. They had the choice to either join the Fifth Brigade that is overseen by Russia and that is formed of former opposition factions or enlist in the Syrian military.

Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The new missile facility will bolster Irans presence in Syria and increase the pressure on Israel reports Zaman Al Wasl.

A well-informed military source told Zaman al-Wasl that Iran is building a new missile facility near Damascus, in a base controlled by Maher al-Assad, Bashars brother, and the de-facto commander of the elite Fourth Armored Division.

The construction of secret hangars has begun under the supervision of Iranian military experts.

Iran seeks to produce and develop its mobile short-range ballistic missile, Burkan-2H, or Volcano-2H. Also, to produce Golan missiles, according to the source.

The last version of the Golan 1000 features a 450 kg shell.

Fresh satellite images of the Iranian site, northwest of Damascus, showed the construction of long hangars.

Maher al-Assad, contrary to his brother, has showed a blind loyalty to Iran, with most of its military personnel and allied militias, especially Hezbollah, under the protection of the Fourth Division in Syria.

The Assad regime have started the construction of missile facilities, which were hit by Israel in 2018.

A quick rehabilitation and reconstruction process is under underway in the base of Sheikh Ghadban village, north of Mesyaf town, the military source told Zaman al-Wasl.

Both Iran and Hezbollah use the base.

Israel launched wild-scale airstrikes in 2018, targeting over 50 Iranian sites in the war-torn country.

Israel wants to prevent by all means the existence of a Shiite corridor linking Tehran to Damascus, top Israeli officials say.

Also, an Iranian facility, which had been destroyed by Israeli airstrikes last May near Damascus International Airport, was reconstructed.

The warehouse was the Iranian headquarters at the airport.

The Israeli strikes were the largest air operation in Syria for over 40 years, and came in response to an Iranian rocket barrage that targeted the occupied Golan Heights. Israel warned that it would not tolerate Tehrans attempts to entrench itself militarily on Israels northern border, according to The Times of Israel.

The Iranian regime spends an average of 10-12 billion dollars in Syria annually, while the annual support afforded by the government to Iranian citizens is approximately 8 billion dollars, reports say.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The US President announced the withdrawal of US forces, however little progress has been made, while the humanitarian situation in al-Rukban continues to deteriorate writes SANA.

Russia called on the US to immediately withdraw its troops from the Syrian area of al-Tanf, expressing concern over the situation in the al-Rukban Camp.

On Wednesday, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry at the Joint Commission of Coordination among Russian Ministries and Institutions called on Washington to immediately withdraw its forces from al-Tanf and transfer the supervision of this area to the Syrian government.

For his part, the Director of the National Defence Management Center, Mikhail Mezentsev, said that Moscow is still seriously concerned over the living conditions of the displaced Syrians in al-Rukban Camp, whose situation has got worse.

Mezentsev indicated that the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a report that people are dying in al-Rukban Camp due to bad weather, a deterioration of the health situation, skin diseases, cold, tuberculosis, asthma and a lack of medicines, fuel and electricity.

He said that the US announced its intention to withdraw its forces from Syria, yet it is still illegally occupying an area of 55 km around al-Tanf.

He stressed that the US is been fully responsible for the ongoing suffering in the camp, indicating that a long-term resolution of the humanitarian situation in al-Rukban can only be achieved once the US withdraws and transfers the area back to Syrian.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The meeting between Muallem and Rouhani discussed bilateral relations and comes ahead of a tripartite meeting between Russia, Iran and Turkey reports SANA.

The enhancement of the standing strategic relations between Syria and Iran in various fields was a focal point of discussions at the meeting that brought together Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday.

The latest developments in Syria and the region and the importance of continuing coordination between the two countries was also on the agenda of the talks, which were held in Tehran.

Muallem used the opportunity to congratulate Irans leadership and people on the achievements made over the past 40 years since the Islamic Revolution, extending President Bashar al-Assads greetings to his Iranian counterpart on the occasion.

Rouhani, for his part, stressed Irans support to Syria in its continued battle against terrorism and in the reconstruction process, stressing that having peace and stability restored to Syria forms one of the main pillars of Irans foreign policy.

Muallem, in turn, reiterated that the successful visit of Jahangiri has given strong momentum to the bilateral relations between the two countries, stressing the importance of continuing coordination and consultation especially at this critical stage following the victories and achievements made in the face of the conspiracies that target both countries.

He made it clear that Irans success in foiling the conspiracy against the country is also a victory for Syria and vice versa.

Muallem also met with Iranian Supreme Leaders Senior Advisor for International Relations, Ali Akbar Velayati, and discussed with him means to upgrade the bilateral relations and the developments in Syria and the region,with both sides sharing convergent views.

In a press briefing following the meeting, Muallem described his talks with the Iranian officials as, very important and constructive as they lead to deepening our strategic cooperation in the various fields.

Together, the two countries faced, an enemy represented in terrorism and we are facing together an enemy represented in imperialism and hegemony, and just as we won the fight against terrorism, we will also win the battle against imperialism.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The deadline for the New Jersey Sire Stakes and Standardbred Development Funds first sustaining payments is the last chance for owners of two-year-old and three-year-old pacers and trotters to be kept eligible to the 2019 Premier Division and Standardbred Development Fund racing programs.

The NJSS Premier Division will be contested exclusively again at the Meadowlands Racetrack in 2019 starting in May/early June for three-year-olds and in late June/July for two-year-olds.

In the fall the competition will switch to the New Jersey Standardbred Development Fund series of races. The SDF is open to all horses sired by a New Jersey-based stallion as well as the offspring of mares who have resided in New Jersey for a minimum of 150 days, regardless of where the sire stands. Previous registration of the mare while she was in foal and a yearling nomination are required to establish eligibility. The SDF races will be held beginning in late August with the opening of the fall meet at Freehold Raceway, the location of all races in the series.

The NJSS Premier Divisions first sustaining payment remains $300 for both two-year-olds and three-year-olds. The initial Standardbred Development Fund sustaining payment for both two-year-olds and three-year-olds continues at $100.

Also on February 15, a $650 supplemental 2018 yearling nomination (for foals of 2017) can be made for eligibility to the New Jersey Sire Stakes Premier Division and the SDF. Those fees are in addition to the sustaining payments for two-year-olds also due on February 15. The supplemental fee for the Sire Stakes Premier division is $700 if the foal was produced by an out-of-state breeding.

The first two-year-old sustaining payments must be made in order to keep the horse eligible as a three-year-old in 2020 to both the Premier Division and the Standardbred Development Fund, even if the horse does not race in 2019 as a two-year-old.

Horsepeople are also reminded of the upcoming nomination for the Renaissance Pace for two-year-old pacers  open and filly divisions. The Renaissances will be raced in September at Freehold Raceway and is open to all horses that have been nominated to the Standardbred Development Fund. Sustaining fees of $700 for the Open Division and $400 for the Filly Division are due March 15.

Sustaining payment and supplemental nomination forms, as well as race dates and other information, may be found on the NJSS website at www.newjerseysirestakes.com.

All payments must be in U. S. funds. No late payments will be accepted and no billing notices will be mailed. Certified mail is strongly recommended to NJSS, P.O. Box 330, Trenton, NJ 08625.

(NJSS)
You might remember last weeks Polar Vortex, the cold front that wreaked havoc across much of the Midwest, sending the news media into a bit of a tizzy as it went. At the same time as temperatures in Fargo, North Dakota, were bottoming out at -31, a few thousand miles to the south the Brazilian robusta harvest was literally burning on the trees.

In the eastern states of Bahia and Espirito Santo, which together produce more than 80 percent of Brazils robusta crop, maximum temperatures have been as much as 14 above average for this time of year. According to Bloomberg, coffee trees are enduring nine hours a day of high-80s temperatures in full sun, essentially roasting the beans inside their cherries while still on the branch.

Although robusta is notoriously hardier than its more fussy cousin arabica, the lack of shade crops on these enormous farms work against it in the case of drought or intense heat. While rain is forecast for the coming week, it probably wont be enough to bring real respite, which means the exposed trees will continue to blister in the sun for the time being

A record robusta harvest had been predicted for Brazil this year, with the high production being suggested as one of the reasons for the collapse of the C price in the fall. What this mini heatwave does to coffee prices in the short term remains to be seen, but the reality is that climate change will continue to unleash more extreme, increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. It seems as though this sort of story, like the shattering cold of the Polar Vortex, is likely to become routine.

Fionn Pooler is a journalist based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the publisher of The Pourover. Read more Fionn Pooler on Sprudge.

Top image via Bloomberg.
The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee has reduced repo rate reduced by 25 basis points to 6.25 from 6.5 per cent. The apex bank panel has reduced the key interest rate on expectation of inflation staying within its target range, which is a good news for people as they would eventually have to pay lower monthly installments for home and other loans. The reverse repo rate stands adjusted to 6.0 per cent, and the marginal standing facility rate and the bank rate has been kept 6.5 per cent. The MPC has also decided to change the monetary policy stance from 'calibrated tightening' to 'neutral'.

The bi-monthly meet under RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das saw the six-member MPC panel voting 4:2 in favour of the rate cut. However, all the members agreed on changing the policy stance to neutral. The central bank has cut its estimates on headline inflation for the next year. Retail inflation, measured by y-o- y change in the CPI, declined from 3.4 per cent in October 2018 to 2.2 per cent in December, the lowest print in the last 18 months.

"These decisions are in consonance with the objective of achieving the medium-term target for consumer price index (CPI) inflation of 4 per cent within a band of +/-2 per cent, while supporting growth," said the RBI. There have been downward revisions in inflation projections during the course of the year, reflecting mainly the unprecedented soft inflation recorded across food sub-groups, said the RBI.

The MPC move to slash benchmark interest rate by 0.25 per cent to 6.25 per cent will result in lower cost of borrowing for the banks, which means they will reduce the benefit on to customers by reducing interest rates on loans, including home loans.

Speculations were there that the six-member MPC, headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, will announce repo rate cut to ease pressure on banks. Of the six-member panel, Ravindra H Dholakia, Pami Dua, Michael Debabrata Patra and Shaktikanta Das voted in favour of the reduction in repo rate cut. Chetan Ghate and Viral V Acharya voted to keep the policy rate unchanged.

This was not only the first MPC meeting under Das, but comes less than a week after the Interim Budget, which was packed with sops to small farmers and the middle-class with an eye on the upcoming general elections. The next meeting of the MPC is scheduled from April 2 to 4.

Also read: What will be the RBI monetary policy committee's stance in the first post-Budget statement?

Edited by Manoj Sharma
The number of cancer patients is alarming

Slovakia reports the second highest occurrence of colon cancer.

The overall statistics for cancer in Slovakia are alarming, according to state-run health insurer Vseobecna Zdravotna Poistovna (VsZP).

Colon cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer. Breast cancer dominates in womens cases, lung cancer dominates in mens, said VsZPs managing director Lubica Hlinkova.

5,000 patients are diagnosed with colon cancer every year, said Hlinkova, as quoted by the SITA newswire.

Prevention is important

All it takes is for people to undergo preventative screening which will lead to intervention that can eliminate the later stages, Hlinkova added.

VsZP have started to approach randomly picked patients of the age of 50 years or more for screening and sent them an immunochemical test. About 20,000 people have received the test in their mail-boxes. The aim is to check target persons every two years.

Almost 12,000 patients went on to have positive findings from a colonoscopy, while 275 patients were discovered to be in the late stages and underwent surgery and subsequent treatment, said the head of the health and inspection department of VsZP, Beata Havelkova, as reported by SITA.

Second worst in colon cancer

Slovakia has the second highest occurrence of colon cancer, with the only country reporting more cases being Hungary.

About 5 percent of Slovaks will suffer from colon cancer during their lifetime if we do nothing about the situation, said gastroenterologist Tibor Hlavaty, as quoted by SITA.

The reason is the cultural phenomenon of processing and eating meat and smoked meat that contain many carcinogens, he explained.

It takes 15 to 20 years for colon cancer to reach the malignant stage. Screening gives us a chance to intervene and remove it at the benign stages.

7. Feb 2019 at 22:22 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Bratislava will have a square named after Masaryk

It will become a self-standing part of Vajanskeho Nabrezie riverbank. The presidents statue stands nearby.

Archive photo of ceremonial unveiling of the sculpture of T.G.Masaryk on October 28, 2010. (Source: Tomas Benedikovic, Sme)

More information about travelling in Slovakia

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Bratislava is to have a new square: Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Square will be situated in front of the building of the Slovak National Museum. The statue of the first Czechoslovak president and the monument of Czechoslovak statehood also stand here.

Municipal deputies voted for the establishment of the square at the municipality gathering, the Dennik N daily reported. The square of T. G. Masaryk will be a self-standing part of the Vajanskeho Nabrezie riverbank. It will come into being in the middle of June.

Read also: Hviezdoslavovo Square has a peculiar history Read more

Old Town Councillor Peter Osusky was one of the 10 people who submitted the proposal to re-name the public space back in May 2018. The Czech Republic and Slovakia celebrated its centenary last year.

Osusky told the Sme daily at the time that it would be appropriate that Bratislava has a space named after president Tomas Garrigue Masaryk.

7. Feb 2019 at 22:03 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Merkel awarded for developing relations between Slovakia and Germany

The German chancellor arrived for a one-day visit to Bratislava to attend the V4 summit. She was presented with a state decoration from the president.

Business relations and the 30th anniversary of the fall of communist regime were among the main topics discussed during the visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Slovakia on January 7.

She visited Bratislava upon the invitation from PM Peter Pellegrini (Smer) from last May, and attended the summit of the Visegrad Group (V4) countries.

Germany is the most important trade market for Slovakia, so it is logical that the key interest of our country is to have good relations with Germany, Pellegrini told the press conference held after his meeting with Merkel.

Apart from business-related topics and the anniversary, the two also talked about the potential placement of the European Labour Authoritys headquarters to Slovakia. The country currently belongs among those without any headquarters of a European institution situated on their territory.

Read also: Message to Angela Merkel: Europe can save the world Read more

Merkel expressed her support to the idea of placing new agencies into new member states.

Later that day, Merkel also met with President Andrej Kiska, who presented her with the Order of the White Double Cross, the highest state decoration of Slovakia conferred only upon foreign citizens. She received it for outstanding merit in developing relations between Slovakia and Germany.

Murder and abduction mentioned, too

As for political topics, the two politicians discussed the case of Vietnamese businessman Trinh Xuan Thanh, who was kidnapped in Germany and transported to Vietnam through Slovakia, also using the countrys governmental plane.

Yes, we briefly discussed that, too, Merkel told the press. I dont have any doubts that Slovakia is doing everything to investigate this abduction.

The investigation teams are collecting evidence, Pellegrini added. As he said, the potential culprits have already been taken into custody. He stressed that the situation in Slovakia is stable and asked for letting the investigators work.

Since Pellegrini mentioned freedom of press, it is possible that he discussed the investigation of Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova's murders with Merkel, the Sme daily reported.

European topics on the table

Business-related topics and the anniversary were a subject of discussion during the V4 summit, at which Merkel met with Andrej Babis (the Czech Republic), Viktor Orban (Hungary) and Mateusz Morawiecki (Poland).

The fundamental changes in 1989 brought freedom and development to our countries, and enabled us to contribute to the European integration process, Pellegrini said, as quoted by Sme. This is why we adopted a joint declaration to remember the importance of these changes for the central European region.

As for other issues, the participants agreed on launching a joint project in Morocco in the following months, to help stop migration to Europe, Pellegrini said, adding that they will introduce details later.

We recognise Schengen, which is why we need both legal migration and border protection, Merkel said, as quoted by the Sme daily.

To achieve controlled migration, it is necessary to maintain good relations with neighbours, one of which is also Morocco, she added.

Conflicts with Hungary and Poland not discussed

They also discussed the use of EU funds, with the German chancellor praising the V4 PMs for their efficient use in increasing the living standard in their countries. Concerning the new EU budget for 2021-2027, she stressed that it should contain the least bureaucracy possible and the most funds possible to build strong economies. She hopes the countries will agree on the final version of the budget despite their current differing opinions, as reported by Sme.

The German chancellor talked about the Nord Stream gas pipeline project, stressing that it is necessary to ensure that Ukraine remains a transit country and diversify sources. She also discussed Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

We dont want to be dependent on Russia, but Russia was a source of natural gas already during the Cold War, Merkel said, as quoted by Dennik N, adding that this will likely not change.

Babis and Orban told the press that they discussed the future of the EU after the upcoming EP elections. The change will depend on the voters.

The V4 prime ministers and Merkel did not talk about the violations of rule of law principles in Hungary and Poland. This is the subject of talks between the member states and the EC, Merkel said, as reported by Dennik N.

7. Feb 2019 at 17:05 | Compiled by Spectator staff
General prosecutor backs the minister's decision to split the investigation of Kuciak's murder

He believes more investigators can bring the case to its successful end.

General Prosecutor Jaromir Ciznar refutes the claims that the Interior Minister Denisa Sakova (Smer) is intervening in the investigation concerning the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova, by assigning and dividing it to several investigators.

The investigators will soon have to ask to prolong the custody of the four people accused in the case of Kuciak's murder, since the initial period of a seven-month detention is coming to an end, Ciznar told the press.

"Once the court finds that there are delays in the proceedings, it is a reason to release them from custody," he said, as quoted by the Sme daily. "Therefore, we have decided to relieve the original investigation team."

He went on to say that they will not manage to file a prosecution order of the detained people by the end of February as initially planned. Currently, Alena Zsuzsova is charged with ordering the murder of Kuciak, but she does not have to be the last one, the Dennik N daily reported.

Investigations may join later

The original prosecutors will go on overseeing the investigation and the investigators will mutually exchange information, Ciznar added, as reported by Sme.

Based on Sakova's decision, the original team will investigate Kuciak's murder.

Read also: Interior minister divides investigation of Kuciak's murder Read more

The new team, comprised of the members of the Interior Ministry's inspectorate, will investigate two cases: first, the planned murder of Deputy General Prosecutor Peter Sufliarsky, and the planned murders of prosecutor Maros Zilinka and lawyer Daniel Lipsic.

Sakova made a decision after it had turned out that at least one of the three people who were to be murdered had been screened in the police's databases by someone from the police corps.

"In the case of Mr Zilinka, the information was ominously detailed, and they could not access it without having good contacts," said Ciznar, as quoted by Sme.

The three investigations will probably be put together and returned to the original team, the general prosecutor added, as reported by Sme.

7. Feb 2019 at 14:05 | Compiled by Spectator staff
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.




The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
In December 2014, I had an abortion at 29 weeks, after my first baby was diagnosed with a brain abnormality called lissencephaly. The early diagnosislissencephaly is sometimes not diagnosed until after birthmeant her case was severe and her prognosis was grim: We could expect her to live for two to six years while suffering from frequent respiratory infections and intermittently choking on her own saliva. Her cognitive development would be arrested or even reversed by painful seizures. She might have been able to smile socially and/or track motion with her eyes, but maybe not. Eventually, one of the bouts of pneumonia or choking episodes or complications from one of the surgeries needed to sustain basic life functions would have killed her.

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I believe there are fates worse than death. My maternal grandmother was technically alive for four years after the aneurysm and series of strokes that killed her, and I do not think she would have chosen that purgatorial coda. Just because we can prolong life with medical interventions doesnt mean we should. I believe torturing babies in the service of what my friend Grace Ombry calls cosmic self-improvement projects is wrong. I believe torturing babies for any reason is wrong. Kate Carson, another friend whose words are so embedded in the way I think about baby loss and grief that I dont even know when Im quoting her anymore, says she was presented with the option of giving her baby only one of two precious gifts: peace and life. Like her, and like many parents faced with this impossible binary, I chose peace.

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By the time my babys brain abnormalities could be diagnosed, I was past the legal limit for abortion in Michigan, so my doctors referred me to a clinic in Colorado. It was one of just four clinics in the country that my doctors knew of that would perform a procedure that late. My doctors would have done it themselves if Id decided to end my pregnancy at 23 weeks and six days, when the best prediction they could give me was that my baby had a 70 percent chance of mild to moderate cognitive impairment and developmental delays and only a 30 percent chance of more severe problems or perinatal death. In the face of those odds, I chose life.

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I never thought of myself as a support group person. I imagined such a person as one of the pathetic caricatures from Fight Club.

I never felt pressured either way by my excellent, compassionate, patient medical team. They did their best to bring me up to speed on the strengths and limitations of the different kinds of genetic screenings and fetal brain imaging technologies and blood tests they could do to help get me as much information as possible as soon as possible. One doctor told me to take as much time as I needed to make sure I was making a choice I could live with, even as we all knew I wouldnt have enough time or information to make a decision before the 24-week limit. If I hadnt known I would be able to afford to travel for care after the deadline, I dont know what I would have done at that first crossroads. Waiting for a definitive diagnosis was a privilege I only had because I could pay to travel halfway across the country on short notice and front the $12,500 for an out-of-network abortion.

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Sometime during the week I spent in Boulder, Colorado, having my first baby killed, somewhere in between getting the rental car jumped by one of the earnest teenagers working at the hotels front desk after I accidentally left the headlights on overnight and musing with my husband about what our waiter must think of an obviously pregnant woman ordering (and then gulping down) a glass of wine with dinner, I Googled something like what kind of mother has an abortion at seven months? And thats how I found my way to the online support group now known as Ending a Wanted Pregnancy.

I never thought of myself as a support group person. I imagined such a person as one of the pathetic caricatures from Fight Club: Meat Loaf with bitch tits or Chloe, described in the movie as the way Meryl Streeps skeleton would look if you made it smile and walk around the party being extra nice to everybody. Chloe has to be dragged away from a mic still elaborating on her desperate plea for literally anyone to have sex with her before she dies. It is clear that, in this land of the newly sober and rapidly dying and infinitely sad, the only people anyone might want to have sex with are the protagonist and his goth manic pixie dream girl crush, who are uncoincidentally both support group tourists.

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Its his acerbic portrayal of suffering people that reassures me Chuck Palahniuk probably never engaged in the kind of grief tourism he describes. The kinds of people who attend support groups may be united by their acute experience of suffering, but they are rarely pathetic, like Chloe. What I discovered when I joined Ending a Wanted Pregnancy, and also started attending the pregnancy and infant loss support group hosted by my local Lamaze branch, was a lot of people not much different from me who were also learning to face up to and speak their most difficult truths in a supportive environment.

Pregnancy loss is not the kind of tragedy that discriminates much. Some kinds are slightly more common among black women in the U.S., likely because they are influenced by forms of violence and inequities that cause disparities in many health outcomes. But when youre talking about conditions like lissencephaly, which occurs in 1 out of 84,000 pregnancies, everyone has approximately the same chance of getting hit: practically zero, but not quite. Someone has to be the one.

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We have members from just about every social class and racial demographic and religion and profession and political affiliation across the Anglophone internet-using world, if not in precisely representative proportions. Its mostly married professional women in their childbearing years, but we also have noncarrying partners and dads, stay-at-home moms, single moms, active duty military (whose procedures are never covered by their health insurance thanks to the Hyde Amendment), and dozens of parents whose stories of infertility and IVF journeys would break your heart even before you got to the part where the baby they finally got pregnant with turned out to be so sick they decided death was the kindest choice. We have parents with living children or other family members who have the same conditions they ended another pregnancy for, which makes sense given that some devastating conditions are inherited. Our membership is heavily concentrated in North America and the U.K., but we have members from all over the world.

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Many parents come to us in the days or weeks after theyve just found out a baby theyre still in full-on, head-over-heels, new-parent-infatuation love with will never get to wear the little booties in the pregnancy announcement photo theyre now wishing they hadnt posted on Facebook. They often come to us terrified that other people in their lives might find out the whole story of their loss and judge them for it, or worse. Sometimes filling out our membership application is the first time theyve shared their whole truth, and thus the full extent of their grief, with anyone.

We help one another learn to say the words, My baby died. We speak one anothers missing childrens names.

When I first applied for membership, I was terrified that they might reject me because I was so far along in my pregnancy. My brain did not internalize my doctors telling me they routinely refer people in situations like mine to the Boulder Abortion Clinic. When I wanted to know what the procedure I was about to undergo would be like, I found a description right on the clinics website. Somehow, though, it just didnt sink in that other people had gone through this before. It felt like I was the only one. And then I received a reply from a woman who had not only been to the same clinic and seen the same doctor, but who had been even further along in her pregnancy when she got her diagnosis. I dont think I would have been any more surprised if she had popped her head through my laptop screen and kissed me on the mouth.

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The reply was from Kate Carson, whom I mentioned above. She makes sure no ones posts in the group go unanswered. She remembers who had a nightmarish time getting the results of their genetic testing and who had to wrestle with insurance so she can play matchmaker for the similarly aggrieved, and writes personalized love letters to all of us whenever we cry for help. She and Grace Ombry, also mentioned above, and me and a dozen other veteran members form the current administrative team; however, the hours of talking with people whove been there that make this shit survivable arent something one or even a dozen people can provide. The work of emotional support is shouldered by the entire membership.

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We reach across the distances between us to sit with one another in the darkness. We help one another learn to say the words, My baby died. We speak one anothers missing childrens names. We exchange practical advice about what to do if your milk comes in, whether and how to tell your co-workers about your loss, and ways to get out of or get through your sister-in-laws baby shower. Those of us who are a little further out from our losses demonstrate, by our very existence, that it is possible to survive. We often call ourselves the club no one wants to join, but once youre in, you get to witnessand be a part ofthe ordinary miracle of people finding the strength to go on when they thought they could not and total strangers offering each other unconditional compassion and support. If youve ever experienced the kind of grief that cleaves your life into a before and an after, you know how deeply you can become bonded to the people who hold you through the shattering aftermath. We are a kind of family, 1,070 heartbroken members strong.

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My grief family is collectively hurting right now. Its not like were new to dealing with anti-abortion rhetoric. Clinic protesters and pro-life family members on social media are our water cooler chatter. Some of us have shallower reserves for dealing with politics, and the newly bereaved are always a little more tender, but usually its just part of the everyday static of grieving an abortion.

But this week is different. The backlash against New York state enacting the Reproductive Health Act and Virginia Democrat Kathy Tran introducing a bill to loosen restrictions on third-trimester abortions in her state has even veteran grievers reeling. To have the nation recoil in disgust and horror at what was our lives has a lot of us feeling tense and exhausted. And then our president called us murderers in his State of the Union address and promised to make what many of us did illegal. Half of his audienceour elected representativesstood and applauded that line. We watched in horror, or didnt in protest, but theres no escaping the stigma being broadcast from the nations highest office. We came to the group and raged and cried and told each other he has no idea what hes talking about. He doesnt, but it still hurts.

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For some newly grieving parents in deeply anti-choice communities, its been cataclysmic, turning their social media feedsthe very conduits they need to feel connected to other peopleinto landmines of painful judgment. Even though most of our members did not have late-term procedures, the vast majority of late-term procedures are medically indicated, so the condemnations feel especially personal. It feels like theyre talking about all of us.

At the same time, it feels like they are not actually talking about us at all. Just like President Donald Trump ranting about babies being ripped from their mothers bodies at nine months in the third presidential debate, people who condemn this law often have no apparent familiarity with the circumstances that cause people to seek abortions after 24 weeks. They assume the babies aborted after this point would otherwise be healthy and the only reason to end any pregnancy is because you were careless with sex. They seem to assume ending your pregnancy after 24 weeks is something you do because you find pregnancy suddenly inconvenient.

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The only thing I could imagine that would have been worse than my daughter dying is my daughter living.

I still remember how, as I was going through airport security on my way to Colorado, a bubbly TSA agent gushed at me about how cute I looked with my baby belly. Im sure she was confused when my face crumpled and I turned away in tears. I also remember how, the day Dr. Hern stopped my babys heart, I had nowhere else to go afterward but back to the La Quinta Inn, where my husband tried to coax me to eat some of the leftover takeout littering the dresser around the television. I couldnt even go home and cry into my own damn pillow. Nothing can prevent some parents from enduring the heartbreak of losing a wanted child. New Yorks law will protect a few more people from those small indignities. More importantly, someone who cannot travel will now be able to make the choice she must.

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Its the first victory for reproductive choice in what feels like forever. The members of our group are especially attuned to the way asterisks have been hung on Roe v. Wade since the 1970s. We know how close many of us came to being forced to continue pregnancies that would have tortured both us and our babies. We watched the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh with horror, not only because of the implicit acquittal of a credibly accused attempted rapist, but also because we knew it would likely result in abortion being further restricted in many more states, meaning more families in crisis pregnancies being forced to travel, maybe even for routine first-trimester procedures. Some of them inevitably wont be able to, whether for financial or logistical or medical reasons.

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The only thing I could imagine that would have been worse than my daughter dying is my daughter living. Before Dr. Hern gave me the shot that would stop my babys heart, he explained that it would work gradually over a period of several hours and that I might continue to feel kicks and movement during that time. Late that night, long after I knew she had to be dead, I felt a kick. It was near the injection site, so I knew almost instantly that it was probably just some kind of cramp or nerve twitch. But for half a breath, I thought maybe the shot hadnt worked, and every fiber of my being screamed with the desire for that to be true, for her to be alive. Rationally, I knew that even if she had somehow survived, that would just mean theyd have to try again the next day. But of course I didnt want her to be dead. She was my baby.

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The only thing that could have been worse than her dying would have been to continue knitting her small body together with my body, to keep growing bigger and bigger with her and go through a far more dangerous full-term delivery or perhaps even a C-section, should her brain swell with fluid, and then watch her be intubated and fitted with a feeding tube. The only thing worse would have been to feel personally responsible for every bit of her suffering thereafter, wishing I could give her peace and being unable to do it. If you knew how fragile your grasp on the power to save your own child from medical torture was, you might pay more attention to legislative changes like the Reproductive Health Act, too.

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And we won. Its a victory that feels personal in part because the law was all but willed into being by the righteous fury of Erika Christensen, one of our own. But its hard to celebrate when the response to this law has just reminded all of us how deeply misunderstood or even hated we are for an experience that many of us feel to be defining, and that we do not regret.

As always happens when abortion is in the news, we have had an uptick in applicants. Kate noticed that this time we are getting an unusually large number of new members who are years out from their losses. People who had abortions nine, 12, 20 years ago are suddenly seeking us out, alarmed at how fragile their carefully tended return to something like normalcy turns out to be when everywhere you turn, it seems like people are regarding you with eyes narrowed to slits and thinking murderer.

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When I got pregnant again, I did so with a 2.5 percent risk I might have another baby with lissencephaly and no way of knowing before the anatomy scan. Because brain folding occurs so late, in both of my subsequent pregnancies, I chose to get an extra scan between 25 and 28 weeks, just to double-check. Every time I walked into that clinic, I walked into the place where I learned my first baby was so sick she might die. I understood how unlikely it was that this would happen again, but I have become emotionally innumerate about pregnancy. The smallest risk feels gargantuan to me, and though my pregnancies that ended in living children are clearly far closer to the statistical norm than my loss, the miracle of their existence will never cease to amaze me.

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I cant tell you what I would have done if I had had to have a second abortion at 20-plus weeks. Walk into the forest in Alaska and learn to survive on berries and roots? Devote myself to becoming a professional wrestler with the moniker Lilith, Eater of Babies? Most likely, Id just go on building monuments to my dead bab(ies) out of words. But if one of those late scans had discovered lissencephaly, or any of a dozen other devastating conditions Im now intimately familiar with thanks to my grief family, I would have gotten back on a plane and flown back to Colorado to deliver another baby, still, into the arms of Dr. Hern. If that is murder, then I am a murderer, and it is only by dint of what feels like stunningly good luck that Im not a serial murderer, although that seems like a strange way to refer to the parents in my group who have gone through the nightmare of losing multiple children after a poor prenatal diagnosis.

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One common response to our stories is to question the credibility and competence of our doctors and how they could have known what they claimed to know. But then, the next minute, we are attacked for not trusting those same doctors to work miracles. We are asked if we had autopsies to verify our babies diagnoses. Many of us did, some of us did not have the option of doing so but wish we had, and some of us would have gotten no more information from doing so because other forms of medical testing had already provided what explanations were possible, or they hadnt provided any explanation at all, which is another loss we have to mourn, and in what other medical tragedy do people ask you if you verified every bit of information available to you? We are asked if we prayed.

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Im not sure Ill ever understand how incurious some pro-life people seem to be about the reasons people seek abortions. In response to the version of my story I posted recently on Facebook, Ive had people confidently claim that no ones talking about people like me, that what I did was between me and my doctor. They say theyre talking about people who just change their minds at 24-plus weeks of pregnancy about whether they want the presumably healthy fetus cresting todays fulcrum of viability inside them.

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Oh, those people. Has anyone ever met one? Where are the doctors offering late-term abortions for careless oops pregnancies that somehow progress into the sixth month? A former abortion provider who worked in Kansas when it had no gestational limit says she was never asked for one. But fine, lets say they exist. What do you imagine got in the way of these women ending their pregnancies earlier? Do you think they were just having so much unprotected sex that they were too busy to realize that if they didnt want a baby getting in the way of all that rampant fornication, theyd better do something about it posthaste? If that doesnt sound especially believable, why not? Whats a more credible reason someone might wait?

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There is no magical, painless, easy, cheap way out of late pregnancy. Many of us who get diagnoses after 24 weeks labor and deliver our babies intact because that is the safest way to get them out of our bodies while preserving our lives and fertility. Its just as much fun as every mass media portrayal of labor has ever made it out to be, except you know that the baby your body is working so hard to push out will never take a breath. (And dont forget about the travel cost and logistics, and the $12,500 up front for the procedure, often with no guarantee the insurance company will reimburse it.)

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I was afraid I was going to die during my procedure, and not because it was all that painful. (I refused pain medication until just before deliveryI actually wanted it to hurt more.) I was afraid because when my husband and I were watching the ancient video about birth control that abortion providers in the state of Colorado are required to force patients to watch, the Ghost of Inadvisable Haircuts Past version of Dr. Hern said that the rate of complications even in late-term abortions is very low, less than 1 in 10,000. My husband reached over and squeezed my hand, because when youve already been on the bad end of 1 in 84,000 odds, a 1 in 10,000 risk of complicationsincluding deathcan feel like a virtual guarantee.

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Ive read at least one argument claiming that the reason people react the way they do to laws like the Reproductive Health Act is because most people dont realize why these abortions happen. That people dont know about these abortions because our stories are so privately held. That simply isnt true. We tell our stories of late abortion and medically indicated abortion all the time, not just in our support groups, but in public, often along with our real names and faces. Weve told our stories in the Guardian, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, the New York Times, USA Today, the Daily Rumpus, Longreads, BuzzFeed, Mother Jones, the Walrus, Reddit AMAs, NPRs This I Believe, Michigan NPRs Stateside, The Moth, Jezebel, Elle magazine, Bustle, Self, Slate, Scary Mommy, Still Standing, Mommyish, Andrew Sullivans blog (c. 2009 when individually authored blogs were still relevant), personal blogs, Instagram stories, amicus briefs, and dozens of Facebook posts. We open our veins for the public all the time, even though many of us (and probably even more of our spouses and concerned mothers-in-law) wish it didnt feel necessary.

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Ive never encountered a single living example of the theorized monster mother who would decide at 24-plus weeks of pregnancy that she simply doesnt want a seemingly healthy baby, and she doesnt want it enough that she will find a doctor who will stop its heart and induce labor so she can push a dead baby out of her body. That doesnt mean those people dont exist. But its hard to believe that most people would go through the horror of a late-term abortion unless they were being held hostage by the threat of something even worse. That might not always be a horrifying health diagnosis for the childit could involve mental illness or drug addiction or traumatic rape or other types of abuse. But no one is so desperate to get an abortion after 24 weeks that theyre willing to go through what it involves and simultaneously so feckless theyre willing to end a pregnancy for no reason whatsoever.

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I also dont demand these women share their stories. I think we should trust women and families and their doctors and chosen moral and spiritual advisers to make the choices that align with their values. We must have enough moral imagination and respect for one anothers bodily autonomy to believe there are valid reasons for seeking abortions at any point of pregnancy. We must have enough respect for one anothers privacy to accept we may not always deserve to know what those reasons are.

My first day in Colorado was a whirlwind of paperwork and blood tests, the video about birth control methods, a barrage of questions. They checked and double-checked that I was there of my own volition and my baby was the expected size for her gestational age. The one thing no one asked me to elaborate about was my babys diagnosis. I remember the way lissencephaly sat uncomfortably in Dr. Herns mouthIm not even sure he knew what it meant. It only occurred to me much later that he didnt need to know. He knew I was there, that I had flown halfway across the country mere days after getting a diagnosis severe enough that a high-risk OB at the University of Michigan had referred me to him. Once he had done his best to ascertain that I had not been coerced or deceived, that was enough for him.

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We must have enough moral imagination and respect for one anothers bodily autonomy to believe there are valid reasons for seeking abortions at any point of pregnancy.

It took me a while to realize that his lack of questioning about the diagnosis wasnt an oversight. He didnt need to ask, because he trusted me. He trusted my judgment at a moment when I wasnt sure I trusted my judgment. He did not try to determine whether he thought I should have this abortion, or whether my doctors in Michigan thought I should, or whether anyone else had any opinion at all about what should happen to me and my baby. Another of his patients, Erika Christensen, who traveled to his clinic from New York, puts it this way: Dr. Hern himself empowered me in such a radical way just by asserting matter-of-factly that my life had value and that I didnt owe anyone an explanation, not even him. In a moment when I felt utterly without agency, he ensured that I had the only kind of agency that really mattered.

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I wish people who react in outrage to late-term abortion, who question how its allowed or why its necessary, would pause and listen to some of the answers those of us who have had late-term abortions have provided. We do not owe it to anyone to tell our stories, but many of us have offered them up all the same. We tell them to honor our babies and to try to smooth the path for all the families to come. We expose ourselves to your scrutiny and judgment for the same reason we released our babies from suffering: Because our pain is eclipsed only by our love.

Thanks to Brian Cook and my co-admins for helping shape this piece, and thanks to the members of Ending a Wanted Pregnancy for making the community what it is.
This story was originally published by Mother Jones and has been republished here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

On Monday, President Donald Trump tweeted that he is nominating Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to a permanent position in the department. Back in October, while Ryan Zinke was still interior secretary and Bernhardt the deputy secretary, Mother Jones Rebecca Leber profiled Bernhardt, highlighting his role as the brains behind the agency and speculating on what could occur should Zinke resign and Bernhardt take his place. That profile is reprinted below with permission from Climate Desk.

With the tepid enthusiasm of an overworked elementary school principal, David Bernhardt, the second in command at the Department of the Interior, stood in the newly refurbished auditorium at the agencys Washington headquarters, trying to get the staff settled down before a routine town hall with the secretary. The in-person audience at the event last winter numbered about 100, though up to 70,000 department employees nationwide could have watched the livestream as Bernhardt introduced his boss. Ryan Zinke, who towered over his deputy, strode to the lectern, passing Bernhardt without shaking hands.

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Unlike many in the nations capital, acknowledgement seems less important to Bernhardt than behind-the-scenes power. And the latter he has. As Zinke ticked off the accomplishments of his first yearfulfilling the presidents vision for energy dominance, selling off public lands, and taking on the Endangered Species Acthe might as well have been naming feathers in Bernhardts cap. This stout, unobtrusive, middle-aged man in square glasses has been one of the most effective officials in the Trump administration, and he appears to be within striking distance of taking over the department that oversees one-fifth of the nations landmass.

Smart and generally well-liked by his colleagues, Bernhardt is regarded, with grudging respect from environmentalists, as the brains behind the agency.

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I found David to be very direct, precise, and guarded, says Dan Wenk, the former superintendent of Yellowstone National Park who had spent 43 years at the department and retired in September. He understands how the Department of the Interior works; he understands how to get things done. Athan Manuel, who directs the Sierra Clubs Lands Protection Program, notes, Hes not just a mouthpiece of the secretary. Hes the guy doing the dirty work.

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Bernhardt is the perfect No. 2 to a highly visible No. 1. Zinke is the folksy charmer; Bernhardt is the strictly-business lawyer. Zinke is the relative outsider, an opportunist, and a politician; department watchdogs say Bernhardt is the ultimate D.C. swamp creature. Zinke is relatively new to the Interior; Bernhardt, who spent eight years at the department earlier in his career, knows the ins and outs of its labyrinthine bureaucracy. And while Zinke has been mired in scandalsincluding inquiries into possible Hatch Act lobbying violations and a Halliburton land deal in his hometown of Whitefish, MontanaBernhardt has been largely invisible. Much like Andrew Wheeler, the technocrat who succeeded Scott Pruitt after his rocky stint atop the Environmental Protection Agency, Bernhardt could seamlessly take command should Zinke succumb to ethics challenges or, as some speculate, exit to run to be Montanas governor in 2020.

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Bernhardts understanding of the departments workings and the allies hes installed in key political posts enable him to steer its complex network of decentralized offices while leaving few fingerprints. His calendars often have little detail in them; the environmental group Western Values Project has noted how few of his emails turn up in their frequent Freedom of Information Act requests to the Interior Department. Kind of amazing that he can do anything without leaving a paper trail behind him, says Aaron Weiss, deputy director of Center for Western Priorities, another conservation group.

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Bernhardt knows where all the skeletons are and the strings to pull, Obama-era career interior official Joel Clement told me. Unlike Zinke, whose well-cultivated cowboy persona is all hat, no cattle, Clement says, the real work is being done by Bernhardt.

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Created in the mid19th century, the Interior Department was launched with a focus on managing, rather than protecting, public lands. Some of its agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management, were established primarily to aid mining, timber, and ranching interests, with little consideration of the effect on communities or the environment. Unlike the EPA, which has a relatively focused mission of protecting the environment and public health, the Interior Departments bureaus are responsible for a wide range of policies and placesthe land and ocean, Native American affairs, wildlifethat can present competing priorities.

Many of Bernhardts former lobbying projects fall under direct purview of the Interior Department.

The Obama administration tried to overhaul the departments deeply rooted culture, particularly at the Bureau of Land Management, whose fossil fuel leases are estimated to account for roughly 24 percent of the United States energy-related greenhouse emissions. But President Barack Obamas efforts came late in his administration, and he struggled to put climate change at the center of the departments agenda. Bernhardts bureaucratic maneuvering has proven more adept, as hes redirected decisions once handled by field offices or agencies to headquarters. Hoping to speed up construction on public lands, hes mandated that bureaus complete federally mandated environmental reviews in less than a year and aim to keep them under 150 pages.

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Late last year, Associate Deputy Secretary Jim Cason, a Bernhardt lieutenant, reassigned at least 27 executives, including several high-level staffers with portfolios in climate change and conservation, without much explanation or a paper trail. Clement, a climate-policy expert, was assigned to audit oil and lease sales in the Office of Natural Resources Revenue. Dan Wenk, the veteran superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, was directed to transfer to a D.C. job just before he planned to retire. Both ended up leaving Interior. It had a message to it, Jeff Ruch, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), says.

Before resigning, Wenk took the matter of his reassignment up with Bernhardt directly, who, Wenk says, assured him his skills were needed elsewhere. But Wenk, who was surprised to find his negotiations about the reassignment leaked to press, told Mother Jones he saw his deployment as a signal from Interiors new political leadership that were in charge and that theres a new sheriff in town.

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Growing up in Rifle, Colorado, a small town tucked among vast fields of oil and gas wells, Bernhardt manages to embody both Western sensibilities and D.C. swampiness. Rifle is surrounded by federal landssome protected as wilderness, some leased for logging, mining, and drilling. Bernhardt still frequently visits his home state and recently floated the possibility of moving the Bureau of Land Managements headquarters to Colorado.

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While in his early 20s, he served as a judicial intern for the Supreme Court. After law school at George Washington University, he landed as a legislative counsel for Rep. Scott McInnis, a Colorado Republican who then served on the House Natural Resources Committee. He left government to spend three years at Brownstein Hyatt & Farber, a lobbying and law firm, before taking a job in 2001 at President George W. Bushs Interior Department running its congressional and legislative affairs office. By 2006, he was the departments top lawyer, overseeing 500 employees and coordinating policy among its far-flung bureaus. His office helped provide the legal underpinning for some of the Bush administrations headline-grabbing initiatives, including its attempts to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling and to allow snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park. He also played a key role in implementing the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which exempted the fracking industry from certain water regulations.

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After Obamas election, he eventually rejoined the law firm he previously worked at, now known as Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, becoming its natural resources director, where he rubbed shoulders with the top of the oil and gas industry, attending conference panels and workshops with Shell executives, American Petroleum Institute staffers, the president of the Western Energy Alliance, and even Dick Cheney, the oil executive turned vice president.

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In September 2016, Bernhardt took charge of Trumps Interior transition team, sketching out the potential new administrations priorities and compiling names for key positions. He left a few weeks after the election, before Zinkes nomination was announced, and did consulting work until he was nominated as deputy secretary in April 2017.

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While Zinke sailed through his confirmation with 68 votes, Bernhardt faced more questions. His revolving-door career led opponents of his nomination to describe Bernhardt as a walking conflict of interest. Many of his lobbying projects as well as those of Brownstein Farber colleagueslike opposing new protections for the sage grouse, the shrinking of monuments like Utahs Bears Ears, and the opening of new Native American casinosfall under Interiors purvey.

The minute I walk out of that firm, I have no interest in their interest, Bernhardt insisted during confirmation questioning. If I get a whiff of something coming my way that involves a client or involves my firm, Im going to make that item run straight to the ethics office. He was confirmed in July with 53 votes.

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Shortly afterward, Bernhardt submitted an ethics document pledging to recuse himself from matters directly involving more than two dozen clients for at least one year. But Interior watchdogs have noticed a frustrating pattern: His former clients projects are getting approved, with little paper trail. At Interior, Bernhardt has worked with gaming interests lobbying Interiors long-troubled Bureau of Indian Affairs and taken the lead on weakening the Endangered Species Act and protections for the sage grouse, priorities of two former clients, the Independent Petroleum Association of America and the Safari Club. Last year, Adam Federman reported for Mother Jones that Bernhardt had insisted on reviewing United States Geological Survey data on oil and gas deposits prior to publicationa break from norm with potentially huge consequences, because any leaks could move markets. A scientist resigned in protest.

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For a majority of former clients, Bernhardts promised recusal period has already ended, making it possible for him to openly participate in decisions that could potentially enrich them and his former law firm. For example, Bernhardt could be in charge of future Interior decisions regarding a 43-mile pipeline that would connect the Colorado River to California farmland. Brownstein Farber owns a small stake in the venture, and while working at the firm, Bernhardt performed legal services on behalf of the involved water district as well as for Cadiz Inc., the projects builder. While Zinke hasnt brought up the specific project, he and the president spent the summer pushing pipelines and dams as a controversial answer to Californias wildfires.

The administrations porcelain-smashing Cabinet appointmentsthink Pruitt or former Secretary of State Rex Tillersongained wide attention during their brief tenures attempting to overhaul their agencies. But some of the most radical changes under Trump have come from the many behind-the-scenes appointees, the government insiders, who have come out of the swamp the president pledged to drain. At Interior, thats been Bernhardt and his allies. As PEERs Jeff Ruch warns, Bernhardt is proving very effective at the role he was genetically engineered to do: quietly and in some cases permanently reshaping the department in control of public land.
When Mark Zuckerberg testified before Congress last spring, he argued that regulating Facebooks use of personal data would cause the United States to fall behind Chinese companies when it comes data-intensive innovation like artificial intelligence. The implication was that Chinese companies are not constrained by privacy norms and will have an edge if U.S. companies like Facebook are hamstrung by data protection regulation.

But China may not provide Zuckerberg with a convenient counterargument against privacy rules for much longer. Contrary to Zuckerbergs characterization, China is in the early stages of setting up a data protection regulatory system to police Facebooks Chinese counterparts. Chinese companies are increasingly finding that the days of collecting data without public scrutiny are overand Chinese consumers are vocally standing up for their own privacy in ways not seen before. For this reason, a number of scholars hailed 2018 as the year when the Chinese public awakened to privacy.

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These developments are in striking contrast with the widespread perception of China as a surveillance state. That perception isnt wrong: The government is using facial recognition and big data to control and monitor its citizens. Under recent legislation, authorities have enshrined the right to law enforcement access to data without due process. But whats been easy to miss is that Chinas embrace of high-tech government surveillance coincides with increased privacy protections for consumers. This strange dynamic means that, given federal inaction in the United States on consumer data protection, on paper, at least, Chinese consumers might soon have greater privacy from tech companies that American consumers, even as they are exposed to increasingly intrusive government surveillance.

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China is no stranger to tidal shifts in public opinion leading to changes in government policy. In 2009, few people in China were worried about air pollution or much less aware of the public health risks. For a time, the U.S. Embassy was one of the few organizations that bothered publicly posting the daily air quality index in cities like Beijing. Fast forward 10 years: Air pollution is among Chinese peoples foremost concerns, and officials in major cities are in a frenzy to meet peoples demand for clean skies.

Something similar is happening with online privacy today. After years of Chinese internet companies building business models around Chinese peoples lack of awareness about privacy, users are getting angry about companies abusing their personal information. This growing privacy awareness emanates from peoples concern over data leaks, which often help scammers and criminals take advantage of unwitting Chinese individuals. The Financial Times reported that in a survey by the China Consumer Association, 85 percent of respondents said that their data had been leaked, including phone numbers sold illegally or bank account information hacked.

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Theres an acute disjuncture between privacy from commercial surveillance and privacy from government surveillance.

In a sign of changing attitudes, Robin Li, the once-revered founder of Baidu, Chinas largest search engine, found himself on the defensive in March after he suggested in an interview that Chinese people would trade privacy for convenience. The remark inflamed simmering discontent among internet users upset with the Chinese search giants invasive data collection practices. Chinese state media reported on the outrage users expressed online, citing comments like, Who told you we are willing to give up our data?

The government is also in the early stages of building out a framework with rules for consent; personal data collection, use, and sharing; and user-requested deletion of data. The first milestone in Chinas data protection system, a standard called the Personal Information Security Specification, took effect in May. Although the specification is not legally binding, government regulators have begun using various tools to persuade companies to comply. In early January, an auditor linked with the powerful Ministry of Industry and Information Technology published a list of 14 mobile apps that had excessively collected sensitive personal data without user consent. Inspectors put these companies (including the popular Chinese travel company Ctrip and the Tencent-owned music streaming service QQ Music) on a blacklist. These companies now face public pressure to change the way they handle user data. Then, less than three weeks later, the four top internet regulators issued a joint announcement stating that they would evaluate 1,000 mobile apps from online payment to food delivery services to assess how they collect personal data.* Those with unsatisfactory results will have their business licenses revoked.

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These actions on privacy issues have turned China into a surprise leader in Asia on data privacy rules, according to the Financial Times, showing an acute disjuncture between privacy from commercial surveillance and privacy from government surveillance. While Chinese citizens will soon have broad protections from commercial data collection, theyll likely continue to experience growing, perhaps total government surveillance. Indeed, even as the Chinese government grows increasingly willing to scold tech companies for overstepping the bounds of reasonable data collection, it has indicated no willingness to curb its own surveillance capabilities for the sake of individual privacy.

The split identity of Chinas privacy push was on display at a recent gathering in Beijing hosted by a mainstream state-owned media outlet called Southern Metropolis Daily that honored pioneers in the field of data privacy. Privacy is engraved deeply in our genes, one of the award recipients, Yang Geng, said in his speech. Previously the chief security officer at Amazon China and Xiaomi (a top Chinese consumer electronics company), Geng is passionate about building technology to protect privacy and recently founded a startup that has developed privacy tools. Only a few years ago, the prospect that such an event would take place would have been nearly unthinkable. Geng described the situation frankly: Many Chinese friends [said], Chinese people dont care about privacy. Your products wont be demanded by the market.  And what Chinese person in their right mind would fucking dare use privacy protection tools made by a Chinese company? 

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He persisted and developed a search engine called LeakZero that does not track users. LeakZero even has an encryption tool that can be used inside apps like WeChat (Chinas super app, which offers group texts, payments, games, news, and dozens of other embedded services to about 1 billion monthly users). However, the primary hurdle Geng faces is not consumer trends but the disposition of the Chinese government. Unlike in other countries, no major app in China, with the exception of Apples iMessage, offers encryption. It is not clear, however, whether Geng will be permitted to offer these tools in China since they could hinder the governments surveillance capabilities. In the end, he may have to shut down his app or provide a backdoor giving the government access.

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But the Chinese government isnt letting the lack of resolution on these questions stand in the way of its big plans for consumer privacy. Just six months after the Personal Information Security Specification took force, the standards drafters are discussing revising it to close loopholes that allow companies to comply while continuing excessive collection of personal data.

The hope is to build a Chinese data protection regime that is uniquely suited to China: one that builds consumer trust in a thriving digital economy but does not undermine the governments ability to maintain control. The drafters of the specification drew on concepts from the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation but sought to make it fit Chinas system. The idea of China looking to the strictest privacy legislation in the world seems counterintuitive, if not downright strange. But with U.S. inaction on federal data privacy and consumer rights, China and Europe now stand as the only two models out there offering guardrails against invasive data collection.

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China is not the only country with a split personality when it comes to privacy: In the United States, the Supreme Court provides fairly strong privacy protections against government data collection, but the country still lacks a comprehensive consumer privacy law. In Europe, the focus is flipped, with strong controls on businesses and relatively high trust in government data collection practices. The seeming contradiction in China is actually consistent with its internet governance model over the past decade: build consumer confidence and internet usage while also maintaining government control.

The main hurdle to Beijings ambitions to shape global privacy standards may be the unresolved contradiction in how the new rules play out in practice. This manifests in the conflicting guidance within Chinese law. For example, Chinas e-commerce law requires companies to delete user data but also mandates that companies retain data to assist with government investigations for national security. Chinas cybersecurity law requires consent to collect personal information, but it also grants the government new powers to demand that companies turn over more information on users through random inspections of internet service providers, making it increasingly difficult for users to be anonymous online.

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Enforcement is also an open question. In China, there are many rules on the books that are ignored in practice, except when officials choose to make an example of someone. However, cyberspace is one area in which the government does often flex its muscles, as evident in the recent sweeping crackdowns on Chinese internet platforms for content violations.

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Chinese tech companies are sometimes caught in the middle. Didi, the countrys main ride-sharing company, resisted turning over data to law enforcement authorities after two users of the app were recently murdered; the company cited privacy as a justification. Didi had not been in compliance with a requirement to connect its online service database (which included information about users, drivers, vehicles, routes, etc.) with a government supervisory platform. The spat stirred up debate among Chinese scholars about whether real-time data access violated consent requirements in Chinas cybersecurity law.

Yang Geng is breaking new ground by giving Chinese users a way to encrypt texts on their mobile apps. But he is clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. Geng noted to his WeChat followers: Nothing is absolute. [It is] true there is more surveillance [in China], but that does not mean there is no privacy.

Correction, Feb. 7, 2019: This article originally misstated the number of apps that Chinese internet regulators will be evaluating for potential improper collection of user data. It is 1,000, not 100.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar looks to be officially getting in the 2020 Democratic race for president this weekend, but despite being long tipped as a candidate to take on Trump, the three-term senator has reportedly had trouble securing someone to manage her campaign. HuffPost reports that at least three potential candidates to lead her campaign have withdrawn citing, in part, Klobuchars history of staff mistreatment. The reports of demeaning and cruel treatment of her staff outlined by former staffers to HuffPost clash with Klobuchars public persona, extreme popularity in her home state, and her growing profile in the Democratic Party on the back of her clear-headed questioning during recent high-profile Senate hearings.

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It is common for staff to wake up to multiple emails from Klobuchar characterizing ones work as the worst briefing or press release shed seen in her decades of public service, according to two former aides and emails seen by HuffPost, the site reports. Adding to the humiliation, Klobuchar often ccd large groups of staffers who werent working on the topic at hand, giving the emails the effect of a public flogging. The experience of staffers in Klobuchars office is not universal by any stretch and her press office pointed to staffers current and former who had positive experiences working for an admittedly demanding boss, and wondered aloud if the criticism of Klobuchars management style wasnt sexist.

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Klobuchar, however, has had trouble retaining staff, compiling the highest rate of staff turnover in the Senate over a decade. The reputation for a bruising work environment has made staffing a challenge in the past for the former prosecutor, including, at one point, filling the role of chief of staff. A staffer in another Hill office recounted losing interest in a job opening with Klobuchar when a current staffer, the one conducting the interview, conveyed that avoiding Klobuchars anger was a significant part of the job, according to HuffPost. One morning several years ago, when most of the office staff was running latethe ex-staffer couldnt remember the reasonKlobuchar wrote out tardy slips and placed them on each missing aides desk. The staffer recalls incredulous bursts of laughter as her co-workers arrived one by one to find the notes, but Klobuchar was deadly serious. An aide whom she called into her office walked back out in tears.
A massive fire broke out in Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute in Noida on Thursday afternoon, trapping several people inside the multi-storeyed building. The hospital is located in Noida's Sector 12 area. Officials said that there were no immediate reports of any casualties.

Rescue workers including fire tenders rushed to the spot and the situation is "now under control", Vaibhav Krishna, senior superintendent of police, Gautam Buddha Nagar told PTI. About 30-35 patients were rescued and shifted to local hospitals.

Staffers tried to help patients out of the building as thick smoke billowed out of the building. People stood on ledges and on balconies as rescuers tried to reach them by smashing glass window panes. People tried to jump out of windows.

Rescue operations underway after a fire broke out in Metro Hospital in Noida's sector-12. pic.twitter.com/ctgVgbgQLI - ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 7, 2019

All the patients were successfully rescued and moved to the hospital's branch in Sector 11.

According to initial reports, a short circuit is suspected to have started the fire.

In December last year, a fire broke out at the ESIC Kamgar Hospital at Marol in suburban Andheri in Mumbai that claimed 8 lives, and injured 145 patients and visitors. The Disaster Management Cell of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that 147 people were rescued from the hospital, after which they were moved to different hospitals.

Also read: Caution! Faulty spares in fighter jets will bring early doom in a war; refer Indo-Pak conflict
Not green enough: Today, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey released the outline of the Green New Deal, an ambitious legislative framework to handle the climate crisis and reduce American inequality. However, Alex Baca notes that the deal in its current form omits a significant issue: where citizens live. But if we do account for land use, we will get much closer to a safe, sustainable, and resilient future.

Bureaucratic discrimination: Evan Urquhart reports on a proposed bill in Utah that would make it illegal for transgender people to update their sex on their birth certificates. If requiring sex markers on official documents helps to institutionalize discrimination against trans people, Urquhart also wonders, why dont we just end this practice altogether?

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Queen Pelosi: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has lived long enough to become a meme, most recently via the highly GIF-able moment of her clapping back sarcastically at the president during Tuesdays State of the Union address. Is the internet praise condescending or empowering? Christina Cauterucci weighs in.

Two sides: Even as China ramps up government surveillance on its citizens, its expanding consumer privacy protections and cracking down on tech companies data collection. Samm Sacks and Lorand Laskai explain this disjuncture between privacy from commercial surveillance and privacy from government surveillance.

For fun: A Q&A with the congresswoman who raised the roof.

One day at a time,

Vicky
At Tuesday nights State of the Union, Donald Trump inadvertently triggered a celebration by female Democratic lawmakers, who were dressed in white as a tribute to the suffrage movement, when he touted statistics about womens employment. One congresswoman in particular stood out: fourth-term New Hampshire Rep. Ann Kuster, who earned the admiration of many observers by taking it back to the 90s and raising the roof:

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I spoke to Kuster by phone on Wednesday about her roof raising and the record number of women in Congress. The interview has been edited and condensed.

Ben Mathis-Lilley: Walk me through that moment at the State of the Union. The first noteworthy thing was that all the women in the House were wearing white.

Rep. Ann Kuster: We were all wearing white in solidarity with the suffragettes, and in recognition that its been 100 years since women fought for and won the right to vote. We now have 102 women in the House, so we were celebrating all of that and wanted to make that visual clear to the American people because thats predominantly Democrats. [Ed. note: 89 of the women in the House are Democrats.] We feel this every single day out on the floorthat our caucus reflects the diversity of America and that the Republican caucus does not. We just didnt expect that the president himself would sort of dish up this contrast.

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With his line about jobs.

He made a comment like, 58 percent of the new jobs last year went to women. It was actually [New York] Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand that got it started. She stood up and turned around and pointed to all of us House members, many of them brand-new and having defeated Republican members. We started to celebrate that line, that 58 percent of the jobs were taken by women, and in our case, taken from Republican men. Trump didnt get ithe thought we were just applauding this fact about the changing nature of our economy.

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I didnt realize it was Gillibrand who started it.

Yeah, she was kind of down in the front. And there were others. The House women that are in leadership that were over in the middle section of the chamber[Massachusetts Rep.] Katherine Clark, who is my roommate, she also stood up and also gestured toward all of us sitting together.

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Was there anything about the moment that was personal to you?

This was the first time since Ive been in CongressI was elected in 2012that Nancy Pelosi was presiding and sitting behind the president. There was a tremendous amount of energy, I think partly because we all were wearing white. We dont typically draw attention to what were wearing. We try to go about our business in a professional way. But people were excited. We were all together in this powerful moment of having the most women ever to serve in the United States Congress. Its a very moving experience. And its happening at a time when we are under threat. I literally had just come from a meeting with a whole group of members of Congress and activists that have to do with the Trump administration and Betsy DeVos proposed changes to the Title IX regulations about sexual assault on college campuses. Its devastating what theyre proposing.

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I grew up in a Republican family, a liberal Republican family. Those people dont exist anymore, and I think the country would be better served to have more women in Congress from both parties. Particularly when you get to a reference like the one [Trump] made later in the speech about abortion, or reproductive health. [Trump accused Democrats of being eager to abort fetuses just before or even after birth.] Ive been an adoption attorney for 25 years. I know that if somebody has to make a decision about terminating a pregnancy, thats an anguishing decision at that stage in the pregnancy. Its, first of all, very rare, and second, its typically about a traumatic health issue. So for him to try to score political points and then have 200 men leap to their feet cheering, it was just heart-wrenching for us, and I dont think the American people are well-served by that.

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Youve been in Congress for a few years nowwhat was the camaraderie between female members like before this big 2018 class?

I was sitting right next to [Florida Rep.] Lois Frankel. Shes our den mother. Lois came in with meshe was the mayor of West Palm Beach and chairs the Democratic Womens Working Group. Lois is the person that put out the word that we would all wear white together. She is one of the people, along with my roommate Katherine Clark, whos now the vice chair of the [House Democratic Caucus], and others, who encouraged these women to run for office all across the country. We did fundraising for them, we traveled around the country to their districts to support them, we provided the mentoring to help them get to Washington, and we continue to do that on a daily basis. We cook dinner for each other and take care of each other. Two weeks ago, Lois literally had a pajama party. We care for one another and support each other when people are going through challenging times. We have a colleague right now whose spouse is very ill and well be there for her. And we support each other in Congress. We co-sponsor each others bills and join each others caucuses.

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Is there any issue you in particular are looking forward to addressing as a part of the new majority?

Absolutely. I just joined the Energy and Commerce Committee, and there are two big issues. Thats the committee where well do health care, and in particular New Hampshire has been very hard hit by the opioid epidemic. I had already created a bipartisan task force to combat the opioid epidemic, and weve got 105 members of Congress working together, so I expect to move forward on my committee with that agenda, to help provide treatment and long-term recovery and to help prevent opioid addiction. The other big issue, same committee, is everything related to addressing climate change, making sure that we expand renewable energy and limit the use of fossil fuels.

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Going back to the State of the Union, in addition to the roof raising there was the Happy Birthday singalong. There was a lot of U-S-A chanting. It felt kind of looser than usual.

Its different when youre sitting there experiencing it than what it looks like on television. I thought [Trump] was very low-energy and I thought the delivery of it was very disjointed, that the transitions were very awkward. What was happening for us on the floor was sort of a disconnect. He did not seem very comfortable with the message that he was trying to deliver. This discordant nature of him trying to talk about bipartisanship but then hitting every wedge issue that he possibly could come up with. My experience with him is we do have a lot of bipartisan issues that we could be working on and we should be working on together, like infrastructure or lowering the cost of prescription drugs. But he doesnt act as though he will follow through on them.

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So theres kind of a discordant feeling that leads to some of those awkward moments of the laughing and the cheering and that sort of thing?

Yeah, I think so, because everybody sort of awkwardlywith President Obama, when you were sitting there listening to President Obama, they were his words. You know that he had pored over every draft, and I saw the drafts with his handwritten notes in the margins. He had thought about it. He was presenting his own thoughts. Thats not the experience [with Trump]. I turned several times to my colleagues and said, He sounds like its the first time hes read it.

I have one more question, which is about how raising the roof is kind of a 90s thing.

One of my nieces sent a text and said, Oh, I recognize those moves from your dancing at weddings. It is like having yourIm not a grandmother yet, but it is like having your grandmother dance on TV.

Have you ever said that anything was the bomb?

[Laughs] That is not an expression I use.
This article is published through a partnership with New York Medias Strategist. The partnership is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Every editorial product is independently selected by New York Media. If you buy something through our links, Slate and New York Media may earn an affiliate commission.

As someone whos been writing travel pieces from the road for a few years now, the one thing that keeps me rooted in reality is a daily ritual of freshly ground, meticulously brewed black gold coffee. Since Id rather not pack ten pounds of gear in a suitcase thats already swollen, pulling that process off requires patience and planning.

After some hits and misses, I can finally say Ive perfected a portable solution at a reasonable price point. It starts with a third-wave staple: the $30 AeroPress brewer favored by such respected micro-roasters as Tim Wendelboe and Verve. Since its two main parts fit together perfectly, pushing the AeroPress plunger into its plastic chamber cuts its cabin space in half. My stubby Porlex Mini Grinder that nearly earned me a spot on the no-fly list (turns out, it is not a pipe bomb) is small enough to squeeze into the other side of the plunger, maximizing its modest footprint even more. Completing this Lego-like combo is a reusable mesh filter (from Kaffeologie, which costs $13) with a lifetime guarantee, and the screw-on cap that keeps everything nice and snug.



Leave the filter holder, stirrer, and funnel that come with every AeroPress kit at home; unless youre glamping, you wont need any of it. Or an electric kettle, for that matter. Most hotels, and even some Airbnbs, are pretty good at providing those sorts of things.

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The real secret here is an iOS app, actually  a $5 AeroPress Timer that provides tips and recipes from world-class baristas. Theres even an ace iced-coffee approach that takes less than five minutes and wont leave you trembling with hypertension the way some cold brews do. In several easy-to-understand steps, the app tells you how much coffee to use (1.5 scoops), the consistency of the grind (medium fine), and the brewing method (inverted, a hack Blue Bottle helped popularize). Follow the timers lead over ice, and youll end up with a clean-yet-complex cup that rivals anything you might find at a local cafe.



Think youll miss having your morning pick-me-up and afternoon Fika break in something much sunnier than a sad hotel room? Thats understandable. But do you really want to spend upwards of $10 a day when youre on vacation just on coffee? Better to visit a reputable local roaster, enjoy a black coffee on-site, and ask what they recommend for an AeroPress. Youll even end up with a decent souvenir that way.

My On-the-Road Coffee Kit

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker ($30)

Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder ($65)

Kaffeologie Filter ($50)

AeroPress Timer App ($5)

Slate has relationships with various online retailers. If you buy something through our links, Slate may earn an affiliate commission. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. All prices were up to date at the time of publication.
1. Post-grunge at Anthem

10 Years have been rocking for over a decade, and now you have the chance to see the band live at Anthem in the Hard Rock. The bands post-grunge sound has been recorded by producers who have worked with bands such as Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, My Chemical Romance and Three Doors Down. This will be a show you wont want to miss. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Feb. 8 at Anthem. 111 Third St.

2. American roots at Vangarde

Join Wichita, Kansas band, Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations when it takes over the stage at Vangarde Arts for a night of American roots music. This is the bands Sioux City debut, so come out and show how the people of Sioux City can welcome awesome music into our great town. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Feb. 8 at Vangarde Arts. 416 Pierce St.

3. Crazy percussion!

STOMP is a unique stage show that proves you can make rhythms with almost anything. Do yourself and get out of your normal beat and check out this show! No normal percussion instruments are used. Instead the performers use trash cans, brooms, matchbooks, Zippo lighters and many, many more common items you find in everyday life. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 at the Orpheum Theatre. 528 Pierce St.
3. ADHERING TO A TIGHT SCHEDULE

Ever heard the phrase "island time"? It applies here. Locals' laid-back attitudes mean nothing happens in a rush. Does that bar claim to open at 5 p.m.? Don't get frustrated if it's 5:30 p.m. and there's no painkiller in sight. In fact, your trip to Puerto Rico will be best spent going with the flow. This isn't New York City, where you'll have a calendar packed with Broadway curtain times and dinner reservations. Instead of stressing about sticking to your itinerary, take a deep breath and give an off-the-beaten-path spot a chance.

4. STAYING ONLY IN SAN JUAN

Even though traffic can occasionally slow things down, nothing on the island is more than two hours away. San Juan, with its colorful colonial buildings and rowdy nightlife, is a worthy destination unto itself, but part of Puerto Rico's appeal is its diverse ecosystems. El Yunque National Forest alone offers more than 28,000 acres of hiking, waterfalls and wildlife, while Rincon, on the island's west coast, has famous beaches and great swells for surfers.

5. SPEAKING ONLY ENGLISH

Puerto Rico is a United States territory, but Spanish is the primary language written and spoken across the island. English is still widely spoken in many areas, so don't fret if your high school Spanish isn't polished. That being said, your experience will be much richer if you learn at least a few pleasantries in Spanish, such as "please," "thank you," "good morning/evening" and "how are you?"

At Oyster.com our special investigators visit, photograph, review and rate each hotel. We uncover the truth, before it's "uh-oh" time. (c)2019 Oyster.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WASHINGTON -- His tractor is so noisy that, when driving it, the man who calls himself "just a farmer from Butler County" puts his cellphone under his cap, set on vibrate. Charles Grassley, 85, who has served in the Senate longer than all but 11 of the 1,983 other senators -- and who still runs 3 miles four mornings a week -- does not have ample time for farming because he has visited all of Iowa's 99 counties every year for 38 years, and last missed a Senate vote 8,300 votes ago, when Iowa was flooded in 1993.

He is a non-lawyer who just left the chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee to become chairman of the Finance Committee. In his 45th year in Congress (he was in the House 1975-1981), he will help this institution recover some of the power it has improvidently -- and perhaps unconstitutionally -- delegated to presidents.

His committee's purview is vast -- he intends to address prescription drug prices -- but trade policy will be at the top of the committee's agenda. There is the revised agreement with Mexico and Canada to approve, and a developing agreement with Japan to partially undo the damage done by the president's scrapping of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Harris placed Sterling in the swing, faced him toward a wall and left him there, closing the door. That set of a chain of events that eventually led to the baby's death, Timmins said.

"She let her blessing die a slow, and painful and unnecessary death," Timmins said. "She heard him scream, and she did nothing. How many days did he cry?"

Harris knew Koehn wasn't caring for the child, Timmins said. She noted the apartment had baby formula and other items to care for Sterling, who ultimately died in a bedroom just feet away from new, unused diapers. The couple's daughter, nearly 2 years old at the time, was well nourished, she said.

Harris was charged with murder under the felony murder theory, so jurors had to find Sterling died while Harris was committing the crime of child endangerment, with malice and under conditions showing extreme indifference to human life.

Defense attorney Aaron Hawbaker admitted the state had proved its case for a conviction on the child endangerment charge. But he fought the murder charge, saying there was no evidence of malice.

Hawbaker said that less that a week before Sterling's death, Harris was arranging to have her mother look after the children for the upcoming weekend.
An Oyo room for Rs 12,999 per night! The cheapest one-way non-stop flight ticket from Delhi for Rs 15,649! For anyone planning to visit the mega Kumbh Mela, which is being held in UP's Prayagraj, on March 4, the last day of the 50-day long grand fair, it's going to be anything but cheap. The festival began on January 14, and since then, the pilgrims are visiting in huge numbers. The authorities are expecting up to 15 crore people, including foreign travellers, to visit the North Indian city during this period.

"It's a typical demand-supply mismatch. Although the government has improved connectivity between Prayagraj and other cities, the amount of people thronging the city is phenomenal," says a travel consultant. Under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, the ministry of civil aviation (MoCA) has recently linked Prayagraj with 13 more cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. This is in addition to the Delhi-Prayagraj flight, which has been operating for quite some time, and the railway network that connects the city with major cities.

The crowd in Kumbh comes in peaks and troughs. The ritual of taking dip in the holy waters of Ganga goes on throughout the festival; on some special days - like March 4 - the crowd swells six to eight times than the regular festival days. That's the time hotels find it difficult to meet the room demand. A large chunk of the room inventories are pre-booked, especially around the special days, but the operators keep some inventory for the last-minute bookings to benefit from the supply shortage. On the regular days, the rates are relatively lower, yet they are far higher than the rates in other comparable cities.

Despite being a tier-II city, Prayagraj has not yet figured on the expansion plans of major hospitality chains. The market is still dominated by local hotel operators (people with land bank and connected politically), and Gurgaon-based Oyo Rooms has managed to bring some hotel assets under its fold.

According to industry lobby body CII, the Kumbh Mela is expected to generate revenues of Rs 1.2 lakh crore, and over six lakh jobs in various sectors. The largest employment generation is expected in the hospitality sector - 0.25 million - followed by airlines and airports at 0.15 million. The UP government has allocated a record Rs 4,200 crore for the festival. The tourism is a big multiplier for the GDP of a state; and a festival of this scale adds much more to the coffers of the state government than it would be spending. For the private sector, this 'religious' boost would certainly spur the state economy.
OMAHA -- Stored runoff from 2018 has been evacuated from Missouri River reservoirs, leaving the system with all of its flood control zone to capture this spring's runoff.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Thursday that releases from Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, South Dakota, will be reduced from 20,000 cubic feet per second to 17,000 cfs by mid February.

"The system stands ready to capture spring runoff, reducing flood risk while providing support to other authorized project purposes," John Remus, chief of the corps' Missouri River Basin Water Management Division, said in a news release.

Gavins Point releases had been at increased levels for months while the corps evacuated above-normal runoff from 2018. Runoff for 2018 was 41.9 million acre-feet, the third-highest total since record keeping began in 1898. The record is 61 MAF in 2011.

Remus said the 2018 runoff was evacuated as of Jan. 29, and storage in the river's six reservoirs was 56.1 MAF, leaving the full 16.3 MAF flood control zone available when the 2019 runoff season begins.

Early predictions place 2019 runoff at 25.6 MAF above Sioux City, slightly above the 25.3 MAF average. Runoff over the next few months is expected to be below average because of lighter-than-average plains snowpack. Mountain snowpack that feeds the Missouri River also is 88-89 percent of average. Mountain snowpack will continue to accumulate and normally peaks in mid April, the corps said.

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Wieck said the British production company for "BODY CAM" contacted the sheriff's office last summer or fall.

"They had asked if we had anything interesting," Wieck said.

Wieck thought of a few cases, but couldn't submit them because of legal reasons. Then he remembered this chase and sent producers copies of all the dash and body cam video of the incident.

"I didn't think they were going to use it, and then out of the blue I got a phone call from one of the production managers or other people involved with the show," Wieck said.

In the weeks before Thanksgiving, a production crew came to Sioux City to interview Milton and Maj. Tony Wingert, who arrived at the crash scene after Derby had exited the vehicle.

Wieck said he's watched other episodes of "BODY CAM," and has been impressed with the show. He said the show allows the officers to narrate the video to help viewers understand what's happening.

Derby, of Iowa City, was later sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges of eluding and driving while license barred.

Investigation Discovery is at channel 112 for Cable ONE subscribers in Sioux City. Satellite TV subscribers can find the network at channel 192 on Dish Network and 285 on DirecTV.

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The proposed class in the class action suit would include more than 2,000 households within a 2-mile radius of the Big Ox plant, located in the Roth Business Park on the city's south side. Compensatory and punitive damages being sought could exceed $5 million.

A judge must yet certify the case as a class action. If certified, the court will order that the class of affected people must be notified of the lawsuit. In most cases, people deemed to be in the class are automatically included as plaintiffs unless they choose to opt out of the suit.

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The suit says that noxious odors from Big Ox have "caused an unreasonable invasion of plaintiff's interest in the use and enjoyment of their property." Johnson and Blum claim that Big Ox was negligent in the design, construction and maintenance of its facility, causing the odors that have led to numerous complaints from residents living near it.

Big Ox has until Feb. 19 to file a response. Company officials did not immediately return messages from the Journal seeking comment on Wednesday.

The 15 homeowner lawsuits, which also name the city of South Sioux City as a defendant, are seeking about $7.4 million in damages, a total that could increase if homes must be rebuilt because they can not be repaired.
ONAWA, Iowa -- The trial for a Castana, Iowa, man charged with killing his grandmother has been continued until late this summer.

District Judge Julie Schumacher on Wednesday scheduled Eliot Stowe's trial for Sept. 10 in Monona County District Court. His trial had been scheduled to begin Tuesday.

Stowe, 21, has pleaded not guilty to killing Cheryl Stowe at her home sometime from June 23-26.

The continuation of the trial was expected after Stowe had waived his right to a speedy trial. Last month, public defender Jennifer Solberg notified prosecutors that Stowe would rely on an insanity defense and that a psychologist's report would be forthcoming.

Typically, prosecutors will seek to have a defendant undergo a second examination by a state psychologist, a process that can take months to schedule and cause trial delays.

Cheryl Stowe's body was found wrapped in a rug in a well-hidden area near her rural Castana home on June 27, a day after co-workers had contacted authorities to check on her because she had not shown up for work.
SIOUX CITY -- A South Dakota man who had been charged with robbing a Casey's General Store in Sheldon, Iowa, now is charged with a federal firearms violation.

Thomas Tuttle, 34, of Watertown, South Dakota, pleaded not guilty Jan. 31 in U.S. District Court to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. Chief Magistrate Judge Kelly Mahoney on Tuesday ruled that Tuttle will remain in custody pending his April 1 trial.

Tuttle had been prohibited from possessing a firearm because of four prior convictions in South Dakota.

He was arrested Nov. 2, when he was accused of entering the Casey's store armed with a Kel-Tec 9mm carbine, taking a pack of cigarettes and leaving the store. Police later spotted Tuttle in his vehicle and had to deploy an electroshock weapon to overpower him when he resisted arrest.

Police said that during their interview of Tuttle, he said he had intended to engage law enforcement officers in armed conflict and planned to rob a bank.

Tuttle had faced robbery, gun and drug charges in O'Brien County District Court. The case was dismissed after Tuttle was indicted in federal court.

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SIOUX CITY -- The judge assigned to preside over the murder case of a man accused of killing a woman in a Sioux City hotel room was the defendant's defense attorney nearly two years ago.

Mindful of the potential perceived conflict, District Judge Zachary Hindman on Wednesday scheduled a hearing for Feb. 15 to give prosecutors and Jordan Henry's defense attorney the chance to voice any concerns about him presiding over the case.

"The court concludes that a hearing in this matter should be set to address, on the record, the circumstances of this prior representation and whether either party wishes to object or to stipulate to the undersigned presiding over this matter," Hindman wrote in his order.

Henry, 29, of Sioux City, is charged in Woodbury County District Court with first-degree murder and first-degree arson for the Jan. 24 death of Elizabeth Bockholt. The 40-year-old Hinton, Iowa, woman's body was found in a burned room at the Wingate by Wyndham, 4716 Southern Hills Drive. An autopsy report says she was strangled.

Henry has yet to enter a plea to the charges and remains in the Woodbury County Jail on a $502,000 bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 13.

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Chief District Judge Duane Hoffmeyer assigned the case to Hindman on Wednesday.
WEST POINT, Neb. -- An Oakland, Nebraska, woman who gave false information to authorities investigating the death of a Rosalie, Nebraska, man was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison.

Jenna Merrill, 32, had pleaded guilty in November in Cuming County District Court to one count of accessory to a felony.

District Judge Mark Johnson gave Merrill credit for 451 days already spent in jail prior to her sentencing. He sentenced her to 12 months of post-release supervision once she is released from custody. Once released, Merrill will be required to physically appear at the Cuming County Sheriff's Office every Tuesday morning to report where she is living. Johnson gave her permission to live with her grandmother in Sergeant Bluff.

Merrill is the second person sentenced to prison in connection with the March 10, 2017, death of Ernest Warnock.

Becky Weitzenkamp, 43, of Oakland, was sentenced in October to 18-20 years in prison on one count of accessory to a felony. She pleaded guilty to buying a can of lighter fluid and then driving Derek Olson to Warnock's house to set it on fire.
The United States said Thursday it was revoking visas of Venezuelan lawmakers seated by President Nicolas Maduro as it criticized European and Latin American countries for seeking dialogue with the embattled leader. The United States has recognized Juan Guaido, the head of the opposition-led National Assembly, as the interim president of the economically troubled nation. Maduro rejects the elected body's authority and in 2017 paved the way for a rival Constituent Assembly, whose members are stacked with supporters of the leftist firebrand after the opposition boycotted the vote. Elliot Abrams, the new US envoy on the Venezuelan crisis, said that Washington was revoking the visas of an unspecified number of members of the Constituent Assembly. "The body has usurped many of the constitutional powers of the legitimate National Assembly and embodies Maduro's destruction of democratic institutions," Abrams told reporters. He also denounced a meeting in Montevideo of ministers from more than a dozen European and Latin American countries who are seeking a mediated path to end Venezuela's standoff. The talks involve EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and are spearheaded by Mexico and Uruguay, two of the only Latin American countries not to have recognized Guaido other than Maduro allies such as Cuba. Abrams -- a longtime Republican foreign policy player who helped steer Ronald Reagan's controversial backing of anti-communist forces in Central America -- said that countries should only deal with Guaido. "Instead of trying to accommodate Maduro through contact groups or dialogue, we urge countries to recognize Juan Guaido as interim president and join us in responding to his call for immediate international humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of the Venezuelan people," Abrams said. "Maduro has proven he will manipulate any calls for negotiations to his advantage and he has often used so-called dialogues as a way to play for time," he said. "The time for dialogue with Maduro has long passed." The United States, along with allies Colombia and Brazil, are trying to bring aid into Venezuela, a move that Maduro says is a precursor to a US invasion.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that his party will take down the controversial law which criminalises the practice of triple talaq. Addressing a gathering at the national convention of party's minorities department by the party, Gandhi blamed the incumbent Modi government for interfering in the functioning of key central institutions.

"This nation belongs to every citizen of India. This is a conflict between two ideologies. Minority communities have worked on every step to build this nation. This nation has been built by people of every religion. This nation belongs to all," Gandhi said while addressing the gathering.

With several debacles riddling central institutions of the country in the recent past, the Congress party chief said that it is the responsibility of Congress and every political party to protect them.

"The institutions of India are not owned by any political party. They are this country's institutions and it is the responsibility of political parties to protect them. When four Supreme Court judges state that they are not being allowed to work and name Justice Lohia in the same sentence. This indirectly indicates that BJP president Amit Shah is not allowing Supreme Court to function," Gandhi said.

Targeting the current government, Gandhi said that BJP thinks it is above the country. "In three months, this country is going to explain it to them this country is above them," he said.

Emphasising on the much-needed electoral victories in three state legislative assemblies, Gandhi claimed that BJP's ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has proliferated every institution in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh during the past 15 years. Referring to information from the current Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, he claimed that a special ministry formed in the state under the previous regime handed over Rs 800 crore to RSS.

"The same happened in Chhattisgarh. They were not able to do this in Rajasthan because we were in power five years earlier. We will now work to take out RSS affiliates from the institutions in these three states," Gandhi said.

ALSO READ:Robert Vadra gets interrogated for six hours, next session today
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at a gathering of foreign ministers aligned toward the defeat of Islamic State at the State Department in Washington, U.S., February 6, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

By Lesley Wroughton and Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he expected a formal announcement as early as next week that the coalition fighting Islamic State militants has reclaimed all of the territory previously held by the extremist group.

"Their land is gone. It's a big factor - their land is gone," Trump told foreign ministers and other senior officials from 79 countries that have worked alongside the United States in fighting the militant group in Syria and Iraq.

Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria has prompted some criticism at home from Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who fear Islamic State could regain its strength.

A top U.S. Army general for the region, Joseph Votel, said in Senate testimony on Tuesday that the group could experience a resurgence after a U.S. pullout.

Trump did not back down from his determination to withdraw, saying, "We look forward to giving our brave warriors in Syria a warm welcome home."

"The United States military, our coalition partners and the Syrian Democratic Forces have liberated virtually all of the territory previously held by ISIS in Syria and Iraq," Trump told the gathering at the State Department.

He said the achievement "should be formally announced, sometime, probably next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate."

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reassured the coalition partners that the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria was not "the end of America's fight" and called on them to help permanently defeat Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

"The U.S. troops withdrawing from Syria is not the end of America's fight. The fight is one we will continue to wage alongside you," Pompeo said. "The drawdown in troops is essentially a tactical change, it is not a change in the mission. It simply represents a new stage in an old fight."

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Warnings by Pompeo and others that Islamic State remained a dangerous threat fly in the face of Trump's December declaration that the militants had been defeated and the United States would withdraw its roughly 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria.

The president's sudden decision shocked coalition partners, including an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias that has been among the most effective against Islamic State, and prompted the abrupt resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Wednesday's meeting was the first of senior coalition officials since Trump announced U.S. troops would withdraw. Participants included foreign ministers from Turkey, France, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco and Iraq.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed al-Hakim called on countries to help expose Islamic State "sleeper cells" in Iraq and restore stability.

Pompeo said despite progress in fighting Islamic State in Iraq, the group retained a strong presence in that country and was trying to mount a clandestine insurgency.

"The coalition must continue to support the government of Iraq in its efforts to secure the liberated areas of that country," Pompeo said. "Mr. Foreign Minister, we're with you," he told Hakim.

Earlier this week, Trump said it was important to keep a U.S. military presence in Iraq so that Washington could keep a close eye on Iran, according to a CBS interview aired on Sunday.

However, Iraqi President Barham Salih said on Monday that Trump did not ask Iraq's permission for U.S. troops stationed there to "watch Iran." The United States and Iran are Iraq's two biggest allies.

On Wednesday, Hakim, apparently responding to Trump's comment, called on countries to show full "respect for the territorial integrity of Iraq and for all operations to take place with the knowledge of Iraq, and in consultations with Iraqi security forces."

(Reporting by Lesley Wroughton and Jeff Mason; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Jonathan Oatis)
FILE PHOTO: Sen. Panfilo Lacson

MANILA, Philippines  Senator Panfilo Lacson expressed dismay over the result of the caucus in the Senate on Wednesday night (February 6) as pork insertions remained in the bicameral committee report despite his opposition.

Lacson claimed that Senate Committee on Finance chair, Loren Legarda, did not present what was agreed upon between the senator and House Appropriations chairman, Rolando Andaya, in a small group bicam.

The senator claimed that the pork insertions specifically the P160 million per House member, plus the billion-peso insertions made by a number of their colleagues, and the P23-billion Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) insertions by a number of senators plus other insertions in different agencies have all been retained.

Lacson felt he was alone and said it was no use fighting for his argument.

Sadly, no matter how hard I argued last night, I only have one vote, he said.

Still, Senator Lacson has high hopes that some of his colleagues who have the same argument as his are supportive of deleting all pork insertions.

Meanwhile, a number of amendments were also retained in the Senate version of the proposed national budget including realignments of funds for flood control projects like the procurement of dredging machines; the 240-day-a-year school feeding program; additional allowance for teachers; and other appropriations.

Lacson, however, remains hopeful that President Rodrigo Duterte will heed his call to veto the line items in the proposed bill that pertains to the pork insertions.

Hopefully, the President and his economic managers will further scrutinize the final version of the budget bill as passed by Congress and exercise his veto power to excise the line items that clearly look and smell like pork, he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Nancy Binay believes it is better to wait for the result of the bicameral conference committee meeting tomorrow for the final version of the budget bill.

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After bicam, the Congress is expected to ratify the proposed 2019 National Budget Act.

Malaking epekto nito sa ekonomiya kapag natuloy itong reenacted budget so by tomorrow, hopefully meron na tayong 2019 budget, the hopeful Binay concluded.  Marje Pelayo (with reports from Nel Maribojoc)

The post Lacson not giving up on scrapping pork insertions in 2019 budget appeared first on UNTV News.
HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI) Chairman Richard L. Lee paid tribute to his Lasallian roots and affirmed his personal advocacy for innovation in the sciences with the launch of the Richard L. Lee Engineering and Technology Block.

The latest addition to the 50-hectare De La Salle University (DLSU) Campus in Laguna is set to realize its donors desire to be a premier innovation hub that bridges scientific research with business, and a seedbed for leaders committed to spread and nurture the Lasallian values of Religio, Mores, Cultura (faith, good conduct, and love for country) in the 21st century and beyond. Envisioned to enhance DLSUs reputation as a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Center of Excellence, the technology block will serve the countrys network of La Salle schools and over 50 other Metro Manila colleges and universities that have access to La Salle as a CHED Zonal Research Center.

DLSU was recently proclaimed as the only private university in the Philippines to make it to the 2019 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for outstanding research-intensive universities. Said rank puts DLSU in the top three percent of more than 22,000 higher education institutions in the world.

During the inaugural ceremony, Lee, a proud primus or first graduate of La Salle Greenhills, expressed delight that his dream to give back to his alma mater in a meaningful way is now a reality: It is an honor to provide a new institution of learning to De La Salle Universitys Laguna Campus. This is a place where minds will be sharpened, challenged to think critically, solve problems, and innovateThe Engineering and Technology Block now stands as a living commitment to produce generations of Lasallians rich in knowledge and skills, but even richer in heart, putting their energy, talents, ambitions, and ideas to bring more greatness to our nation.

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In response, DLSU President Br. Raymundo Suplido FSC said, (Four years ago), there was nothing here except a dream to have a place where research and education will find a homea very modest Silicone Valley. We needed path finders and Richard Lee was very eager to be a pathfinder. The Laguna Campus is the future of De La Salle University, where new programs will be offered and respond to the challenges of the 21st century.

In attendance at the inauguration were DLSU partners, luminaries from business, technology, education, and the diplomatic community.

Highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the symbolic turnover of the Innovation Bell by artist Pete Jimenez, Jr. The turnover of this commissioned artwork signaled the establishment of a tradition to honor the great minds that will be passing through the halls, explained Lee. Every time a brilliant idea, great or small, proceeds from these walls, the entire academic body celebrates with the ringing of this bell.

The Richard L. Lee Engineering and Technology Block is expected to enhance and broaden the applied learning experience of the academic community. It will house engineering programs in all fields. Ongoing programs include research in computer science, alternative and renewable energy sources, and road traffic management.

Richard L. Lee Engineering and Technology Block

The post HARI Foundation Inaugurates Richard L. Lee Engineering & Technology Block in DLSU Laguna appeared first on Carmudi Philippines.
Commuters using the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) may avail of free shuttle services, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Wednesday, February 6.

In a statement, the DOTr said three buses from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have been offering free rides from the Mall of Asia in Pasay City to the PITX in Paranaque City since last year.

The shuttle buses transfer commuters from 7 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 9:30 PM from Monday to Friday.

Aside from the PCG and MMDA, the Junior Chamber International Senate Philippines (JCISP) will also provide two buses traversing the PITX-Lawton (Liwasang Bonifacio) route and another unit for PITX-Baclaran lane starting February 14.

The JCISP shuttle service plans to operate beginning at 6 AM to 11 AM and from 3 PM to 10 PM from Monday to Saturday.

Through the cooperation of DOTr with other government agencies and private sector, an alternative transportation mode is being offered to commuters going to and from PITX, the DOTr statement read.

President Rodrigo Duterte spearheaded the inauguration of the PITX, the countrys first integrated and multi-modal terminal, on November 5 last year.

It serves as a transfer point for provincial buses from Cavite, Batangas, and in-city modes of transportation, providing efficient and seamless travel for commuters.

Duterte said PITX terminal is part of the governments ongoing efforts to construct much-needed infrastructure under the Build, Build, Build program to sustain economic development throughout the country.

The post Free Shuttle Services Offered for Commuters Using PITX appeared first on Carmudi Philippines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi who took the floor at the Parliament lashed out at the Opposition, especially the Congress party. He took quite a few jibes at the Opposition's mahagathbandhan and said that the Opposition has started hating the nation in their hate for the Prime Minister. The PM called the Congress party 'rotten' and said that the Congress party even insulted the Election Commission, the Supreme Court as well as the Indian Army.

"The Congress has become rotten now," he said, adding, "When I said Congress-mukt Bharat, I am merely fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi's desire".

Targeting the Opposition, the PM said that the mahagathbandhan is actually 'mahamilawat' coalition that cannot work for the country.

PM Modi also brought up the Rafale controversy. "I want to say it on the floor of the Parliament that the Indian National Congress does not want our armed forces to be strong. They do not want our security apparatus to be strong. Which companies are they bidding for that they are acting so shamefully?" he said. "I used to wonder why the Congress lied about the Rafale deal with such confidence. And then I realised, under the previous Congress governments defence deals had middlemen, the Congress gets frazzled when someone works with honesty."

Retorting on their criticism of BJP government's relation with the country's institutions, the PM said, " In 1959, Congress Central Government dismissed the Communist Government in Kerala. 60 years now, hope my friends from Kerala remember. So, what sanctity? What respect of institutions?"

"The people of India have seen the work a Government with a full majority can do. They have seen the work of NDA," he added.

The Prime Minister also spoke about electrification of Indian villages. Referring to Congress, he said, "I had to come and do what you could not do."

Taking a jibe at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi said, "In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation. That is why their leaders go to London and do press conferences to show India in bad light."

PM Modi also said, "When we talk of a new India, we talk of hope. We talk of two dates - BC and AD. BC is Before Congress and AD is After Dynasty," that was met with peals of laughter.

"This is an election year, and so it is a political compulsion for all political parties to say something in Parliament. I wish for healthy competition during election," he added.

Also read: PM Modi to lay foundation stone of Rs 1,938 crore highway project in West Bengal on Friday
Police in Chile arrested a former army chief Thursday on charges of torturing 24 people in 1973, shortly after the coup that brought dictator Augusto Pinochet to power, officials said. Retired general Juan Emilio Cheyre had already been convicted last November and sentenced to three years under house arrest for his role in the killing of 15 people in the so-called "Caravan of Death," a unit sent out by Pinochet to murder left-wing opponents of his regime. The latest torture charges stem from that case, and involve former prisoners who said they were tortured by Cheyre when he was an officer stationed in La Serena, 300 miles (480 kilometers) north of Santiago in 1973. Cheyre served as commander-in-chief of the Chilean army from 2002-2006, long after Pinochet had been forced to relinquish power in 1990. He and three other former officials reported to the human rights division of the police Thursday and were informed that they would detained at an army base in the capital Santiago. The men are accused of torturing prisoners being held at an army base. One of the accused, Cheyre's commander at the time, was ordered to be held under house arrest because of his age. A judge ordered that Cheyre remain in custody, noting that he is accused of "various crimes as the direct author of the interrogations and torture." Cheyre's lawyer, Jorge Bofill, said in a statement that "we categorically rejected the contents of the accusation, because Juan Emilio Cheyre never took part in the events set out there." But families of the torture victims welcomed the move. "Our relatives never killed anyone, they only thought in a different way to them. They are the ones who killed, tortured, abducted," said Marcos Barrantes, a relative of one of the people tortured. During the Pinochet regime 3,200 Chileans were killed or were abducted and presumed dead, while another 38,000 were tortured, according to official figures. Pinochet died at the age of 91, in 2006.
The Islamic State group's "caliphate" has shrunk to less than one percent of its original size, the US-led coalition said Thursday, as a final onslaught in eastern Syria loomed. Kurdish-led forces spearheading the offensive have paused operations but US President Donald Trump predicted Wednesday that a final declaration of victory would come next week. At its height, the jihadist proto-state proclaimed by IS in June 2014 straddled swathes of land in Syria and Iraq and was roughly the size of Britain. Major General Christopher Ghika, the coalition's deputy commander, described the size of the last IS pocket as "now less than one percent of the original caliphate." The coalition has been training and providing aerial support to the Syrian Democratic Forces, which launched an offensive on the last patch of jihadist territory in September 2018. Two months later, they took Hajin, which was the last town of note under IS control and left the jihadists fighting over a scattering of hamlets in the Euphrates River Valley. Thousands of suspected IS fighters have attempted to blend in with civilians fleeing the jihadist group's battered last bastion, including a large number of foreigners. "They are attempting to escape through intermixing with the innocent women and children attempting to flee the fighting," Ghika said in a statement. - 'Next week' - The SDF have set up screening centres to process the droves of haggard people streaming out of IS-held territory, often famished and covered in dust. US, French, British and other forces are also actively looking for wanted IS operatives among those fleeing the combat zone with civilians. After weeks of advancing steadily, the SDF halted their ground assault on IS's tiny remaining enclave last week, saying the jihadists were increasingly using civilians as human shields. The Kurds, who have de facto semi-autonomy in northeastern Syria, are also engaged in behind-the-scenes diplomatic talks over the fate of the region. Trump said in December that he had ordered a complete troop withdrawal from Syria, a shock announcement that left the Kurds scrambling for new allies. Speaking at the State Department on Wednesday, Trump said that US-led troops and their Kurdish allies should formally announce the end of the "caliphate" some time next week. "Remnants -- that's all they have, remnants -- but remnants can be very dangerous," Trump said. "Rest assured, we'll do what it takes to defeat every ounce and every last person within the ISIS madness" he said, using another acronym for IS. While IS will soon no longer have fixed positions anywhere in Iraq or Syria, its surviving fighters have reverted to guerrilla warfare and remain a potent force. The jihadists maintain sleeper cells, including along the border with Iraq as well as in cities they once ruled, and have carried out periodic hit-and-run attacks. The SDF arrested 63 suspected militants in the Syrian city of Raqa Thursday during an operation against jihadist sleeper cells, it said in a statement. At least 48 suspected IS members were among them, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory says that suspected IS sleeper cells have allegedly assassinated at least 50 civilians and 135 SDF fighters in Kurdish-held territory since August. - No 'transparency' - More than 37,000 people, mostly wives and children of jihadist fighters, have fled IS territory since the SDF, backed by the US-led coalition, intensified its offensive in December, according to the Observatory. The Britain-based war monitor has said that figure includes some 3,200 suspected jihadists. Kurdish authorities say they have in their custody hundreds of foreign male IS members. SDF spokesman Mustefa Bali told AFP on Wednesday that his group is detaining foreign IS fighters on a "daily basis." Suspected jihadists captured by the SDF are usually eager to be sent home, something the Kurdish administration also wants. Governments in the jihadists' countries of origin are often reluctant, although France -- which has one of the largest contingents -- recently said it would consider limited repatriations. Human Rights Watch has warned that any transfers of suspected foreign jihadists and their relatives out of Syria should be transparent. "We would definitely like to be present (during the transfer), or at least there should be some transparency," Nadim Houry, HRW's director of counter-terrorism, told AFP in the northern Syrian town of Amuda. "As we speak, there may already be transfers happening. There's been a total lack of transparency, and bad things happen in the dark," he warned.
BERLIN (Reuters) - Bayern Munich have agreed the future transfer of Hamburg SV teenager Fiete Arp, with the 19-year-old to decide whether he will join the German champions this year or next, the club said on Thursday.

The tall forward, a Germany youth international, is considered to be among the most gifted young players in the country. He has come through the Hamburg youth system.

"Youth international Fiete Arp, who is currently under contract with Hamburg SV will play for Bayern Munich by July 1, 2020 at the latest," the German champions said.

"The 19-year-old striker can already transfer in the summer 2019 or he will join Bayern for the 2020/21 season. The decision when he will leave Hamburg SV will be taken by Fiete Arp alone."

Bayern are third in the Bundesliga, seven points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund. They take on Liverpool in the Champions League last 16 later this month.

Arp's Hamburg are competing in the second division, having been relegated last season for the first time in the club's history.

(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Toby Davis)
5 Uncomfortable Financial Conversations You Must Have with Your Loved Ones

It can be awkward or even painful to have tough financial discussions with your loved ones. However, avoiding these conversations can be disastrous for your relationships and financial future. In this article we aim to outline these important conversations to help you conceptualise them and to eventually broach these conversations.

Get on The Same Page Financially Before Getting Married

Getting married requires you to be direct and honest as well as make compromises. When it comes to personal finances, different couples have different approaches, but there are a few things that you should definitely consider together before you end up tying the knot.

Be Honest About Your Personal Debt

If you or your partner have accumulated a significant amount of personal debt, you will want to discuss this before getting married or before combining your financial assets. This is an important conversation for couples, as debt can be a significant source of stress. It also may restrict your budget at times, so you'll want to be open and honest in order to avoid any more difficult conversations.

Average Annual Interest Rate by Debt Type

If you have a lot of credit card or other personal debt, you may want to consider a debt consolidation plan or balance transfer loan to help you pay down your obligations. Balance transfer loans allow borrowers to transfer their current personal debt to a loan that typically comes with a 3 to 12-month interest free period in which you can make repay a big chunk of your debt without incurring more interest. Debt consolidation loans are another great option, which tend to charge significantly lower rates than other types of debt, making them a good way to repay debt over a longer period of time. For example, the average personal loan rate is about 13%, while those debt consolidation loans tend to be about 9%.

Will You Apply for a BTO Flat Before Marriage?

Those that are on good financial footing may be excited to buy a home and start their lives together. Due to long wait periods, many couples in Singapore apply for BTO units before they are officially married. While there are clearly benefits to this approach, you should also be aware of the potential downside. If you cancel your booking for a BTO unit, you may end up forfeiting thousands of dollars. For this reason, you may not want to rush your first home purchase. Instead, you may choose to rent as a couple before you purchase an HDB flat.

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Median Monthly Rent of 3-Room HDB Flat by Neighborhood

Before Your Child Attends University, Explain the Financial Cost and Benefits

For those that are already married, many big financial decisions may revolve around your children. If your child would like to attend university someday, it is important to help support them academically so they will be prepared for this challenge. It is also important to help them understand this investment by explaining the difference in cost between various programs. For example, studying overseas or for a four-year degree is typically more expensive than studying locally or for a 2-year programme.

Annual Tuition Fees for Singaporean Citizens on Tuition Grant, 2013 vs 2018

Of course, the sticker price of each school is not the entire story. If your child knows what kind of programme they are interested in pursuing, you can help them explore career opportunities and understand the approximate returns of each major. Furthermore, it is important to help explain the burden of student loans as well as the benefit of these financing tools if your family does not have enough money to pay for their tuition in full. For some students, part-time work will also be appealing, so you will want to chat about balancing this work with their coursework.

Discussions with Parents

Some of the most difficult discussions can be the ones you should have with your parents. It can be hard for older people to accept advice from their children and it can be tough to bring up these conversations to the people who raised you. Still, it is important to understand your parent's needs, so these discussions are important.

Does Downsizing Make Sense?

For some elderly people, living in a larger home is unnecessary or even burdensome. For example, parents may have picked out their current flat or house when they were raising children. After these children leave the home to start their own lives, the space can be a chore to clean and maintain.

Furthermore, elderly retirees may be eligible for as much as S$20,000 if they choose to downsize to a smaller HDB flat through the Silver Housing Bonus. This programme provides a cash bonus to individuals that top-up their CPF Account after selling their current flat. Therefore, it is important to know if your parent(s) would benefit or be interested in downsizing from their current home.

Silver Housing Bonus Requirements

Owner is Singapore Citizen, 55 years or older

Gross monthly household income does not exceed $12,000

Selling HDB flat or private property with Annual Value of S$13,000 or less

Purchasing HDB flat (3-room or smaller)

Purchase price does not exceed sale price

No concurrent ownership of second property

What Happens When Loved Ones Pass On

Having a conversation to understand your parent's post-life wishes may be even more upsetting, but is equally important. For example, you will want to make funeral arrangements that your parent would appreciate. In Singapore, this can cost several thousands of dollars, so proper planning is essential. Additionally, you will want to understand their financial positions, such as any life insurance plans, investments or personal debts. If they do not already have a will, you may want to discuss this together as a family.

Major Takeaways: Be Honest & Plan Ahead

One crucial theme throughout this list is to have these important conversations before you are immediately confronted with financial decisions. If you take an open and honest approach with your loved ones and give yourselves time to make these big decisions, you are all more likely to end up better off.

The article 5 Uncomfortable Financial Conversations You Must Have with Your Loved Ones originally appeared on ValueChampion.

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Duty-unpaid cigarettes in modified compartments of a vehicle. (PHOTOS: Singapore Customs)

Twenty-five drivers who were lured into smuggling duty-unpaid cigarettes by online advertisements were arrested last year.

They were sentenced to jail terms of between 10 weeks and six months each, said Singapore Customs in a media release on Thursday (7 February). In addition, they had their vehicles  including cars and vans  seized by the authorities.

The ads, placed on social media platforms such as Facebook and WeChat, promised payments of between $100 and $600 for every smuggling trip.

Responded to Facebook ad

Screenshot of a Facebook ad recruiting drivers for the smuggling of duty-unpaid cigarettes from Malaysia into Singapore.

In one such case, Singaporean Law Hwa Peng, 45, had responded to a Facebook ad and was offered $400 to make a smuggling run.

He was provided a car and drove into Malaysia for duty-unpaid cigarettes to be loaded into various modified compartments of the vehicle.

But he was arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint on 16 November last year.

A total of 144 cartons and 1,143 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes were found in the car, which was seized. The duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaded amounted to about $22,050 and $1,610 respectively.

Law was jailed for 20 weeks on 21 January.

Duty-unpaid cigarettes found inside a modified compartment of a vehicle. (PHOTO: Singapore Customs)

In another case, Malaysian Ku Kai Chien, 25, drove his own van into Malaysia for a syndicate to load duty-unpaid cigarettes into his vehicle.

He was to be paid $400 for the smuggling run.

But Ku was arrested at Tuas Checkpoint on 21 March last year.

A total of 201 cartons and 790 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes were found in the van, which was seized. The duty and GST evaded amounted to about $23,910 and $1,750 respectively.

Ku was jailed for six months on 9 July last year.

Vehicles liable to be forfeited

Duty-unpaid cigarettes found in modified compartments of a vehicle. (PHOTO: Singapore Customs)

Under the Customs Act and the GST Act, buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possessing and dealing with duty-unpaid goods are offences.

Offenders face up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded, along with up to six years jail.

Vehicles used in the commission of the offences can also be forfeited.

Members of the public with information on smuggling activities, or evasion of Customs duty or GST can contact Singapore Customs via 1800-2330000, customs_intelligence@customs.gov.sg or the Customs@SG mobile app.

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SINGAPORE (Feb 7): DBS Bank is No. 34 in Brand Finances Banking 500 2019 annual report global rankings, rising six spots from No. 40 in 2018 and making it Aseans Most Valuable Bank Brand for the 7th straight year.

Brand Finance is an independent brand valuation and strategy consultancy. Its annual Banking 500 study ranks the worlds most valuable and strongest banking brands using an ISO-certified brand valuation method.

In its Feb 2019 report on the most valuable and strongest banking brands, Brand Finance also upgraded DBSs brand rating to AAA from AAA- previously.

Notably, the banks brand value has grown 38.9% to US$9.02 billion ($12.2 billion) from US$6.49 billion since the last report.

ICBC retained its No.1 global ranking in 2019 with an unchanged brand rating of AAA+, followed by China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China, which came in at second and third places, respectively, with AAA brand ratings.

DBS last month announced that it was ranked among the top 40 strongest brands in the world in the agencys Global 500 2019 annual report, which was issued in Jan this year.

At DBS, we constantly endeavour to improve the banking experience for our customers. In recent years, weve accomplished this through a relentless focus on digitalisation, coupled with a culture of innovation and human-centred design thinking that flows through our entire organisation, comments Karen Ngui, head of group strategic marketing & communications at DBS Bank.

We remain firmly committed to reimagining banking and it is an honour to once again represent Singapore among the 40 most valuable bank brands in the world, she adds.
In 3 years, fully locally assembled Dassault Falcon 2000 business jets will roll off an Indo-French 150,000 square foot production line near Nagpur's airport. With giant hangars currently under construction at Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) and the first Indian-built cockpit section of a Falcon 2000 - Dassault's bestselling business jet - to be delivered tomorrow to the French partner, work is apace to scale up towards assembling the full aircraft in India by 2022.

The work continues nearly 1,000 km from India's national capital where this facility is not seen amicably in one of India's most vitiated political atmospheres.

If 2019's election season in India ever had a list of the most controversial corporate sites, this one would effortlessly be top of the pack. It is here that France's Dassault and India's Reliance Anil Dhirubai Ambani Group (ADAG) have forged a corporate alliance to build aircraft parts. A facility that has, over the months, become the highlight of a continuing political war waged by India's opposition Congress Party on the Narendra Modi government.

For the first time since its inception in 2017 - and certainly since the political scandal over India's Rafale jet deal broke - India Today was among a small group of reporters given access today to the facility. For a full year now, this facility has functioned physically far from public view, but relentlessly in allegations leveled. Its very existence has been the core of one of the most ferocious political punch-up in recent memory.

Asked if the political war has impacted work here at the facility, Dassault Aviation Senior Executive VP International Benoit Dussaugey says, "Not at all. We've made our road and we follow our path. We won't change our strategy based on politics. We are not affected and cannot comment on what is said by ZYZ."

With a current strength of 22 trained personnel assembling Falcon 2000 cockpit and front fuel tank sections, the facility will finally scale up to a workforce of 650 working on the full jet. By that time, the company hopes to be able to churn out 2 jets per month.

Whether Dassault will completely shift Falcon 2000 assembly work to India remains unclear - company executives said that union and labour issues continue to be politically sensitive in France at this time, but that a decision would be taken in a year.

"This facility makes big sense for Dassault because of the low cost of manufacture. We have a strategy here in India and feel it's a better place to do what we do than China," says Dusaaugey.

DRAL began with the stated vision of being a facility that would build parts for both business jets and fighter aircraft, though it will be confined to the former for the foreseeable future. Building parts for the Rafale would be a consideration with orders beyond the current 36, says Dussaugey, with this 31 acre facility to be where Rafales will be manufactured in the event that Dassault Aviation manages to win the Indian Air Force's 110 Made in India fighter contest.

Under the stewardship of CEO Sampathkumar S.T., DRAL is currently singularly focused on the Falcon 2000 - work that will allow Dassault to fulfil part of the large offsets obligations it has on the 7.8-billion euro Rafale deal. By September, when the first four of 36 Rafales are delivered to the IAF, Dassault will have to present a clear path on how it plans to fulfil its offsets obligations.

Dassault and Reliance announced their joint venture and the creation of DRAL on 3 October 2016, barely two weeks after India signed a 7.87-billion euro deal for 36 Rafale jets. A joint statement by the two companies declared that new joint venture would be be a 'key player in the execution of offset obligations, as a part of the 36 Rafale fighter jets purchase'.

Just over a year later, in October 2017, the DRAL facility at Nagpur was inaugurated, with both Dassault CEO Eric Trappier and Reliance ADAG's Anil Ambani along with his family in attendance. No one at the site could have known that just a few weeks later, the facility would become the symbolic centrepiece of an aggressive political campaign launched by the opposition Congress Party under the stewardship of its then de-facto (and later designated) leader Rahul Gandhi.

With both partners, Dassault and Reliance drawn into a very public and no-holds-barred political slugfest, leadership at both companies sought to dispel allegations of government cronyism, with Dassault's CEO indicating in an interview two months ago that the first Falcon business jet parts (as part of offsets in the Rafale deal) were under delivery.

ALSO READ:Shares of Anil Ambani's RCom dive 48% on bankruptcy announcement

ALSO READ:Why Reliance Infrastructure share price fell over 23% in trade today
 "The New Amy, Vicky, and Andy Act: A Positive Step Towards Full Restitution for Child Pornography Victims" | Main | Another review of the bad mess surrounding the "good time" fix in the FIRST STEP Act 

February 7, 2019

Updated versions of great reads from the "Square One Project" on criminal justice policy and reform

In this post from last fall, I noted the new Square One Project working to "reimagine justice" and conducting executive sessions and roundtables on the future of justice policy. In that post, I noted some early draft of interesting papers from the project, and yesterday I got an email pointing me to this page with links to these now finalized papers:

Bruce Western, The Challenge of Criminal Justice Reform After three decades of growth in the U.S. incarceration rate, we have entered a period of criminal justice reform. However, efforts to reverse mass incarceration need to address the social conditions of poverty, racial inequality, and violence in which punitive criminal justice policy has expanded. Efforts that aim only to reduce prison populations, or neglect the harsh socioeconomic conditions in poor communities of color, will fail to sustainably reduce the burdens of over-imprisonment. A new, socially-integrative, vision of community health and economic flourishing is the best way to respond to the problem of violence in contexts of poverty and racial injustice. Arthur Rizer, A Call for New Criminal Justice Values The U.S. criminal justice system expresses our nations values, for better or worse. For most of the early and middle 20th century, rehabilitation guided criminal justice policies, but in the 1970s and 1980s, notions of retribution, deterrence, and incapacitation emerged as replacements and signaled a dramatic shift in criminal justice policy. Now, as we enter an era of criminal justice reform, it is time for a new set of values. Parsimony in criminal punishment, which seeks the least coercive response, can undo the damage of overreaching incarceration. Parsimony in punishment serves the more fundamental values of liberty and limited government, which embody a distinctively American commitment to human freedom. While our history has clearly disappointed the values of parsimony, liberty, and limited government, the oncoming era of criminal justice reform opens the door to new and exciting possibilities.

February 7, 2019 at 10:38 AM | Permalink

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February 7, 2019

"The New Amy, Vicky, and Andy Act: A Positive Step Towards Full Restitution for Child Pornography Victims"

The title of this post is the title of this new article authored by Paul Cassell and James Marsh, which is forthcoming in the February 2019 issue of the Federal Sentencing Reporter. Here is its abstract:

Providing restitution to victims of child pornography crimes has proven to be a challenge for courts across the country. Child pornography is often widely disseminated to countless thousands of criminals who have a prurient interest in such materials. While the victims of child pornography crimes often have significant financial losses from the crimes (such as the need for long term psychological counseling), allocating a victims losses to any particular criminal defendant is problematic. Five years ago, the Supreme Court gave its answer on how to resolve this issue with its ruling in Paroline v. United States. Interpreting a restitution statute enacted by Congress, the Court concluded that in a child pornography prosecution, a restitution award from a particular defendant is only appropriate to the extent that it reflects the defendants relative role in the causal process that underlies the victims general losses. In the ensuing years, lower courts have struggled to implement this holding. Just recently, Congress stepped in to ensure that victims will receive appropriate restitution. In November 2018, the Senate and House resolved their differences in how to handle the issue, passing the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018 (or AVAA for short). President Trump signed the legislation into law on December 7, 2018. In this article, we describe the impact of this important new legislation. We set the stage by describing the need for restitution for child pornography victims, using the story of the lead victim in the Act (Amy) as an illustration of why restitution is needed. We then turn to the problematic legal regime that was created by the Supreme Courts Paroline decision, noting some of the confusion in the lower courts following the ruling. Against this backdrop, we then discuss the AVAA, explaining how it will be a useful step forward for victims of these crimes. One even more important possibility is that the Act could set a precedent for expanding restitution for victims in the future.

February 7, 2019 at 08:55 AM | Permalink

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"relative role in the causal process"

Our nation is now considering legal action against the distributors...of opioids. Shouldn't there be like minded legal pursuits against those who are complicit in the streaming of such illicit material? P2P services? ISP services?



Posted by: tommyc | Feb 7, 2019 11:17:38 AM

Child pornography is often widely disseminated to countless thousands of criminals who have a prurient interest in such materials.

Criminals? Child porn is distributed to anyone. Freely available on the internet. Sometimes distributed by the FBI.

The "prurient interest" is not what makes criminals; simply clicking the link is what makes a criminal.

Not defending the use of child porn but pointing out how crazy the laws are. The person who created the images by recording abuse is the one responsible for damages. Those convicted of looking at the images are being used as a source of funds...and their arrests are way for law enforcement to look as if they stopping child abuse when they are not.

Recording something other than abuse should not be treated as if it were abuse.

Posted by: marie | Feb 7, 2019 12:04:00 PM

I agree with the other comments. The big ISPs need to be held accountable for allowing this stuff to be distributed.

Posted by: Chris W | Feb 7, 2019 3:32:57 PM

Mr. Berman, may I remind you that you yourself pointed out a few years ago that you wish that some kind of technology be developed that aids in the PREVENTION of this horrible material to be so freely streamed to anyone who has an internet connection. I ask you, what other crime is so easily accessible, and so freely available? There are a lot of vulnerable people in the world. Should civilized societies continue to allow ongoing sexual exploitation of minors as a tool to entrap its vulnerable citizens?

Posted by: tommyc | Feb 7, 2019 10:20:08 PM

As a general matter, tommyc, I prefer using technology to try to proactive prevent crime rather than simply have punitive reactions to crimes later committed. But my sense is that some criminals will often find ways to evade even the best crime-stopping technologies.

Posted by: Doug B | Feb 8, 2019 12:48:45 AM

I agree with you Mr. Berman...on both your statements...with a caveat. I think my point might be better presented by using an analogy: If the internet could materialize, (Star Trek comes to mind) opioids in one's own home, for free, with zero warnings, offered to anyone in the household, would opioid use in our country increase or stay the same?

Posted by: tommyc | Feb 8, 2019 9:36:20 AM

A good question, tommyc, but not a perfect analogy. Especially when the CP involves sexual acts between adults and young children, a person knowingly accessing such material must know that a child has been victimize to make the CP and should know that the dissemination of that material serves to exacerbate the victimization. One of various reasons I am supportive of providing restitution to victims of child pornography crimes is because it helps ensure people realize that these crimes are anything but victimless.

Posted by: Doug B | Feb 8, 2019 10:35:26 AM

Yes, on its surface it's not a perfect analogy. Before I say more, I should state in very clear terms that CP is not a victimless crime. And that restitution for, not only CP possession, but for many crimes should be considered in light of the very real loss the victims incur. Still I wonder what other crimes of this level of seriousness are so readily available to the general public. We are talking about doctors, lawyers, the clergy, judges, state troopers, psychologist, FBI agents,those who have clinically diagnosable issues, etc...

So, we're in agreement regarding the harm it does to the victim, and to the need for restitution...but from whom? Should our ISP's, and P2P sites continue to be immune from prosecution, and restitution? (Think how the opioid crisis is being adjudicated now).

These crimes are committed mostly by "otherwise law abiding individuals." As is stated by Judge Reinhardt in your September 08, 2014 post. Judge Reinhardt goes on to state; "it is my view that psychological impairment is in most, not all, cases the cause of the criminal conduct."

Our society concentrates so much effort in demonizing and criminalizing this unusual class of offenders. Have we fully examined the role the internet may have in the commission of this crime? In closing, my concerns are best summed up by what Judge Reinhardt stated in US v. Hardrick:

"Many lives of otherwise decent people have been ruined by psychological problems they are not presently capable of controlling. Incarcerating them will not end the horror of child pornography or the injury it inflicts on children. All it accomplishes is to create another class of people with ruined lives - victims of serious mental illness who society should instead attempt to treat in a constructive and humane manner."

Posted by: tommyc | Feb 8, 2019 3:12:35 PM

Ashley Mac NJ Porn Photographs, Adult

Posted by: ashley mac | May 22, 2019 3:17:39 AM

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 Updated versions of great reads from the "Square One Project" on criminal justice policy and reform | Main | US Supreme Court, voting 5-4, vacates Eleventh Circuit stay of execution in Alabama for Muslim death row prisoner 

February 7, 2019

Another review of the bad mess surrounding the "good time" fix in the FIRST STEP Act

I have done a few prior FIRST STEP Act implementation posts here and here focused on the problems with immediate application of its "good time" fix. This recent Mother Jones article, fully headlined "Trumps One Real Bipartisan Win Is Already Turning Into a Mess: Confusion and division over a provision in the First Step Act has left thousands of well-behaved inmates in limbo," effectively explains the issue and reports on the latest state of affairs. Here are excerpts:

The law stipulates that prisoners can use these credits to shave off as many as 54 days from their sentences each year, up from 47 days previously  a change that also applies retroactively. Before the measure passed, criminal justice reform advocates estimated it would allow about 4,000 people to get out of prison quickly, perhaps even in time for the winter holidays. Before the measure passed, criminal justice reform advocates estimated it would allow about 4,000 people to get out of prison quickly, perhaps even in time for the winter holidays. Lawmakers speaking in private to advocacy groups were reportedly clear that the credits would be recalculated right away  in order to take immediate effect  according to activists I spoke with who were involved in discussions about the bill on Capitol Hill and at the White House leading up to its passage. Theres no doubt what the intent was, says Jessica Jackson Sloan, national director of #cut50, an organization that seeks to reduce the prison population and that lobbied hard for the bill. This stuff was debated ad nauseam publicly on the floor of the Senate, adds Holly Harris, executive director of the Justice Action Network. Legislative intent is very clear. On December 22, just one day after the First Step Act was signed, Vivek Shah, a federal prisoner in Chicago, tested that theory. He filed a habeas corpus petition in federal court seeking his immediate release from confinement because of the new rule on good-time credits. But in early January, US District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman denied his request, saying that the law did not actually allow for his release until a later date. Technically, she wrote in her decision, the First Step Act stipulates that these extra credits cant be doled out to inmates until after the Justice Department develops a risk and needs assessment program, a process that could take more than seven months, according to a deadline that she notes was laid out in the law. Advocacy groups quickly shot back. The risk assessment, they argue, is specifically intended to help prisons figure out which inmates can spend extra days in halfway housesa completely different point unrelated to determining which inmates can shave off time for good behavior. Theres literally nothing in the good-time credits that has anything to do with the risk and needs assessment, says Erin Haney, a policy director at #cut50. These are people who are in good standing and have been given 47 days, and it just has to be recalculated to 54 days. The discrepancy in the policys interpretation seems to be a result of lawmakers putting the provision about good-time credits in a section that deals with the risk assessment program, a fact Judge Coleman notes in her ruling. Activists from the group FAMM, which advocates for families of incarcerated people, have suggested this was a legislative drafting error given the previous assurances about speedy recalculation of credits. Everyone, including us, missed this mistake in the bill, says Molly Gill, vice president of policy at FAMM. We have notified lawmakers of the problem and asked them to fix it. To address the issue, lawmakers could pass a rider clarifying that good-time credits should be recalculated immediately, Gill says, or the DOJ could issue an administrative directive ordering the Bureau of Prisons not to delay the process. But when contacted by Mother Jones, several lawmakers who co-sponsored the legislation declined to comment on the record about whether it was a drafting mistake or their intent to make well-behaved inmates wait for the risk assessment program. Taylor Foy, a spokesman for Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who helped craft the law and chaired the Judiciary Committee when it was passed, said it was not an error. The text of the bill has been around for quite a while. It shouldnt be a surprise, Foy said, adding that Grassley hopes the risk assessment can be developed as quickly as possible. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), one of the Democrats who championed the bill, declined to comment about his interpretation of the provision, as did Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Doug Collins (R-Ga.), who were crucial in drafting the legislation. The Bureau of Prisons appears to be on the same page as Grassley. We know that inmates and their families are particularly interested in the changes regarding good conduct time, it said in a statement to Mother Jones. While this change may result in additional credit for inmates in the future, it is not effective immediately nor is it applicable to all inmates. The agency added that it would wait until the risk and needs assessment system is issued by the Attorney General. It did not say whether it had provided guidance on the matter to individual prisons, but at least two facilities sent the same statement to inmates in January, according to advocacy groups. The Bureau of Prisons is likely in a holding pattern for the near future, since any directive about the First Step Act would need the cooperation of the attorney general, which is what makes the Barr hearing so critical, says Harris of the Justice Action Network, referring to William Barr, Trumps nominee for the position. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Barr said he had no problem reforming the prison system and would faithfully implement the law, but his record of tough-on-crime rhetoric raises questions about the extent to which he would intervene to help inmates get out sooner.... Matters were made even more complicated over the past month because of the record-making government shutdown. Lawmakers have largely been consumed by the impacts of the shutdown and negotiations over border security, while the Justice Department furloughed workers and delayed its development of the risk assessment program during those weeks. So the long and short of it is that prisoners will end up waiting at least seven months, and likely longer, before they can get their sentences reduced with the extra good time promised under the First Step Act, says Gill.... In the meantime, those 4,000 prisoners who hoped to be out for the holidays remain stuck behind bars waiting for answers. Many inmatesare disappointed that nothing is happening, an incarcerated man at the Federal Prison Camp in Duluth, Minnesota, wrote to me during the shutdown, speaking generally about the First Step Acts implementation. Theres nothing more urgent than freedom, adds Haney.

Prior related posts:

February 7, 2019 at 11:27 AM | Permalink

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Delay (not defeat) snatched from the jaws of victory (and freedom).

Posted by: James Gormley | Feb 7, 2019 12:46:30 PM

Didn't some marijuana dealer sentenced to life get out early and get nailed for selling fentanyl?

Doug?

Posted by: federalist | Feb 7, 2019 7:51:40 PM

Are you talking about this story, federalist?

Feds say they've cracked prison drug network: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/02/02/Feds-cracked-prison-drug-ring-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-noah-Landfried/stories/201902030042

Interesting that, according to the report, a number of the folks involve in drug dealing were in prison. Seems to show that sending someone to prison does not stop them from being able to commit certain types of crimes. I found notable the report that the lead defendant "got life in federal prison in 2010" but "ended up serving less than eight years." I hope to find out what enabled such a drastic reduction in the sentence. The Drug -2 guideline change would not seem to allow such a big sentence reduction, and I am not sure what other basis there would be for such a huge sentence reduction.

Posted by: Doug B | Feb 7, 2019 9:32:34 PM

The story about Noah Landfried (marijuana offender with a life sentence) was part of a speech given by Senator Tom Cotton at the National Association of Narcotics Officers. It was interesting that he said that Noah Landfried, a marijuana offender was released from his life sentence because of "Obama leniency changes"

Obama's administration did not have any initiative that would give sentencing relief to a marijuana offender with life. I was curious and plowed through the Obama Clemency's to see if that was the reason for the release. Mr.Landfried's name was not on the list of those who received clemency from Obama.

Now I have to speculate about why Mr Landfried was released. The only conclusion I can reach is that he received an administrative release from the doj for cooperation in a drug investigation into drugs coming into the bop.

January 8 2019, Mr. Landfried was indicted on a federal charge for a drug conspiracy that distributed drugs in federal prison. Now I have to speculate, but he could have been indicted for conspiring with those he had given information about for his early release.

It's interesting that Senator Cotton used this in his speech and that there was an attempt to make it the responsibility of Obama's leniency. That is clearly not true. Landfried's release most likely could only be facilitated by the DOJ.

Mr. Cotton may have been given this perplexing and improbable information by the Association he was addressing. At the event, Mr. Cotton also received the National Association of Narcotic's Officers Member of the Senate Award.

Posted by: beth | Feb 8, 2019 1:20:18 PM

Beth, I share your suspicions here, though it seems possible that Landfried was eligible for modification thanks to the Drug -2 guideline change, and then got a further reduction due to cooperation. I am hoping there will be more objective information about this case emerging so we can better understand what happened.

Posted by: Doug B | Feb 9, 2019 10:34:39 AM

Well - a little checking - he was not a marijuana only offender with life. He did not go to trial which is always a red flag. He had a plea deal and they dropped the cocaine and ecstasy charges. His sentence was reduced twice, first to 312 months and then to 117. The conspiracy also distributed heroin. It would be interesting to know why he was released.

Posted by: beth | Feb 9, 2019 6:17:19 PM

Thanks for the additional info, beth, and I am still curious about each of these major reductions. Assuming it was based on cooperation, we should think about whether he was incentivized to continued drug dealing so he would have information to trade for an early release.

Posted by: Doug B | Feb 11, 2019 9:29:32 AM

Yes, and then indicted for the conspiracy? Very strange. He cooperated when he got the life sentence.

Posted by: beth | Feb 11, 2019 4:26:40 PM

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 Previewing SCOTUS consideration of capital competency (and making a case for abolition) | Main | Challenging issues for SCOTUS in criminal cases that may impact only a few persons ever and the entire structure of government always 

October 2, 2018

New "Square One Project" already producing terrific paper on re-imagining criminal justice policy

This posting from the Laura and John Arnold Foundation (LJAF) describes a notable new criminal justice reform effort that formally launched a few weeks ago:

The Square One Project, a three-year initiative to rethink justice policies from top to bottom, launched [on September 20] at D.C.s National Press Club. Square One brings together a diverse cross-section of academics, policymakers, and community organizers to re-examine traditional responses to crime and envision a new paradigm that can address systemic inequalities such as poverty and racial discrimination. The Columbia University Justice Lab, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and Laura and John Arnold Foundation (LJAF) support the project. Square One seeks to reform a criminal justice system in urgent need of change . Over the last four decades, the number of people in Americas prisons and jails has increased 500 percent. Prisons are overcrowded, states struggle to fund basic services, and racial inequities inherent in the system have devastated communities. The project asks: If we set aside the traditional response to crime, and ask first whether other responses might be more effective  if we begin at square one  how would criminal justice policy be different? said Kelli Rhee, President and CEO of LJAF. The initiative consists of three core components: an executive session focusing on justice policy; roundtables in cities across the country; and a comprehensive community engagement and communications strategy. In the executive session, about 30 leading experts, practitioners, and scholars will meet twice a year to develop and refine proposals. This format will test and push participants to challenge their own thinking and consider new options, said Bruce Western, co-director of the Columbia University Justice Lab. These frank, off-the-record discussions will ultimately yield fresh discourse and new research among academics, policymakers, practitioners, and communities. Roundtable sessions will invite broader engagement with community members and a variety of stakeholder groups, tackling a single, complex policy challenge. The first Square One roundtable is scheduled for Oct. 11-13 in Durham, N.C., in partnership with North Carolina Central University. The discussions, held at the NCCU School of Law, will be live-streamed.

As shown in this page at Square One's website, the executive session part of the project is already producing some very interesting papers by some very interesting people:

Though I am not sure if additional papers will be emerging from the Square One executive sessions or the roundtables, I am sure folks interested in thinking deeply about the present and future of criminal justice policies and practices in the United States should be watching what this project continued to produce.

October 2, 2018 at 09:03 AM | Permalink

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There are several major themes already in play concerning changes in the criminal justice system. First, bail reform, because the current system so favors the moneyed classes over the poor. Keeping people in jail as pre-trial detainees is expensive, and also ends up getting innocent people to plead guilty, just to get out of jail and back to work before they lose their jobs and homes. Second, drug and alcohol treatment is coming to be favored over incarceration, so treat the underlying causes of perhaps 75% of all crimes. Third, except for the truly violent defendants, the sentences of most defendants are far too long and expensive for the taxpayers. Fourth, inmates need to be taught employable skills and taught how to re-enter society, so they don't return to committing crimes upon release.

Posted by: Jim Gormley | Oct 2, 2018 1:40:41 PM

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Facebook took down hundreds of fake accounts from Iran that were involved in a vast manipulation campaign active in more than 20 countries.

Facebook took down 783 inauthentic accounts , pages and groups from Iran that were involved in a vast manipulation campaign active in more than 20 countries.

The worlds biggest social network said it removed 783 pages, groups and accounts for engaging in coordinated inauthentic behavior tied to Iran.  reported the AFP Press.

Nathaniel Gleicher, head of cybersecurity policy at Facebook, revealed that the pages were promoting Iranian interest in tens of countries, threat actors used fake identities as residents of those nations,

The pages were part of a campaign to promote Iranian interests in various countries by creating fake identities as residents of those nations, according to a statement by Nathaniel Gleicher, head of cybersecurity policy at Facebook.

Facebook continues its efforts to prevent manipulation of its platform for fraudulent activities.

We are constantly working to detect and stop this type of activity because we dont want our services to be used to manipulate people, Gleicher

declared.

Were taking down these pages, groups and accounts based on their behavior, not the content they post. In this case, the people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts to misrepresent themselves, and that was the basis for our action.

Threat actors behind the campaign represented themselves as locals and posted news stories on current events. The accounts were used to discuss about topics of interest for Iranians, such as Israel-Palestine relations and the conflicts in Syria and Yemen.

This morning we removed 783 Pages, groups and accounts for engaging in coordinated inauthentic behavior tied to Iran. There were multiple sets of activity, each localized for a specific country or region, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, US, and Yemen. wrote Nathaniel Gleicher.

The Page administrators and account owners typically represented themselves as locals, often using fake accounts, and posted news stories on current events. This included commentary that repurposed Iranian state medias reporting on topics like Israel-Palestine relations and the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, including the role of the US, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.

In some cases, the activity carried out by the fake accounts date back to 2010.

Facebook pointed out that although threat actors attempted to hide their identities, the manual review of the activities associated with these accounts allowed them to identify the coordinated inauthentic behavior from Iran.

The campaign operated by threat actors as early as 2010 involved 262 pages, 356 accounts, and three groups on Facebook, as well as 162 accounts on Instagram.

According to Facebook, about 2 million accounts followed at least one of the above pages, about 1,600 accounts joined at least one of the groups, and more than 254,000 accounts followed at least one of these Instagram accounts.

The social network giant reported that operators spent less than $30,000 in ads on Facebook and Instagram, they were paid for primarily in US dollars, UK pounds, Canadian dollars, and euros

We identified some of these accounts through our continued investigation into Iranian coordinated inauthentic behavior we found and removed last year .  concludes Gleicher.

Our investigation was aided by open source reporting and information provided to us by our industry peers. We have shared information about our investigation with US law enforcement, the US Congress, and policymakers in impacted countries. 

Pierluigi Paganini

( SecurityAffairs  Facebook, manipulation campaign)

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The popular movie Finding Nemo might have been on the big screen several years ago, but recently the films main character appeared on a much smaller stage  under an electron microscope at Auburn University.

While researching methods that might one day lead to a successful charge of your cell phone in two seconds, Armin VahidMohammadi, a 30-year-old doctoral student in Auburns Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, found a likeness to the animated clownfish. The image was at a size 10 times smaller than the width of a human hair, swimming through shadowy layers of two-dimensional conductive nanomaterials called Mxene.

For VahidMohammadi, it was just another day at the office.

Im doing my research, and theyll just pop up and randomly start to look like something, he said of the likenesses to pop culture characters he regularly spies in nanomaterials with the assistance of a $500,000 JSM-7000F scanning electron microscope, or SEM.

VahidMohammadis discoveries are well known on a growing competition circuit cultivated by aesthetically minded materials engineers who regularly interpret aspects of their research as works of art. His find of Nemo  named Nano Nemo on the Water  earned him a grand prize in an annual Scanning Electron Microscope image contest by the Japanese company JEOL, a global supplier of electron microscopes.

The microscopic images are black and white so once VahidMohammadi spots a familiar face, he brings it to life in Photoshop. He then submits the colorized version to the JEOL contest.

In 2016, VahidMohammadis find of the incredible Nano Lord Voldemort of Harry Potter fame, conjured from MXene particles, placed first out of nearly 200 submissions in the Materials Research Societys semi-annual Science as Art competition. Two years later, he won first again with a turtle he spotted in clouds of vanadium carbide, which wowed attendees at the 2018 Fall MRS Meeting and Exhibit in Boston.

The Science as Art competition, which began in 2005, is open to the nearly 15,000 society members across the globe. Only two have won first place more than once.

The only student? Auburns VahidMohammadi.

I dont think most people realize it, but those awards are very competitive, said Majid Beidaghi, an assistant professor in mechanical engineering and VahidMohammadis faculty advisor.

Beidaghi is the ideal faculty advisor for VahidMohammadi. Before coming to Auburn, Beidaghi was on the Drexel University research team that discovered MXenes in 2011.

When I was doing my postdoctoral work at Drexel, I used to work with students [on their entries] and it was very challenging. We maybe had one student win an award. Most just submitted things without really getting a good result.

But Armin, Beidaghi said, is very talented.

And he doesnt just mean in the lab.

I was actually a 3-D modeler and an animator back home, said VahidMohammadi, a native of Iran. It was 10 or 12 years ago. I made commercials with blue screen and green screen for local TV.

The final project he put his name on before coming to the United States in 2013 involved rendering computer-generated imagery of Old Tehran for a made-for-television murder mystery.

I was doing my studies and then working on those things, VahidMohammadi said. That was my outside work.

So this, he said of his nanomaterial masterpieces, is kind of bringing those two worlds together.

And its a match made in publicity heaven.

The latest issue of Advanced Materials features VahidMohammadis research on assembling 2-D MXenes into highly stable pseudocapacitive electrodes that could charge almost instantly and provide power to supercapacitors for millions of charging cycles.

Thats a big deal.

Our findings are very important and hopefully will result in many different research directions in the future, Beidaghi said. But with the art Armins doing, you get that same kind of exposure, and maybe even more, because its not limited to any one journal. All people working in materials science are exposed to the competitions at these [MRS] conferences. I think there are, like, 10,000 attendees. So the exposure [for Auburn] is, I think, much higher.
" " Recreational cannabis grow rooms, outfitted with 24-hour LED grow lights, are becoming common in U.S. cities where marijuana farming is legal. Ben McLeod/Getty Images

Not a lot of legitimate scientific research involves growing marijuana plants in a garage, but that's what it took for William Vizuete, associate professor of environmental sciences and engineering at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina, to begin to untangle the problem of whether the booming cannabis industry in Colorado is affecting air quality in Denver.

As more states legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational use (as of 2018, 33 states and Washington D.C. have decriminalized the drug in some form or fashion), studies suggest marijuana farming impacts the environment in a variety of ways, from wildlife habitat fragmentation to its extreme energy and water requirements. But until Vizuete and a Ph.D. student went to Denver and bought and monitored 12 marijuana plants  three specimens of four popular cannabis varieties  in a garage, nobody had ever figured out the toll cannabis farming could be having on air quality.

"I was collaborating with the National Center for Atmospheric Research, but I couldn't grow plants in North Carolina where I live  I couldn't even bring them into a federal facility in Colorado," says Vizuete. "In Colorado, you can legally buy the plants and bring them home to your private residence and grow them, so we did that. We set up shop in the garage and took measurements using the techniques and methods we use for every other plant."

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Gas Emissions

Vizuete's research, published October 30, 2018 in the journal Atmospheric Environment, set out to discover the composition and the rate at which marijuana plants emit gases called terpenes. There are many different kinds of terpenes  an oak tree makes a lot of one called isoprene, and when you're walking through a pine forest, it's a terpene called alpha-pinene that you're smelling in the air. Terpenes like eucalyptol are what give marijuana plants their distinctive aroma, but these compounds also affect the atmosphere:

"The Appalachian Mountains are called the Smoky Mountains because of that white haze you see there," says Vizuete. "This happens because particles are formed when these terpenes react in the atmosphere, forming aerosol and causing that mist."

Vizuete and his team found marijuana plants to be pretty average emitters of terpenes, and that the composition of and rate at which the terpene gases are emitted by the plants depend on the strain of the marijuana plant.

But what does all this have to do with air quality?

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Terpenes and VOCs

Terpenes are a type of chemical called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released into the atmosphere and contribute to the chemistry that produces air pollution. Scientists realized this about 40 years ago, and the rest of us discovered it in 1981, when President Ronald Reagan famously claimed that "trees cause more pollution than automobiles do." He was partly right  in a city like Atlanta, Georgia, it's hard to get the air quality models right without taking into consideration the colossal numbers of oak trees in the southeast United States.

It works like this: In the presence of sunlight, VOCs like terpenes react with another type of compound called nitrogen oxides (NOx), which come from combustion sources: power plants, automobiles, any industry that makes a flame. When you have the right amount of NOx and VOC in the presence of sunlight, you get particulate matter and ozone  both air pollutants.

"It's a very complicated chemistry, which is why scientists have to run air quality models to figure it out," says Vizuete. "Depending on the ratio of VOC to NOx emitted in any one place, different kinds or amounts of those pollutants can be made. For example, the southeastern U.S. has a lot of VOCs due to all the trees, but because most of the southeast is rural and there aren't a lot of sources of NOx, the chemistry isn't right for making air pollution. However, if you go to Atlanta, there is plenty of NOx from all the combustion sources  mainly cars. Now there's the right amount of NOx and VOC to make air pollution."

Denver, Colorado, on the other hand, is basically high desert, so there aren't a lot of biogenic VOCs. Unlike Atlanta, Denver has a lot of NOx but not a lot of trees. If you wanted to make air pollution  ozone and particulate matter, you'd add VOCs to that equation.

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Enter Marijuana

Which is where all the marijuana plants come in.

In Denver, the cannabis industry has created an indoor marijuana forest in warehouses, converted into growing facilities with hundreds of thousands of plants. There are over 600 of these outfits in Denver alone, most of them right at the intersection of two interstate highways.

"If I wanted to do an experiment in which I made a bunch of ozone and particulate matter, I'd put a bunch of trees in the middle of downtown Denver, and that's exactly what's happening with this industry," says Vizuete.

Vizuete and his team are starting to gather some basic data on marijuana as a crop. Since it's a federally listed substance, all the methods and technologies that have been developed over the years to understand the emission factors of crops like tomatoes, corn and pine trees have not been applied to pot plants. As it is, Denver is nearly at nonattainment for air quality (meaning it's an area with persistent air quality problems that has violated federal health-based standards for outdoor air pollution), so a forest of marijuana in the middle of downtown it not likely to help matters, but the data has to be collected before they can say one way or the other.

The other issue is that, since marijuana is unregulated, it's not controlled.

"There are all these regulations for other industries," says Vizuete. "If I ran a gas station and I was supposed to be capturing VOCs so they didn't go into the atmosphere, I could be fined or put out of business if I wasn't doing that. It's not an expensive or unconventional thing to do, but nobody's ever done it for marijuana because no federal regulations, oversight or research exists."

Now That's Interesting Uruguay was the first country in the world to fully legalize marijuana.
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Shares of Japanese multinational holding conglomerate, SoftBank Group (OTC:SFTBF,OTC:SFTBY) have jumped the most in a decade after founder and CEO, Masayoshi Son, announced plans to repurchase 600 billion yen ($5.5 billion) of the companys stock, a radical shift from his favored strategy of spending capital on tech investments.

SoftBank shares soared 18 percent in Wednesdays after-market to hit the daily limit after Son announced the massive buyback program during the companys 9-month earnings presentation--enough to lower outstanding share count by ~6 percent at current prices. He said the buyback will be funded using proceeds from the $2.65 trillion yen (about $23.5 billion) IPO of its telecom business in December last year with the rest being equally split between debt paydowns and investments.

25 - 4 = 9?

Rallies after the institution of large buybacks programs are not unusual. After all, a lower share count translates to higher earnings per share and, frequently, dividends. But its not every day that a six percent share drawdown results in a near-20 percent climb in share price. So, whats all the enthusiasm about?

The answer lies in the riddle 25 - 4 = 9? that Son posed during the presentation. Its a formula that outlines just how badly SoftBank is undervalued in the market where 25 is the value of the companys assets in trillions of yen; 4 trillion yen is the companys debt while 9 trillion yen represents the companys market capitalization.

The formula was designed to capture Sons longstanding argument that SoftBanks share price does not accurately represent the full value of its businesses and investments. In fact, Son has repeatedly said in the past that SoftBank shares could be trading at a huge 50 percent discount to a fair value calculated on a sum-of-parts basis and is even outlined in the companys website. Related: Greed Is Ruling The Markets Once Again

The market was excited by the announcement on two main fronts. First off, by putting his money where his mouth is, Son demonstrated that he actually believes in his undervaluation thesis. Company executives usually authorize repurchases when they believe their shares are trading substantially below fair value.

Second, Son has a good track record as far as buybacks are concerned. The last time he announced a buyback program was back in 2016 when he unveiled a 500 billion yen- authorization leading to SoftBank shares hitting their daily limit before going on to double over the next 12 months.

(Click to enlarge)

Source: CNN Money

SoftBank as an investment

So far, investor enthusiasm in the company appears well justified.

The company reported a 9-month 17.5 percent increase in net income while the same metric climbed 24 percent during the last quarter despite a severe mobile service outage that hit millions of customers. SoftBank has generally proven a sound investment under Son as evidenced by the companys enviable 40 percent-plus IRR (Internal Rate of Return) and solid share gains, especially over the past three years.

But, more importantly, the companys strategic investments seem to be doing quite well. The company has been focusing heavily on its $100-billion investment arm, Vision Fund, through which it hopes to channel most of its future investments especially in IT, AI and IoT. SoftBank is comparable to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK.A,BRK.B) in that they are both holding companies.

However, the two take very different approaches with Buffett preferring to invest in mature companies with well-established profit streams as opposed to Son who has a strong bias towards promising tech startups. During the latest earnings call, Son revealed that valuation gains by his portfolio of companies in Vision Fund as well as in SoftBanks own Delta Fund were largely responsible for profits tripling to 176 billion yen during the last quarter.

SoftBank hopes to be defined in the future by exciting industries like AI and IoT and less by its traditional telecoms sector. Indeed, Son has expressed willingness to sell the companys stake in Sprint Corp. (NYSE:S) and invest in Vision Fund.

Vision Fund has a highly aggressive approach, churning through promising young companies before quickly cashing out. The company has already spent half its funds during the first year of operations and could run out of money for further investments unless it can liquidate some of its holdings or find new sources of funds.

And that is where things could get a bit tricky. Vision Fund is backed by several tech heavyweights including Apple, Foxconn Technology, Qualcomm and Sharp Corporation. The government of Abu Dhabi, however, is its biggest financial partner with Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund contributing $45 billion to the venture and having pledged a similar amount for a second venture.

Several partners have become impatient with the Saudi crown prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman after he was implicated in the murder of dissident, Jamal Khashoggi, in October last year. Several international CEOs, including Ubers Dara Khosrowshahi, pulled out of a major investment conference that the prince has organized in Riyadh. SoftBanks crown jewel is likely to face growing scrutiny given Saudi Arabias outsized role in the fund.

On a brighter note, very few companies have permanently cut ties with Saudi Arabia over the killing, with Son expressing his plan to stand by his main financial backer. With another major windfall set to come his way from the crown prince, you can hardly fault his tenacity.

By Alex Kimani for Safehaven.com

More Top Reads From Safehaven.com:
Not exactly standing up to the Kim regime. Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

Theres a reason wise public speakers dont use the Holocaust to illustrate their points very often: The magnitude of its horror, and the courage shown by its survivors, tends to make our contemporaries look pretty puny. Last night was no exception.

In the foreign-affairs section of his State of the Union address, President Trump devoted as much rhetorical effort to the Holocaust, and the survivors and soldiers in attendance, as he did to contemporary U.S. security policy. Usually, in American public discourse, one invokes the Holocaust to signal profound moral clarity and purpose, and to target immoral and inhuman regimes of the present day. Americans never wavered when confronting Nazis, the trope goes, and must likewise stand fierce and firm against Bad Regime X.

That logic might have made sense if Trumps speech only covered his policies toward Iran and Venezuela, but it completely fell apart when he discussed North Korea. While the regimes in both Venezuela and Iran treat their people terribly, and Tehran in particular also exports mayhem abroad, Pyongyang is on a whole other level of awful, in terms of decades-long privations and totalitarian restrictions on information and association. Yet rather than condemning North Korea, Trump touted his good relationship with Kim Jong-un, and confirmed that the two leaders will meet in Vietnam at the end of the month. Our hostages have come home, nuclear testing has stopped, and there has not been a missile launch in more than 15 months, he added.

Every U.S. president has chosen to stand firm against some regimes while palling around with others. However, its doubtful that any of Trumps predecessors would have announced a second summit with North Korea on the same day that a leaked U.N. report alleged that Pyongyang is violating sanctions to get fuel on a massive scale, actively keeping its nuclear weapons updated and ready for use, and apparently selling weapons to groups in Sudan, Libya, and Yemen. In Yemen in particular, that means they could end up being used against American service members.

This move is shocking to foreign-policy professionals who see the U.N. report as evidence that Trumps policies toward North Korea are unsuccessful. When massive sanctions violations are reported, the traditional response is to set a meeting with the violator, not brag to the world about your successful use of sanctions. But this is entirely consistent with Trumps approach to North Korea; hes been unwilling to use leverage against Pyongyang, or attempt to make deals in the conventional sense.

Trumps audaciousness didnt end there. He also claimed that his North Korea policy is saving the U.S. and the world from a nuclear conflagration, saying, If I had not been elected president of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea. This line was meant to appeal to a certain wing of Trumps base, the realists and noninterventionists who were eager for the U.S. to bring its troops home and stay out of wars  and who love to caricature Hillary Clinton as an arch-interventionist.

Is there any truth to the idea? Pyongyang tests and provokes every new American president, and Clinton would have been no different  likely experiencing the same set of missile launches early in her tenure that Trump did. (Lets be honest, possibly more, as the North Koreans would have wanted to see if her gender made her weak.) But you simply cannot imagine Clinton or anyone on her team unleashing the barrage of insults and social-media provocations that Trump did, leading to the spiraling tensions of fire and fury and nuclear false alarms. It was that set of developments in spring 2017 that seemed to bring us to the brink of war. And the North Korea hawks who cheered Trump on  Lindsey Graham and John Bolton, among others  would not have been seen as influential or relevant to a Clinton presidency, further diminishing the tension.

Its unlikely that President Hillary Clinton would have had any better luck at convincing the North to genuinely denuclearize  because it seems never to have had any intention of doing so. But would the Clinton administration have come to accept, just two years in, that the U.S. has to live with a nuclear North Korea, and shifted to a strategy based around arms control? That seems doubtful, in no small part because the same GOP senators who accept Trumps North Korea overtures would have spent weeks trying to impeach Clinton if shed so much as sent a secretary of State to meet with Kim, much less doing so herself.

This is where the current fad for Trump revisionism  Trump foes cheering his alleged intention to end the endless wars, and musing that the president might be a necessary disrupter whos more decisive than President Obama  gets some major things wrong. Trump gets away with disrupting established U.S. security patterns, discomfiting longtime allies, and making unilateral, nonstrategic decisions because he uses abrupt, bullying tactics in a simulacrum of strength  and because his fellow Republicans have decided thats enough toughness for them.

Last night the president also walked back his prior commitment to a specific timetable for getting U.S. troops out of Syria, and seemed unsure about whether or not negotiations with the Taliban would result in a U.S. troop pullout from Afghanistan. At this point, the policies he is disrupting are his own administrations; a clear policy either way would probably produce better results, uncomfortable as that is for those passionate about the U.S. either staying or going.

If youre looking for an honest consideration of Holocaust-level suffering in our day, and policy responses that are at least decent if not courageous, the U.S. Congress may deliver. While Trump failed to even mention the U.S.-supported Saudi war in Yemen last night, its currently the worlds No. 1 cause of starvation. A bill passed in the Senate last year to force Trump to end the U.S.s role in that war is expected to come back up in both houses of Congress shortly. That would be a good time for lawmakers to display moral clarity, bipartisan leadership, and all the other virtues the president sought to signal last night.
Is the Goldilocks economy back in the driving seat? Probably not, though the unfolding market frenzy would have you believe so despite the fact that its coming hot in the wake of some of the worst turmoil in recent memory.

After a brief encounter with the big, bad bear, optimism has returned to the markets with a vengeance and greed rules once again. Suddenly, the late-cycle narrative seems so passe and money managers are gobbling up negative-yielding debt and other risk assets like its 2017 againall thanks to a return of dovish monetary policies.

Buckle up for the ride; risk-on markets are here again.

(Click to enlarge)

(Click to enlarge)

Source: CNN Money

End of easy money?

Something funny happened towards the end of 2018. According to a survey conducted by Bank of America Merrill Lynch on global fund managers, for the first time since the Great Recession, investors wanted companies to prioritize paying down their mountains of debt as opposed to dividend hikes or bigger buybacks.

The office of Financial Research had earlier flagged corporate debt as a potential problem after years of easy money had led to overleveraged balanced sheets. A cross-section of analysts predicted that 2019 would be defined as a big year for deleveraging. Related: Slack Seeks $10B Valuation For Direct IPO

But so far, the evidence coming in suggests just the opposite-- that the era of easy money remains very much alive.

Investor appetite for high-yield bonds is showing no signs of waning even after hitting a crescendo in 2018. This was clearly demonstrated over the past week after investors pumped billions of dollars into high-risk investments.

Crisis-prone Greece had little trouble amassing blockbuster orders for its $2.5 billion-euro ($2.9 billion) bond sale, while serial-defaulter Ecuador was able to sell $1 billion in new bonds as the government continues talking to the IMF for a new round of funding. Meanwhile, the frontier nation of Uzbekistan is getting ready for a debut international offering, no doubt encouraged by the blossoming risk-on environment.

Here in the U.S., high-yield investing is looking to make a rebound as the market hopes that the easy-money policy will prolong the business cycle that was earlier feared to be on its last legs. That asset class has already posted the biggest monthly gain in seven years and the world is now awash in negative-yielding bonds to the tune of $8.6 trillion, a level they last touched two years ago.

(Click to enlarge)

Source: Bloomberg

Negative bond yields is an anomalous situation where bond issuers are actually paid to borrow. This happens when bond prices keep climbing, usually due to high demand, and depress yields. Bond yields move inverse to prices. At some point, the price of the bond increases sufficiently implying negative yield for the purchaser.

Bad news is good news

So, has the fiscal environment improved so dramatically to warrant such a gung-ho attitude?

Short answerno; on the contrary, what we are witnessing is a replay of the post-crisis thinking where the market views bad economic news as good news for the investment markets.

Related: Italys $1.7 Trillion Debt Could Threaten The EU

The thinking here is that the unfolding economic malaise (bad news) will encourage more dovish policies by the Fed and other central banks that will prove enough to offset any economic slowdown and even boost risk assets (good news).

As James Athey, senior investment manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments, has aptly noted:

Markets have shown repeatedly in the past the extent to which they can ignore economic and political reality when they feel that central bank policy is a tailwind. 

If youre inclined to more risk-taking, Wall Street seems to agree with you. According to BNP Paribas, the case to be tactically bullish can be made squarely on the dovishness of central banks. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley, chief economist Chetan Ahya has also given risk-takers the greenlight predicated on a recovery of global markets and easing trade tensions between the Washington and Beijing.

Others like HSBC, though, have warned against complacency over the ongoing monetary largesse by pointing out that markets could quickly reverse gains if upbeat economic data pushes the Fed and ECB back to the tightening path.

By Alex Kimani for Safehaven.com

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Happy Year of the Pig! This week marks the start of Chinas Spring Festival, during which an estimated 3 billion trips will be made using the countrys massive transportation network of roads and rail. That figure is a slight rise from the same period last year, despite slowing economic growth prompted by trade tensions with the U.S. and a strengthening dollar.

Ctrip, Chinas largest online travel agency, forecasts that more than 400 million people will travel across the country for family reunions, while some 7 million will go abroad.

To prepare for the additional travel demand, China built as many as 10 new railways at the end of last year and expanded the length of its high-speed rail system to 29,000 kilometers, or around 18,000 miles. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) expects more than 532,000 flights to be scheduled during the week-long travel rush, a 12 percent increase from last year, according to China Daily.

(Click to enlarge)

Since the start of 2018, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Chinas top economic planner, has approved 27 large-scale infrastructure projects, totaling nearly $220 billion. Among the largest is the expansion of the Shanghai Metro, already the worlds largest transit system by route length. The $44 billion project, to be completed by 2023, will add six new subway lines and three intercity railways.

Looking for a Resolution to the Trade Dispute

If youve been paying attention, you might have noticed that much of the news involving China right now is negative. Its manufacturing sector is slowing, and economic growth in 2018 was at a nearly-30-year low.

Related: Slack Seeks $10B Valuation For Direct IPO

I believe this is only a temporary lull as we await a resolution to the U.S.-China trade war and a fall in the U.S. dollar, which has made American goods more expensive to its trade partners. So I remain bullish on China and the surrounding region, and I believe now might be an advantageous time to gain exposure.

The U.S. and China reportedly made tremendous progress during last weeks high-stakes talks between President Donald Trump and Chinas Vice Premier Liu He. Although technology and intellectual property rights remain sticking points, China is slated to substantially increase its purchases of U.S. crops, energy and services.

Case in point: Just two days after the January 31 talks, Chinese state-run agricultural conglomerate COFCO Group and Sinograin reported purchasing at least 1 million tons each of American soybeans. This marked the Asian countrys first order of soybeans from the U.S. since the summer of last year, when purchases were halted as a result of escalating trade tariffs.

The good news here is that the U.S. and China appear to be working toward a resolution. Official Chinese outlets called the talks candid, specific and fruitful. President Trump affirmed that, although much work remains to be done, progress is being made.

Related: Silver Demand Set To Grow Significantly In 2019

Looking ahead, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will meet at least once with Chinese President Xi Jinping sometime later this month. And Trump is reportedly considering planning a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, possibly near the time of the summit with North Koreas Kim Jong Un.

Ongoing U.S.-China Tension Expected to Divert Trade to the European Union

Im confident that a resolution will come sooner rather than later, as neither side has anything to gain from continued trade hostility. In fact, they have much to lose. This week, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD) estimated that the tariffs imposed by Washington and Beijing will do very little to protect the respective economies, and that a majority of the bilateral trade will instead be diverted to firms in other countries, most of them European. Those in Mexico, Japan and Canada would also stand to benefit.

(Click to enlarge)

Overall, European Union exports are those likely to increase the most, capturing about $70 billion of the United States-China bilateral trade$50 billion of Chinese exports to the U.S., and $20 billion of U.S. exports to China, the report reads.

I think its safe to say that neither China nor the U.S. wants this, which drives me to believe that well see a satisfactory resolution in the coming weeks. Hopefully then Chinas manufacturing sector and gross domestic product (GDP) growth can recover.

By Frank Holmes

More Top Reads From Safehaven.com:
The EU

Google says the EU requires a notice of cookie use (by Google) and says they have posted a notice. I don't see it. If cookies bother you, go elsewhere. If the EU bothers you, emigrate. If you live outside the EU, don't go there.
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Schultz is right. In fact, a recent Pew Research poll found that 53 percent of Democrats want the party to move in a more moderate direction, not embrace the radical policies of Ocasio-Cortez. That is precisely what the party needs to do if it wants to beat President Trump. Democrats should be trying to win back the millions of once-reliable Democratic voters who twice cast their ballots for Barack Obama but switched to Trump in 2016.

But instead of tacking to the center to win back voters, Democrats are embracing leftist policies such as government-run health care, government-funded college for all, a government-funded job guarantee and a "Green New Deal." Together, these programs would cost $42.5 trillion -- about twice the national debt. And they are claiming they can pay for it all by taxing the very rich. That's impossible, and Americans know it. But it is what the most rabid elements of their party are demanding.

This is the problem with our politics today. Both sides have decided that the way to win is no longer to persuade those in the middle, but rather to throw red meat to their hardcore supporters and get them more worked up than those on the other side. Lost in the shuffle are millions of reasonable, persuadable citizens who are left to choose between two unpalatable alternatives.
Cooperation will be the theme of the next installment in the free STEAM Cafe series.

Despite Our Nature: Incentivizing Cooperation will be presented at 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at Hay Camp Brewing Company, 601 Kansas City St. in Rapid City, according to a news release.

Saurav Kumar Dubey, assistant professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, will give the presentation.

There will be a food truck and beverages available for purchase during the presentation.

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Census blocks can be a few city blocks or several square miles in western Nebraska, Hladik said, depending on the population of those areas. There are some census blocks in the U.S. larger in size than the state of Connecticut.

The FCC form submitted by internet service providers big and small only requires those companies to notify the government if they provide broad-band internet to the census block  not an individual home.

"In this program, the provider only has to tell which blocks it serves," Hladik said. "If it serves just one house, then all the houses (within the cen-sus block) are counted as served."

Benes said she relished the chance to start a business in Nebraska, and has moved into the home her grandfather grew up in, but added the state needs to address the issue to foster future growth.

"We're not going to recruit young people to Nebraska if we can't provide basic services like high-speed internet," she said. "The internet is very much becoming a necessity."

Brandt's bill does come with a fiscal note, a cost of upgrading and maintain-ing the online mapping system over time that would be paid for through a fee charged to cellphone users in the state.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Photo: Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Bill de Blasios efforts to integrate New York Citys specialized public high schools are in limbo at the moment, pending legal challenges and resistance from parents of current students. The New York Times took the opportunity on Wednesday to publish a series of interviews with Asian-American alumni regarding the mayors hotly debated proposals.

One response in particular stands out: that of Soo Kim, who graduated Stuyvesant High School in 1993, attended Princeton University, and is now president of Stuyvesants alumni association. Kim opposes the mayors plan  which includes a more inclusive admissions process that I will describe in greater detail later  but his take on the conversation about race and segregation that surrounds it is also worth a closer look.

How is this possible, that people are saying were segregated, were Jim Crow, Kim told the Times. These words are too harsh. It makes me feel like Im a bad person.

This is a striking and revelatory assessment of whats happening. New York City officials admitted long ago to having a segregated public school system, and committed to integration. A 1955 study  conducted the year after the U.S. Supreme Court decided Brown v. Board of Education  found that 42 city elementary schools were more than 90 percent black and Puerto Rican, and nine middle schools were more than 85 percent. Though these 51 facilities comprised just 8 percent of the citys elementary and junior high schools at the time, the extremity of their divisions fueled some soul-searching by the board of education. [Public] education in a racially homogenous setting is socially unrealistic and blocks the attainment of goals of democratic education, New York Citys Board of Education declared.

But the boards commitment to integration eroded over the decades amid declining political will, white flight, and resistance from white families. Today, New York State is the most segregated in the nation for black students, with 64 percent attending schools that are less than 10 percent white. Half of New York Citys schools are now more than 90 percent black and Latino.

Segregation is a matter of fact, not of feeling, and Kims claim that it is too harsh a descriptor because it makes him feel bad belies that it is the literal state of affairs, not a rhetorical effort to assign guilt to him personally. Yet his assessment is indicative of a broader cultural trend, most prevalent among white conservatives, that considers being called racist worse than actual racism. Maine governor Paul LePage, a Republican and flagrant bigot who in 2016 described people of color as the enemy, recently equated being called a racist with calling a black man the N-word or a woman the C-word. It just absolutely knocked me off my feet. The level of delusion on display is stunning, but like Kims comments, has the added effect of reducing racism to an abstraction whose stakes are the feelings and social standing of those often best protected from its negative consequences, rather than the experiences of the most vulnerable.

Nevertheless, the opinions of Asian communities in New York have been a vital part of the discussion for a reason, and not all of those interviewed by the Times for Wednesdays story shared Kims outlook. Asians comprise 62 percent of the specialized high schools students despite being just 16 percent of the citys student population. Their predominance at institutions like Stuyvesant and Brooklyn Tech can be attributed almost entirely to their success on the Specialized High School Admissions Test  a standardized exam available to all city middle-schoolers that has for decades been the sole admissions criteria for the specialized schools.

Part of de Blasios plan includes scrapping the test altogether and instead offering admission to the highest-performing 7 percent of students at every middle school in the city. Black and Latino children are nearly 70 percent of the citys student population, which means that eliminating the SHSAT would likely cut the specialized schools Asian student population in half and increase their black student population fivefold, according to estimates.

Predictably, resistance has been fierce, particularly among white parents of current students and advocates for Asian students. You people are proposing a grand experiment on our children, said one white parent at a heated public forum in December. Another implored those gathered to [put] yourself in the place of the black and Hispanic kids who are there because of counting methods, implying that said kids would be out of their depth and unprepared for the competition.

The major complaint from Asian advocates has been that their communities were not consulted prior to the proposal. This indignation illustrates, if nothing else, the level of investment and sense of ownership that defines many Asians relationship to the test. Citywide, Asian New Yorkers have the highest poverty rates of any racial demographic, at 24.1 percent, and have long relied on the test and its consequent access to the citys high-performing academic institutions as a means of upward mobility. [Something] like pure meritocracy is how Wesley Yang described the current system for New York in 2011  focused solely on the results of an exam that anybody can study for, and unconcerned with any formula to encourage diversity or any nebulous concept of well-roundedness or character.

But access to such opportunity should not be a monopoly. [One] thing I cant accept is when they say things like, Our kids have worked hard. We deserve this, Brooklyn Tech graduate Tasfia Rahman told the Times. The unspoken thing is that other kids in other families dont deserve this. As I have written before, school resources in America are distributed and hoarded according to race. And even though Asian students in New York face barriers to accessing quality educational resources  especially in poor immigrant communities  to say that they deserve a greater share of that access on the basis of a single test, and at the expense of black and brown communities that might be even more deeply disadvantaged, betrays the promise of equitable public education for all children that New York City made more than 50 years ago.

Yet this perception of deservedness remains the metric used to dictate access to these schools. It is the reason why Kim can justify maintaining a system that grants disproportionate access to Asian-American children, while dismissing its negative effects  like the continued relegation of black and brown children to substandard school conditions  as the province of his personal feelings rather than a material phenomena with material consequences. Inequality may run rampant in the United States, but it is by no means unavoidable  not in society writ large, and certainly not in public education.
President Donald Trump's State of the Union address was not a great speech - he can no more deliver a great speech than his bargain-basement aides can craft one - but it was greatly revealing. What it showed is how little his views have in common with what used to be known as American conservatism. There was, in fact, almost nothing conservative about it save for his cheap-shot attack on socialism (which he equated with Venezuela rather than, say, Denmark) and his evangelical-pleasing call to ban late-term abortions.

He offered almost no domestic agenda, but much of what he proposed - more infrastructure spending, "nationwide paid family leave," and lowering prescription drug prices - was straight out of the liberal wish-list. There was not a mention of cutting spending or balancing the budget - once staples of GOP rhetoric. Republicans used to be the party of free trade, but Trump bragged about his imposition of tariffs and asked for authority to impose even more tariffs (a.k.a. taxes). Republicans also used to be the "law and order" party but in one of the speech's odder lines - "if there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation" - Trump seemed to equate special counsel Robert S. Mueller III with foreign enemies bent on attacking America. The reality is, of course, the opposite: Mueller is defending America from an attack carried out by Russia.
The bartender hustled over with a cup of warm water  a tea bag on the saucer, lemon wedges and honey in a bear-shaped bottle on the side.

The cold-weather remedy is kept on hand behind the bar at Parkside Grill & Lounge for some of the iron workers who stop in after their shifts. Building the new Interstate 74 bridge, just a couple blocks north of the Parkside, the workers sometimes need help thawing out.

"She knows what I order," Josh Rangel said as his tea was delivered to his table. "The warm stuff helps my throat."

A few layers of shirts, pants and socks help with the rest of him.

Rangel, 38, is a union steward for Rock Island-based Iron Workers Local 111.

And he has a bridge to build.

Local locals on the job

Of the 200-or-so iron workers with Local 111, about 60 of them are helping build the new Interstate 74 bridge.

By spring, the job will likely call up many more from the Local's pool.

Replacing the current bridge with one that will be twice its width is a multi-year undertaking. The project's $1.2 billion price tag includes improvements to the connected corridors, such as the expanded interstate lanes in Moline. But the construction of the bridge itself is what's captivating Quad-Citians.

One group from Local 111 has been working on the river and building bridge parts out of the "bone yard" on the Moline shoreline for more than 18 months. Others, like Rangel, came to the job this summer and are working directly for the primary contractor, Wisconsin-based Lunda Construction.

"Our crew was hired to do the arch," Rangel said of the "basket-handle design" that will rise 164 feet above both spans of the new crossing. Getting the arch built is critical to the construction timeline. Without it, concrete cannot be poured on large portions of the driving surface of the westbound span, which is scheduled to open to traffic late fall.

While several floods affected construction, the bridge has remained on schedule. But recent snowfall and below-zero temperatures are complicating conditions in the work zone.

"Some of the boats can't get us out to the site, and they're using (barge) tows to get through the ice pack," said Rangel, a Davenport native. "Every time we get snow, we have to spend a lot of time getting rid of it, clearing it away. We use shovels, salt, brooms and leaf blowers.

"I don't mind working in the dark. It's the slipperiness that can get to you."

Catching a bus on the river

For many months, iron workers have been twisting and braiding rebar into sturdy molds to hold concrete, resulting in caissons, footings, piers and the platforms from which the arches will rise.

The driving surfaces will require thousands more tons of neatly threaded rebar  work that isn't nearly as interesting to some iron workers as the work done on and in the water. Supplying rebar, which is short for reinforcing bar, can be tedious and tiring on long stretches of bridge decking, because iron workers spend their days bent over.

But it's not as dangerous, nor as challenging as other aspects of the build.

"When we're setting girders, for example, you've got the crane on one end, which picks the piece you're setting," said Mike Olvera, an East Moline native and also a Local 111 iron worker and a foreman for the bridge. "So, there's the crane on one end and eight or 10 guys on the other, pushing the piece where it goes."

Iron worker Terry Dimick moved to the Quad-Cities from Michigan nearly 30 years ago and is a job steward for 111. "That's where the craftsmanship comes from, figuring out how to push the iron through to where it goes," he said.

And what about working directly beneath giant pieces of iron and steel that hang from a crane? The iron workers must have considerable faith in the crane operators who "pick" (as in pick up) the pieces they need?

"Every time I'm part of a pick, my heart is racing," Olvera said.

Then there are the heights, the weather, the water, the tools and the risk. Though iron workers' goal is to be tied off to something 100 percent of the time to prevent a fall, it's not always possible to achieve that goal.

"As the saying goes, Iron workers go where no one has gone before, " Olvera said. That's because we're literally building as we go. There's not always something to tie off to."

Olvera and Dimick are working for PJR Construction, which is based in southern Illinois. From the time Olvera started on the bridge in September 2017, he's been putting in mostly six 10-hour days, beginning at sunrise.

"We get picked up by three or four boats each morning  seven or eight guys per boat," Olvera said. "It's basically like a bus. They drop you off at your pier."

In all, he said, there are more than a dozen boats in the work zone on any given day, provided the Mississippi isn't frozen. For many months, the iron workers were ferried to the platforms they built for the arches, and they were impressed by the boat captains who navigated in such a tight workspace that's being constantly hammered by current.

"Most of the operators, including those running the boats out here, use the same hand signals we do," Olvera said. "If I don't know 'em, I will get to know 'em. They have my life in their hands."

Making a bridge  Total concrete on all let contracts: 110,545 cubic yards.  Total rebar on all let contracts: 30,204,641 lbs.  Total structural steel on all let contracts: 70,252,318 lbs.

Describing what they do

One of the jokes of the trade among iron workers is that rebar has heat in it.

Of course, the thousands of 180-pound rods that give the bridge structure most of its strength are not heated. But once you start working with it, Olvera and Dimick said, you warm right up.

The trick to working with rebar, the men said, is to make it work within the precise designs and specifications of the engineers who provide the blue prints. While iron workers are the experts at manipulating rebar, they have to do so in exact accordance with the bridge plans.

"The real magic is the guy who reads the prints and knows what has to happen," Dimick said, motioning to Olvera, whose job is to make sure the plans are followed. "The specs tell you the distance between each piece of rebar. To be sure, everything we do is inspected. We have a good relationship with the inspectors."

Olvera credits the quality of iron work that has gone into the bridge so far to the training his team got from Local 111.

"Our work on the westbound span really went off without a hitch," he said. "There's no changing the engineers' plan. We have to make it work.

"Our 111 has taught its members very well. We are educated and trained before they'll let us out there. We're like a brotherhood of teachers, passing down knowledge and skills, so we exceed in this dangerous field."

Without the iron workers, there is no bridge: It will sit on piers that are supported by caissons, which are cylindrical foundation supports that are drilled deep into the river's bedrock. The bridge requires 237 caissons, which were made by iron workers. Eight caissons are needed for most of the piers' footings, and the piers' insides are filled with rebar. The bridge deck then will rest on the piers, and those surfaces also get their strength from iron worker-supplied rebar.

To leave their mark, Olvera and Dimick said, they write their names and those of family members on pieces of rebar and elsewhere on the structure  even though most everything will be covered in concrete and paint.

"I'll always be able to drive across the bridge and know I was in there, and I know everybody else who was in there," Olvera said.

New I-74 bridge details Each span will have three thru-traffic lanes and an auxiliary lane for exiting. It also will have a multi-use path on the Illinois-bound span, which will be separated from vehicle traffic by concrete barriers with steel rails. The new westbound span (Iowa-bound) is to open late this year, and eastbound is to open in 2020. The existing westbound span will remain open to local traffic only. Illinois-bound traffic will remain the same. The westbound span will be sufficient to accommodate interstate traffic, DOT officials said, because it will be 72 feet wide, which is larger than both spans of the existing bridge, combined. Demolition of the existing I-74 bridge is scheduled for 2021.

About those arches

For many months, the project engineer for the new I-74 bridge, Danielle Alvarez, of the Iowa Department of Transportation, has been talking about the complexity of the bridge arches.

The chief challenge is getting the two sides to meet in the middle, which Alvarez said requires "extraordinary precision."

The arch piers that were fabricated and erected by iron workers have to angle precisely, so the attached sections of arch are directed over the river in the proper trajectory.

But the first sections cannot be added until the bearings are in place. Also built by iron workers, the bearings are the anchors for the arch pieces, and each side of the arch requires four bearings. In all, eight bearings were built, and templates of the pieces came before them.

The bearings look like large squares of concrete with stainless steel spikes sticking out from underneath with the upper portion encased in rebar.

On the outer face of the bearings are plates, which will provide the attaching surface for the arch pieces. The plates imbedded into the bearings will be milled to the perfect angle  within one-hundredth of an inch, Alvarez said, and the work will be done by a contractor who specializes in the technique.

Iron can expand or contract with changing temperatures, so cables are tied to neighboring piers, and they can be pulled or loosened to make minor tweaks to the angle of the arch pieces. Suspension cables will forever be a part of the bridge's anatomy and carry most of the structure's load.

But cables from the neighboring bridge piers will not provide sufficient support during the arch raising, so two 200-foot tall towers were added to either side of the arch piers. The temporary towers were put together by iron workers.

On a freezing Monday morning at the end of January, Rangel was lifted to the top of the towers in a basket  about 230 feet above the surface of the Mississippi  to release the cranes that were used to raise them.

In a cell phone photo, Rangel, straddling the top of the pier as he disconnected the crane, is smiling broadly from under his hard hat as fog surrounds him. The construction platforms on the river below are barely visible.

Asked whether such work is hard on the nerves, Rangel replied, "It's very peaceful up there."

The builds before the builds

Cranes don't put themselves together.

The 341-foot crane that has arrived for the erection of the arches was delivered in 45 sections of boom. It was put together by iron workers and a couple of "oilers," the name given to the people who assist and provide backup to crane operators.

As the base and housing of the crane sat on a barge, the crew of iron workers and oilers added more and more sections of boom from the shoreline. As the crane got longer, the crew instructed the barge's tow operator to move it farther out into the water.

The crane will require a custom-made picking beam to fetch arch sections. The beam has eyelets for the crane harness, but it also has a special feature: As arch pieces are picked, one end of the beam can be raised or lowered, so the pieces can be set down at varying angles.

Rangel said he also has been building planks to walk on as arch pieces are raised. At some point, though, somebody is going to have to go inside the long pieces of iron that form the arch.

"There's no welding to connect those pieces," Rangel said. "It's all bolts."

Each connection will contain between 1,000 and 2,000 bolts, he said, and an iron worker must go inside with a torque wrench to tighten the bolts.

"It's way up there, but I'm used to that, because I've been on top of wind turbines that are 360 feet," Rangel said. "It's the type of work  a trade  that's not cut out for a lot of people.

"We never work alone, because it's too dangerous. I tell the apprentices they should never go anywhere they're not comfortable, because that's how you get hurt. The only dumb question is the one you don't ask. If you don't know what you're doing, walking out on that icy iron isn't proving nothing."

How safe is it?

Many of the people building the new I-74 bridge have little time to do anything else.

"I work, eat, shower and sleep," Rangel said. "That's about all I have time for."

To endure the frigid cold and wind on and above the Mississippi River, he said, iron workers have differing choices of protection. He chooses blue jean bib overalls over top of insulated jeans with long underwear as the first layer. He then wears an Under Armor shirt under a turtle neck, which then is covered in a long-sleeved T-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt. Finally, he wears "church socks" (men's dress socks) under thermal socks.

Olvera and Dimick say they prefer the summer work season over winter, because extreme heat is easier to tolerate.

All the work crews must participate in routine "Man Overboard Drills," and life jackets are mandatory at all times.

"That's not negotiable," Dimick said.

He said he "never has gone in" the water by accident, and Olvera said he's "never been close to falling in."

In all, the pair likely will spend nearly four years building the bridge and its related connections.

"They've been talking about building this thing for 20, 30 years," Olvera said. "You get to know it so well when you're working, because it becomes your stomping grounds. To step back and look though, it's breathtaking."

He said he has seen several motor-vehicle accidents on the bridge while working adjacent to it, and he and Dimick said there are enjoyable scenes on the water, including the summertime Floatzilla event.

"When people honk, I try to wave," Dimick said. "There's not always a lot of time for that, though. We keep things very safe, but there is natural wear-and-tear to the work. You can always tell a structural guy from a rebar guy.

"The structural guys tend to lose digits, and the rebar guys are the ones all bent over."

The celebrity of bridge-building

At least one iron worker came out of retirement, because he didn't want to miss being a part of the new bridge. Some others left jobs they were working on a little early, because they didn't want to miss the chance to help build it.

"I get questions about it from everybody," Dimick said. "My wife kind of brags about it because the bridge is so iconic."

Rangel said his girlfriend works at a doctor's office, and her co-workers are "always asking" about the latest on the bridge construction.

But one person in Rangel's family doesn't have to ask.

His dad, Gerald Rangel, was "busting rebar" on the current I-74 bridge nearly 50 years ago. He was an apprentice for Local 111 in 1971 when he went to work on the reconstruction of the toll plaza when the toll booths were removed, and the interstate expansion occurred.

"When I first started, the bridge ended in Moline, and there was a sidewalk to Bettendorf," the senior Rangel said. "There was scaffold on the Iowa side, and we'd climb up and walk the bridge deck to where we were working. They tore out the sidewalk, and there was quite a bit of rebar work to do."

The first abutment near the shoreline in Moline was torn out at that time, the girders and beams on the Iowa side had to be reworked, and the iron workers replaced the expansion plates on both towers, he said.

"We worked when it was below zero, and there's nothing on that bridge to block the wind," he said. "Safety was a joke. Going into Bettendorf, they hung a safety net, but that was the only place they put one. When anybody came to take pictures, we had to go over and stand by the nets.

"One of the carpenters threw a chunk of concrete over, and it went right through that net."

Though bridge-building safety has made considerable strides, and he has faith in his son's abilities, Gerald Rangel said he knows the risks.

"Oh, you always worry," he said. "It could be someone else's fault, and somebody's always going to get hurt.

"Freak accidents happen. It's always in the back of your mind, and I do worry about him. But I was always proud to be an iron worker, and I'm proud of my son, too. I'm glad he's out there."

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A Davenport 17-year-old pleaded guilty Wednesday to shooting a man in the stomach in May.

Christian Lee Jessee, who was charged as an adult, pleaded guilty in Scott County District Court to intimidation with a dangerous weapon, willful injury resulting in serious injury and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

He faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced April 3. In a written plea agreement filed Wednesday, Scott County prosecutors said they will recommend incarceration.

Iowa Code states a judge could suspend the sentence in whole or in part, including any mandatory minimum sentence, or could grant him a deferred judgement or sentence and place him on probation because he was under the age of 18 when the offense was committed.

At 12:58 a.m. May 14, Davenport police officers responded to the 2600 block of West Central Park Avenue in reference to a call of shots fired and found a man who had been shot in the stomach.

He was taken to Genesis Medical Center-East Rusholme Street, Davenport.

The man told officers that he was involved in an argument with Jessee, who pulled out a gun and shot him.
Her play a comedy about the premise that the Earth is flat, and two main characters work for the NSA, who are spying on Americans.

I took that idea and ran with it, Willow said. The hardest part was making an ending. I never wanted it to end, she said of the three-scene play. I don't really have a problem with writing, but theater is just something I'm completely new to. So I was a little overwhelmed at first. I had no idea what I was going to do.

Willow said her class laughed a lot when they read the play. She was surprised when she found out she won her category. She said she didn't do acting. I'm terrified to get on stage.

Jazzy heard about the festival from her theater teacher, Alex McCarthy. Randolph, the QCTW head, spoke to her Creative Arts Academy class in early December about the festival, playwriting, and encouraged students to apply.

I like to write, and I like to act, she said. I've always liked to write."

Her play for QCTWE is called Royalty, and it's about her and her friends. We're a mess, she said. We don't like to mess with a lot of people, 'cause there's a lot of drama in this school. We stick to a certain group.
Tran: "Mr. Chairman, that would be a decision that the doctor, the physician and the woman would make at that point ..."

Gilbert: "I understand that. I am asking if your bill allows that. "

Tran: "My bill would allow that, yes."

In the hours that followed, Virginia's Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam gave a radio interview in which he supported delegate Tran's bill, and even went a step further. So in this particular example if a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen. The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if thats what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.

Note what Northam said: "The infant would be delivered .... kept comfortable." It would then be up to the mother and the doctors to decide whether a baby should be killed.

At the time established by Northam, we are not talking about an embryo, or a fetus. We are talking about a completely born baby, a human person.
Adding days at the end of the school year can make up for the missed time, but it also can cause conflicts for students and families who have already made summer commitments. Boucher said the district will excuse its eighth-grade students for an annual Washington D.C. trip, but all other student absences will be handled according to the district's handbook.

"We do give parents a little leeway for calling in students," he said. But after a certain number of days, they will have to bring in a doctors note of some kind (if they want to be excused)."

He said students with too many unexcused absences could see their grades or National Honor Society eligibility affected. Sherrard students who miss those final days of school also be missing finals, he said, which would have a major impact on grades.

In East Moline, students' final day is now June 3, said superintendent Kristin Humphries. It was scheduled for May 24.

Humphries said the district has five days to make up and he hopes to not have to apply for a waiver.

"I am thinking positive that we will not miss any more days, he said.

Humphries said families were made aware emergency days were built into the school calendar to help with their summer break plans.
'Seagull' takeoff takes flight

Just from its profane title, you'll know the latest in the Playcrafters Barn Owl Series will be raw and irreverent. The area premiere of Stupid F***ing Bird by Aaron Posner (2013) will be performed 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at 4950 35th Ave., Moline.

In a comedic, contemporary remix of Anton Chekov's The Seagull, an aspiring young director rampages against the art created by his mothers generation. A nubile young actress wrestles with an aging Hollywood star for the affections of a renowned novelist. And everyone discovers just how disappointing love, art and growing up can be, according to a synopsis.

A Washington Post review said it's less an adaptation of Chekov than a funny, moving slugfest, a ripe mashup of mock and awe ... sometimes it blows Chekhov up, and sometimes the play explodes with a genuinely Chekhovian release of emotion.

Its a story that makes you think, and once youve seen it, performed it or read the script, you never stop thinking about it, Playcrafters director Madison Duling said recently. Its a show that Ive always wanted to be a part of and getting to create my own my vision of the script and watch it come to life with our incredibly talented cast makes me so damn happy."
Fairfax denied the allegation of sexual assault to reporters at the state capitol on February 4, 2019. Photo: Katherine Frey/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Dr. Vanessa Tyson, a tenured professor of politics at Scripps College in Claremont, California, has released a statement outlining her account of sexual assault at the hands of Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax. Tysons attorneys released the statement not long after NBC News reported that Fairfax had said fuck that bitch during a meeting on Monday evening.

NBC News has learned that Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax used profane language in a private meeting Monday night, while referring to his accuser, Dr. Vanessa Tyson.



Two sources tells us Fairfax said of Tyson: Fuck that bitch.



 @GeoffRBennett & @jonallendc  Kasie Hunt (@kasie) February 6, 2019

As lieutenant governor, Fairfax is next in line to replace Governor Ralph Northam, who faces nearly universal pressure to resign due to racist photos that appeared on his medical-school yearbook page and his own admission that he wore blackface to a costume contest in 1984. Mark Herring, the states attorney general, is now embroiled in his own blackface scandal after he admitted wearing it to a college party. That leaves Fairfax, who has repeatedly denied assaulting Tyson in 2004 and instead insisted that the professor was very much into a consensual encounter. Tyson, however, says that she cried as Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex. I cannot believe, given my obvious state of distress, that Mr. Fairfax thought this forced sexual act was consensual, she wrote.

Read the full letter below:
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
15 hours ago

| June 22nd | 2021 6:10 AM

Gold is Dead? Should You Opt for Gold (Over Crypto) in Your Portfolio?

When meme coins surged earlier this year (remember Dogecoin mania?) it might've been easy to dump everything you owned  stocks, bonds, gold  for crypto. Then digital currencies took a nosedive again. Young retail investors might deem actual coins  including precious metals  all but dead. But you might not want to
Here is the danger as I see it in declaring such an emergency and it is the precedent that is set. What is to stop a future president, say a Democrat, from deciding that gun violence and mass shootings are getting out of hand? The arguments for excessive gun violence are far more cogent than Trumps arguments for his wall. Under such emergency, a president could decide there are too many AR-15s and ban their manufacture. There could be a ban on all semi-automatic rifles and pistols. How about limiting the number of cartridges in a pistol to six? How about a mandatory eight day waiting period before you could pick up a weapon from a gun shop? How about the banning of bump stocks as is being proposed here in New York? How about limiting individual possession of firearms to two per household? How about limiting hunting rifles to the single shot variety?
The town should allow digital signs. The town allows them now at gas stations, after owners argued that having to change their prices all the time makes the digital signs especially helpful.

But lots of businesses have information to convey to customers that changes frequently. A digital sign would be useful for Glen Drive-In, for example, but also for restaurants advertising specials, motels proclaiming vacancies and supermarkets offering two-for-one deals. Its hard to think of a business that couldnt take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of a digital sign.

Board members mentioned that, after they allowed digital signs at gas stations, the stations switched their signs en masse. That could happen again, if they open the digital floodgates, so they have to do it with suitable restrictions, board members said, and theyre right.

Theyve already agreed that signs will have to be dimmed after a certain time  maybe 10 p.m. (another reason Queensbury will never be Vegas). They also agree that signs will have to promote just the business theyre put up for  renting out your sign for other businesses to advertise on wont be allowed.
Burton declared bankruptcy last October, court records show. She was prosecuted in a similar case in the 1990s, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation that her lawyer said was terminated early.

The Better Business Bureau revoked Valued Homes accreditation last fall because of unresolved complaints, and the organization gave the company an F rating.

Her lawyer, Tucker Stanclift, said that Burton maintains her innocence, and that deaths of her son and husband, who helped her run the business, led to the problems.

They were really in charge of the business, he said. It was really a tragic situation for everyone involved.

He said the jailing of Burton in a nonviolent case was an example of why bail reform was needed in New York.

It is unfortunate the practice in this state is to incarcerate defendants who are presumed innocent because they cant afford bail, he added.

Burton was arraigned late Wednesday before Moreau Town Justice Jeff McCabe and sent to Saratoga County Jail for lack of $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bail bond. McCabe also directed a bail source hearing to be held if she attempts to post bail.

Burton is due back in court on Feb. 13. The weightiest charges, three counts of second-degree grand larceny, are punishable by up to 15 years apiece in state prison.

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Denver Classroom Teachers Association teachers and supporters rally at the Colorado State Capitol demanding better wages and urging the state not to get involved in a possible strike on January 30, 2019. Photo: Andy Cross/Denver Post via Getty Images

The Red for Ed movement likely immortalized 2018 as a banner year for labor organizing among public school teachers. That fervor isnt dissipating in 2019. Last month, the United Teachers of Los Angeles went on strike for six days, ultimately securing a 6 percent pay raise, lower caps on class sizes, and a commitment to hire more school nurses and counselors, among other concessions. Now, teachers in a variety of other cities and states are contemplating their own strikes and walkouts.

The roots of the Los Angeles strike are older than Red for Ed, and the same was true of Decembers strike by unionized educators at Acero charter schools in Chicago. Educators are not newly dissatisfied with underfunded schools and pay inequities; these sentiments have built up for years, and strikes and walkouts that invoke Red for Ed are sometimes the result of months of contract negotiations and years of strategy. A collective anger was un-bottled last year, so its not surprising that teachers are continuing to take collective action. Here are few worth watching in weeks to come.

Denver teachers are preparing to strike on Monday.

The Denver Classroom Teachers Association announced on Wednesday that their members intend to strike on Monday, February 11. Denver Public Schools had asked the state to intervene to stop the strike, but newly elected governor Jared Polis and the state Department of Labor declined to do so on Wednesday. According to KDVR Channel 31, the union and school district will negotiate again on Friday.

In a statement sent to press, DCTA decried the districts revolving door of teacher turnover. The union previously said that its goal is to bargain a fair, competitive, and transparent salary schedule so that educators can afford to live in the communities we serve and so our students can have educators that stay in the district for the entirety of their careers. A strike would send the DCTAs 3,000 members out of classrooms on Monday; the district is trying to hire substitute teachers to replace them.

Charter school teachers are already on strike in Chicago.

If Denver teachers do strike, they wont be the only educators on a picket line this month. Chicago is now in the midst of its second charter school strike. About two months after educators employed by Acero charter schools struck over large class sizes and inadequate support services for students, educators at four campuses of the Chicago International Charter Schools are also on strike.

In a press release, the Chicago Teachers Union, which represents Acero and CICS educators, said that teachers are fighting for pay parity with their peers employed in the citys traditional public schools, in addition to more resources for students. Well be on strike until our class sizes are smaller, Stacy Davis Gates, the vice president of the CTU, told the Chicago Sun-Times. Well be on strike until we have special education resources. Well be on strike till they understand that social workers and counselors are necessary parts of our community inside our schools. The strike is now in its third day.

Teachers at an Ohio charter school may go on strike soon.

The Acero strike, which took place in December, marked the nations first-ever charter school strike. Then they were joined by teachers at three campuses of the Los Angelesbased Accelerated Schools charter network, who struck along with public educators in L.A. The CICS strike could be number three  and we may soon be up to four. Educators at the Summit Academy in Parma, Ohio, voted to authorize a strike on February 1, after yearlong contract negotiations with the charter operator continued to falter.

In a press release, the Ohio Federation of Teachers cited large class sizes and pay inequities between teachers and administrators as points of concern. Administrators received significant pay raises while teachers received little or no increase. One in particular, CEO John Guyer, received a $31,000 raise, an amount higher than many teachers earn in an entire year, the OFT stated.

Todd Ratica, a social studies teacher at Summit Academy Parma & bargaining committee member, on why they authorized a strike:

"We need a fair contract because it is the only way that we can guarantee that our children are getting the proper learning conditions that they deserve." pic.twitter.com/GBl3fUz5jz  Ohio Fed of Teachers (@OFTadvocate) February 5, 2019

Teachers in Oakland, California, have authorized a strike.

This week, 95 percent of Oakland Unified Teachers members voted to approve a strike, according to ABC 7 News. Members of the union have already staged isolated wildcat strikes, or walkouts that take place without union authorization, in response to low pay and poor working conditions in the school district.

Oakland is located in the nations most expensive metro area, and teachers say they dont make enough money to live near their schools. Union demands include a 12 percent raise over three years, smaller classes and additional counselors and school nurses to help the districts 37,000 students, Edsource.org reported on Tuesday.

The union and the school district now await the results of a neutral, third-party fact-finding report intended to inform an eventual settlement. As Edsource.org noted, that reported is expected by February 15. If the union and school district still dont reach an agreement after that date, teachers will strike. In a symbolic gesture, the Oakland City Council has already voted to support teachers if they go out on strike.

Walkouts are still possible in West Virginia.

A bill that ties an additional pay raise for teachers to the creation of charter schools is working its way through the lower chamber of the West Virginia legislature. In response, teachers unions in Mingo County have already voted to authorize a one-day walkout at an unspecified date.

The bill has undergone a number of revisions since it originally appeared in the Senate Education Committee. But teachers still oppose the bill, and some theyre considering another walkout. The Exponent-Telegram reported on Wednesday:

School employees across the state are voting on whether to grant state leaders of WVEA, the American Federation of Teachers and the West Virginia School Service Personnel Association the authority to call for some type of work action, according to Dale Lee, president of the West Virginia Education Association.

According to the Exponent-Telegram, union leaders are set to receive the results of each countys votes before a meeting scheduled for this weekend.
More than 70 percent of school board members are not in favor of arming teachers or lowering certification standards for people with firearms training, according to a poll done by the New York State School Board Association.

Many area schools have introduced school resource officers, active police officers contracted through the district, to their campuses this year, but the survey shows the majority of school board members across the state would not like to see any more of an armed presence in schools.

Arming teachers was a recommendation made by a panel appointed last year by President Trump that was formed in response to the Parkland, Florida school shooting.

There was more support from upstate board members for a measure that would allow for arming of school staff  23 percent supported the idea upstate vs. 11 percent downstate  but the vast majority of board members were against it.

The downstate area includes boards from Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as those making up New York City.

Got milk?
The problem is people are moving out of New York state and Cuomo has admitted that raising taxes on the rich will not work because they will leave and revenues will shrink further.

The state also has filed a lawsuit against the federal government seeking to repeal the tax law on the grounds that it is unfair and represents double taxation.

Meanwhile, Trump on Wednesday said upstate residents should consider leaving.

If New York isnt gonna treat them better, I would recommend they go to another state where they can get a great job, he said before reporters from regional news outlets, according to an account in The Buffalo News.

Trump went on to say that states that have been really well run and dont have debt, those states have a big advantage over states that have been poorly run, like New York and others, and have a tremendous amount of debt.

Trump did say he was open to revisiting the issue after he was told that upstate voters were also being hurt by the SALT deduction change.

Cuomo criticized Trump for commenting about the economy in the state.
Gwendolyn Craig reporter - Environment Follow Gwendolyn Craig 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and state Sen. Jen Metzger are joining U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to call for more cleanup of the Hudson River.

The lawmakers' news releases and letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have come at a confusing time, as the EPA continues to say it has not yet decided whether to issue a certificate of completion to the General Electric Co. for cleanup of PCBs.

The EPA has said in a statement that it will make a decision soon, but it has said it hopes "to come to some conclusions in the near term," but what that means is unclear. The flurry of letters to the EPA from stakeholders may signal an imminent decision.

GE has continued to say that the dredging has worked and will protect the environment.




 Monday 8:30 am: Conservative Breakfast Meeting (locations vary, email Doug for information) Monday 6:00 pm: Huntington Beach Constitution Class, Bergman Family Chiropractic 18582 Beach BlvdHuntington Beach Tuesday 8:30 am: Bible Study Tuesday 11:00 am: Fallbrook Constitution Class, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 911 E Elder St Fallbrook, CA Tuesday 3:00 pm: Constitution Class Online with Scott McKay, Patriot Streetfighter, www.scottmckay.us Tuesday 6:00 pm: San Juan Capistrano Constitution Class, Bravo's California Fresh31772 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano Wednesday 3:00 pm: Constitution Association Weekly Executive Meeting (all welcome to attend), 412 Murrieta Church, 41831 McAlby Ct., Murrieta, CA Wednesday 5:00 pm: Temecula Valley Constitution Class, 412 Murrieta Church, 41831 McAlby Ct., Murrieta, CA(Note: Location for both meeting and class to change by June 16) Thursday 10:00 am: Beaumont Constitution Class, Marla's Cocina1310 E. 6th Street, Beaumont Thursday 11:30 pm: Post Class Lunch/Meeting with Banning/Beaumont/Cherry Valley Tea Party, Marla's Cocina, 1310 E. 6th Street, Beaumont Thursday 6:00 pm: Carlsbad Constitution Class, Health From Within Family Wellness Center1818 Marron Rd., #103, Carlsbad, CA 92008(zoom available, go to www.1776foreverfree.com for details) Friday 6:00 pm (once per month): Murrieta/Temecula Republican Assembly Meeting, see www.mtra.club for details Saturday 1:00 - 3:00 pm: Constitution Radio, KMET 1490-AM  Sunday 5:00 - 7:00 pm: For the Republic, www.patriotssoapbox.com Various times during the weekend: The Show Podcast, www.theshow57401.buzzsprout.com
In their own view, people in Allegheny County are generally healthier than the nations population. Theyre also smoking less.

Only 16 percent of county residents overall described their general health as fair or poor in the Pittsburgh Regional Quality of Life Survey conducted in June. Nationally, 18.4 percent of Americans say theyre in fair or poor health, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

The county rate hasnt budged since 2011, when the survey was previously taken, although fewer people living in the county today grade their health as excellent or very good than they did back then.

Everyday smokers and those who sometimes smoke are seeing their number dwindle. Only 8 percent overall say they smoke cigarettes everyday, for example, when seven years ago they made up 12 percent of the county population.

Such self-reported health rates, however, depend on whom is being asked.

Take smoking, for example. More than 23 percent of African Americans smoke. The rate among non-African Americans is less than half of that11 percent. Only 4 percent of county seniors smoke cigarettes, while more than 18 percent of 45-64-year-olds havent given them up. The highest rate is found among people earning $25,000 a year or less, 24 percent of whom smoke.

Patterns are similar when people are asked to describe their general health. More than 24 percent of African Americans in the county report fair or poor health, while 15 percent of people of other races assess their health as such. And only 24 percent of African Americans say they are in excellent or very good health compared to 50 percent of people of other races.

Men are more likely than women to say theyre in fair or poor health by a margin of 26 percent to 16.5 percent. Nearly 28 percent of county residents living outside of the City of Pittsburgh are in fair or poor health by their estimation. In the city, the rate is less than 14 percent.

The gaps are even wider when household income and level of education are the measures. When, for example, residents earning less than $25,000 a year assess their health, 31 percent describe it as only fair or poor. Thats nearly four times greater than the rate among those earning $75,000 -$100,000. And nearly 65 percent of people with graduate degrees say theyre in excellent or very good healtha level of physical and mental well being enjoyed by only 35 percent of people whose education extends no farther than high school.

Pittsburgh Today and the University of Pittsburgh University Center for Social and Urban Research conducted the Pittsburgh Regional Quality of Life Survey in June 2018. 1,881 Allegheny County residents drawn from the UCSUR Research Registry completed the online survey. Data were adjusted to make the survey sample representative of the demographic characteristics of the county.
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One thing that Ralph has not been is a racist. During the 50 years I have known Ralph, I have never heard him make a racial slur or make any inappropriate racial comments. He was enormously popular during high school with all races and was voted senior class president by his peers at Onancock Public High School. At VMI, his peers respected his integrity so much that they elected him president of the Honor Court, the highest honor awarded at that school. As a medical student at EVMS, he was quiet, hard-working and unassuming.
He kept digging himself deeper into the hole. Throughout his press conference, he seemed to imply that blackface was just something people did at the time. That would have perhaps been a contextual explanation, if not an excuse, if the time in question were, say, the Post-Reconstruction era. If it were 1884, when blackface was widely used by whites in Virginia and elsewhere to ridicule and denigrate African-Americans as inferior, I'd at least understand the "nobody knew better" defense. But the yearbook and the dance party were in 1984  two full decades after passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act.
The News Leader reports that the Augusta County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday that a grand jury indicted 28-year-old Kristopher J. Wingfield on a sex charge last week. Authorities say the assault took place last October, at the Middle River Regional Jail.
For Hampton Roads, the move comes as two Joint Land Use Studies are being conducted to identify where military personnel live and the roads they take to work, essentially pinpointing what infrastructure is most important for the region's bases. The other major change, a new pilot program, provides broad authorization for spending money on infrastructure projects off base. While some work in civilian communities was funded before, it had to be specifically authorized  meaning the scope was very limited.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, and Attorney General Mark Herring. Photo: Pete Marovich/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The narrative that we are encouraged to accept in the United States about white peoples youthful dalliances with racism is as follows: That was then, this is now, and I have changed.

And is that so unreasonable? Surely wearing blackface at a college party does not predict an eternity of racist behavior. Nor does it necessarily preclude future repentance, or even an eventual commitment to anti-racism.

It is this narrative that Ralph Northam and Mark Herring want Americans to accept about them. On Wednesday, Herring  the Democratic attorney general of Virginia  admitted to attending a party almost 40 years ago wearing what can be best described as blackface. In 1980, when I was a 19-year-old undergraduate in college, some friends suggested we attend a party dressed like rappers we listened to at the time, Herring wrote in a statement. [Because] of our ignorance and glib attitudes  we dressed up and put on wigs and brown makeup.

This revelation would be less explosive (if we had even heard it at all) had not Northam, the states Democratic governor, first admitted to and then denied appearing in a 1984 medical-school yearbook photo that depicted a man wearing blackface standing next to a man in Ku Klux Klan robes. Northam did admit he wore blackface on a separate occasion as part of a dance contest the same year, where he dressed as Michael Jackson. (His wife dissuaded him from demonstrating his moonwalk at the press conference.) Calls for Northam to resign have gone unheeded since the news broke on Friday, no doubt partially because his supporters fear the fallout: Should the governor leave his post, followed by Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax  who faces sexual-assault accusations from 2004  and then Herring, the top three officials in the gubernatorial line of succession would be gone, leaving Kirk Cox, the Republican speaker of the House of Delegates, to govern the state.

I imagine were not praying enough, delegate Lamont Bagby, a Virginia Democrat, told the Washington Post of the partys predicament.

People grow up, of course. There is little doubt that Northam and Herring are not the same men today that they were in the early 1980s. Redemption is well within reach. In fact, black Virginians are among those calling for it. We can find it in our hearts to forgive and appreciate the sincerity to which [Northam] has spoken, Geoffrey Guns, a black local pastor, told CNN  while maintaining that Northam should still resign and, as I have written previously, find redemption on his own time rather than the Virginia taxpayers. Im not gonna really grade the picture that much because I know  white people, added David Wright, a black Army veteran and grandfather, of the Northam photo. Its not a new thing. Its just everybody is coming out in the open.

Wrights cynicism is well-earned. How many black grandfathers like him are U.S. governors today? How many black people of Northam and Herrings generation have gone on to lead the country that enslaved their forefathers, the country that did not blink at the ridicule and degradation to which white men like Northam and Herring subjected them? The answer is few to none. Theirs may not have been the visceral racial terror of the lynching age, but its comparative gentility  clothed in frat sweaters, doctors coats, and lawyers suits  cradled an exclusionary culture that maintained the same hierarchies, with black people at the bottom. Northam and Herring may have grown up since then, but so did their black contemporaries. And rather than becoming political leaders for whom racist transgressions were youthful missteps to keep hidden and confront only out of professional obligation, more often black Virginians their age were the butt of their jokes, the first generation for whom Jim Crow was not quite a vivid memory but nevertheless haunted most corners of their lives.

Now, ironically, many of these same black Americans and their descendants are the people whose opinions regarding their tormentors racism are sought after by national news outlets. They are paraded in public relations campaigns  as the black friend, or the anecdotal black employee who once imparted a valuable lesson about what being black in America is really like  as proof that white people like Northam and Herring are better now, that of course they are not racist. Meanwhile, blackface remains a staple of white fun and white bonding. College students are routinely exposed for employing it. For elected officials, it is at the root of a remarkable number of scandals  from Floridas former secretary of State to a former Brooklyn, New York, state assemblyman. It is no exaggeration to say that white people who wear blackface today could be tomorrows leaders. Several already are.

It tends to be overlooked in conversations about whether whites like Herring and Northam have aged out of such behavior, made sufficient amends, or deserve to be punished in perpetuity for their distant pasts, that growing out of racism is impossible for black people. It is inscribed in black reality at birth. It is written and rewritten daily in the very methods of Americas social organization. Todays apologies do not erase the wounds of yesterday or today, or those that will inevitably open tomorrow. Yet the role black people are so often called upon to play in these situations is not as people wrestling with the violence of that legacy, but as barometers for white peoples racism. In reality, the stakes are much higher. It is worth asking whether black people, and black Virginians, deserve more.
Back Bay was in its heyday then, and wealthy urban dwellers flocked here during the winter to take advantage of the abundant duck hunting. Horn Point Club was founded by George Eastman of Eastman Kodak and George Bonbright, a New York stockbroker and banker. Starling Winston Childs, a wealthy New York businessman, later bought it, and it is the Childs family that Henley remembers from this own boyhood.
Prof. Rolf Bjerkvigs research group is looking at how to open the blood-brain barrier to allow treatments to reach brain tumours. Credit: Kim E. Andreassen, University of Bergen

Brain tumours are hard to treat completely with surgery because they leave behind cells that invade the brain. In this video, which covers 72 hours, you can see cells breaking off from a tumour to invade other parts of the brain.

These cells are guerrilla cells in many ways  you can't decipher them from normal cells. My research is that I try to understand why they are invading and how we can target these cells.

You can't easily pick out these invasive cells in the human brain, so we grow mini-brains  organoids  in the lab. These organoids, with a size of 0.5mm, display the neurons and cellular components you have in a brain.

Then we take tumour biopsies from patients and barcode them with colour to see different tumour cell populations. We put them next to the mini-brains and then we can study their invasion into the brain.

What you see in the video is a brain tumour from a patient. You can see different cancer cells with different colours invading into the brain tissue. Brain cancers have lots of different tumour cell types, which makes them complex to treat. Therapies may kill one type of tumour cell but not all.

On the left side is the micro-brain but you can't see it because it's not stained. And with the video we can see the tumour cells migrating into the brain. We can also measure the speed of invasion and this gives us a unique opportunity to characterise the invasive cells and also to find out what kind of mechanism they are using for their migration.

Around 10 in 100,000 people develop brain tumours. For the most malignant type  glioblastoma  patients who are given the best therapy available live about 14-16 months after diagnosis. Brain tumours do not normally spread, like other cancers, but they stay in the brain. It's therefore regarded as a local disease. The main problem is the location  the brain is the computer of the human body.

This video covers three days and shows brain tumour cells breaking off and invading a lab-grown mini-brain. Credit: Wenjing Zhou

To get chemotherapeutics into the brain is difficult because the brain is protected by a so-called blood-brain barrier that prevents unwanted chemicals from the blood going into the brain. This barrier also prevents therapeutic substances from entering the brain. The brain thus protects the tumour from the therapy.

We have a large brain research centre in Norway and Luxembourg. At present we are working to find molecules so we can temporarily open the blood-brain barrier to make a delivery window of therapies into the brain.

There is a lot of ongoing research on brain cancer but there has been little progress on actually finding new therapies. One problem is that brain tumour research from the European Commission side has been very under-financed. There is a tendency to focus on more common tumour types that affect more people. Brain cancer is regarded as a rare disease. But in this context you are often competing for financing with neurological diseases and many other rare diseases.

In the private sector, pharma companies focus mostly on the development of blockbuster drugs that can work on millions of people rather than a couple of hundred thousand people. Brain cancer isn't completely neglected but it is some way down in their portfolio.

There is at present a strong focus on personalised treatment initiatives. Many of these are based on sequencing the tumour genome, where the aim is to use this information to find the right therapy for the right patient. Unfortunately, transferring the knowledge gained from genetics into effective treatment has mostly been difficult. So can you shortcut this?

At Luxembourg Institute of Health, we are focusing on a personalised functional profiling (PFP) system where hundreds of microtumors are generated directly from a patient. These are then exposed, in an automated way, to a library of FDA approved drugs. In this way we can identify the most effective drugs that potentially will work. At the same time we do genomic profiling and then we can correlate the drugs to the genomic profile.

We have seen promising effects using this approach but we need to increase the number of patients and then we can start to make statistical analysis. That's why we need support for our PFP centre. It should, however be recognised that many of these drugs wouldn't cross the blood-brain barrier. So in many instances this needs to be combined with the strategies for delivery  how to deliver this to the brain.

Prof. Bjerkvig is head of the oncology department at Luxembourg Institute of Health and a professor anatomy and cell biology at the University of Bergen in Norway. He led the EU-funded project ANGIOTARGETING.

As told to Joanna Roberts. This account has been edited and condensed. The views expressed in the article are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Commission.

More information:

Horizon brings you the latest news and features about thought-provoking science and innovative research projects funded by the EU. Our articles are written by independent science journalists and are designed to appeal to both scientists and non-scientists alike. We mix stories on the latest EU-funded research with interviews with leading scientists, all written in a clear, accessible style. Each month we also take an in-depth look at a particular area of research, from 3D printing to Europes obesity epidemic. Our content is updated daily and access is free. Horizon is published in English, on behalf of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, and by ICF Mostra, a division of ICF International.

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Thomas Cook is considering what to do with its planes as it looks to focus on hotels

British travel firm Thomas Cook on Thursday launched a review of its airline after posting a worsening quarterly loss on challenging trade.

The company, which offers package holidays to northern Europeans looking for summer sunshine, has decided to focus more on hotels.

"We are today announcing a strategic review of our group airline," said chief executive Peter Fankhauser in a results statement.

"We are at an early stage in this review process which will consider all options to enhance value to shareholders and intensify our strategic focus.

"We will provide an update on this process in due course."

Thomas Cook's airline business operates a fleet of 103 aircraft, about one quarter of which serve long-haul destinations.

It has however reduced 2019 capacity in the face of challenging conditions, as holidaymakers eye economic uncertainty arising from Brexit.

"Brexit is in many customers' minds," Fankhauser admitted in a conference call to reporters.

The group has sought to slash costs after its 2017/2018 performance was also knocked badly by rising costs and a long period of hot European weather over the summerwhich saw customers put off last-minute holidays abroad.

Underlying operating losses widened to 60 million ($78 million, 68 million euros) in its first quarter, or three months to December 31, compared with 46 million a year earlier, Thomas Cook also revealed Thursday.

"As expected, the knock-on effect from the prolonged summer heatwave and high prices in the Canaries have impacted customer demand for winter sun," added Fankhauser.

"Where Summer 2018 bookings started very strongly, bookings for Summer 2019 reflect some consumer uncertainty, particularly in the UK."

Total revenues meanwhile edged one percent higher to 1.656 billion in the reporting period.

"Thomas Cook Group has undergone significant transformation over the last five years as we have streamlined our operations and focused on a clear strategy in both our airline and tour operator businesses," it added in the statement.

"However, it is clear that we need greater financial flexibility and increased resources to accelerate the execution of our strategy of differentiation: to invest in strengthening our own-brand hotel portfolio; further digitising our sales channels; and driving greater efficiencies across the business."

Explore further Ryanair blames lower fares for fresh profit warning

 2019 AFP
Credit: Cardiff University

The Sunda clouded leopard in Sabah, Malaysia, is under threat from habitat fragmentation and a lack of forest connectivity, finds a study by Cardiff University and the Danau Girang Field Centre.

In collaboration with Oxford University's WildCRU, the US Forest Service, and Sabah Wildlife Department, the team used a combination of field data and simulation modelling to map patterns of population connectivity for the clouded leopard species across Sabah. They found that isolated forest patches and areas of reduced forest cover could jeopardise the dispersal of individual clouded leopards and limit gene flow, which in turn could endanger the long-term future of the species.

Dr. Andrew Hearn, from WildCRU, who led the study said: "Sabah is a stronghold for the Sunda clouded leopard in Borneo, yet this rarely seen animal is found at very low population densities, typically as few as 1-5 animals for every 100 square kilometres of forest. Such rarity, coupled with the fact that their forest home is shrinking and becoming increasingly isolated, may expose these beautiful cats to the negative effects of population isolation, as individual animals struggle to disperse across the landscape."

Dr. Benoit Goossens, Director of the Danau Girang Field Centre and Reader at Cardiff University, added: "We mapped patterns of population connectivity for the species across Sabah and concluded there are several forest patches where the clouded leopard population may be isolated, which in turn jeopardises the dispersal of individuals and limits gene flow.

"We also identified the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Tabin Wildlife Reserve and Tawau Hills Park as patches of habitat predicted to have existing clouded leopard populations that are isolated from other populations. In light of this, we recommend that efforts are made to explore mechanisms to increase connectivity between these areas and the main central forest, such as establishment of riparian corridors, and identification and/or creation of High Conservation Value forest areas within plantation landscapes.

"These recommendations were included in the Sunda Clouded Leopard Action Plan for Sabah, which we hope to see tabled at the next State Cabinet meeting."

Professor David Macdonald, Director of the WildCRU added, "This work involved gruelling fieldwork and elegant analyses and is a major step towards understanding one of the least known and most beautiful wild cats in the world."

Explore further Tracking the clouded leopard
The social behaviour of the western lowland gorilla can impact the transmission of diseases in this endangered species. Credit: German Illera

A new study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences reveals one of the enigmas related to the social behaviour of the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in the heart of the African equatorial rainforest. These primates show a dynamic social structure individuals change frequently between families, and have a high degree of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the members, according to the new article by experts Jose Domingo Rodriguez Teijeiro, Magdalena Bermejo, Guillem Molina Vacas, from the Faculty of Biology and the Biodiversity Research Institute of the University of Barcelona (IRBio).

According to the authors, this social behaviour may have played an important role in the evolutionary story of the species, easing the exchange of information and a better exploitation of trophic resources. However, this social dynamics may have worsened the impact of some infectious diseases in the population of gorillas, experts warn. In this context, epidemic Ebola virus outbreaks, which affected the primate population in Congo between 2002 and 2004, caused the disappearance of 95 % of this ape, causing this species to be in critical danger of extinction according to the Red List of threatened species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In the new study, carried out in the Ngaga Forest in the Republic of the Congo, counts on the participation of German Illera (Great Apes Conservation/Research Odzala-Lossi and SPAC gGmbH, Republic of the Congo), Giovanni Forcina, Ruben Bernardo-Madrid, Eloy Revilla and Carles Vila (Donana Biological Station EBD-CSIC) and other experts of the University of Rennes (France).

After the western lowland gorillas in the heart of the forest

The ecology and behaviour of the western lowland gorilla inside the equatorial forests was an enigma so far. Since the first scientific studies started, differences between the behaviour of these two African primates were known: the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) living in rainforests around the basin of the River Congo- and the mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei), a better studied primate in the volcanic mountainsides of the African Rift. At the moment, hunting and epidemics endanger the survival of wild populations of these primates which share more than 98% of genetic material with the human species.

Unlike the mountain gorilla, which has aggressive and infrequent interactions between families, the western lowland gorilla was known to have frequent and peaceful interaction between members of the families. However, due a low visibility inside the forests, western lowland gorillas that had been studied in bais, typical open clearings which are the meeting point for families of the species to feed from plants rich in mineral salts.

As part of the study, the experts conducted a scientific monitoring over five years to three families of the western lowland gorilla in the same heart of the Congo forest. According to the conclusions, interaction between individuals from different families is common and peaceful so the individuals eat and play together with no signs of aggression.

Regarding methodology, experts profiled an image of the social structure and parentage relations of more than 120 gorillas through the genetic analysis of faeces samples taken over four months in families and single individuals- in the Ngaga forest.

A dynamic social structure with no records of infanticides

Data show families have a dynamic social structure in which individuals conduct frequent changes among family groups. Young individuals are usually outside the family and enter temporarily other family groups in which they have no close relatives. This social behaviour could be linked to the lack of infanticide records in this species, experts note.

This new study shows the image of a modular society featured by the existence of strong ties which do not avoid the transfer of individuals between different families and a high degree of tolerance between their members.The results of this study show the importance of complementing in situ monitoring studies with non-invasive genetic analysis to find the structure and social dynamics in animal species which are hard to have access to. The conclusions highlight the importance of social behaviour in disease transmission and the development of effective conservation strategies in the long run.

Explore further Research suggests gorillas can develop food cleaning behaviour spontaneously

More information: Giovanni Forcina et al. From groups to communities in western lowland gorillas, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2019). Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B Giovanni Forcina et al. From groups to communities in western lowland gorillas,(2019). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2019
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

From DNA pioneer Rosalind Franklin to the NASA mathematicians in the film "Hidden Figures," the historical contributions of women to science are increasingly coming to light. And a new study by San Francisco State University researchers shows that it's possible to reveal women's once-hidden scientific work by analyzing decades-old research papers in the field of theoretical population biology. The implications of the study stretch far beyond that particular field of science, and the historical bias shown by the research likely continues to impact the representation of women in the discipline today.

"What our work shows is that in fact there were women who were working in the field," said San Francisco State Assistant Professor of Biology Rori Rohlfs. "But we didn't even know they existed."

To peek into the history of their discipline, Rohlfs and Brown University Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Emilia Huerta-Sanchez took advantage of how scientific research papers are structured. Being listed as an "author" of a scientific paper is the primary way scientists receive credit for their work and is critical to securing both jobs and research funding. But those who contribute less to a paper are sometimes listed in the "acknowledgements" section, buried at the bottom and rarely read by other researchers.

Despite the importance of authorship in determining career success, there are no standardized rules for how much work a scientist needs to do in order to earn recognition as a study's author. So when Rohlfs and Huerta-Sanchez noticed that many women seemed to appear only in the acknowledgements section of decades-old studies in their fielddespite what appeared to be important programming contributionsthe duo saw a chance to measure just how much the scientific work of women had been overlooked.

Rohlfs recruited a team of seven SF State undergraduate researchers who recorded data on the authors and acknowledgements from 883 papers published in the scientific journal Theoretical Population Biology between 1970 and 1990. They found that the people mentioned in acknowledgements were disproportionately women: Women made up 43.2 percent of those mentioned as programmers in the acknowledgements, but made up only 7.4 percent of those listed as authors.

Through the decades, the study shows, the proportion of women programmers in the acknowledgements shrank. That shift tracked broader trends in the workplace, as programming went from a "pink collar job" associated with women to one perceived to be both more masculine and more prestigious. The researchers reported their results in the journal Genetics on Feb. 7.

"Some of these programmers were doing really creative work and making substantial contributions," work that today would likely qualify them for authorship, said Rohlfs. Several names were repeated in the acknowledgements sections of multiple paperslike Margaret Wu, who contributed to a study describing a way to estimate genetic diversity that became one of the most influential papers ever published in the journal.

Because these women never got proper credit for their work, they were denied the opportunity to advance as scientists, which may have had a lasting impact on the field. While women have increasingly found success in closely related fields like evolutionary biology, the more programming-heavy biology disciplines have lagged behind. "Population genetics continues to be male-dominated at the faculty level," explained Rohlfs. "In part that might be because women who were thinking about what subfield of biology they wanted to get into didn't see women there."

One goal of publishing the research was to shift that dynamic by highlighting the historical contributions of women to the discipline. "Making women in the field more visible could actually help to improve equity in the field," Rohlfs said.

But population genetics is far from the only field where programmers historically had a large role. So the team plans to look for more traces of women's hidden contributions to science, and hope that their study will serve as an inspiration for other scientists to put the history of their own disciplines under the microscope.

Explore further New study documents gender disparity in computational research publications
Credit: Florida International University

Anglers are catching fewer bonefish in South Florida. Florida International University scientists say there are many factors that could be behind the drop in catches, with warmer temperatures, more predators, fishing and contaminants among them.

FIU coastal ecologist Jennifer Rehage and a team of scientists found the decline is affecting all of South Florida, with some areas more affected than others. They examined bonefish, bonefish catches and water quality throughout Biscayne Bay, Florida Bay and the Florida Keys. They also surveyed and interviewed nearly 300 anglers and fishing guides on their fishing experiences in 2015.

The scientists found bonefish decline began in 1985, with the lowest catches seen after 1999. A 2010 cold spell made things worse for the sportfish, killing many of them, along with other tropical plant and animal species. Changes in both adult and juvenile fish appear to account for the decline. The highest declines are seen in Florida Bay and the lowest in Biscayne Bay.

Adult bonefish take up residence in salty marine environments, but little is known about where they spawn or where juveniles live in South Florida. The scientists also found juveniles are spending time in low salinity environments early in their lives, particularly in Florida Bay. Nestled in between the southern end of the Florida peninsula and the Florida Keys, the bay is sensitive to changes in the quality, movement and distribution of water in the Everglades.

The scientists call for addressing local and regional factors, conserving and managing adult and juvenile bonefish, and restoring freshwater in the Florida Everglades.

"People haven't looked for bonefish in low-salinity environments because they think they're a marine species," said Rehage, a researcher in FIU's Institute of Water and Environment. "This finding tells us the link between bonefish, freshwater and the Everglades is stronger than we previously thought. We need to consider low-salinity habitats in bonefish conservation and management."

Bonefish are great indicators of environmental health. Bonefishing is also a popular sport in South Florida, where they contribute to flats fishery with an annual economic impact of more than $465 million.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists bonefish as near threatened because of habitat loss, water quality decline, and commercial and artisanal fishing. Little is known about bonefish in South Florida, in part, because they are regulated as catch-and-release fishery and get little management attention. The information from the studies can help inform bonefish conservation and natural resource management.

The FIU scientists conducted studies on bonefish fisheries in South Florida. Other scientists conducted studies on bonefish in the Bahamas, Belize, Cuba and Honduras. All of their efforts resulted in 23 studies published in a special issue of Environmental Biology of Fishes.

The FIU studies and many of the studies in the special issue were funded by Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, a science-based, non-profit, conservation organization dedicated to conserving and restoring bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and habitats through research, stewardship, education and advocacy.

"It's fantastic to see the amount of new research on flats fishes and habitats in the past five years," said Aaron Adams, director of science and conservation at the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. "This advancement is made possible by the collaborative effort between Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, FIU, and the many other scientific partners. Since the fishery is economically important and these species use many coastal habitats, this new science is also proving to be important for broad-scale conservation efforts."

The FIU studies were also developed in collaboration with the Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research (FCE LTER) program. Funded by the National Science Foundation and housed at FIU, the FCE LTER program leads some of the largest and longest studies on how climate, water and people impact the Florida Everglades.

Explore further Scientists study declining numbers of bonefish in high-stress waters
A new report  commissioned by a leading international organisation  promotes the creation of a sustainable wild meat sector to protect disadvantaged people and endangered species from hunting.

Produced for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the paper  co-authored by a University of Stirling academic  addresses the unsustainable harvest rates of wild meat that is endangering the integrity of ecosystems and threatening the livelihoods of many vulnerable people across the world.

The report, titled "Towards a sustainable, participatory and inclusive wild meat sector"  presents an extensive compilation of the current knowledge on wild meat use; drivers and impacts; and provides recommendations on how to improve wild meat governance and management.

The University of Stirling is a leader in this field and Dr. Katharine Abernethy, of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, wrote two chapters of the report and authored several of the papers cited within it.

It comes after Dr. Abernethy received funding from the UK Research and Innovation Global Challenges Research Fund (UKRI GCRF) to investigate the social, economic and environmental impacts of trade in wildlife and wild meat in Central Africa.

She said: "While some people choose to eat wildlife, others do so because they have access to no other meats nor protein-rich vegetables, especially in rainforests that are not suitable for farming.

"The new report emphasises the need to consider both food security for people who still rely on hunting for their protein, as well as the survival of endangered species. It outlines the problem and provides an overview of why people hunt wildlife, what drives them to hunt more than can be sustainably harvested, and what might persuade or enable them to act differently.

"It looks at how land and wildlife managers could promote co-existence and sustainable hunting and what obstacles must be overcome, as a global society, to facilitate this."

The report  led by Dr. Lauren Coad, of the Centre for International Forestry Research  is the first on this issue that the CBD have produced in more than a decade. Since the last report, from 2008, the illegal wildlife trade  including trading for meat  has become the most widespread global threat to mammal species survival and the second-most lucrative illegal trade in the world, after drugs.

Dr. Abernethy added: "Millions of people in the tropics use wildlife for food and many will suffer food insecurity if wildlife is driven to extinction. Therefore, sustainable solutions need to be found for both human and wildlife survival."

The research presented in the report provides the platform for the UKRI GCRF work-package to investigate how trade in wild meat affects biodiversity, and consider potential sustainable solutions.

Stirling will receive around 390,000 as part of the multi-million pound project, which aims to make trade a positive force for both marginalised people and nature conservation.

Explore further New study sheds light on illegal wildlife trade in Hong Kong

More information: Coad L. et al. Toward a sustainable, participatory and inclusive wild meat sector, (2019). Coad L. et al. Toward a sustainable, participatory and inclusive wild meat sector,(2019). DOI: 10.17528/cifor/007046
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Every year Tasmania is hit by thousands of lightning strikes, which harmlessly hit wet ground. But a huge swathe of the state is now burning as a result of "dry lightning" strikes.

Dry lightning occurs when a storm forms from high temperatures or along a weather front (as usual) but, unlike normal thunderstorms, the rain evaporates before it reaches the ground, so lightning strikes dry vegetation and sparks bushfires.

Dangerous, large fires occur when dry lightning strikes in very dry environments that are full of fuel ready to burn. Cold fronts in Tasmania, which often carry fire-extinguishing rain, have recently been dry, making these fires worse. The fronts draw in strong hot, dry northerly winds, fanning the flames.

Research has found that as climate change creates a drier Tasmania landscape, dry lightning  and therefore these kinds of fires  are likely to increase.

History and detection in Tasmania

Lightning has always started fires across Tasmania. Fire scars and other paleo evidence across Tasmania show large fires are a natural process in some places. However, frequent large, intense fires were rare. Now such fires are being fought almost every year.

Contrary to anecdotal belief, our recent preliminary work suggests that lightning activity has not increased over recent decades. So why do fires started by lightning appear to be increasing?

As temperatures rise, evaporation rates are increasing, but current rainfall rates are about the same. In combination this means the Tasmanian landscape is drying. The landscape is more often primed, waiting for an ignition source such as a dry-lightning strike. In such conditions, it only takes one.

When dry lighting strikes

Lightning struck just such a landscape in late December 2018, starting the Gell River bushfire in southwest Tasmania. This uncontrollable fire burnt about 20,000 hectares in the first half of January and is still burning. These large fires deplete the state's resources, fatigue our volunteer and professional fire fighters and can have disastrous effects on natural systems.

With no significant rain falling over Tasmania since mid-December, the island is breaking dry spell records and thousands of dry lightning events have occurred. On January 15 alone over 2,000 lightning strikes sparked more than 60 bushfires.

Most of these were controlled rapidly, a credit to Tasmania's emergency responders. One of the worst-hit areas was the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, where many bushfires continue to burn in inaccessible locations.

This is putting some of Tasmania's most pristine and valuable places in danger of being lost. The state stands to lose its most remarkable old-growth forests, like Mount Anne, which is home to some of the world's largest King Billy Pines, a species endemic to Tasmania.

Increasing dry area

Ongoing climate change is making dry spells longer and more frequent, increasing the fire-prone area of Tasmania. Almost the whole state is becoming vulnerable to dry lightning.

Some regions of the west coast of Tasmania used to have very little to no risk of bushfires as they were always damp. However, this is no longer the case, resulting in species coming under threat.

Unlike most of Australia's vegetation, many of Tasmania's alpine and subalpine species evolved in the absence of fire and therefore do not recover after being burnt. Endemic species like Pencil Pine, Huon Pine and Deciduous Beech may be wiped out by one fire.

So what does the future hold? Using data from Climate Futures for Tasmania, we can peek into the future. Our models indicate that climate change is highly likely to result in profound changes to the fire climate of Tasmania, especially in the west.

Climate change already playing a role

With a warming climate, the rain-producing low-pressure systems are moving south and many storms that used to hit Tasmania are drifting south, leaving the island drier. This, combined with increasing evaporation rates, result in rapid drying of some areas. Areas that historically rarely experienced fire will become increasingly prone to burn. The drying trend is projected to be particularly profound throughout western Tasmania.

By the end of the century, summer conditions are projected to last eight weeks longer. This drying means that lightning events (and therefore dry lightning) will become an ever-increasing threat and the impact of these events will become more significant.

Higher levels of dryness will mean when bushfires occur the potential for these to burn into the rainforest, peat soils and alpine areas will be significantly increased.

These changes are already happening and will get progressively worse throughout the 21st century. Climate change is no longer a threat of the future: we are experiencing it now.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Even in predominantly white areas, black homeowners are more likely to face a foreclosure than their white neighbors, according to research at The University of Alabama.

The findings show black families do not shake off the factors that lead to a higher rate of foreclosure when they move from areas with a majority of black residents, said Dr. Bronwen Lichtenstein, UA professor of criminology and criminal justice, who led the research.

"The central message is wherever you go, there you are," she said. "The same forces that create a risk for foreclosure move with you."

The findings were published recently in the journal Housing, Theory and Society. Dr. Joe Weber, UA professor of geography, is also a co-author of the paper, titled "Cumulative Disadvantage or Beating the Odds? Racial Disparities in Home Foreclosure by Neighbourhood Composition in the American Deep South."

They looked at 1,013 foreclosures between 2015 and 2016 in Tuscaloosa County, an average-sized metro area with a population about 66 percent white and 32 percent black. Weber then made a map of the foreclosures to identify clusters of foreclosed homes.

Weber's analytical method of identifying spatial distribution of home foreclosure at the neighborhood level is unique in that he used density per square kilometer, together with census tract data and foreclosure data, to identify housing density.

The analysis showed that black homeowners experienced foreclosure at a higher rate than white homeowners across the county, even in census tracts with a white majority. Also, white homeowners experienced higher rate of foreclosure if they lived in tracts with a significant black population, but not when they lived in predominately white areas.

Lichtenstein said the study is mostly examining lower middle class families, a vulnerable group that can afford modest homes as long as income doesn't waiver. Wealthy families, regardless of race, are fine wherever they live.

"Money can protect yourself from almost anything, but black families tend not to have access to accumulated or inherited wealth," she said. "There are socioeconomic circumstances and racial disparities that mean if you move out of a black area, it's not a slam dunk you're going to do better. There are just too many factors that matter apart from your location."

The research is novel in using foreclosure data to determine if black families are better off moving into majority white areas. When it comes to maintaining a mortgage, black families do not improve their chances by moving to white areas, Lichtenstein said.

"The three findings demonstrate the degree to which mortgage foreclosure continues to play out in far corners of the country and where this marker of cumulative disadvantage increases the historical gap between black and white homeownership," she said.

Explore further Home foreclosures fueled racial segregation in US

More information: Bronwen Lichtenstein et al. Cumulative Disadvantage or Beating the Odds? Racial Disparities in Home Foreclosure by Neighbourhood Composition in the American Deep South, Housing, Theory and Society (2019). Bronwen Lichtenstein et al. Cumulative Disadvantage or Beating the Odds? Racial Disparities in Home Foreclosure by Neighbourhood Composition in the American Deep South,(2019). DOI: 10.1080/14036096.2019.1568297
Donald Trump, flanked by his parents, Mary Anne and Fred. Photo: Alesnick/Mediapunch/REX/Shutterstock

There is no issue in American politics that splits the parties more cleanly than the taxation of large inherited fortunes. Last years Republican tax cut included a big cut in the estate tax, which will now allow couples to pass on $22 million to their heirs before the first dollar of tax kicks in. Not satisfied with this generous gift, Republican senators recently unveiled a bill to eliminate the estate tax altogether, thus relieving heirs to fortunes exceeding the $22 million threshold of any tax burden.

Meanwhile, Democrats have veered toward sharply higher taxation of large inheritances. Last fall, Cory Booker proposed a higher estate tax to fund universal baby bonds. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders have recently proposed more robust plans to tax large concentrations of wealth. It is beginning to dawn on Democrats that a tax on massive inherited fortunes is not only a way to finance their domestic program, but a strategy to make their broader thematic case against Donald Trump and his party.

Taxing the very rich has always been popular. Proposals to tax wealth are especially popular. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs proposal to raise the top income tax rate to 70 percent has a net favorable rating of plus 13 percent, while Warrens plan to tax wealth over $50 million has a net favorable rate of plus 41 percent. Even Republicans like the idea:

The tricky part about taxing wealth, as opposed to income, is that its easier to hide from the authorities. France and Denmark both eliminated taxes on wealth because tax evasion undermined their effectiveness. Lily Batchelder argues in a new paper that the problem can be solved by structuring the tax not on wealth per se (as Warren advocates) but on the transfer of money to an heir. Any inheritance above a set exemption level  Batchelder suggests $2.1 million  would be taxed as income, and subjected to an additional 15 percent surcharge.

Why tax income from inheritance at a higher rate than income from other sources? The logic is perfectly intuitive. High incomes serve a social purpose when they reward hard work and innovation. High incomes from being born rich serve no such purpose. Taxing inherited wealth at a higher rate than earned wealth makes sense from both the standpoint of economic efficiency and the standpoint of social fairness.

The transfer of wealth across generations is not a small economic or social problem. Inheritances account for two-fifths of all wealth, Batchelder notes. It is a major reason why economic class is stickier in the United States, where a father on average passes on half of his economic advantage to a son, as opposed to one-third or less in other countries.

The Trump era has put an especially fine point on the entrenchment of economic privilege. Trump is the visible representative of American oligarchy. He was raised wealthy and taught the importance of manipulating rules and cultivating political connections that would allow him to protect and expand his fortune, which he has duly passed on to a third generation of Trump children despite their evident lack of ingenuity. Trump hardly even bothers paying lip service to traditional Republican bromides about entrepreneurship and pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. The president and his family blend comfortably alongside the princelings of China, the petro-monarchy of the Persian Gulf, and of course the state-designated billionaires of Putins Russia.

Centering an attack on inherited wealth also gives Democrats a chance to highlight the still barely known reality of Trumps sad history in business. Trump is known to the country as a self-made man, whose crude mannerisms suggest some working-class background. In reality, we now know he was primarily in the business of laundering inherited money. Last fall, a trio of University of Maryland political scientists found not only that most voters do not realize that Trump was born into great wealth, but also that learning that he was changes their overall view of him for the worse.

Trump  the real Trump, not the character he played on television  is the embodiment of inherited privilege. He has surrounded himself with crooks and cronies who live by his own values, in which money begets political power, which begets more money, on and on in perpetuity. It is a rare opportunity for a political party to face a politician who embodies the social phenomenon they are trying to fight. A tax on inherited fortunes is a symbolic and substantive blow against the crisis of American oligarchy that Trump simultaneously aggravated and embodies.
President of the German antitrust authority 'Bundeskartellamt' Andreas Mundt talks to the media at a press conference about Facebook. German antitrust authorities have issued a ruling prohibiting Facebook from combining user data from different sources. (Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa via AP)

Facebook is pushing back against a German ruling that could make it harder for the company to combine data from all the services it runs in order to target ads even more precisely.

Thursday's ruling, though aimed at current practices, hints at potential troubles ahead if Facebook follows through with plans to integrate the messaging functions of WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger as early as next year.

German antitrust authorities ruled Thursday that Facebook was exploiting its dominance in social media in forcing users to also allow the company to collect data from other Facebook-owned services like WhatsApp and Instagram, as well as third-party websites through the "Like" and "Share" buttons.

The Federal Cartel Office, or Bundeskartellamt, isn't contesting Facebook's use of customer data to target ads on the main Facebook service. Rather, the ruling said Facebook should have to get consent separately before using customer data from other apps and websites to do so.

Facebook said it would appeal.

The company currently collects data on users' activities on Facebook and the other apps it owns, along with third-party websites. So, what someone views, likes or shares on Instagramor the broader webcould be used to show that person an ad on Facebook.

Facebook also has been moving to further integrate WhatsApp and Instagram into its main service after initially promising to keep both as stand-alone companies when it bought them.

Although Facebook hasn't given many details on its plans to integrate messaging, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said recently that the idea is to help users message one another more easily, without having to worry about who's on which service. The company also said it would encrypt all the messaging services, something it does by default only with WhatsApp.

But critics have raised another possible reasonthe threat of antitrust crackdowns. Essentially, if Facebook combines its messaging services so that they are different in name and design only, it will be much more difficult, if not impossible, to then separate out and spin off Instagram and WhatsApp as separate companies.

Combining the three services also lets Facebook build more complete data profiles on all of its users. Already, businesses can already target Facebook and Instagram users together with the same ad campaign, and ads are likely coming to WhatsApp eventually.

In this Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018 file photo the icons of Facebook and WhatsApp are pictured on an iPhone in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. German antitrust authorities have issued a ruling prohibiting Facebook from combining user data from different sources. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Then there's competition from other messaging services, such as Apple's or Google's. Users are more likely to stay within Facebook's properties if they can easily message their friends across different services, rather than having to switch between Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram.

Privacy attorney Scott Vernick said he expects the integration plans to draw regulatory scrutiny, particularly in Europe. That's because of Facebook's promises that it would keep the companies separate when it bought Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. WhatsApp's founders quit the company over disagreements about user privacy.

"There is a high chance for antitrust concerns, as well as those over how user data is collected and used," Vernick said.

There are also worries that Facebook could build deeper profiles, such as by linking phone numbers to real-life identities, he added. Facebook doesn't require users to add their phone number, but WhatsApp is generally used with phone numbers. Between the two, Facebook gets more data.

In ruling that Facebook was a "dominant company," the Cartel Office said it was subject to "special obligations under competition law" and "must take into account that Facebook users practically cannot switch to other social networks."

"The only choice the user has is either to accept the comprehensive combination of data or to refrain from using the social network," it said in its judgment. "In such a difficult situation the user's choice cannot be referred to as voluntary consent."

The office said many users were not aware that Facebook is able to "collect an almost unlimited amount of any type of user data from third-party sources."

Facebook said German authorities underestimated the competition Facebook has in Germany from YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter and others. The company said it had been cooperating with the Cartel Office since 2016 and would "defend these important arguments in court."

Regardless of whether the German rulingwhich would only apply in Germanysticks, Vernick said the European data protection commission is already looking closely at Facebook's integration plans and the data it collects across all its services and beyond.

 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet, causing the carbon-containing permafrost that has been frozen for tens or hundreds of thousands of years to thaw and release methane into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to global warming. The findings of a study that included researchers from IIASA, however, suggest that it is still possible to neutralize this threat.

Permafrost is soil that remains frozen for two or more consecutive years. It is usually composed of rock, soil, sediments, and varying amounts of ice that bind the elements together. The permafrost of the Arctic landscape represents one of the largest natural reservoirs of organic carbon in the world. When the permafrost thaws, the soil microbes contained in the soil can turn the carbon into carbon dioxide and methane, which are both greenhouse gases that are known to contribute to global warming when released into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, this is exactly what is currently happening as a result of climate change. In fact, the massive amounts of methane that could potentially be released as a result of permafrost thaw, has often been described as a ticking time bomb and has long been a concern for climate scientists.

A study by researchers from IIASA, Canada, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, however, suggests that it is possible to neutralize the natural gas threat that lies in wait under the Arctic soil. The team looked at several possible future scenarios, including some where the world continues to release manmade carbon and methane emissions into the atmosphere at the current rate, and some where we meet the targets of the Paris Agreement.

In their analysis, the researchers quantified the upper range value for natural methane emissions that can be released from the Arctic tundra, as it allows it to be put in relation to the much larger release of methane emissions from human activities. Although estimates of the release of methane from natural sources in the Arctic and estimates of methane from human activity have been presented separately in previous studies, this is the first time that the relative contribution of the two sources to global warming has been quantified and compared.

"It is important to put the two estimates alongside each other to point out how important it is to urgently address methane emissions from human activities, in particular through a phase out of fossil fuels. It is important for everyone concerned about global warming to know that humans are the main source of methane emissions and that if we can control humans' release of methane, the problem of methane released from the thawing Arctic tundra is likely to remain manageable," explains Lena Hoglund-Isaksson, a senior researcher with the IIASA Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Program and one of the authors of the study published in Nature Scientific Reports earlier this week.

According to the researchers, their findings confirm the urgency of a transition away from a fossil fuel based society as well as the importance of reducing methane emissions from other sources, in particular livestock and waste. The results indicate that man-made emissions can be reduced sufficiently to limit methane-caused climate warming by 2100 even in the case of an uncontrolled natural Arctic methane emission feedback. This will however require a committed, global effort towards substantial, but feasible reductions.

"In essence, we want to convey the message that the release of methane from human activities is something we can do something about, especially since the technology for drastic reductions is readily availableoften even at a low cost. If we can only get the human emissions under control, the natural emissions should not have to be of major concern," concludes Hoglund-Isaksson.

Explore further Study measures methane release from Arctic permafrost

More information: Torben Rjle Christensen et al, Tracing the climate signal: mitigation of anthropogenic methane emissions can outweigh a large Arctic natural emission increase, Scientific Reports (2019). Journal information: Scientific Reports Torben Rjle Christensen et al, Tracing the climate signal: mitigation of anthropogenic methane emissions can outweigh a large Arctic natural emission increase,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37719-9
Credit: Shutterstock

"And is there anything you'd like to ask us?"

It is that dreaded moment near the end of a job interview when, having more or less kept your composure for the previous half hour, you are invited to turn the tables and come up with an insightful, pertinent question. In her recent and now notorious job interview, it is possible that Olivia Bland, 22, from Manchester, would have been tempted to ask: "Why are you such an arsehole?"

We should exercise a little caution before condemning Oldham-based Web Applications UK and its chief executive, Craig Dean, out of hand. Only a handful of people were in the room for this interview. The CEO has apologised publicly for the distress he caused. And the company says it has carried out an investigation into the episode and believes "no bullying or intimidation occurred."

This is not how Bland sees it. In her account, posted online, she says she was criticised for her posture and demeanour over a two-hour session. She says she was asked intrusive questions about her parents' relationship. She says she was told she was an "under-achiever"  although she has a first-class degree and is still only 22 years old. When she entered the room, she says Dean was studying her Spotify playlists, passing comments on her taste in music.

This is not normal. This is not how you should conduct a job interview with anyone, let alone a young graduate just starting out in working life. The company says that this was "a robust, multi-stage interview, which included simulating challenging, work-based scenarios, designed to help identify the best candidate for the role. This particular candidate excelled during the interview and responded positively to the feedback."

Bland says she was almost in tears during this "multi-stage interview," and was indeed crying by the time she got to the bus stop. When she was later offered the job she at first accepted, but on reflection turned it down forcefully, sharing her response on Twitter and setting off the media storm which continues today.

Serious flaws in the system

Job interviews can be a bit of a lottery at the best of times. Managers still place a great deal of faith in them. But the evidence suggests they are a seriously flawed way of finding out how a potential employee might perform in the future.

Job interviewers are naturally prone to prejudices and biases, being attracted to "mini-mes" who perhaps remind the interviewer of his or her younger self. An unstructured interview might reveal some worthwhile information, but very well may not. Even in a more structured process extroverts may talk a good game but will never amount to anything more once they are in post. Introverts meanwhile may fail to sell themselves, keeping their true abilities and potential hidden.

Dean, it seems, was trying to simulate a challenging, pressurised working environment. But it sounds like it was highly artificial  not to mention weird. For most jobs this method will not really reveal anything useful. Indeed, it has cost him the services of a great person who thought she wanted to work there.

Too often I've seen companies that say they seek "resilience" and only want the "strong" to survive as a cover for a culture that treats employees badly. The tough and desperate may survive. But a lot of talented people will not stick around.

Job interviewers should be trying to spot potential and adaptability. A candidate is unlikely to be the finished product. New recruits will take many weeks to adjust to a new working environment before they can perform at their best.

I was struck by something the actor and director Samuel West wrote about auditioning people in a recent piece for The Stage newspaper. He said that when casting a show he did not want "immediate perfection." What he is looking for are "talent, niceness and rightness for the part, in that order  I can think of nothing worse than casting somebody because they gave a perfect audition, then discovering they're unable to change it in any way."

Power imbalance

Every encounter with a boss, whether in a job interview or in the ordinary run of things, has the potential to go wrong. This is because of the inevitable power imbalance between the two parties. Hierarchy is not dead. But jobs can be hard enough without bullying and intimidation. The sort of experience described by Olivia Bland  which the company says it is satisfied did not constitute unfair treatment  is far too common in workplaces.

Millennials, in particular, are at the rough end of this  even as they struggle to pay off student loans and keep up with high rent payments. These pressures combine to produce what some have labelled "millennial burnout."

Workplaces should be safe and productive  even happy at times. But sometimes it feels as if progress has stalled. It is now 70 years since Arthur Miller wrote his play Death of a Salesman, about Willy Loman, the long-serving but failing travelling salesman. In a brutal scene the young company boss  the son of the founder for whom Loman had also worked  dismisses the old man with the glib observation that "business is business." Loman, exhausted, protests: "You can't eat the orange and throw the peel away  a man is not a piece of fruit!"

Bosses need to understand that it's not just them interviewing us  it's a two-way process. Workers who are denied basic dignity will fight back, both offline and online, as Web Applications UK have discovered.

Explore further Interviews can help ensure physician candidates fit culture

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Credit: De Fineart1, Shutterstock

Experiments in astrophysics and nuclear and particle physics are crucial to analyse how the universe works. These usually require complex detector systems whose design and testing necessitate a deep understanding of a variety of topics in physics, electronics and computing. Thanks to the EU-funded PaRaDeSEC project, a research institute in Croatia has taken a major step in strengthening its potential for the development, testing and construction of research equipment for nuclear, particle and astroparticle physics experiments.

According to a news item the Ruer Boskovic Institute (RBI) has recently inaugurated the Centre for Detectors Sensors and Electronics (CDSE) following the completion of the project "Using synergy to achieve excellence in the research and development of detectors sensors and electronics."

Quoted in the same RBI news item, project manager Dr. Neven Soic says: "The project has made it possible to procure a large number of instruments important for research, as well as remodeling laboratories, thus creating controlled conditions of cleanliness, temperature and air humidity, improving the stability of electric systems and reducing the level of electronic noise [so] as to enable the characterization and testing of a new generation of detectors of significantly improved characteristics to those currently used for research in CERN."

The news item emphasises that the activities of the CDSE will also help the project "Open scientific infrastructural platforms for innovative applications in the economy and society" (O-ZIP), which is linked to PaRaDeSEC. "All this will significantly enhance the impact and reputation of the RBI and Croatia in the international scientific community, as well as the participation of the RBI in various internationally funded projects."

Key technologies

The project website summarises O-ZIP's vision: "The impact on developing a competitive industrial sector will derive from addressing employing and enhancing key enabling technologies (KET) fostering an unheralded interaction between research and industry an active engagement in the emerging Croatian competitiveness clusters and a stimulatory redefinition of the implementation of knowledge transfer activities."

The KETs covered by O-ZIP include "biotechnology (pharmaceutical and food industry) advanced materials and manufacturing technologies (detectors and sensors smart materials radiation technologies) ICT: eScience photonics (optoelectronics) health (diagnostic and therapeutic methods)" as stated on the O-ZIP project website.

The ongoing PaRaDeSEC (Expanding Potential in Particle and Radiation Detectors Sensors and Electronics in Croatia) project was set up to form "a group and facility focused on semiconductor radiation detectors and related data acquisition electronics" at RBI as noted on the project website. These detectors are utilised to conduct "high-energy physics (HEP) experiments nuclear safety monitoring space missions and in various medical applications. Silicon pixel and microstrip detectors provide very precise spatial resolution while being cost-effective due to well-established semiconductor manufacturing technology."

The project also involves "applications of a new processing technology, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), which provides significant potential  [to] improve the performance of semiconductor detectors. The development of advanced radiation detectors is closely related with scientific activities of [the] RBI Division of Materials Physics having a large variety of characterization and spectroscopy tools for semiconductor materials."

Explore further How to unlock the resource potential of undiscovered mineral deposits

More information: PaRaDeSEC project website: PaRaDeSEC project website: lnr.irb.hr/PaRaDeSEC/
Projected increases in the number of days with very high or extreme fire weather for selected years. This study was based on scenarios producing 0.4, 1.0 and 2.9 temperature rises, which will respectively be reached by the years indicated, without emissions reduction. Credit: Lucas et al. 2007, Author provided

Ten years ago, on February 7, 2009, the Black Saturday bushfires killed 173 people. More than 2,000 houses were destroyed in Victoria, including at Kilmore, Kinglake, Vectis (Horsham), Narbethong, Marysville, Strathewan, Beechworth, Labertouche (Bunyip), Coleraine, Weerite, Redesdale, Harkaway, Upper Ferntree Gully, Maiden Gully, Bendigo, Eaglehawk, Lynbrook, St Andrews, Flowerdale, Narre Warren, Callignee, and my home town of Churchill, where my mother and father still lived. Their home wasn't burned, but many of their neighbours were badly affected by the worst bushfire day in Australia's history.

A week before, my uncle and aunt had to seek refuge at Mum and Dad's place when a fire ember landed in their front yard during the Boolarra bushfires. Mum has since passed and Dad still lives in Churchill.

The climate is changing due to human induced greenhouse gas emissions, and this means more bushfire danger days in what is already one of the most fire-prone countries in the world. Unfortunately, we have not done enough to curb climate change and the situation is getting worse.

Climate change means more days of extreme heat, longer heatwaves and more frequent droughts. Droughts now occur further south than in the past and have been increasing in Australia's southeast, including Tasmania. The records continue to tumble, and the evidence of dangerous climate change continues to mount.

Back in 2008, John Brumby was Premier of Victoria and Kevin Rudd was Prime Minister. I was working on climate change for the Victorian government, developing projections for increased risk of bushfires. A 2005 study had already predicted an increase in fire weather risk throughout most of southeastern Australia over the coming decades, with "very high" and "extreme" fire danger ratings likely to increase in frequency by 4-25% by 2020 and 15-70% by 2050.

There has been more research in this area, although certainly not enough, given the huge stakes. A 2007 report for the Climate Institute of Australia predicted increases in annual average fire danger of up to 30% by 2050, and a potential trebling in the number of days per year where the uppermost values of the index are exceeded. The largest changes are predicted for the arid and semi-arid interior of New South Wales and northern Victoria.

The 2008 Garnaut Climate Change Review also warned that fire seasons will begin earlier, end slightly later, and generally be more intense. "This effect increases over time but should be directly observable by 2020," it said.

In 2015, a further study by CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology concluded that: "Projections of warming and drying in southern and eastern Australia will lead to increases in [forest fire danger index] and a greater number of days with severe fire danger. In a business as usual scenario (worst case, driest scenario), severe fire days increase by up to 160-190% by 2090."

By combining all of this research, I created the graph below.

Projected annual number of days of very high or extreme bushfire danger. Credit: CSIRO/BoM/Bushfire CRC

This shows that while there is some uncertainty as to the extent of increase in the number of bushfire danger days in southeastern Australia, the situation is undoubtedly getting worse, and it's time for action.

In 2017, the independent Climate Council published a report on Victoria's growing bushfire threat, which made several stark findings and recommendations:

Climate change is increasing the risk of bushfires in Victoria and lengthening fire seasons. Victoria is the state most affected by bushfires, and is on the front line of increasing bushfire risk. The economic cost of bushfires in Victoria is an estimated A$180 million a year, and this is predicted to more than double by 2050. Bushfires will continue to adversely affect human and environmental health. In the future, Victoria is very likely to experience an increased number of days with extreme fire danger. Communities and emergency services across Victoria must be prepared. Reducing greenhouse emissions is vital for protecting Australians.

Risk to water supplies

Our grandfathers and grandmothers had the wisdom to build amazing water infrastructure, protected by the "closed catchments" that give Melbourne and Victoria some of the best water in the world. Bushfires are a major risk to these water supplies  particularly in the catchments of major dams such as the Thomson.

A bushfire followed by a downpour that washes ash into the dam could potentially force the closure of the trillion-litre capacity Thomson reservoir, making it unusable for months. Firefighters have been battling exactly this kind of blaze at Mount Baw Baw in recent days and at the time of writing the situation has improved.

Major bushfires often occur in time of severe drought. Black Saturday itself happened towards the end of the 15-year Millennium Drought, when Victoria's water supplies were already strained. I remember vividly the then chief executive of the Melbourne Water Corporation urging the government to deal with any fire in the Thomson Dam catchment immediately, given the threat to Melbourne's water.

Fortunately, amid the devastation of Black Saturday we avoided major disruption to our water supplies. But this risk poses a huge challenge to both firefighters and policy-makers. The rule is that protection of human life is ranked above assets and infrastructure, and rightly so. But when there is a clear and present danger of towns and cities going without water, it's also true that safeguarding water means saving human lives in the ensuing days.

Any way you look at it, these are hard questions. On our current trajectory, we are heading for terrible trade-offs.

In 2050 my daughter Astrid and my son Atticus  Mum and Dad's grandchildren  will be 45 and 43, respectively. I hope it is not too late for our leaders in Canberra, Davos and throughout the world to wake up and take urgent action to limit global warming 1.5. That would mean that the most fearful predictions of our bushfire future never come to pass.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The male amphipod (above) latches onto the smaller female (below) for up to several days and defends her against rivals. The picture shows an amplectant pair belonging to the species Gammarus sp. Caption: Konrad Lipkowski

Amphipods of the species Gammarus roeselii guard their chosen mates, often carrying them with them for days and defending them against potential rivals. This behaviour requires a lot of time and energy, so that the males make their choice with care. Scientists at Goethe University have now investigated under which circumstances males are prepared to revise their decision.

In their study, Carolin Sommer-Trembo, Konrad Lipkowski and their two colleagues compare the behaviour of Gammarus males from two populations with very different densities. They collected test animals from two neighbouring areas and let them acclimate for a few days in large aquariums. During this time, pairs formed, with the males firmly grasping the female and not letting her go before fertilization (amplectant pair).

In the next step, the amplectant pairs were carefully separated from one another, and each male was offered another (morphologically similar) female, one they had not previously selected of their own accord. The males from the populations with a very low density grasped the female within a short period. As expected, they were not particularly choosy, since they seldom encountered females in their natural environment and therefore had to seize the opportunity immediately.

The males from the population consisting of many individuals spent a significantly longer period searching through their small test basin for an alternative (hopefully better) female, before accepting the female selected by the researchers. "Often, an amplectant pair didn't even come about," Carolin Sommer reports. "If, after separation, we returned the female the male itself had selected, the male accepted it just as quickly as the males from the other population accepted a new female."

The amphipods, which are only millimetres-long, are therefore definitely choosy, with the degree of choosiness depending on the population density in their natural environments. "The population density has enormous influence on whether the male can afford to take a closer look at his mate," concludes Konrad Lipkowski.

Explore further Male choosiness emerges when females have multiple partners

More information: Konrad Lipkowski et al. Population density affects male mate choosiness and morphology in the mate-guarding amphipod Gammarus roeselii (Crustacea: Amphipoda), Biological Journal of the Linnean Society (2018). Konrad Lipkowski et al. Population density affects male mate choosiness and morphology in the mate-guarding amphipod Gammarus roeselii (Crustacea: Amphipoda),(2018). DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly201
The Heliconius cydno chioneus butterfly, one of the breeds featured in the study. Credit: Chris Jiggins

A team of academics from the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, observed the courtship rituals and sequenced the DNA from nearly 300 butterflies to find out how much of the genome was responsible for their mating behaviour.

The research, published today in PLOS Biology, is one of the first ever genome studies to look at butterfly behaviour and it unlocks the secrets of evolution to help explain how new species are formed.

Scientists sequenced the DNA from two different species of Heliconius butterflies which live either side of the Andes mountains in Colombia. Heliconians have evolved to produce their own cyanide which makes them highly poisonous and they have distinct and brightly coloured wings which act as a warning to would-be predators.

Professor Chris Jiggins, one of the lead authors on the paper and a Fellow of St John's College, said: "There has previously been lots of research done on finding genes for things like colour patterns on the butterfly wing, but it's been more difficult to locate the genes that underlie changes in behaviour.

"What we found was surprisingly simplethree regions of the genome explain a lot of their behaviours. There's a small region of the genome that has some very big effects."

The male butterflies were introduced to female butterflies of two species and were scored for their levels of sexual interest directed towards each. The scientists rated each session based on the number of minutes of courtship by the maleshown by sustained hovering near or actively chasing the females.

Unlike many butterflies which use scented chemical signals to identify a mate, Heliconians use their long-range vision to locate the females, which is why it's important each species has distinct wing markings.

When a hybrid between the two species was introduced, the male would most commonly show a preference for a mate with similar markings to itself. The research showed the same area of the genome that controlled the coloration of the wings was responsible for defining a sexual preference for those same wing patterns.

Heliconius melpomene malleti from Colombia. Credit: Chris Jiggins

Dr. Richard Merrill, one of the authors of the paper, based at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat, Munich, said: "It explains why hybrid butterflies are so rarethere is a strong genetic preference for similar partners which mostly stops inter-species breeding. This genetic structure promotes long-term evolution of new species by reducing intermixing with others."

The paper is one of two published in PLOS Biology today and funded by the European Research Council which brought together ten years of research by Professor Jiggins and his team.

The second study investigated how factors including mate preference act to prevent genetic mixing between the same two species of butterfly. They discovered that despite the rarity of hybrid butterfliesas a result of their reluctance to mate with one anothera surprisingly large amount of DNA has been shared between the species through hybridisation. There has been ten times more sharing between these butterfly species than occurred between Neanderthals and humans.

Dr. Simon Martin, one of the authors of the second paper, from the University of Edinburgh, explained: "Over a million years a very small number of hybrids in a generation is enough to significantly reshape the genomes of the these butterflies."

Despite this genetic mixing, the distinct appearance and behaviours of the two species remain intact, and have not become blended. The researchers found that there are many areas of the genome that define each species, and these are maintained by natural selection, which weeds out the foreign genes. In particular, the part of the genome that defines the sex of the butterflies is protected from the effects of inter-species mating.

As with the genetics that control mating behaviour, these genes enable each butterfly type to maintain its distinctiveness and help ensure long-term survival of the species.

But can the findings translate into other species including humans?

Professor Jiggins said: "In terms of behaviour, humans are unique in their capacity for learning and cultural changes but our behaviour is also influenced by our genes. Studies of simpler organisms such as butterflies can shed light on how our own behaviour has evolved. Some of the patterns of gene sharing we see between the butterflies have also been documented in comparisons of the human and Neanderthal genomes, so there is another link to our own evolution."

"Next we would like to know how novel behaviour can arise and what kind of genetic changes you need to alter behaviour. We already know that you can make different wing patterns by editing the genes. These studies suggest that potentially new behaviours could come about by putting different genes together in new combinations."

Explore further A single genetic switch changes butterfly wing color

More information: Merrill RM, Rastas P, Martin SH, Melo MC, Barker S, Davey J, et al. (2019) Genetic dissection of assortative mating behavior. PLoS Biol 17(2): e2005902. Merrill RM, Rastas P, Martin SH, Melo MC, Barker S, Davey J, et al. (2019) Genetic dissection of assortative mating behavior. PLoS Biol 17(2): e2005902. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2005902 Martin SH, Davey JW, Salazar C, Jiggins CD (2019) Recombination rate variation shapes barriers to introgression across butterfly genomes. PLoS Biol 17(2): e2006288. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2006288 Journal information: PLoS Biology
Airbnb said it hired aviation veteran Fred Reid to head travel partnerships for the lodging startup

Airbnb on Thursday said that it hired airline industry veteran Fred Reid away from an autonomous flight vehicle startup backed by Google co-founder Larry Page.

The move was described as part of an effort by the San Francisco based firm to add "how you get there" to an Airbnb platform that already features lodging and activities.

"I'm not interested in building our own airline or creating just another place on the internet where you can buy a plane ticket, but there is a tremendous opportunity to improve the transportation experience for everyone," said Airbnb co-founder and chief executive Brian Chesky.

"We're going to explore a broad range of ideas and partnerships that can make transportation better."

In his job as global head of transportation, Reid will focus on travel partnerships and services, according to Airbnb.

Reid was hired away from his role as president of Cora Aircraft Program at Kitty Hawk where he oversaw development of autonomous electric aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically, Airbnb said.

Reid's airline industry experience includes being chief executive at Virgin America.

"Whether in the air or on the ground, there are tremendous opportunities to create products and forge partnerships with other companies that make travel easier and even fun," Reid said, noting the mission could take years.

The move comes with Airbnb preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) as soon as the middle of this year at a valuation estimated to be more than $30 billion. The lodging startup last year said its quarterly revenues topped $1 billion for the first time.

Explore further Airbnb expands offerings with new upscale categories

 2019 AFP
Malaysia's deputy foreign minister was urged to quit Thursday following allegations he lied about having a degree from Cambridge University, with an opposition lawmaker accusing him of "deceiving the people". Marzuki Yahya's educational background came under scrutiny after doubts were raised on social media that he had a distance-learning degree in business administration from the British institution, which was previously listed on his Wikipedia profile. After initially insisting he would prove he had the degree, Marzuki said late Wednesday that he had in fact not studied at the prestigious British university but at Cambridge International University in the United States. "I think they (my critics) misunderstood (my credentials). I (studied) at the Cambridge International University in the US," Marzuki -- a member of Bersatu, a party in the ruling coalition -- told news portal Malaysiakini. "I was doing logistics (before joining politics). So I just took that certificate for my knowledge to expand my business." One of the programmes listed on the US institution's website is "logistics". The claim sparked mockery in Malaysia, with many questioning the institution's credibility. Cambridge International University says on its website it is not accredited with US education authorities, offers 150 programmes -- including "casino management" -- yet lists only 25 faculty members. One profile picture of a female faculty member has a watermark that appears to come from an American dating website. The university did not respond to requests for comment. Main opposition party the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) called on Marzuki to quit. "How do you (Marzuki) deceive the people with a fake degree and then claim you are fighting against corruption and propagating good governance and ethics?" Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, the head of UMNO's youth division, told The Star newspaper. The controversy will be a blow to the administration of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, which has pledged to fight corruption and improve the government's integrity. The previous government of Najib Razak became embroiled in a multi-billion-dollar scandal surrounding state fund 1MDB, which played a large part in its shock election defeat in May.
With the first batch of luxurious hybrid taxis hitting the citys streets, the sole distributor of the new Toyota said the government should loosen its purse strings and provide more sweeteners for the taxi industry to upgrade to the eco-friendly vehicles as this would help boost its somewhat battered image.

In an interview with the Post, Stevie Wong, CEO of vehicle service group Inchcape, made the assertion as she said the new hybrid taxis could improve not only Hong Kongs air quality but also the public perception of taxi drivers, with a more pleasant service experience for passengers.

Inchcape is the parent company of Crown Motors, the sole distributor for Toyota taxis in the city, which supplies more than 90 per cent of Hong Kong taxis.

Through the new hybrid taxis, we hope to build up some positive momentum and a new way of thinking for the taxi industry to upgrade their service, she said. Actually, weve received a lot of feedback from passengers. They all praised the new ride as very comfortable, which gave a better impression of Hong Kong cabs.

Wong spelled out the positive note in the wake of Crown Motors recently launching Toyota Comfort Hybrid taxis in the city and announcing its plan to phase out the existing 18,163 vehicles powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as Toyota has already ended production of the old model.

The new model, which includes wheelchair access, costs about HK$320,000 (US$40,000) and will cut carbon dioxide emissions and fuel bills by half  about HK$100 per day. The cars do 19.4km per litre of LPG, compared with only about 9.8km for the old taxis, which cost more than HK$260,000 (US$33,000).

The vehicle has a wider passenger door and bigger interior, four seats, an electric sliding door for wheelchairs, and USB connectors for charging mobile phones. It is also equipped with enhanced safety features such as five extra airbags, a vehicle stability control system to reduce speed on slippery roads and a hill start assist control system to prevent the vehicle from sliding backwards.

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However, Wong said the citys pace in switching to the use of hybrid taxis hinged on whether there was a green policy to facilitate such a change, as the government so far had not formulated any policies or timetable for the upgrade of LPG taxis to greener vehicles.

For example, there is a policy for goods vehicles reaching 15 years old to be replaced compulsorily, and also timetables and subsidies for commercial vehicles to be upgraded to a certain European standard. But taxis are at present the only type of commercial vehicles that are not subject to such a policy, she pointed out.

About 17 hybrids are already on the citys roads, after four began trials last year. About 1,000 will be shipped to the city gradually before the end of this year. But an estimated 10,000 of Hong Kongs Toyota taxis are more than 13 years old and due for replacement.

Wong suggested the government consider formulating a policy to stipulate when taxi owners must replace their vehicles.

Through the new hybrid taxis, we hope to build up some positive momentum and a new way of thinking for the taxi industry to upgrade their service

Stevie Wong, Inchcape

The government can be more proactive in this regard. Of course, it needs to discuss with the sector about the appropriate lifespan for taxis. I believe 15 years could be a starting point for discussion, she said, adding that in Japan, taxi operators would replace their vehicles of their own accord after five or six years of operation, even without government subsidies.

Ronald Wong, director of Inchcape, said bigger government incentives were also required to lure taxi operators into upgrading their fleets. He said such financial support was still very limited, such as a full waiver for the first registration tax. The pilot green fund, however, is not easily accessible for taxi operators.

For the taxi industry, without any money incentives, operators wont replace their old vehicles until they can no longer function, he said.

Some industry representatives have already proposed that the government offer sweeteners to facilitate the change, such as higher fares, as maintaining the energy-saving cabs would impose an extra financial burden on operators and drivers.

Stevie Wong said the government could also consider other initiatives to encourage cabbies to take wheelchair users, such as in the form of medical coupons for drivers to redeem for compensation, or higher booking charges.

It takes more time  about 15 minutes  to fit a folding platform to the hybrid to allow wheelchairs to board. She acknowledged it might be a turn-off for taxi drivers and pose difficulties for those picking up wheelchair users.

We are providing training courses for cabbies, and Toyota also plans to introduce a faster three-minute version for rolling a wheelchair in. But I think this feature could address the difficulties for wheelchair users hiring a taxi in Hong Kong, she said.

I hope the government and the taxi industry can work out a policy that is financially acceptable for the sector while enabling the government to achieve its green objectives, Wong said. If the taxi industrys image can be upgraded, it will also help attract new blood to this ageing sector.

This article New green engines for Hong Kongs iconic red taxis could give beleaguered industry a makeover first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019.
Abramson: I take seriously the issues raised and will review the passages in question. Photo: Andrew harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

On Wednesday, two journalists accused former New York Times executive editor Jill Abramson of plagiarizing sections of her new book Merchants of Truth: The Business of News and the Fight for Facts. The first account came from Vice News Tonight correspondent Michael C. Moynihan, who stated that the books sections on Vice were clotted with mistakes and contained at least six paragraphs lifted from prior reporting about the media outlet. On Twitter, Moynihan provided half-a-dozen examples of Merchants of Truth sections that bear a word-to-word resemblance with writing previously published in places like Time Out, The New Yorker, and the Columbia Journalism Review.

The following examples from the final booknot the galleyare only from the Vice chapters (I didnt check the others). So lets begin...Here is Abramson on Gavin McInnes (whom she interviewed) and the Ryerson Review of Journalism https://t.co/hx0XcyZ89k pic.twitter.com/qroN59gyVk  Michael C Moynihan (@mcmoynihan) February 6, 2019

Here Abramson--in a treatise on journalistic ethics--copies a passage from...the Columbia Journalism Reviewhttps://t.co/mZZlA4odqw pic.twitter.com/gZVxQ1dc3Z  Michael C Moynihan (@mcmoynihan) February 6, 2019

The second account came from journalist Ian Frisch, who had previously reported about Vice for his personal website in 2014. Frisch provided similar images of his work next to passages that appeared in Merchants of Truth:

I've been shown that small snippets of my story have been credited in the endnotes, but the endnotes do not go into the depth of how much this section about Thomas relied on my article. She quotes Thomas as if he's speaking to her directly. This would not fly for a mag article.  Ian Frisch (@IanFrisch) February 7, 2019

This is the second round of flack aimed at the former Times editors new book. When advance galleys of Merchants of Truth circulated three weeks ago, journalists at Vice pointed out that it contained several errors in the section on their media outlet. (The book documents four news organizations as they navigate the last two decades of media upheaval, and the section on Vice has been reviewed as particularly dismissive.) Vice correspondent Arielle Duhaime-Ross noted a paragraph about her time at Vice that contained up to six errors, including a statement that wrongly identified me as trans, while former Vice journalist Jay Caspian Kang corrected Abramsons claim that Charlottesville is in North Carolina.

Abramson responded to the first round of criticism, stating that the galleys have a clear disclaimer saying Please do not quote for publication without checking the finished book. Its a fair defense, although Vox pointed out that it is unusual for major factual errors to linger this far into the book production process, only to be corrected later. By the time galleys are released, its more typical for a publisher to be correcting proofreading errors on the level of spelling and grammar. (Evergreen reminder that most books are not fact-checked.)

In a promotional appearance on Fox News The Story on Wednesday, Abramson told host Martha MacCallum that she was 100 percent certain she did not lift the passages from other reporters. But after the show, she tweeted that she intends to take seriously the issues raised and will review the passages in question. She also added that the attacks on my book from some @vicenews reflect their unhappiness with what I consider a balanced portrayal.

Abramsons work has appeared recently in New York, including an excerpt from Merchants of Doubt, an essay on the GOP exploiting #MeToo, and the case for impeaching Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas. In a piece on her daily routine, published this week by the Cut, Abramson said of her interview process, I do not record. Ive never recorded. Im a very fast note-taker. When someone kind of says the it thing that I have really wanted, I dont start scribbling right away. I have an almost photographic memory and so I wait a beat or two while theyre onto something else, and then I write down the previous thing they said. Because you dont want your subject to get nervous about what they just said. This was criticized by some journalists as bad advice for those entering the industry.
DESPITE the recent travel advisories discouraging travel to western and central parts of Mindanao and some parts of Cebu, the Philippines remains a popular destination for New Zealand (NZ) tourists, according

DESPITE the recent travel advisories discouraging travel to western and central parts of Mindanao and some parts of Cebu, the Philippines remains a popular destination for New Zealand (NZ) tourists, according to New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines David Strachan.

Well, all I can say is if you look at the statistics, since the direct air link has been established in December of 2017 by PAL (Philippine Airlines), theres a big increase in tourism arrivals. So something like 25,000 New Zealanders arrive in the Philippines each year, he said.

At least 27 people were killed and some more were injured after two bombs exploded in the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu last Jan. 27, Monday.

Due to this, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia reminded its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall, citing threats of terrorism.

Before Australia issued a travel advisory, the United Kingdom also warned its citizens from traveling to Mindanao following an explosion in a shopping mall in Cotabato City last Dec. 31.

Strachan, however, said these travel advisories are needed to ensure safety of tourists from all over the world.

Just where they (New Zealand visitors) go when they arrive, I dont know, but I think youll agree in certain parts that it makes sense to have some cautionary advice. But its really for the tourist to decide. If you look at the numbers, it would suggest that this country still remains to be popular to New Zealand tourists, including Cebu, he added.

When asked what Cebu products can appeal to New Zealand, Strachan cited Cebus shipbuilding industry and acknowledged its creative industries.

You have some pretty impressive shipbuilding industries here, world-class furniture, seafood... Theres a guy whos a world-class designer, Kenneth Cobonpue. Someone like him would be great to get to New Zealand. Im thinking about the Apec (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum) in 2021. We are hosting it, he said.

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Cobonpue was the creative director during the Apec Economic Leaders Welcome Dinner in 2015.

I think theres room for more collaboration with renewable energy. I think its many on the renewable energy sector that you find that. They are all over the country (NZ), Strachan added.

Rune Raphael Ylade, manager of New Zealand AID Programme, believes that growing the creative industry in Cebu is also a possible area for partnership with New Zealand.

Everyone has been thinking of these creative industries here. We have been doing a lot of animation, and thats something that could be linked to the industries of New Zealand, said Ylade.
Inside a traditional Orthodox church topped with a gold cross, instead of icons, visitors can see a lunar rover and the helmet of the first man in space Yuri Gagarin. The wooden church in central Ukraine is one of thousands of buildings that were repurposed or simply destroyed during an anti-religion campaign in the Soviet era. But now some believers are asking whether it's time for the blue and grey painted structure to be returned to the Church, especially as Ukraine is undergoing a religious revival. Last month the country created its own Orthodox Church in a historic break with the Russian Orthodox Church, against a backdrop of its ongoing war with Russia-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine that has killed more than 10,000 people. "Today, when it is no longer forbidden to pray and believe in God, the church must be used as a place of worship," said priest Mykhaylo Yurchenko, from the new Ukrainian Orthodox Church who serves in one of the nearby churches. Museum staff say clerics have visited and even tried out the acoustics, but there are no plans to reconsecrate it. "The museum was founded in the 1970s," said Sergiy Volkodav, its 37-year-old chief curator. "It happened when space flights were wildly popular and every boy dreamed of becoming a cosmonaut," he said, standing beside a spacesuit worn by cosmonaut Vyacheslav Zudov for a spacewalk in 1976. Built in 1891, the Church of Saint Paraskeva houses over 450 exhibits, including a scarlet training parachute belonging to Gagarin, a collection of portraits of him and other personal items of the cosmonaut whose historic 1961 space flight made him a Soviet icon. The museum is part of a vast outdoor ethnographic complex, located in Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky, a small town some 80 kilometres (50 miles) southeast of Kiev. - 'As cold as in space' - Soviet anti-religious propaganda used images of space exploration to persuade people that God did not exist. The Soviets also put some former churches to ideological use such as opening a museum of atheism in a cathedral in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg. Some other churches were converted into planetariums. Volkodav said that, in opening a space museum in a church, the Soviet authorities' intention was not necessarily to mock religion. They simply chose a building that could display large exhibits that include a model rocket several metres (feet) high, he said. Some, like Volkodav as well as priests and other locals, argue that the creation of the museum in fact saved the church from destruction. It formerly stood in a Cossack village that was deliberately flooded to build a vast reservoir in the 1960s. The church was one of the few buildings to be painstakingly dismantled and moved to a new location. One of those who lived in the village, Borys Stolyarenko, a 60-year-old mechanic, recalls services being held there in the early 1960s. "Later, when the Soviets turned it into a granary, we climbed through its windows with my friends and jumped down into the grain," he said. He has no photographs of his former home village, he went on. "All I have is this church. The creation of the museum saved it," he added. Today though, the museum looks like it has seen better days. The exhibits are shabby and blue paint is flaking off the interior walls. Most visitors come in summer due to the lack of heating: a thermometer inside displays minus 10 degrees C (14 degrees F). "It's as cold as in space," joked a museum employee, wearing a sheepskin coat and hat. - Use for worship - The fall of the USSR and the proclamation of Ukraine's independence in 1991, followed by religious freedom in this predominantly Orthodox country have not changed the museum's status. Father Feodosiy from the local Orthodox monastery, loyal to the Moscow Patriarchate, said he would like to see the museum return to the Russian Orthodox Church. But if it were to go to the new Ukrainian Church, he would rather see it continue to host space exhibits, he said. "In the situation we have now, it's better to have a museum there than those schismatics" from the independent Church, he said. Some locals have suggested moving the space exhibition to another location and opening a museum of religious icons in its place. But Volkodav is resolutely opposed. "This is the only space museum in a church in the whole world... it's unique," he claimed.
A case of rat-to-human hepatitis E infection has been documented in Canada, the first to be reported outside Hong Kong.

The case, concerning a middle-aged Canadian man who had visited Africa, highlighted that even healthy adults could be at risk of catching the rodent-borne disease, said Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, the University of Hong Kongs top infectious diseases expert.

Yuens team revealed the worlds first two rat-to-human infections in Hong Kong last year. Both patients had weak immune systems, and one of them lived on a public housing estate with a rat problem.



The Canadian patient, who was otherwise healthy, was found to be carrying a strain of the hepatitis E virus that was genetically distinct from that discovered in the first Hong Kong patient.

Rat hepatitis E: a wake-up call for Hong Kong to shape up on public hygiene



[The case shows that] even if you are healthy, with no immunosuppression, you can be very sick after having a rat hepatitis E infection, said Yuen, who was not involved in the case in Canada.

Dr Siddharth Sridhar from HKU, who worked with Yuen on the Hong Kong cases, said he was surprised to see the findings in the latest report.

My conclusion based on the previous two cases in Hong Kong was this infection more likely affected people with weak immune systems, Sridhar said. But this report showed that a normal patient who did not have a weak immunity could also be infected.

Details of the findings were recently published online in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

The hepatitis E virus is transmitted mainly through consumption of contaminated food and water. While the infection usually resolves without treatment, it can be a serious illness for those with weak immunity.

According to the report, the man, who was then 49, was admitted to a hospital in Halifax, Canada, in early April 2017 for severe acute hepatitis. He had symptoms such as hives and jaundice, and was later found to be carrying the rat hepatitis E virus.

Story continues

One in every 100 Hong Kong rats could carry hepatitis virus capable of infecting humans



The man did not have a history of major diseases except abnormal lipid levels in his blood.

Before his condition arose, he had been based at UN facilities in Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo between January and late March in 2017.

The patient said he had not had any contact with rats, rat droppings or live animals during his stay in Africa.

He had eaten at UN bases, his hotel and a local Indian restaurant. The report stated that only the UN bases would have had approved sanitary and cooking standards.

The researchers believed the man had been infected while working in the African countries.

There is no direct evidence linking the patient to rats, hence a secondary route of transmission which remains unknown may be involved, the report read, adding that further studies were needed to understand the mode of transmission of the virus in humans.

Worlds second case of rat hepatitis E in humans reported in Hong Kong



Yuen said the man may have become infected by eating food contaminated by rats.

Both HKU experts urged the public to take note of food and environmental hygiene, such as consuming meals that had been properly cooked.

Sridhar advised travellers to be careful about their food choices when in countries with poorer hygiene. For example, he said, avoid consumption of drinks with ice made with water from unknown sources, and do not drink tap water.

A spokeswoman for the Public Health Agency of Canada, which was involved in looking into the latest case, said the health risk of rat hepatitis to Canadians was considered low.

Hepatitis E virus, including the human form, is not common in Canada, she said in an email reply to the Post.

The worlds first case of rat-to-human hepatitis E was reported in late September last year, concerning a 56-year-old man living on Choi Wan Estate in Kowloon.



The second case involved a 70-year-old woman who lived about 3km from the first patient.

The infections proved that rat hepatitis E could jump to people, sparking concerns in the city over pest control.





This article Canada reports worlds first case of rat-to-human hepatitis E infection outside Hong Kong first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019.
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LOS REVOLUCIONARIOS NO TOMAN CACA-COLA No se trata solamente de un capricho, sino de una sana actitud en todos los sentidos. Desde la solidaridad con el pueblo colombiano donde la empresa Caca-Cola ha cometido los mas grandes abusos contra sus trabajadores incluyendo el presunto secuestro y asesinato de los dirigentes del sindicato, hasta la proteccion de la salud de nuestros hijos, enviciados por ese jarabe de cola y azucar, que les produce obesidad prematura. Pensemos tambien los revolucionarios, que ese dinero que gastamos en los refrescos es utilizado por esas empresas para financiar el terrorismo en nuestro pais. Es cierto, no se trata solo de la Caca-Cola, sino tambien de la cerveza, de los cigarrillos y todos esos articulos innecesarios y mas que eso, daninos para nuestra salud. Podriamos incluso pensar en un dia de parada para cada uno de ellos. Es cuestion de irnos organizando. Pero para empezar, que tal si dejamos de comprar Caca-Cola y sus similares?



Cuando lo extraordinario se vuelve cotidiano...



Discurso del Acto de Grado en Barinas en 12 de Febrero del 2005 Queridos Graduandos:



Mas que un discurso, quiero dirigirles algunas palabras que escribi anoche, despues de visitar en las clinicas, a los estudiantes heridos, a consecuencia de los enfrentamientos con la policia de hace apenas dos dias.



Me ha tocado por razones del destino, ser la persona que les otorgue el titulo que bien merecieron con sus estudios. Y me siento sumamente orgulloso de serlo. Me consta que la Universidad de Los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, a pesar de lo dicho por los enemigos de esta universidad, es una universidad de primera.



No tendremos la mejor planta fisica, en los salones hace calor. En el comedor hace calor. Pero no es en lo material que las cosas deben valorarse. El mayor capital es el ser humano. Y en eso, nuestra UNELLEZ, lo digo con conocimiento de causa, esta sobrada. Los llaneros venezolanos son nobles, valientes, de coraje.



En la UNELLEZ hacen vida, en este momento, aproximadamente 67000 personas. El 97% de ellas son estudiantes. Jovenes que, como Ustedes hasta el dia de hoy, buscan ese titulo, que constata los anos de dedicacion y de estudio.



Los jovenes son el rio de la vida, ustedes graduados deben ser los capitanes de esos barcos que naveguen por el rio de la vida.



Nuestra Patria atraviesa momentos muy dificiles porque decidio dejar de ser esa matrona de edad vetusta y complaciente, para ser joven, rebelde y altanera. Nuestra imagen ya no es la de una acaudalada ricachona mayamera. En nuestro rostro brilla ahora la sonrisa del Che Guevara, con su diente delantero torcido, su pelo largo y su boina con la estrella.



Entender esto, a mi me ha tomado practicamente toda la vida. Tengo 53 anos, y ya perdi mi oportunidad de derramar sangre joven a causa de un ideal.



Ustedes son jovenes, estan en la flor de la vida. No cometan por favor el error de renunciar a su instinto de rebelion. El Che Guevara fue Ministro de a Economia en Cuba. Los billetes y las monedas se adornaban con su rostro. Nada de eso le importo. Primero fue a Angola donde paso un penoso ano de combate. Despues se fue a Bolivia, donde encontro la muerte. El Che era el ultimo que comia, el que cargaba la mochila mas pesada. Siempre se sacrificaba por los demas en un estoicismo que mas parecia fervor religioso que ideologia marxista.



Si quieren un modelo de vida. Ahi lo tienen.



Dije hace unos momentos que el 97% de la poblacion de la UNELLEZ es estudiante. Se imaginan Ustedes la Universidad que podriamos tener si todos los estudiantes tuvieran la abnegacion, la combatividad del Che?



Los momentos que se avecinan van a requerir de una gran unidad del pueblo venezolano. La alternativa de continuar siendo libres o regresar a la pobreza se nos planteara en los proximos dias de forma enmascarada, o quizas peor, desenmascarada, vestida con uniforme de soldado del Imperio.



Por nuestra parte podemos esperar lo mejor. La macroeconomia no podria ir mejor, la justicia social ha mejorado notablemente. Las misiones ocupan un papel muy importante en el pago de dicha justicia social. Aqui en Barinas ya hemos cumplido con dos de las misiones, la mision Robinson y la mision Sucre. No hay analfabetismo y no hay exclusion en la educacion superior, en estas tierras de Zamora.



Pero ay malhaya! Son precisamente estos exitos los que nos hacen mas antipaticos al Imperio. Para ellos, somos inclusive un mal ejemplo que se esta contagiando al resto del continente y cuidado sino al resto del mundo.



Nunca venceremos al Imperio. Estara siempre ahi, acechando. Por lo menos hasta que el mismo no se autodestruya. Porque, sepanlo senores, el neoliberalismo es canibal. Cuando le ataque el hambre, se devorara a si mismo.



Ustedes, queridos graduandos, a partir de hoy pasan a conformar la elite profesional que debe sostener este pais en los proximos cuarenta o cincuenta anos. Anos decisivos para el logro de nuestra libertad y del rescate de nuestra Soberania.



No se dejen comprar. No se dejen corromper. No se dejen gritar. No se dejen pisar. Que nadie les diga que comer, o que vestirse, o que leer. Sean siempre autenticos, rebeldes, contestatarios. Pero eso si, profundamente patriotas, dignos de ser hijos de Bolivar.



Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga.





Alguna duda?



Medio siglo de Holocausto Palestino



Oscar Zanartu Nacio en Caracas en 1960. Ha realizado exposiciones individuales en las galerias Minotauro, Clave y San Francisco, y en salas de Coro, estado Falcon, y Puerto Ordaz, estado Bolivar. En Paris su obra ha sido exhibida en el Centro Cultural Tanagra, en la Exposicion Cite Internationale des Arts, en las galerias De Mars y Arver Space, al igual que en la Galeria Municipal Levallois, en Levallois Perret (Francia). En muestras colectivas, su obra se ha expuesto en Belgica, Francia, Estados Unidos y Venezuela; en Caracas intervino en la exposicion "Del genesis a la memoria", 1995, organizada por la Fundacion La Previsora. En 1982 obtuvo el Premio Nacional Critven y en 1990 la Mencion de Honor Jose Antonio Paez, en la Embajada de Venezuela en Paris. En 1991 se le concedio el primer premio de Pintura Itinerante, en Levallois Perret, Francia.



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Autoretrato



Sabes lo que bebes en una Coca-Cola?

La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.

Mi profesion?

Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.

Sal en la Coca Cola?

A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.

De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:

Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gusto

Acido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)

azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)

Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantas

Mucha Cafeina

Conservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o Potasio

Dioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebe

Sal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracion

El uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.

Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.

Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.

En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).

Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.

La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.

Bebidas Light?

Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el

Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.



Publicado por loretahur



En realidad, la formula secreta de la Coca-Cola se puede detallar en 18 segundos en cualquier espectrometro optico, y basicamente la conocen hasta los perros. Lo que ocurre es que no se puede fabricar igual, a no ser que uno disponga de unos cuantos millones de dolares para ganarle la demanda que te metera la Coca-Cola ante la justicia (ellos no perderian).La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gustoAcido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantasMucha CafeinaConservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o PotasioDioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebeSal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracionEl uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el aspartamo , despues de tres semanas mojado, pasa a tener gusto de trapo viejo sucio.Para evitar eso, se agregan una infinidad de otros productos quimicos, uno para alargar la vida del aspartamo, otro para neutralizar el color, otro para mantener el tercer quimico en suspension porque sino el fondo de la gaseosa quedaria oscuro, otro para evitar la cristalizacion del aspartamo, otro para realzar el sabor, dar mas intensidad al acido citrico o fosforito que perderia su sabor por el efecto de los cuatro productos quimicos iniciales... y asi sucesivamente.Un consejo final !!Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.Publicado por loretahur

MARGARINA o MANTEQUILLA La margarina fue producida originalmente para engordar a los pavos; cuandolo que hizo en realidad fue matarlos.Las personas que habian puesto el dinero para la investigacion quisieronrecobrarlo asi que empezaron a pensar en una forma de hacerlo.Tenian una sustancia blanca, que no tenia ningun atractivo como comestible,asi que le anadieron el color amarillo, para venderselo a lagente en lugar de la mantequilla.Que tal esa?... Ahora han sacado algunos nuevos sabores para vender mas alos incautos como usted y yo.CONOCE USTED la diferencia entre la margarina y la mantequilla?Siga leyendo hasta el final... porque se pone bastante interesante!Comparacion entre mantequilla y margarina:

1.- Ambas tienen la misma cantidad de calorias.

2.- La mantequilla es ligeramente mas alta en grasas saturadas: 8 gramos,comparada con los 5 gramos que tiene la margarina.

3.- Comer margarina en vez de mantequilla puede aumentar en 53% el riesgo deenfermedades coronarias en las mujeres, de acuerdo con un estudiomedico reciente de la Universidad de Harvard.

4.- Comer mantequilla aumenta la absorcion de gran cantidad de nutrientesque se encuentran en otros alimentos.

5.- La mantequilla provee beneficios nutricionales propios mientras lamargarina tiene solo los que le hayan sido anadidos al fabricarla.

6.- La mantequilla sabe mucho mejor que la margarina y mejora el sabor deotros alimentos.7.- La mantequilla ha existido durante siglos mientras que la margarinatiene menos de 100 anos.

Ahora... sobre la margarina:

1.- Es muy alta en acidos grasos trans. (Si, esos que recien ahora loscientificos descubrieron que son malisimos y los gobiernoscomenzaron a prohibirlos) .

2.- Triple riesgo de enfermedades coronarias.

3.- Aumenta el colesterol total y el LDL (el colesterol malo) y disminuye elHDL (el colesterol bueno).

4.- Aumenta en cinco veces el riesgo de cancer.

5.- Disminuye la calidad de la leche materna.

6.- Disminuye la reaccion inmunologica del organismo.

7.- Disminuye la reaccion a la insulina.

Y he aqui el factor mas inquietante (AQUI ESTA LA PARTE MAS INTERESANTE! ):A la margarina le falta UNA MOLECULA para ser PLASTICO...!!Solo este hecho es suficiente para evitar el uso de la margarina de porvida, y de cualquier otra cosa que sea hidrogenada (esto significaque se le anade hidrogeno, lo cual cambia la estructura molecular de lassubstancias).Usted puede ensayar lo siguiente:Compre un poco de margarina y dejela en el garaje o en un sitio sombreado.Dentro de unos dias notara dos cosas:

* No habra moscas; ni siquiera esos molestos bichos se le acercaran (esto yale debe decir a usted algo).

* No se pudre ni huele mal o diferente porque no tiene valor nutritivo; nadacrece en ella. Ni siquiera los diminutos microorganismos puedencrecer en ella.Por que? Porque es casi plastico!!



No a la guerra, Si a la Paz



Misterios de la ciencia...



Los costos de la guerra



medicos y capitalismo...



medicos (2)



Quien educa a nuestros hijos?



Los Medios...



Sin Palabras...



Chistes feministas

- Cual es el problema, Eva?

- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz...

- Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.

- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...

- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.

- Que es un hombre?

- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.

- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.

- Cual es el truco?.

- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.

- Cual?

- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.





Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Un dia, en el Paraiso, Eva llamo a Dios: Tengo un problema.- Cual es el problema, Eva?- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.- Que es un hombre?- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.- Cual es el truco?.- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.- Cual?- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Ellas (2)...



Tres venganzas femeninas VENGANZA NUMERO 1

Hoy mi hija cumple 21 anos y estoy muy contento porque es el ultimo pago de pension alimenticia que le doy, asi que llame a mi hijita para que viniera a mi casa y cuando llego le dije:

-Hijita, quiero que lleves este cheque a casa de tu mama y que le digas que: Este es el ultimo maldito cheque que va recibir de mi en todo lo que le queda de su puta vida!!! Quiero que me digas la expresion que pone en su rostro.

Asi que mi hija fue a entregar el cheque. Yo estaba ansioso por saber lo que la bruja tenia que decir y que cara pondria.

Cuando mi hijita entro, le pregunte inmediatamente: -Que fue lo que te dijo tu madre?

-Me dijo que justamente estaba esperando este dia para decirte que no eres mi papa!



VENGANZA NUMERO 2

Un hombre que siempre molestaba a su mujer, paso un dia por la casa de unos amigos para que lo acompanaran al aeropuerto a dejar a su esposa que viajaba a Paris.

A la salida de inmigracion, frente a todo el mundo, el le desea buen viaje y en tono burlon le grita:

- Amor, no te olvides de traerme una hermosa francesita Ja ja ja!!

Ella bajo la cabeza y se embarco muy molesta.

La mujer paso quince dias en Francia.

El marido otra vez pidio a sus amigos que lo acompanasen al aeropuerto a recibirla.

Al verla llegar, lo primero que le grita a toda voz es:

- Y amor me trajiste mi francesita??

- Hice todo lo posible, - contesta ella - ahora solo tenemos que rezar para que nazca nina.



VENGANZA NUMERO 3

El marido, en su lecho de muerte, llama a su mujer. Con voz ronca y ya debil, le dice: - Muy bien, llego mi hora, pero antes quiero hacerte una confesion.

- No, no, tranquilo, tu no debes hacer ningun esfuerzo.

- Pero, mujer, es preciso - insiste el marido - Es preciso morir en paz.

Te quiero confesar algo.

- Esta bien, esta bien. Habla!

- He tenido relaciones con tu hermana, tu mama y tu mejor amiga.

- Lo se, lo se Por eso te envenene, hijo de puta!!!



machismo y cibernetica



Chiste machista La NASA ha enviado al espacio una mision experimental tripulada por dos monos y una mujer.Apenas abandona la atmosfera, se establece comunicacion con Houston.

-Atencion, simio 1, verifique sistemas hidraulicos, controle adecuada presion de los propulsores de arranque. A 60.000 pies disminuya un 25% la velocidad.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, simio 2, nivele al cruzar la estratosfera y active sistemas anticongelantes. No olvide monitorear sistemas de comunicacion e indicadores de presion. Comprendido?.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, Houston llamando a mujer: no se olvide.

-Mujer: Si, si, ya se! -interrumpe enojada- que no me olvide darles de comer a estos monos de mierda y que no se me vaya a ocurrir tocar nada!.



.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti.

Un abogado mantiene un romance con su secretaria.Al poco tiempo, esta queda embarazada y el abogado, que no quiere que su esposa se entere, le da a la secretaria una buena suma de dinero y le pide que se vaya a parir a Italia.Esta pregunta: Y como voy a hacerte saber cuando nazca el bebe ? El abogado responde: Para que mi mujer no se entere, tan solo enviame una postal y escribe por detras: Spaghetti. Y no te preocupes mas, que yo me encargare de todos los gastos.

Pasan los meses y una manana la esposa del abogado lo llama al bufete, algo exaltada: Querido, acabo de recibir el correo y hay una postal muy extrana viene desde Italia. La verdad, no entiendo que significa.El abogado, tratando de ocultar sus nervios, contesta:Espera a que llegue a casa, a ver si yo entiendoCuando el hombre llega a casa y lee la postal, cae al suelo fulminado por un infarto.Llega una ambulancia y se lo lleva. Ya en el hospital, el jefe de cardiologia se queda consolando a la esposa y le pregunta cual ha sido el evento que precipito tan masivo ataque cardiaco.

Entonces la esposa saca la postal y se la muestra diciendole: No me explico, doctor; el solamente leyo esta postal. Vea usted mismo lo que trae escrito.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti."Tres con salchicha y albondigas y dos con almejas



Gol !!!!



Chistes de Borrachos Entra un borracho a su casa todo manchado con lapiz labial por todos lados hecho un desastre, y la mujer le pregunta:-Hombre que te paso?Y el borracho le responde:-No me vas a creer, me pelee con un payaso!



Este es un borracho que entra en un bar y le dice al camarero:-Me da cinco copas de whisky?Al rato:-Me da cuatro?Al rato:-Me da tres copas?Despues:-Me da dos copas?Luego le dice:-Me da una copa?Y le dice al camarero:-Ves? Cuanto menos bebo, mas borracho estoy!


From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As...
Room for more. Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer. Photos: Getty Images

For months, conventional wisdom has held that the Democratic primary would be overflowing with candidates. Not only would the debates, much like those the Republicans held in 2016, require both an adult and kids table, but a few unfortunate nobodies might end up sitting on the floor.

As the first debates approach in June, its beginning to look as if the predictions of a primary with 30 or even 40 Democrats wont come true. But 20 is still within reach. With ten months until the first primary in Iowa, heres whos in and whos out, in alphabetical order.

Everyone Whos Running in 2020

Michael Bennet

The Colorado senator planned to announce his candidacy in April, but a prostate-cancer diagnosis slowed him down. After surgery that his campaign described as completely successful, the 54-year-old entered the race on May 2, telling CBS This Morning. I think this country faces two enormous challenges, among others. One is a lack of economic mobility and opportunity for most Americans, and the other is the need to restore integrity to our government.

Joe Biden

After months of speculation, Biden launched his campaign in late April with a direct attack on President Trump. I believe history will look back on four years of this president and all he embraces as an aberrant moment in time, he says in the video. Hes the front runner, and by honing in on the general election, hes acting like it.

Cory Booker

New Jerseys junior senator and the former mayor of Newark, Booker launched his campaign in February with a typically positive message focusing on his favorite subject: love. We need to have leaders in this country who understand what patriotism means, and patriotism means love of country, and you cant love your country if you dont love your countrymen, he said.

Steve Bullock

With a focus on campaign finance reform and his ability to work with Republicans, Montanas Governor became the 23rd candidate to join the race in mid-May. Expect to hear a lot of talk about his being the Democratic governor of a state Trump won by 20 points  if you hear him at all.

Pete Buttigieg

The 37-year-old mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has a compelling profile as a gay veteran who speaks seven languages. Thats helped him get attention in a crowded field despite being a relative unknown with a hard-to-pronounce name. Hes hoping itll also help become the youngest-ever president.

Julian Castro

President Obamas HUD secretary and the former mayor of San Antonio, Castro has long been pegged a Democratic rising star. Now, the 44-year-old, who is the only Latino in the race, is hoping to take on Trump by focusing on immigration.

Bill de Blasio

New York Citys Mayor is not very well liked at home, but hes decided to take his progressive record national. In his launch video, de Blasio said he knows how to take on Donald Trump. Then he proved thats not true by unveiling a terrible nickname for the President: Con Don.

John Delaney

The former Maryland congressman started running for president in July of 2017, earlier than anyone else. That doesnt seem to have helped.

Tulsi Gabbard

An early Bernie Sanders supporter in 2016, Gabbard has already made history as the first American Samoan and Hindu member of Congress. She faces hurdles in her attempt to become the first female president though, including some of her foreign-policy views.

Kirsten Gillibrand

Gillibrand, a moderate New York congresswoman turned progressive senator, jumped into the presidential race in January on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Im going to run for president of the United States, because as a young mom, Im going to fight for other peoples kids as hard as I would fight for my own, she said.

Mike Gravel

The 88-year-old former Alaska senator says he doesnt want to be president, but, with the help of some plucky teens, hes running in hopes of making the debates, where he can push the field left.

Kamala Harris

Before she was a senator from California, Harris was the states attorney general, a job that gives her the kind of law-enforcement background that could be a liability in the Democratic primary and an asset in the general election.

John Hickenlooper

Colorados former governor, Hickenlooper was nearly Hillary Clintons pick for vice-president. Now, hes got his sights set on the Oval Office and hopes his record as a moderate leader from the swing state will help him make the unlikely journey there.

Jay Inslee

The Washington governor isnt likely to win the Democratic nomination, but as a single-issue candidate focused on climate change, his candidacy could help shape the debate.

Amy Klobuchar

Dogged by criticism of her treatment of her staff, the Minnesota senator has attempted to use her intensity as an asset, telling CNN, When youre out there on the world stage and dealing with people like Vladimir Putin, yeah, you want someone whos tough.

Wayne Messam

Among the least well-known candidates, Messam is the mayor of Miramar, Florida, and the son of Jamaican immigrants. Among his policy proposals is the cancellation of student debt.

Seth Moulton

The Massachusetts congressman and former Marine says he joined the race to talk about service, security, and patriotism. A frequent critic of his own party, Moulton has said its time for a new generation of Democratic leaders. At 40, hes the third-youngest candidate in the field. (Both Buttigieg and Gabbard are 37.)

Beto ORourke

A close-but-not-quite challenge to Senator Ted Cruz turned the former Texas congressman into a Democratic star. Now, hes hoping to win over national Democrats with a candidacy thats often criticized for putting style over substance.

Tim Ryan

The Ohio congressman was previously best known for trying, and failing, to oust Nancy Pelosi from the Speakers chair. Now that hes running for president, hes still best known for that.

Bernie Sanders

Back after a second-place finish in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary, the Vermont senator has seen the party move toward his positions in the past three years. Hes in the top tier, but isnt a shoo-in for the nomination.

Eric Swalwell

The California congressman is running with a focus on gun control.

Elizabeth Warren

A commitment to rolling out big policy initiatives has defined the early months of Warrens candidacy. For some reason though, the Massachusetts senator hasnt caught fire.

Marianne Williamson

If Williamson, a self-described moral and spiritual awakener, is good enough for Oprah, she must be good enough for America, right?

Andrew Yang

Yang is an entrepreneur, a big fan of universal basic income, and a favorite candidate of many meme-loving young folks.

Everyone Whos Ruled Out a 2020 Run

Michael Avenatti

The man best known as Stormy Danielss lawyer never seemed like a serious contender for president, so it was little surprise that his flirtation with running ended before it got serious. A father of three, Avenatti said on December 4 that he would not be running at the request of his family, though he went on to claim that many of the others likely to run have no real chance at winning. His subsequent indictment on dozens of federal charges confirmed he wont take up residence in the White House anytime soon.

Michael Bloomberg

The billionaire New Yorker said hes not running when it became clear that Biden was.

Sherrod Brown

Seen by some as the only hope Democrats have for winning Ohios electoral votes, Brown opted not to take his message of the dignity of work national. Thats good news for anyone concerned about losing Senate seats to the GOP.

Bob Casey

Pennsylvanias senior senator answered a question no one was asking when he said in a statement on January 18 that the best way for me to fight for the America that so many of us believe in is to stay in the U.S. Senate and not run for the presidency in 2020.

Hillary Clinton

In early March, Clinton stated clearly whats long been obvious: Im not running, she told News 12. But Im going to keep on working and speaking and standing up for what I believe.

Andrew Cuomo

Weeks after winning his third four-year term as New Yorks governor, Cuomo said that his current job would keep him from pursuing a new one in Washington. I am ruling it out. I ran for governor, I have a full plate, I have many projects. Im going to be here doing the job of governor, he said.

Eric Garcetti

The mayor of Los Angeles is young, moderate, and your average Mexican-American-Jewish-Italian. But despite visiting New Hampshire last year and testing out an anti-Beltway, outsider pitch, Garcetti said on January 25 that he wants to stay in L.A.: I realize that this is what I am meant to do, this is where I want to be.

Eric Holder

The former attorney general wrote in a Washington Post op-ed that he wont join the crowded Democratic primary, choosing instead to focus his efforts on the fight to end gerrymandering.

Tim Kaine

As Hillary Clintons running mate, the Virginia senator received more votes than Donald Trump in 2016, but hes not going to try to do it again next year. My highest and best use is in the U.S. Senate he told the Richmond Times-Dispatch on November 17.

Mitch Landrieu

The former New Orleans mayor told CNN on February 6 that he doesnt think hell run for president due to the great candidates already in the race. He left himself some wiggle room  You never say never because you dont know how things will work out  but it sounds like Landrieu plans to sit this one out.

Terry McAuliffe

Despite his belief that he could beat Trump like a mule, the former Virginia governor will sit out 2020. McAuliffe was considered a likely candidate if Joe Biden declined to run.

Jeff Merkley

The Oregon senator faked out supporters with a video titled My Plan for 2020. His plan? To stay in the Senate.

Chris Murphy

With so many of his colleagues jumping into the race, the Connecticut senator tweeted on January 25 that he plans to be one of the few Democrats to stay behind to keep the fight going here!

Richard Ojeda

West Virginias most intense politician left the State Senate earlier this year after becoming one of the first Democrats in the presidential race. On January 25, ten days after leaving office, he ended his campaign, citing a lack of money to make the media pay attention.

Martin OMalley

After serving as the Democrats hot-dad candidate in 2016, the former Maryland governor said on January 3 that he wont be running in 2020. But in an op-ed for the Des Moines Register, he wrote that a younger hot dad should: I believe the new leader who can best bring us together and turn us around to create that better American future, is Beto ORourke.

Deval Patrick

Though he was reportedly encouraged by team Obama to make a run at the nomination, the former Massachusetts governor took his name out of consideration on December 5, citing the cruelty of our elections process.

Adam Schiff

A star of the resistance, the House Intelligence Committee chairman showed up in New Hampshire on February 4 to speak at the famed Politics & Eggs event. He was asked the obvious question and responded bluntly: Im not running.

Tom Steyer

The billionaire activist announced on January 9 that he wouldnt run for president so he could focus 100 percent of my time, effort and resources to one cause: working for Mr. Trumps impeachment and removal from office.

Jon Tester

Hes a farmer at heart, the Montana senator told Rachel Maddow, who prodded him to run during a December 3 appearance on her MSNBC show. Even if I wanted to do it, and I really dont, Im not sure that mentally or physically I am in any shape to run the kind of race that needs to be run to be president of the United States, he added.

Oprah Winfrey

After repeatedly denying any interest in running, Oprah did so once again while stumping for Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams last November. I dont want to run, she said. Im not trying to test any waters. Dont want to go in those waters.

This post has been updated throughout.
Russias gas giant Gazprom aims to further increase its 35-percent market share in Europe, amid higher natural gas demand and expected lower production at key western European natural gas producers, according to a senior Gazprom manager.

The Russian company sees opportunities to lift its market share in Europe even more amid an expected decline in production in the North Sea and the planned shutdown of a huge gas field in the Netherlands, Reuters quoted Elena Burmistrova, Director General of Gazprom Export, as saying at a recent industry event.

After years of debates and measures to curb production at the Groningen gas field, the Dutch government decided in March last year that output at Groningen would be terminated by 2030, with a reduction by two-thirds until 2021-2022 and another cut after that. The authorities have already limited production from the field because of the earthquakes it causes, but they decided last year that the risks and costs were no longer acceptable.

Gazproms preliminary estimates show that the companys share on the European market was 34 percent in 2017, while the share in 2018 could have hit 35 percent, Burmistrova said in remarks published by Reuters on Wednesday.

With North Sea production gradually falling, the space for Russian gas is being freed up, the manager said.

Gazprom is not setting targets for its market share in Europe as it doesnt want to sound too aggressive, according to Burmistrova.

Several European countries, including the Baltic states and Poland, as well as the European Union (EU), have expressed concern about Russia using gas sales and its gas monopoly Gazprom as a political tool.

Burmistrovas take is that Gazprom has proven it is a reliable natural gas supplier and it will always be competitive against American LNG, to which counties like Poland and Lithuania look for reducing their dependence on Russian supplies.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The U.S. plan to withdraw its troops from Syria will not give Islamic State an opportunity to try to retake some oil fields in the war-torn country, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told FOX Business on Wednesday.

I am confident we will make sure that ISIS doesnt have access to those oil fields, Secretary Pompeo told FOX Business Maria Bartiromo in a conversation about the Trump Administrations plans for withdrawal of the U.S. troops from Syria and the consequences for the U.S. allies and for enemies in the region.

The U.S. Administration is determined to quash the Islamic State caliphate and not to allow it to retake oil fields, whose oil it could sell to fund its operations, according to Secretary Pompeo.

In September 2017, U.S.-backed Syrian forces seized the Conoco gas plant from Islamic State in the oil-rich Deir Ezzor area, depriving the militants from an important revenue source.

In August 2018, the second-largest oil field in Syria, the Tanak field in the Deir Ezzor region, resumed operations, nearly a year after U.S.-backed predominantly Kurdish forces recaptured the field from ISIS.

The Tanak field, which hosts around 150 wells and the capacity to produce up to 40,000 bpd, was captured from the Islamist militants by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in November of 2017, following fierce clashes with Islamic State militants on the eastern bank of the Euphrates river in Syrias Deir Ezzor governorate, which is the countrys richest oil province.

Less than a month before recapturing the Tanak oil field, SDF had wrested control over the al-Omar oil field in eastern Syria from the Islamic State. Al-Omar is Syrias largest oil field, producing around 30,000 bpd before the civil war. After 2011, however, Al-Omar had fallen into the hands of Islamic State, which was at one point making US$5.1 million in monthly oil sale revenues on the black market.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Frances oil and gas major Total has pulled out all its personnel from Venezuela following the U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA, which also blocked Totals accounts in the Latin American country, CEO Patrick Pouyanne said on Thursday.

Totals accounts have been blocked due to U.S. decisions, AFP quoted Pouyanne as saying at the presentation of the groups 2018 financials.

The other practical problem is that, given the sanctions, we should no longer manage Venezuela from the United States... but from Europe, the manager said, noting that Total of course will be complying with the U.S. sanctions and has put its Venezuelan operations in a hibernation mode.

As of 2017, Total had around 50 employees in Venezuela, according to the groups website. The French group first began exploration in Venezuela back in 1980, and has been active in the exploration and production of extra-heavy crude oil and natural gas in the Latin American country.

However, after the U.S. imposed sweeping sanctions on PDVSA at the beginning of last week, Total has frozen operations.

We decided to evacuate all of our personnel from Venezuela given what has happened... since last Monday, AFP quoted Pouyanne as saying on Thursday.



Related: BP Beats Estimates, Posts Highest Profit In Five Years

Venezuelan operations are not crucial for Total and they wont have a significant impact on the supermajors production, given the fact that Venezuela accounts for just 50,000 bpd of Totals 3 million bpd production, according to Pouyanne.

Earlier on Thursday, Total said that its 2018 oil and gas production hit a record high, growing by more than 8 percent from 2017 to reach 2.8 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), thanks to the start-ups of Ichthys LNG in Australia, Yamal LNG in Russia, and deepwater projects Kaombo North in Angola and Egina in Nigeria. Total expects its production to grow by more than 9 percent in 2019, thanks to the ramp-ups of Kaombo North, Egina, and Ichthys, as well as the start-ups of Iara 1 in Brazil, Kaombo South in Angola, Culzean in the UK, and Johan Sverdrup in Norway.

Thanks to higher oil prices, Totals adjusted net income jumped by 28 percent to US$13.6 billion in 2018.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Venezuelas opposition will use oil export proceeds collected in a U.S.-based fund to finance its attempts to overthrow the government of Nicolas Maduro, Reuters reports, citing Carlos Paparoni, a Venezuelan MP from the opposition.

The fund, about which Paparoni gave no details, was set up after last month Washington imposed a new set of sanctions on Venezuelas state oil company PDVSA, which included cutting off its access to sales proceeds for the crude it sells to U.S. refiners.

U.S. government officials have said there is a way for PDVSA to avoid penalties, and this way is to recognize Juan Guaido, the leader of the opposition and president of the opposition-dominated National Assembly, as the legitimate head of state in Venezuela. Guaido declared himself interim president last month and called for new elections.

Many consider the military the key to a change in government in the crisis-stricken South American country thats home to the worlds largest oil reserves, but for now the army is loyal to Maduro, it seems. Only one general, according to Reuters, officially declared his support for Juan Guaido to media and urged others to do the same.

Washington has also called on Venezuelas senior command to switch allegiance from Maduro to Guaido, with national security advisor John Bolton saying on Twitter that those who did that would be excluded from sanctions that the United States had earlier imposed on the Venezuelan army.

If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely, Bolton said in the tweet.

Guaido has the support of many South American governments, most of the European Union, and Canada, besides the United States. Maduro, on the other hand, can still count on support from China and Russia, although there are rumors that the Kremlin is becoming warier of the quickly deteriorating situation in Venezuela and the declining public support for Maduro.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Congress is about to give President Trump a bloody nose, at least politically, over part of his Saudi Arabia policy. On Wednesday, the panel voted to cut off U.S. support for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen's bloody civil war.

However, the panels decision, not unsurprisingly, was split along party lines. The panels Democrats sent a War Powers resolution to the House floor, where it is likely to pass overwhelmingly in the coming days, a Politico reported said. A companion effort in the Senate will follow, but its prospects are less certain as Trump administration officials are ramping up efforts to discourage Republican defections.

The panels move comes at a politically vulnerable time for the president as he fights ongoing allegations of cooperation with Russia in the 2016 election, his insistence that a border wall will be built as another impending government shut down draws near and a litany of other issues that have both Democrats and some Republicans hemming in the president.

However, the most difficult quandary facing Trump, as far as global oil markets are concerned, is his relationship with Saudi Arabia. Unlike his predecessor, President Obama, Trump has one of the closest relationships with Riyadh since Franklin Delano Roosevelt was president. Not that it started out that way. Just after Trump was elected in November 2016, he lambasted the Saudis for not only oil market manipulation but also the fact that the U.S. has been defending the kingdom for decades while at the same time has transferred an unprecedented amount of wealth from the U.S. to Saudi coffers for oil. Related: BP Beats Estimates, Posts Highest Profit In Five Years

During his campaign, Trump vowed to secure U.S. energy independence from our foes and the oil cartels, while also creating complete American energy independence." A few days after Trump was elected, Saudi Arabia's oil minister fired back. Khalid Al-Falih, also the chairman of Aramco, said in a Financial Times interview at the time that at his heart, President-elect Trump will see the benefits [of Saudi oil imports] and I think the oil industry will also be advising him accordingly that blocking trade in any product is not healthy.

Trumps Saudi pivot

Since then, Trump has made a pivot toward better relations with the kingdom for several reasons. First, he needs a healthy readership with Saudi Arabia as he uses his presidential bully pulpit to keep oil prices from ticking too high. Its unlikely that Saudi Arabia would kowtow with Trump's requests last year to influence oil markets if a strong relationship wasnt already in place.

While oil prices in the $60s plus range seem to make Trump uncomfortable, particularly heading into the 2020 election cycle, prices near the $100 per barrel price point, last seen in mid-2014, would not only ensure higher gasoline prices in the U.S., but cement a likely defeat for Trump against his Democratic challenger next year.

Trump also needs a good relationship with Saudi Arabia as a balance of power check in the middle east, the most geopolitically charged region in the world. Without a strong House of Saud ruling in Riyadh, a power vacuum would open in the middle east that would be filled by Iran - a scenario, given the Islamic Republic's rhetoric and actions to date, would no bode well for world peace. Related: Big Oil Is On A Startup Buying Spree

This is the same dilemma that U.S. presidents have faced since Jimmy Carter and the establishment of the Islamic State of Iran in 1979. A strong Saudi Arabia is the only hedge to keep Iranian regional hegemony ambitions, now along with Russian influence, in check.

Arabian Peninsula legacy

While Saudi participation in the war in neighboring Yemen has reached a humanitarian crisis level, Saudi nay-sayers and even those that oppose Trumps close relations with Saudi Arabia fail to comprehend the geopolitical conundrum of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a history rife with jockeying for geopolitical power, land and resources, with the weight of major theological differences weighing in the background.

In 1934, two years after its founding, the Saudi fight a war with the only other independent state at the time in the Arab world - Yemen. A dispute led to a four-month-long border war as Saudi Arabia was still stretching its muscles with ambitions of controlling if not all, at least most of the Arabian Peninsula. During the war, Saudi forces defeated the Yemenis and took several border regions in the resulting peace agreement which expanded the Saudi state to the southwest. Yet, many Yemenis have never accepted the outcome of 1934 conflict as legitimate, leaving a legacy of mistrust between the two Arab neighbors.

Now, Yemen - one of the Arab worlds poorest countries, sharing a common border with Saudi Arabia, the wealthiest - sees tensions remain leading up the present Yemeni Civil War. This presents political problems for Trump and his support of Saudi Arabia, especially given Saudi Arabias military actions in the conflict.

For Trump, the prospect of supporting a strong, rich power fighting amid sectarian violence with its poorer Arab neighbor is a losing proposition. At the end of the day, he may be politically pragmatic by conceding to Congress and withdrawing support for Saudi involvement in Yemen, while still maintaining his close relationship with Riyadh. Both stability in the middle east and stability in global oil markets demand a strong U.S.-Saudi alliance, even if it has periods of uncertainty along the way.

By Tim Daiss for Oilprice.com

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It is the legally mandated purpose of a for-profit corporation to make money for its owners and to prioritize that goal above all else. So, it is no surprise that U.S. natural gas producers have been seeking relief from domestic prices that have generally hovered between $2 and $4 per thousand cubic feet for most of this decade.

Qatar Petroleum and Exxon Mobil Corp announced last week that they would be adding to investment in Texas in liquefied natural gas capacity for export from the United States, a move that was described as a response the immense volumes of gas coming from American shale deposits. With so many LNG projects being built and on the drawing board, will anything slow down the U.S. LNG juggernaut?

The fight over U.S. exports of natural gas is long since over. U.S. producers now have the rightlike almost all other U.S. producers of commodities or manufactured productsto sell their products to the highest bidder wherever that bidder may be in the world.

U.S.-based industrial consumers of natural gas howled a bit when the federal government lifted restrictions on natural gas exports. But since then gas prices have maintained their ground-hugging trajectory.

This is in part because gas associated with the production of oil produced from similar shale deposits has continued to flood the U.S. market. But with the price of oil slumping and a reduction in the pace of drilling expected, that associated gas may not be so plentiful.

The irony is that falling oil prices may ultimately lead to a spike in U.S. natural gas prices. But if the pure natural gas shale plays are so productive, how can this be? The answer is quite simply that they aren't. And, that is the secret behind the next bull market in U.S. natural gas. It likely won't come as a result of demand for U.S. LNG so much as a surprise shortage of domestic gas. Related:BP Beats Estimates, Posts Highest Profit In Five Years

A detailed 2018 analysis of U.S. shale gas plays summarizes the problem this way:

The Appalachian plays are the main driver for shale gas production growth - the Marcellus and Utica now account for 48 percent of U.S. shale gas production. EIA [U.S. Energy Information Administration] forecasts for the Marcellus and Utica, which project these will provide 52 percent of cumulative production of U.S. shale gas through 2050, are rated as extremely optimistic.



Production in older shale gas playsincluding the Barnett, Haynesville, and Fayetteville, which were among the first to be developedis now down more than 40 percent from peak. EIA projections for these playsalong with the Woodford, which is down 25 percent from peakare rated as highly to extremely optimistic.

So, it turns out that just two of the six big shale gas plays in the United States are not yet past their peak production. It's a puzzle how this translates into abundance in the long run for America. For context, for 2018 through November (the latest month for which statistics are available) total net natural gas exports amounted to 588 billion cubic feet. That's a tiny fraction of the 29.8 trillion cubic feet of U.S. marketed production during the same period. The great American export boom seems to be a ways in the future if it ever materializes. We're still using almost all of what we produce at home.

But then, that's not the point. Through LNG export facilities, U.S. producers will be linked to demand in the higher-priced world market which will compete with domestic users for supply. That should in theory buoy the domestic price and enrich producers.

I am not sanguine, however, about the financial prospects of U.S. LNG export projects as I think they will end being less attractive when U.S. prices rise and make them less competitive. Related: 5 Things To Watch In Natural Gas

The ones that have locked in long-term contracts linked to a benchmark such as the Henry Hubprice may do well as they are guaranteed a profit no matter what the U.S. natural gas price is (unless buyers renege on their contracts). Increasingly, however, LNG buyers are opting for more spot cargoes and less contractual LNG which may pose a problem for U.S. LNG facilities with a substantial amount of spot LNG exposure when American prices spike.

It may be quite a while before domestic U.S. natural gas prices zoom upward, especially if the economy goes into recession in the next year or two. A drop-in demand due to a soft economy would delay the next bull market in domestic natural gas for quite some time. But unless some huge new as yet undiscovered U.S. sources of natural gas appear, that bull market will arrive.

Such a bull runespecially if it lasts for yearswould have a hidden beneficiary: renewable energy. Renewable energy deployment in the United States has been muted somewhat by low natural gas prices which have caused electric utilities to expand their natural-gas fired fleet of generating plants. When the bull run comes, however, those utilities will likely rue the day they invested so much in baseload natural gas plants even as the renewable energy industry is dancing in the streets at their newfound competitiveness.

By Kurt Cobb via Resource Insights

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King Coal dominated the energy mix during the industrial revolution of the 19th century. The replacement of the steam engine by the internal combustion engine made oil the most important source of energy. However, industrialisation's fallout effect, global warming, has increased the importance of environmentalism. Natural gas is one of the few sources of energy which is relatively clean and able to supplement renewables.

The high energy density of gas and low CO2 emissions compared to oil and coal, have significantly increased the demand for LNG. Decreasing costs and favourable government policies have improved the competitiveness of gas and increased its share in the energy mix of most industrialized countries. This year could be another critical moment for LNG producers due to a large number of projects that are awaiting a final investment decision (FID). Adverse price developments, however, could delay the moment.

Uncertainty ahead

Until recently, the world was facing an LNG oversupply that would have taken many years to absorb. The Chinese governments decision to make a dramatic shift away from polluting coal, the so-called coal-to-gas policy, significantly increased import and solved the supply glut problem. Some analysts, however, predict that the global demand for LNG will not be able to keep up with consumption in 2019.

On the other hand, European countries are facing an energy security threat due to their overdependence on Russia energy. Therefore, diversification and flexibility are high on the agenda. Russian piped gas, however, is much cheaper than LNG which strengthens energy giant Gazprom's case for two new controversial pipelines: Nord Stream 2 and Turk Stream. Europe is less dependent on LNG due to the extensive energy infrastructure connecting it with producers in North Africa, Norway, and Russia meaning that usually prices are higher in Asia where most LNG cargoes end up. The mild winter in Asia, however, has kept rates low and Europes competitiveness, and thus its ability to absorb large volumes, strong. Related: Big Oil Is On A Startup Buying Spree

According to some analysts, the potential downturn of the global economy is another risk for LNG demand. The question is not if something will happen, but when and how severe. Chinas GDP growth for 2018 was 6.6 percent, the slowest pace in 28 years. The U.S., in 2018, was the bright spot of the global economy. Most analysts, however, predict cooling of the economy when the effect of Trump's tax cuts wanes. LNG prices would be negatively affected if the global economy continues to cool.

Lastly, China is the wildcard for global LNG producers because the Asian country will be the most significant contributor on the demand side. Two developments will determine whether the Asian giant will dominate the industry for the coming years: pipeline politics and the further implementation of its coal-to-gas policy. At the end of 2019, the Power of Siberia pipeline will be commissioned which will transport 38 bcm of natural gas to China from Russia. Also, the pace of switching household from coal to gas will have a significant effect on prices as most of the energy needs to be imported.

Expected good news

Despite the above-described developments, global producers of LNG are optimistic about the future. This year a record number of projects will reach their FID moment. Approximately 60 million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa) will be commissioned, which is well above the previous record of 45 mmtpa in 2005 and a tripling of the 21 mmtpa of 2018. The frontrunners to hit their FID include the $27 billion Arctic LNG-2 project in Russia, Mozambique, and three projects in the U.S. Related: BP Beats Estimates, Posts Highest Profit In Five Years

Furthermore, several major economies are increasing pressure on their domestic coal industry: Korea is set to approve a plan to boost taxes on imported coal, Japan intends to increase scrutiny on 8 GW of planned coal-fired plants, India aims to reduce particle matter by 20 to 30 percent, and Germanys coal phase-out could start as soon as 2022. The sheer size of these developments could significantly improve the position of LNG producers for the foreseeable years.

A relative slow start

Despite these developments, 2019 will face a slow start when it comes to LNG prices. Assuming the relatively mild weather continues in northeast Asia and Europe, prices will remain low for the time of the year. Wood MacKenzie predicts an average price of $6.90 per MMBtu in Europe compared to $8 MMBtu in 2018. Furthermore, prices in Asia should hover around $8.50 per MMBtu, while it was $10.30 MMBtu in 2018.

Energy companies and other investors make investment decisions based on long-term demand and price development predictions, not short-term. Therefore, it is unlikely that the relatively low prices will seriously harm this years FID moment for many projects.

By Vanand Meliksetian for Oilprice.com

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Things have certainly moved into a higher gear in Venezuela, with a genuine diarchy vying for control over the countrys resources and populace. The alleged smuggling of gold reserves, politicized humanitarian aid, rampant disinformation against the background of all-encompassing poverty and deprivation  Venezuela of 2019 bears an uncanny likeness to any stereotypical conflict-ridden Latin American country of the 20th century. The US sanctions announced January 28 have driven a wedge between PDVSA and the United States, creating a point of no return for President Maduro. There is still no 100 percent certainty that Maduro will be ousted and if he manages to stay (through which, given his political skills and occasional antics, would be tantamount to a miracle), Venezuela could rethink its oil strategy on a grand scale. Lets, however, look at the developments in Venezuela piece by piece before we jump into any conclusions.

The most evident and palpable consequence of the US sanctions was the almost immediate cessation of activity with US Gulf Coast refiners. The US Treasury has stated that under President Maduro PDVSA has become a vehicle for embezzlement and corruption and hence from January 28 onwards all income from the sales of Venezuelan crude should be transferred to escrow accounts in the United States, accessible only by the Guiado government. Given that PDVSA has been a vehicle for embezzlement every single year of its
OPEC and Russia are officially working to establish a formal alliance that would allow for the indefinite management of the oil market.

The OPEC/non-OPEC coalition, often referred to as OPEC+, has presided over two rounds of production cuts since early 2017. The deals were one-off affairs, viewed as temporary emergency measures to erase a painful glut of supply that was draining the coffers of all oil producers alike.

But why not make the partnership official? The Wall Street Journal reports that such negotiations are underway. This is not the first time we have heard about a formal OPEC+ partnership. Last year, the two sides, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, discussed such an eventuality, but ultimately backed off.

The idea of a formal OPEC+ architecture has an obvious logic. Together, OPEC+ controls over 40 percent of global oil supply. Combining their production volumes to tweak output levels here and there in order to achieve stability  or, rather to obtain a desired price level  is much more easily achieved by coordinating their actions. They are stronger together rather than apart.

Moreover, the idea of a formal alliance has been predicated on the strengthening of strategic ties between Russia and Saudi Arabia. The two governments have grown closer over the past few years. The Saudis see the upside of moving closer to another global power, particularly after they grew suspicious of the U.S. government following the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Related: Mozambique LNG Increasingly Appealing For International Players

From Moscows perspective, they can peel off an American ally and strengthen their position in the Middle East. There are also growing economic ties between the two countries aside from the oil sector.

Nevertheless, managing the oil market is the main attraction of this formal pact. If completed, it would mark the endpoint of a dramatic change that got underway a little over two years ago. OPEC, which has been a critical fixture of the oil market for several decades, is giving way to a new entity.

But OPEC, whose members were not always cordial but worked to at least put forth some semblance of cooperation, has ceased to be a body in which each of its members is an active participant in, and has influence over, official oil policy for the entire cartel. There have always been certain power dynamics; Saudi Arabia has always been the most powerful member. But with Iran hobbled by sanctions, and more than a few others dealing with instability and declining output, it is really Riyadh that calls all of the shots.

Riyadh and Moscow, that is. Saudi Arabias partnership with Russia has already supplanted OPEC as the main venue where oil policy is made. Look no further than the past few OPEC meetings, where the world watched the awkward scene in Vienna in which no decisions could be made until the Russian energy minister arrived.

Thus, it makes sense to formalize an arrangement that has already become the de facto decision-making architecture. The WSJ reports that the proposal will be discussed by OPEC+ later this month in Vienna, and could make a final decision by April.

The problem is that the same hiccups that tripped up negotiations last year remain. Russia has reservations about truly cutting its oil production by significant volumes. Russia, unlike Saudi Arabia, has multiple oil companies that are opposed to curtailing output. Also, much of the rest of OPEC aside from Saudi Arabia opposes the proposal because it could lead to a domineering alliance between Riyadh and Moscow.

In fact, the proposal from last year would have granted relatively more power to the larger producers  Saudi Arabia and Russia  ending the long-established decision-making process via consensus. The rest of OPEC panned the proposal. Related: Oil Markets React Lukewarm To Venezuela Supply Outage

Yet another hurdle to fully establishing an official OPEC+ alliance is the brewing antipathy towards the cartel in Washington. The U.S. Congress has threatened to push anti-trust regulation that would allow the Justice Department to take action against OPEC countries for colluding to manipulate the oil market. The so-called NOPEC legislation has been considered at times in the past, but ultimately has been shelved because multiple presidents from both political parties opposed the move, mostly due to fear of damaging the U.S.-Saudi alliance.

NOPEC legislation received renewed attention because President Trump is a bit more unpredictable and has lambasted OPEC for engineering price spikes. The murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi also fueled momentum for the NOPEC legislation.

Now, with the Democrats in power in the House of Representatives, there is yet another push for the bill. The House Judiciary Committee is set to vote on the bill on Thursday, and there is a degree of bipartisan support for it.

The OPEC+ alliance was scrapped late last year precisely because the parties involved feared punitive action from the U.S. Justice Department. NOPEC legislation could conceivably pass into law this year.

Saudi Arabia and Russia want to formalize the OPEC+ partnership, but Washington could yet spoil those plans.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

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How likely is the rumor they're going to digitize Liam out of the new Men in Black?

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imagine being tessa thompson and having to promote a film with him.

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Im gonna lock the front door just in case Liam neesons in the area



 pic.twitter.com/qMMbpzjbSr  B Boogie (@Blayofficial) February 6, 2019



Good morning Britain>>>>>> This has been all over my timeline. What really gets me is the viewers laugh lmaoGood morning Britain>>>>>>

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That's where I saw it too and their laugh kills me.

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Lmaooooooo fuck

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The laugh, lmao

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LOL

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This was hilarious



Wish they would get rid of Piers, waiting for the day Susanna stabs him <3

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Omfg LMAO

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LMAO

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vgndidjfhdvd z

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can't wait for the michelle rodriguez post...

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I just looked it up ajskfhsjkdhgjksahjgdh she's so dumb.

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GASP IRL

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oh my fucking GOD



what a fucking idiot

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It's worse than I imagined

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ummm sally hemmings would object

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she's consistently so dumb but this takes the cake

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I just saw the GMA interview and wow, he made himself look even worse!

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I swear I watched that interview with my mouth open. Like... he doubled down on everything and just made it sound so much worse (as if that was even possible)

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Lmao, get his ass

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lol good

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This is hilarious.

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i saw a twee that liam did the "no one" tweet IRL and its so true

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Lmao, that's so true!

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Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ

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Bless LOL

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This is the funniest fucking thing I've seen about this since yesterday with the geese.

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Random side note - as a kid I wrote to Andi Peters and he sent me an autograph back. Fairly sure the show just kept a stack of them but it made me happy :o)



Edited at 2019-02-07 07:09 pm (UTC)

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was about to go out and have a lovely day but nvm pic.twitter.com/hVuAAq2gKP  Brandon AKA BBDub (@TheBlackWeirdo) February 5, 2019



My friend is an aspiring comedian (you can see his skits on his Instagram as well as on his Twitter). He tweeted this the other day:

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lmaooo

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oh lawd heh

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Looool

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I'm not shocked a white man thought this, but I'm shocked that he thought it was appropriate to reveal to the world. Way to deep six your reputation.

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Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, whos trudging back to what may again be pointless negotiations. Photo: J Scott Applewhite/AP/REX/Shutterstock

As widely noted at the time, the presidents State of the Union address contained absolutely nothing in the way of new developments regarding the congressional impasse over border-security funding. There were zero proposed concessions to any point of view other than Trumps, and for that matter, no indication of what he might do (e.g., issue a national emergency declaration and start moving money around on his own) when the current short-term funding agreement runs out on February 15.

Absent any new input from the generator of the government shutdown, who seems to have decided the only thing that matters is looking tough in the eyes of his base, congressional appropriators appear to have shrugged and shuffled back to the negotiating table, working toward an agreement that might turn out to be a waste of paper, as Roll Call reports:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters Tuesday night after President Donald Trumps State of the Union address and again on Wednesday that she planned to let the conferees work their will 

Left to their own devices I think they can have an agreement on time by Friday, the California Democrat said Wednesday. If they have a bipartisan agreement, I will support it. She said she communicated as much to Shelby earlier in the week, and to Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday night.

That puts Pelosi in the same camp as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, another veteran Senate Appropriations member who for years sat across the table from Pelosi hammering out details of the annual foreign assistance budget. McConnell said Tuesday he planned to let Shelby come up with a package, and then well hope the president finds it worth signing.

Politico reports some encouraging talk from a key Republican negotiator:

I would say weve got a much better chance today than we had Monday to reach some kind of resolution on this, Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) said after the briefing. Were dealing in substance now. Something we havent done before

Shelby said negotiators will know in the next few days whether a bipartisan compromise on border security is achievable.

We should hope theyd know pretty soon, since its just nine days before another government shutdown looms. But in reality, time and party differences arent the problem here. Congressional appropriators slice and dice and wheel and deal as naturally as a fish swims. Of course they can reach an agreement. The question is whether Republicans once against get shivved in the back by the White House, as happened back in December, when the president, under intolerable criticism from right-wing gabbers, abandoned his support for a compromise funding bill  you know, like the bill negotiators are working on now.

Perhaps this time around the White House will at least let its congressional allies know what Trump plans to do before they make too many public noises about a deal. If, for example, Trump plans to issue an emergency declaration, that takes the central conflict issue out of the hands of Congress and into the courts, where Trumps efforts to commandeer dollars for his wall may rise or fall. Then appropriators can appropriate, and life in Washington can return to normal.

For the time being, though, all the hopeful talk of a deal amounts to the belief that if they had some ham, negotiators could make a ham sandwich, if only they had some bread. Its really all up to Trump.
I know she suffered from really bad postpartum depression, she needs help and I hope she gets it soon.

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Yes, I remember this too. Both my mother and my aunt struggled with postpartum depression, and they both presented pretty differently. My aunt had to have a break from her kids for about 2 years to focus on getting her mental health together and people really shamed the fuck out of her.



Now she's good, I hope things turn around for Hayden too.

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It's absolutely awful. I feel like it never 100% leaves you.

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It took my cousin almost 5 years to get levelled again after post-partum psychosis.

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Wow. I hope she gets the help she needs.

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Thats real as fuck. I wish her the best in her new relationship though.



This reminded of the lady from Teen Mom who did this tho.

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which one? I haven't watched/following in a long time.

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Farrah abraham

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Same lol

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She has a kid? Dang.

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damn

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if she's legitimately in a bad place, good on her for trying to limit the impact it has on her daughter. i hope she's seeking help and that kaya is doing okay.

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That is awful, I wouldn't want the world to know this about me, I feel bad for her as she has a history of PPD

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I feel awful for that little girl. I hope Hayden is getting help



I don't like the tone of this. It's like they're trying to say she abandoned her kid for a guy.

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That's def the way I read it. "Right now she's focusing on her new relationship" uh, gross

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that's how i took it which made me give pause

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that's US weekly for you

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Yep. It's definitely how it comes across.

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That's how I read it. I totally forgot she had Post partum depression until I saw the first comment.



So yea. :(

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it'd be one thing if they were living in the same city and she didn't make time but her daughter is off in UKRAINE and she's with family. it's not easy to work with that kind of distance. the most important thing is her daughter being in a loving environment, which she hopefully has. still, i imagine the emotional weight for hayden must be hard.

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I feel the same way. If a man did this, there would not be a story.

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Sounds like she knows she's in a bad relationship and doesn't want her daughter near it, which is commendable.

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damn that's rough

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This is very Farrah Abraham Sophia is doing her own thing

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sspeaking of farrah- I saw a headline on insta that there was a ~scandal~ because she did an inst vid where Sophia was topless??? Idk.

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uhhh what

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I just read about this. Apparently she posted a video on snapchat of Sophia in her underwear and ck sports bra with make-up in a dressing room "dancing "Then that article took me to another where she said her daughter takes some of her nudes. Then thhhaaat lead me to another article where she talked about how Sophia said that she thinks Farrahs nudes are sexy .She went on to say that they have nude pics of each other on each of their phones like ..? isn't this Sooome kind of abuse? Sexual abuse even? Also I didn't know that Sophia may have been responsible for their dog's death read about that in this shitstorm



Edited at 2019-02-07 07:34 am (UTC)

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farrah now makes money most likely being an international escort and takes sophia on all her "business trips" (seriously) sophia is "home schooled"

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lol first thing I thought of.

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Hayden has struggled with post-partum and this appears to be a continuation of it. Farrah is just a shitty parent.



Huge difference there.

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Her boyfriend releasing a statement saying that Haydens fine and no one is worried about her doesnt sit right with me.



It seems kinda red flagish, controlling... idk

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Yeah it didn't sit right with me either.

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Yeah someone stable/sane needs to check-in on her and make sure he isn't a creep.

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Does she even have anyone like that in her life though? I know it's all just rumors, but all of the blinds about her seem to indicate her family only cares about how much money they can make off of her and everyone else in her life seems to have followed suit. I feel like she has just been used and abused by everyone throughout her life and it makes me so sad for her.

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Exactly

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ia. it could be nothing but it doesn't feel like nothing.

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That poor bb, talk about long distance. How long is that flight?





I hope Hayden gets help- I often forget she was a child star.

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direct, google says 16 hours (LA to Kiev at least)

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Damn. Thank you! What a long trip for to see either parent.

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Canada will welcome some 750 ex-slaves from Libya as refugees, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said Wednesday. The number of migrants traveling through Libya to reach Europe has increased tenfold since the fall of Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, according to the United Nations. And their fate was highlighted -- dramatically in 2017 -- by multiple shipwrecks in the Mediterranean and the broadcast of a CNN report showing a Libyan slave market. "In 2017, the world was shocked to see the harrowing images of people being sold into slavery in Libya," the minister said in a statement. "Canada was one of the few countries to step up to work with the UNHCR to resettle these refugees directly from Libya and offer them a new home in Canada," said Hussen, himself a former refugee from Somalia. Canada is "also taking action to resettle 100 refugees from Niger, rescued from Libyan migrant detention centers, including victims of human smuggling," Hussen said. "Some people have already begun to arrive in Canada," he added. A year ago, a UN report addressed to the 15 members of the Security Council and seen by AFP, affirmed that due to political chaos, human trafficking was booming in Libya -- and facilitated by rebel and government forces. "Canadians have always been welcoming to newcomers, and that generosity has helped offer protection to those fleeing persecution, terror and war," Hussen added. Canadian Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said Canada is taking steps to resettle 750 ex-slaves from Libya, as well as 100 refugees from Niger
Concertina wire in Nogales, Arizona. Photo: Max Herman/NurPhoto via Getty Images

President Trump has a big trip to El Paso planned for next week. Officially, hes holding his first 2019 MAGA rally. Unofficially, hes making his last big push for a border wall ahead of the February 16 deadline to fund the government.

Hes chosen an interesting place to do it. While the rally will undoubtedly be full of rabid wall fans, border cities like El Paso, where county commissioners passed a resolution last year opposing the wall, are leading the charge against Trumps prized campaign promise. Some are pushing back on the wall itself, while others are fighting the fervor surrounding immigration that the White House is trying to whip up. And the backlash is only growing stronger.

Just this week, the city of Nogales, Arizona, which already has a wall running through its downtown, threatened to sue the federal government if razor wire recently installed on the wall isnt removed. A resolution condemning the wire was also passed by the City Council. It said the wire is only found in a war, prison or battle setting and has no place in the city.

Nogales mayor Arturo Garino told the AP that the city is concerned about the danger posed by the wire, which the Army has installed in residential areas. Hes also worried that it will affect the perception of the town. Aesthetically pleasing  its not. Its very bad. Its not good for business, its not good for what were trying to create, a business-friendly community here in Nogales, Garino told the AP.

U.S. representative Raul Grijalva, who represents the town of 20,000, told Nogales International that the wire is nothing more than a spectacle by the Trump administration to reinforce his twisted narrative of rampant lawlessness at the border.

Meanwhile in New Mexico, newly elected Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has pulled National Guard troops from the states southern border. New Mexico will not take part in the presidents charade of border fear-mongering by misusing our diligent National Guard troops, she said in a statement this week.

Border communities have been publicly opposing Trumps call for months. In January, Jim Darling, the mayor of McAllen, Texas, said there would be no point in building a wall in his town. We know where our border is, said Darling, whos also criticized the potential environmental impact of the proposed border wall.

Pete Saenz, the mayor of Laredo, Texas, told NPR last month that his town doesnt need a physical wall. Saenz is also the chairman of the Texas Border Coalition, a group of mayors and other local government officials that he said shares his distaste for a wall. We consistently kept that position, he said.

Border area representatives in Washington are also unanimous in their opposition. Among them is Texas representative Will Hurd, the only Republican who represents part of the border. I think building a concrete structure sea to shining sea is the most expensive and least effective way to do border security, he has said.

A few hundred miles west of Hurds district, the former mayor of Calexico, California, Maritza Hurtado told the Times that her town is not a war zone, despite Trumps suggestions to the contrary. This community is basically being used for political purposes, she said. And its happening throughout these border cities that are just like ours.
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  February 7, 2019  Zacks Director of Research Sheraz Mian says, "Estimates for Q1 as well as full-year 2019 have been steadily coming down, with 2019 Q1 earnings growth now in negative territory, the first quarterly earnings decline since 2016 Q2."

Slowing Earnings Growth Ahead

Note: The following is an excerpt from this weeks Earnings Trends report. You can access the full report that contains detailed historical actual and estimates for the current and following periods, please click here>>>

Here are the key points:

Total earnings for the 282 S&P 500 members that have reported Q4 results already are up +12.9% from the same period last year on +7.0% higher revenues, with 66.7% beating EPS estimates and 62.8% beating revenue estimates.

As expected, Q4 earnings and revenue growth is tracking notably below what we had seen from the same group of 282 index members in other recent periods, but the proportion of these companies beating estimates, particularly EPS estimates, is the lowest in more than three years.

Estimates for Q4 had come down significantly ahead of the start of this earnings season. But the relatively low EPS and revenue beats percentages show that estimates were either not low enough or that business conditions weakened unexpectedly.

Looking at Q4 as a whole, combining the actual results that have come out with estimates for the still-to-come companies, total earnings for the S&P 500 index are expected to be up +13.3% from the same period last year on +6.1% higher revenues.

The strongest year-over-year earnings growth in Q4 is expected to come from the Energy, Transportation, Construction, Finance, and the Retail sectors. Excluding the Finance sectors strong growth, Q4 earnings growth for the rest of the index comes down to +12.5% (from +13.3%).

Estimates for Q1 as well as full-year 2019 have been steadily coming down, with 2019 Q1 earnings growth now in negative territory, the first quarterly earnings decline since 2016 Q2.

For the small-cap S&P 600 index, total earnings for the 175 index members that have reported results already are up +21.5% on +8.2% higher revenues, with 58.9% beating EPS estimates and 61.1% beating revenue estimates.

The small-cap indexs Q4 performance thus far is weaker than we have seen from the same group of companies in other recent periods.

Looking at the small-cap index as a whole, total Q4 earnings are expected to be up +6.2% on +7.0 higher revenues. This would follow +36.7% earnings growth on +7.8% revenue growth in Q3.

For full-year 2019, total earnings for the S&P 500 index are expected to be up +4.8% on +5.4% higher revenues, which would follow the +20.7% earnings growth on +4.8% higher revenues in 2018. Estimates for 2019 have been steadily coming down, with the current +4.8% growth rate down from +9.8% in early October 2018.

The implied EPS for the index, calculated using current 2018 P/E of 17.5X and index close, as of February 5th, is $156.87. Using the same methodology, the index EPS works out to $164.33 for 2019 (P/E of 16.7X) and $182.66 for 2020 (P/E of 15.0X. The multiples for 2018, 2019 and 2020 have been calculated using the indexs total market cap and aggregate bottom-up earnings for each year.

Q4 Earnings Season Scorecard (as of February 6th, 2019)

Story continues

Total earnings for the 282 S&P 500 members that have reported Q4 results already are up +12.9% from the same period last year on +7.0% higher revenues, with 66.7% beating EPS estimates and 62.8% beating revenue estimates.

We knew that growth would be decelerating in Q4 and we are seeing that in the results thus far. But positive surprises are also tracking below what we had seen from the same group of 282 index members in other recent periods.

Please note that the Q4 beats percentages started out on the low side for both EPS as well as revenues. The revenue beats percentage has since improved modestly, but the proportion of these index members beating EPS estimates is tracking notably below what we have been seeing from the same group of companies in other recent periods. In fact, the Q4 EPS beats % is the lowest in more than three years.

More than positive EPS and revenue surprises for Q4, it is managements guidance for the current period that will help anchor the markets expectations. Global economic slowdown has emerged as a recurring theme this earnings season for companies in a variety of industries.

Apple AAPL got the ball rolling on the global growth question when it came out with a negative pre-announcement in early January, with company specifically pointing to weakness in China as a major reason. Many other companies since then, including Caterpillar CAT, Nvidia NVDA and others, have cited the same reason(s) for their weak outlook.

No doubt estimates for the current year and full-year 2019 have been steadily coming down.

This is only an estimate at this stage and actual March-quarter earnings growth could very well be in positive territory. But it nevertheless shows that the growth picture will be a lot more challenged and problematic in the coming quarters.

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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.



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Zacks Investment Research
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL February 7, 2019  Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Pioneer Power Solutions Inc. PPSI, Titan International Inc. TWI, Colfax Corp. CFX, Dover Corp. DOV and EnerSys ENS.

Here are highlights from Wednesdays Analyst Blog:

U.S. Manufacturing Remains Strong in January: 5 Picks

U.S. manufacturing sector has been witnessing resurgence under the Trump administration since 2017, shrugging off its lengthy spell of weak productivity and sluggish growth. The manufacturing sector has continued to gain traction in January 2019, after a successful 2018.

Manufacturers have increased capital spending and hiring driven by massive tax overhaul, deregulatory measures and strong domestic economy. Notably, manufacturing sector constitutes nearly 12% of the U.S. GDP. Consequently, investment in manufacturing stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank and strong growth potential will be a prudent decision.

U.S. Manufacturing Remains Strong

On Feb 1, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported that the U.S. manufacturing expanded in January for the 117th consecutive month. The January index came in at 56.6 compared with 54.3 in December 2018 and also surpassed the consensus estimate of 54.3. Out of a total of 18 manufacturing industries, 14 reported growth in January.

New orders index came in at 58.2, significantly higher than 51.3 registered in December. This marks the indexs expansion for the 37th successive month. Notably, any reading above 50 indicates expansion of the manufacturing sector and a reading above 55 highlights robust manufacturing growth.

Solid Hiring in Manufacturing Sector

According to the Department of Labor, the manufacturing sector generated 284,000 jobs in 2018, highest since 1997. This sector generated 207,000 jobs in 2017. On Feb 1, the Department of Labor reported that the manufacturing sector continued to gain traction with 13,000 new jobs in January.

Story continues

Consequently, job creations by this sector in the past one year (January 2018 to January 2019) stood at 261,000, of which durable goods industries, producing industrial intermediaries, generated more than 80% of job additions.

In its latest outlook survey in October 2018, the National Association of Manufacturers reported that about 500,000 manufacturing jobs are available in the United States. On November 2018, a study by the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte had projected that by the end of 2028, the U.S. manufacturing sector will witness shortages of around 2.4 million skilled workers.

Positive Developments on Trade War Front

On Jan 31, President Donald Trump told reporters that he is hopeful of forging a deal with China before the March deadline. Notably, the two countries are currently observing a trade truce which will come to end on Mar 1. Moreover, CNBC reported that officials of the two countries are trying for a meeting between President Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in late February.

This will be the second meeting between the two leaders in less than three months. Any positive development on the United States  China trade war front will be highly beneficial for this sector.

Our Picks

At this stage, investing in manufacturing stocks with strong growth potential will be lucrative. However, picking winning stocks may be difficult.

This is where our VGM Score comes in handy. Here V stands for Value, G for Growth and M for Momentum and the score is a weighted combination of these three scores. Such a score allows you to eliminate the negative aspects of stocks and select winners. However, it is important to keep in mind that each Style Score will carry a different weight while arriving at a VGM Score.

We have narrowed our search on five such stocks each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and VGM Score of either A or B. You can seethe complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (strong Buy) stocks here.

The chart below shows price performance of our five picks in the last three months.

Pioneer Power Solutions Inc.is a specialty manufacturer of electrical transmission and distribution equipment. It has a VGM Score of A. The company has expected earnings growth of 54.3% for current year.

Titan International Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of off-highway wheels, tires, assemblies, and undercarriage products. It has a VGM Score of B. The company has expected earnings growth of 130% for current year.

Colfax Corp. is a global provider of fluid handling products, including pumps, fluid handling systems and specialty valves. It has a VGM Score of B. The company has expected earnings growth of 14.9% for current year.

Dover Corp. provides equipment and components, specialty systems, consumable supplies, software and digital solutions, and support services worldwide. It has a VGM Score of B. The company has expected earnings growth of 15.7% for current year.

EnerSysis the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications. It has a VGM Score of B. The company has expected earnings growth of 26.5% for current year.

Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?

Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.

With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.

It's not the one you think.

See This Ticker Free >>

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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.



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Zacks Investment Research
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed a restaurant industry lawsuit challenging a New York City law requiring fast-food employers to send money that workers want deducted from their paychecks to nonprofits, including groups they might oppose.

U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe in Manhattan said the National Restaurant Association failed to show that the November 2017 law compelled fast-food employers to subsidize employees' speech, violating the First Amendment of the Constitution.

In a 70-page decision, the judge also said New York City easily demonstrated a rational basis for the law, including that it makes it easier for workers, especially those who lack access to banking services, to contribute to nonprofits.

The restaurant group and its legal arm, the Restaurant Law Center, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Nick Paolucci, a spokesman for the city's law department, said the city was gratified by the decision.

The New York City Council passed the deductions law in May 2017, as part of a package of bills covering an estimated 65,000 fast-food workers in the city.

It allowed nonprofits to receive donations once they had obtained pledge commitments from at least 500 workers. Labor organizations were not eligible to receive the donations.

The restaurant group complained that the law could force employers to steer money to and endorse ideological and political groups they might disapprove of.

It cited as an example the "Fight for $15" campaign for a $15 an hour minimum wage for fast-food workers, which drew support from the Service Employees International Union.

But the judge said there was no reason to believe people would view the forwarding of employee donations as an expression of employer support for the nonprofits, even if donations were disclosed. He also found only a "minimal" risk of confusion.

"The deductions law does not compel speech, association, or subsidies from fast food employers, and is not preempted by federal labor law," Gardephe concluded.

Story continues

A $15 an hour minimum wage took effect on Dec. 31 in New York City at employers with more than 10 workers, and at all fast-food employers. The federal minimum is $7.25 an hour.

The case is Restaurant Law Center et al v City of New York et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 17-09128.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Tom Brown)
Two draft decrees relating to the implementation of the recently adopted bill reinstating compulsory military service for young people aged between 19 and 25 years for 12 months have been adopted Thursday (Feb.7) at a Ministers Council held under the chairmanship of King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces.

The two drafts determine the modalities of counting, selecting and integrating conscripts for military service, the procedures for granting exemptions from this service, and define the procedure for voluntary conscription for women and Moroccan expatriates. The drafts also set the wages, allowances and benefits for recruits, as well as the special allowances granted to recruits serving in the southern regions, said a statement read out by spokesperson for the Royal Palace AbdelhaK Lamrini.

In a bid to activate the provisions of the law on military service, the Sovereign gave his instructions to work on recruiting ten thousand troops during the current year. This number will be raised to 15,000 next year, the spokesman added.

According to the provisions of the bill on military service, young recruits will have the possibility to sit for recruitment exams organized by the Royal Armed Forces (FAR). The text also provides for granting disability pensions to young people who would be victim of accidents during their military service.

King Mohammed had stressed the importance of military service for young people, deeming the conscription enhances the sense of belonging to the homeland.

In a speech at the opening of the fall session of Parliament last October, the Sovereign made it clear that it will concern all Moroccans, without distinction.

It must be emphasized that all the Moroccan citizens concerned  without exception  are equal, regardless of social background, diploma or education, he had said, adding that the draft also gives access to training which opens up opportunities for the professional and social integration of qualified conscripts who demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment.

At the end of the 12-month training period, young people who complete the service would receive payment according to the Bill, which promises to reward conscripts with grades according to the Royal Armed Forces current hierarchy standards.

The draftees with technical and professional skills may be called to fulfill specific missions within the military administration after completing their training.
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) - Talks on a U.N.-sponsored prisoner swap in Yemen's war could drag on for months if the Saudi-backed government denies the existence of thousands of Houthi fighters in captivity, the Iranian-aligned Houthis said on Thursday. In two rounds of talks in the Jordanian capital Amman, the warring parties have been hammering out details of the prisoner exchange they agreed last December as a confidence-building gesture at the first major peace talks of the nearly four-year-old war. The United Nations is pushing for the swap and for a peace deal in the country's main port city of Hodeidah as part of stepped up efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict that has left 15.9 million people facing severe hunger. Delegates to the talks have been struggling to come with a final list of detainees after verifying an initial one they exchanged in Sweden that had around 15,000 people. Abdul Qader Murtada, who heads the Houthi delegation, said the government side had accounted for only a tenth of a total of 7,500 of Houthi prisoners held in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. "If the other side remains in its intransigent position of denying the presence of our prisoners the talks will drag on for months," he told Reuters on the sidelines of the current round of talks, which began on Tuesday. The Houthis have in turn recognized only 3,600 from an original list of 9,500 names submitted by the government side of their detainees, saying over 4,000 names were either fake, duplicate names or of prisoners who had been released, he added. Murtada also said they had "tens" of captive Saudi military personnel in their jails, some of whom were high ranking and whose release would only take place if all their prisoners were released. "The Saudis are tied to the fate of the Yemenis as a whole and we reject entering into negotiations with them except over a deal that involves all our prisoners," he said. The Yemeni government's backers have not commented on the course of the prisoner swap talks. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - leaders of a Western-backed coalition battling the Houthis to restore President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadis government - want to exit a costly war that has dragged on for nearly four years. They have endorsed the U.N. push to reach a peace deal. The discussions over the swap, which would be conducted via the Houthi-held Sanaa airport in north Yemen and the government-held Sayun airport in the south, have also included returning remains of dead fighters from both sides. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Frances Kerry)
The second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to take place in Vietnam at the end of February, Trump told Congress Tuesday, confirming what many had seen as the most likely venue for the talks.

Trumps announcement came during his State of the Union address, in which he also opined the U.S. would by now be in a major war with North Korea had he not been elected President. Thanks to his diplomacy, Trump said, hostages have come home, nuclear testing has stopped, and there has not been a missile launch in more than 15 months.

Singapores Sentosa Island played host to Kim and Trump for their historic first meeting, during which the pair signed a vaguely worded commitment to work towards a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. But in the interim, North Koreas nuclear and missile programs have continued unabated, and the Pentagons Missile Defense Review said last month that Pyongyang still represents an extraordinary threat to America.

Here are four reasons Vietnam is a logical choice for the next round of talks between Trump and Kim.

Vietnam is geographically close to North Korea

Although Trump did not give a precise venue for Summit 2.0, Vietnams capital of Hanoi and the coastal city of Danang have been floated as possible locations. Both are fewer than 2,000 miles from North Koreas capital of Pyongyangan even shorter hop from North Korea than Singapore.

Kim, who usually travels by armored train, does not share his fathers aversion for flying, but distance still matters: it has been suggested that North Koreas rickety aircraft fleet is not equipped to make long-haul flights without refueling.

Vietnam was once a bitter enemy of the United States

Like the slogans that boom out during North Koreas annual liberation day festivities, Vietnamese wartime propaganda urged patriots to crush the Yankee imperialists. Vietnam and North Korea share a bitter historical enmity with the United States; Pyongyang even sent air force personnel to assist the North Vietnamese communists in their crushing victory over the U.S.-backed South Vietnamese Army. While North Korea is still a geopolitical foe of the United States, tensions between Vietnam and Washington have cooled significantly in the decades since the war, and Vietnam is now a popular tourism destination for Americans.

Story continues

Vietnam and the U.S. used to point a gun and knife at each other, Kim Eui-kyeom, a spokesman for South Koreas Blue House, said while commending the choice of host nation Wednesday, according to Reuters. He expressed hopes the talks would lead to concrete, substantive progress.

But today Vietnam provides a model North Korea could emulate

U.S.Vietnam relations are today more often seen through the lens of shared opposition to Chinese dominance than Cold War enmity, and the U.S. has been anxious to bolster ties with the Southeast Asian nation. One of the worlds poorest countries just 30 years ago, Vietnam has transformed into a booming middle-income economy. In short: North Koreas aspiration is Vietnams history, wrote TIMEs Charlie Campbell last month.

That North Korea could emulate Vietnams economic and political reforms to achieve what Secretary of State of State Mike Pompeo described as its miracle is the sentiment the U.S. has been keen to push. In remarks aimed at Kim, Pompeo said, Your country can replicate this path. Its yours if youll seize the moment, Reuters reports.

Some analysts have suggested the U.S. could use the Vietnamese location to signal it is bringing North Korea into its sphere of influence amid Washingtons ongoing trade war with China. But Adam Cathcart, a lecturer in Chinese History at the University of Leeds, says Beijing would likely welcome the opportunity for Kim to further align his image with Asias more reformed or external trade-oriented economies.

The Chinese state media needs every bit of help it can find in projecting Kim Jong Un as a person whose main interests are economic rather than military, Cathcart says.

Vietnam is politically neutral and secure

Hanoi has maintained diplomatic relations with Pyongyang since 1950 and Washington since 1995, and hosts embassies for both countries. In traveling there, Kim would be following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, who visited Vietnam in 1958 and was the last North Korean leader to do so.

In addition to having good relations with both countries, Vietnam retains a tight control over its internal security and media. While Human Rights Watch and other groups have criticized authorities crackdowns on dissent and Vietnams restrictions on freedom of expression, authoritarianism has not been a deterrent to international business. Hanoi was the venue for last years World Economic Forum on ASEAN, and Danang hosted the APEC meeting the year before.

The upcoming summit could further bolster Vietnams international reputation and help it attract tourism and foreign investment, Vu Minh Khuong, a policy analyst at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, told the Agence France-Presse.
On the final ever episode of Free Lunch, Ryan McQueeney discusses the merger of SunTrust and BB&T as well as earnings results from Chipotle, Twitter, Dunkin, and Philip Morris. Later, he is joined by Dave Bartosiak, who provides a technical explanation for todays stock pullback.

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Free Lunch is presented by Zacks Investment Research. It is streamed live, four times per week, and features breaking news and analysis from Zacks strategists. Free Lunch is available on YouTube, Twitter, and other major streaming platforms.

Stocks were lower on Thursday morning as Wall Street digested a ton of fresh news impacting the market.

There was a big headline in the finance sector, as regional banking giants BB&T BBT and SunTrust STI announced that they had agreed to a 57%/43% all-stock merger valued at $66 billion. The deal would create the sixth-largest U.S. financial institution if it passes through regulatory authorities.

Thursday also saw the release of several notable earnings reports. Twitter TWTR, Dunkin DNKN, and Philip Morris PM all filed their latest results in the morning, and each received mixed reactions. Twitters guidance was light and Dunkin saw flat comps as it ushered in new espresso drinks, while Philip Morris impressed despite slumping earnings and revenue.

Wall Street was also continuing to digest Chipotles CMG, which was released Wednesday afternoon. The fast-casual Mexican chain topped earnings and revenue expectations, with higher menu prices lifting comps by an impressive 6.1%. Management also guided for strong comps throughout 2019, sending CMG shares higher today.

However, major indexes pulled back sharply in morning trading. This was likely a result of two key factors. First, these indexes approached their 200-day moving averages and were unable to break higher, leaving them in a no-mans land of sort. This was exacerbated on Thursday after White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said that the U.S. and China were still far apart on a trade deal.

Story continues

Want to hear more about all of these stories? Check out todays Free Lunch to hear Ryan and Dave discuss the headlinesits the last episode of the show ever!

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Security,

The Navy retired the venerable Grumman F-14 Tomcat in 2006 after more than three decades in service. However, the Tomcats demise has left gaps in the carrier air wing that are only now being felt.

Why the Navy Misses the F-14 Tomcat (Despite Some Big Problems)

This is the story.

The United States Navy retired the venerable Grumman F-14 Tomcat in 2006 after more than three decades in service. However, the Tomcats demise has left gaps in the carrier air wing that are only now being felt.

With the end of the Cold War and declining budgets, the Navy simply could not afford to keep the incredibly maintenance intensive and unreliable Tomcat on the carrier flight deck. Moreover, with the demise of the Soviet threat, the Tomcats primary mission of fleet defense has fallen by the wayside and the venerable jet was increasingly used in the strike role. But while the F-14 proved to be a competent strike aircraft, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet was superior in most respects to the aging Tomcat as a strike fighter in the post-Cold War era. Particularly, the Super Hornet was far more reliable and cost effectiveand with its much more modern avionics, it was mostly a more capable aircraft. However, there are still some gaps that the Super Hornet could not fill.

(This first appeared several years ago.)

While the Super Hornet with its exceptional Raytheon AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar, Harris AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) Block IV system, advanced datalinks and other systems is a potent war machine, the F/A-18E/F has two weaknesses that the Navy has to address for the future which the service divested with the retirement of the Tomcat. Those two factors are range and speedboth of which the Super Hornet falls short on as new threats emerge in Western Pacific and the North Atlantic.

The Navy gave up the sheer speed and the range of the Tomcat because the service did not have to contend with the prospect of fending off hordes of Soviet Tupolev Tu-22M Backfire bombers and their cruise missiles in the post-Soviet era. The F-14, of course, was originally the linchpin of the Navys Outer Air Battle concept that was designed to prevent a Soviet bomber force from destroying a carrier battle group. While that threat more or less evaporated after 1991, it is starting to reemerge as China rises and Russia reasserts itself on the world stage.

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China is building a potent air launched anti-ship cruise missiles along with aircraft to carry those weapons. Meanwhile, the once-dormant Russian bomber force is backthough not in the numbers of the Soviet era. Moreover, with the emergence of new adversary stealth aircraftsome of which have the capability to fly very high and very fastwhich are also armed with cruise missiles, the Navy will need the range and speed that the Tomcat offered to fend off those threats. The F/A-18E/F can do the jobbut only to an extent.

Indeed, the Navy is looking at a platform or platformspotentially a family of systemsthat will offer greatly increased speed and range compared to the Super Hornet for its Next Generation Air Dominance study to replace the F/A-18E/F after 2040. I tend to think of it not only as range, but as reach; not only how far my airplane flies, but how far do my weapons go on top of that, Capt. Richard Brophy, who heads the Chief of Naval Operations N98 air warfare divisions NGAD Analysis of Alternatives team, said last year during a panel at the Office of Naval Researchs science and technology expo. Reach also gets into propulsion, and when we look at propulsion, Im looking for efficiency. The longer I can fly without having to go get gas, the better.

While speed and range are priorities, the Navy remains skeptical of stealth technology as it always has. We certainly need survivability. Stealth is just one piece of the survivability equation, Brophy said. I kind of look at stealth as sort of like chaff and flares. Its not going to defeat [the enemy] every time, but it will help. Stealth is part of what any future design  if you look at any country, theyre going that way. So yes, it would probably be part of it.

Recommended: Why an F-22 Raptor Would Crush an F-35 in a 'Dogfight'

Recommended: Air War: Stealth F-22 Raptor vs. F-14 Tomcat (That Iran Still Flies)

Recommended: A New Report Reveals Why There Won't Be Any 'New' F-22 Raptors

Thus, the successor to the Super Hornet could have capabilities that resemble the F-14 Tomcat in terms of speed and range. However, the similarities will likely end there. The Tomcat was an antiquated and unreliable beast in the late 1980s and it simply was not up to par during the 1990s and the early 2000s in terms of its avionics. New sensor, data-link and propulsion technologiesalong with developments such as artificial intelligencemeans that while a future NGAD aircraft might fill some of the gaps left behind by the F-14, it will not be a Tomcat.

Read full article






















The week of Feb. 7 in photos An LGBT flag is seen during a gay pride event in Mumbai, India. Members and supporters of the LGBTQ community take part in Mumbais Queer Azaadi Pride Parade. This was Mumbais first ever Queer Pride March after a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court last year decriminalized homosexuality. (Photo from Azhar Khan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

This week brought mass gatherings around the world as some people celebrated, while others protested.

Millions of people in China and abroad rang in the Lunar New Year  2019 is the Year of the Pig  with parades, fireworks, festivals and offerings. Members of Indias LGBTQ communities gathered in Mumbai to celebrate the citys first official gay pride parade since a landmark ruling by Indias Supreme Court last year decriminalizing homosexuality. In Venezuela, demonstrators continued to protest the countrys socialist regime and its President Nicolas Maduro.

The week also brought tragedy, with separate deadly train derailments in Canada and India and the ongoing sentencing hearing of convicted serial murderer Bruce McArthur.

From fire, flags and festivals to protests and pride, here are some of the most compelling images from this week.
By Fatos Bytyci PRISTINA (Reuters) - The U.S. ambassador to Kosovo has criticized Kosovo's government for hiring an ex-Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) commander convicted of war crimes as an advisor to the prime minister. "Convicted war criminals have no place in Kosovo's government," the ambassador, Philip S. Kosnett, wrote on Twitter late on Wednesday. Sylejman Selimi, sentenced to seven years in prison for war crimes he and his troops committed during the 1998-99 war, was named an adviser to Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj only days after he was released from jail. "Leaders of all parties should stop supporting such individuals. Such support calls into question Kosovos commitment to the rule of law," Kosnett said. Washington is one of the biggest supporters of Kosovo's independence both politically and financially. But in the past weeks the U.S. administration has criticized Haradinaj for putting 100 percent tariffs on Serbia's goods, halting all its exports to Kosovo, and urged him to undo the decision or face consequences. Selimi was released on probation on Jan. 25 ahead of the end of the sentence in September 2020. Selimi, a high-ranking KLA commander and his group, were found guilty in 2015 for beating up a man during the 1998-99 war. After the war Selimi was the commander of the Kosovo Protection Force (KPC), later called the Kosovo Security Force (KSF). He left the force in 2011 to become ambassador to Albania until he was indicted in 2013. Kosovars mostly view the former KLA fighters as heroes for battling Serb forces in the 1998-99 independence war and most of the state institutions are run by ex-soldiers. "There is no law that prohibits someone that may have had problems with law to take any position in this country whether in local or central government," Selimi's lawyer Tome Gashi told Reuters. On Wednesday Selimi was also interrogated by The Specialist Chamber that was set up in The Hague in 2015 to handle cases of alleged crimes by KLA guerrillas during the war that led to Kosovos secession from Serbia. The court has not issued any indictments, but Gashi said Selimi was questioned as a suspect. (Reporting by Fatos Bytyci, Editing by William Maclean)
AUSTIN  The recent eye-popping claim by the Texas secretary of states office  that 95,000 registered voters in Texas may be ineligible because theyre not U.S. citizens  grabbed quick headlines and sprang into President Donald Trumps Twitter feed, rekindling fears of rampant voter fraud by non-U.S. citizens.

Within a week, however, three lawsuits challenging the move and state officials erasing tens of thousands of names from that list have since raised questions about the validity and methodology of the claim.

The clash over Texas voters comes amid allegations by voting rights activists of nationwide efforts to purge voters of color from rolls and influence elections, including aggressively going after alleged non-citizens registered to vote.

Since 2013, Florida, New York, North Carolina and Virginia have conducted illegal purges, according to a recent study by New York Universitys Brennan Center for Justice. The report also found that between 2014 and 2016, states removed almost 16 million voters from the rolls  or 4 million more than what was removed between 2006 and 2008. Many of those were improperly removed, the report said.

Non-U.S. citizens are not allowed to vote in federal and state elections. But the methodology and data used to check a voters citizenship, often drivers license records, is flawed, said Myrna Perez, the Brennan Centers director of voting rights and elections project.

In all of these instances, the number of actual people who should not be on is vanishingly small, she said. Our rolls can and should be cleared, but the way to do this is not some overblown ballyhoo, but commonsense maintenance procedures.

In Texas, Secretary of State David Whitley announced on Jan. 25 that his office was sending counties a list of approximately 95,000 registered voters who told the Texas Department of Public Safety they were not citizens when they registered for drivers licenses or ID cards. Of those, 58,000 of them had voted in recent elections, the alert said.

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Later that day, Attorney General Ken Paxton tweeted out a warning: VOTER FRAUD ALERT, followed by similar warnings from Gov. Greg Abbott and Trump. These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg, the president tweeted two days after Whitley's announcement. All over the country, especially in California, voter fraud is rampant. Must be stopped. Strong voter ID!

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The states list of voters has since shrunk by tens of thousands after it was discovered that many legitimate voters were mistakenly included on the list. County election officials have also confirmed others on the list who are naturalized citizens and eligible to vote. Whitleys office did not return several requests for comment.

Lawsuits by civil and voting rights groups followed. The latest one, filed Monday in federal court, argues that the move violated constitutional and Voting Rights Act protections by intentionally targeting naturalized citizens and voters of color.

The lawsuits filed by The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, the national ACLU, the Texas Civil Rights Project, the civil rights group Demos, and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law argue that Whitley's office didn't account for naturalized citizens on the list and called his actions "an unlawful purge of the voting rolls that, by design, will target and threaten the voting rights of eligible naturalized citizens and people of color."

Logan Churchwell, of the Public Interest Legal Foundation, an Indianapolis-based conservative group that focuses on elections laws, said Texas officials were exercising their legal duty to ensure non-citizens are not included in voter rolls. Drivers license data are the best records states have to search for ineligible voters, he said.

Most non-citizens register to vote either because they misunderstood the application they were filling out or someone urged them to, Churchwell said. Across the U.S., non-citizen ineligible voters tend to be Asian in the U.S. on temporary visas, not Latinos, he said.

If you are a U.S. citizen, theres no way you should be intimidated by this, Churchwell said. If you arent a U.S. citizen, state officials are performing a public service to get you off the rolls. It could hurt their naturalization efforts later.

Still, the move rattled activists and local leaders. State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, Democrat from Austin and chair of the Mexican-American Legislative Caucus, said he was instantly alarmed when he saw the alert from the secretary of states office, especially given the states history with voting rights controversies.

Civil rights group have sued Texas over a law that requires certain types of IDs to be able to vote, a practice they say places unfair burdens on minority voters, and over congressional and state House district maps they claim intentionally undercut the voting power of black and Latino voters. The U.S. Supreme Court last year upheld 10 of the 11 maps in question.

Rodriguez called the recent attempt to purge voters a targeted intimidation by Texas Republicans to scare off minority voters, who tend to vote Democratic.

You have to look at it from the lens of history, he said. Texas really doesnt have a good history with this.

The specter of widespread voter fraud by non-citizens in federal and state elections has ramped up in recent years, even as evidence of the illicit practice remains elusive.

After his 2016 election, Trump alleged that millions of ineligible voters cost him the popular vote, which he lost to Democrat Hillary Clinton. A commission he created to look into the issue couldnt find evidence of widespread fraud and disbanded.

Researchers at the Brennan Center looked at 42 jurisdictions in 12 states, including eight of the 10 jurisdictions with the nations largest non-citizen populations, during the 2016 elections. Out of the 23.5 million votes cast in these jurisdictions, election officials referred only 30 instances of suspected non-citizen voting  or .0001 percent of the total.

If we want to improve our election administrations, we need to deal with facts and deal with evidence, Perez said. Not something made up.

During the Democratic rebuttal Tuesday night to Trump's State of the Union address, former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams warned Americans to take attacks on voting rights seriously.

Abrams and her supporters accused Republican leaders of targeting Georgia's African-American voters through voter suppression tactics and ballot rigging ahead of the November election. Her Republican rival, Brian Kemp, was serving as Georgias secretary of state during the contest. She has since launched Fair Fight Action, a group calling for election reform and voter education.

Lets be clear: Voter suppression is real, Abrams said in her televised remarks. From making it harder to register and stay on the rolls to moving and closing polling places to rejecting lawful ballots, we can no longer ignore these threats to democracy.

Follow Jervis on Twitter: @MrRJervis.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Voting rights: Texas voter purge is latest effort to target minority voters, activists say
Photo credit: Bill Clark - Getty Images

From Esquire

(Optional Musical Accompaniment To This Post)

It's one of those weeks in which you wonder whether this whole democracy thing is all that it's cracked up to be. From the New York Times:

Mr. Herring released a statement saying that he dressed like the rapper Kurtis Blow, an acknowledgment that instantly deepened a crisis in the states Democratic Party. The governor, Ralph Northam, under siege over a racist photo in his medical school yearbook, admitted last week that he once blackened his face as part of a Michael Jackson costume. Just two days later, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax, the other one of Virginias three statewide officials, faced an allegation of sexual assault, which he denied. Because of our ignorance and glib attitudes - and because we did not have an appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of others - we dressed up and put on wigs and brown makeup, Mr. Herring said in a statement on Wednesday.



If you're keeping score at home, the Democratic governor is under fire for having dressed up either in blackface or as a Klan member. The Democratic lieutenant governor is accused of sexual assault. And now, the state attorney general, the third in the order of succession, has 'fessed up to having done a little cosplay as well. I'm telling you, there's a lot to be said for divinely ordered monarchy at the moment.

Photo credit: The Washington Post - Getty Images

For now, it looks like Governor Ralph Northam is going to try to brass this out. Justin Fairfax, on the other hand, seems to be in real trouble. As for Attorney General Mark Herring, I understand the theory of getting the bad stuff out yourself before your enemies do it but, Christamighty, two constitutional officers hamstrung for cavorting in blackface? Change up your scandals already. Couldn't Herring have, I dunno, hired some state troopers to paint his boat deck or something? I mean, just for variety's sake.

Photo credit: The Washington Post - Getty Images

However, the truth is, someone is going to have to make a tough call here. If all three of these guys resign, the governorship goes to the Republican speaker of the Virginia House, and this whole thing would smack of having been a slow-motion coup d'etat served up by conservative ratfckers who struck gold-and, it must be said, abetted by a lot of national Democrats, including most of the prospective presidential field, who had no dog in this fight at all. (Why did Tony Evers, the new Democratic governor of Wisconsin, feel obligated to weigh in?) One of these three guys is going to have to stay in his job and stand the gaff for having done so.

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It is all well and good to take the high road, but I'm not sure the high road isn't a dead end right now. At the very least, it's a blind alley. If there's a way to wedge a Democratic politician into the governorship, bypassing the Three Stooges, then by all means, it should be done. (One baroque suggestion has Northam resigning, Fairfax ascending to the governorship just long enough to appoint Candidate X to be his lieutenant governor. Fairfax then resigns and Lieutenant Governor X becomes governor.) If there isn't, one of the Stooges has to take the job and the massive hit that goes with it. Just the way it is.

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Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax addresses the media about a sexual assualt allegation from 2004 outside of the capital building in dowtown Richmond, February 4, 2019. -

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax acknowledges that he had a consensual encounter with a colleague in a Boston hotel during the 2004 Democratic national convention but flatly denies her charges of sexual assault.

"I wish her no harm or humiliation, nor do I seek to denigrate her or diminish her voice," Fairfax said Wednesday in his second response to the burgeoning allegations. "But I cannot agree with a description of events that I know is not true."

The allegations by Vanessa Tyson, now a professor at Scripps College in Claremont, California, surfaced in the wake of a blackface scandal involving Gov. Ralph Northam that potentially could lead to Fairfax becoming governor of Virginia.

Tyson said she decided to go public with her charges because of the prospects that Fairfax seemed likely to become the state's chief executive.

"I felt a jarring sense of both outrage and despair," Tyson said in a statement Wednesday in which she spoke of her charges.

In the statement released by her lawyer, Tyson said she met Fairfax in 2004 when both were working at the Democratic party convention and realized they had a mutual friend.

At one point, she said, Fairfax invited her back to his hotel to retrieve some papers.

"What began as consensual kissing quickly turned into a sexual assault," Tyson said. "Mr. Fairfax put his hand behind my neck and forcefully pushed my head towards his crotch."

Tyson alleged that Fairfax then forced her to perform oral sex.

"I cannot believe, given my obvious distress, that Mr. Fairfax thought this forced sexual act was consensual," she said, adding that she consciously avoided him for the rest of the convention and never spoke to him again.

Fairfax, in his statement, called Tyson's account "surprising and hurtful" but said, "I have never done anything like what she suggests."

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The 39-year-old Democrat said any review of the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident would support his account.

Story continues

"At no time did she express to me any discomfort or concern about our interactions, neither during that encounter nor during the months following it, when she stayed in touch with me, nor the past fifteen years," Fairffax said. "She in no way indicated that anything that had happened between us made her uncomfortable."

While a wide array of Democrats, both in Virginia and nationally, as well as Republicans have called on Northam to step down over the blackface incident, fewer voices have come out against Fairfax.

Toni Van Pelt, president of the National Organization of Women, however, has urged him to step down, as has Rep. Jennifer Wexton, a freshman Virginia Democrat who previously served in the state senate.

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Kamala Harris, of California, said Thursday she finds Tyson's charges "credible" and called for a thorough investigation of the allegations.

In a bizarre twist to recent sexual allegations that have rocked national politics, Tyson is represented by the law firm that backed Dr. Christine Blasey Ford when she accused then Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct in high school.

Fairfax, in turn, has retained the law firm that represented Kavanaugh during those contentious hearings, CNN reports.

Although Tyson agreed to go public with her allegations this week, she had tried to raise her concerns last year in the run up to the elections that put Fairfax in the lieutenant governor's chair.

She said she spoke in 2017 to a personal friend at The Washington Post, and to colleagues, about the allegations but that the newspaper decided not to run her story.

The Post, which spoke to people who knew Fairfax from college, law school and through political circles, found no similar complaints of sexual misconduct against him, the newspaper reported this week. Without that, or the ability to corroborate Tyson's account  in part because she had not told anyone what happened  the Post did not run a story.

The experience, she said, left her feeling "powerless, frustrated, and completely drained," and that she had declined to press the issue until Fairfax appeared likely to ascend to the governorship in Virginia.

"I have no political motive," she said." I am a proud Democrat. My only motive in speaking now is to refute Mr. Fairfaxs falsehoods and aspersions of my character, and to provide what I believe is important information for Virginians to have as they make critical decisions that involve Mr. Fairfax."





This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Virginia Lt. Gov. Fairfax acknowledges 2004 consensual encounter with accuser, denies sexual assault
Though ISIS has been weakened in Iraq and Syria, the threats of this terror group remain persistent in the region and worldwide, warned Wednesday in Washington Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, underlining the approach adopted by the North African Kingdom to combat and prevent radicalization & violent extremism.

This approach is based on a series of measures that have demonstrated their efficiency, said the minister at the meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS convened Wednesday in Washington.

The Moroccan strategy is threefold. It focuses on training religious preachers at the Mohammed VI Institute for the training of preachers (all genders) to spread the authentic values of Islam, the middle path doctrine, based on tolerance, intercultural dialogue and respect of other faiths, explained Mr. Bourita.

Moroccan authorities also combat extremist discourses through audio-visual media, social networks & Internet and prevent the spread of violent extremism in prisons while ensuring the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners, added the minister.

The success of this strategy, spearheaded by King Mohammed VI, Commander of the faithful, has been recognized worldwide, he stressed.

In its capacity as Co-Chair of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), Morocco is resolutely committed to continuing to promote the importance of developing and building the civil societys capacities so that it can defend itself against the resurgence of ISIS or any other group that shares the same violent extremism, affirmed Mr. Bourita.

He went on to say that Moroccos priority remains a better coordination with other multilateral platforms in order to encourage the implementation of the good practices developed by the GCTF against the emergence of threats linked to terrorism and violent extremism.

The minister warned against the emergence of an ISIS brand, through affiliated groups in more than 25 countries around the world, a dozen of which are active in North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as against the consolidated capacities of affiliated groups because of their ability to diversify their sources of income and redeploy their fighters.

During his visit to Washington, the Foreign Minister held side talks with Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and with other US officials, including Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, David Hale.
Versum Materials, Inc. VSM recorded profit of $61.1 million or 56 cents per share in first-quarter fiscal 2019 (ended Dec 31, 2018), up more than three times from $18.7 million or 17 cents a year ago. The improvement reflects the impacts of the U.S. Tax Act.



Barring one-time items, adjusted earnings came in at 55 cents per share, which matched the Zacks Consensus Estimate.



Sales rose around 3% year over year to $339.5 million for the quarter, driven by gains in both Materials and Delivery Systems & Services (DS&S) segments. The figure, however, trailed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $343.7 million.

Versum Materials Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Versum Materials Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Versum Materials Inc. Quote

Segment Highlights



Revenues at the Materials segment rose 3% year over year to $221.7 million in the reported quarter, driven by double-digit volume gains in Advanced Materials as well as higher volumes in Process Materials. Strong sales in both memory and logic segments offset softer foundry activity.



Sales at the DS&S unit went up 2% year over year to $117.2 million in the quarter on the back of continued strong equipment and installation project activities.



Financials



Versum Materials ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $408 million, up around 47% year over year. Long-term debt was $973.2 million, down 0.4% year over year.



Cash from operations was $46 million for the reported quarter, up from $39 million a year-ago.



Outlook



For fiscal 2019, the company now sees sales in the range of $1,380-$1,430 million (up 1-4% year over year), down from its earlier view of $1,425-$1,475 million. Adjusted EBITDA has been forecast between $465 million and $485 million (up 4-9% year over year), also down from prior view of $475-$495 million.



The company expects slowing memory output and weakening industry capital spending environment to impact its top-line performance. However, it expects new Process of Record (POR) wins and infrastructure projects in DS&S to mitigate some of this impact. The company also expects positive segment mix and cost discipline to drive EBITDA margins.



Price Performance



Shares of Versum Materials have gained 6.3% over a year against the industrys 2.1% rise.

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Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider



Versum Materials currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).



A few better-ranked stocks worth considering in the basic materials space include Seabridge Gold Inc. SA, Israel Chemicals Ltd. ICL and Franco-Nevada Corporation FNV.



Seabridge Gold has an expected earnings growth rate of 20.8% for the current year and carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Its shares have rallied 26% in the past year. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Israel Chemicals has an expected earnings growth rate of 11.1% for the current year and carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The companys shares have shot up 41% over the past year.



Franco-Nevada has an expected earnings growth rate of 8.7% for the current year and carries a Zacks Rank #2. Its shares have gained 8% in the past year.



Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2019



In addition to the stocks discussed above, wouldn't you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?



From more than 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank, these 10 were picked by a process that consistently beats the market. Even during 2018 while the market dropped -5.2%, our Top 10s were up well into double-digits. And during bullish 2012  2017, they soared far above the market's +126.3%, reaching +181.9%.



This year, the portfolio features a player that thrives on volatility, an AI comer, and a dynamic tech company that helps doctors deliver better patient outcomes at lower costs.



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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Venezuela's self-declared interim president, Juan Guaido, will name a new board for Citgo Petroleum Corp this week, Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio told the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.

Citgo, the eighth-largest U.S. refiner and owned by Venezuelan state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), is Venezuela's top foreign asset.

But the United States has imposed sanctions on PDVSA as part of Washington's bid to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down after he was re-elected last year in a vote critics have called a sham. The U.S. actions have, in turn, squeezed Citgo.

Venezuela's opposition said on Wednesday it would use income accrued by Citgo since last month to finance its efforts to dislodge Maduro.

"The interim president is going to name a new governance board very soon here, probably as early as today or tomorrow and that'll be recognised under U.S. law," Rubio said in an interview with the Journal.

Rubio added that the United States would then recognise that board as the legal entity controlling Citgo.

It was not immediately clear how Rubio received that information. Representatives for Rubio, Citgo, the White House and Carlos Vecchio, the U.S. representative for Guaido, did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

PDVSA has said it would use legal manoeuvres to block a takeover of Citgo.

Washington has recognised Guaido, an opposition leader and head of Venezuela's National Assembly, as the interim president of Venezuela. Other countries have followed suit. But Maduro, who denounces Guaido as a U.S. puppet seeking to foment a coup against him, has retained control of the state and still counts on support from Russia and China.

(Reporting by Makini Brice and Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Peter Cooney)
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)  The Vatican is proceeding with an investigation into an Argentine bishop close to Pope Francis who has been accused of improper behavior with seminarians and sexual abuse.

In a statement posted to its Facebook page, the Argentine Diocese of Oran said Feb. 5 that the Vatican's Congregation for Bishops had entrusted Tucuman Archbishop Carlos Alberto Sanchez with the next phase of the investigation regarding accusations against Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta.

The development is significant because it signals that a preliminary investigation conducted by the Oran diocese and sent to the Vatican was deemed credible enough to warrant further investigation by an outside party.

The Associated Press reported last month that the Vatican received indications of inappropriate behavior by Zanchetta in 2015 and again in 2017, with reports from his former vicars and the seminary rector.

Zanchetta resigned abruptly on Aug. 1, 2017 but by December had been named to the No. 2 position in the Vatican's financial management office, APSA.The Vatican has insisted that there were no accusations of sexual abuse against Zanchetta when he was promoted to the job.

Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti repeated in late January that the Vatican received the first accusations of alleged sexual abuse by Zanchetta a few months ago.

Zanchetta's former deputy, the Rev. Juan Jose Manzano, had previously told the AP that he had sent the Vatican information in 2015 and 2017 of alleged inappropriate sexual behavior by Zanchetta that included taking naked selfies and reports that he engaged in harassment and misconduct with adult seminarians.

Manzano told the AP those reports didn't constitute formal canonical accusations of sexual abuse, but were merely reports of behavior that he, another former vicar general and the rector of the seminary in Oran considered important to bring to the Vatican's attention.

He said he didn't believe there had been any cover-up and that he considered Francis a victim of Zanchetta's "manipulation."

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Gisotti didn't directly address or dispute Manzano's reports.

In a Jan. 4 statement, Gisotti had confirmed that Zanchetta was under preliminary investigation for alleged sexual abuse, but said that the accusations were first made in the autumn of 2018. He said the reasons for Zanchetta's resignation were due to his difficult, tense relations with the Oran clergy and inability to govern them.

He said the current bishop of Oran was gathering testimony that hadn't yet arrived at the Vatican bishops' office, and that Zanchetta would refrain from working during the preliminary investigation.
Washington (AFP) - Rights groups pressed US President Donald Trump to take action over Saudi Arabia's killing of dissident writer Jamal Khashoggi on the eve of a Friday deadline by Congress to punish perpetrators.

Khashoggi, a contributor to The Washington Post who lived in self-imposed exile in Virginia, was killed and dismembered when he visited the conservative kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

A special UN rapporteur said Thursday that the killing was "planned and perpetrated" by Saudi officials.

In October, the then top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee invoked the Magnitsky Act, which gave the Trump administration 120 days -- until February 8 -- to determine who was behind Khashoggi's killing and to describe actions against them.

The law, which targets extrajudicial killings and torture, is named for Sergei Magnitsky, an anti-corruption accountant who died in Russian custody.

In a joint statement Thursday accompanied by a rally outside the White House, six advocacy groups including Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists urged Trump to lay out action over Khashoggi's killing and to release CIA records on the death.

"Notwithstanding public and congressional outrage and the reported findings of the CIA, the Trump administration appears to be engaged in a cover-up on behalf of the Saudi government," they wrote.

The groups called for "an effective, independent, international investigation" and the immediate release of other journalists and activists detained in Saudi Arabia.

The kingdom's promises to prosecute those responsible have turned into a "sham," the groups said, with senior officials resigning rather than facing repercussions.

The Trump administration revoked visas for nearly two dozen Saudi officials over Khashoggi's killing and froze assets of some 17 others.

But Trump also said in a blunt statement that the killing was not worth jeopardizing the alliance with Saudi Arabia, crediting the kingdom with buying US weapons and supporting its hard line on regional rival Iran.
Washington (AFP) - The United States has cut defense assistance to Cameroon -- including plans to supply armored vehicles -- due to concerns over human rights violations, an official said Thursday.

A State Department official said that the United States appreciated Cameroon's contributions in fighting Boko Haram extremists from neighboring Nigeria but had concerns about a deadly crackdown on a revolt at home.

"We do not take these measures lightly, but we will not shirk from reducing assistance further if evolving conditions require it," the official said on condition of anonymity.

"We emphasize that it is in Cameroon's interest to show greater transparency in investigating credible allegations of gross violations of human rights security forces, particularly in the northwest, southwest and far north regions," he said.

He said that the United States no longer planned to provide Cameroon with nine armored vehicles, four defender boats or an upgrade of a Cessna aircraft.

The United States will also suspend training and the delivery of spare parts for a C-130 transport aircraft owned by Cameroon, hold back a radar system and withdraw an offer for Yaounde to take part in a program in which individual US states help develop foreign militaries.

Human rights groups have urged a probe of the majority French-speaking country's crackdown on an armed revolt by the English-speaking minority in the southwest and northwest regions.

The government has deployed thousands of soldiers in an operation that has killed at least 500 civilians and more than 200 members of the security forces, according to estimates by the International Crisis Group think tank.

President Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon for 36 years, winning a seventh consecutive term in October. Authorities recently banned protests after unauthorized demonstrations.

The State Department official said that the United States was still offering other assistance to Cameroon, crediting its contributions both in the fight against Boko Haram and in restoring security to the piracy-ridden Gulf of Guinea.
The sexual-harassment policy at the University of New Orleans is so broad that it may effectively ban students from sending each other valentines.

According to an article in The College Fix , the schools policy bans a whole host of things as sexual harassment, such as unwanted sexual advances (which includes touching), visual displays such as leering, gratuitous visual displays such as posters, photographs, cartoons, drawings, or gestures (which Id assume could easily include many episodes of South Park), graphic sexual commentary about an individuals body (with, as The Fix puts it, no requirement that the person whose body it is even know about it), and  heres where Valentines Day comes in  sending suggestive or obscene letters, notes, or invitations.

A pro-free-speech organization, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, highlighted the universitys policy as its February Speech Code of the Month.

The policys list of examples fails to note that individual examples are only punishable when they actually meet the legal standard for peer hostile environment harassment in the educational setting, as set forth by the Supreme Court, FIRE stated in its post. As a result, those examples look like theyre prohibited when standing alone, creating a chilling effect on protected expression.

Laura Beltz, FIREs senior program officer for policy reform, talked with The Fix about how the policy might lead to students being too afraid to send each other valentines.

If students are left wondering if sending a valentine will land them in trouble, the university is not living up to its legal obligation to protect students free speech rights, she stated in an email.

Beltz explained that the policy should instead explain that suggestive notes  which could, of course, easily include valentines  must be part of a pattern of conduct that constitutes harassment, because, as it stands, the policy may lead students to self-censor or think twice before sending a valentine.

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Beltz is absolutely correct. As it stands, the anti-harassment policy at the University of New Orleans could certainly be interpreted as one that bans any and all valentines. The term suggestive, after all, is a subjective one. Sure, some might interpret it as encompassing only things that are truly pornographic, but others could interpret it far more broadly. In fact, someone in the administration could easily say that common notes on valentines such as Be mine or Be my Valentine qualify as suggestive  and no student should be at risk of getting into real trouble over such a subjective standard. I highly doubt that receiving a simple Be mine valentine would be enough to send any adult student into a tailspin, as long as the valentine was not part of a pattern of actual harassment. How do I know this? Because grade-school kids hand out valentines to each other, and they seem to be able to handle it just fine. In fact, I remember having received a few myself as young as first grade, and I managed to escape without any resulting emotional trauma. Sexual harassment is an awful, traumatic thing, and schools should definitely have policies in place to protect students against it. They shouldnt, however, make those policies so broad and open to subjective interpretation that it threatens their students free-speech rights.

More from National Review
The Egyptian El Sewedy Electric Co. SAE, through its subsidiary Elsewedy Power, has been awarded the construction of two power projects with a combined capacity of 1,965 MW in the United Arab Emirates.

The implementation of these projects will be done in collaboration with other world-class energy entities such as Siemens, according to Ecofin News Agency.

Elsewedy said that the scope of its work includes the design, supply, and installation of all equipment of the project, as well as civil and construction works.

Siemens scope of business includes the manufacturing, supply, testing, and establishing of the power plant units and contributing to managing the tasks of the project.

The first power plant will have natural gas as a fuel with a total capacity of 815 MW. It will start generating power in 2020 through three units, the company said.

The second project is for a plant with a capacity of 1,150 MW that will be located in the locality of Sharjah, Elsewedy disclosed without giving more details.

The company manufactures and sells integrated energy products and services in seven energy segments: Electrical cables and accessories, electrical products, telecommunications, transformers, wind energy generation, energy measurement and management, engineering, procurement and contracting .

The company has become a diversified global group with more than 14,000 employees and 25 production sites.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Yemen's warring parties reached a preliminary compromise on a plan for the redeployment of opposing forces from the key port of Hodeida, the United Nations said Thursday.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the preliminary agreement was reached by representatives of Yemen's government and Houthi Shiite rebels meeting on a U.N. vessel in Hodeida's inner harbor during U.N.-mediated talks between Feb. 3-6.

He said the head of the U.N. monitoring mission "tabled a proposal that proved acceptable, in principle ... pending further consultations by the parties with their respective leaders."

Dujarric said he couldn't give details, but he said the U.N. monitoring team expects to reconvene the warring parties "within the next week, with the aim of finalizing details for redeployments."

Retired Dutch Maj. Gen. Patrick Cammaert, the outgoing head of the U.N. operation monitoring the cease-fire and redeployment of forces from the Hodeida area that both sides agreed to in Sweden in December, chaired this week's initial meetings, Dujarric said.

His replacement, Danish Lt. Gen. Michael Lollesgaard, attended the meetings and has now taken over.

The agreement in Sweden was seen as a key step in attempts to end the conflict in Yemen, which began with the 2014 takeover of the capital Sanaa by the Iranian-backed Houthis, who toppled the government of Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

A Saudi-led coalition allied with Hadi's internationally recognized government has been fighting the Houthis since 2015.

The fighting in the Arab world's poorest country has taken a terrible toll on civilians, with thousands killed and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis under way. Millions suffer from food and medical care shortages and the country has been pushed to the brink of famine.

U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock said in a statement Thursday that the U.N. and its humanitarian partners are scaling up to reach 12 million people with emergency food, a 50-percent increase over 2018 targets.

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He said the Red Sea Mills in a government-controlled area of Hodeida has enough grain to feed 3.7 million people for a month, but the U.N. has been unable to gain access since September while the grain possibly spoils in silos.

He deplored that last month two silos were hit by mortar shells and the resulting fire destroyed some grain  "probably enough to feed hundreds of thousands of people for a month."

Lowcock said the Houthis have refused to authorize the United Nations to cross front lines into government-controlled areas to access the Red Sea Mills, citing security concerns.

Discussions are continuing with both sides and Lowcock implored the Houthis and their affiliates "to finalize an agreement and facilitate access to the mills in the coming days."
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United Nations aid chief on Thursday urged Yemen's Huthi rebels to grant access in the coming days to a food storage site in Hodeida containing enough grain to feed millions of starving civilians.

The Huthis are refusing to allow UN aid agencies to cross front lines and reach the Red Sea Mills, which are located in a government-controlled area, because of security concerns, UN aid chief Mark Lowcock said.

Yemen's government and Huthi rebels agreed during talks in Sweden in December to a ceasefire in Hodeida, a redeployment of forces and access to humanitarian aid, under a deal seen as a major step towards ending the devastating war.

"Access to the mills grows ever more urgent as time passes and the risk of spoilage to the remaining grain increases," said Lowcock in a statement.

"I implore all parties, in particular Ansar Allah affiliated groups, to finalize an agreement and facilitate access to the mills in the coming days."

Ansar Allah is the official name of the Shiite Huthi movement that controls Sanaa, much of Hodeida and other parts of Yemen in a war against the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

The Red Sea Mills silos are believed to contain enough grain to feed 3.7 million people for a month but the granary has remained off-limits to aid organisations for more than four months.

The latest negotiations on securing access to the warehouses have dragged on and Lowcock deplored that a solution remained "elusive."

Hodeida port is the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's imported goods and humanitarian aid, providing a lifeline to millions in the Arab world's poorest country.

The United Nations has described Yemen as the world's worst humanitarian emergency, with 10 million people on the brink of famine.

Last month, two silos at the Red Sea mills were hit by mortar shells, sparking a fire that destroyed some of the grain -- probably enough to feed hundreds of thousands of people for a month, the United Nations said.
London (AFP) - Demonstrators chanting "No war on Venezuela!" descended on the Bank of England in London on Thursday, demanding the release of the country's 31 tons of gold deposited there.

Almost a hundred protesters gathered outside the central bank headquarters, which was holding its monetary policy meeting at the time, for the event organised by left-wing group "Venezuela Solidarity Campaign".

"Bank of England, you've been told, give Venezuela back its gold!" they chanted, as one protester wearing a mask of US President Donald Trump stroked two fake gold bars under a large Venezuelan flag.

"Maduro's government is legitimate, it was elected, it's been recognised by most countries of the world," charity worker Robert Miller, 50, told AFP.

"Why doesn't the Bank of England take the money from Saudi Arabia or somewhere else," he added, in reference to the human rights justification for not releasing the gold.

"You can't have the Bank of England declaring what is oppression."

"The gold belongs to the Venezuelan people," said fellow protestor Dominic Hale, a 32-year-old social worker, while his friend Danielle Veal, 30, denounced the pressure exerted by the US, saying it was "about the oil, they are not hiding it."

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has been trying for several months to repatriate international gold reserves deposited in London.

The Latin American country currently has about 31 tons of gold worth $1.3 billion in the Bank of England, according to a report published by Natixis.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognised as interim president by around 40 countries, wrote to Prime Minister Theresa May in January asking that Britain not return the gold to the Maduro regime.

The bank, which operates independently of the government, told AFP it would not confirm whether it had taken a decision on the issue.

"Before going ahead with any transaction, the bank needs to be satisfied that the counterparty has the authorisations necessary to request the transaction, that all relevant sanctions are complied with and that there is no evidence that the transaction will involve relevant criminal activity," it said.
London (AFP) - Britain's economy is "not yet prepared" for a disorderly no-deal departure from the European Union next month, Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned Thursday.

"Although many companies are stepping up their contingency planning, the economy as a whole is still not yet prepared for a no-deal no-transition exit," Carney told reporters after the bank slashed its economic growth forecasts.

As British Prime Minister Theresa May attempts to rescue her withdrawal agreement, Carney warned that the "fog of Brexit" has sparked volatility across financial markets, the economy, and for businesses.

"The UK is leaving the European Union, not leaving Europe, and it is pursuing an ambitious (and) broad economic and security partnership," Carney said.

"But the exact form of that partnership -- how it will be settled and when that settlement will take effect -- is still unclear.

"The fog of Brexit is causing short term volatility in the economic data and more fundamentally it is creating a series of tensions in the economy. Tensions for business."

He added: "Given the dynamic of (Brexit) negotiations, we are now assuming uncertainty remains elevated for a while and that financial conditions stay tighter for longer."
By Andy Sullivan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's attorney general nominee, William Barr, moved closer to a confirmation vote in the U.S. Senate on Thursday, winning approval from a key committee despite Democrats' concerns about how he might handle Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. Barr is expected to win confirmation in the Republican-controlled chamber as soon as next week, after the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to approve him by a party-line vote of 12 to 10. A corporate lawyer who previously served as attorney general under Republican President George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s, Barr has been praised by lawmakers from both parties as someone who is deeply familiar with the workings of the Justice Department and does not owe his career to Trump. If he wins the job, Barr's independence could be put to the test when Mueller wraps up his investigation into the Trump campaign's possible ties to Russia during the 2016 election. The Republican president has repeatedly criticized the investigation as a "witch hunt" and denies any collusion with Moscow. Barr criticized the investigation last year in a memo to the Justice Department, but he told the committee in confirmation hearings three weeks ago that he would allow Mueller to conclude his work and said he would make as much of his findings public as possible. But Barr has refused to promise that he will release the report in its entirety, citing Justice Department regulations that encourage prosecutors not to criticize people who they do not end up charging with criminal behavior. Democrats on the committee said they were concerned that Barr's expansive views of presidential power, as outlined in his memo, would lead him to suppress parts of Mueller's report that address whether Trump tried to obstruct the investigation. "I believe the memo is disqualifying," said Senator Dianne Feinstein, the committee's top Democrat. Republicans said they were confident Barr would make as much of the report public as possible. "We need a steady hand at the Department of Justice, and I believe Mr. Barr provides that steady hand," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the committee's chairman. For the time being, Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker will remain in charge of the department - and the Mueller investigation. Whitaker, who was appointed by Trump in November, said last week that the investigation "is close to being completed." Democrats on the U.S. House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee on Thursday prepared a subpoena to compel Whitaker to testify on Friday, prompting him to say he will not appear unless the subpoena threat is lifted. (Additional reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Doina Chiacu and Jonathan Oatis)
By Gina Cherelus

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice will investigate a New York City jail where inmates said they spent days in freezing, dark cells and were left without medical care after a fire cut power and heat during a cold snap, the agency said.

The Justice Department said its watchdog Office of the Inspector General will examine whether or not the Federal Bureau of Prisons responded appropriately to the incident at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

The Bureau of Prisons, which oversees federal prisons and jails, is part of the Department of Justice.

"The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) are committed to the safe and humane living and working conditions of all inmates and employees," the department said on Wednesday in a statement.

An electrical fire on Jan. 27 caused a weeklong power outage at the detention center as temperatures fell to near zero Fahrenheit (minus 18 Celsius). This sparked legal challenges, a public outcry and protests outside the jail by political activists, friends and relatives of the more than 1,600 male and female prisoners held there.

Attorneys from the law firm Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP, which on Monday filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Prisons, on Thursday called for an independent review, noting that the Justice Department would be probing the bureau while simultaneously defending it in litigation.

"An independent special master is needed to ensure that any review has real and perceived integrity," the lawyers, Sean Hecker and Jenna Dabbs, said in a statement.

A hearing for the lawsuit was set for Feb. 13.

Detention center employees, inmates and their lawyers testified on Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres in Manhattan. Torres is one of several judges looking into possible violations at the facility.

Jail authorities have said that power, heat and medical care were restored on Sunday, but lawyers for prisoners said at the hearing that some parts of the prison were still without heat and some inmates have not received medical care since the power outage began.

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"I was struggling with trying to stay warm and keep my spirits up," Donnell Murray, an inmate at the jail since 2017, said during the hearing.

John Maffeo, a facilities manager at the detention center, testified that the building had issues with heating and power for about a week or two before the fire.

(Reporting by Gina Cherelus in New York; Additional reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Darren Schuettler and Jonathan Oatis)
(Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday it was taking action against certain retailers including Walgreen Boots Alliance for repeatedly flouting tobacco sale rules, including sale of cigars and menthol cigarettes to minors.

Walgreens is currently the top violator among pharmacies that sell tobacco products, with 22 percent of its inspected stores having illegally sold tobacco products to minors, the U.S. health regulator said in a statement.

"I will be writing (to) the corporate management of Walgreens and requesting a meeting with them to discuss whether there is a corporate-wide issue related to their stores' non-compliance," FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said.

The agency filed complaints seeking to bar a Walgreens store in Miami, Florida and a Circle K store in Charleston, South Carolina, owned by Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc, from selling tobacco products for 30 days.

"We take this matter very seriously and have taken a number of steps to help address the important issue of sales of these products to minors," a Walgreens spokesman said in an e-mail statement.

Alimentation Couche-Tard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Thursday's action against Walgreens follows over 1,550 warning letters and 240 civil money penalty actions against its stores nationwide for unlawful tobacco product sales to minors, the agency said.

The FDA has rolled out a Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan as part of its push to discourage teens from smoking.

Last year, the agency announced sweeping restrictions on flavored tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes. It also plans to seek a ban on menthol cigarettes, a longtime goal of public health advocates, as well as flavored cigars.

An epidemic-level rise in the popularity of e-cigarettes lately has led to a 38 percent increase in overall tobacco product use among high school students and 29 percent among middle school students last year, reversing the declines seen in the last few years, the FDA said.

(Reporting by Tamara Mathias and Saumya Sibi Joseph in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
By Susan Heavey and Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday that he and other U.S. officials will travel to Beijing next week for trade talks, aiming to clinch a deal to avert a March 2 increase in U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. Mnuchin said in an interview with CNBC that the talks he and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer led in Washington last week with China's Vice Premier Liu He were "very productive." "Ambassador Lighthizer and myself and a large team are on our way to Beijing next week. We are committed to continue these talks," Mnuchin said. "We're putting in an enormous amount of effort to try to hit this deadline and get a deal. So that's our objective." President Donald Trump said in his State of the Union address on Tuesday that any new trade deal with China "must include real, structural change to end unfair trade practices, reduce our chronic trade deficit and protect American jobs." Trump has vowed to increase U.S. tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports to 25 percent from 10 percent currently if the two sides cannot reach a deal by 12:01 a.m. (0501 GMT) on March 2. The two sides remain far apart on addressing U.S. demands that China make deep structural changes to its trade and economic policies and shrink the U.S. goods trade deficit. The Commerce Department on Wednesday reported the U.S. goods trade deficit with China reached $382 billion through the first 11 months of 2018, eclipsing the $375 billion gap during all of 2017, though the deficit narrowed for the month of November from October. Trump's negotiators want Beijing to more strenuously enforce American intellectual property rights, stop cyber-hacking of trade secrets, curb industrial subsidies and end policies that coerce U.S. companies to turn over technology to Chinese competitors as a price of doing business in China's vast market. A critical part of any deal, they say, would be a mechanism to verify and enforce China's follow-through on any commitments it makes. "We are also very focused on free and fair trade for U.S. companies to have access there and to having a more level playing field which will bring down the trade deficit," Mnuchin said, though he said there is still have much to do to reach an agreement. "I don't think it would be productive to speculate on the outcome because we have a lot of work left to do. ... If we can't get to the deadline, that's not because we haven't worked around the clock," Mnuchin said. Lighthizer held a closed-door briefing with U.S. senators on Wednesday on the upcoming China talks and the proposed new trade agreement between United States, Mexico and Canada. "He is optimistic" about the talks with China, said Republican Senator Tim Scott, who was in the meeting. He said Lighthizer told senators that purchases of agricultural products looked to remain a sticking point. "That's one of those things, he says, one of those outliers of an issue that still raises real concern, and that he is still looking for ways to continue to address that and hammer on that," Scott told reporters. China, which bought about 60 percent of the 2017 U.S. soybean crop, cut off purchases of U.S. supplies during the trade war between the two countries. China's Liu, during last week's talks with Trump, promised further Chinese purchases of soybeans. Since then, Beijing has bought 2.6 million tonnes of the product. Before the trade war, U.S. sold more than 30 million tonnes of soybeans to China annually. (Reporting by Susan Heavey and Humeyra Pamuk; additional reporting by David Lawder; writing by Mohammad Zargham; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Leslie Adler)
By Mike Spector and Jessica DiNapoli

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. bankruptcy judge on Thursday approved Sears Holdings Corp Chairman Edward Lampert's $5.2 billion takeover of the beleaguered retailer, allowing the department store chain to avert liquidation and preserve tens of thousands of jobs.

Judge Robert Drain approved the sale after a hearing spanning several days in a White Plains, N.Y., federal bankruptcy court. He overruled objections, including from an unsecured creditors committee, which said the process for selling Sears was unfair to them and argued for a liquidation.

Lampert, who arranged an $11 billion merger between Sears and discounter Kmart in 2005 and tried for years to boost business, wins another chance to try to revive what once was the biggest U.S. retailer.

Lampert, the only bidder offering to keep Sears alive through his hedge fund, ESL Investments Inc, agreed to a deal for 425 stores after round-the-clock negotiations in January. The takeover aims to preserve about 45,000 jobs.

"I conclude that the process here was proper and appropriate," Drain said in his reasoning for approving the sale.

Terms of the sale allow for some litigation to continue against Lampert and ESL.

Drain said Lampert was "subject to substantial verbal abuse" during the proceedings, noting that critics had characterized the Sears chairman in ways that evoked a ruthless robber baron and a blowhard sitcom character.

"He is a wealthy individual and a big boy and I guess he can take it," Drain said, adding that some of the abuse may have been justified.

Sears Chief Restructuring Officer Mohsin Meghji and company directors Bill Transier and Alan Carr were among those questioned on a witness stand during the court hearing on Lampert's offer.

Lampert stepped down as CEO when Sears filed for bankruptcy Oct. 15, though he remained the retailer's chairman, largest shareholder and creditor. A restructuring committee of independent directors negotiated with Lampert and his advisers.

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Drain grew impatient as the proceedings wore on Thursday. "Give me a break," the judge said, when a creditors committee lawyer argued an objection to the takeover bid.

Hoffman Estates, Illinois-based Sears will still face fierce competition from big rivals including Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc. Founded in the 19th Century, Sears built itself into an American institution with its famous mail-order catalogs in practically every middle-class home. Its Sears tower in Chicago was once the tallest building in the world. But it failed to adapt to the modern era of online shopping.

When Lampert combined Sears and rival chain Kmart, the merged retailer had nearly 3,500 stores and employed more than 300,000 people, a workforce that shrank to 68,000 when it filed for bankruptcy.

Lampert's offer came after the retailer had been pushed to the brink of liquidation multiple times. In the end, he boosted his initial offer by $800 million, largely in the assumption of Sears bills for taxes and merchandise.

Money owned to lawyers, bankers and other advisers working on the retailer's bankruptcy case also proved contentious as Sears lacked enough money to meet all its obligations.

Lampert agreed to take on one of the companys bankruptcy loans, which debtors typically repay, in its entirety. Lampert was allowed to use $1.3 billion Sears owed him as currency in the offer, a maneuver known as a credit bid, which some creditors had opposed. He received a legal release protecting him from litigation regarding money he loaned Sears.

Lampert still remains exposed to lawsuits related to certain transactions he engaged in while leading Sears before filing for bankruptcy. Sears directors rejected his request to receive a broader legal release covering those deals, which creditors contend robbed them of value.

Sears over the years spun off clothing manufacturer Lands End and parted with 235 of its best stores for $2.7 billion to a company Lampert created called Seritage Growth Properties

Drain intervened multiple times to urge Sears advisers and Lampert's negotiators to keep working toward a deal.

(Reporting by Mike Spector and Jessica DiNapoli in New York; Editing by Dan Grebler and David Gregorio)
Yahoo News photo illustration; photos: AP, Getty Images

Listen up, people: This is the time to search for the tallest summit and set our sights on the brightest star. Do the incredible. Defy the impossible. We have not yet begun to dream.

No, Im not quoting from one of those animated movies that you think is a Disney film but turns out to be some cut-rate imitation that went straight to video. No, these lines come directly from President Trumps State of the Union address  specifically from the part near the end, almost 90 minutes in, when you were snoring on the couch and just into a nightmare about marauding immigrant caravans.

There were parts of this almost-English speech when it felt like the speechwriter got bored and just handed the whole thing over to a sixth grader, with only some fortune cookies for direction.

But that said, no one remembers State of the Union addresses for the oratory; offhand, I cant think of a single memorable line from any in the last 20 years, and Ive been contractually coerced into sitting through all of them.

What we remember, if anything, is what the president hoped, in a perfect world, to accomplish with the time he had, and how close he ultimately came.

When Trump walked into the chamber Tuesday, he became the fourth consecutive president to stand before Congress after losing control of it. Thats easily a first in American history, and it tells you all you really need to know about the dissatisfaction and volatility that have defined the electorate for the last 30 years.

Trumps predecessors, each in his own way, had taken that moment after a crushing defeat to try to reset the narrative about their presidencies.

In 1995, Bill Clinton recast himself as a willing dealmaker, coopting the Republican agenda for tax cuts and smaller government. Twelve years later, after a second-term collapse, George W. Bush emphasized common cause with Democrats on reforming immigration, infuriating his conservative base.

In 2011, Barack Obama pushed policy to the side in favor of a sweeping story about the American journey and an exhortation to win the future  essentially trying to reclaim the inspirational themes that had defined his campaign.

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Trumps speech this week started out in a similar vein, with a bunch of familiar tropes about the need for unity and common purpose. We must reject the politics of revenge, resistance and retribution, wrote the speechwriter who apparently thinks alliteration makes you Churchill.

We must choose between greatness or gridlock, results or resistance, vision or vengeance You get the point.

But soon enough, Trump landed, unrepentant, on the theme of the night, and of his presidency. He spent a full 15 minutes on the horror at the southern border, the existential threat to America, the gangs and theoretical sex traffickers who seem to lurk in every unlit corner of his mind.

The wall, the wall, the wall.

Trumps governing agenda doesnt really add up to a presidency anymore. Its more like a big zoning dispute. His imaginary wall is like the tower on Fifth Avenue, or the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, or the resort at Mar-a-Lago.

He must have the permits, cut the ribbon with an oversize pair of scissors, run his hands over the giant sign with his name on it. Its what the man knows how to do.

I dont discount Trumps concern about border security. Every modern president has worried about the influx of untracked people and drugs across the southern border, and the inequity of an immigration system that seems to punish those who follow the rules. (Although Trump is alone, despite his statements to the contrary, in trying to roll back legal immigration, too.)

But as I watched him stake his presidency, yet again, on the Great Wall of Texas, I couldnt help thinking of how sadly wasted his talents have been.

Because Trump does have considerable talent; he wouldnt be here if he didnt. Hes a master builder  or rather, hes a master at getting other people to build things to which he can attach his name, employing some combination of risk-taking vision and hucksterism (along with a small army of those undocumented immigrants he wants so badly to deport).

Trump is Lyle Lanley, the entertaining con man who sells Springfield the monorail. He loves to build gaudy stuff with other peoples money.

And the sad thing is that America really could have used a guy with that talent right about now. Theres no end of things we actually need to raise up if we want to construct a durable, 21st century economy for our kids. (And no end to the national debt Congress seems willing to let a president rack up if he can sell his agenda.)

Our developer president could have focused his energy on building airports and high-speed rail lines to transform dying industrial centers into high-tech hubs. He could have thrown himself into stringing up world-class internet cables like the phone lines from a century ago. He could have built new, high-tech schools to train the next generation of workers.

All of that would have fit nicely under the banner of America First. All of it would have stood a strong chance of winning bipartisan support. Trump could have put his name on shiny new buildings all over the country for a century to come, and we wouldnt have minded so much.

But Trump can only think of one place to sink a shovel, and thats turning out to be the sinkhole of his administration. He spent only a few lines of his speech Tuesday talking vaguely about other infrastructure projects, with all the enthusiasm of a robocall.

If you can believe one of Trumps fringe-y former aides, this whole idea of a wall was just a device they dreamed up to keep him on message during the early days of the campaign. At this point, having shut down the government over the issue and lost, Trump has basically retreated to a version of a wall  see-through barriers, strategically deployed in high-traffic areas  that would have seemed barely controversial had he started with it.

But its too late now. The blatant dishonesty and xenophobia that underlie his pitch have poisoned the debate. Even in its most modest, face-saving form, the wall will not be built  and neither will the airports and rail lines that could have been Trumps enduring, three-dimensional legacy.

What will we do with this moment? Trump asked Tuesday, in another moment of cat-poster rhetoric. How will we be remembered?

I dont know about the rest of us, but I can tell you this: Trump wont be remembered as the builder president, which is what he should have been. Hell go down as the guy who blew all his capital and creativity on a mirage of concrete.

Truth be told, a monorail would have been a better idea.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
Trade import and export volumes between China and countries from Africa have grown significantly in 2018, but only 15 countries from the continent have benefited from the growth.

According to Chinese customs service, most of these countries are located in sub-Saharan Africa, with the exception of Libya.

These are Angola, South Africa, Congo, DRC, Zambia, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan, Guinea, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Namibia, Niger and the Central African Republic.

These countries are mainly known for their raw materials wealth.

Angola, one of the largest oil exporters on the continent  about $23.5 billion from its trade relations with China in 2018  tops the list of the biggest beneficiaries.

McKinsey, a New York-listed management consulting firm said more than 90 percent of Africas exports to China were oil, raw mineral commodities and metals.

China has continuously called for the strengthening of bilateral ties with African countries.

Data from the Department of African Affairs at Chinas Foreign Ministry indicate that China-Africa trade has grown from a mere $765m to $170bn over the past four decades  a 200-fold increase. China has also maintained its position as Africas largest trading partner for eight consecutive years.

During the 2018 Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $60 billion to the continent in loans, grants, and development financing.

Xi also announced eight initiatives aimed at improving China-Africa relations, including investments in healthcare, education, security, cultural exchanges, and increasing non-resource imports from Africa.
Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general Bill Barr, who would have control over the Russia collusion probe, passed his first confirmation hurdle Thursday in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Barr, a longtime communications industry lawyer who was originally attorney general in the early 1990s, was approved 12-10, with all Republicans in support and all Democrats opposed.

His nomination is expected to go quickly before the entire Senate where it will also likely pass, given the 53-47 margin the president's party has over the Democrats.

Barr would succeed Jeff Sessions, whom Trump sacked in November amid rising pressure on the White House from the Russia investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

While he led major initiatives of the Trump administration to crack down on crime and illegal immigration, Sessions angered the president when he recused himself from overseeing the Mueller probe because of his own contacts with Russians.

His recusal effectively served as a buffer between Mueller and the White House -- a barrier that will no longer exist once Barr is approved by the Senate, as early as next week.

The 68-year-old was strongly critical of the Mueller investigation in 2017 while he was in the private sector.

Last year he sent an unsolicited legal opinion to the Justice Department and White House arguing that Mueller had no grounds to investigate Trump for obstruction of justice based on the firing of FBI director James Comey in May 2017.

Trump removed Comey after the FBI chief rejected pressure to limit the investigation to ties between Trump's 2016 election campaign and Russia.

In confirmation hearings last month Barr said he would protect Mueller's investigation, and rejected Trump's characterization of it as an illegal "witch hunt."

He also said he would rebuff an order from the White House to fire Mueller, in the absence of any good cause.

But Democrats remained opposed to him after he refused to commit to releasing Mueller's eventual report on the investigation, which could potentially incriminate Trump.

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Mueller has already charged six former Trump aides and associates with various crimes.

Chuck Schumer, the senior Democrat in the Senate, said he would oppose Barr's confirmation in the final vote.

"We need an attorney general who can assure the Senate and the public that he will stand up to a president who believes the Justice Department exists to do his personal bidding and to protect his personal interests," Schumer said in a tweet.
About 1.1 million Americans currently live with HIV, and approximately 40,000 are infected each year, according to federal data. But in his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump promised to eliminate the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years  a plan that hinges on a multi-agency push for better diagnosis, treatment and prevention in at-risk communities, health officials said Wednesday.

Trump introduced the plan during his annual address on Tuesday but offered few details. Health officials fleshed out the plan during a call with reporters on Wednesday.

The initiative will be overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will bring together the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Indian Health Service. They will target 48 U.S. counties where HIV transmission is high, focusing on at-risk populations including transgender individuals, men who have sex with men and people of color. Efforts will focus on early diagnosis and treatment for people who are infected; access to proactive measures, such as the preventative drug PrEp, in vulnerable populations; and outbreak response, said Dr. Brett Giroir, Assistant Secretary for Health at HHS, on the call.

The CDC and the National Institutes of Healths (NIH) 19 Centers for AIDS Research will work with local health authorities to augment responses in these counties, said CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield and NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci on the call. The ultimate goal is to reduce new infections by 75% within five years, and by 90% within a decade, Redfield said.

While the exact amount of funding for the initiative has not been disclosed, Giroir said significant new resources will enable the multi-agency effort. Thats a change from past years; though it wasnt enacted by Congress, Trumps 2018 budget called for a roughly 18% funding cut to the NIH, including cuts to the NIAID and Office of AIDS research. He has also proposed budget cuts to programs including the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

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Funding for the new plan wont kick in until 2020, but officials said each agency is already at work using existing strategies. We have tools that, if applied, could have a major impact on our goal of ending the HIV epidemic in the United States, Fauci said on the call.

The initiative echoes other bold presidential health promises, like President Barack Obamas 2016 State of the Union proclamation that America could be the country that cures cancer once and for all. Sherry Deren, co-director of the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research at the NYU College of Global Public Health, calls the HIV groups goal ambitious but not impossible, though she says it may take longer than a decade to achieve.

If theres really a full-hearted effort to undertake addressing prevention and treatment, I think it could certainly move closer to that goal, Deren tells TIME. But that effort, she says, will require more than redeploying existing strategies.

Its not only doing the things weve done before. That in itself hasnt been sufficient, Deren says. Its also looking into the future and saying, What are some of the challenges or dangers that may come up?

Eradicating HIV will require a closer look at factors that have prevented tools like PrEP from fully succeeding already  namely geographic and economic barriers that prevent people from getting the care they need, as well as stigma around HIV infection, Deren says. (Health officials also said they are prioritizing these issues.) The best way to solve these problems is by involving individuals who are affected by HIV in treatment and prevention efforts, she says.

Although its great to work with health departments, you also have to engage the target population to fully understand the barriers, Deren says.

Another obstacle is the opioid epidemic, she says. Since a substantial number of new HIV infections are related to injection drug use, Deren says evidence-backed strategies for fighting illicit drug use  such as medication-assisted treatment, syringe exchanges and safe injection facilities  could also bring down rates of HIV infection.

Giroir said he is fully supportive of tools like syringe service programs, but said the new effort will not focus on these resources.

Researchers are also looking into tools that may be more accessible and easier to use than pills like PrEP, such as longer-lasting anti-HIV injections or immunotherapies. Some scientists are also at work on HIV vaccines, though none have succeeded so far.

Some groups are skeptical of the administrations focus on HIV, since those at high risk of infection include the LGBTQ community, people of color and individuals in lower-income areas  groups to whom Trumps policies have not traditionally catered.

If this administration wants to combat the spread of HIV, they need to immediately end their efforts to cut Medicaid funding, undermine the Affordable Care Act and license discrimination against the most at-risk communities when they seek healthcare, David Stacy, director of government affairs for the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement. This administration simply cannot achieve this goal while, at the same time, charging forward with attacks on health care for the communities most impacted by HIV. The American public deserves a real commitment from their government to end the HIV epidemic.

In late 2018, the administration also faced criticism from HIV researchers after the NIH implemented an internal freeze on human fetal tissue research, which is often used in HIV work. Though HHS and NIH officials said that labs currently using human fetal tissue were not meant to be affected, researchers from at least one HIV lab  including Dr. Warner Greene, director of the Center for HIV Cure Research at the Gladstone Institutes  said the policy halted research.

Greene, who at the time called the disruption devastating, tells TIME he was surprised but delighted by Trumps new commitment to progress against HIV. (Greene also says his own research has resumed.)

Nonetheless, Greene says meeting Trumps 10-year goal will be difficult. Ten years, I think, is an aspirational goal, Greene says. Any time someone puts a timeline on HIV, HIV defies that timeline.

Stopping its spread in the U.S. will require addressing the multiple mini-epidemics happening throughout the country, including those in the South and Southeast and among men who have sex with men, Greene says. A particular priority, he says, should be encouraging screening and early diagnosis, since many cases of HIV are spread by asymptomatic people who do not know they are infected.

Challenging as it may be, though, Greene says the Trump Administrations goal is admirable. We should be much further along as a country in dealing with HIV infection than we are. Its great to see the President focusing on this now.
Donald Trump has accidentally told an audience of global religious leaders that Americas greatest accomplishments include the abolition of civil rights during the National Prayer Breakfast.

Since the founding of our nation, many of our greatest strides, from gaining our independence to abolition of civil rights, to extending the vote for women, have been led by people of faith and started in prayer, the president said on Thursday. When we open our hearts to faith we fill our hearts with love.

The president attended the breakfast in Washington, where speakers addressed the level of division in the country and what one described as a fracturing of the American family.

The annual gathering brought together members of the presidents cabinet and members of congress, including Democratic house speaker Nancy Pelosi. Among those delivering readings on Thursday was Michael Curry, a reverend who made headlines around the world with his stirring sermon about the power of love at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Mr Trumps speech came after the president this week offered a fierce denunciation of late-term abortions in his annual State of the Union address, as he moved to re-energise evangelical voters who have been among his most loyal supporters and who will be vital in heading off any possible 2020 primary challenge.

The president also thanked vice president Mike Pences wife, Karen Pence, for taking on her new job as a teacher at a Christian school.

Ms Pence has come under fire for the job after it was reported the school has a strict anti-LGBT+ enforcement policy in which students and their parents are not allowed to engage in homosexual acts.

Gary Haugen, of the International Justice Mission, spoke about a fracturing of the American family and described a weary spirit of discouragement in the country.

For our American family, I do sense that we are in a national moment of perilously mounting discouragement, he said. Our tribal divisions, our institutional dysfunctions, our desperate winner-take-all contests of cultural resistance or survival, they seem to be pressing in our chests with a swelling anxiety of national disintegration.

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Still, he pointed to issues including criminal justice reform and combatting the opioid epidemic as areas in which the country could come together.

Even in this divided era, there is good that we all agree should be done, he said.

Guatemalas ambassador to the US, Manuel Espina, offered prayers for Mr Trump, saying: We pray that youll give him the wisdom and the knowledge to lead this country under your principles and guidance.

Mr Trump received one of his largest standing ovations at the breakfast when he described all lives sacred, including those born and unborn.

Additional reporting by AP
Where was President Donald Trump during Tuesdays State of the Union address? The racist, sexist, immigrant-hating, cruel, anti-Semitic, divisive monster who is denounced continuously by his Democrat/media/Left critics was AWOL. My theory? He was sequestered in an undisclosed location and replaced with an advanced animatronic device. Unlike the Trump whose dark portrait the Left paints daily, this amazingly lifelike invention offered stirring words that should soothe blacks, women, immigrants, the infirm, Jews, and millions of Americans who desire national unity.

 Every day, Trumps detractors call him a racist. We have a president who is racist, Senator Sherrod Brown (D., Ohio) insisted Sunday on NBC News. But the Trump-like apparatus spoke touchingly about granting clemency to Alice Johnson, a black woman who had been imprisoned for nearly 22 years for a nonviolent, first-time drug conviction. Johnson wiped tears from her eyes as she sat with the first family in the House gallery. He also movingly introduced a black man named Matthew Charles, the first inmate released after President Trump signed the FIRST STEP Act, a criminal-justice-reform bill that, the Trump contraption explained, reformed sentencing laws that have wrongly and disproportionately harmed the African-American community. He added: Matthew, on behalf of all Americans: Welcome home.

 Trump also is a sexist, at least. Senator Bernie Sanders (Socialist, Vt.) last October called him the most racist, sexist, homophobic, bigoted president in history.

Hmmmm . . .

All Americans can be proud that we have more women in the work force than ever before, the well-oiled Trump machine said. As part of our commitment to improving opportunity for women everywhere, this Thursday we are launching the first ever government-wide initiative focused on economic empowerment for women in developing countries.

 Trump hates immigrants. As Representative Barbara Lee said Tuesday via Twitter: The president is once again using a national stage to push a divisive, xenophobic, anti-immigrant agenda.

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But Trump 2.0 saw things quite differently.

Legal immigrants enrich our nation and strengthen our society in countless ways, he said. I want people to come into our country in the largest numbers ever, but they have to come in legally.

 The presidents consistent demonstration of cruelty annoyed The Atlantics Adam Serwer. Trump galvanizes his base with invectives that target those who are suffering.

And yet the Trump stunt double introduced a guest in the gallery named Grace Eline. Though just age ten, she raised $40,000 to fight cancer while battling it in her own brain. Grace, he said, you are an inspiration to us all. He added: Many childhood cancers have not seen new therapies in decades. My budget will ask the Congress for $500 million over the next ten years to fund this critical life-saving research.

Also in the pipeline: My budget will ask Democrats and Republicans to make the needed commitment to eliminate the HIV epidemic in the United States within ten years. Together, we will defeat AIDS in America.

 Trump is an anti-Semite, his foes relentlessly claim. Trumps Ideology Is Anti-Semitism Without Jews, New York magazine argued elliptically last fall.

After reminding his audience that the U.S. embassy in Israel now is in Jerusalem, the Trump automaton said, We must never ignore the vile poison of anti-Semitism, or those who spread its venomous creed. With one voice, we must confront this hatred anywhere and everywhere it occurs.

The Trump doppelganger then spent several minutes applauding his guests, Judah Samet, a survivor of the deadly shooting attack on Pittsburghs Tree of Life Synagogue; Joshua Kaufman, a Dachau survivor; and Herman Zeitchik, a World War II veteran who liberated that Nazi concentration camp.

A headline in an online Jewish website called The Algemeiner praised The Special Jewish Moments in Trumps SOTU Speech.

 Trump is divisive, the Left insists. According to Foreign Policy magazine, Trumps Divisive Speech Puts the First Amendment at Risk.

Not so, the Trump android.

As we have seen, when we are united, we can make astonishing strides for our country, he said. We must reject the politics of revenge, resistance, and retribution  and embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise, and the common good, he urged. Together, we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of Americas future.

The Trump robot Tuesday night appeared warm, genuine, and sincerely interested in inspiring Democrats and Republicans to pursue American greatness. If this talking mannequin sticks around, lets hope he succeeds.

Meanwhile, the Secret Service should launch an immediate search for the Donald J. Trump who gets socked around the clock in Democrat speeches and network newscasts. That Trump must be in a basement somewhere, banging on the door and begging to be freed.

Michael Malarkey provided research for this piece.

More from National Review
Donald Trump received one of his most energetic bursts of applause from an unlikely source  a group of mainly Democratic women who cheered his recognising their record number.

One of the few moments of the State of the Union address when the president secured a genuine bipartisan response, was when he referred to the 117 women members of the new Congress - the most ever.

No one has benefitted more from our thriving economy than women, who have filled 58 percent of the new jobs created in the last year, he said.

At that point, a number of women in the House chamber applauded, among them Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib.

You werent supposed to do that, Mr Trump joked, in an unscripted aside.

Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

He added: Dont sit yet. Youre going to like this. And exactly one century after Congress passed the constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote, we also have more women serving in congress than at any time.

He later said: As part of our commitment to improving opportunity for women everywhere, this Thursday we are launching the first ever government-wide initiative focused on economic empowerment for women in developing countries. To build on our incredible economic success, one priority is paramount  reversing decades of calamitous trade policies.
Great news from President Trumps State of the Union speech: America is back in the space game! As the President honored Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin, who was seated in the visitors gallery, he also had this important news to report: This year, American astronauts will go back to space on American rockets.

Its pretty hard to find any wiggle room in that promise  except that Presidents could have said the same thing in 2016, 2017 and 2018 too, and it didnt happen. Dont rule it out for 2019, but dont rule it in, either. Especially since, less than 24 hours after Trumps speech, NASA announced yet more delays in this years planned launches.

The long-promised goal of NASAs Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program has been to move away from the era in which NASA would essentially order up precisely the rocket it wanted and then contract the job out to one of the major aerospace companies. Instead, the agency would offer various companies R&D money to design their own commercial vehicles, and then lease space on whatever they build. Its like the difference between ordering a bespoke suit or buying off the rackand the rack is always cheaper. Except when its not.

The CCDev program began in 2010, one year before the space shuttle was retired, with the hope of bringing along next-generation vehicles quickly and limiting the time the U.S. would be dependent on Russias Soyuz spacecraft to get to and from the International Space Station. (That dependency, if youre following along at home, is in its eighth year and counting.) The program allocated an initial $51 million to five competing companies to develop preliminary plans for a crew vehicle and accompanying rocket. In 2011, the government committed $270 million to four of the five companies for further development. In successive years, the annual budget requests grew to $397 million, then $597 million, and on up to $1.2 billion in 2016. NASA ultimately chose two companies to build the spacecraft, Boeing and SpaceX, and inked contracts with them worth a combined $7.9 billion.

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The first launches of the two shipsthe SpaceX Dragon and the Boeing Starlinerwere slated to begin three years ago, but the target date has slipped year after year, due both to budget cuts and slower-than-promised development. At the moment, the first unmanned test of the SpaceX vehicle is set for sometime in the first quarter of this year, though it has already slipped from a promised January launch, then a promised February date; the earlier delay was due in part at least to the recently ended government shutdown, a detail the President did not mention in his speech. A new schedule released Wednesday calls for a launch sometime In March. Boeings first unmanned test was said to be coming in March, but that has slipped to April. SpaceXs first crewed launch was supposed follow in June, but thats now been delayed to July; Boeings could come in August.

But could is the key for both companies. As always, the best way to gauge any NASA promise is to apply the Count the Conditionals rule. The more times the agency boasts about what a spacecraft could or should or would do, the less likely it is that its going to do anything at all. So this year, to paraphrase the President, American astronauts could go back to space on American rockets. Unless they dont.

Overall, Trumps record on space has been uneven. Whichever President is in office when the Boeing and SpaceX crew vehicles finally fly will engage in the usual self-celebratory chest-thumping. Its what they do, and if the flights happen on Trumps watch, hes entitled. But hell be celebrating an Obama-era policy that simply bore fruit during his presidency.

What of Trumps other space plans? Its hard to argue with his decision last year to re-establish the National Space Council, first brought together under President Eisenhower. A White House-level advisory group on space never hurts and can sometimes accomplish a lot, as it did during the original space race with the Soviet Union.

However, Trumps plans for a Space Force arehow to put this delicately?not fully thought-through. Much of what such a sixth branch of the military would do in space is already being done under the aegis of the Air Force, and while boosting the budget for that work and pursuing it more aggressively might indeed pay strategic dividends, it would be duplicative and wasteful to carve out an entire new bureaucracy for that purpose. Yes, the new logo and uniforms would be nifty, but the case gets harder to make after that.

Trumps plan to return to the moon is a very good idea, to a point. Americas stated long-term goal is to establish a human presence on Mars, and beta-testing the habitats, power, and other survival systems with crews on the moon, which is just three days travel away, is smarter than trying out the technology for the first time on Mars, which is a minimum of eight months distant. But the Administrations plan to take an indirect route to the moonrelying on a sort of mini-space station as a staging area in near-lunar spaceadds an expensive order of complexity that many critics dismiss as unnecessary.

In a very real sense, Trump, the self-styled unconventional, rule-breaking President, has been very conventional when it comes to space: Promise a lot, deliver a bit, take credit for anything that works. Give him props, though, for the shout-out to Aldrin during as high-profile an event as the State of the Union. One other rule when it comes to NASA and all things space: Its Buzzs solar system; were just living in it.
By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the World Bank Group should be led by U.S. Treasury official David Malpass, a Trump loyalist and critic of multilateral institutions who has vowed to pursue "pro-growth" reforms at the development lender. Trump's nomination of Malpass, the Treasury Department's top diplomat, is subject to a vote by the World Bank's executive board and could draw challengers from some of its 188 other shareholding countries. The United States is the largest shareholder with 16 percent of its voting power and has traditionally chosen the bank's president, but Jim Yong Kim, who stepped down from the job on Feb. 1, faced challengers from Colombia and Nigeria in 2012. The nomination of Malpass signals that the Trump administration wants a firmer grip on the World Bank. He was an economic adviser to Trump's 2016 election campaign. Malpass, Treasury undersecretary for international affairs, a job in which he oversees the U.S. role in the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, has criticized them for growing ever larger, more "intrusive" and "entrenched." He also has pushed the bank to cut back lending to China, which he argues is too wealthy for such aid when it is saddling poorer countries with debt in its Belt and Road infrastructure drive. Last year, as part of a $13 billion World Bank capital increase, Malpass helped negotiate reforms aimed at refocusing resources toward the poorest countries and winding down lending to China. "He has fought to ensure financing is focused on the places and projects that truly need assistance, including people living in extreme poverty," Trump said in announcing his choice at the White House with Malpass by his side. Malpass said at the White House he would work to implement these reforms and also focus on women's economic empowerment. "I'm very optimistic that we can achieve breakthroughs to create growth abroad that will help us combat extreme poverty and create economic opportunities in the developing world," Malpass said. Malpass will continue to participate in U.S.-China trade negotiations as he campaigns for the World Bank presidency. He will join a delegation heading to Beijing for more talks next week, a senior Trump administration official said. But as Trump's "America First" trade agenda and tariff war with China puts strains on many developing economies, some development experts say that Malpass' candidacy will be a difficult sell. "David Malpass will have a lot of work to do to convince other shareholders that he is prepared to move beyond his past statements and track record when it comes to the World Banks agenda," said Scott Morris, a former U.S. Treasury development finance official who is now a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington. Morris said that includes the global lender's role in climate finance and "the need for constructive engagement with China." By naming Malpass a day before the World Bank board begins a month-long nomination process, Trump could deter the emergence of other candidates. Malpass would honor the bank's standards and obligations, including its initiatives to combat climate change, the senior Trump administration official said. If approved, Malpass would replace Kim, a physician and former university president who resigned more than three years before his term ended to join private equity fund Global Infrastructure Partners. Kim had differed with the Trump administration over climate change, effectively ending the bank's financing of coal-fired power projects. Malpass served in Treasury and State Department roles during the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations and at investment bank Bear Stearns where he was chief economist before its 2008 collapse. (Reporting by David Lawder and Jeff Mason; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Grant McCool)
By David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The choice of Vietnam as the venue for a second U.S.-North Korea summit this month shows the possibility of moving beyond conflict and division toward a thriving partnership, the U.S. State Department said on Thursday.

State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told a news briefing that U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun was in Pyongyang to prepare the Feb. 27-28 summit and seeking progress on commitments made at the first meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore in June.

These included complete denuclearization, transformation of U.S.-North Korea relations and building a lasting peace mechanism on the Korean Peninsula, he said. Palladino reiterated that sanctions relief that North Korea has been seeking would follow its denuclearization.

He said U.S.-Vietnamese history "reflects the possibility for peace and prosperity."

"We moved past conflict and division towards the thriving partnership we enjoy today," Palladino said.

He gave no other details on Biegun's talks in Pyongyang and declined to say how long he would stay there. The State Department said earlier in the week that Biegun would travel to Pyongyang for talks with his North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol on Wednesday, but has not commented further.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency earlier quoted diplomatic sources as saying that Biegun was expected to fly back to South Korea on Friday to share the outcome of his Pyongyang visit, although his stay in North Korea could be extended if additional discussions were needed.

Trump announced the plan for his second meeting Kim in his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday.

He said much work remained to be done in the push for peace with North Korea, but cited the halt in its nuclear testing and no new missile launches in 15 months as proof of progress.

Trump has been eager for a second summit despite a lack of significant moves by North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program. He and Biegun have stressed the economic benefits to North Korea if it does so.

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Biegun said last week his Pyongyang talks would be aimed at mapping out "a set of concrete deliverables" for the second summit. He said Washington was willing to discuss "many actions" to improve ties and entice Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons and that Trump was ready to end the 1950-53 Korean War, which concluded with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

While in the U.S. view, North Korea has yet to take concrete steps to give up its nuclear weapons, Pyongyang complains that Washington has done little to reciprocate for its freezing of nuclear and missile testing and dismantling of some facilities.

Communist-ruled Vietnam, which has good relations with both the United States and North Korea, has been keen to host the second summit as a demonstration of its normalization of ties with the United States since the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975 and killed more than 58,000 Americans and an estimated three million Vietnamese.

The United States sustained more than 33,000 battle deaths in the Korean War, while the number of North Koreans killed, both military and civilian, has been estimated at about one million.

While Trump has hailed "tremendous progress" in his dealings with North Korea, a confidential report by U.N. sanctions monitors seen by Reuters this week cast further doubt on North Korea's intentions.

It said the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programs remained intact and North Korea was working to make sure those capabilities could not be destroyed by any military strikes.

Palladino did not comment when asked about the report.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom and David Alexander, additional reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Dan Grebler)
Elected members of regional and local councils as well as MPs from the Southern provinces, the Sahara, published an article on Politico, highlighting the benefits of the Morocco-EU fisheries agreement on the local population and economy.

We recognize Morocco as the only legitimate representative of our interests and will  and we call for the renewal of the fisheries agreement between our kingdom and the European Union, They said in an op-ed titled EU-Morocco fisheries deal is a boon for West Saharans.

The agreement was signed by Morocco and the EU and was adopted by the European Council and by the European Parliament fisheries committee. It will be voted in a plenary this month before it enters into force.

Trade relations between the EU and Morocco solidify the stability and security of our region, some 887 elected Sahraouis said in the op-ed.

They described the fisheries agreement as conducive to sustainable fisheries partnership, adding that the deal will bring significant economic benefits to fishermen from all across the EU, it also enables local entrepreneurship and fishing activities, which contribute to the economic development of our region, our youth and our women.

Special attention was drawn to Moroccos efforts to develop the southern provinces, where the Kingdom is implementing projects since 2015 as part of a new development model that mobilized 77 billion dirhams (7 billion).

The amount will be invested in tourism, employment, the environment, culture, handicrafts, education, health, urban planning, roads, water, renewable energy, agriculture, transport and fisheries.

There is no validity to the theory that the fisheries and agricultural agreements do not benefit the local population, reads the article.

They also drew a parallel between the freedom and development witnessed in the southern provinces and the tragic conditions suffered by other Sahraouis held by the Polisario and its mentor, Algeria, in Tinfoud.
President Trump delivers his address on Tuesday. (Photo: Ricky Carioti/Washington Post via Getty Images)

In the first half of his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Trump warned of the swarms of criminal illegal aliens massing at the southern border, threatening to bring gang warfare and sex trafficking and illegal drugs into the United States.

Later in the speech he introduced two Holocaust survivors who had been liberated from Nazi death camps by American soldiers, likening their rescuers to angels coming down from heaven and their subsequent life in America as proof that God exists.

What he didnt say is that thousands of Jews who died in the Holocaust could have been saved if an earlier president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, had allowed them into the country when they tried to flee Germany before World War II. Or that the criminal illegal aliens he is demonizing are in a similar situation to those German Jews, seeking refuge from oppression and violence at the hands of gangs that rule many towns in Central America.

On the one hand he celebrates the liberators, some of whom were immigrants, and the liberated, who became immigrants, said Deborah Lipstadt, a professor of Jewish history at Emory University and author of Antisemitism Here and Now, which was published this week. On the other hand he vilifies the people today who are here to become immigrants. Those immigrants are the same as these immigrants, but some are terrifying and the others are heroes in the same speech. The mind spins.

In the decade before Herman Zeitchik (the soldier Trump honored last night) had liberated Dachau, saving Joshua Kaufman (whom Trump also honored), hundreds of thousands of German Jews applied for entry to the United States.

WWII Veteran Herman Zeitchik, center, is acknowledged during the State of the Union address Tuesday. (Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

America had no refugee policy at the time. Those fleeing persecution had to apply through the same channels as those immigrating for any other reasons, and had to meet the same rigorous requirements. This included extensive documentation of their identity, finances and medical history.

Moreover, they were subject to tight quotas that had been passed by Congress in 1924, when Americans began to fear that too many Catholics, Jews and dark-skinned non-Anglo Saxons were arriving on their shores. Under that law only 153,774 immigrants were permitted into the country annually, compared with nearly 1.3 million in the peak year of 1907. More than half of those slots were reserved for people from Great Britain and Northern Ireland, based on a formula that attempted to preserve the ethnic balance of the population in the 19th century. During the Great Depression the quotas became stricter still, amid concerns that newcomers would take jobs from those who were already here. This led to a tightening of the enforcement of a prohibition on immigrants likely to become a public charge, meaning applicants had to prove they could financially support themselves.

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As Hitler seized property and tightened employment prohibitions on German Jews, they were increasingly less able to provide the required proof. Because so many applications were rejected for economic reasons, only 20 percent of the visas theoretically available to Germans under the quota were issued during FDRs first term  akin to the Titanic lifeboats being lowered less than half full. Wait times for applications to be processed grew to 10 years. By 1938 there were 125,000 applications from Germans and Austrians (by that time Austria was under German occupation), but the combined quota for those countries was 27,000.

German-Jewish refugees aboard the MS St. Louis arrive in Belgium after wandering the Atlantic for thousands of miles  and being denied permission to dock in the U.S. (Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images)

That was the year of Kristallnacht, when Nazi mobs attacked German Jews on the streets and in their businesses. The next year, 937 (mostly Jewish) passengers attempted to flee Europe aboard the MS St. Louis, which was bound for Cuba, but was not allowed to land. On Roosevelts orders it was also denied permission to dock in the United States. As it sailed in circles in Miami Harbor, hoping for word that quotas had been relaxed, a telegram arrived from the State Department saying [Passengers must] await their turns on the waiting list and qualify for and obtain immigration visas before they may be admissible into the United States.

The ship eventually returned to Europe and disembarked the passengers. Historians estimate as many as a quarter of them were eventually killed in Hitlers extermination camps.

Why did the Roosevelt administration continue to erect barriers even as word of Hitlers atrocities were becoming known? Historians name many factors, including anti-Semitism by the American public and the fear that the would-be immigrants posed a threat, variously, and incompatibly, described as either communism or fascism.

The refugee has got to be checked because, unfortunately, among the refugees there are some spies, FDR said at a press conference.

With a cigarette in a holder clenched in his teeth, Franklin D. Roosevelt sits jauntily at the wheel of his convertible in Warm Springs, Ga., in 1939. (Photo: Underwood Archives/Getty Images)

The episode has gone down in history as one of the great blots (along with the internment of Japanese-Americans) on the memory of one of the most revered American presidents.

Over time researchers would conclude that there were at most a handful of actual spies among the many fleeing Hitler. Trump himself has said there is no proof of his assertion that the caravan of refugees from Honduras, hoping to cross Mexico to the U.S. border, is filled with Middle Eastern terrorists. Separate studies would cast doubt on other fears about todays immigrants. One from the Cato Institute last June, for instance, found that undocumented immigrants were half as likely to be incarcerated as native-born Americans.

In 1951, after the Holocaust and the other humanitarian catastrophes of World War II, a United Nations convention created the concept of refugee status, which offers protections to people fleeing persecution. The United States signed that treaty in 1967. The number of refugees granted asylum because they fear persecution at home on the basis of their race, political opinion, nationality, religion or because they belong to a particular social group has roughly fluctuated between 50,000 and 80,000 a year, but fell to 30,000 during the first year of the Trump administration.

Entrance to the German concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland. (Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images)

What they are trying to dismantle was created in the first place as a reaction to the Holocaust, said Phil Orchard, associate professor of international relations at the University of Wollongong, who specializes in forced migration and civilian protection. There is a huge irony here.

The disconnect between Trumps honoring Holocaust survivors and liberators, and his contempt for refugees from Central America, does not surprise Vered Vinitzky-Seroussi, a professor of sociology at Hebrew University of Jerusalem who is currently teaching a class in Collective Memory at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

By collective memory she means national views of past events by people who were not actually there at the time, the myths and ethos that (people of a country) believe they share.

Political leaders tend to shape those narratives to serve them, she said in an interview, and although the whole point of using past memories is to make sure we remember what happened so we wont go through that same horrible thing again, she warned, if leaders only remember what they want to remember, we are not learning from the past but denying it.

The phrase that has been adopted to keep alive the memory of the Holocaust is never again. The question for Americans today is, should it apply only to Jews?

Jewish women and children at Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943. (Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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President Donald Trump called for a federal ban on the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mothers womb during the State of the Union address on Tuesday, doubling down on his criticism of a new law expanding abortion rights in New York.

To defend the dignity of every person, I am asking the Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mothers womb, Trump said Tuesday. Let us work together to build a culture that cherishes innocent life. And let us reaffirm a fundamental truth: all children  born and unborn  are made in the holy image of God.

His remarks further amplified the national debate over later abortion, an issue that Trump has suggested he plans to focus on in the 2020 election.

New Yorks new law, the Reproductive Health Act, expanded abortion rights to allow a woman to get an abortion after 24 weeks if her health, not just her life, is threatened and if the fetus would be unable to survive outside the womb. Advocates have said the law is a necessary protection for women who otherwise have limited options in the face of health risks or serious fetal problems. Proponents have also framed it as a safeguard against a newly conservative Supreme Court that could overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that effectively legalized abortion nationwide.

But anti-abortion advocates have criticized the law as an extreme expansion of abortion access that gives medical professionals too much discretion, and have falsely claimed that such legislation is tantamount to infanticide. Trump echoed that sentiment Tuesday, earning praise from groups such as Americans United for Life, which said Trump may be the most pro-life president in American history.

There could be no greater contrast to the beautiful image of a mother holding her infant child than the chilling displays our nation saw in recent days, Trump said. Lawmakers in New York cheered with delight upon the passage of legislation that would allow a baby to be ripped from the mothers womb moments from birth. These are living, feeling, beautiful babies who will never get the chance to share their love and their dreams with the world.

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But the New York law does not expand later abortion access to any woman with a healthy, risk-free pregnancy, and medical experts say that arguments that abortions will take place moments from birth are inaccurate.

Theyre using these theoretical extreme examples to try to scare people, says Dr. Kristyn Brandi, an obstetrician-gynecologist and a board member from Physicians for Reproductive Health. She said concerns about women getting abortions while in labor are unfounded.

Its not something that any person would come seeking, and its not something that any doctor would provide, she says.

The vast majority of abortions (90%) take place during the first trimester of pregnancy, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization that advocates for reproductive rights. Nine percent of abortions take place after the first trimester, and just 1% take place at 21 weeks or later, according to the Institute.

No one wanted to meet my living, feeling, beautiful baby more than me. No one is sadder that he will never get the chance to share his love and dreams with the world than I am, Missy Kurzweil, one of dozens of women who signed an open letter Tuesday about their later abortions, tells TIME. My choice to have a later abortion was an act of love to ease my childs suffering. Shame on Trump for exploiting that love to appeal to his base.

Kurzweil, who lives in New York City, says she had an abortion in the 23rd week of her pregnancy in 2017 after discovering her baby had a rare brain disorder that could have left him living in severe pain. Kurzweil says she made an impossible choice with the little information available to her.

No one wakes up 20 weeks into a gestation period and says, I made a mistake. These are wanted pregnancies, says Kurzweil, 33. It really was this choice of quality of life and what is a livable life? And what are the things that would be manageable, and how much pain is sustainable?

Trumps call for a federal ban on later abortion because of fetal pain is based on model legislation created by the anti-abortion group National Right to Life, which praised Trump on Tuesday and said he once again demonstrated the paramount importance of protecting mothers and their unborn children.

There are 17 states that ban abortion about 20 weeks post-fertilization on the grounds that the fetus can feel pain at that point in gestation, according to the Guttmacher Institute. But scientific research has found that fetal perception of pain is unlikely before the third trimester, which begins around the 28th week.

The evidence is not very clear that theres an exact moment when the fetus can feel pain, says Dr. Daniel Grossman, director of Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health at the University of California, San Francisco. There is good evidence that it cant feel pain before the first trimester. I think that if youre using the fetal pain argument to justify bans at 20 weeks, there really isnt medical evidence supporting that.

During his address, Trump also falsely claimed that Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam stated he would execute a baby after birth. While thats not true, Trump was referring to Northams defense of a proposed Virginia bill that would have reduced restrictions to allow for abortions later in pregnancy if a womans health was threatened. Controversy erupted over whether the bill, which has been tabled, would allow a woman to get an abortion while going into labor

Northam, a pediatric neurologist, defended the bill and explained in an interview how he would handle a situation in which a woman went into labor during a pregnancy involving severe deformities or a fetus thats nonviable.

The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if thats what the mother and the family desired, Northam told the radio station WTOP. And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.

Republicans immediately accused Northam of supporting infanticide. Northams office said his remarks were taken out of context and were only meant to explain what physicians would do in the event of a nonviable pregnancy or in the event of severe fetal abnormalities.

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Northams office did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. (Separately, Northam is now facing calls to step down over a racist photo on his medical school yearbook page and findings that he dressed in blackface at least once.)
By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - White House senior adviser Jared Kushner will travel to at least five Arab countries in late February to brief diplomats on the economic portion of a long-awaited U.S. peace proposal for the Middle East and seek their support, officials said on Thursday. Kushner, who is President Donald Trump's influential son-in-law, and Trump's Middle East envoy, Jason Greenblatt, plan stops in Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar on their week-long trip, two senior White House officials said. They may add two other countries to their itinerary. Kushner and Greenblatt, joined by State Department envoy Brian Hook and Kushner aide Avi Berkowitz, will not brief the diplomats on the "political component" of the peace plan, which covers all core issues of the decades-old conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, the officials said. Instead, they will gauge the level of support for the economic part of the plan, which is expected to include a combination of aid and investment to help the Palestinian people, the officials said. Jared is going to share elements of the economic plan to the region. The economic plan only works if the region supports it," said one official who briefed a small group of reporters. "This is a very important part of the overall equation. Seeking regional support for the economic plan is a step on the way to the eventual unveiling of Trump's sweeping proposals to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The economic plan is widely expected to include international funding proposals for the impoverished Gaza Strip. Officials said they realized that the Arab diplomats Kushner meets will want to know elements of the political component before rendering a judgment on the economic plan. Theyre not going to support the economic plan without making sure they also support the political plan, and we recognize that. So the support, Im sure in some manner, will be conditioned on whether they are comfortable with the political plan," one official said. Release of the Trump peace plan was delayed after Palestinians erupted in anger when Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December 2017. The current thinking among White House officials is that the peace plan will be unveiled sometime after Israel holds elections on April 9 that will decide the fate of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It is unclear how the U.S. plan would deal with the sensitive issue of Jerusalem. Palestinians want the citys eastern part as their future capital. Kushner is not visiting Israel on this trip, the officials said. Palestinian President Mohammed Abbas has refused to talk about any peace plan with the United States in the wake of Trump's recognition of Jerusalem, but White House officials hope that will change. "We hope Abbas reads the plan, judges it on its merits, and comes to the table for negotiations after we release the plan. His people deserve nothing less," one official said. U.S. officials, meanwhile, have been meeting with Palestinians "from all walks of life" to keep lines of communication open, the official said. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Susan Thomas and Leslie Adler)
Trump administration taps former Fox News reporter, Navy veteran to lead center combating Russian disinformation originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

The Trump administration has tapped Lea Gabrielle, Navy veteran and a former Fox News reporter, as the head of the State Department's center to combat disinformation.

The Global Engagement Center, which critics say the administration has underfunded and underutilized, was created to take on propaganda from the Islamic State and other Islamic terrorist groups. Starting in 2016, Congress also mandated that it counter state actors like Russia and Iran as they seek to weaponize information and influence the American public.

PHOTO: A view of the State Department seal on the podium June 9, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

(MORE: Russia targeted African-American vote, made Instagram 'key battleground' in propaganda war: Researchers)

But the Global Engagement Center has remained leaderless for much of the Trump administration with only an acting coordinator, and while Congress appropriated $60 million in funding each year, the funds were not properly transferred from the Pentagon, leaving the center with an infusion of $40 million after two years.

Gabrielle served as a Navy fighter pilot and intelligence officer in Afghanistan before pivoting and working as a reporter at Fox News.

(MORE: 13 Russian nationals indicted in Mueller investigation on charges related to meddling in US elections)

Critics say that experience does not qualify her for the role at a time when America's adversaries, especially Russia and China, are weaponizing information and trying to influence the U.S. public.

"The notion that we're going to send somebody who doesn't have even an elementary grasp of information warfare to deal with one of the most pressing threats to our country and giving paltry amount of resources to do it is quite frankly national security malpractice," said Brett Bruen, a former U.S. diplomat who served as Director of Global Engagement at the White House.

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But others disagree, saying Gabrielle's relationship with the White House will help her and the Global Engagement Center do their job by giving her the political juice to push initiatives through.

"I'm looking forward to working with Lea Gabrielle as she leads the Global Engagement Center. I'm glad this is a priority for Secretary Pompeo. As we fight to ensure that the GEC is fully funded and staffed, I hope she'll be able to elevate the profile and importance of the work that the GEC does to combat propaganda and disinformation," Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., told ABC News in a statement.

Murphy co-sponsored the legislation with Republican Rob Portman of Ohio that authorized the GEC to take on propaganda and disinformation from state actors and provided $60 million annually to do so.

Portman defended the choice of Gabrielle, saying he met her recently and is "confident that she has the right blend of military, interagency, and media experience to take the Center to the next level of effectiveness."
Cucuta (Colombia) (AFP) - Trucks carrying desperately-needed US humanitarian aid arrived at the Venezuelan border on Wednesday, AFP reporters said.

Several vehicles loaded with food and medicines rumbled into a collection center on the Colombian side of the Tienditas border bridge, which remains blocked by Venezuelan troops.

President Nicolas Maduro has refused foreign aid shipments, saying they would open the way for US military intervention to depose him.

His opposition rival Juan Guaido says up to 300,000 are in danger of death in the crisis-torn country for want of humanitarian assistance.

The convoy, which departed the day before from the city of Bucaramanga in northeastern Colombia, was cheered on its arrival by a group of Venezuelan migrants in Tienditas.

Colombia's Disaster Risk Management unit said it would stockpile the aid until shipments are authorized to cross into Venezuela.

More humanitarian aid is expected "in the coming days" it said, including from Brazil and a Caribbean island it said still had to be determined.
By Marianna Parraga and Mircely Guanipa (Reuters) - Trading houses that resell Venezuelan crude oil have not yet found workarounds since the United States announced sanctions to cut off socialist President Nicolas Maduro's revenue, according to shipping data and sources. Merchants, trading partners and Venezuela's state-run PDVSA were expecting oil swaps and so-called triangulation of sales to be the easiest ways to continue shipping, as has happened when sanctions were imposed on other nations, such as Iran and Russia. But the U.S. measures - tougher and deeper than past sanctions - have for now blocked a large portion of trading in Venezuelan oil worldwide as end-users are reluctant to take cargoes, leaving barrels stranded in the Atlantic basin, according to data from Refinitiv Eikon. The lack of Venezuelan oil has U.S. refiners scrambling for replacements and threatens global trade that is worth $6 billion a year. The sanctions are affecting Europe-based trading firms including Trafigura and Vitol, which regularly offer Venezuelan oil to refiners, and PetroChina Co Ltd, which along with Russia's Rosneft recoup money lent to Venezuela by reselling PDVSA barrels. Almost 9 million barrels remain stuck in tankers waiting for payment or discharge instructions, according to Eikon data. Most are anchored in the U.S. Gulf Coast as self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido rushes to set up escrow accounts to receive proceeds. Trading companies have also delayed loadings of Venezuelan oil scheduled by PDVSA for February delivery, according to sources and data, because merchants are having trouble finding buyers. "No one who typically takes Venezuelan crude from us is lifting a single barrel," a Trafigura trader said, referring to barrels offered on the spot market. "Buyers are not sure of the risks and how to ensure any payments are not remitted to PDVSA." To be sure, PDVSA has not stopped exporting. There are more than a dozen tankers in the water headed for destinations like India, China and Singapore that have loaded since sanctions were imposed on Jan. 28, according to Refinitiv Eikon data. Most vessels will not arrive at their destinations for several weeks, but they are for end-users like India's Reliance Industries Ltd, which pays for Venezuelan crude by cash and oil swaps. Those exports, if completed, would amount to about 1 million barrels per day, short of the 1.4 million bpd average for the three previous months, according to Eikon. The U.S. sanctions limit U.S. refiners to paying into escrow accounts that cannot be accessed by Maduro's government, effectively cutting off shipments. Foreign firms that engage in oil trading involving the U.S. financial system or U.S. units are similarly restricted. Trafigura told Reuters the firm is following "all applicable sanctions." Vitol did not immediately comment but has previously said that it is compliant with sanctions. PetroChina did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trading houses lifted some 255,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Venezuela's crude and fuel in 2018, or 20 percent of overall exports, according to PDVSA's internal data seen by Reuters. Sales could flow temporarily if European branches of oil firms and trading houses find a way to sell Venezuelan crude in currencies other than U.S. dollars, but Europe is also mulling sanctions, meaning the window could close quickly. PetroChina, which resells Venezuelan oil to customers in destinations from the United States to Singapore, has recently reduced cargo lifting. The Aframax tanker Flavin chartered by PetroChina arrived in Venezuelan waters on Jan. 25, and was scheduled to load 500,000 barrels of fuel oil bound for Rotterdam, Netherlands. But the oil has not been loaded, in part due to sanctions, according to two sources involved in the case. As of Feb. 7, the Flavin was still docked at PDVSA's Amuay port, according to Eikon. Another PetroChina cargo, the Aframax Stride, was loaded on Jan. 25, but it is now anchored off the Caribbean island of St. Eustatius. (Reporting by Marianna Parraga in Mexico City and Mircely Guanipa in Punto Fijo, Venezuela; Additional reporting by Julia Payne and Dmitry Zhdannikov in London; Ekaterina Golubkova and Olga Yagova in Moscow; Aizhu Chen in Beijing and Collin Eaton in Houston; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
The pickup wars are escalating.

Toyota (7203.T-JP) refreshed its best-selling Tacoma midsize pickup trucks with Apple Car Play, larger touch screens and other features drivers have come to expect in today's utility vehicles. The Japanese automaker's move comes as American automakers  not content to rule the full-size segment  release smaller trucks that threaten the one category where Toyota has managed to hold its own with the Big 3 in Detroit.

The Tacoma has led the midsize segment in sales in the U.S. for the last 14 years, and the company is anxious to hold onto that crown. Ford (F) just brought back the Ranger midsize pickup truck and Chevrolet (GM) has been successful with its Colorado.

Even Jeep is getting into action. Fiat Chrysler's (FCA-IT) brand known mostly for sport utility vehicles launched the Gladiator pickup at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year. As the historical leader in the segment, Toyota has the most to lose.

The good news is this segment is growing overall, as the broader market turns toward utility vehicles. Midsize pickup sales are expected to grow from about 3 percent of the total market in 2018 to 4 percent by 2021, according to data from LMC Automotive, a firm that tracks the auto industry.

The number of models is also expected to grow, reversing a multiyear pullback in the segment. In 2010, there were 11 midsize pickups to choose from, according to LMC. But there were only five models from 2014 to 2018. But by 2021, that is expected to more than double, back to a total of 11.

Toyota's refresh, announced Thursday, is not a dramatic redesign, said IHS Markit analyst Stephanie Brinley. But it's adding some key upgrades, such as an improved infotainment systems with Apple (AAPL) Car Play, and a few other features that customers have come to expect in new vehicles. A larger touchscreen in the truck's console will come standard on every model. Each trim level will come with upgrades specific to that variant, such as new grille designs and new headlights and taillights.

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In addition to overhauling the Tacoma, Toyota is beefing up its TRD Pro off-road racing lineup, adding a TRD Pro version of its three-row Sequoia sport utility vehicle. Toyota already makes TRD Pro versions of its Tacoma and Tundra pickups and its 4Runner SUV.

Off-road and sporty on-road variants of pickup trucks and SUVs have been around for a long time, but automakers seem to be beefing up their selection of packages and options. Automakers are looking to leverage the shift to trucks and SUVS as an opportunity to find new ways to package features and capabilities to net a few more customers wherever they can.

"Every type of vehicle, every capability, every price point is looking to be exploited," said Jeff Schuster, president of global forecasting for LMC Automotive. "It is a fight for customers and a fight for market share."
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM) said that its operating profit in the quarter that ended on Dec. 31 was roughly flat versus the year-ago period, at 676.1 billion yen ($6.13 billion), as higher costs offset gains from strong Lexus sales and favorable exchange-rate movements. But net income fell sharply on an accounting charge for unrealized investment losses.

Toyota cut its guidance for net income in the full fiscal year that will end on March 31, because of declines in value of some equity holdings. But it reiterated its prior guidance for revenue and operating income.

An orange 2019 Toyota Levin, a sporty version of the compact Corolla sedan

Strong sales of the Toyota Levin, as the sporty version of the compact Corolla is called in China, helped Toyota to a good quarter despite a weak overall market in China. Image source: Toyota Motor Corporation.

Toyota earnings: The raw numbers

Like many Japanese companies, Toyota uses a fiscal year that begins on April 1. The quarter that ended on Dec. 31, 2018, was the third quarter of Toyota's 2019 fiscal year.

All financial results are shown in yen. Vehicle sales are rounded to the nearest thousand.

Metric Q3 FY 2019 Q3 FY 2018 Change (YOY) Revenue 7.80 trillion yen 7.61 trillion yen 2.6% Vehicle sales 2,282,000 2,289,000 (0.3%) Operating income 676.1 billion yen 673.6 billion yen 0.4% Operating margin 8.7% 8.9% (0.2 ppts) Net income 180.9 billion yen 941.8 billion yen (81%) Yen per U.S. dollar, average during period 113 yen 113 yen No change Yen per euro, average during period 129 yen 133 yen (4 yen)

Data source: Toyota Motor Corporation. Vehicle sales include the vehicles sold by Toyota's joint ventures in China. YOY = year over year; "ppts" = percentage points.

Why Toyota's net income fell 81%

Toyota said that two factors unrelated to its core business accounted for most of the steep year-over-year decline in net income:

An accounting loss of 395.4 billion yen related to unrealized losses on equity securities: Toyota didn't give details, but the company owns 16.5% of Subaru Corporation , and Subaru's share price fell by almost 31% in the quarter.

In the year-ago period, Toyota had a gain of 291.9 billion yen related to the U.S. tax-law overhaul. That wasn't repeated in the most recent quarter.

How Toyota's business units performed

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Toyota reports separate operating results for each of its regional business units as well as its captive financing arm. Here's how each performed in the quarter that ended on Dec. 31, 2018:

In Japan, Toyota's operating income rose 4.5% to 492.5 billion yen, as sales rose 2.4% to about 565,000 vehicles. The company's ongoing cost-reduction effort helped boost its operating margin in its home market to 11.6% from 11.3% in the year-ago period.

In North America, Toyota's operating income fell 2.2% to 26.4 billion yen. Sales fell 7.5% from a year ago, to about 680,000 vehicles, on weak demand for the company's bread-and-butter sedans. Toyota's operating margin in North America was a very thin 1%, unchanged from a year ago.

In Europe, Toyota's operating income rose 7.2% to 25.1 billion yen despite a 2.1% drop in sales, as the euro fell in value versus the yen. Toyota's margin in Europe rose to 3.2% from 3% a year ago.

In Asia, excluding Japan but including China, Toyota's operating income fell 2.7% to 118.7 billion yen. Sales in the region rose sharply, up 14.9% to about 464,000, as demand for Toyota's inexpensive sedans in China stayed strong despite a decline in the overall market. Toyota's margin in Asia fell to 7.9% from 9.1% a year ago.

Toyota's "rest of the world" region includes Latin America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. Here, Toyota's operating income fell 40% to 20.4 billion yen, with a margin of 3.5% (down 2 percentage points), as sales fell 5.5% from a year ago to about 341,000 vehicles.

Toyota's financial services unit earned 89.7 billion yen in operating income, up 17% from a year ago, on growth in its lending business and higher auction values for vehicles returned as leases ended.

Looking ahead: Changes to Toyota's full-year guidance

As noted above, Toyota cut its full-year net-income forecast, but maintained its prior guidance for revenue and operating income and slightly boosted its expectation for overall sales. For the fiscal year that will end on March 31, 2019, Toyota now expects:

Sales (excluding China joint ventures) of about 8,950,000 vehicles up from 8,900,000 vehicles in its prior forecast (fiscal 2018 result: 8,964,000)

Revenue of about 29.5 trillion yen, unchanged from its prior forecast (fiscal 2018 result: 29.38 trillion yen)

Operating income of 2.4 trillion yen, unchanged from the prior forecast (fiscal 2018 result: 2.4 trillion yen)

Operating margin of 8.1%, unchanged from the prior forecast (fiscal 2018 result: 8.2%)

Net income of 1.87 trillion yen, down from 2.3 trillion yen in the prior forecast (fiscal 2018 result: 2.49 trillion yen)

Toyota also now expects average exchange rates of 110 yen to the U.S. dollar (unchanged from prior guidance) and 128 yen to the euro (prior guidance: 130 yen).

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Cape Town (AFP) - French energy giant Total unveiled Thursday a "significant" gas discovery off the coast of South Africa, an event that President Cyril Ramaphosa called a game-changer.

The find could boost the nation's struggling economy and reduce reliance on imports.

"Total has made a significant gas condensate discovery on the Brulpadda prospects... in the Outeniqua Basin, 175 kilometres (110 miles) off the southern coast of South Africa," a statement said.

Total chief executive Patrick Pouyanne said potential quantities "could be around one billion barrels ... of gas and condensate light oil".

"It's probably quite big," Pouyanne told journalists in Paris, adding however that the find was in a region prone to unstable weather where "it is quite difficult to operate, with huge waves".

The block lies at depths ranging from 200 to 1,800 metres (650 to 5,900 feet).

In his state of the nation address that coincided with the discovery's announcement, Ramaphosa said the government was "extremely encouraged" by the "catalytic find".

"This could well be a game-changer for our country and will have significant consequences for our countrys energy security," he said.

The president added that "we have been yearning for many years," for such a development, and concluded: "This could well be that moment."

South Africa is working on new legislation after drawing up an energy resource plan last year.

Ramaphosa vowed that his government would work to ensure the sector is "properly" managed and regulated "for the interests of all South Africans."

The speech was his last major policy statement before elections scheduled for May 8.

The deep water find is seen as an important first step by Africa's most industrialised country towards reducing its dependence on imported energy.

- Replacing coal in the energy mix -

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Total said it planned to drill up to four more wells on the same block.

"In fact, if the gas find indeed proves to be very large, Brulpadda could answer one of South Africas most intractable dilemmas  how to replace coal in the energy mix," said Ben Payton, an analyst with London-based Verisk Maplecroft.

Natural gas from Brulpadda could help to "reduce or eliminate the need to import LNG (liquid natural gas) or construct additional pipelines from Mozambique," he said.

South African mining analyst Makwe Masilela welcomed the discovery, telling AFP: "Foreign direct investment is something we are seriously looking for as a country."

Kevin McLachlan, senior vice president for exploration at Total said: "With this discovery, Total has opened a new world-class gas and oil play and is well positioned to test several follow-on prospects on the same block."

Total holds a 45 percent stake in the block, alongside Qatari, Canadian and South African companies.

burs-sn/wai/har
By Gary Robertson RICHMOND, Va. (Reuters) - The political crisis in Virginia deepened on Wednesday when the attorney general admitted to wearing blackface in the 1980s at a college party, becoming the state's third high-ranking Democrat caught up in scandal. Governor Ralph Northam was already fighting for his political life over a racist photo from his 1984 medical school yearbook that emerged last week, and the lieutenant governor sought on Wednesday to fend off allegations of sexual misconduct. Attorney General Mark Herring, 57, who has expressed gubernatorial ambitions and called four days ago for Northam to resign, admitted in a statement he donned brown face paint at a party in 1980 to impersonate a rapper. Northam, 59, acknowledged last weekend to having worn blackface - a practice dating to 19th century minstrel shows caricaturing slaves - in 1984 to impersonate Michael Jackson. His admission came after a conservative media website published a photo on Friday from Northam's page in his 1984 medical school year book showing one man wearing blackface beside another masked figure in robes of the white supremacist group the Ku Klux Klan. After initially saying he was one of the two depicted in the photo, Northam changed his story and said neither was him. A separate scandal engulfing Democratic Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, 39, who is black and would succeed Northam were he to step down, intensified on Wednesday when a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. Herring, who like Northam is white, is second in line to succeed the governor as attorney general. THIRD IN LINE The simultaneous controversies embroiling the top three-elected politicians in the executive branch of Virginia's government raised the unlikely prospect of Democrats losing the governorship to a Republican. Kirk Cox, Republican speaker of Virginia's House of Delegates, is third in the constitutional line of succession. Cox, 61, a former high school teacher who has served in the state's Republican-controlled House since 1990, issued a statement on Wednesday saying the controversies in the executive branch "are disturbing" but "will be resolved in due course." In the meantime, lawmakers would focus on budget deliberations and "hundreds of bills remaining before us." Legislators otherwise kept a low profile on Wednesday, ducking reporters as they left the state capitol in Richmond following Wednesday's legislative session. Northam has remained out of public view since Saturday, when he held a news conference to address the furor over his yearbook pictures, which sparked calls for his resignation from fellow Democrats in Virginia, a key swing state in the 2020 presidential race. Civil rights groups and at least five Democratic candidates for the White House also have urged Northam to step down. Despite the Democratic Party's current zero tolerance for bigotry and sexual misconduct, Democrats might be motivated to rally behind Northam if faced with the prospect of Republicans suddenly assuming the governorship. SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION DENIED In his statement, Cox singled out the allegations against Fairfax as "extremely serious." The lieutenant governor has acknowledged knowing his accuser but on Wednesday repeated his assertion their encounter was consensual. The woman, Vanessa Tyson, in a statement issued by Washington law firm Katz, Marshall & Banks, said that Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex on him in a hotel room. "I cannot believe, given my obvious distress, that Mr. Fairfax thought this forced sexual act was consensual," Tyson said in the statement, which was published by multiple U.S. media outlets. The same website that disclosed Northam's yearbook photo was the first to report Tyson's allegations on Monday. After she came forward, Fairfax again denied wrongdoing but asked that she be treated with respect. "But I cannot agree with a description of events that I know is not true," he said in a statement. Elected officials in both parties have recently seen their careers ended by allegations of racism and sexual misconduct. Florida's Republican secretary of state last month resigned after a newspaper published a photo of him wearing blackface at a 2005 costume party. Democratic U.S. Senator Al Franken resigned in 2017 after being accused of sexual misconduct. Attorney General Herring said in a statement on Wednesday he now realized he showed poor judgment by dressing as a rapper and donning a wig and brown makeup to perform a song with similarly attired friends. "I had a callous and inexcusable lack of awareness and insensitivity to the pain my behavior could inflict on others," he said. (Writing by Jonathan Allen and Steve Gorman; editing by Bill Tarrant and Cynthia Osterman)
Washington has commended Moroccos constructive participation in talks on the Sahara held under the aegis of the United Nations and the UN Secretary Generals personal envoy for the Sahara Horst Kohler.

This came during a meeting held Wednesday in Washington between US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Moroccan foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

The Secretary of State who acknowledged Moroccos constructive participation in talks with the UN Personal Envoy for Sahara also thanked Morocco for its resolute efforts to counter Irans malign influence in the region.

The meeting reviewed the longstanding strategic partnership between the United States and Morocco and the opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation on regional issues.

The two countries top diplomats also discussed the upcoming Ministerial meeting to Promote a Future of Peace and Security in the Middle East, noting that it would be an important step toward building a stronger security framework in the Middle East.

Secretary Pompeo also thanked the Moroccan Foreign Minister for his support of Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guiado.

The Moroccan-American talks coincided with the meeting in Washington of a working group of the U.S.-Morocco Strategic Dialogue in order to strengthen cooperation on common interests in Africa.

Delegations from the United States and Morocco agreed to build on ongoing initiatives to address political, economic, and security issues facing the continent.

The delegations discussed new opportunities for possible trilateral cooperation on the continent, including in development finance, trade, and youth empowerment; countering terrorism; building the capacity of security services in the region; and strengthening governance.

Morocco also took part in the meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS held Wednesday in Washington to discuss the impending territorial defeat of Daech in Iraq & Syria and agree on the next steps in degrading Jihadists global networks.

This meeting comes after the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria to coordinate actions of the global coalition to continue to destroy ISIS remnants and thwart its global ambitions.

In remarks to the gathering, President Donald Trump said the United States is determined to prevent a resurgence of ISIS in Syria and Iraq after the withdrawal of US forces from Syria takes place, and remains committed to working with the Global Coalition to continue to destroy ISIS remnants and thwart its global ambitions.

As ISIS is defeated on the battlefield, the Coalition will continue its stabilization efforts to facilitate the safe and voluntary return home of those who have been displaced by the violence, he said.

The Global Coalition regularly meets to coordinate and enhance combined efforts to counter ISIS. The last Ministerial took place in Brussels on July 12, 2018, with select members of the Coalition. The last meeting at the Political Director level took place in Rabat, Morocco, on June 26, 2018.
A man in Texas died after an e-cigarette he used exploded in his face and tore his carotid artery causing a massive stroke.

William Brown, 24, died on January 29 at a Fort Worth hospital from cerebral infarction and herniation, after the debris from his exploding vape pen dismembered his left carotid artery, according to the Tarrant County medical examiners office.

Mr Brown was just a few weeks away from his 25th birthday.

The e-cigarette explosion reportedly took place on January 27 in the parking lot outside of a store selling smoking and vaping products.

The store manager, Smoke and Vape DZ, told CNN that he called an ambulance immediately after the vape explosion.

Mr Brown visited the store the day of the explosion asking for assistance in using the vape pen. The store said it was unable to help him since it did not sell that brand of vape pens. He did not buy anything at the store.

After the explosion, Mr Brown was rushed to the hospital where he was put into a medically-induced coma. The x-rays reportedly showed that parts of the e-cigarette were stuck in his throat.

[A part] went across his lip, apparently somehow, and cut his lip, Alice Brown, Mr Browns grandmother, told CNN. That three-piece thing went into his throat and stayed there.

He had a future ahead of him; a life ahead of him, she added, stating she did not understand why the doctors didnt operate on her grandson sooner.

A JPS Health Network spokeswoman said health privacy laws prohibit her from commenting on the specifics of Mr Browns case, but said they are continuing to communicate with the young man's family and offered their sincerest condolences.

We hold ourselves to the highest standards in providing high-quality healthcare and will take family concerns seriously as we review all that transpired, the spokeswoman said.

There have been quite a number of reports involving e-cigarette explosions. The US Fire Administration reported there were about 195 separate e-cigarette fire and explosion incidents in the US between 2009 and 2016 that were covered by the press.

In May 2018, a man from St Petersburg, Florida, died after his e-cigarette exploded and shot a part of the device into his head.
Geneva (AFP) - Swiss prosecutors said Thursday they were dropping charges of financial wrongdoing against Teodorin Obiang Nguema, the son of Equatorial Guinea's authoritarian leader, but were confiscating luxury cars as part of the case.

Obiang, 50, and two other individuals had been facing prosecution for "money laundering and misappropriation of public assets."

Under the Swiss penal code, prosecutors can choose to drop charges in this category if defendants offer compensation "and restore a situation that is in conformity with the law."

In a statement, the public prosecutor for the canton (region) of Geneva said Equatorial Guinea was also paying 1.3 million Swiss francs ($1.3 million, 1.14 million euros) "to cover the cost of proceedings."

In addition, 25 luxury cars, seized as part of the investigation, had been confiscated, the statement said.

"They will be sold and the net proceeds of the sale will be assigned to a social programme within Equatorial Guinea," it said.

The decision also entails lifting a sequestration order that investigators had slapped on a yacht in the Netherlands, the Ebony Shine, in December 2016, it said.

The statement did not give details about the cars or which of the defendants owned them.

In 2016, a Swiss weekly newspaper called L'Hebdo said the batch included a Porsche 918 Spider valued at 750,000 euros, a Bugatti Veyron worth two million euros and a Swedish supercar, the Koenigsegg One:1.

Only half a dozen Koenigsegg One:1 models have ever been built, each selling for a reputed $2.4 million.

Obiang is the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, 76, who has ruled the tiny oil-rich West African state since 1979, ousting his uncle in a coup.

Critics accuse him of brutal repression of opponents as well as election fraud and corruption.

Vice president with responsibility for defence and security, Teodorin Obiang has a reputation for a playboy lifestyle.

In October 2017, a Paris court handed him a three-year suspended jail term after convicting Obiang of siphoning off public money to buy assets in France.

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He was accused of spending more than 1,000 times his official annual salary on a six-storey mansion in a posh part of the French capital, a fleet of fast cars and artworks, among other assets.

He was also given a suspended fine of 30 million euros.

In September, Brazilian media said that more than $16 million in cash and luxury watches were seized by Brazilian police and customs officers from luggage of a delegation accompanying Obiang on a private visit.

O Estado de Sao Paulo quoted a diplomatic source from Equatorial Guinea as saying the money was to pay for medical treatment Obiang was to undergo in Sao Paulo.

The watches were for the "personal use" of the president's son and were engraved with his initials, the report said.

Obiang is reputedly on a fast track to succeed his father.

Last October, he was promoted from colonel directly to division general, without passing through the normal intermediary rank of brigade general.

The following month, he presided over a cabinet meeting for the first time.
Geneva (AFP) - The Swiss government has issued a 150,000 Swiss franc (US$149,790) challenge to online hackers; break into our new generation electronic voting system and we'll reward you.

The federal chancellery announced a dummy run election will be held from February 25 to March 24 and invited anyone who wants to display their online piracy talents to sign up at https://onlinevote-pit.ch.

They can then "try to manipulate the vote count, to read the votes cast, to violate voting secrecy or to bypass security systems," it said in a statement.

The amount of the reward paid out will depend upon the level of intrusion achieved by each hacker.

The biggest single prize, 50,000 Swiss francs, will go to anyone who manages to manipulate the vote count without being detected.

The Swiss authorities hope this exercise will help assure, or perhaps improve, the security of the new generation electronic voting system.

Regularly called upon to take part in referendums and votes, many Swiss electors prefer to cast their ballots over several weeks by post at polling stations and, increasingly, online.

Electronic voting has been on trial in several Swiss cantons since 2004.

Late last year the government launched an initiative to establish online voting as a third option nationwide within two years.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP)  A leading U.S. expert on sport-related concussions was named Wednesday as the interim head of North Carolina's flagship public university, replacing the campus leader forced out in a dispute over the future of a prominent Confederate statue.

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Kevin Guskiewicz was elevated to the top job at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill by statewide university president Bill Roper. Roper, who is temporarily heading North Carolina's 16-university system, had said the Chapel Hill school's interim chancellor would hold that job for as much as 18 months until a nationwide search found a permanent replacement.

Guskiewicz replaces Carol Folt, who left Jan. 31 after the university system's governors forced her out early. Governors reacted after Folt unilaterally ordered the removal of the stone base formerly topped by the statue of a Confederate soldier, which protesters branded a racist symbol. Demonstrators tore down the metal statue in August.

Guskiewicz is a neuroscientist whose innovations on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sport-related concussions earned him a MacArthur "genius grant" in 2011. His research has influenced concussion guidelines for the NFL, the NCAA and sports-medicine organizations, university officials said.

He co-directs the Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center, which studies and treats civilian athletes and military personnel suffering from brain injuries.

Roper said Guskiewicz met his requirements as a leader of stature who knows the Chapel Hill school's work of educating nearly 20,000 students, knows North Carolina and is ready to advance the university's mission.

"Kevin is an outstanding researcher, innovator, and strategic thinker," Roper said in a statement.

As dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since January 2016, Guskiewicz has led the largest academic institution at UNC-Chapel Hill. He had been overseeing a major revamping of the school's general education curriculum for the first time in 12 years.
Donald Trump has delivered his delayed State of the Union address to Congress, an almost hour-and-a-half long comment on the US and both his domestic and foreign policies.

There were a number of tense or controversial moments, including the president's call for a new anti-abortion law, and some members of congress refusing to stand at his call for unity.

Here is a transcript of State of the Union address in full, provided by the White House:

President Donald Trump: Madam Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and my fellow Americans:

We meet tonight at a moment of unlimited potential. As we begin a new Congress, I stand here ready to work with you to achieve historic breakthroughs for all Americans.

Millions of our fellow citizens are watching us now, gathered in this great chamber, hoping that we will govern not as two parties but as one Nation.

The agenda I will lay out this evening is not a Republican agenda or a Democrat agenda. It is the agenda of the American people.

Many of us campaigned on the same core promises: to defend American jobs and demand fair trade for American workers; to rebuild and revitalize our Nation's infrastructure; to reduce the price of healthcare and prescription drugs; to create an immigration system that is safe, lawful, modern and secure; and to pursue a foreign policy that puts America's interests first.

There is a new opportunity in American politics, if only we have the courage to seize it. Victory is not winning for our party. Victory is winning for our country.

This year, America will recognize two important anniversaries that show us the majesty of America's mission, and the power of American pride.

In June, we mark 75 years since the start of what General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the Great Crusade -- the Allied liberation of Europe in World War II. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, 15,000 young American men jumped from the sky, and 60,000 more stormed in from the sea, to save our civilization from tyranny. Here with us tonight are three of those heroes: Private First Class Joseph Reilly, Staff Sergeant Irving Locker, and Sergeant Herman Zeitchik. Gentlemen, we salute you.

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In 2019, we also celebrate 50 years since brave young pilots flew a quarter of a million miles through space to plant the American flag on the face of the moon. Half a century later, we are joined by one of the Apollo 11 astronauts who planted that flag: Buzz Aldrin. This year, American astronauts will go back to space on American rockets.

In the 20th century, America saved freedom, transformed science, and redefined the middle class standard of living for the entire world to see. Now, we must step boldly and bravely into the next chapter of this great American adventure, and we must create a new standard of living for the 21st century. An amazing quality of life for all of our citizens is within our reach.

We can make our communities safer, our families stronger, our culture richer, our faith deeper, and our middle class bigger and more prosperous than ever before.

But we must reject the politics of revenge, resistance, and retribution -- and embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise, and the common good.

Together, we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of America's future. The decision is ours to make.

We must choose between greatness or gridlock, results or resistance, vision or vengeance, incredible progress or pointless destruction.

Tonight, I ask you to choose greatness.

Over the last 2 years, my Administration has moved with urgency and historic speed to confront problems neglected by leaders of both parties over many decades.

In just over 2 years since the election, we have launched an unprecedented economic boom -- a boom that has rarely been seen before. We have created 5.3 million new jobs and importantly added 600,000 new manufacturing jobs -- something which almost everyone said was impossible to do, but the fact is, we are just getting started.

Wages are rising at the fastest pace in decades, and growing for blue collar workers, who I promised to fight for, faster than anyone else. Nearly 5 million Americans have been lifted off food stamps. The United States economy is growing almost twice as fast today as when I took office, and we are considered far and away the hottest economy anywhere in the world. Unemployment has reached the lowest rate in half a century. African-American, Hispanic-American and Asian-American unemployment have all reached their lowest levels ever recorded. Unemployment for Americans with disabilities has also reached an all-time low. More people are working now than at any time in our history - 157 million.

We passed a massive tax cut for working families and doubled the child tax credit.

We virtually ended the estate, or death, tax on small businesses, ranches, and family farms.

We eliminated the very unpopular Obamacare individual mandate penalty -- and to give critically ill patients access to life-saving cures, we passed right to try.

My Administration has cut more regulations in a short time than any other administration during its entire tenure. Companies are coming back to our country in large numbers thanks to historic reductions in taxes and regulations.

We have unleashed a revolution in American energy -- the United States is now the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world. And now, for the first time in 65 years, we are a net exporter of energy.

After 24 months of rapid progress, our economy is the envy of the world, our military is the most powerful on earth, and America is winning each and every day. Members of Congress: the State of our Union is strong. Our country is vibrant and our economy is thriving like never before.

On Friday, it was announced that we added another 304,000 jobs last month alone -- almost double what was expected. An economic miracle is taking place in the United States -- and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics, or ridiculous partisan investigations.

If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just doesn't work that way!

We must be united at home to defeat our adversaries abroad.

This new era of cooperation can start with finally confirming the more than 300 highly qualified nominees who are still stuck in the Senate  some after years of waiting. The Senate has failed to act on these nominations, which is unfair to the nominees and to our country.

Now is the time for bipartisan action. Believe it or not, we have already proven that it is possible.

In the last Congress, both parties came together to pass unprecedented legislation to confront the opioid crisis, a sweeping new Farm Bill, historic VA reforms, and after four decades of rejection, we passed VA Accountability so we can finally terminate those who mistreat our wonderful veterans.

And just weeks ago, both parties united for groundbreaking criminal justice reform. Last year, I heard through friends the story of Alice Johnson. I was deeply moved. In 1997, Alice was sentenced to life in prison as a first-time non-violent drug offender. Over the next two decades, she became a prison minister, inspiring others to choose a better path. She had a big impact on that prison population -- and far beyond.

Alice's story underscores the disparities and unfairness that can exist in criminal sentencing -- and the need to remedy this injustice. She served almost 22 years and had expected to be in prison for the rest of her life.

In June, I commuted Alice's sentence -- and she is here with us tonight. Alice, thank you for reminding us that we always have the power to shape our own destiny.

When I saw Alice's beautiful family greet her at the prison gates, hugging and kissing and crying and laughing, I knew I did the right thing.

Inspired by stories like Alice's, my Administration worked closely with members of both parties to sign the First Step Act into law. This legislation reformed sentencing laws that have wrongly and disproportionately harmed the African-American community. The First Step Act gives non-violent offenders the chance to re-enter society as productive, law-abiding citizens. Now, States across the country are following our lead. America is a Nation that believes in redemption.

We are also joined tonight by Matthew Charles from Tennessee. In 1996, at age 30, Matthew was sentenced to 35 years for selling drugs and related offenses. Over the next two decades, he completed more than 30 Bible studies, became a law clerk, and mentored fellow inmates. Now, Matthew is the very first person to be released from prison under the First Step Act. Matthew, on behalf of all Americans: welcome home.

As we have seen, when we are united, we can make astonishing strides for our country. Now, Republicans and Democrats must join forces again to confront an urgent national crisis.

The Congress has 10 days left to pass a bill that will fund our Government, protect our homeland, and secure our southern border.

Now is the time for the Congress to show the world that America is committed to ending illegal immigration and putting the ruthless coyotes, cartels, drug dealers, and human traffickers out of business.

As we speak, large, organized caravans are on the march to the United States. We have just heard that Mexican cities, in order to remove the illegal immigrants from their communities, are getting trucks and buses to bring them up to our country in areas where there is little border protection. I have ordered another 3,750 troops to our southern border to prepare for the tremendous onslaught.

This is a moral issue. The lawless state of our southern border is a threat to the safety, security, and financial wellbeing of all Americans. We have a moral duty to create an immigration system that protects the lives and jobs of our citizens. This includes our obligation to the millions of immigrants living here today, who followed the rules and respected our laws. Legal immigrants enrich our Nation and strengthen our society in countless ways. I want people to come into our country, but they have to come in legally.

Tonight, I am asking you to defend our very dangerous southern border out of love and devotion to our fellow citizens and to our country.

No issue better illustrates the divide between America's working class and America's political class than illegal immigration. Wealthy politicians and donors push for open borders while living their lives behind walls and gates and guards.

Meanwhile, working class Americans are left to pay the price for mass illegal migration -- reduced jobs, lower wages, overburdened schools and hospitals, increased crime, and a depleted social safety net.

Tolerance for illegal immigration is not compassionate -- it is cruel. One in three women is sexually assaulted on the long journey north. Smugglers use migrant children as human pawns to exploit our laws and gain access to our country.

Human traffickers and sex traffickers take advantage of the wide open areas between our ports of entry to smuggle thousands of young girls and women into the United States and to sell them into prostitution and modern-day slavery.

Tens of thousands of innocent Americans are killed by lethal drugs that cross our border and flood into our cities -- including meth, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.

The savage gang, MS-13, now operates in 20 different American States, and they almost all come through our southern border. Just yesterday, an MS-13 gang member was taken into custody for a fatal shooting on a subway platform in New York City. We are removing these gang members by the thousands, but until we secure our border they're going to keep streaming back in.

Year after year, countless Americans are murdered by criminal illegal aliens.

I've gotten to know many wonderful Angel Moms, Dads, and families  no one should ever have to suffer the horrible heartache they have endured.

Here tonight is Debra Bissell. Just three weeks ago, Debra's parents, Gerald and Sharon, were burglarized and shot to death in their Reno, Nevada, home by an illegal alien. They were in their eighties and are survived by four children, 11 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. Also here tonight are Gerald and Sharon's granddaughter, Heather, and greatgranddaughter, Madison.

To Debra, Heather, Madison, please stand: few can understand your pain. But I will never forget, and I will fight for the memory of Gerald and Sharon, that it should never happen again.

Not one more American life should be lost because our Nation failed to control its very dangerous border.

In the last 2 years, our brave ICE officers made 266,000 arrests of criminal aliens, including those charged or convicted of nearly 100,000 assaults, 30,000 sex crimes, and 4,000 killings.

We are joined tonight by one of those law enforcement heroes: ICE Special Agent Elvin Hernandez. When Elvin was a boy, he and his family legally immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic. At the age of eight, Elvin told his dad he wanted to become a Special Agent. Today, he leads investigations into the scourge of international sex trafficking. Elvin says: "If I can make sure these young girls get their justice, I've done my job." Thanks to his work and that of his colleagues, more than 300 women and girls have been rescued from horror and more than 1,500 sadistic traffickers have been put behind bars in the last year.

Special Agent Hernandez, please stand: We will always support the brave men and women of Law Enforcement -- and I pledge to you tonight that we will never abolish our heroes from ICE.

My Administration has sent to the Congress a commonsense proposal to end the crisis on our southern border.

It includes humanitarian assistance, more law enforcement, drug detection at our ports, closing loopholes that enable child smuggling, and plans for a new physical barrier, or wall, to secure the vast areas between our ports of entry. In the past, most of the people in this room voted for a wall -- but the proper wall never got built. I'll get it built.

This is a smart, strategic, see-through steel barrier -- not just a simple concrete wall. It will be deployed in the areas identified by border agents as having the greatest need, and as these agents will tell you, where walls go up, illegal crossings go way down.

San Diego used to have the most illegal border crossings in the country. In response, and at the request of San Diego residents and political leaders, a strong security wall was put in place. This powerful barrier almost completely ended illegal crossings.

The border city of El Paso, Texas, used to have extremely high rates of violent crime -- one of the highest in the country, and considered one of our Nation's most dangerous cities. Now, with a powerful barrier in place, El Paso is one of our safest cities.

Simply put, walls work and walls save lives. So let's work together, compromise, and reach a deal that will truly make America safe.

As we work to defend our people's safety, we must also ensure our economic resurgence continues at a rapid pace.

No one has benefitted more from our thriving economy than women, who have filled 58 percent of the new jobs created in the last year. All Americans can be proud that we have more women in the workforce than ever before -- and exactly one century after the Congress passed the Constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote, we also have more women serving in the Congress than ever before.

As part of our commitment to improving opportunity for women everywhere, this Thursday we are launching the first ever Government-wide initiative focused on economic empowerment for women in developing countries.

To build on our incredible economic success, one priority is paramount -- reversing decades of calamitous trade policies.

We are now making it clear to China that after years of targeting our industries, and stealing our intellectual property, the theft of American jobs and wealth has come to an end.

Therefore, we recently imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods -- and now our Treasury is receiving billions of dollars a month from a country that never gave us a dime. But I don't blame China for taking advantage of us -- I blame our leaders and representatives for allowing this travesty to happen. I have great respect for President Xi, and we are now working on a new trade deal with China. But it must include real, structural change to end unfair trade practices, reduce our chronic trade deficit, and protect American jobs.

Another historic trade blunder was the catastrophe known as NAFTA.

I have met the men and women of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, New Hampshire, and many other States whose dreams were shattered by NAFTA. For years, politicians promised them they would negotiate for a better deal. But no one ever tried -- until now.

Our new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement -- or USMCA -- will replace NAFTA and deliver for American workers: bringing back our manufacturing jobs, expanding American agriculture, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring that more cars are proudly stamped with four beautiful words: made in the USA.

Tonight, I am also asking you to pass the United States Reciprocal Trade Act, so that if another country places an unfair tariff on an American product, we can charge them the exact same tariff on the same product that they sell to us.

Both parties should be able to unite for a great rebuilding of America's crumbling infrastructure.

I know that the Congress is eager to pass an infrastructure bill -- and I am eager to work with you on legislation to deliver new and important infrastructure investment, including investments in the cutting edge industries of the future. This is not an option. This is a necessity.

The next major priority for me, and for all of us, should be to lower the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs -- and to protect patients with pre-existing conditions.

Already, as a result of my Administration's efforts, in 2018 drug prices experienced their single largest decline in 46 years.

But we must do more. It is unacceptable that Americans pay vastly more than people in other countries for the exact same drugs, often made in the exact same place. This is wrong, unfair, and together we can stop it.

I am asking the Congress to pass legislation that finally takes on the problem of global freeloading and delivers fairness and price transparency for American patients. We should also require drug companies, insurance companies, and hospitals to disclose real prices to foster competition and bring costs down.

No force in history has done more to advance the human condition than American freedom. In recent years we have made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Scientific breakthroughs have brought a once-distant dream within reach. My budget will ask Democrats and Republicans to make the needed commitment to eliminate the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years. Together, we will defeat AIDS in America.

Tonight, I am also asking you to join me in another fight that all Americans can get behind: the fight against childhood cancer.

Joining Melania in the gallery this evening is a very brave 10-year-old girl, Grace Eline. Every birthday since she was 4, Grace asked her friends to donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She did not know that one day she might be a patient herself. Last year, Grace was diagnosed with brain cancer. Immediately, she began radiation treatment. At the same time, she rallied her community and raised more than $40,000 for the fight against cancer. When Grace completed treatment last fall, her doctors and nurses cheered with tears in their eyes as she hung up a poster that read: "Last Day of Chemo." Grace -- you are an inspiration to us all.

Many childhood cancers have not seen new therapies in decades. My budget will ask the Congress for $500 million over the next 10 years to fund this critical life-saving research.

To help support working parents, the time has come to pass school choice for America's children. I am also proud to be the first President to include in my budget a plan for nationwide paid family leave -- so that every new parent has the chance to bond with their newborn child.

There could be no greater contrast to the beautiful image of a mother holding her infant child than the chilling displays our Nation saw in recent days. Lawmakers in New York cheered with delight upon the passage of legislation that would allow a baby to be ripped from the mother's womb moments before birth. These are living, feeling, beautiful babies who will never get the chance to share their love and dreams with the world. And then, we had the case of the Governor of Virginia where he basically stated he would execute a baby after birth.

To defend the dignity of every person, I am asking the Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mother's womb.

Let us work together to build a culture that cherishes innocent life. And let us reaffirm a fundamental truth: all children -- born and unborn -- are made in the holy image of God.

The final part of my agenda is to protect America's National Security.

Over the last 2 years, we have begun to fully rebuild the United States Military -- with $700 billion last year and $716 billion this year. We are also getting other nations to pay their fair share. For years, the United States was being treated very unfairly by NATO -- but now we have secured a $100 billion increase in defense spending from NATO allies.

As part of our military build-up, the United States is developing a state-of-the-art Missile Defense System.

Under my Administration, we will never apologize for advancing America's interests.

For example, decades ago the United States entered into a treaty with Russia in which we agreed to limit and reduce our missile capabilities. While we followed the agreement to the letter, Russia repeatedly violated its terms. That is why I announced that the United States is officially withdrawing from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, or INF Treaty.

Perhaps we can negotiate a different agreement, adding China and others, or perhaps we can't - in which case, we will outspend and out-innovate all others by far.

As part of a bold new diplomacy, we continue our historic push for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Our hostages have come home, nuclear testing has stopped, and there has not been a missile launch in 15 months. If I had not been elected President of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea with potentially millions of people killed. Much work remains to be done, but my relationship with Kim Jong Un is a good one. And Chairman Kim and I will meet again on February 27 and 28 in Vietnam.

Two weeks ago, the United States officially recognized the legitimate government of Venezuela, and its new interim President, Juan Guaido.

We stand with the Venezuelan people in their noble quest for freedom -- and we condemn the brutality of the Maduro regime, whose socialist policies have turned that nation from being the wealthiest in South America into a state of abject poverty and despair.

Here, in the United States, we are alarmed by new calls to adopt socialism in our country. America was founded on liberty and independence - not government coercion, domination, and control. We are born free, and we will stay free. Tonight, we renew our resolve that America will never be a socialist country.

One of the most complex set of challenges we face is in the Middle East.

Our approach is based on principled realism -- not discredited theories that have failed for decades to yield progress. For this reason, my Administration recognized the true capital of Israel -- and proudly opened the American Embassy in Jerusalem.

Our brave troops have now been fighting in the Middle East for almost 19 years. In Afghanistan and Iraq, nearly 7,000 American heroes have given their lives. More than 52,000 Americans have been badly wounded. We have spent more than $7 trillion in the Middle East.

As a candidate for President, I pledged a new approach. Great nations do not fight endless wars.

When I took office, ISIS controlled more than 20,000 square miles in Iraq and Syria. Today, we have liberated virtually all of that territory from the grip of these bloodthirsty killers.

Now, as we work with our allies to destroy the remnants of ISIS, it is time to give our brave warriors in Syria a warm welcome home.

I have also accelerated our negotiations to reach a political settlement in Afghanistan. Our troops have fought with unmatched valor -- and thanks to their bravery, we are now able to pursue a political solution to this long and bloody conflict.

In Afghanistan, my Administration is holding constructive talks with a number of Afghan groups, including the Taliban. As we make progress in these negotiations, we will be able to reduce our troop presence and focus on counter-terrorism. We do not know whether we will achieve an agreement -- but we do know that after two decades of war, the hour has come to at least try for peace.

Above all, friend and foe alike must never doubt this Nation's power and will to defend our people. Eighteen years ago, terrorists attacked the USS Cole -- and last month American forces killed one of the leaders of the attack.

We are honored to be joined tonight by Tom Wibberley, whose son, Navy Seaman Craig Wibberley, was one of the 17 sailors we tragically lost. Tom: we vow to always remember the heroes of the USS Cole.

My Administration has acted decisively to confront the world's leading state sponsor of terror: the radical regime in Iran.

To ensure this corrupt dictatorship never acquires nuclear weapons, I withdrew the United States from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal. And last fall, we put in place the toughest sanctions ever imposed on a country.

We will not avert our eyes from a regime that chants death to America and threatens genocide against the Jewish people. We must never ignore the vile poison of anti-Semitism, or those who spread its venomous creed. With one voice, we must confront this hatred anywhere and everywhere it occurs.

Just months ago, 11 Jewish-Americans were viciously murdered in an anti-semitic attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. SWAT Officer Timothy Matson raced into the gunfire and was shot seven times chasing down the killer. Timothy has just had his 12th surgery -- but he made the trip to be here with us tonight. Officer Matson: we are forever grateful for your courage in the face of evil.

Tonight, we are also joined by Pittsburgh survivor Judah Samet. He arrived at the synagogue as the massacre began. But not only did Judah narrowly escape death last fall -- more than seven decades ago, he narrowly survived the Nazi concentration camps. Today is Judah's 81st birthday. Judah says he can still remember the exact moment, nearly 75 years ago, after 10 months in a concentration camp, when he and his family were put on a train, and told they were going to another camp. Suddenly the train screeched to a halt. A soldier appeared. Judah's family braced for the worst. Then, his father cried out with joy: "It's the Americans."

A second Holocaust survivor who is here tonight, Joshua Kaufman, was a prisoner at Dachau Concentration Camp. He remembers watching through a hole in the wall of a cattle car as American soldiers rolled in with tanks. "To me," Joshua recalls, "the American soldiers were proof that God exists, and they came down from the sky."

I began this evening by honoring three soldiers who fought on D-Day in the Second World War. One of them was Herman Zeitchik. But there is more to Herman's story. A year after he stormed the beaches of Normandy, Herman was one of those American soldiers who helped liberate Dachau. He was one of the Americans who helped rescue Joshua from that hell on earth. Almost 75 years later, Herman and Joshua are both together in the gallery tonight -- seated side-by-side, here in the home of American freedom. Herman and Joshua: your presence this evening honors and uplifts our entire Nation.

When American soldiers set out beneath the dark skies over the English Channel in the early hours of D-Day, 1944, they were just young men of 18 and 19, hurtling on fragile landing craft toward the most momentous battle in the history of war.

They did not know if they would survive the hour. They did not know if they would grow old. But they knew that America had to prevail. Their cause was this Nation, and generations yet unborn.

Why did they do it? They did it for America -- they did it for us.

Everything that has come since -- our triumph over communism, our giant leaps of science and discovery, our unrivaled progress toward equality and justice -- all of it is possible thanks to the blood and tears and courage and vision of the Americans who came before.

Think of this Capitol -- think of this very chamber, where lawmakers before you voted to end slavery, to build the railroads and the highways, to defeat fascism, to secure civil rights, to face down an evil empire.

Here tonight, we have legislators from across this magnificent republic. You have come from the rocky shores of Maine and the volcanic peaks of Hawaii; from the snowy woods of Wisconsin and the red deserts of Arizona; from the green farms of Kentucky and the golden beaches of California. Together, we represent the most extraordinary Nation in all of history.

What will we do with this moment? How will we be remembered?

I ask the men and women of this Congress: Look at the opportunities before us! Our most thrilling achievements are still ahead. Our most exciting journeys still await. Our biggest victories are still to come. We have not yet begun to dream.

We must choose whether we are defined by our differences -- or whether we dare to transcend them.

We must choose whether we will squander our inheritance -- or whether we will proudly declare that we are Americans. We do the incredible. We defy the impossible. We conquer the unknown.

This is the time to re-ignite the American imagination. This is the time to search for the tallest summit, and set our sights on the brightest star. This is the time to rekindle the bonds of love and loyalty and memory that link us together as citizens, as neighbors, as patriots.

This is our future -- our fate -- and our choice to make. I am asking you to choose greatness.

No matter the trials we face, no matter the challenges to come, we must go forward together.

We must keep America first in our hearts. We must keep freedom alive in our souls. And we must always keep faith in America's destiny -- that one Nation, under God, must be the hope and the promise and the light and the glory among all the nations of the world!

Thank you. God Bless You, God Bless America, and good night!
Southwest Airlines first-ever Hawaii departure is scheduled to leave Honolulu International Airport for Dallas Love Field at 2:10 p.m. ET (9:10 a.m. local time) on Wednesday.

Southwest Flight 8725 marks the return of the aircraft that the carrier flew from Oakland, California, to Honolulu a day earlier. That flight, Southwests first to the state of Hawaii, operated as a proving flight as part of Southwests effort to secure the "ETOPS" certification it needs from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate long overwater flights with its two-engine Boeing 737 jets.

The flight had no paying passengers, only FAA representatives and Southwest pilots and employees helping with the certification effort. The Tuesday validation flight was focused on long-range navigation and communication procedures, part of the authorization process.

But that didnt keep Southwest from greeting the flight with fanfare in a ceremony complete with Hawaiian leis and group photos. Even the Southwest Boeing 737 making the flight received a giant lei.

Southwest posted a picture of the arrival, showing its Boeing 737 with the iconic Diamond Head peak near Waikiki Beach rising in the background.

You see that? Thats what it looks like when a Southwest bird lands in Hawaii!, Southwest said via social media.

Now, Southwest is set to fly the plane out of Hawaii  and all the way back to Texas  as it continues its flight testing and certification process that it needs to complete before it can offer service to the state.

TODAY IN THE SKY: Southwest Airlines extends schedule, adds new seasonal routes

While Boeing 737s regularly fly between Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast, the nonstop to Texas is an unusually long flight.

The validation tests are conducted in the airspace between Hawaii and the mainland, Southwest spokesman Brian Parrish said to USA TODAYs Today in the Sky blog. Due to favorable tailwinds and a light aircraft load today, conditions are allowing us to fly the ETOPS 737-800 non-stop to our home at Love Field.

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For those looking to read the tea leaves, Parrish added that the flight to Dallas does not indicate any service intentions beyond those weve already announced.

Southwest has already announced where it intends to fly once its Hawaii service begins, saying it plans to offer routes connecting four California airports (Oakland, San Diego, San Jose and Sacramento) to four in Hawaii (Honolulu on the island of Oahu; Lihue on the island of Kauai; Kahului on the island of Maui and Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii).

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When that service might begin is still in question.

Southwest had already been in the process of securing its needed ETOPS certification, but the effort received an unexpected delay during the federal government shutdown that furloughed federal workers, including FAA inspectors.

Speaking during the airlines earnings call in late January, Kelly said he expected his airline would be able to begin Hawaii flights approximately six to eight weeks after the FAA approval process resumed. Before the shutdown, he said, Southwest was aiming for a Feb. 1 startup, though it never publicized that target date.

ASK THE CAPTAIN: 'ETOPS'and other aviation jargon and abbreviations explained

For now, Southwest continues its efforts to secure the certification that would allow its 737s to fly between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. The certification  short for Extended-range, Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards"  is standard for airlines wishing to deploy two-engine aircraft on long overwater routes where diversion airports are scarce.

He suggested then that if the shutdown ended within a week  which it did  the airline might be able to begin passenger flights by mid-March. One potential trouble spot, however, is that a deadline looms later this month for another possible shutdown.

TODAY IN THE SKY: Southwest's Herb Kelleher: Five innovations that shaped U.S. aviation

As aircraft technology has advanced in recent decades, the certification has become common. From the mainland U.S., its frequently used for widebody jets making long-haul transoceanic routes to Europe and Asia. For Hawaii flights, many U.S. airlines already have ETOPS certification to fly narrowbody planes to and from the state.

While many of its U.S. rivals already have the certification, Southwests effort to seek it is a recent development. Since its launch in 1971, the carrier flew only within the mainland United States for more than 40 years. But that changed in 2014 when Southwest began flying to several destinations in the Caribbean. It has since expanded its footprint to include Mexico and Costa Rica, but none of those flights require ETOPS certification. But, with the planned Hawaii service, Southwest has finally had to seek approval for ETOPS service.

Contributing: Dawn Gilbertson

TODAY IN THE SKY: Southwest's first day of international flying is in the books (2014)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Southwest's Hawaii flight tests continue with Honolulu-Dallas
Japan's SoftBank Group said on Wednesday its net profit jumped more than 50 percent for the nine months to December thanks to strong returns from its high-tech investment fund.

Net profit rose 51.6 percent from a year earlier to 1.5 trillion yen ($13.7 billion), the mobile giant and IT investor said.

The rise was largely driven by gains of more than 800 billion yen from its investment funds, led by SoftBank Vision Fund whose partners include Saudi Arabia.

The company's ties with the Middle Eastern kingdom were put into sharp relief following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by a Saudi hit team at its Istanbul consulate.

SoftBank Corp, the mobile carrier arm of the technology conglomerate, said Tuesday its net profit jumped nearly 19 percent for the nine months to December, buoyed by a gain in subscribers.

It was the first earnings announcement since its disappointing stock market debut in December.

Under tycoon CEO Masayoshi Son, SoftBank, which started as a software firm, has increasingly been seen as an investment firm, ploughing funds into a broad range of companies and projects outside its core business.

In recent years, it has completed deals with the likes of French robotics firm Aldebaran and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.

It has also made high-profile investments in the autonomous vehicles sector, announcing a tie-up with car giant Toyota for "new mobility services" such as meal deliveries.
Rainbow Road To Oz, ET II and Alien 5 all almost made it to cinemas.

World War Z 2 is officially dead. The David Fincher blockbuster was set to re-team the director with his Se7en / Fight Club / Benjamin Button star Brad Pitt, but the project is no more.

As much as we were intrigued by the zombie sequel, if it means Fincher can focus on getting Mindhunter season 2 onto Netflix as soon as possible, were all for it.

And at least it was only in the location scout phase of production. Other sequels have been much further along when their plugs got pulled. Though, considering those include the following, maybe thats for the best

Rainbow Road To Oz (1957)

Rainbow Road To Oz (credit: Disney)

With the Wizard Of Oz proving to be a huge hit on its release in 1939, Disney producers decided to shoot their own live-action adaptation of L. Frank Baums Oz books, buying up the rights to all 13 of the sequel novels. The plot of the first attempt, Rainbow Road To Oz, revolved around Dorothys return to Oz to rescue the Cowardly Lion from a spell cast by vengeful son of the late Wicked Witch of the West.

Despite the fact Disney shot enough footage to air a clip on Walt Disneys Disneyland TV, and recorded songs that would be later released on record, the film was cancelled.

The rumoured reason was that Disney execs were worried their film would be unfavourably compared to MGMs infinitely superior original film, which was enjoying a new life on TV. Seeing as its a bit like trying to make Citizen Kane 2, we can kind of see their point.

Revenge Of The Nerds (2007)

This 1984 movie follows a crew of computer science students who stand up to a group of bullying fraternity bros.

Okay, so this is more of a reboot than a sequel, but it still counts, as the new Nerds movie was going to focus on a new generation of students, and would almost certainly have featured cameos from the original cast. Also, significantly, it was an astonishing two weeks into shooting before the plug was pulled, which is pretty unprecedented for a production of this scale.

According to Variety: People close to the film say another issue was that Fox Atomic topper Peter Rice was not completely satisfied with the dailies and that the film felt smaller than the kind of pic hes aiming to release from Atomic, the teen-oriented label launched last year.

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The film was being helmed by Fanboys director Kyle Newman, and would have starred Dan Byrd (The Hills Have Eyes), Chris Marquette (Joan of Arcadia), Jenna Dewan (Step Up), Ryan Pinkston (Punkd), Efren Ramirez (Napoleon Dynamite), and Kristin Cavallari (Laguna Beach), all of whom would have won multiple Oscars for the project, were sure.

The Return Of Billy Jack (1985)

Writer, director, actor Tom Laughlin

One of the longest running franchises that barely anyone appears to have actually seen, the Billy Jack series  about an American Navajo Indian, whos also a Green Beret Vietnam War veteran, and a hapkido master  ran to four films, with plans for a fifth.

The Return Of Billy Jack would have seen the titular hero take on child pornographers in New York City, and production began in 1985  only to be swiftly halted when star / director / writer / producer Tom Laughlin suffered a head injury when a stunt involving a breakaway bottle went wrong. The production ran out of money while Laughlin recovered, and the film was never finished.

In 1996 Laughlin tried to raise money to finish the fifth film, which had by that point been retitled to Billy Jacks Crusade to End the War in Iraq and Restore America to Its Moral Purpose. So yeah.

Ei8ht (1996)

Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt in Se7en (credit: New Line Cinema)

Se7en 2: Ei8ht is slightly different to every other entry on this list, in that it did eventually get made  sort of. With the success of Se7en surprising pretty much every executive who tried to change the ending the first time around, New Line Cinema producers scrambled to find an already existing screenplay that would be suitable for a sequel.

When they couldnt find one, they decided to go with a script that would have required Morgan Freemans character to suddenly be psychic. Seriously.

Unsurprisingly, David Fincher wasnt massively keen on the idea, saying the script didnt make much sense, and later saying about doing a sequel: I have less interest in that than having cigarettes put out in my eyes.

Which feels pretty definitive. The film did get made, though not as Se7en 2. Its called Solace, and stars Anthony Hopkins and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, if youre car crash curious.

ET II: Nocturnal Fears (1983)

Early concept designs for ET II (credit: Universal)

Written by Steven Spielberg and Melissa Mathison, a horror sequel to ET was a thing that really did almost happen. In fact, it went as far as creature design, with actual puppets being built, before Spielberg finally came to his senses.

If he hadnt, a generation of kids would have been traumatised by a film revolving around a gang of flesh-eating aliens landing around the corner from Elliotts house, who would then kidnap and TORTURE the child for information on ET. Were not making any of this up. The 80s were a strange time.

Alien 5 (2015)

Concept art shared by Neill Blomkamp (credit: 20th Century Fox)

Poor old Neill Blomkamp. If his social media accounts are to be believed, he put a LOT of work into his Alien sequel, which would have picked up directly after Aliens, ignoring Alien 3 and every sequel and spin-off afterwards. Sigourney Weaver and Michael Biehn were both onboard, and were said to be excited about the sequels premise.

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Despite the fact it looked pretty cool, the project was canned when Ridley Scott decided he wanted to return to the universe he created, with Fox executives deciding that it didnt make sense to run the Prometheus franchise at the same time as Alien 5.

Did they back the right Xenomorph? Critical and audience reactions suggest maybe not





Read more

Brad Pitts long-planned World War Z sequel is axed

Controversial interviews that nearly killed careers

Actors who went ugly for awards glory
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.  A federal judge on Thursday approved a last-minute deal to save Sears Holdings in shrunken form, giving the death-defying retailer a second chance at life.

Judge Robert Drain authorized a deal to sell the major remaining assets of Sears to its chairman, largest shareholder and former CEO Eddie Lampert's hedge fund, ESL Investments.

Hours before Drain announced his decision, attorney Ray Schrock, who represents Sears, noted the gravity of the moment as closing arguments began.

Today is obviously a very importan day for Sears, he said to Drain. The fate of Sears is going to be in the courts hands.

Putting Sears plight in the broader context of the entire retail industry, which has been disrupted by forces ranging from Amazon to the rise of fast fashion, Schrock said, like so many retailers, its a melting ice cube, and the timing is urgent.

As sales cratered over the last roughly 15 years, Sears has closed more than 3,500 stores and cut about 250,000 jobs, leading to the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in October.

Without approval of the sale to ESL, Sears would have almost certainly liquidated altogether.

Instead, about 425 stores and 45,000 employees will be transferred to ESL.

"The execution risk for this transaction, when one considers the alternative  is reasonable to take," Drain said.

Drain acknowledged that Lampert, who has been fiercely criticized for his role in the downfall of Sears, had been portrayed as a cross between the American railroad baron Jay Gould and bumbling fictitious character Barney Fife.

"During the course of this case, Mr. Lampert, in particular, has been subject to substantial verbal abuse," Drain said. "He has the opportunity now not to be a cartoon character and take action that in fact would be of great meaning" to the company's employees, vendors and shoppers.

Although the company will survive, store closures are not expected to stop altogether.

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Sears and Kmart employees expressed both "a sigh of relief" and "grave concern" in a statement released on their behalf soon after the deal was approved.

"I'm relieved I still have a job, but the future of my family is back in the hands of Eddie Lampert, who has proven he only cares about his own wealth and does not care about our families and our livelihoods," said Victor Urquidez, assistant manager at Sears Auto Center, in the statement.

He urged Lampert to follow through in investing in stores, saying, "He needs to make sure that all employees who dedicated years to the company and whose jobs he destroyed get financial support for themselves and their families.

While Lampert's ESL will obtain ownership of the company's 425 remaining locations, ESL President Kunal Kamlani testified Wednesday that about 156 are not performing well.

Under the deal, ESL would offer $5.2 billion including an $885-million cash payment. It will also assume $1.3 billion of liabilities including customers warranties and paying off $621 million of senior debt.

The hedge fund's deal to acquire Sears does not preclude it from further cuts.

Greg Portell, partner and retail adviser at consultancy A.T. Kearney, said the company probably has about 200 stores that can be successful.

"I would advise them to get smaller," Portell said. "Get smaller and create a foundation from which you can grow, as opposed to a foundation which erodes."

Lampert, who relinquished the CEO role when the company filed for bankruptcy, was the company's largest shareholder and creditor at the time of the bankruptcy.

That means he had the most to lose and the most to gain as the company faced a do-or-die scenario.

A group of unsecured creditors argued the sale unfairly favors Lampert, characterizing the offer as part of a long-running scheme to drain the company.

He set up a process where there was no alternative but ESL, said Abid Qureshi, attorney for the creditors. This entire process was set up to fail.

But Drain disagreed. It is clear to me that all told, ESL conducted itselfin good faith, he said.

Drain, according to court testimony, wanted to preserve jobs if at all possible.

"We intend for the new company to operate as many Sears and Kmart stores as reasonably possible, including new smaller stores that emphasize our stronger capabilities. Continuing to operate a meaningful network of stores is essential to achieving our goal of returning Sears to profitability," ESL said in a statement earlier this week.

Sears attorney Schrock has said previously that if the deal were approved, it could be finalized on Friday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sears saved from liquidation: Judge approves bankruptcy sale to ex-CEO Eddie Lampert
Riyadh (AFP) - A Saudi medical team has offered to treat Yemeni conjoined twins following a plea from doctors in Yemen's blockaded rebel-held capital for the newborns to receive specialist care abroad.

Abdelkhaleq and Abdelrahim were born outside Sanaa around 10 days ago and share a kidney and a pair of legs but have separate hearts and lungs.

The head of paediatrics at Sanaa's Al-Thawra hospital, Dr Faisal al-Babili, said his department lacked the facilities to treat or separate the newborns and appealed on Wednesday for help from abroad.

Late on Wednesday, the head of Saudi Arabia's King Salman Aid and Relief Centre, Abdullah al-Rabeeah, said he had a team that was prepared to treat them.

He said arrangements were being made to transport Abdelkhaleq and Abdelrahim from Sanaa to the kingdom "as soon as possible", the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

Rabeeah said the team would study the possibility of separating them.

Rebel-held areas of Yemen have been under blockade by a Saudi-led military coalition since it intervened in support of the beleaguered government in March 2015.

Health services have collapsed as the conflict has ground on and most hospitals are not equipped to provide specialist treatment for rare conditions.

Bringing patients out for treatment poses enormous logistical challenges.

Hostility to Saudi Arabia runs high in rebel-held areas that have been hit hard by coalition air strikes, while the coalition has granted few exemptions from its long-running blockade of Sanaa airport.

The Huthis urged the UN to work on "reopening the airport to patients and humanitarian cases immediately", rebel media said on Thursday.

Mediators are pushing for the reopening of Sanaa international airport.

The government accuses the rebels of smuggling arms through the airport and Hodeida -- a rebel-held port city vital to the delivery of humanitarian aid. The Saudi-led coalition has severely restricted flights to and from Sanaa and shipments through Hodeida.

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Since 2015, some 10,000 people have been killed and more than 60,000 wounded in the conflict, most of them civilians, according to the World Health Organization.

Human rights groups say the real figure could be five times as high.

The conflict has pushed some 14 million people to the brink of famine in what the United Nations has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia is ready to help the United States advance its negotiations with the Taliban on withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, the RIA news agency cited Russia's foreign ministry as saying on Thursday.

The comments came a day after Russia hosted peace talks in Moscow between the Taliban and opposition Afghan politicians.

A Taliban official at the talks said no timetable had been agreed with the U.S. government for the partial withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, and that negotiations were underway.

(Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Toby Chopra)
WASHINGTON (AP)  The first Africans to arrive in English-controlled North America were so little noted by history that many are known today by only their first names: Antony and Isabella, Angelo, Frances and Peter.

Almost 400 years ago, they were kidnapped and forcibly sailed across the ocean aboard three slave ships  the San Juan Bautista, the White Lion and the Treasurer  and then sold into bondage in Virginia.

Now their descendants, along with historians and genealogists, are seeking recognition for a group of 20-some Africans they describe as critical to the survival of Jamestown, England's first successful settlement in North America.

"We need to reclaim our history. We need to tell our story," said Calvin Pearson, head of Project 1619 , which is named after the year those first Africans landed near what became Hampton, Virginia.

A few historical markers and records mention these early slaves, but there's been scant research on their lives. President Barack Obama made the area where they arrived a national monument in 2011 to ensure that its history was not lost, and Pearson and others are working to learn more.

Before the slaves arrived, Jamestown was starving. "Basically all of those people were right off of the streets in England," said Kathryn Knight, who in May will release a book titled "Unveiled - The Twenty & Odd: Documenting the First Africans in England's America 1619-1625 and Beyond."

Those colonists "didn't know how to grow anything. They didn't know how to manage livestock. They didn't know anything about survival in Virginia," Knight said. The Africans "saved them by being able to produce crops, by being able to manage the livestock. They kept them alive."

The slaves' arrival marked the beginning of the region's fractured relationship with blacks. More than two centuries later, Virginia became home to the Confederate capital, and in the last week its governor has been pressured to resign for a racist photo that appeared on his page in a 1984 yearbook.

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The new arrivals were Catholic and many spoke multiple languages, according to Ric Murphy, an author and descendant of John Gowan, one of the Angolan captives.

They came from a royal city and "were quite informed and educated, and several of them, based upon what they did in the latter part of their years, clearly were leaders in the community in one form or the other," Murphy said. "Many of them became landowners, which is quite different from the false narrative of what an enslaved person was."

In Jamestown, historian Mark Summers leads tourists down paths that Angelo  also known as Angela  walked after being sold to a Captain William Pierce.

Like many of that first group, her life is largely a mystery. In fact, her entire known biography "could probably fit on a 3x5 index card," Summers said. But being able to show people where she lived and walked is a spiritual experience for some, he said.

For African-Americans, "this is the same thing as going to Plymouth Rock," said Summers, who works at the Historic Jamestowne park. "Here's a place where you can stand and say, 'We set foot here, and we can still walk this ground.'"

The first Africans were among more than 300 taken out of the Ndongo region of Angola, a Portuguese colony of mostly Catholic Africans, on the San Juan Bautista bound for Mexico. That ship was attacked and plundered by the White Lion and the Treasurer, which together seized about 60 slaves. After stopping in the Caribbean and trading some of the slaves for provisions, the White Lion sailed for Virginia with its human cargo.

Englishman John Rolfe, who would later marry Pocahontas, documented the White Lion's arrival at what was then called Point Comfort.

"He brought not anything but 20, and odd Negars, which the Governor and Cape Merchant bought for victualle," Rolfe wrote in a letter in January 1620, meaning that the colony purchased the slaves with provisions.

A 1620 census showed 17 African women and 15 African men in Jamestown.

Although sold into servitude, many of those original Angolans fared better than the millions of African slaves who came to North America later, said John Thorton, a Boston University professor of African American studies and history.

"They had a better chance at a better future than almost anybody who followed them because they were the first," Thorton said. "A lot of them ended up owning property, and they ended up owning slaves of their own."

By intermingling with the English colonists, some had children who ended up passing for white and merging into early colonial society, Thorton said.

Some, like the Catholic John Pedro, met with tragedy, Pearson said.

Pedro "ended up owning quite a bit of land in Virginia. When the English Civil War broke out, it was Protestants versus Catholics," Pearson said. Pedro moved to Maryland to live with other Catholics, but he was captured in a battle and executed.

Antony and Isabella became servants for a Captain William Tucker, gained their freedom around 1635 and started a homestead in Kent County, Virginia, Pearson said. Around 1623, they had a son named William Tucker who "became the first documented African child born in English-occupied North America."

Descendants of Antony and Isabella are buried at a Hampton cemetery that has been in use since the 1600s, Pearson said.

Knight has a different interpretation of those early records, concluding that Frances gave birth to Peter first, making him the first African child born in Virginia.

Described in later records as a "Negro carpenter," Peter married and received his freedom with the promise of paying 10,000 pounds of tobacco to his master around 1676. He made the last payment in 1682, Knight said.

Murphy, who wrote "Freedom Road: An American Family Saga from Jamestown to World War," said it's important for black people to know about these first Africans because it "helps us have more ownership of American history."

Pearson, whose organization plans to honor the anniversary of the Africans' arrival on Aug. 24, agrees.

"From here, we see the beginnings of the Africa imprint on what would become the United States of America. It's worth remembering."

___

Jesse J. Holland covers race and ethnicity for The Associated Press in Washington, D.C. Contact him at jholland@ap.org and at www.twitter.com/jessejholland and www.facebook.com/jessejholland .
Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.), long a climate change denier who in the past has relied on Bible verses to make his case, argued against the Green New Deal at a House hearing on Wednesday. (Photo: Glamour)

It took just 10 minutes for the attacks to begin.

Moments after he started speaking Wednesday morning before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) urged Democrats to accept that proposing top-down government requirements to rapidly decarbonize the U.S. and global economies may not be the most realistic way to address the climate change problem.

We should be open to the fact that wealth transfer schemes suggested in the radical policies like the Green New Deal may not be the best path, said Shimkus, who less than a decade ago deployed Bible verses to dismiss the realities of climate science.

Two congressional hearings on Wednesday morning  the first science-based discussions in the House focused on climate change in years  did little to move the needle on a long-stagnant policy debate on how to keep global warming from reaching temperatures with catastrophic consequences. But GOP opposition to a Green New Deal, the grassroots effort to dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions that has energized activists for months, was on full display.

Speaking shortly after Shimkus, Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) cited President Donald Trumps widely-criticized statements blaming poor forest management for the increasingly deadly and destructive wildfires scorching the West Coast.

The Green New Deal ignores many of these important elements of our energy strategy and it makes it difficult to meet our shared environmental goals, he said.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), the leading champion of a Green New Deal, arrives for the State of the Union address on Tuesday. (Photo: Getty Editorial)

Once a vague term for clean-energy stimulus, the Green New Deal re-emerged in the political discourse in mid-2018. A cadre of left-wing Democratic candidates began using it to describe plans to spend trillions of dollars on a national industrial strategy to zero out fossil fuel emissions and power the country with 100 percent renewables in a decade.

The proposals electrified a static debate that too often ranged from outright denialism of climate change by some to dubious market fixes offered by others. Scientists quickly praised the idea of a Green New Deal as the first policy on the scale of the climate crisis.

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In November, newly elected Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) positioned herself as the champion of the Green New Deal movement. After failing to persuade House Democratic leaders to establish a select committee on a Green New Deal, she began work on a sweeping new resolution outlining a transformative policy to guarantee high-wage clean energy jobs to millions of Americans and upgrade the nations crumbling infrastructure to withstand already-unavoidable extreme weather and sea level rise.

Despite years of partisan bickering over the realities of climate change, the idea proved popular. Eighty-one percent of registered voters said they supported the main goals of the Green New Deal in a poll released in December. That included 64 percent of Republicans and 57 percent of self-described conservative Republicans. Last month, another poll found a narrow majority of voters said they supported a Green New Deal even if it required raising taxes to fund it.

That did little to alter the objections from conservatives at Wednesdays hearings.

Rich Powell, the executive director of the conservative clean energy advocacy group ClearPath, complained that the emissions projected to come from new coal-fired plants in other countries, particularly India and China, would completely offset the climate benefits of the U.S. completely decarbonizing.

If supporters of a Green New Deal truly believe climate change is an existential threat, they should focus on global solutions, he said.

As HuffPost reported on Tuesday, the Green New Deal resolution Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) are expected to unveil this week does just that, calling on the nation to promote the international exchange of technology, expertise, products, funding and services with the aim to reclaim U.S. leadership on climate change to help other countries achieve a Green New Deal.

During a hearing by the House Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) dismissed the Green New Deal as an impossible, top-down proposal crafted by young, inexperienced politicians.

You only have to be 25 years old to be a member of Congress. We have young people that bring a lot of great qualities, but maybe they dont bring a lot of life experience, he said. I guess I can understand if someone has not had a lot of life experience and theyre proposing something thats extremely unrealistic  well, impossible. Impossible.

What I dont understand is adults and grownups, who are older and more mature, who are also advocating something thats impossible, he added, referring to several of the 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls.

The panels Republican members also made a point, in a Twitter post, of deriding the Green New Deal as not responsible policymaking.

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Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) resorted to misrepresenting the Green New Del proposal in arguing against it. He said he and other Republicans have real concerns about shuttering military bases around the globe and cutting military spending by 50 percent  proposals floated not by any congressional Democrats in the climate change debate but by Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein in 2016.

Gohmert told panel witness Rev. Lennox Yearwood, president of the national, nonprofit Hip Hop Caucus, that he found it interesting at the activist would support a Green New Deal, given Yearwoods previous service as an officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Chaplain Corps.

Insisting that a Green New Deal would mean slashing military spending, Gohmert said the effect would be to leave the U.S. basically indefensible, unable to protect itself against Russia, China or Islamic extremists.

Yearwood reminded Gohmert that the U.S. military has made clear that climate change looms as a threat to national security.

The Sunrise Movement, the grassroots group whose protests helped propel the Green New Deal into the mainstream political debate last year, was unfazed by the Republican opposition.

Any politician  Democrat or Republican  that doesnt back the Green New Deal is out of touch with what voters want, Stephen OHanlon, a spokesman for the group, said by phone.

The House hearings coincided with NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Wednesday releasing their annual global temperature analysis, which found that weather and climate disasters in 2018 resulted in 247 deaths and $91 billion in damages.

Related...

The Surprising Origins Of What Could Be The Medicare For All Of Climate Change

Green New Deal Has Overwhelming Bipartisan Support, Poll Finds. At Least, For Now.

Green New Deal Resolution Poised To Shake Up Democrats' Foreign Policy Debate

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Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax reportedly referred to the woman who recently accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2004 as a b**ch in a meeting with advisers Monday night, NBC News reported.

F**k that b**ch, Fairfax reportedly said during the private meeting.

Fairfaxs chief of staff, Lawrence Roberts, told the Washington Post that he was present during the meeting in question and denied that Fairfax denigrated Vanessa Tyson, the California professor who on Sunday accused Fairfax of sexually assaulting her in a Boston hotel room at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

Absolutely not true, Roberts said. I was there.

Fairfax, in a statement released Wednesday, admitted to becoming emotional during the Monday night meeting but called on the wider public to treat Tyson with respect.

I wish her no harm or humiliation, nor do I seek to denigrate her or diminish her voice, he said.

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The sexual-assault allegation leveled against Fairfax came as he was poised to succeed Governor Ralph Northam, who was called on by state and national Democrats to resign over the weekend after a racist photo featured on his 1984 medical-school-yearbook page emerged. The image depicts two men, one wearing blackface and another cloaked in a Ku Klux Klan uniform. Northam denies appearing in the photo, which he claims he saw the for the first time on Friday, and has resisted calls to resign.

Virginia attorney general Mark Herring also admitted on Wednesday to donning blackface to impersonate a popular rap artist when he was a 19-year-old undergraduate at the University of Virginia in 1980. Herring is second in the gubernatorial line of succession after Fairfax.

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PARIS (Reuters) - Renault has found evidence that it paid part of Carlos Ghosn's wedding costs and is preparing to turn the investigation over to prosecutors, two weeks after the French carmaker's scandal-hit chairman and chief executive was forced out.

An internal probe established that a 2016 sponsorship deal with the Chateau de Versailles included a 50,000 euro ($57,000) personal benefit to Ghosn, the carmaker said on Thursday, confirming a report in Le Figaro.

The carmaker replaced Ghosn on Jan. 24, more than two months after his arrest in Japan over allegations of financial misconduct uncovered by Renault's Japanese affiliate Nissan, which he also chaired.

Renault began its own examination of payments to Ghosn within days of his detention but had not flagged any irregularities until now.

Renault has discovered that "Mr Ghosn was accorded a personal benefit valued at 50,000 euros under the terms of a sponsorship contract with the Chateau de Versailles", the company said in a statement on Thursday.

"Renault has decided to bring these findings to the attention of the judicial authorities."

The office of Ghosn's Japanese lawyer Motonari Otsuru did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ghosn remains in detention in Tokyo with limited opportunity to respond publicly to allegations against him.

Renault had agreed before the wedding to sponsor 2.3 million euros of Versailles renovations in return for a credit granting the carmaker services from the chateau worth 25 percent of that amount, or 575,000 euros, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The rental fee was deducted from Renault's credit for use of the Grand Trianon at Versailles on Oct. 8, 2016, when Ghosn and his second wife Carole hosted their wedding reception at the 17th-century palace, the source said. The event had already attracted public attention for its opulence and Marie Antoinette-themed costumes.

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The Renault board was informed about the discovery on Wednesday, as reported by Le Figaro, the source added.

($1 = 0.8813 euros)

(Reporting by Laurence Frost; Editing by Richard Lough/Keith Weir)
PARIS  Renault has found evidence that it paid part of Carlos Ghosn's wedding costs and is preparing to turn the investigation over to prosecutors, two weeks after the French carmaker's scandal-hit chairman and chief executive was forced out.

An internal probe established that a 2016 sponsorship deal with the Chateau de Versailles included a 50,000 euro ($57,000) personal benefit to Ghosn, the carmaker said on Thursday, confirming a report in Le Figaro.

The carmaker replaced Ghosn on Jan. 24, more than two months after his arrest in Japan over allegations of financial misconduct uncovered by Renault's Japanese affiliate Nissan, which he also chaired.

Renault began its own examination of payments to Ghosn within days of his detention but had not flagged any irregularities until now.

Renault has discovered that "Mr Ghosn was accorded a personal benefit valued at 50,000 euros under the terms of a sponsorship contract with the Chateau de Versailles," the company said in a statement on Thursday.

"Renault has decided to bring these findings to the attention of the judicial authorities."

The office of Ghosn's Japanese lawyer Motonari Otsuru did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ghosn remains in detention in Tokyo with limited opportunity to respond publicly to allegations against him.

Renault had agreed before the wedding to sponsor 2.3 million euros of Versailles renovations in return for a credit granting the carmaker services from the chateau worth 25 percent of that amount, or 575,000 euros, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.



Le Figaro reported that the chateau allowed Ghosn to host his wedding reception on its grounds in exchange for Renault's donations to the Versailles estate, resplendent home to France's last kings.



The rental fee was deducted from Renault's credit for use of the Grand Trianon at Versailles on Oct. 8, 2016, when Ghosn and his second wife Carole hosted their wedding reception at the 17th-century palace, the source said. The event had already attracted public attention for its opulence and Marie Antoinette-themed costumes.

The Renault board was informed about the discovery on Wednesday, as reported by Le Figaro, the source added.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump suggested Thursday morning that Republicans could benefit in upcoming elections from the leadership crisis threatening three top Democrats in Virginia.

Democrats at the top are killing the Great State of Virginia, he tweeted. If the three failing pols were Republicans, far stronger action would be taken. Virginia will come back HOME Republican) in 2020!

Trumps remarks followed a number of revelations that have rocked the Virginia Democratic Party: Virginia Attorney General Mark Herrings revelations on Wednesday that he, too, once wore blackface in the 1980s, and a woman accusing the lieutenant governor of sexual assault released details of her claim against Justin Faifax.

Those details surfaced days after Gov. Ralph Northam -- under siege since Friday over a racist photo from his medical school yearbook page -- said he wore blackfacefor a Michael Jackson costume at a dance contest. Leadership on both sides of the aisle called for Northam's resignation.

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The photo, surfaced last week by the conservative website Big League Politics, depicted one person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe.

At first, the governor, 59, apologized for being in the photo, but Saturday, he said he was not pictured in the "offensive, racist photo."

During his apology, Northam did admit to blackening his face with shoe polish for a Michael Jackson costume at a dance contest in the 1980s.

On Wednesday, Herring said he and some friends dressed as rap artists at a party in 1980 when he was a 19-year-old undergraduate.

"It sounds ridiculous even now writing it, said Herring, who has said he would run for governor in 2021. But because of our ignorance and glib attitudes  and because we did not have an appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of others  we dressed up and put on wigs and brown makeup.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, in line to succeed Northam, issued a statement Wednesday vehemently denying sexual misconduct accusations against him. Herring is next in line after Fairfax. All three are Democrats.

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Fairfax's accuser, Vanessa Tyson, is a political science professor at Scripps College in California. A statement from her said she met Fairfax at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. She said they chatted from time to time and Fairfax invited her to go with him to his hotel room to pick up documents.

"What began as consensual kissing quickly turned into sexual assault," she said in the statement issued by her lawyers. She said he physically forced her to perform oral sex.

Fairfax said the accusations against him are false and that the encounter was consensual.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Trump suggests leadership crisis in Virginia could help Republicans in 2020 elections
As he stands to address the nation tonight, President Donald Trump represents a genuine crisis in the American political order, but it is not the crisis we hear about from rage-addled Democratic hyper-partisans and their media cheerleaders. The fundamental cause of our current convulsion  studiously ignored by almost all concerned  is this: In the United States, the ruling class does not rule. At least, it does not rule right now.

Consider the context.

The ladies and gentlemen of Goldman Sachs liked Mrs. Clinton a great deal in 2016, and their generous donations to her presidential campaign outnumbered their donations to Donald Trumps campaign by an incredible 70-to-1 margin. Mrs. Clinton was in fact the largest single recipient of Goldman Sachsaffiliated donations that year, whereas Trumps presidential campaign was way down the list behind not only Mrs. Clintons campaign but also the legislative campaigns of such Democrat powers as Steny Hoyer of Maryland, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and newcomer Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. The results were similar for many other financial firms: 19-to-1 at JPMorgan, 7-to-1 at Wells Fargo, 27-to-1 at Citigroup, 10-to-1 at Bank of New York, etc. Across the commercial banking industry nationwide, Mrs. Clinton out-raised Trump by a nearly 7-to-1 margin. She beat him 17-to-1 among venture capitalists, 8-to-1 among hedge funds, and 7-to-1 among private-equity firms.

Among people associated with Harvard, Mrs. Clintons donations outperformed Trumps by an an even more incredible 200 to 1. In fact, no Republican even cracked the top 15 at Harvard, and Marco Rubio, at No. 17, didnt even crack the six-digit mark  and the first of his five digits is a 1. At Princeton, it was Clinton 209-to-1. It was 128-to-1 at Yale.

Mrs. Clinton enjoyed a 100-to-1 margin of support among people associated with Facebook; 76-to-1 among Google employees; 135-to-1 at Apple. Mrs. Clinton beat Trump by only a 4-to-1 margin at Exxon Mobil and 3-to-1 at Walmart.

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Presumably, the votes of these donors were distributed in roughly the same way, along with their general sympathies and allegiances.

But money is not the only currency in politics.

Mrs. Clinton also enjoyed the endorsements of the former chairman and CEO of General Motors, the executive chairman of Delta, the former president of Boeing, the chairman and CEO of Salesforce, the founder and chairman of Costco, the CEO of Airbnb, the CEO of Netflix, the founder of DISH, the CEO emeritus of Qualcomm, the former CEO of Avon, the CEO of Tumblr, the former chairman and CEO of Time Warner, the chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, the owner of the Chicago Cubs, and many others. Intel CEO Brian Krzanich had planned to hold a Trump fund-raiser in his home and was bullied by his peers into canceling the event.

Among the nations 100 largest newspapers in 2016, only two  the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the Florida Times-Union  endorsed Donald Trump. Most endorsed Mrs. Clinton, and those included the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post. USA Today, which does not typically endorse candidates, did not endorse Mrs. Clinton but ran a not-Trump anti-endorsement, and other newspapers did so, too  more of them, in fact, than endorsed Trump.

Mrs. Clinton won the majority of the vote in almost every state capital  47 of them. Trump won Carson City, Bismarck, and Pierre, the micro-capitals, respectively, in Nevada, North Dakota, and South Dakota, with fewer residents combined among them than Chattanooga, Tenn. Mrs. Clinton won an average of 76 percent of the vote in the ten largest U.S. cities. Trump won a majority in none of them, nor was he close to a majority in any of them.

All Donald Trump won was a majority of the voters in a substantial majority of the states  30 states plus the second congressional district in Maine.

To Democrats, this is an obvious injustice and an outrage. Theirs is the politics of manifest destiny, with their endless Hegelian insistence that capital-H History is on their side. And not only History but Harvard and Goldman Sachs and Facebook, too. Their sense of entitlement to political power is just a smidgen short of Divine Right, but not much. The obstacle to fulfilling their entitlement is the structure and the constitutional order of the United States, which is neither a direct democracy such as Switzerlands nor a unitary state such as Chinas but a union of states. Hence the aspects of the American system that most reflect this arrangement  the Electoral College, the Senate, and the Bill of Rights  are regarded by the Left as illegitimate, a way to rig the system against History and The People.

The most dramatic example of this was Harry Reids attempt to nullify the First Amendment during his time as Democratic leader in the Senate, an initiative that enjoyed unanimous support among Senate Democrats. Democrats are if anything even more hostile to the Second Amendment than to the First, and they seek to strip the states of their constitutional political power through such means as abolishing the Electoral College, either formally or through such shenanigans as the national popular vote project.

Donald Trumps deficiencies as a man and an administrator are not the fundamental cause of the Cold Civil War. George W. Bush was denounced as illegitimate before him, George H. W. Bush as a callous extremist before him, Ronald Reagan as a dangerous dunce before him  every Republican president of my lifetime has been denounced as the most radical, most dangerous, most extreme, most unqualified in history. It is just barely possible that that is true, though highly unlikely, and the ones who didnt win  Mitt Romney, John McCain, even Bob Dole  were also denounced in the same terms. That Mitt Romney and Donald Trump are understood to be interchangeable commodities says a great deal more about the Democrats politics of Manifest Destiny than it does about Mitt Romney or Donald Trump.

The State of the Union Address, as I argue without much effect year after year, brings together much of what is worst in our politics: the presidency as desultory monarchy, the tribalism and daft Kremlinology of who stands and applauds or sits on his hands looking sullen, the irreconcilable differences and subsequent divorce between political promises and reality, the absurd ghastly grotesque and revolting pageantry of Washington, our own tawdry little Vanity Fair where everyone is striving for what is not worth having. The symbolic subordination of the House to the president  an evil that the donkey-souled Nancy Pelosi had an opportunity but not the guts to correct  is perhaps worst of all.

But while all eyes are on Donald J. Trump, think for a minute on what his presence there represents. And perhaps some of my Democratic-leaning friends and neighbors could at this point be men and women and citizens enough to forgo telling themselves a flattering just-so story, that President Trump is President Trump because of white supremacy, malevolent billionaires, and Christian fundamentalists, or  most risible of all  a little platoon of Russian trolls on Facebook. What Trump represents is the fact that while Wall Street and Harvard and Silicon Valley and the New York Times have one view of this country, its values, and its role in the world, a very large number of their fellow citizens  who are not monsters  have another view. And there are enough of them to win a presidential election, too.

There are many possible ways for the ruling class to respond to that political reality. One is to burrow into the cheap moralism characteristic of our times and insist that those who looked at the choices in 2016 and came to a different conclusion than did the executives of JPMorgan and Citigroup must be driven by some occult malevolence; this is Paul Krugmans argument, that good people cant be good Republicans. That is a sentiment unworthy of even so trifling and vicious a creature of the New York Times editorial page as Professor Krugman, who once was a highly regarded economist. Equally unworthy is the related sentiment: Our candidate got 2 percent more of the vote than their guy did in 2016, so its only technicalities keeping us out of power. Once we have rectified that, we will simply dominate the other side with our superior numbers. Never mind that those are only slightly superior numbers and that this advantage is not as fixed as the stars but like all things in the affairs of men subject to change. Is the domination of one group of citizens with their own way of life and their own values by another group of citizens with a different way of life and different values the best outcome? Is that what liberty is for?

As the polling consistently demonstrates, this division is not about policy. It is about hatred.

Even on such controversial issues as late-term abortion, there is a wide and deep consensus, and that holds true across many (indeed, most) of the broad policy questions. No, ours is a politics of hinterland Hutus and coastal Tutsis bound in mutual antagonism by status-jockeying, generations of real and imagined slights and offenses, and a sacramental politics centered on the devotion to the holy/unholy person of the president/pretender into which these resentments and insecurities are channeled. Because our politics has been made sacramental and focused on the person of the president, the State of the Union has been made into a liturgy. That is the only reason it commands such rapt attention. And that is the reason that it is a focus of intense hatred: The presidency is just one more bauble to be fought over, one more opportunity to exercise power, an instrument for the domination and humiliation of the other tribe.

As it happens, the tribe that has every other kind of power is for the moment denied the power of the presidency. And that tribe has gone mad. They recognized this madness when it infected the minds of the other tribe during the Barack Obama years, but it is in the nature of madness to fail to comprehend ones own madness. Never mind that all that shallow, slavering talk about the emoluments clause is an exact functional substitute for all that 20082016 nonsense about birth certificates, much of which was amplified and initiated by none other than the current president himself. As Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says, damn the facts and figures  these things are not factually correct but morally correct, which is whats really important. Or so they say.

The most radical idea in American politics right now is not taxing this or subsidizing that or any other dusty old relic of Chancellor Bismarcks ur-welfare state. The most radical idea in American politics is that it is possible to have a politics that is not oriented toward the domination and subordination of competing social groups but that instead seeks to enable Americans to seek fulfillment and human flourishing on their own terms in accordance with their own interests, values, and priorities.

But that will require abandoning the politics of manifest destiny and the idea that the HarvardWall StreetNew York Times view of the republic and the good life is the only legitimate one or that it even ought to be considered normative, a national default position from which deviation must be formally justified. It requires the supersession of the politics of tribalism by the politics of neighborliness, which proceeds from the axiom that We are all in this together is not a synonym for One size fits all.

Perhaps that is difficult to see from Cambridge, Brooklyn, or Austin. President Trump is many things, including a middle finger in human form raised to those places by the residents of another America who are trying, desperately, to tell them something, but who have trouble making themselves heard in the New York Times, in Silicon Valley, in the boardrooms, on campus, and even in their own state capitals, where the ruthlessly enforced homogeneity of intellectual and public life leaves our ruling class in a state of almost pristine ignorance of the facts about those whom they would presume to rule.

But rather than make that effort, the party of the Ivy League, Silicon Valley, General Motors, 94301, the Washington Post, Hollywood, Wall Street, etc., will offer  what? Another lecture on privilege?

Ever hearing, but never understanding, ever seeing, but never perceiving.

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North Carolina Congressman Patrick McHenry (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: House.gov, AP)

Patrick McHenry sees his younger self in a lot of the new stars in Congress who have arrived in Washington as political celebrities. He was once a young wunderkind himself.

When I got elected, I was the classic young man in a hurry. Classic, McHenry, a North Carolina congressman and the fourth-ranking Republican in the House, said in an interview for the Yahoo News podcast The Long Game.

First elected to Congress in 2004, McHenrys ascent into leadership over the last several years followed a painful learning process, he said, that was a direct result of spending his first few years in office as a publicity hound.

McHenry was the subject of a 5,000-word profile in Washington Monthly during his first year in office. Then just 29 years old, the piece described him as eager to go on cable TV anytime, anywhere, to talk about anything.

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McHenry isnt a fan of the piece, but acknowledges that it captured key aspects of his younger self.

My first three years I did everything wrong you can do wrong as a member of Congress that is neither unethical nor illegal, he said. I was going to be a warrior  Basically, Im going to fight Democrats.

Any [cable TV] request I would take. I would speak on the House floor, it didnt matter what it was about, McHenry said. My first three years in Congress, I spoke more than I did the next eight.

It took McHenry four years to undo the self-inflicted damage hed done in his first three years, he said. I wasnt picking my battles well, nor did I have expertise in a specific area that I could be a leader in that area, nor did I have deep and meaningful relationships, McHenry said.

Now, McHenry said, he often counsels new members of Congress through the lens of his experience. Some fellow lawmakers listen, he said.

Others Ive had this conversation with and theyve doubled down on what is a dumb approach, McHenry said.

McHenry didnt name names, but on the Republican side, there has been a reliable roster of members who have made a career out of saying outrageous things that get them booked on cable news and that stoke anger among Democrats while riling up their supporters. Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas has played this role for years, and more recently Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida has attracted media attention using the same approach.

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Conservative intellectual Yuval Levin talked to The Long Game about public figures using institutions like Congress as a platform for self-promotion, rather than viewing it as an organization with a mission larger than one person, a mold that forms individuals who commit themselves to serving inside the institution. President Trump, Levin has argued, is the perfect example of someone who uses his office to perform and promote himself rather than submitting himself to the strictures and traditions of the presidency.

Download or subscribe on iTunes: The Long Game by Yahoo News

McHenry has become a fan of the larger mission versus self-promotion idea, and he said that moving away from an obsession with the spotlight and focusing on building relationships and trust with other lawmakers  and not being in a rush to do so  was key to putting himself on the path to influence in the House.

Its a lesson similar to the one learned by a Democrat who was a congresswoman for six years and who was elected just last fall to the U.S. Senate from Arizona: Kyrsten Sinema. In her 2009 book, Unite and Conquer, Sinema describes arriving in the Arizona state Legislature looking to wage combat, and then realizing that this approach was unproductive.

A person who chooses to be a bomb thrower in the legislature is choosing to remove himself or herself from the work of the body: negotiating on bills, working to find compromises, and sometimes teaming up with unusual allies to promote or kill legislation, Sinema wrote. This person plays an important role at the capitol because he or she calls out the body on a regular basis  However the bomb thrower has made a choice  whether consciously or not  to be excluded from the actual process of negotiating proposed legislation. You cant play both roles in the legislature.

It took some personal transformation, she wrote, for her to be effective.

McHenry has undergone his own metamorphosis, he said. He was not pessimistic or dour, however, about the modern Congress or about its new stars. At the same time, he does not think that Congress is going to reach an agreement on border security anytime soon, and he thinks another government shutdown may be in the cards.

Im skeptical a deal comes to fruition this early on  in the calendar year and in Speaker Pelosis speakership, McHenry said.

He hopes that Congress passes a series of continuing resolutions to keep the government open while negotiations between the two parties continue, because he does think the expiration of the current debt limit, sometime between March and early summer, will be a lever that puts pressure on both Trump and Democrats to reach a deal.

Later in this calendar year we have a better opportunity for larger issues to be resolved, he said.

McHenry also thinks a move by Trump to declare emergency powers to build a border well is not the wisest strategy.

I dont think its the best first choice, he said.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
By Rod Nickel WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) - Canada's struggling oil industry is looking to what is known as partial upgrading technology to thin its sludge-like crude and squeeze more of it through congested pipelines. It is the latest effort by the Alberta provincial government to rescue an industry hurt last year by steep discounts for its oil, as production far exceeded pipeline capacity. The government has already forced output cuts, given subsidies to petrochemical plants and said it would invest in trains to move crude. Alberta in January announced a C$440 million loan guarantee for a C$2-billion partial upgrading facility planned by private company Value Creation. The Edmonton-area plant would turn 77,500 barrels per day (bpd) of diluted bitumen into medium crude oil and low-sulfur diesel, starting in 2022. Producing a medium grade would give the world's fourth-largest producer more of a different type of crude to sell that does not compete with abundant U.S. light shale oil. Most of the oil produced in Canada is thick, heavy crude that comes from northern Alberta's oil sands. Some is then put through a full upgrading process at great cost, turning that crude into synthetic light oil. Other heavy crude must be diluted with light oil - an extra expense - to travel through pipelines. "Our crude oil would have a tailor fit to refineries, so we would have no problem to find the market," Value Creation Chief Executive Columba Yeung said in an interview. Partial upgrading is not yet done on a commercial scale anywhere. It removes sulfur and other impurities to create lighter grades of oil that do not require dilution to move through pipelines, lowering costs and making shipping more efficient. In 2018, the United States imported 2.4 million barrels of medium, sour crude per day, only 15 percent of which came from Canada, according to IHS Markit. "There's a case to be made for product diversification," said IHS Vice President Kevin Birn. The timing for partial upgrading comes with risks, however. Alberta's New Democratic Party government is facing a tough spring election, and by the time the first upgrader is finished in 2022, additional pipeline capacity may be open, reducing the urgency to remove diluent from shipments to free up space. The opposition United Conservative Party would review the viability of any subsidized energy projects if it forms a government, said Prasad Panda, the party's energy critic. Several pipelines in the works would raise Canadas export capacity to 5.5 million bpd, creating a surplus of space until 2030, according to the Canadian Energy Research Institute. Yeung counters that additional pipelines would only enhance opportunities for partially upgraded oil to reach markets. Developers of a dozen partial upgrading technologies, including MEG Energy Corp, are undeterred, however, and hope Value Creation's plant is only the first. Among the other companies grappling with ways to help alleviate Alberta's problem is Calgary-based Fractal Systems, which intends to profit mainly by removing and reselling diluent from heavy crude. Field Upgrading has a tiny 10 bpd pilot plant that it hopes to scale up to 10,000 bpd by 2022 to produce low-sulfur heavy oil suitable for marine shipping. The technology produces fuel compliant with tougher shipping emission requirements that take effect next year, said co-founder Neil Camarta. "It's really important that we get some of these technologies out of the lab and into development, because there's potential there," Camarta said. (Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Editing by Tom Brown)
By Rod Nickel and Devika Krishna Kumar

Feb 7 (Reuters) - A portion of TransCanada Corp's Keystone oil pipeline remained shut on Thursday for investigation of a possible leak on its right-of-way near St. Louis, Missouri, a company spokesman said.

TransCanada shut the pipeline down on Wednesday between Steele City, Nebraska and Patoka, Illinois and dispatched crews to assess the situation, spokesman Terry Cunha said in an email.

The 590,000 barrels-per-day Keystone pipeline is a critical artery taking Canadian crude from northern Alberta to U.S. refineries. Canadian pipelines are already congested, due to expanding production in recent years, forcing the Alberta provincial government to order production cuts starting last month.

Canadian heavy oil has attracted greater demand due to U.S. sanctions against Venezuela's state oil company.

The discount on Canadian heavy crude compared to U.S. light oil widened to $10.15 per barrel on Thursday morning from $9.40 earlier, according to Net Energy Exchange.

TransCanada shares eased 0.2 percent to C$55.98 in Toronto.

An official with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources told Reuters on Wednesday that the release of oil had stopped and it planned to find the leak on Thursday.

A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) could not be immediately reached.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday. (Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Devika Krishna Kumar in New York Editing by Alistair Bell)
Islamabad (AFP) - One of Pakistan's leading women's rights activists has been released from police custody, she told AFP Thursday, after Amnesty International said she and others had been detained "arbitrarily".

Gulalai Ismail was arrested along with 17 other members of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), a peaceful organisation defending the rights of ethnic Pashtuns, during a protest in Islamabad on Tuesday.

"It was very painful for my family, who tool 30 hours to know where I was," she told AFP, adding that she had been freed late Wednesday.

She was separated from the other activists, she said, and was not placed under official arrest.

"They didn't charge me with anything. They didn't let me contact my lawyer. They just kept moving me around," she said.

"You cannot arrest citizens and just disappear them."

An Islamabad police official dealing with the case swept the claims aside.

Police follow "a proper procedure and her claims of an encounter are unthinkable," he told AFP, referring to extra-judicial murders, or "encounter killings" as they are commonly known in Pakistan.

He accused Ismail and the other activists of uttering "anti-state slogans".

Ismail was briefly detained in October after speaking at another PTM meeting. Her brief disappearance this week has inflamed social networks, with the hashtag #WhereIsGulalai going viral.

She has been freed, but "as a human rights defender, she is still not safe," said Rabia Mehmood, a researcher for Amnesty International.

"It is really alarming that peaceful protests are constantly targeted by the Pakistani state," she added.

The PTM is demanding, among other things, an end to what it says are enforced disappearances and extra-judicial murders of ethnic Pashtuns by police and other security officials.

Ismail is also the co-founder of Aware Girls, an NGO that promotes gender equality. She has received several international awards.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez clapped back at a Wall Street Journal columnist who tweeted that the New York Democrat looked sullen, teenaged and at a loss, during President Donald Trumps State of the Union address.

AOC had a rare bad night, looking not spirited, warm and original as usual but sullen, teenaged and at a loss, Peggy Noonan tweeted to her followers on Tuesday night after the president completed his speech.

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Ms Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive firebrand vocally critical of the president, looked aloof and unmoved during most of Mr Trumps address with the exception of a moment when he acknowledged the record-breaking number of women serving in Congress.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez responded to Ms Noonan by questioning why she should insincerely react approvingly to Mr Trumps speech when he offer any plan, any vision at all, for our future.

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Why should I be spirited and warm for this embarrassment of a #SOTU? the Bronx-born congresswoman tweeted, addressing Ms Noonan. Tonight was an unsettling night for our country. The president failed to offer any plan, any vision at all, for our future. Were flying without a pilot. And Im not here to comfort anyone about that fact.

The 29-year-old lawmaker and other Democratic congresswomen wore white in the House chamber on Tuesday night to pay tribute to the suffragettes, womens rights, and equality.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez also wore a pin honouring Jakelin Caal, the Guatemalan child migrant who died under Border Patrol custody.
South Korea's first lady Kim Jung-sook, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju toast during a luncheon, in this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 21, 2018. KC

Sung-Yoon Lee

Security, Asia

"The train of events that Donald Trump has unwittingly unleashed is the nuclear proliferation of Northeast Asia."

North Korea and Americas Second Summit: Heres What Sung-Yoon Lee Thinks Will Happen

Editors Note: Want more ideas on what will happen at the summit? Check out all 76 expert opinions we gathered here.

Moved by an illusory chance to make history, President Trump jumped at the first opportunity for summit pageantry. Thus, Trump fell right into the North Korean dictators trap of ensnaring the United States in a labyrinthian process of protracted negotiations during which Pyongyang buys time and money with which to perfect its nuclear posture review. The second summit is the predictable Act II of a tragedy in-the-making, written and directed by Kim:

1. Raise the adversarys hopes and expectations by making more false promises and granting illusory concessions like opening up or decommissioning an old site or two.

2. Wrest away from Washington real concessions like the non-enforcement of sanctions and sanctions relief.

3. Build further trust by compelling the U.S. to sign a peace agreement, thus setting the stage for the slowdown of U.S. support for South Korea, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of U.S. Forces in Korea.

North Korea will ride the momentum of rapprochement and seek a Third Act that will further solidify its extortionist posture toward the South and its international standing as a nuclear power. At a point of its choosing Pyongyang will punctuate Act IV with a thermonuclear test in outer space, as it threatened in September 2017. In blaming U.S. non-compliance and hostile policy for its act, North Korea will be accepted as an irreproachable, veritable nuclear state.

Kim Jong-un will seek to close out Act V by absorbing in whole the nuclear-free, risk-averse Korean state south of the border, thus fulfilling the highest stated mission of the Workers Party of Korea of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea: complete the Juche Revolution by achieving the independent reunification of the fatherland.

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That is, unless South Korea shapes up and stands up to the North, embarking on a nuclear path itself.

While such a bold switchover in policy will not take place under the current Moon administration, South Koreas nuclearization will increasingly become a taboo-free point of debate and the prevailing policy desire of the South Korean people. The choice between Vietnamization, i.e., communization by the North, and state survival through effecting nuclear parity with Pyongyang, will become starkly clear. In the face of international opprobrium, South Korea will argue that it, too, like the United Kingdom and France, can be a responsible, proliferation-resistant nuclear state.

Quo vadis Japan?

The train of events that Donald Trump has unwittingly unleashed is the nuclear proliferation of Northeast Asia.

Sung-Yoo Lee is a Kim Koo-Korea Foundation Professor of Korean Studies and Assistant Professor at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. He is a former research fellow with the National Asia Research Program, a joint initiative by the National Bureau of Asia Research and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and former associate in research at the Korea Institute, Harvard University.

Image: Reuters

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South Korean soldiers stand guard while removing landmines inside of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on October 2, 2018 in Cheorwon, South Korea. Picture taken October 2, 2018. Song Kyung-Seok/Pool via REUTERS

Jihwan Hwang

Security, Asia

"If they want to make another historic event, they should produce a more advanced and detailed agreement than the first one."

North Korea and Americas Second Summit: Heres What Jihwan Hwang Thinks Will Happen

Editors Note: Want more ideas on what will happen at the summit? Check out all 76 expert opinions we gathered here.

As President Trump mentioned, North Korea neither conducted a new nuclear test nor test-fired long-range missiles in 2018. Three American detainees also came back home. The progress was quite influenced by the first historic summit. However, the results of the Singapore summit were not that satisfactory. Trump failed to include the CVID (Complete, Verifiable, Irreversible Denuclearization) in the Joint Statement that he wanted so much. Everyone was surprised to see the short and simple agreement. Trump had to explain the significance of the summit for more than an hour in the press conference. Nonetheless, it was the historic summit that no other U.S. president could achieve before. Kim Jong-un was also able to build a new image in the international community.

Then what should Trump and Kim agree to at the second summit? If they want to make another historic event, they should produce a more advanced and detailed agreement than the first one. If not, the negotiation will be stalled, and it may be the beginning of the end of a short-term detente. A time of serious crisis may follow. At least, they should produce a small deal. The Singapore statement was quite comprehensive on denuclearization and the meaning of a peaceful regime. Now, it is time for more details. In particular, it is necessary to clarify the sequencing of how denuclearization and a peaceful regime will be implemented in a phased manner. North Korea wants the U.S. to lift economic sanctions and agree to the declaration of the end of the Korean War. The U.S. wants North Korea to take substantial measures on denuclearization by implementing the reporting and verification of nuclear and missile materials and facilities.

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A detailed agreement must be made in advance at the working level. In Singapore, diplomats failed in reaching such an agreement. If the second summit is to be another historic event, the working-level negotiation should be successful. Neither Trump nor Kim can take the risk of an unsuccessful summit, given their situation at home and abroad. The world wants to see the specific timeline and sequencing for denuclearization and peace regime. There is also a need for consensus on the concept of peace. Trump appears to think that peace can be secured if denuclearization is achieved. Kim believes that peace is possible only when U.S.-North Korean relations are transformed fundamentally. While Trump sees peace in the short term, Kims perspective is quite long term. Resolving the gap will ultimately be the key to the successful agreement for a small deal.

Jihwan Hwang is an Associate Professor at the University of Seoul. He has published many articles, including The Paradox of South Koreas Unification Diplomacy: Moving beyond a State-Centric Approach.

Image: Reuters

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Participants form a map of Korean peninsula at Mass Games in May Day stadium marking the 70th anniversary of North Korea's foundation in Pyongyang, North Korea, September 9, 2018. Picture taken September 9, 2018. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

Philip Yun

Security, Asia

"Bottom lineKim Jong-un needs a win at the second summit, but Donald Trump needs a win more badly."

North Korea and Americas Second Summit: Heres What Philip Yun Thinks Will Happen

Editors Note: Want more ideas on what will happen at the summit? Check out all 76 expert opinions we gathered here.

While anything is possible with Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump, there is little chance North Korea will agree to give up its nuclear weapons program any time soon. Yet, this summitassuming it happensbegs one critical question that may predict what transpires: who needs a deal more?

Surprising to some, Kim Jong-un is indeed subject to home pressures that affect how much he can give. But we have little sense of those constraints because North Korean internal dynamics are a big black hole.

On the other hand, the domestic stresses on Trump could not be more apparent  the slow constricting nature of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation; the political hangover from the federal government shutdown; and the increased scrutiny from Democratic House investigations besieging Cabinet members, federal agencies and White House staff.

Bottom lineKim Jong-un needs a win at the second summit, but Donald Trump needs a win more badly. And whats more critical is that Kim Jong-un knows the score.

The most likely outcome (75%): North Korea agrees to expand its nuclear weapons testing and missile moratorium and declare a few weapons facilities (but no full accounting of all assets). In return, the US begins to make good on its Singapore promises to establish new U.S.-DPRK relations and create a lasting and stable peace regime in Koreasome form of a declaration to end the Korean War, a bit of sanctions relief, and perhaps liaison offices. Look for a mention of US-South military exercises. Most importantly, talks continue.

One unlikely outcome (10%): Kim or Trump overplays their hands, walking away to show strength, confounding critics; but there will remain a glimmer that all can be patched up.

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Another unlikely outcome (15%): Trump agrees to something that rattles our allies, South Korea and Japanthe U.S. accepts North Korean promises to dismantle only its long-range missile program in exchange for sanctions relief and normalization, with nothing concrete on denuclearization or short-range missiles. The U.S. makes concession related to U.S. troops on the Korean Peninsula or agrees to permanently cease military exercises with South Korea.

Whatever the results, count on this second summit being a media spectacle that both publicity loving leaders seek to exploit. Both will claim a victory. There will be big smiles and vigorous handshakes. But make no mistake, there is still much work ahead and even bigger risks.

Philip W. Yun is the Executive Director and COO of Ploughshares Fund. He has previously served as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. You can follow him on Twitter at @PhilipYun_PF.

Image: Reuters

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South Korean President Moon Jae-in talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as they watch an art performance at Pyongyang Grand Theatre in Pyongyang, North Korea, September 18, 2018. Pyeongyang Press Corps/Pool via REUTERS

Joseph Cirincione, Catherine Killough

Security, Asia

"If the Trump administration could secure anything close to the Agreed Framework, it would be a huge step forward. But the costs have increased now that North Korea boasts a sizable nuclear arsenal."

North Korea and Americas Second Summit: Heres What Joe Cirincione and Catherine Killough Think Will Happen

Editors Note: Want more ideas on what will happen at the summit? Check out all 76 expert opinions we gathered here.

Much of the worry over the second U.S.-North Korea summit has to do with President Trump rather than Kim Jong-un. It is Trumps recklessness rather than Kims stubbornness that threatens this nuclear diplomacy. Will Trump concede too much, or declare victory too soon? Will this be just another photo op?

U.S. intelligence agencies conclude that North Korea is unlikely to give up its nuclear weapons, as it sees them as key to the regimes survival. We agree. But can we change their security calculus? Maybe. Former Commander of UN and U.S. Forces in Korea Vincent K. Brooks, believes Kim may be serious about reducing his nuclear force. He has moved in a different direction, Brooks told the PBS NewsHour. Can trust be built sufficiently to overcome so many decades of distrust and expectation of failure? Thats the challenge that is ahead right now.

U.S.-North Korea relations have been a tinderbox for decadesone that President Trump came dangerously close to igniting in 2017. Too much of our policy has been uninformed or superficial. We kicked the nuclear can down the road for far too long and failed to prioritize diplomatic solutions to the problem. Now it is in the hands of one of the most irresponsible presidents in American history.

There were some past successes, and the Trump administration could learn from them. President Bill Clinton forged the 1994 Agreed Framework, a landmark nuclear deal that froze North Koreas plutonium production and prevented it from making as many as 100 nuclear weapons over 8 years. John Bolton killed it, using North Koreas secret research into uranium enrichment as the excuse. This was the hammer I had been looking for to shatter the Agreed Framework, Bolton bragged.

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If the Trump administration could secure anything close to the Agreed Framework, it would be a huge step forward. But the costs have increased now that North Korea boasts a sizable nuclear arsenal. Washington must be prepared to deal, and deal hard. It can start by testing Kims goals. Does he seek, as Gen. Brooks believes, a completely new set of relationships in Northeast Asia, most especially with the United States? We must test this with dialogue and serious security guarantees. This may be our last best chance. Without conversation, says Brooks, we go right back to where we were in 2016 and 2017, with the great potential of miscalculation on one another's actions.

Joseph Cirincione is president of the Ploughshares Fund, a global security foundation.

Catherine Killough is the Roger L. Hale fellow at the Ploughshares Fund.

You can follow them on Twitter at @Cirincione and @CatKillough.

Image: Reuters

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People take part in celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of North Korea's foundation in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this undated photo released September 10, 2018 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS -

Ashley Feng

Security, Asia

"The Trump administration should include in any deal the disclosure of North Koreas proliferation finance networks."

North Korea and Americas Second Summit: Heres What Ashley Feng Thinks Will Happen

Editors Note: Want more ideas on what will happen at the summit? Check out all 76 expert opinions we gathered here.

At the end of February, U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un will reportedly meet for the second time. The summit promises to be much like the firstshowy, with limited steps towards the denuclearization of North Korea. Still, Pyongyang is likely to demand substantial sanctions relief in exchange for any moves, including largely symbolic dismantlement gestures. So what should Trump ask for in return? Rather than just focusing on missiles and nuclear materials, Washington should follow the money. In exchange for the limited licensing of some commercial projects, the Trump administration should include in any deal the disclosure of North Koreas proliferation finance networks.

Rogue states frequently use both licit and illicit financial means to support their weapons of mass destruction programs. North Korea, in particular, exploits financial networks in places like China, Ethiopia, and even the United States to sustain its weapons programs, presenting a lasting threat to true peace on the peninsula. Despite international and U.S. sanctions, the Unha-3 rocket, which North Korea used to launch a satellite into orbit in 2012, contained components from many major Western economies.

While pushing for the disclosure of North Koreas financial networks abroad bilaterally, the U.S. government should also pursue this problem multilaterally. The United States could work with like-minded partners in the region, like Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia, encouraging cooperation between high-risk jurisdictions. More specifically, the Treasury Department could launch a pilot partnership with these countries, sharing trade and financial data to fully understand the breadth of the proliferation threats and risks.

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Notwithstanding the completion of a peace agreement, only by dismantling North Koreas financial networks that enable them to enrich the pockets of the regime, and by extension, their weapons programs, can the international community best ensure peace on the Korean peninsula.

Ashley Feng is a research assistant for the Energy, Economics, and Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, focusing on East Asia and China. Previously, she was a China Studies Research Associate at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Image: Reuters

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The National Organization for Women (NOW) called on Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax to resign Wednesday in response to the sexual assault allegation leveled against him earlier this week.

Dr. Vanessa Tyson has made the brave decision to come forward and reveal in her own words what happened between her and Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax during the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. Her story is horrifying, compelling and clear as day  and we believe her, NOW president Toni Van Pelt said in a statement.

We believe and support survivors. We always believe and support survivors.This is more important than who is going to be the next governor of Virginia, he continued. This isnt about politics. Its about a woman who has experienced sexual assault  a serious crime  at the hands of a powerful man, who is now attacking her character. In order to tear down the systemic and toxic sexism in this country, we must speak out against it. Enough is enough.

The call for Fairfaxs resignation comes just hours after Tyson, an associate politics professor at Scripps College in California, released a detailed statement accusing Fairfax of forcing her to perform oral sex on him in a hotel room during the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston.

Fairfax immediately denied the allegation after it became public Sunday evening, and cited the Washington Posts refusal to publish the account to substantiate his denial.

Tysons allegation emerged just as Fairfax appeared poised to succeed Ralph Northam as governor of Virginia. Northam is facing a nearly unanimous call to resign from prominent Democrats outraged over the emergence of a racist photo on his 1984 medical school year book page.

Virginia attorney general Mark Herring, who would ascend to the governorship should Northam and Fairfax both resign, also admitted Wednesday to wearing blackface to a party when he was an undergraduate at the University of Virginia in 1980.

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The alarm sounded at 4 a.m. and I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed. We had a long drive ahead of us, and my husband, Led, was eager to get on the water. Before too long, our friends Chase and Courtney arrived and we were ready to hit the road. It is about two hours from our home to Lake
The Arizona nurse accused of raping a severely disabled woman in Arizona has pleaded not guilty. The crime was discovered after the woman gave birth unexpectedly in December at the long-term care facility where she had been resident. Other carers at the facility indicated that they had not noticed the woman was pregnant.

Nathan Sutherland appeared in court wearing an orange jumpsuit and shackles on Tuesday in Maricopa County Superior Court, where he faces charges of sexual assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult.

Mr Sutherland, who is a licensed practical nurse and has worked at the Hacienda Healthcare Skilled Nursing Facility since 2012, is being held on $500,000 bail.

The charges followed an investigation by police which allegedly linked him to the case through DNA evidence.

On Tuesday, Mr Sutherlands lawyer, Dave Gregan, said that he will work to uphold Mr Sutherlands process rights.

Police say that the baby is doing well and is in the care of the womans family.

The woman has been in the facility for nearly two decades. She was initially described by authorities as comatose, but her parents have since then clarified that she can respond to sounds and make facial gestures.

She can also move her limbs, head and neck to some degree, they say.
Murder victim found in Greenwich identified as 24-year-old New Rochelle woman originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

The young woman whose body was found bound in a suitcase in Greenwich, Connecticut, has been identified as Valerie Reyes, 24, of New Rochelle, New York, officials said.

The gruesome discovery was made on Tuesday morning. Reyes' body was in a suitcase along the side of a Greenwich road and her hands and feet were bound, authorities said.

PHOTO: A young woman's bound body was discovered in a suitcase along the side of a road in Greenwich, Conn., Feb. 5, 2019. (WABC)

Reyes was last seen on Tuesday, Jan. 29 and was reported missing to the New Rochelle Police Department, Greenwich Police Capt. Robert Berry said in a statement.

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Reyes' mother, Norma Sanchez, told ABC New York station WABC-TV that her daughter, who occasionally suffered from anxiety and depression, had been fearing for her life.

"She didn't mention no one specific, she just mentioned, 'I'm really really scared. I'm paranoid, Mommy, I'm getting anxiety attacks,'" Sanchez told WABC.

PHOTO: An undated photo of murder victim Valerie Reyes of New Rochelle, N.Y. (Released by Greenwich Police Dept.)

(MORE: 'There's a murderer on the loose': Mystery of woman's bound body found inside suitcase haunts Greenwich, Conn.)

Reyes recently had a boyfriend and Sanchez said they broke up days before she went missing.

Sanchez asked her daughter if someone threatened her, and asked about her ex, but Reyes said no, Sanchez told WABC.

Sanchez said she started to "panic" when the 24-year-old vanished.

PHOTO: An undated photo of murder victim Valerie Reyes of New Rochelle, N.Y. (Released by Greenwich Police Dept.)

"It was odd. That's not Val at all," Sanchez told WABC. "I feel like there's so many questions I have, and I'm sure they are doing their investigation, but I think I need to know."

Sanchez described her daughter as humble, strong minded and unique. Reyes was creative, Sanchez said, and enjoyed nature, reading and art.

Reyes had spent the last two-and-a-half years working at a Barnes & Noble store in Eastchester, New York, according to the company.

"The entire Barnes & Noble community is grieving the loss of our beloved employee," read a statement from the company. "Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time."

Story continues

(MORE: Woman gunned down in her driveway in 'monstrous' attack caught on video)

As the hunt for Reyes' killer continues, Berry said "many pieces of possible physical evidence were collected and results from forensic analysis are pending."

PHOTO: A young woman's bound body was discovered in a suitcase along the side of a road in Greenwich, Conn., Feb. 5, 2019. (WABC)

Reyes' cause of death has not been confirmed, Berry said.

Greenwich Police are working with New Rochelle Police on the case, Berry said.

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Greenwich sits along the New York-Connecticut state border. New Rochelle is about 12 miles south of Greenwich.

Greenwich investigators "have received a multitude of tips," Berry said, adding they "are asking the public for any information they may possess concerning Valerie and/or her disappearance."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Greenwich Police tip line at (203) 622-3333.
The Harley-Davidson-themed Ford F-150, a concept model that went on display last August at the motorcycle brand's 115th Anniversary event, turned out to be so popular and highly-requested that -- at long last -- the motorcycle-styled pickup truck that was in production for over a decade in the early 2000s will be put back on the market.

Last August, specialty vehicle manufacturer Tuscany Motor Co. resurrected the Harley-Davidson-themed pickup in honor of H-D's 115th anniversary; on Wednesday CNET's Roadshow reported that this concept is making a comeback for the Chicago Auto Show, and this time, a production model version will be center stage.

In fact, this is not the first time that a Harley-Davidson - Ford F-150 has been available for purchase; from 2000 to 2012, an H-D Edition was available as an optional package from Ford on the F-150. Over the course of those years, the package was altered and made available for additional truck models, but 2012 was the final year to purchase one of those motorcycle-themed pickups -- until 2019.

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For the most part, the newest limited-availability Harley-Davidson F-150 closely resembles the concept model that was shown off last year including the 22" Fat Boy milled aluminum wheels, the updated ram-air hood with Raptor-style inserts, the aggressively-styled LED-equipped front bumper, and the Harley orange detailing around the grille and custom H-D badging. Naturally with a special edition truck comes a hearty, custom lift-kit and new set of high performance shock absorbers.

The iconic Harley orange makes its way to the interior, as well, making an appearance in the new, diamond-stitched upholstery and handful of H-D badges integrated throughout the cabin. Beyond the brushed metal dash, the F-150's standard 5.0-liter V8 engine can be found under the hood but can be upgraded to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6.

While Tuscany Motor Co. will be manufacturing the H-D trucks, the model is already available for ordering online. They'll be available at Ford dealerships across the US starting at $84,995, nearly $57,000 more than the standard 2019 F-150.
2/19/18 3:33:24 PM -- Mclean, VA U.S.A -- A view of the Gannett sign outside the Valo Park office building. -- Photo by Jasper Colt, USA TODAY Staff ORG XMIT: JC 136984 2/22/2018 [Via MerlinFTP Drop]

A hedge fund-owned newspaper company with its eyes on Gannett Co. is launching a hostile bid to take control of Gannett's board of directors.

MNG Enterprises Inc., also known as Digital First Media, notified Gannett of its plans to nominate six directors to its board, Gannett confirmed in a Thursday press release.

The move sets the stage for a high-stakes tug of war between the two media companies over control of Gannett, which owns USA TODAY, more than 100 local media brands and digital marketing assets such as ReachLocal and SweetIQ.

Gannett on Monday said its board had unanimously rejected MNG's unsolicited bid to buy the company for $12 per share, saying it was not "credible."

Gannett shareholders will ultimately vote on whether to elect new board members, keep the current slate or choose a mix. Names of nominees were not immediately available.

The Gannett board currently has 10 members. It will be reduced to nine after the company's next stockholder meeting, according to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Of hostile campaigns for board seats "that went all the way to a vote by shareholders since 2001, the companies prevailed about 56 percent of the time, activists won 36 percent of the time and each side won some candidates 8 percent of the time, according to FactSet data analyzed by FTI Consulting in 2015.

In a statement, Gannett said it "will consider whether MNG is nominating these candidates to support its acquisition proposal, which the board has already rejected, and whether MNGs proposed nominees are committed to acting in the best interests of all of Gannetts shareholders, or are beholden to MNG."

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Digital First, majority owned by New York hedge fund Alden Global Capital, operates daily and weekly publications including the Denver Post and the Boston Herald.

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MNG, which holds a 7.5 percent ownership stake in Gannett, has argued it can do a better job with the business. MNG representatives did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment Thursday

Gannett has said that MNG lacks a clear plan to advance Gannett operations and lacks the clear ability to finance the deal.

Gannett's stock rose 1.4 percent Thursday in after-hours trading to $11.15. It closed at $11 in regular trading.

Digital First has gained a reputation for relentless cost-cutting at its newspapers, but media analysts say it's unlikely the company can slash significant costs to bolster profitability at Gannett, which has gone through significant downsizing in recent years.

Rather, boosting digital advertising and subscriptions is widely viewed as the most viable route to sustainability in the media business.

"The current state of play means the low-hanging fruit has already been picked and the ability to cut your way to success doesnt exist anymore," said Chuck DelGrande, a Chicago-based managing director in the tech, media and telecommunications group of investment bank Alantra.

The vote on Gannett's board will take place at the company's annual meeting. A date has not been announced.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MNG/Digital First Media launches proxy fight for seats on USA TODAY owner Gannett's board
The Massachusetts Supreme Court has upheld the manslaughter conviction of a woman who persuaded her boyfriend through text messages to commit suicide.

Michelle Carter, 22, will serve 15 months in prison for the July 2014 suicide of Conrad Roy III, 18, after she was found guilty in 2017.

Prior to the courts decision Wednesday, Carters sentence had been placed on hold as her appeal was reviewed.

According to court documents, the conviction of involuntary manslaughter was upheld by the court because the evidence against the defendant proved that, by her wanton or reckless conduct, she caused the victims death by suicide.

The ruling continued: Her conviction of involuntary manslaughter as a youthful offender is not legally or constitutionally infirm. The judgement is therefore affirmed."

It was previously ruled by the Bristol County Juvenile Court that Carter caused Roys death in Fairhaven, Massachusetts by encouraging him to get back in his truck, where he would eventually kill himself with carbon monoxide.

The couple reportedly spoke on the phone twice as Roy, who was suicidal and had previously been admitted to a psychiatric hospital, contemplated his suicide, Bristol County prosecutors heard during the 2017 trial.

Carter also encouraged Roy to take his life over text, writing: No more pushing it off. No more waiting".

In another message, Carter wrote: "You can't think about it. You just have to do it".

During the trial, a guilty ruling was supported with text messages Carter sent to her friends following Roys death, in which she took the blame for Roy's suicide and said it was her "fault".

Court documents reveal the high court used Carters messages in its decision: As the defendant herself explained, and we repeat due to its importance, [The victims] death is my fault like honestly I could have stopped him I was on the phone with him and he got out of the [truck] because it was working and he got scared and I f***ing told him to get back in because I knew he would do it all over again the next day and I couldnt have him live the way he was living anymore I couldnt do it I wouldnt let him.

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In a statement to NBC, Carters lawyer Daniel Marx expressed disappointment with the courts decision and suggested an appeal to the US Supreme Court was possible.

We continue to believe that Michelle Carter did not cause Conrad Roys tragic death, and she should not be held criminally responsible for his choice to end his own life, he said. We will evaluate all legal options including a possible appeal to the US Supreme Court.

If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention line at 1-800-273-8255.




Los Angeles (AFP) - The governor of New Mexico has ordered the withdrawal of the majority of National Guard troops stationed at the US state's southern border, denouncing as "a charade" President Donald Trump's warnings about migrants swarming the border.

"I reject the federal contention that there exists an overwhelming national security crisis at the southern border, along which are some of the safest communities in the country," Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement.

Her order for the troop withdrawal came shortly before Trump delivered his State of the Union address Tuesday evening, during which he vowed to build his disputed wall along the US-Mexico border.

Grisham's order covers most of New Mexico's deployed troops as well as troops from Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Wisconsin who had been deployed at the border.

Her office said the troops number 118 in all.

Grisham said some troops would remain in place to provide humanitarian assistance to communities in the area that have had to deal with an influx of families, women and children crossing the border.

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"We will support our neighbors where the need for assistance is great, and we will offer a helping hand when we can to those vulnerable people who arrive at our border, but New Mexico will not take part in the president's charade of border fear-mongering by misusing our diligent National Guard troops," Grisham said.

"We will deploy our men and women in uniform only where there is a need, and where their presence can make a genuine difference in ensuring public safety and an easing of the humanitarian concerns at our southern border," she added.

Trump has demanded $5.7 billion to build a border wall, shutting down the government for 35 days in a failed attempt to pressure Democrats to approve it as part of a budget deal.

On Sunday, the Pentagon said it was sending an additional 3,750 troops to the border to help install wire barriers and monitor crossings. That would bring the total number of active-duty personnel there to almost 6,000.
Police and military personnel surrounded industrial buildings used to shelter Central American migrants in the Mexican city of Piedras Negras at the border with Texas on February 6.

The migrants were housed in warehouses on Libramiento Manuel Perez Trevino highway, in Piedras Negras, on February 3 near the Texas town of Eagle Pass, where they planned to seek asylum. This footage shows police in riot gear and military personnel near the shelter.

The mayor of Piedras Negras, Claudio Bres, tweeted that the city would serve the migrants as they deserve, with humanity and quality.

He was quoted by La Voz as saying that the situation was a crisis and that the city was not prepared to serve the migrants for a prolonged" period. He also said that processing facilities were inadequate for the size of group, and was concerned at potential disruptions to cross-border trade. Credit: Chu Alvarado via Storyful




Men can have the moon. As an engineer at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Diana Trujillo is taking us to Mars. Trujillos work on the NASA Mars Curiosity Rover mission has given us our first close-up glimpses of Mars and clear evidence that the Red Planet was once capable of supporting life.

Why shes a trailblazer

She didnt let borders or biases stop her from pursuing her passion for space exploration. She landed in America with no immigration papers and no English, yet within just a few short years, she was completing an engineering degree and attending NASA Academy, where she eventually landed her dream job.





Aiming for the stars

Trujillo was born in Cali, Colombia, where a love of space gave her hope on earth. Wed boil an egg and cut it in half and that was our lunch that day. I remember just laying down on the grass and looking up at the sky and thinking there has to be something out there better than this. At 17, she left for America to find out.

One giant leap for womankind

During her junior year of college, Trujillo won a spot at NASA Academy. It was a victory that came with culture shock. I was the first immigrant, Hispanic woman in the program. I was coming in scared, unsure with no confidence whatsoever. I got to meet astronauts, CEOs of companies. None of them looked like me. That didnt stop her from being one of only two in her class to be hired by NASA in 2008.

Mission to Mars

Trujillo worked as a telecom engineer on the 2012 Mars Curiosity Rover program. Translation: It was her job to make sure Curiosity could communicate with Earth. When the first images came through, I could not believe we had done it, Trujillo recalls. I am one of the first 30 people in the world to see Mars. Today, shes overseeing a rover tool used in collecting surface samples on the Red Planet.

American Dreamer

Trujillos journey from Colombia to Curiosity is the kind of story America was built on. I am the person that came from another country trying to figure out a better life in a different place and then took that little seed and expanded it to taking the entire human species into the next level of exploration.
Paris (AFP) - Billions of tonnes of meltwater flowing into the world's oceans from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets could boost extreme weather and destabilise regional climate within a matter of decades, researchers said Wednesday.

These melting giants, especially the one atop Greenland, are poised to further weaken the ocean currents that move cold water south along the Atlantic Ocean floor while pushing tropical waters northward closer to the surface, they reported in the journal Nature.

Known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), this liquid conveyor belt plays a crucial role in Earth's climate system and helps ensures the relative warmth of the Northern Hemisphere.

"According to our models, this meltwater will cause significant disruptions to ocean currents and change levels of warming around the world," said lead author Nicholas Golledge, an associate professor at the Antarctic Research Centre of New Zealand's Victoria University of Wellington.

The Antarctic ice sheet's loss of mass, meanwhile, traps warmer water below the surface, eroding glaciers from underneath in a vicious circle of accelerated melting that contributes to sea level rise.

Most studies on ice sheets have focused on how quickly they might shrink due to global warming, and how much global temperatures can rise before their disintegration -- whether over centuries or millenia -- becomes inevitable, a threshold known as a "tipping point."

But far less research has been done on how the meltwater might affect the climate system itself.

- Cooler temperatures -

"The large-scale changes we see in our simulations are conducive to a more chaotic climate with more extreme weather events and more intense and frequent heatwaves," co-author Natalya Gomez, a researcher in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at McGill University in Canada, told AFP.

"By mid-century," the researchers concluded, "meltwater from the Greenland ice sheet noticeably disrupts the AMOC," which has already shown signs of slowing down.

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This is a "much shorter timescale than expected," commented Helene Seroussi, a researcher in the Sea Level and Ice Group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, who was not involved in the study.

The findings were based on highly detailed simulations combined with satellite observations of changes to the ice sheets since 2010.

One likely result of weakened current in the Atlantic will be warmer air temperatures in the high Arctic, eastern Canada and central America, and cooler temperatures over northwestern Europe and the North American eastern seaboard.

The Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, up to three kilometres (1.8 miles) thick, contain more than two-thirds of the planet's fresh water, enough to raise global oceans 58 and seven metres (190 and 22 feet), respectively, were they to melt completely.

Besides Greenland, the regions most vulnerable to global warming are West Antarctica and several huge glaciers in East Antarctica, which is far larger and more stable.

In a second study published Wednesday in Nature, some of the same scientists offered new projections of how much Antarctica will contribute to sea level rise by 2100 -- a hotly debated topic.

- Ice cliffs -

A controversial 2016 study suggested the continent's ice cliffs -- exposed by the disintegration of ice shelves that jut out from glaciers over ocean water -- were highly vulnerable to collapse, and could lead to sea level rise of a metre by century's end.

That would be enough to displace up to 187 million people around the world, especially in populous low-lying river deltas in Asia and Africa, research has shown.

But the new study challenges those findings.

"Unstable ice-cliffs were proposed as a cause of unstoppable collapse of large parts of the ice sheet," said lead author Tamsin Edwards, a lecturer in geography at King's College London.

"But we've re-analysed the data and found this isn't the case."

Both of the news studies, Edwards told AFP, "predict a most likely Antarctic contribution of 15 centimetres" by 2100, with an upward limit of about 40 cm.

A special report on oceans by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), due out in September, will offer a much anticipated estimate of sea level rise.

The IPCC's last major assessment in 2013 did not take ice sheets -- today seen as the major contributor, ahead of thermal expansion and glaciers -- into account for lack of data.
LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May told her top ministers on Tuesday her objective was to secure legally binding changes to Britain's EU exit deal to ensure that the country could not be trapped indefinitely in the Northern Irish backstop, her spokesman said.

"The prime minister said that our objective now was to secure a legally binding way of guaranteeing we cannot be trapped indefinitely in the backstop," the spokesman said following a meeting with May's cabinet.

May will use a visit to Brussels on Thursday to update European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on discussions taking place in Britain on alternatives to the backstop, an insurance policy to avoid a hard border in Ireland, he said.

(Reporting by William James, Writing by Kylie MacLellan, editing by Elizabeth Piper)
Geoff Whaley ended his own life at a Dignitas clinic today (Dignity In Dying)

A man who made the heart-wrenching decision to end his own life has called for a change in the law after his wife was questioned by police in his final weeks.

Geoff Whaley, 80, of Chalfont St Peter in Buckinghamshire, arranged to end his life today at a Dignitas clinic in Switzerland to avoid a protracted death from motor neurone disease, which he was diagnosed with two years ago.

His wife Ann, 76, had supported his decision, but found herself being interviewed under caution by Thames Valley Police after someone tipped them off.

Helping someone commit suicide is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Mrs Whaley booked the flights to Switzerland and a hotel because her husband can no longer use his hands.

Mr Whaleys wife, Ann, was questioned by police under caution after they received a tip-off (Dignity In Dying)

In an interview with the Times, Mr Whaley said: I really wanted a quiet few weeks to reflect on what is happening and thats when the bomb dropped.

He said the added stress of police involvement had destroyed everything we had done to prepare ourselves.

In a letter to MPs, he added: The blanket ban on assisted dying has not only forced me to spend thousands of pounds and endure months of logistical hurdles in order to secure a peaceful and dignified death overseas, but it has meant that my final weeks of life have been blighted by visits from social services and police.

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Mrs Whaley said: In 52 years of married life, Geoff has never cried, but that day, he put his head down and sobbed. That made me very angry.

I wasnt frightened because I didnt feel like Id done anything wrong. I wasnt ashamed. I was cross.

My whole attitude throughout Geoffreys illness is that Im here to protect him from all the slings and arrows from the outside world so that he can enjoy the time hes here.

Mr Whaley called for a change to the law shortly before his death (Dignity In Dying)

It was so ridiculous to put us through this when he is in the final few days of life.

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Police have since dropped the case, but the couple  who have two adopted children and four grandchildren  want to see the law changed to allow assisted dying in some circumstances.

They believe the law can be written to ensure vulnerable people are still protected from abuse.

At least three Britons have faced a police investigation after returning from a loved ones assisted death at a Dignitas clinic, the Times reported, although no-one has been prosecuted.

When asked if he is concerned about the consequences his wife could face, Mr Whaley replied: Ann can handle anything.

Mrs Whaley supported her husband, here celebrating his 80th birthday, on deciding to take his own life (Dignity In Dying)

The one thing that has worried me all along is leaving Ann because Ive spent all my life protecting her. Now shell be without me, but I know shell get through it.

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of campaign group Dignity in Dying, said Geoff and Anns story was a heart-breaking reminder of the cruelty that the current law inflicts on dying people and their families.

She added: In upholding the status quo, our elected representatives are turning a blind eye to the suffering of terminally ill people and the overwhelming public support for a change in the law.

It high time they grasped the nettle and did the right thing in giving dying people a real say over their end.

For confidential emotional support, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK
By Mohamed Junayd

MALE (Reuters) - Maldives police asked the prosecutor general on Thursday to charge former President Abdulla Yameen for providing false information during a probe over his alleged involvement in a deal to lease tropical islands.

Pro-China Yameen lost a presidential election in September and the new government of his successor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has drawn the country closer to India, probing several infrastructure deals awarded to the Chinese.

The investigation relates to a deal to lease tropical islands for hotel development, and an alleged payment of $1 million of government money through a private company, SOF Private Limited, into Yameen's personal bank account.

Through a spokesman, Yameen denied any wrongdoing.

Police said in a statement that the investigation showed the company was used to embezzle state funds. "After the investigation, Yameen was told the money belonged to the state and should be returned. The police investigation found that Yameen did not return the money as ordered and instead he conducted financial transactions with the money in ways that would be profitable to him."

The state-run Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 2016 found that SOF, a company launched by former tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb, was used to launder over $92 million from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation, the country's tourism board.

A spokesman for Yameen said the former president "does not believe that any funds of the state owned by Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation were deposited into an account owned by Abdulla Yameen".

Officials from SOF were not immediately available for comment.

Yameen's government suspended the license of SOF Private Limited in 2017 after Adeeb was jailed on terrorism charges.

The ACC, which under Yameen's government initially investigated the money transfer to the former leader's personal account, had asked Yameen to return the money in 2018. Yameen later said he had already returned the money.

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Police said in December the authorities had frozen the bank accounts of Yameen with 100 million Maldivian Rufiyaa ($6.49 million) in both U.S. dollars and the local currency.

During Yameen's tenure from 2013-2018, critics alleged that contracts, including a major bridge and an extension to the international airport, were given to Chinese companies at inflated prices.

($1 = 15.4200 rufiyaa)

(Reporting by Mohamed Junayd; Writing by Shihar Aneez; Editing by Alasdair Pal and Frances Kerry)
If youve ever wondered what it would be like to be Lenny Dykstras neighbor, wonder no more. According to Dykstras neighbors in Linden, New Jersey, its not fun.

Dykstra, former centerfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, owns a home in Linden. According ABC7 in New York, his neighbors say hes been destroying the neighborhood and turning it into a a den of drugs and prostitution. ABC7 reported that up to 10 people have lived in Dykstras home at once, and its now being used as a boarding house. Its not clear if Dykstra himself has also been residing there.

Neighbors and longtime residents of the Linden neighborhood have been calling police over disturbances at the house as well as transient neighbors. 10th Ward City Councilwoman Gretchen Hickey has also been calling the police about Dykstras boarding home, and gave ABC7 a litany of reasons why.

The traffic here, the overdoses, the cars being towed, someone throwing yellow liquid out the second-floor window, the trash.

Mayor Derek Armstead told ABC7 that rooming houses are not allowed in Linden, and If hes not in compliance with the current ordinances that are on the books, we will take him to task. However, Hickey said that this has happened with Dykstra before, and now its happening again.

After he was told to move everybody out, and he was fined, the next week, he also put again on social media advertising rooms for $1,000 a month, she said.

This is just Dykstras latest legal woe. In 2018 he was accused of kidnapping and threatening to kill his Uber driver. When he was arrested, police found meth and cocaine in his duffel bag. He was charged with drug possession and making terroristic threats, and pled not guilty in October. Neither Dykstra or his lawyer have responded to these new accusations.

Lenny Dykstras neighbors in Linden, N.J., are not thrilled that hes let his home become an illegal boarding house. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)

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Bogota (AFP) - Marxist guerrillas the ELN have released a Colombian soldier kidnapped a month ago on the border with Venezuela, the body tasked with protecting human rights in the country said Thursday.

Corporal Angel Mauricio Acevedo was handed over to a humanitarian mission run by the ombudsman and Catholic church, having been held by the ELN "armed group since January 7."

Acevedo was captured by armed men wearing civilian clothes in the northeast, a region known for coca plantations used by narcotics traffickers to produce cocaine.

It was the second liberation by ELN rebels in the last week having released on Sunday three helicopter crew members also snatched in January in the same region.

Colombia's military has stepped up its operations against the ELN since the rebel group admitted being behind a car bomb attack in the capital Bogota on January 17 that left 21 army recruits dead, as well as the bomber.

That attack drove Colombian President Ivan Duque to call off peace talks with the ELN that were started in 2017 by his predecessor Juan Manuel Santos.

"The ELN has to understand very clearly that there is no international support for what they are doing," said Eamon Gilmore, the European Union's special envoy for the Colombian peace process.

He said the police academy attack was "a shocking act of terrorism which is not acceptable in any country."

The right wing Duque insists that he will only reopen talks if the ELN releases all its hostages and ceases "criminal activity."

Those terms have been rejected as "unacceptable" by the rebels.

"The ELN has to understand that you can't just talk about peace... you have to take some actions which show that you are serious about peace," added Gilmore.

Duque, who called his meeting with Gilmore productive, said on Twitter they spoke about "progress made on implementing agreements, and productive projects."

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Since Santos signed a peace accord with FARC rebels in December 2016, turning that guerrilla group into a political party, the ELN remains the only recognized rebel group in Colombia.

It has around 1,800 fighters and an extensive support network.

Bogota has repeatedly accused neighboring Venezuela's leftist regime under Nicolas Maduro of harboring guerrillas and tolerating drug-traffickers operating around the border region. Caracas denies the accusations.

Despite sharing a 2,200-kilometer (1,350 miles) long border, the two countries have had practically no diplomatic relations since 2017.

Duque was one of the first leaders to recognize opposition chief Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president after his self-declaration on January 23, another move that angered Caracas.

Colombia is also trying to help Guaido, who has launched a power struggle with Maduro, bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela despite resistence from the military.
Today's story will be of special interest to two groups of readers who are linked together by what is known as a lien, which I'll explain in a moment. They are:

(1) People who were injured in an auto accident who lack good health insurance or adequate amounts of auto medical payments coverage but need treatment from a chiropractor, doctor or physical therapist. They hire an attorney to file an insurance claim against the responsible party.

(2) Chiropractors, doctors or physical therapists who provide treatment, and, as Los Angeles based attorney Shawn Steel adds, "contractually -- on a lien basis -- agreeing to wait for payment of their services when the case is settled."

An Enforceable Contract

Specializing in personal injury cases and representing chiropractors for over 35 years, Steel explains that a lien, "It is a binding, enforceable, written contract signed by the patient, attorney and health care provider requiring bills to be paid from the proceeds of settlement prior to the individual receiving any funds."

But he was quick to point out, "That's how it is supposed to work. It is what the law requires, but in my experience, over three-quarters of lawyers who handle personal cases on a lien basis flagrantly refuse to honor the lien, and far too many health care professionals just don't know what to do when they are stiffed, or their bill is cut to shreds."

The recent example of our client, "Dr. S." is typical.

'My Polite Requests to Pay Our Bill was Ignored!'

I have a soft spot in my heart for chiropractors and respect their abilities. Years ago, a chiropractor delivered me from the worst and most painful stiff neck imaginable. I became a believer, and we referred our auto accident clients to him for years, always receiving positive feedback. So, when a chiropractor is badly dealt with by a lawyer, I take that personally ... and that's what happened to Dr. S.

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His lien was signed by both longtime local attorney "L" and the patient, but when the case was settled the lawyer refused to pay the chiropractor's bill. "We placed call after call to the lawyer's office and did not even receive the courtesy of a return phone call," Dr. S. explained, not only frustrated, but hurt.

I set up a conference call with both the attorney and chiropractor, asked why the bill -- which had been attached to the chiro's report and was necessary in order to settle the case -- had not been paid.

Instead of hearing, "Sorry, I will look into it and get right back to you," there was denial of ever receiving it and a claim that the file was in storage, away from his office. Finally, L yelled, "So sue me!"

"Nobody wants to sue you," I replied. "Just find the file and pay the bill. You know the consequences. You have 48 hours to have a check delivered to the chiro's office or find yourself in court."

Needless to say, the bill was paid at once -- in full. But this should not have dragged on for so long, and that is Steel's message to all health care providers who treat on a lien basis: "Understand your rights and the attorney's legal obligation."

The Lawyer Is a Fiduciary - Do Not Let Anyone Browbeat You Down!

"In all 50 states," Steel points out, "the Doctor's Lien, or Letter of Protection as it is also called in some states, creates a fiduciary relationship, making the lawyer trustee of settlement funds for the benefit of the client, the doctor and, finally, the attorney.

"I find repeatedly lawyers insisting that the doctor cut his bill, but the attorney refuses to reduce his own bill when the settlement is not as high as was expected -- or that is what the lawyer tells the doctor. In the typical case this is inherently unfair, as the doctor has spent weeks or months in treating the patient, while the lawyer perhaps saw the client once and made two phone calls.

"There is nothing wrong with everyone taking a little less than full payment if the money just isn't there, Steel says, "but I urge my doctor clients to stand up to strong-arm tactics." He recommends the following steps:

Get it in writing.

"When you get a phone call asking that you cut your bill, 'because the settlement was too low and I can only get you $1, 000,' reply by stating, 'Please send me a copy of the draft, settlement agreement and client's proposed disbursement.'

"Remember, a lawyer can easily lie on the phone, but will hesitate to do so in writing. You have the legal right to see all of those documents and how funds are to be distributed."

Be persistent.

If that information is not provided, then, Steel recommends:

Send a demand letter to the lawyer with a seven-day deadline. Attach the lien, your report and bill. In your letter state, "I am sure you are familiar with the Rules of Professional Conduct."

On the eighth day, file a complaint with the state's Bar Association, send the attorney a copy of it and file your suit in Small Claims Court.

"You will get paid -- and, if it goes to court, judges almost always rule in favor of the doctor," Steel concludes.

Advice for Clients/Patients Caught in the Middle

It's important for patients to understand that they are obligated for the professional services they've received. So, a good idea is to keep in frequent contact with your lawyer, and when it's time to settle the case, go into the office if possible and go over payment of the outstanding bills.

If your lawyer negotiates a reduced fee for the doctor's bill, that's fine, and you want to see proof in writing. The take-away from this story for patients is to realize you could be on the hook for unpaid bills related to your accident if the lawyer refuses to pay your health care provider. Signing a lien simply means that the doctor agrees to wait for payment -- from the lawyer -- when the case settles.

And if the case doesn't settle, or the lawyer drops you? You are still responsible to pay the bills of your health care provider, so stay on top of how your case is coming along.

Comments are suppressed in compliance with industry guidelines. Click here to learn more and read more articles from the author.

This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.

EDITOR'S PICKS



Copyright 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors
WASHINGTON  Top lawmakers in both parties revived a push to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi  unveiling legislation Thursday that would block U.S. arms sales to the kingdom and impose mandatory sanctions on those found responsible for his death.

Seeing as the Trump administration has no intention of insisting on full accountability for Mr. Khashoggis murderers, it is time for Congress to step in and impose real consequences to fundamentally reexamine our relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and with the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in announcing the bill Thursday.

Three Republicans and three other Democrats have also signed on to the legislation, which comes as the White House faces a deadline to determine whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman was personally responsible for Khashoggi's killing.

President Donald Trump has condemned the murder but continued to embrace the Saudi royal family and questioned his own intelligence agency's conclusions that implicate crown prince.

Furious with Trump's equivocation, lawmakers last year used a federal human rights law to force the administration to determine whether the crown prince was responsible for Khashoggi's murder.

The deadline for that determination is Feb. 7. State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said the administration continued to engage with Congress on the Khashoggi case but would not say Thursday if the administration would meet the deadline.

It is not in our national security interests to look the other way when it comes to the brutal murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a close ally of President Donald Trump who has nonetheless been critical of the administration's response to Khashoggi's death. Graham is one of the GOP senators who authored the bill.

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In addition to blocking arms sales to Saudi Arabia, the Senate bill would bar the U.S. from refueling Saudi jets in the Yemen war, sanction anyone blocking humanitarian aid to Yemen, and require a human rights report on Saudi Arabia.

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Manama, Bahrain in December 2014.

Graham and others pushed the bill last year but it failed to gain traction before the end of the 115th Congress. The Senate did approve a measure that would force the Trump administration to withdraw U.S. military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, a horrific conflict that has become increasingly controversial in the wake of Khashoggis murder.

But that measure stalled in the House, which was then controlled by Republicans. With Democrats now in charge, the Yemen measure has reemerged and is likely to gain traction, along with additional steps rebuking Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi.

Khashoggi was killed inside a Saudi consulate in Turkey last year. The Saudis have admitted that a team of operatives carried out the killing but they have denied the crown prince was involved.

U.S. intelligence officials have reportedly concluded, however, that the crown prince directed the killing. After CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed lawmakers, the Senate passed a resolution naming the crown prince as "responsible" for Khashoggi's murder.

Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard

More: In rebuke to President Donald Trump, Senate advances measure to force U.S. withdraw from Yemen

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lawmakers revive push to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for Jamal Khashoggi murder
ATLANTA (AP)  The Latest on federal immigration authorities' detention of rapper 21 Savage (all times local):

7:20 p.m.

Attorneys for rapper 21 Savage say the 26-year-old has lived in the U.S. since age 7, and the federal immigration authorities who are detaining him are incorrect that he has a felony conviction on his record.

Kuck Baxter Immigration, the law firm representing the rapper whose real name is She'yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, issued the new statement Tuesday.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had said when announcing Abraham-Joseph's arrest in the Atlanta area Sunday that he had come to the U.S. at age 12 in 2005. But Abraham-Joseph's lawyers say that was a return to the U.S. after a brief return visit to his birthplace in England.

Both sides agree Abraham-Joseph's legal status ended in 2006.

21 Savage's attorneys also said ICE was incorrect in saying he had a criminal conviction. Fulton county prosecutors say records are sealed and they can't comment on that case.

An ICE spokesman declined further.

___

3:10 a.m.

It was a shock for fans when 21 Savage was taken into custody by U.S. immigration agents in Georgia. It was an even bigger shock to learn he had been an immigrant in the first place.

The Grammy-nominated rapper and his music are so associated with Atlanta that the notion he was actually born in England and brought to the U.S. at 12 felt bizarre. It became clear that very few knew his birthplace.

Surprised tweets and memes showing him as an Englishman followed.

The rapper born She'yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph was truthful in his music about his tumultuous teenage years in Atlanta, he simply left out his first years.

Abraham-Joseph was detained by immigration officials Sunday. His attorneys say he has applied for a new visa and should be freed.
DUBAI (Reuters) - A large number of prisoners in Iran will be pardoned on Thursday in honour of the 40th anniversary of the revolution that toppled the U.S.-backed Shah, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on his Twitter account.

The number of prisoners that will be pardoned by Khamenei was not announced, but Iranian media earlier said around 50,000 prisoners will enjoy "the Islamic clemency".

The country is holding official celebrations for the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that will culminate next Monday in a nationwide rally.

It was not immediately clear whether those who will be pardoned will include some of the hundreds of prisoners that human rights groups say have been jailed for political offences.

Several dual nationals from the United States, Britain, Austria, Canada and France have been detained by Iran's security forces in past years and have been kept behind bars on charges including espionage and collaborating with hostile governments.

Khamenei has the final say on all state matters and issues pardons or reduces sentences of prisoners on special occasions.

(Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Toby Chopra and Hugh Lawson)




Trailblazing FDNY firefighter Regina Wilson took the stage at the 2019 MAKERS conference Thursday to speak with two female firefighters on the front lines in California: Kristina Kepner, battalion chief, Los Angeles Fire Department, and Kristin Crowley, deputy chief, LAFD.

Kepner and Crowley both beat the odds to become firefighters (just four percent of firefighters nationwide are women). But this year, with the deadliest, most destructive wildfire season on record, they faced a new challenge. I had the opportunity to be on the front lines for the first several days of the fire, said Kepner, who heads up firefighter recruitment for the LAFD. [We] did structure protections and were able to go to several neighborhoods and protect the structures.

Crowley, who was off duty when the Woolsey Fire broke out, ended up pitching in anyway  and drew strength from the obstacles shed already overcome. For me, 20 years ago, I was one of two women in a class of 50, and we were considered an anomaly, Crowley said. The eyes are on you and theyre on you a little bit longer, [but] once you prove yourself  that you have the capability  then the skys the limit. It just takes some time to work your way through that, and gain that respect.

Kepner agreed, saying that its key for female firefighters to find strength from within. You cant let anybody or anything get in your way, said Kepner. If you have a goal, people are going to say a lot of things, especially in the fire department. You might hear, No you cant do it yet, or you dont have enough time on, but when I felt I was ready, I made sure to take that step.

Wilson, who proudly introduced the two trailblazing firefighters, is a pioneer in her own right. Featured as a MAKER in 2018, she became just the 12th African-American woman to join the FDNY in 1999, putting her on a team of first responders who raced to the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.

Since then, Wilson has climbed the ranks of the firefighting world, becoming the first woman to head up the 75-year-old Vulcan Society, a nonprofit made up of black firefighters who are committed to promoting diversity within the FDNY. But she, like her LAFD counterparts, hopes that firefighters will eventually lose the classification as a non-traditional female job.

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Her talk with her two fellow LAFD firefighters Thursday ended with a reflection on representation from Crowley, who saw few female firefighters before becoming one. Weve all heard that term if you can see it you can be it, I think that runs all the way across whatever type of organization you work for, said Crowley. I cant tell you how many times little girls, when I was driving [the fire engine], would stop and grab their mom and say, Look at that, I can do that. The more we can get people in different positionsand [they] can see us doing well and influencing, the better were all going to be.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump signaled optimism Thursday about the progress of congressional talks on border security, just a week after telling Republicans they were wasting their time trying to negotiate a deal with Democrats.

"We'll see what happens, but I certainly hear they're working on something, and both sides are moving along," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We'll see what happens. We need border security. We have to have it. It's not an option. Let's see what happens."

Trumps remarks are the latest sign that negotiations are progressing as lawmakers try to hammer out a deal before a Feb. 15 deadline to avert another government shutdown.

Earlier Thursday, a key Republican senator involved in the ongoing negotiations said Trump might be willing to sign a compromise to help avoid a shutdown.

Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a member of the conference committee negotiating a compromise on border security, met with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at the White House Thursday.

Afterward, Shelby told reporters Trump seemed open to signing a compromise on border security.

I think he would, and I think hes looking to keep the government open, Shelby said.

Shelby called the meeting positive and said Trump urged lawmakers to wrap up the discussions.

President Donald Trump listens during a meeting on border security in the Cabinet Room of the White House.

We all know things change, but I think right now were on an upward, positive course of discussions, he said.

Trump has demanded $5.7 billion for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Democrats have refused to give him the money, saying a border wall would be costly and ineffective.

The standoff led to a 35-day partial government shutdown, the longest in history.

The 17-member committee, which includes Democrats and Republicans from both the House and the Senate, is working to negotiate a compromise and hoping to reach a deal by Monday.

Late last month, Trump tweeted that Republicans are wasting their time trying to negotiate a border security deal and that "Democrats, despite all of the evidence, proof and Caravans coming, are not going to give money to build the DESPERATELY needed WALL."

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More: Donald Trump's power dynamic with Nancy Pelosi will be on full display at the State of the Union

More: Trump may build a 'human wall.' Wait, what?

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Donald Trump shifts, signals optimism on government funding, border talks
Amman (AFP) - A former customs chief, an ex-minister and a top businessman in Jordan were among 29 suspects charged Thursday with corruption in a case involving fake cigarettes, a judicial source said.

More than a dozen companies and firms were also charged in the "tobacco case" which media reports have said had cost Jordan's treasury hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenues.

The suspects indicted by the prosecutor of the state security court, which is a military tribunal, include prominent businessman Awni Mutee, ex-customs chief Waddah al-Hamoud and former water minister Munir Oweis, in a 66-page chargesheet seen by AFP.

Several charges were levelled against 29 suspects and the companies implicated in the case, including abuse of power, bribery, smuggling and money laundering.

They stand accused of "activity harmful to the security and well-being" of the public and of "endangering" society.

The prosecutor has referred them to trial.

Oweis and Hamoud were arrested in January, while Mutee, the main accused, was extradited from Turkey in December. Six suspects are on the run.

Security sources said last year that they had raided a factory south of Amman owned by Mutee where fake cigarettes were produced.

The raid came a month after angry demonstrations in Amman to denounce corruption, price rises and austerity measures.

King Abdullah II vowed in October that authorities would crack down on corruption.
Lets stop dancing around it people  117-year old JCPenney has one full leg in the grave. Its not a zombie retailer like former competitor Sears, but thats the direction after years of mismanagement.

The sad thing here, among many others: J.C. Penneys new CEO Jill Soltau is stellar. A true retail veteran that should be leading a healthy brand to its next level of greatness. Unfortunately, her decades of experience may be no match for a deeply tarnished brand, a highly economically strapped consumer base and powerful digital shopping trends that have made numerous malls tantamount to barren wastelands.

Unfortunate.

J.C. Penney is in need of money fast

The latest signal that J.C. Penney is entering treacherous waters in 2019 arrived Wednesday. J.C. Penney said it would stop selling major appliances on February 28 to better meet customer expectations, improve financial performance and drive profitable growth. Floor space will be dedicated back to apparel and soft home furnishings such as linens.

The decision comes amid several lackluster quarters for appliance sales at J.C. Penney. Former J.C. Penney CEO Marvin Ellison moved quickly to try and turn the chain into his former employer Home Depot. Expensive dishwashers and refrigerators were trotted into hundreds of stores beginning in 2016 (along with flooring options).

This writer is still looking for traffic to these appliance departments some two-plus years later. The products such as $2,900 Samsung refrigerators with a touch screen on it were never going to work with the core economically sensitive consumer. Nice thought by Ellison given the demise of one-time appliance leader Sears, but thats about it.

So its logical that Soltau would reverse Ellisons work in appliances. But in doing so, J.C. Penney sent several clear signals to investors:

J.C. Penney needs the cash, and fast. Appliances tend to be slow-sellers and take up good chunks of floor space. Its akin to money being tossed down the toilet for a retailer like J.C. Penney. While J.C. Penney doesnt own the appliance inventory (just the floor models)  its shipped directly from the manufacturer to the customer  the floor space is not being used productively. By using the space to hawk apparel, the thinking is that items will likely sell quicker and bring badly needed cash into J.C. Penneys business.

J.C. Penney is unable to venture into new categories that could bring in higher income shoppers. That leaves J.C. Penney in a position of selling clothes across multiple floors (to cash strapped consumers, no less) in the age of digital shopping. Not exactly a good spot to be in. J.C. Penney will probably have to begin leasing space out to other companies in an effort to collect rent and bring in new people. For example, Kohls recently teamed up with Weight Watchers to have the brands weight loss meetings in its stores.

There are probably scores of under-performing J.C. Penney stores in the portfolio. The company signaled to investors several months ago that it may shutter a number of lagging stores. On. January 28, it said it would close three stores as part of a preliminary evaluation process.

J.C. Penneys appliance retrench follows a seriously weak holiday season where same-store sales fell 5.4%.

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Store closures ahead

Without question, J.C. Penney is in for a very ugly 2019. The company will have to run aggressive clearance sales to mark down its appliance inventory. That will pressure profit margins. Stores will be disrupted to re-merchandise the appliance departments with clothes. Employee morale could be hurt amid what appears to be a decent store closing campaign on the horizon.

And at some point, Soltau will have to explain to investors how she will stabilize J.C. Penneys financial position.

All in all, we are witnessing the ongoing demise of an American icon. We have seen this script before, but it doesnt make it any easier to watch.

Brian Sozzi is an editor-at-large at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @BrianSozzi

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MILAN (Reuters) - Italy has denied a report it will ban China's Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp from playing a role in building its fifth-generation mobile phone network. "We have no intention of adopting any such initiatives," the industry ministry said in a statement. Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms equipment, faces international scrutiny over its ties with the Chinese government and suspicion Beijing could use its technology for spying, something the company has denied. Earlier on Thursday Italian daily La Stampa cited senior government sources as saying Rome was ready to use special powers to terminate contracts involving the Chinese operators. But in a statement the industry ministry said there was no proof of any threat to security in this regard. "National security is a priority and if any critical issues emerged - which to date have not - the ministry would assess whether or not to take measures," it said. Brussels has not taken steps to ban Huawei but operators like the UK's BT Group and France's Orange have said they will not use its 5G equipment in their core national networks. Chancellor Angela Merkel has said Germany needs guarantees that Huawei would not hand data to the Chinese state before it can take part in building fifth-generation networks. Italian phone incumbent Telecom Italia has previously said it will keep working with Huawei until told otherwise by the government. TIM, which is said to use Huawei technology in just over 10 percent of its fixed line fiber network, and Fastweb are part of a consortium with Huawei to test 5G infrastructure in the southern towns of Bari and Matera. Vodafone, which has "paused" deployment of Huawei equipment in its core networks until Western governments give the Chinese firm full security clearance, has Huawei as one of its technology partners in 5G testing in Milan. Broadband infrastructure company Open Fiber and service provider Wind Tre work in a consortium with ZTE in 5G testing in the towns of Prato and l'Aquila. (Reporting by Stephen Jewkes and Giselda Vagnoni; Editing by Giselda Vagnoni)
Tehran (AFP) - Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Thursday unveiled a new ballistic missile with a range of 1,000 kilometres, their official news agency Sepah News reported.

The move was the latest show of military might by the country as it celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution at a time of heightened tensions with the United States.

The surface-to-surface missile -- called Dezful -- is an upgrade on the older Zolfaghar model that had a range of 700 kilometres (435 miles), aerospace commander Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh said.

The new weapon was revealed after Iran on Saturday said it had successfully tested a new cruise missile named Hoveizeh with a range of 1,350 kilometre.

The unveiling ceremony Thursday was carried out by Revolutionary Commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari and Hajizadeh at an "underground ballistic missile production facility", the report said.

The facility's location was not specified and pictures published by Sepah News showed only the two commanders in a room examining the missile.

"Displaying this missile production facility deep underground is an answer to Westerners ... who think they can stop us from reaching our goals through sanctions and threats," Jafari was reported as saying.

"Europeans talk of limiting our defensive capability while they have the audacity (to allow) their offensive power be used to attack innocent people all over the world," he added.

Hajizadeh said the new missile had a "destructive power" twice that of the Zolfaghar version, which Iran used for the first time in October to strike a jihadist base in Syria.

Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but that is still enough to hit its arch-enemy Israel and US bases in the Middle East.

Tehran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology.

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President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the nuclear accord in May and reimposed sanctions on Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons.

Iran and the other signatories have stuck by the 2015 agreement, although some European governments have demanded an addition to address Tehran's ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts.

UN Security Council Resolution 2231 -- adopted just after the nuclear deal -- calls on Iran "not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons".

Tehran insists that its missile development programme is "purely defensive" and compliant with the resolution.
Gucci has officially been crowned "the hottest brand on the planet." The Italian fashion house has been awarded the accolade by the global fashion search platform Lyst, whose latest quarterly Lyst Index' ranking of clothing labels and products has deemed the label's Soho Disco' bag the most coveted women's product during the last three months of 2018.

Furthermore, over six million shoppers searched for a Gucci bag, belt or shoe between the months of October through December, confirming the brand's position as the top favorite among Lyst's users.

The news coincides with the start of a big year for Gucci, which is set to launch its inaugural jewelry line this summer, and whose creative director Alessandro Michele will co-chair the MET Gala in May.

The Lyst Index, which takes into account the behavior of the site's 5 million monthly online shoppers in addition to social media metrics, saw Gucci knock the streetwear label Off-White into second place. Heritage brand Balenciaga came in at number three, while Moncler jumped 12 places in the ranking to claim fourth position, thanks in part to the success of its new Genius' diffusion line. Italian powerhouse Fendi rounded out the top five. Meanwhile the British stalwart Burberry, which put on its first show by new chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci last fall, rose by four places to enter the index at number 10.



The report also looked at the hottest individual products for the quarter, singling out the Nike Air Force 1 07 LV8 Utility Volt sneakers as the top menswear piece. In terms of wider trends, it noted that urban hiker essentials are enjoying a moment in the fashion spotlight, with fleeces by the brands North Face and Patagonia ranking among the hottest menswear products, while the French brand Veja leads the trend for sustainable sneakers with its V10 model proving popular with women. Footwear was the most powerful product category across the hottest products lists, with both menswear and womenswear seeing three sneakers make the top 10 products of the quarter.



To read the report in full, see www.lyst.com
The Earth is facing a climate change deadline, with a looming tipping point into a dramatically changed, less hospitable planet  and Democratic lawmakers are beginning what's likely to be a long discussion over how best to deal with it.

These first attempts have coalesced under the umbrella phrase a Green New Deal championed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass.

They introduced a resolution Thursday calling for a dramatic increase in the generation of renewable fuels, such as wind, solar and hydropower sources, and a shift within 10 years to energy systems that are "net-zero" when it comes to greenhouses gases that are the primary contributor to climate change.

The resolution does not call for a full phase-out of fossil fuels, a plank that some environmental advocates had hoped to see. Instead, it pushes for a transition that is rapid but "fair and just to all communities and workers."

Ocasio-Cortez, who first outlined her environmental plan in December, has enlisted the help of Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who led House efforts on climate change a decade ago.

The resolution is short on details but long on vision for a cleaner environment that promotes jobs and social justice. It also calls for higher education and job guarantees for all U.S. citizens. Some Republicans have panned the effort as another arrow in the left's quiver of radical ideas that are unrealistic and prohibitively expensive.

Here's an explanation of the Green New Deal and how likely it is to pass in Congress.

Question: How did the Green New Deal get its name?

Answer: The phrase itself goes back to 2007, when columnist Thomas Friedman wrote a piece in The New York Times calling for a Green New Deal along the lines of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal during the Depression. Friedman envisioned the government backing basic research and setting standards, providing loans and using taxes and incentives to remake the U.S. economy.

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The phrase later was taken up by Green Party candidate Jill Stein, who used it as part of her presidential platforms when she ran in 2012 and 2016.

Q: So that was 12 years ago. What's happening now?

A: A news conference on Capitol Hill on Thursday afternoon unveiling the Green New Deal will be the first step. Liberal lawmakers led by Ocasio-Cortez also are pushing for the creation of a new committee in Congress to implement a Green New Deal.

Q: So what's in it?

A: The crux is a broad mandate of meeting "100 percent of the power demand in the United States through clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources."

Getting there depends on an ambitious agenda: drastically reduce carbon emissions over the next decade by spending on green infrastructure that protects the planet while ensuring justice and equity for all communities.

It calls for the federal government to promote and spend on sustainable farming practices, more training for clean energy sector jobs, cleaner transportation systems such as high-speed rail, and spending on technology that will reduce humans' carbon footprint.

Q: Can we really move to 100 percent renewable energy in a decade?

A: That's practically impossible, experts say, especially if nuclear power  which isn't mentioned in the plan and Green New Deal supporters oppose  isn't in the mix. For comparison's sake, renewable sources (hydropower, wind and solar mainly) made up 18 percent of the U.S. energy supply, double what they did a decade ago, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

That share is projected to rise to 31 percent by 2050 if current trends hold up.

Q: Is the Ocasio-Cortez plan what the Democrats will end up doing?

A: Doubtful. This is the beginning of a political give-and-take that likely will extend up to the 2020 presidential election  which is exactly how ideas are supposed to be hashed out in the political arena.

"There will be a message battle," said Robert Shrum, a longtime Democratic political consultant who worked on multiple presidential campaigns, including Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004 and now a professor of practical politics at the University of Southern California.

"You have a process whereby you begin with a big idea, like the Green New Deal, and youre going to have to negotiate parts of it," he said. "Nothing is going to be handed down chiseled in stone from the top of the mountain."

Q: What's happened already?

A: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has revived a special panel, known as the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, which has named its chair, Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla. The members of the panel were unveiled Thursday but do not include Ocasio-Cortez.

The panel has drawn some fire from liberals even before its first meeting because they don't want anyone crafting the Green New Deal who has accepted money from or has ties to the fossil fuel industry. Castor, whose 2017 financial disclosure includes an investment into a utilities mutual fund of between $50,001 and $100,000, opposes such a restriction.

Q: How are the negotiations for a Green New Deal going?

A: They've begun but no actual consensus has been reached and isn't expected for some time. The first concrete steps will likely come as a series of smaller pieces of bipartisan legislation that will be introduced over the coming year. If the Democrats win the White House in 2020, much further-reaching legislation will be attempted.

"There won't be just one piece of legislation, but multiple ones at different times. Which is not unlike the New Deal that President Roosevelt pushed," said Aliya Haq, director of the federal policy group, climate and clean energy program at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Q: Is it too late to make any progress on climate change?

A: Not at all, though it's certainly true that a United Nations climate report that came out in December said "rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes to all aspects of society" are needed within a few years to ward off the worst effects of climate change.

But people have the ability to make the changes, Haq said. "The only obstacle is political will. We actually have the technology we need to reduce pollution at scale. That would be a real pickle if we didnt have the technology. But we do," she said.

A coal mine is seen from the air near Gillette, Wyo., on Aug. 22, 2006. As one of the largest energy producers in the nation, Wyoming is no stranger to the debate over global warming. The state has tried to address climate change head-on without swerving from its energy-dependent economy.

Q: What do Republicans think of the Green New Deal as it's unfolding?

A: Not much. At least not the ones in power. President Donald Trump continues to promote coal mining and oil drilling, pulled out in 2017 of the global Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation, has repeatedly said he doesn't believe climate change is a man-made problem, and frequently conflates short-term weather systems with long-term climate trends.

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman John Barrasso, R-Wyo, who represents the country's largest coal-producing state, said he wants to make energy "as clean as we can as fast as we can, in ways that dont raise costs for consumers.

But he calls the goal of 100 percent of renewable fuels an impossibility, especially if it doesn't include an allowance for nuclear energy.

Barrasso lumps the Green New Deal with expanded Medicare and immigration reform as linchpins of a radical agenda that will split the Democratic party.

As we continue to point out what Democrats are really proposing with this hard left turn, I think thats going to certainly separate the far-left Democrats from those who are left-leaning but more reasonable in terms of how they see the world," he told reporters last week.

Q: Given Republican intransigence on climate change, will legislation that deals with carbon emissions at the scale needed to combat the problem at the speed that scientists say is necessary ever be politically palatable enough to become law?

A: It certainly wont be easy, given the general Republican reluctance to acknowledge that climate change is real or to do anything about it that might cost money or harm fossil fuel industries. But it's not impossible. The most likely scenario would involve tying the necessary changes to infrastructure work that will create jobs and enhance the economy, said Norman Ornstein, a conservative political scientist and scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative-leaning, nonpartisan public policy research institute.

If you do it right, I could see at some point an infrastructure plan that gets broad bipartisan support that includes, as a very significant component, infrastructure on green energy, Ornstein said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Green New Deal: What is it and what does it mean for climate change?
ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Greek lawmakers began debating a historic agreement aimed at normalizing relations with Macedonia in a stormy parliamentary session Wednesday.

Opponents have announced a series of street protests in Athens and the northern city of Thessaloniki to coincide with the debate and Thursday night's vote. A protest by tens of thousands of people in Athens on Sunday turned violent, with small groups of demonstrators attacking police outside parliament, and riot police responding with heavy use of tear gas.

The police issued a statement Wednesday defending their handling of the protest in response to criticism of heavy-handed tactics, saying officers came under "constant, intense and in many cases extremely dangerous ... attacks by large groups of people" armed with metal bars, rocks, flare guns, Molotov cocktails and other objects. Twenty-eight policemen were injured.

Under the deal signed last year to end the decades-long dispute, Greece will drop its objections to Macedonia joining NATO in return for the country renaming itself North Macedonia, a longstanding demand from Greece, which argues use of the current name implies territorial ambitions on its own northern province of the same name.

But the deal, known as the Prespa Agreement after the border lake where it was signed, has met with strong opposition in both countries, with critics accusing their respective governments of conceding too much to the other side. The issue has already cost the Greek government its parliamentary majority, with the small right-wing Independent Greeks party quitting the governing coalition in protest. The government nevertheless narrowly survived a confidence vote last week.

Main opposition New Democracy party head Kyriakos Mitsotakis has described the agreement as a "bad deal" and has said his party "will do anything it can to avert the ratification of the Prespa Agreement in the Greek parliament."

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There has been speculation New Democracy could lodge a censure motion against the government, which would delay the final vote on the deal until the motion is debated and voted on.

The deal reached the Greek parliament after Macedonia passed a series of constitutional amendments through its own parliament to change the country's name and change articles in its constitution that could be construed as advocating an annexation of Greek territory.

__

Follow Becatoros at http://www.twitter.com/ElenaBec
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., speaks during the House Judiciary Committee hearing on gun violence, at Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 6, 2019.

WASHINGTON  Rep. Matt Gaetz attempted to turn a congressional hearing on gun violence into a discussion of illegal immigration on Wednesday and tried to eject one member of the audience whose son was killed in the 2018 mass shooting at a Parkland, Florida, high school.

"As we hear the stories and circumstances for those here, I hope we do not forget the pain and anguish and sense of loss felt by those all over the country who have been the victims of violence at the hands of illegal aliens," the Florida Republican said at a House Judiciary Committee hearing.

Gaetz then advocated for President Donald Trump's proposed wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Gaetz said a universal background check recently proposed by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., would not have stopped crimes committed by undocumented migrants, "but a wall, a barrier on the southern border may have, and that's what we're fighting for."

At that point, Manuel Oliver  whose son Joaquin was among the 17 people killed in the Feb. 14, 2018, shooting at Marjory Stoneham Douglas High School  stood up and shouted at Gaetz. Frank Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was also a victim in the shooting, was seated beside Oliver and he too shouted back at Gaetz.

Guttenberg told HuffPost that Oliver shouted, "Thats a lie. Thats not true."

"And I yelled out that our children were killed by an American male," Guttenberg said.

Judiciary Committee Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., admonished the men for their interruption, telling them, "No matter what you think of what any member of the committee may say, or any witness for that matter, you must not comment or otherwise demonstrate."

Gaetz resumed his statement and said he hopes "that we'll deal with all of the drivers of violence. The greatest driver of violence in the circumstances that I indicated was not the firearm. It was the fact that we have an immigration system that allows people to come here violently."

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At that point, Oliver and Guttenberg again shouted angrily from the audience and Nadler again pounded his gavel and told them to remain quiet. He explained he could have them removed at his discretion if they continued to interrupt.

Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., asked Nadler if there were "any committee rule that prevents a member of Congress from reciting false statements in a committee hearing that are unsupported by the evidence."

"Or are members of Congress entitled to just make things up in support of specious arguments?" he asked.

Later, Gaetz repeatedly pointed his finger in the direction of Oliver and Guttenberg and asked Nadler if there wasn't some rule under which he could have them ejected. Oliver shouted and pointed his own finger back at Gaetz

"I'd observe that's three interruptions of my time by the same individual and that the chair is not utilizing his discretion to remove that individual," Gaetz said.

He said it was "deeply troubling" that Cicilline would question the threat posed by migrants who enter the country illegally.

"If we really cared about safer streets, we would build a wall and secure the border," he said.

After Gaetz finished, Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., asked expert witness Robyn Thomas, the executive director of the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, how many of the recent perpetrators of mass shootings had illegally crossed the southern border.

Cohen feigned shock when Thomas said none of them had, to her knowledge.

"I got confused. I thought illegal aliens, when they got in they went straight to a taco shop, got a gun and started killing people," Cohen said sarcastically.

More: Sixth-grader gives Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz the middle finger in viral photo

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GOP Rep. Gaetz calls for border wall at gun hearing, asks for Parkland dads to be removed
The Telegraph

British citizens living in the EU after Brexit are being denied work and healthcare, Priti Patel has warned. In an exclusive article for The Telegraph, published below, the Home Secretary urges EU nations to treat UK citizens as fairly as Britain was treating their citizens. It coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Brexit referendum vote, as Boris Johnson marked the moment by declaring the recovery from the pandemic offered the chance to "seize the true potential of our regained sovereignt
Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - A German auction house Thursday scrapped the planned sale of 26 artworks attributed to Adolf Hitler, after doubts emerged about their authenticity just days before they were to go under the hammer.

Five other paintings signed "A. Hitler", all of them watercolours, will still be auctioned off on Saturday as scheduled, according to the Weidler auction house in the southern city of Nuremberg.

A vase, wicker armchair and table cloth presumed to have belonged to the late Nazi dictator also remain on offer in what Weidler has billed a "special auction".

"Unfortunately we must inform you that some of the pictures have been dropped because of a review," the auction house said in a statement.

The move came after prosecutors on Wednesday collected 63 artworks from the Weidler premises bearing the signature "A.H." or "A. Hitler", over suspicions the works were not created by Hitler himself.

Twenty-six of them -- a selection of watercolours, oil paintings and sketches -- had been advertised for Saturday's auction. They included mainly depictions of buildings and nature scenes but also several female nudes.

Sales of alleged artworks by Hitler, who for a time tried to make a living as an artist in his native Austria, have long been controversial -- and have often proved to involve fakes over the years.

Just last month German police seized three watercolours presented as Hitler's works before they were due for auction in Berlin, claiming they were forged.

The Alpine and Rhenish landscapes were dated 1910 and 1911. They were signed A. Hitler and offered by auction house Kloss.

- Armchair swastikas -

The Nuremberg-Fuerth prosecutor's office said it had opened an investigation against unknown persons "on suspicion of falsifying documents and attempted fraud" in connection with the pieces found at Weidler auctioneers.

Investigators will now examine the works to determine if they are fakes or originals, chief prosecutor Antje Gabriels-Gorsolke told AFP.

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"If they turn out to be fakes, we will then try to determine who knew what in the chain of ownership," she said.

The auction house had cooperated fully and handed over the works voluntarily, she added.

The five paintings remaining for Saturday's auction in Nuremberg are watercolours of landscapes, with one depicting a mountain lake view carrying the highest starting price at 45,000 euros ($51,000).

The wicker armchair and the white-and-blue porcelain Meissen vase that will likewise be auctioned off have themselves come under scrutiny for bearing swastikas.

In Germany, public displays of Nazi symbols are illegal although exceptions can be made, in educational or historic contexts for instance.

In this case, Gabriels-Gorsolke said the auction house had not fallen foul of the law because the swastikas on both items were pixellated in the catalogue and covered up on-site.

Nuremberg's mayor Ulrich Maly told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper the upcoming auction was "in bad taste".

- A mediocre painter -

Hitler tried to enrol in the Vienna Academy of Arts as a young man but was rejected for lack of talent.

He continued painting, however, and copied landscapes from postcards which he sold to tourists.

Experts consider his work to be of mediocre quality.

Hitler had the style of "a slightly ambitious amateur" but his creations did not stand out, said art expert Stephan Klingen of Munich's Central Institute for Art History.

Hitler went on to head the Nazi party and became Germany's chancellor in 1933 before leading the country into World War II and seeking to exterminate Jews.

He committed suicide in a Berlin bunker on April 30, 1945, ending the Nazi's reign of terror.

A 2015 sale of Hitler watercolours by the Weidler auction house fetched nearly 400,000 euros.
BERLIN (AP)  Facebook is pushing back against a German ruling that could make it harder for the company to combine data from all the services it runs in order to target ads even more precisely.

Thursday's ruling, though aimed at current practices, hints at potential troubles ahead if Facebook follows through with plans to integrate the messaging functions of WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger as early as next year.

German antitrust authorities ruled Thursday that Facebook was exploiting its dominance in social media to force users to share data from other Facebook-owned services like WhatsApp and Instagram, as well as third-party websites through the "Like" and "Share" buttons.

The Federal Cartel Office, or Bundeskartellamt, isn't contesting Facebook's use of customer data to target ads on the main Facebook service. Rather, the ruling said Facebook should have to get permission separately before using customer data from other apps and websites to do so.

Facebook said it would appeal.

The company currently collects data on users' activities on Facebook and the other apps it owns, along with third-party websites. So, what someone views, likes or shares on Instagram  or the broader web  could be used to show that person an ad on Facebook.

Facebook also has been moving to further integrate WhatsApp and Instagram into its main service after initially promising to keep both as stand-alone companies when it bought them.

Although Facebook hasn't given many details on its plans to integrate messaging, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said recently that the idea is to help users message one another more easily, without having to worry about who's on which service. The company also said it would encrypt all the messaging services, something it does by default only with WhatsApp.

But critics have raised another possible reason  the threat of antitrust crackdowns. Essentially, if Facebook combines its messaging services so that they are different in name and design only, it will be much more difficult, if not impossible, to then separate out and spin off Instagram and WhatsApp as separate companies.

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Combining the three services also lets Facebook build more complete data profiles on all of its users. Already, businesses can already target Facebook and Instagram users together with the same ad campaign, and ads are likely coming to WhatsApp eventually.

Then there's competition from other messaging services, such as Apple's or Google's. Users are more likely to stay within Facebook's properties if they can easily message their friends across different services, rather than having to switch between Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram.

Privacy attorney Scott Vernick said he expects the integration plans to draw regulatory scrutiny, particularly in Europe. That's because of Facebook's promises that it would keep the companies separate when it bought Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. WhatsApp's founders quit the company over disagreements about user privacy.

"There is a high chance for antitrust concerns, as well as those over how user data is collected and used," Vernick said.

There are also worries that Facebook could build deeper profiles, such as by linking phone numbers to real-life identities, he added. Facebook doesn't require users to add their phone number, but WhatsApp is generally used with phone numbers. Between the two, Facebook gets more data.

In ruling that Facebook was a "dominant company," the Cartel Office said it was subject to "special obligations under competition law" and "must take into account that Facebook users practically cannot switch to other social networks."

"The only choice the user has is either to accept the comprehensive combination of data or to refrain from using the social network," it said in its judgment. "In such a difficult situation the user's choice cannot be referred to as voluntary consent."

The office said many users were not aware that Facebook is able to "collect an almost unlimited amount of any type of user data from third-party sources."

Facebook said German authorities underestimated the competition Facebook has in Germany from YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter and others. The company said it had been cooperating with the Cartel Office since 2016 and would "defend these important arguments in court."

Regardless of whether the German ruling  which would only apply in Germany  sticks, Vernick said the European data protection commission is already looking closely at Facebook's integration plans and the data it collects across all its services and beyond.

__

Ortutay reported from New York.
Genpact Limited G is slated to release fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 7, after market close.

Over the past three months, shares of Genpact have gained 4.3% against the 0.9% decline of the industry it belongs to.

Let's check out how things are shaping up for the announcement.

Strength Across Service Lines, Client Baseto Drive Top Line

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2018 revenues is pegged at $809.73 million, indicating year-over-year growth of 10.3%. The upside is likely to be driven by strength in the companys high-tech and life sciences verticals and contributions from CPG, manufacturing and healthcare. Increase in the companys business process outsourcing (BPO) services (inclusive of the transformation services delivered to Global Clients) should also drive the companys top line.

In third-quarter 2018, revenues of $747.97 million improved 5.5% year over year.

Going by client type, the consensus estimate for Global Client revenues is pegged at $741 million, indicating year-over-year growth of 10.8%. The upside is expected to be driven by strength across the companys high tech, life sciences, consumer packaged goods, infrastructure, manufacturing and services and healthcare verticals. In third-quarter 2018, Global Client revenues of $683 million climbed 7% year over year.

The consensus mark for General Electric (GE) revenues is pegged at $67 million, indicating year-over-year growth of 3.1%. In third-quarter 2018, GE revenues of $65 million declined 11% year over year.

Based on the type of services offered, the consensus estimate for BPO revenues is pegged at $675 million, indicating year-over-year growth of 9.9%. The upside is likely to result from increase in services offered to Global Clients. In third-quarter 2018, total BPO revenues of $623 million increased 7% year over year.

The consensus mark for IT revenues is pegged at $127 million, indicating year-over-year growth of 4.9%. In third-quarter 2018, total IT revenues of $125 million remained flat year over year.

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Genpact Limited Revenue (TTM)

Genpact Limited Revenue (TTM) | Genpact Limited Quote

Bottom Line Expectations

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share (EPS) in the to-be-reported quarter is pegged at 48 cents, indicating year-over-year growth of 11.6%. The bottom line should benefit from higher operating profits, which is likely to be partially offset by a tax impact.

In third-quarter 2018, adjusted earnings of 48 cents per share came ahead of the year-ago figure by 2 cents.

What Our Model Says

According to the Zacks model, a company with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) has a good chance of beating estimates if it also has a positive Earnings ESP . Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell) stocks are best avoided, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter .

Genpact has a Zacks Rank #3 and an Earnings ESP of -2.08%.

Genpact Limited Price and EPS Surprise

Genpact Limited Price and EPS Surprise | Genpact Limited Quote

Stocks to Consider

Here are a few stocks from the broader Zacks Business Services sector that investors may consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings:

Steelcase SCS has an Earnings ESP of +11.86% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is expected to release fourth-quarter fiscal 2019 results on Mar 19. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

IQVIA Holdings IQV has an Earnings ESP of +0.37% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is slated to report fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 14.

Fiserv FISV has an Earnings ESP of +0.03% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is scheduled to release fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 7.

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GENEVA (Reuters) - Swiss prosecutors said on Thursday they had closed a money-laundering inquiry into a son of the President of Equatorial Guinea with an arrangement to sell 25 confiscated luxury cars to fund social programs in the former Spanish colony. The probe, opened in October 2016, also concerned misappropriation of public assets by Teodoro Obiang, the Geneva prosecutor's office said in a statement. Obiang, widely know as Teodorin, was accused along with two others whose names were not given. "The 25 vehicles ...will be sold and the net product will be handed over to a social program on the territory of Equatorial Guinea," the statement said. The "Ebony Shine", a yacht confiscated in the Netherlands following a request for judicial cooperation, has been released, it said. The government of Equatorial Guinea has agreed to pay the Geneva state 1.3 million Swiss francs ($1.3 million), to cover the cost of the procedure, which also involved inquiries in the Cayman Islands, France, the Marshall Islands, Monaco and Denmark, it said. Teodorin Obiang was convicted of embezzlement in France in October 2017 during a trial in absentia. The court ordered the confiscation of more than 100 million euros worth of his assets. He is the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled the country for four decades. Rights groups have labeled his administration one the world's most corrupt. Equatorial Guinea argued that Obiang was the country's "Second Vice-President" when the 2012 raid took place and that his Paris residence therefore was part of its diplomatic mission. A year ago France asked the World Court to throw out the case launched by Equatorial Guinea saying it was wrongly using the court to shield the ruler's son. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; editing by John Stonestreet)
Caracas (AFP) - More than a decade ago, university students in Venezuela burst onto the political scene by rekindling opposition to then leader Hugo Chavez with street protests that led to the socialist firebrand's only election defeat.

Now, one of the more low-profile leaders of that drive, Juan Guaido, is heading an offensive that is seen as having a decent chance to remove from power Chavez's handpicked successor, the former bus driver Nicolas Maduro.

Guaido, the 35-year-old speaker of the National Assembly, declared himself interim president on January 23 during an opposition rally in Caracas, surprising many in Venezuela.

Since then Guaido has been recognized as interim president by more than 40 countries, led by the United States, and millions of Venezuelans have found in him hope for a way out of a grinding socio-economic crisis marked by shortages of food, medicine and even such basics as soap and toilet paper.

An industrial engineer by training, Guaido has reinvigorated Venezuela's fragmented opposition and shaken up the world of politics in the oil rich country.

Back in 2007, Guaido stirred the opposition with other student leaders by leading, successfully, demonstrations against a constitutional reform that would have let Chavez seek re-election indefinitely. His defeat came in a referendum.

Many of those student leaders joined established political parties and became well-known in the news media, such as former mayor David Smolansky, who is now in exile in Washington, or lawmakers Manuela Bolivar and Juan Andres Mejia.

Guaido also ran for a seat in congress, where in 2010 he became an alternate deputy and in 2015 won a full-fledged seat. But all along he kept a low profile.

"He did not like to draw attention to himself. He did not seek to give speeches or attract the news media," said Angel Zambrano, a colleague from the days of the student protests. "He was more involved in organizing things, at a technical level," Zambrano told AFP.

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Guaido is now front-page news around the world, although prior to becoming speaker of the opposition-controlled national assembly last month only three percent of Venezuelans knew who he was, said Felix Seijas, citing a study by the polling firm Delphos, which he runs.

- Looking for an outsider -

In 2015, the opposition scored a landslide win in legislative elections, dealing the post-Chavez government its biggest election defeat ever. Chavez died of cancer in 2013.

But after the blocking of a referendum seeking to remove Maduro from power and anti-government street protests in 2017 that left 125 people dead, the opposition grew deeply divided amid disputes among parties and disagreement on what strategy to take against Maduro.

"People lost trust and became tired of traditional politics, and several years ago the idea emerged of trying to find an outsider," Seijas told.

In rallies held in recent weeks, the opposition has praised him as a pleasant surprise with no ties to mainstream parties.

Maduro has dismissed Guaido as "a kid who is playing politics". Still, he has said he is willing to meet with him.

Guaido and his generation are "the grandchildren of the dinosaurs of the fourth republic," or governments prior to Chavez, said the powerful pro-Chavez politician Diosdado Cabello. He derided Guaido and other young politicians like him as "lackeys of the empire", referring to the US.

- Beware god-like saviors -

Married and the father of a toddler, Guaido is all the rage for Venezuelans who have resisted joining 2.3 million people that the United Nations says have fled the country and its economic woes since 2015.

"He is the leader we were all waiting for. A new, young leader who is not tainted with old-style politics," said Carlos Morales, a 62-year-old demonstrator who says he used to support the Chavez camp.

But Guaido's rise also stems from agreements between old and new opposition parties, which have been sapped by the loss of many leaders who went into exile, were jailed, or were declared ineligible to hold public office.

"You have to know how to meld the generation of the young with old-style politics," said another opposition leader, Henrique Capriles. He warned against the idea of treating Guaido as if he were a god-like savior.

"Sometimes this country has a tendency to create heroes easily," the former two time presidential candidate said.

In 2009 Guaido helped found a party called Voluntad Popular, or People's Will, which the government considers a terrorist group. In its pecking order he was below its leader, Leopoldo Lopez, and an outspoken lawmaker named Freddy Guevara, who has now taken refuge in the Chilean Embassy.

When it became Voluntad Popular's turn this year to hold the speaker of the national assembly job, the consensus was to give the post to Guaido. The opposition strategy was to argue that Maduro is usurping power, on grounds that his re-election last May was rigged, and that therefore under the constitution power must be passed on to the speaker.

"This created an opportunity" to reinvigorate the opposition, said Seijas.
The Telegraph

Egyptian police on Tuesday arrested a Tiktok star who has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for her posts on social media. Haneen Hossam, a 20-year-old Cairo University student who became an influencer on video sharing app Tiktok, was sentenced in absentia on Sunday alongside four others. While all five were fined 2,000 Egyptian pounds (9,160) for encouraging women to share videos in exchange for money, which Egyptian authorities equated to human trafficking, Ms Hossam received a harsher
PARIS (Reuters) - France said on Thursday its defense cooperation with Cameroon was continuing a day after the United States said it was halting some military assistance to the West African country over allegations of human rights violations by its security forces. "France is bound by a defense partnership agreement that it conducts according to the international standards," Foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a daily briefing with reporters. "In accordance with international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict, this cooperation is also intended to help Cameroon's defense and security forces combat terrorism, especially against Boko Haram in the north of the country, while protecting the people. This cooperation continues." Cameroon has cooperated closely with the Western states in the fight against Islamist militant group Boko Haram in West and central Africa. But rights groups have accused authorities of using the fight against Boko Haram to crack down on political opponents, and make arbitrary arrests and torture people. Authorities arrested opposition leader Maurice Kamto in January, accusing him of mobilizing dissent against President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country since 1982. Biya has been accused by the opposition and rights groups of cracking down in two Anglophone regions to root out armed separatists vying for independence. A State Department official on Wednesday said the United States' decision to terminate some military programs and halt delivery of some equipment was to push Cameroon to show greater transparency in investigating credible allegations of gross violations of human rights security forces. France, which has significant business interests in its former colony and relies on it to fight against Islamist militants, has been careful not to overly criticize the government's handling of the crisis. It has urged the Cameroonian government to engage in dialogue to stop an escalation in violence. (Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Bate Felix)
Paris (AFP) - France took the exceptional step of recalling its envoy to Rome on Thursday to protest a series of attacks from the Italian government which it described as "unprecedented" since World War II.

France's foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Rome for consultations after a series of increasingly personal criticisms of President Emmanuel Macron by Italy's two deputy prime ministers, Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini.

"For several months France has been the subject of repeated accusations, unfounded attacks and outlandish claims," a ministry statement said. "This is unprecedented since the end of the war."

In 1940, Italy under leader Benito Mussolini invaded France, occupying part of the southeast, but they have been allies since and are founding members of the European Union.

It is the first time since the war that France has recalled its ambassador.

Di Maio and Salvini, who formed a populist coalition government last year, have repeatedly criticised Macron, who has in turn targeted their eurosceptic movements ahead of high-stake European Parliament elections in May.

The latest spat erupted Tuesday after Di Maio, who heads the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, said he met French "yellow vest" anti-government protesters outside Paris.

Di Maio said the aim of the meeting was to prepare a common front for the European Parliament elections, boasting on Twitter that "the wind of change has crossed the Alps."

But Paris denounced the matter as "an additional and unacceptable provocation".

- Escalating spats -

Speaking to AFP, a French official described the recall as a diplomatic message warning Italy to "stop playing with Franco-Italian friendship".

"The measure is exceptional, but it's not designed to worsen or escalate" the situation.

The escalating war of words began when the Five Star Movement and Salvini's far-right League parties won the elections last summer and formed a coalition government.

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When the populist government then began preventing rescue boats with migrants on board from docking at Italian ports, Macron blasted its "cynicism and irresponsibility", comparing the rise of far-right nationalism to leprosy.

It has since spiralled into a string of tit-for-tat exchanges, leading to this week's latest spat.

"We don't want to row with anyone," Salvini said on Thursday, calling for solutions to problematic issues such as French border controls on the Italian frontier and Rome's demands for the extradition of far-left Italian activists living in France.

Both Salvini and Di Maio also issued statements saying they were available to talk to Macron and the French government.

- 'Terrible president'

Last month, Paris summoned Italy's ambassador to protest Di Maio's accusation that France was encouraging immigration to Europe "because European countries, France above all, have never stopped colonising dozens of African countries."

And Di Maio also denounced the French government for protecting the elite and the privileged, saying "a new Europe is being born of the 'yellow vests', of movements, of direct democracy."

Salvini also poured fuel on the fire last month with a Facebook video in which he said: "I hope the French will be able to free themselves of a terrible president."

"The opportunity will come on May 26 when finally the French people will be able to take back control of their future, destiny, (and) pride, which are poorly represented by a character like Macron", he said, referring to the date of the European Parliament elections.

Sebastien Maillard, who heads the Jacques Delors thinktank in Paris, suggested there was little reason for the Italians to call off the fight.

"I don't quite see what di Maio and Salvini could gain by calling off the battle which serves their domestic political goals," he said.
Paris (AFP) - French justice officials Thursday said they were investigating business ties between a Russian oligarch and a disgraced policeman with links to President Emmanuel Macron.

Vincent Crase, a former police officer, lost his job last year after he and a friend, Alexandre Benalla, a former top security aide to President Emmanuel Macron, were filmed roughing up protesters during a May Day demonstration.

Crase is suspected of having been involved in outside security work while still employed as a government official.

Few details emerged as to the nature of the unofficial security work Crase allegedly engaged in.

But the Mediapart news site said in a report officials were looking into links between his security firm, Mars, and Russian oligarch Iskander Makhmudov, reputed to be close to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Mediapart said officials were investigating payment by Makhmudov for the protection of his assets in France and Monaco.

Revelations over the summer that Macron's office knew about Benalla and Crase roughing up demonstrators but attempted to cover up the matter led to an outcry by political opponents.

Benalla has since been charged with illegally using diplomatic passports he was given when working at the Elysee.

Meanwhile, in another twist to the ongoing saga, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe's head of security on Thursday announced she was resigning.

This followed media revelations that she and her partner had welcomed Benalla to their home in July.

Marie-Elodie Poitout denied any wrongdoing, saying she and partner Chokri Wakrim had simply met with Benalla whom they knew socially. But she asked to be moved to another job so as not to stir up further political controversy.
By Ginger Gibson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Testimony by U.S. President Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen before the House Intelligence Committee has been postponed until Feb. 28, the panel said on Wednesday, the latest snag over an appearance by Trump's one-time "fixer." Cohen, who is set to go to prison on March 6 after pleading guilty to crimes including campaign finance violations during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, was scheduled to appear before the panel for closed testimony on Thursday. "In the interests of the investigation, Michael Cohens testimony has been postponed" until Feb. 28, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said in a statement. It was the second time this year a congressional appearance by Cohen has been put off. Last month, Cohen cited threats from Trump for postponing testimony before an open hearing of the House of Representatives Oversight Committee set for Feb. 7. That hearing has not been rescheduled. Cohen has also been subpoenaed by the Senate Intelligence Committee to appear in mid-February. In December, Cohen was sentenced by a federal judge in Manhattan to three years in prison for crimes including orchestrating hush payments to women in violation of campaign laws before the 2016 election. Democrats newly in control of the House of Representatives have planned numerous investigations of Trump, his business interests and his administration. Congressional committees are also conducting their own investigations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election on Trump's behalf and any cooperation between the Trump campaign and Moscow. Special Counsel Robert Mueller has been investigating Russia's role in the election and whether there was any collusion or obstruction of justice by the Trump team. Schiff said last month he wanted to discuss the Russia probe with Cohen in the closed testimony. Cohen was part of Trumps inner circle who in the past called himself the presidents "fixer." After Cohen pleaded guilty to the Mueller charges on Nov. 29, Trump called his former lawyer a liar, "a weak person and not a very smart person." (Reporting by Ginger Gibson and Karen Freifeld; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by David Gregorio)
Former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres recently shared scary news with her fans on Instagram: Shes being treated for melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.

Torres talked about the news in Spanish in the video post, but also wrote about her experience in English in the caption. "Today I have some sad news... I have been diagnosed with skin cancer 'melanoma' from a big spot/mole I never paid attention to, even though it was new, it had been growing for years & had an uneven surface," she wrote.

Torres wrote that her fiance "had been begging me to have it checked" and finally even made a doctor's appointment for her. She had the spot biopsied and had a second surgery last week. "The results unfortunately are positive," she said. "Now we are waiting to see which treatment I will be receiving but they have already removed a big area from the back of my knee & also they have removed 2 lymph nodes at the top of my leg where it had already spread. Hoping it has not spread to any more areas or organs."

Torres said she "had no idea skin cancer could spread anywhere else in your body" and urged others to get anything unusual on their bodies checked out.

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Melanoma may show up on your body in a few different ways.

It might be a change to a mole youve had for a while, a new spot or patch on your skin, a spot that looks like a changing freckle or age spot, a dark streak under your fingernail or toenail, or a slowly growing patch of thick skin that looks like a scale, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). For most people, the only sign of melanoma is a change to their skin, but melanomas can also cause itching, pain, and bleeding, the AAD says.

"New spots are particularly worrisome," Gary Goldenberg, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, tells SELF. "Although many new growths are benign, some may be atypical and even cancerous."

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Thats why the AAD recommends that people perform regular skin checks to look for the ABCDEs of melanoma. Those include:

Asymmetry

An uneven border

A variety of colors in the mole

A diameter larger than the size of a pencil eraser

A mole that is evolving in size

If you have a suspicious-looking spot on your skin, your doctor should do an exam to take a closer look. That usually involves a device called a dermoscope, which shines light on the skin and magnifies it, the AAD says. If they think the spot may be melanoma, theyll take a biopsy (which involves removing all or part of the spot) and send it off to a lab to be tested.

Treatment from there depends on your lab results, Dr. Goldenberg says. But, if you have melanoma, youll likely be referred to a surgical oncologist.

Melanoma is treatable, but it can also spread to other parts of your body if it goes untreated.

If the melanoma isnt deep and the biopsy shows that its confined to the skin (meaning its stage zero, I, or II), your doctor should be able to get it all by surgically removing it, Dr. Goldenberg says. But if its stage III or IV, it has spread to a nearby lymph node, skin, or internal organ, the AAD says.

When melanoma spreads, it usually goes to the closest lymph nodes first, the AAD says. If you have an increased risk for your melanoma to spread (e.g. it's deeper, has cells that are dividing, or broke open to resemble a sore), your doctor may recommend a surgery known as a sentinel lymph node biopsy, which can reveal whether or not the melanoma has spread there. This procedure involves injecting blue dye or a radioactive solution (or both) near the spot and then removing the sentinel nodes (the first few lymph nodes where a cancer usually spreads) while youre under general anesthesia.

Once melanoma hits your bloodstream (the next step after it invades your lymph nodes), it can go anywhere, Sapna Patel, M.D., an associate professor in the Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, tells SELF. "Melanoma does not discriminate when it comes to where it can spread," she says. "We have found it in the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, brain, and inside the eyeballs." Imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans can help your doctor determine where the melanoma has spread beyond the lymph nodes, the AAD says.

If your melanoma has spread, youll be referred to an oncologist for treatment. That may include biological therapy (which aids your immune system) or targeted therapy (which uses medications to target certain vulnerabilities in cancer cells), the Mayo Clinic says. Your doctor may also recommend radiation therapy to target particular areas of your body or chemotherapy, the Mayo Clinic says. But Dr. Patel says that biological and targeted therapies have become the go-to treatments for melanomas over the past few years.

Overall, experts stress that melanoma is serious, so you shouldnt write off suspicious-looking spots. "Melanoma is the most aggressive solid cancer, millimeter for millimeter," Dr. Patel says. "Its very important that you get your skin checked regularly."

Related:
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he's determined to settle the country's territorial issue with Russia and conclude a peace treaty.

Abe was speaking in Tokyo at an annual national rally to demand the return of four Russian-held islands. Japan claims them. The event was held on Thursday, Northern Territories Day.

A Japan-Russia treaty signed on February 7th, 1855, recognized the islands as belonging to Japan.

Japan's government maintains that the islands are an inherent part of the country's territory. It says they were illegally occupied after World War Two.

Abe said at the rally that although it's not easy to settle problems left unresolved more than 73 years after the end of the war, the issue must be resolved.

He said he will strongly push for joint efforts with Russia so Japanese and Russian people can deepen mutual trust and find a solution acceptable to both.

Abe said he'll continue negotiations on the basic principle of settling the territorial issue and concluding a peace treaty through such efforts.

In the past, Abe used the expression "resolving the issue of the attribution of the four northern islands and concluding a peace treaty." But this year, he omitted the word "attribution."

A statement of appeal adopted at the rally also did not contain the words "illegally occupied," which were included in past statements.

The changes were apparently made in hopes of advancing bilateral negotiations amid recent moves in Russia against handing over the islands.
With deaths mounting in Florida's cosmetic surgery centers, a top state lawmaker has proposed legislation that would allow the state to punish clinics for the first time and ban troubled doctors from working in the facilities.

State regulators could impose fines and shut down clinics that have operated for decades with virtually no regulatory oversight while patients were left with critical injuries.

The bill filed on Tuesday comes just days after an investigation by USA TODAY and the Naples Daily News showed eight women died after procedures in the same Miami area plastic surgery business where doctors with little specialized training were performing up to eight surgeries a day in what patient advocates called a factory assembly line.

Despite the deaths and injuries -- including two women hospitalized after their intestines were perforated -- the state allowed the facilities to keep operating.

More: This business helped transform Miami into a national plastic surgery destination. Eight women died.

Its a national problem because youve got people from all over the country (coming to Florida) under the assumption that they will be safe, said Republican Sen. Anitere Flores of Miami, the chamber's deputy majority leader, who is sponsoring the bill.

Flores, whose district includes the plastic surgery business investigated by USA TODAY, said the fatal surgeries represent heartbreaking cases of people with young families and the last thing they expected was to come here and die.

The investigation found the business now known as Jolie Plastic Surgery is among more than a dozen high-volume clinics in Florida owned by investors and driven by discount prices and social media advertising that draw thousands of women each year from across the country.

More: Young mothers, blue-collar clerks, all promised life-changing plastic surgeries - and died.

Until now, the state health department says it has never been able to close the facilities when patients die or are injured, but the proposal would give the state the power to now revoke the clinics registration.

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The bill would also require that only doctors could own the facilities, and that if a clinic is shut down, the physician who owns the center would not be able to run another for at least five years.

The legislation comes as patients flock to Miami-area facilities for one of the fastest-growing  and most dangerous  procedure in plastic surgery: the Brazilian butt lift.

Popularized in Miami, the butt lifts have resulted in numerous deaths in the past five years in Florida, including some of the fatalities examined by USA TODAY.

Four of the women undergoing the procedure died after their doctors mistakenly injected body fat deep into their muscles and tore veins, creating deadly embolisms that killed them in minutes, records and interviews show.

Some of these procedures didnt exist even a few years ago, and people are dying from it, Flores said.

Her bill proposes banning doctors from owning clinics or even working in the facilities if the doctor was disciplined by the medical board in the prior five years.

In addition to revoking licenses, the proposal would allow the state to suspend a clinic from operating for up to two years and impose fines of up to $10,000 if a doctor is caught running an unregistered clinic.

This cosmetic surgery facility in suburban Miami has undergone name changes over the years, but one person has been at the center: Dr. Ismael Labrador. Tucked away in a strip mall between a barber shop and a discount shoe store, the facility carries out popular but risky procedures that have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries since 2013.

Christopher Nuland, a longtime Florida health care lawyer who represents the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons, said similar bills have been shot down in the past, including one last year in the House pushed by a former lawmaker who is a doctor. But Nuland said the national publicity brought about by the USA TODAY investigation has raised the issue to a new level.

This has gotten the attention of the (lawmakers), he said. Right now, the (clinics) are not under any direct regulation. People can either clean up their act, or get out.

Nuland said Floridas board-certified plastic surgeons he represents welcome state oversight if it means cracking down on dangerous clinics where patients die.

But he said passing the legislation may be difficult. The Florida House usually fights efforts to force additional regulations and other kinds of licensing. And he said some of the key points of the bill are too strict, like banning doctors who simply work in the clinics from moving to another facility for five years.

I would say its a start, he said.

More: Before scheduling a cosmetic surgery procedure, make sure you follow these 14 steps

Flores said shes willing to make compromises, but the pressure is on the state. For years, the Legislature has promoted medical tourism  attracting people to Florida for surgeries. We are doing this to safeguard people.

Theres no way you can bring back a family member that youve lost. But I know that if your family tragedy prevented another one, that brings some solace, she said.

Tammy Meadows, whose 29-year-old daughter died after the state said her doctor made critical mistakes during her plastic surgery in 2016, said she was heartened by the proposed bill, but she added it should have been passed a long time ago.

What gets me is how the state of Florida could have allowed the clinics to go on, said Meadows, who is raising her daughters two children, ages 2 and 8. They need to stop this when you see so many dying.

Help us investigate cosmetic surgery safety issues

If you or someone you know suffered injuries or death during cosmetic surgery procedures, we would like to know what happened. We will not publish personal information unless we contact you first to ask for permission to share it.

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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida lawmaker wants to give state power to punish deadly cosmetic surgery clinics
Government officials in Los Angeles are considering ripping out carpets in city buildings amid a typhus outbreak that has infected workers.

The disease is typically caused by infected fleas and their feces. It can also be spread by rats, cats and opossums, according to health officials. Downtown Los Angeles has been battling an outbreak since October that was linked to homeless street encampments, officials said.

Los Angeles station KABC reports that the problem has become so severe that officials are now looking at plans from City Council President Herb Wesson to remove all carpets in City Hall and City Hall East, as well as assess live plants and implement a policy that would require employees to keep food off site.

City attorney Elizabeth Greenwood told local station KCAL9 she contracted typhus in November and said "I thought I was going to die."

Symptoms of typhus include, fever, chills, rapid breathing, body and muscle aches, rash, vomiting and confusion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some people can remain infected without symptoms and experience a relapse in disease, the CDC reports, known as Brill-Zinsser disease.

While there is no vaccine to prevent typhus, there are antibiotics available to treat the disease.

Follow Ashley May on Twitter: @AshleyMayTweets

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flea-borne typhus outbreak in Los Angeles may cause officials to rip out carpet in city buildings
Fiat Chrysler (FCA-IT) shares crashed by nearly 12 percent Thursday after the Italian-American automaker forecast a weak outlook for 2019.

The automaker said it expects results in the first half of the year to be down over last year, in part because the company will not be selling two generations of the Jeep Wrangler side-by-side, as it did in 2018. It is also planning some Wrangler production downtime to retool factories for launch of the plug-in hybrid version of the iconic off-road machine in early 2020.

The company also said continued actions to manage dealer inventories will hit its finances in the first half of the year. It is also facing higher-than-expected capital expenditures, shelling out roughly 500 million euros in connection with U.S. diesel emissions cases. It's also paying an effective tax rate that's about 25 percent higher than it was in 2018, mostly due to changes in the United States.

Fiat Chrysler said it expects the second half of the year to pick up from sales of its recently released Jeep Gladiator midsize pickup truck and its heavy-duty Ram pickup trucks , introduced at the Detroit auto show.

The automaker said it expects total industry sales for North America to decline in 2019 to 17.2 million, down from 17.7 million in 2018.
By Alastair Macdonald BRUSSELS (Reuters) - A row between London and the European Union over the "Irish backstop" is blocking a Brexit deal and could mean Britain leaving on March 29 without one, disrupting trade. This is what the backstop is and why it matters: BOTH SIDES WANT TO AVOID A "HARD BORDER" - WHAT'S THAT? In 1998, Britain and Ireland made the Good Friday Agreement to end 30 years of violence over whether Northern Ireland should stay British or join the Irish Republic. With both states in the EU, that ended checks along a 500-km (300-mile) land border. But Britain leaving the EU single market and customs union would, in principle, mean checkpoints that would be targets for militants. AND THE SOLUTION IS...? A UK-EU free trade deal to be negotiated during a status-quo transition of 20 to 44 months will ensure seamless borders. BUT THERE'S A CATCH Ireland and the rest of the EU want a "backstop" insurance policy. It says the UK will follow many EU rules "unless and until" "alternative arrangements" ensure no hard border. The EU had proposed keeping only Northern Ireland in its economic area but British Prime Minister Theresa May and her Northern Irish allies argued that would set Northern Ireland on a course toward union with the Republic. It would now keep all of the United Kingdom tied to EU rules. Last month, May's deal was heavily defeated in parliament, which told May to get the EU to junk or rework it. The EU refuses, including ruling out a time limit or giving Britain a right to end the backstop. STALEMATE May argues there are "alternative arrangements" to avoid a hard border without the backstop. The EU says that is its hope too, but that those alternatives are untested and need to be worked on during the transition. So, with Ireland uncompromising and calling Britain's alternatives "wishful thinking", the backstop stays, unchanged, the EU says. SO WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Neither side is blinking yet. Both are stepping up planning for Britain leaving on March 29 with no deal. Many EU officials and diplomats see either an 11th-hour deal at a quarterly summit on March 21-22 followed by a technical 2-3 month delay in Brexit to let Britain pass laws, or a "no deal" crash out on March 29. BUT DOESN'T NO DEAL MEAN A HARD BORDER? This is the heart of the conundrum for Ireland and the EU. Britain says it will not impose border checks. So has Ireland. But the EU says there must be checks on British goods coming in. A brief status quo on the border seems likely. But the EU will want to see at least discreet checks being made, rather as are envisaged under the "alternative arrangements". If not, Britain would have a "back door" to the EU single market and Ireland could risk having its own exports to the rest of the EU being subject to checks at EU ports to ensure they are not British. SO THE PRESSURE IS ON Britain faces heavy disruption if the EU imposes checks and tariffs on UK exports. So too do EU businesses. Longer term, the EU fears a failure of talks will poison relations with its big neighbor for years as they try to build new trade relations. But the EU says the backstop is a vital defense for its single market against a major economy dodging its rules. British lawmakers call it an intolerable attack on sovereignty. Very few are willing to bet heavily on one outcome. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; @macdonaldrtr; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
At the 2019 MAKERS Conference, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivers an exclusive message about the key to accelerating the womens movement: all of us. From the innovators and entrepreneurs, to the trailblazers and changeMAKERS, all of us must come together to get the job done.
By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - A United Nations-led inquiry into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said on Thursday that evidence pointed to a brutal crime "planned and perpetrated" by Saudi officials. Khashoggi's killing by a team of Saudi operatives on Oct. 2 provoked widespread revulsion and tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, previously admired in the West for pushing deep changes including tax reform, infrastructure projects and allowing women to drive. U.S. intelligence agencies believe Crown Prince Mohammed ordered an operation to kill Khashoggi, a critic and Washington Post columnist, and say his body was dismembered and removed to a location still publicly unknown. Riyadh denies the prince had any involvement in the murder. "Evidence collected during my mission to Turkey shows prime facie case that Mr. Khashoggi was the victim of a brutal and premeditated killing, planned and perpetrated by officials of the State of Saudi Arabia," Agnes Callamard, U.N. special rapporteur for extrajudicial summary or arbitrary executions, said in statement issued in Geneva. She said her Jan 28-Feb 3 mission to Turkey with a team of three experts "could not firmly establish whether the original intention was to abduct Mr. Khashoggi, with his murder planned only in the eventuality of this abduction failing." Saudi officials had "seriously undermined" and delayed Turkey's efforts to investigate the crime scene at its Istanbul consulate, where Khashoggi had gone to get papers needed for his wedding, she said. Neither the Saudi government communications office nor Turkey's foreign ministry gave immediate responses to requests for comment on the report. "CLEAN-UP OF THE CRIMES SCENES" Delayed access to the consulate and residence and "clean up of the crimes scenes", had severely limited the potential for the Turkish criminal forensic investigation to "produce telling evidence", Callamard added. After Khashoggi's first visit to the consulate on Sept 28, Saudi planning included "the travel of the three teams that carried out the operation; the presence of a lookalike of Mr Khashoggi who was seen leaving the consulate; the presence of a forensic doctor; the escape of the teams' members and, of course, the disposal of Mr. Khashoggi's body." It was "unconscionable" that Saudi authorities continued to fail to disclose the whereabouts of Khashoggi's remains, "after having admitted that he met his death within their custody in their consular premises," she added. Callamard said her team had access to part of "chilling and gruesome audio material" of Khashoggi's death obtained by the Turkish intelligence agency. She had also been promised access to forensic and police reports critical to her inquiry. A Saudi public prosecutors spokesman said late last year that 11 Saudis had been indicted and referred for trial over the case, with authorities seeking the death penalty for five. Saudi Arabia has denied Turkey's request for extradition of the 11 suspects, amid conflicting claims for jurisdiction, Callamard said. She had "major concerns" about the fairness of the trial proceedings and had sought an official visit to the kingdom. Callamard is due to submits her final report in June to the U.N. Human Rights Council, including recommendations on formal criminal accountability. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; additional reporting by William Maclean in London and Stephen Kalin in Riyadh; editing by John Stonestreet)
New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez put her money where her mouth is on Thursday, February 7, with the release of a Green New Deal alongside Democratic Senator Ed Markey. The resolution seeks to convert 100 percent of the nations electricity to clean sources within the next 10 years, and was a marquee campaign issue for the freshman congresswoman. And while the Green New Deal isnt on its way to being a bill just yet, its lofty goals for the future of America might result in some actual changes as to how we manage the environment.

The resolution cites a sobering 2018 UN climate study in its preamble, and argues in no uncertain terms that climate change is real and caused by human interventions, and that its effects on our economy, jobs, and lives depend on fixing our mistakes. The extensive 2018 report argued that the state of climate change is such that human beings have reached a last-chance opportunity to make change before damage to the planet becomes irreversible.

President Trump, unfortunately, has previously stated his belief that climate change is not real and even pulled the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017. His 2019 State of the Union address did not touch on climate at all.

But with the House of Representatives having flipped back to the Democrats, and less than two years before another major election, Ocasio-Cortezs Green New Deal could eventually become the legislation that helps change our future.

Because the United States has historically been responsible for a disproportionate amount of greenhouse

gas emissions, having emitted 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions through 2014, and has a high technological capacity, the United States must take a leading role in reducing emissions through economic transformation, the resolution reads, in part, before launching into five goals, suggestions on 14 government-funded projects, and 15 requirements to execute the deal.

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Among the five goals that the Democratic team hopes to achieve is a reduction of carbon emissions alongside the creation of new, clean-energy jobs. The document also reflects a holistic model of climate sustainability that reflects the relatedness of food systems, broad-scale employment availability, and health care access. It cites a mission to [work] collaboratively with farmers and ranchers to institute sustainable farming and land use practices that increase soil health and support family farms.

Of course, the goals outlined in the Green New Deal are extremely ambitious, but theyre meant to be. Decarbonizing electricity, transportation, and industry, restoring natural ecosystems, and upgrading buildings and electricity grids within a 10-year timeframe might be a tall order, but putting the pins in place to bring the country closer to such massive overhaul is much better than doing nothing at all.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, theres already been pushback by the GOP, even before the deal was released. We should be open to the fact that wealth transfer schemes suggested in the radical policies like the Green New Deal may not be the best path, Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) told the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Wednesday, also arguing that a top-down, government-managed plan to decarbonize the US isnt realistic. Republican officials have generally tended to profess that climate change is either not real or a subject of partisan exaggeration.

But voters, in general, are interested in the greening of America. In December, Yale released the results of a report suggesting that a majority of both Democrats and Republicans wanted a Green New Deal  even before any report was released.

Given that most Americans have strong support for the components and ideas of the Green New Deal, it becomes a communication strategy problem, Abel Gustafson, a postdoctoral associate who co-authored a report on the findings, told the Huffington Post. From here, its about how you can pitch it so you can maintain that bipartisan support throughout the rest of the process.

The report found that 81 percent of respondents were in favor of new green initiatives, but 82 percent of people surveyed had no idea about the Green New Deal as of late last fall.

Although the resolution doesnt outline how its projects will be paid for, the authors suggest that funding dilemmas are beside the point. The question isnt how will we pay for it, but what is the cost of inaction, and what will we do with our new shared prosperity created by the investments in the Green New Deal, reads the fact sheet distributed to Congress along with the resolution.

Even the solutions that we have considered big and bold are nowhere near the scale of the actual problem that climate change presents to us to our country, to the world, Ocasio-Cortez told NPR News on Thursday morning. So really, the heart of the Green New Deal is about social justice and its about allowing and fighting for things like fully-funded pensions for coal miners in West Virginia, fighting for clean water in Flint, and fighting for the ability of Indigenous peoples to take a leadership role in in where were moving as a country.

(Photos by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
MONTEVIDEO (Reuters) - EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini repeated a call on Thursday for a peaceful and political solution to a worsening crisis in Venezuela at the opening of a meeting of the International Contact Group in Uruguay. Mogherini, the EU's top diplomat, said at the meeting that such a solution was the only route to avoid further chaos in Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro is facing calls to step down and some 3 million people have fled abroad. (Reporting by Malena Castaldi; Writing by Adam Jourdan)
In early 2017, the Trump Administration tried to ax NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory 3, or OCO-3. It didn't work. Then, again in 2018, the White House sought to terminate the earth science instrument.

Again, the refrigerator-sized space machine persisted.

Now, SpaceX is set to launch OCO-3 to the International Space Station in the coming months, as early as April 25. Using a long robotic arm, astronauts will attach OCO-3 to the edge of the space station, allowing the instrument to peer down upon Earth and measure the planet's amassing concentrations of carbon dioxide  a potent greenhouse gas.

"Carbon dioxide is the most important gas humans are emitting into the atmosphere," Annmarie Eldering, the project scientist for OCO-3 at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said in an interview. "Understanding how it will play out in the future is critical."

Carbon dioxide concentrations are now the highest they've been on Earth in some 15 million years, and they've likely driven up Earth's temperature to its warmest point in 120,000 years. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have confirmed that 18 of the last 19 years are now the warmest on record.

So, knowing exactly where carbon is being emitted, and where the Earth is naturally absorbing some of these emissions, is vital to understanding the planet's fate.

"The really good news about OCO-3 is there will be a continuation of carbon dioxide measurements," Pontus Olofsson, an associate research professor at Boston University who uses satellites to research Earth's carbon cycle, said in an interview.

"The longer the records grow, the more important they become," added Olofsson, who is not part of the OCO-3 team. "It's like an exponential increase in importance."

But OCO-3 almost didn't make it to space.

OCO-3 will be attached to the Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility (JEM-EF).

Image: NASA

"We heard OCO-3 was not going to go," Britton Stephens, a senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research who works on the OCO-3 science team, said in an interview. "There've been lots of ups and downs in the project."

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In 2017, the Trump White House released its budget plans for 2018. It called for "terminating" five earth sciences missions, including OCO-3. In fact, the White House wanted to cut NASA's entire Carbon Monitoring System, and the same situation arose in 2018. But budgetary haggling between congressional lawmakers (who live in districts that support NASA's missions) and advocacy from NASA leaders  almost certainly kept NASA's carbon observing programs alive.

OCO-3 also had a key negotiating benefit: As far as space missions go, it's pretty low-budget. It was built using "spare parts" from its aging predecessor, OCO-2 (currently in space). Critically, OCO-2 is its own free-flying and maneuvering satellite, hurtling around Earth. OCO-3, rather, will be attached to the massive orbiting space station.

"You don't need your own spacecraft," said NASA's Eldering.

Carbon emissions have skyrocketed in the last century.

Image: nasa

In 2017, the Space Technology and Policy Group concluded that OCO-3 cost "relatively small amounts of money." For reference, the total proposed cuts for the five earth sciences missions in 2017 came to $167 million. Overall, NASA's science budget came to $5.7 billion, with an overall agency budget of over $19 billion.

Although the instrument's funding was in limbo at times, Eldering said her science team kept charging ahead to complete OCO-3, despite the noise. The completed instrument is now sitting at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, waiting to be loaded onto a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

"Weve got engineering and science work to do  so we focused on that," said Eldering, who sounded pretty cool and composed about the long, unsteady process. "We know projects can go up and down."

"Its awesome to have gotten to this point," she added.

On top of OCO-3's bargain price, scientists already know that carbon sleuthing technology works exquisitely. OCO-3 is essentially a discount model of OCO-2  and OCO-2 can detect the amount of carbon in the atmosphere within a range of less than one part per million.

"In terms of precision, it's incredible," said Stephens. "It's really an amazing feat that it can do that from space."

Detecting the invisible

To see how much carbon is saturating Earth's atmosphere, OCO-3 will rely on sunlight. Specifically, the instrument will look at how much sunlight is absorbed by carbon dioxide molecules.

Every type of molecule reacts to light in a different way, explained Eldering. OCO-3 will look at light that doesn't get absorbed by carbon dioxide and instead gets reflected back into space. The more carbon dioxide in the air, the less light will come back to the cameras.

Flying over land and oceans, OCO-3 will peer down at strips of Earth about 8.5 miles wide (14 kilometers), measuring carbon over disparate cities, oceans, and forests. This will be especially useful for seeing how well cities  and even power plants  are reining in, or mitigating, their carbon emissions.

SEE ALSO: House lawmakers finally let climate scientists set the record straight

"It turns out a huge percentage of carbon dioxide is coming from urban areas," said Stephens. "So if you can quantify the carbon dioxide emissions in Los Angeles, Seattle, or New York City, that would actually be a really useful number to verify our mitigation efforts."

The same thing can be done over forests. Forests are a critical part of Earth's carbon cycle, as they suck loads of carbon dioxide out of the air and store the molecules in trees and soil (that's why forests are known as carbon "sinks"). Though, it's challenging to know how much carbon is released when millions of acres of Amazonian rainforest are razed to the ground. It's equally difficult to know how much carbon gets absorbed back into the earth when forests regrow.

The carbon cycle in North America

Image: USGCRP 2018, ADAPTED FROM CIAIS ET AL., 2013; COPYRIGHT IPCC, USED WITH PERMISSION

"It's proven hard to estimate such things," said Olofsson.

"You need to observe things over and over and over again to really determine what is going on," he added, citing the importance of OCO-3 following OCO-2.

Today, about half of the carbon humanity emits into the atmosphere gets absorbed into the oceans and forests. "This is a great benefit for society," noted Stephens.

But as the planet warms, the carbon-absorbing abilities of these natural sinks could very well change as more carbon saturates the skies and the planet continues its accelerated warming trend, he said. So these places need to be watched, from above.

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One of the greatest benefits of OCO fleet is that its continued, precise measurements can be used in concert with carbon measurements on the ground and other earth-observing satellites, like NASA's recently launched, laser-shooting GEDI satellite (it measures the biomass of forests).

This is how scientists gain a confident understanding of the big picture.

"In combination with those instruments [OCO-3] becomes very important," said Olofsson.

"Hopefully there will be an OCO-4," he added.
El Paso Mayor Dee Margo joined Hardball with Chris Matthews to refute President Trumps claim in Tuesdays State of the Union address that the Texas city was one of the most dangerous cities in the country until a barrier was built on its southern end. According to Margo and FBI statistics, El Paso has been one of the safest large cities in America for years.

We are considered the safest city with a population greater than 500,000, Margo said. I talked to our police chief, through his staff, today, and found out in 2008, we were like second. In 2009, after the fence was built, we were still second. But weve progressed to be the No. 1 safest city in the nation. The true ranking of El Pasos standing among the safest large cities in America has been debated for years, although it does seem clear that Trumps claim about it being one of the most dangerous cities in the country before the wall was built is inaccurate.

Margo was quick to send out a tweet claiming Trumps narrative on El Paso was false, as did Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar, who went so far as to call Trump a liar.

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Margo went on to say in the interview that the fence along El Pasos southern border is only part of its security. He argued that building a fence from El Paso to Brownsville, Texas, isnt realistic, citing the terrain and the fact that much of the land is privately owned. And while politicians in Washington, D.C., continue to debate the wall, Margo is looking elsewhere for solutions to border security.

Rather than elected officials telling me, Id rather hear Homeland Security telling me what they recommend for control of our border, Margo said.

Trump plans to visit El Paso for a rally next week, and Margo hopes he gets a chance to defend his city.

The fact that hes coming out, Im very pleased, Margo said. And I hope to have some time to visit with him and show him how our border functions.

Hardball with Chris Matthews airs weeknights at 7 on MSNBC.

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Dengue immunity may buffer against Zika, study finds

In the epicenter of the Zika epidemic in northeast Brazil, 73 percent of people living in an urban slum in Salvador were infected in 2015, but a new study finds that those with immunity to dengue, a genetically similar virus, had a reduced risk of infection with Zika.

This study is the first to demonstrate that immunity to dengue can protect against Zika infection in human populations, said Derek Cummings, a University of Florida biology professor and a researcher with UFs Emerging Pathogens Institute. Cummings worked with a team led by the Brazilian Ministry of Health that included scientists from the University of California San Francisco, the Federal University of Bahia, the University of Pittsburgh and the Yale School of Public Health.

For the study, published today in the journal Science, the team examined a cohort of 1,453 individuals participating in a long-term health survey in Pau da Lima, Salvador, Brazil, who may have been exposed to Zika during the 2015 outbreak. Using multiple immune assays, the team characterized this cohorts immunity to dengue before and after the Zika outbreak and identified Zika infections.

To do this, the team developed a novel assay that measured immunoglobulin G3 responses to Zika, a specific antibody that recognizes Zika.

One of the challenges in studying dengue and Zika is distinguishing immunity to one virus from the other. We used multiple methods to disentangle immune responses to each virus, said Federico Costa, an associate professor at the Federal University of Bahia and an associate adjunct professor at the Yale School of Public Health.

A majority of individuals in the cohort had been infected with dengue before the Zika outbreak. For those with prior immunity to dengue, each doubling of antibody titers was associated with a 9 percent reduction in risk of Zika infection.

Even though there was protective immunity in the population, this community was heavily infected, said Albert Ko, a professor and chair of epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health and co-corresponding author with Cummings. Dengue immunity reduced individuals risk, but still 73 percent of the population was infected by Zika.

The results provide evidence that acquired immunity to the Zika virus has driven Zika transmission to low levels.

The Zika pandemic has created overall high rates of immunity to this virus in the Americas, which will be a barrier for outbreaks in coming years, said Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer, an assistant professor at University of California, San Francisco and one of the lead authors of the study.

The study was supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (grant to the University of Florida NIAID R01 AI114703, other institutes supported by NIAID R01 AI121207, NIAID U01 AI088752, FIC R01 TW009504 and FIC R25 TW009338), Yale School of Public Health and the Brazilian Ministries of Health, Education and Science and Technology.
EastGroup Properties (EGP) came out with quarterly funds from operations (FFO) of $1.18 per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. This compares to FFO of $1.14 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

A quarter ago, it was expected that this real estate investment trust would post FFO of $1.14 per share when it actually produced FFO of $1.17, delivering a surprise of 2.63%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus FFO estimates three times.

EastGroup Properties, which belongs to the Zacks REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry, posted revenues of $77.98 million for the quarter ended December 2018, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.38%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $71.36 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future FFO expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

EastGroup Properties shares have added about 15.5% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 9.2%.

What's Next for EastGroup Properties?

While EastGroup Properties has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's FFO outlook. Not only does this include current consensus FFO expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of estimate revisions.

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Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for EastGroup Properties was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus FFO estimate is $1.18 on $77.65 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $4.82 on $318.20 million in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, REIT and Equity Trust - Other is currently in the bottom 42% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.



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



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.

Consumer Reports is removing all Dyson models from its list of recommended stick vacuums because consumers cant count on them to last. Survey data we published today reveals that Dyson stick vacuums break at a higher rate than those of any other brand in our tests, pushing them to the bottom tier of our predicted reliability ratings.

The Dyson V8 Absolute, which CR deemed the best stick vacuum weve ever tested in September 2016 after it aced our key lab tests, relinquishes the top slot in our ratings that it has held since then. The poor reliability ratings mean that the V8 and four other V-series models ranging in price from $300 to $700 lose their recommended designation and drop to the middle of the pack, followed by two more models that werent recommended. All seven Dyson stick vacuums we test now appear in the Very Good bracket of our ratings.



To calculate predicted reliability, we survey our members about the products they own, then use that data to make projections about how new models from a given brand will hold up over time. Based on the latest survey results, Consumer Reports estimates that close to half of Dyson stick vacuums will break or stop working as they should within five years, compared with around a quarter of the stick vacuums from Shark, the most reliable brand for this type.

For Dyson, the statistics translate to a rating of 2 out of 10 for predicted reliability, in the Poor zone.

Dysons canister and upright vacuums fare better than its stick vacs for predicted reliability, and two Dyson models make the cut for our list of recommended uprights.



Prior to publishing this article, we told Dyson that its stick vacuums are no longer eligible to be recommended. In a written statement provided by a spokesperson, the company took exception to our findings:

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Dyson goes to the limit to create machines that perform exceptionally, are delightful to use, and last a long time. Our rigorous testing, owner surveys, and years of performance differ from the reliability predictions made by Consumer Reports. We will never stop learning and working to do right by our owners.

Dyson accounts for 25 percent of the stick vacuum market, according to TraQline, a market-research firm, and 43 percent of the stick vacs in our survey, making it the most popular brand among our members. In fact, despite its reliability issues, Dyson earns CRs top rating for owner satisfactionExcellent. The only other stick vacuum brand to rate Excellent for owner satisfaction is Shark, which also earns an Excellent for predicted reliability.

Our owner satisfaction ratings are based on the percentage of owners who are extremely likely to recommend their vacuum.

The survey leverages data on 51,275 upright, canister, and stick vacuums that members bought between 2008 and 2018.

How Reliability Affects Overall Score

This is the first time that brand reliability and owner satisfaction are being factored into CRs Overall Scores for vacuums, alongside the data collected during our extensive lab testing, which covers everything from a models ability to remove Maine Coon cat hair from carpet to ease of use. The change in scoring elevates some vacuums in our ratings while pushing others down. And models from brands that rate Fair or Poor for predicted reliability are not eligible for our recommended lists of products, regardless of performance. Thats what happened with Dysons stick vacuums.

This doesnt mean that if you own a Dyson stick vacuum youre guaranteed to have a problem with it, or even that its a bad product, says Maria Rerecich, CRs senior director of product testing. The message is that we think consumers are more likely to have a hassle-free experience with a product we recommend.

Though Dyson stick vacs did not have strong reliability ratings before this change in scoring, the brands ratings decline also relates to when problems start to kick in. Weve expanded our survey to collect data on vacuums over five years of ownership to get a better view of long-term reliability.

The reliability of Dyson stick vacs is on a par with most other vacuums during the first two years of ownership, says Simon Slater, CRs manager of survey research. But by the third year they start to fall below the average, and by the fifth year theyre the least reliable stick vacuum we currently test.



Dysons Problem Areas

A dead battery is the most common problem with Dyson stick vacuums: Our members reported this issue with 19 percent of models that were at least 3 years old, which is typical for battery-powered stick vacs. So Dysons batteries are no worse than most other brands.

The second biggest problem is that the brush stopped working properly. Some 12 percent of Dyson stick vacs that were at least 3 years old had an issue with their brushes not working properly or not working at all. This rate is significantly higher than the rate of most other stick vacs owned by our members.

Some of the other reported issues include lack of suction, problems with the power switch, and the vacuum having stopped working altogether.

When we survey our members, we ask their permission to get in touch to learn more about the products they own. We reached out to Ted Smithson of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and he agreed to tell us more about the issues hes had with his Dyson stick vacuum.

Smithson bought a Dyson DC44 Animal stick vacuum about six years ago as a second vacuum to use for small pickup jobs. And though its still working, he says that hes been frustrated by its performance. The agitator brush stops spinning and wont resume until you let up on the trigger . . . and then restart it again, he says.

He also has a design complaint about the lack of an on/off switchyou need to hold down the trigger to operate the vacuum. Its hard to push and uncomfortable, he says. After awhile your hand starts to hurt.

Smithsons Dyson problems began after the warranty expired on his unit. I just live with it, he says. But I wouldnt buy another Dyson.



Our Members Weigh In

We also invite our members to share their stories in the survey, and here's a sampling of comments, divided into two groups: those likely to recommend their Dyson stick vac and those unlikely to recommend it.

Likely to Recommend

Very expensive but does the best job of picking up hair from our big dogs of any vacuum we've had. I liked it so much I bought a second one for use upstairs. Laurence from Texas (2015 model year)

This is a great little vacuum. If I didn't already have several others, I would buy one for each floor of the house as it is far easier to use than the other corded vacuums I own. Richard from Virginia (2015 model year)

Simply outstanding for ease of use and it picks up anything in its path. Does a great job on rugs, too. Plenty of power, and I almost never use the high power mode. The canister has to be emptied constantly. Walter from California (2016 model year)



Unlikely to Recommend

This was a great vacuum initially but the performance degraded quickly. The battery never lasted long enough. Now after a couple years it has stopped working completely. Sean from Texas (2015 model year)

I enjoy the light weight and ease of use. But current problems with operation after only 18 months ownership, and light use, are extremely frustrating. Susan from Manitoba (2016 model year)

For the money it feels cheap . . . lots of creaky plastic. Battery failed after only four months use . . . is now back ordered, so they sent me a new machine. John from Ontario (2018 model year)

We conduct member surveys every year, and we will continue to purchase and test Dyson stick vacuums as new models are introduced.





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  2019, Consumer Reports, Inc.
Dwayne Johnson (Credit: AP)

Dwayne Johnson has claimed that he was the first choice to host this years Oscars ceremony, but he couldnt make the dates work because he was shooting Jumanji 2.

The Rock was chatting with fans online, when one suggested that he should have been tapped for the presenting role.

He replied: Ah mahalo dude (a Hawaiian greeting), I was their first choice to host this year, and my goal was to make it the most fun and entertaining Oscars ever.

We all tried hard, but couldnt make it work since Im shooting Jumanji. Academy and I were super bummed but maybe one day down the road.

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How Kevin Hart feels about this, we dont know.

Hart was announced as the host of this years ceremony last month, but less than 48 hours later, pulled out after footage of him telling homophobic jokes during a comedy special emerged online.

It means that for only the second time ever, the Oscars will go ahead without a central host, bringing in various other stars to present instead.

Ellen DeGeneres tried to get the Academy to change its mind, interviewing Hart and appearing to absolve the comedian of any wrong-doing, an exercise which spectacularly backfired.

But the strange thing about The Rocks claim, is that Hart is also in the Jumanji sequel, the project he says got in the way of the Oscars gig.

Yet somehow, Hart was available.

Perhaps theyre in different scenes on that day? Or maybe The Rock is just gently trolling his co-star?

We may never know the truth.

The Oscars, featuring a host of guest presenters including Daniel Craig, Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Lopez, Amandla Stenberg, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Tessa Thompson, and Brie Larson, happens on February 24.

Read more

Duncan Jones hits out at David Bowie movie

Russell Crowe transforms into Roger Ailes

Zombieland 2 first poster




The Hague (AFP) - Thousands of Dutch students skipped classes to march for action on climate change on Thursday, following the example of young demonstrators in Belgium and other countries for the first time.

Carrying banners with slogans like "Make Our Planet Great Again" and "Make Love, Not Carbon Dioxide", the children streamed through the centre of The Hague to urge governments to take action.

Dutch media said they counted around 4,000 students taking part but organisers said up to 15,000 people attended, with trains into the city packed full of young people.

"I'm here to be a part of a movement that shows the government that there's a lot of people that care about our climate, about our world," Hugo Kapteijn, 16, a student from Hilversum, near Amsterdam, told AFP.

"We want the government to step up and take action against the horrific practices of businesses and polluters and everything like that."

Pierre Viguier, 16, who is also from Hilversum, added: "It's our generation that is coming so it will be up to us to deal with the consequences of what is happening now."

"So if we change now, we will have less to change (in future)".

Many children skipped school to take part but some colleges allowed their students to take part, Dutch media said.

The Dutch protests are part of a wider network of student-led protest groups that have seen tens of thousands of young people around the world ditch school to demand action against climate change in recent months.

Some of the biggest have been in neighbouring Belgium where students have been taking to the streets every Thursday for several weeks.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he thought the protests were "fantastic" but added that his cabinet had already taken far-reaching measures on climate change.

"Kids, what more do you want?" the NOS broadcaster quoted him as saying.

The Dutch government was ordered by a Dutch court last year to slash greenhouse gases by at least 25 percent by 2020, following a legal challenge by an environmental group.

With much of its territory lying below sea level the Netherlands is particularly vulnerable to climate change.

But despite its environmentally friendly image, the country is in fact heavily reliant on gas and has lagged behind on introducing renewable sources of energy.
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Dutch government said on Thursday it was "increasingly confident" that Russian officials will be willing to meet soon for private talks on who was responsible for the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 in 2014. An international investigation led by the Netherlands concluded that the passenger jet - en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur - was brought down by a Russian surface-to-air missile. Moscow has denied any involvement. "We are in contact with Russia over national accountability via diplomatic channels," a foreign ministry spokeswoman said. "We are increasingly confident that we will sit down with the Russians shortly." MH17 was shot down over territory held by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in July 2014, killing all 298 people onboard, roughly two-thirds of them Dutch. In May 2018 the Dutch and Australian governments said they would hold Russia responsible for the plane's destruction after investigators traced the Buk missile system they said was used to bring it down to the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Brigade, based in the western Russian city of Kursk. Responding at the time, President Vladimir Putin said the airliner was not brought down by a Russian missile. (Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by Andrew Heavens and John Stonestreet)
Kate Connollys decision to become German means she can vote again. Photo: P.-A. Hassiepen

Several million British people living outside the United Kingdom have had their lives turned upside down since the Brexit referendum, and been plunged into insecurity about whether or not they can continue to stay in the EU. British citizens who had lived outside the UK for more than 15 years were not allowed to vote in the Brexit referendum, having no say in their future.

Out of all EU countries, Germany has awarded the highest number of citizenships to British people by far. The number of Brits getting German nationality rose by 160% to in 2017 from the year before. In 2018, more than 7,400 British people became German. Its not an unchallenging processapplicants need to learn the answers to 300 questionsmany very obscureas they dont know which 33 questions theyll be asked on the day. Many need to take a language test.

One of the thousands of Brits now holding fresh German citizenship is Kate Connolly, the Guardian correspondent in Berlin. The 47-year-old has lived in Germany since the early 2000s, is married to a German, and a mother of two. Connollys book Exit Brexit: Wie ich Deutsche Wurde (Exit Brexit. How I Became German) was published in Germany last month. She says she has since had an overwhelming interest from the German media about her decision and her journey to becoming German.

This interview has been edited for brevity.

Yahoo Finance UK: In your book, you described the UK after the Brexit vote like a ship set sail in a storm and getting citizenship in Germany akin to getting a place in a lifeboat. Was your decision to get German citizenship a purely pragmatic one?

Kate Connelly: I guess at the beginning you think what can you do to steer against what is going on, and it seemed like the obvious thing to do. Of course, it is a decision you wouldnt have taken had it not been for the Brexit vote, because you wouldnt have had to. You wouldnt undergo this bureaucratic step out of protest or anger. It feels like drawing a circle around my family unit, and now weve all got the same passport and it feels like a good place to be.

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YFi UK: How big of a role did not being able to vote in the UK or Germany play in your decision to become German?

KC: For me the biggest perk of getting the passport was being able to vote. That was a key reason, because we were disenfranchised. You could say it is a fault of the EU as well, and its a fault of the German system that we live here, pay our tax, my kids go to German school and kindergarten, but I couldnt vote, I had no voice.

Also, because of this rule that the Tories brought in, that after 15 years of not living in the UK you couldnt vote, we couldnt vote in the referendum, this historical decision.

YFi UK: You wrote the book that sitting in a room with people from a host of other countries taking a citizenship test felt a little bit absurd. Why was that?

KC: When I made the decision to become German, I didnt talk to anyone about it, and then I went along to the citizenship-test room, and in the group I think there were five British people out of around 17  the examiner was absolutely gobsmacked. Then suddenly it snowballed and everyone you knew who had the option of getting citizenship was doing it. And anybody who still can, is, and people who cannot are feeling devastated.

YFi UK: What kind of reaction have you had from German people to becoming German?

KC: I have been quite cautious about telling people that I had it, and a lot of people have been very warm towards me, but some have said things like how could you possibly be loyal to two different countries? Ive also been asked if Britain doesnt leave the EU will you then hand back your German passport?

YFi UK: Why do you think the German media has shown such a huge interest in your story?

KC: Well, its fascinating isnt it? The idea of thousands of Britons becoming German 20 or even 10 years ago is unthinkable. Looked at through the prism of German history this is quite a remarkable time. Not to lay it on too thick, but it does fit in with the whole narrative of the refugee crisis, as in a way we are asylum seekers, arent we? We need safety, I do say in the book that Im not equating myself with an asylum seeker, but at the same time Im not distancing myself from them.

Germans are also looking for a different way to view this whole Brexit thing , which they find so bewildering. That one of the consequences of it are all these Brits becoming German I think its quite mind-blowing for them.

READ MORE: Brexit already pushes thousands of Brits to become citizens abroad

YFi UK: Do you feel any differently towards Britain or about Brexit since getting a German passport?

KC: I feel a bit of a healthy distance to the UK and a closer relationship to Germany. Im much more invested, although I think that automatically happens when you marry a German and have German kids. The overwhelming feeling is one of security, of having shored up the future, but at the same time I have a great deal of unease about what is going on, because Im still emotionally invested [in the UK] obviously.

YFi UK: Would you still have taken German citizenship if it had meant giving up your British one?

KC: Yes, I would, but I wouldnt have leapt on it with such, lets say, gusto, it would have been much more of a difficult decision to make. Philippe Sands the human rights lawyer, who has a Jewish background, has said any one who knows 20th century history will know that you cant have too many passports. Now Ive increasing come to think that its not an exaggeration to think that what if this all goes so badly wrong, as in we end up warring with each other, that it actually could serve you well to choose what passport you have.

YFi UK: Youve had a long career as a reporter, what has it been like to write about your own life?

KC: It was a challenge, it was scary. Its not what I set out to do, and I had a lot of conversations about whether I was doing the right thing. But at the same time, I am doing exactly the same as thousands of other people by taking this step, so its almost as if in a way Ive become, for the German media, a bit of a mouthpiece for all those people.
WASHINGTON (AP)  With Democrats now controlling the House and holding the legal key to seeking President Donald Trump's tax returns, Republican lawmakers are invoking privacy in defending Trump's flank.

At an oversight hearing Thursday, lawmakers examined proposals to compel presidents and presidential candidates to make years of their tax returns public. And they discussed the authority under current law for the head of the House Ways and Means Committee  now Democratic Rep. Richard Neal  to make a written request for any tax returns to the Treasury secretary.

The law says the Treasury chief "shall furnish" the requested information to members of the committee for them to examine behind closed doors.

Republicans accused the Democrats of using powers in the tax law to mount a political witch hunt for Trump's tax returns.

"In reality, this is all about weaponizing our tax laws to attack a political foe," Rep. Jackie Walorski of Indiana said at the hearing by the Ways and Means oversight subcommittee.

Getting Trump's returns has been high on the Democrats' list of priorities since they won control of the House in November's midterm elections, but asking for them will probably set off a huge legal battle with his administration.

The Democrats tried and failed several times to obtain Trump's returns as the minority party in Congress, seeking to shed light on his complex financial dealings and potential conflicts of interest. Their newly energized leftward wing is pushing Neal to set the quest in motion, and fast.

Thursday's hearing appeared to set the table for the move by examining the legal foundations.

"A strong case is being built," William Tranghese, an aide to Neal, told The Associated Press this week. He said Neal is consulting with lawyers for the House "to determine the appropriate legal steps to go forward with this unprecedented request."

Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., chairman of the oversight subcommittee, said the American public is intensely interested in the subject. "We ask the question: Does the public have a need to know that a person seeking or holding the highest office in our country obeys the tax laws?"

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George Yin, a professor of law and taxation at University of Virginia Law School, testified to the panel that he doesn't see any "wiggle room" in the law for the Treasury secretary to refuse Neal's request for Trump's returns.

If the Trump administration refused the request, "We would be in uncharted territory," Yin said.

The legal battle that could ensue over Trump's tax filings would be unprecedented. It could take years to resolve, possibly stretching beyond the 2020 presidential election.

Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, the subcommittee's senior Republican, accused the Democrats of gearing up to obtain the president's returns  and release them.

"Congress is prohibited by law from examining and making public the private tax returns of Americans for political purposes," said Kelly. "Such an abuse of power would open a Pandora's box. It would set a very dangerous precedent."

The tax returns of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, other lawmakers or federal employees could be in jeopardy, he warned.

But Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., insisted that no one, including the president, is above the law. "The law is on our side," he said.

At a news conference Thursday, Pelosi said the public "overwhelmingly" wants to see Trump's tax returns, but the move cannot be made in haste.

"It's not just a question of sending a letter; you have to do it in a very careful way. And the chairman of the committee (Neal) will be doing that," the Democrats' leader said.

The hearing came two days after Trump faced a divided Congress in his State of the Union address, imploring the Democrats to step away from "ridiculous partisan investigations."

The subcommittee also examined a proposal that would require all presidents, vice presidents and candidates for those offices to make public 10 years of tax returns. It's part of House Democrats' comprehensive election and ethics reform package  their first major bill for the new Congress this year. The legislation also would make it easier for citizens to register and vote, and ban executive-branch officials from lobbying their old agency for two years after they leave government.

While the ethics bill includes a range of reforms, some Democrats have made clear that one of their chief targets is Trump. Some elements of the bill have bipartisan support, but the overall package is unlikely to advance in the Republican-controlled Senate.

If the administration mounted a legal challenge over Trump's returns, "I assume that there would be a court case that would go on for a period of time," Neal, D-Mass., said just after the November election.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin "will review any request with the Treasury general counsel for legality," the department has said. Trump's attorney Rudy Giuliani has suggested the Democrats could have a hard time proving their demand was intended for pursuing legitimate congressional oversight and was not a political scavenger hunt.

Trump broke with decades of tradition for presidential candidates by refusing to release his income tax filings during his 2016 campaign. He has said he won't release them because he is being audited, even though IRS officials have said taxpayers under audit are free to release their returns. Trump claimed at a news conference following the November elections that the filings are too complex for people to understand.

Democrats want to dive in and explore numerous questions about Trump's personal financial webs. Among them: whether there are conflicts of interest between his companies and his presidential actions; what are the sources of his income and to whom he might be beholden as a result; whether he's properly paid taxes; and whether he benefited from the sweeping Republican-written tax law enacted in late 2017.
When 66-year-old Navy veteran Phyllis Seleska arrived at the emergency room at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Loma Linda, California, in August 2017, the waiting room was crowded with dozens of veterans, some in wheelchairs lined up to the entrance.

Seleska was suffering throbbing pain after shattering her wrist but received no medication and had to wait more than seven hours to see a doctor, records show. By then, the orthopedics staff had gone home. So a nurse strapped a Velcro splint on her wrist and told her to come back in the morning.

I dont know why it took so long to get back there to be told we cant do anything to help you, said Seleska, who worked on the flight deck of aircraft carriers in both Gulf Wars.

Her experience wasnt unusual. At roughly 70 percent of VA hospitals, the median time between arrival in the emergency room and admission was longer than at other hospitals, in some cases by hours, according to a USA TODAY analysis of the departments data. That included Loma Linda, where the median wait is more than 7  hours.

The USA TODAY analysis provides the most comprehensive picture to date of how 146 VA medical centers compare to other health care facilities on an array of factors. The analysis is based on scores of spreadsheets the VA has posted online in recent years containing comparisons of its medical centers to non-VA averages on everything from the ER wait times to infection rates and patient-survey results.

The analysis produced some positive findings for the VA. As of June 30, a majority of VA hospitals reported lower death rates than other facilities. Many VA medical centers also stacked up better on prevention of post-surgical complications such as blood clots.

At the same time, dozens had higher rates of preventable infections and severe bed sores  a sign of potential neglect. And nearly every VA performed worse than other medical providers on industry-standard patient satisfaction surveys.

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VA spokesman Curt Cashour said certain veterans may have conditions that make them more susceptible to complications, and caution should be exercised when drawing conclusions from the comparisons.

He said the VA does recognize the need to improve the speed by which it can admit veterans to the inpatient unit, but he said non-VA hospitals also struggle with long waits.

VA provides some of the highest quality health care available today, Cashour said.

Story continues below graphic

The Department of Veterans Affairs has been buffeted by crises since 2014 when news reports revealed that patients died awaiting appointments at the Phoenix VA hospital. There were lethal lapses in Oklahoma City, patient safety failures in Memphis, Tennessee, and equipment and sterilization problems in Washington D.C.

The USA TODAY analysis adds to evidence of uneven quality within the VA system, with some hospitals such those in Asheville, North Carolina, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, excelling on a wide range of measures while others, such as Memphis, lagged.

The analysis comes as the Trump administration is considering sweeping new rules to widen veterans access to outside health care paid for by the VA. It would deliver on a campaign promise made by President Donald Trump to expand health care choices for veterans.

Critics have warned that increasing VA-funded private health care would drain money from the department and lead to its privatization.

As the administration weighs the standards under which expanded non-VA options would be allowed, it is considering variables such as wait times, distance, and  for the first time  quality.

Quality VA care? Where do you live?

The VA began publishing online an array of spreadsheets it dubbed scorecards in the months after Trump took office. The quarterly assessments include comparisons on 65 measures.

USA TODAY compiled and analyzed the scorecards from June 30, the most recent available, and found that death rates after heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia were the same or lower than non-VA averages at two thirds of VA medical centers.

Most VA hospitals also had lower rates than other facilities for a majority of post-surgical complications such as hemorrhages, clots and death.

But nearly 50 VA hospitals had higher rates on at least three of four avoidable infections, such as potentially life-threatening intestinal bacteria and bloodstream infections. More than half had higher rates of severe bedsores.

At some facilities, problems happened far more frequently than at other hospitals  VA or non-VA.

Cashour, the VA spokesman, said some key quality measures are not risk-adjusted, and so could appear inflated. He said certain veterans, such as those with spinal cord injuries, are at much higher risk of developing bedsores.

While some hospital-quality specialists said adjusting rates for risk factors is typical in the industry, others say such steps are unnecessary for preventable infections and post-surgical complications.

Bill Finck, former chairman at The Leapfrog Group, a non-profit hospital rating organization, said there should be zero  much like an airline aims to have zero crashes.

You either give a person an infection or you dont, whether or not theyre severely compromised or theyre in there for sniffles and colds, said Finck, a longtime health care industry executive and Vietnam veteran who gets care at the Philadelphia VA. Safety is safety.

The VA hospital in Asheville was among the better performers on that front. The hospital had the same or lower rates on a majority of complications and infections than non-VA facilities.

I cant say enough about how good it is, said David Hall, a 65-year-old Vietnam veteran who has received care at the Asheville facility for years.

David Hall, a Navy veteran.

I wish the other VA hospitals could use their (example) and the other successful hospitals as a guideline and try to be more like them. I want all veterans to have the same experience I have.

The VA has tried for years to spread best practices from higher-performing hospitals to more troubled ones. In 2015, the agency launched a diffusion of excellence program to replicate successful programs across the country, including direct scheduling of eye and ear appointments and text messaging of appointment reminders.

In 2017, the VA set up a tracking system at headquarters to identify problem facilities and dispatched teams to help them improve.

Yet as of October, five VA hospitals ranked the lowest one star out of five for the third straight year in agency ratings, including in Loma Linda and Phoenix, the site of the 2014 wait-time scandal. The others were Memphis and the VA hospitals in Big Spring and El Paso, Texas.

VA spokesman Cashour said those hospitals have undergone "intensive improvement initiatives over the past year" and each has "achieved significant gains in multiple areas."

Veteran (dis)satisfaction revealed

On patient satisfaction surveys, veterans overall were less likely than non-VA patients to feel medical workers treated them with respect or listened to and respected what they had to say, the USA TODAY analysis found.

They were also less likely to recommend VA hospitals to others and rated their medical care providers lower.

The VA scorecards analyzed by USA TODAY feature questions for inpatients and outpatients about their healthcare experiences. Nearly every VA facility  141 out of 146  scored below other facilities on a majority of questions surveyed.

The Memphis VA hospital received lower ratings from patients than the median of non-VA providers on 27 of 30 questions  the worst of any VA facility.

Mary Alimenti, whose husband receives care at the Memphis VA  roughly 100 miles from their home in Huron, Tennessee  said hospital staff have been really mean when she accompanied him to appointments and dont listen.

They dont take the time that they need to with the vets she told USA TODAY. Its like, you know, youve got a line of cows, and theyre coming in and going right back out again.

Navy veteran Phyllis Seleska with a cast on her broken wrist.

Cashour, the VA spokesman, said the outpatient survey results are not adjusted for factors like age that could influence the outcomes. He said older patients on average give higher ratings than younger patients for the same care, and sicker patients give lower ratings than healthy ones.

Cashour said the VA does take age and health into account when calculating the results for inpatient surveys. And he said results about whether veterans would recommend VA hospitals are unreliable.

"Veterans often will respond to the survey by telling us they rated the hospital highly but answered this question 'no' because their friends and family are not eligible for VA care," he said.

Seleska, the veteran who waited more than seven hours in the Loma Linda VA emergency room, said she had no such confusion and wouldn't recommend the hospital to anyone.

She isn't looking to switch to non-VA care, even if the VA pays for it. She just wants the VA fixed.

All were asking is do your job, Seleska said. Do what youre supposed to be doing  your job is to take care of us.

She has reached out to patient advocates and administrators in Loma Linda, the VA inspector generals office and even Trumps new White House hotline for veterans over a litany of problems she has had with VA care beyond the emergency room  to no avail. Seleska said she also went to her member of Congress and veterans' organizations.

This is what motivated me to  keep accelerating until I got somebodys attention, anybodys attention -- because its not just me, she said. Its my brothers and sisters over here. I mean, people are in pain.

How does your VA hospital stack up?

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Death rates, bedsores, ER wait times: Where every VA hospital lags or leads other medical care
Donald Trump has infuriated nearly the entire foreign-aid-industrial complex with his nomination of Treasury Department official David Malpass to lead the world bank. Liberal groups this week labeled Malpass an economic arsonist and other such niceties, which should give you a clue that Trump is on to something here: What has ruffled feathers about the nomination is Malpasss clear-eyed advocacy of long-overdue World Bank lending reforms.

Malpass put his criticism of the World Bank bureaucracy well at a House hearing in 2017. Theyre often corrupt in their lending practices, and they dont get the benefit to the actual people in the countries, he said. Instead, the money flows to the people who fly in on a first-class airplane ticket to give advice to the government officials in the country . . . but not so much the actual benefit to normal people within poor countries.

Malpasss willingness to challenge the Banks status quo could make him a savior to poor nations as they try to jump-start growth and lift incomes. Inside the Bank headquarters, it is clear he will rattle some cages, hold Bank economists and lenders accountable, and shift the U.S. role to one based on actual performance, rather than good intentions.

The World Banks mission is to serve as a lender and economic adviser to poor and financially distressed countries for vital development projects. But over the past half century, the Bank has leant hundreds of billions of dollars with precious little to show for it in terms of poverty reduction.

A seminal Heritage Foundation study examined the actual results of tens of billions of dollars of World Bank loans over several decades. Here is what it found:

Of the 66 less developed countries receiving money from the World Bank for more than 25 years (most for more than 30 years), 37 are no better off today than they were before they received such loans.

Of these 37 countries, most (20 in all) actually are poorer today than they were before receiving aid from the Bank.

Almost all studies of the World Bank and other foreign-aid groups come to the same conclusion: These institutions are incidental to growth and can even inhibit long-term rises in living standards by creating a dependency culture. Some $50 billion has been spent in Africa by the Bank, the IMF, USAID, and other aid programs, and living standards in many of the recipient nations  tragically  have hardly budged.

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Even groups on the left have called out the World Bank for its corrupt practices in Africa and other poor nations. A report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists found:

Over the past decade, the bank has regularly failed to enforce its rules, with devastating consequences for some of the poorest and most vulnerable people on the planet. . . . The World Bank often neglects to properly review projects ahead of time to make sure communities are protected, and frequently has no idea what happens to people after they are removed. In many cases, it has continued to do business with governments that have abused their citizens, sending a signal that borrowers have little to fear if they violate the banks rules, according to current and former bank employees.

Im old enough to remember almost annual protests by left-wing activists who would surround the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and call for the Banks closure because of its inability to bring real benefits to the poor. They were mostly right in their attacks against elitist Harvard and LSE-trained bankers bullying developing countries. As Richard Easterly, an award-winning development economist, puts it in his book of the same title, the World Bank is an example of the tyranny of the experts.

What David Malpass can bring to the World Bank is a new appreciation for the reality of economic development, which is that it comes when political leaders free the productive forces of their own economies.

Hong Kong and Singapore are good examples. Neither received much in World Bank money, but they both flourished in the second half of the 20th century because of the economic freedom their governments provided. Property rights, rule of law, low taxes, minimal political corruption, light regulation, and free trade are the preconditions for prosperity, as this chart from the latest Heritage Foundation Index of Economic Freedom study shows.

Malpass knows this, and is likely to refocus the World Bank on what works. Thats what really scares his adversaries. President Trump should make clear that if this corrupt elite prevents Malpasss ascension to the post, America will pull out of the World Bank and take our funding dollars with us.

More from National Review
A US court has upheld the conviction of Michelle Carter (left), who encouraged her boyfriend Conrad Roy III (right) to kill himself (Pictures: AP/Facebook/JusticeforConradRoy)

A US court has upheld the conviction of a woman who encouraged her boyfriend to kill himself in 2014.

Michelle Carter, now 22, was convicted of manslaughter and ordered to serve 15 years in prison in 2017, but has remained free as she pursued appeals.

US courts heard that she bombarded boyfriend Conrad Roy III with text messages urging him to take his own life, and ordered him to get back into a truck full of toxic gas.

Conrad, then 18, took his own life after filling his parked truck with carbon monoxide from a generator in a car park in 2014.

Michelle Carter had remained free while pursuing her appeals against her conviction in 2017 (Picture: Glenn C.Silva/Fairhaven Neighborhood News, Pool)

Carters lawyers had argued that she didnt force him to take his own life, but prosecutors said she could have stopped him and instead encouraged him.

She was convicted of manslaughter and jailed for two-and-a-half years in 2017  and ordered to serve at least 15 months of it.

MORE: Man arrested in connection with disappearance of Hull University student Libby Squire

MORE: Apology after son travels 200 miles to reach injured mother  and still arrives before ambulance

Now Massachusetts top court has upheld Carters conviction, so she will serve her sentence behind bars.

The Supreme Judicial Court in Massachusetts ruled that the evidence proved Michelle Carters conduct caused the suicide of Conrad Roy III in 2014.
The cost of Donald Trump's deployment of active-duty troops and National Guard forces to the US-Mexico border could total an estimated $1bn by the end of the fiscal year, according to new figures released by the US Department of Defence.

Mr Trump said on Tuesday during his State of the Union address that he had ordered a new infusion of 3,750 active-duty troops to the border to prepare for a tremendous onslaught.

The president said Mexican cities, in order to remove Central American migrants in their communities, are getting trucks and buses to bring them up to our country in areas where there is little border protection.

Mexican authorities recently expedited the journey of a caravan of Central American migrants headed toward the border crossing at Eagle Pass, Texas, using a fleet of buses.

On Wednesday, the Pentagon said a small contingent of troops, including military police, medical personnel and engineers, would reposition to Eagle Pass to harden ports of entry.

According to the Pentagon, the additional active-duty forces deployed to the border will conduct mobile surveillance for Customs and Border Protection and install razor wire.

The contingent brings the number of active-duty troops currently there to about 4,350, the Defence Department said, down from a high of about 5,900 after Mr Trump ordered the deployment in late October.

An additional 2,200 or so National Guard forces also remain there, stemming from orders Mr Trump issued last April. Taken together, the contingent of forces on the border numbers about 6,550, including both active-duty and National Guard, according to official figures.

If the numbers hold roughly steady, estimates indicate that the cost of the National Guard and active-duty deployments together could reach about $1bn, measured from the time they started last April and October, respectively, through the end of the government's fiscal year on 30 September 2019.

That estimate comes from combining figures the Department of Defence has released and estimates from outside experts to fill in the gaps.

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Vice Admiral Michael Gilday, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in testimony to the House Armed Services Committee on 29 January that the National Guard portion of the deployment is projected to cost $550m by the end of September.

The active-duty deployment, meanwhile, already cost $132m from its start in late October through the end of January, Mr Gilday said. He said he couldn't give an estimate of the active-duty deployment's cost for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The cost of the active-duty deployment for the remainder of the fiscal year is difficult to estimate. Outside experts pegged it between $316m and $460m, though they cautioned that with unstable troop numbers and changing tasks, as well as a lack of full budget data from the Pentagon, the figures are hard to pinpoint with accuracy.

Travis Sharp, a research fellow at the Centre for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, estimated that it would cost between $316m and $365m if the numbers fluctuate roughly the way they have been since late October. He arrived at the estimate by calculating the daily cost of the active-duty deployment so far, based on the figures the Pentagon has released, and multiplying that by the number of days remaining in the fiscal year.

Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, estimated that the active-duty deployment would cost about $400m for the remainder of the fiscal year, if troop levels remain where they are now.

All told, the cost of the deployments would approach $1bn at the minimum estimate by the end of September, as long as the troop presence and activity level aren't altered significantly.

The figure is within the range of at least one past deployment. President George W Bush deployed up to 6,000 National Guard troops to border states during Operation Jump Start from 2006 to 2008 at a cost of $1.2bn, according to the Government Accountability Office.

A year-long National Guard deployment of up to 1,200 troops by President Barack Obama from 2010 to 2011, known as Operation Phalanx, cost about $145m, the office reported. Because the report was released before the end of the operation, part of the cost figure is an estimate.

The possible $1bn price tag for the border deployment through the end of September is a small slice of the $716bn defence budget and a tiny expenditure compared with the amount of money the Pentagon has spent on other military missions.

As of last March, for example, the Pentagon had spent more than $1.5tn on the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria since the 9/11 attacks, according to a department report.

This is much more of a political issue than a fiscal issue, in that even if the total cost comes to a billion dollars... that's in a more than $700bn budget, Mr Cancian said. That's not even one per cent. He said the question isn't whether the military can afford the deployment, but rather whether it's worth doing.

While some costs for the deployments are likely to come from the existing budget, some will not and likely need to be shifted from other areas, Mr Cancian said.

The cost of the border deployment has attracted the ire of Trump's critics, who have described it as a political stunt rather than a necessary response to a national security crisis.

The president is poised to waste well over $1bn on this dubious mission, as he sends thousands of active duty service members back to the border to lay concertina wire, change tires, and shovel manure, Anthony Brown, a retired colonel in the US Army Reserve and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said in a statement.

President Trump's use of our men and women in uniform as toy soldiers in this fraught political game is deeply damaging to our ability to respond to real threats.

Defenders of the president emphasise that the cost of the deployment and the border wall is small in the grand scheme of US government spending, and say the situation on the border presents a crisis  one that Mr Trump described on Tuesday as a threat to the safety, security, and financial well-being of all Americans.

Speaking at a hearing last week, Representative Mike Rogers said the military had been sending troops to the border since the Alamo and, referring to the dispute over the border wall funding, expressed exasperation that Congress was fussing over $5.7bn in fencing and it cost us $11bn to shut the government down. But he said the government needs to provide more funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes CBP, rather than using Department of Defence resources to back up border operations.

What's it going to take for us to not have to continue this pattern? Mr Rogers said. We're going to have to adequately fund the Department of Homeland Security, instead of continually reaching into DoD to subsidize that department. It has been inadequately funded since its inception by Republican and Democrat administrations. That has to be addressed.

Washington Post
Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, and Sean Connery have all given interviews they probably regret

Liam Neesons disturbing revelation that he once stalked the streets of Northern Ireland looking for a black person to kill in revenge for his friends rape has led to much conversation on social media this week.

Most agree that the admission was  at best  bizarre, with some calling for the confession to be the end of Neesons career.

Neeson has since addressed the remarks, saying on Good Morning America: Im not racist.

I never felt this before, which was a primal urge to lash out, he explained to host Robin Roberts. I asked her, Did you know the person? It was a man? His race? She said he was a black man. I thought, Ok. After that, there were some nights I went out deliberately into black areas in this city, looking to be set upon so that I could unleash physical violence.

I did it for maybe four or five times. It really shocked me, this primal urge I had. It shocked me and it hurt me. I did seek help. I went to a priest. I had two very good friends I talked to, and believe it or not  power walking  to get rid of this.

But Liam Neeson isnt the first celebrity to say something in an interview that would cause controversy  with several iconic stars making statements they should almost certainly regret.

Sean Connery on slapping women

Claudine Auger and Sean Connery in 1965s Thunderball (credit: MGM)

In 1965, Sean Connery conducted an interview with Playboy magazine, and was asked the following question: How do you feel about roughing up a woman, as Bond sometimes has to do?

I dont think there is anything particularly wrong about hitting a woman  although I dont recommend doing it in the same way that youd hit a man. An open-handed slap is justifiedif all other alternatives fail and there has been plenty of warning. If a woman is a bitch, or hysterical, or bloody-minded continually, then Id do it. I think a man has to be slightly advanced, ahead of the woman. I really doby virtue of the way a man is built, if nothing else.

But I wouldnt call myself sadistic. I think one of the appeals that Bond has for women, however, is that he is decisive, cruel even. By their nature women arent decisiveShall I wear this? Shall I wear that? and along comes a man who is absolutely sure of everything and hes a godsend. And, of course, Bond is never in love with a girl and that helps. He always does what he wants, and women like that. It explains why so many women are crazy about men who dont give a crap for them.

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Wow. Clearly, 1965 was a different time  Connerys career barely experienced a bump, and he went on to make several more Bond movies.

Now, imagine if Daniel Craig said the same thing in 2019, were pretty sure that would be the last interview he did as 007. Or as a working actor.

Luckily, Craig is actually a better advocate for women than he is for Bond, saying in 2015 that: Lets not forget that hes actually a misogynist, Craig said. A lot of women are drawn to him chiefly because he embodies a certain kind of danger and never sticks around for too long.

Jeremy Renner and Chris Evans on Black Widow

Marvels Avengers: Age Of Ultron poster (credit: Marvel Studios)

Woah boy. During the press tour for Avengers: Age Of Ultron, Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner decided to spice up their day of interviews with a couple of edgy jokes. Big mistake.

Asked about the fact that fans want Black Widow to have a romantic subplot with their characters, as she seems to have chemistry with both Captain America and Hawkeye, Renner replied, Shes a slut.

Evans laughed and agreed, saying, I was going to say something along that line  a complete whore. Renner then joked that she has a prosthetic leg anyway, implying that was a reason she should be rejected.

The fan backlash was overwhelming, with Renner and Evans apologising in statements, with Renner going on to apologise again on Conan. Renners initial apology ran as follows:

I am sorry that this tasteless joke about a fictional character offended anyone. It was not meant to be serious in any way. Just poking fun during an exhausting and tedious press tour.

So you can maybe see why he had to have another go at it?

Tom Cruise on Oprahs sofa

Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning in Steven Spielbergs War Of The Worlds

Believe it or not, coolness used to be a major part of Tom Cruises brand. Now hes a bit goofier, with the Cruise brand mostly revolving around his apparent death-wish in the Mission Impossible movies. Now, he jumps out of planes without a parachute, and you can trace that journey back to the time he jumped onto a sofa.

On 23 May, 2005, hyped up by Oprahs audience, Cruise jumped on to Oprahs couch to celebrate his relationship with Katie Holmes. He was supposed to be promoting Steven Spielbergs War Of The Worlds, but it felt like the only alien in the room was Tom.

The Internet had a field day, with several cultural commentators considering the event the birth of the celebrity meme. It happened during the early days of YouTube, which allowed the clip to be shared and remixed, with the general reaction being that the actor had lost his mind.

The encounter started a spiral of controversial interviews, as Cruise went on Access Hollywood to criticise Brooke Shields for using antidepressants during her postpartum depression. Next, he went on the Today Show to state that psychiatry and psychiatric medicine were dangerous.

The interviews came before one of the trickiest periods in Cruises career, with movies such as Lions for Lambs, Valkyrie and Knight & Day all underperforming.

Hes learned his lesson since then, with his interviews being much more controlled  you dont see Tom pop up on junket rotations for any of his movies.

John Lennon on Jesus

The Beatles attend a press conference in New York (AP photo, Archive)

In 1965, John Lennon  known for his slightly surreal sense of humour  made the claim that The Beatles were bigger than Jesus. Christianity will go, he said to the Evening Standard. It will vanish and shrink. I neednt argue about that; I know Im right and I will be proved right. Were more popular than Jesus now. I dont know which will go first  rock & roll or Christianity. Jesus was all right, but his disciples were thick and ordinary. Its them twisting it that ruins it for me.

The interview came and went without much comment in the UK, until it was re-published in the States, in teen magazine Datebook, and all hell broke loose.

A Ban The Beatles campaign was started by local radio station WAQY, the story was picked up by the press, and the story escalated in a major way. Record-burnings took place, with the Ku Klux Klan attaching Beatles records to a giant cross, and setting it on fire. The controversy made it all the way to the Pope, who said: Some subjects must not be dealt with profanely, even in the world of Beatniks.

A religious boycott was put in place, and The Beatles faced protestors and every stage of their pre-booked US tour. They even faced death threats as a result of the offhand comment, threats which eventually led to the end of the bands touring life. The band completed their contracted appearances with a show in San Franciscos Candlestick Park, and didnt perform again for a paying crowd.

Kanye West on slavery

He is not a free thinker. He is a free moron who doesnt read  Kanye West, according to Roxane Gay.

Kanye West is known for taking controversial stances on a wide range of topics, but fans felt he crossed a line last year when he crashed the TMZ newsroom before a scheduled interview to make several contestable statements, including the infamous Slavery was a choice tirade.

Here it is, in full.

When you hear about slavery for 400 years. For 400 years?! That sounds like a choice. You was there for 400 years and its all of yall. Its like were mentally in prison. I like the word prison because slavery goes too direct to the idea of blacks. Slavery is to blacks as the Holocaust is to Jews. Prison is something that unites as one race, blacks and whites, that were the human race.

The comments led to a major social media backlash, with many of Wests fanbase abandoning the star, promising to stop buying the rappers records.

West later called up a Chicago radio station to apologise for the statement.

I dont know if I properly apologised for how that slave comment made people feel, so I want to take this moment right now to say that Im sorry for hurting, Im sorry for the one-two effect of the MAGA hat into the slave comment, West told 107.5 WGCI radio in his hometown.

And Im sorry for people who felt let down by that moment, and also I appreciate you guys giving me the opportunity to talk to you about the way I was thinking and what I was going through and what led me to that.

Steven J. Rickman and Jason Bailey on Fantastic Fours race dynamics

And, to prove that controversial interviews arent always the fault of the people being asked the questions, heres a controversial interview where the actors actually handle themselves very well.

Meanwhile, Atlanta Rock 100.5s Steven J. Rickman and Jason Bailey are lucky to be given any junket access after their bizarre line of questioning to Fantastic Four cast-members Michael B Jordan, Kate Mara and Jamie Bell.

Whether theyre questioning the logic being Michael B Jordans casting as Johnny Storm, or being awkwardly flirtatious with Kate Mara, theres a whole host of reasons to be offended by this strange exchange.

The hosts are known for their confrontational style, but the online backlash was so extreme, they did have to explain themselves  sort of.

You have a white sister and black brother wouldnt you want to know how that happened? I did. The other Fantastic Four franchises explain the relationship so I figured with this new hipster version theyd have some different backstory.

My partners (Southside Steve) [Rickman] conversation about Kates hair is something that came up while Michael B Jordan took a phone call so I think they were kind of just going back forth in a playful way. As for him complimenting her toes and why people are upset about thatsorryno idea. Steve likes girls toes. People should be appreciative when they get complimented. Those that are upset on Twitter I guess dont get enough of them. Who knows?





Read more

Liam Neeson attends premiere amid racism controversy

Michael B. Jordan needed therapy after playing Killmonger

Liam Neeson red carpet axed after racism row
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The Container Store Group (NYSE: TCS)

Q3 2018 Earnings Conference Call

Feb. 5, 2019 4:30 p.m. ET

Contents:

Prepared Remarks

Questions and Answers

Call Participants

Prepared Remarks:

Operator

Greetings, and welcome to The Container Store's third quarter fiscal-year 2018 earnings call. [Operator instructions] As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to your host, Farah Soi, investor relations. Thank you.

You may begin.

Farah Soi -- Investor Relations

Thank you, good afternoon, everyone, and thanks for joining us today for The Container Store's third-quarter fiscal-year 2018 earnings results conference call. Speaking today are Melissa Reiff, chief executive officer; and Jodi Taylor, chief financial and administrative officer. After Melissa and Jodi have made their formal remarks, we will open the call to questions. Before we begin, I need to remind you that certain comments made during this call regarding our plans, strategies and goals and our anticipated financial performance may constitute forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to and within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Such forward-looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Those important factors are referred to in The Container Store's press release issued today and in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 31, 2018. The forward-looking statements made today are as of the date of this call, and The Container Store does not undertake any obligation to update their forward-looking statements. Finally, the speakers may refer to certain adjusted or non-GAAP financial measures on this call.

More From The Motley Fool

A reconciliation schedule of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is also available in The Container Store's press release issued today. A copy of today's press release may be obtained by visiting the Investor Relations page of the website at www.containerstore.com. I will now turn the call over to Melissa. Melissa?

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Melissa Reiff -- Chief Executive Officer

Thank you, Farah, and thanks to all for joining our call. Let's begin by reviewing the drivers of our fiscal Q3 results, and then I'd like to update you on the progress we are continuing to make against our strategic initiatives. Jodi will then review our financial results in more detail and discuss our outlook for the year. For the third quarter, we reported net sales of $221.6 million and a comp store sales decline of 0.8%.

Our comp store sales shortfall was driven entirely by our three holiday departments, which represent a disproportionate amount of our sales in Q3, but only a small portion of our annual sales. These departments underperformed versus our expectations, declining by 15.8% as compared to Q3 last year and cost us three percentage points of comp store performance. Our Elfa third-party sales were down 12.6%, primarily due to foreign currency translation. Adjusted EPS came in at $0.07 compared to $0.11 in Q3 last year.

With the sales from our three holiday partners -- while the sales from our three holiday departments were disappointing, we were very pleased with our continued strong performance in Custom Closets. In fact, Custom Closets contributed 180 basis points to our overall comp sales results, increasing by 4.5% compared to Q3 last year. All other categories, excluding holiday departments and Custom Closets, also comped positive for the quarter, a direct result of our sales revitalization and optimization initiative that encompassed, among other things, merchandising and marketing improvements. We have great optimism as we move forward, continuing to execute our strategic initiative that I'll update you on more in just a moment.

Before I do that though, I wanted to share what we've learned from the performance of our holiday departments in Q3. As we discussed, based on the performance of our holiday categories last year, we implemented a number of changes this year. These included using a reduced holiday product presentation in many stores so that our everyday storage products were less displaced, also incurring lower investment at payroll and visual expense. We also had more stocking stuffer assortment devoted to kids and men as well as more price points at $10 or below.

And third, we had more focus on convenience and value by offering gift packaging, grab-and-go value packs. We believe these changes drove better performance than we would have seen absent them. However, it is clear to us that our customers' interest in our traditional holiday offerings continues to decline, and we will deemphasize our holiday categories going forward. With that said, it is a meaningful portion of sales for us in the third quarter, so we must be prudent and smart in how we tailor this offering and how we allocate our marketing spend going forward.

Our teams are already working on updated plans for holiday 2019 that include less emphasis on traditional holiday products and more focus on Custom Closets and our other product categories, which, again, did perform well throughout our third quarter. With the holidays behind us, I am very pleased with the overall momentum in our business. We started our Annual Elfa Sale on December 19 and are happy with the results so far, especially the sales we are experiencing around our other product categories during this campaign. For Q4, to date fiscal January, which is through January 26, our comp store sales were up 9.4%.

While we are encouraged by the strong start to Q4, we do have a number of high volume weeks ahead of us still. However, given our year-to-date performance, we are updating our outlook accordingly, and Jodi will review that shortly. Let me know just take a moment to review the progress we are making with our strategic initiatives. First, to own Custom Closets.

As I mentioned, we are seeing strong momentum in our Custom Closets business, which gives us confidence in our go-forward plans to drive market share and achieve our goal of closet domination. Our plan is to continue to grow the space allocation in our stores that is devoted to Custom Closets. A key part of this growth is expected to come through a new Custom Closets line and new product introductions where we have an exciting roadmap that we are executing against. In fact, we will be unveiling more about this next month.

Our remodeled Dallas flagship store has also generated valuable earnings, and we are eager to build upon them with a test in two existing stores that we plan to complete this summer. These stores will be far more heavily Custom Closets focused than our typical store, but will also include products dedicated to other space solutions to help our customers accomplish their projects. We have also introduced this as a new strategic initiative that we are executing against to ensure maximum success. We will use what we learned to guide our go-forward plans, both on new store formats as well as the optimal configuration and SKU offering at all existing stores.

All of our consumer insights work consistently points to the opportunity that we have with owning Custom Closets despite having sold the category for over 40 years. Our marketing plans for the coming year will be even more prioritized on this opportunity, especially as we launch our new line and new products and rebrand our Custom Closets offerings. I look very forward to sharing a whole lot more about this on our Q4 earnings call. Our second priority is to deliver on accomplishing projects across all customer touch points.

Starting with marketing, as you know, during the second quarter, we launched our brand-new marketing campaign with the tag line The Container Store, "Where Space Comes From." We continue to use this tag line in all our marketing in Q3 and will do so moving forward as well. Regarding our stores, as I mentioned, our Dallas flagship store redesign is providing us with many insights. We have received favorable customer feedback and continue to be pleased with the performance of this store. We will continue to utilize this store to test and learn as we work to refine our go-forward store strategy and to capitalize on the opportunities such as the opening this summer of the two test stores that will be, again, heavily Custom Closets focused.

Furthermore, we've selected our Dallas Galleria store to test and implement numerous visual merchandising changes to better help our customers accomplish their projects. Early reads of these changes are positive, so we plan to roll out shortly to an additional five stores with a goal of continuing to test and learn along the way to positively impact all stores in the future. Our third priority is to leverage digital and data insights to enable omnichannel growth. With over seven million POP stores now enrolled in our POP program, we are enthusiastic about the growth we continue to see and what we are learning about the shopping behavior and preferences of our pop stars.

We are using this information in our monthly targeted offer campaigns to our pop stars and they are responding favorably. As we test and learn, we will focus heavily on our POP program with differentiated and targeted campaigns to drive incremental sales and gross profit dollars. In addition, our media mix model is our guide on optimizing our paid media spend, and we remain pleased with the increased effectiveness of our campaigns. We've also launched additional tools, both in our stores and on our website, that will make it easier for our customers to accomplish projects and find solutions.

During Q3, we were excited to launch an updated Elfa design tool in our stores. This tool allows our stores to design custom spaces more efficiently and also provides our customers with an improved overall experience, including better visual representations of their custom spaces. This tool also sets the stage for us to add new Custom Closets lines and products with ease. Our plans for fiscal 2019 include developing this tool so that it becomes available online as well.

Fourth, we are focusing on closing the gap on value for the money. During the third quarter, we continued to make pricing and visual changes that were a result of the work we completed around our pricing initiative. As a reminder, our pricing initiative includes adding opening price points in certain product classes, like hangers or storage totes, reducing and increasing prices on products and solutions using deep data analysis, including competitive and consumer insight work, and we've also incorporated the results of these tests into our go-forward plans and our annual guidance. We've also added a few new strategic priorities as well.

These include capitalizing on the significant opportunity we see to further grow our private label product offerings. Our customer insights work showed us that customers believe our TCS branded products to be of the highest quality. We think this represents a sizable opportunity, so we have formalized this initiative with a cross-functional team for swift execution. Under John Gehre's leadership, our EVP of Merchandising and Planning, we have begun with adding some new private label solutions arriving in our stores in several categories, such as our closet department.

We believe we have one of the most trusted brands with significant opportunity to grow our private label program, which we think will yield gross margin improvement over the next few years. We've also added a new initiative under the accomplishing project strategy priority that is focused on refining our brand positioning around helping customers accomplish their projects. This includes a more curated and competitive product assortment with focus on our private label brand structure and clearly differentiated product selections within our assortments that will simplify the customers' shopping experience. And finally, we've added a formal foundational strategic initiative around our second distribution center that we plan to open later in calendar 2019 in Aberdeen, Maryland.

This includes a large cross-functional team dedicated to ensuring that this project is implemented as smoothly as possible. As a reminder, this second distribution center will significantly improve our customer service delivery time for web-generated orders as well as provide meaningful freight savings once fully operational. Before I close, I just want to touch on the tariff situation briefly that I know and we discussed on our last call. Since that time the impending 25% tariff has been deferred and trade talks are ongoing, however, we remain committed to our work to mitigate any potential financial impact of further tariffs to our business.

We feel good about our progress that includes reducing our reliance on third-party sourcing, negotiating with our vendors as well as the benefit of the pricing work we had already begun prior to any trade issues. With all this in mind, we do not see a notable tariff impact to fiscal 2018, and we are working hard to mitigate any future potential financial impact. So in summary, we continue to see so much opportunity ahead for us and look forward to continued and focused execution of our strategic priorities. As I've said, we were obviously disappointed with our third-quarter results and know that the underperformance is isolated to our three holiday departments, while our Custom Closets business and all other product categories performed well in Q3 and are performing well so far in fiscal Q4.

As said before, we are already working on plans to improve over positioning for the holiday quarter next year, but we believe that our -- overall, our biggest opportunities lie with our Custom Closets business as we help our customers accomplish their projects, maximize their space and make the most of their home. So this is where we will focus our marketing dollars as well as our merchandising innovation and space allocation in our stores. We are working hard to ending this year with a strong finish and building on our progress into next fiscal year. And finally, before I turn over to Jodi, you may have heard that Kip Tindell, our Chairman; and Sharon Tindell, our President and Chief Merchandising Officer, will be retiring after our annual meeting in August.

They have both put their heart and soul into building this company into what it is today, and we will be forever grateful for their many contributions, including the time and thought they put into succession planning. And I am delighted to announce that John Gehre, who joined the company last year as EVP of Merchandising and Planning, will become our Chief Merchandising Officer upon Sharon's retirement. In a short time with us, just about eight months, John has already added tremendous value. So thank you, and I'll now turn the call over to Jodi to discuss our financial results and our outlook in more detail.

Jodi Taylor -- Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Thank you, Melissa, and good afternoon, everyone. For the third quarter ending December 29, 2018, our consolidated net sales were $221.6 million, down 0.6% compared to the prior-year period. Sales for The Container Store retail business were up 0.5% to $204.9 million. An increase in new store sales was partly offset by a 0.8% comp store sales decline.

As Melissa shared, our Custom Closets continued to deliver very strong performance but did not fully offset the shortfall in our three holiday departments. Custom Closets contributed 1.8% of comp store sales growth in the third quarter and our non-holiday other product categories contributed positively as well. We ended the third quarter with 92 stores and approximately 2.2 million of gross square footage as compared to 90 stores and the same gross square footage at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Now turning to Elfa International AB.

Elfa's third-party net sales decreased 12.6% to $16.7 million, primarily due to the negative impact of foreign currency translation during the quarter, which decreased third-party net sales by 7.4%, as well as lower sales in the Nordic and Russian markets. From a profitability perspective, in the third quarter, consolidated gross profit dollars declined 0.4% to $130.1 million, and consolidated gross margin increased 10 basis points compared to the prior-year period. Gross margin at The Container Store retail business was up 30 basis points, driven primarily by lower cost of goods associated with our Optimization Plan, partially offset by higher promotional activities and a negative impact from FX. Elfa's gross margin decreased 390 basis points from the prior-year period, primarily due to higher direct material costs attributable to a shift in product mix and a weaker Swedish krona.

Moving on to SG&A. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A increased 240 basis points during the quarter, primarily due to the leverage of occupancy and payroll costs associated with negative comparable store sales, as well as increased marketing expense in the third-quarter fiscal 2018. The increased marketing expense is associated with a shift in the timing of recognition of campaign-related marketing costs from the fourth fiscal quarter to the third fiscal quarter due to accounting changes as we discussed on our second quarter call. New store pre-opening expenses decreased this quarter to approximately $700,000 from $1.9 million in the third quarter last year.

The decrease year-over-year is primarily driven by fewer store openings this year, as our real estate activity in the current period focused on two relocations compared to three store openings, which included one relocation in the prior-year period. Our net interest expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 decreased 17.7% to $6 million from $7.3 million in the prior-year period, due to the September 2018 amendment of our senior secured term loan facility. The effective tax rate for the quarter was negative 72.8% compared to negative 330.1% in the third quarter of last year. The change in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in fiscal 2017 in both periods.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, we recorded a $5.9 million tax benefit as a result of the finalization of the one-time transition tax on foreign earnings. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we recorded an estimate of the impact of the lower federal income tax rate on our deferred tax balances, which resulted in an approximately $24.3 million tax benefit during the third quarter of fiscal 2017. On an adjusted basis, our effective tax rate for Q4 -- Q3 was 29.3% compared to 30.9% in the third quarter last year. Our net income for the quarter was $9.3 million or $0.19 per share as compared to $28.4 million or $0.59 per share in the third quarter of last year.

On an adjusted basis, excluding a gain on disposal of real estate at Elfa this year, cost related to an Elfa manufacturing facility closure and the Optimization Plan last year, and certain one-time tax-related items in both periods, our adjusted net income was $3.5 million or $0.07 per share as compared to $5.1 million or $0.11 per share in the third quarter of last year. Adjusted EBITDA was $21.8 million in the third quarter this year compared to $25.6 million in Q3 last year. Turning to our balance sheet. We ended the quarter with $21 million in cash, $304.9 million in outstanding borrowings and combined availability on revolving credit facilities and cash on hand of approximately $90.1 million.

Our total debt position was down approximately $9.2 million from last year. We ended the quarter with consolidated inventory up 5.1%, primarily due to new stores and new product introductions. On a per-store basis, inventory levels at The Container Store were up 0.6%. Regarding our fiscal 2018 outlook, as Melissa mentioned, given our year-to-date performance, we now expect adjusted earnings per share at the low end or slightly below our prior guidance range, the comparable store sales at the higher end of our guidance.

We have revised our GAAP earnings per share to incorporate the finalization of the one-time transition tax on foreign earnings during third quarter. Also, given foreign currency moves, we now expect our consolidated sales to be toward the lower end of our prior guidance. Please refer to our press release for further details on our fiscal 2018 annual outlook. Specific to our fourth quarter, there are a few call-outs.

One, our fourth quarter comp sales through January 26 are up 9.4%, as Melissa said. While it is not our practice to discuss intraquarter comp sales performance, given the dramatic improvement in the underlying trend of the business since exiting holiday, we felt it important to share this information. Two, we still expect meaningful operating margin expansion in Q4, largely due to pricing initiative-driven gross margin improvement, that are expected to be partially offset by higher penetration of targeted offers that are resonated more with our customers. And three, we still expect some SG&A leverage in Q4, largely driven by accounting changes that shifted a large portion of our Annual Elfa Sale marketing expense out of Q4 and into Q3.

In summary, while our holiday performance is not what we expected, this performance was isolated to the seasonal categories, while the rest of our assortments drove positive comps store sales results led by Custom Closets. We've had a strong start to the fourth quarter and have large selling weeks ahead of us. We are focused on delivering against our goals and ending the year on a strong note. Thank you.

And now I'd like to turn the call back over to the operator so that we can open the lines for questions. Sherry?

Questions and Answers:

Operator

Thank you. [Operator instructions] Our first question is from Steve Forbes with Guggenheim Securities. Please proceed with your question.

Steve Forbes -- Guggenheim Securities -- Analyst

Good afternoon. So maybe regarding the fourth quarter comp to date, right. So can you help us understand the significance of Custom Closets in the fourth quarter, maybe not just for the January, February, or the fourth quarter as a whole? And then how is Custom Closets performing quarter to date, so you take that 9.4%? What is Custom Closets doing? And how is the nonholiday category doing quarter to date?

Jodi Taylor -- Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Hi, Steve, as it relates to Q4 and Custom Closets, we do over index Custom Closets to the quarter just because of the Annual Elfa Sale. So Custom Closets represent a greater portion of our total sales in Q4 than they do in other quarters. As it relates to the interim comp that we reported for fiscal January, that comp is relatively between Custom Closets and other product categories. So we have seen acceleration throughout the store, affecting both of those areas of the business.

Steve Forbes -- Guggenheim Securities -- Analyst

Perfect. And just a quick follow-up. You mentioned the new DC in Maryland. So maybe can you talk about the model implications, right, as we think about next year and the potential margin drag after it goes live and the timing right for it, maybe, the savings capture?

Jodi Taylor -- Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Sure. I'll start and Melissa, if you want to chime in with anything else. First, from a CAPEX perspective. The CAPEX is split relatively evenly between fiscal '18 and fiscal '19 with about $11 million to $12 million hitting in each of those fiscal years.

As it relates to SG&A, we do expect headwinds in fiscal '19 as we will incur the cost to get the facility set up with it not becoming operational till later in calendar 2019, and with the related freight savings being incurred, only for a limited period of time really in Q4 of next year. So we expect that to be a headwind to our expenses as it relates to fiscal '19. We're not talking hundreds of basis points, but could be talking somewhere in the 50-ish basis-point range, Steve. But as it relates then to fiscal 2020, we would expect to see a very significant tailwind as it relates to freight savings that we will capture or expect to capture associated with both direct shipments to customers as well as the freight, inbound and outbound from the facility.

Melissa Reiff -- Chief Executive Officer

So, so much better service to our customers once we get the DC -- second DC opened.

Steve Forbes -- Guggenheim Securities -- Analyst

And a real quick last one. Just any color on free cash flow guidance for the full year?

Jodi Taylor -- Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

We do still expect to see positive free cash flow for the business and also to see our debt come down year-over-year. So nothing different than what -- how we thought about the year at the beginning in terms of positive free cash flow as well as debt payment.

Steve Forbes -- Guggenheim Securities -- Analyst

Thank you, both.

Melissa Reiff -- Chief Executive Officer

Thanks, Steve.

Jodi Taylor -- Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Thank you.

Operator

[Operator instructions] Our next question is from Matt McClintock with Barclays. Please proceed with your question.

Cait Howard -- Barclays -- Analyst

Good afternoon. This is Cait Howard on for Matt. I have two questions related to the fourth quarter. First, with relation to the portion of other categories seeing significant comp growth throughout January.

Can you parse out how much of this, you think, could be related to the recent success of Tidying Up? And if so, what things, if any, have you done to take advantage of the recent heightened interest in decluttering an organization to maybe sustain that growth. By our tracker, it seems like you've been very active in the social channel, whether it would be through digital advertising or through social engagement with customers. So any color on that would be really helpful.

Melissa Reiff -- Chief Executive Officer

Yes, Cait, and you're absolutely correct. We have been very active on all social medias and leveraging this. It's just been wonderful to hear our customers talk about it when they're in-store or whether they call or whether they're online. And we certainly know that this Netflix show that Marie Kondo has done has certainly inspired, we hope all consumers to get organized, which is great.

And we're going to leverage that all we can. We're certainly not going to count on it, but we're going to leverage it and we're very, very, very excited about it. Because we have seen an increase in mentions associated with The Container Store, the volume has increased, which is fantastic, but we also know that we can't contribute all of Q4's success to that, because we have revitalized a number of actions across really all functions of the business that we've been working on for many, many, many months. And one of the things, there are several things, but one, we had some wonderful new product introductions in January.

We also were in a much better inventory level this year as compared to last year. We've made many visual and marketing changes, which I talked about in my remarks. I think our pricing initiative is having an impact. We've had online enhancements, which we think have an impact.

Some tech innovation with our updated design tool and then, again, the company is just moving -- our momentum is strong and we're doing so many tests and learns and reacting quickly to what we're learning. So I told Jodi, it's kind of like the perfect storm. I mean, we just love Marie Kondo and we love the KonMari method because it just fits with -- right with our organization and what we're all about. And so when our customers come in our stores or online or call us, we can help them again accomplish all of their projects throughout their entire home and really maximize their space.

Cait Howard -- Barclays -- Analyst

Great. Thank you. That's super helpful. And then just second one in terms of the fourth quarter, on promotional events, are you still planning on running the kitchen sale campaign in March as you have in the past? And more specifically, I think you changed your strategy last year, and just wondering if you're going to move forward this year on the same strategy of doing the more targeted percent off select products versus the blanket percent off the entire kitchen?

Melissa Reiff -- Chief Executive Officer

Yes, the answer is yes, Cait.

Jodi Taylor -- Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Timing and discount.

Cait Howard -- Barclays -- Analyst

Great. Thank you so much.

Melissa Reiff -- Chief Executive Officer

Great.

Jodi Taylor -- Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Thank you.

Operator

We have reached the end of our question-and-answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to management for closing remarks.

Melissa Reiff -- Chief Executive Officer

Thank you, Sherry, and thank you all very much for joining us. Thanks, Farah, we appreciate it, and we will look forward to definitely talking with you at the end of our full fiscal year. Thanks so much.

Operator

[Operator signoff]

Duration: 31 minutes

Call Participants:

Farah Soi -- Investor Relations

Melissa Reiff -- Chief Executive Officer

Jodi Taylor -- Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Steve Forbes -- Guggenheim Securities -- Analyst

Cait Howard -- Barclays -- Analyst

More TCS analysis

This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. While we strive for our Foolish Best, there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this transcript. As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability.

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GIBRALTAR (Reuters) - With London fuming over whether Gibraltar should still be called a "colony", residents of the British outpost on the southern tip of Spain said they were more worried about life after Brexit than about which word best explained their status. In the latest Brexit quarrel between Britain and the European Union, Her Majesty's Government complained last week that the peninsula of 33,000 residents should not have been described as a "colony" in a draft EU text on visa-free travel. Britain itself called Gibraltar a "crown colony" for 268 years -- from when it won it in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht that ended the War of Spanish Succession, right up until 1981 when it came up with a new name for it: "dependent territory". In 2002, the official term changed again to "British overseas territory". Until at least the 1980s, Gibraltarians carried passports that said "Colony of Gibraltar" right on the front cover. No matter. "Gibraltar is not a colony and it is completely inappropriate to describe it in this way," Britain's ambassador to the EU thundered. "Gibraltar is a full part of the UK family." Gibraltarians, whose economy depends on an open border with Spain, voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU in Britain's 2016 referendum, but are due to leave the bloc anyway on March 29 along with the rest of Britain. Their cultural Britishness was in full evidence on Wednesday, when the city on a rock rang out with a 21-gun salute in honor of the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's accession. Teacher Steven Grant did not seem much fussed about the terminology, provided that the border stays open. "We're still connected to them, maybe as a colony used to be, but we're not governed by them," he said of Britain. "We just want to stay as we are, British. We don't need anything to change. All we hope is that things on the frontier don't change either." But others on the central shopping street shared London's official umbrage at the EU's choice of vocabulary. "This isn't the 1700s ... it's 2019 and we're a city, we're Gibraltar, we're not a colony," said insurance salesman Jack Johnson. (Reporting by Mariano Valladolid and Jose Pablo Garcia; Writing by Isla Binnie; Editing by Peter Graff)
Changes to food labelling could see it include information on whether an animal was stunned before it was killed (Picture: Getty)

Consumers may soon be able to see if meat they are buying is from animals who werent stunned before they were slaughtered, according to reports.

According to The Times, changes to food-labelling rules could see labels include whether animals were conscious when they were killed or had been stunned.

It said the change is being considered as part of a review of food-labelling rules set to be carried out after Brexit.

The move will mean shoppers can make sure they are eating meat from animals slaughtered in accordance with their beliefs or views.

Food Standards Agency figures analysed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) revealed that more than 120 million animals were slaughtered without pre-stunning at abattoirs in England in the 12 months to September (Picture: Getty)

Jews and Muslims are exempt from EU law requiring animals to be stunned before slaughter, but people who do not share their beliefs can end up eating it without realising.

Food Standards Agency figures analysed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) revealed that more than 120 million animals were slaughtered without pre-stunning at abattoirs in England in the 12 months to September.

MORE: University branded thought police after talk by columnist delayed because it clashed with LGBT+ celebration

MORE: Senior medical chiefs warn children not to use mobile phones at the dinner table

The RSPCA and the BVA have called on the Government to repeal the legal exemption allowing animals to be slaughtered without pre-stunning, causing unnecessary pain and suffering.

In an open letter to Environment Secretary Michael Gove, they said until there is a legal change, measures should be put in place including: labelling meat with the method of slaughter; only allowing non-stun slaughter at levels that meet the local religious community demand; banning the export of meat from non-stunned animals or live animals destined for non-stun slaughter; and stunning animals immediately after their throats have been cut to reduce pain and distress.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: Were opposed to non-stun slaughter and were calling for an end to the practice as it seriously compromises animal welfare. Our concern does not relate to the expression of religious belief but the welfare of animals.

Story continues

Until there is a change in the law to end non-stun slaughter, there are several measures the UK Government could introduce to reduce the suffering involved in this practice.

For example, by ensuring trade deals with other countries do not include non-stun meat or live animals for non-stun slaughter, clear labelling should be adopted to enable consumers to make an informed choice about the meat they buy and how it was slaughtered.

BVA President Simon Doherty said: The UK Government has repeatedly stated it would prefer to see all animals stunned before slaughter but has taken no action to address this critical welfare issue that affects millions of animals every year.

It is doubly disappointing that data that would have provided a valuable benchmark for levels of non-stun slaughter in the UK has yet to see the light of day despite assurances throughout last year that it would soon be made public.

He added: If slaughter without stunning continues to be permitted in the UK, then meat and fish from this source must be clearly labelled, to help customers make informed choices about the food that they buy and eat.

According to The Times, animal welfare minister David Rutley told the BVAs annual dinner in London: The government has a longstanding position that it would prefer to see animals stunned before they are slaughtered but it accepts the right of Jewish and Muslim communities to eat meat slaughtered in accordance with their own religious beliefs.

However, the government believes that consumers should have the necessary information available to them to make an informed choice about their food. This is an issue we will be considering more fully once we leave the EU.
N'Djamena (AFP) - Chadian President Idriss Deby on Thursday said a column of rebels which had sought to cross into the country from Libya had been "destroyed" in a series of strikes carried out by French warplanes.

The French military has said Mirage 2000 jets struck an armed convoy on three days this week, destroying about 20 of roughly 50 pickup trucks.

Deby told a cabinet meeting "the column of mercenaries which tried to make an incursion into Chadian territory has been completely destroyed," according to an official account.

"On the government's side, there was no loss of life or equipment," it said.

An anti-Deby rebel group, the Union of Resistance Forces (UFR), crossed into northern Chad with "three columns" of vehicles, according to one of its members, Mahamat Doki Warou.

UFR spokesman Youssouf Hamid added it was "normal" for Deby "to make such claims" about attacks, "but this is not the reality on the ground".

The French strikes were carried out from a base near the capital N'Djamena with the support of a Reaper drone.

Chad's Defence Minister Daoud Yaya Brahim and armed forces chief General Seid Brahim left on Thursday for Amdjarass, in the northeastern region of Ennedi, an army spokesman said.

Separately, a senior Chadian official said that military units based in Ounianga and Fada, also in the Ennedi region, had been heading towards Bao, which is in the Ennedi region, since Tuesday.

The UFR's Doki said that fighters were "in the vicinity" of Bao as of Wednesday.

Chad, a vast and mostly desert country with more than 200 ethnic groups, has suffered repeated coups and crises since it gained independence from France in 1960.

Deby, a former head of the armed forces, became president in 1990 after ousting his former boss, Hissene Habre.

Under his presidency, the country has taken a leading role in the fight against jihadism in the Sahel region and developed close strategic ties with France.

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It is part of a West African coalition fighting the Boko Haram insurgency, and a member of the French-backed G5 Sahel anti-terror alliance, which also includes Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger.

The French intervention was criticised on Wednesday as a "violation of international law" by two Chadian opposition leaders.

French Defence Minister Florence Parly dismissed the accusations, saying, "as far as law is concerned, this intervention was made in response to a formal request for help from a sovereign country".

The UFR was created in January 2009 from an alliance of eight rebel groups.

In February 2008, a tripartite insurgent group, moving in from the east, reached the gates of the presidential palace in N'Djamena before being repulsed by Deby's forces.
Holby City actor John Michie has told a court his daughters boyfriend did not love her because he let her die from an overdose

Holby City actor John Michie condemned his dead daughters boyfriend in court for leaving her to die.

Louella Fletcher-Michie died at the Bestival music festival an hour before her 25th birthday after overdosing on the drug 2C-P.

Her boyfriend, grime artist Ceon Broughton, is accused of manslaughter and supplying a class A drug after giving her the substance that killed her.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of abducting the missing Hull University student Libby Squire.

The 24-year-old was arrested at an address in Raglan Street, Hull, on Wednesday night, Humberside Police said.

Libby, 21, who went missing in the early hours of Friday February 1 has still not been found.

The Bank of England now expects Britains economy to grow by just 1.2% this year and 1.5% in 2020.

This downgrade puts Britain on course for its weakest economic growth in the 10 years since the global financial crisis.

Brexit concerns have put a drag on the UK economy since the November forecast, leading businesses to delay investment and purchases.

Andy Szasz with his dog Teddy after coming out of his coma. (Mercury)

A rescue dog has been dubbed a hero after waking his owner up from a coma with his bark.

Andy Szasz was put in a medically-induced coma after suffering from pneumonia following a battle with bowel cancer.

But doctors were amazed when schnauzer-poodle cross Teddy managed to wake his 65-year-old owner up  three days before doctors planned to try to bring him round.
A type of cancer linked to breast implants has been diagnosed in more women, according to a statement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

On Wednesday, the FDA said the number of cases of women diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in the United States has increased to 457, up from 414 cases.

Nine women have died from the rare cancer that affects the immune system, a known risk from breast implants that was first reported by the FDA in 2011.

While the slow-growing lymphoma is not breast cancer, it is found around breast implants. Health officials also explained the lymphoma is more likely to occur in women who have implants with a textured coating rather than a smooth coating. Textured implants, which have a rougher outer layer meant to adhere to tissue surrounding them, are typically used in cases where the patient and surgeon do not want the implant to move around within the breast pocket.

To further increase the chances of detecting the disease before it becomes life-threatening, the FDA has issued a letter to health care providers.

In the letter, the FDA explains to doctors who regularly treat women the importance of learning about BIA-ALCL in patients with breast implants.

We want all healthcare providers to be aware of BIA-ALCL, particularly in patients with new swelling, lumps, or pain around breast implants, to expedite diagnosis of this malignancy, the letter reads. This includes reporting individual cases as well as rates you may have experienced during your practise.

In patients who have been diagnosed with the cancer, the disease was generally found adjacent to the implant itself and contained within the scar tissue surrounding the implant.

Treatment typically involves the removal of the implant and the capsule scar surrounding it. In some patients, chemotherapy and radiation are also required, according to the FDA.

An estimated 1.5m patients receive breast implants each year worldwide. However, the different devices approved in each country, availability of products, variation in market share, extent of medical device adverse event reporting, and availability of information regarding the total number of implants sold differs from country to country, make it difficult to determine risk rates on a global scale, the FDA said.

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In France, where textured implants make up 85 per cent of the market, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products asked in December that manufacturer Allergan recall textured implants over safety concerns.

To help educate patients who are considering implants, the FDA said it would continue to provide the most up-to-date information regarding breast implant varieties so that patients and providers can have thorough and thoughtful discussions weighing the benefits and risks of different products.

The agency also encouraged those with implants to regularly check for swelling, one of the major symptoms of the disease.

You can learn how to self-examine your breasts here.

For more information on cancer, you can visit the National Cancer Institute, or Cancer Research UK. You can also find more information on BIA-ALCL here.
Emorys annual Tenenbaum Lecture will explore The Jews of Cuba and their Diasporas: Memories, Stories, Dilemmas, with guest scholar Ruth Behar of the University of Michigan, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb.13.

The lecture, sponsored by Emorys Tam Institute for Jewish Studies, will take place in the Ackerman Hall of the Michael C. Carlos Museum on campus (571 South Kilgo Circle), and will be followed by a reception.

Although a small community of scarcely 1,000 people, the Jews of Cuba have attracted wide attention for choosing to shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the Jewish legacy. Many American Jews have traveled to Cuba on "missions" to aid in this Jewish "rebirth" and have marveled at the vibrancy of the island's Jewish community.

At the same time, the Jewish community has been affected by the continual loss of its members through the many migrations that have occurred since the early years of the Cuban revolution. Behars lecture will address the contradictions surrounding Cuba's Jews on the island as they forge a path between the scroll and the revolution, between Jewishness and Cuban citizenship, while also exploring the connection to and separation from Cuban Jews in the diaspora.

Behar was born in Havana, Cuba, and grew up in New York City. She is the Victor Haim Perera Collegiate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Michigan and the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the MacArthur Genius Grant and the Guggenheim Fellowship.

A prolific author, her books include An Island Called Home: Returning to Jewish Cuba, and Traveling Heavy: A Memoir in between Journeys, among many others.

This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the Tenenbaum Family Lectureship in Judaic Studies, which salutes the family of the late Meyer W. Tenenbaum 31C-32L of Savannah, Georgia. Tenenbaum, a native of Poland, arrived in the United States at age 13 knowing no English, and graduated from the Emory University School of Law 11 years later. He went on to head Chatham Steel Corporation, now a major steel service center with headquarters in Savannah.

The lectureship was established in 1997 by Meyers son, Samuel Tenenbaum 65C, and honors the entire Tenenbaum family and its ethos of citizenship and public service, which is expressed through its support of religious, educational, social service and arts institutions across the United States.

The Tam Institute for Jewish Studies at Emory is one of the leading institutions teaching Jewish Studies in the Southeast. Bringing together scholars and students from a number of different departments and programs, the Institute awards an undergraduate major and minor and provides support for doctoral-level work.

Each year, the Institute sponsors public events including the Tenenbaum Family Lecture in Judaic Studies and the Rabbi Jacob M. Rothschild Memorial Lecture, bringing distinguished visiting scholars to campus to share knowledge with faculty, students, and the Atlanta community.

For more information, visit js.emory.edu
By Julie Gordon and Tyler Choi OTTAWA/TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday denied a newspaper report that his office had tried to pressure the former justice minister to intervene in the prosecution of engineering and construction firm SNC-Lavalin Group. "The allegations reported in the story are false," Trudeau told reporters in Toronto. "At no point did we direct the attorney general, current or previous, to take any decision whatsoever in this matter." The Globe and Mail, citing unnamed sources, said Trudeau's office had pressed then-Justice Minister and Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould to intervene in a corruption and fraud case against SNC-Lavalin, but she had refused to ask prosecutors to make a deal with the company to avoid a costly trial. Wilson-Raybould was unexpectedly shuffled out of her role last month and given the more junior post of veterans' affairs minister. The same day she issued a statement saying the justice system must be "free from even the perception of political interference." The matter could become a problem for Trudeau, who faces a tight race against the official opposition Conservatives in an election this October. Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer said the allegations were "very serious". Reuters has not independently verified the claims. Wilson-Raybould declined to comment on the Globe's story. SNC also declined to comment. Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin is facing fraud and corruption charges related to allegations that former executives paid bribes to win contracts in Libya under Muammar Gaddafi's regime, which fell in 2011. SNC has argued it should be allowed to avoid a trial because the executives accused of wrongdoing have left the company and it has overhauled ethics and compliance systems. Nathan Cullen, a legislator from the opposition New Democrats, noted SNC-Lavalin admitted in 2016 that some former executives had illegally arranged donations of more than C$80,000 to the Liberals from 2004 to 2011. "SNC-Lavalin was rewarded when they faced corruption and fraud charges. The Liberals leaned on their own justice minister not to go to trial but get a plea deal," he said in the House of Commons. (Reporting by Julie Gordon in Ottawa,; Tyler Choi and Allison Martell in Toronto and Allison Lampert in Montreal; Editing by James Dalgleish)
Ottawa (AFP) - Canada will welcome some 750 ex-slaves from Libya as refugees, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said Wednesday.

The number of migrants traveling through Libya to reach Europe has increased tenfold since the fall of Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, according to the United Nations.

And their fate was highlighted -- dramatically in 2017 -- by multiple shipwrecks in the Mediterranean and the broadcast of a CNN report showing a Libyan slave market.

"In 2017, the world was shocked to see the harrowing images of people being sold into slavery in Libya," the minister said in a statement.

"Canada was one of the few countries to step up to work with the UNHCR to resettle these refugees directly from Libya and offer them a new home in Canada," said Hussen, himself a former refugee from Somalia.

Canada is "also taking action to resettle 100 refugees from Niger, rescued from Libyan migrant detention centers, including victims of human smuggling," Hussen said.

"Some people have already begun to arrive in Canada," he added.

A year ago, a UN report addressed to the 15 members of the Security Council and seen by AFP, affirmed that due to political chaos, human trafficking was booming in Libya -- and facilitated by rebel and government forces.

"Canadians have always been welcoming to newcomers, and that generosity has helped offer protection to those fleeing persecution, terror and war," Hussen added.
By Sharon Bernstein

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Reuters) - California utility PG&E Corp plans to increase the controversial practice of shutting off the power to communities at risk of wildfire when dangerous conditions such as high winds and dry heat are present.

In a report to state regulators https://bit.ly/2SevTIZ, PG&E said it would also remove 375,000 trees near electricity lines, trim vegetation over 2,500 square miles (6,475 square km) and conduct thousands of inspections to prevent its equipment from sparking wildfires.

PG&E is under intense scrutiny for its role in sparking more than a dozen wildfires over the past two years. It filed bankruptcy last month, citing anticipated liabilities, including the possibility its equipment set off November's deadly Camp Fire, which destroyed the Northern California town of Paradise and killed 86 people.

The San Francisco-based utility, which serves 16 million customers, said it would increase nearly tenfold its efforts to turn off the power to communities threatened by wildfire, increasing the number of households and businesses potentially affected by fire-prevention blackouts in 2019 to 5.4 million.

Such shutoffs were also used last year to keep live electricity in the lines from setting off a fire when high winds and heat hit extreme levels and nearby brush or trees could be ignited.

Mark Toney, who directs the utility consumer advocacy group the Utility Reform Network (TURN), said shutting off power would harm vulnerable people, including those who rely on electricity to power life-saving medical equipment.

"The fact that there is such a dramatic expansion of power shutoffs as a strategy to stop wildfires is a sign of PG&Es failure and mismanagement when it comes to trimming the trees and taking care of the grid," he said.

PG&E spokeswoman Kristi Jourdan said the company would only turn off the power to a community as a last resort to keep people safe.

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"We understand and appreciate that turning off the power affects the operation of critical facilities, communications systems and much more," she said.

The company is also on probation in relation to a criminal conviction in the deadly 2010 explosion of one of its natural gas lines in the city of San Bruno near San Francisco.

The judge in that case said he would consider the company's wildfire plan in deciding whether PG&E should do more to prevent wildfire.

California law requires all investor-owned utilities to file wildfire mitigation plans annually.

(Reporting by Sharon Bernstein; editing by Bill Tarrant and Lisa Shumaker)
After a monumental January, marijuana stocks and the related ETF took a dive on Feb 6, 2019 thanks to two adverse news. Canadian cannabis company Aphria Inc.s APHA rejection of a hostile bid and clampdown on CBDs use in edibles, per an article published on MarketWatch.

Inside the Factors That Hit the Space on Wednesday

Aphria rejected a hostile bid from Green Growth Brands Inc. as the former believes the latter undervalues the company considerably. Aphria shares shed more than 9.4% in the key trading session and 4.3% after hours.

Green Growths Januarys offer marked a 23% discount to Aphrias share price, based on the 20-day volume-weighted average price of Green Growth stock immediately before its bid was announced, per Aphria. The companys shares are up more than 70% this year.

Added to this, New York City has cracked down on edibles that include CBD, or cannabidiol. In January, the Los Angeles County Department of Health also announced it would be cutting points on restaurant inspections for CBDs use in prepared food and drink starting in July. There are states like Maine, which has legalized recreational cannabis, and Ohio, which has a medical-marijuana program in place, have also clamped down on CBD edibles, per the source.

The compound can be derived from both cannabis and hemp plants. Though industrial hemp cultivation was legalized in the United States in late 2018, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States continues to treat CBD in the same manner irrespective of where it is coming from.

Inside Losses

The pure-play marijuana fund ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF MJ lost about 5.3% on Feb 6, 2018 and shed about 1.3% after hours. Two of Canadas top cannabis producers Canopy Growth Corporation CGC and Tilray Inc. TLRY retreated about 4.3% and 6.2%, respectively, on Feb 6. CGC and TLRY shares slumped about 3% and 0.8%, respectively, after hours.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. ACB too plummeted about 4.2% in the key trading session and 1.7% after hours. Cronos Group Inc. CRON was down about 10% and 1.8% in the key trading session and the after-market sessions, respectively.

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Is It a Value Play or Value Trap?

Growing efforts of legalization, both for medical and recreational usages have been rampant for cannabis globally, of late. Laws related to marijuana have been changing in the United States too, but it is still in early stages and illegal on the federal level (read: Pot Stocks are on a High: Play These Marijuana ETFs).

Even states, where cannabis is legal, appear doubtful of permitting restaurateurs to put CBD into random products. While the plant derivatives should cross all regulatory barriers over the long term, for now, more crackdown could be in the cards.

Some analysts are of the view that Canadian pot stocks are overtly valued than some American pot stocks compared with demand opportunities. America is much more densely populated than Canada. Thus, multi-state operations or putting more stress in larger states like California and Florida could offer U.S. pot companies considerably higher business opportunity (read: 4 Reasons Why Pot Stocks & ETF Could Be on a High in 2019).

Why to Invest in MJ?

There is the lesser direct accessibility to U.S. pot companies as only Canadian-based companies [are] listed on the US exchanges, while, paradoxically, US companies have been forced to list on Canadas junior exchanges. Thus, it is better to tap the space in the form of ETF MJ.

The fund has a global exposure and gives proper view of the continuously changing regulatory backdrop of marijuana worldwide. Canada has about 62% exposure, followed by 24.2% in the United States and 6.6% in United Kingdom. Cronos Group (18.6%), Canopy Growth (8.7%) and Aurora Cannabis (7.7%) are the top three holdings of the fund.

The fund has become so popular that it crossed the $1-billion mark after less than 14 months of NYSE trading. The fund is up about 38% this year. Growing mergers and acquisitions and long-term potential from the cannabis-infused beverage industry should drive the fund higher, if regulatory hurdles do not come in the way.

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Sao Paulo (AFP) - Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro had a fever and possible pneumonia, his doctors said Thursday, 10 days after the far-right leader underwent surgery on the stomach wound he suffered when stabbed last year.

The 63-year-old remains in semi-intensive care in Sao Paulo following a procedure to remove his colostomy bag and reconnect the bowel.

"Last night he had a fever (and) was subjected to a CT scan of the chest and abdomen that showed good intestinal evolution" as well as "an image consistent with pneumonia," Bolsonaro's doctors said in their daily medical bulletin.

The president's spokesman, Otavio do Rego Barros, said the image "confirmed the possibility of pneumonia" but added that doctors "didn't seem more worried" than before.

"Beware of sensationalism," said Bolsonaro in a tweet, while he held up his thumb in a picture also posted to Twitter.

The former army captain is a prolific user of social media, where he conducted large portions of his successful presidential campaign last year.

"We're very calm, well and we're staying the course," he wrote.

Bolsonaro's sons have also been active on social media, posting positive updates on their father's health.

The president was due to leave hospital this week but still hasn't resumed eating normally and continues to be fed intravenously.

He underwent an operation on January 28, his third since the knife attack, to reconnect his bowel so he could resume natural waste evacuation.

It took twice as long as the three to four hours expected due to a number of complications.

Since then he's had several fevers as well as suffered from nausea and vomiting, and has been fitted with a nasogastric tube, a drain and has been given antibiotics.

Officially, Bolsonaro has continued to run the country from his hospital bed.
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has pneumonia after registering a fever during a hospital stay, but a tweet on the far-right leader's Twitter profile on Thursday said he was "well." Bolsonaro had an operation on Jan. 28 to remove a colostomy bag that was put in place after he was stabbed while campaigning ahead of Brazil's election last year. He had originally been expected to stay in hospital for 10 days but this week his spokesman said he would remain hospitalized at least until Feb. 11 because of a fever and other complications. A tweet on Bolsonaro's Twitter profile said: "Be careful not to be sensationalist. We are very relaxed, well and remain steady." The Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo said in a statement on Thursday that doctors had adjusted his antibiotics dose after a fever late on Wednesday. Presidential spokesman Otavio Rego Barros said at a news conference that the president was in semi-intensive care. He said Bolsonaro had a 38 degree Celsius (100.4F) fever on Wednesday and bacterial pneumonia. If the president is unable to carry out his duties, then Vice President Hamilton Mourao, a retired general who has already clashed with Bolsonaro over a number of issues, would take charge. (Reporting by Tatiana Bautzer, Writing by Rosalba O'Brien, Editing by James Dalgleish)
By Jake Spring BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's mining agency plans to ban upstream tailings dams used for storing mining waste, a director at the National Mining Agency (ANM) said on Thursday, after such a dam burst last month, likely killing at least 300 people. Eduardo Leao, a director at ANM, said the agency aims to issue an ordinance on Friday requiring that such dams be taken down or converted into other types of dams. A tailings dam at a Vale SA iron ore mine in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais burst on Jan. 25, releasing a torrent of sludge that buried buildings and people. At least 150 people were killed and 182 are missing and presumed dead after the disaster in the town of Brumadinho. Brazil has 88 upstream tailings dams, according to Leao. It was not immediately clear what kind of deadline the dam operators would face to take down or convert the dams. The cause of the disaster remains unknown. A state regulatory official told Reuters last week that evidence suggested the dam burst because of liquefaction, a process where solid materials like sand lose strength and stiffness and behave like a liquid. Vale's dam in Brumadinho was built using the cheapest and least stable type of tailings dam design, known as an "upstream construction." Upstream dams are waterlogged and therefore susceptible to cracks that can cause bursts. A third-party audit of the dam conducted last year found cracks in drainage channels and recommended improvements in monitoring, according to the audit report reviewed by Reuters earlier this week. (Reporting by Jake Spring; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Australia's decision to ban a well-connected Chinese businessman for his political activity is being seen as a potential watershed moment, the start of pushback against Beijing's long-running operations to buy influence overseas.

In less than a decade, Huang Xiangmo went from a new arrival in Australia to hosting swanky waterside parties with political elites, to finally being kicked out of the country and declared persona non grata -- as a result of his alleged links to China's Communist Party.

The 49-year-old Guangdong native is currently believed to be in Hong Kong, after the same officials he long courted and bankrolled revoked his residency, denied him citizenship and prevented him from returning to his multi-million-dollar Sydney mansion.

Experts say his case -- which has prompted a furore in Australia over foreign donations to political parties -- is a signal that Canberra is ready to curb China's ambitious operations to influence foreign political elites.

"It's a very significant thing," said Michael Shoebridge, former deputy director of Australia's defence and signals intelligence agencies, pointing to Huang's links to the Chinese Communist Party.

While the 2016 US presidential election shone a fierce spotlight on Russian intelligence agencies' "active measures" to influence and subvert events abroad, less focus has fallen on China's operations in the same area.

According to Shoebridge, these are often led by the United Front Work Department, an agency of the Communist Party, and offshoot groups set up around the globe, like the Australian Council for the Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification of China.

While the United Front Work Department operates in China with close ties to party leaders, the reunification councils have been established in countries from New Zealand to the United States.

The lack of a formal link between the groups abroad and the Chinese state allows "deniability", according to Shoebridge. "But they certainly implement the policy directions of the Chinese state."

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Their work also focuses on shaping public opinion and policy on contentious issues like China's claims on Taiwan, the South China Sea, Tibet and on internal issues like the treatment of ethnic Uighurs.

In a sign of their importance, President Xi Jinping met Huang in Sydney in November 2014 during a state visit.

It was Huang's political influence and his links to the United Front Work Department that reportedly set off alarm bells for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the country's main spy agency.

"Huang was very active in promoting United Front Work and in getting close to politicians," said Gerry Groot, a China expert at the University of Adelaide.

His interests included the 2015 Australia-China free trade agreement and a contentious bilateral extradition treaty, according to local media reports.

In 2017, one-time opposition Labor powerbroker Sam Dastyari was forced to quit politics amid allegations that he informed Huang about monitoring by western intelligence agencies and that his office took cash from the billionaire to pay legal bills.

Millions more went to Australian political parties of all stripes.

- Fallout or buildup -

Australia's foreign minister, Marise Payne, played down the significance of Huang's de facto expulsion for the broader China-Australia relationship.

"I don't expect it to be the subject of a bilateral discussion. These are matters that occur from time to time," she said.

The Chinese authorities have yet to react to news of the ban.

Beijing has often dismissed claims of meddling as hysteria and paranoia, but experts expect a muted Chinese response, so as to avoid negative publicity or draw further attention to United Front work.

"Any individual is disposable," said Shoebridge.

But officials across the Pacific will be looking to see whether it is a precursor to further expulsions or even prosecutions.

Australia's decision to ban Huang from the country "sets a precedent", said Groot, adding it is something of a test case. "It will allow the Australian government to find out how Beijing will respond."

Last year Australia passed sweeping national security reforms via the Espionage and Foreign Interference Act, which broadens the range of activities that would be treated as spying.

So far that legislation has not been used for prosecutions.

"Beijing has been surprised that it has got away with the kind of influence operations it has been running for so long, and have been so effective," said Shoebridge.

"Australian policymakers have woken up late to these activities, but this is a sign that the rhetoric now has substance. Another big sign of that will be the first prosecution."
Emory President Claire E. Sterk and other faculty experts are speaking out about President Trumps call in his State of the Union address to end HIV transmission in the U.S. by 2030.

In recent years we have made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Scientific breakthroughs have brought a once distant dream within reach, Trump said in his Feb. 5 address to Congress. My budget will ask Democrats and Republicans to make the needed commitment to eliminate the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years. We have made incredible strides, incredible. Together we will defeat AIDS in America and beyond.

Emory has played a key role in HIV research, education and treatment since the earliest days of the epidemic. More than 94 percent of U.S. patients on therapy, and thousands more around the world, take one of several HIV/AIDS drugs invented by Emory scientists.

Sterk, Emorys 20th president, is a globally renowned thought leader whose work has focused on social and health disparities; addiction and infectious diseases, specifically HIV/AIDS; community engagement; and empowering women leaders.

HIV/AIDS affects communities, not just individuals. That means our solutions also need to take place at the community level. Its especially important that we remove barriers to effective diagnosis and treatment, Sterk said in a statement responding to Trumps speech.

"Emory University has a long history of leadership in these fields. We look forward to working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC and with state and local partners to end the epidemic in Atlanta and well beyond. Great strides have been made in recent years, but some zip codes in the Atlanta area still have rates of HIV/AIDS that are six to eight times higher than the national average, she continued.

"As a public health researcher and a long-time Atlanta resident, I support this opportunity to expand and accelerate our local engagement efforts. Success at the local level remains critical to helping us all realize the larger ten-year goal.

Faculty experts in the media

As media outlets around the nation cover the presidents call to eliminate the HIV epidemic, they are turning to Emory faculty experts for insight and analysis.

James Curran, MD, MPH, is dean and professor of epidemiology at Emorys Rollins School of Public Health as well as the co-director of the Emory Center for AIDS Research (CFAR). He formerly served 25 years in leadership at the CDC, where he led a task force charged with determining what was behind the first cases of what we now know as AIDS. A pioneer in HIV/AIDS prevention, Curran led the nations efforts in the battle against HIV/AIDS for 15 years before joining Emory.

In an interview Feb. 6 with CNN, Curran called the commitment of Trumps administration to end HIV important and very promising.

"We have the opportunity to improve people's lives; actually save their lives from a treatable condition, through which there's still too many deaths; and then reduce transmission to others. In order to do this, we need to have resources which are very well coordinated," Curran told CNN. "This begins at the federal level with additional resources, but then it has to be translated to the state and county and local levels." Read Trump's plan to end America's HIV epidemic by 2030, explained, on CNN.com.

Curran was also featured in an extensive interview on the radio program A Closer Look on WABE, A veteran Emory AIDS researcher looks at President Trumps new initiative, published Feb. 7.

Carlos del Rio, MD, is Hubert Professor and Chair of the Hubert Department of Global Health at the Rollins School of Public Health and professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. He is also co-director of the Emory Center for AIDS Research.

Media reached out to del Rio even before the State of the Union. Im really excited that this may lead to something, del Rio said in an interview with Science Insider prior to the speech.

On Feb. 6, PBS News Hour featured del Rio in a segment asking How realistic is Trumps pledge to end HIV in the U.S.? The goal is a long shot, del Rio said, but its doable.

I think the biggest challenge that we have as a nation in our response to the epidemic is keeping people in care, del Rio said. We are pretty good at testing. We get them linked to care, but then people fall out of care. And if you're not in care, you're not getting therapy, and you're not having  you don't have your virus suppressed, and you can transmit it to others.

Wendy Armstrong, MD, is professor of medicine in infectious diseases at Emory University School of Medicine and medical director of the Infectious Disease Program at Grady Memorial Hospital, including the Ponce de Leon Center, which treats more than 6,000 patients with HIV/AIDS  a 33 percent increase over the last 10 years. In 2016 she was co-chair of the Fulton County Task Force on HIV/AIDS Phase II update, The Strategy to End AIDS in Fulton County.

Four out of the five states in the country with the most HIV are Southern states, Georgia being No. 1, Armstrong told Atlanta television station WXIA 11 Alive on Feb. 6, noting that 2030 is extremely ambitious, but it is important to set goals whether or not you can reach them, because it means there will be resources and progress. View the segment.

Rollins School of Public Healths AIDSVu map project, which shows areas of the country hardest hit by the HIV epidemic, was also featured in Business Insiders coverage of Trumps speech.
On Feb 6, we issued an updated research report on Becton, Dickinson and Company BDX, also known as BD. While solid developments and a strong global foothold boost the stock, a few headwinds are anticipated in fiscal 2019.

The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Price Performance

In the past year, BDs shares have rallied 15% against the industrys decline of 0.4%. The current level also compares favorably with the S&P 500s rally of 6.5%.

Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the companys fiscal third-quarter earnings per share moved up 0.6% to $3.25.

Becton, Dickinson and Company Price and Consensus

Becton, Dickinson and Company Price and Consensus | Becton, Dickinson and Company Quote

Whats Favoring BD?

In recent times, the New Jersey-based MedTech giant saw a slew of developments.

In the recently-reported first quarter of fiscal 2019, BD announced the launch of two cloud-based applications, BD HealthSight Data Manager and BD HealthSight Diversion Analytics, which enable an enterprise-wide connected medication management system. Notably, both form part of the BD HealthSight platform.

Moreover, in the BD Interventional segment, WavelinQ was made available for sale in the United States in the fiscal first quarter. This product provides a minimally-invasive nonsurgical option for creating critical AV fistulas for hemodialysis procedures.

Last month, BD announced the FDA approval of its second-generation BD Nano pen needle for more reliable subcutaneous injection depth. Last December, BD received regulatory approval for the BD MAX enteric viral panel, a molecular diagnostic test.

BD is focused on geographical expansion into overseas markets.

Notably, in first-quarter fiscal 2019, BD delivered strong sales internationally, which totaled $1.77 billion, up 24.6% from the year-ago quarter and 4.1% at constant currency (cc). Per management, overseas revenue growth was backed by strong performance by all three segments in the quarter.

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China saw growth of 13.3% from the year-ago quarter, reflecting strength in the Life Science and Interventional segments. The core BD Medical segment excelled in China.

For fiscal 2019, BD expects growth of about 10% in emerging economies along with low double-digit growth in China.

Deterrents

Management at BD expects a few headwinds to mar prospects in fiscal 2019.

BD expects raw material pricing pressure, which increased in 2018, to accelerate into fiscal 2019, primarily due to resin price increases owing to a supply-constrained market. Although pressure from raw materials partially eased in the fiscal first quarter, management expects a 2% headwind from it in fiscal 2019.

Additionally, BD expects a 1% headwind from tariffs in 2019. Customer ordering patterns are also expected to negatively impact fiscal second-quarter results.

Key Picks

A few better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Penumbra, Inc. PEN, Wright Medical Group N.V. WMGI and DexCom. Inc. DXCM. Notably, each of these stocks currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Penumbras long-term earnings growth rate is expected at 20%.

Wright Medicals long-term earnings growth rate is expected at 11%.

DexComs next-quarter earnings per share is projected to grow at 56.3%.

Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2019

In addition to the stocks discussed above, wouldn't you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?

From more than 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank, these 10 were picked by a process that consistently beats the market. Even during 2018 while the market dropped -5.2%, our Top 10s were up well into double-digits. And during bullish 2012  2017, they soared far above the market's +126.3%, reaching +181.9%.

This year, the portfolio features a player that thrives on volatility, an AI comer, and a dynamic tech company that helps doctors deliver better patient outcomes at lower costs.

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Vuong Duy Bao surveys his ancestral palace, a vestige of Vietnam's marginalised Hmong ethnic minority that he says was taken from his family by local officials.

The wooden structure is laden with historic markers: opium flowers carved into pillars in a nod to the region's once-booming trade, and an iron fence made with metal imported from former colonial ruler France.

Built in 1903 by Bao's warlord grandfather with his opium fortune, the retired civil servant claims local authorities took possession of the property in the northern Ha Giang province from his family and are now refusing to return it.

"Hmong people all over the world acknowledge this as (our) family home... so we can't lose it," he told AFP from the building, which authorities run as a museum.

Both sides agree it is an architectural treasure since the historically nomadic Hmong rarely stayed long enough in one place to build anything lasting.

Bao had been living in Hanoi, but on return to the family home, he discovered local authorities had taken ownership of the palace and rejected his claim to it because he could not provide deeds.

He branded the request "absurd" and said official documents did not exist when the property was built but his family's connection to it was set out in history books about the local area and even in pictures of it displayed in the museum.

Many Hmong fear the government is simply commandeering their culture to boost tourism dollars.

For Bao, his battle for repossession goes beyond the personal.

He believes Hmong heritage belongs in the hands of Hmong people, a tightknit minority originally from China who proudly cling to customs wherever they settle, from California to Minnesota, Laos and Thailand.

- 'Community spirit' -

In Vietnam, they have been largely excluded from the economic growth of the past decade, and more than 60 percent of the country's one million Hmong live below the poverty line.

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The ethnic group have long been at odds with the central government -- stemming in part from the CIA recruitment of anti-communist Laotian Hmong during the Vietnam War -- which for decades has imposed a series of resettlement, development and assimilation campaigns that have mostly failed.

"More than any other ethnic minority in Vietnam the Hmong have been marginalised by programs that purport to develop them," writes anthropologist Ngo Tam in her 2016 book "The New Way: Protestantism and the Hmong in Vietnam."

Ha Giang authorities are touting tourism as the best way to lift the Hmong out of gruelling poverty, and the province has said in its master plan it wants the area to be a "key attraction" for visitors by 2030.

Officials have opened a series of 'traditional cultural villages' where visitors can peek into old-school wooden houses or take photos of themselves carrying a bamboo basket, a common vessel for Hmong farmers ferrying flowers or grass from the field.

Local Hmong are encouraged to wear traditional hemp clothing and build traditional houses, and have been asked to shorten funeral and wedding ceremonies, days-long, booze-soaked affairs that are among the most sacred of Hmong rituals.

"Sometimes authorities try to impose their ideas on people forcibly, but we resist by refusing to follow," Vang My Sinh, a Hmong man in Ha Giang, told AFP.

"We've always had strong community spirit, we build things together and preserve things together. Nothing can break us," he said.

That community spirit has proven powerful.

Troops were sent to quell a massive Hmong protest in 2011, in which some called for independence.

More recently, Hmong in Vietnam have turned to organised religion and embraced Protestantism, which makes the communist government nervous.

- 'Die on the rock' -

In Ha Giang, some Hmong are happy to comply with government guidelines if it means improving their lot.

"It is good to preserve tradition, for ourselves, for our children, and even for tourists who come out of curiosity and bring us more money," said Va Thi May, who was selling grilled yams at a quiet roadside stop.

Ethnic minorities are not always the beneficiaries of Vietnam's booming tourism sector.

In northern Vietnam's visitor-saturated Sapa, locals complain hotel owners from the Kinh majority earn big while ethnic minority women and children hawk Chinese-made fabric and fake silver.

Regaining control of the Hmong palace could be a small step toward recovering their own history -- and benefitting from local tourist spending.

For some, the loss of the palace is part of a broader issue.

"It's one of the many things that make Hmong feel marginalised and definitely adds to their disenfranchisement," said Sebastian Rumsby, a PhD candidate at University of Warwick whose research focuses on Christianity among the Hmong.

Bao hopes to push back against that by getting his palace back -- so his Hmong clan can regain their spiritual homeland.
By Liana B. Baker and Carl O'Donnell

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Barclays Plc said on Thursday it hired Riaz Ladhabhoy, an investment banker from Deutsche Bank to be the co-head of internet banking in the Americas, a move that comes ahead of a wave of IPOs expected in the sector this year.

Ladhabhoy, a managing director, will be based at Barclays' Menlo Park, California office and will start in the spring. Deutsche Bank declined to comment.

He will report to Laurence Braham and Greg Dalvito, co-heads of Technology Banking. Brian Yick is the other co-head of the Internet group.

Barclays is adding to its internet banking division, as this year is expected to be a record breaking one for Internet IPOs. Reuters has reported that ride sharing companies Uber and Lyft have filed confidentially for offerings, while Pinterest has also hired banks for an IPO.

Barclays last year hired another banker from Deustche Bank, Ed Wehle to focus on technology services deals. It also brought on Mark Zanoli in January, formerly of UBS Group AG, as vice chairman of technology investment banking.

Barclays has been active on numerous large deals in the technology space recently, including KLA-Tencor Corp's $3.4 billion acquisition of Orbotech Ltd, II-VI Inc's $3.2 purchase of Finisar Corp, and Cisco Systems Inc's $2.35 billion buyout of Duo Security.

(Reporting by Liana B. Baker in New York; editing by Diane Craft)
If Annie Blalock was studying abroad in 2020, she fears what support she could get from her school if she was sexually assaulted or harassed by a classmate abroad.

Blalock, 20, a junior at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont, will be studying for the next four months in Irkutsk, Siberia. Before she left, a professor told her that going to Russia "is like stepping into a time machine and going back 50 years" for many women.

But, due to proposed Title IX guidelines the Department of Education released in November 2018, Blalock said she is also worried about policy changes for American victims who experience sexual assault from a peer while they are abroad and want to seek justice through the Title IX process once they are home.

"Existing as a woman in a foreign country which values my ability to fulfill stereotypical feminine roles over my experiences makes me feel vulnerable," said Blalock, who will be taking classes in ecology and Russian. "Combine this with cowardly legislative moves that refuse to validate the experiences of and support survivors of sexual violence. Yes, I feel defenseless."

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which guarantees access to educational programs and activities regardless of gender, currently says that when a student returns from a study abroad program and begins the Title IX process, they are guaranteed supportive measures, like limited contact between an accuser and the accused in campus housing or classes.

When the Department of Education drafted new guidelines for interpreting the law last year, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said the rules sought to make Title IX clearer for all students.

"Throughout this process, my focus was, is, and always will be on ensuring that every student can learn in a safe and nurturing environment," DeVos said in a statement. "That starts with having clear policies and fair processes that every student can rely on."

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Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Capitol Hill on June 5, 2018.

However, one controversial section of the guidelines says sexual assault or harassment addressed by Title IX "must involve conduct that occurred within the school's own program or activity." That means Title IX could potentially not apply to off-campus locations like privately-owned student housing, bars, restaurants and study abroad programs. Another provision of the guidelines that calls for live hearings and cross examination of accusers in Title IX cases has already gone into effect due to court rulings in the Sixth Circuit.

Although the proposal states that it would not prevent a student from alleging sexual misconduct against another student, Shiwali Patel, senior counsel for education at The National Women's Law Center, says this still creates a dangerous grey area for students studying abroad "because complaints alleging sexual assault outside of an education program or activity would have to be dismissed, which includes most off-campus conduct."

"It's unclear how this would apply to a study abroad program linked to a school in the U.S., which school should be required to respond to under Title IX," Patel said. "Wouldn't it be an extension of the school? What would the obligations be when the students come back to school? What happens when a complainant has to sit in a class with an assailant after returning to the school?"

Maha Ibrahim, staff attorney at Equal Rights Advocates, warned that students who file sexual misconduct complaints may have to go through the process of proving that their college or university even has to take action, a process that could be expensive and re-traumatizing for survivors of sexual assault and harassment.

"The proposed regulations dont just put a chilling effect on reporting from students after they have been harmed," Ibrahim said. "They also put a chilling effect on students and their families feeling safe with a student traveling to other countries with their schools."

An Education Department spokesman said the Department cannot comment on proposed regulation, but it accepted public comments on the guidelines until Jan. 30, 2019 and will "review and fully consider all comments." The guidelines would not go into full effect until 2020, according to The Detroit Free Press.

"You should be protected just like if it occurred on campus"

Elena LeVan, 20, is a junior at the University of Maryland, College Park in College Park, Maryland. She said Title IX protections being limited to on-campus activities and housing could be "catastrophic."

"To say you're going to another country so you don't have these kinds of protections doesn't make any sense," LeVan said. "To remove protections for all of those students for all of that time just because they're abroad doesn't make any sense."

Nearly 333,000 U.S. students studied abroad during the 2016-2017 school year, the most up to date estimate according to the Institute of International Education.

LeVan said the experience of studying abroad can be intimidating enough, traveling to a new place and adjusting to classes and interactions that may be in a different language.

"You're going to be in new spaces. You're going to be experiencing new things," LeVan said. "It's a scary enough experience as is."

More: DeVos overhaul of sexual assault rules governing campuses draws fire

More: Education Secretary Betsy DeVos proposes controversial changes to campus sexual misconduct rules, narrowing definition of sexual harassment

More: Appeals court: U-M must allow cross-examination in sex assault cases

Nina Benites, 19, is a sophomore at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. She said she is concerned that students who return from study abroad programs having experienced assault or harassment from a classmate might not get the accommodations they need to feel safe on campus.

"You should be protected just like if it occurred on campus," Benites said. "If the school weren't required to do anything when you're coming back, that would be a really difficult educational experience."

Neither Levan nor Benites have participated in a study abroad program, and they both said pursuing one under these guidelines would be a "more difficult" decision.

"I dont know if I would feel as comfortable knowing that I dont have the protections of the school," LeVan said.

Grace Vedock, 20, a junior at Middlebury College, said the Title IX process can already be a challenge for students reporting sexual misconduct, and these guidelines could scare students from seeking help.

"The first thing that comes to my mind is the face that lots of people already don't trust the Title IX process. Plenty of victims of sexual assault don't report for a variety of reasons - stigma, fear of reliving trauma or fear of their rapist being found not guilty by the school," Vedock said. "The proposed reforms only intensify that distrust."

Amanda Yannett, 21, a junior at William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia also called on colleges and universities to take responsibility for the "education and safety" of their students, regardless of whether or not they are on campus.

"The trauma of an assault does not disappear when a survivor returns to campus," Yannett said.

What will students know before they go?

Students across the country might pursue study abroad programs without knowing the risks of the proposed guidelines, according to LeVan.

"To go abroad and not have the support of your university if something happens? I don't even know that people will know that," Levan said.

Benites said friends who have studied abroad told her they are concerned about what the rules mean for them, and she's worried more students at Tufts and beyond will not understand what Title IX protections they can rely on in different programs.

"Many people have reached out to me with a lot of concern and confusion," Benites said. "This would definitely affect so many people I know and care about."

Ibrahim said this confusion  if the rules do go into effect  could make more American students and families wary of studying abroad.

"If going abroad poses greater and unknown risks to students because we refuse to protect them under our civil rights laws while they are abroad, it may chill the prevalence of American students studying abroad," Ibrahim said. "It just takes a few horrible stories about schools refusing to investigate sexual assaults that happened abroad for students to start choosing to stay home."

Blalock learned about the guidelines shortly before leaving for Russia. She said she has started "building strong relationships" with fellow students and the coordinator of her program to create a support system for herself and her peers, even though the guidelines are not expected to go into effect until next year.

"If Betsy DeVos will not hold my institution accountable to be that support system in the case of sexual violence, I will do my very best to ensure support for myself and my fellow students," Blalock said.

Blalock said the uncertainty surrounding the proposed rules has been "jarring."

"Understanding the consequences of these changes made me angry," Blalock said. "And worried."

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault, you can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline at +1-800-656-4673 or chat online at online.rainn.org.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'I don't know if I would feel comfortable:' Students afraid to study abroad under Title IX
Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) and Ed Markey (D., Mass.) introduced a Green New Deal bill Thursday that, in addition to transitioning the U.S. entirely to renewable energy in ten years, promises to provide economic security for those unable or unwilling to work.

Since arriving in Washington in January, Ocasio-Cortez has prioritized the implementation of a Green New Deal and, in her frequent media appearances, has emphasized its potential as a means to pursue economic justice while drastically reducing carbon emissions over the next decade.

In drafting the proposal, Ocasio-Cortez and her fellow progressive lawmakers appear to have envisioned that the trillions of dollars in new government spending it would require would be financed entirely on credit.

How will you pay for it, reads a frequently-asked-questions document that accompanied the bill.The Federal Reserve can extend credit to power these projects and investments and new public banks can be created to extend credit. There is also space for the government to take an equity stake in projects to get a return on investment.

With the exception of the brief mention of a carbon tax, which the FAQ document claims misses the point, there is no mention of any additional taxes to cover the cost of spending.

In addition to providing economic security for those unable or unwilling to work, the plan also promises to create millions of good, high-wage jobs for willing Americans. Many of those new federal employees would presumably assist in the 14 major clean-energy-infrastructure projects the plan calls for.

In defending the breadth and scope of the proposal, which also includes 15 social and economic justice and security requirements, Ocasio-Cortez has likened it to the mobilization effort that preceded World War II, and conceded that it qualifies as a moonshot idea.

More from National Review
(Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc on Thursday joined the call for transparency in the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies, and said it supports an "appropriate" legislative framework on the technology to protect civil rights. In the company's most detailed blog yet on policy for the technology, Michael Punke, vice president of global public policy at AWS, said there should be notice when video surveillance and facial recognition technology are used together in public or commercial settings. Last month, tech heavyweight Microsoft Corp announced similar principles for the use of its facial recognition technology, saying it would recommend barring the technology from being used to engage in unlawful discrimination and would encourage customers to be transparent when deploying such services. Since May, several civil rights groups have pressured Amazon to stop selling governments access to Rekognition, a powerful image ID software unveiled in 2016 by the company's cloud-computing division. The groups cited use of Rekognition by law enforcement in Oregon and Florida and warned that the tool could be used to target immigrants and people of color unfairly. "New technology should not be banned or condemned because of its potential misuse. Instead, there should be open, honest, and earnest dialogue among all parties involved to ensure that the technology is applied appropriately," Punke wrote https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/machine-learning/some-thoughts-on-facial-recognition-legislation on Thursday. The company said it was engaging with a U.S. government institute that tests and compares different vendors' facial recognition technology, but that it was still not possible to "download" its algorithms for testing outside the cloud. Researchers at the U.S. body, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Munsif Vengattil in Bengaluru and Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty)




James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez have brought to the big screen some of cinemas most iconic female characters and now with Alita: Battle Angel theyre hoping to add another to this sorority.

Rosa Salazar, who plays the titular hero, says this is exactly why she wanted the part, because of these filmmakers efforts to not just champion empowering female characters but Latina actresses too.

Her coming of age story is really what attracted me but also the visionaries behind it, Salazar told Yahoo Movies UK. James Cameron, Robert Rodriguez, these are the types of visionaries you want to bring a strong, empowered, dynamic character like this to life. Theyve been doing this for decades.

When I got the role I felt now I am in this honour society among Sarah Connor, Ellen Ripley, Rose, Neytiri and on Roberts side he has launched the careers of so many Latina actresses Salma Hayek, Eiza Gonzalez, Rosario Dawson, Michelle Rodriguez, so it felt like this is the right character to be doing.

Rosa Salazar, Jennifer Connelly and Keean Johnson discuss the importance of Alita as a character for both boys and girls to look up to.

Salazar is an American actress of Peruvian descent who rarely saw herself represented on screen growing up, but it was thanks to Rodriguezs movies that she finally believed that she could take up acting as a career.

I didnt see [myself] on screen unless it was Salma Hayek in Desperado which is why its one of my top five favourite films, she explained. Shes brown too, shes like me, I can do that.

Thats what representation is all about, thats why we need such a wide array of perspectives.

Director Rodriguez says that creating empowering, Latina characters is his world view.

I grew up in a family of 10 kids in Hispanic families and I was perplexed, loving movies, seeing movies that didnt have positive Latin characters, few heroes or no women heroes, the filmmaker said. All my early characters were based on my sister. She turned into the lead girl in Four Rooms, two that turned into the lead girl in Spy Kids  Carmen Cortez is based and my sister.

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Director Robert Rodriguez (L) and writer James Cameron (Credit: REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)

Every movie that I had, theres always a strong female character based kind of on my sister, he continued. So when I read this script [I saw] my sister again and now also my daughter too.

Jennifer Connelly, who plays Chiren, says that a big part of why she signed up is because its something for both boys and girls to love.

[Alita] is a young girl becoming a woman, she said. I thought that was great because its also a movie that I think young people would enjoy seeing.

I saw it with my teenage son, he loved it, so I think that character is great for girls.

Keean Johnson, who plays Hugo, said that he loves that the movie breaks the stereotype of the damsel in distress as its the damsel who is doing all of the saving.

I think what was great that in the commercials it always ends with Hugo saying Im with her.' he said. Very rarely do you hear that in a movie, in the kind of way of, dont mess with me or my girl is going to take you out.'

Alita: Battle Angel is in cinemas now

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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was seen wiping tears from her face after using the death of a seven-year-old migrant child to demand an end to funding for the nations border agency.

At the event on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, the New York congresswoman said US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not deserve a dime, until it showed it cared about human rights.

Not only will we not agree to fund [ICE], but we are here to say that an agency like ICE, which repeatedly and systematically violates human rights, does not deserve a dime, she said.

According to Mediabite, she added: Until they can prove that they are honouring human rights, until they can make a good-faith effort to expand and embrace immigrants, the immigrants in this nation that have always been a part, and have always been a core element of American democracy, until they can prove good faith to an American ideal they do not deserve any resources for their radical agenda.

Related Video: Democrats Unveil Ambitious Green New Deal Plan

At the event, organised by progressive group MoveOn and which was also attended by fellow new Democratic congresswomen Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, Ms Ocasio-Cortez referred to the death of Guatamalan youngster Jakelin Caal Maquin, who died in December after she and her father were picked up as part of a group of 163 undocumented migrants in a stretch of the New Mexico desert.

The little girl was flown to a hospital in El Paso and initially revived after falling ill and her temperature soaring. She died less than 24 hours later, raising questions about who will prepared the border agency was for dealing with the flood of migrants and asylum seekers from Central America that have been arriving at the southern US border in greater numbers in recent months.

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During this weeks State of the Union address, Ms Ocasio-Cortez and the other three congresswomen wore lapel badges bearing the little girls face.

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While Ms Ocasio-Cortez and others have demanded the closure of ICE, Donld Trump has demanded $5.7bn to build a wall. He and Democrats failed to reach a compromise, leading to the longest shutdown in government history.

On Thursday, Reuters said House speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed hope that negotiators would reach a deal on border security ahead of another shutdown deadline of February 15. Just let them do their work, she told reporters.
Auto-seat supplier Adient (NYSE: ADNT) said that it lost $17 million in the quarter that ended Dec. 31, 2018 -- an improvement of $199 million over its loss in the year-ago period -- as it began work on a turnaround plan.

On an "adjusted" basis, excluding one-time items, Adient earned $0.31 per share in the quarter, down 70% from a year ago. Revenue of $4.16 billion declined 1% from the year-ago period.

Adient earnings results: The raw numbers

Adient uses a fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1. The quarter that ended on Dec. 31, 2018, was the first quarter of Adient's 2019 fiscal year.

Metric Q1 FY 2019 Change vs. Q1 FY 2018 Revenue $4.158 billion (1.1%) EBIT $54 million (46.5%) Adjusted EBIT $105 million (35%) Adjusted EBIT margin 2.5% (1.4 percentage points) Adjusted EBITDA $176 million (34%) Net income ($17 million) Improved by $199 million Adjusted net income $29 million (70%) Adjusted earnings per share $0.31 (70%)

Data source: Adient PLC. EBIT = earnings before interest and taxes. EBITDA = earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. "Adjusted" figures exclude the effects of one-time items. Adient took $51 million of one-time items related to its ongoing restructuring in the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2018, and $61 million in charges in the year-ago period.

The Adient logo on the side of a building.

Image source: Adient PLC.

Adient's quarter in a nutshell: The turnaround is underway

Adient's quarter began with the arrival of new CEO Douglas Del Grosso. Del Grosso joined Adient on Oct. 1, after a botched new-product launch led to the departure of his predecessor. He's an industry veteran, having spent two decades at Adient rival Lear, and he has already taken several steps to boost the company's cash:

Adient has paid its last quarterly dividend for a while. The dividend has been suspended starting with the second quarter of fiscal 2019 (the quarter that is currently in progress).

The company worked with its banks to amend its credit agreement, increasing the amount it can borrow, and is now evaluating options to refinance its existing debt.

Del Grosso sold off several significant assets, including Adient's corporate aircraft and its former headquarters building in Detroit.

The company landed several important new contracts in the quarter, including an agreement to supply seats in all versions of Ford Motor's next-generation F-150 pickup, due in 2020, and BMW's upcoming top-of-the-line 7-Series sedan.

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How Adient's business segments performed in the quarter

Adient reports income for three business segments: seating, meaning auto seats; seat structures and mechanisms, or SS&M; and interiors, which is the equity income from Adient's joint venture with Chinese auto-industry supplier Yanfeng. Results were mixed.

Seating earned adjusted EBITDA of $261 million, down from $354 million a year ago. Much of the decline was due to increased costs related to operations, including higher freight costs and new-product launch expenses. Higher commodity prices and unfavorable exchange-rate movements also weighed on results.

SS&M posted an adjusted-EBITDA loss of $72 million, an improvement of $10 million from a year ago. Operating performance, including lower launch-related costs than in the year-ago period, improved by $19 million, but that was offset somewhat by lower volumes and higher commodity costs.

Interiors earned $11 million in adjusted EBITDA, down $14 million from a year ago. Lower sales volumes in China and North America were responsible for much of the decline.

Special items, cash, and debt

As of Dec. 31, 2018, Adient had $406 million in cash, down from $687 million as of Sept. 30, 2018. Against that, it had $3.409 billion in total debt, versus $3.43 billion at the end of the prior quarter, for net debt of just over $3 billion.

The company took restructuring-related one-time charges of $51 million in the quarter.

Looking ahead: Adient's guidance

Adient expects lower revenue and weak adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2019, particularly in the first half of the year. The slump in the Chinese new-vehicle market, a drop in business from Europe, and continued exchange-rate pressures will all weigh on results.

Specifically, for the fiscal year that will end on Sept. 30, 2019, the company now expects:

Revenue between $16.5 billion and $16.7 billion (fiscal 2018 result: $17.44 billion).

Capital expenditures between $550 million and $575 million (fiscal 2018 result: $536 million).

Adient declined to forecast a range for adjusted EBITDA, saying only that the second half of fiscal 2019 will improve on the first half. The company said that it will provide updated guidance as the year progresses and the effects of its operational improvements become visible.

More From The Motley Fool

John Rosevear owns shares of F. The Motley Fool recommends Adient, BAMXF, and F. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker will decline to testify before a House of Representatives committee on Friday if Democrats issue a subpoena, the Justice Department said on Thursday.

House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerrold Nadler said he fears Whitaker could dodge questions about Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian links to Trump's 2016 election campaign or his communications with the White House.

The panel voted along party lines to authorize a subpoena in case Whitaker fails to show up or declines to answer certain questions.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Lisa Lambert; editing by Grant McCool)
The perennial inferno at the Gikomba Market in Nairobi has struck again.

In what has become an all too familiar pattern, the fire broke out in the dead of the night on Wednesday. Reports indicate that Nairobi firefighters arrived on time and contained the fire before it spread to other parts of the popular market space.

Several business stalls were, however, razed down by the inferno. No injuries had been reported by the time of publishing this article.

The latest inferno at Gikomba comes just seven months after another fire claimed the lives of 17 people and left about 70 others with serious burn injuries. Property worth millions of shillings was also destroyed.

In October 2017, another fire broke out in the market, with President Uhuru Kenyatta calling for investigations to establish the cause of the tragedy that occurred barely one month after a similar inferno in another section of the market.

The frequent occurrence of Gikomba fires has raised eyebrows, and this latest one is no exception.

Kenyans on Twitter have come out in numbers to express their shock at the Wednesday inferno. Most argue that underhand dealings associated with land grabbing are the cause of the persistent fire outbreaks.

We have sampled some reactions below.

Let no one lie to you about Gikomba fires being an accident.

Just check the response of fire fighters and the proximity of fire station given theres zero traffic at night!

Someone big at City Hall is calling the shots!

The market must be relocated!#GikombaFire  INCREDIBLY TERRIBLE (@allen_arnold) February 6, 2019

Why is it that immediately the businesses are full of stock thats when the fire breaks, this Gikomba fire ? is stagemanaged #GikombaFire pic.twitter.com/Cz4mqq2ccG  Char-lee Oddie (@CharleeOddie1) February 6, 2019

Dear Sons and daughters of lesser gods hustling in Gikomba market, these crooks are determined to frustrate your progress, grab your spaces and expand their illegal territory. You Should stand your ground and fight back or consider relocating your hustles #Gikombafire  RETIRED COMRADE (@retired_comrade) February 6, 2019

should Gikomba burn every now & then? ?? And who is always behind these fires? ?? feeling so sad for family, friends & everyone else who depend on the market wholly for their livelihood.??#GikombaFire pic.twitter.com/6zL69NmTFN  MAINGI ?? (@Maingi_alex_) February 6, 2019

Sad news again inside our big market tonight #GikombaFire

First step in interrogating this cause and permanently finding its solution is take away the ownership of all stalls from their owners to either county government or NG @MikeSonko @FredMatiangi @Nairobi_News pic.twitter.com/xDDoiAs9J9  Johnny Thomo (@dejaseme) February 6, 2019

GIKOMBA FIRES !

1. March 2012

2. March 2014,

3. October 2014

4. June 2015

5. October 2017

6. June 2018.

7. February 2019

The relevant parties should explain this,these are never accidental,most of the time theyll do this before putting up shopping complexes #GikombaFire pic.twitter.com/EQbKrBpCmR  ???? (@iamxeedo_byron) February 6, 2019

Gikomba Fires are like CORRUPTION! Nobody is prosecuted.

Keeps repeating itself.

It wont be the last.

Its the poor who suffer!#GikombaFire pic.twitter.com/jqjMODMfKV  MWANANCHI (@Mwana_nchi) February 6, 2019

Waah disheartening every time year there is fire.a well calculated move by cartrels.we will hear government giving dead promises without bringing culprit to book #GikombaFire  gideon (@gideon52924287) February 6, 2019

Theres a big construction of storey building going on at Kariko few meters from Riverside Roundabout we want to know the Owner. This might be the same grabbers burning Gikomba yearly. #GikombaFire  Nicholas Trump Oseko (@Nichonasri1) February 6, 2019

Who is responsible for Gekomba Fires #GikombaFire Vote And Retweet to share your views  Nicholas Trump Oseko (@Nichonasri1) February 6, 2019

Sad state of affairs , Gikomba in fire again. #GikombaFire pic.twitter.com/eFO8CaItlW  Kiptoo Emmanuel?? (@kiptoomanuu) February 6, 2019

Another day were experiencing the Annual Gikomba Fire festival. The Big Question that has never been Answered is  WHOs Burning Gikomba Market? #GikombaFire pic.twitter.com/XuW7tLktlO  Higuained (@_atanasi) February 6, 2019

A parent somewhere will not pay school fees/ meals/rent for you to drive the latest car, wear the latest designs and fill your bank accounts with huge chunks of money. May you never have peace!! #GikombaFire pic.twitter.com/eKrZDB1R5C  Wahinya Charlie?? (@Wahinya_Charlie) February 6, 2019

Why is this Gikomba fire coming too obvious. I feel sorry for everyone who gets daily bread from there ?? #GikombaFire  Yvonne (@EvyonK) February 6, 2019

So every Year Gikomba must experience this? But why? Government should investigate this forreal #Gikombafire  #ElvisNeverGetsMad?????? (@IamElvisMvoi) February 6, 2019

Perpetrators of the Gikomba fire ought to be tried, majority of families earn their livelihoods from the market. It is unfortunate. #GikombaFire  Sheehraw (@Sheehraw) February 6, 2019
Retirement planning can confuse the average investor, with so many tools available. However, with adequate information and proper understanding, one can effectively plan for retirement. To help you in this, lets discuss a popular retirement vehicle  a Roth 401(k) plan.

A Roth 401(k) is a retirement plan offered by an employer where qualified employees make after-tax contributions to a Roth account and are allowed tax-free withdrawals at the time of retirement.

Roth 401(k)s are considered to have the best of both instruments  a Roth IRA and a traditional 401(k). Lets take a look at some facts about this retirement vehicle.

Contribution Limits

The IRS allows employees to contribute up to 100% of their income to a Roth 401(k) plan, though it would be wise to adhere to the maximum employee contribution limit. Notably, the maximum employee contribution for 2019 has been raised to $19,000 from $18,500 in 2018. Moreover, if you are 50 years or older, you can make a catch-up contribution of an extra $6,000 a year. However, one should remember that contributions to Roth 401(k)s are on an after-tax basis. This means that one will not be able to deduct contributions from their taxable income.

One can simultaneously contribute to other retirement plans. Under IRS regulations, contributions to all retirement plans should not exceed $56,000 for 2019 (up from $55,000 in 2018) or 100% of the participant's compensation, whichever is lower. Meanwhile, the maximum annual contribution limit for 401(k) participants (traditional or Roth), aged 50 years or older, is $62,000 for 2019.

Matching Rule

Employers offering a Roth 401(k) plan are not obligated to make matching contributions to the plan on behalf of their qualified employees. Notably, employer matches are made with pretax dollars. These funds will accumulate in a separate pre-tax account with taxable distributions at the time of retirement.

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[Did you know? This particular feature of a Roth 401(k) combines the taxation rules of both the traditional 401(k) and the Roth IRA instruments].

Distributions

With Roth 401(k)s, you dont need to pay taxes on qualified distributions in retirement. Lets take a look at the following example to understand the withdrawal system better: Mr. X has $1 million in his nest egg at the time of retirement. The tax rate applicable for him is 22%. His takeaway amount will be $1 million in the case of Roth 401(k) as withdrawals under this are tax-free.

Required Minimum Distributions

One must begin taking required minimum distributions, or RMDs, after turning 70 from Roth 401(k)s.

[Tip to consider: You may roll your Roth 401(k) funds into a Roth IRA to avoid RMDs. This is particularly helpful when you are planning tax-free distributions for your heirs.]

Access & Early Withdrawal Penalties

You need to maintain a Roth 401(k) account for at least five years before withdrawing money. Something to note is that the early withdrawal penalty of 10% is on investment earnings only.

[Quick tip: One may avoid paying penalties by opting for a loan from their Roth 401(k) and repaying it on time.

Also, Roth 401(k)s do not classify as a first-time home purchase (as defined by the IRS) under its qualified withdrawals section. Using your Roth 401(k) dollars for the same may result you in paying taxes.]

In-plan Roth Rollovers

Sometimes there are plans which allow for in-plan Roth rollovers from the pre-tax portion of your traditional 401(k). These include rolling over salary contributions, matching contributions, and profit-sharing contributions to your Roth 401(k). Then, rolling over will result in taxable income in the transaction year.

[FYI: These in-plan Roth rollover transactions are irreversible unlike Roth IRA conversions. So, it is advisable to be cautious while making such moves].

Future Tax Brackets

If you see yourself retiring in a higher tax bracket, then consider maxing out your Roth 401(k) contributions. Thus, if your tax rate rises, your savings will be worth more at the time of retirement.

However, if you see yourself in a lower tax bracket at retirement, you should consider contributing to other tax-deferred programs.

Since it is not easy to predict tax rates, hedging yourself against changing tax rates by parking money in both tax-deferred vehicles and Roth 401(k) accounts is something to consider.

Growing Popularity

Roth 401(k)s are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to easier access. Per a Transamerica Annual Retirement Survey 2016 report, when given an option, six in 10 workers chose to contribute to Roth 401(k)s.

A Simple Way to Build Wealth



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JOHANNESBURG (AP)  At least five people are dead and an unknown number are trapped underground after an explosion at a non-operational coal mine in South Africa.

The Department of Mineral Resources said Thursday that five bodies had been retrieved from a shaft at the Gloria mine in Mpumalanga province, about two hours east of Johannesburg.

Police have declared the area a crime scene.

Survivors told a local newspaper that a group had entered the mine to steal power cables when there was a gas explosion.

The government says rescue efforts are "hampered" because the shaft is unsafe and not properly ventilated.

Mining is one of South Africa's most important industries. South Africa's Mineral Council, an industry body, says 84 miners were killed in 2018 in mine-related accidents.
21 Savages legal team  as well as JAY-Z  is firing back at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements detention of the rapper while also addressing the fan speculation that he was targeted due to a recent anti-ICE rap.

Many have speculated as to possible ulterior motives for his arrest and detention, including that he released music five days prior to his arrest by ICE, which included new lyrics condemning the behavior of immigration officials for their detention of children at the border, the 26-year-old rappers legal team alleged in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

In the song A Lot from his album I Am > I Was, 21 Savage, born Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph raps Been through some things so I cant imagine my kids stuck at the border/ Flint still need water/ People was innocent, couldnt get lawyers.

21 Savage was taken into custody on Sunday by ICE, which claims he overstayed his 12-month 2005 visa.

The statement released by 21 Savages legal team Tuesday addressed those claims as well as confirming the rapper was, in fact, born in Britain.

Mr. Abraham-Joseph was born in the United Kingdom. Mr. Abraham-Joseph arrived legally in the United States at the age of 7, the statement explained.

21 Savage

He remained in the United States until 2005, when he departed for approximately one month to visit the United Kingdom. He returned to the United States under a valid H-4 visa on July 22, 2005.

An H-4 visa is issued to immediate family members, spouses or children under the age of 21.

Mr. Abraham-Joseph has been continuously physically present in the United States for almost 20 years, except for a brief visit abroad. Unfortunately, in 2006 Mr. Abraham-Josephs legal status expired through no fault of his own.

Mr. Abraham-Joseph, like almost two million of his immigrant child peers, was left without immigration status as a young child with no way to fix his immigration status.

His lawyers argued that he should be considered a Dreamer, the name used to describe children who were brought to this country illegally by their parents and were offered visas under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy.

Story continues

RELATED: 21 Savages Lawyer Slams His Arrest as Based Upon Incorrect Information and Demands His Release

His legal team went on to argue 21 Savage has no criminal convictions or charges under state or federal law and is free to seek relief from removal in immigration court.

ICE provided incorrect information to the press when it claimed he had a criminal conviction.

An ICE spokesman previously said 21 Savage was convicted on felony drug charges in October 2014 in Fulton County, Georgia, in a statement to Fox 5 Atlanta.

21 Savage

Mr. Abraham-Joseph has three US Citizen children, a lawful permanent resident mother and four siblings that are either US Citizens or lawful permanent residents. He has exceptionally strong ties in the United States, having lived here since he was in the first grade. Because of his long residence in the United States and his immediate relatives, Mr. Abraham-Joseph is eligible to seek Cancellation of Removal from an Immigration Judge, 21 Savages lawyers stated.

The statement also says that 21 Savage was placed into deportation proceedings AFTER his arrest, he was not in deportation proceedings prior to this detention by ICE.

At this time, 21 Savage is being held without bond. However, by statute, bond should be granted by ICE when there is no flight risk or a danger to the community, according to his lawyers.

21 Savages legal team says the rapper is not a flight risk or a danger to the community.

Post Malone and 21 Savage at the MTV Video Music Awards

RELATED: Everything to Know About Rapper 21 Savage, Who Was Arrested by ICE After Reportedly Overstaying Visa

ICE has the ability to set bond and conditions of release on cases exactly like this. ICE routinely grants bond to individuals in Mr. Abraham-Josephs circumstances, specifically individuals who have overstayed a prior valid visa and have relief from deportation under federal law.

Mr. Abraham-Joseph has a pending U visa with the USCIS, a U Visa is one provided to victims of crime.

The U visa was filed as a result of being the victim of a deadly shooting in 2013. That visa was filed in 2017 and remains pending. When granted, the U visa will afford him lawful status in the United States. Generally, ICE has recognized a pending facially valid U visa as a basis to delay removal proceedings and release individuals from custody.

We are unaware of why ICE apparently targeted Mr. Abraham-Joseph, but we will do everything possible to legally seek his release and pursue his available relief in immigration court.

21 Savages new legal team has begun work at the behest of JAY-Z and his label Roc Nation, who hired the team get him out and figure out what happened attorney Alex Spiro told NBC News.

Also on Tuesday, 21 Savages manager gave an update on how the rapper is doing on Twitter.

Just got off phone wit Savage he is in lockdown for 23hrs of the day no tv or any communications besides our 10 min phone calls everything Ive told him that has happening made him happy & makes this time fly by thank yall for the support.
CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  The National Australia Bank's chief executive and chairman announced their resignations on Thursday just days after they were singled out for criticism in a scathing national report on misconduct in the financial sector.

The bank's chief Executive, Andrew Thorburn will quit the bank, known as NAB, as of Feb. 28. Its chairman Ken Henry will retire from the board once Thorburn's permanent replacement had been found, the Melbourne-based bank said in a statement.

Board director Philip Chronican is to act as chief executive from March 1.

Thorburn and Henry both gave evidence to Commissioner Kenneth Hayne in his government-commissioned yearlong misconduct inquiry. On Monday, Hayne recommended sweeping changes to Australia's banking industry to protect the interests of customers as well as shareholders.

Thorburn and Henry were the only executives named in Hayne's criticisms of the sector. Hayne questioned whether the pair had learned from his inquiry's exposure of widespread misconduct.

"I was not persuaded that NAB is willing to accept the necessary responsibility for deciding, for itself, what is the right thing to do, and then having its staff act accordingly," Hayne wrote.

"My fear  that there may be a wide gap between the public face NAB seeks to show and what it does in practice  remains," he added.

Henry told Australian Broadcasting Corp. he agreed with Hayne that NAB's desired public image did not match the reality.

"There is a big gap. The gap, as I see it, is that NAB does aspire to do the right thing by every customer every time and everywhere. We're a long way from that," Henry said.

"We've got an absolute mountain to climb in NAB in order to achieve our aspiration for the bank," he said.

Henry said he and Thorburn had jointly agreed to leave to take responsibility for the bank's failings and apologize.

NAB is one of Australia's four biggest banks and one of three that are facing investigation for potential criminal and civil law offenses as a result of Hayne's report.
Three Mount alumni, all from different career fields yet each living significantly, offered advice to nearly 30 students at the inaugural Alumni of Color Panel dinner on January 25. Jasmine Duke, C13, human capital analyst at Lockheed Martin; Gonzales Wesley, C90, owner of WGI 3-D Marketing & Media; and Gracelyn McDermott, C93, executive director of Kaiser Permanente, shared their Mount experience as well as advice on career and personal success. The dinner was hosted by the Presidents Advisory Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and organized by Vice President for Equity and Success Paula Whetsel-Ribeau, Ph.D., Assistant Director of the Center for Student Diversity Stephanie Durr and Dominique White, C'21.

Jasmine Duke, a psychology major, Third Century Scholar and president of the Black Student Union during her time at the Mount, offered advice on trusting yourself and not expecting success to happen overnight. She urged college students to take advantage of opportunities that arise; often students think if an internship or other opportunity doesnt pertain to their major, they cant do it. Duke stated the opposite, stressing that a major is just what youre studying in school, not a box to stay in forever. She recommended that students seek a career path based on what they enjoy doing so much that they would do it without getting paid. "No one is you and that is your power," said Duke in emphasizing that everyone has unique skills and talents, and students must be confident in themselves to be able to succeed.

Gonzales Wesley, who earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting, business and finance, was a resident assistant, ROTC cadet, and member of the Black Student Union. Since he graduated, Wesley has worked as a combat engineer for the National Guard and now owns a marketing company. Wesley talked about the balance between work and fun, something many adults struggle with in their day-to-day lives. "Dont put aside the things you like to do for the things you have to do," he advised, noting that when work life coincides with the things you enjoy doing, you never look at your job as something dreadful and you look forward to waking up each morning. Lastly, Wesley mentioned the importance of friendships and cultivating conversation. Talk to people who sit on the other side of the classroom who you think you have absolutely nothing in common with; that person may end up becoming a friend youll keep forever or someone who can help you with a job in the future, Wesley said.

Gracelyn McDermott, who majored in international studies and Spanish and now serves as secretary of the universitys board of trustees, talked about the importance of networking. Throughout her professional career she was sought after because she took the time to talk to everyone, thus making a name for herself. Her communication skills made her so attractive to companies that shes had positions offered to her that employers have created especially for her. Like Duke, she emphasized the importance of trying new things. While her wok is unrelated to her majors in college, at the Mount she learned the skills that help her in her day-to-day work. As she put it, she was hired for what employers saw she could do, not because of her experience.

author's Note

Dr. Whetsel-Ribeau stated that this dinner was the first of many to come. Im truly looking forward to next years event and to hearing what a new set of panelists has to offer. It was inspiring to hear the stories of people who were once in my shoes and how the Mount has changed so much since then. Over the last 30 years, the Mount has jumped from 6 percent to 38 percent minority enrollment, allowing for the university to grow and embrace changes prompted by diversity and for a diverse group of people to experience all the university has to offer.
The United States is working on scenarios for regime change in Venezuela, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated at a weekly briefing in Moscow, Sputnik reported.

"There are still signs coming from Washington about the possibility of using force in order to overthrow the legal authorities, including through direct military invasion. This is actually being spoken about openly in the White House. I would like to recall that this kind of statement from the mouth of American officials is a direct violation of Article 2 Par. 4 of the UN Charter, ordering all UN members to refrain from the threat or use of force in international relations", Zakharova said at a briefing.

According to Zakharova, the decision on the use of force has already been made by Washington, "everything else is nothing more than a covering operation".

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has also stated that the United States has incited Venezuelas military to commit crimes, promising them amnesty for betraying the country's authorities.

"Washington has turned to direct threats of sanctions to the Venezuelan military, who remain loyal to the legitimate government. That is just a different, new reading of the 'carrot and stick' approach. On the one hand, they threaten a potential punishment. On the other hand, they promise a potential reward", Zakharova noted.

A day earlier, US National Security Advisor John Bolton said that Washington was prepared to waive punitive sanctions on senior Venezuelan military officers if they pledge allegiance to opposition leader Juan Guaido who has proclaimed himself the Latin American country's interim president.

The statements come after US President Donald Trump confirmed in an interview with CBS that he is considering sending the American military to Venezuela as an "option".
The U.S. government will end the process of the Patriot sale if Turkey proceeds with the purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense systems, a senior U.S. official has told Hurriyet Daily News.

We will not proceed as the condition of the congressional authorization to make the offer to Turkey, were not in a condition to proceed with the Patriot sale if the S-400 sale goes forward, said the official on condition of anonymity.

We are very concerned that the Turkish purchase of S-400 missiles will endanger Turkish participation in the F-35 program and will likely result through our legislation in some sort of sanctions coming through the legislations called CAATSA, the official stated, elaborating on recent talks between Ankara and Washington at which the latter brought forward a proposal for the procurement of the Patriots.

The U.S. has formally made an offer to Turkey for the sale of the multibillion dollar Patriot air defense systems in January in a bid to increase its pressure on the latters purchase of the Russian-made S-400 systems. But Turkey says it would buy Patriot systems from the U.S. but not on the condition of cancelling the S-400 systems from Russia.
Improvement of Political System Requires Immediate Reforms

Transparency International Georgia speaks about the steps that need to be taken in areas which, for years, have been the subject of research and observations conducted by our organization. While it is difficult to swiftly implement all of these reforms and to achieve corresponding results, there are issues where it is possible to take effective and significant steps in the nearest future. Noteworthy in this respect is the investigation of some of the high-profile cases (in which unlawful actions have allegedly been committed by high-ranking officials), which would indicate that the political will to truly rectify the situation is in place.It is important to establish, under the Prime Minister of Georgia, a group for the planning and coordination of reforms of the Georgian system of governance, with the main goal of using the existing expertise with regard to reforms in Georgia, analysing the situation that has taken shape, defining priorities for reforms, planning and coordinating the implementation of reforms. The group should be composed of the representatives of the executive and legislative branches, political parties and civil society, as well as experts.The extreme concentration of power in the hands of one political party, as well as an attempted state capture by informal groups, undermine the separation of powers and proper functioning of checks and balances between different branches of government.It is important to create a balanced system of governance, strengthen Parliaments role and its oversight function and to ensure effective control over the executive branch in practice. It is important to ensure the involvement of the opposition and groups expressing critical views in this process and to create corresponding legislative guarantees (for example, ceding some of the parliamentary committee chair positions to the opposition, increasing the oppositions role in exercising parliamentary oversight, involving civil society in the decision-making process).It is necessary to facilitate efficient and unbiased operation of independent institutions (the State Audit Office, the Competition Agency, the State Procurement Agency, the National Bank), full implementation of their functions and to strengthen parliamentary oversight over the fulfillment of their recommendations.A comprehensive reform of the electoral system in the nearest future is crucial. Specifically, the mixed system must be replaced by a fully proportional system by the 2020 parliamentary elections.Also, the system of financing political parties must be changed: on the one hand, it should strengthen the parties that enjoy real public support and, on the other hand, allow new parties to function.The rules concerning the composition of the electoral administration need to change: in the short run, six electoral entities which had the best results in the proportional elections should have the right to appoint party representatives as commission members, each of them appointing only one member to the commission. In the long run, this rule must be fundamentally reviewed, and the key political parties and other interested groups must be actively involved in this process. Another necessary precondition for holding fair elections is a fundamental reform the Electoral Code so that it can meet contemporary challenges.The judicial system must undergo a real and comprehensive reform. The legislation regulating the judicial system must be refined in order to ensure the independence of individual judges and create a balanced system of governance in the judiciary.The government must study the problem of clan rule within the system and take effective steps to eradicate the unhealthy influence of the dominant group of judges. On the one hand, specific legislative amendments (legal regulation of the High Council of Justice, improving the rule of appointing the judges, allowing judges to elect court chairpersons themselves and other) must be implemented and, on the other hand, the government needs to express political will to stop supporting this influential groups of judges (Chinchaladze, Murusidze, Pkhakadze, Kapanadze and others) and to cease using them to promote its own interests.The government needs to begin investigating all alleged crimes related to the judicial system and to complete the ongoing investigation in a timely manner, including a timely and efficient investigation of all possible cases of corruption in the judicial system.The law enforcement bodies must be effectively reformed as rapidly as possible, with the main goal of strengthening their institutional autonomy and their protection from undue political influence, thus facilitating practical implementation of the rule-of-law principle and effective investigation of all possible crimes (including the alleged crimes with possible participation of high-ranking officials or influential politicians).The State Security Service must be reformed. The investigative powers and, especially the authority to investigate corruption-related crimes, must be separated from the Services functions. The Security Service must be subject to comprehensive oversight, and Parliament of Georgia needs to play a decisive role in this regard. It is important to reform the system of covert wiretapping and create a truly independent agency to technically carry out covert surveillance and wiretapping.The Prosecutors Office must undergo a real reform, the rule of appointing the Chief Prosecutor must be changed and the Prosecutors Office must be de-politicized. In addition, it is important to begin the reform of the system of investigation.It is important to ensure that the employees of the law enforcement institutions are accountable which, along with other measures, implies effective investigation of alleged violations committed by them. An independent investigative mechanism needs to be created, effectively separates from the Prosecutors Office and able to efficiently investigate crimes committed by the representatives of law enforcement bodies.The processes that have accompanied the investigation of several high-profile cases have been indicative of the clear flaws existing in the law enforcement system. Noteworthy among them are the Khorava Street incident, assault on General Auditor Lasha Tordia, alleged corruption-related crime in the so-called Omega case, collection and dissemination of personal recordings and other cases. It is important to conduct a comprehensive investigation of all these incidents.It is important to take into consideration the main recommendations made by Parliaments Temporary Investigative Commission regarding the Case of Khorava Street, especially the ones concerning the responsibility of public officials from the law enforcement agencies.A comprehensive investigation of the assault on former Georgian General Auditor Lasha Tordia and the indictment of the perpetrator would prove that the investigative bodies do not shy away from holding influential persons responsible.In order to ensure unbiased investigation of alleged cases of corruption (especially, high-level corruption), efficient enforcement of anti-corruption legislation and successful implementation of anti-corruption policy, the government must consider the possibility of creating an independent anti-corruption agency, taking into account the challenges Georgia is facing today and successful international practice.In order to minimize corruption risks, the public procurement legislation needs to be improved. Significant corruption risks arise from the contracting of companies which are linked to politicians and the persons that have made donations to the ruling party; the lack of transparency in the use of sub-contractors in tenders; the awarding of contracts to the companies owned by persons who were convicted for corruption-related crimes; a large share of non-competitive contracting in public procurement.The steps necessary to implement in practice the main goals of the civil service legislation and reform  the establishment of an independent (de-politicized) and professional civil service  must be taken.The unlawful interference by the ruling party into the work of the civil service and the use of civil servants to achieve the ruling partys electoral goals must stop. The instances of nepotism and favoritism in the process of hiring to the civil service must be eradicated, the meritocratic nature of the process must be ensured. The current practice of hiring by municipal N(N)LPs (Non-Commercial (Non-Entrepreneurial) Legal Entities) which, unlike the rule of appointing civil servants, does not envisage the announcement of competition, must change. The labor rights of civil servants must be firmly guaranteed. The real process of decentralization, including the fiscal one, of the local government, must begin in order to provide [local authorities with] sufficient financial resources and property locally in order to exercise their powers.It is important to strengthen the local councils oversight function over executive bodies and entities established by the municipalities.The degree of transparency and accountabilities of municipalities and the availability of public information must also be increased.The government must stop its attempts to obstruct and interfere in the work of independent TV channels as well as the unethical criticism and attacks against opposition TV channels and journalists. All unlawful actions against the Rustavi 2 TV Company, aimed at interfering with the editorial policy of the TV company and changing its ownership, must also stop.The problems prevailing in the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) must be comprehensively studied, including with regard to the management of the budget and nepotism. The GPB general director, who is affiliated with the government, must resign, and a new head must be selected through a transparent and open process. In addition, the GPB must be freed from the government pressure. The State Audit Office must implement an unscheduled audit of the GPB to detect possible violations and flawed practices within the TV station.In order to improve the quality of the critically low-level school education, such improvement must be the goal of the education policy. The government needs to elaborate budget programmes that have a time frame and are focused on the resolution of problems.The government must elaborate a social policy which would facilitate the development of a stable system of social protection instead of being limited to the increase in the number of social benefits in the run-up to elections.The legislation regulating the economic environment must be amended by means of an inclusive process. Any significant changes must be accompanied by the preliminary research concerning regulatory impact assessment, prepared by independent persons; prior to making a final decision, discussions with the participation of interested parties must be held. It is important to ensure the stability and predictability of the business-related legislation, which would facilitate long-term economic development. The government should refrain from populist legislative initiatives which not only hamper the work of the operating businesses but might create obstacles to the inflow of investments in the future.Effective and impartial operation of the Competition Agency must be ensured in order to prevent the government from unlawfully favoring individual companies and harming their competitors.A commercial disputes chamber within the judiciary branch must become operational as soon as possible with the goal of restoring investors trust in Georgias judicial system.
YEREVAN.  The attorneys of Armenias second President Robert Kocharyan will appeal to the Court of Cassation the Criminal Court of Appeals denial of the defenses motion to release Kocharyan from custody.

Hayk Alumyan, a member of Robert Kocharyans legal defense team, on Thursday told about the aforementioned to reporters at the Criminal Court of Appeal.

He added that Kocharyans attorneys will attach the Criminal Court of Appeals abovementioned ruling Thursday to their third complaint to be submitted to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) regarding the criminal case into their client, and that they will stress that Kocharyan was being subjected to political persecution.

I formally declare that Robert Kocharyan is a political prisoner, Alumyan said. And we will reflect on this provision in the complaint to be submitted to the European Court.

As reported earlier, the Criminal Court of Appeal on Thursday denied the motion by Robert Kocharyans attorneys and upheld the first-instance court decision on extending the term of his custody.

On January 18, the capital city Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction granted the petition by the Special Investigation Service, and with a request to extend Kocharyans confinement for another two months, but denied the motion by the legal defense team of Kocharyan, and to the effect that their client be released from custody on bail. The defense, however, appealed this ruling to the Criminal Court of Appeal.

Robert Kocharyan was first remanded in custody on July 27, 2018 by a decision of the Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction. But on August 13, the Court of Appeal granted Robert Kocharyans legal defenders appeal to commute the first-instance courts decision on remanding their client in custody, and Kocharyan was released from courtroom on the grounds that he had presidential immunity.

But on November 15, the Court of Cassation overturned the Criminal Court of Appeal decision on remandingand on the grounds of presidential immunityRobert Kocharyan in custody, and the case was sent to the same court for a retrial.

And with its ruling on December 7, 2018 the Criminal Court of Appeal upheld the first instance courts July 27 decision on remanding Robert Kocharyan in custody. On the same dayDecember 7, Kocharyan was remanded in custody a second time.

Armenias second President Robert Kocharyanalong with several other former officialshas been charged within the framework of the criminal case into the tragic events that transpired in Yerevan on March 1 and 2, 2008and under Article 300.1 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code; that is, breaching Armenias constitutional order, in conspiracy with others.

On March 1 and 2, 2008 the then authorities of Armenia used force against the opposition members who were rallying in downtown Yerevan, and against the results of the presidential election on February 19, 2008. Eight demonstrators as well as two servicemen of the internal troops were killed in the clashes. But no one had been brought to account for these deaths, to this day.
YEREVAN.  A delegation from the Ministry of Defense (MOD) of Armenia was in Lithuania on a working visit, from Monday to Wednesday.

Along the lines of its visit, the delegation met with chief Vitalijus Vaiksnoras of the Defence Staff of the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania, the MOD informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. They discussed Armenian-Lithuanian cooperation in defense sphere.

The Armenian delegation met also with commander Gintautas Zenkevicius of the Training and Doctrine Command of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. At this talk, the delegation was briefed on the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

Also, the Armenian MOD delegation paid a visit to the sergeants school of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

And as a result of concluding discussions with the leadership of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, an agreement was reached to continue cooperation between the relevant divisions of the MODs of the two countries.
When Juul first put its e-cigarettes on the market, it brought a new level of nicotine to the industry: Most brands that predate Juul contained e-liquids that were 1 to 2 percent nicotine by volume, whereas Juul pods are marketed as containing 5 percent (by weight), which is equivalent to 5.9 percent by volume  three times more concentrated than what was on the market before. The disparity caused other e-cigarette companies to increase the amount of nicotine in their devices and pods, igniting something that Robert Jackler, MD, professor and chair of otolaryngology and the Edward C. and Amy H. Sewall Professorship in Otolaryngology, refers to as a nicotine arms race.

Jackler, an expert in tobacco marketing and founder of a group called the Stanford Research Into the Impact of Tobacco Advertising, is the senior author of a study published on Feb. 7 in Tobacco Control that asserts Juul has sparked nicotine one-upmanship in the e-cigarette industry. In the study, he and his co-author introduce this idea of an arms race, providing evidence to suggest that it plays into earlier addiction trends, especially among the youth demographic.

Science writer Hanae Armitage discussed the trend with Jackler, and asked him how such elevated levels of nicotine can affect health and what policy changes he recommends.

1. How has Juul changed the norms of e-cigarette production?

Jackler: The astounding financial success of Juul, which is valued at $38 billion after only 3 years on the market, has led to an upswell of devices that emulate its high-tech appeal, small size and stealthiness.

Until recently, most e-cigarette liquids carried 1 to 2 percent nicotine, with a few considered super high at 3 percent, intended for the two-pack-a-day smoker. In 2015, Juul introduced a 5 percent nicotine vaping liquid with a novel chemistry  nicotine salts  which improved palatability, enabling higher concentrations of nicotine without undue bitterness. Following Juuls phenomenal success, numerous knockoff devices were introduced that emulated, or even exceeded, Juuls very high nicotine level. Also problematic, the nicotine percentage is inconsistently portrayed on labels. Juul, unlike most e-liquid brands, measures its nicotine content by weight rather than by volume. For example, the nicotine level in Juuls e-liquid is 5 percent by weight versus 5.9 percent by volume. This inconsistency in labeling the nicotine concentration is likely to mislead consumers.

2. Do we know what the health ramifications of long-term, high-nicotine usage are?

Jackler: The rapidly rising popularity of high-nicotine e-liquids threatens to addict a generation of youth. The epidemic of their use among American middle and high school students is reversing decades of public health efforts. Nicotine addiction is very hard to escape  meaning that many youths will get addicted for their lifetime.

In terms of acute health risks, Juul and its high-nicotine emulators are more efficient at delivering nicotine than conventional cigarettes. This makes them potently addictive, especially to nicotine-naive teens.

More than 70 e-liquid brands sell high-nicotine products, meaning those with nicotine concentrations of 5 percent or higher by volume, in bulk  30 milliliters or more  which is equivalent to more than 40 cigarette packs. All of these products come in multiple, youth-appealing sweet and fruity flavors, often in colorful bottles with a picture of cookies, candy or other dessert treats. Concentrated nicotine is highly toxic, and these large-volume nicotine bottles are a poisoning risk for children. The lethal dose for a toddler, if ingested, is a bit over 1 milliliter of e-liquid with a 5 percent nicotine content. The typical 30 milliliter bottle, which almost never comes with a child-resistant cap, contains 6 teaspoons of concentrated nicotine liquid. A single teaspoon is toxic enough to kill five toddlers  the full bottle an entire class of 25 preschoolers.

3. Juul is often marketed as a device that will help individuals addicted to cigarettes quit. Is it actually effective? Are there downsides if it works?

Jackler: The body of data regarding the possible role of e-cigarettes in traditional cigarette cessation is accumulating. While results across studies have been variable, a recent prospective study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported 18 percent success in quitting combustible cigarettes with e-cigarettes, as opposed to 9.9 percent with other forms of nicotine replacement therapy such as patches and gums together with ongoing medical and behavioral support. Others have warned that smokers who use e-cigarettes to satisfy their nicotine urges in places where smoking is banned have deepened their nicotine addiction. For at least some dual users (both cigarettes and e-cigarettes), adding e-cigarettes makes quitting less likely.

Whether or not high-percent nicotine devices are more effective in transitioning cigarette smokers has yet to be established by independent research, but anectodical evidence suggests that they may be more effective than lower-nicotine e-cigarettes. The rapid rise in nicotine blood levels following a puff from Juul more closely emulates that achieved by a regular cigarette than lower nicotine e-cigarette products. This also helps to explain why it so readily leads to addiction among nonsmokers. What is a promising off ramp for adults smokers has proven to be a heavily travelled on ramp for nonsmoking teenagers.

4. Does nicotine affect the health of teens differently than adults?

Jackler: For a teen, becoming nicotine-addicted greatly increases the likelihood that they will graduate to traditional, combustible cigarettes. Importantly, nicotine addiction during adolescence increases the vulnerability to subsequent addictions, like opioids or cocaine. For most users of illicit drugs, their initial addiction was to nicotine.

Almost all nicotine addiction commences during adolescence. The proliferation of highly concentrated nicotine e-liquid has lowered the price of addiction considerably, and price is an important factor for youth with limited discretionary income. Over the long term, the most effective way to reduce the number of adult smokers is to prevent teens from becoming nicotine addicts in the first place.

5. How can public health or government officials better regulate the sale of higher concentration nicotine solutions?

Jackler: High-nicotine vapor products often come in sweet and fruity flavors, such as mango or gummy bear. One policy option would be to ban youth-appealing flavors from all nicotine-containing e-liquids and allow only unsweetened tobacco flavor to accompany nicotine. This would help to reduce the appeal of these products among youths while retaining a product acceptable to adult smokers seeking to transition from cigarettes.

Another regulatory option would be to cap the amount of nicotine permissible in e-cigarettes. The amount of nicotine in Juul pods that is sold in the United States (59 milligrams of nicotine per millileter of e-liquid) would not be permitted in Europe or the United Kingdom, which have adopted limits of 20 milligrams of nicotine per millileter of e-liquid. If the U.S. adopted this standard, it would almost certainly reduce the tendency of e-cigarettes to act as a gateway to youth nicotine addiction. However, it may also reduce their efficacy in cigarette-smoking cessation. As high-nicotine versions may well prove more efficacious in transitioning cigarette smokers to vapor, one option would be to allow sale of high-nicotine e-liquids only by doctors prescription.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday introduced David Malpass, a Treasury official he has nominated to lead the World Bank, as the right person to take on this incredibly important job," AP reported.

Malpass, who is now Trumps undersecretary for international affairs at the Treasury Department, has been a sharp critic of the 189-nation World Bank. He has argued that the bank, a lending institution with a focus on emerging countries, has concerned itself too much with its own expansion and not enough with its core missions, like fighting poverty.

Malpass would succeed Jim Yong Kim, who left in January three years before his term was to end.

Malpass, 62, made clear Wednesday that his focus at the World Bank would include furthering the Trump administrations agendas for developing countries.

One major initiative, he said, would be to implement changes to the World bank that he and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin helped negotiate. And in a nod to the presidents daughter and adviser, Ivanka Trump, Malpass said he would focus on improving the status of women.
Representatives of Azerbaijan and Turkey created a faction called Free Democrats in PACE, a member of the Armenian parliamentary delegation to PACE, deputy of the My Step bloc Vladimir Vardanyan stated at a press conference in the National Assembly of Armenia on February 6.

According to him, Armenia needs to stop the activities with the help of institutional changes. Vardanyan noted that Azerbaijan continues to use PACE as a convenient platform for reaching personal agreements with some unscrupulous deputies from other countries.

The institutional problem is that the so-called Free Democrats faction has recently formed, 95% members of which are deputies from Azerbaijan and Turkey, said Vardanyan, adding that there are only a few representatives from other countries. Using this Azerbaijan, for example, gets an additional opportunity to speak.

Probably, within the framework of our pro-active activities, it is necessary with the help of institutional and legal changes to prevent the creation of such groups from countries in the future that proceed only from their own interests, said a member of the Armenian delegation.
The seaside promenade along Manila Bay is a must-see destination among tourists and the general public because of its spectacular sunset view. But it must not be used as a staging ground for any swimming or recreation activity, until Manila Bay is completely rehabilitated and declared pollution-free. Cleaning up Manila Bay, including the two-kilometer promenade area that stretches from the US Embassy near Rizal Park up to the Cultural Center of the Philippines just past the Manila Yacht Club, may take years before it can be declared safe for swimming.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is closing the Manila Baywalk for swimming activity at least for the next six months by installing a perimeter fence along the beachfront. This stretch of coastline is understandably popular among slum dwellers and the poor in Metro Manila because of its proximity. Piles of trash in the area and heavy pollution, however, have prevented the public from enjoying the seaside promenade and dipping into the water.DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said while fecal coliform count in the swimming area of Manila Bay had improved to 7.5 million most probable number per 100 millimeters from 330 million mpn before the start of the cleanup drive, it was still far from being safe. The standard coliform level for coastal waters safe for swimming and other similar recreational activities is at only 100 mpn/100ml. The rehabilitation of Manila Bay will not be an easy task because it will require the cooperation of several local government units of Laguna, Cavite and Metro Manila in the south to the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan in the north. Thousands of commercial establishments operating along Laguna de Bay, Pasig River and other estuaries that empty into Manila Bay will also have to be policed to assure the cleanup. Manila Bay has become an ecological disaster after many establishments and informal settlers along Metro Manila's waterways dumped untreated water and waste into the tributaries that ended up in the bay. The cleanup job is one environmental task that should receive a status of national significance, similar to vital energy projects defined by Executive Order No. 30.
Armenia Security Council Secretary: Authorities will be guided by 'remedial secession' principle to solve Karabakh issue

Armenia 2nd President: Government views Hayastan All-Armenian Fund as additional source of funding

Karabakh President: My visit to Armenia's Civil Contract Party office on day of elections was misinterpreted

Number of 'Armenia' bloc's votes grows by 10 times after recount in Vanadzor

Rally participant: Karabakh President leading confidential negotiations with head of Azerbaijan state security service

Head of Armenia's Odzun village submits report to police, case to be forwarded to Special Investigation Service

Gagik Tsarukyan: Prosperous Armenia Party won't be in parliament, but will still be involved in politics

Belarus President congratulates Armenia's Pashinyan

Opposition National-Democratic Axis Party declines offer to meet with Armenia acting PM

Armenia Administrative Court renders decision on ex-deputy chief of army's General Staff

French MFA: France hopes elections will provide Armenia with opportunity to solve several issues

Leader of 5165 Movement Party rejects offer to meet with Armenia acting PM

Armenia acting high-tech industry minister introduces Industrial City Plan to US Ambassador

Armenia ex-FM on Security Council Secretary's statement on torpedoing issue of POWs' return

Armenia Security Council Secretary: Exchange of mine maps and POWs may be ongoing

Armenia Security Council Secretary blames ex-FM for 'torpedoing' issue of return of POWs

Armenia Security Council Secretary: Negotiations over deployment of Russian border guards in Gegharkunik underway

Head of Armenia's Odzun village beaten in building of regional governor's office

Armenia Security Council Secretary reminds Levon Ter-Petrosyan about 1996 presidential elections

More Russian peacekeepers to be deployed in Armenia, Aliyev speaks on Shushi, Jun 22 digest

Armenia Security Council Secretary says former authorities are the capitulators

Armen Sarkissian holds phone talks with 'Armenia' bloc's leader Robert Kocharyan

Christian-Democratic Party leader to Armenia acting PM: We will support the government

2 Stepanakert residents declare hunger strike at main square of Artsakh capital

Citizen's Decision Party leader to Armenia acting PM: Results of elections show that political field is not competitive

Principal of school in Armenia's Metsamor and her husband are charged

Robert Kocharyan: 'Armenia' bloc is the one calling the shots

Holy Etchmiadzin: Acting PMs proposal for dialogue to spiritual leaders is welcome

Citizen's Decision Party: No agreement reached with Armenia acting PM

Iran MFA congratulates successful holding of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia President holds phone talk with leader of 'I Have Honor' bloc Artur Vanetsyan

Armenia acting PM to political party leader: I thought you would cross electoral threshold and enter parliament

Dollar descent continues in Armenia

Another body retrieved during search operations in Karabakhs occupied lands

Karabakh President intends to hold referendum of confidence

Aliyev declares Artsakhs occupied Shushi as cultural capital of Azerbaijan

Armenia Ambassador presents credentials to Lithuania President

Armenia independent MP to grant letter of recommendation for release of Armen Charchyan from custody

Russia envoy: Armenian peoples contribution is invaluable in Great Patriotic War victory

Lithuania President: Nikol Pashinyan has been given mandate of Armenian people

Armenia President congratulates Nikol Pashinyan on his political party's victory in the elections

Leader of Armenian extra-parliamentary force meets with Nikol Pashinyan

'Armenia' bloc member: Authorities will establish dictatorship of Nikol Pashinyan, not of law

European Parliament delegation on Armenia elections: We call on all political forces to acknowledge election results

Armenia acting MOD pays tribute to fighters who fell in the Great Patriotic War

Armenia former President Kocharyan on Erdogan's platform of 6": Hard to talk about what does not exist

Russia Federation Council wants to start cooperation with new Armenia parliament as soon as possible

Canada MFA congratulates Armenia on concluding successful parliamentary elections

Russia ambassador to Armenia: OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs format continues to function

International Union of Socialist Youth recognizes Artsakh independence

Menendez: No concessions to Erdogan

Russia envoy to Armenia: Work to return captives will continue

3 terrorist groups neutralized in Iran

Ambassador comments on report on Russia border guards deployment in Armenias Gegharkunik Province

EU Delegation to Armenia spokesperson issues statement on snap parliamentary elections

2nd President Kocharyan: Armenia will face another snap election if authorities continues in same spirit

Philippine President threatens COVID-19 vaccine protests with arrest

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: I have not yet decided whether to refuse, accept parliamentary mandate

Armenia army General Staff: Committee is set up to investigate course of Artsakh war

Armenia army General Staff chief: Russian peacekeepers will be deployed in Gegharkunik Province

77 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Armenia delegation member calls on PACE to freeze Azerbaijan presidents European bank accounts

Hand grenade is thrown under Armenia public, political figures car (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: What is expected after Armenia snap parliamentary elections?

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM to use his "steel mandate" against opponents

Russia resumes full-fledged flights with Turkey

Another rally demanding Artsakh Presidents resignation to be held in Stepanakert

US State Department issues statement on Armenia snap parliamentary elections

Armenia ruling party member warns pseudo-lawyers

'Armenia' bloc issues statement on results of snap parliamentary elections and election observation missions

US will not warn Russia about cyberattacks, Psaki says

Armenia acting PM: Political crisis is resolved and is over

Zakharova: Russia hopes to strengthen ties with Armenia based on results of snap parliamentary elections

Gunshots heard in Yerevan, city's police chief is at scene of incident

Erdogan invites OSCE Minsk Group to Karabakh

Armenia President calls on making transition to presidential system again

Armenia MFA: Specifics of work with UNSC regarding Azerbaijani invasion of Armenian territory not subject to disclosure

Armenia acting minister says he will start using 'steel mandate' tomorrow at 9 am

National-Democratic Axis Party issues statement on results of Armenia snap parliamentary elections

Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of another 3 servicemen removed from Varanda (Fizuli) region

Ukraine heralds free trade zone with Turkey

Armenia President receives OSCE/ODIHR Director and OSCE PA Secretary General

Child dies from car accident in Armenia's Gegharkunik Province

Armenia Izmirlian Medical Center head is charged

Karabakh President congratulates Armenia's Pashinyan on victory in snap parliamentary elections

Russia MOD congratulates Armenian counterpart on snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia Investigative Committee charges citizen and head of campaign headquarters for violating ballot secrecy

Iran's President-elect says he has always protected human rights

Georgia PM congratulates Armenia's Pashinyan on winning snap parliamentary elections

PACE and OSCE PA election observers say they are content with elections in Armenia, in spite of violations

India kicks off nationwide free COVID-19 vaccination campaign

Azerbaijan, Pakistan agree to conduct military exercises

Armenia 1st President's spokesperson on snap parliamentary elections

Armenia MP: Azerbaijan is celebrating Nikol Pashinyan's victory, ruling party is holding fireworks display

Charles Michel congratulates Pashinyan on winning snap elections

OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission in Armenia says it heard allegations of administrative resources use

OSCE Secretary General thanks Russia for its work in Minsk Group on Karabakh settlement

Lavrov calls to wait for formation of new Armenia government

Armenia's Pashinyan garners 197,000 less votes compared with elections in 2018

OSCE/ODIHR: Power outages did not considerably affect Armenia snap elections
Wine Enthusiast magazine awarded its Wine Star for American Wine Legend to Warren Winiarski at this years wine awards dinner in January.

The award recognizes Winiarskis legacy in the wine industry as well as his many contributions to land preservation, philanthropy and to reinforcing the culture of wine as an American tradition.

The Wine Legend Award is reserved for our most influential people that have contributed to more than the wine industry. Warrens dedication to elevating the status of American wine and his contribution to the Napa Valley has been monumental, says Adam Strum, editor and publisher of Wine Enthusiast magazine.

In 1964, Winiarski moved to the Napa Valley to follow his dream of becoming a winemaker. In 1970, he planted his first Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in a former prune orchard. Six years later, Winiarskis Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon won the Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting of California wines against venerated French classics.
It may seem odd that Bill and Donna moved to Oregon to make wine and found a winemaker from Napa. And, one may wonder why a winemaker might want to potentially make a trophy wine for former financial executives. But when Bill and Donna met Robert, it was a connection, a meeting of the minds.

Robert was the one person who could articulate clearly what would differentiate their wines. Bill described Robert as a uniquely confident person who removes his ego. He explained that Robert does not have a formula as a winemaker but instead asks questions.

To produce the wines of Brittan Vineyards and Winderlea, different practices and styles are used. For Winderlea, Bill has selected native yeasts for fermentation, whereas UC Davis-trained Robert opts not to. Winderlea is focused on sustainability and philanthropy. They are the second winery in Oregon, and the fourth winery in the U.S., to be a Certified B Corporation and was certified biodynamic in 2015. Winderlea produces approximately 6,000 cases and the barrel-aged 2015 Winderlea Chardonnay has aromas of citrus, honeysuckle and flowers and a silky texture. The flagship 2014 Winderlea Vineyard Pinot Noir is vibrant with aromas of cherry, blueberry, tea and roses and fine tannins.

Winderlea has a tasting room on the property in the Dundee Hills but they share a winery and tasting room with Brittan Vineyards in McMinnville. While they own their own vineyards and their own brands, together Ellen and Robert Brittan and Bill Sweat and Donna Morris built their urban winery and tasting room together in the quickly growing town of McMinnville. Working together, they are engaging minute by minute, while still maintaining their own identities and styles. And, in the end, a precious friendship has developed.

Allison Levine is owner of Please The Palate, a marketing and event-planning agency. A freelance writer, she contributes to numerous publications while eating and drinking her way around the world. Allison is also the host of the wine podcast Wine Soundtrack USA. Contact her at allison@pleasethepalate.com.
We are doing our part and I will be asking them to do their part, he said.

Silicon Valley got the message and within days its leaders created a new partnership that pledged a half-billion dollars for new housing.

In January, Newsom underscored his insistence that local governments meet their housing quotas, even if their voters dont like it. He announced that Attorney General Xavier Becerra was suing Huntington Beach for stubbornly refusing to meet housing goals.

The state doesnt take this action lightly, Newsom said. The huge housing costs and sky-high rents are eroding quality of life for families across this state. Californias housing crisis is an existential threat to our states future and demands an urgent and comprehensive response.

It would be fair to say that in just a few weeks, Newsom has been more engaged in the housing crisis than predecessor Jerry Brown was during the previous eight years. However, its just a beginning. Even though he says his budget would spend $7.7 billion on housing, thats only a third of the investment needed to increase housing production by 50 percent over current levels, and state and local governments dont have that kind of money.
Hess asked parents to cooperate with officers if their child is targeted in investigations. The department hears of threats often, and to determine whether they are credible, often has to conduct a home search. It helps if parents are cooperative and give officers access to their residence and child.

The threatened mass shooting investigation is now in the hands of the Napa County District Attorneys Office and courts, said Hunter.

The student suspected of plotting the attack has yet to be disciplined by the school because he is still in police custody, said Superintendent Rosanna Mucetti. The district must wait until students are released to take action.

A week after the 14-year-olds arrest, police also arrested a friend, a 13-year-old who is accused of thwarting their investigation by hiding evidence and interfering with witnesses.

The district is reviewing security protocol, she said, and will seek to build relationships with students and identify adults who can help. It will also seek to establish clear, district-wide policies regarding how people enter and leave campus, who is allowed on-campus and training for supervisors tasked with overseeing campus perimeters.
Steve Fulton went to the Torrance office after driving with an expired license for eight days. Unlike his brother, he was given his temporary card free of charge.

The brothers official licenses arent expected to arrive for another month.

The DMV said it issued more than 2.3 million license cards from November 2018 to January 2019. Though the DMV said no customer should have to pay twice, Steve Fulton remains upset about what happened to him and his brother.

He tweeted, called and emailed the department several times until finally deciding to come into an office without an appointment. He said the call centers were bombarded with similar complaints.

Every time I called the DMV, they said, This is the only thing were getting called about. This is happening all the time.

On Monday, the DMV directed call center employees to no longer request proof of payment when customers complain that they didnt get their license renewals processed, according to a document obtained by The Sacramento Bee.

Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, called the DMVs mistake yet another embarrassment and an example of what a failed state bureaucracy looks like.
Seven years after owner Harry Price received the citys permission to expand his Napa River Inn, the prelude to the construction of some two dozen guest rooms has finally begun.

The initial phase of the project will create a new service building for the hotel. Construction of new guest rooms is not scheduled to start until late this year.

It kind of feels like its overdue, said Price in an interview on Tuesday. He called construction of the service building a first step.

Green construction fencing now be seen between the parking lot for the hotel and the surrounding Napa Mill businesses and the back of the Napa County Library.

This part of the expansion isnt glamorous or even that interesting, said Price. There is still a long way to go.

We want to get this out of the way to get everything in gear for the addition of the new rooms, Price said.

Some 24 to 26 new rooms and suites will be located inside two additions.

The first is a new hotel building that will wrap around the current hotel spa building on Fifth Street.

Then, a third floor will be added to the existing Embarcadero hotel section at the Napa River Inn.
No less than the leader of the Roman Catholic Church acknowledged that some priests and bishops had sexually abused nuns, and said that the problem could be found anywhere even as some new congregations and some regions are more likely to see it happening. According to Agence France Presse, Pope Francis made the admission after a journalist asked him about the abuse of nuns. This month's issue of the magazine Women Church World says nuns have been silent for decades because they feared retaliation. The magazine also says the Vatican had been receiving reports of priests abusing nuns since the 1990s, a situation made worse by forced abortions and children not recognized by their priest fathers.

But the Pope's mere admission does not make the Church more righteous or less responsible for the crimes. It is the only thing to do. Denying it or keeping silent is hypocritical and reprehensible. Francis also acknowledges that more needs to be done and that the Church does want to do something to correct what is happening. Last year, a bishop in India was arrested for raping a nun 13 times between 2014 and 2016. This would be an exception, however, to the countless instances of abuse not only of nuns but of children and other victims all over the world and across generations.An even greater sin is institutional denial and condonation. Church leaders have often resorted to transferring erring priests to other locations instead of defrocking them and handing them over to law enforcement, to be prosecuted like common suspects. The knowledge of clergy abuse is nothing new to the Catholic faithful. They have kept their faith despite it, acknowledging that Church leaders are fallible humans whose failings must not be equated with the church. Meanwhile, scandal after scandal has supplied Church critics with ammunitionlook no farther than President Duterteto insult God, question its teachings, and mock its leaders. Catholics look to Pope Francis for real leadership on this grave matter. He could provide spiritual guidance, sure, but he must also lead trailblazing efforts to show that the Church does not protect its own despite the damage and injustice they inflict upon others. In the end, the Catholic Church is an institution like many others: plagued with scandals and failings despite the veneer of holiness. May its faithful be steadfast in upholding its core values and teachings while staying away from the fanatical belief that it can do no wrong.
Jennifer Knell, a folk and rock musician, will play guitar and sing. Knell works at the Napa Main Library as a childrens librarian.

The artists participating in the show are Dennis Smith, Charles de Limur, Laura Tinthoff, Carol Lorraine, Marlene Haas, Nancy Tesch and Joshua Murillo.

From his Carneros studio, Dennis Smith, a retired San Francisco architect, pursues his art and has refined his skills by studying with Bay Area art instructor Larry Robinson. Smiths images range from realistic to abstract impressionism.

Charles de Limur has been involved with creating and exhibiting his landscapes, seascapes, urban views, and more since earning a bachelor of fine arts degree from Oberlin College in 1977. His style has been influenced by exposure to the Impressionist and Pointillism in Paris, where he grew up, and, later on, when he moved to California, by the California Colorists movement.

Whether he is working in his Napa studio or doing plein air painting somewhere that inspires him, Limur said he seeks to incorporate the essence of what is important to him in his paintings.
Small businesses in Napa now have a new access point for no-cost services to help start or grow their business.

In partnership with the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, the Napa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will have a business adviser available every Monday at the Workforce Alliance office to answer any questions business owners have about growing and maintaining a healthy business.

Workforce representatives are available in the First Street location every day to help local businesses hire and/or train qualified workers.

With its main offices located at the Napa Valley College, the SBDC is a nonprofit organization that provides expert no-cost advising and low-cost workshops, in English and Spanish, to guide small businesses to success and accomplishment.

Both the SBDC and the Workforce Alliance are part of the Northern California SBDC network, and work hands-on with entrepreneurs and business owners to address challenges, seize opportunities and help them make money.

The Workforce Alliance of the North Bay (WANB) offices are located at 1546 First St. on the second floor.

An SBDC business representative will be available Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

To meet with a WANB representative, call 707-699-1969. To meet with an SBDC Business Advisor, call 707-256-7250.
We must make it uncomfortable to ...
Huawei Technologies Co., facing a widening global crackdown on its telecom equipment, is bolstering its presence at the industrys biggest conference in an attempt to land deals. Its plans risk being foiled by a powerful foe: the U.S. government.

U.S. officials are also increasing the size of their delegation to the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this month, saying they want to help other nations focus on the security of next-generation mobile gear. They arent calling the meeting a showdown with Huawei, but that agenda  provided by three officials who asked not to be identified  is a not-so-veiled reference to their concerns about the Chinese tech giant over espionage allegations and sanctions busting.

The American team plans to advocate for other providers of next-generation mobile gear, such as Cisco Systems Inc., Ericsson AB and Nokia Oyj, according to one of the officials. The effort comes amid an intensified campaign by the Trump administration in Europe, the Shenzhen-based Huaweis biggest market outside China, where governments are weighing whether to bar its gear from 5G networks.

The American focus on Huawei has extended from its equipment to charges it stole intellectual property and violated sanctions on exports to Iran, in an escalation of tensions between the worlds two biggest economies. Huawei has denied wrongdoing and long maintained it doesnt provide back doors for the Chinese government, pointing out that no one has provided evidence to support such concerns.

Mobile World Congress is a key annual event thats helped Huawei  a major sponsor of the gathering  burnish its reputation as the dominant telecom equipment supplier. Huawei signed several deals last year, including one with Frances Bouygues Telecom to make Bordeaux the first city for a 5G network trial and one with BT Group Plc to do more joint 5G testing.

We are continuing to grow at MWC, Adam Mynott, a spokesman for Huawei, said by phone. This remains our most important trade function of the year.

Foldable Phone

This year, Huawei will unveil a foldable 5G phone, demonstrate how the technology works in a joint presentation with Vodafone Group Plc, and make executives available to network with journalists, politicians and clients. About 100,000 people are expected to attend the four-day conference that starts on Feb. 25, to see the latest phones, artificial intelligence gadgets and autonomous drones exhibited by some 2,000 companies.

Guo Ping, Huaweis rotating chairman, and Richard Yu, chief executive officer of its consumer division, will face a prominent U.S. lineup. State Department staff will be joined by high-ranking officials including Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Manisha Singh and Brian Bulatao, a former CIA executive nominated as Under Secretary of State for Management by President Donald Trump, said one of the officials.

The U.S. wants to convey its conviction that security of 5G networks is paramount because the technology is crucial as the world digitizes, independent of an individual supplier, another official said.

Now read: Huawei staff expelled from Denmark after work permit inspection
TechRadar reports there could be fewer than 200 AMD Radeon VII GPUs available in the UK when it releases  which is set to take place today.

Overclockers UKs purchasing manager Andrew Gibson said his company has slightly under 100 cards and they are the largest stockist in Europe.

Meanwhile, there are reportedly only 20 Radeon VIIs in France, and a only 20 in Spain.

While there is no official word from AMD regarding any shortage of stock, these rumours will leave many prospective customers worried  including those in South Africa, where there is no trace of the card.

Some have speculated that the rumoured lack of stock has been caused by the Lunar New Year in China, with many factories closing down for this celebration.

AMD previously said there will not be a shortage of Radeon VII GPUs upon release, after previous reports suggested it only had 5,000 units ready for shipping.

The Radeon VII is priced at $699 in the US, and no pricing has been released for South Africa.

Now read: AMD share price soars due to strong sales forecast
WeWork announced that it will open its first shared workspace in South Africa  and Africa  at The Link in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

The US-based workspace provider will partner with Redefine properties to launch its first location on the continent, with the company focused on launching in Johannesburg and building a local community.

The listing of the The Link office space on the WeWork website describes an on-site wellness room, art-filled lounges, and bright and airy conference rooms.

WeWorks office space at The Link is an ideal place to put down roots for your growing business, the companys website stated.

Other amenities at the nine-storey venue including a cleaning service, phone booths, fruit water, free coffee, high-speed Internet, and unique common areas.

Below are images and renderings from The Links WeWork location page, as well as Redefines property page for The Link.

WeWork Offices

The Link

Now read: Match beats estimates as Tinder subscribers soar
Showmax announced it is now offering a free two-month trial for DStv Compact and Compact Plus customers.

From 7 February until 7 April 2019, qualifying subscribers who add Showmax to their DStv bill will receive a two-month free trial of the service.

If these subscribers choose to continue after the two-month period they will only be charged R49 per month  instead of the standard R99 monthly rate.

To begin the trial, Compact and Compact Plus subscribers can go to the streaming services website and sign up with their South African ID number.

After authenticating via SMS, subscribers will be able to download the Showmax app and begin watching.

Customers can cancel their Showmax subscription at any time, including during the trial period.
Beginning in January 2016, Bartruff refused to complete performance reviews for Savala that are required annually by Iowa code, despite requests from Savala and reminders from human resources officials, the lawsuit alleges. Bartruff ultimately did not complete Savala's reviews for 2015, 2016 and 2017 without explanation, even as he did them for younger white employees whom he supervised and awarded annual merit raises of up to 5 percent, the lawsuit alleges.

Savala alleges the snubs cost him more than $28,000 in lost wages but the "personal toll has been far greater." His teeth suffered damage from stress-induced grinding, and he started taking medication for stress, anxiety and insomnia, it says.

In May 2018, the lawsuit alleges that an unidentified co-worker made a "racial statement" about him in the workplace, and that he filed a complaint with the Department of Administrative Services. He says he hasn't been informed about the findings of its investigation.

Bartruff retired in December after a 36-year career with the department, and Reynolds praised his leadership and moves to focus the department on evidence-based rehabilitation. Attempts to reach him for comment Wednesday weren't immediately successful.
MUSCATINE  A day in the life of an intelligence briefer to the U.S. Army Chief of Staff is busy, to say the least, but for Army Col. Candice Frost, attending President Donald Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday was something else entirely.

"Honestly," Frost said, "it was surreal  a once in a lifetime event."

Frost, formerly of Muscatine, was invited to attend the address, and dinner with other lawmakers and their guests in Washington, D.C., by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.

Ernst was "a truly gracious host," Frost said, and the two knew one another previously through a mutual friend. Frost also mentors Ernst's daughter, Libby, at West Point.

"What was most unique," Frost said, "was to see how the entire democracy comes together on one night. To see every key player in one place was phenomenal."

In her position at the Pentagon, Frost helps prepare leaders for any possible threats to national security from around the world.

"There's never a dull moment," she said.

The environments of Iowa and Washington are very different, she said, and attending the event made her feel like she was back home.
Vuong Duy Bao surveys his ancestral palace, a vestige of Vietnam's marginalized Hmong ethnic minority that he says was taken from his family by local officials. The wooden structure is laden with historic markers: Opium flowers carved into pillars in a nod to the region's once-booming trade, and an iron fence made with metal imported from former colonial ruler France. Built in 1903 by Bao's warlord grandfather with his opium fortune, the retired civil servant claims local authorities took possession of the property in the northern Ha Giang province from his family and are now refusing to return it. "Hmong people all over the world acknowledge this as [our] family home... so we can't lose it," he told AFP from the building, which authorities run as a museum. Both sides agree it is an architectural treasure since the historically nomadic Hmong rarely stayed long enough in one place to build anything lasting. Bao had been living in Hanoi, but on return to the family home, he discovered local authorities had taken ownership of the palace and rejected his claim to it because he could not provide deeds. He branded the request "absurd" and said official documents did not exist when the property was built but his family's connection to it was set out in history books about the local area and even in pictures of it displayed in the museum. Many Hmong fear the government is simply commandeering their culture to boost tourism dollars. For Bao, his battle for repossession goes beyond the personal. He believes Hmong heritage belongs in the hands of Hmong people, a tightknit minority originally from China who proudly cling to customs wherever they settle, from California to Minnesota, Laos and Thailand.In Vietnam, they have been largely excluded from the economic growth of the past decade, and more than 60 percent of the country's one million Hmong live below the poverty line. The ethnic group have long been at odds with the central governmentstemming in part from the CIA recruitment of anti-communist Laotian Hmong during the Vietnam Warwhich for decades has imposed a series of resettlement, development and assimilation campaigns that have mostly failed. "More than any other ethnic minority in Vietnam the Hmong have been marginalised by programs that purport to develop them," writes anthropologist Ngo Tam in her 2016 book "The New Way: Protestantism and the Hmong in Vietnam." Ha Giang authorities are touting tourism as the best way to lift the Hmong out of gruelling poverty, and the province has said in its master plan it wants the area to be a "key attraction" for visitors by 2030. Officials have opened a series of 'traditional cultural villages' where visitors can peek into old-school wooden houses or take photos of themselves carrying a bamboo basket, a common vessel for Hmong farmers ferrying flowers or grass from the field.Local Hmong are encouraged to wear traditional hemp clothing and build traditional houses, and have been asked to shorten funeral and wedding ceremonies, days-long, booze-soaked affairs that are among the most sacred of Hmong rituals. "Sometimes authorities try to impose their ideas on people forcibly, but we resist by refusing to follow," Vang My Sinh, a Hmong man in Ha Giang, told AFP. "We've always had strong community spirit, we build things together and preserve things together. Nothing can break us," he said. That community spirit has proven powerful. Troops were sent to quell a massive Hmong protest in 2011, in which some called for independence. More recently, Hmong in Vietnam have turned to organised religion and embraced Protestantism, which makes the communist government nervous.In Ha Giang, some Hmong are happy to comply with government guidelines if it means improving their lot. "It is good to preserve tradition, for ourselves, for our children, and even for tourists who come out of curiosity and bring us more money," said Va Thi May, who was selling grilled yams at a quiet roadside stop. Ethnic minorities are not always the beneficiaries of Vietnam's booming tourism sector. In northern Vietnam's visitor-saturated Sapa, locals complain hotel owners from the Kinh majority earn big while ethnic minority women and children hawk Chinese-made fabric and fake silver. Regaining control of the Hmong palace could be a small step toward recovering their own historyand benefitting from local tourist spending. For some, the loss of the palace is part of a broader issue. "It's one of the many things that make Hmong feel marginalised and definitely adds to their disenfranchisement," said Sebastian Rumsby, a PhD candidate at University of Warwick whose research focuses on Christianity among the Hmong. Bao hopes to push back against that by getting his palace backso his Hmong clan can regain their spiritual homeland.
MUSCATINE  A candidate from within will be the new general manager at Muscatine Power and Water.

After meeting in closed session Tuesday, the Board of Water, Electric, and Communications Trustees tabbed Gage Huston, Director of Power Production and Supply, for the top job.

Huston accepted the position effective April 1. Until then, he and current general manager, Sal LoBianco, who is retiring after 39 years of service at MP&W, will plan for an orderly transition of responsibilities.

After conducting a nationwide search, the Conifer, Colorado, firm of Mycoff, Fry, and Prouse LLC presented a list of 14 candidates in October. The board chose seven candidates to interview, and interviews were conducted in December and January.

Board Chair Keith Porter said board members were impressed with the candidates, and Huston was the board's unanimous choice. "We were pleased to interview candidates who had experience providing multiple utility services, including telecommunications services, and had general manager and CEO experience," Porter said. "In the end, however, we unanimously felt Gage was the best fit to lead MP&W into the future."
China National Peking Opera Company, Troupe One, and the Hubei Chime Bells National Chinese Orchestra will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 at Central Middle School auditorium, 901 Cedar Street.

The event is free and open to the public.

The first half will be the performance by the orchestra featuring bronze and stone bells among other traditional instruments creating sounds from ancient China.

Three scenes from the Peking operas, "Divergence," "Palace of Eternal Life" and "Uproar in Heaven," will follow from Troupe One of the China National Beijing Opera Company. The performance will include instrumental and vocal music, mime and acrobatics with performers in traditional dress and makeup.

The event is coordinated by the Muscatine China Initiative Committee with support from the Consulate General of the Peoples Republic of China in Chicago.

For more information, visit the City of Muscatine blog at muscatineiowa.wordpress.com.

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The state has denied Alliant Energys proposal to charge residential customers a fee to opt out of the utility companys growing network of smart meters.

The Iowa Utilities Board on Wednesday rejected Alliants proposed electric and natural gas tariffs. The tariffs included language that would charge customers an extra $15 per month for each meter if they choose to stick with their existing digital meter.

A Wednesday email from the board notes that tariffs must allow residential customers to opt out of advanced metering infrastructure  without charging a fee or charge.

An opt-out option will not be available to non-residential customers or those involved in an optional, non-standard rate.

The ruling directs Alliant to allow an area-wide opt-out option.

As of December, Alliant had deployed smart meters on about 335,000 of its roughly 500,000 meters in Iowa. The utility switched its roughly 470,000 Wisconsin customers to smart meters about a decade ago.

The meters send data back to the company, allowing it to better detect power outages so energy can be restored more quickly and provide more accurate information to customers in their energy bills.
The New York City mayor's office had contacted the administration about O'Brien's tenure in Montana, but that request went through the Department of Administration, Bullock. He said he never learned about the request. Bullock said that de Blasio's own department only asked about O'Brien's tenure in Montana -- one that Bullock said was without blemish.

"During my five years with him, I had never heard any complaints of similar behavior," Bullock said.

Still, when Bullock learned that O'Brien had joined de Blasio's staff, the governor remained silent.

"I was naive," Bullock said. "I probably should have called."

While we don't know whether Montana law would have allowed Bullock to make that call -- to warn an employer after an employee had already been hired, we can say that whether the law allowed for such a thing, ethics certainly seems to call for it.

"By terminating him at the DGA, we took appropriate steps," Bullock said. "I felt sick at the realization that I hadn't done enough. Looking backward, I was wrong. But that doesn't help.

"Going forward, it is another one of those realizations and recognition that we're in the middle of an important conversation about sexual harassment and sexual assault and we have to do the right thing."
It is a flagrant and stubborn myth that racism is caused by lack of education. Historically, it has been tolerated even embraced by Politicians, Academics and, indeed, by religious leaders if made palatable by figures of sophisticated intelligence and with whom one shares common objectives.

The subtle but powerfully satisfying irony of Nature is that the science of genetics has proven Darwin right and Galton, Stopes and their numerous devotees pathetically wrong.

In his superb A Brief History of Everyone who ever Lived, British geneticist Adam Rutherford writes: I am comfortable stating that from the point of view of a geneticist, race does not exist. It has no useful scientific value. And: That a Namibian and a Nigerian have a more similar skin color than either do to a Swede masks the fact that the majority of their genes are more dissimilar to each other that they are to that same Swede.

In our Church Congregation, we are very blessed to have some African students, East Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans etc. They are much loved. It is a profoundly comforting reality to me that in spite of skin, hair and facial appearances, I am genetically much closer to some of them that to some of my other parishioners who look much more like me.
The incident began when police responded to a report of a person seen inside the apartment on the 400 block of West Silver Street.

An employee of the property management group that manages the apartment arrived with a key and let police inside, and officers conducted a search. Osier was found hiding in a closet and was arrested without further incident.

<h2>Security camera stolen

A man contacted Butte police Wednesday around 11 a.m. after receiving an alert from his personal security system and seeing a suspicious female on the surveillance footage.

The woman allegedly took the camera from a home on East Woolman Street, left the scene, and was observed getting in a car parked nearby on Wyoming Street.

When that car was spotted at the Town Pump on South Montana Street, police reportedly located Karste McDanel, 24, of Butte inside.

She denied being involved in the incident, and the camera was not recovered, but police reportedly saw McDanel on the surveillance footage and matched the tread of her shoes to the footprints found at the scene.

She was booked on three misdemeanors  theft, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass  but bonded out later the same day.
A judge sentenced a man to three years in custody of prison officials Wednesday for holding a knife to his wifes throat before sending Facebook messages threatening to massacre police officers in Anaconda, causing them to surround his house for hours.

I wish the cops would hurry I am perfectly set up to pick them off from each street corner, Michael Eugene Spencer, 42, wrote in a Facebook conversation last April 26.

In another, he wrote, Come on people lets get the massacre started.

Police formed a perimeter around his house on Alder Street in Anaconda and stayed there from midnight to 4 a.m., when they were replaced with two detectives, a captain and one officer. Spencer came out after 8:30 a.m. and was arrested with no one hurt.

Prosecutors say the night before, Spencer had struck his wife, dragged her around the house by her hair and held a knife to her throat. He even took a picture of the knife to her throat.

Spencer was charged with felony assault with a weapon, felony tampering with a witness for trying to get his wife to withhold testimony, and three misdemeanors, including obstructing a peace officer for blockading himself in his house.
Chris Wardell, a community involvement coordinator also based in Denver, has been filling in since Moler left the job. But community members in both Butte and Anaconda have complained directly to EPA and at various public meetings about the lack of a Montana-based community involvement coordinator over the past year.

Rose Nyman, long-time Anaconda government watchdog, said having someone on the ground on a regular basis for EPA is "critical.

Barker comes to EPA with 25 years of public affairs experience with the U.S. Navy. Born in Kalispell, the 46-year-old is relocating from Panama City, Florida, for the job.

Barker had just gone through Hurricane Michael, a category 4 storm that caused at least 11 deaths on the Florida panhandle last October, when she got the call that she had the job with EPA.

I think the cosmos is telling us something. I think we need to go home, she said she told her husband.

Barkers husband is also a Kalispell native. They were friends in high school and have two children.

During her career with the Navy, Barker worked in the Bill Clinton White House, capturing video of Clinton for radio and television news.
When I began bowhunting six decades ago, I could not have predicted the colossal advances in the technology we use to harvest game, particularly the changes in archery equipment. Yet bowhunters today face challenges that I did, then and now: the need to close the distance on an animal and make an ethical kill with an arrow.

This challenge and low odds of success allows archers to hunt during the elk rut, when bull elk are most vulnerable. But its still normally difficult, requiring archery skill, hunting expertise and a strong measure of perseverance, and often good luck. Many dedicated hunters and conservationists have worked extensively to establish and maintain this special season reserved only for those who hunt with stick and string.

The ensuing years have seen a number of attempts to diminish Montanas bowhunting traditions by allowing the use of crossbows during archery season. Each time, Montanas bowhunters have pointed out the threat crossbows would be to archery season opportunities.
The small town of Montargis is only 100 kilometres south of Paris, but for many of its inhabitants it might as well be on the dark side of the moon when it comes to seeing a doctor or a dentist. "Having to wait two years to see a heart specialist isn't acceptable. We'll be dead before then," Catherine Adrien-Camus said to wide applause as she and other residents took part in a debate on what ails France, and more specifically their community. The evening event last week was part of the two months of debates President Emmanuel Macron has called as part of his response to the "yellow vest" protests, sparked by anger over high costs of living. Local communities have been encouraged to hold town-hall meetings to discuss how things could be improved, and in this 15,000-strong town and many others, one of the hot topics is the lack of doctors. Despite France's much vaunted national health service, which has ensured nearly free medical services since the end of the Second World War, not all patients get equal treatment. France counts some 220,000 doctors, twice as many as in 1980, according to official figures. But many prefer to settle in larger cities rather than rural or smaller urban areas. In Paris, for example, there are about 798 doctors for every 100,000 inhabitants, but in the Montargis area the number drops to 76 general practitioners for 100,000 peoplethe lowest ratio in the nation.Some 9,000 small towns, accounting for 8 percent of the total population, lack general practitioners in what has been termed a growing "medical desertification". In Montargis, where the "yellow vest" movement is well supported, none of the GPs are currently taking on new patients, locals say. The region, which extends south to the renowned castles of the Loire Valley, also has the lowest density of medical specialists in the country, according to the national medical association. "Big towns have sucked everything away from rural territories," said Jean-Pierre Door, a local member of parliament and himself a heart specialist. As doctors retire, they have trouble finding younger practitioners to replace them.This is partly the result of a 40-year government policy which allows for nearly anyone to sign up for medical studies, but then strict grading culls 80 percent of the hopefuls by the end of the first year. In the early 2000s, around 3,500 doctors graduated every year, but only 8 percent chose general medicine."No one wants to live as doctors used to live, working 20 hours a day, seven days a week," Door added. Macron recently announced a reform of medical studies to help lift doctor numbers, "but it takes 12 years to train a doctor," Door noted. In Montargis, there is only one hospital for 150,000 people living in the area that it is supposed to serve, and while 130 doctors work there, emergency services are still overwhelmed. "Fifteen years ago, they looked after 15,000 patients a year, today it's 60,000, and waiting times average five to six hours," Door said. Because of the lack of GPs, more than 60 percent of those attending emergency services are there on routine matters such as an ear infection or even to get a prescription renewed, he said. Francois Camus, a young cancer specialist who set up shop a few months ago, confided his surprise at the lack of medical follow-up. "I have seen advanced cancers... Because of the lack of GPs, the diagnosis has been to late," he said. Gynaecological services are also lacking. "Some women haven't been followed up for over 20 years and arrive with enormous tumours" Camus said.Online forums also abound with similar complaints. "If you're looking for a dentist, good luck! I've been looking for one for the past five years," wrote a Montargis woman giving her name as Nelly. "Doctors should be required to spend four to five years where they are needed after they have finished their studies," said Adrien-Camus, the woman speaking in last week's debate. But for Door, coercion isn't the answer. He thinks instead local authorities should be encouraged to offer rent-free offices to doctors who can form a practice, something that has been tested for the past two years. And now, following examples from remote Quebec or northern Sweden, France is testing video consultations via the internet, something Montargis is pushing strongly. "It's like being treated on board a space station, or on a boat taking part in a round-the-world race," Door said.
Climate change means global and local changes in historical patterns of temperature, snow, rain and wind. Ninety-seven percent of the worlds climate experts agree: Human activity is driving climate change!

Previous opinion pieces have described climate change reality and the negative impacts on Montanas quality of life and economy. The changes have been dramatic since 1850. Actions that Montanans can take to help remedy the effects of human activity have also been described. Heres the way forward to build on whats been described.

Remedies for reducing the impacts of human activity on climate change require unprecedented changes in our political and economic systems. Changes in the systems will be hard. However, we know how to make system changes. What is needed is to get the critical mass of Montana voters, legislators, state and local officials, community leaders and business leaders to agree in three areas. The first area is dissatisfaction with the reality of human activity-driven climate change and the immense negative impacts on quality of life and economic prosperity. The second area is a compelling vision of what reduced climate change would achieve. The third area is an affordable, achievable plan to achieve the vision.
If youd rather focus your career in public service without being forced to pay money to a government union, you can have that freedom of choice as well, Tschida said.

Tschida also noted that public employees have only the month of September to opt out of unions. The bill mandates that they be allowed to opt out at any time.

The bill drew the support of Americans for Prosperity but took criticism from the Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE), the Montana AFL-CIO and union representatives from around the state, including Tschidas home of Missoula.

Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney called the bill unnecessary and said it stretched far beyond the courts decision.

To be clear, Janus did one thing: It said that even if you benefit from collective bargaining, you dont have to pay for that benefit if you dont want to, Cooney said. It did not change union membership requirements, it did not change public policy regarding the importance of unions and it did not modify the purpose of unfair labor practices laws.
Former Blackfeet Tribal Chairman Willie Andrew Sharp, who has been charged with stealing federal money from the Head Start Program, pleaded not guilty to charges in an indictment today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said in a press release.

Sharp, 65, of Browning, pleaded not guilty to theft from an Indian tribal government receiving federal funding and to wire fraud as charged.

Sharp appeared for arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston in Great Falls. Johnston released Sharp pending trial.

The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris.

Sharp faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the most serious charge. The indictment also is seeking a criminal forfeiture money judgment of $38,711 from Sharp.

The indictment alleges that Sharp, while chairman of the Blackfeet Tribe, ultimately oversaw the Head Start Program and approved and ensured others approved overtime at the Blackfeet Head Start Program, knowing that the overtime was false, Alme said.
A missing-person case reported to tribal police immediately goes out to local officers, he said. But for that information to reach a wider audience, Couture explained, family members must make a report.

You have to come in and sign to have them put [it] on a national database, he said. We cant broadcast over the nation unless you physically come in and sign that document.

Thats a vital step, he continued. Getting it in that national database is huge because so many more cops see that, boosting the odds of a quick resolution.

While family members in other cases described indifference from federal and tribal authorities when they reported missing loved ones, Couture stressed the importance of fast reporting. Its important to us to get that information as soon as possible, because of all the connections we have here on the reservation, he said.

The Flathead Reservation is the only one in Montana covered by Public Law 280. Unlike the joint federal-tribal policing that takes place on other reservations, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal police and courts share jurisdiction with those agencies in Lake County. Pluff, the tribes policy analyst, credits this policy with easing coordination with local authorities.
MISSOULA  Patrick Scott McClure made his journey to the Great Creator on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. He was embraced by his family that have gone before him. His father Roy, mother Lois, brothers Richard, Paul, Baby Jimmie and his sister Sharon.

Scott was born Oct. 19, 1947, in St. Ignatius, and shortly after the family soon moved to Polson where Scott attended public school with his siblings. Scott was and has always been well liked for his unique sense of humor, warming smile and caring personality. He was a man of his word and taught his family the importance of being a hardworking and honest person.

He left school early to join the Army and serve in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division at Cu Chi and other Army posts. For his bravery and service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Overseas Bar.

Following his service, Scott rejoined his family in Missoula in 1966. It was then that he met, courted and married the love of his life, Bonnie, in 1968. The two of them settled in Evaro and began a lifetime together.
Born in Bridger, Thatcher graduated from Absarokee High School in 1939 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1940. After Pearl Harbor was attacked he volunteered to serve as a tail gunner for an unknown high-risk mission that would attack targets deep within Japanese controlled territory. The counterattack under Lt. Col. James "Jimmy" Doolittle became known as the Doolittle Raid.

Thatcher's role in the raid was portrayed by actor Robert Walker in the film Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. He was on a B-25 that ran out of fuel after the raid and made an emergency landing off the coast of China. Thatcher helped his injured crewmates to safety, and was awarded the Silver Star for his efforts.

He went on to fly 26 missions in a B-26 over North Africa and Europe, among them the first bombing raid over Rome. He was discharged in July 1945 and returned to Montana to marry his sweetheart Dawn, who survives him. Thatcher was a mail clerk and carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Missoula for 30 years before retiring in 1980.

His son Jeff Thatcher of Little Rock, Arkansas, will be on hand to speak on behalf of the family at the Feb. 21 ceremony.

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It was largely Jack Beckstroms vision that resulted in the first Race to the Sky in 1986, when he was president of the Montana Mountain mushers and the race was called the Governors Cup. Beckstrom competed in that first 500-miler and was a part of every race since. He was treasurer and chairman of the board when he passed away.

The first Race to the Sky without him kicks off Friday with a vet check for the 300-mile race from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thats at the start-finish line behind Hi-Country Trading Post two miles west of Lincoln. A pre-race banquet is set for 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Community Hall. The public is welcome to both events.

Theres a vet check for the 100-mile teams Saturday before the race from 10 a.m. to noon. The start at 2 p.m. is the time and place for fans to get the best feel for the event before the teams disappear over the hill and into the mountains. Their route goes west over Huckleberry Pass to Kleinschmidt Flats and the first checkpoint at the Whitetail Ranch, then through backroads to the outskirts of Seeley Lake, where the 100-mile teams finish at the Morrell Creek trailhead. The 300-milers stop over at the Seeley Lake Community Hall on Highway 83, then turn north another 50 miles or so to the turnaround point at the Owl Creek primitive checkpoint just south of Holland Lake.
The findings offer the first data confirming a theory (the 3P model of insomnia) developed by the late Arthur Spielman in the 1980s, that says the catalyst for the transition from acute to chronic insomnia is "sleep extension," that is, the tendency to expand sleep opportunity to make up for sleep loss.

Echoing Spielman, Perlis says, "Acute insomnia is likely a natural part of the human condition. If you think about the fight flight response, as trigger for sleeplessness, this makes sense. That is, it shouldn't matter that it's 3 a.m. and you've been awake for the last 22 hours, if you're being threatened and you believe there is a threat to your quality of life or existence, it's not a good time to sleep. It is understandable that sleeplessness has persisted as an adaptive response to such circumstances. In contrast, it's hard to imagine how chronic insomnia is anything but bad ... and the clinical research data support this position given chronic insomnia's association with increased medical and psychiatric morbidity."
A community Eckankar Light and Sound service to explore the light and sound of God will be held Sunday, Feb. 10. The title is Loving Myself to Love Others." This event is sponsored by ECKANKAR and is free and opened to the public. The service begins at 10 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 4559 N. Reserve St.
MEASLES OUTBREAK. A day after health authorities declared a measles outbreak in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and parts of the Visayas, the governments San Lazaro Hospital in Santa Cruz, Manila, said Thursday 95 percent of patients at the Pediatric Ward were mostly victims of the outbreak. It did not mention figures where the percentage was derived. Lino Santos

READ: WHO lists 10 health issues to watch out for in 2019
Illustration/Margaret Weiner/UC Creative Services

The harmful effects of exposure to tobacco smoke have been known for many years. Cigarette and cigar smokers are at significantly higher risk of contracting all sorts of respiratory maladies, and research linking secondhand smoke to cancer goes back nearly three decades.

But what about the chemicals that stain the walls, ceilings, carpet and upholstery in rooms in which tobacco has been smoked? What about the lingering nicotine on the fingers of smokers? Is there something dangerous in the residue that lingers long after the smoke clears?

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati have found more evidence of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to the residue and particles left behind by tobacco smoke. In "Nicotine on Children's Hands: Limited Protection of Smoking Bans and Initial Clinical Findings," published Jan. 16 in Tobacco Use Insights, Cincinnati Children's attending physician Melinda Mahabee-Gittens and UC assistant professor Ashley Merianos found that not smoking around children doesn't stop the children of smokers from being exposed to nicotine. They also found that that higher levels of exposure to tobacco smoke residuewhich likely includes carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosaminesmay be linked to respiratory problems.

"It just goes to show that indoor smoking bans don't necessarily protect children from tobacco smoke exposure and related pollutants, such as thirdhand smoke," says Merianos.

"It also shows that exposure to tobacco smoke toxicants is more widespread than previously thought because exposure in children is not limited to inhaling secondhand smoke," adds Mahabee-Gittens.

Research staff collected wipes of the dominant hands of 104 children visiting the Cincinnati Children's Pediatric Emergency Department between April 2016 and August 2017 with complaints potentially linked to tobacco smoke exposure and who had at least one caregiver who smoked. The handwipes were then analyzed for nicotine.

The research explored several variables, including the self-reported smoking behaviors of the children's caregivers, as well as the number of smokers living with the child, the number of cigarettes per day smoked by caregivers, the number of cigarettes smoked around the child in any location (such as in the home and the car) and the number of cigarettes smoked around the child inside the home. The research also looked at the medical records of the children for possible smoke exposure-related complaints such as wheezing and cough, as well as past medical histories and discharge diagnoses.

The study found significant levels of nicotine on the hands of children of smokers whose caregivers did not smoke in their presence, averaging 82 nanograms (ng) of nicotine. A similar amount was found on the hands of children whose caregivers smoked between one and five cigarettes per day in their presence. Children whose parents smoked 15 or more cigarettes around them had nicotine levels on their hands in excess of 200 ng.

More than half of the children in the study were under 2 years old. Children in that age group averaged about 69 ng nicotine, while children between the ages of 2 and 4who accounted for 25 percent of the children studiedaveraged nearly three times as much (185.6 ng). Children ages 5 and over were found to have only slightly more nicotine on their hands than the children under 2.

"Future work should explore the associations of hand nicotine and age to determine how children's changing interactions with their environment and behaviors contribute to increased nicotine in 2- to 4-year-olds, whether handwashing decreases the risk and whether increased levels are associated with increased [secondhand smoke-related] clinical illnesses," according to the research article.

Children whose caregivers smoked five or less cigarettes per day had an average of about 55 ng nicotine on their hands, while children whose caregivers smoked 15 or more per day were found to have an average of 124 ng nicotine on their hands.

Children with higher levels of nicotine found on their hands were significantly more likely to have respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and coughing, Merianos says.

"That's just a preliminary finding," she cautions. "We need to do more work. There's a paucity of literature available on the impact that thirdhand smoke has on health effects in children."

Merianos advocates for caregivers to quit smoking to decrease the exposure of children to nicotine and smoking-related chemicals. For those who do not quit, she recommends handwashing, showering and changing clothes after smoking to minimize thirdhand smoke exposure.

Mahabee-Gittens adds that parental smokers should know that these measures alone are not enough to protect their children since deep-seated reservoirs of toxicants continue to build when smoking continues.

The researchers will continue to study the issue to see if the results are replicated with a larger sample of children.

Explore further Kids' hands may be a source of significant nicotine exposure

More information: E Melinda Mahabee-Gittens et al, Nicotine on Children's Hands: Limited Protection of Smoking Bans and Initial Clinical Findings, Tobacco Use Insights (2019). E Melinda Mahabee-Gittens et al, Nicotine on Children's Hands: Limited Protection of Smoking Bans and Initial Clinical Findings,(2019). DOI: 10.1177/1179173X18823493
Premature ageing in the skin of white people caused by repeated exposure to the sun also occurs in black skinthough about 50 years later, according to new research.

The teamled by University of Manchester scientists  dispel the myth that people with black skin are largely protected from sun damage because of its high content of pigment.

It has long been known that prolonged exposure to the sun causes premature ageing in skin of white people.

The study of 21 people in their early 20s and 18 people in their 60s and 70s is the first to analyse how skin structure and elasticity changes with age in black people.

Lead researcher Dr. Abigail Langton from The University of Manchester, said: "We know repeated exposure to the sun can age white skin, but very little research has been carried out on black people.

"This research shows that black skin is indeed affected by the sun, though it takes far longer for that effect to be felt."

The research was carried out in partnership with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, the United States.

The team analysed two skin sites: the buttock, which is protected from sun damage so giving researchers information on how skin may change due to advancing age; and the forearm, which receives regular exposure to the sun.

They used special equipment to test the elasticity of skin and measured key proteins that help us understand skin health: fibrillin and collagen.

Protected black buttock skin performed similarly in both young and old people: the older cohort showed only small differences in elasticity. However, the sun-exposed forearm skin showed significant changes in older black volunteers: it was much less elastic and fibrillin and collagen were reduced.

Professor Rachel Watson, from The University of Manchester, said: "Our previous work has shown that there are differences in how skin is organised in black and white skin; clinicians are often unaware of this difference. There is certainly a need to take this into account when considering treatment options for all patients.

"Most research is carried out in places where there are fewer people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds which might explain the lack of data on black skin.

"But in Baltimore, around 65 percent of the population are African Americans  which made it easier for us to recruit volunteers."

The study highlights the need for improved public health advice regarding the consequences of prolonged sun-exposure and the importance of using sun protection for all skin types.

"Aging in skin of color: Disruption to elastic fiber organization is detrimental to skin's biomechanical function" is published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and is funded by Boots UK, a subsidiary of Walgreens Boots Alliance.

Explore further Race can affect many skin conditions

More information: Abigail Kate Langton et al. Aging in Skin of Color: Disruption to Elastic Fiber Organization Is Detrimental to Skin's Biomechanical Function, Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2018). Journal information: Journal of Investigative Dermatology Abigail Kate Langton et al. Aging in Skin of Color: Disruption to Elastic Fiber Organization Is Detrimental to Skin's Biomechanical Function,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.10.026
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Pregnant women face a much greater risk of having a fatal, but less common, type of stroke caused by bleeding into the brain, according to results of two studies presented by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) at the International Stroke Conference 2019.

A study led by senior author Farhaan Vahidy, Ph.D., MBBS, MPH, found that pregnant women and those who recently gave birth were three to 10 times more likely to suffer intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which occurs when a blood vessel inside the brain bursts and spills blood into or around the brain. Vahidy is an associate professor of neurology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and director of the Population Health & Health Services Research Division at UTHealth Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease.

"It's important to remember that stroke is uncommon among the younger female population. Women undergo a number of physiological changes while pregnant, so we hypothesized that pregnancy would confer a higher ICH risk," said first author and presenter Jennifer Meeks, MS, a research coordinator in the Department of Neurology at McGovern Medical School. "However, the scale of the increase was highly significant and strikingly greater than what was anticipated."

Women with a history of other medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes were found to be at a greater risk of ICH. Those who had preeclampsia or eclampsia were 10 times more likely to suffer ICH, according to the study.

Using publicly available administrative data, researchers analyzed more than 3.3 million deliveries among women in hospitals in New York, California, and Florida. The same women, age 28 on average, were followed and served as their own controls when no longer pregnant or postpartum.

"The results showed that the risk of ICH starts to increase during the third trimester and continues to rise into an extended postpartum period. Other attributes, such as race, also appeared to influence the likelihood. For instance, black women were twice as likely as white women to suffer ICH and Asian women were 1.68 times more likely," Meeks said. "Further research is required to more precisely predict those groups of women who are at an increased risk of ICH during pregnancy so preventive measures may be taken."

There are two types of stroke, hemorrhagic and ischemic, which occurs when a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain is blocked by a clot. Around 15 percent of all strokes are hemorrhagic, but they account for approximately 40 percent of all stroke deaths, according to the National Stroke Association.

In the second study, researchers found women with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain, had increased incidence of ICH from AVM rupture during pregnancy.

Results showed women with AVMs were almost 3 times more likely to have ICH associated with pregnancy and delivery.

"Researchers have suspected that brain AVMs are more likely to bleed with pregnancy, but because they are uncommon, this connection was hard to prove. In our study, we looked at millions of women; the data confirmed this and were very compelling," said Sunil Sheth, MD, the senior author, who is an assistant professor of vascular and interventional neurology at McGovern Medical School.

The study analyzed data from nearly 6.3 million women, age 28 on average, with first-time pregnancy in hospitals in New York and Florida. Of these patients, 1,024 (0.02 percent) had an AVM, which was linked to a 340 percent increased risk of ICH during the pregnancy period.

"An AVM is like having a little bomb in the head, which creates an explosion of blood in the brain if it ruptures. When this happens it can put the mother and baby in considerable danger," Sheth said.

The abstract called for further research and improved methods to reduce ICH risk.

"We need to understand exactly what is happeningwhy do AVMs bleed in the first place and what is causing this substantially higher risk among pregnant women who have them?" Sheth said. "These findings could change the conversation of care for a very particular patient group. If we know a woman with a brain AVM is planning a pregnancy, it may be appropriate to treat the AVM before pregnancy or counsel for close monitoring during pregnancy."

Explore further Infection during delivery linked to greater risk of stroke after delivery
Zika virus transmission at the epi-center of the pandemic in the Americas. (A) The community site in Salvador, Brazil. (B) Cases of acute exanthematous illness identified during the outbreak and IgG3 responses against ZIKV NS1 protein prior to and after the outbreak. (C) Probability of ZIKV infection as a function of pre-outbreak immunity to dengue. (D) Spatial heterogeneity in ZIKV IgG3 positivity. Credit: Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer, Derek Cummings and Albert Ko]

The higher a person's immunity to dengue virus, the lower their risk of Zika infection, an international team of scientists led by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Yale School of Public Health and University of Florida report today in the journal Science.

The studywhich followed nearly 1,500 people living in a poor neighborhood at the heart of the 2015 Zika outbreak in Brazilalso provides evidence that Brazil's Zika epidemic has largely petered out because enough people acquired immunity to reduce the efficiency of transmission.

"Take that with a grain of salt, though," said co-senior author Ernesto T.A. Marques, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in Pitt Public Health's Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and public health researcher at Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz in Brazil. "Our study was in a very small urban area, and it is likely that in other parts of Brazil, even different neighborhoods within the same city, people are still susceptible to Zika infection."

The discovery relied on tests for dengue and Zika developed by Marques and his team and patented by Pitt. Marques is scientific director of Cura Zika, an international alliance to spur research into Zika, microcephaly and other congenital conditions it causes in babies.

The research team tapped into a long-running study of the health of people living in urban slums in Salvador, a city in northeast Brazil, led by co-senior author Albert Ko, M.D., chair of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health. Study participants gave multiple blood samples before, during and after the Zika epidemic. Samples collected in October 2014 and March 2015 were almost entirely negative for Zika, but by October 2015, 63 percent showed evidence of Zika infection.

Before the Zika outbreak, a subset of 642 participants also had been tested for previous dengue infection, and 86 percent were positive. Specifically, the test assessed the level of antibodies the participants had in their blood against dengue. The team found that each doubling of dengue antibody levels corresponded to a 9 percent reduction in risk of Zika.

"This means that there are some cross-protective antibodies that dengue provides against Zika," said Marques. "Future study may be warranted to assess whether the new dengue vaccines could be useful in preventing Zika infection."

Paradoxically, computational models by co-senior author Derek A.T. Cummings, Ph.D., professor of biology at the University of Florida, revealed that participants who had a very recent dengue infection were actually more susceptible to Zika.

The scientists suspect several possible explanations: It could be that protective antibodies haven't developed yet or there's something about these people's immune systems that increases their risk of contracting Zika. And the mosquitoes that transmit dengue also transmit Zika, so a recent dengue infection could simply mean they are in a place where Zika transmission is active as well.

Additional study also is needed to determine how these findings could prove useful to clinicians, Marques said.

Developing reliable, commercially available tests for women of child-bearing age to assess their previous dengue and Zika exposure is of immediate concern, along with evaluating recommendations so clinicians know what to do with that information, noted Marques. Testing could help clinicians determine whether vaccinating women against dengue could help protect them from Zika during pregnancy. It also would give a baseline, so obstetricians would know how closely to monitor a pregnant woman's fetus for microcephaly, based on her susceptibility to Zika.

Ongoing studies also are following babies born to women who contracted Zika during pregnancy to assess the effect of the mother's immunity to dengue on the degree of Zika-related congenital conditions in the babies.

Explore further Children who had a dengue infection could be protected from symptomatic Zika

More information: I. Rodriguez-Barraquer at University of California, San Francisco in San Francisco, CA el al., "Impact of preexisting dengue immunity on Zika virus emergence in a dengue endemic region," Science (2019). Journal information: Science I. Rodriguez-Barraquer at University of California, San Francisco in San Francisco, CA el al., "Impact of preexisting dengue immunity on Zika virus emergence in a dengue endemic region,"(2019). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.aav6618
Ten days' exposure to the phthalate DiNP interfered with the fertility of female mice, decreasing pregnancy rates for up to nine months afterward, researchers at the University of Illinois found. Comparative biosciences professor Jodi A. Flaws, left, and graduate student Katie (Catheryne) Chiang co-wrote the study. Credit: L. Brian Stauffer

A phthalate found in many plastic and personal care products may decrease fertility in female mice, a new study found.

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that giving female mice oral doses of the phthalate DiNP for 10 days disrupted their reproductive cycles, decreasing their ability to become pregnant for up to nine months afterward.

The findings, reported recently in the journal Toxicological Sciences, add to a growing body of research that links phthalates, also called plasticizers, with various reproductive abnormalities and other health problems in rodents.

Phthalates, which are added to plastic and vinyl to make them softer, flexible and more durable, are found in many types of consumer goods, including food and beverage packaging, vinyl flooring, medical devices and cosmetics.

Research studies have reported a variety of health risks associated with the phthalates that the mice in the study consumed, DiNP and DEHP. These studies include a 2015 study in mice by U. of I. scientist Jodi Flaws' research group, which found that DEHP disrupted hormone signaling and the growth and functioning of the ovaries. That study was published in the journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology.

However, much of the previous research on phthalates used very high dosages that don't reflect real-world exposure levels and the potential effects on female reproduction, said graduate student Katie (Catheryne) Chiang, a co-author of the current study with Flaws.

To investigate these phthalates' effects on female fertility, female mice were fed corn oil solutions containing environmentally relevant concentrations of DEHP or DiNP ranging from 20 micrograms to 200 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

Such doses are comparable to the levels of exposure that people may experience during their daily living and work activities, Chiang said.

After the 10-day dosing period ended, the phthalate-treated female mice and their counterparts in the control group were paired with untreated male partners twice for breeding.

"At three months post-dosing, a third of the females that were treated with the lowest doses of DEHP and DiNP were unable to conceive after mating, while 95 percent of the females in the control group became pregnant," Chiang said.

"The thing that was really concerning was that these females' fertility was impaired long after their exposure to the chemicals stopped," said Flaws, a professor of comparative biosciences at Illinois.

As in Flaws' 2015 study, the findings suggested that steroid hormone production and signaling were disrupted. At three months and nine months post-dosing, the DiNP-treated females' estrous cycles differed from those of the control group.

The proestrus stage, when the ovarian follicles grow rapidly and fertility increases, was shorter. However, the latter stages of the cycle, the metestrus and diestrus stagesduring which the ovaries produce progesterone and the uterine lining formswere longer.

In examining the mice immediately after the 10-day dosing period, the researchers also found that the treated females' uteruses weighed significantly less than those of the females in the control group.

However, they found no such differences at the three-month and nine-month intervals.

Among the females treated with the lowest doses of DEHP or DiNP, there was a significant reduction in the number that became pregnant and produced pups compared with the control group.

Chiang and Flaws hypothesized that dysregulation of the mice's steroidal hormones made their uterine linings less receptive to embryo implantation. There's a narrow window of time when the endometrial lining of the uterus is receptive to implantation and a female's sex steroid hormones must be well regulated for it to occur, according to the study.

Or, perhaps phthalate exposure accelerated the end of the female mice's reproductive lifespans, reducing their chances of becoming pregnant, the researchers said. Other studies have reported that phthalate exposure in humans through cosmetics and personal care products can trigger reproductive aging, causing women to enter menopause several years early.

While the findings of the U. of I. study are yet to be replicated in humans, Chiang and Flaws said they warrant further investigation, particularly into DEHP's and DiNP's potential effects on the ovaries and the production of sex steroid hormones.

"These chemicals' half-lives in the body are relatively short," Flaws said. "They tend to be broken down quickly and the metabolites excreted in urine within a couple of days. It's troubling that these effects were continuing several months later."

Explore further The phthalate DEHP undermines female fertility in mice

More information: Catheryne Chiang et al, Sub-Chronic Exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate and Diisononyl Phthalate During Adulthood Has Immediate and Long-Term Reproductive Consequences in Female Mice, Toxicological Sciences (2019). Journal information: Toxicological Sciences , Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology Catheryne Chiang et al, Sub-Chronic Exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate and Diisononyl Phthalate During Adulthood Has Immediate and Long-Term Reproductive Consequences in Female Mice,(2019). DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz013
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

When Washington voters legalized marijuana in 2012, many parents found themselves with a new teachable moment.

Though illegal for anyone under 21, the drug presented a dilemma similar to alcohol: Retailers sold it, people openly consumed itsometimes to excessand parents themselves struggled with how to talk to their kids about their own use, past or present.

Unlike with alcohol, research on the health and developmental effects of marijuana is still emerging. And the law's complexity, along with the accessibility of marijuana products and stores, has left parents thinking more deliberately about how and why to set some ground rules.

Most parents agree that marijuana should be off-limits to children and teenagers, but they want information and advice from trustworthy sources, said Nicole Eisenberg, a research scientist with the University of Washington's Social Development Research Group. Those findings come from a study published online Jan. 16 in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, by Eisenberg and a team of researchers.

"What I heard a lot of parents saying is, essentially, 'I can tell my kids not to use it, but I just don't know how to enforce and reinforce that message,'" Eisenberg said. "Parents are having a hard time reconciling societal norms with personal norms. Society has become more permissive, but at home, most parents don't want their children to use marijuana. It's a challenge that leaves them feeling like they don't know what to do."

To that end, parents said they want guidance, she added.

"Parents are eager to learn, and open to materials and programs that can help them. They're open to factual, unbiased, scientific information, and they want to know how to talk to their kids," Eisenberg said.

Based on focus group interviews with 54 adults, the study examined parents' attitudes and challenges around marijuana use. Researchers grouped parents according to the ages of their children and by their own usage of marijuana during the past year (as measured by a prior confidential survey); those who had used during the past year, to any degree, were in one group, and those who had not were in another. That separation was designed to better identify differences in how these groups parent; participants were not told anything about other group members' marijuana use.

Yet, in both groups, there were common themes that emerged which can be useful in delivering educational and prevention-oriented messages, Eisenberg said.

For parents, talking to kids about marijuana can mean many things: explaining its risks and effects, deciding on rules and consequences, and choosing whether to share their own history. Researchers didn't offer answersthat wasn't their role, or the purpose of the studybut parents appeared to appreciate hearing from each other, Eisenberg said.

Among the challenges parents discussed were adequate and appropriate consequences for breaking house rules, while a few parents of older kids, especially in the user-groups, described a harm-reduction approach, such as discussing with their teens how to use marijuana safely. Parents who chose this strategy said that while they didn't want their children to use marijuana, they figured that if the children were going to try it anyway, they might as well educate them.

What makes the issue so thorny is the relatively rapid legal and cultural change around marijuana, said Rick Kosterman, a co-author of the study from the Social Development Research Group. While marijuana has become even more available since these interviews were conducted in 2014, parents' questions are unlikely to have changed.

"In many ways, parenting around marijuana use is similar to that of alcohol use, since they're both legal for adults," Kosterman said. "A key difference is where I think parents and society in general have accepted that some people can become dependent on alcohol and it can ruin people's lives if used in excess. Parents and kids aren't so clear about risks of marijuana use like the potential for misuse or effects on adolescent brains.

"We are still learning about the risks of teen marijuana use, as well as potential medical uses."

The study's conclusion points to how parents might seek answers, whether through community-oriented drug prevention programs or through information from health care providers, public health agencies or school programs.

"The fact that parents in this study openly asked for guidance highlights an opportunity for the prevention science community to work with medical professionals, schools and policymakers to fulfill this vital need at a critical time of policy transition in the United States," the authors wrote.

Alongside this study of parenting practices is a companion study by the same research team, forthcoming in the Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, about parent perceptions of teens' exposure to marijuana use following legalization in Washington state.

The parents who agreed to participate in both studies came from a longitudinal study the research group launched in the 1980s called the Seattle Social Development Project. The focus group sample was 39 percent white, 37 percent African American, 17 percent Asian American and 7 percent Native American. Of these groups, approximately 5 percent were Latino.

Explore further Secondhand pot smoke found in kids' lungs

More information: Nicole Eisenberg et al, Parenting Practices in the Context of Legal Marijuana: Voices from Seattle Parents, Journal of Child and Family Studies (2019). Nicole Eisenberg et al, Parenting Practices in the Context of Legal Marijuana: Voices from Seattle Parents,(2019). DOI: 10.1007/s10826-018-1288-9
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Compounds found in fish oil prevent pregnancy complications, including preterm birth, neonatal death, and stillbirth, in mice when the complications are caused by a common oral bacteria, according to research published today in the journal JCI Insight.

The study, by scientists at Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine and Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, suggests a new strategy for protecting pregnancy in women.

Approximately one in 10 U.S. infants are born before term. Between 10 and 30 percent of preterm births have been attributed to uterine infections with a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouth, F. nucleatum.

This research identifies a potential prophylactic treatment for pregnant women to lower the risk of adverse outcomes including stillbirth.

"This type of bacteria is ubiquitous; everybody has it in their mouths," says Yiping Han, Ph.D., senior author of the new study. "The problems start when it travels to other parts of the body."

In pregnant women, the placenta is at particular risk for infection with F. nucleatum. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause inflammation and bleeding in the gums, which affects between 30 and 100 percent of pregnant women. Bleeding gums create an entryway for bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. Once in the circulatory system, the bacteria can migrate to the placenta and cause inflammation there, sometimes triggering miscarriage or stillbirth.

Isolating the inflammatory mechanism

"We knew from our previous work that uterine inflammation due to infection with this bacteria is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but in order to prevent those outcomes, we needed to determine exactly how these infections trigger inflammation."

Using a mouse model, the researchers injected the bacteria into mice during their third trimester of pregnancy. As predicted, the bacteria invaded the animals' uteruses.

The researchers saw that the bacteria triggered an inflammatory response in endothelial cells within the mouse placenta, leading to preterm births.

The inflammatory response only occurred when a specific immune protein was present in the mothers' endothelial cells. In pregnant mice lacking this protein, fewer fetuses died, suggesting that inflammation ignited by this protein is critical for causing preterm births.

Omega-3's prevent inflammation, improve birth outcomes in mice

After determining how the bacteria trigger inflammation within the placenta, Han's team used cultured cells to look for ways to inhibit those mechanisms.

"We were looking for an anti-inflammatory agent that's safe for pregnant women to use," says Han.

Because omega-3 fatty acid supplements are widely used to reduce inflammation in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Han considered fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements are already recommended for pregnant women to support fetal development.

The experiments showed that supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids also inhibited inflammation and bacterial growth in pregnant mice, and reduced preterm births, miscarriages, and stillbirths.

Han now hopes to begin a clinical trial to test whether omega-3 fatty acids can prevent intrauterine F. nucleatum infection and adverse outcomes in pregnant women.

Caveats

The doses of omega-3 fatty acids used in this study were far higher than those recommended for people taking fish oil supplements. The study points to a promising avenue for further research, but does not support any immediate changes in clinical practice.

The study is titled "Omega-3 fatty acids suppress Fusobacterium nucleatum-induced placental inflammation originating from maternal endothelial cells" appeared online Feb. 7, 2019 in the journal JCI Insight.

Explore further New research finds omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of premature birth
READ: Bombings haunt BOL vote; 3k troops deploy

Six Lanao del Norte towns will remain part of the province after failing to get majority votes to join the new Bangsamoro autonomous region in Wednesdays plebiscite, the provincial office of the Commission on Elections told CNN Philippines. READ: BOL plebiscite: Eyes on Lanao, North Cotabato The Regional Plebiscite Board of Canvassers said the towns of Tagoloan, Balo-i, Pantar, Munai, Tangcal, and Nunungan were unable to get the double majority votes needed for them to break away from Lanao del Norte and be included in the soon-to-be-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Meanwhile, an official has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the petitions seeking to nullify the law expanding the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to become a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. In a comment-in-intervention, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu urged the high court to uphold the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, citing the overwhelming vote for its ratification in the plebiscite. READ: Mangudadatu: BOL ratification to address regional issues Mangudadatu said the high court should dismiss the petitions of the Sulu provincial government led by Gov. Abdusakur Tan II and the Philippine Constitutional Association seeking to nullify RA 11054, which expands the ARMM to become BAR, saying the Mindanao people had already spoken in favor of the new autonomous region in Mindanao. While all six municipalities voted to be part of the new region that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the rest of Lanao del Norte said no to the proposal. Here is the complete breakdown of the votes of each of the six towns, according to the Comelec:Yes: 8,553 No: 3,038Yes: 73,164 No: 154,553Yes: 10,765 No: 4Yes: 71,148 No: 158,025Yes: 1,802 No: 1,004Yes: 79,935 No: 156,630Yes: 7,840 No: 256Yes: 73,992 No: 157,705Yes: 2,760 No: 1,373Yes: 78,849 No: 156,605Yes: 6,276 No: 0Yes: 75,364 No: 157,417 Voter turnout in the second plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law was at 68.8 percent, Comelec added. Results of the provincial canvass will be transmitted to the National Plebiscite Board of Canvassers at the Comelec headquarters in Manila.
(HealthDay)Measles outbreaks across the United Statesincluding one in Washington state where 50 cases have now been identifiedhave again shone the spotlight on parents who resist getting kids vaccinated.

These outbreaks are a clear sign of the fraying of "herd immunity," the overall protection found when a large majority of a population has become immune to a disease, said Dr. Paul Offit. He is director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

"Measles is the most contagious of the vaccine-preventable diseases, so it's always the first to come back when you see a drop in herd immunity," Offit said.

The World Health Organization has taken notice, and recently declared the anti-vaxxer movement a major threat to public health.

Given this, why does anti-vaccine sentiment continue to thrive in certain locales throughout America?

Offit suspects it's because people have forgotten just how bad diseases like measles, chickenpox and whooping cough can be.

"It's happening because people aren't scared of the diseases," Offit said. "I think vaccines in some ways are victims of their own success."

But other factors come into play, including a reluctance to give a slew of vaccines to a young child so early in life, now-debunked fears of a link to autism, a feeling that diseases are a natural part of childhood, and a deep-seated distrust of the medical community.

Measles outbreaks were "inevitable," said Dr. Dawn Nolt, an associate professor of pediatric infectious disease at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Ore. She lives close to the Washington border, where the biggest current measles outbreak rages.

"Pockets of communities where there are low vaccine rates are ripe to be ground zero for an outbreak," Nolt said. "All you need is one person in that community. We knew this was going to happen."

That's particularly true of measles, which is incredibly virulent.

Offit explained that "you don't have to have face-to-face contact with someone who has measles. You just have to be within their air space within two hours of their being there."

According to Nolt, despite its power to spread, there are three questions that typically come up with parents who are hesitant about having their children vaccinated against measles: Is the vaccine safe? Is the vaccine needed? Why shouldn't I have freedom of choice regarding my child's vaccinations?

"I think what's important is to really understand that families have certain concerns and we need to understand those concerns," Nolt said. "We can't lump them all together and think that that one conversation serves all of their concerns."

Parents' concerns regarding vaccination are often first sparked by the recommended vaccine schedule, Offit said.

"What's happened is we ask parents of young children in this country to get vaccines to prevent 14 different diseases," Offit said. "That can mean as many as 26 inoculations during those first few years of life, as many as five shots at one time, to prevent diseases most people don't see, using biological fluids most people don't understand."

So, it's important that doctors explain to parents that these vaccines are "literally a drop in the ocean" compared to the myriad immune system triggers a child encounters each day, Offit said.

"Very quickly after birth, you have living on the surface of your body trillions of bacteria, to which you make an immune response," Offit explained. "The food you eat isn't sterile. The dust you inhale isn't sterile. The water you drink isn't sterile. You're constantly being exposed to bacteria to which you make an immune response."

Doctors also still have to deal with an erroneous 1998 study that linked vaccinations and autism, said Dr. Talia Swartz, an assistant professor of infectious diseases with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City.

The study was later found to be fraudulent and withdrawn, but "significant press has continued to raise concern about this, even though these concerns have been refuted based on large-scale population studies," Swartz said.

It's important to emphasize that these vaccines are heavily tested for safety, said Lori Freeman, CEO of the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

As to whether vaccines are needed, outbreaks provide a powerful argument in favor of that premise, experts said.

However, some parents still greet outbreaks with a shrug.

Nolt said that "some people think vaccines aren't needed because the disease is more 'natural' than the vaccine."

And arguments based on altruismvaccinating your child to protect the rest of the community, especially kids who can't be vaccinatedonly go so far, she added.

"I think that resonates with people who have close family or friends who are immunocompromised. For someone who hasn't had that experience, I think that's a harder sell," Nolt said.

Offit is also pessimistic that outbreaks alone will convince hesitant parents to have their kids vaccinated.

"I think children are going to have to die [for attitudes to change]," Offit said. "In regards to measles, you're probably going to have to get 1,000 to 2,000 cases a year to start to see measles deaths again, but that can happen. Before there was a measles vaccine, which came into the United States in 1963, every year you'd see about 500 children die of measles."

The "freedom of choice" argument can be the most difficult for doctors to counter, Nolt said. Accumulated distrust of organized medicine, federal regulators and pharmaceutical companies isn't something a pediatrician can easily counter through conversation.

Explore further Officials urge vaccinations amid Northwest measles outbreak (Update)

More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about measles cases and outbreaks in the United States

Copyright  2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Medical services in Guinea are on alert after a man died from Lassa fever, health officials said on Thursday, with some 80 people being monitored for the deadly disease.

Lassa fever is caused by a haemorrhagic virus which belongs to the same family as Marburg and Ebola.

The virus was found in a 35-year-old man from the southwestern town of Kissidougou. He died on January 29 in Mamou, some 400 kilometres (250 miles) away, according to officials.

Kissidougou is where an outbreak of Ebola began in December 2013, leading to thousands of deaths in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

"(We) have set to work to see if there are any hidden cases and to trace all the contacts" of the deceased man, said Sakoba Keita from the National Health Security Agency (ANSS).

Keita said it was not yet clear whether this was "an isolated case or an epidemic".

Around 80 people30 in Kissidougou and 50 in Mamouare being monitored but none have so far shown any symptoms of the disease, Keita said.

Lassa takes its name from the town of that name in northern Nigeria where it was first identified in 1969.

The virus is spread through contact with food or household items contaminated with rats' urine or faeces, or after coming into direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.

It can be prevented by enhanced hygiene and avoidance of all contact with rats.

Nearly four in five peple who become infected with the virus do not have symptoms of the disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) says on its website.

A Lassa outbreak in Nigeria last year left 171 dead, and a resurgence of the disease there last month killed 16, according to official figures.

Explore further Nigeria's new outbreak of Lassa fever kills 16

 2019 AFP
A TEM micrograph showing Dengue virus virions (the cluster of dark dots near the center). Image: CDC

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have demonstrated for the first time a physical interaction between two types of immune cells that plays an important role in the early fight against dengue virus infection.

Dengue virus is widespread in the tropics and is transmitted by mosquitos. Dengue virus infection incidence has grown dramatically in recent years, with estimates suggesting 390 million infections annually. It manifests as a severe, flu-like illness with high fever, and can in some cases develop into a life-threatening condition. No treatments exist for dengue fever. A vaccination does exist but is only recommended for use in people who have had dengue at least once before.

"We need much better vaccinations for dengue and for related viral pathogens that are injected into the skin by mosquitoes," said Dr. Ashley St. John, Assistant Professor of Duke-NUS' Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Signature Research Programme and corresponding author of the study.

Very little is known about how the immune system first recognizes viruses, such as dengue virus, in the skin, she explains. Understanding how this happens could help design better vaccines for this and similar viruses.

Dr. St. John and study co-author Dr. Chinmay Mantri, a Research Fellow in the EID Programme, investigated the role played by a type of immune cell, called a mast cell, which patrols the skin to guard against infections. Mast cells are largely known for recruiting other types of immune cells through the release of special attracting chemicals. Much is understood about how mast cells react in the presence of bacteria and parasites, but investigations into their roles with viruses have only recently begun.

The researchers analysed how the dengue virus reacted in an animal model without any mast cells and compared the responses to animals with normal numbers of mast cells in order to determine which reactions were dependent on the presence of mast cells.

They found that mast cells attracted several types of immune cells to the site of infection. One of these is called gamma delta () T cells. Not only were  T cells attracted to the infection site, they also physically interacted with the mast cells, something not previously observed in viral infections. The  T cells bound to a receptor present on the mast cells called the endothelial protein C receptor. This so-called 'immune synapse' led to the T cells activating, proliferating, and producing interferon gamma, which initiated their role in killing cells infected with dengue.

"These [immune synapse] structures of cells in the process of communication were very exciting and visually striking to us when we first made this observation, and provide a glimpse into the ways that cells must work together to fight infection," said Dr. St. John.

Professor Patrick Casey, Senior Vice Dean of Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, commented, "According to recent news, the number of dengue cases in Singapore since the start of 2019 have been at their highest in over two years. This timely study is all the more important as an example of how we develop insights from outstanding basic research that can one day lead to clinical innovations to protect against such diseases."

The study authors next plan to use the results of their research to work toward the development of better vaccines for viruses, like dengue, that are spread by mosquitoes.

Explore further Researchers identify new cell that attacks dengue virus

More information: Mantri CK, St John AL (2019). Immune synapses between mast cells and  T cells limit viral infection. Journal of Clinical Investigation. DOI: 10.1172/JCI122530 Journal information: Journal of Clinical Investigation Mantri CK, St John AL (2019). Immune synapses between mast cells and  T cells limit viral infection.
(HealthDay)Cablivi (caplacizumab-yhdp) injection has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adults with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP).

"Patients with aTTP endure hours of treatment with daily plasma exchange, which requires being attached to a machine that takes blood out of the body and mixes it with donated plasma and then returns it to the body," Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence, said in a statement. "Even after days or weeks of this treatment, as well as taking drugs that suppress the immune system, many patients will have a recurrence of aTTP."

Cablivi is the first targeted treatment that inhibits blood clot formation and provides a new treatment option for patients that may reduce recurrences. Cablivi was evaluated in clinical studies involving 145 people. Those treated with Cablivi had fewer instances of aTTP-related death, the FDA said.

Common side effects include headache and bleeding of the nose or gums. Cablivi's prescribing information includes a warning about the risk for severe bleeding. Health care providers should closely monitor patients who also take anticoagulants, the FDA said.

The drug is produced by Ablynx, based in Belgium.

Explore further FDA approves novel treatment for hairy cell leukemia

More information: More Information

Health News Copyright  2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A law meant to shame doctors who receive payments and gifts from drug companies in exchange for prescribing their medications to patients has given rise to some unexpected consequences.

Researchers from the University of Michigan and Duke University wanted to find out what, if any, effect the public disclosure as required by the Affordable Care Act in 2013 would have on these payments. Drug companies in the U.S. paid $2.6 billion to physicians to promote their medications to patients in 2015.

The researchers used data covering 29 months and $100 million in payments between 16 diabetics medicine brands and 50,000 physicians.

"We looked at two waves of data, before the law passed and after, to see if public shaming would work," said S. Sriram, associate professor of marketing at U-M's Ross School of Business. "We actually found an effect. Disclosure of these payments reduces them on average by 2 percent."

That's a conservative estimate as firms and physicians could have adjusted the payments downward before the actual data disclosure took effect.

"Overall, disclosure did not deliver the ideal outcome. Patients should be aware. They should be offended," said Sriram, who is also a Michael R. and Mary Kay Hallman Faculty Fellow at Ross.

The researchers were able to tease out this effect by examining payments to physicians for a given product in a state with disclosure and comparing payments to a synthetically created identical "clone" physician in a state without disclosure.

The research comprises part of Tong Guo's doctoral dissertation at Ross under the guidance of Sriram and Puneet Manchanda, the Isadore and Leon Professor of Marketing at Ross. Guo is now an assistant professor of marketing at Duke.

What they weren't expecting was to see that 14 percent of physicians showed a significant increase in their monthly payments. Specifically, while there was an overall decrease in payments on average, which the ACA intended, the effect was limited on top-selling drugs and popular physicians, Manchanda said.

The pattern of results also suggests that the biggest beneficiary from disclosure were the drug companies. Post disclosure, they were able to gather market intelligence on which physicians were paid how much by which company.

"The drug companies value loyalty and seem to increase investment in their more loyal physicians and move dollars away from less loyal physicians," Manchanda said. "So the rich get richer."

The research didn't delve into whether the disclosure of payments had an impact on patient welfare as the researchers didn't have access to health outcomes. But they hope that this will be addressed in future research.

Explore further Doctors write fewer prescriptions after sunshine laws reveal drug company payments

More information: Tong Guo et al. The Effect of Information Disclosure on Industry Payments to Physicians, SSRN Electronic Journal (2017). Tong Guo et al. The Effect of Information Disclosure on Industry Payments to Physicians,(2017). DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3064769
Adults with cerebral palsy in England are 14 times more likely to die from respiratory conditions, reveals a new study backed by Brunel University London.

The same group are also at three times higher risk of heart disease death than the general population, said the research.

It is the first time scientists can put a figure on the relative risk of death from different causes among people with cerebral palsy in England.

One in every 400 children in England has cerebral palsy, which affects muscle control and movement. It's mostly caused by brain injury before, during or after birth.

Survival rates for children with cerebral palsy have improved dramatically in recent decades and now most children with it live well into adulthood. But death rates among adults with cerebral palsy who aren't severely impaired haven't dropped, which leaves a growing life expectancy gap between adults with cerebral palsy and the general population. That gap has grown by 1.7 per cent a year since the 80s.

The study, published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, found adults with cerebral palsy have a four times greater risk of dying from any cause compared with the general population. And they are at greater risk from dying of respiratory conditions and cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart disease, it suggests.

Along with cancer, heart and lung disease are the biggest killers worldwide, and a leading risk factor for both is lack of physical activity  something many with cerebral palsy struggle with. When they become adults, people with cerebral palsy often find a lack of services geared to them. This may make it harder for them to manage these conditions.

"People with cerebral palsy need ongoing support to prevent their condition deteriorating and developing secondary health conditions," said Dr. Jennifer Ryan. "However, we know adults with cerebral palsy often find it challenging to access the support and services they require as adults. We need more research to understand how we can better support adults with cerebral palsy to live a full and active life despite their changing needs".

Researchers from Brunel University London, University of Surrey, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Luxembourg's Lunex University are working together to do more research into health and wellbeing in adults with cerebral palsy. The group, named RADiCAL (Rehabilitation for ADults with CerebAL palsy), aims to influence health services for adults with cerebral palsy.

Explore further Risk of developing depression and anxiety is higher in those with cerebral palsy

More information: Mortality due to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and cancer in adults with cerebral palsy will be available on Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology on Thursday Feb 7.
Scripps Research Chemistry Professor Matthew Disney and graduate student Matthew Costales show how an RNA binding molecule can make a breast cancer cell sensitive to Herceptin. Credit: Scripps Research

When women or men receive the worrisome diagnosis of breast cancer, that news comes with an important piece of information, namely, whether their cancer is HER2-positive or HER2-negative. It can be especially difficult to hear that one's cancer is HER2-negative, because it means an effective group of targeted anti-cancer drugs isn't available.

A new study from the lab of Scripps Research chemist Matthew D. Disney, Ph.D., suggests that in the future, that might not be the final word on the matter. Writing in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Disney's group describes shifting three different cancer cell lines from HER2-negative status to HER2-positive status with the addition of a selective micro-RNA binding molecule they referred to as TGP-515.

It's a revolutionary idea, that a cancer's genotype might not have to be the limiting factor in its range of targeted treatment options. However, this is just a first step in a long series of work ahead to enable the technology to benefit cancer patients, Disney notes.

The team designed their compound by using a mathematical system Disney developed called Inforna. The compound rendered the cancer cells vulnerable to both Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine), both targeted therapeutics. Meanwhile, it left healthy breast cells unaffected.

"It's possible that precision medicines like Herceptin can be made available to a wider group of people by altering gene expression with therapeutics that bind not to the proteins but to noncoding RNA," Disney says.

About 20 percent of people diagnosed with breast cancer have the HER2-positive mutation, which means the surface of their cancer cells have more of the HER2 protein on them. While that mutation is associated with faster growing, more aggressive cancers, since 1998 it has come with good options for effective treatment. Since the monoclonal antibody drug Herceptin was introduced, 10-year disease-free survival rates for the HER2-positive breast cancer subtype surged to 84 percent.

For breast cancer patients with dwindling options, switching on HER2 sensitivity might be life-changing, Disney says.

"This study is proof of concept for the strategy of creating sensitivity to a drug where one otherwise wouldn't exist," Disney says. "It also validates the notion that transcription of genes can be modulated via small molecule compounds engineered to bind to relevant noncoding RNA. This means that supposedly untreatable diseases may, one day, be readily treatable. There is a long way to go for this to get to patients, however."

There were many challenges that had to be overcome to create the effective compound, says first author Matthew G. Costales, a Scripps Research graduate student. Unintended targets had to be identified and blocked, and selectivity engineered into the molecule. Disney's computational system, Inforna, guided the efforts.

The first compound the Inforna database highlighted bound to two different micro RNAs, both 885 and 515. That could have posed problems. Further refinement made it clear that a compound could be designed to be selective for one micro RNA but not the other. Eventually they created a molecule that successfully selected only for the desired microRNA, 515. The result was that the cells produced increased HER2 levels, making them sensitive to the drugs.

"The demanding synthetic, biochemical, and cellular experiments described in this paper were three years in the making," Costales says. "It required tremendous effort, but the work is by no means complete. I am looking forward to future work guided by the lessons we learned here."

Disney credits his colleague, Scripps Research chemist Alexander Adibekian, Ph.D., with helping understand the mechanisms of action of their compound, TGP-515, and demonstrating its selectivity.

It's important to note that this is a first step toward making drugs to boost HER2 sensitivity where there is none, Disney says. Significant additional research lies ahead, he says.

Successful tests in cultured cells must be followed with tests in mouse models of cancer, a process that will take several years. Financial support from the community, including Frenchman's Creek Women for Cancer Research, Alan and Susan Fuirst, and the R. J. Scheller Graduate Student Fellowship, has helped made the work possible.

"These studies would not have been realized without the local support graciously provided by the community," Disney says. "I am incredibly grateful for the community taking the time to invest in the future of biomedical research completed here at Scripps Research."

Explore further Researchers identify a potential new approach to treat HER2 positive breast cancer

More information: Matthew G. Costales et al, A Designed Small Molecule Inhibitor of a Non-Coding RNA Sensitizes HER2 Negative Cancers to Herceptin, Journal of the American Chemical Society (2019). Journal information: Journal of the American Chemical Society Matthew G. Costales et al, A Designed Small Molecule Inhibitor of a Non-Coding RNA Sensitizes HER2 Negative Cancers to Herceptin,(2019). DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b10558
Diagram of the brain of a person with Alzheimer's Disease. Credit: Wikipedia/public domain.

A team of researchers from Australia, the U.K. and Sweden has found a possible method to test blood samples for Alzheimer's disease before symptoms appear. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes their testing system and its performance.

As medical scientists continue to search for ways to prevent people from developing Alzheimer's disease, they also seek ways to detect it earlier. Finding signs in patients before they develop symptoms is crucial for testing treatment methods aimed at preventing Alzheimer's progression. Currently, there are two methods for early detection, PET scans and cerebral fluid analysisthe first is quite expensive, and the second is unpleasant for the patient. Because of these roadblocks, scientists continue looking for a way to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease using blood samples. In this new effort, the researchers report that they have developed just such a blood test, and it has shown promise in initial trials.

To develop the blood test, the researchers started by measuring protein group levels in blood samples from 238 (cognitively unimpaired) people participating in two Australian-based biomarker and aging studies. All of the donors had previously undergone PET scans to determine their A status. The team then built a computer model to classify proteins and then analyzed data from participants in one of the biomarker and aging study groups with a machine learning algorithm designed to learn to identify markers indicating preclinical Alzheimer's disease. Then they tested the system on data from the second group of study participants.

The researchers report that preliminary testing showed the technique to be 90 percent accurate in matching results obtained from PET scan testing. They report also that their system found 10 protein features that together represent a biomarker, two of which had been identified as possibilities before. They note that their results represent the first plasma biomarker for Alzheimer's disease, though they acknowledge that much more work needs to be done before the test can be used for diagnosing actual patients. But the team is optimistic that someday soon, a blood test for preclinical Alzheimer's disease will become available.

More information: Nicholas J. Ashton et al. A plasma protein classifier for predicting amyloid burden for preclinical Alzheimer's disease, Science Advances (2019). Journal information: Science Advances Nicholas J. Ashton et al. A plasma protein classifier for predicting amyloid burden for preclinical Alzheimer's disease,(2019). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau7220

 2019 Science X Network
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. ~
JEROME  The Sawtooth National Forest is seeking public comment on proposed projects in order to seek grants from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Each year the state of Idaho provides funding for public land agencies through a grant application process. These state funds are raised through the sale of a variety of boating, recreation and off-road vehicle stickers. Agencies applying for IDPR grants are required to provide matching funds or in-kind contributions.
China has deployed a large fleet of ships near the Spratly Islands in response to the Philippines construction of a new beaching ramp on Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, an American think tank said Wednesday. The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of the US Center for Strategic and International Studies said these included navy and coast guard ships and dozens of fishing vessels from 30 to 70 meters in length. Satellite images from mid-December 2018 and late January 2019 showed the number of ships rising to 95 on Dec. 5 before dropping to 42 by Jan. 26, AMTI said. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, denied an AMTI claim that the Philippines was undertaking land reclamation of its own on Pag-asa Island. As of now, only the beaching ramp is being undertaken. Next is the concreting of the runway [Rancudo Airfield] and the third phase involves the lengthening of the airfield, he added. Rancudo Airfield measures 1.4 km. and is capable of handling medium-sized aircraft like the Air Forces Lockheed C-130 Hercules cargo planes.Also on Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is still studying further steps to take, in view of the reported construction of a Chinese maritime rescue center in the West Philippine Sea, a ranking agency official said Thursday. Were studying what steps might be taken or not, DFA Undersecretary for Policy Enrique Manalo told reporters in an interview in Makati City. As recently stated by DFA chief Teodoro Locsin Jr., he noted that filing a protest is an active consideration. Both the DFA and Malacanang have yet to issue an update regarding the reported construction in the area. On Monday, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, however, said the Armed Forces of the Philippines continues to monitor the disputed waters, where China and other countriesincluding the Philippinesshare contesting territorial claims. On Jan. 29, Chinas news agency Xinhua reported that a maritime rescue center was built on the Philippine-claimed Kagitingan Reef in the Kalayaan Island Group.
STANLEY  The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service has announced Jim DeMaagd as the new supervisor for the Sawtooth National Forest. He succeeds Forest Supervisor Kit Mullen who served in the role from 2014 to his retirement last summer.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science in geology from California State University at Chico, DeMaagd started his career in 1993 as a temporary employee on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in northern California. He went on to join the Region 5 Mineral Examiners Team which was in charge of performing examination work throughout the region. DeMaagd became the lead mineral examiner for the Washington Office of Minerals and Geology Management in 2010. Shortly after, he was selected as the assistant director for Locatable Minerals, Salable Minerals, and Abandoned Mine Lands closures. In 2015, DeMaagd returned to the forest, serving as the deputy forest supervisor for the Mt. Hood National Forest in northern Oregon.
Sixty-one percent of Idahoans voted for a clean Medicaid Expansion program, which means a program without obstacles to getting covered for those who qualify. Implementing Medicaid Expansion with no barriers to coverage is not only the will of the people but also the best option for the state. Creating obstacles to coverage will only increase costs, grow the state bureaucracy and drown working Idahoans in red tape. If Idahos lawmakers succeed in putting side boards on Medicaid Expansion, they will only succeed in soaking you of your tax dollars to pay for bigger government. They will also create a second gap of working Idahoans who otherwise qualify for benefits, but get kicked out of the program because they fail to fill out paperwork. Under that scenario, we all end up paying for the hugely expensive and inefficient emergency care we voted to eliminate under Proposition Two.

A clean Medicaid Expansion program will also stimulate Idahos economy. By bringing $400 million of our federal dollars back to Idaho, we stand to create thousands of good-paying jobs and strengthen our rural hospitals and communities. I value all of those results, not just for my constituents but for all of Idaho.

Medicaid Expansion is the biggest positive change to hit Idaho in a generation. Thats why Idahoans from all over the state are coming together to make sure it gets funded as the voters want it. Access to healthcare is one of the most essential parts of any individuals ability to prosper and support their family. We have the chance to protect families, prevent needless diseases and injuries, and improve the overall health and prosperity of the state. As an elected lawmaker, I believe I have a duty to fulfill the will of the people. I will work tirelessly to do just that this legislative session.

Rep. Muffy Davis represents Camas, Gooding, Lincoln and Blaine Counties in the Idaho State Legislature.

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There is reason to believe Quinton wasnt himself on the night the trooper pulled him over, that he acted that night in a way he would not have acted if he were sober.

Quinton had a massive dose of dextromethorphan in his system. A common over-the-counter cough suppressant, in very high doses dextromethorphan acts as a dissociative anesthetic  the same class of drugs as PCP. It can cause hallucinations and psychosis, along with a host of other symptoms.

What happened the night of Nov. 2 was, quite simply, a tragedy. It is not necessary to believe that Quinton was a bad person in order to conclude that a trooper was justified in shooting him that night.

Our call for the Idaho State Police to improve its transparency in officer-involved shootings remains unchanged.

It may benefit from greater transparency. Silence never extinguishes suspicion, quite the opposite. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, a space left without facts will soon be filled by speculation. If ISP had released the troopers name and more basic details of the shooting, it may have headed off much of the rumor that has circulated in the three months since.
SUN VALLEY  Sun Valley and Snowbasin of Huntsville, Utah, have announced they are joining Epic Pass in a multi-year alliance beginning with the 2019-2020 winter season. Both mountain resorts will remain independently-owned and operated. Sun Valley, Snowbasin and Epic season passes will go on sale in early March.

Sun Valley and Snowbasin are crown jewels of our family-owned businesses, and we are always looking for new ways to provide outstanding service to our guests, Carol Holding, whose husband Earl bought Sun Valley in 1977, said in a statement. As we remain committed to investing in and operating our properties for many years to come, this multi-year alliance with the Epic Pass will bring value to our pass holders and introduce more guests to our unique traditions.
Neither man was under the influence of alcohol, the newspaper reported, but no reason for the mens feud was ever given.

Mychel Matthews reports on rural issues for the Times-News. The Hidden History feature runs every Thursday in the Times-News and at Magicvalley.com.

If you have a question about something that may have historical significance, email Matthews at mmatthews@magicvalley.com or call her at 208-735-3233.
An initial nutrient assessment of the mid-Snake prompted by the Clean Water Act in the early 1990s led the state to set a target of reducing rooted macrophyte growth by 30 percent, especially in areas such as Gridley Bridge and Crystal Springs. Since then, there havent been any follow-up studies to see what effect those initial reduction efforts have had. Now, Twin Falls city officials and other members of the Southern Idaho Water Quality Coalition would like to see the state take steps to more closely monitor the water quality of that particular portion of the river.

We have a strong belief that were really just a starting point, Jason Brown, an environmental engineer with the city of Twin Falls, told the committee Tuesday. Water quality is a state issue, not just a regional issue.

Cleaning up the river in the growing Magic Valley, particularly as industries from around the world move into Twin Falls and big agriculture flourishes, will likely not be an easy task. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed 99 percent reductions in the limit for Twin Falls and Jerome, 98 percent for Filer, Hagerman, and Hansen, and 97 percent for Buhl.

The water quality is more than just the cities and the fish farms, Kauffman said. Which means ags going to have to get a little more involved too.
JEROME  Hunters in south-central Idaho will have more opportunities for hunting elk, deer and mountain lion if proposed changes to the big game season are approved next month.

Idaho Fish and Game has released the 2019-2020 big game season proposals at idfg.idaho.gov. And hunters in the Magic Valley region can comment and learn more about the proposed changes during several open houses this month.

The first of these open houses kicks off at 6 p.m. tonight at the Jerome Fish and Game regional office, 324 South, 417 East. The next two are slated for Feb. 12 in Burley and Feb. 19 in Hailey.

Public comments will also be taken online through Feb. 24. After that, staff will analyze and change proposals as needed and present a final recommendation to headquarters. The Fish and Game Commission will then make a final decision in March, Regional Wildlife Manager Mike McDonald said.

Heres a recap of the proposed changes for big game seasons in the Magic Valley Region:

Elk

The agency is recommending more elk harvest and more opportunity regionwide, McDonald said. While elk habitat is in good shape, there are increasing problems with elk encroaching on private property.
BOISE  The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into suspicious letters mailed to several of U.S. Sen. Jim Rischs offices in Idaho.

The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, responded to suspicious letters sent to addresses in Boise, Twin Falls and Pocatello, Idaho, this week, FBI spokeswoman Sandra Barker told the Statesman.

At this time, preliminary testing has indicated there is no threat to public safety in connection with the mailings, she said. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Kaylin Minton, the senators spokeswoman, confirmed to the Statesman on Thursday that his Downtown Boise office, 350 N. Ninth St., received one of the letters.

Im not authorized to say anything more, Minton said.

Boise Fire spokeswoman Char Jackson told the Statesman the department responded to the Boise building to support the U.S. Postal Service and the FBI.

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During an evidentiary hearing in November, the boys mother clarified her statements and said her son had not seen a doctor during the previous head injuries, which he received during rodeo competitions.

Even if the evidence was determined material, it did not meet the element of law which requires the evidence to probably produce an acquittal, the judge said.

Tribe wrote that the new evidence would not change the outcome of the case. After a five-day trial, the jury convicted Powell based on the boys physical condition, which was portrayed through photographs and testimony from the doctor who treated him along with other testimonies.

The defense could not have reasonably been expected to know or seek out the information about the previous head injuries, so the court did not find a failure to discover the new evidence as a lack of diligence on the part of the defense, Tribe wrote.

Jeff Owen Smith, of Eagle, was found guilty by a jury of felony injury to a child and misdemeanor interfering with a lawful hunt. He was sentenced to four years of probation with a withheld judgment, which means if he successfully completes his probation it could be removed from his record.
President Rodrigo Duterte is the only one who can clear or remove politicians from the so-called narco-list. This was the clarification by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Aaron Aquino following reports that three politicians in Ilocos Region were already cleared from any involvement in the illegal drug activities. Reports showed that the names of Pangasinan Rep. Jesus Celeste, Naguilian Mayor Reynaldo Flores and Bauang Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin De Guzman III, both in La Union province, were deleted in the Presidents list of politicians involved in illegal drugs. The report is not true, and that was published also in the newspaper. But there is no truth to that, said Aquino in an interview with RadyoMan anchored by Ely Saludar. In related developments:  House Majority Leader and Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro said approval of House Bill 8909 was recalled on third and final reading and would be reverted for second reading approval as soon as it had been cleansed of all death penalty references. He said the House was expected to have approved the measure on third and final reading before Congress adjourns on Feb. 8. Passed on final reading last Monday, HB 8909, which sought to amend Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drug Act of 2002, reimposed the death penalty, this time, providing for the capital punishment for persons found in possession of dangerous drugs during parties, social gatherings and meetings.  Despite Congress withdrawal on the approval of a bill reviving death penalty on convicted drug offenders, the Commission on Human Rights on Thursday vowed to block any attempt to reintroduce it. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, CHR lawyer-spokesperson, admitted the CHR saw the need to address the sale and use of illegal drugs due to its ill effects to individuals, families and our communities at large. Even before, the Commission had expressed its qualified supportmindful of our questions on its meansto the governments drive to address illegal drugs with the vision of providing a better life to all as a human right, she said. With Maricel V. Cruz and Rio N. Araja However, while House Bill 8909 strengthens Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, it largely disregards the fact that the imposition of capital punishment has been suspended since former President and current Speaker of the House Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed RA 9346 in 2006, which was then celebrated as a triumph of human rights in the Philippines, she said. In this regard, the Commission continues to express its strong opposition to any move that would reintroduce death penalty in the Philippines. Crimes must be punished. But achieving justice is not simply about imposing harsh punishments, but rather ensuring that a responsive penal system is in place, she added. Aquino said Celeste, Flores and De Guzman had not been cleared of involvement in the illegal drug activities, adding the three public officials were still under investigation by four agencies. The President has the sole power to clear a narco-politician as recommended by four recommending bodies, he said.Aquino said aside from PDEA, the other recommending agencies are National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He clarified there were no narco-politicians who are delisted in Dutertes narco-list as the President has cleared no one yet and only the President can initiate the adjudication process and clear those included in the narco-list. Earlier reports showed that the Peace and Order Council in Ilocos Region was clearing the names of three politicians of their alleged involvement in the drug trade. In a resolution, the Councils Revalidation Sub-Committee stated that there is no evidence of the targets involvement in illegal drug activity. Authorities are closely monitoring the campaign period for the upcoming May elections to allay fears of circulating drug money from the politicians allegedly involved in drugs and to ensure safe and honest polls. We decided to reconsider final reading approval in order to clarify provisions of the bill that refer to the death penalty. This will prevent double or multiple interpretations of the death penalty provisions that might mislead Filipinos into believing that death sentence has been restored, Castro told reporters. Castro said that even if the bill was passed in its original form, the death penalty provisions would still not be implemented unless Congress passed a law that restores death as capital punishment. He said the bill would be substituted with another measure that contains no death penalty provision and would be presented for second reading and third reading immediately. In order to be clear, we are going to amend by substitution, erasing all provisions that refer to death penalty. We have to be categorical that the maximum penalty to be imposed is reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment, said Castro. Apparently oblivious that they had restored the death penalty, congressmen recalled Monday final reading approval of House Bill 8909 which proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 that reimposed the capital punishment. Arroyo was behind the recommitment of HB 8909 to the committee level, thus, invalidating its third and final reading approval on Monday. Section 13 of the bill penalizes a person found possessing any dangerous drug during a party or a social gathering or meeting attended by two or more individuals with life imprisonment or death. A fine of ranging from P5 million to P10 million regardless of the amount of seized narcotics will also be imposed. HB 8909 proposes to strengthen drug prevention and control by providing legal presumption on those who are considered importer, financier and protector or coddler of illegal drugs.
Update: Madison streets are ice covered and very slippery, so drivers are urged to use extreme caution if on the streets, especially in residential areas. Any sand put down could be covered with new ice or snow, limiting the sand's effectiveness.

Streets crews are pulling back on collections on the West Side so more effort can be made fighting the ice storm.

Rock County is advising everyone to keep off the roads because of the extremely hazardous conditions, which might get worse as the day goes on, especially with falling temperatures and increasing winds.

All highways in Wisconsin, except in the southeast corner, are either ice covered, snow covered, or have slippery stretches.

Power has stayed on in most areas of southern Wisconsin, with Alliant Energy reporting about 800 customers out in Walworth County, and more in far eastern Iowa. Madison Gas and Electric reported no power outages as of noon.
As if the icy roads weren't enough to contend with, how about below zero temperatures and gusty winds?

That's what's coming Thursday night, following an ice storm that pummeled southern Wisconsin all day, causing numerous slide-offs and crashes.

The deteriorating road conditions prompted the Dane County Board to cancel its meeting at the City-County Building Thursday night.

The National Weather Service said any snow or freezing rain left in the storm should end in Madison by 7 p.m., opening the door to frigid cold.

Madison streets crews will be out in force to try to get city streets in better shape following the ice storm, with 32 salt trucks on the salt routes and 22 sand trucks working residential areas to provide better traction, starting at 3 p.m.

After rush hour, the salt trucks will transition to sand if the main roads are in good shape, helping to put sand down in neighborhoods before the frigid air moves in at night.

The 3 p.m. shift will be replaced by 10 drivers at midnight, continuing to put sand down in neighborhoods, and if conditions warrant, more drivers will be put on the streets.
Let me state up front, Im no fan of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who President Donald Trump is trying to overthrow.

Historically, we can go back to Iran (1953), Guatemala (1954), Central America (1980s) and Iraq (2003) to see how our presidents have overthrown governments to advance a capitalistic agenda and allow a small group of people to make money at the expense of the people of those countries. Will this be the same?

Time and again our involvement has destabilized a country or region. A good example is the multitude of migrants who show up on our southern border today, due in large part to the actions of our government in the 1980s. If we were supporting the self-proclaimed President Juan Guaido for the benefit of the Venezuelan people, it might have some merit. But I suspect it will be more for the money.

I have always feared President Trump might start a war to save his presidency. When he says "America first," you know anything he does is for the money. Based on history, Im sure Guaido will be better for the people of Venezuela than Maduro, at least in the short run. But in the long term, I have fears and question.

Dave Topp, Madison
Despite threats, pleas, and entreaties from senators and citizens, Democrats and Republicans, former governors and most of the General Assembly, Ralph Northam remains Virginias chief executive  at least the last time we checked. And it appears, according to the law, that might not change anytime soon.

The University of Virginias Larry Sabato, a relentlessly reliable source when it comes to the commonwealths politics, has opined that in Virginia you cant force a Governor to resign if he doesnt want to. Since Northams actions took place decades before he became governor, Sabato added, the impeachment criteria in the state constitution dont seem to apply and a provision for removing a disabled governor certainly doesnt.

So the decision whether to stay or go appears to rest primarily in the hands of Ralph Northam. The Richmond Times-Dispatch Editorial Page called for his resignation after he apologized Friday night for appearing in a photograph in which he wore either blackface or KKK robes. We also noted his troubling remarks about late-term abortion late last week.
He then laid out a unifying governing agenda  from empowering women at home and abroad to confronting Chinas predatory trade practices, making new investments in crumbling infrastructure, lowering the cost of health care and prescription drugs, and defeating AIDS and childhood cancer. We must reject the politics of revenge, resistance and retribution, the president declared, and embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise and the common good.

This is exactly what a majority of Americans want.

Even when he had to tackle divisive issues, he did so smartly. He made an impassioned case for the border wall but did so by citing the harm illegal immigration does to unlawful migrants, especially women and children who are victimized by smugglers, cartels and human traffickers. He introduced Americans to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Elvin Hernandez  a legal immigrant from the Dominican Republic  who has helped rescue migrant girls from the horror of forced prostitution and human slavery. Tolerance for illegal immigration is not compassionate  it is cruel, Trump declared, adding I want people to come into our country in the largest numbers ever, but they have to come in legally.

Reasonable Americans in the center nodded in agreement.
Tia Sierra, principal at Lighthouse, 6402 Schroeder Road, said the school had about 125 spots available for vouchers this year, which makes up the majority of the 187 students enrolled in grades 4K through 8, through both the special needs and statewide program. A lottery was needed as about 200 students applied for the spots, she said.

Weve been very happy, Sierra said. It is a lot more administrative work, obviously. It feels like were highly scrutinized, everything we do, all the finances, the reports and things like that, but for us its well worth it. Thats what were here to do is to educate students, so were fine taking that on.

Sierra, who has been principal at Lighthouse since it opened in 2004, said for the past few years shes encouraged High Point and Abundant Life schools to gravitate toward the voucher program.

We have more demand than what we can meet as far as space, so it would be my hope that all private schools would make themselves available to this program, she said.

Good time to enter
Shopkos footprint is going to be even smaller.

The retailer has announced that it will close an additional 174 stores nationwide, including 22 stores in Wisconsin. The list includes stores in Monona, Watertown, Beloit, Columbus and Mayville.

The announcement means that by this spring, Shopko will no longer have a presence in Dane County. In January, Shopko announced the closing of 38 stores, including its two stores in Madison on Mineral Point Road at West Towne Mall and Zeier Road on Madisons East Side. That announcement came after the Ashwaubenon-based retailer said in late 2018 that it would close 39 stores.

In totality, the closings will leave Shopko with just 109 stores compared to the 360 the company now lists on its website.

Shopko, which was purchased in 2005 by Sun Capital Partners, a private-equity group, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month and said it is restructuring as a result of excess debt and ongoing competitive pressures.

Shopko has obtained $480 million in debtor-in-possession financing to help fund and protect its operations through the Chapter 11 process. The money will be used to pay suppliers, vendors and other business partners, according to its filing at the time.

Company officials could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

In a challenging retail environment, we have had to make some very tough choices, but we are confident that by operating a smaller and more focused store footprint, we will be able to build a stronger Shopko that will better serve our customers, vendors, employees and other stakeholders through this process, Russ Steinhorst, Shopkos CEO, said in a statement posted on the companys website last month at the time of the filing.

In December, Kroger, one of the largest grocery store chains in the country and the owner of Roundys, the parent company of Pick n Save, announced it was buying the records of over three dozen Shopko pharmacies, including the Shopko in Watertown. That was followed by Iowa-based Hy-Vee announcing days later that it had purchased the records from 22 other Shopko pharmacies. The Hy-Vee deal was for pharmacies in 17 cities, but the only Wisconsin store on the list was the Shopko Pharmacy on Mineral Point Road. The rest were in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota.

The Monona Shopko opened in 1981 as a main anchor to South Towne Mall and will close May 5. The Shopko on Madisons West Side opened in 1980 and the East Side store in 1988. Both will close April 14. A Shopko store just off Aberg Avenue on Madisons North Side, which opened in 1982, closed in 2014.

But while Madison shoppers have scores of big box and other national retailers at which to shop, smaller communities will be left with only dollar stores, a few independent retailers or Walmart. In Watertown, a city of over 24,000, the Kohls department store moved to Johnson Creek several years ago, while a Walmart Supercenter is located on Watertowns south side.

In Columbus, northeast of Madison, Shopkos presence was short-lived. In 2012, in an effort to reach into smaller communities, Shopko began opening Shopko Hometown stores that are about 35,000 square feet compared to their traditional stores, like those in Madison, which range in size from 85,000 to 100,000 square feet. The Shopko Hometown stores have been built in smaller communities that, in the past, have been bypassed by Shopko and had been largely ignored by Walmart, Target, Kohls and Kmart but have been a magnet for the likes of Dollar General and Dollar Store.

The Hometown concept also has been incorporated into Pamida stores, a discount retailer purchased by Shopko in 1999 and operated as a separate division until 2012 when the two companies merged. One of those converted stores is in Reedsburg.

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IN THEIR HANDS. The fate of the predominantly Muslim villages in Pikit, Cotabato is in the hands of the voters including the elderly (also inset) exercising their right of suffrage. In Pikit, Maguindanaoan Muslims and Visayas Christians co-exist with the voters votes to be counted before long whether to give the predominantly Muslim villages to the autonomous government. OPAPP Regional Office

READ: Bombings haunt BOL vote; 3k troops deploy
Having clean water is not something people can always take for granted.

In the northern Juneau County town of Armenia, residents worry about one contaminant in particular: nitrates.

Of the 104 wells recently surveyed in the Armenia and Port Edwards area, more than 40 percent contained Nitrate levels exceeding the 10 milligrams per liter safety standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The median level of nitrates in surveyed Armenian wells exceeded 20 milligrams per liter.

There is an unspoken agreement that this problem has something substantial to do with the agricultural uses that are in the area, said Juneau County Corporation Counsel David Lasker. And exactly what the connection is will have to come into further focus as time goes on.

A Memorandum of Understanding was agreed upon in January between Juneau County, Wood County, the Department of Natural Resources, the EPA and the Armenia Growers Coalition formed by Wysocki Produce Farms, B&D Farms and Okray Farms.

The memorandum requires the Growers Coalition to supply local individuals with contaminated wells bottled water and reverse osmosis treatment systems to reduce nitrate levels.

But for lifelong Armenia area resident Ken Winters, who in 2018 had 32.4 milligrams of nitrates per liter in his well, reverse osmosis treatment would be ineffective because his concentration exceeds 30 milligrams.

He currently is using bottled water.

Stuck in the gap

Keith Iverson moved to Armenia from Milwaukee in 2000.

I make my coffee every morning with the water from the well, Iverson said. Nobody has offered us bottled water yet.

Iverson, who has 35 milligrams of nitrates per liter in his well, worries the water quality will affect property values in the area.

After receiving the test results he said he went to the home of his neighbors who have young children and advised them to have their water tested as well.

Nitrates is one of the most common contaminants in private wells and has been for many decades, unfortunately, said DNR Chief Groundwater Section Chief Bruce Rheineck.

The DNR offers a well compensation grant program to help install new wells for individuals whose wells are contaminated, but the rules governing that that the legislature passed restricted availability for nitrate (contamination), Rheineck said.

To be eligible for well compensation, besides income requirements, your (nitrate) levels have to be four times the health standard, not just above the (EPA) standard (of 10 milligrams).

For individuals like Winters and Iverson, who have over 30 milligrams per liter of nitrates in their wells but under 40, reverse osmosis filtration is ineffective yet they still do not qualify for assistance from the DNR to receive a new well because of rules imposed by the Wisconsin legislature.

We estimate that there are around 800,000 private wells in use, Rheineck said.

Overall, 10 percent of them test over the standard for nitrate Increasing agriculture is tied with increasing (number of) private wells above the standard.

Dave Preston attributes rising nitrates to the dumping of raw sewage on farms in Armenia. He named Wysocki Produce Farms in particular.

They put a hose on a tractor and drag (it to lay) sewage on their fields, Preston said.

Their ability to discharge their toxic waste, their sewage, has really increased.

Lasker said devices capable of reducing nitrate levels beyond 30 milligrams per liter exist, but have yet to be approved for use by the state of Wisconsin.

The ones that are at or below 30 (milligrams per liter) can be addressed satisfactorily with these reverse osmosis systems that are being installed, Lasker said. At this point in time, there is no purifying device that has been approved by the state department but there are such devices in existence and there is an effort to have them tested and approved by the department as soon as possible. And then they would be available to us.

Rheineck said one other potential solution is drilling deeper wells, but questions remain about the effectiveness of doing so.

We did an analysis in house that if people drill wells deeper than meets the minimum requirements, (they) have much lower nitrate levels in them, Rheineck said. But the DNR has yet to determine how long it will take for deeper wells to remain uncontaminated and consequently whether drilling deeper wells will be a cost effective option.

Testing water

Wisconsin Dells Water Foreman Scott Holzem, who worked as a well driller for 10 years, urges everyone with a private well to test it at least every couple years.

In municipalities like Wisconsin Dells and Reedsburg, responsibility for water quality is the full time job of at least one person, often more. Residents dont have to think about their water as much.

Our job here is to supply the best quality water to our customers at the most reasonable rates possible with what we have to work with, said Reedsburg Water Supervisor Jon Craker. Water quality is our main goal.

Reedsburg conducts over 1,300 samples on the city water per year.

You want to be checking your water quality for nitrates, bacteria any contamination that could be harmful, Craker said. The way technology is now, it makes it a little better to stay on top of things.

The memorandum, that passed the Juneau County Board by a unanimous vote in January, requires reverse osmosis filtration systems to be installed in homes with contaminated wells. But homes with plumbing that needs updating will have to install the required new materials before the filtration system can be installed.

The memorandum does not state who will pay for any needed plumbing updates, but Lasker said cooperative solutions have been found in some instances already.

We have had situations come up already, where the coalition and its consultants are working with the property owner to determine what needs to be done, Lasker said So far, the costs have been picked up by the coalition. I think it is their intention to cooperate in that regard unless it is something that is unusually expensive or unreasonable.

An old problem

About 70 miles south of Armenia, the Badger Ammunition Plant is a source of concern for locals in the Merrimac area regarding their water quality.

Built in the 1940s, the plant produced gunpowder for artillery and small arms during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Chemicals and wastewater were pumped into Lake Wisconsin while the soil grew to be contaminated with the groundwater.

Since then, the US Army has sought to clean up the area and ensure safe water for residents, but Merrimac Village Administrator Tim McCumber feels efforts so far have been inadequate.

I dont think the Army has taken the best direction, McCumber said. They were originally (going to) guarantee we wouldnt have a risk at all, by building a water system, and now theyre no longer doing that.

McCumber said the idea of unsafe drinking water has become a harmful perception for the community, particularly when it comes to trying to sell property or convince newcomers to settle down there.

Its a stigma around the community, McCumber said. We shouldnt have to drink those chemicals at all Most people just buy their own bottled water.

Any solution short of a water treatment system would be insufficient in ensuring clean water, McCumber said.

We totally believe they could build that water system, McCumber said. Youd never have to worry about it again from a human risk standpoint.

The next steps

Both Democratic Governor Tony Evers and Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos have listed Wisconsins water quality as a priority moving forward.

In his first State of the State Address, Evers said 47 percent of wells 1.7 million Wisconsinites rely on do not meet health standards set by the Wisconsin Health Departments.

Vos announced he was forming a task force on water quality and emphasized every Wisconsinite should have access to clean and safe drinking water.

Im pleased that (this is) getting attention and hoping positive steps come out of it, Rheineck said.

You can reach Jake Ekdahl on Twitter @JakeaEkdahl or contact him at 608-697-6353
A guest lecturer will argue that pornography corrupts the brain and erodes relationships during an appearance at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on Thursday.

Parker Hymas, communications manager for Fight the New Drug, an anti-porn organization out of Salt Lake City, will speak at 8 p.m. in the Bluffs Room of the Student Union.

Leaders from Cru, a Christ-based student group, said they have tried for years to book a speaker from Fight the New Drug, redoubling their efforts after a porn stars controversial lecture at UW-L during the fall semester.

We wanted our community on campus to just hear the facts about pornography and the true effects of it. A lot of people look at it for pleasure, and theyre not aware of whats occurring in our brains, said Cru President Hannah Bontrager, a junior psychology major at UW-L.

Bontrager said she was disappointed not because porn star and sex educator Nina Hartley spoke to students on Nov. 1, but because Chancellor Joe Gow kept promotion of the event to a minimum, fearing negative press coverage.
MOUNT PLEASANT  A Racine woman is facing numerous charges after police learned she was driving a vehicle Monday night that was reported stolen from an area homeless shelter.

At 11:14 p.m. Monday, Mount Pleasant Police were dispatched to the area of Taylor and Lathrop avenues after a gray SUV went into a ditch, according to a Mount Pleasant Police Department news release.

Officers said the driver, 30-year-old Angela Marie Grecian of Racine, exhibited signs of impairment. Police administered field sobriety tests which reportedly showed Grecian was impaired.

She was arrested and transported to Ascension All Saints Hospital for a blood draw.

While at the hospital, the Racine Police Department received a report that a vehicle had been stolen from the parking lot of the Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization (HALO) shelter, 2000 DeKoven Ave.

Police determined that the stolen vehicle was the one Grecian was caught driving.

Grecian was transported to the Racine County Jail, where she remained in custody as of Tuesday night.
MOUNT PLEASANT  A Racine man, accused of striking an 85-year-old woman with his vehicle after she reported him for shoplifting at an area dollar store in 2017, accepted a plea deal Tuesday.

Perry H. Brooks, 52, faced charges of felony hit-and-run involving injury and second-degree recklessly endangering safety.

As part of a plea agreement, Brooks pleaded no contest to the hit-and-run charge, as well as resisting or obstructing an officer and felony bail jumping charges stemming from a 2018 crash in which Brooks reportedly crashed into a light pole.

In exchange, the second-degree recklessly endangering safety charge from 2017, as well as charges of operating without a license and felony bail jumping associated with the second case, were dismissed, but will be considered for sentencing purposes.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 5 at the Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave., online records show.

Alleged retaliation

According to the criminal complaint, the woman allegedly saw Brooks shoplifting at Dollar Tree, 5201 Washington Ave., and reported him to store staff.
Beaver Dam will have a new kayak launch to honor Jade Wilson.

Wilson died last April in an apartment fire at 600 W. Third St. The Common Council accepted a $25,480 donation from Fritz Friday, Jades grandfather, on Monday. He declined to speak about his donation when contacted by phone Tuesday.

The council expressed its gratitude for the donation with a resolution accepting the gift.

The donation will go to the citys parks department to build the launch in memory of Jade, who loved to kayak. The launch will be at the end of Oneida Street, where there is currently a dead-end street that opens onto the water of the lake.

Mayor Becky Glewen, in announcing the donation, said Wilson kayaked in that area. There will be a marker at the launch to commemorate Wilson.

It will be the second canoe/kayak launch in the city, with the first one located at Waterworks Park.

According to her obituary, Wilson, 24, was born in China and joined her family in Beaver Dam in 2001, graduating from high school in 2014. She volunteered at local food pantries and supported the American Heart Association and St. Judes Childrens Hospital. She was into fashion and was a huge fan of Taylor Swift, Sam Hunt and the Chainsmokers.
The Racine Journal Times chides a federal magistrate for fining and sentencing four women belonging to "No More Deaths" because they left jugs of water to help refugees caught in the heat of Arizona's Sonoran Desert. "If giving water to someone dying of thirst is illegal, what humanity is left in the law of this country?" the paper asks, quoting one of the "No More Deaths" volunteers.

Two regulars for the conservative MacIver Institute's "news service," join to lambaste the Department of Transportation for considering a five-cent tax gas increase to raise more revenue to bail out the huge road-building and repair deficit that's been facing the state since the Scott Walker days. K.D. Kittle and Chris Rochester are upset because they way Secretary Craig Thompson isn't looking at fiscal restraint. But what do you expect from the state's former transportation lobbyist? they ask.
A developer is proposing a 59-unit, five-story apartment building on the 600 block of West Wilson Street.

There will be a Bassett neighborhood meeting about the project tonight, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. at J.H. Findorff & Son Inc., 300 S. Bedford St.

Walter Wayne Development, LLC, and Block 600, LLC, are the partners behind the project spanning 616 to 632 W. Wilson St.

The market-rate apartments would include studios, one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den and two-bedroom units. There would be 59 enclosed parking spaces, some which would be below-ground.

The project would demolish five existing house currently utilized as apartments. All five buildings were built between 1884 to 1904, according to the city assessors office. Dave Diamond, president of Walter Wayne Development, said issues around any historical value of the buildings didnt come up in preliminary meetings with the city.

The target market for the apartments is professionals working in the area, not unlike the complexes adjacent to us and across the street, Diamond said. 640 West Apartments, Nine Line and Quarter Row apartments are all near the proposed development.
The new head of Wisconsin's Department of Veterans Affairs says she will no longer rely on veterans nursing homes to fund the agency's programs.

Secretary-designee Mary Kolar, appointed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in December, said she is actively seeking new streams of funding to pay for the state's benefits programs and its health care employees. The state has consistently funded veterans agency administrative salaries and some programs with money generated from the three nursing homes it runs.

Those homes are the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls and the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove.

"That is not a long-term solution... we can't continue on the path that we were," Kolar said in an interview with the Cap Times this week. "I want to find a more solid program to ensure a long-term strategy that we can fund our programs."

Tens of millions of dollars have been transferred from the veterans homes over the last decade, and the state is set to transfer millions more through 2020-21.
In the sequel, Finn is now a teenager, and taken over his Dads set. The cheerful world of Bricksburg has become the gritty, Mad Max-style world of Apocalypseburg, ravaged by years of battle against an alien threat that manifests itself in the form of kitties, hearts and smiley faces. It doesnt take much to pick up on the fact that this threat is actually Finns little sister Bianca (Brooklynn Prince of The Florida Project), who wants to play with her older brother the way the brother wanted to play with his dad in the first movie.

Several of Emmets friends, including WildStyle (Elizabeth Banks), Unikitty (Alison Brie) and, of course, Batman (Will Arnett), get spirited away by the formidable alien commander General Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz) to the alien world. That world is overseen by Queen Watevra WaNabi (Tiffany Haddish) and is a candy-colored cross between a suburb and a day spa, with a nonstop soundtrack of catchy pop songs that get stuck inside your head (like one accurately called This Song Will Get Stuck Inside Your Head.)
We were happy we didnt get it, Ponsar said. We were not ready at that time.

Two years later, staffing pressures led Badell to close Johnson and refocus on the original La Taguara at 3502 E. Washington Ave. They were looking for someone to sublease. Little Tibet decided to reconsider.

We loved how much they changed the space, she said. There was no longer so much to do.

Little Tibet on Johnson will leave some of the decor the way it is, since the existing yellow walls with red and black accents feel appropriate, colorwise, for Tibetan culture, too. Theyre removing some of the seating, currently at about 55, and updating the art.

At a time when restaurants are struggling to keep staff, Ponsar feels grateful that Little Tibet is powered by her family. Ponsars brother Thinley Tenzing will be the chef, bringing to bear his culinary training in India as well as their family roots. Another brother, Therten Tsering, is taking charge of the front of the house.

Ponsar herself will be present often, but she will keep her nursing job on Madisons north side.
Thein the Jan. 27 bomb attack on a Catholic church in. The department said the principal suspect Mukammar Pay alias Kammah and four others have been charged before the Jolo, Sulu regional trial court with 23 counts of murder and 95 counts of frustrated murder. Also charged in court were Albadji Gadjali alias Apah, Radjan Gadjali, Kaisar Gadjai and Said Alih. DOJ spokesman Mark Perete said the Sulu Provincial Prosecutors Office foundafter inquest proceedings on Monday. The cases filed by the prosecutors unidentified suspects tagged in the twin attacks. Kammah, alleged bomb maker and a brother of slain Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Surakah Ingog, is reportedly the leader of the Ajang Ajang subgroup of the terrorist group. Kammah has denied involvement in the bomb attack. However, prosecutors cited eyewitness accounts that pointed to him as one of the culprits as the basis for indicting him and other respondents. The DOJ said there is no plan yet to transfer the cases from Sulu to a court in Metro Manila. The evidence and witnesses necessary to prosecute the case are in Jolo. Hence, it would be more efficient to hold trial there unless compelling reasons exist for the transfer of trial to Manila, he said. The first bomb went off inside the church as Mass was being celebrated at about 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 27. Shortly afterward, a second bomb went off outside, in time to kill churchgoers rushing out and soldiers and police responding to the first blast. The, but local authorities tagged the Abu Sayyaf Group for the incident, even as they acknowledged that an Indonesian couple may have been used as suicide bombers. READ: ISIS owns up to Jolo blasts Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, meanwhile, said the National Bureau of Investigation will determine if a spate of bomb attacks in Mindanao were related. The probe would include three blasts in Lanao del Norte that went off in Lanao del Norte on Tuesday, and a grenade attack on a mosque that killed two visiting missionaries in Zamboanga City last week. The NBI will try to see if the spate of bombings are interconnected, Guevarra said. The first blast occurred in front of a gas station in Lala town at 4:35 p.m., followed by another explosion at the back of the Kauswagan municipal building 15 minutes later.The third explosion happened at the Mindanao State University High School in Sultan Naga Dimaporo at around 9:30 p.m. No injuries were reported. READ: Jolo blasts: 20 dead, 81 hurt Guevarra said the NBI faced difficulties in its probe of the Jolo bomb attack because the physical evidence on the site had not been properly preserved. Because of this, Guevarra said he gave the bureau more time to complete its investigation. Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano earlier said that two Indonesian suicide bombers were behind the bombings, citing intelligence sources. The woman reportedly detonated the first improvised explosive device inside the church while the man detonated the second one outside near the entrance. In Jolo, Sulu, the police reported the death of an Abu Sayyaf member as troops continued to press the attack against the terrorist group. Chief Supt. Amador Corpus, acting director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said ASG member Alex Habbibondin, alias Amah Alex was killed in a manhunt operation in Jolo, Sulu at about 4:30 a.m. At least three ASG bandits were killed and dozens were wounded in operations against the group. With PNA Four days after a firefight in Brgy. Kabbon Takas, police units from the Special Action Force and CIDG operatives, moved to hunt down the terrorists. The aggressive military campaign has resulted to the surrender of 10 core members of the Islamic State-inspired Daulah Islamiya. A Palace Spokesman said President Rodrigo R. Duterte has met with families of the soldiers killed in the Jan. 27 Jolo bomb attack and an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul on Feb. 2. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the private meeting with the families of the six soldiers killed in Jolo and Patikul took place at the Matina Enclaves, Davao City. The President condoled with the bereaved families and honored the fallen soldiers for their heroism by awarding them the Order of Lapu Lapu (rank of Kalasag), Panelo said in a statement. Prime suspect in Jolo blast, 4 others give up He comforted the grieving families and assured them of the governments assistance in terms of housing, livelihood, employment, and educational assistance, among others, he added.


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Farmers and ranchers would continue to pay property taxes on their homes and buildings under the plan, which assumes that they would increase spending and investment, boosting sales and income taxes by almost $43 million.

It would cause nearly a $1 billion tax shift by 2023, the organization estimated, with higher taxes being paid in the states largest counties.

Nienhueser disputed that the plan benefited only farmers and said that even though no senator would introduce their plan, it was important to educate state senators about the big increase in property tax bills. The groups luncheon on Tuesday was attended by about a dozen state senators. It also served to unveil a study, commissioned by Fair Nebraska, about the states property tax problems that was done by Creighton University economist Ernie Goss.
Yvonne Tew (Georgetown University Law Center) has posted Malaysia's Invisible Constitution (Published in The Invisible Constitution in Comparative Perspective, Edited by Rosalind Dixon, Adrienne Stone, Cambridge University Press, 2018) on SSRN. Here is the abstract:

Religion has become the great fault line of the Malaysian constitutional order. Contemporary Malaysian politics and adjudication are divided by competing views over the constitutional identity of the modern Malaysian state as secular or Islamic. At the heart of this debate is Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, which declares Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony. Over the last two decades, the clause constitutionalizing Islam as the state religion has increasingly been pitted as being in tension with the right of religious freedom guaranteed under Article 11(1). This chapter considers the invisible constitution in connection with the Malaysian Constitutions religion clauses. It explores the conceptual aspect of the unwritten, extra-textual influences surrounding the interpretation of the religion clauses, and also examines the deeper foundations of the constitutional framework underlying the visible text of Article 3(1).

Malaysias religion clauses provide a focal point for examining the invisible constitution in two main ways. The first aspect of invisibility is connected to the expansion of Islams position in the constitutional order by political and judicial actors through means outside textual constitutional change. Although the text of Article 3(1) has remained unchanged since the nations founding, Islams role in the Malaysian Constitution has been expanded through unwritten, extra-textual means in contemporary constitutional discourse. The invisible elevation of Islams supremacy in recent decades has taken place through expansive judicial interpretations of Article 3(1) by prioritizing Islams place over other constitutional norms. The approach, in effect, amounts to a claim that Article 3(1) gives rise to an implication of Islams primacy in Malaysias constitutional order. The invisible Islamisation of judicial discourse has also taken place through judges referring to sources beyond the Constitution, like Islamic texts and principles, in judicial reasoning when deciding cases in the civil courts.

A second, contrasting approach to Malaysias invisible Constitution is to have recourse to the Constitutions original framework. Invisibility in this sense refers to the architecture of the Constitution  the overarching constitutional structure and commitments underlying the surface of its visible text. Malaysias Constitution came into force at the birth of a newly independent state, setting in place a framework for constitutional governance at the nations founding. Those who defend the Constitutions secular nature argue that constitutional history and the original understanding of the constitutional bargain at the time it was framed are crucial sources establishing the secular basis underlying the text of Article 3(1). Understood properly, these unwritten constitutional fundamentals supply the framework for interpreting the written document. On this account of Malaysias invisible Constitution, the secular basis on which the Constitution was founded as well as its structural principles and fundamental rights guarantees are integral to Malaysias constitutional core.

Section 13.2 of this chapter begins by setting the background for discussing the Malaysian Constitutions religion clauses. It describes the constitution-making process behind the constitutional provisions on religion and the growing Islamisation phenomenon in the contemporary Malaysian state. Section 13.3 examines the role of the courts and the constitutional adjudication relating to religion in Malaysia. Section 13.4 discusses the religion clauses and their connection to the invisible constitution in Malaysia. It explores the expansion of Islams place in the constitutional order through extra-textual means, as well as the use of constitutional history to uncover the Constitutions unwritten secular basis. Section 13.5 offers some concluding reflections on the observations gained from the Malaysian example for broader comparative understandings.
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Two House committees that investigated the Dengvaxia fiasco on Wednesday recommended the filing of criminal, civil and administrative charges against former President Benigno S. Aquino III and two of his Cabinet members in connection with P3.5-billion purchase of some 3 million doses of the anti-dengue vaccine in 2015. The vaccine, that was only on Phase IV of its clinical trial at the time, was later found by its maker, Sanofi Pasteur, to exacerbate dengue symptoms that may cause death if administered to those who have not yet been afflicted by the disease. The House committee on good government and public accountability, chaired by Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo and House committee on health, led by Quezon Rep. Helen Tan, voted 14-4 to approve the measure after the joint panel earlier reopened its probe into the case. The House, in plenary session, was scheduled to approve the committee report Wednesday. Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, then chairman of the House committee on good government and public accountability, also recommended the filing of administrative, civil and criminal liability charges against Aquino and others involved in the allegedly irregular procurement of P3.5 billion worth of the Dengvaxia. The committees also recommended the filing of graft, technical malversation, and civil cases against Aquino, former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, and the Health secretary at the time, Janette Garin, for the alleged unauthorized use of government savings for the purchase of Dengvaxia vaccines. These officials may, therefore, be held liable for, conspiring and confederating with one another for the purpose of giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence under...the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the report said. Also recommended to face graft are doctors Maria Joyce Ducusin, Julius Lecciones, and Kenneth Hartigan-Go. Named to face technical malversation was Lecciones since Aquino approved Garins request for the use of savings for the acquisition of the dengue vaccines despite the absence of appropriate funds under the 2015 General Appropriations Act. The use of savings from appropriations for other projects or procurements for a procurement for which there has been no appropriation from Congress falls within the offense punished under Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code, the report said. The report also recommended that the PCMC file a civil action against Zuellig Pharma Corp., former Aquino, Abad, Garin, and Lecciones for the recovery of the amount paid by PCMC to Zuellig Pharma Corp. for the procurement of the Dengvaxia vaccine, less whatever amount or amounts which may have already been refunded.The report also said that the acts described above also constitute grave misconduct for which the public officials concerned may also be held administratively liable. While some of them are not in government at present, administrative cases may still be filed against them. The report also recommended that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) take appropriate action to investigate the personalities involved in the procurement of the dengue vaccines, and their deposit and investment accounts, including related accounts, in view of the fact that Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act is among the unlawful activities under the AMLA (Anti-Money Laundering Act). Dengvaxia was distributed to around 800,000 public school students in three regions during the Department of Healths anti-dengue immunization program in April 2016. Investigation revealed that the DOH allocated P3.5 billion for the procurement of the Dengvaxia vaccines, which have been administered to children in Central Luzon, Metro Manila and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon). Records indicate that slightly less than 10 percent of children administered with Dengvaxia, or about 73,000, have not had dengue yet. In November 2017, Sanofi admitted that the vaccine could worsen symptoms for seronegative children or those who have never contracted dengue but were given Dengvaxia shots anyway. By this time, nearly 900,000 Filipino schoolchildren had been vaccinated under the anti-dengue program. The ensuing panic prompted the DOH to suspend its immunization program in December 2017. The DoH has been conducting clinical studies on the cause of deaths of some children who were administered with the vaccine. Publications on the clinical trial of new medicines show that new drugs on Phase IV trial are usually not mass administered as these are still be tested for safety although these have been allowed by country drug regulatory agencies.
Pope Francis admitted Tuesday that Catholic priests and bishops had sexually abused nuns, the latest scandal to rock the church. There are some priests and also bishops who have done it, the pontiff said in response to a journalists question on the abuse of nuns, speaking on the return flight from his trip to the United Arab Emirates. The papal admission followed a rare outcry last week from the Vaticans womens magazine over the sexual abuse of nuns, leaving them feeling forced to have abortions or raise children not recognized by their priest fathers. The issue hit the headlines last year after a nun accused an Indian bishop of repeatedly raping her in a case that triggered rare dissent within the countrys Catholic Church. Francis said the problem could be found anywhere but was prevalent in some new congregations and in some regions. I think its still going on because its not something that just goes away like that. On the contrary, he added. He said the Church has suspended several clerics and the Vatican has been working [on the issue] for a long time.I dont want to hear it said that the Church has not got this problem, because it has. Must we do more? Yes! Do we want to? Yes! he said.He said it was a cultural problem, the roots of which lie in seeing women as second class. The February issue of Women Church World, a supplement distributed with the Vaticans Osservatore Romano newspaper, warned that nuns have been silent over abuse for decades for fear of retaliation. It said the Vatican received reports of priests abusing nuns in Africa in the 1990s. If the Church continues to close its eyes to the scandalmade even worse by the fact that abuse of women brings about procreation and is therefore at the origin of forced abortions and children who arent recognized by prieststhe oppression of women in the Church will never change, editor Lucetta Scaraffia wrote. In the Indian case, Bishop Franco Mulakkal was arrested on Sept. 21 in the southern state of Kerala on suspicion of raping the nun in question 13 times between 2014 and 2016. Pope Francis suspended him the day before his arrest, appointing another bishop in his place. Mulakkal, 53, who headed the diocese of Jalandhar in the northern state of Punjab, has denied the allegations. The nun first spoke out in June but police only started formal questioning in September, as fury over the case mounted. Five nunsin a rare public show of dissent within the Indian Churchand dozens of supporters staged days of protests. Failure by Church officials to take action on sexual abuse allegations has been one of the biggest scandals to hit Roman Catholicism globally in recent years.
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday the NCAA cant limit education-related benefits  like computers and paid internships  that colleges can offer their sports stars, a victory for athletes that could help open the door to further easing in the decades-old fight over pay
Ha! Heavens, the Wall is everywhere these days. (I have to admit I prefer this wall than the one most in the news.) I love that Lew Bryson book (I assume you're talking about "Tasting Whiskey"), and when I originally read that segment about how to become a more educated whiskey drinker, I thought it was super-smart -- you learn by practice, after all, and sipping spirits neat is no different. I've tried to keep up a regular practice of tasting spirits neat, but I have to admit that doing so with the degree of regularity he recommends in that book is a tough sell for me, primarily because I don't actually want to drink that much, and since I want to sample cocktails as well, I feel like I have to make lots of choices to avoid sliding into debauchery and ill health. But I think the basic idea -- that you'll understand more about whiskey and spirits as you try more of them -- is sound. Whether you yourself need to scale that particular Wall ... I think that's a question that depends on how well-versed you want to get in this area, and how fond you are of your liver and mental faculties.
LGs next flagship smartphone will have a 3D depth-sensing camera on the front with support for face recognition, augmented reality, and other features.

The company plans to launch the LG G8 ThinQ smartphone at Mobile World Congress later this month, but LG has a habit of building a bit of hype by pre-announcing specific features. This time LG is starting with the phones front camera.

LG says its worked with Infineon Technologies to include a selfie camera with depth-sensing Time of Flight (ToF) technology.

That means it calculates distance by measuring the amount of time it takes for light to be reflected off of the subject. The camera captures infrared light, which allows 3D data to be captured indoors or outdoors without any interference from other light sources.

While this will hardly be the first smartphone to feature a 3D camera with support for face recognition, LG says its ToF camera uses less power than other solutions.

Apples FaceID technology, for example, relies on the companys TrueDepth camera system which includes a dot projector, a flood illuminator, and an infrared camera.

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The Linn County Board of Commissioners received good news this week: a clean audit by Pauly Rogers & Co., certified public accountants.

The audit was for the fiscal year that ended June 30.

CPA Tara Kamp, speaking by phone because of the bad weather, told the board that the audit turned up no exceptions or issues that required comments, and the county has no issues of noncompliance or questioned costs.

County Administrator Ralph Wyatt thanked new accounting officer Bill Palmer for his work preparing audit materials.

Elected officials will meet at 11 a.m. Thursday at the commissioners' board room to get overall directions for compiling their 2019-20 budgets.

Public budget hearings will begin April 22.

In other business, the commissioners:

 Approved an intergovernmental agreement for $11,162 with the Oregon Health Authority to be used for emergency preparedness.

 Approved a personal services contract with Family Tree Relief Nursery for peer recovery mentor services not to exceed $189,634. This is a pass-through from the Justice Reinvestment Grant.
Rosa Gutierrez Lopez was frightened when immigration officials told her she had to leave the United States by December 10, 2018.

The 40-year-old undocumented immigrant from El Salvador had been living in the U.S. since 2005. She lived in northern Virginia, doing restaurant work and other jobs. She is the mother of three U.S. citizens.

Gutierrez Lopez received deferred action by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, after she was detained in 2014 for being in the country illegally.

Each year, she checked in with ICE and her request for deferred action was granted. Her lawyer says the renewal was mainly granted because her young children are American citizens and one of them has a genetic disorder.

In 2017, however, the first year of the Trump administration, Rosa noticed a difference when she reported to ICE for her yearly check-in.

I was told to report to a different location and the official there began asking me all sorts of questions  questions they had never asked me before, she told VOA, speaking in Spanish.

In the end, ICE did not renew her deferment. Officials ordered her to leave the country. She also had to wear an electronic device to record her movements.

But then, a friend told her about sanctuary Christian religious centers and she was able to find one.

Since mid-December, Gutierrez Lopez has been living at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda, Maryland.

She is the first publicly known case in the Washington, D.C. area since churches across the nation began resisting the Trump administrations immigration policies.

While she lives in sanctuary, her lawyers are requesting her asylum because of high rates of organized crime in El Salvador. Criminal groups killed three of her close family members in recent years. Gutierrez Lopez fears the same will happen to her if she returns.

Hector Perez Casillas is the immigration lawyer representing her. He believes she would be in serious danger if she returned to El Salvador.

They would be immediately targeted because they know that: A) shes been here in the United States for so long; B) she has American children; and C) one of them is ill, making her an extra vulnerable target."

Church sanctuaries grow

Gutierrez Lopez is one of 50 undocumented immigrants known to have sought sanctuary in 39 churches across the country. That information comes from the Church World Service, or CWS.

While the total number of people now in sanctuary is unknown, the CWS notes there has been an increase since the start of the Trump administration.

At that time, there were 37 reported cases. The number of churches offering sanctuary also rose from 400 in 2017 to more than 1,100 today.

Noel Andersen is with the CWS. He says the Trump administrations policy of arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants who have no criminal records is responsible for the increase.

The churches, in Andersons words, see that people are being dehumanized.

Though sanctuary churches may fear government raids, for now immigration authorities are obeying the established tradition of staying out of churches, schools and hospitals.

Steve Camarota agrees with the tradition, but has strong criticism for the sanctuary movement. He is the research director at the Center for Immigration Studies, or CIS, an organization based in Washington, D.C.

"It's understandable why in any individual case, you might say, Well, couldn't we make an exception for this nice guy, this nice lady.' And I think everyone feels a lot of sympathy for that. But when you do that, you end up with the scale of illegal immigration that we now have.

The American non-profit organization, Southern Poverty Law Center, a legal support organization, identifies CIS as a hate group. It accuses CIS of publicizing white nationalist and anti-Semitic ideas.

Growing publicity

Reverend Abhi Janamanchi is the religious leader at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, where Gutierrez Lopez is staying. He said cases like hers get a lot of support and media attention.

So far, weve receivedoffers of support even from total strangers, he told VOA.

Acting as a sanctuary is a big project, involving many volunteers. Janamanchi said the Cedar Lane Church has 150 volunteers providing services such as meals, language services and security.

Because Gutierrez Lopez cannot leave church grounds without risking arrest, her children visit on weekends. But only her daughter fully understands why she remains at the church.

My daughter, who is 11 -- she does know. She tells me: Mommy, I miss you, I want you to be in our home. But I tell her I cant, she said.

Her life at the Cedar Lane Church is likely to continue for some time. Janamanchi has promised the church would support her "for as long as it takes."

Im Alice Bryant.

Bill Rodgers reported this story for VOA News. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. ______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

deferred action  n. an immigration status that delays deportation

grant  v. to agree to do, give, or allow something asked for or hoped for

location  n. a place or position

sanctuary  n. a place where someone or something is protected or given shelter

church  n. a building that is used for Christian religious services

vulnerable  adj. open to attack, harm, or damage

deport  v. to force a person who is not a citizen to leave a country

scale  n. the size or level of something especially in comparison to something else
American President Donald Trump will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on February 27 and 28 in Vietnam.

Trump announced the meeting in his State of the Union speech to American lawmakers Tuesday night. He said the meeting would, in his words, continue our historic push for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The men first met last June in Singapore and agreed, to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The agreement did not include a plan for reaching such a goal.

After that meeting, North Korea released American detainees and suspended nuclear and long-distance missile tests. It also said it shut down a nuclear test site without the presence of outside experts. North Korea has repeatedly demanded that, in return, the United States lift economic measures against the country.

However, satellite images, taken since the June meeting, have shown North Korea is continuing to produce nuclear materials and work on its missile program.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told Congress last week that U.S. intelligence officials do not believe Kim will surrender his nuclear weapons and production capability. Coats said North Korean leaders view nuclear weapons as critical to regime survival.

Trump said in his speech, Our hostages have come home, nuclear testing has stopped, and there has not been a missile launch in more than 15 months. He added, Much work remains to be done, but my relationship with Kim Jong Un is a good one.

It is not known where in Vietnam the meeting will take place. The city of Da Nang was the site of the 2017 APEC meeting and the capital city of Ha Noi held the 2018 regional World Economic Forum.

Murray Hiebert of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. spoke to the Associated Press. He said, Like Singapore, where they met last time, Vietnam is a very secure place He said the countrys special police can keep crowds away and restrict reporters to permitted areas.

Trump attended the 2017 APEC meeting. The president also has met with Vietnamese leaders in Vietnam and the United States.

North Korea considers Vietnam a friendly Communist country although it operates under a free-market economic policy. It is a four-hour plane trip from North Korea.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Vietnam last July after two days of talks in North Korea. Pompeo praised Vietnamese leaders for opening up the country without threatening the countrys sovereignty, its independence, and its form of government.

In a speech to the business community in Ha Noi, Pompeo said, I have a message for Chairman Kim Jong Un: President Trump believes your country can replicate this path. Its yours if youll seize the moment.

Im Ashley Thompson.

Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on AP news reports. Caty was the editor.

Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

regime - n. a form of government : a particular government

capability - n. the ability to do something

sovereignty - n. a country's independent authority and the right to govern itself
Historically, sailors called out the words Thar she blows! whenever they saw whales.

Today, the old cry of sailors is taking on new meaning as scientists turn to modern technology to study whales.

Some scientists have begun using drone aircraft, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles, to collect some of the fluids expelled by whales.

Vanessa Pirotta is a researcher with Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. She told the Reuters news agency that a drone has been used for the first time to collect whale mucus from humpback whales at sea. She believes that drones could help improve scientists understanding of whales around the world.

Were collecting...that visible plume of spray rising from the whales blowhole, as they come to the surface to breathe, she said.

The method, she added, could provide a better understanding of the patterns and drivers of disease in wild populations.

Pirotta was one of the writers of a paper on the use of drones to study whales. The paper appeared in the online publication, Viruses.

She and other scientists reported that they collected whale blow from 19 humpbacks during 2017. At the time, the whales were traveling northward from Antarctica to northern Australia.

The report said the spray is collected in a small container connected to the top of a drone. The person operating the drone opens the container just as the aircraft flies above the whale.

Pirotta described the new method as less invasive than using a boat to get close enough to collect fluids. And it is better than methods that depend on killing whales or on whales that are trapped. The whale spray collected by a drone contains DNA, the carrier of genetic information, proteins and different kinds of bacteria.

Pirotta said her team can collect bacteria that lives in a whales lungs to measure whale health.

In this way, drones serve as an early-warning system of possible changes in whales health.

An international ban on whaling took effect in 1986. But Japan announced last year that it would restart commercial whaling this July in its waters and restricted economic area.

Im Caty Weaver.

James Redmayne reported this story for the Reuters news agency. George Grow adapted his report for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

mucus  n. a wet, sticky liquid produced inside the nose and other body parts

visible  adj. able to be seen

plume  n. something (such as smoke, steam, or water) that rises into the air in a tall, thin shape

spray  n. liquid that is forced or blown through the air

pattern  n. a model; a repeated design


The European Commission has ordered a recall of a smartwatch for children because of what is calls a serious privacy risk.

The watch, called Safe-KID-One, is a product of the German electronics manufacturer Enox. The company sells other smartwatch models, as well as televisions and wireless communication devices.

On its website, Enox describes the Safe-KID-One as a tool for parents. The watches have a simple, colorful design that seems appealing to children. The device has a built-in microphone and speaker to permit two-way communication.

The company says the smartwatch can be used by parents to learn where their children are at all times and contact them. It says this can be done with a computer software program, or app.

The Enox website says children wearing the watch can place a telephone call with just one touch of a number. The site claims that only pre-listed parties can call a child through the device.

However, the European Commission (EC) recently reported that it found major security concerns with the Safe-KID-One system. The EC is the decision-making body of the European Union (EU). The warning was made public through the ECs Rapid Alert System. Commission members investigated the device after concerns were reported by officials in Iceland.

The EC wrote that the risk level of the smartwatches was serious and called for an immediate recall of the devices.

The warning said the app linked to the Safe-KID-One device can permit non-secure communications with the systems computer server. The servers security issues make it possible for people to break into the system and steal private information, the EC said.

As a result, data such as location history, phone numbers and serial number can be easily retrieved and changed, it warned.

A malicious user can send commands to any watch - making it call another number of his choosing - can communicate with the child wearing the device, or locate the child through GPS, the warning said.

The European Commission said the privacy and security risks led to its decision to announce an immediate recall of the devices from EU members. EC officials said the Safe-KID-One was being sold on the internet.

The founder of Enox, Ole Anton Bieltvedt, spoke to the British Broadcasting Corporation about the ECs decision. He said the device had met all German government rules last year before being offered to the public. He added that the version of the smartwatch tested by the EC was no longer being sold.

Enox plans to appeal the recall decision.

It is not the first time privacy and security concerns have been raised about smartwatches for children.

In 2017, German officials banned some kinds of smartwatches. The government said the watches let parents secretly listen in to children and their environment. At the time, no specific smartwatches were named.

Officials said the devices had microphones that let parents listen in on teachers and school activities. The government said the system violated German laws aimed at restricting surveillance.

Also in 2017, a Norwegian Consumer Council report warned of the dangers of smartwatches for children. The group said it had uncovered serious security and privacy issues after examining and testing several smartwatch models being sold across Europe.

The report said that in a few simple steps, a stranger could easily take control of the watches to be able to find, listen to and communicate with a child. At the time, the council said there was an urgent need for manufacturers to increase security of the systems or face forced recalls of the devices.

Im Bryan Lynn. And Im Dorothy Gundy.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

What do you think about children using smartwatches? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

Quiz - EU Recalls Child Smartwatch Over Serious Privacy Risks Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz



_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

recall  n. an order to return something found to have problems

location  n. a place or position

retrieve  v. get something

malicious  adj. intended to cause harm

GPS  n. abbreviation for Global Positioning System: a system of computers and satellites used to identify where users are

surveillance  n. the careful watching of something or someone, especially by police or the government


The Roman Catholic Church has sought to explain the sexual slavery comment Pope Francis made in connection to Catholic nuns.

Francis publicly discussed the reports of sexual abuse of nuns for the first time Tuesday. A reporter asked Francis about priests accused of abusing nuns.

Francis answered, Its not that everyone does this, but there have been priests and bishops who have And I think that its continuing because its not like once you realize it that it stops. It continues. And for some time weve been working on it.

Francis also expressed praise for Pope Benedict XVI for taking action in 2013 against abusers in a France-based religious order. Francis said the nuns in that order were subjected to sexual slavery by the founding priest and other clergymen.

Roman Catholic Church spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said Wednesday that Francis spoke of sexual slavery to mean manipulation or a type of abuse of power that is reflected in a sexual abuse.

In the past year, The Associated Press and other media have published stories about reports of abuse of nuns in India, Africa, Europe and South America.

The International Union of Superiors organization represents Catholic female religious orders. In November, it denounced the culture of silence and secrecy that prevented nuns from speaking out about abuse.

It also urged nuns to report abuse to their supervisors and to police.

Im Ashley Thompson.

The Associated Press reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

nun - n. a woman who is a member of a religious community and who usually promises to remain poor, unmarried, and separate from the rest of society in order to serve God

priest - n. a person who has the authority to lead or perform ceremonies in some religions and especially in some Christian religions

bishop - n. an official in some Christian religions who is ranked higher than a priest and who is usually in charge of church matters in a specific geographical area

manipulation - n. the act of dealing with or control (someone or something) in a clever and usually unfair or selfish way

type - n. a particular kind or group of things or people

reflect - v. to show (something) : to make (something) known
Wednesday, February 6, 2019

The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct has posted a complaint alleging that an attorney engaged in misconduct by, among other things, refusing to participate in his client's criminal trial.

The allegations of the Erie County Bar Association include a number of continuances sought for a variety of reasons.

One motion contended that Ohio Bike Week would complicate parking near the courthouse; another involved his son's Las Vegas wedding.

The Sandusky Register reported on the reversal of the ensuing conviction

An Ohio appeals court said a Sandusky pastor previously sentenced to life in prison for child rape must receive a new trial.

Richard Mick, 56, who was sentenced in Erie County Common Pleas Court in 2016, had his conviction overturned Friday by the Sixth District Court of Appeals. A jury originally found Mick guilty of four felony charges of rape and gross sexual imposition.

Mick, formerly a pastor at Lighthouse Baptist Church, appealed his conviction after his trial was notably marked by his then-attorney K. Ronald Bailey refusing to participate in the trial.

Bailey, in 2016, argued the trial should have been delayed, and Judge Roger Binette held him in contempt of court after Bailey told Binette he was not participating in the trial. Bailey eventually served a 30-day sentence in the Erie County jail for the contempt charge.

Bailey did not respond to requests for comment Friday afternoon.

Micks appeal, filed by his new Cleveland-based attorney, Russell Bensing, alleged Baileys refusal to participate in the trial violated his right to effective counsel, according to the appeal.

The appeals court agreed with Mick, according to a court opinion written by Judge Thomas Osowik.

Although Mick could have waived his constitutional right to counsel, the record shows he did not, Osowik said.

There are not any court dates set following the overturned conviction Friday.

Mick has another pending court case in Erie County Common Pleas Court, where he faces more counts of gross sexual imposition, according to court records. He has a pretrial in that case set for May 16.

From the Ohio Court of Appeals for the Sixth Appellate District

On the morning of trial, as voir dire was set to begin, Micks attorney announced that he cannot and will not be able nor willing to proceed today. He cited five reasons: (1) his own failure to secure his private investigator to testify at trial; (2) his clients poor health; (3) inadequate time (five days) to review the jury questionnaires, (4) his own mental and physical fatigue due to travelling approximately 4,000 miles in four days before trial; and (5) the trial courts denial of additional funding for an expert witness. Micks attorney suggested that the trial court declare a mistrial, based on his own refusal to participate in the proceedings...

In this case, the state argues that the decision by Micks attorneys not to participate at trial was a deliberate attempt to cause the court to declare a mistrial. Indeed, the transcript leaves no room for doubt that this was indeed their motive. Moreover, counsel actively defended Mick prior to, and even during the trial, albeit outside the presence of the jury. Thus, while we agree with the state, even deliberate trial tactics may constitute ineffective assistance of counsel if they fall outside the wide range of professionally competent assistance. Strickland at 689. A trial strategy consisting of a refusal to participate has been found to be objectively unreasonable. Martin v. Rose,

744 F.2d 1245, 1250 (6th Cir.1984), citing Strickland.



Ineffective assistance

We agree with Mick that the cumulative effect of his counsels decision not to conduct voir dire, to make an opening statement or closing argument, to cross examine any of the states witnesses, to call any witnesses or offer any evidence on behalf of Mick, or to proffer jury instructions amounts to a complete failure to test the prosecutions case. Therefore, the narrow exception set forth in Cronic applies. Counsels abandonment of their client throughout the most critical phase of the governments case against Mick deprived him of his constitutionally protected right to counsel. Mick need not show that he was prejudiced by his counsels representation...

Though the record discloses no discord between Mick and his counsel over their decision to abandon him during trial, there is no evidence of waiver. In fact, the trial court expressed its reluctance to question Mick directly on the subject, for fear of violating his attorney-client privilege and/or risking another motion to recuse. As explained above, however, the court could, and should, have questioned Mick to ascertain whether he understood the implications and consequences of his attorneys strategy to cause a mistrial. Any concern that counsel might seek to have the judge recuse himself must be secondary to Micks constitutional right to counsel. We find that Mick did not waive that right.

(Mike Frisch)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2019/02/the-ohio-board-of-professional-conduct-has-posted-a-complaint-alleging-that-an-attorney-engaged-in-misconduct-by-among-other.html
The government will start the implementation of the Philippine National ID System in September this year, the Palace said on Thursday, hoping that it will benefit six-million Filipinos. The President was agreeable to the establishment of one. And I think it will start in Sept. 2019 with a target of six-million Filipinos for registration this year, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a Palace press briefing. According to Panelo, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said that having a national ID is very critical for the countrys security. He [Esperon] then suggested that the Department of Information and Communications Technology should take the lead on cybersecurity. And the security of data be taken cared by the Philippine Statistics Authority with the help of DICT, he added. The President has ordered the best and safest system of the implementation of the National ID System, he added. Amid problems in security which caused the delay of its implementation, the Palace official assured the public that its implementation will be on time and will not be used against left-leaning personalities or enemies of the State. Our security agency is in-charge there. And Secretary Esperon said we can be sure that there will not be a snafu in security, he said. In August 2018, Duterte signed into law the Philippine Identification System Act, hoping to promote good governance, enhance governmental transactions, and create a more conducive environment for trade and commerce.He believed the establishment of the so-called Phil-ID will curtail bureaucratic red tape, promotes the ease of doing business, averts fraudulent transactions, and somehow reduce corrupt acts in government offices. The Palace had already maintained that its establishment will enhance national security, prevent identity theft, and promote the delivery of goods and services from the government to the public. Under the law, the Phil-ID will collect the demographic data of every Filipino such as full name, sex, date of birth, blood type, home address, and citizenship. Marital status, phone numbers. Email addresses, however, will be optional. Additional details will also be recorded such as the biometric information, front-facing photograph, full set of fingerprints, other identifiable features, and even iris scan. A month before Duterte signed the measure into law, the Social Weather Stations found that majority of Filipinos, at 73 percent, supported the creation of a national ID system. The Phil-ID is the Duterte administrations central identification platform aiming to simplify both public and private services.
South Africa: Government, media must defy fake news

Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams says government will work with the media in the fight against fake news and misinformation.

There is a need to ensure that government and the media work together to deal with fake news. Misinformation and mal-information are two things that both government and the media should work together to protect our citizens from, she said.

Ndabeni-Abrahams said this when she addressed a pre-State of the Nation Address cocktail at the Media 24 building in Cape Town on Wednesday evening.

She said while the media should be allowed to do its job to chase big stories and hold government to account, it is also important for media to report responsibly.

Further, it was essential for government officials to always aim to communicate instead of spinning information.

The cocktail, on the eve of the SONA, brought together media professionals, government officials and professionals from the corporate sector was co-sponsored by the National Lotteries Commission, Diageo and Primedia.

While she urged the media to continue reporting on incidents of corruption and malfeasance, Ndabeni Abrahams also urged government communicators to always aim to respond to media queries without hiding information in the name of putting a spin on stories.

Similarly, she said the media should not only aim to chase scoops but aim to report accurately. When policy proposals to regulate the media are tabled, they should not be policies aimed at censoring the media.

She also urged the media to aim to be agents of information when reporting on President Cyril Ramaphosas State of the Nation Address, which will be delivered in Parliament at 7pm this evening.

Communications Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana echoed Ndabeni-Abrahams call for the media and government to work together to fight against fake news and misinformation, and added that government needed members of the public who are well-informed and not misinformed.

She said it was important that mainstream media played their role in supporting community media as they usually contribute positively to communicating important information to communities.

Ahead of the Minister and the Deputy Ministers remarks, SA National Editors Forum Chairperson and Eye Witness News Group Editor in Chief Mahlatse Mahlase said the media fraternity was under threat from fake news.

She said journalists who reported on corruption were usually under threat from agents of fake news who work tirelessly to discredit journalists through bots that posted nothing but misinformation in the social media space.

Mahlase agreed that as the country heads to the polls in May, there was a need for government and the media to work together to tackle fake news and counter misinformation.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2019-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Wednesday, February 6, 2019

The Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction notwithstanding an ex parte communication between the judge and defense counsel

Immediately before opening statements, an ex parte conversation occurred between Mouelles trial counsel ("Counsel") and the district court judge in chambers in the presence of the court reporter. During the conversation, Counsel informed the court that if Mouelle chose to testify, Counsel was "going to have to . . . do as well as [he could] under Whiteside." Counsel also told the court that he and Mouelle could not agree on whether Counsel should give an opening statement before the State presented its evidence. In describing the disagreement, Counsel quoted parts of a conversation that he had with Mouelle. Based on the ongoing disagreement, Counsel explained that he would request a short recess after the prosecutors opening statement. The judge said, "Im not going to comment any further about your conversations with your client as they are privileged. We will take a recess after the prosecutions opening statement . . . and you can let me know if youre ready."

The State gave its opening statement and, as promised, the court took a brief recess. Counsel then gave an opening statement. After the State rested its case, Mouelle chose to testify. Counsel presented Mouelles testimony in the traditional question-and-answer format.

Not reversible error

we conclude that an objective, unbiased layperson with full knowledge of the facts and circumstances would not question the district courts impartiality. After the ex parte conversation ended, Counsels concerns were never again mentioned during the remainder of the jury trial. Critically, the jurythe fact finder here was never exposed to the concerns about Mouelles testimony that Counsel raised during the ex parte conversation.5 Moreover, Counsels decision to present Mouelles testimony in the usual question-and-answer format suggests that Counsels Whiteside concerns, as well as his disagreement with Mouelle, had been resolved before Mouelle testified. Certainly nothing in the manner that Mouelles testimony was presented suggested to the jury that anything was amiss. And, as discussed in more detail below, the record does not reflect any behavior by the district court that would lead a reasonable examiner, with full knowledge of the facts and circumstances, to question the judges impartiality. Consequently, we conclude that Mouelle failed to establish that the Code of Judicial Conduct required the district court judge to recuse herself. Because Mouelle failed to show even the appearance of partiality, we hold that no error occurred, structural or otherwise, when the district court judge presided over his jury trial.

Nix v. Whiteside, of course, is a United States Supreme Court decision. (Mike Frisch)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2019/02/the-minnesota-supreme-court-affirmed-a-murder-conviction-immediately-before-opening-statements-an-ex-parte-conversation-occ.html
Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Is the New Jersey Supreme Court waking up?

In a reciprocal discipline matter involving a two-year Pennsylvania suspension, the court rejected the censure proposed by its Disciplinary Review Board and imposed identical discipline.

The DRB

The OAE recommended the imposition of a reprimand or a censure. For the reasons detailed below, we determine to impose a censure...

Here, respondents gross neglect, failure to communicate with a client, practicing while ineligible, and failure to cooperate with ethics authorities is deserving of a reprimand. His misconduct was serious and caused harm to his client, who was forced to retain other counsel, at her own expense, to complete the task for which she had retained respondent. In addition, respondent defaulted in respect of the Pennsylvania disciplinary proceedings, failing to offer any excuse or mitigation for his serious misconduct. Such additional misconduct beckons enhanced discipline. Specifically, "[a] respondents default or failure to cooperate with the investigative authorities acts as an aggravating factor,which is sufficient to permit a penalty that would otherwise be appropriate to be further enhanced." In re Kivler, 193 N.J. 332, 342 (2008). The only mitigation for us to consider is respondents lack of prior discipline. On balance we determine that a censure is the appropriate quantum of discipline in this matter.

Not today. Even in New Jersey. (Mike Frisch)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2019/02/is-the-new-jersey-supreme-court-waking-up-in-a-reciprocal-discipline-matter-involving-a-two-year-pennsylvania-suspension-t.html
Wednesday, February 6, 2019

The Third Circuit ruled in Adams v. Governor of Delaware that the state's constitutional requirement for political balance among the judges on most state courts violated the plaintiff's free association rights under the First Amendment. The ruling means that plaintiff James Adams can throw his hat in the ring for state judicial positions, even if his independent party status would otherwise bar his appointment under the balancing requirement.

The case tests Delaware's constitutional requirement that most state courts have political balance on the bench between the two major political parties. (The provision is at Article IV, Section 3 of the Delaware Constitution.) The governor's appointments are thus restricted by available slots for Democrats or Republicans. And in most cases the provision makes no room for independents or other party candidates for the bench. (Delaware's judges are appointed by the governor on the advice of a judicial nominating commission, with confirmation by the state Senate. When advertising for open positions, the commission designates available slots by party--"Democrat" or "Republican.")

The court ruled that restriction violated Adams's free association rights under Elrod v. Burns, Branti v. Finkel, and Rutan v. Republican Party of Illinois. First, the court (creating a split with the Sixth and Seventh Circuits) concluded that state judges were not policy-making positions or confidential positions:

Judges simply do not fit this description. The American Bar Association's Model Code of Judicial Conduct instructs judges to promote "independence" and "impartiality," not loyalty. It also asks judges to refrain from political or campaign activity. The Delaware Code of Judicial Conduct similarly makes clear that judges must be "unswayed by partisan interests" and avoid partisan political activity. The Delaware Supreme Court has stated that Delaware judges "must take the law as they find it, and their personal predilections as to what the law should be have no place in efforts to override properly stated legislative will." Independence, not political allegiance, is required of Delaware judges. *** [T]he question before us is not whether judges make policy, it is whether they make policies that necessarily reflect the political will and partisan goals of the party in power. . . . To the extent that Delaware judges create policy, they do so by deciding individual cases and controversies before them, not by creating partisan agendas that reflect the interests of the parties to which they belong. . . . [T]he operation of the judicial branch is not "so intimately related to [Delaware] policy" that the Governor would have "the right to receive the complete cooperation and loyalty of a trusted advisor [in that position]."

Next, the court said that even if the state's interest in partisan balance on the bench was a compelling interest, the constitutional requirement of balance wasn't the only (or narrowest) way it could achieve that interest.

Judge McKee concurred and wrote separately "to note the potential damage to the image of the judiciary [in states that select judges in general elections preceded by partisan political campaigns] and the extent to which it can undermine the public's faith in the judges who are elected."

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/conlaw/2019/02/third-circuit-says-political-balancing-on-bench-violates-free-association.html
Young and the Restless actor Kristoff St. John dead at 52

Kristoff St. John, who played the struggling alcoholic and ladies man Neil Winters for 27 years on Young and the Restless , has died. He was 52.

Los Angeles police were called to his home Sunday and his body was turned over to the coroner. The cause of death was not immediately available Monday.

St. John had played Neil Winters on the CBS soap opera since 1991, earning nine daytime Emmy nominations. He won a Daytime Emmy in 1992 for outstanding younger actor in a drama series and won 10 NAACP Image Awards.

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His business guy character wended his way through romances, deaths of loved ones and other daytime travails that descended into alcoholism, until his Winters went to rehab.

St. John announced in September that he was engaged to model Kseniya Mikhaleva.

So early..so early, she wrote in her Instagram Stories. Why you are leave so early????Whyyou are always in my heart.

St. John was twice married and divorced and was the father of a son and two daughters. His 24-year-old son, Julian, died in 2014. On Jan. 21, St. John retweeted Grieving the loss of a child is a process. It begins on the day your child passes, and ends the day the parent joins them.

CBS and Sony Pictures Television said in a joint statement that St. Johns death is heartbreaking.

He was a very talented actor and an even better person. For those of us who were fortunate enough to work with him on The Young and the Restless for the last 27 years, he was a beloved friend whose smile and infectious laugh made every day on set a joy and made audiences love him, the statement said.

Fellow cast members and friends were shocked and saddened.

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Sitting by myself in my car! Its raining outside, with dark clouds and wind outside am reading your tweets about my friend KRISTOFF! Thank you all for your kind words! I have none right now! He was a hell of an actor and simply one of the nicest guys ever! Cant believe it! tweeted Eric Braeden, who plays Victor Newman on the show.

Viola Davis and Yvette Nicole Brown were among others. Brown tweeted: No!!! This news has truly broken my heart. Kristoff was pure & so kind. I will never forget how wonderful he was to me and everyone else he came into contact with. He was just a good, good man.
The Catholic Church Played Major Role in Slavery

When the missionaries arrived, the Africans had the land and the missionaries had the Bible. They taught us how to pray with our eyes closed. When we opened them, they had the land and we had the Bible.  Jomo Kenyatta, First President of Kenya, Africa

The Catholic Church played a vital role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, according to historians and several published theses on the topic.

The trans-Atlantic slave trade was introduced by the coming of the Europeans who came with the Bible in the same manner that Arab raiders and traders from the Middle East and North Africa introduced Islam through the Trans-Saharan slave trade, according to AfricaW.com, a premiere informational website available throughout the continent.

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In fact, the Church was the backbone of the slave trade, the authors wrote. In other words, most of the slave traders and slave ship captains were very good Christians.

For example, Sir John Hawkins, the first slave-ship captain to bring African slaves to the Americas, was a religious man who insisted that his crew serve God daily and love one another. His ship, ironically called The Good Ship Jesus, left the shores of his native England for Africa in October 1562. Some historians argue that if churches had used their power, the Atlantic slave trade might have never occurred.

By the same logic, others argue that the Catholic church and Catholic missionaries could have also helped to prevent the colonization and brutality of colonialism in Africa. However, according to a 2015 Global Black History report, the Catholic church did not oppose the institution of slavery until the practice had already become infamous in most parts of the world.

In most cases, the churches and church leaders did not condemn slavery until the 17th century.

The five major countries that dominated slavery and the slave trade in the New World were either Catholic, or still retained strong Catholic influences including: Spain, Portugal, France, and England, and the Netherlands.

Persons who considered themselves to be Christian played a major role in upholding and justifying the enslavement of Africans, said Dr. Jonathan Chism, an assistant professor of history at the University of Houston-Downtown.

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Many European Christian slavers perceived the Africans they encountered as irreligious and uncivilized persons. They justified slavery by rationalizing that they were Christianizing and civilizing their African captors. They were driven by missionary motives and impulses, Chism said.

Further, many Anglo-Christians defended slavery using the Bible. For example, white Christian apologists for slavery argued that the curse of Ham in Genesis Chapter 9 and verses 20 to 25 provided a biblical rationale for the enslavement of Blacks, Chism said.

In this passage, Noah cursed Canaan and his descendants arguing that Ham would be the lowest of slaves among his brothers because he saw the nakedness of his father. A further understanding of the passage also revealed that while some have attempted to justify their prejudice by claiming that God cursed the black race, no such curse is recorded in the Bible.

That oft-cited verse says nothing whatsoever about skin color.

Also, it should be noted that Black race evidently descended from a brother of Canaan named Cush. Canaans descendants were evidently light-skinned  not black. Truly nothing in the biblical account identifies Ham, the descendant of Canaan, with Africans. Yet, Christian apologists determined that Africans were the descents of Ham, Chism said.

Nevertheless, at the beginning the sixteenth century, the racial interpretation of Noahs curse became commonplace, he said.

In 2016, Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. offered a public apology after acknowledging that 188 years prior, Jesuit priests sold 272 slaves to save the school from financial ruin.

This is how The New York Times first reported the story: The human cargo was loaded on ships at a bustling wharf in the nations capital, destined for the plantations of the Deep South. Some slaves pleaded for rosaries as they were rounded up, praying for deliverance.But on that day, in the fall of 1838, no one was spared: not the 2-month-old baby and her mother, not the field hands, not the shoemaker and not Cornelius Hawkins, who was about 13 years old when he was forced onboard.

Their panic and desperation would be mostly forgotten for more than a century. But this was no ordinary slave sale. The enslaved African-Americans had belonged to the nations most prominent Jesuit priests. And they were sold, along with scores of others, to help secure the future of the premier Catholic institution of higher learning at the time, known today as Georgetown University.

The Society of Jesus, who helped to establish Georgetown University and whose leaders enslaved and mercilessly sold your ancestors, stands before you to say that we have greatly sinned, Rev. Timothy Kesicki, S.J., president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, said during a Liturgy of Remembrance, Contrition, and Hope.

We pray with you today because we have greatly sinned and because we are profoundly sorry.

During the early republic, Catholics celebrated the new Constitution for its guarantee of religious liberty while simply accepting its guarantee of slaveholding, according to Blackthen.com.

Internal church politics mattered too. When the Jesuit order was suppressed in 1773, the plantation system of the order in Maryland was seen as a protection for their identity and solidarity.

The universal church taught that slavery enjoyed the sanction of Scripture and natural law. Throughout the antebellum period, many churches in the South committed to sharing their version of the Christian faith with Blacks. They believed that their version of Christianity would help them to be good slaves and not challenge the slave system, Chism said.

Yet, it is important to note that African Americans made Christianity their own, and Black Christians such as Nat Turner employed Christian thought and biblical texts to resist the slave system. Furthermore, Black and white abolitionist Christians played a major role in overturning the system of slavery, he said.
Sen. Cory Booker Announces 2020 Run for the White House

Though much of the 2020 presidential election attention this week went to former Starbucks Coffee executive, Howard Schultz, while the end of the week held a surprise entry: Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey.

It was widely expected that Sen. Cory Booker would run, the former mayor of Newark with a high-flying social media presence and an affable personality has been rumored to be a contender for the White House for years.

Booker, 49, is likely to project an upbeat positive tone at a time when President Donald Trump is winning comparisons to some of the worst presidents in U.S. history. If either Senators Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) or Booker wins the White House bid, they would become the second African American president in American history, after Barack Obama.

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Booker announced his candidacy via a video called Rise. The video focuses on many of the issues he confronted as Mayor of Newark such as housing and poverty. The videos narrative features the New Jersey senator affirming that he still lives in inner-city Newark.

I still live there today, and Im the only senator who goes home to a low-income, inner- city community. The first community that took a chance on me, Booker says in the announcement video.

I believe that we can build a country where no one is forgotten, no one is left behind, where parents can put food on the table. Where there are good paying jobs with good benefits in every neighborhood. Where our criminal justice system keeps us safe, instead of shuffling more children into cages and coffins. Where we see the faces of our leaders on television and feel pride, not shame, Booker continues.

Sen. Booker will join Sen. Harris (D-CA), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), former Housing Secretary Julian Castro (D-Texas) and South Bend Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, have all announced that they will run for the White House in 2020.

Sen. Booker has already made stops in key primary states over the last few months. He now plans to travel more extensively as he joins the most diverse presidential field in American history.
Rep. Moore Reveals Cancer Diagnosis and How the ACA Saved Her Life

Wisconsin Democratic Rep., Gwen Moore has made a strong and very personal case for lawmakers to keep the Affordable Care Act.

In a televised interview, Moore revealed her cancer diagnosis and where she believes shed be if it werent for former President Barack Obamas signature piece of legislation, which allows her to afford the treatments and necessary medication to fight the deadly disease.

If I had to pay $15,000 a month for this medicine, Id be here writing my obituary, perhaps instead of talking to you, Moore told MSNBC in an interview this week.

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She said her oral medication, Imbruvica, helps to keep her in remission.

Without the insurance coverage, shed be on the hook for $15,000 per month.

Prior to taking Imbruvica, Moore said she had intravenous therapy twice a month at a whopping $20,000.

The GOP is always talking about the costs of the ACA: the cost of protecting pre-existing conditions, the cost of essential health benefits, the cost of the individual mandate, Moore said.

But what about the value of life? The lives of your kids? Your parents? Thats the core of this debate, she said, adding that shes alive today because of comprehensive insurance that covers most of the money in medication costs per month she now needs.

First diagnosed last summer with small lymphocytic lymphoma  a non-Hodgkin lymphoma, where the cancer originates in the lymphatic system  Moore said the disease is manageable because she caught it early and she takes her medicine every day.

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After her MSNBC appearance, Moore spoke before the House Ways and Means Committee in which members held a hearing on protecting those with pre-existing conditions  a major component of the Affordable Care Act, which President Donald Trump and most Republicans have fought against.

Moore and other Democrats, whove now taken control of the House, have said they want to reverse the GOPs decision to take away the individual mandate in the health care law.

A decision late last year by a Texas judge, who ruled the individual mandate unconstitutional, is currently being appealed and Moore said she hopes Congress will act to protect the law.

In their attempt to maintain the law thats commonly known as Obamacare, Democrats have also pushed a Medicare-for-all proposal that NPR noted has gained in popularity.

Several Democratic presidential hopefuls are getting behind the idea, according to NPR which cited California Sen. Kamala Harris, who said her aim would be to eliminate all private insurance.

Who of us has not had that situation, where youve got to wait for approval and the doctor says, well, I dont know if your insurance company is going to cover this, Harris said during a CNN Town Hall event. Lets eliminate all of that. Lets move on, she said.

Harris was a co-sponsor of a 2017 bill written by Sen. Bernie Sanders, (I-Vermont), that would have created a national, single-payer health system, eliminating the private insurance system.

Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., both presidential hopefuls, also co-sponsored the Sanders Bill, according to NPR.

Everyone would get a Medicare card and doctors would have to sign annual agreements to participate.

For Moore, that would be ideal, particularly for those who suffer with life-threatening illnesses like cancer.

The mere suggestion that it could be cancer was anathema to me because nobody ever wants to hear the C-word, Moore said.

All of the while that I was going through the diagnosis and the care that I was getting, I thought about the number of people that I knew who die needlessly from cancer because they didnt get early diagnosis.

Moore continued:

Its our job as legislators to ensure that no American has to choose between seeking treatment & providing for their families.

I personally know people who marched into the emergency room two weeks before they died because they didnt have health insurance. I am just a grain of sand on a beach.
Rep. Gwen Moore Introduces Bill to Block Trump from Using Taxpayer Dollars for the Wall

Congresswoman Gwen Moore

Washington, DC  In response to President Trumps State of the Union Address, Congresswoman Gwen Moore introduced H.R. 968, the No Taxpayer Funding for the Wall Act. In the wake of the bills introduction, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:

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Last night, President Trump used his bully pulpit to spread lies and instill fear in the hearts of the American public by painting immigrants and asylum seekers as criminals  murderers determined to take down the law-abiding residents of the United States. We must rise above these racist lies and see his words for what they are: a manufactured crisis, designed to scare the public into submission and garner support for his wall.

My constituents dont want a wasteful wall. They want effective border security, to feel safe in their homes, and to know their hard-earned tax dollars are used appropriately, especially during tight fiscal times. President Trumps wall does nothing to further this mission, nor secure the border. Instead, its a monumental waste of money that would be better used to advance meaningful measures to feed, educate, and provide health care services to millions of Americans.

My bill, the No Taxpayer Funding for the Wall Act, will block the president from executing his reckless plan and force him to honor his pledge that Mexico will fund the wall. I call on both Democrats and Republicans to join me in my effort by supporting this commonsense legislation to protect the American publics tax dollars. We must pass this bill to ensure that President Trump can no longer hold the American people hostage.
Opportunities for Our Communities  Advance LAs New Sign Ordinance

The Los Angeles City Council is currently considering a new billboard policy that will benefit the citys businesses and communities, particularly here in South Los Angeles. The proposed sign ordinance provides opportunities for local small business owners, a new funding source for our communities and a reduction of billboards throughout our neighborhoods. Councilmembers should advance the ordinance so communities in South L.A. and beyond can begin reaping the benefits.

The proposed sign ordinance will establish sensible policy that permits a small number of appropriately-placed digital signs in exchange for the removal of existing billboards. The comprehensive approach allows the community to weigh-in every step of the way, by ensuring any new digital sign undergoes a thorough public approval process and residents have direct input into the signs they need taken down. This fair exchange leads to less billboards overall, without hurting the needs of local small business owners.

Its crucial that we have policies in place, like the sign ordinance, that give businesses the tools they need to help them grow and thrive. At the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce, were committed to expanding opportunities for businesses in the African American community and focused on ensuring equity in those opportunities. Access to affordable advertising in our large metropolitan area is a critical part of this. These opportunities attract customers and allow businesses of all sizes to grow and contribute to the larger community.

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Appropriately-placed digital billboards provide the opportunities we need. These signs give local businesses a cost-effective platform that drives demand for their products and services and, in turn, stimulates economic development. All business owners in Los Angeles should have the opportunity to benefit from this innovative advertising tool. City Council now has the chance to ensure they do.

But its about much more than business. The proposed sign ordinance will also support our communities by ensuring any new signs create revenue for essential city services and community benefits programs. The fact is, a chance to create a new funding stream is rare and valuable in Los Angeles. And, even more rare is the ability for communities, like South L.A., to weigh-in on how the funding is invested and tailored for their needs, another important component of this ordinance. We should not pass up this opportunity.

For years, city leaders have worked to craft a policy that works for all Angelenos. Now is the time to advance the sign ordinance to reduce billboards, support the needs of business owners and create critical ongoing funding to invest in our neighborhoods.
My Best Friend Died of AIDS

Six years ago, I found my best friend in the hospital. We hadnt seen each other in a whilewhich isnt uncommon for us. Wed kept in touch through text and phone calls. I didnt know my friend was sick until I walked into her hospital room and hardly recognized the person before me. My friend eventually confided in me that she had HIV and AIDS.

That was six years ago. My best friend died of AIDS-related complications November 5, 2018. It was the saddest day of my life second only to my grandmothers passing a few months before.

My best friend didnt really die from AIDS. She died from something far more deadlythe stigma and shame still found in our communities around HIV and AIDS.

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Six years ago when I found my friend in the hospital, we worked together to get her back to whole. It didnt happen overnight and we had some bumps along the way, but we did it.

She eventually had an undetectable viral load. That means so few copies of the virus are present in the blood that todays monitoring tests are unable to detect them. She was healthy and she was happyor so I thought.

Well, it wasnt long before I started noticing that my friend suffered from depression and that every time she sunk into a deep depression shed stop taking her medicine. A few times it almost proved to be fatal for her, but still, with Gods help, we were able to get her back healthy again. But the pattern never stopped. About once a year, my friend would disappear, cut off contact and go on a drug holiday.

I never judged her for it because I wasnt in her shoes. It can be emotionally draining for people living with HIV to take meds every day.

However, I would always repeat to her what her doctor saidyoull only get so many times you can take a drug holiday before your body builds up a resistance to the drugs.

Being an only child, when my friends mother died a couple of years ago, she sunk into a deep depression that she just couldnt bring herself out of. This time when she disappeared and resurfaced the virus had ravished her body and her doctors told me she had six months to live.

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True enough, my friend died a little shy of the six months her doctor gave her to live.

It is an awful thing to watch someone you love slowly die every day knowing theres nothing you can do for them except make sure theyre comfortable.

The last words my friend said to me were, I love you and my last words to her were the same.

February 7 is National Black HIV AIDS Awareness Day. Its not enough to be aware and its not enough to get tested. We also need to break the stigma, discrimination and shame in our communities associated with the HIV and AIDS because it is killing our people.

HIV stigma and discrimination affect the emotional well-being and mental health of people living with HIV. I saw this firsthand with my best friend.

People living with HIV often internalize the stigma they experience and begin to develop a negative self-image. They may fear they will be discriminated against or judged negatively if their HIV status is revealed.

Internalized stigma or self-stigma happens when a person takes in the negative ideas and stereotypes about people living with HIV and start to apply them to themselves. HIV internalized stigma can lead to feelings of shame, fear of disclosure, isolation, and despair.

Just because White gay men arent dying from AIDS in the numbers that they were back in the 80s and 90s does not mean the crisis is over.

Blacks account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses, those living with HIV, and those who have ever received an AIDS diagnosis, compared to other races/ethnicities. These are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

My best friend died, but yours doesnt have to.

Stopping HIV stigma starts with all of us. When we call out negative attitudes and misinformation about people with HIV, we end the cycle of HIV stigma.

Jasmyne Cannick is a nationally known writer and commentator on political, race and social issues. Follow her on Twitter @Jasmyne and on Facebook @JasmyneCannick. Her website is jasmyneonline.com.
The Philippine government cannot give the go signal to Mislatel Consortium to start its infrastructure as the countrys third telco player despite compliance with post-qualification requirements during the Feb. 17 deadline, said DICT Secretary Eliseo Rio on Thursday. In an interview, Rio cited the need for the final approval of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the approval on Mislatels procurement of the controlling shares of Mislatel company. The Senate on Wednesday approved the House concurrent resolution which recognized that Mislatel Company was bought by Mislatel consortium composed of Idenna Corporation of Davao City-based business Dennis Uy, Chelsea Logistics and China Telecom of the Chinese government. But this is not yet final because the concurrent resolution should be first reconciled due to the House provisions which are different from the Senate version. The House version recognizes that the purchase of Mislatel company included the franchise given to it by Congress 1998 while this was not mentioned innthe concurrent resolution of the Senate on the franchise. Meanwhile, with the Senate approval on the transfer of ownership of Mislatel to the consortium, former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile stated his support for the operation of the third telecommunications player. He cited Mislatels capacity to improve the system is more important than technical and legal obstacles. If there is a violation, that is correctible. That should be evaluated is its capacity to give better service. Now, if capable, well have to help them to remove all the technicalities and allow them to go on, Enrile, who is vying for a Senate seat in the upcoming elections, said in a press briefing on Wednesday. If they have the financial capability to improve the system, that is more important than any of the technicalities, the veteran lawmaker added. The former Senate President also called on lawmakers to stop the politicking that is slowing down the processing of the third telco player, saying, Kung minsan nahahaluan ng pulitika kaya may mga suspicion, dapat tama na yun. Tingnan natin kung anong nakakabuti sa bayan.Mislatels franchise has been hounded by issues since it was provisionally named the third telco player last year. During a Senate hearing on January 24, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon declared that Mislatels franchise was void since it had not been able to operate within a year after its franchise was granted in April 1998. The third telco player was also criticized for failing to get congressional approval when it changed its controlling stake. Enrile, who was Senate President in 2009, pushed for the protection of consumer rights in the telco industry, reiterated the urgent need for improvements for phone and Internet users. We need [the third telco]. Mabagal yung internet natin. Dropped calls have increased. The quality of communication is below par of other countries, he said. The four-term Senator said that a better and more efficient communication system is necessary for the country to move forward. However, Enrile cautioned that if the consortium would not be able to fulfill its promise of faster Internet speeds, then a better telco player must be sought. If they dont fulfill their promise, you change them. Cancel the contract and give it to another one, Enrile said.
LAUSD Superintendent, Michelle King, Passes At 57

Los Angeles Unified School District flags were flown at half-staff until Wednesday in honor of former district superintendent, Michelle King, who passed away Saturday, February 2, at the age of 57, as announced by LAUSD Superintendent, Austin Beutner.

The passing of former Superintendent Michelle King was a loss for the entire LAUSD family, the greater Los Angeles community and educators across the nation, said LAUSD Board Member George J. McKenna III. She was loved for her respectful and personable demeanor when interacting with staff, parents, students and all others, respected for her intellect, work ethic, effectiveness and leadership and admired for her accomplishments leading to her appointment as the first African American female Superintendent of the District.

Dr. King was a role model for so many who noted her growth through many years in LAUSD beginning as a student, teacher, school site administrator, Principal, Local District Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent. She was truly an LAUSD product and returned her acquired skills to the District in full.

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Words cannot begin to describe the sorrow we feel, the love we shared with  and for  Dr. King, and the lasting impact she had on our communities, stated LAUSD officials. Her dedication to uplift every student, family and employee within Los Angeles Unified was second to none.

King was the first Black woman hired as superintendent for the nations second-largest school district. As a veteran educator, King was committed to instruction and ensuring that all students had access to the tools they needed to prepare for college and career opportunities. She led a district-wide reform to increase graduation rates, particularly among traditionally under-represented populations. She also championed programs such as Restorative Justice, which aimed at keeping students in school and improving citizenship.

She was a proud product of L.A. Unified, having attended Century Park and Windsor Hills elementary schools, Palms Junior High School and Palisades High School. King had a bachelors degree in biology from UCLA and a masters degree in administration from Pepperdine University. She earned a doctorate from the USC Rossier School of Education recently.

She dedicated her 30-year career to the students of L.A. Unified, having worked as a teacher, coordinator, assistant principal, principal, chief administrator of secondary instruction, local district superintendent, chief of staff to the superintendent, senior deputy superintendent and chief deputy superintendent.

She was named Woman of the Year by the non-profit organization Women On Target, an advocacy group supporting leaders in Southern Californias African-American community in 2016.

She devoted her entire professional life to students in Los Angeles, and led our school district [LAUSD] with all of the passion, skill and determination that it takes to be a powerful fighter for young people and their dreams, stated Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti.

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As a Los Angeles Unified graduate, parent, life-long educator, and the first African American woman to lead the district, Dr. King was truly an inspiration.

She was a collaborative and innovative leader who broke down barriers to create more equitable opportunities for every student.

Her warmth, love and generosity transformed countless lives and left a legacy that will continue to impact us for generations.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Kings daughters, parents and brother, as well as all of her family and friends whose lives she so deeply and positively touched, stated LAUSD officials.

King had been on medical leave since September 2018, when she announced she was being treated for cancer, stating she would retire by June 30 without returning to her job. It wasnt specified the type of cancer for which she is being treated.

Michelles extraordinary achievements  record graduation rates, putting higher education within reach for all families, and creating new opportunities for our kids to be on pathways to careers  should inspire each one of us to be part of the mission to make L.A.s schools the best in America, stated Garcetti.

Having known her for many years as a colleague and friend, I had never known her to not be present or to refuse a difficult assignment, said McKenna. Her illness and premature resignation was a shock to all of us, but foretold the severity of her medical condition. During the annual Martin Luther King Day parade, she walked the entire length of the route along with the Districts all-star marching band. Her energy was boundless as she always arrived early and stayed late.

We have lost a hero and a champion for the entire community. Dr. Michelle King has gone and we are all saddened by her passing. We grieve that she left, but are grateful that she came.

As of press time, no funeral arrangements have been announced.
Langston Bar Salutes Legal Luminaries, Awards $60,000 in Scholarships

Continuing its mission to advance the African American legal community, the John M. Langston Bar Association saluted four luminaries in the profession and awarded $60,000 in scholarships to eight students on Feb. 2.

The presentations, which highlighted the non-profit organizations 43rd Annual Installation and Awards Gala, took place at the JW Marriott Hotel at L.A. Live. The black-tie event attracted more than 750 people, including the citys most celebrated attorneys and judges as well as many corporate executives and law students.

According to president, Byron McLain, the Langston Bar Association is the largest and oldest African-American organization of lawyers, judges and law students in the western United States.

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Our mission is to empower leadership, advance the professional development of our members, and promote the administration of justice in the Black community and the community at large, explained McLain. Our gala serves as the primary source of funding for those efforts and we were very honored to have Adai Lamar from KJLH radio as our mistress of ceremonies.

In addition to the scholarships we gave this year, the gala was also a platform to acknowledge people who are not just outstanding legal practitioners, but also individuals who take the time to give back to their community, he added.

Tina Perry, general manager of the Oprah Winfrey Network, received the Loren Miller Lawyer of the Year Award. The Honorable Kevin C. Brazile, presiding judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court and the first African American to serve in the position, was saluted with the Bernard S. Jefferson Judge of the Year Award.

U.S. Representative Karen Bass, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, was the recipient of the Ridley-Thomas Public Service Award and the Covington & Burling law firm earned the Law Firm Diversity of the Year Award in recognition of their efforts to improve diversity in the legal profession, whether its gender, ethnic, or representational diversity, noted McLain. Theyve made great strides in the past year and we wanted to honor them.

The program also featured the installation of the associations officers. The Honorable Andre Birotte, Jr., U.S. District Judge for Californias Central District, recited the oath of office to president McLain, president-elect, Nyanza Shaw, vice president, Reema El-Amamy, treasurer, Terrence M. Jones, recording secretary, Noelle Brown, corresponding secretary, Ashley Bobo, sergeant-at-arms, Rodney Diggs and parliamentarian, Jennifer Fisher.

Eagerly anticipating his term as the head of Langston, McLain said his organization remains relevant in the 21st century and he believes the group is poised to make an even greater difference in the Black community in 2019. A former prosecutor in the U.S. Attorneys Office in Los Angeles, McLain currently serves as a partner at Foley and Lardner specializing in white-collar defense work. In both roles, he learned the importance of groups like the Langston Bar Association.

Among the programs that the group offers is continuing legal education for attorneys, free bar exam tutorials for law students, mentoring programs for young attorneys, and evaluations for candidates interested in judicial officer positions.

You always have new African American lawyers entering the field and we want to make sure that they know that they are supported and loved. Just passing the California Bar Exam is a tough task for many of us and we want to support them, not only as law school students, but also as lawyers in the field. They have the support of African American legal network and legal community and we are here for them, he insisted.

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We also reach back to encourage people to enter the legal field. We do a lot of programming for young people by going to schools to tell youth what it means to be a lawyer or a judge because we need more African Americans in this field. We need more Black people representing individuals in the courtroom and the boardroom and in legal-oriented meetings. Its so important to have African American lawyers in the legal profession, said McLain.

A major goal he has set for this year is to raise $100,000 for scholarships. Our theme for this year is Langston is Family Looking Back, Looking Forward, Looking Out, and we would love people to join us in our fundraising campaign, he said.

Supporters can text to give. Just text 41444, then type in JMLCI, and donate any amount to scholarships for law school students. It can be $5, $50, $500 and 100 percent of donations goes to scholarships. The money will help students in law school pay those enormous bills, so they can go on to become lawyers.

Membership in Langston Bar Association is open to anyone interested in supported the mission and goals of the nonprofit organization. To learn more, visit langstonbar.org
L.A. City Council, LAPD Target Sex Trafficking with New Approach

On Thursday, January 31, city of Los Angeles Councilwoman Nury Martinez and Councilmember Curren Price joined with the Los Angeles Police Departments Operations-South Bureau to introduce a new approach to the South Bureau Human Trafficking Task Force.

Joining the councilmembers were City Council president, Herb Wesson, 8th District Councilmember, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Deputy Chief, LAPD Operations-South Bureau, Dennis Kato, human sex trafficking survivor and advocate, Tangelia Myles and service providers.

Women and girls are being sold on our streets, in our city and that is no longer acceptable, said Martinez. I want to make it clearnowhere, nowhere in our city is it ok to see half-naked girls standing in the middle of the day on any of our corners, in any of our districts selling their bodies for sex.

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That is completely unacceptable.

Im here today to say to all of the men in our community  a man is a protector, a man is not a predator, said Wesson. I am my mothers son, my wifes husband and a grandfather of two young girls.

We, as men, need to come together to make sure that [women and girls] realize their dreams, that they can go as far as their abilities and imagination will take them and that it is not okay to take advantage of children.

Following three years of success at the Operations-Valley Bureau, Councilwoman Martinez, the LAPD, and service providers such as Journey Out, are bringing the resources, strategies, and tools that make the Valley Bureau Human Trafficking Task Force a success to the Operations-South Bureau.

Today, what youve done is give us the resources so that we can look at this problem with the entire South Bureau, said Harris-Dawson about Martinez bringing new endeavors to the South Bureau Human Trafficking Task Force.

Unfortunately, weve allowed a situation where trafficking has become normalized in culture. Today, we have people on the radio, right now, who call themselves [pimps] and they have hit records and we sing along and dance along to the records.

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In a situation, where it has become normalized  the police have a job, folks who work with victims have a jobyes indeed, if we catch you pimping or if you see fit to get out of your bed at three or four in the morning and drive from wherever you live to Western Ave., or Figueroa or to Hollywood so you can have sex with a teenagerwere going to let the world know about you.

Operating out of Councilmember Curren Prices 9th District, the South Bureau Human Trafficking Task Force focuses on tackling human trafficking in Council Districts 8, 9, and 10, represented by Councilmembers Harris-Dawson, Price, and Wesson respectively. Some of those strategies include changing the approach to targeting those who perpetuate the problem  the pimps and johns.

No longer are we taking the approach that we can arrest our way out of this issue because we cannot, said Martinez. The approach now is to really look and be centered around victims. What can we do to rescue women and children off the street but more importantly how do we incentivize or help [victims] to be able to speak and turn [their] pimp over?

The perpetrators are the pimps, weve got to get those folks off the street.

This issue is so important, it attacks our community in so many ways, said Price. Its not just the girls or women who are involved but their families, friends, neighbors, the impact on law enforcement [and] the need to shift resources.

We have to do all that we can to end this problem and make sure these girls and women know that we are here to support them.

Myles is a survivor of sex trafficking and shared her story during the press conference. She is with Gems Uncovered, a faith-based organization based in Long Beach, where she is helping to turn the tide with sex trafficking victims towards a positive light. She shared what the community can do to help end trafficking in the neighborhood.

The signs are always there, said Myles. The signs of a human trafficking victim are always therebe vigilant and dont be afraid to say something.

When you know things are just not right in your gut, you know something is not right  its better to be safe than sorry.

This is not some 1970s movie The Mack, said Wesson. There is nothing cool about this crap. These are our streets, this is our community and these are our sistersthis is our city and we have a responsibility as men to rise up and be a true man, which is to be a protector.

I find healing through speaking up and letting people know this is going to get better and that there is hope at the end of the tunnel, said Myles.
Karolyne Ashley: Fashion Designer, Kidney Donor and American Success Story

For clothing designer and entrepreneur, Karolyne Ashley, it all begins and ends with love.

The Drexel University graduate, who has been featured in Fashion Week events in New York, the Bahamas and Nigeria, said she has a passion for people and believes that the ultimate quality of life is created by loving each other as deeply as we love ourselves.

That importance, she said, reigns supreme as a core company value and acts as a guide in the process of planning the pieces she creates.

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We are excited to share our love and creativity with every woman that wants to tap into their inner goddess. Love is truly the key, said Ashley, whose company, The Karolyne Ashley Atelier, has created fantasy evening wear pieces she says exude the most dreamy types of elegance and glamour.

Ashleys designs are known for exuberant color palettes and innovative silhouettes, all which serve to capture the hearts of women globally.

We pride ourselves in creating timeless pieces that will stand out within any crowd and turn heads on every red carpet. At the

Karolyne Ashley Atelier we create custom evening wear pieces made-to-measure for each of our beautiful clients, she said.

The company works within a community of sustainable design entrepreneurs whose vision is to re-shape the impact that fashion has on the world from negative to positive, Ashley said.

With a strong focus on glamorous evening wear and millinery, Ashley brings holistic values to the special occasion and eveningwear markets. We are committed to produce our garments through sustainable means by utilizing transparent supply chains, producing locally in small curated production houses, and ensuring fair wages throughout our entire production pipeline, Ashley said.

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We believe that beauty shouldnt compromise our value nor is overindulgence exclusively equal to luxury fashion. With that, all of our products are either made-to-measure in our Karolyne Ashley Atelier or sold pre-sale via our website and at exclusive events.

This model allows us to eliminate excess waste while supplying consciously fabulous fashionistas globally.

Born and raised in Nashville, Tenn., Ashley and her family later moved to Richmond, Va., where she spent her high school years before relocating to Philadelphia for college.

Eventually, she opened a shop in Brooklyn and then re-located to Houston after providing a kidney for her brother who needed a transplant  something Ashley called a simple act of obedience to God.

It was my immediate reaction to offer my kidney and I felt strongly that it was something God wanted me to do, she said.

I knew that I was taking a drastic physical action, but had no comprehension of the sacrifices that I would have to make with my business, personal life and mental health.

The Jan. 2018 surgery proved successful and her brother is doing exceptionally well, Ashley said.

In Houston, Ashley has opened a studio where she creates some of the most stunning lines of evening wear, bridal, millinery and custom designs.

Last month, Ashley attended the NNPA Mid-Winter Training Conference in Orlando, Florida, where she wore a stunning black ensemble  one of her signature designs. This dress is actually a two-piece garment made of a black satin wrap skirt with an exaggerated hi-low hem and a textured bodysuit, she said.

The pieces can be worn separately or together with other items.

The skirt is called Roxie and was inspired by the need of having evening wear pieces that can grow and transform with the women that wear them, Ashley said.

Both pieces are a part of her Rebirth Collection that she premiered at Arise fashion week last March. The overall collection was inspired by my journey through my brothers surgery and recovery, Ashely said.

The mixture of dark colors and static brights are the expression of my many stages of healing and finding wholeness.

The outfit is available for purchase at The Pop-Up Co-Op boutique in Houston and will soon be available for custom orders on her website.

Recently, Ashley was appointed as the head of the Style Shop at Workshop Houston, a nonprofit that focuses on community building through the creative arts.

The Style Shop at Workshop Houston has fashion, music production, STEM, and tutoring programs. Students perform hands-on projects within each discipline.

As the coordinator of the Style Shop, I am building fashion curriculum that teaches both industry techniques as well as goal centric frameworks to build the students social and emotional attributes, Ashley said.

She also serves on the board of the AU Diaspora African Forum based in Accra, Ghana, where shes developing programming and collaborations that ultimately will be formed into camps, schools, and training platforms with a primary focus on building up young ones through the creative arts, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

When asked where she gets her inspiration, Ashely said it comes from her parents.

I would say that I am constantly driven and inspired by my family and mixed cultural heritage. My father is Bahamian and my mother grew up in Brooklyn, NY, but has roots deep in the south, she said.

So, I am drawn to the color and nature of the islands, the charm of the south, and the bustling energy of the city.

This shows up in the layered colors and textures of my work. I have also always maintained a strong spiritual connection which guides me through various life experiences.

This deep sense of connection allows me to move fluidly through lifes journey. In ways, fashion becomes my therapy and allows me to speak through situations of turmoil and bliss. This shows up in my mood boards and silhouettes. I try to keep my eyes and heart open while creating so that each collection tells as deeper story.
U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Courtesy Photo

WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) reintroduced a bill to reauthorize the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Historic Preservation Program for fiscal years 2019 to 2025. Across more than 100 HBCUs around the country, historic buildings and sitessome more than 100 years oldhave deteriorated over time and are at risk of being permanently lost if they are not preserved and protected. The bill would authorize funding for grants to restore these historic buildings and sites, as well as improve accessibility on many HBCU campuses.

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The bill is a Senate companion of House legislation introduced by U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC).

During my time as a student at Howard University, I was proud and humbled to walk the same hallways as historic figures like Thurgood Marshall, Zora Neale Hurston, and Shirley Franklin, said Harris. The history represented at Howard and across every other HBCU imbues special meaning on each campus and reminds students that they can come as they are and leave as the person they aspire to be. Im proud to introduce this legislation to preserve and improve HBCUs around the country for our future generations.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a vital role in American higher education, said Graham. With their long, rich history, HBCUs have helped many students achieve their full potential. Im pleased to join this bipartisan effort to strengthen these fine institutions and the Americans who have benefitted from the important role played by HBCUs.

I welcome and fully support this effort to continue our stewardship to preserve these important pieces of American history, and as I have for the last several Congresses, I am introducing companion legislation in the House, said Clyburn.

Supporters of the legislation include The United Negro College Fund, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are one of the most important vehicles for higher education and upward mobility in America. Without them, we would have no Thurgood Marshall, Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Jordan or Chadwick Boseman. I commend Senator Harris and the bipartisan group of Senate co-sponsors for working to ensure that the rich legacy of our nations HBCUs are preserved through the reauthorization of the HBCU Historic Preservation legislation.  Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

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The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Historic Preservation Fund remains a vital program for HBCUs and a program that UNCF has historically championed. UNCF firmly believes in the value added to HBCUs who are able to receive financial assistance to preserve the historic structures on their campuses. Against substantial odds, HBCUs have played a unique role in transforming the landscape of higher education in the United States and continue to prepare the African American professional and civic leaders needed by communities, employers and the nation. UNCF offers its full support of this piece of legislation and hope to see this bill signed into law.  Lodriguez Murray, UNCF Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs

From Morehouse College in Atlanta to Howard University right here in Washington, DC, Historically Black Colleges and Universities reflect the determination of generations of Black Americans to receive a quality education, even in the face of profound discrimination. We thank Senator Harris and Representative Clyburn for their dedication to preserving these testaments to African American achievement, activism and the Black educational experience, and reauthorizing the HBCU Historic Preservation Program to ensure that the historic buildings on HBCU campuses will continue to inspire and educate future generations.  Brent Leggs, director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

In addition to Senators Harris and Graham, co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Doug Jones (D-AL), and Tim Scott (R-SC).
Jay Z Puts His Advocacy to Action in Support of 21 Savage

Jay-Z , 21 Savage

According to TMZ, Jay-Z is coming to the defense of 21 Savage, slamming his arrest by ICE and throwing some major support his way  including help with his upcoming legal battle.

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The hip-hop mogul calls the arrest and detention of the Bank Account rapper an absolute travesty  and points out his U Visa application has been pending for years.

Jay says  In addition to being a successful recording artist, 21 deserves to be reunited with his children immediately.

Also, even though Savage isnt a Roc Nation artist, Jay-Zs company has responded to what it calls a matter of injustice by hiring attorney Alex Spiro to assist with his case.

Spiro tells TMZ, We are not going to stop until he is released, bonded out or in front of a judge  What we have here is someone who overstayed their Visa with an application pending for 4 years  not a convicted criminal that needs to be detained and removed but, by all accounts a wonderful person, father, and entertainer who has a marijuana offense which was vacated and sealed.

Were told 21 actually had a U Visa permit pending for 4 years before he reapplied for one in 2017, which  as we reported  may have led to a background check that discovered his visa was expired and triggered his arrest.

21 Savage thinks its more nefarious than that, though  he believes ICE arrested him early Sunday morning in Atlanta as revenge for his new music that slammed the behavior of immigration officials.
Frank Braxton Receives Winsor McCay Award at 46th Annies

On Saturday, February 2, 2019, Frank C. Braxton Jr., widely regarded as the first Black animator in Hollywood, was posthumously awarded with the Winsor McCay Award at the 46th Annual ASIFA-Hollywood Annie Awards at UCLAs Royce Hall. ASIFA (the International Animated Film Association) bestows the award, in recognition of lifetime or career contributions to the art of animation in producing, directing, animating, design, writing, voice acting, sound and sound effects, technical work, music, professional teaching, or for other endeavors which exhibit outstanding contributions to excellence in animation, per ASIFA-Hollywoods website.

LA native Frank C. Braxton, Jr. (bd. March 31, 1929) developed a love for drawing as a young boy and was known to carry his sketch book around, capturing images of L.A. in the 1930s and 40s. As a teenager, Frank developed a love for drawing caricatures of his friends and family, and as a senior at Manual Arts High School he filled the 1947 yearbook with his drawings depicting school life.

While studying art and music at LA City College and driving a cab at night, Frank met voice teacher Lee Wintner who introduced him to Ben Washam, a highly respected Warner Bros. senior animator who was taking voice lessons from Witner at the time.

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Upon meeting Frank, Washam saw that he had the talent to become an animator. Knowing there were no Black animators, Washam shrewdly approached Warner Studio head Eddie Selzer and asked, Is it true that Warner Bros. has a policy against hiring of Negroes? Offended, Selzer emphatically replied, Thats absolutely not true!

Good, replied Washam, because Ive got a Black artist we should hire!

After waiting several months for Warner Bros. final decision, the animation industry had its first Black artist. Frank began as an inbetweener in the Chuck Jones unit of the mid 1950s. Ben Washam became his mentor and trusted friend for the remainder of his life.

When Warner Bros. shut down for six months to retool, Frank was recommended to Disney Studios where he worked for only 10 days before he was hired as an assistant animator by veteran animator/director Abe Levitow, and then with animator Bill Hurtz at Shamus Culhane Productions, and later at Jay Ward Productions. Hurtz would later recall in Franks eulogy that he realized the intense pressures Frank was under as the first Black animator.

Throughout the remainder of the 1950s and into the early 1960s Frank contributed to the productions of several shows, including The Bullwinkle Show, Mr. Magoo, Alvin and the Chipmunk, Beany and Cecil, and Linus the Lionhearted, as well as some commercials and independent projects. During this time, Frank also served as president of the Los Angeles local of the Screen Cartoonists Guild, making him one of the first  if not the first  Black person to be elected president of any film union in Hollywood.

In 1964, Frank seized the opportunity to work in Spain, where at Estudios Moros, he worked as both animator and director in Madrid, then Barcelona. While in Europe, Frank officially represented ASIFA Hollywood.

Frank returned to the U.S. in late 1965, feeling free and energized from having worked in environments absent of prejudice. As a free-lancer during this period, Frank spent the majority of his time with Jay Ward Productions, animating and also directing segments of Rocky and Bullwinkle and George of the Jungle, as well as Captn Crunch and Quisp and Quake commercials.

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Other projects included: MGMs, The Phantom Tollbooth, under Levitow, and director John Hubleys Urbanissimo, in 1967. Frank also began teaching animation to inner city youth at the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles using equipment donated from various studios.

In 1968, Frank began an association with Bill Melendez Productions, on TV specials, Youre in Love, Charlie Brown and Hes Your Dog, Charlie Brown, and what turned out to be his last project, the feature length A Boy Named Charlie Brown, released in 1969, after his death.

Frank Braxton passed away at UCLA Medical Center on June 1, 1969 from Hodgekins Disease. Thankfully, after Frank, many talented Black artists, including Floyd Norman, Leo Sullivan, Richard Allen, Norm Edelen and Ron Husband followed with impressive careers in the industry.

He was our Jackie Robinson, said Disney animation artist, Norman.

The award was accepted by his wife, Bette and his two children, Aleta and Scott. Also present at the ceremony were his four grandchildren Alan, Daniel, Kathrine, Michael and nephew Greg.
Dr. Bluthenthal Appointed Associate Dean for Social Justice at USCs Keck

Sociologist, Dr. Ricky Bluthenthal is excited, he said, to take on his new role as associate dean for Social Justice at USCs Keck School of Medicine. Currently, Bluthenthal is a professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and a member of the Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research at the Keck School. In his new role, with specific goals and plans in mind, he will establish an office specifically dealing with social health issues within the deans office.

My early goals include working with some of the educational components that will provide social justice opportunity training for medical school students, Bluthenthal told the Sentinel in a recent interview.

We have about 1200 Ph.D. and masters level students. We want to figure out a way to add social justice work to their current studies or to do actual work to gain social justice experience.

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Bluthenthal isnt new to this work. Its something with which he has been involved throughout his career. His body of work is extensive, including studies on sexual behaviors among Black men, tobacco sales and usage and behavioral patterns among drug users.

One of the themes of sociology is that social systems are not set up to serve the general population but to serve the elite groups, said Bluthenthal.

And that creates conflict. The great thing about sociology when it comes to medicine and health, is that it sort of takes you out of that [dynamic] there are a lot of things you can do to improve the health outcomes for everyone.

All people should receive basic benefits from the institutions of society based on justice, fairness and the advancements of the public good, said Laura Mosqueda, MD, dean of the Keck School and professor of family medicine.

The appointment of Ricky Bluthenthal as associate dean for social justice advances the Keck Schools priority of advocating for local underserved communities and beyond.

A key first step in the establishment of the new Office of Social Justice will be a Listening Tour.

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The dean has asked me to do a listening tour to learn about the things that are already going on in the medical schools and to come up with a set of ideas and potential programs that would deal with not only the quality of care that people would receive but also in terms of dealing with the 60 percent of health determinants that have nothing to do with biology, Bluthenthal explained.

Those are things like where you live, issues that are related to the conditions you live under, your level of access to health insurance. Those really determine [if you live and quality of life].

Bluthenthal said he will engage with community leaders, Keck School and Keck Medicine of USC leaders, faculty, staff and university colleagues in identifying and prioritizing areas of focus.

It is a great pleasure to lead the Office of Social Justice, Bluthenthal said.

This is the first of many steps the Keck School hopes to take toward decreasing disparities and promoting equality in access to quality care and fair policies across the board.

Bluthenthal received a BA in History and Sociology from the University of California Santa Cruz and a PhD in sociology from the University of California Berkeley. His research has established the effectiveness of syringe exchange programs, tested novel interventions and strategies to reduce HIV risk and improve HIV testing among injection drug users and men who has sex with men, documented how community conditions contribute to health disparities, and examined health policy implementation. Bluthenthal has authored or co-authored over 125 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals such as the American Journal of Public Health, Social Science and Medicine, The Lancet, Addiction, and Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
Community Leaders Urge the L.A. Police Commission and City Officials to End Stop and Frisk Policy in South L.A.

On the heels of a recent report from the Los Angeles Times regarding LAPDs Stop and Frisk policy, community leaders throughout Los Angeles have come together to urge city officials to enact sensible police reforms in South L.A.

According to the Los Angeles Times article, Metro officers stop African American drivers at a disproportionate rate, more than five times their share of the citys population. A letter signed by Community Coalition, SEIU 2015 and other community leaders demands for the Metropolitan Division to be moved out of South L.A. and calls on the Los Angeles Police Commission and city officials to invest in community-driven solutions that address social and economic conditions.

Nearly half of the drivers stopped by the Metro Division are African American, in a city that is only 9% black it is nearly impossible to say racial profiling is not a factor in this, said Alberto Retana, president & CEO of Community Coalition. Now is the time to invest in our community, and move away from suppressive racial profiling strategies that create distrust, harm the community, and dismiss real data.

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Recent data suggests a major step backward towards building trust between LAPD and our local community, said April Verrett, president of SEIU 2015. Systemic racism still exists at all levels of law enforcement and beyond. There is a great opportunity for LAPD to demonstrate real leadership in the South L.A. community.

At a time when advocates are coalesced around decriminalization and shifting to investment in our young people and communities, we will not allow this over-policing to go unchecked, said Shimica Gaskins of Childrens Defense Fund California.

A copy of the can be read at www.lasentinel.net
Black Lives Matter Co-Founder to Deliver Over 6K Petitions Demanding L.A. City Attorney Stop Criminalizing Black Protest

Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors will lead a delegation of community activists in delivering a petition signed by over 6,000 people to Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer opposing the prosecution of California State University Los Angeles

professor and leader of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, Dr. Melina Abdullah. Dr. Abdullah faces eight criminal counts related to her anti-police activism, including battery on an LAPD officer and could face up to a year in prison if convicted.

(Court Case No. 8CJ10572)

Supporters of Dr. Abdullah say that the charges are malicious and discriminatory and are a direct attempt to criminalize Black protest.

The City Attorneys decision to prosecute Black protestors also fits into a much larger picture in which the federal government is attempting to criminalize Black people and even label them as terrorists and extremists for daring to struggle against police brutality, abuse, and killings, said Patrisse Cullors.

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Charges include one count of battery on an officer, resisting arrest, refusing to disperse, and interfering or obstructing a public business establishment. Other charges include three counts of unlawfully disturbing and breaking up an assembly and meeting, and two counts of unlawfully and intentionally interfering with the business of the LAPD commission.

Dr. Abdullah has said that her attendance and demonstration at meetings of the police commission are in an advocacy capacity for families who have lost loved ones to the police, experienced police brutality and excessive force.

Attorney Carl Douglas has stated that Dr. Abdullah will not plea to assaulting an officer.

I give you my word that there will be no plea to an assault on a police officer, Douglas said. If we cannot reach a resolution that satisfies my client, there will be a trial. And at that trial, we will expose the corruption of the LAPD.

In addition, over 200 letters will be delivered from the California Faculty Association, National Conference of Black Political Scientists, National Association for Ethnic Studies, Reclaim Our Schools and March On.
Thousands of residents of an urban poor community in Paranaque now own the land where they live through the intervention of Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority on Wednesday conveyed the one-hectare property that Arroyo asked to be given to the occupants. Arroyo visited the more than 400 families in Seaside (formerly Camp Claudio) in Tambo, Paranaque, bringing with her the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and National Housing Authority officials who will pave the way for the issuance of their long-delayed titles over their respective lots by the end of the year. Now we have reached the closure. We started this during my watch as president. I assure them that they will eventually own the land where their houses stand. But before the titling could be perfected the documents were lost, and only found during the present dispensation, Arroyo said. During the watch of President Rodrigo Duterte, they are assured that the titles will be theirs, added Arroyo. Her announcement was met with jubilation by the residents who benefitted from her Executive Order 116 issued in August 2002 which declared portions of Camp Claudio as socialized housing sites for disposition to qualified occupants. Part of the declared sites belonged to BCDA. While the Certificate of Entitlement to Lot Allocation was issued to the residents, the processing for the release of individual titles was stalled when Malacanang in 2011 claimed the documents relating to the property were lost. Upon the assumption of Duterte, residents again made followups.In 2017, the lost documents were retrieved and the process resumed. When Arroyo assumed the Speakership, she inquired on the status of her urban poor housing recipients. It was then when she found out that a Deed of Conveyance from the BCDA to the NHA was necessary to finally process and release the titles to the beneficiaries. Arroyo immediately coordinated with BCDA General Manager Vince Hizon for the release of the deed. On Wednesday, the Deed of Conveyance was signed by Hizon and the NHA. Witnessing the event with Arroyo were Paranaque Rep. Eric Olivarez and Mayor Edwin Olivarez. I leave public service with the knowledge that the process will be completed and the residents will get their titles to their property, Arroyo said. Ricardo Roxas, 61, one of the original settlers in the area, expressed gratitude to Arroyo for her constant concern to their community.
Black Faith History  Bishop Richard Allen

Bishop Richard Allen helped shape American history. Known as the founder and first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, he was also a successful businessman, civic leader and social activist and a preacher.

Born a slave in 1760, Allen bought his freedom while in his 20s. He was ordained as a minister in 1784 and later united with St. Georges Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. His association with St. Georges ended after Black worshippers were pulled from their knees while praying.

In 1787, Allen and fellow preacher, Absalom Jones, established the Free African Society to assist freed slaves and migrants. Twenty-nine years later, Allen and other Black Methodist leaders founded the AME Church. The U.S. Postal Service issued the Richard Allen stamp in 2016, the 200th anniversary of the founding of the AME Church.

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The denomination designates the second Sunday in February as Founders Day, which pays tribute to Allens legacy. On Sunday, Feb. 10, the Southern California AME Ministerial Alliance will host a Founders Day service at 4 p.m., at First AME Church, 2270 S. Harvard Blvd., in Los Angeles.

Alliance President John E. Cager III, FAME Pastor J. Edgar Boyd and other ministers will lead the spirited celebration, which will also launch the groups campaign to outreach and engage millennials. Several young people will participate in the worship.

The youth speakers include Kennedy Cofield of Rose of Sharon AME in Norwalk, Jeremiah Riggins of Cain Memorial AME in Bakersfield and Coral Pongsuwan of Holy Trinity AME in Long Beach. Choirs and soloists representing the Southern California Conference, Holy Trinity AME, Christ Our Redeemer AME and Cain Memorial AME will provide music.
APIs Energy Research Collaborative Focus is on Diversity

The capacity of petroleum to power transportation and manufacturing has proven a game changer that marked Americas first Generation Energy, according to American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Mike Sommers.

Todays energy is made up of innovators, problem solvers and disruptors  in the sense that American energy is changing the countrys narrative and altering its trajectory in historic terms, Sommers said.

That Americas Generation Energy supplies the foundation for modern life  it provides the fuel, power and products which make everyday life safer, healthier, and more comfortable probably could not have been summed up better than by what Frank M. Stewart said.

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The energy workforce opportunity could lead to an economic emancipation for many in our community, said Stewart, a consultant for API and president of Frank M. Stewart & Company.

Elia Quintana, the director of Stakeholder Relations for API , Dr. Carlos Rodriguez, and Stewart joined the National Newspaper Publishers Associations (NNPA) Midwinter Training Conference in Orlando, Fla., in January

Its Quintanas department that will lead APIs Energy Research Collaborative (ERC) with strategic partners focused on workforce development and engagement with nontraditional allies.

With alliances with NNPA,  the Black Press of America with more than 215 African American owned newspapers and media companies  and the National Association of Hispanic Publications, the American Association of Blacks in Energy and others, API hopes to encourage minorities and women to be petroleum engineers, geologists, welders, electricians, accountants, business managers and fill other necessary posts.

The ERC also includes Asian Americans in Energy, the Environment and Commerce, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Hispanics in Energy, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, The Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and others.

The group meets regularly and continues to provide feedback and recommendations to API.

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The Black Press, probably more than any organization in the nation has a history of communications with the Black community, reaching policy leaders in the community as well as young folks, Stewart said.

We believe we have a unique opportunity and the way to reach the community is by [aligning] with the people they trust, he said.

Rodriguez said the same can be said about Americas Hispanic community.

The analogy is also with the Hispanic Press, he said.

We have a big presence in cities where we have Latino and Black press and from an API perspective, we want to figure out how we leverage that power, Rodriguez said.

API counts as the only national trade association representing all facets of the natural gas and oil industry in support of 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the American economy.

With at least 40 percent of the industrys worker base on track to retire by 2035, ERCs research has shown that a vast number of those positions will be filled by women and minorities over the next decade and beyond.

API is specifically prioritizing on ensuring that the future workforce of tomorrow is being able to impact a diverse community, Quintana said.

The oil and gas industry represents 10 percent of the workforce and within that we have 50 percent of the current workforce who will be retiring so were making sure to create allies and strategies so that we can fill those jobs, she said.

Quintana, Stewart and Rodriguez agreed that the talents of all are needed to fill jobs many of which carry a near six-figure income to start.

Particularly through the ERC, API is working with its partners to increase the awareness of the industry in underrepresented communities.

The company has noted that theres an industry-wide recognition of how imperative it is to equip more students for those jobs  especially African Americans, Hispanics and women all of whom historically have been underrepresented in the natural gas and oil business.

The issue of awareness has to translate into an action issue for penetration into communities of color, Rodriguez said. We will study to see if the numbers that we have still hold and how its distributed among people of color and what are the implications.

The industry supports 10.3 million jobs, according to a recent study.

Additionally, an IHS Market Study estimates that a total of 1.9 million direct job opportunities  STEM-related and those of other skill sets  through 2035.

The study projects that Hispanic workers will hold 576,000 of those jobs while African Americans account for 131,000.

Women are projected to fill nearly 300,000 jobs in the industry through 2035.

What is the nature of those jobs? Are we only talking about PhDs? No, were looking incredibly wide range from high school training to post doctorate training, Stewart said.

Were looking at Houston, Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and other areas where our communities are within reach of these opportunities.

Said Rodriguez: You get a high school degree, stay drug free and get a certification, you can start making $85,000 or $90,000. Its incredible.
Agape Church of L.A. Celebrates Black History Month

With Black History Month taking place in February, Agape Church of Los Angeles has planned two events to celebrate the achievements of notable African Americans in the L.A. area.

Educators Appreciation Sunday is set for February 10, at 11 a.m., in the Agape sanctuary located at the Consolidated Plaza, 3725 Don Felipe Drive in Los Angeles. The special guests will be Dr. George J. McKenna, LAUSD board member; and Dr. Ayanna Davis, principal of the Wanda Miles and the 75th Street Early Education Centers.

The role of Black educators in the African American experience has directly contributed to the success of this country, said Bishop Craig A. Worsham, senior pastor. Dr. McKenna and Dr. Davis exemplify the character and dedication of those who are committed to training our people to excel.

Agape Church will host Law Enforcement Sunday on Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. The honorees are CHP Southern Division Chief Mark Garrett, LAPD Deputy Chief Regina Scott, USC Public Safety Chief John Thomas, Fontana School District Chief Mark Sissac and LAPD Officer Deon Joseph. KTTV news anchor Christine Devine will be recognized as well.

This is an opportunity to salute some of the community leaders in public safety, who consistently maintain the highest standards, even in the most difficult circumstances,  said Worsham.

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We want to thank Leon Gamble, CEO of the Gamble Group, and LAPD Sergeant II Lu Q. Watkins, for partnering with us to honor these stars in law enforcement and salute Ms. Devine, who broadcasts stories about their achievements.

Inviting the public to attend the events, Worsham added that a reception will follow both worship services.

To learn more, visit agapela.org or call (323) 295-5571.
Transatlantic Slave Trade, A Five Hundred-Year-Old Shared History

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has launched a global news feature series on the history, contemporary realities and implications of the transatlantic slave trade.

This is Part 3 in a Series on Slavery in America

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It started with slave ships  there are more records of slave ships than one would dream. It seems inconceivable until you reflect that for 200 years, ships sailed carrying cargo of slaves. How can man be nonviolent  in the face of the  violence that weve been experiencing for the past (500) years is actually doing our people a disservice in fact, its a crime, its a crime.  Public Enemy- Cant Truss It.

The transatlantic slave trade is often regarded as the first system of globalization and lasted from the 16th century through much of the 19th century. Slavery, and the global political, socio-economic and banking systems that supported it, constitutes one of the greatest tragedies in the history of humanity both in terms of scale and duration.

The transatlantic slave trade was the largest mass deportation of humans in history and a determining factor in the world economy of the 18th century, where millions of Africans were torn from their homes, deported to the American continent and sold as slaves, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization  or UNESCO.

The transatlantic slave trade that began about 500 years ago connected the economies of three continents with Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, England and France acting as the primary trading countries.

The transatlantic slave trade transformed the Americas, wrote Dr. Alan Rice, a Reader in American Cultural Studies at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston in the United Kingdom.

Three factors combined to cause this transformation. Large amounts of land had been seized from Native Americans and were not being used, Rice said. Europeans were looking for somewhere to invest their money and very cheap labor was available in the form of enslaved Africans; [thus] the Americas became a booming new economy.

The transatlantic slave trade also formed an essential bridge between Europes New World and its Asia trade and, as such, it was a crucial element in the development of the global economy in the 18th century, Professor Robert Harms wrote for Yale Universitys Global Yale.

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Harms, a professor of History at Yale and chair of the Council on African Studies continued:

There was one basic economic fact  little noticed by historians  that provides the key to the relationship between the direct trade and the circuit trade.

When a French ship arrived in the New World with a load of slaves to be bartered for sugar, the value of the slaves equaled about twice as much sugar as the ship could carry back to France. For that reason, the most common form of slave contract called for fifty percent of the sugar to be delivered immediately and the remainder to be delivered a year later.

The second delivery carried no interest penalty, and so the slave sellers were in effect giving the buyers an interest-free loan.

In total, UNESCO estimates that between 25 to 30 million people  men, women and children  were deported from their homes and sold off as slaves in the different slave trading systems.

More than half  17 million  were deported and sold during the transatlantic slave trade, a figure that UNESCO historians said doesnt include those who died aboard the ships and during the course of wars and raids connected to the slave.

The trade proceeded in three steps. The ships left Western Europe for Africa loaded with goods which were to be exchanged for slaves.

Upon their arrival in Africa, the captains traded their merchandise for captive slaves. Weapons and gun powder were the most important commodities but textiles, pearls and other manufactured goods, as well as rum, were also in high demand.

The exchange could last from one week to several months.

The second step was the crossing of the Atlantic. Africans were transported to America to be sold throughout the continent.

The third step connected America to Europe.

The slave traders brought back mostly agricultural products, produced by the slaves. The main product was sugar, followed by cotton, coffee, tobacco and rice.

The circuit lasted approximately eighteen months and, in order to be able to transport the maximum number of slaves, the ships steerage was frequently removed, historians said.

Many researchers are convinced that the slave trade had more to do with economics than racism. Slavery was not born of racism, rather racism was the consequence of slavery, historian Eric Williams wrote in his study, Capitalism & Slavery.

Unfree labor in the New World was brown, white, black, and yellow; Catholic, Protestant, and pagan. The origin of Negro slavery? The reason was economic, not racial, it had to do not with the color of the laborer, but the cheapness of the labor, Williams said.

Also, contrary to the popular portrayal of African slaves as primitive, ignorant and stupid, the reality is that not only were Africans skilled laborers, they were also experts in tropical agriculture, said editor and social media and communications expert, Michael Roberts.

In a dissertation for op-ed news earlier this year, Roberts said, Africans were well-suited for plantation agriculture in the Caribbean and South America.

Also, the high immunity of Africans to malaria and yellow fever, compared to white Europeans and the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and South America, meant Africans were more suitable for tropical labor.

While Native Americans labor were initially used, Africans were the final solution to the acute labor problem in the New World, Roberts said.

The slave trade was one of the most important business enterprises of the 17th century. The undisputed fact is that the nation states of Europe stabilized themselves and developed their economies mainly at the expense of millions of Black African people, he said.

During the 16th Century, when Europeans first made regular contact, West Africa had highly developed civilizations and Africans were keen to trade their gold, silver, copper, Ivory and spices for European pots, pans, cloth and guns.

However, Europeans soon became more interested in exploiting the people of Africa and forcing them into slave labor.

Most of the slaves were taken from the West coast, but some were kidnapped further inland from the interior.

The biggest lesson to be learned from this dark and evil chapter in human history is that exploiting fellow humans for cheap labor never pays off in the long run, said Pablo Solomon, an internationally recognized artist and designer whos been featured in 29 books and in newspapers, magazines, television, radio and film.

The acts of using fellow humans as beasts of burden to save a few bucks always ends up costing more in the long run, both in real money and in societal decay, Solomon said.

Any rationalization of misusing fellow humans is both evil and ignorant, he said.

One aspect of the transatlantic slave trade that would greatly enhance its understanding is that the English began to enslave and export Irish persons to the Caribbean in the time of Oliver Cromwell, said Heather Miller, an educator and writer with expertise in the teaching of reading and writing, who holds graduate degrees from Harvard and MIT.

Cromwell was known for his campaign in Ireland that centered on ethnic cleansing and the transportation of slave labor to the Barbados.

Irish enslaved persons worked alongside African enslaved persons in the Caribbean, Miller said.

However, historians generally agree that the most cruel and exploitative people have been the African.

From the moment when Europeans took their slaves from a race different from their own, which many of them considered inferior to other human races, and assimilation with whom they all regarded with horror, they assumed that slavery would be eternal, historian Winthrop D. Jordan wrote in his dissertation, White Over Black: American Attitudes Toward the Negro.

While tribal leaders assisted in the capturing of some African slaves, its without any doubt that foreigners were overwhelmingly the most egregious in their pursuit of men, women and children who would be placed in the horrors of forced labor and inhumane treatment.

The transatlantic slave trade would become the largest forced migration in history.

It started at the beginning of the sixteenth century and, until the mid-17th century, Spanish America and Portuguese Brazil were the major slave markets for European slave traders.

The Dutch participation in the transatlantic slave trade started in the 1630s and ended at the beginning of the nineteenth century, according to Henk den Heijer, professor emeritus in Maritime History at the Leiden University in the Netherlands.

During that period, the Dutch shipped 600,000 Africans to the colonies in the New World.

Initially, the Dutch were against slavery which was considered to be a catholic heresy. This antislavery point of view can be easily explained, den Heijer said.

Dutch seafarers first ventured across the Atlantic without the intention of enslaving anyone. They were mainly interested in the trade in Atlantic products like salt, sugar, wax and dye wood. At the beginning of the 17th century, however, the Dutch established small plantation colonies on the coast of Guyana, the area between the Orinoco and Amazon rivers, he said.

Most of the early settlements were populated with Dutch colonists and a few indigenous slaves. The Dutch embraced the slave trade and slavery on a large scale for the first time in Brazil.

The slave trade also brought a great deal of wealth to the British ports that were involved.

Researchers noted the count of slaves and slave ships that came through the main British ports in 1771, when the average working person earned $35 in British currency per year and a single slave in good condition could be sold in the Caribbean for $25.

Liverpool had 107 ships and transported 29,250 slaves, historians noted.

London had 58 ships carrying 8,136 slaves while Bristol had 23 ships that transported 8,810 slaves.

Additionally, researchers said Lancaster had 4 ships that transported 950 slaves.

From 1791 to 1807, British ships carried 52 percent of all slaves taken from Africa while, from 1791 to 1800, British ships delivered 398,719 slaves to the Americas.

While it was the British who stood as the most progressive couriers of whatever was transported through the sea, many other countries chartered ships and descended upon African nations to capture slaves.

Ships sailed to Africa loaded with guns, tools, textiles and other manufactured goods and crews with guns went ashore to capture slaves and purchase slaves from tribal leaders.

Slave ships spent months traveling to different parts of the coast, according to historians who described the devastation on a webpage titled The Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Captives were often in poor health from the physical and mental abuse they suffered.

The air in the hold was foul and putrid, according to historians.

From the lack of sanitation, there was a constant threat of disease. Epidemics of fever, dysentery and smallpox were frequent. Captives endured these conditions for months. In good weather, the captives were brought on deck in midmorning and forced to exercise.

They were fed twice a day and those refusing to eat were force-fed.

Those who died were thrown overboard. The combination of disease, inadequate food, rebellion and punishment took a heavy toll on captives and crew.

Surviving records suggest that until the 1750s, one in five Africans on board ship died.

At least two million Africans  10 to 15 percent  died during the infamous Middle Passage across the Atlantic.

Some European governments, such as the British and French, introduced laws to control conditions on board. They reduced the numbers of people allowed on board and required a surgeon to be carried.

The principal reason for taking action was concern for the crew, not the captives, historians said.

The surgeons, often unqualified, were paid head-money to keep captives alive. By about 1800 records show that the number of Africans who died had declined to about one in 18.

When enslaved Africans arrived in the Americas, they were often alone, separated from their family and community, unable to communicate with those around them.

When we arrived, many merchants and planters came on board and examined us. We were then taken to the merchants yard, where we were all pent up together like sheep in a fold, according to a published description from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano.

On a signal, the buyers rushed forward and chose those slaves they liked best.

Sold, branded and issued with a new name, the enslaved Africans were separated and stripped of their identity.

In a deliberate process, meant to break their will power and make them totally passive and subservient, the enslaved Africans were seasoned, which meant that, for a period of two to three years, they were trained to endure their work and conditions  obey or receive the lash.

It was mental and physical torture.

The anniversary of the Transatlantic Slave Trade needs to be marked in some way, not celebrated, but recognized and memorialized because of the effects this decision had then that still affects the world today, said Dr. Jannette Dates, dean emerita at the School of Communications at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

The Black Press continues to play its historic role in keeping issues of significance to African Americans in the forefront for Black peoples awareness, knowledge and better understanding of our history, Dr. Dates said.

(Read the entire series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11)
2018 Hyundai IONIQ Electric Limited: An Autoganic Delight

My perspective on alternative energy sources is quite simple. I absolutely love electric vehicles (EV) and the potential they have for impacting and reducing human reliance on crude oil. Global Warming is not a myth folks, so we have to absolutely do all we can to sustain Mother Earths future by righting many of the wrongs committed through pollution.

Therefore, I become enamored when automotive brands like Hyundai commit to resolutions that help rectify the quandary by way vehicles running off our electrical grid such as the 2018 IONIQ Electric Limited we recently tested.

Our midsize sedan came in a Symphony Air Silver exterior hue and black on black interior which was rather roomy and designed with recycled and ecologically-sensitive materials. In the backrow the kids had all the legroom needed for their daily antics without complaints and the headroom for my 6-foot frame was more than adequate. Moreover, to reduce battery usage, Hyundais climate control system can be switched to Driver only mode.

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The IONIQ Electric rolls on chunky 205/55R16 Michelin tires wrapped around eco-spoke alloy rims. The package was pleasantly impressive during driving periods in extreme wintry conditions in the Northeast part of the country. HID Xenon headlamps with Dynamic Bending Lights (DBL) and LED taillamps enhance the IONIQs technology capabilities.

EVs are fun to drive being that their electric torque creates instantaneous acceleration. I experienced the IONIQ Electric Limited in the city, on longer highway stretches and in smaller community neighborhoods and enjoyed each manner of maneuverability. Keep in mind the IONIQ (as with most EVs) decelerates just as fast as it takes off when you let off the accelerator. Even without mashing the brake pedal the vehicle will feel like you mashed the brake pedal unless constant pressure is kept on the e-gas.

The autoganic Korean darling features a 118-horsepower 88kW electric powertrain, 28 kWh 360V lithium-ion polymer battery, 6.6 kW on-board charger and DC Fast Charging capabilities. The typical drive selector is replaced with individual push buttons and regenerative braking can be actuated through the steering wheel control paddles. Get this, the flat-bottom steering wheel is just as sporty as some of Hyundais other sedans.

The mindset of an EV driver is unique. You want to give back to the planet by rewarding it with consciousness but simultaneously do not wish to be inconvenienced. With a fully-charged driving range of 124 miles Hyundais EV is perfect for intown errands and short roundtrips to the grocer and picking up the kids.

Yet, in my opinion the household will need to own at least one other vehicle due to the time it takes to charge and the unpredictability of life events. For example, I wanted to use the IONIQ for every stop I needed to make in a 14-hour span but had to come home to juice when the e-miles were counting down. My daughters would have lambasted me if I stopped at a station to charge after their long day of school and practices.

In my garage using the normal AC 120V the IONIQ needed an entire day and night for rejuvenation. If I were an EV owner I would have installed an AC Charger 240V so that the re-ups would only take 4 hours or so. Some popular charger models are the ClipperCreek, Juicebox Pro 40 and the AeroVironment TurboCord.

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As well, at Home Depot you can pick up a ChargePoint charger for $778 or a Siemens for $433. According to Home Advisor the national average for the actual installation of a standard 240V EV charging station ranges between $425 and $978.

Thankfully the IONIQs onboard Energy Information computations provided me with the time allotments each energy source required to charge. The fastest at 30 minutes is the industrial DC Fast Charger that supplies Direct Current (DC) to an EV without the need for a rectifier. Youll find these at airports, dealerships and large retailers. The AC Charger (Alternating Current) requires conversion to DC power utilizing the EVs onboard charger (rectifier). Since spacing is limited they are usually small, which in turn requires more time to charge the EV.

With my loaner I took a drive to Electrify America (EA) to learn about the companys EV station rollout. Our IONIQ Electric was thrilled to be receiving fresh juice after the hour-long trip down to Reston, VA from Silver Spring, MD.

EA is devoting $2 billion over a 10-year period to expand the Zero Emission Vehicle infrastructure, educate curious consumers and increase access to their nationwide charging network.

Millions of Americans will become enlightened by the advantages of electric driving stemming from 17 metropolitan locations and high-traffic corridors in 42 states including two cross-country routes. Owners and vehicle manufacturers can also expect more than 2,000 EA chargers across 484 stations sites in the U.S. by July 1, 2019.

Thus, Im looking forward to seeing EA populate shopping centers so EV lovers can become more secure with their daily routines without worrying about range anxiety which is that expressed emotion when running low on power without a charging station in site. Mike Moran in communications explained that Electrify America will place stations  in clusters of 4 to ten chargers  at more than 100 Walmart stores.

Just because your vehicle is electric doesnt mean it will be basic, especially if were referring to the iconic IONIQ. For $36,885 my ride was adorned with a power tilt and sliding sunroof, 8 touchscreen navigation system and rearview camera, SiriusXM, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a power drivers seat, heated front seats and wireless phone charging which I used often.

The IONIQ Electric Limited was additionally enhanced with Blue Link Connected Services and Blue Link Connected Care. For safety and convenience Hyundai empowered the EV with Smart Cruise Control featuring start/stop technology, a proximity key and push button starter, Vehicle Stability Management, Lane Keep Assist System and Automatic Emergency Braking to name a few.

The world is advancing through innovation quicker than a blink of an eye, and rightfully so. We must all begin adapting. Gasoline-powered autos still rule the land but its inevitable that electric vehicles will become our future, and in time their reign will increase precipitously.

Pros

 Quick electric charge

 Extensive multi-media features

 Roomy interior

Cons

 Range anxiety still kicks in
The American Dream Remains Deferred for Black Millennials

The American Dream is described as a national ethos: a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers.

Thats the Wikipedia definition.

For African American millennials, the dream remains deferred  and in some cases, is a nightmare.

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The American Dream, the idea that anyone can succeed through hard work, is one of the most enduring myths in this country. And one of its most prominent falsehoods, Reniqua Allen, the author of It Was All a Dream wrote in a recent New York Times Op-Ed.

As I entered my 30s, still navigating what achieving the dream would mean, I wondered what other black millennials were feeling. I wanted to figure out what my generation of Black Americans thought about the promise of the American dream and how we can attain it, Allen said.

Keli Hammond, the owner and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based B Classic Marketing & Communications and author of Craved: the Secret Sauce to Building a Highly-Successful, Standout Brand, said Black millennials have an uphill climb to achieve the American Dream.

Unfortunately, this is a very true reality. Race is a touchy subject in this country  always has been, always will be, Hammond said. Its funny because, even thought its part of our social construct, its still incredibly uncomfortable when its talked about.

Hammond, who holds a bachelors degree in Advertising from Temple University and a certification in Change Leadership from Cornell University, noted that race has a way of humbling dreams quite fast.

Although I believe that millennials in general are struggling to identify with the American Dream, for Black millennials it can often feel like a dream you cant achieve, she said.

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We werent afforded the same job opportunities or raises, we dont have the same networks, were not given the same leeway if we make a mistake, and we dont have the same access to capital or generational wealth  its hard every day, Hammond said.

In a survey customized exclusively for NNPA Newswire, Branded Research asked 452 African Americans which aspect of the American Dream is most important.

A total of 30 percent said having a comfortable retirement; 21 percent said homeownership; 21 percent said setting up their children for success; 15 percent said owing a business; 7 percent said a college education; and 6 percent said having a nuclear family.

When broken down by gender, 22 percent of men and 34 percent of women said having a comfortable retirement was most important.

Twenty-two percent of men identified homeownership as most important as compared with 21 percent of women.

When broken down by age, 24 percent of those between 18 and 24 identified setting up their children for success was most important and 21 percent of the same age group said having a comfortable retirement and owning a business is paramount.

Twenty-eight percent of African Americans between 25 and 34 identified home ownership as most important followed by setting up their children for success (27 percent); and having a comfortable retirement (19 percent).

Overall, African American consumers are most likely to say that the most important aspects of the American Dream are having a comfortable retirement, homeownership and setting children up for success.

African American women are more likely than African American men to say that having a comfortable retirement is the most important aspect of the American Dream.

Younger African Americans value homeownership, setting up children for success and owning a business while older African Americans value a comfortable retirement most.

The American Dream isnt what I strive for [because] my goal is to be successful in my chosen creative path of singing and to travel the world doing that  not to be tethered to a job I dont like, to pay a mortgage I dont want in order to live permanently anywhere, said New York musician Risa Branch.

I finally paid off my student loans. I want the freedom to be wherever I want to be, Branch said.

If I did get the surplus funds to buy a house, Id rent it out and use the investment to fund a more mobile lifestyle.

Hammond argued that Black millennials want equality, opportunity and freedom. We want the same business and home loans, we want the same job offers, we want the same  everything, she said.

Im college-educated, well-read, and well-traveled. Im a business owner and a homeowner, and even with all of that, Im keenly aware that I am still very much an underdog, Hammond continued.

Freedom means you dont struggle financially or live paycheck-to-paycheck. Freedom means youre able to relax sometimes and not worry about all the ways that you have to work to dispel racial myths and stereotypes.
This article appears in the February 8, 2019 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

Agape as Policy:

General Douglas MacArthur and Japan

[Print version of this article]

Army Signal Corps

Feb. 4What will the world look like when the United States finally joins the One Belt One Road initiative launched by Chinas President Xi Jinping in 2013?

That is a question that has tickled, taunted, and tormented me over the last few years, as the New Paradigm, long advocated by Lyndon and Helga Zepp-LaRouche, makes soaring leaps in Africa and Asia, while the collapse of the trans-Atlantic world accelerates to what will surely be a resounding doom. The tension between these two coinciding (for the moment), worlds is now at the breaking point.

When one ponders the horrific state of mind of the majority of young Americans, and the degeneracy of their pot-smoking parents, who are making arguments for legislation that is approaching the advocacy of cannibalism (is that perhaps the end result of cannabis?) one is caused to consider whether a great moment is once again going to find a people who are too depraved to seize the opportunity to transform mankind.

For example, the former German Deputy Defense Secretary, Willy Wimmer, cautioned those who are calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump, that Donald Trump is very likely the only thing standing between them and World War III. Wimmer is very clear, at least, that the ultimate success of Chinas President Xi Jinpings initiative to end poverty worldwide by 2050as propelled by a commitment to scientific progress and creativitydepends on what happens here in the United States, in the relatively very short term.

Human Progress Depends on a Few Precious Individuals

The progress and long-term survival of the human species depends on those few precious individuals who have managed to muster the courage to actively love mankind, and most importantly, to love mankinds potential. Jeanne dArc and Martin Luther King, Jr. come immediately to mind, but I would add that the extraordinary success of the American Revolution against the bestial world outlook of the British Empire, a success expressed in our Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the Constitution, created an American Culture that produced several such individuals, who were quite conscious of their philosophical roots, including Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Douglas MacArthur, to name a few, culminating in the person of Lyndon LaRouche, who is to date, the pinnacle of American Culture or, dare I say American Exceptionalism?

Because of Lyndon LaRouches extraordinary life, through his scientific breakthroughs in the field of physical economy, and eight presidential campaigns, providing presidential leadership, and building an international philosophical association, there is a very good possibility that the United States will ultimately move in the needed direction, but that depends on the American people regaining their sense of cultural optimism about the potential the future holds, and thereby finally recognizing the foul and evil stench of the dying British Empire, and collaborating with the LaRouche Movement to crush it.

To that end, please now reconsider LaRouches words from a 1986 paper, Truth is Beauty and Beauty is Truth, published in the January 25, 2019 EIR:

Although the principles of art so adduced, seem to be particular to western Europe and the Americas, they are true principles, nonetheless. If the person encultured in this western European civilization wishes to understand the artistic works of Asian cultures, that person will find that the principles seemingly only specific to the Augustinian tradition are truly universal ones. That person will be enabled to discover, that by situating the notion of art rigorously in terms of his own cultural experience, he acquires in this way the power to comprehend art universally.

The most beautiful aspect of Christianity is presented first in the opening chapters of the Gospel of St. John; later following St. Paul, this truth and beauty is affirmed and elaborated by St. Augustine. The clarification of the Latin Nicene Creed with the Filioque, captures the essence of this.

National Archives & Records Administration

Agape Is the Unifying Principle

LaRouche continues:

The Logos (conventionally referred today by todays Christians as the Holy Spirit) is the essence of Reason, as we have identified the higher-order laws of the universe here. Yet, this is not abstract reason; without the active role of a certain quality of love, agape, reason dies. This quality of love is the essence of Reason. It is, at once, love of God, and also a kind of love toward mankind made concrete by Jesus Christ as Gods love toward mankind. Whom God loves, we love, and in that fashion. The flow of perfect Reason and perfect Love from Christ toward mankind, as from the Creator, is the common essence of science and art.

This love toward mankind is focussed on that aspect of the individual personality which distinguishes mankind absolutely from the lower species: the soul, the development of the divine spark of potential for scientific reasoning.

This principle of agape is the unifying principle embodied by all great leaders, including military leaders, whose intent in war is not to kill the most people (as the sick Robert Strange McNamara enforced in Vietnam, a war which the U.S. did not win), but to save the most people, and their posterity, even if it means giving ones own life to do so.

This was the mindset of General Douglas MacArthur, whose father had been an important military leader in Abraham Lincolns Union Army from a tender age. According to General George Kenney, the Commander of the 5th Air Force under MacArthur in the Pacific during World War II, MacArthur had a picture of President Lincoln, with the following quote from Lincoln, which he hung in every office he ever occupied:

If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know howthe very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, whats said against me wont amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.

Lincolns Presidency was the embodiment of those principles expressed in our founding documents, referenced above. As brutal and bloody as the War of the Rebellion (misnamed the Civil War) was, and as treasonous as the Confederacy was, Lincoln had already expressed in his Second Inaugural Address his intent to forgive the South (with malice toward none, with charity for all) before the war had been won. As far as he was concerned, losing that war against the British-orchestrated Confederacy was not an option, and happily, his Generals Grant and Sherman were of the same opinion. President Lincolns intent was to secure the peace, but not a peace of oppression, but a peace worthy of the dignity of mankind, for the future potential of mankind.

When the Confederate Army surrendered at Appomattox, great care was taken by General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, on the Presidents behalf, to afford the surrendering soldiers a dignified submission of their arms and flags, which was not well received by some, but created the possibility for the nation to bind up its wounds as Lincoln had intended. While the soldiers were marching back from Appomattox, burying their dead as they went, and remembering the bitter battles, the word came that President Lincoln had been assassinated at Fords Theatre in Washington, D.C., even before the victory parade was held. Because of Lincolns commitment to this principle, and the culture created by his leadership, the nation survived, and even prospered, although much impaired relative to what might have been.

Royal Navy/W.G. Cross

MacArthur as Supreme Commander in Japan

When General MacArthur first landed in Japan at Atsugi Airdrome, which had been a hotbed of Kamikaze fighters, after the surrender (but before the signing ceremony, which was two weeks later, on board the USS Missouri) General George Kenney was surprised by MacArthurs order that all the American soldiers should remove their pistols, which they habitually carried. Kenney writes:

There were about 15 Jap divisions within a few miles of us that had not yet disarmed. If the Japs didnt really mean what they had said about surrendering, those pistols wouldnt do us much good. We left them behind. It turned out later that MacArthurs instinct for figuring out the workings of the Oriental mind was still paying off. A number of Japs told me afterward that the sight of all those generals and officers walking around unarmed in a country of seventy million people, who only a few days before were enemies, made a tremendous impression on the Japanese. It told them more than anything else that they had lost the war.

The situation in Japan at the end of the war was a delicate one. General Kenney described the population as sullen and depressed. The Emperor had been venerated as a God, more than as a man, and the announcement of the surrender was a great shock to the culture and identity of the Japanese people. As a result of the war and blockade, millions were homeless, and food and medicine were sparse to non-existent. Two nuclear bombs had been dropped on major population centers on orders of President Truman, in spite of the likelihood that Japan was about to surrender due to the blockade. Because of the lack of communications, not everyone was aware of the extent of the devastation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. That was probably fortunate. If action were not taken immediately to address the immiserated state of the population, with millions of soldiers returning from battle, Kenney feared that a rebellion could erupt, and keeping over 70 million people under martial law did not seem like a viable prospect.

MacArthur, who had visited Japan with his father in 1905, was acutely aware of the challenge he faced as the Supreme Commander overseeing the occupation of Japan. He wrote in his autobiography, Reminiscences:

Because I had been given so much power, I was faced with the most difficult situation of my life. Power is one thing. The problem of how to administer it is another. My professional military knowledge was no longer a factor. I had to be an economist, a political scientist, an engineer, a manufacturing executive, a teacher, even a theologian of sorts. I had to rebuild a nation that had been completely destroyed by war. Whatever my ethical teachings had been, whatever my basic character was, whatever the concept of mankind that lay within my soul, I would have to bring into this political, economic, and spiritual vacuum concepts of honor, justice, and compassion. Japan had become the worlds great laboratory for an experiment in the liberation of a people from totalitarian military rule and for the liberalization of government from within. It was clear that the experiment in Japan must go far beyond the primary purpose of the Alliesthe destruction of Japans ability to wage another war and the punishment of war criminals. Yet history clearly showed that no modern military occupation of a conquered nation had been a success.

If any occupation lasts too long, or is not carefully watched from the start, one party becomes slaves, and the other masters. History teaches, too, that almost every military occupation breeds new wars of the future. . . . My doubts were to be my best safeguard, my fears my greatest strength.

U.S. Army/Gaetano Faillace

Justice Is a Universal Principle

Once again, Aristotles view of the human soul as a blank slate was refuted, as the people of Japan demonstrated that justice is indeed a principle universally abiding in the human identity, no matter how remote it seems from the prevailing opinion. Instead of being a source of rage and resentment, the war crimes tribunals had a moralizing effect on the population, as the perpetrators of hideous deeds were located and held accountable for their crimes. MacArthur absolutely refused to put the Emperor on trial, as the Soviets and others were demanding, not intending to humiliate the Japanese people any further. As absolutely barbaric and savage as the Japanese soldiers had been toward the peoples they conquered, and toward their American prisoners of war, MacArthur exercised care to not allow any sense of revenge to prevail, but rather, of justice, and the population responded favorably.

Clearly, many of the Japanese people had themselves been victims of the fascist regime in Japan, with thousands having been thrown into prison for political crimes, including those who represented a pro-American outlook, probably including friends of MacArthurs father, and people associated with them. MacArthur released the political prisoners, including the Communists, declared freedom of the press, and gave women the right to vote.

There were, of course, many economic measures taken, from the immediate task of getting food and medical supplies to the population, to breaking up family monopolies, and establishing many new manufacturing firms and businesses. There was a direct relationship between Franklin Roosevelts New Dealers, including credit from the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, and the reconstruction of Japan. Through all of this General MacArthur was acutely conscious that the Japanese people had to be responsible and engaged in the future direction of their nation. The occupation had to be short lived, and the change in Japans culture, economy, and government had to endure, as the legacy of the Japanese people themselves, and not evaporate the moment MacArthur left.

Others have written much more about the specific policy actions taken by General MacArthur to unleash the passion of the Japanese people, as LaRouches late collaborator Don Phau was investigating before his death. I will not attempt to itemize any of that here. What provoked me upon reading General Kenneys account of MacArthur, was that I had never considered the extraordinary cultural shift in Japan, which occurred in such a short time. That is, that a totalitarian military dictatorship, which had engaged in hideous war crimes abroad, and brutal repression of its own people, could become in less than five years a peaceful, industrial power.

Earlier U.S.-Japan Contacts

It is true that MacArthurs occupation was not the first relationship that Japan had had with the United States. In 1852, President Millard Fillmore had sent Commodore Matthew Perry to open a commercial relationship with Japanwhich was only trading with the Dutch and Chinaat the time of the British Opium Wars against China. President Fillmore was certainly thinking about curtailing the British Empires reach into Asia, and Perrys mission was ultimately a success.

Later, in 1871, Emperor Meiji, in consultation with U.S. President Ulysses Grant, sent his Junior Prime Minister, Iwakura Tomomi, and his Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs as Ambassadors to the United States for the purpose of reforming and improving the Japanese economy. Later, they had a crucial meeting with economist Henry Carey, who sent back his book, Principles of Social Science, to be translated into Japanese.

For a full discussion of the importance of Tsuyoshi Inukai and Henry Carey in Japan see Asuka Burkes article, in the February 9, 2018 issue of EIR.

Clearly these historic ties between American System proponents in the United States, and their Japanese collaborators contributed to the success of the American occupation.

However, the crucial factor in the success of the liberation of the people of Japan was MacArthurs embodiment of the universal principle of , as LaRouche expresses it in the paragraphs above. That quality of sublime anguish is expressed in MacArthurs self-doubts about whether he will be able to accomplish the liberation of the Japanese people through a military occupation. Because of his personal commitment to that principle, and the resonance of that principle in the hearts of the Japanese people, despite the vicious opposition to his approach from London, and Moscow, and the repeated efforts of President Truman to bring him out of Japan prematurely, General Douglas MacArthur succeeded. Japan has become a scientifically advanced, peaceful power, and more than 70 years later has not engaged in another war. This is an important lesson for Americans today.
THE ISSUE

In a review of Federal Election Commission records, LNP staff writer Sam Janesch found that U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smuckers campaign bank account was almost empty at the end of 2018  and, according to new campaign finance filings, his debts were still on the rise. On Dec. 31, Smucker had $10,161 left in his campaign account  less than any of the other 17 members of Congress who won election in Pennsylvania in November, according to Federal Election Commission filings. And, Janesch noted, Smucker also had more campaign debt than any other incumbent, not including personal loans owed to the candidate, according to LNPs review of the commissions records.

The 2018 race in the 11th Congressional District was the most expensive Lancaster County has seen.

As Janesch reported, Smucker and his Democratic challenger Jess King combined to spend an unprecedented $3.6 million for the Lancaster County-based 11th Congressional District seat, and outside groups independently spent another $450,000 on their behalf, public reports in December showed.

In November, Smucker won by an 18-point margin, thanks in part to a newly redrawn congressional map that made his district significantly redder.

But by Election Day, his war chest was nearly depleted, Janesch reported, and Smucker had only some funds remaining for various expenses in November and December, according to the new reports.

Interestingly, while Smucker had $71,906 in debt at the time of the election, hes accrued more debt since then  $47,360 more in fundraising consulting, digital marketing costs, polling and strategic campaign consulting,  Janesch reported.

The previous money owed is for past work done by LN Consulting, a Harrisburg-based firm that handles Smuckers and other Republican candidates campaigns, Janesch noted.

The $47,360 is for ongoing consulting services, Zach Peirson, Smuckers campaign manager, told Janesch.

Why?

The answer was disconcerting.

Smucker for Congress is committed to running a full-time campaign, Peirson said.

We think this is what Washington calls saying the quiet part loud.

Terms in the U.S. House of Representatives  as in the state House  last just two years.

Between getting elected and campaigning to be re-elected, that doesnt leave much time for actual lawmaking. Thats a problem, in our view.

Campaigns arent meant to be full-time.

When youre constantly running for office, youre running for office not just when youre on the campaign trail, but potentially when youre casting votes.

Even the most decent elected officials, when perpetually campaigning, must be tempted to base decisions not on whats right but on whats politically expedient.

And the pressure to keep ones campaign coffers full can lead one to cross the line from reasonable political argument to demagoguery.

A recent Smucker fundraising email, for instance, used a misleading statistic on heroin smuggling to argue for President Donald Trumps border wall.

But money must be raised, right?

The perpetual campaign must be funded.

This isnt even Smuckers fault. Blame the framers.

The Constitution established that members of the U.S. House of Representatives should be chosen every second year.

The biennial term was a compromise at the Constitutional Convention between those who wanted the House terms to last one year, and those who wanted them to last three, the U.S. House of Representatives History, Art & Archives website explains.

Recalling how long-serving English parliamentarians grew aloof from the people, the delegates at the Constitutional Convention sought regular elections so House members didnt grow detached from their constituencies, that website explains.

Supporters of one-year terms viewed long terms as bordering on tyranny, the website notes.

Alas, in 2019, service in the House of Representatives no longer is a brief stint of sacrificial public service. Its become a lucrative long-term career opportunity for those who win election in districts that are safe for their political parties. And holding onto the job has taken precedence for some over doing the job.

Were not sure this is what the Founding Fathers had in mind.

We know for sure it isnt good for democracy.

Perhaps this is a reason why Americans are so polarized. Because the campaign never ends  or at least doesnt break for long.

Even campaigns for president  a job that carries a four-year term  begin some 20 months before presidential elections are held.

To ensure that elective office, once won, is won again, politicians seek to retain the favor of their most diehard supporters, the ones who form their base. Theres no incentive to seek compromise. Or to show political courage.

To his credit, Smucker hasnt given up on compromise  consider his membership in the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. And hes done some solid work that has included expanding apprenticeship opportunities.

But we imagine when he looks around the House, he sees politicians who have gone from being devoted public servants to entitled political careerists via the perpetual campaign.

We would encourage Smucker to avoid that pitfall.
An East Lampeter Township man was charged Wednesday after a police investigation revealed over 1,700 child pornography images on his laptop, police said.

Eldon George King, 61, of the 2900 block of Lincoln Highway East, faces three counts of child pornography and two counts of criminal use of a communication facility.

King admitted to downloading, possessing and printing child pornography in an interview July 31, police said. He has been registered as a lifetime sex offender under Megan's Law since 2014, according to the registry's database.

The Lancaster County Digital Forensic Unit searched King's laptop. Police obtained a warrant and arrested King at his home Wednesday.

District Judge William Benner set bail at $500,000 at arraignment, which King was unable to post, according to police.
Six police officers from Pangasinan are facing murder charge before the Office of the Ombudsman for the death of a 17-year-old Dota player accused of being a member of an akyat bahay gang in 2018. Christine Pascual, mother of the victim Joshua Laxamana, along with Maria Kristina Conti of the National Union of Peoples Lawyers, also filed charges of obstruction of justice and planting of evidence against Chief Insp. John Corpuz, officer in charge of Pangasinans Rosales police; PO2s Arvin Abella, Roy Sarmiento and Ronald Casareno; SPO3 Oliver Vingua, and SPO1 Hilario Taquiqui Jr. Accoring to Conti, even the police spot report had tagged Abella and Sarmiento as the perpetrators behind the killing of Laxamana, while Corpuz, Abella and Sarmiento were liable for planting of evidence. Dr. Adan Arlie Guieb of the Rosales Infirmary Unit who autopsied the body of Laxamana was charged with obstruction of justice. The complainant submitted an autopsy report by forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun stating that the victim sustained a gunshot wound on the wrist, an indication that he tried to defend himself. On Aug. 14, 2018, Pascual left her son at home in Tarlac City, Tarlac for work. Laxamana went missing after he went with his two friends to Baguio City for a Dota gaming tournament.On Aug. 17 that year, one of Laxamanas friends arrived home, saying he and Laxamana and their other friend parted ways at the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) on Aug. 16. After days of searching, Pascual, who was then 34, the mother found her son at a funeral parlor in Rosales, Pangasinan on Aug. 21 with his body riddled with bullets. According to Pascual, the police told her that the boy fought against policemen at a barangay checkpoint while on a motor bike. Police claimed the victim yielded illegal drugs and a .45-caliber pistol, and that he was a notorious akyat bahay gang member in Pangasinan. The complainant maintained her sons innocence, saying he was just a simple student whose daily activities revolved around home, school and the computer shop.
A Maryland man has been charged with secretly filming three women and a child while living in a Rapho Township home, according to the Lancaster County district attorney's office.

Jason Warren Groff, 36, was arrested Thursday on nine felonies and four misdemeanors including child pornography, criminal use of a computer device, invasion of privacy and unlawful contact with a minor.

The district attorney's office said Groff placed recording devices in bathrooms of the home.

Groff stored the illegal materials on a laptop, external hard drive and USB drives, according to the district attorney's office. Police analyzed the devices and found 37 images of child pornography. Five photos were of a local child filmed while in a bathroom, the district attorney's office said. According to Groff's docket, the offenses occurred in September 2016.

Manheim Borough police Detective Aaron Szulborkski filed charges.

Groff was taken into custody in Maryland Thursday morning and will be extradited to Lancaster County to face the charges, according to the district attorney's office.
An Upper Leacock Township laboratory will pay the federal government $135,742 in an out of court settlement to resolve allegations that it billed the U.S. Army for improperly tested water samples, according to officials.

Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental LLC, 2425 New Holland Pike, notified regulatory authorities in 2017 that a metals lab analyst breached protocol, affecting the calibration and operations of testing equipment, according to a statement from the lab.

The lab had a contract with the U.S. Army Public Health Command to test environmental supplies. The lab billed $67,871 for testing 1,436 water samples between June 16, 2016, and Sept. 17, 2017, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney's office.

Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental to Pay $135,742 to Resolve False Claims Allegations Arising from Improper Testing of U.S. Army Water Samples https://t.co/JQkIT9fp5c  U.S. Attorney EDPA (@USAO_EDPA) February 5, 2019

When the data breach was discovered, the employee was terminated. The samples were re-sampled and re-analyzed, according to Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental.

The U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania investigated, and the lab agreed to pay the civil settlement without an admission of liability.

We commend Eurofins for coming forward to disclose the issues and for working with the federal government and other regulators to bring its practices into compliance with the law, said U.S. Attorney William McSwain in a statement.

Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental said in its statement that the breach was not caused by a breakdown in the system but the action of an employee "in an attempt to relax the established stringent analysis qualification acceptance criteria."

"The incident highlighted a gap in system robustness (i.e., the ability of an individual to circumvent established protocols). Having been made aware of this vulnerability, the system has been fortified to institute additional automated and independent data flow/integrity checks," the statement said.

The lab is the largest single-site environmental lab facility in the U.S., according to Eurofins' website.

Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental is a separate legal entity with separate management and quality systems from the other Eurofins companies at the Lancaster facility.
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The Trump administration is in the last stages of deciding whether to update an immigration policy known as the "public charge rule." The term "public charge" refers to a person who has used public benefits like Medi-Cal, food stamps or low-income housing vouchers.

In leaked versions of earlier drafts, which surfaced almost a year ago, immigration officials could deny a green card or possibly deport immigrants if they or their U.S.-born child were deemed a public charge.

A final version of the proposal announced this fall would restrict immigrants from getting a green card if they themselves used public benefits; their U.S.-born children would not be affected.

Confusion about the pending action has immigrant communities wondering if they should drop their healthcare.

Dennis Baik wanted to ensure his two sons were able to get the best education so, in 2000, he migrated with his wife and sons to the U.S. from South Korea.

Now almost 20 years later, the 61-year-old has settled into life in Los Angeles. He works in a toy store but he still is in the country without any documentation.

Baik says he has attempted to get a green card but hasn't been able to. But as he gets older, his health has declined. He routinely has to go the doctor every three months to get medication for his high cholesterol.

But lately what he's been reading in the news has frightened him. Like most immigrants who don't use English as their first language, Baik relies on news in his own language: Korean.

"I search the internet for the public charge," he said. "I read every single article from the local Korean newspapers to get more information on the public charge."

Baik depends on healthcare assistance to get his cholesterol medication and pay for his doctor appointments. So when he heard about the public charge he started to worry.

"My understanding is that if I get government assistance, I can't get permanent resident status," he said. "My wife thinks we should stop getting help and end it right away."

But Baik wouldn't be affected by the current proposed version of the rule because he's enrolled in My Health LA, LA's County's free health program for unauthorized immigrants.

The proposed rule would jeopardize an immigrant's chances of getting a green card only if they used federal benefits such as Medi-cal, California's version of the Medicaid program.

These days, there are many immigrants like Baik who are concerned that if they are enrolled in any government assistance program that provides health care it will jeopardize their chances of getting a green card.

Kheir, the Koreatown clinic where Baik is a patient, works with the local Korean media by sending out press releases and informational packets about the latest version of the public charge proposal.

Kheir spokeswoman Jae Hee Lee said a lot of confusion around the public charge stems from an earlier version of the proposal that said immigrants could be flagged for deportation or denied a green card if their U.S. born children used any public benefits.

Community health clinics around the L.A. area have reported an increase in calls from concerned patients.

The Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County -- which represents 65 health centers and clinics throughout the region -- has heard from many patients scared by misleading or inaccurate information from media reports or heard in their communities, according to Courtney Powers, the association's director of government and external affairs.

"We have seen many of our clinics reporting that patients are not wanting to access health care services because of the fear and anxiety," added Powers.

Inaccurate reporting among foreign-language and ethnic media outlets could be attributed to the fact that their newsrooms are small so they may not have the resources of larger news entities, said media ethicist Kelly McBride of the Poynter Institute.

"If you are reporting the story [public charge], the liability is that you don't have a reporter in Washington [DC] at the agency that's making the policy," McBride said. "So you're relying on other sources of information."

However McBride believes that these smaller outlets have an advantage because their reporters and staff come from the communities they serve.

"The asset is the ability to hear what the questions are and listen more closely," McBride said. "And then go out and specifically find the answers to those questions rather than sending your reporter to Washington to report the whole story."

That's something that Dennis Baik recognizes. While he's relieved to find out that he doesn't have to drop out of My Health LA, he believes the media "need[s] to explain more clearly about the programs, then I wouldn't have worried so much."
Trump congratulated himself for moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. But he never mentioned his larger goal of forging a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, a project he once pronounced not as difficult as people have thought.

He boasted that after withdrawing from Obamas nuclear deal with Iran, he had ordered the toughest sanctions ever imposed on Iran. But he didnt suggest how or when the sanctions, which have hurt Irans economy, would lead to his ostensible goal, a new round of nuclear negotiations or a collapse of the regime in Tehran.

If there was a centerpiece, it was Trumps declaration of victory in the wars in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, and his reaffirmation that he will bring U.S. troops home as soon as possible  despite the qualms of many of his own aides.

He said Americans have been fighting in the Middle East for almost 19 years (actually almost 18) and that the United States has spent more than $7 trillion on those wars (a vastly inflated estimate.)

His determination to get the troops out quickly raises an unusual political problem: Leaders in both parties disagree with it.
The public was literally denied the right to know about a lawsuit regarding its right to know.

And when Weidner did the courageous thing and went public with information about the case, Letteney demanded and Gasiorkiewicz imposed a contempt of court charge against her.

It gets even worse. A request from the local Racine paper, the Journal Times (a sister Lee Enterprises newspaper), for records showing how much city taxpayers were paying an outside law firm to go after Weidner was denied, on grounds that these were filed under seal.

A state appeals court is now reviewing Weidners records suit and contempt conviction.

News organizations including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, USA Today Network-Wisconsin, Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Wisconsin Newspaper Association, and Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council (of which I am president) filed a motion to intervene, asking that the case and documents be unsealed.

This led to a determination that the vast majority of case records must be made public, as they should have been all along.

As the Journal Times reported, the released invoices show Racine taxpayers have shelled out nearly $18,000 to fund Letteneys crusade against Weidner.
Who is going to have the pleasure of saying, Bye, Felicia and cross the finish line?

The only stipulation Freit-Hammes makes is to be told what the songs were in advance so she could compete respectably, said Freit-Hammes, a West Salem resident who is health promotion director at Mayo-Franciscan and happened to bring home a passel of medals from world competitions last year.

River songs might be best, and theres a bunch out there, starting with Old Man River, as well as Johnny Cashs Big River, Willie Nelsons Whiskey River, Billy Joels The River of Dreams and Johnny Rivers Muddy River, among others.

Such as, for instance, The Bitch Is Back. Wheres the river in that, you ask? Well, in 1986, long before Elton John became a Sir, he sang a Bitch duet with Joan Rivers on her Joan Rivers Show, with Cher chiming in at the end to make it a trio.

Freit-Hammes, like Sue Karpinski of Trempealeau, another world-class dragon boater who is health promotion coordinator at Mayo-Franciscan, also has a kayaking knack and a canoe capability, so theyve got an armageddon of choices.
Cebu Landmasters to expand leasing unit

posted February 07, 2019 at 07:35 pm by Manila Standard February 07, 2019 at 07:35 pm

Cebu Landmasters Inc., the leading local developer in the Visayas and Mindanao, expects the leasing business to contribute 10 percent to total revenues by 2023. CLI president and chief executive Jose Soberano III said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the company aimed to increase recurring revenues by 2023, with leasing portfolio seen to exceed 200,000 square meters. Soberano said the company was expecting the expansion of recurring income streams within the next four years while completing ongoing commercial leasing projects.These projects include the Base Line HQ, Latitude Corporate Center, The Plaza at 38 Park Avenue, Astra Centre Lifestyle Mall, Astra Corporate Center, The Paragon Davao Lifestyle Mall and The Paragon Convention Center and Phase 1 of the Davao Global Township.

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Shifting Gears is a program looking at where farmers are now, where they want to be, and how they get to where they want to be. The first day focuses on family living costs, current balance sheets, and risk tolerance. The second day will look at visioning, goals, estate planning, and tax considerations as farmers shift gears. The final day of the program will focus on marketing their skills in the job market, evaluating potential farm markets and enterprises, and will feature a panel discussion on niche/value added farming.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension will offer Shifting Gears, a three-day program designed for farmers looking for a change of pace, responsibility, marketing or moving into the retirement phase.

The workshop will be held at Vernon Electric Cooperative in Westby Tuesday, Feb. 26, Tuesday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 13.

The first day focuses on family living costs, balance sheets and risk tolerance. The second day will examine visioning, goals, estate planning and tax considerations as farmers shift gears. The final day of the program will focus on marketing their skills in the job market, evaluating potential farm markets and enterprises and will feature a panel discussion on niche/value added farming.

To register, contact the Vernon County Extension Office at 608-637-5276. Cost for the program is $20 per day or $45 for all three days. Participants have the option of attending for one, two or three days.

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Im not comfortable setting stories in places I havent lived or visited. Years ago, I wrote what I thought was a pretty good little story about a girl whos held captive by a mad piano tuner. Okay, I know. Maybe a piano tuner isnt the first bad un to come to mind when youre thinking of thriller villains. But have you ever read the late William Gays story, The Paperhanger? You should. Its brilliant. And I have a surreal story called When I Make Love to the Bug Man thats been anthologized and is taught in some university writing courses. (You would like it unless you have a phobia of spiders that extends as far as the written page.)

AnywhoI wrote the piano tuner story to submit to an industry anthology years ago. One of the requirements was that it had to be set in Prague. I know people who have been to Prague. Its known for Dvorak and Mozart, and impressive architecture. Only about one tenth of my story took place outside the apartment, if that. It was not chosen for the anthology. In fact, Ive submitted four stories over the years to two different industry anthologies, and none of them have been accepted. The fact that those competitions are often themed makes the stories hard to sell elsewhere, but whatever. Writing is practice never wasted.

My takeaway from the Prague disaster is that I should stick closer to home. (And that submitting to industry anthologies is a crap shoot Im not destined to win.)

Im perfectly happy to set a story nowhere. An isolated mansion. A suburban condo. A backyard in summer. A mid-range hotel room. Its part of the beauty of our U.S. of A. Theres anonymity out there if you want it. Though, now that I think of it, I also set a story in a Hall of the Gods that was definitely nowhere in particular.

All of my novels are set in places Ive lived: Virginia-3, Ohio-1, Kentucky-3, Missouri-1. The one Im working on now is also Kentucky. The Virginia and Kentucky landscapes are similar, in parts. Devils Oven is the only one set on a mountain. Ive never actually lived on a mountain, but Ive lived in valleys surrounded by them, and hung around on a few. Close enough, I figure.

The Cincinnati book is the one most colored by childhood memories of the towns geography. (There are demons in that book, but I didnt know any.) As I wrote, the image in my mind was of a big, old city, full of great hills hung with layers of narrow houses that were kept from falling into the river by a bit of dirt, hillside stairs, and a few trees.

Before I wrote my new novel, THE STRANGER INSIDE, Id only set a couple of short stories in St. Louis.

The Missouri side of the St. Louis Metro Area is made up of 79 neighborhoods within the city limits, and dozens of small municipalities in St. Louis County. No matter if you are in one of these smaller municipalities, residents are either from North County, South County, West County, or the Mid-County. When I lived in St. Louis throughout the 80s, I lived in Ballwin (far west), University City in the (in-) famous Loop near WashU. Kirkwood (also west but southwest, sort of) and Clayton. Theres not a lot of geographical variation. The differences tend to be starkly economic and racialnot so different from any major urban area.

In St. Louis, if someone asks you where you went to school, they mean high school. Its midwestern in the sense that residents are generally friendly, no matter what part of town theyre from. If youre from Ladue or Clayton or Glendale, people will assume that youre wealthy, and if youre from far South County you might as well be in the Ozarks, and if youre from North County, well, lets just say that if you live past or west of the airport, you might be looking at Iowa. Okay, Im exaggerating. But the different areas do have distinct personalities. And if you look at the census data of the past couple decades youll see that it doesnt change all that much.

Most of my characters are from Mid-CountyLadue and Richmond Heights, with a bit of Webster Groves and Kirkwood to give it an old-time, leafy, suburban flair. My protagonists ex lives with his new husband in historic Lafayette Square in the house they once shared. Shes good with that. And one significant character lives in a high-rise apartment in the city, overlooking Forest Park. I confess I did make up a state park. And there may be a few fictional details at which a native St. Louisan may wrinkle their nose. So, apologies for that. What can I say? I plead fiction.

Of course, all of these geographic details will matter little to the casual readers of THE STRANGER INSIDE. Unless theyre from or know St. Louis well, they wont much see the distinctions. But the distinctions made a huge difference for me as I was writing. Its not that Im resorting to stereotypes, but just using a kind of character shorthand. That shorthand is very handy.

Im super excited about THE STRANGER INSIDE. Its a psychological suspense novel. Sometimes its called a thriller. And theres a murder mystery. The biggest difference between this novel and my first six is that there are zero ghosts or supernatural incidents. (My seventh was a cozy mystery.) It was a lot of fun to write.

What about you? Do you write about faraway places? Or do you stick to places you know? Why or why not?

Also, surprise! Im going to give away a signed copy of THE STRANGER INSIDE at 9:00 p.m. (CST) to one random commenter. But definitely check back to see if youve won, because I cant tell you how many books I havent been able to give away because the winner disappeared forever. The winner should reach out to me at l.benedict@laurabenedict.com
- Cristine Reyes 30th birthday was on February 5, 2019

- To celebrate her milestone birthday, the Kapamilya star went to Thailand for a fun vacation

- Her sisters, Ara Mina and Heidi, accompanied her in her Thailand adventure

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Kapamilya actress Cristine Reyes turned 30 on February 5, 2019.

KAMI learned that the daring star celebrated in style, as she went to Thailand with her sisters Ara Mina and Heidi.

Photos of their Thailand vacation went viral on social media.

"if by thirty you mean 'more awesome' then YAS I AM 30, Cristine wrote.

Ara also took to social media to greet her sister on her birthday.

"Happy Birthday to you my sister Aa. I wish you all the love and happiness life can bring. Always remember that we love you, she posted.

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As previously reported by KAMI, Cristine was seen with husband Ali Khatibi during the birthday celebration of their daughter.

Cristine Reyes tied the knot with Ali in 2016. She then gave birth to their daughter Amarah the next year.

There are rumors that Ali is no longer living with Cristine and their child.

POPULAR: Read more news about Cristine Reyes!

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Tricky questions at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Let us see if these guys know what a male cow is called! Check out our other videos  on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!

Source: Kami.com.ph
- The curriculum vitae of Imee Marcos claimed that she graduated from University of the Philippines College of Law with Latin honors

- Another report said that she was one of the honor graduates UP

- However, the Executive Vice President of UP has clarified this claim

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According to the curriculum vitae of Senate candidate and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, she graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law. However, KAMI learned that this claim is false.

You may check her curriculum vitae here.

Screenshot from Rappler

Source: Facebook

Marcos was referred to as one of the honor graduates of the University of the Philippines in an article published by Manila Bulletin on May 1, 1983.

However, according to the report by Rappler, UP Executive Vice President Teodoro Herbosa said through e-mail that Marcos did not graduate from UP nor acquired Latin honors as per UP Registrars office.

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The records kept by the University of the Philippines Diliman Registrar indicate that Ms Marcos took non-degree courses (courses without credit) in the College of Arts and Sciences University of the Philippines Diliman during academic year 1976-77, it stated in the e-mail.

Thereafter she took courses under the Bachelor of Laws program at the UP College of Law from 1st semester 1979 to 2nd Semester 1983. There is no record of her graduation from UP [Diliman] nor any honors or academic distinctions received with the University Registrar's office, it added.

In a previous report by KAMI, Marcos claimed that she graduated from an Ivy League schoolPrinceton University. She said that she had a degree in religion in politics. However, a spokesperson from Princeton University said that Marcos was not awarded a degree.

Maria Imelda Josefa Romualdez Marcos is the daughter of late President Ferdinand Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos. She served as the Representative of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte for three terms. Marcos has filed her candidacy to run as a senator in the upcoming mid-term polls.

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"I want to buy alcohol for my 10-year-old nephew because it's his birthday and he wants to chill," that's what we told alcohol sellers and the results of this experiment are so wrong and so disappointing.  on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!

Source: Kami.com.ph
- Catriona Gray and Kelsey Merritt attended the star-studded amfAR Gala New York

- Fortunately, the two remarkable Filipinas have bumped into each other

- Both of them posted their adorable photos together on their respective social media accounts

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The two astounding Filipinas who made every girls' dreams happen have bumped into each other at the amfAR gala New York.

The Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray happily posted a photo with Kelsey Merritt, the first Filipina to ever walk in the Victorias Secret Fashion Show.

Kelsey also did the same and uploaded a picture of them together where both of them really look stunning.

amfAR Gala is one of the most successful AIDS benefits events in New York City.

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In a previous report by KAMI, Tyra Banks orders shoes from Catriona Gray's shoe designer in Miss Universe.

Catriona Gray is a Filipino-Australian actress and model who was born on born January 6, 1994. She already joined and became a finalist in Miss World 2016 before winning the Miss Universe Philippines this year.

Born on October 1, 1996, Kelsey took the spotlight when she appeared in an advertisement of Maybelline cosmetic company. Her mother is a Filipina while her father is an American citizen.

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Are you ready for the first 2019 edition of Tricky Questions? Let's get it started!  on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!

Source: Kami.com.ph
Fitzgerald said raising the gas tax wouldnt be enough.

I dont see how any state solves the issue without some sort of open-road tolling, he said. Now youre talking about generating billions of dollars instead of millions. Even with a 10-cent gas tax increase, thats not going to get it done.

Vos told reporters after Wednesdays event that he wants to complete the study that Walker vetoed to see how much revenue tolling could raise, but that he believes tolls could be set up across an awful lot of Wisconsin.

New Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is considering raising the gas tax and other fees to pay for transportation needs. Last month, Evers formed a task force to study transportation funding. Vos ridiculed that move Wednesday as cute, saying they wont come up with anything new and Evers should be talking directly to Republican leaders about solutions.

Hintz warned the WCA audience that lawmakers cant solve the problem and can only hope to manage it.
RACINE  Park High School was put on a "soft lock-down" for a short time this afternoon, after shots were reportedly fired in a nearby alley.

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, nobody had been arrested, although multiple people were being questioned by the Racine Police Department, Sgt. Adam Malacara said. No injuries were reported.

Sgt. Pablo Guardiola said that the call initially came in at 12:50 p.m. Police responded to the scene  an alley near 12th Street and Linden Avenue  almost immediately, an eyewitness, Carl Harris, said.

Park High School went into a "soft lock-down," which means students were told to take shelter in place, according to Racine Unified spokeswoman Stacy Tapp. The lockdown was lifted less than an hour later.

Lunch break

Megan Hutchison, a junior at Park, and at least a dozen other students were stuck outside during the lockdown.

Hutchison and a couple of her friends had left campus during their lunch period and weren't able to get back inside upon their return. She said that a police officer told students they "should probably just go back to their cars" until the lockdown ended, which was around 1:45 p.m.

Witness
Evers added that when corporations successfully have their taxes lowered, the tax burden shifts to small businesses and home owners saying, It should be fair for all and in order to do that we have to close the loophole.

Dan McHugh, assessor for Mount Pleasant, said he is glad Evers is looking at this issue, however, given the nature of divided government, Im not terribly optimistic whatever comes out of the conference committee will be a positive solution.

Elected officials respond

The dark store loophole has been a controversial issue, with the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and the League of Municipalities at odds on the subject.

Last year the state Legislature looked to have a bill in place to address the situation but it did not have the support in the state Senate.

A legislative study committee has been put together to learn more about what can be done about the dark store loophole.

Elected officials seem eager to hear what Evers proposes to address the dark store loophole.

State Rep. Greta Neubauer, D-Racine, said she is proud to work with Evers to restore equity to our tax codes and put Wisconsin families first.
We continue to make good progress on all fronts related to the Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park, while simultaneously broadening our investment across Wisconsin far beyond our original plans to ensure the company, our workforce, the local community, and the state of Wisconsin will be positioned for long-term success, according to the statement.

Other reports on Foxconn

This report comes on the heels of a fast paced week which started when Reuters reported last Wednesday that Louis Woo, special assistant to Foxconn CEO Terry Gou, said the company cannot compete making TVs in the United States.

Foxconn did confirm that it was adjusting its plans for the development in Wisconsin and cites global market environment as one of the main focuses for the change.

But Foxconn stated it is still committed to its goals of 13,000 jobs and $10 billion of investment in Wisconsin.

Then, last Thursday, the Nikkei Asian Review reported that Foxconn was planning to scale back on its operations in Wisconsin and blames Gov. Tony Evers for the reduction.
In what was, so far, the best baseball game of the week, the Jaguars pulled their 33rd win out of the fire and salvaged a gem of a start from their star pitcher.
Whats Going On includes upcoming one-time events in and around Racine County such as breakfasts, dinners, car washes, rummage sales, parties and dances intended to be money-raisers by or in behalf of nonprofit community organizations, either held or requiring reservations within the next two weeks. Events held on a regular basis are not used. Announcements must arrive at The Journal Times by noon Tuesday before the desired Saturday publication date. Announcements may only be used one time. Send information to the Online Calendar at www.journaltimes.com/calendar and select Benefit & Fundraiser under sections; mail information to Community, 212 Fourth St., Racine, WI 53403; fax to Loreen Mohr, 262-631-1780; or send email to lmohr@journaltimes.com.
With Shopkos upcoming closing, Westgate Square shopping center will lose its anchor. Westgate is owned by Heritage Capital Assets of Park Ridge, Ill. Mike Christie, president of Heritage, could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday evening.

Bankruptcy reorganization

Shopko, with dozens of stores across the state, many in smaller communities, has obtained $480 million in debtor-in-possession financing to help fund and protect its operations through the Chapter 11 process. The money will be used to pay suppliers, vendors and other business partners, according to its filing at the time.

Company officials could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

In a challenging retail environment, we have had to make some very tough choices, but we are confident that by operating a smaller and more focused store footprint, we will be able to build a stronger Shopko that will better serve our customers, vendors, employees and other stakeholders through this process, Russ Steinhorst, Shopkos CEO, said in a statement posted on the companys website last month at the time of the filing.
I went to the Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Center in March 2016. There they tapered you off all the prescription medications they could -- a no-narcotics approach to pain. You also had to stop using any illegal drugs as well to participate in the program.

For me, in Nebraska, medical cannabis was and still is illegal. I could not get a prescription for it, so it was treated as an illegal drug, even though Minnesota approved medical marijuana laws back in May 2014.

I had to stop cold turkey, with no tapering. Guess what, I did it, because, Tom Osborne, cannabis is not addictive. I stopped using for three weeks, and I was way better off than some of those having to taper off opioids. I know, because I had already done it before I got to Mayo.

I successfully completed the program, which increased rather than lowered my pain. I did it because I knew the knowledge and information I would gain to help manage my complex regional pain syndrome and chronic pain was necessary to my survival. And let me tell you, folks, having not one but five invisible illnesses is difficult.
- Kearney Hub

Climate change is no joke

We understand why, in the face of last week's bone-chilling weather, "global warming" seems like a joke.

But just to make sure no one is confused about where the joke ends, let's get one thing straight: Short-term changes in the atmosphere (weather) are not the same as shifts the average weather over long periods of time (climate).

Some specifics of this particular weather system, if you're interested: The polar vortex is the name for the winds in the Arctic, which typically keep the coldest air way up there. Sometimes it shifts south. But now, unusually, the polar vortex has broken into two systems, one of which made its way down to North America.

A number of scientists studying the phenomenon believe this is related to climate change.

These patterns are complex, and even researchers don't yet have all the answers. But even those who don't want to believe in climate change ought to be paying serious attention to it, because the ramifications are huge.

- Manhattan (Kansas) Mercury

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OMAHA  A Nebraska judge is deciding whether an inmate's right to a speedy trial was violated as prosecutors scramble to keep him in prison for a 1995 slaying.

A hearing is scheduled Friday in the case of Jack Harris, who was sentenced in 1999 to life in prison for the shooting death of Anthony Jones during a drug robbery.

Harris, 47, sought an appeal after a witness recanted, alleging that police intimidated him into testifying. Judge William Zastera granted Harris a new trial in September 2017. Zastera retired shortly after the decision.

The Nebraska attorney general's office appealed, arguing that no evidentiary hearing was held. The case has been in limbo for months because no replacement judge was immediately appointed.

Judge Jodi Nelson took over the case in July. Nelson said Harris wasn't tried within six months of Zastera's order, in violation of his right to a speedy right. Nelson also criticized the state for failing to take steps to move the case forward.

"The state could have done several things," Nelson wrote. "It could have asked for another district judge to be appointed, it could have begun preparing to retry Harris. ... It could have done all of the above. ... Instead the state apparently did nothing."
Eldridge estimates he'll have spent close to 3,000 hours on the project by the time he's finished.

"For me to create this design, I did countless hours of research and continue to do so to make sure I'm depicting my interpretation of the Divine Mercy properly and accurately based on Sister Faustina," he said.

Sister Faustina Kowalska was a Polish woman assigned to a parish in Latvia.

In 1931, Kowalska said she had a vision of Christ, who said to create a painting of him  with the two beams  and to call it "Divine Mercy." The red beam is said to represent blood and the white or pale one symbolizes water. It was to be accompanied with a banner with the "Jesus, I trust in you" message.

The parish commissioned the painting to be made, which Kowalska saw before her death in 1938. She was only 33 years old.

Decades later, Pope John Paul II canonized her and she became Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.

Besides the depiction of Christ with the two beams coming from his heart, Eldridge has added other elements to the main window.

The elements include shamrocks reminiscent of Saint Patrick of Ireland, for whom the Fremont church is named.
Walsh said Fish and Wildlife does not have a role in permitting the transmission line itself.

There's been considerable interest, she said, in whether NPPD should have applied for a permit that would cover potential deaths or injuries to whooping cranes, which fly through the project area on their spring and fall migrations to and from Wood Buffalo Park in Canada, and their wintering sites at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas.

Fish and Wildlife reviewed the NPPD analysis of the likelihood of whooping cranes striking the power lines, and conducted its own analysis. It also looked at data from the U.S. Geological Survey, obtained from satellite transmitters on 58 whooping cranes.

Walsh said the service and others cannot definitively say the cranes will or will not strike the R-Project lines. Fish and Wildlife advises the project proponents they should apply for an incidental take permit if death or injury is reasonably certain to occur. But based on the numerous analyses, it could not conclude it was, she said.

"We can't force an applicant to apply for a permit, and NPPD has chosen not to apply for a permit for whooping cranes," Walsh said. "I know there are many strong feelings on all sides about this project and whether it should be built."
Investigators allege a 17-year-old Lincoln father head-butted his crying 2-month-old baby, who was later hospitalized with a brain bleed, according to court documents.

Lincoln police arrested Treyvonn Ironshell in the case Tuesday and took him to the Lancaster County youth detention center.

Prosecutors charged him Wednesday with intentional child abuse resulting in injury, a felony punishable by up to 50 years imprisonment.

The baby girl's mother took her to a Lincoln clinic Jan. 22, concerned she was crying and sluggish, police said in a juvenile court filing.

Staff there didn't see any physical injuries but referred the mother to Bryan East Campus.

Her daughter was admitted overnight there after a spinal tap indicated bleeding, police said.

The next day she was transferred to Nebraska Medicine because doctors determined the bleeding was on her brain, an affidavit for Ironshell's arrest said.

Surgeons removed the fluid on the girl's brain.

Police believe that earlier in January, Ironshell, angry over having to get up early to watch the girl, head-butted her, the affidavit said.
A 17-year-old who accidentally shot a pregnant woman during a botched drug robbery at a Lincoln park last summer went to prison for it Wednesday.

Damerio Silva, of Lincoln, who turns 18 next week, pleaded no contest to second-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm for what happened early July 20.

"I just hope that you understand how remorseful I am for the situation," he told Lancaster County District Judge John Colborn. "I regret everything I did."

In an affidavit for his arrest, police said Silva pulled a gun on a 23-year-old Lincoln man at Roper Park after he refused to hand over marijuana he'd gone there to sell.

When Silva hit him in the face with the slide of the gun, it fired, shooting the man's 21-year-old girlfriend in the butt.

The woman, who was seven months' pregnant, needed surgery.

Her boyfriend identified Silva as the gunman using social media.

Wednesday, Silva's attorney, Sandy Pollack, said Silva is still a juvenile under the law and made a poor decision.

"It was a very serious, poor decision, and all he can do is move forward," he said.
She is not advocating allowing violators out sooner than they should be, she said.

"What I am wanting to see is people who have lost good time and are wanting to get it back, and who see the incentive to work hard and practice exemplary behavior and possibly earn that good time back," she said.

Blood said one of her concerns is that the department is trying to build its way out of the overcrowding problem by continuing to add more beds.

Her bill could help ease prison crowding by allowing people to get out when they are supposed to get out, she said. And it could help make the facility safer for those who work there.

When a staff member is assaulted, the inmate should be held accountable, she said, without exception. But young people who enter prison at age 18, who do stupid things in prison because of their immature brains, are more mature 10 years later and may be trying to do the right things to get out of prison.

"Part of corrections isn't just about putting people away. It's about making them better citizens, because one day, they're going to be our neighbors, whether we like it or not," she said. "We have to give them some way to believe that they can change their behavior ... and use that as a path to being a better citizen."
Nebraska workers who leave their job to care for a family member with a serious health condition could qualify for unemployment benefits under a bill advanced by lawmakers.

Senators gave the measure first-round approval Thursday with a 29-11 vote.

The proposal by Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue is aimed at workers who quit their job but are looking for other work that can accommodate their schedule. Workers would first have to make a reasonable effort with their employers to try to keep their jobs.

The Department of Labor says roughly 100 claimants left their jobs in 2018 to care for a family member, and received an average weekly benefit amount of $335. The department predicts it will pay out about $402,000 a year in additional benefits each year.

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Set to air Sept. 15 on PBS, including, Im sure, NET, the series should give country the same treatment as Jazz, Burns' epic 2001 look at the history of that distinctive American art form.

Country, which to me, even with its roots in English/Irish folk music, is as distinctively American as jazz, deserving the eight-night treatment from the master of the long-form historical documentary.

As was the case with Jazz, Country Music will examine the history of the music by focusing on its trailblazers and leading lights -- starting with The Carter Family, including the Grand Ole Opry, the mother church of country since 1925, and looking at Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and wrapping up with Garth Brooks in the 1990s.

The documentary, written by Dayton Duncan, who also wrote the illustrated companion book, explores crucial questions  What is country music? and Where did it come from?

We discovered that country music isnt  and never was  one type of music; it actually is many styles, Duncan said in the news release announcing the series.
Shopko on Wednesday announced plans to close dozens more stores, including several in Nebraska.

The Green Bay, Wisconsin-based retailer declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month and announced plans to close all of its Lincoln stores. At the time, it also said it would close Shopko Hometown stores in Kimball, Ord and Plattsmouth.

On Wednesday, the chain announced plans to close the Shopko store in Norfolk as well as eight more Shopko Hometown stores, including ones in Auburn, Beatrice and Falls City.

The stores are all slated to close in May. The Lincoln store at 3400 N. 27th St. is scheduled to close next month, while the other three are scheduled to close in April.

The recently announced closures leave only three Shopko and five Shopko Hometown stores scheduled to remain open in the state.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette reported that after Wednesday's announcement, Shopko now plans to close more than 250 stores and plans to keep just more than 100 open.
The future of BNSF Railway's Havelock Shops is unclear after a union vote last month.

Andy Williams, a spokesman for the railroad, said it reached agreements with all but one union representing workers at Havelock.

Williams did not identify the union, but other sources have said it is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1022.

Those sources have suggested the failure to ratify the new contract could mean layoffs of electricians.

"We have reached agreement with the vast majority of our employees at Havelock with the exception of one group. That requires us to take some actions, but those details have yet to be worked out," Williams said in an email. "Our hope is to minimize impact and keep those involved employed on the BNSF network.

Mark Klecka, general chairman of IBEW System Council 16, which oversees Local 1022, said the situation at Havelock "continues to develop." He declined to comment further.
SPRINGFIELD  A Springfield man was arrested Wednesday in connection with a Jan. 20 shooting in which an infant was struck by a bullet.

Tarvelle J. Williams, 30, was arrested by the United States Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Williams was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm along with a second charge of being an armed habitual criminal.

Both charges are felonies punishable by six to 30 years in prison.

Williams, who has a lengthy arrest record in Sangamon County, was arrested on a $500,000 warrant.

The shooting happened in an apartment in The Laurel Building in the 100 block of West Laurel Street.

The infant had been struck in the lower half of her body and was not breathing when Springfield police officers arrived on the scene. She was transported to HSHS St. John's Hospital for treatment of injuries not considered life threatening.

Officers located several adults on the scene, including the girl's parents.

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MATTOON -- The planned Cross County Innovation Center that would provide startup space for entrepreneurs in offices at the Mattoon mall has received a $75,000 grant from the Google.org Impact Challenge program.

Innovation Center organizers announced Thursday morning during an event at the Cross County Mall that a statewide grant competition selected 10 Illinois nonprofits, including the Cross County project, with ideas to create economic opportunities in their communities.

"(The center) is needed to help our rural talent and encourage business growth from within our community," said Rex Barnes, a volunteer with the Mattoon in Motion community planning effort. The center is one of Mattoon in Motion's economic development goals.

Now, the public has the chance to select the best of the 10 projects to receive the People's Choice Award and an additional $250,000 in Google grant funding. Community members are asked to show their support for this project by visiting g.co/illinoischallenge and casting a vote for the Cross County Innovation Center. Voting will be open through 11:59 p.m. Feb. 14.

The Mattoon-based Rural King company, which owns the mall, is donating space for the Innovation Center. Blake Pierce, director of real estate for Rural King, said the center will be located in 6,000 square feet of office space on the north side of the Cross County Mall, just west of the entrance to the former Carson's store.

The center will serve as a mixed-use, co-working space for small businesses, startups, and nonprofit organizations. Members of the Innovation Center will receive a variety of business support services. The space will also be the new home for the ClassE program that helps Coles County high school students learn how to become entrepreneurs.

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"Now we have a space in place where entrepreneurs can get resources and connect with the community to make their businesses grow," said Jeanne Dau, sponsor of ClassE.

Organizers reported that the $75,000 grant will fund the first of three phases for the development of the Innovation Center.

The first phase will focus on retrofitting the space and updating the electrical, plumbing and communication lines. The second phase of the project will provide completed work spaces with finished interior design and is projected to cost approximately $250,000-$300,000. The third phase will include more community partnership for support services and operations.

If we win the $250,000, the Innovation Center will be able to open in August 2019. If we dont win the Peoples Choice Award, the opening will be delayed to allow for additional time to raise funds," Mattoon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ed Dowd said in a press release.

Amanda Lessley, president/CEO of the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, said during the announcement event that the area has lost support services for entrepreneurs in recent years due to declining state funding and other factors.

These lost services include the Small Business Development Center office, the SCORE volunteer organization, and Eastern Illinois Universitys Business Outreach Center.

The loss of business was identified as one of the top five concerns by Mattoon in Motion. This community volunteer organization identified economic and business development as one of its top goals. They began to explore ways to start new businesses, create jobs, and retain talent in the area. Dowd and Peace Corps Fellow intern Carlos Ortega partnered with Mattoon in Motion volunteers Jonathan and Clair Kaye to assemble the initial grant application.

More information about the Cross County Innovation Center can be found online at https://mattooninmotion.com/our-innovation-center/. Mattoon in Motion is a fund of Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation nonprofit organization.

Contact Rob Stroud at (217) 238-6861. Follow him on Twitter: @TheRobStroud

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Introduction



In just 50 years, almost a million Jews, whose communities stretch back up to 3,000 years, have been 'ethnically cleansed' from 10 Arab countries. These refugees outnumber the Palestinian refugees two to one, but their narrative has all but been ignored. Unlike Palestinian refugees, they fled not war, but systematic persecution. Seen in this light, Israel, where some 50 percent of the Jewish population descend from these refugees and are now full citizens, is the legitimate expression of the self-determination of an oppressed indigenous, Middle Eastern people.

This website is dedicated to preserving the memory of the near-extinct Jewish communities, which can never return to what and where they once were - even if they wanted to. It will attempt to pass on the stories of the Jewish refugees and their current struggle for recognition and restitution. Awareness of the injustice done to these Jews can only advance the cause of peace and reconciliation.

(Iran: once an ally of Israel, the Islamic Republic of Iran is now an implacable enemy and numbers of Iranian Jews have fallen drastically from 80,000 to 20,000 since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Their plight - and that of all other communities threatened by Islamism - does therefore fall within the scope of this blog.)
Trumps speech came just one week before planned international conference in Warsaw, Poland, which will reportedly be led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Although recent statements promoting the conference have emphasized an overall discussion of Middle Eastern issues, the State Departments initial statements made no secret of the intention to use that even as an outlet for advocating a broadly assertive Iran strategy.

The White House has already adopted elements of such a strategy with the return of economic sanctions in the wake of withdrawal from the nuclear deal, but the nations of Europe remain largely committed to preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Toward that end, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have signaled that they are on the verge of implementing a special payment mechanism for trade with the Islamic Republic, which will ostensibly serve to evade US sanctions.

As Iran News Update has previously reported, details about this Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges, or INSTEX, have shifted in recent weeks to imply a lesser commitment to sanctions-evasion on the part of the European Union. Over the short term, the system is expected to handle only trade in food and medicine  product categories that are already exempt from sanctions enforcement. The apparent downgrade lends itself to the conclusion that European policies toward Iran are more broadly in flux, possibly because of policymakers reactions to the escalating war of words between Tehran and Washington.

As the White House has been urging European businesses to avoid transactions with the Islamic Republic, officials in Tehran have generally been reacting with ever greater levels of provocation and defiance. This trend was evident in the wake of Trumps State of the Union Address, which prompted Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to deliver a message via Twitter condemning the US for its supposed support of dictators, butchers, and extremists in the Middle East.

Zarif also connected his remarks to ongoing celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution, stating that the Islamic Republic is commemorating 40 years of progress despite US pressure.

Through other public outlets, Iranian officials have overwhelmingly sought to emphasize the countrys military buildup as the prime example of this progress. Fars News Agency, for instance, highlighted an exhibition dubbed Achievements of the Islamic Revolution in 40 Years and described it as featuring advances in various industries. But the accompanying video showed only military vehicles and missiles on public display.

Aspects of the Iranian military buildup have been a source of grave concern for the European Union, in the words of a statement issued by the international body on Monday.

That statement reiterated longstanding European objections to Iranian ballistic missile development, which has proceeded at full scale since the conclusion of nuclear negotiations. The European criticisms refer to Irans rejection of a provision in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 that calls upon the Islamic Republic to avoid all work on nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. In response to Mondays statement, Tehran once again declared that it will accept no negotiation over such work.

On Wednesday, Business Insider touched upon the other ways in which Iran is pushing the limits of international restrictions on its behavior in the wake of the JCPOAs implementation at the start of 2016. The regimes celebration of its revolutionary anniversary has arguably amplified this trend, with military officials now declaring that they have made a priority of advancing the development of their arsenal of cruise missiles.

Toward that end, the regime recently unveiled a surface-to-surface missile called Hoveizeh, which is reportedly based on an illicitly procured Soviet cruise missile that was designed to launch from a strategic bomber and carry a nuclear warhead.

As the Business Insider report points out, it is reasonably likely that the Iranian copy of that weapon is also nuclear capable, yet this does not put Iran any further into violation of the Security Council resolution, because that resolution only refers specifically to ballistic missiles. A cruise missile presumably represents a lesser threat to Western interests, since the Iranians claim Hoveizeh only travels roughly 800 miles, even though the Kh-55 missile on which it is based was able to cover twice that distance.

On the other hand, the threat of such weapons would be amplified if Iranian naval vessels approached Western shores  something that regime authorities insist they are ready to do.

Rear Admiral Touraj Hassani Moqaddam, a deputy commander of the Iranian Navy, made a statement last month proclaiming the navys readiness to send a flotilla across the Atlantic Ocean over a five month period beginning at the start of the Iranian calendar year in March. Fellow deputy commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari followed up on this claim in a press conference on Wednesday, saying that the regime considers itself to have a right to a presence in international waters, and that the navy is ready to make an Atlantic crossing as soon as it is ordered.

Many of the regimes specific claims of military readiness are dismissed by international experts, and it is unlikely that Tehran would risk the international backlash of such a provocative gesture even if it was capable of following through on the promise. Still, the statements from Moqaddam and Sayyari reflect Irans contributions to the ongoing war of words, which in turn reflects competition between Iran and its Western adversaries in various areas of influence.

This competition was also highlighted by the EU statement that criticized Irans ballistic missile activities on Monday. As Reuters noted, the statement expressed concern over the presence of Iranian forces in Syria, as well as Irans support for proxies there, in Yemen, in Lebanon, and throughout the region. Such criticisms expose the disingenuous nature of Irans own criticism, on Wednesday, of US support for dictators and extremists.

Iran has been a steadfast ally of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad even in the wake of credible accusations of his repeated human rights violations, including the use of chemical weapons. Meanwhile, Iran-backed militias fighting both for and against regional governments are organized under the banner of Shiite Islam and the hardline principles of the Iranian theocracy.

The intimate connection between these militant groups and the Iranian Revolution was underscored on Wednesday when Hassan Nasrallah, the head of the Lebanese paramilitary Hezbollah, delivered a speech specifically highlighting the revolutions anniversary and praising the Iranian supreme leader for the progress he has supposedly made in positioning Iran at the center of an axis of resistance to Western influence..

It has long been understood that Irans imperialist aims in the region are instrument to that resistance. The regime has been variously credited with pursuing the development of a Shiite crescent consisting of unbroken Iranian influence stretching to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. And on Tuesday, Newsweek suggested that Tehran had made significant progress toward that goal with the start of construction on a road that could eventually extend across Iraq to directly link Iran and Syria.

The report explained that for the time being, the road is slated to connect the Iranian city of Kermanshah to Biston and then to Homeyl, which is just a few miles from the Iraqi border. Newsweek also pointed out that the ground-breaking ceremony coincided with a commemoration of the regimes 40-year anniversary, attended by Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mohammad Eslami. Following upon his recent trip to Damascus, Esmali insisted that the roads construction reflected high-level talks regarding the issue of facilitating transit between the three countries of Iran, Iraq and Syria.

At the same time that these talks and these development projects are proceeding, Tehran is making efforts to push back against a Western presence that could complicate the regimes regional ambitions. On Wednesday, The Hill reported that senior Iranian officials had acknowledged that Syria is one of their top foreign policy priorities, and had accordingly insisted upon the withdrawal of US forces.

Whether they want to or not, the Americans must leave Syria, said Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In December, President Trump indicated that he intended to pull American troops out because ISIL militants in Syria had been largely defeated. But many US policymakers including his own foreign policy advisors balked at the idea, noting that it would cede ground to Iran.

Tehrans eager embrace of the prospective withdrawal will probably intensify this opposition, but it remains to be seen whether Trump himself will now reconsider his declared strategy. For the time being, there appears to be tension between his desire to reduce the overall US presence in the Middle East and his desire to confront and contain the Iranian regime. However, one thing seems certain: that the White House has no intention of accepting the offer put forward by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday.

Our slogan is friendly relations with the whole world, he said before adding that this would extend to the United States if it repents and apologizes for its previous interferences in Iran, and is prepared to accept the greatness and dignity of the nation of Iran and the great Islamic Revolution.
According to Amnesty and the Fair Observer, an estimated 7,000 peaceful activists were arrested over the course of that year, either because of their participation in street protests or simply as part of the regimes reactionary crackdown on known and suspected dissenters. Many of those who were arrested were also threatened with the death penalty, which may be legally sought in the Islamic Republic as punishment for vaguely defined charges like spreading corruption on Earth. Although the given article does not explicitly mention the threats that emerged in 2018, it does note that capital sentences have been carried out against 61,000 activists and dissidents since the advent of the Islamic Republic in 1979.

The particular focus of regime crackdowns has shifted somewhat over those 40 years, and indeed some variations have been observed over the course of 2018 alone. This is to say that regime authorities have identified different identity groups and interests groups as threats to the theocratic dictatorship and have set their sights upon them en masse. The Fair Observer notes that a number of minority ethnic groups have seemingly borne the brunt of the regimes abuses over the past year, and it also notes the unique recent focus on environmental activists.

This latter issue returned to the headlines last week when eight conservationists who had been arrested a year earlier were taken to court for the second session of their trial. Four of the individuals in question have been charged with spreading corruption; three are accused of espionage; and one is charged with conspiracy against national security. As well as reporting upon this, Voice of America News indicated that yet another individual had been arrested on the same day of the trial. This person, Pouria Sepahvand, was a member of the same organization to which the eight defendants belongs, the Persian Heritage Wildlife Foundation.

One of the founders of the PHWF, Kavous Seyyed-Emami, was also caught up in the initial round of arrests, but did not survive long enough to see trial. After he was found dead in his cell last February, regime authorities declared that he had committed suicide, but his family vigorously disputed this account and encountered government obstruction as they sought an independent autopsy. The prevailing alternative explanation is that Seyyed-Emami died from the effects of torture as he was being interrogated  an explanation that is strengthened by credible reports that at least one of his fellow detainees also experienced torture.

According to Voice of America, the only significant evidence that has been cited in the case against the eight environmentalists is a confession made by one of them, Niloufar Bayani. But that same defendant repeatedly interrupted the most recent trial session to insist that she had been forced to issue that confession under mental and physical duress and that she had since retracted it. These objections were apparently given no credence by the judge, in keeping with the tendency of Irans government authorities to close ranks in the face of human rights allegations and collective deny wrongdoing.

What makes this situation worse is that such denials are often accompanied by expanded efforts to suppress dissent, including that of victims who seek to expose the torture and mistreatment they have experienced during arrest and detention. This fact was brought into sharp focus by reporting on the case of Esmail Bakhshi and Sepideh Gholian, two activists associated with the labor strike at Haft Tapeh sugarcane factory who were arrested, released on bail, then rearrested last month after going public with accounts of the torture they had experienced during their periods of detention.

These two individuals were made the joint subject of an Urgent Action statement by Amnesty International last week. The statement describes Bakhshi and Gholian as being at grave risk of further torture as the regime attempts to silence them and contain public awareness of the ongoing crackdown. It also urges concerned individuals throughout the world to write to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani as a means of campaigning for their release and raising the profile of the regimes victims.

Similarly, the Fair Observer article highlights the important role that might be played by the international community in the wake of Irans year of shame. It quotes one human rights activist as saying that in the wake of arrests and instances of torture, if the media in the West do not react, security forces then widen their mass arrest operations across the region.
By Corina Pons and Mayela Armas CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government last year sold 73 tonnes of gold to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates without the required approval of the opposition-led National Assembly, an opposition legislator said on Wednesday. Of that total, Abu Dhabi investment firm Noor Capital bought the largest amount, 27.3 tonnes of gold, opposition legislator Carlos Paparoni told a news conference, without providing evidence. Paparoni also said a Turkish firm bought 23.9 tonnes of gold last year. Venezuela's opposition, led by National Assembly leader Juan Guaido, has sought to prevent the gold sales, believing Maduro's government is using the proceeds to try to stay solvent as U.S.-imposed sanctions cut off other revenue streams. The United States and numerous other countries have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's interim leader in the aftermath of Maduro's re-election last year in a vote critics have called a sham. Venezuela had gold reserves of 132 tonnes between the central bank's vaults and the Bank of England at the end of November, according to central bank data. Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to requests to comment. Noor Capital last Friday said it had bought 3 tonnes of gold on Jan. 21 from the Venezuelan central bank and would not buy more until Venezuela's situation stabilized. Its purchase was in accordance with "international standards and laws in place" as of that date, it said. "We will keep working so that not one more gram of gold can be sold," Paparoni said. In response to a request to comment, Noor Capital issued the same statement as last week saying it "does not engage in any illegal or prohibited transactions." Paparoni also said Maduro's administration had transferred 127 million euros to bank accounts in Russia, without providing a date. Since Monday, the Venezuelan government has not been able to move money between its accounts in banks in the European Union, Paparoni said. Turkey and Russia have been key supporters of Maduro. Maduro's government began selling gold about a year ago after falling oil production, economic collapse and mounting U.S. sanctions hit public income in the OPEC-member nation and made it hard for it access credit. (Reporting by Corina Pons and Mayela Armas; Writing by Angus Berwick; Editing by Will Dunham)
If politics is largely about optics, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra just scored a big hit in that department. On a day when she formally entered politics and took over as Congresss general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka managed to finesse her image, so she comes across not just as the comely daughter of the Nehru-Gandhi line, but also as a dutiful wife who knows how to stand by her man.

Political Message Behind Priyanka Dropping Husband Off to ED Office

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra achieved this by the simple  and highly visible  strategy of dropping off her businessman husband Robert Vadra at the office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), where he was to be questioned for alleged money laundering in connection with several properties he allegedly owns in London.

Priyanka told the media when she came to the AICC headquarters afterwards:

"I stand by my husband... I support my husband, I support my family." - Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to media

It was, of course, a political message  one that signified that Priyanka and the Congress brass were backing Vadra to the hilt, no matter how hard the authorities came after the Gandhi family damaad in this election season.

But it shaded in another, more powerfully political, narrative. Priyankas declaration of support for her husband is an irresistible sentiment in a country as traditional and patriarchal as India.

People in the countryside may or may not be seduced by her dynastic cred, they may or may not be attracted to her sunny smile, but a woman who fights for her husbands honour is bound to endear herself to male and female voters alike.

Also Read: Can Eastern UPs Bitiya Priyanka Gandhi Turn Congs Fortunes?

Priyanka Gandhis Victim Card Might Do The Trick

Indeed, if the ED arrests Robert Vadra (and irrespective of whether or not he is truly tainted), Priyanka could well derive significant political mileage from it. Look at me, she might say, they are victimising my family because I want to serve you and give you a better life.

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It could translate into a double bonanza for the Congress: the party not only gets a charismatic leader, but a charismatic leader who can play the victim card. And we know the victim card works. It has certainly worked well for the BJPs chief vote-getter.

The BJP has greeted Priyankas entry into politics with the usual panoply of insults and slighting epithets. Apart from sneering at her lack of experience, BJP leaders have variously described her as bipolar, bachchi homely and chocolatey.

Theres no doubt that in the run-up to the polls, the ruling party will go all out to portray Priyanka as just another pretty face, an inconsequential airhead, who has been summoned into the field by her brother, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, in a desperate attempt to revive the partys fortunes in Uttar Pradesh. Congress currently holds only two parliamentary seats in UP the Gandhi family buroughs of Amethi and Raebareli.

Also Read: First Day in Office, Priyanka Gandhi Says She Stands By Husband

Cant Dismiss Priyanka Gandhi as a Goongi Gudiya

In addition, the BJP may choose to attack Priyanka on account of her husband's alleged misdeeds. At a time when Rahul Gandhi tirelessly claims that astronomical corruption took place in securing the Rafale deal, the BJP might choose to make Vadra the centrepiece of its own narrative against a corrupt Congress-led UPA. With the 2G and Commonwealth Games scams having all but faded from public memory, Vadra could be the focal point of the BJPs stop-the-corrupt-Congress campaign in the upcoming general elections.

But with Priyanka in the fray, the strategy could become complicated for the BJP. First, the party would be foolish to dismiss her as a goongi gudiya redux (Priyankas grandmother Indira was famously described as one before she executed a surgical strike on all those who challenged her).

Even while she was in the margins of politics, Priyanka revealed herself to be quick of wit and sharp of repartee. Moreover, she has reportedly been in on Congresss political confabulations for some years now. She could well show considerable political acumen now that she has thrown her hat into the ring.

Watch Out Modi Ji! Priyanka Could Steal Your Airtime

Second, if the BJP tries to make political capital out of Robert Vadras alleged financial wrongdoing, it would at once have to deal with Priyankas adarsh bharatiya naari image of a wife who stands firmly by her embattled husband. She has made that clear already. In the West, the stand-by-your-man narrative has been tinged with scorn. Hillary Clinton never quite lived down her support of Bill Clinton in the face of his multiple sexual peccadilloes.

But in India, the ideal wife who supports her husband through thick and thin, the woman who valiantly tries to shield her family from harm, is an object of admiration and reverence.

And you can be sure that Priyanka will play to that sentiment when she goes to woo the voters in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Add to that, the gazillions of media attention and airtime that Priyanka will command  she could give the Prime Minister a run for his money here  and you get the feeling that the Gandhi daughter has it in her to be a thorn in BJPs side.

Indians like to enter into familial relationships with their female politicians. A Didi, a Behen, an Amma  they are sisters or mothers to them. Priyanka is clearly following in that tradition. The coming weeks will show if she becomes the beti whom people adore for being the ideal wife.

(Shuma Raha is a journalist and author based in Delhi. She tweets at @ShumaRaha. This is an opinion piece and the views expressed above are the authors own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)

. Read more on Opinion by The Quint.RSS & BJPs Nehru-Netaji Cosplay: Irony Dies a Thousand DeathsOver 40 Smartphone Brands Exit the Indian Market in 2018: Report . Read more on Opinion by The Quint.
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  The latest on Venezuela's political crisis (all times local):

8:05 p.m.

Puerto Rico's government says 3,600 pounds (1,633 kilograms) worth of donated supplies are en route to Venezuela as part of a humanitarian aid mission.

Officials said earlier Thursday that they had sent the supplies to the South American country.

Puerto Rico Secretary of State Luis Rivera Marin said in an updated statement that a plane carrying the supplies left the U.S. territory on Wednesday but has not yet delivered them.

It is unclear where the plane and supplies are currently located. Rivera said: "(It's) an extremely complex route that is being protected to ensure the safety of those transporting the supplies as well as those receiving them."

Officials have said the humanitarian aid is not part of the $20 million in aid pledged by the United States.

Venezuelan community leader Sonia Cosme told The Associated Press that the supplies including medication to help treat diabetes, blood pressure, asthma and seizures. There also are items for children including diapers, formula, milk, oral serums and protein drinks.

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7:20 p.m.

The Venezuelan foreign ministry is saying that its websites have been hacked in several countries.

"We have decided to stop publishing online content until cybersecurity has been restored," read a message posted by the ministry on Twitter.

The Venezuelan government admitted problems in at least Argentina and Mexico.

The home page of the Venezuelan embassy in Washington appeared to be down for several hours on Thursday.

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5:15 p.m.

The U.N. says Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believes "humanitarian aid should never be used as a political pawn."

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Thursday that humanitarian assistance should be based on needs and "carried out in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence."

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He said humanitarian assistance always "needs to be independent of political, military and other objectives."

Dujarric said in the current standoff in Venezuela, "it becomes even more clear that serious political negotiations between the parties are necessary for the sake of the people of Venezuela."

He said "as a general principle, the secretary-general has been supportive of international efforts to try to bring a solution to the current crisis in Venezuela."

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6:20 p.m.

U.S. special envoy for Venezuela Elliot Abrams wants to see Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro leave the country as he cedes power to a transitional government.

Abrams tells reporters in Washington that the U.S. does not favor a specific country for Maduro to go to but notes that the embattled Venezuelan has "friends" in Cuba and Russia.

He also said Thursday that other countries that he would not name have offered to take in Maduro if he gives up power.

Abrams says the U.S. has revoked visas for unnamed members of the Venezuelan Constituent Assembly as it seeks to continue pressing Maduro to cede power to opposition-controlled National Assembly leader Juan Guaido.

The U.S. has recognized Guaido as the interim president.

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4:15 p.m.

The home page of the Venezuelan embassy in Washington appeared to be down amid increasing tensions between the United States and the South American nation.

The site http://eeuu.embajada.gob.ve showed an error message on Thursday and was inaccessible to the public.

President Nicolas Maduro has ordered all Venezuelan diplomats home from the United States and said it is closing its embassy.

The Associated Press asked the Venezuelan mission to the Organization of American States about the malfunction without receiving an immediate response.

The mission includes the only diplomatic staff currently present in the U.S. capital.

Watchdog groups say the dominant internet provider in Venezuela, state-run CANTV, has blocked access to social media sites at least four times since opposition leader Juan Guaido pledged to serve as interim president of the country on Jan. 23.

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3:45 p.m.

Trucks carrying U.S. humanitarian aid headed to crisis-wracked Venezuela have arrived at the Colombia border.

On Thursday semi-trailers loaded with boxed emergency food and medicine rolled into the town of Cucuta, which is just across the river from Venezuela.

Venezuela's opposition leaders requested the shipments and vowed to bring them inside the troubled nation despite objections from embattled President Nicolas Maduro.

The focus of Venezuela's political fight now hinges on whether Maduro will allow the aid to pass.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido said the aid is necessary in a country racked by shortages of basic goods.

Maduro denies a humanitarian crisis exists and says Venezuela is not a country of beggars.

The Venezuelan military has barricaded a bridge between the two nations in an apparent attempt to block the aid.

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1 p.m.

Puerto Rico's government says it has sent humanitarian aid to Venezuela for the first time via a plane loaded with 3,600 pounds (1,633 kilograms) worth of supplies that included medication, food and items for children.

A spokeswoman for Puerto Rico's Secretary of State said Thursday that the humanitarian aid is not part of the $20 million in aid pledged by the United States. Ana Santos Pico told The Associated Press that she could not provide additional information such as what kind of plane was used for Wednesday's mission and who owns it.

Santos said: "It's a complicated mission, and we cannot provide more details. We need to maintain strict confidentiality."

Venezuelan community leader Sonia Cosme told the AP that the medication sent to Venezuela is to help treat diabetes, blood pressure, asthma and seizures. The items for children include diapers, formula, milk, oral serums and protein drinks. The food items were mostly cereals.

No further details were available, including where the plane landed.

Cosme said: "Humanitarian aid has to be done with a very low profile. They persecute those who send it and those who receive it."

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello announced on Jan. 31 that his administration would be collecting donations as part of an upcoming government-led humanitarian mission.

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12:55 p.m.

A spokesman for the International Monetary Fund says the executive board of the body will delay a planned meeting to determine whether Venezuela has met its obligation to share periodic information.

There was no original date set for the meeting.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido pledged on Jan. 23 to serve as interim president of Venezuela and has been recognized by many countries in the Americas and Europe.

The IMF has not recognized Guaido.

IMF spokesperson Jerry Rice said Thursday: "Countries are still establishing position in terms of recognition. The process is ongoing."

He would not say whether the IMF has had any contacts with Venezuelan authorities or the interim government.

The IMF's No. 2 official David Lipton called Venezuela's economic crisis an "unprecedented economic storm" that will require generous international support.

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12:29 p.m.

The Vatican says Pope Francis is willing to see if Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido would agree to Vatican intervention to help relaunch talks with embattled President Nicholas Maduro to try to end the country's political standoff.

Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti issued a statement Thursday after Francis told reporters that he would consider Maduro's request for Vatican involvement but that the "preliminary condition" for any external mediation was that both sides requested it.

Gisotti said: "The Holy Father has always reserved the possibility, and therefore still reserves the possibility, of verifying the will of both sides to see if the conditions exist to take this step."

Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, has made clear that any offers of dialogue must start with negotiating the terms of Maduro's exit.

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12:15 p.m.

A top European Union official is calling for free and transparent presidential elections in Venezuela to bring a peaceful solution to the country's crisis.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini spoke Thursday in Uruguay's capital at the inaugural meeting of an "International Contact Group."

The group is meeting amid tensions after Venezuela opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido declared himself interim president and said he was seeking to oust President Nicolas Maduro following a 2018 election that many countries as a sham.

Mogherini says the group holds different views on what led to Venezuela's crisis and doesn't seek to impose a solution.

However, she says the countries share the same objective of seeing the country's crisis peacefully resolved without violence and a foreign intervention.

Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez is leading the meeting attended by leaders of 14 countries, including Spain, Italy, Portugal and Sweden.

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11:50 a.m.

A Venezuelan man whose wife has advanced breast cancer is urging President Nicolas Maduro to accept humanitarian aid.

Luis Escobar made his plea at the border bridge connecting Colombia and Venezuela where aid is expected to arrive.

In tears, he described how his wife was unable to get treatment in Venezuela and that by the time they were able to see a doctor in Colombia, her illness had significantly progressed.

Escobar says that he doesn't want other Venezuelans to suffer his wife's dire fate.

Humanitarian aid from the United States has arrived in Colombia and is en route to the country's border with Venezuela.

Maduro has refused to accept the aid, and the military has blocked the bridge where the supplies are expected to arrive.
Rahul Gandhi also launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "coward" and challenging him to a debate on issues such as national security, Rafale and the economy.

New Delhi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that the RSS was trying to capture the institutions of the country and his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh will remove the organisation's loyalists from the system.

He also launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "coward" and challenging him to a debate on issues such as national security, Rafale and the economy.

"I know his (Modi) character after fighting him for five years. He is a coward. When someone stands up to him, he runs away," Gandhi said at the party's minority cell convention here. The Congress chief said fear was writ large on Modi's face.

"He now knows you can't rule India by dividing people," he said in his speech in Hindi. "The image of Narendra Modi is finished," Gandhi declared. He alleged that the RSS was attempting to capture institutions, from the judiciary to the Election Commission.

"We have not merely formed governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh... we will ensure that RSS people put in institutions in these states are removed," he said.

The Congress chief also alleged that while China sent its army to Doklam, the prime minister flew to China and held a summit without an agenda. He had folded his hands in front of China, Gandhi alleged.

(With inputs from PTI)
New Delhi: A 51-year-old Tamil filmmaker has been arrested for allegedly killing his wife, chopping the body and dumping it in a garbage bin in Chennai.

According to a report in Hindustan Times, assistant director in Chennai's Kollywood film industry, Gopalakrishnan, murdered his wife on suspicion that she indulged in infidelity.

"Gopalakrishnan suspected that Sandhya, much younger to him, was having an affair. Since they were on talking terms, he invited her to Chennai during Pongal holidays. They had fought with each other since her arrival and on January 18 night, a day after Pongal festivities, he hit her in a fit of rage and she died on the spot. To conceal the crime, he had decapitated the body and sliced the limbs and threw them at different places. A hand and two legs, thrown in Kodambakkam were recovered from Perungudi," the report quoted police as saying.

The accused was arrested from his Jafferkhanpet residence on Wednesday after police found the body parts at the Corporation dump yard at suburban Perungudi.

Corporation's sanitation workers had informed the officers after they discovered women's limbs in the garbage truck, which carried waste from Kodambakkam area of the city to Perungudi.

The hand had a tattoo and police were initially clueless. But a missing woman complaint in Thoothukdi threw some light and the deceased was identified as Sandhya (39) from the southern port town of Thoothukudi.

It led to the arrest of Gopalakrishnan and during questioning, he admitted to having committed the crime, HT stated quoting its sources.

Police said Gopalakrishnan had produced a budget film financed by Sandhya in 2010. But it had flopped and a financial crunch forced him to work as an assistant director with his friends and acquaintances.

Over the years, frequent quarrels erupted between them as both suspected each others fidelity and they had filed for divorce. Though Sandhya had left for her maternal home in Thoothukudi, they were on talking terms as they have two kids, a son and daughter.

Meanwhile, the police suspect that Gopalakrishnan alone could not have cut the body into pieces in his crowded neighbourhood. Further investigation is on to ascertain whether some of Gopalakrishnans friends helped him, the report stated.
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Page: 1 2 Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised? LoP Guest

lop guest

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02-07-2019 05:36 AM











Post: #1 Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

Advertisement Lawmakers turned over gifts after secretly funded trip to Azerbaijan



"Lawmakers who took a trip secretly funded by the government of Azerbaijan turned over jade earrings, tea sets, silk scarves, woven rugs and other gifts to the government after a watchdog report called the trip improper. . .



In all, nine current member of Congress and 32 staff members attended the conference, each receiving thousands of dollars worth of gifts, according to the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE). Some of the lawmakers also went to Turkey after the conference in Baku and received additional gifts on that stop.



The OCE report on the trip was submitted to the House Ethics Committee on May 8, 2015, but was leaked to The Washington Post, which revealed the details of the report days later.



The watchdog said Texas-based nonprofits filed false statements saying they were paying for the trip, when, in reality, the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic, known as Socar, helped fund the conference and trips by funneling $750,000 to the nonprofit corporations."



https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/...after-trip



New Mexico governor withdraws National Guard from the border, slams Trump's 'charade'



"The governor of New Mexico ordered the states National Guard to withdraw a majority of its troops from the southern border, slamming what she called President Donald Trumps charade shortly before his State of the Union address on Tuesday.



New Mexico will not take part in the presidents charade of border fear-mongering by misusing our diligent National Guard troops, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement.



Lujan Grisham, who was elected as the first Latina Democratic governor of the state in November..."



https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/new...-s-n968336



"In 2016 she was one of nine members of Congress who took a trip to Baku that was later found to have been secretly funded by the government of Azerbaijan, and had to turn over gifts the country gave her to the House Clerk after an ethics investigation. Both the Office of Congressional Ethics and House Ethics Committee found lawmakers and aides had no way of knowing the trip was being funded improperly."



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Lujan_Grisham "Lawmakers who took a trip secretly funded by the government of Azerbaijan turned over jade earrings, tea sets, silk scarves, woven rugs and other gifts to the government after a watchdog report called the trip improper. . .In all, nine current member of Congress and 32 staff members attended the conference, each receiving thousands of dollars worth of gifts, according to the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE). Some of the lawmakers also went to Turkey after the conference in Baku and received additional gifts on that stop.The OCE report on the trip was submitted to the House Ethics Committee on May 8, 2015, but was leaked to The Washington Post, which revealed the details of the report days later.The watchdog said Texas-based nonprofits filed false statements saying they were paying for the trip, when, in reality, the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic, known as Socar, helped fund the conference and trips by funneling $750,000 to the nonprofit corporations.""The governor of New Mexico ordered the states National Guard to withdraw a majority of its troops from the southern border, slamming what she called President Donald Trumps charade shortly before his State of the Union address on Tuesday.New Mexico will not take part in the presidents charade of border fear-mongering by misusing our diligent National Guard troops, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement.Lujan Grisham, who was elected as the first Latina Democratic governor of the state in November...""In 2016 she was one of nine members of Congress who took a trip to Baku that was later found to have been secretly funded by the government of Azerbaijan, and had to turn over gifts the country gave her to the House Clerk after an ethics investigation. Both the Office of Congressional Ethics and House Ethics Committee found lawmakers and aides had no way of knowing the trip was being funded improperly." LoP Guest

lop guest

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02-07-2019 05:49 AM











Post: #2 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

https://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/h...rip-120869



https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nati.../73508934/ LoP Guest

lop guest

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02-07-2019 05:53 AM











Post: #3 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

I don't know. Something about this reminds me of the recent trip Pelosi was trying to take to Brussels when Trump grounded her as payback for uninviting him to the House to deliver his State of the Union Address during the 2018-19 government shutdown. LoP Guest

lop guest

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02-07-2019 05:55 AM











Post: #4 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?





https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Lujan_Grisham "Lujan Grisham was a cosponsor for the 2015 Assault Weapon Ban H. R. 4269 Bill that was introduced into House legislation in December 12, 2015." Ashesandsackcloth#2

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02-07-2019 05:58 AM



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Post: #5 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

LoP Guest Wrote: (02-07-2019 05:53 AM) I don't know. Something about this reminds me of the recent trip Pelosi was trying to take to Brussels when Trump grounded her as payback for uninviting him to the House to deliver his State of the Union Address during the 2018-19 government shutdown.

It was part of a plot to kill Trump. It was part of a plot to kill Trump. 269346

The Grinch Who Stole LOPmas!

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02-07-2019 05:59 AM



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Post: #6 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

All Democrats are compromised, either mentally, morally, or spiritually or all three. LoP Guest

lop guest

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02-07-2019 06:00 AM











Post: #7 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/j...azerbaijan LoP Guest

lop guest

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02-07-2019 06:01 AM











Post: #8 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

Ashesandsackcloth#2 Wrote: (02-07-2019 05:58 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (02-07-2019 05:53 AM) I don't know. Something about this reminds me of the recent trip Pelosi was trying to take to Brussels when Trump grounded her as payback for uninviting him to the House to deliver his State of the Union Address during the 2018-19 government shutdown.

It was part of a plot to kill Trump.

It wouldn't surprise me. It wouldn't surprise me. LoP Guest

lop guest

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02-07-2019 06:03 AM











Post: #9 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

269346 Wrote: (02-07-2019 05:59 AM) All Democrats are compromised, either mentally, morally, or spiritually or all three.

Well, this looks like it was pretty well covered up, whatever happened with the trip to Azerbaijan. Well, this looks like it was pretty well covered up, whatever happened with the trip to Azerbaijan. LoP Guest

lop guest

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02-07-2019 06:07 AM











Post: #10 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

269346 Wrote: (02-07-2019 05:59 AM) All Democrats are compromised, either mentally, morally, or spiritually or all three.

Does party leadership see to it that that's the case? Does party leadership see to it that that's the case? Ashesandsackcloth#2

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02-07-2019 06:07 AM



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Post: #11 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

LoP Guest Wrote: (02-07-2019 06:01 AM) Ashesandsackcloth#2 Wrote: (02-07-2019 05:58 AM) It was part of a plot to kill Trump.

It wouldn't surprise me.

Our media is so controlled now and we don't hear much of what goes on till months or years later.



Reason why this place is important as well as a few other spots you can still get to.



Join the caravan.

http://www.caravantomidnight.com Our media is so controlled now and we don't hear much of what goes on till months or years later.Reason why this place is important as well as a few other spots you can still get to.Join the caravan. LoP Guest

lop guest

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02-07-2019 06:08 AM











Post: #12 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

Ashesandsackcloth#2 Wrote: (02-07-2019 06:07 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (02-07-2019 06:01 AM) It wouldn't surprise me.

Our media is so controlled now and we don't hear much of what goes on till months or years later.



Reason why this place is important as well as a few other spots you can still get to.



Join the caravan.

http://www.caravantomidnight.com

Does it require registration/login? Does it require registration/login? 269346

The Grinch Who Stole LOPmas!

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02-07-2019 06:18 AM



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Post: #13 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

LoP Guest Wrote: (02-07-2019 06:07 AM) 269346 Wrote: (02-07-2019 05:59 AM) All Democrats are compromised, either mentally, morally, or spiritually or all three.

Does party leadership see to it that that's the case?

I think so. I think that's why so many are involved with racism, rape, child molestation, sex slavery and all other moral ills as has been revealed through the years. The fact is the DNC knew about it and promoted them anyway because they use it as blackmail material. That is, they have no compunction about running white supremacists, rapists of women, pedophiles or anyone else, as long as they do the will of the Party. I think so. I think that's why so many are involved with racism, rape, child molestation, sex slavery and all other moral ills as has been revealed through the years. The fact is the DNC knew about it and promoted them anyway because they use it as blackmail material. That is, they have no compunction about running white supremacists, rapists of women, pedophiles or anyone else, as long as they do the will of the Party. LoP Guest

lop guest

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02-07-2019 06:36 AM











Post: #14 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

269346 Wrote: (02-07-2019 06:18 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (02-07-2019 06:07 AM) Does party leadership see to it that that's the case?

I think so. I think that's why so many are involved with racism, rape, child molestation, sex slavery and all other moral ills as has been revealed through the years. The fact is the DNC knew about it and promoted them anyway because they use it as blackmail material. That is, they have no compunction about running white supremacists, rapists of women, pedophiles or anyone else, as long as they do the will of the Party.

It kind of looks like they knew about Governor Blackface's yearbook, and as soon as he caused a public stir with respect to his advocacy for infanticide, they had to try to bury those comments, and perhaps threaten to let him go, if such missteps to continue. Doesn't it? It kind of looks like they knew about Governor Blackface's yearbook, and as soon as he caused a public stir with respect to his advocacy for infanticide, they had to try to bury those comments, and perhaps threaten to let him go, if such missteps to continue. Doesn't it? 269346

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02-07-2019 06:47 AM



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Post: #15 RE: Is The New Mexican Governor Compromised?

LoP Guest Wrote: (02-07-2019 06:36 AM) 269346 Wrote: (02-07-2019 06:18 AM) I think so. I think that's why so many are involved with racism, rape, child molestation, sex slavery and all other moral ills as has been revealed through the years. The fact is the DNC knew about it and promoted them anyway because they use it as blackmail material. That is, they have no compunction about running white supremacists, rapists of women, pedophiles or anyone else, as long as they do the will of the Party.

It kind of looks like they knew about Governor Blackface's yearbook, and as soon as he caused a public stir with respect to his advocacy for infanticide, they had to try to bury those comments, and perhaps threaten to let him go, if such missteps to continue. Doesn't it?

I don't think so. I believe his actions angered YHWH Most High and YHWH Most High intervened in human affairs to bring to the surface issues of the heart. They can now see that this is a man possessed of hatred, racism, and murder against children. Black people are waking up to the party of Margaret Sanger, the Klanswoman who called black people weeds who needed to be cut down. It is no coincidence that Klegel Northam also revels in the murder of babies, especially black and brown babies. It is revealed now. It is up to us what we will do about it. God will allow a people to persist in their sins, but it will be worse for them in the end than it was in the beginning. I don't think so. I believe his actions angered YHWH Most High and YHWH Most High intervened in human affairs to bring to the surface issues of the heart. They can now see that this is a man possessed of hatred, racism, and murder against children. Black people are waking up to the party of Margaret Sanger, the Klanswoman who called black people weeds who needed to be cut down. It is no coincidence that Klegel Northam also revels in the murder of babies, especially black and brown babies. It is revealed now. It is up to us what we will do about it. God will allow a people to persist in their sins, but it will be worse for them in the end than it was in the beginning. (This post was last modified: 02-07-2019 06:50 AM by 269346 .) Advertisement



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With Gov. J.B. Pritzkers support of recreational marijuana, state lawmakers are moving swiftly to add Illinois to the list of states that legalize the consumption, sale and growth of recreational cannabis.

What recreational marijuana in Illinois will look like is still unknown, but the talk of legalization has raised many questions from residents about local taxing, what agencies will handle the funding and who will benefit from the new revenue source, to name a few.



Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, and Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, spoke at a town hall meeting arranged by Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, at the Lincoln Library on Jan. 28 to take questions about a bill that would legalize cannabis if passed.



Cassidy said there is a plan to allow local governments to place a tax on cannabis if they decide to allow recreational cannabis sales in their municipalities, but there will be a cap in place to avoid what happened in Pueblo, Colorado. They put the maximum tax on they could, and their illicit market grew, Cassidy said.



Ward 2 Ald. Herman Senor said there are a lot of unknowns about how the state will regulate recreational cannabis and who will or wont benefit. He said he also wants to know how it will impact those who have a permanent blemish on their record because of cannabis-related charges.



Its a free market society, Senor said, and those who can afford to pay licensing fees and own a dispensary or cultivation center should be able to do so, but he sees disparities in who can receive licensing.

You want everyone to be able to take advantage of it, Senor said. The way its set up now, only certain people can take advantage of it.

NAACP Illinois president Teresa Haley opposes the bill and posed questions to the legislators during the town hall about how lawmakers intend to protect the jobs of those who use cannabis recreationally, allocate funding from recreational cannabis to those that have been most harmed and what lawmakers will do to assist minorities who want to own and operate dispensaries. Current law on medical marijuana prohibits employers from discriminating against patients with medical cards, but Steans said private employers will have discretion regarding policies for those who use cannabis recreationally.

Dan Linn, executive director of National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) Illinois chapter, said another cannabis legalization bill in the House introduced by Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Champaign, includes language that would allocate revenue made from cannabis taxation back into areas that have been affected by the war on drugs, a point Cassidy addressed during the town hall.



Linn said other states that have included similar stipulations in their legislation were challenged in court, but he thinks including language in the statute that would allocate funds to low-income areas is necessary, despite potential lawsuits, because its important to distribute the opportunities in areas impacted by the war on drugs.

Thats on top of trying to make sure the funding stays in the community and doesnt go to some corporate owner who lives in some mansion somewhere, Linn said.



Ward 3 Ald. Doris Turner said shes in favor of legalization and excited about attention the topic of recreational cannabis is receiving but knows that the road to legalization will require many discussions and some compromising.



I do believe that as we move into these discussions about legalization of recreational marijuana it will also lead to discussions about the criminal use of marijuana, which I think has been extremely, extremely unfair, Turner said, explaining that she doesnt believe the use of marijuana should be considered a criminal offense.



As far as an increase in users once cannabis is legalized, Turner said shes of the same opinion of most experts who dont believe cannabis is a gateway drug. However, Linn said he wouldnt be surprised if there were a slight increase because of accessibility.



You might see a small increase in usage from tourism or maybe senior citizens who dont have access to cannabis right now, Linn said.



Lindsey Salvatelli is an editorial intern with Illinois Times as part of the Public Affairs Reporting masters degree program at University of Illinois Springfield. Contact her at intern@illinoistimes.com.
Weve known for weeks now that the FBI recorded Chicago Ald. Ed Burkes mobile phone conversations over a period of eight months, listening in on 9,475 calls. And then we discovered that the feds had wired up Chicago Ald. Danny Solis during his own conversations with Burke.

Ald. Burke has a rather, um, earthy way of talking when hes among friends and close allies. Race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexuality: you name it, if theres a socially unacceptable word to describe it, his pals say, hes probably used it.

Im not saying for sure that the feds have him on tape saying stuff like that, but if they do, theres no way in heck that Burke wants a Chicago-area jury hearing it. Those words could destroy a defendant. And, of course, few on the other end of any of those conversations want that stuff to come out, either. People might bend over backwards to be helpful if the feds play them those tapes. The feds, in other words, might very well possess some embarrassing leverage on Burke aside from the alleged illegalities.



Being caught on an FBI wiretap doesnt automatically mean somebody did something wrong. Back in 2017 and then again in 2018, the mere presence of J.B. Pritzker on old FBI wiretaps of Gov. Rod Blagojevich was enough to rattle his gubernatorial campaign to the very bone, even though there was no evidence then or since that he was ever under any sort of investigation.

Pritzker simply called the wrong guy at the wrong time and said some stupid things that wound up being memorialized on a government recording device. But lots of folks jumped to an immediate conclusion that the hint of federal smoke somehow meant the existence of a raging corruption fire. Nothing like that has ever emerged.

We dont yet know for sure, but the same might be said of whats being treated by the media as an explosive revelation that an FBI mole recorded a 2014 meeting with Ald. Solis, a Chinatown real estate developer and House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Madigan didnt say anything illegal on the recording. He was at his law firms office and Ald. Solis had brought the developer in to talk about perhaps retaining Madigans property tax assessment firm for a hotel the businessman was trying to build. The developer never hired Madigans firm and never built the hotel. All this happened almost five years ago, and we havent heard anything else since then.

The story does give us an inside peek into how things work in Chicago, however. Madigans law office can apparently be an important stop on the path toward getting things done. And while Madigan himself can avoid doing anything overt to help his law firms clients outside of property tax appeals, just meeting with Madigan could help those clients check a very important box with other important people like Solis.

Madigan himself could be completely ignorant of why a potential client is in his office. Indeed, its almost 100 percent certain he wants it that way. Youd have to be insanely greedy to risk prison over a $3,000 annual property tax retainer.

But Madigan is so powerful that people like Solis want to do whatever they can to get into and remain in his good graces. So, its not at all inconceivable that part of an aldermans process of approving a development could include a meeting at Madigans firm to show fealty and offer tribute.

The big question: If Solis wired up on Burke, did he also wire up on Madigan? The House Speaker issued a statement through his attorney admitting he recalls attending several meetings with Ald. Solis over the past five years, including meetings with individuals in need of legal representation.

Despite the frothing at the mouth from the usual Madigan haters, we simply have no way of knowing if the feds have any leverage on the guy. Be patient. If theyve got him, theyve got him. If they dont, well, it wouldnt surprise me.


Dear Kwame,

I was there when you were sworn in. I saw you applaud when Comptroller Susana Mendoza called Secretary of State Jesse White the greatest politician in Illinois history.

White told me to go away in the spring of 2017 when I asked for the personnel file of Candace Wanzo, a bureaucrat in the auto licensing division who was put on administrative leave for reasons still mysterious. She never should have been hired. She stole more than $233,000 from Southern Illinois University in 1991, eight years before White put her on the payroll. Then she used a state car to commute to Springfield from her home near St. Louis  the auditor general caught that in 2004.



Wanzos personnel file, maybe, would answer obvious questions: Did anyone check her criminal history before she was hired, has she been held accountable and why was she put on administrative leave? When White told me to screw myself, I asked your predecessor, Lisa Madigan, for help  the attorney general is supposed to enforce the Freedom of Information Act. That was on June 2, 2017. I never heard back. With a new sheriff in town, I emailed your office on Jan. 24, and I followed up with a phone call: When can I expect an answer? I havent heard back.

Thats why Illinois Times sued White this week. What choice did we have?

While you were ignoring me, I was in Sangamon County Circuit Court, where Illinois Times two weeks ago won a lawsuit concerning personnel files. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum had claimed that disciplinary records involving former curator James Cornelius, who was fired last year, are top secret. It wasnt a head-scratcher for the judge, who took all of two days after hearing oral arguments to rule in favor of openness. Lawyers who work for you, whom we all pay for, defended ALPLM. The ruling wasnt surprising. Illinois courts at least seven times have ruled that disciplinary records or personnel files are public records. We keep litigating the same stuff over and over again, with the same result.

With White, it wouldve been nice to have known on which side you fall. You couldve said that White should produce the records. On the other hand, you might have said that Whites right. Instead, not a peep, not from you, not from your predecessor  a coincidence, of course, that you two, plus White, are Democrats. Its too late for the transparency angel on one shoulder to say anything, given that your office, with lawyers funded by taxpayers, now must defend White in court.

I dont know wholl win this legal fight  in Illinois, its hard to predict. But I think I know a sincere man from a politician who says stuff because it sounds good. Sunshine is the best disinfectant, you declared when you were sworn in.

By my count, there have been more than 80 amendments to FOIA since the legislature overhauled the law in 2010, purportedly in the name of transparency, and its harder now than it was nine years ago to get records. Before your current gig, you were a state senator. I dont remember you spending political capital to argue against exempting performance evaluations from FOIA. You also voted in favor of a bill that restricted information requests from folks who arent journalists. Then, on the campaign trail, you vowed to spend more money on assistant attorneys general to enforce a law with no teeth.

We keep litigating the same things, and obvious things, because there are no consequences. From the governors office to Illinois State Police to the University of Illinois to ALPLM to Chicago Public Schools to East St. Louis, public bodies flout the law because theres no reason to do otherwise. If someone sues, your office, often as not, provides them with lawyers. Sure, the government pays plaintiffs legal bills when the government loses, but thats not much in the scheme of things. The maximum fine for breaking the law is $10,000. No judge ever has levied it. And you think the solution is spending more on lawyers? I think the solution is a better law.

This isnt complicated. Youre just getting started. Make this your lifes work.
As part of Black History Month, the University of Illinois Springfields Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series, the UIS Diversity Center and the Springfield NAACP will co-host a film screening and panel discussion on The History of Springfield  From 1908 to Now. This event will begin with a screening of the 30-minute film Springfield Had No Shame: The Springfield Race Riot of 1908. The film will be followed by a panel discussion led by Teresa Haley, president of the Springfield and Illinois chapters of the NAACP. The panel will also include previous NAACP presidents and members who will discuss the history and plight of the NAACP since its establishment in 1909. All Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. The History of Springfield  From 1908 to Now Feb 8, 4pm Fri Brookens Auditorium, UIS 1 University Plaza 206-8507 Free

Illinois Times has provided readers with independent journalism for more than 40 years, from news and politics to arts and culture.

Now more than ever, were asking for your support to continue providing our community with real news that everyone can access, free of charge.

Were also offering a home delivery option as an added convenience for friends of the paper.

Click here to subscribe, or simply show your support for Illinois Times.
Ho Etsu Taiko Drummers is a collective of musicians with a fresh take on the art of Japanese drumming. With their music they attempt to blend the deep-rooted culture of Japanese-American taiko with influences that inspire and celebrate the diversity of their performing members. Their mission is to spread joy through every drumbeat by creating music that is true to them. They push the envelope through collaborations with other taiko groups, musicians and culturally-focused performance artists while staying grounded in the rich tradition of the taiko ensemble. Taiko requires discipline of both mind and body. Beyond an emphasis on musicality, many hours are dedicated to training the aspects of movement and visual presence. The Fine Arts Series is an annual series that brings a variety of inspiring and diverse musical performances to campus each year. Individual tickets for the Illinois College Fine Arts Series are $15 each and season tickets are $60 each. Students of all ages receive free admission. Tickets are available in advance by calling 217-245-3046 or at the door. Ho Etsu Taiko Drummers Feb 9, 7:30pm Sat Rammelkamp Chapel Illinois College 1101 W. College St. Jacksonville 245-3046 $15, Students Free

Illinois Times has provided readers with independent journalism for more than 40 years, from news and politics to arts and culture.

Now more than ever, were asking for your support to continue providing our community with real news that everyone can access, free of charge.

Were also offering a home delivery option as an added convenience for friends of the paper.

Click here to subscribe, or simply show your support for Illinois Times.




IceViking strongly condemns physical attacks and harassment directed towards them.





They are also often victims of the Islamic idea. This is true when it comes to the cruel and tragic treatment of Muslim women and children when it is in accord with the Koran, the example of Mohammed and Islamic law, Sharia, which may be applied regardless of where a Muslim male may find himself in the world, whether in a Muslim or non-Muslim country.





However, in no way, shape or form should one judge all Muslim men because of what is in Islamic scripture and what constitutes the Islamic law, Sharia.





"Race", ethnicity or basically anything that you are "merely" born with should never be a basis for bigotry and discrimination.





Apostates from Islam have been executed for 1400 years in accord with the Koran and the words and actions of the Islamic prophet Mohammed and Islamic law, Sharia.





They should be lovingly helped.





Furthermore, approximately as many as 11,000,000 Muslims may have been killed by other Muslims since 1948.





To quote the website The Religion of Peace (TROP), edited by Glen Roberts:





While it may be safe to say that a true Muslim would not intentionally kill another true Muslim ( 4:92-93 ), the Quran places no such value on the life of a Muslim who is not true. Consider verse 9:73 :

Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them, their abode is Hell.

The Arabic for strive hard uses the same root as Jihad - and the context in this sura is holy war (see v. 86 and 91). Thus, there are two distinct classes of people that a true Muslim is to target with harshness: disbelievers and hypocrites.



A disbeliever obviously refers to a non-Muslim, so a "hypocrite" must be a Muslim of some sort. In fact, hypocrites are those who say they believe, but do not act as they should. In other words, they are "Muslims", but not true Muslims. They will go to hell just as unbelievers do, and so, according to the verse, their lives matter for naught.



The same sura says that a hypocrite can be recognized not just by lack of piety (reluctance to follow Sharia), but by fear of death ( 9:56 ), reluctance to fight ( 9:44-45 ) and even friendliness toward non-believers ( 9:67 ). A true Muslim would thus be a pious person who relishes martyrdom, is eager to fight, and shuns non-believers.



Even the Quranic passage that warns against killing "believers" ( 4:88-94 ) is more complicated than it first appears. It never says that a true Muslim is incapable of killing another Muslim, just that it should not be done. In fact, it makes exceptions for the unintentional killing of "believers" in war and mandates the killing of "hypocrites."



Verse 17:33 says, "Do not kill anyone which Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause" . The greatest cause of all is that Islam be superior ( 9:33 ), which is exactly what Islamic terrorists say is their goal. Thus believing Muslims are allowed to be collateral damage in the war on unbelievers.









There is sadly a phenomena that I`ve noticed in Sweden and elsewhere of people using true facts about Islamic doctrine and history as a cover for all sorts of irrational targeting of Muslims, ranging from xenophobia and racism to verbal abuse and physical attacks.





This is strongly condemned by this website and does not in any way serve serious criticism of orthodox Islam and other important work.





It`s also important that one tries to express oneself in a civilized way. Words matter.





In this bloggers humble opinion the root cause of the problem is the ancient doctrine of orthodox Islam.













In simple terms a non-Muslim is a Kafir.





" The Koran defines the kafir and kafir is not a neutral word. A kafir is not merely someone who does not agree with Islam, but a kafir is evil, disgusting, the lowest form of life."





An exact quote, as stated in the writings of Dr. Bill Warner in the article "Kafir" at http://www.politicalislam.com/kafir .





In the perfect Koran (Allah`s direct and literal word as revealed to Mohammed through the angel Jibril), Muslims are told 89 times to emulate Mohammed in all ways (see Koran 33:21 for instance).





Mohammed`s example, the Sunna, is found in the Hadith (stories of what Mohammed said and did) and the Sira (biographies of Mohammed).





Islamic law, Sharia , is directly derived from these unchanging scriptures. It is based on the Koran`s numerous commands to obey Allah and obey the Messenger, that is Mohammed (see Koran 4:59 for instance).









Islam is Sharia. Sharia is Islam.





It is a capital crime for Muslims to deny Sharia in any way.





A Muslim is someone who submits to Islam and submitting to Islam means obeying the Sharia of Allah.





Sharia law includes pronouncements for both Muslims and non-Muslims (Kafirs).









Islam is a "complete way of life", a "complete code of life", a "complete system of life".





Islam is not just a religion but also a comprehensive ideology.





Islam is a supremacist ideology.





Islam is a totalitarian and imperialistic ideology akin to Communism and Nazism.





Islam is a civilization.

Islamic law, Sharia, is a manual for a civilization.





Islamic law, Sharia, governs every aspect of life.

It has a say about every conceivable human act .





Non-Muslims are morally and legally inferior in Islam. Women are morally and legally inferior in Islam.

























The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS by Robert Spencer is the first one-volume history of jihad in the English language and a great book on the topic.





Allah guarantees Paradise to those who "kill and are killed" for him (Koran 9:111).





A hadith depicts a Muslim asking Muhammad: "Instruct me as to such a deed as equals Jihad (in reward)." Muhammad replied, "I do not find such a deed." (Bukhari 4.52.44)





Muhammad himself said:

I have been commanded to fight against people so long as they do not declare that there is no god but Allah, and he who professed it was guaranteed the protection of his property and life on my behalf except for the right affairs rest with Allah. (Sahih Muslim 30)









Freedom of speech, human rights, democracy, science and human lives are all at stake in the fight against the Islamic Jihad.




Sterigenics is still venting ethylene oxide into neighborhoods surrounding its facility in west suburban Willowbrook, according to federal testing that revealed spikes of the volatile, cancer-causing gas higher than concentrations detected before the company installed new pollution-control equipment last year.

But a top Trump administration official told residents on Tuesday that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency doesn't have enough evidence to take action against the company.

Nor is the agency any closer to answering urgent questions about long-term health dangers from toxic pollution the company's neighbors have been breathing for more than three decades, most of that time unknowingly.

William Wehrum, the administration's top air official, said the EPA is sticking to its plan to re-evaluate cancer risks in the Willowbrook area after collecting more air samples during the next month and combining the results with computer modeling of pollution emitted by Sterigenics.

Samples analyzed so far suggest that on some days the air monitors are registering other, unknown sources of ethylene oxide, Wehrum said, meaning the agency needs more time to assess the dangers, determine the extent Sterigenics is responsible and figure out how to limit future emissions.

"Does this somehow exonerate Sterigenics? The answer is no," Wehrum said on a conference call dominated by residents urging the EPA to shut down the facility and questioning if the Trump administration is backing away from promises made before the November elections. "We think it's really important to gather enough information so we can make valid and supportable decisions."

The Chicago Tribune first reported that EPA officials began taking a closer look at Sterigenics in late 2017 after determining the cancer risks in one census tract near the facility are more than nine times higher than the national average. By the time the EPA quietly posted its findings online in August, another federal agency had estimated the effects could be significantly more dire, prompting an intense public outcry and demands from local, state and federal lawmakers for an in-depth investigation.

Based on wind patterns during days when the EPA collected air samples in late November and December, there is no doubt Sterigenics is exposing residents to higher-than-normal levels of ethylene oxide, Wehrum and other agency officials said.

One example is Dec. 26, when winds from the southeast blew pollution from Sterigenics toward monitors at Willowbrook Village Hall across the street; a neighborhood nearly 400 yards west of the facility; and Hinsdale South High School, about a half-mile northwest. The highest concentrations of ethylene oxide ranged from 10.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air at Village Hall to 1.17 at the west neighborhood site to 0.566 at the high school monitor.

During the EPA's first round of testing in May, a month before Sterigenics installed additional pollution controls, the highest level recorded in the complex of commercial and government buildings near Sterigenics was 9.1 micrograms per cubic meter.

To put those numbers in perspective, regular exposure to 2.1 micrograms of ethylene oxide per cubic meter of air could trigger more than 6 cases of cancer for every 1,000 people exposed, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, an arm of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Federal regulators generally target polluters when local cancer risks are greater than 100 in a million.

"The situation has always been a grave one," the Stop Sterigenics community group said in a statement. "It is time for our federal, state and local government to put the health of the people in front of corporate greed."

Oak Brook-based Sterigenics, owned in part by a private equity firm founded by former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, uses ethylene oxide to sterilize medical instruments, pharmaceutical drugs, spices and food.

Shortly after the public first learned about the company's pollution, Sterigenics paid Google to list pro-industry websites at the top of search results for information about ethylene oxide. Using an abbreviation for the chemical, one of the sites claims "EO exists naturally all around us" and doesn't pose health risks at concentrations found near its Willowbrook facility.

On Tuesday, the company had a more muted response to the EPA's latest round of air sampling in the community.

"We acknowledge that there are several readings close to the Willowbrook facility that are higher than background (normally occurring) levels," the company said in a statement. "It remains premature to draw conclusions about long-term health risks from the data."

While the EPA has limited its air sampling to Willowbrook, the investigation has national ramifications.

A Tribune analysis of agency data found that more than 600,000 Americans in 12 states face similar risks because they live close to sources of ethylene oxide, including chemical plants, medical device manufacturers and sterilization facilities owned by Sterigenics or its competitors.

In Illinois alone, nearly 70,000 people live near Sterigenics or two Lake County facilities: Medline Industries in Waukegan and Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee.

Michael Koerber, a career EPA official overseeing the testing in Willowbrook, said the agency is scrambling to improve how it measures and regulates ethylene oxide. Federal, state and local lawmakers, along with Illinois Atty. Gen. Kwame Raoul and Robert Berlin, the DuPage County state's attorney, aren't willing to wait.

Lawmakers from both political parties have called for the immediate shutdown of Sterigenics, noting that safer sterilization methods are available. Meanwhile, the EPA's inspector general has launched a probe of the Trump administration's actions in response to concerns raised by U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and three fellow Democrats: Reps. Bill Foster, Dan Lipinski and Brad Schneider.

"The citizens of DuPage County should not have to endure this exposure to a known human carcinogen," Raoul and Berlin said in a statement Tuesday. "We will exercise all available legal authority to protect the community."

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SPRINGFIELD  Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is backing legislation that would require insurance companies that manage much of the states Medicaid program to publish more information about how promptly they are reimbursing claims.

The insurance companies, known as managed care organizations, or MCOs, contract with the state to manage the care of individuals enrolled in Medicaid. Among other things, that involves working with patients to make sure they receive routine exams and preventive care, and coordinating services provided by their primary physicians and other specialists.

The goal of a managed care system is to reduce costs and improve health outcomes by preventing the need for many emergency room visits and the complications that can result when patients dont receive follow-up care.

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Last year, Illinois greatly expanded the managed care system to make it available in all counties. The $63 billion procurement, covering four years, was the largest in state history. But in a statement Wednesday, Mendoza said it is difficult for her office to know what happens to the money the state now spends on managed care after the money is handed over to the MCOs.

I frequently hear from providers whose Medicaid payments have been delayed. They often have no idea when their payments might come, Mendoza said. Providers, like nursing homes in rural and low-income communities, rely on reimbursements from MCOs to keep their doors open and serve vulnerable populations.

Mendoza said she is urging lawmakers to pass legislation, already introduced in both chambers, that would require MCOs to report at least quarterly on their websites the total number of claims they receive for that quarter, the number and amounts of claims paid and information detailing how long it takes them to process claims.

The primary sponsors of the bills are Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) and Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview).

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the $63 billion procurement covered four years of services.

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Last week at the state Capitol, the Joint Select Committee on Healthcare met with some hospital CEOs to discuss Medicaid and Medicaid expansion. Our thanks to the CEOs from St. Peters in Helena, St. James in Butte and the for-profit Community Medical Center in Missoula for attendance at this important meeting. Six of the CEOs from the largest hospitals had "prior commitments." There has been some talk in having another meeting so all of them could be in attendance. Stay tuned.

The committee was comprised of four legislators from the Montana House and four from the Senate of both parties. We asked questions about patient care, hospital board set-up and what the communities see as real needs -- an assessment required of hospitals by IRS regulations.

The following is a short synopsis of what we learned:

 After expansion was passed into law, uncompensated care by hospitals has declined, in some cases from 7.3 percent of total hospital care down to 1.6 percent.

 One CEO felt the state health clinics were taking patient base away and made it harder for them financially. A 2017 Legislative Audit expressed concerns about the management and oversight of these clinics which were created by Gov. Schweitzer in 2012 and has cost the taxpayers $26 million in the first 5 years.
Knight Nicastro posted on Feb. 1 an announcement that its attorneys had consulted with families affected by asbestos in McGill Hall, and noted more than 100 years of experience in asbestos litigation.

Last Tuesday, UM relocated 47 preschool children from McGill to the College of Education in response to test results that showed asbestos levels far exceeding a federal cleanup threshold for residences.

Asbestos can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, but the latency period can be 10 to 40 years.

Roberts said the lawyers are in the early stages of their review. He said they are looking at documents provided by UM, learning about testing, and asking questions about how different players came to be involved and whether the public has all the available test results.

He also said the case might never end up in litigation. In general, Roberts said clients sometimes seek "equitable remedies," or a requirement that another party start or stop taking a particular action. "Sometimes, that's a client's only goal," Roberts said.
The main piece of the governor's $300 million infrastructure proposal moved forward Thursday, but with significant indication Republicans who hold a majority in the Legislature would like to see a different approach to tackling projects.

House Bill 14 wraps up $160 million in projects paid for through general obligation bonds. That includes $44 million in grants for small communities affected by oil, gas and coal development, something Gov. Steve Bullock, a Democrat, says makes the proposal more palatable to Republicans who have shot down similar bonding proposals in the past several legislative sessions. It also has about $35 million for local bridge, water and wastewater projects.

While it cleared an initial hurdle Thursday on a 4-1 vote in a committee focused on infrastructure proposals, some Republicans on the committee raised questions about how palatable the bill would be going forward and whether a competing proposal expected from their own party might have a better chance.

Rep. Cary Smith, a Republican from Billings, voted against the bill, saying it puts together projects that have passed each session with those that typically cause infrastructure packages to fail. That includes things like $32 million for Romney Hall on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman and $32 million for the state historical museum in Helena.
A woman who spoke in support of the bill said she is a part-owner of a farm equipment sales company that operates in rural Montana. In Glasgow, she said her employees struggle to get vaccines at places like the local hospital's clinic, which does not offer shots, or the local health department, which only does immunizations for a few hours one day a week. There are, however, two pharmacies in town, she said.

This bill is about access, especially in our rural and frontier communities, Sarah Swanson said.

Jonathan Griffin, a family physician and president of the Montana Medical Association, said he felt the bill blows a hole in the comprehensive care approach doctors try to achieve with patients. He said there can be gaps in reporting if patients have had immunizations from a pharmacy, leading to confusion and missed immunizations. Griffin also said if patients arent going to the doctor for vaccines, they dont have a chance to speak with their caregivers about other health issues.

There are a lot of reasons why we want our patients showing up in a physician or a provider's office beyond vaccines, Griffin said.
Stapletons record on easements came up several times during the hearing Tuesday, including a newsletter he published last year that said the Land Board was dinking around with easements and other decisions rather than working on expanding natural resource development.

Ive always thought its really poor public policy to do something forever, Stapleton said at last Februarys Land Board meeting while posing a question about tax implications and perpetual easements. I think its generationally selfish and also foolish to go beyond say 99 years.

William Selph, Stapletons Land Board advisor, challenged the idea that Stapleton would not support perpetual easements Tuesday.

In contrary to some of the things stated here today, that he does not support conservation easements, he has been willing to support them even with perpetuity but they do need to meet a higher standard, Selph said.

Selph was joined by lobbyists for the groups Citizens for Balanced Use and United Property owners of Montana in support of the bill. White is founding member and longtime leader at CBU.
For the full agenda, go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov; under Quick Links click Commission. FWP's website offers live streamed audio of each F&W commission meeting. The public can also view a live television feed of the meeting at FWP regional offices.

Sperry Chalet industry night, open house rescheduled

The National Park Service in partnership with Glacier National Park Conservancy will host an evening about Sperry Chalet on Feb. 13 at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell.

The National Park Service Denver Service Center, the construction branch of the NPS, will host an industry night for construction contractors interested in bidding on the 2019 Phase 2 of the Sperry rebuilding project. Phase 1 of the project was awarded to Dick Anderson Construction and was completed in 2018. The industry night will be in the Fireside Room from 5-5:30 p.m.
The number of people staying at God's Love in Helena has tripled as subzero temperatures grip the Helena Valley.

Dave Miller, who described himself as the "director, owner and toilet bowl plunger," said 60-80 people have been coming to the downtown homeless shelter since Sunday because the weather has been so cold. Miller estimates that around 20 people come into God's Love on an average winter day.

"We have 31 beds full and 28 people sleeping on the floor," Miller said. "We've had up to 36 on the floor."

Miller said the high number of people seeking shelter is "unusual," but can be traced to the closure or sheer lack of homeless shelters in other areas such as Butte and Bozeman.

Butte has been without a permanent homeless shelter since April 2017, when the missions longtime home on East Second Street was closed due to fire code and safety violations. In an October 2018 story in The Montana Standard, Miller said there had been an uptick in people from Butte seeking shelter at God's Love in the prior months.
People would have access to the creek  that hasnt been possible for 100 years, Stickney said.

Mary Hollow, executive director of the land trust, said the organization has been in conversations for a decade about the future use of the property.

The community has wanted to see public access in some form and the DOJ funding would support not all but some of the trail development, so obviously were really excited about that, she said. It is of utmost importance to Prickly Pear Land Trust that whatever ends up happening is very community led and engaged.

While it is unclear who would ultimately own the land  Hollow believes a regional parks district makes sense  the land trust would likely own the property for at least 10-15 years. She does believe Prickly Pear has the capacity to maintain the trails once completed.

As weve gone through this process its been exciting to think about the investment potential and economic potential for the future of East Helena in a way that honors the past and its history but also looks at business investment and things that will be a positive for East Helena going forward, she said.

Total cost for the 11.4-mile trail from the airport to Montana City is about $4.3 million.
Tish and her mom will fight to free Fonny, following every lead, spending every dollar. But white justice will not free a black man, and so he remains in solitary, even while his son, Fonny Jr., grows up.

But the miracle inside Beale Street is that despite these odds, Tish and Fonny are still in love.

Even when she visits him in jail, and sees his bruises, she sees the young man shes always loved.

Yet, when he grinned, I saw, all over again, my lover, as though for the first time, says Tish.

Tish and their son will come join him on visiting days. On one day, Fonny Jr. will insist on a prayer before they eat.

Thank you God, for the food we are about to eat, says the boy, perhaps four. And for all of your blessings that we have received. And for my Daddy.

Fonny Jr. is as sweet as his dad. He loves his daddy even though daddy cant come home.

No one does love like Barry Jenkins, who makes the first time a special time, a tender time. Fonny and Tish dont have sex, they make love -- its slow, its erotic, but its not salacious.
We listen to local police and fire departments scanner traffic, but sometimes miss crimes, wrecks, fires or other incidents, especially if they happen overnight. If you know of something were not covering yet, please let Managing Editor Jeff Pownall know by emailing him at jpownall@lufkindailynews.com, or submit a news tip online by visiting lufkindailynews.com/tips.
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.
Grand Old Partisan honors John Trimble, born near Knoxville this day of 1812. He attended the University of Nashville and studied law. He served two terms in the state house and two in the state senate.

[Union-controlled Nashville]

[Union troops liberating Knoxville]

Trimble resigned from the legislature to protest against secession. President Abraham Lincoln named him U.S. Attorney for Middle Tennessee. In 1866, he won a term in the U.S. House of Representatives. This patriotic Republican voted for the Reconstruction Acts and the 14th Amendment.

Here is a Video Version of this article on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DK1SG04_rj8

Michael Zak is author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party, a history of GOP civil rights achievement.

Each day, his grandoldpartisan YouTube channel and Grand Old Partisan blog celebrate more than sixteen decades of Republican heritage. And, see Speech Raves for audience feedback from his presentations in thirty-one states so far.

He also wrote the 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar.

Clarence Thomas cited Back to Basics for the Republican Party in a Supreme Court decision.

Buy the book at Amazon

See www.youtube.com/q?v=IzxKCiXc5Qc for a brief video of a Texas Republican praising Back to Basics for the Republican Party.

"This is the most amazing book about politics that I have ever read. The Overview should be required reading for anyone with even a minor interest in government. The remainder is an enthralling history lesson that I will never forget. For years, we have all been misled about the true nature of the GOP. This is the real deal! Read it and be proud!"

"Michael Zak wrote the definitive history of the GOP."

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party is the most significant contribution to the Republican Party in the last twenty years apart from Ronald Reagan."

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party is more important to our party now than ever before."

and

"one of the best books I ever read"
Re: ISB vs Scheller vs US B-schools !! [ #permalink

I was in a similar situation like you a couple of months back. I got Full Scholarship from Scheller, Broad and Fisher and a R1 admit from ISB. I am choosing ISB over the other three.

To begin with, all the 3 US schools are impeccable in their own ways and I feel extremely grateful to have received such hefty offers from them.



My motivation behind choosing ISB was both personal and professional.



Professionally, I want to work in India and the Indianness of ISB - Brand value, network, job opportunities and world class infrastructure are very enticing for me. Secondly, coming from NIT (batch of 800) I enjoy the perk of a large batch size - the lifelong connection is something I won't get in the other 3. And thirdly, it's fast paced 1 year program.

After having 4.5 years of experience, I feel a one year program with around 650 contact hours is ideal.



And personally, I like being here. I have had international experience in the past, and having travelled widely for work and leisure, I am not that blown away to work abroad. And lastly, with parents aging, I feel staying close to home suits me.



My 2 cents: Start writing on a piece of paper about all the things you want after 3-5 years and tick what you can get from which school. Talk to people, take opinions, and then make a decision and stand by it.



Posted from my mobile device
LIMERICK, Pa., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Victory Bank is pleased to sponsor four students from Ursinus College in the 2019 CSBS Community Bank Case Study Competition.



The competition was created to increase insight into the community banking business model and inspire students to seek careers in banking.



A record number of college student teams have signed up for the 2019 Community Bank Case Study Competition, the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS). Now entering its fifth year, the CSBS Community Bank Case Study Competition is the largest and most comprehensive undergraduate research competition on community banks. Participating with 95 other student teams from 63 colleges and universities across the United States, students will connect with experienced leaders in the banking profession and develop case studies. Student teams will produce both a research paper and a video summarizing their findings.



The case studies will be based on regulatory relief. Focusing on the recently-passed regulatory relief bill, students will be asked to identify how a bank has or will be able to take advantage of its provisions and to estimate the resulting economic impact to the bank and community. They will outline additional changes that could have been included in the bill to produce even greater benefit to the bank and local economy. Upon completion of the competition, CSBS hopes to collect evidence to present to Congress in support of regulatory relief, while also identifying supplemental policies that could further benefit local communities.



Each of the case studies will undergo three rounds of judging by three separate panels of banking experts. The top three scoring teams will be announced at the CSBS State-Federal Supervisors Symposium in San Antonio.



The student teams compete for an academic scholarship, a chance to get their work published in an academic journal and an opportunity to attend the annual CSBS-Federal Reserve Community Banking Research Conference, held in St. Louis in October.

For more information, visit www.csbs.org/bankcasestudy .

The student participants include: Gemma Dufoe, Bridget Sherry, Brett Korn, Jorge Arrisueno, and special thanks to Dr. Andrew Economopoulos, Ursinus professor, who is advising the students.



The Victory Bank is locally owned and operated commercial bank headquartered in Limerick, Pennsylvania. The bank was founded to optimize the financial lives of business, professionals, government/public entities, and consumers. For more information, call 610-948-9000 or visit victorybank.com. Member FDIC.

Media Contact:

Saul S. Rivkin, SVP

Director of Marketing

610-948-9000

srivkin@victorybank.com




English French

Industrys largest and longest range business jet, the Global 7500 aircraft is in a class of its own and entered into service in 2018

EASA certification allows the Global 7500 aircraft to be registered in a European Union country

Global 7500 aircraft offers Bombardiers signature smooth ride and superior field performance, perfect for operating from key challenging airports in Europe

MONTREAL, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier is proud to announce that the industry flagship business jet, the Global 7500 aircraft, has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, validating the requirement for the aircrafts operation in Europe.

Weve transformed business aviation with the Global 7500 jet, said Michel Ouellette, Senior Vice President, Program Management and Engineering, Bombardier Business Aircraft. With the longest range in the industry, the aircraft can connect more international cities nonstop, opening many destinations to our customers.

The Global 7500 business jet earned its type certification from Transport Canada in September 2018, followed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in November 2018, both within only 24 months after the first flight of FTV1. The aircraft entered service in December 2018.

The Global 7500 aircraft has demonstrated its ability to fly further than any other business jet by expanding its advertised range to 7,700 nautical miles, a full 300 nautical miles further than initial commitments. Not only does the Global 7500 aircraft provide more range than any other competitor, it can do so from the most difficult locations around the world: the Global 7500 jet exceeded takeoff and landing performance commitments, allowing for exceptional capability from Europes most desirable and challenging destinations such as Sion and St. Moritz, Switzerland*. These achievements have enabled the Global 7500 aircraft to push the boundaries of business travel by resetting the bar for long-haul missions in the industry. The Global 7500 aircraft is the only business jet that connects New York to Hong Kong and Singapore to San Francisco nonstop, flying eight passengers with standard NBAA IFR fuel reserves.*

The Global 7500 aircraft offers not only its signature smooth ride, but also an elevated cabin experience, with spaciousness that is unique among business jets, and its award-winning interior featuring a full-size kitchen and four true living spaces. The Global 7500 aircraft also debuts Bombardiers patented Nuage seat, which was meticulously designed for maximum comfort and will be exclusive to the new Global family of aircraft.

About Bombardier

With over 69,500 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier .

Notes to Editors

Follow @Bombardierjets on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Business Aircraft.

To receive our press releases, please visit the RSS Feed section.

Bombardier, Global, Global 7500 and Nuage are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

*Under certain operating conditions.
BRIGHTON, Mich., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CGE Energy, Inc. (OTCPink: CGEI), today announced funding for a multimillion-dollar energy project developed by their team of professional engineers. The upgrades are being installed at a 170,000 square-foot office building in Lansing, Michigan.



The multi-phase project will include onsite generation, solar photovoltaics (PV) system, thousands of interior and exterior LED lighting fixtures, as well as energy efficient boilers and hot water systems. Over the next 20 years, the project is expected to save nearly 80 million kWh, more than 50,000 metric tons of CO2, and result in a total net savings of more than $1.5 million for CGEs not-yet-disclosed client.

In developing this comprehensive project, CGEs client did not require any upfront capital cost to implement the upgrades. They participated in CGEs Sustain program, which reduced their monthly utility bills and provided immediate positive cash flow, guaranteed energy savings and ongoing maintenance.

Our proprietary Sustain program requires no new capital investment for our customers. Our customers are able to reallocate a portion of the money that they save on their energy bills to offset their usage with clean, sustainable energy, said Bryan Zaplitny, CGE Energy President and CEO.

Among CGEs pool of project financiers, CGE utilized HBC Energy Capital, part of Michigan Saves green bank, to help provide the funding to get the project implemented.

While the Sustain programs structure uniquely uses energy savings to empower the project, we are able to make the best use of the investment dollars from partners like HBC Energy Capital and Michigan Saves so the customer can get more upgrades done than through other funding methods, concluded Zaplitny.

About CGE Energy Inc.

CGE Energy, Inc. makes it easy for businesses, local governments, and non-profits to receive the benefits of sustainable energy projects with no upfront cost. CGE hand-selects the very best facilities to partner with and turns their wasted energy into immediate and continuous savings for the customer. CGEs proprietary Sustain business model delivers an exclusive combination of todays best energy efficiency and sustainable energy generation technologies, including CGEs exclusive WINDe20 wind turbine.

To learn more visit http://www.cgeenergy.com.

Media Contact: Paul Schneider 248-446-1344, pschneider@cgeenergy.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain "forward-looking statements" that are within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by certain words or phrases such as "may", "will", "aim", "will likely result", "believe", "expect", "will continue", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "contemplate", "seek to", "future", "objective", "goal", "project", "should", "will pursue" and similar expressions or variations of such expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations about its future plans and performance. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based on information available to us on the date hereof and speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
PUNE, India, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the recent past, new injectable fillers are popping up in the industry. In total, there were 17890 treatments with non-permanent dermal fillers in the Netherlands for the year 2015. The CE certification is the official way to introduce a new product onto the European market. Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) is considered a semi-permanent filler, often used to treat medium-to-deep wrinkles, furrows and folds, mostly nasolabial folds. This type can also be used for augmenting thin lips. When a person desires for a permanent solution to facial wrinkles, PMMA is used as a substitute for collagen replacement therapy. A common brand of PMMA includes Bellafill.



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Polycaprolactone (PCL) was in phase 3 trials in 2018 is expected to reach the United States market in the next two years. PCL tends to last longer compared to products containing calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa). In 2018, among the neuromodulators, phase 3 results for RT002 (daxibotulinumtoxin A, Revance) showed that the products lasted up to 5 to 6 months. The product is anticipated to gain approval from the FDA by 2020.

Ask for Discount on Exclusive Report@ https://www.absolutemarketsinsights.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=161

The non-surgical treatments are the new surgical. Isnt it? The demand for dermal fillers facial aesthetics is currently rising but it is mandatory for the dermatologists to adopt safe practices to ensure successful outcomes for both patients as well as physicians. Although there are host of fillers available for treatments, it is imperative to have a thorough knowledge about these fillers, their basic constituents, particle composition, additive present, shelf life and cost. Introduction of biodegradable fillers proves to be major opportunity in the market as they get resorbed overtime by tissues and require repetitive applications, thus generating major share of revenue for manufacturing companies. The Massachusetts-based Silk Medical Aesthetics Inc. duly reported the development of biocompatible liquid silk technology which is an all-natural biomaterial platform for injection into the skin. The same is made from thread of silkworm cocoons suspended in liquid which can used in filling wrinkles in face and treating acne scars. The period last from three to 24 months.

The detailed research study provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the global dermal fillers facial aesthetics market. The market has been analyzed from demand as well as supply side. The demand side analysis covers market revenue as well as sales volume across regions and further, across all the major countries. The supply side analysis covers regional production volume and capacity analysis. The geographical analysis done emphasizes on each of the major countries across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

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Dermal fillers facial aesthetics market participants include Bloomage BioTechnology Corporation Limited, LG Lifesciences, SciVision Biotech Inc., Luminera Derm Ltd, Hangzhou Singclean Medical Products Co.,Ltd, Bohus BioTech AB, Matex Lab SA (Neauvia), Suneva Medical, Inc., DR. Korman, Sinclair Pharma, TEOXANE Laboratories, Merz Pharma, Galderma S.A., Allergan Plc. amongst others.

By Type

HA Dermal Fillers Monophasic HA Fillers Biphasic HA Fillers

Non-HA Dermal Fillers Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Filler Collagen Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)



By Application

Wrinkles

Lip Enhancement

Facial Contouring

Glabellar Furrows

Peri-Orbital

Others (Scars, Crow's Feet, Etc.)

By Geography

North America U.S. Canada Mexico Rest of North America

Europe France The UK Spain Germany Portugal Italy Poland Nordic Denmark Finland Iceland Norway Sweden Rest of Nordic Ukraine The Benelux Union Belgium the Netherlands Luxemburg Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific China Japan India Australia New Zealand Hong Kong Singapore Taiwan Malaysia Russia Southeast Asia Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa GCC Countries UAE Sau Arabia Southern Africa Rest of Middle East and Africa

Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America



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About Us:

Absolute Markets Insights assists in providing accurate and latest trends related to consumer demand, consumer behavior, sales, and growth opportunities, for the better understanding of the market, thus helping in product designing, featuring, and demanding forecasts. Our experts provide you the end-products that can provide transparency, actionable data, cross-channel deployment program, performance, accurate testing capabilities and the ability to promote ongoing optimization.

From the in-depth analysis and segregation, we serve our clients to fulfill their immediate as well as ongoing research requirements. Minute analysis impact large decisions and thereby the source of business intelligence (BI) plays an important role, which keeps us upgraded with current and upcoming market scenarios.

Contact Us:
Houston, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DLR Group|Westlake Reed Leskosky announced today that is has been selected by The Ismaili Council for the USA to lead design of the Ismaili Center in Houston alongside London-based design architect Farshid Moussavi and landscape architect Nelson Byrd Woltz. DLR Group|WRL, which was recently ranked the #1 Cultural design firm by BD World Architecture, was awarded the role of executive architect and architect of record through an international design competition. This will be the second collaboration between DLR Group|WRL and Farshid Moussavi Architecture, following design of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland.

The new Ismaili Center will be located at the intersection of Allen Parkway and Montrose Boulevard just west of downtown Houston. It will be the seventh in a series of iconic cultural buildings His Highness the Aga Khan has commissioned over the past four decades in the United Kingdom, Canada, Portugal, United Arab Emirates, and Tajikistan. Once complete, the center will serve as a national hub for the social, cultural, and intellectual activities of the Ismaili Muslim Community.

We are very honored to partner with the Ismaili community to bring this historic building to life, said DLR Group|WRL Senior Principal, Paul Westlake, FAIA, FACHA, who leads the firms Cultural+Performing Arts Studio. Houston is home to one of the largest Ismaili Muslim populations in North America, and the new center will serve as a place where community members can learn, pray, and engage in fellowship. Our team is privileged to have been chosen for a project that will have such a lasting impact on the local community and beyond.

The Ismaili Center in Houston will serve the citys approximately 40,000 Ismaili Muslims and is expected to include a Jamatkhana, or prayer hall, educational spaces, a social hall, and several multi-purpose meeting and conference spaces. Design has already begun for this significant project.

Barkat Fazal, President of the Ismaili Council for the USA said, We are excited to be working with architects of world stature and experience to design this unique project. It will embody both Houstons and the Ismaili communitys pluralistic vision.





About DLR Group

DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new construction, renovation, and adaptive reuse. Our promise is to elevate the human experience through design. This promise inspires sustainable design for a diverse group of public and private sector clients; local communities; and our planet. DLR Group|WRL is 100 percent employee-owned and fully supports the initiatives and goals of the 2030 Challenge, and is an initial signatory to the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.

Westlake Reed Leskosky joined DLR Group in September 2016. Today, the combined design expertise and resources of Westlake Reed Leskosky and DLR Group serve clients as a global, integrated design firm committed to elevating the human experience through design.

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English French

Defining Moments Canada Partners with Juno Beach Centre Association

www.definingmomentscanada.ca / www.momentsdeterminants.ca



TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Defining Moments Canada / Moments Determinants Canada , a heritage education organization, announced today its partnership with the Juno Beach Centre Association to lead the 2019 national commemorative project to share the stories of Canadians contributions to the D-day landings.

Juno75: Above and Beyond will spotlight the stories of 20 Canadians from across the country who were involved in the war effort in Normandy and beyond. Drawing from the extensive interview archive of Testaments of Honour, and hosted on the Defining Moments Canada website, the goal of this national commemorative project is to inspire young Canadians to discover the lives of those who participated in one of Canadas best-known battles. Beyond the stories of those veterans who landed on Juno Beach, the project also seeks to commemorate those who continued to serve in the Battle of Normandy, and those whose contributions on the home front were essential to driving the war effort  and the country  along.

With the generous support of Veterans Affairs Canada, Juno75: Above and Beyond will offer extensive educational resources designed to guide students in the creation of commemorative projects that examine the stories of service and sacrifice of these individuals. As the Government of Canada marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy this year, we are pleased to support Defining Moments Canada, through the Commemorative Partnership Program, in this meaningful project to honour the selfless servicemen and women who served during the Battle of Normandy, says the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. This initiative will connect Canadian youth with the faces and experiences of those who fought for our freedom during the Second World War. It is inspiring to know that these students will be able to learn about the courage, determination and sacrifice of so many brave Canadians and share it with their peers.

The project will also be supported by extensive contextual research from the Juno Beach Centre Association. The Juno Beach Centre Association is excited to partner with Defining Moments Canada on Juno75: Above and Beyond, says Mike Bechthold, executive director of the Juno Beach Centre Association. This project, with its focus on telling stories and connecting today's youth with yesterday's heroes, forms an integral part of the JBCA's Juno75 educational offerings. This is an excellent opportunity for youth across the country to engage in the remembrance and commemoration of one of Canada's great defining moments.

"The 20 Canadians we will be profiling are just the beginning, says Neil Orford, program leader at Defining Moments Canada. We want students to share the stories they discover, so that we can honour these untold stories from unheard voices."
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A.I.S. Resources Limited (TSX-V  AIS, OTCQB: AISSF) (the Company or AIS) is pleased to announce that drill hole one on Guayatayoc Mina was completed 6 February 2019. A brine sample will be taken at the 400 metre level today and downhole geophysics undertaken over the weekend to determine porosity and permeability. Brine sampling commenced at the Guayatayoc Mina lithium project in Northern Argentina on January 29, 2019 at 295 metres with further samples taken at the 350 metre and 400 metre intervals.



SGS, an international accredited chemistry analysis firm in Salta advise that preliminary results will be available in the next three to four days and full analysis results late next week.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2323649b-2312-48ae-bfc9-d17a54e9a31c

Phil Thomas CEO said, Drilling was very fast and we intersected a sand unit near the bottom of the hole which didnt have as much brine as the clay halite units above it. The sand unit was possibly an ancient river area where clean sand had settled but was not compacted. Dr Romina Steinmetz who completed her PhD at Guayatayoc visited the drill site and inspected the core. This analysis was consistent with the geophysics so there was no advantage to drill deeper. We are looking forward to the results from SGS and downhole geophysics as it will have a lot of information we can use when we drill in Rincondillas area in Guayatayoc III. It is great that we got the Rincondillas UGAMP meeting scheduled for 28 February 2019 allowing us to progress this exciting lithium project.



Qualified Person

Phillip Thomas, BSc. Geol, MBusM, MAIG, MAIMVA, (CMV), a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 regulations, has reviewed the technical information that forms the basis for this news release, and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Thomas is not independent of the Company as he is Chief Executive Officer and a shareholder.

About A.I.S. Resources

A.I.S. Resources Ltd. is a TSX-V listed investment issuer, was established in 1967 and is managed by experienced, highly qualified professionals who have a long track record of success in lithium exploration, production and capital markets. Through their extensive business and scientific networks, they identify and develop projects worldwide that have strong potential for growth with the objective of providing significant returns for shareholders. The Companys current activities are focused on the exploration and development of lithium brine projects in northern Argentina.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors, A.I.S. Resources Limited

Phillip Thomas

President and CEO

Contact

Phillip Thomas - President and CEO

E: pthomas@aisresources.com

Website: www.aisresources.com

Martyn Element

Chairman

T: 604 687-6820

E: melement@aisresources.com

ADVISORY: This press release contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this press release contains statements concerning the anticipated use of the proceeds of the Private Placement. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Corporation can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The intended use of the proceeds of the Private Placement by the Corporation might change if the board of directors of the Corporation determines that it would be in the best interests of the Corporation to deploy the proceeds for some other purpose. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Corporation undertakes no obligations to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. 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.




LOS ANGELES, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is pleased to showcase This is MANGA  The Art of NAOKI URASAWA, a complimentary exhibit by internationally acclaimed Japanese manga artist, Naoki Urasawa, now through March 28. The retrospective exhibition introduces more than 400 original drawings and storyboards, selected stories from seven of his major works, and delivers four consecutive YAWARA! stories every other week replicating the weekly serial style of many Japanese comic anthologies. Selling over 127 million copies in Japan alone, Urasawas dynamic storytelling captivates a global audience as his works are published in more than 20 countries. Continuing to garner international popularity, the award-winning artist was recently nominated by Comic-Con International (Comic-Con) for the prestigious Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame for 2019. Final Hall of Fame inductees will be announced this summer.



Since his professional debut in 1983, Urasawa has continually pushed the limits of the manga medium, engaging readers with innovative compositional techniques and versatile drawing prowess, as he creates works that are both introspective and philosophical. One of the core qualities of Urasawas work is the skill with which he weaves social context and detailed cultural settings into his narratives. Many of his stories connect personal dramas to a specific moment in human history, and illustrate how overarching social and historical forces influence the actions of his characters. His stories touch upon the hopes, dreams, and underlying fears of humanity. The exhibition introduces manga, a Japanese comic style --which is a fusion of story and artwork, evolving from picture book styles developed in the late 19th century --directly through Urasawas manga including his original hand-drawn storyboards from inception through development. The selected stories from seven of his major works highlight the breadth of the artists narrative styles, including: YAWARA!, MONSTER, 20th Century Boys, PLUTO (story by Osamu Tezuka, co-authored by Takashi Nagasaki, supervised by Macoto Tezka, with the cooperation of Tezuka Productions), BILLY BAT (story co-creator: Takashi Nagasaki), MASTER KEATON ReMASTER (story by Takashi Nagasaki), and MUJIRUSHI (The Sign of Dreams, with the cooperation of Fujio Productions). A special reading area stocked with full, published English translations turns the exhibition visit into a Japanese cultural experience.

Related Programs

JAPAN HOUSE offers interactive drawing workshops complementing the North American debut of the This is MANGA  The Art of NAOKI URASAWA exhibition with Los Angeles-based animator and illustrator, MinoMiyabi, for all ages. Information to be released soon on www.japanhouse.jp/losangeles .

Compositions & Panel Layouts: Koma-Wari for Manga & Comics (February 9)

(February 9) Chara-Cature! Your Caricature as a Manga Character (February 9)

(February 9) Character Drawing for Kids! (March 2)

(March 2) Elements of Character Designs for Manga & Comics (March 2)

This is MANGA  the Art of NAOKI URASAWA is presented and organized by JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles and The Yomiuri Shimbun; sponsored by Shimizu Octo; made possible in cooperation with N WOOD STUDIO, SHOGAKUKAN, KODANSHA, POMATO PRO., Yamato Global Logistics Japan, ANA, Bay Bridge Studio, AGASUS and VIZ Media; special assistance provided by Takashi Nagasaki, Kazuya Kudo, Hokusei Katsushika, Tezuka Productions Co. and Fujio Productions; art direction by Kaitaro Kiuchi (POMATO PRO.); curatorial support provided by Stephane Beaujean (Art Director of the Angouleme International Comics Festival)

ABOUT JAPAN HOUSE

JAPAN HOUSE is an innovative, worldwide project with three hubs, London, Los Angeles and Sao Paulo, conceived by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kenya Hara is Chief Creative Director. It seeks to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan in the international community. JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles occupies two floors at Hollywood & Highland. The 2nd floor features a gallery space and shop. The 5th floor hosts a Japanese restaurant, relaxing library, and event venue, along with spectacular views of Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles. JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles offers a place of new discovery that transcends the physical and conceptual boundaries creating experiences that reflect the best of Japan through its spaces and diverse programs.

Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028

Website: www.japanhouse.jp/losangeles

Media Contact

Nerissa Silao | 310-874-9230 | nerissas@ca.rr.com

Lisa Nakanouchi | 323-904-9298 | lnakanouchi@japanhousela.com
Large inventory of elite Cherry Wine seeds for CBD-producing hemp soon to be available for purchase



Vancouver, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- As it prepares to begin selling its inventory of Cherry Wine hemp seeds for CBD-producing hemp, Future Farm Technologies Inc. (the Company or Future Farm) (CSE: FFT) (OTCQB: FFRMF) is pleased to announce that its Maine subsidiary, Future Farm Maine, will soon be offering for sale its inventory of Cherry Wine hemp seeds for CBD-producing hemp.

Click here to view Future Farm Maines harvest video.

In 2018, Future Farm hand-selected the Cherry Wine seeds to be offered for sale from more than 50,000 hemp plants to allow purchasers of those seeds to maximize the success of their harvests of hemp. The Company expects the sales of those seeds during calendar 2019 to have a significant positive impact on both its revenue and bottom line, as compared to the current fiscal year, because the costs associated with producing those seeds are expected to be significantly less than the revenue that the sale of the seeds will generate. Future Farm is in the process of creating a website to support its seed sales effort, but in the meantime inquiries can be sent to sales@futurefarmtech.com.

As these efforts advance in Maine, the Companys lab in Belfast is up and running, collecting data to enable the Company to refine procedures as needed and begin sales of CBD distillate in the near future. In March, Zachary Lapan, Manager of the Company's Maine cultivation and processing operations, along with George Groccia, Future Farms organizational and operational manager, will share their experience working on the Maine farm as speakers at the 2019 New England Cannabis Convention in Boston.

For further information, contact Investor Relations at investor@futurefarmtech.com or (888) 387-3761 Ext. 710.

On behalf of the Board,

Future Farm Technologies Inc.

William Gildea, Chairman and 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.
RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oyster Consulting announced today that Brian Moran joins the firm as a Director, expanding Oysters ability to help industry members address risk, legal, operational, financial, sales practice and compliance issues with expertise in Trust Regulations, Federal Banking, OCC, and FDIC, SEC and FINRA Rules.



Brian Moran has 30 years of diverse experience in financial services. He is a former regulator with the SEC, the CFTC, NYSE and AMEX. He is an alumni of Deloittes financial services division. Brian has an extensive track record of constructing, testing and managing comprehensive compliance programs that enable diverse companies to efficiently navigate through a highly regulated, extremely competitive marketplace.

"Brians financial and operational experience compliment his compliance skills, making him a valuable asset for our clients, explains George Jennison, Oyster Consulting President. "His knowledge and passion for helping firms assess and improve their operations, technology, risk and compliance programs will be invaluable as firms continually strive to increase revenue and enhance their client experience."

I am both excited and honored to join the Oyster team. As a consultant for Oyster, I look forward to leveraging my experience to support the growth and success of our clients, Moran said.

Moran joins Oyster Consultings industry experts in the Operations & Technology, Finance and Accounting and Compliance practice groups, and is located in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

ABOUT OYSTER CONSULTING

Oyster Consulting provides consulting, outsourcing and software solutions to financial services industry clients. We believe that the best run organizations make well-informed decisions with input from finance, operations, compliance, risk, technology, trading and marketing. Oyster offers our clients services in these areas from our platforms. Our experienced industry practitioners add more value than career consultants and help us approach each client with practical solutions to their challenges.

CONTACT

Brian Moran

Director

704.840.5943

brian.moran@oysterllc.com

George Jennison

President

804.521.6019

george.jennison@oysterllc.com

www.oysterllc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f951a2d-d17e-4b22-8cc9-583b77ba7c06
Newport Beach, Calif., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DPW Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: DPW) a diversified holding company (DPW or the Company) announced it has signed a stock purchase agreement with Ault & Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation. The closing of the proposed transaction with Ault & Company is subject to approval by the NYSE American.



Under the terms of the agreement, DPW will issue 1,000,000 shares of common stock to Ault & Company, Inc. at a purchase price of $0.12 per share for total consideration of $120,000. Ault & Company, Inc. is a private holding company controlled by Mr. Milton C. Ault, III, the Companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The stock sale is subject to approval by the NYSE American stock exchange.

About DPW Holdings, Inc.

DPW Holdings, Inc. is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies that hold global potential. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, the Company provides mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including defense/aerospace, industrial, telecommunications, medical, crypto-mining, and textiles. In addition, the Company owns a select portfolio of commercial hospitality properties and extends credit to select entrepreneurial businesses through a licensed lending subsidiary. DPWs headquarters are located at 201 Shipyard Way, Suite E, Newport Beach, CA 92663; www.DPWHoldings.com .

Forward-Looking Statements
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Yield Growth Corp. (CSE:BOSS) (OTCQB:BOSQF) (Frankfurt:YG3) is pleased to announced that its e-commerce platform will now sell its Urban Juve cannabis Sativa hemp root oil-based products in the United States thanks to the adoption of the 2017 U.S. Farm Bill.



Urban Juve products are now available for sale in the U.S. via the site www.urbanjuve.com. In addition, the company has plans to sell its products through U.S. retailers such as pharmacies, naturopaths, clinics, salons, spas, wellness and beauty stores.

U.S. distribution is a cornerstone of our sales strategy for all our brands. Already we have a deal in place to sell our THC and CBD infused products through a 400 retail distribution network in Oregon, and now we have launched U.S. e-commerce sales for our Urban Juve products, says Yield Growth CEO Penny Green. Our next step is to set up sales agents in California to access the worlds largest cannabis market.

U.S. consumer spending on legal cannabis is expected to reach $20.9 billion by 2021, as compared to $4.5 billion just in Canada, according to Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics. Statista estimates $6.3 billion in legal cannabis sales in 2021 for the state of California alone.

About The Yield Growth Corp.

The Yield Growth Corp. is dedicated to the rapid and sustainable growth of cannabis and wellness assets. Its directors, officers and advisors have experience at multi-billion dollar international companies including M.A.C Cosmetics, Aritzia, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Best Buy and Skechers. Its key assets are 100% owned subsidiaries Urban Juve Provisions Inc., UJ Topicals Inc., UJ Beverages Inc., UJ Edibles Inc. and Thrive Activations Inc. Through its subsidiaries it owns formulas to over 60 wellness products, including wellness formulas and beverages, has registered 29 products with Health Canada, has applied for 11 U.S. provisional patents and has established distribution and sales channels in Canada, the U.S. and Italy. It is currently selling products online in the U.S. and Canada and through retailers in Canada.

For more information about Yield Growth, visit www.yieldgrowth.com or follow @yieldgrowth on Instagram. Visit www.urbanjuve.com and #findyourjuve across social platforms to learn, engage and shop.



Investor Relations Contacts:

Penny Green, President & CEO

Kristina Pillon, Investor Relations

invest@yieldgrowth.com

1-833-514-BOSS 1-833-514-2677

1-833-515-BOSS 1-833-515-2677

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking information and statements (collectively, forward looking statements) under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates, forecasts, beliefs and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to: risks related to the development, testing, licensing, intellectual property protection, and sale of, and demand for, Urban Juve, UJ Topicals, UJ Beverages and UJ Edibles products, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals where applicable, and the state of the capital markets. Yield Growth cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements provided by Yield Growth, as such forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future results or performance and actual results may differ materially. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Yield Growth expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5298842b-3e82-424f-ab0d-471c796cd140
English Finnish

Poyry PLC Stock Exchange Release 7 February 2019 at 8.45 a.m.



Notice to Poyry PLC's Annual General Meeting



Notice is given to the shareholders of Poyry PLC to the Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday, 7 March 2019 at 4.00 p.m. in Vantaa, Finland at Poyry House (Poyry Headquarters), Jaakonkatu 3, 01620 Vantaa, Finland. The reception of persons who have registered for the meeting and the distribution of voting tickets will commence at 3.00 p.m.

A. Matters on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting

At the Annual General Meeting, the following matters will be considered:

1. Opening of the meeting

2. Calling the meeting to order

3. Election of persons to scrutinise the minutes and to supervise the counting of votes

4. Recording the legality of the meeting

5. Recording the attendance at the meeting and adoption of the list of votes

6. Presentation of the annual accounts, the consolidated accounts, the report of the Board of Directors and the auditor's report for the year 2018

Review by the President and CEO

7. Adoption of the annual accounts

8. Proposal by the Board of Directors to authorise the Board of Directors to decide on the distribution of dividends

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the Board of Directors be authorized to decide at its discretion on the distribution of dividends so that the total amount of the dividend distribution based on this authorization shall not exceed EUR 0.35 per share. The authorization would be valid until the opening of the next Annual General Meeting.

In case the Board of Directors will resolve to use the authorisation, the company shall publish a separate announcement on the amount as well as record date and payment date for the distribution. The Board of Directors have resolved not to use the authorisation should the pending tender offer for the shares of Poyry PLC be carried out by AF AB (publ).

9. Resolution on the discharge of the members of the Board of Directors and the President and CEO from liability

10. Resolution on the remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors

The Company's shareholder AF AB (publ) holding more than 10 % of all of Poyry PLC's shares and votes has proposed that the annual fees for the members of the Board of Directors for the term until the close of the following Annual General Meeting remain unchanged and be as follows: 45 000 euros for a member, 55 000 euros for the Vice Chairman and 65 000 euros for the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and the annual fee for the members of the committees of the Board of Directors 15 000 euros. In addition, the Board of Directors proposes based on the proposal made by the Committee that the Annual General Meeting resolves on an additional fee of 15 000 euros per annum for each of the foreign residents of the Board of Directors as well as on an additional fee of 5 000 euros per annum for the foreign residents of the committees of the Board of Directors. Travel expenses are proposed to be compensated according to the Company's Travel Policy.

In addition, the above-mentioned shareholder has proposed that if the public cash tender offer by AF AB (publ) for the shares in Poyry PLC is completed and the members of the Board of Directors have a service or employment agreement with the combined company AF Poyry AB or any of its subsidiaries, the members of the Board of Directors will not be paid annual fees as proposed in this section.

11. Resolution on the number of members of the Board of Directors

The Company's shareholder AF AB (publ) holding more than 10 % of all of Poyry PLC's shares and votes have proposed to the Annual General Meeting that the number of members of the Board of Directors be four (4).

12. Election of members of the Board of Directors

The Company's shareholder AF AB (publ) holding more than 10 % of all of Poyry PLC's shares and votes has proposed to the Annual General Meeting that Jonas Gustavsson, Stefan Johansson, Jacob Landen and Martin a Porta be appointed to the Board of Directors for the term until the closing of the following Annual General Meeting. The CVs of all persons proposed to be appointed to the Board of Directors may be found from the Company's website.

The current Board of Directors have concluded that in case the pending tender offer for the shares of Poyry PLC would not be completed at the time of the Annual General Meeting the Board of Directors will make a separate proposal to the Annual General Meeting prior to the meeting.

13. Resolution on the remuneration of the auditor

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting, in accordance with the recommendation of the Board's Audit Committee, that the auditor be reimbursed according to the auditor's invoice approved by the Company and in compliance with the purchase policy approved by the Audit Committee.

14. Election of auditor

According to the Articles of Association of the Company, the Company's auditor has been elected until further notice. Thus, audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy continues as the Company's auditor. PricewaterhouseCoopers has informed that Authorised Public Accountant Christian Savtschenko would be appointed as the responsible auditor.

15. Proposal by the Board of Directors to authorise the Board of Directors to decide on the acquisition of the Company's own shares

The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorise the Board of Directors to decide on the acquisition of a maximum of 6 100 000 of the Company's own shares in one or more tranches by using distributable funds on the terms given below. Such share acquisition reduces the Company's distributable unrestricted shareholders' equity.

The Company's own shares may be acquired in order to develop the Company's capital structure, to be used as payment in corporate acquisitions or when the Company acquires assets related to its business and as part of the Company's incentive programmes in a manner and to the extent decided by the Board of Directors, and to be transferred for other purposes, or to be cancelled.

The amount of shares in the possession of the Company shall at no time exceed one tenth (1/10) of the aggregate amount of shares in the Company.

The shares may be acquired in accordance with the Board of Directors' decision either through public trading, in which case the shares would be acquired in another proportion than that of the current shareholders, or by a public offer. The consideration paid for the shares acquired must be based on the company's share price as it is quoted in trading in the Helsinki Stock Exchange's stock exchange list.

The Board of Directors is authorised to resolve on all other terms and conditions regarding the acquisition of own shares. The authorisation shall be in force 18 months from the decision of the Annual General Meeting.

16. Proposal by the Board of Directors to authorise the Board of Directors to decide on the issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares

The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorise the Board of Directors to decide to issue new shares and to convey the Company's own shares held by the Company in one or more tranches. The share issue can be carried out as a share issue against payment or without consideration on terms to be determined by the Board of Directors and in relation to a share issue against payment at a price to be determined by the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors proposes that the authorisation also includes the right to issue special rights, in the meaning of Chapter 10 Section 1 of the Companies Act, which entitle to the Company's new shares or the Company's own shares held by the Company against consideration.

A maximum of 6 100 000 new shares can be issued. A maximum of 6 100 000 own shares held by the Company can be conveyed.

Based on this authorisation, the Board shall have the authority to decide on a share issue and issue of special rights in deviation of the pre-emptive subscription right of the shareholders (directed issue) subject to the conditions mentioned in the Companies Act. The authorisation can be used e.g. in order to strengthen the Company's capital structure, to broaden the Company's ownership, to be used as payment in corporate acquisitions or when the Company acquires assets relating to its business and as part of the Company's incentive programmes.

In addition, the Board of Directors proposes that the authorisation includes the right to decide on a share issue without consideration to the Company itself so that the amount of own shares held by the Company after the share issue is the maximum of one tenth (1/10) of all shares in the Company. Pursuant to Chapter 15 Section 11 Subsection 1 of the Companies Act, all own shares held by the Company and its subsidiaries are included in this amount.

The Board of Directors is authorised to resolve on all other terms and conditions regarding the issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares.

The authorisation shall be effective for a period of 18 months from the decision of the Annual General Meeting. The authorisation granted to the Board of Directors regarding issuing shares in the previous Annual General Meeting shall expire simultaneously.

17. Closing of the meeting

B. Meeting documents of the Annual General Meeting

This notice as well as more detailed information on the proposals of the Board of Directors mentioned above under point 15 and 16 relating to the agenda of the Annual General Meeting is available on Poyry PLC's website at www.poyry.com/agm2019. Poyry PLC's annual accounts, the consolidated accounts, the report of the Board of Directors and the auditor's report are available on the above mentioned website no later than 14 February 2019. The above-mentioned proposals of the Board of Directors and the annual accounts are also available at the Annual General Meeting. Copies of these documents and of this notice will be sent to shareholders upon request. The minutes of the Annual General Meeting will be available on the above-mentioned website as of 21 March 2019.

C. Instructions for the participants in the Annual General Meeting

1. The right to participate and registration

Each shareholder who on the record date of the Annual General Meeting 25 February 2019 is registered in the shareholder register of the Company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd., has the right to participate in the Annual General Meeting. Shareholders whose shares are registered on his/her personal book-entry account are registered in the shareholder register of the Company. Shareholders wanting to participate in the Annual General Meeting must register for the meeting no later than Monday 4 March 2019 at 10.00 a.m. Finnish time by giving a prior notice of participation. Such notice can be given:

by filling in the registration form on the Poyry PLC website at www.poyry.com/agm2019; or by letter to Poyry PLC, Legal Department/AGM, Jaakonkatu 3, FI-01620 Vantaa, Finland.

In connection with the registration, shareholders shall notify his/her name, personal identification number or date of birth, telephone number and the name of a possible assistant or proxy representative and the personal identification number or date of birth of the proxy representative. Shareholders, their representatives, or proxy representatives present at the meeting should, where required, be able to prove their identity and/or authorisation to represent a shareholder. The personal data given to Poyry PLC is used only in connection with the Annual General Meeting and with the processing of related registrations.

2. Proxy representative and powers of attorney

A shareholder may participate in the Annual General Meeting and exercise his/her rights at the meeting by way of proxy representation.

A proxy representative shall produce a dated proxy document or otherwise demonstrate in a reliable manner his/her right to represent the shareholder at the Annual General Meeting. When a shareholder participates in the Annual General Meeting by means of several proxy representatives representing the shareholder with shares on different securities accounts, the shares by which each proxy representative represents the shareholder shall be identified in connection with the registration for the Annual General Meeting.

Any proxy documents are requested to be delivered in originals to the Company before the last date for registration.

3. Holders of nominee registered shares

If a holder of nominee registered shares is entitled to be recorded in the Company's shareholder register on the record date of the Annual General Meeting 25 February 2019, the shareholder may in accordance with the instructions of his/her custodian bank request that he/she is notified for temporary registration in the shareholder register of the Company for participation in the Annual General Meeting at the latest on 4 March 2019 at 10.00 a.m. Finnish time. A holder of nominee registered shares is considered to be registered for the Annual General Meeting, when he/she is notified for temporary registration in the shareholder register as described above. A holder of nominee registered shares is advised to request necessary instructions regarding the temporary registration in the shareholder register of the Company, the issuing of proxy documents and registration for the Annual General Meeting from his/her custodian bank sufficiently in advance.

4. Other instructions and information

The Annual General Meeting will be conducted in Finnish and it is translated into English. The President and CEO's presentation will be presented in English and will be translated into Finnish.

Pursuant to Chapter 5, Section 25 of the Companies Act, a shareholder who is present at the Annual General Meeting has the right to request information with respect to the matters to be considered at the meeting.

On the date of this notice to the Annual General Meeting 7 February 2019, the total number of shares in Poyry PLC is 61 952 801 shares and the total number of votes is 59 910 018 votes.

Vantaa, 7 February 2019

POYRY PLC

The Board of Directors

Additional information:

Jutta Karlsson, Group General Counsel

Tel. +358 10 33 49696
Amsterdam - 7 February 2019 - Intertrust N.V. ("Intertrust" or the "Company") [ticker symbol INTER], a leading global provider of expert administrative services, and ABN AMRO today announce they have reached agreement for Intertrust to acquire ABN AMRO's Escrow and Settlement business. With the acquisition, Intertrust will become the number one escrow provider in Europe.

Escrow is a commonly used solution to ensure that complex financial transactions, for example in M&A and the Real Estate sector, are completed to the full satisfaction of clients, particularly in cross-border settings.

ABN AMRO's Escrow and Settlement business is the market leader for escrow, settlement and paying agency services in the Netherlands. It has a strong presence in the larger UK market and a growing business in Germany. The highly experienced team will transfer to Intertrust in its entirety and form the foundation for further international expansion of escrow, settlement and paying agency services under the ownership of Intertrust. The account bank services remain with ABN AMRO who will continue to provide this service to the business.

Stephanie Miller, CEO of Intertrust:

"In acquiring ABN AMRO's Escrow and Settlement business we move forward with our M&A strategy to expand our current offering in ancillary financial services. The two businesses have a strong cultural fit, having historically been part of the same organisation within MeesPierson. We still enjoy excellent personal and professional relationships and we are looking forward to growing and expanding our service offering in this area to clients as one combined team."



Transferring ABN AMRO's Escrow & Settlement business to Intertrust is in line with the bank's strategic focus on its core banking activities. Intertrust's extensive range of administrative services offers opportunities for the team to diversify its product and geographical offering and creates possibilities for further career development in Europe and beyond.

While this acquisition expands Intertrust's service offering, it does not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results and the terms of the transaction are not disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in Q3 2019.

For further information

Intertrust N.V.

Marieke Palstra

Director of Investor Relations / Corporate Communications

Tel: +31 20 577 1157

marieke.palstra@intertrustgroup.com





ABN AMRO

Brigitte Seegers

Senior International Press Officer

Tel +31 630859888

brigitte.seegers@nl.abnamro.com

About Intertrust

Intertrust is a global leader in providing expert administrative services to clients operating and investing in the international business environment. The Company has more than 2,500 employees across 39 offices and 28 jurisdictions in Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle-East. Intertrust has leading market positions in selected key financial markets, including the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Jersey and the Americas. Intertrust delivers high-quality, tailored corporate, fund, capital market and private wealth services to its clients, with a view to building long-term relationships. The Company works with global law firms and accountancy firms, multinational corporations, financial institutions, fund managers, high net worth individuals and family offices.

For more information on Intertrust visit www.intertrustgroup.com

About ABN AMRO

ABN AMRO is a Dutch bank for retail, corporate and private banking clients. We are a relationship-driven, knowledgeable and digitally savvy bank, active in Northwest Europe and with expertise in selected sectors globally. Our purpose is Banking for better, for generations to come. Headquartered in Amsterdam, ABN AMRO employs around 19,000 people worldwide.



Please visit us at www.abnamro.com

To read the press release, please open the attached file or download here.
Oslo, 7 February 2019 - DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas operator, today announced 2018 net profit of USD 354 million on revenues of USD 829 million, the highest annual revenues in the Company's 47-year history. Cash flow from operations increased 40 percent to USD 472 million in 2018, of which USD 334 million represented free cash flow.

Operated production averaged 117,600 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) including 81,700 boepd on a Company Working Interest (CWI) basis, up from 113,500 boepd and 73,700 boepd, respectively, during 2017. January 2019 operated production averaged 128,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) or 90,000 bopd on a CWI basis.

The Company stepped up its operational spend in 2018 to nearly USD 300 million to support the fast-track development of the Peshkabir field in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and the ongoing drilling program at the Tawke field within the same license.

Spending levels in 2019 are projected to rise more than 40 percent from 2018 levels to an estimated USD 420 million. DNO's 2019 drilling program includes up to 20 exploration and production wells in Kurdistan, including up to 14 wells at the Tawke field, four at Peshkabir and two at the Baeshiqa license. Another five wells are planned in Norway on DNO's licenses.

In Kurdistan, two recently completed wells, Peshkabir-9 and Tawke-52, will be placed on production in February. Testing of the first Baeshiqa exploration well targeting the Cretaceous reservoir has been delayed by extensive rainfall but is also expected to commence this month.

Already the leading international oil company in Kurdistan, with a 75 percent operating interest in fields contributing a third of the region's total exports, the Company is now firmly establishing itself in Norway as it completes the takeover of Faroe Petroleum plc. With 90 licenses, of which 22 are operated, DNO will leapfrog to the ranks of the top five companies in total licenses held in Norway.

"The Faroe transaction transforms DNO into a more diversified company with a strong, second leg," said DNO's Executive Chairman Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani. "This represents not a pivot away from Kurdistan but a pivot to Norway," he added. "We are now well positioned in two areas in which we have a comparative, even competitive, advantage."

The combination places DNO among the top three European-listed independent oil and gas companies in production and reserves.

DNO has acquired more than 96 percent of Faroe shares and initiated the compulsory acquisition of the remaining shares. The integration of the Faroe and DNO organizations is well underway; the new combined entity has over 1,100 employees and offices in Oslo, Stavanger, Erbil, Dubai, London, Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth.

The Company will release pro-forma financials and 2019 investment programs and budgets for the combined entity in February and March.

Separately, DNO's Board of Directors have approved a dividend payment of NOK 0.20 per share to be made on or about 27 March 2019 to all shareholders of record as of 18 March 2019. DNO shares will be traded ex-dividend as of 15 March 2019.

--

For further information, please contact:

Media: media@dno.no

Investors: investor.relations@dno.no

Tel: +47 911 57 197

--

DNO ASA is a Norwegian oil and gas operator focused on the Middle East and the North Sea. Founded in 1971 and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the Company holds stakes in onshore and offshore licenses at various stages of exploration, development and production in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Norway, the United Kingdom and Yemen.

--

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
February 6, 2019

In keeping with its new Child & Family Justice Initiative (CFJI), the UNM School of Law hosted the first Social Justice Lunchbox of 2019 featuring speakers from the New Mexico Family Advocacy Program (NMFAP). The NMFAP serves parents in child welfare cases by providing them with representation in the form of an interdisciplinary team consisting of a court-appointed attorney, a social worker, and a parent mentor. Attorney Leslie Jones, Social Worker Christi Fields, and Parent Mentor Queva Hubbard all shared how they serve alongside one another as a team representing parents involved in Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) cases.

Social Justice Lunchbox Guest Speakers Leslie Jones, Queva Hubbard, and Christi Fields

Photo by Sal Guardiola II

Jones, who has represented parents in CYFD cases for about 25 years, highlighted the need for parent representation. She pointed out how even though the Supreme Court in Santosky v. Kramer found that parents have a fundamental, protected liberty interest in raising their children that requires due process when their rights are being terminated . . . there are still states around the country that do not provide counsel for parents up until the time of termination of parental rights. Already, New Mexicos statutes require parent representation by an attorney. By also providing a social worker and a parent mentor, the NMFAP takes the statutory requirement a step further, thus putting New Mexico ahead of the curve in protecting the rights of parents when compared to other jurisdictions. Jones hopes to see the NMFAP become sustainable and expand throughout the state. Furthermore, she is looking for law students interested in internships with parents counsel.

Fields spoke to some of the unique aspects of her position in the context of the NMFAP. For instance, although social workers/mental health therapists can generally be subpoenaed, that is not the case within the NMFAP. She said that working with an attorney in the NMFAP affords me an extension of attorney-client privilege where I can never be subpoenaed, and that changes the dynamic of the relationship when Im working with a client. . . . We share information freely between us that is not going anywhere.

Hubbard, in her position as a mentor to parents, seeks to create a space of security for parents experiencing trauma within the system. Having been incarcerated 17 times and overcome a 14 year addiction, she said, I got a PhD in the streets and a PhD in manipulation. . . . I dont look like what Ive been through. Together with Jones and Fields, Hubbard helps parents advocate for themselves and is successful in doing so because of her firsthand knowledge of what parents go through in the moment. She is able to pick up on cues that others in the team might miss.

Second-year law student and CFJ Advocate Sun Vega, who attended the talk, said, [I]ts gratifying to hear that our state is really pulling itself up by its bootstraps and really addressing the problems behind childrens welfare.

For more information about the New Mexico Family Advocacy Program, visit https://thirteenthdistrictcourt.nmcourts.gov/overview.aspx.

If you would like to learn more about the Child & Family Justice Initiative at the UNM School of Law, contact Sal Guardiola II at guardiola@law.unm.edu or 505-277-9065.
MASON CITY - North Iowa Area Community College campus will close at noon Thursday due to inclement weather.

All classes and activities are cancelled for the afternoon and evening.

According to the National Weather Service, 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected mainly before 5 p.m.

Overnight temperatures will drop to minus 9 with windchill values as low as minus 35.

MASON CITY | North Iowa schools cancelled classed for another day in the school 2018-19 year after weather officials Thursday issued a blizzard warning for the area.

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The National Weather Service says just 1 to 2 inches of snow is expected with the latest storm, but wins gusting to 45 mph will "significantly reduce visibility." Additionally, wind chills are expected to drop to minus-35 below 0.

Those temperatures are expected to last into Friday morning.

The blizzard warning runs from noon Thursday to midnight Friday.

The NWS characterized travel as "extremely dangerous. Do not travel."
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Dear Dave,

My mom is single, and she co-signed on my student loans for college. Would it affect her credit if I couldnt or didnt make the payments?

Terri

Dear Terri,

Yes, it would. The truth is, your mom shouldnt have co-signed for you in the first place. Theres only one reason lenders want a co-signer, and thats because theyre afraid the person taking out the loan wont be able to pay back whats owed.

Youll be trashing your and your moms credit if you dont pay the bills on time. If she co-signed for you, and you dont do the right thing and pay back the loans, shell start getting phone calls looking for the money, too. I dont think you want to subject your mom to the stress and hassle of collector calls or bad marks on her credit, do you?
MONTGOMERY, Ala.  A small-town newspaper has called for a resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, prompting two universities to withdraw the awards i
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Mainly clear. Low 62F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 62F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
John Hickenlooper wants to show the Democratic voters of New Hampshire a little love.

The former Colorado governor, who told CNN Jan. 24 that he would "take the bet" he'll run for president, will be spending Valentine's Day visiting the nation's first presidential primary state, TV station WMUR-9 reports.

He'll be in the state Feb. 13-14, visiting a business in the city of Londonderry and will also stop by a house party in Manchester, New Hampshire's largest city.

Hickenlooper has been visiting various early caucus and primary states ahead of what is expected to be a announcement soon on a presidential bid -- he's mentioned March a few times.

He paid a visit to Columbia, South Carolina, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, speaking at a hospital association conference, stopping at a predominantly-black church and sampling IPAs at the River Rat Brewery, The State newspaper of Columbia reports.

The South Carolina trip, says ABC News, "signals that Hickenlooper could be gearing up for a presidential run, and his rhetoric suggests he would run on his record of bipartisan accomplishments during his time as Colorado's chief executive."

On Jan. 27 he made a stop in Iowa, the nation's first presidential caucus state, landing at a house party and visiting a brewpub.

Hickenlooper also has been polishing his policy image, appearing at a Brookings Institution forum in Washington Jan. 31.

Despite all the recent meet-and-greets, at least one political observer thinks Hickenlooper is making a mistake by delaying his official announcement, which he's been talking about since last spring.

"I do think Hickenlooper and [Ohio Sen. Sherrod] Brown are probably blowing it. If theyre interested, they needed to have gotten in yesterday," said Nathaniel Rakich, elections analyst for FiveThirtyEight, in the politics site's weekly chat Wednesday.
A Fountain man convicted of molesting a child at his wifes day care was sentenced to prison Wednesday.

Larry Paul James Martinez  who went on a hunger strike at the El Paso County jail in the wake of his August trial, shedding roughly 60 pounds  was ordered to serve 12 years to life in repeated assaults on a young girl at A Mothers Touch Daycare, which is now closed.

The girl, now 10, told authorities that Martinez groped her and made her touch him when they were alone in a nap room or diaper changing area. The assaults began shortly after she arrived in 2010 and continued until 2014, a jury found.

Authorities previously accused Martinez, 51, of assaulting a second child at the day care in the 7200 block of Creekfront Drive in Fountain, but dropped those charges before his trial.

A stiff sentence was warranted because of Martinezs violation of the trust that parents place in childcare providers, 4th Judicial District Judge Deborah Grohs told the emaciated defendant.

It is a very vulnerable position for parents to be in, and for children to be in, to trust other people with your childs care, Grohs said.

Under Colorados indeterminate sentencing for sex offenders, Martinez can be held for the rest his life, or until prison officials determine he is no longer a threat to the community.

Martinez told Fountain police he didnt touch any children inappropriately and continues to deny the allegations.

During trial, his public defenders pointed out the lack of physical evidence and elicited testimony from day-care workers who said they never witnessed inappropriate behavior by Martinez.

In a statement read in court, the victim said she struggles with nightmares and has difficulty going to the doctor, because doctors wear the same blue gloves that Martinez wore while abusing her. She also spoke of the toll of seeing her mother cry when she describes what happened to her.

Hopefully, shell be able to finally get some sleep, prosecutor Nathaniel Marsh said.

The judge warned Martinez that his continuing denials would make it difficult for him to complete sex offender counseling in prison, which is necessary to be released.

He will not be paroled anytime soon if he is not taking responsibility for his crime, Grohs said.

The day-care center was operated by Lisa Martinez, who has since divorced her husband. A state database shows no record of a current day-care license in the womans name.

Martinez was hospitalized at least once to receive fluids after his conviction.
Colorado U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette oversaw a congressional hearing Thursday on a Trump administration immigration policy that separated thousands of migrant children from their parents if they entered the United States illegally.

DeGette called the policy cruel and said the hearing by the House Energy and Commerce oversight subcommittee was intended to make sure it never happens again.

These are real kids, real families, that were forcibly torn apart, DeGette, a Denver Democrat, said in her role as the new chairperson of the oversight subcommittee.

Appointed in January, DeGette had said that the "first issue" she would look into was the separation of children from their families at the border.

The hearing was prompted partly by a report last month from the inspector general for the U.S. Health and Human Services Department.

The report said thousands more children than originally known were separated from their families at the border during an influx that began in 2017.

One day after the report was released, DeGette sent Health and Human Services Acting Secretary Alex Azar a letter demanding that he turn over internal documents explaining the agencys role in the administrations policy that allowed family separations.

We are concerned that instead of prioritizing what is in the best interest of the children in [Health and Human Services] custody, you have allowed your agency to be turned into a mechanism for immigration enforcement, DeGette wrote to Azar.

The oversight subcommittee asked Azar to testify at the hearing Thursday but he declined, prompting further criticism by DeGette.

Instead, the 10 witnesses consisted mostly of other representatives from federal agencies, child welfare organizations and civil rights groups.

The Health and Human Services Department was unprepared for the influx of migrant children that were separated by the Trump administration policy, said Ann Maxwell, an assistant inspector general for the agency.

The agency tried to monitor separated families but was confronted by the absence of reliable data about their circumstances, Maxwell said.

The separations followed a memo in April from former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions that set a "zero tolerance" policy on illegal immigration.
The first artificial intelligence capable of thinking for itself could be a reality as soon as 2050, according to a speaker in a panel discussion Wednesday at the Rocky Mountain Cyberspace Symposium in Colorado Springs.

I expect to see the first real artificial intelligence, where the (computer) program becomes sentient, this century and some scientists say it will happen by 2050, said Rick Howard, chief security officer of Palo Alto Networks, a Silicon Valley-based cybersecurity company. For most of us, it is a fantasy, but for people like Bill Gates and (the late) Stephen Hawking, they believe it is something we need to think about.

Howard was one of four cybersecurity experts on a panel at the symposium that discussed forecasts for advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The panel also included executives from Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerbergs technology think tank.

Howard defined sentient as a computer or device thinking on its own and making decisions independent of its programming, such as the fictional Hal 9000 computer villain in the classic 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey or the murderous robots of the Terminator film series.

The risks and rewards from artificial intelligence had been debated since the 1950s with fears of robots taking control of the world to Hawkings fears that it could spell the end of the human race. While artificial intelligence-powered computers have beaten chess champions and recently conquered the best players in the strategy game StarCraft II, the advent of machines that think for themselves is still decades away.

However, corporations from Apple to Google are spending heavily on artificial intelligence, not to mention superpowers like China and Russia, who see the technology as a decisive advantage. Panel moderator Harry Radege quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin telling schoolchildren in 2017 that the nation that becomes the leader in artificial intelligence will become the ruler of the world.

Computers already use artificial intelligence to determine whether data files found on networks are malicious or benign, based on previous experience, Howard said. Continuing to ask humans to defend against and combat automated cyberattacks is like bringing humans to a software fight and is destined to fail, he said.

What might seem to be artificial intelligence, such as Apples Siri virtual assistant is really just a sophisticated software program, said Merritt Bauer, principal security architect for Amazon Web Services, whose parent company has its own virtual assistant called Alexa. Not every problem can be solved to looking at massive data sets, she added.

Howard said artificial intelligence will be needed for one of his favorite projects  what he calls a cyber moonshot  to make the internet completely safe. He said the cyber moonshot goal, endorsed by Vice President Mike Pence, is based on a 1962 speech by President John F. Kennedy setting landing a man on the moon by the end of the decade as a national goal.

Bauer said the internet will never be completely safe, but can be made safer by using innovations like artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The four-day conference, attended by more than 2,000 cybersecurity professionals from private industry, the military and academia, concludes Thursday at The Broadmoor.
The detention of ethnic Pashtun activists in Pakistan this week has reopened long-standing tensions with neighboring Afghanistan, with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani expressing serious concerns about Islamabads treatment of the peaceful protesters.

At least 19 members and supporters of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) were detained during an Islamabad protest against police violence on February 5 -- the latest move against the civil rights group.



One of them, prominent human rights activist Gulalai Ismail, was later released.



Ghani, himself a Pashtun, tweeted on January 6 that the Afghan government has serious concerns about the violence perpetrated against peaceful protesters and civil activists in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

Pakistan rejected Ghani's comments, with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi saying in a tweet: "Such irresponsible statements are only gross interference."



Afghan leaders should focus on long-standing serious grievances of the Afghan people," Qureshi added.



PTM, whose support comes mainly from the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, has been holding rallies across Pakistan since early 2018 to protest against what it says are human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings by security forces in the tribal regions.



Islamabad's crackdown against the group has drawn criticism and protests from over the border in Afghanistan, where ethnic Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group.



We believe it is the moral responsibility of every government to support civil activities that take a stand against the terrorism and extremism that plagues and threatens our region and collective security, Ghani also wrote in a separate tweet. Otherwise there could be long-standing negative consequences.



Afghanistan has long had troubled relations with Pakistan, which Kabul and Washington accuse of harboring the Taliban leadership, a claim Islamabad has denied.

The latest dispute between Islamabad and Kabul comes as Pakistan has been supporting efforts to open a peace process with the Taliban to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan.



The February 5 protest in Islamabad followed the death of PTM regional leader Muhammad Ibrahim Arman Luni in the southwestern province of Balochistan. The authorities ordered an inquiry into the death, which PTM blamed on police.

PTM leader and lawmaker Ali Wazir told the Reuters news agency that 18 activists were still in custody after Ismail, the 2017 winner of the Anna Politkovskaya award, was released this week.

"It was very painful for my family, who took 30 hours to know where I was," the activist told the AFP news agency.



"They didn't charge me with anything. They didn't let me contact my lawyer. They just kept moving me around," she added.



Amnesty International on February 6 urged the authorities to " immediately and unconditionally release the protesters, who it said had been arbitrarily detained.



"It is shocking that the Pakistani authorities have resorted to such heavy-handed methods," the London-based human rights watchdogs South Asia researcher, Rabia Mehmood, said in a statement.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
At the start of 2019, county board members across the state were sworn into office following this past Novembers elections.

As is the case in every election cycle, many of those board members were new  taking the seats of prior members who were either defeated in an election or who had decided against seeking re-election.

But this past year was different. When the smoke of the election cycle cleared, there were more new faces serving on county boards than there have been in nearly two decades.

There are 417 total county board members across the state. Of those, 103 are beginning their first terms this year, according to numbers provided by Larry Dix, executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO).

That means nearly a quarter of the total number of board members statewide are replacing an incumbent.

Those arent that they all defeated previously seated county board members, Dix said. Sometimes, weve had retirements, things like that, where the incumbent elected not to run.

Its the highest number of new board members recorded since at least 2002, when Dix first took over.

Weve never been anywhere close to that, he said.
A Mead man pleaded no contest to child abuse in Dodge County District Court on Wednesday, in relation to an incident in which he was accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl.

As part of an agreement with the Dodge County Attorneys Office, Ethan L. Ruhe, 26, pleaded no contest to the class IIIA felony, which has a maximum sentence of three years in prison.

An additional charge of first degree sexual assault of a child, a class IB felony punishable by 20 years to life in prison, was dropped.

Sara Sopinski, chief deputy attorney for Dodge County, told the Tribune that the agreement had been made with the cooperation of the victim.

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We worked closely with the victim and they helped develop an outcome that they felt would give them closure, Sopinski said.

We dont have to put a young child through a trial and she got some closure that she wanted and got to be a part of the process, and I think thats important, she added. I dont think itll ever be enough, but Im not sure the highest conviction would have been enough, either.
Reducing the age of eligibility to serve in the Nebraska Legislature from 21 to 19 would expand the pool of potential state senators and recognize "the recent wave of civic engagement by young people," Sen. Matt Hansen of Lincoln said Wednesday.

Hansen told the Legislature's executive board that his proposal (LR11CA) would engage young Nebraskans who already are "highly active in the political process."

The proposed constitutional amendment, which would be submitted to Nebraska voters for their consideration in the 2020 general election, surprisingly attracted no testimony, either pro or con, at a noon-hour public hearing.

Meanwhile, Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha urged the board to consider his proposed constitutional amendment (LR12CA) to clear the path for voter consideration of the first increase in state senator salaries since 1989.

Vargas' plan provides that salaries would be increased, and then adjusted every two years, to reflect one-half of Nebraska's median income.

If the proposal was in effect today, the current salary of $12,000 a year would be raised to about $27,000, Vargas said.

Nebraska ranks far behind the average state legislative salary nationwide, he said, which amounts to about $35,000 a year.
A total of 28 states have pending applications for a Convention of States centered on the balanced budget amendment, some dating back decades, which would limit the federal government from spending more money than it collects.

Renee Fry, executive director of Open Sky Policy Institute, said the 2008 recession would have lasted longer and been felt deeper without the government's ability to cushion the blow through borrowing and spending.

She noted the U.S. was able to recover from the economic downturn through government spending, while the effects are still being felt in other countries without that ability.

But Loren Enns, director of state campaigns and field operative for the Balanced Budget Amendment Task Force, said it was crucial that Nebraska's resolution remain in place.

Federal debt interest payments "will soon choke the federal budget," Enns told the Executive Board, ballooning to an estimated 1 of every 5 tax dollars by 2025.

Nearing the requisite 34 states needed to call a convention creates leverage over Congress to act, Enns said, using the 17th Amendment, which provided for the direct election of senators, as an example.
Contemporary African American artists are being featured at Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha.

30 Americans is the first major exhibition at Joslyn to survey the work of contemporary African American artists. It will be on display at the museum through May 5.

Drawn from the Miami-based Rubell Family Collection, the exhibition features painting, photography, works on paper, sculpture and mixed-media installations created over the past three decades.

Since 1964, Mera and Donald Rubell have built one of the worlds largest privately-owned, yet publicly-accessible collections of contemporary art. 30 Americans was first staged in 2008 at the Rubells warehouse in Miami and has traveled to museums throughout the United States, with each venue given the opportunity to curate a unique exhibition from the collections extensive holdings.

30 Americans explores the evolving roles of black subjects in art since the 1970s and highlights some of the most pressing social and political issues facing our country today, including ongoing narratives of racial inequality; the construction of racial, gender and sexual identity; and the pernicious underpinnings and effects of stereotyping.
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL February 7, 2019  Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: The Boeing Company BA, Air Industries Group AIRI, Northrop Grumman Corp. NOC, Lowe's Companies, Inc. LOW and EMCOR Group, Inc. EME.

Here are highlights from Wednesdays Analyst Blog:

5 Winners from Trump's State of the Union Address

Investors kept an eye on President Trumps State of the Union address for hints on whether the U.S. stock market will be able to maintain the upward trajectory established so far this year or tensions from the past will resurface.

In the speech, the President appealed for greater unity among Americans and vowed to boost the Pentagons budget. He also urged the Congress to rebuild Americas crumbling infrastructure. Hence, it seems sensible to invest in these areas that can make the most of Trumps presidency.

Defense Spending & Aerospace Travel to Increase

Trump expressed interest to rebuild the U.S. military by bumping up Pentagons budget. He also plans to reevaluate military alliances and agreements with foreign nations.

Trump, by the way, did approve two defense-friendly budget bills that helped increase the Pentagons spending power to $700 billion in 2018 and $717 billion in 2019. Trump said that for years, the United States was being treated very unfairly by NATO, but now we have secured a $100 billion dollar increase in defense spending from NATO allies.

Lest we forget, Trump had earlier threatened to trim U.S. military support if its allies didnt raise defense spending. And why not? The United States had accounted for 51.1% of NATOs combined GDP and has contributed more funds to NATO than Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Canada taken together.

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Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, in the meantime, chipped in and said that in his State of Union address, President Trump reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to support our troops and to protect American national security interests at home and abroad. Under President Trumps leadership, we are focused on the full implementation of the National Defense Strategy: increasing lethality, strengthening alliances and partnerships, and reforming the way we do business.

Trump also addressed the recent withdrawal from the nuclear weapons treaty that was signed by President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, prohibiting the development of ground-launched nuclear missiles with ranges of 310 miles to 3,420 miles.

The agreement forced many defense projects to end. But now, America is looking forward to develop a state-of-the-art missile defense system. And its only because Russia repeatedly violated the agreement by building the banned weapon. Trump announced that the United States is officially withdrawing from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, or INF Treaty.

Last but not the least, Trump claimed that American astronauts will go back to space with American rockets.

Trump Calls for a Push on Infrastructure Outlays

Trump in his speech, by the way, has also asked for a bipartisan infrastructure push. He urged both the parties to come together in rebuilding Americas decaying infrastructure. Trump told Congress and government leaders that I know that Congress is eager to pass an infrastructure bill, and I am eager to work with you on legislation to deliver new and important infrastructure investment.

Trump added that increasing infrastructure spending is not an option but a necessity. He had already called for $1.5 trillion over a decade for infrastructure projects during his presidential campaign. The plan was primarily centered on using the $200 billion in federal funds to spur massive infrastructure investments in roads, highways, ports and airports. The comprehensive bill will also address issues related to drinking and waste water system, energy and rural infrastructure, veterans hospitals, to name a few.

Top 5 Gainers

Trumps State of the Union speech focused on increasing defense outlays and rebuilding infrastructure. Given the positives, doubling down on the hottest stocks from such areas seems judicious. We have, thus, chosen five stocks that flaunt a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy).

The Boeing Companydesigns, develops, manufactures, sales, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight, and launch systems and services. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #1. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has climbed 6.6% over the past 60 days. The stocks expected earnings growth for the current year is 20.4%, higher than the Aerospace - Defense industrys expected growth of 10.5%. The company has outperformed the broader industry so far this year (+27.2% vs +17.9%).

Air Industries Groupis an aerospace and defense company. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next-year earnings has risen 9% over the past 60 days. The stocks expected earnings growth for the current year is 81.5%, way higher than the Aerospace - Defense industrys estimated growth of 10.5%. The company has outpaced the broader industry on a year-to-date basis (+51% vs +17.8%).

Northrop Grumman Corp.provides products in the areas of autonomous systems, cyber, space, strikes, and logistics and modernizations. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has moved 9.5% up over the past 60 days. The stocks expected earnings growth for the next quarter is 17.6%, in contrast to the Aerospace - Defense industrys projected decline of 3.5%. The company outperformed the broader S&P 500 so far this year (+13.7% vs +8.8%). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Lowe's Companies, Inc.operate as a home improvement retailer. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next-year earnings has risen 2.5% over the past 60 days. The stocks expected earnings growth for the next quarter is 12.6%, higher than the Building Products - Retail industrys estimated growth of 5.5%. The company has outperformed the broader industry in the past two-year period (+35.8% vs +30.8%).

EMCOR Group, Inc.provides electrical and mechanical construction, and facilities services. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has climbed 0.2% over the past 60 days. The stocks expected earnings growth for the current year is 20.2%, higher than the Building Products - Heavy Construction industrys projected growth of 19.3%. The company has outperformed the broader industry so far this year (+10.7% vs +7.1%).

Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?

Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.

With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.

It's not the one you think.

See This Ticker Free >>

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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.



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The multi-million-dollar lawsuit comes as Amazon pushes aggressively into original content and studio work.

Woody Allen claims Amazon terminated without cause a deal with Allen to "finance and distribute his future films and to be his 'home' for the rest of his career."

Allen had already completed one film  and spent more than $20 million to do so  before Amazon cancelled the agreement, according to the lawsuit.

Wood Allen is suing Amazon AMZN for breach of contract over financing and distribution for Allen's films.

The multi-million-dollar lawsuit comes as Amazon pushes aggressively into original content and studio work. The company has been signing industry giants to star in, direct and partner on projects for Amazon's Prime Video streaming service.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York, alleges that Amazon terminated without a cause a deal with Allen to "finance and distribute his future films and to be his 'home' for the rest of his career."

The Guardian reported in August of last year that Amazon canceled Allen's movie "A Rainy Day in New York," starring heavyweight actors like Jude Law, Selena Gomez and Timothee Chalamet.

The lawsuit says:

Amazon Content entered into the Allen Film Agreements in an effort to build and promote Defendants' film business through a highly-publicized association with Mr. Allen. In exchange for a grant of licenses to distribute at least four motion pictures written and directed by Mr. Allen (the "Allen Films"), Amazon Content agreed, among other things, to: (i) finance the Allen Films, (ii) make minimum guaranteed payments to Gravier totaling between $68 and $73 million, (iii) pay Gravier additional amounts based on the success of the Allen Films, and (iv) distribute the Allen Films widely.

Allen had already completed "A Rainy Day in New York"  and spent more than $20 million to do so  before Amazon cancelled the agreement, according to the lawsuit.

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The lawsuit alleges:

Amazon backed out of the deals, purporting to terminate them without any legal basis for doing so, while knowing that its actions would cause substantial damage to Mr. Allen, Gravier, investors and the artists and crew involved in making the films. Amazon has tried to excuse its action by referencing a 25-year old, baseless allegation against Mr. Allen, but that allegation was already well known to Amazon (and the public) before Amazon entered into four separate deals with Mr. Allenand, in any event it does not provide a basis for Amazon to terminate the contract. There simply was no legitimate ground for Amazon to renege on its promises.

Allen and his lawyers are asking for the remainder of money promised in the agreements, amounting to several million dollars. The Wall Street Journal reports the figure totals $68 million.

Representatives for Allen and Amazon were not immediately available for comment.

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(Bloomberg) -- For the last decade, the gathering of the global elite at Davos has been a safe space for Sheryl Sandberg. This year, though, fresh off a bruising 2018, the Facebook COO arrived in the Alps on the defensive, apologizing over and over again for Facebooks privacy and ethical slip-ups. She was notably absent from the conferences main equality and gender discussions; she was fighting a cold and her voice was a rasp.

Over the last few months, the Sheryl Sandberg brand has taken a beating, and news about Facebooks misdeedsand her reported role in themis unrelenting. Questions about privacy, Russian election hacking, unsavory opposition targeting dominated the end of 2018, and the New Year began with new reports of questionable data collection practices that led Apple to ban some of Facebooks internal apps.Through it all, pundits dissected Sandbergs fall from grace, employees blamed her for the companys woes and a stunning stock slide, and critics called for her resignation. Corporate feminism fell out of favor, #MeToo exposed the weaknesses of leaning in and Sandbergs own fallibility cast her feminist empowerment side-project in a newly harsh light.

But there are signs that Sandbergs reputation is on the mend. It helps that Facebook doesnt seem to be suffering any: fourth-quarter results were better than expected and the stock is up. Both the company and Lean In say theyre committed to Sandbergs leadership, and from Switzerland to San Francisco, women, particularly those working in technology, are coming out in support of the embattled COO.

I still look up to her, said Annie Hsieh, an engineering manager at Square Root, an Austin-based tech company. Like more than a dozen women interviewed by Bloomberg, Hsieh said she doesnt think Sandberg acted to the highest moral and ethical standards, but she also knows how hard it is to make it to the top in the tech world. Shes just another human and shes not a superhero. I think some of the criticism is valid and a lot of it is unfair.

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Sandberg, for her part, started off the New Year on an image rehabilitation tour. On January 20th, she made her first public appearance in the new year at the DLD conference in Munich. As we listen to people around the world, she said, they tell us that they want an internet, where people speak up, but theyre not spreading hate.

We know we need to do better, she went on. We need to stop abuse more quickly and we need to do more to protect more peoples data.

From there, she went to Dublin and then Davos, where she atoned again and again. For her peers at the World Economic Forum, the apologies were more than enough. There isn't a single organization that I have the honor to work with out there that doesn't still look to her for leadership, said Patricia Milligan, a senior partner at Mercer, the HR consulting firm.

That includes Facebook. Sandberg directly oversees the parts of the business that have been most embroiled in scandal, such as policy and content operations, but the company says if theres a problem, they believe in Sandbergs ability to address it. Under Sheryls leadership, we now have more than 30,000 people working on safety and security, weve cracked down on fake accounts and misinformation, and weve set a new standard for ads transparency, the company said.

She has done a lot for women in tech, we shouldn't forget that, said Gillian Tans, the CEO of Booking.com. "It takes 3 to 4 times the effort for a woman to achieve the level of success that many of us who are here have achieved. Yet it takes one misstep to fall off your pedestal.

Back at sea level, women like Hsieh are also inclined to forgive. Many women working in tech told Bloomberg they dislike Lean Ins message of do-it-yourself womens empowerment. Most of them denounced Sandbergs recently reported involvement in covering up Russian interference on Facebook (if true). But most also said shes been held to an unfair standard, and overall, they believe shes done more good than bad.

She has crossed a boundary, said Nancy Wang, a Senior Manager of Product Management at Amazon Web Services. But we have to look at someone holistically. What she has done for women in tech, thats something you cant take away from her.

It helps to understand how rare Sandbergs accomplishments are. Women make up about a quarter of the computing workforce but just 11 percent of leadership roles, according to a study by McKinsey and Company. Among those leaders, no one has the power or portfolio of responsibility that Sandberg does. At Fortune 500 companies with COO positions, only 10 percent are filled by women.

So while there are plenty of examples of powerful men logging all manner of successes and failures, Sandberg has come to stand-in for all women in technology. Her very existence has opened up streams of funding, according to Lisa Falzone, now CEO and co-founder of Athena Security. She started her first company in 2010before Facebook went public and before Lean Inand it was hard to get venture capitalists to take her seriously. Now, she says, things have changed, and thats a credit to Sandberg.

You have to have more successful women that people can point to so VCs will give more women money, said Falzone. If theyve never seen a woman be successful before, theyre not going to invest in women.

Lean Ins own research suggests that leaning in isnt the panacea Sandberg herself once thought. Women are asking for raises more often, but theyre not getting them. Some 40 percent of women in technical roles are often or always the only female in the room at work and, as a result, they often need to provide more evidence of their competence. Theyre also likely to be mistaken for someone more junior.But Sandbergs existenceand her successdoes make a difference. Research shows that women are more harshly penalized when they make mistakes. Theyre also less likely to get second chances. One reason women are rooting for her rehabilitation is self-interest: They worry if she falls, theyll suffer too.

Ironically, the solution, according to Stefanie Johnson, an associate professor of management at the University of Colorado Boulder's Leeds School of Business, is more Sheryl Sandbergs, not fewer. If there were more women in positions of real power, more junior workers wouldnt feel like they had to hold on to their one hero. Then the world could experience women with a variety of leadership stylesgood and badand judge them as complex, holistic humansjust like we do with men.

To contact the author of this story: Rebecca Greenfield in New York at rgreenfield@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Janet Paskin at jpaskin@bloomberg.net

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
FILE PHOTO: The Mercedes-Benz logo is seen before the company's annual news conference in Stuttgart, Germany, REUTERS/Michaela Rehle/File Photo

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal judge allowed most claims against Daimler AG to move forward in a 2016 lawsuit by vehicle owners that claims the German automaker's Mercedes diesel vehicles used illegal software to emit excess emissions.

In a ruling late on Friday, Judge Jose Linares of U.S. District Court in New Jersey also said that claims against auto supplier Robert Bosch GmbH can proceed, rejecting a bid by the German companies to throw out the lawsuits.

There has been growing scrutiny of diesel vehicles in the United States since Volkswagen AG admitted in September 2015 to installing secret software on 580,000 U.S. vehicles that allowed them to emit excess emissions.

Steve Berman, one of the lawyers representing Mercedes U.S. diesel owners, said "like Volkswagen, Mercedes tried to scam consumers by green-washing its line of diesel cars. With the help of some crafty marketing, and Boschs defeat device, the duo set out to rake in profits from unknowing purchasers."

Daimler spokeswoman Andrea Berg said Monday, "These claims are without merit, and we are pleased that the court recognized the deficiencies in some of plaintiffs claims. We intend to continue vigorously defending against the remaining claims."

Bosch, which makes software for Daimler, VW and other automakers' diesel emissions systems, declined to comment Monday.

The Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board and German prosecutors in Stuttgart are investigating Daimler for alleged excess emissions in Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles.

Daimler has acknowledged it faces investigations in Germany and the United States. In October, Daimler said operating profit would fall by more than 10 percent, blaming "government proceedings and measures in various regions" related to diesel emissions issues.

In 2017, Daimler abandoned plans to seek U.S. approval to sell new Mercedes-Benz U.S. light-duty diesel models.

VW pleaded guilty in the emissions scandal and agreed to spend more than $25 billion in the United States to address claims from owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers.

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV last month agreed to a settlement worth about $800 million to resolve claims from the Justice Department and California that it used illegal software that produced false results on diesel-emissions tests, but still faces an ongoing criminal probe.

Last month, Bosch agreed to pay nearly $131 million to settle claims from Fiat Chrysler diesel owners and resolve all investigations by 47 U.S. state attorneys general into its involvement with diesel vehicles, including into the Volkswagen emissions cheating.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
(Adds McKinney comments, background)

Feb 6 (Reuters) - The United States has asked Brazil to consider lifting tariffs imposed on its ethanol exports and is hopeful of a positive outcome, a senior official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Wednesday.

Brazil currently charges a 20-percent tariff on ethanol imports surpassing 150 million liters a quarter, in a bid to shield local farmers from foreign competition.

"Our hope is that the warm relations that exist between our presidents and how that cascades down might let us find some relief," Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney said on a conference call from Brasilia.

McKinney and U.S. chief agricultural negotiator Gregg Doud have been in Brazil to hold talks with Brazilian government officials. McKinney said he was optimistic for change, although so far Brazil has not indicated that they would lift the tariffs.

McKinney said Brazil had previously said it would reassess the tariffs two years from the September 2017 date on which they were imposed. "You can imagine there's always run-ups to that. Nobody said it is a hard date and that's another reason we are having a discussion," he said.

The U.S. delegation was set to meet with the Brazilian ministry of agriculture, he said.

Brazil's new President Jair Bolsonaro, a 63-year-old former army captain and admirer of U.S. President Donald Trump, has quickly deepened ties with the Unites States and Israel.

Bolsonaro said last year that he would like to see Brazil retake global leadership in ethanol production, which it lost to the United States some years ago.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Sandra Maler and Rosalba O'Brien)
A meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is "highly unlikely" to take place by March 1, the deadline the two countries set for reaching a trade deal, according to a senior administration official.

While the leaders of U.S. and China are still expected to meet, and may do so "shortly thereafter," there is currently too much work to do in too little time to flesh out a deal with China.

Trump is preparing for a high-stakes meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un at the end of February.

A meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is "highly unlikely" to take place by March 1, the deadline the two countries set for reaching a trade deal, according to a senior administration official.

While the leaders of U.S. and China are still expected to meet, and may do so "shortly thereafter," there is currently too much work to do in too little time to flesh out a deal with China. Also, Trump needs to prepare for a high-stakes meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un at the end of February.

White House officials have advised against merging the two issues, despite China's invitation for Xi and Trump to meet immediately following the Kim summit.

The senior administration official, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the talks, cautioned that the situation was fluid and that the status of the meeting could change after a trade delegation travels to Beijing next week.

Trump's top economic advisor, Larry Kudlow, told reporters Thursday that he expects Xi and Trump to meet, but that when and where it happens is still up in the air.

Earlier, Kudlow told Fox Business that there's a "pretty sizable distance" to go on a potential trade deal between the world's two largest economies.

Robert Lighthizer, the U.S. Trade Representative, has said he and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin would make a recommendation to Trump on whether to take a meeting after the two return from the mid-February trip to China. A delegation of U.S. deputies will conduct talks beginning Feb. 11, with Lighthizer and Mnuchin joining later in the week, according to an administration official and a person briefed on the plan.

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The question now is what happens to a tranche of tariffs in Chinese goods that is set to double automatically after March 1, in lieu of a presidential order. The likely outcome is that the tariffs remain at the current 10% rate, according to two administration officials and two people briefed by the White House.

The deadline was raised in a Feb. 6 briefing with the Senate Finance Committee. The information Lighthizer provided was "not very definitive," according to Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the committee's chairman.

As part of a broader deal, China is expected to require tariffs to be removed entirely, Lighthizer said. When asked by reporters, Lighthizer declined to say what would happen what would happen if a deal is not reached by the March 1 deadline.

The U.S. may also consider an alternative: A "snap-back," in which certain tariffs are selectively rolled back, but could be reintroduced if China does not follow through, according to three people briefed by the administration.





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ASHLAND, OR / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2019 / Climate change is at the forefront of social consciousness and has elevated concerns over the future direction of human production by shedding a spotlight on everything from energy waste to harmful pollutants plaguing the environment. The consequences of human influence on the climate are widespread and touch on numerous sectors.

As the energy sector shifts focus to more green energy sources, some notable hurdles are stifling broader adoption of renewable energy sources. Global carbon emissions continue to skyrocket, but the lack of adequate infrastructure to support a wholesale transition to green energy, along with complex challenges like integrating emerging markets and high deployment costs, have hindered the progress in sustainable energy.

The collateral effects of global warming and pollutants also lead to more pronounced threats to wildlife where -- particularly in the worlds oceans -- animals are suffering from overfishing and illegal fishing practices.

Correspondingly, environmental pollutants continue their exponential rise, especially with the astonishing scale of plastic in the ocean. Effectively reducing pollutants also requires identifying more obscure means of environmental toxins, such as the adverse effects of using carcinogens in burials.

Blockchains may not provide the panacea to all of the environmental problems present today, but they do offer some unique advantages, particularly in intermediating trust and enabling more efficient systems for supply tracking, energy production/trading, and reducing pollutants. As a result, numerous initiatives are working on integrating the innovative technology with non-profit organizations, climate advocates, and tech-focused companies.

Overcoming Climate Barriers With Blockchain Projects

Projects working at the convergence of blockchain and preserving the environment range from high-profile partnerships for cleaning the worlds oceans to more abstract initiatives to reduce carcinogens used in burial practices. However, fossil fuel energy emission and the lack of green energy sources remain some of the most pressing concerns going forward.

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Energy-Focused Projects

One of the principal barriers to achieving a more sustainable environment is reducing the production of carbon. Carbon emissions produced by fossil fuels are unlikely to go away anytime soon as that would require bypassing industries -- like coal -- that dwarf renewable energy production. Instead, several blockchain projects are tackling enhancing the efficiency of carbon emissions and slowly transitioning to more renewable sources.

ClimateCoin is a project focusing on providing better infrastructure for managing carbon credits, built on a blockchain. The platform creates a P2P trading layer for exchanging regulatory-compliant carbon credit assets, removing much of the transaction friction associated with cross-country or cross-market payments. The goal is to democratize the market for carbon credits and drive an ecosystem where energy producers can compensate energy offsets by buying carbon credits through the platforms ERC-20 token on Ethereum.

Other plans emphasize providing an incentive for transitioning to renewable energy sources. SolarCoin is targeting individuals and enterprises to provide valid certificates of solar energy production, and subsequently rewarding them for doing so in the native token. One SolarCoin equates to one MWh of energy produced through a solar energy source, and it is already used across 73 countries.

Environmental Impact and Pollution Projects

Supply chain management and efficiency have emerged as one of the more compelling use cases for blockchains, with several platforms like VeChain and WaltonChain making headway. Blockchains provide an integrated infrastructure that consists of an immutable record of transactions, which can include data such as certificates for legal fishing hauls and catch tracking.

Provenance -- a blockchain-based supply chain project -- has already experimented with a pilot for tracing yellowfin and skipjack tuna in Indonesia, from the initial catch to the consumer. Fishers provide verified social sustainability claims, and the platform can track the precise numbers and provenance of responsibly caught fish. Such initiatives have vast potential to help protect against fishing of endangered species and building a robust, global database for certified catches, mitigating instances of overfishing or illegal fishing practices.

Another initiative focusing on marine life -- but instead targeting harmful pollutants -- is PlasticBank, who partnered with IBM for building a secure blockchain exchange that enables users to trade digital tokens for removing plastic from the worlds oceans. The scale of the plastic problem in the worlds ocean is well-documented, and PlasticBank is poised to have both an environmental and social impact, particularly in developing nations where pollution is more rampant.

Finally, one of the more newer eco-friendly blockchain initiatives out there is from TransitionCoin, who is raising awareness in the harmful toxins commonly used in Western burials, such as embalming fluid and tons of various metals that preclude decomposition. TransitionCoin comes from Transition Green Burials, who has worked with the Green Burial Council on promoting more eco-friendly natural burials, known as green burials. TransitionCoin enables people to buy green burials services at a fixed cost, which is much lower than traditional funeral services that can often lead to financial struggles for grieving families.

The variety of blockchain-based projects tackling climate change and adverse environmental impacts serves as an indication of the growing movement towards the convergence of tech and ecological conservation. Many obstacles still need to be overcome, but blockchains are helping guide promising initiatives to more efficient solutions.

CONTACT:

831-295-7695

https://transitiongreenburials.com/

SOURCE: Transition Coin





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/534639/Tackling-Climate-Change-and-Environmental-Pollution-with-Blockchain




Men are still more likely to kill themselves than women in all regions around the world and age groups, apart from 15-19 year-olds, study shows Men are still more likely to kill themselves than women in all regions around the world and age groups, apart from 15-19 year-olds, study shows (AFP Photo/TIMOTHY A. CLARY)

Paris (AFP) - Suicides have fallen globally by more than a third since 1990, according to a far-reaching analysis released Thursday that highlighted profound differences in the number of men and women taking their own lives.

The World Health Organization lists suicide as a critical public health issue and estimates at least 800,000 people kill themselves every year.

Although reporting of deaths from self-harm varies between nations, data models devised by the team behind the Global Burden of Disease -- which tracks all known causes of death by country -- show a clear downward trend in global suicide rates.

In results published in the BMJ journal, the study estimated that 817,000 people killed themselves in 2016 -- a slight increase of 6.7 percent since 1990.

However, as the global population has boomed over the last three decades, the team found that the rate of suicide adjusted for age and population size fell from 16.6 to 11.2 deaths per 100,000 people -- a plunge of 32.7 percent.

"Suicide is considered a preventable cause of death and this study shows that we should continue in our efforts towards suicide prevention," said Heather Orpana, research scientist with the Public Health Agency of Canada and a collaborator on the study.

"With further efforts we could take further reductions in suicide mortality."

The Global Burden of Disease analysis, conducted each year by the Institute for Health and Metrics Evaluation, a think tank partly funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, estimates mortality by cause, location, age and gender extrapolated from hundreds of data sources.

While welcoming the overall downwards trend, the team behind Thursday's paper warned that in several regions of the world suicide was still among the leading causes of years of lives lost.

In 2016, 34.6 million years of life were lost globally from suicide -- that is, the age when suicide deaths occur compared with average life expectancy in a given region or nation.

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In addition, men were still more likely to kill themselves than women in all regions and age groups, apart from 15-19 year-olds, though the analysis did not speculate why.

"Mortality rates were generally higher for men but there was considerable variability between men and women depending on the age, and even the country," Orpana told AFP.

Globally, men hugely outpaced women for suicides, suffering 15.6 deaths per 100,000 compared with 7.0 for women.

- 'Important reduction' -

The study found that the overall global mortality rate, including all causes of deaths, had fallen by more than 30 percent since 1990, something often attributed to having fewer people living in absolute poverty and better access to healthcare.

Orpana said the fact that both suicide deaths and overall mortality fell in close proximity suggested that suicide might be better tackled if treated as just another illness.

"Sometimes we might look at suicide as a different kind of health outcome than, say, cardiovascular disease or cancer, which are considered more traditional," she said.

"But what the similar rate (fall) may be telling us is that suicide may be similar to other health outcomes and in some ways may be driven by similar factors."

The WHO has targeted a 10 percent cut in global suicide rates by 2020.

But the study authors highlighted huge variations in suicide trends on a country-by-country basis.

Whereas in China the average rate of suicide deaths fell 64.1 percent since 1990, in places such as Zimbabwe the rate had almost doubled in the same time-span.

"We are seeing what is an important reduction in global suicide mortality. But those reductions have not been consistent across regions, countries, sex or ages," said Orpana.
(Bloomberg) -- Call it the Masayoshi Son mathematical distortion field.

The founder of SoftBank Group Corp. added about 1.65 trillion yen ($15 billion) to the market value of his company Thursday  by unveiling a plan to buy back shares worth about a third of that amount. The value of Sons stock in SoftBank rose by about $4 billion on Thursday. His fortune rose about $2.6 billion after the rally, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which excludes pledged shares from the net worth calculation.

The billionaire is no stranger to funny math. Yesterday, he opened his earnings presentation with a riddle: 25 - 4 = 9? The formula is the 25 trillion yen value of SoftBanks assets minus 4 trillion yen in debt, far from being equal to its market capitalization of 9 trillion yen. It was designed to capture Sons longstanding argument that SoftBanks share price doesnt reflect the value of its business and investments, a gap hes been trying to close for years.

Even after the boost and the stock rising as much as 3.1 percent on Friday, SoftBanks total value is a long way from Sons goal. Heres whats at play.

1. How big is the buyback?

Its the biggest ever for SoftBank. The company plans to buy back as much as 600 billion yen starting today through the end of January next year, and the stock will be retired. SoftBanks shares jumped by their daily limit, gaining 18 percent in Tokyo on Thursday, the most in a decade.

Son has had success with buybacks in the past. In 2016, he announced the Tokyo-based company would buy as much as 500 billion yen, which sent shares up by the limit the next day. The price doubled over the next year.

2. How is he paying for this?

With money from mom-and-pop investors in Japan. The buyback will be funded by the proceeds from the 2.4 trillion yen initial public offering of the companys telecom unit in December, which was marketed to individuals. While SoftBank Groups shares have gained 36 percent this year through Thursday, the telecommunications unit is trading about 13 percent below its IPO price of 1,500 yen.

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Even so, its worth remembering that SoftBanks shares retreated after they doubled following a share buyback in 2016.

Son also said that he would spend about 700 billion yen from the telecom IPO to pay down SoftBank Group debt. The company said Thursday it has already completed that debt repayment.

3. How much is SoftBank Group worth?

According to Son, at least 21 trillion yen net of debt. That includes a 12.5 trillion yen stake in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., 2.4 trillion yen telecoms unit, 2.6 trillion yen U.S. carrier Sprint Corp., 2.7 trillion yen each in the Vision Fund and chipmaker Arm Holdings Plc., and 600 billion yen in Yahoo Japan Corp. SoftBanks market cap was closing in on 11 trillion yen on Thursday.

The shares of SoftBank closed at 9,962 yen on Thursday, still a 50 percent discount to Sons sum-of-the-parts calculation that puts shareholder value at 20,055 yen a share.

4. What could help close the gap?

Most of SoftBanks assets are in mature companies like Alibaba, Sprint and Yahoo Japan. Thats why Son has been focusing more on the $100 billion Vision Fund and its portfolio of private companies that includes the worlds biggest ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc. and co-working giant WeWork Cos.

Thanks to valuation gains, profits from the Vision Fund and SoftBanks own Delta Fund more than tripled to 176 billion yen in the quarter ended Dec. 31. The Vision Fund has emerged as a major contributor to earnings over the past year. While the returns can be difficult to predict, Son has promised several exits annually. This year, investors could look forward to a windfall from the planned listings of Slack Technologies Inc. and Uber.

(Updates with shares. A previous version of the story corrected the increase of value of Sons stake.)

--With assistance from Yuji Nakamura.

To contact the reporter on this story: Pavel Alpeyev in Tokyo at palpeyev@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Robert Fenner at rfenner@bloomberg.net, Reed Stevenson, Peter Elstrom

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Cybersecurity has unlocked riches for Ken and Michael Xie.

The Chinese-born brothers are now billionaires from their stakes in Fortinet Inc., the Silicon Valley-based network security software firm they co-founded almost two decades ago, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Spurred by high-profile data breaches and malware attacks, cybersecurity has become a growing priority for companies. Cloud-focused firms including Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks Inc. have benefited as businesses update their computer infrastructures, posing a threat to more established network software providers such as Cisco Systems Inc. and Juniper Networks Inc. Fortinet counts most Fortune 500 companies as its customers, according to its website.

Fragmented Market

Its been one of the innovative companies for next-generation products as companies have looked to cyber more, said Mandeep Singh, senior technology analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. Its a fragmented market, so theres plenty of room for a player to boost their position.

The cyber-security software market should grow 10 percent a year through 2023, according to research firm MarketsandMarkets. Fortinet is outpacing that, with 2018 revenue increasing 20 percent to $1.8 billion from a year earlier. The firms shares closed at $81.22 on Wednesday, more than six times its 2009 public offering price. They dipped on Thursday after fourth-quarter adjusted profit missed analysts estimates.

We are excited about significant opportunity ahead, Ken Xie, 56, whos chief executive officer, said on a call Wednesday after Fortinet reported results. He predicted continued growth in 2019, but added you need to keep up the innovation.

See also: Fortinet targets boosted as analysts see durable growth

A spokeswoman for Sunnyvale, California-based Fortinet declined to comment on the brothers net worths.

Family Venture

Ken Xie has been a U.S. citizen since 1998 and started his first cyber-security company while studying electrical engineering at Stanford University. He co-founded Fortinet in 2000 after creating and then leaving another online security firm, NetScreen Technologies. Juniper Networks acquired NetScreen in a 2004 all-stock deal valued at $4 billion.

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A decade and a half later, Fortinets $13 billion valuation exceeds that of Juniper Networks. Ken Xie is the largest individual shareholder, with a 7.4 percent stake worth $1 billion. Hes also collected more than $40 million through share transactions, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Michael Xie, the firms president and chief technology officer, studied electrical engineering at Canadas University of Manitoba. He owns a 7.1 percent stake, with almost half held through family trusts, and has collected more than $70 million through share transactions.

Among other cyber-security companies, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. CEO Gil Shwed has a $2.9 billion stake and Palo Alto Networks co-founder Nir Zuks shares are worth almost $300 million.

Its a space that keeps changing and growing fast, keeping me learning every day, Ken Xie said in an interview last year. And that I like.

(Updates with spokeswomans comment in seventh paragraph.)

--With assistance from Jack Witzig.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ben Stupples in London at bstupples@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Pierre Paulden at ppaulden@bloomberg.net, Steven Crabill

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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(Bloomberg) -- Three senators asked the Federal Communications Commission to investigate whether U.S. wireless carriers are throttling popular applications without telling customers.

The request came after Bloomberg News reported that the largest U.S. telecom companies are slowing internet traffic to and from apps such as YouTube and Netflix, citing research from Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The researchers used a smartphone app called Wehe, downloaded by more than 100,000 consumers, to monitor which mobile services were being throttled and by whom.

Even after the repeal of net-neutrality rules, requiring the carriers treat all internet traffic equally, the FCC has to make sure service providers give consumers accurate information about their broadband access.

In November, the Democratic senators -- Edward Markey of Massachusetts, Ron Wyden of Oregon and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut -- said they wrote to Verizon Communications Inc., AT&T Inc., T-Mobile US Inc. and Sprint Corp. expressing concern that customers often arent aware of the throttling.

The companies "failed to answer many of our questions, leaving us even more concerned about the carriers practice of purposeful degradation of certain services," the senators wrote in their letter to the FCC. The lawmakers asked the agency to respond by Feb. 27 in writing whether it will investigate.

The carriers told Bloomberg in September that they throttle to manage internet traffic. Verizon said it doesnt automatically throttle any customers, while AT&T executive John Donovan said the company doesnt "look at any traffic differently than any other traffic."

To contact the reporter on this story: Olga Kharif in Portland at okharif@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Nick Turner at nturner7@bloomberg.net, Alistair Barr

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
MOSCOW, Feb 6 (Reuters) - An amnesty designed to encourage the return of capital to Russia by allowing citizens living abroad to return to the country without facing tax or other penalties could be extended by a year, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a business forum in Moscow, Putin also said the government should extend tax breaks for Russian citizens who become local tax residents. (Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya; writing by Tom Balmforth; editing by Maria Kiselyova)
Mary Ann Bartels

Mary Ann Bartels has held many key roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and currently she is head of ETF strategy and the firms Research Investment committee (RIC). She is, among other things, spearheading the banks ETF research and ratings efforts, while keeping a close eye on the economy. Bartels will be speaking at Inside ETFs, Feb. 10-13, in Hollywood, Florida.

ETF.com: Whats unique about BofAs new coverage and ratings of ETFs?

Mary Ann Bartels: In October, we launched coverage on ETFs. The industry had not been able to have an opinion on ETFs based on the SEC ruling that ETFs were classified as IPOs because of the creation/redemption process. But legislation passed in Congress called the FAIR Act that now allows Wall Street to have opinions on ETFs.

So as a financial institution, we now have ratings on ETFs. If youre a client of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, you have access to the research and financial advisors also have access to the research. Whats unique is that we now have opinions on ETFs, and this is the first time Wall Street can actually have an opinion. Before, you could only talk about factual information on ETFs.

We have a very large research department with industry analysts that cover a broad spectrum of companies, so we've decided to look at ETFs as portfoliosits not just about an index anymore.

We have a systematic process that's made of three different components: E stands for efficiency. T stands for technical. F stands for fundamental.

Efficiency is generally all the factors the industry's been using for yearstracking, NAV, bid/ask spread, liquidity. It's really E that the industry has been looking at. T, the technicals, is important because price momentum is important. Our analyst has a proprietary 12-month price momentum indicator that we use.

And F, fundamental, is probably one of the most unique components, where we look at the stock level and at our analyst ratings on the stocks. We take those three components, compile them in a proprietary ranking system, and score ETFs within what we call peer groupings. We dont look at ETFs in a silo, we compare them to similar ETFs.

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ETF.com: Have you found that your ratings dont always recommend the biggest, most liquid and most well-known ETFs? They arent always the best?

Bartels: Absolutely. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is the most liquid equity in the world. It's the deepest and it has options on it. That's the default; if I want to own the S&P 500, I go to SPY.

But when you compare SPY to the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), efficiency really becomes the factor you look at, because they're identical.

Fundamentals and technicals are really not going to apply here, so the E is what you focus on. And when you look at the E, IVV and VOO track the S&P 500 better, and, they're cheaper.

There are times you want to pay a higher fee. If there's a certain portfolio of stocks you want to own, that fit your investment goals and profile, it's worth paying the extra fee on that ETF. But you have to look at the whole picture.

ETF.com: How often do the ETF ratings change? Is this a constant exercise?

Bartels: We run our models every day. Since we launched in October, we've had over 20 ETF rating changes.

ETF.com: When youre researching and rating ETFs, does the macroeconomic picture enter that analysis?

Bartels: When it comes to the ETF work, no, we don't input that. That will get indirectly put into the ETFs through our analyst's weighting. The assumption is that the analyst is taking in all fundamental accounts coming up to their earnings number.

Now, I wear two different hats at the firm. I also run our RIC product. And in that, I closely watch macro events.

ETF.com: Thats the hat you're going to be wearing on the Inside ETFs panel you're scheduled to speak on?

Bartels: Correct, I'll have my RIC hat on.

ETF.com: We're hearing a lot about a slowdown in corporate earnings. What's your view on the U.S. equity space right now?

Bartels: Markets have cycles. They have up cycles, they have down cycles. We do our year-ahead in late November, early December, and what we wrote back then is we expected corporate earnings to slow down dramatically to around 5%.

This is within our forecast, and we're not surprised. All the benefits from the tax cut are pretty much priced in. We've seen global economies slow down. And we're even forecasting that our own economywhich grew above trend for two yearswill slow down and still grow, but slow at trend. Typically, when you have slower economic projections, that can translate into slower earnings.

We're already there. We're not calling for an earnings recession. We're not calling for negative earnings. We were calling for a baby bear market. We didn't expect it to happen in the month of December, but it did. We're still expecting volatility to remain.

But we do believe we remain in a secular bull market. Even though this has been a cyclical correction, it's been a bear cyclical correction. But we think the longer-term secular uptrend is up, so we're buyers of the market.

ETF.com: What pockets do you particularly like?

Bartels: Where we see leadership is in technology and health care. We think if you get a China deal, the sector that's best positioned to benefit from it will be industrials. For income, with yields now coming back down and the Fed becoming a little bit more dovish, we think utilities would be a place you can go back to.

ETF.com: What about the international landscape? Are you buyers there too?

Bartels: Were in the camp of being more selective. We acknowledge emerging markets are the most attractive because valuation is there. But we haven't moved to an overweight. Europe and Japan would not be our top pick. We would be United States, emerging markets and tied between Europe and Japan.

Remember that we have Brexit. Some of our macro analysts in Europe are concerned about the economy in Europe slowing down. We do have a slight pickup in Japan.

ETF.com: Is this a good time to be more tactical with all thats going on globally?

Bartels: If you take a longer-term view, you don't have to go tactical. Tactical is for traders, whereas strategic positioning is for clients, particularly in wealth management.

And when it comes to a wealth management client, it's about the asset allocation. That explains the returns over the longer term. Make sure you have an asset allocation that meets not only your goals, but your risk tolerance.

And what we learned with the baby bear market is diversificationthats what cushions a portfolio. We tend to forget about that when markets go up, because the portfolio's going up, so we don't question it.

When we start seeing volatility, we encourage our clients to really look at their asset allocation and their risk profile, and to rebalance if they're not positioned where they should be. Rebalancing means you take some profits from something thats done well, like equities, and go back to your asset allocation weighting. Not enough clients look to rebalance, because it's working, so they don't want to touch it. You have to do some tactical rebalancing from time to time.

But I always encourage clients that, as long as you're not a trader, don't pay attention to the day-to-day noise of the markets, because it increases the likelihood you're going to make a mistake in your portfolio.

ETF.com: Is diversification harder to come by today due to higher correlations between equity and fixed income? Do you have to get creative?

Bartels: I don't buy into that at all. Yes, correlations have gone up, so you could see stocks and bonds being down. But bonds are down less than stocks, so you're still diversified. Diversification can involve a negative number. Its not ideal, and I think when people think of diversification, they think of positive returns. It's not always about a positive return. It's about having a different return. It's the difference in the type of volatility in the returns.

Cash was a great diversifier, and cash has done nothing in portfolios for a long time. But now, cash actually has a return; it's an asset again, it's not giving you zero. But cash was always an asset in the sense that, if markets went down, it didn't go down. People underestimate the power of cash. You don't have to go into exotic volatility products to get diversification.

Contact Cinthia Murphy at cmurphy@etf.com

Permalink |  Copyright 2019 ETF.com. All rights reserved
By Drazen Jorgic

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan has signed a provisional agreement with Russian energy giant Gazprom on a feasibility study for an offshore pipeline that would supply natural gas from the Middle East to Pakistan and other parts of South Asia.

The memorandum of understanding is the latest in a series of energy-related agreements between Pakistan and Russia, former Cold War foes who have grown closer in recent years.

An offshore pipeline from Iran has long been discussed by Pakistani officials, but its viability has been questioned due to the delicate geopolitical situation in South Asia and the rivalry between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan.

U.S. sanctions against Iran are also a major hindrance for most gas pipeline projects in the region, with the offshore spur from Iran to Pakistan and India set to cost an estimated $10 billion, according to Pakistani media.

"(The agreement) provides for a joint feasibility study regarding gas supplies from the Middle East to South Asian countries," Gazprom said in a statement on Wednesday, without specifically mentioning Iran or India.

Pakistan's Petroleum Ministry said it would take three to four years to complete the pipeline, which would include "other ancillary projects such as Under Ground Gas storage, desalination and other power projects."

Pakistan will import some 500 million to 1 billion cubic feet of gas a day from Middle East sources, the ministry said, according to the agreement Gazprom signed with Pakistan's state-run energy infrastructure arm Inter State Gas Systems (ISGS).

Islamabad previously signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to discuss the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan, one of the world's fastest growing LNG markets.

But a $2 billion North-South pipeline to deliver gas from Pakistan's coastal regions to industrial areas in the north has been held up since 2015 due to a disagreement over fees and U.S. sanctions against Russian state conglomerate Rostec.

(Reporting by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Tom Hogue)
(Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp. made a big splash last month when it announced a $500 million initiative to tackle Seattles growing housing crisis. Less noticed was a detail thatll be critical to making it work: Nine of the citys largest suburbs agreed to join the effort.

While Microsofts money will go toward constructing and preserving homes for lower- and middle-income residents, suburban mayors committed to pro-growth plans such as increasing density around transit stops, reducing parking requirements and speeding up permitting.

Such policy fixes can often seem like a snooze. Who wants to talk about zoning? But economists have long argued that these steps are crucial to taming skyrocketing rents and home prices in regions that havent built enough housing to meet demand. Now the tech industry, which for years has been criticized for contributing to soaring real estate costs while doing little in response, is using its money and political muscle to address often-fraught local issues.

The private sector cant solve the housing shortage on its own, said Jenny Schuetz, a fellow in the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution. But when the biggest and richest corporations in an area are breathing down the necks of politicians, it can make a difference.

Just a week after Microsofts announcement, the philanthropy started by Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, said it was backing a $500 million effort for affordable housing in the San Francisco Bay area. The initiative, the Partnership for the Bays Future, also includes a $40 million fund aimed at influencing policy.

These efforts, of course, are good PR at a time when the industry is taking heat. Amazon.com Inc.s highly publicized search for a second headquarters last year drew attention to the companys role in Seattles declining affordability. It also raised questions about whether one of the worlds most valuable companies was deserving of public subsidies to expand. Microsoft, for its part, has tried to position itself as techs responsible corporate citizen, publicizing its work on everything from data privacy to the ethics of artificial intelligence.

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Tech is in the crosshairs now, said Glenn Kelman, the CEO of Redfin Corp., a real estate brokerage and data firm based in Seattle. We created this incredible prosperity in San Francisco and Seattle, and now many folks see that as a curse rather than a blessing.

There also may be self interest at play in trying to make housing more affordable. Recruiting has gotten to be a much bigger challenge in Seattle and the Bay Area because of the cost of living, even for highly paid tech workers. You have engineers coming into your office and telling you that the $150,000 they make isnt enough to buy a house, Kelman said. But thinking thats the only motivation is too cynical, he said. The people backing these efforts genuinely care about affordable housing and livable cities.

While the Bay Area effort represented two years of discussion among leading philanthropists and businesses, the decision by Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft to wade into the real estate debate is more recent. The idea emerged last summer after President Brad Smith and CEO Satya Nadella attended a meeting held by Challenge Seattle, an alliance of executives from the regions prominent businesses and philanthropies, that addressed the areas housing troubles.

Broad Approach

In recent years, both Facebook and Google have earmarked portions of their new campuses in Silicon Valley for housing, directly addressing the severe shortage of units in the area. Microsoft itself had studied doing something similar as it redevelops its corporate offices outside Seattle and opted against it.

We decided that it was better to address the problem for the community as a whole, Smith said. Its not to say that it doesnt make sense from time to time for companies to focus more specifically on their own workers, but it just didnt seem like the right step for us at this moment in time.

As Microsoft got more serious about making a financial pledge, Challenge Seattle began approaching area mayors late last year to see if theyd be willing to contribute. Cities were making strides to provide for low-income residents but doing less for middle-income workers such as police officers, nurses and teachers.

I went from city to city, mayor to mayor, said Christine Gregoire, the former Washington governor who is leading Challenge Seattle. They got it.

What evolved from those discussions was a one-page statement in which the mayors agreed to seven specific types of policy changes that would break down barriers and provide incentives to substantially increase the supply of quality housing. Among them were pledges to waive impact fees and make public land available for building. Microsoft is also backing policy changes at the state level, and Challenge Seattle has since made a broader call to action for more development of middle-income housing.

Policy Pitfalls

There still are many hurdles to overcome. For many suburban areas, efforts to add density have historically been met with fierce community opposition. Its also unclear how deep and extensive the policy changes will be. The towns have been at work on some of the measures but are just beginning to study others. Already, some of the mayors have expressed hesitation about aspects of what they pledged.

Nancy Backus, of Auburn, Washington, said her city would need to look closely at whether it could provide land to developers for free or at little cost when public budgets are increasingly tight. Still, she said that none of the items are off the table.

A more daunting challenge is the scale of the problem. The Chan Zuckerberg-backed effort estimates that its investment fund will create or preserve about 8,000 housing units over the next decade, but the Bay Area is estimated to need 35,000 a year. Microsoft has said it expects its money to go toward tens of thousands of affordable homes in the Seattle area -- which has a shortage of around 300,000 residences.

A lot of this will come from the multiplier effect that comes from public policy change, said Microsofts Smith. This money is not sufficient to solve this problem by itself. We need to attract more capital and change the way the market works.

--With assistance from Dina Bass.

To contact the reporter on this story: Noah Buhayar in Seattle at nbuhayar@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Debarati Roy at droy5@bloomberg.net, Kara Wetzel, Christine Maurus

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Two months after calling for laws to regulate facial-recognition software, Microsoft Corp. is lobbying on behalf of a first-of-its-kind bill in its home state of Washington. The question is whether cross-town rival Amazon.com Inc. will support it.

Amazon has asked the bills sponsor, State Senator Reuven Carlyle, for some clarifications and changes around areas like a requirement that makers of AI software claiming to identify faces open up their product to third-parties who want to test it, Carlyle said. Carlyle has reviewed requests for re-wording and changes to the bill from various parties, including Amazon, and on Thursday is submitting a revised version of his proposal.

It's fair to say Amazon has a deep skepticism and concern about meaningful restrictions on facial recognition. It's clearly a core technology to their long-term business strategy, said Carlyle, a Democrat who represents parts of Seattle, including Amazons headquarters. The company wants to preserve its ability to innovate, he said. Still, they have made it clear their goal is to attempt to get to a place where they can be supportive of the legislation. Artificial intelligence software is becoming an increasingly important business to some of the biggest tech companies in the U.S. and China. Some of the companies as well as advocacy groups are concerned the technology, particularly the products that track and categorize people by their facial characteristics, are biased and may compromise privacy. Amazon in particular has argued with some researchers critical of its software. Now governments are taking the first steps toward regulation.

Opening up the software for third-party testing is one of the key parts of the bill, Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith said in an interview. Any company that makes this kind of software should back it, he said.

Opposing testing is like an automobile company objecting to testing of airbags, Smith said. Why should a company object to the public having the ability to know whether its services work well? The public has the right to evaluate these services, and responsible companies should recognize the importance of this kind of third-party testing.

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Amazon declined to comment on whether it will back legislation because its still being modified. The company issued a blog post Thursday with its ideas about how facial-recognition software should be governed. For example, the company said when law enforcement agencies use the software, people in those agencies need to review the results to make sure civil liberties arent violated. Amazon also said it supports standardized testing of facial recognition software.

Its critical that any legislation protect civil rights while also allowing for continued innovation and practical application of the technology, wrote Michael Punke, vice president of global public policy at Amazon Web Services.

The bill also would require several other steps that Microsofts Smith suggested in a December blog, including plain English language explaining what the programs do, conspicuous notification to customers when they are being analyzed by the software and the requirement for meaningful human review in any final decisions based on such profiling where such final decisions produce legal effects concerning consumers or similarly significant effects concerning consumers. It also would ban ongoing surveillance using the software without a court order, except in cases of emergency where there is risk to human life or serious injury.

The public has a right to intentional permission, intentional opt-in. It cant be on page 73 of a 77-page a fine-print privacy policy that you just click, Carlyle said. You have the right to walk through the public square and be unmolested by the government, and I would argue, by companies.Carlyle plans a meeting early next week to discuss the proposal and has invited companies and advocacy groups. He hopes to move the bill out of committee at the end of next week.

While the legislation, part of a larger privacy bill, is being considered in Washington State, it would affect not just companies based there like Amazon and Microsoft, but any that do business in the state and either process data of 100,000 or more consumers or get half their revenue from the sale of personal data. The legislation may also serve as a model for others, even if it doesnt pass, Smith said. Amazon and Microsoft have seen their facial-recognition AI programs audited by third parties, including MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Presented with a finding that the facial-recognition software performed worse on images of darker faces, particularly women, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella ordered his researchers and engineers to fix the product. Amazon has argued against the reports, saying researchers didnt properly test the software or used settings that arent precise enough to be the ones the company recommends for critical applications like law enforcement.

If it passes, it takes an important and much needed step to be a regulatory foundation for facial recognition technology and create a model that can be considered by other states and countries, Smith said of the Washington bill.

To contact the author of this story: Dina Bass in Seattle at dbass2@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Andrew Pollack at apollack1@bloomberg.net, Jillian WardAlistair Barr

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
Investing.com -- Its another cheerless day in Europes stock markets as more evidence of the damage from the U.S.-China trade war comes to light and the EU slashes its growth forecasts.

The mood has been grim in the automotive sector for some months and wasn't helped by Daimler 's (DE:DAIGn) profit fall and dividend cut Wednesday. Another drop in German industrial output, out Thursday, is consistent with that, but its Fiat Chrysler (MI:FCHA), which announced a big recall of Dodge Ram trucks Wednesday (and which reports fourth-quarter earnings later today), thats the biggest loser.

At 05:30 AM ET (10:30 GMT) the Euro Stoxx 50 index was down 23 points, or 0.7%, at 3189.65.

Those lower down the auto food chain are also suffering. Osram Licht AG (DE:OSRn)  the Siemens lighting spin-off that is a big supplier to the auto industry  said it swung to a loss in the three months to December thanks to the slowdown in China, and in automotive in particular. That's weighing on other suppliers such as Continental (DE:CONG) and Covestro (DE:1COV) in Germany, and Valeo (PA:VLOF) and Michelin (PA:MICP) in France.

Travel companies are again making negative headlines: Tui AG NA (DE:TUIGn) fell over 16% after missing its 2018 profit target and saying that 2019 margins look weaker. Meanwhile, Thomas Cook (LON:TCG), which lost over 75% last year, rose after saying its looking at selling its airline business, and Norwegian Air Shuttle (OL:NWC) confirmed a $257 million loss last year after a 71% rise in its fuel costs.

The good news is coming, again, from the energy and the food and drink sectors. Pernod Ricard SA (PA:PERP), maker of Jamesons whiskey and Martell cognac, followed Diageo (LON:DGE) in reporting strong fourth-quarter numbers and predicting a robust 2019. And French oil giant Total SA (PA:TOTF) reported a record year for output and beat expectations for fourth-quarter profit, but its shares edged down slightly.

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Italys bombed-out banks are also having a strong morning after Unicredit (MI:CRDI) posted its highest annual profit in a decade  despite the headwinds from its operations in Turkey and its home market. Rivals Intesa Sanpaolo SpA (MI:ISP) also reported stronger-than-expected numbers Wednesday.

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ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF MJ  the first and only pure ETF targeting the cannabis/marijuana industry  has been surging on easing rules and regulations on the once highly guarded drug, marijuana, for recreational and medical usage. The fund has now accumulated billion dollars in AUM since its inception in less than 14 months (read: ETF Investing 2019: Best Ideas & Trends).



Inside The Popularity



The popularity is rising since Canada has legalized recreational cannabis and become the second country in the world to do so on a national level.



Additionally, a number of states in United States also joined the race of marijuana legalization. Congress, the White House and U.S. regulators have also softened their stance on the drugs legalization. Michigan became the 10th state to legalize recreational cannabis use while Utah and Missouri became the 31st and 32nd states, respectively, to legalize marijuana for medical use. Recreational marijuana is expected to be legal soon for adults over the age of 21 years in New York, while the European nation of Luxembourg in late November also announced that marijuana would soon be legalized for recreational use by adult residents.



Further, the FDA approved the first non-synthetic cannabis derived medicine, EPIDIOLEX, used to treat rare forms of childhood epilepsy and Trump passed the Farm bill legalizing cannabis products derived from hemp in America, including products containing cannabidiol (CBD). All these developments have injected strong optimism into the emerging marijuana industry.





The tremendous success of the pot industry is showing no sign of slowdown as a number of alcoholic beverage companies are producing huge opportunities by investing or partnering with cannabis producers (read: Pot Stocks are on a High: Play These Marijuana ETFs).



Per an analyst at Cowen, the U.S. legal cannabis industry is expected to reach $80 billion in sales by 2030, surpassing the carbonated soft drink market in 2017. An analyst at Haywood Securities foresees exponential growth in cannabis stocks with the U.S. cannabis market expected to be worth between $15.9 million and $21.7 billion by the year 2022.



MJ in Focus



It tracks the Prime Alternative Harvest Index, designed to measure the performance of companies within the cannabis ecosystem, benefiting from global medicinal and recreational cannabis legalization initiatives. The fund holds 38 securities in its basket with higher concentration on the top firm  Cronos Group Inc. CRON  with 18.6% allocation. Canopy Growth CGC and Aurora Cannabis ACB take the next two spots with 8.7% and 7.7%, respectively, while other firms hold no more than 5.61% of assets (read: 5 Top Performing Stocks of Marijuana ETF).



Cronos has surged 121% so far this year buoyed by the M&A news involving tobacco giant Altria MO. Canopy Growth has gained 85% while Aurora Cannabis is up 62% so far this year.



Canadian firms make up 61.9% of the portfolio, while American firms comprise 24.2%. The ETF trades in a solid average daily volume of around 940,000 shares and charges 75 bps in annual fees. The marijuana ETF has soared 38.9% so far this year (read: What Makes Marijuana ETF the Best Performer in January?).



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Zacks free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week. Get it free >>



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Family Court of Philadelphia building



To The Legal:



Philadelphia Family Court and judicial districts across Pennsylvania conduct dependency proceedings in secret to protect juvenile court judges and lawyers from public scrutinyplain and simple.



Right now, a former Philadelphia Family Court judge is under investigation for ethics violations. She stands accused by parents of taking their children from them without due processin secret hearings.



Shes not unique. Two decades ago, another Philadelphia Family Court judge just didnt bother showing up for work, so the lawyers made up their own rulings in cases. In 2009, a Luzerne County juvenile court judge was criminally convicted in a kids for cash scheme that sent youngsters who committed minor offenses like cursing to a private, for-profit reform school that had given the judge $2.2 million.



Such violations breed behind closed courtroom doors. Who knows what else is going on in clandestine hearings in Philadelphia or Bucks or Montgomery or Butler or Elk counties? Judges Margaret T. Murphy and Walter J. Olszewski, both responsible for the Family Court Division in Philadelphia, wrote a letter to this publication contending a bunch of wonderful things are happening there, like lots of adoptions and fewer dependency cases. Great. No one knows if any of that is true, however, because the judges insist on conducting Star Chamber court. In addition, the secrecy prevents the public from knowing if any of it is properly done. Were parents rights violated in termination proceedings? Were well-connected Philadelphians more likely than blood relatives to receive dependent infants for adoption? The court deliberately shrouds the answers.



All court hearings in Pennsylvania are presumptively open. The Pennsylvania Constitution very clearly states, All courts shall be open. To close a hearing, a judge must determine that secrecy would serve a compelling governmental interest and that there is no less restrictive means to serve that interest. Those are very high standards, not likely to be easily met in every single Family Court case.



Thats because hearings should be open. Judges erode public confidence in the entire judicial system by conducting secret hearings. Who knows whats going on in closeted proceedings and whether its fair or consistent or even legal?



I covered Allegheny Countys juvenile court and dependency system as a reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for a decade. When I started, the system was so closed that reporters were forbidden by an administrative order to even set foot in the juvenile courthouse. Thats a public building, by the way, a building paid for by tax dollars, a building whose working occupants were paid by tax dollars. This argument helped persuade the administrative judge to cancel that court order. Hes now a Pennsylvania Supreme Court justiceMax Baer.



While I was writing about a high-profile Allegheny County dependency case in the mid-1990s, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a law that opened some delinquency hearings. For five years, I followed the cases of the first group of Allegheny County juveniles who were treated as adults under this new law. As a result, the juvenile court judges in Allegheny County became accustomed to my presence in their courtrooms, and some allowed me to listen to dependency hearings.



Ultimately, every single juvenile court judge permitted me to monitor their dependency hearings, and I spent nearly every day for a year in their courtrooms, with the consent of the countys director of human services, the lawyers who represented parents and sometimes the lawyers who represented children.



Throwing open the doors of Allegheny Countys juvenile court helped get the judges crushingly high caseloads reduced, the court facility moved from a dungeon to a modern building, snacks served to children awaiting hearings, higher pay and lower workloads for caseworkers, increased public understanding of and sympathy for the complex child welfare system, and the assistance of major Pittsburgh-based foundations in resolving systemic problems.



Throwing open the doors of Allegheny Countys juvenile court improved the system and the lives of children and families.



Sure, the Luzerne County kids-for-cash scheme was revealed even though the hearings were closed. But thousands of children suffered unnecessarily first. That judge would not have dared sentence a child to reform school for cursing if he had feared a reporter could walk in on that hearing at any moment.



Philadelphia Judges Murphy and Olszewski talked in their letter to the editor about a dearth of lawyers practicing in juvenile court. That situation could be resolved with proper exposure of the injustices it causesand that can only happen in open hearings.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, left, shakes hands with his Lebanese counterpart Saad Hariri after a joint press conference, at the Government House in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

BEIRUT (AP)  Lebanon's prime minister urged his Italian counterpart on Thursday to have Italian companies invest in his country as it grapples with deepening economic challenges.

"The coming period in Lebanon is a period of work ... with many investment opportunities," Saad Hariri told visiting Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

Conte is the first foreign official to visit Lebanon after Hariri's government was sworn in last week following a deadlock that last nearly nine months.

Lebanon is struggling with mammoth public debt, soaring unemployment and deteriorating credit ratings. Hariri's government hopes to unlock around $11 billion in soft loans and grants pledged by international donors at a conference in Paris last year.

Lebanon in 2017 approved licenses for an international consortium led by France's Total, Italy's ENI and Russia's Novatek to move forward with offshore oil and gas development for two of 10 blocks in the Mediterranean Sea, including one that is disputed in part with Israel.

Italy also supports Lebanese military and security forces and has over 1,000 peacekeepers in the U.N. force monitoring the cease-fire with Israel.

Conte said he discussed with Hariri the recent tension along the frontier with Israel, which said it had discovered a number of attack tunnels built by Lebanese Hezbollah and added hopes that dialogue would alleviate the tensions.

He also declared Italy would continue its support to the Lebanese government which is dealing with more than 1 million Syrian refugees, in a country of 4 million people.

Hariri expressed optimism that "Lebanon can be a regional center for the Italian private sector."

Conte said his government is in the "initial stage" of assessing whether to reduce the presence of Italian battalions abroad. He said the Italian battalion in Mosul, Iraq, is expected to withdraw in March.
President Trump announced on January 17 that the United States will seek to develop new technologies to enhance its missile defenses in order to detect and intercept an adversarys missiles, including enemy missiles still on the ground in their boost phase prior to launch, or moments after liftoff. The announcement warrants a review of the law of nuclear weapons.



The United States is presently a party to 10 nuclear arms control agreements. Four of them prevent the United States from deploying nuclear weapons in specific geographical areas: The Antarctic Treaty; The Outer Space Treaty; The Seabed Arms Control Treaty; and The Treaty of Tiateloco which covers Latin America and the Caribbean.



Five agreements limit either:



(1) the testing of nuclear weapons (The Limited Test Ban Treaty prohibits tests in the atmosphere, in outer space, and under water; and, The Threshold Test Ban Treaty together with The Peaceful Nuclear Explosions Treaty regulate all underground nuclear explosions and prohibits such tests having a yield above 150,000 tons of TNT);



(2) the transfer of nuclear weapons (The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty); or



(3) the number of strategic deployed nuclear warheads and strategic delivery systems (The New START Treaty limits each country to 1550 strategic nuclear warheads on 700 strategic delivery systems).



Finally, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which came into effect in 1988, requires the United States and Russia to eliminate all their nuclear and conventional ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers. (The United States has given notice to Russia that it intends to withdraw from the Treaty on the grounds that Russia is violating it and China is not a signatory. Pursuant to the Treatys terms, the U.S withdrawal would take effect about mid-August 2019 at the earliest.)



The fundamental unwritten law governing nuclear weapons relations between the United States and Russia is the maintenance of mutual security. (While China is expanding its offensive nuclear systems, it seems to be giving more emphasis to developing a very robust conventional weapons capability.) Known as Mutual Assured Destruction (to some the strategy is truly MAD), the strategy rests on both countries knowing they cannot start a nuclear war because they both know they will lose. Both countries know this because each maintains offensive nuclear forces which can survive sufficiently a surprise first strike and then launch a second retaliatory strike which would impose unacceptable damage on the aggressor. It was for this reason that the very first bilateral strategic nuclear agreement between the United States and the then Soviet Union, the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I) ratified by both in 1972, limited strategic missile defenses to only 200 interceptors at two sites. SALT I ensured both countries they could maintain their devastating second retaliatory strike capability because they knew they could overwhelm the others limited anti-ballistic missile defenses.



In sum, the United States and Russia are governed, metaphorically, by Isaac Newtons (1643-1727) Third Law, which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In strategic nuclear terms, this means that every new nuclear weapons development either the United States or Russia takes that has the potential of upsetting mutual security will provoke an opposite reaction of equal force by the other side. Just as much as the United States would take all steps necessary to ensure its offensive missiles could penetrate any new Russian defensive system, the Presidents missile defense announcement will stimulate a Russian policy to ensure its offensive nuclear forces have the capability of penetrating any enhanced U.S. defense. (This is true even if the U.S. defensive system is focused on destroying small numbers of missiles launched by regional powers, such as North Korea. Russia, like the United States, will always plan on what is called worst-case scenario.)



Relations today between the United States and Russia recall Cold War visions of nuclear adversaries. Arms control discussions appear to be non-existent. This is dangerous. The START Treaty will expire in 2021, though both parties by Treaty terms may agree to extend it for a period of up to five years. As difficult as it may be, it is imperative to separate arms control issues from all other bilateral issues. The more fragile the overall relationship, the more existential it is to maintain mutual nuclear security.



David Lenefsky practices law in Manhattan. He was formerly Project Director for Arms Control at The United Nations AssociationUSA.
HOUSTON, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kirby Corporation ("Kirby") (KEX) announced today that Kirby will present at the Stifel 2019 Transportation & Logistics Conference on Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Specifics of the conference presentation are as follows:



Stifel 2019 Transportation & Logistics Conference Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Time: 10:30 a.m. Eastern / 9:30 a.m. Central Presenters: David Grzebinski, President and CEO Bill Harvey, Executive VP of Finance and CFO Location: Miami Beach, FL

A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available to the public and a replay will be available for 90 days after the presentation by visiting Kirbys website at http://www.kirbycorp.com . A copy of the materials prepared by Kirby for the presentation will be available on Kirbys website at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

Kirby Corporation, based in Houston, Texas, is the nations largest domestic tank barge operator transporting bulk liquid products throughout the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, coastwise along all three United States coasts, and in Alaska and Hawaii. Kirby transports petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemicals by tank barge. Kirby also operates offshore dry-bulk barge and tugboat units engaged in the offshore transportation of dry-bulk cargoes in the United States coastal trade. Through the distribution and services segment, Kirby provides after-market service and parts for engines, transmissions, reduction gears, and related equipment used in oilfield services, marine, power generation, on-highway, and other industrial applications. Kirby also rents equipment including generators, fork lifts, pumps, and compressors for use in a variety of industrial markets, and manufactures and remanufactures oilfield service equipment, including pressure pumping units, for land-based oilfield service customers.

Contact: Eric Holcomb

713-435-1545
LONDON, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Italian government bond yields rose across the curve before a 30-year syndicated debt issue that is widely expected to launch later on Wednesday.

Italy's Treasury said on Tuesday it had hired Banca IMI, BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs to issue a new 30-year bond via a syndicated deal.

The yield on Italy's outstanding 30-year bonds hit a three-week high of 3.687 percent, up three basis points on the day.

Other Italian bond yields also rose 2-3 bps, their highest levels in about three weeks. (Reporting by Abhinav Ramnarayan; Editing by Saikat Chatterjee)
Kokomo, IN (46901)

Today

Mostly clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 57F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 57F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
BUDAPEST, Feb 7 (Reuters) - The United States could help Hungary diversify away from Russian energy by encouraging ExxonMobil to proceed with long-stalled plans to develop the Domino-1 gas field in the Black Sea, Hungary's foreign minister said.

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto discussed diversification of Hungary's natural gas imports with U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry on Wednesday, the ministry said on Thursday.

He asked Perry to do what he could to facilitate the start of production from Domino-1 which is controlled by Exxon and Romania's Petrom, a subsidiary of Austrian firm OMV .

Discovered off Romania in 2012 with estimated gas reserves of 1.5-3 trillion cubic feet, the companies have since sought greater clarity from Romanian authorities before developing the field.

Exxon said in January it was continuing to evaluate the project, pinning its final investment decision on factors including "competitive and stable fiscal terms for existing offshore concessions for the duration of the agreements."

OMV Chief Executive Rainer Seele said on Wednesday that the company was in dialogue with the Romanian government over the project, which is expected to cost a billion euros.

Szijjarto said it was in Hungary's strategic interest that the consortium make the investment required to produce the gas and that Hungary has access to this new source of energy.

Hungary could import the gas via a pipeline Romania is building from the Black Sea through an interconnector between the two countries, which will be capable of handling reverse flows, Szijjarto was quoted by the ministry as saying.

In November, Perry called on Hungary and its neighbours to reject Russian gas pipelines which Washington says are being used to cement Moscow's grip on central and eastern Europe.

Import-reliant Hungary gets most of its gas from Russia and Russian firm Rosatom is involved in a 12.5-billion-euro expansion of Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant, the country's main domestic source of electricity.

Last year Hungary agreed to buy 4 billion cubic metres of natural gas from Russia in 2020. (Reporting by Gergely Szakacs; additional reporting by Kirsti Knolle in Vienna; editing by Jason Neely)
FILE PHOTO: Logo of Huawei is seen in front of the local offices of Huawei in Warsaw, Poland January 11, 2019. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel/File Photo

WARSAW (Reuters) - China's Huawei has offered to build a cyber security center in Poland where last month authorities arrested a Chinese employee of the telecommunications firm along with a former Polish security official on spying charges.

"We are ready to establish a cyber security center in Poland if authorities accept this as a trusted solution," Tonny Bao, head of Huawei in Poland, told a news conference on Wednesday.

Huawei has set up information security labs in Germany and Britain aimed at building confidence that its equipment does not contain "back doors" for Chinese intelligence services.

Poland's government is set to exclude Huawei equipment from its future 5G network over concerns first raised in the United States that Huawei technology could be equipped with such back doors, sources told Reuters.

Huawei's regional public affairs director, Austin Zhang, said there is no reason for the Polish government to exclude the Chinese firm from its future 5G network development.

"If it does happen ... we will try all our means to protect our business and reputation in Poland," Zhang said.

The United States wants to steer people away from Huawei towards Western products because of its concerns over the security of the Chinese company's technology, the U.S. envoy to the European Union said last week.

Huawei denies allegations that its technology could be used for spying and the Chinese executive from Huawei arrested last month in Poland on suspicion of spying has also said he is not guilty.

Still, the company faces increasing international scrutiny over the matter.

Last week the company was excluded from a tender to build a Czech tax portal after the country's cyber watchdog warned of possible security threats posed by the telecoms supplier.

Separately the U.S. Justice Department has charged Huawei with conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions on Iran and with stealing robotic technology from T-Mobile US Inc.

(Reporting by Anna Koper and Marcin Goclowski; writing by Agnieszka Barteczko; editing by Jason Neely)
(Bloomberg) -- Any Western country allowing Huawei Technologies Co. or other Chinese equipment to be used in critical infrastructure projects will face the risk of U.S. countermeasures, the U.S. envoy to the European Union said.

The warning adds to signs that U.S. President Donald Trumps administration is pushing for a blanket ban on Chinese companies from new 5G wireless networks, autonomous vehicles and other lucrative contracts in the technology sector throughout Europe, North America and other American allies. It comes as the EU weighs the introduction of a new sanctions regime against companies or countries involved in cyber-espionage and intellectual property theft.

There are no compelling reasons that I can see to do business with the Chinese, so long as they have the structure in place to reach in and manipulate or spy on their customers, Ambassador Gordon Sondland, Trumps envoy in Brussels, said Thursday in an interview. Those who are charging ahead blindly and embracing the Chinese technology without regard to these concerns may find themselves in a disadvantage in dealing with us.

Depending on the Chinese equipment used by Western countries, the U.S. may have to be more careful in sharing information, in transacting business, and a host of things, Sondland said. He urged European countries to pick Finnish and other Scandinavian companies for their 5G contracts, citing a Chinese law that allegedly compels any private company in the country to cooperate with the government on any intelligence matters in secret and without refusal.

Senior European officials have echoed Sondlands concerns. In an interview last month, Andrus Ansip, European Commission vice president for digital affairs, said Chinas National Intelligence Law, passed in 2017, has increased the risk in dealing with Chinese companies in Europe. The law mandates any organization and citizen to support and assist national intelligence in their investigations and to keep information related to such investigations.

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While Ansip stopped short of urging restrictions for Chinese companies, he urged all the governments, all the responsible people, to deal with the risk assessment in a very serious way. No EU-wide law has been introduced on the matter to date, and any restrictions on 5G contracts for national security reasons remain a decision for individual nations.

To contact the reporters on this story: Nikos Chrysoloras in Brussels at nchrysoloras@bloomberg.net;Richard Bravo in Brussels at rbravo5@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Chad Thomas at cthomas16@bloomberg.net, Andrew Pollack, Alistair Barr

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House intelligence committee will launch a broad new investigation looking at Russian interference in the 2016 election and President Donald Trump's foreign financial interests, Chairman Adam Schiff announced Wednesday, moving ahead with the aggressive oversight that Democrats have promised now that they are in the majority.

Schiff said the investigation will include "the scope and scale" of Russian intervention in the 2016 presidential election, the "extent of any links and/or coordination" between Russians and Trump's associates, whether foreign actors have sought to hold leverage over Trump or his family and associates, and whether anyone has sought to obstruct any of the relevant investigations.

The announcement came one day after Trump criticized "ridiculous partisan investigations" in his State of the Union speech. Schiff dismissed those comments Wednesday.

"We're going to do our jobs and the president needs to do his," Schiff said. "Our job involves making sure that the policy of the United States is being driven by the national interest, not by any financial entanglement, financial leverage or other form of compromise."

The California Democrat also announced a delay in an upcoming closed-door interview with Trump's former fixer and personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, "in the interests of the investigation." The interview was originally scheduled for Friday. It will now be held on Feb. 28, Schiff said.

Schiff said he could not speak about the reason for the delay. Hours after the meeting was pushed back, a document was filed, and then deleted, under seal in the criminal case against Cohen brought by special counsel Robert Mueller's office. The court's docket did not contain any details about the nature of the document. A later notice said the document had been "incorrectly filed in this case."

Special counsel spokesman Peter Carr declined comment, as did Lanny Davis, an attorney for Cohen.

The intelligence committee also voted Wednesday to send Mueller the transcripts from the panel's earlier Russia investigation. Republicans ended that probe in March, concluding there was no evidence of conspiracy or collusion between Russia and Trump's presidential campaign. Democrats strongly objected at the time, saying the move was premature.

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Since then, both Cohen and Trump's longtime adviser Roger Stone have been charged with lying to the panel. Cohen pleaded guilty in November to lying to the House and Senate intelligence committees about his role in a Trump business proposal in Moscow. He acknowledged that he misled lawmakers by saying he had abandoned the project in January 2016 when he actually continued pursuing it for months after that.

Stone pleaded not guilty to charges last month that he lied to the House panel about his discussions during the 2016 election about WikiLeaks, the anti-secrecy group that released thousands of emails stolen from Democrats. Stone is also charged with obstructing the House probe by encouraging one of his associates, New York radio host Randy Credico, to refuse to testify before the House panel in an effort to conceal Stone's false statements.

Schiff has said Mueller should consider whether additional perjury charges are warranted.

The committee had already voted to release most of the transcripts to the public, but they are still being reviewed by the intelligence community for classified information.

Mueller requested Stone's interview transcript last year and the panel voted to release it in December. Schiff wouldn't say whether Mueller had requested other transcripts, but noted that the committee had voted to withhold a small number of transcripts from the public and also that some witnesses had been interviewed since then. The transmission of the transcripts to Mueller, expected immediately, will give him full access to all of the committee's interviews.

Among the transcripts are interviews with Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.; his son-in-law, Jared Kushner; his longtime spokeswoman, Hope Hicks; and his former bodyguard Keith Schiller. There are dozens of other transcripts of interviews with former Obama administration officials and Trump associates.

Democrats also opposed a Republican motion at the meeting Wednesday to subpoena several witnesses. Republicans said they were witnesses who Democrats had previously wanted to come before the panel.

A Republican aide said that witness list included FBI and Justice Department officials involved in the Russia investigation and others who could shed more light on research by former British spy Christopher Steele. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity because the committee's business is confidential.

Steele's research was funded by Democrats and later compiled into an anti-Trump dossier that became public.

__

Associated Press writer Chad Day contributed to this report.
Momentum investing is all about the idea of following a stock's recent trend, which can be in either direction. In the 'long' context, investors will essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." And for investors following this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving in that direction. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.

Even though momentum is a popular stock characteristic, it can be tough to define. Debate surrounding which are the best and worst metrics to focus on is lengthy, but the Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.

Below, we take a look at Franco-Nevada (FNV), which currently has a Momentum Style Score of A. We also discuss some of the main drivers of the Momentum Style Score, like price change and earnings estimate revisions.

It's also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. Franco-Nevada currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B outperform the market over the following one-month period.

You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>

Set to Beat the Market?

Let's discuss some of the components of the Momentum Style Score for FNV that show why this precious metals streaming and royalty company shows promise as a solid momentum pick.

Looking at a stock's short-term price activity is a great way to gauge if it has momentum, since this can reflect both the current interest in a stock and if buyers or sellers have the upper hand at the moment. It's also helpful to compare a security to its industry; this can show investors the best companies in a particular area.

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For FNV, shares are up 5.56% over the past week while the Zacks Mining - Gold industry is up 4.84% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 8.69% compares favorably with the industry's 3.74% performance as well.

Considering longer term price metrics, like performance over the last three months or year, can be advantageous as well. Shares of Franco-Nevada have increased 16.69% over the past quarter, and have gained 7.78% in the last year. In comparison, the S&P 500 has only moved -0.36% and 3.21%, respectively.

Investors should also pay attention to FNV's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. FNV is currently averaging 488,056 shares for the last 20 days.

Earnings Outlook

The Zacks Momentum Style Score encompasses many things, including estimate revisions and a stock's price movement. Investors should note that earnings estimates are also significant to the Zacks Rank, and a nice path here can be promising. We have recently been noticing this with FNV.

Over the past two months, 3 earnings estimates moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost FNV's consensus estimate, increasing from $1.17 to $1.18 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 5 estimates have moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.

Bottom Line

Given these factors, it shouldn't be surprising that FNV is a #2 (Buy) stock and boasts a Momentum Score of A. If you're looking for a fresh pick that's set to soar in the near-term, make sure to keep Franco-Nevada on your short list.



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(Bloomberg) -- GoPro Inc. Chief Executive Officer Nick Woodman still sees China as an important market and growth opportunity for the action camera-maker, despite an economic slowdown in the worlds second-largest economy.

China was more challenging last year but we still managed to grow 2 percent, Woodman said in an interview with Bloomberg TV Thursday. We have sales and marketing offices in China and operations as well -- its an important hub for us.

Sales from the Asia Pacific region are a boon for GoPro, with growth rates in Thailand, Korea and Japan running several times faster than in China, where consumers have cut back on purchases of everything from iPhones to air conditioners. Gross domestic product in the final quarter of 2018 rose at the slowest pace since the global financial crisis, amid a trade fight with the U.S. that continues to drag on.

To avoid potential tariffs, GoPro is moving most of its U.S.-bound camera production out of China. Starting in the second quarter, that production will shift to Guadalajara, Mexico. Woodman said even without tariffs, the company would save money with the move.

"China is getting more expensive to do business in," Woodman said. "There are some cost benefits to moving some of our production to Mexico. Theres supply chain benefits." Woodman added that "Malaysia was a consideration, but at the end of the day Mexicos got terrific infrastructure."

On Wednesday GoPro reported net income, excluding certain items, of $42 million, snapping several consecutive quarters of losses. Sales jumped 13 percent to $377 million, exceeding analysts estimates of $374.3 million. The company has been trying to generate revenue from a GoPro Plus subscription service that automatically uploads pictures and video footage to an account online. GoPro now has 199,000 active paying subscribers, up more than 50 percent from a year earlier. Woodman said the software service is already having a meaningful impact on GoPros gross margins.

Story continues

To contact the reporter on this story: Selina Wang in San Francisco at swang533@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Molly Schuetz

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
By Ritah KEMIGISA.

The United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund has called for concerted action to prevent violence against children and young people online.

The remarks comes from the body as the world celebrated the safer Internet day yesterday.

According to UNICEF 70.6 % of young people aged 15 to 24 years who are online globally face online violence, cyber bullying and digital harassment.

The funds Executive Director Henrietta Fore has meanwhile urged both the young and to be kind online and make the internet a safer place for everyone because it has since become a kindness desert.

According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), while 94 per cent of young people aged 15-24 in developed countries are online, more than 65 per cent of young people in developing countries are online.
* Salvini, Di Maio have goaded Macron in recent months

* Tactic appears electioneering for May's EU ballot

* Macron has dismissed spat as "insignificant"

* (Recasts, adds quotes from Di Maio)

By John Irish and Crispian Balmer

PARIS/ROME, Feb 7 (Reuters) - France recalled its ambassador to Italy on Thursday, a remarkable diplomatic split between neighbours and European Union allies, after what it described as "repeated, baseless" attacks by Italian political leaders against France.

The rupture, the first withdrawal of a French envoy to Rome since World War Two, was announced by the foreign ministry.

Diplomats said Paris acted after a series of insults from Italy, capped by Deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio's decision this week to meet with members of France's "yellow vest" movement, which has mounted a months-long and sometimes violent campaign against Macron.

"France has been, for several months, the target of repeated, baseless attacks and outrageous statements," the foreign ministry said in a statement. "Having disagreements is one thing, but manipulating the relationship for electoral aims is another."

Di Maio, head of the anti-establishment 5-Star movement, which is in a governing coalition with the far-right League, defended his meeting with the "yellow vests", and drew a distinction between Macron and the French people.

"The French people are our friends and our ally," he said. "President Macron has repeatedly lashed out against the Italian government for political reasons in view of the European elections," he said, referring to a European Parliament vote in May that is expected to see a surge among populist parties.

"My meeting as the political leader of the 5-Star movement with members of the 'yellow vests'... was fully legitimate. I claim the right to talk with other political forces that represent the French people."

The 32-year-old Di Maio appears keen to cast himself as a youthful rival to Macron, 41, even as his approval rating falls at home.

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Macron offered no immediate response to Di Maio.

He has spent much of the past month touring France in a "great debate" with citizens to try to lift his own approval ratings and regain the initiative in the face of the protests. While Thursday's diplomatic action was going on, he was attending one such townhall meeting in the small eastern town of Etang-sur-Arroux.

France's Europe minister, Nathalie Loiseau, said the decision to recall the ambassador was rare but necessary.

"There was behaviour by a member of the Italian government that we consider unusual, unfriendly and that follows a number of official Italian statements that we find hard to understand in terms of how they help Franco-Italian relations," she told France Info.

BASTA ITALIA!

Ties between the two traditionally close allies have grown increasingly tense since mid-2018, with Di Maio and his fellow deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini of the League party, firing pot-shots at Macron and France, mostly over migration policy.

Macron has at times responded, criticising Italy last June for its refusal to accept a boatload of migrants rescued in the Mediterranean, and taking aim at Rome's public finances.

But in recent weeks the exchanges have grown sharper and more personal. Di Maio accused France last month of fuelling poverty in Africa, suggesting it was a neo-colonial power.

Salvini accused France of exploiting the unrest in Libya to benefit oil company Total, which competes with Italy's ENI in the development of regional energy assets. He also said he hoped Macron's party would lose in May's European elections.

During a visit to Egypt last month, Macron sought to shrug off the sparring, calling Salvini and Di Maio's comments "insignificant" and adding that he dealt only with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

Conte, a political unknown who became prime minister last year as a compromise between Salvini and Di Maio, was caught on video at last month's World Economic Forum in Davos discussing the dispute with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Italian TV channel La 7 broadcast footage a week ago showing the two leaders talking at a bar, with Conte telling Merkel that Di Maio was attacking France because he was down in the polls ahead of the European elections and needed an enemy.

"So they say what are the issues that can help us during the campaign... In the political campaign our friend is Germany and so we had to do the campaign against France," he said, prompting laughter from Merkel.

TIME TO 'TURN THE PAGE'?

Salvini sought to calm the tone on Thursday, saying he did not want to argue with France and was happy to meet Macron. As president, Macron would normally meet with other heads of state or government, not deputies.

"We are ready and willing, with a constructive spirit, to turn the page for the good of our people," Salvini said.

But he added that France should address three issues: its policy of returning migrants to Italy, occasional border checks at the frontier, and the case of some 15 Italian leftists who have had refuge in France for decades.

While rare, the French action was not unprecedented among EU members. In 2016, Greece recalled its ambassador to Austria, and in 2017 Hungary withdrew its envoy to the Netherlands.

(Reporting by John Irish and Michel Rose in Paris and Crispian Balmer in Rome Writing by Luke Baker Editing by Frances Kerry)
PARIS, Feb 7 (Reuters) - France has recalled its ambassador in Rome after what Paris described as baseless and repeated attacks from Italy's political leaders in past months, and urged Italy to return to a more friendly stance.

"France has been, for several months, the target of repeated, baseless attacks and outrageous statements," France's foreign ministry said in a statement.

It said Italy's attacks were without precedent since World War Two. "Having disagreements is one thing, but manipulating the relationship for electoral aims is another."

Italy's two deputy prime ministers, Matteo Salvini of the right-wing League and Luigi Di Maio of the populist, anti-establishment 5-Star movement, have goaded French President Emmanuel Macron on a host of inflammatory issues.

"All of these actions are creating a serious situation which is raising questions about the Italian government's intentions towards France." (Reporting by John Irish, writing by Michel Rose; editing by Richard Lough)
(Reuters) - The United States imposed heavy sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry last week, looking to cut off President Nicolas Maduro's primary source of revenue.

The sanctions limit transactions between U.S. companies that do business with Venezuela through purchases of crude oil and sales of refined products. Here are details on how the sanctions work:

THE AIM

The United States is aiming to freeze sales proceeds from Venezuelan state-run oil firm PDVSA's exports of roughly 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude to the United States. There is also a prohibition on U.S firms exporting diluents, unfinished oils used for blending extra heavy crude, to Venezuela.

VENEZUELA'S PRIMARY CUSTOMERS

Venezuela exports oil primarily to the United States, India, and China as well as other nations. Only the United States and India are notable sources of cash, as Russian and Chinese firms currently get shipments of crude through complicated oil-for-loan agreements due to Venezuela's heavy liabilities with those countries. Russia, in particular, resells the oil it receives to others.

THE SPECIFIC SANCTIONS

The U.S. Treasury Department's sanctions do not entirely cut off purchases of Venezuelan oil by U.S. refineries. However, they stipulate that refiners cannot make payments directly to PDVSA, but into escrow accounts that PDVSA will not get access to until the company is controlled by a new government.

PDVSA RESPONSE

Maduro and Manuel Quevedo, who is both oil minister and head of PDVSA, have said they will not allow vessels loaded with crude oil for the United States to leave the country's ports without being prepaid. Numerous tankers are trapped in the Gulf of Mexico.

HOW VENEZUELA SHIPS OIL

Venezuelas PDVSA sells oil to brokers  trading houses and third-party merchants  with the following terms: the shipments are paid by the merchants who often have another buyer lined up, and delivery is made at the Venezuelan ports. Once a tanker leaves Venezuelan waters, it belongs to the merchant (the buyer). The company is then free to sell the oil to whomever it wants. It is unclear whether payments have been made to either PDVSA or the escrow accounts that the United States said it would set up to help fund opposition leader Juan Guaidos efforts.

Story continues

WHO CAN AND CANNOT DO BUSINESS WITH VENEZUELA

For now, companies can do business but with restrictions. Refineries that import from Venezuela can continue to receive shipments for the next few months before they are forced to get their supplies elsewhere. However, since payments cannot be made to PDVSA, this is expected to restrict the flow of crude oil from Venezuela to the United States.

The sanctions did not directly mention swaps and indirect trade with PDVSA that began in recent years with customers including PDVSA's U.S. unit Citgo Petroleum, India's Reliance and Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft.

U.S. OPERATIONS IN VENEZUELA

Chevron, Halliburton, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes and Weatherford International all have operations in Venezuela, and are allowed to continue transactions and activities with PDVSA and its joint ventures through July 27. Venezuela's production could fall further later this year if the service companies, which have already reduced operations, leave the country.

Chevron, which has four joint-venture operations in the country, said it would not comment on the current situation in Venezuela. ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil both left Venezuela years ago after late President Hugo Chavez nationalized the oil industry.

NON-U.S. PDVSA PARTNERS IN VENEZUELA

Norway's Equinor has a 9.7 percent stake in a heavy oil project in Venezuela's Orinoco Belt area, which is majority owned by PDVSA. The company also has a 51 percent stake in a Plataforma Deltana block off eastern Venezuela, and it has 25 employees in Venezuela. "We are just following the situation and making sure that we safeguard our employees," Equinor's spokesman said about the political developments and impact on the company's operations.

Rosneft and China's CNPC each hold substantial interests in several oilfields in Venezuela, which dwarf those of any other country. Spain's Repsol, France's Total, Italy's Eni, Japan's Inpex and India's ONGC Videsh also own minority oilfield stakes.

Russia's Lukoil was part of a Russian consortium to develop production in Venezuela but quit several years ago and has since then sharply reduced its presence in the country.

CITGO

Citgo Petroleum is a wholly owned subsidiary of PDVSA and operates refining capacity to process about 750,000 bpd. It also distributes fuel to gasoline stations throughout the United States, accounting for about 4 percent of the nation's retail fuel market.

The United States has exempted Citgo from its sanctions until July 27. However, previous sanctions have already prevented Citgo from sending PDVSA its profits, which had been paid to the parent in the form of dividends.

As of September, the company had about $500 million in cash and a credit line of approximately $900 million, according to a creditor familiar with the company's financial statements. Citgo is able to keep importing crude oil from PDVSA for three more months, according to the sanctions.

VENEZUELAN IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES

The sanctions expressly prohibit sales of diluents (heavy naphtha) to PDVSA, which are used for making the country's extra heavy crude oil ready for export.

VENEZUELAN OIL PRODUCTION

The OPEC member's oil production has dwindled in the last two decades to between 1.2 million and 1.4 million bpd by late 2018 from more than 3 million bpd at the beginning of the century. Most of the crude it produces now is heavy or extra heavy.

CREDITORS OF VENEZUELA AND PDVSA

Venezuela and PDVSA are estimated to owe more than $100 billion to bondholders, suppliers, allied governments, lenders and creditors holding judgments. Some creditors have gone to U.S. courts to try to seize Citgo to satisfy their legal claims.

(Reporting By David Gaffen, Luc Cohen, Marianna Parraga, Jessica Resnick-Ault, Dmitry Zhdannikov, and Tom Hals; Editing by Diane Craft, Rosalba O'Brien and Jeffrey Benkoe)
By Iain Withers and Kirstin Ridley

LONDON (Reuters) - A former Petrofac executive has pleaded guilty to eleven counts of bribery in an ongoing investigation, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) said on Thursday, triggering a 20 percent fall in the British oil and gas firm's shares.

David Lufkin, ex-global head of sales for Petrofac International Ltd, was convicted over corrupt attempts by Petrofac to secure deals worth more than $730 million in Iraq and more than $3.5 billion in Saudi Arabia, the SFO said.

The 51-year-old Briton will be sentenced at a later date. His lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Petrofac said a number of Petrofac individuals and entities were alleged to have acted "with the individual concerned", although no current board member of Petrofac Ltd is alleged to have been involved and there had been no further charges.

"The SFO has chosen to bring charges against a former employee of a subsidiary company," Petrofac's Chairman Rene Medori said in a statement.

"It has deliberately not chosen to charge any group company or any other officer or employee. In the absence of any charge or credible evidence, Petrofac intends as a matter of policy to stand by its employees."

Petrofac's shares were 21.1 percent lower at 440.55 pence at 1007 GMT.

The SFO said its investigation into Petrofac's use of agents in jurisdictions including Iraq and Saudi Arabia is ongoing.

The SFO first said it had begun an investigation into Petrofac in 2017 as part of a wider probe into Monaco-based oil and gas consultancy Unaoil.

Petrofac said in February 2018 that it expected its top management to be interviewed as part of the SFO investigation.

(Reporting by Iain Withers and Kirstin Ridley; Editing by Rachel Armstrong and Alexander Smith)
Estee Lauder Companies Inc (NYSE: EL) is having a strong week after reporting a second-quarter earnings beat Tuesday.

The Sell-Side Reacts

 Although the company reported weak third-quarter and 2019 earnings guidance, Raymond James analyst Joseph Altobello reiterated an Outperform rating on the company and raised the price target from $154 to $164.

Trends remain healthy, with global growth in three of Estee Lauders four largest brands  Estee Lauder, MAC and LaMer  and Clinique continuing to make progress, the analyst said.

In addition, despite fears of a slowdown, sales in China again grew very strong double digits, with market growth accelerating and EL gaining share."

 Bank of America Merill Lynch's Oliver Tong also took a bullish stance, reiterating a Buy rating and raising the price target from $155 to $170.

While there are a number of puts and takes, the important element in our view is that management continues to embed in its expectations a slowdown in China and travel retail, though not experiencing such a deceleration in either business to date, the analyst said.

 Morgan Stanley analyst Dara Mohsenian said the market is undervaluing Estee Lauders long-term growth potential, with its favorable exposure to high-growth channels within the prestige beauty category.

Mohsenian reiterated an Overweight rating with a $166 price target.

 Macquarie Research analyst Caroline Levy said bumps in the road are likely, but the analyst still thinks the long-term Estee Lauder story remains compelling.

View more earnings on EL

China could continue to deliver high-margin, double-digit sales growth for another decade, Levy said.

Estee Lauders underleveraged balance sheet gives it optionality for buybacks and/or accretive M&A," she said.

Macquarie reiterated an Outperform rating with a $165 price target.

 Berenberg analyst Rosie Edwards took a more cautious stance after the run-up in Estee Lauder shares after the Q2 print.

The analyst downgraded Estee Lauder from Buy to Hold and maintained a $150 price target.

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The groups balanced and structural growth is difficult (if not impossible) to replicate both at the top and bottom line, with ongoing margin improvement adding to its best-in-class top line to drive double-digit operating profit and EPS growth, Edwards said.

Related Links:

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Latest Ratings for EL

Feb 2019 BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform Market Perform Feb 2019 Berenberg Downgrades Buy Hold Jan 2019 Wells Fargo Downgrades Outperform Market Perform

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 2019 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
By Ritah Kemigisa.

Members of parliament on the parliamentary forum for Children have given the tourism minister Godfrey Kiwanda up to Tuesday next week to cancel the newly launched miss curvy contest and apologize to Ugandans or else they move a censor motion against him.

The ministers newly launched initiative which added curvy and sexy Ugandan women to the list of tourism products to attract tourists has since been met with a lot of criticism.

Now addressing journalists at parliament, the Kasambya county MP Gaffa Mbwatekamwa accused Kiwanda of promoting sex tourism using his new initiative.

Meanwhile the chairperson of the forum Bernard Atiku said much as the contest is unique in its nature, it is not well thought, unwelcome, immoral and unconstitutional.

He also said it segregates the small women who have no flesh.
(Bloomberg) -- Congressional Democrats are seeking answers about a report that T-Mobile US Inc. executives regularly stayed at President Donald Trumps hotel in Washington while they were pursuing regulatory approval for a $26.5 billion Sprint Corp. merger.

Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts senator and Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington State, sent letters this week seeking information from the Trump Organization and T-Mobile Chief Executive Officer John Legere. A central question: Did T-Mobile executives patronize Trump properties as part of a bid to get clearance for their Sprint deal?

The Washington Post reported that T-Mobile executives booked at least 52 nights at the Trump hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue since last year, citing records obtained from the hotel. T-Mobile, based in Bellevue, Washington, declined to comment. Representatives of the Trump Organization couldnt immediately respond be reached for comment.

Competition Question

These transactions raise questions about whether T-Mobile is attempting to curry favor with the president through the Trump Organization and exacerbate our concerns about the presidents continued financial relationship with the Trump Organization, Warren and Jayapal said in the letter to Legere. They asked for information about who stayed at the hotel and whether executives met with members of Trumps family or Corey Lewandowski, a former campaign manager.

T-Mobiles takeover of Sprint would reduce the number of major wireless carriers from four to three, raising concerns that it will hurt competition. An earlier merger attempt was abandoned in 2014 after the companies concluded it wouldnt get regulatory approval, Warren and Jayapal note in their letter.

The two carriers still expect the deal to be completed in the first half of this year, but they need approval from the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Departments antitrust division. The transaction already won national security approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. -- a hurdle that was necessary because both parties have foreign backers.

Story continues

The president owns the hotel through his trust, which holds all of his business interests, and ultimately profits from it. Since his election, has become a magnet for high-powered Republicans in Washington, as well as representatives of foreign governments and others.

To contact the reporters on this story: Nick Turner in Los Angeles at nturner7@bloomberg.net;Kim Chipman in Chicago at kchipman@bloomberg.net;Scott Moritz in New York at smoritz6@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Nick Turner at nturner7@bloomberg.net, John Harney

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
Julian Castro served as mayor of San Antonio, Texas, for five years before being appointed to the top spot at HUD during former President Barack Obama's second term.

Castro supports a higher minimum wage and a "Medicare-for-all" health-care system.

His "first executive order" would be to return the U.S. to membership in the Paris climate agreement, which President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2017.

Julian Castro isn't one of the bigger names in the prospective Democratic field for president in 2020. But he is looking to break through with a message that stresses his experience managing large bureaucracies and budgets, as well as liberal policy proposals.

Castro was one of the first Democrats to join the race to determine whom the party will nominate to challenge President Donald Trump. Castro, for his part, has been a critic of several Trump policies, notably the president's hard-line approach to immigration.

Castro's campaign is pegged heavily to his experience in government. He served as mayor of San Antonio, Texas, for five years before being appointed to the top spot at the Department of Housing and Urban Development during former President Barack Obama's second term.

Castro also hails from a family deeply involved in politics. His mother, Rosie, was a prominent activist, and his twin brother, Joaquin, is a congressman representing San Antonio.

Here is where Julian Castro stands on key issues.

Economy and housing

Castro supports a higher minimum wage, although he has not gone as far as potential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders and others who have been vocal advocates of a $15 hourly minimum wage. The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 an hour since 2009.

As HUD secretary, Castro put into practice the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule, part of the 1968 Fair Housing Act that requires cities that receive federal money for housing to examine any potential barriers or biases in housing opportunities. In 2016, the department launched the National Housing Trust Fund, which provided $173 million in grants to create affordable housing. Castro also led HUD in reducing annual mortgage insurance premiums in 2017 by about a quarter of a percent, saving homeowners $500 on average each year.

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Castro also spearheaded HUD's ConnectHome initiative, which provided internet access and connected devices to residents of HUD-assisted housing in 28 cities.

As San Antonio's mayor, Castro launched an initiative to revitalize San Antonio's city center called "Decade of Downtown." The initiative led to $350 million of private-sector investment in housing alone. However, detractors said the plan could cause the government to neglect other areas of the city.

On the campaign trail, Castro has tried to put liberal economic ideas into action. He, like a growing number of Democrats, said that his campaign will not accept donations from corporate PACs. Castro also pledged to pay his interns $15 an hour and support a campaign staff union.

Criticism over Wall Street treatment

Castro's critics said he was not tough enough on Wall Street during his tenure as HUD secretary.

They point to a program at the department that sold mortgages nearing foreclosure to banks at low prices. The post-housing-crisis program, known as the Distressed Asset Stabilization Program, began in 2012 with the goal of preventing foreclosures.

"Selling off our neighborhoods to Wall Street  at a steep discount  does not help keep people in their homes," several advocacy groups wrote in a petition against the program. Democratic senators, including potential 2020 candidate Sherrod Brown of Ohio, also sent a letter to HUD inquiring about the ethics of the program.

HUD made a series of changes to the program in 2016 as a result of the backlash, including giving more nonprofit groups, instead of banks, opportunities to purchase the mortgages.

Castro's campaign did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on the program.

Immigration

Castro, the grandson of Mexican immigrants, wants to end the Trump administration's family detention policy. Earlier this year, it was revealed that thousands more migrant children were separated at the U.S.-Mexico border than previously reported.

"If the President wants our immigration system to be 'the envy of the world,' he should stop putting children in cages first," Castro said in a tweet last month.

In an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation," he suggested ankle monitors as an alternative to detentions and deportations, so that immigrants awaiting trial could live freely in the United States.

As mayor, Castro testified during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on immigration reform in 2013, arguing that Congress should pass reforms that include a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

Climate change

Castro said during his presidential announcement speech that his "first executive order" would be to return the U.S. to membership in the Paris climate agreement, which Trump withdrew from in 2017. He also endorsed a Green New Deal, which has been popularized by freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y.

As mayor, Castro pushed city-owned CPS Energy to commit to a target of 20 percent solar energy by 2020 and to close down one of its coal-fired power plants. He also declared September "Climate Change Awareness Month" in the city.

In his campaign announcement speech, Castro said the government should "say no to subsidizing big oil."

Still, Castro has not gone as far on the campaign trail as fellow 2020 candidate Elizabeth Warren, who pledged not to accept donations from the oil, gas and coal industries.

Health care and education

Like several of his fellow Democrats running for the 2020 nomination, Castro endorses a "Medicare-for-all" health-care system. The issue of universal health care has become an important litmus test for potential candidates seeking to win support from constituents dissatisfied with rising costs.

Castro also implemented several public-health initiatives during his time in government. San Antonio's obesity rate fell below the state average under his leadership as mayor. As HUD secretary, Castro banned smoking in public housing.

Castro has sought to create daylight between himself and his peers on education policy. He said he would implement a universal pre-K program as president, based on a similar program he launched as mayor of San Antonio in 2012. The city increased its sales tax by one-eighth of a cent, raising about $31 million each year to provide free and low-cost early education for four-year-olds. As a result, more than 22,000 children are set to benefit from the program over 8 years.

In his announcement speech Castro said he wanted to make the first two years of college "affordable," but went a step further at an event in New Hampshire, calling for tuition-free public college.





More From CNBC


CNBC's Jim Cramer details Nokia's recent turnaround and explains how it could get even more attractive.

The "Mad Money" host also sits down with the CEO of Centene, who addresses the State of the Union.

In the lightning round, Cramer says this is a great level to buy one of his favorite stocks.

After years of struggling to compete with lower-cost Chinese counterparts, European telecommunications companies Nokia NOKIA-FI and Ericsson ERIC.B-SE stand to win big from the U.S.-China trade war, CNBC's Jim Cramer argued Wednesday.

"These once-beleaguered companies now have a chance to win the race for 5G supremacy ," he said on "Mad Money." "Their equipment might be more expensive than what the Chinese can make. Sometimes I think a lot of people would say it's even lower quality. Actually, I think the majority might say that. But you better believe neither Sweden nor Finland are pressuring their companies to spy on their customers."

Which stock wins out? Cramer thought both companies' most recent earnings reports were solid, with Ericsson delivering strong sales and a bullish outlook for the year ahead and Nokia issuing good headline numbers. And even though Nokia's stock dropped on what some saw as weak outlook for the first half of 2019, Cramer didn't agree with the move.

"The truth is Nokia's stock soared higher when Ericsson posted good numbers the week before, and stocks that run up into earnings tend to sell off even on strong numbers. Now, Nokia's American shares are at $6.05, which, to me, is crazy," he said. "I prefer Nokia here, both because it's too cheap here and because it has a better portfolio of end-to-end solutions. I have not recommended Nokia since 1997."

Click here for Cramer's full take.

Centene CEO simmers

The decline in shares of Centene CNC after its much better-than-expected earnings report stumped even its Chairman and CEO, Michael Neidorff, he told Cramer in a Wednesday interview.

Story continues

"I used to think, 'The market's irrational.' This one I don't understand," Neidorff said on "Mad Money." "Every number was solid, no noise in the quarter, no noise in the year, executing superbly."

Shares of Centene lost 1.03 percent overall in Wednesday's trading session. Part of the weakness could've been tied to President Donald Trump 's State of the Union address, the CEO said, citing his "policy, not politics" refrain.

"We have all kinds of ideas and an active Washington office promoting things that are good public policy," he told Cramer. "It's all about access, high-quality care, lower cost. That's what we're focused on."

Click here to watch Neidorff's full interview.

Ready for 5G?

Five semiconductor companies are in a prime position to benefit from the rollout of 5G, the fifth generation of wireless communication that telecom companies are racing to implement, Cramer said Wednesday.

"If you're a semiconductor company with 5G exposure, this is your moment," he said after Skyworks Solutions SWKS , an Apple AAPL supplier that fits that description, surged over 12 percent intraday after delivering its quarterly earnings results.

Skyworks' surge was so strong that it lifted shares of other chipmakers involved in 5G, including Intel INTC , Qualcomm QCOM , Broadcom AVGO , and Xilinx XLNX , all of which stand to benefit from the rise of 5G, Cramer said.

And while he preferred the stock of Skyworks to its peers because of its low price tag and the company's focus on 5G, he said investors "can make the case for all five."

Click here for his full analysis.

Short sellers cause a short squeeze

Wall Street received a boost from four unexpected stocks that managed to surprise on their earnings reports, Cramer said Wednesday.

"Today we had a whole parade of short squeezes in Skyworks Solutions, The New York Times NYT , Capri Holdings CPRI (that's the old Michael Kors), and even Snap SNAP ," the "Mad Money" host said. "Together they helped stabilize a market that seemed that it was really going to head pretty low."

Short sellers, who try to make a profit on declining equities by borrowing and selling them at a lower price, have targeted each of these stocks, he said. Snap, the parent of the Snapchat social media platform, surely made it hard for those betting against it after shares closed 22 percent higher Wednesday. Short sellers scrambled to make up for the unexpected result, which caused it to surge higher because of a shortage in shares to meet demand.

Click here for his full analysis.

Buy into the future of retail?

Google parent Alphabet's GOOGL stock is "a steal here" considering the internet giant's power in the burgeoning e-commerce industry, Cramer said Wednesday after the stock dropped 2.52 percent.

"This was the quarter where we realized that you need to pay the piper to get sales on the internet, and in most cases, the piper is Alphabet's Google, hence its 22 percent revenue growth," the "Mad Money" host said.

Cramer noted how many company executives have cited their direct-to-consumer businesses as areas of strength, a sign that companies like Alphabet are becoming increasingly important in driving revenue. He also called attention to how few people carry shopping bags these days on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, a well-known retail hub, which could mean consumers are browsing in store before buying products online.

"Whenever you hear some executive say 'direct to consumer,' ... you should immediately think Facebook FB , Amazon AMZN and, most importantly, Google, because their ads are how you sell things directly to the consumer," he said. "If you're a retailer, you need to pay Google for advertising, just like you had to pay rent on Fifth Avenue in the old days. It's simply where all the shoppers are, which is why I like Google's parent, Alphabet, so much into today's pullback."

Lightning round: IDXX idea

In Cramer's lightning round , he tore through his responses to callers' stock questions:

Idexx Laboratories Inc. IDXX : "The stock is like any growth stock. These got just annihilated. I will tell you that I think this is a great level to buy Idexx. And let me tell you I think Zoetis ZTS is very good, too. I think Elanco's ELAN a little too high."

Wix.com Ltd. WIX : "First of all, I want to congratulate you and your son  I think Wix is a great company. Second, I am a Wix client  full disclosure  at our restaurants. You cannot make great websites on the cheap, meaning without having a lot of money, unless you use Wix, which is monumental."

Disclosure: Cramer's charitable trust owns shares of Apple, Alphabet, Facebook and Amazon.

Questions for Cramer?

Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC

Want to take a deep dive into Cramer's world? Hit him up!

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Questions, comments, suggestions for the "Mad Money" website? madcap@cnbc.com





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Provides overview of key efforts and events leading up to platform launch

SALT LAKE CITY and NEW YORK, Feb. 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following the announcement on January 24, 2019 by tZERO Group, Inc., a global leader in blockchain innovation for capital markets and majority-owned subsidiary of Overstock.com, Inc. (OSTK), regarding the commencement of trading of tZERO security tokens on the tZERO platform, a technology solution for trading digital securities, tZERO provides further information regarding the key events and efforts that led up to this important milestone.

As previously announced, the platform now enables accredited investors to trade tZERO security tokens with other accredited investors through a digital securities brokerage account with the introducing broker-dealer, Dinosaur Financial Group, LLC. Trades are executed on the alternative trading system (ATS) operated by tZERO subsidiary PRO Securities, LLC.

The history of Overstock and tZEROs leadership in the digital security space is an incremental and iterative journey of innovation that goes back to 2016, when Overstock issued its landmark preferred digital security, the ownership and transfer of which would be recorded on a proprietary ledger that would be distributed using blockchain technology. Once it was issued, Overstocks preferred digital security was included for trading on the ATS operated by PRO Securities. tZERO provided the technology behind trading of this first SEC-registered digital security in the world. As a further recognition of the impact of this technology, on January 1, 2019, tZERO also obtained a patent for a crypto integration platform. The patent highlights the technological leadership of tZERO in blockchain innovation for the capital markets.

The key milestones in the process leading up to the commencement of trading of tZERO security tokens are described below.

Timeline of Key Milestones for the tZERO Platform:

April 2015: Overstock filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to register digital securities, with the ownership and transfer of these securities recorded on a proprietary, blockchain-based ledger. October 2015: PRO Securities filed with the SEC an amendment to its Form ATS, which, among other things, described transactions in digital securities. PRO Securities subsequently filed additional amendments to its Form ATS. In accordance with SEC rules, each amendment was filed at least 20 calendar days prior to implementing any material changes to the operation of PRO Securities ATS. December 2015: The SEC declared Overstocks shelf registration statement effective. December 2016: Overstock issued the first SEC-registered digital security in the world, the Blockchain Voting Series A Preferred Stock (OSTKP), using tZERO-developed technologies and OSTKP began to trade on the PRO Securities ATS. December 2017 to August 2018: On December 18, 2017, tZERO launched a Security Token Offering, which closed in August 2018. The offering was conducted pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. Approvals were neither required nor provided by the SEC or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) for any registration statements, offering documents, or Forms ATS in connection with the offer and sale of securities in the Security Token Offering; tZEROs trading architecture or platform did not require or receive their express approval in order to trade digital securities or use blockchain technology. June 2018: tZERO and BOX Digital Markets LLC entered into a joint venture, which is expected to become the worlds first regulated exchange for trading security tokens. The joint venture is seeking approval from the SEC prior to beginning operations. October 2018: tZERO completed the issuance of tZERO security tokens to investors who had fully funded signed agreements for future equity (SAFEs) prior to the August 2018 closing of the Security Token Offering. tZERO raised $134 million from over 1,000 global investors during the offering. Later that month, tZERO open-sourced its token contracts. November 2018 to January 2019: Prior to trading commencing of tZERO security tokens on the tZERO platform, tZERO, Dinosaur Financial, PRO Securities and a FINRA member broker-dealer that would clear the trades in the tZERO tokens, met with the FINRA to present the mechanics of the tZERO Platform in connection with the trading of tZERO security tokens. In addition, PRO Securities filed an amendment to its Form ATS with the SEC in December 2018 in connection with the proposed trading of tZERO security tokens on the PRO Securities ATS. On or around January 10, 2019, FINRA staff approved the Fully Disclosed Clearing Agreement between Dinosaur Financial and the clearing firm, which governs the clearing of Dinosaur Financial customer trades executed on the PRO Securities ATS. Following that, Dinosaur Financial began onboarding accredited investors as customers to facilitate trading of the tZERO security tokens. January 2019: tZERO obtained a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a system that can take orders to trade digital transactional items such as securities, tokens, shares, cash, and other assets from broker dealers and then translate the orders into crypto orders on a digital trading platform or exchange. January 24, 2019: tZERO announced commencement of trading on the platform of tZERO security tokens by accredited investors.

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tZERO looks forward to working to continue to innovate in the capital markets industry and develop new capital markets solutions on its own and in partnership with other industry leaders, including in connection with other tokenized assets, such as debt instruments, commodities and real estate. The launch of tZEROs security trading platform, utilized by its broker-dealer affiliates and partners, is the latest advancement of Overstocks global leadership in creating blockchain-based systems to introduce trust through technology to existing global industries and markets.

Overstocks involvement in blockchain began in 2014 with the founding of Medici Ventures , its wholly-owned subsidiary created to apply blockchain technologies to existing industries to eliminate middlemen, democratize capital, and rehumanize commerce.

Today, Medici Ventures has interests in companies we believe are building the foundation of a "tech stack for society" based on trust systems by introducing blockchain and other related technologies to industries such as capital markets, money and banking, identity, property, voting, and supply chains.

About Overstock.com

Overstock.com, Inc Common Shares (OSTK) / Series A Preferred (Medici Ventures tZERO platform: OSTKP) / Series B Preferred (OSTBP) is an online retailer and technology company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Its leading e-commerce website sells a broad range of new products at low prices, including furniture , decor , rugs , bedding , home improvement , and more. The online shopping site, which is visited by nearly 40 million customers a month, also features a marketplace providing customers access to millions of products from third-party sellers. Overstock was the first major retailer to accept cryptocurrency in 2014, and in the same year founded Medici Ventures, its wholly-owned subsidiary developing and accelerating blockchain technologies to democratize capital, eliminate middlemen, and re-humanize commerce. Overstock regularly posts information about Overstock.com and other related matters on the Newsroom and Investor Relations pages on its website, Overstock.com .

About tZERO Group, Inc.

tZERO Group, Inc. (tZERO) is a majority owned subsidiary of Overstock.com, focusing on the development and commercialization of financial technology (FinTech) based on cryptographically-secured, decentralized ledgers  more commonly known as blockchain technologies. Since its inception, tZERO has pioneered the effort to bring greater efficiency and transparency to capital markets through the integration of blockchain technology.

O, Overstock.com, O.com, Club O, Main Street Revolution, and Worldstock are registered trademarks of Overstock.com, Inc. O.biz and Space Shift are also trademarks of Overstock.com, Inc. Other service marks, trademarks and trade names which may be referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the 1934 Act). Such forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact. Additional information regarding factors that could materially affect results and the accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained herein may be found in Overstock.com's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, which was filed on March 15, 2018, subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, including its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, which was filed with the SEC on November 9, 2018, current reports filed on Form 8-K, and any other subsequent filings with the SEC under the 1934 Act.

tZERO is not a registered broker-dealer, funding portal, investment adviser or investment manager and does not provide any brokerage services. tZERO takes no part in the negotiation or execution of secondary market transactions for the purchase or sale of securities and at no time has possession of investor funds or securities in connection with such transactions. Secondary market trades will be executed by PRO Securities, LLC, a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC, through the PRO ATS. More information about PRO Securities may be found at www.finra.org.

Media Contact:

pr@overstock.com

Investor Contact:

ir@overstock.com

SOURCE: Overstock.com, Inc.
TipRanks

Last year, when Nvidia (NVDA) announced it intended to acquire UK chip designer ARM for $40 billion, it set up the prospect of the chip giant becoming, well, even bigger. The addition of ARMs semiconductor IP portfolio should add another arrow to the quiver, especially when considering ARMs large exposure to the mobile device market. Since the deal still needs to be approved by the U.S., UK., European and Chinese regulators, it is uncertain whether the acquisition will eventually go through. I
By Moses Kyeyune.

After many years of silence regarding the sacked former employees of Crane bank, DFCU has today explained that the move was done to streamline its staff and avoid duplication.

Over 400 employees of Crane Bank lost their jobs after DFCU took over the general operations of the defunct bank, including its branches across the country, forcing some of them to run to court seeking for 48 billion shillings as a remedy.

Jimmy Mugerwa, the chairperson of DFCU Group has today told parliaments committee of COSASE that they already had a staff base of over 1200 employees and that it was only necessary to restructure and integrate the new employees bearing in mind the duplication of roles, differences in technology and related processes.

He says that further considerations were the cost-benefit analysis of employing expatriates for jobs that could be done by Ugandans within the structure.

For whichever consideration, Mugerwa has said that the lay-off process was informed on academic qualifications in regard to DFCU requirements, disciplinary and performance record.

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Crypto market today saw sharp downside action as all major cryptocurrencies lost nearly 1.5% to 2% value resulting in a total market worth going down by $2billion. Bitcoin and all other major legacy crypto coins today saw sharp downside move as they declined below a major support level that prevented downside action so far this year. Winter is coming to crypto market and no one can really predict how long it will last this time as even news that would normally give the market a solid boost failed to create any sort of lasting or short term impact on price action. Two such major news that failed to generate momentum are:

Wyoming legalizing virtual money as a payment option.

Solicitation notice issues by U.S. SEC which was viewed by many analysts as a signal for possible approval of CBOEs Bitcoin ETF request.

Key Psychological levels Likely To Be Breached Soon

Market views the current scenario in which crypto assets failed to react positively to news that was highly anticipated by traders as an alarming issue. However, the real grim fact is that winter has already begun for the crypto market. And this is clearly visible in Bitcoin, the progenitor of cryptocurrencies which is currently experiencing its longest ever bearish price momentum since its debut 10-years ago. Bitcoin is currently on its 60th week of bearish price action having begun its decline on the third week of December 2017. Bitcoin is now trading well near 2018 lows and a breach below said level will likely open doors for further declines which could go as low as $1200 to $1000 before achieving any sense of stability. Aside from Bitcoin, Ethereum is also suffering sharp declines. Ethereum was one of the oldest widely adapted cryptocurrencies and is among the first to gain popularity following Bitcoin.

As such, the recent string of events namely  security vulnerabilities which have been discovered back to back just ahead of Constantinople network upgrade is raising lots of red flags and questions in market adding bearish pressure to market which has already suffered serious loss. Both BTC & ETH are trading at critical price levels today. As of writing this article, BTCUSD pair is trading at $3389.6 down by 1.5% having fallen below $3400 handle, while ETHUSD pair fell below $105 handle and is trading at $104.25 down by 2.10% having tested an intra-day low of $101.25 earlier in the day. Given clear lack of fundamental support for crypto bulls in the current market, it is merely a matter of days before key psychological price levels are breached and price moves towards new all-time lows following the crypto bubble.

Story continues

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

More From FXEMPIRE:
(Bloomberg) -- Huawei Technologies Co., facing a widening global crackdown on its telecom equipment, is bolstering its presence at the industrys biggest conference in an attempt to land deals. Its plans risk being foiled by a powerful foe: the U.S. government.

U.S. officials are also increasing the size of their delegation to the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this month, saying they want to help other nations focus on the security of next-generation mobile gear. They arent calling the meeting a showdown with Huawei, but that agenda -- provided by three officials who asked not to be identified -- is a not-so-veiled reference to their concerns about the Chinese tech giant over espionage allegations and sanctions busting.

The American team plans to advocate for other providers of next-generation mobile gear, such as Cisco Systems Inc., Ericsson AB and Nokia Oyj, according to one of the officials. The effort comes amid an intensified campaign by the Trump administration in Europe, Shenzhen-based Huaweis biggest market outside China, where governments in the U.K., Germany, France and other places are weighing whether to restrict its gear from 5G networks.

The American focus on Huawei has extended from its equipment to charges it stole intellectual property and violated sanctions on exports to Iran, in an escalation of tensions between the worlds two biggest economies. Huawei has denied wrongdoing and long maintained it doesnt provide back doors for the Chinese government, pointing out that no one has provided evidence to support such concerns.

Mobile World Congress is a key annual event thats helped Huawei -- a major sponsor of the gathering -- burnish its reputation as the dominant telecom equipment supplier. Huawei signed several deals last year, including one with Frances Bouygues Telecom to make Bordeaux the first city for a 5G network trial and one with BT Group Plc to do more joint 5G testing.

We are continuing to grow at MWC, Adam Mynott, a spokesman for Huawei, said by phone. This remains our most important trade function of the year.

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Foldable Phone

This year, Huawei will unveil a foldable 5G phone, demonstrate how the technology works in a joint presentation with Vodafone Group Plc, and make executives available to network with journalists, politicians and clients. About 100,000 people are expected to attend the four-day conference that starts on Feb. 25, to see the latest phones, artificial intelligence gadgets and autonomous drones exhibited by some 2,000 companies.

Guo Ping, Huaweis rotating chairman, and Richard Yu, chief executive officer of its consumer division, will face a prominent U.S. lineup. State Department staff will be joined by high-ranking officials including Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Manisha Singh and Brian Bulatao, a former CIA executive nominated as Under Secretary of State for Management by President Donald Trump, said one of the officials.

The U.S. wants to convey its conviction that security of 5G networks is paramount because the technology is crucial as the world digitizes, independent of an individual supplier, another official said.

Huawei is a global success story for China - probably the leading one, said Bengt Nordstrom, the head of telecom consultancy Northstream AB. The U.S. sending officials to Mobile World Congress to lobby against the company, he said, sounds to me like an escalation of the problem.

(Updates with analyst comment in final paragraph.)

To contact the reporters on this story: Stefan Nicola in Berlin at snicola2@bloomberg.net;Natalia Drozdiak in Brussels at ndrozdiak1@bloomberg.net;Nick Wadhams in Washington at nwadhams@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Rebecca Penty at rpenty@bloomberg.net, Bill Faries

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Amazon.com Inc. resurrected thousands of suspended product listings in India by selling much of its stake in top local venture partner Cloudtail, a hastily arranged deal intended to comply with stringent new e-commerce regulations that upended the market.

With the transaction, Cloudtail resumed selling products as of midnight, people familiar with the matter said. The Amazon entity sold 25 percent of its shares to Prione Business Services Pvt, a company run by billionaire Narayana Murthys Catamaran Advisors LLP. Prione now owns 76 percent of the venture from 51 percent previously, they said. The remaining 24 percent is now owned by a non-Indian arm of the U.S. retailers called Amazon Asia-Pacific Resources Ltd, they said, asking not to be identified talking about a private matter.

The deal allowed Amazon to recover a big chunk of item listings frozen since Feb. 1, when newly introduced e-commerce regulations threw Amazons and Walmart Inc.s plans for the worlds fastest-growing online retail arena into disarray. Heeding complaints from small merchants, Narendra Modis government banned Amazon and Walmarts Flipkart from cutting exclusive arrangements with sellers, offering deep discounts or holding any business interest in online merchants on their websites.

Amazons deal with Catamarans Prione complies with that latter rule, the people said, as Amazons Indian entity, the marketplace called Amazon Seller Services Pvt, has no direct relation to Prione whose stake is held by a Singapore-based Amazon entity.

Catamaran has always been 100% compliant with every law of our country, India. We will continue to do so in the future, Catamaran CEO Abishek Laxminarayan said in a statement on Thursday. On February 6, 2019, Catamaran has effected the required changes to be 100% compliant with the new regulations.

Despite Cloudtails return to Amazon.in, thousands of products remain missing from the virtual shelves of Amazon and Flipkart, which together account for 70 percent of Indias online retail market. Arvind Singhal of consultancy Technopak Advisors Pvt, has estimated their revenue growth could fall to 15 percent in coming months from 25 percent to 30 percent previously.

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Lawyers representing Amazon and Walmart have been toiling without pause to stitch together new deals. Meanwhile, Amazon is working out a similar process with its other large seller called Appario Retail Pvt, the people said.

Meanwhile, items on Amazon Pantry grocery service also made a comeback on the platform. Amazon Retail India Pvt, the food retailing unit of the Seattle giant, was deemed compliant with Indias laws, which allow 100 percent foreign investment in food retailing. The company has written to the government seeking further clarity on the fully owned food retailer selling on Amazons platform, said people familiar with the developments.

Walmart, which shelled out $16 billion to acquire control of Flipkart Online Services Pvt last summer, said its commitment to India is deep and long-term.

Despite the recent changes in regulations, we remain optimistic about the country, said Dirk Van den Berghe, executive vice president and regional chief executive officer of Walmart Asia and Canada.

Walmarts quarterly earnings are due later this month. Amazons shares have slid as analysts pushed the company for answers on India, a market the e-commerce titan regards as the best frontier for international expansion. CEO Jeff Bezos has pledged to spend $5.5 billion there, but executives had few encouraging words, saying on Thursday the effects of new e-commerce regulations in the country are still uncertain. Its newfound headaches in India come as a slowing global economy threatens to curtail consumer spending.

Amazon and Walmart now have to retool their strategies and potentially ward off stiffer competition from physical retailers or local rivals with deep pockets such as conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd., which may benefit from the new laws.

Walmarts and Amazons tactics have been controversial in a country where organized chains and large stores account for only about 10 percent of a retail market dominated by small sellers and mom-and-pop stores. The governments decision on the e-commerce rules comes months ahead of a crucial general election. Small traders have traditionally been part of a support base for Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

To contact the reporter on this story: Saritha Rai in Bangalore at srai33@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Robert Fenner at rfenner@bloomberg.net, Robin Ajello

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nearly four years into an aggressive five-year affordability drive, Aerojet Rocketdyne reports that it has already achieved its top major milestones  including relocation of manufacturing capabilities for three key missile defense program products across the country, and elimination of more than 1.1 million square feet of the companys office and manufacturing space.



In March 2015, the company first launched its Competitive Improvement Program (CIP) aimed at reducing product costs and increasing operational efficiency among its 15 sites across the country.

A major component of the initiative was the transfer of production of three key defense-related propulsion programs from the Sacramento, California, site to the companys sites in Camden, Arkansas, and Orange County, Virginia, that had similar manufacturing capabilities. Through a meticulous program management and risk reduction schedule, the company was able to build and replicate capabilities and execute the knowledge transfer needed to stand up and certify production at the receiving sites. In December 2017, one customer took first product deliveries of the two divert attitude propulsion programs that were transferred to Virginia, and in July 2018, another customer took first deliveries of a critical large solid rocket motor program that was transferred to Arkansas.

When we launched CIP and announced our company-wide consolidation plans, we acknowledged it was a bold move but one that we felt was essential to sustaining our competitiveness in the increasingly dynamic aerospace and defense sector, said Aerojet Rocketdyne Chief Operating Officer Mark Tucker, executive champion of the effort. Im proud to say weve done exactly what we promised wed do. Not only were we able to successfully duplicate our complex production requirements at other sites, but we retained critical personnel and improved product flow along the way through agile, modernized facilities that are now right-sized for the products we transferred. Best of all, we accomplished the program transfers without impact to the quality of the products we deliver, and engaged our customers throughout the process to share in the production and test milestones.

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Another goal of Aerojet Rocketdynes CIP was reduction of the companys 15-site footprint, starting with the largest site located on 12,000 acres outside of Sacramento, California, that contained 2.5 million square feet of facilities. Through a systematic consolidation of capabilities and facilities, as of January 2019, the site had decommissioned a total of 427 buildings, eliminating more than 1,155,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space.

Through our CIP, Aerojet Rocketdyne has achieved an impressive reorganization  transferring our state-of-the-art capabilities and making the investment needed in equipment and people to stand up operations at new sites that are right-sized and modernized for the future, said Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and President Eileen Drake. With the successful progress of the CIP, we are well on our way to achieving annual cost reductions of approximately $230 million by the year 2021. The culture of our company has undergone a paradigm shift  this is now how we do business. We are laser-focused on consolidating to create efficiencies where we can, and investing in the technologies needed to sustain our profitable growth and innovation in this industry.

Building on the successful execution of the first phase of its CIP, in April 2017, the company announced an expansion of the affordability drive that further consolidated capabilities and facilities while increasing Aerojet Rocketdynes existing presence and manufacturing capabilities in Huntsville, Alabama; Camden, Arkansas; and Orange County, Virginia. At the beginning of July 2018, the company moved into its new office building in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville which housed more than 350 employees at the end of the year. In October 2017, construction began on the companys new Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Huntsville -- a state-of-the-art factory that will focus on composites and additive manufacturing and is on track to be production-ready by the end of 2019.

About Aerojet Rocketdyne: Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (AJRD), is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion systems and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, and tactical systems areas, in support of domestic and international customers. For more information, visit www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com. Follow Aerojet Rocketdyne and CEO Eileen Drake on Twitter at @AerojetRdyne and @DrakeEileen.

Media Contacts:

Steve Warren, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 703-650-0278

Steven.Warren@Rocket.com

Lynn Machon, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 916-355-3587

Lynn.Machon@Rocket.com
Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: AP (3), Getty Images.

When Air Force Brig. Gen. Rob Spalding left the National Security Council in January, he was one of the few officials at the White House studying the security threat posed by the rapacious race to link up the worlds first high-speed 5G telecommunications network, primarily between the U.S. and China.

Spalding, who previously served as U.S. defense attache at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, believed that U.S. companies should work jointly in that race, with or without government aid, to bake strong security precautions into the new speedy networks  to prevent spying, theft or destruction by China and others.

Spalding came up with a notional plan that would, as outlined in his paper, Secure 5G  the Eisenhower National Highway System for the Information Age, more heavily involve the government in providing technology, spectrum and leadership, the way President John F. Kennedy expanded the space program. But when the memo outlining his plan was leaked to Axios, his proposal was misinterpreted, Spalding says, as a way to nationalize 5G under a government banner.

After the leak, his NSC detail was not renewed, he retired from the Air Force and his plan was effectively shelved.

Since Spaldings departure, the White House has pursued an aggressive strategy directed at preventing Beijing from dominating the U.S. 5G market, whether through banning Chinese companies from doing business with U.S. firms, or in the case of Huawei, pressing charges against a key executive. The Justice Department has also pursued an array of indictments targeting Chinese military and corporate espionage.

As the Trump administration ramps up pressure on China, Spaldings erstwhile proposal illustrates one of the basic problems of dealing with the national security issues related to 5G: While U.S. experts and policymakers may agree that Beijings dominance in this area represents a national security threat, attempts to keep Chinese companies out of the U.S. market may not, on their own, be the solution.

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Spalding believes the administration is taking the problem seriously, but lacks a larger strategy for dealing with it. We as a nation havent recognized that national security is far more about information today than about bombs and bullets like it was before, said Spalding. Merely keeping Huawei out of the U.S. markets is not a sufficient strategy.

While the specifics and components are not yet clearly defined, 5G, or the fifth generation, will become the next version of mobile communication networks  gradually replacing the current 4G LTE networks. The 5G network promises lightning fast connectivity and download speeds for large files likes videos, and some believe it will link up the now massive network that makes up the internet of things.

But 5G could become an example of how rapid progress has outpaced security considerations. Millions of smart fridges and routers and baby cams are often sold and preprogrammed with default passwords and lack of other security precautions, leaving them vulnerable to capture and use by attackers. The 5G network will only add more sensors and digital connections between these objects, increasing the attack surface.

The question has become now how to deal with that threat.

Spaldings plan has essentially had two options: Either the government would foot the bill for a centralized network that it could rent out  or the companies would come together to build one and sell it back to themselves later, forsaking their competitive business strategies for the good of the nation. Spalding says internal resistance in government and a lobbying campaign against his attempts to nationalize 5G ended any discussion over his plan prematurely.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Spalding (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

Spaldings plan does have supporters. Eric Spackey, a former telecom executive, told Yahoo News that Spaldings plan, while unpopular with many telecom employees focused on their own networks, may be one of the only ways to build a robust and secure network capable of lasting the next several decades.

The dilemma is getting network providers to work together, he told Yahoo News during a phone interview. What [Spalding] laid out to me was very rational and very clear  we have security issues we never really thought of back when we were building the original networks, he said.

Spackey said he didnt think individual carriers were capable of building the network with the robust standards necessary to defend against adversaries like China and Russia. Having the government support the project using taxpayer money could be no different than the national transit system, he added.

But one former colleague at the National Security Council called the plan half baked and insisted that Spalding may have gotten way over his skis, first by failing to work more within the government and its leadership, and second for suggesting a plan that seemed counter to promoting capitalist competition in the 5G space.

He was a lamb within a den of lions, said the former NSC official, referring to Spalding facing off against the telecoms that are already working on 5G networks. Im personally all for  maintaining 5G dominance, but we dont nationalize [things] in America  unless its war.

It may not be war, but the White House is pursuing an aggressive strategy when it comes to 5G

The National Security Council, according to the Wall Street Journal and Reuters, is working on an executive order that would ban private companies from using Chinese telecommunication companies Huawei and ZTEs products in the development of 5G networks. The order, which was independently confirmed to Yahoo News from two sources familiar with the matter, cites national security officials concern that the Chinese government could use its influence over domestic companies to use the network for espionage.

The National Security Council did not respond to a request for comment.

The White House and the intelligence community have so far not provided specific examples of Huawei stealing secrets or pilfering information through telecoms or their 5G development, but have rather cited ongoing concern that Huawei, given its close ties to the Chinese government, could not refuse to comply with any government request for information in the future. A recent Department of Justice indictment against Huawei alleged the company violated sanctions through work with Iran and stole trade secrets from T-Mobile.

Huawei may be a private company, but the Chinese governments forceful response to its CFOs arrest does demonstrate the tech giants unique status, pursuant to Chinas national agenda to lead in 5G, wrote Elsa Kania, an expert in Chinese defense and technology and a fellow with the Center for a New American Security. It is often difficult to disentangle Huaweis commercial activities from the Chinese governments geopolitical objectives.

A pedestrian talks on the phone outside a Huawei store in Beijing. (Photo: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

This may not be a new problem. Former telecommunications tech giants like Nortel, which filed for bankruptcy in 2009, attributed at least some of the causes of their demise to Chinese espionage  theft of business plans and internal documents reaching back to the early 2000s. Huawei and ZTE were key competitors at the time as well, selling similar products for less.

National security and technology experts are insistent that Huaweis involvement in espionage on behalf of the Chinese government is not theoretical.

There are examples of Chinese espionage that remain classified, according to James Lewis, senior director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies Technology Policy Program. Ive seen them, I know them to be true, he told Yahoo News. There shouldnt be any question that there are clear links to the Chinese intelligence services.

And according to one former intelligence official, the National Security Agency was already instrumental in pushing Germany not to work with Huawei. However, the NSA itself has sought ways to potentially spy on Huawei in the past, according to published documents from former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.

Broader condemnation of Huawei could have wide reaching financial consequences for American companies as well. A ban on Chinese companies would force small companies to rip out Huawei and ZTE products from their infrastructure, potentially without compensation. Both small American telecoms and European companies that have already signed agreements with Huawei could be either forced or pressured to forsake their ties to the Chinese companies to align with U.S. government standards.

Australia has already enacted a ban, while European countries like Poland, according to the New York Times, are currently being pressured to follow suit or else lose out on valuable assets like a future military base. Israel and others plan to join the group soon, according to one source familiar with the growing coalition.

The former NSC official who criticized Spaldings plan argued the ban would be effective at deterring Huawei. However, having been in government when President Trump effectively ended NSC employees plans to blackball Chinese tech company ZTE through a tweet last May, the official worried about a repeat flip-flop. I bet Trump caves just like [he did with] ZTE, the official said.

The concern with the ban  as well as Spaldings idea to nationalize the networks  is cost. Huawei is subsidized by the government, said Lewis of CSIS. You cant do this for free.

The proposed ban within the White House will be accompanied by some expense, said Lewis, but that will be offset if it allows for a couple years to break ties with Huawei instead of having to replace technology right away. Alternatives to Huawei, including Samsung and Ericsson, cost more money  but are currently recommended by the government as more secure.

Even so, the ban sends a good message said Lewis, particularly when paired with an international coalition.

Spackey, the former telecom executive and current CEO of Bluewater Defense, which manufactures uniforms for the military, also said that any national 5G network robust enough to be anywhere near impenetrable to bad actors would be very expensive  but worth the cost in the long run. Even with government support, its going to take five-10 years, he concluded.

No matter what happens, the results of the race between the U.S. and China could lead to a geopolitical impasse, argued Eurasia Group in a recent white paper, where countries will have to choose which network to adopt  putting countries with competing ties to the U.S. and China in a difficult position. Imposing a ban on Chinese products within the U.S. could make that divide all the clearer.

Photo: Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

And countries like Hungary, where a 5G deal with China was announced last year, may not go along with U.S. wishes.

Countries are being told to make a choice, said Spalding. You cant have U.S. security guarantees and choose to basically undermine collective security based on your economic relationships with a totalitarian government.

Those choices, depending on the speed of progress with 5G, could be on the horizon.

Were already seeing 5G rolling out all around usand China is a frontrunner, said Emily Walz, a lead analyst at defense contractor SOS International, who recently co-authored a U.S. government-sponsored report on Chinas Internet of Things. Chinas efforts to develop a functioning, wide-reaching 5G network are helping it become a standards maker, which increases its influence in shaping the future of 5G deployment worldwide and revenue of Chinese companies, Walz said.

At this point, progress in 5G is an inevitability  but the benefits and costs of seeking a ban without a U.S. body of companies mutually focused on digital defense are unclear.

Spalding, before he left the White House, had hoped to approach companies to say, maybe you could come together, form a consortium, build this network to focus on encryption and building in a layer of security, he told Yahoo News.

But Spaldings efforts ended when he left the NSC.

And so right now, because there was really nobody working on this project other than me, he said, a lot of what went into it was lost when I left.

_____

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1. Yes. Its important for students to stay focused throughout the year. Its a plus.

2. Yes. It would fill the learning gaps caused by COVID and would help cut youth crime.

3. No. Students and teachers deserve a summer break. Year-round school wont work.

4. No. It wouldnt work with the militarys summer PCS schedule. Its a bad idea.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing how the school calendar would work.

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Mr. Ciruli is the Director of the Crossley Center for Public Opinion Research at the University of Denvers Josef Korbel School of International Studies. He is an adjunct professor teaching public opinion and foreign policy. The Crossley Center conducts research and presents live and virtual programs on foreign policy, politics, public policy and public opinion.





Mr. Ciruli holds a law degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and a bachelors degree cum laude in political science from UCLA. He is a member of the American Association of Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), and is the past-president of the Pacific Chapter of AAPOR (PAPOR). Mr. Ciruli is a board member of the Social Science Foundation of the University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies and past-president of the Georgetown Law Alumni Board and the Denver Athletic Club.




Tourism Ministry, Aviation Authority cross swords over operational modalities for Gautam Buddha International Airport

The Tourism Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal are crossing swords over the operational modalities for Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.
Islamabad: Russia has come up with an integrated investment package of $14 billion for the energy sector in Pakistan including offshore gas pipeline and underground storage projects, a media report said on Thursday.

Five killed in South African coal mine gas explosion

As per the reports, A Russian delegation headed by Gazprom Management Committee Deputy Chairman Vitaly A Markelov pledged to do investment during a recent visit to Pakistan. The Russian companies would build a gas pipeline from Karachi to Lahore to transport imported gas for meeting the needs of the Punjab province.

According to report, Russians would invest around USD 10 billion in an offshore gas pipeline project, Out of the USD14 billion and USD 2.5 billion in the North-South pipeline project and the remaining on building underground storages in Pakistan.

Donald Trump pledge for 100 percent loss of ISIS in a week

Pakistan and Russian state-run entities on signed inter-corporate agreement to conduct a feasibility study of the USD10-billion offshore pipeline project. This big investment in Pakistan is coming at a time when bilateral relations between Moscow and Islamabad were warming up.

Economic benefits such as transit fee would accrue to Pakistan if the project is implemented, the report said. As per the agreement, Pakistan will import some 500 million to 1 billion cubic feet of gas from Russia daily, which would be transported through sea link.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Today, Kerala legislator P.C. George claimed that underworld don Ravi Pujari, presently detained in Senegal, had threatened to kill one of his sons. Mr George said that "This happened only two months back, when I was extending my full support to Bishop Franco Mullakal, who was arrested in a sex abuse case of a nun last year,". the seven time legislator, adding that he did instantly inform Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and State Police chief Loknath Behera said that "The reason why I kept mum then was because he threatened to finish off one of my two sons,".

While the first caller had identified himself as Ravi Pujari, during the second call that he received from the same number, the caller was speaking in Malayalam and said he has been instructed by the, George said.A subsequent police probe revealed the call came from South Africa and the caller was indeed Ravi Pujari, said the Poonjar MLA.

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He also said that "On both occasions when he abused me, I gave it back to him. And since then our security has been heightened, especially that of my younger son. Just because I took a stand for the Bishop, I was targeted," the 67-year-old MLA said. Mr George is currently an Independent MLA. He is known for his brashness and reportedly always carries a licensed revolver.

He had created quite a furore, some time back when he pulled out his revolver after being surrounded by people when he was settling some matter in his constituency in the Kottayam district .Ravi Pujari's first Kerala connection came up in December last year, when following a shooting incident outside the beauty parlour of actress Leena Maria Paul in Kochi, the police traced it to the mafia don.

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Prithvi Man Shrestha is a political reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering the governance-related issues including corruption and irregularities in the government machinery. Before joining The Kathmandu Post in 2009, he worked at nepalnews.com and Rising Nepal primarily covering the issues of political and economic affairs for three years.
New Delhi: The Defence Ministry gives another big boost to the Indian military that they might soon consider the purchase of 54 Harop weapons from Israel ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Harop is an unmanned aerial weapon system manufactured by the Israel Aerospace Industries. Unlike to other drones that drop bombs, the Harop becomes a rocket in itself. It is one of those unusual weapons that loiter in the sky and once a target is set, it does not release a weapon but becomes one.

According to source report, the Indian Air Force had acquired the Harop around a decade ago and the Defence Acquisition Council, headed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising Defence Chief Secretary and chiefs of the military are likely to repeat the order during their next meeting on February 8.

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What makes it deadly is that the UAV has a 20-kilogram ammunition package and is very accurate, which is why the Indian Air Force is keen on procuring it. It also has a huge capability with a loitering capability of about six hours.

While during the meeting, the DAC is also expected to consider the gaining of other weapon systems such as the 105mm blank bullets that is usually used for the 21 gun salutes, three cadre training ships for the navy, an upgrade of the Samyukta electronic warfare system and satellite communication systems.

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Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would hold his second meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam on February 27-28, while giving himself credit for averting a major war on the Korean peninsula.

Trump said in his annual State of the Union address to Congress much work remained to be done in the push for peace with North Korea, but cited the halt in its nuclear testing and no new missile launches in 15 months as proof of progress.

"If I had not been elected president of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea," Trump said.

Trump had raised fears of war in 2017 when he threatened to rain 'fire and fury like the world has never seen' on North Korea because of the threat its nuclear weapons and missiles posed to the United States.

Trump met Kim in Singapore on June 12 in the first summit between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader. Trump has been eager to hold a second summit in spite of a lack of concrete progress in persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program.

He said his relationship with Kim "is a good one."

The presidential Blue House of South Korea, which plays a facilitating role between the United States and North Korea, welcomed Trump's announcement and expressed hope for progress on improving relations.

"The two leaders already took their first step in Singapore toward shaking off their 70-year history of hostilities. Now we hope that they will take a step forward for concrete, substantive progress," Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom told a news briefing in Seoul.

Vietnam would be the best host of the event, Kim Eui-kyeom said, citing its checkered history with the United States in which they used to "point a gun and knife at each other."

Communist-ruled Vietnam, which has good relations with both the United States and North Korea, had been widely touted as the most likely venue for the meeting.

It has also been used as a model of economic and political reform for impoverished and isolated North Korea to follow. That would require major changes to the North's personality cult and 'juche' ideology of self sufficiency.

Trump did not say which Vietnamese city would host the two leaders but both the capital, Hanoi, and Danang have been considered as possibilities.

A source at Danang airport said four U.S. military V-22 "Osprey" aircraft flew from Japan's Okinawa island and landed in the coastal city on Tuesday evening. They left after a few hours, the source said.

US logistics officials visited the city last week, a major base for U.S. and South Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The US Embassy in Vietnam said it did not have anything to announce regarding the summit.

'Concrete deliverables'

US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun was due to hold talks in Pyongyang this week to map out what he called "a set of concrete deliverables" for the second meeting.

The Singapore summit yielded a vague commitment from Kim to work toward the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, where US troops have been stationed since the 1950-53 Korean War.

In the US view, North Korea has yet to take concrete steps to give up its nuclear weapons. It has complained that the United States has done little to reciprocate its freezing of nuclear and missile testing and dismantling of some nuclear facilities.

North Korea has repeatedly urged a lifting of punishing US-led sanctions, a formal end to the war, and security guarantees.

The three-year Korean War ended with an armistice that left the two Koreas technically still at war.

Seoul officials said the summit would likely centre on dismantling the North's main Yongbyon nuclear complex and how this would be reciprocated, although the United States remains reluctant to provide any sanctions relief.

The focus of the two-day summit would be whether Washington was willing to ease some of the sanctions, said Cheong Seong-Chang, a senior fellow at South Korea's Sejong Institute.

"If the United States can be more proactively flexible on that, it may draw other denuclearisation steps on top of abolishing the Yongbyon facilities, and expedite talks on setting up a liaison office and replacing the armistice with a peace treaty," Cheong said.

While Trump has hailed 'tremendous progress' in his dealings with North Korea, a confidential report by UN sanctions monitors seen by Reuters this week cast further doubt on the North's intentions.

It said the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programs remained intact and that North Korea was working to make sure those capabilities could not be destroyed by any military strikes.

Read more: Latest world news
Patna: In a shocking incident, a teenaged girl was gang-raped in front of her father by six youths in a village in Bihar's Kishanganj district, police said on Thursday.

According to police officials, the 19-year-old victim lodged a police complaint on Wednesday that six youth of her village under Kodhowadi police station knocked at her door late Tuesday night asking for water to drink, but forcibly entered her home and dragged her outside.

Her complaint said they took her to a deserted field near her house and gang-raped her in front of her father, who was taken hostage and tied to a tree.

The victim also informed the police that the accused threatened her and father not to approach the police.

A case has been lodged against all the named accused, Kishanganj Superintendent of Police Kumar Ashish said.

Ashish said the accused are absconding and no arrest has been made so far.

"I am personally monitoring the case and they will be arrested soon," he said.
Raipur: In the first major operation after Congress government came to power in Chhattisgarh, security forces have gunned down at least 10 Maoists.

Several Maoists have also been injured in a fierce gun-battle in the forests of Bijapur district in tribal Bastar region of the state.

The encounter

Top police officials confirmed in state capital, Raipur, that a joint team of District Reserve Guards (DRG) and Special Task Force were on a search and combing operation in the forest region of Takilod, North of Indravati River in Maad area, when the rebels tried to ambush the security personnel.

The forces retaliated, leading to a fierce encounter between the security forces and rebels lasting almost an hour.

Police confirmed that bodies of ten Maoist rebels were recovered from the spot of encounter.

Security forces suspect that more Maoist cadres might have been injured or killed.

Usually, it is the practice of the Maoists to drag away bodies of their dead comrades.

Reinforcements have been rushed to the area to step up combing operations in the region to flush out the rebels.

Police said details about the causalities would be known only after the area is sanitized and the forces returned to their base.

Maoists encounter after a lull

Maoists in the region were lying low after the assembly elections in November.

However, the rebels last week felled trees and obstructed road traffic to observe a revolutionary week.

In the last week of January, police had seized some pamphlets purportedly written by a section of Maoists in the forest areas of Bijapur district. It urged the government to reopen schools and improve medical facilities.

However, the police maintained that it was still verifying whether any Maoist group had circulated these pamphlets or it was the handiwork of some groups to portray that Maoists groups were expressing faith in the system after the government changed.

New govt's promises

The Congress government, headed by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, has been maintaining right from day one that it would soon initiate a dialogue with the local people of Maoist-affected Bastar to understand what they really want and how to solve the vexed Maoist issue.

Besides, the government had also hinted that it would initiate a series of confidence building measures to take the affected population into confidence, without pursuing the policy of  bullet for bullet.

Read more: Latest India news
New Delhi: Corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar has links with fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) told a Delhi court on Thursday while seeking extension of his custody for interrogation.

"Investigation has revealed his (Talwar) links with fugitive Vijay Mallya when both the said persons were evading the process of law and the investigation on the said aspect is ongoing for determining the trail of the tainted money in the instant case," Special Public Prosecutors D P Singh and Nitesh Rana told the court.

Investigation on routing of the funds through various entities registered in India and other countries will enable the agency to determine the beneficiaries of money laundering, they said.

"It would also throw light on the involvement of the public officials and other persons connected to generation of proceeds of crime by the said accused (Talwar)/his associates as a syndicate," the ED said adding that further custody of Talwar will help in ascertaining key elements of the case.

Special Judge Santosh Snehi then allowed the ED to quiz Talwar till February 12.

Talwar was presented before the court on expiry of his seven-day ED custody.

The ED told the court that Talwar's custody is required as he needs to be confronted with documents as well as his son Aditya Talwar, who is abroad and his associate Yasmine Kapoor.

It also told the court that the probe has disclosed Talwar and his family members were owners of eight offshore companies and the credit into the bank accounts of these companies are under investigation for uncovering the money trail.

"The custody of Talwar is required to unearth the proceeds of crime laundered through these companies," ED's counsel said.

Talwar's counsel opposed the plea, saying that Talwar was forced to take names of politicians and that some companies were his.

Talwar was deported from the UAE on January 30 night. He was presented before a court on January 31 which sent him to seven days ED custody.

The ED said that Rs 200 crore was allegedly received in one of the bank accounts of a company of Talwar in Singapore and that he is being probed for his suspected role in the irregular seat sharing on Air India's profitable routes with some international airlines.

Talwar had fled to Dubai after the Indian agencies started probing his role in concealing the income of more than Rs 1,000 crore as well as facilitating aviation contracts during the UPA regime.

He is accused of brokering aviation sector deals, getting government approval for foreign companies, and securing favours for clients due to his ties with UPA functionaries.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is in a churn but both president A Padmakumar and commissioner N Vasu agree on one thing. The Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter Sabarimala should be respected.

Here is the disagreement, and the source of the confusion. The TDB president said that the Board officials and lawyers were asked to seek more time from the Court to implement the verdict. The commissioner but said that the petition seeking more time was not even listed by the court. Only the 56 review petitions came up for hearing, he said. Vasu even questioned the need for such a petition at this juncture.

The petition seeking more time was intended for the season that had just concluded. The next season comes only in November. It is up to the Board to decide whether another petition asking for more time needs to be filed, Vasu said here on Thursday, just after he returned from Delhi. A couple of hours before Vasu met the press, Padmakumar said that he would seek an explanation from the Commissioner and the standing counsel about what transpired inside the court.

There were reports that the Board's lawyer Rakesh Dwivedi had spoken for the entry of women into Sabarimala, prompting Justice Indu Malhotra, the lone dissenting judge, to ask him about the sudden change of stand.

Vasu said that the Board's attorney had just three minutes to speak. It is true that the lawyer told the court that the Board accepts the Supreme Court verdict. This is in keeping with the decision taken by the TDB, the commissioner said. But he said that the poser attributed to Justice Indu Malhothra was false. I was there in the court and nothing of that sort had happened, Vasu said.

The commissioner also emphasised that there was no change in the Board's stand. He defended the lawyer saying that there was nothing new in informing the court that the Board had accepted the verdict. In fact, a resolution was passed by the Board in the first week of November last year saying that the Board was obliged to implement the Supreme Court verdict, Vasu said. Padmakumar, too, did not find anything wrong in telling the court that the Board would abide by the SC verdict. Being a Constitutional body, the TDB is obliged to go by the SC verdict, he said.

The commissioner said that he would apprise the TDB president about what happened in court. We have not said anything in the court that the TDB president is not aware of, he said. He has not told me about any confusions that he has nor has he asked for any explanation from me. But I would definitely brief him about the court proceedings, Vasu said.

TDB president Padmakumar is peeved at the way the board officers take decisions without consulting him. He joins a section of officers who think that the controversy surrounding the Supreme Court order has antagonised conservative devotees and dented revenue at the temples the board manages.

Though the government is often irked by Padmakumars contrarian stands, he is unlikely to be unseated in an election year to avoid unnecessary controversies. He is expected to complete his term in November.

Even a section of the CPI(M) leadership is not amused by the TDB stand in the court. They had expected the Left Democratic Front government to soften its stand and pass the buck to the court in view of the stiff opposition to womens entry to the popular temple. They are worried that the uncompromising stand miight lead to an erosion of votes for the ruling front in the general election a few months down the line.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has temporarily reinstated six Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs), who were demoted as circle inspectors (CI) over disciplinary actions, for 10 days.

The government temporarily reinstated them after Kerala Administrative Tribunal's interim order. VG Raveendranath, E Sunil Kumar, MK Manoj Kabeer, KS Udayabhanu, S Ashok Kumar and T Anil Kumar have been reinstated as DySPs.

In an unprecedented move last week, DySPs, who were facing disciplinary action, were demoted to CIs apparently as part of the pre-poll exercise by the state government.

The demoted officers had reached their superior posts through temporary promotion.

This was for the first time that the department had recommended for the demotion of such a large number of officers. Till now, those officers who were facing departmental disciplinary action or any other charge were not barred from promotion on the grounds that the Kerala Police Act had not prohibited promotion on the basis of disciplinary action.

However, last month, the state government had nullified the section that stipulated disciplinary action would not affect departmental promotion. This, in turn, led to the reconsideration of the temporary promotions effected earlier.

Read more: Latest Kerala news
Thiruvananthapuram: Underworld don Ravi Pujari, a suspect in the Kochi salon shooting, had threatened Kerala MLA PC George, evidence gathered by the police suggests. Pujari's call log collected by the Intelligence Bureau has George's phone number on it. Six calls had been made to Georges phone on January 11 and 12, 2019.

The internet calls have been traced to Senegal in West Africa, where the don was arrested recently. George had earlier revealed he was threatened by Pujari in the case related to rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal. This, however, faced ridicule on social media.

'Ready to take him on'

George said he was not afraid of Pujari and ready to take him on if needed. I answered the call twice. The police say he called six times. Didnt bother to register a complaint since I thought it was some thug. The police have collected information from me, he said.

George's earlier account:

I got an internet call from Africa. He asked if I got the message. When I apologised for not reading it for lack of time, he introduced himself as Ravi Pujari. He threatened to kill me and one of my sons.

These threats wont work with me, you..., I said in whatever language I knew. He called again from the same number. The police are carrying out a detailed investigation, George said.

Pujari was shuttling among Senegal, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast when the police nabbed him. The operation involved Senegalese armed police in three buses. He was living along with wife and children under the fake name Antony Fernandes.

Pujari's name had cropped up in the Kochi beauty parlour shooting case. The beauty parlour owned by actor Leena Maria Paul was attacked on December 15 last year by two bike-borne assailants, who left a slip with Pujaris name. The actor told the police that she had received calls from Pujari asking for Rs 25 crore in the days leading to the shooting.

Read more: Latest Kerala news
Kottayam: The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to offer former parliamentarian PC Thomas the Kottayam seat in the Lok Sabha election.

The BJP leadership has not announced that the Thomas will contest from the seat, though the Kerala Congress leader had been a front-runner from the beginning.

The BJP central leaderships suggestion to allocate the seat to its ally came in the party's 'baitak' held Wednesday.

Kottayam is the sitting seat of Kerala Congress (Mani) group, but Jose K Mani's resignation, after being elected to the Rajya Sabha, has sowed confusion in the UDF about its candidate.

A section within the Congress and the UDF would like to have AICC general secretary Oommen Chandy as the candidate.

The former chief minister, whose Puthupally Assembly constituency falls within the Kottayam Lok Sabha seat, though, is reluctant to contest.

An idea being floated in the UDF is that since the KC (M) has been granted an RS seat, the Congress should claim the Kottayam LS seat.

But Oommen Chandy himself has come on record saying Kottayam is the sitting seat of the KC(M).

The BJP wants to take advantage of this situation by making Thomas contest in the constituency.

The BJP is hinging on Thomas' image as the son of Kerala Congress founder PT Chacko and his clout in the region to win the seat. Thomas, too, is interested in the idea.

Thomas was the first NDA candidate to have won a Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. He was elected from the erstwhile Muvattupuzha constituency in 2004. He was later disqualified for wooing voters on religious grounds.

Another NDA ally, the Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), too was in the fray for the seat.

The BJPs state and district leaderships have withdrawn claims for the seat after the central leaderships suggestion.

However, a final call will be made only after the LDF declares its candidate.

Janata Dal (S) contested the Kottayam seat for the LDF in 2014.

If the LDF chooses a CPM candidate for the seat, the NDA might select someone from the BJP itself.

Noble Mathew, who was the NDA candidate in 2014, has joined the BJP. The partys district leadership wants a BJP candidate since it was in Kottayam that majority of cases against Sabarimala protesters were registered.

The BDJS was considered because of the votes it won in Vaikom and Ettumanoor Assembly constituencies in 2016.

Read more: Latest Lok Sabha elections
Kozhikode: Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Mullappally Ramachandran confirmed on Thursday that he will not contest the Lok Sabha polls from his sitting seat of Vadakara. However, Mullappally said that he would be a strong presence in the constituency.

Whoever may be the candidate, I will be 'half the candidate' in Vadakara, Mullappally said at Kalpetta during his Janamahayathra.

Mullappally later reiterated his stance at Mukkom in Kozhikode district. He will be campaigning in Kozhikode on Friday also.

Mullappally stressed that the party would consider only the winning possibility of the candidate in the selection procedures. However, he evaded questions on why he was not in the fray despite having a very good chance of winning.

In the reception at Mananthavady, allies including Indian Union Muslim League and Kerala Congress (Jacob) had openly requested Mullappally to contest from Wayanad constituency, if he was adamant on not contesting from Vadakara.

With Mullappally's withdrawal, citing the precedence of KPCC chiefs not contesting the elections, Kerala Students Union state president K M Abhijith has emerged as the front-runner for the Vadakara seat. Abhijith had openly challenged discussions involving candidature of daughter of late Wayanad MP MI Shanavas  Amina  at Wayanad.
Stalling on recognition

The government must recognise and protect the value of street vendors
Thiruvananthapuram: The RSS, which has taken over BJP's Lok Sabha election campaigning in Kerala, is trying to rope in stalwarts to spruce up its chances in the crucial polls.

A list of probables, including Malayalam actor Mohanal and Pandalam royal family member Sasikumar Varma, has been handed over to the BJP leadership through national organising secretary Ram Lal.

Seven probables have been short listed for the Thiruvananthapuram seat.

Apart from Mohanlal, it also includes Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi and former Kerala BJP chief Kummanam Rajasekharan.

The RSS is deploying a new strategy in the state by sidelining BJP leaders completely and taking over control of all 20 parliamentary constituencies. Fielding 10 known faces is part of that plan.

A private agency was entrusted with the task of knowing the pulse of the electorate.

Former Kerala BJP chief Kummanam Rajasekharan, Mohanlal and Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi are being considered for the Thiruvananthapuram seat.

From the findings of the survey, the RSS shortlisted its choice of probable candidates including Sasikumara Varma from Pathanamthitta. However, Sasikumar Varma is yet to decide on contesting the elections. Varma had hit headlines after he vehemently opposed the Left government's decision to implement the Supreme Court's verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter the temple. Varma said he wanted the Sabarimala row to resonate in the Lok Sabha.

The list also includes the positives and negatives of each candidate. The RSS believes independent candidates will help the party develop its base and gather more votes.

The RSS still hopes to rope in Mohanlal even though the popular actor had reiterated his unwillingness to contest several times in the past few days.

Talking to Manorama Online, Mohanlal said that he had a clear-cut political stand but was unwilling to disclose his political allegiance on a public platform.

Ram Lal, who is considered close to Amit Shah in the party, held a meeting with the BJP state leadership the other day.

More leaders, including BJP president Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynanath, are expected to visit the state soon.

Read more: Latest Lok Sabha news
New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday directed senior office-bearers of the party to finalise candidates for the Lok Sabha polls by February-end and asked newly appointed Uttar Pradesh in-charges Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia to strengthen the party in the state in "mission-mode".

At a meeting with AICC general secretaries and in-charges of various states at the party headquarters, Gandhi said that new faces should be given precedence over those who have lost the elections 2-3 times while selecting candidates.

Priyanka Gandhi, who was attending the first meeting as AICC general secretary in-charge of the party's affairs in Uttar Pradesh East after taking charge on Wednesday, said she would not rest till the flag of Congress' ideology flies high in the state.

"I met with our AICC General Secretaries & State In Charges at the AICC HQ this evening. Our discussions covered a wide range of subjects. The team is match ready and we will play on the front foot...," Gandhi said on Twitter after the meeting.

According to Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, Gandhi asked leaders to ensure that the campaign should be a decent one, and "not like the BJP".

When asked about Gandhi's direction coming on a day he called the prime minister a "darpok" (coward), Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, at a press conference, said that a liar has to be called a liar and it can't be helped.

During the meeting with the general secretaries and state in-charges, Gandhi gave an ultimatum that selection of candidates should be completed this month itself, Venugopal said at the press conference.

The need for a mechanism at the central level to monitor the campaign in various states was also discussed at the meeting , he said.

Campaign strategies and alliances were also discussed at the nearly three-hour meeting.

All general secretary in charges shared their views and the Congress president told them what he expects from them, Scindia told reporters after coming out of the meeting.

The Congress president also gave a clear vision about the current political situation in the country -- the way the BJP government is misusing agencies and propagating false promises, Venugopal said.

Surjewala said that Gandhi stressed at the meeting that in selecting candidates youth and experience both should find place.

Congress chief congratulated Priyanka Gandhi and Scindia and encouraged them to work for the strengthening the Congress party in the state in mission-mode.

He also highlighted that the Congress was going into polls with new ideas and in that context talked about the minimum income guarantee scheme, Surjewala said.

Gandhi said the Congress has to fight divisive politics and polarisation.

The citizenship bill was also discussed during the meeting and it was highlighted that the traditions and culture of the Northeast was being attacked, Surjewala said, dubbing the bill as a conspiracy.

The Congress president said that if the BJP tries to bring the citizenship bill, the Congress will oppose it both inside and outside Parliament, according to Surjewala.

The Congress will not allow it to be passed in the Rajya Sabha and will talk to other parties so as to defeat the bill on the floor of the House, he said.

Priyanka Gandhi, in her remarks, at the meeting said she will work together with other Congress leaders to end the politics of division and casteism in UP.

Rahul Gandhi has also called a meeting of state chiefs and Congress Legislature Party leaders on Saturday in the national capital, to review preparedness for the general election.
After his rom-com 100 days of Love, writer-director Jenuse Mohammed comes up with a psychological science-fiction thriller '9' starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead role.

'9' marks the debut production venture of Prithviraj Productions. It also paves the way for the grand entry of Sony Pictures to the Malayalam industry.

'9', as the title suggests, revolves around a global scientific event spanning nine days, which would leave the Earth deprived of using electricity, and all power and communication facilities.

Albert Lewis (Prithviraj), a renowned astrophysicist is assigned a task, which requires him to travel to the foothills of the Himalayas. The bonding been Albert and his son Adam (Master Alok) is narrated against the backdrop of the catastrophe.

Director Januse deserves a big round applause for taking up a concept unfamiliar to Mollywood that mainly involves psychological, sci-fi and horror elements.

Normally, such themes are too risky to handle since they might be exposed to the unwritten laws of logic.

Actor Prithviraj, too, had never shied away from trying unusual genres in the past in films like Ezra, Tiyaan etc.

'9,' which also has a whole lot of supernatural elements, looks convincing and will keep you on the edge of your seats.

Prithviraj comes up with a solid performance as Albert. He anchors the film with his intense portrayal of the character and manages to maintain the tempo throughout the film.

Actress Wamiqa Gabbi proves her talent yet again as she portrays a completely different role from her debut movie Godha.

Master Alok of 'Clint' fame too has done a fine job. Prakash Raj, who appears as Prithvi's mentor Dr. Inayat Khan, is a perfect fit for the role.

Cinematographer Abhinandan Ramanujam's frames are visually stunning. Eye-soothing colour tones add to the mood of the film.

He has beautifully captured the scenic beauty of Manali and Spiti Valley. Though not devoid of minor flaws, the visual effects are quite convincing.

The music by Shaan Rahman is excellent and the background score by 'Da Thadiya' fame Shekar Menon is superb. It also plays a key part to enhance the horror element of the movie.

Prithviraj will be collaborating with production giant Sony Pictures for the movie.

The 148-minute movie is a must watch in big screens. It is indeed a feather in the cap for Malayalam film industry.

Read more Movie Reviews
Thrissur: A notorious chain-snatcher, who was involved in as many as twenty cases over the past few months, was nabbed by the Chalakudy police on Wednesday.

The habitual criminal, known for his sleight of hand, was identified as Amal, a native of Kuttichira near here.

His prime targets were pedestrian women on deserted streets or lanes. The accused used to mortgage the booty with pawn brokers, collect money and spend it to lead a luxurious life. In a span of three-and-half months, the accused had made about Rs 12 lakh by pledging as many as fourteen robbed gold ornaments, the police said.

Rattled by the spate of chain-snatching incidents, a special police squad, headed by Chalakudy DySP C R Santhosh had stepped up surveillance and started scanning records of habitual chain-snatchers in the district. They identified the bike used by the accused to carry out the crimes on the basis of CCTV footage recovered from different spots.

However, the registration number of the vehicle, which was found fitted with extra accessories, was unrecognisable.

With the help of the Motor Vehicles Department, the police collected registration details of about fifty suspicious bikes of same make and zeroed in on eight of them. However, even as they pored over the details of the shortlisted vehicles, chain-snatching incidents continued unabated.

Thereafter the cops rounded up several habitual offenders who were involved in chain-snatching cases reported in Thrissur and neighbouring districts over the past few years, but investigation confirmed that they were not present in areas under the jurisdiction of the Chalakudy police station at the time of the crimes.

Smart work by police

The investigators painstakingly verified thousands of calls that had gone through the closest mobile towers at the location of the crimes. Call data records revealed that Amal had made several calls to people in the business of moneylending and pawnbroking in the region. The police managed to obtain his photograph and approached the operators of those financial firms. All of them identified him and told the police that as many as six gold chains pledged by him were with them.

The police kept a close watch on his movements and apprehended him the other day based on a tip-off. Initially he feigned innocence and refuted the charge of his involvement in chain-snatching. However, regarding the chains that he pledged with pawn brokers, he could not give a clear answer.

Meagre income, lavish lifestyle

The investigators checked his background and found that he hailed from a modest family of daily wagers. Amals father drives an autorickshaw to eke out a living while his brother is a tipper lorry driver. Though Amal has been working as a newspaper agent, obviously that income was not enough to provide for his lavish lifestyle.

After the cops subjected him to rigorous questioning, asking about his meagre income and extravagant spending habits, Amal had no other option but to confess to the charges against him. He admitted to have committed a series of chain-snatching crimes so that he could live a lavish lifestyle. The money he received by pledging the stolen ornaments was used to visit picnic spots outside Kerala along with his friends, Amal told the investigators.

Before being graduated to the greener pastures of chain-snatching, Amal used to steal LED bulbs from houses in the neighbourhood. Though the neighbours were certain that he was behind the thefts, they did not approach police due to lack of evidence.

Ultimately, the proverbial long arm of the law caught up with him.

The police recovered the fourteen gold chains pledged by Amal with different lending firms in the district.
Kollam: Five women traffic wardens here are braving the sun, dust and speeding vehicles without any gain for them. Associated with the the Kundara police station near here, they have not been paid salary for the last two months for the agonising job.

The traffic wardens are paid a monthly salary of Rs 6,000, Rs 200 per day, when the home guards are paid about Rs 750 daily for the same task.



The police personnel, who have the responsibility to monitor the work of the traffic wardens, don't enquire whether the latter got the salary or not. The traffic wardens are deployed, with the help of sponsors, in major cities to ease the work pressure of police force who draw salary from the government exchequer.



The five women traffic personnel are in a fix as the authorities concerned have so far failed to mobilise money from the sponsors to pay them salary. The wardens have to buy their uniforms, and there has been no pay hike for the past 10 years.



Ironically, these unpaid women personnel work in an area represented by a woman minister.


White House senior adviser Jared Kushner will travel to at least five Arab countries in late February to brief diplomats on the economic portion of a long-awaited U.S. peace proposal for the Middle East and seek their support, officials said on Thursday, Trend reported citing Reuters.

Kushner, who is President Donald Trumps influential son-in-law, and Trumps Middle East envoy, Jason Greenblatt, plan stops in Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar on their week-long trip, two senior White House officials said. They may add two other countries to their itinerary.

Kushner and Greenblatt, joined by State Department envoy Brian Hook and Kushner aide Avi Berkowitz, will not brief the diplomats on the political component of the peace plan, which covers all core issues of the decades-old conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, the officials said.

Instead, they will gauge the level of support for the economic part of the plan, which is expected to include a combination of aid and investment to help the Palestinian people, the officials said.

Jared is going to share elements of the economic plan to the region. The economic plan only works if the region supports it, said one official who briefed a small group of reporters. This is a very important part of the overall equation.

Seeking regional support for the economic plan is a step on the way to the eventual unveiling of Trumps sweeping proposals to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The economic plan is widely expected to include international funding proposals for the impoverished Gaza Strip.

Officials said they realized that the Arab diplomats Kushner meets will want to know elements of the political component before rendering a judgment on the economic plan.

Theyre not going to support the economic plan without making sure they also support the political plan, and we recognize that. So the support, Im sure in some manner, will be conditioned on whether they are comfortable with the political plan, one official said.

Release of the Trump peace plan was delayed after Palestinians erupted in anger when Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December 2017.

The current thinking among White House officials is that the peace plan will be unveiled sometime after Israel holds elections on April 9 that will decide the fate of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It is unclear how the U.S. plan would deal with the sensitive issue of Jerusalem. Palestinians want the citys eastern part as their future capital. Kushner is not visiting Israel on this trip, the officials said.

Palestinian President Mohammed Abbas has refused to talk about any peace plan with the United States in the wake of Trumps recognition of Jerusalem, but White House officials hope that will change.

We hope Abbas reads the plan, judges it on its merits, and comes to the table for negotiations after we release the plan. His people deserve nothing less, one official said.

U.S. officials, meanwhile, have been meeting with Palestinians from all walks of life to keep lines of communication open, the official said.
US President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday that no meeting has yet been scheduled with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trend reports citing Sputnik.

"Not yet," Trump said when asked whether a meeting with Xi has been scheduled amid the ongoing US-China trade talks.

Previously, Trump said during his second State of the Union address that a new trade deal between the United States and China must include a structural change to end unfair trade practices.

Earlier in the day, Commerce Department data revealed that the US monthly trade deficit decreased by about 11.5 percent overall and more than seven percent with China.

The United States and China have been engaged in a trade war since Trump announced last June that $50 billion worth of Chinese goods would be subject to 25 percent tariffs in a bid to fix the US-Chinese trade deficit. Since then, the two countries have exchanged several rounds of trade tariffs.
The head of Pentagon policy John Rood said that because the US has been in full compliance with the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty it has no plans to create or deploy an intermediate range missile system, Trend reports citing The Hill.

The Undersecretary of Defense for Policy made his statement after Russia indicated on Tuesday that it will also abandon the INF after the US withdrawal, with plans to develop two new land-based missile launch systems by 2021 to counter US developments in its missile capabilities.

We dont have an intermediate range system or something like that that we would, that were talking about deploying at this time. Were going to look at our options in this regard, Rood said, cited by the Hill.

The Trump administration last week announced long-anticipated plans to stop complying with the INF Treaty, accusing Russia of violating the agreement for years and giving Moscow a six-month withdrawal period. Russia has repeatedly denied breaching the agreement.

In his State of the Union speech on Tuesday night, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States is developing a state of the art missile defence system, and will never apologize for advancing Americas interests.

Perhaps we can negotiate a different agreement, adding China and others, or perhaps we cant. In which case we will outspend and out-innovate all others, by far, Trump added.

Rood said that US officials will discuss their defence options with allies at a NATO defence ministers meeting later this month in Brussels in order to see how we adapt our defence posture in response to that new reality.

[Washington doesnt] have any plans right now and arent contemplating deployment of nuclear missiles in Europe or anything of that nature. Thats not what were thinking about right now, he added.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Foreign construction companies are showing particular interest in construction of the shipping channel in Istanbul, the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure told Trend Feb. 7.

The preparation of the shipping channel construction project in Istanbul has been completed, according to the ministry.

The Istanbul shipping channel construction project is one of the most important projects, the ministry said.

The intention to implement the project of construction of the Istanbul shipping channel was announced for the first time in 2011 by the current President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The length of the shipping channel in Istanbul will be 43 kilometers, and in the framework of the construction project, a special authority will also be created in order to control the operation of the channel after its commissioning.

The purpose of the construction of the Istanbul channel is to reduce the burden of shipping on the Bosphorus Strait, as well as to prevent the threat of environmental and man-made disasters on one of the most intense sea routes in the world, the ministry said.

The width of the Istanbul channel, according to plans, will be 400 meters, and its depth - 25 meters. The channel will be able to let pass 150-160 vessels per day.

Currently, the Bosphorus is used by an average of 150 vessels per day, of which about 30 are oil tankers. Annually about 150 million tons of oil and oil products are transported through the Black Sea Straits, while the throughput capacity of the Bosphorus is estimated at 200 million tons.

The Istanbul channel will run parallel to the Bosphorus and will actually make the European part of Istanbul an island and finally separate it from Europe. The channel will pass from the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea through the Kucukcekmece Lake.

On the banks of the artificial channel, it is planned to build new residential complexes, which will be connected with other areas of the 15 million metropolis thanks to modern transport infrastructure, including metro and high-speed trains, as well as with the third airport in Istanbul.

As part of this project, the construction of a new port is also expected.

It will be possible to use tankers with a length of 275 meters, a width of 48 meters and a capacity of 14,500 DWT on the Istanbul shipping channel, which is being built as part of the governments Vision 2023 plan.

The construction of the navigable channel will continue for five years and the minimum service life of the canal will be 100 years.

The official exchange rate for Feb. 7 is 5.2183 TRY/USD.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

A terrorist attack was prevented on the Turkish-Syrian border, Trend reports referring to the Turkish media on Feb. 7.

Reportedly, the attack was prevented as a result of a special operation carried out by the police of the Sanliurfa Province.

During the operation, 65 kilograms of explosives and a remote detonation device were found.

According to preliminary reports, the attack was planned to be committed by members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The conflict between Turkey and PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has lasted more than 35 years, claiming more than 40,000 lives. PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by the UN and the EU.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Seven dead in separate accidents in Sindhuli

Seven people died and about 20 others were injured, some critically, in two separate road accidents in Sindhuli on Wednesday night and Thursday.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Withdrawal of the US forces from Iraq was an erroneous step, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said, Trend reports with reference to the Turkish media Feb. 7.

He said the withdrawal of the US troops from Iraq led to a number of problems and chaos in the region.

The foreign minister noted that the strengthening of the "Islamic State" (IS) terrorist group became one of the main problems after the withdrawal of the US troops from Iraq.

Commenting on the withdrawal of the US forces from Syria, Cavusoglu noted that the freed positions shouldnt be occupied by the forces of the Syrian regime, as well as terrorists of PYD/YPG, which is the Syrian wing of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The foreign minister also noted that in order to avoid mistakes, the US should coordinate its actions in Syria with Turkey.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
The Kremlin has begun preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putins participation in the next G20 summit, Trend reports referring to TASS.

According to a statement published on the Kremlins website, "the inter-agency commission on Russias participation in G20 activities has held its first meeting." The meetings participants paid particular attention "to comprehensive preparations for the Russian presidents participation in the next Group of 20 summit, scheduled to take place in Osaka on June 28-29, 2019."

The commission was set up by the presidents decision in order to "enhance mechanisms to develop unified positions and coordinate the activities of federal authorities and interested organizations aimed at promoting Russias interests in the G20." Russian Presidential Envoy to the G20 Svetlana Lukash chairs the commission.

"The G20 summit held in Buenos Aires in December 2018 has shown that leading global economies still consider the G20 to be the most effective and popular platform for multilateral cooperation on a wide range of global social and economic issues," the statement reads.

The commissions recent meeting discussed "issues concerning finances, trade, investment, digital economy, employment, education, energy, climate, food security, healthcare, development, migration, as well as the fight against corruption and terrorism." In addition, "goals and targets were set and approaches to promoting Russias initiatives on the G20 platform were outlined."
The governments of Argentina and Russia have signed a memorandum on media cooperation, the Russian Embassy in Buenos Aires said on Thursday, Trend reports referring to TASS.

On Wednesday Russian Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Media and Communications Alexey Volin met with Argentinian Minister of the Federal System of Media and Public Content Hernan Lombardi in Buenos Aires, the embassy said adding that the sides discussed "promising directions of cooperation in the informational sphere."

"After talks, a memorandum on media cooperation was signed," the embassy noted.

Volin earlier said that Argentina and Russia have agreed to step up contacts in the media sphere and are considering a possibility of creating joint television projects.
In order to progress at talks between Japan and Russia on the peace treaty, Japanese citizens should work together with the government to broaden their interest and understanding of the issue, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday, Trend reports referring to TASS.

"For progressing in negotiations, it is very important for every citizen to deepen their interest and understanding of the problem, and the government should work together with the people as a whole," Abe said.

The Japanese prime minister noted that Tokyo intends to sign a peace treaty with Russia after the territorial dispute between the two countries is resolved. Japan will continue "promoting joint work on looking for a mutually acceptable" solution, Abe added.

For decades, Moscow and Tokyo have been negotiating a peace treaty after World War II. The main stumbling block is the status of the southern part of the Kuril Islands. After World War II, the whole archipelago became part of the Soviet Union. However, Tokyo disputes Russia's sovereignty over Iturup, Kunashir and Shikotan Islands as well as a number of smaller uninhabited islands called the Habomai Islands in Japan.
Italy will ban Chinas Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp from playing a role in the roll out of the countrys 5G infrastructure, Italys La Stampa newspaper said on Thursday citing sources, Trend reports referring to Reuters.

In order to do so the Italian government is ready to use so-called golden powers that allow it to pull out of contracts already signed without having to pay penalties, the paper said, citing the senior sources.

The paper cited sources as saying strong pressure had come from the United States.

Huawei faces international scrutiny over its ties with the Chinese government and suspicion Beijing could use its technology for spying, which the company denies.

The prime ministers office was not immediately available for comment.
The police shot down a person at Westeinde in Amsterdam around 7:15 p.m.local time, and part of the area has been cordoned off for research, Amsterdam police said in tweet on Wednesday night, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

The police added that they received notification about a person with firearm at Westeinde. The person was injured after being shot by police, and a bystander was also wounded.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

By Azer Ahmadbayli  Trend:

The Americans seem to have realized that it is impossible either to exterminate the Taliban movement or to cripple it for long, so they finally decided to make a deal with the movement.

However, the fact that the US may come to an agreement with Taliban - may turn to be bad news for Iran.

A few days ago, the enemy of Iran  the United States, and Iranian malevolent  the Taliban, who fought for many years for control over the territory of Afghanistan, reached a preliminary agreement on a ceasefire, reconciliation and withdrawal of American troops from the country.

The United States, with its 14,000-strong military contingent and especially Air Force bases in Afghanistan, poses a serious threat to Iran from its eastern border.

It is quite understandable that Iran gets nervous when seeing Americans close to its borders. Therefore, the ousting of the US from Afghanistan has always been on the Iranian agenda and in this respect the interests of Iran and the Taliban coincide. Throughout the relationship between Iran and the Taliban on the problem of common enemy, both sides have demonstrated a pragmatic approach useful for their own interests.

But, since the Americans are in no hurry to leave Afghanistan, it was important for Iran to at least maintain a high degree of tension between the US troops and the Taliban.

To this end, Iran, as many sources say, encapsulatedly supplied the Taliban with weapons and money when it was necessary to maintain the status quo of the existing chaos, or if you prefer, a balance of forces in Afghanistan.

In turn, despite the non-recognition of Iran as a truly Islamic state and treating with contempt for the Iranian "Shiite heretics", the Taliban, nevertheless, did not shun receiving Iranian assistance.

In general, however, relations between Iran and the Taliban today are more hostile than constructive. Both sides have bills for each other to be paid.

Despite the fact that, as many experts, who are well aware of the situation in Afghanistan, say, the withdrawal of US troops, if it takes place, is likely to last for several years, it would seem that this is a good news for Tehran.

However, insuperability of religious antagonism between the Shiite theocracy of Iran and the Sunni fundamentalism of the Taliban still prevails over unofficial tactical ties between the parties, and by organizing a couple of dirty provocations, it wont be hard to start the sectarian war.

The agreement concluded in Doha also envisages that Taliban will suppress activities of the Islamic State troops against the United States and its allies. But not against its foes.

But if, despite all the unpredictability and outright cruelty of the Taliban, Iran hypothetically can still find a common language with them, then it will have to wage a war to the death with the IS jihadists, if attacked. Syria and Iraq, anyone?

In January, Iranian Tasnim news agency reported that the United States organized the escape of forty IS leaders from the Taliban prison in North-West Afghanistan.

In late January, Deputy Minister of internal Affairs of Russia Igor Zubov said that unknown helicopters are moving IS militants en masse to the Afghan-Tajik border.

Earlier, last autumn, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev warned that the "Islamic state" could repeat the Syrian scenario in Afghanistan.

And on Tuesday, major-general Yahya Rahim Safavi, a top military adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that Iran has precise information that the US is transferring IS militants to Afghanistan, Iranian media outlets reported.

With the plots of Americans, Zionists and some Arab states, more than 100,000 ISIS insurgents invaded the Syrian and Iraqi nations and they intended to come for Iran after Syria and Iraq to claim caliphate in Khorasan, they had even determined an Amir for it. It was US, Israel and UK that established ISIS intelligence services. Now we have accurate information showing that US transfers ISIS terrorists to Afghanistan, General Safavi said.

Accumulation of the IS fighters in the neighboring country along with the financial support by Saudi billions can become a destructive factor for Iran's security. Iran should be on alert: the tactics used by Iranian proxies in the Middle East can be specularly applied against it from Afghanistan.

So, what is better for Tehran  to coexist with the US troops deployed in Afghanistan or, probably, to stay face-to-face with IS (and maybe with Taliban) fighters  is a big question.
Tehran, Iran, Feb. 7

Trend:

Iraqi minister of electricity announced the signing of an electricity agreement between Iran and Iraq.

On Dec. 27, 2018, Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian and Iraqi Minister of Electricity Luay al-Khatteeb signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for energy cooperation after two days of intensive talks in Baghdad.

A memorandum of understanding was signed, which became a contract today, Minister Luay al-Khatteeb said on the sidelines of a meeting with the Iranian minister of energy in Tehran, Trend reports citing ILNA.

The Iraqi minister said the MOU envisages cooperation in new energy technologies and sharing technical know-how and experience with the Iranian side.

Governors of the central banks of Iran and Iraq on Tuesday signed an agreement to facilitate the settlement of Baghdads debts to Tehran.

Iraqs due debts to Iran, worth $2 billion, are for imports of electricity and gas as well as other goods over the past years.

Iraq imported 1,000 megawatts of electricity from Iran for years to cope with energy shortages.
Tehran, Iran, Feb. 7

Trend:

Iraqi president called for the removal of barriers to economic and trade cooperation between the Iranian and Iraqi government and private sectors.

President Barham Salih expressed his satisfaction with the agreement reached between the central banks of the two countries during the Iran Central Bank governors visit to Iraq on Wednesday, Trend reports citing IRNA.

The two countries talks should be continued to remove barriers to cooperation, and the Iraqi government will support them, said Salih in a meeting with Abdol Nasser Hemmati, governor of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and his delegation in Baghdad.

The meeting also highlighted the latest status of the economic and monetary relations between the two countries and the importance of developing the Iran-Iraq trade.

Governors of the central banks of Iran and Iraq on Tuesday signed an agreement to facilitate the settlement of Baghdads debts to Tehran.

Iraqs due debts to Iran, worth $2 billion, are for imports of electricity and gas as well as other goods over the past years.

Iraq imported 1,000 megawatts of electricity from Iran for years to cope with energy shortages.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev pointed out the need to export at least 25 percent of the vegetables and fruits grown in the country to Europe and the United States, Trend reports citing the presidential press service.

The head of state made the corresponding statement during a video conference on increasing exports.

Officials from government, ministries and departments, as well as the countrys ambassadors in foreign countries took part in the event.

Instructions were given for opening green corridors with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus and the Baltic countries to create convenience for exporters of fruits and vegetables, the access to the markets of China, South Korea, Japan, India, the US and Europe, the report says.
Say watt?

Perhaps our elected officials are taking their duty to take charge too literally
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

Uzbekistans Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Sardor Umurzakov and Managing Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for Central Asia Bruno Balvanera held talks, Trend reports via the Uzbek media.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the current activities of EBRD in the country, presentation of a new EBRD managing director candidate from Uzbekistan and further development of cooperation with the international financial institution.

The parties discussed the organization of the first meeting of the Foreign Investors Council in the first half of 2019, as well as the visit of the EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti to Uzbekistan as part of the planned event.

Uzbekistan and EBRD have loan agreements totaling $622.5 million on seven projects aimed at improving the water supply and heating systems in the capital and regions of the country, as well as modernizing the electricity sector.

EBRD is actively involved in reforming Uzbekistans energy sector, privatization of state enterprises and development of the capital market.
Baku, Azerbaijan, February 7

Trend:

The delegation of the Belarus Development Bank is visiting the capital of Uzbekistan to discuss the possibilities of financing joint Belarusian-Uzbek projects with the Uzbek credit and financial institutions, Trend reports via Uzbek media.

A round table was held at Belarus Embassy in Uzbekistan with the participation of leading dealers of Belarusian enterprises in Uzbekistan and partner companies to discuss effective schemes for financial and credit support of Belarusian-Uzbek economic projects.

The parties took into account the capabilities of Belarus Development Bank and Uzbek credit and financial organizations.

The Belarusian delegation and Ambassador of Belarus to Uzbekistan Leonid Marinich held a meeting at the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of Uzbekistan with representatives of leading commercial banks and enterprises, such as Ipoteka Bank, Agrobank, Asaka Bank, a holding of agricultural engineering and others.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Feb. 7

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

A representative of the Turkmen Ministry of Finance and Economy will take part in an expert group meeting of the CIS Executive Committee, to be held in Minsk Feb. 12-13, Trend reports with reference to the Belarus Embassy in Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan is represented by Galina Romanova, head of the State Finances and Economic Policy Department of the Turkmen Ministry of Finance and Economy.

The expert group will work to adapt the 2007 Concept to modern realities within the evolutionary improvement of the CIS.

Turkmenistan is chairing the CIS this year.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

By Huseyn Valiyev  Trend:

Azerpoct LLC, Azerbaijans postal operator, has connected to the Russian Payment System Sendy, the company told Trend.

A memorandum of cooperation was signed with Digital Pay LLC. The partnership of Azerpoct LLC and Digital Pay LLC will allow using local currency when paying in Russia, China and other Asian countries. Low interest fee for non-cash transactions will become the advantage for the trade and services facilities.

The Payment System Sendy has more than five million users, and over 70,000 of them are legal entities.

Sendy is a nationally recognized payment system for performing transactions using a mobile device, based on the technology of payment via QR-code.

The operator of the Payment System Sendy is Digital Pay LLC which also serves as a payment and clearing operational center.

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The new composition of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) of the OPEC+ agreement has not yet been approved, while its meeting in Baku is scheduled on March 17-18. Inclusion of the UAE, Iraq and Kazakhstan instead of Venezuela, Algeria and Oman is discussed, three sources in Middle Eastern delegations of OPEC+ and the OPEC Secretariat told TASS on Thursday, Trend reports.

Venezuela, Algeria and Oman "have not been members of the Committee anymore," they said. Ministers of Algeria and Oman will not come to Baku. The UAE and Iraq can take place in the meeting. They are assumed to step into the committee instead of Algeria and Venezuela.

The issue of electing new members will most probably be discussed at the extraordinary meeting of OPEC+ ministers in April, the sources said.

Saudi Arabia and Russia acting as the chair and the co-chair of JMMC will keep their status. Kazakhstan is offered to be appointed instead of Oman. Venezuela is expected to attend the meeting in Baku but in the role of the president of the OPEC conference. The country was elected to this office for 2019.

The agenda of the forthcoming JMMC meeting in Baku has not yet been approved, the sources told TASS. It is not clear whether extension of the OPEC+ oil production limiting deal or an increase of quotas of participating countries is discussed.

The key issues of the agenda will probably be discussion of the charter on cooperation of OPEC+ countries, one of the sources said.

OPEC+ ministers discussed the opportunity for oil production reduction in 2019 at the meeting in Vienna on December 5-7 for the purpose of avoiding surplus offer of oil. The meeting ended with an arrangement to cut oil production by OPEC+ deal participants by 1.2 mln barrels per day.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.7

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Around 89 percent of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) route has been reinstated in Greece and Albania, Trend reports citing a message from TAP AG consortium.

TAP is reinstating around 89 percent of route in Greece and Albania (685 kilometers out of 765 kilometers in total), said the consortium.

Land parcels are returned to owners and users to resume agriculture activities, reads the message.

TAP project, worth 4.5 billion euros, is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union (EU). The project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Stage 2 to the EU countries.

Connecting with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Greek-Turkish border, TAP will cross Northern Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea before coming ashore in Southern Italy to connect to the Italian natural gas network.

The project is currently in its construction phase, which started in 2016.

Once built, TAP will offer a direct and cost-effective transportation route opening up the vital Southern Gas Corridor, a 3,500-kilometer long gas value chain stretching from the Caspian Sea to Europe.

TAP shareholders include BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam S.p.A. (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.7

By Rashid Shirinov  Trend:

Germany and Azerbaijan could cooperate in automotive industry, Honorary Consul of Azerbaijan in Stuttgart Otto Hauser told Trend.

He said that economic relations between the countries are at a good level and the bilateral trade turnover is in favor of Azerbaijan, since the country exports more to Germany because of oil supplies.

"So, there is still potential for improvement in the non-energy trade. I see opportunities in the automotive, plastics, machinery and agriculture sectors," Hauser noted.

He further said that plastics and their processing is a very interesting sector for Germany.

"I see good prospects of Germanys building such production in Azerbaijan. The raw materials can be processed immediately in Azerbaijan. For Azerbaijan, I see sales markets in the Caucasus, Russia, Iran and Europe," he said.

Hauser also noted that Germany can transfer know-how to Azerbaijan, which would help build production in the country.

Speaking about the relations between Azerbaijan and Germany, Hauser said they are good and the cooperation is diverse.

"I expect the relations to intensify much more in 2019. Also, there is a significant Azerbaijani community in Germany, which we would like to integrate more," he added.

Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Germany exceeded $1.44 billion in 2018, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan. Around $780 million of the amount accounted for the export of Azerbaijani products, and $660 million for the export of German goods. The trade turnover between the two countries increased by 61 percent compared to 2017.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

The first Illinois-Azerbaijan Agriculture Forum, jointly organized by the US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, will be held on April 4-5 in Chicago, one of the leading US financial and trading centers, Trend reports.

The main objective of the forum is to establish cooperation between the parties in the agricultural sector, bring together representatives of the agricultural businesses of Azerbaijan and the state of Illinois  one of the leading agricultural states of the US, introduce and familiarize with the goal of increasing yields with American-made technology, as well as with new methods utilized in various fields of agriculture.

The organization of a trade mission to Illinois from representatives of companies operating in the field of agriculture in Azerbaijan is planned during the forum. All interested individuals and legal entities can take a look at the forum program on the following website (https://www.agroforum.us/), and join the trade mission after completing registration.

The two-day program includes visits by representatives of Azerbaijani companies to leading manufacturing enterprises in Illinois, farms and research centers, as well as sites for the production of fertilizers and protein.

The forum was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Embassy in the US, the US Embassy in Azerbaijan, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the CNFA company, Global Chamber, John Deere and Dentons with the media partnership of BrandBuild.

The first Illinois-Azerbaijan Agriculture Forum will be organized within the framework of the program of the US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce for expanding trade and business relations of Azerbaijan with the US states.

The state of Illinois is one of the 10 leading agricultural states of the US. Acreage makes up 75 percent of the states land area. The annual profit of the state from the sale of agricultural products alone is $19 billion.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

The Argus Fertilizer 2019. Production and Logistics in the Caspian and Black Sea Region international conference will take place on 14-15 March in Boulevard Hotel Baku, Azerbaijan, Trend reports referring to Argus.

Among topics of discussion; SOCAR Carbamide Plant challenges and prospects, Azerbaijans entry into the international fertilizer market, ammonia and urea markets in the Caspian and Black Sea region, premium export routes for Caspian fertilizer producers, requirement for new transshipment capacities, Azerbaijans agricultural industry and others.

As remarked, new fertilizer production capacity in Caspian and Central Asian countries will outstrip domestic demand, increasing export availability at Black Sea ports.

The projected increase in shipments of urea and other fertilizers to Georgian ports poses new challenges for the transport and logistics infrastructure in the Caspian and Black Sea region.

The launch of the SOCAR Carbamide Plant in Sumgayit will meet Azerbaijans requirement for urea and enable the firm to become a key supplier to Turkey, Ukraine and Eastern Europe.

The conference will bring together fertilizer producers from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, international trading companies and distributors from Turkey, Ukraine and Eastern Europe, as well as transport and logistics companies.
Tehran, Iran, Feb. 7

Trend:

The rise of meat price in recent days in Iran has created additional problems for the market and affected the consumption level of the low income class, the member of parliament's Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee Nazar Afzali told Trend.

"The livestock smuggling has increased after rise of US dollar rate, the surge has caused the lack of meat supplies in the country," he said.

Afzali went on to say that the smuggling of breeding livestock supplies is a big challenge for the country and if this approach continues without the necessary supervision, soon more shortage will follow.

"The country's imports need prior to the rise of USD rate was 100,000 tons of meat, the domestic production volume was 800,000 tons and alongside imports meat the country need for meat was 900,000 tons. Now due to recent smuggling, in past months the domestic production level has dropped dramatically, while the volume of imports increased," he said. "This has caused the rise of meat price, today many families have cut their meat consumption due to high prices," he added.

According to the MP, the first thing in managing the market is to control the borders, so further livestock smuggling would be prevented.

"The fattening period of livestock is three months, after that there will be time to supply the livestock to the market, so hopefully necessary help would be provided by the government," he said.

He went on to say that all officials should work together to solve the issue of this significance and prevent the trend that is against nation's interests.
Rukumkot under prohibitory orders for past four days

The District Administration Office, Rukum (East) has imposed a prohibitory order in Rukumkot since Sunday after the protests led by the locals to secure district headquarters status turned violent.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

By Matanat Nasibova  Trend:

Azerbaijani alcohol manufacturer "Goygol Wine Plant" OJSC will broaden its range of exports, the company told Trend.

Exports to Europe are expected to begin this year.

"We have received several proposals to date, and this year we will supply our wines to the European market. We are planning to increase the production capacity of the enterprise in the future. It is currently running at full capacity, without any downtime. More than 200,000 wines are produced in the factory", the company representative said.

The products are also delivered to points of sale in Baku, Ganja and Sumgayit for domestic consumers.

The products possess an ISO 9001: 2008 and Compliance Certificate issued by the State Committee on Standardization, Metrology and Patents of Azerbaijan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

Uzbekistan and France signed a memorandum on the creation of two modern laboratories that meet the requirements of international accreditation, Trend reports citing the press service of Uzbek Academy of Sciences.

The labs will be able to identify products containing GMO (Genetically modified organisms), as well as to find stable (toxic) organic compounds and to research them, the press service states.

The creation of these two laboratories at the Institute of Genetics and Plant Experimental Biology of Uzbek Academy of Sciences will provide an opportunity to conduct research on modern topics of GMOs and stable organic compounds, and at the same time it will open new trading opportunities which in turn will have a beneficial effect on countrys economy.

Three interstate standards for the determination of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) entered into force in Uzbekistan in September 1, 2016.

The introduced standards are identical to international ISO standards and contain analysis methods for the detection of genetically modified organisms and derived products. Prior to this, there was no single regulation for certification of products using GMOs in Uzbekistan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

By Samir Ali - Trend:

In 2018, Azerbaijan prevented sabotage and terrorist activities of the Armenian intelligence agencies and special services as a result of the taken operational and investigative measures, Prosecutor General Zakir Garalov said, Trend reports with reference to the General Prosecutors Office of Azerbaijan.

He was speaking at an expanded board meeting dedicated to the work implemented by the prosecution authorities in 2018 and the future objectives.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Central Office of the Prosecutor Generals Office, the Republican Military Prosecutors Office, the Prosecutors Office of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the Military Prosecutors Office of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the Baku City Prosecutors Office, city and district military prosecutors.

At the meeting, it was noted that last year a criminal case was launched for high treason and under other articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan against a group of military personnel and civilians involved in secret cooperation with intelligence agencies and special services of the Armenian Armed Forces.

At the meeting, it was said that as a result of operational and investigative measures, sabotage and terrorist activities of the Armenian intelligence agencies and special services were prevented.

The successful investigation into a number of big criminal cases was noted.

Preventive measures were taken in the form of arrest against 29 people for committing a terror attack against the head of the Ganja City Executive Power, for attempting to change the constitutional order of Azerbaijan by using force, for terrorism and other particularly serious crimes. Eleven of these people were put on the international wanted list. Presently, operational and investigation activities continue.

The prosecutor general said more effective work was done to strengthen the law and order.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

By Samir Ali  Trend:

The Baku Grave Crimes Court continued the preparatory trial proceedings on the criminal case of the former head of the International Bank of Azerbaijan Jahangir Hajiyev, his relative Ismayil Hidayetzade, ex-MP Dunyamin Khalilov, Jamal Hasanov, Sarkhan Rasulov, Natig Imanov, Samir Hajiyev, Tabriz Abdulhamidov and 16 others, Trend reports.

During the trial chaired by Judge Faig Ganiyev, the defendant Hajiyev testified and did not accept the accusation of the court against him and the accusation brought against him by the prosecutors during the last court session.

The prosecutor protested the former bankers statements. The judge interrupted Hajiyev and wanted the defendant to tell him about the essence of the accusation.

Then Hajiyev retold the events related to the theft of 4.7 billion manats, the misappropriation of which he is accused of.

Government prosecutors did not even become fully studied the criminal case. They only familiarized themselves with a part of the prosecution. I am asking to explain, how did this money ended up in my account and in my familys accounts. Is there any evidence? As if I purchased property for this money. Based on the complaint of Emin Mustafayev, who was my deputy during my time at the bank, a criminal case was initiated," said Hajiyev.

Hajiyev, answering the prosecutors questions, said that he had known fellow defendant Dunyamin Khalilov from a young age, but had not had any business ties with the ex-deputy.

"Dunyamin Khalilov exercised control over certain projects, on my instructions," said Hajiyev.

It was announced in the court that Khalilovs name appears in many episodes in the indictment.

According to official information, during the investigation, there were reasonable suspicions that the contracts for the purchase and sale of promissory notes in the amount of $3.4 billion and 987 million euros were concluded with some legal entities in various countries and illegal transactions were carried out by using promissory notes in 2001-2015 upon Hajiyevs instructions, who was the chairman of the board of the International Bank of Azerbaijan.

Moreover, there were reasonable suspicions that Khalilov, 20 more people, as well as other people, caused damage to the bank, misappropriating 4.7 billion manats. Moreover, Hajiyev declined to pay taxes to the budget in the amount of 1,752,000 manats on the profit of Aztorg LLC, jointly led by Hajiyev and Khalilov in 2011-2014.

The Baku Grave Crimes Court previously sentenced Hajiyev to 15 years in prison, Dunyamin Khalilov to 13 years, and Ismayil Hidayetzade to 7 years in prison.

Khalilovs sentence was reduced from 13 to 12 years and 9 months by a decision of the Baku Court of Appeals; Hidayetzades sentence was reduced to five years by the Supreme Court.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Today, Azerbaijani youth and families are greatly influenced from two directions, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijani State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations Gunduz Ismayilov said.

Ismayilov made the remarks at the event entitled "Youth and Family: Traditions and Modern Vision" held at the New Azerbaijan Partys building in Baku on Feb. 7.

He said that one of these trends is ultra modernity, which comes from the West, and another - ultra religiousness which comes from the East.

"I work in the sphere connected with the trends coming from the East, Ismayilov added. Unfortunately, one of the main goals of this trend is youth, while the second - Azerbaijani families. Every nation has a peculiar way of life, culture, traditions and customs.

Despite there is common religion in Azerbaijan and in the East, our cultures greatly differ, he said. We profess one religion with the Arabs, the Turkish people, the Pakistanis, the Malaysians, the Persians, but our cultural values are different and this is connected with the difference in lifestyle.

We must protect our religion, but this must not lead to Arabization, Iranization or turning into Anatolian Turks, Ismayilov added. Our own culture should be protected.

At the same time, we must not turn into the British people, the French people, Americans under the influence of the Western trends, he added. We must have moral immunity against such kind of trends, both from the West and from the East.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

Azerbaijans State Border Service continues operational and search activities and measures to protect the state border, Trend reports with reference to the state service.

As a result of the measures taken, two citizens of Sri Lanka, one citizen of Uzbekistan, one citizen of Azerbaijan, as well as participants of crimes related to the violation of the state border - one citizen of Sri Lanka and three citizens of Azerbaijan were detained.

On January 15, the citizens of Sri Lanka, who were preparing to fly from Baku to London, were detained because their UK visas were fake. As a result of operational and search activities, a citizen Sri Lanka Sivanganam Kirusanthan, and his accomplices, Azerbaijani citizens Ilgar Movlayev, Mirtalib Agalarov and Shahin Piriyev, suspected of receiving, producing and using forged documents, were detained.

On January 18, a resident of Azerbaijans Shamkir district Orkhan Alioglu was detained while trying to cross Azerbaijans state border in the direction of Russia in the Samur village of Azerbaijans Gusar district.

On January 20, a citizen of Uzbekistan, Ramazon Nurmuhammadov, was detained while trying to cross the state border from the same territory and in the same direction. Both persons had certificates of deportation from Russia.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the detainees, and the appropriate operational investigative measures continue.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

Experts from Austria and Lithuania will visit Azerbaijan on February 11-13 to support the development of national legislation and standards for urban, territorial and spatial planning, Trend reports citing Kavkaz Online.

According to the report, experts will provide a comprehensive overview of the applicable EU legislation and applicable standards in this area and will help their Azerbaijani counterparts in their implementation.

The workshop is organized by the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Tool of the European Commission (TAIEX) in cooperation with the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan.
Details added (first version posted on 17:53)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an order on measures to eliminate the consequences of the earthquake that occurred in the Shamakhi, Ismayilli and Agsu districts.

Dozens of private residential buildings in Shamakhi, Ismayilli and Agsu, as well as social and infrastructure facilities were damaged in February 2019 as a result of the earthquake, the epicenter of which was in Agsu and Ismayilli.

According to the order, two million manats will be allocated from the presidents contingency fund, envisaged in the 2019 state budget, to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Emergency Situations to eliminate the damage caused to residential buildings, social and infrastructure facilities in Shamakhi, Ismayilli and Agsu.

The Azerbaijani Finance Ministry has been charged with the allocation of funds in the amount specified in the order, while the Cabinet of Ministers with solving the issues arising from the order.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received Ambassador of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko upon termination of his diplomatic term, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

At the meeting, the sides expressed their gratification with the development of political and economic relations between the two countries. In this regard, Mischenko's efforts were appreciated.

Mischenko stressed the support rendered to him by the Azerbaijani side for fulfillment of his diplomatic activities and expressed gratitude in this regard.

Mammadyarov wished Mischenko every success in his future endeavors.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

By Samir Ali - Trend:

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has announced the number of released hostages taken during the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

About 700 people taken hostage since 1992 up till now have been returned to the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides.

Not only servicemen, but also civilians are among those released.

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.
Nepal Buildcon Expo to display building technologies, products

The 5th edition of Nepal Buildcon International Expo is set to kick off on Friday at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu with over 150 multinational companies showcasing more than 300 brands and products from across the globe.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Ramiz Tahirov has met with a delegation led by Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Commander of the Air Force of Nigeria, Trend reports referring to the Defense Ministry.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the possibilities of cooperation between the air forces of Azerbaijan and Nigeria, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest.

The Nigerian delegation also visited an air base of the Air Force of Azerbaijan. The guests were fully informed about the activities of the air base.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today visited the quake-hit zone in Shamakhi.

Minister of Emergency Situations, Colonel-General Kamaladdin Heydarov and head of Shamakhi District Executive Authority Tahir Mammadov informed the head of state of the consequences of natural disaster which occurred on 5-6 February.

President Ilham Aliyev viewed the earthquake-damaged houses, and had a conversation with local residents.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

President Ilham Aliyev has signed an Order to establish the Center for International Relations Analysis.

The establishment of the Center aims to enhance researches into foreign policy directions, which are of importance to Azerbaijans national interests, improve the comprehensive analysis of the ongoing global processes and expand the scope of activities aimed at raising the international communitys awareness of Azerbaijans foreign policy priorities, particularly the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The Center for International Relations Analysis, which is a legal entity of public law, will analyze the ongoing global and regional processes, conduct fundamental researches into various aspects of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and international relations and security issues.

Under the Order, the Presidential Administration was instructed to approve the statutes of the Center and submit it to the Azerbaijani president within two months.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 24 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Feb. 7, Trend reports.

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.
OPEC and its allies will probably extend their oil-cuts agreement later this year to keep prices at comfortable levels, according to Azerbaijans energy minister, Trend reports citing Bloomberg.

Its realistic that the decision might have to be extended, Parviz Shahbazov said in an interview. The deal struck in December, which saw OPEC and its partners agree to remove 1.2 million barrels a day through the first half of 2019, has helped lift crude prices 15 percent this year.

An extension of the agreement at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ministerial summit in April would probably be for another six months, before a further review, Shahbazov said in Baku. The Azeri city will host an earlier meeting in March, at which producers will assess the market.

Azerbaijan, an OPEC partner, agreed to reduce output by 20,000 barrels a day in the first half and may open the taps in the second if the deal isnt extended, maintaining annual production, Shahbazov said. Output is projected to grow by as much as 30,000 barrels a day by 2021, according to the minister.

Benchmark Brent crude is trading around $62 a barrel in London, having sunk close to $50 in late December.

For now, prices are comfortable, Shahbazov said. If the price settles in the $60 to $70 corridor, it will be very positive for our economy, for our plans, and is the best price for producers and consumers.

Azerbaijan is the largest oil producer in the former Soviet Union after Russia and Kazakhstan. It sees no need to become a member of OPEC, according to Shahbazov, who said the country had taken an active part in the process of reaching the oil-cuts deal.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7

Trend:

The servicemen of the Combined Arms Army of Azerbaijan, who left for Turkey to participate in international winter exercises, began training, Trend reports referring to the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan.

One group of military personnel involved in the exercises is conducting training at the training ground located in Kars, and the other group at the at the Kayseri Paratrooper Commandos Training Center.

During the training, the military personnel shows activity in fulfilling the tasks of conducting combat operations in harsh climatic and difficult relief conditions. In the course of the training, the abilities of the units to get deployed in the territory and their equipment are also inspected.
In a series called "Forty Years, Forty Interviews, Radio Fardas Farhang Ghavimi is sitting down with 40 prominent Iranians who played a role in events leading up to the Islamic Revolution 40 years ago. In a recent episode he spoke with Amir Taheri, who was then the Editor-in-Chief of the Iranian mass-circulation daily Kayhan.

Now considered one of the most conservative newspapers in Iran, prior to the 1979 Iranian Revolution when Taheri was at the helm, Kayhan had a much broader readership. Taheri made a key decision not to print a letter believed to be from the court of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, harshly attacking an almost forgotten exiled Iranian dissident cleric, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Another newspaper did print the vitriolic letter, titled "Iran and the Black and Red Imperialism, which called Khomeini an Indian cleric on the payroll of Egypts authoritarian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser.

Taheri says the letters publication had the opposite of its intended effect, drawing attention to Khomeini and winning him sympathy among Iranians already dissatisfied with the Shah, paving the way for the Iranian Revolution and Khomeinis rise to power.

I read it and found it insulting, as well as against our style and mission statement, Taheri remembers. I contacted several top authorities who, either sincerely or deceptively, said they didnt know where the letter came from.

To this day, the real author of the letter or who and for what reason it was given to two mass circulation dailies by a senior official remain a mystery.

The publication of the letter under the pseudonym Ahmad Rashidi Motlaq (or Motlagh) in the newspaper Ettelaat led to protest rallies that soon gained momentum and spread to most urban areas in Iran.

The next crucial event, according to Taheri, happened on August 19, 1978, when the Cinema Rex movie theater in the city of Abadan in the oil-rich province of Khuzestan, southwest Iran, was deliberately set ablaze, killing at least 420 people.

The government initially blamed "Islamic Marxists" from the dissident armed group Mojahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) for the massacre. The anti-monarchy and Islamic revolutionary forces, for their part, accused the Shahs intelligence service, the SAVAK, of setting the deadly blaze to discredit the revolutionaries loyal to the exiled Ayatollah Khomeini.

"Our reaction was the same as everybody else's across the country, said Taheri. We were deeply shocked, really saddened, and worried about the future. Iranians were not used to killing each other. We had not experienced such disastrous events before.

Taheri says he and other journalists at the paper were in regular contact with the revolutionaries and believed such a barbaric act to be out of character for them. On the other hand, he says, the SAVAK did not have a record of carrying out such carnage either and were mainly tasked with combatting communism. A third theory, Taheri argues, points to unorganized, rogue Islamic militants, who were known to set fires to banks and drinking establishments.

The Iranian major dailies, specifically Kayhan, were accused at the time of being infiltrated by anti-Shah revolutionaries. Amir Taheri dismisses the claim, insisting, "In Kayhan, as in the other media across the world, there were anti-ruling establishment elements. Anti-system journalists are present everywhere, including in the UK, U.S., or France. Therefore, Kayhan was not an exception, especially if you remember that the journalists working for Kayhan were mainly young. And the young ones, as you know, tend to be rebellious. Conservatism comes by aging."

While admitting that there were pro-revolutionary elements working at Kayhan, Amir Taheri reiterates that they used to work alongside pro-monarchy journalists, but their political tendencies did not have an impact on the papers editorial policy.

"In my ten or eleven years of serving as a journalist, I had only met Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi a couple of times, but, during the last days of his rule, I saw him more," Taheri remembers. I found him a broken, decrepit man, taking so many pills. He was deeply brokenhearted.

Taheri says he soon realized their meetings were more like therapy for the Shah and that nothing journalistic would come of them.

"His Majesty only wanted to talk with somebody, even with a piece of wood. He repeatedly asked, 'How come the people hate me so much, after all the things I did for them?

According to Taheri, the Shah deplored the staged pro-monarchy demonstrations put on by his close allies.

Taheri believes that the Iranian ruling establishment under the Shah had the necessary mechanism for reform and avoiding a revolution, "But, the head of the system was sick, and the political staff needed for reform were missing. Therefore, relevant reforms did not happen in Iran, while they did in South Korea as well as in many Eastern European countries."

Taheri insists that Iran needed reform, not a revolution. He blames Iranian intellectuals on both the right and left for the revolution.

Being against the Shah and his government was simply the order of the day, he said.

Amir Taheri was the editor-in-chief of the daily Kayhan in Iran from 1972 to 1979. He has written for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, as well as published eleven books. In 2012 he was named International Journalist of the Year by the British Society of Editors and the Foreign Press Association in the annual British Media Awards. He is based in Europe.
Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'Start of Presidential Campaign: First Risks and Threats'

On Friday, February 8, at 14.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Start of Presidential Campaign: First Risks and Threats." Participants include PhD. in politics Ihor Reiterovych, PhD. in politics Yaroslav Teleshun (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation by phone: (067) 574 7007.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has passed a law banning Russian nationals and persons suggested by the Russian party to serve as official observers in the presidential, parliamentary, and local elections in Ukraine.

A respective decision was supported by 232 MPs at a plenary session of the parliament on Thursday, a correspondent of the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported.

The new law amends three laws: "On the election of the president of Ukraine", "On the elections of People's Deputies of Ukraine" and "On local elections".

According to the law, a citizen (subject) of a state, which is recognized by the Verkhovna Rada as an aggressor state or an occupier state cannot serve as an official observer from foreign states and international organizations.

In addition, the person suggested by an aggressor state or an occupier state cannot serve as an observer.

As earlier reported, on February 4, bill No. 9524 "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Concerning the Observation of the Electoral Process in Ukraine" was registered in the Ukrainian parliament. According to the text of the bill, a citizen (subject) of a state that is recognized by the Verkhovna Rada an aggressor state or an occupier state cannot serve as an official observer from foreign states, international organizations during the presidential elections, parliamentary or local elections in Ukraine.

The explanatory note says that the bill was developed "in order to minimize the risks and threats of interference of the Russian Federation in the conduct of elections in Ukraine."

Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy, First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Iryna Gerashchenko, the president's representative in the Parliament Iryna Lutsenko, leader of the Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction Artur Herasymov, and First Deputy Chairman of the People's Front faction Andriy Teteruk are among the initiators of the document.

Earlier, the OSCE/ODIHR sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine an electronic list of long-term observers for the March 31 presidential elections, which included two candidates from Russiawomen born in 1990 and 1985.

On February 7, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker said he is not against Russian observers being allowed to monitor Ukrainian elections.

"Ukraine needs ODIHR monitors to prove it adheres to democratic standards. Otherwise allows people to question election," Volker said in a tweet on Twitter on Thursday.

"OK if Russian monitors are part, but under ODIHR authority. No games," he said.

The U.S. special representative for Ukraine said Ukraine "needs to have confidence in its own democratic institutions."
The Ukrainian embassy in France has approached the management of the AFP news agency with a demand not to allow for the publication in their newsfeed of maps with an illegitimate depiction of Crimea annexed by Russia.

"Despite numerous explanations and an unambiguous clear stance of the international community, some French media continue to make mistakes in the designation on the maps of the Crimea illegally annexed by Russia," the embassy said on its Facebook page on Wednesday.

"In connection with the publication by the AFP of a wrong depiction of Crimea on the map on Twitter on February 4, the embassy contacted the news agency's management and demanded that necessary measures be taken to correct the situation and not to repeat such incidents in the future. We are expecting an appropriate response," the Ukrainian embassy said.

According to media reports, AFP published an infographic on February 4 in its Twitter microblog, where three groups of countries were depicted: those that support Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, those that support the country's interim president, Venezuelan Parliament Speaker Juan Guaido, and those that remain neutral. On the map, Crimea was depicted in the same color as the territory of the Russian Federation.
Government serious about jet purchase probe, Minister says

Government spokesperson Gokul Prasad Banskota has said the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the procurement of two wide-body aircraft is underway.
Best for Yanukovych to come to Kyiv, turn himself in, defend himself in court of appeals  Lutsenko

Disgraced ex-President Viktor Yanukovych would be better off if he availed himself of his right to defend himself, came to Kyiv and argued his position in the court of appeals, Ukraine's Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko has said.

"He [Viktor Yanukovych], as well as every person, has the right to defend himself. It would be best if Yanukovych came back Kyiv, sat in a cell and prepared his defense for his appeal," Lutsenko said on Wednesday.

Lutsenko this would be "fair, honest and courageous."

As earlier reported, on January 24, 2019, Kyiv's Obolonsky District Court sentenced Yanukovych to 13 years in prison for treason and complicity in the conduct of an aggressive war against Ukraine on the part of the Russian Federation.

"Viktor Yanukovych was found guilty of committing crimes under Articles 1, Article 111, Part 5 of Article 27, Part 2 of Article 437 of Ukraine's Criminal Code and sentenced under Part 1 of Article 110 (high treason) to 13 years of imprisonment, under Part 5 of Article 27 and Part 2 of Article 437 (aiding in the conduct of an aggressive war) to 12 years of imprisonment. And on the basis of Article 70 of Ukraine's Criminal Code on the aggregate of crimes to 13 years of imprisonment," presiding Judge Vladyslav Deviatko said.

At the same time, the court found Viktor Yanukovych innocent on charges of complicity with the encroachment on the territorial integrity of Ukraine, which led to the death of people or other grave consequences.

Criminal proceedings against Yanukovych were considered by a special procedure due to the fact that he is hiding in Russia.

On February 1, Lutsenko said there would be no appeal against the verdict.
Ukraine, Montenegro, Albania, Norway support decision of Council of European Union on extension of sanctions against Russian Federation  Mogherini

Montenegro, Albania, Norway, and Ukraine have aligned themselves with the decision of the Council of the European Union to extend the economic sanctions against Russia.

"The decision of the Council of the European Union extends restrictive measures for six months, until July 31, 2019. The candidate countries Montenegro and Albania, the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine align themselves with this council decision," High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini has said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the statement, four countries undertake to ensure compliance of domestic policies with the decision of the Council of the European Union.

"The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it," Mogherini said in the statement.
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As acting secretary, Bernhardt drew criticism in recent weeks from environmental groups, tribes and others for continuing to process paperwork for oil and gas projects while other agencies were closed for routine work during this winters partial government shutdown.

The Interior Department called its effort important to bolstering U.S. energy independence.

Bernhardt got this nomination as a reward for months of work cramming Americas natural heritage into a wood chipper, said Kieran Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity advocacy group, one of many environmental organizations condemning Trumps intended nomination. Confirming him as Interior secretary would be a boon to polluters and a colossal disaster for our public lands and endangered species.

Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, said lawmakers would be watching to see whether Bernhardts former industry ties were influencing his policy decisions.

David Bernhardt spent much of his career lobbying for fossil fuel and agricultural interests, and the president putting him in charge of regulating his former clients is a perfect example of everything wrong with this administration, Grijalva said in a statement.
Searle said the sentencing matrix used for Marshall shows the sentencing pendulum has swung too far in favor of the offender and away from the victim.

I feel horrible for her. The money she lost can be replaced through restitution, but this type of crime violates someones sense of safety, Searle said.

After Marshall accepted the plea deal, Anderson got her money back from the court. She now says she wants to put the whole situation behind her.

I wanted my day in court, I guess, she said.

Despite the court resolution, Anderson says she fears the jail term of four months will not deter something similar from happening to someone else.

If he got off on just a slap on the wrist, whats going to stop him from doing it again? she said.

The Utah Sentencing Commission provided the following statement to 2News in response to criticism by Searle of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative.

There seems to have been some confusion about what JRI did and what it did not do. JRI did not change the penalty for robbery and it did not change the sentencing guidelines for this crime. In short, this case has nothing to do with JRI. In general, criminal sentencing is a complicated matter. The goals of sentencing are to reduce the risk to public safety, get treatment, if needed, to the offender, and get restitution for the victim. Sometimes those goals are at odds with each other. Often, a lengthy prison sentence actually increases the risk that the offender will commit a new crime upon release. Judges and probation officers work with a lot of information that is not publicly available, including confidential risk assessments, when they make their determinations. Sometimes sentences may seem too high or too low, but we need to trust these professionals when theyre making decisions to promote public safety and reduce crime.

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Electricity Authority cuts grid losses to 15.45pc

The Nepal Electricity Authority slashed electricity leakage by 5 percentage points in the first five months of the current fiscal year.
Feb. 6

Mario X. Armendariz, 19, of Carlin was arrested at Elko County Jail for unlawful disposal of garbage or sewage. Bail not listed



Carl D. Heeren, 43, of Ely was arrested in West Wendover on a bench warrant. No bail



Daniel J. Jacobsen, 22, of Elko was arrested on a Nevada State Prison hold. No bail



Robin N. Jensen, 24, of Elko was arrested at 1111 Idaho St. for driving with a revoked drivers license. Bail: $1,140



Fransesca R. Newman, 34, of Spring Creek was arrested at the Spring Creek Shell station for felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, three counts of use or possession of drug paraphernalia; and possession of a hypodermic device. Bail: $8,800



Jay J. Ramos, 26, of Pacoima, California was arrested at Elko County Jail for fugitive felon from another state. No bail


This free program begins in February. A program orientation will be held on Feb. 5 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Elko County Cooperative Extension office, 701 Walnut St. To sign-up call 340-8360 or email woodburyj@unce.unr.edu.

Horizon Hospice support group

ELKO  Those who have experienced the death of someone significant are invited to join Horizon Center Grief Group meetings on the first and third Mondays of every month, except on holidays.

The group meets at 1250 Lamoille Hwy, Suite 413, from 6-7 p.m.

The purpose of the group is to provide information about the grief process; to share experiences; and to alleviate the feeling of isolation.

For more information call 778-0612.

Sunrise Rotary meets at Dalling Hall

ELKO  The Rotary Club of Elko Desert Sunrise meets each Thursday morning (except the second Thursday of each month is an evening social) in Dalling Hall  600 Commercial St.

Members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. The club connection gives you the chance to develop skills like public speaking, project management, and event planning.
ELKO  The California Trail Interpretive Center will present a series of guided tours of its state-of-the-art exhibits in Spanish.

Isabel Sanchez will conduct the family friendly tours in February and March. The one-hour tours of the interactive exhibits are free and open to everyone. Sanchez is a Trail Center volunteer and a certified interpretive guide with the National Association for Interpretation.

These tours provide an exciting opportunity for us to better serve our visitors, and to share the story of the California Trail, said Supervisory Park Ranger Alex Rose. We encourage Spanish speakers, their families, and all of those interested in a unique tour of our site to join Isabel as she guides them through our exhibits.

The one-hour programs will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Trail Center on Feb. 9, Feb. 23, March 16 and March 30.

Between 1841 and 1869, approximately 250,000 people sold their belongings, packed wagons, and set out for California. Trail Center visitors learn about the emigrants and their impacts to both Nevada and U.S. history.
She explained that when she worked at a satellite office in Ely she realized doctors did not always understand the difficulties some patients went through in order to get help.

Youd have someone riding their bike in from McGill in maybe 10 degrees below zero in a T-shirt. They did not think much of that in Vegas. They did not realize how important this visit was or how sick this person was. Rural to them is completely foreign.

Andreozzi also explained that her patients would often have to see a different doctor each time, complicating the treatment process.

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In psychiatry thats very hard because they have to tell their life stories, Andreozzi said. These can be very deep, hard stories about trauma and addiction, stuff they do not want to repeat telling every few months.

Andreozzis goal has always been to get her education and support the rurals. She even moved to Salt Lake City to complete her residency because she had to study under a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse. That option was not available here.

Besides having her own office, Andreozzi also works at the jail through Medallus Health. She does medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder with specialty courts. She travels to Winnemucca twice a week to serve the community there.
ENGIE (www.Engie.com) is pleased to announce that commercial operation was achieved on 30 January 2019 for the 100 MW Kathu Solar Park in South Africa. This state of the art plant is a greenfield Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project with parabolic trough technology and equipped with a molten salt storage system that allows for 4.5 hours of thermal energy storage to provide reliable electricity in the absence of solar radiation and during peak demand. The Kathu site covers approximately 4.5 km, with 384,000 mirrors. Kathu is the first CSP development for ENGIE.

The solar park was awarded under Round 3.5 of South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPP), a competitive tender process that was launched to facilitate private sector investment in renewable energy generation. Kathu Solar Park signed a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) pursuant to the REIPPP procurement programme with the off-taker/buyer.



Isabelle Kocher, CEO of ENGIE : "The completion of Kathu shows our continued commitment to an economic and environmentally friendly development in South Africa. Kathu with its molten salt storage design offers a clean solution to overcome the intermittency of renewable energies. We are proud to contribute to the country's renewable energy goals, and look forward to continuing the projects initiated with local communities making Kathu a genuine driver of regional economic development."



Kathu will provide clean and reliable energy to 179 000 homes in the local community of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, the Northern Cape and South Africa as a whole. In addition to this, it is estimated that the Kathu Solar Park will save six million tons of CO2 over 20 years, and will foster further local economic development through several projects, such as the trust for the benefit of the communities situated in the Northern Cape and sourcing of services from local entrepreneurs.



The KSP shareholders, which are led by ENGIE (48.5%), include a group of South African investors comprising SIOC Community Development Trust, Investec Bank, Lereko Metier Sustainable Capital Fund, and its co-investors FMO, the Dutch development bank and DEG, the German investment and development company, and the Public Investment Corporation. The main contractor (EPC) is Liciastar- a Spanish consortium of SENER and Acciona in addition to the Kelebogile Trust.



In South Africa, ENGIE has interests in a wind farm (94 MW Aurora), 2 solar photovoltaic parks (21 MW) and 2 thermal power peaking plants (670 MW Avon and 335 MW Dedisa). ENGIE also owns Thermaire Investments (Pty) Ltd. and Ampair (Pty) Ltd., leaders in the HVAC installation and maintenance segment in the South African market

Media Contact:

ENGIE HQ Press contact:

Tel. France: +33 (0)1 44 22 24 35

Email: engiepress@engie.com

Investors relations contact:

Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 22 66 29

Email: ir@engie.com

About ENGIE Africa:

For over 50 years, ENGIE has been active in many African countries through its energy engineering business and more recently as an independent power producer in South Africa and Morocco with a total capacity of 3,000 MW either in operation or under construction. By 2025, ENGIE wants to be a reference partner in several African countries for power plants, energy services to businesses and decentralized solutions for off-grid customers - communities, companies and households. ENGIE already has more than 1 million customers with domestic solar installations and local microgrids, and aims to become one of the viable leaders on the continent's off-grid service market. For more information, go to www.Engie-Africa.com.

About ENGIE:

We are a global energy and services group, focused on three core activities: low-carbon power generation, mainly based on natural gas and renewable energy, global networks and customer solutions. Driven by our ambition to contribute to a harmonious progress, we take up major global challenges such as the fight against global warming, access to energy to all, or mobility, and offer our residential customers, businesses and communities energy production solutions and services that reconcile individual and collective interests.

Our integrated - low-carbon, high-performing and sustainable - offers are based on digital technologies. Beyond energy, they facilitate the development of new uses and promote new ways of living and working. Our ambition is conveyed by each of our 150,000 employees in 70 countries. Together with our customers and partners, they form a community of imaginative builders who invent and build today solutions for tomorrow.

2017 turnover: 65 billion Euros. Listed in Paris and Brussels (ENGI), the Group is represented in the main financial (CAC 40, BEL 20, Euro STOXX 50, STOXX Europe 600, MSCI Europe, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, Euro STOXX Utilities, STOXX Europe 600 Utilities) and extra-financial indices (DJSI World, DJSI Europe and Euronext Vigeo Eiris - World 120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120, France 20, CAC 40 Governance).To learn more: www.Engie.com
Today (2/5), U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, Qatar's Minister of State for Energy Affairs, CEO and President of Qatar Petroleum, H.E. Saad Al-Kaabi, and ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods announced that approximately $10 billion will be invested in the Golden Pass LNG terminal near Sabine Pass, Texas. Qatar Petroleum will invest more than $8 billion and ExxonMobil more than $2 billion in the project.

This investment will enable the Golden Pass terminal to export America's energy bounty and has the potential to generate nearly $35 billion in U.S. economic gains including federal, state, and local tax revenues over the life of the project. Project activities will begin in the near future, and are expected to create over 45,000 direct and indirect full-time jobs nationwide during the five-year construction period.

"Today's agreement is the latest example of the vital partnership between the U.S. and Qatar - from American universities putting campuses in Qatar, to our strategic military relationship, and of course, our collaboration in the energy sector," said Secretary Perry. "The Golden Pass project is proof that two of the world's top energy producers can work together as allies to increase energy diversity, advance energy security, and support rather than subvert an open energy marketplace."

"The Golden Pass LNG export project is not our first investment in the United States, and is certainly not going to be our last. It represents a significant part of the plans that Qatar Petroleum has announced to invest $20 billion in the U.S. energy sector, which we believe would bring great benefits for both the United States and the State of Qatar," said H.E. Mr. Al-Kaabi. "The development of the Golden Pass LNG export facility enhances the depth and flexibility of our global LNG supply portfolio, and reinforces the position of the U.S. as a key contributor to meeting the world's growing demand for LNG."

"Golden Pass will provide an increased, reliable, long-term supply of liquefied natural gas to global gas markets, stimulate local growth and create thousands of jobs," said Darren Woods, chairman and chief executive officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation. "The extensive experience of ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum provides the expertise, resources and financial strength needed to construct and operate an integrated liquefaction and export facility in the United States."

The Department of Energy has authorized 23.05 billion cubic feet per day (235 billion cubic meters per year or 177 MTPA (million tons per annum) of LNG) of natural gas primarily spread across 10 large-scale export projects in Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Georgia, and the Gulf of Mexico. Once completed, Golden Pass will be the seventh large scale LNG export project in the United States and be capable of exporting more than 2 billion cubic feet per day of U.S. LNG to any county not prohibited by U.S. law or policy.
"Golden Pass will provide an increased, reliable, long-term supply of liquefied natural gas to global gas markets, stimulate local growth and create thousands of jobs," said Darren Woods, chairman and chief executive officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM). "The extensive experience of ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum provides the expertise, resources and financial strength needed to construct and operate an integrated liquefaction and export facility in the United States."

The $10+ billion liquefaction project will have capacity to produce around 16 million tons of LNG per year. It is expected to create about 9,000 jobs over the five-year construction period and more than 200 permanent jobs during operations. Preliminary estimates by an independent study indicate the project could generate up to $31 billion in U.S. economic gains and more than $4.6 billion in direct federal, state and local tax revenues over the life of the project.

Golden Pass is part of ExxonMobil's plans to invest more than $50 billion over the next five years to build and expand manufacturing facilities in the U.S. This includes the Growing the Gulf initiative, which will create about 45,000 jobs in America.

Working interests in the Golden Pass LNG export project are 70 percent Qatar Petroleum and 30 percent ExxonMobil. This project builds upon the successful international relationship between ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum, with Qatar Petroleum joining ExxonMobil in exploration and development activities in Argentina, Brazil and Mozambique.

About ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world's growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is one of the largest refiners and marketers of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world. For more information, visit www.exxonmobil.com or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/exxonmobil.

Cautionary Statement: Statements of future events or conditions in this release are forward-looking statements. Actual future results, including project plans, timing, costs, capacities and economic impacts could differ materially due to changes in market conditions affecting the oil and gas industries or long-term price levels for oil and gas; political and regulatory developments including changes in environmental laws and regulations and obtaining necessary permits and approvals; the ability to implement operating and management plans as intended including timely completion of construction projects; the actions of competitors; the occurrence and duration of economic recessions; the outcome of commercial negotiations; and other factors discussed in this release and under the heading "Factors Affecting Future Results" on the Investors page of ExxonMobil's website at www.exxonmobil.com.
Households saved over almost $6 billion while commercial and industrial users saved more than $9.9 billion, combined, the report, titled, "Georgia Residents Benefit from Affordable Natural Gas," revealed. CEA presented its findings today (2/6) at the Georgia Chamber to their Government Affairs Committee, in Atlanta.

The analysis details how the national and local energy revolution has helped Georgia energy consumers increase disposable income, adding to job growth and economic investment while helping to revitalize communities. It also details how Georgia's lack of availability to local and state resources creates a reliance on energy infrastructure to ensure that affordable energy can be delivered to the state. As a result, it's critical families and businesses work with local and state governments to guarantee that current, and future, Georgians can count on domestic energy and a robust pipeline network to deliver energy to their homes and businesses.

Highlights from the report include:

On average, each resident spent $3,022 to meet their energy needs in 2016. For the nearly 15 percent of the state's population living at or below the poverty line, this translates to almost one-quarter of their income going toward energy expenses.

Georgia consumers saved more than $16 billion in energy costs between 2006 and 2016. Residential users saved more than $6 billion; commercial and industrial users together saved more than $9.9 billion.

The oil and natural gas industry contributed 142,700 jobs and accounted for more than $7.5 billion in wages in Georgia.

In all, oil and gas provide more than $13.7 billion to Georgia's state economy. That includes employee compensation, proprietors' income, income to capital owners from property and indirect business taxes.

The state does not currently have any crude oil or natural gas production. In recent years, developers have been investigating potential energy resources in the Conasauga Shale, in northwest Georgia.

Georgia is among the top 10 petroleum-consuming states, with its transportation sector accounting for 90 percent of consumption. Its industrial sector is Georgia's second-largest user of petroleum products.

From 2000 to 2017, nationwide emissions of key pollutants have decreased, including nitrogen oxides (by 52 percent), sulfur dioxide (by 83 percent), volatile organic compounds (by 19 percent) and fine particulate matter (by 37 percent).

"Access to energy supports just about everything we do across Georgia. It fuels our cars and trucks and cools our homes during the hot, humid summer months," Kevin Doyle, CEA's Georgia Director, said. "That's why it's crucial that Georgians work with local and state governments to guarantee that families and businesses can continue to count on domestic energy and the pipeline networks that deliver it to our homes and businesses. We cannot take it for granted."

Doyle added: "We should protect our access to reliable, affordable energy resources to preserve our state's economic well-being. While Georgia's agriculture industry directly impacts our state, so too does the energy industry, and it's not only farmers and ranchers. Energy from clean, abundant and affordable natural gas has saved both families and businesses in Georgia almost $16 billion between 2006 and 2016."

To view the report, click here.

About Consumer Energy Alliance

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America's energy future. With more than 500,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy's importance to the economy.
France to oppose Russian Nord Stream 2  media

According to French authorities, they do not want to increase their dependence on Russia.

If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter
Drug agency bans sale and distribution of 16 medicines

The Department of Drug Administration has recently issued a directive to stop the production, sales, distribution and import of at least 16 drugs until further notice, saying that they do not meet the minimum standard.
Yen Tu, Huong and Bai Dinh pagodas and Den Tran Temple are popular destinations for spring pilgrimages.

Yen Tu, Quang Ninh Province

Pilgrims can take a cable car to the Dong Pagoda at the mountain top. Photo by Chudu24

Yen Tu relic is located atop Yen Tu Mountain in the Dong Trieu range, Quang Ninh Province. With its sacred pagoda made from bronze at 1,000 m, it is a popular destination for many people in the north. In the past visitors and pilgrims had to walk up, but now they can take a cable car to the Dong Pagoda at the mountain top.

Around Yen Tu Mountain are many other things to admire such as Giai Oan and Hoa Yen pagodas, Giai Oan Stream, Truc Lam and Trinh temples, Hue Quang Tower, and the statue of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.

Tran Nhan Tong was the third emperor of the Tran Dynasty, reigning Dai Viet (the name of Vietnam then) from 1278 to 1293. During the second and third Mongol invasions of Dai Viet, the emperor and his father were credited as the supreme commanders who led the Tran Dynasty to the final victories and since established a long period of peace and prosperity over the country.

It takes quite long to travel from Hanoi to the foot of Yen Tu Mountain, so you need to start early. A 1 day-1 night trip is recommended.

Huong Pagoda, Hanoi

The road to Huong Pagoda is a charming sight with green mountains and a river. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

The Huong Pagoda Festival is one of the biggest spring festivals in Vietnam. It goes on for nearly three months from the 6th of the first lunar month.

The peak of the festival is from the full moon in January to the 18th of the second lunar month. Tens of thousands of people come here every day, causing huge crowds and pushing the cost of services up.

The pagoda and Huong Tich Cave are in Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, near the Day River, 65 km from Hanoi's center.

The road to Huong Pagoda is a charming sight with green mountains and a blue river. Tourists sit on boats and go along the dreamlike Yen Stream to the final destination, Huong Tich Pagoda.

Bai Dinh, Ninh Binh Province

Bai Dinh Pagoda is surrounded by magnificent landscapes. Photo by Ha Truc

Along with Huong and Yen Tu pagodas, Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the three most famous spiritual places in northern Vietnam. The pagoda in Ninh Binh Province has been renovated and upgraded on the foundation of an ancient pagoda.

The Bai Dinh pagoda complex has an area of 1,700 ha including the old and new pagoda areas and others such as a cultural park, Buddhist academy, and Dam Thi lake. It has Asia's largest gold-plated bronze Buddha statue and the longest Arhat corridor.

Bai Dinh is very close to other attractions in Ninh Binh such as Trang An, Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Bich Dong. This land is also famous for its delicious cuisine.

Tran Temple, Nam Dinh Province

Tran Temple is a famous destination, where kings of the Tran Dynasty and their mandarins are worshiped. Photo courtesy of CEO Travel

A complex of temples in Loc Vuong Ward, Nam Dinh, close to Highway 10, the Tran Temple was the place to worship for the Tran emperors and mandarins serving them.

The temple was built in 1695 on the foundation of an old temple of the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400), which had been destroyed by the Ming (China) invasion forces in the 15th century.

It has three main buildings, the Thien Truong Temple (Up Temple), Co Trach Temple (Down Temple) and Trung Hoa Temple. To enter it, visitors have to pass through the citadel gate.

The Tran Temple Festival on January 15 of the lunar calendar (February 19 on the Gregorian calendar this year),which celebrates the Tran Dynasty and its famous resistance against three Mongol invasions, is a chance for people to pray for good fortune in their lives, and especially in business.

The festival also features activities like wrestling, dragon dance, lion dance, cockfighting, bottle throwing, swinging, playing chess.
Spaniard discovers the geometry of photography in Vietnam

An intent to get instants that will never happen has kept Victor Morante longer than intended in Vietnam.

Morante left Spain on January 31, 2016 for an Asian trip and is yet to return home.

He has also been in Vietnam for longer than he intended at first.

"Vietnam is an easy country to live in and I'm staying longer than I could ever have expected, and when it comes to photography, it's still growing gradually compared to other countries in Asia," he said.

Morante learnt photography on his own and started on this career path in Bangkok, Thailand. Very soon, he learnt that he has a passion for street photography and daily instants.

"Its kind of meditation, I must be totally focused and ready to react almost instantly in order to catch that instant. I can freeze a moment that will never be going to happen ever again," he said.

Morante said at some point, without even realizing it, the vibes of Saigon changed his photo structure.

"I found out that the streets can offer all the composition I might need. Lines lead the eye to the subject, and any object framed properly, can be a line. I became obsessed and selective, I seek those unnoticed geometrical shapes whenever Im out."

Below are photos that he took in the downtown of Saigon in 2018:


Get fortune scripted into your life at Hanois Temple of Literature

Tet calligraphy produced at the Temple of Literature is believed to bring luck and fortune, so Hanoians crowd the place.

On the second day of Tet, the Lunar New Year, thousands of people go to the Temple of Literature in the capital city's Dong Da District to light incense and pray for progress on their learning paths, good exam scores and get the 'magic' calligraphy that will help their wishes be granted. The venue, Vietnam's first university built in 1070, has become a sacred place for most Vietnamese people.

Before asking for the brushes to pen magic words, people pray for fortune and success.

If you don't have time to line up and wait for the calligraphy, you can buy readymade ones at the souvenir shops for VND100,000 ($4).

People have to queue up for a long time to get their calligraphic dose for the year.

The calligraphers don't have a minute to rest as their brushes keep moving to keep up with the demand.

Depending on the material and size, each calligraphic work costs between VND130,000 and 150,000.

It is believed that calligraphy writers not only have to produce beautiful characters, but also deeply understand the meaning of each word they write as well as the wishes and personalities of the people who ask for them.

Yen Lan, a 10th grader, asked for a calligraphic writing of 'Passing Exams.'

A group of 12th graders have bought calligraphy works as part of their preparation for upcoming important exams.

Fifth grade student Huy Anh went to the Temple of Literature with his father and asked for the word "Moral."

The weather in Hanoi during Tet has been warm and sunny, helping dry the ink on paper faster.
An 'other' reflects on the ways in which he and many others feel they belong, why Vietnam is home.

I have spent over 40 percent of my adult life outside of my home country, never content with having my soul controlled by geography, to paraphrase George Santayana. I carry a U.S. passport but it doesnt define me. I am a U.S. ex-patriot and global citizen who calls Vietnam home.

It was during my first visit to Hanoi 23 years ago this month that this country - with its tragic yet inspirational millennia-long history - cast its spell on me. After moving here in 2005, I joined a select group of expats  an estimated 100,000 of them, according to official sources - who live in the midst of 97 million Vietnamese.

Love us, love us not

As a foreigner, I am one of those strange creatures from a distant planet, walking enigmas who evoke a panoply of emotions, ranging from interest and curiosity to indifference, contempt, and fear. As outsiders, we are sources of income, role models, fonts of wisdom, bearers of all things good, easy marks, and importers of evil trends and tendencies.

Our "beauty" lies in the eyes of the beholder: multifaceted and, at times, schizophrenic. Sometimes, they love us, sometimes they love us not, often with good reason, based on past experience or collective memory.

Why have so many foreigners  tourists, travelers and expats alike - flocked to Vietnam in recent years? In abridged alphabetical order: adventure, business, charity, cultural heritage, curiosity, development, forgiveness, love, penance, profit, reconciliation, religion, scholarship, sex, and study. Some of us come here to take, others to give (back), still others to experience the dawn of a new age in a country that is making up for lost time in stunning fashion.

Greig Craft, a U.S. social entrepreneur who first came to Vietnam in 1989, set up the Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation to combat the public health crisis arising from motorbike use without a helmet. In the spirit of doing good and doing well, Craft echoes the views of other expats in Vietnam, when he speaks of the obligation to "not only plant the seeds of prosperity for developing countries like Vietnam, but to also balance it with social initiatives and programs to improve the lives of the people."

Lady Borton is a Hanoi resident and arguably the most legendary U.S. expat living and working in Vietnam. During the war, she administered a Quaker Service project that treated civilian amputees in Quang Ngai, a heavily-contested province in the former South Vietnam. She also worked in the North on war-relief projects. In addition, Lady Borton is among a handful of US Americans who worked with post-war Vietnam during what she calls the "Hard Times" of a debilitating post-war U.S.-led embargo.

Fluent in Vietnamese, Lady Borton has collected stories over the past half-century from countless Vietnamese from all walks of life. "I am constantly surprised," she says. "I hear a story and realize, 'Oh! Their situation was not what I thought. And not what we Americans thought or think we know.'"

Among those who have come to Vietnam for one or more of the aforementioned reasons are thousands of overseas Vietnamese. Hao Tran, a HCMC-based Vietnamese-American entrepreneur who runs a media company, Vietcetera.com, and invests in food and beverage businesses, credits his time here with helping him discover "the better part of my Vietnamese identity. I previously wasnt very proud to be Vietnamese."

Not cut from the same cloth

I am aware, sometimes painfully so, of those who have come before me, which has helped me become more closely attuned to the Vietnamese perspective. For centuries, foreigners, mainly people who look like me (i.e., white and male), have come to Vietnam in the name of God, Civilization, Country, Ideology, and Profit. While a few have streets named after them (e.g., Pasteur, de Rhodes, Yersin and Morrison*) because of their landmark contributions to Vietnam and the world, many exploited, violated and murdered. Both their demise and their departure were cause for rejoicing.

While I live among the Vietnamese, most expats live a ghettoized and insular existence that tells a tale of two worlds. They watch the "locals" as if in a movie or a museum, barely scratching the cultural surface. Many complain incessantly about why "they" are not more like "us." They offer unrelenting and unsolicited advice about what Vietnam could and should be doing or doing better. They come and go like clockwork; precious few are here for the long haul.

US Americans: similar but different

I am an expat but also a U.S. American, which places me in a special category. Contrary to what my fellow citizens are told (i.e., the official line is that all Vietnamese are forward-looking, the past is past), or like to believe, because it assuages their guilt, there are Vietnamese who are either suspicious of us or do not like us. Can you blame them?

The U.S. military, in what is logically known here as the American War, since it was the U.S. and its allies waging war on Vietnamese soil, after all, turned large areas of Vietnam into killing zones, dropping million tons of munitions on a country half the size of Texas, in line with General Curtis LeMays infamous quote that "were going to bomb them back into the Stone Age." An estimated 3.8 million people were killed, more than half of them civilians, in a war in which body count was deemed a metric for progress.

The U.S. also wrought massive environmental destruction and spawned horrific war legacies such as Agent Orange (AO) and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) that continue to maim, deform and kill, over four decades after the bombs stopped falling and the guns fell silent.

Some U.S. Americans, including veterans, have come back to help deal with these war legacies, and stayed longer than they expected. Much longer, in some cases. My friend, Chuck Searcy, a U.S. Army veteran during the 1968 Tet Offensive in Saigon, came here in 1995 to work with mobility-impaired children for three years. Over two decades later, he is still here, helping clean up bombs and mines, and assisting families suffering from the consequences of Agent Orange as International Advisor for Project Renew.

"The Vietnamese have never demanded anything of us except peace, friendship, and mutual respect, even after the devastation they suffered during the war," Searcy says. "They are surprisingly gracious and generous in their appreciation for the small contributions we do make when, actually, were only doing what we have a moral obligation to do. I have learned a lot from the Vietnamese about humility and understanding," he adds.

I often feel like a secular missionary whose interactions with the Vietnamese occasionally break down stereotypes, melt ice, and defy expectations. I am from the USA but am not "American" in many respects because of my extensive international experience and global (i.e., non-U.S.-centric) perspective. Whenever I look in the mirror, I realize I will always be an outsider, but one who is accepted, respected and has found his way.

I am "the other," yet I belong.

Vietnam: A nation on the move

It is my privilege to be an eyewitness to history in the making, a participant-observer in an exhilarating and unfolding ethnographic research project. Vietnam will at times bend you, break you and put the pieces back together again, sometimes in the course of a day. Every day whets your appetite for more and heightens anticipation about what the coming weeks and months will bring.

This is a nation on the move, always in motion, rarely taking time to reflect. Life is lived to the fullest, tangible, raw, unprocessed and real. There are times when it seems as if the word serendipity was invented in Vietnam.

In spite of a range of societal problems, many of which are the "growing pains" of a rapidly developing country such as environmental pollution, food hygiene issues, and income/wealth inequality, and some that are the result of forces beyond Vietnams control like climate change and global trade wars, as well as perennial concerns about Big Brother to the North, there is a palpable and well-documented sense of optimism and forward momentum.

In recent years, Vietnam has boasted the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia and will, I hope and pray, be successful in charting a course for genuinely sustainable development. Life is better, much better, for the vast majority of people.

Most importantly, Vietnam is at peace and belongs to the Vietnamese.

(Author's note: Norman Morrison, an American Quaker who set himself on fire below Robert McNamaras Pentagon office in November 1965, is the only U.S. American I know of who has a street named after him in Vietnam.)

*Mark A. Ashwill is an international educator who has lived in Vietnam since 2005. He served as country director of the Institute of International Education (IIE)-Vietnam from 2005-09 and is the co-founder and managing director of Capstone Vietnam, a full-service educational consulting company with offices in Hanoi and HCMC. The opinions expressed here are his own.
Dutch company Delta Marine Consultants have signed a license agreement with Swiss company SEL AG for the use of XblocPlus in the Marina Porto Albania project. It will be the first international application of DMCs latest version of XBloc armour units.

The Xbloc production is expected to start early 2019 and the objective is to complete the breakwaters by early 2020.

XBlocPlus has been designed to achieve optimal interlocking between the blocks, providing more hydraulic stability.

Second high profile project

The blocks envisaged to protect the marina against severe storm waves in the Adriatic Sea are 2.5 m3 XblocPlus on the breakwater trunk in combination with 3 m3 Xbloc units on the breakwater head.

With six months after the market introduction, XblocPlus has already been selected for two high profile projects.

The first Dutch project with XblocPlus is the enforcement of the Afsluitdijk Project where the block is applied under the name Levvel-blocks, named after the Levvel consortium (Bam, Van Oord and Rebel) that will strengthen the levee on behalf of the Dutch national water authority Rijkswaterstaat.

Impression of the combined use of the XBloc and the XBlocPlus on a breakwater.

Less concrete, less units

XblocPlus is a further development of the Xbloc which has been applied in breakwater constructions around the world over the past 15 years.

Compared to other blocks in the market, XblocPlus requires significantly less concrete and less blocks to cover the same breakwater.

Due to the similarity to roof tiles, the regular block placement of the new unit is fast, safe and efficient. It also gives breakwaters and shore protections a very smooth look.

In the Marina Porto Albania project both types will be used. The XblocPlus will be applied on the straight and mildly curved breakwater sections where the blocks can be placed fast and efficiently in the rooftile pattern whereas the flexibility of the original Xbloc unit will be used on the breakwater heads where it provides protection on the sharply curved surface area.

This news item was originally published on the website of XBloc and BAM.

(Photos: BAM/XBloc)

Read also on this website

 Placement trials XBlocPlus armour units prior to reinforcement Afsluitdijk, the Netherlands, 12 August 2018

 Levvel consortium presents innovative armour units to enforce Afsluitdijk, the Netherlands, 1 May 2018

 4,500 Xblocs to protect new harbour of remote Chatham Islands, New Zealand, 18 January 2016

 Expertise: Enabling delta life

 Country: Albania



More information

Delta Marine Consultants / BAM

Gouda, the Netherlands

+31 182 590 610

www.xbloc.com

XBloxPlus explained.


Greg Sargent summed up Tuesday's SOTU speech very well: "Trump's State of the Union speech repeated all of his most reprehensible lies, and suggests he still won't accept the new reality in Washington." Sargent boded that he "demanded total capitulation" from Pelosi and that "he won;'t get it." Even aside from the disdain-- if not contempt-- in which most voters hold Trump, the Democrats have the issues. Trump can try to paint Medicare-For-All, free public college, a livable minimum wage and taxing the super-rich as "socialism," but polls show that most voters support all of them-- and by wide margins. Yesterday Elizabeth Warren sent this smile graphic out to her supporters, showing that a new poll shows how popular her Ultra-Millionaire Tax is:





"Insiders in Washington," she wrote "like to label any idea that might challenge the wealthy and the well-connected as 'radical' or 'outside the mainstream,' but weve got news for them: America is far more progressive than they think. When it comes to the core economic issues were fighting for-- raising the minimum wage, expanding Social Security, paid family leave, debt-free college-- a majority of all Americans, Democrats and Republicans, agree."





And this report from Amanda Gordon for yesterday's Bloomberg News, Mega-Rich at Palm Beach Soiree Dismiss Democrats' Tax Proposals plays right into the Democrats' hands. "The party at the Norton Museum of Art Saturday night," wrote Gordon, "had all the trappings of the Palm Beach high season-- those Stubbs & Wootton slippers, some fabulous gowns, and, with President Trump ensconced at Mar-a-Lago, a healthy disregard for the tax plans being floated by a wide field of potential Democrat candidates in 2020."

Theyre going to eat themselves alive, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said.



Those plans are so antithetical for whats good for growth in our country, theyll go nowhere, Citadel founder Ken Griffin said. Improving public K-12 education would be a much better way to address inequality than tax increases that are trying to destroy the wealth creators of our society, he added.



But maybe there was literally zero chatter about the Democrats tax proposals, as Griffin put it, because everybody was chattering about Lord Norman Fosters expansion of the museum, which reopens next week. The gala celebrating the occasion captured, in one night, the energy and ambition of a new Palm Beach.



Griffin brought some of that energy as he dashed into the museum without stopping to look at his name in letters on the new building in West Palm Beach. He had a lot of people to catch up with before sitting down on gold cushions with Leonard Lauder and the architect to dine on melon and shrimp, filet and Bananas Foster.



An obvious topic was Griffins recent home purchases-- a $123 million house in London and a $238 million New York apartment designed by Robert A.M. Stern.

Sahil Kapur also wites for Bloomberg News and yesterday he was writing how the Democrats candidates for president are swinging left in a return to the party's FDR roots . "A flurry of proposals to slap new taxes on the ultra-wealthy, extend Medicare to all Americans and make college debt-free reflect a rapidly changing Democratic Party that sees a sharp left turn as the path to defeating President Donald Trump," he wrote. "Some of the partys top 2020 presidential hopefuls are wading into uncharted political waters in an effort to demonstrate their commitment to mitigating income inequality."













He wasn't talking about Biden, Bloomberg, McAuliffe, Delaney. Klobuchar, Bennet, Hickenlooper, the "centrists." Beto may attempt to run as a progressivish candidate as well; no way to tell yet. Gillibrand, Tulsi and Harris all decided to run as progressives despite their records. (Tulsi seems to have genuinely transformed; the other 2 appear to be opportunists.) Castro and Booker are doing the progressive thing as well now.





Actual progressives, Bernie, Elizabeth Warren, Jeff Merkley, Marianne Williamson and, I think, Jay Inslee fit Kapur's description better. Kapur warns them that "moderate Democrats warn that the party wins elections not by indulging its most liberal impulses but by hewing to the political center. And Trump has made clear hes ready to use the leftward tilt by Democrats as a wedge issue in 2020." He seems to be reporting that enormously popular proposals-- take Medicare-For-All, debt-free college, and making the rich pay their fair share of taxes-- are going to hurt progressives. Not everyone agrees.
But I dont want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.

"Oh, you cant help that," said the Cat: "were all mad here. Im mad. Youre mad."

"How do you know Im mad?" said Alice.

"You must be," said the Cat, "or you wouldnt have come here.

 Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland





With freedom comes responsibility.

 Eleanor Roosevelt




August 13, 1924  February 2, 2019

Mary Virginia Ripley, 94, of Sweet Home, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 2, 2019, and is now again with her husband, Del.

She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to John and Marylean (Bitzer) Ryan.

She attended St. Aloysis Catholic School. After graduating, she met Del in 1942 at a dance at the Playmor in Kansas City. He told everyone she was the prettiest girl in Kansas City and the best dancer. Because it was World War II, Del was stationed all over the United States, attending aviation mechanic classes and working on planes, and Mary followed him. They were married November 10, 1943.

When the war ended, they moved to Sweet Home and Del and his dad opened Ripleys Chevron Station on the corner of 18th and Main. Mary worked at City Hall in the water department and for the Welds at Sweet Home Sanitation. She also worked at Edward Jones and real estate in Lebanon.

Mary is survived by her three daughters, Carol Jean Wence of Hilo, Hawaii, Marilyn Mumey of Surprise, Arizona, Elaine Bliss of Arkansas; four grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
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Our area has a 95-percent misuse rate, she said, noting that the statistic was based on the individuals who attended her clinics. The people we see with the highest misuse rate are people who have a lot of kids because things change quickly and they think, Ive had five kids, I know what Im doing.

In 2017, Gov. Kate Brown signed House Bill 3034, which requires children to remain in rear-facing car seats until age 2, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

As adults, we know what is comfortable and we assign that to kids, Austin said. But kids sitting rear-facing dont know that theyre not looking out the front window and children who are able to talk will tell us that sitting front-facing with their legs dangling makes their feet go numb.

The most common misuses Austin and her team see are parents who dont fasten the seat securely, misuse of the seat's attachments and children being in the wrong seat for their height and weight.

Austin said each year less and less grant money is available. It costs approximately $4,000 each year to run the program, which also provides car seats to low-income families for a $30 co-pay.

But that hasn't stopped her and her team.
In 1949 rural Poland a musicology project is underway. Wiktor and his colleague and lover (Agata Kulesza, marvelous in too-few scenes) bounce along in a truck with their sound equipment and their officious, party-line fellow worker (Borys Szyc). They're auditioning the locals and gathering folk songs and peasant dances in one remote village after another. The end result: a touring concert presentation of music "born in the fields," as Szyc says.

Wiktor hears, and sees, something in a particular young woman. Zula, he learns, can sing. She comes with baggage, and a rap sheet, acquired when she attempted to murder her sexually predatory father. Zula sees the tour as a way out, even if she doesn't know where "out" will take her. The affair with Wiktor begins not long after a private tutoring session, during which she asks: "Are you interested in me because of my talent? Or just in general?"

From there "Cold War" jumps to 1951 Warsaw, where the tour begins, and where Wiktor and company learn that the song-and-dance extravaganza is about to become heavily politicized. Wiktor and Zula continue their affair, though Zula seems perpetually on edge. The men in her life see her as a useful tool of sexuality. Wiktor, meanwhile, is planning a defection to the West. Come with me, he says. We'll go to Paris. But if that happens, Zula wonders, "Who will I be?"
Binod Ghimire covers parliamentary affairs and human rights for The Kathmandu Post. Since joining the Post in 2010, he has reported primarily on social issues, focusing on education and transitional justice.
The company also created the Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV (Second City Television) that ran between 1976 and 1984.

Griggs started taking improv classes at The Second City in 1996. He said among his favorite alumni were Fey, Rachel Dratch, and Scott Adsit (30 Rock), the ones who performed Chicago's main stage shows at the time.

Griggs, who has directed the Chicago touring company's shows for nearly three years, said each touring company performs almost 200 shows a year around the country.

The director and ensemble cast spends a few months on the creation of every new show. They take what's happening in the world, news and society as topics to use in improv performances every night in Chicago, along with audience suggestions, and eventually turn those ideas into a script, Griggs said.

Company performers went through this process for the sketches they will feature in Tuesday night's show.

"It's a mixture of new material, as well as 'best of' material,'" Griggs said.

Politics has always been a hot topic audiences have suggested during The Second City improv performances.

"Every show we get someone shouting out 'Trump!'" Griggs said.
Sri Lanka's president urged human rights groups on Wednesday not to interfere with his plans to end a 43-year moratorium on capital punishment.





Maithripala Sirisena told Parliament that executions will resume in the next 2 months.





He said many larger nations carry out executions but smaller countries like Sri Lanka are hampered by human rights groups in their efforts to control crime.





"In carrying out the executions ... I especially appeal to the human rights organizations not to control punishments given to serious criminals by raising human rights issues," Sirisena said.





Sri Lanka is predominantly Buddhist, a religion which advocates non-violence. It last executed a prisoner in 1976.





Sirisena said while the country has had positive influences from all religions, tough law enforcement is necessary to curb crime and maintain order.





Recent large seizures of narcotics have raised suspicions that the country has become a smuggling hub.





During a visit to the Philippines last month, Sirisena praised President Rodrigo Duterte's drug crackdown as "an example to the world." Thousands of suspects have been killed in the crackdown, which Duterte launched after taking office in 2016. Rights groups have denounced the killings as extrajudicial executions.









Sri Lanka has 1,299 prisoners facing death sentences, including 48 convicted of drug offenses.





Police have intensified efforts to crack down on drugs, seizing 90 kilograms (198 pounds) of heroin from a luxury apartment in Colombo last month. 2 Americans, 2 Sri Lankans and an Afghan were arrested. On Tuesday, a total 110 kilograms (242 pounds) of drugs were seized from 2 locations near the capital.





Giada Girelli, a human rights analyst with the Harm Reduction International drug policy research group, said last week that there is no evidence that executions would serve as an effective deterrent to drug use or trafficking.





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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde

Associated Press, February 7, 2019
A Montana lawmaker wants to require prosecutors to provide indisputable biological proof that a person committed a capital crime before that person can be sentenced to death.





The House Judiciary Committee is set to hear a bill Wednesday by Rep. Brad Hamlett, D-Cascade, that would require there be DNA or other biological proof that a judge finds conclusively establishes the defendant's guilt before they can be sentenced to death.





The measure would save the state money because fewer people would be sentenced to death, creating fewer appeals and reducing court costs, Hamlett said.





"Whether you agree with the death penalty or not, I think we can all agree we don't want innocent people being executed, period," Hamlett said Tuesday.





Montana is 1 of 30 states with the death penalty, but it can't execute anybody because of a judge's ruling that the Department of Corrections doesn't have access to the specific lethal injection drugs that are allowed under state law. The most recent execution in Montana was in 2006.





Republican Rep. Mike Hopkins of Missoula is sponsoring a separate bill seeking to abolish the death penalty entirely - including the sentences of the 2 men on death row. Hopkins' bill also has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, although a hearing date has not been set.





State lawmakers have rejected efforts to repeal the death penalty for at least the past two decades. Hopkins said the time is now.





"If you're a person that just generally believes the death penalty is wrong, then the death penalty is wrong and it should be abolished," Hopkins said. "If you're a person that believes in fiscal responsibility or the concept that policy should actually do what the policy says, then the death penalty should be abolished because we have a death penalty under which nobody dies."





William J. Gollehon faces the death penalty for killing a fellow inmate during a 1990 riot at the state prison. He was already been serving a life sentence for killing a woman in Billings in 1985.





Ronald Allen Smith was sentenced to death in March 1983 for killing two hitchhikers in August 1982.





The state has had to pay for special attorneys to defend Gollehon and Smith and file appeals on their behalf as well as defended lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the penalty and the protocol used to carry it out, Hopkins argued.





Montana's neighbor to the south, Wyoming, also is considering abolishing the death penalty. A repeal bill passed the state House last week and is now pending in the Senate.





Last year, Washington state's supreme court ruled the death penalty there is unconstitutional, and Delaware's high court did the same in 2016. Nebraska lawmakers repealed the death penalty in 2015, but it was reinstated by voters the following year.





New Mexico, Illinois, Connecticut and Maryland have all repealed the death penalty in their states over the last decade, while governors in Oregon, Colorado and Pennsylvania have declared moratoriums in their states.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde

Associated Press, February 7, 2019
A flat-out repeal of the death penalty is what we want to do, said Sen. Angela Williams, who plans to sponsor a bill





20 states have banned or suspended the death penalty, and this could be the year Colorado joins them. Public support for capital punishment is declining. And Democrats, some of whom campaigned on doing away with state-sponsored executions, now control state government.





Sen. Lois Court of Denver will support such legislation, but she knows passage is never assured. She recalls the painful path a similar bill took in 2013  one year after the deadly Aurora theater shootings, when, like this year, Democrats held the statehouse and the governors mansion.





Court, then a state representative, remembers sitting in the bills final committee hearing. She opposed capital punishment then, as she does now. But back in 2013, events, public mood and perhaps politics played a role the committees ultimate decision to reject the repeal bill.





Before the vote was called, Court pointed out to fellow committee members that voters did not ask lawmakers to repeal the death penalty that year. And, she said, the governor at the time, John Hickenlooper, was conflicted on the issue, signaling he might veto the bill. Adding to the fraught atmosphere in the committee room was the presence of Rep. Rhonda Fields, whose son, Javad Marshall-Fields, was murdered in 2005. Fields, who is now a senator, supported the prosecutors decision to seek the death penalty, and still does today.





You could feel the weight in the room, as one lawmaker put it.





When the roll was called to kill the bill, Court sighed, yes.





Six years later, Court says, the situation is different. Public support is swinging against capital punishment, as evidenced by the recent election of Attorney General Phil Weiser, who campaigned against capital punishment. So, too, did some newly elected Democratic lawmakers. And, Court said, Gov. Jared Polis is on board.





The governor now says hell sign it, Court said, now the Senate president pro tempore. Full steam ahead.





Supporters of the repeal, who cite the high cost of prosecuting a death sentence and racial biases in the criminal justice system, could introduce a bill in the Senate as soon as this month.





A flat out repeal of the death penalty is what we want to do, said Sen. Angela Williams, a Democrat from Denver who plans to introduce the bill in the Senate.





Since the nationwide moratorium on death penalty was lifted in 1976, and the punishment was reinstated in Colorado, the state has executed 1 man, Gary Lee Davis, a murderer and rapist.





Today, there are three men on death row. They include Nathan Dunlap, who was convicted for killing four people at a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in 1996. Hickenlooper granted Dunlap a reprieve, delaying his death sentence unless reversed by a future governor. Also awaiting executions are Sir Mario Owens and Robert Ray, both of whom were convicted for the 2005 murders of Javad Marshall-Fields, Sen. Fields son, and his fiance Vivian Wolfe, who were scheduled to testify in a murder trial.





The issue is still very personal for Fields, a Democrat from Aurora. She argues the death penalty can help solve crimes. For example, district attorneys can use the threat of the death penalty to prompt a confession, she said, as they did when a Weld County man confessed to killing his pregnant wife and 2 daughters, with the understanding that prosecutors would not seek the death penalty in exchange. The man was later sentenced to life without parole. Opponents of the death penalty, however, say this strategy raises ethical concerns about forced confessions.





Williams, who is working with Sen. Julie Gonzales to draft a bill, said she wants to introduce the legislation before lawmakers begin work on the budget, which is likely to happen in early March. In the House, Rep. Jeni Arndt, a Fort Collins Democrat, and Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, a Commerce City Democrat, will work to pass the bill through the House.





Gonzales remembers when former Senator Lucia Guzman fought to pass the bill. Gonzales, who took Guzmans seat after she left office due to term limits, said she wants to carry forward that legacy. She also said she has concerns about racial bias in the criminal justice system, which might explain why the three men on death row are black.





Every single aspect of our criminal justice system is imbued with racial bias. And that is also evidenced by the individuals who are currently sitting on death row, Gonzales said.





Sen. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat from Lakewood, who also voted against the bill in 2013, said she plans to do the opposite this time around. The committee vote, she said, still haunts her today. But at the time, in the wake of the Aurora theater shooting, she said her constituents largely supported the death penalty.





As a leader, I think youre elected to represent your constituents. Its always a kind of a balance and a tug-of-war, she said.





But, she added, Its something that I fundamentally dont believe in. So I will be voting with my values this year and I believe that my constituents will still support me.

Polis Would Commute Sentences If State Lawmakers Pass Death Penalty Ban

Democratic Gov. Jared Polis said Wednesday if lawmakers pass a proposal to end the states death penalty hell commute the sentence of convicted murderer Nathan Dunlap to life in prison.





If the state, Republicans and Democrats, were to say, and I were to sign, a bill that said we no longer have the death penalty in Colorado  I would certainly see that as a strong indication that those who are currently on death row should have their sentences commuted to life in prison, Polis said.





Dunlap was sentenced to death for murdering 4 people in Aurora in 1993. Polis predecessor, John Hickenlooper, favored the death penalty when he entered office but later changed his mind. As a result, he delayed Dunlaps execution, but stopped short of commuting his sentence.





Because Democrats control both houses of the legislature, they could revoke the death penalty without Republican votes. However, Polis predicted the measure would win support from both sides of the aisle.





A death penalty bill is expected but hasnt been introduced yet.





The same holds true for a proposal to tighten control over oil and gas development. The measure is expected to make health and safety the top consideration in state permitting decisions, and to increase local power over the location of drilling rigs. Polis said those are both priorities he wants to set.

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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde

: The Colorado Independent, January 7, 2019cpr.org, February 7, 2019
India: Loans at concessional rate of 4 per cent.for fishermen

February 07,2019 | Source: DNA India

The Central government, which has been continuously working on the motto of Sabka Saath - Sabka Vikas, has once again, with Budget 2019, reaffirmed its commitment to the all-round development of the agriculture sector and enhancing the income of farmers. The budgetary allocation of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry has been raised by around 2.5 times from Rs 58,080 crore in 2018-19 to Rs 1,41,174.37 crore in 2019-20. In fact, the budgetary allocation of Rs 1,41,174.37 crore in 2019-20 is 16.6 per cent more than Rs 1,21,082 crore during UPA (2009-14). That is why, the government in accordance with its philosophy of increasing both agriculture production and farmers income, has created history in Budget 2019 by making provision of income support and other schemes with a focus on rural India.



To provide an assured income support to the small and marginal farmers, the government has launched a historic programme Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) entailing an annual expenditure of Rs 75,000 crore. Under this programme, vulnerable landholding farmer families, having cultivable land upto 2 hectares, will be provided direct income support at the rate of Rs 6,000 per year to ensure their investment and other needs. This income support will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiary farmers, in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 each. This programme will be fully funded by the Government of India. It will also protect farmers from the clutches of moneylenders and ensure continuity in their farm activities.



This programme will be made effective from December 1, 2018, and the first installment for the period up to March 31, 2019 would be paid this year itself after identifying eligible farmers. A sum of Rs 20,000 crore has been proposed for 2018-19 for this.



The Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been started for the first time by the Modi government to promote the countrys cattle and buffaloes, to preserve their genetic resources in a scientific and holistic form and for continuous growth in the productivity of Indian bovine. Considering its importance, the allocation of Rs 250 crore in Budget 2018-19 has been raised to Rs 750 crore.



India is the second largest fish producing nation in the world, accounting for 6.3 per cent of global production. The fisheries sector contributes 1 per cent to GDP and provides livelihood to about 1.5 crore people at the primary level. The sector registered an average annual growth of more than 7 per cent in recent years and the total production during 2017-18 was 12.61 million tonnes. During 2017-18, the revenue from exports was estimated at Rs 45,106.89 crores, which shows an average annual growth rate of approximately 11.31 per cent in recent years. To provide sustained and focused attention towards development of this sector, the government has decided to create a separate Department of Fisheries.



Through the Kisan Credit Card, the government provides institutional credit at cheap rates to farmers. This not only helps in increasing agricultural production but also productivity. In the interest subvention scheme, farmers are given short-term loan of up to Rs 3 lakh per annum by banks on timely payment of loan at the rate of 4 per cent.



In the last Budget, our government announced the facility of extension of Kisan Credit Card scheme (KCC) to Animal Husbandry and Fisheries farmers: 2 per cent interest subvention to the farmers pursuing the activities of animal husbandry and fisheries who avail loan through Kisan Credit Card will also be provided. Further, in case of timely repayment of loan, they will also get an additional 3 per cent interest subvention. Now, livestock farmers and fishermen will be able to avail loans at concessional rate of 4 per cent.



Presently, the crop loans are rescheduled for such affected farmers and they get benefit of interest subvention of 2 per cent only for the first year of the rescheduled loan. Now, all farmers affected by severe natural calamities, where assistance is provided from National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF), will be provided the benefit of interest subvention of 2% and prompt repayment incentive of 3 per cent for the entire period of reschedulement of their loans.



At present, there are about 7 crore active KCC, which means that almost 50 per cent of the farmers are still out of the institutional credit system. To ensure provision of easy and concessional credit and to bring all farmers under KCC fold, Government has decided to initiate a comprehensive drive with a simplified application form.



It is clear from these provisions and Budget 2019 that the government has taken all steps to ensure the development and income of our farmers. The fixing of minimum support price and providing income support will be helpful in doubling the income of farmers by 2022.
India: Press Release: Budget hollow in allocations: As far as the fishworkers are concerned

February 07,2019 | Source: NFF

National Fishworkers Forum has been demanding a separate Ministry for Fisheries with the specific objective of addressing the concerns of the small scale and traditional fishworkers along with other coastal communities. However, it is disappointing that the government has rejected this long standing demand and converted it to a mere department. Following the reports on media it seems that the focus of this department will on boosting the export of the marine inland resources rather than focusing on the issues fishworkers face. While growth in budgeted allocations may be high, fisheries continue to lag behind animal husbandry and dairying with total allocations to fisheries amounting to just 41% and 38% of those made to animal husbandry and dairying respectively.



Near half of budgeted fisheries allocations are towards establishment expenditure involved in running the Fisheries Institutes, whose allocations grew almost 30% in 2019-20. The Fisheries Institutes consists of Fisheries Survey of India, National institute of Fisheries post-harvest technology & Training, Central Institute of Coastal Engineering for fisheries, Central institute for Fishermen Nautical Engineering & Training and Directorate of Aquatic Animal Health and Quarantine.



Other central expenditure towards the fisheries sector includes allocations to statutory and regulatory bodies like the Coastal Aquaculture Authority and autonomous bodies like the National Fisheries Development Board. The former witnessed growth of 16%, allocations in 2019-20 amounting to Rs. 4.5 crores while the latter saw continuation of the same budgetary allocation of Rs. 100 crores in 2018-19 and 2019-20.



Most of the budget allocations made by the NDA II government concentrates on infrastructure development not for the small scale and traditional fishworkers but for research and establishment purposes. The components under the restructured blue revolution does not focus on the livelihood issues of the fishworkers and is not clear as to what will be spent for the welfare of fishworkers. The overall thrust of the budget looks at scaling up the infrastructure and exploiting the oceans and the inland rivers without making any clear-cut safeguards and also not keeping in mind a holistic approach to safeguarding the environment. Many a times the fishworkers livelihood are affected by these surveys and the search for resources in the sea as in the case of ONGC surveys happening in Maharashtra.



The first phase of the World Bank Assisted Integrated Coastal Management Programme saw rigorous policy shifts especially hitting the nail on the coffin for the coastal communities in India especially in the last year budget year. The programme, which had been a pilot project for West Bengal, Odisha and Gujarat, is now expanded to all the coastal states as well as the Union Territories. NFF expresses its concern towards these

schemes, which uproots the livelihood of small scale and traditional fishworkers. No allocation for the saving and relief schemes for fishworkers has been envisioned in the budget.



NFF also takes note that this budget is being presented in the absence of an Economic Survey and also there was no defined analytical context for the budget especially in the midst of an agrarian crisis and the uncertainty of job creations. The government budget is infact indicates the context of the upcoming elections. We hope that these are not yet another set of jhumlas and NFF clearly will come to the streets to roll back the anti fishworker policies announced by this government especially the Coastal Regulation Zone 2019. A mere department for fisheries will be toothless without adequate safeguards for the communities and the environment at large. This budget reflects that there is nothing in store for the communities however, but is paving the path for the corporates to clear out the existing fishing communities from the coast.
India: CIFT to design deep sea fishing vessels

February 07,2019 | Source: The New Indian Express

In an attempt to provide a fillip to the fisheries sector in Lakshadweep, the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) will design deep sea fishing vessels for the island administration. Recently, Lakshadweep administrator Farooq Khan had issued administrative sanction for the construction of 10 deep sea fishing vessels. Subsequently, the Lakshadweep administration signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with ICAR-CIFT for the consultancy on the design of deep-sea fishing vessels.



Fisheries cater to the livelihood of a majority of the island population and many are involved in tuna fishing with the unique pole and line fishing practice. CIFT with its expertise in vessel design will focus on tapping the potential of Shashimi grade tuna resources in the Lakshadweep waters while designing the boats. Lakshadweep Director of Fisheries P P Koya and CIFT director-in-charge Susheela Mathew signed the agreement at a function held at CIFT campus recently.



Design



CIFT with its expertise in vessel design will focus on tapping the potential of Shashimi grade tuna resources in the Lakshadweep waters while designing the boats.
Myanmar: Fishing communities angered by LNG project

February 07,2019 | Source: Frontier Myanmar

A planned 1,230 megawatt LNG project at Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region, has angered the local fishing community, who say that the company behind the project has damaged local fishing nets, meaning many people were unable to work for several weeks.



This week, in partnership with Dawei Watch, Doh Athan meets the local fishing communities, as well as government officials.
Superintendent Brett Reutzel said the district is very fortunate to have Musgrove as part of its team.

"We wish him the best on his deployment," Reutzel said. "We know how difficult this is for him and his family and we appreciate his service to our country. We look forward to his safe return to his family and to our district."

Musgrove said he chose to work in Fredericktown because he loves the small community and the people are kind.

During Musgrove's first deployment in December 2012, his wife Kate was 9 months pregnant with their son Asher. Kate said he was fortunate to be able to come home on leave over Christmas and Asher was welcomed into the world Dec. 28.

"We saw him two more times before he went overseas, and then didn't see him again until October of 2013," Kate said. "This time, he will be doing his training in California. We have a family vacation planned to Gulf Shores for July that was planned before we knew about this deployment. We are hopeful that he will be able to have some leave time and join us."

Kate said Jacob has been in the Navy since before they were together and it has always been a part of their relationship.
Further, it is "local, county, state, national and international in its scope and influence and is non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-secret in character. Farm Bureau is the voice of agricultural producers at all levels.

The Farm Bureau is celebrating its centennial year, having been organized on Nov. 12, 1919, in Chicago, Illinois, by organizational leaders from 34 states. A declaration made at the beginning of the convention said, This country needs the sound, conservative common sense of the farmers expressed in a collective and organized way.

Associate Commissioner Patrick Mullins raises cattle and is a member of the board of the University of Missouri Extension Council. He explained the details of state Agri-Ready program that St. Francois County participates in.

Last year this commission passed Agri-Ready status for St. Francois County, he said. Out of 114 counties, we were 47th to support Agri-Ready status. St. Francois County will support Farm Bureau and farmers.

Mullins explained how the county would work with and support the agricultural industry.

In the future if we pass any resolution or ordinance, we will reach out to the Farm Bureau, he said. Im proud of that, and we will be getting signs up on major arteries in this county along Highways 8, 67, and 32.

Mark Marberry is a reporter for the Farmington Press and Daily Journal. He can be reached at 573-518-3629, or at mmarberry@farmingtonpressonline.com.

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Justice Fischer said, Being tough on crime is not necessarily being smart on crime. Our national incarceration rates have ballooned  and for many nonviolent offenders, we have failed to address their underlying issues of substance abuse and mental illness. Lets save our prisons for those we are afraid of, not just mad at.

Fischer outlined how the courts have created a pathway for military spouses who are licensed attorneys in other jurisdictions to practice law while they are in Missouri. The new rule went into effect at the beginning of the year to allow lawyers with licenses in good standing and whose spouses are active service members stationed in Missouri or a contiguous state to apply for temporary admission to practice law in Missouri.

Fischer said, Allowing these qualified attorneys to share their legal talents with our citizens while they are in our state will honor the sacrifice they make as military spouses and will serve Missourians well.
Missouri WIC local agencies will continue to hold appointments with participants and will provide the same level of services and benefits. Missouri WIC has received funding to support normal program operations through at least March 31, 2019. WIC local agencies will continue normal operations at the same level. In addition, the WIC state agency has notified local agencies and retailers that the program will allow all benefits issued to participants to be redeemed for the months printed on the WIC checks. Some participants are on tri-monthly benefit issuance; therefore, during the month of March, benefits will be issued to some participants for April, May and June.
Metzger said the killing was a result of a feud between Harris, Anderson and their friends and family.

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+4 Sentinel Top Stories: An "assassination" at Carlisle American Legion It was one of the most brazen acts of violence in 2016, and for many, one of the most brazen acts of violence in recent memory.

She said Harris had been in altercations with Anderson and his family and that Anderson felt he was a duty bound protector of his family.

Through the first day of testimony, no evidence was presented directly tying Anderson to the shooting.

Palmer and another witness who was at the American Legion said they did not see who fired the shots that night and Anderson has not confessed to the killing.

Physical evidence, including shell casing, were recovered from the crime scene. Fingerprints were not found on the casings, according to Carol McCandless, lead crime scene analyst for Cumberland County.

The gun used in the crime was recovered in Philadelphia in the possession of a man who Andersons defense attorney, Heidi Eakin, said frequently traveled to Carlisle to sell drugs.

Eakin also presented photos that she said showed the suspect had hair. Anderson is bald.

Just because [Metzger] says it happened, doesnt mean its true, Eakin said Wednesday during her opening testimony.
The Department of Community and Economic Development Thursday announced that $1 million in Community Block Grant Development funding was awarded to build a new sewer system in Howe Township, Perry County.

The department said in a news release that the system will provide public sewer service to nearly 150 residential, commercial and institutional units.

Effective sewer systems are vital for residents quality of life in any community in Pennsylvania, DCED Secretary Dennis Davin said in a news release. This grant will replace Howe Townships failing sewer system and replace it with a modern system that will serve the townships residents for years to come.

Howe Township includes a section in which all residences are served by on-lot disposal systems, according to the department. Those systems are failing, causing raw sewage and gray water to collect and creating stagnant bodies of liquid and sludge on properties.

The township's sewage treatment plant is also noncompliant with the standards of the state Department of Environmental Protection, and it needs to be decommissioned, the department said.

Sewage in the new system will be transferred to a newly constructed sanitary sewer collection system in nearby Newport Borough.

This project will be extremely beneficial for the community and the growth that is planned there, Perry County Commissioner Brenda Benner said in a news release. Enabling our residents to connect to the public sewer will lower their costs and keep our community strong and healthy.

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Why consider changes?

Similarly, Mike Adler, who served on the task force that developed the rental ordinance, asked the borough council what has changed to prompt this renewed look. The task force looked through every item and came to the conclusion that inspections were not necessary, he said.

We looked at this thing hard. I mean we looked at it hard. I spent months in here going over this over and over again, and it was shot down, he said. Im asking you to think: What is different from 2012 to today?

Adler said the downtown market is tremendous and things seem to be getting better rather than worse, asking the council if it wants to get in the way of the progress with an ordinance.

Its good public policy to revisit things and have these conversations again instead of ignoring it, Crampse said, adding the council has heard from residents who wanted the council to look at an update.

Enforcement needed
South Middleton School District is warning residents against giving money to people going door to door to solicit donations for the Boiling Springs High School Mini-Thon.

Posting to Facebook on behalf of the Mini-Thon club Wednesday, the district said two young people were reported to have been canvassing the community door to door as fundraisers for their event.

The post said that "at no time" should students approach a residence to request a donation for the club or the Four Diamonds fund.

"Going door to door is neither a Four Diamonds or a BSHS Mini-Thon club practice," the post said.

Those with questions or concerns about the incident were directed to contact the high school office.

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It Is Time for America to Awaken

By Cris McBride, M.D. February 5th, 2019, DRGO

Original Source

It is far past time for many in our country to take a stand on those things that are important, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

There are many, many folks out there who seem to love to exercise their freedom of speech and freedom of religion, even though their religion may be none. It is still their belief and they have the right to exercise it just as you and I dowhatever their religion may be or not be.

It has long been said that all that is required for evil to happen is for good people to do nothing. Perhaps too many of us have not been doing enough. There is huge pressure by progressive politicians in many cities and states for our country to go in a direction where almost all the people I know will not like where we end up.

We dearly value our freedom of speech and freedom of religion, but too many people, even those who are speaking contrary to what I think is right, do not understand that these two rights are hinged upon the presence of the Second Amendmentthe right to keep and bear arms.

It is hard for me to understand people who do not seem to have ever heard about what plagued the world throughout most of the 20th century. Hitler, Stalin, Mao and others like them, were responsible for slaughtering scores of millions of people. In every situation of which I am aware, disarmament of civilians preceded all such tyrannical governments, making them unable to defend themselves against any aggressor.

It is especially challenging to my mind to try to understand why so many Jewish people are in favor of more restrictive firearm ownership and seem to have amnesia related to their ancestors, who were slaughtered by the millions in Europe less than one hundred years ago.

So now, even though we hear about sensible laws for firearm safety, the real goal of people like Bloomberg and the Gifford organizations are to make the entire countrys gun laws as restrictive as are the state of Californias. The majority of current legislators in California would like to make ownership of all firearms and ammunition illegal for essentially all people except those who are identified as law enforcement.

It is a fact of life that Power corrupts. Absolute power absolutely corrupts. So, when only law enforcement has access to firearms, who is left to prevent those with power and corrupt minds from becoming the tyrannical government? The answer is: No one.

A significant fact not mentioned by anyone of Leftist ideology and the Left-focused media, is that Mexico has among the highest violent crime, murder, homicide, and firearm death rates compared to any other country in the world. Mexico has gun controls in place that resemble those of California and New York. On the other hand, citizens of Switzerland have one firearm for every two people and they have virtually the lowest rates of violent death, murder, homicide, and deaths by firearms in the world.

Except for one event, all mass shootings since 1992 have occurred in areas, or zones, that were clearly identified as gun free. Texas has allowed school teachers to be armed for several years and there has not been one mass shooting in a school in which the school officials and or teachers were armed.

It is also very clear as more and more laws are passed, that the criminals and those who are insane and create mass homicides, do not have any concern about violating any of the massive number of current laws related to firearms purchase, possession or use. There are no mass shootings in which the shooter did not violate one or several of the laws currently in effect where he lived or where he killed people.

A statistic that is never promoted by anyone who leans even a little toward the left is that there are an estimated two million plus defensive gun uses per year in the United States. These events do not make the news, as few would be interested in a report saying Four people were not injured today when the robber approaching them ran away on seeing that his intended victim was armed. An event in which an armed citizen thwarts a criminal act is unlikely to make the news when there is generally no reason for a police report to be filed.

It is not rocket science to know this fact: When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.

Many of those high positions and in power are protected by armed body guards, but are opposed to you and I being armed. Is this hypocrisy or is this duplicity?

Shouldnt we prioritize instead reducing the 110+ deaths every day in the United States due to exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke, or the 1,400 deaths every day due to the direct effects of cigarette smoke?

Another great place to focus would be to reduce the 200,000 to 300,000 deaths every year in the United States that occur in hospitals due to accidents, poor judgement, erroneous medical care, or the wrong drugs being given to people.

We physicians do need to heal ourselves, and stay out of the lane of knowledgeable Americans exercising their right to keep and bear arms.

-- Cris McBride, M.D. is retired from a busy practice in rural Arizona. He purchased his first firearm at age 11 from a Sears catalog for $12. Dr. McBride is adamant about shooting for fun and self defense, and to prevent a tyrannical government from taking away our God-given rights.

All DRGO articles by Cris McBride, MD

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Nairobi, February 7, 2019The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Ugandan authorities to immediately release a team of three journalists and one media worker detained in connection with their investigative reporting and to drop any investigation into a fourth journalist, who is part of the same team.

Yesterday, security personnel in Kampala arrested BBC journalists Godfrey Badebye and Kassim Mohamed, their fixer Rashid Kaweesa, and their driver Shafiq Kisame, according to media reports, a statement from the Foreign Correspondents Association of Uganda, and two journalists who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. Police also raided the home of a fourth journalist, Solomon Serwanjja, of the privately owned NBS TV; he was not home and police arrested his wife, Vivian Serwanjja, according to a statement on social media by NBS parent company Next Media Services.

This blatant attempt to suppress investigative journalism is a sign of the extremes to which Uganda is willing to go to make sure that critical stories dont hit the airwaves, said CPJ Sub-Saharan Africa Representative Muthoki Mumo. We urge authorities to immediately and unconditionally release these journalists and their support staff, and to provide assurances that Solomon Serwanjja will not be arrested.

The journalists were jointly investigating the alleged trade of government-regulated pharmaceuticals on the Ugandan black market, and were at the conclusion stage of the three-week investigation, according to the Next Media statement.

The news site Nile Post, also owned by Next Media Services, reported that the journalists had gone to meet a person suspected of illegally selling the drugs when they were arrested.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, today said that the journalists and Vivian Serwanjja, who works with Ugandas Ministry of Health, are facing charges of illegal possession of restricted drugs, according a statement seen by CPJ and a report by the privately owned Daily Monitor. Under Ugandan law, possession of such classified drugs is punishable by a fine of up to 2 million Ugandan shillings (US$545) and up to five years in prison.

In a televised news brief, Onyango said that some of the drugs were found at Serwanjjas home and that police were still looking for Solomon Serwanjja to provide an explanation.

Kampala Metropolitan Police commander Moses Kafeero responded to a text from CPJ requesting comment by saying that he would send a statement via WhatsApp. He did not send the statement by publication time.

The BBC confirmed via email to CPJ that a BBC team had been arrested in Uganda, although it did not specify the individuals arrested.
THURSDAY, Feb. 7, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Taking the blood thinner Pletal (cilostazol) with either aspirin or clopidogrel (best known as Plavix) lowers stroke patients' risk of a subsequent stroke better than taking aspirin or clopidogrel alone, a new study finds.

The Japanese study was funded by Pletal's maker, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, and tracked outcomes for people with the most common form of stroke, ischemic stroke. These are strokes caused by blocked blood flow to the brain.

Low-dose aspirin and clopidogrel have been shown to reduce the risk of a second stroke early in ischemic stroke patients' recovery, said study lead author Dr. Kazunori Toyoda. But he added that the benefits of those two blood thinners are brief and must be balanced with a risk of major bleeding after long-term use.

Toyoda is deputy director general of the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Suita, Osaka, Japan.

Pletal has been shown to prevent further strokes in stroke patients without increasing serious bleeding as compared to aspirin, Toyoda said. So his team decided to assess whether long-term use of the drug with other blood thinners might be safe and effective.

The study included more than 1,800 high-risk patients in Japan who had suffered an ischemic stroke up to six months earlier. Each was randomly assigned to receive aspirin or clopidogrel alone, or a combination of Pletal with aspirin or clopidogrel, at one of 292 sites across Japan over about three years.

As reported Feb. 6 at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, the study found the risk of another ischemic stroke was halved for patients who took Pletal plus aspirin or clopidogrel, versus those who took aspirin or clopidogrel alone.

Specially, 29 of 913 patients (3.2 percent) who took Pletal plus another blood thinner went on to have another stroke, compared to 64 of 926 patients (6.9 percent) who took aspirin or clopidogrel alone, the investigators found.

Adding Pletal to the mix didn't seem to affect patient safety, however. According to the researchers, patients in the study experienced a similar risk of major bleeding -- about 1 percent -- regardless of which regimen they were on.

One cardiologist who wasn't connected to the new study said the findings were encouraging.

"The decrease in stroke recurrence with unchanged bleeding risk is remarkable," said Dr. Satjit Bhusri, who practices at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

"Stroke treatment has long lagged heart attack treatment," Bhusri said. "It is reassuring to see that similar treatments correlate and if this continues, we can further study more advanced medicines already used in the heart for the brain as well."

Because these findings were presented at a medical meeting, they should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information

The National Stroke Association has more on ischemic stroke.




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.
But he nearly escaped justice. And its all Sean Penns fault.

Fearing the actors would be caught in the crossfire, commanders ordered the marines to stand down. The military waited for the celebrities to leave and, instead of going in on foot, chose to attack by helicopter. They lost the element of surprise, and El Chapo escaped again.

Oh, my God! If I could get my hands on Sean Penn! Jack Riley, the former No. 2 at the US Drug Enforcement Agency, tells The Post. The people he put at risk because of that stunt. He should be in jail.

Riley pushed to have Penn and del Castillo prosecuted for obstruction, but his boss at the DEA and officials at the Department of Justice declined to pursue the case, citing Penns protection because he was acting as a journalist.

Riley vowed to redouble his efforts to get Chapo. And if Sean Penn was up there again, to hell with him. Nothing was going to stop us.

Riley, now 60, grew up and spent much of his career more than a thousand miles from the border.

He was raised in suburban Chicago, the son of a hospital pathologist and a nurse.

Shortly after graduating from Notre Dame, he joined the DEA and began working undercover. His alias was John Lynch, a trust-fund yuppie making coke buys. After busting one small-fry dealer, however, Riley began to wonder if he was making a difference. He longed to go after the dealers further up the hierarchy.

Hed soon get his chance, starting in the early 1990s, when he first heard the name El Chapo.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, the US drug war largely focused on Colombia and its Cali cartel. Mexico was not yet a major a player.

That changed with Guzman, who announced his arrival by executing rivals and beheading several Mexican cops.

The images were seared into my soul. I never forgot the brutality, or the name, Riley writes.

Chapo showed a flair for logistics that few outlaws could match. He was dubbed El Rapido because of his ability to move drugs from Mexico into the United States within 24 or 48 hours.

Guzman was the most business-savvy sonofabitch who ever ran a criminal organization, Riley writes.

In 2007, Riley was tapped to head the El Paso DEA office, in large part because of his knowledge of El Chapo, who, despite his stranglehold on the American drug market, was still unknown to many in US law enforcement.

The Texas post was crucial because it included territory that encompassed nearly one third of the US-Mexico border.

Upon his arrival, Riley announced to the press that he was there for one reason: to get El Chapo under control.

The kingpin took notice. Soon, an ominous sign reading, Welcome Jack Reilly [sic] was hung off an overpass just across the border in Mexico. The DEA also picked up intel that Chapo had put a $100,000 bounty on Rileys head.

Money for bribes was built into Chapos business model.

One night, Riley was driving along a deserted road between El Paso and Las Cruces, NM (where he lived with his wife and son), when he noticed he was being followed by two vehicles.

Riley sped up to 100 mph, and the vehicles still kept up. He pulled into a neighborhood and tore down residential streets at 60 mph but couldnt shake the pursuers.

Finally, he pulled into a playground parking lot, jumped out of the car, gun drawn and crouched beside it, waiting for a firefight.

The pursuers pulled up and stopped before inexplicably speeding off. I think that whole thing was just to scare the st out of me, Riley says.

The incident cemented Rileys resolve.

I got pissed off and said, This guy is going. Its either him or me, Riley says. Im a stubborn old Irish cop from Chicago. Id put my money on me.

Riley vowed not to retire until Chapo was behind bars.

In 2010, he returned to Chicago to head that DEA office. He attempted to build a case against Guzman by targeting the local gangs who worked for him.

In a particular stroke of malevolent genius, Chapo had anticipated the opioid crisis. He knew Americans were becoming increasingly hooked on pain pills, and he gambled that when they were unable to get prescription meds anymore, they would turn to his heroin. He sent smack flooding north, including on Chicagos streets.

In 2013, the city named Chapo Public Enemy No. 1. Rileys office got valuable leads by wiretapping local criminals phones.

What really stands out is how stupid all these guys were, Riley says. On one call, [a dealer] is talking to Chapos guys in Mexico, and he says he thinks the three letters [DEA] are onto us. So the guy says, Dont call me at this number anymore. Then he gives out his new number. We laughed our ass off in the office.

American intelligence began zeroing in on El Chapo by monitoring the phones of those around him. Chapo ordered his henchmen to dispose of their burner phones regularly, but many got lazy and didnt.

The US also used drones to surveil suspected hideouts, hoping to snap an image of Chapo.

The method led to several close calls (in one raid, Chapo escaped through a tunnel hidden beneath his bathtub) and ultimately his capture in 2014.

A few months after his arrest, however, Chapo was gone, escaped through a mile-long tunnel his crew had dug beneath the Mexican prison. Riley, by then second in command at DEA, had flown down a few days earlier to notify Mexican officials that Chapo was planning to escape. The warning went unheeded.

Both American and Mexican law enforcement had attempted to arrest [Chapo], but he proved almost supernaturally slippery.

Money for bribes, Riley says, was built into Chapos business model.

In late 2015, officials suspected he was heading to Los Mochis, a coastal town in Sinaloa. Surveillance images showed construction crews fortifying the front door on one house, and locals were overheard murmuring, Papi is coming.

In the end, burritos and porn are what did him in, Riley writes.

On January 2016, Mexican officials saw a van leaving from a safe house with three men, including Chapo, inside. The group went for Mexican food and to pick up dirty movies, before returning.

The marines moved in. Chapo escaped through the sewer and emerged, carjacking a ride before being apprehended . He was extradited to the US in 2017.

Riley, who is now retired, is gleeful that his nemesis is behind bars and on trial, facing 10 counts.

Its fabulous, he says. After the scare in New Mexico that night, he got to me. I started looking over my shoulder, started second guessing what I was doing. I lost focus for a while.

I love that hes sitting in jail and hes now feeling the same way.

As you read this, the worlds most notorious drug dealer, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, is sitting uncomfortably in a 136-square-foot jail cell in lower Manhattans Metropolitan Correctional Center.
With it being National School Counselor Week (Feb. 4-8), the four educators said theyre hoping to shatter the stigma that exists when it comes to what they and their peers do on a daily basis. Using the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Model, CPS counselors strive to support their students so they can be successful in all aspects of their lives.

I think we help remove any barriers that we can to help kids focus on school, Johnson said.

How counselors help can vary. It can range from providing social and emotional support to aiding in solving a problem among peers.

Sometimes, especially at this age, they may just need a little help with conflict resolution, getting along with others, Kruse said.

The four CMS counselors, who work with a specific class they follow through up until they go on to high school, develop a strong rapport with their kids. So much so, the four said they have kids who will simply pop in to say hello, maybe talk about an issue outside of school like the death of a family pet or just be in need of a pencil or a bandage for a small cut.

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The thing I enjoy most about is building the relationships with the students, Johnson said, which the other three agreed with almost instantly.
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!
Automotive Electronics Drives Crowds at Nepcon Japan Published: 06 February 2019 by E. Jan Vardaman by E. Jan Vardaman

Embedded RF and related materials will aid the 5G rollout.

More than 116,000 visitors crowded into the Tokyo Big Site venue in Japan in mid-January for Nepcon Japan, the worlds largest show for electronics packaging and production. They were there to see the more than 2,640 exhibitors in automotive, smart factories, robotics and wearables, the major focus areas for this years show. And some 26,695 experts attended the conference sessions, where they discussed these and other new developments, such as 5G and artificial intelligence (AI).

Automotive. Autonomous driving and electric vehicles (EVs) were the major focus areas for the automotive segment. Aisles were crowded as visitors discovered the latest products from the more than 1,100 automotive exhibitors, and technical sessions were packed (FIGURE 1). Many booths demonstrated the latest technology for in-cabin monitoring, including cameras, LiDAR, and even heart-rate monitoring. Maybe the problem of drowsy drivers will become a thing of the past. Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki and Baidu presented autonomous driving technologies. With ADAS and the move toward autonomous driving, greater use and a variety of sensors is anticipated. Toshiba, Continental and FLIR Systems described their latest developments in LiDAR, radar and infrared cameras. In the printed wiring board session, Denso described MediaTeks mm-wave radar that includes embedded RF, baseband processing, and an integrated antenna-in-package. Packaging options such as flip-chip and fan-out wafer-level packaging (FO-WLP) were described by Infineon, among others. Nissan, Honda and Hitachi offered technology developments for electric vehicles, with Hitachi revealing a new copper sintering material for power devices.

FIGURE 1. Conference sessions on automotive and 5G were packed.

Infineons presentation on packaging for automotive applications described the current packages and limitations driving adoption of new approaches for radar modules, such as embedded die and eWLB, Infineons novel FO-WLP. Issues such as chip-package interaction and thermal considerations are important in the development of future packages.

NTT DoCoMo, KDDI and Softbank focused on connected cars and the role of 5G. Denso described a digital concept for autonomous driving, while Valens explained limitations of existing connectivity systems, and proposed its HDBaseT automotive chipset for in-vehicle communication. Nissan Motor and Solid Power presented the latest battery developments.

5G. Several companies described developments in 5G, including use in automotive applications. SoftBanks presentation focused on its delivery platform, including smartphones, the connected car, factory automation and medical. MediaTek described a variety of packages, including a flip-chip application processor/modem and antennas-in-package for smartphones and base stations, as well as high-performance packages including silicon interposers and fan-out-on-substrate for networking applications.

Presentations covered recent developments in RF materials for PCBs and flex circuits for the 5G era. NTT Docomos presentation highlighted developments in massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) at 20GHz and 20Gbps. Panasonic described new materials, including resins, copper foil and glass cloth, with a focus on automotive sensors for ADAS. Oki described new PCB material developments and material properties. Nippon Mektrons presentation focused on materials for flex circuit, including LCP.

SemiConsults presentation provided a detailed examination of the packaging in Apples iPhone XS, including sensors, display, antenna design, flex circuits and PCBs. Kuraray described flex circuit material developments, including LCP.

Additive manufacturing. Siemens described its activities in additive manufacturing and their advantages. Examples included functional prototyping of gas turbine blades, providing improved internal cooling to generate overall turbine efficiency and reduced repair time. Another application was for spare train components, which reduced supply-chain dependency and enabled mass customization. Another presentation highlighted use of carbon in additive manufacturing for MEMS packaging and life sciences.

New package developments. FO-WLP presentations drew large crowds again this year, with presentations from TSMC, as well as equipment and material suppliers. Presentations from Fraunhofer IZM, Unimicron and Screen focused on developments in panel-level packaging. Hitachi Chemical described materials developed for panel FOWLP, and highlighted activities of its new center, Jisso Open Innovation of Tops (JOINT), which officially opened Jan. 21. On the show floor, Torays booth displayed a panel-level FO with 3m lines and spaces fabricated with a thin conductor made by plating chemistry supplier Okuno Chemical (FIGURE 2). Research is taking place in Japan. TSMC described a variety of packaging options for FOWLP, ranging from the InFO process for mobile applications to high-performance packages such as CoWoS and InFO_oS.

FIGURE 2.. The panel-level fan-out package with 3m lines and spaces, from Toray.

Wearable electronics. The wearable electronics section featured more than 170 exhibitors, which introduced more fashionable wear than in previous years. Many companies described products for workers, including virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR) products and clothing. Fitbits booth highlighted fashionable wrist products (FIGURE 3). A new exoskeleton, the HAL Lumbar Type for Labor Support (FIGURE 4) from Cyberdyne, reads bioelectric signals, allowing the device to assist the wearers movement according to their intentions, and reduce stress applied on the lumbar region when objects are lifted or carried. More than 1,000 have been rented so far. (Amazon should sign up!) Presentations from Microsoft and Isuzu described MR, AR and VR techniques for prototype designs and development. Case studies from Okumura and others described use of wearables for industry maintenance and inspection. Mitsui Chemicals presented its new material solutions for wearables. TDK described wearable sensors for medical and healthcare applications. Interesting case studies for wearable applications in elderly care were presented from SOMPO Digital Lab. Deloitte described business trends in the care of aging, and market opportunities for business, as societies around the world deal with aging populations.

FIGURE 3. Fitbits new smart tracker.

FIGURE 4. Cyberdynes new exoskeleton uses bioelectric signals to protect the backs of workers when lifting heavy items.

Robots. At least 220 exhibitors in the robots section displayed industrial robots and smart autonomous vehicles for the factory floor. Denso described its new gripper robot, and Yasukawa Electric described a variety of new robots for use in assembly operations.

Smart factory. The Smart Factory section featured 230 exhibitors with IoT solutions, factory automation equipment, and production scheduling software. Many companies focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Case studies from Yasakawa Electric and Omron described their implantables. Toshiba described advantages of the smart factory concept for its semiconductor operations, with a focus on yield analysis tracking, where engineers identified failures and causes from wafer failure map patterns and manufacturing history. Big data analysis enables comprehensive long-term, automated monitoring machine learning. Data mining techniques are integrated into an automated monitoring system with interfaces familiar to engineers, providing information to enhance yield.

Mitsubishi Motors described its introduction to IoT and AI to provide real-time monitoring of production and quality improvement. Mitsubishi Electric illustrated use of edge computing in its factory automation efforts with examples of predictive sensing of defective crimping in metal fins and predictive sensing of poor film formation in electronic parts.

Next year Nepcon is scheduled for Jan. 15-17. Even more exhibits are expected at this not-to-miss event.

E. Jan Vardaman is president of TechSearch International (techsearchinc.com); jan@techsearchinc.com.


In Sofia, a young, unmarried Moroccan woman has a child out-of-wedlock. In a film deemed as a social thriller where the ultimate revelation holds less power than the reasons for keeping it a secret, Meryem BenmBarek-Aloisi explores how issues of gender, class and power interact in a society that exercises rigid control over personal and sexual relationships.

Such is the shame and humiliation of the ordeal that befalls Sofia (Maha Alemi) almost as soon as the film begins that for one horrifying moment in a dark alley in the poor district of Derb Sultan in Casablanca, she actually looks for a box where she can put the child she has just given birth to in order to abandon it there to die. Her desperate need for her problem to go away had even manifested psychosomatically in a pregnancy denial that had prevented her belly from growing and had enabled her to not confront the truth or disclose it to her parents for as long as possible.

Sex outside of marriage is a punishable offence in Morocco, the film informs at its outset. And with familial and social honour reposing inevitably in a womans body, Sofias family descends immediately to make amends, tracking down the childs father whose appearance will conceivably put a respectable twist to the whole situation. But there is a lot more than what meets the eye initially in BenmBarek-Aloisis film which slowly and delicately teases out the nuances in the relations between the classes.

The hierarchical structure is such that it facilitates a one-way flow of power, control and entrapment. While Sofia is cornered by circumstances and her position as a woman in a society that is firmly intolerant of what it considers immoral behaviour, she too plays her part in the destructive cycle of coercion set in motion at a point in the past and makes sure that it continues to hold sway, ensnaring another in turn in its web of self-interest and opportunism.

Omar (Hamza Khafif), who confesses to having been complicit in the whole affair, even as tears of protest and anger roll down his face in the police captains office, is decidedly at the bottom of that food chain. The idea of marriage as an opportunity to ensure safety, comfort and protection for oneself is not just restricted to this unwitting couple but also includes Sofias aunt who admits to having married her rich French husband for reasons other than love.

The differences between Sofia and Omars backgrounds are obvious and stark, conveyed very effectively in scenes which place the two families on opposites sides of a table, framing them almost as representative blocks rather than individuals, and in another where having settled matters for the present, the two families leave the police station in strikingly different modes of transport.

Interesting also is the contrast between the reserved and shy Sofia and her more westernised, French-speaking, med-student cousin Lena (Sarah Perles). The confident and outgoing Lena, who is at Sofias side constantly, helping her navigate several bureaucratic barriers, may seem like the more sophisticated and experienced of the two but it is to the films credit that it punctures expectations yet again in the way it contrasts Sofias practicality and shrewdness to the formers almost naive idealism.

Sucheta Chakraborty
Royal Agio Cigars USA has announced it is added two lines under its San Pedro de Macoris brand  the San Pedro de Macoris Nicaragua and the San Pedro de Macoris Sun Grown. The two new lines will officially be launched at the 2019 Tobacco Products Expo (TPE) Trade Show opening February 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

San Pedro de Macoris Nicaragua features a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper while the San Pedro de Macoris Sun Grown utilizes a sun-grown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. Both lines will be available in 3 sizes: Perla (4 1/8 x 40, $4.75), Corona (5 7/8 x 42, SRP $5.00), and Robusto (5 1/8 x 52, SRP $5.50). Each of the three sizes is presented in 20-count boxes.

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The San Pedro de Macoris brand made its debut at the 2018 IPCPR Trade Show. At the time, the cigar was released with two blends: Ecuador (Ecuadorian grown Connecticut Shade wrapper) and Brazil (Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper). The brand was intended to offer a premium hand-made offering from Royal Agio at a value price. The cigar is named for Royal Agios factory in the Dominican Republic.

Francisco Batista, Premium Cigar Master Blender, commented in a press release, Like the blend releases last year, the San Pedro de Macoris Nicaragua and Sun Grown blends continue to directly reflect the local way of life in this small town, delivering extraordinary enjoyment for the money. Everything here is about creating the best everyday experiences possible, no matter what the occasion, and I proudly speak for the entire factory family when I tell you that these new blends will surprise you!

The San Pedro de Macoris Nicaragua and San Pedro de Macoris Sun Grown are expected to ship to U.S. retailers in early April 2019.

Photo Credits: Royal Agio Cigars
Education around the world is designed to empower our future leaders, and equip young people with the knowledge needed to be thoughtful contributors to society. Doing this well though goes beyond basic reading and writing skills, dealing with students moral compass, and personal self-belief.

In Africa, while the youth provide hope for the next generation, its well recognised they need guidance and mentorship particularly through their senior years. Many face issues from a lack of motivation, to dysfunctional home environments, substance abuse, and other activities that put themselves and others at risk of harm.

Wanting to help Africas young people thrive and fulfill their God-given purpose, African Enterprise established the Foxfires Youth Program in Kenya 14 years ago. Since then theyve recruited youth interns annually, who in turn mentor fellow students, providing them with a stable friendship based on godly counsel.

Trained in social psychology, leadership development, youth ministry and career development (among other disciplines), interns show teenagers they can make their life better, and rise above circumstance.

Peer support

Similar to the Peer Support Program experienced in Australia, interns host weekly sessions with students in school. Teenagers learn life skills, participate in creative art demonstrations, forum discussions, and Christian Union meetings. Students can talk about their concerns in a positive group environment, and socialise with people who show Gods love and care for them.

Caroline Mutheu works with Foxfires and says, I love the work that I do Theres nothing as satisfying as seeing my fellow youth transformed into pillars of change [in] our society.

Seeing a young person also devote [their] time and life to Christ assures me of one thing says Caroline, Christ is fully in control and He cares for young people to be the light to the lost and the hopeless.

One of those young people is Simon Kariuki.

After being heavily addicted to alcohol and drugs, Simon was the driver in a near fatal car accident that led him to reassess his life.

Out of that accident, says Simon. I despaired to the point of attempting suicide. One day, Foxfires came to our school and preached to us about God giving each of us second chances to make it right in life. From that instance, I heard a voice tell me that this was the time for my redemption. I didnt hesitate to receive Christ as my saviour.

Foxfires

Since then, Simon says, the Foxfires team have been walking with me and encouraging me. Out of their counsel, I have joined a partial rehabilitation center which I visit every weekend I am at loss of words for the great transformation I have encountered through Foxfires in our school.

As a donor funded program African Enterprise relies on partnerships with other organisations to promote their services, and ensure initiatives like Foxfires can continue.

The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) recently chose to work with African Enterprise, seeking to build relationship with Christian educators around the world and see people transformed by the love of Christ.

Serving over 6 million students in 100 countries, ASCIs Director of International Partnerships Emma Wynn-Jones says, Collaborative partnerships are vital to the national and global work that we do...

Find out more about Foxfires and partnering with African Enterprise via www.africanenterprise.com.au/foxfires

Ben Campbell from Sydney is the CEO of Africa Enterprisers.
As Spire Inc. gets ready to start work on the new underground natural gas pipeline that will travel through the entire length of Greene and Jersey counties and a portion of Scott County, local landowners are frustrated that Spire is coming in and taking a portion of their land without mutually acceptable compensation.

The 65-mile pipeline, which joins up with the Rockies Express Pipeline in Scott County, is being built to transport natural gas to the St. Louis area. Spire is required to get an easement to go through a landowneras property to build the pipeline.

Diamond Land Consultants, LLC consults and works with landowners affected by federal pipelines across the country.

aOur goal is to ensure proper protections and fair compensation for the required right of way through their personal property,a Diamond Land Consultants President Nate Laps said. aWe started working with landowners on the Spire project in early 2017 and represent approximately 40 land owners and their properties.a

Back in 2016, Illinois Farm Bureau held a special meeting urging landowners to contact an attorney before signing any easement agreement to make sure they are adequately compensated.

Per the law, landowners must be paid for loss of certain uses of the land in question during and after construction, loss of any other resources and any damage to the property caused by construction of the pipeline.

If there is no agreement reached with the company and the landowner, the company may acquire the easement through the use of eminent domain, which is the right given to a company by statute to take private land for commission-authorized use.

The term used to describe the formal act of exercising this power is condemnation. In August, Spire filed for condemnation action in U.S. District Court in Springfield on tracts of land in Jersey and Greene county.

These easements are generally 75 to 100 feet wide during the construction process with the permanent right of way usually about 50 feet wide. The landowner pays taxes on this right of way unless the local taxing authority grants relief to the landowner.

Laps said that Spire used aggressive tactics in obtaining the easements on the land.

aSpire never gave us an opportunity to negotiate compensation or specific property concerns of the landowners,a he said. aUltimately, Spire decided the best way to deal with us and our group was to sue all the affected local landowners and condemn their properties. All three federal district courts granted Spire access to our properties before any compensation was paid to landowners.a

While the Federal Energy Regulator Committee (FERC) granted Spire a Certificate of Public Necessity and Convenience on Aug. 3, 2018 to allow Spire to proceed with the construction of the pipeline, the action came on a three to two vote. The two commissioners who voted against it publicly stated their opposition to the pipeline while the three voting in favor did not post their reasons.

These opinions are on the FERC website. Here is what Commissioner Richard Glick said in his dissent on the project:

aBefore issuing a certificate of public convenience and necessity under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), the Commission must find both that the pipeline is needed, and that, on balance, the pipelineas potential benefits outweigh its potential adverse impacts.

aThe record in this proceeding is patently insufficient to make these determinations, as there is neither evidence that the Spire Project is needed nor that its limited benefits outweigh its harms. Congressa directive that the Commission determine whether a proposed pipeline is in the public interest surely requires more than the anemic review provided by todayas order.

aI am particularly disappointed with the order because it lends credence to the critique that the Commission does not meaningfully review section 7 applications.a

Glick feels that the record does not demonstrate that the project is even needed.

aTodayas order concludes that the Spire Project is needed based on a single precedent agreement between Spire and its local distribution company (LDC) affiliateaSpire Missouriawhile turning a blind eye to the many concerns raised in the record.

aCritically, as relevant parties acknowledge, the precedent agreement does not correspond to any incremental demand or market growth. Rather, the precedent agreement merely documents Spire Missourias intent to shift its firm transportation capacity from an existing pipeline owned and operated by Mississippi River Transmission (MRT) to the Spire Project.a

Commissioner Cheryl A. LaFleur also sided with the landowners.

aThe Commission must also consider the adverse impacts on landowners and communities. Here, the disruption to landowners and communities, unnecessary right-of-way, and the potential eminent domain action further tip the scale against any potential benefits the Spire Pipeline could have. I believe the adverse impacts on landowners have not been appropriately balanced in the Commissionas economic test.a

Laps admitted that Spire initially made offers to landowners two years ago when the project first originated.

aThose first offers were handed out two years ago and never changed with a atake-it or leave-ita attitude combined with very threatening tactics,a he said. aThe scare tactic of eminent domain was used often. All of this could have been avoided by sitting down and negotiating terms and compensation. Instead, Spire chose to use corporate bullying and strong-arming to get their way.a

While the easement might be between 75 and 100 feet, in some cases it will devalue the entire parcel of land.

aThere are many reasons why it could devalue the entire parcel but the main reason is because you cannot built over or on the easement,a Laps said. aFor instance, if a landowner wants to put up a house or a shed on his property over the easement a he canat do that now.a

Another reason is that the landowner will have a harder time selling the property should he ever decide to do so.

aThey will have a hard time selling due to limited areas to build or plan future operations,a Laps said. aKeep in mind that Spire has the rights to the permanent easement forever. That means in four years from now if they want to access the easement they are legally permitted to.a

Laps said his team has been out on multiple properties recently monitoring activities. As of last week, Spire has not begun construction on the majority of the properties in Greene County, where the project is beginning, because there are so many issues with necessary surveys and several landowners that they somehow missed in their suit for immediate access.

Laps said that Spire has trespassed and entered areas they legally are not permitted to access multiple times in the last few weeks, but charges on Jan. 22 state they went too far.

aOur agent was out and realized that Spire and Michel Construction Company were parking equipment and trucks on one of our clientas adjoining property nowhere near the easement,a Laps said. aThis was intentional and deliberate and my agent called the sheriff and the sheriff kicked them off the property. The sheriff was very helpful in preparing a report of trespass and damages. Spire did trespass but they also caused a lot of damages and we are currently acquiring third party estimates of damages they have caused.a

(NOTE: This incident took place in St. Charles County in Missouri.)

In their rush to obtain the easements through eminent domain, Spire may have created additional problems for the project.

aEven after all the litigation, Spire still needs to obtain soil surveys, drain tile surveys, core bore samples and many additional surveys outside of their court-ordered easement,a Laps said. aSpire is requesting survey access but because they have destroyed so many relationships, landowners arenat making it easy for them.a

Spire has a different story to tell, basically saying that much of what Diamond Land Consultants is saying simply isnat true.

aItas important to note that Diamond Land represents a small number of the total landowners along the pipeline route,a Jenny Barth, manager of external communication, said. aWe have reached fair agreements with the majority of landowners and their local counsel.a

According to Barth, these offers were fair and transparent, rooted in industry valuation standards as well as being customized for each parcel of land and its unique features.

The offers extended by Spire were above market value and included three years of lost crop revenues.

aWe have been open to discussion and we increased offers when provided evidence of increased values,a Barth said. aThese offers were made to all landowners, multiple times, including those represented by Diamond Land and they were accepted by the majority of the landowners along the route.a

Barth said Spire settled with every single Illinois landowner represented by a local Illinois attorney.

aBased in Belleville, Jacksonville and Jerseyville, these attorneys have experience with similar infrastructure projects and land valuation in the area,a Barth said. aHowever, Diamond Land is not a local company and they have come to town promising their clients multiples of fair market value. We made numerous offers to Diamond Land clients a offers in line with other landowner settlements. Our final offer in the fall of 2018 was significantly higher than our initial offer.a

Barth said their final offer was higher because eminent domain has always been a last resort.

aWe donat want to use eminent domain a we want to provide fair compensation for land,a she said. aDiamond Land has consistently asked for double, triple, even quadruple what other landowners received. And we donat think itas fair to the landowners and local attorneys who worked with us in good faith to pay dramatically more for similar land.a

According to Barth, Spire did try to negotiate with landowners on the 20 parcels in Greene County obtained through eminent domain.

aThose tracts are owned by landowners who received multiple offers for fair market value plus three years of crop damages,a she said. aSpire has reached agreements with 75 percent of landowners in Greene County. Diamond Land offered to represent these 20 tracts, even though they are not licensed Illinois real estate brokers or attorneys. Without that local knowledge and experience, they promised landowners much more than experts agree the land easement is worth.a

As part of the final offer for fair market value plus the three years of crop damage, the landowners were warned.

aWe clearly and openly informed landowners that if an agreement could not be reached, we would have to file for eminent domain,a Barth said. aThe federal approval to construct the pipeline provides a short window of less than two years to complete all construction. To meet this federal requirement and having exhausted all efforts to reach reasonable and fair agreements with the few remaining landowners, we had to proceed with eminent domain, even though our goal has always been to avoid eminent domain if at all possible.a

As for the concerns about right of way, Barth said they do everything they can to stay on the right of way granted through the easements.

aIf we leave the right of way, we are required to report it to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), who regulates this project,a Barth said. aWe are only aware of only a few times that our equipment mistakenly went outside of the approved right of way, and we self-reported it to FERC.a

Barth said Spireas mission is to improve communities.

aAs part of our mission, we promise to advance every community we touchawith no exceptions,a she said. aThroughout this project, weave honored that mission, sponsoring community events and bringing 400 local jobs to the area. In the end, our goal for this and every project is to use our energy for good. Thatas our promise to the communities along the pipeline, and itas a promise we will always keep.a
Notable events in the disappearance and discovery of Jayme Closs, a 13-year-old Wisconsin girl who went missing after her parents were killed in the family's home. Authorities say Jayme was found alive after being held captive for three months by a man who is now charged in her kidnapping and her parents' deaths.
Laning said in a statement that she is incredibly proud of the party we have built. She focused on improving party fundraising and beefing up its organizing capacity by hiring a slate of local organizers throughout the state.

Given these accomplishments and the bright future ahead for Wisconsin Democrats, I believe this is the perfect time for me to transition to my next challenge, Laning said. The statement didnt say what is next for her.

State party spokeswoman Courtney Beyer said no one has formally entered the race for the next party chairperson.

Weighing a run

Bryce, contacted by the State Journal Wednesday, acknowledged some people have reached out to see if Id be interested in running  he said they include labor and veterans groups. Bryce acknowledged hes thinking about it, adding he has no timetable to decide.

Bryce, of Racine, was the Democratic nominee last year in Wisconsins 1st Congressional District. He entered the race initially to challenge former House Speaker Paul Ryan and attracted a national following on social media. When Ryan decided not to run again, Republican Bryan Steil, of Janesville, secured the nomination and beat Bryce in the general election.
The number of students of color graduating from University of Wisconsin System campuses increased 75 percent over the past decade, reaching a record of 4,919 graduates in the 2017-18 academic year, according to UW System figures released Wednesday.

About 2,800 students of color graduated from the UW System in 2008-09, data show.

The overall number of students graduating from the UW System also continues to climb, mirroring a national trend thats been in place since at least the mid-2000s. The 36,825 total graduates last academic year represent an 11 percent increase from 2008-09, when 33,044 students received degrees.

Students and parents recognize that Wisconsins public universities are accessible and affordable, and these graduation numbers indicate that UW System faculty and staff are doing a great job helping students progress toward a degree, UW System President Ray Cross said in an announcement.

Officials say the numbers show campus strategies, such as incorporating undergraduate research and internships into a curriculum and providing more intensive advising, are helping students move toward college completion.

Degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) accounted for 28 percent of all degrees awarded. Degrees in the health field represented 10 percent, according to the System.

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Call for task force

Meanwhile, Ald. David Ahrens, 15th District, a water board member, said during Tuesdays meeting he would ask the City Council to create a PFAS task force that would bring city, county and state agencies together on the issue.

Ahrens said the Air National Guard should be invited to participate. One thing the task force should consider is a local advisory that could be issued warning about the special risk PFAS poses for infants and children.

Maria Powell, president of Midwest Environmental Justice Organization, who last year took the lead in researching and advocating about PFAS contamination in Madison, called for a task force that could recommend steps local government could take if PFAS levels reach action levels below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion. Examples include providing filters at the well or in homes.

Scientists, other states and the federal governments toxicology agency have said the EPA level wasnt low enough to protect health, especially for children, infants and fetuses.

Other sites noted
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He was an outstanding leader, Marquardt said. He was very conservative  he didnt want to spend any money. He voted no a lot. He had a great mind of knowledge. I have a lot of respect for him.

Over his career on the board, Willkom was a frequent visitor to the courthouse, interacting with staff and learning about upcoming issues, Marquardt noted.

He did his homework. He knew what was going on, Marquardt said.

Albarado echoed Marquardts comments about Willkom being fiscally conservative and casting several votes against spending measures.

I know he didnt want to spend a lot of money and he was always looking out for the taxpayers, Albarado said.

Board member Chuck Hull of Chippewa Falls said he was surprised at learning of Willkom stepping down.

Its an extraordinarily long time to be on the board, Hull said.
The Eau Claire Police Department is investigating the 2018 assault allegation against one of the men, according to a court filing.

That mans lawyer has said that if called as a witness in the trial, the man will invoke his right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions.

Nelson said Wednesday he wants the trial to be about what happened on March 22, 2018, and argued McCandless sexual trauma from the past isnt relevant unless its between her and Woodworth.

McCandless sexual history and prior sexual assaults are not relevant to whether she intended to kill Woodworth, or if she did, whether she was acting in self-defense, Nelson said.

Also at the March 8 hearing, Peterson will decide if expert testimony surrounding McCandless injuries will be allowed into the trial.

Nelson is challenging several doctors the prosecution has called to testify.

McCandless had several injuries, including marks on her neck and cuts on her stomach, forearm, palm, inner and outer thigh and genital area, Nelson said. The prosecution isnt stating which doctors examined McCandless and what they found; Nelson said, We dont have the notice of what their expert opinion is even going to be.
On Jan. 16, the Wendys manager said the stores bank had confirmed the bill was a counterfeit. Two men had bought about $12 in food with the $100 bill on Jan. 15, according to the police report.

The bill did not feel right, but passed the marker test, according to the report. When staff tried to place the bill in the store safe, which has an attached scanner, the safe rejected the bill as a counterfeit.

The Wendys location does not have functional surveillance video, according to the report.

Wisconsin Credit Union reported to the Menomonie Police Department Jan. 21 that a member had brought in two counterfeit $100 bills.

The member, a Boyceville man in good standing with the bank, brought the counterfeit bills to the Menomonie location and questioned if they were real, according to a police report.

He said he had sold a laptop on Craigslist and did not have the name or contact information of the person he had received the bills from. He met a woman and a man at Wakanda Park to complete the sale, and that they had left in a vehicle. The man said he was unsure if he could recognize or identify the man or the woman, according to the police report.
But Family Treatment Court will deal in civil matters, not criminal, Korpela said. Participants cant be sent to jail if they break the rules. Instead, children may stay in foster care longer if parents dont follow the courts instructions.

In adult Treatment Court youre trying to avoid a consequence  but in Family Treatment Court youre really attempting to get a reward, Korpela said. Youre really trying to get your kids back, keep them from being placed outside the home in a much more effective fashion.

Pivotal funding

A $125,000-per-year state grant  which will continue for four years  will fund new employees to run the program. An extra $67,500 from the state for the first year will help the Dunn County CJCC create and organize the program.

Dunn and Rock counties were the only two in Wisconsin to receive such grants.

If Family Treatment Court is successful, Korpela expects the program to fund itself. Finding foster care for children with substance-abusing parents  on top of treatment, respite and day care  is incredibly expensive and contributes to the spike in costs for the Department of Human Services, she said.
Last month, two bills were proposed in Illinois that could have a significant impact on gun restrictions across the state.

State Senator Julie A. Morrison from the 29th district proposed Senate Bill 107, which would ban semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that have a detachable magazine, if the gun has one or more cosmetic features such as a muzzle brake, pistol grip or adjustable stock. Pistols with a similar list of features would be targeted, as well.

The other bill involves social media and comes from the House, which was filed by House Representative Daniel Didech. This proposal (HB 0888) would require all FOID card applicants to turn over a list of all their social media accounts to authorities for review. The state police would then review the information and determine if any content on that individualas account would disqualify them from obtaining a FOID card.

Exemptions will be in place with law enforcement and some firearms will be allowed if they are registered with authorities for a $25 corresponding fee. Currently, it has not been identified as to what kind of posts or language would deem someone ineligible to receive a FOID card.

These two pieces of legislature have been criticized from some state lawmakers and will most likely be opposed by many in rural communities. One public figure that is opposed to the propositions is State Representative of the 71st district, Tony McCombie R-Savanna. McCombie has said the bills have gone too far and that she is against any legislature that would register privately held firearms with the government. She also said she fears that if the bills do get passed, it could turn law abiding citizens into criminals overnight.

In addition to those proposals, Governor JB Pritzker signed a law into effect that will require state licensing for all Illinois gun dealers. Gun stores will now have to get certifications in order to legally operate. In order to comply, retailers must be licensed by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, then would have to submit a copy of that license to the Illinois State Police, along with an affidavit declaring it remains valid. Shop owners would also have to install surveillance equipment, maintain an electronic inventory, establish anti-theft measures and require employees to undergo annual training. The bill is referred to the Combatting Illegal Gun Trafficking Act and is primarily focused at reducing gun violence across the state.

The newly instated law has already caused several small gun shops to close within the state, such as Fishmanas Sporting Goods in Girard and Walnut Creek Shooters supply in Brownstown. This is simply due to the high cost it will now take to comply. It is estimated that surveillance equipment alone will cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 in addition to roughly $3,000 in licenses.

As of right now, SB 107 has been assigned to the Judiciary Committee for further review, while HB 0888 has been assigned to the Rules Committee for further review.
After a day of freezing rain and ice pellets in the GTA, freezing drizzle will continue overnight and Thursday  along with a "roller coaster" of temperatures.

There may be another period of freezing rain Thursday afternoon, before temperatures rise to 7C by midnight. said Environment Canada meteorologist David Rodgers.

But the temperature should be back below zero by Friday morning.

"It's a bit of a rollercoaster," Rodgers said.

Messy day in Toronto, cancellations

Toronto residents faced a messy day on Wednesday. The bad weather started in the early hours, prompting Environment Canada to issue freezing rain warnings and advisories for large swaths of southern Ontario, including for much of the GTA.

The freezing rain lasted around four hours and tapered off around 4:45 p.m. in Toronto, with freezing drizzle starting in the evening, said Rodgers.

He expects on-and-off freezing drizzle throughout the night and Thursday, with rain coming in the afternoon.

Depending on temperatures, that could begin as freezing rain, he said.

Environment Canada says there is also a risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. A freezing drizzle advisory is in effect for the area.

In light of the impending rain, the City of Mississauga has issued a flood watch.

Pearson International Airport said people flying Thursday morning should check their flight status before heading to the airport. On Wednesday night, the airport reported more than 220 cancelled departures and 210 cancelled arrivals.

Earlier conditions were so bad that Canada Post has suspended mail delivery, warning it was unsafe for its postal workers across the GTA.

The TTC also had several service changes due to the weather conditions.

Earlier, several GTA school boards and post-secondary institutions opted to cancel classes. School buses were also cancelled.

Commuters also struggled.

Police reported a number of collisions on roads and highways and warned drivers to leave extra time and drive slowly.

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"You can go from wet conditions to icy conditions to slush and freezing pellets all in one drive," said OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt.

He added that provincial police attended about a dozen different collisions on highways around Toronto throughout the morning, including a number of transport trucks that jack-knifed on icy roadways.

Check flights before heading out, airports warned

Officials at Toronto Pearson and Billy Bishop airports advised travellers to check their flight status online before heading out, as the inclement weather could affect both departures and arrivals.

"Delays and cancellations are expected due to freezing precipitation throughout the day," staff at Pearson said in a tweet.

"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas," Environment Canada said.

The city said it has largely finished the first round of salting on local streets. The second round will start around 1 to 3 a.m. and continue until around 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday.
The "brutal and premeditated killing" of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was "planned and perpetrated by officials of the state of Saudi Arabia," according to the United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

"The murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the sheer brutality of it has brought irreversible tragedy to his loved ones," said Agnes Callamard in the initial findings of her independent investigation, which were released on Thursday.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who wrote critically about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.

Callamard's final report will be delivered to the UN Human Rights Council in June.

"The human rights inquiry I have committed to undertake is a necessary step, among a number of others, towards crucial truth telling and formal accountability," Callamard said.

Her team was given access to parts of the audio recording obtained by Turkey's intelligence agency, but said they were unable to do a "deep technical examination" of the material.

Callamard also has requested an official visit to Saudi Arabia due to "major concerns" regarding the fairness of proceedings for the 11 people facing trial there for Khashoggi's killing.

Reporting at the end of a week-long mission with her team of three experts to Turkey, she said Khashoggi's death was part of a "well-evidenced" global pattern of killing journalists and others critical of regimes worldwide.

"Fleeing abroad in search of safety has become less and less a reliable form of protection," Callamard said. "The international community must take a strong and collective stand against these practices."

Turkish officials have been frustrated by what they say is a lack of co-operation by Riyadh and have called for an international inquiry.

After denying for several weeks that Khashoggi was killed in the consulate, Saudi Arabia indicted 11 people in the killing and is seeking the death penalty against five of them.

Turkey says Saudi Arabia must reveal the identity of whoever who is thought to have disposed of the journalist's body and hold all involved accountable.
Bienvenidos, Your Highnesses!

Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles made history on Sunday as the first members of the British royal family to visit Cuba in an official capacity, according to the BBC. Charles's mother, Queen Elizabeth, has never made a state visit to Cuba, which came under Communist rule by Fidel Castro in 1959.

As their first stop off the plane, the royal duo attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial of Cubas national hero, essayist and poet Jose Marti.

The Prince and duchess stopped off in Cuba as part of their royal tour of the Caribbean, which includes 12 days of over 50 engagements in Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, St. Kitts, the Cayman Islands and Grenada. (And we hope your royal highnesses get a chance to relax on the Cuban beaches at some point...)

The heir to the royal throne is set to spend Monday and Tuesday in Havana, then Wednesday touring the south coast of the country and learning about the flora, fauna and environmental conservation efforts taking place in Cuba. He will depart Cuba on Wednesday.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall spoke of their groundbreaking royal tour of the Caribbean in early February, but Camilla was a little apprehensive about the royal menu.

She said she loved the music and was interested in the architecture. And she did make a remark about she wasnt so sure about the food, Baroness Brenda Hale told The Telegraph after speaking with Parker-Bowles at the U.K. Supreme Court on February 5.

We hope you got your hands on some mojitos and fried plantains already.

RELATED: 8 Times Prince Charles Was the Biggest Royal Wildcard
Whenever school buses are cancelled, there are questions about why the schools don't close.

Stephen Fields, communications coordinator for the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, said it's generally preferable to keep the schools open.

"We only have a certain number of instructional days in the year," said Fields.

The Greater Essex County District School Board has only had one closure in the last 15 years.

CBC News

"We stay open," said Scott Scantlebury. He attributes the only recent closure to a big snowstorm early in the morning.

"We didn't have time to clear the parking lots," said Scantlebury. "People still have to go to work, life goes on."

School bus companies make the decision independently of the school boards. Once Fields gets that email, then the director of education decides if the schools will stay open.

Chris Ensing/CBC

"That decision isn't made in a vacuum," said Fields. "We follow direction from authorities like Environment Canada, the Ontario Minister of the Environment, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit."

WECDSB also consults with other school boards.

"We try to make sure we're making that decision all together, as one," said Fields.

Scantlebury said all the boards are "of similar mind."

"It needs to be exceptional for school closures."

Fields said its rare for schools to close.

"Parents still want that option of having their kids be able to go," said Fields. "If, as parents, you decide its unsafe for your child to go to school, you have that option of keeping your child home."

"Any day the buses are cancelled, it's a 'G-Day,'" said Scantlebury. "It's not counted against attendance."

That's for the students at least  for staff, the expectation is to get to work. It's up to the supervisor if it's a sick day, personal day or something else.

The decision is completely discretionary.

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"There's not some sort of magic threshold number built in," said Fields.

Scantlebury said schools in Detroit are more likely to close in rough weather because of how they're funded  on daily attendance numbers.

In Windsor, school board funding is based on the number of students registered, not on daily attendance. Staff would also still be paid in Windsor if the schools were closed.
Dozens of Islanders packed into the Guild in Charlottetown Tuesday night, to share ideas on how to reduce plastic waste, and lessen its detrimental impact on the environment. The forum was organized by CBC, as part of its Waves of Change series.

"I think that's how we're all going to get through this, by sharing information with each other," said CBC producer Jane Adey.

To kick off the forum, Adey presented a CBC Land and Sea documentary she produced called Ocean Devotion.

Steve Bruce/CBC

It explores the many efforts residents and business owners in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia have made to cut back on plastic  from a local distillery cutting out plastic shot glasses, to a cafe banning plastic water bottles and using biodegradable takeout containers.

Other businesses have followed their lead.

"You learn something new, and then you pass it onto a neighbour, or your pass it onto a friend. That way, more people can make more changes," explained Adey.

'It's the little things that add up'

She was joined on stage by P.E.I. environment minister Richard Brown and mother-of-five Rachel Willcock, who started a blog last summer about her journey to cut back on plastic.

Steve Bruce/CBC

She explained to the audience the many "little things" she's done  like buying much of her food in bulk, and carrying it in recycled yogurt containers and cloth bags.

"You have to reduce what you bring into your home and what you consume," she said. "It's these little things that add up in the long run as you go along."

P.E.I. bag ban not enough?

Some at the forum challenged the environment minister on what more the P.E.I. government could be doing to help.

P.E.I. will become the first province in Canada to ban plastic checkout bags province-wide, starting this July.

""It's great that we've banned plastic bags," one audience member said to Brown. "But there's a lot of countries that have done a lot more, like banning straws, and single use cutlery. It's great we're taking action, but this is time sensitive."

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"If you go too fast, you lose people. If you go too slow, you lose people," the minister said in response. "I think we're going at the right mode. I think when the success of the plastic bag ban materializes, then we'll move extremely fast in other areas."

Steve Bruce/CBC

'We could have no fish'

11-year-old Adam MacDonald said, he was encouraged by the discussion at the forum.

He says he dreams of being a fisherman when he grows up. But he worries all the plastic waste winding up in the ocean could make it a challenging career.

"So this [discussion] is very important. Without all this stuff being done, we could have no fish."

More P.E.I. news
By John Irish and Crispian Balmer PARIS/ROME (Reuters) - France recalled its ambassador to Italy on Thursday, a remarkable diplomatic split between neighbors and European Union allies, after what it described as "repeated, baseless" attacks by Italian political leaders against France. The rupture, the first withdrawal of a French envoy to Rome since World War Two, was announced by the foreign ministry. Diplomats said Paris acted after a series of insults from Italy, capped by Deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio's decision this week to meet with members of France's "yellow vest" movement, which has mounted a months-long and sometimes violent campaign against Macron. "France has been, for several months, the target of repeated, baseless attacks and outrageous statements," the foreign ministry said in a statement. "Having disagreements is one thing, but manipulating the relationship for electoral aims is another." Di Maio, head of the anti-establishment 5-Star movement, which is in a governing coalition with the far-right League, defended his meeting with the "yellow vests", and drew a distinction between Macron and the French people. "The French people are our friends and our ally," he said. "President Macron has repeatedly lashed out against the Italian government for political reasons in view of the European elections," he said, referring to a European Parliament vote in May that is expected to see a surge among populist parties. "My meeting as the political leader of the 5-Star movement with members of the 'yellow vests'... was fully legitimate. I claim the right to talk with other political forces that represent the French people." The 32-year-old Di Maio appears keen to cast himself as a youthful rival to Macron, 41, even as his approval rating falls at home. Macron offered no immediate response to Di Maio. He has spent much of the past month touring France in a "great debate" with citizens to try to lift his own approval ratings and regain the initiative in the face of the protests. While Thursday's diplomatic action was going on, he was attending one such townhall meeting in the small eastern town of Etang-sur-Arroux. France's Europe minister, Nathalie Loiseau, said the decision to recall the ambassador was rare but necessary. "There was behavior by a member of the Italian government that we consider unusual, unfriendly and that follows a number of official Italian statements that we find hard to understand in terms of how they help Franco-Italian relations," she told France Info. BASTA ITALIA! Ties between the two traditionally close allies have grown increasingly tense since mid-2018, with Di Maio and his fellow deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini of the League party, firing pot-shots at Macron and France, mostly over migration policy. Macron has at times responded, criticizing Italy last June for its refusal to accept a boatload of migrants rescued in the Mediterranean, and taking aim at Rome's public finances. But in recent weeks the exchanges have grown sharper and more personal. Di Maio accused France last month of fuelling poverty in Africa, suggesting it was a neo-colonial power. Salvini accused France of exploiting the unrest in Libya to benefit oil company Total, which competes with Italy's ENI in the development of regional energy assets. He also said he hoped Macron's party would lose in May's European elections. During a visit to Egypt last month, Macron sought to shrug off the sparring, calling Salvini and Di Maio's comments "insignificant" and adding that he dealt only with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Conte, a political unknown who became prime minister last year as a compromise between Salvini and Di Maio, was caught on video at last month's World Economic Forum in Davos discussing the dispute with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Italian TV channel La 7 broadcast footage a week ago showing the two leaders talking at a bar, with Conte telling Merkel that Di Maio was attacking France because he was down in the polls ahead of the European elections and needed an enemy. "So they say what are the issues that can help us during the campaign... In the political campaign our friend is Germany and so we had to do the campaign against France," he said, prompting laughter from Merkel. TIME TO 'TURN THE PAGE'? Salvini sought to calm the tone on Thursday, saying he did not want to argue with France and was happy to meet Macron. As president, Macron would normally meet with other heads of state or government, not deputies. "We are ready and willing, with a constructive spirit, to turn the page for the good of our people," Salvini said. But he added that France should address three issues: its policy of returning migrants to Italy, occasional border checks at the frontier, and the case of some 15 Italian leftists who have had refuge in France for decades. While rare, the French action was not unprecedented among EU members. In 2016, Greece recalled its ambassador to Austria, and in 2017 Hungary withdrew its envoy to the Netherlands. (Reporting by John Irish and Michel Rose in Paris and Crispian Balmer in Rome; Writing by Luke Baker; Editing by Frances Kerry)
Shelley Beyak thought that once she could get to Beirut, she would have a fighting chance of retrieving her two children, who were taken to the Lebanese capital by her ex-husband 10 months ago.

But since landing in the city where she once lived and where Mia, 10, and Liam, 8, were born, she has found hopes of getting them back home to Abbotsford, B.C., have been dashed.

She said the children seem stressed, wary and conditioned by their father, who won't speak to her. Because Canada has no jurisdiction in Lebanon, and Lebanese religious courts favour fathers for custody, there's nothing she can do to bring them home, although a Canada-wide warrant was issued months ago by the RCMP for her ex-husband's arrest.

She's now pleading for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to intervene.

"I need something tangible to be done to get the kids back home. I just can't do it on my own," she said in a phone interview from Beirut.

A bittersweet reunion

Beyak and ex-husband Wissam Tarabichi have joint custody of the children. She said that in March, he told her he was taking them to the United States for a week-long trip.

Instead, after arriving in Seattle, they boarded a flight to Paris, then another to Beirut.

For months she had no contact with her children, because Tarabichi refused to answer her calls.

Shelley Beyak/Facebook

In January, Beyak flew to Lebanon. Since then, she has had some victories, most notably being reunited with her children and obtaining visiting rights, as long as Tarabichi is present. But she said that first reunion in late January was bittersweet, taking place in a bleak government building in the seaside town of Jieh, which Beyak said had no heat and was "not fit for children."

She said the children did not hug her when they first saw her, and repeatedly left the room during their visit, which lasted several hours, to check in with their father, who sat outside a locked door.

"If the kids are this affected after 10 months, I'm so distraught about how they're going to be after a year, a year-and-a-half, it just cannot continue on like this," she said.

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Beyak said the children were told  she suspects by Tarabichi  that they could not take photos together with their mom. As well, during the visit, they would not eat the snacks she brought them nor accept gifts she brought for Mia's 10th birthday.

When she asked them where they live and go to school, they hesitated to answer and told Beyak they couldn't remember or weren't sure.

Shelley Beyak/Facebook

"Any child should be able to respond without fear that telling the truth is going to get them in trouble with a parent," said Beyak, who worked in child advocacy for years.

There is a Canada-wide warrant out for Tarabichi's arrest on allegations of child abduction, and notices have been put through to Interpol that he's wanted internationally.

In an interview, Tarabichi said he didn't abduct the children but "returned them to their home country."

"They don't want to go back to Canada. Their mother has to accept this if she really wants them to be happy," he said.

"The legal process is very clear in Lebanon: I have full custody here."

Courtesy of Shelley Beyak

Tarabichi said he took the children to Lebanon because the Canadian family law system is corrupt and discriminated against him.

Global Affairs said in a statement it was aware of the case and "our hearts go out to the family at the centre of this difficult situation," but declined to comment further, citing the privacy act.

An uphill battle

Beyak faces an uphill battle in retrieving her children.

Lebanon is not a signatory to The Hague convention, a multilateral treaty that protects children from international abduction. And the country does not recognize international child kidnapping by parents as a crime.

In Lebanon, women cannot take their children out of the country without written permission from their husbands.

Beyak is calling on Trudeau to speak directly with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and ask for a presidential order for the children to be returned to Canada.

"It's a horrible thing to see my children in this predicament and I'm absolutely disgusted that they're stuck here like this, knowing the prime minister could step in and say something," she said.
Bombardier said it was pleased with the European Commisions decision to prohibit the Siemens-Alstom merger. (Canadian Press)

The European Commissions decision to prohibit the blockbuster merger of two European rail giants could end up being positive for Bombardier Inc., according to some analysts.

On Wednesday, the European Commission blocked the proposed merger between Germanys Siemens AG and Frances Alstom SA, saying the two companies were unwilling to address serious competition concerns.

Without sufficient remedies, this merger would have resulted in higher prices for the signalling systems that keep passengers safe and for the next generations of very high-speed trains, Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

The decision was met with disappointment from Siemens, Alstom and the French and German governments  but applauded by Bombardier.

Bombardier released a statement Wednesday that said the company was pleased that the European Commission prohibited the merger.

The Commission has been clear that the proposed merger failed to meet the requirements of European Union competition law, Daniel Desjardins, the companys senior vice president and general council, said in a statement.

It would have severely undermined the health and competitiveness of the whole European rail market, leaving European consumers, both as rail users and taxpayers, to pay the price.

Siemens and Alstom had announced last September that they planned on merging rail operations in an effort to compete with China Rail Construction Corporation (CRCC), a Chinese-government supported rail company that is seen as a threat to the established players in the rail industry. Siemens had initially been eyeing Bombardier as a potential partner, but negotiations seemingly fell apart and it instead opted to go with Alstom.

While Bombardier has repeatedly dismissed any concerns related to the merger, many analysts questioned how it would impact the companys ability to compete on future projects. Siemens and Alstom would have had combined revenues of about $22.5 billion, while Bombardiers transportation division brought in $8.5 billion in revenues in 2017.

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I think a merger would have made things more challenging for Bombardier with winning signalling business, because Siemens and Alstom would have been a pretty dominant player there, said National Bank of Canada analyst Cameron Doerksen.

So I would view it as positive for Bombardier.

Germanys Berenberg Bank said in a note that the failed deal could put a separate deal between Alstom and Bombardier back in play, according to a Reuters report. A tie-up with Bombardiers transportation business could be an interesting alternative that Alstom should explore, the analysts said.

But AltaCorp Capital analyst Chris Murray doesnt see anything imminent on the horizon in terms of rail mergers.

Bombardier is very well positioned to be a participant in any kind of consolidation that happens, but that being said, I dont think there is anything imminent or anything immediate that needs to happen, he said.

Would a different combination, potentially one involving Bombardier, be more palatable to the European Unions competition commissioner? Its hard to say.

Bombardiers stock closed at $2.05 on Wednesday, an increase of 6.22 per cent.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
(Bloomberg) -- Facebook Inc.s advertising model came under attack in a landmark ruling from German antitrust regulators who ordered the social network to overhaul how it tracks its users internet browsing and smartphone apps.

Germanys Federal Cartel Office gave the company 12 months to stop unrestrictedly collecting and using data and combining it with users Facebook accounts without their consent. Facebook said it was being unfairly singled out by the regulator, which has broken new ground by using antitrust law to tackle data privacy.

"People always ask to break up huge internet companies, Andreas Mundt, head of the FCO told journalists in Bonn Thursday. Well, what we do here today is really something like internally breaking them up.

Europes biggest economy has been difficult terrain for social networks after Chancellor Angela Merkels government last year started enforcing the continents toughest law aimed at reducing hate speech and fake news -- threatening to fine the likes of Facebook, Twitter Inc., and Googles YouTube as much as 50 million euros ($57 million) if they failed to delete illegal posts.

Its a landmark decision, said Thomas Vinje, a lawyer at Clifford Chance LLP who isnt involved in the case. It is the first big case decided by any competition authority in the world squarely focused on issues around the collection and combination of data.

Facebook, however, will appeal the decision, saying that the regulator misapplies German competition law to set different rules that apply to only one company.

While weve cooperated with the Bundeskartellamt for nearly three years and will continue our discussions, we disagree with their conclusions and intend to appeal so that people in Germany continue to benefit fully from all our services, Menlo Park, California-based Facebook said in a statement.

Under the order, Facebook cant tie membership on the platform to people agreeing to unlimited data tracking. Instead, it must provide a technical solution to allow users to opt out of the data tracking outside of the Facebook account. The solution will likely have to go beyond the simple buttons and boxes that have become so familiar to most web surfers.

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"In view of Facebooks superior market power, an obligatory tick on the box to agree to the companys terms of use is not an adequate basis for such intensive data processing," Mundt said. "In such a coercive situation, the users choice cannot be called voluntary consent.

Facebook tracks whenever a subscriber visits a website or app with interfaces such as the Like or Share feature. Millions of German websites and apps are affected, according to the FCO.

The company generates revenue from selling advertising thats valuable because it can tell businesses who will see the ads. It gets insights into what users watch and buy by tracking their internet use and are able to link that to key information on their age, income and location.

The order, which only applies to Germany-based individuals using Facebook, is the result of a three-year probe into whether the company improperly leverages its market power to make users agree to give up their information.

Facebook must signal within four months how it intends to comply. While no initial fine was levied, the company risks a penalty of as much as 10 million euros ($11.3 million) if it fails to comply. Once its implemented, potential penalties for violations are far tougher -- as high as 10 percent of global revenue.

Facebook said the decision misapplies German competition law to set different rules that apply to only one company. The company also accused the watchdog of undermining European Union data protection rules and underestimating the fierce competition we face in Germany.

Facebook has about 30 million users in Germany, where it has hired hundreds of people to remove fake news, illegal postings such as Holocaust denials, and fake accounts from the site.

The German probe is one of many the company is facing in Europe and the U.S. over handling personal data. The case goes to the core of how Facebook increases its advertising revenue. The regulator is targeting the networks habit of collecting data about what websites users are visiting and merging the information with their Facebook profiles. That trove of information allows ads to be tailored to individual users -- creating a cash cow for Facebook.

Mundt said in a Bloomberg TV interview that the decision may prove a template for "similar companies with similar problems. He declined to say if Google was under scrutiny.

Speaking to reporters earlier, he said that he had never met Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg but has an account with the social network.

He said the way his agency had combined data privacy with antitrust faced no resistance from data protection authorities, such as the Irish agency which takes the lead on overseeing the companys adherence to tough new EU rules.

The German agency is relying on a rule developed by the nations top court that said a dominant company can be judged as misusing its position if it forces customers to accept unfair terms.

I am pretty sure we did the privacy part very right, he said.

(Updates with Mundt interview in fifth paragraph from end.)

--With assistance from Stefan Nicola, Aoife White and Christopher Elser.

To contact the reporters on this story: Karin Matussek in Berlin at kmatussek@bloomberg.net;Stephanie Bodoni in Luxembourg at sbodoni@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Anthony Aarons at aaarons@bloomberg.net, Peter Chapman, Nate Lanxon

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Facebook Inc. is fast becoming a European regulatory punching bag, just as its trying to boost the value of its lucrative targeted advertising by combining user data with its Instagram and WhatsApp services.

Germanys antitrust authority on Thursday ordered the social network to stop its current tracking of German users online outside its own site unless it seeks consent for gathering and using data. The Federal Cartel Office said Facebook will need each user to sign off on linking their Facebook accounts with Instagram and WhatsApp data or keep the data separate.

"This is the first time a regulator has imposed a restriction on the possible integration of WhatsApp and Instagram into Facebook," said Aitor Ortiz, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. "This may be replicated across Europe by other regulators."

Facebooks legal battles in Europe have shifted into high gear over the past year, driven by concerns over fake news, illegal content and data breaches. On top of fierce scrutiny from privacy watchdogs, its now facing attention from antitrust regulators, who can levy bigger fines and order business changes.

Germanys justice minister said Facebooks move is "an attempt to create a monopoly" that poses antitrust and privacy questions. Irelands data privacy regulator, which takes charge of European privacy probes involving Facebook, asked for an "urgent briefing" last month and said it will be "very closely scrutinizing Facebooks plans as they develop."

Linking user data from Facebook with their web-surfing matters because it helps Facebook see what people are interested in and what they buy, information that makes its ads particularly valuable. It made $13 billion in ad revenue in Europe last year. When it started operating in Europe more than a decade ago, data-protection regulators were toothless. Thats changed as publishers started complaining about losing ad revenue to internet firms and privacy became a hot-button issue.

Story continues

Facebooks popularity -- once lauded for the power of keeping users on its network -- has now become part of its problem. While Russians predominantly use VK and Chinese log on to WeChat for their social network needs, there are few viable alternatives to Facebook in Europe, where it has 282 million daily active users. Its photo-based network Instagram and free messaging service WhatsApp are wildly popular in the region, and last month the company announced plans to merge its various messaging platforms.

Concerns about internet giants have allowed European privacy watchdogs arm up. Under new EU privacy rules in force since May 2018, authorities across the 28-nation bloc were given equal powers for the first time to fine companies as much as 4 percent of annual global sales for the most serious violations.

In Ireland, where Facebook has its European base, the data protection commission has already opened seven probes into the company under the EUs General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, that could result in hefty fines. Google Inc. was fined a record 50 million euros ($57 million) by the French privacy authority in January. It wont be the last such fine, Irelands privacy regulator Helen Dixon said in an interview earlier this month.

European regulators have long been concerned about Facebooks plans to deepen the integrating of WhatsApp. having previously fined Facebook 110 million euros for failing to tell them about the ability to combine the data when they examined the deal.

The German case opens up a new Pandoras box of regulatory issues. Is Facebook a monopoly and who are its rivals? When users agree to internet terms and conditions, do they really understand what they are signing? Is ticking a box without reading the terms real meaningful consent? Do they need to agree for Facebook to learn about every website they click on and understand how that knowledge might be used?

The Bundeskartellamt decision "goes to the heart of Facebooks business model: excessive data accumulation to maximize its advertising revenue," said Agustin Reyna of the European consumer group BEUC. "The decision will reverberate around competition authorities across the EU. Exploitative data practices are a matter of competition law even when a service" isnt paid for.

But Thibault Schrepel, an assistant law professor at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, said the German decision "deviates from the usual standards of competition law" by not explaining why Facebooks market power lets it collect the data or how that creates "data barriers to entry" that shut out potential rivals, The authority is claiming to protect consumers from the companys data collection when "in fact, it seems they benefit from this."

While EUs powerful antitrust arm has no open investigations into Facebook, EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said shed "take an interest" into leaked Facebook emails that included a threat to cut off data access to a potential rival. She joked about internet user terms that no-one reads in a Monday speech where she also described the Cambridge Analytica scandal over data gathered from Facebook as "a huge wake-up call."

To contact the reporters on this story: Aoife White in Brussels at awhite62@bloomberg.net;Stephanie Bodoni in Luxembourg at sbodoni@bloomberg.net;Stefan Nicola in Berlin at snicola2@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Anthony Aarons at aaarons@bloomberg.net, Giles Turner, Peter Chapman

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
Opinion / Columnist

On 30 July 2018, Zimbabweans went to the polls looking for their best foot forward. While the other 22 Presidential aspirants laid bare their intentions during electioneering, the incumbent and ultimate winner of the election, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, had an opportunity show the electorate his vision of a better Zimbabwe. For the first time since independence, opposition political parties and independent candidates could campaign without any hindrances. President Mnangagwa is on record saying that he wanted Zimbabweans to be united in their diversity and as such candidates in the July 2018 polls were free to canvas for support from anyone they think would vote for them.As the electioneering proceeded, signs of desperation began to show in some political camps, as it became clear that they had not covered enough ground to win. MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa began to threatening violence and rendering the country ungovernable in the event that he lost the impending election. He even went on to declare that he would only accept an election result which would declare him the winner. The so called international community's deafening silence over Chamisa's utterances left many wondering whether they condoned what the opposition leader said or they were in on it - only time would tell.Another important issue to point out at this juncture is that of the 23 presidential aspirants, no one campaigned for a National Transition Authority (NTA) as the best way to solve the problems bedeviling the country then. It was a winner takes all contest.Fast forward to the time MDC lost a court challenge against President Mnangagwa's victory, Chamisa with the help of foreign and local private media created an illusion that there was a crisis of leadership legitimacy crisis in Zimbabwe because, as he previously declared, he did not accept the election outcome. Many must have wondered what was democratic about not accepting an election result after failing to prove rigging claims in a court of law. With hindsight, however, the legitimacy illusion was created to justify the planned acts of violence meant to render the country ungovernable - just as witnessed, beginning on 14 January 2019.The plan was simple, MDC which morphed from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) got the latter to call for a civil service industrial action which it hijacked and perpetrated acts of violence, looting, destruction of property and murdering a police officer on duty. Civil servants are on record saying they did not partake in perpetrating acts of violence and condemning the hijacking of the planned strike - their genuine concerns were overshadowed. The international community, as expected, remained silent, only to raise their voices when there were unverified reports of rape by the security forces tasked with restoring peace.A report in one local paper which quoted Mr Patrick Chinamasa  one of the special envoys who was tasked by President Mnangagawa with engaging SADC chair President Hage Geingob of Namibia, the SADC secretariat led by Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax and Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi on recent developments in the country, saying, last month's violent demonstrations, were "unique" and "worrisome" since investigations had revealed that foreign agents and foreign intelligence services were, for the first time, directly involved through "physically" assisting the demonstrators, best explains the international community's "selective seeing and hearing" on the matter- active participants.The long and short of it is that Zimbabwe is under attack by the West through sponsored opposition MDC and pseudo civic society organisation, simply because the majority of indigenous people saw no reason to vote for a puppet that would advance the interests of its masters ahead of their own. Why is the MDC now putting forward the idea of an NTA as the panacea of Zimbabwe's woes, which they worsened by begging for sanctions, when they could have raised it before election. This whole drama goes on to show how the MDC and its masters are infringing on the people of Zimbabwe's right to choose their desired leadership, while on the other hand they continue shouting on mountain tops accusing Government of human rights abuses - hypocrites!
News / National

by Mandla Ndlovu

Amalgamated Rural Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe ( ARTUZ) has warned the government that schools risk completely shutting down if it does not take urgent measures to positively respond to the demands of the teachers."Teachers of Zimbabwe have spoken with one voice, they have downed tools and are demanding a living wage. An average of an 18% of teachers reported for duty today (Thursday) according to a survey conducted by our research department earlier today." ARTUZ said in a statement on Thursday.The Union said the government must urgently come to the negotiating table to solve the teachers' grievances."We encourage the State through one of its elements, the government to quickly come down to the negotiating table before schools completely and permanently shut down."It is a great travesty of justice to pay a worker US$120 monthly at a time when their monthly expenditure is way above US$800."The organization further implored other Unions to remain steadfast and resolute in fighting for the workers."We encourage sister Unions to remain loyal to the workers' cause as we traverse this revolutionary journey. Those who are going to sellout along the journey will not only be judged harshly by history but will instantly fall victim to the wrath of the working class.Those teachers who continue to offer their labor under such difficult conditions are either naive or masquerading to be teachers yet they are receiving a pay check from elsewhere."ARTUZ members came to the limelight when they walked from Mutare to Harare and camped at Minister of Finance Mthuli Ncube's offices.Their leadership has been arrested after being described as a regime change outfit.Teachers are on nationwide strike since 5 February demanding better pay.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 29-YEAR-OLD Zimbabwean man was on Wednesday condemned to life imprisonment by a Lephalale High Court in Limpopo province for killing a South African doctor.Petrus Standford Moyo, was also sentenced to 15 years for attempted murder, another 30 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, one year for trespassing, 13 years for house breaking and theft.He was also slapped with a further three years for malicious damage to property, three years for escaping from lawful custody and another nine years for theft.Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said Moyo was part of a group of armed robbers who shot and killed Dr Emslie aged 55, and injured his wife; also a Doctor, in a farm outside Lephalale on 20 September 2017."The fatal attack took place in the evening around 20:00, when the deceased was sitting outside the house.Four unknown men, two armed with pistols attacked and shot the deceased and went to shoot his wife. The wife was seriously injured and taken to hospital for medical treatment. The attackers fled the scene with the victim's vehicle which was later found abandoned few kilometres from the farm," said Col Ngoepe.He said Moyo was later arrested following joint intelligence operations by various police units.He said while awaiting trial, the man later escaped from the police holding cells, but was re-arrested on the 18th October 2018 at Frankport in the Free State Province and subsequently convicted.The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Province Major General Jan Scheepers said the arrest of Moyo and conviction was a milestone achievementHe commended police in the province for working tirelessly in bringing most criminals to justice.
News / National

by Staff reporter

More teachers yesterday joined the countrywide strike which started on Tuesday, despite reports of widespread intimidation by State security agents in some areas.The teachers have downed tools demanding a review of their salaries to a minimum of $1 700 a month.Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said although there was a slow start, many more teachers had now joined in.Officials said many had stayed at home, while others had attended school as a result of intimidation, but did not teach."The numbers have actually increased since yesterday (Tuesday)," Majongwe said."More schools have joined in and our message is that if the government is really serious, they must come and talk."Majongwe said in some areas of Harare, people were being misled that the strike was not happening.Amalgamated Rural Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) said Matabeleland North province was the most compliant, with an attendance of as low as 15%, while Mashonaland East was the least compliant with an attendance of 40%.ARTUZ said the overall attendance was at 32% across all provinces.The union said police details were, however, threatening the striking teachers."ARTUZ notes that the State has deployed members of the Police Internal Security Intelligence (PISI) to harass school leaders," the rural teachers' organisation said."The PISI officers are sending messages to school heads demanding statistics and threatening the same heads. One headmaster in Silobela had to offer $20 in bond notes to try to bribe teachers to come to work. ARTUZ is in possession of the messages from PISI."In a related matter, co-ordinator of the sub-committee on examinations, Charles Chinosengwa, said they held a meeting yesterday which sought to explore other ways in which government could incentivise teachers.Chinosengwa, who doubles up as the organising secretary for Apex Council, said they were pushing to make sure that teachers were paid $10 for invigilation per paper and $1 for marking, up from 35 cents."Government said it is looking for ways to incentivise teachers and one area that we looked at is examinations. This is a follow up to the meeting that we held on Monday and today (yesterday) we met the Zimsec [Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council]. Government will have to meet the balance that is paid by Zimsec," he said."We also said for teachers who are able to write books, it would be good for them because they would be able to make some extra money from that."Civil servants under the banner of Apex Council failed to agree on the way forward after some opposed going on strike claiming it could be hijacked by politicians.Yesterday, Public Service minister Sekai Nzenza insisted in the National Assembly that the majority of teachers had ignored the strike call."Government gave a cushioning allowance of $63 million to civil servants from January to March, and now we have given them another $300 million, and the talks with the Apex Council are still on-going and we are not experiencing any problems with the negotiations," Nzenza said.But Chipinge East MP Mathias Matewu Mlambo (MDC Alliance) further asked her to explain why 70% of teachers in Chipinge did not turn up for duty, if the issues pertaining to teachers' remuneration had been solved."The 70% is not the percentage of teachers that did not report for work. In our negotiations with teachers' unions, it is only the Zimbabwe Teachers Association and the Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe that told teachers affiliated to them not to report for work," Nzenza said.Proportional representation MP Lynette Karenyi (MDC Alliance) said the rights of children and parents were being infringed on because school fees were paid for schoolchildren that are not learning because government was failing to resolve the salary issues with teachers.
News / National

by Staff reporter

ZIMBABWE has some 20,000 trained teachers currently out of work some who have not been engaged since graduation six years ago, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has said.In a statement Monday, PSC chairman Vincent Hungwe said government was now working on modalities of finding work for the teachers in the region and beyond.Government recently announced it would recruit 3,000 more teachers and was looking for more money to add more to its staff at a time treasury has announced a slew of austerity measures."Concurrent with the foregoing the attention of the Commission has been drawn to the plight of 19993 teachers who completed their training some as far back as 2012 but not yet been placed in teaching positions," said Hungwe."Accordingly government in partnership with the Commission is exploring several initiatives to create opportunities for the teachers who are not absorbed under the recruitment exercise to be placed in schools when national budgetary resources permit."The PSC boss revealed that government was considering exporting teachers to other countries."Government and the Commission are also exploring opportunities to place the teachers in SADC member states and other regions through mutually beneficial bilateral and multi-lateral arrangements," the statement said.Zimbabwe continues to produce professionals sought after by many countries but a constrained purse can no longer allow employ any more workers.Again, austerity measures announced by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube had made the situation even worse.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A NKAYI family in Matabeleland North has been forced to exhume a body of a Mosotho man it buried in December after it emerged that they collected a wrong body from a South African funeral parlour.The family buried the body of Tanki Sotato, from Lesotho, after mistaking it for their late relative, Tendai Nkala (31).Both were both murdered at two different squatter camps and were taken to the same parlour in the neighbouring country.Nkala was assaulted to death at Poly and School Squatter Camp, in Johannesburg on November 26, while Sotato was killed on an unknown date during the same month at Madondo Squatter Camp in Johannesburg as well.Both bodies were taken to the same funeral parlour, resulting in the Nkalas collecting the wrong body on December 3. They then buried the wrong body in their village in Zenka, Nkayi.The parlour later realised that an error had been made after relatives of the Mosotho man noticed that his body was missing on December 18 and a follow up was made. The two families held a meeting in South Africa and the Lesotho family gave the Nkayi family three months to return their relative's body.Nkayi District Principal Administration Officer, Mr Etwell Mbewe confirmed the incident. He said the body belonging to the Lesotho national was exhumed on Monday afternoon and Kings and Queens Real Funeral Services was returning the body to South Africa.Mr Mbewe said government had intervened to ensure the body returns to South Africa. He said Nkala's body will be brought home in due course."The community of Nkayi has just witnessed a traumatising experience when a family has been made to exhume a body they buried two months ago. "The body was taken on Monday and will be repatriated to South Africa. Fortunately the coffin was still intact, making the job easier," he said.Mr Mbewe urged people to check the bodies of their relatives on collection to avoid similar unfortunate incidents.The Nkayi family spokesperson, Ms Sifelani Nkala (43), said due to shock and trauma of losing their loved one to a gruesome murder, family members in South Africa failed to positively identify the body.She said during body viewing back home, the whole body was covered in bandages, leaving only the mouth and nose so they did not realise that a wrong body had been repatriated. Ms Nkala also said body viewing was done at sunset so it was not very clear."We were no longer at peace, imagining that there is a stranger's body in our homestead. Their three months ultimatum to return the body haunted us even more. We are happy we are now clear and hopefully at peace with the foreign family. What's left is for us to raise money once again and bring home our very own," she said.Ms Nkala said the deceased did not have a funeral policy and their family contributed R14 500 to repatriate the body and more than $2 000 on funeral expenses. She said they have to raise funds again to bring their loved one to his final resting place.
News / National

by Staff reporter

MASVINGO Tuku tribute musical concert which was slated for Caravan Park on Friday last week could not take off due to logistical challenges with organisers saying it will be held after February 16.The event was meant to serve as a dedication to the life of the late global icon and national hero, Oliver Mtukudzi.Tuku died on January, 23 at the Avenues Clinic in Harare after battling diabetes for long. He was 66.Ministry of Youth, Sports, Art and Recreation provincial officer June Mbizvo said the concert could not go ahead as scheduled due to some logistical challenges but the show was definitely going to be held at the same venue.The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation is the new organiser of the event in conjunction with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe's (NACZ) provincial office. He also said the province, in liaison with NACZ's provincial office had agreed to postpone the concert to February 16 which has since been shifted to a later date."We had scheduled the musical concert to February 16 but we are going to have a national concert in Harare. We are going to have ours in Masvingo later on," said Mbizvo.He encouraged artistes willing to participate to approach NACZ provincial offices as the Ministry was only dealing with musicians certified by the council."I think there is quite a number of artistes who were willing to participate and we still expect them to be among our participants."Any artistes who want to participate should approach NACZ as we want things done in a proper manner. Once an artiste is recommended, he or she is free to partake," he said.Many artistes across the country are arranging galas or concerts with visual artistes in Harare's Chitungwiza having dedicated a bus stop to the late music icon through paintings.In South Africa the situation is the same, Hugh Masekela Foundation is expected to organise a memorial for the late Tuku at Johannesburg Theatre today.The memorial has been described, as, "A cry of sorrow and loss, a cry of remembrance, a cry of joy and love. Come share with us as we celebrate this son of Zimbabwe and child of Africa".Tuku was buried at his rural home in Madziwa, Mashonaland Central, on January, 27.
News / National

by Satff reporter

Western Cape Health Department confirms Zimbabwe's Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga is not being treated at Cape Town's Groote Schuur Hospital. A group of Zimbabwean nationals are protesting outside the hospital, calling for Chiwenga to go back home to receive treatment there  SAfm news (@SAfmnews) February 4, 2019

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is receiving treatment in South Africa, the second time in four months, after falling ill last week.Protestors against Chiwenga's decision to seek medication in South Africa may have been in vain after South African officials denied that he is being treated at the Cape Town hospital."Western Cape Health Department confirms Zimbabwe's Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga is not being treated at Cape Town's Groote Schuur Hospital." SABC News reported. "A group of Zimbabwean nationals are protesting outside the hospital, calling for Chiwenga to go back home to receive treatment there."The health of Chiwenga, 62, is closely followed in Zimbabwe because he is widely seen as the power behind President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the front-runner to succeed him. The former military general led the coup that ousted long-time ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017.Mnangagwa last week dismissed rumours of a rift with Chiwenga, which have gathered momentum since he promised action in response to a brutal security crackdown on protests last month while he was abroad.The privately-owned NewsDay said Chiwenga had initially checked in at a private hospital last week but had to travel to Cape Town for further treatment. The paper, quoting sources, did not say what he was being treated for.George Charamba, the spokesman in the presidency, on Monday said he could not immediately comment.Last October, Charamba said Chiwenga travelled to South Africa for treatment for injuries sustained in a bombing during a Mnangagwa campaign rally ahead of the July 30 vote.Since last year, Chiwenga's hands have been visibly swollen with discoloured skin patches.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Former Foreign Affairs minister Walter Mzembi's lawyer Job Sikhala has told the courts that his client is "seriously indisposed" in the neighbouring South Africa, a video showing the former Tourism minister fit as fiddle has emerged and has since gone viral on various social media platforms.Mzembi is facing various corruption-related charges which are pending at the Harare Magistrates' Courts. The video emerged on Saturday after social media was awash with rumours that Mzembi had died.In the 21 seconds video, Mzembi is shown in an office set up while speaking on the cell phone.A voice of another man is heard on the background saying: "Vese varikutoti afa vachabhadhara gore rino shuwa."In an interview with the Daily News yesterday, Sikhala discredited the authenticity of the video, suggesting that it was captured while Mzembi was still Tourism minister.He said the voice in the background was superimposed by some "inventors" and insisted that Mzembi is sick."He is seriously indisposed but not dead," Sikhala told the Daily News.A warrant of arrest was issued against Mzembi on November 26 last year after he missed his court date. Sikhala told the court that Mzembi was diagnosed with colon cancer in June 2017 and said he was undergoing chemotherapy till last month.Last Monday, Sikhala told a regional magistrate that Mzembi may not be "fit to stand trial in the near future" and pleaded with the courts to pray for him. He said his client, who was supposed to appear for trial commencement was not in wilful default as circumstances are beyond his control.He told the court that he made personal efforts and flew to South Africa where Mzembi is seeking treatment to assess his condition for himself."I flew to South Africa over the weekend. Based on what I saw, he is seriously indisposed to stand trial," Sikhala told the court.He added: "Through my eye witness, he will not be able to stand trial in the near future. I urge the State to join us in prayer. We want to dispose of this matter but his health is of utmost importance."
News / National

by Staff reporter

Police have launched a manhunt for 15 armed robbers who are masquerading as members of the uniformed forces after stealing uniforms from law enforcement agencies and soldiers, the Daily News reported.One of the suspects Tinaye Rice has since been arrested after he was shot on the leg by the police during apprehension.He was taken into police custody on January 31 and upon his arrest in Harare, he was allegedly found in possession of the stolen FN rifle, a Norinco pistol and car keys for an Audi vehicle they had abandoned in Chinhoyi after it developed a mechanical fault.On Friday last week, Rice appeared before Harare magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa facing 15 counts of armed robbery.He was remanded on his hospital bed to February 15.Prosecutor Sebastian Mutizirwa appeared for the State.The other 14 suspects are still on the run.The gang went on a crime-spree in Chegutu on January 18, stealing cash and other valuables from their victims whom they stripped of their clothes.Allegations are that on the day in question at around 9:30pm, Rice and his 14 accomplices who are still at large approached Li Jiping and Lieu Hia Ling who were at their home in Alexandra Street, Chegutu.They were allegedly armed with rifles, pistols, machetes, iron bars and baton sticks and clad in army and police uniforms.It is the State's case that they indiscriminately fired shots and robbed the duo of a Toyota Hilux, a mill starter, clothes, a pistol and cash.They proceeded to rob Farisai Chihoro who was at the cottage of a cell phone before proceeding to another cottage where they allegedly shot Obert Kaviyano once on the upper left arm before robbing him of a DSTV decoder and cash amounting to $40.On the same day, they also robbed Bruno Damiliano of a Peugot 406 and a cell phone, it is alleged.After the robbing spree, the suspects kidnapped the complainants and dumped them at City Bakery in ChegutuAccording to court papers, Rice and his accomplices went back to Jiping's house and pounced on police officers who were attending the armed robbery scene.They allegedly undressed Givemore Chirisa, Simba Katerere and Precious Mahara, robbed them of their riot gear and service pistol and dumped them at the same bakery.During the same night, the court heard that Rice and his accomplices intercepted Paul Mutipforo, a police officer who was driving a Mazda B2200 police vehicle registration number ZRP 482 along Cattle Trail Road and was in the company of a colleague, Andrew Mukondombera.The police officers were attending to a robbery scene committed by the accused persons in the same town.The robbers, who were still clad in army and police uniforms fired at the police officers, deflating the tyres of the police car in the process.They allegedly robbed the police of their identity cards and cash before robbing Mukondombera of his service pistol loaded with 10 rounds of magazine.The victims were again dumped at City Bakery.Using the same modus operandi, the court heard that the 15 suspects pounced on three security guards who were on duty at the Chegutu Municipality's Engineering Department and robbed them of cell phones, wallets, clothing, including undergarments and left them naked.Clad in army and police uniforms, the daring suspects allegedly robbed police officers who responded to the robbery scene of their service pistols before stripping them naked.It is alleged that the various individuals were robbed of valuables worth more than $49 000.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who was rushed to a hospital in Cape Town, South Africa on Saturday night, is not in any serious danger.A Zimbabwe online publication reports that its has spoken to one hospital source who claimed he saw Chiwenga on Saturday in a corridor at the hospital chatting to Dr John Mangwiro, Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Health. That account would suggest that Chiwenga is not in any serious danger.The Groote Schuur Hospital conducted the world's first heart transplant, and Chiwenga's presence there has triggered speculation that he may have a heart ailment.No official comment could be obtained from government, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's spokesperson George Charamba not answering calls.The government has remained tight-lipped about Chiwenga's medical flight.In recent public appearances, Chiwenga has been seen with bandage straps on the back of his swollen hands, which doctors say points to ongoing treatment by injection. The bandage is meant to hide the multiple injection marks.Chiwenga, who has been losing his skin pigmentation together with his wife, Mary, has claimed he was poisoned when he, as army commander, led a military coup that ousted former President Robert Mugabe in November 2017.After receiving treatment for close to a month in Pretoria, South Africa, last October, the presidency said he suffered from "exhaustion" and unhealed injuries from the 1970s bush war for liberation.Chiwenga was taken ill on Wednesday after a Zanu-PF politburo meeting and spent several hours at the Avenues Clinic in Harare.By Friday night, his condition had deteriorated and he was flown out to Cape Town by private jet.Last October, Chiwenga was treated in Johannesburg. He reportedly received treatment for injuries sustained during the June bombing at a Mnangagwa campaign rally in Bulawayo that killed two security aides.Chiwenga, 61, is a former military general who led the 2017 coup that ousted long-time ruler Robert Mugabe and is widely seen as the power behind Mnangagwa and the front-runner to succeed him.
News / National

by Staff reporter

NOT even his military training and war experience could help David Moyo protect his shop from "looters" during recent skirmishes.Moyo, a 58 year-old ex-combatant, tried without success to defend his shop.At the end, he could only salvage pieces of paper and other scrap metals of broken-down doors, computers and others, after looters overwhelmed him."Those people came as a mob and started attacking the shop at Nketa 6 in the front using bricks, stones and others objects. They tried to force it open, but failed due to burglars' bars. When they were doing that, we were busy trying to evacuate goods through the back door," Moyo said."After realising that we were evacuating goods through the back door, they came to us and started attacking the truck carrying the goods, but we managed to escape. After we had gone, they forced open the storeroom where the safe for money was being kept and stole about $13 000.""As of today, I do not even know how they opened it.We found everything scattered around. They destroyed infrastructure, including brand new scanners we had bought from South Africa," he said.Last month, Zimbabwe witnessed widespread protests against a steep hike in the price of fuel and general economic decay which turned violent when security forces used excessive force in a bid to quell the protestsThe protesters destroyed infrastructure and looted shops belonging to fellow citizens.Moyo, a father of four who started his businesses using part of the Z$50 000 war veterans gratuity in 1997, says he lost about $68 000 to looters.He operates two retail shops in high-density suburbs of Bulawayo, one in Nketa 6 and the other in Lobengula Extension under the trading name  Injabulo Supermarket.Both stores were attacked and looted."At Nketa 6 shop we lost about $32 000 and then at Lobengula Extension we lost about $36 000. At Lobengula Extension we didn't recover anything. We found the doors wide opened and all the goods, including computers and scanners, looted. It's very difficult, indeed," he said.Addressing journalists after touring milling companies in Bulawayo recently, Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe chairperson, Tafadzwa Musarara, said many shops were destroyed and would not be able to restock."This is Bulawayo. So we are looking at a loss of $3 million. We are still to recover from that shock and we can't comprehend it. We have a loss that we have incurred which is not insurable. We have customers that we have grown to know for years here in Bulawayo who would meet their payment obligations. Now they can't. They are technically bankrupt," he said.Choppies Stores chief executive officer Ramachandran Ottapathu revealed in a statement that they lost stock valued at $2,5 million, while equipment and assets worth $6,5 million were destroyed after nine of its branches were attacked by demonstrators and looters.Four of the nine shops were burnt down by the looters."During the stayaway disturbances, nine of our shops in Zimbabwe's high-density suburbs were looted, with stock valued at approximately $2,5 million being forcibly taken away by the demonstrators. The total value of the equipment and assets that were destroyed by the fire have been put at close to about $6,5 million," Ottapathu said.Association for Business in Zimbabwe chief executive Victor Nyoni said supermarkets would not be in a position to restock."Also, some of those businesses that have been affected do not have insurance cover because of the economic environment in Zimbabwe. As a result, there is no way that they are going to restock and those people that are employed in those shops are now out of employment," he said.Nyoni said the country was likely to experience more economic woes due to the destruction of property and looting."In fact, targeting private businesses  the people who keep this economy ticking  is a huge mistake. We implore government to find a way now to help those businesses to take off again, but the situation is dire."He said some businesses could be left in debt as they had purchased the goods they were trading on credit."Infrastructure has been destroyed. What that then means is that you also need money to rebuild the shop, but already businesses were operating below capacity and to imagine that there can even be funding to do such things is unthinkable," he said.Moyo felt let down by the community who failed to protect businesses that benefit them."I feel we were let down by the community for failing to protect our businesses. Now jobs have been lost and they are forced to go to town to buy small things like bread. Communities should not allow intruders to destroy their businesses," he said.As a way forward, Moyo felt that government could do something by way of compensation."I feel government should compensate us because it is its duty to protect our businesses. I don't even know where to start. I'm incapacitated," he said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

MDC Alliance legislators Settlement Chikwinya (Kwekwe) and Lloyd Mukapiko (Mbizo) were last Friday granted $300 bail each by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese.Justice Makonese ordered the two to reside at their given addresses and report once a week at Kwekwe Police Station.They were also ordered not to engage in any public demonstration or incite violence of any form while on bail.Chikwinya and Mukapiko, who are facing charges of inciting public violence, have been in custody for more than two weeks after they were denied bail by Kwekwe magistrate Story Rushambwa.The State alleges that Chikwinya and Mukapiko incited public violence during the fuel price hike protests that rocked the country last month.According to the State, the actions of the two led to the blocking of roads and destruction of property in centralKwekwe."We welcome the decision by the High Court because in the first place, the magistrate had misdirected himself in denying my innocent clients the bail. They did not commit the said crimes and they do not have any reason to skip trial given such weak cases against them," their lawyer, Brian Dube, said.Posting on his Facebook wall after being released, Chikwinya said: "Greetings family. I have walked out of the walls of the walls (sic) of the house of Laban. Thank you for the support in all its forms. What doesn't kill you can only make you stronger: Psalms 124 vs7."In a related matter, Mkoba and Chiwundura MPs, Amos Chibaya and Livingstone Chimina were remanded in custody to February 11 and 7, respectively.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Opposition MDC organising secretary Amos Chibaya's lawyer said at the weekend that intelligence operatives were behind his client's arrest.Reginald Chidawanyika made the allegation before provincial magistrate Charity Maphosa in a case in which Chibaya is facing charges of trying to subvert a constitutionally-elected government."On February 15, soldiers in a double cab, white in colour, and of Nissan make visited the house of my client together with a truckload of other military personnel at night. Though he did not come out of the house, the following day, he was arrested. This last Tuesday, when accused was arrested just after getting bail on another case, the same military (operatives), using the same car, were present. This shows a hidden hand in the case," Chidawanyika said.He maintained that Chibaya, who has been in custody for over a fortnight, was being deliberately frustrated due to his political standing."The accused spent four days in police cells and in all these days, he was never given food yet the State must provide it," Chidawanyika said."Again, the police refused to provide documents of the charges before he could make his warned and cautioned statement. All these factors were just to complicate matters for my client."The magistrate ordered the State, led by prosecutor Namatirai Chipere, to investigate the complaints before postponing the matter to February 11.Chidawanyika said he would apply for bail at the High Court.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THREE Dzivarasekwa men appeared in court on Friday, facing allegations of robbing a local businessman of Econet recharge cards worth $20 000, a laptop and mobile phones during last month's violent protests.Paul Chilenje (32), Tapiwa Muvishi (29) and John Karoti (28) were not asked to plead when they appeared before magistrate Elisha Singano, who remanded them in custody to today for trial.Allegations are that on January 14, during the protests, the complainant, Passmore Kaseke, parked his vehicle along Harare-Bulawayo Road to give way to protesters who were roaming up and down the road.It is alleged Chilenje, Muvishi and Karoti, together with six accomplices, who are still at large, blocked Kaseke's way with boulders.They allegedly went on to pull Kaseke out of the car and stole his Samsung Note 8 phone.Chilenje allegedly stole a satchel containing the recharge cards valued at $20 000, a Nokia mobile phone, iPhone 6 plus, two chargers and a ZTE mobile phone.It is alleged the suspects went on to demand money in exchange for his car keys and Kaseke gave them US$300. Kaseke drove to the police station and reported the matter.Police officers searched for the culprits and arrested Karoti. They recovered $260 worth of airtime from Karoti, who then implicated Muvishi and Chilenje. The police recovered stolen goods valued at $2 000.Rufaro Madzura appeared for the State.
News / National

by Staff reporter

BEITBRIDGE residents have called on authorities to enhance the border town's disaster preparedness after officials conceded that facilities were not up to scratch.Unless major improvements are done, the residents agreed in separate interviews, the lives of thousands of people and property valued at millions of dollars was at risk.Beitbridge head of the Civil Protection Unit, Kilibone Ndou Mbedzi, conceded that a lot needed to be addressed."[Disaster preparedness is] bad in the district. During this (recent) fire incident, there were lessons learntand I hope this will improve the state of preparedness of the response teams. There is need for us to stay on the alert, for example, the issue of availability of enough water in the hydrants and also the routine checks of the fire tenders," she said."As chair of Civil Protection Unit, I expect co-operation from the business community in terms of resources and ideas because civil protection is a responsibility of all people," Mbedzi told Southern Eye following a fire that reduced a State warehouse at Beitbridge to ashes last week.A fire engine belonging to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), which was within metres from the fire, was faulty and refused to start.Another fire engine from the National Oil Company of Zimbabwe arrived on the scene late, while other organisations failed to offer any meaningful support.Hydrants in the Beitbridge Border Post, which ideally should be active at all times considering the huge volumes of both mechanical and human traffic, chemicals handled as imports and export, were not serviced.As a result, fire tenders collected water about 2km away from the point of fire."All this contributes to us not being alert," Mbedzi, who is also the district administrator at Beitbridge, said.For the umpteenth time, sound help came from superior fire crews from Beitbridge's sister municipality in Musina, South Africa.Handsome Mbedzi, another Beitbridge resident, blamed the government for failure to mobilise sound disaster management teams at its cash cow Beitbridge Border Post."Any farmer guards the cow that produces good and more milk. What type of a government is this which fails to see the importance of Beitbridge? This is why we say we need a fresh pair of hands at the helm," Mbedzi, who lost Beitbridge East parliamentary elections to Zanu-PF's Albert Nguluvhe last year,said."Any clever politician under sanctions would put his best teams at Beitbridge, which has over the years provided the much-needed foreign currency to the country, being home to the sub-region's busiest border post," he said.Bright Mateza, a clearing agent, said while a lot was expected from the government, ordinary citizens should also be educated on safety precautions."We have many people selling petrol they keep in their homes which is a recipe for disaster. People must practice safety," he said.Up to seven houses were burnt in Beitbridge last year when fuel stored illegally in those homes caught fire.Mateza also challenged the Beitbridge municipality to train it's firefighters, who put up a bad show last week and were yet to be credited for winning a battle against any fire."Although they were the first on the scene last week, their reaction has not been the best, we need an active crew," he said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga was on Saturday morning reportedly airlifted again to South Africa for emergency medical services after his health deteriorated last week.Top government sources yesterday confirmed the development, although Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa was not picking calls when sought for comment, while the permanent secretary in the ministry, Ndavaningi Mangwana, referred all questions to presidential spokesperson George Charamba.NewsDay has it on authority that the VP has not been well in the past week."Kindly talk to the presidential spokesperson George Charamba on all issues relating to the presidency. I can only answer to questions that involve government business, not the presidency," Mangwana said.Attempts to get a comment from Charamba were fruitless, as his phone went unanswered, but sources said Chiwenga left for Cape Town after briefly visiting a local health centre on Wednesday evening.Mutsvangwa, her deputy Energy Mutodi and Charamba did not respond to questions sent to their mobile phones on the matter."The VP on Wednesday was at Avenues Clinic from around 4pm until around 7pm. He then left for home. The situation deteriorated, forcing him to seek further attention in Cape Town," said a source.The former army general, who led an operation to remove former President Robert Mugabe in November 2017, was said to be receiving treatment at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.Chiwenga, according to sources, was taken ill after attending a brief politburo meeting and checked in at Avenues Clinic  an elite hospital in the city centre.His health had improved in recent months after being taken ill in October last year and being airlifted to South Africa then for close to a month.Government, in October, said the VP was being treated for "exhaustion" and 1980s injuries from the war of liberation.The Vice-President and his wife, Marry, have been showing signs of illness, with visibly swollen hands and discoloured skin patches, something he said was due to poisoning.Chiwenga appeared agitated and angrily fidgety in recent public appearances, raising fears about his health.Last year, Chiwenga suggested he was paying the price for removing Mugabe, triggering speculation he might have been poisoned."I have decided to talk about it because that is what you see, but you should know that everything that happens, comes with a price," he said then."Today, we want to set the record straight on one issue, now that journalists are here. When we did our operation to normalise things in the country, I was with General [Phillip Valerio] Sibanda and many others. They are brave men, indeed."We also informed vaMatanga [Godwin,) then Deputy Commissioner-General of Police, but now Commissioner-General] about the plan; it was during that time that I fell ill. I had this skin disease [nhuta] that affected my whole body from beneath my feet to my back and the journalists started saying I was using skin lightening creams, but that was not the case. I was sick," the Vice-President, a career soldier who commanded Zimbabwe's military for almosta decade-and-a-half, said then.The Zimbabwean presidium has been criticised for going on foreign medical sojourns, shunning local State health institutions that are on the brink of collapse due to poor resourcing.Recently, doctors embarked on a 40-day protest over poor remuneration and working conditions, lack of drugs and medical equipment, demands which the government promised to look into.Former President Robert Mugabe took frequent medical visits to Singapore, Mnangagwa frequented South Africa for check-ups after the 2017 poisoning incident, while Vice-President Kembo Mohadi and Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri were flown to South Africa after being wounded in the White City bomb blast in Bulawayo last year.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Bulawayo residents have expressed concern over the slow progress in implementing the Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (MZWP), which has been touted as the answer to the region's water crisis.MZWP is an ambitious project to draw water from the Zambezi River to Bulawayo and parts of Matabeleland North Province to end the perennial water shortages bedevilling Zimbabwe's second city.This comes as Bulawayo City Council recently introduced a 36-hour water-rationing programme.The project was first mooted in 1912.Residents told Southern Eye last week that the project has taken too long to implement."We demand answers from (President Emmerson) Mnangagwa, how can we develop in the region when there is no water? This is one of the reasons why some of the youth were involved in looting because they are frustrated with failure to secure jobs. They are graduates, but are not working. Some of them are now 35 years old and they have no hope that they will ever be employed in their lifetime,'' Smile Ndlovu said.Residents believe that bringing water from the Zambezi River has the capacity to revive industry in the province.Another resident said the government should honour its promises and implement devolution as a matter of urgency."People have spoken; it is there in the Constitution. They want devolution like yesterday to push the country forward, but this has fallen on deaf ears," he said.However, Matabeleland Zambezi Water Trust chief executive officer Sarah Ndhlovu said a third of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam has been completed so far."In terms of scale, the entire project is still in its initial stages as only 10% has been completed thus far. If the funds are obtained and no stoppages are experienced, it is anticipated that the project can be completed in three to five years," she said."To complete the phase linking Bulawayo to the Zambezi River, including the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, an amount of $3 billion to $3,2 billion is needed. The current allocation by government is $23 million. To date, expenditure on the project is estimated at $20 million."The role of the trust has been to gather funds for the project and to interface with various stakeholders.The trust, launched in 1993 as a Matabeleland action group  initially made up of legislators, ministers of both Matabeleland North and South and the mayor of Bulawayo has reactivated the debate of bringing water to the drought-prone region.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The trial of eight Zvishavane men, who allegedly raided a Chinese mining company in Zvishavane recently failed to kick off in Gweru on Friday as the State is waiting for documents from their court of origin.The gang, among them two police officers, allegedly went away with an Isuzu pick up, 48 grammes of gold, US$8 820, $6 800 bond notes and 2 155 Chinese Yuan.They appeared before Gweru Regional Magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa after Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese dismissed their application for bail pending trial two weeks ago.Justice Makonese, in his ruling, said there was no guarantee that if given bail, the applicants namely Moses Karumbidza (30) and Isaac Kawundura (33), both police officers based in Mberengwa and attached to the ZRP Support Unit, together with Thulani Nkala (38), Taurai Matarirano (27), Tady Magama (25),Learnmore Makore (27), Wellington Moyo (34) and Hardlife Mazheke (28) all from Zvishavane would not abscond. Mrs Msipa remanded the gang in custody to February 15 for trial after the State led by Mr Talent Tadenyika indicated that they were waiting for some documents related to the case from Zvishavane where they first appeared."The State in its submissions notified the court that it is not yet ready for trial since it is waiting for other documents from their (accused's) court of origin in Zvishavane and the accused are therefore remanded in custody to February 15 for commencement of trial," she said The gang, through their lawyer Mr Leopold Mudisi of Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba Legal Practitioners, notified the court of their intention of approaching the Supreme Court contesting the ruling by Justice Makonese."We are notifying the court of our intention of approaching the Supreme Court to contest the ruling by Justice Makonese. My clients I feel are right candidates for bail," he said.It is the State's case that on December 11 last year Karumbidza, Kawundura, Nkala, Matarirano, Magama, Makore, Moyo and Mazheke allegedly armed themselves with three rifles and four pistols and went to Camlark Mine.They allegedly ganged up with eight others who are still at large. It is alleged that the 16-member gang, disguised as police officers, force-marched security details at Camlark Mine to the residence of the Chinese owners of the mine.They used a bolt cutter to destroy a padlock at the gate before accessing the residence. They allegedly fired two shots prompting one of the occupants, Mr Zhang Ren Lon to come out of the house to investigate. The suspects manhandled Mr Zhang and took him back into his house where they ordered him to show them where he kept the money.The gang allegedly looted cash amounting to US$8 820, $6 800 bond notes and 2 155 Chinese Yuan. They also broke into one of the mine offices and took a computer hard drive and 48 grammes of gold and loaded them into the stolen car and drove off. A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the eight men. Only the stolen car was recovered.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe (IDCZ) has disposed of its shareholding in Almin Metal Industries and Stone Holdings as part of a restructuring process to be completed this year.The restructuring exercise, which began early last year, will see the group getting rid of some entities through privatisation and liquidation. IDCZ general manager Mr Benjamin Kumalo said the group had disposed of a 51 percent equity stake in Almin Metal Industries and 49 percent interest in Stone Holdings."Since the restructuring exercise started, the IDCZ has disposed of its 51 percent shareholding in Almin Metal Industries and its 49 percent interest in Stone Holdings."Zimbabwe Copper Industries was liquidated while Zimglass is under final liquidation," he said, adding that investors for Iranzim Textiles and Travan Blankets have also been identified.IDCZ was the major shareholder in the two textile firms that were set up as joint venture companies in which an external investor was included.Mr Kumalo said the IDCZ was in discussions with several original equipment manufacturers to partner the corporation in Willowvale Motor Industries and Deven Engineering. It is hoped that this will go a long way in assisting the group to revive its main function of being the financier of industrial development."Motira (Private) Limited, which was a tractor franchise holder and retailer, ceased operation in 2008 and transferred the franchise to a fellow subsidiary company with a wider branch network," he said.Chemplex and Zimbabwe Grain Bag are some of the transactions Mr Kumalo hopes will be concluded this year.Last year, IDCZ announced that it was looking for partners for its subsidiary, Chemplex Corporation Limited, which is into manufacturing and mining. It beneficiates phosphate rock used in the manufacture of fertilisers, and produces sulphuric acid which is then converted to industrial chemicals.Chemplex controls about 70 percent of the fertiliser industry and the whole phosphates value chain. IDCZ was scouting for investors to inject additional capital, bring technology and open new market avenues for Chemplex.Of late, the company has been hit by financial challenges, which have also affected its subsidiaries such as Dorowa Minerals. Other subsidiaries of the company are Chemplex Animal and Public Health, Chemplex Marketing, GD Haulage and ZimPhos.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Zimbabwe Investment Development Authority Bill (Zida) is set to be gazetted within the next few weeks.The merging of the country's investment entities mooted in May 2018 is inspired by the Rwandan model which has impressive investment proposal processing turnover of just 24 hours.Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda told ZBCtv: "The bill is now within the National Assembly and is expected to be gazetted within the next two to three weeks before its tabling in the august house."An interim committee of the one-stop investment services centre in the Office of the President and Cabinet is working as a precursor to the envisaged investment vehicle and has been critical in negotiating a $1 billion deal with a United States of America private equity firm, Honduis Capital, clinched last year.It is hoped that a fully fledged investment centre will scale back on issues of bureaucracy and lethargy that have stalled investments. Along with reducing Government expenditure, the one stop investment vehicle will be a critical platform to increasing focus on investment in Zimbabwe.Over the years previous attempts to create a One-Stop-Shop investment centre were scuttled by lack of commitment by some departments, which sent junior officers to make critical investment decisions.This time around, there is optimism that moves to bring the key departments that provide services to investors would be successful given the invaluable knowledge obtained from interactions with Rwandan experts.The Government also wants to harmonise investment laws so as to reduce bureaucracy and cut the cost of doing business in the country. Zimbabwe has several laws governing investments, a set-up which increases the cost of investment given that statutory fees have to be paid in fulfilment of the laws.Some of the laws governing investment are the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (Chapter 14:30); the Immigration Act (Chapter 4:02); Companies Act (Chapter 24:03); the Environment Management Act (Chapter 20:27) and the Exchange Control Act. Other laws are the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Act; the Special Economic Zones Act; and Joint Ventures Act.
News / National

by Staff reporter

SERIOUS divisions have emerged within the rank and file of the civil service on whether or not to go on strike tomorrow with the majority of Government workers eager to give dialogue a chance while a few insist on downing tools.Unions had last week threatened an industrial action despite ongoing talks with the employer.Apex Council chairperson Mrs Cecilia Alexander said yesterday it was only rational to give dialogue a chance. She said nine unions representing civil servants had agreed to shelve the industrial action opting for talks.Mrs Alexander said it was shocking that others want to press ahead with the strike."We have come a long way with these negotiations. At first Government did not want to hear of any increase, then it offered $160 million which we rejected. Government then offered $300 million which we also rejected and the President chipped in with $63 million to cushion workers," she said."Although we have declined all Government offers we feel we should give negotiations a chance because Government has promised to look into our concerns.Government pleaded with the workers for time to make some interventions on price reduction as well as make good on the long standing promises on non-monetary incentives so we have to give it a chance."Mrs Alexander said they were making progress and downing tools was not in the best interest of anyone."There is still room for our issues to be dealt with. Strike may not be the best way to go. We had agreed as unions. We do not know where the unions who want to proceed with industrial action are getting their pressure from," she said.Mrs Alexander said she cannot declare a strike under the circumstances as the council was too divided and those insisting on a strike could go it alone. Mr David DzatsungaIn a statement to members yesterday, Apex council secretary, Mr David Dzatsunga confirmed the discord. He said the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) of January 30 failed to reach consensus on the issue of immediately proceeding to industrial action."While some, particularly those from the education sector, insisted that teachers were ready for a strike, those from mainly the rest of the civil service said their members were not ready for a strike and that they would rather give dialogue a chance," reads the statement.He said as a result of the discord the Apex Council had not declared a strike. Mr Dzatsunga said unions who have declared a strike were doing so individually.Last week the Zimbabwe Teachers' Association (Zimta) and the Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) issued a joint statement giving notice of a strike, starting tomorrow. Mr Sifiso Ndlovu Zimta chief executive officer Mr Sifiso Ndlovu yesterday said they were proceeding with the job action."We have been talking to Government since towards the end of last year and nothing has come out of the negotiations save for Government offering $50 and $107 to teachers. I have not seen anything dramatic in those negotiations and we are not sure how educators are expected to survive under these economic conditions," he said.Mr Takavafira Zhou Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou was quoted accusing the Apex Council of making unilateral decisions. He insisted they were going ahead with the planned industrial action. Government yesterday urged teachers to shelve the job action.Primary and Secondary Education Minister Paul Mavima said his ministry was going to meet with the teachers' representatives today to resolve the teachers' non-wage issues."Government is sincere in what it is doing to find a way to solve their (teachers) issue."They should give the ongoing dialogue where they are represented by Apex a chance. I am personally sympathetic with their welfare issue," he said."I urge the teachers to also consider the welfare of learners so that we do not lose any more time."They should consider shelving their industrial action."We are advocating for them so that they get a cost of living adjustment which is acceptable to them."
News / National

by newzimbabwe

BAILED Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) secretary general, Japhet Moyo is still languishing in remand prison after police have indicated they were still holding on to him over a different offence.Moyo was arrested in connection with the ZCTU organised stay away of last month which turned riotous as citizens violently protested a government hike in fuel prices by more than double.He has been in custody since 21 January this year.His two alleged accomplices, ZCTU president Peter Mutasa and activist Evan Mawarire have since been freed on bail.They are being accused of attempting to subvert or overthrow a constitutionally elected government after they had urged locals to embak on a three day job boycott over the fuel price increase and rising poverty levels in the country.On Friday, the High Court also granted Moyo $2 000 bail and ordered him to report daily to the Harare Criminal Investigations Department's Law and Order division.However, ZCTU's acting information officer, Admore Marambanyika told NewZimbabwe.com that police details at Chikurubi Remand Prison blocked Moyo from leaving prison walls over his alleged outstanding offence."Efforts to secure the release of our SG, Japhet Moyo have been in vain throughout the weekend."To our surprise, the police informed us that there are two cases in their records implying that Moyo was granted bail just on one of the cases."What also shocked us is that we were informed of another CRB number  12154 which the secretary general was never charged with since his arrest," he said.Marambanyika said the union's lawyers were now dealing with the matter.Moyo is also among over 1 000 Zimbabweans who were arrested countrywide in connection with the violent protests which the Zanu-PF led administration also blames on the opposition MDC.Last week, the country's lawyers staged marches to protest what they described as "the capture and militarisation of the country's judiciary".They accused the country's courts of sending protest suspects to jail without fair trial.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Faith for the Nation Campaign national chairperson Reverend Andrew Wutaunashe has castigated the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and other civic organisations for causing deaths and destruction of property during the recent violent demonstrations.Launching the Zimbabwe Unity and Sanctions Relief Initiative (ZUSRI) on Thursday, Rev Wutaunashe said responsible non-governmental organisations build the nation as opposed to destroying it."What ZCTU did by calling for a shutdown which turned into violence was bad as we saw the destruction of property and killing of a policeman," said Rev Wutaunashe. He urged politicians and civic organisations to preach peace."Politicians are not supposed to use people as tools for their political ends. As the church we will speak to such politicians that we want peace and unity among our people," said Rev Wutaunashe.He also spoke against the illegal Western sanctions."As a country we should speak with one voice against illegal sanctions by the United States of America and its allies. Sanctions are a burden or heavy yoke on our people and they must go. We are going to mobilise the nation for people to sign a petition in support of the removal of these damaging sanctions," he said.Rev Wutaunashe said sanctions were causing a lot of suffering to ordinary Zimbabweans."Do not be deceived by those who say President Mnangagwa is behind the suffering of the people. The increase in price of fuel is caused by the scarcity of foreign currency in the country and not mismanagement."All the suffering that we are subjected to is caused by these sanctions. There is no country without corruption. It is everywhere and we cannot say it is the main cause of our suffering. Our problems are caused by sanctions and we want them removed as the Church," he said."We should speak to everyone, especially political parties, to unite against sanctions. The Church should have a relevant voice against these sanctions. We should not fear anyone just as John the Baptist did when he talked directly to the rulers even to the military."Rev Wataunashe said sanctions were a violation of human rights as they denied Zimbabweans the right to feed their families, work and create wealth.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission can only effectively discharge its duties if manned by skilled and untainted individuals eager to fight graft, analysts said yesterday.ZACC chairperson Dr Job Whabira and his entire team resigned last week after letting the country down in fighting graft. Legal and security consultant Mr Tendai Toto urged President Mnangagwa to ensure the right people are given the job at ZACC."Besides for ZACC to function effectively it must have a warm bodied, motivated, competent and efficient secretariat," he said."Partisan appointments and the ugly effects of politicisation of ZACC must be key issues that must inform the President to do things differently if this ZACC is to fulfil its constitutional mandate, to function efficiently, effectively and to deliver," he said.Harare lawyer Mr Obert Gutu said the commissioners that stepped down were "long on promises and very short on delivery"."They talked much more than they acted," he said."Put bluntly, they were thoroughly incompetent. What we do not know is whether or not there was some strong behind the scenes force that made the operations of the ZACC hamstrung."Mr Gutu said corruption in Zimbabwe had never been ruthlessly fought. "Only the small fish are fried while the big fish always safely swim away," he said.Mr Gutu implored President Mnangagwa to take a leaf from Rwanda in his fight against corruption saying President Paul Kagame managed to arrest graft in his country. "Perhaps, this is what we need in Zimbabwe. In word and in deed, there should be zero tolerance to corruption."Another legal expert, who worked closely with ZACC said renewal of appointees of institutions like the anti-graft body must be a regular practice."This boosts public and investor confidence," said the analyst, who declined to be named for professional reasons.The legal expert urged the Judiciary and the National Prosecuting Authority to take a cue from what is happening to the anti-corruption body to rid itself from the bad elements that undermine public and investor confidence.The team was appointed in February 2016 and pursued a number of high-profile cases, although only one case - that of former Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge - resulted in a conviction at the courts.
News / National

by Mandla Ndlovu

Dear South Africa. Tomorrow I will be with you for the Diplomatic Service tomorrow at Pretoria Show grounds.



I have already begun the preparations. I want you to join me in PRAYER and FASTING starting at 00:00 CAT until 13:00 in the afternoon tomorrow.



I cannot wait to minister to you and show that God is still speaking today!



United Kingdom based Good News Church leader Prophet Uebert Angel has announced that he will be jetting in the Republic of South Africa to offer support to his spiritual Prophet Shepherd Bushiri.The controversial Bushiri and his wife Mary were arrested on Friday over charges of tax evasion and money laundering.In a message announcing his journey to South Africa Angel said:Angel further condemned what he called an African culture of persecuting rich people."It is my opinion that in Africa we have learnt to specialise in arresting successful black people more than specialising in arresting poverty."He said.Bushiri and his wife who were arrested at their Sparkling Waters Hotel in Rustenburg on Friday, are expected to appear before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on Monday where they are expected to be formally charged and apply for bail.On Saturday there were reports that the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), a branch of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), has joined the legal fight against the controversial couple and has filed a preservation order seeking to seize their assets, pending the finalisation of the criminal case against them.Two sources familiar with developments said the AFU had already filed an application at the High Court in Pretoria, seeking its permission to seize the Bushiris' luxury houses and cars, as well as the self-styled prophet's Gulfstream private jet, which is parked in a private hangar at Lanseria Airport outside Johannesburg.
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About Censored News Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell. Since 2006, Censored News has received more than 20 million pageviews. As a collective of writers, photographers and broadcasters, we publish news of Indigenous Peoples and human rights. Contact publisher Brenda Norrell: brendanorrell@gmail.com

From the publisher Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell, a journalist in Indian country for 39 years. Norrell created Censored News after she was censored and terminated as a staff reporter at Indian Country Today in 2006. She began as a reporter at Navajo Times during the 18 years that she lived on the Navajo Nation. She was a stringer for AP and USA Today and later traveled with the Zapatistas through Mexico. She has been blacklisted by all the mainstream media for 14 years. Contact brendanorrell@gmail.com

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On Friday morning, the country experienced an unforeseen tragedy. Nobody expected what happened at Hoerskool Driehoek could happen. I guess that is how tragedies are, nobody thinks they would happen until they strike. The country, the high school and those affected are still sad after the unfortunate turn of events.

Image: youtube.com@SABC Digital News

Source: UGC

For those of you who dont know what happened, you must be living in a very deep hole. That should not worry you, we at Briefly team are here to keep you informed. It started just like any normal day for students at Hoerskool Driehoek School, unfortunately, it wasnt going to be just an ordinary school day.

The incident

Hoerskool Driehoek is a school located in Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng province. A few minutes past 8:00 is when all this happened. A walkway connecting the schools administration block to the classes collapsed. It did so trapping over twenty students. This was met with confusion around the school as nobody is ever prepared for such happenings. People ran from everywhere to try help deal with the situation. As not everyone is experienced in dealing with such a situation, all others could do is just stand and watch. The students below the rumble were screaming for help. They were in pain and were in dire need of assistance.

The incident left a lot of destruction and it is even sad to say it also caused loss of life. Three students died at the spot. Another student died when he was receiving treatment. Over twenty students have been left with injuries from the tragedy. Some of them will never be the same again and definitely will never face life the same way as they earlier did. This was an absolute nightmare for parents. Nobody sends their children to school expecting to hear of such news. Teachers were also affected by the incident. The school had to organize counselling so that those affected could get better help.

The aftermath

Every day, we as human beings are slowly going further from the grace of God. Why would I say this you ask? After such a day, you would expect people to offer words of condolences and words of encouragement. Such an incident should bring people together rather than divide them but that was not the case for some people.

READ ALSO: A school bus carrying 40 children has collided with a truck in Diepsloot, JHB

A Facebook user by the name Siyanda Gumede said he was unmoved by the pupils deaths as this would eliminate three future problems from the world. Yes, I know you are also in shock as I am when I first came across this. A human being with a heart and blood flowing in their veins actually sat down in front of their computer and typed something that said that. Normally such a comment would receive so much hate from everyone. It did receive hate and criticism but not from a one, Lindsay Maasdrop.

Image: slaanterugsa.org.za

Source: UGC

Lindsay Maasdrop, who is the spokesman of BLT responded by agreeing with what Gumede was saying. He posted a comment that read,  God is responding. He went on to add the following comment.  Why should we frown on the ancestors petitions to punish the land thieves including their offspring. It then became clear that these two people believe that the incident was a punishment from the ancestors and not a tragedy as we are all seeing it.

You can be sure this comment did not go without raising a lot of eyebrows. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) were among the first people to respond to the comment. Gail Smith who is their spokesperson said that the comment was insensitive, offensive and not to forget, inappropriate. She said that the comment does not align with the ideas and aspirations our constitutional democracy. She was truly right for saying this. Our constitution advocates for unity but those comments were not promoting unity in any form. Gail continued by saying, Grief cuts across race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nation and culture.

Solidarity, on the other hand, believe that Maasdrop committed a criminal offence and he deserves a heavy penalty for his actions. Solidarity said that they had already instructed their lawyers to draft a court application against him. They still weren't done with BLT the party. They said that they would review the complaint that they have earlier made about the party to the Electoral Commission. They believe BLT as a party promotes racism and thus should not be allowed to take part in the next general elections. Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus hold the same opinion.

What do you think about those comments made after the Hoerskool Driehoek tragedy? I honestly think apart from whichever legal actions that might be taken against Lindsay Maasdrop and Siyanda Gumende there is still an underlying problem. This is because I am sure they have their supporters or rather people who agree with them. This then brings the question: Have South Africans forgiven and forgotten the sins of the past to each other? Leave your views about the matter in the comments section.

READ ALSO:

Update: Cops find owner of spinning car that hit a pedestrian

Man, who struck by lighting, says he is going back to church

Sbahle Mpisane talks about her accident: 'I was in so much pain'

Source: Briefly.co.za
Bowalley Road Rules



The blogosphere tends to be a very noisy, and all-too-often a very abusive, place. I intend Bowalley Road to be a much quieter, and certainly a more respectful, place.

So, if you wish your comments to survive the moderation process, you will have to follow the Bowalley Road Rules.

These are based on two very simple principles:

Courtesy and Respect.

Comments which are defamatory, vituperative, snide or hurtful will be removed, and the commentators responsible permanently banned.

Anonymous comments will not be published. Real names are preferred. If this is not possible, however, commentators are asked to use a consistent pseudonym.

Comments which are thoughtful, witty, creative and stimulating will be most welcome, becoming a permanent part of the Bowalley Road discourse.

However, I do add this warning. If the blog seems in danger of being over-run by the usual far-Right suspects, I reserve the right to simply disable the Comments function, and will keep it that way until the perpetrators find somewhere more appropriate to vent their collective spleen.


The New York Police Department does not want you to know where sobriety checkpoints, traffic cameras or police officers are at any given moment.

"Surprise" is evidently a key element of law enforcement.

NBC:

Ann Prunty, the department's acting deputy commissioner for legal matters, wrote that Google should "take every necessary precaution to ensure" so that none of the NYPD'S checkpoint data is uploaded or posted on any of their map applications, including the popular Google Maps.

Google did not respond to a request for comment.

"Individuals who post the locations of DWI checkpoints may be engaging in criminal conduct since such actions could be intentional attempts to prevent and/or impair the administration of the DWI laws and other relevant criminal and traffic laws," the letter reads.

This isn't the first time the tech company and New York's finest have clashed. In 2015, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, a union of around 13,000 active and retired NYPD sergeants, wrote a letter to then-Google CEO Larry Page, demanding that the company disable a feature that allowed users to track locations of police officers in the city.

The letter came after Brooklyn Police officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos were shot and killed by a gunman. The union said it believed the gunman used the Waze app to locate the officers.

"Revealing the location of checkpoints puts those drivers, their passengers and the general public at risk," Prunty wrote in Saturday's letter.
Sweden consistently ranks as one of Europe's most innovative and entrepreneurial nations, and one of the most obvious explanations for this is the country's generous leave policy, which entitles salaried, full-time workers to six months' unpaid leave to start a (noncompeting) business, look after a sick relative, or go back to school.



It's hard to overstate how tightly economic security is tied to entrepreneurship: if you have to be rich to take time off to start a business or get retrained to advance your career, the wealthy will always have an edge (over and above the advantage of being able to tap relatives for contacts and seed capital).





The apologist's explanation for inequality is that it's just separating the excellent from the average (or the big cornflakes from the crumbs), using the market to ensure that capital accrues in the hands of those who can put it to best use in creating jobs and prosperity. According to this explanation, we should abandon any thought of building guillotines because the super-rich got that way by benefitting us all.

But what if the tipping point in inequality attained in the late 1970s and the subsequent starving of the public coffers, destruction of the social safety net, and doctrine that says we have no duty to one another has meant that only the people who are already rich can afford to do the things that make one richer, like start a new venture or get a better education?

What if the 1%-99% split means that 99% of the people whose ideas could create jobs, increase productivity and create prosperity are doomed to shitty gig-economy jobs, economic precarity, and debt-haunted anxiety that prevents them from realizing their potential, depriving all of us of the benefit that potential would bring?



"To my knowledge this is the only country that offers a legally-enshrined right to take a leave of absence for entrepreneurship," explains Claire Ingram Bogusz, apost-doctoral researcher in entrepreneurship and information systems at Stockholm School of Economics. "You meet a lot of people who've got permission from their employer to start up something in such a way that it doesn't interfere with their employment, and once that business is up and running, then they take a leave of absence to see if they can actually make a go of it," she says. "It's very common, particularly among highly-skilled entrepreneurs who build high-tech firms."

Sweden's surprising rule for time off [Maddy Savage/BBC]


After a blockbuster report in Motherboard revealed that bounty hunters were able to buy realtime location data that originated with three of the four major cellular carriers (the exception is Verizon), the carriers scrambled to spin the news, insisting that the bounty hunter access represented a recent, small-scale aberration, but a new set of leaks reported on in Motherboard reveals that the practice has gone on for years, at industrial scale, and that the resellers who supplied bail bondsmen and other unsavory types in secret have changed names, but are still in business.



Motherboard's Joseph Cox reports on a trove of internal documents from a defunct company called Cercareone, who sold cheap access to bounty hunters for years, allowing some firms to make tens of thousands of requests for their targets' location. The data Cercareone sold included so-called "A-GPS data," which can identify targets to a much finer detree than mere cell-tower location, zeroing in on specific locations within houses and other structures. This data is exclusively available through cellular carriers, hinting at a second, even-more-compromising data-sales market never before revealed.

Cercareone's data was supplied by a "location aggregator" called Locaid, which dealt direct with the carriers. Locaid was sold to Locationsmart in 2015, which continued to supply data to Cercareone until 2017. Cercareone claimed that every person tracked with its data had signed a "privacy waiver," though this appears to have been a lie.

Bounty hunters who contracted with Cercareone were required to sign a confidentiality agreement promising to keep the company's existence a secret.

Nominally, Cercareone is out of business, but it shared a server and other infrastructure with a company called Locateurcell, which is still operating, selling access to location data under the rubric of locating elderly relatives and other less sinister purposes.

Even if CerCareOne is no longer operational, it still provides vital context on how American cell phone users' data has been sold and traded without their knowledge or proper consent. "This is an issue of national and personal security," Jessica Rosenworcel, a commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission told Motherboard in an email. "The FCC needs to act with urgency. There have been press reports calling out the sale of consumer location data since May. I've asked for the letters of inquiry that typically kick off an investigation like this. They have not yet provided them." Geoffrey Starks, another recently appointed commissioner of the FCC, told Motherboard in an email that "the for-profit location data industry has flourished in the shadows without any government oversight. The lights are starting to come on, and I believe that the FCC should use its authority to stop this practice, safeguard the public, and hold those responsible for this outrageous conduct accountable."

Hundreds of Bounty Hunters Had Access to AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint Customer Location Data for Years [Joseph Cox/Motherboard]
Woburn, MA (01801)

Today

Cloudy with rain ending overnight. Low 53F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy with rain ending overnight. Low 53F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
In an age of receding religious faith, politics always borders on idolatry. The latest politician to elevate polemical differences to eschatological significance came on Wednesday, as European Council President Donald Tusk condemned the souls of his enemies to eternal damnation.

At a press event at 10:42 a.m. local time, Tusk said, Ive been wondering what that special place in Hell looks like for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely.

Ive been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted #Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely.  Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) February 6, 2019

To be sure no one missed the point, his Twitter account broadcast the statement:

Sammy Wilson, an MP with Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), reacted by calling Tusk a devilish euro maniac who again shows his contempt for the 17.4 million people who voted to escape the corruption of the EU and seek the paradise of a free and prosperous Kingdom. (Tusks defenders have said he took aim at Brexiteers like Nigel Farage and Daniel Hannan, not everyday Leave voters. However, his scripted comments were vague enough to demand further qualification.)

Jacob Rees-Mogg likewise responded:

Mr Tusk is hardly in the Aquinas class as a theologian and he seems to have forgotten the commandment about not bearing false witness. https://t.co/nnMZK5mAN8  Jacob Rees-Mogg (@Jacob_Rees_Mogg) February 6, 2019

There are issues which the Christian Church has said occupy an irrevocable place among its teachings. A few of these include:

Since these conclusions proceed from traditional Christian moral theology, professing members may not publicly break with the Church on issues of this gravity without it affecting their worthiness to receive Holy Communion.

However, such issues in the public square are relatively few. Others remain subject to prudential judgment, such as:

the best approach to environmental stewardship;

the proper regulations on immigration; and

the unique contours of each nations foreign policy.

On these issues there may be, in then-Cardinal Ratzingers phrase, a legitimate diversity of opinion. Their discussion ought not be the place for hurling public anathemas. (After all, the previous set of issues result in no such excommunications; these two phenomena are likely related.) Indeed, these are precisely the areas that demand the greatest debate, engagement, and exploration at the highest levels.

Foreclosing debate on prudential issues while praising dissenters on fundamentals has led the West to an unusual impasse. The politicization of all things  what William F. Buckley Jr. called immanentizing the eschaton  has created its own tests of orthodoxy and heresy. It has elevated minor disagreements, which should be invitations to stimulating dialogue, into hellfire-and-brimstone condemnations. Everyone in the public square suffers for this lack of common grace.

The closest Tusks condemnation comes to the mark is the notion that public servants will be held accountable for their competence in discharging their duties. Theresa May initially grasped the potential of Brexit to outline an innovative and optimistic future. However, her cabinet was shocked to learn privately that she lost direction, allowing EU negotiators to guide the talks onto an interminable two-track system that prioritized the UKs divorce bill while remaining tantalizingly vague about any future free trade agreement. That May failed to prevent her post-Brexit future of innovation from being derailed is inarguable.

However, Tusks criteria may as easily be applied to the European Union, where anonymous officials continually plot a course for an ever-closer union with little care as to how stifling regulations, trade barriers, and mandatory settlement of asylum seekers would be received by member states. The European Economic Community (EEC) simply morphed into the European Community and then the European Union  and likely, next, an EU with its own military force. Its every move constitutes a violation of the principle of subsidiarity.

The British people were never asked whether they wished to join a political union and surrender some of their sovereignty, Rev. Richard Turnbull of the Centre for Enterprise, Markets, and Ethics told me during a recent episode of Actons podcast.

But none of this rises to the level of eternal damnation. Public discourse cannot heal until it purges itself of the hubristic conceit that confuses conventional wisdom for divine decree and substitutes our private judgments for the public counsel of God.

(Photo credit:     . This photo has been cropped. CC BY-SA 2.0 .)
The North Dakota Senate unanimously passed a bill on Thursday that seeks a uniform approach to cybersecurity for public entities.

The state Information Technology Department requested Senate Bill 2110. The Senate Political Subdivisions Committee amended language in the bill for ITD to only "advise and oversee" cybersecurity strategy for all executive state agencies, cities, counties, school districts, higher education institutions "or other political subdivisions."

The bill, as amended, also would have ITD consult with the attorney general. In addition, ITD may coordinate with the legislative and judicial branches as to their cybersecurity.

Supporting testimony raised concerns over ransomware and other risks faced by small North Dakota cities and part-time city auditors who may use home computers.

Opposition to the original bill raised concerns over separation of powers in ITD having control over judicial and legislative information technology.

Sen. Judy Lee, R-West Fargo, carried the bill to the Senate floor, and said the bill recognizes the co-equal branches of government, but also consistency for cybersecurity in North Dakota.

"It is important that there be some kind of lead person on this," Lee said.
For fee lands, which are private lands within the reservation, the state would receive 80 percent of the oil tax revenue and the tribe would receive 20 percent. Because more oil development is occurring on trust lands, the tribe would see a revenue increase.

Supporters of the bill say the drop in revenue for the state would be offset by an overall increase in oil industry investment.

Long term, the state will benefit from additional revenues as well with additional development that otherwise wouldn't take place with the current uncertain tax environment, said Sen. Jordan Kannianen, R-Stanley, the primary sponsor of the bill.

The MHA Nation objected to legislators decision in 2015 to reduce the overall oil tax from 11.5 percent to 10 percent. If the bill is approved, Fox said the tribe will have additional dollars to invest in roads, water infrastructure for energy development and housing.

Oil industry representatives testified in support of the bill, telling legislators they expect more investment in oil development and capturing natural gas on Fort Berthold if the bill is approved.

On Tuesday, Burgum voiced support for the proposal during a press conference with state and tribal leaders.
Heckaman brought forth a similar restraint and seclusion bill in 2017, which failed to pass in the Senate by a margin of 10-36. At the hearing for that bill, several education organizations testified in opposition, stating that many districts already have a policy in place and the bill would require additional training requirements on already strained teachers.

SB2266 includes a $500,000 appropriation to be used to train school district personnel on the district restraint and seclusion policy.

"Schools are doing the best they can with the funds available, but today, as legislators we need to provide the funding, the staffing and the space to provide an education to all students," she said.

Heckaman said the bill includes "universal definitions for all districts to use in their policies," including definitions of chemical, mechanical and physical restraint. It also would require incidents of restraint and seclusion being documented and reported to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

Victoria Johnson was one parent who spoke in favor of the bill.
"Aside from Wyoming, Senate Bill 2269 offers North Dakota the fewest restrictions on unregulated cottage food products," Wagendorf said.

North Dakota Food Freedom coordinator LeAnn Harner led the opposition, arguing line-by-line in the bill and noting benefits of cottage foods, such as extra income for families and testing for business startups.

"I would ask you to just hold off regulations, hold these regulations at bay and allow the energy and enthusiasm of our cottage food producers," Harner said. "They really are trying to do the very, very best they can to put good, nutritious food on the table and provide a local, known source of the person who handled it and produced it from day one."

Abby Clyde, of Dickinson, gave emotional testimony in describing her myriad homemade goodies, which she sells to support her disabled 6-year-old daughter.

She was able to pay off years of debt and buy a communication device for her daughter with proceeds from her sales, which include kuchen, juice, juice concentrate, dry noodles and sauerkraut.

Clyde also said she has had "zero complaints" of sickness or contaminants. She includes labeling with the date she made her food items and her contact information.
You will start to see people coming into North Dakota carrying their credentials that way and have an expectation that people will be able to interact with them that way, Lowe said.

A spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety said the agency is not looking into digital driver's licenses at this time.

Louisiana has a digital driver's license app, but it's not yet accepted for use in all cases. States including Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland and Wyoming, and the District of Columbia, are said to be in various phases of experimentation.

Building an 'e-identity'

Lowe said Iowas DOT went through a pilot phase with digital drivers licenses three years ago, and has been consulting with other states and countries since. The project is in the development phase now, and should "go live" in eight to 10 months.

People can still carry their drivers license card and choose how much to rely on the digital version, but the plastic cards could be phased out at some point.

Lowe said his department didnt seek legislative approval for the project because they didnt think it was necessary to move forward. The department would still be issuing drivers licenses  but in a different way.
The YMCA, along with the University of Mary Marauders, will host the annual Healthy Family Fun Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

This event was established as a hands-on project by UMary students to learn about wellness, community action, event planning and promotions. Run entirely by volunteers, this family experience includes learning activities, healthy games, prizes, inflatables, group fitness and an obstacle course. The theme for this years Healthy Family Fun Night is Safari.

Healthy Family Fun Night will take place at the YMCA in Bismarck. Admission is $5 per family and all proceeds benefit the Annual Support Campaign, which funds Y for All programming including Youth Development Pass, Safety Around Water and Membership Financial Assistance. For more information visit www.bismarckymca.org.

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Scientists from an alphabet soup of federal and state agencies, along with graduate students, have teamed up to learn about and help the species. Theyve made great strides.

Snyder was one of several speakers addressing fellow Montana fisheries professionals and students at an annual gathering of the Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society in Billings last week. For 19 years hes worked on pallid sturgeon recovery.

Upper Missouri

From stocking a lot of fish early in the 1990s, the hatchery program now emphasizes genetic variation in the fish stocked  artificially preserving the genes of the last remaining wild fish.

Now the question is whether all of those hatchery planters can reproduce. In 1998 the first pallids were stocked above Fort Peck Reservoir on the Missouri River. Those fish have now reached reproductive adulthood  2011 for males and 2015 for females  yet theres been no documented reproductive success by the fish in the wild.

Three fish did spawn, according to Tanner Cox, of the Montana Cooperative Fish Research Unit who studied pallid sturgeon in the region. But the fish are not spawning far enough upstream for their larvae to survive. Instead, the immature fish typically drift into the head of Fort Peck Reservoir and die.
On behalf of TSA employees statewide, I want to express my appreciation to people in communities across Montana who showed incredible generosity and concern during the recent partial government shutdown. Your kind words supplemented by donations motivated our workforce and allowed us to stay focused on our mission to keep the traveling public safe and secure during this uncertain time.

I cannot overstate the impact of the communitys donations. You delivered food and refreshments directly to the breakrooms, provided gift cards to help defray the cost of day-to-day needs and worked with the airport community in Billings to ensure that our employees were well taken care of. Perhaps most importantly, through your words and actions, you recognized the critical role TSA plays in securing our nations transportation system.

Looking ahead, we will always remember the encouragement and support we received from you. Thank you for coming together to support the Montana TSA team in Billings.

Dan Fevold

Federal Security for Montana

Transportation Security Administration

Billings

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Hammes/Landmark LLC, is both conducting the feasibility studies and would also be the developer of One Big Sky District. More than $500,000 of taxpayer-generated funds, meant for this study, are also being used to lobby our elected officials and the public on the need for this $2.5 billion joint business venture. This is an egregious conflict of interests.

Professor Heywood Sanders in his exhaustive book, Convention Center Follies, destroys the notion that convention centers contribute to urban economic development. Instead, he describes how convention centers are promoted, but fail to deliver on their promised benefits, showing how forecasts have been manipulated and proven false.

Only a tiny handful of convention centers in the U.S. actually make an operating profit. And, some lose humongous amounts of money.

Our county commissioners have told us that taxpayers are currently subsidizing MetraPark and that a new convention center such as OBSD would compete directly with this venue. Will taxpayers now be required to fund and subsidize both MetraPark and OBSD, and by extension downtown businesses?
As a Republican I seldom agree with Gov. Steve Bullock but his recent admittance of a mistake he made compels me to praise him because of a righteous unselfish act that few men in public office do these days. It involved a former staff member who, though he has an unblemished record while serving the Bullock administration in Montana, committed sexual harassment acts while working in New York and at the Democratic Governors Association.

Bullock said he was naive and wrong for not informing the New York mayor about the problems of the former aid, Kevin OBrien had while at the DGA. Bullock was head of the DGA at the time OBrien was fired and the governor admitted he was wrong for not alerting New York Mayor Bill De Blaiso about OBrien.

By terminating him at the DGA, we took appropriate steps, Bullock said. I felt sick at the realization I hadnt done enough. Looking backward, I was wrong...

Thats a man of integrity speaking. I applaud the governor and long for the day other public officials have the fortitude to confess their wrongdoings and mistakes. Democrats would do well to consider Gov. Bullock for a presidential run in 2020.

Bob Nolte

Billings

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There are good reasons to consider not moving the time.

There is a body of research that suggests that time switching has a negative effect on things like sleep patterns and can be linked to increase headaches. Moreover, the change can be linked to an increase in depression-like symptoms. One of the other benefits was that there was a lower crime rate, which can probably be explained by more people being active during the daylight, and fewer nighttime hours.

Originally, Daylight Saving was also thought to save energy by maximizing sunlight. However studies that researched the issue showed that actually more energy was used instead of less.

One of the main themes is that humans and their sleep rhythms are disrupted twice a year by the switch. In fact, some studies have linked an increase in heart attack and stroke in the weeks directly following the switch because of the change.

While we support the idea of picking a time and staying with that change, we believe staying on Daylight Saving could be an option -- just so that we would keep consistent throughout the year.
Rescuers took him to an ambulance waiting at the highway, which then took him to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. After warming up, the boy gave information that helped searchers find his father.

The boy said he lost his dad because he was able to walk faster on the snow. He said he kept walking in the general direction of their car when he became disoriented.

Rescuers were able to narrow down search areas for the father using landmarks provided by the boy and a Geographic Information System.

At 1:15 a.m. Wednesday, rescuers on skis found the boy's father near the Pioneer Falls Trail, a few miles from the cabin, conscious but hypothermic. Rescuers used a toboggan to take him to the cabin, and then a snowmobile rescue sled took him to a waiting ambulance. Later the son and father were flown to the University of Utah Burn Center to treat frostbite on their feet.

The Search and Rescue teams in the area have stayed busy this season. January alone saw 16 searches and rescues, Jarrett said  though that number isn't unusual for the outdoorsy area, he said.
The Montana Department of Transportation invites the public to attend an open house for the Airport Road and Main Street Intersection Design Project.

The open house will be in the community room at the public library from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19. Project team members will be available at the open house to discuss the design of the project.

According to a press release from the MDT, the project is considering design alternatives for the Airport Road and Main Street intersection. More information may be found at mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/blgairportmain.

Proposed work includes lane modifications, signal upgrades, median work and minor realignment of routes and approaches for Main Street from Lake Elmo Drive to Sixth Avenue North, Airport Road from Main Street to Aronson Avenue, and Aronson Avenue from Airport Road to Main Street.

The purpose of the project is to address the capacity and queuing issues, safety and mobility needs, signal upgrade needs and other operational issues for all users within the project area.

The public may also submit written comments by Tuesday, March 19, to the Montana Department of Transportation Billings office at P.O. Box 20437, Billings, MT 59104-0437, or online at: mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml. (Indicate comments are for project UPN 8718001.)

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Scott Sheets of Frontier Tree and Pest Control uses two handheld blowers to clear snow from the sidewalk around an apartment building at 13th Street West and Princeton Avenue on Wednesday.

The United States Postal Service sent mailers this week reminding area residents to keep paths to mailboxes clear of snow and ice.

Postal Service employees will make "every reasonable, safe attempt to deliver mail," during and after a storm, according to the Postal Service's website.

"Carriers are not required to deliver to locations where safety issues  such as icy steps, snow-packed paths or icy overhangs  create perilous conditions," according to the site.

USPS suggests residents:

Keeps porches, steps and sidewalks clear. Painted porches can be slippery and especially hazardous.

Remove snow from around curbside mailboxes to help make delivery more efficient.

Contact your local post office if your home delivery is suspended to learn how you can eliminate the hazard and resume delivery.
A Texas man was rescued with a broken leg after his snowmobile crashed into a tree Wednesday morning near West Yellowstone, according to a press release from the Gallatin County Sheriffs Office.

On Wednesday, just before 9 a.m., Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone received a call reporting a snowmobile crash on Two Top Trail, a few miles west of West Yellowstone. Forty minutes later, Search and Rescue, Hebgen Basin Fire Department, and Forest Service Law Enforcement met the 40-year-old man at the scene of the crash.

The man was conscious with a broken leg, and was taken by sled to an ambulance and later to the Big Sky Medical Center.

The busy department Tuesday morning also rescued a 36-year-old Bozeman man whose car was stuck on a rural road in Gallatin County a few miles south of Meagher County.

He was stuck on Sixteen Mile Road since the night before, but was able to stay warm in his car. Gallatin County Sheriffs Search and Rescue responded by truck and snowmobile, and rescued the man. They left his car to be recovered when road conditions improve.
On Wednesday, in a shocking revelation about the nature of the pro-abortion Democratic Party, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, a supposed moderate, endorsed the notion that a woman should be able to let an infant, born alive, die on the table if she decided she did not want the child.Appearing on WTOP's Ask The Governor, Northam was asked whether he supported a Virginia legislator's statement that Virginia Democrats' proposed legislation would permit abortion for a woman in labor. He stated:This is pure infanticide. It's also an argument for eugenic murder (see his comments about deformities). Northam is specifically talking about delivering an infant alive and then asking the mother whether the infant should live or not. This is not an argument about the morning-after pill. It's not an argument over whether a fetus feels pain. This is a statement that a fully-formed infant, born alive, ought to be murdered if the mother says the infant ought to be murdered.This is pure evil.And yet this is the position of Democrats across the country. Northam was speaking about a bill proposed by Virginia House member Kathy Tran, which would legalize abortion up to birth. Tran had explained just yesterday that a woman should be able to opt for abortion as she is dilating for birth.In New York, this is already the law - and Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) celebrated that new law by lighting up state sites pink in honor of the killing of fully-formed infants. In Rhode Island, Governor Gina Raimondo (D-RI) has already signaled that she wishes to support a similar law.Northam excuses his evil by stating that men shouldn't be making these decisions - as though having male genitalia excuses the moral fecklessness necessary to stand by and watch the killing of a newborn baby. But this is no excuse, obviously. The Democrats have decided that the era of safe, legal, and rare is over - the era of "Shout Your Abortion" is here. And if that means dehumanizing already-born children, so be it.Simply put, the American people do not deserve the care of a benevolent God if they embrace such evil.
In 2017, top North Carolina Democrats Rep. Meyer, Rep. Fischer, Rep. Cunningham, Sen. Chaudhuri, Sen. Van Duyn, and Sen. Woodard sponsored a bill called the "Whole Woman's Health Act" that sought to remove most of the state's protections for women and children on abortion.Like the efforts by Democrats and Governors in New York, Virginia, and Rhode Island, the bill allows for physicians to perform abortions up to the point of birth.Current law in North Carolina only allows abortions prior to 20 weeks if they are performed by a licensed physician. Abortions after 20 weeks may only occur in the event where a physician determines there is a "medical emergency" where the life of the mother is in danger. The conditions leading to these incidents must also be reported to the state.The North Carolina ACLU has stated it plans to "continue to build support for the Whole Woman's Health Act in the years to come." Given the recent efforts of Democrats in states like New York and Virginia to pass legislation allowing the abortion of babies minutes before birth, and given their tenacity until they reach effective numbers in their state legislative bodies, is it possible that we may see such a heinous bill here in North Carolina should Republicans continue to lose seats in the General Assembly? Certainly, our priority must be to get a good conservative Republican elected as our Governor ... And guess what? We have one fitting that very description running against Cooper in 2020.. Our very own Dan Forest, currently the Lieutenant Governor.Although abortion is one of the safest surgical procedures for women in the United States, no one should dismiss it as a simple harmless procedure that amounts to nothing more than a mere inconvenience and a doctor's visit. The fact is that a girl or a woman will carry that choice with her for her entire life, always consciously wondering if she took a life or just evicted a ball of cells from her uterus. The comment "Life begins at conception" will always haunt her ... that is, if she has a conscience.What we need to focus on is the fact that diligent birth control is the most effective way to prevent a pregnancy. In analyzing the population (US) of those who have had an abortion, the overwhelming majority had sex without using birth control. A small percent did not think they would get pregnant so they opted against birth control, and another small minority were those who just started using contraception in the month they became pregnant.Since recognizing a woman's constitutional right to abortion in 1973 in Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court has in subsequent decisions reaffirmed that right. The Court has held that a state cannot ban abortion before viability (the point at which a fetus can survive outside the uterus), and that any restriction on abortion after viability must contain exceptions to protect the life and health of the woman. Furthermore, any previability abortion restriction cannot create an "undue burden" on a woman seeking an abortion. This "undue burden" standard was established in Planned Parenthood v. Casey in 1992 and clarified in the 2016 decision in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt. The latter held that scientific evidence must be considered when evaluating the constitutionality of abortion restrictions. Some of the most common state-level abortion restrictions are parental notification or consent requirements for minors, limitations on public funding, mandated counseling designed to dissuade a woman from obtaining an abortion, a mandated waiting period before an abortion, and unnecessary and overly burdensome regulations on abortion facilities.Since 2010, the U.S. abortion landscape has grown increasingly restrictive as more states become hostile to abortion rights. Between 2010 and 2016, states enacted 338 new abortion restrictions, which account for nearly 30% of the 1,142 abortion restrictions enacted by states since the 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade.In North Carolina, the following restrictions on abortion were in effect as of May 1, 2018: A woman must receive state-directed counseling that includes information designed to discourage her from having an abortion, and then wait 72 hours before the procedure is provided. Health plans offered in the state's health exchange under the Affordable Care Act can only cover abortion if the woman's life is endangered, or in cases of rape or incest. Abortion is covered in insurance policies for public employees only in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest. The parent of a minor must consent before an abortion is provided. Public funding is available for abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest. A woman must undergo an ultrasound before obtaining an abortion. The state prohibits abortions performed for the purpose of sex selection.You can see why these restrictions would be unsatisfactory to Democrats. Women all over the country enjoy such an expansive right over their bodies that it includes the right to kill their unborn babies. They are going to want the same thing here in North Carolina.BUT WE MUST NEVER LET THAT HAPPEN.Support your Republican lawmakers, get involved in the politics of our great state, and RUN FOREST, RUN !!!
The fiscal year that ended on June 30. 2018 audit was presented. Like all other government audits it reported a glowing success for the commissioners and staff. It is really hard to fail when one pays someone to make them look good. However there are two items of concern.We have a fund balance goal of 35 percent of expenses. The North Carolina Local government Commission requires us to have a minimum of 8 percent. Neither of these numbers are acceptable. Eight percent too too low and 35 percent is too high. We really need about 20 percent. This would free up about 8 million dollars to be returned to tax payers.The auditor reported that some payments for travel were being make without the employee submitting receipts. I know that commissioners have always had to submit receipts in order to be paid expenses. During December I looked at some travel reports and found that some people were being paid without submitting expense receipts. It is hard to chase this down since the finance officer insists it is not happening. I guess my eyes are lying again.We set up a project ordinance for a grant to study shore line stabilization for the "County Park' at Wrights Creek. We paid $400,000 for this dredge pond. The condition of the shore line was attested to by some commissioners as not needing stabilizing. Now that we have owned this property for more than one year, the shore is suddenly washing away. Looks to me like another two or three hundred thousand in shore line stabilization. Just how many people are going to travel to Wrights Creek for a pic nick at our million dollar park?We finally approved a trip for one commissioner to go to Washington, DC to lobby representatives to require FEMA to release the new county flood maps. When approved by the commissioners there will be significant savings in flood insurance in Beaufort County. There could be as much as five million dollars in reduced premiums. That money goes directly into the citizens pockets.Beaufort County buys medical insurance for out 390 employees from the state employees medical plan which is administered by Blue Cross. They administer the paper work. The state and county writes the checks. The State Treasurer, Dale Folwell, has determined that there are deficiencies in the administration of the plan and those deficiencies are costing us a lot of money. I made a motion to support Treasurer Folwell in his efforts because it will save Beaufort County tax payers money. The motion failed 5 to 2. Frankie Waters made the statement that he could not support the motion because it would cost Vidant 40 million dollars. Frankie has been a water boy for Vidant, helping to close the Belhaven hospital among other things. Franke Waters should decide who he is representing, Vidant or the Beaufort County citizens. Frankie promised the Beaufort County Republican executive Committee that he would raise taxes if he were re elected. I guess we are getting what we voted for.The Beaufort County Sheriff is over staffed and wastes a lot of money. I asked for a study comparing Beaufort County to other counties of similar size. This motion failed 4 to 3. I guess the voters want an expensive sheriff's department.The budget retreat, to be held at the end of January, is usually videoed and broadcast to the public. Commissioners failed to approve the filming. This is a continuation of their secret government policy. However ,the public is invited. Contact the Beaufort County Clerk for details


(CJ photo by Kari Travis)

Gov. Roy Cooper's administration could risk violating a state law protecting whistleblowers if it has threatened retribution against employees who want to cooperate with a legislative probe of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline deal.Cooper has told state employees not to speak with investigators the ACP subcommittee hired. The workers were involved in the pipeline permitting process related to a $57.8 million discretionary fund Cooper was to control. When contacted by investigators, the employees - who work for the Department of Environmental Quality - said they were told to refer inquiries to management or William Lane, DEQ's general counsel.Lane then told investigators he had been instructed not to let employees cooperate, according to phone call logs provided by Senate leader Phil Berger's office.Raleigh attorney Michael C. Byrne, who has extensive experience representing state workers in employment matters, said Cooper's refusal raises questions.said Byrne.Byrne cited N.C. General Statute 126-84, commonly known as the Whistleblower Act.Last week, Cooper's chief of staff, Kristi Jones, asked legislative leaders to schedule a public committee hearing on the pipeline permitting process. She also called the probe a "political circus" and suggested investigators should be paid by the Republican Party rather than taxpayers.The lawmakers said a hearing may be appropriate, but only after their investigation is complete. Legislators also found Cooper's refusal to let employees cooperate with the investigation a troubling attempt to interfere with the General Assembly's oversight of the executive branch.Jones' letter , dated Jan. 29, was sent to subcommittee chairmen Sen. Harry Brown, R-Onslow, and Rep. Dean Arp, R-Union. In it, she said the Cooper administration had provided requested documents and answered questions.she said.Brown and Arp responded to Cooper Feb. 1.But first, the investigators will do their jobs.Brown and Arp also noted documents Cooper provided to the legislature which appear to reveal that Strata Solar CEO Markus Wilhelm, Cooper's business partner in a solar project, asked the governor to intervene in a disagreement with Duke Energy.The disagreement wasn't connected to the ACP. But lawmakers say the documents suggest ACP permits were used as leverage with Strata Solar.In December, the ACP subcommittee hired Eagle Intel Services to dig through documents and interview state employees connected with the pipeline permitting process. Eagle partners include former Internal Revenue Service special agent Thomas Beers, former IRS special agent Kevin Greene and former FBI special agent Frank Brostrom.The phone log released by Berger, a Rockingham County Republican, listed 12 calls between Eagle investigators and DEQ. The calls document attempts to set up interviews. All were unsuccessful. DEQ employees Brian Wrenn, Stanley Zimmerman, and Charles McEachern indicated they would speak with investigators but were told they had to get approval of either management or the legal department.This is where the North Carolina's Protection for Reporting Improper Government Activities law - aka the Whistleblower Act -may come in.The law applies only to state employees. It says they have a duty to report verbally or in writing to their supervisor, department head, or other appropriate authority, evidence of criminal activity by a state agency or state employee. Reportable activities include breaking the law, fraud, misusing or wasting state resources, endangering public safety, or "gross abuse of authority."The law also protects state workers from retaliation if they report any suspicious actions. They can't be fired, threatened, or discriminated against for calling out the applicable activities. State employees injured by a violation can seek relief in Superior Court.Attorney Byrne said employees who want to cooperate with the ACP investigation could have protections as whistleblowers.Carolina Journal emailed Jones, asking her if the governor's office is preventing employees who want to talk to ACP investigators from doing so. At press time, she hadn't responded.
We stress all the time in the Beatrice Public Schools, especially in the elementary, about Orangemen pride and what it means to be an Orangemen, Janssen said. To treat others as you would want to be treated, to do things when other people arent looking, and always try to have a positive attitude. I think this is just one way that Jorja is able to show that. She truly has Orangemen pride. She gives back to so many without others knowing about it, and she doesnt necessarily like to receive the credit for it. The smiles on the peoples faces does it for her. It just speaks to the kind of character she has.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Partly cloudy. Low around 75F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low around 75F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
About 85 percent of children worldwide have received at least one of the two recommended courses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination, which is high but still below the ideal 95 percent rate that scientists say is necessary to stop outbreaks from spreading. And that percentage has stalled over recent years, and in some places has actually declined. Not surprisingly, some of the declines have been in in poor countries with limited access to health care. Economic hardship and political unrest have certainly contributed to the incidence of infectious disease in some places. The breakdown of Venezuelas health care system, for example, drove a major 2018 outbreak in that country, which has spread to other parts of South America.

But developed countries with strong health care systems have become measles hot spots as well. Last year, France and Italy, had huge measles outbreaks that the World Health Organization says was driven not by lack of access to immunizations, but by a lack in trust in their efficacy. This distrust, called vaccine hesitancy, is such a threat to public health that it is on the World Health Organizations list of top 10 global health concerns for 2019.
It didnt require supernatural powers of clairvoyance to guess the name of President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Department of the Interior as successor to the cartoonishly unethical Ryan Zinke.

Trumps choice, David Bernhardt, has been working as Zinkes deputy virtually since the start of the Trump administration. He had served a prior stint at the agency under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009.

But the key to the appointment plainly is his history as an industry lobbyist.

Thats not just a shot in the dark. Bernhardts career record as a lobbyist tracks closely with the career paths of numerous other Trump appointees to Cabinet posts and other important positions. A shocking number were lobbyists or top corporate executives in industries that had been under the jurisdiction of their current agencies.

Lets call the roll. Alex Azar, secretary of Health and Human Services: Lobbyist for the drug giant Eli Lilly & Co. from 2007 to 2017, when he skated over to HHS. During his tenure as a top executive in Lillys lobbying shop, the companys lobbying expenses totaled nearly $89 million, much of it spent during the period when the Affordable Care Act  on which Azar now sets policy  was being debated and drafted in Congress.
For the second time in a year, Sheriff Jim Driscoll is being sued over his policy of holding inmates suspected of being undocumented for an additional 48 hours after they have paid bail or served their sentences so that ICE agents have time to drive up from Phoenix and place them in immigration detention. And for the second time, he has, at the expense of County taxpayers, retained an expensive Phoenix law firm to defend this policy.

Sheriff Driscoll has taken the position that he is legally bound to honor ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detainers to hold inmates for pick-up. But on what grounds? In the first lawsuit (Tenorio-Serrano v Driscoll, et al.) Judge Campbell ruled that though Driscolls defense argued state law required him to honor these detainers, in fact, none of the statutes appear to support this assertion. The judge made it clear that Sheriff Driscolls policy of cooperating with ICE is purely discretionary. It is not required by law.

This is clear if we look at how ICE warrants are treated elsewhere in the state. Neither Sheriff Penzone in Maricopa County nor Sheriff Napier in Pima County honor ICE detainers. If it were a matter of state law, their policies would be the same as Sheriff Driscolls.
Warman pointed to the fact that Kinder Morgan had not been made aware of the most recent developments toward construction of a tower near the line until they were notified by a neighbor only days before the first planning and zoning meeting.

Kinder Morgan had been told by Verizon a few years ago that in the future, development of a tower along the line was planned, but had not been informed that a final location had been decided.

Warman said she also worries because the planning documents Pinnacle Consulting submitted to the city had to be changed after Kinder Morgan became aware of the site and did not include depictions of infrastructure that would prevent accidents.

Michelle Lamoureux, a spokesperson for Pinnacle Consulting, disagreed when the concern was brought up at a community meeting, saying that such infrastructure was not depicted on documents because they are so early in the process.

The infrastructure Warman references, Lamoureux said, will be included on construction plans but are not necessary for planning and zoning purposes.

Neil Gullickson, the planning development manager for the city, agreed and said generally, such infrastructure is included farther down the line.
Mendez said he's one of those people who purposely delays casting his ballot.

"It's a strategic position,'' he said.

"I do this because I know someone's going to say something that's the equivalent of putting their foot in their mouth or they're just going to show their true colors,'' Mendez said. "I want to wait until the very last day.''

Ugenti-Rita was unsympathetic.

"Remember: The system is called 'vote by mail,' '' she said. "But you need to mail it back.''

Ugenti-Rita also said no one is forced to vote by mail. And if they do get an early ballot and can't -- or won't -- get it into the mail on time to arrive by Election Day, they can still vote a regular ballot.

But Sen. Andrea Dalessandro, D-Green Valley, said if the goal of the legislation is to speed election returns this is precisely the wrong thing to do.

She said that the election systems in Cochise, Gila, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Pima, Pinal and Santa Cruz counties are not set up to be able to tell whether someone who shows up at a polling place already has cast an early ballot.
The Flagstaff City Council adopted Resolution 2019-04, authorizing the Mayor to sign the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy Pledge at the City Council meeting on Feb. 5, 2019.

By joining the Covenant, Flagstaff pledges to implement policies and undertake measures to:

 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 Prepare for the impacts of climate change.

 Increase access to sustainable energy.

 Track progress toward these objectives.

The Covenant of Mayors is the worlds largest alliance of cities and local governments with a shared long-term vision of promoting and supporting voluntary action to combat climate change and move to a low emission, climate resilient future.

This coalition gathers thousands of cities of all sizes across six continents and over 120 countries, representing 10 percent of the worlds population. Through the Global Covenant of Mayors, cities and local governments are voluntarily committing to fight climate change, mirroring the commitments their national governments have set to ensure the Paris Agreement goals are met.

Joining the Global Covenant of Mayors reinforces the city of Flagstaffs commitment to climate action, and completes the first strategy identified in the Flagstaff Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Implementation Strategy.

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The San Francisco Peaks stand out above the forests and can be seen from the houses and streets of Flagstaff. The peaks are covered with snow during the cold winters, and buzzing with hikers, bikers and other outdoors folk during the summer.

Now helicopters are adding to the mountain traffic as they transport fallen trees off the steeper portions of the mountain in an attempt to thin the forests through the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Projection. The project aims to prevent high-severity wildfire and post-wildfire flooding in the forests surrounding Flagstaffs residents and resources.

Helicopters have been lifting and transporting bundles of cut trees to planned landing areas since mid-January. The operations will take place during daylight hours, seven days a week, for what they expect to be three to five months, according to a release from the project.

Many residents whose back doors open up to the national forest say they hear the helicopters. And while the helicopters can be heard outside of many peoples homes surrounding the closure area, some residents dont mind the current level of noise if it means they can reduce the risk of wildfires.
PARIS, FranceiStripper has named Avery as its iStripper Talent of the Month for February, 2019.

Avery was born in 1997 in Kiev, Ukraine. She's tall, slim with long fair hair and reportedly has an incredible power of seduction.

She's known to wear black lace lingerie, she was named iStripper's Xmas Mother 2018, and she has also played a cute student, wearing a little skirt that turned the site's members upside down.

Among their comments:

OMG what a goddess..... perfect in every way, moves well, great eye contact, sexy smile, one of the best bodies here.... WOW we need more of Avery ASAP ! ! ! ! ! !

m*******

Wow! What a gorgeous girl. Avery has such a beautiful smile. And what an incredible body! The best of the new girls. Please let's see more of her!

Brian***

Avery is one of iStripper's recent best sellers, with a global rate of 4.61/5. She will be back on iStripper for a "take 2" at the end of March 2019.

Those interested may check her performances here.

Each month, iStripper selects a Talent of the Month based on her beauty (of course), the quality of her performance as a stripper, its members' ratings, the number of times her video has been purchased, how long she stays in iStripper's top 20, etc. In the case of a tie, the film crew is asked to choose the girl who has left them with the most unforgettable memories.

iStripper is the only desktop application able to display real stripteases directly onto the computer taskbar, without background. The concept has existed for 20 years and is supported by thousands of affiliates who monetize their desktop traffic with innovative tools such as the pop-up models.

More info can be found here.
LOS ANGELESThe classic "Lemon Stealing Whores" video seen by millions will now call JamesDeen.com home after the site regained licensing rights to the viral sensation.

The video will appear on JamesDeen.com beginning Thursday, February 7.

"I love this video," site owner and namesake James Deen said. "It is one of my favorite scenes I've ever appeared in. I am happy that the response to this epic masterpiece has been so grand throughout the years. One day I hope everyone can find something they love as much as I love lemons."

This acquisition represents the first of Deen's vast catalogue of scenes from his 16-year performing career that he hopes to eventually buy back and host on his flagship site, turning it into a "one-stop-shop of all things James Deen."

In honor of the star's birthday and the re-release of "Lemon Stealing Whores," JamesDeen.com is offering free 72-hour trial memberships.

"I feel it is very important that everyone gets an opportunity to view the 'Lemon Stealing Whores' video," Deen asserted. "Plus, it is already on YouTube so what the hell. Join for free and enjoy the site for a few days!"

"Lemon Stealing Whores" originally appeared in the 2006 Smash Pictures release Virgin Territory; the safe-for-work intro to the scene was uploaded to YouTube in 2012 and quickly became somewhat of a phenomenon, inspiring parodies, memes and more, and to date receiving over 4 million views.

Pictured: Haley Paige, James Deen.
BROOMFIELD, Colo.Eldorado Trading Company, a top distributor of adult toys, lingerie, and party supplies, has scheduled manufacturers newest episode in their sexual health and wellness education series, Eldorado Presents, on Friday, February 15 at 12 noon MT.

Eldorado has partnered with CalExotics for this month's Facebook event, which will review retail merchandising tips and tricks, particularly after the busy holiday season. Successful merchandising, which includes the various details of how products are displayed and promoted throughout the store, plays a critical role in the overall success of retail businesses through improving sales.

Lupe Martinez, a CalExotics business development executive, will be hosting this live social media event, which is open to the public but geared toward adult retailers. CalExotics is a leading manufacturer of adult toys and novelties, doing business since 1994.
The big question is why are all of the presidents men lying to Congress, Mueller and the American people? Rudy Giuliani says the truth is not the truth. Define the truth, Mr. Giuliani. You and President Trump are both liars. Mr. Flynn, Michael Cohen, Manafort and now Roger Stone have all lied to Congress and to Bob Mueller. They should all go to prison and stay there. Donald J. Trump, show your taxes! The American people have to show ours. What are you hiding? Roger Stone is a liar, a cheat, a thief and a downright troublemaker. He loves this just like Trump does. Why doesnt the do-nothing Republican Senate say or do more about this? The president held 800,000 federal workers hostage about his wall being built. That is just totally wrong and disrespectful. I believe he is either going to shut down the government again or use an executive order to get his wall built. By the way, we will pay for it, not Mexico.
The lawsuits from both Serfer and Dr. Karen Odrzywolski, the former director of ACH's stroke program and the plaintiff the state lawsuit, were the culmination of their efforts to sound the alarm about not just Barnett but what they described as a problematic culture at the hospital in general, Serfer said.

"The general culture that I think anyone would share with you is one of fear," Serfer said in an interview Wednesday. "Keep quiet or else."

Through a spokesperson, the hospital declined to comment Wednesday beyond a brief statement, citing the legal nature of topic.

"We are aware of the legal actions that have been recently filed. Unfortunately, we cannot comment on these matters because of the ongoing legal nature of these activities. Auburn Community Hospital leadership takes these matters very seriously and has always complied with all state and federal regulations," the statement said.

Serfer said that after numerous internal complaints went ignored or unaddressed and regulatory agencies did not act expediently, a coalition of staff including himself and Odrzywolski decided to file lawsuits to try to force a change before more patients are put at risk, he said.
Aurora Mayor Bonnie Apgar Bennett said Wednesday there is no real update at this time, as the board is still having "a little trouble wrapping our mind around this problem." The board has done a lot of research and began talking about the issue during the meeting, she said, but there is no solution at this time.

The board is trying to balance both the fact that people enjoy fireworks and it doesn't want to ban them entirely, while also recognizing and mitigating the harm it causes local businesses and animals.

"You can find information on how noise harms animals," Bennett said. She noted that other places, such as Beijing, have banned fireworks for health and public safety.

She said there are also geographical factors to take into account, as it seems the October display went off at about the same height as Trinity Farms. One of the difficulties, she added, is when you're talking about two-inch or three-inch shells, for example, you can't really be sure what that means in terms of fireworks.

The board is planning another work session to continue discussing possible regulation, but it's unknown if it will happen before or after the village's next board meeting  which was rescheduled to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25.

Once something is figured out, Bennett said since the village doesn't have any police officers it will likely be an amendment to the zoning law and there will be a public hearing process before any changes are adopted.

Staff writer Megan Ehrhart can be reached at (315) 282-2244 or megan.ehrhart@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter @MeganEhrhart.

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Some of the most recent changes at Wegmans stores in Auburn and the rest of the region, including those prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, were influenced by a local native.
With the introduction of manure storages, the need for daily hauling and spreading is eliminated and allows manure to be stored until conditions are both environmentally safe and agronomically correct for field application. Whether manure is hauled and spread daily or stored and spread seasonally, it should always be utilized according to a nutrient management plan.

In addition to the advantages, there are some disadvantages to manure storage systems. For the farmer, often the costs are not offset by the fertilizer savings; the unloading seems to occur during busy spring and fall seasons; and they can pose water quality and safety hazards if not designed and maintained properly.

Fortunately in New York, the state Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for protecting streams, rivers and other waterways by comprehensively regulating activities that could impact water quality. This includes the requirement for all livestock farms over a certain size that confine animals for 45 days or more during any 12-month period to obtain a permit from the DEC, known as a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation general permit. More information about the CAFO permit can be found at agriculture.ny.gov/faq_manure_storage.pdf.
"It would increase people's interest in Tubman and her legacy," he said.

Even if the Treasury Department doesn't act quickly, Katko is hopeful that Congress will advance his bill. Several of his colleagues have signed on as cosponsors  a number wasn't immediately available  and members of both parties support the measure.

Cummings, who has teamed with Katko on this effort before, said it's "past time" to honor Tubman.

"Too often our nation does not do enough to honor the contributions of women in American history, especially women of color," Cummings said. "Placing Harriet Tubman on our U.S. currency would be a fitting tribute to a woman who fought to make the values enshrined in our Constitution a reality for all Americans."

In the meantime, Katko is drafting a letter that will be sent to Mnuchin. He aims to collect signatures from other members of Congress to urge the Treasury Department to place Tubman on paper currency.

The letter, Katko said, will keep the pressure on Mnuchin. But he hopes that even if the Treasury Department doesn't act quickly, Congress will.

"I'm cautiously optimistic we might be able to start to try and get this thing moved soon," he said.

Online producer Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

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Two of central New York's state senators are urging Gov. Andrew Cuomo to restore local government aid in his state budget plan.

State Sens. Bob Antonacci and Rachel May oppose cuts to the Aid to Municipalities program, which provides base aid to cities, towns and villages across New York.

In his 2019-20 executive budget plan, Cuomo proposed slashing the program's total funding from $715 million to $656 million. While cities wouldn't lose aid, many towns and villages across the state wouldn't be eligible for AIM funding.

Under Cuomo's budget proposal, a town or village would lose AIM funding if it accounts for less than 2 percent of its total expenditures in the 2017 fiscal year.

In May's district, towns and villages in Onondaga, Madison and Oneida counties would lose more than $1.1 million.

May, D-Syracuse, explained that some municipalities in her district would lose a considerable amount of money. The town of Salina in Onondaga County, which received more than $290,000 in AIM funding last year, would no longer receive that assistance. Sullivan, a town in Madison County, would lose more than $92,000.
Traffic deaths involving drivers who tested positive for marijuana more than doubled between 2013 and 2017, according to the report. And use of the drug among youths "increased sharply."

"Based on my experience, and the available data from Colorado, I know that legal recreational marijuana use in our community will result in an increase in drugged driving, traffic deaths, crime rates, and use by our children," Schenck said.

Proponents of marijuana legalization argue that it will address racial disparities in the criminal justice system  an issue that wasn't address by Schenck in his statement.

The American Civil Liberties Union analyzed 8.2 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010. A vast majority of the arrests were only for marijuana possession. Even though usage rates were nearly identical, black people were 3.73 times more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana possession.

Schenck's concerns focus more on the health impact. He worries fatal crashes caused by impaired drivers will rise and that resources will be strained as law enforcement and other agencies deal with the ongoing effects of the opioid epidemic.

"We cannot make it easier for our children and youth to obtain and smoke marijuana and we cannot support policies that will undoubtedly result in an increase in crime rates," Schenck said.

Online producer Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

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Yemen's government and Huthi rebels have agreed on a preliminary compromise for redeploying their forces from the port city of Hodeida, the UN said Thursday, shoring up a truce deal that marks the first step toward ending the devastating war. The pullback from Hodeida was initially agreed under the ceasefire deal reached in December in Sweden. But deadlines for both sides to move their forces away from the ports and parts of city were missed. Following three rounds of talks aboard a UN ship in Hodeida's harbour, a proposal was put forward by Danish General Michael Lollesgaard, who heads a UN observer mission, "that proved acceptable, in principle," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. "A preliminary compromise was agreed, pending further consultation by the parties with their respective leaders," said Dujarric. The two sides are to meet again next week to finalize details for the redeployment, if the compromise is endorsed by the Huthi and government leadership. The ceasefire and the redeployment of forces agreed in Stockholm have been hailed as a major step toward ending Yemen's nearly four-year war that has left millions on the brink of famine. UN officials however have warned the peace gains are fragile. The first phase of the redeployment from the ports of Hodeida, Saleef, Ras Issa and from parts of the city where there are humanitarian facilities was scheduled to happen two weeks after the ceasefire went into force on December 18. But that deadline was missed as the government and Huthis haggled over the interpretation of the agreement. The Red Sea port is the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's imported goods and humanitarian aid, providing a lifeline to millions in the Arab world's poorest country. - Access to grain silos - While there was some progress on the pullback of forces, UN efforts to gain access to a food storage site in Hodeida that could feed millions of Yemenis hit a wall. UN aid chief Mark Lowcock urged the Huthis to allow relief groups to cross front lines "in the coming days" to reach the Red Sea Mills, which are located in a government-controlled area of Hodeida. The Red Sea Mills silos are believed to contain enough grain to feed 3.7 million people for a month but the granary has remained off-limits to aid organisations for more than four months. The Huthis are refusing to allow UN aid agencies to cross front lines and reach the Red Sea Mills, because of security concerns, said Lowcock, who deplored that a solution remained "elusive" despite many rounds of talks. "Access to the mills grows ever more urgent as time passes and the risk of spoilage to the remaining grain increases," said Lowcock in a statement. UN-led talks on a prisoner swap involving thousands of detainees on both sides were continuing in Jordan, the UN spokesman said, adding that it was a "good sign" that the negotiations were ongoing. Yemen's rebels have been mired in a war with government forces backed since 2015 by a Saudi-led coalition. The United Nations has described Yemen as the world's worst humanitarian emergency, with 10 million people on the brink of famine. Yemen's government and Huthi rebels have agreed on a compromise to pull back their forces from the city of Hodeida, but the deal must be endorsed by their leaders UN aid chief Mark Lowcock is urging Huthi rebels to allow relief organizations to cross front lines and reach the Red Sea mills, where silos filled with grain could feed millions
Venezuelan soldiers are starving and the military is "degraded", but for now at least the armed forces remain loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, a top US admiral said Thursday. "The rank and file are starving, just like their population," Admiral Craig Faller, who heads the US military's Southern Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee. He called the Venezuelan military a "degraded force," but one that "remains loyal to Maduro -- and that makes it dangerous." Faller, who assumed command of SOUTHCOM in November, said the US military was keeping a close eye on Venezuela and was prepared to protect American personnel and diplomatic facilities "if necessary." Though President Donald Trump has declined to rule out military intervention in crisis-gripped Venezuela, Faller said the focus is on supporting diplomatic efforts. He said the United States is looking for signs the Venezuelan military's loyalty to Maduro might be "cracking," but he declined to elaborate in the public hearing. International pressure is intensifying on Maduro to step aside and support is growing for his opposition rival Juan Guaido, who has so far been recognized by around 40 countries since declaring himself interim president on January 23. Faller said he had visited the Colombia-Venezuela border, where US troops deployed on the USNS Comfort medical ship are operating medical camps. In an apparent reference to enlisted Venezuelan soldiers, he said he had seen "kids" who had lost as much as 30 pounds (13.5 kilos) in the space of a year. "They are stick thin, they'd never had medical attention, we think that condition affects a large swath of the population and we think that population's ready for a new leader," Faller said. Food and medicine shortages have pushed 2.3 million people to flee Venezuela since 2015. Commander of the US Southern Command, Admiral Craig Faller, testifies during a US Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington
Newly empowered House Democrats kicked off a barrage of investigations into President Donald Trump's taxes, real estate business and Russia ties Thursday, raising the pressure on the White House after two years of insulation by a Republican majority. Trump lashed out about "presidential harassment" as one House committee opened a hearing into forcing the release of his long-hidden tax returns, and another began questioning his controversial policy to separate immigrant children from their parents at the US-Mexico border. "The Dems and their committees are going 'nuts,'" Trump tweeted. "The Republicans never did this to President Obama, there would be no time left to run government," he said. Both sides were girding for tough legal clashes pitting congressional powers against those of the presidency. House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler threatened Trump's acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, with a subpoena if he did not turn over records of his communications with the White House in reference to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's ongoing investigation into Russian election meddling. And Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, laid out a plan to begin probing Trump's business ties to Russia, citing fears of money laundering and of "foreign financial or other leverage over President Trump." Schiff's committee is planning to hear testimony from the president's former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, who has already divulged to investigators inside information about the operations of the president's real estate business, the Trump Organization and Trump's 2016 election campaign. "So now Congressman Adam Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so. Never happened before!" Trump tweeted. - Probes heighten impeachment threat - House Democrats have a long list of Trump-focused issues to probe after being stifled for two years by majority Republicans. Winning control of the House in November allows them to open an investigative assault on the White House in the same way that -- contrary to Trump's claim -- Republicans laid siege to former president Barack Obama. A shortlist of topics include conflicts of interest and mismanagement by cabinet members; Trump's benefits from family business while in the White House; and security lapses by Trump and his White House staff. "We will not surrender our constitutional responsibility of oversight," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday. The House probes would add to the legal and political burden facing the president from Mueller's probe, and a parallel Justice Department investigation in New York into various activities of the campaign and Trump Organization. Altogether, the probes elevate the chance that Trump could face impeachment if serious wrongdoing is found. Thursday's House Ways and Means hearing into Trump's taxes would break what he declared in 2017 as a red line -- that investigations should not touch his business and finances. Unlike previous presidents, Trump has refused to release his tax records. His lawyers claim they have been under review by the Internal Revenue Service since 2002. A 2016 New York Times analysis based on limited information concluded that Trump may have paid minimal or even no taxes each year since 1995. Democratic Representative Bill Pascrell called on the committee to tap its seldom-used power to obtain and review Trump's tax returns. "If a president is cheating the system, or evading taxes, or otherwise violating the tax laws of our country, why should any citizen feel compelled to comply? No one is above the law," he said. "When we have cause for concerns over conflicts of interest or tax violations, we have every reason to use the authority given to this committee." - Business ties to Russia - Schiff's Intelligence Committee is planning a deep-dive into Trump's financial and business ties to Russia, suggesting that they could involve money laundering. The committee wants to know "whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Donald Trump, his family, his business, or his associates," Schiff said in a statement Wednesday. "Congress has a duty to expose foreign interference, hold Russia to account, ensure that US officials -? including the President -? are serving the national interest and, if not, are held accountable," he said. US President Donald Trump faces a barrage of new investigations from the Democrat-led House of Representatives Trump Tower in New York, headquarters of the Trump Organization which is a target of new investigations of the US president by the House of Representatives Democratic Representative Adam Schiff, who is leading a new investigation into President Donald Trump's business ties to Russia
Swiss prosecutors said Thursday they were dropping charges of financial wrongdoing against Teodorin Obiang Nguema, the son of Equatorial Guinea's authoritarian leader, but were confiscating luxury cars as part of the case. Obiang, 50, and two other individuals had been facing prosecution for "money laundering and misappropriation of public assets." Under the Swiss penal code, prosecutors can choose to drop charges in this category if defendants offer compensation "and restore a situation that is in conformity with the law." In a statement, the public prosecutor for the canton (region) of Geneva said Equatorial Guinea was also paying 1.3 million Swiss francs ($1.3 million, 1.14 million euros) "to cover the cost of proceedings." In addition, 25 luxury cars, seized as part of the investigation, had been confiscated, the statement said. "They will be sold and the net proceeds of the sale will be assigned to a social programme within Equatorial Guinea," it said. The decision also entails lifting a sequestration order that investigators had slapped on a yacht in the Netherlands, the Ebony Shine, in December 2016, it said. The statement did not give details about the cars or which of the defendants owned them. In 2016, a Swiss weekly newspaper called L'Hebdo said the batch included a Porsche 918 Spider valued at 750,000 euros, a Bugatti Veyron worth two million euros and a Swedish supercar, the Koenigsegg One:1. Only half a dozen Koenigsegg One:1 models have ever been built, each selling for a reputed $2.4 million. Obiang is the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, 76, who has ruled the tiny oil-rich West African state since 1979, ousting his uncle in a coup. Critics accuse him of brutal repression of opponents as well as election fraud and corruption. Vice president with responsibility for defence and security, Teodorin Obiang has a reputation for a playboy lifestyle. In October 2017, a Paris court handed him a three-year suspended jail term after convicting Obiang of siphoning off public money to buy assets in France. He was accused of spending more than 1,000 times his official annual salary on a six-storey mansion in a posh part of the French capital, a fleet of fast cars and artworks, among other assets. He was also given a suspended fine of 30 million euros. In September, Brazilian media said that more than $16 million in cash and luxury watches were seized by Brazilian police and customs officers from luggage of a delegation accompanying Obiang on a private visit. O Estado de Sao Paulo quoted a diplomatic source from Equatorial Guinea as saying the money was to pay for medical treatment Obiang was to undergo in Sao Paulo. The watches were for the "personal use" of the president's son and were engraved with his initials, the report said. Obiang is reputedly on a fast track to succeed his father. Last October, he was promoted from colonel directly to division general, without passing through the normal intermediary rank of brigade general. The following month, he presided over a cabinet meeting for the first time. Playboy reputation: Teodorin Obiang Nguema, pictured here in 2014, is tipped to succeed his father Teodoro as Equatorial Guinea's president
Faced with an ever-growing list of world conflicts to tackle, the UN Security Council decided on Thursday that it would cut the number of meetings it is holding on Kosovo to allow time for more pressing crises. The United States and European countries at the United Nations' top body argued that four meetings per year on Kosovo was too much, but faced resistance from Russia to shifting attention away from the Balkans. "If you look at the amount of conflict actually on the ground in Kosovo," said British Ambassador Karen Pierce, "there isn't anything like the level of the issues that are dealt with in places like Yemen, or DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo)". Under a deal agreed on Thursday, the council will hold three meetings on Kosovo this year and two in 2020. Kosovo, home to an ethnic-Albanian majority, broke away from Serbia in a bloody 1998-99 war and declared independence a decade later, with strong backing from Washington. But Serbia, backed by Russia, has never accepted the split and has waged a diplomatic campaign to prevent Kosovo from becoming a full member of organizations like the United Nations. "The real problem is that the Serbs and the Kosovars need to normalize their relations," said Pierce, who lamented the lack of a settlement, 20 years on. As the world's premier body tasked with maintaining international peace and security, the council has seen its monthly program of work fill up with meetings on Syria, Yemen, Israeli-Palestinian tensions, a range of African conflicts along with many unanticipated crises. French Ambassador Francois Delattre told a round-table discussion on Wednesday that UN diplomats were "overwhelmed" by work as they seek to douse fires erupting in so many global hotspots. In 2017, the council reached an all-time record for the number of meetings held -- 433 -- compared to 408 last year. The UN Security Council is struggling with an ever-growing list of world conflicts to tackle including Yemen, Syria and wars in Africa
Marxist guerrillas the ELN have released a Colombian soldier kidnapped a month ago on the border with Venezuela, the body tasked with protecting human rights in the country said Thursday. Corporal Angel Mauricio Acevedo was handed over to a humanitarian mission run by the ombudsman and Catholic church, having been held by the ELN "armed group since January 7." Acevedo was captured by armed men wearing civilian clothes in the northeast, a region known for coca plantations used by narcotics traffickers to produce cocaine. It was the second liberation by ELN rebels in the last week having released on Sunday three helicopter crew members also snatched in January in the same region. Colombia's military has stepped up its operations against the ELN since the rebel group admitted being behind a car bomb attack in the capital Bogota on January 17 that left 21 army recruits dead, as well as the bomber. That attack drove Colombian President Ivan Duque to call off peace talks with the ELN that were started in 2017 by his predecessor Juan Manuel Santos. "The ELN has to understand very clearly that there is no international support for what they are doing," said Eamon Gilmore, the European Union's special envoy for the Colombian peace process. He said the police academy attack was "a shocking act of terrorism which is not acceptable in any country." The right wing Duque insists that he will only reopen talks if the ELN releases all its hostages and ceases "criminal activity." Those terms have been rejected as "unacceptable" by the rebels. "The ELN has to understand that you can't just talk about peace... you have to take some actions which show that you are serious about peace," added Gilmore. Duque, who called his meeting with Gilmore productive, said on Twitter they spoke about "progress made on implementing agreements, and productive projects." Since Santos signed a peace accord with FARC rebels in December 2016, turning that guerrilla group into a political party, the ELN remains the only recognized rebel group in Colombia. It has around 1,800 fighters and an extensive support network. Bogota has repeatedly accused neighboring Venezuela's leftist regime under Nicolas Maduro of harboring guerrillas and tolerating drug-traffickers operating around the border region. Caracas denies the accusations. Despite sharing a 2,200-kilometer (1,350 miles) long border, the two countries have had practically no diplomatic relations since 2017. Duque was one of the first leaders to recognize opposition chief Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president after his self-declaration on January 23, another move that angered Caracas. Colombia is also trying to help Guaido, who has launched a power struggle with Maduro, bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela despite resistence from the military. ELN rebels have freed another Colombian soldier


An unlikely hero has been praised online for cleaning up after a driver on an Aussie road.

Magnus Hand uploaded a video onto the Dash Cam Owners Australia Facebook page after he caught a woman littering while stopped in traffic in Perth.

So I was at the lights and this poor ladys cigarette accidentally fell out of her hand and onto the road, the post said.

Being the gentleman I am, I got out, picked up the cig and kindly returned it to her.

The man got out of his car just to pick up the womans cigarette butt. Source: Facebook/Dash Cam Owners Australia

The video shows Mr Hand getting out of his car after the woman drops her cigarette. He walks over to her window, bends down and picks up the cigarette and thrusts it back at her through the window before walking back to his car.

Many people commenting on the video online joked the man was a hero and should be dubbed Australian of the Year.

Not all heroes wear capes  Some waddle around like a duck one said.

Wish we had of seen her face  Priceless! This guy is a legend, another commented.

The man hands the woman back the cigarette through the window. Source: Facebook/Dash Cam Owners Australia

Others claimed they had also dobbed in drivers who had thrown cigarette butts out the window and smokers gave suggestions as to what drivers could use as ashtrays, including a can in the cupholder.

You have now inspired others, one said of the mans actions.

So thoughtful of you. Im sure she was appreciative for you returning this ciggie.

But others savaged the man for the heroic act, calling him self-righteous.

Herald Sun columnist Susie OBrien told Sunrise it was dangerous.

If the cigarette was lit you cant really throw that back into a car, she said.

This actually kind of gives me the creeps because when you have strangers trying to teach each other a lesson  this kind of vigilante justice does not sit well with me, it can be really dangerous.

The video has been viewed more than 190,000 times.

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A German auction house Thursday scrapped the planned sale of 26 artworks attributed to Adolf Hitler, after doubts emerged about their authenticity just days before they were to go under the hammer. Five other paintings signed "A. Hitler", all of them watercolours, will still be auctioned off on Saturday as scheduled, according to the Weidler auction house in the southern city of Nuremberg. A vase, wicker armchair and table cloth presumed to have belonged to the late Nazi dictator also remain on offer in what Weidler has billed a "special auction". "Unfortunately we must inform you that some of the pictures have been dropped because of a review," the auction house said in a statement. The move came after prosecutors on Wednesday collected 63 artworks from the Weidler premises bearing the signature "A.H." or "A. Hitler", over suspicions the works were not created by Hitler himself. Twenty-six of them -- a selection of watercolours, oil paintings and sketches -- had been advertised for Saturday's auction. They included mainly depictions of buildings and nature scenes but also several female nudes. Sales of alleged artworks by Hitler, who for a time tried to make a living as an artist in his native Austria, have long been controversial -- and have often proved to involve fakes over the years. Just last month German police seized three watercolours presented as Hitler's works before they were due for auction in Berlin, claiming they were forged. The Alpine and Rhenish landscapes were dated 1910 and 1911. They were signed A. Hitler and offered by auction house Kloss. - Armchair swastikas - The Nuremberg-Fuerth prosecutor's office said it had opened an investigation against unknown persons "on suspicion of falsifying documents and attempted fraud" in connection with the pieces found at Weidler auctioneers. Investigators will now examine the works to determine if they are fakes or originals, chief prosecutor Antje Gabriels-Gorsolke told AFP. "If they turn out to be fakes, we will then try to determine who knew what in the chain of ownership," she said. The auction house had cooperated fully and handed over the works voluntarily, she added. The five paintings remaining for Saturday's auction in Nuremberg are watercolours of landscapes, with one depicting a mountain lake view carrying the highest starting price at 45,000 euros ($51,000). The wicker armchair and the white-and-blue porcelain Meissen vase that will likewise be auctioned off have themselves come under scrutiny for bearing swastikas. In Germany, public displays of Nazi symbols are illegal although exceptions can be made, in educational or historic contexts for instance. In this case, Gabriels-Gorsolke said the auction house had not fallen foul of the law because the swastikas on both items were pixellated in the catalogue and covered up on-site. Nuremberg's mayor Ulrich Maly told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper the upcoming auction was "in bad taste". - A mediocre painter - Hitler tried to enrol in the Vienna Academy of Arts as a young man but was rejected for lack of talent. He continued painting, however, and copied landscapes from postcards which he sold to tourists. Experts consider his work to be of mediocre quality. Hitler had the style of "a slightly ambitious amateur" but his creations did not stand out, said art expert Stephan Klingen of Munich's Central Institute for Art History. Hitler went on to head the Nazi party and became Germany's chancellor in 1933 before leading the country into World War II and seeking to exterminate Jews. He committed suicide in a Berlin bunker on April 30, 1945, ending the Nazi's reign of terror. A 2015 sale of Hitler watercolours by the Weidler auction house fetched nearly 400,000 euros. A watercolour still life signed by A. Hitler at the Weidler auction house in Nuremberg in 2015 A watercolour painting of Neuschwanstein Castle signed by A Hitler on display in 2015 at the Weidler auction house in Nuremberg, southern Germany "Still life with flowers" signed A. Hitler at the Weidler auction house in 2015. Investigators have seized more than 60 works of art bearing such a signature on suspicion they were forged The signature 'A Hitler, 1910' at the bottom of a watercolour at Weidler auction house in Nuremberg in 2015. Hitler did try to enrol in the Vienna Academy of Arts as a young man but was rejected for lack of talent
More than a decade ago, university students in Venezuela burst onto the political scene by rekindling opposition to then leader Hugo Chavez with street protests that led to the socialist firebrand's only election defeat. Now, one of the more low-profile leaders of that drive, Juan Guaido, is heading an offensive that is seen as having a decent chance to remove from power Chavez's handpicked successor, the former bus driver Nicolas Maduro. Guaido, the 35-year-old speaker of the National Assembly, declared himself interim president on January 23 during an opposition rally in Caracas, surprising many in Venezuela. Since then Guaido has been recognized as interim president by more than 40 countries, led by the United States, and millions of Venezuelans have found in him hope for a way out of a grinding socio-economic crisis marked by shortages of food, medicine and even such basics as soap and toilet paper. An industrial engineer by training, Guaido has reinvigorated Venezuela's fragmented opposition and shaken up the world of politics in the oil rich country. Back in 2007, Guaido stirred the opposition with other student leaders by leading, successfully, demonstrations against a constitutional reform that would have let Chavez seek re-election indefinitely. His defeat came in a referendum. Many of those student leaders joined established political parties and became well-known in the news media, such as former mayor David Smolansky, who is now in exile in Washington, or lawmakers Manuela Bolivar and Juan Andres Mejia. Guaido also ran for a seat in congress, where in 2010 he became an alternate deputy and in 2015 won a full-fledged seat. But all along he kept a low profile. "He did not like to draw attention to himself. He did not seek to give speeches or attract the news media," said Angel Zambrano, a colleague from the days of the student protests. "He was more involved in organizing things, at a technical level," Zambrano told AFP. Guaido is now front-page news around the world, although prior to becoming speaker of the opposition-controlled national assembly last month only three percent of Venezuelans knew who he was, said Felix Seijas, citing a study by the polling firm Delphos, which he runs. - Looking for an outsider - In 2015, the opposition scored a landslide win in legislative elections, dealing the post-Chavez government its biggest election defeat ever. Chavez died of cancer in 2013. But after the blocking of a referendum seeking to remove Maduro from power and anti-government street protests in 2017 that left 125 people dead, the opposition grew deeply divided amid disputes among parties and disagreement on what strategy to take against Maduro. "People lost trust and became tired of traditional politics, and several years ago the idea emerged of trying to find an outsider," Seijas told. In rallies held in recent weeks, the opposition has praised him as a pleasant surprise with no ties to mainstream parties. Maduro has dismissed Guaido as "a kid who is playing politics". Still, he has said he is willing to meet with him. Guaido and his generation are "the grandchildren of the dinosaurs of the fourth republic," or governments prior to Chavez, said the powerful pro-Chavez politician Diosdado Cabello. He derided Guaido and other young politicians like him as "lackeys of the empire", referring to the US. - Beware god-like saviors - Married and the father of a toddler, Guaido is all the rage for Venezuelans who have resisted joining 2.3 million people that the United Nations says have fled the country and its economic woes since 2015. "He is the leader we were all waiting for. A new, young leader who is not tainted with old-style politics," said Carlos Morales, a 62-year-old demonstrator who says he used to support the Chavez camp. But Guaido's rise also stems from agreements between old and new opposition parties, which have been sapped by the loss of many leaders who went into exile, were jailed, or were declared ineligible to hold public office. "You have to know how to meld the generation of the young with old-style politics," said another opposition leader, Henrique Capriles. He warned against the idea of treating Guaido as if he were a god-like savior. "Sometimes this country has a tendency to create heroes easily," the former two time presidential candidate said. In 2009 Guaido helped found a party called Voluntad Popular, or People's Will, which the government considers a terrorist group. In its pecking order he was below its leader, Leopoldo Lopez, and an outspoken lawmaker named Freddy Guevara, who has now taken refuge in the Chilean Embassy. When it became Voluntad Popular's turn this year to hold the speaker of the national assembly job, the consensus was to give the post to Guaido. The opposition strategy was to argue that Maduro is usurping power, on grounds that his re-election last May was rigged, and that therefore under the constitution power must be passed on to the speaker. "This created an opportunity" to reinvigorate the opposition, said Seijas. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, speaker of the national assembly and recognized by more than 40 countries as Venezuela's interim president, as he declared himself the country's acting leader on January 23 Guaido kept such a low profile until he became speaker of congress last month that many Venezuelans did not know who he was Guaido is seen holding his daughter Miranda, alongside his wife Fabiana Rosales, last month in Caracas Guaido joins students in a street rally last month
France's foreign ministry said Thursday it had recalled its ambassador to Rome for consultations after a series of "provocations" by Italy's populist government. "For several months France has been the subject of repeated accusations, unfounded attacks and outlandish claims," the ministry said in a statement, calling them "unprecedented" since the end of World War II. Tensions between Paris and Rome have escalated since June when the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and far-right League party came to power in Italy in a coalition government. Senior officials in the coalition have done away with diplomatic niceties in their criticism of President Emmanuel Macron, who has made no secret of his goal to combat populist movements among EU members. The latest spat erupted on Tuesday after Italy's deputy prime minister and Five Star chief Luigi Di Maio said he had met with "yellow vest" anti-government protesters outside Paris. He said the aim was to prepare a common front for European Parliament elections in May, while boasting on Twitter that "The wind of change has crossed the Alps." "The most recent interferences constitute an additional and unacceptable provocation. They violate the respect that is owed to democratic choices made by a nation which is a friend and an ally," the foreign ministry said. "To disagree is one thing, to exploit a relationship for electoral aims is another," it added. The "yellow vest" protests against fuel taxes began in rural and small-town France in November, but have ballooned into a wider revolt against Macron's policies and governing style. Di Maio had already denounced the French government for protecting the elite and the privileged, saying "a new Europe is being born of the 'yellow vests', of movements, of direct democracy." De Maio's fellow deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini, has also lambasted Macron directly. "I hope the French will be able to free themselves of a terrible president," Salvini said in a Facebook video last month. "The opportunity will come on May 26 (the European elections) when finally the French people will be able to take back control of their future, destiny, (and) pride, which are poorly represented by a character like Macron", he said. The latest spat between Paris and Rome occurred this week when Italy?s deputy prime minister Luigi Di Maio said he had met with 'yellow vest' protesters in France
The European Commission sharply cut its eurozone growth forecast for 2019 on Thursday as an unexpected slowdown in Germany and protests in France weigh on the economy in Europe. The EU also cut Italy's growth rate to a five-year low, a situation that risks reopening bitter differences between Brussels and Rome about the government's spending plans this year. The commission, the EU's executive arm, is now expecting growth of 1.3 percent in the eurozone this year, a significant cut from 1.9 percent predicted in November. It said the full European Union would grow by 1.5 percent instead of the earlier 1.9 percent. The health of the German economy is fast emerging as a worry for the EU as slumping demand for foreign cars in China takes a toll on Europe's export powerhouse. The commission said Europe is facing international headwinds that have now taken the steam out of a post-crisis recovery in the eurozone. The slowdown "reflects external factors, such as trade tensions and the slowdown in emerging markets, notably in China," said European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis. "The possibility of a disruptive Brexit creates additional uncertainty," he added. Another problem is Italy, which the commission said would grow by a paltry 0.2 percent this year, still better than a recession, but a huge cut from the 1.2 percent forecast late last year. Slower growth spells big trouble for populist-led Italy, where huge amounts of government money are swallowed up each year to help pay down about two trillion euros in public debt. Rome's coalition government of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the League party was already forced to water down its ambitious budget in December to avoid being punished by the EU Commission and financial markets. The latest growth forecast may force Italy to again review its spending plans for 2019 in order to satisfy Brussels and assuage investors. "The commission will continue to monitor closely the situation in Italy," said EU Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici, who handles the fraught negotiations with Rome. Moscovici, a former French finance minister, warned that France was also caught in the cooldown, especially after a wave of "yellow jacket" protests hit the country in December. In France, the European executive now expects growth of 1.3 percent in 2019, compared to 1.6 percent in its autumn forecasts. The troubles of the car industry are worry for Europe's overall economy
Inside a traditional Orthodox church topped with a gold cross, instead of icons, visitors can see a lunar rover and the helmet of the first man in space Yuri Gagarin. The wooden church in central Ukraine is one of thousands of buildings that were repurposed or simply destroyed during an anti-religion campaign in the Soviet era. But now some believers are asking whether it's time for the blue and grey painted structure to be returned to the Church, especially as Ukraine is undergoing a religious revival. Last month the country created its own Orthodox Church in a historic break with the Russian Orthodox Church, against a backdrop of its ongoing war with Russia-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine that has killed more than 10,000 people. "Today, when it is no longer forbidden to pray and believe in God, the church must be used as a place of worship," said priest Mykhaylo Yurchenko, from the new Ukrainian Orthodox Church who serves in one of the nearby churches. Museum staff say clerics have visited and even tried out the acoustics, but there are no plans to reconsecrate it. "The museum was founded in the 1970s," said Sergiy Volkodav, its 37-year-old chief curator. "It happened when space flights were wildly popular and every boy dreamed of becoming a cosmonaut," he said, standing beside a spacesuit worn by cosmonaut Vyacheslav Zudov for a spacewalk in 1976. Built in 1891, the Church of Saint Paraskeva houses over 450 exhibits, including a scarlet training parachute belonging to Gagarin, a collection of portraits of him and other personal items of the cosmonaut whose historic 1961 space flight made him a Soviet icon. The museum is part of a vast outdoor ethnographic complex, located in Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky, a small town some 80 kilometres (50 miles) southeast of Kiev. - 'As cold as in space' - Soviet anti-religious propaganda used images of space exploration to persuade people that God did not exist. The Soviets also put some former churches to ideological use such as opening a museum of atheism in a cathedral in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg. Some other churches were converted into planetariums. Volkodav said that, in opening a space museum in a church, the Soviet authorities' intention was not necessarily to mock religion. They simply chose a building that could display large exhibits that include a model rocket several metres (feet) high, he said. Some, like Volkodav as well as priests and other locals, argue that the creation of the museum in fact saved the church from destruction. It formerly stood in a Cossack village that was deliberately flooded to build a vast reservoir in the 1960s. The church was one of the few buildings to be painstakingly dismantled and moved to a new location. One of those who lived in the village, Borys Stolyarenko, a 60-year-old mechanic, recalls services being held there in the early 1960s. "Later, when the Soviets turned it into a granary, we climbed through its windows with my friends and jumped down into the grain," he said. He has no photographs of his former home village, he went on. "All I have is this church. The creation of the museum saved it," he added. Today though, the museum looks like it has seen better days. The exhibits are shabby and blue paint is flaking off the interior walls. Most visitors come in summer due to the lack of heating: a thermometer inside displays minus 10 degrees C (14 degrees F). "It's as cold as in space," joked a museum employee, wearing a sheepskin coat and hat. - Use for worship - The fall of the USSR and the proclamation of Ukraine's independence in 1991, followed by religious freedom in this predominantly Orthodox country have not changed the museum's status. Father Feodosiy from the local Orthodox monastery, loyal to the Moscow Patriarchate, said he would like to see the museum return to the Russian Orthodox Church. But if it were to go to the new Ukrainian Church, he would rather see it continue to host space exhibits, he said. "In the situation we have now, it's better to have a museum there than those schismatics" from the independent Church, he said. Some locals have suggested moving the space exhibition to another location and opening a museum of religious icons in its place. But Volkodav is resolutely opposed. "This is the only space museum in a church in the whole world... it's unique," he claimed. Inside a wooden church in central Ukraine is a museum dedicated to space, but some are questioning its future The church was repurposed during the Soviet era but now some believers are asking whether it's time for it to be returned to the Church Ukraine is undergoing a religious revival and has recently created its own Orthodox Church in a historic break with the Russian Orthodox Church The museum was founded in the church in the 1970s at a time when space flights were "wildly popular", says chief curator Sergiy Volkodav Soviet authorities chose the church, in the small Ukrainian town of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky, for its dimensions for hosting large exhibits, its chief curator says
Vuong Duy Bao surveys his ancestral palace, a vestige of Vietnam's marginalised Hmong ethnic minority that he says was taken from his family by local officials. The wooden structure is laden with historic markers: opium flowers carved into pillars in a nod to the region's once-booming trade, and an iron fence made with metal imported from former colonial ruler France. Built in 1903 by Bao's warlord grandfather with his opium fortune, the retired civil servant claims local authorities took possession of the property in the northern Ha Giang province from his family and are now refusing to return it. "Hmong people all over the world acknowledge this as (our) family home... so we can't lose it," he told AFP from the building, which authorities run as a museum. Both sides agree it is an architectural treasure since the historically nomadic Hmong rarely stayed long enough in one place to build anything lasting. Bao had been living in Hanoi, but on return to the family home, he discovered local authorities had taken ownership of the palace and rejected his claim to it because he could not provide deeds. He branded the request "absurd" and said official documents did not exist when the property was built but his family's connection to it was set out in history books about the local area and even in pictures of it displayed in the museum. Many Hmong fear the government is simply commandeering their culture to boost tourism dollars. For Bao, his battle for repossession goes beyond the personal. He believes Hmong heritage belongs in the hands of Hmong people, a tightknit minority originally from China who proudly cling to customs wherever they settle, from California to Minnesota, Laos and Thailand. - 'Community spirit' - In Vietnam, they have been largely excluded from the economic growth of the past decade, and more than 60 percent of the country's one million Hmong live below the poverty line. The ethnic group have long been at odds with the central government -- stemming in part from the CIA recruitment of anti-communist Laotian Hmong during the Vietnam War -- which for decades has imposed a series of resettlement, development and assimilation campaigns that have mostly failed. "More than any other ethnic minority in Vietnam the Hmong have been marginalised by programs that purport to develop them," writes anthropologist Ngo Tam in her 2016 book "The New Way: Protestantism and the Hmong in Vietnam." Ha Giang authorities are touting tourism as the best way to lift the Hmong out of gruelling poverty, and the province has said in its master plan it wants the area to be a "key attraction" for visitors by 2030. Officials have opened a series of 'traditional cultural villages' where visitors can peek into old-school wooden houses or take photos of themselves carrying a bamboo basket, a common vessel for Hmong farmers ferrying flowers or grass from the field. Local Hmong are encouraged to wear traditional hemp clothing and build traditional houses, and have been asked to shorten funeral and wedding ceremonies, days-long, booze-soaked affairs that are among the most sacred of Hmong rituals. "Sometimes authorities try to impose their ideas on people forcibly, but we resist by refusing to follow," Vang My Sinh, a Hmong man in Ha Giang, told AFP. "We've always had strong community spirit, we build things together and preserve things together. Nothing can break us," he said. That community spirit has proven powerful. Troops were sent to quell a massive Hmong protest in 2011, in which some called for independence. More recently, Hmong in Vietnam have turned to organised religion and embraced Protestantism, which makes the communist government nervous. - 'Die on the rock' - In Ha Giang, some Hmong are happy to comply with government guidelines if it means improving their lot. "It is good to preserve tradition, for ourselves, for our children, and even for tourists who come out of curiosity and bring us more money," said Va Thi May, who was selling grilled yams at a quiet roadside stop. Ethnic minorities are not always the beneficiaries of Vietnam's booming tourism sector. In northern Vietnam's visitor-saturated Sapa, locals complain hotel owners from the Kinh majority earn big while ethnic minority women and children hawk Chinese-made fabric and fake silver. Regaining control of the Hmong palace could be a small step toward recovering their own history -- and benefitting from local tourist spending. For some, the loss of the palace is part of a broader issue. "It's one of the many things that make Hmong feel marginalised and definitely adds to their disenfranchisement," said Sebastian Rumsby, a PhD candidate at University of Warwick whose research focuses on Christianity among the Hmong. Bao hopes to push back against that by getting his palace back -- so his Hmong clan can regain their spiritual homeland. Authorities in Vietnam are touting tourism as the best way to lift the Hmong ethnic group out of gruelling poverty Local authorities in Vietnam's Ha Giang province run the Hmong heritage palace as a museum, but its ownership is in dispute Vuong Duy Bao says his warlord grandfather built the family's ancient Hmong heritage palace in northern Vietnam's Ha Giang province and accuses local authorities of taking it from his family The Hmong ethnic group have been largely excluded from Vietnam's glittering economic growth of the past decade, with more than 60 percent of the country's one million minority population living below the poverty line
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I support your expressed commitment to redeem relationships with landowners and monitor delivery of projects that will have a positive impact on the daily lives of Trail communities.

I view his conscientious efforts as intended to assist and support Trail management to improve and develop an effective, ethical, accountable and transparent trek tourism industry along the Kokoda Trail.

The welfare of guides and carriers is an issue I have been following for some time through media and predominantly online publications by Charlie Lynn OAM OL.

DEAR MR WARGIRAI - I am writing in response to your recent correspondence to Australia-based Kokoda Trail tour operators outlining the Kokoda Track Authoritys decisions and agenda for the 2019 trek season.

I note that ensuring a high order trekking experience is situated on your list of priorities.

On this point, I would like to share that, but for the spectacular natural environment and accommodating kindness of members of the Trail communities, my experience of trekking the Trail in August 2018 was less than satisfactory.

I was distressed with a lot of what I observed and heard as feedback, having engaged in direct dialogue with community members throughout the 10 days I was on the Trail.

My safety and well-being was entirely dependent on the professional, cohesive operations of the Adventure Kokoda team. Given the lack of safety measures and inadequate infrastructure from Owers Corner to Kokoda Plateau, the Adventure Kokoda guide and carriers were exemplary in their service delivery to the 16 Australian trekkers in my group.

I am appalled that the Papua New Guinean men, who have contributed so much to generating revenue and sustaining PNGs prominent wartime trek tourism activity, continue to be a non-priority.

I am unclear as to whether you have been informed of the plethora of issues I raised about the current state of the Trails trek tourism, especially in my series of articles, Trail of Woe, that subsequently appeared in PNG Attitude.

Ongoing advocacy for the welfare of guides and carriers through independent voices such as mine is crucial for assisting KTA to develop trek activity that promotes ethical, responsible and sustainable tourism along Kokoda Trail.

Whilst KTA has previously failed to respond to my feedback, my articles did garner the attention of media including Radio New Zealand, the ABC Wantok program and the Pacific Media Centre who disseminated information about the unacceptable working conditions I observed.

Therefore, I am sure you can understand why I am alarmed that your recent letter made no reference to how KTA intends to uphold and protect the individual human and workplace rights of carriers and guides during the 2019 trekking season.

Having spent time listening to many carriers and guides along the Trail and informing them I would convey their angst to then chief executive James Enage, it is disappointing that, five months since my correspondence to KTA management, no action has been taken.

I recall at the Forum that Australian trek tour operators were insistent that KTA develop protocols for industry changes to occur and that a grace period of 12 months should be allowed before any proposed changes take effect.

Whilst I agree KTA protocols are imperative, the time frame enforced to ensure positive changes for Papua New Guinean carriers and guides should be decided by the Papua New Guinean leadership, not dictated by Australians using Papua New Guinean labour for trek tourism or social enterprise ventures along the Trail.

I understand the annual trek season commences in line with the Anzac Day commemorations and is the busiest season for trek tourism and PNGs tourism sector.

I humbly refer you to review the Trail of Woe series via this link. Please refer to the comments thread for additional links to access all articles.

Additionally, I request, on behalf of all the Papua New Guinean carriers and guides that KTA move promptly to develop and implement protocols for adherence by all Kokoda Trail trek tour operators.

It is requested that this takes effect before the Anzac 2019 commemoration trek period commences.

I believe KTA should enforce these requirements:

No Papua New Guinean carrier or guide will carry a pack in excess of 18 kilogram weight at any point along the 138 kilometres of the wartime Kokoda Trail for the duration of the trek tour. Every Papua New Guinean carrier and guide be paid a daily rate of no less than K70. I understand that the daily rate of has not been adjusted since originally set by KTA. It is only reasonable that wages be adjusted to account for rising costs of living. In addition to the daily rate, a walk-home allowance of K250 be paid directly to the carrier or guide. Every Papua New Guinean carrier and guide be issued with a zippered sleeping bag and a foam sleeping mat for every day they perform their duties along the Trail Every Australian and Papua New Guinean trek tour operator nominate and organise the attendance of one carrier and one guide at the scheduled May 2019 KTA Forum in Port Moresby.

By including the voices of guides and carriers, KTA can be assisted to develop a permanent Trek Operator Non-Compliance reporting system that guides and carriers will feel comfortable and safe using.

This will ensure that the conduct of trek operators is closely monitored by KTA throughout this year and beyond.

I am confident that you will agree that 2019 must be the year Papua New Guinean carriers and guides are rightfully entitled to and should benefit equitably from revenue as Australian trek operators and the PNG tourism sector have done for many years.

I thank you for your time and consideration of the issues I have presented and look forward to your feedback.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. New Prime Minister of Armenia, leader of the velvet revolution Nikol Pashinyan has an aspiration to revolutionize the economy of the country, preserving the balance between Russia and Europe, ARMENPRESS reports Swiss RTS radio reads, the reporter of which met with Pashinyan in Davos earlier.

Nikol Pashinyan, wearing his new suit that fits his position of Prime Minister, accompanied by a large delegation, tours in the corridors of the World Economic Forum. A few months ago that same person, a former journalist, wearing a military uniform, cap and a backpack was addressing the crowd with a speech in the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan.

The popular movement that was named Velvet revolution due to its peaceful nature raised him to the post of Prime Minister.

From opposition leader to head of the executive, Nikol Pashinyan assures RTS that he remains the same person. I assess myself the servant of the people. As long as the people are satisfied, I will continue my mission. As soon as the people decide to remove me from that position, I will most probably go back to journalism or will write books, ARMENPRESS reports RTS quotes Pashinyan.

The article runs as follows,

From political revolution to economic revolution

His mission, as he usually says, has been making Armenia corruption free. After reaching this goal Nikol Pashinyan sees an economic revolution that will take place in his country.

This is what brought him to the World Economic Forum in Davos. He also met with Swiss and Diaspora-Armenian businessmen in Switzerland.

But not everything depends on the Government  warns the PM. Like in case of the political revolution, Nikol Pashinyan relies on the people for the economic revolution. The citizens know that they have a precise role. The only difference now is that we need to attract investments.

Balance between Russian and Europe

But how can a former USSR country, located between east and west, develop political and economic relations with Europe without offending its key ally, Russia? This seems to be a matter of balance.

We are member to the Eurasian Economic Union, which is a very important market for our country. But Armenia has an agreement also with the EU and this is not incompatible.

Our relations with Russia are important from the perspective of economy and security, but our relations with the EU give us an opportunity to improve our political and legal system and develop our society, making it more competitive.

Anyway, the Armenian PM should be cautious not to breach the balance. For example, joining NATO is not on the agenda.

We do not plan to join that organization. We already cooperate with NATO member states, particularly in carrying out peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan and soon in Lebanon. This cooperation will continue and develop further, because we know the real value of peace.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. First President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan has been interrogated as a witness at the Special Investigation Service in the sidelines of the criminal case of March 1, ARMENPRESS reports Arman Musinyan, spokesperson of the 1st President, informed.

The interrogation lasted 1.5 hours, Musinyan added.

There were media reports that on February 6 3rd President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan was also interrogated, but the Special Investigation Service did not comment on the information.

2nd President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan is kept in detention pending trial over March 1 case. He is accused of overturning constitutional order in 2008.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Armenian police and the foreign ministry of India are closely monitoring the case of four Indian nationals who appear to be stranded in Armenia as result of fraudulent Indian travel agents.

The Armenian police said they are aware of the matter and noted that the individuals have been deceived in India.

The Armenian police is aware of the information, police spokesperson Ashot Aharonyan told ARMENPRESS, referring to an article by Hindustan Times describing how the four Indian nationals have appealed for help.

The mentioned information is about a crime committed in the territory of India, he said.

According to the Hindustan Times, four Indian youths stuck in Armenia have uploaded a video on social media requesting Indias Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann to bring them back. Kapurthala (Punjab) police have booked six people, for fraudulently sending the four men to Armenia on tourist visa in December last year after promising work visa, according to Hindustan Times.

Indias foreign minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted later that she is also aware of the situation.

I have seen the news report in Daily Hindustan dated 7th February reg four Indians from Punjab who are stranded in Armenia. Indian Ambassador in Armenia has reached them and is providing all help and assistance, she said on Twitter.

Swaraj also said she spoke with Punjabs police chief to apprehend the fraudulent travel agents. He has promised immediate action on the matter, she said.

In an alarming article titled - Havent eaten in 5 days: 4 Punjab youth trapped in Armenia send video SOS  the Hindustan Times reported that the four Indian nationals have not had anything to eat for five days and that their landlord is demanding them to leave their home, apparently due to failure to pay the rent.

According to the newspaper, the four Indian citizens have said that a group of seven travel agents from Dhilwan and Patti duped them of Rs 4 lakh each and fraudulently sent them on tourist visa to Armenia.

In 2018, the number of Indian nationals who have been granted residency permits was 1882. 25 received permanent residency status.

The growth in inbound citizens from India in the recent years to Armenia is also associated with visa policy.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan on February 7 received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to Armenia Pawel Cieplak, the Parliament told Armenpress.

Welcoming the guest Ararat Mirzoyan thanked the Marshal/Marszaek of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Marek Kuchcinski for the congratulation on his being elected as Speaker of the Armenian Parliament.

The Head of the legislative body has noted that the Armenian-Polish relations are based on the two friendly peoples firm ties, expressing conviction that due to joint efforts it will be possible to give new impetus to those relations.

Highlighting the inter-parliamentary cooperation the Speaker underlined the mutual visits and the active work and contacts of the Parliamentary Friendship Groups.

Ararat Mirzoyan has highly assessed the warm attitude shown through many centuries by the authorities of Poland towards the Polish-Armenians, noting with satisfaction that the Armenians with their work and devotion have considerable contribution in the most different spheres of life in Poland.

In his turn Pawel Cieplak emphasized the development of cooperation in all spheres, noting that in its expansion the inter-parliamentary ties and the effective contacts of the Friendship Groups can have an important role.

The Ambassador presented to the Head of the parliament the programs and events which had been pinpointed within the frameworks of the inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The officials exchanged thoughts over the perspectives and possibilities of deepening the cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, 7 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 7 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.43 drams to 488.69 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.81 drams to 554.22 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.03 drams to 7.40 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.23 drams to 630.65 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 10.11 drams to 20620.1 drams. Silver price down by 1.90 drams to 247.15 drams. Platinum price down by 35.77 drams to 12867.92 drams.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan on February 7 received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lebanon to Armenia Maya Dagher, the Parliament told Armenpress.

Speaker Mirzoyan highly valued the current level of friendly relations between the two countries, highlighting the key role of the Lebanese-Armenian community in the countrys political, public life, as well as on deepening the bilateral relations.

The Speaker highlighted raising the role of parliamentary diplomacy and stated that most of the newly-elected MPs are interested in strengthening the ties with Lebanon.

Ararat Mirzoyan highly appreciated the inter-parliamentary cooperation in terms of deepening the bilateral ties and noted with satisfaction that the two countries are actively working in the international platforms which must further develop.

In her turn the Lebanese Ambassador congratulated the Speaker on assuming office and the victory of his political force in the snap parliamentary elections.

The Ambassador expressed readiness to boost the activities of the parliamentary friendship groups and the actions aimed at expanding the bilateral partnership.

The sides also touched upon other issues relating to the development of democracy, protection of human rights and freedoms, improvement of the legislative field and etc.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. The Turkish foreign ministry has also weighed in on French President Emmanuel Macrons announcement on declaring April 24th a National Day of Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

Turkish foreign ministry spokesperson Hami Aksoy slammed Macron for the announcement and accused the French president of seeking receiving the votes of French electorate of Armenian origin.

He also called Macron arrogant and uninformed in a statement released on the foreign ministry website.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans spokesperson also criticized Macron for the move earlier.

Shortly after President of France Emmanuel Macron announced the national day honoring the Armenian Genocide victims, Turkey unsurprisingly "strongly condemned" the move.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Foreign minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, who is in Tallinn on an official visit, on February 7 met with the representatives of IT sector of Estonia, the Armenian foreign ministry said on Facebook, reports Armenpress.

On February 7, the delegation headed by foreign minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan attended the e-Estonia showroom, was introduced to the Estonian e-governance achievement and services being provided.

Afterwards minister Mnatsakanyan along with the representatives of ministry of Communication, Transport and Information Technologies and EKENG, met with representatives of the leading Estonian IT companies such as Security Software OU, Levira, Votemo, Proekspert AS, got acquainted with their services and new achievements recorded in that field.

The Armenian FM underscored that high technologies, smart development and digital field are among the top priorities of the government's development agenda. He noted that Armenia and Estonia share the same vision and commitment in this field, which creates good potential of cooperation, the statement said.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia has thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for declaring April the 24th a National Day of Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, the press service of the Great House of Cilicia reported.

On Wednesday, February 6th, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia extended a letter of appreciation to the French President Emmanuel Macron on the occasion of declaring April 24th as a national day for the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

President Emmanuel Macron has said France will make April 24 a national day of commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

Armenia and Armenians around the world mark April 24 annually as the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.

Speaking to the Armenian community at a dinner organized by the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organisations of France (CCAF) on February 5, Macron said: France is, first and foremost, the country that knows how to look history in the face, which was among the first to denounce the killing of the Armenian people, which in 1915 named genocide for what it was, which in 2001 after a long struggle recognised it in law, according to France24.

France "will in the next weeks make April 24 a national day of commemoration of the Armenian genocide," he added.

The French presidents remarks honoured a campaign promise from his election in 2017.

At the event Macron also paid tribute to French-Armenian crooner Charles Aznavour who died in October 2018.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. President of the Central Bank of Armenia Artur Javadyan has departed for Thessaloniki, Greece to participate in the 13th meeting of the Board of Governors of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB)from February 7 to 9, the CBA told Armenpress.

During the meeting issues relating to the Banks activity, funding of various programs being implemented in the region and member states will be discussed.

During the visit the CBA President will meet with the BSTDB President, the presidents of the central banks of the member states, as well as heads of other financial organizations.

The BSTDB has a long and successful experience of numerous programs in real sector and financial system of Armenia.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Armenias ministry of transport, communication and information technologies denies the rumors according to which minister Hakob Arshakyan resigned, reports Armenpress.

Dear journalists, the report about the resignation of minister Hakob Arshakyan has nothing to do with the reality, ministers spokeswoman Anahit Arakelyan said on Facebook.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
PARIS, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. The French foreign ministry has responded to the Turkish reaction on President Macrons recent decision to declare April 24th the National Day for Armenian Genocide Commemoration.

The French foreign ministry was asked at a daily press briefing on February 6 did Turkey respond to France after President Macrons decision to establish a day to commemorate the Armenian genocide?

In establishing this day of commemoration, the President is fulfilling his well-known pledge to honor French citizens of Armenian descent.

We have had several opportunities to exchange views with the Turkish authorities on this issue. They have been informed of our positions just as we have been informed of theirs, the French foreign ministry responded.

Shortly after President of France Emmanuel Macron announced the national day honoring the Armenian Genocide victims, Turkey unsurprisingly "strongly condemned" the move.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has urged online users to type in Armenian letters and refrain from transliteration on the internet.

Dear countrymen, since 2012 February 7 is marked as the Day of Armenian Typing Online at a civil initiative. In this context almost every day is a February 7 for me and I would like to urge you to type Armenian texts in Armenian letters online, Pashinyan said on Facebook, referring to his active use of social media accounts where he almost exclusively types in Armenian letters.

This is a more respectful approach not only to our national genius Mesrop Mashtots, but also all those online users who are reading your posts, Pashinyan said.

Mesrob Mashtots was an early medieval Armenian linguist, theologian, statesman and hymnologist. He is best known for inventing the Armenian alphabet c. 405 AD.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Ex-President Robert Kocharyan will appeal todays court decision to the Court of Cassation, and he will also file a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights, Kocharyans lawyer Hayk Alumyan told reporters.

Today, the Court of Appeals rejected Kocharyans request to be granted bail, and the ex-president will remain jailed.

2nd President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, who ruled the country from 1998 to 2008, spent two weeks in jail in summer of 2018, but was eventually freed. But on December 7, a higher court overruled the release and ordered him to be remanded into custody pending trial again.

At the time the court announced the verdict, Kocharyan turned himself in to authorities.

Kocharyan is charged for overthrowing constitutional order during the 2008 post-election unrest, when clashes between security forces and protesters left 10 people dead, including two police officers, during his final days as president.

He vehemently denies wrongdoing.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. President of the Republic of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan on February 7 participated in the session of the Board of Police summarizing the results of the structure's activity in 2018, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

According to Bako Sahakyan the year of 2018 has been an active period during which the Artsakh Republic Police conducted extensive work maintaining stability in the republic, combating crime, ensuring public order and security.

The President assessed the activities of the police in the reporting period as overall satisfactory.

Significant and important tasks are set before the system. It is necessary to continue consistent work aimed at ensuring the security of the population, maintaining public order, protecting human and citizens' rights, managing crime prevention, highlighted in his speech President Sahakyan.

The Head of the State noted that the Police have a relevant potential to solve successfully those issues expressing confidence that every employee of the structure was well aware of the importance and the high level of responsibility of their service.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Former President Robert Kocharyan will remain in jail as the Court of Appeals has rejected his motion requesting bail.

The verdict has been published. Robert Kocharyans lawyers motions have been completely rejected, Vahagn Muradyan from the General Prosecution said.

2nd President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, who ruled the country from 1998 to 2008, spent two weeks in jail in summer of 2018, but was eventually freed. But on December 7, a higher court overruled the release and ordered him to be remanded into custody pending trial again.

At the time the court announced the verdict, Kocharyan turned himself in to authorities.

Kocharyan is charged for overthrowing constitutional order during the 2008 post-election unrest, when clashes between security forces and protesters left 10 people dead, including two police officers, during his final days as president.

He vehemently denies wrongdoing.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, while on a working visit in Paris, met with Vice President of Dassault Systemes Christian Nardin during which they discussed the process of agreements reached during the previous meetings, the Office of the Armenian President said on Facebook, reports Armenpress.

The officials highlighted the great potential of mutual partnership in the fields of education, science and technologies and the readiness to implement joint programs. President Sarkissian said Armenia can be a good partner for the French side, in the person of educational, innovative and scientific institutions and specialists.

An agreement was reached over the visit of the representatives of the French company to Armenia in April to clarify the concrete partnership programs.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. The Council of the Parliament of Armenia has approved the staffs of the parliamentary delegations to the international parliamentary delegations during an extraordinary session, reports Armenpress.

The following persons will head Armenias delegations in international parliamentary organizations:

Speaker of Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan (My Step faction)  head of Armenias delegation to the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly and the Inter-Parliamentary Union

Arman Yeghoyan (My Step faction)  head of Armenias delegation to the Armenia-EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee

Hayk Konjoryan (My Step faction) - head of the delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

Babken Tunyan (My Step faction)  head of Armenias delegation to the PABSEC

Andranik Kocharyan  head of Armenias delegation to the NATO PA

Alen Simonyan (Vice Speaker, My Step faction)  head of Armenias delegation to the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy

Hovhannes Igityan (My Step faction)  head of Armenias delegation to the La Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Major General Andranik Makaryan, Head of the Combat Training Department of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, led a delegation on a visit February 4-6 to Lithuania, the defense ministry said.

The delegation had a meeting with Major General Vitalijus Vaiksnoras, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

The sides discussed issues related to defense cooperation between Armenia and Lithuania.

Major General Makaryan praised the current level of cooperation, particularly Lithuanias assistance in the process of establishing a professional sergeant system in Armenia.

The Armenian delegation also held a meeting with Brigadier General Gintautas Zenkevicius, Commander of the Lithuanian militarys training and doctrine.

The Armenian side was briefed on the structure, military exercise organization and vision of development of the Lithuanian military.

Major General Makaryans delegation also visited a military sergeant academy where they were briefed on the education process.

The sides agreed to continue cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. First Deputy Minister of Agriculture Gegham Gevorgyan has departed for Germany to participate in the upcoming Fruit Logistica 2019 in Berlin. Armenia will participate at the event for the first time with its individual pavilion, the ministry said.

Fruit Logistica, an International Trade Fair for Fruit and Vegetable Marketing, will take place February 7-9 this year.

More than 3000 exhibitors and 78.000 trade visitors attend FRUIT LOGISTICA every year to realise their full business potential within the international fresh produce trade.

FRUIT LOGISTICA covers every single sector of the fresh produce business and provides a complete picture of the latest innovations, products and services at every link in the international supply chain. It thus offers superb networking and contact opportunities to the key decision-makers in every sector of the industry.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. The traffic department of the Georgian ministry of infrastructures told Armenias ministry of transport, communication and information technologies that today, as of 10:00, the Stepantsminda-Lars highway is open for all types of vehicles, the ministry told Armenpress.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, who is in Paris on a working visit, met with famous French businessman Henri Proglio, the former Chairman of the Board and CEO of Electricite de France and former CEO of Veolia Environnement, the Armenian Presidential Office told Armenpress.

The Armenian President and the French businessman discussed the cooperation opportunities and prospects in the field of nature protection, energy, water resource effective management.

President Sarkissian specifically highlighted the great potential in the field of alternative energy and the opportunity to implement joint programs. He stated that Armenia is rich of renewable energy resources, and the alternative energy is a prospective business field for our country.

The sides agreed that the businessman, who has a great experience in the aforementioned fields, will visit Armenia in coming months to get acquainted with the opportunities, continue the discussions and give more subjective process to the partnership.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. After the April four-day war of 2016 Artsakhs Talish village is gradually returning to normal life: 10 new residential houses will be put into operation soon. The newly constructed kindergarten is already ready and furnished, but the school will be furnished in the near future, Vilen Petrosyan  head of Talish village, told ARMENPRESS talking about the works carried out for the restoration of the village.

The construction, reconstruction works of the municipalitys building, the kindergarten, school and events hall are already over. They are even furnished. The school building will also be furnished in the nearest future. The construction works of the school and kindergarten have been completed in late 2018, he said, adding that the water supply system in the village has also been upgraded.

By the first stage of the program 19 houses have been reconstructed and totally furnished. According to the second stage, 14 houses are in the reconstruction process. Petrosyan informed that the works are almost at the completion stage. New houses are being built. Currently the works are being carried out on this direction. The construction works of 10 residential houses will be completed in June-July, the head of the village said.

Commenting on the issue of the resettlement of the village, Vilen Petrosyan said currently mainly men live in the village. Only one family lives in the village. But sometimes women also visit the village with their kids and stay there for some time. They were staying in the village in summer, he said, adding that people will return to the village with their families when the programs are completed as scheduled, before the beginning of the new academic year.

The head of the village noted that there are no shots in the direction of the village. We are not hearing shots from the time when the number of shots decreased along the entire frontline, perhaps conditioned by Pashinyan-Aliyev recent meeting, he said.

Artsakhs Talish village was one of the most affected settlements during the April four-day war of 2016. The village has appeared under the Azerbaijani shelling. The Azerbaijani forces managed to enter the village, killing civilians, destroying and robbing houses.

Interview by Anna Grigoryan

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
El Viceministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Embajador Hugo de Zela, llevo a cabo hoy una visita de trabajo a la capital de Estados Unidos, Washington D.C. https://t.co/HcGyreXZ1L pic.twitter.com/NajMSxWt7D
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News

PPP in favour of voting rights for Pakistani expats

In my view, overseas Pakistanis should not only get the voting rights but should be allowed to be members of Parliament and Senate as well. No one can understand the problems of expats better than the overseas Pakistanis themselves. Their contribution towards uplifting the countrys economy is immense. Their services should be recognised, Hans said.
The campaign of Nigerian presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar today launched the #AtikuPlanForYOUth  the worlds first emojified manifesto  in a new effort to attract youth voters.

The campaign of Nigerian presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar today launched the #AtikuPlanForYOUth  the world's first 'emojified' manifesto  in a new effort to attract youth voters.

Drawn from the previously published Atiku Plan, the #AtikuPlanForYOUth brings to life the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate's promises to Nigeria's 130 million under-30s.

In an increasingly noisy debate, the Atiku campaign said the aim was to cut through the rhetoric to help youth voters understand more about the issues that matter most to them.

The novel manifesto 'emojifies' 40 pledges from #TheAtikuPlan across the key areas of government, education, jobs, human capital, economy, business, and sport and culture.

Highlights include pledges that Atiku will:

Devote 25% of the budget to education  Buhari allocated only 7% in 2018.

% %

Create up to 3 million new private sector jobs each year



Deliver a $900 billion, top 20 global economy



Nigeria's slowing economy and failing education system have driven youth unemployment to record highs  reaching 38% in the second quarter of 2018. Only 50% of children finish primary school with many of them unable to go to secondary school, resulting in seven million young people each year entering a struggling labour market with few if any relevant skills.

The #AtikuPlanForYOUth is aimed at Nigerians youths looking for major new investment in job creation, apprenticeships and vocational training.

Campaign spokesman Osita Chidoka said: "The #AtikuPlanForYOUth is our way of speaking directly to young people with a positive message of hope for their lives and careers. Our youth have been badly let down during four years of neglect by the Buhari government, which has left them without adequate preparation or opportunities in the modern economy.

"By condensing #TheAtikuPlan into a set of youth-focused promises, we're cutting through the noise to tell young people clearly and simply why Atiku is the only bridge to the brighter future they deserve."

The #AtikuPlanForYOUth was created and launched by @WeVoteAtiku (www.wevoteatiku.com)  part of the official PDP election campaign. With Election Day on Saturday, February 16, the campaign is entering its final phase to rally voters behind its pro-business message.

Mr Chidoka continued: "Our young people are our most precious asset today, and our message to them is clear: Act now. Take your future into your hands. Come out and vote for Atiku on February 16th."
Newscity

Education Secretary Talks Reform

New Mexico's recently appointed Secretary of Education Karen Trujillo outlined her plans for school reform last week during a news conference at the capitol.

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, Trujillo told reporters Were not here to shut schools down. Were here to lift them up, signaling a change in culture at the state's Public Education Department. Last month Governor Lujan Grisham announced the state's schools would no longer be administering PARCC, a standardized test used to assess student performance which has been criticized for punishing teachers unduly. Trujillo has also said she wants to do away with the department's current practice of grading public schools' performance with an A through F system. Both institutions are part of an approved plan that meets the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, however, and the new administration is reportedly working on new programs to replace them.

Trujillo said one last year of school grades and PARCC-related evaluations might be necessary before any new programs can be approved. The department is reportedly attempting to develop a new assessment test that will be more culturally relevant to the state's students than the current one.
Craig Wollenstein is a professional transit trainer who teaches people with disabilities how to commute by bus and subway. But Wollenstein, who lives in Park Slope and uses a wheelchair himself, doesnt have an accessible subway station nearby, so hes forced to take a 40-minute bus ride before he can even get on the train to meet his clients.

Its hard to motivate other people to get on the train when I dont even live by [an accessible station], he said.

Wollenstein was among roughly 80 people who showed up to a three-hour-long hearing Wednesday night at MTA Headquarters about the agencys plan to upgrade at least 50 stations in the next five years. As part of MTA President Andy Byfords Fast Forward initiative, the goal would be to ensure that New Yorkers will always be no more than two stops from an accessible subway station. The public meeting, while previously scheduled, occurred a week after a young womans death on a set of subway stairs prompted a citywide discussion about public transit accessibility.

But the upgrades promised under Fast Forward are contingent on funding though the MTAs 2020-2024 capital program. MTA officials say its difficult to predict how much the upgrades will cost, since each station is different. The previous capital plan, which covers 2015-2019, budgeted more than $1.3 billion for 28 accessibility upgrades across various stations. The 2020 plan is expected to be finalized at the end of 2019, officials said.

Billed as a discussion about the next accessible subway stations, Wednesday's meeting gave New Yorkers with disabilities a chance to weigh in about which stations they thought should be highest priority for accessibility upgrades like elevators and ramps. Soliciting opinions from New Yorks disabled community was a new strategy for the agency, said MTA accessibility chief Alex Elegudin.

In the past, the stations that we made accessible were selected by statute, so there was not a lot of discretion in terms of what stations came next, Elegudin told the crowd. But now were at a place with the Fast Forward Plan where we get to talk to you, talk to the community, look at stations throughout the system, and make the decisions as to which stations will go next.

Currently, the MTA says that 24 percent of its subway stations are wheelchair accessible. However, a recent study by the Manhattan Borough Presidents Office suggests that the actual percentage might be even lower. And even when stations do have elevators, theyre often broken or otherwise unusable.

Elegudin and Byford listened as attendees spoke passionately about broken elevators, inaccessible stations, and incomprehensible announcements.

When the [escalator] goes down, its 134 steps, said Brooklyn Community Board 18 vice chair Michael Ien of the Broadway Junction station. That is tragic there.

One wheelchair user, Blanche Bush, said the MTA had done a shoddy job on the renovation of her station in East New York. Do you not think that we use the trains? Bush said. Our money is the same color as yours. We deserve the same thing youve got in your area.

I cant turn the clock back," Byford responded. "Youre preaching to the converted.

Byford, who became president of the agency in January of 2018, appointed Elegudin this past summer as the MTAs first Senior Advisor for Systemwide Accessibility. The new role is part of Byfords push for subway accessibility, which is one Fast Forwards four pillars.

In addition to transfer points and stations with high ridership, attendees said that the MTA should prioritize stations close to hospitals, schools, support services, and cultural attractions like museums and stadiums. Attendees also stressed the importance of modifications for deaf, hard of hearing, and visually impaired New Yorkers, like bumpy tiles along platform edges and text-based service advisories.

Were getting consensus across the board, Elegudin said after attendees suggested that the Parkchester 6 stop, which serves 16,570 people each weekday, be prioritized for accessibility upgrades. Its beautiful.

Elegudin and Byford ended the event by promising attendees theyd collate and act on their suggestions. In the meantime, New Yorkers with disabilities have to make do with buses, the 118 or so accessible subway stations, and alternatives like Access-A-Ride.

The goal would be to have 100% accessibility, said Eli Ramos, who added that he was happy to see Elegudin, a friend of his and a familiar face in New Yorks disability community, leading the discussion. Elegudin, a wheelchair user himself, founded multiple disability-related nonprofits before becoming accessibility manager for the citys Taxi and Limousine Commission.

Orbit Clanton, deputy executive director of Perceptions for People with Disabilities, said he felt like theyd made some progress.

If you really want to make a difference, you listen to the community, he said as the attendees filtered out of the building and into a fleet of waiting Access-A-Ride vans. The voice of the disabled community was heard tonight.
Courtesy NM Political Report

Theres a way to get things done in the Legislature folks. And though the process still resembles the mythic sausage-making that todays reporters have been warned to watch only in short, fitful burstslest they too be consumed with the desire to organize, orchestrate and manifest what are essentially methods of controlthe resulting meat product apparently tastes better when both parties are involved.

That spirit of bipartisanship was in clear view this week at the state Legislature when our newly elected Democratic governor held a press conference on Monday. As more than 20 lawmakers from both parties looked on, Michelle Lujan Grisham signed 42 bills into lawa grouping she referred to as a rocket docketwhile proclaiming a new era in reaching across the aisle for the betterment of all New Mexicans.

Before taking a look at some of the bills from both sides that Lujan Grisham signed into law this week, its worth noting that her predecessor, the Republican La Tejana, was just a bit better known for wielding the veto penand thereby truncating the hopes of a Democratic party she saw as intrinsically hostile.

In fact, former Governor Martinez became known for her propensity to put the kibosh on much of the progressive and bipartisan agenda shaped by legislative bodies during her tenure.

Martinez vetoed nearly a third of bills that reached her desk last year, including HB 19, a broadly supported highly touted, bipartisan crime bill. The year before that Martinez vetoed nearly 50 percent of legislation sent her way, saying no to some bills that passed through both houses on unanimous votes.

The last Republican governor was taken to task for these actions and in April of last year, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that 10 of those vetoes from 2017 were invalid.

Clearly 2019 is going to be different.

At the press conference to announce the success of bills on the states rocket docket, members of both parties could be seen sharing the joy of moving forward with governance in New Mexico.

The local dailya longtime bastion for Republican beliefs and initiativeseven reported that a state representative from the formerly perpetual red lands to the south championed the new vision of bipartisanship. Representative Candy Spense Ezzell (R-Roswell) told the newspaper that It does take working with both sides of the aisle to get something accomplished for the good of New Mexico.

Hows that for progress, mijos y mijas?

The grouping of new lawscall it whatever you want, but here at Alibi HQ were refering to the package deal as Christmas, both red and green mixed together deliciouslyis certainly varied and provides a clear sketch of where the new Democratic administration wants to travel towards as we all work together renewing and reassembling the Land of Enchantment after eight years of divisive leadership.

Heres what caught our eye and tempted our taste buds on that big New Mexican, two-color enchilada plate:

HB 227 limits the use of teacher attendance in fashioning yearly performance reviews and calls for the state to adopt and use highly objective uniform statewide standards of evaluation for the annual performance evaluation of licensed school employees. The legislation was sponsored by two donkeys and a longtime elephant, Jason C. Harper of Rio Rancho.

In line with the new focus on education reform, HB 44 mandates professional devlopment for school personnel, including administrators, career-technical teachers and educational assistants. This bill was cosponsored by Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-Albuquerque) a new legislator endorsed by Weekly Alibi and identified as a potential mover and shaker in a progressive administration.

Meanwhile, the new Electronic Communications Privacy Act (SB 199) sponsored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth is directly related to improving civil liberties in the state by defining personal protections from government access to electronic communications. The new law does that by providing necessary definitions and quantifying the type of access allowed to authorities and private parties.

Senator Sander Rue (R-Bernalillo) proposed and saw through to signing a bill (SB 58) that directly relates to government accountability to science. By mandating that state agencies seeking funding identify and prioritize evidence-based and research-based sub-programs within their respective ken, the law sees to it that funding is prioritized for programs that incorporate methods demonstrated to be effective for the intended population through scientifically based research. Go science!

Part of an initiative to provide local governments with the funds necessary to create sustainability, SB 18 will appropriate $3 million from the state public project revolving fund for use in local government planning. This law will also give the New Mexico Finance Authority the aegis to administer and make grants available to qualified entities to evaluate and estimate the costs of implementing the most feasible alternatives for infrastructure, water or wastewater public projects or to develop water conservation plans, long-term master plans, economic development plans or energy audits and to pay the administrative costs of the local government planning program. We are confident that this new law will make our citys mayor smile more than listening to Metallica might.
Dateline: Minnesota

A man was arrested after throwing a methamphetamine- fueled death party for his dying wife. The Free Press in Mankato, Minn., reports Duane Arden Johnson called 911 last week and told a dispatcher that his wife was dead in their home. When police arrived at the man's home, they reportedly found the words Death Parde God Hell spray-painted on the front door. They were met on the lawn by Johnson, who had removed his clothes and immediately retreated back into the house. According to police reports, the body of the man's wife, Debra Johnson, had been wrapped in a sheet. Johnson was found in the bathtub by police, allegedly attempting to clean white and black things from his skin. He told police that his wife did not want to die in a nursing home and had begged him to remove her from care. He said for her last days, they decided to celebrate with a death party. She allegedly stopped taking her medication and they spent their time rocking out to Quiet Riot's Metal Health, according to Johnson. After she died, he claimed he washed her body and wrapped it in linen like the Bible told me to do. Officers found four rifles, two shotguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in the house. Johnson was arrested and charged with felony counts of theft and receiving stolen property.

Dateline: Florida

An elementary school has introduced a vending machine that dispenses books instead of snacks. According to CNN, Umatilla Elementary School held a pep rally last week to unveil the new machine as part of the state's literacy week. When a student behaves well or does well on an assignment, they are rewarded with Bulldog Bucks. These tokens can be taken to the school's media specialist, Susan Caldwell, who will trade the Bucks in for coins which can be used at the machine. Caldwell came up with the idea after seeing a Facebook post about a school in Buffalo, N.Y., that adopted a similar program. The books cost 50 cents and feature a variety of reading levels. They were donated to and purchased by the school. School officials say they wish to keep the machine installed permanently and are looking to partner with local businesses for future donations.

Dateline: Missouri

Police in Missouri asked local criminals to take a break from crime because it was too cold. Last week the Warrensburg Police Department in Warrensburg, Mo., made a Facebook post with a special request for the city's criminals. So  we are asking a favor (at least for the next three days); can you keep the criminalling to a minimum? It is REALLY cold out  do yourself (and us) a favor  stay inside. Be nice to each other, watch reruns of Say Yes to the Dress (we hear from the firefighters that it's a really good show). Mmmmkay, thanks! The request was made as the city was being overtaken by a powerful winter storm. According to the Associated Press, the polar vortex ravaged the Midwest and Northeast last week, breaking record lows in some cities. In Missouri, wind chills as low as -40 degrees were reported. The National Weather Service warns that frostbite can occur within 15 minutes in wind chills of -25 degrees.

Dateline: Germany

A sausage-themed hotel catering to meat-lovers has opened in Germany. Reuters reports the Boebel Bratwurst Bed and Breakfast, a seven-room hotel in Rittersbach, Germany, was opened by butcher Claus Boebel with the hopes of making his bratwurst attractive for the whole world. Rooms are decorated with sausage-adorned wallpaper, sausage-shaped pillows, bratwurst hanging from the ceiling and sausage-shaped soaps. Room numbers are printed on butcher knives. Room and board covers breakfast from the Wurstaurant, a restaurant on the first floor of the hotel that serves sausage-themed dishes, including a sausage ice cream. Cooking courses are available for guests looking to create their own sausage masterpieces at home, but Boebel also offers plenty of sausages for purchase in his shop.

Dateline: Arizona

A Republican lawmaker in Arizona wants to fund President Trump's border wall with fees collected from viewers of pornography. According to Arizona Mirror, Arizona Rep. Gail Griffin introduced HB 2444, which, if passed, would require distributors of devices with internet capabilities to install software on any of those devices sold within the state of Arizona that will block access to pornographic material. Anyone wishing to unlock the content will have to prove that they are over the age of 18 and pay a one-time fee of $20 to the state. The fees will all be placed in a new John McCain Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Fund that will be created by the bill. Grants from the fund will go toward mental health services, temporary housing, assisting victims of human trafficking, training authorities, assisting school districts and assisting law enforcement. They will also be available for the use of building a border wall between Mexico and this state or fund border security. Opponents of the bill say it violates the US Constitution.
Robin Babb

Gurubachan Kaur Khalsa has probably fed every vegan and vegetarian in the city at least once, and her restaurant hasnt even had its real opening yet.

Mata G Vegetarian Kitchen soft opened about four months ago to test out menus and business hours. Khalsa, the owner and chef, says that shes been surprised at the steady stream of customers theyve had with almost no advertising. Weve been having so much traffic already, and its all word of mouth.

The new carry-out-focused vegetarian restaurant is at the corner of Silver and Amherst in the Nob Hill Business Center, which also houses La Montanita Co-Op. The presence of the Co-Op is probably responsible for many of Mata Gs early customers, as the clientele of an all-organic grocery co-op is going to have some crossover with that of a vegetarian restaurant. But some of the folks who walk in arent even vegetarianthey just like the convenience of the packaged carry-out meals. When I visit Mata G, one man I chat with in line says hes a meat-eater most of the time, but hes been coming to Mata Gs to pick up dinner every Wednesday since they opened.

Khalsa dishes out two plates of the days special for her and me to share while we talk. Shes dressed in all white, a Sikh dastaar on her head and fine silver bracelets on each wrist. Her accent is totally unclockable to me, due to a truly international personal history: She grew up in Mexico City in a Lebanese family, then moved to Boston and worked in the largely Indian and Pakistani Sikh community there in the 70s. She worked as a cook at the Sikh temple in Boston for many years, blending the Indian recipes of her gurus with the Lebanese and Mexican cooking she learned from her childhood. This cross-cultural cuisine has informed the way she cooks now at Mata G, which serves a different special entree every day of the week.

Khalsa and her husband moved to New Mexico about 40 years ago. Two of her three children still live here, and operate stores on the same block as Mata G: Sukhmani Home and Sukhmani Jewelry. Before she opened the restaurant, Khalsa designed some of the jewelry at her sons store. Shes been grateful to have family so close, especially during some of the rougher moments of opening a restaurant, of which she had more than her fair share. Most notably, she and her husband had to move in with one of their sons about a month after the restaurant openedbecause their house burned down.

She gets a sort of glazed, traumatized look in her eyes when she talks about it. Thank goodness we werent there when it happened. We lost everything but the clothes we were wearing, she says. When the fire department arrived and put out the fire they discovered asbestos in the few walls left standing, meaning they had to tear down what little remained. But what am I going to do, cry about it for the rest of my life? No! The tragedy has certainly put off the grand opening that Khalsa wanted to do months ago, but it didnt keep her out of the kitchen. Hopefully, Khalsa says, the grand opening can happen sometime this month.

Besides the more dramatic roadblocks shes faced, Khalsa has also had to deal with the typical uphill battle involved in opening a restaurant. Finding reliable servers proved difficult at first, but now she has a staff mostly composed of young people who all call her Mata G, which means beloved mother in Sanskrit.

As we chat over her daily special of beet parmesan, spinach supreme pasta and pesto tofu, many customers come in and give Khalsa a brief hug before ordering. She cooked for dozens of people in her neighborhood before she ever considered opening a restaurant, and many of those people are now regular customers. Some of the newcomers who visit Mata G for the first time see the fresh, healthy food and the minimalist elegance of the restaurant and say, This is too good for Albuquerque, according to Khalsa. No more of that! she says. Plenty of good things are made here in Albuquerque.

More than a couple of them are made at Mata G: Her tofu salad has won a lot of praise from vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and her Sunday brunch has drawn a following, largely because of her chilaquiles (which happen to be one of my favorite dishes).

Khalsa sees definite potential for Mata G to expand in the future, but shell have to see how well this location does for a year or so first. Shes been trying to make her recipes very exact so they can be easily replicated at other locations in the future, But Im not sure I want to get into that. Im 67! she says, laughing. But maybe my kids will, she adds with a smile.
PLEASE NOTE!

Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!

All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!

(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
Books to the Big Screen: Our Man in Havana

PLEASE NOTE!

Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!

All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!

(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
AfricaRice is a CGIAR Research Center  part of a global research partnership for a food-secure future. It is also an intergovernmental association of African member countries. For more information visit: www.AfricaRice.org

A propos dAfricaRice

AfricaRice est un Centre de recherche du CGIAR  un partenariat mondial de la recherche agricole pour un futur sans faim. AfricaRice est aussi une association intergouvernementale composee de pays membres africains. Pour plus dinformations, visiter : www.AfricaRice.org
meeting of Ukraines Acting Healthcare Minister Suprun with World Bank officials World Bank Ukraine Facebook

The World Bank is satisfied with the work of Acting Healthcare Minister of Ukraine Ulyana Suprun and expects further cooperation in the reforms as the World Bank reported on Facebook.

Regional Vice President of the World Bank Cyril Muller has held a meeting with Ulyana Suprun during his visit to Ukraine.

The message notes that Suprun has shown sustainable leadership in the holding of the reforms of healthcare, which aims for improvement of the Ukrainians life.

In just 9 months after the start of the primary health care reform, 23 million Ukrainians have selected a primary care doctor, and 76% are satisfied with the quality of that care  up from 10% satisfaction rate for service quality in 2015. In addition, primary care providers contracted by the National Health Service received more funds than in the past, for salary increases for medical personnel to provide affordable primary care, equipment purchases, and renovation of medical facilities, the message said.

It is also noted that this year the ministry begins the next stage of the reforms, including the hospital reform, emergency care, determination of the guaranteed benefit package and extension of the eHealth and telemedicine.

The World Bank remains firmly committed to continuing supporting Ukraine in its goal to provide every citizen with affordable and quality healthcare. We look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with Acting Minister Suprun and build on the successes achieved to date, Muller said.

As we reported, Suprun's role as acting health minister was questioned by MP from the Radical Party of Lyashko Ihor Mosiychuk. The court explained that such a decision was made as Suprun has dual citizenship. Apart from the Ukrainian one, she also has a U.S. passport.

The government of Ukraine expressed the support of Suprun, as well as the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, did.

On February 7, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine appealed the decision of the court on the suspension of Ulyana Suprun.
SBU Head Vasyl Hrytsak stated that the service will examine all the conditions, which might testify to possible violations concerning the candidates

Open source

Ukraines Security Service (SBU) denied accusations of the presidential candidate Anatoliy Hrytsenko, who stated that the service carries out illegal surveillance and set wiretaps in his campaign office, as Olena Hitlyanska, SBU Press Secretary, reported on Facebook.

SBU was accused of illegal surveillance and wiretapping from two presidential candidates. We would like to be clear before the coming elections, as such statements might sound quite often. Ukraines Security Service declares with full responsibility that it did not perform actions of operational search or procedural nature, which would limit the rights and freedoms of the presidential candidates, she wrote.

SBU Head Vasyl Hrytsak stated that the service will examine all the conditions, which might testify to possible violations concerning the candidates. But first, presidential candidates should appeal to the service with relevant statements and materials.
On Tuesday night, an 80-year-old woman was killed and an 84-year-old man was badly injured by a driver making a left turn onto a residential street in Little Neck, Queens. As of this morning, no arrests were made. On Monday morning, an elderly cyclist was fatally struck by a driver while riding in the Eighth Avenue bike lane near Times Square. The driver fled the scene, and has not been located. Two days earlier, a 62-year-old woman died from injuries suffered when an SUV driver ran her over as she was riding her bike on Kings Highway in Brooklyn a week earlier. The investigation into that incident was concluded without any arrests, police said.

The victimsXui Pu Xi, Joseph Chaim, and Susan Mosesrepresent just a fraction of the 22 people who've lost their lives on city streets in the last five weeks, as traffic fatalities have jumped by nearly 70 percent from this time in 2018. At least four New Yorkers have been killed riding their bikes in 2019, according to the advocacy group Transportation Alternatives, compared to just one cyclist fatality this time last year. Bicycling injuries tracked by the NYPD are up as well, from 209 to 224.

But amid this uptick in threats to the city's non-driving population, some cyclists say the NYPD has been directing their enforcement efforts at them, not drivers.

While @NYC_SafeStreets @TransAlt doing the vigil for #BikeNYC cyclist killed on February 4th #NYPD is ticketing cyclists only because they do not wear a helmet on 8th Av. & 45th Street corner. Just witnessed how three cyclist passed and one was stopped having the right of way. pic.twitter.com/dnFL7QDILr  Claudia Corcino (@corcino_claudia) February 6, 2019

In keeping with their tradition of cracking down on cyclists near the sites of fatal hit-and-runs, police officers have reportedly been camped out on the Eighth Avenue bike lane in Midtown. On Wednesday night, safe streets advocates holding a vigil for Chaim reported witnessing officers issue tickets to multiple cyclists for minor offensesin some cases for violating laws that don't exist.

According to Citi Bike rider Kalle Westerling, a police officer issued him a $50 summons for not wearing a helmet while biking on Eighth Avenue near 45th Street. It's not illegal to ride without a helmet in New York City, unless you are under the age of 14 years old.

In response to Westerling's tweets, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said he would look into the ticket, saying it "sounds unusual." (Though certainly not unheard of).

If youre willing, please tweet a photo of the ticket and tag me. This sounds unusual. Thanks!  NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) February 6, 2019

The NYPD did not respond to Gothamist's inquiries about the ticketing blitz. Safe streets advocates, meanwhile, are calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio to do more to protect New Yorkers from reckless drivers.

"In order to prevent fatalities and serious injuries, we need the mayor to take Vision Zero to the next level," TransAlt spokesperson Joe Cutrufo told Gothamist on Wednesday. "It's time to make life-saving street redesigns part of routine street maintenance. And he should accept Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez' challenge to build 100 lane miles of protected bike lanes every year."

Last year, the Mayor's Office boasted that 20 miles of protected bike lanes had been built across the city in 2018, though a closer inspection revealed that around five miles of the supposedly protected network were not separated from traffic. But cyclist deaths did drop significantly in 2018, down from 24 in 2017 to just ten last year, while pedestrian deaths ticked up slightly, from 104 to 107.

Asked about the recent increase in traffic deaths on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the mayor, Sam Stein, called the figures "deeply troubling," while touting Mayor Bill de Blasio's progress on Vision Zero.

"Were deploying a wave of new speed cameras, increasing the number of street redesigns and adding to targeted enforcement," Stein said. "Last year was the safest on recordand we intend to continue that trend this year."

He did not respond to questions about whether the city would make a greater effort to prosecute dangerous drivers, or whether the mayor was concerned about the NYPD inventing laws to harass cyclists.

In a statement, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson told Gothamist he was "extremely troubled by the alarming number of recent traffic fatalities."

"These are preventable tragedies," he added. "This is a reminder that we have so much more work to do when it comes to protecting cyclists and pedestrians in our city, and I will be there fighting alongside street safety advocates every step of the way."
The court will consider the appeal on February 11, 2019

Ukraines Government appealed the decision of Kyiv District Administrative Court to suspend Ulyana Suprun from the post of Ukraines Acting Health Minister, as the press office of the court reported.

Kyiv District Administrative Court received an application from the representative of Ukraines Cabinet of Ministers on the cancelation of the restrictive measures of the lawsuit filed by Igor Mosiychuk (MP from Radical Party of Lyashko; he initiated the case - ed.) against Ukraines Acting Minister of Health Ulyana Suprun concerning her suspension from this position. The court will consider the appeal on February 11, 2019, the message says.

As we reported, Suprun's role as acting health minister was questioned by MP from the Radical Party of Lyashko Ihor Mosiychuk. The court explained that such a decision was made as Suprun has dual citizenship. Apart from the Ukrainian one, she also has a U.S. passport.

The government of Ukraine expressed the support of Suprun, as well as the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, did.

Related video:
Yuriy Lutsenko, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine The Verkhovna Rada

Ukraines National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) opened a criminal proceeding upon a possible organization of illegal persecution of the former First Deputy of the Prosecutor General Renat Kuzmin by Yuriy Lutsenko, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, and his Deputy Yuriy Stolyarshuk, as Ukrainian News reported referring to the source in the law enforcement agencies.

According to him, the probe was launched on the basis of the court ruling which obliges NABU to register a criminal proceeding upon this case under Kuzmins request.

In his appeal, Kuzmin noted that Cherkasy Court found the decision to put him on a wanted list and suspend the investigation of this case illegal.

As he put it, these testify to the political nature of the criminal case opened against him. In his opinion, it was ordered.

Therefore, Prosecutor General Lutsenko, his Deputy Stolyarchuk, the prosecutors and investigators of the General Prosecutors Office, who participated in a pre-trial investigation in Lutsenkos interests, prepared manifestly unlawful detention and arrest of Kuzmin, his statement says.

A criminal probe was opened on January 30 under the articles of Ukraines Criminal Code on types of accomplices and deliberate illegal detention or arrest.
Andriy Parubiy was accused of power abuse in terms of payment of compensation for accommodation for MPs who have proper living conditions

Spokesperson of Ukraine's Parliament Andriy Parubiy The Verkhovna Rada

Ukraines State Bureau of Investigation has opened a criminal case against Parliaments Spokesperson Andriy Parubiy, as UNN reported referring to the source in the law enforcement agencies.

It was noted that the actions of the Verkhovna Rada Chairman and officials have elements of criminal offense provided in the article No.365 of Ukraines Criminal Code on the improper exercise of authority.

The criminal proceeding was opened on January 31.

The news agency adds that it is about violations in the organizing of work in the Verkhovna Rada and payment of compensation for accommodation for the members of the Parliament who have proper living conditions.

In 1991, Parubiy founded the Social-National Party of Ukraine together with current leader of far-right Svoboda party Oleh Tyahnybok; the party combined radical nationalism and some neo-Nazi features (by its name and the "Wolfsangel"-like sign).
Viktor Medvedchuk, the representative of the Opposition Platform  For Life, on Maga program 112.ua

Viktor Medvedchuk, the representative of the Opposition Platform  For Life, told how Ukraine could reach an agreement with Donetsk in 2014. He said it on an air of Maga program on 112 Ukraine.

Moreover, I will say it in public for the first time: we could reach an agreement on May 14-18, 2014. Not with Shufrych (Nestor Shufrych, Ukrainian parliamentarian since 1998, - ed.), but Ukraine with these prodigal sons, prodigal people. There was a chance. I arrived, we explained the position to Turchynov (the then Acting President, - ed.). I said: They are ready, we sit down and write an agenda and the issues we should agree on. Bolotov (Russian militant leader, known for his involvement in the Donbas War, - ed.) said then: I dont get your constitutions, but there is Crimea, and we need autonomy. Give it to us and thats it. I smiled and replied: Lets sit and discuss it. I told Turchynov we were ready to go, to catch up on this list of questions and start a dialogue. He said: Hostages are there. There were hostages from both sides, we had to release them. Then, I and Shufrych wanted to negotiate. I called them and stated that our leader had a proposal to release the hostages. They said: Come here, we will discuss the hostages. And we were told: No, dont do that if so, we dont need this talks. Then, it was resumed in June, in a month after a new President was elected, when Trilateral Contact Group appeared, Medvedchuk said.

When I and Shufrych were arranging things so that the Trilateral Contact Group came to Donetsk It held two sessions there. It was attacked during the first session, and my security released OSCE representative then, elderly people were trying to beat her. It was provoked, of course. Yet, in four days, on June 27 we came there again and had talks again. And we decided that we were in a ceasefire regime, actions suspended from both sides. President Poroshenko suspended ATO (Anti-terrorist Operation, - ed.). But on July 1 we agreed on another meeting, on the night of June 30 to July 1he decided to resume ATO. Combat actions began, it ended in September, then gradually continued. Since December 14, I started dealing with exchanges only, he added.

Viktor Medvedchuk, considered a major figure in the political life of Ukraine is well known for his pro-Russian stance and close ties with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In 2018, he acted as the negotiator during the talks on the exchange of captives in Donbas.

Viktor Medvedchuk stated that the negotiations on the exchange in an all for all format are being conducted all the time. In December 2017, the largest exchange by 306 for 74 formula took place.

Thanks to the participation of Viktor Medvedchuk, more than 480 Ukrainian citizens were released.

Related video:
Dnipropetrovsk region Open source

In the framework of decommunization process, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada directed to the Constitutional Court a bill on the changing the name of the Dnipropetrovsk region to Sicheslav region. The session was broadcasted by official Rada channel.

In the fall of 2018, the parliament did not have enough votes to send this bill to the Constitutional Court.

The Constitution of Ukraine and the Rules of Procedure of the Verkhovna Rada determine the procedure for amending the Basic Law of Ukraine.

Only the president or 150 people's deputies can register such a bill. Then the document is considered by the Verkhovna Rada Committees and recommends to the parliamentarians whether to consider legislative initiatives or not.

If it is not the decision to be made through a referendum, the draft amendments to the Constitution should gain at least 226 votes in the parliament in order to be further sent to the Constitutional Court of Ukraine.

The Constitutional Court has to publish a conclusion as to whether the initiative contradicts Art. 157 and 158 of the Constitution: whether it limits the rights and freedoms, whether the changes are directed to restrict independence or territorial integrity, whether the changes are made in conditions of martial law or public emergency, whether the Parliament considered the same changes within the year and whether current convocation of parliament changed the same norms.

The Constitution does not specify in what period of time the Constitutional Court should publish the conclusion.

Despite the results of the opinion polls of residents of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine's parliament intends to rename the region into "Sicheslav region." MPs call Hruhoriy Petrovsky (this region is named after him) the organizer of Holodomor despite the fact that in 2009-2010 the SBU and the Court of Appeal of Kyiv came to the opposite conclusion.
After the annexation of Crimea, the Russian Federation began to use dike of Nyzhne-Churbash reservoir in Kerch city for the illegal sand mining

Open source

Prosecutors Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Chief Department of the National Police in Crimea and Sevastopol have opened the criminal case on the illicit pollution of the Black Sea coastline, as the press service of the office reported.

It is established that after the occupation of the Crimean peninsula, the Russian Federation began to use dike of Nyzhne-Churbash reservoir in Kerch city for the illegal sand mining. The volume of the mined sand increases day by day, and the mud hits the city beach as the leaking goes right to the canal, the message said.

The prosecutors office added that the toxic substances come to the Black Sea and endangers the health of the population and environment.

The investigators opened the criminal proceeding due to this fact on violation of the protection and use of subsurface on February 4.

As we reported, an unknown substance was discharged in the air in Armyansk, North Crimea. A greasy mud with a yellow shade appeared on metallic objects, roofs, and leaves on the trees.

Moreover, toxic chemicals were detected in the air in the Kherson region, southern Ukraine.

On September 6, 2018, it was reported that the plant on the production of the titanium dioxide, the subsidiary of Titanium investments in Crimean Armyansk will completely stop to work on Sunday, September 9.

Reportedly, 61 Ukrainian border guards were affected by the emission of chemicals. Five of them were hospitalized.
These are Roman Sushchenko and Mykola Semena illegally detained by the Russian special services

Open source

Roman Sushchenko and Mykola Semena, the Ukrainian reporters and political prisoners of Russia are now the candidates for UNESCO's Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. Ukrinform news agency reported that, quoting Emine Dzhaparova, the first deputy of information policy of Ukraine.

The official said this, presenting the English edition of Semena's book called 'Crimean Story'.

According to her, a country can only choose three people to nominate for this prize.

'We don't know if they get this award, but even nominations of these reporters are the sign of our support for these people who now stay in detention', Dzhaparova said.

Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize was created in 1997. It honors a person, organization or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to the defense and/or promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world, especially when this has been achieved in the face of danger.

The prize, worth UD 45,000, is awarded each year on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May.

The prize is named after Guillermo Cano Isaza, the editor of the Colombian newspaper El Espectador, who was murdered in Bogota on 17 December 1986. Cano was a vocal critic of the country's powerful drug barons.

Each year, an independent jury of 14 news professionals selected by the UNESCO Director-General selects a winner from the many nominations submitted by non-governmental organizations working in the field of press freedom, and by the UNESCO Member States.

Roman Sushchenko was detained in Russia in September 2016 and charged with 'espionage'. Mykola Semena is accused of extremism for allegedly undermining the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation in the annexed Crimea.
The former head of Ukraine's State Fiscal Service has almost USD 300,000 on his accounts there

Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) asks Shevchenkivsky district court in Kyiv to arrest 300,000 U.S. dollars that belong to Roman Nasirov, notorious ex-head of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine. SAP posted that on Facebook on Thursday.

On February 7, the court held another session in Nasirov's case. During the hearing, the SAP prosecutor filed the appeal to arrest his property.

'Over at least three years, the ex-leader of the State Fiscal Service has been enjoying the assets in the amount of 297,730 U.S. dollars on the accounts in the financial establishment on the premises of the United Kingdon of Great Britain and Northern Ireland', reads the message.

At that, the SAP noted that this money was never mentioned in one of Nasirov's declarations while he was a civil servant. However, the funds were declared in another declaration, with which Nasirov ran for the presidency; this particular document was filed immediately after Nasirov was informed that the law enforcers detected the mentioned funds.

Nasirov was temporarily relieved of his duties on 3 March 2017, and although he was reinstated in his function by a court decision late 2018 he did not return as head of the State Fiscal Service.
Open source

Members of the European Parliament call the criminal proceeding of Ukraines Prosecutor Generals Office against Viktor Medvedchuk an outrage. Some MEPs consider it unacceptable to initiate a criminal case against a person on the basis of the persons public utterances.

"Freedom of speech should always be sacrosanct, particularly when the freedom of speech is directed towards trying to solve what's been a problem. Certainly, it seems that the situation in Donbas is something which should concern everybody, any attempt to come up with the constructive solution should be applauded rather than being a recipient of threats, William Dartmouth MEP says.

If Ukraine wants to be an independent, democratic country that respects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of views, then they have to ensure the politicians of different political parties are able to express their political views both in parliament and outside. If prosecutors, if government decide that those views are unacceptable and we are going to use the police, the court to suppress that view, you are not in a democratic country. You are a dictatorship. And until your nation fully understands that you have to allow people of different views to exist, then that is a true democracy, Steven Woolfe said.

Besides, the European Parliament reacted on the announcement of the ousted president Viktor Yanukovych who reported an assassination attempt against Medvedchuk being organized. Fugitive ex-president shared the information that a special group of 12 persons allegedly plans to physically remove Medvedchuk, who is the head of the Political Board of 'Opposition Platform-For Life'. This announcement caused concerns among the members of the European Parliament.

"Well, let me make this very clear. There are two completely separate things going on there. First of all, do I agree with everything that he says? No, I don't happen to agree with him politically. But when you disagree with someone politically, you disagree by talking, you disagree in the debate, you disagree by using your freedom of speech to say why to believe that the other is wrong. What is completely unacceptable is the use of the law to try to prevent opinions from being heard and it's, in particular, any means by which an attempt is made on someone's life. No, politics should abound, all the different opinions that exist. And if an opinion is bad, then it should be defeated properly in the debate, not through prosecuting that idea. And when you try to prosecute the idea you disagree with, actually quite often, you find that it doesn't work, it backfires on you and you end up making ideas more popular, not less," Jonathan Arnott MEP said.

As we reported earlier, Viktor Medvedchuk, the politician and the head of 'Ukrainsky Vybir' (Ukrainian Choice) political party faces prosecution in Ukraine. Ukraines Prosecutor General's Office opened the case against him in state treason and encroachment on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. The basis for the criminal proceeding is an application of the Ukrainian MP from the Peoples Front political party. The criminal case opened against the politician for his proposals on settlement of the military conflict in Donbas by granting the region with autonomy and capturing that in the Constitution of Ukraine. Medvedchuk voiced the proposals at the All-Ukrainian Congress of the party on January 29.
Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UAV twitter.com

On January 26, Ukrainian State Concern Ukroboronprom announced an agreement between the Turkish company Baykar Makina and Ukraines state-owned arms trader Ukrspecexport (part of Ukroboronprom) to procure 12 Bayraktar TB2 operational/tactical-level strike unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for $69 million ( Ukroboronprom , January 26; see EDM, January 23). For Ukraine, this represents the first instance where it has successfully purchased this class of lethal weapons system from a foreign country. In previous years, the Ukrainian Armed Forces received some foreign-made UAVs, such as the RQ-11 Raven as part of the United States support for Ukraine; but importantly, those drones have all been non-lethal, designed strictly for aerial intelligence- and reconnaissance-gathering missions ( Hromadske , July 27, 2016). The Turkish combat UAVs, on the other hand, will be delivered with weapons and ground-control stations.

The Bayraktar contract was negotiated during Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenkos official visit to Turkey in November 2018 (President.gov.ua, November 4, 2018). During that trip, Poroshenko toured the Baykar Makina headquarters and also discussed with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, prospects for further bilateral cooperation in a number of fields, including the defense industry (President.gov.ua, November 6, 2018). Later, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov, announced that negotiations with the Turkish side were underway. Turchynov stressed that the Ukrainian military needs a system like the Bayraktar TB2 because Ukraine lacks that class of offensive UAVs within its inventory, creating a notable capabilities gap. While Ukraines domestic arms manufacturing sector has been developing several tactical UAVs for reconnaissance, the military needs to be able to not only spot the enemy but also hit it, Turchynov told reporters last fall (UNIAN, November 15, 2018).

According to Ukroboronprom, the domestic defense industry can currently produce at least eight home-grown non-lethal UAV systems. These include the Horlytsya, Spectactor, Sparrow, and Observer-S. But all these are light, tactical-level reconnaissance UAVs (Ukroboronprom.com.ua, accessed February 6, 2019). And all of these models have a limited flight time (up to 710 hours), a maximum range of 50250 kilometers and a flight speed of no more than 180 kilometers per hour. In comparison, the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 can remain in the air for up to 24 hours and has a top speed of 222 kilometers per hour. Thus, in terms of capabilities, this system would represent an important step forward for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

At the same time, it bears pointing out that the development of advanced combat UAVs comparable to the Bayraktar TB2 takes a long time and would require the Ukrainian defense industry to obtain access to new technologies (Baykar Makina, for instance, spent five years on developing the Bayraktar from a prototype in 2007 to the final production stage in 2012). Due to the ongoing conflict in Donbas and mounting threats from Russia in the Sea of Azov region, the purchase of an off-the-shelf Turkish system is, thus, a potential shortcut for building up the capabilities of the Ukrainian military.

This Turkish UAV can be used for aerial intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and, importantly, for aerial strikes against targets like tanks, armored troop transports or lightly reinforced bunkers. According to an anonymous Ukrainian military official, this drone could be used in combination with special operations forces to hunt for critical enemy targets near the frontline. According to its characteristics, the Bayraktar TB2 can remain in a secured area while still being able to hit ground targets in the occupied territories, thus making it less vulnerable to the enemys air-defense systems. Its flight ceiling (up to eight kilometers) keeps it out of reach of light firearms, unlike cheap quadcopters, which can be easily shot down by machine guns (Facebook.com/93OMBR, January 19, 2019). The Bayraktar also operates too high for short-range tactical surface-to-air missile systems like the Russian 9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko), which has been spotted in occupied Donetsk and Luhansk regions (Facebook.com/oscesmm, October 24, 2018). That said, it is vulnerable to the 9K37 Buk missile system (SA-11 Gadfly).

The Bayraktar TB2 has sensors that allow it to navigate and land by itself even if it loses a GPS signala particularly useful feature considering the ongoing advances and battlefield deployment of Russian Electronic Warfare (EW) systems and tactics (see EDM, May 24, 2017; March 6, 2018; November 5, 2018). Many of the tactical-level drones employed by Ukraine have been jammed or intercepted by Russian EW units because of these small UAVs inability to operate independently. Indeed, a similar fate befell a UAV used by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europes Special Monitoring Mission (OSCE SMM), in Donbas, last October (Osce.org, October 27, 2018). Ukraine has been working on analogous tactics for grounding Russian drones. In January, the Joint Operations Forces of Ukraine reported successfully jamming a Russian Granat-2 reconnaissance UAV (developed by Russia in 2012, but heretofore never observed operating inside Ukraine) near Priazovye, Donetsk region, and forcing it to land (Facebook.com/pressjfo.news, January 25, 2019).

On the other hand, the Bayraktar purchase has come under some criticism. For example, the famous Ukrainian military volunteer and activist Yuri Kasyanov, who heads a drone manufacturing company not part of Ukroboronprom, claimed the Turkish UAVs, with a price tag of over $5 million per unit, are too expensive. Instead, he proposed his own companys strike kamikaze UAVsquadcopters armed with grenade launcherswhich, he said, would only cost $10,000 each. Kasyanov added that the Turkish Bayraktars are not suited for modern combat conditions, marked by intense EW saturation of the battlefield (Facebook.com/brtcomua, January 15). Other experts have claimed high-altitude UAVs are inappropriate for Ukraines cloudy climate, compared to Turkey or Syria (where the Bayraktar was deployed by Turkish forces). For conducting air surveillance above Donbas, this drone would need to fly at a height less than two kilometers, thus making it vulnerable to air defenses. Additionally, a defense-sector partnership with Turkey could bring potential risks in light of the current closer relationship between Erdogan and Vladimir Putin.

Such criticism aside, the strike UAV contract with Turkey has the potential to boost further international cooperation, modernize the Ukrainian Armed Forces as well as provide vital experience in the use of combat drones. Moreover, it brings the Ukrainian military closer to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) standards. In that regard, the Bayraktars deal continues Kyivs already successful history of partnership with Ankara that has included the purchase of Aselsan communication systems for the Ukrainian Army and National Police ( Delo , November 10, 2017; Ukrinform, October 10, 2017).

Read the original text at The Jamestown Foundation.
The missing Manhattan woman found stuffed inside a trash bag in New Jersey may have been murdered by her own son after she threatened to throw him out of the house, prosecutors say.

Authorities discovered 65-year-old Paula Chin's corpse hidden in the curbside garbage pile outside a home she owned in Morris Township, New Jersey, on Tuesday. Police subsequently arrested one of her sons22-year-old Jared Engand two of his friends.

The NY Daily News reports that Eng appeared in court Thursday morning, where he was arraigned on charges of concealing a corpse and evidence tampering. The women who allegedly helped him21-year-old Caitlyn O'Rourke, Eng's girlfriend, and their friend Jennifer Lopez, 18face the same charges, but authorities believe Eng bears responsibility for the killing itself. He does not currently face murder charges, although according to the NY Post, prosecutors expect those will come shortly. They suspect Eng slashed his mother's throat during an argument, after she told him he had to move out.

"I didn't," Eng reportedly said as officers led him out of the 1st Precinct on Wednesday night. "I love her very much. She gave me everything."

Eng reportedly admitted to investigators that, on January 31stthe day his mother was killedhe made a trip to New Jersey to pick up an antique coin collection, which he planned to sell for rent money. He allegedly added that he and Chin had argued over his staying in her apartment, but denied killing her. He said he hadn't seen his mother since the 31st. (A family member reported her missing to the NYPD on February 4th.)

Footage from the Vestry Street building's security cameras suggests otherwise: On the date of the murder, Eng can reportedly be seen dumping a big black duffel bag into the trunk of his family car. Investigators say they recovered a black duffel, full of blood-soaked clothes and tape, at the house where they found Chin's body. When they searched her Vestry Street apartment, they allegedly found the remains of a bloody mess someone had apparently tried and failed to clean up.

O'Rourke allegedly told police that Eng slit his mother's throat, enlisting her and Lopez to help him get rid of the body. Prosecutors say they have obtained text messages between Lopezwho wrote that "the hardest part" of the ordeal "was backing the car up," according to the Daily Newsand Eng that support the accomplice idea. According to the Post, O'Rourke also told investigators that she and Lopez knowingly helped move the body, and that she washed a bag of laundry at Eng's New Jersey house.

Eng is being held without bail, while Lopez and O'Rourke are being held on $100,000 and $25,000 cash bail, respectively.
The prospect comes after Nato states' ambassadors signed an accession protocol with Macedonia's foreign minister in Brussels on Wednesday (6 February)

Macedonia is on its way to join Nato next year despite Russian opposition.

The prospect comes after Nato states' ambassadors signed an accession protocol with Macedonia's foreign minister in Brussels on Wednesday (6 February).

"I really look forward to seeing 30 allied flags fly outside Nato headquarters," Nato head Jens Stoltenberg said.

"Once all allies have ratified the protocol, Skopje will become the 30th member of the alliance," he added.

"For us, Nato is about making the world more peaceful, more stable," Macedonian foreign minister Nikola Dimitrov said.

Visitors to the Nato HQ in Kabul were already used to seeing "the [Macedonian] flag on our soldiers there", he added, because Macedonian forces guarded the Nato compound.

"For many years, Macedonia has provided valuable support to Nato-led operations and missions," US Nato envoy Kay Bailey Hutchison said on Wednesday.

"By working together, we will be stronger and safer," Belgian foreign minister Didier Reynders said.
Open source

Summing up all the criticism that experts write about the lack of economic reforms in Ukraine, the main reasons for their failure are, firstly, lack of leadership, secondly, corruption and, thirdly, incompetence of the government and legislators.



Unfortunately, our ministers and people's deputies are not able to conduct elegant social and economic policies, they only learned to act in a straightforward way and with gross errors. Their rhetoric, even in English, can impress only certain poorly educated people.



Well, how was it possible in such a short time and with such a huge investment potential to turn Ukraine into the poorest country in Europe!



Although, we are the richest in Europe in terms of reserves of natural mineral resources, ranking 1st in the world in manganese ore reserves, 1st in the world in titanium ore reserves, 1st in Europe (6th in the world) in uranium ore reserves, 2nd place in the world in iron ore reserves, 2nd place in the world in mercury ore reserves, 7th place in the world in coal reserves, 1st place in Europe in arable land and 3rd place in the world in the area of black soil (25% of the world volume).



However, until now no one in our country, nor in the United States or the European Union, knows and understands what to expect in 2019 from the work of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Verkhovna Rada.



But remember, the current politicians in power promised to destroy the entire old world of Yanukovych, and then ... What then?! Although at that time, pragmatic Americans advised creating a new government in Ukraine without corruption and the overwhelming influence of oligarchs, so that the state would not collapse, so that the economy would not collapse, and what would happen to Yanukovych and his top officials should be the least worried.



The most important thing is to preserve financial and economic stability and prevent chaos. But what did we get? Now even the most optimistic experts have lost the hopes of support for Petro Poroshenko, Volodymyr Groysman and Andriy Parubiy from the side of Western partners.



The latest statement of the International Monetary Fund convincingly testifies to this: its financial analysts urged all governments to try to complete economic reforms as soon as possible, otherwise it would be impossible to rely on central banks in the event of a global financial crisis.



And this sobering statement was made at the moment when the Cabinet of Ministers had already consumed all future earnings. Now it is necessary to service debts with huge interest and take new loans in order to pay off old loans.



By the way, in the beginning of 2019 we already gave the IMF the first payment in the amount of $ 88.5 million. The next payment should be paid on February 5 in the amount of 257.25 million under the stand by program (in general, the debt to IMF in 2019 will amount to $ 2 billion).

Alas, this is slyness. Only the elimination of damage from a barbarous and corrupt approach to economic policy will take at least 12-15 years. And, for example, according to experts, the debt on utility bills over the past 5 years has grown from UAH 12 billion to 55.3. What to do with it?



Moreover, February is traditionally the worst month for the national economy. Sadly, but we will have to tighten our belts. Plus, these days of the presidential race Ukrainian politicians must be closely monitored: they are capable of causing the greatest harm to our economy.



No matter how bitter it is to admit, but now the biggest problem is that the burden of making key management decisions is lying on politicians who are not able to do that. However, after March 31, the winner will inevitably end up at a crossroads and he will have to make a choice.



Here and now, the choice is very difficult: either the Ukrainian economy will collapse by the end of 2019 (taking into account negative external factors, huge public debts and internal "skill" of the Cabinet and Verkhovna Rada), or we will start crawling away from the edge of the deepest financial abyss.
When the court assigns the date, the Ukrainian side will inform the media and the society

Open source

The Secretariat of the Envoy for the ECHR cases has sent the request to the Court, asking to appoint the new date of the hearing in the case regarding Crimea, where Ukraine sues Russia. Ivan Lishchyna, the Deputy Justice Minister and the Envoy for the ECHR cases, said this as quoted by Interfax-Ukraine.

Lishchyna added that the Ukrainian side currently expects the reaction from the ECHR to its request.

'As soon as the Grand Chamber of the ECHR decided on the new date of the hearing, we will inform the media and the society on the shortest notice possible, and we'll invite them, just like we planned before', the Envoy said.

Initially, the Court assigned the first hearing in this case in October 2018. Later, it re-assigned the session on February 27, without explaining the reason. The ECHR was supposed to consider the case and shape up the preliminary conclusion on principal issues, sorting out whether there was a violation or not.

The case Ukraine v. Russia (application no. 20958/14) was lodged on 13 March 2014. It relates to events leading up to and following the assumption of control by the Russian Federation over the Crimean peninsula and subsequent developments in Eastern Ukraine. The case Ukraine v. Russia II (no. 43800/14) was lodged on 13 June 2014. It concerns the abduction of three groups of Ukrainian orphan children and children without parental care and a number of adults accompanying them.
The foreign ambassadors advise considering Sajdik plan on the peaceful settlement of Donbas conflict

Germany and France are interested in Sajdik plan, which earlier was rejected by Ukraine. It offers the peaceful settlement of Donbas conflict, as European Truth outlet reported. The author of the plan is the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk, Martin Sajdik.

Peaceful plan of Sajdik was supported by German Ambassador Ernst Reichel and French Ambassador Isabelle Dumont. They have emphasized that it is worth attention.

The main goal is to create the conditions for the deployment of the peacekeeping mission in Donbas under the aegis of the UN and OSCE. This document really contains important ideas, which would be useful, Reichel said.

Isabelle Dumont confirmed this idea. She thinks that this plan should be considered and be taken into account for the settlement of Donbas conflict. The ambassadors state that Sajdik plan was created not to replace Minsk Agreements but to complement them.

On January 28, Martin Sajdik provided a new plan of the peaceful settlement of Donbas conflict. The close cooperation of the UN and OSCE under the unified leadership, the creation of Agency on Reconstruction, temporarily administration, and amnesty entered the list of the plant.

Earlier Sajdik said that the OSCE did not come out with a proposal to send a joint OSCE and UN mission to Donbas.
Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych appeared at a press conference on 6 February in Moscow. The press conference came two weeks after Yanukovych was convicted, in absentia, by the Obolon District Court in Kyiv of state treason and sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.

On the eve of the press conference, Yanukovychs lawyer Viktor Horoshynsky said that his client would comment on the verdict and "evaluate the lawlessness."

The press conference lasted for an hour and a half. And here are the key things he voiced.

Sentence

"It is not a secret that the verdict was shaped by the authorities. And the pressure over the court was unprecedented. The sentence has absolutely no basis in the law. The Criminal Procedural Law was completely violated, and everything was built on lies and hatred."

Maidan and the "anti-crisis" contract

(crisis settlement agreement signed on February 21, 2014)

"How can I call it? I was deceived? Fooled? Or, some advanced Ukrainian politicians, who feel as advanced today, call it "Ive got blaved."

I dont even want to think about the possibility of new Maidans. We shouldnt allow this to happen. The only thing I want the truth to be voiced because we were totally misinformed before.

Ukraines presidential candidates

"There are many names that I hear for the first time. I have not seen their programs, I do not know them. I have high hopes for new faces, for fresh figures. This is normal."

Exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia

My point is that Im ready to take such an initiative if President Poroshenko hears me. If he has a desire to solve this problem, Im ready to initiate the exchange issue, I mean all-for-all exchange. We should not divide and consider who would release less or more. This is not a marketplace, these are living people."

Life and problems

I freely move over the territory of Russia. Moreover, I am not on the databases of Interpol and can visit any country in the world. I have no problems with it.

The closeness of Donetsk and Rostov

Sometimes, I walk down the street and feel like walking in Donetsk: Hello, hi, good day, hey. This is Rostov today. Actually, everywhere I look, there are Ukrainians in Rostov.

Injury

"I hope that I could continue to practice my favorite sports. And if everything goes well, maybe in a month and a half I will be on the court again."

Earlier the court found Yanukovych guilty of addressing the Russian President Putin and asking him to deploy troops in Ukraine. Besides, the court sentenced ex-President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych for the state treason and complicity in the holding of the aggressive war against Ukraine by the Russian Federation.

Yanukovych asserted that Ukraine should allow polling stations in occupied Crimea and Russia, claiming that it was fear of votes against those now in power in Ukraine that made them refuse to do so. While there certainly are arguments on both sides, at least with respect to Crimea, the recent Russian elections illegally held there, and the methods used to force people to take part make it difficult to understand how the Ukrainian Central Election Commission could prevent mass election fraud.

Related: All you need to know about the case of Ukraine's fugitive ex-president Yanukovych
The top news of the last days in Ukraine is sudden suspension from duty of Acting Healthcare Minister Ulyana Suprun. Why did it happen and what are the consequences of this decision?

The role of the Radical Party of Lyashko

Kyiv District Court has prohibited Ulyana Suprun from exercising the power of Ukraines Health Minister, as the courts decision says. It was published by Ukrainian MP Igor Mosiychuk on his Facebook page. 'The first Deputy of Ukraines Health Minister Ulyana Suprun is banned from performing any actions within the competence of Ukraines Health Minister,' the court ruled. As it turned out, Mosiychuk has appealed to the court in January (twice) and in February.

His claims were not accepted either due to poor documentation or due to the lack of a specific substantiation of the claim. His requirement was to establish that Ulyana Suprun was not competent enough to perform her duties.

The relevant decision takes effect from the day of signing the document and would be valid until February 5, 2022. Suprun has the right to go to the appellate court within 15 days.

Dual citizenship

Later, the court explained why it decided to carry out such a decision. "The court explained its decision by finding the signs of obvious fraud," as reported at the courts website. At the same time, Mosiychuks arguments were that Suprun obtained Ukrainian citizenship in 2015, but still did not renounce her US citizenship; public official in Ukraine cannot have dual citizenship.

Criminal Code of Ukraine does not consider dual citizenship a crime, accordingly, there is no punishment for it. No one can be punished in Ukraine for dual or multiple citizenships. According to Art. 4 of Ukraines Constitution, Ukraine has single citizenship. This means that in legal relations with Ukraine, Ukraines citizen that has become a citizen of another state is recognized only as a citizen of Ukraine, and he does not lose his Ukrainian citizenship automatically. However, there is a rule that the state officials are prohibited from having passports of other states.

Reaction to Supruns kick out

The society was divided into two camps. Supporters of the decision thanked the court for justice for complying with the law, ensured national security, now no Americans can find out our healthcare state secrets.

Opponents expressed concerns that citizenship is not a persons main thing, but rather the actual deeds and reforms.

Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers is concerned about the decision of Kyiv Administrative Court to remove Ulyana Suprun from the office of the acting Healthcare Minister, as the members of the cabinet stated.

We are highly concerned about todays decision of Kyiv Administrative Court on the suspension of Ulyana Suprun. This decision will be appealed in the order established by the law and we will strive for its cancelation in the order established by the law, the message said.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko expressed his absolute support for Ulyana Suprun. 'I'd like to stress that Mrs. Suprun enjoys the full support of the President of Ukraine. And I very much appreciate what we, me and Mrs. Suprun did in terms of the medical reform along with the government, along with the Parliament, he said.

British Ambassador Judith Gough also expressed concerns over this decision of the Ukrainian court. 'Still awaiting further details on this case, but concerned about the potential impact on Ukraine's vital healthcare reforms', she posted on her Twitter account.

Suprun: What will happen to the healthcare system now?

Ulyana Suprun thanked the citizens who had defended her and advocated her healthcare reforms. The official warned that because of the courts prohibition to fulfill her duties as a minister, the country's healthcare system and timely procurement of medicines, in particular, were under threat.

As experts have explained to BBC Ukraine, the Kyiv District Administrative Court does have the right to enforce the claim of MP Mosiychuk and to stop the powers of Acting Minister of Health for the reasons given. The resolution will be valid until its cancellation, and this might happen in two cases: if the district court itself determines that it is no longer necessary, or if Ulyana Suprun fills the corresponding appeal, lawyer Roman Marchenko stated.

Failure to comply with a court decision would entail criminal liability. In particular, if Suprun signs an administrative act at the position of the head of a ministry, criminal proceedings can be instituted against her under the article on non-execution of a court decision.

However, at the moment, there is no one to sign the most important documents, and this issue should be resolved as soon as possible.

The warehouses of state-owned enterprises Ukrvaktsyna and Ukrmedpostach (which deal with drugs procurement and delivery, - ed.) are preparing for the delivery to the regions of life-saving drugs for 33 public procurement programs. These are measles vaccines, drugs for children with cancer, people with diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis, drugs for those who need dialysis or antiretroviral therapy. Who will sign contracts with organizations that procure drugs, vaccines, and medical products at the expense of the state budget in 2019?" Suprun wondered.

Open source

Important

The session of the Kyiv District Administrative Court is scheduled for February 15.

We cannot predict when the interim decision of the court will be challenged.

Read the original text at 112.ua.
The new president of the Metropolitan Republican Club, the Upper East Side hangout for the GOP, has openly assisted a far right political group in Germany, according to the Daily Beast, which reports that Ian Reilly "boasted to members about advising" Alternative for Germany (Alternative fur Deutschland) "that endorses shooting migrants and forgetting the Holocaust, and flirts with Nazis."

Reilly was elected as the group's president last week. Before the vote, he said, "Last year I founded a consultancy with a friend who is also active in GOP politics. The Yorkville Group is what we called it. It has provided services, not just to statewide candidates like [New York candidate] Jonathan Trichter, but to international political parties like Alternative fur Deutschland.

The AfD has gained traction in Germany with its populist, anti-immigrant agenda. A spokesman for the party told NPR that its leaders "completely reject any form of right-wing radicalism." But a political scientist at Free University of Berlin counters, "What is interesting is that the dominant right wing of the AfD tries to copy the agitation, the ideology, the rhetoric of the fascists of the Weimar Republic, but they encounter their limits."

Another political scientist, Werner Weidenfeld from University of Munich, told NPR that "The AfD supporters are not all right-wing radicals," and include "'disappointed middle-class' citizens and 'some right-wing extremists.'"

He thinks the AfD's success reflects people's longing for simple solutions to complex issues, like security and artificial intelligence. "We live in an age of complexity," he says, "while at the same time nobody explains the complex connections. So there is confusion, and people become incredibly insecure. They are frustrated, afraid and want a simple answer."

The Daily Beast points out that a former leader of the AfD "advocated for shooting asylum-seekers, while his deputy wrote on Facebook that police should be authorized to shoot at migrant women with children" in 2016; that its members had "marched together with neo-Nazis"; and the party has been "banned from Holocaust remembrance services at the Buchenwald concentration-camp memorial in central Germany after an AfD leader there said Berlin should make a 'make a 180 degree change' to its policy of commemorating the Holocaust."

Reilly invited Proud Boys founder (and Vice vo-founder) Gavin McInnes to speak at the club last fall; after the event Proud Boys members were caught on video beating anti-Fascist protesters. Reilly told the Daily Beast he "supports border security in the U.S., but 'does not agree with' AfDs stance of shooting migrants. He downplayed his firms work with AfD, saying it was "actually not that great."

Reilly's campaign to be president of the club was supported by far-right figurehead Milo Yiannopouloswhich concerns other New York Republicans. J.C. Polanco, a Republican party strategist, told NY1, "We're going to be pushing voters away... Someone who has their endorsement should not be leading any Republican organization in New York City. Our party needs to get away from that and be inclusive."

"I'm very proud to be the first openly gay president of the Metropolitan Republican Club. I reject anything that would mark me as some sort of bigot or supremacist or anything like that," Reilly told NY1.
Following yesterday's evidentiary hearing on the "humanitarian crisis" at the federal Metropolitan Detention Center, Judge Analisa Torres visited the Sunset Park facility along with public defenders, jail officials, and state Attorney General Letitia James. Torres, a federal judge presiding over one of several cases related to the conditions at MDC, spent several hours inside, but gave no public indication about what she'd seen during the visit. Later in the evening, the judge denied requests to transfer two detainees, and declined to make a ruling on whether a special master should be appointed to investigate the troubled jail, punting that to another case.

But a transcript of the visit published on Wednesday offers a disturbing look at life inside MDC, and suggests that mistreatment of detainees goes far beyond the recent electrical issues. While heat and electricity did return to most units earlier this week, those who met with the judge described immense suffering inflicted by corrections officers, and an "incredible fear of retaliation" among anyone who spoke up.

According to the transcript, which was recorded by a stenographer and released by the court, several detainees told Judge Torres that they had medical problems that had been ignored by jail staffin some cases, life-threatening issues that were exacerbated by the dark and freezing conditions they were forced to endure during last week's bitter cold snap.

On the seventh floor, the judge described observing "abundant water" and "black, blotchy mold" on the ceiling of a jail cell. She spoke to the man incarcerated in that cell, relating that he was showing her "a very dingy yellowed blanket that is obviously water damaged" and also "his left arm that has a rash on it, and he says it's from the water dripping." Several others told Torres that they were not given adequate clothing or blankets during the heat outages, with one person saying it was like "sleeping under a waterfall."

#MDCBrooklyns Deputy Warden testified today that thermal underwear could only be purchased through commissary, but it was down w/ computers. This means during the week of freezing cold, there were thermals on site, but they didnt distribute them bc they wouldnt make any money. https://t.co/GRd9SDlBhF  Scott Hechinger (@ScottHech) February 6, 2019

Another detainee said that he didn't receive his medication for an entire week, causing him to pass out in his cell this past Sunday after attempting to call for help. He accused security officials of jamming the alert button, and purposefully ignoring his cries for assistance. "I still haven't been seen yet," he told the judge. "I am still in pain."

(During the hearing earlier in the day, a medical technician at MDC, Rhonda Barnwell, had seemed to admit that the jail was failing to provide adequate health care to its 1,600-person population. She added, "If the media didn't come, we'd still be in the same situation.")

The judge also met with a detainee who said his cellmate experienced a mental breakdown during the heat outages. "He asked for attention because when the power was off the emergency buttons were not working," the man said. "The officers were walking around only every hour or so. When we finally got the officers' attention...I said the man is suicidal, and I think they took it as a joke."

The man added that he "literally had to take the noose out of his cellmate's hand [as] he was trying to kill himself."

When the judge said that she was sorry to hear that, the man replied: "Thank you for being worried about us, ma'am, and treating us like human beings."

A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons did not respond to Gothamist's request for comment. You can read the full transcript here.

UPDATE 6:00 p.m. The Department of Justice is requesting that the Inspector General "undertake a review of this matter to determine if BOP responded appropriately to the heat and electricity failures at MDC Brooklyn and to assess whether BOP has in place adequate contingency plans for such an incident."

The statement continues, "The BOP will also conduct a thorough investigation of the infrastructure at the facility and review the emergency response and contingency planning for this type of incident. DOJ and BOP will continue to work to ensure that MDC Brooklyn meets all required standards."
Stiri pe aceeasi tema

- Prime Minister Florin Citu declared on Thursday, at the western Polytechnic University of Timisoara (UPT), that Romania needs well prepared engineers, the academic institution having "full support" in doing what is necessary for supplying such graduates. The PM met at UPT with representatives

- Romania does not support the European Parliament's proposal for 30 percent of the allocation for investment interventions to be earmarked for environmental and climate objectives under the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), says Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Adrian Oros. "This

- Romania will submit a National Plan for Recovery and Resilience (PNRR) worth the entire allotted sum, 29.2 billion euro, said, on Thursday, Prime Minister Florin Citu, emphasizing that he desires the PNRR to be approved the moment it reaches Brussels. He mentioned that, at the end of the Government

- On a working visit to Brussels, Romania's Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare discussed with senior European officials Romania's economic growth prospects for 2021, narrowing its government deficit to below 3% of GDP by 2024 and introducing new measures to boost the economy under the SURE Instrument,

- Prime Minister Florin Citu says he had a "very constructive meeting" in Brussels on Monday evening on Romania's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) negotiations with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and that the negotiations will continue on May 12 with other officials

- Presedinta Comisiei Europene, Ursula von der Leyen, i-a multumit marti premierului Romaniei, Florin Citu, care a mers la Bruxelles pentru a avea negocieri pentru Planul National de Redresare si Rezilienta (PNRR), pentru o intalnire constructiva. Lucram

- At a meeting of the EU defence ministers as part of a Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday, Romania's Defence Minister Nicolae Ciuca voiced support for the efforts to consolidate the operational level of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in an "ambitious yet pragmatic"

- Romanias government approved a US-backed bill on Thursday that effectively bars China and Huawei from the countrys 5G networks on security grounds and under the new law, communications providers will only be able to use 5G network equipment and software from suppliers pre-approved by the decision
Firea: Orice se poate intampla in politica. Sunt pregatita pentru absolut orice

Fostul primar al Capitalei Gabriela Firea a declarat in emisiunea moderata de Denise Rifai, la Kanal D ca orice se poate intampla in politica si ca este pregatita pentru absolut orice fiind intrebata de moderatoare daca se teme [citeste mai departe]
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 03:03:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Traditional Chinese lion dancers and a character dressed as a pig pose in front of the London Eye which is lit up in red and gold to celebrate Chinese New Year, the Year of the Pig, in London, Britain, on Feb. 4 2019. (Xinhua/Stephen Chung)

BRUSSELS, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- With red lantern raised, Chinese couplets pasted and lion-dance performed, Chinese Lunar New Year is being celebrated across the continent.

The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Tuesday this year. "Many celebrations of Chinese New Year in our French regions illustrate the extent and popularity of Chinese culture in our country," said Valerie Pecresse, president of the Ile-de-France region.

"HAPPY YEAR OF PIG"

In a greeting letter, Pecresse, for her part, expressed "... to the Chinese people, overseas Chinese and in particular to the Chinese community in France (her) best wishes for happiness, health and prosperity."

Ile-de-France "is proud to welcome the largest Chinese community in Europe, a hard-working and creative one," she noted.

Meanwhile,French President Emmanuel Macron extended his best wishes "to all those who celebrate the Lunar New Year in our country and in the world." "Best wishes for this year under the sign of the Pig," Macron wrote on Twitter Tuesday.

Speaking to Xinhua, former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, said: "I wish all our Chinese friends a very happy New Year's Day. Happy New Year! Happy New Year of Pig !"

"The pig is a friendly animal ... that shows consistency... This animal is a good symbol of the energy that must be used today to develop our countries and find the prosperity that I wish to you," he added.

ENJOYING CELEBRATIONS WITH CHINESE CHARACTERISTICS

In Dublin's National Concert Hall Tuesday, a Chinese New Year concert, jointly organized by RTE National Symphony Orchestra and Beijing Performance & Arts Group, feasted the ears of the local audience with a number of masterpieces created by famous Chinese and foreign composers.

The Chinese pieces performed at the concert were mainly works from Ye Xiaogang, a well-known composer in China and the chairman of Chinese Musicians Association.

For 800-strong audience including Irish President Michael D. Higgins, musicians played Ye's Sichuan Image, a symphony consisting of 30 short etherealized music clips vividly portray the beautiful scenery in China's southwest Sichuan province, and Starry Sky, Ye's piano concerto created for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, among others.

This is the first time that Higgins had attended a China-related function publicly since his re-election as the Irish president in late October last year.

CHINESE NEW YEAR "GOOD OPPORTUNITY"

In the eyes of Javier Fernandez Andrino, director of international marketing at the emblematic Corte Ingles department store, Spanish companies see the Chinese New Year as an opportunity to increase sales to Chinese tourists.

"The New Year is important for stores all over Europe, not just in Spain, because Chinese tourists have become excellent clients and it is an honor to celebrate the New Year with our visitors," said Andrino.

The Corte Ingles' flagship store in the central Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid, welcomes around 150,000 Chinese tourists every year and employs several Chinese speakers to help them make their purchases.

"The more attention we can give, then the more comfortable they feel. It helps them feel welcome and that means they spend more time with us. So that benefits us all," Andrino told Xinhua.

The importance of China to the Corte Ingles was made clear in 2018 when the company signed an agreement with Chinese company Alibaba to develop close collaboration in different areas, such as retail and distribution, cloud computing services and digital innovation and payment using mobile phones.

"The Chinese are our most important international clients..." said Andrino.
Last month, the MTA re-opened the 39th Avenue station in Astoria after a nearly seven-month closure that inconvenienced residents and hurt businesses. Touted as part of its modernization plan along several N/W stations in the neighborhood, the upgrades at the newly dubbed 39th Avenue-Dutch Kills station included new staircases, rehabbed mezzanines and platforms, security cameras, digital signage and specially commissioned glass panel artwork.

But for accessibility advocates and many members of the community, the project failed to include one critically-needed improvement: elevator access.

Any time the MTA is spending time and money on renovations, they need to make it accessible for everybody, said Colin Wright, a senior advocacy associate at Transit Center, an organization that works on improving public transportation across U.S. cities.

Another Astoria station that underwent renovations but did not include an elevator, the 30th Avenue station, was one of 50 stations that Transit Center urged the MTA to prioritize for elevator access.

Among the factors the organization considered was the proximity of a hospital, Mount Sinai Queens, and the number of Access-a-Ride trips  information that would have also been available to the MTA during its planning phase.

Late last month, a mother who was carrying her baby was found dead in the 7th Avenue B/D/E station after apparently falling down a flight of stairs.

While the cause of death has not been determined, accessibility advocates have used the incident to highlight the fact that about 75% of the MTAs 472 subway stations do not have elevators.

Astoria is a particularly sore spot, Wright said, adding that the community was forced to suffer through months-long station closures for a station that is still not accessible.

Of the five stations targeted for major renovations in Astoria, only one, at Astoria Boulevard, will be getting elevators. Work on that project, which is set to begin in March and last until December, calls for the installation of four elevators. The 30th Avenue and 36th Avenue stations reopened last June after a nine-month closure.

The renovations in Astoria were originally rolled out under a program created by the MTA and Governor Cuomo called the Enhanced Station Initiative. The program was heavily criticized for focusing on what many viewed as cosmetic changes. Last year, it was announced that the Enhanced Station Initiative, which was given a nearly $1 billion budget, eventually ran out of money. Only 19 of the 32 targeted stations were completed.

The need for elevators in a prominent Queens community home to young families as well as disabled and elderly residents has been a longstanding issue. Back in 2017, Astoria residents and accessibility advocates staged a rally calling on the MTA and state to reconsider its plan.

At the time, protesters were told that it was too late and that contracts for the renovation work had already been finalized, said Christine Yearwood, the founder of a group called Up-Stand, which fights for greater accessibility across the citys transit system, including buses.

It's unclear exactly how much the MTA spent on upgrades at the 39th Avenue station. The MTA did not respond to a request for comment, but a contract awarded for the renovations in 2017 allocated $150 million for work at 30th Avenue, 36th Avenue, Broadway and 39th Avenue.

The agency was scheduled have a public meeting this afternoon to discuss accessibility issues.

At meetings with Astoria residents, the agency has said the age of certain stations prohibited the addition of elevators.

But Wright argued that cities like Chicago and Boston with comparably old transit infrastructure have made far greater strides in accessibility. According to the Active Transportation Alliance, 70 percent of the Chicago Transit Authoritys rail stations are accessible.

Yearwood, who has the support of the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association, said she got interested in transit advocacy after having her first child in 2014 and noticing the logistical and physical hurdles for parents and caregivers who take the subway.

The N/W stations in Astoria are above ground and require going up two flights of stairs.

Its physically taxing, she said. Last year, she gave birth to another child and now often finds herself lugging a stroller in addition to carrying her baby, all the while helping her four-year-old navigate steps.

You cant always be holding a baby in one hand and physically lifting the other [child], she said.

In many ways, she said the push to increase accessibility is about giving everyone, including the elderly and the disabled, a chance to experience all that the city has to offer. She has lived in the New York for 12 years, 10 of those in Astoria.

I dont own a car, but I love to get around the city, she said. We frequently take the train and go places every weekend and I go on the subway every week. But I dont know many people who do it to the extent that I do.

UPDATE: The MTA issued the following statement in response:



We thank those who are advocating on behalf of accessibility, which is a top priority of the agency. It is vital that we fund our capital plan, through congestion pricing and other mechanisms, in order to achieve our goal of having no rider further away than two stops away from an accessible station.

Also, an original version of this story misstated the Astoria station that Transit Center identified as one of the 50 that should be prioritized for accessibility. It also misstated the name of Up-Stand, the transit advocacy group founded by Christine Yearwood.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-08 06:14:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United States is imposing a ban on the travel of the Venezuelan National Constituent Assembly's members to the United States, said a U.S. envoy on Venezuela-related issues.

Elliott Abrams, U.S. special envoy for Venezuela, said at a press briefing of the State Department that Washington has revoked visas for the unspecified number of the Venezuelan officials as the United States is seeking to press the country's President Nicolas Maduro to cede powers and leave the nation.

"We are imposing visa restrictions and revoking the visas of members of the illegitimate constituent assembly," he said.

Also at the briefing, the State Department's deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will discuss the issue of Venezuela with EU leaders during his upcoming trip to Europe.

Earlier on the same day, Craig Faller, chief of U.S. Southern Command, said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that the U.S. military is ready to protect U.S. personnel and diplomatic facilities in Venezuela "if necessary."

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Jan. 23 that the United States had recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the nation's "interim president," a move that came after Maduro was inaugurated as president of the Latin American country earlier that month.

In response, Maduro announced he was severing "diplomatic and political" ties with the United States, ordering all the U.S. diplomatic and consular personnel to leave the country in 72 hours.

For years, the United States has been implementing diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions against Venezuela. Right before Maduro's inauguration on Jan. 10, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on seven Venezuelan individuals and 23 entities, accusing them of involvement in a corruption scheme.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-08 05:19:35|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BUCHAREST, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A positive decision will be taken on the enlargement of the Schengen Area, during Romania's presidency at the Council of European Union (EU), Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos expressed his hope on Thursday.

"Romania is ready to join the Schengen Area...the European Commission's stance on Romania's accession to Schengen has been clear and consistent since the evaluation at the end of 2011," the European commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship told a joint press conference with Romanian Interior Minister Carmen Dan, after the conclusion of the Home Affairs section of a two-day informal meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs' ministers of the EU member states.

The establishment of the Schengen area is one of the greatest achievements at European level, with concrete advantages for the EU citizens, Avramopoulos said, stressing that Romania is prepared to join Schengen, and "the decision is now political - it is up to the Member States to decide unanimously on this issue."

"Today, again, we have launched an appeal to all Member States to give a green light, so that during the Romanian Presidency we can see this great country joining the Schengen area," said the European official.

Avramopoulos also underlined that Europe can face future challenges, including terrorism and migration, only through solidarity from all Member States.

He called for measures to ensure better protection and management of the EU external borders, stressing that it is necessary in this respect to further strengthen the European Border and Coast Guard.

The Romanian Minister of Interior said in her turn that that Romania wants to join Schengen during its term of the EU Presidency.

According to her, there was an exploration into the enlargement of the Schengen Area and she will continue talks with her counterparts in the countries that are against Romania's joining the free movement area.

Romania is among the four EU countries that are still not part of the Schengen, alongside Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus.

The Schengen zone, which currently embraces 26 European countries, acknowledges the abolishment of their internal borders with other member nations and outside, for the free and unrestricted movement of people, goods, services and capital.
An Iranian warship launches a missile during Iranian naval maneuvers dubbed Velayat 90 in the Gulf of Oman, Iran, on Jan. 1, 2012. (Xinhua File photo)

TEHRAN, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran will stage large-scale naval drills in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean in near future, deputy commander of the Iranian navy announced Thursday.

Iran's Air Force, marine brigades and naval commando units are also planning to join the maneuvers, Touraj Hassani Moqaddam was quoted as saying by official IRNA news agency.

The drills will be held in an expanse of northern coasts of the Gulf of Oman in the southeast of Iran down to the Indian Ocean, said Moqaddam.

The drills aim to display Iran's capacity to establish security in the region and show its powerful presence in the high seas, he added.

Iran's state-of-the-art hardware, such as naval vessels, submarines, surface-to-sea missiles, drones and electronic warfare equipment, will participate in the naval exercise, the deputy commander said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-08 04:44:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Mahmoud Darwesh, Najla Hamdy

TRIPOLI, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The residents of the neighborhood of Sabri in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi have been struggling with their new lives since returning home after four years of displacement because of the armed conflict between the eastern-based army and militant groups.

In Sabri, Benghazi's most affected area by the conflict, most of the houses are either destroyed or badly damaged, with basic services, such as water and electricity, difficult to access.

"We suffered the physical and psychological oppression of displacement for more than four years ... We suffered severe shortage of cash, as payment of our salaries was delayed," Ibrahim Emsallem, a resident of Sabri, told Xinhua.

"I feel like living in an abandoned place. I bought an electric generator, bought water and secured many of our urgent needs by myself," Emsallem said.

Halima Funas, a widowed mother of three, called on the authorities to provide urgent help.

"Life is very difficult when you have no one to support you. No husband, no cash, and a house almost destroyed. I am trying to live in this house despite the damage," Funas told Xinhua.

"We are humans, not stones," she lamented.

Fatima Mohamed, a mother who lost her only son in the war, expressed her deep dismay at the negligence of the government.

"My son is gone and my life has collapsed after his death. The government did nothing to help except to remove some destroyed buildings and fix a few water pipes and electricity cables," Mohamed told Xinhua.

Mahmoud al-Sabbah, 71, also said the authorities provided little support to stabilize the situation.

"Crime is still high. We could die any moment. Therefore, we must spare no effort to achieve stability in our country," he told Xinhua.

Benghazi, second largest city of Libya and birthplace of the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi, witnessed a fierce war between the army led by Khalifa Haftar and extremist groups.

In June 2017, Haftar announced the takeover of Benghazi and defeat of the rival armed groups in the city.

According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Benghazi is hosting 26,100 internally displaced persons, the largest number in Libya, and 189,025 returnees.

"The majority face difficulties in accessing safe and dignified shelter, as well as medical care, education, and essential goods and services. Many are exposed to risks connected to explosive remnants of war and unexploded ordnances in urban areas," the UNHCR said earlier in February.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-08 04:44:25|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TIRANA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Albania has taken the lead of Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) with the aim of promoting regional development and the European integration process in western Balkans, the Ministry of Finance and Economy said in a statement on Thursday.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy together with the Albanian Mission in the European Union (EU) organized an opening meeting of CEFTA presidency, with the participation of representatives from the European Commission and other partners of the region.

In her opening speech, Albanian ambassador to the EU Suela Janina considered the CEFTA Agreement as one of the cornerstones of the regional economic zone and the European integration process.

"Albania is permanently involved in boosting economic cooperation," said Janina.

In her remarks, the Director at the General Directorate for Enlargement in the European Commission, Myriam Ferran underlined that the Regional Economic Zone remains the most secure platform for the region's integration process and further economic development.

Meanwhile, the Albanian Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy, Albana Shkurta, presented the priorities of Albania's presidency, highlighting the important role of the Free Trade Areas, Free Trade of Goods and Services and the Free Movement of Investment for the economies of the CEFTA parties.

CEFTA main objective is to promote trade in goods and services and facilitate investments in the region by providing a platform for eliminating barriers to trade.

On Jan. 1 this year Albania took over the chairmanship of CEFTA structures.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-08 03:39:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CAIRO, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met on Thursday with his Djiboutian counterpart Mahmoud Ali Youssouf over the establishment of an Egyptian logistic free zone in Djibouti, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Their meeting was held on the sidelines of the preparatory meetings for the 32nd African Union summit in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on Feb. 10-11, which will be chaired by Egypt.

"The project aims at reviving economies of the countries of the Horn of Africa and luring Egyptian investments to Djibouti as well as increasing inter-trade exchange among the region's states," Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said in the statement.

Shoukry hailed "the positive leap" in the relations between Egypt and Djibouti, highlighting his country's keenness on boosting their bilateral ties in various fields.

The two ministers also discussed regional issues of mutual concern including the chaotic situations in Yemen and Somalia and the security of their shared Red Sea waters, according to the Egyptian spokesman.

They also agreed on the necessity of achieving stability in the Horn of African region and realizing the integration among the region's countries through a cooperation program for joint development.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-08 03:04:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Growing China-Africa cooperation in peace and security demonstrates the overall deep partnership between Africa and China, Sierra Leone's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Alie Kabba said Thursday.

Kabba, in an exclusive interview with Xinhua, said that the growing China-Africa cooperation in the area of peace and security "is a demonstration of the deep partnership between the two sides."

"It is time when the focus on peace and security in Africa is at the central stage in the African Union's efforts to make sure that Africa becomes a continent where there is no conflict, and we have the capacity to prevent and resolve conflicts," Kabba said.

"The opportunity to having China and Africa round the table to talk about peace and security in Africa is a demonstration of the deep partnership between the two sides," the foreign minister stressed.

Kabba also commends the progresses made in the implementation of the China-Africa Peace and Security Initiative as part of the commitments made by African and Chinese leaders during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last September.

"We welcome this initiative, because it shows the long-term commitment of China to make sure that Africa is a continent with a focus on long-time development and, therefore, the focus on peace and security is part of the efforts to create a condition for the rapid aspiration of the pace of development in Africa," he said.

The foreign minister, who is in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa to take part at the 34th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council currently underway at the headquarters of the AU from Feb. 7 to 8, also hailed the overall engagement of China in the African continent.

"Overall, the state of cooperation between Africa and China is excellent," Kabba said, adding "Excellent precisely, because for a long time China has been a consistent and reliable partner of Africa."

"All African countries express similar opinion. In fact, the common consensus in Africa is that China is a true friend of Africa, and we see the opportunity in peace and security sector as one more step forward in deepening the ties," he affirmed.

"When we look at the whole continent in terms of infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare and in all these areas China is playing an active role as a major contributor towards the development of Africa," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-08 02:59:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BAGHDAD, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The 46th Baghdad International Book Fair kicked off Thursday with the participation of hundreds of publishers and high attendance of masses of Baghdadi readers, as it sheds more light on eradicating terror and extremism in the war-torn country.

The book fair hosts some 650 domestic and international publishers and will take place across 12 days between Feb. 7 and Feb. 18.

Iraq's President Barham Salih, along with other Iraqi officials and diplomatic delegations from several countries, attended the opening ceremony and gave a brief opening speech during which he asserted the importance of confronting terrorism and extremism through culture.

The organizers named this year's edition of the book fair after slain Iraqi writer Alaa Mashzoub, who was assassinated by unknown gunmen on Saturday in Karbala province. Mashzoub was known for criticizing Iran-backed militias and clerics in Iraq.

During his speech, Salih also condemned the assassination of Mashzoub, saying that "this crime is another motive to eradicate violence and terror and any threat on the life, safety and dignity of the Iraqi civilians."

Steve Clark, the editorial director of Pathfinder Press which was also participating in the exhibition, said that "people around the world have to see ourselves as brothers and sisters, to have solidarity with each other."

Many dropped by the Pathfinder Press booth to leaf through the pages of books on people's struggle from around the world, such as stories about the struggle of black people against authorities in the United States.

Over 2 million books will be displayed across the 12 days of the exhibition.

One of the most interesting Arabic-written Iraqi titles is Safa Kahalf's latest book "Iraq After Daesh", which tells about excessive optimism in post-Islamic State (IS) Iraq amid a continuation of engraving ordeals inflicted on society, such as assassinations, water crises and political corruption.

Among the publishers was Baraa's Publishing House, run by Baraa al-Bayati, a 30-year-old writer and Baghdad's first female bookseller.

"The increasing participation of publishing houses and writers from around the world reflects the success of this exhibition," al-Bayati said, adding that the presence of women in the book fair and all aspects of life is "important" and gives the world a positive idea about the country.

In the center of the hall, five statues of human bodies created with book papers stood on stacks of books installed by Iraqi visual artist Satar Nehma. "It is a fusion between the human body and the book," he said.

"This is an excellent exhibition," Nehma said. "It seems like in Baghdad, we are yearning for such cultural gatherings and activities."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-08 02:13:53|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese orchestra will perform at the UN General Assembly hall Friday evening to entertain diplomats and overseas Chinese in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

The performance marks the first time that the UN headquarters hears a symphony celebrating the most important holiday for the global Chinese community.

The orchestra, from the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou, has arrived in New York, its official WeChat account posted.

Chen Xieyang, the conductor, told the press that the performance would be a medley of Chinese and Western music as well as a fusion of classic and popular pieces.

World-renowned Chinese folk song Jasmine Flower and Western works are included in a repertoire obtained by Xinhua.

Traditional Chinese musical instruments will be featured in the performance.

Besides catering the audience with music, "we hope to introduce Suzhou to the world," Chen said.

Along with the symphony, iSuzhou, a digital platform by the city's publicity authorities, will put up an exhibition at the United Nations, which will feature the history, culture of Chinese Lunar New Year and the lifestyle in Suzhou.
An Iron Dome anti-rocket system is seen during the Juniper Cobra 18 military exercise at the Hatzor Air Force base in Israel, on March 8, 2018. (Xinhua File photo)

JERUSALEM, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli and U.S. militaries will hold a major joint military exercise in Israel next week, the Israeli army said Thursday.

As the most significant joint exercise between the United States and Israel for 2019, the Juniper Falcon 19 will be held from Sunday to Thursday, according to a statement by the Israeli army.

The exercise will involve the U.S. European Command and several Israeli units including the air defense array, the Planning and Operations Directorate as well as logistics and medical units.

Some 300 U.S. troops and about 400 Israeli soldiers are expected to participate.

"The purpose of this exercise is to strengthen the robust and agile partnership, coordination and mutual learning between the two militaries, while improving the readiness to defend against various threats in numerous theaters," the army statement said.

An Israeli F-15 fighter jet takes off during an exercise dubbed " Jupiter Falcon", held between crews from the U.S and Israeli air forces, at Ovda Military Airbase, in southern Israel on May 16, 2017. (Reuters File photo)



The annual Jupiter Falcon exercise is based on "the deep strategic cooperation between the militaries and the two states," it added.

This year's joint exercise will take place amid heightened regional tensions over the U.S. planned withdraw of all forces from Syria, Israel's northern neighbor.

Israel has become increasingly concerned about the presence of Iranian forces in war-torn Syria, where they fight alongside the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

Israel sees Iran as its arch-enemy.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- China Gold International Resources Co. Ltd. (TSX:CGG; HKEx:2099)(China Gold International Resources or the Company) is pleased to provide preliminary full year production results for 2018 and announce annual production guidance for 2019.



2018 Production Highlights - Gold:

 The consolidated gold production from both of the Companys mines was approximately 215,000 ounces, representing a decrease of approximately 9% compared to 2017. This exceeds more than 34% of the previously forecasted production guidance of 160,000 ounces disclosed at the beginning of 2018. Where,

 gold production of approximately 70,000 ounces from the Jiama Copper-Gold Polymetallic Mine (Jiama Mine), representing a 47.3% increase compared to 2017.

 gold production of approximately 145,000ounces from the Chang Shan Hao Gold Mine (CSH Mine), representing a 22% decrease compared to 2017.

2018 Production Highlights - Copper:

Copper production was approximately 121.3 million pounds from the Jiama Mine, representing an increase of approximately 54% compared to 2017. This exceeds more than 21% of the previously forecasted production guidance of 100 million pounds disclosed at the beginning of 2018.

Guidance Highlights for 2019:

The Company anticipates production of approximately 210,000 ounces of gold in 2019.

The Company anticipates production of approximately 132 million pounds of copper in 2019.

The Companys CEO, Mr. Liangyou Jiang, said, Our operating results indicate a solid year overall in 2018. The company exceeded gold and copper production guidance range forecasted at the beginning of 2018 under extremely difficult conditions, I am proud of our team. In the New Year, the company will focus on improving the processing plant recovery and reducing costs. At the same time, we will put more effort on exploration project to locate high grade resources, be well prepared for Jiama to reach its full design capacity and for CSH to Increase profitability.

Final Year-End 2018 Results

China Gold International Resources expects to report its detailed 2018 Year-End financial statements are scheduled to be released on March 28, 2019. The results will be available on the Companys website and SEDAR. In connection with the release, management will hold its annual roadshow and an announcement event to discuss year-end results and performance.

About China Gold International Resources

China Gold International Resources is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and operates both profitable and growing mines, the CSH Mine in Inner Mongolia, and the Jiama Mine in Tibet Autonomous Region of the Peoples Republic of China. The Companys objective is to continue to build shareholder value by growing production at its current mining operations, expanding its resource base, and aggressively acquiring and developing new projects internationally. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGG) and the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 2099).

For further information on China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd., please refer to its SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or contact Tel: 604-609-0598, Email:info@chinagoldintl.com , Website: www.chinagoldintl.com.

Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information regarding China Gold International Resources 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 China Gold International Resources 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. China Gold International Resources cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what China Gold International Resources 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 subject to change after that date.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-08 01:38:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LUSAKA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Former Zambian President Rupiah Banda on Thursday called for an end to lies in the international media about the country's economy.

Banda, who ruled Zambia from Aug. 2008 to Sept. 2011, said it was regrettable that a lot of lies have been told about the country's economy being bleak.

The former Zambian leader cited continued lies being peddled that the country risk losing some of its state-owned enterprises and national assets to debtors such as China.

The lies about the country's economy should be brought to and as they were capable of destroying the image abroad, according to a release from his office, said Banda.

Banda was speaking in South Africa enroute to Nigeria where he is leading a delegation to monitor that country's general election scheduled for Feb. 16.

Incumbent President Edgar Lungu has a group of professionals who would help him develop the country, said Banda, adding that the country was capable of paying back its debt as it was within its limits.

Zambia has never defaulted on any of its loans, he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-08 01:33:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GABORONE, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's ministry of transport and communications on Thursday signed a contract with Chinese firms for the construction of three interchanges.

Tender award for design, build and transfer was awarded to Zhong Gan Engineering and Construction (Pty) Ltd, China Jiangsu International Botswana (Pty) Ltd and Unik Construction Engineering (Pty) Ltd Joint Venture.

"The Chinese firms were awarded the tender because they have fulfilled their contractual obligations before," said the ministry's permanent secretary Kabelo Ebineng during the contract signing ceremony in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city.

"There is no doubt that they will deliver an innovative state of the art product on time, on budget and to the required scope of quality and specifications," he said.

He said the expectation is that the project will be finished in Jan. 2021.

The project, which is estimated to cost 44.72 million U.S. dollars, is part of the Botswana Integrated Transport Project (BITP) that is funded by the government of Botswana in conjunction with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) to the tune of 385.2 million U.S. dollars.

The three interchanges along KT Motsete Drive thus the Western Bypass at Kgale Circle, Rainbow Circle and BTV Circle, similar to the interchange in Francistown, Botswana's second largest city, will contribute towards improved traffic flow in greater Gaborone.

According to Ebineng, the BITP objective is to enhance the efficiency of the transport system by building modern business management capacity and improving the strategic planning aspects of inter-regional transport and critical transport infrastructure.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-08 01:08:23|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SANAA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Yemeni army commander was killed on Thursday in a battle against Houthi rebels in the northwestern province of Hajjah, pro-government media Almasdar Online reported.

Ahmed Abu Hadi, commander of the First Division of the Yemeni Special Forces Brigade, was killed along with dozens of soldiers in the early morning when the government troops attempted to repel an attack by the Houthi rebels in the east of Harad district near the southern border of Saudi Arabia.

The government troops managed to repel the hours-long attack, which also led to the injury of dozens of soldiers.

Meanwhile, the Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for killing Abu Hadi, another Yemeni military officer, according to a statement carried by the Houthi-controlled Saba news agency.

Harad, a small district located about 6 km south of the Saudi border province of Jizan, is in the control of the Yemeni government troops backed by the Saudi-led coalition forces.

The Special Forces Brigade is one of the Yemeni brigades re-established in 2015 near the Saudi southern borders with the task of advancing toward the northern rebel-held provinces of Hajjah, Saada and Jawf.

Thursday's deadly attack was the latest by the rebels against the government troops.

On Jan. 10, the Houthi rebels launched a deadly drone attack on the Yemeni government military parade in the southern province of Lahj, killed six senior military leaders including the military intelligence chief Mohammed Tammah and the deputy chief of staff Saleh Zindani.

Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after the Iranian-allied Houthi rebels forced him into exile and seized much of the country's north, including the capital Sanaa.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-08 01:03:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TALLINN, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A live Estonian TV broadcast of pre-election debate of five female major party representatives on Thursday highlighted the ongoing campaign ahead of the March parliamentary election.

The all-women panelists included Yana Toom, an Estonian politician and Member of the European Parliament from the incumbent ruling Center Party in coalition with the Social Democrats (SDE) and Pro Patria, Riina Sikkut, Estonian Minister of Health and Labour from the SDE, Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, Member of the Estonian parliament Riigikogu from the Reform party, Eva-Liisa Luhamets from Pro Patria and Liina Normet from the party Estonia 200.

Focusing on topics such as women in politics, education, tax system and healthcare, as well as urban planning among others, the debate in English preceded another on Friday of nine major party representatives to explain the party members' views on various important topics before the general election on Mar. 3.

A total of 1,099 candidates from 10 political parties and 15 independent candidates have been registered for the elections, according to the Estonian National Electoral Committee.

The latest January voter poll commissioned by Estonian Public Broadcasting Corporation showed that the Estonian Center Party, led by the Estonian Prime Minister Yuri Ratas, had 33 percent voter support, to be followed by Reform, at 25 percent, and the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE), at 17 percent. The SDE had 7 percent and Pro Patria, 6 percent, while newcomer Estonia 200 crashed back to the election threshold at 5 percent.

Out of the Estonian population of 1.32 million, a total of 958,571 people including 77,881 Estonian citizens living abroad can vote in the upcoming general election, the Estonian Ministry of the Interior confirmed on Monday.

The current 13th Estonian parliament Riigikogu was elected on Mar. 1, 2015, with Estonian Reform Party winning 27.7 percent votes, followed by Estonian Center Party's 24.8 percent, and a turnout of 64.2 percent.

In November 2016, Ratas took over from the then Prime Minister Taavi Roivas from the Estonian Reform Party after the latter lost a confidence vote in parliament, forming a new coalition government.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 23:58:05|Editor: mym

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Photo taken on Feb. 7, 2019 shows the capsized speedboat off Thailand's Koh Samet island. The Chinese Embassy in Thailand said on Thursday that a speedboat carrying Chinese tourists capsized off Thailand's Koh Samet island, leaving two Chinese tourists injured but not in critical condition. The volunteer rescue team which participated in the rescue mission said on social media that the incident happened at around 13:00 p.m. local time and the boat carried 23 Chinese tourists, one tour guide and two crew members. (Xinhua)

BANGKOK, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Thailand said on Thursday that a speedboat carrying Chinese tourists capsized off Thailand's Koh Samet island, leaving two Chinese tourists injured but not in critical condition.

The volunteer rescue team which participated in the rescue mission said on social media that the incident happened at around 13:00 p.m. local time and the boat carried 23 Chinese tourists, one tour guide and two crew members.

The Chinese Embassy told the media that after learning of the capsizing, it attached great importance to the incident and immediately activated emergency response mechanism, urging Thai police and hospitals to spare no efforts in rescuing and treating the affected.

It also asked relevant travel agencies to take good care of the affected Chinese tourists and make proper arrangements for follow-up matters.

The Chinese Embassy said that the two injured Chinese tourists are not in critical condition and all the tourists have returned to their local hotel.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, according to Thai media.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 23:22:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ULAN BATOR, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- With new clothes, scrumptious food and well wishes, Mongolians across the country are celebrating the traditional "White Moon" festival which symbolizes the start of spring and the end of a harsh winter.

In the capital city of Ulan Bator and the country's other 21 provinces, Mongolians celebrate the annual national festival, also known as the Lunar New Year, with family feasts.

According to the lunar calendar, the first day of this year's Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday. Although Thursday is the final day of the official holiday, the celebration usually lasts at least one week in the landlocked country.

As a family festival consisting of a number of ceremonies, the White Moon has been celebrated for several centuries by Mongolians.

Mongolians during this time prepare several traditional meals and foods such as steamed sheep, milk and cheese, salad and baked goods, all for a big family dinner.

"Our ancestors believed that the more abundant the holiday table is, the richer the upcoming year will be," former Mongolian female herder Jagdal Khandsuren said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 23:17:55|Editor: zh

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Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai addresses a reception for the anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations and the Chinese New Year at the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 6, 2019. Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai on Wednesday called for more cooperation between China and the United States as their diplomatic ties reached its 40th anniversary. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai on Wednesday called for more cooperation between China and the United States as their diplomatic ties reached its 40th anniversary.

Addressing a reception for the anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations and the Chinese New Year at the Chinese embassy, Cui said history has proven that cooperation serves the interest of both countries.

"The past 40 years have proved that cooperation is in the interests of both countries while confrontation hurts both," Cui said, adding "there is no better option for us than cooperation."

Cui said cooperation is not only essential for both countries but for the world, adding that overcoming the global financial crisis and finding a political solution to the situation on the Korean Peninsula are two success stories where the two countries worked side by side.

"New global challenges keep coming up. More than ever before, the world needs China and the U.S. to work together," Cui said.

Acknowledging the differences between China and the United States, Cui said both countries "need to properly handle differences."

"We need to respect each other's independent choice of social systems and paths of development, and accommodate each other's core interests and concerns," Cui said, adding that "whether on economic or security issues, we can always find a way out if we address the differences with candor and good faith, based on mutual respect and common interest."

Cui warned that talks of "decoupling" China and the United States would be disastrous for the world economy, pledging that "China will open its door wider to the United States and look forward to more cooperation at various levels."

"We are the two largest economies in the world. Each has its own strengths. Each is complementary to the other. Both have much greater opportunities if we stay open to each other. Both will be much more prosperous if we cooperate with each other," Cui said.

Cui also called on the two countries to promote mutual understanding, stay open to each other, step up people-to-people exchanges and get more connected.

Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, who attended the event, resonated with Cui's words, saying that he "can't conceive" that both country would "decouple."

"We are so integrated that to think of a world where China is on its own and the United States is on its own, I can't conceive that," he said.

National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs Matt Pottinger, also at the event, said he was "delighted to be celebrating 40 years of official ties" and that he was "looking forward to a productive and prosperous relationship."

Approximately 750 guests attended the reception, including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and a number of U.S. lawmakers.

The guests were able to wander through an exhibition of photos documenting the 40 years of China-U.S. relationship, and were offered a taste of traditional Chinese culture as Chinese craftsmen demonstrated porcelain painting, costume making and displayed lion dance props.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 23:17:54|Editor: Chengcheng

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TASHKENT, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan will hold its first Council of Foreign Investors meeting jointly with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the first half of this year, the Uzbek Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade said Thursday.

Preparation for the event was discussed during the meeting with Bruno Balvanera, EBRD managing director for Central Asia, the ministry said.

The Council of Foreign Investors is being set up jointly with the EBRD and will be chaired by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The council's activities "will be aimed at making specific recommendations for the government on improving the investment climate, providing a favorable, non-discriminatory, transparent business climate to attract foreign investments," the ministry said.

The council will consist of representatives of the Uzbek government, the EBRD, and other international financial institutions and development banks.

EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti will visit Uzbekistan to take part in the council's first meeting, according to the ministry.

The EBRD has so far provided 622.5 million U.S. dollars of loans for seven projects aimed at improving the water supply and district heating systems in the capital Tashkent and other regions of the country, as well as modernizing the electric power industry.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 22:47:44|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MANAMA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said his country is a member of the international coalition to combat terrorism, in particular the Islamic State (IS) group, Bahrain News Agency reported Thursday.

According to a statement issued by Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the minister said the countries needs to exert more effort to secure a comprehensive defeat of the terrorist group in Iraq and Syria to restore stability, security and development in the liberated areas.

At a ministerial meeting of Global Coalition to Defeat IS held in Washington, he also stressed the need to dry up the financial resources of the terrorists.

The counter-terrorism efforts would also lead to a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause, he added.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 6, 2019. (Xinhua/AFP)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) would soon regain control of all of the land previously held by the group, and defended his earlier decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.

While speaking at a ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat IS held at the State Department, the U.S. leader said that "it should be formally announced, sometime, probably next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate, but I want to wait for the official word. I don't want to say it too early."

Trump also repeated his note in Tuesday's State of the Union (SOTU) address that "the United States military, our coalition partners and the Syrian Democratic Forces have liberated virtually all of the territory previously held by ISIS in Syria and Iraq."

Trump also said that member nations' cooperation are still in need to combat the IS since "remnants" of the group can be dangerous.

He reiterated that the U.S. force in Syria shall come back home and "we look forward to giving our brave warriors in Syria a warm welcome-back-home."

The U.S.-led coalition has been engaged in an operation to drive out the IS militants from their last stronghold in the eastern Euphrates region in eastern Syria.

In December, however, Trump announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, citing military progress in Syria. The decision has led to the resignation of then U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis.

The decision has also raised eyebrows in the U.S. military. General Joseph Votel, the chief commander of U.S. Central Command, said on Tuesday that "it is important to understand that... the fight against IS and violent extremists is not over" and the IS forces have the ability of coming back.

Earlier on Wednesday in the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tried to reassure the coalition members by saying that "Trump's announcement that U.S. troops will be withdrawing from Syria is not the end of America's fight."

"The drawdown of troops is essentially a tactical change," he said, adding "It simply represents a new stage in an old fight... and our policy priorities in Syria have remained unchanged."

While urging to remove "all Iranian-led forces from Syria," the U.S. top diplomat also said Washington will make requests "very soon" to the coalition members regarding their military campaign in Syria.

"Now is the time for all of us - not just America - to put our money where our mouth is. Everyone should contribute," he said.

The White House also tries to dispel worries over the consequences of Trump's abrupt withdrawal decision.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, a senior administration official told the media via teleconference that Trump just "doesn't believe that the United States can solve this problem (fighting IS) externally."

"He thinks it is something we can assist with, it's something we can encourage, but that has to come from within the Muslim community," the official said. "I don't think it's accurate to say that because 2,000 troops are coming out of Northeast Syria that we are wrapping up in the Middle East."

However, the White House has shown little interests in helping Syria recover from years' conflicts.

When asked about U.S. commitment to the reconstruction in the war-torn nation after the defeat of the IS, the official noted that "we are not going to do anything in terms of reconstruction that would bolster the regime absent fairly significant political concessions on the part of Assad."
TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust (SmartCentres) (TSX:SRU.UN), the Penguin Group of Companies (Penguin) owned by Mitchell Goldhar, and Revera Inc., a leading Canadian senior living sector company, announced today that the three companies have executed an overall agreement to develop and own new retirement living residences across Canada. In addition, SmartCentres and Revera have executed specific site agreements to proceed with the first three projects in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The projects will include 536 units, consisting of seniors apartments and retirement residences in Vaughan and Oakville. The total investment will be approximately $300 million. It is expected that construction on all three projects will start in Spring 2020, subject to municipal approvals.



Under the terms of the overall agreement, there are many sites which are currently owned by SmartCentres, Penguin and Revera that have been specifically identified for this development program. SmartCentres or Penguin will act as the developer for these sites. Revera will operate the Revera branded retirement living residences. The retirement living residences will be co-owned 50/50 by each partner.

The introduction of retirement living residences on our sites is just one example of the synergistic intensification opportunities available in our portfolio of well-located shopping centres, said Peter Forde, President & CEO of SmartCentres. Seniors and their guests will enjoy the activities and the shopping available in the surrounding retail space. We look forward to this new relationship with Revera, generating at least 5 new residences per year for the foreseeable future.

We are very pleased that this joint venture with SmartCentres is opening up new opportunities to bring more best-in-class seniors housing options to Canadian communities, starting with the GTA, said Thomas Wellner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Revera Inc. This strategic partnership leverages our organizations blend of complementary, innovative expertise in development and in the seniors housing market. For Revera, the joint venture is an exciting contributor to our long-term strategic focus on growth in key market segments to enhance the aging experience for the residents we serve.

Our strategy is to extract deeply imbedded value from each of our existing properties across Canada by developing residential, seniors, office and self-storage facilities, said Mitchell Goldhar, Executive Chairman of the SmartCentres Board, and SmartCentres REITs largest unitholder. This will result in new sources of non-retail income growth. And the new arrangement with Revera will accelerate this strategy.

About Revera

Revera is a leading Canadian-owned and headquartered, owner, investor, developer and operator in the senior living sector. Through its portfolio of partnerships, Revera owns or operates more than 500 properties across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, serving more than 55,000 seniors. The company offers seniors apartments, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and long term care. With approximately 50,000 employees dedicated to providing exceptional care and service, Revera is helping seniors live life to the fullest. Through Age is More, Revera is committed to challenging ageism, the companys social cause of choice. Find out more at ReveraLiving.com, Facebook.com/Revera Inc or on Twitter @Revera_Inc.

About SmartCentres

SmartCentres is one of Canadas largest real estate investment trusts with total assets of approximately $9.4 billion. It owns and manages 34 million square feet of retail space in value-oriented, principally Walmart-anchored retail centres, having the strongest national and regional retailers as well as strong neighborhood merchants. In addition, SmartCentres is a joint-venture partner in the Premium Outlets locations in Toronto and Montreal with Simon Property Group.

SmartCentres is now expanding the breadth of its portfolio to include residential (single-family, condominium and rental), retirement homes, office, and self-storage, either on its large urban properties such as the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre or as an adjunct to its well-located existing shopping centres. For more information on SmartCentres, visit www.smartcentres.com.

About Penguin Group of Companies

Penguin Group of Companies is a private company owned by Mitchell Goldhar. Penguin owns real estate across Canada at various stages of development including an interest in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre 100-acre master planned development. Penguins portfolio includes 12 properties co-owned with Walmart. Mr. Goldhar has also developed an emerging network of Penguin Pick-Up locations offering free, convenient pick-up locations for online purchases, and Penguin Fresh, an on-line food marketplace. The Penguin Pick-Up network now has 108 locations, including some co-branded with Walmart. For more information visit www.penguinpickup.com.

Certain statements in this Press Release are "forward-looking statements" that reflect SmartCentres expectations regarding future growth and business prospects. More specifically, certain statements that contain words such as "expect", "will", and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts and constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements reflect SmartCentres current beliefs and are based on information currently available to SmartCentres. However, such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release are based on what SmartCentres believes to be reasonable assumptions, SmartCentres cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. These forward-looking statements are made as at the date of this Press Release and SmartCentres assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances unless otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

For more information, please contact:
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 22:32:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Enemy threats cannot intimidate the Islamic republic into negotiations over its missile program, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri said here on Thursday.

"Our message to arrogant governments, which have excessive demands (from Iran), is that we are ready to defend the nation and counter their different plots," Bagheri was quoted as saying by the state TV.

"Besides, we will not be intimidated by their threats into bargaining over our own defense and missile power as well as regional interests," he said.

The Iranian armed forces have managed to domestically produce up to 80 percent of their required military equipment in ground, aerial, naval sectors as well as in missile defense areas, he said at an exhibition of defense achievements in the capital Tehran on Thursday.

He also stressed that Iran is ready to share its military experience with brotherly and Muslim countries to promote their fight against terrorism.

Defiant to western calls to halt its ballistic missile program, Iran has unveiled an indigenous long-range cruise missile, Hoveizeh, which has a range of 1,350 km, high precision and accuracy, and cruises at low altitudes to be used for ground targets.

Also, semi-official Fars news agency reported that Iran has mounted guided warheads on its "most destructive" and long-range Khorramshahr-2 missile, which can be remotely controlled to hit the target.

Khorramshahr-2 missile is able to carry warheads with the weight of nearly 2 tons and has a range of 2,000 km and is capable of carrying multiple warheads.

Iran has vowed to continue to develop and test missiles in line with its deterrence policy.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 22:02:34|Editor: Yurou

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JINAN, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- "Tashi Delek!" Tibetan student Oden was presenting hatas to his Han "family." They are celebrating the New Year together, as Tibetan New Year coincides with Spring Festival this year.

Monday marks the new year eve. Oden and his classmate Gosang Geleg gather with their paired family. They are Tibetan students studying in Jinan Tibetan Junior High School in east China's Shandong Province.

Every year, 150 newly enrolled students in this school are paired with local families with whom they can spend weekends, holidays and celebrate festivals together.

"They are my family in Shandong," Oden said.

In his opinion, the happiest thing about New Year is getting together with the family. His parents also traveled from Tibet to see him. "It feels like I have two families now," he said.

Back in the 1980s, the government started to support children from Tibet to attend junior high schools in the economically better-off central, eastern and southern China.

According to the education department of Tibet Autonomous Region, by the end of 2016, more than 110,000 local students, 70 percent of whom are children of farmers and herdsmen, had entered junior high schools in other regions thanks to the policy.

Wang Hongyan is the host mother for Oden and Gosang Geleg.

"When I first met them, the pure smiles on their faces warmed me up," she said. "They are more than welcome in our family."

Wang's son Li Tianrun is studying in Jinan No. 68 Junior High School. She said when the son brought the message from school that they would paired up with the Tibetan students, she was excited.

"The project has been running for nine years, and parents like Wang Hongyan have always been supportive," said Wang Xuefeng, vice principal of Jinan No.68 Junior High School.

At 2 p.m. on Monday, when Oden and Gosang Geleg, both dressed up in Tibetan traditional costume, arrived at their Han family, the new year celebration began.

"I'm a dumpling lover, and this is the first time for me to know how they are made," Oden said. After kneading the dough, slicing beef and chive, he was wrapping the filling, following the instructions of Wang.

"It is an entirely different experience from celebrating new year back home, but we feel the same happiness," the two Tibetan young men said.

Over 3,500 km away in Lhasa, the regional capital of Tibet, the family of Oden's aunt was also busy preparing for the New Year's Eve dinner. Instead of dumplings, they were making kasai, a traditional Tibetan fried pastry made of flour and butter.

"As a must to greet Tibetan New Year and a symbol of family bond, Kasai is the Tibetan people's unique way to greet the upcoming New Year, but both dumpling and kasai represent people's hope for the future," aunt Rigzin Choskyi said.

"Happy New Year!" Rigzin Choskyi said hello to Wang's family, asked Oden to take care of himself and said the rest of the family miss him lots.

As the night sky was illuminated by bright fireworks, the Han-Tibetan family sit at the table enjoying a big dinner, where New Year's Eve was celebrated with laughter and joyful Tibetan songs.

"We also learned a lot about Tibet today," Wang said. It is a golden opportunity for her son to broaden his horizons by making friends from a different cultural background.

Wang said they want to do as much as they can to take care of the Tibetan boys so their parents worry less about them.

Covering 2.2 hectares, Jinan Tibetan Junior High School now has nearly 500 Tibetan students. Different from other junior high schools, its curriculum includes Tibetan language and photography.

"We want to go to senior high school in Beijing, and go back to Tibet after college," Oden said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 21:42:31|Editor: xuxin

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MOSCOW, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Thursday that Moscow will take comprehensive measures to ensure its security if the United States leaves the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

"If the United States reconsiders its destructive line and returns to compliance with the INF Treaty, Russia is open to meaningful dialogue on the subject of the treaty and other issues of strategic stability," Ryabkov told a press conference.

He said that on Feb. 2, the Russian Embassy in Washington received a note from the U.S. State Department with official notification about leaving treaty.

In a response note on Feb. 4, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Moscow would suspend its obligations under the treaty "for the period before the United States returns to strict compliance with the treaty or until its termination," Ryabkov said.

He recalled that to save the INF Treaty, Russia has done its utmost to engage the United States in conversation and offering concrete initiatives to find a solution.

However, all Russian efforts were ignored or blocked by the United States, the senior diplomat said.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced last week that the United States is withdrawing from the INF Treaty, citing Russia's violation of the deal, a claim that has been repeatedly denied by Moscow.

Pompeo's announcement, made nearly 60 days after Washington threatened to quit the historic INF Treaty, will start a six-month countdown period, which will lead to a permanent exit from the pact inked in 1987 between the United States and the then-Soviet Union.

The INF Treaty marked the first-ever pact reached by Washington and Moscow on nuclear disarmament and a major step forward in restricting the arms race.

However, the two sides have accused each other of violating the arms control agreement in recent years amid increasing tensions.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 21:37:27|Editor: xuxin

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STOCKHOLM, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A bomb threat forced a passenger aircraft on route from Stockholm to Nice (France) to turn around on Thursday morning, Swedish Television SVT News reported.

All 169 passengers on board were safely evacuated just after noon local time, after the plane returned to Stockholm's Arlanda airport. No injuries have been reported so far.

"The plane was flying over Vaxjo when the bomb threat occurred. However, I have no information on how the threat was conveyed. The plane then returned to Arlanda, where it landed at 11:14 a.m.," Daniel Lindblad of the Swedish Maritime Administration told SVT News.

According to the Administration's naval and aircraft rescue center, which is responsible for flight rescue, the alarm came to the center via air traffic control in Malmo. The alarm was received at 10:40 a.m. -- half an hour after the aircraft left Stockholm.

Police are on site at Arlanda to investigate. According to SVT News, Swedish border police, the National Task Force and the international bomb disposal task force are now in place.

Norwegian Airlines confirmed in a press release that the bomb threat was directed at one of their flights. "For safety reasons, the aircraft returned to Arlanda. Norwegian's main priority right now is the safety of our passengers and employees."

The nature and source of the bomb threat have not yet been reported.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 21:32:25|Editor: Chengcheng

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British Prime Minister Theresa May (1st L) walks with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (1st R) and European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier (C) in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 7, 2019. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BRUSSELS, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May were constructive and robust, but the European Union (EU) will not reopen negotiations on the Brexit deal, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Thursday in a joint statement.

Juncker underlined that the Withdrawal Agreement represents a carefully balanced compromise between the EU and Britain, in which both sides have made significant concessions to arrive at a deal, said the statement read out by European Commission chief spokesperson Margaritis Schinas.

"President Juncker however expressed his openness to add wording to the Political Declaration agreed by the EU27 and the UK in order to be more ambitious in terms of content and speed when it comes to the future relationship between the European Union and the UK," said the statement.

He also drew attention to the fact that any solution would have to be agreed by the European Parliament and the EU27, said the statement.

For May's part, the prime minister described the context in the British Parliament, and the motivation behind last week's vote in the House of Commons seeking a legally binding change to the terms of the backstop, said the statement.

"She raised various options for dealing with these concerns in the context of the Withdrawal Agreement in line with her commitments to the Parliament," said the statement.

Despite the challenges, the two leaders agreed that their teams should hold talks as to whether a way through can be found that would gain the broadest possible support in the British Parliament and respect the guidelines agreed by the European Council. The prime minister and the president will meet again before the end of February to take stock of these discussions, read the statement.

May arrived in Brussels earlier Thursday to meet Juncker, European Council President Donald Tusk and President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani for further talks on Brexit concessions despite the EU's repeated denial of renegotiation.

May reportedly aimed to formally ask the EU to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement following the passing by the British Parliament last week of the so-called Brady amendment, which calls for "alternative arrangements" to replace the contentious Irish backstop, the prime minister's spokesman said Tuesday in London.

"Following the vote, work has been taking place on all of the options and it is important for that to take place before we go to Brussels," the spokesman said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 20:42:12|Editor: xuxin

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BRUSSELS, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May were constructive and robust, but the European Union (EU) will not reopen negotiation on the Brexit deal, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Thursday in a joint statement.

May arrived in Brussels earlier Thursday to meet Juncker, European Council President Donald Tusk and President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani for further talks on Brexit concessions despite the EU's repeated denial of renegotiation.

May reportedly aimed to formally ask the EU to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement following the passing by the British Parliament last week of the so-called Brady amendment, which calls for "alternative arrangements" to replace the contentious Irish backstop, the prime minister's spokesman said Tuesday in London.

"Following the vote, work has been taking place on all of the options and it is important for that to take place before we go to Brussels," the spokesman said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 20:37:11|Editor: xuxin

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SARAJEVO, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A total of 31 illegal migrants were intercepted on Wednesday night in the area of Gradiska, some 260 kilometers north of Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH's) capital Sarajevo, Gradiska Police Administration told local media Thursday.

It is the biggest group of intercepted migrants in Gradiska. Among them, police officers found 13 citizens of Iraq, 7 of Syria, and 4 of Libya.

The police confirmed that these migrants were handed over to members of the country's Border Police.

Hundreds of thousands of migrants passed through the so-called "Balkan route" in 2015, trying to reach Western Europe. BiH was then not part of that route. The increasing number of migrants was recorded from the end of 2017, and since January this year, over 23,900 migrants and refugees arrived through Serbia and Montenegro.

Currently, there are between 4,000 and 5,000 migrants on the territory of BiH.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 20:17:06|Editor: Chengcheng

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Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (R) holds talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Bratislava, Slovak, Feb. 7, 2019. Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini has signalled he asked German Chancellor Angela Merkel to support Slovakia's bid for the seat of the European Labour Authority (ELA), currently based in the United Kingdom. (Xinhua/TASR)

BRATISLAVA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini has signalled he asked German Chancellor Angela Merkel to support Slovakia's bid for the seat of the European Labour Authority (ELA), currently based in the United Kingdom.

Pellegrini confirmed it at a press conference after meeting with Merkel in Bratislava on Thursday.

"We're a reliable and responsible partner, the only eurozone country in this region, and I believe that we're able to participate fully in deciding on the most important European questions," stated Pellegrini, adding that it's vital for Slovakia to look for a way to the table at which Europe's future direction will be decided.

Merkel didn't confirm support for Slovakia.

"We keep in touch and in dialogue," she said, praising the economic cooperation with Slovakia, especially in automotive industry.

"Slovakia, having only 5.4 million inhabitants, has a very good trade balance with Germany," stressed Merkel.

In regards to the move by Germany and France towards closer integration and the resumption of discussions on the so-called core of the European Union (EU), Pellegrini said that cooperation between the two strongest EU countries is significant and essential.

Merkel will also later meet in Bratislava the prime ministers of V4 countries -- Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia. The talks will be focused on the 30th anniversary of social changes in Europe, European agenda, foreign policy, as well as enhancing political, economic and development cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 19:51:56|Editor: xuxin

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KABUL, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A two-day peace meeting in Moscow has called for full withdrawal of U.S.-led forces from Afghanistan, a plan the Taliban said would pave the way for ensuring lasting peace in the country, local media Tolo News TV reported Thursday, quoting a joint declaration issued by Taliban representatives and Afghan politicians late Wednesday.

A number of key Afghan political parties and politicians and a delegation from the Qatar-based Taliban political office attended the two-day peace meeting, which ended late Wednesday, according to the report.

The meeting was held without the presence of Afghan government officials, as the negotiations were held by Russia-based Afghan associations.

The participants agreed on protection of social, economic, political and educational rights of women and freedom of speech in line with the Islamic principles and efforts to attract international assistance for the reconstruction of the country's infrastructures.

In order to promote an intra-Afghan dialogue to find a political solution to the ongoing conflict, the meeting outlined a nine-point declaration, according to which the two sides unanimously agreed to soon hold the next round of talks in Qatar, where Taliban's political office is based.

Issues agreed on the meeting also included continuation of a regular intra-Afghan peace dialogue, supporting Qatar talks and considering the talks a positive step towards ending war, bringing systematic reforms in all national institutions including security sector after signing peace deal, necessity of the regional and the major countries cooperation to determine a lasting and inclusive peace in Afghanistan, among others.

Releasing Taliban inmates who have completed their prison terms, removal of Taliban leaders' name from the UN blacklist and continuation of operation of Taliban political office in Qatar aimed at acceleration of peace talk, have also been discussed and agreed on.

The Afghan government has not reacted to the outcome of the meeting so far, but earlier in the week President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said the politicians attending the Moscow talks had no executive power and were not officially representing the country.

The Afghan government has frequently said that it supported any peace efforts anywhere in Afghanistan or abroad.

Both Afghan and U.S. government have denied a specific timetable for foreign troops withdrawal from Afghanistan following U.S.-Taliban talks in Qatar late last month, unless peace was restored in the country.

"In recent days, I've heard some individual Taliban officials claim we have a troop withdrawal timetable for Afghanistan... No troop withdrawal timetable exists," U.S. special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted earlier on Thursday.

President Ghani also said that during his telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday, he was assured that "military unity" would exist between the United States and Afghanistan, until a lasting peace is restored in Afghanistan.

"Taliban will start negotiation with Afghan government in next summit soon. It's a great progress," Abdul Satar Saadat, Afghan president's former legal advisor and former Chairman of Afghan Independent Electoral Complaints Commission tweeted earlier on the day.
TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- COIN Hodl Inc. (the "Company") (TSX-V:COIN) announces today the resignation of Daniel Crandall as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The Company is pleased to announce that Aamer Siddiqui will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer. Aamer Siddiqui is a Manager of Financial Reporting at Marrelli Support Services Inc. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant who began his career working in public accounting with one of Ontarios largest external audit firms. He has years of experience providing financial advisory, budgeting, Canadian tax and assurance services to a wide range of clients. Mr. Siddiqui has worked extensively with companies in the technology sector, including a large number of high growth knowledge based companies.



The Company further wishes to announce that, as a result of market conditions over the past 12-18 months, the Company is considering investment opportunities in industries and sectors outside of the cryptocurrency and block chain space.

About COIN Hodl

The Company is among the first vehicles listed on a major exchange to offer exposure to multiple digital currencies. The Company's main objective is to generate returns by investing in the major cryptocurrencies. It provides this exposure to retail and institutional investors in a secure, cost effective, and transparent way.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Ben Cubitt

CEO

(416) 479-5407

ir@coinhodlinc.com

DISCLAIMER & READER ADVISORY

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 or has in any way approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the parties' current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to name change, including obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the parties. The forward looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the parties are not obligated to update or revise any forward looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 19:36:53|Editor: xuxin

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YAOUNDE, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon army said on Thursday ten armed separatists were killed and six soldiers wounded in a clash in Ndawara, a locality in Northwest, one of the country's two strife-torn English-speaking regions.

"Secessionist terrorists ambushed a military truck in Ndawara. They stood on a hill and started rolling down stones to hit the vehicle. Six soldiers were wounded, among whom three were seriously injured." The army said in a statement.

The army regularly refers to armed separatists as "secessionist terrorists".

On Tuesday, armed separatists began what they called a "10-day lockdown" banning all sorts of activities in the two war-torn Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest from Tuesday to Feb. 14 as a move to disrupt National Youth Day activities expected to be celebrated on Feb. 11.

An armed insurgency started in the regions in November 2017, after separatists declared the "independence" of a "nation" they called "Ambazonia", complaining of systematic marginalization of minority anglophones in the largely French-speaking country.

Fighting is escalating in the two regions despite repeated appeals by President Paul Biya for separatists to give up their weapons and follow the right track.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 19:36:53|Editor: xuxin

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TANA RIVER, Kenya, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Thursday blamed food insecurity in coastal Kenya especially in Tana River county to over reliance on rainfed farming.

Joseph Mathooko, FAO field monitoring officer said for the region to realize good harvest and achieve food security, there is need to adopt irrigation farming as opposed to rainfed agriculture that has proved unreliable over the years.

"Going by the realities of climate change, we must face the reality and start deviating from relying on rainfall for food production and embrace irrigation farming both at large scale and small scale," Mathooko noted during a field visit to the region.

The FAO official said farmers in the region realized total crop failure during the last cropping season as a result of over dependence on rainfed farming.

He observed that the UN food agency acted following a request from the government and provided maize, cow pea, green grams, paddy rice and kale seeds to the people who were affected by floods in Tana River county.

The UN official said that besides providing seeds, FAO also gave farmers farm implements and tools to replace theirs that were washed away by the floods.

Ramadhan Mwamwero, deputy county director of agriculture for Tana River County said that with the availability of water from River Tana, the region is capable of producing abundant food for domestic consumption and for export.

"Farmers who relied on rainfall for their farming got zero harvest while those who planted under irrigation had a bumper crop success," Mwamwero said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 19:21:49|Editor: xuxin

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WELLINGTON, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The latest Crown accounts show the New Zealand government's financial position and underlying economic fundamentals are in good shape, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said on Thursday.

The Treasury released the Crown's financial results for the six months to December 2018, which showed revenue and expenses within 0.4 percent and 0.9 percent of the Treasury's forecasts, respectively, and a 1.1 billion-NZ dollar (743.5 million-U.S. dollar) OBEGAL (operating balance before gains and losses) surplus at Dec. 31.

"The surplus is used for capital investments and helps us keep government debt under control," Robertson said in a statement.

Net core Crown debt is near forecast at 22.1 percent of GDP, down from 23.2 percent a year ago. The forecasts show the government is on track to meet the Budget Responsibility Rule of reducing net debt to 20 percent of GDP within five years of taking office, Robertson said.

"The volatile global situation shows why it's important that we are managing the government's finances carefully by running surpluses and keeping expenses and debt under control," he said.

New Zealand is "in a good position" to handle risks such as Brexit, the minister said.

"Our domestic economic situation is reflected in the Crown accounts. Corporate tax receipts in the six months to December were 9.8 percent higher than a year ago, highlighting strong underlying business fundamentals," Robertson said.

The accounts also reflect New Zealand having one of the strongest labor markets in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 18:56:41|Editor: xuxin

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LUSAKA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) has given Zambia a grant of about 800,000 Euros to help the nation implement trade-related programs in gold mining and agro-based sectors, a senior Zambian official said Wednesday.

Kayula Siame, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, said the new grant, which follows an initial grant of 420,000 Euros, will help formalize 12 mining cooperatives.

The grant, offered through the Southern African Development Community Trade Related Facility project, will be used to procure gold panning and mining equipment for the cooperatives as well as to buy other equipment to help small-scale gold miners, according to Siame.

She said the grant will also help train selected farmers for food safety and management systems.

The official said she believed that these activities will gain meaningful results.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 18:16:30|Editor: Chengcheng

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Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri (R) and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte attend a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Feb. 7, 2019. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

BEIRUT, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Thursday that Italy is ready to invest in Lebanon and Italian companies are willing to offer their expertise to their Lebanese counterparts, local TV Channel MTV reported.

"We agreed to organize a visit for Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri to Italy to encourage Italian companies to invest in development projects in Lebanon," Conte said at a joint press conference with Hariri at Beirut's Grand Serail.

Conte arrived Thursday morning in Lebanon for an official visit. He was received by Hariri in an official ceremony at the Grand Serail.

Conte said that Italy will continue to support Lebanon on all levels.

Meanwhile, Hariri said Italian companies are active in fields such as oil and gas and electricity.

"We want to encourage these companies to come and explore investment opportunities in Lebanon," he said.

Hariri added that Lebanon is about to implement numerous infrastructure projects under the framework of CEDRE in which Italian companies can have a stake.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 17:51:25|Editor: xuxin

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BANGKOK, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Two people were injured after a tourist boat with 23 on board overturned near Koh Samet island in southeastern Thailand on Thursday, local media reported.

All 23 were rescued while two foreign tourists suffered injuries and were hospitalized, according to Thai News Agency.

The boat, carrying 20 tourists and three crew members, overturned at noon. Voluntary rescue team members rescued them and brought them back to shore.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 17:46:22|Editor: xuxin

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CAPE TOWN, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in South African major news outlets on Thursday.

-- President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver his second State of the Nation Address as pressure mounts on him to act on corruption and clean up the state.

Ramaphosa has promised in recent days to fix the ailing economy and turn around state-owned entities. (Independent Online)

-- The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the arrests of five men who were probed in its initial investigation into facilities company Bosasa and the Department of Correctional Services.

Angelo Agrizzi and four others appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on Wednesday in connection with tender irregularities at the Department of Correctional Services. (Eyewitness News).

-- Families are gathering at the Gloria Mine in Middelburg, Mpumalanga Province where more than 20 illegal miners are trapped underground after a gas explosion over the weekend.

A rescue operation is underway to retrieve those trapped. The illegal miners were allegedly stealing cables at the unused coal mine. (South African Broadcasting Corporation)
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 17:46:20|Editor: xuxin

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ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in Ethiopia's major media outlets on Thursday.

-- The President of the Republic of Guinea, Alpha Conde, arrived in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on Wednesday for a three-day official visit.

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, he was received by Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. (Fana Broadcasting Corporate/FBC)

-- The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) is set to amend the existing civil aviation law.

The amendment of the law is aimed at improving the competitiveness of Ethiopia's aviation industry at the global level, Colonel Wosenyeleh Hunegnaw, director general of the authority, has said. (FBC)

-- The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea has illustrated bright spots on the African horizon.

Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a peace pact in July in 2018, ending two decades of animosity following a dispute over their border. (FBC)
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 17:46:18|Editor: xuxin

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Betty McGinnis, president of the non-profit organization World Artists Experiences, is interviewed at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis of Maryland, the United States, Feb. 5, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

by Xiong Maoling

ANNAPOLIS, United States, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- A 13-year-old American boy's first lion dance performance was a bit different than usual. He held up the lion's head, his younger sister, brother and another little girl stood beneath the tail, and the four of them struggled to go in circles before losing the "tail" shortly after.

"It's so difficult because you really have to coordinate, you have to hold it up and blink and move, there are a lot of moving factors," the boy told Xinhua. "It was really cool."

The boy and his siblings from Odenton, Maryland, were joining hundreds at a Chinese craft demonstration at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, located in the state capital Annapolis, on Tuesday, the first day of the Lunar New Year.

The mother of the three, Annette, who only gave her first name, told Xinhua they have done "a little bit of research" on lion dance before going to the event, and her son, who has learnt Chinese for three years, watched the Spring Festival gala at school to better understand the Chinese New Year.

Chinese artist Zhang Longze told Xinhua that the enthusiasm of local residents was way beyond his expectation. "So many people came. They don't just look and walk away, they asked me many questions, and I'm running out of name cards," he said.

Zhang presented exquisite paper cuttings, drawing "wows" all the time. When he started making cute clay animal sculptures at the scene, a couple of kids gathered at his table and kept staring at his hands, until their parents dragged them away to see something else.

While the kids were obsessed with clay pandas and dumplings, Jim Hodges and his wife Monica were taking a precious photos in clothes from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

"It was so beautiful. I love the bright color and the embroidery, so beautiful," Monica told Xinhua after trying on a pink dress that was once worn by ancient Chinese literati.

The couple's daughter and son-in-law used to teach English in Guangzhou for a year, and Monica visited them during the Chinese New Year 10 years ago. "Lots of firecrackers, red lanterns, it made me kind of jealous that I didn't get to go," Jim said.

Jim told Xinhua that he read a book years ago about the life of Gladys Aylward, a missionary to China, and the book ignited his interest in the Asian country. "I've always wanted to go see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City... so that's why we came here so we could soak up a little bit more of the culture," Jim said.

For Floretta Keeney, a just retired pianist and organist from Annapolis, the colorful glazed porcelain was the most impressive exhibit. "They are like a piece of heaven," Keeney told Xinhua. "Extremely beautiful."

Keeney said she was also excited to receive a paper-cut rooster. "Somebody gave this to me, and told me this is my zodiac sign" she said, holding it carefully with two hands.

The craft demonstration is part of the Chinese Spring Festival celebrations presented by the non-profit World Artists Experiences, which aims to "bridge international understanding through cultural and citizen diplomacy."

Betty McGinnis, president of the organization, told Xinhua that she has been bringing Chinese culture to the local community since almost 15 years ago. "Many people look forward to the Spring Festival now, while they didn't even know what the Spring Festival was before," McGinnis said.

She said groups from different Chinese provinces have come to Maryland, and this year it's a group from Guangdong. "I think every group has been just fantastic," McGinnis said, adding that it's "marvelous" for the local community to learn about the different provinces and regions in China.

"It's a really great way for them to learn about unique cultures and the many of the intangible cultural heritage of China," she said.

Besides crafts activities, the celebrations this year also include performances, which feature classic Chinese songs and dances, puppet show, acrobats and the Cantonese Opera.

Kyle Leming, a high school student who watched a performance on Tuesday, told Xinhua he thought the show was "awesome." What he enjoyed the most was the wire walking acrobatic show, and the traditional music ensemble.

"That's the kind of music that most Americans associate with Chinese, and to see it actually performed is just really cool," he said. "The instruments are very different."

Leming, who has been learning Chinese for six years, said the language is "super interesting" despite the heavy workload. He said as China becomes increasingly important, knowing the language will definitely help him later on in life with jobs and beyond.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 16:56:08|Editor: xuxin

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NEW DELHI, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 Naxals were killed Thursday in a fierce gunfight with government forces in central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said.

The gunfight broke out inside Bhairamgarh forest area in Bijapur district, about 365 km south of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh.

"This morning in a fierce gunfight between Naxals and joint police teams of special task force (STF) and the district reserve guard (DRG), 10 Naxals were killed," a police official posted in Bijapur said. "The police teams were out in the area on an anti-Naxal operation."

According to the official, 10 bodies and 10 assault rifles were recovered from the spot, and search operations are underway in the area.

Police said their men have not suffered any damage in the stand-off.

New Delhi has deployed several companies of its paramilitary forces to take on Naxals insurgency in their strongholds.
NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (Goldman Sachs or the Company) (NYSE: GS) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and indexed under 18-cv-12084, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities, other than Defendants and their affiliates, who purchased or otherwise, acquired Goldman Sachs securities between February 28, 2014, and December 17, 2018, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.



If you are a shareholder who purchased Goldman Sachs securities between February 28, 2014, and December 17, 2018, both dates inclusive, you have until February 19, 2019, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Goldman Sachs was founded in 1869 and is headquartered in New York, New York. The Company operates as an investment banking, securities, and investment management company worldwide, serving corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals.

According to 2016 data compiled by Bloomberg, Goldman Sachs has worked on $18.8 billion of Malaysian mergers and acquisitions over the past five years, making it the top foreign adviser with a 20.5[%] market share. Goldman Sachss business in Malaysia included, inter alia, raising funds for 1Malaysia Development Bhd. (1MDB), a Malaysian state-owned investment fund set up in 2009, four months after Najib Razak (Razak) became Prime Minister of Malaysia. 1MDB was initially established to finance infrastructure and economic deals in Malaysia.

In 2012, officials from 1MDB met with Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong to discuss a bond deal. Goldman Sachs subsequently raised $6.5 billion for 1MDB, earning approximately $600 million in fees.

Since early 2015, 1MDB has been the subject of international criminal and regulatory investigations for suspected fraud and money laundering after missing $11 billion in payments owed to banks and bondholders.

On June 18, 2015, The Wall Street Journal published an article entitled Fund Controversy Threatens Malaysias Leader, detailing how 1MDB indirectly funded Razaks 2013 election campaign. A probe into 1MDB subsequently followed.

On July 2, 2015, The Wall Street Journal published another article, entitled Investigators Believe Money Flowed to Malaysian Leader Najibs Accounts Amid 1MDB Probe, reporting how Malaysian investigators traced nearly $700 million in deposits to what they believed to be Razaks personal bank accounts.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, high-level 1MDB officials and their associates misappropriated an estimated $4.5 billion from 1MDB between 2009 and 2014. Implicated in the 1MDB scandal were two former Goldman Sachs managing directors Tim Leissner (Leissner) and Ng Chong Hwa, also known as Roger Ng (Ng).

Leissner was Chairman of South East Asia and Vice Chairman of the Investment Banking Division in Asia Ex-Japan (i.e., Asia, excluding Japan) for Goldman Sachs. Ng was a former Goldman Sachs banker, managing director, and deputy to Leissner. Ng most recently was the head of South-East Asian sales in Goldman Sachss fixed-income, currencies, and commodities unit.

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Goldman Sachs participated in a fraud and money-laundering scheme in collusion with 1MDB; (ii) the foregoing conduct, when revealed, would foreseeably subject Goldman Sachs to heightened regulatory investigation and enforcement; and (iii) as a result, Goldman Sachss public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On March 7, 2016, Bloomberg News published an article entitled Ex-Goldman Banker to Malaysia Fund Said Subpoenaed in U.S. Probe, reporting that the U.S. Justice Department had subpoenaed Leissner in late February in connection with a probe linked to 1MDB. Goldman Sachs has since been the subject of investigations by the U.S. Justice Department regarding the multibillion-dollar fraud and money-laundering scheme involving 1MDB, for which Goldman Sachs was the primary bond underwriter. Following this news, Goldman Sachss stock price fell $3.75 per share, or 2.41%, to close at $151.60 on March 8, 2016.

On November 1, 2018, U.S. federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York (E.D.N.Y.) unsealed indictments against Leissner and Ng related to the 1MDB probe, explicitly describing them as agents acting within the scope of their employment on behalf of the Company with the intent, at least in part, to benefit Goldman Sachs. That same day, the United States Attorneys Office for the E.D.N.Y. announced that Leissners guilty plea was unsealed for a two-count criminal information charging Leissner with conspiring to launder money and conspiring to violate the FCPA [Foreign Corrupt Practices Act] by both paying bribes to various Malaysian and Abu Dhabi officials and circumventing the internal accounting controls of the Financial Institution while he was employed by it. The U.S. Attorneys Office also stated that, [a]ccording to court filings, Leissner has been ordered to forfeit $43,700,000 as a result of his crimes.

On November 8, 2018, a report by Bloomberg News detailed the personal involvement of Goldman Sachss then-Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lloyd Blankfein, in a meeting to establish ties with Malaysia and its new sovereign wealth fund that was referenced in the court documents unsealed the prior week. In a November 8, 2018 article entitled Goldmans Blankfein Said to Have Attended 2009 1MDB Meeting, Bloomberg News noted that Blankfein was the unidentified high-ranking Goldman Sachs executive referenced in U.S. court documents who attended a 2009 meeting with the former Malaysian prime minister, and that [t]he meeting was arranged with the help of men who are now tied to the subsequent plundering of the 1MDB fund[.]

On this news, Goldman Sachss stock price fell by $9.00, or nearly 4%, closing at $222.65 on November 9, 2018.

On November 12, 2018, Malaysian government officials denounced Goldman Sachss role in the 1MDB scandal. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad stated that [t]here is evidence that Goldman Sachs has done things that are wrong and [o]bviously we have been cheated through the compliance by Goldman Sachs people. Meanwhile, the countrys Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said that Malaysia would seek a full refund of the approximately $600 million in fees that the Company earned in connection with 1MDBs $6.5 billion bond deal.

Following this news, Goldman Sachss stock price fell $16.60 per share, or nearly 7.5%, to close at $206.05 on November 12, 2018.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 16:51:07|Editor: xuxin

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CANBERRA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday paid tribute to victims of the country's worst-ever bushfires on its 10th anniversary.

Thursday marked 10 years since the Black Saturday bushfires devastated Victoria, killing 173 people, destroying more than 3,500 buildings and burning more than 450,000 hectares of land.

Morrison acknowledged the "bravery, courage and selflessness" of Australians in response to the tragedy.

"So many women, men and children went about the quiet task of repairing and renewing lives and families that were never quite the same," he told the Australian Associated Press (AAP).

"For countless families, that also took a bravery beyond measure and we remember and honor that too."

Kinglake and Marysville, the two hardest-hit communities, held commemorative services on Thursday to mark the anniversary of the day their towns were decimated.

Bill Shorten, leader of the opposition Australian Labor Party (ALP), said in a statement that the "courage, resilience and community spirit" he witnessed in the wake of Black Saturday would "stay with me forever."

"Today we remember the 173 people who perished in the Black Saturday bushfires and our hearts go out to all those who lost someone they love," he said.

"We think of those Victorian towns whose histories will forever be divided into 'before' and 'after' the trauma of those terrible days in February 2009 and we salute everyone who has fought the long struggle to rebuild their houses and remake their homes."

"In the face of the fire, we were reminded again that truly there is no such thing as an 'ordinary' Australian, amidst the shock and devastation, we saw the very best of our citizens."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 16:51:06|Editor: xuxin

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COLOMBO, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Central Bank on Thursday urged customers withdrawing cash through the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) network to use cards with an electronic chip (EMV) to avoid fraud.

In a statement, the Central Bank said that while payment cards provide customers the convenience of withdrawing cash through ATM network and transacting through merchants worldwide, there is a possibility that ATM and card reading machines can be abused by criminals in order to steal customer funds from their accounts.

"Few incidents of fund withdrawals using fraudulent payment cards were reported in the recent past. Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Lanka Clear (Pvt) Limited and licensed banks have initiated several measures, in addition to measures that are already in place, to mitigate such situations and enhance the security of customer funds while ensuring the safety of the banking system," the Central Bank said.

"In order to strengthen the security of ATM transactions, customers are required to use EMV enabled payment cards. The EMV enabled cards carry an electronic chip which is visible at the front of the card. If the card used by a customer is not EMV enabled, a request can be made from the relevant bank to issue an EMV enabled card," the Bank added.

The Central Bank further informed customers to exercise due care and vigilance when using payment cards and ATMs in order to ensure the safety of ATM transactions.

Any unidentified or unauthorized transactions and lost or misplaced cards should be notified to the relevant bank, immediately, the Bank said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 16:36:03|Editor: Liu

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in the United States on Wednesday launched a program titled "My China Album" to encourage people to share their stories and memories relating to ties between the two countries.

The program, co-organized by Chinese newspaper China Daily, was launched to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations.

"We invite you and all our friends all over the United States to come and share with us your most memorable stories with China," Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said.

"Together we will build stronger ties between our peoples, and with your personal stories, you will help make history," he added.

Zhou Shuchun, editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the China-U.S. relationship is "really about the people" and that by sharing of stories and photos of the people, both countries can better bridge the gap of understanding.

The program encourages people in the United States to submit photos and stories highlighting their most memorable experiences in China, especially their interaction with the Chinese people, according to a statement from China Daily.

Judges will choose 10 finalists from all participants and the grand prize will be two round trip flight tickets between New York and Beijing.

The People's Republic of China and the United States formally established diplomatic ties on Jan. 1, 1979.

Bilateral trade grew from a negligible 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in the late 1970s to over 580 billion dollars in 2017, while the stock of two-way investments rose from practically nil to more than 230 billion dollars.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 16:30:59|Editor: xuxin

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Children with measles are treated as their parents accompanied them along a hallway inside the pediatric ward of the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, the Philippines, Feb. 7, 2019. More measles cases are being detected in and outside Metro Manila, prompting the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) to expand the declaration of a measles outbreak in several provinces in the Philippine main Luzon island and in the Visayas region in the central Philippines. The announcement came a day after the DOH officially declared a measles outbreak on Wednesday in Metro Manila after it has noted a sharp increase in the number of measles cases. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

MANILA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- More measles cases are being detected in and outside Metro Manila, prompting the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) to expand the declaration of a measles outbreak in several provinces in the Philippine main Luzon island and in the Visayas region in the central Philippines.

The announcement came a day after the DOH officially declared a measles outbreak in Metro Manila, also called the National Capital Region (NCR), after it has noted a sharp increase in the number of measles cases.

"We are expanding the (declaration of the) outbreak from Metro Manila to the other regions as cases have increased in the past weeks," Health Secretary Francisco Duque said on Thursday.

Duque ordered health officers to strengthen surveillance of new cases and alert mothers and caregivers to be more vigilant.

As of Jan. 26, the DOH Epidemiology Bureau reported that the number of measles cases in other regions, including in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley province, in Central Luzon, Calabarzon region, Mimaropa region, and the Bicol region, have shown an increasing trend.

Calabarzon region comprises five provinces, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon province. Mimaropa is an administrative region comprising Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindora, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.

The DOH said that as of Jan. 26, it has recorded 575 cases with nine deaths in Calabarzon,441 cases with five deaths in Metro Manila, 192 cases with four deaths in Central Luzon, 104 cases with three deaths in Western Visayas and 71 cases with one death in Central Visayas.

Measles, locally known as "tigdas," is a highly contagious viral disease that is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons.

As early as December last year, health experts warned against a possible outbreak of measles in the Philippines due to the declining trust in vaccines in the wake of a controversy that hounded a dengue immunization program in 2017.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 16:25:59|Editor: xuxin

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TOKYO, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A man broke into the grounds of Japan's Ministry of Defense in Tokyo on Thursday and wrestled with a Self-Defense Force (SDF) member who was on duty, and apparently tried to grab the guard's rifle.

The man, who was subsequently arrested, broke into the ministry's grounds through the front gate at around 9:40 a.m. local time, according to the ministry's accounts.

According to a ministry official quoting other witnesses, the man was clearly wrestling with the guard on duty and was attempting to snatch the guard's rifle.

The ministry official confirmed that SDF members who guard the front gate, along with private security guards working around the clock, do not carry loaded weapons.

The defense ministry is located near the busy JR Ichigaya Station in Tokyo.

Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya told a press briefing on the matter that investigation is ongoing and he is awaiting further updates from local police, such as the man's motives.

The man was arrested on the spot by the Ground Self-Defense Force's police unit for trespassing. It is not yet known whether further charges will be added such as assault or more hefty charges associated with his intentions with the rifle, which he did not know wasn't loaded.

"The SDF member was not injured. I will receive further reports such as on his motives when they are known," Iwaya told reporters.

Troops from the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces also comprise those who guard the defense ministry.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 15:30:46|Editor: Liu

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TAIYUAN, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in northern China's Shanxi Province have passed a regulation encouraging public participation in the protection and utilization of cultural relics.

The regulation, to be effective on Feb. 15, sets standards on the adoption of immovable cultural relics, public services in museums and volunteer services, according to the Shanxi Culture Relics Bureau.

The regulation encourages the public to use the immovable cultural relics to run museums, art galleries, exhibition centers and community libraries. It demands that the public keep the cultural relics intact when repairing them.

"The regulation is conducive to enhancing people's cultural consciousness," said Lei Jianguo, director of the bureau. "It allows the public to share the fruit of cultural development."

In 2017, Shanxi launched projects encouraging the public to better preserve and utilize its cultural relics. Up to now, a total of 62 projects have been adopted by the public for renovation, receiving more than 18 million yuan (2.66 million U.S. dollars) of social funds.

Shanxi boasts abundant cultural heritages. The province has registered more than 53,000 immovable cultural relics, including more than 28,000 ancient buildings.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 15:15:42|Editor: Liu

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said here Wednesday that China and the United States should properly handle differences.

Addressing the reception for the 40th Anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations and the Chinese New Year at the Chinese embassy, Cui acknowledged the differences between China and the United States in history, culture and social system, but said both countries should "not be intimidated by those differences."

"We need to respect each other's independent choice of social systems and paths of development, and accommodate each other's core interests and concerns," Cui said.

"Whether on economic or security issues, we can always find a way out if we address the differences with candor and good faith, based on mutual respect and common interest," Cui said.

Cui also called on the two countries to promote mutual understanding, staying open to each other and becoming more connected, while stepping up people-to-people exchanges and enhancing popular support for those relations.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs Matt Pottinger, members of Congress and about 750 guests attended the event.

China and the United States formally established diplomatic relations on Jan. 1, 1979. Bilateral trade grew from less than 2.5 billion U.S. dollars from 40 years ago to over 580 billion dollars in 2017. Over the same period, the stock of two-way investment rose from practically nil to more than 230 billion dollars.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 14:40:34|Editor: Liu

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GUANGZHOU, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- For Chien Mou Lin's family, a gathering during the Lunar New Year holiday usually involves a choice between a three-hour ferry trip or a bus ride that could take up to four hours.

But this year, the 83-year-old retired physician living in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou with his wife, has a new and much easier means to travel to Hong Kong to visit their son and daughter-in-law -- a 50-minute high-speed railway ride.

"The train station is close to my home," said Chien. "The arrival station in Hong Kong's West Kowloon is also well-designed, saving us elderly much walking."

In September last year, the entire line of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link was put into official operation, as the Hong Kong section of the high-speed railway entered into service.

The 141-km Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link includes 115 km on the Chinese mainland and 26 km in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Linked into China's expanding high-speed rail network, it will offer direct rail services between Hong Kong and 44 destinations on the mainland, including Beijing and Shanghai.

"Hong Kong is a fast-paced society. The high-speed railway is easily the best choice of transportation for people visiting their families during the holiday," said Shao Jianbo, a social worker in Guangzhou.

In October last year, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge, the world's longest cross-sea bridge, opened to public traffic, connecting Guangdong Province with the two SARs, Hong Kong and Macao.

Due to the rapid development of cross-border infrastructure, nearly 6 million tourists visited Hong Kong in November 2018, up around 20 percent year-on-year, said the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 14:05:27|Editor: xuxin

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SUVA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) will work with relevant authorities in Fiji to create awareness on cyber bullying.

UNICEF Pacific Representative Sheldon Yett said Thursday that while they do not have exact numbers in Fiji, they are still aware that cyber bullying is an issue faced by young people in the island nation.

Yett said UNICEF will work with Fijian stakeholders, specifically with communities, from this year to make young people aware of this threat and how best it can be dealt with.

"Parents need to take a role but so do teachers, so do other community leaders, so do peers. Kids need to also look after the kids. The internet is a fantastic tool for learning, for participation, for making sure that children's voices can be heard. For ensuring the right of participation is there for children. But we also need to make sure that there are safe guards in place and we ensure that nothing is violated."

Yett says kindness both online and offline is a responsibility that begins with each individual.

Online Safety Commissioner Anne Dunn Baleilevuka said earlier that out of about 90 Fijians who committed suicide in 2017, several people thought it was the better option due to something they had seen or read about themselves on social media.

Fiji's Online Safety Commission is working towards building relationship with key organizations in a bid to prevent suicides in Fiji.

Baleilevuka noted the sensitivities surrounding suicide cases and the impact of social media in suicide related behavior.

She said in the same year, seven cases of cyber bullying were reported to the Fiji Women's Crisis Center.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 13:10:12|Editor: xuxin

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Washington has stepped up diplomatic maneuver on the situation in Venezuela weeks after it recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the nation's "interim president" and slapped sanctions on Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA to cut off Caracas's vital source of revenue.

U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton tweeted Wednesday that he had just met with Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo at the White House and they "discussed pressing issues, including joint efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the Venezuelan people, as well as counter-terrorism collaboration."

Earlier on Tuesday, Bolton met with visiting Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo to discuss "mutual support for Venezuela's Interim President Guaido, including logistics for providing humanitarian assistance for the Venezuelan people."

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the State Department's deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo earlier met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to discuss issues like Venezuela, Iran and Russia.

Also on the same day, Pompeo claimed on Twitter that the Venezuelan military "under Maduro's orders is blocking aid with trucks and shipping tankers."

In addition, a statement issued later by the White House on Wednesday said that President Donald Trump will welcome his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque to the White House on Feb. 13 when the two leaders will discuss "strategic partnerships in regional security, and efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela."

Trump has also warned that "all options are on the table" regarding Venezuela.

At a news briefing in late January, Bolton accidentally turned to the media the face of a yellow pad that included a draft note showing a plan to send "5,000 troops to Colombia," stoking international fear about a U.S. military intervention on the Venezuela crisis.

On the other hand, the United Nations has appealed for negotiations.

"Serious political negotiations" are necessary for finding a solution to lasting peace in Venezuela, a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday.

"When we see the present stand-off, it becomes even more clear that serious political negotiations between the parties are necessary to find a solution leading to lasting peace for the people of Venezuela," said Stephane Dujarric.

Meanwhile, Latin American countries are trying to broker a negotiated solution to the Venezuela political crisis.

Uruguay and Mexico on Wednesday unveiled a four-step proposal. First, creating conditions for direct contact between Venezuela's ruling socialist party and President Nicolas Maduro on the one hand and the opposition led by self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido on the other. That would be followed by a negotiation phase, a commitments phase, and a finally implementation phase.

Maduro won 2018 Venezuelan presidential election by garnering over 6 million votes, some 4 million more than his closest rival, and was inaugurated for a second term on Jan. 10.

Guaido, head of the Venezuelan National Assembly, declared himself interim president during an anti-government rally on Jan. 23, a move which was immediately recognized by the United States.

Maduro accused Washington of orchestrating an operation to impose, through a coup d'etat, a puppet regime in Venezuela.
NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against, Allergan plc. (Allergan or the Company) (NYSE: AGN) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and indexed under 18-cv-12219, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities, other than Defendants and their affiliates, who purchased or otherwise, acquired Allergan securities between February 24, 2017, and December 19, 2018, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.



If you are a shareholder who purchased Allergan securities between February 24, 2017, and December 19, 2018, both dates inclusive, you have until February 19, 2019, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Allergan is a pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes branded pharmaceutical, device, biologic, surgical, and regenerative medicine products worldwide.

Through its Medical Devices business, the Company produces silicone breast implants. Breast implants are medical devices that are used to augment breast size or to reconstruct the breast following mastectomy or to correct a congenital abnormality.

Breast implants consist of a silicone outer shell and a filler (most commonly silicone gel or saline). Breast implants come in a variety of forms, include smooth and textured. In June 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Update on the Safety of Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants, which reported a link between breast implants and Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). Following the FDAs Update, information was added to the products labeling, but the added warnings are deeply embedded in a dense list of complications.

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) textured breast implants manufactured by Allergan were linked to ALCL; (ii) the foregoing link to cancer, when revealed, would foreseeably force Allergan to recall those textured breast implants from the market; and (iii) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On December 18, 2018, Frances National Agency for the Safety of Medicines & Health Products ordered the recall of textured breast implants manufactured by Allergan from the European market, stating that the implants have been linked to a rare form of cancerspecifically, anaplastic large call lymphoma. On December 19, 2018, Allergan stated that it would remove its textured breast implants from the European market.

Following these announcements, Allergans stock price fell $10.20, or nearly 7%, to close at $136.56 on December 19, 2018.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

rswilloughby@pomlaw.com

888-476-6529 ext. 9980
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 12:20:04|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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LONDON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The English versions of two major fictions by renowned contemporary Chinese writers Jia Pingwa and Jiang Zilong debuted on Wednesday in London.

The two books, "Broken Wings" and "Empires of Dust", were published by ACA Publishing Ltd., a British publishing house producing China-focused publications.

Wang Ying, ACA director, told Xinhua that both books offer English-language readers an insight into how the seismic socio-economic changes over the last few decades had impacted the lives of ordinary people in the Chinese countryside.

Broken Wings by Jia Pingwa is the story of a young Chinese woman named Butterfly who is trafficked into sexual slavery in a remote village. A harrowing tale, the story was told in the first person and explores the issue of how investment in Chinese cities has resulted in a decline in rural areas, with women, money and resources all moving away.

Jia is one of China's most prolific and popular authors.

Empires of Dust by Jiang Zilong examines the changes in China's rural development from the 1950s through to the early 21st century. It's a rags-to-riches tale of a kind-hearted, hard-working and entrepreneurial peasant who starts a business making coffins and eventually becomes extremely wealthy. In the process, he also lifts his fellow villagers out of poverty.

In China, Jiang is known as the pioneer of "reform literature" focusing on the country's reform and opening up which began in the late 1970s.

The two books make up part of ACA Publishing's 2019 catalogue, which features some of the best of contemporary Chinese fiction and non-fiction books.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 12:15:03|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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YANGON, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar government troops have captured two base camps of two ethnic insurgent groups in Naga Self-Administered Zone in Sagaing region, Myanmar News Agency reported Thursday.

These camps of Assam and Kathe insurgents were captured by the military near Takar village of the zone on Monday and Tuesday since security measures were carried out in these areas since Jan 29, the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services was quoted as saying.

Some 15 different types of guns, ammunition were seized in the ravine, about 1.6 kilometers away from the western part of the village.

The security forces also confiscated 80 kinds of bullet caskets along with other accessories.

The military vowed to continue to carry out security measures in the areas to prevent infiltration of insurgents into the self-administered zone and to provide security and stability in the region.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 12:00:00|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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HAVANA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cuba and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) on Wednesday tapped into bilateral cooperation potential as the first session of the Joint Commission for Collaboration between the two sides started here.

While meeting representatives of the EEC, Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca, called for the creation of solid foundations to develop partnerships for mutual economic benefit.

Malmierca stressed the importance of foreign investment for Cuba's economy, saying Russia's contribution to the development of the island country was "a positive reference for cooperation with the rest of the member states of the Eurasian bloc."

Tatiana Valovaya, EEC minister of integration and macroeconomics, highlighted the potential for cooperation in biotechnology, pharmaceutics, the chemicals industry, oil and mining.

Valovaya also recognized the need to boost exchanges in the financial sphere.

The session will conclude on Thursday, following the signing of the EEC-Cuba action plan for cooperation in 2019.

Cuba and the EEC signed a memorandum of understanding in May 2018 to foster economic ties, and expand and diversify bilateral trade.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 11:44:56|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Lectures remain suspended in three South African universities on Wednesday following violent protests that have claimed a student's life.

Classes at University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Mangosuthu University of Technology are suspended as protests go on, demanding that students who owe universities money be allowed to register and that there be more accommodation available.

Mlungisi Madonsela, a 20-year-old student at the DUT, was shot dead on Tuesday night, following skirmishes between students and private security guards.

"The cause of the death and details of the incident are not yet clear as the matter is subjected to a preliminary investigation. The university is saddened by the unfortunate incident," DUT Spokesperson Alan Khan told Xinhua.

Madonsela was among the protesting students, according to Kwazulu Natal Police Spokeswoman Themba Mbele.

Students at Wits University also embarked on a hunger strike at Solomon Mahlangu House. The university's Students Representatives Council said over 500 students would have no accommodation, and that more than 1000 are set to be excluded because of historical debts.

Nomhla Munyo, a sophomore, told Xinhua that she hasn't registered for 2019 as she owes Wits 38,000 Rand (2,804 U.S. dollars).

"I've been trying to get help since January, but they say I need to pay half of my debt in order to register. Classes commenced and I'm in limbo," said Munyo.

Wits University has made it clear that there would be no funds if it met the demands of the protesting students, adding that it has established a Hardship Fund for poor students.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 11:39:54|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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NEW DELHI, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- As many as 2 million government employees in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh are observing a seven-day strike against the state government, demanding restoration of the old pension scheme.

The strike began on Wednesday and will continue till Feb. 12. More than 150 government employees unions are participating in the statewide strike. Almost all government offices in the state wear a deserted look, or remain locked, as the striking employees and the union leaders gather outside to strategise and protest, said local media reports.

The Uttar Pradesh state government had recently introduced a new pension scheme under which the government employees are expected to contribute more towards the scheme. The agitated employees are opposed to this new pension scheme.

The share of the government too in the pension scheme has been raised from 10 percent to 14 percent.

The government held several rounds of talks with the striking employees' unions, but when the talks failed the government invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) banning all protests but the strike has begin, the media reports added.

According to a union leader of the striking employees, the health and power sectors would not be involved. "This is being done on compassionate grounds so that people are not affected, but at a later stage we will include health and power services," he added.
Aerail photo taken on Oct. 13, 2018 shows the Hong Kong section of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

HONG KONG, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Benefiting from the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) witnessed a record high of tourist arrivals last year.

Data released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board showed that the overall tourist arrivals soared to around 65.1 million in 2018, up 11.4 percent from that of 2017. Among the overall growth, visitor arrivals from the mainland saw a rise of 14.8 percent to 51 million.

As the cross-border infrastructure further ties up the Hong Kong SAR and the mainland, Hong Kong will further promote tourism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area), said tourism industry insiders.

"From the latter half of 2017, Hong Kong began to see an upturn in tourism, and witnessed a continuous increase in the number of tourists in 2018," said Yiu Si-wing, member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR.

"Since the operation of the Express Rail Link and the bridge, we see an apparent growth in visitor arrivals to Hong Kong." Yiu pointed out.

He viewed tourists from the mainland as the driving force to push Hong Kong's visitor arrivals to a new high. "It takes less time and fewer procedures for those visitors to Hong Kong via the Express Rail Link than before when they need to transfer to Hong Kong after first arriving at Shenzhen," said Yiu.

Photo taken on Sept. 23, 2018 shows a view of West Kowloon Station in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

Cross-border infrastructure has facilitated the transportation between the mainland and Hong Kong by integrating the SAR into the national high-speed railway network.

An increasing number of tourists traveled by the Express Rail Link to Hong Kong, and to meet their demand for in-depth tour, new routes featuring natural and cultural characteristics have been introduced, said Ng Hi-on from China Travel Service.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has promoted "Old Town Central" and "Hong Kong Neighborhoods" as tailored tours for travelers to experience Hong Kong.

Besides, tourists can enjoy festivals and events in Hong Kong, such as night parade, horse racing and flower markets.

Cruise tour is another product the Hong Kong Tourism board has promoted. After the launch of the Express Rail Link in September 2018, the Dream Cruises company introduced a "rail cruise" route in November, welcoming more than 1,000 tourists from Hubei and Yunnan provinces and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to Hong Kong for a land-sea trip.

Tourism in the Greater Bay Area has huge potential, as cities in the area can work with one another to develop multi-destination travel with cross-border infrastructure, according to Anthony Lau, the executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Yiu said that travelers can travel through cities in the Greater Bay Area via transport links and the tour pattern enriches their trip.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 11:19:47|Editor: xuxin

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CANBERRA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Australia's opposition has said it is open to establishing a new agency to prosecute bankers.

Clare O'Neil, the Australian Labor Party (ALP)'s financial services spokesperson, said that the party would consider a "civil enforcement agency" to take over from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) if victorious at the upcoming general election.

The move comes after the landmark Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry found that ASIC allowed systematic misconduct to become commonplace under its watch.

Commissioner Kenneth Hayne criticized the body for striking deals with companies found to have committed wrongdoing rather than prosecuting them.

ALP identified a 200 million Australian dollars (142 million USD) funding shortfall for ASIC since the governing Liberal-National Party coalition (LNP) took power in 2013.

"Commissioner Hayne has given us an alternative and we note that it's there. He's given us an additional option should things not change," O'Neil told Fairfax Media on Thursday.

The number of criminals imprisoned from ASIC prosecutions fell to six in 2018, half the usual number. It imposed only 15,100 Australian dollars (10,729 U.S. dollars) in criminal fines.

"The starting point for consideration is, and must always be, that the law is to be obeyed and enforced," Hayne wrote in his final report.

"The rule of law requires no less. And, adequate deterrence of misconduct depends upon visible public denunciation and punishment."

Jim Chalmers, an ALP finance spokesman, on Thursday accused Prime Minister Scott Morrison of "running a protection racket for the big banks" after the prime minister refused to hold additional parliamentary sitting weeks to enshrine Hayne's 76 recommendations in law.

"There are a whole range of things that we have nominated that we could act on immediately," Chalmers told News Corp Australia.

"I think what has happened here is that the government's squibbed a response to the royal commission (and it) has confirmed people's worst fears about them: that running a protection racket for the big banks is second nature to the Liberal Party and particularly for Scott Morrison who voted against the royal commission 26 times."

"If they are serious about this royal commission, if they are serious about implementing the recommendations, then they would agree to the proposal that the parliament sits for another fortnight in March."

Michael Keenan, the Australian minister for Human Services, described Labor's request for additional sitting dates as political "grandstanding."

"There's plenty of time for the parliament to do what it needs to do to address any issues of concern to us," Keenan told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio.

"The government is not going to be changing the sitting pattern."

"It's very clear how long we're going to sit prior to the election. That gives the parliament ample opportunity to do what it needs to do."

The general election is due to be held in May with the ALP currently holding an election-winning lead in opinion polls.

Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will deliver the federal budget on April 2 which is expected to include the nation's first surplus in a decade.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 11:09:43|Editor: xuxin

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was sentenced to nearly 13 more years in prison on Wednesday on corruption and money laundering charges, judicial sources said.

Lula, who served as Brazil's president from 2003 to 2010, is currently serving a sentence of 12 years and one month on charges of accepting a luxury beachfront apartment from a construction firm in exchange for government building contracts.

The latest sentence, which lasts for 12 years and 11 months, also stems from a property deal and renovation project which prosecutors claim was actually a bribe.

According to the new charges, construction companies spent hundreds of thousands of dollars renovating a hacienda that Lula and his family often used for getaways. In exchange, the government turned a blind eye to fraud and corruption schemes by the companies, which were involved in a corruption scandal centered on state oil giant Petrobras.

His defense team can appeal the decision, but that did not work out in Lula's favor in the past.

Lula, 73, was initially sentenced to nine years and six months behind bars in 2017 for the luxury triplex. When his lawyers appealed, the new hearing not only upheld the conviction, but also prolonged the sentence to 12 years and a month.

As Brazil's popular politician, Lula denied any wrongdoing, alleging the charges were politically motivated to keep him from running again for office.

With Lula behind bars, Brazil's left-leaning Workers' Party was forced to name a substitute candidate in the 2018 presidential elections, who was handily defeated in October by conservative Jair Bolsonaro, who took office on Jan. 1.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 10:09:35|Editor: xuxin

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CANBERRA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Development of the world's largest prawn farm in Australia's Northern Territory (NT) is on track, according to the company undertaking the project.

Chris Mitchell, executive director of aquaculture company Seafarms, said recent developments had put the 1.5 billion Australian dollar (1.06 billion U.S. dollar) project in a strong position.

"Project Sea Dragon is a staged 1.5 billion Australian Dollars development over seven years to create 10,000 hectares of ponds capable of producing 100,000 tonnes of high quality Australian black tiger prawns each year and we are extremely happy with its progress," he told News Corp Australia on Thursday.

"When fully developed, the project will employ more than 1,500 people and generate annual export revenues in the order of 3 billion Australian dollars (2.13 billion U.S. dollars)."

He confirmed that Seafarms had partnered with Japanese marine products company Nissui in the venture.

"Project Sea Dragon will be the first major aquaculture development in Australia of a global scale," Mitchell said.

"Both international and domestic support for the project continues to grow."

According to a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) report published in January 2015, Australia produced approximately 230,000 tonnes of seafood every year.

However, the country is a net importer of seafood, consuming approximately 345,000 tonnes every year, 66 percent of which is imported.

At the time the report was written, the annual value of Australian fisheries and aquaculture production was 2.4 billion Australian dollars (1.7 billion U.S. dollars), half of which is exported due to fetching a higher price overseas than domestically.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 10:04:34|Editor: xuxin

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MONTEVIDEO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Uruguay and Mexico on Wednesday unveiled a four-step proposal to bring Venezuela's disputing parties closer to a negotiated solution to the political crisis.

The "Montevideo Mechanism" was announced by Uruguayan Foreign Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa and his Mexican counterpart Marcelo Ebrard at a press conference here one day before Montevideo is set to host an international meeting on Venezuela.

The first step calls for immediate dialogue to create conditions for direct contact between Venezuela's ruling socialist party and President Nicolas Maduro on the one hand and the right-wing opposition led by self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido on the other, Novoa said.

That would be followed by a negotiation phase, a commitments phase, and a finally implementation phase, according to Novoa.

The proposal did not insist on holding snap presidential elections as the opposition had been demanding.

"If we ask for elections at such a moment, we are imposing conditions that hinder dialogue," said Novoa.

Uruguay and Mexico have also proposed three prominent regional figures to advance the mechanism: ex-president of the Inter-American Development Bank Enrique Iglesias, former Mexican foreign affairs secretary and former judge of the International Court of Justice Bernardo Sepulveda, and Ibero-American Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan, a Costa Rican economist and former United Nations under-secretary-general.
NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against, Liberty Health Science Inc. (Liberty or the Company) (OTCMKTS: LHSIF) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and indexed under 19-cv-00161, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities, other than Defendants and their affiliates, who purchased or otherwise, acquired Liberty common stock between June 28, 2018, and December 3, 2018, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.



If you are a shareholder who purchased Liberty Class A common stock between June 28, 2018, and December 3, 2018, you have until March 8, 2019, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Liberty was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) on November 9, 2011, as SecureCom Mobile Inc. The Companys principal business activity is the production and distribution of medical cannabis through its wholly-owned subsidiary DFMMJ LLC (d/b/a Liberty Health Sciences Florida Ltd.)

Aphria Inc. (Aphria), which also produces and distributes cannabis, has had longstanding ties with Liberty, starting from the very beginning of both companies. When Aphria was founded in 2014, Victor Neufeld (Neufeld) joined the firm as CEO and co-founder. One of Aphrias other early institutional backers included The Delavaco Group, Front St. Capital, York Plains, and Broadband Capital of NYC.

Neufeld became the Chairman of Liberty while Cole Cacciavillani, Aphrias chief agronomist and co-founder, also became one of the executives at Liberty. Liberty was heavily influenced by Aphria and individuals involved in the management of Aphria. Neufeld and the Serruya are large shareholders in both companies.

The complaint alleges throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Liberty, in conjunction with Aphria, was involved in a scheme whereby numerous fraudulent acquisitions and transactions were made to provide undue benefits to both companies insiders; and (ii) as a result, Libertys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

In September 2018, Aphria announced that it had sold off its stake in Liberty. On December 3, 2018, Quintessential Capital Management and Hindenburg Research issued a report entitled Aphria: A Shell Game with a Cannabis Business on the Side, claiming that Aphria was part of a scheme involving the acquisition of shell companies at artificially inflated prices. Specifically, the report alleged: Aphria is part of a scheme orchestrated by a network of insiders to divert funds away from shareholders into their own pockets. The article detailed a thorough and on-the-ground investigation into Aphrias latest investments that revealed the poor quality and worth of the assets of those investments. For example, the article was accompanied by pictures showing that Aphrias latest investment in Jamaica was an abandoned building on dilapidated property.

On this news, Libertys stock fell $0.36, or nearly 34%, over the next two trading days to close at $0.70 on December 4, 2018.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

rswilloughby@pomlaw.com

888-476-6529 ext. 9980
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 08:34:14|Editor: xuxin

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Photo taken on May 16, 2018 shows the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) during a test run in eastern Pakistan's Lahore. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will bring a host of economic opportunities for the country's southwest Balochistan province, local reports said. During his conversation with political representatives of the Balochistan Awami Party, the prime minister said that development of Gwadar port will open a new era of prosperity in Balochistan by creating vast opportunities for the people of the province, ARY News reported. He said that potentials of the province will be tapped under CPEC, which will lead to the uplift of not only the province, but also the whole country. (Xinhua/Jamil Ahmed)

ISLAMABAD, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will bring a host of economic opportunities for the country's southwest Balochistan province, local reports said.

During his conversation with political representatives of the Balochistan Awami Party, the prime minister said that development of Gwadar port will open a new era of prosperity in Balochistan by creating vast opportunities for the people of the province, ARY News reported.

Talking about his party's development plans for Balochistan, Khan said that equipping youth with skill is their prime focus, and for that purpose technical colleges are being built in the province to equip the youth with modern technical skills.

He said that potentials of the provinces will be tapped under CPEC, which will lead to the uplift of not only the province, but also the whole country.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 07:49:05|Editor: xuxin

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) would soon regain control of all of the land previously held by the group, and defended his earlier decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.

While speaking at a ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat IS held at the State Department, the U.S. leader said that "it should be formally announced, sometime, probably next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate, but I want to wait for the official word. I don't want to say it too early."

Trump also repeated his note in Tuesday's State of the Union (SOTU) address that "the United States military, our coalition partners and the Syrian Democratic Forces have liberated virtually all of the territory previously held by ISIS in Syria and Iraq."

Trump also said that member nations' cooperation are still in need to combat the IS since "remnants" of the group can be dangerous.

He reiterated that the U.S. force in Syria shall come back home and "we look forward to giving our brave warriors in Syria a warm welcome-back-home."

The U.S.-led coalition has been engaged in an operation to drive out the IS militants from their last stronghold in the eastern Euphrates region in eastern Syria.

In December, however, Trump announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, citing military progress in Syria. The decision has led to the resignation of then U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis.

The decision has also raised eyebrows in the U.S. military. General Joseph Votel, the chief commander of U.S. Central Command, said on Tuesday that "it is important to understand that... the fight against IS and violent extremists is not over" and the IS forces have the ability of coming back.

Earlier on Wednesday in the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tried to reassure the coalition members by saying that "Trump's announcement that U.S. troops will be withdrawing from Syria is not the end of America's fight."

"The drawdown of troops is essentially a tactical change," he said, adding "It simply represents a new stage in an old fight... and our policy priorities in Syria have remained unchanged."

While urging to remove "all Iranian-led forces from Syria," the U.S. top diplomat also said Washington will make requests "very soon" to the coalition members regarding their military campaign in Syria.

"Now is the time for all of us - not just America - to put our money where our mouth is. Everyone should contribute," he said.

The White House also tries to dispel worries over the consequences of Trump's abrupt withdrawal decision.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, a senior administration official told the media via teleconference that Trump just "doesn't believe that the United States can solve this problem (fighting IS) externally."

"He thinks it is something we can assist with, it's something we can encourage, but that has to come from within the Muslim community," the official said. "I don't think it's accurate to say that because 2,000 troops are coming out of Northeast Syria that we are wrapping up in the Middle East."

However, the White House has shown little interests in helping Syria recover from years' conflicts.

When asked about U.S. commitment to the reconstruction in the war-torn nation after the defeat of the IS, the official noted that "we are not going to do anything in terms of reconstruction that would bolster the regime absent fairly significant political concessions on the part of Assad."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 07:23:59|Editor: xuxin

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CHICAGO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) soybean futures closed higher on Wednesday, as governmental document reported new purchases by Chinese buyers.

The most active corn contract for March delivery went down 0.75 cent, or 0.2 percent to close at 3.8 dollars per bushel. March wheat delivery fell 1.25 cents, or 0.24 percent to close at 5.26 dollars per bushel. March soybean delivery was up 1.5 cents, or 0.16 percent to close at 9.2175 dollars per bushel.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Wednesday confirmed fresh export sales of 586,000 metric tons of soybeans for delivery to China.

Traders are awaiting more crop data for trading, as USDA is scheduled to release a long list of crop forecasts and estimates on Friday after key reports were delayed due to the partial government shutdown.

CBOT corn futures went down after rising for three consecutive sessions, and wheat futures weakened on position squaring ahead of the USDA data on Friday.

As for weather forecast for agricultural crop, a very large storm stretching from the western U.S. state of Utah to the northeastern United States and from the Canadian border to southern Oklahoma is expected to bring snow, ice and strong winds, according to the National Weather Service.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 07:03:56|Editor: Liu

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CHICAGO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenneth Pomeranz, a professor of modern China history at the University of Chicago (UChicago) and one of the world's leading scholars of modern China, has been awarded Dan David Prize for his studies of macro history focusing on East Asia.

Pomeranz studies the influences of state, society and economy in late imperial and 20th-century China. He also examines the origins of world economy and the impact of cultural and geographic differences on economic development in Europe and East Asia, according to a news release posted on UChicago's website on Wednesday.

Pomeranz's landmark book The Great Divergence (2000), a comparative history of China and Europe circa 1800, redefined how scholars explain the rise of industrial Europe compared to that of Asia.

"The news was a wonderful surprise," said Pomeranz in the news release. "It is a wonderful honor."

Receiving the Dan David Prize as a macro historian is an important acknowledgement of the value of taking such a broad view of historical period or events, Pomeranz said, noting that the study of macro history is not always recognized as a defined area of research because it spans such vast periods and places.

"This affirmation is meaningful, and I am honored to be recognized in this way," he said.

Pomeranz joined the UChicago faculty as a University professor in 2012.

The Dan David Foundation, headquartered at Tel Aviv University, awards three one-million-dollar prizes for innovative achievements in interdisciplinary research exploring the past, present and future.
Samburu girls light candles to signify their determination to continue with education during the graduation of Alternative Rite Passage (ARP) at Wamba village in Samburu, Kenya, Dec. 6, 2016. The ARP ceremony is aimed at ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a cultural practice among the Maasai community of Kenya. (Xinhua/Charles Onyango)

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Three executive directors of the UN agencies on Wednesday called for actions to eliminate female genital mutilation by 2030 on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.

At least 200 million girls and women alive today have had their genitals mutilated -- suffering one of the most inhuman acts of gender-based violence in the world, said in a joint statement by Henrietta Fore, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) executive director, Natalia Kanem, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) executive director and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women executive director.

Female genital mutilation leads to long-term physical, psychological and social consequences. It violates women's rights to sexual and reproductive health, physical integrity, non-discrimination and freedom from cruel or degrading treatment, said three executive directors.

"It is also a violation of medical ethics: Female genital mutilation is never safe, no matter who carries it out or how clean the venue is," they added.

Female genital mutilation is a form of gender-based violence, and in order to end it, the root causes of gender inequality have to be tackled, and the international community need to work for women's social and economic empowerment, they said.

In 2015, world leaders overwhelmingly backed the elimination of female genital mutilation as one of the targets in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. "And we must act now to translate that political commitment into action," said the statement.

"At the national level, we need new policies and legislation protecting the rights of girls and women to live free from violence and discrimination. Governments in countries where female genital mutilation is prevalent should also develop national action plans to end the practice," they said, adding that their plans must include budget lines dedicated to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health, education, social welfare and legal services.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is a UN-sponsored annual awareness day to eradicate the practice. To mark the international day, UNFPA and UNICEF organized a photography exhibition at the visitor's lobby at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 06:48:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he has chosen David Malpass, undersecretary for international affairs at the U.S. Treasury Department, as the U.S. candidate for the next president of the World Bank.

Calling Malpass a "very extraordinary man," Trump said in a statement at the White House that he launched a "broad search for replacement" for Jim Yong Kim, the former World Bank chief who abruptly resigned in early January and stepped down Friday.

"I knew that David is the right person to take this incredibly important job," Trump added.

The president said that Malpass "has been a strong advocate for accountability at the World Bank," and that "he has fought to ensure financing is focused on the places and projects that truly need assistance, including people living in extreme poverty."

Malpass will have to be approved by the World Bank's board of executive directors to lead the international development lender.

Following Trump's remarks, Malpass, who has criticized the World Bank before, thanked the president for selecting him to lead "the world's premier development institution."

Highlighting the 13-billion-U.S. dollar capital increase and other reforms that the World Bank shareholders endorsed in April 2018, Malpass said, "With shareholders and dedicated staff, there is a great opportunity now to implement these constructive reforms that will lead to faster growth and greater prosperity."

He added that a key goal will be to ensure that women achieve full participation in developing economies.

Candidates picked by Washington, the World Bank's largest shareholder with 16 percent of its voting power, have all ended up assuming the leadership post since the institution's inception in 1944.

This long-held tradition has put the credibility of the organization into question, given that emerging markets' and developing economies' total contributions to global economic growth have far outweighed those of the advanced economies in recent years.

Kim faced challenges from nominees from Colombia and Nigeria in the 2012 race. Malpass's skepticism about the role of the bank and multilateralism has raised concerns within the international development community over his merit, as the World Bank said in a statement in January that the candidates for president should have "a firm commitment to and appreciation for multilateral cooperation."

Responding to those concerns, a senior Trump administration official said Wednesday ahead of Trump's announcement that Malpass, in his capacity as Treasury undersecretary for international affairs, have engaged consructively in a number of multilateral settings worldwide.

"I think it's fair to say that David has been quite constructive in helping to reform and be effective in the existing multilateral order," the official said.

Beginning Thursday, the World Bank's board of executive directors will accept nominations until March 14 and then select a winner to take the president's job ahead of the IMF and World Bank Spring meetings, set for April 12-14 in Washington.

"David has long been an advocate for pro-growth policies," another senior administration official said Wednesday when commenting on Malpass's nomination.

"In his new role he will work towards broadly shared growth in the countries that need it the most, and he will focus on building and expanding a robust middle class in emerging economies," the official added.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 06:28:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent launched on Wednesday a massive aid operation for the more than 40,000 displaced people in Rukban Camp on the border with Jordan, a UN spokesman said.

Stephen Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the operation, which is expected to last about a week, is "the largest ever convoy to provide humanitarian assistance" to the remote, makeshift settlement in southeastern Syria.

"The joint inter-agency convoy consists of 118 trucks... and will deliver food, health, nutritional supplies, core relief items, water sanitation and hygiene materials, education items and children's recreational kits to people at the site, the vast majority of whom are vulnerable women and children," he said.

"Vaccines for some 10,000 children under five (years) of age will also be part of the convoy," Dujarric said.

"The UN and Red Crescent teams will be conducting close monitoring during and after distributions to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in need," he said.

"The UN continues to urge all parties to allow safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need in Syria, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 05:48:41|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KIEV, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- World Bank (WB) Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Cyril Muller on Wednesday said that the bank will continue support for Ukraine to further reforms, according to the Ukrainian government press service.

"We want to provide not only financial support, but also contribute to the implementation of government programs," Muller said during the meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman.

Last year, Kiev introduced a large number of reforms and now Ukraine is embarking on a sustainable reform path, Muller said.

For his part, Groysman said that the support of international partners gives Ukraine additional instruments to improve business environment and make positive changes in various spheres raging from the modernization of the financial and energy sectors to the adoption of new principles of public administration.

"We praise the level of our cooperation. We feel the support in reforming Ukraine as well as in introducing financial and economic stability," Groysman said.

The WB is one of the key reform advisers and financial investors in Ukraine. As of Jan. 1, 2019, the bank was implementing eight joint investment projects with Ukraine totally worth over 2.4 billion U.S. dollars. The projects covered such areas as energy, road transport, social assistance, health care development, small and medium business.

Besides, in December 2018, the bank approved a 750-million-dollar policy-based guarantee for Kiev.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 05:48:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday congratulated on the "successful conclusion" of peace talks between the government of the Central African Republic and armed groups after they signed a peace deal.

"On the occasion of the signing of the Global Peace Agreement between the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and armed groups, on 6 February in Bangui, the secretary-general congratulates all stakeholders for the successful conclusion of the talks that took place in Khartoum, Sudan," Guterres' spokesperson said in a statement.

The UN chief commended the leadership role of the African Union in the talks, which were carried out with the support of the United Nations, the statement said, adding that he encouraged all stakeholders to live up to their commitments in the implementation period.

It said Guterres reiterated the United Nations' commitment to assisting the CAR at this critical stage, and called on neighboring countries, regional organizations and all international partners to support the "courageous steps that Central Africans have made to bring lasting peace and stability in their country."

Earlier on Wednesday, the government of CAR signed the deal in the CAR capital of Bangui with armed groups that control large areas of the country, aimed at ending more than five years of conflict.

The deal had been initialed in Khartoum on Tuesday after lengthy talks brokered by the African Union and supported by the United Nations.

The leaders of the two biggest armed groups, Ali Darassa of the Unity for Peace in CAR and Noureddine Adam of the Popular Front for the Renaissance of the CAR, initialed the text in Khartoum but were not present for Wednesday's signing.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 05:28:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Mahmoud Fouly

MINYA, Egypt, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The excavation works by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities revived over the past couple of years leading to several archeological discoveries after more than six years of suspension, Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"The SCA had stopped excavation works after the 2011 popular uprising due to the lack of financial support, as excavation is costly and we had to suspend it for more than six years," Waziri said in the open-air interview in the desert of Tuna el-Gebel necropolis in Minya province south of the capital Cairo.

He explained that by the end of 2016, "things started to gradually flourish and we made some impressive archeological discoveries by purely Egyptian missions."

"Now in 2019, we announced a new discovery of three tombs including more than 50 mummies in Tuna el-Gebel necropolis, some of which have been moved to a nearby storehouse and we have more than 40 mummies inside the tombs in a perfect condition of preservation," he said.

Waziri noted that the mummies discovered in Tuna el-Gebel must have belonged to high-ranking people due to the perfect mummification of their bodies.

"We call Tuna el-Gebel 'a virgin area' for it is a very promising area with more and more ancient tombs to be discovered. I expect to find about 40 or 50 shaft tombs in this area during future excavations," said the Egyptian top archeologist.

The SCA chief enlisted the results of excavation works over the past two seasons, noting that the monument-rich southern province of Luxor was the "springboard."

"Our springboard was Luxor when we discovered a Pharaonic cemetery with dozens of coffins in April 2017, and later in September, we discovered an ancient goldsmith's tomb in the famous Valley of Kings," he told Xinhua.

He said that in December 2017, also in Luxor, a mission unearthed two 3,500-year-old tombs. "At that time, I was general director of Luxor antiquities before I was promoted to SCA chief and moved to the capital Cairo."

Giza pyramids plateau was home to last year's first excavation fruit, when archeologists in February 2018 found in the western cemetery an Old Kingdom tomb of a woman called Hetpet.

"After that, by the end of February 2018, we started excavation in al-Garifa area near Tuna el-Gebel necropolis, where we made a wonderful discovery of a Pharaonic cemetery including eight tombs, 40 coffins and about 1,000 statues," Waziri said.

Also in 2018, in Saqqara area near the Giza pyramids, archeologists discovered an ancient mummification workshop, a cemetery of sacred animals and, by the end of the year, a tomb of an ancient well-connected man named Wahtye.

"We have many other archeological discoveries to be announced in 2019. We will not stop out excavations and discoveries nationwide," Waziri said enthusiastically.

On Wednesday morning, the SCA chief paid a visit to Luxor to follow up the work of the first Egyptian-Chinese mission at Montu Temple north of the world famous Karnak Temple Complex.

"The Chinese archeologists are doing a great job with their Egyptian counterparts in the initial preparation and archeological documentation works in the site in the first season," Waziri told Xinhua.

He pointed out that the Chinese archeologists had examined several sites before they chose Montu Temple north of Luxor's Karnak Temple Complex.

"In the coming season, the joint mission will start the reassembly and restoration works of some of the scattered pieces and ruins of Montu Temple," he said.

The mission started in November last year and may continue for at least four or five years until it brings Montu Temple to light, according to the SCA chief.

"The mission is a nucleus for Egyptian-Chinese archeological cooperation that started in one place and will continue to cover different archeological sites in Egypt," the top archeologist told Xinhua.
NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against, Tenaris S.A. (Tenaris or the Company) (NYSE: TS) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, and indexed under 19-cv-00174, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities, other than Defendants and their affiliates, who purchased or otherwise, acquired Tenaris securities between May 1, 2014 through November 27, 2018, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.



If you are a shareholder who purchased Tenaris securities between May 1, 2014, and November 27, 2018, both dates inclusive, you have until February 11, 2019, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Tenaris, a holding of Techint Holdings S.a. r.l., was founded in 2001. Tenaris is headquartered in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, and produces and sells seamless and welded steel tubular products and related services for the oil and gas industry, as well as for other industrial applications.

Paolo Rocca (Rocca) is Tenaris Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the Board (Chairman). Rocca has also been the Chairman of Ternium S.A. (Ternium) since 2005.

Ternium is also based in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, and was formed in 2005 through the consolidation of Siderar of Argentina, Sidor of Venezuela, and Hylsa of Mexico. Ternium, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and processes various steel products in the United States and throughout Latin America. Ternium is Latin Americas leading flat steel producer with an annual crude steel production capacity of 12.4 million tons.

Rocca and Tenaris have a significant investment in Ternium, holding 11.46% of Terniums share capital (including treasury shares) as of December 31, 2017.

Siderurgica de Orinoco C.A. (Sidor), of which Ternium held a 59.7% stake, was nationalized by the Venezuelan government in 2008 when Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez signed a decree ordering the renationalization of Sidor.

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding Tenaris business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Tenaris CEO and Chairman, Rocca, knew one of his companys executives was involved in a graft scheme whereby government officials were bribed for Defendants personal gain, specifically, to expedite compensation payments due from the sale of Terniums Sidor unit; (ii) the foregoing conduct foreseeably placed Tenaris, its affiliates, and executives in greater risk of heightened regulatory and criminal scrutiny and investigation, thus depreciating Tenaris stock value; and (iii) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On November 27, 2018, in an article titled Tenaris Plunges in Italy as Billionaire Chairman Indicted, Bloomberg reported that Rocca was indicted for his role in a graft scheme.

According to a Reuters from the same date, [t]he sprawling notebooks corruption case, centered on bribes allegedly paid by businesses to secure contracts from the administration of former President Cristina Fernandez, has already ensnared dozens of business owners and politicians. The article also noted that Rocca was charged with illicit association and payment of bribes.

Bloomberg published an article on November 27, 2018, reporting that Rocca wanted to speed up the approximate $1.65bn compensation payments due from the Argentine government when it seized Sidor in exchange for Terniums 59.7% stake in Sidor. Tenaris was implicated because it has a significant investment in Ternium, and Rocca is Tenaris CEO and Chairman of both Tenaris and Ternium.

On this news, Tenaris stock fell $2.64 per share, or nearly 10%, to close at $24.36 per share on November 27, 2018, damaging investors.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

rswilloughby@pomlaw.com

888-476-6529 ext. 9980
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 04:58:30|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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Tourist Harwey Li (2nd L) poses for a photo with his family at the United Nations headquarters, in New York, Feb. 5, 2019. During this Spring Festival, the number of Chinese tourists soared at the United Nations headquarters, and the number of Chinese tour groups at least doubled, said a UN tour guide. (Xinhua/Ma Jianguo)

by Xinhua writers Ma Jianguo, Xu Xiaolei, Lin Yuan

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Beijinger Harwey Li and his family visited the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the first day of the Chinese Spring Festival, acquainting themselves with details of the world body, and China's contribution to it.

"What a surprise for the Year of the Pig!" said Li in the company of his wife, parents and mother-in-law. A staff member of China Mobile's Hong Kong branch, Li included the tour to UN Headquarters in the itinerary of his family trip to the United States to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, which began on Feb. 5 this year.

"The UN is a household name to all of us and China is a permanent member of the Security Council. However, it is only after the hour-long trip that we learned China has now grown to be the largest contributor of troops among the five Security Council permanent members and the second largest contributor of budget money among all the contributing member countries in regard of its peacekeeping efforts," Li told Xinhua.

The family was also informed that China's ongoing poverty-relief drive is in line with the UN sustainable development goals and that "China is believed to be the biggest contributor in poverty reduction around the world."

Li and his family have gone on several overseas trips during Spring Festivals, having visited Japan and some Southeast Asian countries. This year, they took back home a stamp of memorabilia printed to feature their heads in juxtaposition with the UN logo.

"Li and his wife are very considerate. They made all the plans, reserved the hotel online and even bought frozen dumplings from a Chinese store so that we could well live the Chinese tradition of having Jiaozi (dumplings) on the first day of the Spring Festival," his mother-in-law told Xinhua, adding that the travel came into being through "crowd funding" within the family.

KNOWING UN BETTER

Ms. Wang from China's southwestern city of Chongqing brought her daughter to New York this Spring Festival and the UN trip was the highlight on their agenda.

"On one hand, children can broaden their horizon through the trip; on the other hand, they can learn a lot more about international politics, which is helpful to their study," said Wang.

Tang Lifang, who is currently studying in the United States, invited her large family to visit New York during this holiday. Although she has visited the UN in the summer of 2015, she was still impressed this time.

"Even if there was no guide and I could only look through the glass at the Security Council chamber, I could feel the solemn atmosphere. My family and I also learned much background knowledge, such as the UN General Assembly's 'one country, one vote rule,'" Tang told Xinhua.

"The UN is an open and friendly place where visitors are allowed to enter the meeting room even as delegates are discussing major issues or the meeting is under way," she added.

CHINESE VISITORS ON RISE

During this Spring Festival, the number of Chinese tourists soared at the United Nations Headquarters, and the number of Chinese tour groups at least doubled, said Jiang Yueyue, a UN tour guide.

It was estimated that around one-third of the visitors were Chinese. During China's public holidays, Chinese visitors would usually double or even triple, Jiang added.

Due to the surge, Marsh Oliver, a young American who is an English-language tour guide, was temporarily shifted to Chinese-language duty this Spring Festival. With one-year working experience in China's northwestern city of Xi'an, he looked warm and sincere while receiving his Chinese guests who regularly called him a "star guide."

Oliver had been guiding Chinese tourists for a week and might get busier in the coming days as the peak of Chinese tourists is yet to come for this holiday season.

"Xin Nian Hao (Happy New Year)!" he recited the greeting phrase in Chinese, which he frequently used these days. And, "Kung Hei Fat Choy (Wish you fortune and luck)!" was the opening remark that he adopted when meeting each group of tourists from China, said Oliver.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (R) shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their joint press conference in Belgrade, Serbia, on Jan. 17, 2019. (Xinhua/Predrag Milosavljevic)

MOSCOW, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russia expects the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to sign agreements on free trade areas (FTAs) with Israel, Singapore, India, Egypt and Iran, a senior Russian official said Wednesday.

"In our opinion, it would be very productive if we actively move towards the conclusion of agreements on free trade areas," Russian First Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Sergei Tsyb was quoted as saying by TASS news agency.

The Russia-led EAEU is a single market, which groups Russia with four other countries of the former Soviet Union: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

A free trade agreement between the EAEU and Vietnam was signed in 2015 and took effect in 2016.

A free trade agreement between Russia and Serbia applies to a limited number of products, but Russian President Vladimir Putin said last month he hoped that a new EAEU-Serbia free trade agreement could be signed this year.

Russia has long nurtured plans of signing free trade agreements with various countries, which would allow Russian enterprises access to new markets.

The EAEU said in October 2017 that intensive work was under way to conclude free trade agreements with seven more countries, including Egypt, India, Iran, Israel and Singapore.

The EAEU and Iran signed an interim agreement leading to the creation of an FTA last year, with a full-fledged agreement expected within three years.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 03:33:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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STOCKHOLM, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- ABBA The Museum, an interactive exhibition about the pop band ABBA in Stockholm, has started recently to offer Alipay, one of China's most popular mobile payment methods, to Chinese visitors to the museum in its latest bid to adapt to meet the increasing Chinese market.

With the introduction of Alipay, ABBA The Museum is now able to allow Chinese tourists to buy tickets and shop at the museum directly with their mobile phones.

"We are one of the first major tourist attractions in Stockholm that starts with Alipay, and it feels really good," Caroline Fagerlind, Museum Director, ABBA The Museum told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"We actually had our first Chinese visitor who used Alipay last weekend, and all went very, very well," Fagerlind said, adding that "this is a very large and important step for us."

For the past few years, the musem has seen an obvious increase of Chinese visitors, as more and more Chinese visitors "know what ABBA is and want to visit Stockholm because of the ABBA museum", Fagerlind explained.

So, as a cashless museum, "we need to adapt and offer them this mobile cashless solution for better experience here ... and offering Alipay is a step in this direction," she added.

As a pioneer among major Swedish tourist attractions, ABBA The Museum has already started Chinese-friendly services since last year to help improve Chinese visitors' experience.

The other popular Chinese social media platforms, such as Wechat and Weibo, are also one of the means.

"We've been working on how we could best adapt to the Chinese market, and be online on social media as well, such as Wechat and Weibo," Fagerlind explained, adding that Chinese visitors can scan a QR code to check the museum's Weibo and Wechat pages. Audio guides in Chinese are also availble at the museum.

Fagerlind is passionate and working on further details to tailor the museum more attractive to the ever increasing Chinese visitors. "Now that Chinese visitors can use Alipay for the museum tickets, and at the museum shop, the ambition is to adapt all the POP HOUSE connected to Alipay system, including the POP HOUSE hotel, and the restaurant (the two share the same building with the museum)."

"Chinese market is very important to us, and we'd like to bring Chinese visitors closer to ABBA music and Swedish culture," said the director.

ABBA was a Swedish pop group from the 1970's who had sold over 400 million albums all over the world and remained one of the most successful band of all time.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 01:37:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ISTANBUL, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Eurasian economic summit on Wednesday urged the governments of regional countries to eradicate war and violence from their soils and cooperate more on technology and science.

The annual two-day summit in Istanbul, organized by Turkey's private Marmara Group Strategic and Social Research Foundation for the 22nd time, is drawing around 300 participants from over 30 countries.

Addressing the summit, Binali Yildirim, the speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, said the principal target of regional countries should be to protect the region from all kinds of confrontations, wars, violence and terrorism.

"Instead, we need to increase the opportunities for joint projects in numerous areas, including technology, art, communication, education, health, culture, tourism, science and trade," said Yildirim.

The speaker urged world countries to take effective measures to solve the global problem of illegal immigration, including reducing injustice and the unequal distribution of wealth.

Akkan Suver, president of the Marmara group foundation, drew attention to the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China in bringing peace, stability and prosperity to a wide range of areas.

In his view, the richness of the cultures of the countries along the Belt and Road will automatically build "bridges of peace."

President of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov, meanwhile, highlighted the simultaneous development of technology and humanity. He also called for efforts to find alternative sources of energy and solutions to the global warming.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 00:42:40|Editor: xuxin

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. House Intelligence Committee has postponed a closed-door testimony of Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, until later this month, the panel said Wednesday.

"In the interests of the investigation, Michael Cohen's testimony has been postponed until Feb. 28th," House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said in a statement.

Cohen had been scheduled to testify before the panel on Friday as part of its newly-revived probe into alleged Russian interference.

He was slated to appear publicly before the House Oversight Committee this Thursday, but postponed that appearance last month, cited threats from Trump and the president's lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. That hearing has not been rescheduled.

The Senate Intelligence Committee has also subpoenaed Cohen for an appearance in a closed door session next week.

Cohen, 52, is expected to begin his three-year prison sentence in March after pleading guilty in December to campaign finance-related crimes in which he implicated the president.

He is also a person of interest in the ongoing Russia inquiry led by special counsel Robert Mueller, whose investigation focuses on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow.

Trump has slammed Cohen as "a weak person" and the Russia probe as a "witch hunt."

Cohen previously served as a vice-president of the Trump Organization and special counsel to Trump.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 00:37:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ISLAMABAD, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 people were killed when a passenger van slammed into a pick-up truck in Karak district of Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, local reports said.

The crash took place on a busy highway when the van, which departed from provincial capital of Peshawar, collided head-on with the pick-up truck traveling in the opposite direction, Samaa News said.

Police said the van's gas cylinder exploded in the crash, causing a big fire, which engulfed the whole vehicle, and burned 16 passengers inside it.

Police and rescue teams cut through the metal wreckage of the vehicle to retrieve the bodies.

Road accidents are frequent in Pakistan, mainly due to poorly maintained vehicles, dilapidated roads and negligence of road safety measures.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-07 00:37:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KAMPALA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- As the new school term starts in Uganda, the UN refugee agency on Wednesday warned that thousands of refugees are missing out on education as a result of shortage of funding.

Joel Boutroue, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative here, said only 60 percent of refugee children can access primary school education and the classes are overcrowded with one teacher attending to over 100 children.

Boutroue said only 12 percent of the children who complete the primary level can access secondary education because the others do not have the necessary resources.

"Despite the efforts of many actors, we are falling very short of obtaining minimum standards that would be adequate to have quality education," he told reporters.

He said the children who drop out because they cannot access secondary education have created a set of problems, noting that they have ended up being idle and engage in risky behaviors.

"We had a very sad example a few days ago of a young lady, head of a household with two children who committed suicide when she had that her sponsor could not continue to sponsor her for secondary school. That is one example of many desperate situations," Boutroue said.

"If we don't redouble our efforts this year, we will face an increasingly delicate if not a desperate situation when it comes to the refugees themselves and also the host communities," he added.

Boutroue said the refugee response plan for Uganda this year requires 1 billion U.S. dollars to be able to continue delivering assistance. Out of the 1 billion dollars, UNHCR and the partners it finances need about 450 million dollars. The other partners need 550 million dollars.

Although UNHCR and the partners it finances need 450 million dollars, only 130 million dollars has so far been budgeted. The 130 million dollars is much lower than last year's 200 million dollars.

Uganda, according to UNHCR figures, hosts about 1.2 million refugees, the highest number of refugees in the country's history. Majority of the refugees are from South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-06 23:42:29|Editor: Yurou

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Fireworks illuminate the sky over the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China, Feb. 6, 2019, to celebrate the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

HONG KONG, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Spectacular flower patterns of fireworks roared above Victoria Harbor, followed by patterns of green "8" and yellow golden ingots, sending traditional blessings to locals.

It was the opening scene of the fireworks show in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The show started at 8:00 p.m. local time Wednesday, the second day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar.

A total of 23,888 fireworks lightened up the sky during the 23-minute show.

In one scene, a lot of fireworks went across the harbor with a racing speed effect, as if playing hide-and-seek.

"The scene symbolizes that we should set our goals for the new year and work hard towards goals with faith. Eventually, we will achieve the targets," said Wilson Mao, CEO of a multi-media production company which designed the firework show.

Another scene echoed the approaching Valentine's day. It displayed miscellaneous shades of strobes and waterfall-like movements to create heart-thumping effects and send blessings of everlasting love bond.

In the last scene, dazzling fireworks filled the sky with high intensity and lasted for 25 seconds, bringing the show to an end.

A Hong Kong resident surnamed Lo said he enjoyed the show, especially the powerful sounds of the fireworks.

Sharing his wishes for the lunar new year, Lo said he hoped "Hong Kong continues to prosper, and people have good jobs and stay healthy."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-06 05:13:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RABAT, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- H1N1 flu has killed 16 people in Morocco, the government said Tuesday.

A total of 36 people are receiving care in hospitals because of the flu, while 20 others have recovered, said Government Spokesman Mustapha El Khalfi when asked about the spread of the flu in parliament.

The confirmation of the first death from the H1N1 virus last week has raised concern in the country.

The Ministry of Health said it is monitoring the situation closely with the WHO.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Greg Hobbs is facing six charges, including making a false report, violation of oath by a public officer and making a false statement.

The GBI says they were called in to investigate documents that allegedly had mayor Greg Hobbs' signature forged on them in June 2018.

"Hobbs had previously met with officials at the District Attorney's Office and made the allegations which prompted the investigation request by the District Attorney's Office," officials wrote in a press release.

The GBI then began investigation, sending the documents to the FBI Crime Lab for comparison and analysis. Those results were then given to the District Attorney's Office, who presented the case to the Thomas County Grand Jury on Monday.

The Grand Jury decided to "true bill" an indictment against Hobbs, charging him with one count of false report of a crime, two counts of making a false statement, and three counts of violation of oath by a public officer.

The investigation is still ongoing.
NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Welbilt, Inc. (Welbilt or the Company) (NYSE: WBT) and certain of its officers and directors. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, and indexed under 19-cv-00191, is on behalf of a class consisting of all behalf of persons and/or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Welbilt securities between February 24, 2017, and November 2, 2018, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.



If you are a shareholder who purchased Welbilt securities between February 24, 2017, and November 2, 2018, you have until February 11, 2019, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Welbilt was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in New Port Richey, Florida. Welbilt designs, manufactures, and supplies foodservice equipment for the global foodservice industry. Welbilt was formerly known as Manitowoc Foodservice, Inc. and changed its name to Welbilt, Inc. in February 2017.

The complaint alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Welbilts internal financial reporting controls were lacking and ineffective; (ii) Welbilt was incorrectly recording the tax basis, as well as amortization of intangible assets, of foreign subsidiaries; (iii) as a result of the foregoing conduct, Welbilts previous financial statements could not be relied upon; and (iv) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On November 5, 2018, Welbilt announced in its Current report on Form 8-K with the SEC (the November 2018 Form 8-K) that certain of its previous financial statements should not be relied on because the Company had incorrectly recorded the tax basis of foreign subsidiaries and the amortization of their intangible assets. As a result, Welbilt had understated its U.S. tax liability.

On this news, Welbilts stock price fell $5.06 per share, or approximately 26.19%, to close at $14.26 per share on November 5, 2018.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

rswilloughby@pomlaw.com

888-476-6529 ext. 9980
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Thursday is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and the Leon County Health Department is working to make sure everyone in the community goes out to get tested.

WTXL ABC 27's Jada Williams was live Thursday morning to tell how the health department getting the word out.

The health department is hosting a couple of events to inspire people to get tested.

In fact, despite the fact that Thursday is the day for awareness, the health department is spending a couple of days getting the word out.

The whole idea is to increase HIV and AIDS awareness, promote testing, and get rid of the negative stigmas and ideas that people have about getting tested and the disease itself.

Of the 1400 HIV cases in Leon County, 76 percent of those affected identify as black or African American.

Now the health department is partnering with the Tallahassee Links to invite people to come out and learn more while also being in a fun and educational environment.

Kiara Dale is the minority AIDS coordinator for the Leon County Department of Health.

"I think it's very important that we bring this message, but do it in a creative way that breaks down those barriers," Dale said. "It's already scary, going in for an HIV test, but bringing it to the commjunity and saying hey, listen, we're going to bring this to you in a fun and entertaining way. We want you to know the seriousness of it. We also want you to get tested and know your status."

The Health Department is hosting a couple of events this weekend.

Hands Up Dance Showcase is Friday at 6:30 at Lee Hall on FAMU's campus.

It's free to attend.

On Saturday, there will be Lunch and Learn with an HIV-positive advocate.

The free event begins at 10 a.m. at the Delta Kappa Omega Providence Community Center.
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Several Jackson County Sheriff's Office deputies were injured while removing a man displaying a knife from the roof of a house.

On Wednesday, William Ray Howard, 37, of Alford, Florida, and the deputies were treated at a hospital for their injuries and later released.

One deputy responded to a Vancouver Drive address in Alford in reference to a suspicious person call and the person possibly being wanted, a news release said.

That deputy called for backup as Howard made "comments of concern," and other deputies arrived at the residence.

Deputies ordered Howard to come down from the roof, but he displayed a knife and refused to comply with their commands. He was tazed and scuffled with deputies until he got free of deputies and fell off the roof.

A deputy on the ground engaged Howard, who swung a knife at the deputy, striking him in the face and causing a superficial wound.

Howard continued to fight and bit a deputy on the arm. Another deputy suffered a dislocated thumb before Howard was handcuffed.

Howard was transported to the Jackson County Correctional Facility to await first appearance.

Howard faces several charges:
SEFFNER, Fla. (WTXL) - Governor Ron DeSantis is proposing that $422 million in the state budget go toward bonuses exceeding $9,000 for nearly 45,000 teachers.

Gov. DeSantis made the announcement regarding his teacher pay proposal Thursday in Seffner.

"This new bonus program will reward teachers with bonuses exceeding $9,000 for nearly 45,000 highly effective teachers at schools that grew at least one percent in their grading calculation," DeSantis said during the press conference.

DeSantis' proposal would also include $422 million in the state budget for teacher bonuses and give 1,700 teachers a chance to receive loan forgiveness or tuition waivers if they commit to teaching for at least five years in Florida.

The plan also includes:

Bonuses of up to $6,500 for principals at schools throughout Florida

Removing the SAT/ACT requirements for teachers to be eligible for a bonus

Establish the Teacher Talent Pipeline in Florida that aims at recruiting teachers

Develops a 'Bad Actor List' to prevent school operators who have been sanctioned or shut down by the state from working with Florida schools in the future

The governor's plan would still have to be approved by state legislators before any changes can occur.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is looking for a mentally delayed 18-year-old woman last seen four days ago.

Courtney Ryals was last seen on Sunday. According to her family, she was seen leaving with an unknown man who picked her up.

The family said she told them she was going to stay with family members in Interlachen, Florida and would be gone until Feb. 7 or 8.

The family advised she is mentally delayed.

Ryals was last seen wearing a gray shirt and pink shorts on Feb. 3.

If you have any information please call the Columbia County Combined Dispatch Center at (386) 719-2005.
On Thursday, the Florida Department of Education said the plan is to keep Common Core in place until at least Jan. 1, 2020.

At that time, the DOE will present recommendations for alternative education standards, according to the state.

The DOE says school districts should continue to follow state law and State Board rules regarding Common Core until further notice.

"When you complained about Common Core, I hear you. I told you I would do something about, and today we're acting to bring those promises into reality," said Gov. DeSantis last month about eliminating Common Core.

Common Core is a set of academic standards in mathematics and arts/literacy that outline what students should know at the end of each grade. Some parents argue the guidelines are too rigid and require too much testing for students.

Earlier this week, Martin County school leaders passed a resolution to ask Gov. DeSantis for more guidance on how to proceed with Common Core.

The Governor said the effort to eliminate Common Core is going to be a year-long process, and they will bring new standards to the legislative session next year.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - If you drive around town, you're bound to notice some sort of construction going on.

You've probably wondered what's being built or what's coming down.

For the past three years our 'Building Tallahassee' series has explored new development in the Capital City.

WTXL ABC 27's Stephen Jiwanmall took a look back at some projects we've covered in the past and showed us what they look like now.

Construction is part of the fabric of Tallahassee, always building, always changing. There's no better example than the Centre of Tallahassee.

Developers had visions to revive the old Tallahassee Mall by adding an amphitheater, new food court and more.

"We were looking for things that we felt was a real opportunity in Tallahassee to bring that would be fresh and different," said Late Former CEO of Blackwater Resources in 2015.

A skating rink opened in 2015. That was followed by the Urban Food Market and the School of Arts and Sciences at the Centre in 2016.

But after developer Alex Baker died a year later, progress on his vision started to slow down.

Fast forward to 2018. Tenants inside the mall are told they have to leave.

"It's a little devastating, only because we were really onto something, and I've seen so many children smile in there," said Carly Sinnadurai, Executive Director of The Sharing Tree in 2018.

Now, the future of the Centre looks to be a new location for state offices.

Plans submitted to the city in 2018 shows space for the departments of state, health, and children and families.

While the vision to this site changed over time, other major projects are staying the course. Take a look at how far they've come.

In 2018, we featured the Washington Square project downtown, a 19-story building with the city's first four-star hotel.

"They are seeing good things about Tallahassee, our growth in population, the growth in businesses. We are starting to market and brand Tallahassee as Florida's capital for business," said Al Latimer, Director of Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality in 2018.

Now, construction is well underway. Crews have started to build the tower. The city says the goal is to open Washington Square in August 2020.

Near Lake Ella, a new senior community is just about ready.

Construction on Canterfield of Tallahassee started in 2018. Now, the facility is planned to open this spring with 91 apartments.

And finally, the largest project in the history of the Community Redevelopment Agency.. The Cascades Project will add an upscale hotel, housing, dining options and a historical plaza.

Developers say when it's all done, the project will draw people to the heart of the city.

"I think it benefits the community by providing a downtown destination for people that want to live downtown, work downtown, and be downtown utilizing the park," said Shawn McIntyre, Florida Managing Partner of North American Properties. "I think it's going to benefit, by the community, by raising the quality of life."

Now, construction has begun. Phase 1 will include building the AC Hotel by Marriott and parking garage. That should be done by late 2020.

Phase 2 will feature townhomes and multi-family apartments. That's slated to be finished in the spring of 2021.

"I think you see a sense of a community growing up finding its own," said Jay Revell, Vice President of Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

Revell said these projects move the city forward as it approaches its bicentennial.

"You're just seeing an increased variety. You're seeing increased intensity in certain areas, a lot of times in the right areas and you're seeing a community that's continuing to grow up, and that's a good thing," said Revell.

Next week, we'll look at Tallahassee's Northside, and the new projects in that area.
Time to Talk Day 2019: No individual experiencing mental health issues should ever feel like they are alone

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Feb 7th, 2019

Wrexhams Assembly Member is backing a nationwide campaign aimed at reducing the stigma and discrimination around mental health.

Today is Time to Talk Day Lesley Griffiths AM is keen to raise awareness of the Time to Change Wales campaign and to encourage residents to have a conversation about mental health.

Mental health issues are common, with one in four people being affected at any one time. However, many people still feel afraid to talk about mental health, with some individuals feeling ashamed or isolated.

Whether its by picking up the telephone or calling round for a cup of tea, this years campaign is about bringing people together to share their experiences and to help end the stigma that is still associated with mental health.





Lesley Griffiths AM said: No individual experiencing mental health issues should ever feel like they are alone and its important people recognise a persons mental health is just as important as their physical health.

Encouraging people to talk about mental health more openly and freely will help challenge the negative attitudes and can be the first step towards recovery.

In my role as Wrexhams Assembly Member, I have witnessed some of the excellent support local organisations such as Advance Brighter Futures and Hafal can offer, as well as the Welsh Government-backed C.A.L.L. helpline.

I hope the Time to Talk campaign will help change thousands of peoples lives for the better.

Time to Change Wales is also launching a new campaign on 21 February aimed at men to raise awareness of mental health. The campaign, called Talking is a Lifetime, aims to encourage men to open up about their mental health problems, without concerns of feeling judged or embarrassed.

It emphasises to men that talking about your mental health is one of the bravest things they might ever do.
First Ministers Questions: North Wales AM tells First Minister of his 12 hour wait in Wrexham Maelor A&E

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Feb 7th, 2019

The below is the another in a new quick weekly summary of this weeks First Minister Questions session from Cardiff Bay. First Minister Questions takes place every Tuesday when the Assembly is sitting and can be watched live via Senedd.tv.

For those who have never ventured onto the Senedd site, you can view the session the below was taken from here, that allows a video player (along with creation of your own clips!) plus by clicking the meeting information and papers link you are able to view all the supporting documentation, along with a link to the full transcript.

Health Service Waiting Times across North Wales

The first question was from Janet Finch-Saunders AM who asked Will the First Minister make a statement on health service waiting times across north Wales?





The First Minister replied: Despite increased demand, there has been a reduction over the last year of nearly 30 per cent in the number of people waiting over 36 weeks for treatment in Betsi Cadwaladr. Further work, however, is required and is being undertaken in order to bring all waiting times within Welsh Government targets.

After being prompted to find a question in a long preamble, Janet Finch-Saunders AM asked: As the First Minister with ultimate responsibility, is it not time now that you started to take more of a hold on whats going on in this health board, and perhaps look at a better way of managing the direct interventions into this health board?

The First Minister replied: I continue to take a direct interest in everything that goes on in the health service, including in north Wales. At the time that Betsi Cadwaladr was put into special measures, there were real concerns about its maternity services. Those have improved and are no longer regarded as in need to be in special measures.

There were real concerns about out-of-hours services, which have improved significantly. There were concerns about delayed transfers of care, and they were down by 22 per cent in November and 24 per cent in December.

There are many things that are getting better in Betsi Cadwaladr, but we recognise that there are people who wait too long for treatment, despite the fact that 36-week waits are down, 26-week waits are down, and the median waiting time for treatment in the health board is 8.4 weeks from the point that someone is referred for treatment to the point when that treatment has been carried out. 

Llyr Gruffydd AM said the Red Cross was going in to help in A&E departments in some Welsh hospitals adding a local experience: You may say that the general picture is improving, but Im going to have to speak from experience here, First Minister.

I was referred to A&E in Wrexham Maelor last Monday. I got there at 5 oclock in the afternoon and I wasnt seen until five in the morning12 hours I waited in A&E. Yes, it does happen regularly, and the picture being portrayed here is one of improvements being made.

Perhaps there are improvements on a general level, but my response is that there are some unacceptable experiences that people still have to go through. 

The First Minister replied: I recognise, as I told Janet Finch-Saunders, that some people wait too long in emergency departments over the winter. They have come under pressure, of course, and there are many things we want to do with the board to improve the situation in the north.

Waiting is the hardest part

Leader of the Opposition, Paul Davies AM (Con, Preseli Pembs.) asked when a decision was due on the Newport M4 bypass.

Its quite clear that, despite 44 million of taxpayers money being spent on the inquiry into solutions for the M4 relief road, the details are now gathering dust on your desk, First Minister, given that it has been months since the report was published. Your Government is continuing to drag its heels on finding a viable solution, and the uncertainty that this is creating is hurting Welsh businesses and is damaging investment.

 Leader of the Opposition, Paul Davies AM

The First Minister said he understood the frustration of AMs that a decision hasnt been taken sooner, but the inspectors report is still being worked on by Welsh Government officials. He expects the right legal advice to be with him be fore too long and wont give any further answers without that advice in front of him.

He wasnt happy at being accused by the Conservatives of dithering when scores of infrastructure projects in Wales have been cancelled by their party.

First Minister wont be drawn into speculation on senior civil servants future

Plaid Cymru leader, Adam Price AM (Plaid, Carms. E. & Dinefwr), brought up Martin Shiptons exclusive last week that the head of the civil service in Wales, Shan Morgan, has been asked to stand down.

He said either the storys true  in which case the Permanent Secretary has grounds for constructive dismissal  or its not and its a deliberate attempt to undermine here. Which was the case? Was this, instead of being a Night of the Long Knives or a Night of the Short Memories?

There was a flat denial from the First Minister; nothing to see here:

Im not going to be drawn into speculation about how other people may have come across information they think they have and so on. What I will do is simply report the direct conversations that I have had with the individual that the Member has named, and I give him this assurance absolutely that the things that he has read in the newspaper have never once arisen in any conversation that I have had with the Permanent Secretary.

 First Minister, Mark Drakeford (Lab, Cardiff West)

Administrative devolution of welfare

In what seems to be a shift in Welsh Government policy, Huw Irranca-Davies AM (Lab, Ogmore), asked for an update on the administrative devolution of welfare. He thought it would better align with government priorities on poverty  though best done with due diligence and due care.

Leanne Wood AM (Plaid, Rhondda) was pleased by the shift in policy tone and austerity was asked for the Welsh Government to learn lessons from how the SNP have mitigated against Westminster-led austerity through welfare administration powers.

David Melding AM (Con, South Wales Central) struck a more cautious tone:

.since 1945, the social contract thats been the bedrock of the welfare state is that a citizen has a direct relationship with the state for a level of economic security and, no matter where he or she lives in the United Kingdom, they have the same basic economic rights to benefits. If we mess about with this principle, we could end up breaking that consensus we currently enjoy and that sustains a welfare state.

 David Melding AM

The First Minister confirmed that the case for administrative devolution will be explored further and committee work will feed into that. There were already a number of areas that could be considered welfare-related where the Welsh Government has taken action in relation to council tax (council tax benefit, absolving care leavers from paying council tax and removing the penalty of imprisonment for non-payment).

In response to Leanne Wood, he believed there was much to learn from the Scottish experience.

The First Minister didnt want to see a break-up of the welfare system with different payments in different parts of the UK, it was more about the system itself and how it was delivered on the ground.



Keep up to date with what is going on in the Senedd via SeneddHome.com


Councillors to debate life after Kingdom enforcement  new services could incur extra cost

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Feb 7th, 2019

The future provision of environmental enforcement in Wrexham is back on the agenda next week, with options such as providing the service in-house or using an external provider on the table.

Members of the councils homes and environment scrutiny committee will be asked on Wednesday for their views on the proposed options for the delivery of an environmental enforcement service across Wrexham County Borough.

It comes as Wrexham Council look for a way forward to deal with littering and dog fouling in the area.

In a report due before the scrutiny committee next week it is stated that environmental crimes such as littering and dog control remain a high concern of borough residents, therefore the council needs to consider the future delivery of this service.





As readers of Wrexham.com will be aware Wrexham Councils controversial contract with environmental enforcement company, Kingdom Services Ltd, was terminated at the end of 2018.

The company had issued FPNs (fixed penalty notices) for dog fouling and littering on behalf of the council since April 2016.

However the local authority came under increasing pressure to end its contract with the firm amid criticism of the zero tolerance approach used to issue fines.

Previously environmental enforcement services had been delivered in-house by Wrexham Council, a method which saw just seven FPNs issued for dog fouling in 2015/16.

Next Wednesday members of the homes and environment scrutiny committee will be asked to consider the four potential options for the delivery of the future environmental enforcement service for Wrexham Council  along with timescales on how long such a model would take to be set-up.

Such options include maintain the current operating model, which would see members of the existing enforcement service deployed when complaints are made over littering and dog fouling.

However it is noted that whilst this option would come at nil cost to the council, it would in effect leave the council with minimal enforcement of environmental crimes  with the main priority for officers being the civil enforcement of parking offences.

A second option would be to seek an external contractor again, something which the report says would take six months to go through the tendering process and subsequently set up an appropriate contract with a suitable enforcement contractor.

The report continues onto say that depending on the type of contract there may be costs to the council.

Another option would be to work with other North Wales councils to set up a regional delivery service.

In July 2018 it was confirmed that discussions with other authorities across North Wales over the creation of a regional enforcement service have taken place.

However next weeks report states that although there was generally wide scale agreement, the desire has significantly reduced and many councils have either determined to utilise internal teams or are testing the external market for options and opportunities.

A final option put forward is that the council look look at providing an in-house enforcement service, something which could take between six to nine months to set-up subject to securing suitable funding.

The report notes that while the council does not have a dedicated resource in house to for environmental crime enforcement, its internal team has the capability to complete this work, but priority remains on civil parking enforcement.

It adds: An in-house service can be flexible and responsive to demands, but would dilute the existing enforcement priority and become a pressure on internal budget and services standards and provisions.

The current internal team would need to be expanded with additional officers and administration support.

The report will be considered by members of the homes and environment scrutiny committee at 2pm on Wednesday 13th February. The meeting is due to be held in the main Guildhall chamber so we can assume it will also be webcast on the Wrexham Council website.
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apergy Corporation (Apergy) (NYSE: APY), announced today that Sivasankaran "Soma" Somasundaram, President and Chief Executive Officer, will attend and meet with investors at the 24th Annual Credit Suisse Energy Summit in Vail, Colorado from February 11 to 13, 2019.



Soma Somasundaram is scheduled to present on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 10:40 a.m. Eastern Time (8:40 a.m. Mountain Time). A live webcast and replay of the presentation will be available on our website at https://investors.apergy.com/news-reports/calendar. The accompanying slides from the presentation will be posted in the Investors section of our website for approximately 30 days.

About Apergy

Apergy is a leading provider of highly engineered equipment and technologies that help companies drill for and produce oil and gas safely and efficiently around the world. Apergy's products provide efficient functioning throughout the lifecycle of a well - from drilling to completion to production. Apergys Production & Automation Technologies offerings consist of artificial lift equipment and solutions, including rod pumping systems, electric submersible pump systems, progressive cavity pumps and drive systems and plunger lifts, as well as a full automation and digital offering consisting of equipment and software for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions for downhole monitoring, wellsite productivity enhancement, and asset integrity management. Apergys Drilling Technologies offering provides market leading polycrystalline diamond cutters and bearings that result in cost effective and efficient drilling. To learn more about Apergy, visit our website at http://www.apergy.com.

Investor Contact:

David Skipper  david.skipper@apergy.com  713-230-8031

Media Contact:

John Breed  john.breed@apergy.com  281-403-5751
Coleg Cambria opens racecourse restaurant while Wrexham campus is given 21m overhaul

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Feb 7th, 2019

A popular student restaurant has opened the doors to its temporary new home at an award-winning racecourse in Wrexham.

Hafod, based in Coleg Cambria Yale, has relocated to Bangor-on-Dee while work on a 21million revamp at the Wrexham campus is carried out.

The racecourse hosts 14 jump races a year  as well as weddings, conferences and events  with catering provided by the Horseradish Group.

Horseradish and Cambria are already in partnership and plan to open the venue every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday lunchtime until the Yale restaurant reopens in September 2020.





Speaking at the launch event  where Catering and Hospitality learners wowed guests with a selection of stunning canapes and cocktails, ranging from braised Welsh beef to pearl barley Arancini  general manager Jeannie Chantler said it was a pleasure to be able to support the college.

This will work out brilliantly for the students and for us, as they will gain more real-life experience of life in the kitchen and front of house and we will have them to support our team here at the racecourse, said Jeannie.

As well as the days theyre serving lunch they will be  as they have already  on hand to witness a race day here, where we can have up to 6,000 punters through the door and 800 people dining in our restaurants.

We are more than happy to help and hope they enjoy their time here with us.

Coleg Cambria and Horseradish joined forces 12 months ago and students now take up work placements and traineeships with the group at both Bangor on Dee and Chester racecourses, as well as corporate events.

The collaboration has worked well and was an immediate recipe for success, according to executive chef at Horseradish, Max Gnoyke.

We love working alongside Cambria and have plenty of ideas in store for the future, including a pop-up restaurant here at Bangor on Dee to promote the temporary relocation of Hafod, he said.

Its vital for the future of the industry that we encourage young talent and give them a realistic and rewarding experience, which is the feedback weve had so far since working with the college.

Together we recognised there was a gap and have worked to bridge it.

Andy Woods, Cambrias Deputy Director of Hospitality and Catering, added: For the students to be able to learn and experience the challenges and rewards that come from working in a busy kitchen is a vital foundation for them.

To be able to do that here at this beautiful location is a bonus and we would once again like to thank everyone at Bangor on Dee for their continued support and for welcoming us with open arms.

Between Horseradish, our new Bryn Williams food academy and the partnerships we have with other great restaurants across the region the learners have access to some of the finest chefs and hospitality leaders in the UK, which adds real value when they eventually enter the industry.

For more information, visit www.cambria.ac.uk or www.horseradishcatering.com. Visit www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk for more on Bangor-on-Dee racecourse.
Statement on campus disruptions

Senior Executive Team's statement on disruptions on campus on Thursday.

This morning we had a group of about 50 masked people who blocked the entrances to Yale Road North and South by placing rocks across the road. They are also attempting to disrupt lectures on the Braamfontein Campus West. With the aid of the police Yale Road has been cleared and the individuals who are attempting to disrupt lectures are being rounded up.

We understand that these individuals may be heeding the call of the South African Union of Students to shut down campuses and to target Wits first, so that other students and universities around the country can follow suit.

We are of the view that these individuals do not have the interest of our students at heart. Their aim is to disrupt learning and to hold higher education institutions to ransom in order to advance their own political agenda. Their agenda has nothing to do with free education but is rather a deliberate attempt to destabilise our University.

We need to expose these persons who are today on our campus trying to disrupt our lectures and to shut down our campuses. We need to expose them, suspend them if they are students and have them arrested if they are threatening people, infringing on the rights of others to learn and work and damaging property.

We cannot allow the futures of 32 000 registered students to be held to ransom by a small group of people trying to use the University for their own political gain.

We will thus go ahead with all University activities in the interests of the majority of students and in order to produce the high level skills needed to move our country forward.

The University is working with our own security, private security and the South African Police Services to keep the academic programme on track and all University services running. Forgive us if there are minor disruptions or delays  we cannot be held to ransom by a few selfish individuals.

We are still open to negotiations with internal constituencies like the Students Representative Council, provided that they engage in good faith and take responsibility for their actions. An SRC leader was almost suspended this week for disrupting classes, and the University will no longer hesitate to hold individuals who break the law accountable for their actions. The University is no longer in a position to chase goalposts that keep moving.

We have been working tirelessly for the last few years to address the challenges in higher education and we have made numerous concessions for students. Read the SRC Demands and Wits' Response to SRC.

This year we established a R13 million Wits Hardship Fund to help returning students to register. We have provided urgent accommodation and food to hundreds of students requiring assistance in recent weeks.

To date, the Wits Hardship Fund Evaluation Committee (which includes SRC representatives) has

- assisted 567 students in total in the last two weeks,

- awarded funding to 220 students for urgent accommodation, and

- assisted 347 returning students to register.

See the full update on the Hardship Fund

This is over and above the R1 billion in financial aid, scholarships and bursaries (including R100 million from the Universitys Council Budget) that covers over 25 000 Wits students.

We thank you for your commitment to Wits during this difficult period. Please work with us to keep this institution up and running for the greater good of the Wits community.

SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM
Washington, DC, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Washington, DC  The National Academy of Social Insurance is seeking innovative ideas to address the income adequacy needs of older workers who must claim Social Security retirement benefits early, due to ill health, an inability to continue to perform physically demanding jobs, or other factors. The Academy, in collaboration with AARP, has launched a Social Security Policy Innovations Challenge open to applicants across the country and from a variety of disciplines. (Visit the Academys website for more information about the Challenge.)

Most beneficiaries rely on Social Security benefits as their principal or only source of income in retirement. Under the current Social Security benefit structure, early claimants receive substantially reduced monthly benefits throughout their lifetimes. The average retirement benefit is only slightly above the federal poverty level for income.

Our goal is to find problem-solvers who are concerned about older workers who are unable to secure jobs that pay enough to live decently and save for retirement, said William Arnone, Chief Executive Officer of the National Academy of Social Insurance. Participation in this Challenge is an opportunity to find much-needed solutions for those not eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and at high risk of falling into poverty.

A panel of judges, consisting primarily of Members of the Academy as well as other experts, will conduct a blind review of all proposals based on a set of evaluation criteria (learn more). Challenge judges will also examine the proposals to ensure that they do not adversely impact the existing SSDI system and its recipients.

We believe that good ideas that have undergone rigorous factual analysis can drive better policymaking, said AARP Chief Public Policy Officer Debra Whitman. This Challenge serves as an opportunity to foster the kinds of innovative ideas that will challenge outdated beliefs and make this vital program stronger for future generations. We are excited to collaborate with the National Academy of Social Insurance and its membership of experts to discover new ways to protect vulnerable workers and retirees.

Experts are encouraged to apply, but expertise in Social Security policy is not a requirement for participation in the Challenge. The Academy will work with applicants to develop policy ideas that are innovative, feasible, and have the potential to improve economic security for workers with limited employment opportunities, who lack the financial security to postpone claiming Social Security benefits until they reach full retirement age. The application process will include an opportunity for applicants to learn more about Social Security and related benefits, as well as relevant research findings about the income needs of this target population. Each winning proposal will receive an award of up to $20,000-$25,000.

###

About the National Academy of Social Insurance

Since the Academy was founded in 1986, it has provided rigorous inquiry and insights into the functioning of our nations social insurance programs  Social Security, Medicare, Unemployment Insurance, and Workers Compensation. Now comprised of over 1,000 of the nations top experts in social insurance and related policies and programs, the Academy studies how social insurance can continue to meet the changing needs of American families, employees, and employers. The Academy also looks at new frontiers for social insurance, including areas of uninsured or underinsured economic risks and related policies. To learn more about the Academys work, please visit www.nasi.org, or follow @socialinsurance on Twitter.

About AARP

AARP is the nations largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.
With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 574-583-5121 or email cgrace@thehj.com.
Murray Businessman Responds to Fraud Indictment

By West Kentucky Star Staff



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Jones released a statement Thursday afternoon saying his companies provided services and equipment to the schools as contractually outlined, and, "the claims in the indictment are categorically false." Jones said he believes the indictment is a result of a well-publicized business dispute with a former business partner, David Griffin. Jones says he looks forward to defending the charges against his character and work.Charles A. "Chuck" Jones, the part owner of two now-dissolved technology companies, Technology Associates, Inc. and Integrated Computer Solutions, Inc., and Mark J. Whitaker of Murray, Kentucky, were indicted on federal criminal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the indictment today.According to the indictment, under the Federal Communications Commissions E-rate Program, the government provides funding to qualified schools to purchase internet access and other telecommunications services and equipment for their students. The E-rate Program pays up to 90% of the cost of these technology services and equipment. Two of the Programs core eligibility requirements are that applicant schools conduct a fair and open competitive bidding process and that each applicant school pay some percentage of the cost of the internet access and other telecommunications services and equipment. The E-rate Program pays the balance of that cost, which ranges from 20% to as high as 90%. As described in the indictment, the reason the schools are required to pay a portion of the costs are: a) to ensure that schools have a financial incentive to negotiate for the most favorable prices so that E-rate Program funds are not wasted; and b) to ensure that schools purchase only those items and services they truly need.The indictment further charges that Jones and Whitaker conspired with an individual identified as A.J., to whomJones gave money and other things of value in return for A.J.s assistance. The co-conspirators used A.J. and A.J.s position with schools in Crockett County, Tennessee and Missouri to violate Program rules. Additionally, the co-conspirators submitted and caused to be submitted fabricated documents and made false statements and representations to the E-rate Program administrator, which included assertions that Jones companies had invoiced schools for the proper co-payment amounts. These actions were taken to circumvent E-rate Program rules and review and to obtain payments from the E-rate Program administrator to Jones companies. Jones companies received approximately $8.5 million from the E-rate Program and Jones used funds from the companies bank accounts for his own benefit.U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Protection of federal grant programs that provide needed services and equipment to our schools in West Tennessee is a top priority of this office. When dishonest offenders conspire to defraud these programs for their own selfish gain and unjust enrichment, they not only steal tax dollars, but also hurt local schools in the process. We will continue to work with our federal partners to root out and expose such fraud against the government, to hold offenders accountable, and to recover ill-gotten gains."FCC Inspector General David Hunt stated: "Todays charges allege that Mr. Jones and Mr. Whitaker knowingly and willfully violated the bedrock requirements of the FCCs E-rate Program while hiding these violations from the Programs administrator, all with the goal of enriching Mr. Jones with E-rate funds, thus depriving students of the benefits of this program  up-to-date telecommunications services. I thank U.S. Attorney Dunavant for prosecuting this case. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who seek to illegally take money from the FCCs programs."This case was investigated by the FCC Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Assistant United States Attorneys Tony Arvin and Murre Foster are prosecuting this case on the governments behalf.The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
KY Organ Donor Advocates Fear Drop-off of Registry

By The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - When Kentucky overhauled its driver's licenses to comply with federal security rules, it added another change: Licenses will last eight years instead of four.

That is a big problem for organ donation advocates, who worry the new schedule will squeeze the primary method of registering potential donors. Kentuckians get their driver's licenses at circuit court clerk's offices, and nearly every person on the state's growing organ donor registry got there because someone in the clerk's office asked about it during a license renewal.

About 1 million people renew their driver's licenses in Kentucky every year. But with the renewal period doubling to eight years, clerks expect to see that number cut in half. The change will start phasing in this spring, when drivers will have the option of a four- or eight-year license. Beginning in 2023, drivers will have eight-year licenses only.

"We're only going to be able to ask them (to be an organ donor) once every eight years," said Shelley Snyder, executive director of the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks' Trust for Life. "It cuts down on the number of people going to be given that opportunity."

Snyder said Kentucky's organ donor registry is one of the fastest growing in the country. In 2011, about 30 percent of Kentuckians were on the registry. Today, it's 60 percent. Snyder said the registry adds between 7,000 and 10,000 people per month.

Advocates are looking for ways to make up the difference. One idea is to ask people every time they log in to the Kentucky Online Gateway, a website people use to sign up for state services. Wednesday, the state Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to advance legislation that would do that. It passed unanimously. The proposal's next stop is the state Senate for a full vote.

The Kentucky Online Gateway is one website people can use to apply for several state services. People can use the website to sign up for Medicaid and food stamp benefits, make child support payments. Snyder said about 1.1 million people use the website.

"We hope that it will at the very least make up for our loss," Snyder said.

The trust is a nonprofit organization that educates people about the organ donor registry and how it works. It's primarily funded with $1 donations collected at circuit court clerks' offices. With the longer renewal period, donors can elect to donate $2 to the trust.

Republican state Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr voted for the bill, saying one of her closest friends is on the heart transplant list.

"You start thinking about this in a whole different way," Kerr said.

___

The legislation is Senate Bill 77.
Ray Denied New Trial, Sentenced to 65 Years

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MAYFIELD - Brady Ray has been denied a new trial.

Ray appeared before Graves Circuit Court Tuesday morning on a motion filed on Rays behalf for a new trial and for final sentencing. In November 2018, Ray was convicted of attempted murder, robbery, burglary, wanton endangerment, and violation of a Kentucky emergency protection order/domestic violence order. The jury sentenced him to 65 years.

The defendants attorney and the Commonwealths Attorney presented oral arguments for and against Rays motion for a new trial, but the Court denied Rays motion. Karley Holt, Victims Advocate, read a statement on behalf of the victim. Ray was then sentenced to 65 years in prison.

Police say Ray broke into the Mayfield home of his estranged wife, Tracy Hargrove, in January 2017 and attacked her with a hammer. Hargrove and a child were able to escape out a bedroom window and run to a neighbor's home to get help.

Ray reportedly chased after them but left. He was arrested the next day in Nashville, TN.
Miller Could Face Life Sentence for Woman's Murder

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MAYFIELD - Prosecutors will seek a life sentence for a man charged with murdering a Mayfield woman three years ago.

During a trial review this week in Graves County, prosecutors said they will seek life in prison for Ezell Miller. Miller's attorneys asked the judge for more time to prepare for the case. Miller's case was removed from the March 5 jury trial docket and set for a review on March 11, at 9:00 am.

Miller is charged with the 2016 fatal shooting of Lauren Alexander. Mayfield police found Alexander inside her West Hale Street home with a gunshot wound. Officers also found Miller at the home.

Alexander was taken to Jackson Purchase Medical Center, then to Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, TN where she later passed away.

Miller is charged with murder, 1st degree burglary, tampering with physical evidence, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and 1st degree wanton endangerment.
Mayfield Man Arrested on Meth, Tampering Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff

GRAVES COUNTY - A Mayfield man is facing methamphetamine and other charges.

According to the Mayfield Police Department, 34-year-old Timothy Davis was arrested on Tuesday, after officers responded to a report of two people arguing near Windhaven Apartments. Police found Davis in a wooded area with a woman.

Officers say Davis was seen throwing a bag into some bushes. A syringe containing methamphetamine was allegedly found near the bag. Davis was also found to have a parole violation warrant out of Graves County.

Davis was arrested and transported to the Graves County Jail. He's charged with possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence. He was addistionally charged with the parole violation warrant.
NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CAST, the market leader in Software Intelligence, today announced it has completed a $12.5 million round of capital funding. This comes on the heels of a $22 million investment in technology innovation over a three-year period, which focused on CAST Highlight, CASTs SaaS-based application portfolio analysis solution that has seen 100% year-on-year growth, and CASTs Application Intelligence Platform (AIP), the most advanced Software Intelligence platform on the market.



CAST is also on track to aggressively grow partnerships with global leaders in tech-related services. CAST partners include major consulting firms like the Boston Consulting Group, global systems integrators like IBM and Accenture, OEM partners such as Cognizant and MEGA International, and numerous high-energy, highly-skilled consulting firms specialized in system architecture, cloud migration and application security.

The first quarter of 2018 was dynamic with 27.9% growth at constant exchange rates, based on over 40 deals closed with new customers that include Wells Fargo, J. Hancock, Bank Sabadell, Findomestic Banca, General Electric, Fiserv and Microsoft for Saint-Gobain. CAST Highlight saw an impressive 212% quarter-on-quarter growth in Q1.

With new top management in operations and key markets, the companys ability to execute is strong, and the Software Intelligence CAST provides is well-aligned with application security, digital transformation and portfolio modernization goals of enterprise organizations today. CASTs management team anticipates a CAGR of 15% and double-digit profitability by 2020.

About CAST



CAST is the market leader in Software Intelligence, with unique technology backed by $150 million in software analysis and measurement R&D. CAST technology helps digital leaders and doers see the truth, become software geniuses and deliver super software - resilient, responsive, safe and secure software. Hundreds of companies rely on CAST to improve end-user satisfaction and time-to-market, prevent business disruption and reduce cost. Founded in 1990, CAST operates globally with offices in North America, Europe, India and China. For more information, visit. www.castsoftware.com.

You can also:

Visit the Software Intelligence Blog: https://www.castsoftware.com/blog

Check us out on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/onquality

Contact:

Britney Schaeffer

communications@castsoftware.com

+1 212-871-8361
Accomplice in 2014 Trigg Murders Denied Parole

By West Kentucky Star Staff

LA GRANGE - The woman who helped Ryan Champion kill his parents and sister in their Trigg County home in 2014 has been denied early parole.According to WKDZ, Ann Plotkin has served four years of a 22-year sentence, but went before the parole board asking for early release for medical reasons.Commonwealth's Attorney Carrie Ovey-Wiggins says Plotkin made the request because she has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.On Thursday morning, Ovey-Wiggins said, "My office just received a call from one of the victims letting us know the good news that parole had been denied. Obviously, this was the wish of the Commonwealth that she not be granted parole, and we are thankful that the parole board did not decide to release her early due to any medical issues that she may have."Plotkin plead guilty to three counts of complicity to murder related to the shooting deaths of 62-year-old Joe Champion, 60-year-old Joy Champion and 31-year-old Emily Champion on October 26, 2014. She helped Ryan Champion plan the murders and communicated between him and hired killer 22-year-old Vito Riservato, who was also shot to death at the scene.After initially telling police that he was present when his family was attacked and survived because he was able to "turn the tables" on Riservato, investigation led to Ryan Champion's arrest five days later. Eventually he plead guilty to murder and kidnapping, and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.On the Net:
Investigation Leads to Arrest of Two Paducah Men

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - A theft investigation has led to the arrest of two Paducah men.According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department, on Wednesday, deputies investigated the theft of an I-phone, smart tablet and firearm stolen from a home on Clinton Road. Deputies identified the suspect as 19-year-old Gabriel McGill, of Paducah.McGill was found at a local hotel and interviewed. During the interview, deputies say McGill intentionally broke the stolen phone. McGill was arrested and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail on charges of tampering with physical evidence, theft by unlawful taking  firearm and theft by unlawful taking- all other under $500.As the investigation continued, deputies located 40-year-old Jason Moore, of Paducah, at his place of employment, located on Lone Oak Road. During questioning Moore admitted he had the firearm with him and deputies were able to recover it.Deputies found that Moore was also in possession of methamphetamine, as well as items of drug paraphernalia. Moore was also arrested and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail. He's charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a handgun by convicted felon, resisting arrest, menacing, and receiving stolen property (firearm).
Worker safety has fallen and it cant get up
A WCO Revenue Package national Workshop on the development of an Advance Ruling System for Classification, funded by the Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF) Finland, under the WCO-Finland ESA project II, was held in Harare, Zimbabwe, from 28 January to 1 February 2019. Eighteen mid-to-high-level technical officers and managers of Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) participated in the Workshop, which was facilitated by an expert from the WCO Secretariat, a pre-accredited expert on the HS from the Uganda Revenue Authority and an external HS expert from the Netherlands.

The Workshop examined means of enhancing Zimbabwe Customs capacity to carry out classification work in an efficient manner and developing an advance ruling system in compliance with the requirements under Article 3 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

The Commissioner for Customs and Excise, Mr. Happias Kuzvinzwa, opened the Workshop and thanked the WCO Secretariat for the programme. He pointed out that while Zimbabwe had ratified the WTO TFA, the provision of advance rulings was categorized as one of the measures for which Zimbabwe had indicated that it needed additional time and capacity building support to implement.

The experts also met with the ZIMRA Commissioner General, Ms Faith Mazani, who thanked the WCO for its continued support. She said that Zimbabwe supported by the IMF was implementing a new strategic plan with two focal areas of stakeholder engagement and support to all TFA initiatives like Single Window and Authorised Economic Operator. She noted that advance ruling was key in developing corporate compliance, strengthening Customs audit and improving classification, valuation and origin infrastructure. She further noted ZIMRAs focus on training to improve peer to peer support or learning sighting RTC Zimbabwe as the centre of excellence for the Revenue Package in the ESA region.

During the intensive five-day Workshop the participants reviewed the Zimbabwe Customs situation and performance in the area of tariff classification and advance tariff rulings using the WCO Diagnostic Tool on Tariff Classification, Valuation and Origin Work and Related Infrastructure.

An action plan was drawn up at the end of the Workshop comprising a series of action points in relation to the existing advance tax ruling procedure, such as recommendations for amending the legislative framework, procedures, record keeping and setting up a classification unit. Also, the need for a rulings database was identified. Compliance management, the procedure for dispute settlement and capacity building for ZIMRA staff, traders and Customs brokers were also considered.
Land Mobile Radio Antennas Market is expected to Surpass US$ 150 Million by 2027.



PUNE, India, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Land mobile radio antennas experience a burgeoning significance in public safety industry, owing to rising need of effective communication in addressing growing cases of crime, natural disasters and terrorism. In addition, the growing investments in smart cities by government will further aid the market growth. Land mobile radio antenna industry highlights development of multi-polarized and digital antennas to secure communication through signal encryption and reduction in path losses. Land mobile radio antennas market was valued at US$ 71.4 million in 2018 and is expected to surpass US$ 150 million by 2027. Presently, the North America region accounts for more than 31% of the land mobile radio antennas market revenue, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific.



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In land mobile radio market, the demand for digital system is expected to rise exponentially. The 700MHz to 1000MHz (SHF) holds the largest market share owing to its capability to communicate over large distance range. Military and government application would continue to dominate the market. However, considering the proliferation of digitization in transportation, the commercial application segment is expected to grow at a faster rate.

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The detailed research study provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the land mobile radio antennas market. The market has been analyzed from demand as well as supply side. The demand side analysis covers market revenue as well as sales volume across regions and further, across all the major countries. The supply side analysis covers regional production volume and capacity analysis. The geographical analysis done emphasizes on each of the major countries across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Some of the players operating in the land mobile radio antennas market, are GALTRONICS, Infinite Electronics International, Inc. (Pasternack Enterprises), Laird, Motorola Solutions, Inc., MP Antenna, Nearson, Inc., Pacific Aerials, PCTEL, Sinclair Technologies, Telewave, Inc.

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By Land Mobile Radio Systems Type

Base Station Radios and Repeaters

User Radio Antenna/Portable Radios

By Frequency

40MHz  174MHz (VHF)

200MHz  512MHz (UHF)

700MHz  1000MHz (SHF)

By Application

Military and Government

Marine

Construction and Mining

Commercial

Others

By Geography

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

Latin America

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About Us:

Absolute Markets Insights assists in providing accurate and latest trends related to consumer demand, consumer behavior, sales, and growth opportunities, for the better understanding of the market, thus helping in product designing, featuring, and demanding forecasts. Our experts provide you the end-products that can provide transparency, actionable data, cross-channel deployment program, performance, accurate testing capabilities and the ability to promote ongoing optimization.

From the in-depth analysis and segregation, we serve our clients to fulfill their immediate as well as ongoing research requirements. Minute analysis impact large decisions and thereby the source of business intelligence (BI) plays an important role, which keeps us upgraded with current and upcoming market scenarios.

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Drama students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., rehearse in a scene from Song of Parkland, about the aftermath of the shooting at the school on Feb. 14, 2017, tonight at 8 on HBO.
Skokie, IL, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Purchased Lives, curated by The Historic New Orleans Collection, reveals slaverys machinations and widespread persistence in America, long after the importation of slaves was made illegal in 1808

Exhibition conveys the inhumanity of slavery through original artifacts, personal stories, and interactive displays

Museum offering FREE admission on three Saturdays in February in honor of Black History Month (2/9 - sneak peek of Purchased Lives, 2/16, 2/23)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS MEDIA ASSETS





In 1808, the United States abolished the international slave trade. From that date through the end of the Civil War in 1865, the domestic slave trade continued at a cruel and brisk pace. Slave owners bought and sold people, moving their human property from one location to another, often at great distances, while separating husbands from wives and children from parents. Historians estimate that nearly two million people were displaced in this way.

Opening at Illinois Holocaust Museum in February 2019, the exhibition Purchased Lives: The American Slave Trade from 1808 to 1865 illustrates the pain and injustice of the American domestic slave trade. The exhibition illuminates just how widespread the practice of slavery was in American life, as well as its impact on enslaved families across the country.

During this period of domestic slavery, owners in the Upper SouthMaryland, North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, DCsold and shipped surplus laborers to the expanding Lower South. For many enslaved people, their long and difficult journeys led them to New Orleans, the largest slave market in antebellum America. There, they were treated as property, rather than human beings, often held in outdoor pens before being auctioned and scattered to points across Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Through interactive displays, Purchased Lives allows visitors to engage directly with the historical record by tracking the shipment of more than 70,000 people to New Orleans. It showcases more than 75 original artifacts, including period paintings and first-person accounts from slave narratives and oral histories. The exhibit also includes a collection of Lost Friends ads placed after the Civil War by newly freed people attempting to locate family members specifically in Illinois.

The exhibition is powerful not only for the subject matter, but because of the incredible and rare artifacts that are included, said Arielle Weininger, Chief Curator of Illinois Holocaust Museum. In addition, the interactive Lost Friends database helps the visitor understand that this is not a southern issue  its ramifications were felt throughout the country and are still evident today.

Illinois Holocaust Museum consistently uses special exhibitions to tell stories of inhumanity and resilience, both historical and present-day. Purchased Lives, combined with its related programming, facilitates a broader conversation about the legacies of the American slave trade and their manifestations in todays world.

For the last three Saturdays in February, including February 9, 16, and 23, visitors to the Museum will enjoy free admission in honor of Black History Month, due to generous funding from Bank of America. On February 16 and 23, the Museum will have public docent tours of Purchased Lives at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Purchased Lives was curated and originally hosted by The Historic New Orleans Collection. The objects on view represent items from The Historic New Orleans Collection as well as artifacts from the Belmont Mansion in Nashville; Evergreen Plantation in Edgard, Louisiana; the Louisiana State Museum; the Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies at the University of New Orleans; the New Orleans Notarial Archives; the Touro Infirmary Archives, and private collections.

The power of this story and the platform it provides for contemporary discussion transcends the geographic borders of New Orleans as a center of the domestic slave trade, said John H. Lawrence, director of museum programs at The Historic New Orleans Collection.

Opening Event:

When: Sunday, February 10, 2019, 2:00 PM  3:30 PM

What: The opening program features a powerful conversation about the long-lasting impact of the domestic slave trade with Erin Greenwald, Curator of Purchased Lives; Nancy Bercaw, Chair, Division of Political History, National Museum of American History; and Dr. Christopher Reed, Professor Emeritus of History, Roosevelt University and General Secretary of the Black Chicago History Forum. Moderated by Morgan Elise Johnson, an award-winning filmmaker, publisher and co-founder of thetriibe.com, a digital publication re-shaping the narrative of Black Chicago.

All photographs courtesy of The Historic New Orleans Collection. Exhibition by The Historic New Orleans Collection.

Supporting Sponsors:

Bank of America

Kimberly T. Duchossois

The Sedge and Henry Plitt Charitable Trusts

Womens Leadership Committee of Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

Additional Funders:

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

The Golder Family Foundation

Media Sponsors:

WBEZ Chicago

WGN

Exhibition Partner:

DuSable Museum of African American History

Community Partners:

Chicago History Museum

Chicago Urban League

Jewish Council on Urban Affairs

About Illinois Holocaust Museum

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center honors the Survivors and victims of the Holocaust and transforms history into current, relevant, and universal lessons in humanity. Through world-class exhibitions and programs, the Museum inspires individuals and organizations and provides a universal wake-up call to action: Take history to heart. Take a stand for humanity. The Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Thursday evenings until 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.ilholocaustmuseum.org or call 847-967-4800.

About The Historic New Orleans Collection

Founded in 1966, The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Its original exhibitions, award-winning publications, innovative programming, and robust holdings offer multiple entry points for those eager to learn more about the people, places, and events that have helped define the unique culture of this area. For more information, visit www.hnoc.org, call (504) 523-4662, or follow THNOC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About the DuSable Museum of African American History

The DuSable Museum of African American History is the oldest independent black history museum in the nation. Our mission is to promote understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans through exhibits, programs and activities that illustrate African and African American history, culture and art. The DuSable Museum is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. For more information on the Museum and its programs, please call 773-947-0600 or visit us at www.dusablemuseum.org. The DuSable Museum of African American History gratefully acknowledges the Chicago Park Districts partnership and also thanks United Airlines, the official airline of the DuSable Museum for its support.

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Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 61F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 61F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Lombard, Illinois, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pinnacle Dermatology, the rapidly growing dermatology practice headquartered in Chicago, is pleased to announce that Cecilia Taylor, FACHE, MBA has joined its Executive Leadership team as Chief Financial Officer.

We are thrilled to have Cecilia join the Pinnacle Dermatology Executive Leadership Team, said Chad A. Eckes, Pinnacle Dermatology Chief Executive Officer. She is a seasoned Healthcare administrator with extensive operational and financial experience. She brings with her a proven track record of meeting strategic objectives by driving and managing growth, maintaining productivity, controlling cost, and enhancing profitability. 

Ms. Taylor last served as SVP and CFO at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern in Zion, IL. During her 15-year tenure with CTCA, she collaborated with clinical leaders to eliminate waste, streamline operations, create new service offerings, and ensure accurate financial reporting. She is passionate about hiring and developing talent and balancing financial returns with high satisfaction from patients, physicians and staff. She was responsible for Finance, Revenue Cycle, Stem Cell Transplant Program, Operational Planning, Construction and Facilities, Lean Six Sigma and directly managed various operational departments and physician groups.

Prior to joining CTCA, she held various senior financial positions at Dental Associates (a $100 million dental practice with 6 clinics) and IKON Technology Services, a systems integration division of IKON (a $5.5 billion NYSE company). She also held various financial and operational positions at an entrepreneurial systems integration company, Micro Information Services, having helped guide it through 12 years of strong growth.

Mrs. Taylor earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where she graduated with Beta Gamma Sigma. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

Together with the providers, staff and executive team, I look forward to the accelerated growth of Pinnacle Dermatology throughout the region, said Ms. Taylor.

Adding Ms. Taylor to the executive team is yet another step in Pinnacle Dermatologys strategy to build the premier multi-site dermatology practice. Pinnacle provides a preeminent patient experience in comprehensive and compassionate skin care and has expanded services throughout the region with offices whose values and standard practices are aligned with this mission. Responsive and passionate patient care, including same day appointments, patient education and a commitment to provide screening for early skin cancer detection are central to this practice.

About Pinnacle Dermatology, LLC

Pinnacle Dermatology is proud to be a place where extraordinary things happen. Our physicians, clinic staff members and corporate employees all work together to help our patients get and keep healthy skin, hair and nails in every clinic, every day. If you are looking for extraordinary medical and cosmetic dermatology services, let us show you what is possible. www.pinnacleskin.com
In 2015, Sutherland was qualified for and applied for a position in the human resources department of Colonial Williamsburg, the suit said. She was not employed by the foundation when she applied for the position.
"The Greenwich Police Department is dedicated to identifying those responsible for the death of Valerie and ensuring justice for her and her family. We continue to work with New Rochelle Police and other law enforcement agencies at multiple levels and have engaged a variety of resources to assist in the investigation," Greenwich police said.
When the allegation of sexual assault emerged against Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, D, on a conservative website late Sunday, his accuser's name and face were thrust into the center of the state's unfolding political scandals.

Fairfax vehemently denied the allegation, saying that the woman was lying and that he was the victim of a "smear campaign." The woman remained silent.

Then, on Wednesday, Fairfax's accuser came forward, publicly identifying herself and describing the encounter in July 2004 during which she said Fairfax sexually assaulted her.

"What began as consensual kissing quickly turned into a sexual assault," said Vanessa Tyson, a fellow at Stanford University, an associate professor at Scripps College and a University of Chicago alumnus.

She accused Fairfax of forcing her to perform oral sex during the encounter, which allegedly took place during the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

"I cannot believe, given my obvious distress, that Mr. Fairfax thought this forced sexual act was consensual," Tyson said.

Later Wednesday, in response to Tyson's statement, Fairfax denied the allegation of sexual assault and Tyson's description of what happened.

"Reading Dr. Tyson's account is painful. I have never done anything like what she suggests," Fairfax said in a statement. "Any review of the circumstances would support my account, because it is the truth. I take this situation very seriously and continue to believe Dr. Tyson should be treated with respect. But, I cannot agree to a description of events that simply is not true."

The allegations of sexual assault have further enveloped Richmond in chaos as Gov. Ralph Northam, D, resists calls to resign over a racist photo that appeared on his medical school yearbook page and his acknowledgment that he darkened his face for a dance competition in the 1980s.

Attorney General Mark Herring acknowledged Wednesday that he dressed in blackface while in college, plunging the state Democratic Party into crisis as all three Democratic state-level officeholders are now embroiled in controversies.

Fairfax, who is next in line to be governor if Northam resigns, on Monday described the encounter as consensual, called the allegations false and threatened legal action against Tyson.

In her statement, Tyson said she decided to come forward after those remarks.

"My only motive in speaking now is to refute Mr. Fairfax's falsehoods and aspersions of my character, and to provide what I believe is important information for Virginians to have as they make critical decisions that involve Mr. Fairfax," she said.

Democrats have tread carefully with the allegations against Fairfax, with many declining to comment or saying that they take the allegations seriously and are monitoring the situation.

But after Tyson publicly shared her story Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., the dean of the Virginia congressional caucus, released a statement in her support.

"Allegations of sexual assault need to be taken seriously," Scott said. "I have known Professor Tyson for approximately a decade and she is a friend. She deserves the opportunity to have her story heard."

Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., also voiced her support of Tyson, tweeting that she believed her.

Tyson said she first met Fairfax on the first day of the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and the pair soon realized they had a mutual friend. On the third day of the event, Tyson said Fairfax suggested she accompany him to his hotel room to pick up some documents.

It was in that hotel room, she alleges, that he began to kiss her. "Although surprised by his advance, it was not unwelcome and I kissed him back," she said. But then, she alleges that he forced her to perform oral sex as she cried.

"Mr. Fairfax put his hand behind my neck and forcefully pushed my head towards his crotch," she said. "...Utterly shocked and terrified, I tried to move my head away, but could not because his hand was holding down my neck and he was much stronger than me."

"To be very clear, I did not want to engage in oral sex with Mr. Fairfax and I never gave any form of consent. Quite the opposite," Tyson said, adding that she never spoke to Fairfax again.

Tyson said she did not talk about the encounter with Fairfax for years and suppressed the memories in order to focus on her academic career. She said she found it "especially degrading" in part because she regularly worked as a volunteer at a local rape crisis center at the time.

"After the assault, I suffered from both deep humiliation and shame," she said.

Then, in October 2017, she learned about Fairfax's campaign for lieutenant governor of Virginia and the news "hit me like a ton of bricks," Tyson said.

At that point, she said she began telling close friends in Virginia about the assault. Since then, "I have never wavered in my account because I am telling the truth," she said.

After Fairfax won his November 2017 election, Tyson had reached out to The Washington Post because she said she felt an obligation to report the incident, particularly amid the #MeToo movement.

The Post did not run a story at the time because it could not corroborate the woman's account or find similar complaints of sexual misconduct.

On Friday, amid the news that Fairfax could be elevated to governor, Tyson said she vented her frustration on Facebook in a private post, which did not identify Fairfax by name.

On Sunday night, while she was still undecided about publicly sharing her story, her private Facebook post was published by Big League Politics, the same conservative website that published a racist photo from Northam's medical school yearbook page.

Tyson pointed out an apparent attempt by Fairfax to discredit her by mentioning a 2007 educational video interview, in which Tyson describes being the victim of incest and molestation as a child. She made no mention in the video of the allegations against Fairfax.

"This, of course, is not proof that he did not assault me. His reliance on this video to say the opposite is despicable and an offense to sexual assault survivors everywhere," Tyson said in her statement.

In her current fellowship at Stanford University, Tyson's research focuses on the politics surrounding sexual violence, according to her biography.

She has been a vocal advocate for sexual violence prevention, as a founding member of the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center Survivor Speakers' Bureau. She has a bachelor's degree in politics from Princeton University and master's and PhD degrees in political science from the University of Chicago.

Tyson is scheduled to speak at a symposium at Stanford University on Tuesday titled "Betrayal and Courage in the Age of #MeToo."

Jennifer Freyd, also a fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, is scheduled to speak with her. Freyd said Tyson spoke to her about the 2004 incident last fall but did not identify Fairfax.

"She's a very open person," Freyd said. "She shares things about herself when they're relevant to what we're talking about."

More than two dozen fellows at the Center for Advanced Study of Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University signed a letter Wednesday saying they were proud to call Tyson a colleague.

Tyson has hired the District of Columbia law firm Katz, Marshall & Banks, the same legal team that represented Christine Blasey Ford when she accused then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.

After some criticism for his aggressive response, Fairfax released a statement late morning Wednesday that struck a softer tone.

"I would like to encourage the media, my supporters and others to treat both the woman who made the allegation and my family with respect for how painful this situation can be for everyone involved," Fairfax said in a statement.

Fairfax's statement also addressed his Monday remarks about the allegations, in which he insinuated that supporters of Northam and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, a potential political rival, were behind the assault allegations going public.

"This has been an emotional couple of days for me and my family," Fairfax said. "And in my remarks on Monday, I think you could hear how emotional dealing with an allegation that I know is not true has been for me."

Fairfax has legal representation from Wilkinson Walsh + Eskovitz, which also represented Brett Kavanaugh when sexual assault allegations were made against him, according to partner Rakesh Kilaru.

A spokesman for the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, which has jurisdiction over crimes in Boston, declined to say whether the office has received a complaint about Fairfax.

The Washington Post's Jenna Portnoy contributed to this report.
Mueller requested Stone's interview transcript last year and the panel voted to release it in December. Schiff wouldn't say whether Mueller had requested other transcripts, but noted that the committee had voted to withhold a small number of transcripts from the public and also that some witnesses had been interviewed since then. The transmission of the transcripts to Mueller, expected immediately, will give him full access to all of the committee's interviews.
I am filled with sorrow over this needless loss and at the same time I am filled with anger at the individual who took the life of this police officer, Barrett said.
Wyoming Business Tips for Feb. 11-17

A weekly look at issues facing Wyoming business owners and entrepreneurs from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By Jill Kline, state director, Wyoming SBDC Network

New hire onboarding and employee orientation set the stage for a new employees perception of your business and culture and, perhaps more importantly, clearly establish the businesss expectations of the employee.

I recently heard stories from new employees at two separate businesses and how they felt overwhelmed and discouraged on their first day at their new job. The stories described things like, once hired, there was no communication until the day they arrived on-site; not knowing where to park or where to report; not being introduced to other employees; and not even receiving specific training necessary for their job.

Onboarding does not need to be complicated or burdensome. A simple checklist of prioritized items, such as who can help them with a specific topic or task and a timeline for completion of each task, as well as an overall list, can provide clear guidance and expectations. Successful onboarding, using a clear strategy, will help an employee become productive quickly, saving an employer time and money. It also helps the employee feel welcome and supports employee retention and commitment or loyalty to the business.

Onboarding for seasonal help, like for a holiday or summer season, is crucial. Temporary employees should clearly understand their role, scope of work and who can guide, train or answer questions. Consider allowing the temporary employee to shadow a star full-time employee, permitting your star to mentor and train. However, for this to be successful, ensure this mentor or star has the skills and training to appropriately fulfill this duty. Recognize the mentors efforts with an award or bonus. After all, the mentor may be saving the business management time and heartache.

A few simple tips:

Need help developing and implementing an onboarding program? Contact your local Wyoming SBDC Network adviser by visiting www.wyomingsbdc.org.

Prepare an onboarding template that can be adjusted by position. The template can include:

-- A task list for the employee. You wont have to try to remember what you want to cover. List things that can or should be communicated before the new hires first day.

-- Employee orientation items. This should be tasks to be completed on the first or second day.

-- Employee onboarding items. This should include tasks/training that will be completed over a period of time.

The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by UW with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu, or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.
UW Technology Aids in First-Ever Blockchain Beef Shipment

Cuts of Wyoming beef are displayed at an event in Taiwan in December 2018. Blockchain technology developed at the University of Wyoming helped track the beef shipment from farm to table, the first shipment of its kind. (Avery Dennison Photo)

Blockchain technology developed at the University of Wyoming could change the way food is shipped and tracked across the globe.

Kip DeCastro, a UW student from Casper majoring in computer science, developed a blockchain code to track a December 2018 shipment of Wyoming beef to Taiwan. Blockchain is a system in which a record of transactions is maintained across a network of linked computers, allowing for safe and secure data transmission. DeCastro and Philip Schlump of BeefChain collaborated on the code used to track the beef.

BeefChain, a Wyoming-based company, helps the states ranchers command more value from their beef by proving that their products are free range and fairly farmed, while also giving consumers assurances that the products are safe. Rob Jennings, BeefChains founder and CEO, says it was the first shipment of beef tracked on blockchain from the United States to Asia.

The University of Wyoming was integral in making this trial shipment a success, Jennings says. As a combined effort of the Department of Computer Science, and the colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Business, this project highlighted the strengths of each department and their faculty and graduates. We look forward to working with the university as BeefChain continues to grow.

The beef was raised at Murraymere Farms in Powell. It was placed in tagged cases with RFID labels and sent to a five-star dining establishment in Taipei, Taiwan. The labels featured a unique digital identifier that enabled the cases of beef to be tracked along the entire supply chain, from plant processing, export, import and to the restaurant.

The unique achievement can be attributed to the work of UWs Department of Computer Science, in conjunction with BeefChain, the Wyoming Business Council and Avery Dennison, a global company specializing in adhesive technologies and packaging materials. It provided the radio-frequency identification (RFID) labels.

RFID is setting the foundations for blockchain integration in the food industry, Avery Dennison RFID Vice President and General Manager Francisco Melo says. Enabling farmers and businesses to guarantee the provenance of a product will mean greater improvements for food safety, product differentiation and enhanced consumer experience.

Technology breakthroughs have enabled blockchain technology to be used more extensively in the food industry in recent years.

Partnering with Avery Dennison on this pioneering shipment of Wyoming beef was crucial for BeefChain, Jennings says. Averys cutting-edge RFID labels guaranteed our ability to trace the product through the entire supply chain and record the data in our digital ledger.
Amanda Reeder Named UWs Transfer Relations Director

Amanda Reeder

Amanda Reeder has been named the University of Wyomings new transfer relations director, a position that will work closely with Wyomings community colleges and out-of-state community colleges. Her appointment is scheduled to begin Feb. 18.

The Transfer Relations Office was created in 2017 to provide support to transfer and nontraditional students at UW. Reeder will oversee the day-to-day functions of the office, as well as provide the conduit of communication with Wyoming community colleges and partner institutions outside the state, says Kyle Moore, UWs associate vice provost for enrollment management.

Reeder comes to UW from Utica College, where she was the accelerated nursing transfer coordinator since August 2016. Other positions she has held at the New York college since 2010 include director of transfer services and assistant registrar of transfer services. She received her bachelors degree (1992) in English from the University of Colorado and her masters degree (1998) in higher education administration from Boston College. She also has held related positions at Northeastern University School of Law in Boston; Bunker Hill Community College in Charleston, Mass.; Salem State College in Salem, Mass.; the Archdiocese of Boston in Brighton, Mass.; and Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Amanda is the ideal selection for the University of Wyoming, having spent more than a decade supporting transfer students and creating effective transfer pipelines and partnerships, Moore says. Amanda also comes to UW having been a director of transfer services, with particular focus in providing education opportunities online. Most recently, Amanda has excelled in a highly technical role administering transfer equivalencies and university-wide transfer database systems.

At UW, Reeder will help promote articulation agreements already in place among UW, Wyomings community colleges and out-of-state community colleges. Wyomings community colleges and UW have partnered to provide program-specific articulation agreements that assure students that courses taken at Wyoming community colleges meet UW degree requirements. Transfer students throughout the state can use these 2+2 plans to ensure they are taking the right coursework at the right time to complete most of their associate and bachelors degrees on time, and without excess credits.

Reeder has nearly 20 years of experience working with transfer students -- both at four-year institutions and at the community college level.

I like to think of myself as someone who has a well-developed knowledge of transfer issues because I have worked in admissions, advising and in a registrars office, she says. Transfer students tend to be students who present more complex profiles than traditional-age freshmen because of the logistics of transferring between institutions. Having worn different hats in working with transfers helps to understand how to best support this population of students, and how to anticipate their needs.

Reeder says undergraduate recruitment, in general, and transfer admissions, in particular, have become much more competitive the last decade, giving students more choices as the higher education landscape has become more complex.

I think UW can provide a solid education at a reasonable cost to students, and one challenge is making sure that we can get that message out to not only prospective students, but also to our colleagues in community colleges throughout the region, she adds. Ensuring that the community college faculty and staff know that we will take good care of their students throughout the transfer process is something that all four-year institutions, including UW, can improve upon.

Reeder says she looks forward to getting to know not only the UW community, but also Wyoming community college personnel.

There are a lot of really exciting local and national initiatives going on right now that impact transfer services, and I think there is a real focus here to ensure that the university is engaged and providing excellent student services to transfer students, she says. I am looking forward to working with the transfer success team and UW faculty to focus our efforts with transfer students -- and to make sure that we are meeting the needs of students throughout the admissions process and after they matriculate at UW.
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon's editorial staff.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brixton Metals Corporation (TSXV: BBB) (OTC: BBBXF) (the Company or Brixton) is pleased to announce that it has acquired the Wilson Claims through a Purchase and Sale Agreement from a private vendor. The Wilson Claims comprise 5 claims for an aggregate 192.32 hectares in size. These claims are located within Brixtons large claim group at the Atlin Goldfields project located in Northwest British Columbia, Canada. The claims were acquired 100 percent for $1,000 and 10,000 common shares of the Company and with no net smelter royalties.



Figure 1. Wilson Claims Atlin Goldfields Project

http://brixtonmetals.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2019_02_04_Clarke_map.jpg

About Brixton Metals Corporation

Brixton is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on the advancement of its gold and silver projects toward feasibility. Brixton wholly owns four exploration projects, the Thorn gold-silver and the Atlin Goldfields projects located in NWBC, the Langis-Hudson Bay silver-cobalt-diamond project in Ontario and the Hog Heaven silver-gold-copper project in NW Montana, USA. The Company is actively seeking JV partners to advance one or more of its projects. Brixton Metals Corporation shares trade on the TSX-V under the ticker symbol BBB, and on the OTC under the ticker symbol BBBXF. For more information about Brixton please visit our website at www.brixtonmetals.com .

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mr. Gary R. Thompson, Chairman and CEO

Tel: 604-630-9707 or email: info@brixtonmetals.com

For Investor Relations please contact Mitchell Smith

Tel: 604-630-9707 or email: mitchell.smith@brixtonmetals.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.



Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, and intend, statements that an action or event may, might, could, should, or will be taken or occur, including statements that address potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential size and expansion of a mineralized zone, proposed timing of exploration and development plans, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds, 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: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in the annual information form of the Company or other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on managements beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.
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Vicki Hillhouse can be reached at 509-526-8321, vickihillhouse@wwub.com or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/VickiHillhouse.
PINAWA, Manitoba, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian National Energy Alliance (CNEA), a consortium of leading nuclear engineering and management firms that owns CNL (which operates AECLs Whiteshell site), is pleased to announce that it has awarded $80,000 to the North Forge East (NFE) Technology Exchange, the third year in a row that CNEA has contributed the annual grant to the local non-profit organization. An innovation-based economic development agency, NFE offers a variety of services to encourage business innovation and commercialization, and was launched three years ago as a new economic development resource in Pinawa, Manitoba, which is home to CNLs Whiteshell Laboratories.



Through the annual contribution, CNEA is working to help shape the future of the Eastern Manitoba economy by supporting entrepreneurial initiatives during the decommissioning of the Whiteshell site, which is scheduled for completion in 2024. The new funding will be put towards NFE operational costs and to help stimulate the local economy by supporting entrepreneurs who want to build and grow sustainable businesses.

The region has been home to Whiteshell site employees for decades, and CNEA wants to do its part to help foster a bright and vibrant future once the decommissioning of the site is completed, commented Jack Craig, Chair, CNEA. NFE offers a number of economic development services to local residents, including networking and training events, grant assistance, market intelligence and rapid prototyping, led by experienced mentors and subject matter experts. These initiatives are important to the future of Pinawa and the Eastern region of Manitoba, and we are happy to help bring them to the community.

Since its inception, NFE has helped numerous local entrepreneurs develop business and marketing plans, secure financing, and bring trade missions to the region. Over the last two years, NFE has worked with 18 regional business projects, with 9 of those projects making sales and delivering products. Recently, NFE has held two Ramp Up events in Pinawa and Steinbach, where 40 participants received training and hands-on practice in business concept development, market validation and marketing pitches. Business networking and training events have also been held in Pinawa, Lac du Bonnet, Whiteshell School District and at the Whiteshell Laboratories site.

In 2018, NFE partnered with University of Manitobas Asper School of Business and Pinawa Local District Government on an international study exchange program, where 30 students from the University of Manitoba, Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Lingnan University, came to Pinawa for leadership and entrepreneurial education workshops. This year, North Forge received the Startup Canada Community of The Year Award from Startup Canada and NFE received the 2017-2018 Community Initiative Award from Community Futures Winnipeg River.

On behalf of Pinawa and the surrounding communities in Eastern Manitoba, Id like to extend my sincere thanks to CNEA for its continued support of the North Forge East Technology Exchange, commented Shane Li, President of NFE. CNEA has been a major partner in our work to cultivate economic prosperity in the region, and this new funding will ensure we can continue to bring these much-needed resources to these communities.

If youd like to learn more about the North Forge East Technology Exchange, please visit www.northforge.ca/north-forge-east/.

About CNEA

The Canadian National Energy Alliance (CNEA) brings together the proven leadership and management approaches from SNC-Lavalin, Jacobs, and Fluor  the world's leading engineering and technology companies. CNEA was formed to respond to the Government of Canadas procurement for the management and operation of Atomic Energy of Canada Limiteds (AECL) nuclear laboratories.

The procurement addresses three key objectives for the Government of Canada, including the management of Canadas radioactive waste and decommissioning responsibilities, ensuring that Canada's world-class nuclear science and technology capabilities and knowledge continue to support the federal government in its nuclear roles and responsibilities, and providing industry with access to nuclear science and technology expertise. CNEA was formed to safely transform Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and secure Canada's role in the global nuclear marketplace.

For more information on CNEA, please visit www.cnea.co .

Media Contacts:

Canadian National Energy Alliance

Lou Riccoboni

Vice President

613-723-8700

lou.riccoboni@CNEA.co
Dismantle terrorist bases and supply chains for durable peace in Afghanistan: India 22 Jun 2021 | 9:48 PM New Delhi, Jun 22 (UNI) India on Tuesday said safe havens and sanctuaries for terrorists must be dismantled and their supply chains disrupted to realise enduring peace in Afghanistan. see more..

Ashoka University appoints justice Madan Lokur as its Ombudsperson 22 Jun 2021 | 9:44 PM New Delhi, Jun 22 (UNI) Ashoka University on Tuesday announced the appointment of former Supreme Court justice Madan Lokur as the University Ombudsperson. see more..

Defence Ministry signs contract with GSL for construction of 2 PCV for Indian Coast Guard 22 Jun 2021 | 9:26 PM New Delhi, Jun22 (UNI) Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) for the construction of two Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at a cost of about Rs 583 crore on Tuesday. see more..

IAF to participate in exercise with US Navy ship on June 23-24 22 Jun 2021 | 9:14 PM New Delhi, Jun 22 (UNI) With an aim to strategic outreach exercise with the defence forces of friendly foreign countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in operational engagements with the US Navy in an exercise to be carried out with Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) on June 23-24. see more..
Oregon, WI (53575)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low around 60F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low around 60F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Human development is about expanding the richness of human life, rather than simply the richness of the economy in which human beings live. It is an approach that is focused on people and their opportunities and choices.
President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit.

The sides exchanged views on the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation. The head of state and the Russian Foreign Minister had a detailed discussion of the pace of implementation of the agreements reached during Russian President Vladimir Putins official visit to Turkmenistan in October 2017.

It was stressed that the Treaty on Strategic Partnership between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation that entered into force serves as the basis for implementation of all plans, opening up opportunities for interaction in various spheres - political, trade, economic and humanitarian.

In this regard, the Joint Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation is of great importance in implementing the multi-faceted potential of the two countries. The Commission will hold its regular meeting in the first quarter of this year. Among other issues, the Commission plans to discuss further cooperation in the oil and gas sector. In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan expressed satisfaction that the Turkmen-Russian dialogue on gas issues aims to search for new, large-scale agreements.

At the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan and the Russian Foreign Minister exchanged views on a number of topical international issues relating to ensuring peace, security and sustainable development. In this regard, the sides confirmed mutual intention of the two countries to continue strengthening the traditional cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally, primarily through the UN, the CIS and other international organizations and structures.

The sides paid special attention to the topic of cooperation in the Caspian Sea. In this regard, Sergey Lavrov highly rated Turkmenistans approach that helped to solve many important issues on the Caspian Sea.

The sides also discussed the events to be held under Turkmenistans chairmanship of the CIS in 2019, including meetings of the Council of Foreign Ministers, heads of state and government, the Economic Council, the Forum of Art and Scientific Intelligentsia and others.

 TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021
Swiss-Belhotel International has appointed Chris Muth as the general manager for Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair in Bahrain.



Muth has over two decades of outstanding experience in the hospitality industry spanning Europe, Africa and the Middle East.



Making the announcement, Laurent A. Voivenel, senior vice president, operations and development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, said: We are delighted to welcome Chris Muth to lead the team at Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair in Bahrain. Chris has a wealth of experience and expertise in the hospitality sector including an in-depth understanding of the GCC market. We are confident under his leadership this superb property, that is in advanced stages of development, will provide an enhanced experience to travellers.



Muth began his career in the industry at the Holiday Inn Munchen in Munich in 1989 and subsequently worked his way up serving a number of key positions in operations at various hotels including Sheraton Frankfurt Hotel and Hilton London Metropole. His first posting as a general manager was at the Dorint Sofitel Seehotel Uberfahrt in Germany in 2003. Subsequently, he worked at Swissotel Cyprus Grand and Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Dubai followed by senior postings at several other fantastic hotels.



Taking over the position, Muth stressed: I am truly proud to join the Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair in Bahrain that is a fabulous hotel. It is an exciting challenge for me and I look forward to positioning it as a preferred address for both regional and international travellers.



Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair in Bahrain features 174 keys (all suites and the unique penthouses), equipped with outstanding facilities. The hotel is expected to begin operations by mid-2019.



Designed for both business and leisure travellers, the hotel is strategically located right at the start of the vibrant American Alley facing the US navy base. The high-end suites at Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair are equipped with a wide array of facilities including fully-fitted kitchens. The penthouses too are exceptional and offer stunning sea views along with exclusive amenities such as their own private pools and BBQ stations. The hotel also boasts multiple one-of-a-kind food and beverage options spread over huge spaces. These range from an all-day-dining outlet, with shisha serving terrace, to specialty restaurants and bars, an upscale lounge and a lobby cafe.



Other facilities include a meeting room, a large spa, an indoor swimming pool, kids club and a kids splash pool. - TradeArabia News Service
UAE's Etihad Airways and Jordanian flag carrier, Royal Jordanian (RJ), have announced a new codeshare partnership which will provide their customers with greater access to key leisure and business destinations in North Africa, Europe, Canada, Asia and Australia.



The codeshare flights are now open for sale, with the first travel date from February 15.



This is the first such partnership between the two airlines, who offer multiple daily services between their respective hubs in Abu Dhabi and Amman. The partnership will see Etihad Airways place its EY code on Royal Jordanians flights from Abu Dhabi via Ammans Queen Alia International Airport to Larnaca and Berlin, while Algiers, Tunis, Vienna and Montreal will be added to the agreement soon.



In turn, Royal Jordanian will initially place its RJ code on Etihad Airways services from Amman to Abu Dhabi and vice versa, and then from the UAE capital to Brisbane and Seoul. Subject to government approval, RJ will also market Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi to Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Cochin, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Manila, Beijing and Shanghai.



Tony Douglas, group chief executive officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: This partnership reinforces the deep cultural, tourism and trade connections between the UAE and Jordan, and opens up a new world of opportunities for our customers."



Stefan Pichler, Royal Jordanians president and CEO, said: We are delighted to have Etihad Airways beside our codeshare partners who help us grow in different markets. This move is bound to expand our presence in Asia and Australia, which are key destinations for many RJ customers.



Etihad Airways has been serving the Abu Dhabi to Amman route since December 2003, and currently operates two daily flights between the two capitals using a mix of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A320 aircraft. Royal Jordanian has served Abu Dhabi since 1970 and today flies nine weekly flights, with a twice-daily frequency in the summer. - TradeArabia News Service


Around 73 per cent of millennials globally have reported having been exposed to online risk as well as the highest levels of stress, pain, loss of online trust, sleep deprivation and depression as a result of online risk exposure compared to other age groups, a report said.



In contrast, millennials self-identified as the most confident of all age groups in their ability to handle risks, and they were the most worried that a risk would reoccur, added Microsofts 2019 Digital Civility Index, an annual study that examines the online behaviour of internet users globally. The studys release coincides with international Safer Internet Day, a call to action for all stakeholders to join together in creating a better internet for everyone  especially younger users.



It also measures peoples safety online and exposure to risks such as cyberbullying, unwanted contact and harassment as well as exposure to hoaxes and scams, to name a few. In total, the study examines teens and adults exposure to 21 different online risks.



Risks were harder on girls than boys



Sixty per cent of millennials admitted they were unsure where to find help should they be exposed to online risk.



The level of risk exposure and their follow-on consequences was higher for girls than boys, the study found. Pain from risks was also stronger and sustained longer for girls, and incidents were more emotionally burdensome when compared to boys.



Though girls reported less confidence in dealing with risks, they took more mitigating actions following them, including blocking or unfriending the perpetrator, reducing their amount of information shared online, and using tighter privacy settings on social media.



Furthermore, risks were more likely gender-based for girls, with 62 per cent reporting that gender was the reason they were targeted, compared to 39 per cent for boys. The gap was highest for sexual and personal/intrusive risks.



Introducing the Council for Digital Good



To learn more about what young people are doing online, solicit their views about making online interactions safer and healthier and to encourage digital civility, Microsoft launched its inaugural Council for Digital Good in January 2017, a pilot programme where young people and their parents can engage in fruitful discussions with Microsoft and other industry experts, nongovernmental organisations and policymakers.



The longer-term vision was to assemble young people from various regions to create local and regional councils of Digital Civility Ambassadors to help raise awareness of digital safety and to offer insights to stakeholders from young people in each region. The inaugural Council pilot programme concluded in July 2018, after 18 months of engagement and activities, and a sister Council led by a regional NGO created the European Council for Digital Good.



Today, Microsoft is announcing the launch of its own African Council for Digital Good, as well as an Arab Council for Digital Good. After receiving more than 750 applications from across the Middle East and Africa, 23 candidates were chosen to become ambassadors of digital civility for their region.



The members of each council  along with their parents  will come together for the first time at the African Council Summit on February 23 and 24 in Johannesburg, South Africa and at the Arab Council Summit on March 2 and 3 in Cairo, Egypt.



Here, Microsoft will look to build their capacity and raise their awareness around topics relating to digital civility and internet safety, to better equip them to be ambassadors themselves.



Following the event, monthly virtual calls and webinars will be scheduled to provide council members with further knowledge on the topic, as well as suggest activities and events that they can run in their schools and communities.  TradeArabia News Service
Mewar Restaurant at Galleria Mall in Bahrain recently hosted an exclusive Curated Culinary Journey for guests, featuring the gourmet genius Masterchef India winner (2015) Nikita Gandhi.

Gandhi holds the unbeaten record for being the youngest and only vegetarian winner of the popular TV cookery competition.



She conducted a MasterClass for Mewars special guests and, with the chefs of Mewar, presented a seven-course meal, complete with starter, main course, dessert and palate-cleansers and a contemporary take on Indian fusion cuisine from her signature recipe collection.-TradeArabiaNews Service
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), a leading global energy company, has reported an increase of 148 per cent in profit attributable to equity holders to Dh396 million ($108 million) in 2018.



The strong results were driven by increased oil prices in Europe and backed by a solid performance delivered by Taqas power and water division throughout 2018, a company statement said.



Taqa also recorded an increase in its revenues by 6 per cent compared to the same period in 2017 on the back of the companys full-year oil and gas production in Iraq versus 6months of production the previous year which positively impacted the oil and gas business.



Saeed Mubarak Al-Hajeri, Taqas chairman, said: "I am delighted that the results of the year 2018 show great progress on our path toward becoming a globally recognized energy and water provider. Taqa finished 2018 on a high note and delivered strong overall revenues, driven by a clear vision and unequivocal commitment of our management."



Saeed Hamad Al Dhaheri, Taqas chief executive officer said: Our performance in 2018 demonstrates that we are delivering on the commitments made to our shareholders. Taqas robust strategy to maximise our capabilities across a diverse portfolio of assets and activities as well as the execution of our growth plans in power and water and across all our divisions has yielded visible results.



On the operational side, Taqas power and water division showcased strong operational performance with gross power generation production of 89,922 GWh and 246,556 MIG of gross water desalination. Technical availability of power plants increased to 93.1 per cent in 2018, up from 92.1 per cent in 2017, mainly resulting from Taqas stable operational performance in the UAE and in Africa.



In 2018, Taqas independent water and power plants produced 85 per cent of the power and 95 per cent of the water consumed in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.



Taqa has also achieved an average production of 123,100 barrels of equivalent oil per day (boe/d) in 2018, slightly decreasing by 2.5 per cent from the previous year.  TradeArabia News Service
Bureau of Cannabis Control and Local City Council Clears High Times and DOPE Magazine to Host First Cannabis Consumption and Sales Event of 2019; Scheduled for March 23 & 24

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- High Times, the most well-known brand in Cannabis, today announced the first state-sanctioned Cannabis consumption and sales event of 2019 in partnership with their newly acquired property DOPE Magazine. The Inaugural High Times Presents The DOPE Cup: High Desert will take place in Adelanto, California on March 23rd & 24th. For the first time in California, all General Admission tickets to this event will be free.

Expected to draw over 10,000 people, this event will mark the first state-sanctioned Cannabis consumption and sales event of 2019, according to the California Bureau of Cannabis Control, and the first time these brands will engage in a unique cannabis event combining the legacy of the Cannabis Cup along with the unique design and flare of a DOPE Cup. This notable distinction comes after High Times produced two of the only state-sanctioned cannabis events within California in 2018, and as DOPE Magazines first foray into California events.

Were so excited to return to Southern California, and are ecstatic to bring our partner DOPE Magazine along for the ride for the first time, Adam Levin, High Times CEO stated. The DOPE Cup will provide a unique experience for fans of the Cannabis Cup, and larger-than-ever experience for DOPEs fans. We cant wait for the fans to see what this amazing team can do together!

The DOPE Cup: High Desert is a two day Cannabis celebration featuring a large, outdoor stadium style field filled with exhibitors of all types from across the industry, a competition crowning the best products in the region, and a slate of world-class musical performances.

The DOPE Cup awards the best products across a series of 35 categories including best indoor and sun-grown flowers across phenotypes, best concentrates across the CBD, THC and cartridge lines, sweet and savory edibles and drinks, and topicals.

High Times is the most iconic brand in the industry with millions of fans and supporters across the globe said Dave Tran, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of DOPE Magazine, We couldnt be more excited to team up with the High Times team for our first California Dope Cup and usher a new era of Cannabis events that will further bring the community together.

This announcement drops as the brand launches the all-new CannabisCup.com , designed to be a portal to the best events in the recreational and medical markets worldwide. More information, including the lineup and other announcements, will be available on this site in the coming days.

About High Times

For more than 44 years High Times has been the worlds most well-known cannabis brand - championing the lifestyle and educating the masses on the benefits of this natural flower. From humble beginnings as a counterculture lifestyle publication, High Times has evolved into hosting industry-leading events like the Cannabis Cup and the High Times Business Summits, while providing digital TV and social networks, globally distributed merchandise, international licensing deals, and millions of fans and supporters across the globe. In the world of Cannabis, High Times is the arbiter of quality.

The High Times family of media brands include High Times Magazine, DOPE Magazine, CULTURE, and Green Rush Daily. For more information, or to consume some of our content, visit us at HighTimes.com , @HIGH_TIMES_Mag on Twitter, @hightimesmagazine on Instagram, or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/HIGHTIMESMag/


Kuwait Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) said it has reached an agreement with Canada-based Pembina Pipeline Corporation to jointly build a 550,000 tonne per annum integrated propane dehydrogenation and polypropylene ((PDH/PP) upgrading facility plant at an investment of C$$4.5 billion ($3.42 billion).



The new PDH/PP facility is being set up through a joint venture entity, Canada Kuwait Petrochemical Corporation (CKPC), said a statement from the company.



The project will help solidify Kuwait's position as a world-class petrochemical hub, which fits into PIC's plans of seeking more exposure abroad, it added.



CKPC, among the Kuwaiti petrochemical firm's first foreign forays, brings together two strategically aligned organisations, with complimentary strengths, united in developing and operating a world-scale Alberta PDH/PP Facility.



PIC brings comprehensive PDH and PP project experience, along with diversified global petrochemical marketing expertise, while Pembina will manage long-term propane supply and provide Alberta-specific operating and project execution experience, feedstock connectivity and strong producer relationships, the company said in a statement.



PP is a high value polymer, which can be cost-effectively transported, using existing third-party infrastructure, throughout North America and to global markets.



A fully-recyclable product, PP can be used in a wide range of finished items including automobiles, medical devices, food packaging and home electronic appliances.



The market for PP continues to see favourable long-term fundamentals with global PP demand growth outpacing global economic growth, said a senior official.



Kuwait's PIC, which has extensive global marketing experience and worldwide sales presence, will be fundamental in ensuring CKPC becomes a PP supplier of choice for customers, remarked its CEO Mohammed Abdullatif Al Farhoud.



"The PDH/PP Facility is ideally aligned with PIC's continued pursuit of sustainable and globally-diversified growth," stated Al Farhoud.



"Our investment in CKPC provides PIC an opportunity to build on our existing asset base in Alberta by developing large-scale petrochemical infrastructure with a highly strategic partner in a market with long-term feedstock security and a supportive local government," he added.



Calgary-based Pembina is a leading transportation and midstream service provider that has been serving North America's energy industry for over 60 years. It owns an integrated system of pipelines that transport various hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas products produced primarily in western Canada.



The new plant will be strategically located in Alberta's Industrial Heartland, adjacent to Pembina's Redwater fractionation complex and will consume 23,000 barrels per day of local propane from RFS and other regional fractionation facilities.



Ideally located in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, the facility will have long-term access to an abundant supply of propane feedstock, with a structural cost advantage when compared to other North American facilities, it stated.



The new PDH/PP Facility is expected to be in-service in mid-2023, subject to environmental and regulatory approvals, and is expected to generate annual run-rate adjusted ebitda of $275 to $350 million, net to Pembina.



Pembina's President and CEO Mick Dilger said: "Sanctioning of the PDH/PP Facility is the largest step taken to date by Pembina in executing its strategy to secure global market prices for customers' hydrocarbons produced in western Canada, and provides another exciting platform for future growth."



"Today's announcement is the culmination of many years of hard work with our partner to develop a project that is well positioned to capitalize on Alberta's abundant supply of propane and undertake value-added processing that benefits all of Pembina's stakeholders, the Province of Alberta and indeed all of Canada," noted Dilger.



"It has been a pleasure to work with PIC and our strong partnership has helped mitigate the risks of entry into this new market segment," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Germany-based Armacell, a global leader in flexible foam for the equipment insulation market and a leading provider of engineered foams, has officially opened its new manufacturing facility in Bahrain.



Bahraini government representatives and Armacell executives attended the ceremonial opening in the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP).



Production at the Bahraini site has launched immediately. When fully operational, 60,000-cu m of technical insulation foam will be produced per year in Bahrain, providing a wide range of insulation solutions for the domestic market, including high-density materials and elastomeric insulation for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, it said.



Operating from the Bahrain International Investment Park, Armacell expands the companys footprint in the Gulf region, initially creating more than 100 jobs, said a statement from the company.



Zayed R Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, said: Bahrains government is committed to creating an environment that attracts and supports the leading companies in the world.



We will continue to collaborate with leading companies to anchor high value-added manufacturing, adopt advanced manufacturing technologies and equip our people with the requisite skillsets. Our partnership with Armacell is a good example of how we are doing this, he said.



Khalid Al Rumaihi, chief executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: Armacell today joins a growing list of leading manufacturing firms that have chosen Bahrain as the base for their regional operations.



Its decision is symbolic of the faith and confidence in Bahrains rapidly-growing manufacturing sector, one of the key drivers of the nations Vision 2030 economic diversification plans. We are delighted to see Armacell benefit from the tremendous business incentives and cost efficiencies of doing business here, he added.



Patrick Mathieu, president and chief executive officer of the Armacell Group, said: We are proud to announce the completion of our new green field site in Bahrain. This state-of-the-art manufacturing facility strengthens our commitment to the Gulf region and will serve as our regional trading hub.



I would like to thank all the parties involved in making this project a success and am looking forward to leveraging centuries of trading history of the Bahraini people and its favourable logistical location going forward, he added.



Guillerme Huguen, vice president  Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Armacell, said:

We are excited to go live with our new manufacturing facility in Bahrain and to further develop our presence in the Middle East.



I would like to thank our partners EBD (Economic Development of Bahrain) and BIIP (Bahrain International Investment Park) for their support over the last 18 months, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
Kuwait's Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) is set to sign up a global agency or consultant for its new T2 airport terminal project in order to meet all the necessary requirements and abide by the international standards.



An ad hoc committee has already been formed to study and meet the requirements for the new T2 airport terminal project in co-ordination with Ministry of Public Works and the Turkish company Limak, reported Arab Times, citing senior civil aviation officials.



DGCA is currently studying the offers of a number of global consultants that had applied for the project in co-ordination with the Central Tenders Committee (CTC), it stated.



The project is likely to be completed by 2022, the report added.


A bridge along Finney Road, in Oil Creek Township, has been since June or July of 2018. Repairs for the bridge may soon be put up for bid.
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TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Datametrex AI Limited (the Company or Datametrex) (TSXV: DM, FSE: D4G) announces that it has ended its previously-announced non-brokered private placement (the Offering) of units (each a Unit) and that no further tranches will be completed. An aggregate of 22,044,000 Units at a price of $0.05 per Unit were sold under a single tranche on January 25, 2019 for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,102,200.

Each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company and one common share purchase warrant, with each warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of $0.08 for a period of 18 months after closing of the Offering (the Warrant Expiry Date). In the event that the volume-weighted average trading price of the common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange equals or exceeds $0.12 per common share for any period of 15 consecutive trading days, the Company may, at its option, within 10 business days following such 15-day period, accelerate the Warrant Expiry Date by issuing a press release (a Warrant Acceleration Press Release), and, in such case, the Warrant Expiry Date shall be deemed to be 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the 15th day following the issuance of the Warrant Acceleration Press Release. The Company intends to use the aggregate net proceeds of the Offering for research and development and general working capital purposes.

Although the Offering was non-brokered, the Company compensated a dealer that introduced subscribers to the Company (a Finder) by way of: (i) a cash finders fee equal to 8% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the subscribers introduced to the Company by such Finder; and (ii) 564,800 non-transferable common share purchase warrants (on terms identical to those warrants under the Offering), representing 8% of the aggregate Units of the subscribers introduced to the Company by such Finder.

The securities issued in connection with this first tranche of the Offering, including the Finders warrants, are subject to a four-month hold period ending on May 26, 2019. Certain insiders of the Company participated in the first tranche of the Offering and purchased an aggregate of $545,000 (10,900,000 Units), which includes $300,000 (6,000,000 Units) from Andrew Ryu, CEO of the Company, and $120,000 (2,400,000 Units) from Jeffrey Stevens, President and COO of the Company. Participation of such insiders in the Offering constituted a related party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101), but was exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the securities issued to the insider nor the consideration paid by the insider exceeded 25% of the Companys market capitalization. None of the Companys directors expressed any contrary views or disagreements with respect to the foregoing. The Company did not file a material change report 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering as the details of the participation of insiders of the Company had not been confirmed at that time.

Datametrex also announces that Claude Theoret has resigned as President and a director of Nexalogy Environics (Nexalogy), a subsidiary of the Company. Marshall Gunter, CEO of Nexalogy, will assume Mr. Theorets former responsibilities.

About Datametrex

Datametrex AI Limited is a technology focused company with exposure to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning through its wholly owned subsidiary, Nexalogy (www.nexalogy.com) and Implementing Blockchain technology for secure Data Transfers through its investee company, Graph Blockchain (www.graphblockchain.com).

Additional information on Datametrex is available at: www.datametrex.com

For further information, please contact:

Jeffrey Stevens  President & COO

Phone: (647) 400-8494

Email: jstevens@datametrex.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "likely", "should", "would", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy.

The forward-looking information contained in this press release includes information relating to the potential acceleration of the Warrant Expiry Date and the use of the net proceeds of the Offering. Forward-looking information is based upon certain material assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including management's perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. While we consider these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to management, there is no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

By their nature, forward-looking 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. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this press release. Such factors include, without limitation, those discussed in the Company's current MD&A and Annual Information Form, both of which have been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.
Several parties to the Central African Republic\s peace accord have yet to sign the much-trumpeted deal, a minister said on Thursday.

The accord was signed in the capital Bangui on Wednesday by militia leaders and President Faustin-Archange Touadera, but its contents have not been disclosed.

"You cannot publish a document until everyone has signed," government spokesman and communications minister Ange Maxime Kazagui told AFP on Thursday.

"There are still three signatures" needed, he said, without identifying the individuals or their affiliation.

Those signatures could be made during the upcoming summit of the African Union (AU), taking place in Addis Ababa on February 10-11, he said.

If so, the accord, named the Khartoum Agreement after the city where it was brokered, will be published afterwards, he said.

The accord was reached in the Sudanese capital at the weekend by the CAR government and 14 armed groups.

The deal is the eighth attempt in nearly six years to forge peace in the war-ravaged country  one of the poorest in the world.

The conflict has left thousands dead and forced a quarter of the population of 4.5 million from their homes. The rural exodus, the UN warned last year, could drive the country into famine.

One of the biggest obstacles to peace has been demands by rebel leaders to be amnestied  a condition that Touadera, under pressure from western partners, has traditionally refused.

Several leaders face UN sanctions or have been accused by rights groups of abuses, and others face the notional risk of arrest in CAR itself.

Lack of clarity about the Khartoum Agreement on Thursday prompted a rights organisation, the Civil Society Working Group on the Central African Crisis (GTSC), to urge the government to publish the details.

"In the absence (of these details), the GTSC calls on the Central African people to stage mass protests to press the ruling elite to publish the agreement," it said.

The CAR\s descent into crisis began in 2012, when a predominantly Muslim movement, the Seleka, rose in the north of the country.

The following year, the rebels overthrew President Francois Bozize, a Christian, which led to the formation of mainly Christian militias called the anti-Balaka.

France, the former colonial ruler, intervened militarily under a UN mandate, and the Seleka were forced from power.

Touadera, a former prime minister, was elected president in February 2016, but controls just a fifth of the country,helped by a large UN peacekeeping force.

Militia groups, often portraying themselves as defenders of a community or religious group, control the rest of the territory, often fighting over control of mineral resources.

SOURCE: AFP
To command colored troops will be the post of honor in American armies
Comment



As the nation braces itself for the State of the Nation address by His Majesty the King tomorrow, the days leading towards this event have not been shy to expose the level of damage caused by the mismanagement of our economy by the previous government.



Just about every public sector has a story to tell of its struggles to get by and how this is negatively impacting on our people. Adding to the books and food shortages in some schools are reported food and cleaning equipment shortages in the already drug-undersupplied hospitals, as well as power disconnections for unpaid bills in government offices.



Government is not the only bad debtor as EEC is reportedly owed E110 million by customers countrywide, which speaks to the greater challenge of lack of cash in pocket for many citizens.

Water shortages in some government offices have left an unbearable smell that has forced members of the public to plug their noses while attending cases at the Mbabane Magistrates Court.



Elsewhere, the derelict state of some of government buildings that lack proper maintenance, forced staff from the audit department to move their work benches to outside the building due to an unbearable odour from unfixed sewer pipes.

Theirs, however, may not be as devastating as the job losses in the sugar, construction and transport industries reported over the past weeks.



These undesirable developments - and more - place greater urgency on the new government to turn things around.

In all fairness, there have been positive steps taken by the new guard towards curtailing wasteful expenditure and we await with keen interest its grand strategic plan that will pave the way to a much-needed economic recovery sooner rather than later. Despite all the doom and gloom, we take our hats off to some civil servants who remain true to their calling by digging deep into their own pockets to purchase essentials, like the cleaning detergents for Hlatikhulu Government Hospital - just to ensure that sickly patients at least have a hygienic environment in which to recuperate. This characteristic is drastically lacking in the civil service and has the potential to derail any form of strategic roadmap if not attended to.



For the Mandvulo Dlamini-led government, a little can go a long way by creating a culture that rewards service before self and he can start by simply recognising and reimbursing the sacrifice of these Hlatikhulu hospital workers.
MBABANE  A group of five sugar cane farmers of Vuvulane, who were arrested for theft farming equipment and tools, whose charges were later withdrawn, are suing the police for a total sum of E9.2 million.



The farmers are Mphisi Dlamini (80) of Lavumisa, William Mkhaliphi (82) of KaShoba, Philemon Maseko (45) of Khuphuka, Nhlanhla Mazibuko (28) of Dvokolwako and Msolwa Dlamini (66) of Vuvulane.

Each of the farmers demands a sum ranging from E1 713 000 to E1 924 889.15, and the total amount they want to be compensated with is E9 200 667.45.



They alleged that they suffered damages for unlawful arrest and detention, deprivation of personal liberty, discomfort and loss of farming equipment.

Mkhaliphi, Msolwa and Mpisi are each demanding compensation in the sum of E1 924 889.15, while Maseko and Mazibuko want to be paid E1 713 000 each.



The quintet was arrested in 2013 and they were charged with theft. They were accused of stealing various mechanical items which were in the care of Lindelwa Magagula, who was the Deputy Master of the High Court. The items included tractors and tractor parts, water pump engines and tools.



The items, as they appeared in the charge sheet, were valued at E1 718 000. The theft is alleged to have been committed at Vuvulane VIF Company Yard between May 20, 2013 and October 22, 2013. Two counts of theft were preferred against the farmers.

One of the farmers, Mpisi, alleged that Tshaneni police preferred false charges of theft against them on May 2013 and November 5, 2018.



The veracity of these allegations is still to be tested and the government is yet to respond to them.

The farmers have engaged Leo Ndvuna Dlamini of S.A. Nkosi Attorneys, to represent them in the matter.



Mpisi said when the police charged them, they had no reasonable or probable cause for doing so, and that they allegedly did not have any belief in the truthfulness of the information they gave. As as result of defendants aforesaid conduct, the plaintiff was arrested and held in custody for10 days until he was prosecuted for theft in the Simunye Magistrates Court, and the charges were duly withdrawn by the Crown on October 23, 2018, alleged Mphisi.



All the five farmers filed two claims, each for unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution. The farmers were allegedly kept at Big Bend Correctional Services for 10 days at the instance of the police, who were acting within the scope of their employment as members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service.



They have attached to their papers, a copy of a document confirming the withdrawal of the charges. The charges were formally withdrawn by the prosecution before Magistrate Dumisani Magagula on October 23, 2018.
PIGGS PEAK  The name of the school, Vulamasango, may sound positive but for those who are enrolled there, it is valamasango.



This is what pupils said about the school which is now considered as one of the best schools in the country, as they produced excellent results in both the Junior Certificate (JC) as well as the Swaziland General Certificate of Secondary Education (SGCSE).

Pupils from the school, accompanied by warders from His Majesty Correctional Services (HMCS), visited Mhlatane High School yesterday where they motivated fellow pupils.



With nearly 1 700 pupils, Mhlatane has its own challenges of pupils being in conflict with the law, which has seen some of them being enrolled at Vulamasango.

Mhlatane High School is one of the many schools HMCS will visit to interact with pupils and tell them about crime.



Best results



Vulamasango Deputy Head teacher Nosimilo Ntshangase, said although the school produced the best results, she would not encourage anyone to go there.

Dont ever find yourself there, she emphasised.

She started off by saying the first thing that they did when they admitted a pupil was to show love because of circumstances which saw pupils being enrolled at the learning institution.

Ntshangase spoke in jest, saying despite that they had to show love, they were sometimes tough.



Siyatrabha, she said, meaning they used corporal punishment whenever necessary.

Ntshangase said the school was growing every day such that there were now about 15 pupils who were not yet placed in classrooms. The school, which started off with only six pupils in the 1970s, now has 504, according to Ntshangase, who said it was the brainchild of the Commissioner General Isaiah Mzuthini Ntshangase, to turn it into what it was now.



His Majesty the King officially launched it as Vulamasango on August 7, 2015. Ntshangase said the school was now competing with others in the country but insisted it was not a good place for children because they were enrolled after committing crime.

She said some committed serious offences such as murder.



Motivate



*Dudu, who is one of the four pupils who spoke to motivate pupils at Mhlatane High School, said the situation at the school was not as rosy as it may seem.

You dont just go to the toilet easily, she said. She said corporal punishment at the school was rife in comparison to other schools. We dont just get three strokes there, they beat, she said.

She also said girls and boys are separated by a metre distance and that a warder ensures that there are no intimate interactions.
MBABANE  Will the strategic oil reserve construction finally kick-off in March? The question emanates from an assertion by the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Peter Bhembe, the ministry was going to sign a contract with a Taiwanese company in March, 2019.



The oil reserves at Phuzumoya were said to be worth E900 million oil when the first contract was awarded, without being tendered for.

This tender has lapsed.

When it was enquired from the minister on what was the status of the reserves, Bhembe said: Currently, we are reviewing the designs of the oil refinery.

Bhembe could not state the value of the take-over by the Taiwanese company.



He said until the review and drawing of the designs was complete, it was impossible to know the cost of the whole project.

Further, according to a press statement by the Ministry of Natural Resources Principal Secretary, Winnie Stewart, Kantey & Templer Swaziland (Pty) Ltd agreements on the development of the strategic oil reserve facility at Phuzumoya with government has lapsed.



Development



The ministry would like to inform the public and all entities locally and internationally that the Government of Eswatini has no contractual relationship with Kantey & Templer Swaziland (Pty) Ltd on the development of the Strategic Oil Facility Project.

Stewart said all agreements or contracts between Kantey & Templer Swaziland (Pty) Ltd and government had lapsed; therefore, any person engaging Kantey and Templer on the Strategic Oil Reserve Facility at Phuzumoya was doing so at their own risk.

Kantey & Templer Swaziland (Pty) Ltd had been contracted to build a Strategic Oil Reserve at Phuzumoya in the Lubombo Region. It was to store up to 170 million litres of fuel.

In October 2013, His Majesty King Mswati III officially launched the construction of the project at a sod cutting ceremony.



Transforming



He said at the time, The project that I bring to you today is one that is geared into transforming lives and take the entire region into higher heights.

Meanwhile, the construction of the oil reserves was anticipated to take two years and create 300 jobs. Once completed the facility would have a 90 million litres fuel capacity to last the country 90 days.

It would store 42 million litres of diesel and 38 million litres of petrol.



A year after the proposed kick-off of the project it emerged that the company originally contracted to build the project, American Tank and Vessel (AT&V) had withdrawn from the contract.



Withdrawal



The reason for the withdrawal of AT&V has not been explained publicly, but it is believed that the move was permitted under the terms of the companys contract.

Kantey and Templer had some shareholders who have billions in their reserves and one of them is Vitol Group - the worlds largest oil trader. Vitol was anticipated to fund the 20-year project as it was one of governments Private Public Partnership (PPP) initiatives.



Local civil contractors had since 2017 hoped they would be contracted as per the Construction Industry Councils regulations.

According to information gathered, the structure of the agreement which government had signed with the company was such that Kantey and Templer would construct the reserves but the operation would be managed by a joint venture company co-owned by government alongside the latter.



Supplier



This venture, however, needed to get an oil supplier hence; Vitol was to be the supplier according to the agreement.

On the other hand, the Kantey and Templer agreement was a BOOT Agreement (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer).

This meant that government would resume ownership of the facility at the end of the agreement, which was to be after the 20 years.
NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP settles a federal civil rights case on behalf of Plaintiffs against the County of Onondaga (the County) and Robert E. Antonacci, II (Antonacci) for mandates intended to advance minority opportunities countywide. The settlement requires the County of Onondaga to institute a minority hiring policy; conduct and publish a comprehensive assessment of minority employment throughout the County; develop a County diversity and inclusion internship; and require diversity, harassment prevention, and sensitivity training for every County employee. The settlement also requires that Antonacci, the former Onondaga County Comptroller, participate in three Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) forums as a panelist. Plaintiffs Dino Dixie, Cheyenne Talbert, and Eli Smith (Plaintiffs) are pleased to have reached a settlement with many significant non-expiring mandates, and they look forward to its implementation and the positive impact it will have on the minority community in the County of Onondaga.



The best remedy for discrimination and racism is to increase diversity and inclusion in an effort to promote tolerance, compassion, and mutual respect, stated Plaintiff Eli Smith, We believe that the mandates we secured are a significant step forward towards these objectives.

Settlement: Plaintiffs settlement obtained performance mandates from Antonacci and the County of Onondaga. A summary is provided below; specific details are available here .

Antonacci Mandate

By November 1, 2019, Antonacci, who is now a New York State Senator, must serve as a panelist at three MBE forums mutually agreed upon by the Plaintiffs and Antonacci, sponsored by the State of New York, the County of Onondaga, and/or the City of Syracuse.

County Mandate

1. Minority Hiring Assessment: By May 15, 2019, the County will conduct an assessment, through the County Personnel Department, to analyze the Countys current minority hiring (Minority Hiring Assessment), post the data on the Countys website, and update it every six months until May 15, 2021. The assessment will examine how many minorities are employed at each grade/level in every agency/department throughout the County.

2. Diverse & Inclusive Personnel Hiring Policy: The County will institute a definitive minority hiring policy (Diverse & Inclusive Personnel Policy) to ensure that minority communities are represented in both management and executive ranks and to the extent possible, among civil service employees in each agency/department throughout the County. This mandate does not expire.

3. Onondaga County Diversity & Inclusion Internship: The County will sponsor an annual unpaid eight-week full-time summer internship for twenty-four diverse and/or socio-economically challenged high school and/or college students who live in Onondaga County. Two interns will be placed in each of the twelve selected County agencies/departments. Some of the applicants will be submitted by the Plaintiffs. This mandate does not expire.

4. Diversity, Harassment Prevention, & Sensitivity Training: By February 1, 2020, the County will ensure that every employee of each agency/department throughout the County participates in live and/or interactive Diversity, Harassment Prevention, & Sensitivity Training and that new employees must do so within the first three months of their start date. This mandate does not expire.

Background: On October 6, 2016, Plaintiffs filed a federal civil rights complaint against the County of Onondaga and County Comptroller Antonacci. Plaintiffs alleged disparate treatment based upon their status as minority business owners. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York and was assigned to the Honorable Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. Following the filing of the Complaint, Motions to Dismiss were filed by the County and Antonacci. On May 24, 2017, Judge Scullin denied the Motions to Dismiss with one exception, which resulted in the removal of the position of County Comptroller as a named Defendant, but kept in Antonacci personally as a named Defendant because plaintiffs have plausibly pled viable equal protection claims against him.... Thereafter, the settlement was mediated by U.S. Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks and a Notice of Discontinuance was filed with the Court on February 1, 2019.

Plaintiffs Counsel: The Plaintiffs are represented by Wolf Haldenstein partners Regina Calcaterra and Malcolm T. Brown and of-counsel Kate McGuire.

___________________

Founded in 1888, Wolf Haldenstein has extensive experience in the prosecution of complex class actions in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country, including before the U.S. Supreme Court. The firms attorneys have expertise in various practice areas, including federal civil rights, securities, antitrust, and consumer litigation. Wolf Haldensteins reputation and expertise in class action litigation has been repeatedly recognized by the courts, which have appointed it to major positions in complex multi-district and consolidated litigations.
Sarah Baldiga, left, co-founder and executive director of Rise Above stands with members of the Foxboro High School Interact Club who prepared Launch Boxes for young adults aging out of foster care.
THE SHORTHORN

Is seeking work study student assistants for our reception desk for summer and fall.Prompt, cheerful, students with professional attitudes are encouraged to apply to answer office phones and greet guests from behind a plexiglass COVID barrier.Preference is given to students available to work some mornings. This in-office job offers flexible hours and plenty of time to study.Apply through Handshake for job #4723423 or call 817-272-3188 for more information.
Over the past decade, Liam Neeson has had an interesting evolution from Serious Actor to Tough Action Dad, exclusively playing single-minded individuals dispensing their own brand of vigilante justice. Since Taken, hes developed his particular set of skills to work within the same template over and over again, becoming a one man wrecking crew in the likes of Run All Night, Non-Stop and then Non-Stop-But-On-A-Train, The Commuter. Hes even punched a wolf in the face. All batshit crazy, yet enjoyable nonetheless. But in a recent controversial interview, Neeson revealed he was once almost in his own version of American History X, contemplating taking a cosh to any black bastard who crossed his path to quench his own insatiable thirst for revenge. His telling of this story was probably intended to highlight how revenge never helps anyone, but instead highlighted that this is a reality for black men and people of colour, and attempts to rationalise these thoughts could be seen, at best, as attempts to normalise racism. And to think, my main concern before seeing the film was how many snow puns and Simpsons gags I could shoehorn into this review.



Thankfully, Neesons Racist Rampage never came to fruition, but whether you hail Neeson for his candour or question his racial bias, seeing his single-minded anti-heroes stomp, stab and shoot their way in the name of vengeance certainly now casts his on-screen presence in a different light. His character, Nels Coxman is a likeable everyman, a humble snowplow driver who sets out for bloody payback after his innocent son is caught up in a drug turf war. Hes surprisingly adept at dispatching the bad guys in increasingly wild and disproportionate ways having learned the odd tip from crime novels.Director Hans Petter Moland (remaking his own film, In Order of Disappearance) isnt overly concerned with the morality and ethics of revenge, but instead focuses on how one act can have spiralling consequences. As Coxman works his way up the chain that led to the murder of his son, more bodies are tossed on the heap as a result of him unwittingly inflaming the tension between the rival drug lords.Its this opposing dynamic which could have diluted the narrative and taken the attention away from Coxmans story, but manages to put Cold Pursuit into a different category of revenge thriller, slowing down the pacing without sacrificing the tension. Peter Batemans Viking is at the top of the chain, a smarmy and sleazy sharp-suited health nut who refuses to let his own son eat sugar, but will happily behead his own henchmen and is more than casually racist towards his Native American counterpart, White Bull (Tom Jackman). Bateman assumes its White Bull offing his dealers and calls off an already uneasy truce by killing White Bulls son. In retaliation, White Bull goes for Vikings progeny and a three-way dad duel ensues.



The resulting deaths, while not overly inventive, are adroitly violent and evenly spaced out, with a neat running gag with each deceased minion given a black memorial screen with a graphic denoting their religious leaning. Cold Pursuit is full of laughs, although more often than not err on that uncomfortable type of giggling rather than straight up LOLs as Frank Baldwins script is peppered with one-liners and surprising set-pieces. An emotional moment in a morgue is undone by a particularly slow and squeaky crank to elevate the body, and slap bang in the middle is an unexpected and touching love story, which is then immediately torn apart. One of White Bulls henchmen threatens a hotel receptionist with the most bluntest of weapons: a bad review on Yelp.



Baldwin attempts to give every character a backstory, but this is a story largely about men and never-ending cycles of violence, meaning the female characters are pushed to the sidelines. Laura Dern is criminally underused as Coxmans wife, who leaves him a Dear John note after finding out her sons non-existent double life involved having a Facebook account she didnt know about. Emmy Rossums Colorado cop is given slightly more to do, but never really digs deep into her investigation that leads to her brushing up against Coxman without any real sense of jeopardy.







Alongside this there are also undoubtedly some questionable stereotypes: Molands attempts to sympathise with the plight of an indigenous culture are handled clumsily, although Moland isnt afraid to push pause on the action to focus on quieter character moments, which could possibly make a bloodthirsty crowd feel slightly cheated. Coxlands sister-in-law is also basically reduced to a walking stereotype, but these obtuse angles feel like a deliberate choice in order to provoke a reaction by just not giving a damn.



Neesons deadpan performance is undeniably entertaining, but given his recent admissions make it less palatable. Cold Pursuit has all the makings of a dumb cult classic with its handling of violence and dark humour, but now given what we know it makes it all seem just a little less funny and a little more serious.
CLEARWATER, Fla., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Commonly called the Baker Act, the mental health law in Florida allows for individuals of all ages, including children, to be taken into custody and sent for an involuntary psychiatric examination. The most recent report shows that there were more than 199,000 involuntary psychiatric examinations in Florida and that over 32,000 of these initiations where on children, some as young as two years of age. [1]



Unfortunately, a report made during the 2017 Baker Act Task Force also indicates that, at least in the case of children, a significant number of these involuntary examinations do not really meet the legal criteria to take a person into custody. [2]

The abusive misuse of a law which allows a persons rights and freedoms to be taken away prompted the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) to launch a campaign in 2015 to educate families, lawmakers, law enforcement and school districts on mental health rights. According to CCHR, almost 200,000 families have been informed of their rights since the start of the campaign.

In addition to handing out information on the law at events across the state, CCHR began hosting seminars on Baker Act Rights at their headquarters located in downtown Clearwater. Delivered by attorney Carmen Miller, a former assistant public defender in the Thirteenth Circuit in Tampa, those in attendance are provided with a non-consent form that may help in preventing the illegal Baker Acting of a loved one.

The use of a law that allows a person of any age to be taken into custody against their will when the legal criteria for doing so are not met is a human rights violation, said the president of CCHR Florida, Diane Stein.

While the original stated intention of the Baker Act was to protect the rights of citizens sent for involuntary psychiatric examination, it has become a source of great abuse, abuse which CCHR is on a crusade to end. The complimentary Baker Act Rights Seminar is held monthly in the headquarters for the Florida chapter of CCHR located at 109 N. Fort Harrison Drive in downtown Clearwater. To learn more about the Baker Act or to reserve seats at the next seminar please call 727-442-8820.

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. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, first brought psychiatric imprisonment to wide public notice: 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, he wrote in March 1969. For more information visit www.cchrflorida.org

Sources:

[1] Baker Act Reporting Center http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/samh/publications/The%20Baker%20Act%20-%20FL%20MH%20Act%20-%20FY%2016-17%20Annual%20Report%20-%20Released%20June%202018.pdf

[2] CHILDRENS BAKER ACT TASK FORCE, MINUTES for FIRST MEETING 7.20.17 http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/samh/mentalhealth/task-force-examination-minors/docs/20170720/20170720-minutes.pdf

Media Contact:

Diane Stein

President, CCHR Florida

727-442-8820

diane@cchrflorida.org

www.cchrflorida.org

Keyword Anchors:

Citizens Commission on Human Rights https://www.cchrflorida.org/

Baker Act https://www.cchrflorida.org/baker-act-help-and-information/

involuntary psychiatric examination https://www.cchrflorida.org/baker-act-rights/

Embedded Quote:

The use of a law that allows a person of any age to be taken into custody against their will when the legal criteria for doing so are not met is a human rights violation.

Diane Stein, President CCHR Florida

Embed a Video:

https://youtu.be/sNs7M5setAU

CCHR Florida Baker Acting of Children  A Cry for Help

Blog Headline:

CCHR to Hosts Monthly Free Seminar Delivered by Baker Act Attorney Carmen Miller

Blog Summary:

Attorney Carmen Miller is a former Assistant Public Defender in the Thirteenth Circuit in Tampa with a great deal of experience on the mental health law. Now in the private sector, Ms. Miller specializes in cases of those who have been Baker Acted.
Northbrook, IL, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Check Corp. has hired Jeff Pink in the role of vice president of manufacturing in Digital Checks Southern California operations. In the newly created position, he will assume responsibility over day-to-day operations for assembly, testing, warehouse and inventory management.

Mr. Pink joins Digital Check from Physical Optics Corporation, a Torrance, CA-based defense contractor, where he served as director of manufacturing operations. He previously held various senior operations titles at companies in the aerospace and telecommunications industries. Overall, Pink brings more than 25 years experience in manufacturing, engineering, and project management, as well as extensive knowledge of overseas supply chain logistics.

Digital Check designs and assembles the majority of our products in-house, as well as sourcing our own components and thoroughly vetting each of our suppliers, said Glenn Embury, executive vice president of operations. As our manufacturing operation maintains its rapid growth, we are continually expanding our pool of talented individuals with the technical and logistical expertise to support that expansion. Jeff brings us a wealth of knowledge from highly technical and exacting industries, which will serve us well in the future.

In addition to a masters degree in computer engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Pink holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and a Lean Sigma Six Black Belt certification.

About Digital Check

Digital Check is the leading worldwide provider of check scanners and peripherals for the banking industry. Our TellerScan, CheXpress, and SmartSource lines of scanners provide the industrys most reliable performance with superior MICR and image quality. Digital Checks software delivers image enhancement and deposit-processing technologies that help clients reduce costs and improve efficiency. Learn more at www.digitalcheck.com.
Elizabethtown, KY (42701)

Today

A few passing clouds. Low near 50F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low near 50F. Winds light and variable.
A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of abducting missing Hull University student Libby Squire, police said.

Libby, 21, was reported missing in the early hours of Friday 1 Febuary and despite the arrest has still not been found.

Photo: HUmberside Police Handout

In a statement released today, Humberside Police said: "A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Hull student Libby Squire.

"Officers made the arrest at an address in Raglan Street, Hull, last night. The man remains in our custody, assisting us with our enquiries.

"We have not yet found Libby and doing so remains our top priority.

Raglan Street where the man was arrested is about half-a-mile from Libbys home.

The Hull University student, originally from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, was dropped off at her home on Wellesley Avenue by a taxi at 11.29pm on Thursday 31 January. Police say they don't believe she entered the property.

Around 10 minutes later she was captured on CCTV on Beverley Road and seen by a passing motorist at the junction with Haworth Street. Police have said they believe she may have been in this area until around 12.09am. Libby has not been seen since.

If you have any information about Libby's disappearance contact police on 101 quoting log 29 of 1/2/19. If you're a Hull University student who is feeling worried or upset you can contact the Student Support centre on 01482 462222 or call the Hull Samaritans on 116 123.
Image Credit: Jeff Barnett

Far

Beginning with metronome garage-band-style drum beat and an echoing single chord, 'Conversations' fizzles into dream-pop electric guitar chords with stark pauses and subdued bass. Accompanying this is low pitch, finger-picked guitar riffs which embed themselves into the layers that lead up the chorus, supplemented with its higher, janglier riffs. 'Conversations' is a nod to 80s favourites like The Smiths and The Cure, whilst also sharing stylings with more contemporary works such as Softer Still and Indoor Pets; the latter of whom Far Caspian have played alongside on stage.Caspian, who emerged last year with their EPchannel vocals which are themselves both fitting and ironically, 'Far', intangible and distant. The vocals take a shoegaze stance upon a shadowy room in dim lighting, and a later instrumental bridge brings hauntingly angelic echoes. Returning to the start of its conversation, the end is contained in itself by recoiling back to its starting metronome; the guitar, however, remains reverbing in the listeners' head. 'Conversations' is a misty dialogue between instruments and muted voices. Listen to the new single 'Conversations', out now via Dance To The Radio.
You can find your client key on your subscription renewal statement or call us at the Mountain Mail at 719-539-6691.
CLEARWATER, Fla., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On January 23rd, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FDFW) Florida Chapter held a Truth About Alcohol seminar in its information center in downtown Clearwater. Guests learned about the short and long-term effects of alcohol: such as liver damage, nerve damage, vitamin deficiency, permanent damage to the brain, ulcers and inflammation of the stomach walls. As part of the seminar, the Truth About Drugs documentary DVD was shown with real people telling their hellish addiction stories.

Alcohol, although legal, is responsible for more deaths than any other drug, said Julieta Santagostino the President of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Florida Chapter. Today, an estimated 15 million Americans suffer from alcoholism and 40% of all car accident deaths in the US involve alcohol. Per the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 80,000 people die of alcohol-related deaths each year in the United States.

According to the research done by FDFW, although classified as a depressant, the amount of alcohol consumed determines the type of effect. Most people drink for the stimulant effect; they consume a glass of wine to loosen up. But if a person consumes more than the body can handle, they then experience alcohols depressant effect. FDFW has been educating youth and adults that alcohol and other drugs are essentially poisons. The amount taken determines the effect. A small amount acts as a stimulant, a greater amount acts as a sedative and even larger amount can kill.

To get more information or a copy of the Truth About Alcohol informational booklet or documentary DVD on the dangers of drugs visit the Foundation for a Drug-Free World information center at 41 N. Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755 or contact the Foundation at 727-467-6962 or email info.fl@drugfreeworld.org



The Foundation for a Drug-Free World:

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a non-profit organization that educates youth and the community on the truth about illicit drugs so they can make the right decision live drug-free. The Church of Scientology is a sponsor of the program making it possible for the Foundation to provide educational materials at no cost to educators, law enforcement and the community. Humanitarian and founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, said, Drugs rob life of the sensations and joys which are the only reasons for living anyhow.

For more information contact

Julieta Santagostino at 727-475-6541

or email info.fl@drugfreeworld.org
Salida, CO (81201)

Today

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 58F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 58F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
At the Fitzsimmons MIddle School, Park County Sheriff Tom McGraw delivered the available details of the murder of Maggie Long over thirteen months ago. The hope of this forum is that it will break free any additional critical details that would lead to the solution of this horrific case.. (Photo by Mike Quaintence)
Welcome back pirates! As you make your return to campus The East Carolinian has created a forum that centers around topics within the community where readers can express their experiences and concerns. With the new guidelines set in place by East Carolina University do you feel as these precautions will keep you safe?

Survey
CLEARWATER, Fla., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Veterans account for 18% of all suicides in the United States, with 20 veterans each day committing suicide, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, over the last 10 years, the U.S. government has spent more than $4.5 billion solely on medicating soldiers and veterans despite the fact that there are 27 international drug-regulatory agency warnings stating that psychiatric drugs cause a myriad of alarming behavioral side effects including suicidal thoughts. [1][2]



These alarming statistics prompted the Florida chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) to host an event to educate veterans on the dangerous side effects of psychiatric drugs as well as their rights under the law. Led by a decorated combat veteran, John Wilcher, the event will cover PTSD, depression and suicide in addition to alternative solutions to traditional treatment. Those in attendance will also be shown excerpts from the award-winning documentary The Hidden Enemy which exposes the covert operation behind military suicides.

As a veteran, I had a hard time adjusting to civilian life but I was able to get past my breaking point with help and so now I want to return the favor and help other veterans, said Wilcher. Regaining my purpose saved my life and it is my duty to reach out and help other veterans find their purpose.

The complimentary event is being held on February 20th at the headquarters for CCHR Florida located in downtown Clearwater. For more information or to reserve a seat please call 727-442-8820.

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. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, first brought psychiatric imprisonment to wide public notice: 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, he wrote in March 1969. For more information visit www.cchrflorida.org

Sources:

[1] https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2016/07/07/new-va-study-finds-20-veterans-commit-suicide-each-day/

[2] https://www.cchrint.org/issues/the-hidden-enemy/

Media Contact:

Diane Stein

President, CCHR Florida

727-442-8820

diane@cchrflorida.org

www.cchrflorida.org
Assyrians Commemorate Historic Leader

Naum Faiq. ( AINA) (AINA) -- Each year and worldwide, Assyrians commemorate the death of Naum Faiq (February 5, 1930), an outstanding Assyrian national figure, intellectual, poet, journalist, and author. His lifelong efforts were marked by his commitment to the cross-denominational unity of the Assyrians belonging to different Churches of Syriac tradition (Syriac Orthodox, Church of the East, Chaldean Church, Syriac Catholic, and Protestant Churches). He challenged sectarianism and encouraged his community to depart from "tribal mentality."

Naum Faik Palakh was born in Diyarbakir (as an Orthodox) in February of 1868 and in a time of extreme difficulties with respect to social and political live in the Ottoman Empire. His father was Elias bar Yakob Palakh. In a school in Diyarbakir, led by Hanna Sirri Ceqqi, he learned different languages, among them Arabic, Old-Turkish (Osmanlica), Persian, Armenian and later also French and English.

In 1888, he became a teacher at the Assyrian school in Diyarbakir, but taught also temporarily in the Monastery of Deyrul-Zafaran near Mardin, in Urfa, in Adiyaman and in Homs (Syria). He was a founder the literary Society called Intibah Cemiyeti (Renaissance Society) in 1908 and editor of the Eastern Star (Kawkab Madinho) Newspaper which was published from 1910 until 1912, supported by Besar Hilmi. As a newspaper widely distributed in Ottoman Turkey, it became a research topic for Turkish scholars in recent years. As a gesture of recognition for an "important man of literature" and emphasis of the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious face of the city, the municipality of Diyarbakir in 2009 named the street where Faiq's house is located after his name.

Because of the increasing oppression and actions against the non-Muslim people after the Adana massacres of April 1909, which spread to the entire province, many Assyrians started to migrate from their homeland. The pressure increased in 1911 with the Committee of Union and Progress (Ittihat ve Terakki Cemiyeti) strengthening its power, and initiating a campaign to silence and intimidate the opposition in the country by implementing the new association law (dernek yasasi). In 1912, Naum Faiq too was forced to migrate to the United States where he started his magazine Beth Nahrin (Mesopoatamia) -- The Assyrian Paper in New Jersey, which he published till his death in 1930. Between 1921-1922 he became the chief editor of the journal Huyodo (Union), the official organ of the Assyro-Chaldean National Organization of America.

Naum Faiq died in New York on February 5, 1930. The anniversary of his death was commemorated since the 1940s in Qamishly and Aleppo, Syria. With the establishment of the Assyrian Democratic Organization, the first Assyrian political Party in 1957 in Syria, the February 5th was formally declared a national commemoration day.

This year's commemoration of the Assyrian Mesopotamian Cultural Association in Wiesbaden, Germany, on February 3rd, took place in a special format with a lecture and the reading of Naum Faik's poems, accompanied by selected pieces of music and songs. Speaker of the evening was Abboud Zeitoune, himself author of two books on modern Assyrian music. In his presentation, Zeitoune spoke also about his current research project focused on a new biography of Naum Faiq.

On this occasion I was able to conduct the following short interview with Abboud Zeitoune about his current work on this historical topic.

Abboud Zeitoune. ( AINA) Abdulmesih BarAbraham (AB): As announced on your website, you are currently conducting research with the intention to write a new biography of Malfono Naum Faiq. One would assume that enough information should be available about a person whose death anniversary is commemorated each year. What are your motives to embark on such a work?

Abboud Zeitoune (AZ): Indeed, this is one of the most astonishing aspects in this context. As an activist in the national movement for at least 28 years, I have been attending Malfono Naum Faik's commemorations almost every year. There has been always talks around his great personality, though very little has been presented related to his extensive writings. Our memory of Malfono has been reduced to his biography and the reading of one or two of his poems -- most famous among them of course 'Awaken Son of Assur' (Etcir bar Othur).

The memory of Malfono Faiq was kept alive mainly by a collection of poems and short articles edited in 1936 by Murad Cheqqe. So far, no extensive research of Malfono's works has been conducted. With the scattered source material collected so far -- many works were lost or dispersed in private ownership worldwide -- a new evaluation of his life seems possible.

AB: Where did your research take you so far?

AZ: First and foremost, the collection effort of the Modern Assyrian Research Archive needs to be mentioned. This organization has managed to locate and digitize numerous disappeared works (books, magazines, etc.) within a short time. I would particularly like to thank my friend Tomas Beth-Abdalla who manages MARA. The large collection there inspired me to delve deeper into the works of Naum Faik and his time.

In fact, I came across Naum Faiq during my research for my two books on Assyrian music.

Thanks to him we have the very first record in classical Assyrian from 1929. Two of Naum Faiq's poems were vocalized by Elias Boyajy: Etcir bar Othur and B-motho Shbihbto d Beth-Nahrin (The Holy Nation Beth-Nahrin).

My last trip to the East Coast of the U.S. was very successful. There, I was able to visit Harvard University's Widener Library. In addition, I was happy to get hold of important personal materials of Naum Faik in New Jersey.

( AINA)

AB: You've also been in the United States recently, where you've lectured in several states on your two books on Assyrian music. How was the reception?

AZ: I've been to the U.S. twice before. My trip in 2017 took me to the Assyrian communities in California (San Jose, Los Angeles) and Arizona (Phoenix). I gave three lectures on our modern music at Assyrian associations.

My last tour to the East Coast was in autumn of 2018 where I made stops at the Assyrian American Association of Massachusetts (Grafton), Harvard University, and New Jersey. Invited by Mishael & Lillie Naby Assyrian Lecture Fund and the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, I gave a lecture at the Harvard University on the "Influence of Neighboring Cultures and Languages on Modern Assyrian Music."

At the invitation of his Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak, Archbishop of the Syriac Orthodox Church for the Eastern United States, I gave another lecture at Mor Aphrem Center in Paramus, which is the Episcopal seat of the bishop in New Jersey. On the whole, I am satisfied with my lectures on my music books; the acceptance by the readers gives me courage to start new projects.

AB: What are the most important new discoveries regarding life of the great nationalist Naum Faiq?

AZ: The literary legacy of Naum Faiq has been forgotten and almost disappeared over the years. A first task will be to identify and locate his edited magazines, books, poems and articles in order to archive them (at least digitally) at a single repository. Meanwhile, we have been able to collect a large part of those. Today we have about 180 issues of his Bethnahrin Magazine, and all issues of Kawkab Madenho and Huyodo at our disposal.

The most precious discovery for me personally was receiving personal writings and manuscripts from the private property of Malfono Naum Faiq. This material was handed over to the Church in West New York after his death - later moved to Paramus in 1967. It contains some books and previously unknown manuscripts with the signature of Malfono Naum Faiq.

Working with the writings of Malfono Naum Faiq requires you to master multiple languages in order to comprehend his writings published in Garshuni-Turkish (Old Turkish), Garshuni-Arabic and Assyrian. I also came across writings by or about Naum Faiq written in the Armenian language.The "deciphering" of this wealth of material in different languages requires a support network of experts that I was able to establish. I am currently collaborating with several people from various continents for my research.

Naum Faiq published his writings at a critical time period in the history of our people. He witnessed the massacres of 1895 of the Assyrians and Armenians in his hometown Diyarbakir and wrote a long poem about the events in Bethnahrin. Few years after his escape to the U.S. the genocide (Seyfo) against his people in the homeland took place. He was a witness to the post-war events and negotiations like the Paris Peace Conference. His point of view on these events can be rediscovered in articles published in the Bethnahrin and Huyodo magazines.

Through my work, I would also like to highlight the work of many important personalities of his time. Among them are Joel Werda, Sanherib Bally or Charles Dartley; they too don't deserve to be forgotten.

AB: To my knowledge, there is a special collection dedicated to Naum Faiq's publications at Harvard University. Are there any new documents that have not been published yet?

AZ: Unfortunately, little of Naum Faiq's original writings has been published so far. I could occasionally find articles from Bethnahrin Magazine in some books. There was no focused and comprehensive research on this topic yet.

At Harvard University's Widener Library, there is a special section dedicated to Assyrians. There, I found numerous original editions of Bethnahrin. A "Naum Faik Assyrian Book Fund" was established at the Columbia University in New York back in 2000. To my knowledge, there is little material from Naum Faiq there.

AB: Were you also able to get in touch with any descendants of Malfono Naum Faiq?

AZ: It was difficult to get in touch with descendants of Naum Faiq. After various attempts (especially via Facebook) I was able to establish contact with his great-granddaughter who lives in Florida. She was helpful to me in creating a family tree of Naum Faik starting from his immigration to the U.S. I hope to get hold of more material as we go. His family seems to be less aware of his celebrity role as a leading national figure. Like many descendants of the first migrant generation, this family too is largely Americanized.

AB: When I was stayed or few months in Princeton in 1986 for business, I was able to visit the tomb of Malfono Naum Faiq in New Jersey. I was saddened to find his tomb without care and the tombstone broken. To me, this reflected somehow the state of our nation. Is there any effort by the Assyrian community in the U.S. to restore his tomb?

AZ: I too visited his tomb in October 2018 and could not notice any change to the pictures I've seen before. I am not aware of any restoration initiative. I remember a discussion from the 1990s about reburying and transferring his tomb to Syria. Evidently, this did not happen.

AB: When and in what language will your new book be published?

AZ: My focus for the audience of my books is the readership in the diaspora. For me, the English language provides an essential bridge between the old and new generations. With my language skills in Arabic and Assyrian, I try to serve as a bridge builder and pass on the lost believed literature and history of our forefathers to the generations born in the diaspora.

For my Naum Faiq project, I plan two books. A German and an English version. Based on the material currenly available and not fully studied yet, I would say that the publication could be in approx. two years from now. I intend to include a lot of original source material in these books. In fact, the currently available material would justify the publication of several books on the topic. Tomas Beth-Abdalla is currently working on the publication of a collection of articles from Bethnahrin Magazine.

AB: Abboud, thank you for this interview and the insight into your project. All the best for your work!

AZ: I would like to thank you Abdulmesih for your attention and time - and AINA for publishing this exchange.
USA: ICE, DOJ Recognize International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

WASHINGTON, D.C.  February 6 marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, and the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, all members of the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC), join U.S. and foreign government partners, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to call for the eradication of the practice.

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a federal crime, and any involvement in committing this crime is a serious human rights violation which may result in imprisonment and potential removal from the United States. Individuals suspected of FGM/C, including sending girls overseas to be cut, may be investigated by the HRVWCC and prosecuted accordingly.

The elimination of FGM/C has broad implications for the health and human rights of women and girls, as well as societies at large. This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on victims who have suffered from female genital mutilation/cutting, including many women and girls who have died or suffered lifelong health complications from the practice. The day also renews a global commitment to the health and well-being of all women, girls and communities by eliminating the practice.

In 2018, ICE expanded Operation Limelight USA, an outreach operation designed to educate travelers on the dangers and consequences of FGM/C, from one international airport to seven. U.S. officials with Operation Limelight USA spoke to 1300 travelers on 80 different flights from May 22-July 2 at seven airports across the United States, while UK partners spoke to travelers at Heathrow Airport and train stations throughout the UK. In August 2018, U.S. officials, including representatives from the FBI and ICE, were again joined by their partners in the United Kingdom to sign a proclamation signaling the nations commitment to preventing the practice.

Female genital mutilation is a global issue and we rely on our domestic and international partners as we work to eliminate this practice. We continue to partner with the FBI, non-governmental organizations, and other government agencies to identify potential victims and find those who conduct female genital mutilation, explained unit chief Mark Shaffer, of ICEs Homeland Security Investigations Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center.

The FBI is committed to investigating human rights violations, including female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM), said unit chief Maureen Schutz of the FBIs Criminal Division. We continue to work with our partners at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to protect the rights of young women and children and to bring justice to those who have violated them.

FGM/C prevalence is primarily concentrated in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, but also occurs in parts of Western Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. It is global in scope and found in multiple geographies, religions, and socioeconomic classes.

Anyone who has information about an individual who is suspected of assisting in this crime is urged to call the toll-free ICE tip line at (866) 347-2423 or complete the ICE online tip form or the FBI online tip form. All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously.

For more information about the practice of female genital mutilation/cutting, view this Fact Sheet on FGM/C from the U.S. Department of State or visit the United Nations Zero Tolerance Day website.

For more information, visit www.ice.gov.

This story has been published on: 2019-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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Paris, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Located in the heart of an iconic and prestigious Parisian neighborhood, in a building steeped in history, the new La Clef Champs-Elysees Paris residence is an irresistible combination of traditional charm and contemporary comfort. This property, the third The Crest Collection luxury serviced residence, has just opened after a complete, two-year renovation.

The Crest Collection by The Ascott Limited, launched in April 2016, underlines the Groups mission to position itself in the luxe segment, explains Ngor Houai Lee, Managing Director  The Ascott Limited Europe. Each residence in this collection is the contemporary reinterpretation of French chic, offering exceptional surroundings and service for our guests. With La Clef Champs-Elysees Paris, we provide our guests with a unique and unforgettable new address representing quintessential French luxury and elegance.

A prestigious address in the heart of Paris  the essence of timelessness

Guests enter La Clef Champs-Elysees Paris on Rue de Bassano, a few minutes from many of the French capitals most sought-after attractions, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, the Musee Guimet and the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysees. The property is ideally located in the heart of the 8th district, near the prestigious Avenue Montaigne and Avenue Georges V, with their numerous luxury boutiques and couture houses  the epitome of French refinement and glamour.

The five-storey Haussmannian-style building that houses the apartments of La Clef Champs-Elysees Paris was first built in 1907 by the famous Hennessy cognac family. The interior design was entrusted to Jean-Philippe Nuel, a leading international luxe interior Design Studio. The overarching theme of the project was to preserve the authenticity and typically Parisian spirit of the building, a true symbol of French art de vivre. As Jean-Philippe Nuel explains, This hotel is not a film set, its a place to live, where people should feel like real Parisians, where heritage and creativity come together, and where the pervading spirit reflects the soul of todays Paris.

Throughout the duration of this project, Jean-Philippe Nuel highlighted the buildings architectural heritage. Staying in tune with current design codes to achieve the right balance of contemporary and traditional styling, attention to detail was paramount. Our credo for this project was to showcase the historical features in the common areas and update the traditional hotel design codes in the bedrooms to offer a unique stay experience, says Jean-Philippe Nuel.

A showcase for the Parisian art of living

With La Clef Champs-Elysees Paris, The Ascott Limited aims not only to design a new hotel, but to create a unique property where guests feel at home, with a sense of discovering and experiencing the life, culture and history of the heart of Paris. Guests are no longer merely tourists, they can experience Paris as a real resident, in the comfort of a luxury hotel yet in the privacy of their own apartment.

Free of the conventions of the international hotel business, the property is akin to a large private residence where different facets of the Parisian art of living, gastronomy, Haute-Couture, etc. come into play, lending a touch of elegance and glamour. The timelessness of the location is reflected in the choice of color schemes, fine materials and custom-designed objects that make up the elegant decor.

To complete this unique experience, the lobby features a Fragrances Lounge where guests can discover a collection of six fragrances created especially for La Clef Champs-Elysees Paris  five standard essential oils and one signature fragrance. The idea is to create a consistent olfactory signature throughout the property  in the form of pillow sprays  and also available for sale as room fragrances and candles.

The 70 rooms, suites and apartments display a chic blend of Haussmann-era moldings and contemporary touches, including two Duplex one-bedroom apartments with terrace offering extraordinary views over Paris rooftops and the Sacre-Coeur. Fireplaces, moldings, chevron flooring, bookcases, everything is designed to recreate a residential feel. There is no attempt to recreate the former decor  the apartments are modern with a mix of styles and influences. The contemporary spirit of the furniture, specially designed for the property, contrasts with the classical feel of the architecture: bedside tables, rugs and day beds perfectly echo the essence of the location, which is set off by sophisticated materials and elegant jewelry-inspired details.

From the carefully thought out decor to the attentive service, everything at La Clef Champs-Elysees Paris is focused on providing customized stays for guests with a range of needs and preferences. Whether on their own or with a partner, everyone will appreciate being able to choose between the comfort of a spacious, stylishly decorated room and the space of a suite with a kitchen so they can prepare meals, at any time of the day or night. For a long-term business stay or a relaxed stay with family or friends, there are huge two-room suites consisting of a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, Nespresso machine, dishwasher and washer-dryer available.

Comfort is also about first-class service: 24-hour concierge service, porter and valet-parking services, laundry, buffet breakfast or breakfast served in the apartment, 24-hour room service, fitness suite and exclusive complimentary toiletries by LOccitane. Eliane Yun WANG, the manager of the aparthotel, says, We are excited to welcome our first guests and deliver excellence  the luxury, discreet, personalized service for which The Crest Collection is known.

Later in the year, guests will be able to enjoy sophisticated Asian cuisine at the Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine gourmet restaurant within La Clef Champs-Elysees Paris. This will be the first French address for the prestigious Singaporean group, which has received over 50 awards, including two Michelin stars (Shanghai Guide 2017, 2018, 2019), one Michelin star (Singapore Guide 2017, 2018) and one Michelin star (Hong Kong Macau Guide 2018, 2019).

The Crest Collection  Three French luxe properties in Paris

The Crest Collection is aimed at guests with an appreciation for refinement and unique experiences: the space and comfort of an apartment combined with first-class personalized service, in a building with a unique spirit. The Crest Collection now includes three Parisian properties: La Clef Louvre Paris, La Clef Tour Eiffel Paris and La Clef Champs-Elysees Paris.

Ngor Houai Lee, Managing Director, The Ascott Limited for Europe, says, We created The Crest Collection to distinguish residences with soul that offer an unusual experience, related to either their location, their architecture or their history. La Clef Champs-Elysees Paris offers a contemporary reinterpretation of French style elegance and caters to the growing demand from a clientele with an appreciation for refinement.

An offer to celebrate the opening

To mark the inauguration of the property, La Clef Champs-Elysees Paris created an exclusive package for its guests including:

Fee starting from 329 (Executive Room)

Offered buffet breakfast (double occupation)

Flexible check-in and checkout*

* according to availability. Offer available until 31st March 2019

More information: https://www.the-ascott.com/en/offers/prelude-offer-la-clef-champs-elysees-paris.html

About The Ascott Limited:

The Ascott Limited is a Singapore company that has grown to be one of the leading international lodging owner-operators. It has more than 57,000 operating units in key cities of the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as over 42,000 units which are under development, making a total of over 100,000 units in over 660 properties. The companys serviced residence and hotel brands include Ascott, Citadines, Somerset, Quest, The Crest Collection, lyf, HARRIS, FOX HARRIS, YELLO, POP!, Preference and HARRIS Vertu. Ascotts portfolio spans more than 170 cities across over 30 countries.

Ascott, a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Limited, pioneered Asia Pacific's first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984. Today, the company boasts over 30 years of industry track record and award-winning brands that enjoy recognition worldwide.

Ascotts achievements have been recognized internationally. Recent awards include World Travel Awards 2018 for 'Leading Serviced Apartment Brand' in Asia, Europe and the Middle East; DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2018 for Best Serviced Residence Brand; TTG China Travel Awards 2018 for Best Serviced Residence Operator in China; Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards 2018 for Best Serviced Residence Brand; Business Traveller UK Awards 2018 for Best Serviced Apartment Company and Business Traveller China Awards 2018 for Best Luxury Serviced Residence Brand. For a full list of awards, please visit https://www.the-ascott.com/ascottlimited/awards.html .





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Did anyone expect Donald Trump to be the first president to call for an end to HIV transmission in the U.S.? His administration has promoted a slew of policies that could actually prolong the epidemic -- restricting Medicaid, dismantling the Affordable Care Act, cutting global AIDS funding, opposing fetal tissue research that could lead to a vaccine, and demonizing transgender people and immigrants -- to name just a few.

Tuesday night, of course, in his State of the Union (SOTU) speech, Trump said, "Together, we will defeat AIDS in America. And beyond." He pledged to send Congress a budget request that would "make the needed commitment to eliminate the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years."

After the speech, Department of Health And Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar announced more details, including a colorfully designed fact sheet. On Feb. 7, an article co-authored by Anthony Fauci, M.D., the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), was published in JAMA further detailing the rationale and broad elements of the strategy.

A number of factors contributed to Trump's head-spinning pivot.

A handful of major AIDS organizations have spent the past two years educating key members of the administration about the scientific data showing that, biomedically speaking, ending HIV in the U.S. is an achievable goal. In the simplest terms, people living with HIV cannot transmit the virus if antiretrovirals reduce their viral load to undetectable levels; meanwhile, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) protects people who use the medication as prescribed from contracting the disease. And several jurisdictions around the country, after New York State's lead in 2015, have launched or are exploring "end the epidemic" campaigns in about a dozen cities, counties, and states.

"I don't think [the administration officials] needed a lot of convincing -- they have all been involved in HIV. They just needed to know that we can do this, and the community is calling for it," says William McColl, vice president for policy and advocacy at AIDS United. Community unity on eliminating HIV transmissions has strong, demonstrable support. On World AIDS Day 2018, AIDS United and Act Now: End AIDS published the groundbreaking Roadmap to End AIDS, a plan to end the epidemic that has the support of an amazing 250 AIDS organizations.

AIDS United, along with The AIDS Institute, NASTAD, NCSD, and NMAC -- a coalition that calls itself The Partnership to End HIV, STDs, and Hepatitis -- has promoted the goal of ending the epidemic to Azar, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield, M.D., HHS Assistant Secretary Brett Giroir, M.D., Health Resources and Services Administration Administrator George Sigounas, M.S., Ph.D., and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci, M.D., among others.

The ambitions of these AIDS organizations to stamp out HIV transmission dovetails with these officials' personal ambitions, especially those of Redfield. "I think this would be a career-defining moment for him. He has likely dreamed of something like this his entire career," says McColl.

"Redfield came in, and he was eager to make his mark. He's very much promoting the idea. While he's been controversial, HIV is an area he has an interest in. He saw from a biomedical perspective that the end of the epidemic was feasible," says Housing Works CEO Charles King, who added, "I do think there are good people in the bureaucracy who want to hear from the community. I'm not thinking that they're just going to pick up what we put out there, though."

Timing also played a role in Tuesday's big announcement. Trump may have been looking for bipartisan issues to include in his SOTU, and HHS is in the midst of reviewing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy as mandated by an Obama-era executive order. That bureaucratic mechanism has given HHS a pretext for listening to advocates as well as for reaching out to the White House.

Whatever factors gave rise to Trump's seeming turnabout, AIDS advocates are taking the SOTU with a Mar-a-Lago-sized grain of salt. King says, "I don't see any way that the administration will take on some of the structural problems" necessary to ending the epidemic.

"There is no question that HIV is an epidemic of social injustice and human rights violations," says Naina Khanna, executive director at Positive Women's NetworkUSA. "That's what allowed it to become an epidemic in the first place. It's not possible to end the epidemic without advancing the dignity of black, brown, LGBT and low-income communities. This administration's track record does not give us reason to be hopeful that any plan will be grounded in protecting the most vulnerable communities in the U.S."

Treatment Action Group's U.S. and Global Health Policy Director Suraj Madoori agreed. "We're concerned about human rights policies that money can't buy. An increase to the CDC or other programs for people living with HIV isn't enough. We need a rollback of anti-immigration and anti-trans[gender] policies that shows [the Trump administration] is serious about ending the epidemic."

In a fiery press release response to the SOTU, Health GAP Executive Director Asia Russell called the Trump Administration "a nightmare for people with HIV in the U.S. and around the world" that "tonight's announcement will not wake us up from."

On a more granular level, McColl is open to the overall HHS plan to focus efforts on stopping infections in key geographical locations, but the proposed creation of an "HIV HealthForce" of local teams on the ground to implement the strategy gives him pause. "I would urge the administration to make sure that this is not some kind of public health group going door-to-door but reaches out to people who are knowledgeable in the community, takes time to build trust, and listens to the voices of people living with HIV," he says.

Likewise, Khanna worries about "molecular HIV surveillance and cluster tracing. We still have laws criminalizing HIV on the books in 30 states. How will rights of people living with HIV be protected? Black gay and bisexual men, Latinx gay and bisexual men, women of color -- they're the most targeted by policing and surveillance. Overreliance on surveillance to address the epidemic as opposed to structural intervention is deeply concerning."

And we haven't even started talking money. HHS, whose budget is expected next month, is only part of the equation.

McColl says having an HHS plan "is hopefully clarifying to the Office of Management and Budget, which has different motivations."

David Thorpe has been a New York-based editor and freelance writer for more than two decades. He writes primarily about gay life, HIV, and pop culture. His work has appeared in, among other publications, The New York Times_,_ OUT_,_ Time Out New York_,_ New York_,_ POZ_, and_ O, the Oprah Magazine_._
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
Senator Virginia King discusses the Big Event and how you can sign up. Big Event will be held on March 30, 2019.
San Diego, Cali., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Valentines Day is widely recognized as a day of celebrating love; however, for some it is a day of remembrance as they honor the memory of a loved one who has passed. To assist those grieving this Valentines Day, February 14, VITAS Healthcare, the nations leading provider of end-of-life care, is launching the California Valentine Helpline.

This unique helpline will connect those coping with the loss of a loved one with VITAS bereavement specialists in California. The specialists will be available at 844.218.4827 from 5 a.m. to midnight on Thursday, February 14, 2019 to provide meaningful grief support and referrals.

Losing a life partner is one of the most traumatic events we can face. It is very natural to experience a resurgence of grief, even many years after a loss, especially on holidays like Valentines Day, said Robin Fiorelli, LCSW, senior director of bereavement and volunteer services for VITAS. At VITAS, we understand each person grieves differently and there is no timeline for how long it takes before the hurt of loss lessens.

VITAS Healthcare is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. Over the past 40 years, the company has offered grief and bereavement support to thousands of families and friends while a patient is receiving hospice care and for up to 13 months following a death. Even after that time, VITAS staff is always available to listen and help loved ones through their grief. Some of VITAS bereavement services include:

Home visits from bereavement specialists, chaplains and volunteers

Bereavement telephone support

Bereavement support groups led by VITAS staff

Memorial services and memory bears

Quarterly bereavement newsletters and educational materials

Community resource referrals to grief therapists, community support groups, etc.

If you live in California and are interested in receiving bereavement support this Valentines Day, February 14, call the California Valentine Helpline between 5 a.m. and midnight at 844.218.4827, and for more information about VITAS services and bereavement programs throughout the year, visit VITAS.com.

VITAS Healthcare  40 Years Strong

Established in 1978, VITAS Healthcare is a pioneer and leader in the American hospice movement. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, VITAS (pronounced VEE-tahs) operates 47 hospice programs in 14 states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin) and the District of Columbia. VITAS employs 12,145 professionals who care for terminally ill patients daily, primarily in the patients homes, and also in the companys 27 inpatient hospice units as well as in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities/residential care facilities for the elderly. At the conclusion of the third quarter of 2018, VITAS reported an average daily census of 17,976. Visit www.vitas.com.

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Leaves are nature's most sophisticated environment sensors







Dublin, Ireland (SPX) Feb 06, 2019





New research confirms that leaves are nature's most sophisticated environment sensors. We can therefore use leaves to tell us about the management of the land they are growing in. Professor of Zoology, Yvonne Buckley at Trinity College Dublin is part of a global network of grassland ecologists who have found that critical plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in leaves respond to fertilisation treatments as well as the climate and soils they are growing in. The discovery has j ... read more
Dublin, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "The Life Insurance Industry Including Reinsurance in South Africa 2019" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



This report provides a comprehensive overview of the insurance and reinsurance sector in South Africa and on the continent with industry statistics largely covering 2017. There are detailed profiles of 43 companies including major insurers Old Mutual, MMI, Liberty and Sanlam, direct life insurers such as Clientle Life, 1Life and OUTsurance and reinsurers such as Munich Re and Swiss Re.

The Life Insurance Industry Including Reinsurance: With total assets of R3.1-trillion at 30 September 2018, South Africa's life insurance industry is the largest on the African continent. The industry contributed R469bn to the local economy through total benefit payments to policyholders and beneficiaries during 2017. Individual benefits, amounting to R207.5bn, showed minimal year-on-year growth, but the increase in critical illness and murders in South Africa are a potential driver of future increases in benefits paid. Death claims, which made up 78.5% of risk claims, decreased by 1.2% over the 12-months to 30 June 2018.



Industry Transformation: The industry is in a transformational phase as a new regulatory regime is being implemented. Technological change is another driver of the transformation with the rise of insurtech startups widely regarded as a major industry disruptor. Commentators believe the implementation of the Treating Customers Fairly framework and other new regulations will have a profound effect on the market. The entry of non-traditional players such as banks, telecoms companies, undertakers and funeral parlours and retailers has served to increase the competitiveness of the industry.



Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction



2. Description Of The Industry

2.1. Industry Supply Chain

2.2. Geographic Position



3. Size Of The Industry



4. State Of The Industry

4.1. Local

4.1.1. Corporate Actions

4.1.2. Regulations

4.1.3. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development

4.2. Continental

4.3. International



5. Influencing Factors

5.1. Economic Environment

5.2. Investment Performance

5.3. Financial Inclusion

5.4. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

5.5. Operating Costs

5.6. Crime

5.7. Cybercrime

5.8. Information Technology (IT), Research & Development (R&D) and Innovation

5.9. Labour

5.10. Cyclicality

5.11. Climate Change and Extreme Weather

5.12. Fraudulent Claims



6. Competition

6.1. Barriers To Entry



7. SWOT Analysis



8. Outlook



9. Industry Associations



10. References

10.1. Publications

10.2. Websites

Appendix 1 - Summary Of Notable Players

Appendix 2 - Classes and Sub-Classes of Insurance Business for Life Insurance under Schedule 2 of the Insurance Act, 2017



Companies Mentioned



1 Life Insurance (RF) Ltd

3Sixty Life Ltd

Absa Life Ltd

African Unity Life Ltd

AIG Life South Africa Ltd

Alexander Forbes Investments Ltd

Alexander Forbes Life Ltd

Allan Gray Life Ltd

Assupol Life Ltd

AVBOB Mutual Assurance Society

Bidvest Life Ltd

Bophelo Life Insurance Ltd

BrightRock Life Ltd

Clientele Life Assurance Company Ltd

Coronation Life Assurance Company Ltd

Discovery Life Ltd

Fedgroup Life Ltd

General Reinsurance Africa Ltd

GIC Re South Africa Ltd

Guardrisk Life Ltd

Hannover Reinsurance Group Africa (Pty) Ltd

Hollard Life Assurance Company Ltd

Hollard Specialist Life Ltd

Land Bank Life Insurance Company SOC Ltd

Liberty Holdings Ltd

Lion of Africa Life Assurance Company Ltd

MMI Group Ltd

Munich Reinsurance Company of Africa Ltd

Nedgroup Life Assurance Company Ltd

Nedgroup Structured Life Ltd

Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (South Africa) Ltd

OUTsurance Life Insurance Company Ltd

Professional Provident Society Insurance Company Ltd

Prudential Portfolio Managers (South Africa) Life Ltd

PSG Konsult Ltd

Rand Mutual Assurance Company Ltd (The)

RGA Reinsurance Company of South Africa Ltd

Sanlam Life Insurance Ltd

SCOR Africa Ltd

Standard General Insurance Company Ltd (The)

Strategic Investment Service Life Company Ltd

Swiss Re Africa Ltd

Sygnia Life Ltd

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/hnldhz/the_life?w=12





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BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Verizon Foundation, in partnership with NYC Media Lab, announced the ten winners of the Verizon 5G EdTech Challenge . From AR and VR experiences, to machine learning, AI and mixed reality, projects were chosen for their ability to solve for student engagement, teacher preparedness and special needs support. The ten winning organizations will receive a total of $1 million and the winning teams will get access to Verizons 5G Labs and support from Verizon engineers and mentors to enhance their solutions. The Verizon Foundation plans to bring select projects to life in schools in the fall of 2019. In addition, the Verizon Foundation announced its commitment to be first to bring 5G connectivity and curriculum to up to ten Verizon Innovative Learning Schools across the country at the start of the next school year.



"5G technology will provide extraordinary opportunities in education," said Rose Kirk, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Verizon. "The students and teachers in our Verizon Innovative Learning Schools will be at the forefront of this innovation and among the first to explore these transformative 5G learning solutions.

The Verizon Foundations 5G EdTech Challenge called on innovators, academics and non-profit business leaders nationwide to submit ideas for powerful, transformative education solutions. An overview of the winning projects can be found below:

5G COVET ( 5G COSMOS Verizon Education Toolkit), New York University  A set of virtual educational labs, each forming a virtual room that students will visit  moving from room to room  similar to the popular escape rooms experience.





(  A set of virtual educational labs, each forming a virtual room that students will visit  moving from room to room  similar to the popular escape rooms experience. 5G K-12 Robotics Classroom , Tufts University  A set of AR and VR tools for robotics in K-12 classroom that gives students clear understanding of the complex workflows of a robot.



,  A set of AR and VR tools for robotics in K-12 classroom that gives students clear understanding of the complex workflows of a robot. Geolocation AR Monuments, Movers and Shakers NYC  An interactive and animated AR experience featuring a series of new urban monuments of women and people of color. The content brings stories to life, enabling students to learn history in an immersive way.



 An interactive and animated AR experience featuring a series of new urban monuments of women and people of color. The content brings stories to life, enabling students to learn history in an immersive way. Lumovia, Georgia Institute of Technology  An interactive, mobile, augmented reality application that prompts students to complete real-world STEM learning "quests" in their everyday environments.



 An interactive, mobile, augmented reality application that prompts students to complete real-world STEM learning "quests" in their everyday environments. Making Projects with Purpose in Immersive Media , The New School  Middle school students and the Parsons School of Design harness the power of Verizon 5G to co-create projects to strengthen social and educational engagement by using various immersive AR and VR technologies including Doghead Simulations rumii, a social-virtual reality space that enable students to collaborate and communicate in one room from anywhere in the world.





,  Middle school students and the Parsons School of Design harness the power of Verizon 5G to co-create projects to strengthen social and educational engagement by using various immersive AR and VR technologies including Doghead Simulations rumii, a social-virtual reality space that enable students to collaborate and communicate in one room from anywhere in the world. Mappers Delight , Rap Research Lab  A multi-person mixed reality environment that allows students, through Hip Hop, to conduct sophisticated analyses using data science and visualization.





,  A multi-person mixed reality environment that allows students, through Hip Hop, to conduct sophisticated analyses using data science and visualization. Mixed Reality to Improve Social Skills, Columbia University  A mixed reality game that helps students with autism improve their social skills. Students will be able to read emotions and initiate conversations with multiple virtual characters in a room.



 A mixed reality game that helps students with autism improve their social skills. Students will be able to read emotions and initiate conversations with multiple virtual characters in a room. Playgrounds Physics , New York Hall of Science  An app that makes physics fun and interactive, in the classroom and beyond. Students document their own bodies in motion, track the paths of their physical activities, and use onscreen data tools to analyze the variables of force, energy, and motion.



,  An app that makes physics fun and interactive, in the classroom and beyond. Students document their own bodies in motion, track the paths of their physical activities, and use onscreen data tools to analyze the variables of force, energy, and motion. The 5G Enabled Collaborative Mixed Reality Classroom , New York University  Students work together in teams to construct and manipulate virtual models, form hypotheses, and test those hypotheses in real time.



,  Students work together in teams to construct and manipulate virtual models, form hypotheses, and test those hypotheses in real time. Visceral Science: Grasping the Universe through Virtual Reality, Columbia University  An immersive VR experience exposing students to inaccessible realms such as atoms and particles, planets and stars, black holes and galaxies.

About Verizon Innovative Learning

Verizon Innovative Learning, the education initiative of the Verizon Foundation, is ensuring equitable access to education. Its signature program, Verizon Innovative Learning, has given more than a million kids the tech education they deserve, and will help two million more by 2021. Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, free internet access, and hands-on learning experiences to help give under-resourced students the education they deserve. Powered by a next-gen, technology-infused curriculum that fundamentally changes the way teachers teach and students learn, Verizon Innovative Learning is giving kids the ability to do more.

For more information about Verizons philanthropic work, visit www.verizon.com/about/responsibility; or for regular updates, visit Facebook (www.facebook.com/verizon), Instagram (www.instagram.com/verizonnews) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/verizonnews).

About NYC Media Lab

NYC Media Lab connects media and technology companies with New York Citys universities to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and talent development. A public-private partnership launched by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, NYC Media Lab funds prototyping projects that foster collaboration across a range of disciplines core to the future of media. The Combine, an early stage accelerator for emerging media and technology startups, is currently in its fourth year.

For more information about NYC Media Lab, visit www.nycmedialab.org

VERIZONS ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at www.verizon.com/about/news/. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.



Media contact:

Emily Vicker

Emily.Vicker@verizon.com

(646) 988-6530
Letter to the Editor

The efforts been renewed to bond for a new school. . Let me state the problem Everybody, including me, wants a new school, nobody wants to ...
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As the Brexit date approaches, experts from different fields in both the UK and Spain got together in Malaga on Thursday to analyse a scenario that is still uncertain and changing.

On the same day as Theresa May held further meetings in Brussels in an attempt to find a way out of the current impasse, SUR, the Unicaja Foundation and Malaga city hall organised a morning of discussion and debate: Brexit. Views and Perspectives.

No move on Irish backstop as May confronts EU As experts were on the Costa discussing the local impact of Brexit, the main show continued in Brussels on Thursday. Theresa May was meeting with the European Commission to try to find a way to get the Irish border backstop removed from the Withdrawal Agreement in order to win enough support for a Brexit deal from British MPs. In frosty conditions, May failed to win any concessions from commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker or president of the European Council, Donald Tusk. May vowed to keep fighting to deliver a Brexit deal on time as the clock ticks towards a current exit date of 29 March. While the EU said on Thursday that the Withdrawal Agreement was untouchable, it did stress the importance of continuing to keep dialogue open and that talks could also start on the speed of a future, post-Brexit relationship with the EU. The UK PM is now said to be targeting a summit of the leaders of EU countries in Egypt later in February to try to renegotiate the terms of the exit deal and the Irish backstop.

While a variety of different attitudes towards Brexit were expressed, all the speakers agreed on one thing: if the UKs exit from the EU is inevitable, it has to be done in a way that causes least damage to both the UK and Spain.

A positive approach is what is needed to face up to the challenge posed by Brexit, said the British ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, who stressed that the relationship between the two countries was too strong to be damaged by the exit from the EU.

Tourism, commerce and residents rights were among the issues discussed by the experts who laid out their views of the different possibilities that could occur, depending on the type of Brexit the UK ends up with.

Thursdays developments in Brussels indicate that there is still a chance for the UK to leave the EU with a deal, a situation that would come as a relief to residents and business owners alike.

The possibility of Theresa May asking for an extension to the deadline, giving the country more time to negotiate, was thought likely by some of the speakers, especially two Spanish residents in the UK, solicitor Ignacio Morillas-Paredes, and hospitality entrepreneur, Javier Fernandez Hidalgo.

Meanwhile Simon Manley and the senior Finance and Economic officer at the British Embassy in Madrid, Paul Clark, were confident that an orderly Brexit would be achieved.

The possibility of a hard or no-deal Brexit was also considered by all the speakers.

Fernando Valdes, the undersecretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism at the Spanish government, outlined, as did Simon Manley, the political declaration drawn up between the two countries.

This, said Manley, shows that both Spain and the UK want to build a new strong relationship which will involve free trade, the free flow of tourists, secure air links collaboration between security forces and the maintenance of the rights of citizens from each country living in the other.

Valdes explained that the political declaration laid down the guidelines for the future relationship between the two countries. Meanwhile, he said, the Spanish government is drawing up a contingency plan to put into action in the case of a no-deal Brexit.

It is fundamental that we maintain citizens rights and commercial relations and guarantee financial services, summed up the undersecretary.

A decree, he explained, due to be passed by the cabinet later this month, would guarantee these rights for British citizens and businesses in Spain, providing the guarantee is reciprocated by the British government to the benefit of Spaniards in the UK.

Valdes shared Manleys positive tone, stating that he was confident the effects would be reduced to a minimum.

New opportunities

What Valdes and Manley did not agree on, however, was the Spanish governments opinion that Brexit was not a good thing for anyone, not for British citizens or for the rest of the EU. The ambassador preferred to talk of the new scenario being a new opportunity for strong relations.

Eduardo Barrachina, the president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK, was also positive about the general Brexit scenario, although, like the other speakers he admitted that the Irish border and the backstop situation was the major stumbling block.

He said that if the EU did agree to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement, which so far is not the case, any new deal would have to be on the table by 23 February for its to go through parliament in time.

While he agreed that the extension of Article 50 was a possibility, in the event of a no-deal he said that the first few months would be complicated. Nevertheless he pointed out that the British government had made provision so that some 19,000 acts in EU legislation would be automatically incorporated into British legislation on the UKs exit, therefore regulations will be similar.

Businesses can be reassured, he said, although he warned that a new commercial agreement could not be achieved before 29 March.

Customs tariffs of 0% are planned at first, although that does not please everyone, he said.

Best for business

He also said that the UK and Spain had done their homework with regard to citizens and workers rights, explaining how the UK had made it simple for EU citizens to apply for resident status, using an app.

He added that the UK was still the best country in the world for doing business and that so far the members of the Spanish chamber of commerce had not announced their departure from Britain.

Despite new deals, the relationship will never be the same again, pointed out Barrachina.

We can hope for closer relations, but well never share a space like the European Union. Deal or no deal, Brexit does no finish in March. There will be years of strategies; this is a process that will go on for a time, he concluded.

Barrachina mentioned the idea of a second referendum or general elections, but both he said required a legislative process of several months. In any case, he said, May had won the recent vote of no confidence, so elections dont seem to be a solution.

Lord Daniel Brennan, another of the guest speakers invited by SUR, explained that it was important to understand what had happened in the UK. The Labour peer compared Brexit to a medical condition with different symptoms. He ran through the reasons why the British voted in favour of Brexit in the referendum. He pointed out how divided the country is now, with Scotland and Northern Ireland being in favour of staying in the EU and England and Wales voting to leave. He also highlighted the difference between the votes in London and other major cities (remain) and smaller towns and rural areas (leave), as well as the difference between generations.

No plan

The Brexiteers didnt have a coherent plan, he said, but the Remainers did not campaign enough, which helps explain the result of the referendum.

He was critical of the governments handling of Brexit, but admitted that all three of UKs Brexit negotiators had found themselves in a situation above their heads.

Speaking perfect Spanish Lord Brennan, who is celebrating 50 years married to his Spanish wife, had praise for Malaga. It is a city where everyone smiles, he said, because its a city that functions well.

The final speaker of the morning was BBC World News presenter Timothy Willcox, who stressed how vital it is for the UK to reach an agreement with the EU before it leaves.

He described the division in the country as traumatic and the possibility of a no-deal exit was a nightmare. There would be costs on all sides, he said, citing commerce and agriculture, although he admitted that some countries, like Ireland, would suffer more than others.

The next few weeks will clear up some of the question marks hanging over the issue of Brexit.

What Thursdays event proved, however, was that the UK and Spain are determined not to let Brexit damage the relationship between the two countries.

We have to look to the future thinking about the relationship we want for our children and grandchildren, concluded Simon Manley. We can only overcome challenges by facing them together.
The Knox County Health Department is looking to add employees.

Members of the Board of Health on Wednesday voted to begin the process of implementing two new part-time positions, a nurse to aid in local immunization efforts and a sanitarian to help keep up with the growing demand of food industry inspections.

New county health officer Dr. Alan Stewart pitched the two new positions to his board, and members approved his request.

The next step, Stewart said, will be to get approval from members of the county council. The money for the nurse, Stewart said, is currently in the health department's own budget, and the sanitarian's salary can be covered with existing grant dollars.

So, hopefully, it will fly, Stewart said.

Stewart thought the addition of a part-time nurse would help tremendously in the health department's ongoing mission to find a more efficient way of immunizing children.

Immunizations are getting done, local health officials pointed out, but the process is not without challenges.

Parents often wait until the last minute  like when they're told by school administrators that their child can't return to school without them  or they don't show up for appointments, thereby making management of the immunization clinic more difficult.

The health board has discussed the possibility of holding immunization clinics at the county schools, and while Stewart will continue studying that possibility, he thought expanding the immunization clinic's hours a good start.

Currently, the clinic, located at 305 S. Fifth St., is open four days a week beginning at 7 a.m. but never past 4 p.m. Having another nurse, Stewart said, would allow the clinic to remain open until 5 p.m. two days per week.

He would then ask the existing nurses to stagger their lunch breaks so the clinic can stop closing over the noon hour.

And I think that would really help those people who need to bring their kids after school, Stewart said. We'll see what effect that has. And if we still need more (hours), then maybe we consider doing evening or even Saturday clinics.

The board also on Wednesday gave Stewart approval to seek an additional state license that would allow for some adult immunizations to be offered at the clinic. Currently, it only provides vaccines to those under the age of 18.

The exact vaccines the immunization clinic will begin providing to adults, Stewart said, is yet to be decided, but he wants to work with Good Samaritan Hospital's community health and outreach program to decide.

Adults can get several vaccines at the community health clinic, 615 Dubois St., but there are others that, due to short shelf lives, they can't.

Those are vaccines that we already have at the clinic because we're giving them to children, Stewart said. Why not give them to adults, too, if they want them?

It's likely, Stewart said, that among the vaccines made available to adults at the clinic will be the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, the HPV or human papillomavirus vaccine, the chicken pox vaccine and a fourth for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.

The only ones we're going to be interested in are the ones adults would want but that aren't carried (by GSH), Stewart said.

The part-time sanitarian, Stewart said, would help to relieve the burden currently placed on health inspector Madeline Moon.

Currently, he said, there are more than 300 local restaurants to inspect as well as a growing number of food trucks and those that come with local festivals, specifically the Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous on Memorial Day weekend each year.

That's 700 inspections, Stewart said. And (Moon) does all of our bookkeeping and applies for the grants, too.

The assistant sanitarian, Stewart said, would simply help Moon to keep up.

It's impossible for one person to do the job, Stewart said. And it will help us meet our obligation to the community.
Changes to the SunCommercial's back end processing means the e-edition is getting a facelift. The biggest change is the e-edition, by default, is now presented in Text view.
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JCDecaux signs London Borough of Camden bus shelter contract

Paris, February 7th, 2019 - JCDecaux S.A. (Euronext Paris: DEC), the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide, announces that following a competitive tender, it has signed the bus shelter advertising contract for the London Borough of Camden, with a footprint that covers a large part of central London, including the UK head offices of Google, St. Pancras International (Eurostar station) and the British Museum.

Under the new 10-year contract, JCDecaux will provide Camden with new bus shelters designed by Foster + Partners, including advertising operations and the maintenance of shelters. New premium locations in Camden will include: Tottenham Court Road, Euston Road, High Holborn and New Oxford Street.

JCDecaux will digitise bus shelters in the network, installing 84 digital screens across the borough. The Camden award brings the number of digital bus shelter screens JCDecaux operates to 900, making London the largest digital advertising bus shelter network in the world.

Jean-Francois Decaux, Co-Chief Executive Officer of JCDecaux, said: "This 10-year contract for bus shelter advertising in Camden is an important win and follows the award of the TfL bus shelter contract and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea advertising concessions. This means that JCDecaux now has the exclusive bus shelter contracts for all central London boroughs - Camden, Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. This new award strengthens our London portfolio as well as our UK market leadership in digital out-of-home (DOOH). Camden has a rich cultural history and we are delighted to continue our partnership, which started over 20 years ago."

Key Figures for JCDecaux

2018 revenue: 3,619m

JCDecaux is listed on the Eurolist of Euronext Paris and is part of the Euronext 100 and Euronext Family Business indexes

JCDecaux is part of the FTSE4Good index

N1 worldwide in street furniture (543,050 advertising panels)

N1 worldwide in transport advertising with more than 215 airports and 250 contracts in metros, buses, trains and tramways (356,320 advertising panels)

N1 in Europe for billboards (141,630 advertising panels)

N1 in outdoor advertising in Europe (672,220 advertising panels)

N1 in outdoor advertising in Asia-Pacific (216,290 advertising panels)

N1 in outdoor advertising in Latin America (77,190 advertising panels)

N1 in outdoor advertising in Africa (26,770 advertising panels)

N1 in outdoor advertising in the Middle-East (18,650 advertising panels)

Leader in self-service bike rental scheme: pioneer in eco-friendly mobility

1,074,113 advertising panels in more than 80 countries

Present in 4,033 cities with more than 10,000 inhabitants

13,040 employees

Communications Department: Agathe Albertini

+33 (0) 1 30 79 34 99 - agathe.albertini@jcdecaux.com

Investor Relations: Arnaud Courtial

+33 (0) 1 30 79 79 93 - arnaud.courtial@jcdecaux.com
COLUMBUS  Indiana University ceremonially dotted the last i and crossed the last t on the launch of its new masters program in architecture with the formal dedication of the renowned Columbus building that serves as its home.

About 140 people, including IU President Michael McRobbie, the universitys trustees, city officials, local education leaders and architecture masters students gathered on Jan. 31 in The Republic Building, the former newspaper office at 333 Second St., that now is home to IUs J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program.

The iconic all-glass building designed by renowned architect Myron Goldmsith opened in 1971 and was named a National Historic Landmark in 2012. It was home to The Republic newspaper until December 2016.

McRobbie received a symbolic gold key to the building from Michael J. Mirro, chairman of the IU Board of Trustees, during the ceremony.

May this beautiful, historic structure open up a world of possibilities for talented and visionary students who will join the great next generation of innovative and accomplished architects, Mirro said.

I am proud and privileged to be able to formally dedicate The Republic Building. I commend it as a place of deep commitment to the values of Indiana University, McRobbie said.

The programs first cohort of 20 students started classes Aug. 20, and are just into their second semester.

IU named the J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program in honor of the late Cummins executive and philanthropist who started the Cummins Foundations practice of paying architectural fees for select Columbus community projects, designed by renowned architects.

The program utilizes the citys more than 65 examples of Modern architecture and famously designed buildings by I.M. Pei, Eliel Saarinen, Eero Saarinen, Kevin Roche and Harry Weese, including schools, churches, the public library and businesses. The concentration of such works earned Columbus the designation of the sixth-most architecturally important city in the country by the American Institute of Architects.

There is no more fitting place for this program than Columbus, said Lauren Robel, provost of Indiana Universitys Bloomington campus.

Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop noted that the new use of The Republic Building is an important piece of the citys current redevelopment plan, called Envision Columbus, to re-envision the downtown area.

Thursdays ceremony served as a celebration of roughly three years of work by Columbus and IU to get the new masters program approved and launched. The event included a reception with food and drinks, and opportunities for guests to tour the repurposed building and see the classrooms, works spaces and gallery in use.

IU also took advantage of the occasion to conduct its board of trustees meeting in The Republic Building Thursday and Friday.

This building is what the program needed to (start) the cohort program, McRobbie said.

It has great open space that meets its needs, IUs president said. The next step is to get two more good classes of cohorts, and start graduating architects and designers who will obtain good positions and go on to do good work, he said.

Another goal is to get the architecture program to a point where it attracts international students, Mirro said.

I think the future of the program is to grow enrollment, and connect this program to the much larger architectural community worldwide, the chair of the trustees said.

T. Kelly Wilson, director of graduate studies in Columbus, said the swiftness of the program going from idea to reality has been noticed.

My colleagues in the architectural world cant believe that a new program has grown so fast, Wilson said.

The piles of materials on students desks, and the scale models and sketches adorning walls and tables in the gallery and studio spaces are tangible evidence of the new life that has been breathed into The Republic Building, and the flurry of hands-on learning by the students.

The inaugural students and faculty are embracing fresh ideas. They have had many very interesting speakers already pouring great ideas into them. These connections and influences are key to their learning, said Peg Faimon, founding dean of IUs School of Art, Architecture + Design.

Masters student Daniel Weddle said hes surprised by how much hes developed as an artist over the semester.

From being shaky with the mediums at the beginning of the fall, and now feeling like there are drawings I cant believe Ive made, Weddle said.

Projects he was originally given eight weeks to do can now be completed in a few days, he said.

The ability to convey an idea has rapidly improved, Weddle said.

Wilson said the students have done good work, but he has high expectations for them.

Im proud of what theyre doing and see the progress, but I see more, Wilson said.

Jacon Bower-Bir, a masters student who spoke to the assembled crowd, said the students recognize the gift they have received in the new program, including The Republic Building. He said the building is a great asset to the program, but challenged the school, community and students to not let the building itself define the program.

It is up to us to fill this place with purpose and meaning, and this is a daunting responsibility, Bower-Bir said.

AT A GLANCE

What: Indiana Universitys J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program, a three-year masters degree program, offered through IUs School of Art, Architecture + Design.

Location: 333 Second St., Columbus. Programs building is the former home of The Republic, which the newspaper occupied from 1971 through December 2016. The all-glass building was designed by renowned American architect Myron Goldsmith, of the Chicago-based firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2012.

Number of students: 20 in the first cohort.

More information: Online at architecture.indiana.edu

History:

2015  Columbus-based Community Education Coalition discusses with IU the possibility of creating a masters program in architecture, to be based in the city

2017  Indiana Commission for Higher Education on March 9 approves IUs proposed masters program in architecture

2018  Indiana University announces April 30 that it has purchased the former Republic newspaper building from Columbus Regional Healths holding company, for $2.77 million, to be the home for the masters program. Columbus approves $1 million in taxpayer money to pair with another $1 million in private donations to assist IU with the buildout of the masters program space in The Republic Building. First cohort of 20 students started classes on Aug. 20.

2019  Indiana University formally dedicates The Republic Building as the home of its J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program on Jan. 31.
INDIANAPOLIS  A legislative panel is backing tougher penalties for drivers who pass school buses with extended stop arms after members heard from relatives of three children fatally struck while crossing a northern Indiana highway.

An Indiana Senate committee voted unanimously Wednesday to endorse a bill that would suspend the driver's license for 90 days the first time someone convicted of recklessly passing a stopped school bus and a year for repeat offenders. Other provisions would create felony offenses to recklessly pass a bus and injure or kill someone and allow $1,000 fines against repeat offenders recorded by school bus cameras.

Michael Stahl, whose 9-year-old daughter was killed in the Oct. 30 pre-dawn collision on Indiana 25 near Rochester, said he knows the tougher penalties won't stop all drivers from disregarding school bus stop arms, but compared the steps to the tightening of drunken driving laws in raising awareness.

"We can raise the stakes," Stahl said. "We can speak the language that everybody speaks and that's money. If you increase the penalty, people begin to think twice."

Alivia Stahl and her twin 6-year-old half brothers, Xzavier and Mason Ingle, died in the crash. The driver who hit the children told authorities she didn't realize she was approaching a stopped school bus, despite the activated stop arm and flashing lights, until the children were right in front of her. She's pleaded not guilty to three counts of reckless homicide.

A one-day tracking by school districts around the state last year recorded nearly 3,100 stop-arm violations, which would extrapolate to more than 500,000 violations over a school year, said Mike Brown, legislative affairs director for the state Department of Education.

Bill sponsor Sen. Randy Head of Logansport said the high possible fines were justified because some drivers can be impatient and not think about the risk of hitting a child when passing school buses.

"If someone is doing this more than once they've got to get the understanding that this is wrong, this is unsafe, you are jeopardizing the lives of children," Head said.

Brittany Ingle, the mother of the children killed in the crash, and her husband Shane, the boys' father, said during a news conference last month that they did all they could to teach the children about safely crossing the road from their neighborhood to the bus stop and hoped their tragedy leads to greater protections for other children.

The bill, which now goes to the full Senate for consideration, also would prohibit school bus stops at locations where children would have to cross highways outside city or town limits and requiring annual route safety reviews by school districts.

EASIER BALLOT ACCESS

Smaller political parties would face lower requirements to get their candidates on Indiana's ballot under a bill backed by a legislative panel.

Current state law requires parties to either have a candidate for Indiana secretary of state obtain 2 percent of the vote or collect that many petition signatures to be included on the November election ballot statewide. That would be nearly 45,000 votes from the 2018 election results.

The Senate Elections Committee endorsed a bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Greg Walker of Columbus lowering the secretary of state vote total needed to 0.5 percent. It would allow parties on the ballot if they collect at least 500 voter signatures in each of Indiana's nine congressional districts.

Libertarians are the only smaller party candidates to make Indiana's ballot since 2000.

***

The legal age to buy tobacco and vaping liquids in Indiana would be raised to 21 and the state would start taxing those e-cigarette materials under bills advancing in the Legislature.

The Indiana Senate Health Committee voted 8-2 Wednesday to advance a bill raising from 18 the minimum age to buy cigarettes, other tobacco products or e-liquids. It also would prohibit anyone younger than 18 from buying or possessing vaping liquids even if they didn't contain nicotine.

Supporters say raising the age could improve the state's health as fewer people start smoking.

The House Ways and Means Committee endorsed a 4 cents per-milliliter vaping liquid tax. Vaping business officials argue the tax could hurt the industry, but the bill sponsor says it aims to tax the liquids similarly as cigarettes.
I actually went into the kitchen and I saw them make the beignets, he says.  I came back with our pastry chef and we started working on it  and I think its exactly the same as what theyre serving at Cafe du Monde, myself.
In 2011, the Legislature decided that groups should have only two years, rather than four, to gather the hundreds of thousands of signatures they need to get an amendment on the ballot. In 2017 this same two-thirds requirement was introduced but failed. Last spring the commission that convenes every 20 years to propose changes to the constitution hatched the completely undemocratic idea of applying the current 60 percent threshold to all voters, not just those who went to the polls. In other words, someone who didnt vote would still be counted as a no vote. Thankfully, that idea went into the dustbin.
Who here would want to be judged for a lifetime of work, who here would want to be judged by one horrific incident or one bad day in your life? he said. Dont you want to be judged  as people and Americans  by the totality of what youve done, by a lifes work?
From late December through January, much of the nation was watching  or feeling the consequences of  the partial government shutdown. An enormous amount of news coverage focused on Trump shutting government agencies over his dispute with Congress over funding for his proposed wall on the southern U.S. border.
"So now Congressman Adam B. Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so," Trump said on Twitter. "Never happened before! Unlimited Presidential Harassment."
It may have looked like a party in the west Florida town of Holilday, but it was actually a roadside sobriety test.
Sasse had raised concerns about the Epstein case after a three-part series in the Miami Herald, which detailed how Acosta, then the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and other DOJ attorneys worked hand-in-hand with defense attorneys to cut a lenient plea deal with Epstein in 2008.
Oakland, Calif., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Kenneth Rainin Foundation announced that it has awarded grants totaling $625,000 to five collaborative public art projects through its Open Spaces Program. The grants will support nonprofit organizations to partner with artists to create temporary, place-based public art projects in Oakland and San Francisco. The projects invite community participation and highlight the significant role that artists can play in creating and expanding public discourse about the most critical issues of our time.





We are very proud to support these collaborations between nonprofits and artists. Our grant program encourages unique ways to explore and respond to social issues affecting Bay Area communities, said Shelley Trott, Rainin Foundation Director of Arts Strategy and Ventures. These site-specific projects will engage the public in meaningful ways and reconnect us with our shared humanity.

The artists will partner with nonprofits and engage community members to create the artwork. The projects will address many critical issues affecting our communities, including: immigration, incarceration, the preservation of cultural assets amid gentrification and displacement, and the marginalization of people with disabilities.

2019 Open Spaces Program grantees include:

Commons Archive  Kala Art Institute, the Golden Gate Library and lead artist Sue Mark will foster connections across race, generation and class to address the dissolution of neighborhood networks by displacement and gentrification. They will engage residents of North Oaklands Golden Gate neighborhood, the birthplace of the Black Panthers, to create a collective memory bank through citizen history trainings, community mapping and restorative justice listening sessions. The stories will be translated into projections and banners displayed along San Pablo Avenue.

 Kala Art Institute, the Golden Gate Library and lead artist Sue Mark will foster connections across race, generation and class to address the dissolution of neighborhood networks by displacement and gentrification. They will engage residents of North Oaklands Golden Gate neighborhood, the birthplace of the Black Panthers, to create a collective memory bank through citizen history trainings, community mapping and restorative justice listening sessions. The stories will be translated into projections and banners displayed along San Pablo Avenue. Colorin Colorado San Francisco  Creativity Explored and lead artist Ana Teresa Fernandez will hold community workshops and work with artists with developmental disabilities to create sculptures exploring their journeys as immigrants. Three sculptures will be placed at San Francisco sites that are significant to the Latinx community. They will be animated by music, dance and poetry, bringing culture and the arts to life.

 Creativity Explored and lead artist Ana Teresa Fernandez will hold community workshops and work with artists with developmental disabilities to create sculptures exploring their journeys as immigrants. Three sculptures will be placed at San Francisco sites that are significant to the Latinx community. They will be animated by music, dance and poetry, bringing culture and the arts to life. Lakabai Diwa, Diasporic Spirit  The Filipino-American Development Foundation with Kularts and lead artist Alleluia Panis will bring visibility and collective cultural healing to the Pilipina community in San Franciscos SOMA neighborhood. This project will be anchored by site-specific dance performances, workshops, art installations, and a ceremonial procession that will feature balangays, traditional Pilipino boats, as a metaphor for how this island culture has been affected by colonialism, displacement and immigration.

 The Filipino-American Development Foundation with Kularts and lead artist Alleluia Panis will bring visibility and collective cultural healing to the Pilipina community in San Franciscos SOMA neighborhood. This project will be anchored by site-specific dance performances, workshops, art installations, and a ceremonial procession that will feature balangays, traditional Pilipino boats, as a metaphor for how this island culture has been affected by colonialism, displacement and immigration. Future IDs at Alcatraz  The National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy will partner with lead artist Gregory Sale, in collaboration with California reentry programs, community organizations and formerly incarcerated individuals on a yearlong, site-specific exhibition on Alcatraz Island. Identity-inspired artworks and monthly public programs will illuminate the life dreams as well as the racial, gender and age diversity of those who have been incarcerated. In stark contrast to prison-issued IDs, these artworks will express individual stories of transformation.

 The National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy will partner with lead artist Gregory Sale, in collaboration with California reentry programs, community organizations and formerly incarcerated individuals on a yearlong, site-specific exhibition on Alcatraz Island. Identity-inspired artworks and monthly public programs will illuminate the life dreams as well as the racial, gender and age diversity of those who have been incarcerated. In stark contrast to prison-issued IDs, these artworks will express individual stories of transformation. Heroes of Unity  The Spanish-Speaking Unity Council of Alameda County and the Oakland Public Library will partner with lead artists, Sergio de la Torre and the Collective Action Studios Justin Hoover and Chris Treggiari, to create a portrait of the Bay Area immigrant community. Youth and adult artist mentorship teams will bring mobile print-making laboratories to six events in Oakland. The public will be empowered to create art that documents personal and family stories of migration, relocation, identity and citizenship.

A panel of jurors carefully selected the public art projects from 10 finalists. This years jurors included: Michele Carlson, Executive Director of Art Practical; Debra J.T. Padilla, Executive Director of the Social and Public Art Resource Center for 25 years; and Ryan Dennis, Public Art Director of Project Row Houses in Houston.

Visit the Rainin Foundation website for more information on its Open Spaces Program.

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Attachment
In another initiative, not funded through the tax, schools will get more money for fine arts, mostly for new band and orchestra instruments, the first new instrument purchase in 20 years, officials said. Another proposal not funded through the tax will allow every high school to hire a testing coordinator, freeing up guidance counselors who had previously been required to supervise the abundance of state exams required of Florida students.
Before the trial, Daniels told the judge that he had no interest in a plea deal for a 25-year prison sentence. Upon hearing the verdict, several of Daniels close relatives ran from the courtroom while others stayed and cried until Daniels was handcuffed and led away by deputies.
A Southwest Ranches man, Juan Barquero, 57, is accused of trying to stop the repossession of his Mercedes-Benz by shooting at two recovery agents who hooked up the car and were towing it away. Six shots hit the tow truck, but neither man was struck. (Davie Police, courtesy)
She told senators how she thought the loud pops of gunfire were a senior prank. She recalled seeing blood on the floor and thinking it was a red paintball. She described how she covered herself with a classmate who had been struck with a bullet and prayed that she wouldnt feel any pain when she died. She told them how she ran past bodies in the hall and how police collected her bloody dress.
City road crews were out scooping up the debris with front loaders and shovels in the lanes between Taft and Harding streets about 9 a.m. Thursday.
These are the folks who actually put their life on the line every time they respond to a dangerous situation, he said. We want to do the right thing. We want to restore these benefits that were taken away.
The Cyclone doubled as a giant splash zone inside as the water cascaded on top of us while we turned the wheel. Laughing and trying to catch our breath, we bounced on the trampoline a couple times and made our way to the Ultimate Catapult where we flew off the swing and landed in the refreshing water. Balancing on the beam, we ran like kids to the slide where we climbed up the wall, slid down and repeated the process about three times. The slide was a rapid descent, lifting us up at the end before dumping us in the water.
Marian, 96, and Leo Goldner, 95, have lived at the senior living community Vi at Aventura for 15 years. They met each other at a dance in Toledo, OH, shortly after they graduated from high school, and got married in 1943. They went on to have four children, three of which are still alive. One of the Goldners' children was born while Leo served in the U.S. Army overseas.
Danish English

Company announcement











Announcement no. 2/2019































Holmens Kanal 2  12

DK-1092 Kbenhavn K











7 February 2019

Danske Bank placed under formal investigation in France

Today, Danske Bank A/S was placed under formal investigation (mise en examen) by an investigating judge at the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Paris in connection with an investigation into suspicion of money laundering related to certain transactions in the terminated portfolio of non-resident customers of Danske Banks branch in Estonia in the period from 2007 to 2014. The investigation covers transactions amounting to around EUR 21.6 million. Danske Bank has been ordered to post bail in the amount of EUR 10.8 million.

The terminated portfolio of non-resident customers is described in more detail in the Report on the Non-Resident portfolio at Danske Banks Estonian branch dated 19 September 2018 prepared by the Danish law firm Bruun & Hjejle (the Report). Whilst the Report showed shortcomings and failures, including late and inadequate handling of the issues arising from the Estonia matter, the investigation into the terminated portfolio of non-resident customers has made no findings which enable it to conclude whether money laundering, tax evasion or other criminal activity has actually taken place.

Danske Bank was first placed under formal investigation in France on 11 October 2017. On 25 January 2018, Danske Banks status in the investigation was changed to that of an assisted witness (temoin assiste). Since then, Danske Bank has published the Report, which has now been included in the investigation in France.

The wording of the charge is set out below.

Danske Bank will continue to cooperate with the French authorities.

Also available on danskebank.com:

Company announcement no. 53 of 11 October 2017:

Danske Bank placed under AML investigation in France.

Company announcement no. 6 of 25 January 2018:

Danske Bank no longer placed under AML investigation in France.

Report on the Non-Resident Portfolio at Danske Banks Estonian branch dated 19 September 2018.

The wording of the charge is as follows:

Organised money-laundering of tax evasion proceeds:

For having assisted, in France and abroad (in particular in Estonia and in Luxembourg), from 2007 (from 1st February onwards) until 2014, in multiple transactions consisting in investing, concealing, or converting the direct or indirect proceeds of offences, by opening fictitious pass-through accounts which were designed to receive money from organised tax evasion, and by allowing these accounts to be debited with multiple transactions carried out in the context of set-off mechanisms, without any economic justification,

in this case, the accounts [name omitted] and [name omitted], to the benefit of a French company managed by [name omitted] ([name omitted] for EUR 16,339,849) and offshore companies holding accounts in Luxembourg of which [name omitted] was the beneficial owner ([name omitted] for EUR 1,175,520 and USD 1,360,508), [name omitted] for EUR 2,951,567 (exhibits D 539, D 583) as well as to the benefit of other companies and businesses established in France (for EUR 574,185),

the facts having been committed in an organised group, characterised by the use of multiple agents, these transactions had no other aim but to conceal the final destination of the defrauded funds and to enable their beneficiaries to use them abroad after the funds had been laundered in opaque circuits,

facts provided for and punished by Articles 324-1, 324-2, 324-3, 324-4, 324-7, 324-8 and 324-9 of the Criminal Code.

Danske Bank





Attachment
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.
For more than two years, there has been an alarming spike in anti-Israel and anti-Jewish rhetoric within far left factions of the Progressive movement. Such sentiment has placed great strains on the coalition of groups that make up the bulk of the Democratic Party.

Historically, support for Israel and opposition to anti-Semitism were strongest among Democrats. After all, it was Harry S Truman of Missouri who recognized the State of Israel just 11 minutes after it declared its independence on May 14, 1948. Members of Congress like Henry Scoop Jackson and Hubert Humphrey were among the most steadfast and consistent supporters of Israel, the rights of Soviet Jews and other issues of concern to the American Jewish community.

But in more recent years, polls have suggested that the degree of solid support for Israel has shifted from a dependable bipartisan majority to a significant difference between members of our two major parties.

ADVERTISEMENT



If support for Israel becomes another bitterly divisive partisan issue, it could create a deep split within the American Jewish community.

In the midterm elections, where Democrats regained a majority in

the House of Representatives, some self-identified progressives expressed support for the BDS movement, which calls for boycotts, divestment and sanctions to force Israel to change its treatment of Palestinians. Some progressives no longer support the mainstream goal of a two-state solution to bring about a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.

Outside the halls of Congress, there has been friction within various causes largely supported by Democrats, including the Black Lives Matter movement and the national Womens March on Washington.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Florida, a former chair of the Democratic National Committee, published an opinion piece in USA Today last month that was headlined: Why I refuse to walk with the Washington Womens March.

I walked away from the Womens March on Washington two years ago absolutely electrified by the promise of what a movement built around sisterhood and solidarity could accomplish, she wrote.

Today, sadly, I must walk away from the national Womens March organization, and specifically its leadership.

Wasserman Schultz stressed that though she still firmly believes in its values and mission, I cannot associate with the national marchs leaders and principles which refuse to completely repudiate anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry. I cannot walk shoulder to shoulder with leaders who lock arms with outspoken peddlers of hate.

Wasserman Schultz noted the refusal of some of the Womens March national leaders to firmly and explicitly condemn Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, who has had a long record of hatred towards Jews. Farrakhan has called Adolf Hitler a great man, and recently referred to Jews and termites. He has also called Judaism a gutter religion and called Judaism a movement of the Satanic Jew and the Synagogue of Satan.

Wasserman Schultz specifically criticized Tamika Mallory for failing to clearly denounce Farrakhan. Instead, she said, Mallory has attended Farrakhans speeches and posted her support of him on social media, calling him the GOAT the Greatest Of All Time.

At the same time, a group of centrist Democrats has formed a new political group designed to counter the rising skepticism on the left toward the Jewish State.

According to a New York Times story by Jonathan Martin, a recent Pew Poll indicated that while 56 percent of voters over 65 sympathize with Israel more than with the Palestinians, only 32 percent of those under the age of 30 said they feel the same way. He wrote about the new group and its possible influence on Mideast policy, saying:

With such polls and others showing that liberals and younger voters are increasingly less sympathetic to Israel, and a handful of vocal supporters of Palestinian rights arriving in Congress, the new groupthe Democratic Majority for Israelis planning to wage a campaign to remind elected officials about what they call the partys shared values with one of Americas strongest allies.

Martin added: For many traditional Democratic supporters of Israel, there is a deepening concern that voters in Americas two major political parties appear to be drifting apart in how they view the country.

The new group is not advocating an Israel right or wrong approach to issues that have caused cracks in its support among American Democrats. Instead, it seeks more fair-minded and less biased coverage of Israel by the media  to criticize Israel when warranted, but not to overlook positive aspects of the Jewish State as the only democracy in the Middle East.

Much work needs to be done at the grass roots level to rebuild support for Israel among younger and more liberal voters. The principled stance by Debbie Wasserman Schultz on anti-Israel and anti-Jewish elements in the Womens March, and the formation of the Democratic Majority for Israel, are welcome steps in the right direction.
English Estonian

The Estonian Financial Supervision and Resolution Authority (Finantsinspektsioon) granted AS LHV Pank approval to establish a branch in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as a third country if the UK leaves the European Union and thus becomes a third country. LHV Bank needed this permission because the previous permit only allowed it to operate in the European Union. For its part, the United Kingdom has given EU financial institutions a transitional period until the end of 2020. LHV Bank is also applying to the UK Financial Supervisory Authority to continue with its branch operations as a financial institution from a third country.

"Our preparations for Brexit are going according to our expectations and now we have until the end of next year to complete the next steps needed to enable LHV's branch in London to do business as planned. We are working hard and we feel optimistic that our request to the financial supervisor in the UK will soon get a desired response," said Andres Kitter, Head of LHV UK branch. "The Estonian regulator graciously acted swiftly, considering that there are many loose ends regarding the UK leaving the European Union, and our request had to be answered conditionally," Kitter added.

LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. LHV Group's key subsidiaries are LHV Pank and LHV Varahaldus. LHV employs over 390 people, and more than 161,000 customers use LHVs banking services. Pension funds managed by LHV have more than 178,000 active clients.





Priit Rum

Communication Manager

Phone: +372 502 0786

Email: priit.rum@lhv.ee
This is the final weekend to catch Kehinde Wiley: Saint Louis at Saint Louis Art Museum. The exhibition closes on February 10.
After three years in the Dallas market, beloved radio personality Tony Scott will be back on St. Louis airwaves as weekend afternoon personality for 95.5 FM R&B for The Lou.
Published: 7 February 2019

Leisure trips abroad decreased in September to December 2018

According to Statistics Finlands preliminary data, fewer leisure trips abroad were made in September to December 2018 than in the previous year's September to December. In the autumn period 2018, clearly fewer trips were made to Estonia than in the corresponding period of the year before. Instead, more trips to other countries were made in the autumn period than in the year before. The number of domestic leisure trips remained on level with the previous year in September to December 2018.

Leisure trips by type of trip in September to December 2012 to 2018* (excl. domestic trips with free accommodation)

In the last four months of 2018, Finnish residents aged 15 to 84 made 17.9 million trips, when domestic and foreign leisure trips, as well as business and professional trips are included. In addition to trips with overnight stay, the number also includes same-day trips abroad and in Finland.

Altogether 7.8 million domestic leisure trips with overnight stay were made in the September to December period. Of these, 5.9 million were trips with free accommodation. Leisure trips with overnight stay at paid accommodation numbered 1.8 million and their most popular destinations were Uusimaa, Lapland and Pirkanmaa. Uusimaa kept its top position as the region of travel in the last four months of the year.

The number of same-day leisure trips in Finland was 5.5 million and Uusimaa, Pirkanmaa and Southwest Finland were the most popular destination regions for same-day trips.

Inclusive of trips with overnight stay in the destination country, cruises and same-day trips, leisure trips abroad numbered 2.5 million in the September to December period. The number of leisure trips abroad decreased compared to the previous year's autumn. October was the most popular month for travelling, when leisure trips were made abroad.

Leisure trips to Estonia decreased clearly from the previous years autumn. November was the most popular month of the period to visit Estonia. Leisure trips to Sweden also decreased from the previous years autumn. The most favoured month for travelling to Sweden in late 2018 was October.

Leisure trips to Spain and the Canary Islands increased in late 2018 and a total of 0.3 million trips were made.

The number of trips to Eastern and Western Europe increased slightly compared with the previous year's autumn. Germany was the most popular travel destination in Western Europe.

When examining only leisure trips with overnight stay in the destination country, their number was the same as in the previous year's September to December, 2.0 million. October was the most popular month for these trips, as then the number of trips abroad with overnight stay in the destination country was 0.6 million.

Of the trips with overnight stay in the destination country, only every fifth trip was headed to Estonia towards the end of the year. In the previous year, every fourth leisure trip with overnight stay in the destination country was still headed to Estonia. In turn, at the end of the year as many as every third leisure trip with overnight stay in the destination country was headed to Southern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, while in the previous years September to October it was only every fourth trip.

In addition to leisure trips, 1.3 million business and professional trips with overnight stay were made in Finland during the latter part of the year. Business or professional trips abroad (inclusive of trips with overnight stay in the destination country, cruises and same-day trips) numbered 0.8 million. Domestic business trips increased clearly from the previous year, whereas business trips abroad remained unchanged.

These data derive from Statistics Finland's Finnish Travel survey, for which altogether 4,618 Finnish residents aged 15 to 84 were interviewed in October, November and December 2018 and in January 2019.

Preliminary data for the whole of 2018

According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, Finnish residents made 8.2 million different leisure trips abroad in 2018. Of the trips, 6.4 million were leisure trips with overnight stay in the destination country, 1.0 million cruises with overnight stay on board to neighbouring areas, and 0.8 million same-day trips or same-day cruises to neighbouring areas.

Estonia, Sweden and Spain were the most popular leisure trip destinations in 2018. Leisure trips to Estonia decreased clearly from the previous year while trips elsewhere increased.

Finnish residents made 25.7 million various leisure trips with overnight stay in Finland. In total, 6.8 million of the trips were trips with paid accommodation and 18.9 million with free accommodation.

The most popular regions were Uusimaa, Pirkanmaa, North Ostrobothnia and Southwest Finland.

Leisure trips in both Finland and abroad decreased slightly from 2017.

Preliminary data concerning travel derive from Statistics Finland's monthly Finnish Travel sample survey. In all, 13,537 persons aged 15 to 84 permanently resident in Finland were interviewed for the numbers of trips. Final annual data will be published on 28 March 2019.

Source: Finnish Travel, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Taru Tamminen 029 551 2243, Ossi Nurmi 029 551 2984, liikenne.matkailu@stat.fi

Director in charge: Mari Yla-Jarkko

Publication in pdf-format (342.4 kB)

Updated 7.2.2019

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Finnish Travel [e-publication].

ISSN=1798-9027. Autumn (1.9.-31.12) 2018. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 23.6.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/smat/2018/15/smat_2018_15_2019-02-07_tie_001_en.html
Harpersfield Fire Department Auxiliary members Rachel Donahoe (far left) and Rachelle Craine helped raise the $10,000 needed to buy the Kawasaki Mule (left) for the fire department last year to help firefighters (from left) Paul Kimmy, Adam Drugovich, Will Distler and J.J. Hawk. The department and auxiliary will again raise money for equipment at Lenten dinners set to begin in March.
CONNEAUT [emdash] Pete Taylor, 80, passed away 6/22/2021. In keeping with Pete's request, private family services were observed. In his memory, let us all raise his favorite drink, a Manhattan to the "Mayor of Mill Street." www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Finning International Inc. (TSX: FTT) will release Q4 and annual 2018 results on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 9:00 AM Eastern Time and will hold the investor call at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. To access the investor call, please dial one of the following numbers: 1-800-319-4610 (Canada and US); 1-416-915-3239 (Toronto area); 1-604-638-5340 (international). The investor call will be webcast live and archived for three months following the event. The webcast can be accessed at: https://www.finning.com/en_CA/company/investors.html



Finning International is the world's largest Caterpillar equipment dealer delivering unrivalled service to customers for over 85 years. Finning sells, rents and provides parts and service for equipment and engines to help customers maximize productivity. Headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., the Company operates in Western Canada, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and the United Kingdom and Ireland.

For further information, please contact:

Mauk Breukels

Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs

(604) 331-4934

mauk.breukels@finning.com

www.finning.com
by Paul Craig Roberts





Readers are requesting my take on President Trumps state of the union speech. Briefly, judging by the polls taken by his hostile criticsCNN and CBSthe speech was very successful with 76% of the public expressing approval. And this despite several years of demonization of Trump by the presstitutes, Democratic Party, former intelligence and FBI officials, and a number of generals.









The speech was successful, because Trump spoke common sense and appealed for unity. He emphasized restoring Americas greatness, a Reagan theme, and he made it clear that the Democrats policy of trying to discredit him and get him out of office was preventing the government from moving ahead with issues that need addressing. I believe everyone knows this, including the Democrats and the presstitutes.





When I say the speech was successful, I mean for Americans. Foreigners witnessing the chantUSA-USA-USAsaw the exceptionalism that has been Washingtons excuse for doing so much damage to others in the 21st century. It is not clear what viewers made of the congresswomen in white with their hostile demeanor. Were the white clothes meant to signify their purity in contrast to Trumps corruption or were the white suits a sign of disapproval like the white dress of the KKK meant disapproval of the black politicians put in power by Reconstruction? What did the Democratic Party gain by displaying female members of Congress as Trump foes?





As for Trumps economic claims, they were largely based in the official data. As I have emphasized for many years, it is the official data that are false.





Lets move to more important questions about the speech.





A country without defended borders is not a country. If a country has no respect for its borders, why does the country need a military to repel invaders? Clearly, for the Democratic Party the United States is some kind of universalistic place where people from other lands come and go at will unimpeded. Having borders is nationalism, and nationalism has been redefined from the patriotism it once was to fascism. For Democrats, as for Macron and Merkel, patriotism is the refusal to defend the countrys borders. In other words, the Democratic Party is now without any doubt the party of The Camp of the Saints.





I dont think that the Democrats view of America is shared by the American people. Many commentators attribute the Democrats preference for massive non-white immigration to a belief that the immigrants will make the Democrats by far and away the dominant party and bring about an era of one party rule. Possibly Democrats are this stupid, but the likely effect will be that the immigrants themselves will rule.





As for Trump himself, I think Trump was, and still is, sincere. Whereas the Democrats are now the party of victim groups, Trump focused on the plight of ordinary Americans and on normalizing US relations with Russia. Ordinary Americans, not victim groups, are the backbone of the country. America cannot be great if ordinary people have dim prospects, and a government that is provoking conflict with powerful opponents that it itself has made into opponents has no time, energy, or resources to devote to improving the prospects of its population.





Nevertheless, sincere or not, Trump is misled on many issues. For example, China has not stolen US jobs. US jobs were exported to China by US global corporations in order to enrich themselves and their shareholders via lower labor costs. It was American firms that took the jobs to China.





Trumps worst defeat, a defeat that could result in the destruction of the US and the world, is his defeat on the Russian front. Russiagate has achieved its purpose of forcing Trump off of his agenda of improving the US/Russian relationship. The military/security complex, the Mueller investigation, the presstitutes, and the Democratic Party have successfully characterized all efforts to improve US/Russian relations as collusion with the enemy. Trump has been forced to impose more sanctions on Russia, to withdraw from the Iran nuclear agreement, to withdraw from the Intermediate Range Nuclear Treaty, and to declare his intent to scrap the last remaining arms control agreement in 2021.





These agreements to control nuclear weapons and to minimize the chance of their ever being used were the work of many US and Russian governments over decades. They have all now been scrapped at the worst of all possible times. The demonization of Russia and her President is part of the attack on Trump, and the aggression in the demonization creates the impression that Western people are being prepared for an attack on Russia. The US destruction of Iraq and Libya followed the demonization of the countries and their leaders, as did the US orchestrated ISIS proxy attack on Syria. When Hillary Clinton, who came close to being elected president, declared Vladimir Putin to be the New Hitler, it confirmed Moscows view created by US unilateral withdrawal from arms control agreements that a US nuclear first strike against Russia was being planned.





As this is the very last thing a sane government would want, I have concluded that the US government is insane.





This fact should disturbe us far more than anything else. Yet, as I, Stephen Cohen and a few others have emphasized, the rapidity with which Washington is pushing us to nuclear Armageddon receives no attention.





It is equally disconcerting that Trump, himself a target of an ongoing coup to remove him from office, has given his support to a coup to remove the elected president of Venezuela and to replace him with an unelected American stooge who declared himself to be president.





That Trump is conspiring against Maduro exactly as the corrupt Obama conspired against the elected presidents of Hondras and Ukraine leads me to see poetic justice in the Democrat Partys conspiracy against Trump.
Ports, Shipping and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayaka said he had given to time to the new board of directors of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority to present their plans on the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) project and the development of other key ports.













Speaking to the media at the Colombo Port today after a brief observation tour last morning (7), the Minister said he also expected a report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the matter.





"I would make final decisions on the ECT and other important matters concerning the ports sector after studying these two reports. This, however, will not take a long time. The new board of directors will work expeditiously on the matter," Minister said responding to media queries on the future of the ECT project.





"These are our national assets and we have to develop them fast in a manner that benefits the country's economy, " Ratnayaka said laying out his general policy on the project that sparked controversy during the latter part of the pre-October 26 government.





The government has expressed plans to develop the Colombo Port's East Container Terminal (ECT) to be the largest and deepest container terminal in South Asia. However, the specifics of its implementation of this project are yet to be finalized.





He also added that the Sri Lanka Ports Authority would work with a results-oriented approach and work towards maximizing profits. "The Ports Authority does not rely on the Treasury for money. It generates revenue and pays tax to the Treasury while abiding by the government policy and procurement process."




by Cheng Xueyuan





As the tide of history surges with vigor, our world today is experiencing profound changes unseen in a century. In the second decade of the 21st century, China has crossed the threshold into a new era. At this important historical juncture, China and Sri Lanka, the good neighbors, good partners and good friends featuring sincere mutual assistance and everlasting friendship, are going to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Sri Lanka. Myriad thoughts come across my mind when I think of the history of China-Sri Lanka relationship as the 21st Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka. When retrospecting history , I can always see the long-standing friendship between our two countries; when opening the Rubber-Rice Pact, I can always imagine how our two countries went through hardship together; when undertaking the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, I always feel thrilled to inaugurates the new journey of friendly cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.









1. China and Sri Lanka are combined with long history of friendship and exchanges





It was on February 7, 1957, that China and Sri Lanka established diplomatic ties, yet the history of friendly exchanges of the two countries has lasted for more than 1,600 years. In 409, the eminent Chinese monk, Fahien in the East Jin dynasty, crossed thousands of mountains and rivers and stepped on this quiet and beautiful land of the lion with a longing for Buddhism. He recorded what he had seen and heard in the book A record of Buddhistic kingdoms, which has left precious historical materials for the study of Sri Lanka and opened up the history of friendly exchanges between our two peoples. Since 1405, the renowned Chinese navigator Zheng He from the Ming Dynasty of China made five stops out of his seven maritime expeditions in Sri Lanka. He brought Sri Lanka rich products such as silk and porcelain as well as a profound friendship from the Chinese people. The monument of Zheng He collected by the National Museum of Sri Lanka has deeply engraved the unforgettable memories. Over 600 years ago, one Ceylon Prince came to China, fell in love with China and settled in Quanzhou city. His descendants still live there. This story is still being told today. The anecdote became well-known in China and has been passed from generation to generation. These well-known stories made important pages in the friendly exchanges between our two countries.





There are many other touching stories of the friendly exchanges between China and Sri Lanka, like shining gems embedded in the long history of the exchanges between the two countries, which have also left the best commentaries on the friendship spanning thousands of years.





2. China and Sri Lanka relations have been tested by times of difficulty and emerged even stronger.





A friend in need is a friend indeed. The relations between our two countries have withstood the test of history. China and Sri Lanka are both civilizations with long histories. Both suffered a lot from imperialism and colonialism. Similar historical encounters prompt us to empathize with each other, understand each others deep aspiration for better life as well as support each other firmly.





On December 18, 1952, before we established the diplomatic relations, the leaders of our two countries broke through the heavy blockade of imperialism and made a decision with far-sighted political courage to sign the Rubber-Rice Pact. It has built a solid foundation for the long-standing friendship between China and Sri Lanka and has become the most direct and powerful proof that the relations can stand the test of difficulties.





China has been actively involved in supporting Sri Lanka in various fields, firmly supported Sri Lanka to safeguard national interests and dignity and pursue the development and prosperity. Especially, after finally bringing an end to the 26-year civil conflict in 2009 ,Sri Lanka found itself severely suffering from war trauma and was almost torn to pieces. When standing and trembling on the war ruins, Sri Lanka called for urgent support from the international community to rebuild this beautiful country, but surprisingly found that most countries chose to remain silent and watch the situation go on with folded arms. At this critical moment, it was China once again that stepped forward with open arms to Sri Lanka and participated comprehensively and deeply in the post-war reconstruction of the country.





Sri Lanka always supports China firmly as well. Sri Lanka is the first country in South Asia to sign a trade agreement with China, it supported the restoration of Chinas lawful seat in the United Nations. Successive governments of Sri Lanka stick to the One-China Principle, and support China to safeguard national unity and territorial integrity, support Chinas position on South China Sea issue. Sri Lanka is also one of the first countries to publicly support and participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.





True gold fears no fire. The friendship between China and Sri Lanka has stood the test of time and emerged even stronger.





3. China and Sri Lanka join hands and move forward with each other, to achieve steady and sustained growth of our relations.





Facing the unprecedented changes in the world, some countries are still hesitating at the crossroads of cooperation or confrontation, openness or closure, win-win cooperation or zero-sum game, China and Sri Lanka are moving forward with each other, upholding the international order of openness and inclusiveness, mutual benefit and win-win results firmly. We grasp the overall picture of China-Sri Lanka friendship, maintain our strategic focus and suppress interference, to promote synergy between the Belt and Road initiative and the development strategy for Sri Lanka with bilateral mutual political trust strengthened, pragmatic cooperation deepened and cultural exchanges enhanced. In a globalised world, we all have a stake in each others future, just like passengers riding in the same boat. A community with a shared future between China and Sri Lanka is taking shape.





China-Sri Lanka cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative has not only brought tangible benefits to the two countries and two peoples, but also brought new opportunities to regional development. The under-construction Colombo Port City, the Hambantota Port and Industrial Park are expected to become the new powerful engines for Sri Lankan economy to take-off. The gradual completion of the Puttalam Power Station, the Moragahakanda Kalu Ganga Project, the Airport Expressway, the Southern Expressway, the Central Expressway and the Southern Railway has fundamentally changed the development landscape of the Sri Lanka. Chinas aid, training, technology and management as well as the job opportunities created by these projects are deeply changing the future and destiny of ordinary people in Sri Lanka. I believe that Sri Lanka will regain its glorious status as the crossroads of the Indian Ocean in the near future and Sri Lanka people will live a happier life. With such deep integration and win-win development, the relations between our two countries definitely make steady progress and enjoy a brighter future.





On the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of the China-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations, also coincides with the 71th anniversary of the independence of Sri Lanka and Chinese lunar New Year, I would like to stress again: China welcomes the Sri Lanka and other countries on board the express train of its development. Under the guidance of the important consensus reached by our two leaders, we will adhere to the golden rule of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, maintain our strategic focus, suppress interference, focus on the friendly and pragmatic cooperation under the framework of Belt and Road, promote the construction both in substance and depth, and bring more tangible benefits to our two countries and two peoples.





May the China-Sri Lanka friendship be everlasting! May our two countries strong and prosperous, our two peoples enjoy happiness and well-being!
The High Commission of Pakistan organized a seminar titled Prospects of Peace, Progress and Prosperity in South Asia at BMICH Colombo on 5th February 2019. Various aspects of progress, development and resolution of conflicts in South Asian region were discussed during the Seminar.





Eminent scholars, Maj. Gen. (R) Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery, President, Centre for Global and Security Studies, Pakistan; Mr. Ameen Izzadeen, senior journalist and Editor, International Desk, Wijeya Newspapers, and High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Maj. Gen. (R), Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat, addressed the seminar.









Mr. Ameen Izzadeen, highlighted that South Asian region is an abode of diverse cultures and deep rooted historicity. The major indicators of development are economic growth, equity in distribution of resources and overall quality of life, which is very difficult to achieve and sustain without solidarity and resolution of conflicts, including Kashmir issue.





Maj. Gen. (R) Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery, while speaking on the occasion, noted that the Kashmir issue is not just a dispute between Pakistan and India but it was a regional as well as an international issue pertaining to right of self-determination of many million Kashmiris. The adverse effects of non-resolution of Kashmir dispute are felt regionally and internationally. He also said that the Kashmiris are suffering for last seven decades. They have faced extra judicial killings, women are dishonoured and raped, men and children have been blinded by using pellet guns. The International Community must respond to this humanitarian crisis with full responsibility.





High Commissioner of Pakistan, Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat, in his concluding remarks, said that integration of regional economies is the best way for peace, prosperity and economic growth in this age of globalization. ASEAN and EU are good role models for other regions to achieve accelerated economic growth and social progress. SAARC, if made more effective could become an engine of growth for South Asia, which will be possible only after the resolution of all disputes in the region including the Kashmir Dispute.





The High Commissioner also asserted that Pakistan is seeking peaceful resolution of the Kashmir Dispute through meaningful and comprehensive dialogue with India. The resolution of disputes can be attained through bilateral negotiations and regional and international mediation. If there is no peace, there will be no political stability, and if there is no stability, no economic progress can take place, he underscored.





The seminar was largely attended by the people from different walks of life including diplomats, vice chancellors, senior officers from Sri Lankan armed forces, members of Pakistani community, students of different universities, participants from think tank and officials of the High Commission.
Europe lies in the great pincers between America and Russia who both want to dismember it. The problem is how to remain faithful to the continents emancipatory legacy

Earlier this month, a group of 30 writers, historians and Nobel laureates  including Bernard-Henri Levy, Milan Kundera, Salman Rushdie, Orhan Pamuk, Mario Vargas Llosa and Adam Michnik  published a manifesto in several newspapers all around Europe. They claimed that Europe as an idea is coming apart before our eyes.We must now fight for the idea of Europe or see it perish beneath the waves of populism, they wrote. We must rediscover political voluntarism or accept that resentment, hatred and their cortege of sad passions will surround and submerge us.This manifesto is deeply flawed: just carefully reading it makes it clear why populists are thriving. Its signatories  the flower of the European liberal intelligensia  ignore the unpleasant fact that the populists also present themselves as the saviours of Europe.In July last year, just after attending a stormy meeting with EU leaders, Donald Trump spoke of the European Union as the first in the line of foes of the US, ahead of Russia and China. There was a rush to condemn this claim as irrational (Trump is treating the allies of the US worse than its enemies, etc.); instead we should ask some simple questions. What bothers Trump so much about EU? Which Europe is Trump talking about?When he was asked by journalists about immigrants flowing into Europe, Trump answered as befits the anti-immigrant populist that he is: immigrants are tearing apart the fabric of European ways of life; they pose a danger to European spiritual identity. In short, it was people like Hungarys Orban or Italys Salvini who were talking through him. One should never forget that they also want to defend Europe.So which Europe is it that bothers Trump as well as the European populists?It is the Europe of transnational unity, the Europe vaguely aware that, in order to cope with the challenges of our moment, we should move beyond the constraints of nation-states. It is the Europe which also desperately strives to somehow remain faithful to the old Enlightenment motto of solidarity with victims, the Europe that is aware of the fact that humanity is today One, that we are all on the same boat (or, as we say, on the same Spaceship Earth). The Europe that believes anothers misery is also our problem.We should mention here Peter Sloterdijk who noted that the struggle today is how to secure the survival of modern Europe's greatest economico-political achievement, the social democratic welfare state.According to Sloterdijk, our reality is  in Europe, at least  objective social democracy as opposed to subjective social democracy: one should distinguish between social democracy as the panoply of political parties, and social democracy as the formula of a system.In a 2009 article, Sloterdijk wrote that the social-democratic formula precisely describes the political-economic order of things, which is defined by the modern state as the state of taxes, as infrastructure-state, as the state of the rule of law and, not last, as the social state and the therapy state.We encounter everywhere a phenomenal and a structural social democracy, a manifest and a latent one, one which appears as a party and another one which is more or less irreversibly built into in the very definitions, functions, and procedures of the modern statehood as such.This Idea that underlies united Europe got corrupted, half-forgotten, and it is only in a moment of danger that we are compelled to return to this essential dimension of Europe, to its hidden potential.Europe lies in the great pincers between America on the one side and Russia on the other who both want to dismember it: both Trump and Vladimir Putin support Brexit, they support eurosceptics in every corner, from Poland to Italy.What is bothering them about Europe when we all know the misery of the EU which fails again and again at every test: from its inability to enact a consistent politics about immigrants to its miserable reaction to Trumps tariff war?It is obviously not this actually-existing Europe that rankles but the idea of Europe that rekindles against all odds and becomes palpable in moments of danger. The problem for Europe is how to remain faithful to its emancipatory legacy when it is threatened by the conservative-populist onslaught. So how is that to be done?In his Notes Towards the Definition of Culture, the great conservative T.S. Eliot remarked that there are moments when the only choice is the one between heresy and non-belief, when the only way to keep a religion alive is to perform a sectarian split from its main corpse. This is what has to be done today: the only way to really defeat populists and to redeem what is worth saving in liberal democracy is to perform a sectarian split from liberal democracys main corpse. Sometimes, in other words, the only way to resolve a conflict is not to search for a compromise but to radicalise ones position.Back to the letter of the 30 liberal luminaries: what they refuse to admit is that the Europe whose disappearance they deplore is already irretrievably lost. The threat does not come from populism: populism is merely a reaction to the failure of Europes liberal establishment to remain faithful to Europes emancipatory potential, offering a false way out of ordinary peoples troubles. So the only way to really defeat populism is to submit the liberal establishment itself, its actual politics, to a ruthless critique from the standpoint of that "social-democratic formula" that the establishment betrayed in its neo-liberal turn.This does not mean that we can simply return to the good old "welfare state" times: the only way to resuscitate the "formula" for Europe is to reinvent it in a much more radical form, a form that fits today's predicament with its new ecological and social challenges. The only way to redeem what is worth saving from the past is to move forward.
Freud showed his fists and was like, Why dont you come closer and we can get acquainted?Coming of professional age in anti-Semitic interwar Vienna took its toll on Sigmund Freud. The Jewish secular father of psychoanalysis faced stalled promotions, quotas and a climate in which Jews were smeared as others coming to destroy life as the Viennese knew it, said Austin Ratner, author of The Psychoanalysts Aversion to Proof.It fed Freuds paranoia that the medical community would never fully accept his ideas, Ratner said.Ratner didnt just delve into the ways rising anti-Semitism in Vienna curbed Freuds motivation to make a case for his theories of psychoanalysis. He also wrote the new book as a call to action for Freudians whose numbers are dwindling. In it, he encourages psychoanalysts to leverage existing scientific proof to make the case for their field.From Ratners perspective, psychoanalysis has spent too many years on the sidelines. The discipline needs to reclaim its position as a tool for understanding and negotiating the human psyche, Ratner said over tea with The Times of Israel at in Manhattans Pershing Square.Psychoanalysts are not doing as well as a profession as they were 50 years ago. As a profession theyve shrunk, in part because they havent defended their work well, he said.The book also serves as a means to understand the political climate both in the United States and worldwide. When thinking of President Donald Trump, for example, Ratner said his thoughts sometimes turn to Freud.Trump is a highly emotional guy. His decisions seem overwrought and seem corrupted by emotion. The great legacy that Freud offered civilization was applying rational thought to emotion so were not unconsciously dominated by [it]  to learn to act in accordance with our thoughts, not our impulses and our fears and our paranoia, Ratner said.Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Ratner, 47, once considered going into neurology. He received an M.D. from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and completed a mentorship at the American Psychoanalytic Association. But the tug of writing proved too strong, and so upon graduating medical school he moved to Brooklyn to become a wordsmith.The move proved to be a good one  Ratner went on to win the Sami Rohr Prize for Literature for his novel The Jump Artist, and also penned In the Land of the Living.While Ratner wrote Aversion to Proof with psychoanalysts in mind, he said he tried to make it accessible to those whose knowledge of Freud is limited to the Oedipus complex and Freudian slips.If you have a general interest in psychology, history and philosophy theres something in there for you, he said.Freud was a member of the first generation of Austrians whose fathers came from the shtetls. They were uneducated and they had no real opportunities. The Enlightenment emancipated the Jews to come out of the shtetls and have normal jobs. They were hungry to seize the opportunities of the modern world.However, that led to a stereotypical view that Jews were coming in and taking jobs, that they didnt have the same gentlemens background, and that they didnt care about Austria the same way non-Jews did. It was like the shit thats going on in our politics now where some people feel aggrieved, that something that belonged to them is being taken away.In that way anti-Semitism was a significant factor in Freuds paranoia about how people would respond to psychoanalysis and his general sense of paranoia about the medical authorities.To me Freud is kind of a heroic figure in the history of famous Jewish people. After centuries of pogroms in the Jewish shtetls the Jews tried to keep a low profile. And he said, No, Im not going to keep a low profile. I have towering aspirations. In addition, he never shied away from saying, Im a Jew and whats the problem with that?He told a story of having his window open on the train because he was feeling short of breath (he was phobic about being on trains). Someone asked him to close it. Freud wouldnt and the man yelled an anti-Semitic slur. Freud showed his fists and was like, Why dont you come closer and we can get acquainted?Its kind of funny to think of this intellectual giant calling out this other man in this bar room kind of way. I do respect that about Freud. He was not only bold intellectually; he was a bold, forceful person.Another story about Freud standing up to anti-Semitism is when the Gestapo arrested his daughter Anna. They also came to his offices and searched through his stuff. Then they asked Freud to sign an affidavit saying he had been well treated. So he wrote this snarky thing that said, I dont hesitate to recommend the Gestapo to anybody. He used his cutting sense of humor and stood up against the Gestapo. The man had balls.I had my own private ideas that there was something awry in the psychoanalysts approach to validating their theories and practices. They often exempt themselves from the usual scientific norms in terms of how you validate yourself.Im a Freudian. I grew up with it. My grandmother was one of the first child analysts trained in the United States and my mom is a social worker with a psychodynamic bent.Ive had help from psychoanalysts. My father died when I was little and I had all these feelings about him without really being able to remember him clearly. I needed some help to understand the relevance of all that to my adult emotional life. Psychoanalysis helped me make better choices and to live a better life.Why did Freud have trouble proving psychoanalysis works? Was he his own worst enemy?Freuds introductory letters on psychoanalysis are a treasure in intellectual history in terms of their clarity, originality and power in explaining human beings. But every time he comes to the subject of proving his theories, he gets very defensive. So part of what I looked at in the book was Freuds own emotional interferences when it came to proving his own theories in a scientific forum.Freuds sensitivity to criticism seemed kind of over the top. What did he expect? Youre launching a radical revolutionary idea. Of course not everybody is going to immediately throw their arms around you.To oppose a particular politician by trying to label him with a psychiatric disorder seems to be a problematic rhetorical strategy. That said, isnt Trump completely insane?Im hesitant to slap a label on Trump; I hear that phrase malignant narcissism a lot. On the other hand, Trump has people given a lot of cause to speculate about his fitness for office. As a citizen  not as someone trying to diagnose him or trying to label him in any official sense  Trump seems to be someone who has no ability to observe himself and understand his own emotions. His personal motivations seem to be carrying the entire nation along with him and that is the kind of thing that causes disaster.Carl Sagan, the great popularizer of science, was a Freudian. He said psychoanalysis was necessary for human civilization to survive the nuclear age. He said weve all felt love, and weve all felt fear, and sometimes you have to adjudicate between those two emotions. However, you cant adjudicate between two emotions with another emotion. You need to do that with your rational mind, and the only way to do that is through Freudian psychoanalysis.Sagan felt that if human beings are unable to apply rational insight to their emotional life in an international sphere, then were doomed. Thats not to say I think everyone needs to go through an analysis, but these ideas need to be part of our national conversation.No, I dont think putting Kim Jong Un on a psychoanalysts couch would be likely to work for very long. It would be a quick way to have your head on a pike to try and psychoanalyze him.I think its more about having a psychologically, emotionally enlightened culture where our educators are more sophisticated about emotion. Then we can raise a new generation of more modern, enlightened people who are more sophisticated about defense mechanisms.Its influenced my writing in two different ways.Characters who dont understand themselves have been around in literature since the original Oedipus. And theyre in Shakespeare and theyre in the stories of Chekov. Freudian psychology is such a great way of understanding characters like these.The other way is in the actual act of writing. Youve heard of the term writers block. If you can understand your own internal conflict, your own inhibitions about getting it done, then it becomes easier to just do it. It becomes easier to write.I remember my Aunt Debbie, who is a psychoanalyst, telling me when I was in high school, Oh after I got a psychoanalysis my writing got so much better. I didnt understand what she meant back then, but now I do. You just dont get in your own way as much.
Oslo (Norway), Feb 06 2019 (SPS) - The Establishment of a friendship group with the Saharawi people in the Norwegian Parliament was announced Tuesday (05 February) to advocate for the right to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara

The group is the only network on such a foreign affairs issue that is constituted by parliamentarians from all nine political parties of the Norwegian parliament. The intergroup's purpose is to advocate for the right to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. Part of the terrtory has been illegally occupied by Morocco since 1975.

Now, as the parties to this conflict is to meet again for UN talks in March, it is fundamental that Norwegian government unequivocally support the principles of international law. A solution to this conflict can only entail that the people of Western Sahara decide themselves on the question of independence, MP Solfrid Lerbekk stated.

Norway must support the Saharawi people's fundamental human rights and the work of the UN Special Envoy to solve the conflict. It is essential to increase the pressure on French government to allow the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara to report on human rights violations it observes, MP Gisle Meininger Saudland said.

For his part, MP Geisel Menninger Saudland called on the Norwegian government to support and defend the basic human rights of the Saharawi people as well as the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General to Western Sahara, adding that it is essential to increase the pressure on French government to allow the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara to report on human rights violations.SPS

125/090/
Toronto, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Restaurants Canada, a national association representing more than 30,000 foodservice and hospitality businesses across Canada, is excited to welcome the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick (TIANB), the leading advocate for tourism issues in the province of New Brunswick, to its growing network of association partners.



Through this partnership, TIANBs foodservice operators will gain access to numerous benefits as Association Members of Restaurants Canada, including national affinity partner programs, digital communication, education and research assets, as well as access to exclusive industry events.



With annual visitor spending exceeding $1.5 billion, tourism is one of New Brunswicks three largest service export industries, and foodservice and hospitality make up a large portion of that, said President and CEO of TIANB, Carol Alderdice. This partnership gives TIANB a more direct line to our national partner, Restaurants Canada, strengthening the voice of our provinces tourism and hospitality community.



Restaurants Canada is honoured to have TIANB at the table with us as we continue to represent New Brunswicks diverse and dynamic foodservice and accommodation businesses, said Christopher Barry, Director of Membership at Restaurants Canada. We look forward to extending our programs and resources to TIANB members, as well as helping them take advantage of the increasing demand for the unique culinary experiences they offer.



Restaurants Canada and TIANB have a strong track record working together on issues of shared importance for New Brunswicks foodservice and hospitality community. By joining forces, the associations are building on this existing relationship in a way that leverages their unique strengths so that they will be better positioned to achieve the best possible outcomes for their members at the local, provincial and national levels going forward.



About Restaurants Canada

Restaurants Canada (formerly CRFA) is a growing community of more than 30,000 foodservice businesses, including restaurants, bars, caterers, institutions and suppliers. We connect our members from coast to coast, through services, research and advocacy for a strong and vibrant restaurant community. Canadas restaurant industry is an $85 billion industry, directly employs 1.2 million Canadians, is the number one source of first jobs and serves 22 million customers every day.



About TIANB

The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick (TIANB) is the leading advocate for tourism issues in the province of New Brunswick. As a representative and industry driven organization, the Association provides leadership and direction, working with partners and stakeholders at the Provincial, Atlantic and National levels to ensure the continued success of a competitive, progressive and sustainable business environment, fostering health and sustained growth to the New Brunswick tourism industry.
The Steele Papers Dossier at Heart of Trump Scandal Still Dogs President

At the heart of Donald Trump's Russia scandal is a mysterious dossier prepared by a former British intelligence agent. Many of the suspicions in the papers have been confirmed and have hounded his presidency for two years now.
Broken Bond The Little-Known Tragedy of Forced Adoptions in East Germany

The East German state had a habit of taking children from politically undesirable parents and giving them up for adoption. It is a horrific aspect of the communist regime that has never received the attention it deserves. That may now be changing.
DORADO, Puerto Rico, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GSRX Industries Inc. (OTCQB: GSRX) (GSRX or, the Company) today provided guidance that January sales have been stronger than projected at the Companys five owned-and-operated Green Spirit RX medicinal cannabis dispensaries in Puerto Rico, and at the Companys owned-and-operated Green Room dispensary in Point Arena, California.



Average daily sales across GSRX retail dispensaries rose to $26,211. during the current quarter-to-date, an increase of 49% over 4th quarter 2018 ($17,612.), and an increase of 271% over 3rd quarter 2018 ($7,065.). Given the dramatic rise in sales, management is adjusting its performance expectations upward, and anticipates revenues of $2.6 - $2.7 million for 1st quarter 2019.

In addition, the Companys gross profit margins have steadily increased to 52% during the current period, up from 44% in 3rd quarter 2018 and 47% in 4th quarter 2018.

Retail sales for January have surpassed our expectations, and our recently launched website GetPureAndNatural.com is posting strong sales, said GSRX CEO Les Ball. With our retail operations performing strongly, we are expecting record revenues for first quarter of 2019.

GSRX Industries Inc. will announce 4th quarter and 2018 annual financial and operating results on or about February 28, 2019.



About GSRX Industries Inc. GSRX Industries Inc. (OTCQB: GSRX), through its subsidiaries, is in the business of acquiring, developing and operating retail cannabis dispensaries, and is in the process of expanding its business to include the cultivation, extraction, manufacture and delivery of cannabis and cannabinoid products. Currently, GSRX operates five cannabis dispensaries in Puerto Rico under the name Green Spirit RX, one dispensary in California under the name The Green Room, and has five additional pre-qualified locations in Puerto Rico, all of which are in various phases of development and construction. GSRX also owns and operates the e-commerce site GetPureAndNatural.com, which offers a broad range of pharmaceutical grade CBD products.

Websites:

Green Spirit RX https://www.greenspiritrx.com/

Spirulinex https://www.spirulinex.com

Get Pure and Natural GetPureAndNatural.com

Instagram:

Spirulinex https://www.instagram.com/spirulinex/

The Green Room https://www.instagram.com/greenroommendo/

Facebook:

Green Spirit RX (Puerto Rico) https://www.facebook.com/Green-Spirit-Rx-746194692378429/

Spirulinex https://www.facebook.com/spirulinex/

The Green Room https://www.facebook.com/greenroommendo/



Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include statements regarding our expectations, hopes, beliefs or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to statements regarding our market, strategy, competition, development plans (including acquisitions and expansion), financing, anticipated revenues, operations, and compliance with applicable laws. Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include the risks described in greater detail in the following paragraphs. All forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement except where applicable law requires us to update these statements. Market data used throughout this prospectus is based on published third party reports or the good faith estimates of management, which estimates are based upon their review of internal surveys, independent industry publications and other publicly available information.



Contact:

Paul Gendreau

PGPR

paul@pgprmedia.com

678-807-7945




The Islamic State's 'caliphate' in Syria, Iraq



Beirut, Feb 7 (AFP) Feb 07, 2019



Islamic State (IS) jihadists in June 2014 proclaimed a "caliphate" across the swathes of territory they had seized in Syria and Iraq, but have since lost one territory after another.

On Thursday the US-led coalition said that recent gains by Kurdish-led forces which it backs in Syria have shrunk the group's "caliphate" to less than one percent of its original size.

A timeline:



- Caliphate -



On June 29, 2014 jihadists of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) proclaim a "caliphate" led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi across territory the group seized in Syria and Iraq and rebrands itself the Islamic State.

In Syria ISIL had in January seized the northern city of Raqa from rebels.

It also controls a large part of the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, on the border with Iraq, as well as positions in the northern province of Aleppo.

In Iraq, where it is backed by former officers of late dictator Saddam Hussein and Salafist groups, ISIL in June seizes Mosul and Sunni Arab areas bordering the autonomous Kurdistan region.

A badly prepared Iraqi army is routed without a fight.

Raqa and Mosul become the IS's two de-facto capitals.

In July Baghdadi appears in a video posted on jihadist websites and calls on all Muslims everywhere to "obey" him.



- Atrocities -



In Raqa the IS carries out beheadings, mass executions, rapes, abductions and ethnic cleansing. It stones to death women suspected of adultery and slaughters homosexuals.

Some of the atrocities are broadcast on video, which the jihadists use as a propaganda tool.

In Iraq, the group seizes the historic home of the Yazidi minority in Sinjar region, making young children into soldiers and using thousands of women as sex slaves.



- Anti-jihadist coalition -



In August 2014, US warplanes strike IS positions in northern Iraq.

Washington then forms a coalition of more than 70 countries to fight the group in both Iraq and Syria. Washington deploys 5,000 soldiers.



- Defeats in Syria -



Backed by US-led air strikes, Kurdish forces in January 2015 drive the jihadists out of the city of Kobane, on the Turkish border.

In August 2016, a US-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), recaptures Manbij in Aleppo province.

Backed by Turkish tanks and air force rebels then retake Jarabulus, and, in February 2017, Al-Bab, the last IS bastion in Aleppo province.

In March 2017, Syrian troops backed by Russian jets recapture the ancient desert town of Palmyra from the IS.

The oasis city had traded hands several times during the war and become a symbol of the jihadists' destruction of priceless cultural heritage in areas under their control.

In October 2017, the SDF announces the full recapture of Raqa city, the capital of the eponymous province.

And in September 2018, the coalition launches an offensive against the IS's last pocket in the province of Deir Ezzor, of which it has since conquered the vast majority.



- Defeats in Iraq -



In March 2015, Iraq announces the "liberation" of Saddam's hometown of Tikrit, north of Baghdad. The operation highlights the crucial role of Hashed al-Shaabi, a Shiite-dominated paramilitary group.

In November coalition-backed Kurdish forces retake Sinjar.

In 2016, Anbar provincial capital Ramadi is recaptured and Iraqi forces retake Fallujah.

In July 2017, then Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declares victory in Mosul after a nearly nine-month offensive led by a federal force backed by coalition air strikes.

In August, the last major IS urban stronghold in northern Iraq, Tal Afar, is declared "liberated", as is the whole of Nineveh province.

On December 9 Abadi declares victory in the three-year war against the IS.



- Attacks -



The jihadists, however, carry out periodic attacks.

In January 2018, a double suicide attack leaves more than 30 dead in central Baghdad. The IS has since claimed several deadly attacks in Iraq.

In Syria on January 16, 2019, a routine US patrol is targeted by a IS suicide bomber at Manbij.

Ten civilians, five fighters from the Kurdish-Arab force and four Americans are killed.

Several days later in northeastern Hasakeh province five are killed when a US-SDF convoy is attacked by a suicide bomber.
Venezuelan soldiers 'starving': top US admiral



Washington, Feb 7 (AFP) Feb 07, 2019



Venezuelan soldiers are starving and the military is "degraded", but for now at least the armed forces remain loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, a top US admiral said Thursday.

"The rank and file are starving, just like their population," Admiral Craig Faller, who heads the US military's Southern Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

He called the Venezuelan military a "degraded force," but one that "remains loyal to Maduro -- and that makes it dangerous."

Faller, who assumed command of SOUTHCOM in November, said the US military was keeping a close eye on Venezuela and was prepared to protect American personnel and diplomatic facilities "if necessary."

Though President Donald Trump has declined to rule out military intervention in crisis-gripped Venezuela, Faller said the focus is on supporting diplomatic efforts.

He said the United States is looking for signs the Venezuelan military's loyalty to Maduro might be "cracking," but he declined to elaborate in the public hearing.

International pressure is intensifying on Maduro to step aside and support is growing for his opposition rival Juan Guaido, who has so far been recognized by around 40 countries since declaring himself interim president on January 23.

Faller said he had visited the Colombia-Venezuela border, where US troops deployed on the USNS Comfort medical ship are operating medical camps.

In an apparent reference to enlisted Venezuelan soldiers, he said he had seen "kids" who had lost as much as 30 pounds (13.5 kilos) in the space of a year.

"They are stick thin, they'd never had medical attention, we think that condition affects a large swath of the population and we think that population's ready for a new leader," Faller said.

Food and medicine shortages have pushed 2.3 million people to flee Venezuela since 2015.
Nigeria's military given warning as polls approach



Abuja, Feb 7 (AFP) Feb 07, 2019



Nigeria's military was on Thursday told to remain impartial in upcoming elections, as the main parties traded accusations and tensions mounted about possible violence and vote-rigging.

Defence spokesman John Agim told reporters the armed forces reaffirmed "its neutrality, impartiality and strict adherence to professional conduct" before, during and after the vote.

He promised "zero tolerance to unprofessional conduct", including fraternising with political parties.

"Any military personnel who is not on essential duty that is found on military uniform on election day will be arrested and face the full wrath of military justice system," he added.

Africa's most-populous country votes on February 16 in elections that see President Muhammadu Buhari stand for a second term against former vice-president Atiku Abubakar.

Fraud accusations and violence have marred elections since civilian rule was restored in 1999 but observers say the 2015 election in which Buhari triumphed was free and fair.

This time, Abubakar and his main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have accused Buhari's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to rig the vote.

The APC has countered by alleging the PDP is looking to foment unrest.

Nigeria has had six successful military coups since independence from Britain in 1960, leading to decades of army rule that blighted development and fostered corruption.

Buhari is a former army general who ousted the civilian leader in December 1983 and headed a military government for some 20 months.

As civilian president, he has been accused of using security agencies to target political opponents.

Nigeria's military are officially uninvolved in politics but are deployed across the country to tackle major security crises, including Boko Haram Islamists in the northeast.

Allegations persist that Nigeria troops carry out abuses against civilians in the areas in which they are deployed.
Ukraine amends constitution to cement EU, NATO course



Kiev, Feb 7 (AFP) Feb 07, 2019



Ukraine on Thursday adopted "historic" changes to its constitution, spelling out the ex-Soviet country's aspirations to join the EU and NATO two months before a crucial presidential vote.

In a final third reading in parliament, a total of 334 lawmakers approved the amendments to the country's basic law, with 35 voting against.

Changes to the constitution require 300 votes to pass.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who initiated the bill and is running for re-election on March 31, called the passing of the legislation a "momentous" decision.

"It's a historic day today," he added.

After the vote, speaker Andriy Parubiy praised "the irreversibility of our European choice".

"Ukraine will join the EU, Ukraine will join NATO!" he added.

The amendments cement Kiev's goal of obtaining full membership in the EU and NATO and oblige the president, the government and parliament to stick to the chosen course.

After five years in power marked by confrontation with Russia, Poroshenko launched his reelection bid last week, but his victory is far from assured.

Opinion polls put him behind Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

Some see the legislation as a move to buttress Poroshenko's standing in the runup to the polls.

Others say the adoption of such amendments would be difficult if a Kremlin-friendly candidate came to power in the March vote.

Ukraine has been fighting a Russian-backed insurgency in its eastern regions after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014, in a conflict that has claimed some 13,000 lives.

Kiev sees EU and NATO accession as a key way to bolster its defences against Moscow.

Russia rejects the accusations that it has been arming the insurgents and sending its own troops across the border despite evidence to the contrary.
Macedonia takes major step on road to NATO membership



Brussels, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2019



Macedonia moved a step closer to NATO membership on Wednesday, signing accession papers after resolving a long-running name row with Greece.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said it was a "historic day" which will lead to Macedonia becoming the 30th alliance member, once the deal has been ratified by all the other capitals.

NATO and the EU welcomed the move as bringing more stability to the Balkans, but the alliance's expansion into the region has been opposed by Moscow, which regards it as part of its own "sphere of influence".

After signing the accord with representatives of current NATO members at alliance headquarters in Brussels, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov said membership would make his country safer.

"What's important for us is we'll never walk alone again and we stand beside these 29 allies able and ready to assume the obligations arising from our full membership," Dimitrov said.

Stoltenberg said the move would bring "more stability to the Western Balkans", adding that he looked forward "to seeing thirty Allied flags fly outside NATO headquarters".

"I want to congratulate both Skopje and Athens for showing commitment and courage in reaching an agreement on the name issue. We can now look to the future," Stoltenberg said.

The Greek parliament is on Friday expected to formally back Macedonia's NATO accession bid.



- Safety in numbers -



The agreement last month with Greece to change the name of the former Yugoslav republic to the Republic of North Macedonia ended one of the world's longest diplomatic disputes and paved the way for Skopje to join NATO and the European Union.

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said it was a "great, historic day for all our citizens".

"Today the largest security alliance in the world, NATO, has welcomed us," he wrote on Facebook and Twitter.

"We have provided lasting stability for our country."

The EU's enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn also tweeted congratulations, saying the move was "a contribution to peace and stability" in the Western Balkans.

But Macedonia's moves to join NATO, following Montenegro's admission in 2017, have ruffled feathers in the Kremlin.



- Name change -



Russian President Vladimir Putin last month accused the West of "destabilising" the Balkans by pushing Macedonia and Montenegro to join NATO.

Washington has accused Moscow of meddling in the region, including in last year's referendum in Macedonia on changing its name.

For many countries once in the Soviet orbit, NATO membership, with its guarantee of mutual defence, provides a welcome insurance policy against possible Russian incursions.

Macedonia will now take part in NATO ministerial meetings as an invitee, Stoltenberg said, starting with a gathering of defence ministers in Brussels next week.

For Skopje to progress to full membership, all 29 current members must ratify the accession protocol. How long this will take depends on national procedures, but when Montenegro joined in 2017 it took about a year.

Dimitrov said Macedonia was determined to meet the NATO spending pledge of devoting at least two percent of GDP to defence by 2024.

In another step towards normalising ties, the government in Skopje on Wednesday announced it would open an embassy in Athens and consulate in Thessaloniki.

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Trump says 'it's time' to end Afghan war - can he?



Washington, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2019



After 17 years, countless thousands of civilian and military deaths, and more than $1 trillion in US cash, President Donald Trump has declared that "it's time" to end the Afghanistan war.

Touting talks with the Taliban, Trump in his State of the Union address on Tuesday said "the hour has come to at least try for peace" and close out America's longest conflict.

Ending US military involvement in Afghanistan has cross-party support, with much of America sick of the distant conflict that has claimed the lives of about 2,400 soldiers and tens of thousands more Afghans.

"Our troops have fought with unmatched valor," Trump said. "Thanks to their bravery, we are now able to pursue a possible political solution to this long and bloody conflict."

But critics warn against a precipitous pull out and Trump's seeming willingness to take the Taliban at their word in ongoing talks that have so far snubbed Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

Ryan Crocker, a former US ambassador to Afghanistan, said Trump's desire to pull out is akin to the Paris peace talks during the Vietnam War, when America desperately sought an end to that conflict.

"Then, as now, it was clear that by going to the table we were surrendering; we were just negotiating the terms of our surrender," Crocker wrote in an opinion piece in The Washington Post.

"The Taliban will offer any number of commitments, knowing that when we are gone and the Taliban is back, we will have no means of enforcing any of them."

Former president Barack Obama, who was elected in part on a pledge to end the Afghanistan war, tried to reach a deal with the Taliban, only to see efforts collapse and the insurgent group that once harbored Al-Qaeda make new gains.

Under Trump, the US is again engaging with the Taliban, with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad leading the effort in talks in Qatar.

He has announced a draft framework for a deal, but stressed "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed."

Khalilzad said the Taliban have committed to prevent Afghanistan from ever again becoming a platform for international terrorist groups or individuals.



- Talks in early phase -



Thomas Joscelyn, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and editor of its Long War Journal, said the US must be skeptical of the Taliban, who have a track record of backtracking on commitments.

The Taliban "mumbled something" to Khalilzad "and he immediately took that at face value and seems to believe that they would keep Afghanistan from becoming a hotbed for international terrorist organizations again," Joscelyn told AFP.

"There are many reasons to think that that is foolish and also not true," he said.

For peace talks to yield anything of substance, Joscelyn said it is imperative the Taliban denounce Al-Qaeda, the jihadists who operated in Afghanistan in the 1990s and were responsible for the September 11, 2001 attacks.

"If the Taliban is really going to renounce international terrorism then they need to renounce Al-Qaeda unequivocally (and) in very clear terms," he said, including by denouncing the 9/11 attacks.

Experts warned that the current talks, ostensibly aimed at pushing the Taliban to negotiate with the Afghan government, could delegitimize it by failing to include Ghani from the get-go.

This week, a top US general said Kabul must be included.

"Ultimately, we need to get to a Taliban-Afghanistan discussion," General Joseph Votel, head of US Central Command, told US lawmakers.

He seemed to downplay the progress of talks, saying negotiations were still in the "very, very early" phases.

According to US officials, Trump in December decided he wanted to pull about half of the 14,000 or so US troops from Afghanistan.

That came the same time he ordered a US withdrawal from Syria, a policy reversal that shocked the Washington establishment and is now essentially being slow-walked.

In his speech, Trump suggested any US drawdown would begin with troops currently training Afghan partners, while keeping a counter-terrorism presence to tackle groups such as the Islamic State.

"As we make progress in these negotiations, we will be able to reduce our troops' presence and focus on counter-terrorism," he said.

With only about 14,000 troops in Afghanistan compared to more than 100,000 at their peak under Obama, some observers say the US now has less leverage in talks.

But Stephen Biddle, a professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, noted that the Taliban too are seeing their own leverage at risk.

The security situation has become so perilous that the Taliban are worried Afghanistan could split into numerous factions, as was the case in Syria.

You could "end up with an intractably chaotic situation that you can't settle with a negotiated transition," Biddle told AFP.

"Rather than some deal that produces the power sharing set-up that the Taliban are OK with, instead what you get is an inescapable 10 more years of even worse warfare than what you are getting now," he said.
US ready to waive sanctions on Venezuela officers backing Guaido



Washington, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2019



Washington is prepared to exempt Venezuelan military leaders from punitive sanctions if they recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the South American nation's interim leader, President Donald Trump's national security advisor said Wednesday.

"The U.S. will consider sanctions off-ramps for any Venezuelan senior military officer that stands for democracy and recognizes the constitutional government of President Juan Guaido," John Bolton said on Twitter.

"If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely," he added, urging the officers to "make the right choice" and align with Guaido instead of embattled President Nicolas Maduro.

The remarks align with those of Trump, who pledged in his State of the Union address Tuesday night to ramp up pressure on Maduro's socialist government, telling Congress that "we stand with the Venezuelan people in their noble quest for freedom."

Trump swiftly recognized Guaido, the leader of Venezuela's National Assembly, after he proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela last month, and has not ruled out a military intervention in the crisis-wracked country.

Guaido has since been recognized by more than 40 countries.

Trump has appeared to relish the fight against Maduro, a leftist firebrand fond of criticizing US foreign policy, who presides over a crumbling economy in which food and basic supplies are scarce and millions have fled to neighboring countries.

US Senator Marco Rubio, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Cuba, whose communist government backs Maduro, also suggested Washington offer protections for those who turn against Maduro.

He tweeted that Venezuelan military leaders like Vladimir Padrino, the minister of defense, "can play an important role in restoring democracy" in Venezuela.

"And if they do, the U.S. & international community should honor the amnesty offered by the legitimate government," Rubio said.
Trump expects '100 percent' of IS caliphate defeated in week



Washington, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2019



US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he expected the Islamic State group to lose all remaining territory in Syria in a week as he pledged to stay focused on fighting the extremists.

Trump spoke to an international conference in Washington on the future of the battle against the group, also known as ISIS, after the US leader's sudden decision in December to order the pullout of all 2,000 US troops as he declared victory.

"The United States military, our coalition partners and the Syrian Democratic Forces have liberated virtually all of the territory previously held by ISIS in Syria and Iraq," Trump told senior officials from more than 70 countries meeting at the State Department.

"It should be formally announced sometime next week that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate," he said.

Trump said that the United States would remain "very, very tough" and encouraged efforts, including financial support, from other countries.

"Remnants -- that's all they have, remnants -- but remnants can be very dangerous," he said.

"Rest assured, we'll do what it takes to defeat every ounce and every last person within the ISIS madness and defend our people from radical Islamic terrorism," he said.
Lubrizol Honors Lake County's Outstanding STEM Teacher Team

Recognition marks Significant Milestone in Award Program

CLEVELAND, February 7, 2019 - The Lubrizol Corporation, in partnership with the Lake County Educational Service Center (ESC), announces the teacher team of Greg Clark and Lee Polzer as the winner of the annual Lubrizol Lake County STEM Teacher Award. The seventh-grade teacher team at Madison Middle School was selected for its innovative, interdisciplinary project-based lessons that engage students with connections to the real-world.

As recipient of the award, the team will receive $5,000 for STEM-related teaching expenses and team leader Greg Clark will receive sponsorship to attend the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council (OCTC) Teachers, Industry and Environment (TIE) Conference. In addition, Madison Middle School will receive an award of $5,000 for STEM equipment. The award selection panel consisted of representatives from the Lake County ESC and Lubrizol employees.

Addressing the Madison Local Schools teacher and administration, Julie Edgar, corporate vice president of innovation and chief sustainability officer for Lubrizol, honored the team by highlighting how the team approach combines innovative teaching techniques, real-world examples and academic topics all designed to strengthen student engagement and improve student outcomes. Edgar states, "This unique program prepares students to gain more marketable skills for the real working world, such as being good communicators, problem solvers, self-motivators and team players. Given the clear student success, it is obvious to me that teaching in new ways can have a positive effect and further the mission of STEM."

The 2018 - 2019 school year also marks a significant milestone for Lubrizol's signature STEM education outreach program. This year's teacher team is the 25th annual Lubrizol Lake County Science / STEM Teacher Award winner. In the award's 25-year history, Lubrizol has honored more than 70 Lake County teachers.

About The Lubrizol Corporation

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a market-driven global company that combines complex, specialty chemicals to optimize the quality, performance and value of customers' products while reducing their environmental impact. It is a leader at combining market insights with chemistry and application capabilities to deliver valuable solutions to customers in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. Lubrizol improves lives by acting as an essential partner in our customers' success, delivering efficiency, reliability or wellness to their end users. Technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, driveline and other transportation-related fluids, industrial lubricants, as well as additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for home care, personal care and skin care products and specialty materials encompassing polymer and coatings technologies, along with polymer-based pharmaceutical and medical device solutions.

With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 8,700 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2017 were $6.3 billion. For more information, visit Lubrizol.com.

Media Contact

Julie Young

440-347-4432

Website: www.lubrizol.com

Doris Behnke, Chris Ciolli, Lee Polzer, Greg Clark, Julie Edgar

###
Pompeo tells allies US still committed to fight IS



Washington, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2019



Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday that the United States remained committed to permanently destroying the Islamic State group despite pulling forces from Syria, as he asked concerned allies to do more.

Pompeo offered assurances as top officials from 79 countries met in Washington on how to move ahead in the fight against the Islamic State movement, also known as ISIS, after President Donald Trump's sudden decision in December to remove all 2,000 troops from Syria.

"America will continue to lead in giving those who would destroy us no quarter," Pompeo said.

"We ask each of your countries to stand with us and, through our efforts and God's help, the day will come when the permanent defeat of ISIS is a reality," he said.

Pompeo, one of Trump's most stalwart defenders, described the troop withdrawal as "essentially a tactical change" as extremists scatter around the world.

"It is not a change in the mission," Pompeo said, adding "our fight will not necessarily always be military-led."

"We are entering an era of decentralized jihad so we must be nimble in our approach as well," he said.



- Trump pullout -



Trump, who will address the conference at the State Department later Wednesday, stunned many allies by ordering the troop pullout, although the US military has slowed down the pace of the exit.

In his annual State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday night, Trump renewed his pledge to avoid "endless wars" and said that nearly all of the once vast territory held by the "bloodthirsty monsters" in the Islamic State group had been taken back.

But Trump's own intelligence chief, Dan Coats, has warned that the Islamic State group, whose once-mighty stronghold across Syria and Iraq is down to a narrow sliver of territory, would try to stage a comeback with a troop withdrawal.

Hoping to avoid the worst outcomes, Pompeo asked US partners to step up intelligence-sharing and also to make up a $350 million shortfall in a fund intended to bring stability to Iraq.

"Now is the time for all of us, not just America, to put our money where our mouth is," Pompeo said.

He also renewed calls on countries to take back foreign fighters -- a sensitive issue for allies such as France and Britain which see little upside to bringing home hardened jihadists, including militants behind videotaped beheadings that has sickened viewers around the world.

"Members of this coalition must be willing to take back foreign terrorist fighters, prosecute them and punish them," Pompeo said.

- Eyes on Turkey -



The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who were at the forefront of the battle that crushed the Islamic State's self-styled "caliphate," have warned that they may no longer be able to guard prisons housing foreign jihadists after the US withdrawal if Turkey attacks.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who spoke to Trump before the pullout orders, has vowed to crush the Kurdish fighters in Syria, linking them to separatists at home.

Fears of a Turkish incursion have led to ongoing talks on setting up a buffer zone along the Syrian border.

Speaking in Washington, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu pledged that Ankara would work to ensure that the Islamic State group does not rebuild.

"Avoidance of power vacuums that could be exploited by terrorists to undermine Syria's territorial integrity and neighbors' national security will be essential," said Cavusoglu, as quoted by the state-run Anadolu news agency.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali al-Hakim also asked coalition partners to consider "the integrity of Syrian territory to maintain the great victory."

Foreign powers have largely come to believe that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will survive the grisly, multi-fronted war in which more than 360,000 people have died since he put down protests in 2011.

But the United States and its close European and Arab allies in a joint statement in Washington said they still believed there was "no alternative to a political solution" in Syria.
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Airbnb eyes the sky with hire of aviation exec



San Francisco, Feb 7 (AFP) Feb 07, 2019



Airbnb on Thursday said that it hired airline industry veteran Fred Reid away from an autonomous flight vehicle startup backed by Google co-founder Larry Page.

The move was described as part of an effort by the San Francisco based firm to add "how you get there" to an Airbnb platform that already features lodging and activities.

"I'm not interested in building our own airline or creating just another place on the internet where you can buy a plane ticket, but there is a tremendous opportunity to improve the transportation experience for everyone," said Airbnb co-founder and chief executive Brian Chesky.

"We're going to explore a broad range of ideas and partnerships that can make transportation better."

In his job as global head of transportation, Reid will focus on travel partnerships and services, according to Airbnb.

Reid was hired away from his role as president of Cora Aircraft Program at Kitty Hawk where he oversaw development of autonomous electric aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically, Airbnb said.

Reid's airline industry experience includes being chief executive at Virgin America.

"Whether in the air or on the ground, there are tremendous opportunities to create products and forge partnerships with other companies that make travel easier and even fun," Reid said, noting the mission could take years.

The move comes with Airbnb preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) as soon as the middle of this year at a valuation estimated to be more than $30 billion. The lodging startup last year said its quarterly revenues topped $1 billion for the first time.
Two top executives leave Facebook PR team



San Francisco, Feb 7 (AFP) Feb 07, 2019



Two of Facebook's top executives in its public relations team are leaving the company, stepping away after the most tumultuous period in the history of the social networking giant.

Caryn Marooney put out word on Wednesday that she is quitting her job as leader of Facebook's communications group after eight years at the social network and is working with chief executive Mark Zuckerberg on finding a replacement.

Marooney wrote on her Facebook page that "it's time to get back to my roots" but also noted that "I have more faith in Facebook than ever."

Meanwhile, vice president of global communications and public affairs Debbie Frost confirmed that she told the company a while ago she was resigning, with plans to leave Facebook in March after nearly 11 years on the team.

The departures come with Facebook, following a period of extraordinary growth, under fire in many parts of the world over privacy and data security and for failing to curb manipulation of the platform.

Marooney wrote however: "There is so much good happening on Facebook and the entire family of apps every day. And for our challenges -- we have plans in place and the right people working on them."

Zuckerberg marked the 15th anniversary of Facebook this week with message saying he sees the social network largely as a "positive" force for society.

Zuckerberg has acknowledged that Facebook needs to do more to restore trust, and ferret out misinformation and abuse, and on Monday repeated his pledge to spend more "on safety and security."

Late last year, outgoing head of Facebook's communications team Elliot Schrage took responsibility for the controversial hiring of a conservative consulting firm accused of using "black ops" style techniques, acknowledging critics including investor George Soros were targeted.

Facebook stumbled from one mess to another last year as it grappled with continuing fallout from Russia's use of the platform to interfere in the 2016 US presidential election, the Cambridge Analytica scandal in which user data was harnessed in a bid to help candidate Donald Trump, and a huge security breach involving millions of accounts.

British former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, a leading anti-Brexit advocate, was hired as the new head of global affairs and communications at the California-based company.

"With Nick Clegg settled in at Facebook, this felt like the right time to start the transition," Marooney said of timing her departure.
PUNE, India, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, in the U.S. around 6 million new cancers are diagnosed in dogs and cats each year. In October 2017, PetCure Oncology and South Carolina Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Care announced a partnership for bringing life-saving cancer care to pet owners in South Carolina and its surrounding areas. PetCure Oncology provides cancer care for cats, dogs and companion animals in the United States and has strategic collaboration with Varian Medical Systems, a company engaged in manufacturing medical devices & software for cancer treatment. The Halcyon treatment system is an equipment installed in South Carolina facility for veterinary application.



Request for Sample Pages@ https://www.absolutemarketsinsights.com/request_sample.php?id=160

Dogs having malignant cancers often cannot be treated by therapies such as radiotherapy, surgeries and chemotherapy. Oral malignant melanoma (OMM) is a highly invasive cancer among dogs. As a result, the Hokkaido University has introduced a chimeric anti-PD-L1 antibody that helps in inducing immune responses and thus, tumor regression in dogs suffering from malignant cancers.

Advancement in early adoption of diagnosis and treatment of cancer has proven to show success rate in treating and curing cancer in pet population in the recent past. Moreover, pharmaceutical and life science companies in the veterinary industry have also heavily invested their resources to develop robust pipeline of therapies and drugs to provide the best treatment for pets. Emergence of Various Startups and their Work on Biotech Drugs for Pets. A Success Rate or an Indifferent Growth? Company named CanFel Therapeutics is working on veterinary oncology application by developing a new class of cancer-fighting drugs. They are mainly leveraging their biology-driven cCSC development platform by utilizing advanced cell-based discovery technology for the development of feline and canine antibody therapy versions.

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The detailed research study provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the global pet cancer therapeutics market. The market has been analyzed from demand as well as supply side. The demand side analysis covers market revenue as well as sales volume across regions and further, across all the major countries. The supply side analysis covers regional production volume and capacity analysis. The geographical analysis done emphasizes on each of the major countries across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

Some of the major players operating in the global pet cancer therapeutics market are Advaxis Inc., AdvaVet, Aratana Therapeutics, Inc., ELIAS Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, CanFel Therapeutics, Fetch Pharma, Genentech, Karyopharm Therapeutics, Morphogenesis, Inc., Kindred Biosciences, NIPPON ZENYAKU KOGYO CO., LTD., Oasmia Pharmaceutical AB, PetLife Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pharmaust., Phibro Animal Health Corporation, Regeneus Ltd, Rhizen Pharmaceuticals S.A., Amgen Inc, Torigen Pharmaceutical Inc., Vaccibody, VetDC, Virbac., Innogenics, Zoetis Services LLC amongst others.

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By Animal Type

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North America U.S. Canada Mexico Rest of North America

Europe France The UK Spain Germany Italy Nordic Countries Benelux Union Rest of Europe

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Middle East and Africa GCC Countries Southern Africa Rest of Middle East and Africa

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Absolute Markets Insights assists in providing accurate and latest trends related to consumer demand, consumer behavior, sales, and growth opportunities, for the better understanding of the market, thus helping in product designing, featuring, and demanding forecasts. Our experts provide you the end-products that can provide transparency, actionable data, cross-channel deployment program, performance, accurate testing capabilities and the ability to promote ongoing optimization.

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Leader of Facebook PR team leaving



San Francisco, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2019



The head of Facebook's public relations team announced Wednesday she is leaving her job, stepping away after the most tumultuous period in the history of the social networking giant.

Caryn Marooney put out word she is quitting her job a leader of Facebook's communications group after eight years at the social network and is working with chief executive Mark Zuckerberg on finding a replacement.

Marooney wrote on her Facebook page that "it's time to get back to my roots" but also noted that "I have more faith in Facebook than ever."

Her departure comes with Facebook, following a period of extraordinary growth, under fire in many parts of the world over privacy and data security and for failing to curb manipulation of the platform.

She wrote however: "There is so much good happening on Facebook and the entire family of apps every day. And for our challenges -- we have plans in place and the right people working on them."

Facebook marked its 15th anniversary this week after reporting the core social network grew to some 2.3 billion active users, with as many as 2.7 billion using at least one of its services.

Zuckerberg marked the 15th anniversary of Facebook on Monday with message saying he sees the social network largely as a "positive" force for society.
Medford, NJ (08055)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 51F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 51F. Winds light and variable.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bougainville Ventures Inc. (Bougainville or the Company) announces that it has received inquiries from the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) with respect to its transaction (Transaction) involving Gene Bank Research Inc. (see news release dated November 1, 2018). The Company is cooperating fully with the BCSC, and does not expect that the inquiries will interfere with the Companys day-to-day activities. The Company is also reviewing the substance of the Transaction and working with legal counsel to determine its next steps.



The Company notes that it had requested a voluntary trading halt pending dissemination of this news release.

About Bougainville Ventures, Inc.

Bougainville provides cannabis infrastructure and seed-to-sale services to I-502 tenant-growers leasing greenhouse facilities space and providing fully built-out, turnkey solutions and ancillary services including processing, cannabis expertise and marketing and sales resources. Greenhouse canopies provide a 50% saving in cultivation cost.

For more information please visit: http://bougainvilleinc.com/

On behalf of the Board of Directors

BOUGAINVILLE VENTURES INC.

_____________________

Andy Jagpal, CEO and Director

For further information, please contact Andy Jagpal at andy@bougainvilleinc.com or 1-844-734-8420

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release.
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Enterprise, AL (36331)

Today

A shower is possible early. A few clouds. Low 67F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A shower is possible early. A few clouds. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.
Fantastic Revenue Growth, Significant Positive EBITDA-Increased Shareholder Value



Costa Mesa, CA, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- M Line Holdings, Inc. (OTC Pink: MLHC; "M Line" or the Company), announces fantastic results for the quarter and half year ended December 31, 2018.

REVENUE for quarter $1,238,048. REVENUE for six months $1,268,203, a staggering increase of over 4000%.

EBITDA for quarter $142,319. EBITDA for six months $29,837, a huge improvement over the losses in the first quarter.

Tony Anish, CEO of M Line, stated: We promised Growth-We Delivered. We promised positive EBITDA-We Delivered. We promised improved Shareholder Value-We are working hard to deliver that as well. We have had to dilute to support this dynamic growth but in a very controlled manner. The future is very exciting-More Growth, New Acquisitions and Greater Profitability are coming up. Keep Watching for More News!

About M Line Holdings, Inc.

M Line is a Holding Company. It controls subsidiaries involved in the Beverage Branding and Distribution industry that includes our VEA and TORQUE branded drinks. In addition, M Line controls two subsidiaries in Florida in the Food and Beverage distribution business and M Line has now expanded into the Cannabis Industry with the acquisition of our C-Pod manufacturing business. M Line has just acquired three restaurants and an event center in Arizona and land for development. M Line will continue with its business financing activities while looking for other opportunities in the Beverage, Distribution, hospitality and Cannabis industries as well as other prospects that make sense to management.

Safe Harbor and Informational Statement

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Security Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), including all statements that are not statement of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the company's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the company's financial conditions or results of operations; (iii): the company's growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends.

The words "may", "would", "will", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including the risk disclosed in the company's statements and reports filed with the OTC Markets. The Company claims the safe harbor provided by Section 21E(c) of the Exchange Act for all forward-looking statements.

For more information contact Tony Anish

E Mail: info@mlineholdings.com

Follow us on Twitter: @mlinehc

Web site: www.mlinehc.com

Caravel Web site: www.drinkvea.com / @DrinkVea

Web site: www.drinktorque.com / @DrinkTorque
English French

MONTREAL, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saputo Inc. (TSX:SAP)  A conference call for analysts and institutional investors will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2019, at 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), to discuss the fiscal 2019 third quarter results.

The conference call will begin with a short presentation followed by a question and answer period. The speakers will be Mr. Lino A. Saputo, Jr., Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Maxime Therrien, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary.

To participate in the conference: 1-888-221-6259

Please dial-in approximately five minutes before the call.

To listen to the call on the Web: http://www.gowebcasting.com/9842 .

Replay of the conference

A replay of the conference call will be available until Thursday, February 14, 2019, 11:59 p.m. The webcast of the call will also be archived on the Companys website.

To access the replay: 1-800-558-5253 (ID number: 21914849).



To access the archived webcast: www.saputo.com , in the Investors section, under Newsroom.

Media Inquiries

1-514-328-3141 / 1-866-648-5902

PDF available: http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/15583ace-754b-4120-94c8-a5dbe7a1e1cd
Dublin, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Regulations, Budgeting and Testing for Autonomous Driving (AD) Solutions, 2019" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The aim of this study is to research, analyze, and forecast the risks and opportunities for the development of future autonomous vehicle technology through private-public funding mechanisms across North America, Western Europe and Rest of the World (RoW).

Major automotive OEMs globally are now incorporating active safety and automated vehicle technologies in their future vehicle line-ups to enhance safety and driver comfort. To gauge the suitability of each technology, continuous testing and validation is a must. Based on supportive legislation, several regions across the globe have been identified to facilitate testing and validation under different conditions.



While such experiments can be conducted in assigned secure public roads, there are certain closed facilities which are simulated real-world environments offering possibilities for advanced testing. These test beds are strapped with the latest technology to capture and process data from vehicle sensors. Companies associated with these test beds provide the technological, legal, and infrastructure backup needed. OEMs and third-party technology testers choose test beds as per their needs.



This study has the following objectives:

To determine autonomous testing legislations across North America, Western Europe and RoW.

To understand the role of governments in promoting and facilitating research on autonomous vehicles across these regions.

To comprehend testing mechanisms for the testing of autonomous vehicles across these regions.

To analyze and eventually conclude which of the region/country is best equipped to tackle the impeding explosion of autonomous vehicles.

Key Issues Addressed

Is North America, led by the United States, the most forward-thinking region in terms of legalizing connected and autonomous vehicles?

With an investment of 3.5-4.5 billion from the government, is the United States going to lead in the development of connected and autonomous vehicle technology?

Within infrastructure, test sites, and technical capabilities, which country or region takes the lead?

Which country or region is expected to take the lead in legislating, developing, and building the infrastructure for autonomous vehicle testing?

Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary

Key Takeaways

Legislative Snapshot for Autonomous Vehicle Research - Global

Overview of Major Research Funding for CAD Development

Overview of Major Test Bed Facilities

Key Conclusions and Future Outlook

2. Research Scope, Objectives, Background, and Methodology

Research Scope

Research Aims and Objectives

Key Questions this Study will Answer

Research Background

Research Methodology

Key Participant Groups Compared in this Study

3. Key Definitions

Definition - Test Bed

SAE Definition for Various Levels of Automation

4. Policy and Legislation

Legislative Snapshot for Autonomous Vehicle Research



Legislative Overview for Autonomous Vehicle Testing

5. Research Funding

6. Infrastructure

List of Government Approved Proving Grounds - North America

M-City - Michigan, US, North America

GoMentum Station - California, US, North America

Selective List of Projects - Europe

AstaZero - Gothenburg, Sweden, Europe

Selective List of Projects - RoW

K-City - Gyeonggi Province, South Korea

7. Growth Opportunities and Companies to Action

Growth Opportunity - Investments and Partnerships from OEMs/TSPs

Strategic Imperatives for Success and Growth

8. Key Findings and Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Key Conclusions and Future Outlook

The Last Word - 3 Big Predictions

Legal Disclaimer

9. Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/r6m3qg/global?w=12



Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.
He charged that the Congress, in its hate for him has gone to the extent of abusing the country and its institutions like the armed forces, the Election Commission and the CBI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday slammed the Congress for repeatedly raking up the Rafale fighter deal issue, alleging that the main Opposition party does not want the Indian Air Force and the countrys security apparatus to be strong.

Replying to a debate to the Motion of Thanks to the Presidents Address in the Lok Sabha, Modialleged that the Congress was not able to digest a transparent agreement as history bears testimony that the Congress and UPA governments cant work without kickbacks in defence deals.

He also mocked the Congress for saying that surgical strikes were carried out during its governments too.

When we talk about surgical strike,... the Congress says that it was done during their times too. But at that time, you (Congress) had virtually disarmed the Army, the Prime Minister said.

He went on to add, At that time, the Army was not in a position to carry out the surgical strike. The Army did not even have bullet proof jackets, there were no communication equipments. I am not going to mention about the weapons required... How could you even think of surgical strike?

Alleging that the Congress ignored the requirements of the Army, the Air Force as well as the Navy, the Prime Minister posed to the Opposition party: Why? You dont think about nation security?

He said India has such a serious security environment that there could have been dangerous consequences if any adversary had launched an attack.

Why are you so insensitive towards the armed forces? Requirements of the Army, Navy and Air Force have been ignored by your government, Modi said, addressing the Congress benches.

Questioning Why no next-generation fighter plane has been acquired in 30 years, he referred to the Rafale fighter deal and said, Congress does not want our IAF to be strong. I am levelling serious allegation. That is why you are opposing Rafale (acquisition)? At whose behest? For which company are you doing it?

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has been constantly alleging that there was corruption in the deal to procure 36 Rafale fighter planes from French company Dassault and that Rs 30,000 crore were snatched from state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to be given to an industrialist.

I was wondering how they speak lies with such confidence. Then I realised that they have never done any defence deal without any kickbacks... There was always some chacha or some mama (uncle), the Prime Minister said about the Congress.

When we are making efforts transparently to strengthen the security apparatus, they are worried and they are downcast, Modi said.

Apparently referring to the AgustaWestland helicopter deal scam during the UPA government and deportation of alleged middle man Christian Michel and two others from the UAE to India recently, the Prime Minister said the Congress is worried that their raazdaar (custodian of secrets) has been caught -- not one or two but three. So, I can understand your anxiety.

Talking about the Army, he said in 2009 during the UPA government, the force had sought 1.86 lakh bullet proof jackets and the demand was finally met by his government last year.

If the Congress government had been formed again in 2014, Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft) would have still been on the ground, he said.


Dublin, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Tesla's Semi Truck Strategy in North America, 2017-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Commercial vehicles, particularly Class 8 heavy duty (HD) trucks, are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. According to the US Department of Energy, Class 8 trucks transport 80% of all goods in the United States and account for 22% of total energy use in transportation, burning through 28 billion gallons of fuel each year across 2.5 million trucks, each one racking up about a million miles annually.



Around the world, these HD trucks account for 7% of greenhouse gas emissions and guzzle 17 million barrels of oil per day, with the demand growing by 1.9% per year, according to the International Energy Agency. Alternate fuel technology, either hybrids or complete electrification, is thus seen as a priority for trucks. Electrification goes a step further in significantly decreasing the total cost of ownership by drastically reducing fuel (energy) costs and cutting down on the maintenance costs associated with a diesel powertrain (as there are minimal moving parts in an electric powertrain).



The trucking industry, unlike the passenger vehicles industry, is slow to adopt innovative ideas and advanced technologies and is averse to change unless mandated by regulation or really appealing for the bottom line of fleets. Tesla is entering the HD electric truck space at a time when traditional OEMs that have been dominating the market are still toying with the idea of prototypes and product launches. Tesla's Semi truck has always been in the pipeline and part of its Master Plan, Part Deux that also includes light trucks and passenger shuttles, all of which are expected to be zero-emission with autonomous driving capability.



An industry that has its own challenges such as low driver retention, high fuel costs, and a growing cost of ownership seems like a market that could test Tesla to the maximum. Tesla also faces stiff competition from established and experienced truck manufacturers as well as their loyal customers that are resistant to change.



Whilst Tesla is convinced that fully battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology is mature enough to propel the Class 8 electric trucks market, other players such as Toyota and Kenworth and start-ups such as Nikola Motor Company are working on Class 8 electric truck prototypes running entirely on fuel cell (FCEV). Amongst traditional OEMs, Daimler, Peterbilt, and Volvo have already showcased electric trucks and are confident to face competition from new players looking to disrupt the market.



Research Highlights



Tesla's Semi claims to offer the highest driving range, 300-500 miles, amongst battery electric trucks in the market. Other competitive differentiators for the Semi are its acceleration, speed, connectivity, and advanced safety features (most likely be autonomous-ready). If Tesla manages to keep the promise of offering the Semi at an attractive price point of $180,000 without compromising on the payload and performance, the trucking industry will most likely undergo a tectonic shift. However, to achieve this, Tesla will have to manufacture batteries that cost 30-35% less and are more energy-dense than any other battery in the market by 2020.



By establishing megacharger corridors with power derived from solar fields, Tesla can not only reduce the charging time for a 500 kWh battery to just half an hour (helping fleets improve their asset productivity), but also reduce energy costs. According to the researcher, Tesla is estimated to achieve a market share of 40.2% to 54.1% in the North American heavy duty (HD) electric truck market. After its product launch, Tesla is expected to move towards more service-based offerings such as app-based solutions, digital retailing, leasing to make financing easier, and platooning through targeted acquisitions or partnerships.

Key Issues Addressed

How Tesla plans to make a sustainable business case for its electric trucks?

The Semi's feasibility in terms of weight and price?

Return on Investment (ROI) offered by the Semi to its customers?

Tesla's growth scenario and its estimated market size and share in the future?

Tesla's prospective plans for the commercial vehicle industry through other segments and services?

Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary

Future Market Penetration-Tesla

Tesla's Semi Truck Strategy-Current and Future Outlook

2. Research Scope, Aim, Objectives, and Methodology

3. Company Profile

Truck Architecture

Truck Specifications

4. Tesla Success Factors

Key Success Factors

Battery Technology

Sourcing of Battery

Charging Infrastructure

After Sales and Customers

5. Competition Scenario

Launch Roadmap

Competition Benchmarking

6. Tesla Feasibility

Weight Feasibility

Price Feasibility

Tesla TCO Comparison-Assumptions

Break-even Point for Tesla Semi

7. Tesla Market Presence

Technology Road Map for Electric Powertrain Systems

North American Electric HD Truck Market-Sales Outlook

Future Market Penetration-Tesla

8. Way Ahead for Tesla

Attractive Segments

Future Service and Business Model

Maximum Revenue Opportunity

9. Growth Opportunities and Companies to Action

10. Key Conclusions and Future Outlook

11. Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/zdd5sv/2019_tesla_semi?w=12







Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.
Patnala Basanth Kumar, Commissioner, Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) will be spending just Rs 36,000 on the marriage of his son scheduled here on February 10.

In these days of ostentatious marriages with even the middle-class families spending lakhs of rupees, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Andhra is setting an example for others.

The families of bridegroom and bride will bear an expenditure of Rs 18,000 each on the ceremony, including the lunch for the guests.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan will bless the couple at the simple ceremony on Friday.

In 2017, Basanth Kumar had also performed his daughter's marriage with equal simplicity by spending just Rs 16,100.

Basanth Kumar, who was promoted to IAS cadre in 2012, had earlier served as Officer on Special Duty and Joint Secretary to Governor Narasimhan.

People say he is setting an example at a time when many families are wasting huge money on marriages, which have become occasion for vulgar display of wealth.
New Delhi: In the midst of the stand off between the West Bengal government and the Centre, the CBI is focusing on recovering data from five specific mobile phones and a laptop that are among the other "crucial evidence" said to have been procured by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of West Bengal Police that was headed by Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar.

Sources in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claimed that these electronic gadgets were recovered from the prime accused linked to the scam that hold the "key evidence" to connecting the scam to "influential persons" in West Bengal and outside.

A CBI official, close to the investigation, said the mobile phones and the laptop data were stored and procured by the SIT headed by Rajeev Kumar whom the federal agency want to question aimed at locating several other "crucial evidence" in the Saradha scam that was initially estimated at Rs 600 crore and then pegged at around Rs 3,500 crore.

The investigation in the case so far has revealed that these gadgets were later given back to the accused in the case with a "political background" and the data was not handed over to the CBI when it took over the case from the West Bengal Police, said the official, requesting anonymity.

He said a "blue book" prepared by the SIT is also a part of the significant documents linked to the chit fund scam in which the CBI is seeking to unearth police, political and administrative nexus involving the "larger conspiracy".

Among other evidence the agency is looking for are the call detail records (CDRs) of the prime and potential persons, said the official, adding the CDRs which Kumar provided to the CBI so far were tampered with and doctored and the material evidences had been destroyed.

The CBI on Tuesday also informed the Supreme Court that Kumar destroyed, destructed and tampered with material evidence in the form of CDRs.

"Entire material gathered during the initial and crucial stage of investigation done by the SIT under Kumar was not shared with the CBI which was entrusted with the investigation of the scam by the Supreme Court on May 9, 2014," said another CBI official.

Kolkata-based CBI Joint Director Pankaj Srivastav has also said that "crucial evidence was not handed over to the CBI by the Kolkata SIT". "The evidence was either destroyed... We want to take the investigation further. We are looking into the larger conspiracy connected to the chit fund scams."

The Saradha scam suddenly came back into the limelight after a team of the central probe agency reached Kumar's residence to question him in connection with the case, triggering a political war between the West Bengal government and the Centre.

The CBI has questioned former Railway Minister and ex-Trinamool Congress vice-president Mukul Roy and many more politicians in the scandal that stemmed from the collapse of the ponzi scheme run by the Saradha Group, a consortium of over 200 private companies that were believed to be running collective investment schemes, popularly but incorrectly referred to as chit funds.

Small depositors, estimated around 1.7 million, from West Bengal, Assam and Odisha lost their money as the firm collapsed in April 2013.

The agency claimed that companies like Saradha, Rose Valley and Tower Group had given huge contributions to the Trinamool Congress.

(Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in)
Tusk's comments came after he spoke to Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. He also took aim at UK's Prime Minister Theresa May and opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, claiming there was a leadership void at the heart of the 'Remain' movement, the Guardian reported.

Brussels: European Council President Donald Tusk on Wednesday said there is a "special place in hell" for those who pushed for Brexit without a plan and reiterated the EU's refusal to renegotiate the withdrawal treaty.

The top EU official also tweeted the remark: "I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted #Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely."

Tusk said he knew there were "still a very great number of people" in the UK, on the continent and in Ireland who wanted to reverse the decision.

"I have always been with you with all my heart, but the facts are unmistakable. At the moment the pro-Brexit stance of the UK Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition rules out this question. Today there is no political force and no effective leadership for Remain."

He said the EU's top priority was to prepare for the "fiasco" of a no-deal Brexit, while ruling out any renegotiation of the Irish backstop.

"There is no room for speculation here... We will not gamble with peace or put a sell-by date on reconciliation," he said, rejecting British demands for a time limit on the Irish backstop.

After the press conference ended, Varadkar was picked up on a microphone, saying: "They'll give you terrible trouble, the British, for this." In response, Tusk nodded and laughed.

Varadkar said the withdrawal agreement May agreed with the EU in November was "the best deal possible". He said the backstop was intended never to be used, but was needed as a legal guarantee, "to ensure that there is no return to a hard border on the island of Ireland while protecting the integrity of our European single market and customs union".

"The instability in British politics in recent weeks demonstrates exactly why we need a legal guarantee and a solution that is operable that we know will work, will last," he said.

"As leader of a small country this solidarity resonated deeply in Ireland, and with other small member states," he said, adding that because of the "instability and fast-approaching deadline, no-deal planning must intensify".

May was in Northern Ireland for a second day of talks ahead of her visit to Brussels on Thursday when she will meet Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Tusk said he hoped to "hear from... May a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse".

Last month, May's Brexit deal was comprehensively rejected by the UK Parliament and MPs then voted to send her back to Brussels to seek "alternative arrangements" to the Irish backstop.
Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, arrived at the ED's office located in central Delhi's Jamnagar House at 3.45 p.m and left at 9.35 p.m.

New Delhi: Four days after a Delhi court ordered Robert Vadra to join the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation, he was questioned for over six hours on Wednesday.

He was accompanied by his wife and Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to the agency office earlier in the day.

However, after dropping Vadra at the ED office, Priyanka left the premises.

It was the first time that Vadra was questioned by any investigative agencies.

He was questioned by a team of seven ED officials of the rank of Deputy Director and Assistant Directors under the sections of Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

According to a financial probe agency official, Vadra was asked questions relating to transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London.

The case relates to the ownership of 1.9 million pounds of undisclosed assets abroad, allegedly belonging to Vadra.

The ED also lodged a money laundering case against Vadra's close aide Manoj Arora after his role surfaced during a probe by the Income Tax Department into another case under the new Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

The London property was allegedly bought by Bhandari and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses on its renovation.

On December 7, as part of the investigation, the ED conducted searches at a number of premises in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.

The ED counsel told the court earlier that the London property was part of the kickbacks received in a petroleum deal. The money was transferred by Santech International, FZC, a UAE-based company controlled by Bhandari.

There were a few more properties that needed to be probed, the counsel said.

The official said that Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, is a key suspect in the case as he is aware of the overseas investments and purchases made by his employer.

He also said that the agency also confronted Vadra with the statement given by Arora.

The questioning came in the wake of an order by a Delhi Court on February 2 directing Vadra to appear before the ED for questioning while hearing the anticipatory bail plea filed by him.

The court had on Saturday also granted interim bail to Vadra till February 16.

Earlier in the day, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who accompanied her husband to the ED office made a strong political statement.

"I stand by my family," she later told reporters at the AICC headquarters where Congress workers shouted slogans hailing her. "Priyanka you fight on, we are with you!"
The notice was sent earlier this week and the company has been given three days' time to respond to it, people in knowledge of the development told IANS.

New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a showcause notice to telecom and DTH operator Airtel over recent issues of blackout faced by some viewers of its Direct-to-Home (DTH) services during transition to the new tariff regime, sources said.

In a statement, TRAI said that the regulator on Monday issued a direction to all the distribution platform operators (DPO) that there should be no withdrawal or discontinuance of television channels on their platform by any TV service provider.

Responding to a query by IANS, an Airtel spokesperson said: "We have over 15 million customers who are being migrated to the new tariff regime. Due to massive surge in last-minute requests, particularly on January 31 and February 1, few customers may have experienced some delays in provisioning of channels."

"Customer experience is of paramount importance to us. We remain fully committed to ensuring compliance with all TRAI guidelines and will file our response to the notice," he added.

The new tariff regime for cable and DTH TV services, which mandate consumers to select channels of their choice -- either individual channels or bouquets -- came into effect on February 1.

TRAI also said in its statement: "The authority has noticed that due to heavy rush, the website of some DPOs have crashed intermittently and a little inconvenience was caused to come subscribers due to sporadic local issues. However, by and large the migration of subscribers to the new regulatory framework has been smooth."
TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Troilus Gold Corp. (TSX: TLG; OTCQB: CHXMF) (Troilus or the Company) initiates its 2019 Exploration Program on its 100%-owned Troilus property (the Troilus Project) located near Chibougamau, within the Frotet-Evans Greenstone Belt in Quebec, Canada.



The 2019 Exploration Program will include a drill program of at least 40,000 metres, to be carried out in two phases, designed to continue to derisk and expand upon the already significant mineral resource defined by Troilus in November of last year (see Table 1, or press release dated November 19, 2018). The program will aim to continue expanding the potential open pittable mineral resources near-surface, and also confirm and expand down dip and strike extensions of historic mineralization below the former producing Troilus mine.

Justin Reid, Chief Executive Officer of Troilus Gold Corp., commented, We are looking forward to following-up on the tremendously successful exploration program of 2018, which resulted in a 90% increase in our estimated mineral resources with just one season of drilling. A lot of growth opportunities are presenting themselves to us as our geological understanding of the property improves. We are very excited about the targets outlined for 2019.

The Company has engaged the services of Forages Chibougamau Ltee, who have already mobilized two drills to the property, with another one on the way.

2019 Exploration Program Targets (see Figure 1)

J Zone (J4 & J5) (see Figure 2)

Approximately 50% of drilling

Expand and solidify mineralization below and around the 2018 mineral resource envelope

Focus on increasing confidence in the open pit potential

Z87 South (see Figure 2)

Approximately 25% of drilling will be allocated to this zone, located southwest of Z87 Open Pit

Focus on expansion of the near-surface open pit potential discovered in 2018

Z87 (see Figure 2)

Approximately 15% of drilling will be allocated to this zone

Outlining down dip and strike extensions

Folding to the northeast of the open pit suggests potential high grade shoot

J4 North (see Figure 3)

Approximately 10% of drilling will be allocated to this zone

Follow-up on 1.8 kilometre mineralized trend from end of the J Zone leading onto newly acquired land package to northeast identified in 2018

Property Scale Exploration

Southwest and Z86 Zone, located approximately 3.5 kilometres from Z87 open pit. Follow-up on strong gold results from sampling and historic drilling at surface.

Newly acquired 11,300 hectare property on trend with Z87, J Zone, and J4 North

Validate geological interpretations across the entire property

Figure 1: Troilus Property Geology and Exploration Targets

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8b75fc0-95bf-4d1e-90f8-31fbeec4b638

Figure 2: Troilus 2018 Mineral Resource Grade Distribution

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5a67c71-5c6c-428a-99c0-27918dd549f3

Figure 3: J4 North Geology and Sampling Results

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d6224af7-9fe1-4452-8622-951a19a6e1ca

Troilus Mineral Zones Overview

J Zone (J4 & J5)

J4 and J5, two secondary historic open pits located 1.2 kilometres directly northeast of Z87 are characterized by the same mineralization and geology as Z87; both remaining open at depth and along strike. These areas have undergone a significant amount of deformation, and appear to potentially represent a structurally hosted mineralization related to tight isoclinal folding, suggests folding could represent excellent traps for gold. This is likely true at drill core scale, and as broadly as regional scale.

Near-surface mineralization at the J Zone defined during the 2018 exploration program signifies promising open pittable resource opportunities. The objective of the 2019 drill campaign, will be to expand open pit estimated mineral resources below the 2018 conceptual grade shell (whittle shell) with the intent of recognizing material that could contribute to an early production scenario.

Z87 South

Z87 South and Z87 Open Pit are located on the surface flanks of the Z87 open pit. The objective of drilling in these areas is to create new, near surface open pit opportunities directly adjacent to the Z87 pit, and to better understand the structural relationship between Z87 and the J Zone. The offset between these two areas moving grid west has previously been interpreted as solely related to faulting. More recent work carried out by the Company suggests that a large, regional fold system could be accountable, at least in part, for the en echelon pattern moving northeast and grid west. The nature of these structures could relate directly to high grade gold distribution, ultimately changing the approach to property exploration completely.

Z87



The broad geology and style of mineralization at Z87 creates a large deposit area, nearly 1 kilometre along strike and 30-50 metres wide, which remains open both along strike and down dip. The 2019 drill program in this area is designed to expand and infill certain areas of Troilus existing underground estimated mineral resource. The program will also serve to increase the overall understanding on geological orientation of mineralized material and use this to vector property scale exploration.

From 1996 to 2010, Z87 produced the majority of the over 2 million ounces of gold and 70,000 tonnes of copper produced at the Troilus Project. The Z87 pit was ultimately 350 metres deep and had a strike of approximately 900 metres. The Z87 zone is the focus of the current underground estimated mineral resource, representing over 1.02 million ounces of indicated and 600,000 ounces of inferred material (See mineral resource in Table 1).

Classification Tonnage Au Cu AuEq Contained Contained Contained (Mt) (g/t) (%) (g/t) Gold Copper AuEq (Moz) (Mlb) (Moz) Total Open Pit and Underground Indicated 121.7 0.87 0.086 1.00 3.40 231.8 3.92 Inferred 36.1 0.88 0.083 1.01 1.02 66.2 1.17 Total Open Pit Indicated 97.5 0.76 0.078 0.88 2.37 167.0 2.7 Inferred 21.7 0.60 0.062 0.69 0.42 29.7 0.5 Total Open Pit Z87 Indicated 56.6 0.83 0.096 0.98 1.51 119.4 1.8 Inferred 12.1 0.58 0.066 0.68 0.23 17.5 0.3 Total Open Pit J4-J5 Indicated 40.8 0.66 0.053 0.74 0.86 47.6 1.0 Inferred 9.6 0.61 0.058 0.70 0.19 12.2 0.2 Total Underground Indicated 24.2 1.32 0.121 1.50 1.02 64.8 1.2 Inferred 14.4 1.31 0.115 1.49 0.61 36.5 0.7 Notes: CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Resources.

Open pit Mineral Resources were estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t AuEq and were constrained by a Whittle pit shell. Underground Mineral Resources were estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.9 g/t AuEq.

Mineral Resources were estimated using long-term metal prices of US$1,400 per ounce gold and US$3.25 per pound copper; and an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.25.

AuEq = Au Grade + 1.546 * Cu grade

A recovery of 83% was used for gold and 92% for copper.

Figures have been rounded to the appropriate level of precision for the reporting of Mineral Resources.

Due to rounding, some columns or rows may not compute exactly as shown.

Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues

Table 1: Troilus Estimated Mineral Resource Estimate, Effective November 19, 2018

J4 North

J4 North represents an area of mineralization running 1.8 kilometres from the end of the J Zone to the former boundary of the Troilus gold property (see Figure 4). The excellent results obtained from surface exploration in 2018, including outcrop samples returning over 100 g/t Au and 4 g/t Au, led to the acquisition of over 11,000 hectares to the immediate northeast. This trend could represent the extension of the J Zone or potential new gold deposits to the northeast.

Figure 4: Troilus Property Geology, Claim Contour and Mineral Zones

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d1c411b9-c8a1-4913-9f59-8f41a83b123a

Southwest Zone

The Southwest Zone is located along the margin of the Troilus Diorite and surrounding volcanics, 3.5 kilometres Southwest of Z87 (See Figure 4). Historically this area exhibited significant mineralization from drilling including intercepts as high as 36m @ 1.23g/t Au, and 18m @ 1.06g/t Au. Historic drilling in this area is limited, leaving the opportunity to explore and potentially outline new mineralization at surface.

The Southwest Zone exemplifies near term, blue sky opportunity at Troilus, and will be the initial focus of a significant, property wide exploration program. The Troilus Diorite remains underexplored and highly prospective. Surface mapping on recently uncovered bedrock show geology (lithology) resembling the identical sequencing to Z87, over 3.5 kilometres to the northeast.

About Troilus Gold Corp.

Troilus is a Toronto-based, Quebec-focused, advanced stage exploration and early-development company focused on the mineral expansion and potential mine re-start of the former gold and copper Troilus mine. The 16,000-hectare Troilus property is located near Chibougamau, within the Frotet-Evans Greenstone Belt in Quebec, Canada. From 1997 to 2010, Inmet Mining Corporation operated the Troilus project as an open-pit mine, producing more than 2,000,000 ounces of gold and nearly 70,000 tonnes of copper.

Qualified Person



The technical and scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Bruno Perron, P.Eng., Senior Technical Manager, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Perron is an employee of Troilus and is not independent of the Company under National Instrument 43-101

For more information:

Spyros Karellas

Director, Global Communications

+1 (416) 433-5696

spyros.karellas@troilusgold.com

Cautionary statements

Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of Mineral Resources will be converted to Mineral Reserves. Inferred Mineral Resources have a lower level of confidence that that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. Quantity and grades are estimates and are rounded to reflect the fact that the Mineral Resource Estimate is an approximation. For more information with respect to the key assumptions, parameters and risks associated with the mineral resource estimates discussed herein, see the Companys technical report entitled Technical Report on the Troilus Gold Copper Mine Mineral Resource Estimate, Quebec, Canada dated November 20, 2017 (the Technical Report) available under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com.

This press release contains forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forwardlooking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding, the impact of the planned drill program and results on the Company, , the projected economics of the project, and the Companys understanding of the project; statements with respect to the development potential and timetable of the project; the estimation of mineral resources; realization of mineral resource estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future exploration; costs of future activities; capital and operating expenditures; success of exploration activities; government regulation of mining operations; and environmental risks and the receipt of any required regulatory approvals. Generally, forwardlooking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forwardlooking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Troilus to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forwardlooking information, including but not limited to: there being no assurance that the exploration program will result in expanded mineral resources; ;risks and uncertainties inherent to mineral resource estimates; receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future prices of mineral prices; accidents, labour disputes and shortages; environmental and other risks of the mining industry, including without limitation, risks and uncertainties discussed in the Technical Report and other continuous disclosure documents of the Company available under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com. Although Troilus has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forwardlooking information. Pitchblack and Troilus do not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
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I have to tell you, sometimes the highlight of my day is one of the videos from the internet about cats and dogs.
National Australia Banks chair Ken Henry and chief executive Andrew Thorburn have fallen on their swords in the wake of Kenneth Haynes final report on his royal commission on financial services which was delivered on Monday.

Thorburn, who used to be chief executive of NABs New Zealand subsidiary, Bank of New Zealand, will leave on Feb. 28 while Henry will depart once Thorburns successor has been appointed.

The board has asked Dunedin-born NAB director Philip Chronican, who has extensive Australian banking experience including 35 years at ANZ Bank and at Westpac before that, to serve as acting chief executive from March 1 until it appoints a permanent replacement.

Haynes report railed against institutions unwillingness to recognise and accept responsibility for misconduct and against the way they dragged their heels in responding to misconduct and to compensate affected customers.

He singled out NAB for particular criticism, saying that it stands apart from the other three major banks and that, after hearing from Henry and Thorburn, I am not as confident as I would wish to be that the lessons of the past have been learned.

Hayne thought it telling that Mr Thorburn treated all issues of fees for no service as nothing more than carelessness combined with system deficiencies when the total amount to be repaid  is likely to be more than A$100 million.

He also thought it telling that in the very week that NABs chief executive and chair were to give evidence before the commission, one of its staff should be emailing bankers urging them to sell at least five mortgages each before Christmas.

In the announcement of the pairs resignations late yesterday, Thorburn said: It has been an honour to be the CEO of NAB and to have been part of NAB since 2005.

Thorburn started as NABs chief executive on Aug. 1, 2014 after serving nearly six years as BNZs chief executive. One of his most memorable decisions while at BNZ was for the bank to stop dealing with mortgage brokers  at the time, only about 5 percent of BNZs mortgages were written by mortgage brokers compared with an estimated overall 25 percent market share for brokers.

That decision was reversed in 2015 after 12 years and lending through mortgage brokers and, by September last year, mortgage brokers accounted for more than 15 percent of BNZs mortgage book  brokers are now estimated to have north of 40 percent overall market share now.

Thorburn had been on holiday until just before Haynes report landed and he cancelled plans earlier this week for another two months holiday

Thorburn said yesterday that he had a number of conversations with Henry this week.

I acknowledge that the bank has sustained damage as a result of its past practices and comments in the royal commissions final report, he said.

As CEO, I understand accountability. I have always sought to act in the best interests of the bank and customers and I know that I have always acted with integrity. However, I recognise there is a desire for change.

Henry said the board recognised that change was necessary and the timing of his departure will minimise disruption for customers, employees and shareholders.

The Australian media are already saying that Henry should not be choosing Thorburns successor. The Australian Financial Reviews Chanticleer column says that Henry does not have the moral authority to lead the process of choosing a new CEO.

The AFR also reports that in August 2017, Henry had said the day would come when he would have to throw Thorburn under a bus but he would never have expected he, Henry, would be run over at the same time.

(BusinessDesk)

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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.
Australian construction firm Cimic Group has Auckland's rail network firmly in its sights, touting two projects in a list where it's been short-listed or is currently bidding.

The company, formerly Leighton Holdings, has identified a pipeline of at least A$130 billion of tenders to be awarded or bid for in 2019 and a further A$300 billion beyond that, of which A$120 billion is via public-private partnerships. It's currently bidding or has been short-listed on 16 projects, including the Auckland light rail stage one main works for the New Zealand Transport Agency and Auckland's City Rail Link C3 stations and tunnels for Auckland Transport.

Cimic's CPB Contractors is a member of a consortium with UGL, Beca, McMillen Jacobs, and Jacobs New Zealand short-listed for the C3 project.

Meanwhile, the Auckland light rail project started sounding out the market for a preferred procurement model in the final quarter of 2018, with a view to start construction next year. It has already attracted an unsolicited bid from the New Zealand Superannuation Fund and Canadian fund manager CDPQ Infra.

Cimic yesterday reported a net profit of A$780.6 million in calendar 2018, up from A$702.1 million a year earlier, on a 9.2 percent increase in revenue to A$14.67 billion. The company is ultimately controlled by Spain's Actividades de Construccion y Servicios.

Several New Zealand projects were name-checked as contributing to those results, including the construction of Christchurch Hospital, the Transmission Gully public-private partnership, and another Kiwi PPP to build three primary schools. Upcoming work includes the A$687 million contract to design and build Waikeria prison.

Cimic sees the New Zealand government's plans to spend NZ$42 billion during the next five years as offering a range of construction opportunities that suit the company. The pursuit of PPPs is also an area Cimic identified as an opportunity.

The government's six-month financial statements released today show the Crown's capital commitments totalled $13.64 billion as at Dec. 31, of which $4.1 billion was for state highways, and another $4.44 billion was for land and buildings. The Crown spent $4.56 billion buying physical assets in the half, up from $3.66 billion a year earlier, and about $101 million below forecast. Treasury projects the net purchase of physical assets to total $10.67 billion in the June 2019 year.

Cimic shares rose 3.3 percent to A$48.29 today. They are about 4 percent higher than a year ago, well above their A$39.575 12 month low.

(BusinessDesk)

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The biggest impact on Heartland Groups Australian reverse mortgage business from Kenneth Haynes royal commission is likely to be his recommendation to ban lenders paying mortgage brokers commissions.

Andrew Ford, chief executive of Heartland Seniors Finance, says mortgage brokers are currently a key part of its distribution network in Australia, accounting for about 70 percent of its reverse mortgage business in that country.

Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has promised to ban trail commissions  which are paid annually as long as a mortgage remains on a banks books  from July 1, 2020. He wants further study on whether upfront commissions should be banned.

Haynes recommendation was that all commissions should be banned and that mortgage brokers should charge their clients fees for service instead.

The rest of Heartlands Australian sales are achieved directly through its website and other marketing efforts.

In New Zealand, hardly any of Heartlands sales of reverse mortgages, a product that allows people over 65 to draw on the equity in their homes with repayment deferred until either their house is sold or they die, are through mortgage brokers.

Heartland has never paid volume-linked commissions, another practice Hayne wants banned, so overall, its going to have no real impact on our business here, says Ford, who is based in Melbourne.

Reverse mortgages are such a specialist niche product that only a few brokers handle them.

Heartland is seeing increased demand in Australia for its product, both because the banks have largely withdrawn from the market and because Australias population is ageing  more than 20,000 Australians turn 65 every month.

Westpac and Macquarie Bank both withdrew from the Australian reverse mortgage market in late 2017. Commonwealth Bank of Australia and its subsidiary, Bankwest, withdrew from Jan. 1 this year.

You dont have to look far to understand why. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has singled this part of the market out for heightened scrutiny because of the vulnerability of the elderly.

The departure of the banks leaves Heartland as the only active lender in that part of the market. It says it had 19.8 percent of the outstanding reverse mortgages in the Australian market at June 30 last year, up from 14.9 percent a year earlier.

In August last year, ASIC told CBA to end its tick-a-box approach to the product when approving new reverse mortgages and it wanted lending standards generally to be improved, including the removal of clauses ASIC deemed had the potential to be unfair.

Nevertheless, ASIC found that all of the 30 borrowers it interviewed were satisfied with the product and it concluded that reverse mortgages can help many Australians achieve a better quality of life in retirement.

Heartlands own recent survey of customers found 96 percent of its customers said they would recommend Heartland to friends and family.

That high level of satisfaction probably accounts for why Haynes commission didnt mention the product in his final report released on Monday.

Ford says Heartland made a number of changes to its Australian product after the ASIC report but its decision to introduce a 30-day cooling off period last October wasnt one of them.

Heartlands New Zealand reverse mortgages have had that feature for some time and introducing it in Australia was part of a process of aligning its practices in both countries.

Mandatory consumer protections applying to reverse mortgages in Australia include getting independent legal advice and customers being advised of other options, including selling their house and downsizing to a smaller one.

While New Zealand doesnt have such protections, Heartland says it adheres to these requirements in New Zealand.

The product falls squarely within Heartlands strategy of avoiding going head-to-head with the mainstream banks and to operate in niche segments where theres little competition.

It bought the Seniors Finance operations in April 2014 and, with net receivables of NZ$1.13 billion, the product now accounts for 28 percent of its total receivables.

The business is growing apace: it accounted for 54 percent of the increase in receivables in the September quarter last year  Heartland is due to report its results to Dec. 31 on Feb. 19.

One reason Heartlands product appears to pass muster with regulators is that the amount it will lend is very conservative: its Australian website shows it will lend a mortgage-free 60-year-old whose home is worth A$500,000 a maximum of A$75,000.

If that person wants to protect a portion of their equity, the maximum loan falls commensurately.

An 85-year-old with a home of the same value can borrow a maximum of A$150,000.

Ford says on average, borrowers take out loans worth only about half the maximum Heartland will lend.

The average loan-to-valuation ratio of its book is 25 percent and 90 percent of loans have LVRs below 40 percent.

Only 36 loans, or 0.8 percent of the total book, have LVRs above 60 percent and the average age of these loans is 11.8 years with the youngest of these borrowers being 88 years old.

Heartland says it gets loans revalued when they reach a 70 percent LVR and that usually results in the LVR reducing.

Heartland restructured late last year to exclude its Australian reverse mortgage from Heartland Bank so that growth in the Australian business wouldnt be crimped by regulations affecting the banking operations.

(BusinessDesk)

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EJERCITO URGES PARENTS TO HAVE THEIR CHILDREN VACCINATED

RE-ELECTIONIST Senator JV Ejercito, on Thursday, appealed to all parents to have their children vaccinated against infectious diseases in the wake of the measles outbreak that has already claimed lives, mostly children, in the country.

Ejercito issued the call following the Department of Health's (DOH) confirmation of a measles outbreak in the country particularly in the National Capital Region and Central Luzon.

Ejercito, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and demography, stressed the importance of vaccines to avert possible ill effects of communicable diseases.

He added that vaccines against infectious diseases are administered free in barangay health centers.

"Children and pregnant women who remain unvaccinated are the most prone and are really at the highest risk of acquiring measles... this could result to long-term complications, and even worse, death," Ejercito said.

"Dapat lang po na magpa-bakuna laban sa iba't-ibang sakit ang ating mga kababayan... lalo na sa tulad ng tigdas na madaling makahawa, libre naman po ang bakuna" he added.

Ejercito also urged the public to bring all suspected cases to the nearest health facility for early treatment.

He also called on the medical community, including medical schools and the public in general, to launch a heightened awareness campaign on the importance of vaccination for measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The DoH said that measles is an airborne disease that infects the respiratory tract, and its complications include severe diarrhea, pneumonia, blindness, and even death.

The agency added that the Philippines saw a four-fold jump in measles cases from 4,000 cases in 2017 to 21,000 cases last year.

Such increase was attributed to the Dengvaxia scare which eroded Filipinos' trust in vaccines.
Press Release

February 7, 2019 De Lima files bill declaring July 12 as 'West Philippine Sea Victory Day' Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has filed a measure declaring July 12 of every year as a "West Philippine Sea (WPS) Victory Day" in meaningful observance to the country's arbitration victory against China over the WPS. In filing Senate Bill (SB) No. 2201, De Lima said July 12 should be declared as a special working holiday to mark the historic decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands. The decision favors the Philippines' sovereignty over the WPS and invalidates China's "nine-dash line" claim on the highly contested islands in the entire South China Sea (SCS), she noted. "[I]t is fitting and compelling that the 12th of July of each year be a Special Working Holiday dedicated to honoring this landmark decision favoring the Philippines, in the hope of instilling national pride among our people and motivating our government to constantly pursue and promote policies and programs consistent with the PCA ruling," she said. The WPS is the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the SCS, which has been one of the most popular territorial waterways in the world with decades-long history of maritime dispute among seven claimant-countries, including the Philippines and the People's Republic of China. Amid China's aggression and incursion in the WPS, the Philippine government under then President Benigno S. Aquino III filed in 2013 an arbitration case - which is based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) -- with the PCA, to settle the maritime dispute. In July 12, 2016, the PCA released a decision upholding the Philippines' sovereign rights in the WPS and declaring that China's controversial "historical" claim, outlined by a nine-dash line covering almost 90 percent of the contested waters, has no legal basis in international law. The PCA also ruled that China's large-scale land reclamation has "caused severe harm to the coral reef environment and violated its obligation to preserve and protect fragile ecosystems," thereby violating the Philippines' sovereign rights in its EEZ. De Lima, who was then justice secretary, was part of the Philippine delegation who argued the Philippine's case before the PCA, along with former Solicitors General Francis Jardeleza and Florin Hilbay, former DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario and Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, among others. Under SB No. 2201, Department of Foreign Affairs is tasked to "plan, design and implement activities" for the "West Philippine Sea Victory Day" to ensure the meaningful observance of the holiday. "The significance of this historic decision shall continue to [r]emind the government to continually uphold our rights in the West Philippine Sea," she pointed out. At the House of Representatives, Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano has earlier filed a similar measure, logged as House Bill No. 8809, which also mandates the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to include the history of the country's victory in the PCA as part of the curriculum. Mr. Duterte, who has always shown fondness to China, has since failed to stand against Chinese incursion in the WPS, and has indirectly given up the Philippines' entire EEZ in the WPS.
English Danish

FirstFarms A/S has today entered Head of Terms about purchase of Hospoda Invest A/S. Hospoda Invest A/S owns 100 percent of the Slovak company, JK Gabcikovo s.r.o., which includes both crop and pig production near the Danube-delta in Slovakia.

The Danish FirstFarms A/S, who purchases and operates agriculture in Eastern Europe, expands with the purchase of Hospoda Invest A/S its Slovakian portfolio with pig production.

"With the purchase of Hospoda Invest A/S, we support our ambitious growth strategy to become one of Europe's most effective and sustainable agriculture, along with our strategy about risk spread both geographically and in operation branches," says Anders H. Nrgaard, CEO in FirstFarms.

Chairman of the board of directors in Hospoda Invest A/S, Eskild Hansen, says: "We have now been running for 15 exiting years in Slovakia and achieved some rather good results. But we must also acknowledge that we at the same time have become 15 years older. We started to look for a potential buyer, who would continue to operate JK Gabcikovo in the same spirit as it has been operated so far. It is therefore with a good feeling that we today have made an agreement with FirstFarms A/S.

Good production results

The pig production is divided on four different locations - within 5 kilometers. There are 2,300 sows with a yearly production of 75,000 pigs, of which 40-45,000 are sold as piglets and 30-35,000 as slaughter pigs. The production plants are of high quality, and the production results have been very satisfactory for a number of years.

The production foundation for the crop production is 1,500 hectares of arable land of high quality. Crop rotation is varied, mostly consisting of wheat, rape and maize.

Positive development in the agricultural production

"We expect, that there will be significant synergy effect related to FirstFarms' pig production in Hungary and Czech Republic and our existing crop production in Slovakia," says Anders H. Nrgaard. The agricultural production in Eastern Europe is in a really good development. The price of land is increasing, and the demand for pork is large."

The purchase price is agreed to DKK 185 million for 100% of the share capital in Hospoda Invest A/S.

A due diligence process will be initiated, before the agreement is final.

The purchase of Hospoda Invest A/S is in 2019 expected to have a positive influence on FirstFarms A/S' accounts.

Almost 20,000 hectares of land

With the purchase, FirstFarms owns a "land bank" of more than 8,500 hectares of owned land and more than 11,000 hectares rent contracts - a total of 19,500 hectares of agricultural land in operation.

"All owned land is booked at purchase prices and not market prices. Thus, we have significant reserves, which are not included in our booked equity," says Anders H. Nrgaard.

For further information :

Please visit our website www.firstfarms.com or contact CEO Anders H. Nrgaard on telephone +45 75 86 87 87.

About FirstFarms:

FirstFarms is a Danish stock exchange listed company, which purchases and operates agriculture in Eastern Europe. We develop the individual farms to modern and sustainable businesses that deliver milk, meat and grains of the highest quality to the dinner tables all over the world.
In declaring measles outbreak

Nancy to DOH: Step up efforts to combat measles

In light of the Health department declaring a measles outbreak in several regions in the country, Senator Nancy Binay today urged the Department of Health to step up its efforts to counter "what threatens to be a full-blown epidemic if left unchecked."

"Nakakabahala na ang bilang ng mga kaso ng tigdas. Kung hindi ito mapipigilan, pwedeng maging full-blown epidemic itong tigdas at iba pang communicable diseases," Binay, a member of the Senate Health committee, said.

The department declared a measles outbreak in the Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Bicol Region, following a similar declaration in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Central Luzon.

The DOH earlier said that more than two million Filipino children are at risk of getting sick with measles due to lack of immunization.

"Kung kinakailangan mag-door-to-door campaign ang mga barangay health workers upang magbakuna at magconduct ng information campaign upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng sakit, gawin na natin," she added.

In San Lazaro Hospital alone, at least 248 children and 21 adults are being treated for measles, according to its spokesperson. Last Monday, seven deaths were recorded, while last week, nine children died within a single day.

The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that the number of measles cases in the Philippines increased by 367 percent. WHO said that from January to November 2018 alone, 17,298 reported measles cases were reported in the country. The tally for the same period in 2017 was at 3,706 reported measles cases.

Binay said that the DOH should intensify its information campaign on the benefits of the vaccination program.

"The DOH should do everything in its mandate to halt the spread of communicable diseases. Kung kailangan ng karagdagang budget para sa information campaign at related programs, magrequest na po ganito pa lang kaaga ang DOH," Binay said.

She likewise appealed to parents to have their children vaccinated, noting that immunization coverage in 2018 dropped to 40 percent, down from at least 70 percent in the last few years.

"Huwag din po sanang matakot ang mga magulang na pabakunahan ang mga anak nila," she added.

An opinion poll last November showed a sharp drop in the trust in vaccines among Filipinos, with only 32 percent of 1,500 surveyed Filipinos trusting vaccines, down from 93 percent in 2015.
Press Release

February 7, 2019 Sen. Bam's bills for startups, scientists and students one signature away from becoming laws Three measures principally sponsored and/or authored by Sen. Bam Aquino moved closer to becoming laws after their bicameral conference committee reports were ratified by the Senate late Wednesday. On the last day of regular session, the Senate adopted and ratified the bicameral conference committee report on Senate Bill No. 1532 or the Innovative Startup Act and Senate Bill No. 1534 or the Magna Carta for Scientists. The Senate also ratified the bicameral conference committee report on Senate Bill No. 1597 or the Student Fare Discount Act, which was principally authored by Sen. Bam. Sen. Bam pushed for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1532 as principal author and sponsor and of Senate Bill 1534 as principal sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology. The three measures will be transmitted to Malacanang for President Duterte's signature. If enacted into law, Senate Bill No. 1532 will provide support to innovative and tech startups, which pertain to businesses that provide unique and relevant solutions to pressing problems, such as transportation, financing, agriculture and healthcare. Under the measure, host agencies, including DOST, DICT and DTI, are authorized to provide subsidies to innovative startups to help defray the costs of business registration, and the use of space, facilities, equipment and other services for their operations. Start ups will also receive subsidies for travel costs related to their participation in local and international start up events and competitions. In addition, the law creates a Start Up Grant Fund administered by DOST, DICT, and DTI to provide grants-in-aid for research, training, expansion, or scaling up and a Start Up Venture Fund administers by DTI to fund match investments in start ups by investors. Senate Bill No. 1534 eyes to remove set limits on additional honoraria sourced from externally funded grants for S&T professions and foster ease in accessing benefits for S&T personnel in departments and agencies other than the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). "Malaking tulong ang dalawang panukalang ito upang lalo pang mapalakas ang sektor ng Science and Technology at para mabigyan ng tamang suporta ang entrepreneurs na may hatid na solusyon sa mga problema sa bansa," said Sen. Bam. Senate Bill No. 1597, for its part, grants mandatory 20-percent fare discounts to students on all land, air and water transportation, even during weekends and holidays. In almost six years as lawmaker, Sen. Bam has 35 laws to his name, including the landmark free college law and the Go Negosyo Act.
Press Release

February 7, 2019 ANGARA URGES LIZADA TO BE 'CHAMPION FOR WOMEN' IN CIVIL SERVICE Senator Sonny Angara has urged newly confirmed Commissioner Aileen Lizada of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to help improve gender balance in the bureaucracy by ensuring 50 percent female representation in government as envisioned in Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women. Angara made the appeal during Wednesday's plenary session of the Commission on Appointments where he expressed his support for the confirmation of Lizada's appointment. "I support the appointment of Commissioner Lizada. Ms. Lizada, I think, will be a good addition to the [CSC]. I would just ask her to be a champion for women in the CSC," Angara said. Despite the rollout of notable initiatives to promote and empower Filipino women, Angara lamented, the underrepresentation of women remains reflected within the government workforce, particularly in third level positions. Third level positions include the position of Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary, Bureau Director and Regional Director. Angara said that the Magna Carta of Women, which he co-authored when he was a member of Congress representing the lone district of Aurora province, mandated the adoption of special measures for the incremental increase of women in third level positions in the civil service until a 50-50 gender balance is achieved. Section 11 of RA 9710 provides that the government shall undertake "temporary special measures to accelerate the participation and equitable representation of women in all spheres of society particularly in the decision-making and policy-making processes in government and private entities to fully realize their role as agents and beneficiaries of development." When it was enacted in 2009, the Magna Carta of Women was expected to achieve a 50-50 gender balance in third level government positions "within the next five years" or until 2014. However, Angara said that a lack of gender balance still persisted in government based on the latest data. Records in 2018 showed that third level positions in government were mostly occupied by male or about 57 percent. The Magna Carta of Women is a comprehensive women's human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination through the recognition, protection, fulfilment and promotion of the rights of Filipino women, especially those belonging in the marginalized sectors of the society. It conveys a framework of rights for women based directly on international law.
Thousands gather to celebrate Leilapalooza.

Since its founding in 2007, the Battle Creek Metropolitan Mustache Society has raised more than $300,000 for local charities, individuals in need, and community projects.And it also has made a point of letting individuals know that they dont need to grow facial hair or be of a certain gender to become a member.It was never really about the mustaches, says BCMAMS ' founder Jeremy Andrews.The mustache idea was a total gimmick, Andrews says. We saw that they were kind of this popular thing among the hipster crowd and we think mustaches are funny.There is no formal sponsorship process or initiation required to become a member. Essentially, anyone who shows up for general membership meetings which take place on the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at a local watering hole, such as the Lakeview Lounge, are considered members. Andrews says meetings average between 20 and 30 people, with about 200 participants throughout the year.The nonprofit organization eschews stringent rules and regulations because its leadership and membership think they have found a better way by emphasizing a fun factor in order to make good things happen in the community while making a real and impactful difference.Our organization provides an outlet for our members where we can get together at least monthly to enjoy each other's company and discuss ways to help our community, says Kyle Labrecque, immediate past President and at-large member. We never take ourselves too seriously and require that our meetings and events be fun and even at times a little ridiculous.It is important to have a vibrant community in order to attract new people and retain current members. We believe that we are doing our part to help create vibrancy.Labrecque, who is Andrews brother, says he got involved in 2009 after returning home from college. I wanted to get involved as another way to hang out with our friends and do something positive for our community at the same time, he says.The annual Festivus cardboard sled race and Leilapalooza music festival, both held at Leila Arboretum, are among two of the organization's largest and most successful events. Now both are in their 11year. Festivus, held on Feb. 2, attracts more than 1,000 people and Leilapalooza, which takes place on the last Saturday in July, brings in more than 10,000 people.A raft race on the Kalamazoo River during the last Saturday in June has been attracting just under 1,000 people and is in the building stage. Andrews says the raft race is an homage to an event that had been done by the local Jaycees.These major events are among more than 80 that the BCMAMS have organized since its founding. Labrecque says one way to help a city thrive is to make as many attractive options available as possible for community residents to get involved in.If the current population has things to do and our younger population sees an attractive environment, then they may want to stick around or come back home after post-secondary education, he says.When the BCMAMS officially organized, Andrews says, We started by saying what events do we want to do and who are we going to do it for.In order for a charity to be considered to receive money from BCMAMS fundraisers, it must be willing to work with them on the event and provide volunteers. Unlike most nonprofits, nobody with the BCMAMS receives a paycheck for what they do or pays membership dues. Andrews says the organizations total volunteer status creates the need for charities interested in working with them to be active partners in any event they will benefit from.We only partner with people willing to work with us on the event, he says.The decision on who they will partner with is based on a member vote taken after representatives with the nonprofit make a presentation to the group in attendance at a meeting.The fun factor that is at the core of everything the BCMAMS do is also part of this decision-making process.We dont get paid so we dont want to work with people who dont want to have fun, Andrews says. We like to say that were a partying nonprofit that has a charity problem.Labrecque says the thing he most loves about the organization is its ongoing ability to operate with a 100 percent volunteer staff, while also encouraging and welcoming people of all backgrounds and skill sets into the fold.In efforts to be all-inclusive and have fun, we have been able to develop a culture that is able to effectively get things done, he says. Everyone has different things that we are good at and we pride ourselves in tapping into those skill sets and really working as a team to be effective in creative event planning.In addition to events held to benefit other nonprofits, the BCMAMS hold one event strictly to generate funds to purchase necessities including equipment, tents or merchandise, and to set aside money for other events.Our slogan has been Changing the face of charity right under your noses', Andrews says. Its all about getting new people involved in the community. These may be people who dont think they can be involved in doing good in their community because they dont have money to give.Its not about giving money, its about the ability to give back in whatever way you can.
Show Me the Money Day offers Eastside residents free tax preparation and financial information.

For years, Pat Taylor, Director of the Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association, had a vision of a neighborhood savings club.Tired of seeing residents make difficult financial decisions when it came to purchases because they had little or no savings, she wanted to create a group that would encourage putting money aside and also teach financial literacy.And she wanted to help residents avoid unnecessary debt or predatory lending. With education, residents can sit back and think about what they need versus what they want based on their knowledge, says Taylor.So Taylor is introducing the Savings Club at KENAs Show Me the Money Day, Wednesday, Feb. 17from 5 to 7 p.m. and the KENA building, 1301 E. Main.Like most fitness programs, saving money is always more fun if you have a group or supportive partners.The goal is for low-to-moderate income families not only to get their taxes done, but to stretch their wealth, says Taylor.Show Me the Money, a statewide program that helps provide free tax preparation services to lower-income families through neighborhood outreach, also provides information on money and time-saving programs available from a variety of institutions, including banks, local nonprofits and utility companies.Now it its fifth year, Show Me the Money Day has continued to evolve to fit identified resident needs. The Northside neighborhood will also be hosting a Show Me the Money Day on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Northside Association for Community Development, 612 N. Park.We offer this program because weve always had an issue with low to moderate income families going out and having their income taxes prepared for by non-certified tax preparers, says Taylor. When we found out the (federally-funded) VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program was in place, we promoted that, but we also wanted to have a program come into the neighborhood so folks wouldnt have to go across town to get their taxes done.So far, confirmed vendors include: Primerica, an insurance and financial services organization, which will offer financial activities for youth, Community Homeworks, a local nonprofit which offers workshops for home improvement and repair, Comerica Bank, which will provide information on savings and budgeting, and Utility companies, including Consumers Energy, which will have information on energy and money-saving programs.The VITA volunteers will be available to help with tax preparation so interested residents should be sure to bring all their necessary income information.Our mission is to get this information to people so they know about it and can take advantage of it without digging a hole for themselves, Taylor says. Helping residents save money is another quality of life thing, she adds. Our first goal for Show Me the Money is that folks become aware of the resources out there, whether or not they want to do a Savings Club.For more information, please contact Taylor by email here . kenadirector@gmail.com
A specialty food culture has taken root in Downtown Farmington.

In fact, a semi-monthly craft beer and cheese pairing event  with cheese selected and provided by The Cheese Lady; craft beer made by the hosts, Farmington Brewing Co.; and additional food supplied by Browndog Barlor & Restaurant or Sunflour Bakehaus  regularly sells out.

We are strong believers in a rising tide raises all the boats, says FBC co-owner Jason Hendricks. We want to see all businesses in downtown Farmington do well.

Both FBC and The Cheese Lady have been part of downtown Farmington since fall 2014, while Sunflour  originally called Farmington Bakery when Pavlik and co-owner Becky Burns bought the place in 1998 (the name change came in 2007)  has deeper roots.

For this reason, Pavlik has watched baking fad specialty stores come and go (cupcakes, anyone?) while establishing a beloved, enduring neighborhood bakery that regularly stocks the usual breads-and-cookies fare alongside unique specialties.

I started making King Cakes twenty years ago, when no one around here made them, says Pavlik, referring to the Mardi Gras seasonal favorite  a cinnamon coffee cake topped with fondant icing and sugar in purple, green and gold.   I didnt want to just do paczkis.  And when Hurricane Katrina hit,  there were some refugees in the area from New Orleans who were like, I cant believe it. I didnt think Id get to have a King Cake this year.

Other Sunflour specialties include Swedish limpa bread (rye with anise seed); old world bread, made with just four ingredients (a consistent bestseller); Persian flatbread, made from a recipe inherited from the bakerys previous owners; and downright addictive German soft pretzels, made fresh each Saturday.



Sunflour owners Becky Burns & Jeff Pavlik. Photo by David Lewinski,

But Sunflours also established itself as a helpmeet for nascent local businesses. For instance, the Cheese Ladys owners, Joe and Kendra Mantey, initially relied on Sunflours space and expertise while getting their start at the Farmington Farmers Market.

We let them process their stuff here because we were certified to do that, says Pavlik. So we let them use our facilities, and they also bounced ideas off us, so shared what we knew about doing business in town. And one of the brewers (at FBC)  I did his high school graduation cake, and I did his wedding cake, too. So weve known each other for a long time.

Neu Kombucha owner/founder Jennie Neu-Sipkay also spent a good part of her formative years in Farmington; but she started developing her kombucha-brewing skills while working at the Cacao Tree Cafe in Royal Oak.

What drew her to kombucha  a fermented tea drink (with roots in ancient Chinese culture) touted for its health benefits?

Its nutritional value, says New-Sipkay, who launched Neu Kombucha in 2015. But also the fact that its part of this ancient tradition. I thought, if its been around for that long, it might be something I want to teach myself about.

Neu Kombuchas location  tucked away on the side of the building that houses The Rocking Horse (which faces Grand River)  has presented challenges, but having sidewalk signs pointing potential customers in has helped. And were still educating, Neu-Sipkay says in reference to her product. Slowly but surely, were getting the word out there.



Neu Kombucha. Photo by David Lewinski,

Neu-Sipkays recommended starter kombucha flavor for newbies is her Lavender Lemonade, but there are also flavors like Pineapple Ginger, Super Berry, Tart Cherry Ginseng, and more. Every year weve seen an increase in sales, says Neu-Sipkay.

Other specialty food destinations in downtown Farmington appear to be thriving, too, including Chive Kitchen, a hugely popular, Portuguese-inspired vegan eatery that opened its doors in 2016; and Browndog, another 2016 addition that combines delicious small-batch ice cream and a full bar  think ice cream cocktails and alcohol-infused ice cream flavors.



The "Flora" mocktail at Chive. Photo by David Lewinski

Heres what I think is exciting, says Pavlik. Our customer base when we bought the bakery was probably more than fifty percent seniors, and the rest was mostly business people picking up pastries for an early morning meeting at the office.  As the town has grown, we still have those customers, but there are also more families that have made Farmington their town. So now were a steady part of many peoples weekly routine.

Small towns are the best, says Hendricks, who noted that a local running group and a dads group meet at FBC regularly. We know many of our regulars. People from small towns have pride in their local communities and show that with their patronage.

And something Hendricks and the FBC team have learned from their first years in business is a truism thats been echoed by other local specialty food business owners.

You need to figure out what to keep and what to change, says Hendricks. We have our staples, and it took a while to determine what those were.
Chris Thomas of Detroit Mobility Lab announces the first executive director for the Michigan Mobility Institute

While OEMs, suppliers, and entrepreneurs are recognizing the explosive growth of automotive mobility, stakeholders in the educational realm are keeping their eyes on building the talent infrastructure that will be needed today and in the very near future.Jessica Robinson is one such stakeholder. As the newly named and first ever executive director to lead the Michigan Mobility Institute, Robinson is starting the important conversations that will lead to the growth of the talent pipeline.With a background rich in mobility solutions, Robinson has the knowhow and the passion to lead this new initiative, says Chris Thomas, co-founder and president of Detroit Mobility Lab , the organization that gave birth to the Michigan Mobility Institute. Early funding comes from Boston Consulting Group.We are committed to moving aggressively and do everything possible to make sure we have the talented men and women it will require to compete in the global mobility sector, says Thomas.During an announcement made at AutoMobili-D at the North American International Auto Show, Robinson spoke of mobility as the most significant disruption this industry has ever seen with the commercialization of autonomous vehicles, the increase in connectivity, and the rise in electrification.Next generation mobility requires a very different type of person that can tackle a different set of technology, says Robinson. Instead of the single-focus engineering approach that has been successful in the development of legacy vehicles, future mobility will need cross-functional tinkerers who are comfortable with software, artificial intelligence, data, robotics and cybersecurity, and who can apply systems thinking to their work.And its not just about what new skills are being learned, but the number of people learning them. We must accelerate the base of people who are receiving these new skills, says Robinson.New research shows that mobility will create 100,000 new jobs in the next decade, including 30,000 people working specifically in computers and software development. Demand outpaces current supply by six times the number of advanced level engineers we need to fuel the growth.Whats more, says Robinson, traditional technology sectors are competing for the same talent.In addition to the need for advanced-level engineers, the need for skilled trades will increase, with 65,000 new jobs being created in the next 10 years for AV technicians, maintenance, safety drivers, fleet management technology, and AV remote support centers.If Detroit wants a place at this table, we must signal at this critical juncture in time, says Robinson, sharing strides already being made in Pittsburgh, Vancouver, and Silicon Valley. The work is not optional.In addition to world class educational institutions and mobility-focused testing facilities already here in Michigan, there is more need for specialized support and training for our workforce.This is where the Michigan Mobility Institute comes in. Our goal is to be the leading industry backed talent development entity focused on the future of mobility, she says, adding that the institute will build the brightest new talent and retrain already skilled people for a new focus, provide executive training for workforce transformation, and attract the highest-level global researchers. In addition, the institute will support skilled trades development by assisting community colleges develop additional mobility-focused curricula.While some may believe that the institute is poised to duplicate efforts of other organizations already doing this work, Robinson says that dozens of conversations at various levels of the industry provided definitive answers. Employers say they cant find the talent they need, and that potential candidates do not understand what a career in mobility can mean for them, and there simply arent enough people entering and staying in the pipeline.Finally, the institute will offer a masters level degree specific to the mobility industry.The Michigan Mobility Institute plans to create the first-of-its-kind Master of Mobility degree, says Robinson. Together with select university partners, we will found strong support for a nine- to 12-month program in a degree that would better prepare individuals with systems-level understanding of key technologies like software development, AI, and data. Students will have hands-on learning experience with internships, apprenticeships, and industry projects similar to those in business schools. These individuals will be purpose-trained to lead next-generation mobility.With Detroiters being the first in the world to develop mobility skills along all levels of the workforce continuum, and for employers to engage with a much-needed diverse workforce, Robinson points to a long term opportunity to create a virtuous cycle of growth and development to impact the future.People take jobs with manufacturers and suppliers, they leave to start their own companies, they become suppliers themselves, they get acquired, they teach, they invest, and they do it all again. Its our strong preference that we can bring Detroiters first through these programs.Its all starting now, said Robinson.The Michigan Mobility Institute is open for business. Lets build something great together.Visit Driven and learn how the Detroit region is leading the world in next-generation mobility.
A small batch coffee roaster has rocketed out of the basement and into downtown Pontiac.



Fourth Dimension Coffee Company recently celebrated its grand opening in the Oakland Arts Center building on Saginaw Street.



Sharing the building with Exferimentation Brewing Co. and Fillmore 13 Brewery, coffee lovers can find the new local roaster and cafe tucked between the two breweries in the space of a former art gallery.



Though business partners Brad Petrinec and Bryan Weaver had initially envisioned the location as more of a retail storefront for their coffee brand, theyve since purchased an espresso machine and added tables and chairs.



Their passion, however, remains in small batch coffee roasting.



"Brian takes a lot of pride in the way he roasts coffee. He reads all sorts of books and then tinkers with the way its done," Petrinec says.



"Because were a small batch roaster, we can afford to experiment a bit."



Petrinec says Fourth Dimension focuses on single origin coffees, akin to other Michigan coffee roasters like Madcap and Populace. They tend to avoid dark roasts, he says, so as to bring out the maximum caffeine and flavor of lighter varieties.



Space and spacecraft photos and artwork adorn exposed brick and painted black walls. The coffee roasting machine is located within the cafe, so customers can observe the process while sipping their drinks.



Both 15 years sober, Petrinec and Weaver met through a mutual friend. The name itself, Fourth Dimension, is a reference to A.A. recovery literature.



Coffee has since become a mutual passion.



"Bryan and I used to get together just to try out different pour-over coffees, try all the different kinds out there," Petrinec says.



"Were self-described coffee geeks that wanted to own our own coffee shop."



And now they do.



Fourth Dimension Coffee Company is located in Ste. 1C at 7 N. Saginaw St. in downtown Pontiac.



Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
This article is part of State of Health, a series examining health disparities, how they affect Michigan's children and seniors, and the innovative solutions being developed to address them. It is made possible with funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.



Understanding a doctor's diagnosis or an insurance company's explanation of benefits can be difficult for many who grew up in the United States speaking English. But for immigrants, challenges to receiving and understanding good care are exponentially greater.

Anna Hill, attorney for the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, says immigrant parents are often questioned aggressively about their immigration status while applying for Medicaid for their American-born children.

Anna Hill.

"Parents are being asked about where they're from and other questions meant to intimidate or harass them, or frighten them away from seeking benefits for their children who are eligible and need basic support," Hill says.

That's just one of many barriers to health equity that immigrants in Michigan face every day. Immigration status, stigma, language and cultural differences, and uncertainty and stress about changing laws and regulations all play a role in immigrants' ability to achieve good health.

Accessing healthcare for new Americans

Ruth Kraut, program administrator for the Washtenaw Health Plan (WHP), says immigrants' access to healthcare and health insurance depends on a number of factors.



"There is a set of issues around access depending on immigration status, since they may be eligible for some benefits and not others, and, in fact, the benefits they're eligible for might be different state by state," Kraut says. "Michigan covers fewer benefits than Illinois or New York for certain populations, so if you're coming to Michigan from one of those states, you might have experienced different rules."

Ruth Kraut.

On top of that, different members of the same family may qualify for different benefits based on immigration status and age. Kraut notes that healthcare in the United States tends to be "family-based," but many families include immigrant adults who are not yet naturalized, while their children were born in the U.S. Or perhaps one child was born in the U.S. and one wasn't.

In general, refugees, asylum-seekers, and most people who have had a permanent resident card for over five years are eligible for everything a citizen would be eligible for, including full Medicaid.

Kraut says most immigrants who have documents like a work permit or some other kind of visa, or who have had their green cards for less than five years, can get healthcare through healthcare.gov. In Michigan, however, the only Medicaid coverage they're eligible for is emergency coverage.

Employer coverage is a possibility for almost any immigration status, but "if they don't have their own social security number, there are challenges getting private insurance," Hill says.

Uncertainty about changing rules can add another layer of difficulty in achieving good health. For instance, the Trump administration recently proposed an expansion of the previously narrowly defined "public charge" policy, requiring that immigrants "not depend on public resources to meet their needs." As a result, Kraut says an immigrant woman she was working with misunderstood the changes and dropped her marketplace health insurance.

"A few weeks later, she hit her head and went to the emergency room," Kraut says. "She needed an MRI and received a $5,000 bill."

Health equity isn't just about access to healthcare, but to many "upstream" factors that affect health outcomes, including socioeconomic status, education, and social support network. Immigrants are often disadvantaged in those areas as well.

"Refugees are facing a whole range of mental health challenges from anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress syndrome to psychosis as a result of experience (in their home countries)," says Farah Erzouki, public health manager with ACCESS Community Health and Research Center, a Dearborn-based nonprofit that provides advocacy and resources to Arab-Americans. "It goes so much deeper than a language barrier."

Farah Erzouki.

She notes that cultural differences mean that some immigrants will see less value in preventive care, thus ending up at an emergency room or health clinic only after a health situation becomes dire. People from certain cultural backgrounds might be nervous about looking into mental health services as well.

"For Arab-Americans in general, mental health has a stigma attached to it, and they don't talk about it," Erzouki says. "People in our community are just starting to see the importance of making sure mental health is as prioritized as physical health."

Nonprofits lend a hand

While barriers to good health abound for immigrants in Michigan, nonprofits work to fill some of the gaps. The Hamtramck School Based Health Center (HSBHC) has been serving immigrant children from more than 40 countries since 1990. A collaborative effort between DMC Childrens Hospital of Michigan and Hamtramck Public Schools, the center provides free health care to Hamtramck Public Schools students.



The Hamtramck School Based Health Center.

The program receives a small percentage of its funding from the school system, but the rest comes from grants and other private sources.

About 35 states currently offer immigrant children full Medicaid coverage, but Michigan provides them emergency services only, according to Sarah Peslar, social worker with HSBHC. However, Peslar says HSBHC provides much more than emergency care.

"We can see kids and get them immunizations and physical exams," she says. "They can't even register for school unless they've had immunizations."



Sarah Peslar.

Collaborations with other healthcare providers and universities allow HSBHC to provide specialty services like mental health consultations, dental cleanings, and eyeglasses as well.

ACCESS also provides a full spectrum of health and human services, including mental and physical health care, social work, workforce development, and advocacy.

ACCESS' healthcare division runs a medical clinic that covers the full spectrum of care, from primary care and pharmacy to a partnership with Henry Ford Health System that provides OB/GYN services. The healthcare division also runs a breastfeeding and nutrition support program for pregnant women and new mothers.

A sign at ACCESS.

"We pride ourselves on serving regardless of the ability to pay," Erzouki says. "We'll work with you if you have insurance, and if someone is uninsured, we'll work on a repayment schedule that's feasible for them."

On the legislative front, Hill says the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center in 2019 will advocate waiving the five-year waiting period for immigrant children to receive full Medicaid coverage. Expanding that coverage will be an improvement for a small but especially vulnerable group of children.

"If a state court makes a finding that (an immigrant child) has experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect, they can apply for that special immigrant juvenile status, and that can lead to a green card if approved," Hill says. Under current law, "those kids would face that five-year waiting period before they'd be eligible for full Medicaid coverage."

Kraut says most advocacy groups see healthcare as a right, not a privilege. But when trying to convince legislators and other officials of the benefits of expanding coverage for immigrants, there's both a humanitarian and a fiscal argument to be made. If someone has an untreated health condition, that can affect their ability to work and make money.

"There are great studies on the benefits of Medicaid expansion," Kraut says. "When people are enrolled, it allows them to work more hours and be healthier. It can make a real difference."

Sarah Rigg is a freelance writer and editor in Ypsilanti Township and the project manager of On the Ground Ypsilanti. She has served as innovation and jobs/development news writer for Concentrate since early 2017 and is an occasional contributor to Driven. You may reach her at sarahrigg1@gmail.com.



Photos of Hamtramck School Based Health Center patients courtesy of Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation. All other photos by Nick Hagen.
ALLENTOWN, Pa., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ambassador Financial Group, Inc. is pleased to announce it acted as adviser to Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (OTC Pink: LDKB) in regard to its $6 million common equity private placement. The offering of common equity priced at $15.44 per share and closed December 17, 2018.



Ambassador Financial Group, Inc. is a FINRA registered broker-dealer which offers a comprehensive suite of strategic, customized solutions to community banks and thrifts nationwide, including balance sheet management, investment banking and capital markets services. Our recent successes include:

Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc. (PA) $8.0 million private placement of subordinated debt

(PA) $8.0 million private placement of subordinated debt Summit Financial Group, Inc. (WV) $25.5 million acquisition of Peoples Bankshares, Inc.

Northwest Bancshares, Inc . (PA) $85.0 million acquisition of Union Community Bank (PA)

. (PA) $85.0 million acquisition of Union Community Bank (PA) Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. (PA) $32.4 million acquisition of Mercersburg Financial Corporation (PA)

(PA) Riverview Financial Corporation (PA) $48.8 million merger with CBT Financial Corp. (PA)

(PA) $48.8 million merger with CBT Financial Corp. (PA) Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc. (PA) $59.1 million acquisition of The Scottdale Bank & Trust Company (PA)

(PA) Old Line Bancshares, Inc. (MD) $40.7 million acquisition of Damascus Bank (MD)

$40.7 million acquisition of Damascus Bank (MD) Riverview Financial Corporation (PA) $17.0 million private placement of equity

(PA) $17.0 million private placement of equity NexTier, Inc. (PA) $2.3 million acquisition of Manor Bank (PA)

(PA) Revere Bank (MD) $31.0 million private placement of subordinated debt

(MD) $31.0 million private placement of subordinated debt Monona Bancshares, Inc. (WI)* $40.1 million acquisition of MCB Bankshares, Inc. (WI)

(WI)* $40.1 million acquisition of MCB Bankshares, Inc. (WI) Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (MA) $117.8 million acquisition of First Choice Bank * (NJ)

* (NJ) Revere Bank (MD)* $65.1 million acquisition of Monument Bank (MD)

(MD)* $65.1 million acquisition of Monument Bank (MD) DNB Financial Corporation (PA) $49.0 million acquisition of East River Bank (PA)

Ambassadors clients are in bold.

*Ambassador provided a fairness opinion only

This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chemesis International Inc. (CSE: CSI) (OTC: CADMF) (FRA: CWAA) (the Company or Chemesis), announces it has acquired intellectual property (IP) and the physical equipment for an extraction methodology to preserve all of the phytocannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis utilizing a low-temperature process to create live resin. The method will allow the Company to produce a unique variety of finished goods such as tinctures, shatters, vapes, oils and other consumer products that can be varied to achieve desired potencies of different cannabinoids and terpenes.

The Company will relocate the extraction assets, which are currently situated in a licensed facility in San Diego County, CA, to its extraction facility in Cathedral City, CA. The sales staff will be retained and integrated into the Chemesis operations with the focus expanding to the entire family of brands. This will provide the Company a third extraction method to complement its current ethanol and butane hash oil (BHO) methods. The low temperature extraction will preserve 100% of the natural cannabinoids, increasing yields and eliminating many of the operating costs normally associated with other method processes such as winterization, filtration and evaporation.

This new methodology will allow the Company to bring forward a variety of new products to the marijuana and hemp markets that have not been altered by high heat or solvents, which can degrade the quality of cannabinoids. With this transaction, the Company has initial monthly purchase orders in excess of $200,000USD.

The new IP we have acquired will allow Chemesis to manufacture products for consumers that will be among the highest quality and potency in the market, said CEO, Edgar Montero. Chemesis intends to leverage this technology throughout our family of brands to target consumers that are looking for both high quality and cannabinoid entourage effects. The Company also believes the addition of this IP showcases our continued focus on products that are leading the industry in both extraction methodology and product innovation.

Under the terms of this acquisition, Chemesis will issue 1,597,633 shares priced at a deemed value of $1.69CDN. The stock issued is subject to 36-month lock-up/leak-out guidelines.

On Behalf of The Board of Directors

Edgar Montero

CEO and Director

About Chemesis International Inc.

Chemesis International Inc. is a vertically integrated global leader in the cannabis industry, currently operating within California, Puerto Rico, and Colombia.

Chemesis is developing a strong foothold in key markets, from cultivation, to manufacturing, distribution and retail. Chemesis has facilities in both Puerto Rico and California, allowing for cost effective production and distribution of its products. In addition, Chemesis leverages exclusive brands and partnerships and uses the highest quality extraction methods to provide consumers with quality cannabis products.

Chemesis will add shareholder value by exploring opportunities in emerging markets while consistently delivering quality product to its consumers from seed to sale.

Investor Relations:

ir@chemesis.com

1 (604) 398-3378

Social Media:

Chemesis.facebook

Chemesis.twitter

Chemesis.instagram

DesertZen.instagram

CaliforniaSap.instagram

Jay&SB.instagram

Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to statements regarding the Company's business, products and future of the Companys business, its product offerings and plans for sales and marketing, including finalizing an acquisition in Colombia. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance and developments to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, the risks that the Company's products and plan will vary from those stated in this news release and the Company may not be able to carry out its business plans as expected. Except as required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information in this news release. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and makes no reference to profitability based on sales reported. The statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this press release
Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- There are several huge aspects impacting medical device technology field nowadays. A number of trends including consolidation, research and developments, and international strategies and alliances are driving the market for china spinal fusion market. The spinal fusion is one of the most common surgeries suggested for back problems. With the increasing spinal fusion surgery volumes in china due to the favourable reimbursement levels and patients' willingness to undergo surgery with minimal invasive techniques is expected to foster the china spinal fusion market. Spinal fusion is surgical process are done to the patients suffering from a number of conditions such asdeformity, scoliosis, disc disease and fracture.



The China Spinal Fusion Market is expected to register a double digit growth holding the fact that there is an increasing number of surgeries due to advancement in the technologies and use of minimal invasive techniques that benefits reduced cost. The procedures are highly benefited with the investment in the new technologies and their clinical success which are gaining more and more importance in the recent days and causing the China spinal fusion market to grow.



The emerging China spinal fusion market has been experiencing a phase of new product development and technological advancements due to greater demand. The manufacturing companies are raising their respective market share with aggressive marketing activities and increased R&D activities.



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China Spinal Fusion Market: Drivers & Restraints



Some of the major factors subsidizing the growth of China spinal fusion market are increasing rate of aging population with spine related diseases & related injuries coupled with the rising incomes of the Chinese populace ensuring the patients' capability to pay for the treatment. On the other hand the price sensitive population of china is very responsive to the treatment price that are anticipated to drip considerably in near future due to the increasing competition in the market.



Due to existing and upcoming advance technologies such as minimal invasive surgery and better implant materials are making it more widely accepted including the younger adult populace and thereby increasing the China spinal fusion market.



The economic growth and additional initiatives taken by the Chinese government had resulted in treatment of a large number of previously untreated spinal disease patients in China's rural populace who are now undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery due to increased access.



Despite of being widely used procedure for curing extremely debilitating disease related to spine, and spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, the China spinal fusion market is facing some challenges such as reimbursement cuts and heavy government regulations, high surgery cost, risk factors involved in the surgery etc.



Due to high competition in the market, prices for bone graft substitutes and spinal implants are expected to come down in the Asia Pacific market, even when demand and expenditure on them has become greater than before, thus restraining the China spinal fusion market from growing. Some of the other growth restraining factors of the China spinal infusion market can be growing awareness for some other treatment methods such as IDET, artificial disc, posterior dynamic stabilization, disc regeneration.



China Spinal Fusion Market: Segmentation



By spine fusion device types is segmented as follows:



Spinal Plating Systems

Pedicle Screw Systems

Interbody Cages

By procedure, the china spinal fusion market is segmented as follows:



Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

Anterior/Posterior Spinal Fusion

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)

The developing region of China is projected to be potentially growing in market with reference to the increasing demand for spinal fusion holding the fact that increased number of technological advancements have made the devices and surgeries cost-effective.



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China Spinal Fusion Market: Key Players



Some of the key players in the China spinal fusion market are Trauson, Depuy Synthes Companies, Biomet, Inc., Medtronic, Inc, Nuvasive Inc, Stryker Corporation, Zimmer Holding, Inc., Orthofix International N.V, B. Braun Aesculap and Weigao Orthopaedic Device Co., Ltd.
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- A report on the smoking tobacco in Denmark market has been added to the portfolio of ResearchMoz.us. Titled, "Smoking Tobacco in Denmark, 2019," this report provides a detailed overview of the future prospects of this market. The leading trends in the market, growth drivers and additionally challenges faced by the market are examined in detail in this report. The 80-paged, comprehensive report studies the future analysis and opportunities of the industry, including the share of the overall market and current trends in the smoking tobacco in Denmark market.



The tobacco sector is a small group of companies that are growing, selling and distributing tobacco and associated products worldwide. The industry will survive even the most serious assaults in litigation despite the hopes of some of the health lobby. The tobacco industry would remain intact even by the worst judgments. The fact that it is not beneficial to melt tobacco into non-tobacco companies' means that diversification into entirely new companies will not prove commercially a matter for the main companies concerned. Between 2008 and 2018, smoking consumption decreased by 47.4% and cigarettes were produced by 26.9%.



Get a Sample PDF with Tables and Figures at: https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=2028072



Regulators will exercise their appropriate jurisdiction over tobacco and force companies to produce products which are less harmful, such as to reduce or reduce carbon monoxide, carcinogenic nitrosamines or many other toxins in tobacco smoke, by defining limits and product standards. With time the nicotine is delivered via tobacco through combustion, heating and oral application, and eventually through extracts and purified distillates.



A wide range of products cover most customer tastes at several price points. The prospects for growth of this mature industry are reduced by health concerns that have encouraged legal and regulatory pressures. However, access barriers are relatively high because of government marketing and advertising restrictions. As a result, this market is served by a small number of companies. The consolidation of the industry has created an oligopoly during the last decade. Pricing power helps compensate for the volume decrease. Sales and income during the entire economic cycle are fairly stable.



Tobacco companies face competition with new, tobacco-unrelated forms of nicotine supply and have to react to that market with the power of their brands. Nicotine is still widely used in society and many are dependent, but the risk to users is reduced, with the possibility at least to reduce the risk. Concern about "addiction "will be the defining reason to avoid nicotine rather than "Concern about disease addiction" is the dominant reason why tobacco is not being smoked.



Companies are engaged in strategic initiatives, for example, in the development of new products, and in the acquisition of new products. The market is fragmented in nature, but competition is strengthened by the presence of large multinationals. Since the beginning of the 1990s the use of smoking tobacco in Denmark has largely decreased.



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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2019 -- The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis. The prostate secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperms. A prostate biopsy is very important in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate biopsy is a procedure to remove samples of suspicious tissue from the prostate. During the procedure, a needle is inserted into the prostate to take tissues out in order to check for prostate cancer, and this is usually done through the rectum. Doctors prefer to perform surgery on patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. If the cancer has spread to nearby tissue, doctors recommend therapies such as radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, etc. to prevent cancer.



View Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/prostate-biopsy-system-market.html



Increase in the geriatric male population globally, rise in the incidence rate of prostate cancer, and availability of advanced diagnostic systems are major factors driving the global prostate biopsy devices market. Moreover, advancements in molecular diagnosis for prostate cancer augment the global prostate biopsy system market. However, high cost of biopsy procedures and shortage of skilled professionals are major factors restraining the market.



The global prostate biopsy system market can be segmented based on product, end-user, and region. Based on product, the global prostate biopsy system market can be classified into 3D imaging systems, 2D imaging systems, and accessories. The 3D imaging system segment is projected to account for a significant share of the market in the near future, as 3D imaging systems offer a great degree of accuracy of image-guided intervention by providing optimal visualization of the prostate organ as well as full access. In terms of end-user, the prostate biopsy system market can be categorized into hospitals, diagnostic centers, and others. The hospitals segment is expected to constitute a considerable share of the market during the forecast period, because a significant number of prostate surgeries and tests are performed in hospitals due to the availability of all types of devices and reimbursement facilities.



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In terms of region, the global prostate biopsy system market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the global market. The region is projected to account for a significant share of the global prostate biopsy system market during the forecast period. The market in the region is primarily driven by a high incidence rate of prostate cancer cases in the U.S.. According to American Cancer Society estimates, around 164,690 new cases of prostate cancer cases are likely to be registered in 2018. The scenario is almost the same in Europe due to a high incidence of death due to prostate cancer and rise in awareness about the disease in the region.



According to Eurostat data, in 2015, 75.3 thousand men died from prostate cancer in the European Union. Awareness among people about the disease is a major factor propelling the market in Europe. In Asia Pacific, a developing health care infrastructure and favorable reimbursement for prostate cancer treatment are some factors that drive the market. Factors such as lack of awareness about diseases and unavailability of advanced biopsy procedures and treatment in some countries such as Iraq, Lenabon etc., are expected to hamper the prostate biopsy system market in Middle East & Africa.



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Major players operating in the global prostate biopsy system market include Koninklijke Philips N.V., Eigen, 3D Biopsy Inc., BIOBOT SURGICAL PTE LTD, Cook, Boston Scientific Corporation, STERIS LAB S.r.l, and KOELIS.



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Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMR's syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.



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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premier Health Group (CSE: PHGI, OTCQB: PHGRF, Frankfurt: 6PH) (the Company or Premier Health), a Company focused on developing innovative approaches that combine human skill based expertise with emerging technologies for the healthcare industry, announced today as a part of its expansion plans, the Company is now formally entering the cannabis clinic space.



The recent acquisition of Cloud Practice has provided an underlying platform to help empower and streamline patient-doctor interaction. We are currently working on a partnership model to hard code the decision-making process into the Electronic Medical Records (EMR), said Dr. Essam Hamza, CEO of Premier. There has been a critical gap between the patients need for medical cannabis and the doctors knowledge and comfort level in prescribing it. At Premier we understand the frustration felt from both the patient and the doctor and are integrating what we think is a revolutionary process. This new tool will allow us to provide a much-needed service to the 287 clinics and almost 3 million patients in our ecosystem.

Much of the traditionally labor-intensive process of onboarding patients will now be done automatically with Premiers smart EMR. The doctor will just need to identify patients with conditions that could warrant medical cannabis consideration and the integrated technology will assess the patients data, and through the use of analytics, output a comprehensive recommendation along with links to corresponding medical research specific to the diagnosis. Thus, providing essential education and guidance to doctors enabling them to make informed decisions on medical cannabis qualification, dosing and prescriptions.

Additionally, the Company has been in discussions with a short list of Canadian Licensed Producers (LP) under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) in order to partner with a, or multiple, LP(s) to provide doctor and patient education at the clinic level.

The company expects to provide additional updates on its expansion later in Q1 2019.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Essam Hamza, MD"

Chief Executive Officer

About Premier Health

Premier Health is a Canadian company that is strategically poised to take advantage of business opportunities in the global health care industry. We are developing innovative health care approaches that combine human skill-based expertise with emerging technologies, with the goal of setting the gold standard for services in locations of interest worldwide. Premier Healths subsidiary, HealthVue is focused on developing proprietary technology to deliver quality healthcare through the combination of connected primary care clinics with telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI). We currently have an ecosystem of over 100,000 active patients and have plans to rapidly increase that number both domestically and internationally. The HealthVue team has a strong track record of successfully creating value in healthcare and technology enterprises. The Management team has deep clinical, financial and operational expertise and a passion for improving healthcare for all patients.

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Premier Health Group Inc.

www.mypremierhealth.com

Email: investors@mypremierhealth.com
San Francisco, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2019 -- Global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market: Snapshot



The global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market has been expanding substantially over the last few years. Supported by the technological advancements, the market is likely to remain proliferating over the next few years. POL testing has its base in developed regions as emerging economies still rely on hospital infrastructure for the diagnosis of acute and chronic medical conditions. Developing regions, however, has been demonstrating a significant potential for decentralized testing, thanks to the rising support from nongovernmental organizations and the increasing number of public health programs, intended towards spreading awareness for high-burden diseases such as hepatitis, acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS), diabetes, and tuberculosis (TB).



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As of now, the substandard care present at primary care facilities and community health organizations in most of the emerging countries lead a number of patients to hospitals. However, the rise in the disposable income of people in these nations have encouraged leading healthcare providers to invest heavily in western style physician practices, leading to the installation of a large pool of physician office laboratories and clinics, especially in India and China.



Since POL testing is not prevalent globally, as its counterparts (hospital laboratories, commercial or private reference labs, and hospital POCT), its future growth is seemingly uneven. Also active restriction on specified services from physicians or healthcare professionals over the primary care visits in some countries may also reflect negatively on the growth of Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market in the near future.



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Global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market: Overview



Clinical and hospital laboratories presently account for a massive chunk of the total number of diagnostic, monitoring or screening tests undertaken across the globe. However, a constantly rising number of physicians and physician groups are preferring to undertake part or entire volumes of lab testing in-house as an excellent way of improving patient care and boosting their operative incomes. Such in-house lab practices are called physician office laboratory (POL). The term is diverse and covers physician's practices as small as 2 to 5 physicians to large practitioners with 200 or more physicians that operate labs similar to laboratories in small hospitals.



In-house testing practices facilitate physicians to become self-reliant and obtain results in a much faster manner than possible in outsourced lab tests. POLs also reduce the chances of loss or deterioration of test samples, enhancing the confidence regarding the accuracy of results. Broadly, POL refers to tests performed in: physician's office, conducted at the same time of consultation or with other healthcare professional, wherein results are mostly provided during the medical visit itself, and are used for monitoring, screening or diagnosis purposes.



This report on the global physician office laboratory market presents a thorough overview of the present growth dynamics of the market and its key segments. Several insightful projections regarding the growth trajectory of the market over the period between 2017 and 2025 are also included in the report. The report also includes a detailed analysis of factors such as growth drivers, restraints, regulatory scenario, competitive landscape, and trends and opportunities, expected to have a notable influence on the growth prospects of the market over the said period.



Global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market: Drivers and Restraints



The global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market is chiefly driven by the vast advancements observed in the field of testing technologies and supporting instrument and equipment in the past few years. The emergence and easy availability of easy to use microelectronic and microfluidic instruments that offer excellent accuracy and control is making POL feasible for smaller offices and is also enabling some physicians to perform tests for other doctors.



The demand for such in-house laboratories is also significantly rising globally owing to the rising prevalence of infectious and chronic diseases and associated public health issues. However, the cost of meeting compliance requirements for local, state, and federal regulations, especially in developed economies, may hamper the market's growth to some extent.



Global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market: Geographical and Competitive Dynamics



On the basis of geography, the global physician office laboratory market is segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World (RoW). Of these, North America and Europe are presently the leading contributors to the revenue of the global physician office laboratory market. In the North America, the number of POLs increased at a phenomenal rate from nearly 95,000 in 2000 to 111,000 in 2010. The number of POLs has also significantly in Europe over the said period. Across both the regions, the constantly rising number of POL tests approved by the respective healthcare authorities will help drive the POL market in the next few years as well.



Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @

https://www.tmrresearch.com/physician-office-laboratory-market



However, the POL market is expected to witness the most lucrative growth market across emerging economies in Asia Pacific in the next few years. Several factors, including the vast rise in prevalence of infectious diseases, the rising population of elderly, and a significant rise in focus on quality health care are expected to fuel the growth of the Asia Pacific POL market in the next few years.



Some of the most influential companies in the global physician office laboratory market are Accriva Diagnostics, Akers Biosciences, Axis-Shield, Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Boule Diagnostics, Alfa Wassermann Diagnostic Technologies, Diazyme Laboratories, Polymer Technology Systems (CHEK Diagnostics), Carolina Liquid Chemistries Corp., 3D Medical Diagnostics, Magellan Diagnostics, Biomerica, Inc., Accumetrics, Vital Diagnostics, and Nanosphere, Inc.



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Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- The Global Oilfield Chemicals Market 2023 research report has the least difficult suggestion on the theme of the incomparable Oilfield Chemicals showcase." The Oilfield Chemicals market report manages complete clients to comprehend momentum business patterns, Oilfield Chemicals business development, methodologies, dangers, cost, diagram, creating, and foreknowledge patterns, conveyance, esteem, openness, and heaps of different variables. The Oilfield Chemicals have total information for the technique just as a rundown by members inside the business by viewpoint. The Oilfield Chemicals investigation consider offers in-detail diagram of Oilfield Chemicals Market alongside the market standing, Oilfield Chemicals piece of the pie, future patterns, Oilfield Chemicals showcase drivers, openings and difficulties, Oilfield Chemicals exchange dangers and section obstructions, Oilfield Chemicals rivalry scene, wholesalers, Oilfield Chemicals deals channels, and Porter's five Forces Analysis.



The Oilfield Chemicals Market is expected to register a CAGR of nearly 4.64 % during the forecast period 2023.



For further information of Oilfield Chemicals Market Report, please visit: https://www.absolutereports.com/13102819



Oilfield Chemicals Market by Companies:



Akzo Nobel N.V., Albemarle Corporation, Ashland Inc, Baker Hughes Incorporated, BASF SE, Canadian Energy Services & Technology Corp (CESTC), Clariant AG, Croda International Plc., Drilling Specialties Company (Chevron Philips Chemical Company), DowDupont, Elementis Plc., ExxonMobil Chemical Company Inc. (ExxonMobil Corporation), Flotek Industries Inc., Halliburton, Huntsman International LLC, Innospec Specialty Chemicals, Kemira Oyj, Nalco Champion Technologies Inc. (Ecolab), Schlumberger Limited, Scomi Energy Services Bhd (Scomi Group Bhd), Solvay, The Lubrizol Corporation, Zirax Limited



And Many More



Oilfield Chemicals Market Segment by Regions includes:



North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)

Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)

Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

South America

Middle East and Africa.

Oilfield Chemicals Market Key Developments:



Key Developments:



Major developments in 2017 covered in the report

And the latest major developments in 2018 covered in the report

Soaring Shale Gas Production:



Availability of large amount of offshore shale reserves is likely to be a major key driving factor for global oilfield chemicals market. There are various unexplored reserves of shale gas globally with China, Argentina, United States, Algeria, and Canada holding the largest recoverable reserves. United States is the leading producer of natural gas and oil from Shale globally. Australia, China, India, and Indonesia are also taking tentative steps to explore their potential shale gas and oil reserves, and to further develop exploration in these reserves. Hence, this would result in higher demand for drilling, stimulation, and cementing chemicals.



Well Stimulation  The Fastest Growing Segment by usage



The well stimulation segment is expected to expand at a fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The United States is the largest beneficiary of this technology due to the increasing activity in unconventional plays. The Middle East and the Asia-Pacific regions have also shown immense potential in adopting the well stimulation techniques. Europe is also expected to shift its focus to the exploration of shale in the North Sea due to increasing requirement to become more energy self-sufficient. Hence, the well stimulation chemicals are expected to have a very fruitful market in the near future.



Ask Sample PDF of Oilfield Chemicals Market Report at: https://www.absolutereports.com/enquiry/request-sample/13102819



Worldwide Oilfield Chemicals Market 2023-Key Insights as pursues:



 Research and examine the Oilfield Chemicals advertise standing and future figure identified with creation, Oilfield Chemicals esteem structure, utilization, and Oilfield Chemicals showcase chronicled information.



 Report comprehends the structure of Oilfield Chemicals exchange by unmistakable its fluctuated fragments and sub segments.



 Market split the breakdown information by organization, items, end-client, and prime nations, Oilfield Chemicals showcase history information and gauge to 2023.



 Analysis of Oilfield Chemicals advertise identifying with individual development patterns, future prospects, and their commitment to the general Oilfield Chemicals showcase.



 Global Oilfield Chemicals showcase report dissects aggressive extensions like understandings, new item dispatches, and Oilfield Chemicals advertise obtaining.



Further in the Oilfield Chemicals Market research reports, following points are included along with detailed Study of each point:-



Generation Analysis  Production of the Oilfield Chemicals Market is dissected regarding diverse districts, types and applications.



Deals and Revenue Analysis  Both, deals and income are examined for the diverse districts of the Oilfield Chemicals Market. Another significant viewpoint, value, which has critical impact in the income age, is additionally evaluated in this area for the different areas.



Supply and Consumption  In continuation with deals, this segment ponders supply and utilization for the Oilfield Chemicals Market. This part additionally reveals insight into the hole among supple and utilization. Import and fare figures are likewise given in this part.



Contenders  In this segment, different Oilfield Chemicals Market driving players are examined as for their organization profile, item portfolio, limit, value, cost and income.



Different examinations  Apart from the previously mentioned data, exchange and dispersion investigation for the Oilfield Chemicals Market, contact data of real makers, providers and key customers is likewise given. Additionally, SWOT investigation for new undertakings and practicality examination for new speculation are incorporated.



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San Diego, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- An investigation was announced over potential breaches of fiduciary duties by certain officers and directors at Covanta Holding.



Investors who purchased shares of Covanta Holding Corporation (NYSE: CVA) have certain options and should contact the Shareholders Foundation at mail@shareholdersfoundation.com or call +1(858) 779 - 1554.



The investigation by a law firm concerns whether certain Covanta Holding directors breached their fiduciary duties and caused damage to the company and its shareholders.



Morristown, NJ based Covanta Holding Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides waste and energy services to municipal entities primarily in the United States and Canada. Covanta Holding Corporation reported that its annual Total Revenue rose from over $16.9 billion in 2016 to over $1.75 billion in 2017 and that its Net Loss of $4.00 million in 2016 turned to Net Income of $57 million in 2017.



Shares of Covanta Holding Corporation (NYSE: CVA) closed on February 6, 2019, $17.63 per share.



Those who purchased shares of Covanta Holding Corporation (NYSE: CVA), have certain options and should contact the Shareholders Foundation.



About Shareholders Foundation, Inc.

The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is a professional portfolio monitoring and settlement claim filing service, , which does research related to shareholder issues and informs investors of securities class actions, settlements, judgments, and other legal related news to the stock/financial market. Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is in contact with a large number of shareholders and offers help, support, and assistance for every shareholder. The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is not a law firm. Referenced cases, investigation, and/or settlements are not filed/reached and/or related to Shareholders Foundation. The information is provided as a public service. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon.



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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- The expanding database of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has been recently updated by the addition of a new study which is titled as "IoT in Elevators Market  Predicted to Expand at a CAGR of 16.1 % during Forecast Period". The fact-based research report on the global IoT in Elevators market covers various aspects such as trends, drivers, challenges and opportunities that have an influence on the growth and expansion of the global market. All these factors are analyzed across key regions of Latin America, North America, Europe, Middle and Africa (MEA) and the Asia Pacific. In order to provide an accurate forecast, analysts have presented the current market, which forms the basis of how the metal caps and closures market is expected to develop in the future.



The report includes a detailed value chain analysis and opportunity analysis, which is focused on providing anextensiveview of the global IoT in elevators market. Porter's Five Forces analysisis also provided to understand the competitive scenario in the market. The study incorporates IoT in elevators market attractiveness analysis, in which market segments based on componentsuch as hardware, software, and services are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and attractiveness in terms of opportunity.In order to provide a complete analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the IoT in elevators market, attractiveness analysis of every geographic region mentioned in the reporthas been provided.



In recent times, many technological advancements have taken place in the IoT in elevators market. Hotels, hospitals, parking buildings, and the commercial, residential, and industrial sector widely use IoT in elevators. Therefore, the IoT in elevators market is expected to expand at a rapid pace in the coming years. Growing need to adopt new IT solutions with modern consumer trends across the world is driving demand for IoT in elevators. This is anticipated to drive the market over the forecast period. Moreover, increasing demand for safe and power efficient technologies from the construction industry is expected to fuel the growth of the market in the near future. However, high initial investment is anticipated to hinder the growth of the market across the world. The IoT in elevators market is likely to reach a value of US$ 50.76 Bn by 2026 from US$ 13.49Bn in 2017, expanding at a CAGR of 16.1% during the forecast period.



To Get Sample Copy of Report, Click here @ https://www.mrrse.com/sample/18435



An overview of the IoT in elevators market detailing key trends and dynamics has been included to providea clear understanding of market driving forces. The dynamics include impact analysis of market drivers, restraining factors, and opportunities of the IoT in elevators market. Additionally, the report provides analysis of business strategies adopted by market leaders in the IoT in elevators market. Trends and services related to IoT in elevator systems along with their applications have also been explained in the report.



The study provides a decisive view of the global IoT in elevators market, broadly segmentedbased on componentinto hardware, software, and services; based on application into preventive maintenance, remote monitoring, advanced reporting, connectivity management, and others; and in terms of end-user into residential, commercial, and industrial. Further, the report provides a detailed breakdown of the IoT in elevators market across geographic regions, which include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America, thus providing valuable insights at the micro and macro levels.



The report highlights the competitive scenario within the IoT in elevators market, ranking all the major players according to key recent developmentsand their geographic presence. The insights into the IoT in elevators market are a result of our extensive primary interviews, secondary research, and in-house expert panel reviews. Thesemarket estimates have been analyzed byconsidering the impact of differenteconomic, political, social, legal,and technological factors.



The market in North America has been segmented into the U.S., Canada, and Rest of North America. Furthermore, the market in Europe has been analyzed across France, Germany, the U.K., and Rest of Europe. The IoT in elevators market in Asia Pacific has been segmented at country level into China, Japan, India, and Rest of Asia Pacific. The Middle East & Africa region covers GCC countries, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa. Similarly, South America includes Brazil and Rest of South America. This report provides all the strategic information required to understand the IoT in elevators market along with component, application, and end-user.



The research methodology is a perfect combination of primary research, secondary research, and expert panel reviews. Secondary sources such as annual reports, company websites, SEC filings and investor presentations, internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases, relevant patent and regulatory databases, market reports, government publications, World Bank database, and industry white papers are usually referred to for developing a preliminary understanding of the market.



Primary research involves telephonic interviews, e-mail interactions, and face-to-face interviews for detailed and unbiased reviews of the IoT in elevators market across geographies. Primary interviews are usually conducted on an ongoing basis with industry experts and participants in order to obtain the latest market insights and validate existing data and analysis. Primary interviews offer new and fresh information on important factors such as market trends, market size, competitive landscape,growth trends, etc. These factors help validate and strengthen secondary research findings. Moreover, the data collected and analyzed from secondary and primary research is again discussed and examined by our expert panel.



Browse Complete Report with TOC @ https://www.mrrse.com/iot-in-elevators-market



Global IoT in Elevators Market: Competitive Dynamics



The research study includes profiles of major companies operating in the global IoT in elevators market. Market players have been profiled in terms of attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, and recent developments. Parameters such as investment and spending and developments by major players of the market are tracked. Some of the key players in the IoT in elevators market are ThyssenKrupp AG, KONE Corporation, Otis Elevator Company,Schindler Group, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Toshiba Elevatorsamong others.



The IoT in elevators market has been segmented as follows:



Global IoT in Elevators Market



By Component



Hardware(M2M Gateway/Elevator Gateway)



Software



On-premise



Cloud



Services



Designing & Engineering



Installation



Refurbishing



Maintenance & Repair



Managed Services



By Application



Preventive Maintenance



Remote Monitoring



Advanced Reporting



Connectivity Management



Others (Call Management)



By End-user



Residential



Commercial



Industrial



By Geography



North America



The U.S.



Canada



Rest of North America



Europe



Germany



The U.K.



France



Rest of Europe



Asia Pacific



China



Japan



India



Rest of Asia Pacific



Middle East & Africa



GCC Countries



South Africa



Rest of Middle East & Africa



South America



Brazil



Rest of South America



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Selbyville, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- Market Study Report recently introduced new title on "2018-2023 Global Industrial Fiber Laser Market Report" from its database. The report provides study with in-depth overview, describing about the Product, Industry Scope and elaborates market outlook and status to 2023.



The research analysts in their primary research observed that the rapid growth of the Industrial Fiber Laser market over the forecast period is expected to open potential opportunities for the Industrial Fiber Laser manufacturers in the global market. The global Industrial Fiber Laser markets segmented on the basis of the product, end-user, and the geographical regions.



According to this study, over the next five years the Industrial Fiber Laser market will register a xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ xx million by 2023, from US$ xx million in 2017. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in Industrial Fiber Laser business, shared in Chapter 3.



Request a Sample this premium Report at: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1355888?utm_source=releaswire&utm_medium=Pravin/



This report studies the Industrial Fiber Laser market status and outlook of Global and major regions, from angles of players, countries, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global market and splits the Industrial Fiber Laser market by product type and applications/end industries.



This Report Focusing on Following Key Manufactures by Significant Research

Coherent

IPG Photonics

Newport

Rofin-Sinar Technologies

Trumpf

3S Photonics

Active Fiber Systems

Advalue Photonics

Amonics

Apollo Instruments

Calmar Laser

Clark MXR

EKSPLA

ELUXI

EOLITE Systems

KNT photonics

Fiber LAST

Furukawa Electric

GSI Group

Hypertherm

IMRA America

JDS Uniphase

JENOPTIK Laser

Keopsys

Max photonics

Mitsubishi



The Industrial Fiber Laser Report consists of all the basic information regarding the Industrial Fiber Laser market. The all-inclusive report will aid users to understand the market current trends, industry growth drivers, share, analysis, size, production, forecast trends, supply, sales, demands, and many other aspects. The analysis is accomplish using an objective amalgamation of primary and secondary data including contributions from major participants in the market. The global Industrial Fiber Laser report is an essential reserve of data, primarily for the industry administrators.



Fiber lasers contain the active gain medium, which is an optical fiber integrated with rare earth elements such as erbium and ytterbium. Unlike conventional gas lasers, a fiber laser uses part of the fiber as the resonating cavity, where the laser action takes place to generate laser beams.



Market Segment by Type, covers

Fiber laser

CO laser

Solid-state laser



Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into

Macromaterial processing

Micromaterial processing

Marking or engraving



Request a Discount of this premium Report at: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/1355888?utm_source=releaswire&utm_medium=Pravin/



Key Regions, 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 etc.)

Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)



Some of the major points of Industrial Fiber Laser market includes



To study and analyze the global Industrial Fiber Laser consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2013 to 2017, and forecast to 2023.

To understand the structure of Industrial Fiber Laser market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Industrial Fiber Laser manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.

To analyze the Industrial Fiber Laser with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Industrial Fiber Laser submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.



To Get Full Access of This Information: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-north-america-europe-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa-industrial-fiber-laser-market-2018-forecast-to-2023



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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.
Selbyville, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- Market Study Report recently introduced new title on "2018-2023 Global Industrial Automation in Life Sciences Market Report" from its database. The report provides study with in-depth overview, describing about the Product, Industry Scope and elaborates market outlook and status to 2023.



The research analysts in their primary research observed that the rapid growth of the Industrial Automation in Life Sciences market over the forecast period is expected to open potential opportunities for the Industrial Automation in Life Sciences manufacturers in the global market. The global Industrial Automation in Life Sciences markets segmented on the basis of the product, end-user, and the geographical regions.



According to this study, over the next five years the Industrial Automation in Life Sciences market will register a xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ xx million by 2023, from US$ xx million in 2017. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in Industrial Automation in Life Sciences business, shared in Chapter 3.



Request a Sample this premium Report at: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1355855?utm_source=releaswire&utm_medium=Pravin/

This report studies the Industrial Automation in Life Sciences market status and outlook of Global and major regions, from angles of players, countries, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global market and splits the Industrial Automation in Life Sciences market by product type and applications/end industries.



This Report Focusing on Following Key Manufactures by Significant Research

ABB

Emerson Electric

Rockwell Automation

Siemens

Beckhoff

Bosch Rexroth

GE

Honeywell International

IDEC

Hitachi

Omron

Yokogawa Electric



The Industrial Automation in Life Sciences Report consists of all the basic information regarding the Industrial Automation in Life Sciences market. The all-inclusive report will aid users to understand the market current trends, industry growth drivers, share, analysis, size, production, forecast trends, supply, sales, demands, and many other aspects. The analysis is accomplish using an objective amalgamation of primary and secondary data including contributions from major participants in the market. The global Industrial Automation in Life Sciences report is an essential reserve of data, primarily for the industry administrators.



The life sciences industry is characterized by expiring patents, rising cost of R&D, shorter time to market, aggressive marketing, and growing number of strict legal regulations. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are thus embracing flexible methods to optimize the entire supply chain and reduce the time to market. These technologies can be applied to a range of processes, starting from the procurement of raw materials to the distribution of the finished goods.



Market Segment by Type, covers

DCS

PLC

SCADA

MES



Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into

Biotechnology

Medical Device

Pharmaceuticals

Other



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Key Regions, 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 etc.)

Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)



Key Highlights of Industrial Automation in Life Sciences market are:

To study and analyze the global Industrial Automation in Life Sciences consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2013 to 2017, and forecast to 2023.

To understand the structure of Industrial Automation in Life Sciences market by identifying its various subsegments.



Focuses on the key global Industrial Automation in Life Sciences manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.



To analyze the Industrial Automation in Life Sciences with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Industrial Automation in Life Sciences submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.



To Get Full Access of This Information: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-north-america-europe-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa-industrial-automation-in-life-sciences-market-2018-forecast-to-2023



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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.
New Jersey, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- Advance Market Analytics recently Announced Global Gold Loan study with 100+ market data Tables and Figures spread through Pages and easy to understand detailed TOC on "Gold Loan. Global Gold Loan research allows you to get different methods for maximizing your profit. The research study provides estimates for Global Gold Loan Forecast till 2025*. Some of the Leading key Company's Covered for this Research are Barrick Gold (Canada) , AngloGold Ashanti (South Africa) , Freeport-McMoRan , Newmont Mining and Rand gold Resources



Free Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @ : http://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/45972-global-gold-loan-market



Gold loan is sanctioned by accepting the gold ornaments of the customer as pledge. Gold loans, like personal loans or credit card borrowings, are often used for short term household requirements. By pledging your gold ornaments, coins, biscuits, bars etc. the lender provides you with liquidity at a predetermined rate of interest.



Market Drivers

Exclusion from mainstream personal and retail loans by scheduled banks

Changing attitudes towards applying for gold loans

Geographical demands



Market Trend

Availability of gold loan in extremely flexible terms and lower default rates in the supply side



Restraints

Increasing government regulations

Data security related to privacy



Opportunities

Large volume of existing gold held by rural communities can increase the chances of rendering the gold loan which can increase the market growth



Enquire for customization in Report @ http://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/45972-global-gold-loan-market



Market Leaders and their expansionary development strategies

Barrick Gold Corporation announced that it has agreed to exercise its participation right in connection with a private placement offering by Reunion Gold Corporation



Important Features that are under offering & key highlights of the report:



1) Who are the Leading Key Company in Global Gold Loan market space?



Following are list of players that are currently profiled in the report " Barrick Gold (Canada) , AngloGold Ashanti (South Africa) , Freeport-McMoRan , Newmont Mining and Randgold Resources "



** List of companies mentioned may vary in the final report subject to Name Change / Merger etc.



2) What will the market size be in 2025 and what will the growth rate be?



In 2019, the Global Gold Loan market size was xx million USD and it is expected to reach USD xx million by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of xx% during 2019-2025.



- North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico.

- South & Central America: Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.

- Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Egypt and South Africa.

- Europe: UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Russia.

- Asia-Pacific: India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia.



Competitive Analysis:

The key players are highly focusing innovation in production technologies to improve efficiency and shelf life. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be captured by ensuring ongoing process improvements and financial flexibility to invest in the optimal strategies. Company profile section of players such as Barrick Gold (Canada) , AngloGold Ashanti (South Africa) , Freeport-McMoRan , Newmont Mining and Randgold Resources includes its basic information like legal name, website, headquarters, its market position, historical background and top 5 closest competitors by Market capitalization / revenue along with contact information. Each player/ manufacturer revenue figures, growth rate and gross profit margin is provided in easy to understand tabular format for past 5 years and a separate section on recent development like mergers, acquisition or any new product/service launch etc.



Research Parameter/ Research Methodology



Primary Research:

The primary sources involves the industry experts from the Global Gold Loan industry including the management organizations, processing organizations, analytics service providers of the industry's value chain. All primary sources were interviewed to gather and authenticate qualitative & quantitative information and determine the future prospects. In the extensive primary research process undertaken for this study, the primary sources  industry experts such as CEOs, vice presidents, marketing director, technology & innovation directors, founders and related key executives from various key companies and organizations in the Global Gold Loan in the industry have been interviewed to obtain and verify both qualitative and quantitative aspects of this research study.



Secondary Research:

In the Secondary research crucial information about the industries value chain, total pool of key players, and application areas. It also assisted in market segmentation according to industry trends to the bottom-most level, geographical markets and key developments from both market and technology oriented perspectives.



Full Copy Global Gold Loan Report 2019 @ http://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/reports/45972-global-gold-loan-market



In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Global Gold Loan are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2018

Base Year: 2018

Estimated Year: 2019

Forecast Year 2019 to 2025



**Actual Numbers & In-Depth Analysis, Business opportunities, Market Size Estimation Available in Full Report.



Buy this research @ http://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/buy-now?format=1&report=45972



Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.
Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- www.MarketResearchNest.com adds Latest Report in 2019, the "Global Spectrophotometer Market Growth 2019-2024."



A spectrophotometer is an instrument that used for the measurement of transmittance or reflectance of solutions, transparent or opaque solids, such as polished glass, or gases. However they can also be designed to measure the diffusivity on any of the listed light ranges that usually cover around 200 nm - 2500 nm using different controls and calibrations.



A spectrophotometer, in general, consists of two devices; a spectrometer and a photometer. A spectrometer is a device that produces, typically disperses and measures light. A photometer indicates the photoelectric detector that measures the intensity of light.



First a collimator (lens) transmits a straight beam of light (photons) that passes through a monochromator (prism) to split it into several component wavelengths (spectrum). Then a wavelength selector (slit) transmits only the desired wavelengths. After the desired range of wavelength of light passes through the solution of a sample in cuvette, the photometer detects the amount of photons that is absorbed and then sends a signal to a galvanometer or a digital display.



There is also a certain space in the Spectrophotometer product demand market, so in the next years, the spectrometer will continue developing rapidly.



In China, the high-end Spectrophotometer products mainly rely on import from foreign developed countries, like US, Germany, Japan. To meet the large demand for the high-end products, Chinese manufacturers will invest much more on the RandD, which will certainly weaken the dependence of imports.



Inquire for buying sample copy of Spectrophotometer Market @ https://www.marketresearchnest.com/report/enquirybuy/526915



According to this study, over the next five years the Spectrophotometer market will register a 2.3% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ 2560 million by 2024, from US$ 2230 million in 2019. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in Spectrophotometer business, shared in Chapter 3.



This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Spectrophotometer market by product type, application, key manufacturers and key regions and countries.



The report also presents the market competition landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the major vendor/manufacturers in the market. The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3:

- Agilent

- Thermo Fisher

- Hitachi

- Shimadzu

- PerkinElmer

- Hach

- Beckman Coulter

- Xylem

- VWR

- Biochrom

- Analytik Jena

- JASCO

- BioTek

- Bibby Scientific

- PG Instruments

- BandW Tek

- INESA

- Spectrum

- Shanghai Lab-Spectrum Instruments



Segmentation by product type: breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2024 in section 11.7:

- Single-beam

- Double-beam



Browse the full summary and TOC of Spectrophotometer Market @ https://www.marketresearchnest.com/Global-Spectrophotometer-Market-Growth-2019-2024.html



Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2024 in section 11.8:

- Pharmaceutical

- Biotechnology

- Industrial Chemistry

- Food and Beverage

- Environmental,

- Others



This report also splits the market by region: Breakdown data in Chapter 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8:

- Americas: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil

- APAC: China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia

- Europe: Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain

- Middle East and Africa: Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries



Key questions answered in this report:

- What will the Spectrophotometer Market Size is in 2024 and what will the growth rate be?

- What is the key Spectrophotometer Market Trends?

- What is driving this Spectrophotometer Market?

- What are the challenges to Spectrophotometer Market Growth?

- Who are the key vendors in this Spectrophotometer Market Space?

- What are the Spectrophotometer Market Opportunities and Threats faced by the key vendors?

- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Spectrophotometer Market Key Vendor?



Request a sample copy of Spectrophotometer Market @ https://www.marketresearchnest.com/report/requestsample/526915



In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, the challenges and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.



Research objectives:

- To study and analyze the global Spectrophotometer consumption (value and volume) by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2014 to 2018, and forecast to 2024.

- To understand the structure of Spectrophotometer market by identifying its various subsegments.

- Focuses on the key global Spectrophotometer manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.

- To analyze the Spectrophotometer with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

- To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

- To project the consumption of Spectrophotometer submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

- To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

- To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.



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New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2019 -- The Study On key vendors in this Glass Containers Market includes are Amcor, Consol Glass, Ardagh Group, Owens-Illinois, Saint Gobain, Gerresheimer, Vetropack, Quinn Glass, Saverglass Group, BA Glass, Hindusthan National Glass, Nampak Ltd, Wiegand Glas, Vidrala S.A.



Download Free Sample copy of Glass Containers Market at:- https://www.marketgrowthinsight.com/sample/13575



Global Glass Containers Market is expected to strongly dominate the global economy with a substantial growth rate in upcoming years. Rapidly developing industry infrastructure, increased product commercialization, and drifting demands of the Glass Containers are bolstering Glass Containers industry's foothold to become more influential and considerably contribute in international revenue generation.



The years considered to estimate the market size of Glass Containers are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2025



A quick look at the regional analysis of Glass Containers Market:

This report studies the global Glass Containers market status and forecast, categorizes the global Glass Containers 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).



To offer granularity,the study accurately screens through and validates various information pertaining to this business vertical including the important definitions, product types,and application.The research further looks into other critical factors such as investment feasibility, estimated return on investment, supply chain management, consumption power, product pricing and import and export status to enable business owners to reach the right conclusion for successful returns. Data on core competencies to the prominent market players and market opportunities are presented through self explanatory charts,tables and graphic images.



On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, and market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into

Glass Bottle

Glass Jars

Glass Vials

Other



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, including

Cosmetics & Perfumes

Pharmaceuticals

Food Packaging

Beverage Packaging

Other



Download Free Sample copy of Glass Containers Market at:- https://www.marketgrowthinsight.com/sample/13575



Key points from TOC:



7.1 Overview

7.2 Global Glass Containers Breakdown Dada by Application

7.2.1 Global Glass Containers Consumption by Application

7.2.2 Global Glass Containers Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)



continue....



Browse Full RD with TOC of This Report at:

https://www.marketgrowthinsight.com/13575/glass-containers-market



The study objectives of this Glass Containers Market report are:

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 sub market with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.



You may also be interested in these related reports:-



Beer Glass Market Size, Share, Trend & Growth Forecast to 2025

@https://www.marketgrowthinsight.com/20080/beer-glass-market



Glass Bubbles Market Industry Analysis & Outlook to 2025

@https://www.marketgrowthinsight.com/21783/glass-bubbles-market



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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2019 -- Clomazone is an agrochemical which comprises Isoxazole which is bound to a 2-chlorobenzyl group. The compound is responsible for suppressing the biosynthesis of chlorophyll and other pigments. The compound serves as a herbicide in the agrochemical industry, and is sold under different brand names such as "Commence", "Command", and "Kalif". Although the market for clomazone has been growing in most of the regions, it hasn't seen a similar trend in emerging economies such as China over the past few years. Several manufacturers of clomazone have ceased the production of the compound, citing issues such as higher production cost as well as production barriers pertaining to pollution. Other than production, the herbicide is sold to areas such as Northeast of China. In addition, more than half of the clomazone manufactured in China is exported to various developed and emerging regions such as North America, South America, and Europe.



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The global market for clomazone has been witnessing a noticeable increase owing to growth of the herbicides industry. Growing demand for organic food is also expected to boost the demand for clomazone in herbicides over the forecast period. Over the recent years, the global industry for organic food has witnessed significant growth. Rising concerns of consumers in terms of environmental protection, and food safety are some of the major reasons driving the growth of the organic food industry. The growth of such agrochemicals in emerging economies is anticipated to provide new opportunities for the clomazone market. In addition to improving the food security, agriculture also plays an important role in enhancing the economic growth of emerging economies.



Approximately one billion of the global population does not have proper access to adequate nutrition and food. Increasing focus of the seed industry towards crop protection is leading towards the development of various methods for seed treatment, which in turn are boosting the demand for herbicides thereby fueling the demand for clomazone.



Clomazone is widely used in various fruit and other crops such as apple and rice. Clomazone helps keep crops disease free and healthy, thereby enhancing the productivity of farmers. The crop industry is focused on protecting crops from various diseases and pests. Different methods of crop protection such as usage of herbicides and seed treatment are being implemented by farmers worldwide. Clomazone is less toxic in nature vis-a-vis other herbicides; as a result, it has garnered global approval for usage in fruit and rice crops. Demand for weed removing chemicals such as clomazone is likely to rise over the next few years, led by rising production of food sources such as apples and rice.



Demand for clomazone was highest in North America owing to prevalence of the significant genetically modified crops industry where these herbicides are used for seed treatment purposes. Asia-Pacific is likely to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period despite recent market slowdown in China. Emerging countries such as China and India are expected to dominate the clomazone industry due to the increasing awareness for organic food among the population generated by government support. Environmental hazards associated with other herbicides coupled with the promotion of clomazone by certain government agencies to create awareness among the masses are other vital factors driving the market. The market is expected to be the largest in countries such as Argentina and Brazil due to the consumption of clomazone on a large scale in the genetically modified crop industry.



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Cheminova, Inc., Bessen Chemical Co. Ltd., Makhteshim Agan Industries Ltd, and Willowood USA are some of the key companies involved in the clomazone industry.
GARDNER, Mass., Feb. 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. (OTCQB: PEYE) (the Company) today announced that it intends to release its financial results for the fiscal year 2019 second quarter ended December 31, 2018 after market trading ends on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.



Management has scheduled a conference call for 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 to review the Company's financial results and future outlook. Participants may dial into the following number to access the call: 1-844-826-3042 or international callers using 1-412-317-5187. Please ask to be joined into the Precision Optics Corporation conference call. A replay of the call can be accessed until February 19, 2019 at 1-877-344-7529 or 1-412-317-0088 for international callers, and entering Replay Access Code 10128620.

About Precision Optics Corporation

Precision Optics Corporation has been a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical instruments since 1982. Using proprietary optical technologies, the Company designs and produces next generation medical instruments, Microprecision micro-optics with characteristic dimensions less than 1 millimeter, and other advanced optical systems for a broad range of customers including some of the largest world-wide medical device companies. The Company's innovative medical instrumentation line includes state-of-the-art endoscopes and endocouplers as well as custom illumination and imaging products for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The Company believes that current advances in its proprietary micro-optics and 3D imaging technologies present significant opportunities for expanding applications to numerous potential medical products and procedures. The Company's website is www.poci.com. Investors can find Real-Time Quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com/stock/PEYE/quote .

Company Contact:

Precision Optics Corporation

22 East Broadway

Gardner, Massachusetts, 01440-3338

Telephone: 978-630-1800
Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2019 -- "Global Construction Composite Market by 2026" is a professional and in-depth study of the construction industry, focusing on global market trends. The report aims to provide an overview of the global construction composite market through detailed market segmentation by fiber type, resin type, application and geography.

The global construction sector continues to grow at a high rate, and demand for commercial and residential construction is increasing. Composites have increased strength and are resistant to corrosion, chemical resistance, durability and flexibility and can withstand extreme heat. These benefits have helped the growth of the construction mix market by attracting many construction companies, private construction companies or promoters from around the world.



These benefits continue to gain customer traction in the recent years, it is expected to create considerable market space in the construction composite market in the next few years. Low maintenance cost of composites also drives the procurement growth of composites in construction sector, thereby, catalyzing the growth of construction composite market.



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Top Key Players Are Including In This Report: STRONGWELL CORPORATION, TREX COMPANY INC., HUGHES BROTHERS INC, SCHOECK INTERNATIONAL, DIVERSIFIED STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES, UPM BIOCOMPOSITES, EXCEL COMPOSITES, PULTRON COMPOSITES, FIBERGRATE COMPOSITE STRUCTURE INC. etc.



As urbanization of emerging economies progresses, construction composites manufacturers are able to sell large quantities of products, accelerating the growth of the composite market in recent years. In developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, there is a continuing increase in demand for composite materials for civil engineering applications.



One of the main challenges facing construction composite manufacturers to attract customers is the easy availability of counterfeit goods in local markets. This factor is hampering the growth of the construction composite market.



The global construction composite market is expected to grow strongly during the forecast period. The Construction Composite Market Report provides key statistics on market conditions for key market players and provides key market trends and opportunities.



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What are the key features report offers?



1. It offers several ways for exploring the market growth opportunities.

2. It represents the various statistics of financial terms in the businesses.

3. It provides insights into factors affecting the growth of the Construction Composite market.

4. Furthermore, it gives massive data of historical records, existing statistics, and futuristic developments.

5. It offers the country level regional analysis of the market in terms of size and scope for the Construction Composite market.

6. It provides the strategic planning methodologies for the Construction Composite industries.

7. It tracks and analyzes the competitive landscape at the domestic and global platforms.



The report also looks at the influential factors that are affecting the development of the global Construction Composite market. This statistical report also offers various internal and external driving as well as restraining factors for this research report.



The Construction Composite Market Report provides a detailed overview of the industry, including qualitative and quantitative information. It provides an overview and forecast of the global architectural composite market, which is based on fiber types, resin types and applications. It also provides market size and forecasts by 2026 for the entire Construction Composite market for five key regions. North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM)



The construction composite market for each region will later be broken down by country and sector. The report covers the current trends and opportunities in the region, as well as the analysis and forecasting of 16 countries around the world.



In addition, the Construction Composite Market Analysis Report analyzes factors affecting the market in terms of supply and demand and evaluates market forces that affect the market during the forecast period: drivers, constraints, opportunities and future trends. The report also provides a thorough pest analysis by region.



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- Global Construction Composite Market Overview

- Economic Impact on Market

- Market Competition

- Global Construction Composite Market Analysis by Application

- Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers

- Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders

- Global Construction Composite Market Effect, Factors, Analysis

- Global Construction Composite Market Forecast
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2019 -- Closed drug transfer systems are defined as drug transfer devices that prohibit the transfer of environmental contaminants into the system and release the hazardous vapor concentrations outside the system. The system is used to transfer hazardous drugs from one receptacle to another without being exposed to outside environment and to the person who is working on it. For example, for preparing and administering chemotherapy drugs containing hazardous antineoplastic agents, there is a need to transfer drug from vial to syringe and then from syringe to IV infusion bag. During each transfer there is a possibility for exposure to the hazardous drugs. To prevent such exposure, closed drug transfer systems are used as these exposures may lead to serious health complications from skin irritation to birth defects and even some type of cancers. One of the studies demonstrates that nurses working with cytotoxic drugs on regular basis have found a statistically higher rate of spontaneous abortion.



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The market for closed drug transfer systems is growing at faster pace driven by the regulatory and industry efforts to design the procedures and standards for protecting workers and patients from incidental and accidental exposure to cytotoxics. Various government regulatories such as American Society of Health System Pharmacists, The Oncology Nursing Society and The Occupational Safety and Health Administration among many others have set up a list of guidelines for safer handling of hazardous drugs leading to the increased use of the closed drug transfer systems. On the basis of the available closed drug transfer systems, the market for closed drug transfer system is segmented into five segments namely:



- PhaSeal

- AquaShield

- OnGuard

- SmartSite

- ChemoClave



All of the above mentioned closed drug transfer systems are approved by Food and Drug Association (FDA) and are used extensively. One of the trials conducted at the Yamada Red Cross Hospital, Japan using PhaSeal to detect the concentration of cyclophosphamide in pharmacist's urine samples demonstrated that the mean amount of cyclosphosphamide in the samples was 3.6 ng in 24 hours in comparison to 47.4 ng in 24 hours before the installation of PhaSeal. The major restraint which the market is facing is the bio-hazardous waste generated by the closed drug transfer systems as this waste could lead to serious infections. Among all the available closed drug transfer systems, ChemoClave is considered as the most efficient system on the basis of exposure percentage, cost-effectiveness and amount of bio-hazardous waste generation.



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North America leads the closed drug transfer system market followed by Europe majorly due to strict government safety regulations driving the demand for these systems and presence of high awareness about these products. The available reimbursement policies in U.S., Europe and Japan are an additional factor leading to increased use of these systems. Market of Asia-Pacific is driven by the growing awareness about the healthcare products in emerging countries such as India and China and strict government guidelines for preparing anti-cancer drugs in Japan. Additionally, new products innovations is also helping the market to grow as currently there is no 100% safe closed drug transfer system available in the market. Companies whose products are approved by the U.S. FDA in the closed drug transfer systems market include B.Braun Medical, Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, iCU Medical, Inc., EquaShield Medical and Carefusion Corporation.



MRR.BIZ has been compiled in-depth market research data in the report after exhaustive primary and secondary research. Our team of able, experienced in-house analysts has collated the information through personal interviews and study of industry databases, journals, and reputable paid sources.



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- Tailwinds and headwinds molding the market's trajectory

- Market segments based on products, technology, and applications

- Prospects of each segment

- Overall current and possible future size of the market

- Growth pace of the market

- Competitive landscape and key players' strategies



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- Strategize effectively with respect to production and distribution



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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- The consistent advancements in technology in the last few decades has benefited the global car security system market immensely. One of the key factors boosting the growth of this market is the rising incidences of car thefts across the globe. Another important factor which is working in the favour of this market is steps taken by government in order to ensure that automakers install immobilisers as a standard feature in each new car manufactured by them. A case in point would be the Western Australia Department of Transport. The Western Australia Department of Transport has mandated the installation of immobilizers as a standard feature each and every new car manufactured by automakers.



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Security system manufacturers are leveraging on the penetration of smart devices such as smart watches and smartphones and providing security features in mobile phones in order to help consumers track down their car in case of a theft. The proliferation of high-speed internet and the rising use of global positioning systems and other internet connectivity systems which are capable of offering advanced security features to consumers are some of the other factors boosting the growth of the global car security system market.



Global Car Security System Market: Trends And Opportunities



One of the key things which is benefiting the growth of the global car security system market is the increasing competition among automakers which in turn is driving each automaker to install improved and advanced security systems in all of their newer vehicles. Another Trend which can be seen in the automobile industry today is that of telematics. Telematics is used extensively buy car owners in order to enjoy comfort and ease of car monitoring techniques, resulting in enhanced security of their vehicles. Another important factor favouring the growth of the global is the rising spending two words after market. The growth of the aftermarket industry is in fact spurring the growth of the global car security system market.



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The report, not only discusses the various factors boosting the growth of the market but also lays equal emphasis on the important factors which are anticipated to restrict the growth of the market from reaching its fullest potential. One of the key factors restricting the growth of this market is the high cost of production and installation of car security systems. Many manufacturers are providing advanced car security systems only in their premium variants of cars. This is limiting the demand for car security systems. On a bright note however, the growing establishment of car manufacturing plants in developing nations such as China, India, and Mexico is expected to open new avenues of growth within the car security system Market.
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- This report researches the worldwide Benzyl Benzoate market size (value, capacity, production and consumption) in key regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (China, Japan) and other regions.

This study categorizes the global Benzyl Benzoate breakdown data by manufacturers, region, type and application, also analyzes the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.



Benzyl benzoate is a kind of ester compound by condensation of benzoate and benzyl alcohol, there are a lot of important applications. It can mainly be used in textile auxiliaries, flavors and Fragrance, pharmaceuticals and plasticizer.

Benzyl Benzoate is an important chemical, it is widely used in pharmaceuticals, textile auxiliaries, flavors and fragrances, and plasticizer. In 2016, about 10365 MT benzyl benzoate were used in textile auxiliaries, the consuming volume in this field took 48.54% and became the biggest application field.



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China, USA, Europe are the main consuming regions in the world. China is the biggest consuming region. In 2016, 5934 MT benzyl benzoate were consumed in China. Europe was the second biggest consuming region in the world, consuming 5928 MT closely next to China. In 2016, the global revenue was 59.82 Million USD.

In future, the sale volume will continue to increase to 22995 MT in 2022 from 21352 MT in 2016 with the CAGR of 1.24%. However, with the price decreasing, the revenue will show the opposite trend with 56.26 Million USD in 2022 lower than 59.82 Million USD in 2016.



Global Benzyl Benzoate market size will increase to 61 Million US$ by 2025, from 59 Million US$ in 2017, at a CAGR of 0.2% during the forecast period. In this study, 2017 has been considered as the base year and 2018 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for Benzyl Benzoate.



This report focuses on the top manufacturers' Benzyl Benzoate capacity, production, value, price and market share of Benzyl Benzoate in global market. The following manufacturers are covered in this report:

LANXESS

Emerald Kalama Chemical

Ernesto Vents

Vertellus

HELM

Tennants Fine Chemicals

Sabari Chemicals

Hubei Greenhome Fine Chemical

Wuhan Biet

Wuhan Youji Industries

Dongda Chemical

Zengrui Chemical



Benzyl Benzoate Breakdown Data by Type

Pharmaceutical Grade

Industrial Grade

Flavors & Fragrance Grade

Benzyl Benzoate Breakdown Data by Application

Pharmaceuticals

Textile Auxiliaries

Flavors and Fragrance

Plasticizer

Other



View TOC : https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-benzyl-benzoate-market-insights-forecast-to-2025.htm/toc



Benzyl Benzoate Production Breakdown Data by Region

United States

Europe

China

Japan

Other Regions



Benzyl Benzoate Consumption Breakdown Data by Region

North America

United States

Canada

Mexico

Asia-Pacific

China

India

Japan

South Korea

Australia

Indonesia

Malaysia

Philippines

Thailand

Vietnam

Europe

Germany

France

UK

Italy

Russia

Rest of Europe

Central & South America

Brazil

Rest of South America

Middle East & Africa

GCC Countries

Turkey

Egypt

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa



The study objectives are:

To analyze and research the global Benzyl Benzoate capacity, production, value, consumption, status and forecast;

To focus on the key Benzyl Benzoate manufacturers and study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in next few years.

To 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 market.

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.



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In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Benzyl Benzoate :

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2025

For 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.



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Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- According to the latest market research report "Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Market by Offering (Hardware, Software, and Services), Technology (Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Context-Aware Computing, and NLP), Application, Industry, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.0 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach USD 17.2 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 49.5% from 2018 to 2025.



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The market has huge potential across various industries such as automobile, energy and power, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages. Increasingly large and complex data set available in the form of big data and evolving industrial IoT and automation drive the growth of this market. Improving computing power and declining cost of hardware are other key factors driving the AI in manufacturing market.



AI in manufacturing market for software to hold largest market during forecast period



The AI in manufacturing market for software segment is expected to hold the largest market from 2018 to 2023. A large number of companies such as IBM (US), Microsoft (US), SAP (Germany) and Siemens (Germany) are developing software solutions for various manufacturing applications; this is the key factor complementing the growth of software segment. Moreover, growing involvement of start-ups in the market is further complementing the growth of the software segment.



Browse in-depth TOC on "Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Market"



61 - Tables

48 - Figures

184 - Pages



Computer vision technology to witness highest CAGR from 2018 to 2025



Computer vision technology is expected to foresee the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period. The growing adoption of computer vision in applications such as industrial robots, quality control, and material movement is propelling the growth of this technology in the AI in manufacturing market. Computer vision is mainly used for predictive maintenance and machinery inspection purpose. Companies such as Siemens (Germany) and Mitsubishi Electric (Japan) are using computer vision technology in their manufacturing plants.



APAC leads AI in manufacturing market in terms of value



APAC to account for the largest size of the AI in manufacturing market throughout the forecast period. The presence of a large number of manufacturing companies in China and Japan along with the strong presence of automobile and electronics and semiconductor companies are driving the growth of the AI in manufacturing market in APAC. Moreover, the high adoption of industrial robots is expected to play a vital role in the growth of the said market in APAC.



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The major companies profiled in this report are NVIDIA Corporation (US), IBM Corporation (US), Alphabet Inc. (Google) (US), Microsoft Corporation (US), Intel Corporation (US), Siemens AG (Germany), General Electric Company (US), General Vision Inc. (US), Data RPM (US) (now Progress Software Corporation), Clearpath Robotics Inc.(Canada), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), Sight Machine (US), SAP SE (Germany), Oracle Corporation (US).



About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.



Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.



MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.



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Ouray, CO -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2019 -- Jeep jamborees have remained a longtime tradition that's been around since the start of the 1950s when pioneer Mark A. Smith decided to explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains via the Rubicon Trail. After Jeep manufacturer Willys Motors signed on, the jamboree has retained a loyal fanbase.



The 2019 Jeep Jamboree is making a triumphant return to Ouray, Colorado! The jamboree will wind through the towering heights of the San Juan Mountains including the intriguingly historic ghost towns and the formidable Imogene Pass which remains one of the highest driveable passes in the United States of America.



The Ouray Jeep Jamboree isn't starting until September 12th through the 14th but it is never too early to prepare. If the jamboree seems too daunting, Ouray, Colorado has off-road vehicles available for rent that can be used to explore the trails.



About Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs

Located in Ouray, Colorado, the Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs is a full-service hotel offering Ouray lodging accommodations near the mountains. The hotel is within walking distance to shops and restaurants and there are hundreds of miles of biking, Jeep, and hiking trails to explore. It is located at 125 3rd Avenue, Ouray, Colorado 81427. For more information on the hotel, Ouray lodging, or Twin Peaks lodging room types, please call 888.799.5295 or 970.239.4715.
Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2019 -- Global Air Ambulance Market Status and Future Forecast 2015-2024 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 Air Ambulance Market. Some of the key players profiled in the study are Air Methods, Air Medical Group Holdings, AMR, PHI, Rega, DRF, ADAC Service GmbH, REVA Air Ambulance, FAI, Capital Air Ambulance, Native American Air Ambulance, Lifeguard Ambulance, MED FLIGHT, Scandinavian Air Ambulance, Airmed International, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, JAIC & Deer Jet.



Summary Key Content of Chapters (Including and can be customized) Part 1: Market Overview, Development, and Segment by Type, Application & Region Part 2: Global Market by company, Type, Application & Geography Part 3-4: Asia-Pacific Market by company, Type, Application & Geography Part 5-6: Europe Market by company, Type, Application & Geography Part 7-8: North America Market by company, Type, Application & Geography Part 9-10: South America Market by company, Type, Application & Geography Part 11-12: Middle East & Africa Market by company, Type, Application & Geography Part 13: Company information, Sales, Cost, Margin etc. Part 14: Conclusion



Air Ambulance Market Overview:



If you are involved in the Air Ambulance industry or intend to be, then this study will provide you comprehensive outlook. It's vital you keep your market knowledge up to date segmented by Aid Applications, Transport Applications, Doctors Attendance Application & Others, , Rotary Wing & Fixed Wing 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.



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Air Ambulance Market: Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2023



Research 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.



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: , Rotary Wing & Fixed Wing



Major applications/end-users industry are as follows: Aid Applications, Transport Applications, Doctors Attendance Application & Others



Some of the key Manufacturers Involved in the Market are  Air Methods, Air Medical Group Holdings, AMR, PHI, Rega, DRF, ADAC Service GmbH, REVA Air Ambulance, FAI, Capital Air Ambulance, Native American Air Ambulance, Lifeguard Ambulance, MED FLIGHT, Scandinavian Air Ambulance, Airmed International, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, JAIC & Deer Jet



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For 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 Air Ambulance 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)



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Key Answers Captured in Study are

Which 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 Air Ambulance 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 Air Ambulance market growth?

What are the recent trends in the regional market and how successful they are?



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There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Air Ambulance market.

Chapter 1, About Executive Summary to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global Air Ambulance market, Applications [Aid Applications, Transport Applications, Doctors Attendance Application & Others], Market Segment by Regions North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific etc;

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[North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific etc ], comparison, leading countries and opportunities; Regional Marketing Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis

Chapter 10, focus on identifying the key industry influencer's, 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 Air Ambulance 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 or Oceania [Australia and New Zealand].
New Jersey, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2019 -- Global Aerospace Materials Market Study" explored substantial growth in North America and CAGR of 6.54%. According the report, Growing Passenger Transportation in the Developing Nations is one of the primary growth factors for the market. Increasing Dependency on More Efficient As Well As Lightweight Aircraft is also expected to contribute significantly to the Aerospace Materials market. Overall, Aerostructure applications of Aerospace Materials, and the growing awareness of them, is what makes this segment of the industry important to its overall growth. The Aircraft Type, such as Military Aircraft, is boosting the Aerospace Materials market. Additionally, the rising demand from SMEs and various industry verticals, macro-economic growth are the prime factors driving the growth of the market. The Component, such as Interior Parts, is boosting the Aerospace Materials market. Additionally, the rising demand from SMEs and various industry verticals, macro-economic growth are the prime factors driving the growth of the market.



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Some of the key players profiled in the study are Toray Industries, Inc. (Japan) , Cytec Solvay group (Belgium) , Alcoa Corporation (United States) , Du Pont (United States) , Teijin Ltd. (Japan) , Kobe Steel Ltd (Japan) , Constellium N.V. (Netherlands) , ATI Metals (United States) , 3M (United States) and Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Germany).



Market Trend

- Growing Passenger Transportation in the Developing Nations

- Rising Demand Due To the High Thrust-To-Weight Ratio in Aircraft Engines



Market Drivers

- Increasing Dependency on More Efficient As Well As Lightweight Aircraft

- High Demand of Aircraft in Military Industry



Challenges

- Strengthen Government Regulations



Opportunities

- Upsurging Demand of Commercial Aircraft



Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @ http://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/reports/59369-global-aerospace-materials-market



Major Market Developments:

On 17th July 2018, Toray Industries, Inc. A global leading supplier of carbon fiber, as well as composite, has acquired Koninklijke Ten Cate B.V., a leading carbon-fiber composite material manufacturer. The deal was established for 930 million dollars.

On 8th January 2018, Solvay the global leading chemical provider has signed an agreement with Boeing. The deal was established for the supply of advanced composites and adhesives in support of the 777X airplane production.

Target Audience:



Aerospace Materials Manufacturers , Aerospace Materials Traders, Distributors, and Suppliers , Government and Research Organizations , Associations and Industrial Bodies , Research and Consulting Firms , R&D Institutions , Environment Support Agencies and Others



Enquire for customization in Report @ http://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/59369-global-aerospace-materials-market



The following are the major objectives of the study

- To define, describe, and forecast the Global Aerospace Materials market on the basis of product [Aluminium Alloys , Steel Alloys , Titanium Alloys , Super Alloys , Composite Materials and Other] , application [Aerostructure , Components , Cabin Interiors , Propulsion System , Equipment, System, & Support , Satellites and Construction & Insulation Components], key regions and end user

- To provide in-depth information regarding major influencing factors affecting the growth of the market (trends, drivers, restraints, opportunities, and industry-centric and regional challenges)

- To strategically analyse the micro-markets and important business segments with respect to individual growth drivers , market trends and potential, and historical contributions to the total market

- Identifying the opportunities in the market for key stakeholders and detailing the competitive landscape for market leaders

- To provide market size for various segments of the Aerospace Materials market with respect to major geographies, namely, South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America) , Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) , Europe (Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Rest of Europe) , MEA (Middle East, Africa) , North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)

- To strategically profile the key players and analyzing their market shares and core competencies in the Aerospace Materials industry

- To track key developments such as product launches, expansions, agreements, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, and R&D activities that are key factors in shaping the market

Available Customization:



The report provides an in-depth analysis and forecast about the industry covering the following key features:

o Industry outlook including current and future market trends, drivers, restraints, and emerging technologies

o Analyses the Global Aerospace Materials market according to Type, Application, and regions

o Analyzes the top 10 players in terms of market reach, business strategy, and business focus

o Provides stakeholders' insights and key drivers & trends of the market



**The market is valued based on weighted average selling price (WASP) and includes any applicable taxes on manufacturers. All currency conversions used in the creation of this report have been calculated using constant annual average 2018 currency rates.



Market Size Estimation

In market engineering method, both top-down and bottom-up approaches have been used, along with various data triangulation process, to predict and validate the market size of the Aerospace Materials market and other related sub-markets covered in the study.



o Key & emerging players in the market have been observed through secondary research.

o The industry's supply chain and overall market size, in terms of value, have been derived through primary and secondary research processes.

o All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns have been determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.



Table Of Content



1. Market Overview

1.1. Introduction

1.2. Scope/Objective of the Study

1.2.1. Research Objective

2. Executive Summary

2.1. Introduction

3. Market Dynamics

5. Global Aerospace Materials, by Type, Application, Building Type and Region (value and price ) (2013-2018)

6. Aerospace Materials: Manufacturers/Players Analysis

7. Global Aerospace Materials Sale, by Type, Application, Building Type and Region (value and price ) (2020-2025)

8. Appendix

9. Methodology and Data Source

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Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2019 -- Based on the Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) industrial chain, this report mainly elaborate the definition, types, applications and major players of Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2018-2026), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise Products, industry development trends (2018-2026), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also be included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry will be analyzed scientifically, the feature of product circulation and sales channel will be presented as well. In a word, this report will help you to establish a panorama of industrial development and characteristics of the Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) market.



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Apart from this, the valuable document weighs upon the performance of the Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) industry on the basis of a product service, end-use, geography and end customer



The specialist consulting approach adopted to study the Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) market by size, share. and growth form an important part of this market intelligence report. Expertise research specialist not only weight upon the company profiles of the major vendors but also significant aspects such as import and export status, supply chain management, demand and supply and distribution channel. Vital statistics on product positioning, consumption volume, a dramatic shift in consumer preferences, spending power and other are explained through resources including charts, graphs, and infographics.



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Major Players in Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) market are:



- BENCHMARK ELECTRONICS, INC.

- NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION

- IRIS AO, INC.

- HOLOEYE PHOTONICS AG.

- BAKER ADAPTIVE OPTICS

- BOSTON MICROMACHINES CORPORATION

- APLEGEN, INC.

- SYNOPSYS' OPTICAL SOLUTIONS GROUP

- SCHOTT NORTH AMERICA, INC.

- SACHER LASERTECHNIK GMBH

- ADAPTICA SRL.

- PHASICS CORPORATION

- ADAPTIVE EYECARE LIMITED



Adaptive optics (wavefront sensors, wavefront modulator, control system) market segment by Region/Country including:



- North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)

- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Spain etc.)

- Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and Southeast Asia etc.)

- South America Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Chile etc.)

- Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia etc.)



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Region wise performance of the Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) industry



Important the study on the Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) market takes a closer look at the top market performers and monitors the strategies that have enabled them to occupy a strong foothold in the market. Performance of the product and services across different segments and geography are thoroughly assessed during the research. Apart from this, the research brings to light real-time data about opportunities that will completely transform the trajectory of the business environment in the coming years.



Get Access to Full summary of this report@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/adaptive-optics-wavefront-sensors-wavefront-modulator-con-em-market



This Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) market report holds answers to some important questions like:



- What is the expected growth rate of the Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) market? What will be the market size for the forecast period, 2018 - 2026?

- What are the major driving forces responsible for transforming the trajectory of the industry?

- Who are major vendors dominating the Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) industry across different regions? What are their winning strategies to stay ahead in the competition?

- What are the market trends business owners can rely upon in the coming years?

- What are the threats and challenges expected to restrict the progress of the industry across different countries?

- What are the key opportunities that business owners can bank on for the forecast period, 2018 - 2026?



The study objectives of this report are:



#To analyze and study the global Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2018-2026) and forecast (2018-2026);

#Focuses on the key Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) 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 market

#To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market

#To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.



In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Adaptive Optics (Wavefront Sensors, Wavefront Modulator, Control System) are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2026

Continue...



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New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2019 -- The demand for improved production efficiencies, product orientation and minimal product damage of the packaged products has initiated a high demand of the accumulators in the packaging industry. Accumulator equipment is necessary to ensure that no line stoppages in the production operations occurs. In case of product line blockage occurs, accumulators provide temporary storage for the entire batch of products. Thus synchronizing different manufacturing operations and increasing efficiency, by facilitating a continuous flow of products from machine to machine. Nowadays, accumulators are being designed in a way such that they can be easily integrated into any existing packaging and production set-up and also handle various sized products. Different models of accumulators are designed to work with different package capacity. Owing to rapid changes in product design and increasing demand for variable capacity accumulators in the food & beverage, personal goods, and cosmetic industry is expected to contribute to an extensive growth in the market.



Accumulator Market: Market Dynamics



The increase in the demand for custom designed accumulators for various packages contribute hugely to the market growth of accumulators globally. Automated packaging systems demand advanced technologies for their production processes. Owing to rapid changes in product design and increasing demand for variable capacity accumulators in the food & beverage, personal goods, and cosmetic industry is expected to contribute to an extensive growth in the accumulator market.



Request For Report Sample@https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/10984



The revenue contribution from food & beverage and cosmetic products is significant to global accumulator market. This trends is expected to continue over the forecast period owing to the thriving growth of the food and beverage industry. Likewise, modest demand of accumulators for the manufacture of industrial goods and pharmaceuticals, is expected to boost the sales of accumulators. However, the presence of integrated manufacturing machine incorporating multiple packaging functions and capital intensive nature of equipment is expect to restrict the accumulator market



Accumulator Market: Market Segmentation



The accumulators market can be segmented on the basis of type and application. The accumulators are available in five forms. Vertical, Horizontal, Serpentine, Bi-flow and Rotary. Based on the application the accumulators market can be segmented into food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, health care and personal care products, industrial goods and other consumer products.



Accumulator Market: Regional Outlook



The accumulators market can be segmented on the basis of regions. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ (Asia Pacific excluding Japan), Japan, Middle East and Africa (MEA). Asia Pacific revenue contribution to the global accumulator market is expected be the maximum owing to the thriving consumer goods and food and beverage industries in major markets such as India and China. Followed by Asia Pacific, Europe and North America are anticipated to have moderate growth in the accumulators market owing to modest growth in the packaging and other industries. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are expected to create significant opportunities for accumulator manufactures as a result of the proliferating demand from food and beverage industry from the regions.



Request For Report Table of Content (TOC)@https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/10984



Accumulator Market: Market Players



The accumulators market is highly fragmented. However the market has the presence of regional players too. The significant players identified in accumulators market are TetraPak, Nercon, Packaging Dynamics Ltd., Reelex, Del Packaging Ltd., Brenton, Hartness among many others.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP (GPM) reminds investors of the February 11, 2019 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of investors that purchased Tenaris S.A. (Tenaris or the Company) (NYSE: TS ) securities between May 1, 2014 and November 27, 2018, inclusive (the Class Period). Tenaris investors have until February 11, 2019 to file a lead plaintiff motion.



If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

On November 27, 2018, Bloomberg published an article alleging that Tenariss Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Paolo Rocca, was indicted for his role in a graft scheme. Specifically the article alleges that, the judge charged Rocca after the Argentine billionaire testified that one of his companys executives paid an undisclosed amount of cash to government officials in monthly installments from 2009 to 2012. On this news, Tenaris share price fell $2.64, or nearly 10% to close at $24.36 per share on November 27, 2018, thereby injuring investors.

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Tenariss CEO and Chairman, Paolo Rocca, knew that one of his companys executives paid cash to government officials from 2009 to 2012 to expedite compensation payments for the sale of Sidor; (2) this conduct would lead to Rocca being charged in a graft scheme, and subject Tenaris, its affiliates, and/or executives to heightened governmental scrutiny; and (3) as a result, Tenariss public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times.

Follow us for updates on Twitter: twitter.com/GPM_LLP .

If you purchased shares of Tenaris, you may move the Court no later than February 11, 2019 to ask the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff. To be a member of the Class you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the Class. If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Lesley Portnoy , Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com , or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com . If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP (GPM) reminds investors of the February 11, 2019 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of investors that purchased Welbilt, Inc. (Welbilt or the Company) (NYSE: WBT ) securities between February 24, 2017 and November 2, 2018, inclusive (the Class Period).



If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

On November 5, 2018, Welbilt disclosed that the Companys financial statements for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 should no longer be relied upon due to errors primarily relate to the computation of income taxes. The Company also disclosed that certain intercompany transactions were not recorded on a timely basis.

On this news, the Companys stock price fell $5.06 to close at $14.26 per share on November 5, 2018, thereby injuring investors.

The Complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the company lacked effective internal control over financial reporting; (2) the company was incorrectly recording the tax basis of foreign subsidiaries and the amortization of their intangible assets; and (3) consequently, defendants' statements about Welbilt's business, operations, and prospects, were false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

Follow us for updates on Twitter: twitter.com/GPM_LLP .

If you purchased shares of Welbilt, you may move the Court no later than February 11, 2019 to ask the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff. To be a member of the Class you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the Class. If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Lesley Portnoy , Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com , or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com . If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
In response to a call for a welfare check, Ramona sheriffs deputies pursued an unidentified woman for 11 miles in a loop that began and ended on Mussey Grade Road on Wednesday afternoon.

Ramona sheriffs Lt. Ken Jones said there were no injuries and only minor damage to two vehicles during the pursuit that began about 1:30 p.m. and continued until 2 p.m. The chase ended in the womans arrest on suspicion of reckless evasion of a peace officer, California Vehicle Code 2800.2, Jones said.

Jones said the identity and age of the woman cannot be released due to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations that safeguard medical information.

He said deputies were conducting a routine welfare check on her when they located the white Lexus she was driving. The woman refused to stop so deputies pursued her Lexus from Mussey Grade to San Vicente Road. While at 10th and Main streets, Jones said the woman attempted to drive around a stopped patrol car and struck the deputys vehicle, causing minor damage. Afterward she was caught in traffic and deputies gave her multiple commands to stop and get out of the car, he said.

She refused to get out so a deputy broke the drivers side window to try to get her out of the car and she drove off, Jones said. During the pursuit, deputies tried to use a spike strip several times but were unsuccessful. She drove back to Mussey Grade, she stopped in front of a house, got out of the vehicle and we got her into custody.

Jones said the woman was unharmed at the time of the arrest and was booked into Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee.
You have to be 25 years old to serve in the United States Congress, so Morgan Murtaugh, a San Diego Republican who made a name for herself with social media accounts dubbed @RepubGrlProbs during the Obama administration, was one of the youngest people to run for Congress in 2018.

She turned 26 in September last year.

Her struggle remains real in heavily blue California under the Trump administration.

Its already really hard as a Republican in California, the former Grossmont College student and one-time One America News Network anchor said. And its even more difficult as a Republican in California with Trump in office.

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She overwhelmingly lost the election in Californias 53rd Congressional District to long-time Democratic incumbent Rep. Susan Davis, but running as a relative unknown, she still won the support of 83,127 voters. Looking back, she said she decided to run so that it would be a young women challenging Davis, not another older man. But that brought with it its challenges, she told The Conversation podcast, including male donors trying to proposition her and some voters suggesting they wouldnt take her serious because of her age.

She joined The Conversation podcast to discuss her 2018 campaign and also what its like to be a young Republican during the Trump administration.

Spoiler alert: Its not easy. Murtaugh live-tweeted President Donald Trumps State of the Union address on Tuesday and generally seemed supportive of the speech, but she told us that she wont run for office again until hes out of the White House.

I get that there are people who are tired of that political correctness and are tired of being told that they cant say how they feel, so they like that Donald Trump says it how it is, she said. But its really hard to be a Republican right now because so many people are turned off by that approach because it isnt that inclusive.

She says she doesnt like his demeanor, but she does support some of his policies. With her own campaign behind her, she said she still clings to mainstay conservative beliefs like support for a free market and stronger border security. But, she said, there are other areas where Republicans could shift their thinking.

We need to preserve and conserve our environment the same way we feel we need to preserve and conserve the Constitution for generations to come, she said.

We talked to her about the GOP, what young voters want, the use of social media in politics and more on this episode of The Conversation. Tune in below to hear it.

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The Conversation podcast

The Conversation with Abby & Luis is a podcast that slows down the news cycle to make sense of issues and stories that matter to listeners in San Diego and beyond. We talk to news makers, experts and others to offer interesting, in-depth conversations that will keep you up to date and informed.

Check out some of our most recent episodes below.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

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Twitter: @abbyhamblin
The funniest moment of the State of the Union speech was when the President tried to take credit for the number of women elected to the 116th Congress in the last election.

Why was it funny? Because the number of Republican women elected to Congress dropped almost by half as only 13 were elected while the number of Democratic women increased substantially by 36. The total number of women in Congress increased to 127 of which 106 of them are Democrats and only 21 are Republicans.

The statistics: 23.7% of the new 116th Congress are women. 19.8% of the 116th Congress are Democratic women. The percentage of Republican women dropped to 3.9%. It appears the GOP has a woman problem. Given the historical track record of the current president when it comes to his interactions with women it may make more sense for him to take credit for that issue.

Ed Karesky

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Escondido

The Donald did OK; Stacey Abrams was a disgrace.

Rolla Rich

Spring Valley

I watched the entire State of the Union Address. I was disappointed that there was no mention of all the killings by guns in our country, as if it is not a problem. So many children are fearful of going to school because a killer might come to their school and they could be shot. No mention of mass shootings across the country.

No mention of climate change, we are so reminded of it in the past few months.

Just a couple things the president seems to be unaware of or denying.

Patricia Robinson

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Hillcrest

Re Trump calls for end of rancorous politics he helped cultivate in State of the Union address (Feb. 2): The headline appeared on the U-Ts mobile site Wednesday morning. I question the he helped cultivate portion because it is an opinion.

The opinion could have been expressed in the article as such - an opinion. Whether true or false, left-leaning or right-leaning, it does not belong with the facts of the headline.

Geri Spencer

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San Diego

The Democrats were exposed when they cheered about maternity leave and were silent when protecting children was the topic. Again, they were silent when told America would become socialist.

How can you sanely support maternity and encourage killing babies? How can you ignore history and support the death of capitalism when socialism has only destroyed every country it has been tried in?

The masks are off. D.C. Democrats have no respect for life, liberty or property. They rue the founding of this nation and strive to reverse the Revolutionary War. They do not consider to any depth what they espouse. It is about doing what they enjoy and not facing the consequences. A childish view of the world at best and destructive of them and all they touch at worst. The people can choose what path we take, dont leave it to those insulated from life to choose for us.

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Scott Rieker

San Diego

I could not help rolling on the floor in laughter as the traitor in the White House whined about partisan politics in investigations.

Perhaps he was busy watching Fox and Friends during the Bill Clintons impeachment, and the Benghazi hearings and all the calls to investigate Senator Clintons server. No partisan politics there.

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Mark Garber

Rancho Penasquitos

One thing I learned from Donald Trumps State of the Union  he really knows how to read.

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Bunny Landis

Oceanside

Yes, we need to become united. We need to unite against ignorance and intolerance. Against lying. Against bigotry and bias. Against inane climate, energy and foreign policy. Against the unethical and immoral. Against Trump.

And no, there is no crisis on the border, its in the White House.

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Anthony Kopec

San Marcos

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.
Re Shame on the San Diego Unified school board (Jan. 29): My colleagues and I are motivated by the belief that parents and community members should not have to come to us to discuss their concerns. Rather, we should be available to them. Its why we created a Quality Assurance Office  a place where parents can speak with someone dedicated to solving their concern. That number, (619) 725-7211. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

People also regularly contact our board office. We also welcome public testimony at our scheduled board meetings, so San Diegans can testify on issues being considered. Our meetings are subject to the Brown Act and agendas are published in advance, so everyone is aware of the business we plan to discuss.

The board also sets aside 30 minutes  more if necessary  for testimony on non-agenda items. The board is not permitted to comment on non-agenda items. It would not be fair to conduct business without sufficient public notification.

It is impossible for the board to give equal priority to people who have come to testify on agendized items and those who have come to give non-agenda testimony. We are required to prioritize one over the other. One group must wait for the other to finish.

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We recently chose to give more weight to the people who attend board meetings to testify on scheduled business.

Our rationale was simple: board meetings are first and foremost for us to conduct publicly-noticed business for the children we serve. That will always be my bottom line.

Whitehurst-Payne is the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education president.
The San Diego City Councils unanimous decision to overturn a 1983 law banning people from sleeping in their vehicles amounts to a humane, thoughtful recognition of how horrible homelessness has become locally. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the San Diego region has the fourth largest homeless population in the nation despite years of steadily increasing local efforts to address the problem.

Yes, of course, it is far from ideal to have people sleeping in their vehicles. Concerns about hygiene and about such vehicles being concentrated in residential neighborhoods are legitimate. But with rent for studio apartments averaging nearly $1,500 in San Diego, even people with jobs struggle to afford conventional shelter. In the 2018 regional homeless count, which excluded recreational vehicles, more than 1,200 people were found to be living in cars and vans. Thats no surprise, because sleeping in a locked vehicle is safer than sleeping on a sidewalk.

Now city officials need to add to the safe parking lots where sleeping in vehicles is allowed. In his State of the City address last month, Mayor Kevin Faulconer called for adding more such lots. According to his staff, there are now two city-run lots with space for 120 vehicles. There are also two private lots with about 80 spots. A comprehensive response to homelessness would add far more. The need is real.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

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Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
The San Diego County government has been a source of frustration for years. Supervisors and top county bureaucrats lived in a cocoon of high regard, acting as if the countys relative fiscal health made up for its poor to mediocre record in providing many services and dismissing critics as unappreciative know-nothings. This arrogance was exemplified by the countys disastrously slow response to the 2017 hepatitis A outbreak that killed 20 people; its long indifference to the housing crisis; and its shocking blitheness about deaths in county jails and unbelievable depravity in the countys foster care system.

Thats why The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board welcomed the November election of San Diego Democrat Nathan Fletcher and San Marcos Republican Jim Desmond as supervisors. Both were ready to acknowledge county shortcomings that the termed-out longtimers they replaced had basically pretended didnt exist. A month after they were sworn in, their impact has been immediate and undeniable; their arrival has prompted new vigor from two veteran GOP supervisors who were long part of the countys complacent establishment.

First Greg Cox, who represents the South Bay and part of San Diego, worked with Fletcher on a smart plan to open a temporary shelter for legal asylum seekers at the downtown former family courthouse at no cost to taxpayers.

Now Dianne Jacob, who represents East County and is board chair, has given a State of the County speech with little precedent. Wednesdays speech was brimming with ideas and, remarkably for this board, a sense of urgency about tackling problems. Jacob said she and Cox want to double an affordable housing trust fund to $50 million by spring.

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After describing the county board as rebooted and refreshed and saying she wouldnt begin per usual by patting ourselves on the back, Jacob touted aggressive efforts to make it much easier to add second units on the 172,000 homes on existing lots in unincorporated areas. One great idea: having the county offer free, pre-approved, permit-ready building plans to those wanting to add a secondary home. That could save homeowners $18,000 a unit.

Jacob also stressed the need to limit homes wildfire risks. She wants to beef up firefighting resources and is working with Desmond to have the county offer grants or other incentives to encourage existing homeowners in high-risk areas to install safer walls, vents and other fire-resistant materials.

Noting the housing crisis was linked to homelessness and mental health issues, Jacob called for a coordinated system of care to make help consistently available to those with behavioral health problems  to treat them instead of lock them up.

Similarly, Jacob said the county needed to do much better in getting help to meth and opioid addicts, decrying the fact that just 1 in 10 get connected to treatment and urging an upgrade to a limited and fragmented support network.

Jacob also championed a community choice energy program, in which local governments form compacts that buy and sell electricity, creating competition with San Diego Gas & Electric, which has higher and faster-rising rates than the states two other large investor-owned utilities. Two years ago, Jacobs colleagues shunned the idea, but now Jacob and Fletcher want the county to explore working with San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer to pursue it.

All of these ideas need to be fleshed out and vetted. But the ambition behind them couldnt be more welcome. Jacob called this an all-hands-on-deck moment for San Diego County. It may be on the verge of a new era of responsive, can-do government.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

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Rancho Bernardo Republican Women Federated (RBRWF) is reeling from state Assemblyman Brian Maienscheins abrupt announcement that he switched parties from Republican to Democrat. Our 100-member club is taking this news as a personal slap in the face.

Maienschein, a local high school graduate whose mother and wife were members of RBRWF, has betrayed his community. In 2000, at the beginning of his political career, RBRWF wholeheartedly supported him and did the hard work of campaigning and donating money to help win his election to San Diego City Council.

Related: Maienschein: Why I switched from GOP to Democratic Party

When he successfully organized recovery centers for the victims of the 2003 Cedar and 2007 Witch Creek fires, Maienschein was regarded as the hometown hero who wanted to take care of his community, seeding the support he would need to win future elections. Since then, Maienschein has depended on our clubs loyalty and dedication for his electoral efforts that later propelled him to become the 77th District Republican state assemblyman.

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Following his recent change of allegiance, RBRWF members reacted to his shift to the left with extreme passion. One member, who kept articles and pictures of his Republican achievements, immediately shredded her mementos after hearing the news.

But clearly any loyalty was one-sided. It appears Maienschein deliberately conned his base into believing he still championed conservative values such as individual freedom, limited government, fewer taxes and national security. How else to explain the knife in our back as he cowardly waited to change parties until weeks after winning his close 2018 re-election bid for state Assembly? This, after our members had again worked and donated money to help bolster his campaign.

We are left to construe reasons for his actions. The most plausible explanation for abandoning his conservative roots is that it was a strategic move to help further his ambitions as a career politician in a district showing signs of changing demographics.

When Maienschein declared that the party no longer reflects my values, one only needs to look at his voting record to see that this statement is a dishonest deflection from the truth. Maienschein generally voted with the Republicans in Sacramento. As a Democrat, he now will be effectively working against the welfare of hard-working, tax-paying Californians and be expected to support policies and positions antithetical to his long-held public beliefs:

Statewide sanctuary policies (he voted no on Senate Bill 54).

Medicare benefits to undocumented children (he voted no on Assembly Bill on AB 2965).

Extending cap and trade policies (he voted no on Assembly Bill 398).

Funds for the high-spped rail project (he voted no on Assembly Bill 1889).

Increasing car and gas taxes, a huge burden on the working class (he voted no on Senate Bill 1).

We wonder how Maienschein will respond when asked by Democratic leaders, public labor unions, and special environmental interest groups to consistently vote for their unsustainable progressive agenda. He better be prepared to take a hard left.

Maienschein also misleads the public when he says: As the Republican Party has drifted further right, I and my votes have shifted to the left. The Republican platform in California has not moved further to the right; in fact the next generation of Republicans are more socially moderate, expecting the party to maintain fiscal prudence while embracing greater diversity and acceptance on social issues.

The following stats reveal why he would switch party affiliation.

In 2012, Maienschein won the 77 th District State Assembly seat by 20 percent.

District State Assembly seat by 20 percent. In 2014, after establishing a strong conservative voting record, he won by 31.6 percent.

The 2016 election stats begin to show a change in the districts support for Brian, in which he won his seat by 15 percent; then in 2018, he beat his Democratic opponent by only 0.5 percent.

Waning support may have driven him to shift left and abandon his conservative roots in order to keep a job.

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Deceiving supporters, donors and campaigners to gratify personal ambition is not only bad form, it is the true definition of deplorable. RBRWF members are devastated by his betrayal, shocked by his new disdain for Republicans, and angered by his fraudulent campaign.

But our Republican women are resilient and resolute. We embrace the conservative platform of individual freedom, limited government, fewer taxes and national security which offers the best opportunity for all. Just as we worked tirelessly to build up Brian Maienschein, we will find and support a steadfast Republican candidate who will represent and uphold our conservative values. Thats something we all need desperately in Sacramento, where a supermajority currently breeds dysfunction.

Winship is president of Rancho Bernardo Republican Women, Federated, which was established in 1964. Baker is past president of the group.
The House Intelligence Committee, now under Democratic control, said Wednesday it intended to expand its work to probe any alleged foreign influence over President Trump, whether it comes from Moscow or anywhere else.

The decision ensures ongoing headaches for the White House even if the panel doesnt find any conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election, the original focus of the investigation.

It also could allow Democrats to pry into the presidents personal finances and the Trump Organization, the private company that includes his real estate developments, licensing deals and other ventures.

The decision was announced the morning after Trump said in his State of the Union speech that ridiculous partisan investigations were imperiling the countrys prosperity.

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We are not going to be intimidated or threatened by the president, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), the committee chairman, told reporters. He said the panel would investigate any credible allegation that financial interests or other interests are driving decision-making of the president or anyone in the administration.

Trump responded angrily at the White House, saying Schiff has no basis to investigate his personal finances.

Hes just a political hack whos trying to build a name for himself. Its called presidential harassment, Trump told reporters.

Jack Langer, a spokesman for Republicans on the committee, also was sharply critical.

This is a gross abuse of a committee that was created to do oversight of the intelligence community, not to conduct sprawling, endless investigations of one partys political opponents, he said in a statement.

The intelligence committee, which held its first hearing since Democrats won control of the House in the Nov. 6 midterm election, also voted to send transcripts of its closed-door interviews to special counsel Robert S. Mueller III.

Mueller could use the transcripts to pursue charges of lying to Congress if he determined that people interviewed by the committee  which include Trumps eldest son, his son-in-law and other allies  were not truthful.

President Trump and Donald Trump Jr. at the White House on July 5. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP / Getty Images)

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The special counsel has brought two such prosecutions against the presidents former associates.

Trumps longtime lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty in November to lying about a Moscow skyscraper deal that he pursued on Trumps behalf during the 2016 campaign.

Roger Stone, a Republican operative who helped launch Trumps political career, was indicted last month for alleged witness tampering and lying about his conversations involving WikiLeaks, which posted Democratic Party emails stolen by Russian hackers. Stone has pleaded not guilty.

Mueller already has access to most of the transcripts, which were provided to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in September for a declassification review.

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Since then, Mueller has only requested the transcript of the interview with Stone. The material was extensively cited in the indictment against him.

Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas), a member of the House committee, said the vote to give the transcripts to Mueller looks like theater.

The committee conducted more than 50 interviews in 2017 and 2018 when the panel, then under Republican control, conducted its own investigation of Russian interference in the presidential campaign.

That probe concluded there was no conspiracy between Moscow and Trumps team, an assessment Democrats said was premature.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RavenQuest BioMed Inc. (the Company or RavenQuest)  (CSE: RQB, OTCQB: RVVQF, Frankfurt: 1IT) CEO, George Robinson, also acting President & CEO at Bonify, issues the following statement in response to the February 4 Health Canada (HC) Notice of Suspension for Sales at Bonify Holdings Corporation (Bonify).



On February 4, 2019, Bonify received a Notice of Suspension for Sales from Health Canada. Shortly thereafter, HC issued a statement to the media which outlined the grounds for suspension. We are disappointed to see large discrepancies between the Health Canada media statement and the detailed notice we received in writing. What was presented to the public was very different than what we received in the written Notice of Suspension.

Health Canada hand delivered the Notice of Suspension at 9:30am, February 4, prior to the two-day inspection that took place on February 4-5, 2019. Of note is the following timeline:

Bonify initiated a recall of product and began corrective action immediately

December 11-14, 2018: HC inspects the Bonify facility

December 14, 2018: Bonify begins additional corrective actions based upon HC verbal debrief

December 21, 2018: HC reports written findings to Bonify

January 9: Bonify responds to HCs observations

January 19: HC requests additional information with a February 1 due date, later extended to February 11 at Bonifys request

February 4: HC delivers Notice of Suspension to Bonify prior to the Bonify facility inspection

Bonify is entitled to respond to the Notice of Suspension within 10 days and will vigorously defend its license by providing reasons why the suspension is unfounded.

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. RavenQuest is a licensed producer with facilities located in Markham, Ontario and Edmonton, Alberta.

RavenQuest maintains a research partnership with Montreals McGill University focused upon cultivar (strain) recognition, plant stabilization and yield maximization of the cannabis plant. The Company focuses on partnerships with Indigenous communities.

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  1-877-282-1568

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
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved William Barrs nomination for attorney general along party lines Thursday, with Republicans praising his credentials and Democrats questioning how transparent hell be once special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation concludes.

The vote now heads to the full Senate, where Barr is expected to be confirmed in a vote as soon as next week.

Barr, who previously served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993, would succeed Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was pushed out by Trump last year over the presidents anger that he had recused from the Russia investigation. Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker is currently filling the position.

I appreciate what Mr. Whitaker has done, but I think its time for new leadership at the department, Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and committee chairman, said at the outset of Thursdays meeting.

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Democrats and many Republicans have said they believe Muellers final report should be fully released. Barr has said he will be as transparent as possible under Justice Department regulations, but many Democrats are skeptical.

Barr said he takes seriously the department regulations that say Muellers report should be confidential. Those regulations require only that the report explains the decisions to pursue or to decline prosecutions, which could be as simple as a bullet point list or as voluminous as a report running hundreds of pages.

I dont know what  at the end of the day, what will be releasable. I dont know what Bob Mueller is writing, Barr said at his hearing last month.

Democrats have also criticized a memo Barr wrote to the Justice Department before his nomination in which he criticized Muellers investigation for the way it was presumably looking into whether Trump had obstructed justice. In the memo, Barr wrote that Trump could not have obstructed justice by firing former FBI Director James Comey since it was act the president was constitutionally entitled to take.

This is not the time to install an attorney general who has repeatedly espoused a view of unfettered executive power, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, said Thursday.

The top Democrat on the Judiciary panel, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, said last week that she is worried that Barr wont be a check on the president who appointed him.

This memo is of serious concern to me and appears to be seminal in his appointment to this position, Feinstein said.

Trump had repeatedly criticized Sessions for recusing himself from Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election that includes examining the ties between Russia and the Trump campaign. Trump calls the probe a witch hunt.

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Barr said in his hearing last month that he is a friend of Muellers and that it is vitally important that the special counsel be allowed to complete his investigation.

I dont believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt, Barr said.
Authorities on Wednesday shut down two marijuana dispensaries said to be operating illegally in Valley Center, and seized cash, cannabis and related items, a sheriffs sergeant said.

About 9 a.m., deputies served abatement warrants at the shops Valley Center Greens dispensary on Cole Grade Road and 24/7 Collective on Valley Center Road, Sgt. George Crysler said in a news release.

Law enforcement teams seized marijuana, marijuana edibles and paraphernalia, along with money from both dispensaries, the sergeant said. They also arrested five employees for unlawful sale of marijuana.

The county boarded up the doors at 24/7 Collective, he said.

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Crysler said the department had received numerous complaints from the community about both dispensaries.

Deputies, he said, got the warrants only after both businesses were given adequate notice and refused to cease operations in violation of a county ordinance that outlaws most marijuana facilities in unincorporated areas.

Crysler noted that the county will continue to address illegal marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated communities. To that end, he said, the county has started serving such shops with a 10-day notice warning landlords to get rid of tenants who sell marijuana.

Although state voters OKd the recreational use of marijuana in 2016, there are a limited number of places where cannabis can be legally sold.

According to the states Bureau of Cannabis Control, there are 34 licensed marijuana retailers in San Diego County. Half of them are licensed for medical sales only, the other half can do both medical and recreational sales.

teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com

(760) 529-4945

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Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT
A man who led Escondido police on a chase early Thursday  firing several rounds at pursuing officers  was shot in the foot by an officer who returned fire, authorities said.

Sheriffs detectives are investigating the officer-involved shooting, which was reported around 1:40 a.m. near Deer Springs Road and Mesa Rock Road near Hidden Meadows.

The incident began about 10 minutes earlier when Escondido officers were called to Rincon Villa Drive near Calle Vista Avenue, where a man was reportedly shooting at a house, said Escondido police Sgt. Shannon Martin. No one was injured.

The suspect drove off, and officers tried to pull over the car he was driving. He refused to stop and officers chased him north on Interstate 15, police said.

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The driver exited the freeway at Deer Springs Road, where the vehicle ran over spike strips that had been placed in the roadway by officers. He stopped his car on Mesa Rock Road at Deer Springs Road, got out and began to run away.

As he ran, he fired several rounds at officers, officials said. No one was hit.

One officer returned fire and the suspect suffered a gunshot wound to his foot, Martin said.

Initially, Escondido police said they didnt know if the suspect was shot by police or if he shot himself. Sheriffs Lt. Michael Blevins said the man was shot by the Escondido officer.

Officers took the man into custody and he was taken to a hospital to be evaluated. After he was treated and released, the man was interviewed by sheriffs investigators. It was not immediately known what charges he would face.

A gun was located at the scene.

The Sheriffs Department said two officers received minor injuries during the foot pursuit and were treated at a hospital and released. Sheriffs detectives were investigating the shooting because it occurred in an unincorporated area.

One Escondido officer suffered a twisted ankle and another hurt his shoulder during the chase, but both were fine and remained on full duty, according to Escondido Lt. Bode Berreth.

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Twitter: @karenkucher

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(619) 293-1350

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com

UPDATES:

2:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details.

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This article was originally published at 7:55 a.m.
Members of the citys public safety committee said police accountability and a possible restructuring of the community board that reviews officer misconduct allegations are among their top goals for 2019.

Councilwoman Monica Montgomery said Wednesday at a news conference before her first meeting as chair of the Public Safety and Livable Neighborhood Committee that the six-page work plan tackles longstanding issues that have disproportionately impacted the citys most vulnerable and underserved communities.

While the document tackles a variety of issues, from ensuring all communities have access to affordable, healthy food to addressing illegal marijuana advertising and delivery services, about half of the committees goals touched on law enforcement.

Im committed to at least putting on the agenda and exploring the things that I believe will bridge a lot of the gaps that I see right now between law enforcement and the community, Montgomery said.

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Some of those priorities were identified in the work plan as decriminalizing homelessness, reinvigorating community-oriented policing and reforming traffic stop policies. A racial-profiling study by San Diego State University researchers concluded in 2016 that San Diego police are more likely to search and question blacks and Hispanics after pulling them over.

Montgomery and other committee members stressed that continuing to recruit racially diverse police officers and retaining current officers will be an important factor in achieving their goals.

We all want good relationships between law enforcement and our underserved communities and all of San Diego, Montgomery said. This is a high priority for the committee.

San Diego police Chief David Nisleit said he is committed to partnering with Montgomery and the public safety committee to address concerns from all of the citys communities.

The San Diego Police Department takes great pride in fostering strong relationships that build and maintain public trust, he said in a statement.

The plan also pledges the committee will review the current structure of the citys Community Review Board on Police Practices, the volunteer group that reviews the Police Departments investigations into serious allegations of misconduct.

Critics have long said the review board lacks the power to do its job effectively and have suggested a different kind of board  one with investigators who are independent of the Police Department and have subpoena power.

Montgomery didnt guarantee the review would result in a change in the review boards model. She said the committee will seek to determine which type of oversight board is best for the city, but also stated that she wanted to make changes to put more teeth into what we have now.

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Several organizations and community members spoke at the meeting in favor of the work plan including the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego & Imperial Counties, which has identified police accountability and transparency as priorities.

Amanda Le, a policy associate at the ACLU, said just and fair policing for all San Diegans cannot be accomplished without addressing systemic inequity due to unjust biases in laws, policies and practices that result in the over-policing of communities of color.

This work plan is a step in the right direction, she said.

Other council members on the committee also submitted goals in addition to those outlined in the official work plan.

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Councilwoman Barbara Bry said she would like to explore strategies like low-interest housing loans to encourage officers to live in the communities they serve. She also wants to promote the creation of community watch programs across the city.

Engaging community members in the protection of their own neighborhoods through neighborhood watch programs has been effective at reducing crime and strengthening police community relations, she said.

Councilman Chris Cate hopes to eliminate existing fines that are keeping some people  many who live in low-income neighborhoods  from borrowing library materials.

Councilwoman Vivian Moreno hopes to help the Police Department expand de-escalation training for officers.

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Twitter: @LAWinkley

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(619) 293-1546

lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com
A proposal to help solve San Diegos housing crisis by wiping out parking requirements for new condominium and apartment complexes in neighborhoods near mass transit took a key step forward on Wednesday.

The City Councils Land Use and Housing Committee voted 3-1 in favor of the proposal, and forwarded it to the full nine-member council for final approval on March 4.

Council members in favor of the plan said its a key step toward reducing local reliance on automobiles, making housing cheaper and helping the city meet the goals of its legally binding climate action plan.

They called the existing parking requirements outdated and too steep, while praising the proposal for giving housing developers needed flexibility as more young people choose to commute by transit, bicycle and ride-booking services.

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This is a very good, well-thought-out proposal, Councilman Scott Sherman said. The cost of parking is incredibly detrimental to the cost of housing. This provides a lot of flexibility for us to let people deal with the market as it is today and what it could be in the future.

Councilman Chris Ward noted that many other large cities have made similar policy changes based on emerging trends, including San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Santa Monica, Portland, Seattle and Minneapolis.

Were certainly not first out of the gate in the country to be able to look at this opportunity, he said.

Councilwoman Dr. Jennifer Campbell, who cast the lone no vote, said wiping out parking requirements would be premature despite its potential to help solve the housing crisis and reduce production of greenhouse gases.

I think this is an idea whose time has not come, said Campbell, noting that nearly 94 percent of San Diego adults own a car. The removal of parking requirements seems to me to be one of the last steps we should take to get away from car-centric transit, instead of one of the first steps.

Campbell, whose district includes the citys beach communities, said the neighborhoods she represents are already experiencing a parking crisis even without the proposed reduction in requirements.

In my district, there are no parking spaces left on streets in the evenings or on weekends, Campbell said. Putting in zero parking, while adding residential density without infrastructure for mass transit being already present, will lead to chaos in neighborhoods.

The citys planning staff told the committee they are confident the impact of the new policy would be gradual and only affect neighborhoods where demand for housing without parking spots already exists.

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Trends are showing an increase in those young professionals that are looking to reduce car reliance, said Alyssa Muto, a deputy director in the citys Planning Department. Theyre looking to live in neighborhoods where all neighborhood services, their jobs and their living can happen within a walk, bike or transit commute.

Developers wouldnt risk millions of dollars building projects without parking spots unless market studies show there is adequate demand in a particular neighborhood for housing without parking, she said.

Parking spots typically increase the cost of an individual housing unit anywhere from $35,000 to $90,000, so relaxing parking requirements would spur more housing construction.

The proposal wouldnt retroactively wipe out parking requirements for existing housing projects; it would only apply to new construction.

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The only neighborhoods eligible for the new policy are those near transit hubs, which is defined as being located within half a mile of a trolley line, a bus rapid transit station or two high-frequency bus routes. The transit must either be already operating or scheduled to begin operating within five years.

The proposal, which was unveiled last month by Mayor Kevin Faulconer during his annual State of the City speech, has faced significant pushback.

A group of neighborhood leaders from across San Diego last month called it unrealistic and too aggressive for a city that lacks quality transit and was built for automobiles.

The group of leaders, the Community Planners Commission, recommended the city soften the proposal by making it a short-term pilot project and by exempting all beach communities because of parking scarcity there.

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The San Diego Planning Commission, however, unanimously supported the proposal last week.

They said that while the plan is bold and aggressive, it is a necessary step toward solving the citys housing crisis, reducing pollution and alleviating traffic congestion.

The commission did express some concerns about how the policy change would impact low-income neighborhoods that lack supermarkets, banks or pharmacies, because those voids make it difficult to survive without a car.

On Wednesday, the Downtown San Diego Partnership and a downtown developer criticized part of the proposal that would set a maximum of one parking spot per unit of housing constructed downtown.

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While they expressed support for making downtown a transit-focused area where fewer residents rely on cars, they said it would be a mistake to limit the flexibility of developers who believe units wont sell with only one parking spot.

Mike Hansen, the citys planning director, said such complaints have prompted city staff to reconsider that requirement. He said they are already exploring revisions to the downtown parking maximum and expect to present them to the full council on March 4.

The overall proposal has been praised by environmental groups, merchant associations and mobility advocacy groups.

The chamber believes reducing parking requirements would take us one step closer to our shared goals of increasing our housing stock and complying with the climate action plan, said Stefanie Benvenuto, a policy analyst for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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Maya Rosas, policy director for Circulate San Diego, said critics have exaggerated the immediate impact of the policy change.

These changes arent going to happen overnight, she said.

Molly Kirkland of the San Diego Apartment Association stressed that the policy change doesnt require developers not to include parking with new housing projects, it just gives them flexibility if thats what the market demands.

Developers respond to demand and they will address that in their projects, she said.

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The proposal can be seen at sandiego.gov/planning/programs/transportation/mobility/tpa.

david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick
Valerie Reyes, a 24-year-old who disappeared last month in New Rochelle, N.Y., has been identified by Greenwich police as the woman found dead earlier this week with her body, bound at the feet and hands, stuffed inside a suitcase.

Updated story: No cause of death yet for woman found stuffed in suitcase in Greenwich

Reyes was last seen on Jan. 29 and she was reported missing the following day when she did not show up for work, police said. Her family was notified of her death on Wednesday night.

A man who identified himself as Reyess father said in a statement: At this unimaginably difficult time we are asking for love, support, and respect to our family for the loss of my beautiful daughter Valerie Reyes who is now resting in heaven. The family plans to hold a vigil Thursday night.

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They are obviously devastated by the loss of Valerie and our heartfelt condolences go out to them, Greenwich police said in a statement.

Reyess body was discovered Tuesday morning about 8:23 a.m. by a town employee who spotted it off the shoulder of Glenville Road, just north of Stillman Lane, police said. The body was found about 15 miles from New Rochelle.

The victim was found at the scene inside a suitcase with her hands and feet bound, Greenwich police said. Investigators have not said if they have a suspect in the case and said the investigation continues Thursday.

With the help of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, police investigators identified the victim as Reyes. A cause of death has not been released yet by investigators.

The Greenwich Police Department is dedicated to identifying those responsible for the death of Valerie and ensuring justice for her and her family. We continue to work with New Rochelle Police and other law enforcement agencies at multiple levels and have engaged a variety of resources to assist in the investigation, Greenwich police said.

In the days after she went missing, scores of friends and family took to social media asking for help locating Reyes, sharing pictures of the woman and describing what she last wore.

Some of the makeshift posters that were shared across social media said she was last seen walking to the train. Others said she went missing in lower Manhattan. New York City police were among those alerting the public, hoping to find Reyes.

#MissingPerson Have you seen VALERIE REYES? 5' 3", black hair, brown eyes, 1/2 sleeve tattoo on left arm. Last seen wearing a green coat, black jeans, and black shoes. Suffers from anxiety and depression. pic.twitter.com/vxvXi40fiV  NYPD Midtown North (@NYPDMTN) January 31, 2019

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A man who said he was Reyess boyfriend repeatedly shared information across social media right after Reyes was reported missing. He asked for any help possible.

My girlfriend Valerie is now officially reported as a missing person nationwide by the authorities. Please contact me if there is ANY kind of information, the man wrote in a tweet that was shared thousands of times. He did not respond to an interview request.

By Thursday morning, social media posts shifted from continued hope that she would be found to grief that she was killed.

In her neighborhood in New Rochelle, home to many Central American immigrants, the tone was equally somber. Silvia Ruiz has lived on the same block as Reyes for 20 years. She shook her head as she learned of her neighbors murder.

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Its so sad, Ruiz said Thursday, recalling that she would see Reyes often drive by her home, which is just down the block on the other side of the street.

Brenda DeGiacomo lives directly across the street from basement apartment that Reyes rented. The mother of five who teaches religious school has a daughter two years younger than Reyes.

It breaks my heart that we cant describe her last breath, DeGiacomo said from her front porch as TV trucks lined the block. No parent wants to go through that. It does not make sense. She had not a bad bone in her body.

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DeGiacomo said detective cars and a forensic team were at Reyess apartment Tuesday night when she returned from teaching religious school. Wednesday, there were cops in and out, she said.

As a mother herself, DeGiacomo said its very unnerving that there has been no arrest or answers in the murder case.

My concern is knowing where she was killed, she said. If she got killed across the street, I dont want to stay here.

DeGiacomo described Reyes as a gentle person who was friendly with the neighborhood children and at one time had a pet pit bull.

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Shes a sweetheart, she said. It breaks my heart that she was taken and things were done to her. She was an amazing young lady.

DeGiacomo recalled that Reyes had a boyfriend and said that she overheard them fighting from time to time.

You see her arguing with her boyfriend before, she said. But who doesnt argue with your boyfriend?

Reyes worked at a Barnes & Noble store in Eastchester, New York, according to the company.

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The entire Barnes & Noble community is grieving the loss of our beloved employee Valerie Reyes, Barnes & Noble said in a statement. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time.

The grisly discovery in a secluded area of town has unsettled one of Connecticut most affluent communities.

Reached Wednesday night by The Courant, Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei said he could not discuss details of the investigation, but he did corroborate that unauthorized photos were taken of the victim and crime scene by the unidentified highway worker.

Its an egregious lack of judgment and sensitivity to the situation, said Tesei, who serves as police commissioner in Greenwich. Thats someones wife, daughter, sister. To have done something like that shows a disregard for the decedent and their loved ones. It really is unconscionable.

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Tesei said the town employee not only faces disciplinary repercussions, but potential criminal action. The public works employee, who was placed on paid administrative leave and had his cellphone confiscated, has already retained a lawyer, The Courant has learned.

DeGiacomo expressed outrage that the Greenwich public works employee who found Reyes body in the suitcase took photographs of her and crime scene that were disseminated.

Would he like it done if that was his mother or daughter? she said. People have no respect. I wish I could say that to his face.

Police have been receiving many tips from the public and are investigating all of them, Capt. Robert Berry said Wednesday.

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The site where the body was found is a few miles from I-95 and about 1.5 miles from the Merritt Parkway.

Its always sensitive to us that every time we have a tragedy such as this, or there is a family connected to it, we always try to keep that forethought in our minds, and our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to that family, Berry said.

Investigators asked that anyone who saw anything suspicious on Glenville Road in the last few days call the Greenwich police tip line at 203-622-3333 or email tips@greenwichct.org.

Courant Staff Writers Don Stacom and Christine Dempsey contributed to this story. Associated Press reporting is included in this story.

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Neil Vigdor can be reached at nvigdor@courant.com
President Donald Trump used an appearance at a high-profile religious gathering Thursday to stress anti-abortion policies and appeal to conservative, Christian voters as the 2020 election campaign gets underway.

As part of our commitment to building a just and loving society, we must build a culture that cherishes the dignity and sanctity of innocent human life, Trump said at the annual National Prayer Breakfast. All children, born and unborn, are made in the holy image of God.

That pledge, two days after Trump in his State of the Union address denounced late-term abortion, is part of his effort to re-energize evangelical voters, who have been among his most loyal supporters and will be vital to his re-election prospects.

In that speech, Trump incorrectly claimed that Gov. Ralph Northam, D-Va., when discussing late-term abortions in which the infant is severely deformed or unable to survive after birth, had said he would execute a baby after birth.

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Trump also had urged Congress to prohibit what he described as the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mothers womb. The prospects of legislation restricting abortion rights passing a Democratic-controlled House appear remote.

Trump did not repeat his call to attendees at the prayer breakfast, but said he stood behind them, even as other speakers bemoaned the level of division in the country.

I will never let you down, Trump told an audience that included members of his Cabinet and Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., whom he did not acknowledge. As president I will always cherish, honor and protect the believers who uplift our communities and sustain our nation, he said.

NARAL Pro-Choice America President Ilyse Hogue accused Trump of shifting his focus to abortion only because of his weakened political standing and to help him fend off a potential Republican primary challenge.

With his poll numbers in a free fall due to his government shutdown and the ongoing investigations into him, his family, his White House, his business, his foundation, his inaugural committee and his transition, Donald Trumps newfound love of talking about abortion is all about throwing red meat to his shrinking political base in hopes of political survival, she said in a statement.

Trump also praised Karen Pence, the wife of Vice President Mike Pence, as an incredible second lady and noted that she recently began teaching art classes at a Christian school in Northern Virginia.

The Immanuel Christian School has been criticized for its policy barring gay students, parents and employees. A document posted on its website says the school can refuse admission or discontinue the enrollment of any student if the atmosphere or conduct within a particular home, the activities of a parent or guardian, or the activities of the student are counter to, or are in opposition to, the biblical lifestyle the school teaches, including participating in, supporting, or condoning sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity.

Gary Haugen of the International Justice Mission spoke before Trump and talked at length about what he described as a fracturing of the American family.

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I do sense that we are in a national moment of perilously mounting discouragement, he said. Our tribal divisions, our institutional dysfunctions, our desperate winner-take-all contests of cultural resistance or survival, they seem to be pressing in our chests with a swelling anxiety of national disintegration.

Still, he pointed to issues including criminal justice overhaul and tackling the opioid epidemic as areas where the nation could come together.

Even in this divided era, there is good that we all agree should be done, he said.

Trump was the 12th president to speak at the annual breakfast, which has been attended by every president since Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Officials in a small Arizona border city passed a resolution Wednesday night condemning the installation of new razor wire that now covers the entirety of a tall border wall through downtown.

The City Council in Nogales, which sits on the border with Nogales, Mexico, wants the federal government to remove all concertina wire installed within the city limits.

Otherwise, Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino said the city will sue.

City officials say Army troops installed more horizontal layers of the wire along the border wall last weekend.

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The councils resolution says the razor wire would harm or kill anyone who scales the wall and is only found in a war, prison or battle setting and should not be in downtown Nogales.

In a statement, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the wire was added after a request for additional support in high-risk urban areas commonly exploited by criminal smuggling organizations. It did not say who made the request.

The new wire is being added to sections outside city limits, according to a CBP spokeswoman. In locations where there is high pedestrian activity, the concertina wire is limited to only the upper portion of the wall, she wrote.

Signage in Spanish and English has been put in place warning individuals of these dangers and prohibiting access, the statement said.

Garino said he was most concerned that children and others could be injured now that it reaches the ground. The downtown area is also residential, and there are homes that stand a few feet from the border fence.

Aesthetically pleasing  its not. Its very bad. Its not good for business, its not good for what were trying to create, a business-friendly community here in Nogales, Garino told the AP.

Photos published by the Nogales International newspaper show six rows of concertina wire stacked along the approximately two-story wall.

The Nogales City Councils action came one day after President Donald Trump made his case to the American people about the need for a border wall and how he has ordered 3,750 troops to prepare for what he called a tremendous onslaught.

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Nogales, a city of about 20,000 people, is a fraction of the size of its Mexican counterpart, but its economy is largely reliant on Mexican shoppers and cross-border trade. Illegal crossings in that area have dropped steeply in the past several years.

Garino told the newspaper that he asked U.S. Sen. Martha McSally to help the city have the wire removed during a visit to the border last month.

A spokeswoman for McSally said the senator was working on a response to an inquiry from The Associated Press.

In a tweet, U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, a Democrat, called its placement a stunt by the Trump administration, which he said is trying to create the perception of rampant lawlessness and crime.

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Soldiers have installed concertina wire at or near several official crossings at the border. In late November, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the military had sent 36 miles (58 kilometers) of concertina for use in California, Arizona, and Texas.

At the start of November, soldiers in Texas installed lines of wire coils below a major bridge near McAllen.

City leaders were critical of military exercises at the border during the holiday season, saying they believed it scared shoppers.

The city resolution says concertina wire is typically something found in battlefields, and that placing it along the border fence is not only irresponsible but inhuman.

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The Nogales measure would be one of the more direct swipes against one of Trumps signature initiatives. In September 2017, the San Diego City Council adopted a resolution that said Trumps walls would be damaging symbols of fear and division that will increase tensions with Mexico, one of the United States largest trading partners and a neighbor with which communities such as San Diego in the border region are inextricably linked culturally, physically, and economically.

It said Trumps proposal could destroy the vitality of U.S.- Mexico relations and act as a separation to our unique, diverse, and beautiful region.

The San Diego resolution passed 5-3, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. Kevin Faulconer, the citys Republican mayor didnt back the statement but didnt veto it either. The mayor often says the U.S. should focus on building bridges instead of walls.

Other border mayors have also been critical.

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We have a fence here. The fence is fine. It does what its supposed to do, Dee Margo, the Republican mayor of El Paso, Texas, said last year. I hear the term wall, I think of the Berlin Wall. I think its pretty detrimental to the relationships that have lasted more than 400 years.

The number of arrests by the Border Patrol is the lowest since the early 1970s, while the number of agents has more than doubled.

Over 1.6 million arrests were made by just about 9,200 agents nationwide in the 2000. But those figures tapered off as the government dramatically increased staffing and resources like more surveillance technology and tall, steel fencing.

By last fiscal year, about 19,000 Border Patrol agents made 310,000 arrests.

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Associated Press reporters Elliot Spagat in San Diego and Nomaan Merchant in Houston contributed to this report.
OTTAWA, Feb. 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enablence Technologies Inc. (Enablence or the Company) (TSXV: ENA), a leading supplier of optical components and subsystems for access, metro and long-haul markets, today announced changes to the composition of its executive management team with changes to its CEO and CFO, changes to its Board of Directors following its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders and the receipt of a US$4 million purchase order from a new customer.



Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer Adds Significant Industry Experience and Relationships and New Interim Chief Financial Officer

Steve Wang has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Wang replaces Evan Chen who has stepped down as CEO of the Company. Mr. Chen will continue to serve as a Director of Enablence.

Mr. Wang is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of industry experience. Mr. Wang has held senior management positions at Alien Technology, Checkpoint System Inc. and Finisar. Mr. Wang holds 70 Patents. He earned a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Technical University of Denmark in 1991, and a Ph.D. (ABD) in Semiconductor Physics from Jilin University in China in 1987.

In addition, the Company announced that Todd Zhang, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, is also stepping down. Gerald Leahy will assume the position of Interim CFO along with his current duties as Corporate Treasurer, a position Mr. Leahy has held at the Company since 2012.

Changes to Board of Directors

At the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on February 5, 2019, Derek H. Burney, Louis De Jong, Dan Shmitt, Evan Chen and Yongxing Zhu were elected directors of the Company. Additionally, Derek H. Burney has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors.

US$4 million Purchase Order from New Customer

The Company has received an initial purchase order for multiplexer and demultiplexer chipsets from a new customer. The purchase order is valued at approximately US$4 million with delivery expected over the next 14 months. The order will be completed at Enablences facility in Fremont, California.

Steve Wang, CEO of Enablence, stated, "We are pleased to have received this initial purchase order. The order reflects the significant efforts Enablence has made to reinvigorate our sales momentum. We believe the Company is well positioned to execute on additional new business opportunities over the comings months."

About Enablence Technologies Inc.

Enablence is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures and sells optical components and subsystems to a global customer base. It utilizes its patented technologies, including planar lightwave circuit intellectual property, in the production of an array of photonic components and broadband subsystems that deliver a key portion of the infrastructure for current and next-generation telecommunication systems. The Companys product lines address all three segments of optical networks: access  connecting homes and businesses to the network; metro  communication rings within large cities; and long-haul  linking cities and continents. For more information, visit www.enablence.com .

Forward-looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding the business of the Company based on current expectations and assumptions which involve risks and uncertainties associated with our business and the economic environment in which the business operates. All such statements are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements contained herein that are statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution our readers of this press release not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as a number of factors could cause actual results or conditions to differ materially from current expectations. Please refer to the risks set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR www.sedar.com. Enablence does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information contact:

Enablence Technologies Inc.

+1 613 656-2850 ext. 2

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.
A new one-stop online resource for homeless people in East County will be highlighted along with other efforts to help the needy in the area Thursday night in Spring Valley.

The East County Homeless Task Force meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Spring Valley Academy Auditorium, 3900 Conrad Drive.

Anna Marie Piconi Snyder, consulting projector director for the task force, said people at the meeting will have an opportunity to give feedback about a new website, ecassist.org, that is unique in its specific focus on East County.

Were beta testing it, and I think its coming along well, she said about the site, which was launched in January.

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The website was created by one of 10 project teams in the task force, which formed in 2016 as a grass roots effort and is not to be confused with the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless.

Designed to be user friendly, the website allows users to navigate services based on either locations or need. People looking for food resources, for instances, can go to a column on the left and find links to pantries in Alpine, El Cajon, La Mesa, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, Santee and Lakeside.

In another section, users also can search for general resources or food services by specific communities. One click on the Alpine icon opens a 12-page document that lists numbers for various hotlines, medical care, shelters and such region-specific agencies as the Southern Indian Health Council with offices in Alpine and Campo.

The site was created by a task force with the Access to Services team, one of the 10 project teams.

Other teams are focused on marketing, data collection, homeless contact, reunification programs, shelters, mental illness, law enforcement, homeless youth and homeless veterans.

An update on those teams also will be presented at Thursdays meeting.

While the new site provides links to a large number of resources, it also shows where some needs are. A link to shelters in the area lists only the Crisis House for housing assistance, East County Transitional Living Center for transitional living and homeless services, and Eastern Lights at Meridian Church, a temporary youth shelter that operates the first and third Friday of the month.

Funding for the site was provided by $2,000 from Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors and a $5,000 housing opportunities grant from the National Association of Realtors.

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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

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gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
Baja California Railroad has made little progress on rehabilitating the so-called Desert Line since the business took over the lease to operate the 70-mile stretch of track from Tecate to Plaster City more than two years ago.

Officials with the Tijuana-based company said last year that they expected to complete a $60-million overhaul of the line on everything from railroad tracks to dozens of crumbling tunnels and bridges by 2020.

Will century-old Impossible Railroad finally thrive, delivering billions in economic activity? 

However, at a recent meeting with the San Diego Metropolitan Transit Systems top brass, a spokesman for the rail company said Baja Rail had yet to break ground on the project or secure approval for a key cross-border inspection facility near Campo.

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Baja Rail pays MTS $1 million a year for the right to operate the agencys line.

Company officials have said for more than a year that they need U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide guidance on the project. Specifically, they have said that to proceed they have to know whether the federal agency will require the rail company to build two inspections facilities, one on each side of the border, or allowed it to construct a joint complex in Mexico.

We have already presented CBP different projects for them to give us some feedback, said Jorge Izquierdo, spokesman for Baja Rail. They are still pushing for separate facilities, but we havent got anything official on the project.

Izquierdo suggested at the meeting with MTS officials last week that the recent government shutdown in the U.S., as well as Mexicos recent presidential election, may have slowed the overall process.

However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said on Wednesday that the agency had yet to receive a formal proposal from Baja Rail, issuing this statement:

CBP officials have coordinated with the project sponsor to provide information about CBP requirements at an official border crossing into the U.S. and other necessary information  At this time, it would be premature to comment further as CBP has not received an official proposal for the project from the sponsor.

The Desert Line is part of the 148-mile so-called Impossible Railroad stretching from San Diegos Pacific Coast into Tijuana and out to Imperial County through perilous desert cliffs. The famous entrepreneur John D. Spreckels built the rail line roughly a century ago and it has been plagued by fire, floods and other calamities ever since.

The last time cargo was transported along the desert line was in 2008 when MTS leased the line to a company called Carrizo Gorge Railway. The route was subsequently embargoed pending tunnel and bridge rehabilitation.

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The company isnt required under its lease with MTS to meet any benchmarks for rehabilitating the Desert Line until the inspection facilities are in place. The company has so far paid the transit agency $2 million for the right to operate the line.

MTS spokesman Rob Schupp said that Baja Rail is currently undergoing extensive environmental review in connection with the potential inspection sites.

The Impossible Railroad is a well-earned moniker, but even if progress is slow, there has been more progress to establish a bi-national railroad since Baja Rail took over than over the previous 100 years, he said.

Baja Rail has controlled the 44-mile section of the Impossible Railroad between Tijuana and Tecate under a concession with the Mexican government since 2012. Officials said they have invested roughly $20 million, including public funding, to upgrade the short line, which imports goods from San Diego but has no export business.

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The company says it plans to provide a cost-effective alternative to freight trucks once the Desert Line is overhauled and it can access eastern markets without having to go through the Los Angeles region.

The previous leaseholder of the Desert Line, Pacific Imperial Railroad, made no progress on overhauling line and was thrust into bankruptcy with unsecured debt of more than $7 million. Over roughly four years, the company routinely missed deadlines imposed by MTS and racked up numerous lawsuits by investors alleging the company defrauded them.

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Twitter: @jemersmith

Phone: (619) 293-2234

Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com
Officials have finalized the scope of an upcoming audit of the Sweetwater Union High School Districts finances, but its still unclear when the examination will be finished.

An audit of the Sweetwater district was ordered by the San Diego County Office of Education after a state fiscal team revealed in December that the school district has long been inaccurately representing its finances and potentially covered up financial shortfalls.

District officials have declined to discuss the audit but said they are complying with auditors.

The county education office finalized a contract for the audit last week with the state Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, which is the state agency that wrote the initial December report about the district. The audit contract was obtained by The San Diego Union-Tribune Wednesday.

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The audit will investigate Sweetwater for potential fraud, misappropriation of funds or other illegal practices. According to the contract, the audit will focus on:

 The districts practice of borrowing money from its own funds. For years, the district borrowed money from its Mello-Roos special tax fund, which is supposed to be used for school facilities, and used that money to pay for its general operating expenses. The district has said the practice is legal, but a Mello-Roos resolution the board approved in July names five uses for the funds and general operating expenses is not included.

 Possible manipulation of the current and previous budgets through what are called unsubstantiated negative budget entries, or making it appear the district spent less than it actually did. The audit will look into the purpose of some 300 such entries and the documentation supporting them.

 Potential delay of posting the effects of payroll transactions. The state fiscal team found that Sweetwater did not post four months of payroll last fiscal year, which made the district look like it spent less than it did.

Some observers have said they hope the audit reveals who specifically was responsible for the budget errors. The state fiscal teams December report did not discuss this. The audit contract does not include a timeline, which has yet to be determined. The audit is expected to take months.

According to the contract, the audit is expected to cost about $50,700, which includes $1,100 per day for each staff member of the state fiscal team working on the audit.

In addition to this audit, the Sweetwater district is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Kristen Taketa

Email: kristen.taketa@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @Kristen_Taketa
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is expected to weigh a plan next week to phase out the use of pepper spray in its juvenile detention facilities, following recent scrutiny about its excessive use.

The board will consider a motion asking the countys Probation Department, which handles the supervision and detention of more than 7,000 juveniles involved with the county criminal justice system, to develop a plan to stop using oleoresin capsicum, commonly known as pepper spray.

For the record: An earlier version of this article said Supervisor Janice Hahn was co-sponsor of a motion to phase out pepper spray in juvenile halls. The motion is sponsored by Supervisors Sheila Kuehl and Mark Ridley-Thomas.

The supervisors received a report this week from the countys Office of Inspector General about inappropriate and avoidable use of the substance to subdue detainees in the countys juvenile halls and camps.

The review came after the board became alarmed by reports of skyrocketing use of the spray, which can incapacitate people by causing irritation to their eyes and skin. Incidents in which detention officers deployed the spray increased by 150% from 2015 to 2017, for example, data released by the department shows.

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In addition to increased use in violent situations, the inspector generals report found that officers sometimes used the spray when it wasnt necessary or out of compliance with the departments use-of-force rules  and that they on occasion didnt properly help decontaminate the juveniles.

It is permitted only to be deployed to the extent that is necessary and appropriate to restore order and/or achieve and maintain control, and not as punishment or retaliation, according to a draft of the motion the supervisors will consider at their weekly meeting on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the OIG report detailed numerous violations of these policies.

The motion is sponsored by Supervisors Sheila Kuehl and Mark Ridley-Thomas, who first raised concerns about use of the spray last year, prompting the inspector generals review.

The report found that juveniles were sprayed in the face, back and buttocks, and were sometimes inadvertently or accidentally sprayed when others violated the rules. In other cases, juveniles were sprayed for excessive periods of time, according to the report and motion.

Perhaps most troubling, the supervisors said, were reports that detention officers used the spray as a default act of intervention in tense situations, rather than relying on less drastic methods for de-escalation. The report found that the spray was at times used punitively  and that officers sometimes submitted inaccurate reports of aggressive behavior by juveniles that didnt hold up to later scrutiny of video evidence.

Such reports alarmed board members this week, but they seemed prepared to move cautiously to avoid increasing the danger for guards inside the camps and halls, where probation officials say violence against staff has increased in recent years.

The motion now calls for the phased elimination of the spray over time, as the county explores other methods and training for staff to maintain order inside the facilities, which housed on average about 900 juveniles awaiting trial or receiving rehabilitation after criminal convictions in juvenile courts.

Officials from the Probation Department, which cooperated with the review and raised concerns internally about the increase in pepper spray use, were not immediately available for comment.
A 92-year-old former San Diego deputy city attorney who shot his allegedly abusive son in the head as he slept pleaded guilty Wednesday to voluntary manslaughter and will be placed on probation.

Richard Peck sat in a wheelchair, flanked by two defense lawyers, as he told San Diego County Superior Court Judge Kathleen Lewis that he understood what his change of plea from not guilty meant.

I went to law school, he reminded the judge.

Lewis noted that voluntary manslaughter is defined as taking the life of a human in the heat of passion, not with malice. She said the maximum punishment for that crime is 11 years in state prison.

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Following terms of the plea agreement, the judge dismissed a murder charge against Peck.

She said Peck would be placed on probation for three years, with home detention and a GPS ankle bracelet, when he is sentenced on March 28.

Defense attorney Douglas Gilliland told the judge the case is one of extreme psychological abuse by the son, who Gilliland said was an alcoholic who tried to frighten his father into a fatal heart attack.

The attorney said Robert Robbie Peck, 51, was in the middle of a divorce and had moved into his fathers Old Town home early last year.

On Nov. 14, the son smashed his fathers phone  his only connection to the outside world  made a threatening comment and went to bed, according to court records.

Soon after, the elder Peck shot him with a shotgun. Then he went into the street and yelled for help, saying hed shot his son.

Peck was arrested and charged with murder. A judge cut his $1-million bail in half and allowed Pecks release over the objection of Deputy Dist. Atty. Daniel Shim, who called the shooting an execution.

On Wednesday, Shim agreed to the plea bargain.

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Its quite an unusual case, Shim said out of court. Definitely tragic. There was probably a better way for Mr. Peck to handle things.

He said his office has prosecuted few homicide cases with a defendant as old or as well-educated as Peck.

Peck worked for a time in the San Diego city attorneys office, then as a civil litigator for the law firm then known as Procopio Price. It is now called Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch.

Gilliland, at a previous court hearing, outlined some of the abuse Peck had allegedly suffered from his son, who once hurled a vase at him and on other occasions would suddenly scream in his fathers ear, hoping the older man would suffer a fatal heart attack.

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Police were called to the Peck home 14 times last summer, and Robert Peck was once committed for a mental health evaluation. The younger Peck also tried to get his father to amend his will to leave his son more money than his daughter, Gilliland said.

Pecks daughter and son-in-law flew in from Georgia after his arrest and were trying to arrange for him to move into an assisted living facility, Gilliland said.

Repard writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

pauline.repard@sduniontribune.com
A man who allegedly shot at Escondido police while trying to run away from an aborted car chase early Thursday was apprehended after being shot himself, authorities said.

San Diego County sheriffs detectives are investigating the shooting, which was reported around 1:40 a.m. near the Hidden Meadows neighborhood.

The incident began about 10 minutes earlier when Escondido officers responded to a report of a man shooting at a house, said Escondido police Sgt. Shannon Martin. No one was injured.

The suspect drove away, but officers spotted the car and began chasing it north on Interstate 15.

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The driver exited the freeway at Deer Springs Road and ran over spike strips placed in the roadway by officers. He pulled over shortly thereafter and began to run away.

As he ran, he fired several rounds at officers, the sergeant said. No one was hit.

At least one officer returned fire and the suspect suffered a gunshot wound to his foot, Martin said. Police arent sure if he was shot by police or if he shot himself, the sergeant said.

The man was treated at a hospital and released, and was being interviewed by sheriffs investigators. He was not identified.

It was not immediately known what charges he would be facing, Martin said.

The Sheriffs Department said via Twitter that officers suffered minor injuries in the incident. Sheriffs officials were investigating the shooting because it occurred in an unincorporated area in their jurisdiction.

One Escondido officer had a twisted ankle and another hurt his shoulder during the chase, but both remained on full duty, said Escondido police Lt. Bode Berreth.

Update on @EscondidoPolice officer-involved shooting. Heres what we know: a suspect ran from car after a pursuit and fired at Escondido Police Officers. An officer returned fire. Suspect was wounded, treated & released. Officers had minor injuries.  San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) February 7, 2019

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Kucher writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
Mark Wilson/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday voted along party lines to approve William Barr's nomination to become attorney general.



All 10 committee Democrats voted to oppose Barr's nomination from advancing, while all 12 Republicans voted in support of President Donald Trump's pick to succeed Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker.



The full Senate must now vote on Barr's nomination and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday said, "I hope and expect he will be confirmed next week."



Before Thursday's committee vote, Democrats said Barr had not given them the assurances they've sought that special counsel Robert Mueller's report would be made public once his investigation is finished.



The committee's top Democrat, Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, said at the beginning of Thursdays hearing that Muellers report must be made public.



Unfortunately, Mr. Barr would not commit to providing special counsel Muellers findings and the final report to the Congress, she said.



Other Democrats echoed Feinstein's view.



"Will he be the people's lawyer or the president's lawyer?" asked Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.



Democrats, in voting no, also said they remained concerned about the role Barr will play in overseeing the special counsels investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.



Barr has sought to reassure Democrats he thinks Mueller should be allowed to finish his work.



Judiciary Chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said that Barr "will share as much as he can reasonably can," adding that he trusts Barr and "begged" him to take the job.



GOP Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said that nobody should think Barr was a "political hack," but instead said that he reveres the law.



Former committee chairman, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, noted he had introduced a bill to make the special counsel's findings public.



Asked during his confirmation hearing in January under what circumstances he might fire Mueller, Barr replied, Under the regulations, Bob Mueller could only be terminated for good cause. Frankly, its unimaginable to me that Bob would ever do anything that gave rise to good cause.



And he said at the time he had made no promises to the president or been asked to make any.



But Barr has so far declined to guarantee that he would release Muellers final report in its entirety.



Democrats pressed Barr for written, on the record, answers about what hell be willing to share about the probe with Congress and the public. With Mueller's investigation now nearing completion, Barrs answers take on even greater significance.



Committee Democrats, who have met with Barr in recent days, are also especially focused on a memo he wrote last year to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein about Mueller's probe.



In June 2018, concerning the president's firing of then-FBI director James Comey in May 2017, Barr argued to Rosenstein that any obstruction of justice inquiry into Trump based on the firing would be "fatally misconceived."



Democrats wanted to know why Barr wrote the memo and who else might have seen or known about it.



Barr addressed the memo controversy head-on during his confirmation hearing last month.



"I wrote the memo as a former Attorney General who has often weighed in on legal issues of public importance, and I distributed it broadly so that other lawyers would have the benefit of my views," Barr said in his opening statement.



Barr was questioned extensively both in his hearing and in follow up written questions from members of the Senate judiciary committee about the memo and his handling of the investigation.



On Thursday, Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois said that while Barr might be a good person, in writing the memo, he seemed to be "telegraphing his pitch."



Barr also left open the possibility that he could object to efforts to bring Mueller up to testify before congressional committees.



Barr isnt promising to allow the special counsel to testify before Congress if invited or subpoenaed.



In his written responses to senators questions, Barr would only say that he would consult with Mueller and other [Justice] Department officials about the appropriate response to such a request in light of the Special Counsels findings and determinations at that time.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
In the past two years, we have seen millions of people take to the streets marching for womens rights, the #MeToo movement topple powerful men from powerful positions and a record number of women run for public office. The 116th Congress has more women than ever before.

But this surge of women taking leadership roles is nothing new for La Jolla.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, women shaped the fabric of the coastal enclave, bringing in the arts as well as science and academics  from Ellen Browning Scripps, whose generosity left a legacy that includes the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, to architects Lilian Rice and Florence Palmer and Louis Balmer, who established a school that is now La Jolla Country Day School.

The accomplishments of 10 of these pioneering women are explored through the lens of 10 local women artists in Tangible Memories: Recollections of La Jolla Pioneer Women, an exhibition at the La Jolla Historical Societys Wisteria Cottage Gallery. Each artist was assigned one woman to research and capture through art.

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Its a new and different perspective on womens issues, said Heath Fox, executive director of the La Jolla Historical Society. All of these women, for their time, were really well-educated and interested in a wide range of subjects.

They were suffragettes and founders and members of the La Jolla Womens Club, a place where they could discuss current affairs and literature. (The club is still active today with a focus on womens issues.)

While Ellen Browning Scripps and her sister Virginia are well-known for their philanthropy, others have left their mark on the community in less obvious ways. Mary Elizabeth Bennett Ritter was a doctor who championed womens health. When her husband became the founder and first director of the Scripps Institution for Oceanography, which was funded by Scripps and called the Marine Biological Station, she gave up her practice to help run the fledgling institute.

Artist Taylor Chapin captures glimpses of Ritters life with three oil paintings. Ellen Browning Scripps is portrayed by ceramic artist Cheryl Tall. In a life-size statue, Scripps wears a full-length skirt created with handmade tiles depicting sea life. She wears a hat with a pink bird on top representing all her projects that have taken flight.

Talls thought process can be seen in the five maquettes, small statues representing different aspects of Scripps  as a designer, traveler, writer, woman of La Jolla and ultimately the sea.

Eliza Virginia Scripps was Ellens outspoken half-sister. She followed Theosophy and spiritualism, gave generously to the community, loved the color purple and built the Wisteria Cottage, which houses the museum. To capture Virginias independent spirit, artist Tara Centybear looked to todays strong women in arts. She painted portraits of Dinah Poellnitz, owner of Oceansides Hill Street Country Club gallery; Alessandra Moctezuma, director of the Mesa College art gallery; and Kara West, former director of the Central Librarys gallery.

The women in the paintings have purple scarves covering their eyes to symbolize that pieces of their identity are hidden and over time will be forever lost.

Theres a definite connection between the women of today and the women of the past, said Danielle Deery, the exhibitions curator. Deery came up with the idea for Tangible Memories in 2016 during Hillary Clintons bid for the White House.

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I wanted to look at how far weve come and look at how the women of La Jolla paved the way, Deery said. It was an interesting time period.

She asked the La Jolla Historical Society to come up with a list of 15 influential women and then invited the artists to select their top three. Deery then made the final matchup of 10 based on the artists responses.

Some of the women were responsible for bringing art and culture to La Jolla. Anna Held Heinrich established the Green Dragon Colony, which brought artists, musicians and writers to the community. Mary Richmond Pressly also built an artistic community. Richmond Court became the home for many visiting writers and artists, including painter Robert Henri.

Collage artist Bridget Rountree uses scenes of early La Jolla in re-creating three of Henris paintings channeling the people and places important to Pressly. Heinrich is represented through a ceramic sculpture by Lee Puffer that incorporates a bust of Heinrich painted with the Green Dragon Colony on a cylinder that includes piano keys. An accompanying sculpture of a Jack Russell terrier is a tribute to the connection of the two women. Puffer has a Jack Russell, which was also the breed of Heinrichs dog.

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While most of the women represented in the exhibition lived in La Jolla around the turn of the 20th century and were well off, artist Bhavna Mehta chose a different trailblazer for her cut paper and embroidery piece. Mabel Bell was one of the first African-American homeowners in La Jolla in 1950 when she bought her home on Draper Avenue with her husband, David. Bell, who loved her community, was an activist for the poor and member of S.O.F.A. (Strongly Oriented for Action), which lobbied for housing for African-Americans in the segregated community.

The issues the historical women were dealing with are still relevant today, Fox said.

The exhibition comes a timely moment with the assertion of womens rights and ascendancy of women in politics, he said. Its not just to report the past, but to relate it to today.

Tangible Memories: Recollections of La Jolla Pioneer Women

When: Saturday through May 19. Opening reception 5:30 p.m. Friday with Re-imaging Suffrage, by LITVAKdance. Gallery hours: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

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Where: La Jolla Historical Society Wisteria Cottage Gallery, 780 Prospect St., La Jolla

Admission: Free

Phone: (858) 459-5335

Online: lajollahistory.org

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Schimitschek is a freelance writer.
Kuumba Fest, San Diegos biggest celebration of African-American art and culture, returns to San Diego Rep this weekend, with theater, dance, film screenings, food competitions and more.

The fest launches Friday with a program titled Friday Night of Positive Images Honoring the Ancestors, and concludes Sunday evening with the Black 2 Excellence Dance/Movement Extravaganza.

Saturday takes in such family-minded events as a Kuumba Kidz performance and a screening of the movie Liyana.

All events are at the Reps Lyceum Theatre downtown.

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And a note about the name: Kuumba means creativity in Swahili.

27th Annual Kuumba Fest

When: Friday through Sunday

Where: San Diego Reps Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, downtown

Tickets: $5 and up (prices vary by event)

Phone: (619) 544-1000

Online: kuumbafest.com, lyceumevents.org

Felicia People at the 2017 Kuumba Fest. (Nancee E. Lewis)

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jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @jimhebert
The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus 2018-19 season continues this weekend with a program that will feature Chicago Symphony cellist Katinka Kleijn as a soloist.

The concert  conducted by music director Steven Schick  will begin with Philip Glass Cello Concerto No. 2 and end with Anton Bruckners Symphony No. 3.

Community Acoustics  billed by the La Jolla Symphony as an adventurous new work  will make its world premiere. Its by LJ White, the inaugural recipient of the Brenda and Steven Schick Commission, which will fund new symphonic music that embraces values of social and environmental optimism.

Brenda and I are thrilled that the wonderful composer LJ White has agreed to compose the first of these commissions, says Schick of his and his wifes new endeavor. His piece  is not only beautiful and evocative music, but it reminds us that one of our fundamental goals is to listen carefully to each other and to the world around us.

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La Jolla Symphony & Chorus

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. Pre-concert lecture by Steven Schick given one hour before concert start.

Where: Mandeville Auditorium at University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla.

Tickets: $15-$35. Parking is free on weekends.

Phone: (858) 534-4637

Online: lajollasymphony.com

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Twitter: @outdoorlivingsd

michael.rocha@sduniontribune.com
A new hire at the Chula Vista Fire Department has budget hawks crying foul.

In January, Chula Vista hired a public education specialist, someone responsible for educating residents about fire safety and burn prevention, managing social media campaigns, recruiting new firefighters and serving as a spokesperson for the department.

The position itself isnt the issue. But the way it was funded is.

Chula Vista used funds from Measure A, a sales tax increase approved by voters in June 2018. Critics of the tax hike say Measure A was pitched to voters as a last-resort tax measure to increase public safety by hiring more police officers and firefighters. Not public education specialists.

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I fail to see where a public information officer on a daily basis is going to be saving lives as opposed to a beat police officer or a firefighter, said Russ Hall, Measure As most vocal critic. That to me sounds like misplaced priorities.

When the city lobbied for Measure A, officials hosted multiple public forums to talk about low staffing levels and slow response times. The measure, they said, was necessary to hire more first responders and respond to 911 calls faster, Hall said.

Elected officials promised that money raised through the sales tax would be spent on public safety staffing. They published an intended expenditure plan and formed a citizen oversight committee to ensure that actual spending lines up with the plan.

The education specialist position was in that expenditure plan.

These transparency measures were enacted partly because Measure A is a general tax. Therefore, the city has no legal obligation to spend it on a specific purpose.

Mayor Mary Casillas Salas said the fact that the education specialist position was on the expenditure plan shows the city is fulfilling promises made during their campaign for Measure A.

The Public Education Specialist firefighter position is not a late addition, but was included in the original Intended Public Safety Expenditure Plan approved by the City Council when it approved placing Measure A before the voters, Salas said in a statement.

Although the position was in the original expenditure plan presented to voters, that plan stated the education specialist position would not be filled until next year. The city changed the expenditure plan to fill that position this year and to require the job to be filled by someone with the rank of fire captain.

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That amendment to the expenditure plan was approved unanimously by the citizens oversight committee and the Chula Vista City Council in December.

The position is necessary because Chula Vista, the countys second-largest city with a population of more than 230,000, did not have someone who was out in the community proactively educating the public about fire safety, according to the city.

Specifically, the department wants to focus on outreach to children, seniors, mobile home parks and schools.

Councilman Mike Diaz, a former firefighter, views the education specialist position as vital to increasing public safety and faster response times because good fire prevention education can prevent fires.

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Keeping fire engines available for response is a good thing, Diaz said. If that engine has to respond to a fire or medical aid call that could have been prevented, that ties up another response.

Education prevents fires and that frees up fire engines to respond to more calls, thus faster response times, he added.

The chiefs plan will help to reduce response times, which is Measure As intention, Diaz said.

Capt. Jeff Ewert, the person hired for the job, disagrees with Halls recollection of how Measure A was pitched to voters.

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We talked to them and admittedly we focused on boots on the grounds and our service gaps and we also definitely talked about lack of approach in educating the community and that is something we wanted to initiate as well, he said.

While the real thrust of this position is to get out to the community and start educating, having a dedicated media relations person will allow the department to better communicate with the public, Ewert said.

We werent doing a good job of communicating with the media in the first place, he added. We were reactive; if you were to call us and ask us about an emergency that occurred. Now we have someone who is out in the front, you know who that is and well be able to communicate.

The fire department hired 19 people this year, including 12 firefighters, two deputy fire chiefs and two paramedics, so to say that putting more boots on the ground is not a priority is unfair, Ewert added.

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Tom Salvestrini, another Measure A critic, questioned whether the position should be a priority because the majority of emergencies that Chula Vista firefighters respond to are not fires.

In 2016, CVFD received 19,891 emergency calls. About two percent of those calls, or 415, were for actual fires. One-third of those fire calls were for vehicle fires and building fires, according to a public safety staffing report from 2017.

I have a hard time justifying a position like that, Salvestrini said. Fire prevention, how many fires are there in Chula Vista? Two percent of their emergency calls are actual fires. So to go around saying they need fire prevention, I am not clear why that is needed.

Pedro Anaya, a member of the oversight committee, disagrees. Although the education specialist is not fighting fires, the position increases public safety, especially if more education leads to a decrease in false 911 calls or accidental fires, he said.

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To me, thats boots on the ground, Anaya said. But they are there before the fire starts. They are there before the medical emergency.

Contact Gustavo Solis via Email or Twitter
In October 2017, the Me Too Movement exploded into the public consciousness when survivors of sexual violence flooded social media with their own painful stories and the hashtag phrase #metoo.

The movement has since gone global and taken down many confessed and alleged perpetrators. For Tarana Burke, the Bronx-born civil rights activist who founded the movement back in 2006, the experience over the past 18 months has been a roller-coaster with hair-raising highs and depressing lows.

The upside has been the awareness-raising on the issue and the communities of healing that have sprung up to validate and heal victims. But the valleys have included the backlash from conservative pundits and the medias misrepresentation of the movement and its goals.

In a speech before a capacity crowd of 850 at Cal State San Marcos on Tuesday night, Burke called the new conversation on sexual violence nothing short of a miracle. But she said that society is nowhere close to ending the predatory behavior that spawned Me Too and the healing of its traumatized victims.

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The people who said me too a year-and-a-half ago are still walking around out there with their hand up waiting for someone to say I can help you, I see you, I believe you  me too, she said, to a standing ovation.

A capacity crowd of 850 mostly women awaited the arrival of Me Too Movement founder Tarana Burke Tuesday at the Cal State San Marcos University Student Union building. (Pam Kragen/San Diego Union-Tribune)

Burke spoke to a diverse audience of mostly women students, faculty and community members as part of the universitys spring lecture series. During the nearly two-hour presentation, she talked about her childhood, the steps that led to her creation of Me Too and how it felt when a group of wealthy Hollywood actresses commandeered her catchphrase in October 2017 to take down film producer Harvey Weinstein.

Shes not angry at the actresses for latching on to her words, and said theyve been gracious in sharing the microphone. But shes sorry that fewer people wanted to listen when she founded the movement to heal traumatized young black and brown girls 13 years ago.

Rich, white women had to speak up for something to happen, she said Tuesday. I tell people, you cant steal whats mine. Im here for a particular reason and nobody can take that away from me.

Burke grew up the well-read liberal daughter of a black feminist single mom. She was sexually abused as a girl but never talked about it. By age 15, she was a community youth activist, helping organize rallies in support of the Central Park Five, five black teen boys unjustly convicted of the 1989 rape of a white woman in Central Park. They were later exonerated.

At age 22 in 1996 she was working at a camp when a preteen girl nicknamed Heaven confessed she had been sexually abused by her stepfather. Because it stirred up her own painful memories, Burke didnt respond.

I wanted to say me too but I didnt, Burke said. (Heaven) was shocked, angry, disappointed. Then she put her armor back on and walked away.

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That experience led to the creation of Just Be, a program for minority girls ages 12 to 18 encouraging healthy relationships, self-esteem and education about sexual consent. The need was great. Burke said 60 percent of black girls will experience sexual violence by age 18. In 2006, Me Too was born to raise awareness about the pervasive culture of sexual abuse and assault.

Originally launched with a MySpace page, Burkes Me Too Movement has helped hundreds of women nationwide. But its numbers pale in comparison to the millions reached since #metoo began in 2017. Burke was among the silence breakers women named Time Magazines 2017 Person of the Year.

Burke told the audience the movement continues. She recommends campuses like Cal State San Marcos make ending sexual violence part of their campus cultural motto. She believes education on sex and consent should begin in kindergarten. And she encourages marginalized populations like the transgender community to live out loud to raise awareness.

Natalie Wilson, a professor of womens gender and sex studies at Cal State San Marcos, said she wasnt surprised at the large crowd Tuesday because Burke has helped create a dialogue on campuses for these difficult conversations.

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We have to take the opportunity to keep pressing it forward in our community. This is the generation thats going to run with it, Wilson said.

Among the students in attendance was senior Gaiti Ayub, who spent eight years in the U.S. Army.

That wasnt a good time for women in the Army, Ayub said. They didnt tell their stories. They were hushed up. The Me Too movement made a difference. I feel it builds a safe space for women.

Burkes talk also spurred at least one attendee to action. Rebecca James, a senior in the communication department, spent many years in the Girl Scouts and served as a troop leader and delegate to the national convention. But she was rebuffed when she urged the organization to introduce sexual health training classes.

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Now Im looking to find an organization where that can be part of the conversation, James said.

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
For 15 years, traveling nurses and amateur chefs Joel and Vicky Meek were rolling stones, moving from one corner of the U.S. to the next in their quest to see the country and explore its regional cuisines.

By necessity, the Meeks traveled light, but they always found room in their packing boxes for their growing collection of kitchen spices, like Texas barbecue rubs and hand-mixed Indian curries and Chinese powders theyd found in ethnic markets during their journeys.

But when they adopted their now-8-year-old daughter Sloan in 2011, they realized theyd need to settle down, particularly when she started school. The Meeks have since put down roots in San Diego and now the spices are traveling to them.

Last weekend at Westfield North County mall, the Meeks hosted the grand opening of The Spice & Tea Exchange, an old-fashioned apothecary-style shop that sells more than 140 spices, 85 hand-mixed seasonings, dozens of infused sugars, salts, peppers and 40 exotic teas and tea drinks. The Escondido shop is the first in Southern California for the 14-year-old Florida-based company, which has 67 stores nationwide.

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Customers can open and sniff the spice blends at The Spice & Tea Exchange at Westfield North County shopping center in Escondido. (Pam Kragen/San Diego Union-Tribune)

Just minutes after the store opened on Sunday morning, a crowd of customers filled the aisles, many of them relishing the shops unique hands-on display. While the teas, spices and herbs are sold in shakers and 1- and 4-ounce resealable packets, virtually all of them are displayed in 18th-century-inspired glass apothecary jars that customers can open, sniff and examine up close. On most weekends, they can also taste-test a few items.

Joel Meek said that element of the store, which engages all of the shoppers senses, is what made him want to own one after he first discovered it in Grapevine, Texas, in 2015.

It was a cool store, he said. Weve always looked for unique and quirky shops like this wherever we lived.

Meek grew up about 80 miles away from Grapevine in Denison, Texas, where he decided to go into nursing because he wanted a career helping people. After college, he joined the traveling nursing program and his first stop in 2002 was Los Angeles, not far from his brothers home in Orange County.

While working in the operating room at St. Josephs Medical Center in Burbank, he met his future wife, Vicky, a chemist-turned-nurse from Nashville who, like him, loved to travel and enjoyed cooking.

Over the years, they lived in Seattle, New York City, Baltimore, Dallas and Richmond, Va. Twice they moved to San Diego, and during their second brief stay in 2005, they got married on a Hornblower yacht cruise.

One of their first priorities in every city they moved to was discovering what spices, flavors and ingredients most represented the local cuisine. In Seattle, the Meeks smoked their salmon. In Baltimore, they served seafood with Old Bay seasoning. And during their stays in Dallas and San Diego, they discovered the differences between the Tex-Mex versus Baja Med cuisines.

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After 18 years in nursing and nurse management, Meek said he tired of working 60- to 80-hour weeks. I decided if Im going to work that hard, Id rather work for myself.

Thats when he discovered The Spice & Tea Exchange. The Meeks decided they wanted to open their store, and stay for good, in San Diego. After moving to the Del Cerro area 18 months ago, Meek said it was difficult finding a location.

They explored the tourist zones in Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter, but building costs were too high. Then, when Teavana closed some local mall stores last winter, it was a perfect fit for the Spice & Tea Exchange. The Escondido store held its soft opening in December.

Meek said the company imports all of its spices from farms in Africa, Sri Lanka, India, China, Japan, Korea, South America and the U.S. All spice blends are mixed in-store and all products are sold within six months of harvest.

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His favorite spice blend is Backwoods Hickory, which he uses on his burgers. He also likes Jamaican Jerk for his chicken, Tuscany on pasta and Lamb & Pork seasoning for meats and chip dips. The blends are priced at $5.19 an ounce.

Teas are $5.89 to $6.89 an ounce. Sugars, like bourbon black walnut and salted caramel, are $4.89 for 1.5 ounces. Prices vary for the peppers and salts, which include unusual flavors like bacon-smoked sea salt, turmeric pepperberry and chardonnay oak-smoked sea salt. The store sells hot and cold teas and an assortment of cooking products.

Meek and his shop clerk Chelsea Keehan said their favorite part of working at the store is trying the products at home and introducing the often-exotic ingredients to customers. Meek said finding the perfect calming tea for a shop visitor is in some ways as satisfying as nursing was.

I love feeling like Im helping people and these are healthy products that I like to share, he said.

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The Spice & Tea Exchange

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.

Where: Westfield North County mall, Space #229, 200 E. Via Rancho Parkway, Escondido

Phone: (760) 294-4511

Online: spiceandtea.com/escondido

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pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
CARLSBAD

Lunar New Year activities at Premium Outlets

Carlsbad Premium Outlets will celebrate the Lunar New Year from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday with themed crafts for kids, and a lion dance at 1:30 p.m. in the Center Court. Also, now through Sunday, VIP members can pick up lucky red envelopes from the Information Center with special retailer promotions and coupons. Become a VIP member for free at premiumoutlets.com/VIP. The Premium Outlets are at 5620 Paseo Del Norte. Call (760) 804-9000.

Prager Brothers artisan bakers win award

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Prager Brothers Artisan Bread has won the inaugural Putting the Customer First award from Mulligan Funding, an alternative lender for small and medium-sized businesses. Mulligan Funding asked its employees to nominate businesses that put the customer first. Louie and Clinton Prager, brothers and co-owners of Prager Brothers, received a $2,000 cash prize. The bakers have been serving San Diego County for seven years. The bakery is at 5611 Palmer Way, Suite C. Call (760) 703-1904. Mulligan Funding is in San Diego. Visit mulliganfunding.com.

ESCONDIDO

Free Meet the Buyers tour Feb. 14

The Meet the Buyers Tour will be from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at Escondido City Council Chambers, 201 N. Broadway, bringing together buyers and small-business advocates from agencies, large corporations and prime contractors. Admisssion is free. Participating organizations vary but can include SANDAG, North County Transit District, San Diego Unified School District, SPAWAR, MiraCosta College, ViaSat, Metropolitan Transit System, San Diego County Water Authority, UC San Diego, SDG&E and GSA. The event is sponsored by the North San Diego Small Business Development Center. Sign up at sdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/signup/11984; call (760) 795-8740.

OCEANSIDE

Workforce Partnership schedules two job events

The San Diego Workforce Partnerships North County Coastal Career Center is hosting an Employer Panel from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at the center, 1949 Avenida Del Oro, Suite 106. Learn about the hiring process, available jobs and skill requirements. Bring copies of your resume and come dressed for success. Participating employers include Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling; Sun Diego Charter; Vanguard; At Work Personnel; Allied Universal. Register at www.caljobs.ca.gov under My Resources/Upcoming Events/Event ID No. 764387. Call (760) 414-3521. The partnership is also holding a hiring event with Allied Universal, which is seeking security professionals, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at the career center. Interview on the spot for a full- or part-time position; guard training offered. Qualified candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent; be at least 18 (21 for driving positions); pass background check and drug/alcohol test; and have computer skills. Call (760) 631-6150.

RANCHO BERNARDO

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Blood drive to be held at chamber

The North San Diego Business Chamber is partnering with the county of San Diego and the San Diego Blood Bank to host a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the chamber office, 10875 Rancho Bernardo Road. Walk-ins are welcome or schedule your appointment at bit.ly/2VUhtfi. Donors must be 17 years and older; weigh at least 114 pounds and be in good health. Must provide photo ID. Email dylan@sdbusinesschamber.com.

Please send items to laura.groch@sduniontribune.com at least 10 days before events.

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laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
El Cajon residents frustrated by the citys homeless population showed up at last weeks Town Hall meeting hosted by Mayor Bill Wells and attended by top administrators.

The event was intended to give residents a forum to air their concerns and there were discussions about making donations to the citys animal shelter, how quickly the city is able to shut down illegal marijuana dispensaries, where new immigrants can get information, and what can be done about roadwork disruptions.

But the majority of the crowd wanted to know what the city could do about a perceived growing number of homeless individuals. The numbers are not in from this years count, but the annual San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless Point-in-Time count in 2018 showed 288 individuals living unsheltered, down from 323 in 2017 and 321 in 2016.

Wells explained that El Cajon continues to work with different social service agencies and nonprofits in the city like Crisis House, The Salvation Army and East County Transitional Center to find shelter for individuals who want help. The city is also involved with the East County Homeless Task Force, a group of residents, faith-based groups and businesses working on ending homelessness in the region.

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One woman said the citys new anti-panhandling signs scattered throughout El Cajon were not doing the job.

Police Capt. Rob Ransweiler said panhandling is a misdemeanor, but unless the act happens in the presence of public safety personnel, there is not much that can be done except to tell the person asking for money to move on.

The woman said she listens regularly to the police scanner and is upset about what is happening in El Cajon.

Ive heard about a homeless person throwing a glass bottle, theyve been attacking people, breaking into our houses and garages, climbing fences, she said. Ive seen tent cities in front of the transitional living center. I recorded four drug deals on Walter Way. I think with this reservoir of $45 million, I think something needs to give.

She was referring to Wells telling the audience that the city has a $45 million surplus in its general fund. Wells said the reserves will help El Cajon be prepared for the next recession.

Wells gave an abbreviated state of the city  talking up the citys parks, the renovated downtown area anchored now by the new Courtyard by Marriott Hotel and said he expected the long-shuttered East County Performing Arts Center to open in September.

Wells explained that the city was working hard within the law to help and that homelessness is the citys No. 1 issue, as it is all over California,

Everyone is working on it, Wells said. I get the sense that some of you are thinking I have a button on my desk and if I was willing to push the button, homelessness would be going away.

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He said that homelessness and drug addiction are intrinsically connected and that the face of homelessness has changed over the years, from an older crowd to younger people, in part because of the resurgence of methamphetamine.

Because of meth, they cant function in society, he said, noting that the need for drugs increases the aggressiveness of panhandling.

Wells also said that many state laws make it difficult to crack down on those living on the street.

The state is committed to the concept that homelessness is an acceptable way of life, and we need to get used to it, Wells said.

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One resident asked the city to use some of the $45 million in reserve to hire more police officers.

Wells suggested that for businesses that wanted more protection, they should look into hiring a private security company.

That is the reality of the future, Wells said. I know its not popular, but you want me to be straight with you.

Wells also said that since hes been on the City Council, since 2008, El Cajon has been trying to hire more police officers.

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(We have) not been able to fill all the spots, Wells said. The reason is that you have to interview 100 people until you can find one. Its a very difficult thing. We interview hundreds of people. Its a constant thing were doing. There arent enough police officers in El Cajon. Or Santee or Lakeside or Encinitas or San Diego or Chula Vista or National City.

Wells said that he planned on having another Town Hall meeting soon.

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karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com
Lemon Grove City Councilman David Arambula says he knew that Christopher Williams was interested in discussing a city-related business matter when he agreed to meet with Williams at his home in July 2017, according to court documents.

But he said he did not know that Williams wanted to talk about the businessmans pending application to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Lemon Grove and when the matter came up, he immediately halted the conversation, warned Williams it was inappropriate to discuss the matter and walked outside.

Several hours later, the evening ended with a fight between Williams and Arambula that left Williams with a gash over his eye and bite marks on his arm, injuries Arambula acknowledges in court documents he inflicted after Williams allegedly attacked him first.

As a result of the incident, Williams filed a lawsuit against the city and Arambula, seeking unspecified damages.

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But the city of Lemon Grove is asserting in court documents that it should be dropped from the suit because at the time of the altercation, Arambula was no longer acting in his official capacity as a representative of the city but rather as a private citizen during a social event at the councilmans home.

A San Diego Superior Court judge is expected to make a tentative ruling Thursday on the citys motion.

Also at Arambulas home the night of the fight were Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez; Taisha Brown, a member of the executive board of the San Diego County Democratic Party; and a neighbor of Arambulas.

In court documents, Williams asserts Vasquezs presence is further evidence it was city business because Vasquez often holds meetings away from City Hall because her full-time job elsewhere makes attending meetings at City Hall inconvenient.

In an October 2018 videotaped deposition, Arambula said he knew he would be discussing city business at his house.

Arambula also said he previously had meetings with others at his home to discuss city business, but none since that night in July 2017.

Arambula has not disputed that he and Williams exchanged punches that night/morning at his home. The two, however, have differing accounts about what happened.

Williams says he was invited to Arambulas home by Brown, who had also invited Mayor Vasquez.

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Williams said he accepted the invitation because he wanted to discuss his frustration over delays in getting his cannabis businesses off the ground.

In his deposition, Arambula said Brown had invited Williams to Arambulas house. She said that she knew a gentleman that wanted to invest in Lemon Grove. And I was happy to hear him out. And thats it.

Arambula said that when Williams explained that he wanted to open up marijuana dispensaries, Arambula asked him to stop right there, were not talking about this.

He said he told Williams he wouldnt discuss such a really hot topic in an informal setting like that.

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Arambula and Vasquez both said Williams kept trying to raise the subject of his dispensaries and they repeatedly warned Williams that city protocol prohibited them from giving him any indication how they might rule on his planned businesses.

The fight reportedly began around midnight.

In his claim, Williams accuses Arambula of drinking heavily and hitting him on the head with a beer bottle. He says Arambula allegedly bit, kicked, punched and choked him.

The claim says witnesses to the event include Vasquez and Brown. Both have denied being present during the physical altercation.

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Arambula said neither Vasquez nor Brown were there when the incident occurred. Arambula said Williams drank heavily and consumed five alcoholic drinks over the course of the evening.

Vasquez and Brown went home around 11:30 p.m. and Arambula said that soon after the two left, a frustrated Williams said to him, Youre going to do what I need you to do.

He said Williams then grabbed his shirt with both hands and would not release his grip. Arambula said the two traded punches and wrestled and that Williams tried to choke him. Arambula said he bit Williams to break his hold.

Arambula said he then grabbed the back of Williams belt loop and dragged him outside to the sidewalk and locked the gate, called Brown and told her that someone needed to come get him.

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Williamss injuries were reported to authorities while he was being treated at the hospital, but he declined to press charges.

Arambula in the deposition said he feared for his life.

I dont know for how long, he said. But I can tell you when he was trying to choke me using these wrestling moves, and also when he put his forearm  and I was laying on my back and he put his forearm on my mouth and nose.

Before Williams had tried to choke him, Arambula said, (Williams) told me youre going to do what the (expletive) I want you to do. He then started pulling me and twisting and wrestling. He at some point there swang, then he turned me around.

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Arambula said he did not contact authorities because he didnt feel he was in imminent danger and he was also trying to protect the mayor and the citys best interests.

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karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com
Buy now and pay later. Its an irresistible offer, especially for cash-strapped Americans living paycheck to paycheck. But that offer is usually tied to high-interest credit cards or rental stores that gouge you with inflated prices. Now, theres another option. And it may be less risky than you think.

A booming tech startup in San Diego has built a retail marketplace online that lets people buy big ticket items on payment plans  without issuing a loan or a credit card. The startup, called Zebit, is catching fire online, earning $46 million in revenue last year, rocketing up from $21 million in 2017. That performance makes it one of the fastest-growing tech startups in San Diego, and CEO Marc Schneider said the companys trajectory points even further north. Its on track to rake in $100 million this year. For perspective: thats the annual revenue of San Diegos software star, Seismic, which just got a $1 billion valuation from venture capitalists in December.

Heres how it works

Zebits online store is sort of like Amazon.com, but less massive. The company sells things like kitchen appliances, televisions, iPhones, tires and couches, among millions of other items. The companys customers dont have to pay full price for these items upfront. Instead, they fork over a small down payment and are set up on monthly payments that coincide with their paycheck cycle. Sounds kind of like payday loans meets Rent-a-Center, right? Not quite. Theres more to it.

Zebit is not a cash lender (no money gets wired into your checking account). The company operates more like an old school creditor, issuing customers a line of store credit up to $2,500 with which they can buy products and pay for them later. The company doesnt check your credit, nor do they report to credit bureaus. And they dont charge interest. Its zero percent interest from start to finish; no fees or penalties either.

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Schneider paints the company as rather altruistic, offering a fair way for under-banked consumers to buy the things they need  without falling prey to predatory schemes.

Our target is the 80 percent of U.S. consumers who live paycheck to paycheck, who dont have affordable access to credit, Schneider said. Those who are normally relegated to high cost predatory alternatives, taking out a payday loan at 400 percent APR or going to rent-to-own shops with limited selections.

But remember  theyre raking in millions of revenue, so obviously theres profit motive.

Wait, how does Zebit make money?

Schneider said the companys only revenue driver is the marketplace. Like a normal retailer, Zebit needs to sell its products at a high enough price to guarantee them a decent profit margin. In other words, their profit needs to be baked into the sale price.

And as a customer, youll see this on the companys website. They make it painstakingly clear how much youll pay for each item in total  after all the payments are done. For some items, theres a noticeable hike in prices. For example, Zebit is selling one model of Apples Macbook Air for $1,273.99, while the exact same model sells for $959 on Amazon. But for other items, the prices are comparable to major retailers. Zebit was selling a popular dining table and chairs for nearly the same price as the same model on Walmart.com.

Miro Copic, a business lecturer at San Diego State University, said Zebits model doesnt seem unfair to the consumer. After all, theyre essentially offering credit to a population considered a risk by most banks. They have to hedge their risk somehow.

Theyve created an alternative for these under-banked individuals thats extraordinarily viable, Copic said. The consumer gets to mitigate the risk of payday loans or high interest credit cards, which is a good thing. But I would urge people to remember that this is not an entirely altruistic deal. (Zebit is) approaching this positively, but at the end of the day its still a business.

How Zebit avoids risk (and why you might get denied their credit)

Although they pride themselves on serving under-banked individuals (often those with credit scores of 550 or less), the company has still found a way to reduce their risk. The startup doesnt offer credit to just anyone.

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Zebit is a tech company first and foremost, and theyre using data science to suss out information about their potential customers before awarding them a credit line. Schneider was pretty tight-lipped about what data they collect  and how they use it  but he did say they get information from third-party sources of consumer data  for example, social media companies and other gold mines of consumer behavior.

They use this information to gauge how likely it is that a person will pay Zebit back. Then they set their customers up for success, aligning payments with paycheck dates and requiring everyone to be on automatic payment plans. They also dont let their customers overextend themselves. Say, for example, Zebit awards you a $1,000 line of credit, with which you buy a $1,000 television. After youve paid off $200 of that television, you dont get $200 in credit to go spend, as is the case with credit cards. Instead, Zebit makes you pay in full. Once the whole debt is paid off, theyll offer you another round of credit. Maybe $1,200 this time, if you were good.

This is a new way to incentivize a customer to do the right thing, Schneider said.

In reality, what Zebit is doing is building their own credit score  a system that gauges the risk of a borrower. And the more users they gain on the platform, the better their machine learning will work to de-risk their customers.

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It appears to be working for Zebit. Only about 1.5 percent of its customers default on their first payment, Schneider said, and the companys overall bad debt totals about 14 percent of whats been credited.

It should be noted, using Zebit will not rebuild your actual credit score, since the company does not report to credit bureaus. So while using the site might be helpful to buyers in a tight budget, it wont redeem a credit-wrecked consumer.

And if you default on Zebit and dont pay up, customers arent home free. Schneider said the company devotes employees and resources to an internal collections team that is tasked with trying to recover money.

Big growth ahead

It appears that customers are a fan of the model. Since Zebits marketplace officially came online in 2017, the company has accumulated over 350,000 customers. Of those customers, Schneider said 70 percent of them come back to buy a second purchase. The first purchase averages $400, the second purchase around $230.

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If we didnt acquire another customer past today, we would generate around $65 million in revenue this year, just from repeat orders alone, Schneider said.

But based on their rate of growth, the company is expecting to have more like 650,000 customers by year end.

Officially founded in 2015, Zebit was spun out of a company called Global Analytics. The company expects to be profitable by December 2019, and has leaned on startup capital until then. Its raised $39 million in venture capital in two rounds of funding, and is raising its Series C round right now. The company is hoping to gather $20 million for that round. But they also just closed $75 million in debt financing in October, which will help fund their operations.

So we dont have to use equity dollars to fund orders, Schneider said. Equity dollars can be used for people, process and technology.

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Zebit employs 55 people in San Diego, and plans to employ nearly 70 by the years end.

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brittany.meiling@sduniontribune.com 619-293-1286 Twitter: @BrittanyMeiling
California loves new laws and there are plenty of fresh ones for the real estate industry to sink their teeth into this year.

Most of the legislation came in reaction to big events in the state. New rules for balconies came after a tragedy in Berkeley that killed six students. Stronger fire insurance regulations were in reaction to destructive wildfires. Laws helping tenants came as housing shortages and homelessness become more of a political issue.

Addressing new laws at the start of each year is a tradition of the Greater San Diego Association of Realtors. Around 350 people attended a new laws event at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Mission Valley on Wednesday. Gov Hutchinson, assistant general counsel for the California Association of Realtors, explained the new laws.

This years meeting for the real estate organization was a bit of a victory lap after the failure of Proposition 10, a statewide measure that would have repealed a 1995 law that limits county and city governments ability to slow rent hikes. The California Association of Realtors spent $8 million to help defeat the measure.

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Renter protections (AB 2343 and SB 721)

Renters will now potentially have more time to fight an eviction. The previous law said a renter would have three days to pay rent or get out. But, the new law has switched it to business days.

That means if a renter gets a notice on a Friday, they will be able to stay  or get the situation sorted out  by Wednesday the next week. Also, holidays dont count so that could also extend time depending on when the landlord served the notice. Unlike other laws on the list, this one takes affect Sept. 1, not Jan. 1.

Another law that will apply to renters is a requirement for landlords to get balconies inspected every six years to ensure they are sturdy. The inspector must be a licensed architect, civil or structural engineer, building contractor with special licenses or a certified building inspector from outside the local jurisdiction.

The law is in response to a tragedy in Berkeley in 2015 where six Irish students died when the fifth-floor balcony they were standing on collapsed.

Landlord benefits (AB 2219)

If someone else is paying your rent, they might have to put in slightly more effort. A new law relates to Californias strong tenant laws.

If you accepted that rent check (from a third party), were you turning that person into a tenant? Hutchinson asked the crowd. Yes. Until now.

The landlord can request the third party includes a letter that says they are not a tenant and, even though they are paying, they acknowledge they dont have any rights as a tenant.

Commercial landlords (AB 2173)

If a business abandons their space without paying rent, landlords now have some relief. Before, a landlord had to wait 14 days after rent was unpaid before they could give the tenant notice. It has now been shortened to three days.

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Also, abandoned personal property created additional headaches. If what was left behind was deemed to be more than $750 it has to be sold in a public sale, instead of just keeping it or throwing it out. The threshold has now been moved up to $2,500.

Fire Insurance (SB 824, 864, 917, 30 and AB 1772, 1800, 2594, 1875)

In the wake of wildfires, there are a litany of new laws aimed at protecting consumers and aimed at insurers.

Under the changes, a person who loses their entire home cannot be denied repayment if they build or buy another home at a different location. Also, the statue of limitations to sue an insurer has been extended from 12 to 24 months.

Other laws prevent an insurer from refusing to renew a home insurance policy one year to the date of an emergency declaration, increase living expenses for survivors and extends the period a policy holder can collect full replacement benefits from 24 to 36 months.

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Loans (SB 1201)

If negotiations of a loan modification was in one of five languages, it is the requirement of financial institutions to translate documents. The languages are Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Korean.

New laws affecting the hiring and treatment of employees will affect all businesses in the state, not just those working in real estate. But, it was a big focus of the Wednesday event because many of the attendees own agencies with multiple employees.

Businesses can no longer ask prospective employees their salary history. But, an employer can ask an employee what their employee expectations are.

Hutchinson said employers might want to be careful about another wrinkle in the law, which requires an employer to provide a pay scale for the position if the employee asks after the interview.

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For current employees who are pregnant or recently pregnant, there is a new law regarding lactation. If the woman asks for space to express milk, the employer must make reasonable efforts to get a room for the worker that is not a bathroom.

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phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1891 Twitter: @phillipmolnar

ALSO

San Diegos new single-family homes are pricey, modern and in short supply

Tijuana condo craze continues in to 2018

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Last years housing market broke records
A two-building office complex in the heart of Sorrento Mesa has been snatched up by Salt Lake City-based real estate investment firm Bridge Investment Group.

The groups office fund Wednesday closed on the 97,316 square-foot Cornerstone Plaza for an undisclosed sum. The buildings, built in 1986, are located at 6160 and 6170 Cornerstone Ct E and are due for a $5.2 million makeover that includes cosmetic interior and exterior upgrades, as well as significant landscaping improvements.

We like to buy properties, where if you do something to them, then you can improve the performance of the properties, said David McCleve, the Bridge executive in charge of buying and managing office assets in San Diego and other regions.

Bridge is a privately held company that manages $13.5 billion in assets. While it has been boosting its office portfolio over the past year  in 2018 it acquired more than 7 million square feet of office space in the U.S.  the Cornerstone Plaza purchase marks the firms first foray into the San Diego office market. Bridge, McCleve said, had previously been looking at the region for years, but it had been priced out of the properties it wanted.

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Weve been interested in San Diego for quite awhile  and continue to be interested, he said. If you look at the statistics, the statistics tell you that its a good market. Vacancies continue to drop, rents continue to rise and companies want to be there.

The firm settled on a smaller-than-normal acquisition because of the propertys potential. Currently 68 percent leased, Cornerstone Plaza will remain as standard office stock, but get a fresh coat of paint and suite-level upgrades during a 12-month-long renovation process. The end goal is to keep existing tenants happy, but also appeal to up-and-coming tech companies that need 5,500 to 16,500 square feet of space.

Meanwhile, Sorrento Valley and Sorrento Mesa office buildings have become hot commodities for real estate investment groups given their proximity to technology and science firms  and their workers. Life science facilities with lab-ready space have commanded the highest interest and prices. Last year, for instance, the owner of an 82,000 square-foot life science in Sorrento Mesa got more than triple what it originally paid for the property.

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jennifer.vangrove@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1840 Twitter: @jbruin
HAVANA (AP)  Nearly two weeks after a devastating tornado struck Havana, the worst-hit neighborhoods are filled with government crews restoring power and phone service and starting repairs to decimated homes.

There's also a far rarer sight: Hundreds of young people in designer T-shirts and jeans hauling black plastic bags full of clothes, food and water donated by private businesses, artists and other members of Cuba's small but growing upper-middle class.

For the first time in communist Cuba, prosperous individuals and successful entrepreneurs have taken on an important role in disaster recovery, long a point of pride for a government that boasts of its organizational ability and focus on caring for the neediest.

"Why is it only the state and big institutions that can show up? Why not everyone?" asked Camila Gonzalez, a 19-year-old sociology student taking clothes, shoes and personal care items to the Cuban Art Factory, a privately run cultural complex and performance space.

On Monday, the Art Factory hired a dozen classic American-made convertibles, normally used to ferry around tourists, to take donations to the devastated Luyano neighborhood.

Much of the private effort has been organized on Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media, thanks to the roughly 2 million Cubans who have signed up for mobile internet since the service became available last year. Cuba is one of the least-connected countries in the world, but that has been changing quickly since the government began providing home and cellphone connections.

"The organizational capacity and impact we've seen in recent days would have been unthinkable a decade ago," journalist Sergio Alejandro Gomez noted in a blog post titled: "The government loses the monopoly on social assistance in Cuba."

Former President Raul Castro's opening of the centrally planned economy to a limited amount of private enterprise, and more internet, "has changed the socio-economic landscape of the country for the better," Gomez wrote.

Disaster recovery was long seen as one of the greatest strengths of Cuba's communist bureaucracy, whose rigid centralization seems to work best in situations of national emergency.

The state boasts an impressive record of avoiding deaths and providing basic services during natural disasters, although its ability to provide adequate housing long-term is mixed at best.

Private aid started almost immediately after the extremely rare Category F4 tornado struck on the night of Jan. 27 with winds of 186 miles per hour (300 kph), damaging 4,800 homes and completely destroying 500 others.

In some neighborhoods, individuals began arriving the next day with boxes of donated rice, water and clothing. In others, restaurants and bakeries set up stands where they distributed free food.

"We've gotten aid from everyone, the government, artists, foreigners," said Ivis Rivero, whose home partially collapsed in the city's Luyano neighborhood.

The Cuban government and official organizations like university student groups also sent in thousands of people to help, but unlike the donations brought in by private groups the state response involved selling food and construction supplies to the disaster-struck.

"This is something that has affected us all," said Luis Ernesto Morales, who brought food and water from the restaurant he manages in the beach resort city of Varadero, an hour's drive away.

Still, the good intentions of the private donors has created some chaotic scenes in the worst-hit neighborhoods, where the government has at times struggled to impose order and make sure the aid is flowing to the neediest.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel made an unusual appearance on national television Wednesday along with virtually his entire cabinet to explain the government's attempt to make the recovery effort as fast and efficient as possible.

Many people say privately that they are skeptical of the government's ability to deliver or coordinate aid without bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption.

Well-known musicians have held benefit concerts and personally distributed aid in the disaster zone  though they have sometimes run into problems with the authorities.

Renowned conductor Zenaida Romeu complained in a widely shared post online that she and 18 members of her all-female chamber orchestra were escorted out of the Regla neighborhood by police after trying to distribute donations.

"Sure, the artists want to help, but artists are pulling up and starting to distribute clothes and food, and that creates chaos," said Ismael Rodriguez, a self-employed worker in Regla whose home was damaged by the tornado.

"They shouldn't just be giving out aid haphazard."
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Apple has released an iPhone update to fix a FaceTime flaw that allowed people to eavesdrop on others while using its group video chat feature.

The repair is included in the latest version of Apple's iOS 12 system, which became available to install Thursday.

The bug enabled interlopers to turn an iPhone into a live microphone while using Group FaceTime.

Apple turned off the group chat feature last week, after a 14-year-old boy in Tucson, Arizona, discovered the flaw. The teenager, Grant Thompson, and his mother said they unsuccessfully tried to contact the company about the problem for more than a week.

The delay in responding to the flaw raised questions about Apple's handling of it. The company has since promised to be more responsive.

Although the FaceTime bug has now been addressed, its emergence is particularly embarrassing for Apple. The bug exposed Apple customers to potential surveillance at a time that CEO Tim Cook has been repeatedly declaring that personal privacy is a "fundamental human right."

Cook also has publicly skewered Facebook and Google, two companies that collect personal information to sell advertising, for not doing enough to protect people's privacy.

Apple credited Thompson for discovering the FaceTime bug as part of its software update, nearly a week thanking him for reporting the bug in the first place.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  A gas explosion in a San Francisco neighborhood shot flames into the air Wednesday and burned five buildings, sending panicked residents and workers fleeing into the streets.

Utility crews put out the fire about three hours after private construction workers cut a natural gas line, igniting the towering flames, San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said. Authorities initially said five workers were missing, but the entire construction crew was found safe, and no other injuries were reported.

Officials evacuated several nearby buildings, including a medical clinic and apartment buildings, Hayes-White said. Vehicles on a busy street got rerouted as authorities cordoned off the bustling retail and residential neighborhood.

The fire damaged a building housing Hong Kong Lounge II, a popular dim sum restaurant frequented by students at the University of San Francisco and tourists. The restaurant made many "best of" lists.

Caroline Gasparini, 24, who lives catty-corner from the fire, said she and her housemate were in their living room when the windows started rattling. She looked up to see flames reflected in the glass.

"We went into crisis mode," Gasparini said. "We grabbed our shoes, grabbed our laptops and grabbed our passports and just left."

Gasparini said they saw employees of the burning restaurant run out the backdoor and people fleeing down the block.

Nick Jalali, 28, was cooking at home when the electricity cut out.

"We didn't hear anything," he said. "We just felt the shaking, and the next thing we knew, people were banging on the door to tell people it's time to start evacuating."

Firefighters worked to keep the fire from spreading while Pacific Gas & Electric crews tried to shut off the natural gas line.

"It's complicated," Hayes-White said of stopping the flow of gas through the damaged pipe. Though she later acknowledged that "as a fire chief and a resident, yes, I would have liked to see it mitigated."

The fire began around 1:20 p.m., apparently by crews working on fiber-optic wires, Hayes-White said.

Joseph Feusi lives four blocks away and said he was awoken by what sounded like a jet engine. Feusi, who works nights and sleeps in the afternoon, said he could see the towering flames from his home.

"I think the eight guys are really lucky they didn't get blown to bits," he said.

PG&E spokesman Paul Doherty stressed that the workers who cut the gas line are not affiliated with utility, which is under heightened scrutiny over its natural gas pipelines. A PG&E pipeline exploded under a neighborhood south of San Francisco in 2010, killing eight people and wiping out a neighborhood in suburban San Bruno.

A U.S. judge fined the nation's largest utility $3 million for a conviction on six felony charges of failing to properly maintain the pipeline. California regulators also fined PG&E $1.6 billion, and the utility remains under a federal judge's watch in that case.
The vendors of Samoas famous pork-buns are worried at the impact that the Governments plastic ban policy will have on their profits.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer recently on the implications of the ban on single use plastic bags, five pork-bun vendors said they will have to fork out more for alternative renewable bags now that single-use plastic bags are banned.

Prior to the ban the vendors paid $18 for a plastic bag roll and used between one to two rolls. But after the ban the cost for an alternative plastic roll is $35 for a small box and $45 for the large boxes. In order to use two boxes of each size a day, their cost run close to $160, which is unsustainable for them over the long-term.

A vendor, Ioane Seuati, said the rise in the cost in order for them to make the switch is high and shocking for them, as it will affect their livelihood.

Its more like volunteering to give free food to people and earn nothing at all because we all have families and for us, this is our breadwinner. To sell the pork-buns, he added.

Another vendor, Amosa Samuelu, said the alternative renewable plastic bags will be costly and will affect his familys livelihood.

Faoa Faoa, who is a vendor but gets his plastic bags courtesy of his sister, said the switch will cost vendors a lot more.

The competition with the other vendors is quite hard because its not just 2 or 3 pork-bun vendors but more and everybody buys from anywhere so if I spend this much on the plastic bags and my customers are not much, then Id have a bigger problem, he added.

Toni Viliamu and Sifiti Stowers, who both sell pork-buns, questioned the rationale behind the plastic ban when food companies such as Twisties continue to distribute their products in plastic packaging.

How about those plastics they use for twisties and those other junk food and products in the shop? If they ban the usage of the plastics bags then there should be no more plastic everywhere, they said.
Magiagi Primary School Principal, Katalaina Sia Latu, is happy to learn 10 of her students secured a place at the Confucius Institute (CI) this year.

CI officially opened its doors in September last year and is a Chinese government organisation designed to promote the Chinese language, and culture around the world.

Last year, Ms. Latu asked CI director Dr Liang Guojie if some of her students might be given a chance to learn Chinese.

At the Spring Festival celebrations on Tuesday, she received the good news, that ten students would be given the opportunity to learn Chinese for free, for one period a week this year.

I feel so lucky to be gifted this, Ms. Latu said.

I begged him to give us places, to encourage the children to learn about Chinese culture.

Ms Latu said for her, forging a relationship between Magiagi Primary School and CI is about integrating them into the community of the village.

If we look after them, they will look after us.

I want the village to be encouraged to look after the institute, she said.

Grateful for the opportunity, Ms Latu told Dr Liang she would happily teach him Samoan as a thank you, and said they would become best friends.

Ms Latu will pick five of the top students from year seven and eight to participate in the weekly classes.

A class of Magiagi students attended the Spring Festival/Chinese New Year festivities yesterday, and were treated to a range of Chinese cultural performances.

They were treated to freshly made Chinese dumplings, or jiao zi, and some students even participated in a guessing game of Chinese Zodiacs.

Outside school hours, students of all ages are welcome to learn and practice Chinese for free on Saturday mornings from 9:30 till 11 at the Confucius Institute at the National University of Samoa.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) is deep in self-reflection, after two days of a self-assessment workshop organised by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Facilitated by Jesper Elias Lauridsen and Vishal Gadhavi, the workshop is designed to allow small groups of stakeholders reflect on the sector, and honestly assess its gaps, weaknesses and successes.

Sector and stakeholder representatives have been analysing their current tools and capacities for measuring progress and results, in an effort to better report against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as meeting donor requirements, and simply understand their own work.

Mr Lauridsen is a governance and peace policy advisor from the international non-governmental organisation Helvetas. He said customising the workshop to meet a Samoan context has made this workshop successful.

Weve had excellent government buy-in, which is what is needed to make this work, he said.

Consultant Mr Gadhavi is from ITAD, a monitoring and evaluation specialist firm working in development. He said the participation shows a real willingness to improve the sectors results based management.

Self-assessment requires honesty, and weve seen a lot of people speaking up which is great, he said.

Mr Gadhavi said when the workshop split into small discussion groups, people contributed greatly to sharing their perspectives on the sectors strengths and weaknesses.

Today (Thursday) is the last day of the workshop, and by the end the participants should have drawn up a draft action plan, which should accurately draw on what needs to happen alongside what resources are available.

Its about optimising available resources, how best to use those resources, said Mr Gadhavi

Results based management is not an IT system you plug into a computer. Its a culture, its a mind-set.

Being able to clearly reflect on how well the sector is doing to achieve its goals will not only help the sector go forward, but also demonstrate to funding partners it is serious about development.

With this, donors will be able to see a commitment, that you value the agenda, said Mr Lauridsen.

Mr Lauridsen and Mr Gadhavi alongside IFAD will run this sector self-assessment workshop in 14 more countries in the next two years, as part of a global capacity development initiative called AVANTI (Advancing Knowledge for Agricultural Impact).

They had already run the workshops in Peru before coming here to Samoa.
The agriculture sectors deep dive into itself this week has been so far, so good, according to Leofo Luaiufi Aiono, who helped bring the International Fund for Agriculture Developments (IFAD) project to Samoa.

IFAD has been facilitating a global development initiative called AVANTI (Advancing Knowledge for Agricultural Impact), with expert partners Helvetas and ITAD.

They have been working with Leofo to run the three-day self-assessment workshop for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and its stakeholders and partners, in order to help the Ministry develop results-based management tools.

Leofo said the way the workshop has been facilitated has empowered sector representatives to honestly share their opinions, and have healthy discussions.

We didnt know what to expect, we were kind of sceptical going into it but its been progressing so well, so far so good.

Its hard to assess ones-self, to actually say this is where we are weak, he said.

Having a variety of ministries that work on the agriculture sectors, as well as development partners like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Food Program present made a big difference, Leofo added.

It was important that we got only ministry people but relevant stakeholders within the sector all sitting down to say we are here, were doing well here, and then the discussion starts rolling and we realise no, we need to take a step back and improve upon these issues.

Sometimes being self-critical can lead to arguments, but the facilitation by Helvetas and ITADs consultants prevented that.

Sometimes when you try to do that, people headlock and dont progress. But through the setting weve had we have been able to agree to disagree, Leofo said.

And, the workshop has already helped identify gaps and weaknesses in the sectors plans and management.

We have a midterm review for the sector [coming up], so that fits into that whole exercise, he said.

This tool is actually helping us to identify gaps and the current situation, where we are at, at the moment, and possibly ways of moving or progressing forward.

Representatives from Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, Ministry of Finance, Samoa Bureau of Statistics and the Public Service Commission attended as well.

Leofo said the other ministries expressed their interest in a similar sector plan workshop, to help develop their own areas.

Something that is coming out of these discussions is that these tools could actually be tailor made to each sector.

It was good to have them on board as well to come in and test this out and see that could work for them, it just needs to be tweaked a bit.
Safety from floodwaters shielded by the Vaisigano wall is a question mark for a 67-year-old man of Leone.

Tavita Nikolao was brought up alongside the Vaisigano riverbanks and has lived there with his family since. They have seen and experienced floodwaters that have had an immense impact on residents living alongside the riverbanks.

I have encountered many floods. The first flood, the water brought all the trees down, it was before the hurricane of 1966, he said to the Samoa Observer.

Safety is a big question mark despite this wall because we havent seen the river hit the walls. We are not really safe I can say, because we would like to see the water come in.

While he appreciates the initiative of having the wall to protect them, however from his past experiences, Mr. Nikolao said when the river floods there is no stopping it.

The water when it floods, its a flood, and the walls wont stop the water, and believe me when its really flooded, it becomes really bad, it brings all the big trees and take it down to the ocean, he said.

Its not really safe, but its good to see the wall. Now the young generations will see the wall, and theyll put it in their mind how strong the water will be, to me its ok but not safe. Im not safe because I have lived through so many floods.

When the force of water comes, it comes and no one can stop it, the big trees were also brought down with the water.

Mr. Nikolao explained when the Leone Bridge was constructed; they were told it was strong enough to withstand the impact of floodwaters.

The floodwaters brought down big trees, including huge rocks and they damaged the foundation of the bridge, he said.

The worst flood that hit us was in 2012; the water entered our house and damaged our furniture and television and belongings.

Nonetheless, Mr. Nikolao appreciates the work to have a new wall to protect people living alongside the Vaisigano River from floodwaters.

The thing that we didnt like about the work is that the wall stopped the wind blowing from the west to reach us, the fresh wind, which made us a little pissed off.
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Feb-06-2019 17:33 TweetFollow @OregonNews Kentucky, Your Drug Epidemic Has a Name and a Face: Meet Jon Jon is not a statistic; he is a victim of failed justice.

On July 27, 2018 Jon died in a drug ravaged town in Butler County, Kentucky of a drug overdose.

Photo: Marianne Skolek-Perez

(MYRTLE BEACH, SC) - By way of introduction: Kentucky, this was Jon. He was a son, a father and a brother. He was loved by family and friends. On July 27, 2018 Jon died in a drug ravaged town in Butler County, Kentucky where the words "empowerment", "prevention", "education" and "treatment" are not used. Jon died of a drug overdose. The deaths have become a matter of daily routine and accepted -- even by law enforcement. Why investigate the cause of death or who provided the drug(s) that ultimately kill residents of war torn towns in Kentucky? There will only be another "Jon" dying tomorrow and the next day and the day after. Jon's sister does not want him to become a death statistic in Kentucky. She wants the Kentucky Attorney General and law enforcement to clean up the third-world country appearance of towns in Kentucky. She wants investigations into pharmacies and physicians providing and dispensing dangerous opioids like OxyContin to patients who sell their pills and make money off it. She wants to know why this epidemic in Kentucky is a tale of "the haves and the have not." She wants to know why law enforcement did not write any information down as she was asking for an investigation into Jon's death. She was told that many known to be involved in the drug distribution channel were brought into the Sheriff's office, but no arrests were made. Jon's sister wants answers -- and is entitled to answers -- as are the thousands of other families who have lost loved ones in drug torn counties like Butler, Kentucky. Maybe Kentucky needs to start with getting answers for Jon's death from the prior Attorney General of Kentucky, Jack Conway. Conway settled with the maker of OxyContin, Purdue Pharma a few years ago for a mere $24 million. At the time, Purdue Pharma was worth approximately $30 billion. Someone want to tell Jon's sister and other families ravaged by OxyContin aka "Hillbilly Heroin" in Kentucky what $24 million did to abate the drug epidemic? Someone also want to tell Jon's sister that former AG Conway left office to work for a law firm whose client was Purdue Pharma? Police and prosecutors in Kentucky are using the "involuntary manslaughter" charge to deter drug dealers when they have evidence implicating a drug dealer in the death of a buyer. The Butler County Prosecutor has used the involuntary manslaughter charge several times, but indicated he needs to prove it and that could be a real problem because the buyer is dead. Witnesses to the drug deal? That could work, but it will take a concerted effort by law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of the drug buyer to take the dealer off the streets of Butler County, Kentucky. Jon will not be remembered as a statistic in the drug deaths ravaging Kentucky. Neither will the thousands of other victims of drug deaths in Kentucky. They will be known for having justice fail them as the drug dealers continue business as usual -- and the body bags mount. Rest in peace Jon. You were loved by many -- especially your family and friends and your life mattered. _________________________________________

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Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday warned the powerful military and intelligence agencies against interfering in political matters and curtailing media freedom in the country.

The unusual criticism of the armed forces was part of a court verdict about a protest carried out by a hardline Islamist party which had blocked the main entrance to Islamabad in 2017 over a proposed change in the oath taken by public servants, which the Islamists considered blasphemous.



"The Constitution emphatically prohibits members of the armed forces from engaging in any kind of political activity, which includes supporting a political party, faction or individual," the apex court said.





The two-member bench also ordered the government and the Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa to take action against personnel who do not follow this directive, Efe news reported.



The November 2017 protests by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan party, which was in news recently for protesting against the acquittal of Christian woman Asia Bibi from blasphemy charges, ended after an agreement between the Islamist party and the military.



After the protest, military personnel handed out money to the participants to help them return to their houses, an act which was captured on camera and went viral on social networks of the country.



The Supreme Court said there was a perception that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the premier spy agency of the country, was involved in politics and urged it to stay within its constitutional mandate.



"All intelligence agencies (...) must not exceed their respective mandates. They cannot curtail the freedom of speech and expression," the verdict stated.



However, the court did not mention specific examples of interference in media or cases of armed forces personnel being involved in politics during the protest.



The Pakistani military establishment has ruled the country for half of its history since its independence. Even during democratic periods, it controls the security and foreign policy decisions of the government, according to many analysts.



Therefore, the criticism of the armed forces and intelligence agencies is rare and can have serious consequences.



Last year, Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui was sacked for accusing the ISI of manipulating the judicial process about the corruption charges against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during the general election.

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By SA Commercial Prop News

Investors need to believe that their money will be secure and protected, and this security is encouraged by positive policies and sustainable taxes, says John Jack



All eyes will be on President Cyril Ramaphosa as he takes to the podium to deliver his second annual State of the Nation Address tonight at 7pm.

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2019 marks the official opening of Parliament for the new year and will give President Cyril Ramaphosa an opportunity to address political policies and key challenges that lie ahead.

This address will have a direct impact on various business segments, and of course investor confidence.

John Jack, Galetti Corporate Real Estate CEO shares his thoughts on why anyone in the property game should be watching the SONA address closely.

"A successful property market relies heavily on a strengthened economy for investment. Investors need to believe that their money will be secure and protected, and this security is encouraged by positive policies and sustainable taxes," said Jack.

President Ramaphosas address will give an indication of the direction that the economy will progress and investors will be watching it closely..

Everyone will be watching the address hoping that the message gives clarity to the business sector as a whole. Clear policy allows occupiers and investors to take decisions related to their real estate portfolios. From an occupier perspective, whether to expand to new premises or consolidate their footprint into a smaller building will be front of mind.

This is driven by changes in their employee count and/or inventories held. For investors, the decisions would be whether to sell or hold on to their portfolios in anticipation of reduced vacancies and capital growth. International investors will be watching it closely and so should anyone in the property game. South Africa needs foreign investment, but international investors need security and we need to give them confidence.

A key topic of interest will be the matter of land expropriation without compensation, which hopefully will be addressed in such a way so as to reassure foreign investors.

Another main focal point will be corruption President Ramaphosa has already been under fire from the governments of Germany, the United Kingdom, the USA, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The memorandum written to the presidency  signed by all five countries  spoke of a concern about the challenges of foreign investment and so this part of the SONA address is an important one.
Andrea Romero backed off her proposed legislation to censor the media which would have forced publishers to remove unflattering content upon request. She is shown listening during a community meeting about early childhood education legislation in August 2018 on the Northern New Mexico College campus.
Eatontown, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/07/2019 --At Cone Health, a tele-ICU is more than a way to remotely manage patients. Cone Health's tele-ICU, called eLink, reduces mortality, shortens time in the ICU and even lowers progression to septic shock. The newest version of eLink lets Cone Health customize new and existing workflows. It now uses Yorktel's Univago HE as its video platform.



Yorktel, a leading global provider of health care communications and managed service solutions, announced completion of the integration of two-way audio and video communications launched directly from Epic. The solution has been integrated into Cone Health's virtual care service and is now operational. Cone Health, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of the region's largest and most comprehensive health networks. It has more than 100 locations, including six hospitals, three ambulatory care centers, three outpatient surgery centers, three urgent care centers, a retirement community, more than 100 physician practice sites and multiple centers of excellence. Cone Health's virtual care service, eLink, has been serving patients for 12 years. It was the first tele-ICU in North Carolina.



"The collaboration with Yorktel Univago HE and Cone Health to deliver comprehensive virtual care is a great example of our commitment to excellence and delivering exceptional care to our patients," commented Teri Wyatt, RN, MBA, NE-BC, nursing director of eLink. "An example of that is the ability to invite doctors or even family into a live video call simply by sending a text message."



"This is just the beginning of our health care innovation strategy for Univago HE, and we're very honored to have been chosen to partner with Cone Health to deliver the next level of virtual care," commented Ron Gaboury, CEO, Yorktel. "Our mission at Yorktel is to bring people together by making the virtual communication and collaboration experience simple and seamless. We look forward to working with Cone Health to virtually connect patients with their health care providers, clinicians and families through the powerful eLink platform."



eLink supports over 1,000 calls per week providing expanded care for critically ill patients in five different locations in the Cone Health network. Some of the benefits of the new integration with Univago HE include:



- Seamless video communications launched from within Epic for optimized clinician workflow.

- High-quality video/audio, including night vision.

- Simple and intuitive clinician controls of camera and audio to enhance virtual interaction.

- High availability and reliability of the video platform and in-room equipment.

- Flexibility to add other clinicians, care team members and/or family members to video sessions on an ad hoc basis.



February 12 to 14, Yorktel will be exhibiting at HIMSS in Orlando, Florida. Representatives from Cone Health will present each morning at 10:30 in Yorktel's booth (#1973) and discuss the integration and deployment of eLink with Univago HE and Epic. The Cone Health team will be available to answer questions about their solution. To learn more about the presentation and to register for a personal briefing, click here.



About Yorktel

Yorktel (http://www.yorktel.com) is a leading global provider of cloud and managed services for health care, large enterprise, and federal government customers. Founded in 1985 and with offices throughout the US and EMEA, Yorktel enables customers to successfully integrate secure and reliable video into their health care operations  from telemedicine and organizational collaboration to consulting and managed services. Yorktel designs, integrates and manages health care system-wide video communications solutions. For more information, visit Yorktel online at http://www.yorktel.com or email learnmore@yorktel.com. Follow Yorktel on Twitter: @yorktelcorp.



About Cone Health

Cone Health is committed to being a national leader in quality, service and cost. The integrated health care network consists of Alamance Regional Medical Center, Annie Penn Hospital, Cone Health Behavioral Health Hospital, The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, Wesley Long Hospital, Women's Hospital, Cone Health Medical Group, MedCenter High Point, MedCenter Kernersville, MedCenter Mebane, Triad HealthCare Network and various outpatient clinics and programs. More than 12,000 exceptional people provide exceptional care to the people of Guilford, Alamance, Rockingham, Forsyth, Caswell and Randolph counties.
Russian senator Arashukov to stay detained on murder charges

 RIA Novosti, Vladimir Pesnya

14:59 07/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 7 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court on Thursday upheld a lower courts decision to place Russias Federation Council member representing Karachay-Cherkess Republic Rauf Arashukov, who stands charged with murder, in detention until March 30, the courts press service told RAPSI.

Moreover, he is accused of gang organization and witness tampering.

On January 30, Moscows Basmanny District Court denied a 10-million-ruble (over $150,000) bail to Arashukov and placed him in detention for two months.

Investigators claim that the member of parliaments upper house was involved in the murder of a Karachay-Cherkessia public youth movements deputy chairman Aslan Zhukov and the republican presidents advisor Fral Shebzukhov in 2010.

Moreover, investigators believe that Arashukov is implicated to natural gas embezzlement from Gazprom company.

The senator pleads not guilty.

Arashukov was arrested in the Federation Council on January 30. The upper house of parliament stripped Arashukov of his immunity and gave consent to his prosecution upon an application by the Prosecutor General.
Mezhtrastbank embezzlement case defendants go on trial

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

13:50 07/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 7 (RAPSI)  A criminal case against Dmitry Redkin and Svetlana Romanova, who are charged with embezzling over 2.5 billion rubles ($38 million) from Mezhtrastbank, is going to trial, a statement of Russias Prosecutor Generals Office reads.

The case will be heard by Moscow Ostankinsky District Court.

According to investigators, Redkin and Romanova acting as members of a criminal group organized by Mezhtrastbank president Igor Boykov embezzled more than 2.5 billion rubles belonging to the bank between 2013 and 2016. They allegedly provided uncollectable loans to firms under their control.

The defendants have been held to bail.




Refusal to seize $108 mln assets of Renaissance banks ex-managers upheld

 RIA Novosti, Alexey Kudenko

10:43 07/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 7 (RAPSI)  The Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals has upheld a lower courts refusal to seize assets worth 7.1 billion rubles ($108 million) from five ex-managers of Renaissance bank on the request of the Deposit Insurance Agency (DIA), RAPSI has learnt in the court.

On November 19, the Moscow Commercial Court dismissed the DIAs lawsuit. The court noted that the plaintiff did not provide evidence suggesting that failure to introduce interim measures could potentially hinder enforcement of the ruling in this case in the future.

Following examination of Renaissance bankruptcy, the DIA found that these persons provided credits to nominal legal entities and people incapable of paying debts back.

The DIA also found that at some point there was an alienation of the banks securities and monetary assets with no compensation, causing damage to Renaissance and preventing repayment of its debts to creditors. The DIA noted that these circumstances serve as grounds for recovery of assets from the people formerly in control of the bank.

Renaissance bank was declared bankrupt in February 2016.
The premise is simple, but the effect profound: customers are more likely to shop in stores that have the foods they want and the service to go with it.

Through quality-focused initiatives, smaller grocers can gain big store training to help provide a better service for their customers.

What compels a customer to take a bus 10 miles across town just to buy a certain rotisserie chicken salad? Apart from really liking this particular chicken salad, this customer knows that if the store says they have it available, then they do.Such is the case with Honeybee Market , a Southwest Detroit independent grocer that has grown in popularity and success for a number of reasons, chief among them attractive displays of meat and produce and friendly staff.Of course this kind of consistency and reliability doesnt happen all by itself. The way we train our employees, store manager Brittany Barrios says, the way that we open our store and the way that we close our store is the same thing every single dayNothing ever changes or looks differently.From checklists to daily walkthroughs by staff, processes are in place to make sure the store is in order. And more than anything, Honeybee management stresses customer service. Thats what our business thrives on, Barrios says. The word of mouth, and giving people a great customer experience where theyre always going to want to come back.Behind the scenes, Honeybee creates a better customer experience by using social media to monitor shopper concerns and engaging with their community through neighborhood meetings. They were also an early adopter of consumer-friendly programs like Double Up Food Bucks , which doubles the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables customers can get with their Bridge Cards.Although Honeybee sets a high bar, there are other stores doing good work in Detroit, like Harbortown Market on East Jefferson and Prince Valley Market on Michigan Avenue. Still, there are widespread concerns in Detroit and other Michigan cities about the quality of food and the level of customer service at urban grocery stores.Everybody wants good quality food and they want good customer service, Rachael Dombrowski, professor of Community Health Education at Wayne State University says. So, if they dont get those two things, they wont go back to the store. Its as simple as that.In order to codify some of the best practices set forth by good grocers, as well as bring a higher level of accountability into the business, The Detroit Food Policy Council and partners including Wayne State are launching the Detroit Healthy Grocer Initiative this winter to help stores meet certain standards. They will focus on availability and quality of healthy food, pricing and affordability, customer service, and community engagement. This initiative follows on the heels of a pilot program that took place in seven Detroit district focus groups among Detroits 77 independent grocers and three chain supermarkets.This innovative effort to bring accountability to the citys food economy could help improve access to quality food by making shoppers feel welcome and by ensuring they have access to the healthy foods they seek.In Flint, academics and community activists are taking a different approach by developing a smartphone app called Flint Eats that will combine academic research with community feedback on the availability of good food and customer service at markets throughout the city.These programs and initiatives are designed to give consumers a voice, but they are also designed to strengthen the business models of existing stores that often anchor the low-income neighborhoods they serve.Flint Eats and the Detroit Healthy Grocer Initiative could create a bridge between grocers and their clientele, who, in some cases, appear to operate at cross-purposes. According to Dombrowski, some grocers think that people dont want healthy food, which leads grocers to purchase low quality produce that customers in turn dont want to buy. Better communication could help change this dynamic.Detroits predominately independent grocery stores could also benefit from better training through the program. So one of the things we want to offer to the stores is some training around customer service, around produce rotation Dombrowski says. Because you would get that in a large corporate store [which would] have a whole training program set up, but for an independent or family owned store you wouldnt necessarily have all that training available.The fact that these grocers are independent stores could offer significant advantages to customers and communities. Owners might be more likely to be on the premises and available to communicate with customers and management. Dombrowski believes that people want to see these businesses remain in their communities.These are the folks who have stayed and have weathered the storm and (customers) dont want to see them close now and only have the suburban stores, she says. People will continue to shop and support their stores as long as theyre making an effort to improve and do better.Some Flint independent grocery stores also struggle to meet the needs of their customers, experts say. [There are] the same sorts of issues that you see in other communities that have a lot of disinvestment in the food system, says Richard Sadler, assistant professor with Michigan State Universitys Department of Family Medicine. The stores that are there are selling rotten meat or theres just a total absence of food products. A disproportionate pushing of the unhealthy food items. This situation led Sadler and others develop the Flint Eats app to help people find healthy food in the city, as well as to put some pressure on retailers.The app, which isnt yet fully operational, is just one of several initiatives in Flint designed to improve the way residents get their food.Ashley Sanders-Jackson, assistant professor with MSUs College of Communication Arts and Sciences has researched public health issues, and she says that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program s efforts to improve the physical infrastructure of Flint stores by updating refrigeration and food storage capabilities have also helped. But, as in Detroit, there seems to be a mismatch between the perceptions of grocers who Sanders-Jackson says often struggle to survive in the city, and customers who didnt feel that the store owners were necessarily terribly ethical. They were sort of just passing on bad food.These perceptions affect the bottom line of neighborhood businesses, and they decrease food access when residents with limited choices choose not to return.People did identify customer service in why they didnt want to shop in stores, Sadler says, referring to a study conducted by MSU two years ago. Thats certainly an element in food access because if you dont feel comfortable shopping in a store and you have to bypass it for whatever reason, then its going to impact your ability to access food.These efforts to improve customer service in Flint and Detroit neighborhood grocery stores are certainly promising, and further analysis will help determine how the initiatives roll out. Eventually, effectiveness will be gauged by the responses from both grocers and shoppers.Whether improving existing stores through customer feedback and better business practices will be enough is an open question. A system of accountability for customer needs is certainly an important step towards healthier cities, both physically and financially.It would make sense to create a financial system that supports these people to continue to be in the communities, says Sanders- Jackson, referring to Flints grocery stores. In some ways these stores are providing a public good because theyre providing food to people who may not be able to get to other places. And to recognize that, particularly in communities that dont have a lot of other sources of food, I think is important.Photos by Steve Koss.
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Cristina Furlong of Jackson Heights, co-founder of Queens Safe Streets, supports the contention that implementation of congestion pricing in Manhattan can improve safety on the Queens side of the East River.
The gunman, at left, the instant after he shot a deli clerk in South Jamaica. He and three accomplices are seen at right in photographs taken from surveillance cameras at the Sutphin Boulevard business.
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Digital Printing

AccurioPress C6100/C6085

The Konica Minolta AccurioPress C6100 and C6085 Digital Colour production print systems offer colour print quality, colour consistency and performance that the company says delivers productivity for the highest digital print demands.

At 100 ppm and 85 ppm respectively, both models have been developed on a rigid solid heavy-duty frame delivering long life and robust capabilities. With average achievable print volumes of up to 480,000 prints per month and a peak monthly duty cycle of 1.8 million, these systems will tackle those large volume critical jobs when higher print capacity is required. Additionally, these models have one of the highest print speeds on SRA3 sheet size at 49 ppm and 43 ppm.

The ability to print at full-rated speed on the full range of media types from 52gsm to 400gsm duplex is a big win for real print productivity. Expanded enhancements for envelope printing are catered for with a dedicated envelope fuser unit that guarantees high speed quality envelope printing. For long sheet printing, both systems are capable of printing on media lengths up to 762mm auto duplex and simplex sheets up to 1300mm, delivering a major expansion in print capabilities that can be offered to clients. This is ideal for book covers, banners, menus and other advertising material.

With these models Konica Minolta proudly introduced the Intelligent Quality Optimiser (IQ-501) The IQ-501 uses an advanced hybrid scanning system that scans both sides of the printed sheet. As each sheet passes through the hybrid scanner information regarding colour and registration is fed back to the print engine processing system to make registration and colour changes in real-time providing consistent print quality results. These controls include colour control, toner density, front and back, and sheet-to-sheet registration, image position and centring designed to eliminate print wastage while providing assurance of print, so that print job turnaround times are reduced dramatically.

There are huge time savings with the IQ-501, as operators have easy-to-use print and set functionality for registration and colour. This automated process takes a matter of minutes saving valuable time and labour, and reducing setup times by up to 40 per cent. This increases overall print productivity and efficiency while reducing print wastage. The IQ-501 is now available across the full range of AccurioPress systems.

Konica Minolta is continuing to develop new technology for digital press automation while providing the highest level of colour quality and consistency for clients.

Go to www.konicaminolta.com.au/products/production-print/high-speed-colour for further information.

Fuji Xerox Iridesse

The Fuji Xerox Iridesse is a new toner-based digital press offering speeds of 120ppm with substrates up to 400gsm, with print resolution of 2,400dpi.

The company says the new high speed Iridesse offers printers new levels of flexibility and versatility, and will enable them to increase their product range to the market.

Along with the four process colours Iridesse is able to print specialty colours including metallic with a single pass, by housing up to two additional specialty dry inks of gold, silver, clear and white.

The newly launched print engine enables CMYK dry ink layers to be processed on top of the special dry ink layer. An overlay of another specialty dry ink can be processed on top of CMYK dry ink layers, a feature made available with another Fuji Xerox digital printer, the Color 1000i Press.

Fuji Xerox says, While conventional offset printing requires mixing silver ink to make metallic ink, this new product allows for simultaneous printing of several metallic colours during a single printing process.

The standard colour library contains Pantone+Metallic and Pantone+Premium Metallic, which are swatches of metallic colours commonly used in the printing industry. With these colour swatches, the operator can reproduce colours similar to Pantone metallic colours on printing materials by designating the colour codes.

Finishing options include Fuji Xeroxs Finisher D6 with Booklet Maker, Crease/Two-sided Trimmer D2, and SquareFold Trimmer D1, which can be connected to the Iridesse press, allowing for automatic production of booklets and folded leaflets.

The company says the finishing options expand the possible printing applications by enabling to produce complex folded leaflets including accordion-fold and gatefold.

Roger Labrum, senior product marketing manager, Graphic Communications Services, Fuji Xerox Australia, says, It is about personalisation for end users. Businesses should be able to align their collateral in accordance with their brand. With the Iridesse Production Press, collateral colours can be matched to brands or personalised, with colours patterned, mixed, enhanced to provide more.

HP Indigo 12000 HD Digital Press

HP has launched an updated version of its Indigo 12000 B2 digital press, which doubles the image resolution.

Supplied by Currie Group and based on the worlds best-selling B2 digital press the HP Indigo 10000, the new version of the Indigo 12000 has HP claiming it delivers sharper, smoother, finer print, enabling printers to surpass offset quality and open new digital possibilities in high-end commercial and photo applications.

The press uses an all-new High Definition Imaging System, using 48 parallel laser beams and high screen sets up to 290 LPI. Alon Bar-Shany, general manager, HP Indigo, HP Inc says, HP print service providers are experiencing unprecedented growth and momentum as print buyers, agencies, and brands are looking for ways to connect the online world with the physical world. HPs digital print technologies are blending these realities, providing new application opportunities, alongside higher productivity.

The HP Indigo 12000 HD also features ColorUP!, which delivers an extended colour gamut using colour profiles to expand the on-press colour gamut using additional hits of CMY inks.

The B2 29-inch (75 x 53cm), seven-colour HP Indigo 12000 Digital Press is able to print for nearly any commercial application. At a speed of 4,600 pages per hour, the HP Indigo 12000 Digital Press can produce more than two million colour sheets per month. In its monochrome setting, the press can print 4,600 duplex sheets per hour for quick publishing and direct mail needs. Sophisticated automation tools also boost production efficiency and uptime, allowing users to process thousands of jobs per day. The on-press Optimizer tool uses artificial intelligence to enable non-stop printing, and the Automatic Alert Agent conducts real-time print quality error detection.

HP says that with dozens of software and hardware innovations, the HP Indigo 12000 Digital Press delivers smooth and sharp prints that match or even exceed offset quality.

The HP Indigo 12000 Digital Press supports a wide range of substrates, including canvas, synthetics, and metallised media, with One Shot technology, extending high-value opportunities. The press also enables full sheet printing to produce canvas wall art, high-impact posters, folders, oversized books and specialty products.

Oce VarioPrint i300

The Oce VarioPrint i300 is a sheetfed B3 format inkjet press, more productive and efficient than other digital sheet fed presses with the ability to print on a wide range of media types including offset coated, uncoated and inkjet treated papers.

The i300 was the first B3 sheetfed inkjet press on the market. When it was released the target applications were transactional documents, direct mail and book printing, but Oce Australia Managing Director, Craig Nethercott states that with the latest generation of developments, in particular a new ink set, they are able to target the offset market aggressively.

The company says offset printers who require the versatility of an offset press but also need image variability and automated inline finishing can also consider the i300, as it can now offer compatibility with offset papers.

It is a single-pass inkjet system with full-width head arrays of variable-drop inkjet heads. The print engine is adapted from a range of Oce technology platforms and includes the proven and adaptable Kyocera piezo printheads giving 600dpi resolution and DigiDot 2-bit variable drops for a perceived 1,200dpi quality.

Although it is a CMYK system there are six ink channels, with two spares. ColorGrip uses one channel to print a priming liquid. Oce has already developed MICR ink as an option for the VPi300 and are currently developing other specialty inks.

Printhead nozzles are monitored and failures automatically compensated for. A sentry unit detects and diverts bad sheets.

Finishing options include the BLM600 bookletmaking system producing square-back booklets up to 224 pages thick. The Tecnau TC1530 dynamic cut-sheet perforator creates horizontal and vertical micro-perfs, with the ability to be on or off on a per-page basis. Other vendor products was also available like the CP Bourg book systems.

It can print up to 300 A4 impressions per minute and can output 8,700 duplex A4s per hour on average, including cleaning and other stoppages. In offset terms, this is about 4,350sph B3.

It is controlled through the proven Prisma controller and Prismasync digital front-end technology, with graphical user interface and touch screen controls.

It uses drop-on-demand piezo inkjet, with water-based pigment, on paper sizes from 203x203mm to 488x320mm. The stock weight range is 60300gsm, paper input module is 4,600 sheets per input module, up to a maximum of three input modules, or 23,400 sheets.

Ricoh Pro C9200 Graphic Arts Edition

The successor model to the market-leading Pro C9100 Series is the new

Pro C9200 Series, Graphic Arts Edition, primarily aimed at the commercial print market.

Ricoh says notable changes from the Pro C9100 Series include improved image quality and consistency, new toner formulation, higher resolution imaging, combined with a raft of image quality enhancements. The company says the new Pro C9200 has higher reliability with higher monthly print volumes, new swing-and-shift registration technology, and auto registration with real time adjustments, and new auto colour diagnosis.

There is a broader media capability with heavier stock capability to 470 gsm (500 microns), auto duplex banner capability to 1,030mm, longer simplex banner sheet capability to 1,260mm, and enhanced NCR and envelope support.

It has improved productivity with higher print speed and an hourly operating ratio of near 100 per cent.

There is greater ease of use with new large operating panel, enhanced media library and new Media Management Tool, auto calibration, auto registration adjustment, and new jam LED guidance.

New and enhanced accessories include enhanced Vacuum Feed LCIT, enhanced High Capacity Stacker, new BDT banner sheet feeder, a High Capacity Interposer, and new Plockmatic Banner Sheet Stacker.

New print controllers include TotalFlow Print Server R-62 (with a choice of three PDF RIP engines for integration into Heidelberg Prinect, Kodak Prinergy, Agfa Apogee or Screen Equios offset workflows) or the EFI Fiery E-45 or E-85 Print Controllers based on the latest Fiery FS300 Pro system and new generation Fiery NX.

Embellishment

Duplo Spot UV Coater

Supplied by Neopost the Duplo DDC-810 Digital Spot UV Coater offers printers the capability to enhance images with a layer of texture and depth.

Using inkjet technology together with an ultra-violet lamp to instantly cure the UV varnish, the DDC-810 applies a gloss finish to defined areas

of the substrate giving them more impact and appeal.

A CCD camera, which automatically corrects for shrinkage, stretch and skew, along with registration marks ensures the accurate and precise alignment of the spot UV image onto the printed document.

Equipped with Duplos air suction feed system, the DDC-810 can process up to 21 ppm (ledger size) and 36 ppm (letter size).

The unit features a dust roller, metal hydride lamp, ultrasonic double feed detection, fully automated head cleaning purge, and detection sensors for missfeeds, ink attached, ink near empty, ink disposal tank full, cover open/closed, jam before and after UV lamp, and feed empty.

It is easy to set up and operate, the DDC-810 is ideal for short to medium digital and offset medium jobs.

As printing methods become more varied, there is growing demand for binding with coated and digitally printed sheets.

EVA hotmelt glue has difficulty binding coated stock firmly, and does not currently provide good spine flexibility and lay-back qualities. However, PUR hotmelt glue can provide adequate binding strength and a lay-flat quality for both offset and digital print on a wide range of paper stocks.It is sold through Neopost.

Finishing

Currie Group  Horizon SmartSlitter

The Horizon SmartSlitter is an all-in-one smart sheet processing system that can slit, gutter cut, edge trim, cross-cut, perforate, and crease all in one pass.

Perforation and creasing can be performed in both horizontal and vertical directions in the same pass. Skip perforation feature can produce T- and L-perfs ideal for coupons, tickets, and business reply cards.

The system can deliver multiple up greeting cards with or without creasing, table tents, invitations, and more with both matrix and rotary creasing. For accordion fold applications or perfect bound books, up and down creasing can also be performed in one pass.

Standard size business cards can be printed 21-up on a sheet and processed to a receding stacker for easy handling. Print mark registration adjusts for digital print image shift from sheet to sheet. The colour touch screen features a simple user interface for easy operation including job set-up via barcode.

There are a number of features that Horizon stresses, including the ability to run partial perforations both across and along the sheet to create tear out coupons for example. It can take a sheet to 670mm in length (370mm across), so coping with the increasing number of 6pp digital presses installed.

The sheet is fed on to a registration table and registered using conventional side and front lays. A camera reads a barcode to pull down information about the settings for that sheet. It can be a stand 1D, 2D or data matrix code. As the sheet moves forwards, an image shift is accounted for, moving both X and Y axis if necessary. It also registers to the previous action, a crease to the previous crease for example.

Access to the slitting, creasing and perforating models is through panels on the side of the machine. The cassettes slide out and back in rather than being lifted in and out of the machine. It is possible to replace blades rather than replacing the cassette itself.

There are three slitter modules, each with twin blades. This enables the SmartSlitter to remove the gutter between business cards as well as handling full bleed cards for example. Business cards are delivered into a special stacking module. Products are otherwise fed to a conveyor delivery.

There is a touch panel interface to set up jobs with the option of a Smart Connect module to both accept JDF jobs and deliver JMF data back to the workflow. The operator can store and retrieve settings, and step and repeat settings for multiple up jobs on a sheet. It can also accept a PDF file and use this to overlay the position of creases, cuts and folds and so on.

Muller Martini Vareo

Muller Martini says the Vareo is the ideal perfect binder for print finishing specialists and printing plants that use conventional printing modes or are engaged in digital printing.

The three-clamp perfect binder with a mechanical performance of up to 1,350 cycles per hour provides maximum flexibility. Be it for medium, short or ultrashort runs, right down to runs of one copy, the Vareo is an all-rounder for high-quality results, regardless of whether brochures are produced using offset or digital printing.

The flexible equipment of the Vareo enables diverse applications. Photo books, personalized catalogs and high-quality brochures can be produced cost-effectively thanks to short setup and production times, which are indispensable for ultra-short and one-copy runs. This allows you to produce high-quality books within a short period of time, with the very first book having first-class quality.

In addition, the Vareo has a modular design, which means that the machine can be easily extended and adapted to meet future production requirements.

Advantages of the Vareo Perfect Binder include individual drives for optimal motion, use of hotmelt and PUR, a modular design with numerous extension options, integrated book thickness measuring system and format size measurement station, automatic book block feeding, barcode matching of content and cover, glue application monitoring for PUR nozzle, and a crash station.

Thanks to its modular design, a customer-specific cooling section and a three-knife trimmer can be added to the Vareo to turn it into an integrated production line. That enables the cost-effective production of perfect bound brochures even in the ultra-short run segment.

The automatic feeding of book blocks increases the productivity of the whole perfect binder and eases the work of the operator. The manual feed remains freely accessible and can still be used. The automatic book block feed comes with a book thickness measuring system by default and an optional barcode camera to ensure that the content and cover match. The book block feed enables the Vareo to be connected directly to digital printing presses or the print finishing systems. The finished signature stacks or loose-leaf stacks are then transferred directly to the clamps of the perfect binder.

Trimatt FoldLine 9000

Integrating printed items into a single self-mailer unit once took time and any number of staff. Now, print companies can add value without worrying about time spent double or triple handling their clients products.

The new Trimatt FoldLine 9000 system offers the latest in integrated media packaging through a print finishing system that produces compelling, creative packages that drive revenue and build customer loyalty. Ideal for financial, retail, bindery/fulfilment, magnet, self-mailers, gift card and greeting card applications.

This versatile system offers the finishing capabilities that make printed products stand out in a crowded market and gives users the capability to produce finished products at speeds up to 18,000 products per hour.

The new Trimatt FoldLine 9000 can be configured for your applications today, and because the system is modular you add more features in the future to win more business and satisfy even more applications.

Trimatt Systems is an Australian manufacturer and distributor of finishing solutions designed to add value to printed media. Other solutions available include letter inserting, polywrapping, gluing, labelling, inkjet numbering, inspection systems, feeding systems, plough folding, and collating.

Label Printing

HP Indigo Gem

The digital label press, supplied by Currie Group, allows digital printing and embellishment in one pass, which HP says simplifies production and saves time and money for highly decorated labels and jobs.

The press is designed for maximum efficiency and optimised product management, fitting labels and packaging application requirements, matching brands standards for various markets. HP says the machine enables the production of embellished labels with one production line, one pass, one file, one pre-press, one process and one operator. The press is made to offer an advanced user experience, removing pain points in workflow, pre-press and production, while saving time and money.

It aims to remove production slowdowns by embellishing at the speed of the press (up to 60 metres per minute on HP Indigo WS6800 and HP Indigo 6900 digital presses in EPM).

Personalisation is also said to be easy, with the machine leveraging HPs SmartStream Mosaic variable design technology, offering designs such as foiled, serialised and special edition labels. HP says it also has the ability to handle short runs and variable data, adding value to pressure sensitive labels, sleeves and narrow web packaging.

According to HP, it also enables an efficient print process for any label type, and allows the application of digital foil, tactile silk screen-like effects, spot varnish, mini textures, digital holograms, full flood varnish in gloss and matte, and more.

The press is driven by the new HP Production Pro for Labels, a DFE that aims to enable seamless printing of both image and embellishment separations from a single interface, and allows access to the HP Indigo workflow system.

HP has also developed GEM Clear to run with the system, a UV inkjet formulation that can be used to run through the embellishment print engine to act as an embellishment on its own or as the foundation for foils and films. It was made to be cohesive with GEM Coat, a primer available in both matte and gloss, which HP says protects the printed image and ensures optimal adherence of GEM Clear.

Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 190

The new AccurioLabel 190 from Konica Minolta features a continuous feed of roll media, making it an ideal choice for label converters who are seeking a digital solution to produce long runs at a high quality, and fast speeds. Konica Minolta says its toner technology gives good light fastness and excellent colour gamut with a high lustre finish. The machine is designed to have no pre-press setup time, reducing time-to-print dramatically from conventional print methods for label printing.

The print controller for the AccurioLabel 190 is also made for personalisation, with the press being said to provide seamless printing of variable images and text that can be fully integrated into a digital workflow.

Konica Minolta also says the device has the smallest footprint in its class.

In addition, the MGI JETvarnish 3DW embellishment solution can be added. Konica Minolta says it produces spectacular finishes, making it perfect for applications like wine labels, cosmetic labelling, and so much more.

The MGI solution produces high-value raised spot UV to give a 3D embossed effect up to 200 microns in height, lifting images off the page. When combined with the iFoil unit, the 3DW provides the ability to varnish and foil digitally in-line.

Mark Brown, product marketing manager, Industrial Print, Konica Minolta, says, With the commercial print market more competitive than ever, it is essential to be able to offer additional services that add value to customers and achieve better margins. Konica Minolta is always striving to come up with new technologies that will help commercial printers do just that.

Screen L350 label press

The Screen L350 label press holds speed up to 60 linear metres per hour, wide-gamut colour with white ink, a 350mm wide web width and a chill roller option for thin heat-sensitive substrates. Screen says the machine also features the recent addition of low-migration inks for food packaging.

It can be paired with Screens Equios workflow, option of Hybrid Softwares PackZ and Cloudflow applications.

Recently returned from Labelexpo Americas in Chicago, Scott says interest was high in the L350. It was helped by the recent EDP (European Digital Press) award for the Screen Truepress Jet L350UV+LM (Low Migration inks) in the Best Label Printer category, presented during FESPA 2018.

We see a bright future for inkjet in the label and packaging sector  and the L350 series is at the forefront of the charge. One label printer in the UK has installed its fourth L350, driving its digital transformation.

For production of digitally-printed labels, there are two process choices; toner or inkjet. There are good solutions in both areas, but Screen says inkjet is proving the most in-demand for on-demand.

A recent Finat label market study revealed that 48 per cent of printers surveyed would be investing in inkjet digital label production as their next purchase, says Screen GP Australia Managing Director Peter Scott. Ten years ago, that would have been close to zero.

Scott adds, Our dealer association with Jet Technologies and Fujifilm NZ has proven successful. Jet knows the label market inside-out and proved a successful reseller of Screen Flexo CtP devices and now the L350 series. Fujifilm NZ is a very strong graphic arts channel across the Tasman and we have a long association with them.

MIS & W2P

AccuraOnline

AccuraOnline is the web-to-print and ecommerce module of the Accura MIS. The company says that unlike other solutions AccuraOnline offers seamless, real-time integration with the MIS all from one vendor.

This means printers do not need IT, web designers and/or programmers to create unlimited web portals. Because AccuraOnline works directly from the MIS database there is little/no setup and sites can be setup within hours, not days or weeks. This means no integration costs, no protracted timescales, and no apis or xml files to handle.

Site administration is done almost entirely within the MIS database  customer changes, new addresses, product pricing, images etc. all updated in one place  reducing the overhead of managing the sites and multiple databases.

AccuraOnline is a comprehensive B2B portal with full client branding, quoting, orders, storefront, proofing, live-stock levels and built-in artwork editing to imposed camera-ready PDF artwork. From login, users can access their restricted data, both current and historical for online and offline orders.

PDF proofing workflow enables customers to view, annotate and approve proofs, and those changes are synchronised back to the MIS in real-time automatically.

Printers who store/warehouse stock for clients can manage this with ease, as live stock balances are displayed in the customer, who can then create a shopping basket of items for submission and picking by the printer.

AccuraOnline is mobile-responsive for the way people access the internet today. Everything is pure HTML5 so can be accessed from any device. Artwork editing tools allow creation or editing of templates for self-proofing and submission as hi-res PDF artwork. Alternatively, customers may upload their own artwork files, which are attached to the order in the MIS seamlessly.

Optimus Cloud Web2Print

Optimus says its Cloud web-to-print simplifies and automates print purchasing and provides a complete online solution for its customers.

Cloud offers more than web-to-print. Customers can obtain instant quotes, gain access to historical data and information about production job statuses, and order static products in one interface. Once an order is placed all tasks, materials required and invoicing are automated for the print production and job processing in Optimus dash MIS to start the work straight away with no re-keying. Optimus

Cloud is a logical extension of Optimus dash MIS with no more guess work, handling errors or double entry, without increasing staff. Optimus Cloud is modular and includes Fast Quotes, Fast Orders, Stock Orders and Customer View. This ensures the solution can grow with a printers customer demands.

Optimus links with multiple or bespoke web to print options. Optimus also recognises that many print providers have existing successful web ordering systems. Optimus has developed Optimus Web Services Module so that many custom built or market available web2print systems can be integrated. These can be linked to the dash Sales Enquiry System (if web-to-print infrastructure permits) to ensure real-time pricing held in dash not only drives the user experience, it also eliminates the need to update two systems.

Optimus links with XMPie ustore, a significant piece of global development delivered in the last two years. It uses the Optimus Web Services Module and includes a four-way bi-directional integration, delivered in partnership with XMPie, and relates to its uStore web2print module.

Customers are now able to manage and view instant pricing, automatic MIS job submission, stock, inventory call offs and see live status updates all within the XMPie uStore interface.

Optimus says whilst a bigger investment will be required with this type of solution this feature rich integration between Optimus and XMPie has proved effective when having to manage multiple online stores and lots of small transactions.

printIQ

The team behind printlQ have produced a complete Management Workflow System (MWS) capable of handling everything from quotes, jobs and outsourcing through to inventory, purchasing and shipping. All the while providing a clear view into the manufacturing processes for each and every type of print job.

The printlQ MWS is based on years of experience in print shops of all sizes, picking the best practices to create workflows that support the manufacturing of commercial, label, mail, packaging, wide format and signage applications. It is also integrated with popular tools such as Chili Publish, Enfocus Switch, Esko, HP Box, and XMPie. However, the most powerful feature might just be the ability to get online with a customer-facing, brandable digital storefront with little internal effort. The portal is built to make it easy for customers to engage over the web, on their phone, or on a tablet, and comes without the baggage of many standalone, or bolt-on, digital storefront applications.

The online portal comes straight out-of-the-box as standard functionality with printlQ and it allows online orders to hit production as soon as the order is confirmed by the customer. Integration is often rated as one of the biggest frustrations with IT systems, so this definitely makes good senese. This and many other points of difference have seen printlQ rapidly become one of the main players in the industry both here and overseas.

The printlQ workflow offers the reliable single source of truth about every job accepted for production and if you pair this with a Software-as-a- Service (SaaS) model, the cost to bring the solution in-house and operate it effectively brings modern tools without severely impacting capital.

With a cloud-based infrastructure, multiple third-party integrations, and a development team focused on the future of print, printIQ offers a compelling case for change.

Tharstern

Today, a printing machine is a piece of equipment where arguably, the greatest innovation lay in the software driving it. And the output of a printed sheet is frequently the by-product of a customer relationship involving an exchange of services well beyond what used to be, a traditional print offering.

Conversations are not about CMYK and gatefolds, but about data processing, self-service online ordering with automated approvals, website development, mobile apps and real-time data feedback.

As part of the journey to map Tharsterns role in the print industry of the future, Tharstern recently compared its most successful customers to the rest.

Those who stand out are businesses who engage in identifying processes which will be positively affected by the introduction of technology; who develop close relationships with software providers as essential, specialist partners; and who also recognise this shift in bias towards software and technology platforms demands a shift in bias toward employing technology people within the print organisation.

These companies leverage off the MIS as a cornerstone to provide production efficiencies, automate processes and provide a robust and consistent stream of information and data from one stage to the next. However, it is the resource of in-house tech savvy individuals with a vision, who build upon this foundation and look strategically across the range of products in the market, cherry-picking complementary systems, which has created some of the most inspired, advanced and profitable print environments in the world.

Over the last ten years, Tharsterns approach has changed, where it now engages customers as a

fellow technology company, as much as if not more than, as a printer.

Tharstern believes in working as part of a Team of Masters, and encourages its customers to constantly look across processes and systems and identifying where short-comings are affecting optimal operational efficiency  and swapping that part out.

Technology is almost always playing catch up with the innovations that are coming from the customers themselves and so printers need to be agile and enhance their workflow to accommodate those changes.

At the heart of future-proofing is flexibility and working to a shared vision.

Offset Packaging

Heidelberg Speedmaster 106XL

The peak performance B1 press from Heidelberg will pump out 18,000 sheets an hour in both straight and perfecting modes, in 0.03-1mm thickness (0.8mm perfecting), with those sheets at a maximum 750x1060mm. Printing up to 1000 micron and UV coating that stock is entirely possible.

Thanks to the larger 75 x 106 cm sheet format, the maximum print format of 74 x 105 cm can now be used in its entirety, which means a larger punching margin for packaging printers and more repeats per sheet for web-to-print gang forms.

The Speedmaster XL 106 achieves new dimensions in productivity thanks to straightforward operation and the interplay between preset functions, ink presettings, simultaneous plate changing with AutoPlate XL, and Prinect Inpress Control. All this makes the press another 20 to 30 percent more productive than the Speedmaster XL 105. Depending on the particular job structure, it can produce between 60 and 80 million sheets a year and change between 90,000 and 100,000 printing plates a year on an eight-colour press.

The press has extensive automation. It can come with Prinect Press Center XL2, including wallscreen XL (a 54in, 4K status display screen), interactive pad and intuitive multi-view interface. It also has the latest Inpress Control 2, Autoplate Pro and Pressroom Manager software.

Heidelberg offers conventional high-energy UV curing, low-energy (LE) or LED-UV. LE has cool running and the low replacement cost of the lamps. Some printers also find that metallics and other special inks work better with LE than LED.

Inpress Control will deliever savings on makeready, from 500-plus sheets to 100 to 250. Heidelbergs push-to-stop concept means you do not have to stop the machine at all. Heidelberg says printers program it, put the plates on, read the profiles, format it if needed, and then it will start. It says the only reason would need to stop is to check the register, depending on what you are printing.

Heidelberg says its Push to Stop concept means that for the first time in the history of offset printing, you can now change jobs fully automated  from the last to the first good sheet, right up to the start of production. The job-oriented Intellistart 2 assistance system delivers efficient job preparation and automatic generation of time-optimised job change.

Wide Format

EFI Vutek 3R

EFI says the new Vutek 3R is for high volume printers looking to maximize their performance, efficiency and quality.

The company says it is the most technically advanced three-metre LED roll-to-roll printer on the market, describing it as a maxed-out platform that offers the highest image quality at the highest rated throughput speeds along with the highest range of options to give printers the lowest total cost of ownership.

It prints at up to 380 sqm per hour, with EFIs seven picoliter UltraDrop Technology, for high-definition image quality, with transitions, vignettes, skin tones, and shadows in a resolution up to 1200 dpi, with what the company says is precise and sharp four-point text.

It uses LED curing technology with all its cost saving and environmental benefits. It has white printing with a variety of white printing modes, up to five layers, inline finishing system for all-in-one printing, slitting, and collecting, vacuum plate for printing on thin sheets and rigid media in a selection of sizes, automatic backlit printing, automatic blockout printing, and an ID backprint for printing customer information on the back side of the media. The jumbo roll handling system is designed to cater for large rolls up to 750 kg.

It has versatile media handling capabilities to support a variety of flexible and rigid media, carriage height adjustment and wrinkle analyser to avoid head strikes, mobile operator station with touch screen for maximum convenience, and an iPhone application for remote printer tracking.

EFI offers a 3M MCS warranty when printing with co-branded EFI and 3M UV inks on 3M flexible media. It also has a new roll loader for what EFI says is up to 300 per cent better media usage. There is only 40 cm of wasted material on every roll loading, while the media saving wizard indicates remaining media length on each roll, for media stock management.

Epson SureColour F9360

The SC-F9360 is the latest offering from Epson in dye sublimation wide format, with the company saying it combines its Precision Dot Technology, with advanced media management, and UltraChrome DS HDk ink, to enable high speed production with outstanding print quality. Epson claims it achieves an exceptional gamut using just 4 colours and will print at speeds up to 109sqm/hr.

The 1.6m wide print engine is supported by a large Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) and an automated Take-Up, which Epson says has high precision.

The press is designed to be simple to operate, ships complete with software, and its self-cleaning system ensures reliable operation with minimal maintenance. Epson says the printer can be applied to soft signage and fabric production and can also be used for hard surface work.

The press has dual Epson PrecisionCore (TFP) Print Heads supporting resolutions up to 720 x 1440 dpi. The system uses Epson UltraChrome DS ink, which according to the company gives precise, predictable and bright colour. The system also incorporates an HDk ink formulation and Precision Dot Technology to achieve outstanding image quality with fine gradation and an high gamut.

The SC-F9360 is also designed to support a wide range of quality requirements and material needs with standard modes for fabric and enhanced HQ modes for hard surface work. The press is compatible with roll media from 12 to 64 (300-1626mm) wide in thicknesses from 0.04 to 1mm.

The press is designed for production speeds of 18 to 60sqm/hr, sellable output can be made at up to 93sqm/hr. A large 12-litre Continuous Ink Supply System is matched with support for media rolls up to 45kg and a high-precision Auto Take-Up for unattended roll-to-roll operation.

Epson says the printer also runs off a standard power supply, is relatively quick to install, and is supplied complete with Epson Edge Print software (can also be ordered with an optional high-performance Ergosoft RIP). The F9360 was made with the aim to operate using reduced power consumption and with cost-effective one-litre ink refills. The press is said to require minimal maintenance and features a self-cleaning print head. According to Epson, downloadable software enables easy expense tracking and job costing.

Fujifilm Onset X Series

Fujifilm says its new Onset X flatbed series is designed for high quality production with maximum uptime. The production press is said to be able to keep manufacturing day in and day out at maximum speed, with nozzle drop outs being automatically mapped without reducing the speed.

The full range consists of the X1 (400sqm/hr), X2 (640sqm/hr) and X3 (900sqm/hr), which can all be adapted for businesses as they grow and evolve.

Onset presses can be specified with semi-automatic or fully automatic handling systems, with robotics. Fujifilm says robotic handling further increases the machines productivity by reducing downtime caused by pallet change overs along with enabling printed stacks to be up to 300 per cent higher than traditional systems.

The company also aims to protect the press from UV bounce, with the system monitoring printheads for their exposure to UV light, and then invoking automatic cleaning to remove any ink residue which may cause premature printhead failure. The presses are also said to use high speed shutters and side shutters to protect the heads when they are not printing.

The tier drop (small) feature can print an entire job with a 10 per cent smaller droplet, giving finer details. For heavy solid coverage, Fujifilm says users can invoke the tier drop (large) feature to print an entire job with a 10 per cent larger droplet.

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Australian media, marketing and printing company PMP Group has now unified its 20 unique business divisions under one brand Ovato, in a bid to be more directly focussed on clients and turn audiences into customers.

Under the rebrand all 20 businesses that fall under the PMP Group banner, including printing powerhouse PMP Print and distribution arm PMP Distribution which gets to seven million Australian homes weekly, will now be known as Ovato.

The rebrand means the company will now trade on the Australian Securities Exchange as OVT, not PMP.

Under the rebrand the companys core competencies have been reorganised into four pillars of print, distribution, agency and production as it continues to support the businesss vision of turning audiences into customers and driving growth.

Other businesses across the group to be brought under the Ovato banner include Gordon and Gotch, a magazine and retail distribution group; SBM, a full-house creative and production business; Traction Digital, which provides digital marketing and engagement services; Spectrum Group, a PR, digital and content marketing agency; and Griffin Press, Australias oldest book printing business.

Our rebrand gives us the opportunity to focus on our clients and their needs directly, around our promise of turning audiences into customers, says Kevin Slaven, chief executive officer, Ovato.

While each of our businesses will come under the single brand, our work and commitment with all our clients will remain constant.

Everyday, we deliver content across print and digital channels to millions of people in Australia, New Zealand and around the world. Our change to a unified brand unlocks new value for our clients, through greater collaboration, increased efficiency, and investments in innovative new technologies, Mr Slaven continued.

One significant new capability is our exclusive partnership with Quantium, a best-in-class data and analytics business. This will link our residential distribution capabilities and household data with their extensive data-cloud and AI platform. For the first-time, this will allow us to deliver enhanced targeting and measurability to our print channels and campaigns, enabling our customers to see analytics and ROI metrics that are more akin to digital advertising.

The company, now known as Ovato, has a long history in the printing and marketing industries that stretches back more than 150 years. The company has undergone many changes since establishment, including a multi-company merger in 2017 that married printing and distribution specialists PMP Limited with fellow printing and marketing services giant IPMG.

This merger united PMP Limiteds stable of business, which included leading newspaper and magazine distributers Gordon and Gotch, with IPMGs Hannan Print, Offset Alpine Printing and Inprint.

Ovato operates across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and India, and employs 2000 people across 21 sites. The company generated a total revenue of $756m in 2018.

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Cactus Imaging opened up its Sydney factory yesterday giving printers and others in the industry a rare behind-the-scenes look at its printing presses, finishing equipment and entire operation in action.

Cactus Imaging made headlines last year when it became the first Australian printer to buy a Fujifilm Acuity Ultra five metre grand format press to meet extra demand, more ably cater for the needs of parent company oOh!media and expand its fabric printing capability.

After the first attempt to show it to the industry was thwarted by an extreme weather event in Sydney in November, the event, organised in conjunction with Fujifilm and the SGIAA, finally came to fruition yesterday.

Cactus Imaging founder Keith Ferrel and general manager Nigel Spicer hosted the gathering and spoke of their pride in what Cactus Imaging is today.

We are pretty proud of what weve got and what weve achieved and we are happy to share it with you, Ferrel told the gathering.

The centrepiece of the tour was the new Acuity Ultra, which offers the ability to print on three rolls at once with a 3.5 picalitre head and white ink ability offering superior quality with a throughput of 236sqm per hour.

http://www.proprint.com.au/News/392592,cactus-buys-acuity-ultra.aspx

Cactus Imaging has a broad variety of equipment at its site which has allowed it to continue to diversify and automate, the key tenets of business success for Ferrel.

We buy equipment that suits our clients needs at the time. Nigel and I spend a lot of time sitting on aeroplanes and we discuss where we are going to heading over the next year, 18 months, Ferrel said.

In fact we are already two years ahead of where we see this technology going. We attend a lot of trade shows, it is a really important process for us is to see what technology is evolving. We are in very thick with the manufacturers. We often get asked where we think the industry is going and what requirements we need of a piece of printing equipment and finishing equipment.

Fujifilm Australia chief executive officer Takeshi Tyler Yanase attended the event, along with Fujifilm Australia national sales manager graphic systems Ashley Playford.

When you have a look around you will see lots of manufacturers in the site and they all have their place inside this business, they are all suited to specific applications. We see the Ultra as a high-speed, high quality machine and its able to cater for a lot of different applications textile being one, billboard being another, so you can go from very high end, very high speed, Playford said.

SGIAA president Nigel Davies said events like these give the industry a vital chance to come together and learn from each other.

Associations are all about people. Its about rising above this competition and getting together at functions like this, sharing information and creating opportunities with each other. If you look around the room today you will probably the best printers in the industry, Davis said.

It takes a lot of pride and confidence to open up a facility like this to people that might be your competitors. When you walk around this plant and hear Keiths stories then you will understand why they deserve the confidence they have in this place and the pride because it is truly impressive.

Other initiatives Cactus opened up about was their internally built and 100 per cent customised Cactus Production System (CPS).

The system, built by inhouse technical experts, has been a work in progress since 1996 and provides a real-time access point for all aspects of the business to keep track of work from production, to client services.

It is our super glue, tracking, measurement and control. We are pretty proud of it, it is a great system. The guys are constantly updating it with what they doing. It links in through our client services department and it is pushed out to our clients in real-time, Spicer said.

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Certainly, one race or sex is not superior to another. To ignore systemic oppression and its impact on the past and present policies, however, is to put ones head into the sand. I was struck by the fact that even recently, most white Americans were unaware of the Tulsa Race Massacre of June 1, 1921 when mobs of white residents attacked black residents and destroyed homes and businesses in the Greenwood district in Tulsa. Thirty-five plus square blocks of the neighborhood  at the time the wealthiest black community in the United States, known as Black Wall Street  was decimated, with up to 300 people dead. Ten thousand black people were left homeless and property damage of black businesses and homes was an estimated at $1.5 million in 1921 dollars. It is precisely the omission of this kind of event in local, state, and national histories that establishes the need to examine systemic problems.

Arlene Violet on critical race theory. She is a Republican who served as RI Attorney General
KAMPALA  Raxio Data Centre is Ugandas first independent neutral-cloud tier 3 facility aimed at addressing the storage of information and tackle countrys cost of Internet. PML Dailys Abraham Mutalyebwa caught up with the General Manager James Byaruhanga in an exclusive interview about Raxios job in the country.

Briefly tell us what Raxio Data Centre is and whether there are gaps in the industry you have come to address. Who are the brains behind this project?

A data centre is a physical facility purposely built to store information or data. There are measures that necessary to make sure that your information is safe. These include working on physical security, CCTV, biometric access, process and checkpoints, cooling to make sure that the temperatures are suitable for data storage and many others.

The industry today has a big element of manual filling in various sectors like insurance, banking, hospitality, airlines, non-government bodies, government offices, among others. We are here to help bring a solution to this. Theres also the issue of back up on the primary location of information so that all your data is traceable and accessible at any time needed.

Business today lacks an element of continuity. This facility will bridge that going concern aspect of the business and will facilitate long term archiving.

Raxio is financed by ROHA from the USA.

Internet in Uganda is the most expensive across East Africa. What do you think explains this? And how will the Data Centre help to bridge the gap?

In Uganda Internet is perceived to be expensive but its not the case. There are lots of factors leading to this. First Uganda is a landlocked country and our Internet break up points are located in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. This will be solved by having all the submarine cables aggregated in one facility/virtual landing point to close the Internet break up point. Most of our content servers are out between 60% and 70% and having the Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) closer with our facility will reduce this by about 20% both local and regional content thus driving traffic. This will definitely increase the speed and bring down the cost incurred by Internet service providers (ISPs) and telecoms thus bringing the pricing to affordable rates.

The fact that other countries have most of their facilities owned by the government. This brings costs down due to high investment done by governments. But if one is to use their private ones, its pretty expensive and this is seen in countries like Rwanda, Ethiopia and many others.

Raxio must integrate with the existing ISP to create efficiency and reliability of internet in the country. How do you intend to achieve this integration?

We are going to build an internet exchange point in the country, second to the public ones done by the government. ISPs have their CDNs out having this facility will bridge the gap and drive local traffic and thus making it cheap.

What business opportunities are there to harness with the coming of the first Tier 3 Data Centre in Uganda?

First and foremost we are going to create jobs. This a sophisticated facility that we are going to construct. Our contractor is local and all that is employment to Ugandans. Furthermore, our system is highly electrical and mechanical that will require 1.5Mega Watts of power. One of the problems as a country is that we produce a lot of power that is not consumed making the cost of power high. With the coming of Raxio we shall consume some and all that is revenue to the economy.

Raxio is a private data centre and some SMEs usually fight about data issues. What assurance do you give to the business community that their information is safe and secure from competition?

Because we are running a private data centre that is neutral, we are looking at two key things here. We are cloud and carrier-neutral and anyone who is non-serviced by us and has their fibre cables/ connectivity can put it and the same for cloud providers.

This is our uniqueness that we are not specific to connectivity unlike the non-neutral ones that we have and thats why we dont consider them as competition because they are also our customers.

For the case of data safety that is normally an arrangement between the cloud service provider and the client. Our mandate is to provide the best environment to make sure that their data is safe. Good enough Uganda Communications Commission is working on laws to cater for that.

Since Raxio is one of a kind in data storage in Uganda, there must be particular skills necessary to run it. Have you identified locals with the right skills and technical qualifications to run the facility?

We have started on the recruitment and the fact that we have had non-neutral facilities in existence there is technical experience in that field. The telecoms have been around for more than 20 years meaning we have some skills already. But we also intend to scout for those in the market and pick out the best crop and of course we shall skill and orient them to suit the demands of the jobs.

In the East African region, this kind of facility is in Kenya and Ethiopia. What should be done better as the business is being rolled out in Uganda?

Ethiopia has got a government-owned data centre. It is one of the markets we are looking at in the near future after Rwanda and Kenya. We have benchmarked and looked at the challenges that others have faced and now we are focusing on efficiency of the facility since it is green technology. We shall use hydroelectricity as a source of power, borehole for water and for our air conditioning system we have designed future proof ones that relate to the times. The existing data centres are eight years now and we have referenced with great Nordic countries like Finland, Sweden, among others, with the best data centres in the world due to their temperatures.

The majority of businesses in Uganda are Small and Medium Enterprises and internet usage or data storage is increasing gradually. As an independent facility will the cost be affordable to attract them?

Like I earlier said, our facility provides cloud providers a better solution than before. We are structuring our prices from a quarter rack as our minimum entry point. Its affordable for one to lease with us than setting up the infrastructure for a server room and this will help save a lot of capital for your business. If they blossom multiple racks can be leased. We expect a lot of Small and Medium Enterprises to harness from by having shared data.

This is a new facility and the first of its kind in the country. In case there is a breakdown, how do you plan to work out the dynamics so that peoples data is safe?

We have to start from somewhere and when the business becomes profitable we shall automatically set up another one. However, it will be a disaster recovery centre site. Many businesses have primary sites and when they start comparing due to reliability and the fact that its purpose built. Hopefully, another one will be up which will be a secondary site and this will drive them to change their business model and take up ours. There are other small non-neutral facilities like for MTN in Mutundwe, NITA, and Airtel in Bugolobi that clients can use.

Lastly in Kampala when people are setting up such facilities such as optical data cables the contractors normally dig up the streets and leave the place all messed up. How are you harmonising with the authorities to address this matter?

The good thing the site is in Namanve on Kampala  Jinja Road. There are 10 fibres passing through this place where our facility is. There is the national backbone, Africell, UCIT, Roke Telelkom, among others, and we are going to have shared ducts that will be aggregated at the centre. Then lastly the Namanve Industrial Park is not yet tarmacked and this will give us time to work it up. We also have support from the Uganda Investment Authority.

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Queqiao has some other cool tricks up its robotic sleeves. Marc Klein Wolt of Radboud University and project leader for the Netherlands-China Low-Frequency Explorer (NCLE), says the instrument will be switched on after the nominal 3-month lifetime of Yutu-2, in preparation to make unprecedented low-frequency radio observations of the solar system and potentially pick up signals from the cosmic dark ages. Like the Low Frequency Spectrometer (LFS) on Change-4, NCLE consists of three 5-meter-long booms.

The relay sat is also carrying a 170-millimeter large-aperture laser angle reflector, which is a test instrument for carrying out laser ranging measurements and likely a precursor to a retroreflector for a future Change landing mission.

Theres the possibility that Queqiao will have fuel enough to assist future missions, as the current outline for the planned Change-7 mission to the lunar south pole in the early 2020s requires such a craft. If not, one suggestion for an extended mission would see Queqiao head to other Earth-Moon Lagrange points to confirm if the areas of stable orbits host small bodies, or Trojans, just as similar libration points in the Jupiter system do.

The Queqiao retroflector will be used to test ranging ability of the 1.2-metre telescope laser ranging system at the Yunnan Observatory at Kunming, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the experiment could take place next month, says Li Yuqiang from Yunnan Observatory. The laser corner retro-reflector will receive laser light from an Earth station and reflect the light back to Earth. Yunnan Observatory successfully used the telescope laser ranging system to bounce light off a retroreflector placed on the Moon during NASA's Apollo 15 crewed lunar mission early last year.
The Lee County Grand Jury convened Tuesday and indicted Adam Mitchell Soules, 36, for one count of premeditated first degree murder in the death of Fort Myers Beach librarian Leroy Christ Hommerding.

Hommerding, 69, was stabbed to death outside of the library on Jan. 20 as he opened the facility for a weekend book sale.

Witnesses chased Soules to the nearby Topps building, where police apprehended him.

Soules, who was charged with homicide (murder depraved without premeditation) and aggravated battery- person uses a deadly weapon, was set for a first appearance on the new charge on Wednesday.

He remains in the Lee County Jail with no bond set on the homicide charge.

His arraignment is set for Feb. 11.
A dedication ceremony was held Tuesday evening to mark the grand opening of the Southeast 47th Terrace Streetscape project in Cape Coral.

Local dignitaries gathered to unveil a plaque on the corner of Southeast 47th Terrance and Southeast 10th Place to commemorate the project that Mayor Joe Coviello said hopes to service the area for 30 years or more.

It was just about a year ago that we were across the street at Club Square, with shovels and a big pile of dirt. And as I look back over that year, and I think back upon what this street was  I remember seeing roots growing through sidewalks, the street looked liked it needed a lot of help and it was in disrepair  and weve brought it to where it is today, said Coviello.

The crowd gathered to celebrate the occasion along the $13 million projects newly paved sidewalks.

The projects goal was to calm traffic and make a more walkable area of the South Cape, featuring 18-foot promenades on each side of the street, along with new landscaping and a traffic circle at Vincennes Boulevard.

These larger sidewalks will be much more accommodating to foot traffic, and all street parking has been eliminated along Southeast 47th Terrace.

The larger sidewalks will also allow restaurants and bars along the street to provide outdoor seating to guests.

City Manager John Szerlag thanked all that played in a part in making the project possible, including City Council, the Com-munity Redevelopment Agency and Chris-Tel Construction.

We have calming traffic. We have wide sidewalks with pavers to walk on. We have beautiful landscaping and we have a project that I think will be with our city for 30 years, at least, if not more, said Coviello.

Coviello, along with all of the dignitaries that spoke, gave their thanks of patience to the businesses along Southeast 47th Terrace which had to endure a years worth of construction that negatively impacted their traffic.

Most importantly, the people that felt the brunt of this project were the businesses on 47th Terrace, said Coviello. I want to thank all of you for your patience and for dealing with what came your way. It wasnt easy, I know it cut into some of your profits, but in the long run we have something we can all be proud of.

The businesses here took the brunt of this for the last year doing this project, so theyre the real heroes here, said District 1 Councilmember John Gunter. I want to thank each and every one of them. I know it was a difficult time for you, but Im hoping that this project will only make your business grow into the future and you will have a ten-fold return on this last year that you had to sit and painfully wait for it to be completed.

Linda Biondi, wearing the hat of CRA vice president for the event, remarked on the fresh look of the area and how the vision that was put in place has become a reality.

We are now a destination where you can walk to the shops, stop in at the wonderful restaurants along the way  the improvements and the upgrades to the infrastructure, the beauty of the wide walkable pavered streets and sidewalks, make these properties along this corridor appealing to all the investors, said Biondi. The landscaped streets, the crosswalks, the roundabout  we now have a beautiful addition to our city.

Well now be able to have events like Art Walk, Music Walk and so many more. All of our residents will have one more reason to come to this jewel in our city.

A few minor details still need to be implemented, Coviello said, such as additional landscaping, addition of lighting, cameras, informational kiosks, permanent furniture and possible tweaking of the roundabout.

The project encompasses roughly one mile along Southeast 47th Terrace from Coronado Parkway to Southeast 15th Avenue.

-Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj
An employee of Fotmer SA, an enterprise that produces cannabis for medical use, writes down observations, inside a greenhouse in Montevideo, Uruguay. Almost six years after Uruguay grabbed international attention by becoming the first country in the world to legalize marijuana market, the small South American country is now looking to become a global leader in the sale of medicinal cannabis.

 AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico
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Perry County Sheriff's Office deputies were involved in a high-speed chase Friday, June 18, shortly after 4 p.m. A vehicle, which was at times reportedly traveling more than 90 mph at times, was heading north on Highway 51. The vehicle reportedly traveled into Illinois and the Randolph County Sheriff's Office was assisting with the pursuit. More information on this incident will be provided as it becomes available.
Take action and be in control  Yvonne Nelson tells Ghana police



Ghana actress and producer, Yvonne Nelson, has urged the Ghana Police Service to be more effective when dealing with political violence such as the recent brutality at the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.



Speaking in an interview on TV3 on Tuesday, 5 February 2019 the mother of one said: The police should take action and be in control.



Her comments comes after some heavily-armed National Security operatives shot and wounded supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the private residence of the NDCs candidate about an hour into the by-election on Thursday, 31 January 2019.



Others were also beaten up, including a member of parliament, Mr Sam George, who was slapped in the presence of some police officers.



The police, in a press release, said statements have been taken from 16 victims of the shooting incident, adding that a statement form has been issued to Mr Sam George to submit for necessary action.



The police also said it has taken note of the concerns raised by the public, parliamentarians, statesmen and reputable organisations about the incident and that thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter in line with the ongoing transformation agenda of the police service, which is aimed at ensuring the highest professional standards in the Service



This follows the Minority in Parliaments march to the police headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, 5 February 2019 to put pressure on the police hierarchy to immediately arrest the armed security men who attacked civilians at the by-election.



The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr David Asante-Apeatu has expanded the committee tasked to investigate the violence, to cover the professional as well as the criminal conduct of those involved in the incident.













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Former President John Dramani Mahama has encouraged supporters of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to fully participate in the Aagbe wo demonstration today, Thursday, 7 February 2019.



I welcome the initiative of the Inter-Party Coalition for National Sovereignty and I encourage all members of the NDC to participate in tomorrows demonstration. Lets show to the world that we stand for peace and that the violence displayed in AWW has no place in our democracy, Ex-President Mahama tweeted.



The protest put together by members of the Inter-Party Coalition for National Sovereignty said its resolve to embark on the demonstration stems from the violent incident that temporarily disrupted voting process at La Bawaleshie during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by election on Thursday, 31 January 2019.



Aagbe wo means They are killing us.



See post below-









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The host of Good Evening Ghana on Metro TV, Paul Adom Otchere, has condemned the Minority in parliament for their highest level of disdain in welcoming Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso West Wuogon, with placards inscribed Bloody Widow.



According to him, their reaction is of the 'dark age' where Ghana is viewed as an uncivilized country with no respect for women.



Mr Adom Otchere believes the Minority reaction was a wanton abuse for procedure.



Paul Adom Otchere was of the view that walking out of parliament in registering a protest is something that is acceptable as normal parliamentary practice, but to put out a poster to call a colleague MP bloody widow is uncalled for.



The honourable James Agalga should be ashamed of himself, he stated on his Good Evening Ghana show on Metro TV.



Recollecting when the NPP wore dark clothes to welcome the late President Atta-Mills in Parliament, Mr Adom Otchere said it was condemned by all and sundry.



There is James Agalga, a former deputy minister for the Interior, holding bloody widow to a woman who contested elections after her husband died..this is the NDC Minority in Parliament's day of shame; its a day of disgrace and its a horrible day in the annals of Ghanas parliament, Mr Adom Otchere observed with disappointments.



To call the honourable Member of Parliament, who has become Member of Parliament and who will continue to play her role as a Member of Parliament..she is going to sit with some of these people in the committees in Parliament and they put up a poster and say bloody widowmy goodness!, he charged.



He asked Ghanaians to condemn the action of the minority and demonstrate that women are respected within the Ghanaian society.

Source: ghanaweb.com









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The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu has been elected Vice Chairman of the Democrat Union of Africa.



The election was held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 in Accra during DUAs 2019 Conference which took place at the Labadi Beach Hotel.



DUA is the African Chapter of the International Democrat Union (IDU) which is the global alliance of all centre-right to right wing political parties as well as like-minded organizations and think-tanks dedicated to promoting conservative ideology and democratic principles in Africa and around the world.



Presidential candidate of the Democratic Movement (PDM), a leading political party in Namibia, MacHenry Venaam, was elected as the Chairman of DUA during the conference.



The Accra conference was hosted by the NPP with partnership and support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the Conservative Party of United Kingdom as well as the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.



The conference was used to advance preparations towards the re-launch of DUA for the purpose of rejuvenating the Union to effectively promote the goals and aspirations of the African people.



A highlight of the conference was the conferment on President Akufo-Addo, the title of an Honorary Patron of DUA by IDU for his unflinching commitment to the ideals of IDU including the promotion of democracy, rule of law and good governance in Ghana on the African continent.









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Audio Attachment: Click to listen to Asiedu Nketiah

The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Johnson Asiedu Nketia popularly known as Gen. Mosquito has described as illegal the constituting of a Commission of Inquiry to look into the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence.



I am surprised and even confused because there is a procedure for setting up a Commission of Inquiry which has not been followed and so I want to believe that it is a smokescreen which the government is using to protect its own appointees and other party apparatchiks, he alleged.



The Government has set up a three-member Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Mr Justice Emile Short, former Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), to investigate and establish the facts leading to the events and associated violence in the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election. (Click to read)



However, Article 278:1 of the 1992 constitution prevents the government from setting a Commission of Inquiry without a constitutional instrument according to Asiedu Nketia.



Speaking in an interview on Citi FM's eyewitness news, the NDC Scribe said: our constitution is very clear . . . that the president by a constitutional instrument establish a Commission of Inquiry into any matter of public interest . . . but I have not heard of any constitutional instrument being laid before parliament; for it to mature . . . and then somebody from the presidency announces that the president has established a commission . .. It is a wrong move and I think that should not prevent the police from arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators who are known. It cannot be a Commission of Inquiry according to our laws . . . it is false; it is a smoke screen."



The NDC scribe has meanwhile advised the members of the Commission to insist that the right thing is done because it is not a commission until it is established through the proper procedure.



Article 278 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana



(1) Subject to article (5) of this Constitution, the President shall, by constitutional instrument, appoint a commission of inquiry into any matter of public interest where-



(a) the President is satisfied that a commission of inquiry should be appointed; or



(b) the Council of State advises that it is in the public interest to do so; or



(c) Parliament, by a resolution requests that a commission of inquiry be appointed to inquire into any matter, specified in the resolution as being a matter of public importance.

(2) A commission appointed under clause (1) of this article may consist of a sole commissioner or two or more persons one of whom shall be appointed the chairman of the commission.



(3) A person shall not be appointed a sole commissioner or the chairman of a commission of inquiry under this article unless he is -



(a) a Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature; or



(b) a person qualified to be appointed a Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature; or



(c) a person who has held office as a Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature; or



(d) a person who possesses special qualifications or knowledge in respect of the matter being investigated.

(4) Subject to clause (3) of this article, where a commission of inquiry appointed under clause (1) of this article consists of more than two commissioners, other than the chairman, at least one of them shall be a person who possesses special qualifications or knowledge in respect of the matter being investigated.

Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









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A former President of Liberia, Prof Amos Sawyer, has raised concerns over the use of social media in inciting violence during the 2019 elections.



The former Liberian president said this at an ongoing one-day peace conference by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, tagged Peaceful Elections and National Development, held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja today February 7th.



Social media poses significant challenges and increases the risk of incitement and conflict. It requires robust countermeasures by civil organisations and peace committee. The role of the media, though sometimes annoying, is vital and should be protected. he said









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The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has set up a committee to investigate the reported outbreak of the Tilapia Lake Virus in Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.



Tilapia Lake Virus is a deadly disease that threatens fish stocks, both farmed and wild.



Jacob Olwo, program officer of fisheries and aquaculture at FAO Uganda, told reporters at a media dialogue on Tuesday that the committee comprises experts from six African countries -- Uganda, Kenya, Angola, Egypt, Nigeria and Ghana.



Olwo said the committee was formed to investigate reports by some scientists that the disease had broken out in some countries in Africa.



He said the committee, which comprises scientists from FAO, Kampala-based Makerere University and ministry of agriculture, would investigate reports that the disease had already reached Lake Victoria.



He said the team would find out whether there was an outbreak in Lake Victoria and also draw plans on how the disease could be tackled in case the outbreak was confirmed.



"We need to have an action plan for any emergency of such nature. This can only be implemented when you have a surveillance plan. The surveillance which we are going to have for Uganda is to ensuring that monitoring is being done in key farms when such an emergency occurs," he said.



He said the virus only attacked tilapia and not human beings.



Olwo said some countries in Asia such as Thailand and the Philippines, which are big aquaculture producing countries, had experienced the wrath of the virus.



Tilapia is one of the major fish species consumed in Uganda. Fisheries, according to FAO, contribute 12 percent of Uganda's agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) and supplies 50 percent of animal proteins consumed in the east African country.





Source: GNA









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The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has condemned the recent clash in the by-election held in the Ayawaso West Wuogon in Accra.



The Association said: It has noted with concern the entrenching phenomenon of violence in the electioneering space in the country and it condemns this occurrence in its entirety.



The GMA condemned the act in a statement signed by Dr Frank Ankobea, the President, and copied the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday.



It said Ghana had come far in its practice of democracy and that it was unfortunate that we are unable to understand that elections are not about violence but rather an issue of expressing our opinion in choosing our leaders.



The statement said; When such violent incidence occurs, several people who otherwise were healthy sustain serious injuries that put stress on our already over-stretched and under resourced health delivery systems and in some cases adversely affect our emergency services.



It urged all political parties and the good people of Ghana to exercise restraint and rather focus on fostering peaceful elections at all times to ensure that the development of the country is sustained.



We also call on the security agencies to up their game and ensure that the perpetrators of such grievous acts are quickly apprehended and made to face the full rigours of the law. This will effectively serve as a deterrent to others.



Vigilantism should not be encouraged in Ghana, the statement said.

Source: GNA









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WABC-TV(GREENWICH, Conn.) -- The young woman whose body was found bound in a suitcase in Greenwich, Connecticut, has been identified as Valerie Reyes, 24, of New Rochelle, New York, officials said.



The gruesome discovery was made on Tuesday morning. Reyes' body was in a suitcase along the side of a Greenwich road and her hands and feet were bound, authorities said.



Reyes was last seen on Tuesday, Jan. 29 and was reported missing to the New Rochelle Police Department, Greenwich Police Capt. Robert Berry said in a statement.



Reyes' mother, Norma Sanchez, told ABC New York station WABC-TV that her daughter, who occasionally suffered from anxiety and depression, had been fearing for her life.



"She didn't mention no one specific, she just mentioned, 'I'm really really scared. I'm paranoid, Mommy, I'm getting anxiety attacks,'" Sanchez told WABC-TV.



Reyes recently had a boyfriend and Sanchez said they broke up days before she went missing.



Sanchez asked her daughter if someone threatened her, and asked about her ex, but Reyes said no, Sanchez told WABC-TV.



Sanchez said she started to "panic" when the 24-year-old vanished.



"It was odd. That's not Val at all," Sanchez told WABC-TV. "I feel like there's so many questions I have, and I'm sure they are doing their investigation, but I think I need to know."



Sanchez described her daughter as humble, strong minded and unique. Reyes was creative, Sanchez said, and enjoyed nature, reading and art.



Reyes had spent the last two-and-a-half years working at a Barnes & Noble store in Eastchester, New York, according to the company.



"The entire Barnes & Noble community is grieving the loss of our beloved employee," read a statement from the company. "Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time."



As the hunt for Reyes' killer continues, Berry said "many pieces of possible physical evidence were collected and results from forensic analysis are pending."



Reyes' cause of death has not been confirmed, Berry said.



Greenwich Police are working with New Rochelle Police on the case, Berry said.



Greenwich sits along the New York-Connecticut state border. New Rochelle is about 12 miles south of Greenwich.



Greenwich investigators "have received a multitude of tips," Berry said, adding they "are asking the public for any information they may possess concerning Valerie and/or her disappearance."



Anyone with information is asked to call the Greenwich Police tip line at (203) 622-3333.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Tema Regional Command has received two Ghanaians on board MV Maritime Voyager attempting to stowaway to China.



The Ghanaian teenagers aged 17 and 19 were found hiding in the vessel by the crew at the Tema Main Harbour during their routine inspection before take-off.



The young men, who are school dropouts hailing from Takoradi, boarded the vessel from the Takoradi Main Harbour in the Western Region through the vessels anchor space.



They have since been handed over to the Tema Police Regional Command by GIS for further investigations.



In a related development, Assistant Commissioner (ACI) Samuel Basintale Amadu, the Tema Regional Commander of the GIS, said the Command recorded 21 cases of male stowaways from Ghana, Nigeria, and Tunisia trying to stowaway to Europe last year.



He said the Ghanaians totalling five were processed and handed over to the Ghana Police Service for onward investigations and the foreigners were repatriated back to their home countries.

Source: GNA









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Canada has announced plans to welcome at least 750 ex-slaves from Libya as refugees, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said on Wednesday.



"In 2017, the world was shocked to see the harrowing images of people being sold into slavery in Libya. Canada was one of the few countries to step up to work with the UNHCR to resettle these refugees directly from Libya and offer them a new home in Canada," the minister said in a statement.



Hussen, himself a former refugee from Somalia added that, 'Canada is also taking action to resettle 100 refugees from Niger, rescued from Libyan migrant detention centers, including victims of human smuggling".



According to the United Nations, the number of migrants traveling through Libya to reach Europe has increased tenfold since the fall of Moamer Kadhafi in 2011 and their fate was highlighted dramatically in 2017 - by multiple shipwrecks in the Mediterranean and the broadcast of a CNN report shong a Libyan slave market.









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The Inspector General of Police, David Asante-Apeatu, has in another major shake up reassigned 122 of his senior officers of the Ghana police service.



In a list sighted by Peacefmonline.com, close to ten officers at the Police Headquarters in Accra have been transferred to other parts of the country.



The Public Relations Officer of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), DSP Olivia Turkson, according to the list, has been transferred to the Marine, Ports and Railways, Tema.



ASP Patrick Kodjoe Okai, of the National Headquarters, is now heading to the Brong Ahafo region as the Staff Officer at the Brong Ahafo Regional Head office.



DSP Henry N. Agyemang, is now the Commander in charge of the Divisional MTTU office at Kibi in the Eastern Region.



The reassignments according to two separate lists dated February 6 and February 7, 2019, takes immediate effect and affects mainly senior officers of the police service.



This is the IGPs first major reassignments this year. He made several reshuffles in the year 2018.



More soon............

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.

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The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Economic Community of West African States Commission (ECOWAS) have signed an agreement for a study of the 1,000-kilometre highway linking Cote dIvoires commercial capital Abidjan, to Lagos in Nigeria.



It marks a new step in building regional integration and trade.



The proposed Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway, a six-lane motorway, will connect the countries via Ghana (Accra), Togo (Lome) and Benin (Cotonou).



The agreement signed on Monday, according to a release copied to the Ghana News Agency indicates that, the study will entail technical, implementation and operational aspects of the project, which, comes nearly five years after the Presidents of Ghana, Cote dIvoire, Togo, Benin and Nigeria, signed a treaty on the establishment of the highway in March 2014.



The Bank has approved a financing package of US$12.6 million to finance part of the study for the project and mobilized a Euro 9.1 million grant from the EU Commission, bringing the total financing to US$22.7 million.



By linking some of Africas largest and economically dynamic cities, the road will promote cross-border trade and integrate fast-growing economies within ECOWAS. This is expected to contribute to reducing poverty levels of the population that depends on inter-regional trade for livelihood.



Ebrima Faal, Senior Director of the Banks Nigeria office noted that, The Bank remains fully committed to the 2020 ECOWAS Vision.



We will work closely with the public and private sectors to unlock new sources of growth for Africa, while reducing inequality between countries and within countries. Together, we can unlock the enormous potentials of the West African sub-region and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals for the region, Faal said.



Jean Claude Brou, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission Finda Koroma, the Nigerian Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and Chairman of the Ministerial Steering Committee for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Programme, Babatunde Raji Fashola, attended the ceremony, which took place in Abuja, Nigeria. European Union (EU) Head of Co-operation in Abuja, Kurt Cornelis, together with other relevant stakeholders, were also present at the event.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Accra High Court presiding over the trial of former Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) CEO, Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni and businessman, Mr Seidu Agongo, on Wednesday, adjourned sitting by a week to allow the Defence Attorneys to study the report filed by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), on its investigation into some missing documents.



The committee filed its final report at the court on 1st February 2019. However, the two Defence Attorneys told the court that they had received copies of the report barely 24 hours before the commencement of todays sitting, hence, requested for time to study the report.



While making his request to the court, Benson Nutsukpui, lawyer for Mr Seidu Agongo told the court that having only taken a cursory look at the report, he was unsure whether the committee has submitted the right report.



He said the defence requested for a document titled Budget for Agricote/CRIG Training/Sensitisation Program for Extension Officers and Farmers on the Use of Agricote Lithovit Liquid Fertilizer, however, the report filed was on the results of investigations into a document titled, "Budget for Agricote/CRIG Training/Sensitisation Program for Extension Officers and Farmers on the Use of Agricote Lithovit Fertilizer". His uncertainty, he said, results from the absence of the word Liquid in the report title.



The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Yvonne Attakorah Obuobisa, in response, told the court that the prosecution has always argued that the fertilizer in question is not liquid, moreover, the report properly mentioned the reference number of the defences requested document; CRIG 39/14 vol 19/6448 dated 21st October 2014. Hence, there is no confusion that the committee investigated the matter and submitted the right report.



In his ruling to allow for an adjournment for the prosecution to study the document, Justice Clemence Honyenugah, said service of documents is fundamental as such he will allow the prosecution more time. He adjourned the case to Tuesday 12 February 2018.



In March 2018, the Attorney General brought 27 charges against Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni and Mr Seidu Agongo, the majority shareholder of the defunct Heritage Bank, including defrauding by false pretences, willfully causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, corruption by a public officer and acting in contravention of the Public Procurement Act.



The AG deemed the two men to have breached laid-down procedures in procurement and other laws resulting in a loss of GHS271.3 million to the state, in the alleged fertilizer scandal and the distribution of substandard fertilizer to cocoa farmers.



The two deny any wrongdoing and have pleaded not guilty to all the charges and have each been granted a GHS300,000.00 self-recognisance bail by the court.



The court adjourned the case to Tuesday, 12th February, 2019 for the continuation of the trial, on which day it expects that the committee would have finished and submitted its final report to the court.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Bloody widow! read the placards.



The sign was held aloft as part of a protest walkout during the swearing in of Lydia Alhassan, the new MP for the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency. Alhassan won her seat after a political process during which there was violence.



The placard has ignited outrage, commentary, headlines all over Ghana.



Lydia Alhassan is MP for my district. My mother and sister voted during this recent election. They, like me and her are part of the 53% of women in Ghana who are citizens, participants and fundamental to nation building.



I listened on morning radio, as Minority members descended on airwaves and television sofas to defend, double-down or deflect in response to escalating outrage.



The NDCs action is an important moment to scrutinize and interrogate the ways sexism manifest in our politics and our political process and is then dismissed as being politics-as-usual and not gender-in-politics.



Essentially, it demonstrates an inability to recognize the ways our practice of politics and our practice of sexism are deeply interconnected.



What the minority did was to use a womans personal status to politically disqualify the process that elected her and during which there was violence and about which there has been much anger.



But here is the problem.



The Minority then doubled down on what must be condemned as an act of sexist action that was both hurtful and harmful to women, widows and their families across the country.



The NDC Minority has not  as it claimed  sought to shed light on the issues of the process that led to Mrs. Alhassans election and the violence during which those casting votes where badly injured.



That has not happened.



Instead they have been roundly condemned and chastised. They have ignited the ire of women all over the country and that of citizens who stare aghast at such action and wonder where the political heart is of a party who would engage in such action and truly believe it would go uncritiqued.



I listened to morning radio and heard the an NDC MP claim she had not seen the placard and so was unable to comment. This is cowardly politicking. It is using denial to avoid a necessary reckoning with the outcome of a poor decision by her party.



Others from the party doubled down on the placard wielding members even as outrage escalated. They continued to defend the action as social media erupted and spilled into 140-character condemnation on Twitter and long, furious posts and threads on Facebook.



The Minority NDC claimed it was making a political statement. It argued the intent was to demonstrate its anger at a bloody process. It was referring to the bloodshed that occurred after seven people were shot and injured as citizens voted during the Ayawaso election.



Such violence is a danger to democracy. Ghana prides itself on a peaceful participatory process within a democracy that stands as a beacon of political participation on the Continent.



I like thousands of others empathize with the Partys anger at the polices failure to so far apprehend those who may be responsible. The Partys anger echoes that of journalists angry at police failure to apprehend those who have attacked them in a series of incidents and that of women who seek police action on sexual violence matters and find inaction is the response for their call to apprehend, arrest and investigate.



That is not justification. It is a difficult reality. It is one that must be addressed and resolved.



It is not resolved nor addressed by placard-wielding Party members whose abuses have now drowned out the voices of protest over the violence.



Indeed, the Minority failed to bring further scrutiny to the attack on citizens exercising their democratic right while placing their votes and being subject to bloody violence. Instead, they attacked a womans personal status; they poured blood on the corpse of her husband and then added fuel to the fire they ignited by defending and doubling down on their problematic action.



On morning radio, callers denied this was an issue of gender and sought to remind listeners that mens rights are being infringed left and right without similar focus or condemnation.



This is false equivalency. And it is simply inaccurate.



Ghana has a history of attacking women who choose to run for political office and seek to represent Ghana as part of its democracy. There is both research and anecdotal evidence that highlights the multiple ways in which women are targeted as they seek political office. It is not their political capabilities or qualifications that are challenged, but instead their personal status, their marital status, their culinary skills and their sexual behavior all come under scrutiny. Even their hairstyles  as we saw and heard during the vetting of the former Minister for Gender, Madame Otiko Djaba.



In 2016, only 31 of Ghanas 275 Parliamentarians were women and less than 30% are Ministers of State and District Chief Executives. Legal frameworks communicate equality, but political practice confirms discriminatory actions that impact our nations constant call for greater representation by women in our politics. Indeed, there is still an unpassed Affirmative Action Bill despite a presidents commitment to its passage and a weak apology during a state of the nation due to its lack of passage.



It is fair to demand further political scrutiny on the shots fired during the Ayawaso election. It is right to demand urgent action. It is understandable to expect all parties condemn the violence and wish the victims a speedy recovery. It is absolutely important to recognize that those voting are citizens who have the right to exercise their vote free from such threats of deadly violence irrespective of party.



All of those rights are diminished and ridiculed when a political party abandons the process and instead zooms in on a womans personal status  one not of her own making  in order to make its point. That it failed is apparent by the outrage. That the NDC Minority continues to defend its stance is a mark of poor leadership. And that it imagines our outrage is misplaced is evidence of political delusion.



The Minority was wrong. The placards were offensive and outside of the spirit of political protest and a long history of walk-outs. The defense of their placards is bloody-minded. And it has further reduced their likelihood of better endearing themselves to the women of this nation.



There is one answer to the Minority placard Bloody Widow.



Bloody Sexism!

Source: Esther A. Armah









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) missed its 2018 revenue target of GH39,802.27 billion by GH2171.73 or -5.5 percent.



The authority planned to collect GH23,588.41 billion in domestic taxes, but recorded GH24,438.75, an excess of GH850.35 million or 3.5 percent.



The Customs Division was also given a target GH16,213.86 billion but it realised GH13,191.07 billion, a deviation of GH3,022.07 billion or -18.6 percent.



Commissioner-General of GRA, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, said the domestic tax recorded a positive deviation due to increase in compliance as a result of continuous monitoring of taxpayers.



Mr. Nti explained that efforts were being made retrieve taxes from defaulters.



Even though the withholding on VAT helped to boost performance, Mr Nti disclosed that the expected implementation of the electronic point of sales (ePoS) could not materialize.



He averred that the implementation of the excise tax stamp policy was resisted by the beverage industry to amicably resolve the challenges.



On import duties and levies, he said the increase in goods imported into the economy through the suspense regimes and impact of zero rated goods negatively affected the performance of the tax.



2019 Revenue Target



From the national budget, GRA has been tasked to meet a tax revenue target of GH45,447.26 billion for this year.



Touching the governments Ghana Beyond Aid, vision, the Commissioner-General said there were ongoing discussions to revise the target upward.



Thus, the GRA would marshal all its efforts to considerably improve its collection for the year.



Even for 2018, where we faced considerable challenges, we were able to achieve a 16.4 percent growth over the 2017 collection.



He revealed that GRA would intensify its activities to identify and plug revenue leakages.



Hopefully, the implementation of the electronic Point of Sales (ePoS) device in the course of the year will help address shortfalls in VAT collection, full implementation of the excise tax stamp policy as the big industry players are onboard following the expiration of the deadline given them to install affixing equipment.



He further cited efforts to broaden the tax net, full implementation of the tax identification number (TIN) as a requirement for carrying out transactions by the identified state agencies and regular and consistent visits to business centres by GRA staff.



These, he said, would be complemented by NABCO graduates to help unearth potential taxpayers.

Source: Paul Nyojah Dalafu/D. Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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There is an ongoing discussion to revise upward the GH45.4billion tax revenue target for the 2019 fiscal year, Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Emmanuel Kofi Nti, has disclosed.



Considering governments objective of Ghana Beyond Aid, there is ongoing discussion to revise the 2019 revenue target upward. The GRA will marshal all its efforts to considerably improve on its collections for the year, he said.



Speaking at a media briefing in Accra, Mr. Nti explained that to achieve the 2019 tax revenue collection target, other measures which will be pursued include stepping-up activities to identify and plug revenue leakages, and implementation of the Electronic Point of Sale Device as a way of improving the Value Added Tax (VAT) collection.



Other measures are: full implementation of the Excise Tax Stamp Policy; an effective and full implementation of the Taxpayer Identification Number as a requirement for carrying out transactions with identified state agencies; and regular and consistent visits to business centres by GRA staff complemented by NABCO personnel to register more tax payers.



Mr. Nti indicated that the Authority is poised to work at increasing the compliance level of professionals, adding that professionals such as lawyers, Accountants, Architects, Surveyors, Doctors and others will be made to pay their fair share of taxes in accordance with the law, including the issuance of VAT receipts for their services.



2018 revenue target missed



Mr. Nti explained that the Authority missed the 2018 tax revenue collection target of GH39,802billion by GH2171.73million  representing a negative variance of 5.5 percent.



Thus, he indicated that GRA collected GH37,630.54billion  representing 94.5 percent of the target.



Although the Authority did not achieve the set revenue target, it must be stated that the 2018 revenue performance achieved a normal growth rate of 16.4 percent over the 2017 collection. Domestic revenue grew by 24.4 percent while Customs revenue grew by 3.9 percent.



Even for 2018 when we faced considerable challenges, we were able to achieve a 16.4 growth over the 2017 collection. It is my expectation that we will achieve the projected upward revised target, he said.



Among some of the reasons for the 2018 performance, Mr. Nti explained that the domestic tax recorded a positive deviation due to increase in compliance as a result of continuously monitoring taxpayers.



He added that domestic tax, rigorous tax collection efforts and retrieval of arrears from defaulting taxpayers were undertaken  indicating that even though the withholding on VAT helped performance, the expected implementation of the Electronic Point of Sales could not materializethus affecting performance.



Implementation of the Excise Tax Stamp policy, he said, faced a lot of resistance from the beverage industry. To amicably resolve the challenges, we had several stakeholder consultations culminating in their adoption of the policy.



This, he confirmed, delayed the process and thereby negatively affected performance of the tax type.



Regarding import duties and levies, he explained that the increase of goods imported into the economy through the suspense regimes, and the impact of zero-rated goods, negatively affected performance.



On some of the measures GRA instituted aimed at achieving the 2018 revenue target, Mr. Nti outlined: implementation of the Tax Amnesty policy; the Excise Tax Stamp Policy; and enforcing the law on Taxpayer Identification Numbers as a requirement for transacting business with certain government agencies.



We launched the tax and good governance week to encourage filing tax returns by the public. There was also the campaign to rope more operators in the informal sector into the tax net.



We also introduced the Cargo Tracking Note to enhance the classification and valuation of imports among others, he remarked.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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IRAN: On the virtues of evolution rather than revolution

02/07/19

By Farhang Jahanpour



Iranians toppling a statue of the Shah during the 1979 revolution

In response to a couple of recent articles that I have written about the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and the current situation in Iran, I have received some angry and occasionally rude comments. The writers who comment on social media often lack the honesty or the courage to give their real names and hide their identities behind some pseudonyms. They have even accused me of being guilty of facilitating the fall of the Shah's government, of treason, of being a fanatical supporter of the Islamic Republic, being dishonest and trying to deceive the people. As I do not have the time or the desire to answer every one of those charges, I thought it would be useful if I try to explain where I stand regarding the Islamic Revolution and the future prospects for the country.

One major problem with political discourse in Iran is and has always been that, instead of getting engaged in free and civilised discourse, we make use of insults and personal attacks, assume a position of superiority and try to suppress any free expression of views. It is sad to see that this trait is not limited to Iran, but even those who have lived for many years in the West and have witnessed free expression of views still make use of those vile tactics.

I don't need to justify myself to anyone, but I was not responsible for the revolution. I was a strong supporter of the Shah's government and I was totally opposed to violent change, and I made my views clear in all my lectures and writings at the time, and I nearly lost my life for doing so. I was and still am strongly against any revolution or violent regime change, especially when it is engineered from abroad. I believe that democracy is a process and requires time to mature, and that it cannot be imposed on a nation with the use of bombs and bullets.

The Iranian revolution was destructive and totally unnecessary, and it put Iran back by decades. The situation in Iran under the Shah needed reform not a violent revolution, but we are where we are. To be fair, on a number of occasions, the late Shah toyed with the idea of introducing a greater measure of democracy by allowing free elections, in which real political parties could compete, but at the last moment he hesitated and turned back. With the vast oil wealth that the government enjoyed after the quadrupling of the price of oil and relative stability in the country, the Shah would have been able to move towards greater democracy, but he was frightened that it would get out of hand and would topple his regime.

Dreaming of the good old days is just that, a dream. It may give some people false hope, but it will not change the realities of the present time. It is comforting to lull ourselves with a fantasy, but we cannot avoid facts. It is as unrealistic to dream of restoring the former monarchical regime to power, as it was to bring the Bourbons back to power after the French Revolution or the tsars back to power after the Bolshevik Revolution.

A major shortcoming of the intellectuals under the Shah was that during all the years that they spent in opposition, with gestures of being leftists and enlightened while leading comfortable lives and benefitting from the Shah's government, was that they were good at constantly criticising the regime without ever bothering to analyse the situation honestly and to put forward constructive proposals.

When I asked my friends on the eve of the revolution what they wanted to achieve and how they were going to bring it about, they answered that it was treason even to ask such questions. Those questions had to wait until after the revolution succeeded. The only thing that was needed was to topple the regime. Many opposition groups at the moment suffer from the same illusion. They are really the ones who are deceiving themselves and others, except that now the stakes are much higher.

The Shah's government was stable and did not have many foreign enemies waiting to tearing the country into pieces, and so even its fall ensured a more or less smooth transition to a new regime. However, even then we saw huge upheavals, terrorist acts and mass killings after the revolution, and the vacuum created tempted Saddam Hussein to wage a devastating eight-year war which killed and wounded about a million people and inflicted about a trillion dollar worth of damage.

Some officials in the US government and other foreign powers who are calling for regime change, do not have the interests of the Iranian people at heart. They have repeatedly and openly called for the bombing of Iran and the waging of war against it. They are looking for the slightest excuse to turn Iran into another Iraq, Libya, Syria or Yemen. They are supporting the Mojahedin-e Khalq, the monarchists, Mohammad bin Salman, the Israelis, militant Baluchi terrorists or other separatist groups, with the single aim of toppling the regime. Their aim is to weaken and even to split the country between various warring factions, as long as their companies get their filthy hands on Iranian resources, as has happened in Iraq and Libya.

Many critics admit that Iran is on the brink. The situation is extremely serious and potentially devastating, not for those living abroad, but for the millions of Iranians who will have to cope with the consequences of a violent or chaotic regime change. We have seen examples of it in Iran's neighbourhood, and we still seem to be rushing forward blindly ignoring the dangers that threaten the country.

What the critics of the current regime have to do is not just to criticise it, but to spell out exactly what aspects of it they wish to change, what they want to put in its place, and how exactly they are going to achieve it. The current regime has shown that it is much more ruthless in suppressing the opposition than the Shah's government was. Whether we like it or not, there is a sizable section of the population that has benefited from the current regime and will fight to the end to keep it in power.

Those who wish to avoid this catastrophe should come forward with clear, considered, realistic solutions, and not engage in insults or mere wishful thinking. What is most needed at the present time is an open climate of discourse and dialogue, at least abroad where people can express their views freely. Any attempt to suppress the views of Iranians of different ideologies and persuasions is a real disservice to the future of the country that they claim they wish to help. Above all, they should realise that the past is gone and will not be restored. It is the future that we must be concerned about.

As Rudaki wrote:

            

         

            

         

About the author:



Farhang Jahanpour is a former professor and dean of the Faculty of Languages at the University of Isfahan, and a former Senior Research Scholar at Harvard. For the past 30 years he has been teaching courses on the Middle East at the Department of Continuing Education and is a member of Kellogg College at the University of Oxford.
Tehran tourism exhibit to host over 700 Iranian, international businesses

02/07/19

Source: Tehran Times

TEHRAN - A total of 660 Iranian tourism marketers and businesses along with 57 foreign ones will participate in the 12th Tehran International Tourism Exhibition, which will be running from February 12 to 15.



A tourists sightseeing bus in Tehran

The number of Iranian businesses shows a 61 percent growth year on year, CHTN quoted a senior tourism official as saying on Tuesday.



The foreign tourism marketers will be from 12 countries, Vali Teymouri added.



Iran hosted 6,074,580 foreign nationals during the first nine months of the currant Iranian calendar year, up by 56 percent year on year.



The Islamic Republic embraces hundreds of historical sites such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 22 being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.



The 2019 Travel Risk Map, which shows the risk level around the world, puts Iran among countries with "insignificant risk", a category where the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, and Finland are placed in.



Iran's ultimate goal is to attract 20 million foreign tourists annually by 2025. However, with only eight years to go, according to some experts, the target seems to be somewhat unachievable.
U.S. Will Not Renew Iran Sanctions Waivers In May: Brian Hook

02/07/19

Source: Radio Farda

U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, says Washington has no plan to extend waivers when the exemptions expire in May. "Iran's oil customers should not expect new waivers to U.S. sanctions in May", the top State Department official reiterated.





While visiting Japan, which has just restarted buying Iranian crude, Brian Hook said, "The November waivers were designed to prevent a spike in oil prices, and it appears that there will be enough oil supply to satisfy demand this year."



In an interview with the Japanese public broadcaster NHK which was published on Tuesday, February 6, Hook insisted, "We are not looking to grant any future waivers or exceptions to our sanctions regime, whether it's oil or anything else," adding that the U.S. aims to "get to zero imports to Iranian crude as quickly as possible."



Brian Hook, Special Representative for Iran.

(File photo)

President Trump's Administration has exempted eight counties from its sanctions, allowing them to continue importing crude from Iran for six months, expiring next May.



However, the Islamic Republic's Oil Minister, Bijan Namdar Zangeneh, admitted on Tuesday that even some countries exempted from U.S. sanctions, including Italy and Greece, refrain from buying Iranian oil without any explanation.



Furthermore, Bijan Namdar Zangeneh disclosed that Russia has recently bought the shares of an Indian oil refinery, but, New Delhi, despite being exempted by Washington, does not allow the Russians to buy Iranian oil for the refinery.



Iran's top oil buyers including China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey received six-month "significant reduction exemptions" last November allowing them to continue oil deals with Tehran, in return for "promising to reduce their dependence on Iranian crude".



Taiwan is also on the list of the exempted countries, but it has decided to stop buying Iranian crude for the moment.



U.S. sanctions have almost halved Iran's oil exports putting pressure on the country's budget.



The head of the Islamic Republic's Plan and Budget Organization, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht acknowledged last month, "We are in dire straits when it comes to exporting oil. The drop in our oil exports has left us far behind $47 billion oil income predicted in Iran's 2017 budget."
Iran Claims Iraq Will Pay Its Debts, But U.S. Sanctions Make It Hard

02/07/19

Source: Radio Farda

One day after Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh complained that Iraq has not paid billions of dollars for its imports from Iran after the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions, Iran's Central Bank Governor told reporters that he has reached an agreement with his Iraqi counterpart about the payments.

The chief banker Abdolnasser Hemmati arrived in Baghdad Tuesday evening for negotiations regarding bilateral banking relations and the payment of Iraq's debts for the electricity and natural gas provided by Tehran.



Hemmati told Tasnim news agency on Wednesday that a mechanism for the payments has been finalized thanks to an agreement he signed with his Iraqi counterpart Ali al-Alaq. The agreement, Hemmati said, also covers payments for Iraq's other imports from Iran.



He said that based on the arrangements made, payments for natural gas, electricity and other commodities sold to Iraq by Iran will be made based on "payment orders" issued by the Central Bank of Iran. Iran's Tasnim news agency quoted Hemmati as saying that the central bank will create accounts in Euros and Iraqi dinars to facilitate payment for exported natural gas and electricity.



In addition, Iranian companies can work through Iraqi banks and Iranian banks can open dinar accounts in Iraq. He was quoted as emphasizing that these measures will expand banking cooperation between Iran and Iraq.



But no further explanation was provided as to the exact mechanism, if any, of actual fund transfers and a timetable for Iraqi late payments.



U.S. sanctions prohibit importers of Iranian products to repatriate cash money. Iran can sell its oil or natural gas but the money stays in the importing country and Iran can only use the funds to buy food and medicine as allowed under the sanctions' regime.



What will Iran do with Iraqi dinars even if accounts are opened at Iraqi banks and payments made? This remains unclear. Iraq is not known as having surplus food or being a major medicine producer.



The Iranian Central Bank governor also said that "The U.S. has waged an economic war against Iran in order to disrupt Iran's economic and political situation," adding that sanctions have created problems for Iranian exporters.



On Tuesday, Iran's oil minister Bijan Zanganeh said Iraq imports monthly $200 million worth of natural gas from Iran but Baghdad has not been paying its debts after the United States re-imposed its sanctions on Iran last autumn.



Zanganeh added that Iraq owes Iran some two billion dollars but Iraqi officials say Baghdad is unable to pay its debts because of sanctions.



Speaking on Iran-Iraq cooperation in developing their shared oil fields, Zanganeh said: "We suggested to Iraqis that we could develop the Khorramshahr and Naftshahr oil fields together but they rejected the offer."



He said, "Iraq is not sanctioned and has no limitation for working with international companies," however, he doubted whether Iraq would sign an agreement with Iran as this might subject Baghdad to secondary sanctions.



He also said that Iraq has unilaterally terminated its oil swap arrangement with Iran based on which Iraq delivered oil from Erbil to Iran across the border and Iran sold some oil in the Persian Gulf on behalf of Iraq.



Iraq's total commercial transactions with various countries are around $190 billion per year, out of which 14 billion dollars is trade with Iran, which includes buying electricity and gas from Tehran.



The United States has given a waiver to Baghdad until the end of March, which makes it exempt from the ban on trading with Iran, so that Iraq could purchase its electricity and gas requirements from Iran. However, international energy market experts say Iraq needs a year before stopping its gas purchase from Iran and finding alternative suppliers. The question is that having waiver, why Iraq is not paying Iran.



Iraq buys 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Iran annually and more than 5 terawatts of electricity (5billion megawatts) for a total of nearly $3 billion a year. Since last March, Iraq has also imported $7.5 billion of Iranian rpoducts.



On January 1, the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Chief, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh criticized Iran's "negative economic performance in Iraq and warned that Iran as a player will be replaced by Turkey and Saudi Arabia in Iraq's market.



Referring to the outcomes of a recent committee meeting entitled "Iran's economic strategy in Iraq and Syria," Falahatpisheh said that if Iran loses its economic links in those two countries, whatever Tehran has gained in the political and military arena there will be lost.
Paxton, IL (60957)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 59F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 59F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
PARLAMENTUL REPUBLICII MOLDOVA

 2010

The Moldovan Parliaments website design was supported by the Democracy Support Programme in Moldova"  an initiative financed by the European Union and implemented by the Council of Europe
Perhaps the most fantastic thing about Rodarte is that despite its obviously aspirational and hyperbolic creations, it continues to feel unusually adaptable into the everyday. It's what makes the brand equal parts dreamy and inspirational.



While New York battles sub zero temperatures, Rodarte traveled west for fall inspo. Kicking off their 2019 line up off-schedule in sunny LA, the Rodarte show headlined with a sense of avant-garde '80s maximalism and romance we've all been dreaming of all winter. The ultra-modern string of looks were balanced with a hint of effervescent femininity most consciously communicated through the gleam-y makeup.

Edging close to the familiar larger-than-life romance that remains the brand's trademark, the show featured an array of curly, ruffled, wavy, and over-the-top hair and makeup looks. Hairstylist Odile Gilbert complemented the futuristic spirit of the show by incorporating textured waves with floral and beaded berets among others. The big glamorous bows and full feathered bottoms were never understated and instead enhanced by glossy and sophisticated curls.

"[It's] the old Hollywood sophistication of full-bodied, textured waves with a nod to the '70s," Gilbert explained backstage. "And the hair accessories give it a beautiful elegance."

Makeup artist Kames Kaliardos added a touch of elegance with generous use of glitter over the eyes and lips that often matched the footwear. While the clothes progressed towards evening wear with bolder and more seminal numbers, the makeup retained a consistent sense of exaggeration. The overstated headdresses and accessories only served to enhance the already rainbow-colored spirit of the show.
Sonic Youth member and iconic figure of the downtown scene, Kim Gordon, has long been celebrated for her many contributions to the great canon of punk, but what you might not have known is that her work has long transcended the musical realm. In addition to having her own line of sun-kissed streetwear, X-girl, Gordon has, for a while now, been translating her lo-fi aesthetic into the visual realm through her wonderfully raw art, and it is about time we give her work its rightful due.

Now in the first solo museum exhibition of her work, the Andy Warhol Museum looks to explore Gordon's work further. Turning everything from tweets to obscure band names into expressive scrawls, practically plucked from the bathroom wall of the seediest dive bar, Gordon's work not only manages to capture the essence of the music scene she has thrived in for the past several decades but offers a glimpse into the mind of the "noise queen" herself. The soon-to-be mounted show, Kim Gordon: Lo-fi Glamour, is set to unfold in two parts: a survey exhibition encompassing the artist's many paintings, drawings, and sculptures as well as a score commissioned by Warhol for his 196364 silent film Kiss.

Gordon has long cited Warhol as one of her many inspirations, saying in a 2013 interview that she "was interested in the lo-fi take on popular culture that Andy Warhol represented." It feels fitting that not only would Gordon have her first solo museum show at the institution founded in the art icon's honor but would then go above and beyond to tribute Warhol in a way that bridges the gap between her world and his. Gordon's Kiss score will also see a limited-edition vinyl release accompanied by a booklet of essays.

Kim Gordon: Lo-fi Glamour is set to open May 17th at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In the meantime, take a sneak peek at some of the works featured in the upcoming show, below:

Photo courtesy of Kim Gordon and 303 Gallery Secret Abuse, 2009

Featured Photo via BFA




For too long, those of us with periods and clitorises have been silenced by Emoji's lack of vagina-related emojis. While we gossip freely with eggplant dicks, the best digital icon we currently have to talk about periods and vaginas are the taco and the bloody syringe, which feels unnecessarily gruesome if we're trying to teach people that periods aren't scary.

These dark days have come to an end. Apple has released iOS 13.2, an update that includes 398 new emoji, including a menstrual-red blood drop.

According to Vogue, the inclusion of the blood drop is the result of pressure form global girls right's charity, Plan International UK, which hopes the texting icon will make conversations about periods easier and less shameful.

The collection also includes a dignified oyster emoji, replete with a pearly clit, for all your sexting and storytelling needs.

Hopefully, the menstruating among us will be emboldened by this visual vocabulary to talk openly about vaginal experiences. Maybe that's a stretch, but hey, wins for people with vaginas are far and few between these days, so we'll celebrate where we can.

The batch also includes a number of other representation firsts. Answering calls for disability-inclusive emojis, the company is providing icons like an ear with a hearing aid, as well as a nonbinary characters, people in wheel chairs, hands using sign language, and figures using canes and sitting in wheel chairs.

There's queer, interracial couples of every formulation.

And here's your new non-binary friend  doing yoga, juggling and dressed like David Bowie.

We're also getting a one-piece bathing suit, butter, garlic, a white heart for you ice queens, and some cute furry things including a sloth, gorilla and an otter.





Check out the full list here and make sure to update your phone.
Paper2019 Convention Daily to Be Distributed at the Paper Industry's Premier Event in Chicago

Pictured above: The Sunday edition of last year's Paper2018 Convention Daily.

Feb. 7, 2019 - The Paper2019 Convention Daily will once again be the official publication of the paper industry's premier event, Paper2019, which will be held in Chicago, March 24-26.

Published by O'Brien Publications  the publisher of PaperAge magazine  the Convention Daily will be printed in three separate daily editions during Paper2019. Each edition will feature a schedule of events, editorial coverage of AF&PA's advocacy priorities, market reports, company profiles, an official suite holders list, along with a wide variety of informative paper industry news stories.

The Paper2019 Convention Daily will be included with each registrant's registration materials and made available each day at strategic locations during the Paper2019 convention.

Large Format  Eye-Catching Ads

If you're not familiar with the Convention Daily, it is a large format (12 x 16) full color publication printed on 80lb. gloss text that offers extraordinary reproduction of editorial content and advertisers' display ads. As mentioned earlier, there will be three separate editions: Sunday, March 24, Monday, March 25, and Tuesday, March 26.

Unable to Attend Paper2019?

If you or representatives from your company are unable to attend Paper2019, don't miss an opportunity to place a prominent display ad in one, two, or all three editions of the Convention Daily. Your ad will showcase your company and its services in front of an audience made up of virtually the entire paper supply chain.

To learn more about the Paper2019 Convention Daily and advertising opportunities, please visit: www.paperage.com/paper2019/convention_daily_about.html or contact Michael O'Brien at: 781-923-1016 or email: mobrien@paperage.com .

O'Brien Publications, Inc. has published the Convention Daily since 2003.

SOURCE: O'Brien Publications, Inc.
ANDRITZ to Convert Former Groundwood Reject System to TMP Line at JSC Volga in Russia ANDRITZ will install a new plug screw feeder (pictured above), which will become part of a new high-consistency refiner feeding system JSC Volga's newsprint mill in the town of Balakhna, 30 km from Nizhniy Novgorod and 450 km from Moscow. Feb. 7, 2019 (Press Release) - ANDRITZ has received an order from JSC Volga in Balakhna, Nizhnij Novgorod Region, Russia, to rebuild the existing groundwood reject line into a TMP (thermo-mechanical pulping) line. Start-up is scheduled for the third quarter of 2019. The new 180 bdmt/d TMP line will process spruce as raw material to feed existing paper machines. In order to increase the capacity of newspaper production significantly, ANDRITZ will rearrange the existing parallel layout of high-consistency (HC) refiners to a two-stage HC refining set-up and install a new chip washing and HC refiner feeding system with a new plug screw feeder and an ANDRITZ DiscFilter. The project also comprises modernization of the existing screening and low-consistency refining system and includes the complete automation and electrification equipment with DCS system. Engineering, training, advisory services for mechanical installation work, commissioning, and start-up are also part of the scope. JSC Volga is one of the largest Russian newsprint producers and uses 100% TMP as furnish. The company is one of the top 200 exporting companies in Russia, also ranking among the top 50 companies in the Russian forestry industry and the top 100 companies in the Nizhnij Novgorod Region. ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper is a leading global supplier of complete plants, systems, equipment, and comprehensive services for the production and processing of all types of pulp, paper, board, and tissue. To learn more, please visit: www.andritz.com SOURCE: ANDRITZ
Do you appreciate the work we do as the only independent media outlet dedicated to serving OU students, faculty, staff and alumni on campus and around the world for more than 100 years?

Then consider helping fund our endeavors. Around the world, communities are grappling with what journalism is worth and how to fund the civic good that robust news organizations can generate. We believe The OU Daily and Crimson Quarterly magazine provide real value to this community both now by covering OU, and tomorrow by helping launch the careers of media professionals.

If youre able, please SUPPORT US TODAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $1. You can make a one-time donation or a recurring pledge.
The Oswego Fire Department is current in a recruitment push in anticipation of the county civil service exam on April 27. This week, OFD personnel including Lt. Drew Montalbano, bottom right, took to the thawing-but-still-frigid waters of Lake Ontario to train on emergency and live saving techniques.
Readers email me at times and say our board is too liberal. When pushed, it generally means they dont like the Democrats the paper endorsed in recent elections, such as Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Andrew Gillum and Bill Nelson last year. (They sometimes also mention the Barack Obama recommendation in 2008 but forget the one for Mitt Romney in 2012). Such a short-term view neglects a long history of endorsing national GOP candidates and the mix of parties the board favored in local and state elections.
Convicted felons cant own firearms, serve on juries or hold public office unless their rights are restored by the state. They may be barred from serving in the military or getting a security clearance. Theyll likely find it harder to get a job or find housing. They may have to wait years before getting a professional license from the state. Non-citizens are more likely to be deported.
There is no single remedy to school shootings, and programs have been set up to better identify potential shooters and harden schools. But arming a teacher who is proficient in using a firearm should be part of the answer.
Few jurisdictions in Florida limit how much inmate information they disclose to ICE. But more than 30 sheriffs in the state have signed basic ordering agreements with the federal agency in the past year, which pay county jails $50 for each inmate they agree to hold. The pilot program, first announced in January 2018, has so far prompted at least one lawsuit in South Florida, claiming the agreements violate the Fourth Amendment.
It is legally difficult for the White House to move money that was appropriated for one purpose and spend it on something else, which is one reason Trump has pushed Congress to authorize construction of the wall. Mulvaney and other White House officials have said for weeks that they believe they have ways to do it, but they haven't specified how it might work, particularly if they do not declare a national emergency.
He snickered while recalling the mischievous Eustis native bringing a stray dog to their barracks  which he knew couldnt stay there  or teasing Puccini for being from Kentucky and not chewing tobacco like he did. Gibson died in Iraq on April 4, 2007, when the armored vehicle he was riding in was blasted by an improvised explosive device. Puccini was the truck commander in the Humvee right in front of Gibsons.
MIAMI  The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta's role in negotiating a controversial plea deal with a wealthy New York investor accused of molesting more than 100 underage girls in Palm Beach.



The probe is in response to a request by Sen. Ben Sasse, a a Nebraska Republican and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who raised questions about the case following a series of stories in The Miami Herald. The Herald articles detailed how Acosta, then the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and other DOJ attorneys worked hand-in-hand with defense attorneys to cut a lenient plea deal with multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2008.



The Herald's three-part series, 'Perversion of Justice,' was cited by Assistant Attorney General Stephen E. Boyd in his letter to Sasse. DOJ's Office of Professional Responsibility will head the investigation, he said.



"OPR has now opened an investigation into allegations that Department attorneys may have committed professional misconduct in the manner in which the Epstein criminal matter was resolved," wrote Boyd in the letter dated Wednesday.











(c)2019 Miami Herald



Visit Miami Herald at www.miamiherald.com



Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
RICHMOND, VA.  Anti-fascist activists in Virginia have published allegations linking a Virginia Capitol Police sergeant to white nationalists. He's since been placed on paid leave.



Citing a Wednesday release, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports the Virginia Division of Capitol Police is investigating whether Sgt. Robert A. Stamm violated unspecified policy.



On Tuesday, the Antifascists of Seven Hills published links to Stamm's social media accounts and described his tattoos. Their blog post said social media activity suggests Stamm follows the Asatru Folk Assembly, which the Southern Poverty Law Center describes as a hate group blending northern European paganism and ethnocentrism.



The anti-fascist group says Stamm caught their attention while monitoring protests calling for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam 's removal over a racist photo in his 1984 yearbook.



The newspaper couldn't immediately reach Stamm for comment.



___



Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.richmond.com



Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The city is actively exploring legal steps to block any form of oil drilling in the nearby Everglades, a unique biological treasure that we must protect. We will keep fighting this just as we have for the past several years, and continue putting our vital natural resources and the safety of our people first.
"Orlando Sentinel Now" is a midday news show features the top news and quirky stories of the day. The show airs weekdays at noon on Facebook and OrlandoSentinel.com. You can join the conversation by commenting and taking polls.
According to the letter, one gastroenterologist told the VA team that the facility could conduct only about 12 specialty procedures a month  in comparison with 20 to 30 specialty procedure consults per week  and was concerned that the facility could not meet the potential demand. They also indicated that they were short two provides and had a limited number of anesthesiology staff, resulting in only using only three of the eight procedure rooms.
Besides teaching, Jeanette Henry also shepherded and provided support to pastors wives, whose husbands spent long hours away from home. In 2006, an endowment was set up in her name to help pastors wives who would not be able to afford the cost to attend Baptist conventions and other events.
A law firm hired by the University of Central Florida to determine which employees were involved in misspending state money on Trevor Colbourn Hall wrapped up its investigation last month, and UCFs Board of Trustees declined to expand the review to other projects. But the Board of Governors, which oversees the state university system, overruled that decision last week and voted to extend the inquiry at UCFs expense. Marchena stepped aside as the chairman of the Board of Trustees during the same meeting, though he remains on the board.
His plan, he said, would give nearly 45,000 teachers who had earned highly effective ratings bonuses of $9,000 or more. On Twitter, he wrote that teachers would earn more than $9,000 if they work in a school that gained at least 1 percent more in points in its school grading calculation, used to issue A-to-F grades to public schools.
WUCF is proud to host this annual event that celebrates the life and legacy of one of Winter Parks most famous former residents, Phil Hoffman, WUCFs executive director, said in a statement. Through Daniel Tigers Neighborhood, we are able to connect with a whole new generation of children and teach them how to be good neighbors. We continue to have amazing support and turnout for Be My Neighbor Day and look forward to once again engaging with the Central Florida community.
Ferrell, a former Eustis High School student, is serving life without parole in the murders of Richard Wendorf and Ruth Queen of Eustis. Ferrell was friends with the couples daughter Heather, who was 15 at the time of the murders.
But head to the second and third floors and you see early looks of some of the familiar trappings of most office buildings, including whiteboards and the skeletal frame of what will be a series of televisions that will display global activity of the brand.
Those who got paid will be worse off since much of their monies will be catching up and not building reserves for another no pay situation, Handberg said. The contractors are screwed because their companies normally do not get paid unless the work is done, so no work  no pay.
"This name reminds us that it is in the human genes to explore, said ESA Director General Jan Woerner in a press release. Science is in our DNA, and in everything we do at ESA. Rosalind the rover captures this spirit and carries us all to the forefront of space exploration.
Defence Scan By Air Mshl PK Roy

1. ISRAEL SIGNS CONTRACT FOR SUPPLY OF SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILES

The Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Ltd have signed a contract with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for provision of Naval Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile systems (MRSAM). The contract is worth US$ 93 million and involves provision of various systems for the MRSAM Air Defence System. These include follow up orders, maintenance and other services. Earlier last year, IAI had entered into contract with Bharat Electronics Limited to supply it with Long Range Surface-to-Air Defense Missiles.

2. VIETNAMESE NAVAL DELEGATION VISIT

A delegation consisting of an officer and three cadets of the Vietnamese Peoples Navy visited the Indian Naval Academy (INA) Ezhimala from 24th to 28th January 2019 and interacted with staff and the trainees. The delegation was briefed about infrastructure, academic facilities and the training procedures.





3. MALDIVIAN DEFENCE MINISTER VISIT

Raksha Mantri Sitharaman received the Maldivian Defence Minister Ms Mariya Ahmed Didi at South Block, who is on an official bilateral visit to India. The visiting Defence minister was given a guard of honour. The two sides held discussions on further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation especially on issues relating to maritime security, counter-terrorism and medical cooperation. During the discussions, the Raksha Mantri reiterated Indias commitment to contribute towards capacity building and training the Maldives National Defence Forces. The Chiefs of three services and the Additional Director General of the Indian Coast Guard called on the Maldivian Defence Minister. Ms Didi witnessed the 70th Republic Day Parade and visited various Indian defence institutions.

4.IAF JAGUAR FIGHTER AIRCRAFT CRASHES

An Indian Air Force Jaguar Fighter Aircraft crashed near Gorakhpur on January 28, 2019 at 1240 hrs. The aircraft was on a routine mission and was airborne from Gorakhpur at 1211 hrs. The aircraft crashed at an approximate distance of 46 Km east of Gorakhpur. Pilot ejected safely. A court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident.





5.INDIA DISPLAYS ITS MILITARY MIGHT AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY DURING ITS 70TH REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONS

India celebrated its 70th Republic Day on January 26, 2019 with the traditional grand military parade and display of its rich cultural heritage and traditions. The overall theme for the Republic Day celebrations this year was the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the chief guest this year. President Kovind hoisted the tricolour as the national anthem played along with a 21-gun salute. Woman power was on display during the parade with contingents of the Navy, ArmyServices Corps and Corps of Signals led by women officers. Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi created history by becoming the first woman to lead an all-men parade contingent (Pic. 1). For the first time in the history of the paramilitary forces, an all-women contingent from the Assam Rifles participated in the parade (Pic. 2).

Major Khushboo Kanwar, a 30-year-old mother, lead this contingent. In another first, four Indian National Army veterans took part in the Republic Day parade under the theme Veterans: Accelerators in Nations Growth. All of them were over the age of 90. 22 tableaux of States and Central Government departments and performance by school children were part of the parade. The self-propelled howitzer K9 Vajra, manufactured by L&T in partnership with a South Korean firm made its debut at the parade (Pic. 3). It has a range of 38 kilometres. Another highlight of the parade was the flypast by 33 aircraft of the IAF and four helicopters of the Indian Army. The Air Force flew an An-32 aircraft in a formation whose lead aircraft used a mix of traditional and biofuel showcasing Indian quest to seek alternative sources of fuel.

Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, a militant-turned-soldier of 162 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, who laid down his life fighting a group of terrorists in Shopian in Kashmir in November 2018, was awarded the Ashoka Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind during the parade. This highest peacetime gallantry honour was received by Wanis wife and mother (Pic. 4). Wani is the first Kashmiri to be conferred the Ashoka Chakra. According to the citation, Wani single-handedly killed two terrorists during the Shopian operation and injured a third one despite receiving serious injuries. Wani was a recipient of the Sena Medal for gallantry twice in 2007 and 2018.

The centuries old tradition of Beating the Retreat that used to mark troops ceasing the fight at sunset, sheathing their arms & returning to Camps was conducted as Beating the Retreat Ceremony on Vijay Path on January 29, 2019 that marked the end of Republic Day Celebrations.




When Pt Nehru Govt. invited Swayamsevaks at Rajpath

On invitation of Pt Nehru Government, a contingent of over 3000 RSS swayamsevaks, had joined the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath on January 26, 1963. When those swayamsevaks watch the Parade at Rajpath today their memories of January 26, 1963, are afresh

It was indeed a proud moment for the RSS swayamsevaks of Delhi when they joined the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath on January 26, 1963. However, it was done at a very short notice, barely 24 hours before the beginning of the Parade, they did it with perfection.





A news item about the participation of the Sangh swayamsevaks in Republic Day Parade at Rajpath published in Organiser, issue dated February 3, 1963

Recalling that day Shri Vijay Kumar, who then lived at Farsh Bazar of Shahdara and held the responsibility of Mandal Karyavah, says: There was an invitation from Pt Nehru Government to join the march-past. Shri Sohan Singh ji was then Sambhag Pracharak, which included Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and J&K. When the government representative came with the offer, Shri Sohan Singh ji made it clear that the swayamsevaks can join the march-past only in their ganvesh (uniform) along with the danda and ghosh. The government representative left saying that they would inform about it shortly.

The late Shri Sohan Singh

To the best of my knowledge, the information about permitting us to join the Parade in ganvesh reached 24 hours before. As the official communication came, Sohan Singh ji worked tirelessly to inform the workers to prepare for the march-past. He made telephone calls the whole night informing about the location of the buses to pick up the swayamsevaks. Senior swayamsevaks on the ground too worked overnight to further prepare the swayamsevaks, because everybody then did not have telephone connections and there was severe lack of other means of communication including cars, motorcycles, scooters, etc. Finally, before the stipulated time, all the buses were packed to their capacity and many swayamsevaks could not find space in buses. Over 3000 swayamsevaks reached Rajpath. Our contingent was to march in the last. But during that wait, nobody was getting bored. As is the tradition in the Sangh shakhas, we all sang patriotic songs and enjoyed the moment. Many of the army officers recorded our songs. As our turn came and our contingent started marching on the tune of Sangh band, the commentator said you know well all these people who are marching with discipline. The commentary was very moving and the words that the commentator used about our marching contingent were very inspiring, recalls Shri Vijay Kumar, who was then working with the Times of India Group.





As our contingent started marching on the tune of Sangh band, the commentator used very inspring words about the marching swayamsevaks Vijay Kumar, Shahdara The swayamsevaks had reached early morning. But the Parade began at 9.00 am and their turn came at about 1.00 pm. But none of them bothered to have their breakfast. About 200 ghosh swayamsevaks also joined the Parade with their instruments. When asked what was the motivation behind the then government inviting the RSS workers for the Parade, Shri Vijay Kumar says, The swayamsevaks active support to the army during 1962 war against China was surely the prime factor, Nehruji wanted the society too to join the parade. At that time Bharat Sevak Samaj and RSS were the only two major organisations, which could join the Parade. But the strength of Bharat Sevak Samaj was almost nil. Hence, the government invited the RSS, which was very strong on the ground and could prepare for the march-past at the short notice. But when the government invitation came, the RSS categorically said that it would not join without its uniform, and the government finally permitted. We were informed 24 hours before start of the Parade. Even then, we joined without any rehearsal, Shri Vijay Kumar added.

We contributed Rs 697 and purchased some fruits for the jawans. we gifted those fruits to the jawans going towards Punjab by train at New Delhi Railway Station  KL Pathela, Janakpuri Shri Vijay Kumar points out that Shri KL Pathela, who now edits Vishwakarma Sanket the house journal of the countrys largest labour organisation, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, and Shri Mohanlal Rustagi of Krishna Nagar were also with them. It was indeed a jubilant moment that the government invited us to join the Republic Day Parade. It is a proud moment for every Indian. The man who had declared in the Parliament that I will crush the RSS, invited us with all respect to join the Parade. On his comment in the Parliament, Shri Syama Prasad Mookerjee had then said: I will crush your crushing mentality.





Impressed with our songs army officials provided us loudspeaker so that others also can hear the songs. When we marched on Rajpath we felt as if we were no less than solidiers  Mohan Lal Rustagi, Krishna Nagar Recalling that proud moment Shri KL Pathela says: Even at this age of 89 I have not forgotten that day of January 26, 1963. I can recall every moment of that day. When we some of the swayamsevaks of Janakpuri (New Delhi) Shakha got this news, it thrilled us. Apart from joining the Parade, the significant feeling was that the Nehru Government respected the patriotic spirit of the RSS workers. I remember that we two swayamsevaks from Janakpuri joined the march-past. When our contingent passed through the Salami Manch, the audience welcomed us with huge clapping. We had marched to India Gate.

Apart from the march-past by swayamsevaks, the ghosh performance was also hugely appreciated by one and all. Some army officials recorderded the songs sung by swayamsevaks When asked why the Nehru Government invited the Sangh swayamsevaks for the Parade, Shri Pathela says: During the 1962 war, the Sangh swayamsevaks worked with the nation shoulder to shoulder. We helped the army even at their bunkers. One day when the swayamsevaks reached the bunkers with kheer, firing was on, but the swayamsevaks reached inside the bunkers and served kheer to the jawans.

Shri Pathela remembers another incident of the war: When the jawans were rushing to the border in trains, trucks, etc, the people extended them full support everywhere. We some swayamsevaks of Delhi collected Rs 697 to help the jawans. We purchased fruits for the jawans and reached New Delhi Railway Station with those fruits. A train full of the jawans was going towards Punjab. We distributed fruits among them in different compartments. They said you people have given so much fruits that we do not have space to keep them. Better, you distribute these to the needy people. Not only the RSS swayamsevaks, but the workers of the RSS associated organisations also supported the government. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh had suspended all its agitations. Today, when I visit any of the shakha, I share that experience with the swayamsevaks. It is necessary to know that the nation is first for all of us. We cannot forget this spirit of a Sangh swayamsevak.

Recalling that moment Shri Mohan Lal Rustagi says that he feel proud to see the Republic Day Parade and share his experience with younger generation today. As we got the information from Jhandewalan and shared that with the swayamsevaks, everybody was busy in arranging ganvesh. Those who did not complete ganvesh tried to arrange from other swayamsevaks. We started singing Sangh songs to pass the time. Impressed with the songs and fervour of the swayamsevaks some army officials provided us loudspeaker so that others can also hear our songs. When we marched on Rajpath we felt as if we were no less than the solidiers. The performance of our ghosh was also hugley appreciated. It was an unforgetable experience which cannot be explained in words. Shri Rustagi was then 36 years old and held the responsibility of Vibhag Karyavah.
These are some interesting stories about the Nazis and jazz, including one about a very bad jazz propaganda band created by Goebbels himself. But we need not mention these at all, or even leave the shores of jazzs birthplace to find examples of extreme reactions to jazz by authoritarian figures who hated and feared it for exactly the same reasons as the Nazis. Chief among such American enemies of jazz was raging anti-Semite Henry Ford, who feared that jazz was, you guessed it, a Jewish plot to infect the country with racially inferior musical slush.

Ford used white country music and square dancing in public schools as weapons of warfare against jazz in the 1920s, thereby displacing blackface minstrelsy as the dominant form of paranoid response to black music in middle America. Another crusader, Harry Anslinger, commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics between 1930 and 1962, more or less invented the war on drugs with his reefer madness war on jazz. He said it sounded like the jungles in the dead of night and could lure white women. Anslinger relentlessly persecuted Billie Holiday and went after Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong.

It was within this early 20th century milieu that other institutional powerssome of the countrys most powerfuldeclared a war on jazz for supposed reasons of public health. (A movement, incidentally, given to an enthusiasm for eugenics and forced sterilization at the time.) Historian Russell L. Johnson has documented this campaign in the journal Health and History, and Jessie Wright-Mendoza describes many of his findings at JStor Daily.

Milwaukees public health commissioner claimed that the music damaged the nervous system, and a Ladies Home Journal article reported that it caused brain cells to atrophy. In Cincinnati, a maternity hospital successfully petitioned to have a nearby jazz club shut down, arguing that exposing newborns to the offending music would have the effect of imperiling the happiness of future generations.

Jazz was unrhythmical, opponents argued, and so was disease. Q.E.D. In 1923, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld a ruling that shut down a jazz club, citing in their opinion a belief the music wears upon the nervous system and produces that feeling which we call tired. Doctors warned that too much jazz could cause neurasthenia, a catch-all for anxiety, depression, headaches, fatigue, etc. But jazz could also cause patients to become nervous and fidgety with perpetually jerking jaws. Whatever it did, jazz was hazardous.

Oddly, just as in the Nazis fervent attempts to control jazz, as Czech writer Josef Skvorecky once described it, and as in Joseph Goebbels attempts to co-opt the music for white supremacy, the architects of Americas jazz panic found the remedy for jazz in jazz. But segregated jazz. They turned hot jazz into sweet jazz, a style interpreted by mainly white musicians to appeal to a wider commercial audience.

It hardly needs to be said that anyone really afflicted with a passion for jazz ignored this prescription, as did every jazz musician worth listening to. Read more about Johnsons history of the American fear of jazz at JStor Daily.

via Ted Gioia

Related Content:

How Americas First Drug Czar Waged War Against Billie Holiday and Other Jazz Legends

Hear the Nazis Bizzaro Propaganda Jazz Band, Charlie and His Orchestra (1940-1943)

The Nazis 10 Control-Freak Rules for Jazz Performers: A Strange List from World War II

How Jazz-Loving Teenagersthe SwingjugendFought the Hitler Youth and Resisted Conformity in Nazi Germany

Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC. Follow him at @jdmagness
Ask Germans who lived under the German Democratic Republic what they feared most in those days, and theyll likely say the agents of the Ministry for State Security, best known as the Stasi. Ask those same Germans what they laughed at most in those days, and they may well give the same answer. As one of the most thoroughly repressive secret police forces in human history, the Stasi kept a close eye and a tight grip on East German society: as one oft-told joke goes, Why do Stasi officers make such good taxi drivers? You get in the car and they already know your name and where you live. But this fearsome vigilance went hand-in-hand with technological limitation as well as plain ineptitude: How can you tell that the Stasi has bugged your apartment? another joke asks. Theres a new cabinet in it and a trailer with a generator in the street.

When the Stasi turned this kind of crude but intense scrutiny to certain aspects of life, the results almost satirized themselves. Take, for instance, this circa-1985 internal guide used to identify the types of negative decadent youth cultures in the German Democratic Republic, posted on Twitter by musician and writer S. Alexander Reed and later translated into English by a few of his followers.









The chart breaks down the supposedly decadent youth cultures of mid-1980s East Germany into eight groups, describing their interests, appearance, political inclinations, and activities in the columns below. The rock-and-roll-oriented Teds, dressed in a 50s style, dont seem to rouse themselves for anything besides birth and death days of idolized rock stars. The Tramps, a classic manifestation of the negative-decadent youth in the 70s, adhere to the trends of a somewhat more recent era.

The fans of extremely hard rock known as Heavies once held a deprecative attitude towards state and society, but seemed at the time to become increasingly society-conforming. Other youth cultures considered decadent by the Stasi bore labels that might still sound familiar across the world. The Goths, a satanic and death cult, are noted for their glorification of creepy effects and for being fans of the group The Cure. Though they may have been hardly noticed operationally, the punks presented a more clear and present threat, what with their deprecative to hostile political attitude, rejection of all state forms and societal norms, anarchist thoughts, and belief in total freedom.

You can see the chart in a larger size here, and if youd like to examine the real thing, you have only to visit Leipzigs Museum in der Runden Ecke (or view it online here). The document resides in its collection of the tools of the Stasi trade, including, in the words of Atlas Obscura, old surveillance cameras, collections of confiscated personal letters, and crisp uniforms letting visitors get a glimpse into the world of brutal state espionage. Germans who remember all the power the Stasi could potentially wield over their lives  a power, for all they knew, about to descend on them any moment  must still feel a chill upon seeing one of those crisp uniforms. Now we know that their wearers might, upon laying eyes on Birkenstocks (literally: Jesus slippers'), red and black worn together (contrasts as a symbol of anarchy), or a mohawk (or Iriquois) haircut, have felt apprehensive themselves.

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Based in Seoul, Colin Marshall writes and broadcasts on cities, language, and culture. His projects include the book The Stateless City: a Walk through 21st-Century Los Angeles and the video series The City in Cinema. Follow him on Twitter at @colinmarshall or on Facebook.
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The man who police have since arrested for allegedly firing six shots into the face of his rival is Ramiro Gutierrez. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he is a Salvadoran national living in this country illegally. He is known to both federal and local law enforcement as a member of the violent MS-13 gang and has a rap sheet going back to 2010, including four arrests.
In Afghanistan, too, the decision to accelerate negotiations and talk to the Taliban is the right choice. Ultimately, it should lead to the withdrawal of U.S. troops from that conflict. Afghanistan has been a military stalemate for many years, and the United States has achieved its original interests in avenging the 9/11 attacks. The country may not be fully stable, but there is no real likelihood that the continued presence of U.S. forces will improve the situation. To borrow a line from last nights speech, its time to give our troops there a warm welcome home.
Liberalism is ascendant, at least in the Democratic Party. New Gallup polling just out shows that for the first time, more than half of Democrats identify as liberal as opposed to moderate or conservative. The lefts newly minted hero Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is becoming the rights new favorite foil. Her Green New Deal and amplification of Bernie Sanders cry for Medicare for All are gaining a great deal of attention for their boldness as much as for their potential to bust the federal budget. Obama aide Jon Favreau argues that people want ideas that are commensurate with the size of the challenges were facing rather than the incrementalism of compromise.
Their idea, from University of Chicago Law Prof. Daniel Hemel, is for New York to require the state Department of Taxation and Finance to post the state personal income tax returns of all statewide elected officials (with Social Security and bank account numbers removed). That would include the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, controller, U.S. senators, President and vice president: They represent us, so we have a right to know a few basics about their personal finances.
Hevesi and Kruegers choice to limit eligibility to those already receiving cash welfare and either homeless already or plainly on the brink  and no more than 80,000 of them  targets help where its needed most, but by the same token cant be allowed to serve as financial incentive to give up on even trying to get by in hopes of scoring affordable housing.
So now Congressman Adam Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so. Never happened before! Unlimited Presidential Harassment...., Trump wrote in an early morning tweet.
Ive spoken to Senator Gounardes and he acknowledged what he did was misguided, Menchaca said. This is not representative of who he is and attempts to use this as a political smear detracts from the work we have to do to uplift the Mexican community in New York State, especially the most vulnerable.
Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Kamala Harris of California  all of whom have launched 2020 campaigns for President  announced via spokespeople that they support the Green New Deal, which aims to completely eradicate the U.S. carbon footprint by 2030.
The company is already in line for $2.8 billion in grants and tax breaks from New York state and the city. Lawmakers and labor leaders argue the company is not doing enough to earn the incentives.
Northam, who originally said he was in the photo, later said at a press conference that he didnt think he was either of the people in the image. He did acknowledge that in 1984 he darkened his face for a Michael Jackson costume.
When I was growing up in Oklahoma I learned about my family the same way most people do, she said, according to CNN. My brothers and I learned from our mom and our dad and our brothers and our sisters, and those were our family stories.
The minor reported it to her family, and the family reported it to us, Patton told The News. Its very sickening that someone would do something like that to a child under the age of 10 years old.
Christ says we need to forgive in order to receive forgiveness. Its going to take some love to conquer the hate and racism that is apparent still in our society, he said. Love is the key, love is the answer. Its the only way were going to get rid of racism, the only way to mend hearts that are hurting.
Saudi officials put forth several explanations for Khashoggis murder over the past four months, starting with the suggestion the journalist had engaged henchmen in a physical altercation that caused his death. They now blame rogue government operatives for the assassination and insist the Crown Prince was not involved. In defiance of his own intelligence agencies, President Trump finds the Saudis explanation credible.
A: Your brother should get his U.S. citizenship despite his DUI conviction. Simple drunk driving DUI convictions (called driving while intoxicated, DWI in some states) do not permanently bar naturalization. In any event, since his arrest was more than five years ago, immigration should not hold it against him.
Im not a nurse or anyone who can help in any real way, said Lucci, This is the way I can help. I can tell my story. Everyones symptoms are different but I felt compelled to share mine. Even if its one person I help. That is someones life.
The pregnant girlfriend of an MMA fighter  accused of killing two people and called extremely dangerous by police  was allegedly present during the murders and directed authorities to the victims graves.
I went up and down the streets with a cosh, hoping Id be approached by somebody  Im ashamed to say that  and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some black bastard would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him, he told the Independent.
Wow! All the money in the world, all the education a person could want, and yet the people at @gucci couldnt understand that this was COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY RACIST! Wow! a Twitter user said.
The gas line is owned by recently bankrupted PG&E, the power company deemed responsible for the Camp Fire that destroyed swathes of homes in and near Paradise, Calif. The utility said on Wednesday that it was working to secure the gas line.
According to the ethics committee, Oakley had been drinking at an all-day fishing tournament in November 2012 when she showed up to an outdoor City Commission meeting. When the deputy city clerk, Cheryl McGrady, attempted to gavel the meeting to begin, Oakley refused, and instead began publicly accusing McGrady of having an affair with then-City Manager Shane Crawford, her boss.
We rotate Coke products regularly on our aircraft as part of our brand partnership, but missed the mark with this one. We are sorry for that and began removing the napkins from our aircraft in January, Delta said.
South Florida beach-goers arent sure what to make of a 20-foot wooden cross that washed ashore Saturday, covered in crustaceans. Theres some speculation it was jarred loose from a more grand structure in Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria, according to one witness who spoke to ABC News in Miami.
I came in from a trip Id been on and I spotted  it looked odd  it was a woman of a different ethnicity than the child, this little toddler she had, and something didnt click with me, she said on KTAR News.
Prosecutors meanwhile contended that Thompsons long drive to Arizona, his purchases of a hatchet and knife as well his decision to burn down the house illustrates he planned to kill his sister-in-law and boyfriend and then tried to cover it up. Prior to the trial, they attempted to bar the Scientology defense, arguing there is no proof Thompson continued to practice Scientology beyond his childhood.
Officers found the boys around 3:45 a.m. in the running car, with outside temperatures near freezing. When the boys were woken up, they told officers that they had no idea where their parents were.
According to Lieutenant William Male of the Rotterdam Police Department, Betters inadvertently reached out to a detective whose number he had from prior dealings with law enforcement Tuesday. The detective arranged to meet Betters at a Taco Bell eatery, where the alleged perp showed up looking to make a deal.
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A suspect was detained in 1976, but was never charged. He has been interviewed since then and is still a person of interest, but police have not released his identity.
Winchester name-dropped another classic movie, "Bonnie and Clyde," as he testified against Denise Williams last year. He said that Mike Williams, his supposed best friend, was supposed to drown after getting shoved off a boat during the hunting trip in December of 2000. When Williams did not go under the water, Winchester said he shot him multiple times with a shotgun and placed the body where no one would find it.
He exited his car and asked the arresting officers what happened and was told an attempted robbery had been foiled after another livery driver dropped off the three teens, then pulled away and called authorities to say the would-be robbers seemed suspicious.
John had been invited to the killer's Toronto's home and was asked to quickly undress, according to the TV network. He was handcuffed and a bag was placed over his head.
This is definitely not Cait and she was probably dragged into it because shes been with Jared so long and would do anything for him, said the classmate at SUNY-New Paltz. Thats her first boyfriend.
This 2005 photo shows puppies rescued from a farm in Colombia. Veterinarian Andres Lopez Elorza used the puppies to smuggle heroin on flights to New York City, where the heroin packets were eventually cut out of the puppies, who died in the process. (U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration / AP)
Moore, whos worked for the city Education Department since 2001, became an assistant principal at the school in 2013, officials said. His salary is $124, 678.
It is definitely a form of harassment and retaliation, she told The News. I also wouldnt doubt something else is at play simply because Im connected with a lot of activity in New York City and nationwide. My family has been very vocal when it comes to immigrant rights.
As todays charges make clear, we will not let the passage of time deter us from bringing murderers to justice, said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue. It is our hope that this prosecution will bring some measure of consolation to the families of the victims.
When questioned by cops, Eng acknowledged he hadnt seen his mother since Jan. 31 but denied killing her. He claimed the reason for his trip to the familys New Jersey home that day was to retrieve his antique coin collection, which he planned to sell for rent money, prosecutors said.
The head of Amazon Studios at the time, Roy Price, told Allen the $1 trillion company wanted to be his home for the rest of his career, the suit says. Confident of his future with Amazon, Allen severed ties with his financial backers, say the papers.
But Reid, who said Shele had previously told her that she was scared of her husband  and who testified she once walked in on the couple after Roderick had thrown his wife to the floor  started grilling him on the details of Sheles death later that day.
Theyre telling them the smell is still here. Some guys are saying, Im starting to feel a little lightheaded, a subway source said. Another person is saying, Its making me nauseous.
Described as an event to celebrate the resilience of African people and to mark the 400th anniversary of the first Africans being forcibly transported to what is now the United States of America, it was officially launched in August 2018 in Ghana and announced in September at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
"I've known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy. He's a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side," Trump said of Epstein in 2002.
There have been compromises made. Both sides have given in on certain things. Both sides have not fully received all they want but weve reached a compromise that is in your daughters best interests. Today has been a good day. Not just for the parties but for your daughter.
ICE, in a statement, confirmed the arrest, noting Martinez-Rivera is illegally present in the U.S., and an immigration judge issued him a final order of removal April 26, 2006. He has an extensive criminal history in the U.S., which includes multiple felony convictions. He was arrested by local authorities on criminal charges on Dec. 6, 2018 but they released him on Dec. 8, 2018 despite an active ICE detainer. He is currently in ICE custody pending removal from the U.S.
These are false and fake accusations, Chambers civil suit lawyer Michael David said of the defense teams claims after the hearing. Theyre using this to take the focus away. Theres no evidence against the DNA and the fact that she was in the van with these on-duty cops. Theyre trying to get focus off the rape.
Born and raised in Brooklyn by her immigrant parents, Chisholm broke political barriers. A Democrat, she was the first African-American woman to serve in Congress  she was elected to the House in 1968. And in 1972, she became first black woman to seek a major party nomination for president.
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which has been one of the most resourceful monitors of hate crimes, terrorism and lynching, Each year an average of 250,000 people are victimized by hate crimescriminal expressions of bigotry that terrorize entire communities and fray the social fabric of our country. Hateful speech  protected by the First Amendment and not punishable by law  too often occurs during acts of violence against a targeted groups or individuals.
I did hand calculations on a [mechanical] Marchant calculator  you know, we had to verify data, West said of her work before a computer was installed at the Navy base. At that time, my title was mathematician, but just as I was coming to Dahlgren, they were getting a new computer in, she recalled, describing the NORC (the state-of-the-art IBM Naval Ordnance Research Calculator), which was arguably the most powerful computer of its day.
I have seen the curvature of the Earth, Tengesdal said in a 2015 Air Force article marking her accomplishments and the 60th anniversary of the U.S.s use of the aircraft. I have seen sights most people will never see. Flying at more than 70,000 feet is really beautiful and peaceful. I enjoy the quiet, hearing myself breathing, and the hum of the engine. I never take it for granted.
He also had never been told about black soldiers who were the first Union soldiers to enter the capital of the Confederacy on April 3, 1865. According to Thomas Morris Chester, the only black Civil War correspondent, Brevet Brigadier General Drapers of colored troops, Brevet Major General Kautzs division, where the first infantry to enter Richmond. The gallant 36th US Colored Troops under Lieutenant Colonel B.F. Pratt, has the honor of being the first regiment.  There may be others who may claim the distinction of being the first to enter the city, but as I was ahead of every part of the force but the cavalry, which of necessity must lead the advance, I know whereof I affirm when I announce that General Drapers brigade was the first organization to enter the city limits. According to custom it should constitute the provost guard of Richmond.
The aspect that I appreciate in all of Ruths work is the deep and honest identity her costumes bring to each character, said Mignon Charvet, a costume design professor at SCAD, the University for Creative Careers in Savannah, Georgia.Her commitment to research truly bleeds into all things. She shared her passion for consuming all areas of the art form and tips for learning from the work of others. She shared many stories and experiences illustrating the need for creative problem solving. Her passion for research and love of the craft was infectious- our students left feeling confident that theyre pursuing the right path," she said of Carter, who inspired the students and faculty with words of wisdom about the craft while visiting the prestigious art and design university last year for the Below the Line Panel Series on costume design.
Miranda  who has worked at several other banks in the city  is now the assistant vice president and branch manager of the newly relocated Apple Bank Harlem branch at 169 E. 125th St. near Third Ave., not far from where the institution was born way back in 1863.
After The News broke the story of the video in which girls from Poly Prep wore blackface makeup and jumped and gibbered like monkeys, de Blasio took the school to task on social media.
Students said school officials called a meeting about the incident on Thursday morning where they discussed the matter with students and advised them not to discuss it on social media.
Defense attorneys are demanding the warden of the Metropolitan Detention Center take them on a tour of the Brooklyn jail that became a frigid house of horrors last week with prisoners forced to wrap themselves in blankets and sheets to keep warm.
The brand tweeted an image of a mock-up medieval scroll with a message from the King, meaning the Bud Light King, who was featured prominently in the ad as he sets out to return a large barrel of corn syrup that was mistakenly deliver to his brewery to the other brewers.
You might attempt to keep your silence today, but only for so long. There is dynamic conflict between your logical head and your irrational heart that won't settle down and the distraction can get in the way of your productivity. Although you realize the fastest way out of your dilemma is to talk about it, you're not eager to share your unresolved issues with anyone now. Nevertheless, it's obvious that you must step out of your comfort zone if you want to achieve peace of mind. Mohammed Ali said, "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."
When I walked out on stage that night, and how there was like over 2,000 cell phone lights, all those camera lights, she continued. Im like, 'They're trying to take all my intellectual property. All these people are stealing. I don't know if I want to give this up right now.' And then I just knew  just cause the way that the vibe was in the room, like, this is going to end up on the internet. But I didn't think it would be on the internet for that many days, or covered that much. ... I'm actually famous now. I'm famous. It's a crazy way to figure that out, but it's a great thing to know.
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Two persons were feared dead on Thursday during the presidential rally of the All Progressives Congress in Jalingo, Taraba state capital...

Two persons were feared dead on Thursday during the presidential rally of the All Progressives Congress in Jalingo, Taraba state capital.









Our reporter reported that the incident occurred as a result of overcrowding witnessed at the venue of the rally, the Jolly Nyame Stadium.









The rally was attended by thousands of APC supporters from across the 16 local government areas of the state.









It was gathered that the victims were rushed to hospital in ambulances stationed at the venue.









The crowd also disrupted vehicular movement for several hours on Jalingo-Yola road.








US President Donald Trump has nominated David Malpass, a critic of multilateral institutions like the World Bank, to replace Jim Yong Ki...

US President Donald Trump has nominated David Malpass, a critic of multilateral institutions like the World Bank, to replace Jim Yong Kim as the World Bank president.





Malpass is a Trump loyalist, who served as senior economic adviser to the president during his campaign in 2016, and currently the undersecretary for international affairs at the Treasury Department of the United States.





I am certain there could be no better candidate to lead the World Bank than David. Hes going to do very well, Trump said from the White House on Wednesday night.





Responding to his nomination, Malpass said he is very optimistic the bank can achieve breakthroughs in combating extreme poverty.

Im very optimistic that we can achieve breakthroughs to create growth abroad that will help us combat extreme poverty and increase economic opportunities in the developing world, Malpass said.

Malpass had criticized both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, calling for improvements in the banks lending programs.





He said a process must be in put in place to focus, prune and streamline such multilateral institutions.





The US nominee has always gone on to be the president of the World Bank  since it was founded over 70 years ago.





For the first time in 2012, the nomination for the World Bank presidency was widened outside the US as governors from developing countries nominated Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former minister of finance.





Okonjo-Iweala is expected to contest the post for a second time  if nominated.





At the World Economic Forum in Davos, 2019, Okonjo-Iweala was asked if she would recontest, she said: I know that, because I contested the last time in 2012, and many people were asking that question. It is a shareholders decision and they have to decide how they want it. Someone has to nominate.




Stuart Symington, the US ambassador to Nigeria, says the words spoken about the election is as important in the democratic process as ...





Stuart Symington, the US ambassador to Nigeria, says the words spoken about the election is as important in the democratic process as the elections themselves.





In a video message to Nigerians, the US envoy said, citizens must vote to have an effect in the countrys electoral process.





The elections are a remarkable opportunity for all Nigerians to come together and for every citizen to express their will. What the United States hopes to see in your elections this year 2019 are elections that are free, fair, credible and, above all, transparent, he said.





In this process, I know one thing: it is absolutely important for the citizens of Nigeria to personally take part, beginning right now by knowing what your rights are.





On election day, you wont have an effect unless you vote. Its important that you work together to make sure that your votes are counted.





As we get ready for your elections, one of the most important things is that there is a level playing field, meaning that no officials, no security forces, no electoral officials, no politicians seek to influence you in a way that is not consistent with the Nigerian law.





Elections are only one part of the democratic process. The words and the actions that happen in these final days and all the work of government afterwards, are as important to democracy as the elections themselves.





On the same day Symingtons video was released, Nasir el-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna state, made death threats to foreigners attempting to interfere in Nigerias elections.





Speaking during an NTA Live programme on Tuesday evening, el-Rufai said as an independent and sovereign state, Nigeria would never bow to foreign powers.





Those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the person that would come and intervene, they would go back in body bags, he had said.





The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has replied Nasir el-Rufai, stating that it would continue its mission to Nigeria, not minding the threat.





The US has remained silent over the matter.




Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Wednesday night mocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) over their incessant replacement of p...





Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Wednesday night mocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) over their incessant replacement of police commissioner in Kwara state.





He spoke in reaction to deployment of Kayode Egbetokun, former Chief Security Officer to APC national leader, Bola Tinubu.





Saraki while addressing his supporters during the Peoples Democratic Partys (PDP) rally at Balogun Fulani ward in Ilorin south local government area of the state said they (the opposition) are scared to come and meet our people that is why they are busy changing police commissioner every day but that wont change our peoples resolve to continue to support us.





The support we received shows that we are on ground with the people and they are still fully supporting us.





Let other party come and meet our people and see if people will receive them the way they received us.





We are always with the people unlike them who are usually home during elections to deceive our people.




Kathmandu, February 7

Teaching learning activities at most of community and private schools across the country have been affected today due to the strike called by ANNISU (Revolutionary) close to Netra Bikram Chand Biplav-led CPN-Maoist.

The ANNISU (Revolutionary) called the nationwide educational strike protesting the arrest of its treasurer Narendra Bishwokarma from Biratnagar on January 31, reads a press release issued by ANNISU (Revolutionary) Chairman, Chiranjivi Dhakal.

Although the government of Nepal on May 25, 2011 declared schools as zone of peace, prohibiting any type of strike and other protest programme at schools, it has been violated time and again.

Chairperson of Nepal Private and Boarding Schools Association Nepal (NPABSAN), Rituraj Sapkota, said that the culture of closing the schools in political issues should be ended.

There are now 36,601 schools across the nation, according to the Flash Report, 2074, of Education and Human Resources Development Centre of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Of them, 27,883 are community and private schools while 6,566 are of seminaries in nature.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone electio...





The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone elections in the state.





INEC had disqualified the APC from contesting the election over the crisis which affected its primaries.





There are two factions of the party in the state. One led by Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation while Magnus Abe, a serving senator, leads the other faction.





Tonye Princewill, director of strategic communications for the campaign of Tonye Cole, guber candidate of the Amaechi factio, said conducting the election without the APC will be an exercise in futility.

He said giving the APC candidates an extension of time to go about their campaigns is necessary because of the disruption by legal tussle.





Of course we are not yet on the ballot, its a process. INEC by now has received the first order and in another day or so, will receive the second one, he said.





Then their lawyers will advise them and at a meeting of the powers that be, a decision will be taken.





That decision will be to obey the law. We expect nothing less. If they dont, then it will be lawful to be lawless in a lawless society. There will be no elections in Rivers state. We knew Wike had penetrated the judiciary, every day the signs are revealed.





We know he has also penetrated some of our security agencies, but we do not want to believe he has penetrated our electoral body at the highest levels. We are soon about to find out. Let us be patient. These things take time. Our money, that he is using, will be traced to its last hiding place when he leaves office. We know a lot about who he is working with. Money leaves a trace. And in this government, corruption will always come with consequences.





The statement said having gone round the state, Cole deserves to be elected on March 2.





It added that Nyesom Wike, governor of the state, was taking advantage of the crisis in the APC in Rivers.





Our candidate, Tonye Cole, has gone from ward to ward in every LGA and had done 236 wards out of 319 before a judge. Magnus and Wike stopped him using the law, the statement read.





Magnus is not our focus. He is our lost brother whom we wish well. His room is there, if he returns. Our focus is Wike and nothing will distract us from demystifying his perceived grassroots appeal, his supposed strong man status and his recent Mungo park-like discovery of Spirituality.





Tonye Cole and others must be allowed to finish their campaigns. Anything short of that cannot be just and we will contest it. INEC should get ready for the Presidential elections, but State House of Assembly, National Assembly and the Governorship elections must be a separate exercise set aside for a special date.





All eyes are now on INEC as the fate of Rivers state now hangs in their balance. Will Wike be given a free ride back into Government house or will the never say die attitude of Tonye Cole emerge from the ashes of court judgements? Very soon, all will be revealed.




The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) has demanded that Oby Ezekwesili, former presidential candidate of the party, return all f...





The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) has demanded that Oby Ezekwesili, former presidential candidate of the party, return all funds generated during her campaign.





On Wednesday, Ezekwesili had accounted for every penny spent on her campaign.





The former minister said the campaign raised N48,957,416.00, $17,645.00, and 200, from October 1, 2018 to February 2, 2019, before she withdrew from the presidential race.





But speaking at a press briefing, Ganiyu Galadima, national chairman of the party, faulted the statement of account presented by Ezekwesili, saying the party rejects in entirety everything she submitted.

He said the accounts rendered by her was unacceptable, while alleging that there was no transparency in what was stated.





We are rejecting everything she submitted in entirety, we want to know all the content of the accounts and see the accounts because at the end of the day it is not the presidential candidate that INEC will hold responsible according to the law but the party, and whatever any candidate generated for his or her campaign belongs to the party, he said.





For somebody who want to contest for presidency, all you could generate for period of three months was just N43 million and spent everything by herself. She could not even disclose to the party the sources of the fund and how much she was able to generate.





We want to know the full disclosure of all the accounts she opened because when you look at the statement she made available there are four different accounts which we didnt know anything about.





Look at the Omoyele Sowore, he publicly disclosed on a national TV recently that his campaign has been about to generate about N99 million with the party. In addition, he has also told the world how these money could be traced.





So why is there no transparency in Madam Ezekwesilis project? That is the bone of contention. We are expecting that she will respond at the appropriate time but if she doesnt, we may be compelled to go to court to seek for order of Mandamus.




Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to be partisan in the forthco...





Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to be partisan in the forthcoming elections. Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned theIndependent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to be partisan in the forthcoming elections.





He also asked politicians not to support actions that could instigate violence in the country.





The former president said this at the peace conference organised by his foundation in Abuja, on Thursday.





If people feel INEC and similar bodies are fair to all, it will make citizens behave better but if you do otherwise, it will be a recipe for crisis, he said at the event tagged: Peaceful elections and national development.





He added that as the elections were fast approaching, politicians should be more interested on how to improve the quality of lives, and not in any form of impositions.





The former president said the foundations position is that Nigerians should avoid actions that may lead to conflicts, especially in the election season.





We are convinced that any one, either in government or outside government, who truly loves Nigeria will not want to play the role of the villain by lending his support to any action that instigates crises, he said.





As the ongoing democratic process unfolds, with the rest of the world watching with keen interest, we are also mindful of the worries of Nigerians on whether it would end peacefully.





Our political leaders must realise that the greatest and most enduring legacy to leave behind is that of peace and development.





He also said when politicians resort to desperate measures in the bid to occupy political positions, they run the risk of plunging their countries into serious crises that often lead to loss of lives, degradation of values as well as destruction of private and public assets.





These breed of politicians often ignore the fact that to be patriotic is to love your country and be prepared to live and die for her honour, reputation, freedom, progress and the ascendancy of the common good, Jonathan said.





You can restore destroyed infrastructure almost to its former state or even better, but you cannot easily repair peoples psyche, reconcile aggrieved persons and restore hope in a nation, once they are damaged in destructive leadership struggles.




The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has dismissed reports that President Muhammadu Buhari has plans to Islamize Nigeria. Osinbajo a...





The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has dismissed reports that President Muhammadu Buhari has plans to Islamize Nigeria.





Osinbajo assured that neither Buhari nor anyone in the current government was plotting to impose any single religion on the country.





Addressing a mammoth crowd during his unique Family Chat at Kurudu, FCT, Osinbajo said the propaganda peddled by naysayers was aimed at discrediting President Buhari who already has a record that shows he is a detribalized leader.





Osinbajo pointed out that over 20 Christians are currently in Buharis cabinet.

He said: I have interacted with this man Buhari, he is an honest man, he has no intention whatsoever of imposing his religion on anybody at all.





In our cabinet, there are 20 people who are Christians, 18 who are Muslims and our Head of Service (Winifred Oyo-Ita) is a Christian from Winners Chapel.





The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Boss Mustapha) who is the highest civil servant is also a Christian, so there is no way in the world that anybody will tell you that.





They are only spreading propaganda and they are trying to discredit the man (Buhari) but they are telling a lie.





Osinbajo also recalled that those peddling the rumor previously lied that President Buhari was sponsoring Boko Haram and had told the terrorist group to attack the Jonathan government.





In 2015 when we were coming into office, they said this man (Buhari) is the one sponsoring Boko Haram, they said it was because he didnt mean well for Jonathans government, but it was a lie because on 24th July, 2014, Boko Haram attacked Buhari in Kaduna, killed 82 people including seven of Buharis relatives who were with him.




Kingsley Moghalu, presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), says the political structure of politicians should not...





Kingsley Moghalu, presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), says the political structure of politicians should not be the main determining factor on whether or not they should be voted for.





Moghalu said this in reaction to those who said voting for him would amount to waste.





He asked what gain the structure of big politicians have brought to the country, urging Nigerians to ignore those campaigning against him.





Dont listen to those that say, You are wasting your vote. The big politicians have structure, Moghalu wrote on his official Facebook page.





What gain has that brought to our Nation? Have you thought about the possibility of Nigeria becoming one of the richest countries in the world. It is POSSIBLE! Let that be your motivation to make the right choice.





The 56-year-old is seeking to rule the most populous black nation for the next four years, with his running mate, Umma Getso, 37.




Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has taken a swipe on his counterpart in Plateau state, saying, Governor Simon Lalong is very sham...

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has taken a swipe on his counterpart in Plateau state, saying, Governor Simon Lalong is very shameless not to stand with his people.









Ortom made the remark in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi while reacting to comments by Lalong that he (Ortom) was hiding under farmers-herders crisis following his inability to promptly pay the state workers salaries.









Lalong had on Wednesday at the APC presidential rally in Makurdi accused his Benue colleague of under performance in his almost four years in office as well as implying that he (Ortom) was using herders-farmers crisis as a smokescreen to cover up his administrations inefficiency.









But, Ortom in his swift reply, said, it is unfortunate that Lalong has sold himself out. For me, Im not prepared to talk about him. All I know is that Im doing what my people want.









The primary responsibility of the government is to protect lives and property. It is the Federal Government responsibility to protect the people. And there is no way that I would leave my people behind.









The governor further denied the allegation that he was using the farmers-herders crises to project himself as he wondered how a government would allow herders to continue open grazing after the law was enacted.








Mr Joseph Ari, Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has blamed the rising unemployment rate in Nigeria on the lack of requi...

Mr Joseph Ari, Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has blamed the rising unemployment rate in Nigeria on the lack of requisite skills among the nations youths.









Ari told Newsmen on Thursday in Jos that there were many job vacancies in the economy that were waiting for skilled manpower.









Reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), have, over the years, indicated a worsening unemployment rate, with the figure rising to 15.99 million in the third quarter of 2018.









Based on a Skills Gap Assessment survey in the six priority sectors of the Nigeria economy, conducted by the ITF in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), vacancies exist in all sectors.

The unfortunate truth is that the vacancies are always filled by non-Nigerians because the unemployed Nigerians lack the requisite skills.









From our survey, 925 trades have been difficult and hard to fill in the countrys labour market.









Our survey showed that 19.5 per cent vacancies are yet to be filled in the housing sector while the petrochemical sector has more than 13.9 per cent vacancies waiting for skilled workers.









The auto sector has 11.4 per cent vacancies, while 10.3 per cent vacancies are still available in the textiles sector, he explained.









Other areas include steel, 10.1 per cent, service, 8.9 per cent, while the leather sector has 3.3 jobs waiting for the right workers.









He said that 15.7 per cent of all the hard-to-fill vacancies were due to lack of technical skills, while 11.8 per cent were due to lack of basic Industrial Training (IT), skills.









According to him, 9.2 per cent of the vacancies are due to lack of advanced IT skills, while 9.2 per cent and 7.5 per cent of the vacancies are yet unfilled because of the lack of requisite soft skills.









Ari disclosed that the ITF has created some programmes in its bid to address the specific gaps revealed by the survey so as to stem the spiralling unemployment rate.









He listed some of the programmes to include the National Industrial Skills Development Programme(NISDP), Women Skills Empowerment Programme(WOSEP), and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (Training on wheels).









Others included the Designing and Garment Making (Training on wheels), for Nigerian youths, Manure production, Aqua-culture/fish farming and Post-harvest techniques and Product Development.









Another programme, he said, is the Skills Training and Empowerment Programme for the Physically Challenged (STEPP-C).









The programmes, which commenced operations in 2018, have trained 300,000 Nigerians that have been empowered with start-up packs, he said.












The ongoing strike action embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universites (ASUU) was the saving grace for female students of the ...

The ongoing strike action embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universites (ASUU) was the saving grace for female students of the Kano University of Science and Technology on Tuesday night.





NAN reports that Saidu Mohammed, spokesman of the Kano state fire service, confirmed that a fire outbreak destroyed the upper section of a female hostel at the university.





According to Mohammed, the outbreak was caused by high voltage.





We received a distress call at 09:52p.m. from one Alhaji Sagiru that there was a fire outbreak in the university, he said.





On receiving the information, we quickly sent some of our personnel and fire fighting vehicles to the scene at 10:21p.m. to quench the fire.





Mohammed said 30 rooms, 20 toilets and four kitchens were completely razed.





ASUU began its strike action on November 4 with members downing tools in all universities owned by the federal and state governments.





At a nationwide referendum conducted by the union on Tuesday, members voted in favour of continuing the strike saying it did not trust the federal government to fulfill the promises made.





ASUU is demanding an implentation of a memorandum of understanding signed in 2011.




Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, has defended Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, who came under heavy criticism on Wednesda...





Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, has defended Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, who came under heavy criticism on Wednesday over his comment on an NTA programme.





El-Rufai had said foreigners planning to intervene in the elections will leave in body bags.





The comment prompted the reaction of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) which vowed that its observers would not be deterred in carrying out their duties.





having made a clarification on the comments he earlier made on the role of other countries and bodies in elections, there was no need dragging the issue further. In a statement, Shehu saidhaving made a clarification on the comments he earlier made on the role of other countries and bodies in elections, there was no need dragging the issue further.





We have taken note of the clarification to a reported earlier statement by the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, concerning opposition call for foreign interference in our domestic affairs and to say that latest statements by him should rest the issue for good, he said.





There is nothing more to sneeze at. The governor spoke strongly in defence of of national interest. It is clear that El-Rufai, our party the All Progressives Congress , and all its candidates have reposed their faith in democracy through general elections.





They are all of the view that there is no place for violence against local people or foreign citizens in our midst.





On free and fair polls, he said, The Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari will cooperate with election observers and will not let the international community down in the conduct of the coming elections.





The Presidency assures Nigerians and the international community that the President will do everything within his power to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the country.




The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has again failed to arraign Ayodele Oke, former director-general of the National I...





The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has again failed to arraign Ayodele Oke, former director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and Folashade, his wife, before a federal high court in Lagos.





The duo being prosecuted in connection with some monies reportedly recovered from a flat in Ikoyi, Lagos, were absent at the court last week Friday.





The agency had filed a four-count charge against them in connection with the $43 million, 27,000 and N23 million discovered in April 2017.





The NIA had claimed ownership of the funds, saying they were part of covert intelligence operations but there was public outcry that it was a case of looting.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Rotimi Oyedepo, the EFCC counsel, told the court that the anti-graft agency has not been able to serve Oke and his wife the charge sheet as their whereabout remains unknown.





We are having issues with the service of the charge sheet. We have gone to their known addresses but could not find them to be able to serve them with the charges, Oyedepo told the court.





He, however, urged C.J. Aneke, the judge, to make an order compelling the appearance of Oke and his wife before the court, a request the court turned down.





The judge said the EFCC has not been able to properly file their case and that its when I see the file that I can determine the urgency of any application.





He then asked the EFCC counsel to return in 24 hours with the relevant application that could warrant such court order.





OKE ON THE RUN?





Shortly after it was announced that the EFCC had charged Oke to court, a source had revealed that the spy chief and his wife were not in the country.





They were said to have gone to an European countryfor medical reasons.





Sources in the intelligence community said that subjecting Oke to open trial might compromise the nations security operations.




U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "will meet again on [Feb.] 27 and 28 in Vietnam." That is in principle good news, but something does not sound right.

A team of U.S. officials were flying to Pyongyang even as Trump announced his summit, which means it was announced before preparations were complete. The same thing happened ahead of the first summit in Singapore last year. North Korea refused to include any mention of denuclearization in preparatory talks because the date of the summit had already been announced. That is why "normalization of diplomatic relations" and "establishment of a peace framework" appeared before "denuclearization" in the joint statement the two leaders issued afterwards. North Korea succeeded in its strategy of avoiding details of denuclearization and focusing instead on the U.S. president's extemporaneous style. And every time the U.S. called on North Korea to take denuclearization steps, the North demanded that Washington "uphold the spirit of the Singapore summit." It is unnerving to see the second summit heading in the same direction.

Trump was his usual boastful self about the results of his next summit with Kim. In an interview with CBS, he said, "I think he's also tired of going through what he's going through." In other words, Trump hopes the North will take concrete steps toward denuclearization to overcome international sanctions. But at the same time the U.S. seems willing to ease sanctions in exchange for the first steps toward denuclearization North Korea takes. Perhaps that is why U.S. government officials no longer promised to uphold sanctions until North Korea completes its denuclearization process.

Meanwhile, it is good news that the U.S. and South Korea finally reached an agreement over sharing the cost of maintaining 28,500 American soldiers in the South. That has made it less likely for Trump to wave the U.S. troop deployment card as a bargaining chip in talks with Kim. Indeed, Trump said himself that there were absolutely no discussions with the North over U.S. troop reduction. But the last time he unexpectedly promised an end to annual joint military exercises with South Korea without even discussing the matter with his own top brass, so there is no telling what unexpected announcements may happen this time.

Last year, North Korea took absolutely no concrete steps toward denuclearization. Top U.S. intelligence officials believe North Korea will never give up its nuclear weapons, while UN officials in charge of sanctions against the North in a report said they discovered evidence that Pyongyang scattered its nuclear weapons and missile facilities across the country in order to keep those projects going. Preparatory talks and a summit between the U.S. and North Korea will produce meaningful results only if they arrive at a solid pledge by Pyongyang to scrap its nuclear weapons.


Court issues bench warrant for arrest ex-Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ayodele Oke, and his wife, Folashade...

Court issues bench warrant for arrest ex-Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ayodele Oke, and his wife, Folashade, in connection with recovered $43,449,947, 27,800 and N23,218,000 linked to them.








The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (I...





The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies against interfering in the conduct of February 16 and March 2 general elections, as any attempt will be strongly resisted.





The presidential candidate handed down the warning at a PDP campaign rally held on Wednesday in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.





Abubakar, while addressing the mammoth crowd of supporters, said, People of Yobe State, three and the half years, you have voted APC and I want to ask, what has APC done to you? APC has promised to restore security, provide employment and revive the countrys economy all have failed thereby subjecting you to object poverty, hunger and insecurity among others.





People of Yobe State, all Nigerians have made a positive change; you should not be left behind. Dont make the mistake of re-electing APC again, he warned.





He assured the electorate that, if elected into power, his government will be exclusively for youth and women, saying, electing him as president was a rare opportunity for people of Northeast since he came from the region.





The former Vice President also warned security agencies and the electoral umpire against interfering in the conduct of the general elections





On his part, the PDP National Chairman, Unche Secondus, said the wind of change blowing across the nation has arrived in Yobe State.





By the mandate of ordinary people, I believe and convince on behalf of the leadership of the party that your votes will count on the February 16th and March 2nd. Therefore, come out in your numbers to vote and depend it, he urged.





The National chairman alleged that INEC planned to use manual collation of results instead of e-collation in Borno and Yobe States, claiming that will give room for results manipulation.




The former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on Thursday, asked the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, what was causing the de...

The former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on Thursday, asked the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, what was causing the delay in the persecution of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.









On his verified Twitter handle, Fayose wondered why after the Federal Government had expressed its readiness to prosecute Lawal, the EFCC seemed to be dragging its feet.









He asked if the anti-graft agency was waiting for Lawal to travel out of the country, the same way, the former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb Ayo Oke and his wife, Folashade, was alleged to have left Nigeria.









He tweeted, I have two questions for @officialEFCC, this govt said it was ready to try the former SGF, Babachir Lawal, are they waiting to aid him to travel abroad too? If they claimed Ex-NIA boss, Oke and his wife escaped abroad, has the former SGF escaped too?









Oke and his wife are being prosecuted by the EFCC in connection with recovered $43,449,947, 27,800 and N23,218,000 linked to them.









A court on Thursday issued a bench warrant for their arrests after the EFCC repeatedly failed to bring them to court, revealing that the duo had travelled out of the country.









FGs readiness to prosecute Lawal was revealed at the same time as Ayo Oke.









In January, EFCC filed 10 charges bordering on fraud allegations against the former SGF at an Abuja High Court.








The PDP said the redeployment of the police commissioners in the country was a threat to the nations democracy, adding that it was done...

The PDP said the redeployment of the police commissioners in the country was a threat to the nations democracy, adding that it was done to favour candidates of the APC.









The PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, said this while speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Ike Abonyi.









He said that We warned the APC to stop politicising the security operations, influencing the posting of Police Commissioners and other security personnel.









He added that the move showed that the APC-led government was desperate and not ready to conduct a free, fair and credible election.









Earlier, the PDP said the new police commissioner for Kwara State Egbetokun is a former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, alleging that he has been handed the instruction to incite the people and pave the way for outright rigging for APC.









It said Egbetokun was earlier posted to Lagos State by the former IGP, Idris Ibrahim, to serve the same partisan interest but the posting was stopped by the new police boss. Now, he is being redeployed to Kwara State for the same ignoble plot, the party said.









Also speaking, Senate President Bukola Saraki told his supporters during a PDP rally in Ilorin south local government area of the state said the APC is scared and that is why they are busy changing police commissioners every day but that wont change our peoples resolve to continue to support us.









He said If the APC is popular as they claim let them come home and show their strength just like we did. They cannot intimidate our people with police.









However, the APC has dismissed the allegations that the ruling party was influencing police postings ahead of the elections.









The APC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the group which paraded itself as a Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) had made some laughable allegations on some police postings particularly in Kwara State ahead of the forthcoming general elections.









Ordinarily, the APC wouldnt respond to a group of charlatans running errands for the embattled Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki. However, since the group has issued the statement as a decoy for him, we would direct our reactions directly to their paymaster.









For the umpteenth time, we would reiterate that the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and indeed other senior party leaders mentioned in the infantile statement are too busy with the Next Level campaigns and engagements to be involved in the childish conspiracies and spurious allegations contained in the statement.









It should also be noted that it is not within the rights or responsibility of any political organisation or group to dictate to agencies empowered by laws how to deliver on specific mandates.









We believe that leaders, with a modicum of honour, should not thread on the path of cowardice by hiding under nebulous groups to make unsubstantiated allegations. However, we understand that peoples fears are oftentimes their own weakness.








Seoul and Washington are expected to conclude a deal this week on the upkeep of U.S. troops in South Korea, which will cost Seoul a whopping W1-1.05 trillion and only be limited to a year before negotiations start again (US$1=W1,120).

Under the revised Special Measures Agreement, Seoul will pay about W1 trillion and provide material for the upkeep of the U.S. Forces Korea this year, up more than W50 billion from last year.

"The two sides agreed that there shouldn't be any crack in the alliance due to defense cost-sharing ahead of the second U.S.-North Korea summit," a diplomatic source here said. "They met halfway, with Washington showing flexibility on the amount of money and Seoul on the agreement period."

Washington had asked Seoul to increase its share by 50 percent to US$1.2 billion while shortening the term of the cost-sharing agreement from the current five years to one.

The U.S. State Department said Monday that the two countries reached agreement "in principle." But Seoul and Washington will have to restart talks in the first half of this year to discuss Seoul's share of the cost for the next year.

Prof. Park Won-gon of Handong Global University said, "A one-year agreement is a big burden since the Trump administration is only going to demand more money as time goes by."

"The concern among Trump administration officials, sources said, has been that [U.S. President Donald] Trump could put it on the table during one-on-one discussions with [North Korean leader Kim Jong-un], just as he emerged from his first summit with Kim and announced he was suspending U.S.-South Korean joint military exercises," CNN reported. "That decision caught [U.S. Defense Secretary James] Mattis by surprise. It also came without advance warning to Seoul," it added.

The negotiating teams of the two countries failed to reach an agreement last year even after 10 rounds of talks.


Weather causes newspaper delays

The St. Joseph News-Press circulation department said Thursday newspaper deliveries might be delayed because of slick road conditions impacting carriers.

Deliveries in the St. Joseph city limits could be delayed to 7:30 a.m., while rural routes may not get deliveries until daylight Thursday or early Friday, in some cases.
Venezuelan military officers blocked a bridge on the border with Colombia ahead of an anticipated humanitarian aid shipment, as opposition leader Juan Guaido stepped up his challenge to President Nicolas Maduros authority. Earlier Tuesday the opposition-dominated National Assembly had warned the armed forces, which make up much of Maduros power base, not to cross a red line by blocking aid.

Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president on January 23 -- sparking an international crisis -- claims that up to 300,000 people face death if the aid is not delivered. You know theres a red line, you know well theres a limit, you know that medicines, food and medical supplies are that limit, lawmaker Miguel Pizarro said in a message to the military. Maduro, though, said humanitarian aid would be the forerunner of a US-led invasion, insisting that no one will enter, not one invading soldier.

Venezuelan military officers used a tanker truck and huge shipping container to block access to the Tienditas bridge, which links Cucuta, Colombia to Urena, Venezuela. Franklyn Duarte, an opposition lawmaker from the border state of Tachira, said that troops from the armed forces were blocking the crossing. The aid delivery was being coordinated by Guaido, who has declared himself interim president of the oil-rich country and now enjoys the backing of some 40 countries as Venezuelas legitimate leader.

Maduro, 56, has repeatedly accused the United States of fomenting a coup. The US, which has not ruled out a military intervention in crisis-wracked Venezuela, was the first to recognize him as acting president, followed by a dozen Latin American countries. In his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Donald Trump reaffirmed US support for Guaido, saying we stand with the Venezuelan people in their noble quest for freedom. Britain, France, Germany and Spain were among 20 EU nations to side with Guaido this week after Maduro ignored their demands that he announce new presidential elections by February 3.

Interference

Guaido is trying to force Maduro from power, set up a transitional government and hold a new presidential poll. He thanked his EU supporters for supporting all Venezuelans in this struggle we undertake to rescue our nations democracy, freedom and justice. But key Maduro ally Russia slammed what it called interference in the oil-rich but now poor Latin American country, saying it was an attempt to legitimize usurped power. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the EU of trying to topple the government by violence and ruse, while berating the US for treating Venezuela like one of your states.

Guaido, 35, claims his legitimacy from the constitution and has been ramping up pressure on Maduro by calling his supporters out into the streets. The next mass demonstration is due for February 12. Guaido must still find a way to bring in the humanitarian aid given the militarys loyalty to Maduro. He accused the military on Monday of planning to divert aid being stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and an unidentified Caribbean island, in order to distribute it through the socialist governments subsidized food program for its own supporters.

The National Assembly said the military must decide whether it is on the side of the people or the problem. Guaido knows he needs the armed forces on his side to dislodge Maduro. He was boosted on Saturday by the defection of a top air force general. His fledgling alternative administration will hold talks in Washington February 14 on responding to the largest hemispheric humanitarian crisis in modern history.

Maduro disclosed Monday that he sent Pope Francis a letter seeking help in mediating the countrys crisis. The pope told journalists Tuesday that this would require agreement from both the government and the opposition. Getting close to both sides to enact the possibilities of dialogue. Thats how diplomacy works, the pope said on the plane bringing him back from the United Arab Emirates.
Fatima Al Mansoori, Bahraini yoga therapist and humanitarian, was recently honoured for participating in Puzhayamma, the first film ever shot using a river as the backdrop from beginning to end to raise awareness about the rising threat of pollution and climate change. Puzhayamma made in the language of Malayalam is produced by Gokulam Gopalan and directed by Vijeesh Mani. I made a brief guest appearance in the environmental movie which focuses on efforts to raise awareness about the rising pollution threats, resource depletion and climate change, Fatima says.

I dont know whether I am the first Bahraini to appear in an Indian movieI prefer to think of it as a guest appearance in a movie rather than acting in it, she says. I agreed as Gods Own Country ,Kerala, has always a place close to my heart. Fatima was honoured at the world premiere of Puzhayamma at the Towne 3 Cinemas Indian Movie Hub in San Jose, California. Puzhayamma won the Asia Book of Records for the film with river as single backdrop theme in every scene. During August, when I made my customary visit to Mangalore University to take lectures at the department of Yoga, one of my Malayali friends invited me to his home in Kannur. At that time I was invited by the director Vijeesh Mani.

I was to be part of that movie which raises awareness about climate changes which are caused by humans. At first I wasnt interested, as I am just a social worker, not an actor, she says. Her decision changed when Vijeesh explained to her the theme of the movie.The disastrous calamity 2018 Kerala floods, also plays a major role in this film. The film is completely shot in a river, a first in world films statistics. Puzhayamma, based on river pollution, is an environmental film, made on cleanliness, one of the goals of the pilgrimage message to be promoted as per the teachings of Indian spiritual leader Sree Narayana Guru.

They said that it was an environmental documentary with a direct connection to the flood and will help raise awareness about the dangers of river pollution, Fatima says. I thought it would be an environment documentary about the floods but was surprised when I got to know that its a movie with a big crew, she adds. It was an honour to have received an Asia Book of Records certificate for participating in the first film ever shot with the river as the backdrop from beginning to end. The movie shows its credit to Bahrain.

I am thankful for the special mention of Bahrain on the credits screen. I have devoted my life for humanitarian activities and have been travelling across countries to offer support wherever needed. I believe I was destined to be in Kerala at that time so that I could help others. Although I was told to stay away from the affected areas and take the next flight available back to where I came from, I decided to stay back and visit the camps. Fatima says that her guest appearance in this environmental movie is part of her social work and humanitarian efforts to raise awareness about the sustainable development goals.

The theme of the movie goes in line with the United Nations Global Goals. We should be united all the time and not only during calamities. We will not be able to move forward and build a better future unless we learn to live in peace and harmony by reconnecting with nature, and reconnecting with each other. Always, let humanity come first regardless of political stands and beliefs.
Russias biggest oil company Rosneft said yesterday it more than doubled its net income last year, taking advantage of the climbing price of crude despite an unstable market. The state-controlled company reported a net income of 549 billion rubles ($8.4 billion, 7.3 billion euros) in 2018, up from 222 billion rubles the previous year.

Revenues increased by 37 percent year on year to 8.2 trillion rubles. Rosneft cited favourable world price dynamics, caused in part by capping of output agreed with OPEC cartel countries, as well as improved company efficiency among the reasons for its increased revenue. Rosneft chief Igor Sechin said in a statement that the company plans investments between 1.2 and 1.3 trillion rubles in 2019 as it implements strategic upstream oil and gas projects.

The firm also said it was keeping an eye on the political crisis in Venezuela, where it has been a major investor in the countrys struggling economy over the past few years.
Liam Neeson has denied he is a racist in an interview on US television, saying that he had grown up surrounded by bigotry during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Neeson sparked outrage in a newspaper interview in which he said that, as a young man, he had wanted to kill a black person after finding out someone close to him had been the victim of rape.

Appearing on Good Morning America, Neeson explained his comments had originally been part of a discussion about the concept of revenge. I remembered an incident nearly 40 years ago where a very dear friend of mine was brutally raped  I had never felt this feeling before, which was a primal urge to lash out. He added: Im not racist. I was brought up in the north of Ireland. The Troubles.

The 1960s, 70s and early 80s  There was a war going on in the north of Ireland. I had acquaintances who were involved in the Troubles. The bigotry. One Catholic would be killed; the next day one Protestant would be killed  I grew up surrounded by that, but I was never part of it. Neeson was also asked if he would have reacted the same had the attacker not been black.

He replied: Definitely. If she had said an Irish, Scot, or a Brit, or a Lithuanian  I know I would have felt the same way. I was trying to show honour and stand up for my dear friend in this terrible medieval fashion  It shocked me when I came down  Luckily, no violence occurred, thanks be to God."
Chances are that scheduled joint military drills between the U.S. and South Korea will be canceled again as a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un looms.

Seoul and Washington had tentatively agreed to start the drills on March 4, less than a week after the scheduled summit on Feb. 27-28. A government official here said, "We are ready to hold the 'Key Resolve' exercises for two weeks starting on March 4, but it looks like the U.S.-North Korea summit will become a major variable."

The South Korean military had already considered renaming the drills "19-1 Exercise" to tone down the boastful Pentagon word salad, while replacing the annual "Foal Eagle" joint exercises in March and April with small-scale drills or canceling them.

But a military source said, "Even the downsized exercises could be canceled due to the summit given what happened after the first U.S.-North Korea summit in Singapore last year," when Trump unilaterally promised to scrap the drills. As a result, most of the major drills last year were canceled.

The two allies considered announcing their resumption late last month but held off amid progress of talks preparing for the fresh summit. "Preparations for the joint military drills are under way. But the most likely scenario right now is for U.S. and [South] Korean troops to hold separate exercises," a military source here said.

A growing number of U.S. lawmakers are against canceling the drills again. Democratic Senator Jack Reed, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Tuesday that canceling joint U.S.-South Korean military drills is "inappropriate" at a time when North Korea has refused to take concrete denuclearization steps, according to Radio Free Asia.

Republican senator Roger Wicker said there is no reason to postpone the exercises to support nuclear talks.


Bahrain Schools chapter of the national Educators Rising group attended an annual conference in Garmisch, Germany last week. Three students, Abigail Franklin, Ikwhan Mohd Raji, and Nedal Ahmed, were accompanied by their teacher sponsor, Meg Herrera.

While at the conference the three students attended sessions on different methods of teaching, what makes a great teacher, and were inspired by the DoDEA Teacher of the Year, Anna Sansone. Students also were involved in team building sessions, having to work with students from all around Europe, and they even had some time to walk in the beautiful snow and look at the mountains.

Nedal Ahmed came in second place in the Nametag competition. The group looks forward to sending a new set of students next January
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U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "will meet again on [Feb.] 27 and 28 in Vietnam."

"Much work remains to be done, but my relationship with Kim Jong-un is a good one," Trump boasted in his State of the Union address. "If I had not been elected president of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea with potentially millions of people killed."

In an interview with CBS on Sunday, Trump said Kim "has a chance to have North Korea be a tremendous economic behemoth. It has a chance to be one of the great economic countries in the world." He added, "Certainly I think we have a very good chance of making a deal."

A diplomatic source said Trump did not reveal where in Vietnam the summit will take place because the U.S. prefers Da Nang while North Korea prefers Hanoi, where its embassy is.
ABC News(NEW YORK) -- The father of the young man accused of kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents said he's heartbroken for the girl and is struggling to make sense of it all.



"My words can mean nothing after such a tragedy has taken place," Patrick Patterson told ABC News in an exclusive interview airing Thursday on Good Morning America. "I most definitely want Jayme's family to know, everyone to know, that our hearts are broken for their family."



Patrick Patterson's 21-year-old son, Jake Patterson, allegedly abducted Closs from her home in rural Barron, Wisconsin, after gunning down her parents before dawn on Oct. 15. Closs was allegedly held captive at Jake Patterson's home until she escaped in January.



"I'm very sorry for everything that has happened," Patrick Patterson told ABC News. "These words come directly from my heart and my family's heart."



"I wish for a complete healing of Jayme's mind, heart and soul," he added.



Jake Patterson was charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, kidnapping and armed burglary. He appeared in court Wednesday.



"I would like to thank the federal, local and state authorities for their professional and respectful way in which they have treated me and my family," Patrick Patterson told ABC News. "I would also like to thank the media for the way in which they've been patient and understanding with this difficult matter. It has been a very difficult time for us."



Jake Patterson confessed to investigators that he targeted Closs after seeing her board a school bus, according to a criminal complaint.



He told investigators he created a space under his bed for Closs in his house in Gordon, Wisconsin. When he would leave the home, he'd put barbells and free weights around the bed so she couldn't escape, according to the complaint.



Closs told investigators that Patterson "would make her stay under the bed for up to 12 hours at a time with no food, water or bathroom breaks," according to the complaint.



On Jan. 10, when Patterson left the residence, Closs fled to safety, according to court documents.



Jake Patterson's maternal grandfather, Jim Moyer, said he was shocked when he heard the news and hoped it was a case of mistaken identity. He described his grandson as "shy and quiet" but a "nice boy, polite."



"Nobody had any clues until this thing happened," Moyer told ABC News on Jan. 15. "I can't fathom anything in his life that could change him so drastically. It has to be some kind of a twist in the mindset."



Jake Patterson, clad in an orange jumpsuit, appeared in Barron County Circuit Court on Wednesday, where he waived his right to a preliminary hearing. His arraignment was set for March 27. He's being held on a $5 million cash-only bond in the Polk County Jail in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Chance of a shower or two during the evening, followed by partly cloudy skies overnight. Low 57F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Chance of a shower or two during the evening, followed by partly cloudy skies overnight. Low 57F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
(Newser)  Southeastern regional banks BB&T and SunTrust will attempt to join in an all-stock deal, creating a new bank that would be the sixth largest in the US based on assets and deposits. It would have approximately $442 billion in assets, $301 billion in loans, and $324 billion in deposits, serving more than 10 million households. The new bank's market value is estimated at $76 billion, per the AP. BB&T and SunTrust have about 740 branches within 2 miles of each other, or about 24% of all branch locations run by the banks. BB&T Chairman and CEO Kelly King said during a conference call that the companies will be "careful and methodical" about which branches they close.

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The companies operate banks from Pennsylvania to Florida, and as far west as Texas. Regional banks can be a bellwether for local economies, and the willingness to pursue a deal of this size can be taken as a signal of optimism. Investors sent shares of both banks sharply higher at the opening bell, and industry analysts saw a lot of potential. "This deal is attractive since you are combining two high-performing companies with attractive business mix and geography," wrote Citi analyst Keith Horowitz. The US economy has been sizzling over the last year. The Commerce Department estimated last month that the economy, as measured by the gross domestic product, grew at a brisk 3.4% rate in the July-September quarter.

(Read more banking industry stories.)
(Newser)  After a San Francisco couple's first night of snow camping last week, they decided to drive further into California's Mendocino National Forest the next dayand ended up spending five days stranded in their Jeep when the vehicle got stuck in the snow. They couldn't dig it out after trying for seven hours Thursday, and there was no cellphone service, so Maia Herman-Kitami, 18who is an experienced camper but had never been in the snow beforeposted a sign at the trailhead asking for help and directing would-be rescuers to their Jeep, ABC 7 reports. She and Carlos Hernandez Jr., 21, started rationing their food and drinking melted snow. Fortunately, they had enough gas in the car to keep the engine and heat running. When the couple didn't return home Friday night as expected, their families reported them missing.

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Helicopters and search crews started looking, but couldn't find the couple, KPIX 5 reports. The area was hit by a storm, with below-freezing temperatures, and by Monday Herman-Kitami was "emotional," desperate to go home, she says. Meanwhile, Jason Logan and his father-in-law Ron Lovell had heard about the missing couple and went out on their snowmobiles to search, KRCR reports. After four hours, they met up with another search party, and the group of trucks and snowmobiles came upon the missing campers and towed them out of the area Monday afternoon. "Without them, we wouldn't be here," says Herman-Kitami, and Logan agrees the situation was dire: A snowstorm hit Tuesday morning, and he thinks the Jeep would have been buried. The Glenn County Sheriff's Office posted pictures of the rescue. (A woman was rescued after three days trapped ... in an elevator.)
(Newser)  Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stood before Japan's parliament Thursday and said the government had failed a 10-year-old girl. Mia Kurihara was found dead in the bathroom of her home near Tokyo last month, and both her parents are now facing charges. An autopsy didn't reveal a cause of death, but the girl was bruised, reports the Guardian. She'd been removed from her father's custody a year earlier after noting on a confidential school questionnaire that he "wakes me up in the middle of the night and kicks and beats me." School officials gave a copy to Mia's father, Yuichiro Kurihara, who is believed to have pressured the girl to recant the report, reports the Japan Times. She did so, and Mia was back home after seven weeks.

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"We truly feel sorry," says the head of the child welfare center that allowed Mia to return home. "We failed to respond to the call for help that she had courageously sent out," resulting in a "heart-wrenching" death, Abe said. He promised a new initiative against child abuse in the nation. On Thursday, the National Police Agency said it reported 80,104 suspected child abuse cases to child welfare officials in 2018, a 22% increase over 2017. In Mia's case, "as in many of the past cases of fatal abuse of children, the victim's plea for help did not appear to have been taken seriously enough by the parties involved," according to the Japan Times' editorial board. (Japan's youth suicide rate has spiked.)
(Newser)  A photographer initially accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old model engaged in numerous sex crimes against minors in two states over 25 years, according to the FBI, which is now urging victims to come forward. Robert Koester, 52, was arrested in Carlsbad, Calif., a day after photographingand allegedly inappropriately touchingthe teen last November; police said they found evidence of sexual battery, sexual penetration, and possession of child pornography at his home, per NBC San Diego. That's apparently not all police found. Koester is now facing a total of 57 sex crime allegations involving at least eight models in California and Oregon, some as young as 15, reports the Oregonian. The outlet refers to "many terabytes of digital evidence, including photographs and videos" allegedly showing Koester assaulting nude models.

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"We believe there are women who don't know they were victims," says Yamhill County District Attorney Bradley Berry. Koester allegedly drugged some of his victims, and at least two videos allegedly show him assaulting "unconscious and non-responsive" victims. The FBI is seeking victims, and anyone who modeled for Koester or believes they know someone who did can fill out a confidential questionnaire and send it to the FBI here. The form notes that victims have been identified in multiple cities across the US, but that when he was arrested Koester primarily worked on the West Coast. The alleged crimes may have taken place between 1994 and 2018. Koester also went by "Bert Kay," "Rhake Winter," and "Qitooly," and worked out of his 28-acre farm in Yamhill County, Oregon, known as Westoak Studio. He told authorities he frequently traveled to California for shoots. (A former campus gynecologist is accused of molesting hundreds of students.)
(Newser)  The US boyfriend of Russian spy Maria Butina is facing charges of his own. Conservative political operative Paul Erickson pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 11 counts of wire fraud and money laundering, which "appear largely unrelated" to the conspiracy to influence the 2016 presidential race, reports CNN. For now, the South Dakota US Attorney's Office accuses the longtime Republican fundraiser of lying to investors for three businesses between 1996 and 2018, per the Guardian. "Erickson knowingly and unlawfully devised a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money from many victims" with a goal to "personally enrich [himself]," per a statement. NPR raises the prospect of more charges, however, referencing court documents suggesting Erickson helped Butina build ties with Donald Trump's campaign and assess other targets.

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Butina admitted to trying to infiltrate the NRA and other political groups for Moscow in a December plea deal. Erickson's indictment doesn't mention her specifically, but it does reveal two alleged payments to an "MB": $8,000 sent in June 2015, and $1,000 sent in March 2017. The South Dakota native is also alleged to have paid $20,472.09 to American University in June 2017, when Butina was enrolled at the school as a graduate student. "Mr. Erickson is anxious to let the criminal justice process play out and believes a story different from the government's will emerge," defense attorney Clint Sargent says, per CNN. Another of Erickson's lawyers, William Hurd, tells NPR the charges are "unfounded" and "will be met with a vigorous defense." Their client could face up to 20 years in prison on each of the 11 counts if convicted. (Butina reportedly complained about living with Erickson.)
(Newser)  Sen. Amy Klobuchar has a big event scheduled for Sunday in Minnesota that might just be the formal launch of a 2020 campaign for president. "Come to Boom Island," she told Rachel Maddow of MSNBC this week, per the AP. "Then you'll find out my decision." A possible Klobuchar candidacy has been generating buzz, much of it positive, but now HuffPost is out with a story generating buzz of the negative variety. The gist is that Klobuchar is a mean boss who's having trouble finding someone to lead her 2020 campaign as a result. The story says three people have withdrawn from consideration. Details:

The allegations: Some anonymous former staffers tell HuffPost that Klobuchar is "habitually demeaning and prone to bursts of cruelty." They describe demoralizing emailscc'd to a large groupangry outbursts, and demands to perform personal errands such as picking up dry cleaning.

Some anonymous former staffers tell HuffPost that Klobuchar is "habitually demeaning and prone to bursts of cruelty." They describe demoralizing emailscc'd to a large groupangry outbursts, and demands to perform personal errands such as picking up dry cleaning. The counterpoint: The same story includes quotes from other former staffers disputing that. Yes, she's a demanding boss, they say, but so what? One former male staffer suggests a sexist stereotype is at play: Lots of male senators are tough, too, but you don't hear the same kind of complaints.

The same story includes quotes from other former staffers disputing that. Yes, she's a demanding boss, they say, but so what? One former male staffer suggests a sexist stereotype is at play: Lots of male senators are tough, too, but you don't hear the same kind of complaints. The stat: Whichever side is right, one stat is notable: Klobuchar has the third highest rate of staff turnover among senators, according to HuffPost. From 2001 to 2016, she had the highest.

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Grain of salt: That's what Jonathan Bernstein of Bloomberg advises to take with the HuffPost story. The inability to manage staff is "certainly a legitimate factor to consider when choosing a candidate," and he wouldn't be surprised if the allegations have some truth to them. But he, too, wonders about gender stereotypes. "Are a handful of episodes more likely to generate a 'bad boss' reputation for a woman than for a man?"

That's what Jonathan Bernstein of Bloomberg advises to take with the HuffPost story. The inability to manage staff is "certainly a legitimate factor to consider when choosing a candidate," and he wouldn't be surprised if the allegations have some truth to them. But he, too, wonders about gender stereotypes. "Are a handful of episodes more likely to generate a 'bad boss' reputation for a woman than for a man?" See what's next: So will this damage Klobuchar? It probably depends on what follows, writes John Sexton at Hot Air. Unflattering quotes in a story are one thing, but "it would be something else if one of the staffers came forward and blasted her on MSNBC or Fox News."

So will this damage Klobuchar? It probably depends on what follows, writes John Sexton at Hot Air. Unflattering quotes in a story are one thing, but "it would be something else if one of the staffers came forward and blasted her on MSNBC or Fox News." Looks like a sure thing: The 58-year-old Klobuchar is "almost certainly" running, per a post by Eric Lutz at Vanity Fair. The piece, written before the HuffPost article, sees a different potential problem: "While she's been generally liberal throughout her tenure, she's likely to be seen as a more moderate Democratic option, which could be a drawback in the current political clime."

The 58-year-old Klobuchar is "almost certainly" running, per a post by Eric Lutz at Vanity Fair. The piece, written before the HuffPost article, sees a different potential problem: "While she's been generally liberal throughout her tenure, she's likely to be seen as a more moderate Democratic option, which could be a drawback in the current political clime." Impressed: At the Washington Post, conservative columnist Jennifer Rubin runs through a basic political bio of Klobuchar and comes away impressed. "If one thinks that the country is ready for a sober, calm, and self-contained figure, someone in control of her emotions and in command of her facts, Klobuchar might be the right candidate," she writes. Her biggest threat, adds Rubin, appears to be a Joe Biden candidacy.

(Read more Amy Klobuchar stories.)
Macedonia has signed a key document for its bid to join NATO, a process that could be completed by next year.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Dimitrov were among those who took part in the ceremony Wednesday in Brussels.

Stoltenberg said adding Macedonia as the 30th NATO member will bring more stability and security to the region. "Today's signing of the accession protocol shows what diplomacy and statesmanship can achieve," he told reporters.

Standing alongside Stoltenberg, Dimitrov said that what is important for his country in joining the alliance is that it will "never walk alone again."

"A country is as strong as its military. It is also as strong as its democratic institutions are functional and healthy. But it is also as strong as the number of close friends it has," he said.


(Newser)  A border wall stretching between downtown Nogales, Ariz., and Nogales, Mexico, now has even more barbed wireand the city council for the US side is demanding the government take the wire down within city limits, threatening legal action if it doesn't do so, per the AP. The concertina wire, more of which was reportedly installed last weekend, is the type "only found in a war, prison, or battle setting" and is "not only irresponsible but inhuman," per a council resolution passed Wednesday. It added the wire could seriously hurt or kill someone. Mayor Arturo Garino says that those who live near the two-story wall could be at peril, especially local kids. The AP notes the downtown area is residential in parts, and some homes are just a few feet from the wall.

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"That wire is lethal, and I really don't know what they're thinking by putting it all the way down to the ground," he said earlier this week, per the AP. Garino says he has also asked US Sen. Martha McSally to intervene on the city's behalf. In a statement to the AP, US Customs and Border Protection says the newly installed wire in Nogales was added after a request "for additional support in high-risk urban areas commonly exploited by criminal smuggling organizations," though it didn't elaborate on who'd asked for it to be put up. The agency adds that warning signs in both English and Spanish have been erected, and that in areas where there's a lot of foot traffic, the wire wasn't put on the wall's lower portion. CBP said in November that it had received 36 miles of the wire for use in Arizona, Texas, and California border towns. (Read more border wall stories.)
(Newser)  Former New York Times executive editor Jill Abramson is facing allegations that she lifted material from other sources for her new book, Merchants of Truth. She and her publisher are promising to investigate, reports the AP. A Twitter thread posted Wednesday by Vice correspondent Michael Moynihan lists several examples of passages that closely resemble material in the New Yorker, Time Out, the Columbia Journalism Review, and other publications. Released this week and praised by Walter Isaacson and Gay Talese among others, Merchants of Truth is a critique of the news business focused on two long-running newspapers, the Times and the Washington Post, along with Vice and fellow digital company BuzzFeed.

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"I take seriously the issues raised and will review the passages in question," Abramson tweeted Wednesday night. Appearing on Fox News, she said, "All I can tell you is I certainly didn't plagiarize in my book and there's 70 pages of footnotes showing where I got the information." Writers are generally expected to credit their sources directly in the body of the text if the material is similar. "If upon further examination changes or attributions are deemed necessary we stand ready to work with the author in making those revisions, Simon & Schuster says, noting the book gives "an extraordinary degree of transparency toward its subjects." Abramson has previously been criticized for alleged factual errors. She responded that some criticisms arose from Vice's "unhappiness" with Merchants of Truth and its portrait of hypocrisy and sexism. (President Trump already weighed in.)
(Newser)  The territory of the sprawling caliphate ISIS declared in 2014 should be completely liberated from the group by next week, President Trump announced Wednesday at a meeting of coalition partners. "Their land is gone. It's a big factortheir land is gone," the president told a gathering of foreign ministers and other officials from the 79 other countries in the coalition battling the group. "It should be announced, probably some time next week, that we will have 100% of the caliphate," Trump said. He added, however, that he wanted to "wait for the official word" from the US military, the BBC reports.

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Earlier in the State Department meeting, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sought to reassure coalition partners that they were not being abandoned, reports Reuters. "The US troops withdrawing from Syria is not the end of Americas fight," he said. "The drawdown in troops is essentially a tactical change, it is not a change in the mission. It simply represents a new stage in an old fight." The New York Times reports that the last scrap of territory ISIS holds in Iraq and Syria is a patch of land about the size of Central Park in eastern Syria's Deir al-Zour province; its holdings used to be the size of Britain. In recent weeks, thousands of people, including Islamic State fighters and their families, have been fleeing the village of Baghuz to surrender to coalition forces. (On Tuesday, Republican senators broke with Trump over his Syria withdrawal plan.)
(Newser)  More than 40 years after a serial killer dubbed the "Doodler" terrorized San Francisco's gay community, police released a sketch Wednesday of what the man might look like today and announced a $100,000 reward for details leading to his capture. Police believe the killer stabbed at least five men to death from early 1974 to late 1975. He became known as the "Doodler" after a victim who survived an attack told police the man was doodling while they talked at a late-night diner and said he was a cartoonist. At a news conference, police released a pair of images that showed a 1975 sketch of the man and an "age-progression" showing what he might look like now, the AP reports.

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The killer targeted white men he met at after-hours gay clubs and restaurants in San Francisco. "In the 1970s, this was gripping the gay community and San Francisco," police Commander Greg McEachern told the news conference. Police described the killer as an African-American male, about 5 feet, 11 inches tall with a lanky build who was likely in his early 20s during the attacks. At the time, a witness was able to give investigators a description of the attacker, leading to a man being detained in 1976 but never charged. McEachern said police have interviewed the man since returning to the case and he remains a person of interest. Police have submitted DNA samples from some of the 1970s crime scenes and are waiting for lab results. (Police have been trying to track down a European diplomat believed to have survived a Doodler attack.)

(Read more serial killers stories.)
(Newser)  Former Costa Rican leader Oscar Arias is beginning to go from revered to reviled as more women come forward with allegations of sexual assault. After antinuclear activist Alexandra Arce von Herold filed a sexual assault complaint against the former president over an alleged incident in 2014, three more women came forward, including renowned Costa Rican journalist and TV presenter Eleonora Antillon. She tells the AP that Arias began harassing her as soon as she started working as a press aide for his campaign in the mid-1980s. On one occasion, she says, Arias pushed her into a closet and put her hand on his genitals. She says Arias has "serious problems with arrogance" and "sees himself as a conqueror."

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Human Rights Watch communications director Emma Daly tells the AP that in 1990, when she asked Arias a question at an event full of journalists and politicians, "he put his hand on my chest and sort of pulled it down between my breasts and then said, 'You're not wearing a bra'or words to that effect." The fourth women to come forward in the space of 48 hours, Marta Araya Marroni, tells the New York Times that the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize winner sexually harassed her during meetings when she edited his 2012 collection of essays. She says he once suddenly put his hand on her leg during a meeting, and repeatedly called her to insist she go to his house for a massage. Erick Ramos, a lawyer for Arias, says he will not be commenting on the allegations "out of respect for the process that is in course." (Read more Oscar Arias stories.)
(Newser)  The Venezuelan military barricaded a bridge at a key border crossing with Colombia, issuing a challenge Wednesday to a US-backed effort by the opposition to bring humanitarian aid into a nation plagued by shortages of food and medicine, the AP reports. The Tienditas International Bridge was blocked the day before with a giant orange tanker, two large blue containers, and makeshift fencing near the border town of Cucuta, Colombian officials said. The bridge is at the same site where officials plan to store humanitarian aid that opposition leader Juan Guaido is vowing to deliver to Venezuela. The Trump administration has pledged $20 million in aid and Canada has promised another $53 million.

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The aid squabble is the latest front in the battle between Guaido and President Nicolas Maduro, who is vowing not to let the supplies enter the country. Maduro argues Venezuela isn't a nation of "beggars" and has long rejected receiving humanitarian assistance, equating it to a foreign intervention. Venezuelan Jose Mendoza stood at the entrance to the Colombian side of the bridge holding a sign that said: "Humanitarian aid now." Mendoza, 22, said he is tired of seeing Venezuelans suffer from food and medical shortages and that the military should stand on the side suffering Venezuelans. "They have to be by the side of the people and support us," Mendoza said. "They have family members who are dying of hunger. The call is for them too." (A Russian plane and 20 tons of gold have added to Venezuelan chaos.)
(Newser)  The police officer who fatally shot a man he mistook as a shooter at an Alabama shopping mall will return to work after the state attorney general decided not to charge him. Hoover city officials announced Wednesday that the unnamed officer has their full support, AL.com reports, including financial help if the officer faces any lawsuits in the death of Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr., 21. "We will defend our city and we will defend our police officers," Mayor Frank Brocato said. Attorney General Steve Marshall's report says the officer thought Bradford, who held a gun in the immediate aftermath of a Thanksgiving night shooting at the mall, was "an immediate deadly threat to innocent civilians," the Washington Post reports. But an attorney for the Bradford family says "the police shot, we believe, because they feared a black man with a gun."

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The 26-page report found the officer was "justified and not criminal" in opening fire on Bradford just after the actual suspect, Erron Brown, allegedly shot and wounded 18-year-old Brian Wilson. It's not clear why Bradford drew his gun, but his family has said he had a concealed carry license and may have been trying to help. Bradford's family attended a protest outside City Hall on Tuesday night, and decried the decision to clear the officer. "You shoot my first-born son three times, three kill shots, and you call this justice. How dare you," Bradford's mother, April Pipkins, said. "If this happened to your child, would you still call it justice? Because I dont see any justice in this." Protests followed the shooting, NPR reports, and activists say they will now resume, per AL.com. Carlos Chaverst, an organizer of the protest Tuesday, spray-painted "Black lives dont matter" on two American flags before setting them ablaze in front of city hall. (More on the case here.)
(Newser)  "Under what basis would he do that?" So asked President Trump after learning Wednesday that Rep. Adam Schiff, as head of the House Intelligence Committee, is leading a probe into the president's finances. "He has no basis to do that," added Trump, per Reuters. "He's just a political hack." Schiff says the probeone of several committee moves to investigate Trumpis designed to analyze "credible reports of money laundering and financial compromise," per the Washington Post. Later, Schiff tweeted that he can "understand why the idea of meaningful oversight terrifies the president." (Seems Trump was denied a loan while running for president.)
"These are very complicated issues. We're making progress, but there's still a lot of work to do," Mnuchin told reporters.

Both the Americans and Chinese express a desire to reach an agreement to avert a March 2 deadline imposed by Washington for an increase in U.S. tariffs on Chinese products. If no deal is achieved, tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods will increase from 10 percent to 25 percent.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin confirmed to reporters Wednesday at the White House that he and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer are headed to Beijing "with a large team."

High-level talks between the United States and China are set to resume next week in hopes of ending an escalating trade war between the two economic superpowers.

Talks held last week in Washington among negotiators for the two countries were very productive, according to the treasury secretary.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, said any new trade deal with China "must include real, structural change to end unfair trade practices, reduce our chronic trade deficit and protect American jobs."

Trump previously had indicated he might travel to Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping to finalize a deal. "We'll see what progress is made next week," responded Mnuchin when asked Wednesday about that. "There's no plan set at the moment but right now we're focused on next week and making more progress."

The discussions center on demands from Washington for Beijing to make deep structural changes to its economic and trade policies. The United States wants China to reduce subsidies for government-run industries, increase purchases of American agricultural and manufactured products, end forced technology transfers and improve protections for U.S. intellectual property.

There have been reports that aggressive cyber hacking by China also will be added to the agenda of next week's talks. "We've always talked about cyber issues. This is something we've been consistently talking about with them and the importance of them adhering to the cyber agreements," Mnuchin responded to a question from VOA on this topic. "This is not a new issue. This has been on the agenda."

Trump last Friday said ending the trade war with China could produce the "biggest deal ever made."

If the talks collapse, however, the UN Conference on Trade and Development is warning the repercussions will go well beyond the trans-Pacific trading route.

UNCTAD predicts that if the increased tariffs go into effect next month, there will be a downturn in the global economy and instability in commodities and financial markets; however, the European Union would stand to benefit, capturing about $70 billion of U.S.-China bilateral trade, while Japan, Mexico and Canada would each take more than $20 billion.
Analyst Says Investors

Will Have to 'Buckle Up'
I dont believe that its possible for us to exhaustively and thoroughly deal with these issues in his absence. I would have wanted to say what I am saying, in his presence, Chamisa said while addressing the gathering.
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A fireworks display lit up Victoria Harbour today to celebrate the Year of the Pig.

A total of 23,888 firing shells were launched from three barges in the 23-minute fireworks extravaganza, which showcased eight scenes with Lunar New Year-themed designs, including the number "8" and golden ingots in the opening scene.

Pig noses and Saturn rings dazzled the crowds on either side of the harbour in the second scene, along with the theme song of local cartoon character McDull.

In the last scene, 10 seven-inch shells featuring brocade crowns and purple pistils were fired simultaneously to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China.

The event was co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Bureau.
Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan (second left) inspects disinfection pools during a visit to Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse.

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan today visited Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse to learn about measures against African Swine Fever.

Prof Chan was briefed on measures implemented at the slaughterhouse to minimise the risk of African Swine Fever infection in live pigs and prevent the fevers spread to Hong Kong.

In light of the trades live pig supply suspension during the Lunar New Year period, thorough cleaning and disinfection work is being carried out for the first three days of the Lunar New Year in two slaughterhouses in Sheung Shui and Tsuen Wan.

Prof Chan learned that both slaughterhouses have strengthened the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and personnel entering and leaving the facilities.

Additional equipment such as pressurised water pumps and hot water high-pressure jets have been installed to enhance the effectiveness of cleaning.

Prof Chan also observed the operation of the disinfection pools newly installed at the slaughterhouse for thoroughly cleaning vehicles used to carry pigs.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department and slaughterhouse operators have deployed staff to monitor the cleaning work to ensure that vehicles are thoroughly disinfected before they leave the slaughterhouse.

There have been no reports of the fever at registered farms on the Mainland or local pig farms.
Mrs Lam (right) visits the 98-year-old Uncle Fook at an elderly home in Tsz Wan Shan.

Mrs Lam (second left) learns about the work of Customs & Excise Departments frontline officers at the airport.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam (right) thanks the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department staff for cleaning up the Lunar New Year fair site at the Victoria Park during the holiday.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam started the first day of the Year of the Pig with visits to frontline staff at a Lunar New Year fair site clean-up and the airport.

Mrs Lam inspected the Lunar New Year fair site clean-up at the Victoria Park this morning. She thanked the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department staff for their hard work during the holiday and the departments volunteers for sending flowers and plants donated by fair vendors to elderly homes and hospitals.

Mrs Lam then went to the airport where she attended Chinese New Year festive activities, exchanged greetings with travellers, and met frontline immigration and customs officers.

She said Hong Kong is a regional and global aviation hub, with the airport playing a key role. The Civil Aviation Department has set a new single-day record of handling 2,467 flights just days ago.

The Government will continue work together with the Airport Authority to boost Hong Kong's leading position as an international aviation and cargo hub, she added.

During the day Mrs Lam also visited the 98-year-old Uncle Fook, whom she met during her tenure as the Director of Social Welfare, in an elderly home in Tsz Wan Shan.

She presented mandarin oranges to other elderly residents there and conveyed them her well wishes.
Secretary for Security John Lee (second right) visits the West Kowloon Station Ports departure hall to see its immigration clearance operations.

Secretary for Security John Lee toured the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link West Kowloon Station today to see its operation on the Chinese New Year's Day.

Mr Lee visited the Police Report Centre at the Hong Kong Port Area as well as the immigration and customs clearance operations at the departure hall.

He also met the personnel of the Mainland Port Office, Immigration Inspection, Customs, and Railway Public Security when touring the Mainland Port Area.

Mr Lee thanked officers for ensuring the port's smooth operation, adding passengers can enjoy the efficient and convenient high-speed rail service during the festive period.
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Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 61F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
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By PTI

NEW DELHI: A team from Pakistan will visit India next month to discuss and finalise the modalities for facilitating the visit of pilgrims through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that India has also proposed technical-level discussions between the engineers on both sides without waiting for discussions on the modalities.

For expeditious realisation of #kartarpurcorridor, India has also proposed technical level discussions between engineers on both sides without waiting for discussion on the modalities. We hope #Pakistan would positively respond & confirm coordinates of crossing point as well. 2/2  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 7, 2019

Last month, India shared with Pakistan the coordinates of the crossing point of the proposed Kartarpur corridor which will link Baba Nanak village in Punjab to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Narowal in Pakistan.

Pakistan had said it shared a draft agreement on the Kartarpur Corridor with India and invited New Delhi to urgently send a delegation to Islamabad to negotiate and finalise the proposal. Both sides are yet to finalise the modalities of travel of the Indian pilgrims to the Gurudwara.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on November 26 last year laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor in Gurdaspur district. Two days later, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone for the corridor at Narowal, 125 km from Lahore.

The decision to build the corridor - from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border - was taken by the Union Cabinet on November 22. The corridor was a long-pending demand of the Sikh community. Pakistan has committed to open the corridor in November on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
By PTI

LAHORE: Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving a seven-year imprisonment in a corruption case, is sent back to jail from the hospital in Lahore where he spent six days.

"Mian Sahib has been sent back to Kot Lakhpat Jail (Lahore) on his request as the government was showing non-serious attitude towards his health issues," Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of Sharif, told reporters outside the hospital here on Thursday.

She said Sharif, 69, had been in the Services Hospital since last Saturday but the government was making fun of his health condition. "Everyone knows that he has heart issues but despite this the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government is shifting him to one hospital to another. There was no heart specialist at the Services Hospital exposing his life at risk," she lamented and warned if anything happened to her father because of his poor health Prime Minister Imran Khan's government will be responsible.

Sharif was shifted to the Services Hospital from Kot Lakhpat Jail Lahore on Saturday last on the recommendations of the third special medical board.

The fourth medical board at the Services Hospital said Sharif's treatment is possible in any specialised cardiac health facility in Pakistan. "We examined Sharif and carried out his tests related to blood count, hormones, radiology, heart, kidneys, brain and eyes.

ALSO READ: PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif to be indicted in corruption case on February 18

He also underwent CT scan, ultrasound and Colour Doppler tests at the Services Hospital Lahore. "After examining all results, the medical board has reached a unanimous decision that Sharif needs some kind of cardiac intervention. For the purpose he should be shifted to a cardiac institute," said the head of the medical board at the Services Hospital, Professor Dr Mahmood Ayaz.

He said Sharif had heart issues because of his previous history of some diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney problem. "According to the findings of the board, Sharif is facing some problems in blood supply of heart veins that must be addressed by cardiac specialists. We had engaged some cardiac specialists who examined the patient and his test reports and suggested little change in Sharif's medicines," Dr Ayaz said.

He said the board has recommended to the Punjab government that Sharif should be thoroughly examined by cardiologists for his cardiac complications. Sharif's PML-N has demanded to allow his treatment in London. The PML-N's request has generated speculations that it is keen to strike a deal with the government.
By AFP

FRANKFURT: A German auction house on Thursday scrapped the planned sale of 26 artworks attributed to Adolf Hitler after doubts emerged about their authenticity just days before they were due to go under the hammer.

Five other paintings signed "A.Hitler", all of them watercolours, will still be auctioned off on Saturday as scheduled, according to the Weidler auction house in the southern city of Nuremberg.

A vase, wicker armchair and table cloth presumed to have belonged to the late Nazi dictator also remain on offer in what Weidler has billed a "special auction". "Unfortunately we must inform you that some of the pictures have been dropped because of a review," the auction house said in a statement sent to the Spiegel news weekly.

The move came after prosecutors on Wednesday collected 63 artworks from the Weidler premises bearing the signature "A.H." or "A.Hitler", over suspicions that the works were not created by Hitler himself. Twenty-six of the works had been advertised for Saturday's auction, consisting of watercolours, oil paintings and sketches.

The Nuremberg-Fuerth prosecutor's office has opened an investigation against unknown persons "on suspicion of falsifying documents and attempted fraud," chief prosecutor Antje Gabriels-Gorsolke told AFP.

Investigators will now examine the works to determine if they are fakes or originals. "If they turn out to be fakes, we will then try to determine who knew what in the chain of ownership," Gabriels-Gorsolke said. adding that the auction house had cooperated fully and had handed over the works voluntarily.

Sales of alleged artworks by Hitler, who for a time tried to make a living as an artist in his native Austria, have long been controversial -- and have often proved to involve fakes.

German police last month seized three watercolours presented as Hitler's works before they were due for auction in Berlin, claiming they were forged. The Alpine and Rhenish landscapes were dated 1910 and 1911 and were signed A.Hitler and offered by auction house Kloss.

The five paintings remaining for Saturday's auction in Nuremberg are watercolours of landscapes, with one depicting a mountain lake view carrying the highest starting price at 45,000 euros (USD 51,000). Hitler tried to enrol in the Vienna Academy of Arts as a young man but was rejected for lack of talent.

However, he continued painting and copied landscapes from postcards which he sold to tourists. Hitler went on to head the Nazi party and became Germany's chancellor in 1933 before leading the country into World War II and seeking to exterminate Jews.

He committed suicide on April 30, 1945, ending the Nazi reign of terror. A 2015 auction of Hitler watercolours fetched nearly 400,000 euros (USD 452,000).
By PTI

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently in a jail for his alleged role in a housing scheme scam, will be indicted on February 18 in the case, a media report said Thursday.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had taken 67-year-old Sharif, the younger brother of jailed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, into custody on October 5 in the Rs 14 billion Ashiana-i-Iqbal housing project scam.

He is accused of allegedly cancelling the contract of a successful bidder in the scheme and awarding the same to his favourite firm.

During Thursday's proceedings of the case in the accountability court, the court inquired why Sharif was not present, stating whether he was ill or had a PAC meeting, the Geo TV reported.

A police officer informed the court that Sharif was not well and also had a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Islamabad.

ALSO READ | Son of PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif summoned in graft case

At this the court stated that the police were just guardians and it was the state which was answerable on who had allowed Sharif to stay in Islamabad, adding that he was not granted the right to a medical so he wouldn't appear in court, the channel said.

NAB prosecutor said it was not the bureau's responsibility to present Sharif but rather the police.

Sharif's lawyer informed the court that his client had an issue with his backbone and his doctor had advised him against long journeys.

The judge hearing the case said Sharif was supposed to be indicted in the case today, to which the lawyer replied that there was no such order.

The court ordered for Sharif to be present at all cost during the next hearing.

The judge added that Sharif could end the meeting and come, and if he was ill he can take an air ambulance.

The judge informed Sharif's counsel that his client would be indicted during the next hearing and there will be no excuses acceptable on his absence.

The hearing of the case was adjourned will February 18.

Sharif served as the chief minister of the politically crucial Punjab province from 2013 to 2018.

He became PML-N president after his elder brother was barred from holding the top party position and public posts.

Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Thursday that Sharif should resign from the post of PAC chairman.

He said the government believed that Sharif was using PAC as a shield against corruption cases initiated against him.

"Sharif should step down and face corruption cases against him."

Sharif was elected unopposed as PAC chairman on December 22 last year after months of wrangling between the ruling party and the opposition parties.

PAC is the apex parliamentary watchdog that oversees the audit of revenues and expenditures of the government and is considered to be the parliament's most powerful and important committee.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: The Islamic State (ISIS) will be "100 per cent" defeated in Iraq and Syria by next week, US President Donald Trump has claimed as he boasted his administration's new approach for directly confronting the terror outfit's "wicked" ideology.

The ISIS currently holds only about 1 per cent of land in Iraq and Syria, the global coalition to counter ISIS announced late last year. However, the caliphate continues to hold territory in Afghanistan, Libya, the Sinai and West Africa.

"The ISIS has been decimated," Trump has said.

The United States military, its Coalition partners and the Syrian Democratic Forces have liberated virtually all of the territory previously held by the ISIS in Syria and Iraq, Trump said.

"It should be formally announced sometime probably next week that we will have 100 per cent of the caliphate. But I want to wait for the official word. I don't want to say it too early," Trump said on Wednesday in his address to the Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

Senior diplomats from nearly 80 countries gathered at the State Department for a meeting of the growing anti-ISIS coalition. The president acknowledged this group will work together for years to come as ISIS strategy evolves.

Trump said the new approach developed by his administration, empowered US commanders in the field, enabled partners on the ground, and directly confronted ISIS's "wicked" ideology.

"Over the past two years, the US and its partners have retaken more than 20,000 square miles of land," he said.

"We have secured one battlefield. And we've had victory after victory after victory, and retaken both Mosul and Raqqa. We have eliminated more than 60 mile high-value ISIS leaders," he said.

"Now, they re-form; we know that. But they're having a hard time re-forming, and I wouldn't say it's a great job to have because of us. It's not exactly - hopefully will not be a sought-after occupation," he said.

"More than a hundred other top ISIS officials have been eliminated, and tens of thousands of ISIS fighters are gone. They're gone," he stressed.

In December, Trump announced that he was immediately withdrawing troops from Syria, a move that received backlash from fellow Republicans and caused Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Brett McGurk, the special presidential envoy to the coalition to defeat ISIS in Syria and Iraq, to resign. Experts have noted that without US presence, the ISIS could reclaim that territory.

The Trump administration has since said that the withdrawal will not be immediate but will still happen.

US and its international partners, Trump said, have freed more than five million civilians from the grip of these bloodthirsty killers.

"Thanks to the Global Coalition, including all of you here today, and to our other partners, the ISIS caliphate has been decimated. Nobody thought it was possible to do it this quickly," Trump said.

Observing that the struggle against terrorism was a shared fight, Trump said: "We do it together. If we don't do it together, it can never be the same. Everyone must do their part and contribute their fair share."

"We must also recognise that immigration security is national security, and that foreign fighters must not gain access into our nations," he said.

Later in a statement, the Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/DAESH said that the territorial defeat of the ISIS in Iraq and Syria will mark a significant milestone in the war against ISIS.

But this does not mean the campaign against the ISIS is over, it said.

Further engagement was needed in Iraq and Syria, where the terrorist group is still resilient, it added.

The ISIS's leadership, affiliates, and its supporters view its territorial losses in Iraq and Syria as a setback, not as defeat, the statement said.

In 2019, with the conventional military effort against the ISIS in Syria nearing culmination and shifting to a supporting rather than a central role, the Coalition members will open a discussion to plan the next phase of the campaign, it said.

This could involve an effort to counter the ISIS's reversion to insurgency in Syria and Iraq, the statement said.

"The Coalition is determined to increase the pressure to disrupt the ISIS's trans-regional network through increased information sharing and complementary efforts in counter-finance, strategic communication, law enforcement, the justice sector, and security for our homelands," the statement said.
By PTI

LONDON: A five percent rise in the number of Indian students applying to study at UK universities is part of a wider hike in applications from international students from the outside the European Union (EU), new figures released here on Thursday revealed.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), the UK's centralised university application system, disclosed that 4,690 students from India applied to take up courses at universities across Britain from September this year. This compares favourably to 4,470 applications last year and a considerable hike over the previous years.

ALSO READ: US, UK, Australia top education destinations for parents in India

While the figures do not reflect the actual number of Indian students who will be successful in their applications to be able to join these courses, they reflect an interest in the UK as a destination for higher education.

Last month, the UK's Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) had revealed that 28 per cent more Indian students enrolled on courses in the UK in the academic year 2017-18 than in 2016-17. "It is fantastic news for the UK that the number of Indian students coming to our country appears to be on the rise. We hope to see these numbers continue to grow over coming years," said Vivienne Stern, Director, Universities UK International.

"Indian students are a vital part of the international university communities that we are so proud of in the UK. Indian students bring diverse perspectives to our campuses, new ideas to our classrooms and essential skills to our workforce," she said.

The UCAS data this week shows that a total of 561,420 students applied for a UK university course this year, almost 2,500 more than at the equivalent point last year, marking the first increase in three years. The hike is largely down to a record number of applicants from outside the EU - standing at 63,690, an increase of 9 percent.

The number of applicants from the EU increased by 1 per cent, to 43,890. "In this time of uncertainty, it's welcome news to see more EU and international students wanting to come and study in the UK," said UCAS' Chief Executive Clare Marchant.

China maintained its lead as the largest source country of non-EU student applicants, with 15,880 applications, up from 11,920 in 2018 and followed by Hong Kong at 5,100. India with 4,690 applications, the US with 4,050 and Singapore with 3,060 complete the top five non-EU countries list of student applications for the UK this year. The figures are based on analysis of undergraduate applications received at UCAS by the January 15 deadline.

Meanwhile, Universities UK, the representative body for leading UK universities, said it will carry on campaigning for a student visa regime that makes the country even more attractive as a higher education destination. It has welcomed some of the UK government's recent post-Brexit visa proposals to make it easier for students from outside the UK to remain in the country and look for work after they graduate.

Under the proposed changes, undergraduate and Masters students will be able to stay in the UK to look for work for six months after graduating. They will also have three months before graduating during which they can find work and change from a study visa to a work visa. PhD students will be able to stay in the UK for a year to find work after graduating.

They will also have three months before graduating during which they can find work and change from a study visa to a work visa. International graduates will be given two years after graduating during which they can apply to switch their UK study visa to UK work visa from outside the UK.
By PTI

LONDON: A leading Indian-origin trade expert has joined hands with a former Brexit minister to launch new draft proposals for a future free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and European Union (EU).

Shanker Singham, CEO of free market consultancy Competere and Director of the International Trade and Competition Unit at the London-based Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) think tank, claims that unlike other trade agreements which could take many years to negotiate, the UK can conclude an FTA with the EU more quickly.

"We know the EU wants to do a deal with us because they have repeatedly told us so. We also know that unlike other trade agreements which can take years and years to negotiate, this one should be concluded more quickly," said Singham, citing three main reasons.

First, unlike all other trade agreements, we have the unique starting point of identical regulations and as well as zero tariffs and no quantitative restrictions, he said.

ALSO READ | Indian-origin trade expert drafts post-Brexit trade proposals between UK and EU

"Secondly, the proposed FTA is a sound basis for future agreement as it is based, wherever possible, on existing EU agreements with other nations. Third, the FTA approach also respects the integrity of the European Single Market and Customs Union and builds on the EU's original offer of a comprehensive FTA with the entirety of the United Kingdom."

Singham's proposals have found the backing of pro-Brexit Conservative Party MP David Davis, who had resigned as British Prime Minister Theresa May's Secretary of State for Exiting the EU last year in protest over her Brexit plan.

Davis welcomed the approach as it shows the British public what a "comprehensive, advanced FTA" would look like and reflects what voters expect following the referendum in favour of Brexit in June 2016.

"We have lived with the customs union and the single market for so long, but an FTA would be very different," says the ex-minister.

"Our proposed FTA would lower barriers to trade and, through mutual recognition, would improve domestic regulation on both sides. And, of course, our draft FTA will enable the UK to seize the Brexit prize of our own independent trade and regulatory policy," he said.

The draft proposals for a future FTA came as the think tank Singham is associated with was given an official warning by the UK's charity regulator for "misconduct and mismanagement" for campaigning for a hard Brexit without proper balance during an event in September 2018.

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) received the warning by Charity Commission on Wednesday over its 'Plan A+: Creating a prosperous post-Brexit UK' document, authored by Singham.

ALSO READ | UK's Theresa May says she is 'armed with fresh' Brexit mandate

The IEA, which is registered as an educational charity, removed the report from its website after receiving the warning but said it was "disappointed" with the watchdog's move.

Neil Record, chair of the IEA's board of trustees, said the think tank was "considering a range of options, as we believe this warning has extremely widespread and worrying implications for the whole of the think tank and educational charity sector".

The latest developments come 50 days before Britain is set to formally exit the 28-member economic bloc on March 29.

European Council President Donald Tusk made a harsh intervention into the ongoing debate over a withdrawal agreement acceptable to all sides during a press conference in Brussels with Ireland's Indian-origin Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk told reporters on Wednesday.

He was immediately attacked for his "arrogance" by Brexit-backing British MPs, with Varadkar heard over the microphones warning him of "terrible trouble in the British press" for that remark.

Downing Street said it was a question for Tusk "whether he considers the use of that kind of language helpful".

Therea May is due to arrive in Brussels on Thursday to seek legal changes to the withdrawal deal she signed with the EU.

She hopes these changes will help her get it through the UK Parliament, which had vehemently voted it down.

The so-called Irish backstop remains the biggest stumbling block to a deal, which is aimed at avoiding a hard border between the UK and EU member-country Ireland post-Brexit.

The EU has reiterated that the remaining 27 member countries have no plans to reopen the withdrawal agreement already struck in December last year.

"The EU is first and foremost a peace project. We will not gamble with peace or put a sell-by date on reconciliation. This is why we insist on the backstop," said Tusk.

Varadkar added that while he was "open to further discussions" with the UK government about post-Brexit relations, the legally-binding withdrawal agreement remained "the best deal possible".
By PTI

BEIJING: China is conducting test run of a self-driving bus, assisted by the 5G mobile network, as part of its efforts to fast track 5G technology use, amid escalating trade row with the US and other countries.

The bus is being tested in Chongqing, a vehicle-manufacturing hub in southwestern China, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The bus, equipped with technologies such as Controller Area Network and laser radar, is able to complete all autonomous operations with the assistance of the 5G mobile network.

The electric-powered 12 seater has a designed maximum speed of 20 km per hour.

The bus was co-developed by China Mobile, tech giant Huawei, Southeast University and French company Easy Mile, the report said.

China is fast tracking 5G network in the country to use the next generation telcom technology amid escalating row with the US over the detention of Meng Wenzhou, CFO of Chinese telcom giant Huawei in Canada.

China has already launched the 5G service in Guangzhou airport, opened its first 5G base station for the Qinghai Tibet plateau region and the road trials of a 5G autopilot bus without a driver, driver cabin or a driving wheel.

Earlier, official media reported that the bus tests were carried out in a 5G network-covered area, where the network helps the bus adjust speed, and detect obstacles and traffic lights.

Chinese officials say China would like to be ahead of US and other countries to develop 5G telecom network to capture the markets abroad.

Also, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's planning body, said that it will speed up the granting of 5G commercial licences to upgrade so-called information consumption in the country.

NDRC would promote high-quality video and support the launch of 4K television channels across China to enrich content as well as subsidise super high-definition TV sets, virtual reality and augmented reality devices in certain regions, it said.

The move is part of a broader effort to boost domestic consumption amid slowing economic growth.

It also comes at a time when Huawei, which leads China's bid to become the leading supplier of advanced telecoms equipment to the world's mobile carriers, faces growing pressure from the US amid allegation that it is an arm of the Chinese government, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

The US filed charges against Huawei, contending that the Chinese smartphone and network gear maker had stolen trade secrets from a telecoms rival and violated US sanctions against doing business with Iran.

Also as the row over Huawei escalated, major suppliers of US technology giant Apple, the Foxconn Technology Group and Pegatron Corp are reportedly accelerating efforts to build new production plants in Southeast Asia and India.

It is part of their efforts to diversify their supply chain away from the Chinese mainland and to save costs, the report said.
Jayanthi Pawar By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Sixteen days after the severed limbs of a woman were found in a garbage truck, the city police have identified the deceased as the wife of a small-time cinema producer cum director. She is alleged to have been murdered by her husband who then chopped her body into parts and disposed it at various places across the city.

The deceased, Sandhya (35) was married to Balakrishnan (51) and the couple had two children. They lived in Jafferkhanpet in the city. Police say the couple had several issues in their relationship. In November 2018, Sandhya had approached an All-Woman Police Station in Thoothukudi to file a domestic violence complaint against her husband.

Sandhya

She was counselled by the police officials at the station. However, she had submitted a letter saying she wanted a divorce and that she would leave her children in the custody of Balakrishnans brother in Thoothukudi.

Sandhya, herself, was a native of Nagercoil. Later, the couple decided to bury the hatchet and Sandhya returned to Chennai to live with her husband. However, it ended in her murder.

However, an argument broke out again on January 19. In a fit of rage, Balakrishnan hit his wife in the head with a sharp object, leading to her death, a police officer privy to the case details told Express. Then, he chopped off her limbs and stuffed them into a plastic bag. He then disposed the body parts the next day in various dustbins across MGR Nagar area and some in the Cooum River. On January 21, he returned to work as usual to avoid any suspicion.

Incident comes to light

Balakrishnan told Sandhyas mother that she had left for Thoothukudi on January 19. But since Sandhya was not answering her mobile phone and there was no information about her whereabouts, her mother filed a missing complaint in Thoothukudi on Monday. Meanwhile, Pallikaranai police simultaneously began probing the case after body parts were found on January 21.

Since they had no clue to work with, they had sought information from the public in Chennai and neighbouring areas. They got their first breakthrough when they found out that Sandhya was also missing from the same period. Also, upon investigation, police found that the garbage truck concerned had collected waste from the Kodambakkam and MGR Nagar areas.

This helped them zero in on Balakrishnan as the prime suspect. A few more body parts were recovered on Wednesday based on the information given by Balakrishnan.

Reason for the murder

Sources say Balakrishnan was the Thoothukudi district president of PMK between 2004 and 2006. By 2010, he moved to the film industry. Sandhya, meanwhile, unsuccessfully contested in the civic polls from ward-40 of Thoothukudi in 2006. Balakrishnans first movie Kadhal Ilavasam was released in 2012. It was a major failure.

The couple kept having issues, say sources. Sandhya wanted to try her hand at acting and Balakrishnan had promised to help. However, he picked up constant fights with her and suspected her fidelity. Sources claim Sandhya was forced to tonsure her head three years ago following fights over her character.

When Balakrishnan was called to the all-women police station in Thoothukudi following Sandhyas complaint, he is understood to have reported that his wife was in an extra-marital affair. Sandhyas relatives, however, allege Balakrishnan always ill-treated his wife. We married her off to him despite an age difference of 20 years between them, says Sandhyas relative Radha.

Balakrishnans family assured Sandhya that he was going to direct his own movie and asked for money. Sandhyas parents sold some land they had in Kanniyakumari and gave him `75,000. says Radha. The family has demanded a detailed investigation. (with inputs from Thoothukudi and Nagercoil)
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: PC George MLA has urged the police to nab gangster Ravi Pujari at the earliest. George had received a threat call from Pujari recently. The Intelligence Wing of the police later confirmed the internet call was made by Pujari himself.

George said the gangster threatened him for supporting Bishop Franco. Who are you to support Franco? I will kill you and one of your sons, the caller reportedly told George. According to the police, Pujari made six calls to George on January 11 and 12.

George said he attended two calls. He started by asking why I did not respond to his message. I said sorry and that I didnt notice the message. He then introduced himself as Pujari, George said.George said the caller spoke in Malayalam for a brief while which shows the Kerala link to the threat call. George called for strong steps by the police to curb the goonda menace that has reared its head in the state.

He might have made similar threat calls to many people. And some of them might have handed money as well, he said.George said he did not fear Pujari. He said he will take on the goons with a tea stump.

Probe confirms threat calls to legislator

Kochi:The investigation agencies have received clues that Mumbai underworld don Ravi Poojari had threatened P C George MLA over phone. It is learnt the investigation agencies have found that the Kerala legislator received four internet calls reportedly from Senegal, the African nation from where Poojari was arrested by the Interpol.

George revealed Poojari had threatened him for his stand on Bishop Franco Mulackal in the case pertaining to the sexual abuse of a nun. George said he had received an Internet call from Africa two weeks ago. The caller asked him whether he had read his message. Introducing himself as Ravi Poojari, threatened to kill one of Georges children.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The Customs has decided to serve notice on the owner of the seized Switzerland-registered SY Sea Dreams yacht which allegedly called at non-notified Customs Ports in Lakshadweep. The Customs Preventive Division revealed it is looking into whether the yacht was indeed engaged in illegal activities while it remained in Indian territorial waters. Customs Commissioner Sumit Kumar told Express the yacht was in non-notified Customs Ports in Lakshadweep last year. The yacht belongs to Thomas Reichert who left for Switzerland after leaving the yacht at the Marina in Bolgatty here.

We seized the yacht on Wednesday after it emerged it visited Bangaram, Kalpeni, Agatti, Kadamat, Amini and Kavaratti islands. It is a violation of Section 29 of the Customs Act to enter non-notified ports. As per the Act, the person-in-charge of a vessel or an aircraft entering India from any place outside India shall not cause or permit the vessel or aircraft to call or land in non-notified Customs ports, he said.

The Customs, though, does not have any problems with the yacht docking at notified ports - it had docked at the Cochin Port after securing permission from the authorities concerned.

Earlier, while entering ports in Lakshadweep the crew had sought permission from Lakshadweep Administration and it was forwarded to the Customs unit in Kerala. As these ports were non-notified Customs ports, we replied to letter from Lakshadweep Administration that permission has to be received directly from Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). However, they did not pursue the matter, Sumit Kumar said.

The yacht initially reached Cochin Port on February 23, 2018. It left for Lakshadweep on November 11, 2018. Later it returned to the Marina on December 1, 2018. The owner of the yacht will fly down from Switzerland in March. To complete the seizure formalities, our officers could not enter the yacht at it was found to be locked. So we granted the yachts custody to the Marina, the Customs chief said.

According to Sumit Kumar, the investigation has been launched to establish the purpose behind the yachts protracted stay in Kerala. It emerged there were two persons on board the yacht when it entered the Cochin Port. As the investigation is ongoing, we will serve a notice on the owner of the yacht, asking him to appear before us. We also have to get information on the places they travelled to during their stay, he said.
Meera Bhardwaj By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: The discovery of a 10-day-old carcass of a tusker, shot dead by hunters with its two tusks stolen, has prompted the state forest department to launch a full-scale inquiry into the incident. The department has sought the help of the Chamarajanagar district police as they suspect the crime was committed by offenders from across the border who later fled back to Tamil Nadu. The tusker was found dead in Huli Kurisida Halla of Chikkaluru beat in Kothanur range of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary on February 4, just about 2 km away from an anti-poaching camp. The Range Forest Officer has registered a case under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Other than the carcass, nothing else was found in the location. Before the cremation, DNA samples were collected to trace the missing tusks. Forest officials say the shooting must have happened during the Chikkaluru Jathre festival in mid-January, which attracts a lot of devotees from Tamil Nadu. Many forest routes are used by pilgrims to attend the jathre.

Chief Wildlife Warden C Jayaram said, We have formed special teams to investigate the case while a full-scale probe has been ordered. We will be taking the help of the police as the culprits may have committed the crime and run away to TN. Another worry is the easy availability of illegal country-made guns in Ramanagara district. So we have been asking the police to keep a check on this as it has led to poaching in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
Subhash Chandra N S By

Express News Service

BALLARI: The Ballari police have picked up three persons, suspected to have been involved in the vandalism of the Vishnu temple in Hampi, a video of which went viral a few days back prompting the manhunt for the culprits.

According to the police, the three have taken responsibility for the incident. The police have launched a manhunt for a fourth person, believed to be hiding in Bihar. Speaking to TNIE, SP Ballari Arun Rangarajan said, We will not be revealing their identity at the moment. Two teams had been deployed, one in Bihar, the other in Madhya Pradesh. The team in Bihar is still on the lookout.

READ: Greater protection of Hampi sought after 'damaging' video goes viral

Out of the three who have been detained by the police, two are from Bengaluru and one is from Hyderabad. They reportedly confessed and sought the police protection as the incident has generated a lot of anger in the state.

The video, in which a youth can be seen pushing a pillar and damaging it, was shared on social media widely. It is believed that the damage to the UNESCO world heritage site, is permanent and cannot be repaired.

A couple of weeks ago, the New York Times Magazine had listed Hampi World Heritage site as the second must see place in 2019. This had created a sense of pride among local people.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: A 17-year-old girl is battling for life in a hospital here after she was stabbed multiple times by a stalker in Barkatpura on Wednesday morning. The girl, an Intermediate student, was on her way to college at around 8 a.m. when the youngster, attacked her with a sickle for allegedly turning down his proposal to marry him. The girl sustained deep injuries in the neck, abdomen and a hand. She was rushed to a nearby hospital and later shifted to Yashoda hospital in Malakpet, where her condition was said to be critical.

East Zone DCP M Ramesh said that they arrested the youth Bharath and seized the sickle from him. Bharath and the girl lived in the same locality in Barkatpura and the families knew each other. The boy is a first-year degree student. The girl was being harassed by him the past one year after she turned down his proposal, the DCP said.

The girl brought the issue to notice of her father M Ramulu who in turn informed Bharaths parents about their sons behaviour. This did not deter him from harassing the girl. When he kept troubling her, we approached SHE teams where he and his parents were counselled, Ramulu said.

To prevent the boy from harassing her, her uncle Laxman used to drop her at college. Police said that Bharath used to monitor her movements from his terrace. The girls family said she was confined to her house and stepped out of house only if it was necessary. She had to submit a project work at college so she stepped out of her house on Wednesday morning, accompanied by her younger sister, said Lalitha, a woman who lives in the same locality.

At around 8 a.m. while she was walking towards her uncles house, she saw Bharath walking towards her with a sickle. Though she started running, he got hold of her and started stabbing her. Bharath immediately fled from the scene and the girl who was bleeding heavily was rushed to a nearby hospital in Kachiguda and later shifted to Yashoda Hospital in Malakpet.
Anand ST Das By

Express News Service

PATNA: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adiyanath told BJP workers in Bihars Muslim-dominated eastern region on Thursday that the Ram temple would be built in Ayodhya and that there is no confusion in it, prompting the Opposition RJD and Congress to accuse BJP of using the temple issue for votes.

Addressing nearly 20,000 BJP workers who came from four districts  Kishanganj, Araria, Purnea and Katihar  Adityanath urged them to ensure that the BJP-led NDA registers a 100 per cent victory in the state in the Lok Sabha polls.

The Ram temple will be built in Ayodhya where Lord Ram is present. There is no confusion in it, said Adityanath at the BJP rally at Rangbhumi Maidan in Purnea amid cheers from the audience.

He extolled the steps taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the confidence of Indias armed forces. Today neither Chinese nor Pakistani soldiers dare enter Indian territory and kill Indian soldiers. If Pakistan kills one Indian soldier, ten Pakistani soldiers will be killed in retaliation. Such courage can be displayed only by Modi, not by those who talk about ripping India into pieces, he said.

Calling on BJP workers from Bihar to visit Uttar Pradesh, he said: I have also changed the names of the places (in UP). Earlier people were going to Allahabad; now they will go to Prayagraj. Earlier you were going to Faizabad Junction, but now you will go to Ayodhya. The audience applauded him by clapping.

You must remember how Bihar faced a big crisis over its identity during Lalus regime. But during Nitish Kumars rule, every Bihari has been proudly saying that he is from Bihar, he said, urging booth-level workers of BJP to ensure the maximum possible voting for NDA candidates.

Adityanath attacked Congress and its allies, saying they were not interested in the countrys development and fulfilling the peoples aspirations. He, however, made no reference to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Purnea is just a few kilometers off the Bihar-West Bengal border.

BJP leaders said Adityanaths pep talk to party workers in the eastern region would help improve the partys performance in the coming polls. BJP had lost all the eight Lok Sabha constituencies in eastern Bihar in the 2014 polls.

By speaking about Ram temple construction when the matter is with the apex court, Adityanath and BJP are trying to polarise voters. BJP must stop such tactics, said RJD leader Bhai Birendra.
Amit Agnihotri and Anuradha Shukla By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Shortly before she took charge as AICC general secretary in charge of UP (East), Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday accompanied her embattled husband Robert Vadra up to the Enforcement Directorates (ED) office, sending a clear message of family solidarity. The ED had summoned Robert in connection with a money laundering case

Whats the message?...he is my husband. I support my family, Priyanka said after she dropped him outside the ED office at Jamnagar House here.

On her way back, Priyanka surprised observers by reaching the Congress headquarters and taking formal charge of the UP responsibility. For, she was expected to do so on Thursday, when she was slated to also attend a meeting of all general secretaries and state in charges to discuss strategy for the coming Lok Sabha elections. Party president Rahul Gandhi will chair the meet.

Priyanka spent around 45 minutes in her office - right next Rahuls - and interacted with a few functionaries.

Party insiders claimed they had factored in a political witch-hunt against Robert. They recalled how Priyanka had come out in his defence when he was targeted by the BJP in 2014 at a time when the Congress was fumbling for a response.

After leaving the AICC office, Priyanka continued her parleys with Rahul and select senior leaders, including Jyotiraditya Scindia, who assumed charge as AICC general secretary of UP (West). They discussed her launch in Lucknow on February 10 or 11 and the configuration of the new teams to assist them in the state.

A team of three ED officials questioned Robert for around six hours over alleged possession of illegal foreign assets. The questions revolved around his London assets and properties, specifically the purchase of a property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 mn.

Six-hour grilling on money laundering
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: The belligerent opposition rejected the Uttar Pradesh budget 2019-20 as nothing but another deception here on Thursday. Leading the opposition onslaught on state government, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that budget -2019-20 presented by state finance minister Rajesh Agarwal was nothing but a bundle of false promises.

The budget has neither the vision nor development orientation, it lacks insight into health and security. This budget is not even worth of being called an election budget, said the SP chief.

He added that the budget presented by the Yogi government was a betrayal of the people in the name of 'Sabka Saath sabka vikas' as it had nothing for the welfare of the minorities. He even called the allocations for cow protection insufficient. The government has doled out 450 crores for cows, which means that one village gets only 42,000 rupees, he said.

He slammed the state government over cess levied on excise department as an attempt to encourage consumption of liquor in order to use the money for the welfare of cows.

There is nothing new in the budget, Akhilesh said, adding that his government had developed more religious places and town areas than the incumbent. He added that there was nothing in it for the farmers, traders and for checking the rising unemployment.

Demanding a CBI enquiry into the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna and the toilets constructed under Swatch Bharat Mission, Akhilesh claimed that there were serious discrepancies as more than one house and toilet exists under one persons name.

On the other, Akhilesh ally and BSP chief Mayawati took to Twitter to condemn the UP governments budget. No matter how tempting the budget might appear, in reality, what matters for the people is developmentally palpable on the ground, law and order situation and crime prevention, tweeted the BSP supremo.

Besides the SP and the BSP, Congress and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also expressed its disappointment for not meeting the expectations of the poor and the farmers. Congress state chief Raj Babbar claimed that the budget would neither generate employment opportunities nor did it have any ray of hope for the farmers.

Provision of meagre Rs 10 crore for MSME is like an insult to unemployed youth, said the UPCC chief. He added the amount allocated to the schemes were meagre and the state government did not have the intent to fulfil the promises it made to the people of the state during last assembly polls.

Meanwhile, RLD state chief Masood Ahmad said: How will the income of the farmer be doubled, when the crops are being destroyed by stray cattle.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday discussed the party's strategy for the Lok Sabha polls with AICC general secretaries and in-charges of various states at a meeting here that was attended by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

The spotlight at the meeting was on Priyanka Gandhi, who took charge as AICC general secretary in-charge of the party's affairs in Uttar Pradesh East on Wednesday, as she arrived at the party headquarters and headed straight for the meeting.

Sources said the party's overall strategy for the Lok Sabha polls and booth-level organisation were discussed during the meet.

ALSO READ: Priyanka Gandhi to visit Lucknow on Monday, take stock of her new turf

At the meeting, Priyanka was seated next to Jyotiraditya Scindia, who also took charge on Wednesday as AICC general secretary in-charge UP West.

Priyanka Gandhi has been allotted an office adjacent to that of her brother's at the party headquarters.

Rahul Gandhi has also called a meeting of state chiefs and Congress Legislature Party leaders on Saturday in the national capital, to review preparedness for the general election.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Robert Vadra's questioning by the Enforcement Directorate, alleging he was "blinded by revenge" and taking out his anger fearing an "imminent defeat" in the coming Lok Sabha election.

Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by ED for nine hours on Thursday, the second day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is blinded by revenge. Prime minister Modi is taking out his anger due to the imminent defeat in the upcoming polls," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

"False cases on opposition leaders and their families are being registered. The whole country knows that since 2012 there has been a conspiracy against Robert Vadra by Modi and BJP.

ALSO READ: Robert Vadra and Karti Chidambaram: Two high-profile visitors at ED office on same day

Seven years have gone by, but no evidence has been found against Robert Vadra or his associates," he said.

Vadra's wife and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi came to the ED office, in Jamnagar House in central Delhi, in a black SUV to pick him up around 9:30 PM.

Her vehicle was guarded by SPG personnel when it went inside the ED office.

Priyanka had also dropped off her husband for questioning at the ED office on Wednesday. Vadra is expected to be questioned again on either Friday or Saturday.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: In a frontal attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday alleged that those who imposed Emergency, "bullied" the judiciary and insulted the Army were accusing him of destroying institutions.

The PM also hit back at the Congress over the Rafale issue, which has been repeatedly raised by its chief Rahul Gandhi, as he alleged that the Congress did not want the Indian Air Force to be strong and asked: "which companies are they bidding for that they are acting so shamefully".

He also accused the Congress of rendering the Army handicapped due to which it was not in a position to launch surgical strikes.

"I am levelling a serious allegation," he said in his reply in Lok Sabha to the debate on Motion of Thanks on the President's address.

"I want to say it on the floor of Parliament that the Indian National Congress doesn't want our armed forces to be strong. They don't want our security apparatus to be strong. Which companies are they bidding for that they are acting so shamefully," he said.

Modi's retort came hours after Gandhi, at a Congress event in Delhi, described him as a "darpok" (coward) and dared him to a five-minute face-to-face debate on issues such as Rafale and national security.

The Prime Minister said that the armed forces were adversely affected due to delay in procurements under the Congress rule and its personnel did not have bullet-proof jackets, proper shoes, communication equipment or even helmets.

"You had left the Army unarmed. It was not in a position to carry out surgical strikes," he said, adding it is a great disservice to the nation.

Modi wondered why advanced jets were not procured for 30 years when India's neighbours were equipping themselves with the latest weaponry.

"The nation will not forgive you for this sin," the prime minister said.

Taking a swipe at the Congress, he said, "They are surprised that there is a defence deal without kickbacks. They assume that a defence deal cannot happen without commission."

Modi also accused the Congress of insulting Army by calling its chief a "goonda".

Modi took potshots at attempts to cobble a grand alliance of opposition parties to take on the BJP, saying people do not want a "mahamilavat" (highly adulterated) government as they have seen how the NDA government which has a majority can deliver.

"Congress imposed Emergency, but they say Modi is destroying institutions. Congress insults Army, calls the Army chief a 'goonda' but they say Modi is destroying institutions," the PM said in a hard-hitting reply to a debate on motion of thanks to President's address in Lok Sabha.

ALSO READ: Calling PM Modi a coward, Rahul Gandhi challenges the former to debate on national security, Rafale and economy

"The Congress misused Article 356 to dismiss state governments several times. Indira Gandhi herself dismissed state governments 50 times," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said in a poll year, leaders have compulsions to make charges but lamented that while slamming Modi and BJP, some people "start attacking India".

He alleged that the opposition's ability to listen to the truth has diminished.

The Congress, he said, questioned the Election Commission and Electronic Voting Machines but is accusing him of destroying institutions.

"Congress bullies the judiciary but Modi is destroying institutions. Congress calls Planning Commission a bunch of jokers. But Modi is destroying institutions," Modi said.

He also took a dig at the recent opposition rally in Kolkata organised by the Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.

"People do not want a 'mahamilavat' (adulterated) government of those who assembled in Kolkata," he said.

ALSO READ: A grand alliance government can work, contends Deve Gowda citing his experience

"A government has to work for the people of India, a government has to be sensitive to the people's aspirations. There is no room for corruption.

"We speak the truth, be it in country or outside, in Parliament or outside but your ability to listen to truth has diminished," he said, targeting the opposition.

Modi said the Congress had left the Army handicapped and in such a case it was not in a position to carry out surgical strikes.

"Congress does not want our Air Force to become powerful. I am levelling a serious allegation," the Prime Minister said.

Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said for some BC stands for 'before Congress' and AD for 'after dynasty'.
By PTI

KOLKATA: Calling opposition parties' efforts to forge an alliance to take on BJP in upcoming national polls a futile exercise without a prime ministerial candidate, senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan Thursday said it was like readying for a wedding without anyone knowing who would be the groom.

The BJP national vice-president and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said the opposition alliance is without any principle, intention or leader and claimed the BJP will win 300 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, expected to take place in April-May.

He also took a swipe at Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party getting into a seat-sharing arrangement in Uttar Pradesh and said it is not clear who has prevailed over whom - Akhilesh Yadav or Mayawati - to form the alliance.

"Only hands have come together, but not the hearts," Chouhan said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, while alleging that the alliances are being formed only to serve interests of the opposition leaders and not on the basis of any idealism.

He said the BJP will improve its tally from the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and the entire NDA (National Democratic Alliance) will win 400 seats this time.

"The opposition does not have any niti, niyat aur neta (principle, intention or leader), while in our case all these are in front of the world," Chouhan said.

He said the "in-cohesive" opposition alliance was like a wedding where preparations have been done for the party and even the bridegroom's horse is decked up, but nobody knows who will be the groom (prime minister).

He also dismissed allegations the opposition allegations that summoning of Robert Vadra, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband, or the CBI action against Kolkata Police Commissioner had links to the upcoming elections, saying investigations had started long back and the summons being issued now was incidental.

Chouhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was being wrongly accused of vindictiveness.

He also alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was standing by a police officer now, but she did not shed her tears for poor who lost their money in chit fund scam or for those who committed suicide after having been rendered penniless.

"Despite the poor people's sufferings, you (Banerjee) did not sit on a dharna. When your party's (TMC) leaders and MPs were arrested you did not think of sitting on a dharna. But when the CBI reached the residence of a police commissioner who is required for assistance in the probe, you opted for a sit-in," he said.

It is unprecedented that an elected head of a state sits on a dharna for a police commissioner and police officers also join the demonstration, Chouhan said.

"If officers are there for providing security do they sit or stand, or do they come in uniform instead of civil dress?" he asked.

Chouhan alleged that the TMC government in the state is throttling democracy and making a mockery of the Constitution by preventing opposition leaders from holding public meetings and rallies.

"Recently assembly elections were held in Madhya Pradesh. There was not a single incident of violence or booth capturing, while more than 100 people died during panchayat elections in Bengal," he alleged.

He claimed that Trilochan Mahato, a 20-year old man in Purulia district, was hanged before local body polls because he was a BJP worker.

Mahato's body was found hanging from a tree under Balarampur limits in Purulia district on May 30, 2017 after the rural polls.

BJP had claimed that he was a party member and an unsigned handwritten note in Bengali found near the body of the 20-year-old victim said that he was "punished for working for the BJP" during the recent rural polls in the state.

Chouhan also alleged that West Bengal began to slide in terms of development during the 30-year Congress rule (from 1947-1977), while violence was ushered into the state's politics during the 34-year Left Front rule (1977-2011).

"During the current TMC rule, the state is suffering from poverty, violence and syndicate raj," he alleged and said Banerjee needs to answer the country on the Saradha scam.

He accused the TMC government of stopping BJP from holding rallies, trying to create impediments for Modi and BJP president Amit Shah's meetings and preventing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from holding rallies by refusing permission to land helicopters.

Chouhan, however, thanked Banerjee for not giving permission for his helicopter to land, saying he got an opportunity to travel by road and could interact with people who are disillusioned with the the TMC rule.

He was scheduled to address two public meetings Wednesday but could attend only one at Kharagpur.

A scheduled public meeting at Baharampur had to be cancelled as the district administration did not give permission to land his helicopter.

He said that the opposition is talking of 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance), but its constituents are afraid of Modi's rule.

"What kind of a grand alliance is this where Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee talk of going together, while the state unit of Congress is opposed to TMC," he said and claimed that he has learnt about the CPI(M) and Congress coming closer now.
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: A few days after increasing the honorarium of priests from Rs1,000 to S3,000, the Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh has now come up with guidelines for appointment of pujaris (priests) in government managed Dev Sthans (places of worship).

The department has also laid down necessary qualifications for these appointments. According to the official statement, those applying for the post of pujari must be above 18 years of age, studied till Class VIII and in good health. The applicant must also have a certificate in Pooja Vidhan and knowledge of pooja vidhi (religious rituals).

The applicant should be a vegetarian, not consume liquor and not have a criminal record. Also, the candidate must not be guilty of encroaching Dev Sthan land or destruction of any other property of the temple/place of worship.

In case a candidates father is a pujari, priority will be given to the candidate if he meets all other conditions. If a temple falls in the category of a math and the tradition of becoming a pujari belongs to a special akhada, then the appointment will be made on the Guru-Shishya tradition.

Priority will be given to Vansh and Guru-Shishya Parampara in appointments. Names of pujaris will also be entered in khasra. A register of priests will be also be maintained at the tehsil and patwari level.

This is the first time that the government has set down guidelines for the appointment of pujaris.

Stressing that the decision has nothing to do with soft-Hindutva, the Congress said that the move is in line with the promises made before the assembly polls.

BJP spokesperson Rahul Kothari said, Everything is done by the Congress government is with an eye on the Lok Sabha polls. But the public knows the politics behind it (decision).

Task cut out

Pujaris will perform seva pooja according to rituals and keep the Dev-Sthan clean. They will also safeguard moving and non-moving properties of the temple. The pujari will also work to inspire welfare schemes of the government
Ramananda Sengupta By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The new Foreign Minister of Bangladesh AK Abdul Momen arrived in New Delhi late on Wednesday on a three-day official visit, his first after assuming office January 7. I am visiting India on my maiden foreign tour to honour our great neighbor, the worlds greatest democracy, the foreign minister said just before leaving Dhaka with a high-level delegation comprising secretaries of different ministries and department heads, who will take part in the 5th India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meeting.

Noting that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been the first foreign leader to greet his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina after her Awami League returned to power for the third consecutive term in the December 30 elections, he said that we always find (India) them beside us in our crises.Conceding that We do have some issues as neighbours, he was quick to note that but by now we have amicably resolved several of themlike the major maritime boundary and the land boundaryand expect the others to be solved as well since we now enjoy the warmest-ever relations.

This is a sea change from the early 90s and early 2000, when the whole narrative in Dhaka was about bully Indias evil intentions and plans to subjugate Bangladesh, said a former Indian diplomat, referring to periods when Khaleda Zias BNP ruled Bangladesh. Momen said, Among other things, we want to consult with my counterpart about the early resolution of the Rohingya crisis as it may affect regional stability.

Five pacts

Five pacts expected to be inked are between Bangladeshs Anti Corruption Commission and Indias CBI; Bangladesh Television and Prasar Bharati; Dhakas health ministry and Indias AYUSH ministry and two for training Dhaks civil servants and the setting up of Indian EPZ.
By Online Desk

In a first attempt to undo the 'saffronisation of textbooks' the Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh has brought back Jawaharlal Nehru into the school curriculum.

According to a report published in The Print, the state government has formed a three-member panel to investigate into the complaints about the university promoting a particular ideology through its syllabus and other academic activities.

The changes which were brought under the BJP regime are being reviewed. This includes the study of the mythical sage Narad as a communicator.

According to the report, one Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication has been accused of series of wrongdoings including wasting of government funds for 'saffronisation.

This is not the first occasion where a BJP-ruled state is being accused of tampering with the history by the inclusion of controversial right-wing leaders for their ''contribution'' to India's independence movement. The BJP either completely dropped important historical figures or gave them less than deserved space to establish the saffron party's prominence.

In 2017, the Rajasthan Government sparked controversy too when the 10th standard textbook described the Hindu Mahasabha founder Vinayak Damodar Savarkar popularly known as 'Veer Savarkar' as a revolutionary and patriot. On the other hand, Mahatma Gandhi found very little space. In 2018, the Goa government too replaced Jawaharlal Nehru with Veer Savarkar.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: After the Centre failed to resolve Nagalands protracted political problem vis-a-vis insurgency issue in years, the Nagas are now turning to God to seek divine intervention.



The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum has appealed to churches, cutting across denominations, to organise a special prayer this Sunday for early solution to the vexed problem.



The Forum wants the churches to pray that God grant His wisdom and direction to the leaders of both Government of India and Naga national political groups (Naga rebel groups). It wants the issue to be resolved before upcoming Lok Sabha elections.



It has become the attitude of Government of India to sideline the issues arising from Nagaland and this time around, it has become very clear that they instigate a non-issue to cover up and drag the issue at hand. These are things that we must commit to God so that with the prayer of believers, God will intervene, a statement issued by the Forum reads.



The non-issue here is ostensibly Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 which the Centre wants to pass in Parliament to grant Indian citizenship to immigrants belonging to six persecuted non-Muslim communities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.



The Forum described as political rhetoric the Centres recognition of the historical and political uniqueness of Nagas and the promise to resolve the issue soon. Stating that the patience of Nagas has been tested over and over again, it warned that the delay tactics could evolve into another long-range problem if it is not dealt with all seriousness.



The Naga insurgency problem dates back to 1950s when the Naga National Council (NNC) had first spearheaded a separatist movement under the leadership of AZ Phizo. After years of consultations, they signed the Shillong Accord of 1975 with the Central government. It was the rebels acceptance of the supremacy of Indian Constitution without condition and renouncement of their demand for secession of Nagaland from India. However, a section of NNC leaders, who viewed it as the Nagas meek surrender to India, broke away and formed a splinter group called National Socialist Council of Nagaland or NSCN. Over the past four decades, the outfit suffered multiple splits.



The Isak-Muivah faction of NSCN, called NSCN-IM, has been engaged in peace negotiations with the Centre since 1997. At least six other groups came aboard in past three years. However, the cherished settlement of the issue continues to elude both Nagas and Centre.


By PTI

NEW DELHI: Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate for the second day on Thursday in connection with a probe into allegations that he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

Vadra, who was grilled for five-and-a half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday, arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11:25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers.

Officials said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in United Kingdom.

His statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as was done Wednesday, they added.

He was asked about a dozen questions by a team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case.

His appearance before the ED on Wednesday acquired political overtones with his wife Priyanka Gandhi, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanying him to the investigating agency's office.

She took charge of her new post at the Congress' national headquarters on Akbar Road after that.

"He is my husband, he is my family. I support my family," Priyanka Gandhi said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London on Wednesday.

This is the first time that Vadra is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him.

He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

"All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan told reporters.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency also told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra.

These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others.

The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.

9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra on Wednesday to attack the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime.

Vadra is also supposed to be present before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in another money laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner.

The Rajasthan High Court had directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The acute shortage of personnel being faced by paramilitary forces is likely to be resolved soon as the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a massive recruitment drive to fill 76,578 vacancies in the five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles. Out of the total vacancies, 54,953 vacancies are for the post of constable (general duty), the recruitment for these posts is expected to be completed by March 11, according to ministry officials.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will conduct a computer-based written examination for a month, from February 11 to March 11.Out of 54,953 vacancies, most of the unfilled vacancies are in the countrys largest paramilitary force - Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The force that is at the forefront of Naxal-led violence in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, and is fighting militants up in Kashmir as well, 21,566 vacancies remain unfilled against the sanctioned strength of 3,24,093.

Following CRPF closely is the Border Security Force, which has a sanctioned strength of 263931, where there are 16,984 vacancies for constables (GD). BSF is the force that is facing the brunt of Pakistani shelling and violence from smugglers in our border with Bangladesh. In Sashastra Seema Bal, which has a sanctioned strength of 99212 personnel, 8,546 constables are required.

The ITBP, which is posted in several inhospitable conditions in areas bordering China, has 4,126 vacancies for constables against a sanctioned strength of 89,438 personnel. Assam Rifles has 3,076 such vacancies. Whereas the CISF also has thousands of vacancies for the post against its sanctioned strength of 1,55,254 personnel.

More chances for promotions

In addition, 20,086 vacancies pertain to promotional posts and in other cadres such as tradesman/ministerial/medical/paramedical/communication/engineering etc, and these are also being filled by the CAPFs. There are 1,073 vacancies in CAPFs at the level of sub-inspector (general duty). At the level of assistant commandant (general duty), there exist 466 vacancies for which direct recruitment is being made through the Union Public Service Commission.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday in connection with a money laundering probe against him.

Officials said Karti Chidambaram was summoned to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

He arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11 am.

It is understood that he would be questioned in the INX Media case, officials said.

The agency has alleged that Karti received money from INX Media, using his influence to manipulate a tax probe against it in a case of violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) conditions to receive investment from Mauritius.

It registered a PMLA case in May 2017 to probe the issue.

PTI NES MIN MIN 02071125 NNNN
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Indrani Mukerjea, former media baron booked in her daughter's murder case, has moved an application before a Delhi court to turn approver in the INX Media corruption case in which former Union minister P Chidambaram is an accused.

Mukerjea, who appeared through video conference from Byculla jail where she is lodged in Sheena Bora murder case, told Special CBI Judge Sunil Rana that she needed to be pardoned, and as an accused had not engaged an advocate to represent her before it in the case.

Taking note of her application, the court directed Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to appoint a legal aid counsel for Mukerjea, the former INX Media Director, and put up the matter for hearing on February 14.

ALSO READ: INX Media case: HC allows Chidambaram to place additional documents on record in anticipatory bail plea

Besides Mukerjea and Chidambaram, the name of his son Karti has also cropped up in the case involving Rs 305 crore, which relates to Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval granted in 2007 for receipt of funds by INX Media.

The CBI had registered an FIR in the case on May 15, 2017 alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister.

ALSO READ: Sheena Bora murder case : I-T department to record Indrani Mukerjea's statement on bank account

Thereafter, the ED has also lodged the money laundering case against the company's founders Peter Mukerjea, former media baron and his wife Indrani, and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Mukerjeas are facing trial in Mumbai for allegedly conspiring to kill Sheena Bora, Indrani's daughter from an earlier relationship, in April 2012.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Hours after the Supreme Court shifted the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual abuse case trial out of Bihar to a Delhi court, it also hauled up CBIs former interim director M Nageshwar Rao (pic) for contempt.

When the Supreme Court had handed over the case to the CBI, it had specifically instructed that the probe team be left undisturbed. At that point, the agency had assigned joint director A K Sharma to the case.

Yet, when the feud between the then CBI chief Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana spilled out into the open and Rao was made interim director, he transferred Sharma along with others out of Delhi without seeking the courts approval.A furious Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, heading a three-member bench, on Thursday asked Rao and S Bhasuram, in-charge Director of Prosecution, CBI, to personally appear to explain their position.

You have played with our orders. God help you. How can he be transferred by the Centre when the Supreme Court said he must not be shifted? Justice Gogoi asked. The court was further piqued, as its order not to transfer Sharma was apparently not passed onto the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Earlier in the day, the bench assigned the Muzaffarpur case trial to a POCSO court in Saket, Delhi, adding it must commence within two weeks and be wrapped up within six months.

Enough is enough

Why you did not obtain leave of this court as per earlier orders? It is a fit case for contempt. Enough is enough. We intend to deal with it, the SC said
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by Enforcement Directorate for the second day on Thursday, for nine hours, in connection with a probe into allegations he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

Official sources said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the United Kingdom.

ALSO READ: Robert Vadra and Karti Chidambaram: Two high-profile visitors at ED office on same day

They said the questioning of Vadra is underway and it is understood that he is being "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, the sources said.

He was grilled for five-and-a-half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday. His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

ALSO READ: ED asks Robert Vadra to appear before it in Jaipur on February 12

On Thursday, Vadra arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi in an SUV at about 11. 25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers reached there.

After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the session.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra.

These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

ALSO READ: I stand by my family, says Priyanka Gandhi after dropping off husband Robert Vadra at ED office

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him.

He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Vadra's lawyer K T S Tulsi told reporters outside the ED office Thursday his client has not committed any wrongdoing.

A team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case, has put across about two dozen questions to Vadra over two days.

His statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done on Wednesday, the sources added.

His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanies him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday.

She took charge of her new post at the Congress national headquarters on Akbar Road shortly after that.

"He is my husband, he is my family. I support my family," Priyanka Gandhi said in a show of support to Vadra, who had returned from London earlier on Wednesday.

That was the first time Vadra had appeared before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked on its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others.

The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against Bhandari.

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

Seizing on the questioning of Vadra, the BJP has attacked the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal during the UPA rule.

Vadra is also expected to present himself before ED on February 12 in Jaipur in an unrelated money-laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Thursday described him as a "darpok" (coward) and dared him to a five minute face-to-face debate on issues such as Rafale and national security.

Addressing his party's minority department convention here, Gandhi also alleged that the RSS was trying to capture the institutions of the country and asserted that his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh will remove the organisation's loyalists from the system.

In his speech covering a range of topics, an aggressive Gandhi slammed Modi for his China policy, saying the prime minister flew to the country and held a summit without an agenda while Beijing sent its army to Doklam.

Modi folded his hands before China, the Congress chief said, adding that China realised within two months that "leave alone 56 inches, he doesn't even have a four-inch chest".

"I know his (Modi) character after fighting him for five years. I say to BJP leaders. Make Narendra Modi stand with me on stage for five minutes and debate on national security, Rafale," Gandhi said in his speech in Hindi.

"I want to say he is a darpok (coward) person. I have recognised him. He gets scared when he faces someone who says I will not back off, he backs off," the Congress chief said, walking away dramatically from the mike for visual effect, eliciting applause from Congress workers.

In a speech laced with sarcasm, Gandhi did not spare Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, mocking him for allegedly taking instructions from the British.

Gandhi urged his party's workers to face the RSS, the BJP and Modi with all their might.

If Congress workers stand together, they (RSS, BJP, Modi) will run away as "they are cowards", he added.

The Congress chief said fear was writ large on Modi's face and asserted that those who spread hatred will be defeated.

Declaring that the "image of Narendra Modi is finished", Gandhi said, "He now knows you can't rule India by dividing people."

The Congress chief alleged that the RSS was attempting to capture the country's institutions, from the judiciary to the Election Commission.

"We have not merely formed governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. We will ensure that RSS people put in institutions in these states are removed," he said.

Gandhi claimed that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath informed him that there was a special ministry in Madhya Pradesh under the BJP rule to which Rs 800 crore were given and it was full of RSS people.

"In these states (MP, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan), one by one, we will do the work of removing RSS people from government's institutions. The bureaucracy of these states should know and India's bureaucracy should know that you are not RSS' bureaucracy, but India's bureaucracy," Gandhi said.

He asserted that irrespective of language, religion, and caste, the Congress party will always protect all Indians.

The aim of the RSS is to set aside the Constitution and run the country from Nagpur, he alleged.

"The RSS puts its people in the judicial system, in the Election Commission. The CBI chief if he wants to probe Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he is set aside and an RSS person is put in his place. Their aim is to finish all institutions in the country," Gandhi alleged.

He also alleged that Modi was the face but the government was being run by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

"With Narendra Modi as PM, four Supreme Court judges come out and say that 'we are not being allowed to work' and in the same line take the name of Justice Loya and indirectly say that BJP president Amit Shah is not allowing the Supreme Court to do its work," Gandhi said, referring to CBI judge B H Loya who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh and died in Nagpur on December 1, 2014.

The RSS and the BJP think that they are above India, but in three months the country will make them understand that it is not so, Gandhi said.

He alleged Modi snatched the Rafale contract from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and helped Anil Ambani to make a profit of Rs 30,000 crore.

The government, as well as Ambani, have strongly denied any wrongdoing in the fighter jet agreement with France.

"Do you accept that five years ago PM Narendra Modi's reputation was very good. Do you accept that today Narendra Modi is a thief. He can't even speak openly," Gandhi said. In his tenure Modi gave Rs 3. 5 lakh crore to 15 industrialists, Gandhi alleged.

"I asked the team framing the Congress manifesto to give something that shakes up the country. I asked them to give me something that I could offer loudly and change the mood of the people," he said of his party's minimum income promise for the poor.

The minimum income amount will be deposited in the bank accounts of the poor across the country by the Congress, he said.

"If Modi ji can give lakhs of crores of rupees to 15 individuals, we can also put money in the pocket of the poor people," he said.

This decision will be first of its kind in the world, where a big country like India will directly transfer money in the accounts of poor people, Gandhi said, adding that this will eradicate poverty.
By Online Desk

The Shiv Sena on Wednesday said it will vote against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill if it's taken up in the Rajya Sabha. Sena leader Sanjay Raut told IE, It is a political Bill, intended to serve the electoral interests of the BJP. We are under no obligation to throw our weight behind it."

This declaration from the Shiv Sena comes at a time when uncertainty is looming over the existing BJP-Sena alliance in Maharashtra. The Sena is the second NDA ally after the Nitish Kumar led Janata Dal (United) to decline support for the Bill in the upper House where the BJP lacks a majority.

Every region has its own identity and an element of pride. That is why linguistic states were created. People of the Northeast feel the Bill (if it becomes a law) will change the demographic character of the region, Raut added.

The controversial Bill seeks to grant citizenship to persecuted Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis and Christians from neighbouring Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, if they have stayed in India for six years.

BJP allies Mizo National Front, National People's Party, Naga Peoples' Front, National Democratic Progressive Party, Hill State People Democratic Party, Peoples Democratic Front, United Democratic Party and Asom Gana Parishad are united in their protest against the Bill.

Out of 245 members in the House, along with the Opposition's 114 members, six from the JD(U), three from the Sena and one from the Naga People's Front are likely to oppose the Bill.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The NIA has seized assets worth Rs 7.23 crore of alleged operatives of a banned naxal group, Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), in Jharkhand, the agency said in a statement.

It said the action came in an ongoing case against members of the TPC. The National Investigation Agency had filed a charge sheet against 16 TPC members, including 2 employees of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and some businessmen, in a special NIA court in December last year.

The property attached belongs to TPC operatives Binod Kumar Ganjhu, Bindeshwar Ganjhu, Pradeep Ram and Akraman, the regional commander of the TPC, it said.

The NIA said two plots of land and a double-storeyed house belonging to TPC operative Binod Kumar Ganjhu, besides five vehicles worth Rs 31 lakh have been attached.

The agency has also seized 10 vehicles, including a JCB loader, belonging to TPC operative Bindeshwar Ganjhu; 10 trucks valued at Rs 1.

61 crore, four vehicles belonging to Pradeep Ram and three acres of land worth Rs 4 crore of TPC commander Akraman.

"All the properties seized/ attached have been acquired by TPC members using terror funds collected by way of levy/ extortion," NIA Spokesperson said.
By Online Desk

After West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee called off her "save the Constitution" protest to protect Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar calling it a "victory", the Centre is yet again sending another group of CBI officials to Kolkata.

The new team of 10 officials led by joint director Pankaj Srivastava will arrive in Kolkata on Friday to expedite investigation in the Saradha and Rose Valley chit-fund scams.

READ| All eyes on Mamata as 13 years later she returns to her favourite dharna spot

The Centre versus Mamata stand-off began last Sunday when the Kolkata police detained a group of CBI officials from the top cop's Loudon street residence where they were supposed to question him in relation with the Ponzi scam.

The CBI alleged that Kumar tampered with the electronic evidence. Several Trinamool leaders were accused of helping the Saradha group to run the scam smoothly. The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Kumar to join the CBI probe in Shillong.
By PTI

LUCKNOW: The Allahabad High Court Thursday declared the strike by a section of Uttar Pradesh government employees "illegal" and ordered the government to initiate disciplinary action against them and their unions.

The court prohibited the employees and unions from going on strike or inciting any employee for it.

It further directed the senior officials of various departments to record the employees' attendance and videograph their agitation.

It asked the government to furnish the "action taken report" to it within a month. A bench of justices D K Arora and Ajay Bhanot passed the order on a writ petition by one Rajeev Mishra.

In its order, the bench expressed sympathy for the employees and directed the government to develop a mechanism to sort out their problems and meet their demands.

Arguing for the petitioner, advocate S M Royakwar said the parents and wife of the petitioner needed medical treatment.

But he came to know from newspapers that the government employees were going on strike from February 6 to 12 due to which he would not be able to get medical assistance for them, he said.

Apart from it, the UP school board examination started on February 6 but due to the strike, the students are suffering a lot, he pleaded.

Royakwar argued that the strike is illegal and would subject the society to miseries, besides affecting the career of the UP Board examinees.

Advocate General Raghvendra Singh told the bench that the state government had on January 16, 2018 issued a notification warning the agitating employees' unions not to go on strike or else Essential Services Maintenance Act would be imposed on them.

He said only 10 per cent of employees are reported to be on strike but the government is taking strict action against them also.

The state government employees are on strike from Wednesday for restoration of an old pension scheme. The government has invoked ESMA and banned the strike.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Eighty per cent farmers in Maharashtra are eligible for the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, a state minister said here on Thursday.

Maharashtra Revenue and Agriculture Minister Chandrakant Patil said the estimated number of beneficiaries in the state is around 1.20 crore.

"As per the Agriculture Census 2015-16, there are 1,52,85,439 farmers in Maharashtra, of whom 80 per cent would be eligible for the Centre's relief of Rs 6,000 per year," Patil told reporters after a meeting with agriculture and revenue officials on the scheme.

"A family holding up to two hectares of land and having children less than 18 years old will be eligible for this scheme. But an agricultural land holding person having a government or a semi-government job or any other profession for earning, then such families will be omitted from this scheme," he said.
Samuel Merigala By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Those violating the plastic ban will get three strikes, after which they will be ordered to shut shop and go home. The Chennai Corporation has proposed fines on users and producers of banned plastic items, ranging between Rs 100 and Rs 3 lakh. The fines will come into effect within a month and a government order in this regard is expected on Thursday.

According to a document accessed by Express, manufacturers will pay Rs 1 lakh fine when caught the first time, Rs 2 lakh the second time and Rs 3 lakh the third time. If a fourth offence is found, the city Corporation will permanently close down the unit.

The Corporation will also come down hard on suppliers and retailers of banned plastic items. They will be slapped with a Rs 25,000 fine the first time, Rs 50,000 the second time and Rs 1 lakh the third time. A fourth violation will result in their facility being closed or vehicle being seized.

Large establishments like malls will be slapped with a fine of Rs 25,000 on third offence while medium-sized establishments like supermarkets will have to pay Rs 5,000. They also run the risk of being shut down, permanently, if found violating the ban. Small commercial vendors will be charged Rs 100, Rs 200 and Rs 500 for their first three offences.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: The black box of the ill-fated Mirage-2000, which crashed in the city on February 1, will be taken to France for decoding its data. The Indian Air Force (IAF), which is investigating the crash that killed two pilots, is reportedly sending the black box to obtain further details about the accident.

According to sources, the black box of the aircraft has to be dealt with carefully, as there has been some damage to the box too. For this reason, an IAF officer will be taking the part with him, where the designated agency will mine data to uncover the exact reason behind the crash. French agencies will investigate the black box in presence of authorities from both IAF and HAL, sources said.Meanwhile,the IAF has nominated Air Vice Marshal Tiwari of the National Flight Test Centre to ensure that a fair probe in the court of inquiry be conducted jointly with the HAL.

The development comes at a time when families of the deceased pilots, Squadron Leaders Samir Abrol and Siddartha Negi, are demanding accountability in the incident. Samirs wife Garima Abrol recently posted a poem on Instagram blaming authorities for allowing the use of outdated machines. While the bureaucracy enjoyed its corrupt cheese and wine. We give our warriors outdated machines to fight, the poem read.The parents of Abrol and Negi had requested Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to investigate the accident.
Manju Shettar By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: A city-based aircraft pilot, who was working as a trainer in the Philippines, has gone missing as his aircraft lost contact during touch-and-go exercises being carried out between the Plaridel and Subic airports. The announcement was made by the countrys aviation regulator on Wednesday. The aircraft was piloted by Instructor pilot Naveen and his student pilot Kuldeep Singh as his passenger.

Thirty-year-old Naveen N, was onboard the Cessna C-152 aircraft, bearing tail number RPC-2724 which is believed to have gone missing over the Samal-Bataan area and according to local media reports, the plane took off from Plaridel airport at 7.20 AM local time and landed at Subic airport at 7.51 AM before taking off again to return to Plaridel.

Captain Naveen is a resident of Nandini Layout in Bengaluru and his father Nagaraj is employed in the Public Works Department (PWD) here. After being unable to reach Naveen for more than one day, the worried parents left on Tuesday for the Philippines to get more information about the search as the authorities still had no clue about the aircraft or its occupants four days after it went out of contact.

Vipul Siddanakatte, a friend of Naveen, employed with an Indian airline, said, The search operations are ongoing and we tried to reach the embassy to alert them about the incident. They should have pressed choppers into service immediately.

The Philippines coast guard has also joined in the search and has deployed a multi-role response vessel in the waters east of Orion, Bataan to search for the missing aircraft.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: State Bank of India on Thursday said that the Reserve Bank of India has slapped Rs 1 crore penalty on the country's largest lender for violating norms.

RBI "in exercise of powers conferred under Section 47 A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 has levied a penalty of Rupees one crore on the bank for not monitoring the end use of funds in respect of one of its borrowers," SBI said in a regulatory filing.

SBI, however, did not share details of the borrower and the loan amount given to the borrower.
mpc28/iStock(PHOENIX) -- Arizona's governor is calling for stronger protections for people with disabilities in the wake of a sexual abuse scandal at a long-term care facility.



Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order on Wednesday that will lead to increased oversight and better protocols for preventing, recognizing and reporting abuse and neglect at health care facilities, according to a statement.



All Arizonans deserve to be safe -- and we have a special responsibility to protect those with disabilities, Ducey said in the statement. This executive order provides increased accountability and stricter oversight, ensuring our most vulnerable are safe and protected. Theres more that needs to be done to ensure Arizona is guarding against abuse and neglect."



Ducey called on the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the Department of Health Services and Department of Economic Security to develop training on preventing abuse and neglect in the disability community, according to the statement.



The order came a day after Nathan Sutherland, a 36-year-old former nurse, pleaded not guilty to sexual assault and abuse charges after he allegedly raped and impregnated an incapacitated patient at a Phoenix long-term care facility.



The 29-year-old woman, who's been comatose for more than a decade, gave birth to a baby boy at Hacienda Healthcare in Phoenix on Dec. 29, sparking allegations of sexual abuse and concerns about patient safety.



Investigators said Sutherland's DNA matched a sample from the woman's newborn. Employees at the facility said they had no idea she was pregnant.



Ducey also requested an inquiry into how Hacienda employees didn't notice that the patient had been raped, according to a letter sent to the state's Attorney General Mark Brnovich.



"It is unknown for how long or how many times this vulnerable victim was attacked prior to and after this instance and it may never be known due to the fact that her ability to communicate is limited," the letter said. "Although a suspect in this crime has been apprehended thanks to the good work of the Phoenix Police Department, details continue to emerge regarding the leadership of this entity and its lack of action."



Longtime Hacienda CEO Bill Timmons resigned in the wake of the incident, a move backed by the firm's board of directors, and the state's Department of Health Services said it would mandate the facility operate under stronger guidelines for the time being.



State officials are reportedly laying the groundwork to prepare for potentially moving patients out of Hacienda-operated facilities, according to ABC affiliate KNXV-TV.



The woman's lawyer, John Michaels, said the baby is being cared for by her family.



"The family obviously is outraged, traumatized and in shock by the abuse and neglect of their daughter at Hacienda Healthcare," Michaels said. "The family is well aware of the intense news and public interest in their daughters case, but at this time is not emotionally ready to make a public statement."



"The family would like me to convey that the baby boy has been born into a loving family and will be well cared for," he added.



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By Express News Service

The Central governments kitty is drying up from its efforts to keep up the expenditure momentum, a trend that has been recorded over the last decade. However, it has been able to crowd in public investment through a heavy reliance on the internal and extra-budgetary resources (IEBR) of its sprawling public sector undertaking (PSU) network.

For instance, overall capital expenditure in the next fiscal year (FY20) is projected to grow just six per cent against 20 per cent in FY19, reflecting the Centres deteriorating spending capability and an ongoing skew towards social welfare spending. In contrast, it is the IEBR of PSUs and states that are largely funding public sector investment. And while central and state government expenditure find mention in the Budget, IEBR is bankrolled by PSU resources and as such, does not get counted as government expenditure. Consequently, they do not feature in the fiscal deficit math.

A breakdown of general government expenditure into central (budgetary support plus IEBR) and state expenditure shows that the share of states has also risen sharply  from 32.6 per cent in FY10 to 43.4 per cent in FY18. The share of the centre meanwhile (excluding IEBR) came down to 28.2 per cent from 45.5 per cent during the same period.

Broadly, of the total public sector-led capital expenditure of `6.64 lakh crore in FY18, the central governments total outlay was a mere `1.87 crore, while the remaining was done through IEBR spending through its public sector units. During the same period, the combined expenditure of all states was `5.10 lakh crore.

This trend in steadily slowing central government expenditure seems unlikely to change in the near future. Capital spending by the Centre is budgeted to grow at a much slower pace in FY20 and a bulk of the spending will be by the state-run firms led by sectors such as railways, highways, housing and urban affairs and transport.

However, investments by public sector companies in the power and petroleum and natural gas sectors are expected to see a relative decline. In such a scenario, the government would have to play a more supportive role in ensuring that public sector companies dont falter for lack of funds.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Several associations, including IAMAI, have raised concerns over changes being mulled by the government in IT rules for social media and other platforms, but Reliance Jio has asserted that tighter checks, including traceability, will curb misuse of online platforms.

In its comments submitted to the IT Ministry, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has said that objectives of the amendments being proposed are "unclear" and has requested the government to initiate a stakeholder's consultation on the issue.

IAMAI has said that some of the proposed amendments will tantamount to "compromise of user privacy, make intermediaries party to state-driven censorship and overall rob intermediaries of the exemptions provided by the IT Act and upheld by the Supreme Court."For instance, it has said the obligation being proposed on intermediaries to trace out originators and communications when sought by authorised Government agencies would be "violation of the right to privacy".

It further said that 72-hour deadline for platforms to extend assistance is "arbitrary". "Asking intermediaries to assist in investigations and enable tracing cannot be a condition for intermediary rights," IAMAI said.

The US India Business Council (USIBC) has argued that absolute traceability and attribution being mulled may not be technically feasible. It further said that encryption features being utilised by some products "preclude or severely limit the ability of intermediaries to track and trace content". "Industry shares the goal of responsibly addressing the challenge of illegal and harmful content, and looks forward to ensuring that all actors work hand-in-hand for the security of Indian citizens. The focus of these comments is to raise concerns largely with compliance challenges associated with unrealistic expectations the draft guidelines create," said USIBC in its response.

It said that prescribing 72-hour timeline for platforms to respond to lawful orders may be "unreasonable in some situations" and has also flagged the provisions that would necessitate compliance to notifications by the "appropriate Government or its agency" saying such directives could be questioned on both a legal and due process basis.

In its written submissions, Reliance Jio Infocomm noted that while the growth of platforms has bolstered the digital footprint, there has been a rampant increase in misuse of technology for committing cybercrimes and for circulation of rumours and fake news. "There have been multiple cases in recent past in India where social media and mobile chat apps have been misused for wide circulation of rumours or fake news to incite violence in society leading to the death of innocent citizens," Jio said.

Jio argued that there is a need to strike balance between freedom of speech and expression and obligation to be responsible and accountable so "platforms do not become conduit for unlawful activities". It has said that platforms should be mandated to assist law enforcement agencies and identified Government agencies in a time-bound manner.

Similarly, it said, platforms should be mandated to remove or disable access to unlawful content in case of a court order or notification by Government agencies. Jio has emphasised that platforms should enable tracing out message originators to help Government agencies in identifying sources of misleading information.

The Government had sought public feedback on the proposed changes in IT rules, and the last date for submission of the comments by stakeholders was January 31. The comments of stakeholders have now been placed on the IT Ministry website.
Alabama None

Alaska None

Arizona None

Arkansas None

California AB 1699 Signed by governor 10/2/19, Chapter 398 This bill authorizes a first response agency to submit a request to a mobile internet service provider to not impair or degrade the lawful internet traffic of an account used by the agency in response to an emergency, and requires a first response agency that acts pursuant to that authorization to notify the mobile internet service provider upon the account no longer being used by the agency in response to the emergency. The bill prohibits the mobile internet service provider, upon receiving that request, from impairing or degrading the lawful internet traffic of the first response agencys account until the earlier of either the time when the account is no longer being used by the agency in response to the emergency or the end of the emergency, subject to reasonable network management.

Colorado SB 78

Signed by governor 5/17/19, Chapter 210 Concerns the protection of the open internet; disqualifies an internet service provider from receiving high cost support mechanism money or other money received to finance broadband deployment if the internet service provider engages in certain practices that interfere with the open internet; requires a governmental body contracting for broadband internet access service to give preference to certain companies.

Connecticut HB 5016

Failed Joint Favorable deadline 3/21/19 Requires internet service providers that are state contractors to adopt a net neutrality policy.

Connecticut HB 6244

Failed Joint Favorable deadline 3/21/19 Requires internet service providers that are state contractors to adopt a net neutrality policy.

Connecticut SB 6

Failed Joint Favorable deadline 3/21/19 Requires internet service providers to register and pay registration fees and requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to apply net neutrality principles to internet service providers and enforce such principles with civil penalties and prohibits certain telecommunications companies, certified telecommunications providers, certified competitive video service providers and internet service providers from collecting personal information from a customer resulting from the use of such company or provider without express written consent from such customer and refusing to provide services based on lack of such express written consent.

Delaware None

District of Columbia None

Florida None

Georgia HB 437 Amends Chapter 1 of Title 10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to selling and other trade practices, so as to provide for regulation of certain practices by providers of broadband services.

Guam Not available

Hawaii HB 1062

To conference committee 4/18/19 Establishes a broadband infrastructure grant program to be administered by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Eligible applicants must commit to complying with net neutrality principles as defined by Executive Order No. 18-02.

Hawaii SB 253

Passed Senate 3/5/19 Codifies the substantive provisions of Executive Order No. 1802, which requires all state agencies to: contract internet-related services only with internet service providers that demonstrate and contractually agree to support and practice net neutrality principles where all internet traffic is treated equally; and add contract language and provisions to state procurement requirements that suppliers of telecommunications, internet, broadband, and data communication services shall abide by net neutrality principles. Defines "net neutrality principles." Requires DCCA director to monitor net neutrality including broadband and internet access services.

Idaho None

Illinois HB 1582 Creates the Broadband Procurement and Disclosure Act. Provides that no state broadband purchaser may award any contract to an internet service provider that includes broadband service unless the contract provides specified terms concerning access to and impairment of internet services. Requires each internet service provider to make available on its website a clear and conspicuous statement informing end users of the internet service provider's network management practices and performance, including commercial terms offered to end users. Provides enforcement and damages provisions. Provides that nothing in the Act supersedes any obligation or authorization or limits the ability of an internet service provider to address the needs of emergency communications or law enforcement, public safety, or national security authorities consistent with or as permitted by applicable law. Provides legislative findings. Defines terms.

Indiana None

Iowa HF 174 Provides for internet neutrality; makes penalties applicable.

Kansas None

Kentucky HB 9 Amends KRS 154.15-010 to create a definition for paid prioritization; creates a new section of Subchapter 15 of KRS Chapter 154 to require KentuckyWired contracts between the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and public or private internet service providers contain certain provisions to ensure open and fair access to the network by customers.

Louisiana None

Maine LD 1364

Signed by governor 6/24/19, Public Chapter 468

This bill prohibits a state agency or instrumentality from committing state funds in a manner that the agency or instrumentality knows would result in a direct payment to an internet service provider unless the internet service provider agrees in writing to conform to the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission order, FCC 15-24, adopted on Feb. 26, 2015, known as the Open Internet Order.

Maryland HB 141 Specifies the circumstances under which a broadband internet access service provider may handle certain customer personal information in a certain manner; establishes a mechanism through which a broadband internet access service provider may obtain customer consent to have certain personal information handled in a certain manner; declaring the intent of the General Assembly that if the state or a municipality provides broadband Internet services, it may not impose use restrictions that prohibit the exercise of free speech; etc.

Massachusetts HB 2921 Provides for net neutrality and consumer protection.

Massachusetts HB 2927 Protects consumers by prohibiting blocking, throttling, or paid prioritization in the provision of internet service.

Massachusetts SB 1936 Promotes net neutrality and consumer protection.

Massachusetts SB 1960 Ensures a free and open internet in the Commonwealth.

Michigan None

Minnesota HF 136 SF 317 Prohibits certain activities by internet service providers serving Minnesota customers and those under contract to the state or political subdivisions.

Minnesota HF 555 SF 209 Prohibits certain activities by internet service providers serving Minnesota customers and those under contract to the state or political subdivisions.

Mississippi None

Missouri HB 391 This bill provides that broadband service providers shall publicly disclose information regarding network management practices, performance, and the commercial terms of its broadband internet access. Broadband service providers shall also not block any broadband internet access, impair broadband internet access, engage in paid prioritization, or unreasonably disadvantage an end user's ability to select Internet content or an edge provider's ability to provide internet content to end users. The Public Service Commission may only sanction paid prioritization if it will provide some significant public interest benefit and not impede the open access of the internet. The bill also authorizes the attorney general to enforce the provisions of the bill, with any resulting proceedings including a penalty up to $5,000 for each violation, not to exceed $25,000 per day. Additionally, any individual violating the provisions of the bill shall be subject to all penalties, remedies, and procedures provided by merchandising practice laws.

Missouri HB 625 Establishes provisions for net neutrality.

Montana SB 355

Missed deadline for revenue bill transmittal 4/1/19 Requires net neutrality; provides a penalty; provides the public service commission rulemaking authority.

Nebraska None

Nevada SB 334 Prohibits certain governmental entities, under certain circumstances, from contracting with broadband internet access service providers who engage in certain practices; requires broadband internet access service providers to make certain disclosures; requires the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to adopt certain regulations.

New Hampshire HB 132

Failed to pass House 3/14/19 This bill: I. Requires the department of information technology to develop a process for Internet service providers to certify compliance with consumer protection and net neutrality standards. II. Requires such certification for an Internet service provider to be eligible to enter into a service contract with a state agency on or after April 15, 2020. III. Directs the attorney general to review network management practices of ISPs in New Hampshire and assess compliance with the 2015 FCC net neutrality rules.

New Jersey AB 2131 Passed Assembly 6/20/19 SB 2458 Directs BPU to prohibit internet service providers from installing broadband telecommunications infrastructure on certain poles or underground facilities unless internet service providers adhere to the principle of net neutrality.

New Jersey AB 2132

Passed Assembly 6/20/19 S.B. 1802 Prohibits awarding of public contracts to internet service providers, unless internet service providers adhere to the principle of net neutrality.

New Jersey AB 2139

Passed Assembly 6/20/19 Requires cable television company to commit to the principle of net neutrality as a condition of approval of an application for municipal consent or system-wide franchise.

New Jersey AR 131 SR 25

Adopted 2/1/18 Urges president and Congress of United States to restore net neutrality in federal law.

New Mexico SB 233 Relates to trade practices; enacts a section of the unfair practices act to prohibit and make subject to penalty certain practices in providing broadband internet access; makes an appropriation.

New York AB 138 SB 4368 Relates to state contracts being only with internet service providers compliant with net neutrality and establishes a revolving fund for the establishment of municipal internet service providers; appropriates $250 million therefor.

New York AB 1555 SB 4746 Relates to establishing a commission to study and report on the potential implementation of legislation, rules and regulations for an open internet for New Yorkers.

New York AB 2432

Passed Assembly 6/4/19 SB 3663 Relates to instituting internet service neutrality; provides the public service commission with jurisdiction over monitoring broadband internet service providers; requires a certification for internet service neutrality in certain state contracts.

New York AB 3642 SB 2263 Provides regulatory control of internet service providers by the public service commission, requires internet neutrality and relates to the placement of equipment on utility poles.

New York AB 3693 Enacts the "omnibus telecommunications reform act of 2019"; reforms the competitive cable service, promotes the wide-spread development of high-capacity broadband internet access, and increases the availability and quality of services in this key economic development area and ensures the safety, reliability and affordability of telecommunications services.

North Carolina HB 861 Establishes procedures for procurement of broadband services by state and local government entities to support the principles of net neutrality.

North Carolina SB 308 Restores an open internet in North Carolina and appropriates funds for statewide broadband access.

North Dakota None

N. Mariana Islands Not available

Ohio None

Oklahoma None

Oregon None

Pennsylvania HB 544 Amends Title 66 Public Utilities of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions; provides for definitions; provides for internet neutrality.

Pennsylvania SB 392 Provides for disclosure requirements for broadband internet access service providers, for prohibitions and for contracts, grants and tax credits; imposes civil penalties.

Pennsylvania SB 393 Amends Title 66 Public Utilities of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions; provides for definitions; provides for internet neutrality.

Puerto Rico HB 1427 Establishes the right of every citizen neutrality through cybernetics networks; establishes the public policy of the Government of Puerto Rico regarding the protection of said right; amends Law 213 of 1996, as amended, the Telecommunications Law in order to provide and preserve the free flow of all information and content, to limit marketing practices that create packages for the use of certain applications, information flow or data by the companies that provide telecommunication and broadband.

Puerto Rico SB 836 Establishes as a requirement for contracting with the agencies, corporations and instrumentalities of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, that Internet service providers establish measures consistent with the basic principles of net neutrality; establishes the public policy of the Commonwealth for said purposes.

Puerto Rico SCR 30 Expresses the most energetic rejection and repudiation from the Legislature of Puerto Rico to the recent decision of the Federal Communications Commission of the United States of America issued on Dec. 14, 2017, that revokes the protections at the beginning of Net Neutrality.

Puerto Rico SJR 200 Orders the secretary of Justice to join the lawsuit filed by different states and jurisdictions of the United States against the new regulations imposed by the Federal Commission of Communications that eliminate the net neutrality and for performing all relevant legal procedures to question the necessary forums with regard to the order of the Federal Communications Commission entitled Restoring Internet Freedom.

Rhode Island SB 40

Passed Senate 4/30/19 Requires internet service providers to follow Internet service neutrality requirements.

South Carolina HB 3342 Adds article 25 to chapter 9, title 58 so as to enact the "South Carolina Net Neutrality Preservation Act," defines relevant terms, provides that a telecommunications or internet service provider engaged in the provision of broadband internet access service publicly shall disclose accurate information regarding the network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its broadband internet access services sufficient for consumers to make informed choices regarding use of such services and for content, application, service, and device providers to develop, market, and maintain internet offerings, and prohibits certain practices by telecommunications or internet service providers engaged in the provision of broadband internet access service in South Carolina; provides that violations of this act are not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and constitute an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the South Carolina consumer protection code; and provides that a public entity may not enter into a contract with a telecommunications or internet service provider engaged in the provision of broadband internet access service in South Carolina unless the contract includes a representation that the telecommunications or internet service provider is not currently engaged in, and an agreement that the telecommunications or internet service provider will not engage in, those practices prohibited by this act.

South Carolina HB 3440 Adds article 25 to chapter 9, title 58 so as to enact the "South Carolina Net Neutrality Protection and Maintenance Act," defines relevant terms, provides that a telecommunications or internet service provider engaged in the provision of broadband internet access service publicly shall disclose accurate information regarding the network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its broadband internet access services sufficient for consumers to make informed choices regarding use of these services and for content, application, service, and device providers to develop, market, and maintain internet offerings, and prohibits certain practices by telecommunications or internet service providers engaged in the provision of broadband internet access service in South Carolina; provides that violations of this act are not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and constitute an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the South Carolina consumer protection code; and provides that a public entity may not enter into a contract with a telecommunications or internet service provider engaged in the provision of broadband internet access service in South Carolina unless the contract includes a representation that the telecommunications or internet service provider is not currently engaged in, and an agreement that the telecommunications or internet service provider will not engage in, those practices prohibited by this act.

South Dakota None

Tennessee HB 1060 SB 969 Enacts the "Tennessee Neutrality and Internet Consumer Protection Act."

Texas HB 1426 Relates to mobile internet service access in an area subject to a declared state of disaster.

Texas HB 3921 Relates to certain contracting requirements for the provision of broadband internet access service to governmental entities.

Utah HB 490

Enacting clause struck 3/14/19 This bill enacts provisions related to broadband internet access service. This bill: defines terms; prohibits a broadband internet access service provider from using, disclosing, selling, or permitting access to a customer's personal information except under certain circumstances; places requirements on broadband internet access service providers related to: providing notice to customers related to the use of customer personal information; and maintaining measures to protect customer personal information; enacts other provisions related to requirements on a broadband internet access service provider; requires the state and political subdivisions to purchase broadband internet access service from a provider that engages in certain conduct related to: public disclosure of network management practices; blocking content, applications, or services; impairing internet traffic; and interfering with a user's choice of service or device; and makes technical and conforming changes.

Vermont HB 92 This bill proposes to require applicants for a certificate of public good under 30 V.S.A. 248a to obtain a certificate of net neutrality compliance from the secretary of Administration if the proposed facility is intended to be used for the provision of broadband internet access service. It also proposes to repeal the July 1, 2020 sunset of 30 V.S.A. 248a.

Virginia HB 1755 Prohibits a provider of broadband services from offering or renewing services to consumers within any locality in the Commonwealth in which certain media is throttled, blocked, or prioritized on the basis of its content, format, host address, or source.

Virgin Islands None

Washington None

West Virginia HB 2325 Adds a new article, designated 1-7-1, 1-7-2 and 1-7-3, all relating to net neutrality for state government; provides legislative findings; defines terms; requires the state to utilize net neutral internet services and associated activities; and provides exceptions.

Wisconsin None
A visitation and memorial service will be held for Donald Hawk Sr., who passed away on Nov. 16, 2020, and his beloved wife, JoAnne C. Hawk, who passed away on Jan. 17, 2021.
China, as part of its recent military and foreign policies, has planned to upgrade on a large scale its first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, to sell it to Pakistan, its ally, in order to compete with India. This selling is to increase Pakistani Navy's strength, facing India equally and making of Pak a better ally for China.

China, as part of its recent military and foreign policies, has planned to upgrade on a large scale its first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, to sell it to Pakistan, its ally, in order to compete with India. This selling is to increase Pakistani Navy's strength, facing India equally and making of Pak a better ally for China.

An aircraft carrier fleet of the Chinese PLA Navy arrives in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 7 for a visit to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. The fleet comprises the country's first aircraft carrier Liaoning, two destroyers and a frigate. The fleet will leave Hong Kong on July 11. (Picture source : PLA HK Garrison)

An official media report separately disclosed that China has planned to carry out a large-scale upgrade of Chinas first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, and sell it to Pakistan to compete with India! It described Pakistan as the best destination for it and said that by then the Liaoning, which was commissioned into the PLAN in September 2012, will have served the Chinese Navy for about 18 years. Gwadar and Karachi are already described by Chinese Navy strategists as a logistics base and PLA Navy (PLAN) base respectively. This does mean that the carrier could be sold to Pak by 2020.

This isn't the only military vehicle that China wants to sell to Pakistan. During the past few months, plenty of armament and vehicles have been sold to Pakistani armed forces, including nuclear weapons technology, warships, aircraft and missiles. In addition to that, China and Pakistan both take part to more and more joint exercises on their shared borders. Moreover is China sending aircraft to Pakistan to help them understand Indian aircraft's technologies and characteristics, in order to counter them more efficiently (J-11, J-11B and Su-30MKK to simulate India's Su-30MKI, and J-10C to simulate the Rafale fighters India is to acquire).

Military cooperation between those two countries seems to increase more and more all along the months. And China appears intending to integrate Pakistan into its military system to fulfil its global ambitions. Pakistan would then become an outpost for Chinese extended global maritime reach.

All of this can largely be explained by the intentions China has to extend its military and political influence beyond its borders. Recently, China actually showned to the world its desire to military secure the South China Sea, and maybe even the Indian Ocean, by increasing its military power and presence in these areas. In order to make it possible, China has made the decision to deeply transform its armed forces by enhancing its naval capabilities, through the building of brand new vessels, but also through the training of more maritime personnel.

PLA Navy (PLAN) strategists emphasized that, in order to be able to achieve such goals, China would have to launch new carrier battle formations in East and South China. Therefore, China has decided to build 5 aircraft carriers and launch them by 2025-2030. Another 6th could even be considered but whether this one will be built remains uncertain.
Sports

Nagaland pulls out of Santosh Trophy

Correspondent Kohima, Feb 7 (NPN) | Publish Date: 2/7/2019 11:16:35 AM IST

Nagaland football team, after failing to register players in the Centralised Registration System (CRS), has backed out of participating in the Northeast Zone qualifying round for Santosh Trophy which is scheduled to begin in Aizawl, Mizoram from February 11, and continue till February 16.

Nagaland was set to play against Assam in the first match on February 12 but now Assam will get a walkover in the qualifying match. Backing out this year from the tournament means that the State team has now failed to participate in Santosh Trophy for the third consecutive year.

Nagaland Football Association (NFA) president Atuo Mezhur confirmed that Nagaland would not be participating in Santosh Trophy and told this correspondent that there have been some problems with registering for the CRS.

The president clarified the names for the players have to be submitted 15 days before the match, but the association was unable to do so because district presidents gave no response despite being told beforehand that detailed information of players would be required.

We already have about 100 football players that are already registered under CRS but only 6 of them were selected for Santosh trophy, he added.

When asked about the players stationed in the preparation camp at IG Stadium, he said senior players will be sent back home, but U-21 players will stay back in the camp to prepare for the upcoming U-21 Dr. T. Ao. Trophy.

Kwethelhi Thopi, former Aizawl FC player said the Nagaland Football Association had earlier asked football players to register in 2013, which some of did but most didnt.

He added that the NFA did not put any restrictions on players playing tournaments out of the CRS banner, which he felt should have been controlled.

One source said it was lack of professional clubs in the state, due to which teams failed to register in the CRS. The source pointed out that every district football player for every age group should be registered under CRS to play in the national level.

CRS registration mandatory for all football players

All India Football Federation (AIFF) has made mandatory registration of all the players and clubs in the Centralised Registration System (CRS).

According to footballcounter.com, the players who fail to register in CRS will not be allowed to take part in any district, state, and national competitions as per the AIFF rules and regulations.

Nagaland Football Association, through a notification, has requested all football players above 13 years of age to register in the AIFF CRS. Football clubs can contact Nagaland Football Association for further queries by email at nagalandfa@gmail.com.
The Dayton Book Fair Foundation has chosen three downtown Dayton nonprofit organizations as beneficiaries of the 2019 Dayton Book Fair. This years book fair is the the 49th annual fair, the largest used book sale in Ohio and will generate grants of around $10,000 for each recipient.

The three organizations chosen from a large pool of applicants are the Dayton Day of the Dead Festival, the Greater Dayton LGBT Center and Community Action Partners of the Miami Valley.

We get so many excellent applicants each year, said foundation director Larkin Vonalt that its a great challenge to just pick three. The process of choosing beneficiaries takes four to six weeks for the board of seven. The organizations we chose this year had also applied in previous years, Vonalt said and in that light, we strongly encourage organizations to apply more than once.

The three groups they picked this year all call downtown Dayton home, and range from a tiny nonprofit to an enormous organization with a multi-million dollar budget. But just because theyre big doesnt mean that they dont need help, Vonalt explained. That beneficiary, Community Action Partners of Miami Valley has been trying for years to build a bus shelter outside their south Main St. offices to provide a safe, dry place for their clients to wait for the bus. Though their budget is considerable, all of it has stipulations attached, and there was nothing extra to build the shelter. Community Action Partners is a private non-profit organization that provides assistance with utilities, weatherization, shelter programs, transportation, legal issues, home repair, computer literacy, tax assistance and housing.

Also chosen to receive a grant this year is the Greater Dayton LGBT Center on Jefferson St. The funding theyll receive is earmarked for the commercial kitchen theyre building to prepare free community meals they offer, teach cooking classes and meet the requirements for a licensed kitchen to be able to make food items for resale. The LGBT Center also offers support groups, a book club, health testing, holiday gatherings, social events, AA meetings, Yoga classes and seminars in their efforts to enhance lives and empower members of diverse sexual and gender communities throughout the Miami Valley.

The third recipient is the smallest, a group of artists and musicians that for the last seven years have produced (on a shoestring) a marvelous festival and parade celebrating Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, one of the most important of Mexican holidays, Vonalt said.

Though predominantly Mexican, the holiday is also marked in Europe as All Saints Day and focuses on gatherings to remember friends and family who have died, and help support their spiritual journey through parties, parades and the making of altars to honor them. This vibrant celebration at the Dayton Day of the Dead Festival begins with a parade through the Oregon district with huge skeleton puppets, floats, revelers in elaborate costumes (and sugar-skull facepaint and wreaths of flowers), musicians, dancers and children. The parade finishes at the Old Yellow Cab company where festivities continue with story telling, folk dancing, music, more face painting and Mexican and South American street food provided by local restaurants and St. Marys Church. The festival is free and family-friendly.

Through the year, the organizations are each asked to provide 40 hours of volunteer service to the Book Fair Foundation and to help with a book drive and promoting the fair. We hope to build a relationship with each of our beneficiaries, Vonalt explained. In the end, we want to try to build a stronger network of Dayton-area non-profits helping each other.

The Book Fair will be presenting checks next week of $10,000 each to their 2018 Beneficiaries Rebuilding Together Dayton, the Victory Project and We Care Arts.

The 2019 book sale will be Friday, Nov 8th through Monday, Nov 11th at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Donated books are accepted at the Book Loft, located at 2181 Embury Park Road in Dayton, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 3 pm, Wednesdays from 1 pm to 7 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm. If you have a very large number of books to donate, or you need help with your books, give them a call at 937.999.4491.
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News

Tioga Central Schools

Tioga Central School: The saga of bus 169

Johnny Williams/Morning Times Tioga Superintendent Dr. David Hamilton responds to a parent Wednesday.

TIOGA  Approximately a dozen parents appeared before the Tioga Central School Board on Wednesday to express concerns and confusion over what exactly happened with bus 169.

According to Superintendent Dr. David Hamilton, on Jan. 24, that bus was transporting children within the district when it hit a patch of icy roadway and slid into the roadside ditch.

No one was hurt and the bus suffered no damage, said Hamilton.

However, the accident took place in an area of its route that had no service for its radio or even cell phones, Hamilton explained.

Thats when the confusion began, and led to parents looking to the school board to find out what happened and what the districts actions would be in light of the incident.

Specifically, parents were unsure what the districts protocol would be in that situation with little to no communication, whether there is a protocol in place, and whether the correct procedures were followed.

Its been something that our transportation director, administrators, superintendent and everybody has been working to kind of piece everything together and try to do whats best, board President Ryan Bombard said. I do know that well be discussing transportation issues during our executive session where we can discuss personnel issues and things like that. From that, well have more of an understanding of what happened and what is going to be done. But I can tell you that something is going to be done.

(Im) just frustrated with the lack of transparency and communication back and forth is really what it boils down to for me, one parent said.

I do want to understand  it was an accident, another parent said. I just want to know what the protocols are  the policies and procedures behind when an accident happens.

A third parent explained his concerns  asking why a bus had a radio installed that did not have service in an area of route as well as asking why he was disallowed to to pick up his children from the bus even though he was only a half-mile away.

Parents jumped in on those statements, each one telling different stories on how they got their children back.

All of us experienced a different situation on what the protocol was, one said.

High School Principal Josh Roe said district officials did not learn about the situation until extensively after the fact due to the lack of communication service.

The only thing we got back was that a bus went off the road, everyone is ok and they need help, he said. Thats the only information we were operating off of in real time  and it was 20 minutes. We had no communication with the driver or the bus  no way to notify the people that were on, the people that werent, who was dropped off or picked up. We didnt know anything at that point.

Another parent referenced a letter from Hamilton that stated that the driver involved in the situation was released and someone else had taken over those duties.

However, that driver continued to operate the bus, she said.

Hamilton acknowledged that he made a mistake on the letter.

My understanding when I sent the letter out was that is what happened, he said. After I looked into it more and discussed it with other people, I learned thats not how it was handled.

Hamilton offered to set up a more formal sit-down with the parents once more information is gathered and go over their questions and address their concerns one-on-one  an idea which parents agreed.

Were with you guys on this, Bombard said. We have kids on these buses, too. I dont want you to feel like were fighting you and leaving this that, if youre not getting the answers you want, that were your enemy. Were on your side, and we want answers, too.

I think there are some legitimate concerns here across the board from top to bottom, a parent said. Everything that went on here was just a bad situation that I dont want to see get worse. We have a great school and there are great things going on here.
PHILADELPHIA  The numbers keep piling up when it comes to the coronavirus toll in the city.
Salinas Fire Chief Jeff Johnson submitted his resignation to City Manager Ray Corpuz on Jan. 29. His last day on the job will be Feb. 13.
[February 07, 2019] Tyler Technologies Acquires MyCivic Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL) announced today that it has acquired MyCivic, a rapidly growing provider of citizen engagement applications. MyCivic will elevate Tyler's current citizen-facing applications by enabling clients to provide a single app for citizens to interact with their local government in multiple ways. "The acquisition of MyCivic supplements Tyler's Connected Communities vision and business plan by providing connected applications and personalized portals for a customized experience for constituents," said Lynn Moore, president and chief executive officer of Tyler. "By bringing together Tyler's mission-critical foundational software for government and MyCivic's expertise in citizen-facing applications, we will be able to empower connected citizens who can easily engage with their local government in a meaningful way." MyCivic currently provides its product to clients across the United States and Canada. Its main application offering brings "city hall into citizens' hands" by connecting citizens to all the services, resources, and information that their city has to offer, including bill pay, reporting features, events calendars, and business directories. A few features of the app include: Mobile capabilities, allowing local government and agency staff to efficiently manage assignments information, and internal communication to improve services at their desk or in the field

A complete business directory, which can be used to promote the local economy by adding a directory for dining, shopping, and local businesses

Public safety-specific tools like surveillance camera registry, daily bulletins, patrol requests, and crime tips to improve communication between agencies and its citizens

An easy-to-use, customizable design, allowing citizens to access the things they care about most in their community "We are excited to join the Tyler Technologies (News - Alert) organization and elevate its citizen-facing applications with the addition of MyCivic," said T.J. Sokoll, CEO and founder of MyCivic. "We know how powerful it can be when citizens have direct access and a clear line of communication to their local government. By combining Tyler's experience within the public sector with MyCivic's proven platform, we are confident that our solution will be more advanced and intuitive to fit the needs of communities of all sizes." This acquisition will benefit Tyler's entire client base as MyCivic has applicability across most of Tyler's solution areas. Its unified design brings together many different user groups such as citizens, parents, public safety agencies, and businesses, and its mobile platform enables rapid development and deployment for clients, averaging a quick, 30 to 45-day implementation timeline from contract signing to go-live. Founded in 2011, MyCivic employs 12 people. MyCivic management and staff are expected to remain in their positions, with founder T.J. Sokoll becoming vice president of product strategy within Tyler's Local Government Division. About Tyler Technologies, Inc. Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL) is a leading provider of end-to-end information management solutions and services for local governments. Tyler partners with clients to empower the public sector - cities, counties, schools and other government entities - to become more efficient, more accessible and more responsive to the needs of their constituents. Tyler's client base includes more than 15,000 local government offices in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, and other international locations. Forbes has included Tyler on its "Best Small Companies" list eight times, and ranked Tyler on its "Best Midsize Employers" list in 2018. More information about Tyler Technologies, headquartered in Plano, Texas, can be found at www.tylertech.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190207005134/en/

[ Back To www.mobilitytechzone.com\LTE's Homepage ]
Matt Brooks was sworn in by Grand County Clerk Chris Baird as the new deputy county attorney on Jan. 22. [Photo courtesy of the Moab City Police Department]
Black Diamond Equipment CEO Emeritus Peter Metcalf will give the keynote address at this years Moab Business Summit on Feb. 11. [Photo courtesy of Peter Metcalf]
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Press Freedom  Taking A Glance At A Newspaper Stand

In support of their claim that Maduro is a tyrant who does not allow free elections, corporate media consistently point to a lack of press freedom. When British academic Alan MacLeod of Glasgow Media Group reviewed 166 Western media articles evaluating the state of press freedom between 1998-2014, he found that all depicted Venezuelan media as caged, or unfree. Last week, Canadian political analyst Joe Emersberger commented in The Canary:

The idea that Venezuela has a caged media has to be one of the most unforgivable pieces of Western propaganda about the country. And a simple analysis shows just how ignorant that allegation is. Indeed, just a few days ago, one of Venezuelas most widely read newspapers, El Universal, published an op-ed enthusiastically applauding the efforts of the US-backed opposition to bring about President Nicolas Maduros ouster by recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as the countrys new president. The op-ed said Guaido was managing his US-backed strategy perfectly. And it joyously stated that the US and its allies had Maduro surrounded, and almost ready to be ousted.

In 2016, Emersberger wrote of earlier protests:

In fact the protests and the leading opposition leaders take on the protests are being extensively covered on the largest private networks: Venevision, Televen, Globovision. If people abroad sampled Venezuelas TV media directly, as opposed to judging it by what is said about it by the international media and some big NGOs, theyd be shocked to find the opposition constantly denouncing the government and even making very thinly veiled appeals to the military to oust Maduro.

The Venezuela Analysis website tweeted:

A cursory glance at any newspaper stand in Caracas will reveal that vast majority of Vzlan papers are anti-govt. Opposition also has massive social media presence  just search Twitter for Venezuela w/ Spanish filter. Intl journalists been lying re lack of media freedom for yrs

Independent journalist Abby Martin did exactly as suggested and visited a Venezuelan newspaper stand. She offered this summary:

So, out of the seven papers, four are anti-government, two are pro-government, and one is neutral, can go either way. So, it looks like the press is not as controlled as we think.

This is the kind of research even corporate journalists should be able to conduct for themselves.

Economic Warfare  Blocking Recovery

Just as they blamed Saddam Hussein for the devastating impact of US-UK sanctions on Iraq (1990-2003), corporate media are united in laying the blame for Venezuelas economic and humanitarian crisis at Maduros door. In fact, Venezuela has long been subject to severe US sanctions. In 2017, political analyst Mark Weisbrot of the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) commented:

At the end of August, the Trump administration imposed harsh sanctions on Venezuela that prevent the country from borrowing or selling assets in the US financial system. The new embargo will exacerbate shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods, while severely limiting the policy options available to pull the country out of a deep depression.

Trumps order makes a sustained recovery nearly impossible without outside helpor a new government that is approved by the Trump administration.

This week, Alexander Campbell, also of CEPR, reported:

Last week, the US formally adopted sanctions on Venezuelan national oil company PDVSA, as well as on CITGO, its US-based distribution arm, as part of its press for regime change in Caracas. National Security Advisor John Bolton estimated the actions would affect some $7 billion in assets and would block $11 billion in revenue to the Venezuelan government over the next year.

Campbell summarised Venezuelan economist Francisco Rodriguezs 2018 analysis of the impact of sanctions:

Rodriguezs basic story: the oil industry is critical to the Venezuelan government; underinvestment and the rapid decline in oil prices caused a significant drop in revenue; then, as oil prices began increasing, Trump imposed sanctions making any international financial transaction extremely difficult and potentially toxic. Rodriguez explains how Venezuelan and Colombian oil production both declined at the same rate, until the Trump financial embargo was implemented in August 2017. Then, Venezuelas oil production collapsed

The US media watch website, FAIR, placed all of this in context:

Trump ramped up the Obama administrations sanctions, an action that caused Venezuelan oil production to plummet (FAIR.org, 12/17/18) and the economy to nosedive. Furthermore, US economic warfare against the country has cut Venezuela off from global capital marketswith the Trump administration threatening bankers with 30 years in prison if they negotiate with Caracas a standard restructuring of its debt (AlterNet, 11/13/17). The UN Human Rights Council formally condemned the US, noting that the sanctions target the poor and most vulnerable classes, called on all member states to break them, and even began discussing reparations the US should pay to Venezuela.

Last month, Alfred de Zayas, the first UN rapporteur to visit Venezuela for 21 years, told the Independent that US sanctions are illegal and could amount to crimes against humanity under international law:

Former special rapporteur Alfred de Zayas, who finished his term at the UN in March, has criticized the US for engaging in economic warfare against Venezuela which he said is hurting the economy and killing Venezuelans.

The Independent continued:

Sanctions kill, he told The Independent, adding that they fall most heavily on the poorest people in society, demonstrably cause death through food and medicine shortages, lead to violations of human rights and are aimed at coercing economic change in a sister democracy. On his fact-finding mission to the country in late 2017, he found internal overdependence on oil, poor governance and corruption had hit the Venezuelan economy hard, but said economic warfare practised by the US, EU and Canada are significant factors in the economic crisis.

And:

Despite being the first UN official to visit and report from Venezuela in 21 years, Mr de Zayas said his research into the causes of the countrys economic crisis has so far largely been ignored by the UN and the media, and caused little debate within the Human Rights Council.

Our ProQuest UK national newspaper database search for the last 30 days for articles mentioning:

de Zayas and Venezuela = 1 hit

That is, one mention in the entire UK press, the Independent article cited above.

An idea of the extent of Western economic warfare against Venezuela can be gained from this thread of examples sent by tweeter Francisco Nunes.

In 2015, a minimum wage comparison across Latin America by Mexicos Financialred.com.mx found:

Costa Rica has the second highest minimum wage in Central America and third in Latin America, US$516 monthly. Venezuela tops the list at US$885 and Panama US$667. The average monthly minimum wage across Latin America is US$354.

The study reported:

The lowest in purchasing power is Colombia, where the minimum salary covers only 49.57% of the Canasta Basica; in other words Colombians need more than 2 minimum wages to cover their basic needs. Colombias minimum wage is COP644.350 Colombian Pesos, while the cost of the Canasta Basica is COP1,300,000. A similar situation is lived in Paraguay, Peru and Ecuador.

Deep poverty is a problem across the region, but these crises never make the news. Even worse disasters are raging elsewhere, of course.

Since March 2015, a coalition of Sunni Arab states led by Saudi Arabia, and supported by the US, Britain and France, has been dropping bombs on neighbouring Yemen. In 2016, the independent journalist Felicity Arbuthnot reported that in one year, 330,000 homes, 648 mosques, 630 schools and institutes and 250 health facilities had been destroyed or damaged. In December 2016, it was reported that more than 10,000 people had died and three million had been displaced in the conflict. According to Patrick Cockburn in the Independent, the death toll now likely exceeds 60,000.

In August 2016, Oxfam reported that in excess of 21 million people in Yemen, out of a total population of around 27 million, needed humanitarian aid, more than in any other country. In December 2016, a new study by UNICEF, the UN childrens agency, reported that at least one child was dying every 10 minutes in Yemen.

As far as we are aware, nobody in the UK parliament or press has called for the overthrow of the Saudi regime, nor indeed of the UK government, for creating poverty and suffering that far exceeds anything seen in Venezuela.

Indeed, in October 2016, Labour shadow foreign secretary, Emily Thornberry, placed a motion before the House of Commons that merely sought to bring about a cessation of hostilities and provide humanitarian relief in Yemen and to suspend [UK government] support for the Saudi Arabia-led coalition forces in Yemen pending an investigation of human rights violations. More than 100 Labour MPs  almost half the Labour Party  failed to support the motion. As a result, it was defeated by 283 votes to 193.

Similar indifference greeted the UNs finding, in 1999, that the US-UK sanctions regime in Iraq had caused the deaths of 500,000 children under five. Senior UN diplomats who set up and ran the sanctions programme  and who later resigned in protest, describing it as genocidal  were almost completely ignored by the UK press. One such senior diplomat, Hans von Sponeck, wrote a superb, forensic book detailing US-UK responsibility for this mass death, A Different Kind of War  The UN Sanctions Regime in Iraq (Berghahn Books, 2006). The book has been mentioned once in the entire UK press and never been reviewed.

US Green Party Presidential candidate Jill Stein made the point:

The same blowhard politicians talking about bringing democracy to Venezuela have aided & abetted the Saudi dictators executing dissidents, murdering journalists & starving millions of kids in Yemen. They dont give a damn about democracy or poor peoples lives. Its about OIL.

As Adam Johnson notes wryly, it is as if US liberals keep a real-time report card on these Official Bad Regimes, and if these regimesdue to an ill-defined rubric of un-democraticness and human rightsfall below a score of say, 60, they become illegitimate and unworthy of defense as such.

Of course, no real-time reports are kept on us and our allies. The result is propaganda, not journalism.

Oil  We Could Have Had Anything We Wanted

If Maduro is not in fact a tyrant, if Venezuela does in fact have a comparatively free press and fair elections; if the US-UK corporate press is not in fact concerned about the fairness of elections, press freedom, poverty and mass death, even when caused by their own governments  then what is their problem with the Maduro government?

A vague gesture in the direction of Truth was made by Channel 4s Alex Thomson, who asked on January 27:

Curious how much Venezuela suddenly matters to the EU when the recent notorious election in Bangladesh didnt register like thisnor the Catalan question nor the host of murderous dictators it supports across the Gulf. Why Caracas guys?

As we replied, the reason is hardly in doubt. We linked to a WikiLeaked US document:

US GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT VENEZUELA

OUR FUNDAMENTAL INTERESTS IN VENEZUELA ARE:

THAT VENEZUELA CONTINUE TO SUPPLY A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF OUR PETROLEUM IMPORTS AND CONTINUE TO FOLLOW A MODERATE AND RESPONSIBLE OIL PRICE POSITION IN OPEC

RTs Going Underground tweeted a list of the Largest proven oil reserves in the world:

1. Venezuela

2. Saudi Arabia

4. Iran

5. Iraq

9. Libya

The US is pursuing regime change/executed regime change against 4 of these countries in 16 years

On Twitter, redfish provided some detail on quantities of oil, showing that Venezuela is top of the list.

In an interview with Sky News, Peter Watt, lecturer in Hispanic Studies at the University of Sheffield, noted that 90 per cent of Venezuelas oil exports are destined for the United States, its about 700,000 barrels of oil every day.

Marco Rubio, the US Senator for Florida, tweeted:

Biggest buyers of Venezuelan oil are @ValeroEnergy & @Chevron. Refining heavy crude from #Venezuela supports great jobs in Gulf Coast. For the sake of these U.S. workers I hope they will begin working with administration of President Guaido & cut off illegitimate Maduro regime.

A few days later, apparently with complete unawareness, Rubio tweeted again:

Blessed the man who sets his security in the LORD, who turns not to the arrogant or to those who stray after falsehood. Psalms 40:5

In 2011, before becoming President, Donald Trump lamented the outcome of the US intervention in oil-rich Libya:

The fact is, what we shouldve done is, we should have asked the rebels when they came to us. We shouldve said, Well help you, but we want 50% of the oil. They would have absolutely said, Okay!, one hundred per cent. In fact, they would have said, How about 75%? Isnt it sad, we could have had anything we wanted. We couldve had 50% of those oil fields. You know, in the old days when you had a war, its To the victor belong the spoils. So, we could have had some something special.

Who cared that the oil belonged to Libya? Anyone who doubts that this same compassion informs US concern for the people of Venezuela now, should reflect on the naming of Elliott Abrams as Americas special envoy for Venezuela. Abrams has a simply appalling record of brutalising Latin America and other regions as part of the Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush administrations. In 2002, the Observer reported of the coup that temporarily overthrew Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez that the crucial figure around the coup was Abrams and that he gave a nod to the plotters.

US national security adviser, John Bolton, has urged the Venezuelan military to overthrow the democratically elected government:

We also today call on the Venezuelan military and security forces to accept the peaceful, democratic and constitutional transfer of power.

Bolton has also said:

Itll make a big difference to the United States economically, if we could have American oil companies really invest in and produce the oil capabilities in Venezuela.

The Independent reports:

Venezuelas government-in-waiting will allow foreign private oil companies a greater stake in joint ventures with its state-owned oil giant, Juan Guaidos envoy to the US has said.

Conclusion  What We Are Supposed To Think

On January 26, the BBC reported:

Maduro given ultimatum by European leaders

We tweeted in response:

An ultimatum? By what right?

Our question was retweeted 369 times and liked 649 times.

Saddam Hussein in Iraq and Gaddafi in Libya also received ultimatums from the self-designated Rulers of the World, who then went on to destroy both countries. Lessons learned by corporate journalists on our right to act as moral arbiters? None.

Consider, for example, the moment on February 4, when Channel 4s Jon Snow gave Labour MP Chris Williamson a piece of his mind:

Look, Mr. Williamson, you and Mr. Corbyn are in a very nasty corner now. Youve got a country that is in terrible, terrible condition, and that is down to the people who ran it and the people you supported. Isnt it time you changed sides and got behind what is happening now?

As noted above, many countries are in terrible, terrible condition, often thanks to Western intervention, without journalists being the least bit concerned. And notice a key point: Snow was asking Williamson to get behind Trumps policy in Venezuela. Yes, that Trump  the monster that mainstream media have endlessly depicted as an out and out fascist. Snows comment was a perfect example of a journalist being swept up by the mindless conformity of a propaganda blitz  everyone always, always has to get behind what is happening now when power is targeting Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Venezuela. To do anything less is irresponsible, shameful, is siding with the Bad Guy.

And what do the people of Venezuela  the people who have suffered so much under US-backed, right-wing tyrannies in the past  actually want? The Canary reports that the vast majority of Venezuelan people oppose military intervention and US sanctions:

The poll, conducted by Hinterlaces in early January 2019, found that 86 percent of Venezuelans would disagree with international military intervention. More than eight out of ten Venezuelans also oppose US sanctions on the country.

Corporate politicians and journalists are playing a very familiar game. We, the public, are supposed to think:

 Yes, theres lots of oil, but maybe they really do know that Saddam Hussein has weapons of mass destruction. Maybe they genuinely are worried that he might use them or give them to terrorists. Bush looks totally convinced, Blair seems honest and sincere.

In fact, Saddam Hussein did not have any WMD  it was fake news. In 2007, economist Alan Greenspan, former Chairman of the US Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, wrote in his memoir:

I am saddened that it is politically inconvenient to acknowledge what everyone knows: the Iraq war is largely about oil. (Leader, Power, not oil, Mr Greenspan, Sunday Times, 16 September 2007)

We are supposed to think:

 Yes, theres lots of oil, but maybe they are worried that Gaddafi is going to commit a terrible massacre in Benghazi. Obama seems deeply concerned, so does Cameron.

In fact, Gaddafi was not planning a massacre  the claim was a fraud. In 2011, Real News interviewed Kevin G. Hall, the national economics correspondent for McClatchy Newspapers, who had studied the WikiLeaked material on Libya. Hall said:

As a matter of fact, we went through 251,000 [leaked] documents Of those, a full 10 percent of them, a full 10 percent of those documents, reference in some way, shape, or form oil. (WikiLeaks reveals US wanted to keep Russia out of Libyan oil, The Real News, 11 May 2011)

Hall concluded: It is all about oil.

We are supposed to think:

 Yes, theres lots of oil, but maybe they really are worried that Venezuelans are suffering terribly, maybe they really do believe they would be better off under a new leader. Trump seems deranged, but maybe he has a heart after all.

Time and again, we are asked to give the benefit of the doubt to famously cynical, greed-driven Western political leaders and parties. We cant believe they can be simply lying to us, making it up  week after week, month after month  so that they and their powerful corporate allies can get their hands on oil. Time and again, too many of us defer to authority and whole countries are destroyed.

The final pages of human history before climate collapse may show that the climate-denying Trump regime trashed one more country in its determination to control and burn yet more oil, thereby guaranteeing its own destruction and the destruction of the entire human race, and most of life on earth. With all this the work of a groping, orange-haired, reality-denying reality TV billionaire selling himself as a man of the people.

A tale told by an idiot, signifying nothing, indeed.

DE

Part 1 is available here.
The Korean Cultural Centre in Cairo celebrated the lunar New Year with dozens of Egyptian students and fans of Korean culture 5 February.

Director of the centre Yang Sang Keun said that the lunar New Year, "Seollal," is one of the most important traditional Korean holidays, saying it is characterised by a family atmosphere similar to that of Ramadan in Egypt.

He explained that during the Seollal holiday, Koreans traditionally eat "Tteokguk"  rice cake soup  believing it prolongs life.

They also used to wear the traditional clothing 'Hanbok while family members gather together in their hometowns and the children enjoy gifts offered by their parents and grandparents, he added.

Yang Sang Keun invited attendees to explore commonalities between the two countries while wishing all a happy lunar New Year filled with joy and peace.

Attendees enjoyed the same rituals of Seollal in the Korean Cultural Centre, where they wore traditional Korean clothing, enjoyed rice cake soup, and played traditional Korean games.

The celebrations of Seollal began in the age of the ancient Silla kingdom.

This year, the celebration started 5 February in Korea, to last for three days.

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The other bill, House Bill 59, is in the infancy of the legislative lifespan and would take a lot longer to become law. It hasnt even been reviewed by a committee. If the House wants its bill to become law instead of the Senate bill, and wastes time sending its bill through the process, that would be playing politics.
Tom was a big man, but never an intimidating one to his little people, as he liked to refer to them. They could always sense his empathy and sensitivity, and I was always amazed to observe his interactions with even the youngest of his charges.
State police say Franck Lafortune was spotted watching the video before he dropped off students at the Indian Mills elementary school in Shamong Township on Monday morning. Officials say two students told their parents what they saw as the bus was parked.
"The children that these policies seek to help are those who have committed misdemeanor or low-level felony offenses and who are sent to placement or supervised for long periods of time for behavioral problems that could be better treated outside the justice system and closer to home," Krasner said at a news conference Wednesday.
Fleck played a central role in the investigations and trials of Pawlowski, who was convicted last year of 47 corruption-related charges, and former Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer, for whom he also served as campaign manager. Spencer was convicted in August of 11 bribery-related charges and is set to be sentenced March 15.
Were in a good position to act if were forced to, Beitler said of Lower Macungies financial position. But wed want to maintain the status quo as long as we can because its working. This is one of the most well-trained police forces in the nation. Wed be insane not to be taking advantage of it.
The judge, a Democrat elected in 2015, is not accused of wrongdoing in the indictment. His lawyer, Courtney Saleski, said he paid for all the work at his home and had no reason to know who shoveled his snow on the date in question.
A falsehood has been spreading in dark corners of the Internet that Ruth Bader Ginsburg is dead  and in the hours after he published his report, conspiracy theorists pelted Barnes with their doubt-mongering. Photos were not allowed at the event, so one of the doubters emailed Barnes 21 questions about Ginsburg's appearance  the size of her security detail, what gender they were, for example  telling Barnes that if he did not answer every single one of them, then it was a sign his article was not to be believed.
Anyone who may be able to identify the man or provide more information about the thefts should contact Detective Philomena Kelly at pkelly@forkstownship.org or 610-252-0377 extension 136. Tipsters will remain anonymous.
Britain and the EU agreed Thursday to hold more talks to try to avoid a no-deal Brexit, after a "robust" meeting between Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.

A joint statement issued after the talks in Brussels said Juncker had again warned that November's withdrawal agreement could not be renegotiated -- after May came hoping to persuade Brussels to change the so-called "backstop" clause for the Irish border.

But Juncker expressed only his "openness to add wording" to a parallel political declaration laying out ambitions for future EU-UK ties if London wants to seek a "more ambitious" closer relationship after Brexit.

After his own talks with May, EU President Donald Tusk warned there was "no breakthrough in sight", though the British leader said she had seen willingness from Brussels to find a deal.

"Prime Minister May did not offer any new concrete proposals on the way forward," an EU official told AFP after May's meeting with Tusk.

Talk has been growing that Britain may have to delay Brexit to give enough time to get the necessary legislation through parliament, but May vowed once again to bring Britain out of the bloc on schedule on March 29.

"I'm going to deliver Brexit, I'm going to deliver it on time. That's what I'm going to do for the British public. I'll be negotiating hard in the coming days to do just that," she said.

The EU official said Tusk had asked May about the timeline for British officials and parliament to ratify and implement a deal, but received "no clear answers."

And Tusk also, the official said, suggested to May that she study a Brexit plan laid out earlier in the day by British opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, which "might be a promising way out of the impasse." May did not respond.

- Legally-binding changes -

In a sharp reminder of the urgency of finding a solution before Brexit day, Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned that Britain's economy was "not yet prepared" for a no-deal departure.

May said she had spelled out to Juncker and Tusk Britain's "clear position" that legally-binding changes are needed to the backstop to win round MPs fearful it could be used to "trap" Britain in the bloc against its will.

Such changes were not forthcoming, but instead she got a fresh round of talks.

EU negotiator Michel Barnier will now meet British Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay in Strasbourg on Monday, but an EU official described these as "exploratory talks," adding: "There is no mandate to negotiate."

May herself will meet Juncker again before the end of February, a commission spokesman said.

Expectations for Thursday's visit were already modest when, a day earlier, Tusk and Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement.

Juncker told reporters May knows and accepts the Union will not reopen talks on the deal, while Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for -- in his view -- recklessly failing to plan.

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said.

May said she had raised the incendiary remarks with Tusk, calling them "not helpful" and saying they had caused "widespread dismay" in Britain.

- 'Don't gamble with peace' -

Ahead of the trip, Number 10 said that because the British parliament rejected the deal, May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail.

The impasse in Brussels has deepened fears that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing.

May has exasperated EU leaders by repeatedly coming to Brussels without detailed proposals to solve the Brexit deadlock, and Tusk warned her he expected her to bring "a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse".

Corbyn, the leader of the main opposition Labour party, wrote to May on Thursday setting out his five conditions for backing her on Brexit -- including the UK staying in the EU's customs union.

While his demands will not be palatable to many in May's Conservative party -- not least because of the deeply-entrenched tribalism of British politics -- it suggests there may be room for manoeuvre, if not yet a clear path to a cross-party deal.

The EU official told AFP that Brussels has not had long to study Corbyn's plan, but that Tusk had recommended May look it over.

May will have dinner with her Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar in Dublin on Friday.

- Painstaking talks -

Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, said recent "instability in British politics" showed why a backstop was essential.

Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy.



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Toronto-based Porter Airlines operates numerous flights a day between the U.S. and Canada. No details were available on the plane, but television footage from the airport showed the turboprop-powered plane with one propeller apparently not working.
On Feb. 28, 2018, Marc E. Graves of East Stroudsburg visited the casino and was served five beers and three shots from 12:22 a.m. to 1:51. a.m. while he was playing poker. He left the casino around 7:30 a.m., according to the consent agreement, and on his way home he hit 55-year-old Lorraine Hamel on Route 940 in Paradise Township, who was out for a morning run.
The announcement, made at the Chicago Auto Show, will add 500 jobs to two manufacturing facilities, the assembly plant and stamping plant, said Joe Hinrichs, Fords president of global operations. The expansion is part of a commitment the company made in its agreement with the United Auto Workers in 2015, and brings the total number of workers at its Chicago-area plants to 5,800.
When Andrew accepts an invitation to Melissas birthday party, and Melissa writes a thank-you note, a friendship is born that will last more than 50 years. Though their relationship constantly changes, these pen pals remain each others most trusted confidantes. As the exchanged letters are read aloud, the pairs emotions, milestones and memories are intimately revealed in the simplest of settings, but in the most eloquent of manner and sincerest of content.
We believe it is our responsibility to be a caring and involved partner by supporting our local civic, charitable, and community organizations with our time, talents, and donations, the companys website reads. Our independence, profitability, and financial strength are recognized as the basis of opportunity to serve our local community.
This fight isnt over, Victor Urquidez, an assistant manager at Sears Auto Center for eight years, said in a statement provided by Rise Up Retail. Lampert needs to keep his promise to keep our stores open and invest in our stores, and he needs to make sure that all employees who dedicated years to the company and whose jobs he destroyed get financial support for themselves and their families.
Gold Price Breaks Lower  What Next?

The Technical Traders Ltd. research team has been on top of nearly every move in the metals markets over the past 12+ months. On February 1, we posted this article: Get Ready For The Next Big Upside Leg In Metals/Miners. In this post, we suggested that the recent peak in Gold, near $1330, would likely end and prompt a downside price rotation over the next 45+ days.

Subsequently, on January 28, we posted this article: 45 Days Until A Multi-Year Breakout For Precious Metals. In that post, we highlighted our predictive modeling systems support of a sideways price correction in the precious metals markets that would align with US stock market strength and US Dollar strength.

Today, the price is moving in favor to confirm that our modeling systems and research is correct again. Gold has recently broken lower, below $1315, and appears to be targeting our lower Fibonacci projected target levels. At this point, we believe the Fib level near $1302 will offer minor support and the lower level near $1282 will become major support. We believe the psychological level at $1300 will be tested and broken over the next 30+ days as rotation above $1275 continues to play out. Remember, if our analysis is correct, Gold will provide multiple excellent buying opportunities over the next 30+ days for skilled traders to prepare for the larger upside move.

We believe the downside price breakdown is aligning with general US stock market and US Dollar strength that should last until near the end of March or early April 2019. We believe a moderately deep price rotation in precious metals will allow skilled traders to accumulate positions below $1285~1290 in preparation for the upside breakout move. Read the articles linked above to understand why this is so important for all traders to understand.

The next 2~4 months of trading activity are critical for all investors to understand the dynamics of what is at play across the global markets. Our research suggests we have about 45 days of moderate calm before precious metals begin to breakout to the upside. If you understand the importance of this move, then youll understand WHY you need to be prepared for this to happen.

Want to know how we can help you prepare for and profit from these moves? Do yourself a favor and read the free research of our proprietary predictive modeling systems, cycle modeling system, and Fibonacci price modeling systems. These incredible tools we use help our members stay well ahead of these market moves www.TheTechnicalTraders.com/FreeResearch to read all of our public research posts.

Dont wait till its too late for this one. Take a minute to see why you really need to consider having a skilled team of traders and researchers backing you up every day. 2019 is already proving to be a great year for our members as we recently locked in 10.5% with an ETF, and another 8% on stock, and we would love to help you achieve greater success this year as well.

Chris Vermeulen

www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic



Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better.



His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility.



He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk

Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect.

Chris Vermeulen Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




A Cold War with China Spells Trouble for Stocks

Last week, George Soros said that we are in a cold war with China that could turn into a hot war. While Soros and I dont often agree on politics, I did find my head nodding at times in his latest CNBC interview.



Then Luke Gromen of Forest for the Trees wrote about change in the geopolitical climate, which is not his usual beat.



Gromen argues that US national security may be more important than risk asset performance for the first time in decades.



Heres an excerpt with his summary:

Potential rule change : US national security may be more important than risk asset performance for the 1st time in 35+ years (but risk assets dont seem to realize this yet).

If we are moving back to a Cold War world where US policy is driven more by the national security establishment than the Wall Street/Treasury establishment (as has been the case for the past 30+ years), then it would seem the odds are good that the chart on the front page of the attached pdf would mean revert, implying as much as a 3060% drop in corporate profits as a % of GDP just to return to the levels that prevailed during the last Cold War, before cheap Chinese labor & (at least temporarily disappearing) Fed largesse elevated US corporate profitability to all-time high %s of GDP.

If a new Cold War is indeed breaking out, it would in turn seem to have severe implications for the global & US corporate debt & equity marketsit is HIGHLY unlikely that any of this money was borrowed assuming a 3060% drop in US corporate profits as a % of GDP was even remotely possible, & on many metrics (IG, HY, leveraged loans, US equities v. ROW), valuations are quite stretched already. There are record levels of leverage in the US corporate debt market, & the rules appear to be changing for national security reasons in a manner quite unfriendly to corporate margins!

US Defense Experts Confirm the Fears



I was recently in Washington, DC for a personal meeting with Andrew Marshall.



Marshall was appointed by Nixon to run the Defense Departments futurist think tank. Every president reappointed him until he retired three years ago at 94.



He is the most significant figure in US geopolitical strategy. You have never heard of him because he never wanted anyone to know who he was.



Chinese leaders read everything he wrote. His pictures are on their walls, literally. I cant stress enough how important and influential he is.



In the meeting, there were also two US defense strategy mavens.



The topic turned to China.



Andy noted that he had been warning the US government about Chinas real intentions since the 1980s. I asked about some of the China analysis Ive seen.



These experts confirmed everything that I had read and then doubled down. The geopolitical risks are serious.



We in the West simply dont understand the Chinese mindset or their intentions. Even though they write strategic papers every other year, detailing exactly what they are thinking and doing.



There should be no surprises. But we ignore these writings as political noise. And then try to exploit the vast (and real) potential of Chinese markets. Yet it may not work out the way we hope.



The point is that we do indeed live in interesting times. We simply cant expect the old investment paradigms to meet the challenges of the future. Past performance is indeed not indicative of future results.



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Sharp macroeconomic analysis, big market calls, and shrewd predictions are all in a weeks work for visionary thinker and acclaimed financial expert John Mauldin. Since 2001, investors have turned to his Thoughts from the Frontline to be informed about whats really going on in the economy. Join hundreds of thousands of readers, and get it free in your inbox every week.

John Mauldin Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




France said on Thursday its defence cooperation with Cameroon was continuing a day after the United States said it was halting some military assistance to the West African country over allegations of human rights violations by its security forces.

"France is bound by a defence partnership agreement that it conducts according to the international standards," Foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a daily briefing with reporters.

"In accordance with international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict, this cooperation is also intended to help Cameroon's defence and security forces combat terrorism, especially against Boko Haram in the north of the country, while protecting the people. This cooperation continues."

Cameroon has cooperated closely with the Western states in the fight against Islamist militant group Boko Haram in West and central Africa. But rights groups have accused authorities of using the fight against Boko Haram to crack down on political opponents, and make arbitrary arrests and torture people.

Authorities arrested opposition leader Maurice Kamto in January, accusing him of mobilizing dissent against President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country since 1982.

Biya has been accused by the opposition and rights groups of cracking down in two Anglophone regions to root out armed separatists vying for independence.

A State Department official on Wednesday said the United States' decision to terminate some military programmes and halt delivery of some equipment was to push Cameroon to show greater transparency in investigating credible allegations of gross violations of human rights security forces.

France, which has significant business interests in its former colony and relies on it to fight against Islamist militants, has been careful not to overly criticise the government's handling of the crisis.

It has urged the Cameroonian government to engage in dialogue to stop an escalation in violence.

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Phillip Henry Bachman passed away on March 17, 2020. We will "fulPhil" Phil's desire of a music filled funeral and celebration of his life on July 1, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church in Lake Crystal, MN. Visitation at 10:00 a.m., funeral at 11:00 a.m. and a celebration luncheon after at the church.
Aboitiz InfraCapital, the infrastructure unit of the Aboitiz Group, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to build, operate and maintain a network of towers throughout the Philippines. Under the MoA, part of Aboitiz InfraCapitals responsibilities is to secure a binding contract with telecom operators in the country. Once this is secured, the company will discuss a memorandum of agreement with DICT. Aboitiz InfraCapital chief operating officer Cosette Canilao said the signed document underscored the need to build a robust, modern and efficient telecommunication infrastructure which is crucial to the economic development of the Philippines. She said that with the reputable and strong track record of the Aboitiz Group, the company was offering its services to provide a solution to such a pressing need. The Aboitiz group possesses extensive experience in building and operating utility networks, for example, through its distribution utilities Visayan Electric Co. Inc. and Davao Light and Power Co. Inc. Moreover, the Aboitiz group has established a strong track record on the management and execution of complex projects, Canilao said.Aboitiz InfraCapital, through sister company AboitizPower, would provide the expertise to find efficient solutions for the power requirements of the cellular towers, she said. She said a strong nationwide presence, coupled with proven project development, execution and asset management capabilities, would enable the Aboitiz Group to implement its initiatives efficiently and maximize its full potential. Among the other projects of Aboitiz InfraCapital are the Ninoy Aquino International Airport expansion, being a part of the Naia Consortium and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport operation and maintenance projects, both of which were granted original proponent status. Aboitiz InfraCapital unit Apo Agua is currently constructing the countrys largest private bulk water supply facility in Davao City. It also has stakes in Lima Water Corp. and Balibago Waterworks Systems Inc.
Kochi : Pulsar Suni, the prime accused in the actress attack case on Thursday asked the High Court not to move trial proceedings outside Ernakulam district.

In a plea filed in HC, he pointed that the actress was intentionally trying to cause hurdles for the case trial.

However, the prosecution alleged that Suni was trying to stall the case proceedings. Meanwhile, the court will consider the actress's demand for a special court and female judge.
Panel 2

The Forum took place on January 30 2019 at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London, and featured a range of speakers who offered useful insights into how to safeguard IP rights through the application of a nimble strategy.

Gillian McGuire, partner at Carpmaels & Ransford, referenced three different strategies that companies use to protect their IP:

A targeted approach  this involves deciding what product to protect and then drafting claims narrowly with the aim of keeping people from infringing on those claims. Such companies also file narrowly - only in jurisdictions where their competitors operate.

The second category of companies are those that want to define their own technical space. They dont necessarily have their own specific product yet, but they know where they want to operate. McGuire added: Here you see a far broader filing strategy  much wider claims in terms of patents and geographical coverage. She noted that this approach, however, can create issues around plausibility during patent prosecution.

The third group of companies simply want to monetise their IP via licensing. McGuire observed: In the life sciences and pharma sector, it is not unusual for companies to set up asset-centric special purpose vehicles.

Reviewing and updating your strategy

The first panellist Katherine Tsang, assistant general counsel at Diageo, summarised the company's approach to a review of its filing protocol. The review was done in the following stages:

The company prioritised its 200 brands, separating them into tier one and tier two.

Tier one included higher priority brands, while tier two consisted of those less well known.

The brand name and core logo were always registered in every relevant country.

For get-up, for tier one brands, the company identified the highest value markets which together made up 70% of the brands sale volumes. For tier two brands, the company used a 50% threshold. This was the starting point, and protection would then be expanded to further countries for strategic and enforcement purposes.

Tsang observed that the company drove the biggest cost-saving in the arena of variants. She said: Weve adjusted our mindset. We used to think, you must have a highly distinctive, protectable variant brand name, but actually when youre combining it with names like Guinness or Baileys perhaps you can afford to have a descriptive name.

Formulating an IP strategy

Sumati Parikh, global head of intellectual property at Smith Detection, identified the key factors to consider when formulating an IP strategy.

Align your IP strategy with your commercial strategy. Think about where the business wants to be in the short term, five years and 10 years.

Does the company need to buy or license technology from others for its products? Parikh noted that If you are planning to launch a product in five years, you can probably develop the technology on your own.

Review your IP portfolio regularly. If you have IP which is no longer relevant, let that IP lapse or expire. Alternatively, although that IP may not be important to you, it could be of use to someone else; another business might buy it or take a licence for it.

Before taking the decision to enforce a patent, think about the human resources and financial commitment that will be needed.

Is losing a case more detrimental to the company than allowing small infringements?

IP management has a role to play throughout the lifecycle of a product.

Parikh said also that the Asia-pacific market is becoming increasingly important and many companies are filing more and more in India and China, because those are the markets for future growth.

Generating revenue from IP assets

Clare Cornell, partner at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner discussed the generation of income from IP assets. She noted that Licensing-out IP can facilitate faster entry into new markets, particularly if you are a company that is well established in one jurisdiction and you want to enter another market.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that licence agreements extend beyond the term of the licence so that confidential information is still protected even after the licences expiry. She also emphasised that a licence could restrict a companys ability to exploit its technology and sell its products, either because an exclusive licence exists, or because the market is already saturated with the licensees products.

Cornell discussed the licensing-in of technology. The need to license-in technology can arise when a company does not have all the research facilities and resources required for a particular product. She mentioned the value of branding: Companies can obtain access to branding and goodwill in order to supplement their product lines and bring interest into a particular retail area. They can take a licence from a market leader and draw people to their business.

Cornell noted also that a licence can be used to avoid an infringement action when companies do not have the appetite for litigation. She also highlighted the importance of licensees being able to amend any unfavourable terms incorporated into a licence agreement.

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.

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Russia said Thursday it had "counted on" being invited to an international dialogue in Montevideo on Venezuela's political crisis, but was told it could not participate.

European and Latin American envoys were set to gather in the Uruguayan capital Thursday for the first meeting of a "Contact Group" with the goal of creating conditions for a peaceful political process.

"We were counting on Russia having possibility to get involved in the work that will take place in Montevideo today, at least as an observer state," deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told the RIA Novosti news agency.

"But we were told that such a format is not possible," he added, without specifying who had made the decision.

Ryabkov also warned that "destructive outside interference, especially armed interference, in Venezuela's internal affairs is the worst possible scenario."

Russia is a strong supporter of President Nicolas Maduro and has denounced the opposition's "usurpation of power".

The European Union, eight other European countries and five Latin American nations are scheduled to take part in the meeting.

The initiative, originally launched by Mexico and Uruguay as a "neutral countries" conference on Venezuela, has evolved into a meeting of a "Contact Group" launched by the EU in late January, and joined by Costa Rica, Bolivia and Ecuador.

On Wednesday, Maduro -- having rejected an EU ultimatum on organising snap presidential elections -- welcomed the meeting and expressed support for "all steps and initiatives to facilitate dialogue".

But opposition leader Juan Guaido, who on January 23 declared himself Venezuela's interim president and is now recognised by 40 countries, has strongly rejected any talks with the government, dismissing it as a way for Maduro to buy time.

The Kremlin this week slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised Guaido as interim leader.

The two countries have a long history of ties and Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez, known for his tirades against the United States, was a frequent visitor to the Kremlin.

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Fourteen students from the Lycoming College Theatre program participated in this years Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), Region II at Montclair State University. The theatre department takes a group of students to the festival each year to provide them with the opportunity to showcase their talents, present their work, compete with students from over 50 other universities and colleges in the nine-state region, and attend workshops led by theatre professionals.

AFeyah Smith, a junior theatre major with concentrations in acting and directing, received the highest recognition awarded to a student-director at the festival. She won the KCACTF Region II National Directing Fellow Award for her excellent work in the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society program (SDC). SDC is an opportunity for students to explore the craft of directing with professional directors, educators, and peers. Students in Region II choose a scene from the nationally selected scenes and then, while at the festival, cast, rehearse, and present the scene, which is responded to by the festivals guest directors.

Smith is now invited to attend the KCACTF National Festival in Washington, D.C., in April where she, along with the other seven regional competition winners, will participate in programming specifically designed for aspiring young directors in the United States.

Lycoming students presented their work with great success and earned recognition in other areas as well. Jessalyn Smith was a finalist in the ASPIRE Arts Leadership Program, Nicholas Auletti and Esmeralda Cabrera were semi-finalists in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition, and others presented their talents and competed in the Musical Theatre Intensive scholarship auditions, the Design challenge, the NPP cold reading competitions, Irene Ryan acting scholarship auditions, and many more.

The strong presentations at the KCACTF Region II are a result of the hard work of our students and the extensive, one-on-one mentoring provided by the faculty in our department, said Biliana Stoytcheva-Horissian, Ph.D., associate professor of theatre, chair of the department, and head of acting and directing.

The KCACTF is a national theatre program involving 20,000 students from colleges and universities nationwide annually, and a network of more than 700 academic institutions throughout the country. KCACTF encourages, recognizes, and celebrates the finest and most diverse work produced in university and college theatre programs.

More info on the directing competition is available at http://www.kcactf.org/directing/index.html.

This years student attendees included:

Sara Altieri 21 (New Castle, Pa.)  theatre major; French minor

Nicholas Auletti 20 (East Quogue, N.Y.)  theatre major; history minor

Esmeralda Cabrera 20 (North Hollywood, Calif.)  theatre and corporate communications major

Allison Feinstein 22 (Philadelphia, Pa.) - undeclared

Heather Flatley 22 (River Vale, N.J.) - undeclared

Amanda Goulden 20 (Wharton, N.J.)  film and video art, theatre major; music minor

Caleia Hagwood 21 (Bridgeport, Pa.)  theatre major

John Paul King 20 (Lancaster, Pa.)  German major; theatre minor

Makenzy LeFever 19 (Williamsport, Pa.)  theatre major

AFeyah Smith 20 (St. John, Virgin Islands)  theatre major; photography minor

Jessalyn Smith 20 (East Windsor, Conn.)  art major; entrepreneurship minor

Jennifer Spencer 20 (Philadelphia, Pa.)  theatre major

Kiera Vinson 22 (Clarion, Pa.)  theatre major

Ahlyah Williams 19 (Queens, N.Y.)  theatre major; music minor
Today

A shower is possible early. A few clouds. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.

Tonight

A shower is possible early. A few clouds. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High 89F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Health department has reopened to public

The health department is now scheduling appointments for back-to-school vaccinations including the meningitis booster which is now a requirement for students entering the eleventh grade....

MG Sprout program gets underway

MG Sprout participants gathered at the Walker T. Norman gymnasium for its first session on Tuesday, June 8. Lincoln County Library Director Kerri Parton (top...

Freshman and sophomores recognized during Academic Honors Night May 24

Freshman and sophomore students were recognized for their achievements during Academic Honors Night held at Lincoln County High School on Monday night, May 24. Kicking...
Local school kids on Tuesday learned a lesson on what can happen when you make the wrong choices in life pertaining to drinking and driving.

Students from Oasis Middle School and other schools throughout Lee County attended the annual Drug House Odyssey event at Lee Civic Center that addresses the evils of drinking and driving and how the decisions they make can have lifelong consequences.

It is unusual for middle school students to attend this event, as the program is geared toward fifth-graders. However, as Oasis is starting a SADD program (Students Against Destructive Decisions), it was decided that those kids should attend.

Drug House Odyssey is a play in which teenagers make terrible decisions that have tragic ramifications. Members of the Lee County Sheriffs Office, Cape Coral Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol, as well as Lee County EMS (which brought its helicopter), Bayshore Fire Department and the Lee County District Attorneys Office, actually participate in the event.

We want to show them the long-term ramifications of drinking and driving, possession of prescription pills and show them the process of us observing a violation where we effect their arrest and start the long-term consequence, said Sgt. James Lear of the CCPD, who arrests a drunk driver in the play. We want to impact children where they say they dont want that person to be them.

Weve been volunteering for Drug House Odyssey for years. Its been great for us and impactful for the kids, said Jennifer Royal, assistant state attorney who played defense counsel to an accused drunk driver. We take DUIs very seriously and even juveniles get serious sanctions because we want them to learn from their actions and shouldnt be drinking to begin with.

We deal with this on an almost daily basis where we run these accidents and people dont realize the dangers of drinking and driving, said Capt. Doug Underwood of the Bayshore Fire Department. All of us being involved puts a light in the eyes of these kids to realize the significance of saying no.

Students from Fort Myers High School played the role of the teenagers making those terrible decisions. Students like Rolf Julmisse, who said he did this to help people out.

I think this benefits the kids for them to see the effects of alcohol abuse. I go to people who mentor me and who I look up to like my parents and teachers and think about it, Julmisse said.

Lisa DeWitt, health teacher at Oasis, said the school thought an after school program would get kids involved in realizing what drugs and alcohol can do.

Pretty soon, theyll be in high school and theyll face all that peer pressure. Watching the scenes from this made it real for them. They got to see the repercussions to their health, scholarships gone, jail and your life is over, DeWitt said.

Chris Reyes, sixth-grader, said he learned that drugs and alcohol can hurt you.

They affect your body and how you live. It can affect how to drive and smoking can even give you cancer and kill you, Reyes said. From watching the play, I knew I really needed to avoid all that. Look away and say no.

The public viewing of Drug House Odyssey is Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Tre Boston, defensive back of the Arizona Cardinals and a graduate of North Fort Myers High School, is expected to attend.
Elk Point, SD (57025)

Today

Thunderstorms early, then becoming clear after midnight. Low 59F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then becoming clear after midnight. Low 59F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
A U.N. human rights expert said Thursday that Saudi Arabian officials planned and carried out the brutal and premeditated killing of Jamal Khashoggi and that the nation undermined Turkeys efforts to investigate the journalists death.

Agnes Callamard, the U.N. special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, made her assessment after visiting Turkey.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and U.S. resident who wrote critically about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. His remains have not been found.

During their Jan. 28-Feb. 3 trip to Turkey, Callamards four-member team met with the Turkish foreign and justice ministers, the countrys intelligence chief and the prosecutor leading the case.

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Callamard concluded that Turkeys efforts to apply prompt, effective and thorough, independent and impartial, and transparent investigations  in line with international law  had been seriously curtailed and undermined by Saudi Arabia, the U.N. human rights office in Geneva said in a statement.

Woefully inadequate time and access was granted to Turkish investigators to conduct a professional and effective crime-scene examination and search required by international standards for investigation, Callamard said.

Evidence collected during the trip indicates that Mr. Khashoggi was the victim of a brutal and premeditated killing, planned and perpetrated by officials of the State of Saudi Arabia, she said. She did not point to any specific official.

Callamards team was given access to parts of the audio material obtained by Turkish intelligence on Khashoggis killing, the human rights offices statement said, but was not able to undertake a deep technical examination of this material and didnt have an opportunity to authenticate it independently.

The statement said the team wasnt able to carry out some other inquiries, such as meeting forensic and crime scene experts involved, largely, but not only, due to time constraints.

Callamard plans to present her final report to the U.N. Human Rights Council in June.

Turkish officials have been frustrated by what they say is a lack of cooperation by Riyadh and have called for an international inquiry.

After denying for several weeks that Khashoggi was killed in the consulate, Saudi Arabia indicted 11 people in the killing and is seeking the death penalty against five of them.

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Turkey says Saudi Arabia must reveal the identity of a person who is thought to have disposed of the journalists body and hold all involved accountable.
Recent gains by Kurdish-led forces in Syria have shrunk the Islamic State group's "caliphate" to less than one percent of its original size, the US-led coalition said on Thursday.

Major General Christopher Ghika, the coalition's deputy commander, described the size of the last patch of land held by the jihadists as "now less than one percent of the original caliphate".

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A torrential storm in Rio de Janeiro killed at least six people as it tore through the city Wednesday night, with rain flooding neighborhoods on its south side, wind felling trees and a mudslide burying a bus.

Rio Mayor Marcelo Crivella declared a state of emergency as gushing water invaded homes and businesses and swept away parked vehicles.

Nearly 5 inches of rain fell in four hours, surpassing the amount expected for all of February, according to Rios Secretariat of Civil Defense. Winds that hit 68 mph left several neighborhoods without power, the agency said.

Crivella warned that the danger continued. He asked residents to stay indoors because more rain was expected.

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We have several areas of risk in the city; the ground is soaked and more trees may fall, he said. I urge people to stay away from these areas and to make way for public transportation. And if they can, they should avoid leaving the house later this afternoon.

Wednesdays heavy rainfall led to several mudslides, mostly in Vidigal and Rocinha, favelas that sit between neighborhoods west of Ipanema known for luxury homes and hotels.

Video taken by a Rocinha resident showed a man being carried away by rushing water; another showed wicker chairs floating in the lobby of the beachfront Sheraton Hotel in Vidigal as water poured through its front door.

Emergency teams work to extricate a bus buried by a landslide Thursday after overnight storms in Rio de Janeiro. (Marcelo Sayao / EPA-EFE/REX)

Firefighters say two people died when the bus they were on was hit by a mudslide. The bus, traveling through Vidigal on a roadway between hillside and ocean, was smashed by a tree propelled by the slide, then partially buried. The driver managed to escape.

A third person was killed in Vidigal when a wall crumbled under the heavy rain, and another woman was killed by a mudslide in Rocinha, Crivella said. A mother and son were killed in the west end neighborhood of Barra de Guaratiba when their house collapsed, the womans brother-in-law told local news station Globo and Crivella confirmed.

After flying over the area affected by the storm, governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Wilson Witzel, blamed the post-storm chaos on negligent municipal governments, saying 80,000 people currently live in high-risk areas across the state.

Every mayor needs to take responsibility and not allow construction in high-risk areas, he said, referring to homes built in precarious areas of hillside favelas. These are years of neglect, abandonment and a lack of responsibility taken on by mayors.

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Of the 6.3 million people in the city of Rio, 1.5 million live in one of its more than 1,000 favelas.

The favelas were started in the hills and outskirts of Rio in the late 19th and 20th centuries, many just years after the abolition of slavery in Brazil.

The oldest, Providencia, founded in 1897, is located next to the port where 2 million enslaved Africans were brought into the country. Today, residents of the working-class neighborhoods still predominantly self-identify as black.

A man cleans mud from a Rio street where cars were tossed about by the storm. (Antonio Lacerda / EPA-EFE/REX)

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Many favelas are controlled by drug traffickers, putting residents in the crosshairs of police violence and daily shootouts.

And because the homes and businesses that make up the favelas were built without permits  government deciding not to oversee expansion of the new settlements  many residents still struggle to receive consistent services from the city.

They lack proper sanitation systems and drainage that can handle Rios heavy rains.

The storm destroyed a portion of the elevated Tim Maia Bike Path, which runs along Niemeyer Avenue by the ocean and was built in preparation for the 2016 Olympics.

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This is the third time the path has collapsed. It first buckled three months after it was built when it was hit by a massive wave, killing two men. It fell again in February 2018, this time taking no victims.

Langlois is a special correspondent.
Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was convicted Wednesday for a second time on charges of corruption and money laundering and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Judge Gabriela Hardt said she agreed with prosecutors that a country house was renovated for Lula by construction companies involved in the mammoth corruption scandal centered on Brazils state-run oil company, Petrobras.

In April, Lula began serving a sentence of 12 years and 11 months after being convicted on the same charges involving renovations at a beachfront apartment also allegedly paid for by construction companies.

Prosecutors argued that both cases involved the companies giving benefits to Lula in return for political favors.

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Lula has denied guilt in both cases and is expected to appeal the latest sentence, as he did the first.

Lula was convicted in 2017 of accepting $1.2 million in bribes from contractor OAS in exchange for contracts with Petrobras, money that prosecutors say was used to buy and renovate a penthouse apartment in the seaside town of Guaruja.

In April 2018, Lula at first ignored an order to turn himself in to authorities and instead spent two nights in the steelworkers union where he got his start in politics, meeting with his lawyers, political allies and supporters.

In a speech before eventually turning himself in, he maintained his innocence and argued that his conviction was just a way for his opponents to keep him off the ballot for Octobers presidential election.

The former steelworker and union leader had left office in 2010 with an 87% approval rating after dramatically reducing the poverty rate.

In August last year, his Workers Party announced he was running for president from jail, and he became the front-runner, reflecting widespread loyalty for his efforts on behalf of the poor.

But Brazils top electoral court ruled the conviction made Lula ineligible to run.

In October, Brazil elected far-right populist Jair Bolsonaro to the presidency.
From the Bay Area to Los Angeles, it was a day to gaze upon snowcapped peaks and acknowledge that, yes, California does have a winter, while sharing a photo or two on social media.

But dont expect the alpine glory  caused by a series of cold storms that dropped snow levels dramatically  to disappear immediately.

A snowboarder flies off a jump amid a winter wonderland at Mammoth Mountain. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) A snowboarder falls through a snowbank at Mammoth Mountain, where multiple storms have dropped as much as 11 feet of snow. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Giant snow drifts dwarf a snowboarder heading back to their lodging in Mammoth Lakes. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) At top, a snowboarder flies off a jump at Mammoth Mountain. Left, a snowboarder falls through a snowbank at the ski area. Giant snowdrifts, at right, dwarf a snowboarder heading back to lodgings in Mammoth Lakes. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Wet weather will kick back up again Friday for large swaths of the state, which could bring hazardous conditions for drivers. The National Weather Service said two new low-pressure systems would be coming from the Arctic and slamming the Sierra Nevada with low temperatures and snow this weekend.

The systems will be coming in from the north over western Canada and wont be as strong as the storms earlier this week, but they will still be cold. Since the storms started on Feb. 2, Mammoth Mountain has seen 132 inches of snow, Kirkwood 92 inches and Northstar 78 inches.

Snow blankets Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra Nevada near Mammoth Lakes. Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

The system hitting the state Friday into Saturday is expected to dump between 8 to 12 inches of snow on Donner Pass, while the Sunday system will bring 18 to 24 inches of snow, said Cory Mueller, a meteorologist with the weather service in Sacramento.

Mammoth and June Lake snow resorts reopened Wednesday and are now contending with as much as 11 feet of new snow and temperatures hovering around zero.
Californias decision to close the prison in Susanville rocked the town, where the consequences could be dire for residents and businesses that depend on the economics of incarceration.
Hello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome back to our horse racing newsletter as we dry out and catch up from the weekend.

Lots of odds and ends today, so lets get started with the stewards rulings.

--Jockey Rafael Bejarano was fined $100 for using the riding crop more than three times in succession without giving his mount, Royal Trump, a chance to respond in the ninth race on Jan. 21. Bejarano did not want to contest the ruling. Royal Trump finished second.

--Owner Eduardo Venosa (known as Freedom Stables) is restored to good standing having met his financial responsibility of $5,535.15 to Equine Medical and Surgical Group. The original ruling was on Dec. 29.

--Trainer Richard Baltas was fined $400 when he entered his horse, Mraseel, in the wrong race. The horse was entered in he first race on Jan. 25. The horse subsequently ran on Feb. 1 and won a claiming race.

--Trainer Jeff Mullins was fined $500 when his horse, River Boyne, tested positive for too much Dexamethasone in his system after finishing second on Dec. 1 in the Hollywood Derby. The colt had 45 pg/ml in his system while the allowable level is 5 pg/ml. Dexamethasone is primarily used as an anti-inflammatory. Mullins said he didnt know how the positive occurred and he is still puzzled and wished Santa Anita security still had the video footage from that time.

Who goofed, Ive got to know?

I did and this wasnt one of those small mistakes I seem to make. While trying to decipher the annual report from the California Horse Racing Board, I got it wrong how much money was left on the table from uncashed pari-mutuel tickets. And, thanks to some of you readers who questioned that number as being way too high. However, I mistakenly stuck with my original number because I continued to misread a chart that was on the Uncashed Pari-mutuel Tickets page. The chart, it seems, was somewhat unrelated. Just took me a while to figure it out. Sorry, so 

Updated uncashed tickets

Upon further review, Ive got a better look at how many uncashed tickets were detailed in the latest CHRB report. Here are the numbers and explanations. But first, realize that these rules only cover the thoroughbred, harness and quarter-horse meets and not the California Exposition and State Fair, county, agricultural or fruit fair meets. Heres the breakdown:

--50% of live races unclaimed pari-mutuel tickets are paid to a welfare fund picked by the horsemens organization that is affiliated with the race meet. During fiscal year 2017-2018, that was $918,004.

--The other 50% of live races unclaimed pari-mutuel tickets are divided equally between the association (commissions) and horsemen (purses). Also, unclaimed money on intrastate (north/south) thoroughbred and fair races are split equally between commissions and purses. During fiscal year 2017-2018 came to $1,698,243. (Yes, I understand that a 50-50 split should be equal, but there are different moving parts here. Just go with it.)

--The money from unclaimed refunds goes to the California Jockey Welfare Corporation, which does exactly what you think it would do, helping jockeys, former jockeys and their families. That number for fiscal year 2017-2018 was $723,108.

--The amount of money from uncashed vouchers, which are a good for 365 days after the close of the meeting are given to a nonprofit organization that maintains a database of horse racing information. CHRIMS is the designee. Now, this number is for the calendar year 2017, totaling $725,780.

--This comes to around $4 million. Dont want to go with a solid number because the tracking times are not all the same. (Three fiscal years and one calendar year.)

Hope that clears everything up.

Good fair news

After printing the fatality stats from the aforementioned CHRB report, I got a note from Steve Wood, the track superintendent for the Northern California fair circuit. Given the timetable the CHRB report works under, there was no mention that last year on the fair circuit there were no fatalities during either racing or training. It covers more than 2,000 starts and Wood should be proud to point that out.

You wonder if that is a statistic that will be brought up if The Stronach Group tries to grab those fair dates and move them to Golden Gate. Its a fight that will play out in the future. A lot of people love the quaintness of the fair circuit, but business (and by that we mean handle) is likely to be more robust at Golden Gate.

Its not an analogous statistic, but during the audited period of the CHRB, Golden Gate had 30 fatalities (14 racing, 12 training and 4 non-exercise related) over 6,653 starts. At Golden Gate, horses run on a synthetic Tapeta surface, plus the track has a turf course.

New thoroughbred aftercare project

There is no shortage of people willing to try and help retired race horses. The latest venture comes from Doug Freeland and Elizabeth Neil, who announced they are building a re-training and retirement facility on 95 acres near Temecula in De Luz.

The long-range plans are ambitious, but for starters they want to begin construction on the facility and visitors center in March. It will be called the California Thoroughbred Retirement Project (CTRP).

There is money to close the property and begin development but the group will be counting on private donations for the facility to reach its ultimate goals. The project has applied for 501-c status. Need more information, you can contact Neil at 805-722-7345 or ENeil@CA-TRP.com.

Its Baffling

So, Santa Anita went to all this trouble to reschedule the Baffle Stakes, for 3-year-olds going 6  furlongs down the hillside turf course, from last Saturday to this Saturday. And guess what? The race didnt fill.

Santa Anita preview

Turf racing has returned to Santa Anita after last weeks water-logged racing. There are eight races starting at 12:30 p.m., half of them are on the turf. There are three allowance-type races, which isnt bad for a Thursday.

The feature, we think, is the sixth race, a mile for older fillies and mares running for a purse of $59,000. There is a pretty interesting favorite, at 2-1, for trainer Richard Mandella and jockey Mike Smith. Bashful was late developing, having run only two races, both wins. Her last win was by 3  lengths. Her first win was on the turf. Interesting filly.

There are two second favorites at 5-2, Secret Spice for Baltas and Flavien Prat, and Peter Miller and Drayden Van Dyke.

Here are the field sizes, in order: 8, 6, 9, 6, 9, 7, 8, 10 (2 also eligible).

Bob Ikes SA pick of the day

FIFTH RACE: No. 3 The Hunted (7-2)

I liked this gelding from the Richard Baltas barn on opening day but he ran only moderately when finishing a close fifth. He gets a major rider switch to Flavien Prat, worked a bullet :58.1 on Jan. 25 and should fall into a great spot behind a couple speedsters. He should get the jump on the late-running dangers like Oscar Dominguez and Avalanche.

Sundays result: The eighth race was won by a closer like we thought but it wasn't my pick, Popular Kid, who got pace in front of him but lacked the needed punch when finishing fourth.

Bob Ike is a Partner/VP of Horsebills.com (here's a video) and the proprietor of BobIkePicks.com (full-card picks, 3 Best Plays and betting strategy).

Golden Gate weekend preview

Were back with our weekly look at the best racing at Golden Gate Fields. As with the last couple meetings, were delighted to have race caller and all-around good guy Matt Dinerman as our host for previews and other musings. So, take it away, Matt.

Five-year-old gelding Richiesinthehouse has rattled off two eye-catching allowance victories this season and has quickly moved to the top of the list of Bay Area older sprinters heading into the spring.

This past Sunday, Richiesinthehouse went to the lead and set wicked-fast fractions of 21.68 and 44.14 before holding off classy gelding Summersimage. Richiesinthehouse won by a 1  lengths and completed the six furlongs in 1:09.18. What was so impressive was the way he won. He took a ton of pressure from eventual off-the-board finisher Sunset Dragunn, who was ridden hard the whole way to try to keep up with Richiesinthehouse. After putting away Sunset Dragunn, Richiesinthehouse was able to determinately stay on and outfinish runner up Summersimage. The aforementioned rival ran well, but he got the perfect trip and never looked like he was ever getting close to the winner.

Richiesinthehouse has won nine races from 12 starts, with two other second-place finishes and earnings of $216,141. The son of Sidneys Candy is out of the mare Streamin Heat, who won the CTBA Stakes at Del Mar in 2008 and has produced three multiple winning foals.

Nominations for Northern Californias feature 3-year-old race, the $100,000 El Camino Real Derby, close this Thursday. The El Camino Real Derby, 1 1/8 miles on Tapeta, is an ungraded stake but features a pair of enticing incentives.

It was announced in December that the winner would be given a free berth to the Preakness. However, a horse must be Triple Crown nominated. There are also Kentucky Derby points in play with the El Camino Real Derby (10-5-2-1). Horsemen who would like to nominate their 3-year-olds to the El Camino Real Derby can contact Lisa Jones, Golden Gate Fields stakes coordinator, at 626-388-8062.

Racing this week is Thursday through Sunday. A sharp, but anonymous, horseplayer hit the Golden Pick Six jackpot for more than $120,000 last Saturday. The fifth race on Friday is the last leg (Leg E) of the Stronach 5 wager this week. Its a maiden claimer with a bunch of first-time starters and some horses with questionable form. It looks like a pretty interesting handicapping puzzle to solve.

Final thought

Always looking to jump the circulation of this newsletter. Cant beat the price. If you like it, tell someone. If you dont like it, then youre probably not reading this. Either way, send to a friend and just have them click here and sign up. Remember, its free, and all we need is your email, nothing more.

If you have any thoughts, you can reach me at johnacherwa@gmail.com. You can also feed my ego by following me on Twitter @jcherwa

And now the star of the show, Thursdays entries.
Joining a host of Southland cities, La Canada Flintridge is preparing for an anticipated influx of electronic scooters  the kind currently clogging rights-of-way in Santa Monica and Venice  vowing to regulate them even if it means partnering with their makers.

City Council members acknowledged La Canada has not yet been bombarded by the dockless scooters, distributed by companies like Bird and Lime and rented through simple cellphone apps, but should be considering potential problems before they begin.

Once they hit an area they hit it hard, so Id like to see us get ahead of it, Mayor Terry Walker said during a discussion on the topic at Tuesdays regular council meeting.

Several scooters were recently left unattended in the parking lot of one retailer and removed days later with no further incident reported. In October, members of the city Public Safety Commission discussed the issue of shared mobility devices and recommended the city take no action but enforce use under the California Vehicle Code.

Council members said Tuesday theyd prefer to develop some kind of ordinance, to be employed through a temporary pilot program, to further assure the city would not be liable for accidents or blocked pedestrian access occurring on sidewalks, which falls outside the purview of the vehicle code.

The biggest issue for me is you drive down the street and see 10 of them lined up, said Councilman Mike Davitt. It would be nice to have a few things in play.

City Manager Mark Alexander and City Atty. Adrian Guerra said they looked to several other cities for precedent. Beverly Hills instituted a six-month ban and was sued, Alexander said, while West Hollywood passed an ordinance last June prohibiting unpermitted uses, but allowing the scooters to travel through the city and fining companies for each abandoned unit.

Guerra said other cities welcomed the scooters as a low-cost means of accessing public transportation and reducing vehicle travel. Cities can partner with scooter manufacturers who can control vehicle use remotely, capping speed limits and making them unusable at certain times or in certain areas.

If the council was interested in working with these companies, we would be able to attempt to negotiate those kinds of issues, where they park and trying to keep it with the city monitoring the number that are in the city, he added.

Ultimately, the City Council directed staff to prepare a temporary pilot program that would regulate the operation and disbursement of shared mobility devices in the public right of way and invite manufacturers to speak with officials and potential partner on a monitoring plan.

City employees prep for moving day

La Canadas current city hall building will be closed intermittently in February as employees make final plans to move into a new headquarters building in the citys Town Center in coming weeks, City Manager Mark Alexander told the City Council Tuesday.

The current building at 1327 Foothill Blvd. will be closed this Friday, Feb. 8 and again on Feb. 15. Employees will begin their move during the Presidents Day weekend, with the bulk of the move happening on Saturday, Feb. 16, Alexander said.

On Feb. 20, the city will officially reopen for business in the new location. The regular City Council meeting scheduled for Feb. 19 will be cancelled to accommodate the move, while the councils March 5 meeting will be planned for Lanterman Auditorium as a contingency in case construction is not fully complete.

March 19 will mark the first council meeting to take place in the new location. On that day, a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled to take place, Alexander said.

Miss LCF Court introduced

Also Tuesday, council members were formally introduced to the Miss La Canada Flintridge Court, crowned during the Jan. 17 La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce Installation, Awards and Coronation event.

Coordinator Katherine Markgraf introduced Queen Francesca Christensen of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and princesses La Canada High Schools Audrey Raulli, Sarah Peck from FSHA, Flintridge Preparatory Schools Sophie Lin and Kat Hightower from Campbell Hall School in Studio City.

I always find it fascinating to see the court when they first come and then to see them at the end of the year, said Mayor Walker. I think youre going to find it a really rewarding experience.

sara.cardine@latimes.com

Twitter: @SaraCardine
Plans to revive the long-shuttered restaurant on the Newport Pier are moving along  perhaps about 500 feet closer to shore.

Its not a sure thing. Relocating the site would require approval from the California Coastal Commission, and the Newport Beach City Council would have to agree to the funding  an amount not yet known.

But the revitalization is a long time coming, according to Mayor Diane Dixon. The structure has been vacant since 2012, and the city has been working with the owners of Newport-based Bluewater Grill for three years to create a concept to reanimate the end of the pier by demolishing the deteriorating restaurant shell and building anew.

We know that the end restaurant is dysfunctional and we need to address that old building out there, said city Public Works Director Dave Webb.

One potential way to do that, Webb told a supportive City Council at its annual planning session Saturday, is to rebuild closer to the beach.

He suggested putting the restaurant roughly midway down the north side of the 1,000-foot pier, widening the part that pops out over the sea.

From a marketing standpoint, that makes a lot of sense, Webb said.

He said the new location could draw foot traffic, make the restaurant more accessible and give more space to anglers, who, under state mandate, must be allowed to fish for free from the end of public piers.

Relocating also would make utilities less expensive to connect, Webb said.

This sketch shows the proposed new location of the Newport Piers restaurant (in red). (Courtesy of city of Newport Beach)

The existing terraced, boxy building, last known as Newport Pier Grill & Sushi, has been part of the piers silhouette since the 1940s. It was renovated and expanded in the 80s, but since the sushi restaurants lease expired seven years ago, it has become an oversize pigeon roost with peeling blue paint, a sun-bleached second-floor patio and rusty awnings.

The city partnered with Bluewater Grill in 2016 to pitch a new design. The following year, with preliminary sketches for a sleek, modern eatery in hand, the council gave city staff the green light to apply for state development permits to tear down and rebuild. Staff started negotiating lease terms with the restaurant operators.

But a few months ago, staff  keeping in mind planned, unrelated infrastructure upgrades to the nearly 80-year-old pier  suggested the option of moving the location closer to shore.

Dixon said its a brilliant idea and that the city and restaurateurs may split the cost.

Im anxious to get going, as is the community, she said.

Dixon said funding for the rebuild could appear in next fiscal years budget, which will go before the council this spring.
Hieu Nguyen and Mark Kirchner first met at Westminsters 2013 Tet parade. That was the year the Vietnamese American LGBTQ community was banned from marching by new organizers who had taken over that year.

Nguyen, a social worker, attended the demonstration formed to protest the exclusion. Kirchner, a photographer, had been documenting the Tet parade annually since 2010, the first year LGBTQ groups marched.

Before Kirchner arrived, he attached banners onto both of his cameras: one was hand-made featuring a red felt heart with an equality sign on it, while the other had rainbow stripes.

That way you can also wave the camera like a flag, says Kirchner.

Thats how we knew he was an ally, says Nguyen.

Nguyen would eventually co-found the LGBTQ nonprofit Viet Rainbow of Orange County and successfully overturn the discriminatory ban one year later. And Kirchner continued to photograph their parade participants every year since.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of VROC, and to commemorate the occasion, Nguyen and Peterson Pham, VROC board member and public relations chair, collaborated with Kirchner to create a photo and poetry exhibit, Progress Built on Pride, which documents eight years of queer Vietnamese American activism at the Tet parade.

Kirchner, who is an adjunct photography instructor at Aliso Viejos Soka University, specializes in black-and-white photography  notably, hes been working on a project about the Manzanar pilgrimage for 35 years.

Progress Built on Pride is his first exhibit in full color.

When VROC participates in the Tet parade, Hieu Nguyen makes an effort to also shine the spotlight on multiple generations, including parents who support their LGBTQ children. (Photo by Mark Kirchner)

It begins with his Tet parade photos from 2010, pre-VROC, when Vietnamese American LGBTQ groups from Los Angeles and the Bay Area traveled south to march in Orange Countys Little Saigon, home of the largest population of Vietnamese outside of Vietnam.

O.C. didnt have a collective LGBTQ Vietnamese American identity then, says Nguyen. So 2010 was all of these siblings from the other counties coming in and saying, We want to march in the mecca of Little Saigon.

Understanding the importance of developing a unique Orange County identity, Nguyen always takes a lot of care with the imagery that VROC projects when members march down Bolsa Avenue for the Tet parade.

Hieu is almost like a performance artist, says Kirchner, of the attention paid to the costuming, marching order and specific themes for each year. Im always aware that while Im using the camera, hes creating a vision with the parade.

A photo of Viet Rainbow of Orange County marchers at the Tet parade evoking iconic images of Vietnamese schoolchildren is on display at the Westminster Viet Bao office through Feb. 10. (Photo by Mark Kirchner)

In 2014, when the ban was lifted, VROC marchers dressed in uniforms and walked with bicycles to evoke images of young Vietnamese schoolchildren. They also wore non la (conical hats) with rainbow straps and had rainbow baskets on their bikes.

The biggest argument [against having queer representation in the Tet parade] was that the LGBTQ community didnt exist in Vietnam, says Nguyen. Its a Western disease. So it was important to present ourselves in iconic attire, so you cant separate the [Vietnamese and queer] identities.

For the Year of the Dog, they marched with dogs in rainbow attire. At this years Tet parade, which takes place Feb. 9, VROC plans to pay tribute to the working class, wearing brown long-sleeve shirts and pants while carrying the types of baskets that vendors use to sell items on the streets.

Though the photo exhibit begins chronologically, the later photos are grouped by theme: preparations (tying rainbow ties, preparing heart balloons, making signs) and the down time (sheltering their faces from the sun with their hats, anxiously waiting for the parade to start), juxtaposed with the joy of the marchers and the reaction from the crowd when the march begins.

The way I see it is that when they march, theres full sunlight on their faces, they are no longer concealed by hats, and theyre singing traditional songs, says Kirchner. Its beautiful.

Nguyen and Pham wrote corresponding English-language poems for each photo grouping, and the exhibit opens and closes with Vietnamese proverbs.

One proverb, explains Nguyen, is about squash soup, referring to how its made with different types of squash that all come from the same vine. The other is about the importance of community.

When Kirchner marches with VROC, he stands out. Not only is he not Vietnamese (hes of Mexican and Scandanavian descent), but hes 6 feet 7 inches tall, earning him the tongue-in-cheek nickname Shorty from his VROC friends.

I have no direct connection to the Vietnamese or LGBT community, says Kirchner. But when you have a sense of what is the right thing to do, why stand on the sidelines? Why not go be part of something bigger than yourself? I protest and support, but when I support, I bring my camera.

IF YOU GO

What: Progress Built on Pride: A Photo Exhibit on Five Years of VROC, photos by Mark Kirchner

When: Feb. 9 and 10, closing reception is Feb. 9 at 2 p.m., immediately following VROCs march in the Tet parade, 9 a.m to 1 p.m.

Where: Viet Bao office, 14841 Moran St, Westminster

Cost: Free

Information: vietroc.org
The Orange County restaurant world lost one of its pioneering finest this week with the death of Margarita Avila, matriarch of the Avilas El Ranchito family-owned chain whose beloved Mexican food recipes helped make the restaurant group a regional success story.

Avila died Tuesday at her Corona del Mar home. Her youngest daughter, also named Margarita, said her mother was surrounded by family when it happened. She was 93.



For the record: Margarita Avila died Tuesday. This article originally reported incorrectly that she died Monday.

Avila is also survived by her husband of more than 70 years, Salvador; sons Salvador Jr., Victor and Sergio; daughter Maria Elena; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by son Jose Luis. A private memorial service is planned.

At 50, Avilas El Ranchito is still all about family 

Avilas El Ranchito is a case study of the hard-working American immigrant success story, fueled by great food and genuine service. Its the saga of a family starting a business in a working-class neighborhood of southeast Los Angeles  where everyone had to chip in, even Grandpa Poldo as a dishwasher  and ending in an exclusive enclave of coastal Orange County.

At the center of the story was Mama Avila. Her title easily could have been director of everything that happens in the kitchen. The restaurants recipes were hers, passed down from her family. Throughout her life, she remained proud that her culinary traditions from Guanajuato, Mexico, would provide careers and livelihoods for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Everything she did was dedicated to her children, daughter Margarita said Wednesday. She had a very loving spirit about her.

The Avila family gathers outside an Avilas El Ranchito restaurant. (Courtesy of Avilas El Ranchito)

The younger Margarita described how her mother was the oldest of seven children and was like a mother even to her siblings. She was ever the matriarch, the giver of advice, the bestower of counsel.

People just fell in love with my mom, Margarita said. She would honor peoples presence.

Her children say she also was a natural sazon, a Spanish word that describes someone who adds perfect seasoning to recipes. Avila applied that skill to her pots of beans, enchilada sauces, moles and her renowned chicken soup.

Avilas El Ranchito started in 1966 with a single restaurant in Huntington Park. A distant relative wanted to sell a restaurant. With a $2,000 investment, a few weeks planning and Avilas skills in the kitchen, the business started with five tables.

Son Sergio once described those early days to me as just a fate of God. We fell into it.

Avilas El Ranchito now has 13 restaurants, including the original. Each remains family-owned and the business family-operated.

In June 2016, I covered the 50th-anniversary party of the Avilas El Ranchito chain. It took place at the Costa Mesa restaurant on Placentia Avenue thats owned by daughter Maria Elena. Unfortunately, Mama Avila and Salvador were unable to make it, but I heard a lot about them.

Before the party, I interviewed Maria Elena, who, over some of her mothers chicken soup, told me the story of the Mama Avila photo thats on the cover of the restaurant menus. In the image, she is standing by a stack of plates, her face beaming. The family says the photo wasnt posed or planned. It just sort of happened.

Look at that smile, Maria Elena said. Its a Kodak moment.

Photos of Margarita and Salvador Avila are placed at the entrance of the Avilas El Ranchito restaurant in Costa Mesa. (File Photo)

During Avilas 90th-birthday party in 2015, daughter Margarita gave a speech, a copy of which she recently shared with me. It said a lot about Mama Avila  how she was a risk-taker, a woman of strength and courage who was a pioneering feminist in her own way.

One story I loved was how Avila got her drivers license.

In the early 70s, women in our neighborhood didnt drive, Margarita said. In fact, [she] would take a taxi to the restaurant. She got tired of it and, with Sergios encouragement, she got her license at the age of 45. Once she had that license, look out  she was never home.

She would pile everyone in her Mercedes and off to create family memories.

Further along in her speech, Margarita talked about her mothers strength. I will end this column with that.

In a time of crisis  which we all know, we had many  she never fell apart. She stood with strength, courage and hope. She never lost hope. She remained optimistic in spite of the circumstances. She became our tower of strength throughout our lives, not only to her children, but to all those she loved.

Bradley Zint is a contributor to Times Community News.
The parents of an 11-year-old boy with autism are seeking criminal charges against their sons Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor and a church, after they say he was held underwater in a forced baptism.

April Defibaugh says her son suffers from recurring nightmares of drowning ever since he was taken to a church picnic by his mentor Margaret Vaughan. There, he underwent a full immersion baptism despite not being able to process what was going on, Defibaugh said.

If I held you underwater and you didnt understand, wouldnt you consider that assault? Defibaugh said.

Defibaugh reported the incident to police, who told her it wasnt a criminal issue but a civil one because no physical harm was done, World Religion News reports. She wants a law to prevent any child from being baptized without their parents consent.

American Atheists filed a lawsuit on the Defibaughs behalf as the familys request appears stalled.

Q. What do you think of the baptism? Should it have been allowed? Should it stand? Is it assault? What do you think of Defibaughs argument that childrens baptisms should require their parents consent?

The American Atheists organization is correct to have filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Defibaugh family against Margaret Vaughan. Simply put, Vaughan assaulted their son. No one has the right to put a minor through any sort of religious initiation ritual without the permission of the parents. Holding someone underwater is torture! Clearly, Ms. Vaughan is not fit to serve as a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor.

For rites of passage to be meaningful the participant must be able make a conscious choice to participate. This was not the case in the forced baptism of the Defibaugh child. Why in the world would anyone think that coercing a challenged 11-year-old into a symbolic rite has any meaning? And who would want to be party to any tradition that encourages such ridiculous superstitions? The twisted logic of some religious zealots continues to astound me.

It is unfortunate that Ms. Vaughans mistreatment of the Defibaugh child has cast the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in a negative light. My experience with volunteers and staff involved with the organization has always been positive. More careful screening and instruction of volunteers is needed so that incidents such as this are not repeated.

The services provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters are greatly needed. Forced baptisms are not.

David L. Hostetter, Ph.D.

Vice President, Unitarian Universalist Church of the Verdugo Hills

La Crescenta

..

To tell you the truth, I will try my best not to think about this event at all after meeting our In Theory deadline this week. Baptism of an unwilling youth without any parental permission or involvement is wrong, and it is upsetting to me as a mom and as a humanist.

Should it have been allowed? Obviously not. A representative of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization says that the group now has training in place on respecting boundaries. He goes on to say: We understand we have to respect peoples different values and have to address that. Good to hear, but a little late.

Ill let the boys mother address whether it is assault. She said that her son kicked and screamed, and told them beforehand that he was afraid. Sounds like an assault to me, and I also take issue with the police ruling out a criminal charge.

A religious ritual has meaning when there is a shared understanding of the belief that is being represented. An infant baptism involves a commitment by adults to facilitate that understanding as the child matures.

As to whether the baptism should stand, I dont know or care whether the church regards this forced baptism as legitimate. The parents should keep their son as far away as they can from these so-called mentors and that church.

Roberta Medford

Atheist

Montrose

..

Theres an absurd story that gets told in Christian circles, about a drunk man that stumbles into a baptism service. The preacher asks if he wants to find Jesus, and the man shakes his head affirmatively. So the preacher dunks him quickly and asks if he found Jesus. The man says no. The preacher dunks him again and asks again. Not yet, says the man. So the preacher puts him under a third time and holds him there. When he pulls the drunk up, he asks one last time, Did you find Jesus? The guy, completely out of breath but shocked into sobriety, stammers, Are you sure this is where he fell in?

This story is ludicrous for several reasons to Baptists (of any denomination), a few of which are that nobody gets baptized until after theyve found Jesus, they dont get baptized unwittingly (especially drunk) and nobody gets held under. All the minister does is help the initiate re-stand after theyve completely lowered themselves (generally backwards) into the water.

If the boy in question was incapable of understanding what was happening or why, then his baptism was terribly wrong. But Im suspicious of the accusation, because what pastor would forcefully submerge anyone? For what purpose? Incidentally, the church belongs to a Quaker denomination that previously banned baptism because unbelievers were participating, making the whole point a mockery. It reinstituted the rite (its biblical) but this instance seems to have manifested their worst fear.

Nobody wants their children proselytized by some religious sect of which they disapprove, but did these parents not know? While you might not prefer your childs guardian, if you give permission for religious activities, doesnt that constitute endorsement? Also, the guardian was court-appointed, so is the State also liable in this lawsuit?

Since the child was autistic, it may be that his handicap confused the adults as much as himself. I was his age when I was baptized. My kids were younger. If an autistic kid unexpectedly panics, where does the fault lie?

Perhaps the church needs to reexamine its system, but apparently so does the government, and also the parents (who have someone other than themselves caring for their children).

Rev. Bryan A. Griem

Tujunga
On 16 January, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), launched a military campaign to bring the anarchic southwestern region, Fezzan, under control. Stretching across more than 550,000 square kilometres, or about 30 per cent of the countrys total land area, the region is inhabited by Arab, Berber and African tribes, primarily from the Touareg and Toubou ethnic groups, and the Awlad Suleiman tribal confederation, all competing for control over smuggling routes, human trafficking, and water and oil resources. Given the demographic and topographic complexities of the region, any attempt to restore security and stability there is an extremely hazardous venture.

Initially there was open international encouragement for a military campaign towards this end. Terrorist organisations have resumed activities and local residents have increasingly complained of the proliferation of militias as well as of the activities of opposition groups from Chad and Sudan which, according to UN reports, had been meddling in the Libyan conflict since 2011. However, soon after Haftar launched his military campaign, the UN Special Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), in response to complaints from Toubou leaders, voiced its concern that the mobilisation of armed forces in the South would jeopardise the delicate security situation and precipitate renewed fighting between the ethnic and tribal components there.

Three weeks ago, LNA regiments, which include Madhalist Salafis who fought with the army in Benghazi, Derna and the petroleum crescent region and a collection of local militias referred to as auxilliary forces, began to arrive in Sabha, the capital of Fezzan, and station themselves in the citys military airport, other military and security installations in the city, as well as in the Tamanhent Airbase north of Sabha.

On Friday last week, clashes erupted between LNA forces and Toubou militias in Ghadwa, a town 70 kilometres to the south of Sabha. The LNA is reported to have lost at least four soldiers in the fighting while the outcry from Toubou leaders and other quarters of society led Haftars adviser for social affairs and a minister in the eastern government based in Beida to tender their resignations in protest against what they described as the persecution of the Toubou people.

One reason why the LNA entry into Sabha went so smoothly was because it had struck an alliance with the Awlad Suleiman, an ethnically Arab tribe. The alliance has alarmed the Toubou, an ethnically African people, who fear that it is directed against them.

The Awlad Suleiman, the Qadhadhfa (another Arab tribal group), the Toubou and the Touareg are the largest demographic components in Fezzan and the most influential in the regions military and security affairs. All these groups possess sufficient military hardware to hold their own against any standing army, especially given their familiarity with the terrain and far-flung towns and villages. Since 2011, a fragile balance of forces has prevailed in the region, intermittently disrupted by flareups in tribal disputes. Local and international mediating efforts have yet to succeed in resolving underlying causes behind the tensions.

In Sabha, relations are fraught between the Awlad Suleiman, a dominant influential force in the southern capital, and the Qadhadhfa, to which Colonel Muammar Gaddafi belonged. But relations between the Awlad Suleiman and the Toubou are even more volatile, especially in the wake of a series of feuds in which the Toubou were accused of soliciting assistance from their tribal extensions in Chad. To the west, the Toubou have been rivalling the Touareg based in the oasis town of Awbari, near Algeria, over control over the smuggling roots in that border region.

In 2018, tensions flared between the Awlad Suleiman and the Toubou in Sabha. Although the fighting subsided thanks to the mediation of local elders and notables, their efforts did not yield a more permanent truce. A year earlier, Rome had brokered a reconciliation agreement between the Toubou and Awlad Suleiman, but it collapsed or, according to the Italians, France deliberately undermined it. Western news sources have reported that France supported the Toubou militias in spite of Pariss overt support for Field Marshal Haftar.

Not all Toubou clans appear to share the same concerns over the LNA operation in the South or the same attitudes to Haftar. If the Toubou in the southwest, especially in Sabha and Awbari, are opposed to him, those in Kufra district and in the southeast oases are allied with him. At the same time, in Kufra district, which is part of the Cyrenaica region, there are longstanding tensions between the Toubou and the Zawiya, an Arab tribe that moved into the district around two centuries ago.

Adding to the sensitivity surrounding military escalation in Fezzan is that it is home to Al-Sharara and Al-Fil oil fields, two of the largest oil producing fields at present. The former is controlled by Touareg militias and the latter by Toubou militias, which gives these tribes a trump card to play their dealings with the central authorities in Tripoli.

Now, as part of its current operation, the LNA aims to wrest control of the oil from the militias. This creates a very precarious situation and the danger can only be averted if international and regional powers step in to persuade tribal leaders to ally with Haftar and distance themselves from the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. But regardless of how the tribes align themselves, they will not easily relinquish control over the oil fields.

So far, neither Touareg nor Qadhadhfa leaders have declared their positions on military developments in the area, perhaps because they are waiting to see the Toubou opposition to the military mobilisation and escalation plays out. On Sunday, Toubou leaders accused the LNA of recruiting fighters from the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), a Sudanese militant opposition group that has had training bases in southern Libyan since the Gaddafi era. The accusation was made after LNA command announced that it had carried out an air strike against what it described as the Chadian opposition and its allies in Murzuq, the capital of Murzuq district in Fezzan and long a major Toubou stronghold.

The LNA has denied accusations of bias. On Saturday, it released a statement asserting that the army does not favour one social component at the expense of another and it cautioned that certain segments opposed to this [impartial] outlook are spreading false rumours in order to sow dissension between the people and the legitimate institutions. But the army still needs to take more practical measures to allay Toubou concerns, especially given that some of the commanders in the current operation belong to the rival Awlad Suleiman tribe.

At the broader level of international attempts to resolve the Libyan crisis, UN Special Envoy for Libya Ghassan Salame and his deputy for political affairs, Stephanie Williams, arrived in Cairo Sunday to meet with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri, members of the Egyptian National Committee on Libyan Affairs and representatives of the Libyan community in Egypt. The talks are part of the UN envoys drive to convene a Libyan National Conference, which he had originally planned for January. Salame has described the National Conference as the last bullet and vowed not to fire it unless he could be sure it hit its target. His hope is that the conference will serve as a platform for promoting Libyan consensus over a roadmap to general elections and an end to the years-long political stalemate in the country.

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Denise Truscello/WireImage

It's rare that an act doing a Las Vegas residency also has the #1 album in the country, not to mention a current Grammy nomination. But those two things are definitely true about the Backstreet Boys, who returned to Las Vegas Wednesday night for the first of what will be their final series of shows at Planet Hollywood's Zappos Theater.

Backstreet's latest album, DNA, is their first #1 in nearly 20 years, and their single "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" is up for a Grammy this Sunday. But those two milestones only happened after the Boys had major success in Sin City with their Larger than Life residency. Backstreet's AJ McLean gives their residency credit for reinvigorating the group's career.

"It really has reminded people of the true legacy of Backstreet Boys," he says of the show.

In addition, AJ tells ABC Radio, "I feel like we've gained a lot of new fans -- fans that might've been a little on the fence, and now are like, 'Oh, yeah! They had that song and then that song!' and 'Wow, these guys still look good, they still sound good, they're still dancing...and they're in their 40s!'"

The Boys will perform Larger than Life through February 23, and then will return in April for their last shows at Zappos. After that, they'll kick off a massive world tour in support of DNA. And don't worry -- they'll still be busting those moves every night.

"We definitely put some Ben-Gay on before the show and a little bit of Advil afterwards," AJ laughs. "But we're all performers, we're hams. We're gonna dance until we physically can't do it anymore."

The DNA World Tour kicks off May 11 in Lisbon, Portugal, and reaches North America July 12.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Voters can be weird. Theyre often dead wrong on public policy details, but still instinctively arrive at a sensible conclusion.

Heres an example:

Voters were asked by the Public Policy Institute of California to name the most important issue that new Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature should work on this year. The results were released Wednesday.

Usually when such a question is asked, the answer comes back jobs and economy or education. This time the most frequent answer was illegal immigration.

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Guess those voters dont realize that the federal government, not the states, decides immigration policy.

But then I remembered that after President Trump was inaugurated, the Legislature and then-Gov. Jerry Brown spent months debating and creating a so-called sanctuary state to protect undocumented immigrants from federal customs agents. Legislators and the governor also did other things to help people living here illegally.

So the voters logically can conclude that immigration policy  in some form  is within Sacramentos portfolio.

And they have strong views about it. Voters overwhelmingly  62%  oppose President Trumps proposed border wall. The parties are sharply split: 90% of Democrats against, 81% of Republicans in support.

But theres a warning in another poll for Democratic legislators who are pushing to extend Medi-Cal healthcare coverage to undocumented immigrants up to age 26. Children under 18 are already covered.

A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday found that 52% of California voters oppose providing Medi-Cal for immigrants living here illegally.

I started thinking about the voters distorted view of state government while reading the PPIC poll results. Pollster and President Mark Baldassare gave a budget test. Participants were read a list of state spending categories and asked which one ate up the most money in the budget.

The one most frequently cited was health and human services  welfare, Medi-Cal and the like  followed closely by prisons. K-12 schools were a distant third.

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Thats nuts, I thought. K-12 is guaranteed roughly 40% of the general fund and Newsom is even proposing a slight bump for the next fiscal year. HHS is getting only about 26% and prisons less than 9%.

But then I remembered special funds. They get scant attention by budgeteers because that money comes from specific sources for specific projects  such as the gas tax for road repairs. Its the discretionary general fund that attracts all the debate and attention.

Looking at the stack of special funds, I was surprised to discover that the voters were correct about HHS. When the entire $201-billion current budget is considered, more state money is spent on HHS than K-12 schools  roughly 32% compared to 28%.

More from George Skelton 

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But voters were still way off about prisons. Out of the entire budget, they get a little over 7%.

Good news for the education lobby: Voters apparently dont think schools are receiving enough state money. Asked which program should be the highest priority for state dollars, the most frequent answer by far was K-12 schools. HHS was a distant second and prisons way down.

They clearly think K-12 is not the priority in Sacramento that it is in their own minds, Baldassare says.

Voters also were quizzed about taxes. They were asked which one generated the most revenue. The most frequent answer was the personal income tax, and thats correct, but still only 34% got it right. For the entire budget, the income tax furnishes 51% of the revenue. The next closest is the sales tax, far back at 20%.

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More voters chose the corporation tax than the sales tax and were way off. It supplies only 6.5% of the revenue. Many also answered motor vehicle fees. Wrong again. Vehicle fees and fuel taxes combined supply just 9% of state money.

Coverage of California politics 

People dont pay that much attention to public policy in general, says Jack Pitney, government professor at Claremont McKenna College and a former Republican political operative. Theyll say that 15% to 20% of the federal budget goes to foreign aid, when a lot less than 1% does.

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People are guessing and sometimes their guesses turn out to be right.

The result at the ballot box?

Its the same as driving blindfolded, Pitney says. You may get away with it for awhile, but sooner or later you crash.

But in the PPIC poll, 78% of voters said they should have the final say on tough tax-and-spend issues.

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Brown spoiled them playing politics. Running for election in 2010, he promised to take any tax increase to the voters. He did and they approved his soak-the-rich income tax hike to fund schools.

Thats not what the founding fathers intended, however, when they created a republican form of democracy. Their idea was that citizens would elect representatives to decide on routine matters of taxes and spending.

If big decisions are to be made, people want to feel theyre part of it, Baldassare says. If theyre not, they feel alienated and left out. And some might decide that what the governor is doing is not in their best interests.

If the governor is going to be on the 2020 ballot with something, the pollster adds, hed better start explaining today. Hes dealing with a lot of people who have a very low knowledge.

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Newsom also could learn from the voters. They have an innate ability to be right even when theyre wrong.

george.skelton@latimes.com

Follow @LATimesSkelton on Twitter
Still smarting from historic losses in the November blue wave, Orange County Republicans gathered last month to consider a new leader and direction for the state party.

Though President Trump wasnt the topic of discussion in the Costa Mesa hotel ballroom where they met, he was probably not far from anyones mind.

All they want to tell us in the Republican establishment is you need to look and sound more like a California Democrat  to be a Republican Light  to get elected in California. Is that true? shouted former Assemblyman Travis Allen, an ardent Trump supporter running for California Republican Party chairman, before a chorus of No! filled the room.

As Republicans prepare to elect a new chair this month to remake their battered California brand, Allen and the restive group of activists backing him present a challenge: How does the party harness grass-roots fervor that has reinvigorated its base but could prove volatile in charting a path forward?

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In his failed bid for governor last year, Allen came to embody the impassioned pro-Trump segment of the state GOP, giving voice to frustrated members who believe doubling down on conservative stances including support for Trumps plan to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall and expanding coastal oil drilling will fuel a resurgence.

But a growing number of Republican strategists in the state believe the only way their party can stay afloat is to attract moderate, suburban Republicans and younger, more diverse voters who have become increasingly hostile toward the Trump agenda.

Republicans only appeal to white people over the age of 35, which mathematically means were at a tremendous disadvantage, said Mike Murphy, a longtime GOP consultant who is now co-director of USCs Center for the Political Future. Our donors have given up faith because they dont know how the math works to elect any of the usual Republicans.

Republicans havent sent a single candidate to statewide elected office since 2006 and hold just seven of Californias 53 congressional districts, and Democrats have regained supermajorities in both houses of the Legislature.

As the face of the California GOP, the chairperson bears the responsibility of raising money to fund operations and for essential tasks including supporting candidates, training volunteers and paying staff who could shepherd the partys hoped-for comeback.

Coverage of California politics 

Jessica Patterson, a longtime ally of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, has touted broad support from elected officials and top-dollar donors in her bid for party chair. But her opponents, Allen and activist Steve Frank, have railed against special-interest billionaires and overpaid consultants who they claim run the party, counting Patterson among those ranks.

Allens populist message has resonated with so many rank-and-file Republicans that the race to lead the state party is widely expected to be the closest in more than a decade. He has riled longtime loyalists of the beleaguered state GOP with a combative, lone-wolf approach to party politics and drawn a modest but devoted following. He and Patterson are considered the front-running candidates in the race.

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Frank, a past president of the socially conservative California Republican Assembly, runs a blog that frequently criticizes illegal immigration and recently called presidential candidate Kamala Harris a proud socialist.

Mike Madrid, a veteran GOP consultant who is among the Republicans calling for a total revamp of the party, says its only hope is to reject Trumps rhetoric and appeal to Latinos and young voters to prevent it from becoming the party of the desert, mountains and forest.

If it doubles down in [Trumps] direction, Madrid said, its over.

David Hadley, a former assemblyman from L.A. County who launched a short-lived bid for governor in 2017, tried a big tent approach when he announced a run for party chairman. He lasted a month before dropping out because of lack of support from delegates, many of whom cited Hadleys refusal to vote for Trump in 2016, he said.

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Im always trying to remember that politics is a game of addition, not subtraction, Hadley said. It doesnt feel like thats what a lot of delegates want right now. They want somebody to channel their frustration.

That frustration was evident in Costa Mesa when Frank, considered by most to be a long-shot candidate for chair, drew loud applause after he alleged widespread voter fraud in the state  a claim that has been debunked  and gave out his cellphone number to the room.

You shouldnt have to be a big donor to the party, a legislator or some important person to be able to talk to the chairman of the California Republican Party, he said.

Orange County Republican Party Chairman Fred Whitaker was blunt about the partys challenges. Upward of 15% of GOP voters there abandoned the party to vote for Democrats in the midterms, he said.

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Will we be a party thats more insular, retreating to grouse amongst ourselves and criticize other Republicans? Whitaker asked the crowd. Or will we be a party that aggressively works to win back the votes of our fellow Republicans?

Someone rose to call for his resignation, an effort quickly quashed.

Patterson called on the party to be more embracing. Attendees sat quietly as she rattled off a long list of legislators supporting her bid: six of the seven House Republican members, including McCarthy; seven of the 10 state senators; and, in the Assembly, 14 of the 20 caucus members  until one of them announced days later that he was joining the Democratic Party and it became 19. She is the only candidate, she said, to have deep support among major Republican donors.

But sitting in the same room and chatting with the same people isnt going to grow our party, she added.

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Like Republicans, the California Democratic Party is experiencing tension with its own activist base.

Progressive activists, some of them new to the party, havent been shy about flexing their muscle over the last couple of years.

They helped block the endorsement of U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein in her reelection bid and opted instead to back her opponent, former state Senate leader Kevin de Leon of Los Angeles. And after Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) halted a bill for a statewide single-payer healthcare system, some launched a recall effort against him, though it later fizzled out.

A lot of the activists are really good at going to rallies. Theyre really bad at winning elections, said Steve Maviglio, a Democratic consultant. Everyones riding that sugar high from last November, but its time to look at the future.

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Electing a chair who has experience fundraising and managing factions in a large, often unwieldy organization is key, Maviglio said. An effective leader has the ability to channel activists energy to knock on doors and unite legislators on issues, all while making a case to donors that the party has a message and an infrastructure worth investing in.

That formula for success, political observers say, is a bipartisan one.

If anybody believes that a party can exist with only the grass roots or that a party can exist with only donors, they are someone that doesnt understand the nature of parties, said Jim Brulte, the outgoing state GOP chairman. Brulte, who was elected in 2013, is credited with aggressive fundraising that helped dig the party out of significant debt.

Allen has laid out a plan to collect $10 a month from 100,000 Republican donors throughout the state to fund the partys efforts, a proposal insiders call unrealistic.

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More likely, they say, is that Allens insistence on courting the most die-hard Trump fans seemingly to the exclusion of other wings of the party could spell doom for the state GOPs finances.

Were asking ourselves for complete disaster if were looking at just the small segment of Republicans that are lock step, 100% with Trump, said Erik Weigand, treasurer for the Orange County Republican Party.

He says the county party has already begun preparing to beef up its own donor networks in case a newly elected chair proves incapable of raising funds needed for local races.

The Democrats, he said, have plenty of people who are willing to walk through broken glass to oppose Donald Trump.

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Does the Republican Party have enough people willing to walk through broken glass to help Donald Trump? Weigand asked. I dont see it.

christine.maiduc@latimes.com

For more on California politics, follow @cmaiduc.
With Sen. Elizabeth Warren once again confronting controversy over her tenuous claims to Native American heritage, activists in early-voting states and national allies are nervously eyeing whether she can succeed in getting past an issue that has shadowed her campaign.

Many Democrats continue to defend the Massachusetts senator, believing the questions have been overblown or used against Warren unfairly. Yet with so many candidates in the Democratic field, some say she will have to show soon that she can shake it off, given voters intense focus on finding a candidate who can defeat President Trump.

She needs to get everything out and hope thats the end of it, said Judy Reardon, a New Hampshire environmental activist, who is a former Democratic state legislator and top staffer to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and is generally complimentary of Warren.

The latest round of trouble comes at an important point for Warren, as she prepares for the official launch of her campaign with a swing through early primary states starting this weekend.

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Since she announced on Dec. 31 that she was setting up an exploratory committee, Warren has settled into the top tier of Democratic hopefuls, and her aides designed the coming events to give her campaign a boost. Instead, shes once more fending off questions on a topic she hoped to have put behind her.

Last month, Warrens allies were pleased after her initial swing through Iowa, when she became the first major Democrat to open a presidential exploratory committee. Her speeches were filled beyond capacity with receptive activists, and the ancestry issue came up only once, when a voter asked whether she unwittingly played intro Trumps hand by taking a DNA test that showed only trace Native American ancestry. The issue did not come up in interviews with activists who came to evaluate her prospects.

Warren believed she had settled as many questions as she could, having cooperated last fall with an extensive Boston Globe review that showed the claims had not factored into her hiring in a series of jobs as a law professor.

But any sense of relief was premature. Last week, after continued criticism from prominent Native Americans, Warren issued an apology for not being more sensitive to the distinction between family lore and tribal membership. Then, on Wednesday, as Warren prepared for her official campaign launch, the Washington Post published a 1986 Texas legal bar registration card in which she listed her race as American Indian.

A disclaimer on the card says the information on it would be used for statistical purposes only and would not be publicly disclosed, supporting Warrens insistence that she did not use the claim for professional advancement. Nonetheless, it was the first document to surface in which Warren had made the claim in her own handwriting, which renewed the sense that the issue could linger, with old documents emerging at unexpected times.

Warren, in an uncomfortable scrum with reporters in the hallway of the Senate on Thursday, would not say directly whether more such documents might exist.

All I know is during this time period, this is consistent with what I did because it was based on my understanding from my familys stories, she told reporters. But family stories are not the same as tribal citizenship, and this is why I have apologized.

The issue, at minimum, has distracted attention from the topics Warren wanted to talk about. On Thursday, for example, the Trump administration began watering down rules to protect the poorest consumers from high-interest payday lenders, a core issue for Warren for decades during her career as a bankruptcy professor and activist.

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If youre in a campaign that is dealing with a problem, you want to move as quickly as you can away from it. Sometimes you are not in control of moving away from it, said John Anzalone, a Democratic pollster who worked with the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and in other Democratic campaigns back to the 1980s.

Barney Frank, a former Massachusetts Democratic congressman who has long encouraged Warrens presidential aspirations, said he believes she is handling the issue the best she can, but noted the large number of choices available for Democratic primary voters.

The problem is there are a lot of very good candidates who are very close on the issues, so small differences get focused on, he said.

Several party activists in early states who are most worried about the issue did not want to speak on the record about a fellow Democrat. But they all agreed the partys voters are determined, even more than usual, to find a candidate who can win in the general election. Activists, while not ruling Warren out, are eager to see whether she can move past this, they said.

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A poll of voters in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina conducted for Firehouse Strategies found that voters in those early voting states prefer a candidate who could beat Trump to one who best represents their values. A national poll by Monmouth University found that 56% of registered Democrats prefer a stronger candidate against Donald Trump, even if they disagree with the candidate on most issues. Only 33% said they would accept a weaker candidate who more closely matched their views.

The one takeaway when I talk to people, its, I just want the person who can beat Donald Trump, said Sylvia Larsen, a former state Senate leader in New Hampshire who has hosted Warren at a house party and is planning to host other candidates, including, the coming weeks, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

Its better that she turn around and face the demon rather than run from it, Larsen said of Warren. The people that I hear the most flak from are people that would never support her anyway.

Some activists said they believe Warren is simply the first candidate to face a tough issue and that its more important to see how she handles it.

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Elizabeth Warren made a mistake. If she can demonstrate in the near future how shes learned from that, that her thinking has evolved, then I dont think it will be a problem, said Terie Norelli, a former New Hampshire House speaker who is hosting Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown on Friday but is uncommitted.

If she cant, it will continue to dog her.

Still, even as Democrats continue to evaluate Warren, they are frustrated that Trump can attack potential rivals  he uses the slur Pocahontas against Warren  despite what they see as his own much bigger character and policy flaws. Many blame the media for what they see as disproportionate treatment.

This is 2016 emails coverage all over again, tweeted Brian Fallon, the press secretary for Hillary Clintons 2016 campaign.

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The issue also intersects with long-standing concerns that female candidates are too quickly labeled as unlikeable or unelectable in a general election.

Adam Kerkvliet, chairman of the Lyon County Iowa Democrats, said that being from the Midwest, someone saying they have Native American ancestry, thats not uncommon.

Opponents might use the Native American thing as cover for their sexism, but I think thats really what drives her electability issues, he added.

Times staff writer Janet Hook contributed to this report.

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Only days ago, Democrats believed they had an obvious fix for a sudden political crisis after Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam was found to have a racist photo on his medical school yearbook page.

The solution came with moral clarity and easy resolve: Northam had to go.

Moral clarity has gotten a lot harder ever since.

First, the states popular lieutenant governor, Justin Fairfax, a promising young African American politician who looked poised to pull the party out of its mess by moving into the governors office, became tainted by an allegation of sexual assault.

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Then, on Wednesday, the states residents learned that Northams troubling history was not unique. The third Democrat in the line of succession, state Atty. Gen. Mark Herring, confessed that he, like Northam, had once dressed in blackface.

Next in the states chain of succession is a Republican.

It is like the plane is breaking up in midair for Democrats here, said Quentin Kidd, a pollster and dean of the College of Social Sciences at Christopher Newport University in Newport News. I suspect over the next few days, moral clarity will become a little less clear for Democrats. It starts to become relative when it threatens to essentially wipe out your party.

Indeed, many of the top Democrats  including most of the partys declared presidential candidates  who late last week demanded Northams resignation have gone silent at a time there are no longer any good options for exiting the crisis.

The collapse of Virginias political leadership is confronting the party  and the state  with tough questions about the standard to which it will hold elected officials as well as the legacy of racism in a place where many politicians came of age amid the fresh wounds of segregation.

The issues are especially fraught for Democrats, for whom the votes of African Americans and women are crucial to winning elections, and for whom zero tolerance for racial or sexual misbehavior has become a rallying cry.

Im doing a lot of soul searching, said Jaime Harrison, the former chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party. We have to figure out some process by which we grade these things. There is so much historical and generational pain attached to these images.

Republicans have tended to be more forgiving of party members  including President Trump  who have said or done things deemed racist, sexist or insensitive. But even some in the GOP are rattled by the fast pace of revelations on the other side of the aisle.

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What were discovering is the deep roots that have not been dug up before, and once you see the light of day, it becomes disturbing, said Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the only black Republican in the Senate.

I dont know what people were thinking back in the day when it comes to blackface and costume choices  everybody lives in a glass house, but my goodness gracious, this is interesting.

Virginias Democrats had been working for years to shed their roots in the era of good old boys and Confederate flags. Over the last decade, an alliance between old-timers and the huge influx of multi-ethnic out-of-staters who have settled in Virginias booming northern suburbs successfully turned the state from deep red to purple and then, in the last couple of elections, to a seemingly reliable blue.

Before this leadership crisis emerged, Democrats looked poised to cement their control over Richmond in legislative elections this fall. Yet those same shifting demographics  in Virginia and throughout the South  mean leaders can no longer easily sidestep past misbehavior.

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The very bright light that is shining on Virginia right now is sparking a painful but, I think we all hope, important conversation, Herring wrote in a long, remorseful statement in which he revealed putting on blackface to attend a party dressed as a rap artist nearly 40 years ago. The incident haunted him each time I took a step forward in public service, realizing that my goals and this memory could someday collide and cause pain for people I care about, he wrote.

More such confessions could be coming. Larry Sabato, who runs the University of Virginia Center on Politics and graduated from the school in 1974, tweeted that he was embarrassed the Herring blackface incident happened at the university.

And my guess is this wasnt an isolated incident, he added. A certain element here has long thought blackface was amusing and acceptable.

There is a whole generation of white male politicians of this generation that have these kinds of things in their past, said Kidd. Theirs is a generation that came to a place of political prominence when we werent looking, or didnt care to look for this stuff in the past. Now we do.

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The scandals that have rocked Virginia began suddenly last week when a conservative website published a photograph from Northams 1984 medical school yearbook showing two men standing next to each other, one dressed in a Ku Klux Klan robe, the other in blackface.

Northam apologized, but then, the next day, insisted that neither of the people in the picture was him and that he had no idea how the image got on his yearbook page. He had never bought a copy of the yearbook and had never seen the photo before, he said. But he admitted having worn blackface at least once, in a dance routine where he imitated Michael Jackson.

Democrats across the country  including all the major declared and potential 2020 presidential candidates  called for him to resign despite those protestations of innocence. Some saw the demands as an encouraging demonstration of the partys commitment to addressing racism in its ranks.

Northam has refused to quit, and as the debate over his future has raged, the same conservative site, Big League Politics, published allegations that Fairfax had sexually assaulted a woman, Vanessa Tyson, during the Democratic National Convention in 2004. Fairfax denied the allegation, and said their intimate relations had been consensual.

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Tyson described the encounter in detail in a statement released Wednesday in which she said he had forced her to engage in oral sex.

Some women began weighing in on Tysons side. The National Organization for Women issued a statement Wednesday calling for Fairfaxs resignation.

Rep. Jennifer Wexton, a freshman Democrat from Virginia, said on Twitter I believe Dr. Vanessa Tyson  a statement much like the ones other Democrats made last fall during the confrontation between Christine Blasey Ford and Supreme Court nominee Brett M. Kavanaugh.

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, one of two black candidates running for the Democratic presidential nomination, deflected initial queries about Fairfax but told CNN on Wednesday that the allegation was deeply, deeply disturbing, and he commended the accuser for coming forward.

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I have not read the allegations, but it takes tremendous courage for someone to come forward in the way that she did, he said.

Herring would be next in line to be governor if both Northam and Fairfax were to step down, but his admission that he had donned blackface in his youth threw that into question.

The imbroglio could complicate an emerging element of Democrats strategy for challenging Trump and the GOP in 2020: They have wanted to draw a contrast between the parties by saying that they are willing to police their own ranks while Republicans have been willing to tolerate racism and sexism by officeholders.

Democrats point to Trump and Rep. Steve King of Iowa, who was stripped of committee assignments in January, but only after years of saying racially inflammatory things. By contrast, they note, when Sen. Al Franken faced allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017, leading Democrats quickly pushed him to resign.

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Being willing to hold a leader accountable creates a clear and bright line between Democrats and Republicans, Rashad Robinson, president of Color Of Change, said after the Northam scandal broke.

That bright line may get blurry if Northam, Fairfax and Herring all remain in office under a cloud of scandal.

Times staff writer Jennifer Haberkorn contributed to this report.

The latest look at the Trump administration and the rest of Washington 

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More stories from Evan Halper 
Asked what her very first act as president would be, Sen. Kamala Harris had a quick answer at a recent televised town hall: Enact a tax cut that would boost incomes for working families by as much as $6,000 a year.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren followed the launch of her campaign by unveiling a tax on the super-rich that backers say could raise as much as $275 billion a year.

Sen. Cory Booker, who entered the race last week, touts his plan for government-paid trust funds for every American baby, which supporters say could dramatically shrink the racial wealth gap.

Candidates in primaries battle with their personalities and life stories. Campaigns, however, also serve as contests of ideas, especially for a party trying to redefine itself after a traumatic defeat.

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As the Democratic field takes shape this winter, the ideas primary is well underway. Plans for expanded healthcare coverage, efforts to combat global warming and reform of the political system all compete for attention.

But many of the ideas gaining the most traction share a common theme: How can the U.S. combat growing inequality of wealth and stagnation of wages for low- and middle-income workers, problems that have dominated the economic landscape for much of the last two decades?

The drive to come up with boldly stated economic policies reflects a lurch of the Democratic Party to the left since President Trumps election. The shift involves political risk, potentially reviving a debate over big government that Democrats backed away from a generation ago.

Trump made clear in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday the line of attack he hopes to use against whichever Democratic nominee emerges: We are born free, and we will stay free, he declared. America will never be a socialist country.

But the new crop of Democratic candidates clearly believes the countrys mood has shifted, if not to socialism, then at least a few steps toward a more Western European social democracy.

Even in the midst of low unemployment, voters economic insecurity and fear that opportunities are disappearing for their children shape their views, said Lanae Erickson, senior vice president for policy at Third Way, a centrist Democratic group based in Washington. Across the partys ideological spectrum, Democratic activists believe that Hillary Clinton failed in 2016 to connect with that concern.

This time around, Erickson said, everyone knows theyll need some big ideas.

Taken together, those ideas say a lot about the state of the economic debate among Democrats.

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I worked for the Obama administration, and Im proud of what we did, said Jared Bernstein, who was Vice President Joe Bidens economic advisor. But among Democratic activists, whether fairly or not, theres a sense that our solutions were constrained.

Some of the drive to think big represents a reaction against the boldness and baldness of the right-wing agenda, including the 2017 tax cut, which gave the lions share of its benefits to the already well-off, said Connie Razza, vice president of policy at Demos, an advocacy group on the Democratic left.

Continuing to put forward things that are incremental is not enough, she said. We need policies that match the aspirations of the country.

While the main Democratic hopefuls share many ideas, their signature proposals highlight differences among them, both in what they choose to emphasize and in their approaches to policy making.

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The Democratic field: Whos running, whos on the fence? 

Bookers so-called baby bonds plan reflects his long-standing interest in narrowing the racial gap in wealth: The average black family has less than one-tenth the assets of the average white family, a legacy, in part, of government policies that for decades aided whites but often hindered blacks in purchasing homes, which are the biggest asset for most families.

He would provide a government account worth $1,000 to each newborn, then add more each year for children of low- and middle-income families, up to a maximum of $2,000 a year for the lowest-income families. The money would flow until age 18. By then, with interest, the accounts would be worth as much as $46,000, and young people could use it for specific purposes, including paying for college or buying a house.

Harris tax plan, the LIFT Act, which she introduced in the Senate last fall, would massively increase the governments effort to improve the economic conditions of low- and middle-income families, providing help to many middle-income families that earn too much for existing programs.

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Many policy analysts on the left argue that such a move is needed because of changes in the global economy that relentlessly push down wages for many workers.

Theres a real divide in the country that we have not seen before with too many families that are one paycheck away from going into debt, Harris said in an interview.

Modeled after the decades-old Earned Income Tax Credit, which is already the governments most successful anti-poverty program, the proposal would match the first $3,000 in earnings for individual workers, $6,000 for married couples. A married couple with income up to $60,000 would get the full amount, with less going to families with incomes up to $100,000.

The money would come in the form of a tax credit that would be refundable, meaning that people who owe zero in income tax would receive a check.

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The plan has drawn broad support from Democratic policy analysts. Centrists like that the benefit matches earnings from work, rebutting the accusation of a giveaway. The plan fits into the long Democratic tradition of making work pay, said Erickson of Third Way.

Razza and others on the partys left praise the idea for providing an immediate, tangible benefit. Families have to live this year and next year, she said.

About half of all middle-income households  families earning between $50,000 and $87,000 a year  would get a tax cut under Harris plan, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. (For married-couple families in the U.S., the median income  the midpoint of the income ladder  was just over $90,000.) For those lower down the income ladder, her plan would boost some 6.2 million Americans out of poverty, according to an estimate by analysts at Columbia Universitys Center on Poverty and Social Policy.

It would also be very expensive.

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At roughly $250 billion in its first year and $3 trillion over a decade, the plan would cost about two-thirds of what the federal government spends on Medicaid, the safety net medical program for the poor, disabled and nursing home patients.

A commitment that size would almost surely require Democrats to defer some other goals, a point Harris concedes.

Theres no question that theres going to have to be some triage involved, she said, adding that expanded support for middle-income families would provide one of the greatest returns on the investment.

The price tag is almost the same as that of the Republican tax-cut plan, and that cost didnt seem to stop anybody, Bernstein noted. Harris has said she would offer ways to pay for her proposal, but so far has done so only partially.

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Warrens two main economic proposals, by contrast, do not involve large amounts of new federal spending  a deliberate move to avoid the big spender label that has hurt Democrats, according to advisors.

By some measures, however, her ideas would much more radically change the U.S. economy, in ways designed to reduce the clout of those at the top and rewire some of the fundamental rules of the marketplace.

Last fall, Warren released a plan that would rewrite the rules for big business. Corporations with revenue of more than $1 billion a year would be legally required to balance the interests of shareholders against those of employees, local communities and other stakeholders.

Warren would also give workers the right to elect 40% of the biggest companies boards of directors, a mandate similar to one in Germany.

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Last month, she added another significant plan  a wealth tax of 2% a year on assets of more than $50 million and 3% on fortunes over $1 billion. The tax would hit about 75,000 families in the U.S. and could raise roughly $2.75 trillion over a decade, according to an estimate by UC Berkeley professor Emmanuel Saez, who helped draft the idea.

Warrens plans already have drawn sharp criticism from the wealthy. Former New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, a billionaire who has been pondering his own run for the nomination, said during a recent trip to New Hampshire that voters could see the impact of ideas like Warrens by looking to another country in the hemisphere  its called Venezuela.

Even supporters say her changes in corporate rules would sharply lower stock prices, at least initially. And the wealth tax faces serious questions about its constitutionality.

Warrens approach, however, illustrates her central argument that the power of concentrated wealth has led to a rigged system that hurts average families. It also reflects her background as a law professor and expert on how legal rules that shape the economy can have a profound effect on everyday life.

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As far back as her childhood in Oklahoma, Warren recently told a crowd in Iowa, I began to understand that the way the rules are set up makes a big difference in whether or not you get a chance to succeed.

For me, this is the fight of my life. I didnt pick this because it poll-tested. I picked it because it picked me.

Other link here 
To the editor: Whether Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam should resign is a complicated issue, because judging what other human beings know is a fraught undertaking. (Stop with the shifting stories, Gov. Northam, and explain yourself, Opinion, Feb. 4)

For instance, millions of intelligent, educated, American men, especially those who would never dream of committing sexual harassment, are unaware that it is experienced at some time by virtually every woman. We women tend to think, How could they not know? But they really do not know.

Hence, given the massive failure of our education system to counteract the American sin of racism, maybe its really true that a 25-year-old medical school student in the 1980s might not have known that humiliating racism is experienced by virtually every African American, though not from every white person. He might not have realized then how profoundly wrong it is to perform in blackface.

Understandably, Northam has forfeited the trust of many. Still, possibly after 35 years, the real question should be, What is in his heart now that he knows better?

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Mary Nabours, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: Around 1964, as an 8-year-old, I was thinking about joining my Roman Catholic parishs Brownie troop. I went to one meeting, saw these white girls putting on blackface for some sort of play and knew I wanted no part of it.

I still recall this vividly.

So how could someone who was an adult in 1984 not recall, immediately, whether or not he ever wore blackface next to a person in a Ku Klux Klan robe, or vice versa? This isnt the kind of thing you have to think about or study a photo to determine.

You did or didnt do it, and you know which it is.

Kay M. Gilbert, Manhattan Beach

..

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To the editor: Its good to see Sandy Banks weigh in on the mess created by the Virginia governor. As she consistently demonstrated during her years as a Los Angeles Times columnist, her comments were clear-eyed, measured and thoughtful.

I recall many of her long-ago columns reflecting her strength, grace and courage in the face of difficult personal challenges.

Her message to Northam reflects her wisdom and sensitivity to the racial issues that the governor clumsily exacerbated. He would be well served by reading and heeding Banks words.

Larry Lasseter, Brea

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..

To the editor: Are there any other progressive Democrats like me who are alarmed by this hysterical pile-on?

There was a racist photo on Northams yearbook page that he claims he doesnt know about and is not a part of. Who can surely say otherwise?

The photograph was on his page in his medical school yearbook 35 years ago, and his career record on race has been good. One questionable photo should not ruin a mans life and career.

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Hang in there, Gov. Northam. Dont become a victim of knee-jerk political correctness like former Sen. Al Franken.

Arlen Grossman, Monterey

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To the editor: Your article, This list helps minority students find a college with a solid graduation rate, is based on a distortion of what its like attending the first two years of college.

Four-year universities brag about their low acceptance rates and how many students they reject. Community colleges accept everyone. With this type of inclusion, graduation rates will be different.

When comparing identical groups of students who arrive to community colleges with high school GPAs like 3.98, you will find as many graduates within the six years, but certainly with a lot less debt. Additionally, community college courses are taught by professionals who want to be in the classroom (not the research lab) with advanced degrees (not graduate students) in smaller classes (not large lecture halls).

Many of the parents of teenage girls I have spoken with think community colleges are safer from sexual assault since the goal of far too many university students is to party every weekend, as one young man in your article said.

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Gary Rybold, Mission Viejo

The writer is chairman of the communication studies department at Irvine Valley College.

..

To the editor: High schools should be more truthful with their students as to what their future might be like at a particular college. If a students test scores are not roughly equal to the average scores at a competitive school, then that student should think twice about going there.

For the lower and middle classes, debt is a bigger issue than brains or ability. High school graduates should ask themselves a question before they go off to some fancy college: Is my major worth the debt when I can get the same education at a local institution at a fraction of the cost?

Mark Walker, Chino Hills

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The movie Vice has been praised for telling the story of the rise of Dick Cheney, a tale punctuated by an array of effective performances  most notably by Christian Bale as Cheney. The fictionalized story has its critics as well; they accuse it of misrepresentnig important facts. But in one area in particular its honesty struck me like a thunderbolt: Vice illuminates a significant but little-known interpretation of the Constitution, called the unitary theory of executive power.

In the film, Cheney is introduced to the theory in the 1970s by a brilliant young conservative lawyer, Antonin Scalia. Here at last was a way of looking at the Constitution that would allow a conservative president, perhaps the ambitious Cheney one day, to freely exercise the kind of muscular power that could short circuit the pesky constraints on appropriations and war powers that had confronted Presidents Nixon and Ford. The theory took flight during the Reagan era, when lawyers in that administrations Justice Department and members of the recently founded conservative organization the Federalist Society fleshed out what they argued was an originalist pedigree for the idea: The Founders, they argued, created a strong president whose powers had been wrongly eroded through the late 20th century.

The unitary theory includes two core tenets. The first is that, as then-federal judge and future Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. said in 2000, The president has not just some executive powers, but the executive power  the whole thing. To those under the spell of the unitary theory, this means that the presidents authority over the executive branch is both complete and pretty much unlimited.

The relative obscurity of the unitary theory, combined with its profound and perverse power claims, has come back into focus during the Trump presidency.

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The second key feature is that the other branches of government may not intrude on the presidents control of the executive branch. That is, Congress may not legislate, and the courts may not adjudicate matters that the president believes infringe on full and complete control of the executive. If they do, presidents may simply disregard those laws or decisions.

Most constitutional historians consider this interpretation of the Constitution far from the original intent of the Founders. After all, it rejects a fundamental tenet of American governance: checks and balances. As the political scientist Richard Neustadt noted long ago, our system is best understood as one of separated institutions sharing powers. Yes, the branches are distinct, but the powers are really blended, and it is that blending that allows checks and balances to function.

For Scalia, Cheney and others, it was too limiting. Vice portrays their alternate theory in action. Under Vice President Cheneys tutelage, President George W. Bush (brilliantly portrayed by Sam Rockwell) argues that he can simply ignore laws or parts of laws that infringe on unitary executive power. There are hundreds of instances when, mostly through signing statements, Bush said that he was not bound by the otherwise authoritative terms of bills he was signing into law. He repeatedly objected, for example, to requirements that executive branch agencies supply information to Congress, despite Congress oversight power.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

Most infamously, however, the unitary theory was put to work by John Yoo, a lawyer in the Department of Justice under Bush, when he penned a memo asserting that the president had the inherent power to order the use of torture against enemy combatants, plainly contradicting American and international law. As the film suggests, Cheney, along with a more shadowy figure, David Addington, played a pivotal role in prodding Bush to assert this found authority.

The relative obscurity of the unitary theory, combined with its profound and perverse power claims, has come back into focus during the Trump presidency. For example, just as Bush administration lawyers argued unsuccessfully in court in challenges to some of its key actions, Trump lawyers have argued on behalf of Trumps immigration policies, claiming that the courts had no right to decide such matters because they are solely within the presidents unitary powers. It turns out that judges of all ideological stripes disagree, so such claims have generally been rejected to date. But with the recent appointment of Federalist Society-vetted judges to the federal courts and the Supreme Court, it is likely such claims will find greater favor in the future.

Whatever its merits as film art, Vice deserves a special public service Oscar for Best Depiction of a Wayward Constitutional Theory in Film award. Whatever its flaws, the movie shines a light on the most tendentious yet consequential constitutional theory of our time. In the hands of our current president, this theory is a loaded weapon pointed at the very essence of our three-branch governing system.

Robert J. Spitzer is chairman of the political science department at the State University of New York in Cortland, and the author of several books on the presidency. He has also written on the unitary theory of power.

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Birthright Israel, the largest educational tourism organization in the world, has provided free 10-day trips to Israel for more than 650,000 young Jews since 1999. Its mission: to ensure the future of the Jewish people by strengthening Jewish identity, Jewish communities and connections with Israel.

But beginning last summer, the program has endured a series of protests for failing to provide a complete picture of Israels conflict with Palestinians. During these protests, coordinated by the American activist group IfNotNow, participants interrupt Birthright trips to criticize the content. Then they walk off.

In response, Birthright amended its trip contract to ban attempts to hijack a discussion or create an unwarranted provocation. In December, three participants were expelled from a trip. Their crime: asking too many questions about the wall separating Israel from the West Bank.

Birthright sends young Jews home emotionally tied to Israel but ill-equipped to defend it in the public sphere.

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The protests are new, but Birthrights shortcomings are not. Theyve hardly changed since my own trip in June 2008. The organization claims to offer a nonpolitical experience. But what I experienced was less an aversion to politics than a total avoidance of current events and historical context.

There was virtually no mention of the West Bank, checkpoints or life in the occupied territories. There was hardly any explanation of pre- and post-1967 boundaries. And there was scant discussion about the differences between West Jerusalem and East Jerusalem, or Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

I wanted to learn about these issues, so that I could advocate for Israel at home. But when I asked substantive questions, the trip leader brushed me off. It was more convenient to stick to the scripted programming.

What Birthright did deliver was an enriching and memorable trip. We hiked Masada, the mountain where Jewish rebels resisted the Roman army. We toured the Old City and stood at the Western Wall. We floated in the Dead Sea and canoed in the Jordan River. We bonded with Israeli soldiers our age. We danced in a Tel Aviv nightclub, visited Rabin Square and stayed overnight at a kibbutz.

I felt enduringly closer to Israel because of the trip. But the program insulted our intelligence. Birthright operates in a sanitized bubble, free of complexity. It sends young Jews home emotionally tied to Israel but ill-equipped to defend it in the public sphere.

Arabs account for 20% of Israels population, yet the only exposure we got to Israeli Arabs was when we rode camels at a Bedouin outpost in the desert. If participants dont meet Israeli Arabs, and hear nothing of the Palestinians, how can they be expected to understand the contours of the region?

By pushing an unnuanced program devoid of context, Birthright has brought the protests on itself. Birthright caters to the right and resists the left. In doing so, it fails to educate and prepare the moderate, pro-Israel center.

In one recent protest, a participant asked why Birthrights maps dont identify the West Bank. The guide could have explained that 2.3 million Palestinians live in the West Bank; that Israel has controlled the territory since 1967; and that Israelis disagree about what the territorys status should be in a future peace agreement. He could have said that Israelis have security concerns about a possible withdrawal, particularly given Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip after Israels 2005 withdrawal from that territory.

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Instead, the guide simply repeated, over and over, The West Bank is part of Israel. That answer is unhelpful. Its also condescending and shortsighted.

According to a 2013 Pew study, younger American Jews are less likely than older Jews to have an emotional attachment to Israel. A 2018 study by the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco found that only 44% of Jews between the ages of 18 and 34 consider the idea of a Jewish state very important. And a 2017 Stanford study revealed that Jewish students are increasingly opting out of discussions about Israel, finding that Israels politics and policies often contradict their own political values.

As the prism through which 40,000 young diaspora Jews experience Israel every year, Birthright should find these trends alarming and take the lead in addressing them  by providing a complete, objective picture of Israel. Participants are mature enough to handle it.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

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At the end of my trip, one participant stood up and asked, respectfully, why there had been no mention of the Palestinians. The questioner wasnt pushing a political agenda; he was simply curious. The trip organizer responded by excoriating him: So you care about the Palestinians more than you care about your own people! The rest of us, college students succumbing to a pack mentality, cheered the organizer and shamed the questioner. Im sorry we did that.

It took years of post-trip reflection for me to clearly see Birthrights weaknesses. The current generation of Birthright participants is bringing a more active, critical eye to the experience. I dont agree with their decision to disrupt trips, and I dont want to see the protests used for an anti-Israel agenda. But for pushing Birthright to be better, the protesters deserve admiration.

Birthright is a generous and valuable gift. But the program must reconsider its approach, or it risks failing the next generation of American Jews.

Judd Olanoff is an MBA student at Stanford and an MPA student at Harvard.

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For 50 years, California law has required government agencies to make most records available to the public upon request, in keeping with the notion that the state must be accountable.

As the California Supreme Court ruled in 1986, In order to verify accountability, individuals must have access to government files. Such access permits checks against the arbitrary exercise of official power and secrecy in the political process.

Unfortunately, officials intent on escaping accountability are often in a position to unlawfully deny public records requests. Among those who do so systemically is the Los Angeles Police Department, according to a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union. Indeed, filing lawsuits is often the publics only recourse  and an arduous path that sometimes ends in greater transparency but is beyond the means of many.

Officials intent on escaping accountability are often in a position to unlawfully deny public records requests.

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That longstanding problem has been exacerbated, in recent years, by the waning fortunes of local newspapers, many of which have fewer resources available to prosecute their watchdog role with public records lawsuits.

A newly proposed remedy could not be more timely.

Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) is sponsoring Assembly Bill 289, which would create an ombudsman position in the Bureau of State Audits. This ombudsman would hear appeals from anyone who believes that his or her California Public Records Request was unlawfully denied.

Fong is a Bakersfield native and UCLA graduate. He represents most of Kern County. Last year, I met several of his constituents, each in a different profession, who sought out their representatives help when opaque state bureaucracies threatened their ability to earn a living. I was struck by the fact that it was often difficult even for a sitting legislator to get pertinent information about what was going on inside those state agencies.

The scale is skewed toward the state bureaucracy, Fong told me last week. The people left out are the public. There has to be some form of fairness. Lets revamp the process so theres a referee. Under his proposal, the referee would work in the office of the already existing California State Auditor, which is independent of the executive branch and legislative control.

The general approach would not be unique. Some other states have public records ombudsmen, as does the federal government.

They can be effective in helping the public obtain records, or even a response, from government agencies, Rick Blum, policy director at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, told me recently.

New Yorks office may issue nonbinding advisory opinions. In Pennsylvania, an ombudsman has the authority to issue binding opinions in disputes between requesters and agencies, Blum explained, and in the District of Columbia, the person did such a great job the agencies pushed back and the office was gutted. Oregon appointed its first public records advocate last year.

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John Wonderlich, who leads the Sunlight Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for open government, told me that while he wouldnt want an ombudsman to foreclose the possibility of challenging public records denials in court, in practice, a position like the one Fong hopes to create almost always strengthens the rights of requesters.

Most people cant credibly threaten litigation, he explained. Having a public advocate means that every request has to be taken a little bit more seriously.

Thats why even a lightly staffed ombudsmans office might be able to have an outsize influence on the publics ability to get information when legally entitled to have it. But since the details are still being sorted out, Id urge a more ambitious approach.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

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An ombudsman with enough staff to answer all appeals in a timely manner might be funded in part through fines levied on state agencies when they are ruled to have wrongly denied a request.

At the very least, the ombudsman should have the power to compel disclosures, not merely to advise that the law has been violated. The more teeth the law has, the more likely bureaucrats are to comply with lawful requests, effectively reducing the offices workload.

The ensuing increase in transparency is likely to be well worth any initial hit to the state budget, as over time watchdogs will be better able to spot corruption and inefficiencies. Democratic legislators and Gov. Gavin Newsom should lend this good government effort their support.

Conor Friedersdorf is a contributing writer to Opinion, a staff writer at the Atlantic and founding editor of the Best of Journalism, a newsletter that curates exceptional nonfiction.

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President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he expected a formal announcement as early as next week that the coalition fighting Islamic State rebels has reclaimed all of the territory previously held by the extremist group.

"The United States military, our coalition partners and the Syrian Democratic Forces have liberated virtually all of the territory previously held by ISIS in Syria and Iraq," Trump told a meeting in Washington of officials from the Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

"It should be formally announced, sometime, probably next week, that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate, but I want to wait for the official word. I don't want to say it too early," Trump told the gathering at the U.S. State Department.

Short link:


On Thursday the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on President Trumps nomination of William P. Barr to be attorney general, a position Barr held in the George H.W. Bush administration. Barr has sterling professional credentials, and while he is far more conservative in his approach to the law than we would prefer, he doesnt strike us as being as extreme or ideological as Jeff Sessions, whose nomination this page opposed.

Our chief concern about Barr has been whether he would safeguard the investigation being conducted by Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III into possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign, and ensure that its conclusions are shared with Congress and the public. The issue was of particular concern because Barr sent an unsolicited memo to Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein last year suggesting that Trump couldnt have violated an obstruction of justice statute by firing former FBI Director James B. Comey.

But during his confirmation hearing, Barrs answers to senators questions about the Mueller probe were sufficiently reassuring that we believe the committee and the full Senate should approve his nomination. Barrs confirmation would have the additional advantage of ending the tenure of Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker, a loyalist with meager credentials whom Trump installed at the head of the Justice Department without Senate approval. Unlike Sessions, who recused himself from the Russia investigation because of his role in Trumps campaign, Whitaker oversees the probe.

Responding to senators questions, Barr insisted that he respects Mueller and doesnt believe the special counsel would engage in a witch hunt. He promised that he would resign rather than fire Mueller in the absence of good cause. That ironclad assurance is vital in light of Trumps incessant attacks on the investigation and his claim that he has the right to get involved in the Justice Department.

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Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

Disappointingly, Barr was less categorical when it came to whether he would make Muellers findings public. He noted that Muellers report to the attorney general will be a confidential document, but added that under Justice Department regulations the attorney general makes a follow-up report to Congress that could be made public. That falls short of committing to a complete disclosure of Muellers conclusions.

Still, Barr promised senators to provide as much transparency as I can consistent with the law and to consult with Mueller and Rosenstein regarding any disclosures or notifications that I make. In an exchange with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Barr added that his commitment to transparency would extend to findings by Mueller regarding possible obstruction of justice  an important assurance in light of his memo to Rosenstein.

Senators must ask themselves whether Barrs commitment to protect Mueller and his promise of transparency, coupled with his professional reputation, justify a vote for his confirmation even if he hasnt been as forthcoming as they would have liked. Although a leap of faith is required, we think the answer is yes.

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Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. Its Thursday, Feb. 7, and heres whats happening across California:

TOP STORIES

Residents and politicians in Temple City and Rosemead have been waging a war against El Monte over the citys embrace of the marijuana industry. Recall petitions have been signed, protests have been unleashed and a lawsuit has been filed. But beyond the debate over weed, the fight has exposed the fissures in a San Gabriel Valley where poor cities like El Monte are close neighbors to cities that are more affluent and financially solvent. For El Monte, marijuana offers a path for economic stability. For other cities, it means crime and social malaise. Los Angeles Times

A big donation just before a big vote

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A real estate company seeking to tear down a portion of the former Los Angeles Times headquarters and replace it with two high-rise towers gave $50,000 to a campaign committee with ties to Councilman Jose Huizar before a crucial vote on the property, according to recently filed contribution records. Onni Contracting (California) Inc. made the donation to Families for a Better Los Angeles, which held at least two fundraisers featuring Huizar last year. Records show the donation was received by the committee on Sept. 26, just as Onni was working to defeat a proposal to designate the 1973 Times office building, designed by renowned modern architect William Pereira, as a historic landmark. Los Angeles Times

An interview with Trump

A month after tweeting that he might order the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cut federal disaster funding to California fire victims, President Trump declined to renew that threat and indicated that talks with state officials were going well. Speaking to The Times and several regional newspapers in the Oval Office, Trump said Wednesday that he and Gov. Gavin Newsom spoke by phone about two weeks ago, after his Jan. 9 tweet that he had ordered the FEMA not to send more disaster funding to state officials unless they get their act together, which is unlikely. Los Angeles Times

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L.A. STORIES

Impact: Mayor Eric Garcetti has ordered Los Angeles police to scale back on vehicle stops in response to an investigation by the Los Angeles Times showing that an elite unit was pulling over a disproportionate number of African Americans. Los Angeles Times

A tragic story: The mystery of the plane crash in Yorba Linda on Super Bowl Sunday that killed five people. Los Angeles Times

Serious resilience: This typewriter repairman was told computers were king. Twenty years later, hes still in business. Los Angeles Times

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Martin Quezada repairs typewriters at his International Office Machines shop in San Gabriel. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Who will prevail?! Steve Lopez is at war with rats  whom he respects greatly. Los Angeles Times

Click: A polar-bear killer, a Sputnik-inspired scientist, a man who uses the past to see the future and seismologist Lucy Jones. What do they all have in common? Without them, we wouldnt understand the what, when, why and how of the big one. KPCC

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

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Op-ed: Former Times city editor Bill Boyarsky writes that, to overcome its housing crisis, California needs YIMBY to become the new NIMBY. Los Angeles Times

The polls: Forty percent of voters in overwhelmingly Democratic California say Sen. Kamala Harris would make a good president, and 38 percent say she would not, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday. Politico

In trouble: In the last five weeks of 2018, Rep. Duncan Hunters campaign reported spending hundreds of dollars at a local amusement park and made $2,000 in charges  now disputed  to a technology company that flies drones. San Diego Union-Tribune

Just joking? Cupertinos mayor says the city will build a wall and San Jose will pay for it. Mercury News

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Quite the trend: Los Angeles is one of several major American cities to be plagued by a mushrooming FBI investigation. New York Times

In West Hollywood: Two gay black men are dead, but Ed Buck is still home. The Advocate

CRIME AND COURTS

Large settlement: A man choked unconscious by an off-duty Los Angeles firefighter convicted of assault but never jailed will receive a $7.4-million settlement in connection with the attack, his attorney said. Los Angeles Times

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Reform needed? As the use of pepper spray surges, auditors advise a ban at L.A. County juvenile facilities. Los Angeles Times

The real robocop: Dozens of cities including several in California have secretly experimented with predictive policing software. Motherboard

Dang: Ferraris and Corvettes seized in an L.A. parking lot bribery case are up for auction. Los Angeles Daily News

THE ENVIRONMENT

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Heating up: All five of the hottest years on record have occurred in the last five years, according to global temperature data released Wednesday by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Los Angeles Times

CALIFORNIA CULTURE

Trade carousel: The Clippers could be ready to enter the Anthony Davis sweepstakes after a trade with the 76ers. Los Angeles Times

Podcast: Whatll it take for L.A. to become Ramstown? Hardcore is a ways away, columnist Arash Markazi says. Los Angeles Times

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Plus: How the stabbing death of his transgender sibling shaped newest Laker Reggie Bullock, writes Markazi. Los Angeles Times

Yum: A very American mango pie, inspired by Indian aunties. New York Times Magazine

At UC Berkeley: Amazon works hard to keep secrets. East Bay Express

Get the pig: Northern California is suddenly awash in locally grown black truffles. San Francisco Chronicle

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Shocking discovery: A Fresno priest found a Nazi swastika and Hitler photo printed on a pillow he ordered from Walmart. Fresno Bee

CALIFORNIA ALMANAC

Los Angeles area: sunny, 63, Thursday; sunny, 62, Friday. San Diego: sunny, 62, Thursday; partly cloudy, 62, Friday. San Francisco area: partly cloudy, 52, Thursday; showers, 50, Friday. San Jose: party cloudy, 57, Thursday; showers, 51, Friday. Sacramento: partly cloudy, 53, Thursday; showers, 49, Friday. More weather is here.

AND FINALLY

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Todays California memory comes from Sonia Gottesman:

Toward the end of World War II, my family was living in a tract home in Westchester. A wartime requirement was that some of those homes had to be rentals; I believe the end of the war and that requirement caused our next move, which was to Manhattan Beach. I remember two things about that time. My brother and I would play in the neighborhood while my father worked on building our house. One time we returned to the site and Father wasnt there! I figured he had gone home without us, so I walked with my little brother toward our home in Westchester. We almost got there. On our way was a lady selling watermelons on Sepulveda Boulevard. She persuaded us to stick around, and soon my rather upset father came to collect us. The new homesite was on a hill. In those days, when it was windy, the waving grass in fields looked like the waves on the sea!

If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (Please keep your story to 100 words.)

Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to Benjamin Oreskes and Shelby Grad. Also follow them on Twitter @boreskes and @shelbygrad.
For the children of Margarita Avila, their mother is best summed up with a photo that serves as the cover for menus at the familys chain of Avilas El Ranchito Mexican restaurants.

It was taken about two weeks after the first Avilas opened in Huntington Park, in 1966. Margarita, then 40, stands in the kitchen, surrounded by plates and bowls, as she grabs a flour tortilla without looking. She wears her home apron, earrings and a huge smile.

It was everything, says her daughter Maria Elena Avila. The hope. She was going to make the restaurant work with tanto carino, tanto amor (so much care, so much love). She saw the future.

Hundreds of thousands of customers since have seen that portrait of Margarita Avila, who died Tuesday after a short illness. She was 93.

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Avila was born in 1926 in the town of Penjamo, Guanajuato, in Mexico. In 1946 she married Salvador Avila, who soon after became a bracero and migrated to Californias Central Valley to work in the fields.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: For Salvador Avila, patriarch of the El Ranchito empire, the road to riches was fraught with misfortune. 

Margarita stayed in Mexico to raise their family, which grew to six children. In 1958, the Avilas migrated to el Norte for good and settled in southeast Los Angeles, where Salvador found work in a foundry.

In 1966, the couple borrowed $2,000 from Salvadors uncle to buy a failing Cuban cafe in Huntington Park and turn it into a Mexican diner. They had no restaurant experience, just Margaritas recipes.

She said, Lets see what we can do with this, according to Maria Elena, because this is an opportunity from God.

Three generations worked from the start  Margaritas dad was the dishwasher, she handled the cooking, and the children were waiters, janitors, cashiers. Everyone cut vegetables after hours.

Though Huntington Park was then overwhelmingly white, Mexican immigrants became regulars because the food made them think of their mamas food, according to Avilas daughter Margarita.

The Avila children soon persuaded their parents to open more Avilas El Ranchitos in Orange County in the mid-1970s. The move came at a key moment in the history of Mexican food in the United States.

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She was going to make the restaurant work with tanto carino, tanto amor (so much care, so much love). She saw the future. Maria Elena Avila, on her mom, Margarita

Once relegated to single-spot operations or fast-food taco huts, Mexican restaurants were now drawing investors to expand nationally. Chains including El Torito, Chi-Chis and Acapulco made millions by serving a ravenous public frozen margaritas and heaping combo platters.

The Avilas joined in the rush  but on their own terms. They allowed only family members to open new outposts, and focused on the then-untapped Orange County market. They changed menu items to reflect the clientele of each location  mahi mahi ceviche in Newport Beach, for instance, or a beef tongue dinner in Huntington Park.

But Mama Avila remained in charge of the kitchens: She would christen each one by cooking a batch of rice.

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Even when she was somewhat retired, Maria Elena said, my mom liked to surprise my brothers and go into their kitchens to scold them if the sauces werent up to her standards.

That slow-growth, dynastic strategy worked; while most of Avilas El Ranchitos former competitors have become bankrupt or disappeared altogether, the family opened its 13th restaurant in Foothill Ranch in 2016, run by Margaritas granddaughters.

Though occasionally joining her family on vacations, Margarita was happiest hosting family get-togethers at her house in Newport Beach, where most of her children and grandchildren lived. Every Monday, shed cook chicken soup with rice, a perennial best-seller at all Avilas El Ranchitos.

Margarita Avila, seated with her husband, Salvador, at a celebration for the 50th anniversary of Avilas El Ranchito and their 70th wedding anniversary. Behind them, from left, are their children Victor, Maria Elena, Salvador Jr., Margarita and Sergio. (Photo courtesy of Avila family)

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She always deflected praise from customers in favor of her children, but Margarita did keep one professional highlight close to her heart.

In 1990, Maria Elena catered the opening of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda. The former commander in chief was a Mexican food fan, and requested that the Avilas serve not just the hundreds of attendees who would attend the dedication, but also a private dinner for him and a select circle of guests.

Maria Elena built a makeshift kitchen for her mother, who prepared sopa de fideo (vermicelli soup) flavored with pasilla chiles and accompanied by handmade corn tortillas. Afterward, Nixon told Margarita that the food was delicioso.

And my mom told me, with tears in her eyes, Maria Elena said, Mija, never in my life did I think that me, from Mexico, would serve a president of the United States.

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Margarita Avila was preceded in death by a son, Jose Luis. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Salvador Avila; daughters, Maria Elena and Margarita; sons, Salvador Jr., Victor and Sergio; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

gustavo.arellano@latimes.com

Twitter: @GustavoArellano
More than 40 years after a serial killer dubbed the Doodler terrorized San Franciscos gay community, police released a sketch Wednesday of what the man might look like today and announced a $100,000 reward for details leading to his capture.

Police believe the killer stabbed at least five men to death from early 1974 to late 1975.

He became known as the Doodler after a victim who survived an attack told police the man was doodling while they talked at a late-night diner and said he was a cartoonist.

At a news conference, police released a pair of images that showed a 1975 sketch of the man and an age progression showing what he might look like now.

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In the 1970s, this was gripping the gay community and San Francisco, police Cmdr. Greg McEachern said Wednesday, adding that authorities were releasing the new sketch in hopes of bringing justice to victims of the horrendous homicides.

Its one of several cold cases, particularly serial crimes, being reexamined after the capture last year of the notorious Golden State Killer through DNA analysis, McEachern said. Police have submitted DNA samples from some of the 1970s crime scenes in the Doodler case and were waiting for results from a lab.

Police described the killer as an African American male, about 5 feet, 11 inches tall with a lanky build who was likely in his early 20s during the attacks.

At the time, a witness was able to give investigators a description of the attacker, leading to a man being detained in 1976 but never charged.

McEachern said police had interviewed the man since returning to the case and that he remained a person of interest. His name was not released, and authorities declined to say whether he resembled the man in the sketches.

The killer targeted white men he met at after-hours gay clubs and restaurants in San Francisco. He usually sketched them before they would have sex; then he would stab them.

The bodies of four men were found along the beach. Another stabbing victim was found in Golden Gate Park.

Even now, the story gives me chills, said prominent gay activist Cleve Jones, who recalls how the string of killings terrified the gay community. Imagine, youre out at a club having a drink, and someone hands you a sketch theyve done of you. I cant think of a more disarming ploy to gain someones trust.

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An Associated Press story from 1977 quotes police as saying the suspect at the time could not be charged because three survivors, including a well-known entertainer and a diplomat, were reluctant to come out of the closet to testify against him.

The Associated Press interviewed gay rights advocate Harvey Milk at the time about the victims refusal to testify.

I can understand their position, he said. I respect the pressure society has put on them.

The interview came just over a year before Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in the U.S., was assassinated.

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Police on Wednesday also announced a reward of $100,000 for information leading to the arrest of the killer and released audio of an anonymous call made to police on Jan. 27, 1974, reporting a body found near Ocean Beach in San Francisco.

Responding officers discovered the body of 50-year-old Gerald Cavanaugh, the first of the killers five known victims.

Police are seeking information on the identity of the caller, who declined to give his name.

I believe there might be a dead person, the caller said. But I didnt want to get too close to him because you never know what could happen.
The attorney for a man in the U.S. illegally and charged in the killing of a California police officer has asked a judge to seal a mental health evaluation report on his client because he says it could be incriminating.

Gustavo Perez Arriagas defense attorney, Stephen Foley, last month questioned his clients mental fitness and asked for an evaluation.

Foley told the judge Thursday that he has spent time with his client since the Jan. 2 hearing and now believes Mendoza is mentally fit to stand trial.

According to the Modesto Bee, Foley argued that the evaluation violated his clients right to refuse to answer questions that could be incriminating.

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The judge the sides to return to court April 8.

Perez Arriaga, 32, was arrested in late December following the shooting death of Newman Police Cpl. Ronil Singh.

Police think Perez Arriaga was driving drunk when Singh stopped him in the early morning hours of Dec. 26.

Singh had received a tip about an intoxicated man in a silver pickup. A short time later, Singh radioed that he was pulling over a vehicle.

Minutes later, he radioed, Shots fired! Officers who responded found Singh wounded and the driver he stopped had fled. Singh was taken to a hospital, where he died.

His was the first death in the line of duty for the Newman Police Department.

Authorities say Perez Arriaga was fleeing back to his native Mexico when he was arrested two days after Singhs killing.

The case rekindled a debate over Californias so-called sanctuary law that limits cooperation by local authorities with federal immigration authorities.

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Times staff writer Brittny Mejia contributed to this report.
Dont worry, those low-flying dark helicopters buzzing around the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach this week belong to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

The Army is conducting military training around the cities through Saturday to enhance soldier skills by operating in various urban environments and settings, according to a statement released through the LAPD earlier this week.

Downtown Los Angeles residents were spooked Monday night when helicopters swooped in around them.

A parking lot across the street from the L.A. Live Regal Cinemas movie theater was the center of some dramatic aerial maneuvers Tuesday night.

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NBC captured footage of helicopters landing in the parking lot of an urgent care center and loading personnel before taking off over the 110 Freeway while police blocked nearby traffic.

Not every day that you see the @USArmy training in downtown LA and landing helicopters close to @STAPLESCenter and LA Live. https://t.co/mXi8qNpgKn pic.twitter.com/b7HvhwjO3V  NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) February 6, 2019

Some military training exercises moved away from the populated city centers and toward the San Pedro Bay port complex Tuesday night and into early Wednesday morning.

Port operations at Long Beach were not affected, port spokesman Lee Peterson said.

The Army rented space in an industrial area around the Port of Los Angeles near Terminal Island for training operations Wednesday night, according to Phillip Sanfield, a spokesman for the L.A. port.

Sanfield said people living in boats in the marina area in Wilmington were informed they might hear chopper noise, loud bangs and simulated gunfire.

The local terrain and training facilities in Los Angeles provide the Army with unique locations and simulates urban environments the service members may encounter when deployed overseas, the LAPD said in its news release.

There is no replacement for realistic training. Each location selected enables special operations teams and flight crews to maintain maximum readiness and proficiency, validate equipment and exercise standard safety procedures. The training is essential to ensure service members are fully trained and prepared to defend our nation overseas.

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The U.S. Army Special Operations Command trains in multiple urban areas around the country, said Lt. Col. Loren Bymer, a spokesman for the command group.

It wouldnt be unheard of to train in Boston or Miami, he said. It takes a lot of planning and coordination to do this safely.

 The noises are part of a U.S. Army training exercise that is set to run through Saturday in Los Angeles and Long Beach.

javier.panzar@latimes.com

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@jpanzar
Los Angeles officials agreed Thursday to drop all criminal charges against one of the citys most visible Black Lives Matter organizers as part of a negotiated arrangement after hundreds of activists filed petitions, filled courtrooms and led rallies in recent weeks accusing prosecutors and police of using the charges to silence a critical voice.

Melina Abdullah, a Cal State L.A. professor who often speaks out against Los Angeles Police Department policies, was facing charges of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest, as well as multiple counts of disturbing a public meeting and unlawful assembly in connection with incidents that took place during the often-contentious gatherings of the citys civilian Police Commission in 2017 and 2018.

But Thursday, the Los Angeles city attorneys office and Abdullahs defense team reached an agreement that could result in the dismissal of all charges by August and alter some rules governing Police Commission meetings.

Under the terms of the agreement, officers would arrest Abdullah for a perceived disruption only if she refused to leave the building after being given a verbal warning and being ejected from a meeting. If Abdullah violates the agreement before her next court date Aug. 8, the city attorneys office could decide to prosecute her on the original charges. Otherwise, all eight counts would be dismissed, according to court documents.

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Abdullahs attorney, Carl E. Douglas, said the rules are comparable to those enforced at Los Angeles City Council meetings, and he believes the agreement will shift the way demonstrators are treated at Police Commission meetings.

We have changed the culture in Los Angeles as it deals with protest, he said. No longer will black protest be criminalized. Because the rules that have now been set in place are very important for anyone who may want to protest at the Police Commission.

Rob Wilcox, spokesman for the city attorneys office, said in an email that the entire aim of the prosecution was to ensure that Commission meetings are not disrupted in ways that prevent other members of the public from participating, while protecting individuals right to say what they mean.

The Defendants agreement to abide by this disposition strikes that balance, he added.

An LAPD spokesman declined to comment on the agreement. Police Commission President Steve Soboroff, a frequent target of Abdullahs barbs, said he did not believe the agreement changed the fundamental rules of commission meetings, and downplayed the idea that Abdullahs arrest was meant to quell her activism.

I dont mind if someone exercises their rights to yell and swear and call us names or call our children names or those kinds of things, what I do mind is if somebody breaks the law, he said.

Abdullah was originally arrested during a May 2018 commission meeting that ended when Sheila Hines-Brim  whose niece, Wakiesha Wilson, died while in LAPD custody in 2016  threw a powdery substance at then-Police Chief Charlie Beck. Some activists had claimed Hines-Brim threw her nieces ashes at Beck.

Police accused Abdullah of assault after she allegedly grabbed an officers arm during the commotion. But when the Los Angeles city attorneys office filed charges against Abdullah last August, prosecutors also accused her of four counts of unlawful assembly, one count of disturbing a public meeting and one count of interfering with a public meeting in connection with alleged misconduct that took place at commission meetings in July and August 2017, records show.

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In court filings, prosecutors said they began conducting a review of all disruptions occurring at the Police Commission meetings, which led to the additional charges against Abdullah. Wilcox said the Police Commissions executive director, Richard Tefank, requested the review after several incidents took place at the meeting.

Abdullah and others have accused the city of bringing charges for the sole purpose of quashing her activism, which often includes antagonistic encounters at Police Commission meetings.

The conduct of the city attorneys office and LAPD  particularly the timing  allows the strong inference that this prosecution is in retaliation for Dr. Abdullahs other political activity and is improperly motivated, Douglas wrote in a recent court filing. These charges seek to criminalize black protests and attempt to silence a loud, often angry, voice.

Calls for City Atty. Mike Feuer to drop all charges against Abdullah have circulated online for weeks. Protesters held a demonstration outside City Hall this week before hand-delivering a petition signed by 11,000 people calling on Feuer to dismiss the case.

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Both the city attorneys office and the LAPD denied that Abdullah was targeted for political reasons.

After the hearing Thursday morning, Abdullah and Douglas stood outside before a crowd of dozens of supporters who had packed the downtown courtroom and credited them with helping pressure the city attorneys office into what they termed a surrender.

How many of yall called Mike Feuer every single day? Abdullah shouted to cheers. This is not the city attorneys office coming after Melina Abdullah. This was the city attorneys office coming after black protest.

Wilcox rejected the notion that public pressure played a role in the move to dismiss charges against Abdullah.

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Hines-Brim settled her case last month, the city attorneys office previously said. She entered into an 18-month diversionary program, and the charges will be dismissed upon completion of the terms of that agreement, Wilcox said.

The LAPD has in the past faced criticism for allegedly using the threat of arrest or prosecution to quell protest and dissenting voices.

In the nights following President Trumps 2016 election, thousands of people took to downtown streets as part of a wave of national protests. The LAPD arrested 462 people that week, far more than any other city in the U.S., but only managed to bring criminal charges against three of those people. At the time, observers accused police of giving inadequate dispersal orders before enacting arrests and of using handcuffs to quash the demonstrators legal right to march.

james.queally@latimes.com

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Twitter: @JamesQueallyLAT
Authorities have identified twin brothers found dead in Glendale on Wednesday in what police believe was a murder-suicide.

The deaths of Carl Ora Cervantes and David Cirilo Cervantes, 60, were reported within 40 minutes of each other, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiners office.

David Cervantes was the first to be found after officers with the Glendale Police Department responded to a call about an injured person at a condominium in the 50 block of Northwoods Lane around 3:30 a.m. He was found dead inside.

An official cause of death has not been determined pending an autopsy, authorities said.

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Officers received word around 4:20 a.m. of a possible suicide on the 134 Freeway.

Sgt. Dan Suttles, a police spokesman, said it appeared a man jumped from the 2 Freeway interchange onto the eastbound 134. Although Suttles said investigators thought the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide, he said it was possible the incidents were a double suicide.

We have no motive yet because there are only two witnesses, and theyre both deceased, he said.

Witnesses told officers the brothers lived together in the condo.

Property records list their father, 88-year-old Carl Cervantes, as the condominiums owner. It also shows a 64-year-old Nikki Cervantes living in the Northwoods Lane home.

Attempts to reach both Carl and Nikki Cervantes were unsuccessful.

Nguyen writes for Times Community News.

andy.nguyen@latimes.com
Mayor Eric Garcetti has ordered Los Angeles police to scale back on vehicle stops in response to an investigation by the Los Angeles Times showing that an elite unit was pulling over a disproportionate number of African Americans.

In a written statement Wednesday, Garcetti said he is deeply concerned about The Times findings that Metropolitan Division officers stop black drivers at a rate more than five times their share of the population.

Pointing to decreases in homicides and violent crimes last year, Garcetti said that progress in fighting crime needs to come with gains in public trust. He said that reducing vehicle stops, which are perceived by some black residents as racially discriminatory, in favor of other policing techniques will help to build that trust.

I have directed the Chief of Police to prioritize other elements of our comprehensive crime reduction strategy, beyond vehicle stops, until we learn more  so that we can accelerate the reduction in vehicle stops that has been achieved since they peaked a couple of years ago, Garcetti said in the statement. We have made our streets safer with fewer vehicle stops than in recent years, and we have to keep prioritizing what works to both stop crime and strengthen trust.

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On Tuesday, citing the Times investigation, civil rights and community groups called on Garcetti to withdraw Metro from South L.A.

The groups, which include the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and Community Coalition, are also asking for more youth programs, mental health services and community policing.

The deployment of the Metropolitan Division has failed to address safety in communities like South Los Angeles, but rather has led to the incarceration and harassment of African American and Latino people, they wrote in a Feb. 5 letter to Garcetti, LAPD Chief Michel Moore and the five-member civilian Police Commission that oversees the LAPD.

Since Garcetti announced in 2015 that Metro would double in size to combat an increase in violent crime, the number of vehicle stops by its officers has skyrocketed from a few thousand to nearly 60,000 last year.

Garcetti and Moore have cited the Metro expansion as a key component in the citys crime fighting strategy.

Unlike regular patrol officers, Metro crime suppression officers, who numbered about 270 last year, often spend their shifts on vehicle stops and other proactive policing tactics intended to root out violent criminals.

They typically use a minor violation such as a broken tail light as a starting point to question the driver and potentially get inside the car  a type of stop known as a pretextual stop.

LAPD spokesman Josh Rubenstein said in a statement: We look forward to meeting with the leaders who make up the Community Coalition to address their concerns identified over strategies we employ to combat violent crime.

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Other crime suppression strategies used by Metro include investigative follow-ups, apprehending suspects involved in violent crime and foot patrols in neighborhoods impacted by street level crime, Rubenstein said.

We understand the delicate balance between our enforcement posture and our steadfast commitment to building relationships, engaging the community and enhancing public trust, he said. Identifying and arresting individuals who are responsible for gun violence remains a top priority as in the days ahead we expand our strategies beyond the typical crime suppression tactics involving vehicle stops in our most violence impacted neighborhoods.

The Times investigation found that nearly half the drivers stopped by Metro were black. That has helped drive up the share of African Americans stopped by the LAPD overall from 21% to 28% since the Metro expansion, in a city that is 9% black.

In South L.A., which is 31% black, 65% of the drivers stopped by Metro were black.

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Last week, in response to the Times findings, Garcetti called for an audit of Metro stops. A similar audit by the LAPDs Office of Inspector General was already in the works and is expected to be released late this year.

Alberto Retana, president and CEO of Community Coalition, said the Times findings were gut-wrenching because they confirmed the feelings of black residents who say that police are targeting them because of their race.

The Times investigation did not prove that officers were engaging in racial profiling, but civil rights advocates have said the disparities are too great to fully be explained by other factors, such as the demographics of high-crime areas.

To see that echoed in the L.A. Times is cause for alarm, but there is also an opportunity for the LAPD to do something different and change its practices and stop its targeting of African Americans in the city, Retana said.

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Melanie Ochoa, an attorney with the ACLU of Southern California, said that Metros mission in South L.A., with officers driving around looking for people who might have guns or drugs, means that harassment and targeted policing are baked into the way it operates.

Citing a report about the LAPDs Gang Enforcement Details released by the inspector general last week, she questioned whether stopping motorists and pedestrians is an effective way to fight crime. That report found that in more than half the stops examined during a two-month period last summer where people were subsequently searched, the searches may have been unconstitutional.

They like to claim a straight line from these tactics to a reduction in crime, but we dont know if its actually borne out in practice, she said.

Steve Soboroff, president of the Police Commission, said he called Retana after receiving the letter and plans to discuss the issue with him.

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Whether to pull Metro out of South L.A. is beyond his purview as a police commissioner, he said. But he hopes to learn more from Retana about what programs residents need and how to win the trust of those who are suspicious of the police.

We get calls all the time from people saying we need a lot more cops, and we get calls from people saying we need less, Soboroff said. Whats important is why people feel that way and what we can do to mitigate their feelings and earn their trust.

Police Commissioner Shane Murphy Goldsmith said she supports more community policing and youth programs, which she believes will address the root causes of crime.

She said she is not prepared to call for Metro to withdraw from South L.A. until the inspector general releases his findings.
From the Bay Area to Los Angeles, it was a day to gaze upon snow-capped peaks, acknowledge that yes, California does have a winter, and share a photo or two on social media.

And dont expect the alpine glory  caused by a series of cold storms that dropped snow levels dramatically  to disappear soon.

Wet weather will kick back up again Friday for large swaths of the state, which could bring hazardous conditions for drivers. The National Weather Service said two new low-pressure systems coming from the Arctic would slam the Sierra Nevada with low temperatures and snow this weekend.

Temperatures are going to be pretty cold, so theres a pretty good shot well see some snow affecting the I-5 corridor Friday night into Saturday, said Curt Kaplan, a meteorologist with the weather service in Oxnard.

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Three feet or more of snow is expected in mountain passes this weekend, with snow levels as low as 2,000 feet and winds threatening whiteout conditions. Frost advisories were issued for parts of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, where temperatures were in the low 30s.

Bay Area skiers and snowboarders trying to capitalize on the snow in the Lake Tahoe area are going to have trouble crossing the Sierra Nevada.

The system that will hit the state Friday into Saturday is expected to dump 8 to 12 inches of snow on Donner Pass, while the Sunday system will bring 18 to 24 inches, said Cory Mueller, a meteorologist with the weather service in Sacramento.

It is going to be another weekend of poor Sierra travel, he said.

The majestic beauty of the land sea interface never disappoints, especially when snow capped mountains are involved. Here are a few pictures from Cone Peak high above the #BigSur Coast. ~8" of snow measured. Nearby peaks likely >12" : L. Pantilat #cawx #casnow  pic.twitter.com/ma8LLp12vY  NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) February 6, 2019

The systems coming from western Canada wont be as strong as the storms earlier this week, but they will still be cold. Since the Feb. 2, Mammoth Mountain has seen 132 inches of snow, Kirkwood 92 inches and Northstar 78 inches.

Mammoth and June Lake resorts reopened Wednesday and are now contending with as much as 11 feet of new snow and temperatures hovering around zero.

All lifts at Mammoth were expected to be up and running Wednesday. But early-day skiers faced biting cold. The temperature early Wednesday was 5 heading toward an expected high of 18.

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The National Weather Service reported Wednesday morning that 7 inches of snow fell in Squaw Valley in the previous 24 hours.

The lower lying coastal mountains in the Bay Area got a dusting of snow, too.

About a foot of snow fell on Junipero Serra peak near Big Sur. Silicon Valley workers could look out and see the 8 inches of snow that fell on nearby Mount Hamilton.

Meanwhile, Southland residents looking to the north and east were graced with picturesque views of the San Gabriel Mountains behind downtown Los Angeles.

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Mount Baldy got 16 inches of snow in the 24 hours preceding Tuesday morning while Mount Wilson got 4.5 inches.

During the seven days prior, 7.67 inches of rain fell in Pasadena, 6.21 inches fell near the Eagle Rock reservoir and Beverly Hills saw 5.21 inches of rain.

There were even reports of heavy hail and snow in the Antelope Valley.

Its snowing in Los Angeles County!



Our @LANLASD deputies braving the wind, snow and hail to capture a video of a rare snow in the Antelope Valley! This was in Lake LA. Not even snow will stop our deputies! They are out in this weather making sure our community is safe. pic.twitter.com/KZhuMkyQMM  LA County Sheriff's (@LASDHQ) February 6, 2019

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Though the temperatures may have Angelenos bundling up  Los Angeles International Airport reported 45 degrees Wednesday morning, just below the average of 49  it is nothing compared to this same date in 1989, when the weather station at the airport reported a record low of 35 degrees.

We are not breaking any records right now, said Lisa Phillips of the weather service in Oxnard.

The weather service issued a frost advisory through Thursday morning for the Santa Barbara and Ventura County coasts and the Los Angeles County valleys, with forecasters urging people to cover their plants and bring their pets inside.

Times staff writer Alene Tchekmedyian contributed to this report.

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javier.panzar@latimes.com

@jpanzar
Israels decision to throw out the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) mission in the south of the West Bank has raised concerns among Palestinians that another massacre will take place at Al-Ibrahimi Mosque without witnesses or monitors.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu decided not to renew the missions mandate under the pretext that it is working against Israel.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry warned against such a move, saying that ending TIPHs mission is an attempt to cover-up crimes by Israels occupation and settlers, a continuation of Israels policy of evading signed agreements, rejecting international law and conventions, and blocking any international presence on the ground to prevent crimes and violations committed by the occupation and settlers against the Palestinian people from being exposed.

It added that as an occupation force, Israel continues to implement its plan of Judaicising Area C in the West Bank, which is under Israeli security and administrative control according to the Oslo Accords, especially targeting historic and religious sites. This is occurring in Jerusalem, Hebron and Nablus methodically and on a daily basis, ignoring international law and negating all signed agreements between Palestinians and Israelis.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry believes that expelling TIPH is a clear declaration by the occupation that it intends to Judaicise the old district in Hebron and take control of more Palestinian land surrounding it. It will carry out ethnic cleansing and forced displacement of Palestinians there, and replace them with settlers.

TIPH is an unarmed international civilian body monitoring Israels violations in Hebron since the Ibrahimi Mosque massacre of 1994  a bloodbath committed by settler and paediatrician Baruch Goldstein during dawn prayers on 15 Ramadan where he killed 29 worshippers at the mosque and 31 others outside, injuring 200.

Israels Foreign Ministry criticised TIPH several times, accusing it of presenting one-sided accounts on conditions in Hebron.

According to the missions Website, its primary goal is to monitor and report on conditions in Hebron in areas under its mandate, and thus create a sense of security and safety for Palestinians in Hebron. TIPH tries to maintain a visual presence in Hebron, especially in volatile areas, through daily patrols to monitor conditions in the city.

The five countries sponsoring TIPH said they regretted Israels unilateral decision to end the missions work, sending a joint letter from the foreign ministers of Norway, Italy, Turkey, Switzerland and Sweden describing Israels decision as contrary to the Oslo II agreement. It also contradicts UN Security Council Resolution 904 of 1994 which called for the creation of TIPH to protect Palestinian civilians.

The Palestinians asked for the renewal of TIPHs mission, stated the sponsors, noting that according to international law, as the occupying power, Israel must protect Hebron residents, guarantee their safety and hold accountable anyone who violates applicable international law.

The five sponsors rejected Israeli claims that TIPH has violated its mandate, and asked Israel to protect the missions staff until they leave Hebron. In their message, the five foreign ministers said the only solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a two-state solution within recognised borders so both peoples can live in safety and peace.

Saeb Erekat, secretary-general of the PLOs Executive Committee, called on the UN to prevent the departure of TIPH. Erekat said the Palestinian Authority is talking to the UN and the five sponsors to prevent Israel from carrying out its decision. These countries must decide if Israel is above international law due its actions and disrespect of existing and signed agreements, he said.

Erekat criticised the administration of US President Donald Trump, saying this step was in coordination with the US which is putting pressure on the PA. Although the US is a superpower, we will not change our position and no one will force us to change course. He continued that last year the US directly and indirectly suspended $800 million in aid to the Palestinians after the US recognised Jerusalem as Israels capital, but we will not abandon our principles.

Erekat addressed Arab and Islamic heads of state, saying that normalising relations with Israel is a stab in the back for the Palestinians. Anyone who supports the USs position that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel is denying Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, he declared.

Haaretz newspaper claimed that TIPH is a foreign group that was sent to calm the area, but its activities since then have been unclear and support for it is minimal, even among Palestinians and Leftist activists in the city. The newspaper claims that since the start, settlers in this tense city hated TIPH, which reports violations and humanitarian problems in Hebron but in actuality has done very little. The article continued that in recent months animosity grew towards TIPH staff after surveillance video showed a TIPH member deflating the tires of a settlers car, with another accused of slapping a settler child.

These images bolstered demands by right-wing settlers to expel TIPH.

Its good there are elections, said Itmar bin Gafir, a settler, or else Netanyahu would have continued sleeping restfully. Bin Ghafir believes removing TIPH is a needed and appropriate step, although it only happened for electoral reasons.

The Israeli occupation controls Hebron which is divided into two-thirds for Jewish settlers and one third for Palestinians who have become  despite being the original residents  persona non grata. They are denied the simplest rights of practising their religion, while settlers have the freedom to worship. Palestinians in Hebron suffer economic, social and psychological hardships, due to the occupation and settlements that make it difficult to live normally.

Daily attacks by the occupation and radical settlers under the protection and often participation of the occupation army have increased the suffering of Palestinians in Hebron, especially in the old district that UNESCO listed as a World Heritage Site in 2017. This made the old district and Ibrahimi Mosque the fourth Palestinian cultural site on the World Heritage List after Jerusalem (the Old City and its walls), Bethlehem (the birthplace of Christ; Church of the Nativity and Pilgrims Road) and Battir (Palestine: Land of olives and vines; the cultural landscape of southern Palestine).

There are many stories in the old district that reveal the pain suffered by Palestinians in Hebron at the hands of settlers who live in six settlement enclaves, beginning with Tal Al-Rumeida where the most radical settlers live and ending by the Ibrahimi Mosque, passing through the largest settlement cluster parallel to the vegetable market which was overrun after the 1994 massacre.

Martyrs Road, which was closed after the massacre, is the heart of Hebron and the only link between the citys northern and southern parts. Its closure seriously complicated the lives of residents travelling in either direction. A barricade was erected at the entrance called Bab Al-Zawya to prevent people from crossing except for residents of the area. Residents also suffer to return to their homes or go to work, whether in the day or in the night.

Martyrs Road was Hebrons beacon and economic hub before it was shut down, with more than 450 shops and dozens of homes that have now become isolated from their surroundings. Today, it is a military barracks surrounded by barricades and permanent military checkpoints. In the old city, which is no more than one square kilometre, 1,500 Israeli soldiers protect 400 settlers.

During the second Intifada (the Al-Aqsa uprising) in 2000, occupation forces imposed a new form of torture and abuse by installing a three-year curfew, clamping down on Hebron residents through night raids that frighten the young and old, while settlers shoot and assault Palestinians and their property.

Tal Al-Rumeida residents of around 50 Palestinian families suffer the policy of numbers which occupation forces imposed on them in 2016. They are not allowed to enter their homes except through fingerprinting or PINs given to them, otherwise they are turned away. This prevents families from visiting each other, restricts their movement and prevents them from connecting, with the aim of displacing the population and Judaicising the area.

Nidal Al-Jaabari, adviser to the governor of Hebron, said that despite the heavy presence of occupation soldiers around settlements in Hebron, they often refuse to protect Palestinians being attacked by settlers. In fact, the police could refuse to investigate an attack even though there are surveillance cameras everywhere in Hebron.

Al-Jaabari added that settlers attack Palestinians nearly daily under the noses of the occupation army, in order to harass and frighten them out of their homes so they can move in. Peaceful resistance is the best enforcer of Palestinian resilience, through social and psychological activities directed at damaging the psyche of the occupation and settlers.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 7 February, 2019 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Palestinians fear new massacre

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A real estate company seeking to raze a portion of the former Los Angeles Times headquarters and replace it with two high-rise towers gave $50,000 to a campaign committee with ties to Councilman Jose Huizar two months before a crucial vote on the property, according to recently filed contribution records.

Onni Contracting (California) Inc., part of the group of companies that bought the downtown property in 2016, made the donation to Families for a Better Los Angeles. The committee held at least two fundraisers featuring Huizar last year.

State fundraising disclosures show the committee received the donation on Sept. 26, just as Onni was working to defeat a proposal to designate the 1973 office building, designed by renowned modernist architect William Pereira, as a historic landmark.

Preservation of the Pereira building would have complicated Onnis plan for building the two residential towers  one 37 stories, the other 53.

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Huizar, who represents downtown, sided with Onni on the issue, sending an aide to testify against the monument designation for the Pereira portion of the complex on Nov. 27, when the councils planning committee took up the proposal. The committee voted that day to oppose the monument application for the Pereira building, saying the city needs the housing the project would provide. The full council followed suit a week later.

The donation from Onni arrived weeks before Huizars home and offices were raided by FBI agents. Since those raids, The Times has reported that Families for a Better Los Angeles has come under scrutiny from the FBI in its corruption investigation into Huizar and other City Hall figures.

No one has been arrested in the probe. There is no indication that investigators are examining the vote on the former Times complex and no evidence that the vote was influenced by the donation.

Families for a Better Los Angeles was formed as a state political committee in December 2017 and has collected more than $290,000 so far  much of it from real estate interests in Huizars district, state records show. Although Huizar is not listed on Families paperwork, several contributors said he was involved in the effort to raise money for the committee.

Three donors told The Times they gave to the Families committee last year to support Richelle Huizar, who was planning a campaign to replace her husband on the council.

A fourth, veteran lobbyist Arnie Berghoff, said Huizar personally asked him to hold a fundraiser for the group and invite some of his clients  but that the councilman did not mention his wife.

Huizar spokesman Rick Coca referred questions about the committee to the councilmans lawyers, who declined to answer them directly. Councilman Huizar continues to work tirelessly to promote the growth and vibrancy of his district, the lawyers said in an email.

Onni Contracting is one of several businesses that exist under the umbrella of Vancouver-based Onni Group, the projects developer. Asked about the timing of the $50,000 contribution, Onni Group chief of staff Duncan Wlodarczak did not directly respond. Instead, he said company officials believe its important to support the local communities in which we do business.

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Through our work, we regularly contribute to philanthropic causes, community organizations or events, and political campaigns and candidates, and we are regularly approached by individuals involved in all three, he said in an email.

Under the citys campaign finance laws, donors cannot contribute more than $800 per election cycle to a council members election campaign. There are no limits, however, on the amount that can be given to an independent committee, such as Families for a Better Los Angeles.

The citys elected officials have a long history of collecting such unlimited contributions for ballot measure campaigns, nonprofit groups and charitable causes. In recent weeks, council members have begun looking at the idea of barring developers from making donations to philanthropic causes at the request of city elected officials.

Families for a Better Los Angeles filed its latest fundraising report last week, disclosing donations received during the six-month period that ended Dec. 31. The committee took in $2,500 from attorney William Delvac, who represented Onni before the council committee, according to the report.

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Berghoff, the lobbyist, gave $500 and one of his firms clients, trash hauler Athens Services, gave $1,000. Berghoff said Huizar appeared at an Aug. 1 fundraiser for the committee, held at the downtown restaurant Dama.

He said the committee would support candidates of like mind at the city, county or state level who support housing, including affordable housing, Berghoff said.

Huizar also took part in a fundraiser for Families held on Jan. 30, 2018, according to two people who attended. Businessman Charlie Woo, whose company donated $2,500 to the committee, said Huizar appeared and gave remarks at the event, held at Officine Brera downtown.

The committee also reported receiving $12,500 from Kevin and Minny Chen, who were listed as executives with Arts District Development, a company seeking to build a 12-story hotel and condominium complex at 5th and Alameda streets in Huizars district. The committee received the money on Oct. 31 but later returned the funds, according to the report.

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An attorney for the Families committee did not respond to a list of questions about the committees activities. However, a person familiar with the committees work said the donation from the Chens arrived shortly before its principals decided to halt all fundraising.

Councilman Jose Huizar was involved in fundraising for the political committee Families for a Better Los Angeles, several donors told The Times. FBI agents raided Huizars home and offices on Nov. 7. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

The money from the Chens was received a week before the FBI searched Huizars home and offices. Because the money had not yet been deposited, the committee decided to give it back, the source said.

A representative for Chen had no comment. Chen, contacted by The Times in December, would not say whether he had received a federal grand jury subpoena seeking records involving Huizar. Im not in a position to tell you this, he said at the time.

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Since November, real estate developers with projects in downtown Los Angeles have received grand jury subpoenas instructing them to identify any donations they have made to Families for a Better Los Angeles and another political committee with ties to Huizar, Community Support PAC, according to two unnamed sources familiar with the order.

Community Support PAC sent mailers supporting Huizar in 2015 and since then has supported political causes favored by the councilman. Developers were also asked to disclose contributions to a Huizar reelection committee and to Bishop Mora Salesian High School, where Huizars wife worked as a fundraiser, the two sources said.

The news of the $50,000 contribution outraged preservationists, who had argued that the Pereira building is an important part of the citys history, and a symbol of The Times transformation into a national newspaper.

Richard Schave, the cultural historian who filed the monument application, said he was disgusted to learn of the Onni donation. Schave said that for months leading up to the vote, he had asked Huizars office to set up a meeting between him and Onnis representative on the issue. Huizar staffers repeatedly declined, he said.

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Schave said he believes there is a direct connection between the donation and the final decision to reject the monument status for the Pereira building. He said that weeks before the vote, an aide to Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, then chairman of the councils planning committee, told him that the panel would base its decision on Huizars input.

She said, Were taking his direction, Schave said.

Preservationists unsuccessfully sought city landmark status for the 1973 building designed by the renowned modernist architect William Pereira. The building is part of the complex that housed The Times and its corporate parent. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Ashley Thomas, a spokeswoman for Harris-Dawson, said Schaves characterization was not accurate  and that the committee took into account not just Huizars opinion, but also the views of the citys Cultural Heritage Commission and the broader community.

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We took all of these into consideration when making the decision, she said.

Onni purchased the former Times properties  several interconnected structures located on 1st Street  for $105 million in 2016, according to city and county records. Soon afterward, the company announced plans for the two towers, which would house more than 1,100 units.

The Times moved out of its downtown headquarters in July, relocating to El Segundo. Shortly before the move, Schave filed an application to have the entire Times complex designated as a historic-cultural monument  a designation that could have, at minimum, resulted in new delays for Onnis skyscraper project.

Schave included the building designed by Pereira, architect of CBS Television City in the Fairfax district and the futuristic Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport, calling the architect a giant of California design. His request received support from the Los Angeles Conservancy, a historic preservation organization, and the Cultural Heritage Commission, a panel made up of appointees of Mayor Eric Garcetti.

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Opponents said the building was not worth saving, and had been clumsily attached to a more historically significant structure, The Times 1935 Art Deco headquarters building.

The council voted to landmark the Art Deco structure and a second building, constructed in 1948, in December. But they refused to do so for the Pereira building, saying the city needs the additional housing  and that the buildings history could be recognized in other ways.

david.zahniser@latimes.com

Twitter: @DavidZahniser
In the wake of the Los Angeles teachers strike, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has joined a push for a review of how charter schools could be causing financial problems for traditional school systems.

He has asked state Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to convene an expert panel, with a report due by July 1.

As Governor Newsom stated in his first budget proposal, rising charter school enrollments in some urban districts are having real impacts on those districts ability to provide essential support and services for their students, spokesman Brian Ferguson said in a statement.

The statement did not allude to the L.A. teachers strike, but the governors directive followed a resolution passed last week by the L.A. Board of Education, which called for such a study.

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The L.A. board took up its charter resolution as one commitment the district made to end a teachers strike that began Jan. 14 and extended over six school days. The resolution passed 5-1, even winning the votes of two members who were elected with substantial support from charter school advocates.

The L.A. board resolution also asked for an eight- to 10-month moratorium on new charter schools in the L.A. Unified School District while such a study would take place.

Outside that meeting, more than 1,000 charter school students, parents and other supporters rallied to oppose the boards action. They said a moratorium would deny choices to families in search of better or different schools.

Demonstrators rally in support of charter schools at L.A. Unified headquarters, west of downtown, opposing a moratorium on new charters. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)

So far, Newsom has not announced support for a moratorium.

L.A. Unified has no authority to enforce a moratorium, which would require a change to state law. The L.A. school board, like others in the state, is required to approve any valid petition to start a charter school that comes before it.

Nearly 1 in 5 public school students in L.A. Unified attends a charter. The nations second-largest school system has 225 charters  more than in any other district in the country  enrolling about 112,000 students.

Charter schools are privately operated public schools that compete for students with traditional, district-run schools and with one another. Most are nonunion.

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The head of the state charter association, Myrna Castrejon, said she hoped that any panel also would examine the positive impact of charters and would be focused on whats best for students overall, particularly our most vulnerable.

Financing and outcomes do go hand in hand, and we look forward to a sober conversation about the interplay of these issues, Castrejon said.

The L.A. teachers union, United Teachers Los Angeles, made the growth of charters a major issue leading up to the strike, even though union members could not walk out over the issue. On Wednesday, union President Alex Caputo-Pearl applauded Newsoms action for seemingly recognizing that public school districts across the state, including Los Angeles Unified, are being financially strangled by the unmitigated growth of charter schools, but we dont believe a task force is needed to reach this obvious conclusion.

Large urban school districts, the primary targets of the corporate charter industry, are well past the saturation point  and an immediate cap on charter schools is urgently necessary, he said.

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L.A. Unified teachers have long been concerned about the rapid growth of charters  even as district enrollment is declining overall because of population trends. The decline has created financial pressure on L.A. Unified, which has had trouble cutting costs and faces increasing burdens from underfunded programs to provide retirees with pensions and health benefits.

Both teachers unions and charter supporters are powerful lobbying interests in Sacramento, and, in the past, theyve fought to nearly a draw when it comes to major changes in charter school law.

Charter supporters spent millions of dollars in an unsuccessful primary campaign to defeat Newsom, and millions more in an attempt to defeat Thurmond, who benefited from millions in support from teachers unions. But Newsom was not notably anti-charter in years past, and Thurmond has little direct authority over charters.

Both Thurmond and Newsom were involved in efforts to end the L.A. teachers strike.

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On Monday, the Oakland teachers union announced overwhelming support for a strike by its members. Charter growth has been an issue, too, in that school system. And the board of West Contra Costa County Unified, also in the Bay Area, was scheduled Wednesday to discuss a resolution calling for a statewide charter moratorium.

howard.blume@latimes.com

Twitter: @howardblume
The men and women collecting petition signatures outside Metro Super Market in Temple City warned of a marijuana takeover and greedy politicians eager to speed it along. They accused Andre Quintero, the mayor of El Monte, of wanting to make the San Gabriel Valley famous as a cannabis hub.

Quintero has backed a sprawling marijuana facility in El Monte as the start of a larger effort to make cannabis an economic engine for a working-class, predominantly Latino city that has long suffered from financial woes. He also sees marijuana cultivation as a way of boosting the citys standing.

Ill look at the package and it will say Made in El Monte, and Ill smile, he said.

But the citys push into marijuana is facing an extreme backlash from its more well-heeled neighbors in the San Gabriel Valley, who fear cultivation will bring crime and blight.

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You will hear helicopters overhead, people shooting in the street, maybe prostitutes walking around, said Daniel Ding of Temple City. It will destroy the city.

Its a war, said Fenglan Liu, a Temple City resident who lives near the proposed site. Its a marijuana war.

The dispute has sparked loud protests, talk of a political recall and a lawsuit, and laid bare clashing views of what large-scale cannabis production bodes for cities, their residents  and their neighbors. Its part of a larger debate going on in communities in California and other states that have legalized marijuana, where some struggling cities are trying to lure pot businesses to help increase jobs and boost sagging tax revenue.

The conflict also has underscored the economic imbalance between El Monte, a perennially strapped city where the median household income is $43,500, and nearby cities like Arcadia and Temple City, where many households make twice that. El Monte must look to industries outside the mainstream to bring investment and jobs, Quintero said, industries his citys wealthier neighbors can afford to snub.

Temple City and Rosemead are suing El Monte, alleging that it minimized or simply ignored many of the projects environmental risks. City attorneys also say El Monte understated the strain on the regions public safety resources and water supply.

Cliff Chih, 58, an opponent of the marijuana production development, stands next to the warehouse that is slated to house the facility. Chih said a relative is addicted to the substance, and he worries about other young people. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

In December, the El Monte City Council approved the 71,658-square-foot facility to grow, process and distribute medical-grade marijuana.

Both sides have since dug in.

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Opponents, many of them Asian Americans, are trying to force a referendum and, if that fails, a recall of El Monte officeholders, whom they call corrupt and deaf to constituents. Quintero claims the Chinese group was weaponized by political enemies.

The developer of the cultivation center, Teresa Tsai, lives in Temple City and said she was raised in a traditional, conservative Asian family.

Tsai, 39, said the San Gabriel Valley is already awash in illicit marijuana businesses that  unlike her development  are not regulated and pay no taxes.

Cannabis is all around us, she said, noting the state allows marijuana to be delivered even to cities that ban its sale. Theres illegal shops all around, advertised on Yelp, Weedmaps, operating without a license. Its the illegal shops that are selling to children, selling untested products. Isnt it better to have a facility thats regulated than letting illegal ones pop up?

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Tsai estimated it would take between six months and a year for her operation to open, depending on how quickly the city and state inspect it. She must pay El Monte $828,700 in fees the first year, $955,420 in the second and $1.15 million in the third, according to city estimates. An annual fee of $175,000 would go to a community benefits fund, which Quintero said could finance after-school programs, youth education about illegal drugs and alcohol, and cracking down on illicit marijuana rackets.

A cascade of marijuana development in El Monte could follow. A city planning commission on Tuesday approved a second facility, abutting the first one and twice its size. It will now go before the city council for approval.

Some of the criticism has come from within El Monte  from both Latino and Asian residents.

They sold their soul to the devil, said Alan Zhong, an El Monte resident. I feel they threw their morals on the garbage.

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Critics have challenged the El Monte councils blessing of the first project, citing campaign donations from the developer and her associates to three of the citys five council members, including Quintero.

Its a conflict of interest, real straight. It is definitely, obviously, a conflict of interest. Zig Jiang, Hacienda Heights resident and opponent of the marijuana development

Quintero said Tsais contributions had no bearing on his vote, and that he has been maligned by political opponents who have characterized campaign donations as bribes.

Its common for people to support officeholders who support their ideas, he said. Theyre not going to support people who are against cannabis.

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Bill Nosal, left, of Laguna Niguel, is slated to be the general manager for one of the new facilities producing marijuana in El Monte. Brannon Dylan, right, is a consultant on the new project. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

The facility  currently a furniture warehouse  is on Temple City Boulevard, which divides El Monte and Temple City. Though the marijuana operation would be on the El Monte side of the street in an area zoned for manufacturing, across the street are Temple City homes and apartments.

Ellis Raskin, an attorney retained by the projects critics, said El Monte has tried to play down the developments environmental risks by reviewing the projects one at a time, rather than gauging their collective impact  a tactic known as piecemealing.

Fenglan Liu, 50, is leading the fight against marijuana production in El Monte. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

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After weeks of soliciting outside supermarkets and restaurants, the projects opponents on Wednesday delivered to El Montes city clerk what they said were the signatures of more than 5,700 city voters opposed to the development  enough to trigger a referendum.

An El Monte spokeswoman said the city would review the signatures before sending them on to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder, which would verify their legitimacy. If the signatures are valid, and the petition was indeed signed by 10% or more of El Monte voters, the city council could either repeal its agreement with the developer or put it to a popular vote.

Opponents of the development say home values will drop and crime will climb, that children will grow inured to marijuana, and nearby schools  there are four within a one-mile radius of the site  will be threatened.

Some experts say its no surprise that opposition to marijuana businesses is coming from Chinese Americans.

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Robin Wang, a philosophy professor and director of Asian American studies at Loyola Marymount University, said the Chinese word for marijuana  dama, translated literally as large anesthesia  connotes a poisonous stupor. Marijuana is criminalized in China and is generally believed there to have no medicinal value, Wang said.

To explain why he opposed the El Monte development, Cliff Chih said a relative, now about 30, began smoking marijuana at 15.

Hes kind of useless now  he cant support himself, he said. Chih, a Temple City resident, said he does not believe marijuana has medicinal use.

Teresa Tsai, 39, is the developer for GSC Holding Group, LLC, the first company approved to open a marijuana production facility in El Monte. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

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For his part, Quintero said he is girding for the next recession.

El Monte recorded an $8.4-million deficit in the last fiscal year, according to its annual report. Quintero said El Monte has tapped reserves to pay its bills  a practice he called not sustainable  and can ill afford to turn away investment in the city.

We have very little margin for error, he said. And I dont want to keep going back to the well and asking voters for a higher property tax.

Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer, who has championed marijuana development in his South Los Angeles district, agreed that cannabis can be a key revenue source for small cities. Maywood aggressively courted marijuana development in 2017, and Adelantos then-mayor spoke of turning his high desert city into the Silicon Valley of medical marijuana before his home, office and a local marijuana dispensary were raided by FBI agents in 2018. No charges have been filed against the mayor, Rich Kerr, who lost reelection in November.

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Workers clear out the warehouse that has been approved for marijuana production in El Monte. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

But how marijuana operations could affect home values is an open question.

Cheng Cheng, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Mississippi, studied Colorado home prices after marijuana was legalized there in 2012 and found they went up about 6% when a dispensary opened nearby. But how a large cultivation center affects property values, Cheng said, hinges on how the local market views marijuana.

Quintero said land in El Montes manufacturing zones has become more valuable as the cannabis industry eyes it.

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From the outside, he said, the warehouse that will contain 12,555 feet of canopy space  about 8,850 plants at a time  would be indistinguishable from any other business.
Word to the wise: If your 8-year-old suddenly asks for paprika to season his or her food, youd better watch out. They may not simply be exhibiting signs of a refining palate, they could be manifesting signs of a former life  and not in a good way.

Thats just one of the things that kicks off the crazy in The Prodigy, a tense and gripping, persuasively acted horror-thriller that evokes such evil-child flicks as The Omen, The Exorcist, The Bad Seed and The Good Son, while carving its own pulse-pounding, if inherently far-fetched niche in the process.

Another warning: Moms and dads  prospective and newer  may want to think twice before shelling out for a ticket to this particular vision of hell. The film is an often deeply unsettling look at the very concept of parenting, one that goes beyond the typical terror tropes. It actually questions the wisdom, daresay the sanity, of bringing new life into the world, given the potential pitfalls that await, and whether, instincts be damned, parents must always protect their child over themselves.

Essentially, its a case of Be careful what you wish for, you just might spawn a death machine. Oh, and pass the popcorn. (Dog lovers might give pause to this frightfest as well.)

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For Sarah (Taylor Schilling from Orange Is the New Black) and John Blume (Peter Mooney), a happy, attractive couple living in suburban Philadelphia (Toronto and environs subbed), conceiving a child has proved elusive. That is, until Sarah finally gives birth to Miles and all is perfect in the Blume household. But is it really?

Not incidentally, just minutes before Miles is born, a serial killer with a hand fetish (Paul Fauteaux) has been fatally gunned down by police. Make of that what you will  for now.

By the time the angelic-looking Miles (Jackson Robert Scott) is 8, hes the light of his parents life: a brilliant boy who started talking way early, crushed his placement tests (and the occasional insect), and now attends a school for gifted kids.

But, said paprika incident aside, the worm is turning  and turning fast  as a series of dire events unfold involving Miles and a booby-trapped staircase, a wayward plumbers wrench and some sleep-talking thats hardly the innocent mumbo-jumbo it may seem at first.

It all leads Miles to be taken to see a friendly child psychologist (Paula Boudreau) who turns the clearly unnerving case over to a kind of reincarnation specialist (Colm Feore). Thats when all the jittery pieces start falling into place and, believe them or not  Sarah and John dont until they do  give way to a twisty, sometimes predictable, other times startling downward spiral.

Suffice to say theres a lethal connection between the weirdo dead serial killer and little Miles putrefying soul, which are in a battle for supremacy, may the best  or worst  entity win. Or as Miles boils it down for his terrified mom: Sometimes when I leave my body bad things happen.

The films third act is effectively nerve-racking and even a bit gonzo, with a corker of a climax. It also treads some disturbing, perhaps morally dubious territory thats maybe not so surprising given the previous lines that are crossed in the eerie, propulsive screenplay by Jeff Buhler (he scripted 2008s brutal The Midnight Meat Train and co-wrote the upcoming Jacobs Ladder and Pet Sematary remakes).

Unfortunately, for all its strengths in the eye-covering, jump-scare category thanks to deft moves by director Nicholas McCarthy (The Pact, At the Devils Door) and Joseph Bisharas creepy score, the movie is not without its unintentional laughs, plot holes and dum-dum moments. It could have been smarter without sacrificing pacing or chills. Thats not a dealbreaker  target audiences will likely be satisfied by its many pluses  but the film is good enough that you wish it went all the way.

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The Prodigy

Rated: R, for violence, disturbing and bloody images, a sexual reference and brief graphic nudity

Running time: 1 hour, 32 minutes.

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Playing: In general release.

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Just miles from Manhattans luxury high rises and Wall Street money lies Hart Island, a 101-acre cemetery filled with over a century of New York Citys poor and forgotten inhabitants, buried without ceremony in cheap pine boxes. Narrated by Oscar winner Sam Rockwell, One Million American Dreams uncovers the nightmares entombed in this potters field.

Director Brendan Byrnes documentary joins four families as they search for answers to why their loved ones remains are on the island off the Bronx and why the city never notified them of their deaths. But One Million American Dreams doesnt just look at the bodies buried there; it also examines the inequality that led to Hart Island becoming their final resting place. It looks at the gravediggers  Rikers Island inmates, themselves often victims of the citys stratification  whose labor is provided by the islands owner, the Department of Corrections.

Byrne incorporates contemporary interviews, videos of the families and archival footage as well as stunning animation, largely done in stark black and white by Peter Strain. It all works to illuminate the dual tragedy at work here, affecting both those convicted of misdemeanors and those only guilty of being poor. One Million American Dreams lacks a cohesive structure, but it is bound together by the tears and grief of the people left behind.

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One Million American Dreams

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Playing: Starts Feb. 8, Laemmle Music Hall, Beverly Hills; on VOD Feb. 11

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For her debut feature, director Isabella Eklof brings an unblinking eye to the life of a modern moll. Holiday refuses to cast judgment on its protagonist with its stark cinematography and long takes, letting lead Victoria Carmen Sonnes subtle performance shine in this crime drama about imbalances of power.

Holiday begins languidly, with blond beauty Sascha (Sonne) living a sunlit life in the Turkish Riviera, where she accompanies her older Danish drug lord boyfriend, Michael (Lai Yde), and his varied group of accomplices and hangers-on. The brightly colored days are filled with drives in convertibles and trips to the ice cream shop, while the booze-fueled nights are filled with bass-heavy parties at Michaels mountain villa.

But soon its clear that this life is one of casual cruelty and violence, and the camera refuses to cut away from Saschas experiences as we bear witness to them. The choices by Eklof and her co-writer Johanne Algren are deliberate in what they give and what they hold back.

Eklof doesnt seem to care if you like her film or her characters  including the protagonist  and its this boldness that keeps you watching. Holiday has some grueling scenes that will test some viewers stamina, but the payoff is getting to watch an audacious film that never flinches though it knows its audience may recoil.

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Holiday

In Danish and English with English subtitles

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Glendale, Glendale; on VOD, Feb. 26

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The first few months of the year hold few reliable charms for moviegoers, but Liam Neeson and his passion for characters who take the law into their own large and capable hand has been one of them.

Starting a decade ago with Taken and continuing with two sequels and stand-alone items like Non-Stop and The Commuter, Neeson has become todays berserker of choice.

Currently battling the real-world backlash to revelations about his personal ideas on revenge, Neeson on screen turned out to be especially good as a brutal zealot willing to go to any lengths to restore order and balance in the universe.

Cold Pursuit, Neesons latest, at first glance seems to be more of the same. He plays Nels Coxman, a taciturn type who is visited by tragedy and decides to take revenge on the evildoers who ruined his life. What could be wrong with that?

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But, though written by American Frank Baldwin, Cold Pursuit is actually a remake of the Stellan Skarsgard-starring Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance, written by Kim Fupz Aakeson.

Hans Petter Moland, whos been called the Ridley Scott of Norway, directed both the original and this English-language remake, and that has made a difference.

RELATED: Lets not forget that Liam Neesons racist rape-revenge fantasy started with an actual rape 

For at the end of the day Cold Pursuit feels like a case of cinematic bait and switch. It may present itself as a Neeson action vehicle, but its actually a classically Scandinavian exercise in the blackest of black humor, a nihilistic work that has more in common with art-house successes like Under the Tree and Rams than a brawny blockbuster.

In theory, this switch could have been a tonic, a way to refresh venerable action tropes. But though everyone tries hard and some performers  including Emmy Rossum as an eager young police officer and Domenick Lombardozzi as a wised-up wise guy  do bring a smile, the results are not encouraging.

Neesons Coxman (yes, the name is supposed to be a joke) is introduced doing what he loves best, driving a snowplow in the outskirts of the fictional Colorado ski town of Kehoe (the slopes around Alberta, British Columbia, provide the actual location).

In theory married to the aptly-named Grace (Laura Dern), Coxman is actually wed to his job, which he does so well that the film opens with Kehoe giving him its Citizen of the Year award.

But at roughly the same time Coxman is receiving his plaque, his son Kyle (Micheal Richardson, Neesons real-life son), a baggage handler at the local airport, is brutally killed in an attack that is made to look like an accidental drug overdose.

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Convinced that his son is no druggie and thirsting for (what else but) revenge, Coxman finds the lower-level folks responsible, miscreants with goofball nicknames like Speedo, Limbo and Santa, and terminates them one by one. Mocking Coxman with a sneering I dont know what igloo you crawled out of does not turn out to be an effective line of defense.

RELATED: Liam Neesons blurred the line this week between real life and vigilante movies 

The head of this particular mob, we soon find out, is the slick psychopath Viking (Tom Bateman), who combines contempt for ex-wife Aya (Juliet Jones) with an overwhelming concern that his brainy young son Ryan (Nicholas Holmes) stay away from unhealthful desserts.

If this were a classic Neeson vehicle, Coxman would make a beeline for Viking and his crew, but the script has him instead consult with his ex-gangster brother Wingman (the veteran William Forsythe), who advises him to hire a hit man called the Eskimo (Arnold Pinnock).

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Like the films nicknames, which are a running but not particularly funny joke, Cold Pursuit starts to lose its way at this point and never fully recovers.

With Coxman unaccountably stepping aside for a time, the film devolves into a rivalry between Vikings gang and an organization headed by a Native American drug dealer named White Bull (Tom Jackson). He, like Coxman and Viking, has a son he cares about, a parallel thats as overly tidy as it sounds.

Though Cold Pursuit, with the Coen brothers likely on its mind, plays out as would-be hip and deadpan, it doesnt sweep us away in its madness the same way something like Fargo does.

The body count goes up, but our interest level doesnt rise with it. A film where the impressive snowplows (made by the venerable Norwegian manufacturer Overaasen) command the screen more than the people is inevitably in a bit of a rut.

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RELATED: What racist white people can learn from Liam Neeson: Own up to your horribleness 

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Cold Pursuit

Rated: R, for strong violence, drug material and some language including sexual references

Running time: 1 hour, 58 minutes

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Playing: In general release

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@KennethTuran
Jacopo Pontormo is among the strangest artists to have emerged from the Florentine Renaissance, a painter for whom nothing is poised and direct and everything seems on edge. Theres no one like him  not even his star pupil, Agnolo Bronzino, whose elegant iciness is anything but restless.

Spend some time with his large and spellbinding altarpiece, The Visitation, and the artists extravagant but peculiar gifts unfold. Turns out Pontormos odd because hes radically distinctive  visionary and inventive.

The monumental panel painting  its oil on poplar wood  has never before traveled outside Italy. For centuries it has been housed in a small church in Carmignano, a sleepy hill-town about a dozen miles west of Florence, but currently The Visitation is visiting the J. Paul Getty Museum.

Pontormos greatest portrait painting, Portrait of a Halberdier (Francesco Guardi?), is enjoying its 30th anniversary as one of the Gettys matchless treasures. For the next 10 weeks it is joined by the altarpiece, along with a second handsome Pontormo portrait of a young soldier and four drawings by the artist: a self-portrait plus studies for the Halberdier, The Visitation and another soldier portrait.

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A painting by Agnolo Bronzino, Pontormos star pupil, and two Pontormo soldier portraits were done around the same time as The Visitation. (Christopher Knight / Los Angeles Times)

Three more objects complete the focus show, which was co-organized by Getty curator Davide Gasparotto and Bruce Edelstein, coordinator for graduate programs at New York University in Florence. They add further context for the riveting main event.

The figural composition in a 1497 Albrecht Durer engraving is similar to The Visitation. A 1568 second edition of Giorgio Vasaris groundbreaking book, Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors and Architects, is opened to a woodcut portrait of a rather hangdog Pontormo. And, finally, a painting of Pygmalion  a Greek mythological figure whose sculpture of a woman came to miraculous life, first shown last fall in the museums magnificent exhibition, The Renaissance Nude  was done by the younger Bronzino, whom Pontormo adopted as an adult.

All the paintings and drawings are dated between 1528 and 1530, when Pontormo was in his mid-30s. A lengthy and tumultuous siege that finally overthrew the Florentine Republic, returning the city to dynastic Medici rule, partly explains the edginess in his work (not to mention the frequency of soldiers). But theres more to it than destabilized politics.

The Visitation, looking fresh as a daisy after extensive recent conservation, shows the young Virgin Mary greeting the elderly St. Elizabeth at the top of a steep urban street. Florentine social protocol demanded that a woman of importance not be out and about in public unattended, so a handmaiden accompanies each; the two servants age difference roughly corresponds to that of the two saints.

Jacopo Pontormo, The Visitation, circa 1528-29, oil on wood. (J. Paul Getty Museum)

Mary and Elizabeth reach out in a tender embrace. No wonder: The young virgin is pregnant  impossible but true  while the elderly woman (some calculate that shes in her 80s) is likewise expecting, with John the Baptist. Its a miraculous double-whammy.

They lock eyes, linking the astounding news that the visit has been arranged to share. Many Renaissance artists painted the subject, but the brilliance of Pontormos version lies in the unique ways in which he endowed an orthodox depiction with its own sheer miraculousness.

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The handmaidens stare straight ahead, stonily connecting this incredible and otherwise inexplicable event to viewers, who stare back at the painting. The heads and eyes of all four women line up across the picture in a nearly straight row.

This arrangement likely comes from ancient Roman relief carvings, but it has a marvelous effect. No hierarchy is asserted between saints and servants  or, by extension, between them and us  so our perception becomes part of their vivid interaction.

Seeing is believing, one might say of the eyeball roundelay. All this visual complexity is pitched straight at a viewer, who cant help but feel surreptitiously favored by the attention.

DESERT X: Ailing bighorn sheep put Jenny Holzer project on hold 

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Pontormo exploits two more clever, if slightly surreptitious, compositional devices to achieve the full effect.

First, the illusionistic light source that illuminates the scene seems to come from behind us, the viewers, over our left shoulder. Were subtly enfolded into the warm, virtual glow of Pontormos saturated, jewel-tone colors  luminous robes painted in big swaths of hot pink, royal blue, fierce orange and deep emerald, sage and lime green. Cinnabar highlights blaze.

Second, the voluptuous softness of the womens curvilinear shapes is paradoxically arranged into a rectilinear composition, with each womans head located at the corner of a visual box.

Scholars have long surmised that this unusual rectangular arrangement derives from Four Naked Women, the widely distributed, very popular Durer engraving on view. Theres no reason to disagree. But I also think theres one big difference.

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Durers women are contained within an interior. Pontormos arent.

His four women arent just outdoors, either. Instead, they are purposefully set between two big buildings  rectilinear boxes whose sharp perspective thrusts them out toward a viewer, like spokes on a wheel. The boxy rectilinear composition of the women fits right in between them, making the women inseparable from the public setting.

Durers women are private, enclosed within a cloistered room. Pontormos broadcast themselves outward into communal space. The artist trumpets their world-changing news, endowing the miracle with huge public import.

He even exaggerates the outward thrust in quirky and distinctive ways. Look closely at the lower left, next to the tall, hot-pink attendants knee: There, a tiny pair of men are seated on a low wall, doing nothing much in particular.

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At lower left in Pontormos The Visitation, two tiny figures sit on a wall, while in the piazza glimpsed at the end of the street, a donkey pokes his head around the corner. (Christopher Knight / Los Angeles Times)

MORE ART: Hollywood takes a Velvet Buzzsaw to the art critic 

Yet, the implied distance of the tiny men is positively vertiginous. The painting, raised onto an altar, locates them around a viewers eye-level. Theyre important: The adjacent women, already just over life-size, loom even larger.

And look closer still beyond the two idle men, down at the end of the city street where a small piazza opens up. An incongruous donkey peeks its hee-haw head around the corner, looking back at you.

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Fear not, daughter of Zion, says the Gospel of John. Behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkeys colt.

The Visitation between Mary and Elizabeth is an extravagant herald of Christs coming  bold in composition, touching in its empathetic figures and ecstatic in coloration. Even that teeny, barely glimpsed little animal off in the distance plays a part in the shattering mystery of the incarnation.

Who but Pontormo would do that?

An unorthodox 23-page diary the artist wrote three decades later, in the months before his death at 63 in 1557, reveals a lonely recluse obsessively trying to manage his melancholy by recording, line after line, every bit of food eaten, twinge of illness felt, slight change in weather endured  even every daily bowel movement taken. Friends drop by, but he hides from them.

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Long cited as evidence for Pontormos personal weirdness, the diary is now described by Rutgers University art historian Elizabeth Pilliod as an indication of a common 16th-century urge: The aging painter was keeping fit, his goal to remain attuned to the inspiration essential to his deeply felt artistic calling.

Pilliod, one of eight contributors to the shows fine catalog, has been instrumental in normalizing Pontormos reputation, long-skewed as kooky. The Visitation reveals itself as a masterpiece most artists simply could not manage  imaginative in the extreme.

         

Pontormo: Miraculous Encounters

Where: J. Paul Getty Museum, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood

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When: Through April 28; closed Mondays

Info: (310) 440-7330, getty.edu
Annie Leibovitz began her creative life like so many other photographers of her generation: with a basic SLR camera and some black-and-white film.

Years before she set a standard for inventive portraiture, Leibovitz was an art student shooting pictures of her life and family, showing a flair for the stylishly raw and playful, inspired by her love for the pictures of Robert Frank and Henri Cartier-Bresson. When a little-known magazine called Rolling Stone hired her in 1970, she brought that same eye to pictures of rock stars and filmmakers, the 1972 presidential campaign trail and a shotgun ride with literary outlaws Hunter S. Thompson and Tom Wolfe.



For the record: An earlier version of this article omitted the starting date for the exhibition. Its Feb. 14.

Her first years of work are the subject of the exhibition Annie Leibovitz. The Early Years, 1970-1983: Archive Project No.1, on view Feb. 14 through April 14 at the downtown L.A. gallery of Hauser & Wirth. Nearly 4,000 photographs have been selected and tacked to the walls by Leibovitz in an obsessive deep dive into her formative years.

You realize thats the work you have to put in to become a great artist, gallery senior director Stacen Berg said. It demonstrates the obsession of a young photographer, a young artist who is developing her eye and unique style. She is taking in everything.

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Images in the Annie Leibovitz show at Hauser & Wirth in L.A. include her early-career images from, clockwise from upper left, Golden Gate Bridge, 1977; San Francisco, 1968; Half Moon Bay, 1968; Kibbutz Amir, Israel, 1969. (Annie Leibovitz / Hauser & Wirth)

The show is a new installation of a project initiated at the LUMA Foundations Parc des Ateliers in Arles, France. It includes famous faces like John Lennon and Andy Warhol, and also self-portraits and less familiar scenes from San Francisco and the road. Its part of an ongoing look back for the photographer, including the recent book from publisher Taschen The Early Years.

Things happen in front of you. Thats perhaps the most wonderful and mysterious aspect of photography, Leibovitz wrote of those days of discovery in her 2008 book, At Work. It seemed like you just had to decide when and where to aim the camera .... Thats still true.

         

Annie Leibovitz. The Early Years

Where: Hauser & Wirth, 901 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles

When: Opens Feb. 14; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; ends April 14

Information: (213) 943-1620, HauserWirth.com

Support our coverage of the local arts scene by becoming a digital subscriber.

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See all of our latest arts news and reviews at latimes.com/arts.
Amazon at times dips into the tips earned by contracted delivery drivers to cover their promised pay, a Times review of emails and receipts reveals.

Amazon guarantees third-party drivers for its Flex program a minimum of $18 to $25 per hour, but the entirety of that payment doesnt always come from the company. If Amazons contribution doesnt reach the guaranteed wage, the e-commerce giant makes up the difference with tips from customers, according to documentation shared by five drivers.

In emails to drivers, Amazon acknowledges it can use any supplemental earnings to meet the promised minimum should the companys own contribution fall short.

We add any supplemental earnings required to meet our commitment that delivery partners earn $18-$25 per hour, the company wrote in multiple emails reviewed by The Times.

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Only drivers who deliver for Amazons grocery service or its Prime Now offering  which brings household goods to customers in two hours or less  can receive tips through the companys app.

Amazon insists that drivers receive the entirety of their tips but declined to answer questions from The Times about whether it uses those tips to help cover the drivers base pay.

Our pay commitment to delivery partners has not changed since we launched the Amazon Flex program  delivery partners still earn $18-25 per hour, including 100% of tips  and on average drivers earn over $20/hour, Amazon spokeswoman Amanda Ip wrote in a statement.

Drivers question why they arent getting 100% of tips on top of their guaranteed pay.

They just hide behind the fact that they guarantee $18 an hour, said driver Jeff Lee. Sounds great, but that $18 [an hour] guarantee could be all from customer tips while Amazon chips in zero.

As Amazon has grown into one of the worlds biggest companies, it has relied heavily on contractors to help keep up with the pace of deliveries. These workers do not qualify for benefits offered to staff employees. Tipping is one way Amazon and other tech firms such as Uber and Lyft have moved to appease their contractor workforce.

But using tips to cover promised wages has proved controversial for delivery start-ups Instacart and DoorDash.

On Tuesday, those companies came under fire after BuzzFeed News reported they used tips to fulfill some pay promises.

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Drivers have long suspected that Amazon uses their tips to hit promised wage targets, according to five former and current drivers who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.

It has been hard for drivers to prove  the company does not provide them a breakdown of their compensation beyond showing the total paid out, citing privacy concerns.

But two drivers tested their suspicions when assigned to deliver packages to their own homes.

It was slow that day and I had no orders to deliver, so I decided to place a one-hour order as a customer to see what the hell was going on with our tips. Amazon delivery driver Jeff Lee

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Another contract driver in Virginia who ordered paper towels for his family and was assigned to deliver the package tipped himself $15.90  an amount he said would easily stand out. Two days later he checked his account. For the entire two-hour shift he worked, he was credited with receiving no tips.

He wrote to Amazon to complain. Without offering any explanation, the company adjusted his pay for that shift to $50.11, which included additional tips, according to receipts The Times reviewed. He no longer drives for Amazon but asked not to be named because he operates a business that caters to Amazon Flex drivers and fears that speaking on the record could jeopardize that venture.

Lee, who still delivers for Amazon, said he tipped himself $12 and change for a package he brought to his own residence.

It was slow that day and I had no orders to deliver, so I decided to place a one-hour order as a customer to see what the hell was going on with our tips as I knew I would be the next driver to deliver this one-hour [order] to my house, Lee said.

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His base pay for the 1-hour shift was supposed to be $27. Including tips, he received a bit more than $30  suggesting Amazon contributed only $18.

The problem most drivers have with Amazon is there is zero transparency about our pay, Lee said.

The practice is legal in some states. The California Labor Codes Provision 351, which targets the practice, does not apply to contractors because they are seen as independent business owners. In Seattle, a group of drivers has contested that classification in a pending class-action lawsuit, claiming they are actually treated as employees.

Amazon would not say whether it dips into drivers tips in California.

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A source familiar with the companys practices who was not authorized to comment on the record said Amazon contributes an average of $19 per hour to contracted drivers wages.

Amazon determines how much it will pay each driver based on the length of the shift and any increases in customer demand, according to emails reviewed by The Times.

Drivers who make deliveries for Amazons Prime Now service noticed a drop in their tips in early 2018, prompting them to send questions to customer support. They were informed that Amazon had changed the pay structure to something called variable base pay, according to emails shared by four drivers.

Customer support representatives wrote in emails that the base pay drivers receive for each shift could vary from $18 to $25 per hour and that includes 100% of their tips. The emails did not explain why pay was suddenly much lower than it had been in the past.

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Instacart and DoorDash faced backlash Tuesday for using what many critics are calling a deceptive practice.

In response to the public scrutiny, Instacart Chief Executive Apoorva Mehta announced internally Wednesday that the company would end the practice, BuzzFeed News first reported.

johana.bhuiyan@latimes.com

Twitter: @jmbooyah
A new Lebanese government headed by Saad Al-Hariri has finally emerged in Beirut after nine months of negotiations, political bickering and haggling over quotas. With 30 ministers representing the countrys major political forces, the cabinet counts four women among its members, a first in Lebanon.

The announcement of the new government comes more than two years after the agreement between rival Lebanese political forces that enabled Michel Aoun to be elected president, with support from his main ally Hizbullah, and Al-Hariri to be named prime minister.

However, Al-Hariri has had to overcome one hurdle after another in order to form a government. His challenges have included disputes over ministerial quotas, the most salient of which was the controversy over the presidents share of cabinet seats.

Aoun insisted that he had a right to the quota allocated to the presidency in addition to the quota accorded to his party, the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM). Many other forces then strongly objected, arguing that Aoun should only have a right to the presidents quota if he were an independent, as was the case with his predecessor Michel Suleiman.

There followed a clash over Hizbullahs insistence that the six Sunni MPs close to the Shia group should have a minister to represent them in government. As these MPs were opposed to Al-Hariri, he refused to allow any such seat to be deducted from his quota.

In the end, Aoun agreed to sacrifice one of the ministerial portfolios in his quota, thereby eliminating the last obstacle to forming the government. The new cabinet will now draft its policy statement to submit to parliament ahead of the vote of confidence that according to the Lebanese Constitution should take place within 30 days of the announcement of the government.

The formation of a new government is a prerequisite for Lebanon to receive billions of dollars in grants and loans pledged by the international community to resuscitate its ailing economy.

Last year, Lebanon won pledges exceeding $11 billion in the Cedar Conference held in Paris in April 2018. Al-Hariri acknowledged that the funding pledges required that Lebanon make bold reforms, adding that the funding commitments of the international community and our brother Arabs must be matched by the governments commitment to reforms and the transparent conduct of business.

Most international donors have linked their offers of assistance to the implementation of a range of structural and economic reforms in order to stimulate the economy. Economic growth in Lebanon has plunged to around one per cent during the past three years, in contrast to the 9.1 per cent in the three years that preceded the outbreak of the civil war in Syria.

In Lebanon, with its fragile demographic balances, forming a government is a gargantuan task because it requires a consensus between rival sectarian and political forces over how to divide up the established quotas of ministerial portfolios.

In 2009, it took Al-Hariri five months to form a government, speedy compared to the ten months that it took Tammam Salam following his appointment as prime minister in April 2014.

The composition of the new government has also stirred tensions between Al-Hariri and some of his long-term allies. Walid Jumblatt, head of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), lashed out against the new government and the policies of its prime minister.

Within hours of the government being announced, Jumblatt said that the political cordon [around us] will tighten, but well confront it with complete composure. A fellow member in his party, Wael Abou Faour, designated as minister of industry, went further by charging that the new cabinet was the product of favouritism.

Well break it, because we are fated to win, he said. PSP Party Secretary Zafer Nasser called it the bargain government of this era, adding that we will remain firm. We will stand up against deals and corruption.

According to informed sources, among the causes of Jumblatts resentment are his opposition to deals that made it possible for Ghassan Atallah, appointed minister of immigration, to acquire a ministerial post from the Free Patriotic Movements quota despite losing in the parliamentary elections in the Chouf region (Jumblatts stronghold).

To infuriate Jumblatt further, the Ministry of Refugee Affairs was handed to Saleh Al-Gharib, a representative of Lebanese Democratic Party Chairman Talal Arslan, Jumblatts rival in the Druze community and a close ally of Syria. With this appointment, the Lebanese governments management of Syrian refugees in Lebanon has shifted from the hands of the Future Movement to the Syrian regimes allies in Lebanon.

Tensions between Al-Hariri and the PSP were reflected in the chill between the PSPs ministers and the prime minister in a recent cabinet meeting. The appointment of the Democratic Partys Al-Gharib as a second Druze (alongside the PSPs Akram Shahib) member in the cabinets ten-member committee charged with drafting the policy statement to be submitted to parliament is a precedent that Jumblatt does not want to see repeated.

Al-Gharibs appointment was evidently made in deference to a request by Gebran Bassil, the president of the Free Patriotic Movement and Lebanons current foreign minister.

Samir Geagea, head of the Lebanese Forces Party, is displeased with the settlement that has led to the formation of the new government, complaining that his differences with the political class in Lebanon have forced his party to pay the price in terms of its share of cabinet seats and the type of portfolios it has received.

Geagea vowed that he and his party would continue to work to rescue important political and economic concerns from the clutches of corruption, spurious projects and deals. Nothing will divert us from this choice, no matter how intense the confrontation.

He said that the bitter experiences of the last nine months had driven the country to a precipice, and this should have compelled all the political forces to meet the challenge with a mentality different to forming a restoration of confidence government that had turned into a wrestling ring on public services.

We can smell the stench of corruption, and we will put a stop to it. This government will never advance unless it implements radical reforms, Geagea said.

On the question of Washingtons warnings concerning Hizbullahs role in the new Lebanese government, Geagea said that we take all international warnings into account. But what is important is that Lebanon is our country, and no country can stand on its two feet on crooked terrain and in parallel with a little state that possesses arms and decision-making power.

The little state was an allusion to Hizbullah. What is also important is that we are honest with ourselves and acknowledge that it is no longer possible for Hizbullah to continue as it is at present. No state can attain its fullest potential with the existence of a surrogate state within it. This is our belief, our conviction, and our cause which we convey to all constitutional institutions, he said.

However, Geagea said he intended to call on Aoun to congratulate him on the new government. Our relationship with the president is based on our position with respect to the office of the presidency, he said.

Geageas relationship with Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil is another matter, governed by a convergence or the lack thereof on matters of domestic and foreign questions, such as his [Bassils] stance on the attempt to bring Syria back to the Arab league.

Geagea believes that Bassil has shown excessive enthusiasm for Syrias reintegration, asking what kind of Syria do they want to restore to the Arab League? Irans Syria? Russias Syria? Half of Syria is outside of Syria, and the other half is in opposition. As for Bassils stated intention to visit Damascus, Geagea said that we will oppose it absolutely.

One of the surprises in the new government is the appointment of four women ministers, one of whom will replace Nohad Al-Machnouk as interior minister. Raya Al-Hassan is now the first woman in the Arab world to hold this position.

According to Sami Nader, director of the Middle East Institute for Strategic Affairs, a think tank, the new government is the product of an agreement between Iran and France. In addition to older controversial issues, it will have to address new ones, he said, most notably related to the reforms discussed at the Cedar Conference last year.

Nader said that he understood the attitudes expressed by the Lebanese Forces and PSP leaders as these two parties had been forced to make the most concessions in the number and quality of their ministerial portfolios.

Foremost among the controversial issues that the new government will be dealing with, he said, was the question of normalisation with Syria, in which political forces pushing towards closer involvement with the Iranian axis will lock horns with those opposed to it.

The dispute over Hizbullahs weapons will also continue. But the governments most formidable challenge would be how to design and implement the economic policies that will institute the required reforms, curb expenditure and stimulate growth, Nader said.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 7 February, 2019 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: New government in Lebanon

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San Diegos decision to go into the power business was the last straw.

Ever since the citys announcement last year, San Diego Gas & Electric has been telling state lawmakers it wants out of the business of buying and selling electricity. That may sound like a radical plan for a monopoly utility with nearly 1.5 million customers and annual profits that regularly exceed $500 million.

But given the states rapidly shifting energy landscape, it might actually make sense.

Californias three big investor-owned utilities  Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric are the other two  are losing a growing number of customers to government-run power providers called community choice aggregators, or CCAs. Theres a good chance the monopoly utilities will lose the vast majority of their energy sales to CCAs and other energy providers over the next few years.

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And the utilities dont profit from energy sales, anyway  theyre allowed to charge customers only what they paid for electricity on the market.

But the investor-owned utilities do earn a regulated profit when they invest in infrastructure projects, such as building and operating the poles and wires of the power grid, or installing electric vehicle charging stations. So why not stop signing contracts for electricity supply and become infrastructure companies exclusively?

We dont think we should be signing big, long-term contracts for customers that have made a conscious choice to be served by a different power provider, said Kendall Helm, SDG&Es vice president of energy supply. We think our primary role and our primary value is in the safe and reliable delivery of that power.

Heres how local governments are replacing Californias biggest utilities 

Edison and PG&E, whose poles and wires span most of the state, havent suggested theyre ready to stop buying and selling power. But they face the same conundrum as SDG&E: Dozens of cities and counties across their service territories are choosing to become their own energy providers.

California had 19 community choice providers serving 2.6 million homes and businesses last year. Nearly 1 million homes in Los Angeles and Ventura counties are being enrolled this month in Clean Power Alliance, the states biggest CCA.

Advocates say CCAs empower local officials to set electricity rates for their communities and to increase the use of climate-friendly energy sources such as solar and wind power more quickly than the big utilities.

But the erosion of Californias century-old utility monopolies has alarmed some regulators. They worry that without new safeguards, the shift from a handful of big utilities to a decentralized system with dozens of energy providers could have unintended consequences  possibly including a repeat of the states early-2000s energy crisis, when a failed experiment in deregulation led to rolling power outages and ballooning electricity costs.

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Then-California Gov. Gray Davis waits for the start of a news conference on March 13, 2001, at a cogeneration plant owned by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

One of the leading community choice skeptics is Michael Picker, president of the California Public Utilities Commission and a former renewable energy advisor to then-Gov. Jerry Brown. Picker has spearheaded a series of reports outlining potential risks posed by the rise of alternatives to the big utilities, not just CCAs but also rooftop solar, home battery systems and companies buying energy through a limited competitive market.

Picker has two main concerns.

The first is that non-utility energy providers dont have as long a track record as the utilities, and arent regulated by the PUC as stringently. What would happen, Picker has asked repeatedly, if one or more of the CCAs failed? Who would be responsible for keeping the lights on for the stranded customers?

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Those questions are especially potent because unlike in some other states, lawmakers here havent designated a provider of last resort that would serve homes and businesses whose electricity provider fails.

Right now, the three big utilities play that role by default in their service territories because theyre obligated to take back customers who decide to leave a CCA. But in a world where Edison, PG&E and SDG&E mostly or entirely get out of the electricity sales business, it may no longer be feasible for them to provide that backstop.

Picker told attendees at a conference in Los Angeles last week that California faces the same challenges it dealt with in the last energy crisis, including fragmented decision-making and poorly coordinated electricity purchasing, and doesnt have a plan for what to do if a new energy provider can no longer serve customers.

There isnt a crisis today. But we have de facto deregulation, and without a clear plan in place, we can slide into the problems we had in the past, Picker said in a video recorded for the VerdeXchange conference.

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Californians are paying billions for power they dont need 

Pickers other concern has to do with the states climate change goals, including a mandate of 100% climate-friendly electricity by 2045.

Achieving that target will be no easy feat. As planet-warming, gas-fired power plants shut down, balancing supply and demand on the grid is expected to become an increasingly complicated dance involving constant swings in solar and wind power, millions of electric vehicle batteries that could either drain or supply electricity on the grid, and hundreds of other clean-energy technologies and innovations.

When you have all these different ways that people can have individual choices, it gets harder to guarantee, when you put it all together, that were meeting our clean energy goals, Picker said in an interview this week.

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Community choice advocates largely dismiss those concerns as fearmongering.

They point to the strong track record of the states first CCA, Marin Clean Energy, which launched in 2010 and now serves nearly half a million customers in the Bay Area. They say Marin and other early CCAs have shown that cities and counties can provide reliable energy at rates competitive with the big utilities, while meeting the states climate goals.

Woody Hastings, a longtime community choice advocate with the Santa Rosa-based Center for Climate Protection, thinks regulators such as Picker feel threatened by the collapse of the monopoly utility model.

Previously it was the utilities that were getting worried, Hastings said. What were seeing now is the regulators are also worried that their authority is being eroded.

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Michael Picker, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, listens to public comments during a commission meeting in Chula Vista. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Dawn Weisz, chief executive officer of Marin Clean Energy, said she agrees with Picker that its important to define a provider of last resort. But she said its ironic that Picker continues to discuss the supposed dangers of CCAs when one of the monopoly utilities he regulates, PG&E, filed for bankruptcy protection last week.

Any utility can fail, as were seeing this week, Weisz said. Although we havent seen a CCA fail yet.

PG&Es bankruptcy could slow Californias fight against climate change 

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Those objections havent stopped lawmakers, ratepayer advocates and the PUC from proposing solutions to what they see as the shortcomings of CCAs and other non-utility energy options.

Eduardo Garcia, a Democrat who represents Imperial County in the Assembly, introduced a bill late last year that would order regulators to study the creation of a central statewide entity to buy renewable energy for ratepayers across California.

We need to have a balanced grid that will bring forward the reliability we need, Garcia said.

The details of Assembly Bill 56 are still a work in progress. But supporters say a central buyer would be capable of purchasing clean energy resources that benefit the state as a whole but are too big or too expensive for any one community choice agency, such as geothermal power plants, massive offshore wind farms or pumped storage hydropower facilities that can bank electricity from solar or wind farms.

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Those types of resources could make the transition to 100% climate-friendly power safer and cheaper, said Matt Freedman, an attorney with the Utility Reform Network, a San Francisco-based ratepayer advocacy group that has worked with Garcia on the central buyer legislation. While lawmakers should respect the autonomy of the CCAs, he said, theres always going to be a need for some kind of central planning entity to fill the gaps.

One of the key lessons we take away from the history of the electric system is the failure to plan usually leads to bad results, Freedman said. The fear is that the new model looks more like chaos than anything else.

Geothermal vents, or mud pots, bubble at the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge in Calipatria, Calif., near the Salton Sea, in 2016. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

SDG&E, meanwhile, has pitched state lawmakers on a more expansive central buyer that would allow the utility to offload any electricity-sales customers who arent served by a CCA.

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The companys proposed legislation calls for a task force that would determine how energy-purchasing responsibilities could be transferred from investor-owned utilities to a state-level entity. In SDG&Es imagining, the central buyer would serve as the emergency provider of last resort or would contract with a third party for that service.

The task force established by SDG&Es proposed legislation would also make recommendations for regulating CCAs and other non-utility energy providers to encourage customer choice while ensuring electrical grid reliability and attainment of the states greenhouse gas reduction goals. Asked why it matters to SDG&E how community choice providers are regulated after the company leaves the electricity marketplace, Helm pointed out that the investor-owned utility will still operate the power grid for millions of people served by CCAs.

Whether we are in the business of buying electricity or not, these are our customers, and we want to be able to serve them well and deliver reliable and safe energy to them, Helm said.

Its not clear what stances Edison and PG&E will ultimately take on a central buyer concept. Asked about the proposals from Garcia and SDG&E, Colin Cushnie, Edisons vice president of energy procurement and management, said the company is doing a lot of thinking about the relative pros and cons of that approach.

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Community choice advocates have tended to oppose any kind of central buyer, including a relatively limited proposal from the PUC that would make the investor-owned utilities responsible for buying certain emergency power supplies for everyone within their service territories, including CCA customers. The CCAs see a state-level entity wading into the electricity-buying business as a threat to the core reason for their existence, which is to give local communities the power to choose their own energy supplies.

What you need to know about Clean Power Alliance, SoCals newest electric company 

Ted Bardacke, executive director of the Clean Power Alliance CCA in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, thinks the central buyer proposals hes heard are going in the wrong direction. California, he said, is moving toward a more distributed energy system with more choices for customers, in which nimble, locally run agencies help people install solar on their rooftops, charge electric vehicles in their garages, and manage their energy with smart appliances and other new technologies.

He sees a centralized agency, which would more than likely promote the development of big, centralized power projects, as an idea whose time has passed.

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Matt Langer, Clean Power Alliances chief operating officer, described a central buyer as a solution in search of a problem  especially as CCAs sign a growing number of long-term contracts for renewable energy.

Im not really sure what void is being filled by taking away power from the local communities, Langer said.

sammy.roth@latimes.com

@Sammy_Roth
On election day 2016, Los Angeles venture capitalist and Democratic donor Imaad Zuberi took to Facebook to tout his proximity to the person he thought would be ascending to the White House.

The next president of the United States of America Hillary Clinton, Zuberi wrote next to a photo of himself with a beaming Hillary Clinton, whose presidential bid he had backed with more than $600,000.

When she lost to Donald Trump, he rapidly adjusted.

In December, Zuberi stopped by the president-elects offices at Trump Tower in New York in the company of a delegation of Qatari dignitaries. The following month, he donated $900,000 to the presidents inaugural committee and $100,000 to help pay off lingering debt from the 2016 Republican National Convention. In February 2017, he posted a photo of himself at a restaurant near Mar-a-Lago with then-White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus.

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Zuberis rapid transformation from one of Clintons biggest fundraisers into a major Trump booster has drawn the attention of federal prosecutors in New York, who have homed in on the investor as part of a probe into the presidents inaugural committee.

A sweeping subpoena served on the committee this week seeks a wide range of information, including any documents related to foreign contributors. Separately, the subpoena specifically sought all communications related to Zuberi and his firm, Avenue Ventures.

The exact nature of prosecutors interest in Zuberi is unclear. A spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office for the Southern District of New York declined to comment.

The inquiry has put a spotlight on a prolific donor with extensive foreign ties  particularly in the Middle East  who has doled out millions to politicians over the last 15 years, according to campaign finance records.

Zuberi, who has plastered his Facebook page with pictures of himself with major political figures such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, largely backed candidates on the left before Trumps election.

With his wife, Willa Rao, he donated more than $2 million to Democratic candidates and committees between 2004 and 2016, sums that put him in the upper echelon of fundraisers for Obama and Hillary Clinton. Since Trumps election, the couples giving has flipped: They have contributed $1.78 million to Republicans and just $206,000 to Democrats, records show.

Hes probably the only person in the Hillary world and the Obama world to be in both of them and then move as quickly to Trump, said one Democratic fundraiser who knows Zuberi and spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation. It does make you wonder why he would do that and what he was trying to show.

In an interview, Zuberi said he does not know why prosecutors would be interested in his interactions with Trumps inaugural committee. He said he has had no contact with authorities, adding that he was surprised to learn in news reports that his name was in the subpoena.

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Zuberi said he has always supported politicians in both parties, with an emphasis on candidates who he believes will boost the economy and support American exports.

Im not giving based on party, he said. Im giving based on people.

But Zuberi was candid about his view that he sees a history of political giving as a way for those without powerful connections to open doors, saying that some day he may want to be an ambassador or receive a government appointment.

Its not something you pick up the phone or you pick up your checkbook and just start doing it two weeks before. You have to build a track record, right? he said. Im not coming from a political family like the Kennedys or the Kerry family, where just my name will open doors. I have to give donations.

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Among those whom he has supported is Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who received nearly $30,000 in donations from Zuberi and his wife between 2013 and 2017, campaign finance records show. Zuberi posted a photo on Facebook of himself with Engel and President Obama in August 2016.

Tim Mulvey, an aide to Engel, said that Zuberi asked Engel in 2017 to meet with the Qatari foreign minister  a request that coincided with a similar request from the Qatari Embassy in Washington.

Engel met with the foreign minister in November 2017, Mulvey said. Such requests and meetings are routine for members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he said.

Steve Rabinowitz, a spokesman for Zuberi, said the investor had no recollection of requesting such a meeting.

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Around what looks like the time of this meeting, Imaad was seeking lots of connections for the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, he said, noting that the Qatari foreign minister is the head of the fund. He has no recollection of this particular request but made other requests like it, but never of a government official.

Zuberis decision to support Trump came quickly after the election, and he said he initially offered to donate $250,000 to the 2017 inaugural committee. But Zuberi said he was told the sum would not get him tickets to all the receptions, balls and other events, which he said he was eager to attend, in part so he could network with the new presidents New York real estate associates.

He agreed to increase his donation to $1 million, with $900,000 for the inaugural committee and $100,000 for the convention fund.

Slowly, I was encouraged into giving, or driven into giving more, he said.

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Only American citizens or legal permanent residents are permitted to contribute to a presidential inaugural committee. Federal prosecutors, including special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, have been exploring for months whether foreign money was routed through U.S. citizens into efforts to support Trump.

Zuberi noted that he has ties with business and political leaders in many countries but said he did not serve as a straw donor.

Its not foreign money. Its my money, he said.

Zuberi, 48, was born in Pakistan and migrated with his parents to the United States when he was 3 years old, eventually becoming a naturalized citizen. He grew up in Albany, N.Y., where he said he became interested in politics by the time he was in his early teens.

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He moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California, where he said he was both an undergraduate and graduate student.

In 1996, he served in the U.S. Army for about six months before being honorably discharged because of a knee injury, according to Rabinowitz.

Zuberi said he got his start in business working for the Transamerica insurance company in locations such as Japan, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore.

He eventually set up Avenue Ventures, a firm specializing in venture capital, private equity and other investments.

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According to a biography provided by his spokesman, Zuberi has closed over $55 billion in transactions at the company. Zuberi said most of the firms clients  whom he declined to name  are from California, while others are abroad, including a number in Bahrain and other nations in the Persian Gulf region.

Zuberi has deep contacts in the Middle East and on the [Indian] subcontinent and apparently used these contacts to work business deals in the United States and in the Middle East, according to what he described, said retired Gen. Wesley Clark, the former supreme allied commander of NATO and a 2004 Democratic presidential candidate. Zuberis company hired Clark to help restructure a bankrupt hotel in Bahrain in 2013.

Zuberi also serves as an economic advisor to the Chinese government, according to his biography. And in 2015 he registered as a lobbyist for the government of Sri Lanka  a role that drew scrutiny from the Justice Department, which investigated whether his work violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act, Foreign Policy magazine reported that year. No public action was taken. Zuberi said that as far as he knew, nothing came of the matter.

At the time, Zuberi was emerging as a major fundraiser for Clintons presidential campaign. Internal campaign memos released by WikiLeaks show that Clinton staffers noted the Foreign Policy piece as a possible red flag in a memo prepared for campaign chairman John Podesta before he was set to meet with Zuberi in September 2015 to thank him for his support.

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Podesta did not respond to a request for comment.

Zuberi said he ended up at the Trump Tower one day in December 2016 by happenstance. That morning, he said, he met with a delegation from Qatar to discuss a possible investment in a new real estate fund in New York he was trying to launch.

Learning that the group was headed to meet with Trump aides, Zuberi said he offered to walk with them to the meeting and ended up riding with them in the elevator at Trump Tower before leaving the group.

On the elevator, Rabinowitz said Zuberi ran into incoming national security adviser Michael Flynn and took a selfie with him in an encounter that lasted seconds.

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The Qataris subsequently met with Flynn and Trump advisor Stephen K. Bannon.

I met nobody, Zuberi said. I was an insignificant person there.

In the days following the Trump Tower meeting, Zuberi indicated on Facebook that he visited both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

During Trumps inauguration, he said he spoke to Trumps personal attorney Michael Cohen about potentially investing in the same real estate fund he had pitched to the Qataris. But he said that the idea for the fund fizzled and that no money changed hands.

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Rosalind S. Helderman, Michael Kranish and Tom Hamburger write for the Washington Post.
Californias second-largest power company plans to cut down tens of thousands of trees in high-risk areas, inspect thousands of miles of power lines and consider the use of preemptive power shutoffs this year, part of a $582-million plan to reduce the risk of fires sparked by the utilitys infrastructure.

Southern California Edison submitted a wildfire mitigation plan to the California Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday, as required by Senate Bill 901, which was passed by the Legislature last year. Although the Rosemead-based utility doesnt face the same level of fire liability as Pacific Gas & Electric  which filed for bankruptcy protection last week  Edisons electrical equipment may have ignited the Woolsey fire, which killed four people and burned nearly 100,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties last year.

Edison already asked the Public Utilities Commission in September for permission to charge ratepayers for $582 million worth of fire-prevention projects, such as insulating exposed wires that could spark blazes, building more weather stations to better forecast fire risks and deploying infrared cameras to monitor equipment. The mitigation plan provides more details about what Edison expects to do this year.

The company plans to inspect at least 125,000 trees in high-risk areas that could topple into power lines, on top of its existing plans to remove or trim 7,500 potentially hazardous trees this year. The company also plans to inspect all 19,000 miles of power lines it operates in high fire-risk areas, with a more rigorous protocol than in past years, said Phil Herrington, Edisons senior vice president of transmission and distribution.

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Were targeting having these inspections wrapped up by summertime, he said.

Preemptive electricity shutoffs are also part of Edisons strategy.

By de-energizing power lines during dry, windy conditions, utilities can dramatically reduce the odds of their infrastructure igniting fires. But Edison and PG&E have rarely taken that step, which can anger local communities despite the potentially enormous benefits.

PG&E canceled a planned power shutoff in the Paradise area just before the Camp fire broke out in November, and Edison is being sued by victims of the Woolsey fire who say the utility company should have de-energized power lines on the dry, windy day the deadly fire started.

California looks to electricity shutoffs as a faster, cheaper wildfire solution 

At least in Southern California, preemptive power shutoffs may become more common. Although the companys criteria for de-energizing lines wont change, Herrington said the 850 weather stations and 160 high-definition cameras Edison hopes to deploy by 2020 could easily result in more exercising of preemptive shutoffs.

We have much more information to make that decision, he said.

Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric also filed wildfire mitigation plans late Wednesday.

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Fog creeps up over a Camp fire burn area along Butte creek, viewed from Skyway, headed into the town of Paradise on Dec. 15, 2018. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

SDG&E has won praise over the last decade for its fire prevention efforts, including the installation of more than 175 weather monitoring stations and a greater willingness to shut off power preemptively.

But PG&E has faced mounting criticism. State officials say the San Francisco-based companys infrastructure ignited or contributed to more than a dozen fires that killed 22 people in 2017. Cal Fire has yet to determine whether PG&E is responsible for the Camp fire, which killed 86 people and destroyed most of the town of Paradise.

William Alsup, a federal judge overseeing PG&Es criminal probation stemming from a 2010 gas explosion that killed eight people in San Bruno, said last month that he may order PG&E to inspect its entire electric grid and do extensive tree-trimming before this summer. PG&E said that could cost as much as $150 billion. Alsup said he would wait for PG&E to file its wildfire mitigation plan before deciding whether to finalize his order.

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PG&E hasnt run out of money. So why did it file for bankruptcy protection? 

In its wildfire mitigation plan, PG&E said its plans this year include removing about 375,000 trees and installing 400 new weather stations. The company also said it is significantly expanding its preemptive electricity shutoff program and reevaluating the criteria it uses to make the decision to de-energize power lines.

The three investor-owned utilities have already begun many of the initiatives outlined in their mitigation plans, but theyll need approval from the Public Utilities Commission to pass along any of the costs to ratepayers.

Senate Bill 901, the legislation that required the fire prevention plans, also made it easier for Edison, PG&E and SDG&E, to pass on the costs of some utility-ignited blazes to their customers. But those cost-recovery provisions didnt include the 2018 fires, which was one of the factors that led PG&E to file for bankruptcy last month.

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sammy.roth@latimes.com

@Sammy_Roth
Director Woody Allen on Thursday sued Amazon Studios for breach of contract, alleging the e-commerce giant wrongfully ended its production and distribution deals with the filmmaker.

Allen and his company Gravier Productions allege that Amazon reneged on an agreement to support and distribute films theatrically in at least 500 screens in top U.S. markets, according to a federal lawsuit filed Thursday in the Southern District of New York. Allen is seeking more than $68 million in damages.

Amazon backed out of the agreement last year, citing the resurfacing of past abuse allegations against Allen in the wake of the #MeToo movement. In 1992, Dylan Farrow, his adopted daughter with Mia Farrow, accused him of sexually molesting her as a child, which he has denied. His lawsuit points out that Amazon was aware of these allegations before entering into an agreement with him.

There simply was no legitimate ground for Amazon to renege on its promises, the lawsuit said.

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Roy Price, former head of Amazon Studios, was instrumental in bringing Allens work into the company in a much-touted deal announced in 2015. Price resigned from Amazon two years later after he was accused of sexually harassing a television producer.

Amazon Studios declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Allens latest movie, A Rainy Day in New York, was originally slated to be released in 2018, but the parties agreed to push the date back to 2019 following the sexual misconduct allegations surrounding Price and disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein.

A Rainy Day was to have been Allens third movie with Amazon in three years.

But Amazon announced in June 2018 it was backing out of its partnership with Allen. Amazons counsel cited supervening events, including renewed allegations against Mr. Allen, his own controversial comments, and the increasing refusal of top talent to work with or be associated with him in any way, all of which have frustrated the purpose of the agreement, the lawsuit said.

When the allegations against Allen surfaced in 1992 the couple was in the midst of a bitter breakup and custody battle. Prosecutors in Connecticut eventually declined to press charges, citing a lack of evidence. But Allens daughter, now grown, has renewed the allegations in recent years by publicly denouncing her adoptive father in the press and social media.

Another child, Moses Farrow, has defended Allen, writing in May that he was present at the time the event was alleged to have occurred and that it couldnt have happened. Their brother, journalist Ronan Farrow, has publicly criticized Allen and stands by Dylan.

A critically acclaimed director, Allen has made more than 50 films, including popular movies like Annie Hall and Manhattan. He has been nominated for 24 Academy Awards and won three for Annie Hall, including best picture.

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wendy.lee@latimes.com

Twitter: @thewendylee
Teslas near-term future depends heavily on the reception of its Model 3 in Europe.

But for now, Tesla will have to sell the Model 3 there without Autopilot.

Although European safety regulators approved the Model 3 vehicle for sale in Europe in January, they have not approved Autopilot  the controversial driver-assist mode that offers automatic cruise control, lane keeping and lane changing  The Times has learned.

At this moment the autopilot is not part of the original Type Approval of the Tesla Model 3, Joke Willemsen, spokesman for RDW, the Netherlands-based organization in charge of the Model 3 approval process for Europe, said via email.

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On Jan. 18, Tesla told The Times, We have received European vehicle type approval for Model 3, but did not mention that the approval did not include Autopilot. European car publications that were given Model 3s to review in recent weeks reported the cars Autopilot was disabled.

Type approval is a term used to describe a car that meets European Union regulations and can be sold throughout the continent.

We are planning to enable Autopilot in Europe beginning next week, a Tesla spokesman told The Times on Thursday. The company did not answer any other questions, including one about when it expects type approval for Autopilot.

The lack of Autopilot approval  whether a short-term problem or something more serious  complicates the Model 3s entry into Europe. Tesla already sells its Model S and Model X cars in Europe. Norway is one of the companys largest markets outside the U.S.

The first bulk shipment of Model 3s arrived at the port of Zeebrugge in Belgium this week. But already, European buyers are expressing the same delivery hell complaints on Twitter that have become routine in the United States  rescheduled deliveries, cars not showing up as promised, difficulty contacting Tesla customer service to resolve problems.

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk acknowledged the rocky start in a tweet Wednesday: Sorry, many unexpected challenges with cars coming through Zeebrugge first time. Cars will start moving out in volume tomorrow.

Europe and China are crucial to the companys continued health after Model 3 sales declined precipitously in the U.S. in January as federal incentives were cut in half.

The company said all current production from its sole assembly plant in Fremont, Calif., is dedicated to the Europe and China markets.

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RDW did not say why Autopilot has not been approved, when it might be, or why the Model 3 version falls short while Model S and Model X Teslas are available in Europe with Autopilot.

Tesla was asked the same questions repeatedly by The Times but did not answer them.

The Times also asked Tesla whether refunds would be offered to customers who have already paid for Autopilot, whether they can reject the car for a full refund and whether Tesla will discontinue charging for Autopilot on European order forms. Teslas web-based order forms as of Thursday morning still were charging European buyers about $6,000 for the Autopilot option.

Autopilot is controversial because, whereas Tesla owner manuals tell drivers to remain alert and keep their hands on the steering wheel while using it, Musk has long taken a more casual attitude toward the technology, appearing on television and YouTube videos putting his hands in the air, roller coaster style, while the car drives itself. YouTube is filled with videos of people apparently sleeping in moving Tesla cars and otherwise flouting the manuals suggestions.

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russ.mitchell@latimes.com

Twitter: @russ1mitchell
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer is standing by his decision to keep the controversial stanchions in place to block any parking at the foot of Playa del Norte where it meets Neptune Place. Speaking for the Mayors office, representative Anthony George offered the possible last word Jan. 30, announcing by e-mail to the parties involved: There will be no changes to the site as it sits.

The divisive situation has been discussed at community meetings for more than a year.

First, a set of stanchions was installed to outline a striped no-parking zone, at the request of residents irked by people parking over the striping, and allegedly engaging in drug use and disruptive behavior.

Next, the stanchions were removed at the request of City Council member Barbara Bry, who implemented a pilot program to test two, 15-minute parking spaces at the site so beach-goers could pull-up, view the surf and/or unload equipment. However, this posed a potential attractive nuisance due to drivers proceeding the wrong way on a one-way street to make a U-turn to access the spaces.

At the conclusion of the pilot program, the stanchions were reinstated by a decree from the Mayors office, and a La Jolla Community Planning Association (LJCPA) sub-committee convened to come up with an alternative. Their proposal included the installation of three, one-hour parking spaces facing away from the ocean that could be accessed only from Neptune Place. The subcommittee presented its findings at the Jan. 3 LJCPA meeting, and garnered approval from the board.

With the LJCPA vote to support this proposal, the sub-committee submitted it to the Mayors office for consideration.

Responding to the sub-committee, George denied the plan, explaining by e-mail: I asked staff to review your proposal as I know there was a lot of time and energy put behind it.  While this option does eliminate the wrong-way driving issue, it brings other risks, such as backing vehicles (either exiting or entering the stalls) conflicting with northbound traffic on Neptune with limited sight distance. As it stands, there will be no changes to the site as it sits.

Beach-access proponent Melinda Merryweather, who advocated for the stanchions removal, told La Jolla Light: I am so disappointed that the City of San Diego has such a disregard for beach-view corridors and (ocean) access. As for now, I will ask for and fight for, on behalf of the community, that since the parking spaces have been removed, the stanchions should be removed as well, since there is no reason for them; they are ugly and are in a view corridor. As for the future, when we are our own city, there will be parking there, as we will honor beach access and views as do (the cities of) Coronado and Del Mar.

Fellow beach-access advocate Glen Rasmussen, who served on the sub-committee that drafted the proposal, added via email, The area at the foot of the one-way (toward the beach) Playa Del Norte at Neptune comprises arguably the best street-side public view of the break at Windansea. You look right at it. For decades, surfers, sunset-watchers and the general public were able to enjoy the views from that area by pulling over in their cars when a set came, or to stop and see the green flash.

As such, Rasmussen said he would still like to see an alternative implemented. I am not a traffic engineer, but contrary to what Mr. George states, there appears to be ample room on the revised plan for cars to back out without interfering with cars on Neptune, similar to the parking in Bird Rock with far less traffic. There are ample sight lines in both directions. Emails from the Mayors office ... indicate that they are simply tired of dealing with this issue, he wrote. There are plenty of citizens, including the Surfrider Foundation, who are waiting to see if a reasonable alternative to these bollards (aka stanchions) can still be implemented.
Starting this month, a new Scout troop will meet in La Jolla to welcome girls to the program conventionally offered only to boys. Known as Scouting BSA Troop 506, the new girls-only troop will have the same programming as its brother-Troop 506 and also be based in La Jolla.

An introductory meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11 at the La Jolla United Methodist Church, 6063 La Jolla Blvd. The first scheduled event is a visit to the Green Acres Ranch in Temecula to give the Scouts an opportunity to earn a horsemanship merit badge and for parents to meet the leadership team and learn more about the program. The outing is noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 and costs $35. RSVP to Scout leader Marnie Stransky at (619) 204-8194.

(Boys) Troop 506 has a history of high-adventure activities, said Assistant Scoutmaster Jacques Naviaux. We have at least one adventure a month, or an opportunity to spend a couple of nights in a tent or attend a summer camp for a week. We went to Montana for what a pack-rafting trip, where we spend a few days white-water rafting with our own little rafts packed into backpacks. The girls program will be similar.

There is nothing wrong with local Girl Scout troops, but this programming is something we provide that may appeal to the population of girls that enjoy outdoor activities and character-building in accordance with Scout Law.

Scout Master Stransky added: This will be a high-adventure Troop, with a lot of backpacking, hiking and canoeing; and the girls will have the same opportunity as the boys to earn merit badges, develop their leadership skills, and work their way up to an Eagle Scout rank (the highest rank offered). It will be very structured and serve as another option for those who want to explore Scouting.

Not to be confused with La Jolla Venture Crew 506, which is co-ed, Scouting BSA Troop 506 will be girls only.

Describing it as fun with a purpose, Naviaux added: Scouting provides the opportunity to explore the outdoors, and theres purpose and character-building training. If you do your best to live your life according to Scout Law, you are going to be a better citizen and member of your community and handle life as it comes to you.

When you take youth into the outdoors, youre going to experience some form of adversity, hopefully, just a little. You could get lost ... or you could be hot and tired. You will struggle, and when you survive and can get past that, you learn you can accomplish any goal.

He continued: Scouting can appeal to those who are not the best at organized sports, which was the case for me. I wasnt good on the field, but could backpack and hike. I gained a lot from being a Scout as a youth. The program creates resilience, which is huge. And now both boys and girls have the opportunity to advance in the series of skills we want them to learn, such as navigation and first aid.

In Girl Scouts, the highest achievement is the Gold Award, obtained by identifying an issue and creating a sustainable action plan that educates the community about it. In Boy Scouts and Scouting BSA, an Eagle Scout rank is earned by demonstrating that the Scout lives by the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, earned 21 merit badges and completed a community service project.

For those that make it to Eagle Scout, its a huge deal; not many kids have the opportunity to do that, Naviaux said. Those that make it to Eagle Scout show they can set a goal and accomplish it. Along the way, youre going to have some failures and you learn how to deal with them. Now that we have girls coming in, they can reach Eagle. For those who strive to earn it, thats a high point in your Scouting career.

Want to know more? Visit scouting.org/scoutsbsa
Toddler Trump needs a timeout

President Trump announced an end to the government shutdown on Jan. 25. Is it a real deal to reopen the federal government or another tactic of the power-grabbing politician? Is Trump backing down or bamboozling Congress again? Is this a permanent or temporary solution? The elephant and donkey games continue.

Trump is using his demand for a $5.7 billion border wall to justify his irrational reactions. Our forefathers and former presidents would be appalled at the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

I hope the ghost of Benjamin Franklin visits him next Christmas. Would Trump follow in the footsteps of Ebenezer Scrooge and change his wicked ways?

A strong majority of Americans blame President Donald Trump for the record-long government shutdown and reject his primary rationale for a border wall, according to a new poll that shows the turmoil in Washington is dragging his approval rating to its lowest level in more than a year, according to a recent article in The Philadelphia Tribune.

And just who are the people that Trump is holding hostage? You, me, us. We are a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

Per a 2019 report from the Pew Research Center, 59 percent of those surveyed disapprove of Trumps job performance.

President Trump reacts just like a toddler when he doesnt get his way. I want what I want when I want it and how I want it and where I want it! Hes throwing an adult temper tantrum in the Oval Office. And Americans are paying the price. Will someone put Trump in a timeout chair? Or make him take a nap. Hes a pouting president in need of emotional regulation.

Whats wrong with the White House picture? Theres something of an industry devoted to the psyche of President Trump. Hes an executive-in-chief like no other. He doesnt read, appears to be ignorant of history (American, European, Middle-Eastern, Asian, whatever) and cannot control his Twitter finger, penned Professor Madelon Sprengnether in a 2017 article for Psychology Today.

The irony of Donald Trumps stance on immigration is Melanija Knavs (Melania Trump) was born in Novo Mesto, and grew up in Sevnica, in the Yugoslav republic of Slovenia.

The First Lady of the United States was not born in America. She obtained U.S. citizenship in 2006.

The irony of Donald Trumps stance on chain immigration is that First Lady Melania Trumps immigrant parents were sworn in as U.S. citizens in 2018.

More irony: Donald Trumps first wife and mother to his three oldest children, Ivana, is an immigrant from Czechoslovakia.

Both Republicans and Democrats need to read the book Tantrums! Managing Meltdowns in Public and Private (1-2-3 Magic Parenting), then apply it to Trump.

How is it that an American president can hold the government captive when he doesnt get his way and throw adult temper tantrums? Im baffled. Are you?

MELISSA MARTIN



Politicians should be working for America

Many in the House and Senate need to realize this is ABOUT AMERICA, NOT ABOUT THEM and their morally corrupt political parties. They are paid high wages to work for America in a fair, sensible and godly way.

That is not what we are getting for our money now! The safety of America should be the most important thing to our legislators.

Is there any common sense left in city mayors and state governors? What has happened to the education systems across America, which turn out such irresponsible leaders?

These leaders cannot take care of their own, yet most offer sanctuary to illegals, even if they are known criminals. By doing so, they are encouraging the world to migrate to America, against our immigration laws.

Anyone who encourages others to break our laws is, or should be consider, a criminal.

Those who claim it is immoral to use barriers to stop illegals from entering our country happen to be the most immoral people around.

MANUEL YBARRA JR., Coalgate, Oklahoma



What is a market-based approach to water quality?

Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a joint letter encouraging market-based, collaborative approaches to reduce excess nutrients in waterways. Few other details were offered on how to best take this approach.

There are three possible market-based strategies for water quality improvement: nutrient reduction exchange, wetland mitigation banking, and environmental impact bonds.

Comparable to a cap and trade program, the nutrient reduction exchange ties downstream municipalities to upstream partners through voluntary efforts. This approach focuses on reducing nitrogen and phosphorus by leveraging cost-effective projects that would be more affordable than removing nutrients at a water treatment plant.

With wetland mitigation banking, flood risks can be minimized by holding and slowing the flow of water -also allowing nutrients and sediment to filter out.

In addition, wetlands can provide a natural habitat for birds and waterfowl. The idea behind this approach is to encourage new investments in water quality and flood mitigation by restoring wetlands.

Environmental impact bonds have been used recently by major cities to finance infrastructure projects to improve water quality, particularly from stormwater runoff.

Washington, D.C., first used this tool in 2016, followed by Baltimore and Atlanta. What makes environmental impact bonds different from other green bonds is that they use a pay for success model focused on achieving environmental outcomes, which requires them to have a measuring and monitoring component for investors.

Any of these three market-based strategies could play a key role in building a cleaner, healthier and more productive future.

Learn more at cfra.org.

KATIE ROCK, Center for Rural Affairs
LAHAINA  On Thursday, Jan. 24, Surfside Woodfire Pizza Kitchen hosted members of Mauis Fire, Police and Emergency Management Services at their restaurant in recognition of their heroic efforts in battling the fires that threatened Lahaina in the midst of Hurricane Lane.

Longtime Kapalua resident and benefactor Leo Slocombe donated the pizzas for the event.

Surfside Woodfire Pizza Kitchen is Lahainas newest eatery. Chef Chris Sailer, a Lahainaluna High School graduate, has created a menu using only fresh, locally grown food to create delicious pizzas, salads and sandwiches. The pizzas are made to order in the woodfire oven using keawe wood in a build your own concept.

Since the restaurant opened last summer, the people of Lahaina experienced hurricanes and a devastating fire.

Mauis first responders were at the forefront of these catastrophic events.

According to the restaurant team, we owe them our eternal gratitude for putting their lives at risk for all of us who live in West Maui.

Owners Francis Lynch and Carolyn Krisman, and the Surfside team, said they were honored to meet these heroes.
KIHEI  The Kihei Elementary School Student Council EarlyAct Group, consisting of 16 representatives from the third, fourth and fifth grade classes, have again joined forces with the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset for their third annual Pennies for Polio Drive.

Led by staff members Joanne Laird, Alaina Valite and Michelle Bonilla, the students were introduced to Rotary Internationals End Polio Now Campaign.

Council members made 60 posters for all classrooms and hallways, and provided collection jars that were delivered to each classroom teacher on Friday. Jan. 25.

A fact sheet about the End Polio Now/Pennies for Polio Campaign was sent home with each child, so that parents were aware of this collection campaign.

On Friday, Feb. 8, Phylecia Platte, foundation chair for the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, will collect all contributions.

American Savings Bank has offered to count and record each classes contributions. In 2018, students generated over $1,700 in donated funds.

There will be two class winners  one for each recess period  announced. The two winning classes will receive a Jamba Juice/healthy snack party from the Rotary Club members during their recess.

Collected funds will be sent to Rotary Internationals End Polio Now campaign and will be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The council members were surprised to learn that Polio is a disease that killed and crippled so many children in the 20th century.

Upon learning about this effort, all council members were eager to take part in the project to help Rotary end this disease in the world.

According to Student Council Adviser Laird, This project is an example of one of the first principles of serving as a leader: Leadership is action, not selected position.

Student Council members at the kickoff meeting said, Lets beat last years collections to help End Polio Now!
A surge in Boko Haram attacks in the northeast of Nigeria is threatening to throw preparations for presidential elections, slated for 16 February, into disarray, Haitham Nouri reports.

The terrorist groups violence is not the only challenge to President Muhammadu Buhari, who is seeking a second four-year term. Clashes between farmers and nomadic herders over dwindling arable land in Nigerias central states, tensions in the oil-rich Delta in the south, and accusations of corruption by rights groups are threatening Buharis stay at the helm.

An official from neighbouring Niger said Boko Haram killed six people in the groups latest operation on the border between the two countries. The militant organisation, that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) a few years back before splitting, has become a regional concern after its attacks crossed Nigerias borders.

Boko Haram, which means Western education is religiously forbidden, executed its first operation in 2009 and has since killed a total of 27,000 people, mainly in Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Those four countries, in addition to West African Benin, built a joint force of thousands of soldiers to eliminate the worlds bloodiest terrorists of Boko Haram.

Buhari was elected in 2015 on a promise to restore security and destroy Boko Haram during his first tenure. To this day, however, the terrorist group is a deadly threat to Nigerians, two million of whom were displaced because of Boko Haram attacks.

Amnesty International (AI) reported that Boko Haram killed 60 people in the northeast Nigerian town of Rann on 28 January, a day after it was abandoned by the military. It published a report saying it analysed satellite imagery which shows hundreds of burned structures in the town. Many of the destroyed structures only date back to 2017, suggesting they were shelters for internally displaced people who came to Rann seeking protection.

Rann has become home to thousands of Nigerians who have set up displacement camps there to flee from Boko Haram attacks.

The Nigerian army posted on its Facebook page Monday that Amnesty International claims on Rann [were] untrue.

It is most unacceptable and unfair for AI to make such outlandish and unverified claims that troops abandoned their deployment a day before Boko Haram attack on the location, thereby exposing the IDPs [internally displaced persons] to a deadly attack.

This claim is not only bereft of truth, but in its usual mannerism, is another futile effort by AI to portray the Nigerian military as incapable, as well as project the Nigerian government as not protective of her people in the eyes of the global community.

The attack on Rann is one of the groups bloodiest, said Reuters Sunday. It came two weeks after Boko Haram had overrun the same town, driving out Nigerian soldiers and signalling its re-emergence as a force capable of capturing army bases.

The two attacks on Rann resulted in the fleeing of 40,000 Nigerians from their homes. Some 30,000 of these headed to Cameroon.

Amaq news agency, affiliated to the Islamic State West Africa Province, an offshoot of IS, last week claimed responsibility for killing 30 Nigerian soldiers in Borno state in the northeast.

With Boko Harams expansion of terrorist operations into Lake Chad Basin countries, millions of people are enduring the horrors of terrorism in a region that comprises some of the African continents poorest countries, such as Niger.

The United Nations office in Niamey, Nigers capital, stated Saturday that more than 10 per cent of Nigers population, approximately 2.3 million people, will become in need of humanitarian assistance in 2019.

The displacement of hundreds of thousands of villagers, coupled with drought that has hit a number of Sahel countries, has exacerbated the food crisis in Niger.

Some 300,000 people fled to Diffa Camp, northeast of Niger and close to the border with Nigeria, to escape Boko Haram attacks.

In the western region along the borders with Mali, 52,000 people have been displaced as a result of Islamist attacks. Moreover, 57,000 Malians were displaced after the 2012 Malian coup detat that divided the country until France announced it was going to intervene.

The government tried to return the displaced to their homes, but some relief agencies and rights group said they were sent back against their will. Many of the newly displaced say soldiers dropped their weapons and fled when Islamic State or Boko Haram arrived. Some said the insurgents killed soldiers they discovered fleeing with civilians, Reuters reported.

Come election time, it looks like Nigerians in conflict zones will not maintain the same allegiance they displayed to Buhari in 2015. Despite the presidents efforts to curb corruption and eliminate Boko Haram, Nigeria remains in a poor state of affairs.

Another factor comes into play, a scenario feared by old-guard politicians like Buhari and his main rival, businessman and former vice- president Atiku Abubakar, and that is millions of youth will vote for the first time since democracy found its way to Nigeria in 1999. The young people of Nigeria are not familiar with military dictatorships that ruled the country for over half of its independent history.

Because the youth are more educated and acquainted with the 21st century world, they aspire to more than the previous generations settled for, said Fadl Abdel-Razek, professor of mass communications at Kano University.

Statistics show that 60 per cent of the population, or 190 million Nigerians, are below the age of 30, and more than half of them are less than 18 years of age.

Whatever the elections result may be, it is going to be the last contested elections for Buhari, 76, and Abubakar, 72, and their supporters like Olusegun Obasanjo, 81, and Ibrahim Babangida, 79. And this can mean only one thing: a new generation of politicians is about to emerge in Africas most populous and oil-richest country.

Nonetheless, Abdel-Razek worries that the new generation will have the old guards same interests and orientations, in which case Nigerias form of democracy will not be able to offer a quick solution that saves the country from repeated crises.

The 16 February presidential elections are the sixth suffrage for Nigerians since the instatement of democracy after the sudden death of the countrys last dictator, General Sani Abacha. Nigerians voted for Obasanjo, who ruled from 1999 to 2007, and Buhari, who was also Nigerias military ruler for 20 months in 1983-84.

Nigeria has 109 senators and 360 members in its House of Representatives. The legislative elections resulted in the rise of an amalgamation of military personnel, businessmen, tribal leaders and religious figures, who left little room for modern forces of change made up of professionals and the countrys middle class and working-class strata.

As if the countrys host of political and economic crises and national integration problems are not enough, Nigeria has to grapple with Boko Harams deadly attacks and the displacement of millions of its people.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 24 January, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Terrorism haunts Nigerias elections

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KAANAPALI  On Jan. 16-18, the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali Beach welcomed the 20th International Conference of the Council for Exceptional Children, DADD (Division on Autism, Intellectual Disability & Developmental Disabilities). The event presentations integrated research and practice, reflecting the ongoing need for evidence-based and practice-informed strategies to enhance the educational outcomes for individuals with autism, intellectual disability and/or developmental disabilities.

Our conference program had over 300 interactive lecture and poster presentations, said DADD Conference Coordinator Cindy Perras. Other features included networking luncheons, an exhibit hall and other opportunities to engage with colleagues and leaders in the field. Our opening keynote address was delivered by self-advocate Micah Fialka-Feldman. Micah told the inspirational story of his journey through years of discrimination to his present-day accomplishments.

I have an intellectual disability, said Fialka-Feldman. Mine was a ground-breaking journey to full inclusion in K-12 schools, college, work and life. I wrote a book with my parents, Janice Fialka and Rich Feldman; my sister, Emma; friends; and colleagues called What Matters: Reflections on Disability, Community, and Love. The book offers hope and practical guidance for families, self-advocates, professionals and all the rest of us, because we all need to be included.

Janice Fialka, whose conference talk, The Ever-changing Dance of Parenthood: Leading, Loosening, and Letting Go, explained further: The book narrates how Micah challenged discrimination in the federal court, and won, became a university teaching assistant and survived heart surgery. It offers strategies to ensure authentic lifelong inclusion, create circles of support, help patients shift from being protectors to guides. Micah and his community are mentors on how to redefine disability, cultivate relationships and live a meaningful life.

Greg Smith, professor of Inclusive and Place-Based Education, said in his review of What Matters in the Spring 2018 issue of Rethinking Schools, Janice Fialka recounts her three-decade-plus experience raising a son with intellectual disabilities. The book serves as a memorable and moving introduction to the emerging disability movement which asserts that all forms of disability are not deficits but instead expressions of the variety of ways that humans can exist in the world.

Smith continued, Such an assertion challenges unexamined beliefs about normality and requires a shift in the way we think about inclusion. Micahs story demonstrates the importance of setting high expectations, allowing people with intellectual disabilities to pursue their own dreams, and taking risks within a community of support that values interdependence. This combination of factors has allowed a person initially slated for institutionalization to become a teacher in courses about special education at Syracuse University and a social justice activist in his own right. More educators need to embrace the vision of disability pride presented here.

The three-day DADD Conference offered professional development and resources for all aspects of the field to enhance the natural communication abilities of students with significant disabilities.

For more information about DADD, e-mail cindy.perras@gmail.com or visit Micahs website at www.throughthesamedoor.com, Janices website at www.danceofpartnership.com, or daddcec.org.
KAPALUA  Whale Trust invites the public to join world-renowned scientists, photographers and conservationists at the 13th annual Whale Tales on Feb. 15-18 at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

This years event promises to take attendees on a marine mammal odyssey, from award-winning author Nick Pyensons research to understand their ancient past to stories of species adaptation in urban waters.

Learn how automated surface robots are exploring the Pacific Ocean in search of aggregations of humpbacks that we might not yet know about, and view stunning underwater photography and videography of whales in their natural environment.

Whale Tales is a unique opportunity for Maui residents and visitors to hear first-hand what marine scientists are studying and discovering about the ocean and its inhabitants.

The goal of the event is to help people move beyond the delight of watching a whale breach to a place of understanding, awareness and activism.

This event really brings together a unique community that advocates for stewardship and protection of our local whale population, shared one attendee. The more we learn about whales, the more we want to learn.

Whale Tales is hosted annually by Whale Trust, a Maui-based nonprofit organization dedicated to whale research and ocean education.

Whale Tales is both an educational event that bridges the information gap between scientists working in the field and the public and a means to raise funds to support whale research in Hawaii.

In 12 years, Whale Tales has raised more than $650,000 for whale research in Hawaii and reached tens of thousands of people, including thousands of local schoolchildren.

All proceeds from the Whale Tales event are distributed to selected organizations and students to support whale research in Hawaii through the Whale Tales Beneficiaries Program. This years funding will support projects specifically focused on understanding recent shifts in the distribution, abundance and migration patterns of humpback whales in the North Pacific.

What makes Whale Tales special and unique is the sense of community surrounding the event, said Meagan Jones, co-founder and executive director of Whale Trust.

Whale Tales isnt about just one organization. At its heart, Whale Tales symbolizes the spirit of collaboration within Mauis whale research community.

Open to the public, attendees will have opportunities to learn the latest in marine research from marine biologists and conservationists, and experience stunning visuals from world-renowned photographers and videographers.

Benefit whale watches featuring the expert presenters are hosted daily throughout the weekend. Registration is required and a $20 per day donation is encouraged.

Whale Tales is made possible through the generous support of many individuals and organizations. This years presenting sponsors are Makana Aloha Foundation and George and Marie Weis.

For a detailed schedule of events, presentations, registration and tickets, visit whaletales.org or call (808) 572-5700.
LAHAINA  The Gentlemen by Choice (GBC) Island Ladies and Gents Program (ILGP) is back by popular demand at Lahaina Intermediate School (LIS) for 2019 commencing the week of Feb. 18.

We are currently in the process of accepting applications for both the Island Gents and Island Ladies program. We are encouraging sixth- and seventh-graders; and, if we have room, we will accept eighth-graders.

We have capped the participation to 25 Gents and 25 Ladies, LIS Principal Stacy Bookland advised.

The young men meet once a week for the remainder of the school year on Thursdays, and the ladies meet on Tuesdays.

Richard Jack is the GBC co-founder, executive director, operations manager, program developer and visionary.

Since its inception in 2016 on the West Side, he said, the Gentlemen By Choice (GBC) Island Ladies and Gents program has had a positive influence on the holistic well-being of more than 200 students.

Its mission is to enrich the lives of our young people through Leadership, Image, Finance and Etiquette (LIFE) skills training.

The goal is to positively impact not only the everyday lives of our youth but the success of their futures by educating them and equipping them with the tools that will empower them for future success, Jack added.

Dawn Jackman is the program coordinator.

She is the voice of GBC on Maui and is responsible for overseeing the Island Ladies and Gentlemens program, Jack told the Lahaina News.

Jackman is committed.

I believe that both Island Ladies and Island Gents at the middle school age need this support more than ever. This is a huge transitional time of their lives, she said.

Community buy-in is key to the success of the programs mentorship.

Brandon J. Maeda is the complex director, Food & Beverage, for The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas and The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas.

He currently serves as the chair of the board for GBC, the parent organization to Island Gents.

For the past three years, according to Maeda, The Westin complex has been in-kind supporters for various fundraising efforts, as well as being hosts of etiquette lunches for the students to practice the skills learned in our classroom dining etiquette sessions.

More importantly, he observed, This program allows professionals in the community to connect with our local youth at a critical age when we can make a lasting impression on their future. We hope to serve as positive role models for them and instill values and skills that will help them to be successful contributing members of the community as they grow in to young adults.

The Westin Complex Human Resources Director Annette David was recently appointed to serve on the GBC national board.

She is a confirmed advocate.

The purpose of GBC is to promote positive growth development of the whole child. Their philosophy is It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults,  she said.

With todays massive influence of social media on our youth and the self-limiting messages that are being broadcasted, David continued, this program is essential in (helping to) create a strong foundation in our future generation.

There are other West Maui partners standing in line to give our youth a boost, like the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa, Maid Inn Paradise Cleaning Company, Megavega Properties, Peake/Levoy Commercial Real Estate Services, Kaanapali Ocean Adventures, Maui Done Rite Cleaning LLC and Maui Downhill.

It is important for our students to have the opportunity to experience the mentorship program for positive experiences they may not have otherwise, Bookland commented.

As a society, David summarized, we place so much emphasis on educating our students on a school curriculum of reading, history, math, etc., and very little focus is made on educating children on the power of their thoughts, their emotional intelligence and how using these powerful inner tools can support them to accomplish their dreams.

This program, Bookland asserted, helps to build better leaders in our school and community.

Applications for the Island Gents and Island Ladies are available in the LIS office.

For more information, or to become a sponsor, contact Dawn Jackman at Dawn.jackman@gentlemenbychoice.org or (651) 247-4990.
Peru-born St. Louisan Daphne Benzaquen always thought she was going to be a doctor. She was on a pre-med track in college, and because her fathers a doctor, she figured shed follow in his footsteps. But after college, she realized she wanted to pursue business instead and earned her MBA at Washington University in St. Louis. In her second year at Wash U, Benzaquen wanted a unique backpack to take to classes  one that no one else would have that also suited her needs. She was unsuccessful in searching for such a backpack, but her failure to find something just right sparked her curiosity. Shed always heard that the artisans in the mountains of Peru were known for their leather products, and she wondered if she could have someone make her the perfect backpack.

I cold-emailed several [Peruvian] manufacturers I found online she says. I figured it was worth a try.

With no design experience, Benzaquen did her best to communicate to the artisans what she was envisioning for her backpack and sent them makeshift designs. Since she often spends Christmastime in her birthplace of Lima, Peru, Benzaquen took a side trip on her next visit to the mountains of Arequipa to meet with five of the manufacturers shed been in contact with.

Some of the manufacturers had totally changed my design, and some had not worked on my design at all, she says. I didnt even want to go to my last meeting because I was so frustrated but ended up going and that manufacturer had created a backpack that most closely resembled my design.
This photo shows aerial view of the Tienditas Bridge, in the border of Cucuta, Colombia and Tachira, Venezuela, after Venezuelan military forces blocked it with containers, Wednesday. AFP-Yonhap



Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido warned the army of its responsibilities on Wednesday after soldiers blocked a key border bridge, sparking angry demands from the United States to allow desperately needed humanitarian aid to enter the country.



Venezuela's army had to choose between "a dictatorship that does not have an iota of humanity, or to side with the constitution" from which he takes his legitimacy, Guaido said in an interview on Colombian radio.



U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Venezuela's military was deliberately blocking the aid with trucks and shipping containers "under Maduro's orders."



"The Maduro regime must LET THE AID REACH THE STARVING PEOPLE," Pompeo said in a tweet.



Guaido claims that up to 300,000 people face death if the aid is not delivered, following years of economic crisis and shortages of basic food and medicines.



Tanker trucks and shipping containers were moved into position late Tuesday on the Tienditas bridge, a key crossing point on the border with Colombia.



The 35-year-old National Assembly chief  who stunned Venezuelans when he proclaimed himself president on January 23  is trying to force Maduro from power, set up a transitional government and hold a new presidential polls.



He has claimed legitimacy from the constitution as National Assembly leader, on the grounds that Maduro's re-election last May, boycotted by most of the opposition, was "illegitimate."



Venezuela's powerful military  which despite a few defections has remained loyal to Maduro  is seen as key to the outcome of the socialist leader's power struggle with his young rival.



In a bid to tip the balance, the U.S. said it was prepared to exempt Caracas' army top brass from punitive sanctions if they recognized Guaido.



Sanctions 'off-ramps'



U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said Washington "will consider sanctions off-ramps for any Venezuelan senior military officer that stands for democracy and recognizes the constitutional government of President Juan Guaido."



"If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely," Bolton said on Twitter, urging the officers to "make the right choice."



Guaido has been recognized by more than 40 countries since declaring himself interim president on January 23.



However, several countries including Italy and Greece have so far blocked an EU bid for tougher action against Maduro's socialist regime.



Guaido held talks with EU representatives in Caracas earlier Wednesday "to consolidate their support for the democratic transition" adding that he would send a delegation to holdout state Italy to present his "action plan to relaunch democracy."



Maduro disclosed Monday that he sent Pope Francis a letter seeking help in mediating the country's crisis. The pope told journalists Tuesday that this would require agreement from both the government and the opposition.



Guaido backed the idea on Wednesday, saying the Argentine pope could bring his "great moral authority" to bear on Maduro to convince him to leave power.



Humanitarian aid blocked



Maduro, who is supported by Russia, China, Turkey, Cuba and Iran, has refused all humanitarian aid shipments to Venezuela, which he says would open the way to allow a US military invasion.



Maduro dismissed the need for aid on Wednesday as a "political show."



"Imperialism does not help anyone in the world," he told Russia Today.



In Geneva, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it was doubling its resources to cope with the crisis, where food and medicine shortages have pushed 2.3 million people to flee since 2015.



Maduro, 56, has repeatedly accused the United States of fomenting a coup. And on Wednesday he called for the collection of 10 million signatures against what he called "Trump's interventionist action."



The U.S., which has not ruled out a military intervention in crisis-wracked Venezuela, was the first to recognize his rival as acting president, followed by a dozen Latin American countries.



Latin American and EU states have formed a "Contact Group" on Venezuela which will meet in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo on Thursday.



Russia has slammed what it called interference in the oil-rich but now poor Latin American country, saying it was an attempt to "legitimize usurped power."



Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the EU of trying to "topple the government by violence and ruse."



Guaido has nevertheless ramped up pressure on the regime with a series of mass protests, the next of which is scheduled for February 12.



His fledgling alternative administration will hold talks in Washington on February 14 on responding to "the largest hemispheric humanitarian crisis in modern history." (AFP)








Young Rohingya refugees girls peep out from a makeshift shelter at Balukhali refugee camp in Ukhia on February 4, 2019. AFP
This Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, photo provided by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) shows the launch of a land-based Aegis missile from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on the island of Kauai in Hawaii that later intercepted an intermediate range ballistic missile. Korea Times file



China might come under pressure to reconsider its long-standing "no first use" nuclear policy as it engages in a maritime arms race with the United States, analysts have warned.



Nuclear competition is brewing between the two countries as China makes gains in weapons development and Washington tries to limit Beijing's military build-up in the South China Sea.



The United States is still decades ahead in nuclear weapons development but a successful test late last year of China's new submarine-launched ballistic missile, the JL-3, is cause for concern in Washington.



The test signals that China is moving ahead with a new class of strategic submarines called SSBNs, vessels that could be equipped with nuclear-armed JL-3s and that would be more difficult to detect than conventional land-based nuclear weapons.



In a sign of that growing concern, U.S. President Donald Trump said in October that his decision to withdraw from a decades-old atomic accord with Russia was driven by a need to respond to China's nuclear build-up.



U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has also stressed that the U.S. Navy would "continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allowed" in the South China Sea  remarks that Beijing took as aimed at China.



According to Zhao Tong, a fellow in Carnegie's Nuclear Policy Program, based at the CarnegieTsinghua Centre for Global Policy, the U.S. and its allies are stepping up their anti-submarine warfare in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.



In a report late last year, Zhao said this was increasing mistrust between the two countries and raising the possibility that Beijing might rethink the "no first use" nuclear weapons policy, which has been in place since the first Chinese nuclear test in 1964.



In a separate report, the Washington-based U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission said Beijing was looking at expanding its nuclear delivery systems, setting off debate in China over whether its nuclear arms should be used only as a deterrent and not as a "first strike".



The United States and China are both capable of delivering nuclear weapons through three systems: land-launched nuclear missiles, nuclear missile-armed submarines and strategic aircraft with nuclear bombs and missiles.



The JL, or Julang, series of missiles for nuclear-powered submarines is part of a People's Liberation Army strategy to extend the country's nuclear retaliation capabilities further from land to sea.



But China trails the U.S. in these areas by decades, a technological gap that means Beijing could only for now work on its capacity to retaliate, or "second strike" options.



One military source said that unlike the U.S., China was incapable of launching a pre-emptive strike and so had little choice but to retain its "no first use" policy.



Hong Kong-based military expert Song Zhongping said China's nuclear capability was also well behind that of Russia. The U.S. and Russia combined have more than 90 per cent of the world's nuclear weapons.



"China needs to strengthen and improve its at-sea nuclear deterrent capability by increasing both the quality and quantity of its SSBNs and attack subs because the U.S. is making every effort to restrain Chinese strategic subs from sailing further," Song said.



He said America's moves "are aimed at undermining Beijing's second-strike capability", adding that Beijing's decision to develop more nuclear subs "was also pushed by the massive replacement of old generation [submarine-launched ballistic missiles]".



Observers said the Chinese navy's successful flight test of the JL-3 missile in the Yellow Sea in late November had encouraged the PLA Navy to press on with developing the new generation of strategic submarines known as the Type 096.



The JL-3 is designed to be carried and launched by the Type 096, which are attack submarines that are more difficult to detect than land-based missile launchers and can move furtively near enemy waters.



The missile is based on the PLA Rocket Force's land-based DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile, which has a flight range of 12,000 kilometers (7,456 miles) and could potentially hit any U.S. mainland target within an hour.



And while the new missile has flight range of about 9,000km (5,600 miles), Chinese military experts say it could be extended to 12,000 kilometers when fully developed, putting it on a par with U.S. and Russian equivalents.



And there appears to be the political will to develop the technology.



A retired naval official said the Central Military Commission, which is chaired by President Xi Jinping and oversees the military, had set aside an enormous sum of money for upgrading and replacing China's naval weapons, particularly its SSBN fleet.



"Funding is not a problem  the navy has so much money to burn," the former warship commander said, speaking on condition of anonymity.



The commander said China hoped to narrow its technology gap with the U.S. in SSBNs from 30 years to about 10 years by 2025, when both the next generation of these subs and of submarine-launched ballistic missiles would join the navy.



The nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and aircraft carriers were the "two most powerful and cutting-edge strategic weapons that China should pull out all the stops to develop", the commander said, adding that construction of the Type 096 is already under way.



The PLA Navy so far has four Type 094 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, each outfitted with 16 JL-2 missiles for routine underwater patrols  equivalent to the missile component of their Western counterparts. But military experts said China's four Type 094 subs would not adequately safeguard the country's national security.



Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has 18 Ohio-class nuclear-powered submarines, with 14 capable of carrying up to 24 powerful Trident I missiles. But America also is developing its next-generation Columbia-class submarines, which will carry 16 of its most advanced Trident II missiles.



Antony Wong Dong, a Macau-based military observer, said the shortcomings and limited number of China's sea-based nuclear weapons had constrained China's military capability during peacetime patrols.



"The JL-2 is a single-warhead missile, while the Type 094 is well-known for its noise and is easy to detect," Wong said. "That's why China needs to develop the JL-3, which is expected to carry multiple warheads with a longer range."



Song said China's aircraft carrier projects would accelerate its nuclear submarine build-up since subs were needed to provide underwater protection for the flotillas.



China plans to build at least four carrier battle groups by 2035 to achieve its goal of having a maritime force capable of operating across the deep waters of open oceans and defending the country's expanding overseas interests. In the past year, it has launched two aircraft carriers and started construction on its new-generation aircraft carrier, the Type 002.



Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, said China might be trying to boost its sea-based deterrent capability strength by developing an array of weapons to enhance its offensive strike capacity.



But Beijing's effort to develop precise land-based launchers, solid-fueled ICBMs and hypersonic gliders would escalate the arms race among Beijing, Washington and other countries in the region, he warned.



"In various regional conflict scenarios we might have to take into account not just the role of the U.S. Navy in tackling the Chinese SSBN threat but also the prospective roles played by other U.S. allies and partners," he said.



Several U.S. partners "have built up significant [anti-submarine warfare] capabilities across the region", he said. (SCMP)


By Jhoo Dong-chan



Netmarble has formed a consortium with Chinese internet services provider Tencent and private equity fund MBK Partners to bid for Nexon, according to investment banks and game industry officials, Thursday. The preliminary bid for the nation's largest game developer is scheduled Feb. 21.



In January, Nexon founder Kim Jung-ju announced he was selling a 98.64 stake in NXC Corp. owned by himself and related parties, including his wife. NXC Corp. has a 47.98 percent stake in Nexon and is its holding company. Valued at up to 10 trillion won ($8.87 billion), Kim's stake is said to be too rich for any single firm in Korea to acquire.



Many industry analysts have said Tencent will likely become a winner in the bidding as it holds as much as $100 billion in cash reserves, but the Chinese firm has yet to make any official announcement about its possible bid.



Tencent is also Nexon's partner in China, holding distribution rights for the Korean firm's popular online game "Dungeon Fighter Online."



Other major foreign firms, including TPG Capital and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, have also expressed interest in acquiring the 98.64 percent stake in NXC Corp. This has led to market insiders expressing concern that a sale to these could kill the local game industry.



"Netmarble reviewed the acquisition of Nexon two months ago and made a final decision a month ago," said a Netmarble official.



"We believe that the tangible and intangible value of Nexon is a very important asset for the country. If Nexon is sold to an overseas firm, the Korean game industry and ecosystem could be damaged and its competitiveness weakened."



Given the Chinese firm is also the third-largest shareholder of Netmarble with a 17.7 percent stake, it will exert greater influence over Korea's game industry if the consortium manages to clinch the bid.






South Korea's communication watchdog said Wednesday that it ordered over 230,000 examples of harmful online material to be deleted or restricted from access in the country in 2018.







The action taken by the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) represents a three-fold spike over the 84,000 cases found in violation of the rules in 2017 and a 20 percent increase from 2016, when 201,000 cases of illegal and harmful content were barred from being screened on the domestic Internet.







The latest findings showed that 187,000 offenses, or 78.9 percent of the total, centered on restricting access to illegal overseas sites.







"The numbers show that foreign web services are being used to circumvent local operational guidelines on what can and cannot be circulated on the Internet," an official said.







He said under such circumstances, it is imperative that Seoul work with international organizations to clamp down on illegal online activities.







Broken down by type of illegal activity detected, the commission said 33.4 percent of violations involved online prostitution and lewd content, while 26.6 percent concerned gambling. A further 20.7 percent were violations centered on illegal medication and food products.







In terms of sites used to spread illegal content, local portals such as Kakao and Naver came in first and second, respectively, among South Korean companies, while among foreign social networking sites, Tumblr, Twitter and Google were cited for spreading harmful material.







The KCSC said Kakao has been cited for not tightly controlling the flow of illegal financial advertisements, while Tumblr and Twitter were found to have spread prostitution and obscene material such as pornography.







It said efforts will be made to further crack down on illegal activities so as to create a healthy Internet environment for users.








By Donald Kirk





NEW DELHI  The prospect of President Trump abandoning friends and allies resonates here for reasons that have nothing to do with North or South Korea.



While focusing on whatever deal Trump's likely to cook up with Kim Jong-un, let us not forget the priorities in the capital of the world's second most populated country are a little different. Here in New Delhi, the concern is that Trump's notion of withdrawing several thousand troops from Afghanistan and all of them from Syria will upset the balance of forces in South Asia.



Nobody here really believes that U.S. talks with the Taliban for easing tensions will have a happy outcome, just as no one takes seriously Trump's claim that ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is really defeated. "The goals of drawing the Taliban into peaceful politics and thus extricating America from a costly and destructive conflict are the right ones," says The Economist, "but there are sadly many reasons to fear that the framework will not produce either outcome."



At Jawaharlal Nehru University's School of International Studies, Professor K.P. Vijayalakshmi was still more emphatic. "Who can trust the Taliban," she asked me. "And who believes conflict in Afghanistan will end?" There are too many power-hungry factional leaders to trust any of them. Complicating the problem is that India remains at odds with its historic enemy, Pakistan, where fighters from Afghanistan seek refuge in mountain redoubts with the connivance of Pakistanis.



And then, looming over all else, hangs the perpetual problem of Kashmir, divided as ever between Indian and Pakistani areas of control. Incidents keep happening while China has solidified Pakistan's claim to its portion of Kashmir by building a highway as part of its Belt and Road Initiative for driving down the map to the Arabian Sea.



Interestingly, you hear much the same type of skepticism about Trump and Afghanistan as you do in Washington and Seoul about Trump and North Korea.



"The U.S. is desperate to extricate itself from the war, heightened by an unpredictable president," writes Davood Moradian, director-general of the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies in Kabul, in the Indian newspaper The Hindu. "This desperation is matched by growing fears in Afghanistan that the Taliban will seek to overthrow the government."



No two standoffs are alike, but one abiding fear is that Trump will make huge concessions to his friend Kim Jong-un, who then will carry on undermining the U.S.South Korean alliance, awaiting the day when the North can take over the South. Meanwhile, we can be sure North Korea will be driving hard to strengthen its economy, its infrastructure, its power system at the expense of South Korea, the U.S., Japan and anyone else willing to come up with the money and expertise.



"Any agreement between the Taliban and the U.S. at the expense of the two principal stakeholders  the Afghan government and the people  is doomed to fail," says Moradian, while "both Pakistan and the Taliban remain despised and distrusted by an overwhelming majority."



Those words are disturbing indeed to those who can't see a deal between Trump and Kim ending happily. We know perfectly well, if Trump goes along with an end-of-war declaration, that North Korea will intensify the pressure for a "peace treaty," arguing U.S. troops and bases are no longer needed. Trump might like to pull most of them out, but he's constrained by U.S. law from reducing the current 28,500 by more than 6,000. The North Koreans would be glad to see the number go down by that much  with every expectation of more reductions in the next few years.



The impression is that Trump is taking huge risks everywhere. The North Korean record of abiding by agreements over the years is perfect. They've never kept any of them. Trump is also gambling on sharply scaling down the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and pulling all of them out of Syria.



At Jawaharlal Nehru University, Professor Vijayalakshmi wondered why the U.S. isn't more interested in India's fears about weakening U.S. defense of the region. I told her the U.S. is now obsessed with North Korea while perhaps not considering India's strategic interests. The real fear is that Trump is risking America's stake in the region while friends and allies no longer count on the U.S. to defend them in time of need.





Donald Kirk (www.donaldkirk.com) has been writing about conflict in Asia for decades.


Three people were killed and 19 others were injured after two buses collided on a highway in Tur Sinai, South Sinai, while heading to Sharm El-Sheikh city, Red Sea.

Two children, a six-year-old Egyptian boy and a six-year-old Iraqi girl, are among those killed. The third was a 30-year-old Egyptian woman.

The injured, 12 Egyptians and seven Iraqis, have been taken to the nearest hospitals.

Deadly road accidents take place on a near daily basis in Egypt, which is notorious for poor road safety, badly maintained infrastructure, and loosely enforced traffic regulations.

The country's official statistics agency said in April that more than 11,000 road accidents took place in Egypt in 2017, down from around 15,000 accidents in the previous year.

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Fundamental measures needed to prevent industrial accidents



The death of Kim Yong-gyun, a young worker in his 20s, has prompted the government to prepare measures to protect irregular workers like him from potentially fatal working conditions.



The subcontract worker was found dead Dec. 11, 2018, after getting stuck on a coal conveyor belt during an inspection at the Taean Power Plant operated by Korea Western Power (KOWEPO) in South Chungcheong Province. He was an employee of the Korea Engineering and Power Services, a subcontractor of the power plant operator.



His death renewed public attention to the struggles of people of a similar working status and their environment. At the Taean plant alone, 12 workers have been killed since 2010. There were more than 300 accidents where workers were either injured or killed at power plants across the country between 2012 and 2016, and about 96 percent of the victims were outsourced workers like Kim. His family has delayed his funeral, demanding the government respond to calls from the labor sector for measures to protect the lives of workers in dangerous lines of work.



The government and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) announced measures Tuesday at the National Assembly to prevent the recurrence of similar accidents. The measures include the establishment of a public corporation to hire more than 2,000 irregular workers in charge of fuel and facility maintenance at power plants. In addition, a special investigation committee will be set up to get to the bottom of the accident that took Kim's life.



It is a positive change that the government has come up with a plan to enable irregular workers at power plants to gain full-time status by founding a new public company. But the government's plan lacks specifics on how the company will be managed, triggering concerns that this is not a sustainable solution.



This Moon Jae-in administration has fixated on the issue of transitioning employees to regular worker status, but this is not the primary solution to labor issues. Turning irregular workers into regular ones is not a fundamental solution to preventing industrial accidents. More importantly, it sets a bad precedent because the government could be seen as submitting to the excessive demands of unions.



It is true that many irregular workers suffer from harsh working conditions. But that is not the core issue with the accident that led to Kim's death. The company's negligence in adhering to the regulation mandating working in pairs for his kind of nightly duties was largely blamed for the tragic death of Kim, who was working alone at the time.



The more crucial countermeasures should include strict punishment for companies that abuse their workers by ignoring safety rules at industrial sites, and encouraging companies to conduct safety training and acquire proper equipment.






By Steve Tsang





LONDON  In October 2017, at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the CPC enshrined in its constitution a new political doctrine: "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in a New Era."







At a time when a rapidly modernizing China is a leading global player, it is tempting to dismiss this doctrine as anachronistic "party-speak" from a bygone age. We succumb to that temptation at our peril.







Five months after the constitutional change, the National People's Congress abolished the presidential term limit, meaning that, barring a political earthquake, Xi  who, at age 65, remains healthy and vigorous  could remain president for perhaps another 20 years. His eponymous doctrine will therefore shape China's development and global engagement for decades to come, and perhaps longer.







In a sense, the inclusion of Xi's name and thought in the CPC constitution delivered to him the exalted status of the People's Republic's founding father, Mao Zedong, as well as the architect of China's modernization, Deng Xiaoping  the only two other leaders mentioned in the document. That, together with the removal of term limits, has led many to argue that Xi is the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao.







But, even if true, this does not mean that Xi is attempting to restore Maoist totalitarianism. While Xi has a much more positive view of China's Maoist past than any other leader since Deng, he is no Maoist.







Instead, Xi's approach to governance closely resembles that of China's first president under Mao, Liu Shaoqi, a devoted Leninist who selectively adapted Confucian ideas to build a Sinicized party-state.







For Liu, the party was pivotal; for Mao, by contrast, it was ultimately dispensable, as the Cultural Revolution  of which Liu himself was a casualty  demonstrated. Unlike Mao, who found chaos exhilarating, Xi shares Liu's longing to exercise control through the CPC, which he expects to take the lead  and apply Xi Jinping Thought  in all policy areas: political, military, civilian, and academic.







The contrast with Deng is even sharper. Deng's reforms were defined by pragmatism and experimentation, aimed at identifying the most effective approach to modernization. In the 1980s, Deng even briefly considered the radical possibility of separating the CPC from the state, though he abandoned the idea after the pro-democracy Tiananmen Square protests in 1989.







Nonetheless, Deng and his successors  Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao  continued to open China to the West, and remained willing to tolerate the spread, within limits, of some liberal ideas. This is not the case with Xi, whose repeated commitment to deepening reform is muddied by his redefinition of what that should entail.







Xi sees no place for political experimentation or liberal values in China, and regards democratization, civil society, and universal human rights as anathema. Deepening reform means solidifying control over the CPC, via his "anti-corruption campaign," and over the population, including through the use of advanced technologies enabled by artificial intelligence.







Such digital authoritarianism will, Xi hopes, prevent liberal or democratic ideas from taking root and spreading, even as China remains connected to the rest of the world. Chinese citizens may enjoy freedom as consumers and investors, but not as participants in civil society or civic discourse.







Managing this tension between international openness and state control is vital for Xi to achieve another key goal of his doctrine: to "make China great again."







On the one hand, this entails instilling a party-centric nationalism, so that citizens embrace the primacy of the CPC and of Xi himself. Those who are slower to meet this expectation may find themselves under surveillance and even sent to so-called re-education camps, like those in Xinjiang, where hundreds of thousands (or more) Muslim Uighurs are now detained.







On the other hand, making China great again means projecting power and leadership on the world stage. After decades of adhering to Deng's injunction that China should "hide its strength and bide its time," the country's moment, Xi believes, has come.







One way Xi hopes to boost China's global standing is by ensuring that it is on the frontier of technology. To that end, the state is offering its full support to national champions in cutting-edge sectors, as stipulated in the government's Made in China 2025 strategy, which competitors, especially the United States, decry as unfair. It is no coincidence that the U.S. has been targeting Huawei, which has received as much state support as any company in any country in modern times.







Canada's decision to heed America's request to detain Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou for alleged fraud and violations of U.S. sanctions against Iran amounted, in Xi's eyes, to a failure to respect China's standing and interests, and thus merited retaliation.







China soon detained two Canadians on allegations of "engaging in activities that endanger [China's] national security," and resentenced a Canadian convicted of drug smuggling, imposing the death penalty.







The goal of Xi Jinping Thought is not to launch a cold war with the West, or to export China's political model. Rather, Xi wants to shore up the authority of the party-state  and his own brand of authoritarianism  within China, including by ensuring that Chinese are not exposed to liberal-democratic ideas. Understanding this is vital to enable the world to engage effectively with an increasingly formidable China.







).





Steve Tsang is director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies. Copyright belongs to Project Syndicate ( www.project-syndicate.org




U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam on Feb. 27 and 28. Trump confirmed the meeting during the State of the Union address on Tuesday (February 5).

Trump first met Kim on June 12 in Singapore and has been eager to hold a second summit in spite of a lack of concrete progress in persuading North Korea to give up a nuclear weapons program that threatens the United States.

Communist-ruled Vietnam, which has good relations with both the United States and North Korea, had been widely touted as the most likely venue for the meeting.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Vietnam in July and urged North Korea to follow its example, saying Trump believed Pyongyang could replicate Hanoi's path to normal relations with Washington and prosperity after its own war with the United States. (Reuters)








By Kim Bo-eun







President Moon Jae-in will hold a series of meetings with entrepreneurs and economic policymakers this month, a Cheong Wa Dae spokesman said Thursday.







This is part of his efforts to expand communication with the business community.







Moon had a meeting with chief executives of venture startups at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday, to address their difficulties in doing business here.







He will meet with the chiefs of local governments at Cheong Wa Dae, Friday, to discuss the central government's economic policies.







Next week, he will invite self-employed businesspeople for another meeting.







He will be briefed on "smart city" models in the third week of this month.







On Thursday, Moon spoke with the chiefs of seven leading venture companies including Naver's founder Lee Hae-jin and NCSOFT CEO Kim Taek-jin.







Also present were the heads of "unicorn" startups worth more than $1 billion  Coupang's Kim Bom and Woowa Brothers' Kim Bong-jin.







They discussed means to foster more venture businesses, and Moon called on the CEOs to play an active role in creating jobs and boosting the economy.







Last month, he met with around 200 businesspeople running small- and medium-sized enterprises.







He also held a meeting with chiefs of conglomerates at the start of the year.







Moon visited a number of production and development sites across the country in recent months. He will visit the southeastern port city of Busan this month to discuss plans to revitalize parts of the city. It will be his third visit to an economy-related local site this month.







The President appears determined to show his commitment to improving the economy this year, after his economic policies came under attack for having failed in the first 18 months of his term. He was criticized for focusing only on North Korea.


President Moon Jae-in and Chinese President Xi Jinping / Korea Times file



By Kim Bo-eun



President Moon Jae-in and Chinese President Xi Jinping may join the summit to be held between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un this month in Vietnam to declare an end to the Korean War.



As U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun stated last week, President Trump is open to formally ending the war as part of measures to spur denuclearization talks with North Korea. This is an idea Moon, Xi and Kim have all been supporting.



One major obstacle was North Korea's opposition to the continued presence of U.S. troops in South Korea. However, the North has reportedly changed its stance on this.



U.S. and South Korean officials said ending the Korean War is a major topic in the ongoing pre-summit talks in Pyongyang.



The South China Morning Post reported President Xi may fly to Vietnam while President Trump is meeting with Kim.



Cheong Wa Dae said the possibility of President Moon Jae-in heading to Vietnam was low, but did not rule this out, stating it would depend on the ongoing working-level negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington.



The declaration reached between Moon and Kim at their first summit in April last year stated that they would seek to hold trilateral talks with the U.S. or quadrilateral talks including China to end the war and achieve a permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea, China and the U.S.-led U.N. forces are signatories to the armistice that halted the Korean War.



The South Korean President actively supports holding a four-party meeting to end the war, and the government is expected to boost efforts in the coming weeks to create the circumstances under which such a multilateral summit could take place.



The government is known to have sought a trilateral summit around the June summit between Trump and Kim last year, hoping to declare an end to the war.



The U.S. appears to be ready to end the war, according to Biegun's address at Stanford University last week.



The North Korean leader mentioned the need for multilateral talks to sign a peace treaty in his New Year address. He is believed to have discussed the matter with the Chinese president on his visit to Beijing last month.



Kim Joon-hyung, a professor at Handong Global University, said the summit between Kim and Trump could lead to an end of war declaration by the four parties, although with caveats.



"The North Korean leader mentioned a multilateral framework in his New Year address, and the recent display of China's willingness to take part has placed greater meaning on the end of war declaration," he said on a CBS radio show, Thursday.



"If an end of war declaration is discussed as a step toward a peace treaty, it could be made by the four countries this time."



Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said "The possibility appears low."



"It is unclear whether the U.S. would want to include China in the process," he said.



He also pointed out "with little time remaining, it would be unlikely that the four countries would be able to succeed in drawing up a joint declaration."



Instead it seems more likely that North Korea and the U.S. would declare an end to the war and that the declaration would likely be a political statement, he said.


Parliamentary leaders hold hands after having a meeting at the National Assembly last Dec. 3. From left are Party for Democracy and Peace leader Rep. Chung Dong-young, main opposition Liberty Korea Party interim leader Kim Byong-joon, National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang, ruling Democratic Party of Korea leader Rep. Lee Hae-chan, Bareunmirae Party leader Sohn Hak-kyu and Justice Party leader Rep. Lee Jeong-mi. / Korea Times file



By Park Ji-won



National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang and leaders of ruling and opposition parties will travel to the U.S. next week to meet policymakers and experts on North Korea there.



Moon and party leaders Reps. Lee Hae-chan of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Na Kyung-won of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP), Kim Kwan-young of the minor Bareunmirae Party, Chung Dong-young of the Party for Democracy and Peace and Lee Jeong-mi of the Justice Party plan to visit Washington, D.C., from Feb. 11 to 15 to discuss ways to strengthen ties between the two countries as well as the means for seeking denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.



The itinerary is not fixed yet but an Assembly official said the delegation will meet with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and chairs of House Foreign Affairs Committee and Armed Services Committee. The delegation will also meet with correspondents in Washington while Moon will make a speech at the Korea Society in New York.



The move comes before a second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled to be held in Vietnam Feb. 27 and 28. Meanwhile, expectations are high that they will reach an agreement during the trip on domestic issues including resuming the Assembly's regular session.



A ruling party official said U.S. politicians asked South Korean politicians questions about the political situation in South Korea ahead of the summit.



Earlier, Moon met with U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Harry Harris to discuss issues of mutual interest and asked the U.S. envoy for advice on how to effectively communicate with U.S. politicians and experts who are pessimistic about North Korea's determination to denuclearize.



Harris reportedly said that such pessimistic views also exist in South Korean society and that he will have a good outcome if he engages passionately with dialogue partners.



Last July, the floor leaders of the five parties visited Washington to discuss North Korean nuclear issues and the possibility of U.S. tariffs on South Korean cars with U.S. lawmakers and industry officials.



They met with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce and Under Secretary of Defense for Policy John Rood at that time.


By Lee Min-hyung





Steve Biegun and Kim Hyok-chol
By Jung Min-ho





A memorial statue for "comfort women," the victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, has been installed on the Philippines resort island of Boracay.





Human rights activist Nelia Sancho, 64,

set up the bronze statue of two women at her property in Barangay Caticlan.





Sancho, a coordinator of the International Solidarity Council for Redress, said she decided to do so after similar statues in Manila and San Pedro were recently

following protests from the Japanese government.





"We plan to invite schools and universities in Panay to visit the statue," Sancho was quoted as saying by the Inquirer.





She said she also plans to set up a memorabilia center near the statue to help visitors learn more about the plight of comfort women.





Sancho criticized the Philippines government for "kowtowing" to Tokyo.





"The lolas (grandmothers) are dying and we didn't want the issue to die with them," Sancho said at a press conference in Manila on Monday, a day before the statue's unveiling.





Women's rights advocates welcomed Sancho's move.





"We need symbolisms like this to remind us that historically there has been institutional violence against women and the victims continue to seek justice," said Barby Badayos-Jover, director of the University of the Philippines Visayas gender development program.





As many as 200,000 Asian women, including an estimated 1,000 Filipino girls, were forced to work in Japan's military brothels during World War II.


By Kang Seung-woo



A woman whose son had received a heart transplant donated her organs late last month after her death, saving three lives.





Kim Choon-hee
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attends the State of the Union address in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday (local time) in Washington, D.C. President Trump's second State of the Union address was postponed one week due to the partial government shutdown. Getty Images-AFP-Yonhap



U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday that there is "every opportunity" that North Korea will dismantle its nuclear weapons program as promised.



In an interview with Fox Business, Pompeo said the U.S. is going into a second summit with North Korea late this month with hope that the regime will fulfill its denuclearization pledge.



"We are very hopeful that Chairman Kim will fulfill his commitment, the one that he made back in June in Singapore, to denuclearize his country," the top U.S. diplomat said, referring to the first summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.



Trump announced during his State of the Union address Tuesday that the second summit will be held in Vietnam Feb. 27-28.




A joint team from the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy and the Egyptian Electrical Utility and Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency is currently working on plans to gradually phase out electricity subsidies.

A plan has been in place since 2015 to phase out subsidies over a five-year period, but this was later extended until 2021-22 following directives by President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi to ease the burden on consumers.

Ayman Hamza, a spokesman for the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, said the state was subsidising electricity prices by LE46.7 billion in the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

Around a quarter of that amount is borne by the Ministry of Finance, and another LE10 billion will be covered by the cost of selling electricity to higher-consumption brackets excluded from electricity subsidies, in addition to energy-intensive industries that pay higher prices.

However, that still left some LE21 billion yet to be covered in the current fiscal year, Hamza said, adding that the ministry would not raise electricity prices before July.

Some consumers have complained that false meter readings of electricity consumption have led them to pay more than they consume, Hamza said, adding that the minister was always eager to receive complaints about incorrect readings through its dedicated hotline 121.

Since the hotline was established in August 2016, it had received more than five million calls, he said. Mobile applications can also be used to calculate bills or register billing complaints, he said, which can be sent by SMS to 91121.

All complaints received through the different channels would be promptly resolved, Hamza said.

The ministry has been increasingly installing pre-paid electricity meters to overcome a shortage of manpower and to encourage users to rationalise their energy usage. Around seven million prepaid meters have already been installed, but there are still 23 million regular meters in place that require reading.

The number of readers does not exceed 10,000, however, half the number needed to cover the whole country, Hamza said. This situation had prompted the ministry to seek help from a private company, he added.

According to Hamza, the ministry aims to replace all the traditional meters with smart and prepaid ones within the next 10 years. This should put an end to complaints related to readings, he said.

Hamza also told Al-Ahram Weekly that the ministry was keen to improve its services in terms of coverage and stability by investing in transmission and distribution networks at a total cost of LE42 billion. Some parts of the electricity network have suffered from breakdowns and failures, especially in some areas in Upper Egypt, causing power outages, he said.

He added that Egypt was actively involved in electricity interconnection projects, as these could help maintain the continuity of supply. One such interconnection was with Jordan, he said, and a feasibility study to increase its capacity from the current 450 MW to 2,000-3,000 MW was being looked into.

In addition, there are plans to link Egypt with Cyprus and Greece, allowing the country to serve as a central hub for electricity among three continents. Currently, the feasibility study of the project was being reviewed by the ministry, Hamza said.

Egypt is also set to finalise an interconnection with Sudan with an initial capacity of 100 MW and plans to increase capacity to 200-300 MW. The 100km interconnection starts at the Toshka 2 transformer station in Egypt and leads to the 220 KV transformer station in Aqin in Sudan.

Egypt is also planning an electricity interconnection with Saudi Arabia that will have a capacity of 2,000-3,000 MW/DC on 500 KV.

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Tourists get an overview of North Korea through binoculars at Dora Observatory. North Korean defector Jeong refused to be photographed for this story to protect his family who are still in the North. Korea Times file



By Kwak Yeon-soo



PAJU  "I'm a dead man in my hometown," a North Korean defector, who uses the alias Jeong Sang-soo to protect his identity, said during a Korea Times interview in the middle of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) tour. "I had to fake my own death so that my wife and children who are still in the North could live on."



Jeong left his home in North Korea in August 2016, crossed the border into China through Mount Paektu and then fled to Laos before arriving in Thailand over the Mekong River.



In Thailand, he surrendered to the police. After several trials, the North Korean escapee was taken to a refugee camp, where he applied for political asylum to South Korea. Three months later, he finally landed here.



"The border lines of China were all blocked, so I chose to cross through Mount Paektu," Jeong said. "I knew the routes well because I had been involved in smuggling for 10 years. Nonetheless, it still was risky."



After spending months at Hanawon, a resettlement facility set up to help North Korean refugees adjust to life in South Korea, Jeong became a South Korean citizen in June 2017.



The 51-year-old now works as a park ranger at Korea National Park and a guide assistant at a travel agency providing DMZ tour programs.



The DMZ, a 250-kilometer strip of rugged no-man's land stretching east to west across the Korean Peninsula, is a place for those who want to have a first-hand look at the divided Korean Peninsula and view the heavily defended landscape.



"In October, I signed a one-year contract with the tour agency. But I got a full-time job at Korea National Park in January, so I work with the tour agency eight days a month as a freelance guide assistant," he said.



Despite his active job search, Jeong said he continues to keep a low profile by distancing himself from other North Korean escapees and using multiple phones. He refused to be photographed for this article and asked to omit certain details that may give clues to his identity.



His family had lived a good life until the early 2000s, according to Jeong. He had been a staff sergeant of the Supreme Guard Command, the personal bodyguard force of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, and his wife was a police officer. "I joined the military at the age of 16 and served two North Korean leaders over 18 years," he said.



As a military official, his family lived in an apartment in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, provided by the government. But even "luxury" apartments did not have electricity during the winter season.



"We had to burn coal or use candles during winter," Jeong said. "My wife in North Korea, whom I talk to by phone at times, still doesn't believe we have unlimited electricity in the South. It's simply unthinkable for her."



After leaving the Supreme Guard Command at the age of 34, Jeong moved back to his hometown located in North Hamgyong Province with his family.



"I first crossed into China as a businessman to make a living. I exported edible frogs," he said. "Then I sold antiques and later imported used clothes from China."



Only in China he began to see the outside world  learning about better life conditions, the United States and South Korea and belatedly realizing how flawed the North Korean regime was.



He lost his money and motivation to work hard in 2009, when the government carried out its "currency reform" (or devaluation). So he started smuggling North Korean defectors who had family members in South Korea, to China. As a broker, he was able to earn an average $1,000 for smuggling each North Korean.



"Of course I did it for the money, but I also wanted to help those who wanted to reunite with families who had already settled in South Korea," he said.



In 2017, the State Security Department learned about Jeong's smuggling business. He had no choice but to leave the country to save his life.



The tale of the North Korean defector is the highlight of the DMZ tour package offered by travel agency Cosmojin. Besides Jeong, there are six other North Korean defectors who assist tour guides by sharing their North Korea stories and why they left, according to an agency official.



Cosmojin features English-, Chinese- and Japanese-speaking tour staff who provide assistance and comments for a fee (65,000 won). Considering the visitors' interest in Korea's history and divided past, North Korean defectors are present to answer questions about their North Korea lives and why they left.



"Following the inter-Korean summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in April, the number of visitors near the DMZ has seen a remarkable increase," an agency official told The Korea Times.



On Jan. 31, this reporter met with Jeong and a tour guide named S.P Hong, who formerly worked at Korea National Palace Museum, in the lobby of President Hotel at 8 a.m. to embark on a DMZ tour in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. The bus tour included visits to Imjingak Park, Dorasan Station, Dora Observatory, the DMZ Theater and the Third Tunnel.





Mangbaedan Altar, a monument which stands opposite Imjingak, is a spot where Koreans separated from their families in the North visit and perform ancestral rites by bowing toward their hometown every Lunar New Year and Chuseok (Korean autumn harvest festival). Korea Times photo by Kwak Yeon-soo



Imjingak Park



Located seven kilometers from the Military Demarcation Line, Imjingak Park is an easily reachable place where visitors may face the reality of division between the two Koreas without security checkpoints.



Built in 1972, Imjingak is a three-story building surrounded by several monuments and Unification Park. Mangbaedan Altar, a monument which stands opposite of Imjingak, is a spot where Koreans separated from their families in the North visit and perform ancestral rites by bowing toward their hometown every Lunar New Year and Chuseok (Korean autumn harvest festival).



The Freedom Bridge stands behind Mangbaedan Altar. Near Imjingak also lies the Gyeongui Line, a train line which was destroyed during the 1950-53 Korean War. "The divided Koreas agreed last November to reconnect and modernize Gyeongui Line, which runs along the west coast of the peninsula, and inspections took place in December," Hong said.





The train tracks are connected at Dorasan Station, a place which serves as a beacon of hope for the reunification of the two Koreas. Korea Times file



Dorasan Station



After crossing the Unification Bridge, where soldiers conduct security checks and review passports, the next stop was Dorasan Station, which is the only train station in South Korea with customs, immigration and quarantine facilities.



A sign in the station reads, "Not the last station from the South, but the first station toward the North." "It is the northernmost station of South Korea, which is only 700 meters from the southern boundary of the DMZ," Hong explained.



"Although the tracks are connected, North Korea does not allow trains to pass through." Being closed at the moment, Dorasan Station still serves as a beacon of hope for the reunification of the two Koreas.





The Dora Observatory building Korea Times photo by Kwak Yeon-soo



Dora Observatory



Then the tour group visited Dora Observatory, where visitors can view North Korea. Not only the North Korean scenery but also urban areas of Gaeseong, the third-largest city of North Korea, and the Gaeseong Industrial Complex are visible through binoculars.



One can also observe a bronze statue of Kim Il-sung and a fake North Korean village, with uninhabited buildings. "Within the DMZ of the North side, there's a small village often referred to as Propaganda Village. Like a Hollywood film set, North Korea created it to pretend as if people are living there. But it is actually deserted," Hong told the tour group.



Inside the Observatory building, there is a screening room where visitors can get an overview of the buffer zone.





Wax figures stand in front of the entrance to the Third Tunnel, a secret underground passage North Koreans dug with the intention to infiltrate the South. Picture taking is banned inside the tunnel. Korea Times photo by Kwak Yeon-soo
Lotte Hotels and Resorts run a variety of promotions in time for Valentine's Day at its properties. / Courtesy of Lotte Hotels and Resorts



Properties lessen sweets, expand romantic lineup



By Kang Seung-woo



The Lunar New Year holiday is in the books and now local hotels are rushing out new packages featuring Valentine's Day to court guests in the low season.



Putting aside the tired box of assorted chocolates, hotels are unveiling promotions that are luxurious yet relatively affordable. Some of the hot deals are presented exclusively during February, but others are available year-round.



Each property is offering a variety of benefits for those who want to cherish unforgettable moments on Feb. 14, promoting their facilities as the best romantic getaway for one of the most, if not the most, significant days for sweethearts.



Starting Thursday, the Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel is offering its "passion-filled" Romance Package allowing couples to celebrate this day of love in a grand room, with a complimentary bottle of wine and cookies. The promotion also features breakfast buffet for two.





The Westin Chosun Seoul's Only One Moment promotion gets guests to write letters to their loved ones. / Courtesy of Shinsegae Chosun Hotel



To add a bit more spice to the "special" day, guests can order a Valentine's flower bouquet or flower box to their room from its flower shop.



The package will be available until Dec. 20.



Lotte Hotels and Resorts, the nation's largest hotel operator, is also keen on offering romantic Valentine's Day experiences.



Its premium luxury hotel Signiel Seoul lives up to its reputation, presenting an extravagant package, from Saturday, featuring a one-night stay in a premium suite room, an in-room breakfast for two, a dinner for two at one-Michelin-star restaurant Stay and two movie tickets to Charlotte Theater at Lotte World Tower.



Starting Friday, Lotte Hotel Seoul also comes up with two Valentine's Day packages  one allowing two guests to stay in a deluxe room at its main tower with a bottle of sparkling wine and use its club lounge and the other featuring a one-night stay in a grand deluxe room at the newly designed Executive Tower and lunch at its French restaurant Pierre Gagnaire a Seoul.



Shinsegae Chosun Hotel's two flagship properties are also offering promotional packages for a romantic Valentine's Day.



The L'Escape Hotel's Romantic Valentine's Day package includes an overnight stay at Premier Suite designed by sought-after French interior designer Jacques Garcia along with a bottle of red wine. Plus, the hotel gives a KILIAN's best-selling Perfume, randomly chosen between "Good Girl Gone Bad" and "Moonlight in Heaven."



At the Westin Chosun Seoul, the Only One Moment is available, under which guests are given two pieces of paper, respectively, to help them express their love for each other. The letters will be sent three months later.



The JW Marriott Seoul also celebrates the Feast of Saint Valentine until March 31.



Its guests can enjoy its patisserie's best-selling cake and a premium champagne as room service offerings. It also presents a French perfumer-made fragrance for free.



The Grand Hilton Seoul has prepared special gifts for Valentine's Day.



For those who choose a deluxe room, they will be presented with a set of underwear and executive room guests will receive a sleepwear and underwear set.





There will be a one-day Valentine's Day Buffet at the Courtyard Marriott Seoul Times Square's Momo Cafe on Feb. 14. / Courtesy of the Courtyard Marriott Seoul Times Square



The Courtyard Marriott Seoul Times Square's all-day dining restaurant Momo Cafe is set to run its Valentine's Day dinner buffet on Feb. 14 that will feature a special course menu, comprised of special amuse bouche, rib-eye steak and lobster tail as well as chocolate souffle and sparkling wine.



In addition, it sells a gift set celebrating Valentine's Day in the lead-up to the day.



The Sheraton Seoul Palace Gangnam Hotel's Dear My Sweet promotion is to roll out two special cocktails on the eve of Valentine's Day through White Day, or March 14.



The two alcoholic mixed drinks are Ruby Port and Strawberry Kiss and those who order them will be presented with macarons and chocolates.

The Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels and Residences runs its Be My Valentine package from Feb. 14 to 16 and it allows two guests to use its executive lounge for free and taste its macaroon set along with a late check-out benefit.



A La Maison Wine and Dine at the Seoul Dragon City's Grand Mercure Ambassador Seoul Yongsan runs a Valentine's Day-specialized dinner promotion that features French premium chocolate and a bouquet of roses as well as its chef's special selection .
An independent committee overseeing the development of financial centers holds a meeting in Seoul, Dec. 14. Courtesy of Financial Services Commission



By Park Hyong-ki



Jeonju, North Jeolla Province is drawing attention on whether the city will be named and developed as the country's third financial center.



The Financial Services Commission (FSC) said Thursday that it is currently reviewing a research paper by the Korea Institute of Finance (KIF), analyzing the economic viability of Jeonju.



The regulator is expected to study the KIF paper over the next two weeks, and provide its opinion along with the research to an independent committee that oversees the development of local financial centers, including Yeouido in Seoul and Busan.



"We are reviewing the matter," said an FSC official.



This is in line with President Moon Jae-in's pledge to develop Jeonju as an innovative financial hub.



The state-run National Pension Service (NPS) has relocated its headquarters from Seoul to Jeonju.



However, analysts questioned whether having the NPS there serves its purpose, given Jeonju's low accessibility for global asset managers compared to Seoul. The market has been experiencing the effects of the relocation as a growing number of people have been leaving the NPS over the years.



"The government should be cautious about this. It may be good for the people of Jeonju. But the main objective of the NPS is to help the livelihoods of the elderly, not to spur regional development," said Yun Chang-hyun, an economist at the University of Seoul.



Foreign banks including the Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon and State Street Bank have decided to open offices there to be near their pension customer.



"We provide comprehensive financial services to the Korean institutional and wholesale marketplace including asset servicing, corporate trust, markets and treasury services. We will continue to look for opportunities to meet the changing and growing needs of our clients," BNY Mellon in Hong Kong said in a statement to The Korea Times.



BNY Mellon established its Seoul branch in 1988.



The regulator has indicated that it will review the Jeonju plan by looking at key criteria including whether the city has the potential to further advance the capital market and create jobs.



Also, the FSC will see whether the city can generate synergy with Yeouido and Busan, boost inbound foreign investment, and help spur financial technologies.



Under another plan for financial centers, the country seeks to develop Yeouido as a hub that provides "comprehensive financial services, and Busan for "specialized services" for logistics, shipping and shipbuilding.



However, FSC Chairman Choi Jong-ku said in a Dec. 21 press conference that it won't be easy coming up with a decision given the weak competitiveness of Busan and Yeouido.



Seoul ranked 33rd out of 100 cities in the Global Financial Centers Index compiled by the World Bank and the OECD in 2018. Busan ranked 44th.



When the Korea Exchange (KRX) relocated its headquarters to Busan in 2007, not a single brokerage followed the KRX. The stock market operator has an office building in Yeouido, and brokerages only have branches in Busan.



"We already face difficulties in running two separate financial centers in Seoul and Busan. Under the circumstances, we need to thoroughly review the feasibility of all centers," Choi said.


Egypts Congress Party  founded by former foreign minister Amr Moussa and currently led by Omar Simida  announced on Thursday that they support new amendments to the constitution proposed by 155 MPs.

The proposed amendments were approved in principle by parliament's general committee in a meeting on Tuesday morning and are expected to be voted on in principle on 17 February in a plenary meeting.

If MPs vote yes, the proposed amendments would be referred to parliament's legislative and constitutional affairs committee to be discussed in detail in a series of hearing sessions.

The Congress Party said in a statement that after reviewing and studying the proposed constitutional amendments, the party has decided to declare its support for them in principle.

"The party also intends to actively participate in all expected national dialogue meetings on the amendments to ensure that they gain national consensus," the statement said.

The People's Republican Party, led by engineer Hazem Omar, has also announced that it has decided to approve the proposed constitutional amendments in principle.

"Egypt's 2014 constitution, which is currently in effect, has a lot of flawed articles such as the one on the election of local councils, and this is the right time to change them," a statement said, adding that "the party will actively participate in all meetings to be held by parliament's legislative and constitutional affairs committee on the amendments."

Meanwhile, two leading members of the Conservatives Party have also said that they support the proposed constitutional amendments.

This announcement is not in line with the official position of the party, which announced on Wednesday that it decided to join the camp that rejected the amendments.

The two members are Hala Abul-Saad, the parliamentary spokesperson of the Conservatives Party, and Ihab El-Khouli, the Conservatives Party MP for Giza governorate.

Abul-Saad said the amendments come at the right time to reflect the recent political developments in Egypt.

"The amendments are logical and come to reinforce Egypt's stability in the long run," Abul-Saad said.

El-Khouli said his support stems from the fact that the amendments do not negatively impact public freedoms and the rights enshrined in the 2014 constitution.

"I also reject all the calls which aim to tarnish the image of these amendments," El-Khouli said.

Within the same context, Nashwa El-Deeb from the Nasserist Party said she fully supports the proposed constitutional amendments.

"I see that they aim to strengthen the country's current stability and complete the country's march towards development and reconstruction," El-Deeb said, adding that "most of the current constitution's articles were drafted to serve an interim period only."

Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel-Aal said that the amendments have seven main aims: to boost parliamentary representation of women, Copts, Egyptians abroad, the youth and the physically challenged; to create an upper house to help widen participation in political and parliamentary life; to increase the length of the presidential term from four to six years; to bring back the post of vice president; to reform the judicial authorities; and to change the way the minister of defence is appointed.

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Rain showers this evening with mostly clear conditions overnight. Low 67F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

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Rain showers this evening with mostly clear conditions overnight. Low 67F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
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When you ask U.S. officials what future security arrangements will exist in northeast Syria, you get a mishmash of answers, none of which add up to a coherent policy. The U.S. asked French and British forces if they might stay, but they balked, so right now, Turkish, Russian and Iranian forces are positioning to fill the vacuum.

Trump last weekend invented a new solution: Everything would be fine, because he was moving the Special Operations forces to Iraq. We have a base in Iraq, and the base is a fantastic edifice. ... We spent a fortune on building this incredible base. We might as well keep it, he told Margaret Brennan on CBS Face the Nation last Sunday.

Trump explained (if thats the right word for his chain of illogic) that if there is new trouble in Syria, as is widely predicted, Well come back if we have to. We have very fast airplanes, we have very good cargo planes.

Trumps rebasing-to-Iraq approach, unfortunately, may put American soldiers at greater risk. Right now, the people who kick down the doors of Islamic State terrorists in Syria are our Kurdish-led allies in the Syrian Democratic Forces. If the U.S. instead does the raids from Iraq, the danger for U.S. personnel will increase. But in Trump world, thats apparently an afterthought.
Ahead of Egypt this year assuming the chair of the African Union, Ambassador to Ethiopia Abdel Khaleq told MENA news agency that Egypt is working on all relevant technical details of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) reached in Kigali a few months ago and expected to go into effect within a few days or weeks.

Egypt is encouraging member states to ratify the agreement, which will have a direct effect on increasing the volume of African trade. Egypt will also focus during its AU chairmanship on issues of peace and security by tackling reconstruction and development in post-conflict phases, especially in the existing seven or eight hotbeds of conflict in Africa, he said.

Egypt will in a few months host a conference of the African Centre for Reconstruction and Development on post-conflict phases, Abdel Khaleq added.

Egypt has a very ambitious plan as part of a defined strategy to enhance peace and bolster security, whether in South Sudan, the Sahel region extending from north Niger to parts of Mali, Central Africa and other areas of tension, he said.

Among Egypt's priorities is also the AU's ambitious Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years. It builds on and seeks to accelerate the implementation of past and existing continental initiatives for growth and sustainable development, he said.

Egypt cannot work alone, and this is why it is keen on mustering international efforts behind African priorities and interests, Abdel Khaleq said.

Concerning Egypt's nomination to host the headquarters of the African Space Agency, Abdel Khaleq said a committee of technical experts has visited the three nominated countries, namely Egypt, Ethiopia and Nigeria, and settled on Egypt whose file was complete from the technical and political perspectives.

Abdel Khaleq described Egyptian-Ethiopian relations as of a strategic nature, because each country looks at the other from a purely strategic viewpoint. Prospects for bilateral relations are unbounded, with many prospects for cooperation and integration, he said.

Egypt has a comprehensive vision for strategic partnership with Ethiopia that affirms Cairo's commitment to water security and Addis Ababa's right to development, Abdel Khaleq added.

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Columnist Brianna Wessling describes the attacks on free press that occur on both a National and local level, arguing that demanding respect from journalists should also translate into respect and value for their work, controversial as it may be.
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University alumnus Josh Doke got a pretty good grasp of what he could do with his next directorial effort after just one sit-down meeting before production started.

This project wont be seen on the big screen, though. Instead, it came as a music video for a cover of Sias Underneath the Christmas Lights.

Music videos are a medium Doke's explored before and thinks have plenty of room for experimentation.

You can try out things that youve been wanting to try out but dont know if theyll work for a full-length feature, Doke said. You can kind of flex your filmmaking muscles in music videos. Its also one of the few forms you can get really experimental with anymore.

KU film grad earns distribution rights for Western Kansas murder mystery After a long process, 2012 alumnus Josh Doke secured the rights to his first film "Goodland," a murder mystery set in rural west Kansas.

This experimentation led to a design Doke said was a highly collaborative effort that matched both his vision and the vision of Whit, the moniker of musician Whitney Coleman, an up-and-coming pop musician out of Nashville, Tennessee, where the project was shot.

We kind of met in the middle, Doke said. She knew she wanted it to be a performance, so it was mainly her singing without any storylines or cutaways. And I knew I wanted to do something that wasnt just as straightforward.

Most of Dokes pitches to Coleman on the projects design came with the knowledge they would shoot in a relatively small studio, which lead to multiple camera and editing tricks to give the video the feel he wanted. This look was composed largely of deep-black backgrounds contrasted by a single key light that illuminated only Coleman.

There wasnt a lot of room for dolly tracking or camera movement, Doke said. So, we kind of put her on a spinning platform that rotated her instead of rotating the camera. And with the all-black background, we were really able to pull that off.

Dokes visual choices also stemmed from the song itself.

Once I heard the song, I realized that she was singing three different parts, Doke said. I realized that that would be really great to kind of come in with these different parts and do these overlaps in the video.

The design and planning on the project happened in a relatively short amount of time according to Coleman, who said she wanted to push her content into music video form as soon as possible.

I had planned on starting releasing music in the new year, Coleman said. But I didnt want to wait until 2019 to kind of introduce myself to the world, so to speak. So, I just told [Doke] I thought about doing a Christmas video.

Coleman agreed that Dokes ideas matched well with the minimalist style she wanted to accomplish with her music, which aided in the ease of finishing production on such short notice.

His vision and approach to everything kept really lined up with mine,Coleman said. And the rest is history.

+3 'Dir-edict-or': KU senior directs, edits self-made music video production Brett Malinowski, a senior studying business at the University, created One Mind Creations, a video production business, which has led him to work with local rappers.

On top of his vision, Coleman also said she appreciated Dokes work on and away from the set, despite not having seen any of his prior work before meeting with him.

I dont mind looking at prior work, Coleman said. But when it comes to working with someone, theres got to be the vibe. And I just think I really connected with his vibe instantly once we met.

Coleman said she also recognized Dokes confidence on set as a major key to how smooth their collaboration felt on the project.

I loved that he was so calm, Coleman said. Calm and confident. There didnt seem to be anything that would shock him or disturb him or frustrate him in such a way that it kind of ruins the whole vibe of the shoot or the whole planning process.

Doke also said coming into the project understanding his limitations helped in many ways to give the project the look they were both trying to get.

I think we were able to pull off a little bit more of a polished video just based on the technique, Doke said. And I guess thats one thing, too, is knowing your parameters and knowing what you can get away with.

With Nashville as his new hometown, Doke looks to continue extending his skills in music video production on top of working on other future projects.

Youve kind of got to work your way into that industry, Doke said. Especially where Im in Nashville now. Im dipping my toe back into that world and kind of picking it back up again.

Edited by Nolan Brey
If theres one thing that Kansas has an abundance of, its plants. University of Kansas English professor Megan Kaminski therefore decided to write about them in her recently published poetry chapbook, Each Acre.

Each Acre is a 10-part poem all about the specificity of each acre of land around us. Its a smaller part of a project shes currently working on called Everything is Leaf in my Empire of the Heart, a collection of similar poems.

If one particular acre is dear to any person, animal, or plant, then all acres should be dear to all of us, Kaminski said. Its just all about compassion, sustainability, and care for others.

+2 KU alumna and student win Langston Hughes Creative Writing Awards University of Kansas alumna Jameelah Jones and student Molly Weisgrau react to winning the Langston Hughes Creative Writing Award.

Kaminski started writing poetry in college when a literature professor pushed her to try the medium. That was when she discovered that she loved to write.

I didnt really know that there were living poets out in the world, Kaminski said. I thought poets were the dead old guys we read in textbooks.

After getting her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in her home state, she lived in multiple cities around the world including New York City, Casablanca, Morocco and Paris, France before finally settling down in Kansas.

She has a lot of amazing knowledge about poetry, theory, and writing, said Leslie Wheeler, one of Kaminskis doctoral students. Shes always very caring with her work and gives incredible feedback.

+2 After accident, KU PhD student finds new love in poetry and creative writing Jeff Griffin, a former sculptor, changed his career path after an accident that damaged his hand. He is now in the PhD program for creative writing at the University.

Having lived here for over a decade, Kaminski decided to make her next work about connection, compassion, and nature all around us. The Midwest just happens to be where it is centered.

Kansas is underappreciated, Kaminski said. The Great Plains are underappreciated places.

Kaminski has published two full books of poetry with a third set to publish in 2020. The central theme of her writing has been about how we live in the world, with each other, and how we can do that in a way that is more compassionate and more in line with who we truly are.

I hope to create an immersive world for the reader to inhabit, Kaminski said. Im going for an experience rather than just giving one particular message.

Wheeler was allowed to read the manuscript before it was fully published, and she had nothing but good things to say.

They are these perfect crystallized visions of nature and humans and the way they interact, Wheeler said. They are serious but at the same time very beautiful.

University master's student retells fairy tales through poetry to amplify women's voices in literature Master's student Hannah Warren uses her poetry to reverse the damsel in distress narrative typically found in fairy tales. She will read at the Taproom on Aug. 27.

Kaminski plans to keep teaching and working on her poetry well into the future.

I love teaching poetry to students at KU. Its kind of my dream job, Kaminski said. It makes me really happy to see my students write and enjoy themselves and well as figure out the big questions. Poetry is just a great way to think about the world and to think about yourself in the world.

With her next project, shell focus on animals, environmental crisis and trauma, and how we deal with living in a world where a lot of things are falling apart. Despite the dark subject, she still wants to emphasize caring for ourselves and caring for others in that kind of world.

As for Each Acre, you can find it at The Raven Book Store in Lawrence or by ordering online directly from the publisher, above/ground press.

Edited by Justin Hargraves
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry attended on Wednesday a joint meeting of the ministerial committee on Scale of Assessment and Contribution of the African Union Foreign Ministers Executive Council and the 15-member committee of finance ministers in Addis Ababa.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said that Shoukry appreciates the efforts by the committee members to contribute to the AU budget.

Hafez added that the participants discussed the issue of financing the peace fund to establish a sustainable mechanism to finance peace efforts in the African continent.

The meeting is held ahead of the African summit that will kick off on Sunday, during which Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi will receive the AU chairmanship for the year 2019.

The two-day ministerial meetings will take up political issues related to peace and security in Africa, at the top of which will be the situations in Libya, Somalia and the DR Congo.

Short link:


Construction Worker Job 2019 in Malaysia

Latest Al Mughal Travel & Tours Agency Construction Posts Muzaffarabad 2021 Experienced, strong and energetic persons for the positions of Construction Workers required urgently for a leading and well known construction company in Muzaffarabad AJK 2019.

How to Apply on Al Mughal Travel & Tours Agency Job Advertisement

Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online.



Telephone: 05822-442460

Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If the employer asks you to pay money for any purpose including processing to shortlisting, do not pay at all and report us using our contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs cannot be applied online here. Error & omissions excepted.
Sudan has implemented a decision made in October 2018 to lift a near two-year ban on Egyptian agricultural products, Sudanese media reported Wednesday.

In press statements carried by the Sudan Media Centre (SMC), the undersecretary of the Sudanese Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Abdel-Rahman Agab Ahmed, said the decision to lift the ban on Egyptian products has been implemented officially.

He provided details related to the decision, adding that imports and exports between the two countries would be carried out by licensed companies only.

Any product that doesnt match specifications, health requirements, and applicable laws will not be allowed entry to the country, according to Ahmed.

The official implementation comes a few months after Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir decided to end the March 2017 ban, following Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis visit to Sudan in October 2018.

The 2017 ban came as an extension of a 2016 ban on all Egyptian imports of vegetables, fruit and fish over accusations of contamination and a range of other disputes.

The ban hit Egypts exports trade, with a decline in exports to Sudan from $164 million dollars worth in 2016 to $44 million in 2017.

Egypt has said that food exports are expected to increase during the coming months following the Sudanese presidents decision to overturn the ban.

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ABC/Randy HolmesIn 1992, after a Smashing Pumpkins show in Detroit, someone stole Billy Corgan's favorite guitar: an early-'70s Fender Stratocaster that he played on the band's 1991 debut album, Gish. Nearly 27 years later, he's finally found it again.

The story of the happy reunion is told in a new Rolling Stone article, which explains how a Flushing, Michigan resident named Beth James bought the guitar over a decade ago at a Detroit yard sale for $200 without knowing anything about it.

One day, a friend of James' saw an article about the guitar -- which Corgan had been searching for over the past 25-plus years -- and realized the instrument's importance. James reached out to an associate of Corgan's, who set up the reunion.

"I always felt the guitar would come back," Corgan says. "And I know that sounds strange, but [finding it] didn't surprise me. I always felt the guitar would come back when it was time."

The guitar was particularly special to Corgan because it literally formed the sound of The Smashing Pumpkins. Corgan grew up playing a Gibson Flying V, but when he started playing the Strat, his approach to the guitar went in a completely different direction.

"It instantly changed the way the band sounded and the way I played," Corgan says. "When it was stolen, it wasn't like, 'Oh, gee, my guitar just got stolen.' It was the guitar that affected the way I played and I was heavily identified with the guitar."

In the past, Corgan had offered a reward of up to $20,000 for the guitar, but James didn't want any money in return.

"She didn't want anything," Corgan says. "God bless her. It falls under the 'miracles can happen' category. Even for a cynic like me."

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Data is ridiculously important, and sometimes a companys vision for access is quite different than anothers. And it can be especially different for an individual user.

While some folks might not mind if their data is being collected for general analytics, some might mind quite a bit. Especially if that data is being collected in secret. That is apparently the case, as was reported by TechCrunch on Wednesday. Some iOS apps, many of which are very popular, apparently secretly record a phones display for analytical reason. Those apps include Hotels.com, Expedia, Air Canada, Abercrombie & Fitch, among others.

These apps are using Glassbox, which allows developers use something thats called screen replay which records the screen technology. This can record not only individual taps within the apps, but also swipes, and record the entire screen for that matter. All of which is happening without the express consent of the individual users. That information, unsurprisingly, is then sent back to the developers.

Apps like Abercrombie & Fitch, Hotels.com and Singapore Airlines also use Glassbox, a customer experience analytics firm, one of a handful of companies that allows developers to embed session replay technology into their apps. These session replays let app developers record the screen and play them back to see how its users interacted with the app to figure out if something didnt work or if there was an error. Every tap, button push and keyboard entry is recorded  effectively screenshotted  and sent back to the app developers.

There is an even bigger issue. Some of the apps, including Air Canada, do not properly mask the data that is recorded from the app. That can lead to exposed data, including, but not limited to, passport and credit card information. That means those working on the app can easily see that data.

Each of the apps have an individual privacy policy, but none of them go out of their way to make the user aware that Glassbox is being utilized, and, therefore, their information is being accessed on a regular basis. All the way up to the screen being potentially recorded. And Glassbox? They dont require their customers to make note of the recording features at all.

Glassbox has a unique capability to reconstruct the mobile application view in a visual format, which is another view of analytics, Glassbox SDK can interact with our customers native app only and technically cannot break the boundary of the app, the spokesperson said, such as when the system keyboard covers part of the native app/ Glassbox does not have access to it, the spokesperson said.

At this point, the only way to avoid this is to not use the apps on your devices at all. There is no way, at the time of publication, to opt out of this type of secret data collection. So, for now, if you dont want it happening to you it sounds like youll need to forego using the apps altogether.

This is a major issue. Especially considering this is happening on iOS. This is yet another major issue for Apples platform as a whole, even if Apple isnt directly responsible for it like the company was with the audio bug in Group FaceTime that could allow callers to eavesdrop on recipients before they answered the incoming call.

What do you think Apple should do in this case?

[via TechCrunch
Apple is doubling down on its effort to design a modem for its devices and has moved its engineering efforts in-house from its supply chain unit. The engineering efforts are being led by Johny Srouji, Apples chip guru and the brain behind its A-series of chips.

Apples modem engineering efforts were previously being led by Ruben Caballero who primarily saw the integration of modem with Apples own chips.

Apple Inc has moved its modem chip engineering effort into its in-house hardware technology group from its supply chain unit, two people familiar with the move told Reuters, a sign the tech company is looking to develop a key component of its iPhones after years of buying it from outside suppliers.

Despite being a key component, Apple has been sourcing modem from different suppliers. Beginning with the iPhone 6 and up until the iPhone X, the Cupertino company had been sourcing modem from Qualcomm with which it is currently involved in a major legal tussle due to patent licensing issues.

Apple has since severed its ties with Qualcomm and has been using Intel designed modem inside the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. It is also expected to rely on Intel for its 5G iPhone due to debut after 2020.

Reports have popped up from time to time that Apple has been working on its own modem. However, now that the company has moved its engineering efforts in-house, it is likely that we will see the results of this work sooner than later. With Apple still undecided on whether it would be using 5G modem from Intel on its 2020 or later iPhone, it is likely that the company is looking to switch to its in-house developed modem for this major transition.

[Via Reuters
Things were looking grim on the investor side of things when it comes to Apple ahead of its most recent quarterly earnings report.

However, it looks like everything is doing just fine for the company. As was reported by CNBC, Apple has closed out Wednesday with a current market capitalization of $821.59 billion. That number has earned Apple the top spot on the list of companies, taking back the title of the worlds most valuable company. It briefly held that title near the end of last year, but Microsoft officially snatched it away in November.

Microsoft is currently sitting at $813.48 billion, putting it in a healthy second place. Meanwhile, Amazon is at $805.70 billion, and Google is at $778.93 billion market capitalization. Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft have been in a heated back-and-forth for the top spot for weeks now. While Apple once again holds the crown now, its not at all impossible that one of the other companies takes it back, even if it is for a brief time.

But the recent earnings season has swung the pendulum back in Apples favor. Apple suffered a steep loss in market value in early January after warning investors to expect weak revenue for its first quarter 2019. In the three months leading up to the warning, investors already anticipated the revenue drop and Apples market cap bled $452 billion.

Thats good news for Apple and its executive staff, and probably good news for the investors out there watching the numbers in the hawkish way that they do. Of course, these things change pretty consistently, so while Apple may be riding high right now, it could find itself lower than the other companies soon enough.

[via CNBC
Matthew Schroeder, Student Union Board president, stands in front of the SUB office. Schroeder just started his position of SUB president in the spring 2019 semester. This semester I am really looking forward to getting to work with all the directorships. I worked with the Maintenance Shop a lot last year since I was the director but getting to see more behind the scenes of what all the directorships do as well as working with our awesome executive board this year. Its going to be a lot of fun," Schroeder said.
Brazil real - large

The federal Brazilian tax authorities (RFB) published guidance on October 4 2018 stating that revenues recognised as a result of debt forgiveness (in this case, a bank loan) should be subject to PIS/COFINS at a combined rate of 4.65% (Solucao de Consulta - Cosit 176/2018, dated September 27 2018).

By way of background, Brazil has a variety of different transaction and indirect taxes and contributions, including a Contribution to the Social Integration Program (PIS) and Contribution for Social Security Financing (COFINS). Broadly speaking, these contributions apply on gross revenues as well as on the import of goods and services. The applicable rates depend on the particular transaction as well as the methodology the Brazilian taxpayer applies (the cumulative method does not allow for input credits whereas the non-cumulative method allows for input credits in specific circumstances).

In 2015, Decree 8.426 re-established that financial revenue should be subject to PIS and COFINS at the rates of 0.65% and 4%, respectively, for entities applying the non-cumulative methodology. Subsequently, Decree 8.451/2015 amended the original decree, introducing a number of scenarios where 0% should apply, specifically in relation to hedging and foreign exchange transactions.

In past situations where debt forgiveness was considered, there was a discussion whether the principal debt forgiven (as well as any interest on such debt) should be considered a revenue item subject to PIS/COFINS, and if so, at what rate.

Solucao de Consulta - Cosit 176/2018 considers that the forgiveness of debt should be regarded as a revenue item. Citing the accounting rules (CFC No. 1.374/11), the RFB considered that the reduction of a debt originating from its forgiveness creates a requirement to recognise a revenue item.

In order to subsequently determine the implications from a PIS/COFINS perspective, the RFB considered whether the revenue should be considered financial revenue. Drawing parallels with the corporate income tax definition of financial income and associated guidance issued by the RFB, similarities were drawn between the forgiveness of a debt and a discount (or re-negotiation) of an original debt, both of which the RFB considered financial revenue. The RFB clarified that such a conclusion applies to entities that are not dedicated to financial activities.

Once determining that the forgiveness of the debt should be regarded as financial revenue, the RFB confirmed that the entity should apply the combined rate of 4.65%.

While Solucao de Consulta does not represent law or legal precedent, it does provide further support and guidance for Brazilian entities in relation to how the RFB are treating such arrangements.

Priscila Vergueiro Mark Conomy

This article was written by Priscila Vergueiro (priscila.vergueiro@pwc.com) and Mark Conomy (conomy.mark@pwc.com) of PwC Brazil.





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TORONTO, ON // FEBRUARY 6, 2019  Although Cherry Dollface describes herself as some broad who sits in front of a camera sometimes, and loves dressing up, cupcakes and Tom Selleck, the Oregon-raised celebrity is actually much more than those things. Shes also a much sought-after magazine cover girl, a model, an actress, as well as a make-up and hair styling artist and instructor.

And on March 8, 9 &10, she will make a return visit to the Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo as an invited celebrity guest.

Im looking forward to seeing all of the friends I made the last time at Motorama, and to making so many more new ones. I am also very much looking forward to seeing all of the cars, exclaimed Cherry.

She continued, The new Motorama Mayhem...in the Backroom sounds like so much fun! You are going to have to struggle to get me out of that section. I might just keep sneaking off.

In addition to her appearance at the 2017 Motorama Show, Cherry Dollface has been a regular fixture at the Grand National Roadster Show, Hot Rod-O-Rama, the New England Shakeup, The Good Guys Show, the Mooneyes Christmas Show and the Viva Las Vegas show.

Cherrys pinup good looks make her a natural fit for the Hot Rod and Custom culture, and ideally suit her to be part of this years inaugural Miss Motorama Pinup Pageant. She will be serving as a judge for the pageant that will see the winning contestant receive a private one on one hair and makeup session with Cherry.

Ive served as a judge at several pageants and its always a good time, said Cherry. Im really looking forward to it and the whole experience of being part of the new Mayhem room, the Miss Motorama Pinup Pageant and just being back at Motorama again.

Each day of the Motorama show, Cherry Dollface will spend time in the Rust-Oleum Celebrity Autograph Booth, meeting and greeting her fans and show visitors. On Sunday afternoon, Cherry will do what she does best by hosting a hair and make-up demonstration on the Zehr Insurance Stage in Hall 3.

I absolutely love when babes take home the things they have learned from me and then tag me in their posts trying new styles or perfecting old ones. It is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

ABOUT MISS CHERRY DOLLFACE: Born in California, but raised in Oregon, Cherry Dollface began modeling in 2005 following a chance encounter with a photographer at the Viva Las Vegas weekend, a meeting that landed her on the cover of Ol Skool Rodz magazine. Since her photo debut, she has appeared in over 50 publications and has created her own YouTube Channel, detailing vintage hair and make up tutorials and tips on how to become a pin up model. For videos and information about this fascinating personality, visit her website at www.CherryDollface.com or check out her Facebook page at Facebook.com/the cherrydollface.

ABOUT THE MOTORAMA CUSTOM CAR & MOTORSPORTS EXPO: The fifth annual Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo takes place March 8, 9 & 10, 2019 at The International Centre, across from Torontos Pearson International Airport. The show features more than 330,000 square feet of custom cars, hot rods, racing vehicles of all kinds, tuners, displays and exhibitors. Motorama is Canadas biggest late-winter celebration of automobiles and motorsports. For information about the show, including tickets, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and more, call (416) 962-7223, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.MotoramaShow.com.
Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir el-Rufai came under fire both locally and internationally, after his statement on foreigner intervention in Nigeria, sparked outrage.

Speaking as a guest during a live television programme aired on Tuesday on NTA, and hosted by Cyril Stober, el-Rufai had said: Those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the person that would come and intervene, they would go back in body bags.

We are waiting for the person that will come and intervene. They will go back in body bags, because nobody will come to Nigeria and tell us how to run our country. We got that independence and we are trying to run our country as decently as possible and we know the history of those countries that are trying to teach us these things. We have read their history.

However, a statement by Garba Shehu, President Muhammadu Buharis spokesman, issued on Wednesday night, the governor was said to have spoken strongly for national interest.

The statement reads thus:

The Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari would cooperate with election observers and would not let the international community down in the conduct of the coming elections.

The Presidency assures Nigerians and the international community that the President would do everything within his power to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the country.

We have taken note of the clarification to a reported earlier statement by the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai concerning opposition call for foreign interference in our domestic affairs and to say that latest statement by him should rest the issue for good.

There is nothing more to sneeze at. The Governor spoke strongly in defense of national interest. It is clear that el-Rufai, our party the APC, and all its candidates have reposed their faith in democracy through general elections. They are all of the views that there is no place for violence against local people or foreign citizens in our midst.

Opposition PDP ought to own up to the mistakes of their own policies for 16 years which have led the country to a sorry pass that has cost lives, jobs and growth instead of dwelling on diversionary issues.

we are waiting for the person that will come and intervene, they will go back in body bags.

said it was not a call for violence rather a patriotic statement. Affirming that a country will defend itself against needless intervention is the kind of statement you expect to hear from a patriot. It is not a call for violence, the governor said in the statement signed by
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai warned Wednesday that the so-called "decoupling" of China and the United States would be disastrous for both economies and the world economy at large.

China will open its door wider to the United States and look forward to more cooperation at various levels, Cui said at a reception for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations and the Chinese New Year at the Chinese embassy.

Cui urged both countries to remain open to each other and become more connected instead.

"We are the two largest economies in the world. Each has its own strengths. Each is complementary to the other. Both have much greater opportunities if we stay open to each other. Both will be much more prosperous if we cooperate with each other," Cui said.

Cui also extended an invitation to the United States to participate in the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which will be held in China in April this year.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs Matt Pottinger, a number of members of Congress and about 750 guests attended the reception.

The People's Republic of China and the United States formally established diplomatic ties on Jan. 1, 1979.

Bilateral trade grew from a negligible 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in the late 1970s to over 580 billion dollars in 2017, while the stock of two-way investment rose from practically nil to more than 230 billion dollars.
Vanguard

A 47-year-old woman, Mrs Joy Egeonu, has been arrested for beating her husbands 11-year-old nephew to death, for allegedly stealing N6,500 in Agbado area of Ogun State.

The Sun

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to the completion of the trailer park in Apapa and the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonsoki-Ojota expressway project in Lagos.

Daily Times

The Director General of the Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Council, Rotimi Ameachi, has challenged the Ondo State electorate that the February 16 presidential election is a must win in the state, else his door would be shut against any request from them if results at poll turned out otherwise.

Leadership

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Buruji Kashamu has accused the partys national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus of blackmailing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and misleading voters over status of governorship candidate in the state.

Daily Trust

A Karmo Grade 1 Area Court in Abuja has sentenced a security guard, Torres Audu, to three months imprisonment for stealing iron rods.

The Nation

The Presidency on Wednesday night said that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari would cooperate with election observers and would not let the international community down in the conduct of the coming elections.

Tribune

The National Union of road transport workers, NURTW Chairman of the Aiyetoro unit, Saheed Arogundade was on Wednesday sentenced to death by hanging for killing a police officer, Gbenga Oladipo.
The Academic Staff Union Of University(ASUU) have called of their three months old strike after holding a meeting with the Federal Government of Nigeria today. The union however threatened to down tools again if the Federal Government renege on the Memorandum of Action(MOA) signed.

More details shortly..
Nigerians are currently dragging lawyer turned musician, Folarin Falana, officially known and addressed as Falz the badt guy on social media over the now trending rape case of two duo who reportedly raped a girl on the Island.

The duo Don Chima George and DJ Rico were alleged to have drug the victim at a club before taking their turns to rape her and also filmed the whole episode. It was reported that the victim called his brother who in turn called the police and the accused were arrested.

The story however took a different dimension when it was reported that the accused have been released and the victims brother have been picked up instead with police deleting the video evidence.

Nigerians have as result, been trolling Falz and have been asking him to address the rape issue for reasons best known to him  when he is neither a police officer nor the president.

Their reactions:

Falz is silent. Falz should come & talk about rape. Thats what happens when you only focus on what triggers you, and ignore the rest of the music. Misplaced priorities.  Ovie (@OvieO) February 7, 2019

In less than hour Falz has reached #2 on trending!!

Y'all should keep making him trend abeg,while you're at it have you listened to #Talk? pls do that now.

#Moralinstruction  The Nigerian Mind. (@EtuonovbeChris) February 7, 2019

Is Falz your father? Is falz your government? call out your government and not Falz you shameless hypocrites  BrandNikola (@brandikolatesla) February 7, 2019

https://twitter.com/Jokunle/status/1093554521396129792
Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna state has dismissed criticisms he said that foreigners who intervene in Nigerias affairs will leave in body bags.

The statement was made on Tuesday, while he appeared on a live programme on NTA, anchored by Cyril Stober.

Setting the record straight on Wednesday, el-Rufai in a statement via his Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, said he only spoke in defence of Nigerias sovereignty against needless intervention.

A notorious trait of the characters that constitute the opposition in Nigeria is the manufacture of outrage on flimsy grounds. However, contriving anger on false premises and summoning a din of feverish commentary will not alter the facts. Election season is regarded as silly season in some quarters, but it is a very serious moment.

When Malam Nasir El-Rufai appeared on NTAs Tuesday Night Live, he made comments every patriot can understand. He stood up for Nigerias dignity in the wake of those who would traduce their country and reduce it to the status of a colony in their vain quest for power.

The video of his comments is in circulation. Any fair-minded person with modest familiarity with the English language and unimpaired comprehension can understand it. It does not contain any call for violence. What it is a powerful defense of sovereignty? Are some sections of our political class implying that they will acquiesce in or collaborate with foreign intervention in our country?

Affirming that a country will defend itself against needless intervention is the kind of statement you expect to hear from a patriot. It is not a call for violence. Warning about the consequences of meddling in another countrys affairs is legitimate.

Non-interference in the affairs of other countries is a basic principle of international law. Threatening to intervene in another country implies the use of force. Those who are basing their electoral calculations on foreign intervention need to be discouraged. Only the lawful votes of the Nigerian people should make or unmake governments.

Malam Nasir El-Rufai has issued a powerful call for vigilance and a clear notice that other countries should not mistake the supine posture of the opposition for national weakness.

Malam Nasir El-Rufai has stood firmly against those who have been trying to divide Nigerians on ethnic and religious lines. He is resolutely opposed to violence, and firmly committed to peace and harmony.

Let the false outrage stop, El-Rufai said.
Former All Progressives Congress, APC, senator, Shehu Sani has said that threatening that foreigners who will intervene in Nigeria, will leave in body bags, isnt a patriotic statement.

This was in reaction to Governor Nasir El-Rufais defence to his controversial statement made on NTA live programme on Tuesday.

According to the Kaduna government, speaking via the official Twitter handle of the state, clarified the governors stance about the statement. It said:

Affirming that a country will defend itself against needless intervention is the kind of statement you expect to hear from a patriot. El-Rufai clarifies stance on foreign intervention in Nigerian elections.

However, Shehu Sani also speaking via his twitter handle on Wednesday, said the statement is fascist.

He wrote:

Threatening foreigners with Body Bags is not nationalism or patriotism, its fascism. They simply want to switch off the lights, close the windows and the doors and count our votes. They are watering the flowers of our democracy with kerosene.
President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC held their campaign rally in Taraba state on Thursday, were at least 3 persons died from stampede.

The death of supporters at the rally held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in the state was confirmed by the presidency.

According to the presidency, in a statement by Garba Shehu, Buharis senior special assistant in media and publicity, overcrowding was responsible for the deaths.

Read full statement below

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed profound sadness over of loss of lives at the All Progressives Congress, APC Presidential Campaign Rally in Jalingo, Taraba State on Thursday.

Reacting to reports of the tragic death of some APC supporters due to the overwhelming crowd at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, the President said:

I always feel very sad and distressed when ordinary Nigerians who love me and our party because of what we stand for and have done, make personal sacrifices by taking the pains to show their support, end their lives tragically.

While appreciating the massive support he is receiving all over the country, President Buhari calls for restraint on the part of his supporters to avoid such tragic incidences, and improved crowd management at rally grounds.

I want them to stay alive and witness the dividends of purposeful governance that the APC administration will unfold when they renew our mandate, he said.

Commiserating with the families of the victims and the APC family, the President prays Almighty God to grant peace to the souls of the departed and speedy recovery to the injured.
Olubisi Osinbajo, mother of Nigerias vice president Yemi Osinbajo, has said that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has done very well, and should be voted back into office.

Mrs Osinbajo said this on Thursday, during Osinbajos house-to-house campaign in the Somolu, Lagos state  where he also visited her house.

The VPs mother, who expressed praises to God for saving her son in last Saturdays helicopter crash in Kogi state, said the present government has done more than what previous governments did in the last 16years.

In her words:

They have tried. If anybody says they have not done anything, then you can say that man or woman is not in this world, such is in another world because they have tried.

What they (Buhari/Osinbajo) did in three years, people couldnt do it for 16 years. We are praising God and we shall praise God after the elections.

I am overwhelmed with this visit and I must thank God for everything that He is doing in my life. Do you know that on Thursday I was busy thanking God and praising God. I didnt know what was going to happen on Saturday.

I have been praising God and I told my people I wanted to praise God on that Thursday until the evening of that day not knowing that something would happen on Saturday.

That gift was given to me by Jesus Christ that I should be praising Him and that I will never be sorrowful. That was what God told me.
With the 2019 presidential election just 9 days from now, Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, supporters have resorted to social media front to solicit votes by launching series of attacks on the incumbent president and All Progressive Congress candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

They have been trending an hash tag Febuhari 16 on twitter which is in tandem with the election date  just that they have been using it to drag Buhari.

Their reactions:

Pls any #Nigerian reading this should vote wisely on #FeBuhari16

Buhari issa scam.

Be wise

Atikulated   Sugar crush (@sexy_roxy11) February 7, 2019

I would have voted Buhari on and on again if he had shown coherence and is aware of what is happening around him. How can someone not able to recognize his own writing.Atiku is not a saint but between bad and very bad, I will choose bad vote Atiku##FeBuhari16  Abiakam W.A (@Officialad5) February 7, 2019

#FeBuhari16 Any body that want to vote for Buhari. You will misplace your voters card before the election in Jesus Name  Gbidi (@gbidigbidi) February 7, 2019
Former president, Goodluck Jonathan has urged politicians to avoid the kind of politics that could led to the civil war, as those feeling never ever go away even years after the war.

The immediate past president said this, while speaking at a peace conference with the theme: Peaceful elections and national development, organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, on Thursday, in Abuja.

According to Jonathan, a true patriot will not do anything that could jeopardize the peace and stability of the country and that we must do everything to avoid conflict because it is always difficult to erase these feelings.

See statement below

If people feel INEC and similar bodies are fair to all, it will make citizens behave better but if you do otherwise, it will be a recipe for crisis,

We are convinced that anyone, either in government or outside government, who truly loves Nigeria will not want to play the role of the villain by lending his support to any action that instigates crises.

As the ongoing democratic process unfolds, with the rest of the world watching with keen interest, we are also mindful of the worries of Nigerians on whether it would end peacefully.

Our political leaders must realise that the greatest and most enduring legacy to leave behind is that of peace and development.

These breed of politicians often ignore the fact that to be patriotic is to love your country and be prepared to live and die for her honour, reputation, freedom, progress and the ascendancy of the common good.

You can restore destroyed infrastructure almost to its former state or even better, but you cannot easily repair peoples psyche, reconcile aggrieved persons and restore hope in a nation, once they are damaged in destructive leadership struggles.

We experienced the civil war that ended since 1970 but up to date, the feelings are still in even children who were not born at that time because of the stories they get told and that is why we must do everything to avoid conflict because it is always difficult to erase these feelings.
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said here Wednesday that China and the United States should properly handle differences.

Addressing the reception for the 40th Anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations and the Chinese New Year at the Chinese embassy, Cui acknowledged the differences between China and the United States in history, culture and social system, but said both countries should "not be intimidated by those differences."

"We need to respect each other's independent choice of social systems and paths of development, and accommodate each other's core interests and concerns," Cui said.

"Whether on economic or security issues, we can always find a way out if we address the differences with candor and good faith, based on mutual respect and common interest," Cui said.

Cui also called on the two countries to promote mutual understanding, staying open to each other and becoming more connected, while stepping up people-to-people exchanges and enhancing popular support for those relations.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs Matt Pottinger, members of Congress and about 750 guests attended the event.

China and the United States formally established diplomatic relations on Jan. 1, 1979. Bilateral trade grew from less than 2.5 billion U.S. dollars from 40 years ago to over 580 billion dollars in 2017. Over the same period, the stock of two-way investment rose from practically nil to more than 230 billion dollars.
A new grocery store on Indianapolis northeast side is going to try to do what so many people and organizations in the city have made a top priority: give locals access to healthy, affordable food.

Robert Hearst opened A&I Variety Meats and Produce on the corner of 38th Street and Post Road after visiting family in Mississippi and seeing his cousins grocery store. He said it was an aha moment. After researching the northeast Indianapolis area and learning that people struggle to find a consistent source of nutritious food because of transportation issues and chronic poverty, Hearst told his wife, Sony, they should do something about it.

I told my wife, We really have to concentrate on that, Hearst said. I want to have fresh produce, fresh meat, fresh fruit.

Hearst took about two years to research his mission and garner community support, and finally opened A&I in January. The store, which used to be a dentist office, is across from the old Kroger in the North Eastwood Plaza off 38th Street. The side windows are boarded up, but yard signs and a flashing OPEN sign in the window give life to the building. Aesthetics are secondary, though, because Hearsts goal for A&I is to turn it into a full-fledged grocery store in a food desert.

I dont think I couldve chosen a better place to come to set up shop, Hearst said. You hear about all the negative stuff about the far east side. Im gonna tell you, these people have really stepped up and shown support for me, my wife, the store.

A couple weeks ago, Hearst showed up in the morning to find two windows busted out by rocks. He guessed it was just some kids who didnt realize the building wasnt abandoned anymore, but it created a dilemma: Hearst and his wife had to figure out how to pay for damages when they had just sunk about $70,000 into the store.

Several local leaders came together to help with the costs, which totaled about $1,200. Hearst said he paid about $300 of his own, and the rest came from fundraising. Faith James, founder of Reclaim Indy, headed an effort to get people into the grocery store and increase business. She and others raised about $400 and took residents to the store to spend that money on groceries. Hearst said another man, a stranger, donated $250 to help replace the windows.

The community, they really rallied around me, Hearst said. They gave us a lot of support and encouragement. They were like, This is all we have. We cant let nothin happen to it.

For now, A&I has bare, white walls and a lot of empty space. Its a single room with some storage in the back. Hearst wants to eventually gut more of the building and add a vegan section (hes been surprised at how many people want vegan options). Produce sits in the middle on top of cardboard tables. Two freezers on either side hold varieties of meat from boneless chicken wings to white meatturkey burgers. Hearst said he gets most of his food from local sources, including Ideal Meat and Indianapolis Fruit Company.

Part of the stores early appeal is residents can have food delivered to them, or they can get a ride to the store on weekends through GroGo.

They love the fact that its minority-owned and operated, Eric Williams, GroGos founder, said of the people who use his companys service.  A lot of businesses have abandoned this area, so its good to see entrepreneurs come back.

Hearst, who studied engineering at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee and worked in construction before opening A&I, is learning a lot on the fly. He has to go through the supply-and-demand dance to make sure he has the produce his customers want, learn how to efficiently market the store and attract more people. Hearst applied to the state to be able to accept EBT, but he said the recent partial government shutdown slowed that process. He expects that to be done soon, though, and is counting on it bringing a boost to business.

Derris Ross, founder of the Ross Foundation, said A&I could help advance his organizations goals in the community, including reducing crime and violence, as long as people put their arms around this kind of business by supporting it financially and investing their time in its success.

It only makes sense to put something like this in our neighborhood, Ross said.

Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.

A&I VARIETY MEATS AND PRODUCE

Where: 8939 E. 38th St.

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Contact: 912-293-9704

COMMUNITY ACTION DAY

Residents can help clean up and paint A&I 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 9

A&I Variety Meats and Produce is offering healthy food to residents on the northeast side, who live in one of the citys many food deserts. Most of the food comes from local sources such as Ideal Meat and Indianapolis Fruit Company. (Photo/Tyler Fenwick)
After 25 years, Indianapolis will once again host the National Urban League Conference where leaders from diverse fields, including business, politics and media, will gather to discuss important issues, network and have a little fun. The conference will be from July 24-27 at the Indiana Convention Center.

We know theres economic impact for the community, but for us, its about bringing the entire Urban League movement here, the opportunity to showcase all the great work of affiliates from across the country, and to have meaningful dialogue with national speakers, said Anthony Mason, Indianapolis Urban League president.

Speakers will address education, injustice, the economy and criminal justice. While Mason could not provide names of prospective or confirmed speakers at this time, he and National Urban League President Marc H. Morial said they will invite all major party primary presidential candidates.

The National Urban League Conference will also feature business-oriented events such as networking opportunities for professionals. In addition, a Youth Leadership Summit at University of Indianapolis will feature leadership development and workshops for over 500 youths.

The final day of the conference will be Community Day, a free event that will provide healthy food, school supplies and health screenings.

Morial said the National Urban League picked Indianapolis over some stiff competition largely because of his confidence in the local Urban League affiliate. He specifically highlighted the chapters energy and president.

Tony has had great experience with the Black Expo here, Morial said. [He has] personal experience in executing big conferences. His understanding of that, even though hes a relatively new CEO in our movement, gave me great confidence that he would understand what it would take from a local perspective to make this conference a success.

The conference, which will need more than 500 volunteers, is expected to bring plenty of visitors, commerce and attention to the city. Last years National Urban League Conference in Columbus, Ohio, had 19,940 attendees, and this year it could be even bigger.

This conference has the chance to be the biggest Urban League Conference ever, Morial said.

Morial predicts between 5,000 and 7,000 people will visit Indianapolis for the conference. The primary candidates, in particular, will ensure the nations eyes will be on Indianapolis. Mayor Joe Hogsett, who announced the National Urban League Conference alongside Mason and Morial, is excited the city will host the national event.

Every day is a good day, some are better than others, Hogsett said. And today, my friends, is a great day for the city of Indianapolis.

After 25 years, Indianapolis will once again host the National Urban League Conference where leaders from diverse fields, including business, politics and media, will gather to discuss important issues, network and have a little fun. The conference will be from July 24-27 at the Indiana Convention Center.

We know theres economic impact for the community, but for us, its about bringing the entire Urban League movement here, the opportunity to showcase all the great work of affiliates from across the country, and to have meaningful dialogue with national speakers, said Anthony Mason, Indianapolis Urban League president.

Speakers will address education, injustice, the economy and criminal justice. While Mason could not provide names of prospective or confirmed speakers at this time, he and National Urban League President Marc H. Morial said they will invite all major party primary presidential candidates.

The National Urban League Conference will also feature business-oriented events such as networking opportunities for professionals. In addition, a Youth Leadership Summit at University of Indianapolis will feature leadership development and workshops for over 500 youths.

The final day of the conference will be Community Day, a free event that will provide healthy food, school supplies and health screenings.

Morial said the National Urban League picked Indianapolis over some stiff competition largely because of his confidence in the local Urban League affiliate. He specifically highlighted the chapters energy and president.

Tony has had great experience with the Black Expo here, Morial said. [He has] personal experience in executing big conferences. His understanding of that, even though hes a relatively new CEO in our movement, gave me great confidence that he would understand what it would take from a local perspective to make this conference a success.

The conference, which will need more than 500 volunteers, is expected to bring plenty of visitors, commerce and attention to the city. Last years National Urban League Conference in Columbus, Ohio, had 19,940 attendees, and this year it could be even bigger.

This conference has the chance to be the biggest Urban League Conference ever, Morial said.

Morial predicts between 5,000 and 7,000 people will visit Indianapolis for the conference. The primary candidates, in particular, will ensure the nations eyes will be on Indianapolis. Mayor Joe Hogsett, who announced the National Urban League Conference alongside Mason and Morial, is excited the city will host the national event.

Every day is a good day, some are better than others, Hogsett said. And today, my friends, is a great day for the city of Indianapolis.

Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminLashar.

Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminLashar.
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As the second commonest cancer in the world, cervical cancer is causing more than 250,000 women to death every year. In China, 130,000 new cases of cervical cancer occur each year. The invention of the cervical cancer vaccine has made a great contribution to the health of human beings.

In 1991, with the joint effort of Professor Ian Fraser and Chinese scientist Dr. Zhou Jian, from the University of Queensland Institute of Immunization and Metabolism, the technology that makes the shell of the virus was completed at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.

As the co-inventor of the cervical cancer vaccine, Professor Ian Fraser was recognized as Australian of the Year in 2006. He was also a recipient of the Prime Ministers Prize for Science, and of the Balzan Prize. In 2018, Professor Fraser was elected as the Corresponding Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Professor Ian Fraser (L) in the interview (People's Daily Online/Li Yanyun)

Born in a medical family in Scotland in the United Kingdom, Professor Frazer was raised in an innovative and creative environment. His father, a doctor, and pathologist is one of the world's first pathologists who started to use computers in pathology laboratories and kidney dialysis rooms. His mother, also a scientist, specializes in the effects of diabetes on human nerves. Since childhood, Professor Frazer has expressed strong curiosity in the relationship between the universe and human beings. With the dream of becoming an astrophysicist, he received his Bachelor Degree in Physics at the University of Edinburgh in 1974.

"I hope to explore the world and figure out the laws of everything in the world, but there are too few physics experiments. I found that I am more suitable for medicine. My parents have said that they support my dream of becoming an astrophysicist. But when I found the real area that suited me, I realized that they actually wanted me to become a medical worker.

In 1977, Professor Frazer started his career as a kidney doctor in Edinburgh. In 1980, he began a five-year study of pathology at the Walter and Eliza Hall Medical Institute in Melbourne, Australia. In 1985, he became a lecturer at the University of Queensland and established a laboratory to study viral infections. Since then, he has been working on immunology for more than 30 years.

Professor Ian Fraser is doing an experiment in the lab (People's Daily Online/Li Yanyun)

It was in 1989 when Professor Frazer met with Dr. Zhou Jian, a Chinese friend who changed his life. While he was in Cambridge on sabbatical working on papillomavirus, a couple from China moved to the lab next door for their research. The first time I met with Zhou Jian and Xiaoyi in Cambridge, they were working really hard. I was really touched because they were working no matter on weekdays or weekends, he said.

With the same dream and love for science, the two young guys clicked and became good friends in Cambridge. Invited by Professor Frazer, Dr. Zhou Jian and his wife Sun Xiaoyi to Australia and started their research on cervical cancer. What they didnt know was that, a few years later, they became the father of the cervical cancer vaccine and helped millions of women worldwide.

We have complementary skills. I was an immunologist interested in virus from a point of view about how the body fights off the virus. Jian was a molecular virologist and he was interested in how the virus worked. That was why the partnership works so well because each of us brought the different bits to the table. We built trust because we understood each other.

The first and most difficult task in developing a cervical cancer vaccine is to synthesize the HPV virus (human papillomavirus). The virus dies immediately after leaving a living cell body and makes it impossible to be extracted. Dr. Zhou Jian and his wife finally came up with the idea of artificially synthesizing HPV virus (human papillomavirus). In 1993, the immune response was proven effective in animal experiments. In 2006, cervical cancer vaccine was first approved for marketing in Australia. A year later, more than 80 countries around the world began using cervical cancer vaccines.

However, in 1999, during an academic visit back to China, Dr. Zhou Jian passed away unexpectedly. "It was obviously very hard for me. Jian is not only my colleague and friend, but he also made a great contribution to the research of the cervical cancer vaccine."

Engaged in medical research for more than 40 years, Professor Frazer felt that working with Chinese scientists and Chinese companies is the best choice due to the countrys rapid development in the past few decades. In 2018, he started working with a medical institution in Shenzhen to develop a research report on cervical cancer therapeutic vaccines. 25 years have passed since his first visit to China with Dr. Zhou Jian and Professor Frazer told us that he witnessed the enormous changes in China.

They are very different countries. In 1996, Wenzhou was a relatively old city. Now when you go there, its like any other city in the world. When the first time I went to China, perhaps the science in China was not as advanced as it is now. But now I think China competes with us. I would imagine by 2050, you will be telling us how to do science.

Many of my students are from China. Chinese students and scientists are diligent and hardworking. This is a country that creates talents and fosters innovation. China is the best partner of Australia, he said.

China officially approved the application of cervical cancer vaccine in 2018. Currently, the vaccine is currently in use in 133 countries and regions around the world. Professor Frazer believes that the cooperation between Australia and China will benefit the whole world. Chinese are always very willing partners. I think that sciences are global efforts. We dont do sciences for Australia or do sciences for China; we do sciences for the world. I think the more we can work cooperatively together, the better the outcome is.
UNITED NATIONS: The United States blocked a draft United Nations Security Council statement on Wednesday that would have expressed regret at Israels decision to eject a foreign observer force from the flashpoint Palestinian city of Hebron, diplomats said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week he would not renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), accusing the observers of unspecified anti-Israel activity. Norway, which has headed the multi-country observer mission for the past 22 years, said: The one-sided Israeli decision can mean that the implementation of an important part of the Oslo accords is discontinued.

The 15-member United Nations Security Council discussed Israels decision behind closed doors on Wednesday at the request of Kuwait and Indonesia, which also drafted the statement. Such a statement has to be agreed by consensus.

UN diplomats said the United States did not believe a council statement on the issue was appropriate. The draft statement, seen by Reuters, would have also recognized the importance of the TIPH and its efforts to foster calm in a highly sensitive area and fragile situation on the ground, which risks further deteriorating.

The United States has long accused the United Nations of anti-Israel bias and shields its ally from Security Council action. Hebron, a Palestinian city of 200,000 people, is home to a community of about 1,000 Israeli settlers who are guarded by a large Israeli military presence.

The TIPH was set up after a Jewish settler killed 29 Palestinians at a Hebron shrine holy to both Muslims and Jews in 1994. The city has also seen stabbing and shooting attacks against settlers and Israeli soldiers by Palestinians.

Since Israel partially withdrew from Hebron in 1998 under interim peace deals with the self-rule Palestinian Authority, the TIPH has monitored breaches of the agreements (and) violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, the forces website says.

Peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians collapsed in 2014. Most world powers consider Israels settlements in the West Bank, territory captured by Israel in a 1967 war, to be illegal. Israel disputes that, citing biblical, historical and political ties to the land.
WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday that he and other US officials will travel to Beijing next week for trade talks, aiming to clinch a deal to avert a March 2 increase in US tariffs on Chinese goods.

Mnuchin said in an interview with CNBC that the talks he and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer led in Washington last week with China`s Vice Premier Liu He were "very productive."

"Ambassador Lighthizer and myself and a large team are on our way to Beijing next week. We are committed to continue these talks," Mnuchin said. "We`re putting in an enormous amount of effort to try to hit this deadline and get a deal. So that`s our objective."

President Donald Trump said in his State of the Union address on Tuesday that any new trade deal with China "must include real, structural change to end unfair trade practices, reduce our chronic trade deficit and protect American jobs."

Trump has vowed to increase US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports to 25 percent from 10 percent currently if the two sides cannot reach a deal by 12:01 am (0501 GMT) on March 2. The two sides remain far apart on addressing US demands that China make deep structural changes to its trade and economic policies and shrink the US goods trade deficit.

The Commerce Department on Wednesday reported the US goods trade deficit with China reached $382 billion through the first 11 months of 2018, eclipsing the $375 billion gap during all of 2017, though the deficit narrowed for the month of November from October. Trump`s negotiators want Beijing to more strenuously enforce American intellectual property rights, stop cyber-hacking of trade secrets, curb industrial subsidies and end policies that coerce US companies to turn over technology to Chinese competitors as a price of doing business in China`s vast market.

A critical part of any deal, they say, would be a mechanism to verify and enforce China`s follow-through on any commitments it makes. "We are also very focussed on free and fair trade for US companies to have access there and to having a more level playing field which will bring down the trade deficit," Mnuchin said, though he said there is still have much to do to reach an agreement.

"I don`t think it would be productive to speculate on the outcome because we have a lot of work left to do. ... If we can`t get to the deadline, that`s not because we haven`t worked around the clock," Mnuchin said. Lighthizer held a closed-door briefing with US senators on Wednesday on the upcoming China talks and the proposed new trade agreement between United States, Mexico and Canada.

"He is optimistic" about the talks with China, said Republican Senator Tim Scott, who was in the meeting. He said Lighthizer told senators that purchases of agricultural products looked to remain a sticking point. "That`s one of those things, he says, one of those outliers of an issue that still raises real concern, and that he is still looking for ways to continue to address that and hammer on that," Scott told reporters.

China, which bought about 60 percent of the 2017 US soybean crop, cut off purchases of US supplies during the trade war between the two countries. China`s Liu, during last week`s talks with Trump, promised further Chinese purchases of soybeans. Since then, Beijing has bought 2.6 million tonnes of the product. Before the trade war, US sold more than 30 million tonnes of soybeans to China annually.
Washington: Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu US Congresswoman and Democratic presidential candidate, has said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has been accused of using chemical weapons to attack civilians in his country`s years-long civil war, is not the enemy of the US.

"Assad is not the enemy of the US because Syria does not pose a direct threat to the US," Gabbard said on Wednesday.

She met Assad in Syria two years ago, saying at the time she "felt that it`s important that if we profess to truly care about the Syrian people, about their suffering, then we`ve got to be able to meet with anyone that we need to if there is a possibility that we can achieve peace".

Asked if she viewed Assad as an "adversary" of the US, Gabbard demurred and said it was important to look at who posed a threat to the US and how the interests of other nations compare to those of Washington.

Pressed on the point, she said: "You can describe it however you want to describe it." Asked later in the interview if she thought Assad was a good person, Gabbard said, "No, I don`t," and asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin was an adversary to the US, she responded: "Yes."

Gabbard said she did not want US troops in Syria and that she was not interested in regime change and nation-building on the model of US efforts in Iraq or Afghanistan. She also voiced scepticism about the Assad regime`s widely reported and confirmed use of chemical weapons against its own people.

Her appearance on MSNBC came after she brought a Syrian Kurdish leader to President Donald Trump`s State of the Union address Tuesday night. Gabbard said they discussed her meeting with Assad and stressed the importance of meeting "adversaries or potential adversaries, not just our friends, if we are serious about the pursuit of peace".

Earlier she drew a comparison between her meeting with Assad to Trump`s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2018. Later on Wednesday, Gabbard tweeted that "warmongers" were wrong to label her as a "`cozy` with evil regimes".

"We heard attacks from warmongers in politics/media before. Those opposed to Iraq/Libya/Syria regime change wars are called "dicatator-lovers" or "cozy" with evil regimes. Rather than defend their position, they resort to name-calling & smears. American people wont fall for this," she said.
MOSCOW: Russia demanded Turkey do more to tackle militants in Syria`s Idlib province and fulfil promises it made as part of a deal with Moscow last year, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

Turkey and Russia, the Syrian government`s principal foreign ally, brokered a deal in September to create a demilitarised zone in the northwest Idlib region that would be evacuated of all heavy weapons and jihadist fighters.

The deal helped avert a government assault on the area, the last major bastion of opponents of President Bashar al-Assad.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Zakharova said the situation there was rapidly deteriorating and that militant fighters were trying to seize control of the entire de-escalation zone.

"Given the extremely difficult situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone, we expect our Turkish partners to activate their efforts to ultimately turn the tide and to fully carry out the obligations they took upon themselves...," Zakharova was quoted as saying by the foreign ministry.

The comments came with Russian President Vladimir Putin due to meet the leaders of Turkey and Iran next week at a summit in the southern Russian city of Sochi where they are expected to discuss Syria.
STOCKHOLM: A Norwegian Air Shuttle plane with 169 passengers on board returned to Arlanda airport outside Stockholm on Thursday after receiving a bomb threat and is being evacuated, Swedish police said.

Swedish police said the threat had been made against a specific plane which had now landed at Arlanda. "When the evacuation is complete, the plane will be searched by the national bomb squad," police spokeswoman Towe Hagg said.

Swedish television said the plane was carrying some members of the Swedish swimming team who were travelling to France for a competition and to take part in a training camp. "Everyone is sitting quietly and waiting to know when we can get off the plane," SVT quoted freestyle swimmer Isak Eliasson as saying.

Norwegian said the threat had been made against flight DY4321 flying from Arlanda to Nice in France.
INDONESIA: Indonesian police found 193 Bangladeshis locked up in a shop house after human traffickers had lured them with the promise of getting them to Malaysia, an immigration official said on Thursday.

The men entered Indonesia as tourists via Bali and the city of Yogyakarta with the intention of going to Malaysia for work, North Sumatra`s immigration chief said. "They are victims of human trafficking and were lured here," Fery Monang Sihite said by telephone, adding that the men had been locked up in Medan on the island of Sumatra.

The men, who were described as in a healthy condition when they were found on Tuesday night, had been taken to an immigration detention centre and would be sent back to Bangladesh, Sihite said. One of the men, named as 39-year old Mahbub, was quoted by online news portal Tribun Medan as saying that some of the group had been held by the traffickers for three months.

"All of us were conned. The destination was meant to be Malaysia. We left from Bangladesh to Bali and arrived here after taking a four-day bus trip," Mahbub was quoted as saying. Reuters could not immediately reach the men or police for comment. Authorities were first alerted to the case after neighbours had reported hearing suspicious noises coming from the building, according to media.

Sihite said the men were not Rohingya Muslims. Hundreds of Rohingya have landed by boat in Sumatra in recent years after fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh, often intending to reach Malaysia. Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps in Rakhine state since violence swept the area in 2012.

More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh after fleeing an army crackdown in the north of Rakhine, according to United Nations agencies.
Brazil: A Brazilian Court on Wednesday announced 13 years of prison sentence to former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva convicted under graft charges. New York Times reported that Judge Gabriela Hardt of a city Court in the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba found Silva guilty of accepting bribes from construction companies, amounting to a total cost of USD 235,000 for the renovation of a country house.

In his response, Silva denied the reports by stating that his name was not mentioned on the title of the home, however, the prosecutors had shown evidence that he and his family had occupied the house.In the recent judgment, ten other people were also convicted, including top officials of the construction companies.

Judge Hardt, towards the end of the judgment, stated that it was beyond a reasonable doubt that the renovations were funded illegally by the construction companies Odebrecht and O.A.S. She further added that the former president was aware that there were systematic bribes paid to the party he belonged to; he was very aware that part of those sums was used for his personal benefit.

Meanwhile, Silva has appealed his first conviction to Brazils top courts and is expected to hear the appeal very soon. Gleisi Hoffmann, the president of the Workers Party, said: The persecution of Lula doesnt stop, while further adding, In the memory of the people and history, Lula will always be greater than his executioners.

According to reports, the former President is also convicted in at least six other cases. Lula was found guilty in `Operation Car Wash` scam that also involved a score of top politicos across several political parties of Brazil.

He was convicted of receiving a renovated beachfront apartment approximately worth USD 1.1 million as a bribe from an engineering firm. He was initially found guilty of the charges in July last year, the report said.

Subsequently in January last year, Lula was handed over the prison sentence by an appeals court, which had unanimously upheld the corruption and money laundering charges against him.Lula, who was Brazil`s 35th president from 2003 to 2011, was considered a frontrunner for the October elections before he was convicted and jailed.
Moscow: An Afghan delegation led by former president Hamid Karzai and representatives of Taliban say that they would continue their peace talks following two days of negotiations in Russia. About 40 Afghan politicians, excluding government officials, met on February 5-6 in Moscow.

The two sides, in a joint statement, said that they agreed to hold another meeting "as soon as possible" in Qatar, reported Afghanistan`s Tolo News. The declaration stated that all parties in the conference have agreed that a dignified and lasting peace is the aspiration of all the people of Afghanistan and this principle has been achieved in Moscow.

The joint statement also reiterated that in view of the current sensitive situation, the intra-Afghan dialogue must continue on regular basis.The parties in the conference considered these talks a positive step towards ending the imposed war on Afghanistan.

"All parties have agreed that systematic reforms be put in place in all national institutions including the security sector after a peace deal is signed. All parties agreed that the cooperation of regional countries and major countries are essential to determine lasting and nationwide peace in Afghanistan," read the joint declaration.

The declaration further stated, "All parties agreed that the values such as respect for the principles of Islam in all parts of the system, the principle that Afghanistan is a common home to all Afghans, support to a powerful centralized government with all Afghan ethnicities having a role in it, protecting national sovereignty and promoting social justice, to keep Afghanistan neutral in all regional and international conflicts, protecting Afghanistans national and religious values and undertaking a unified and single policy.

"The declaration also asserted that all parties agreed that to determine lasting peace in Afghanistan, several steps are need to be taken, including complete withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, asking all countries to avoid interfering in Afghanistans internal affairs, providing assurance to the international community that Afghanistan will not be used against any other nation, protection of social, economic, political and educational rights of the Afghan women in line with Islamic principles.

"All parties agreed that in order to create the atmosphere of trust and promote peace, in the first step, it is important that these items are taken into consideration, tackling the issue of all those inmates who are old, or suffering incurable diseases or have completed their prison sentences and the removal of leaders of the Taliban from the UN blacklist, opening of an official political office in Qatar for acceleration of peace talks," the declaration further stated.

Several leaders from Afghanistan mainstream politics to Taliban including former Vice President Mohammad Yunus Qanuni, former Balkh governor and Jamiat-e-Islami member Atta Mohammad Noor, Jamiat-e-Islami member Mohammad Ismail Khan, second deputy chief executive and Wahday party member Mohammad Mohaqiq, head of National Islamic Front of Afghanistan Sayed Hamid Gailani, and son of former president Sebghatullah Mujaddedi, Zabihullah Mujaddedi, along with the representatives of Taliban attended the talk.

The Moscow talks came after officials from over 40 countries attended the International Contact Group meeting in London, this week, including US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and President Ashraf Ghanis Special Representative on Regional Affairs for Consensus on Peace Umer Daudzai, to announce their support to the Afghan peace process.
Lucknow/New Delhi: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will arrive in Lucknow Monday on her first trip to the state after being appointed the Congress general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

She will be accompanied by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is now general secretary for western UP - all three visiting the crucial state for the first time after the appointments announced last month.

Congress workers are planning a road show when the three leaders travel from the airport to the party's state headquarter.

The party in Uttar Pradesh is seeing the visit as the virtual launch of the Congress campaign in the state, ahead of the coming Lok Sabha elections.

The decision on the visit was taken at a meeting in Delhi between the Congress chief, the two general secretaries for Uttar Pradesh and general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, the party said.

The two general secretaries will interact with party workers at the state Congress office in Lucknow on Feb 12, 13 and 14, Venugopal told reporters.

Rahul Gandhi is likely to return the same day, UP Congress spokesperson Anshu Awasthi said.

After her brief appearance before the media while dropping off husband Robert Vadra at the Enforcement Directorate office in Delhi on Wednesday, the Lucknow visit will mark her first public appearance after formally joining the party.

The two newly appointed incharges for Uttar Pradesh will take stock of the party's preparation for the polls. "The impending visit by the senior leaders, especially Priyanka Gandhi, has enthused party workers," Awasthi said.

Priyanka Gandhi was appointed a Congress general secretary last month, a move that ended years of speculation over her induction into the party.

Home to 80 Lok Sabha seats, Uttar Pradesh sends the highest number of MPs to Parliament, making it a key electoral battleground.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party faces a challenge in the state from the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj alliance, while the Congress is trying hard to retrieve lost ground.

Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha seats held by Priyanka Gandhi's brother Rahul Gandhi and mother Sonia Gandhi, are in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Varanasi constituency and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's stronghold Gorakhpur are also part of this region.
CHANDIGARH: 'Most wanted' gangster Ankit Bhadu was killed in the encounter between Punjab Police and Lawrence Bishnoi gang in Punjab's Mohali district on Thursday night.

An encounter was underway in Zirakpur's Peer Muchalla area. Heavy police personnel was been deployed in the area.

READ MORE: Notorious gangster Ankit Bhadu killed in encounter near Zirakpur

"Gangster Ankit Bhadu was critically injured and succumbed to his injuries in a hospital," AIG of the Punjab Police's Organised Crime Control Unit (OCCU), Gurmeet Singh Chauhan told new agency PTI.

Bhadu is reportedly around 25 years of age and carried a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh which was announced by Rajasthan Police. He was wanted in several criminal cases both by Punjab and Rajasthan police.

During the encounter, the gangster jumped from upper floor of a residential apartment trying to evade police arrest. He then took a family that included a six-year-old girl as hostage.

When asked to surrender, Bhadu opened fire at the police party in which a cop was said to have sustained injury.

The girl also sustained injury and had to be hospitalized, however the family is safe, Chauhan said.

Bishnoi shot into limelight after issuing death threat to Bollywood actor Salman Khan in Jodhpur during his court hearing at Jodhpur Court in the blackbuck poaching case.

Bhadu, a close aide of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was said to be on Rajasthan Police's "most wanted" list in connection with cases of murder, dacoity, loot and extortion.

Bishnoi, the leader of the gang is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan. The gang operates in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan and is chiefly involved robberies, extortions and contract killings.

With agency inputs
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday replied to the debate on the motion of thanks in the Lok Sabha to the President's address and used his address to launch a scathing attack on the Congress.

The Prime Minister took a dig at the Congress saying that the party was never sensitive towards people's aspirations and was more focused on promoting corruption.

He also mocked the Congress for targeting the BJP-led government at the Centre for price rise saying price rise and Congress are a team. He added that whenever Congress comes to power, the prices of essential commodities start to rise.

"Two songs became very popular, Baaki kuch bacha to mehengayi maar gayi and mehengai dayen khaaye jaat hai both these songs were in whos tenure? First during Indira ji, and second during remote control government," he said.

The Prime Minister remarked that the Congress leaders see things in two time periods. BC - Before Congress, when nothing happened. AD - After dynasty, where everything happened.

The PM also quoted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and said that he had said that joining Congress is like committing suicide.

In a scathing attack on the Congress, the PM said that in hating Modi, the opposition has begun to hate the nation. He also took a potshot at the Congress for sponsoring a press conference in London to show India in bad light.

Attacking the Congress for supporting dynasty politics, PM Modi said that his only crime is that he belongs to a poor family and is challenging their Sultanate.

Addressing the Rafale jet issue, the PM said that the Congress was making efforts to weaken the Air Force. "You had left Army handicapped; it was not in a position to carry out surgical strikes," Modi remarked.

The PM said that the Congress is accusing BJP of destroying institutions and they forget that it was Congress which imposed Emergency.

"Congress insults Army, calls the Army Chief a Gunda but Modi is destroying institutions. Congress misuses Article 356, but Modi destroying institutions. Congress leaders create stories that Indian Army is doing a coup but Modi is destroying institutions," he noted.

Attacking the Congress for claiming that Modi government has failed to create jobs in the country, the PM said: "In the past four years, there are over 6 lakh 35 thousand new professionals in the country. Do you think a doctor has opened his clinic or nursing home, he will only be given a job to a person, or a chartered accountant will only be running his office by placing one person on the job? No."
As The Fellowship and Stand for Israel mourn the passing of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, we are heartened by the remembrances by the many he touched during his life. Here, Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin remembers his friend and all that he did, and that that he got others to do:

American Jews like to argue over the nature of Christian evangelical support for Israel.

Many of those arguments center on Christians United for Israel  their political and theological agenda, and some of the more problematic pronouncements of its founder and executive director, Pastor John Hagee.

Forget CUFI, for a moment.

Lets talk about another organization  the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Quite simply: this is an organization that reaches out to Christian evangelicals, and encourages them to support Jewish needs and the state of Israel. Rabbi Eckstein focused, specifically, on the need of poor Jews in Israel and in the former Soviet Union.

I first became truly aware of this group when I read this article in the Sunday New York Times magazine. I was fascinated, especially by its leader, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, who has died at the age of 67.

I mourn him, and I pay tribute to his vision  and his menschlicheit.

In contrast to CUFI, Rabbi Ecksteins organization has no political agenda.

Its purpose is clear: getting Christians to become part of the unfolding path of Jewish history, and to support Israel, financially and emotionally.

And what a story Yechiel told!

I will never forget his public dialogue with then-president of the URJ, Rabbi Eric Yoffie.

Yechiel told the story of Christian kids who ask their parents not to give them Christmas presents, but rather, to send the money instead to Israel.

Impressive. And, enviable.

As my colleague Rabbi Avraham Bronstein recently wrote about a sermon that Rabbi Eckstein gave at the Great Neck Synagogue. he quotes Rabbi Eckstein:

My name is Yechiel Eckstein, and I raise money from Christians for Jewish causes and the State of Israel. Over the last ten years [at the time of this sermon], Ive raised well over one billion dollars  more than $100 million per year. My average donation is $20-something, and my office in Chicago receives many thousand donations per day.

As Rabbi Bronstein reported: There were audible gasps in the sanctuary.

Yes. Wow. Just, wow.

Wow  because when it comes to supporting Israel, many Christian evangelicals are eating our proverbial lunch.

They have surpassed the Jewish community in their support for Israel politically, emotionally and certainly financially.

To wit:

Thousands of Christian Zionists visit Israel for Sukkot.

During the darkest periods of terrorism in Israel, Christian Zionists kept Israeli hotels in operation, as American Jews found other places to visit.

When Jews go to Israel, they tend to go as tourists. When Christian evangelicals go, they go as pilgrims.

There are Christian families who tithe for Israel.

If we are sheepish when we read this, then perhaps we should remember the real meaning of Zionism.

It is Jews building thee land with the sweat of their brows, and with sacrificial offerings from their own wallets.

As the old Zionist hymn puts it: We have come to the Land to build and to be rebuilt by it.

Yechiel Eckstein demonstrated, to us and to the world, that gentile support for Israel need not be political; need not be theological; need not be rooted in anything other than a love for the Jewish people.

More than this: he demonstrated that there was a palpable need among Christians to support Israel and Jewish causes  perhaps out of a willingness to atone for what has been a very mixed history.

Perhaps this has been their teshuva.

He was 67?

That is far too young.

The great Hebrew poet, H.N. Bialik, might have written these famous words for Yechiel.

After my death, thus shall you mourn me There was a man and see: he is no more! Before his time did this man depart And the song of his life in its midst was stilled And alas! One more tune did he have And now that tune is forever lost Forever lost! And great is the pity! For a harp had he A living and singing soul And this poet, whenever he voiced it The inner secrets of his heart it expressed All its strings his hand would make sing out.

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein was a great man, whose tune of love and understanding and devotion is lost forever.

If you seek his eulogy, though, just visit Israel  and wonder aloud at all that he did, and all that he got others to do.

May his memory be a blessing.
CHENNAI: Actor-turned-politicial Kamal Haasan on Thursday said that the aim of his party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is not to forge alliance with any tainted group.

Talking to ANI, Kamal said that MNM is preparing to contest on all 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, adding that he is yet to decide from where he will contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

"Our aim is to not go with any tainted group. We are preparing to contest on all 40 seats (in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry). I cannot say at this moment from where I will contest," Kamal Haasan told ANI.

Kamal Haasan, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM): Our aim is to not go with any tainted group. We are preparing to contest on all 40 seats (in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry). I cannot say at this moment from where I will contest. pic.twitter.com/IlKlTfQUnB  ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019

Kamal's latest announcement is significant as it was widely expected that his party would enter into an alliance with the Congress before the upcoming General Elections.

It is to be noted that Kamal has repeatedly criticised the centre on many issues and had already clarified that he was never going to enter into an alliance with the BJP.

Haasan had also took a dig at the BJP after the interim budget, calling it a very self-serving budget.

In a series of tweets, the actor said: All the promises in this interim budget made to the middle class and the farmers might look impressive prima facie but if broken down to per diem/day allowance, it would amount to a paltry sum.

Earlier on December 16, when Kamal was asked if he would go it alone or ally with other parties for Lok Sabha polls, the popular actor had replied that such things cannot be said now.

Kamal Haasan had launched Makkal Needhi Maiam, which translates to Peoples Justice Centre, in February 2018 at a public meeting in Madurai.

(with agency inputs)
KOLKATA: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday took a dig at opposition parties' efforts to forge an alliance to take on BJP in upcoming Lok Sabha polls without a prime ministerial candidate, saying these parties were preparing for a wedding without a groom

Chouhan remarked that the opposition alliance is without any principle, intention or leader, PTI reported. He expressed confidence that the BJP will win 300 seats in the upcoming General Elections.

The former Madhya Pradesh CM also slammed Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party for forging an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, saying no one knows who has prevailed over whom - Akhilesh Yadav or Mayawati - to finalise the seat-sharing arrangement.

"Only hands have come together, but not the hearts," Chouhan said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Kolkata.

"The opposition does not have any niti, niyat aur neta (principle, intention or leader), while in our case all these are in front of the world," Chouhan was quoted as saying by PTI.

Chouhan also attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for staging a dharna to protect a 'corrupt' police officer now, but not doing anything for poor who lost their money in chit fund scam.

"Despite the poor people's sufferings, you (Banerjee) did not sit on a dharna. When your party's (TMC) leaders and MPs were arrested you did not think of sitting on a dharna. But when the CBI reached the residence of a police commissioner who is required for assistance in the probe, you opted for a sit-in," Chouhan remarked.

(with agency inputs)
BENGALURU: Amid reports of an outbreak of Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, across Karnataka, state health minister blamed 2018 Assembly elections for failure to immunise locals on time.

Every year they used to do immunisation, last year they forgot because of the election but when local MLA raised the issue we started. There are enough medicines, we've appointed a committee to review the situation, said Karnataka Health Minister S Patil.

In December 2018, a total of nine deaths due to monkey fever was reported in Shivamogga district alone.

Releasing the data, the Karnataka health department earlier said the department said 100 positive cases had been identified in the district since December 24, 2018. Over 120 monkeys too died of the disease in Shivamogga.

A health officer said over 20,000 people have been vaccinated till date.

"We are carrying out field surveillance and have so far surveyed 374 villages, said a health officer.

KFD is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever endemic in South Asia. People with poor immunity level are more susceptible to it. The virus spreads through parasitic ticks which latch on to monkeys and is transmitted to human through tick bites. The KFD infection, which starts with high fever and body ache, results in haemorrhage, similar to that in dengue.

It was first reported in the country from Kyasanur forests in Shivamogga district in 1957 and hence came to be known as KFD.

A vaccination drive is currently underway for the same. Since the disease is caused by a tick, the district authorities were distributing insect repellent.

With agency inputs
At least two Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers were injured in a clash in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, news agency ANI reported on Thursday.

The workers clashed with two Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) activists on Wednesday night near Pettah in Trivandrum.

Both of them were shifted to the Trivandrum Medical College in the state.

The police have registered a case against the DYFI activists and a probe has been initiated.
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan continues to remain worst hit with swine flu as the death toll hit 85, while 2,263 patients have been found positive with influenza, according to National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) report released on February 3.

According to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the H1N1 virus commonly known as swine flu has so far claimed 226 lives across the country.

On Wednesday, a meeting was held by the Health Ministry headed by Secretary Preeti Sudan to review on action taken to deal swine flu.

The ministry said that it has deputed a Public Health Team to Rajasthan to assess the situation and assist the states in strengthening the response to the increase in cases. Additional teams to Gujarat and Punjab to assist the states in outbreak response has also been ordered.

"Regular video conferences are being held to monitor the situation. States have been advised to involve district collectors in enhancing public awareness and outbreak response," the ministry stated.

Gujarat has the second most number of deaths (43) followed by Punjab (30), while more than 6,600 cases have been recorded in 2019.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday transferred the Muzaffarpur shelter home case to Delhi's Saket POSCO court.

Slamming the Bihar government for dragging its heels regarding details sought about shelter homes in the state, the apex court moved the Muzaffarpur shelter home case from Patna to Delhi and gave six months for the trial to be completed. It made clear that no further extension should be sought. "Enough is enough. We will ask Bihar Chief Secretary to appear before us. Get someone here who is conversed to what is happening in the state. You cant let your officers to treat unfortunate children like this. Spare the children," CJI Ranjan Gogoi said while also asking CBI to explain why the probing officer was transferred despite its previous order not to transfer any officer.

The entire case pertains to alleged sexual exploitation of girls at the Muzaffarpur shelter home which first came to light in the report of a social audit conducted by Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, which was submitted to the state social welfare department in April of last year. More than 40 girls were lodged at the shelter home and medical reports suggest that over half of them may have been sexually exploited at some point of time.

The FIR in the case was registered on May 31 against 11 people. On July 26, the Bihar government recommended a CBI inquiry into the matter.
NEW DELHI: Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate for several hours on Wednesday, will be questioned again in connection with a money laundering case on Thursday.

Agency sources said that Vadra has been asked to join the investigation again at 10.30 AM on Thursday.

Vadra appeared before the agency on Wednesday afternoon after which he was questioned for around six hours.

Vadra arrived at the ED's Jamnagar House around 3.45 PM and left around 9.35 PM.

He was accompanied by his wife and Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

She, however, left the ED office after dropping Vadra, who was questioned by the investigating agency for the first time.

A team of seven ED officials of the rank of Deputy Director and Assistant Directors took part in his questioning.

According to an ED official, Vadra was asked questions relating to transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London.

The ED's case relates to the ownership of 1.9 million pounds of undisclosed assets abroad, allegedly belonging to Vadra.

Soon after Vadra's questioning, his lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan told reporters "they wanted to harass him as part of political vendetta".

"He (Vadra) felt that something wrong is going to happen. He on his own went to the court and said he is going to appear voluntarily before the ED. He asked the court to give him the date to appear before the ED. The court gave today's date. He appeared before the ED on his own even without receiving summons.

"He answered every question he was asked. The matter is sub-judice, I cannot tell more. We have given the undertaking," Khaitan said.

The ED has lodged a money laundering case against Vadra's close aide Manoj Arora after his role surfaced during a probe by the Income Tax Department into another case under the new Black Money Act and tax laws against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

The London property was allegedly bought by Bhandari and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses on its renovation.

On December 7, as part of the investigation, the ED conducted searches at a number of premises in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.

The ED counsel has told a city court earlier that the London property was part of the kickbacks received in a petroleum deal. The money was transferred by Santech International, FZC, a UAE-based company controlled by Bhandari.

There were a few more properties that needed to be probed, the counsel said.

The official said that Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, is a key suspect in the case as he is aware of the overseas investments and purchases made by his employer.

He also said that the agency also confronted Vadra with the statement given by Arora.

The questioning came in the wake of an order by a Delhi Court on February 2 directing Vadra to appear before the ED for questioning while hearing the anticipatory bail plea filed by him.

The court had on Saturday also granted interim bail to Vadra till February 16.

Earlier in the day, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who accompanied her husband to the ED office made a strong political statement.

"I stand by my family," she later told reporters at the AICC headquarters where Congress workers shouted slogans hailing her. "Priyanka you fight on, we are with you!"

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP on Wednesday attacked Robert Vadra over kickbacks which his company allegedly recieved in the VVIP chopper scam case and a petroleum deal done under the UPA government in 2009, calling the Gandhi family "bail parivar" whose foundation was "built on corruption."

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked Rahul Gandhi to reveal Vadra`s connection with Santech -- a UAE-based company used as a front to funnel money in the petro-deal.

He challenged Gandhi to explain how a "road-pati" became a "crorepati" referring to Vadra.

"Poster of two criminals has been put up in front of Congress office. Both of them are out on bail; criminal number one Rahul Gandhi, in connection with National Herald case; and criminal number two, Robert Vadra (who appeared before ED today in connection with money laundering case)," Patra said.

He said that the 2019 general election will be fought between "corruption of Congress" and "transparent government of Narendra Modi".

Addressing a press conference here, he claimed that Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, utilised the money to buy posh properties worth several crore rupees in London.

Patra reiterated that Vadra benefited from a petroleum and a defence deal which took place in 2008-09 when the UPA was in power.

Quoting an e-mail trail, he alleged that Vadra's company received "kickbacks" from a series of companies floated to "turn black money into white".

Later, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad described the questioning of Robert Vadra by the Enforcement Directorate as the "measure of success of the Indian democracy."

(With Agency inputs)
NEW DELHI: Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by Enforcement Directorate for nine hours on Thursday, the second consecutive day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

His wife and Congress party leader Priyanka Gandhi came to the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi to pick him in her SUV. Vadra is expected to be questioned again on Saturday.

Official sources said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the United Kingdom.

It is understood that he was "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources said.

He was grilled for five-and-a half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday. His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

On Thursday, Vadra arrived at the ED office in an SUV at about 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers reached there.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Vadra's lawyer K T S Tulsi told reporters outside the ED office Thursday his client has not committed any wrongdoing.
NEW DELHI: Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate for several hours on Wednesday, arrived at the agency office for the second round of questioning in connection with a money laundering case on Thursday.

According to ANI, Vadra arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11:25 AM for questioning in the case.

Delhi: Robert Vadra arrives at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. ED had questioned him for nearly 6 hours yesterday. pic.twitter.com/uKK5wQTBEe  ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019

Vadra was grilled for nearly two hours in connection with the money laundering allegations against him.

Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law was askedby the ED officials to appear before the agency's office in Jaipur on February 12, said ANI.

Robert Vadra has been asked to appear before Enforcement Directorate, Jaipur office on February 12. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/dPkcviInEk  ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019

Vadra had appeared before the agency on Wednesday afternoon after which he was questioned for around six hours.

He was accompanied by his wife and Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

She, however, left the ED office after dropping Vadra, who was questioned by the investigating agency for the first time.

A team of seven ED officials of the rank of Deputy Director and Assistant Directors took part in his questioning.

According to an ED official, Vadra was asked questions relating to transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London.

The ED's case relates to the ownership of 1.9 million pounds of undisclosed assets abroad, allegedly belonging to Vadra.

The questioning came in the wake of an order by a Delhi Court on February 2 directing Vadra to appear before the ED for questioning while hearing the anticipatory bail plea filed by him.

The court had on Saturday also granted interim bail to Vadra till February 16.

Earlier in the day, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who accompanied her husband to the ED office made a strong political statement.

"I stand by my family," she later told reporters at the AICC headquarters where Congress workers shouted slogans hailing her. "Priyanka you fight on, we are with you!"

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP on Wednesday attacked Robert Vadra over kickbacks which his company allegedly received in the VVIP chopper scam case and a petroleum deal done under the UPA government in 2009, calling the Gandhi family "bail parivar" whose foundation was "built on corruption."

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said that Robert Vadra's appearance before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a success of democracy and a reflection of Modi government's will that even a person hailing from a very well-known family had to submit to the might of the law.

"I would not like to make a comment on the specific matter of Robert Vadra except to highlight that it is a measure of success of Indian democracy, rule of law and the current ruling dispensation's will that a gentleman hailing from a very well known family had to submit to the might of law," Prasad said answering a query after a briefing of the Union Cabinet here.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked Rahul Gandhi to reveal Vadra`s connection with Santech -- a UAE-based company used as a front to funnel money in the petro-deal.

He challenged Gandhi to explain how a "road-pati" became a "crorepati" referring to Vadra.

"Poster of two criminals has been put up in front of Congress office. Both of them are out on bail; criminal number one Rahul Gandhi, in connection with National Herald case; and criminal number two, Robert Vadra (who appeared before ED today in connection with money laundering case)," Patra said.
A massive fire broke out on the second floor of a prominent hospital in Noida's Sector 11 on Thursday morning.

Zee News correspondent Ashwini reported that several people had to be evacuated by breaking glass windows of Metro Hospital even as fire officials reached the spot and began efforts to control the blaze. A hospital official later confirmed to reporters that all patients have been evacuated and there are no fire-related injuries. "Once the patients were taken out, they were put in ambulances and transferred to other hospitals. No injury has been reported," said Dr Pushotam Lal, chairman, Metro Hospital.

Eyewitness reports say the fire broke out on the second floor and spread to the third and fourth floors. Reports also said that hospital security personnel and other members of the staff swung into action soon after the fire broke out and that it may be one of the reasons why all patients were taken out in a timely manner.

While the cause of the fire is not yet known, an investigation is expected to be launched.
BHS Awarded Grant to Support Low-cost Spaying & Neutering

Berkshire Humane Society is underwriting spaying and neutering dogs in the county through a grant.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Berkshire Humane Society has received a grant for $18,000 from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition's License Plate Program to continue providing low-cost spay/neuter services for cats

and dogs in Berkshire County.

This grant, which was funded in the fall of 2018, made BHS's successful "100 Cats for Christmas" program possible. A portion of the grant has been awarded to Animal DREAMS for its feral and community cat spay/neuter efforts, and the remaining funds will support the Humane Society's Be Hip & SNIP Your Dog.

Be Hip & SNIP Your Dog serves dog owners who are Berkshire residents and are in financial need. The program will provide low-cost spaying or neutering for approximately 50 dogs and puppies 3 months and older.

Participants purchase a $25 voucher at either the main shelter in Pittsfield or Bark N' Cat in North Adams. Dog owners must schedule the surgery with an approved veterinarian by April 30, 2019, and submit the voucher on the day of the surgery. Veterinarians taking part in Be Hip & SNIP Your Dog include Allen Heights Veterinary Hospital, Greylock Animal Hospital, North County Veterinary Hospital, Bilmar Veterinary Services, Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital, South Street Veterinary Services, and Valley Veterinary Services.

"We're honored to have received this grant for the sixth year," said Cheryl Truskowski, shelter manager

for BHS. "Without MAC's help we would not be able to provide this incredibly valuable service for people and animals, especially for such an affordable fee. When you adopt from us, your pet goes home spayed or neutered, which is why adoption is such a great, responsible option.

"For pets that were not adopted, we want to help make sure they are healthy and happy, and do not contribute to pet overpopulation. Spaying and neutering has many benefits  it helps reduce cancers and behavior problems."

MAC is a statewide, non-profit organization comprised of animal professionals and individual volunteers dedicated to decreasing the number of homeless, neglected, displaced, and abused animals in Massachusetts. Through its annual "I'm Animal Friendly" License Plate Program, MAC disperses funds to humane organizations and municipal animal control agencies in the commonwealth to provide low-cost spay/neuter services.
Kolkata: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday reportedly told the West Bengal government to take stern action against IPS officers who had participated in a dharna staged by CM Mamata Banerjee earlier this week. The MHA has reportedly also initiated a number of measures, including withdrawing medals, against them.

News agency ANI, quoting MHA sources, reported that the West Bengal government has been told to act as per All India Services (Conduct) Rules and take action against serving officers of uniformed forces who participated in the dharna last Monday (February 4).

The MHA may also remove names of delinquent officers from the empanelled list and bar them for a certain period from serving in the central government, ANI reported.

A number of IPS officers were reportedly present at Mamata's 'Save India' dharna at Kolkata's Metro Channel which was organised in protest against a team of CBI officials visiting Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence. While Mamata claimed that the Centre is misusing CBI and casting aspersions on the integrity of an honest police official, CBI alleged that Kumar had destroyed evidence when probing a chit fund scam as part of an SIT.

The matter was taken to the Supreme Court and CJI Ranjan Gogoi, while mentioning that no coercive measure may be taken against Kumar, also said that he needs to present himself before CBI and fully cooperate with investigations.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Assembly was adjourned for the day Thursday as BJP MLAs disrupted proceedings for the second day alleging that the Congress-JD(S) coalition government lacked majority. The nine Congress MLAs, who had skipped the legislature sitting Wednesday, were not present in the House on Thursday as well.

A chaotic scene greeted Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar as he entered, with the BJP MLAs in the Well of the House. Before Kumar could take his seat and start the proceedings, the BJP MLAs raised slogans like, 'Go backCM, Go back CM', 'Step Down CM, Step Down CM', 'Down down government without majority' and 'No unity, no majority'.

The agitating MLAs did not pay heed to the speaker's request that the BJP members resume their seats, prompting him to adjourn the proceedings for 10 minutes. When the House met again, the BJP continued with its protest, forcing the Speaker to adjourn proceedings till 12.30 p.M Friday when Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's government will table the 2019-2020 budget.

A similar chaos prevailed in the Karnataka Legislative Council where the BJP members trooped into the Well of the House and raised slogans saying the government has lost majority.

Disgruntled Congress MLAs Umesh Jadhav, Mahesh Kumtalli,Ramesh Jarkiholi and B Nagendra, who are reportedly in touch with the BJP, remained absent for the second day and were incommunicado.

Absconding Congress MLA J N Ganesh, for whom the police are on the lookout for allegedly assaulting fellow lawmaker Anand Singh during a brawl at a resort recently, too was absent. "It is an anti-people government which lacks majorityand hence, it has no right to continue," state senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister R Ashok told reporters.

Ignoring the whip, nine Congress MLAs had skipped the legislature sitting Wednesday, giving the jitters to the ruling coalition on the opening day of the budget session itself.

Unruly BJP members created a ruckus disrupting the address of Governor Vajubhai Vala to the joint session of th
PUNE: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is in talks with the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), a centre of the Indian Air Force, to provide medical support to Gaganyaan's crew members.

It is to be noted that Gaganyaan is India's maiden manned space mission in which the country's premier space agency is planning to send a three-member crew to space for seven days by 2022.

"ISRO has contacted us to collaborate with IAM which conducts research in aerospace medicine and trains airmen and pilots," Bipin Puri, Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), told PTI.

IAM is based in Bengaluru and is affiliated to the AFMS. "Since the infrastructure such as simulators at IAM is one of the best in the country, ISRO wants to join hands with IAM to train the crew members of Gaganyaan mission," Puri added.

Talking to reporters, Air Marshal Rajvir Singh, Director General, Medical Services (AIR) said the main challenge is to provide life support to crew members in space.

"The complexities of life support in space are enormous....And IAM is the only centre in the country to contribute in this direction. We are currently in discussion with ISRO to provide full spectrum of life support to the crew members of the space mission," he said.

Singh remarked that IAM is the only institute in India and South East Asia which conducts research in aerospace medicine, he said. "We also conduct programs for pilots and airmen to improve their effectiveness in the cockpit," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

(with agency inputs)
New Delhi: Delhi's Patiala House Court on Thursday adjourned till February 14, hearing on an application filed by Indrani Mukherjee seeking pardon as an accused in the INX Media case.

Indrani Mukerjea, currently lodged in Byculla jail, in connection with the murder of her daughter Sheena Bora, has sought pardon as an accused in the INX Media case as she is ready to turn approver.

Today's hearing was made via video conferencing as Indrani is already lodged in Mumbai jail. The court will ascertain if her application to turn approver was being made under any pressure or fear.

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram and son his Karti are accused in this case. Meanwhile, in the morning, Karti appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with its probe into the INX media case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

P Chidambaram has been asked to appear before the financial probe agency on February 8.

Karti has been questioned on several occasions in the case being probed by the ED as well as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Both the agencies are probing how Karti managed to get clearance from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in 2007 when his father held the Finance Minister portfolio.

Karti was arrested on February 28, 2018, by the CBI for allegedly accepting money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media.

The ED had registered a PMLA case based on a CBI FIR and alleged that irregularities took place in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007.

The ED probe so far showed that for the FIPB approval, INX Media directors Peter and Indrani Mukerjea met P. Chidambaram so that there was no hold-up or delay in their application.

The ED has said that the money so received by associated entities was channelled back into the ASCPL.

The ED has attached properties worth Rs 54 crore belonging to Karti and a firm in the case. It has also attached properties belonging to the Mukerjeas in connection with the same case.

With IANS Inputs
New Delhi: In a positive development, India and Pakistan both cleared each other's pending diplomatic and official visas. Both the countries also agreed on visas of air advisors after intervention at the high commissioner level.

Senior officials while confirming the development to WION said, "Fruit of intense diplomacy through High Commission. Diplomats should continue labouring to promote understanding, even when relations are strained"

Visa exchange is a routine issue but given the nature of India-Pakistan ties and current developments such as Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi calling separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq which led to the summoning of Pakistan High Commissioner by India, it is a development which shows a working relationship at least at a diplomatic level between the two countries.

This is also significant given the fact that tension between the 2 countries was high after Pakistani FM participated in a number of anti-India events including "Kashmir solidarity day" in London.

The month of January saw Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria meeting Pakistani foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and Pakistani High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood called on Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

Both countries are now working on India Pakistan officials meet to decide on the modalities for the Kartarpur corridor. The corridor was agreed last year and will be opened this year as part of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji.

India had suggested 26th February and 7th March for Pakistani delegation to visit New Delhi but Pakistan proposed 13th March for the visit of the Pakistani delegation to India followed by a return visit by Indian delegation to Pakistan on 28th March.

Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson tweeted the dates on Thursday evening.

The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992 among other protocols.

The code of conduct calls for "smooth and unhindered" functioning of diplomatic and consular officials in conformity with "recognised norms of international law and practice."
In a shocking incident in Madhya Pradesh, a minor girl was allegedly evicted from her hostel after she complained against the in-charge for molesting her, as reported by news agency ANI on Thursday.

The girl, along with her two brothers, was thrown out from the school hostel in Damoh district of the state. She had lodged a police complaint against the hostel in-charge named Kallu.

The victim belongs to a tribal community who along with her brothers used to study in a school run by a Christian missionary.

The family of the victim has requested the police to look into the matter and take appropriate action against those guilty.

A police investigation is underway in the case. The police have assured strict action against the culprit.

RS Vailvanshi, SP Damoh said, The matter is being investigated. Strict action will be taken against the culprit.
NEW DELHI: Congress party will abolish the Triple Talaq law if voted into power in Lok Sabha election 2019, said Mahila Congress president Sushmita Dev on Thursday.

Main aap logon se vaada karti hoon, ki Congress ki sarkar ayegi 2019 mein aur hum iss Triple Talaq kanoon ko khaarij karenge. Yeh aap logon se vaada hai. (This is my promise to you all, if Congress is in power in 2019, we will abolish the Triple Talaq law. This is our vow to you), said Dev at AICC minority department national convention in the national capital.

Lately a triple talaq law was brought in and through this Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created an atmosphere of confrontation between Muslim men and women.

Sushmita Dev, Congress at at AICC minority department national convention in Delhi: Main aap logon se vaada karti hoon, ki Congress ki sarkar ayegi 2019 mein aur hum iss Triple Talaq kanoon ko khaarij karenge. Yeh aap logon se vaada hai. pic.twitter.com/jkskEGXAiD  ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019

A lot of people opined that if the Triple Talaq Bill is passed it will contribute to the empowerment of women. However, we opposed it because this is another tool by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put Muslim men behind the bars. I am proud that crores of Muslim women wrote letters and campaigned to oppose it. Congress opposed it in parliament and I promise you that Congress government will come in 2019 and we will scrap this law, she added.

Amid a walkout by some opposition parties, the Triple Talaq Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with the support of 245 votes against 11 on December 27, 2018. The bill makes the practice of instant divorce among Muslims a criminal offence with a provision of three-year jail term for the erring husband.

I belong to Silchar and about 30-35 per cent people there, are from minorities. In Assam, you can see there is a divisive politics at play. A bill has been brought which aims at creating a divide among people of Assam on the name of providing citizenship. We will not allow any such law to be implemented in the country which is against the constitution. I have full faith in the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, said Dev.

With agency inputs
NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday summoned Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before it on February 9 in connection with the Sharada chit fund case probe.

Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, has been asked to appear in depose before CBI on February 7 in Shillong.

The CBI has attached 10 officers from its Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow units to its Kolkata office, which is probing the chit-fund scam cases, till February 20 to provide additional manpower during questioning of high-profile suspects, including the Kolkata police chief. A team led by Superintendent of Police Jagroop S Gusinha from the special unit in New Delhi will camp in Kolkata, an official order said.

A team of CBI was allegedly roughed up and detained for a few hours when it went to question Kumar at his residence in Kolkata on Sunday in connection with its probe into the Sharada and Rose valley chit fund cases.

Following the face-off between the CBI and Kolkata Police, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sat on hunger strike for over 45 hours starting on Sunday.

The CBI on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that Kumar, who was leading the SIT in the Saradha chit fund scam, had destroyed and tampered with evidence that could frame prime and potential accused persons. The top court then directed Kumar to "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation.

With agency inputs
NEW DELHI: Sushant Abrol, the brother of pilot Samir Abrol who was killed in the MiG plane crash on February 1 in Bengaluru on Thursday demanded a central government inquiry into the tragic accident.

Talking to ANI, Sushant said: We are not trying to politicise anything. People must know what happens to our bravehearts. We hear about soldiers who are martyred, however, not much is known about test pilots. Martyrdom in any form is a great sacrifice for the nation. It is important to know that what my brother did was voluntary. He was not forced to do it. He chose to do it.

What after the court of inquiry? Will we as a family ever know the reason? Or it will be confidential for government and the agencies to know what went wrong. Will the people behind it made accountable?, he asked.

Sushant said that it is the duty of the government to hold accountable those responsible for the death of his brother. He also demanded that the government must take steps in order to prevent such incidents in the future, ANI reported.

Maybe the system for its political agenda or gains does not bring out the clearer picture. That is my only request to the system, to give a clear picture, Sushant appealed.

Wife of Samir Abrol, Garima Singh told ANI, I want justice for my husband. And such things should never be repeated. My husband could have ejected early but that would have taken the lives of many other people. I request the government to hold the culprit accountable and punish them.

Two pilots of Indian Air Force were killed on February 1 after their Mirage fighter aircraft crashed during takeoff at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport. Squadron Leader Negi and Squadron Leader Abrol lost their lives while they were taking the plane for an acceptance test flight after it had been upgraded by the HAL there.

(with agency inputs)
A 52-year-old doctor of a Centre-run hospital allegedly committed suicide on Wednesday by hanging herself from a ceiling fan at her residence in North Avenue area in the national capital, as reported by news agency PTI.

The deceased, identified as Poonam Vohra, was a consultant Radiologist at Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, PTI said quoting the police.

The North Avenue police station was informed about suicide at 1 pm following which they rushed to the spot, added the police.

Investigations revealed that Vohra was on leave. Her husband and two children were not at home at the time of the incident. The flat was found locked from inside, a senior police officer said.

A suicide note was also found from the spot. The legal proceeding has been initiated and the post-mortem will be conducted on Thursday, he said.

Prima facie no foul play is suspected. However, family members will be questioned in connection with the incident, he added.

Vohra lived with her husband and two children at a government flat in Baba Kharak Singh Marg. Her husband works as a consultant with a private firm, police said.
Consultant Bernie Lynch of Community Paradigm Associates describes the candidates being recommended to the Board of Selectmen.

Adams Selectmen to Interview Three For Town Administrator

ADAMS, Mass.  Three candidates for town administrator are being brought forward for interviews with the Board of Selectmen later this month.

Consultant Bernie Lynch of Community Paradigm Associates and Town Administrator Search Committee member Jeff Grandchamp brought forth three candidates Wednesday for the Selectmen to consider: Jay Green, an attorney and former North Adams administrative officer; Steve Neratko, who works in economic development for the town of Dover, Vt., and Great Barrington Town Manager Jennifer Tabakin.

"I think we have three great candidates and the committee had the consensus that we were glad we were not the body making the decision to chose one of the three," Grandchamp said.

The search process began in early 2018 after Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco left his post but the search committee was not satisfied with the first candidate pool.

After suspending the process, the Selectmen voted to hire consultants Community Paradigm Associates to help with the search and, in January, the search committee was reformed.

Lynch said he was impressed by the quality of the candidates and briefly went over their resumes.

"We were pleased with the process and the response that we have received," he said. "It was a tough decision in many ways who to bring forward because they are such good candidates."

Lynch said Green is currently employed by Amtrak as a district manager and is heavily involved in the nonprofit Berkshire Scenic Railway, which runs through Adams. Prior to that, he was chief administrative officer for several years in North Adams and a prosecutor in the Berkshire district attorney's office.

"It was during a very difficult period back in the great recession and during that period of time, he served in the transition of two mayors -- one hired him and the other kept him on," Lynch said. "He comes highly recommended from the people in North Adams ... he knows Adams and he knows the region."

Neratko is the planner and director of economic and community development in Dover, but also has also served in a similar position in Allentown, Pa., and Dunkirk, N.Y.

"He has an understanding of downtown revitalization and project management and he comes with some engineering experience," Lynch said. "He has a good understanding of municipal government and what to bring to the table to help Adams."

Tabakin is currently the town manager in Great Barrington but has also worked for New York City mayor's office. She had informed her Great Barrington board last spring that she would step down on the expiration her six-year contract this June.

"She is looking for some new challenges and new direction and she has a particular interest with what is going on in Admas in the downtown and with the Glen," Lynch said. "She knows the Berkshires and she knows small government."

Chairman John Duval said he was impressed by the quality of the candidates and was happy to have a better selection this round.

"These three candidates all bring different strengths and qualities and ... by looking at the paper I think we have three very qualified candidates," he said. "So thank you."

Lynch said the committee selected these three candidates from a pool of 17 and that all references have been checked and cleared. He also said they cleared a CORI, or criminal background, check.

The town's next step is to schedule community tours for the three candidates next week.

The Selectmen plan to hold these interviews Saturday, Feb. 16, and plan to deliberate and make a decision the board's following meeting.
New Delhi: The Valentine Week has kickstarted on a high with Rose Day being celebrated each year on February 7. It is that time of the year when you can feel love is in the air. It's bliss for lovers and for all the singles out therepull up your socks and get on to find the love of your life.

Well, social media too is thumping with Rose Day messages and quotes. While some are sweet and mushy, it's the explosion of hilarious memes which will ake you go LOL right away!

Check out the best ones here:

Friend : Kya Kar raha hai ? Me : Rose day celebrate kar raha hun.. F : Kiske sath ? M : Zindagi ke saath, zindagi roz leti aur deti hain  subhadip Barman (@Meme_boy_Subha) February 7, 2019

Couples : Rose Day

Single : Thursday, Rainy Day, Holiday & Sleepy Day  Sachin Suvedi (@suvedisachin) February 7, 2019

Couple's

...... happy rose day and Me Single Happy Roz Jisa Day #journeyofadiza  Team Naamkarann (@i_saklaen) February 7, 2019

The Valentine's Week begins from February 7 to 14th. It is that time of the year when lovers who wait with bated breath to utter those three magical words to the loved one finally get the courage to say it.

Starting from Rose day, Propose day, Chocolate day, Teddy day to Promise day, Hug day, Kiss day and finally the much awaited Valentine's Day. So, start planning your entire week according to Valentine's calendar.

Happy Valentine's Week!
New Delhi: Telecom regulator Trai has served a showcause notice to Airtel over the blackout faced by some of its DTH customers during the switchover to the new tariff regime, sources said.

The showcause notice was issued by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) earlier this week, and Airtel has been given three days time to respond, they told PTI.

When contacted, an Airtel spokesperson said a few customers may have experienced delays in provisioning of channels, owing to a massive surge in last minute requests during migration, and that the service provider remains committed to ensuring compliance with all regulatory norms.

Trai has unveiled the new tariff order and regulatory regime for the broadcast and cable sector, which would pave the way for consumers to opt for channels they wish to view, and pay only for them.

It had said every channel should be offered a la carte, with a transparent display of rates on electronic programme guide.

The new framework came into effect from February 1.

In a statement Wednesday, Trai said it had "received information that while migrating consumers, one large service provider has caused blackout on the TV screen of a few thousand subscribers".

Taking a serious view, the regulator has issued showcause notice to that service provider, Trai statement said but neither identified the player, nor divulged any details.

A Trai official however confirmed that the operator in reference is Airtel and that in the said instance, certain customers who had made channel selection under the new framework, had faced disruption during the migration process and could only view the last channel they had chosen.

"So, Trai issued showcause notice on why adequate measures were not taken, despite the regulator insisting that consumers should not face any inconvenience," the Trai official said.

Responding to an e-mailed query, an Airtel spokesperson said, "customer experience is of paramount importance to us. We have over 15 million customers who are being migrated to the new tariff regime. Due to massive surge in last minute requests, particularly on January 31 and February 1, few customers may have experienced some delays in provisioning of channels".

"We remain fully committed to ensuring compliance with all Trai guidelines and will file our response to the notice," the Airtel spokesperson added.

Airtel's DTH offerings had 15 million customers at the end of the December quarter, an increase of 7.6 percent over the corresponding quarter last year.
New Delhi: US retail major Walmart, which invested USD 16 billion in Flipkart, Wednesday said it is committed to the Indian market and is optimistic despite recent changes in the FDI policy for e-commerce firms in the country.

The Bentonville-based retailing major's statement came after a recent report by global consultancy firm Morgan Stanley, which had hinted that Walmart may quit Flipkart as the new foreign direct investment (FDI) policy came into effect, which would lower its profitability in the long run.

Morgan Stanley, in a report titled 'Assessing Flipkart Risk to Walmart EPS' dated February 4, claimed that "an exit is likely, not completely out of the question, with the Indian e-commerce market becoming more complicated."

Walmart's and Flipkart's commitment to India is deep and long term. Despite the recent changes in regulations, we remain optimistic about the country,? said Dirk Van den Berghe, Executive Vice President and Regional CEO Walmart Asia and Canada.

He further added, "We will continue to focus on serving customers, creating sustained economic growth and bringing sustainable benefits to the country, including employment generation, supporting small businesses and farmers, and growing Indian exports to Walmart's global markets."

Tightening norms for e-commerce firms having foreign investment, the government, from February 1, barred online marketplaces like Flipkart and Amazon from selling products of companies where they hold stakes and banned exclusive marketing arrangements that could influence product price.

The revised policy on FDI in online retail, issued by the commerce and industry ministry, also said that these firms have to offer equal services or facilities to all its vendors without discrimination.

Last year on August 18, Walmart had completed acquisition of 77 percent stake in Flipkart for about USD 16 billion (Rs 1.05 lakh crore), a deal which gave the US retailer access to the Indian e-commerce market.
Mumbai: Sunny Deol has been approached to play a grey role in Amitabh Bachchan starrer "Aankhen" sequel, filmmaker Anees Bazmee has revealed.

"We have met a lot of people. We are negotiating with actors regarding dates and finance. Once things are finalised we will make a formal announcement.

"We did meet Sunny ji, we have known each other for a very long time. It is a grey character, it is a very nice role. Till the time formalities are not complete we can't say he is doing the film," Bazmee told PTI.

At the grand launch event of the film in 2016, the makers had announced that Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi and Ileana D'Cruz will join megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Arjun Rampal in "Aankhen 2".

The film is now produced by Eros International and Tarun Agarwal.

The sequel goes on the floor sometime this year and Bazmee says the delay is caused because of the then producer Gaurang Doshi. The director did not wish to share more details.

"The delay was because of the producer. We will start work this year. Bachchan sahab is there in the film. It is going to be a multi-starrer so we need to finalise dates of all actors."

The 2002 film, directed by Vipul Shah, narrated the story of Vijay Singh Rajput (Bachchan), a temperamental man, who is unceremoniously stripped of his duties as a bank manager and he decides to seek revenge by robbing the bank. He trains three blind men -- Arjun Rampal, Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal - to do the job for him.

The director says the sequel revolves around a casino heist.

"There are some changes, we can't talk about it in detail. The film revolves around a casino heist, we are shooting it abroad. There will be three blind men, two girls and one antagonist. There are some eight to ten main characters."

Asked if Kapoor, Arshad and Ileana, who were roped in three years back, will still be part of the sequel, Bazmee said, "Some will be there some won't be there."
Mumbai: The film fraternity has wholeheartedly welcomed the Union Cabinets nod to amend the 1952 Cinematograph Act, to control film piracy and copyright infringement. The amendments provide for inclusion of a new section for the prohibition of unauthorised recording of films screened in cinema halls.

The Producers Guild of India in a statement said it wholeheartedly applauds the government for giving cabinet approval for the amendment which is in line with the announcement made by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to tackle the menace of camcording and film piracy at the inauguration of National Museum of Indian cinema at Mumbai on January 19.

Siddharth Roy Kapur, President of the Producers Guild of India said, "This is a significant move to protect intellectual property in our country. This communicates to all stakeholders that as a country we respect and reward innovation and creativity, and will ensure that the rights of owners and creators of this intellectual property are safeguarded."

Reacting to the amendment, producer Anand Pandit said, "Issues like copyright infringement, film piracy, camcording and content leakage have definitely led to weakening the Indian film industry by hampering the deserved revenue production. I welcome the amendment to the Cinematographer Act which will penalise anyone who indulges in piracy. Unofficial estimates have put the loss of revenue to the Indian film industry because of piracy at 2.5 billion dollars. What is needed now is strict implementation of the same."

Director Omung Kumar B said, "I welcome the move by the Modi government. For the longest time, many films have suffered because they have either been leaked online or prints have been stolen from cinema halls. I believe that with the fear of being penalised will act as a huge deterrent, at least significantly. I believe that now the implementation of this amendment is what is needed. It should be strictly implemented and that will really help the industry."

According to the Cabinet note, notwithstanding any law for the time being in force, no person shall without the written authorisation of the author be permitted to use any audiovisual recording device to knowingly make or transmit or attempt to make or transmit or abet the making or transmission of a copy of a film or a part thereof.
PATNA: Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha has accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of hatching a conspiracy to kill him during a protest march last week where he and other leaders were lathi-charged by the police.

"Nitish Kumar plotted to kill me. I was attacked during the Raj Bhawan march. I demand that the incident should be probed by a sitting judge (of the Patna High Court) immediately," Kushwaha said.

The RLSP chief alleged that an FIR was registered against him and 250 of his colleagues by the Chief Minister.

Further taking a swipe at Nitish Kumar, RLSP chief said, "I am giving a warning to Nitish Kumar. If he does not withdraw his complaint, then by February 9, all of us and 250 unknown people will surrender at the Kotwali Police Station."

On February 2, RLSP protesters while marching towards the Raj Bhawan in Patna for educational reforms in Bihar were subjected to baton charge.

Several protesters, including Kushwaha, were injured and many were detained during the protest.

The party on Monday observed "Bihar Bandh" in protest against the police lathi-charge on Kushwaha and other political leaders during its "peaceful" Jan Akrosh rally.

Scores of RLSP leaders and workers took out rallies across the state while holding aloft placards and party flags.

Armed with 'lathis' (sticks), the workers raised slogans against Kumar and termed him a "dictator".

(With ANI inputs)
The Inter-Party Coalition for National Sovereignty has kick-started the 'Aagbe Wo' demonstration on the streets of Accra on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

Their motive is to draw attention of the government to the recent incidents of violence in the country, especially with regards the Ayawaso West Wuogon election on Thursday, January 31, 2019.

According to Adomonline.com, it is also intended to address issues of security in the country, which they claim threatens Ghanas democratic credentials.

Source: Adomonline.com

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Mahama rallies support for Aagbe Wo demonstration

The Inter-Party Coalition for National Sovereignty, comprises the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) and the Ghana Consolidated Peoples Party (GCPP).

Source: Adomonline.com

Source: UGC

The rest are the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), the Peoples National Convention (PNC), United Front Party (UFP), the EGLE Party and the All Peoples Congress (APC).

Source: Adomonline.com

Source: UGC

The convenor of the coalition, Bernard Mornah, explained that its resolve to embark on the demonstration stems from the violent incident that temporarily disrupted the voting process at one of the polling stations during the Ayawaso by-elections and led to the injury of at least six persons.

Source: Adomonline.com

Source: UGC

He however explained that the protest is to send a clear signal to the government to check the level of insecurity in Ghana, which they say is threatening the countrys democracy.

Source: Adomonline.com

Source: UGC

YEN.com.gh understands that the demonstration is a result of the incidents of violence that occured during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George was assaulted in the process.

Source: Adomonline.com

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Dzidzor Mensah kisses John Dumelo in a wild photo

Ghana News Today: EOCO secures order to freeze assets of Menzgold and related companies| #Yencomgh

Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place.

Source: Yen
An American TV host, Bianna Golodryga, has described Ghana's economy as one of the hottest and fastest growing economies in the world now.

According to Golodryga, Ghana's economy is even growing at a faster pace than that of the United States of America.

Golodryga, one of the host for the morning show of America-based international TV channel CBS made the statement while discussing the State of the Union address by US President Donald Trump.

Bianni Golodryga and US president Donald Trump

Source: Original

Trump, while listing his achievements since he became President of US described the American economy the hottest economy worldwide, maintaining that the current economic growth rate of the country is unprecedented.

READ ALSO: 5 Ghanaian celebrities who had babies in less than 9 months after marriage

Trump said: "...In just two years since the election, we have launched an unprecedented economic boom, a boom that has rarely been seen before. Theres been nothing like it. We have created a 5.3 million new jobs and importantly, added 600,000 manufacturing jobs, something which almost everyone said was impossible to do but the fact is we are just getting started

The US economy is growing almost twice as fast today as when I took office and we are considered far in the way, the hottest economy anywhere in the world, not even close, Trump was reported by Ghanaweb.com to have added among other things.

But joining other co-hosts of her show on the CBS' Late Show', Golodryga stated though Trump had been able to stabilise and make the US economy a healthy one, it was definitely not the hottest or fastest growing economy in the world.

READ ALSO: First beautiful photos of Becca with baby bump drop

Speaking in a video sighted by YEN.com.gh, Golodryga disclosed that the economies of Ghana and other countries like Nigeria and China were growing faster than that of the US>

Theres a difference if you are talking about a healthy economy and the hottest economy ever in history which is just not the case, Ghanas economy is growing faster than the US economy, Nigerias economy is growing faster, India, even Chinas economy is slowing but still growing at a faster rate than the US economy, Golodryga stated.

US President, Donald Trump read his second State of the Union Address before a joint session of Congress at about 2:00 GMT on February 6, 2019.

Ghana News Today: EOCO secures order to freeze assets of Menzgold and related companies| #Yencomgh:

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Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place

Source: Yen
The School Committee on Tuesday voted to hire the current business administrator full time.

North Adams Hires Away NBSU Business Administrator

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The current part-time business administrator will become full-time in July at the expiration of a contract with the North Berkshire School Union.

Carrie Burnett, who was hired last year as part of a one-year shared services agreement with the union, will take over all budgeting and finance office for the North Adams Public Schools.

The School Committee on Tuesday voted to retain Burnett and authorized a contract based on the agreement approved last year but updated to reflect Burnett's full-time position that includes a $1,000 stipend from NBSU as salary; a 1.5 percent contractual increase, based on the teachers' negotiated rate. The city had already been picking up the health insurance as part of the agreement.

Superintendent Barbara Malkas said the job was posted in January and three applications were received. One person was not certified and of the two others, Burnett was interviewed by both her and Mayor Thomas Bernard.

"We had a very good conversation on not only the perspectives on a year in service but thinking about how now to expand that role as it becomes full time, particularly in areas related to grants management," Bernard, chairman of the School Committee. "I make the recommendation here with a very high degree of confidence."

The School Department had sought out the shared services agreement with the Clarksburg, Florida, Monroe, Rowe and Savoy school districts after being unable to find a certified and qualified candidate last year to take over the business administration post.

But the responsibilities of the post had changed over the past year, Malkas had explained last month. The School Department had received a number of large grants that required more coordination from the financial office than the part-time post could accommodate. Rather than hiring a grants manager, it seemed more productive to make the business administrator full time.

The School Committee had agreed to allow the shared services agreement to expire at the end of the fiscal year. Burnett had been with the school union for seven years.

Burnett said the fiscal 2020 budget timeline continues on target, with a draft proposal anticipated for next month's meeting.

"We have received the governor's budget. The word that we're receiving through the associations and other legislative bodies is that it is very much a work in progress," Malkas said. "We're using those figures really as a baseline because both legislative bodies are communicating about doing something about Chapter 70 state aid for schools."

The superintendent said they would be paying close attention to any changes in figures and how those might impact the budget. The committee also briefly touched on the government shutdown, with Malkas saying some grants could be impacted going into fiscal 2020, especially if another were to occur. There is enough funding in place, however, to cover the food program into June should that happen.

"Right now, we're hoping that there was at least sufficient turmoil to have the message that people really do notice when there's a government shutdown and that it affects so many people across the nation in so many ways," she said.

In other business:

The mayor thanked Burnett and others for their patience during a photo shoot by the city's insurer, the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association. North Adams is being featured on the agency's annual report and Bernard asked that other staff come in to be photographed.

Burnett provided the answer to last month's question of how much the substitute teacher pay rate increase of 6.25 percent would cost: $3,500 for the year. The two other pay-rate increases for teacher assistants and substitute paraprofessionals will be the step one on the negotiated rate scale. Malkas said there was confusion in trying to compare to other districts last month because different terms were being used by other districts.

By past practice, the sub rate would be whatever step one is, she said. "By taking this option to accept this practice, it will be addressed in regular contract negotiations."

The rate was approved as presented.
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Washington, DC - "When Republicans and Democrats talk, debate, and seek common ground, we can achieve breakthroughs that move our country forward and deliver for our citizens." ~ President Donald J. Trump

TRANSFORMING OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: President Donald J. Trump joined with members of both parties in Congress to make our criminal justice system fairer for all Americans.

The landmark First Step Act signed into law by the President reformed decades of policies that failed to ensure a fair justice system for all Americans.

President Trump worked with Congress to pass commonsense sentencing reforms, such as eliminating three-strike mandatory life sentencing for Federal drug offenders.

The First Step Act will help prepare inmates to successfully rejoin society, including through vocational training and educational coursework.

This legislation will make our communities safer by reducing recidivism and keeping violent criminals and sex offenders off our streets.

The Act received widespread support across the political spectrum, demonstrating that true bipartisanship is possible when both sides work to find common ground.

FIGHTING THE OPIOID CRISIS: President Trump has worked with Congress to combat the opioid crisis that has devastated our communities.

President Trump has joined Republicans and Democrats in Congress to enact bold legislation to combat the opioid crisis.

The President signed the bipartisan SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act in October 2018, marking the largest single piece of legislation to address a drug crisis in history.

The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act expands access to addiction treatment and cracks down on the trafficking of illicit drugs.

This legislation passed both the House and Senate by overwhelming, bipartisan margins.

ADVANCING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: President Trump has championed bipartisan legislation to train our workforce and promote economic prosperity.

President Trump signed bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career Vocational and Technical Education Act in July 2018. Reauthorization had stalled in Congress for years before breaking through last year.

President Trump signed the Womens Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act in January 2019, promoting opportunity for female entrepreneurs worldwide.

President Trump signed a sweeping new Farm Bill that expands crop insurance, doubles how much farmers can borrow, and helps open up new markets for American farmers.

CARING FOR OUR VETERANS: The President has joined with Congress to ensure our veterans receive the respect and quality care they deserve.
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By Bryan Hellios

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Wakefield  The Michigan State Police announced that 11 troopers from the Upper Peninsula were awarded the Cpl. Samuel A. Mapes Criminal Patrol and Investigation Award, including a local trooper.

Tpr. Alexander L. Sackmann of the Wakefield Post received this award which is only given to the top 5 percent of troopers in each district who look past the traffic stop.

Sackmann made 11 felony arrests in 2018 that met the criteria for this award.

Sackmann joined the department in 2017 and came to the Wakefield Post directly out of the 133rd Trooper Recruit School. He is a 2008 graduate of A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer and graduated summa cum laude from Northern Michigan University in 2012, earning a bachelors degree in psychology.

He joined the Michigan National Guard in 2009 as a combat engineer with the 107th Engineer Battalion (Upper Peninsula). He was commissioned as an officer in the Engineer Regiment and has served four years active duty, including a tour in Afghanistan, holding the rank of captain. Currently, he is serving as Commander of the 1431 Engineer Company, Michigan National Guard in Calumet.

Sackmann resides in Bessemer, with his wife Emily and daughter Natalie.

Sackmann enjoys working in his hometown.

I really feel like I get to help people I know, kind of paying back the community  they helped pick me up and raised me, and now I get to give back a little bit and help them out, Sackmann told the Globe in January 2018.

The award was established to honor Mapes, an early pioneer who was shot and killed after stopping two vehicles he suspected of transporting illegal liquor. The driver of one of the vehicles offered him a bribe, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, which he refused. Mapes then stopped a third motorist and asked him to call for assistance. While talking to the motorist the suspect approached him from behind, grabbed his service revolver, and shot him. The suspect fled but was later apprehended and sentenced to life in prison.

Other troopers who were awarded the 2018 Cpl. Mapes Award are:

Randy Rovelsky, Negaunee post; Alan Park, Negaunee Post; Shane Hauff, Negaunee Post; Andrew Peterson, Negaunee Post; Eric Farnsworth, Gladstone Post; Jay Hills, Hometown Security Team; Paul Ferraro, Sault Ste. Marie Post; Samuel Ekola, St. Ignance Post; Cole Hodge, Iron Mountain Post; Nichole Dyson, Calument Post.

Each award recipient receives a special service ribbon to wear on their uniform which has 7 blue stars in honor of Corporal Mapes who was the seventh MSP trooper to die in the line of duty.

All of the troopers were recognized at a ceremony Wednesday in Lansing.
By RICHARD JENKINS

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Bessemer  Gogebic County Prosecutor Nick Jacobs has brought charges against a fifth person in connection to a Marensico Township home invasion last December.

An Appleton man, 31, is being held in the Outagamie County Jail pending extradition proceedings to Gogebic County on charges of armed robbery, first-degree home invasion, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, possession of a weapon while committing a felony and being a felon in possession of a weapon.

His name is being withheld until his arraignment.

The most serious charge, armed robbery, carries a potential life sentence.

The announcement of the arrest Wednesday brings the total number of those charged in connection to the December armed robbery home invasion to five.

The owner of the East Shore road residence in the Lake Gogebic area was assaulted and tied up during the early morning hours of Dec. 18 in the home invasion where money and guns were stolen.

Court documents reference silver and gold bars and coins in the various charges other defendants face.

The property owner was able to free himself and alert police, leading to an unsuccessful search of the area and the execution of a search warrant in the city of Ironwood.

Gogebic County Sheriff Pete Matonich said in December the suspects had been believed to have fled the state.

Two of the other four defendants waived their extradition proceedings in the case, while the other two have extradition proceedings pending.

Todd Matthew Norton, 47, and Amber Jo Dorschner, 41, of New London, Wis., were extradited on multiple felony charges after being arrested in east central Wisconsin in January.

Norton was arraigned Jan. 18 and is charged with armed robbery, first-degree home invasion, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, possession of a weapon while committing a felony and being a felon in possession of a weapon.

Dorschner was arraigned Jan. 16 and is charged with receiving and concealing stolen property valued between $1,000 and $20,000 and conspiracy to commit receiving and concealing stolen property.

Both charges carry a potential maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Both defendants were arrested Jan. 9 in Waupaca Countys New London.

Brandon Scott Luter, 31, of New London is charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery and receiving and concealing stolen property. The conspiracy charge also carries a potential life sentence.

Heather M. Worm, 36, of New London, is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree home invasion and receiving and concealing stolen property. The conspiracy charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The State Department approved 386 of the 867 claims filed, officials said. The agreement covered U.S. citizens, as well as deportees who settled in other countries after the war. It did not cover citizens of France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Poland and the former Czechoslovakia because those countries have their own reparations programs, Eizenstat said.

Most who are receiving payments are Americans or Israelis, officials said, but they include survivors, spouses and heirs from Canada, Mexico, Peru and other countries. They also include eight to 10 U.S. and Canadian airmen who were deported after being shot down over France, officials said.

The total payments will end up being almost double what many recipients initially were paid during the first round in the summer of 2016, when about $30 million was paid out.

State Department officials said they had made conservative payments as quickly as possible because so many of the survivors and their spouses were elderly. The department is now making a second round of payments to those recipients, as well as to applicants who filed successful claims later.

Letters to the recipients announcing the second round of payments were mailed this week, said Jennifer Newstead, the State Departments legal adviser.

While no program can provide complete justice for all those who were impacted by deportation from France, Newstead said, we hope those affected by one of historys darkest eras will receive some additional relief from these further payments.
YORK  The defendant in a case involving the largest seizure of methamphetamine and cocaine in York County history has entered a plea and will be sentenced in federal court.

In March, 2018, a deputy with the York County Sheriffs Department was on routine patrol on Interstate 80 when he stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation.

The deputy observed multiple indicators of criminal activity and asked the occupants for consent to search the vehicle. The occupants consented to a search.

When the deputies searched the vehicle, they found a very large amount of methamphetamine and cocaine hidden inside the hatch door.

Deputies found 14 bundles consisting of 9.85 pounds of cocaine and 10.11 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of $500,000.

York County Attorney Christopher Johnson was on hand at the sheriffs department as the deputies unwrapped the controlled substances. He noted that the seized substances were of very high grade.

Sergio Rodriguez, a resident of California and the driver of the vehicle, was charged and later indicted in federal court.

He has since entered a plea and is scheduled to be sentenced in March.
Some local elected officials do not want you to vote on this constitutional amendment because they do not want limits on taxes or structural changes to our property tax system. For example, the City Council and Mayor in York recently voted to oppose LR 8CA. This is not surprising. Local governments have opposed limits on their own ability to tax and spend for years. You should expect to see property tax-funded local government officials mobilize to try and stop property tax relief and this constitutional amendment from going to a vote of the people.

While controlling spending to deliver tax relief may seem like common sense, some senators and special interests who do not want to control the growth of government are taking a different approach to tax policy in the Legislature. This year, several bills in the Legislature that claim to provide property tax relief actually raise taxes and would take more of your money. These bills propose to raise taxes on food, home remodeling, vehicle repairs, and haircuts among many other kinds of tax hikes. I oppose this approach. Taking more money away from you by raising taxes is not tax relief. It is a tax increase that will grow government, and property taxes will continue to go up without limits. I will work with Senators to stop these attempts to raise your taxes and spend more of your money.
Israel's UN ambassador on Thursday accused international observers in Hebron of acting as "a violent, biased" force and defended the government's suspension of their mandateand US support for Israel's action.

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Danny Danon said that instead of maintaining order and neutrality, the observers "used violence, created friction with the civilian population, and interfered with security forces."

The United States on Wednesday blocked an Arab-backed Security Council statement put forward by Indonesia and Kuwait expressing regret at Israel's action, recognizing the observer mission's "efforts to foster calm in a highly sensitive area," and calling for protection of Palestinian civilians.

TIPH observers in Hebron (Photo: AP)

The Temporary International Presence in Hebron or TIPH was established in 1994 following Israeli settler Baruch Goldstein's massacre of 29 worshippers in the city's Ibrahimi Mosque. The mosque is located at a site that is also revered by Jews as the Tomb of the Patriarchs.

A Security Council resolution adopted in March 1994 strongly condemned the Hebron massacre and called for measures to be taken to guarantee the safety and protection of Palestinian civilians, which led to TIPH. In its latest form, Norway, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey provided unarmed observers and funded the mission.

TIPH observers in Hebron (Photo; AFP)

Foreign ministers from the five countries expressed regret at Israel's announcement in December that it would not renew TIPH's mandate which expired on January 31 and stressed Israel's obligation to protect the people in Hebron and other Palestinian areas.

"The contributing countries have supported the mission to fulfill its mandate at the parties' request, and in the parties' interest" and have "contributed to preventing violence and promoting a feeling of security for the population in Hebron," their joint statement said.

"We therefore strongly object to any claim that the TIPH has acted against Israel," the ministers said. "Such claims are unacceptable and ungrounded."

Danny Danon (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israel's Danon was critical.

"There is no place in Israel or anywhere in the world for an international force to harm the country in which it operates," he said.

"The United States stands by Israel's right to not renew TIPH's mandate and to act on its own accord to ensure stability, without the help of a violent, biased international force," Danon said. "That the Palestinians want to maintain violent observers in Hebron attests to their intentions."
A man was moderately wounded on Thursday after being struck in the head by a stone that was hurled at his vehicle near a settlement of Kokhav HaShahar in the West Bank.
Russia demanded Turkey do more to tackle militants in Syria's Idlib province and fulfil promises it made as part of a deal with Moscow last year, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

Turkey and Russia, the Syrian government's principal foreign ally, brokered a deal in September to create a demilitarised zone in the northwest Idlib region that would be evacuated of all heavy weapons and jihadist fighters.
The results of the Likud Party primaries bring important tidings to the political right in Israel, which is led by the Likud Party, which is led by Benjamin Netanyahu. It turns out once again, this time very clearly, that Likud, unlike the prominent left-wing parties, is a party that represents a political ideal and not an individual. While without Yair Lapid there is no Yesh Atid, and without Benny Gantz there is no Israel Resilience, Likud will remain alive and kicking and in power long after the days of Benjamin Netanyahu have passed.

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The results of the primaries give expression to the Likud's years-long delicate balance between the respect given to the chairman, giving him the authority and the room to lead, and ensuring that the chairman is not the be-all and end-all of the party.





The Netanyahus voting in the Likud primaries (Photo: Sharon Revivo)

Gideon Sa'ar voting in the Likud primaries (Photo: Shaul Golan)

The Likud Party, as you know, doesn't make a habit of ousting sitting chairmen. In fact, Likud has never ousted a sitting chairman. All of the chairmen who saw out their terms chose to do so, including Netanyahu in 1999, when he lost an election. On the other hand, Likud members don't genuflect before the chairman or accept all of his positions and recommendations.

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein's top spot, and doubly so the fourth place won by Gideon Sa'ar, show that Likud members value loyalty to the path, not to the leader. If Sa'ar is a leader who knows how to promote Likud's path and spirit, he will rise up the listeven if the prime minister fights him with all of his might.

The party's ability, as an organization, to have its own agenda in the primaries, separate to that of the chairman, is critical in light of the challenges Likud may have to contend with soon.

Likud primaries polling station in Tel Aviv (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

Many on the right, and certainly in Likud, believe Netanyahu is innocent of the corruption allegations levelled against him, and the truth is there are several very good reasons to think so. Despite this, the chances Netanyahu would have to vacate the Prime Minister's Office due to legal reasons is becoming, with time, more and more concrete. It may not happen immediately after the elections, but it certainly could happen in his next term. In such an event, the party must have the ability to quickly choose a new leadership and embark on a new path, and not be dragged down with the leader.

The primaries have proven that with all of the difficulties that entails, Likud is certainly capable of that, and will be able to continue to lead Israel's right-wing even in the post-Netanyahu era.
Australia is on track to meet its carbon emissions target under the Paris Climate accord well before 2030, thanks to increasing growth in wind and solar power, a study has found, contradicting a report last month calling for sharper emissions cuts.

With several big wind and solar farms opening over the past year and rapidly growing installation of rooftop solar panels, Australia is adopting renewable energy faster per capita than the rest of the world, said a study published by Australian National University (ANU) researchers on Friday.

The pipeline of new wind and solar systems is averaging about 6.3 gigawatts (GW) a year, the study showed.
The security forces on Thursday detained three Palestinians suspected of throwing stones at Israeli vehicles in the West Bank in December. A nine-month baby was wounded in the incident.
A large number of prisoners in Iran will be pardoned on Thursday in honour of the 40th anniversary of the revolution that toppled the US-backed Shah, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on his Twitter account.

The number of prisoners that will be pardoned by Khamenei was not announced, but Iranian media earlier said around 50,000 prisoners will enjoy "the Islamic clemency".

The country is holding official celebrations for the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that will culminate next Monday in a nationwide rally.
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit is expected to bar politicians from posting joint photos with Israel Defense Forces soldiers on their social media outlets in order to promote their election campaign.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also serves as the defense minister, as well as members of his ruling Likud Party and members of other parties will not be allowed to use photos with IDF troops on their private Facebook and Twitter pages. They will also not be allowed to appear with the troops on billboards, however, the attorney general is expected to allow posting photo ops on official social media platforms.

Netanyahu meets with soldiers from the 51st Battalion on the Gaza border (Photo: Amos Ben-Gershom, GPO)

Mandelblit has been reviewing the issue after the Labor Party filed a petition to the Central Elections Committee Chairman, High Court of Justice Deputy Chief Hanan Melcer, calling on him to prevent further posts involving soldiers on politicians' private social media accounts.

In its appeal, Labor said that using the army to promote election campaign propaganda is prohibited according to the Knesset Elections Law. "Election propaganda will not be used in the IDF as to create the impression that the army is affiliated with a party or a list of candidates," the law says.

Following Labor's petition, Military Advocate General Major General Sharon Afek began formulating an orderly procedure to apply to the prime minister and additional politicians visiting military units, Yedioth Ahronoth published earlier.

Senior IDF officials said that the procedure is being formulated due to the vast amount of politicians who visit IDF bases during the election season, rather than because of Netanyahu, who as defense minister is allowed to visit army camps.

Likud representatives said in response that "The nature of the photos is informative and serves the public's right to know."
Iraqi militias say they have launched dozens of missiles targeting Islamic State militants holed up in a Syrian village across the border.

The state-sanctioned Popular Mobilization Forces said Thursday they fired 50 missiles at targets in Baghouz village, in the last speck of territory held by the extremists.

Iraq's military has bombed IS posts inside Syria before, but the militias -- many of which are backed by Iran -- rarely engage in cross-border shelling. Some PMF factions are fighting inside Syria.
Israeli security forces returned to Lebanon Thursday a Lebanese national who crossed the border into Israel two days ago.

The suspect was caught shortly after crossing and was returned to Lebanon after questioning.
They were born eight years apart. One of them was born to traditionally Jewish parents who immigrated to Israel from the ruins of post-war Europe, while the other also came from a traditional home, with parents who immigrated to the Jewish state from turbulent North Africa.

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Both were talented children who were accepted at prestigious schools. Both worked during their vacations  one in the fields and the other in hotels.

Benny Gantz, Avi Gabbay (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky, Alex Gumberg)

After graduating from high school, both were drafted into the Israel Defense Forces, and continued as career soldiers after their compulsory service. One remained in the army, moving up through the ranks, while the other retired after reaching the rank of a major. The latter studied economics studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and began working in the Finance Ministry's Budget Division, at the time seen as the civil service's most prestigious department. After deciding to leave the civil service, he climbed to the top in the private sector and was appointed CEO of Bezeqone of the most biggest and most important corporations in Israel.

But our other protagonist was gaining his own life experience, in the military. He also made it to the top of his chosen profession, becoming the 20th IDF chief of staff. He led major military operations, and after extending his tenure by one year decided to leave army life and tried his luck in the business world. Unfortunately, he failed.

When our businessman felt he had exhausted his abilities as the Bezeq CEO, he entered politics, joined a party and was appointed minister. Not an important one, but still a minister.

Following the announcement of a snap April election, our soldier also decided to go into politics. And there his path crossed the businessman, who by now had chosen a new party to call home, become its chairman, and cemented himself firmly in the political world.

Two men, two parallel paths. Both have the same ideology. It would not come as a surprise if both of them were to deliver the same speech, using the exact same words. Both have an almost identical perception of Israel's security, and their social-economic approach is also similar. I doubt if anyone can guess which of the two said: "My parentswho cherished the values of justice and fairnesstaught me to work hard and show personal responsibility."

Benny Gantz as IDF chief (Photo: GPO)

Both of them are united by their profound aversion to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While one compared Netanyahu to royalty, the other said he acts like a mafia boss.

Both of them are native-born Israelis, or sabras, children of immigrant parents, men who molded their lives with their own hands. Both of them are successful. But if the elections were to be held now, one's party would earn more than 20 Knesset seats according to the polls, while the other's party would gain a mere 6-7 seats.

And why is that? Why does the Israeli voter prefer the one who built his career in an olive green uniform over the one who made something of himself while wearing a suit and tie? Why do we prefer as prime minister the one who up until a month ago was careful not to dangle his feet in the dirty waters of politics, and not the one who plunged his entire body into that murky pool in order to purify it?

Itt seems we are ready to vote in droves for a man who mainly knows how to command people, rather than for someone who knows how to manage people.

Avi Gabbay in his days as Bezeq CEO

The masses want their leader to be the enchanting blue-eyed soldier who won them over with stories of a childhood spent running in the fields rather than the brown-eyed businessman whose stories about his childhood in a transit camp failed to move them. But why?

My questions of course refer to former chief of staff Benny Gantz and former Bezeq CEO and current Chairman of the Labor party Avi Gabbay. One of the answers could be the credibility gap.

The taciturn Gantz, who until recently was unaffiliated with any party, has long been perceived as a credible man, and even more so after his debut speech. He inspires trust in people, as opposed to Gabbay who dented his own credibility when he broke ties with the Kulanu Party and its leader, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, and later joined the Labor Party. He also slammed Netanyahu while serving as his environmental protection minister and to top it all, he publically dismantled the Zionist Union, abruptly ending his partnership with Tzipi Livni in front of the cameras and without her knowing in advance.

In his election campaign, Gabbay portrays himself as the leader of the party that battles against the rising cost of living, and as one who seeks to make social changes in the Israeli society.

Gantz, on the other hand, is waging his campaign as a national leader. But various factors have the power to influence the votersdespite Netanyahu's low credibility, he won the 2015 elections, and there is no need to say very much about US President Donald Trump's credibility.

In an election season in which a politician's suitability to lead the nation were tested according to rational parameters, Gantz and Gabbay's electoral prospects would have been more or less the same. But this is not the case. Our society is impulsive, prone to superlatives, unbridled emotion and on a perennial hunt for a redeemer. Gantz is beating Gabbay in this race, at least until we see whether the former chief of staff really does have what it takes to save us from ourselves.
We need to give the Likud Party some credit for not destroying itself in Tuesday's internal elections. Given that primaries are the very embodiment of deal-making, political machines and big worker unions voting in lockstep, the results could have been far worse.

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When it came to casting a secret ballot, the Likud Party's registered voters did display some maturity. They weren't the obedient foot soldiers of Benjamin Netanyahu, who has failed again and again in his machinations. He was defeated in the strange war he tried to wage against Gideon Sa'ar; he was thwarted in promoting his candidate for the Tel Aviv district, David Sharan, who enjoyed the prime minister's backing despite (or perhaps because of) corruption suspicions.

Yet for all their maturity, what does it say about Likud voters that the head of their party is a prime suspect in criminal investigations? It's going to be interesting, to say the least.

When it comes to Netanyahu, he insists on proving he is not just one person, but two people in one body. There is Netanyahu the statesman, who has chalked up impressive achievements in the international arena. And then there is Bibi  not King Bibi, as some would have you believe  a petty wheeler-dealer who is busy settling petty scores, more suited to the back rooms of local politics in some remote little town. Why the hell is he doing this?





Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara voting in the Likud primaries (Photo: Sharon Revivo)

But when it comes to undecided voters, the main question facing Likud is whether the party is going to head to the right, or perhaps a little more to the center. Is Likud leading us into binational statehood, or is it truly capableon the day a serious peace initiative is put on the table of leading Israel into an historic deal? It is absolutely clear only a handful of senior Likud members are willing to adopt Netanyahu's 2009 Bar Ilan speech , in which he endorsed Palestinian statehood. In fact, the Likud has supported many initiatives that might see Israel become a binational state. The party is also entirely at the mercy of the ultra-Orthodox, capitulating to their every demandfrom benefits to yeshiva students to rejecting a core curriculum, from maintaining the monopoly on Jewish conversion to nixing the Western Wall egalitarian prayer area plan. This willingness to roll over for a small sector of the population is bad for Israel.

Likud could become far more attractive to undecided voters if it only presented a diplomatic plan that does not involve a disaster called annexation. The Likud Party doesn't need to become leftist; it doesn't need to announce it is in favor of withdrawing to the 1967 lines. The problem is that the Likud government carries out the bidding of the Yesha Council of Settlements. And what have the new Likud representatives had to say about that? Whenever they did say something about diplomacy, all they did was promise to go even further right than the far-right parties.

Archive photo of Netanyahu with Yasser Arafat, published by the Gantz campaign (Photo: GPO)

At this stage, the competing parties are not dealing with the issues. They're busy calling each other names. When Gantz is branded a "leftist" because of his qualified support for the Gaza disengagement, the response from his party is to pull out an old photo of Netanyahu with Yasser Arafat, and a reminder that it's the Netanyahu government that pays protection money to Hamas in the Strip.

But this in itself is problematic, because such claims paint Netanyahu as moderate. And if he is a moderate who can talk to Yasser Arafat and even avoid conflict with Hamas, then the undecided will more than likely tell themselves that he's not that radical after all. And true to the law of unintended consequences, this is definitely not what Gantz's campaign wanted, but it is what it got.
Floods in the Judean and Negev Deserts

X

Heavy rains and thunderstorms struck Israel, mostly its south, in the early hours of Thursday, flooding desert wadis and blocking roads in the Negev and Judean deserts and in the resort city of Eilat.

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The Nature and Parks Authority closed tourism sites in the south and east, among them Masada and Ein Gedi. Both sites are located in the Judean desert, which easily floods due to its loess terrain, a fine-grained sediment that quickly stops absorbing water, thus causing flooding. Power in Ein Gedi is currently down.

Yelek water holes in the Negev Desert (Photo: Tzur Netzer, Parks Authority)

Significant floods have also been reported in major hiking sites in the Judean desert and the Negevin wadis Zin, Havarim, Rahaf, Ramon and many others.

The police blocked road 40 and 90, two major highways in the Judean and Negev Deserts (Photo: Police Spokesperson)

Some 18 millimeters of rain were measured overnight in Israels most secluded desert town, Mitzpe Ramon, making up a quarter of its average annual rainfall.

Rains will weaken throughout the day, but are expected to resume across country on Friday and Saturday, with a possibility of snowfall in Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Israel Resilience Party leader and Benny Gantz, saying the former IDF chief "said he will carry out a second disengagement in Judea and Samaria, and Mahmoud Abbas wished him luck in the elections."

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In a message to Likud members after the announcement of the results in the party's primary elections , Netanyahu called on voters ahead of the April 9 general elections "to come together, to win this elections, and to prevent this from happening. This is the true essence of the elections: a left-wing government headed by Benny Gantz or a Likud government headed by me."

Responding to Netanyahu, Gantz said, "You expelled Jews. You paid protection racket to Hamas. Your time is up, we're moving forward," referring to Netanyahu's votes in favor of the Gaza Disengagement in 2005 and the Qatari money the Netanyahu government has agreed to allow into the Gaza Strip in recent months.

Prime Minister Netanyahu; Israel Resilience Party leader Gantz (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky, Mark Israel Salem)

In an far-ranging interview with Yedioth Ahronoth , his first to the Israeli media since unveiling his campaign last month, Gantz said that Israel needs "to find a way in which we're not controlling other people."

Regarding the evacuation from Gaza, the former IDF chief said: "It was a legal move, a decision made by the Israeli government and carried out by the IDF and the settlers in a painful, but good manner. We need to take the lessons learned and implement them elsewhere."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh cautiously welcomed Gantz's statements , saying "It's encouraging, if he succeeds and he sticks to this opinion."
The United States on Wednesday blocked a proposed UN Security Council statement expressing regret over Israel's decision to end an international observer force in the West Bank city of Hebron, diplomats said.

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Kuwait and Indonesia had circulated the draft statement following a closed-door council meeting during which many countries expressed concern about the Israeli move.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that he would not renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), accusing the mission led by Norway of bias.





TIPH observers in Hebron (Photo: EPA)

The Temporary International Presence in Hebron, a 64-member team of unarmed observers, was established in 1994 following Israeli settler Baruch Goldstein's massacre of 29 worshippers at the Ibrahimi Mosque in the West Bank city that triggered riots across Palestinian areas. The mosque is located at the site that is also revered by Jews as the Tomb of the Patriarchs.

Indonesia's UN ambassador, Dian Djani, told reporters that he and Kuwaiti Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi brought up Israel's action because they don't want to see a repetition of the 1994 incident and want "to make sure the situation that is already fragile and tense ... is not going to worsen."

A Security Council resolution adopted in March 1994 strongly condemned the Hebron massacre and called for measures to be taken to guarantee the safety and protection of Palestinian civilians, which led to the monitoring mission. In its latest form, Norway, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey provided unarmed observers and funded the mission in Hebron.

Al-Otaibi said there was "overwhelming support" for an expression of concern that Israel's action might exacerbate the situation on the ground, saying the mission "was like a preventative tool."

The proposed statement was to express the Security Council's "regret" about Israel's "unilateral decision" and call for "calm and restraint" in Hebron, according to the text seen by AFP.

It stressed "the importance of the mandate of the TIPH and its efforts to foster calm in a highly sensitive area and fragile situation on the ground, which risks further deteriorating, as reflected in the escalating cycle of violence."

The text warned Israel that it has an obligation under international law "to protect the Palestinian civilian population in Hebron" as well as the rest of the West Bank.

TIPH observers in Hebron (Photo: AFP)

The United States, which has firmly defended Israel's policies at the United Nations, moved quickly to block the proposed response, diplomats said. Council statements require unanimous approval.

Ambassador Anatolio Ndong Mba of Equatorial Guinea, the current council president, signaled differences among council members immediately after the meeting, where the US reportedly said Israel had a right not to renew the temporary mission.

Ndong Mba said he had been authorized to inform the Israeli and Palestinian ambassadors about Wednesday's meeting and to discuss a proposed Security Council visit to the territory that the Palestinians claim for a future independent state.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador at the UN, stressed that "it is the duty of the Security Council on the basis of the resolutions" to ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians and said he looked forward to meeting with Ndong Mba "as quickly as possible."

He said the Palestinians will react to a Security Council visit "in the most positive way."

But Al-Otaibi told reporters that council visits require approval by all 15 members as well as the countries involved, so the US and Israel would have to give a green light.

Mansour said it was premature to say whether the trip would go ahead.

"The positive thing is that there is an agreement, an authorization to the president of the Security Council to begin the process of consultation on that issue," he said. "Let us give it time, with a positive expectation that it might happen."

The Hebron mission is tasked with promoting a sense of security for Palestinians in Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank.

Hebron is holy to both Muslims and Jews and has been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

At least 600 Jewish settlers live under heavy military guard in the city, which is home to around 200,000 Palestinians.
UNITED NATIONS - The United States blocked a draft United Nations Security Council statement on Wednesday that would have expressed regret at Israel's decision to eject a foreign observer force from the flashpoint Palestinian city of Hebron, diplomats said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week he would not renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), accusing the observers of unspecified anti-Israel activity.

Norway, which has headed the multi-country observer mission for the past 22 years, said: "The one-sided Israeli decision can mean that the implementation of an important part of the Oslo accords is discontinued."

The 15-member U.N. Security Council discussed Israel's decision behind closed doors on Wednesday at the request of Kuwait and Indonesia, which also drafted the statement. Such a statement has to be agreed by consensus.

UN diplomats said the United States did not believe a council statement on the issue was appropriate.
President Donald Trump said Wednesday he expects to be able to announce next week that the US and coalition partners have reclaimed 100 percent of the Islamic State caliphate.

Trump said that the US military will be giving him official notice very soon that 100 percent of the territory once held by ISIS has been retaken in Iraq and Syria.

US officials say ISIS has lost 99.5 percent of its territory and is holding on to fewer than 5 square kilometers (2 square miles) in Syria, or less than 2 square miles, in the villages of the Middle Euphrates River Valley, where the bulk of the fighters are concentrated.
A 20-year-old woman from Umm al-Fahm who studies in Turkey was found dead, according to local media reports late Wednesday.

Turkish police is investigating the incident.
Venezuelas National Assembly (AN) - or Parliament - with its overwhelming opposition majority, on Tuesday approved a law that will govern an eventual political transition in the country and will enter into force once elected President Nicolas Maduro , whom the AN does not recognize, leaves power.

The measure - called the Statute Governing the Transition to Democracy and the Reestablishment of the Constitution - was approved by lawmakers and sets forth, among other things, the duration of a transition government and its political and economic responsibilities.

The text of the law establishes that national elections will be called within 12 months of the installation of the transition government and must completely renew all elected officials within the public branches of government, including the electoral authorities, to make the call for elections effective.

In addition, the law tasks Parliament with ensuring the effective exercise of the rights to free nomination to popularly elected posts and suffrage, a clear allusion to the lifting of the political disqualification of several opposition leaders, including two-time presidential candidate Henrique Capriles.

Also, it authorizes officials to draft laws to attend to the humanitarian emergency that the anti-Chavista forces assert prevails in Venezuela and to promote the recovery of the countrys economy, which the AN says has contracted by more than 50 percent since 2013.

In Caracas, however, the head of the government-supporting National Constituent Assembly of Venezuela (ANC), Diosdado Cabello, on Tuesday named a commission to consult with the public with an eye toward holding parliamentary elections to replace the opposition-controlled National Assembly (AN).

A constitutional commission (is designated) for the consultation ... on the parliamentary elections. This (was done) quickly, and (the consultation) has to be very fast, too. The only branch that is established in the Constitution that has not been recertified by this ANC is the legislative branch, Cabello said in a parliamentary session.

Maduro had said on Sunday that the ANC was seeing to move up the parliamentary elections scheduled for this year with an eye toward dealing with the crisis he says exists in the bourgeoisie legislature and he announced that he supports this idea.

Guaido, in turn, said that such a move would be political suicide.

Legislative elections in Venezuela, according to the Constitution, are held every five years, and this would mean that they should be held in December 2019.

The commission will be headed by Dario Vivas, one of the most radical Chavistas, who currently presides over the Citizen Participation Committee.

Russia and Turkey on Tuesday reiterated their support for Venezuelas increasingly-cornered Maduro and leveled criticism against a host of European Union nations who recognized an opposition leader as caretaker president of the crisis-struck nation while international pressure for early elections continued to build.

Bulgaria became the 20th EU government to declare its support for Guaido, the leader of Venezuelas parliament who, having first secured assurances of support from Washington, directly challenged Maduro by taking oath as interim Venezuelan president on Jan. 23. Russia, one of Maduros principal creditors, and Turkey have been vociferous in their opposition to the EUs diplomatic shift.

Look at the EU, they are always saying democracy, democracy, democracy; ballots, ballots, ballots, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told members of his AKP party in a televised speech. And then they try to topple a government. We do not accept a world where the powerful are righteous, but we accept a world where the righteous is powerful. We are against imperialist structures, he continued.

Spain, Portugal, Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Holland, France, Hungary, Austria, Finland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Sweden and Croatia have declared their recognition of Guaido, a decision that came after Maduro failed to comply with an ultimatum from several EU members to call a snap presidential election.

We see the situation as alarming, Sergey Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, told university students during a visit to the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe. It is the result of a gross violation of the principle of non-interference with the internal affairs of a sovereign state.

The Kremlins spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, told press in Moscow that, by recognizing Guaido, EU countries were, in fact, hindering a peaceful solution to the crisis in Venezuela.

Meanwhile, the arrival of humanitarian aid for Venezuelans, announced by Guaido is being anxiously awaited by those who daily cross the Simon Bolivar International Bridge.

This bridge, which connects Cucuta with San Antonio del Tachira, Venezuela, is crossed every day by some 35,000 Venezuelans seeking the minimum amount of food and medicines they need to survive.

And with Guaidos announcement that Cucuta will be one of the three supply centers for humanitarian assistance, expectations are growing among the mass of pedestrians crossing this bridge and the other border crossing, the Francisco de Paula Santander International Bridge, which communicates Cucuta with Urena in Venezuela.

Luis Carrero, for example, is a 47-year-old teacher who crosses the border once a week to buy medicines for his mother who suffers from cancer and who is now hopeful of getting the medication she has been missing.

My mother suffers from breast cancer and unfortunately in our country the medication is non-existent, he told EFE.

Carrero said that incumbent Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro tries to look stronger than he is, like when he vowed that no humanitarian aid was going to enter the country because Venezuelans are not beggars.

The teacher added hopefully that when the humanitarian aid is allowed into the country, it is the Venezuelan people who will watch over it, accompany it and make sure it is distributed in the right places.

And in Argentina social organizations, unions and leftist political groups on Tuesday marched to the US Embassy in Buenos Aires to protest what they called Washingtons interference in Venezuela.

About 500 people gathered at the doors of the University of Buenos Aires Law School and then marched some three kilometers (about two miles) to the US diplomatic mission.

Along the way, about 100 of the demonstrators staged incidents with police, when the latter tried to cut off the column of marchers.

The motive for the mobilization is to repudiate the foreign intervention of the United States and its allies in the life of a brother country like Venezuela, Hugo Belon, the organizational secretary of the State Workers Association (ATE) in the capital told EFE.

The union leader emphasized that involving themselves in the Venezuelan conflict are countries that show that they are in line with its history, like Bolivia and Uruguay, and who are trying to find a solution (to the crisis) via dialogue.

And there are other countries where the only thing thats clear is that theyre puppets of the United States and that they follow what the Yankee government says and it doesnt matter to them if theres a bloodbath in Venezuela, he added.

The protesters rejected Washingtons decision to recognize the president of Venezuelas opposition-controlled National Assembly, Juan Guaido, as that countrys interim president.

Among the countries that have recognized Guaido as president are Argentina, Brazil and Colombia, the US and about 20 members of the European Union.
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Vietnamese young and old expressed their delight Wednesday after hearing their country had been chosen for the second face-to-face meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The communist-run Southeast Asian country was announced during Trump's State of the Union address as the location for the high-profile summit due to take place later this month.

It follows the pair's historic handshake and brief declaration on denuclearisation at their inaugural meeting in Singapore in June last year.

The pick brings prestige to the former US foe-turned-ally and is symbolic for Vietnamese of a certain generation, who welcomed the move.

"Our country now has a new position and the world trusts us," Pham Van Thau, an 82-year-old communist party member, told AFP in Hanoi.

"The summit will help the world understand more about Vietnam."

The precise location for the summit -- to be held on February 27 and 28 -- has not been announced, though both the capital Hanoi and beach resort town Danang have been rumoured.

Nguyen Hong Nhung, a masters student, hoped the summit could expand her country's budding tourism industry.

"We have a chance... to show everyone that Vietnam is a beautiful country and that the Vietnamese are friendly," she said.

Analysts say the trip, which is set to be Kim's first to Vietnam, could offer the North Korean leader a model of post-war economic transformation under a communist state with capitalist leanings.

Nhung agreed: "I think North Korea now is like Vietnam before the US embargo was lifted, poor and economically limited."

On Facebook and other social media platforms, users beamed with pride at the prospect of the summit.

Commenters on one site said Kim could even take inspiration from the country's north and south reunifying after the war.

"They meet in Vietnam so that Kim can see how the two parts of a country will look like after reunification," Gia Hoang commented on otofun.net.

Vietnam is looking to follow up on its successful hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2017 and the regional World Economic Forum last year -- boosting its diplomatic gravitas on the global stage.
On Monday evening, Senator Ben Sasse (R., Neb.) called for unanimous consent to his Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which would require that infants delivered alive during attempted abortion procedures be given appropriate medical care.

Senator Patty Murray (D., Wash.) objected to the bill on the floor on behalf of her Democratic colleagues, preventing the legislation from receiving unanimous consent. We have laws against infanticide in this country, Murray said. This is a gross misinterpretation of the actual language of the bill that is being asked to be considered, and therefore I object.

It is worth examining why Sasses legislation, which now has 42 Republican cosponsors, is neither redundant nor unnecessary. Most important, there is no existing federal law that prohibits the denial of medical care to infants born alive in the context of abortion, which is what this bill would do.

In 2002, the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act (BAIPA) passed Congress by unanimous consent and was signed into law by President George W. Bush, establishing that the terms person, human being, child, and individual in federal law include every infant born alive, even after an abortion. But thats all it did  it instituted no penalties for physicians who neglected to care for such infants.

Thats what Sasses bill is for, enacting an explicit requirement that newborns be afforded the same degree of care that any other child born alive at the same gestational age would receive. As of 2014, only 26 states had some kind of statute mandating care for infants born alive after an attempted abortion, and as of 2016, only six states required even reporting such births at all. Whats more, those state laws can be changed to remove existing protections.

New Yorks Reproductive Health Act, for example, explicitly repealed section 4164 of the states public-health law, which had stated that children born alive during an abortion received all the protections of state law. A proposed bill in Virginia would downgrade the requirement that physicians care for born-alive infants from a must to a shall standard, a legally significant distinction. And, of course, it was that same bill that prompted the comments of Virginia governor Ralph Northam, who appeared to suggest that infants could be allowed to die in some circumstances  the remarks that spurred Sasse to call for unanimous consent on his legislation.

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If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen, Northam said in an interview on WTOP last week. The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if thats what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.

Infanticide of babies born alive after attempted abortions  or intentionally delivered alive and then killed as a cheaper or easier method of abortion  does happen, and former abortionist Kermit Gosnell is living proof. Gosnell is currently serving life in prison in part for illegally modifying late-term abortion procedures, delivering live infants, and using scissors to sever their spinal columns. Because the Pennsylvania state government enforced its clinic-safety laws so loosely and inspected abortion clinics so rarely and in such a cursory fashion, he was able to conduct this illegal and grotesque killing for years. The grand jury in his case determined that he likely had killed hundreds of babies this way.

And Kermit Gosnells activity in his house of horrors wasnt the only example of born-alive infants being allowed to die.

It is difficult to prosecute cases like these  should they occur and be reported, already a big if  without a statute affirmatively requiring care for newborn infants born alive in the context of abortion. Consider this Wall Street Journal column that describes some crucial details from Gosnells criminal trial:

Prosecutors wanted the jury to distinguish Dr. Gosnells butchery from legal abortions. They called to the stand a legitimate abortion doctor, obstetrician Karen Feisullin, to explain how to do it properly. She was asked: What is your obligation if in fact a baby is born alive?something she said hadnt happened in her practice. It depends on the gestational age, she said, but just, you know, as a human being, you would want to comfort, at least comfort care. Asked to elaborate, she said: You . . . really just keep it warm, you know. It will eventually pass.

This is a normal abortion provider, not a criminal like Kermit Gosnell, describing precisely the type of case that Northam alluded to in his interview. There are instances in which medical doctors are willing to let living infants die from lack of proper medical care  and the law currently turns a blind eye. Thats what the new born-alive bill would fix.

More from National Review
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Virginia's Democrats struggled to find their way out of three interlocking political crises Thursday that could bring down the party's top elected officials and put a Republican in the governor's chair.

With Gov. Ralph Northam's career in peril over a racist photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook, the state attorney general acknowledged on Wednesday that he put on blackface when he was in college, and a woman publicly accused the lieutenant governor of sexually assaulting her 15 years ago.

While nearly the entire Democratic establishment rose up against Northam over the past week to demand he resign, party members did not call for immediate resignations over the two latest developments, which threaten to cause a political chain reaction that could make a GOP legislative leader the governor.

President Donald Trump accused the Democrats of a double standard, tweeting: "If the three failing pols were Republicans, far stronger action would be taken."

In a statement Thursday night, Virginia's Legislative Black Caucus reiterated its call for Northam to resign, but stopped short of calling for Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax or Attorney General Mark Herring to step down. Fairfax would become Virginia's second black governor if Northam stepped down.

The black lawmakers said the sexual assault allegation against Fairfax must be "thoroughly investigated." They also said that while they appreciated Herring's "candor" in admitting to wearing blackface, they "await further action on his part to reassure the citizens of the Commonwealth of his fitness for leadership."

Shortly afterward, the state's two U.S. senators and seven Democratic congressmen took a similar approach. They released a joint statement calling for an investigation into Fairfax and urging Herring to continue to be "engaged in in-depth discussions with leaders and others in Virginia ... if he is to regain (the public's) trust."

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Quentin Kidd, a political science professor at Christopher Newport University, had initially predicted Northam would be unable to hang on to office for more than a week. Now, with all three top Democrats in trouble, the equation has changed, he said.

He said it is possible all three could survive just out of political necessity because conservative Republican House Speaker Kirk Cox would be next in line for governor if they all resigned.

The Democrats' "moral clarity" last week has given way to the realization they could "lose power completely at the executive level," Kidd said. He likened the situation to three sinking boats "that suddenly lash themselves together and find they can float."

Several top Democratic female lawmakers in Virginia declined to comment Thursday on an allegation of sexual assault that California college professor Vanessa Tyson made against Fairfax. Tyson said Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex at a hotel in 2004 during the Democratic National Convention in Boston. Fairfax has denied the allegations, casting them as a political smear.

State Sen. Barbara Favola said "it's still a he-said, she-said" and suggested an investigation should be done in Massachusetts.

In Washington, Virginia's Democratic Senator Tim Kaine said he, too, would prefer to know more before reaching a conclusion. He said that the accuser offered "a very compelling and detailed statement of a serious, serious charge," while Fairfax has given "a very unequivocal denial."

Asked whether Northam should stay in office, Kaine replied: "No. We've reached a conclusion and we've made a recommendation."

Meanwhile, the Rev. Al Sharpton said in a fiery speech at historically black Virginia Union University that Northam and Herring must step down over their blackface admissions, and the allegations against Fairfax should be investigated thoroughly.

The civil rights leader said he came to Richmond to deliver a message to the governor: "I'm not going to be your minstrel!"

Members of the crowd of 300 students, faculty, clergy and political leaders shouted in agreement and jumped to their feet several times during Sharpton's speech.

The governor is under fire over the discovery of a photo on his yearbook profile page of someone in blackface standing next to a person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. Northam initially said he was in the photo, then denied it, but acknowledged putting shoe polish on his face for a dance contest in Texas in 1984, when he was in the Army.

On Wednesday, Herring, who had been urging Northam to step down, admitted wearing blackface to look like a rapper during a party when he was a 19-year-old at the University of Virginia in 1980. He apologized for his "callous" behavior.

Up to now, the Democrats nationally have taken an aggressive stand against misconduct in their ranks, in part so that they can criticize Trump's behavior without being accused of hypocrisy.

Democrats in Virginia have expressed fear the crises could jeopardize their chances of taking control of the GOP-dominated legislature this year after big gains in 2017.

___

Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer, Elana Schor, Denise Lavoie and Matthew Barakat contributed to this report.
Although February is not even a week old, its already been a terrible month for Virginia Democrats as they attempt to assess the crises afflicting their top three state officials.

The trouble began on Friday when multiple news outlets reported that Gov. Ralph Northams 1984 medical yearbook included a photo on his page of two people, one in blackface and one wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. Northam, who said he didnt recall the incident and didnt know which of the two unidentifiable people in the photo was him, nevertheless apologized, saying in a public statement, I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now.

From left, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, Attorney General Mark Herring and Gov. Ralph Northam. (Photo: Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)

But at a press conference the next day he changed his response, saying that after reflection he was sure neither of the figures was him, although it was his page and he appeared in the other images on the page. He then admitted he once darkened his face with shoe polish to dress as Michael Jackson for a costume party. (When a reporter asked if Northam could still moonwalk, the governor appeared to be preparing a demonstration before his wife suggested it was an inappropriate time.) The image on Northams page was apparently not an outlier, as the Eastern Virginia Medical School said it discontinued its yearbooks in 2013 because of a series of shockingly abhorrent photos.

There have been calls for Northams resignation from across the party, including those of 2020 presidential hopefuls like Sen. Kamala Harris and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, both U.S. senators from Virginia (Democrats Tim Kaine and Mark Warner), Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Joe Biden and the NAACP. Northam has so far refused to resign, and the Washington Post is reporting that he is considering finishing out his term as an independent. Northam was elected in 2017, and Virginia governors are not permitted to serve consecutive terms.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam with his wife, Pam. (Photo: Steve Helber/AP)

If Northam were to resign, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax would take over. Fairfax, 39, is African-American and considered a rising star in Virginia state politics. But on Sunday, the same right-wing website that publicized Northams photos reported about an accusation against Fairfax of sexual assault on a woman he met at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. He denied the charge in a statement on Monday.

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Lt. Governor Fairfax has an outstanding and well-earned reputation for treating people with dignity and respect, read a statement from his office. He has never assaulted anyone  ever  in any way, shape, or form.

The Washington Post said it had investigated the claim when the accuser contacted them after Fairfaxs election in 2017, but that they were unable to corroborate it, or to find similar allegations against him. But NBC News reported Wednesday morning that Fairfax had profanely dismissed his accuser in a private meeting on Monday, saying F*** that b****. Democrats have yet to call on Fairfax to step down.

On Wednesday afternoon, Fairfaxs accuser, Vanessa Tyson, issued a statement detailing her allegations and saying that she has no political motive, is a proud Democrat and that her only motive in speaking now is to refute Mr. Fairfax's falsehoods and aspersions of my character.

If both Northam and Fairfax were to resign, next in line for succession would be two-term Attorney General Mark Herring, who was first elected in 2013. On Wednesday morning, Herring met with the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus and revealed that he had worn blackface at a college party.

In 1980, when I was a 19-year-old undergraduate in college, some friends suggested we attend a party dressed like rappers we listened to at the time, like Kurtis Blow, and perform a song, wrote Herring in a statement released after the meeting. It sounds ridiculous even now writing it. But because of our ignorance and glib attitudes  and because we did not have an appreciation for the experience and perspectives of others  we dressed up and put on wigs and brown makeup."

"I had a callous and inexcusable lack of awareness and insensitivity to the pain my behavior could inflict on others. It was really a minimization of both people of color, and a minimization of a horrific history I knew well even then."

Herring added that it was a one-time occurrence for which he had felt shame for decades and in no way reflective of his current person. Herring had issued a statement on Saturday saying it was no longer possible for Northam to serve and that he should step down. February is also Black History Month.

However, if Northam, Fairfax and Herring were all to resign simultaneously  an unlikely occurrence, but were covering our bases here  next in line for the governorship of Virginia is Republican Speaker of the House Kirk Cox. Cox became speaker after Republicans took control of the chamber by a single delegate, and won the race after a tied election led to drawing a name out of a bowl. Republicans also benefited from a map that was struck down in 2018 for being a racist gerrymander. A new map is expected for this Novembers state legislative elections.

Cox was a member of the James Madison University class of 1979. His yearbook has not yet been the subject of a public examination.
CHONGQING, Feb. 7 -- A self-driving bus assisted by the 5G mobile network is on a test run in Chongqing, a vehicle-manufacturing powerhouse in southwestern China, local authorities said.

The bus, equipped with technologies such as Controller Area Network and laser radar, is able to complete all autonomous operations with the assistance of the 5G mobile network.

The electric-powered 12 seater has a designed maximum speed of 20 km per hour.

The bus was co-developed by China Mobile, tech giant Huawei, Southeast University and French company Easy Mile.
(Adds statement from lieutenant governor on sexual assault allegation)

By Gary Robertson

RICHMOND, Va., Feb 6 (Reuters) - Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring wore blackface at a college costume party in 1980, he said in a statement Wednesday as the crisis sparked by racist photograph on the governor's medical yearbook page spread through the state's leadership.

With both Governor Ralph Northam and Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax contending with political scandals of their own, Herring was facing increasing scrutiny as the second in the line of succession to the state's leadership.

Herring, who is a Democrat like Northam and Fairfax, said he now realized he showed poor judgment and caused pain to others by dressing as a rapper, donning a wig and brown makeup to perform a song with similarly attired friends.

"I had a callous and inexcusable lack of awareness and insensitivity to the pain my behavior could inflict on others," Herring said in his statement. "It was really a minimization of both people of color and a minimization of a horrific history I knew well even then."

Herring's admission comes as Northam resists a chorus of calls to resign over a racist photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook, depicting a person in blackface makeup standing beside another person garbed in white robes of the white supremacist group the Ku Klux Klan.

Northam, who is white, initially apologized and conceded he was one of the two people in the photo. But he changed his story a day later, saying neither figure in the picture was him and acknowledging he had dressed in blackface once before to portray pop star Michael Jackson.

The origins of blackface date to 19th-century "minstrel" shows in which white performers covered their faces in black grease paint to caricature slaves.

Fairfax is next in the line of succession for the governorship, followed by Herring and then the House speaker, Republican Kirk Cox.

Fairfax, 39, confronted a potential scandal of his own. On Monday he denied a sexual assault allegation that was reported against him on the same website that first disclosed the Northam yearbook photo.

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The Big League Politics site posted a private Facebook message on Sunday purportedly obtained from the accuser with her permission by a friend suggesting that Fairfax had assaulted her during the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston.

Fairfax added to his earlier denial in a statement on Wednesday, repeating his belief they had only a consensual encounter but asking that the woman be treated with respect.

"I wish her no harm or humiliation, nor do I seek to denigrate her or diminish her voice," his statement said. "But I cannot agree with a description of events that I know is not true." (Writing by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Scott Malone)
The Daily Beast

Screenshot/YouTubeA massive country music festival in Kentucky this past weekend started off on rocky footing: Police found meth, marijuana, and an open bottle of alcohol in the first vehicle they stopped at a traffic checkpoint. One of the people in the car had two active warrants out for their arrest.We were like, Well, this doesnt bode well for the weekend, Edmonson County Sheriff Shane Doyle told the Lexington Herald-Leader.By the end of the five-day bash, dubbed the Redneck Rave, one
Washington (AFP) - The United States called Thursday on all sides in Nigeria including the military to ensure that next week's election is "free from outside pressure and intimidation."

Amid mounting tensions over potential violence and vote-rigging, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the February 16 vote offered "an opportunity for Nigeria to solidify its place as a democratic leader in Africa."

"The United States government supports a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election that reflects the will of the Nigerian people," Pompeo said in a statement.

"Nigerian security services must provide a safe and secure environment for the Nigerian people to exercise their rights. Those who interfere in the electoral process or incite violence must be held to account," he said.

Fraud accusations and violence have marred elections since civilian rule was restored in 1999 in Africa's most populous country, although observers say the last vote in 2015 that elected President Muhammadu Buhari were generally fair.

Buhari is running for a second term against former vice president Atiku Abubakar, whose main opposition party has accused the ruling forces of trying to rig the vote.

Buhari's All Progressives Congress has in turn accused the opposition of fomenting unrest.

Defense spokesman John Agim earlier Thursday promised that the military would remain neutral in the election.

The United States has built political and economic relations with Nigeria since the restoration of democracy and in recent years has been especially involved in supporting its fight against Boko Haram extremists.
Washington (AFP) - The United States said Thursday it was revoking visas of Venezuelan lawmakers seated by President Nicolas Maduro as it criticized European and Latin American countries for seeking dialogue with the embattled leader.

The United States has recognized Juan Guaido, the head of the opposition-led National Assembly, as the interim president of the economically troubled nation.

Maduro rejects the elected body's authority and in 2017 paved the way for a rival Constituent Assembly, whose members are stacked with supporters of the leftist firebrand after the opposition boycotted the vote.

Elliot Abrams, the new US envoy on the Venezuelan crisis, said that Washington was revoking the visas of an unspecified number of members of the Constituent Assembly.

"The body has usurped many of the constitutional powers of the legitimate National Assembly and embodies Maduro's destruction of democratic institutions," Abrams told reporters.

He also denounced a meeting in Montevideo of ministers from more than a dozen European and Latin American countries who are seeking a mediated path to end Venezuela's standoff.

The talks involve EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and are spearheaded by Mexico and Uruguay, two of the only Latin American countries not to have recognized Guaido other than Maduro allies such as Cuba.

Abrams -- a longtime Republican foreign policy player who helped steer Ronald Reagan's controversial backing of anti-communist forces in Central America -- said that countries should only deal with Guaido.

"Instead of trying to accommodate Maduro through contact groups or dialogue, we urge countries to recognize Juan Guaido as interim president and join us in responding to his call for immediate international humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of the Venezuelan people," Abrams said.

"Maduro has proven he will manipulate any calls for negotiations to his advantage and he has often used so-called dialogues as a way to play for time," he said.

"The time for dialogue with Maduro has long passed."

The United States, along with allies Colombia and Brazil, are trying to bring aid into Venezuela, a move that Maduro says is a precursor to a US invasion.
Washington (AFP) - The United States sharply rebuked Germany on Thursday for deporting a wanted Islamic militant to Turkey instead of extraditing him to New York to stand trial on terror-related charges.

Adem Yilmaz, a Turkish citizen, has been charged by a US federal grand jury with conspiring to carry out a 2008 suicide bombing in Afghanistan, which left two US soldiers dead and 11 others injured.

Yilmaz, also known as Ebu Talha, was deported to Turkey recently after serving 11 years in a German prison for his role in planning large-scale attacks in Germany.

The United States had demanded that Yilmaz be handed over to face the charges against him brought in New York.

Acting US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said he was "gravely disappointed" by Germany's decision to deport Yilmaz to Turkey rather than extradite him to the United States.

"The German government deliberately helped Yilmaz escape justice by placing him on a plane to Turkey," Whitaker said in a sharply-worded statement.

"The German government has refused to take any responsibility for failing to extradite him to the United States, has flouted their treaty obligations and has undermined the rule of law," the acting attorney general said.

CNN reported that US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan complained about the move during a "tense meeting" at the State Department on Wednesday with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and Germany's ambassador to the United States, Emily Haber.

A German foreign ministry source said the deportation of Yilmaz to Turkey was a "decision of the independent justice system" and was made "in compliance with the standards of the rule of law."

Relations between Germany and the United States have been strained since Donald Trump became president.

A seven-count indictment seeking Yilmaz's arrest was issued several years ago by the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Yilmaz, a member of a group called the Islamic Jihad Union, was accused of carrying out attacks on US troops on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in 2006.

Yilmaz also was alleged to have had contacts with the man who carried out the March 3, 2008 suicide bombing in Afghanistan that killed two US soldiers.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The Security Council agreed Thursday to reduce the number of meetings it holds on Kosovo under pressure from the United States and its European allies who say the U.N.'s most powerful body has more important crises to discuss.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008 from Serbia, a close ally of Russia which has refused to recognize its decision and had insisted on holding open meetings every three months.

Council members agreed ahead of a scheduled Thursday afternoon meeting on Kosovo to reduce the number of meetings to three gatherings this year and two in 2020, avoiding what would likely have been a contentious procedural vote.

Britain's U.N. Ambassador Karen Pierce said: "If you look at the amount of conflict actually on the ground in Kosovo . there isn't anything like the level of the issues that are dealt with in places like Yemen, or (Congo) or Haiti."

"So four meetings a year was clearly too many," she said.

But the issue of the number of meetings was still raised by many speakers at Thursday's council meeting.

U.S. deputy ambassador Jonathan Cohen said the Trump administration appreciated the agreement, saying "there is much better uses for this council's limited time and resources than to maintain the past frequency of these ... briefings."

"It is disappointing," he added, "that at a moment when the atmosphere begs for improvement, these council meetings continue to be used to employ antagonistic language."

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Moscow rejects the Western line, stressing that "behind this is an attempt to hide from the international community the truth on the real situation in the region and the meddling behind the scenes in Kosovo."

Kosovo came under U.N. and NATO administration after a 1999 NATO-led air war halted a crackdown on ethnic Albanian separatists. The Security Council resolution that established an interim U.N. administration left the final status of Kosovo in question, and Nebenzia said the council must remain "the main forum" to deal with the issue.

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"Kosovo remains the main cradle of instability and a source of conflict potential in the Balkan region," Nebenzia warned. "The situation in the region is extremely unstable and at any moment it might spiral out of control,"

Vlora Citaku, Kosovo's ambassador to the United States, strongly disagreed saying: "It is astounding. Simply unbelievable, that this council has convened more sessions to talk about Kosovo, than it has for Syria, Yemen, or Venezuela."

"There are real problems out there, real challenges that require your valuable time and attention. Real people who need your help, as we in Kosovo once did," she said.

Citaku accused Serbia of using the Security Council as "a stage ... to tell its fairytales to the world."

Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic told the council "we do not ask for meetings for the purpose of upmanship, but to make a contribution to the stabilization of the situation in Kosovo ... and to the peace in the region."

He said "the most important thing is that the Security Council will go on" considering the Kosovo issue.

Pierce, Cohen and Germany's U.N. Ambassador Christoph Heusgen all stressed that what's needed most is for Kosovo and Serbia to normalize relations, which would open a path to European Union membership.
London (United Kingdom) (AFP) - A son of Moldova's ex-premier, who drove a Bentley and paid A1,000-a-day rent, was ordered Thursday to hand over nearly half a million pounds, Britain's National Crime Agency said.

NCA investigators found that Vlad Filat's 22-year-old son Luca had obtained his wealth "from illegal activity by his father".

Funds held by the son in three bank accounts were to be seized and he "must hand over nearly half a million pounds" (570,000 euros, $650,000 million), an NCA statement said.

In 2015, Vlad Filat was stripped of his immunity and handcuffed in Moldova's parliament after he allegedly accepted $260 million in bribes.

Filat was then jailed for nine years for his role in the disappearance of $1.0 billion -- the equivalent of 10 percent of Moldova's GDP -- while heading the government between 2009 and 2013.

The tiny former Soviet republic on Romania's eastern border is one of Europe's poorest countries, and it ranks 117 out of 180 on Transparency International's 2018 corruption perceptions index.

Filat's son came under scrutiny because he splashed around cash on a life of luxury while having "no registered income in the UK," the NCA said.

Police said the younger Filat nonetheless managed to pay A390,000 up front to rent a penthouse in a posh London neighbourhood favoured by the global elite.

Records showed that he also bought a A200,000 Bentley sedan shortly after moving to London to begin his studies in 2016.

The NCA said Luca Filat's three accounts with HSBC bank were "funded by large deposits from overseas companies, mainly based in Turkey and the Cayman Islands".

A London court ordered the money forfeited under provisions of a new law designed to crack down on money laundering -- a problem coming under renewed scrutiny in Britain.

"I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the cash was derived from his fatheras criminal conduct in Moldova," judge Michael Snow said.

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The three accounts were frozen last May while investigators checked where the funds had come from.

- 'Suspicious spender' -

UK authorities have faced years of criticism for allegedly turning a blind eye to money laundering operations that have helped push property prices on elite London homes to astronomical levels.

The NCA's pushback began with the 2017 Criminal Finances Act.

The measure introduced the use of so-called Unexplained Wealth Orders to force financial crime suspects to reveal their sources of income.

They were first used late last year in the case of an Azerbaijani woman who spent A16 million at London's Harrods department store.

She is now fighting an Azerbaijani extradition request. Her husband was jailed in Baku for defrauding a state bank.

Luca Filat's case involved the use of a separate UK police instrument known as an Account Freezing Order.

"Where we suspect money in an account is the proceeds of crime, we can apply to the court to freeze and then forfeit the sums," NCA's International Corruption Unit office Rob MacArthur said.

But corruption fighters with the Global Witness NGO said the NCA must now go a step further and find out why neither Luca Filat's bank nor car dealership had flagged up suspicious activity before.

"The National Crime Agency should now be asking the bank, the university, the estate agent and the car dealer what checks they made on this suspicious spender and his Cayman Island companies." Global Witness's Ava Lee said.
By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - A U.N. watchdog urged Syria on Thursday to grant full rights to its displaced children, adding that thousands had been killed, tortured or enslaved during the country's civil war. Rights experts said all children living in opposition-held areas and returning as refugees should be given official documents and full access to health, education and social services. Many displaced or besieged families had not been able to register births due to the war, yet were being fined for late registration, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child said. The panel of 18 independent experts issued its findings after a two-day review of Syria's record during the conflict. "The Committee is very concerned about children who are not registered ...in particular those who are displaced or live in besieged and hard-to-reach areas," panel member Jorge Cardona told a news briefing. Children with Muslim mothers and non-Muslim fathers, or unmarried parents or born as a result of rape were being discriminated against. "We ask the state to change the law to avoid this situation, which results in children that are stateless," Cardona said. Yasser Kelzy, of Syria's interior ministry, told the panel that birth registrations had been a major wartime challenge, but that a unified civil status office was being set up. The panel cited credible information on "thousands of children killed" in wartime attacks including with "indiscriminate, disproportionate or unlawful weapons." Children have been tortured in detention, others unlawfully recruited by the warring sides or subject to sexual violence, it said, calling for an investigation into possible war crimes. President Bashar al-Assad has reclaimed most of the country following nearly eight years of civil war, though a peace deal remains elusive. The U.N. refugee agency says 5.6 million Syrian refugees live in five neighboring countries - Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq - and it is not yet safe for them to return. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; editing by John Stonestreet)
President Trumps State of the Union address on Tuesday night was supposed to be about unity. Instead, it might have been the most divisive speech of his time in office. Trump tried, though. Kind of. Together we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of Americas future. The decision is ours to make, he said before insinuating that anyone who seeks to investigate him, opposes a border wall or disagrees with his policy positions is un-American.

Trump has had a hard time taking his own advice about forging new solutions. On Thursday morning, he lashed out at Democrats, particularly Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the new chair of the House Intelligence Committee who on Wednesday announced he would lead a broader-than-expected investigation into Trumps relationship with Russia. Several other committees prepared to take action, as well, including the House Judiciary Committee, which is ready to subpoena acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker if he refuses to answer the committees questions about the president. A subpoena for Trumps tax returns could also be forthcoming.

Unlimited Presidential Harassment, Trump tweeted. The Dems and their committees are going nuts. The Republicans never did this to President Obama, there would be no time left to run government.

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Presidential Harassment is, of course, nothing more than a term Trump made up to describe what he believes is unfair treatment from Democrats and the media. The Republicans never did this to Obama because Obama wasnt simultaneously at the center of several independent federal investigations, nor was a significant portion of his inner circle indicted for cavorting with foreign adversaries and lying about it. In reality, there is so much circumstantial evidence to suggest criminality that it would be a dereliction of Schiffs duty not to investigate. Same goes for the heads of the other congressional committees. Its our congressional responsibility, and if we didnt do it, we would be delinquent in that, Pelosi said Wednesday, according to the New York Times.

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No one has been as eager to exercise his newfound authority as Schiff, who for two years watched as his predecessor Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) did all he could to hamstring the House Intelligence Committees investigations into the president. On Wednesday, Schiff announced that the committee will launch a multi-pronged investigation looking into Russian meddling in the U.S. political process; whether Russia holds leverage over Trump; coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with [Trumps] campaign, transition, administration, or business interests, in furtherance of the Russian governments interests; and more.

As Chairman of the Committee, I am committed to leading a thorough and impartial investigation that will follow the facts, and I hope that our Minority counterparts will join us in that effort, Schiff wrote. Congress has a duty to expose foreign interference, hold Russia to account, ensure that U.S. officials  including the President  are serving the national interest and, if not, are held accountable.

After the investigation was announced, Trump called Schiff a political hack who is trying to build a name for himself.

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I can understand why the idea of meaningful oversight terrifies the President, Schiff tweeted in response. Several of his close associates are going to jail, others await trial, and criminal investigations continue. Were going to do our job and wont be distracted or intimidated by threats or attacks.

The presidents post-State of the Union partisanship hasnt been limited to bashing the Democrats investigating him, either. On Wednesday morning, he found a way to turn the blackface and sexual assault sandals rocking the Virginia legislature into a partisan issue, arguing that if the lawmakers involved were Republican they would be facing far stronger action. Almost every prominent national Democrat has called for Governor Ralph Northam to resign, and none have expressed support for Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax since his accuser released a statement detailing her assault.

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When longtime Trump ally Rep. Steve King (R-IA) got caught with his hand in the racism jar last month  telling the Times that he doesnt understand why the terms white supremacy and white nationalism are offensive  the president refused to comment.
El anuncio del regreso de Los Bukis luego de 25 anos fuera de los escenarios con su gira Una historia cantada ha causado gran expectacion entre los seguidores de la legendaria banda mexicana, al grado que la productora ha anunciado nuevas presentaciones en varias ciudades.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  Cambodian police said Thursday they have arrested two Romanians and three Nigerians after seizing nearly 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of methamphetamine from one of them as he prepared to board a flight to Hong Kong.

Deputy National Police Chief Mok Chito said police on Wednesday found the drug in four plastic packets in luggage belonging to Romanian Narcis-Manuel Olaru at the airport in Siem Reap in northeastern Cambodia. It is a major international gateway for tourists because it is home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.

Olaru told police four other members of his gang lived in the capital, Phnom Penh, where they were arrested. Mok Chito said the suspects confessed they received the drug from Laos and its ultimate destination was New Zealand, where it would be worth three times its Cambodian value of about $50,000 per kilogram ($22,700 per pound).

Much of methamphetamine is produced in the Golden Triangle region where the borders of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet, and which has also long been a center for the production of heroin. The illicit drugs often transit Laos for onward shipment to overseas markets. The smuggling is facilitated by porous borders and lax law enforcement.

Mok Chito said the arrests came after nearly a month of investigation following a tipoff from Japanese police, who were informed about the gang's members in Cambodia by an alleged drug trafficker arrested there last month.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hold hands after watching the performance titled

Henri Feron

Security, Asia

"We can expect Trump to pitch peace with Pyongyang, even against resistance in his own administration."

North Korea and Americas Second Summit: Heres What Henri Feron Thinks Will Happen

Editors Note: Want more ideas on what will happen at the summit? Check out all 76 expert opinions we gathered here.

While the Singapore Summit signaled the end of maximum pressure, the second summit in February will signal the start of engagement. Working-level meetings and South Korean diplomacy have done all they could in opening a window of trust. Trump and Kim Jong-un will now define the great lines of normalization.

There will first be crowd-pleasing sacrifices on the altar of denuclearization. Kim has proposed to eliminate North Koreas fissile material production facilities at Yongbyon and beyond. He expects corresponding measures, though. These will come in the form of partial relief from U.S. sanctions, and possibly exemptions from UN sanctions.

This barter would have been the centerpiece twenty years ago, but today it has only limited significance. This is not a capitulation. North Korea already has the bomb. It cannot un-invent it. Even with years of cat-and-mouse games on verification, we will never have the assurance that it is not hiding something somewhere. And why wouldnt it, given Libya, given Iran?

What then is Trump trying to achieve at this summit? He differs from his predecessors in two significant ways here. The first is his irreverence for nonproliferation. He famously exhorted South Korea and Japan to get their own nuclear weapons. The second is his belief that it is China rather than North Korea that represents the greatest threat to U.S. interests. This became clear at the latest with his America First National Security Strategy.

In this worldview, there are only upsides to normalization with North Korea. Trump can ensure there is no longer a Nuclear Threat by ending the reason for which warheads were aimed at the United States. KOREAN WAR TO END!, as he tweeted after Panmunjom. He can also capitalize on North Korean anxieties vis-a-vis China to coax the country out of Beijings orbit. The parallels with U.S. strategy for Vietnam would be emphasized by holding the summit in Hanoi.

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Accordingly, we can expect Trump to pitch peace with Pyongyang, even against resistance in his own administration. He will push for channels to continuously promote normalization, such as a liaison office. He may also reaffirm a promise from the Six-Party Talks not to attack North Korea with conventional or nuclear means. He will not, however, declare an end to the War or a withdrawal of U.S. troops in the absence of South Korea. We should expect movement on these issues after the summit.

Henri Feron is a Post-Doctoral Research Scholar for the Center for Korean Legal Studies at Columbia University. He is the author of Doom and Gloom or Economic Boom: The Myth of the North Korean Collapse and the co-editor of Pathways to a Peaceful Korean Peninsula: Denuclearization, Reconciliation and Cooperation. Follow him on Twitter @henriferon.

Image: Reuters

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South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a joint news conference in Pyongyang, North Korea, September 19, 2018. Pyeongyang Press Corps/Pool via REUTERS

Harry J. Kazianis

Security, Asia

"My desired outcome for the summit is this: Donald Trump lights Americas old playbook on North Korea on fire in front of the entire world to witness."

North Korea and Americas Second Summit: Heres What Harry Kazianis Thinks Will Happen

If the United States and North Korea are truly going to end what is decades of near conflict I have a radical idea: Let President Trump take the lead.

And no, I am not talking about building swanky apartments along the North Korean coast line but throwing away the same old tired North Korea playbook that has dominated Washington, D.C.s foreign policy elites and past administrations.

It was only such actions that got us to the point we are at right now, resulting in the first of what seemed like improbable meeting between North Koreas Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump. At the time, I panned the summitI didnt even think it would happenas nothing more than a sham, reality tv and a massive concession to Pyongyang, doing nothing more than legitimizing a leader who deserves no such treatment.

But I was wrong. To be clear, while there was no historic agreement signed in Singapore, the images that came out of that summityes, follow me here for a momentwere the deliverable.

No longer were the U.S. and North Korea trading insults; Kim and Trump were in a room together, talking, getting to know one another and planting the seeds of what can only be described as trust.

Thats how history is made. In fact, it might be the images over the last few months that might lay the foundations for peace, avoid a nuclear conflict and ensure a Second Korean War is impossible. During the third Inter-Korean summit in September, President Moon rode through the streets of Pyongyang with Chairman Kim, waving to onlookers. And while some panned such spectacle as staged, you cant deny the sincerity of Moons remarks to 150,000 North Koreans in what is the worlds largest stadium. The Moon Miracle was on full display, and we were all able to witness what could be possible if all sides stopped being hostages to history and embrace the possible.

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So, yes, I have moved over to the optimist camp when it comes to finding a way to craft a new beginning with North Korea. My belief is rooted in a clear-eyed realism that only tragedy can result if we were to return the same patterns of provocations, threats and counter threats. Look how close we came to nuclear war in 2017, do you really think we can avoid it if we go back to the days of fire and fury? Dont bet on it.

My desired outcome for the summit is this: Donald Trump lights Americas old playbook on North Korea on fire in front of the entire world to witness. I hope Trump declares the Korean War over with a peace declaration signed by Chairman Kim that is simple, short and to the point. And with rumors that Chinas president Xi Jinping could come to Vietnam, why not invite South Koreas Moon and have them all sign what is obvious. From there, America should take Kim up on his over to close the Yongbyon nuclear facility for a package of sanctions relief.

Harry J. Kazianis is the new Director of Korea Studies at the Center for the National Interest and the Executive Editor of its publishing arm, The National Interest. You can follow him on Twitter: @Grecianformula.

Image: Reuters

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South Korea's President Moon Jae-in speaks at the ISEAS 42nd Singapore Lecture in Singapore July 13, 2018. REUTERS/Edgar Su TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Stein Tnnesson

Security, Asia

"What we may fear is a political backlash against President Moon in South Korea."

North Korea and Americas Second Summit: Heres What Stein Tnnesson Thinks Will Happen

Editors Note: Want more opinion on what will happen at the summit? Check out all 76 expert opinions we gathered here.

To have Donald Trump in the White House and Moon Jae-in in Seouls Blue House has been a blessing for both Koreas. South Koreas dovish presidents Kim Dae Jung (19982003) and Roh Moo-Hyun (200308) did not see eye to eye with George W. Bush (200109). When Barack Obama held power in the United States (201017), the presidents in Seoul no longer tried for peace with Pyongyang, whose new leader Kim Jong-un accelerated the countrys nuclear weapons program. This produced a dangerous crisis in Trumps first year as president.

Moon assumed the South Korean presidency in May 2017. He is the architect behind the current detente with North Korea. Trump, we now know, was serious when he said during his presidential campaign that he would talk to Kim. At a time when everyone in Washington expected a long nuclear crisis, Trump grasped the opportunity for rapprochement once Kim, after the annus horribilis 2017, halted his testing and responded to Moons overtures.

In just a few months, the outcast Kim was transformed. He became a partner for Moon, a deferent son of Xi Jinping, and a buddy to Trump. Kim has not, of course, dismantled his nuclear weapons. Nor will he do so. Besides the artillery north of the DMZ, nuclear weapons are his main capital. Yet we are unlikely to see another crisis.

Kim may agree to non-proliferation and a moratorium on testing. He might also accept opening up installations to monitoring, but will not give away his source of regime security. Moon and Kim have found each other and are dedicated to denuclearization as a long-term aim. The United Nations sanctions against North Korea will be undermined and eventually abandoned. China will not again bow to pressure to curtail its North Korean trade. South and North Korea will gradually build up their cooperation, demine the DMZ, and let their bombs rest. It is extremely unfortunate that North Korea should have become the worlds ninth nuclear power. Yet so it is and must beat least for the time being.

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What we may fear is a political backlash against President Moon in South Korea. Then we might have the crisis backwith China and America on opposite sides. Lets set our hopes on the Moon-Kim-Trump triangle!

Stein Tnnesson is a research professor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO).

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U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un before their bilateral meeting at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa island in Singapore June 12, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Robert de Neufville

Security, Asia

"North Korea has never given up a part of its weapons program that really meant anything in twenty-five years of talks."

North Korea and Americas Second Summit: Heres What Robert de Neufville Thinks Will Happen

Editors Note: Want more ideas on what will happen at the summit? Check out all 76 expert opinions we gathered here.

Forecasting what North Korea will do is hard because it largely depends on the uncertain will of Kim Jong-un. Forecasting what the Trump administration will do is often hard too because President Donald Trump can be impulsive and is willing to do things previous administrations would never have done. The upcoming summit could dramatically shift the politics of the Korean peninsula or it could amount to nothing. It wouldnt be a surprise if the talks were called off at the last minute.

Nevertheless, we can probably say with confidence that North Korea isnt giving up its nuclear weapons any time soon. North Korea has never given up a part of its weapons program that really meant anything in twenty-five years of talks. It might agree to dismantle a weapons site or commit to stop testing. But there are simply no corresponding measures the U.S. could take that would guarantee North Korean securityor Kims own lifethe way the threat of nuclear reprisal does. Thats the assessment of the U.S. intelligence community too. North Korea, as Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told the Senate Intelligence Committee, is unlikely to completely give up its nuclear weapons and production capabilities because its leaders ultimately view nuclear weapons as critical to regime survival.

There is maybe a 15 percent chance that we could seeif not after the summit, then sometime later in the yeara formal declaration of peace. After almost seventy years, both North and South Korea would like to declare an end to the Korean War. South Korean President Moon Jae-in is committed to improving relations with North Korea. The U.S. has been reluctant to legitimize the North Korean regime without substantial concessions. The U.S. may also fear that peace would make the U.S. military less welcome in its strategic South Korean bases. But President Trump is looking for a foreign policy win and may be less concerned with those issues. And if North Korea and South Korea are finally ready to make peace, the U.S. may not be able to stand in the way.

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Robert de Neufville, M.A. is the Director of Communications at the Global Catastrophic Risk Institute. He is also a freelance writer and a superforecaster in Good Judgment, Inc.

Image: Reuters

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South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un make a toast during a banquet in Pyongyang, North Korea, September 18, 2018. Pyeongyang Press Corps/Pool via REUTERS

Daniel R. DePetris

Security, Asia

"The U.S.-South Korea defense alliance will not end, and U.S. troops will remain on the Korean Peninsula as long as North Korea presents a national security threat to the stability of the Korean Peninsula."

North Korea and Americas Second Summit: Heres What Dan DePetris Thinks Will Happen

Editors Note: Want more ideas on what will happen at the summit? Check out all 76 expert opinions we gathered here.

What can we expect from the second summit blockbuster between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un? The easy answer is that the meeting could go either way.

Those anticipating a once-in-a-lifetime grand bargain, with Pyongyang handing over its nuclear deterrent in exchange for diplomatic and economic normalization with the United States, should get that fantasy out of their heads. The best case scenario for the Trump-Kim summit is a binding commitment from both that the diplomatic process is worth continuing. We are likely to see more specifics to the June 2018 Singapore statement, which was nothing more than a list of vague intentions and aspirational goals. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that Kim agrees to suspend nuclear work at the Yongbyon plutonium facility (ideally verified by international inspectors) if Washington pays for his trouble with corresponding measures such as exceptions to a sanctions regime that is totally at the mercy of Chinese enforcement. Despite the trepidation in Washington of an end-of-war declaration damaging the U.S.-South Korea alliance, a peace treaty will eventually need to be put on the table if the Trump administration truly wishes to accomplish Pyongyangs complete denuclearization.

As important as what may occur is what wont. The U.S.-South Korea defense alliance will not end, and U.S. troops will remain on the Korean Peninsula as long as North Korea presents a national security threat to the stability of the Korean Peninsula. While Trump would very much like to decrease the U.S. force presence in South Korea, he will be wary of touching the issue until his administration provides lawmakers with a compelling national security case about why a troop drawdown is necessary. For a president already dealing with a mountain of political trauma, Trump is unlikely to want to create more problems for himself.

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When Trump and Kim fly back to their capitals, there is a decent chance that both countries will begin implementation on the confidence-building steps that will insulate the diplomatic process from detractors who view the entire enterprise as a waste of time. But the nuts-and-bolts negotiations have yet to begin. If they do, the pundits should keep the talks in perspectivethis will be a long, tough, and perhaps unsuccessful journey. To expect the U.S. and North Korea to end nearly seventy years of mutual hostility in a matter of months is detached from reality.

Dan DePetris is a Fellow at Defense Priorities as well as a columnist for the Washington Examiner and the American Conservative. You can follow him on Twitter at @DanDePetris.

Image: Reuters

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a joint news conference in Pyongyang, North Korea, September 19, 2018. Pyeongyang Press Corps/Pool via REUTERS

Richard Javad Heydarian

Security, Asia

"Dont expect North Korea to give up its nukes overnight, but dont rule out Kims willingness to go all the way in exchange for economic revival."

North Korea and Americas Second Summit: Heres What Richard Heydarian Thinks Will Happen

Editors Note: Want more ideas on what will happen at the summit? Check out all 76 expert opinions we gathered here.

During my exchanges with senior North Korean officials in Pyongyang last year, I came away with three key insights.

First of all, Pyongyang is negotiating from a position of simultaneous strength and insecurity. One need not be Tolstoy to realize that actual human beings are bedeviled by contradictory emotions, which could influence their strategic calculus. On one hand, North Korea repeatedly emphasized that they are now a full-fledged strategic state, a euphemism for a nuclear weapons state. They fancy achieving strategic parity with superpowers. Meanwhile, it was abundantly clear that the regime is anxiously aware of its economic isolation, which has been frustrating Kim Jong-uns genuine efforts at economic modernization.

This brings me to my second point, which is Pyongyangs humiliating reliance on one country, namely China, as its economic lifeline. Throughout my stay in North Korea, not even once did I hear (even during the karaoke nights) an ounce of gratitude towards Beijing, which has kept the regime afloat amidst the worlds most punishing sanctions regime.

Lastly, the off-hand admission by one North Korean official that when it comes to some American leaders they need to make decisions quickly in order to achieve their desired goal, while they could have more patiently waited out others. It was clear that they were referring to President Donald Trump, an instinctive leader who Isaiah Berlin would have characterized as the hedgehog, someone that holds onto a single, universal, organizing principle in terms of which alone all that they are and say has significance.

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The problem, however, is that Kim is also a hedgehog (compared to his foxy father) and, thus, there is a great risk of miscalculation. Hedgehogs are great when it comes creative disruptionopening direct communication channels between two hostiles statesbut the Korean Peninsula conundrum requires fox-like negotiations, since what we are dealing with is nothing short of a jigsaw puzzle: many things have to go right at the same time for an actual breakthrough to take place.

Thus, the second summit will have to be immediately followed up by phased negotiations, lest the whole gambit fall apart. A symbolic peace agreement would mark a great start, followed by reciprocal, step-by-step concessions, which may very well exceed the duration of Trumps tenure. Dont expect North Korea to give up its nukes overnight, but dont rule out Kims willingness to go all the way in exchange for economic revival.

Richard Javad Heydarian is a Manila-based academic and author. His forthcoming book is The Indo-Pacific Age: US, China and the New Global Struggle for Mastery.

Image: Reuters

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and China's Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), attend a welcoming performance in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this undated photo released September 11, 2018 by North Korea'

Robert King

Security, Asia

"The playing field has not changed since Singapore. North Korea still has no interest in denuclearization."

North Korea and Americas Second Summit: Heres What Robert King Thinks Will Happen

Editors Note: Want more ideas on what will happen at the summit? Check out all 76 expert opinions we gathered here.

The United States and North Korea began 2018 with sound and fury. President Trumps speech at the United Nations (September 2017) and his State of the Union Address (January 2018), were matched by Kim Jong-uns nuclear and missile tests and fulminations from Pyongyang.

What changed during 2018 was that Kim Jong-un systematically strengthened his position. He rebuilt relations with China (four summits with Xi Jinping). He strengthened ties with Russia (the Russian foreign minister visited Pyongyang and a summit with Vladimir Putin is in the works).

Meanwhile, President Trump stumbled and bumbled on Korea policy, weakening the American position. He engaged in a nasty trade war with China, a key to any resolution of North Korea issues. His precipitous announcement of a unilateral American troop withdrawal from Syria raised doubts about American reliability with its allies.

The June 2018 Singapore Summit gave Kim Jong-un what he soughtinternational legitimacy and credibility, while boosting his outreach to Beijing and Moscow. Donald Trump also achieved what he soughta change of headlines in American media from the Mueller investigation, but that proved to be short lived.

Kim has absolutely no interest in abandoning his nuclear and missile weapons. For him, the Singapore summit was playing for time to improve weapons quality and to expand the size of North Koreas nuclear arsenal. The platitudes without commitment which emerged from Singapore left Kim full flexibility to do just that.

Perhaps the worst consequence of the U.S. presidents actions is the uncertainty and questions raised for South Korea. Seoul has been one of Americas closest and most important allies. Trumps failure to fully consult and coordinate with the South has raised questions in Seoul about American reliability. (For example, Trump initially unilaterally cancelled the Singapore Summit without bothering to give Seoul a heads-up, even though the South conveyed the request for the summit from North Korea to Trump. The summit subsequently was put back on track, but not without damage to the U.S.-South Korea relationship.)

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The playing field has not changed since Singapore. North Korea still has no interest in denuclearization. It wants more time to strengthen its missile and nuclear capabilities and to improve relations with China to eliminate or undermine UN sanctions. There is no indication thus far that any meaningful agreement is being put in place for the upcoming Vietnam Summit. The dynamics of agreeing to hold a summit before agreeing upon a result is a sure recipe for a repetition of Singaporea media circus without lasting substance.

The master of the art of the deal was not only bested by Nancy Pelosi, but even more dangerously by Kim Jong-un.

Robert King is the Senior Advisor of the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He also served as special envoy for North Korea human rights issues at the U.S. Department of State from 2009 to 2017 after being nominated by President Barack Obama.

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Rabat (AFP) - Morocco on Thursday officially restored compulsory military service, despite complaints from some young people in the North African country.

King Mohammed VI gave "instructions that 10,000 conscripts be called to military service in the current year, before bringing this figure to 15,000 in the next year," a cabinet statement carried by the MAP agency said.

Moroccans aged between 19 and 25 look set to be called up for one year, according to the legislation that was unveiled in August, some 12 years after conscription was abolished.

The first conscripts will be enrolled in Autumn 2019, government spokesman Mustapha Khalfi said.

Draft dodgers face penalties ranging from one month to a year in prison, but exemptions will be made for those who do not meet physical standards and for university students.

Military service will be optional for women and dual nationals.

Conscripts will be paid between 1,050 dirhams (96 euros) and 2,000 dirhams (185 euros) net per month, according to Khalfi.

Moroccans are divided over the return of military service -- some view it as gainful employment for youths left behind by development, others as a tool to blunt protest movements.

The palace said its goal is to improve "integration in professional and social life" for young people and boost their sense of citizenship.
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP)  Two more women have accused former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, a Nobel peace laureate, of sexual misconduct after a criminal complaint alleging sexual assault against another woman was filed against him this week in the Central American nation.

Eleonora Antillon, a well-known Costa Rican journalist and TV presenter, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Arias assaulted her in the mid-1980s when she was working for his fledgling presidential bid.

In a separate interview, Emma Daly, communications director for Human Rights Watch, said Arias groped her in a hotel lobby in Nicaragua in 1990 when she was working as a young journalist based in Costa Rica.

The New York Times also reported that a fourth woman, a 53-year-old book editor, alleged that Arias unexpectedly put his hand on her leg during a meeting in 2012. AP was not immediately able to confirm the report.

While the #MeToo movement swept up a number of powerful men in recent years in the United States, its spillover effect has been more muted in Latin America, where critics say macho attitudes die hard.

In Brazil, starting in December, more than 250 women accused a prominent spiritual healer of acts from unwanted fondling to rape, leading to his arrest and a raft of charges. In Argentina, accusations ranging from sexual assault to sexual harassment have been leveled against the likes of a well-known actor, a senator and a legislative chief of staff.

But none have had a profile like Arias, who was twice elected president of Costa Rica and in 1987 was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for his work bringing an end to Central America's protracted and bloody civil wars.

The criminal complaint filed Monday in Costa Rica charged that Arias fondled a woman's breasts, kissed her and penetrated her with his fingers in December 2014 at his home in the capital, San Jose. The woman, a nuclear disarmament activist whose name was not released, had gone there for a meeting related to her cause.

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In a brief statement Tuesday, Arias denied the allegation. He said he never violated the will of any woman and fought for gender equality during his career. He said he would not have further public comment because of the pending legal case.

As more allegations emerged Wednesday, his lawyer, Erick Ramos, echoed that, telling AP that "out of respect for the process that is in course, we are not going to make any kind of declaration."

Antillon, a renowned journalist and TV presenter known as "Nono," decided to break three decades of silence after the complaint became known this week.

Antillon told AP that in the 1980s, when she was 25 and working for a local TV station, she learned that Arias was interested in having her work for him as he made a preliminary run toward the 1986 presidential election.

She said she expressed disinterest in politics, but Arias insisted and didn't blink when she asked for a salary three times the going rate to try to discourage him.

"He laughed and said others were working for free, that later they were guaranteed a political job," Antillon said. "I said I wasn't interested, that if he wanted me he would pay me. And he laughed and looked at me and said that he would pay it."

After an agreement was struck, she said, Arias summoned her to a restaurant in San Jose where he met her in a private room. Almost immediately he put his hand on her thigh and tried to kiss her neck, she said. Antillon said she pushed him away and asked what he thought he was doing.

"'It's just to gain trust,' he told me, laughing," she said.

Antillon said she left, rejecting his offer to escort her.

Four days later she was with Arias and another adviser, but he sent the adviser away, she said.

"He stood up, he was at his desk, he came over staring hard at me, and he grabbed my hand and put it on his penis, over his pants," Antillon said. "I said to him, 'What are you doing?' and he said, 'What do you think we're doing? Look how hard I am.'"

Antillon said she recoiled, knocking over a chair, and Arias grabbed her shoulders, pushed her into an open closet and again placed her hand on his genitals. She pulled it away. Someone made a noise at the door, he composed himself and she left.

Afterward, Antillon said, she never allowed herself to be alone with Arias, whom she described as someone with "serious problems with arrogance."

"He sees himself as the master of the world, that everyone has to submit to him," Antillon said. "He sees himself as a conqueror."

Since then, Antillon said, she felt physically ill whenever she heard about Arias' Nobel prize. She said the experience left a mark and she has tried to dress in a less "feminine" way, not wanting to show much skin.

Only this week was she emboldened to come forward amid news of the complaint, she said.

"I believe her based on what I lived through," Antillon said of the woman whose complaint was filed this week.

Although it's been more than 30 years since the incidents she described to AP, Antillon said if any lawyer could find a way to bring a complaint against Arias, she would be willing to do so.

AP normally does not use the names of alleged victims of sexual assault, but both Antillon and Daly came forward to tell their stories publicly.

Speaking to AP in New York, Daly said she had been in Costa Rica for a couple of years when her encounter with Arias happened in February or April of 1990 in neighboring Nicaragua. At the time she was in her mid-20s, working for an English-language weekly in Costa Rica and stringing for Reuters.

The lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel was packed with journalists and diplomats when she saw Arias, with whom she had established a cordial relationship in her role as a political reporter, Daly said. They had first met years earlier through her parents, who were diplomats, she said. She called out to him and asked a question.

"And instead of answering my question, he stopped and looked at me and leaned forward, and he put his hand on my chest and sort of pulled it down between my breasts and then said, 'You're not wearing a bra'  or words to that effect," Daly told AP.

"I was so shocked, all I could think of to say was, 'Yes I am wearing a bra,' which is a ridiculous reaction but that's what I did in the moment, and he walked on," she continued. "A woman next to me, another reporter, said to me: 'I saw what happened. I'll support you if you want to do something.' And I said, 'No, that's fine, forget about it.'"

Daly said part of what was upsetting was that it came in a professional setting, surrounded by politicians and journalists.

"You're completely ignored from a professional side, but someone touches you and you're made to feel as if you're nothing, they can do whatever they want," she said.

Daly said Arias had never done anything like this in any prior interaction with her, nor had she seen him do anything to anyone else. She felt the overall environment was one of machismo, and if she complained nothing would happen.

She said she felt angry and then humiliated that she "hadn't responded properly, but I didn't really see what I could do or where that could lead. If I had gone to complain about it, I felt I would have been laughed out of whatever office I tried to complain to."

Daly said she told her then-boyfriend as well as several other people about the incident. She doesn't remember seeing Arias again. He left office not long after, and she left the region.

But she said she began thinking about the incident more amid the rise of #MeToo, making an oblique reference to "Even a president and Nobel laureate" in a comment on a friend's Facebook post in October 2017. She said she thought about naming Arias at the time but decided not to.

Daly first told her story publicly to a Washington Post reporter who reached out to her Tuesday.

She said she felt she was in a privileged place  she wasn't going to lose her job, her family support  so it was important to speak out.

She said the difficult thing is that Arias has done good work in his professional life, with the peace plan, but that doesn't give him a pass to mistreat people.

"It would be really wonderful if this spurred some kind of a reckoning in Latin America with men who harass women," Daly said, "particularly at work ... some kind of moment where they understood that there's a need for systemic change and it's really not OK to just touch women because you feel like it."

Arias' National Liberation Party announced in a statement Thursday that he was leaving the party pending an outcome of the criminal case.

On social media, users have been posting messages of support for the women using the hashtag "yotecreo," which means "I believe you."

___

Associated Press writer Javier Cordoba reported this story in San Jose, Costa Rica, and AP writer Deepti Hajela reported from New York.
Caracas (AFP) - President Nicolas Maduro's grip on power in Venezuela may have been loosened over the past week, but diehard supporters say they are willing to fight "tooth and nail" for him.

There is a mood of simmering defiance in some quarters of Caracas, where supporters of the socialist leader are angered by international backing for Juan Guaido, the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly legislature who declared himself interim president last week.

Marlene Vargas, a 52-year-old teacher, is a dedicated "Chavista" who believe US President Donald Trump is trying to "strangle" the socialist regime with sanctions and threats.

Vargas is part of the bedrock of support for the movement founded by Maduro's predecessor, deceased former president Hugo Chavez.

Chavez's oil-fueled spending lifted millions of Venezuelans out of poverty after he came to power in 1999, inspiring a loyalty to his successor that still endures.

That loyalty -- fueled in part by regime-subsidized food allowances and bonuses -- has provided core support in a string of election victories for Maduro's party, despite opposition boycotts and vote-rigging accusations.

"We may not have high technology and experience of war like the United States, but we are a dignified people and we will defend ourselves tooth and nail," Vargas told AFP in January 3, a "Chavista" stronghold in western Caracas named for the date of a 1958 coup.

"If things heat up, we will go down on the streets," said 65-year-old Maria Torrealba.

Torrealba is one of 1.6 million Venezuelans -- according to official government figures -- in a militia force created in 2009 to provide support for the armed forces.

Torrealba says it's the US and its sanctions -- not Maduro -- that has plunged Venezuela into a crippling economic crisis.

"They have blocked us (market access) but we are ready to resist," she said with a dose of vehemence as she headed to the presidential palace for an "anti-imperialist" rally.

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- Guaido a 'sellout' -

Vargas believes fresh sanctions imposed this week will only aggravate the hardship of Venezuelans, already suffering from chronic food and medicine shortages.

"Every time the government comes up with an economic solution, more sanctions come," she said.

But war "will only bring deaths, misery and hunger."

And war is a very real prospect for people like Julieta Willchez, fearing for the future of her three children and eight grandchildren.

"That's why we're in the street," said Willchez, 64. "We are no longer defending just a president, but the country."

She questioned the opposition boycott of last May's presidential election, which saw Maduro win a second term.

"There were six million of us citizens voting because we believe in the process. Their duty would have been to participate, and then let the most popular party win."

She rejected any notion of "foreign interference" and accused the US-backed Guaido of "selling out" to Washington.

Still, conflict would bring a unity of sorts, mused Willchez.

"When the bombs start to all," Chavistas and the opposition alike "are going to have to unite to defend Venezuela," she said.

-'Staying with Maduro'-

Carmen Martinez was walking from the western district of El Paraiso to Maduro's Miraflores presidential palace for a "vigil."

Next to the palace is a huge roofed platform erected this week to accommodate a "permanent vigil" for Maduro.

Dozens of socialist supporters danced around, waving the red flags of the Bolivarian revolution while salsa bands belted out songs against the "empire."

Iris Varela, Maduro's prisons minister, roused the crowd at a similar rally on Tuesday, shouting: "War or embargo, I'm staying with Maduro."

"No one can bring down President Maduro, let alone those terrorists," said Martinez, referring to the opposition and Washington.

Near Miraflores, someone had drawn graffiti of Trump with a swastika on his chest, titled "Donazi."

For Vargas, the US president is leading an "orchestra" against Venezuela.

"He opens his mouth and all the other countries must do as he says. If the Americans set foot on Venezuelan soil, we'll face up to them."
TRIPOLI (Reuters) - The chairman of Libya's LIA sovereign wealth fund, Ali Mahmoud Hassan Mohamed, was detained on Wednesday for an investigation into alleged "corruption and exploitation of (his) position," an official in the attorney general's office said. The LIA said in a statement it was confident he would be proven innocent. Mohamed was appointed by the U.N.-backed government in Tripoli. A rival government operates in eastern Libya. The official in the attorney general's office said Mohamed was being interrogated, declining further comment. Mohamed could not be reached for comment. The LIA holds about $66 billion-worth of mostly frozen assets under United Nations sanctions imposed in 2011 when veteran ruler Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in a NATO-backed uprising. (Reporting by Ahmed Elumami; Editing by Ulf Laessing, James Dalgleish and Peter Graff)
It seems increasingly likely that President Trump will declare a national emergency at our southern border in order to access funds to build a wall. Last week, I had the pleasure of debating National Reviews very own David French on the legality of such a move in a Federalist Society-sponsored tele-conference. I wanted to take the opportunity to further explain my defense of Trumps legal authority in response to Davids excellent points.

David and I agree that Congress has not placed any serious limits on the presidents power to declare an emergency and that the Supreme Court was unlikely to second-guess him. For much of our history, presidents have understood the Constitutions grant of the executive power to include a power to declare national emergency. Thomas Jefferson effectively did so in response to Aaron Burrs effort to raise a rebellion in Louisiana; Abraham Lincoln did so, with far more justification, at the start of the Civil War; FDR did so, with far less justification, at the start of his presidency in response to the Great Depression; and Harry Truman did so at the start of the Korean War.

In 1976, Congress enacted the National Emergency Act in its burst of post-Watergate reforms designed to restrict presidential power. While the new law terminated most existing emergencies, it did not set out any definition of a national emergency or limit the presidents ability to declare one. The law only sets out the process for publication and congressional notification of the presidents declaration. So David and I agree that there are few limits on the presidents ability to declare an emergency for good reason. Indeed, every president since 1976 has used the NEA to declare a national emergency, several under circumstances far less immediate than this one, and the Supreme Court has never overturned one.

But David and I disagree on a broad conceptual question. I think he, and other prominent critics, view Trumps apparently impending declaration through the lens of Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer (1952). In Youngstown, the Supreme Court reversed President Trumans seizure of the nations steel mills, which a broad labor strike had closed. President Truman argued that steel was critical to the production of armaments needed for the Korean War. Writing for a 63 majority, Justice Hugo Black concluded that taking possession of private property  here, the steel mills  was a legislative function of government vested in Congress, not the president. Since Congress had rejected amendments to the federal labor laws that would have granted the executive such a power, Black concluded, Truman was without constitutional or statutory authority to seize the mills. According to David, a Trump declaration of emergency would amount to a similar act without legal authority.

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I believe, however, that Youngstown is not the right analogy to the present circumstances. Trump does not claim that he has an inherent presidential power to declare an emergency and build a wall. Even if he did, I think that there would be important differences between Trumans seizure of the steel mills and a wall. Here, unlike Youngstown, there is no direct conflict between Congress and the President. Congress has not passed a law denying the President the authority to take measures to protect the border; in fact, in 2006 Congress passed a law by bipartisan majorities authorizing the construction of a wall. In Dames & Moore v. Regan (1981), the Court found that when Congress broadly delegates a general power to the executive branch in the area of foreign affairs, such as the power to impose economic sanctions, it would not read Congresss neglect to grant a more specific, related authority as foreclosing the president from exercising that authority. Instead, it would treat Congresss silence as acquiescence to presidential initiative, especially in times of emergency. That is exactly the case here: Congress has authorized a wall and other security measures at the border, it has not passed any law forbidding such a wall, and the president has invoked delegated powers to continue the walls construction.

Justice Black also found important that Trumans seizure of the mills occurred outside the theatre of war and so was a job for the Nations lawmakers, not for its military authorities. A World War II case, by contrast, had correctly upheld the destruction of civilian property in the Pacific as a matter of military necessity. The construction of a border wall would be closer to the latter case than to Youngstown. President Trump does not seek to nationalize a large segment of the domestic economy far from the battlefield. Instead, he seeks to order the military to build a border wall directly at the point of the emergency, without any seizure of domestic industry. Private-property owners whose land the government might need for construction would have a right to just compensation, which the administration should wisely, and quickly, pay.

Trump would not even need to invoke his inherent constitutional powers. The White House could declare an emergency under the NEA and then draw funds from any statutes which allow new spending during such periods (more on those shortly). He would not have to claim a constitutional power to move money around during an emergency, which Lincoln did when he raised an army and navy after the firing on Fort Sumter without congressional appropriation. Instead, he could claim he was acting pursuant to congressional delegation of authority to the executive branch.

In that respect, this case would be governed not by Youngstown, but by Dames & Moore v. Regan. In Dames & Moore, the Supreme Court addressed the actions taken by the Carter and Reagan administrations to settle the Iran hostage crisis. Under the deal reached with the mullahs in Tehran, the United States had to suspend claims against Iran in U.S. courts, nullify any attachment of Iranian assets pursuant to court order, and transfer all Iranian funds in U.S. banks to a U.S.Iran claims tribunal in the Hague. President Carter triggered emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, which allowed him to suspend the claims and to transfer bank funds  but, importantly, did not allow him to lift court orders freezing assets. The Court, however, upheld Carters order in toto anyway. His action was supported by the strongest of presumptions and the widest latitude of judicial interpretation, Justice William Rehnquist wrote, and the burden of persuasion would rest heavily upon any who might attack it. Because the president was acting pursuant to congressional delegation, the Court observed, a contrary ruling would mean that the Federal Government as a whole lacked the power exercised by the President, and that we are not prepared to say.

I believe that the Roberts Court  but perhaps not lower courts, especially those that view themselves as part of the resistance to the Trump administration  would grant the same generous deference to President Trump. Here, Congress has passed at least two laws that give the president the power to transfer funds to a construction project, such as a wall, after a declaration of emergency. The first, Section 2808 of Title 10 states that:

In the event of a declaration of war or the declaration by the President of a national emergency in accordance with the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) that requires use of the armed forces, the Secretary of Defense, without regard to any other provision of law, may undertake military construction projects, and may authorize the Secretaries of the military departments to undertake military construction projects, not otherwise authorized by law that are necessary to support such use of the armed forces. Such projects may be undertaken only within the total amount of funds that have been appropriated for military construction, including funds appropriated for family housing, that have not been obligated.

David and I agree that if Section 2808 applies, then the courts would not stand in the way of a Trump order redirecting funds from existing military construction projects to a border wall. David argues, however, that the emergency would not be one that requires use of the armed forces and that a wall would not be necessary to support such use of the armed forces. He has asserted that immigration law is under the jurisdiction of civilian authorities  namely, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security  and that statistics show that there is no increase in illegal migration across the southern border that requires deployment of troops or construction of a wall.

I disagree here with Davids analysis of Section 2808. As commander-in-chief, President Trump has ordered 3,000 troops to defend the integrity of the border. This recalls the U.S. Army to its roots: safeguarding the frontier. For much of American history, the primary purpose of the armed forces was border defense, not exporting democracy or keeping the peace in Europe and Asia. I do not think that Congress can unilaterally transform a historic military mission  safeguarding the nations territorial integrity  into a civilian law-enforcement mission through immigration laws. That would effectively allow Congress to reduce the Constitutions grant of the commander-in-chief and executive powers to the president through a laws characterization of the border. This argument is even stronger if the military at the border is not enforcing immigration laws  which it appears not to be, and which it arguably could not because of the Posse Comitatus Acts bar on military enforcement of federal law within the country  but providing protection of the border and supporting civilian agencies operating there. The U.S. Army is not catching illegal aliens and handing them over to immigration courts. That remains ICEs job.

David further argues that a wall is not necessary to support such use of the armed forces. There might be an unusual, technical meaning to military construction projects that are necessary to support troops, much like words in the tax code do not seem to mean what common sense would suggest they do. But if we go by the plain words of the statutory text, a wall would clearly support the troops deployed at the border. A wall would make the troops safer by protecting them and reducing the size of migrant flows. A wall would also reduce the size of necessary deployments along the border by reducing the area that must be patrolled. Further, decisions over what requires the armed forces and what is necessary to support them traditionally have rested with the president and have rarely, if ever, been second-guessed by the courts.

The second law involved here is Section 2293 of Title 33 of the U.S. Code. That law allows the secretary of defense to reallocate funds from military construction projects:

In the event of a declaration of war or a declaration by the President of a national emergency in accordance with the National Emergencies Act [50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.] that requires or may require use of the Armed Forces, the Secretary, without regard to any other provision of law, may (1) terminate or defer the construction, operation, maintenance, or repair of any Department of the Army civil works project that he deems not essential to the national defense, and (2) apply the resources of the Department of the Armys civil works program, including funds, personnel, and equipment, to construct or assist in the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of authorized civil works, military construction, and civil defense projects that are essential to the national defense.

This statute appears even more generous than Section 2808. It does not demand that a national emergency require the use of the U.S. Armed Forces; it allows that an emergency that requires or may require their use will do. It also does not require that the construction be necessary to support the armed forces. Instead, it requires that (a) the civil works, military construction, or civil defense project be authorized; and (b) the project be essential to the national defense.

As John Eastman has observed, the Secure Fence Act of 2006 authorized construction of a wall along the U.S.Mexico border, which satisfies condition (a). David could argue, in response, that a wall would not be essential to the national defense, and would thus fail condition (b). We probably agree that the courts would be reluctant to review what construction projects are essential or not to the national defense. This is especially so where, as here, the phrase is repeated, but nowhere defined, in the U.S. Code. A quick spin through various federal laws and regulations indicates that the phrase arises primarily with regard to the presidents authority to designate commodities, workers, and even industries as essential to the national defense, or the presidents right to protect classified information. There does not appear to be any definition of what construction projects are essential to the national defense. The Supreme Court would likely give the president the broadest deference to decide whether any construction project, even a border wall, satisfied this statutory language.

This makes perfect sense. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to define by antecedent law what is militarily necessary. Would the courts review whether the presidents decision to build a particular base, road, waterway, airport, fortification, defense structure, storage facility, arsenal, or even a bunker was essential to the national defense? Such a decision would depend on the circumstances and the nature of the threat, which almost by definition could not be fully anticipated by Congress. Indeed, the Framers created the federal government and the presidency precisely because they knew that it was impossible to define beforehand the nature of emergencies and crises, and that the better course was to create a body of government with the authority to act as circumstances arose. Because the circumstances that endanger the safety of nations are infinite, Alexander Hamilton warned in Federalist No. 23, no constitutional shackles can wisely be imposed on the power.

Our Framers explained that they vested the whole executive power of the federal government in a single person, the president, so that the nation would not be disabled from responding forcefully to emergencies. Good government, Hamilton explained in Federalist No. 70, requires energy in the executive, which is essential to the protection of the community from foreign attacks and the steady administration of the laws. In this case, the web of congressional authorizations and emergency powers does not contradict the constitutional scheme, but instead amplifies it. Not only do presidents still have some reservoir of constitutional authority to declare emergencies, but Congress has seen fit to enhance it with the right to re-allocate spending to support such a declaration. Despite the pleas of administration critics, the Supreme Court will almost certainly agree.

More from National Review
Beirut (AFP) - A Kurdish-led force arrested 63 suspected militants in the Syrian city of Raqa Thursday during an operation against jihadist sleeper cells, it said in a statement.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces said those detained belonged to "terrorist cells directly responsible for spreading terror and chaos" in the city.

At least 48 suspected members of the Islamic State group were among those arrested, according to Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

He said that members of rival opposition groups are also among those detained by Kurdish security forces in Raqa, once the de facto capital of IS's self-proclaimed "caliphate".

The arrests are part of a sweeping crackdown on alleged IS sleeper cells in territory controlled by the SDF, the Observatory said.

The SDF has whittled down IS territory in Syria to a tiny sliver of land near the border with Iraq.

Jihadists have responded by ramping up bomb attacks and assassinations targeting SDF forces elsewhere.

The city of Raqa, which was taken by the SDF in 2017 after a massive operation by the US-led coalition, has been hit by a spate of bombings in recent weeks.

An explosion on Monday wounded Kurdish security forces in the city, the Observatory said. Last month, an IS suicide bomber attacked a centre for Kurdish forces, killing four civilians and a Kurdish fighter.

The Observatory says that suspected IS sleeper cells have allegedly assassinated at least 50 civilians and 135 SDF fighters in Kurdish-held territory, including eastern Deir Ezzor, Hasakeh's countryside, Raqa and Manbij since August.
Geneva (AFP) - A UN rapporteur probing the murder in Turkey of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said Thursday the killing was planned and carried out by Saudi officials.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and Saudi regime critic, was murdered at the ultra-conservative kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

"Evidence collected during my mission to Turkey shows prima facie case that Mr Khashoggi was the victim of a brutal and premeditated killing, planned and perpetrated by officials of the state of Saudi Arabia," Agnes Callamard said at the end of a visit to Turkey, according to a UN statement.

Turkey says he was killed by a team of 15 Saudis who strangled him at the mission, and media reports have said his body was cut up and dissolved in acid.

After denying the killing for two weeks Riyadh finally described it as a "rogue" operation and arrested a number of senior Saudi officials.

Khashoggi's body has still not been recovered.

"The murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the sheer brutality of it has brought irreversible tragedy to his loved ones," said Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

"It is also raising a number of international implications which demand the urgent attention of the international community including the United Nations."

apo/gca/txw/har
Prime minister Theresa May with her Irish counterpart, Leo Varadkar, in Dublin in 2017. Pic: PA

Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday that his British counterpart Theresa May would visit Dublin late on Friday for Brexit talks.

The announcement of the Friday dinner meeting comes as European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker reminded May that the Brexit withdrawal agreement was not open for renegotiation.

She knows that the Commission is not prepared to reopen the issue, Juncker said.

Speaking at a press conference with Juncker, Varadkar said he was confident that a solution to the current impasse could be found, but that Ireland was nonetheless prepared for a no-deal Brexit.

But we should bear in mind that the threat of no deal is not a threat that the European Union is making. It is not a threat that Ireland is making, Varadkar said, noting that the UKs upcoming exit from the EU was self-imposed.

This 29 March deadline is a deadline set in Britain by Britain and it is open to the UK to request an extension to Article 50, provided theres a purpose to that, or to revoke Article 50 if thats their wish.

READ MORE: Brexiteers with no plan deserve a special place in hell, says Tusk

The Irish prime minister again insisted that there were no alternative arrangements to the already agreed Northern Ireland backstop.

Varadkar said that last weeks vote in the House of Commons for unspecified alternative arrangements only succeeded because alternative arrangements can mean whatever you want them to mean.

May concluded a two-day visit to Northern Ireland on Wednesday, where most political leaders confirmed their support for the previously agreed withdrawal agreement.

The only Northern Irish party represented in the House of Commons, the Democratic Unionist Party, reiterated its opposition to the backstop, which is designed to prevent a post-Brexit hard border on the island of Ireland.
Benghazi (Libya) (AFP) - A military push in southern Libya which strongman Khalifa Haftar says is aimed at rooting out "terrorists" and foreign fighters has sparked backlash from an ethnic minority and the UN-backed government.

The offensive risks fuelling tensions in a country already wracked by violence and torn between rival administrations since the overthrow and killing of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

A power struggle between the UN-backed government in Tripoli and a parallel administration supported by Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) in the east have left the country's vast desert south a lawless no-man's land.

The rugged territory, which shares borders with Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan, has become a haven for jihadists and armed groups of all stripes.

They include Chadian rebels accused of fuelling insecurity and taking advantage of the country's porous borders to establish rear bases.

The LNA in mid-January announced the start of an offensive intended to "purge the south of terrorists and criminal groups", including rebels from Chad.

Days later, Haftar's forces claimed they had killed an Al-Qaeda leader and two other "terrorists", including an Egyptian, before attacking the rebels.

The region is also the scene of a struggle between Libya's minority Tubu community and Arab tribes, particularly over the control of cross-border smuggling routes.

Dozens were killed in clashes between the two sides until a 2017 peace accord signed in Rome froze hostilities. But some fear Haftar's offensive could re-ignite the conflict.

- 'Ethnic cleansing' -

Libya's Tubu, part of a larger cross-border ethnic group, have long railed against discrimination in the predominantly Arab country.

Some of its members accuse the LNA, which counts Tubu fighters among its ranks, of directing rival Arab tribes to enter their communities.

Youssef Kalkouri, a Tubu lawmaker in the eastern Haftar-backed administration, told AFP his community categorically opposes Arab tribal forces entering their cities.

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Haftar's forces said Friday they had battled Chadian rebels in the town of Ghudduwah south of Sebha, 650 kilometres south of Tripoli, before calling in air strikes against the insurgents on Sunday.

But Tubu say they too were targeted.

The weekend strikes prompted one Tubu minister in the eastern administration to resign and another Tubu lawmaker in the same body to suspend her role.

Both spoke out against the "ethnic cleansing" of their community.

LNA spokesman General Ahmed al-Mesmari denounced what he called a "media campaign".

"Our Tubu brothers fight with us," he told AFP, hailing the "heroism" of the LNA, which was "clearing the south of terrorism, chaos and foreign elements".

Analyst Jalal al-Fitouri said the Tubu are divided.

"One party refuses the presence of Chadian rebels and supports the LNA, while others support the (rebels) and profit with them from smuggling and human trafficking."

Analysts say the LNA's military push may also be linked to oil interests in the south, where the Tubu control important fields.

The LNA said late Wednesday it had seized one of the country's biggest oil fields without a fight. Armed groups had shut down the Al-Sharara field, about 900 kilometres (560 miles) south of the capital, in protest at perceived marginalisation by Tripoli.

- 'Military escalation' -

Breaking three weeks of silence on the operation, the Tripoli-based government on Wednesday denounced the "military escalation" in the south.

The region "should not become grounds for political settlement or sedition between social and cultural components", it said in a statement.

Haftar's push also threatens to sabotage efforts to end the Libyan political crisis, with UN-backed polls planned for this year, Tripoli said.

In a surprise move Wednesday, Tripoli announced the appointment of Kadhafi-era general Ali Kana as its own commander for the south.

Kana, who supported the late leader until his death, fled Libya in 2011 before returning in 2015 to his native south, where he maintains the support of several major groups, including the Tuareg minority and the Kadhafi clan.

Tubu representatives have in recent days mooted the possibility of forging a common front with Kana against the LNA.

That could thwart the ambitions of the LNA, whose offensive has garnered some degree of foreign backing, notably from France.

On Sunday, Paris said its warplanes had bombed a column of 40 rebel pickup trucks after they crossed into northern Chad from Libya -- insurgents the LNA claimed were fleeing its offensive.

A rebel group opposed to Chad's President Idriss Deby said it had been the target of those strikes.

The French foreign ministry said on Tuesday that Haftar's operation had "eliminated terrorist targets" and was a way to "durably hinder the activities of human traffickers".

On Wednesday the French military said its warplanes had destroyed about 20 of the convoy's 50 pickup trucks in fresh air strikes after the weekend raids failed to halt its advance.
WASHINGTON (AP)  U.S. health officials are telling doctors to be on the lookout for a rare cancer linked to breast implants after receiving more reports of the disease.

The Food and Drug Administration sent a letter Wednesday to family doctors, nurses and other health professionals warning about the form of lymphoma that affects breast implant patients. In suspected cases, the FDA recommends laboratory testing to confirm or rule out of the disease. It's the first time regulators have issued a direct warning to doctors other than plastic surgeons.

The disease is not breast cancer, but usually forms in the scar tissue that forms around implants. The earliest signs of the disease are usually lumps, swelling and pain around the breasts. Patients will often seek care from their primary physicians, gynecologists or other health practitioners, rather than a plastic surgeon, FDA noted.

"Having everyone informed about this is in the best interest of the patient," said FDA spokeswoman Stephanie Caccomo.

The cancer usually grows slowly and most patients are treated with surgery to remove the implant.

The FDA has been tracking reports of the cancer for years and officially confirmed its link to breast implants in 2017. The latest update comes as health experts around the world attempt to gauge the cancer's frequency and whether extra restrictions are warranted on certain types of breast implants. The FDA is holding a two-day meeting next month on the safety of breast implants.

FDA officials said they have identified 457 likely cases of the cancer since 2010, including nine patient deaths. In each of these cases the disease was diagnosed by a physician or through laboratory testing. The FDA also said it received nearly 250 new reports of the disease in the last year, though many were duplicate reports or missing key information. The updated numbers still reflect a rare disease, considering 400,000 U.S. women receive implants annually.

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There is no firm agreement on the exact frequency of the disease, known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Published estimates ranging from 1 in 3,000 patients to 1 in 30,000 patients.

The FDA's efforts to monitor problems with breast implants have long been hampered by its system for tracking injuries and malfunctions with medical devices. The decades-old electronic database relies on hand-typed submissions from companies, doctors, patients and lawyers that often include incomplete, unverified information. As a result, the FDA data is generally understood to be an incomplete snapshot of problems.

The FDA warning applies to all types of breast implants; they contain either saline or silicone. Experts in the U.S. and abroad have focused on a particular style known as textured implants. They have a sandpaper-like coating, designed to keep the implants from shifting out of place. Those are a small segment of all breast implants used in the U.S., said Dr. Alan Matarasso, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

"The vast majority  if not all of the cases  have been in patients that at some point had some form of a textured implant," Matarasso said.

In November, French health regulators recommended surgeons stop implanting textured implants until more is known about their links to the lymphoma. They are meeting this week to discuss textured implants.

Breast implants have long been subject to high rates of complications, including wrinkling, scarring, pain, swelling and implant rupture. The FDA estimates 1 in 5 women getting them for cosmetic reasons need to have them removed within 8 to 10 years.

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The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
By Paul Carsten ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerians will on Feb. 16 choose between two septuagenarians to lead Africa's largest democracy: President Muhammadu Buhari and former vice president Atiku Abubakar. The pair have run for president nine times between them. There are more than 60 other candidates, though their chances of winning are slim as the wealth and patronage networks of the two main parties drive the politics of Africa's top oil producer and most populous country. WHAT'S AT STAKE? Buhari's 2015 victory with his All Progressives Congress (APC) party was built on three promises: to rid Nigeria of endemic corruption, fix the economy and tackle security threats. The government says it is making progress but the military's efforts to fight the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency and its Islamic State-allied offshoot, now in its tenth year, are crumbling. The economy entered and climbed out of recession under Buhari, yet the average Nigerian is still getting poorer; and opponents say his government is failing to tackle corruption, targeting only the president's enemies and ignoring allegations against his allies. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch say the army has been responsible for human rights abuses, including the massacre of protesters. The army has said its use of force is justified. After spending five months in Britain in 2017 receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment, opposition groups and other critics said Buhari was unfit for office and his administration was beset by inertia. But the president has said he is strong enough to serve. If Buhari wins again, Nigeria would be in for another four years of political torpor and disregard for rights, his opponents say. The president said he would continue to develop the rail and road network if reelected for a second term. He has also vowed to expand a nationwide vocational skills program, improve access to credit for entrepreneurs and continue his fight against corruption. Atiku, the candidate of the main opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP), has been caught up in corruption allegations since serving as vice president from 1999-2007. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. His businesses include a port logistics firm and a private university. He has promised business-friendly policies to double the size of the economy to $900 billion by 2025 if elected. He wants to privatize parts of the state oil company and create a $25 billion fund to support private sector infrastructure investment. Atiku's opponents say he would exploit those pro-business policies to enrich himself and those around him. FAULT LINES AND FRACTURES Nigeria is deeply divided. The north is mainly Muslim and the south is largely Christian and the population is fairly evenly split between religions. There are also more than 200 ethnic groups. The three largest are the Hausa in the north, the Yoruba in the southwest and the Igbo in the southeast. The divisions have led to an unofficial power-sharing agreement among Nigeria's political elite. The presidency is supposed to alternate between the north and south after every two four-year terms. Buhari, a northern Muslim, is in his first term, having held the post since 2015. His predecessor, the PDP's Goodluck Jonathan, is a southern Christian. In keeping with the accord, the PDP selected Atiku, a northerner, as its candidate for 2019. As it is not the turn of a southerner, and both Atiku and Buhari are Muslims from the Fulani ethnic group - one of the largest in the north - the chance of election violence around ethnicity, religion and region is reduced. However, the south has favored the PDP in the past, while the north is Buhari's stronghold. In the diverse Nigerian hinterland states known as the Middle Belt, the picture is less clear. Long-running violence over diminishing arable land between farmers and nomadic herders has exploded, with a death toll of more than 3,600 since 2016, according to Amnesty International. This could turn the Middle Belt, much of which voted for Buhari, into swing states. GENERATION GAP Nigeria's median age is just 18, according to the United Nations. Many youths say the aging leaders are out of touch and started the "Not Too Young to Run" campaigns to encourage younger people to seek office. Buhari, 76, is the oldest person to lead Nigeria since the transition to civilian government in 1999 and the PDP chose 72-year-old Atiku as their candidate. Both men have said they remain energetic enough to take on the top job. Nigeria's former military leaders also retain a strong influence over politics nearly two decades after the start of civilian rule. Buhari himself is a retired general who was head of state from 1983-1985. Other military-era chiefs continue to wield political leverage, including Olusegun Obasanjo, who led the country in the 1970s and was president from 1999-2007, and Ibrahim Babangida, who ruled from 1985-1993. Both back Atiku. THE PARTIES The two main parties, the ruling APC and opposition PDP, do not have clear ideological differences. Competition for control of national oil revenues by elites, patronage and complex rivalries between ethnic groups have played a much bigger role in elections than ideology. However, Buhari's 2019 campaign has prioritized poverty alleviation and social schemes, while Atiku has stressed the need for a better business environment. Both vow to improve the decrepit infrastructure. Buhari won in 2015 after assembling a broad coalition across the north and southwest under the APC party, a version of the other vehicles he used to run in 2003, 2007 and 2011. The PDP has links to the military and held power until Jonathan's defeat in 2015. The party has traditionally appealed to the business community, which developed during the military regime. Atiku, a long-time PDP member, joined the APC and became a key ally and funder of Buhari during the 2015 campaign, allowing him to use the tycoon's private jet. Atiku switched sides in late 2017. ELECTION INTERFERENCE International observers and civil society groups fear election interference and rigging. They expressed concern about the way some state level votes were conducted last year and have called for free and fair elections to take place. The 2015 contest is the only time Nigeria has had a handover of power from a defeated incumbent since civilian government took over in 1999. Even then, independent observers saw evidence of vote buying, voter intimidation and other forms of corruption. Last month, Buhari triggered a constitutional row when he suspended the chief judge, who has a crucial say in resolving election result disputes, over his alleged violation of wealth declaration rules. The judge has not responded to the charges and his lawyers say the tribunal investigating the allegations does not have the authority to try him. The European Union, United States and Britain said they were concerned about the move. Nigeria said foreign governments should "tread with caution" and that their interference was "insulting". The elections feature in discussions and on news feeds in social media. The government launched a campaign against "fake news". Facebook said it would roll out some of its political advertising rules and tools for curbing election interference to Nigeria. The National Security Adviser's office released a statement on Feb. 1 saying the internet would not be shut down during the vote. TURNOUT AND RUNOFFS Voter turnout in the 2015 election was 29.4 million, or 44 percent of the 67.4 million registered voters, according to Independent National Electoral Commission data. For 2019, the number of registered voters has risen by a quarter to 84 million, with just over half of them aged 18-35. The candidate with the most votes is declared winner as long as they have at least one-quarter of the vote in two-thirds of Nigeria's 36 states and the capital. Otherwise there is a run-off. (Editing by Alexis Akwagyiram and Anna Willard)
Santiago (AFP) - Police in Chile arrested a former army chief Thursday on charges of torturing 24 people in 1973, shortly after the coup that brought dictator Augusto Pinochet to power, officials said.

Retired general Juan Emilio Cheyre had already been convicted last November and sentenced to three years under house arrest for his role in the killing of 15 people in the so-called "Caravan of Death," a unit sent out by Pinochet to murder left-wing opponents of his regime.

The latest torture charges stem from that case, and involve former prisoners who said they were tortured by Cheyre when he was an officer stationed in La Serena, 300 miles (480 kilometers) north of Santiago in 1973.

Cheyre served as commander-in-chief of the Chilean army from 2002-2006, long after Pinochet had been forced to relinquish power in 1990.

He and three other former officials reported to the human rights division of the police Thursday and were informed that they would detained at an army base in the capital Santiago.

The men are accused of torturing prisoners being held at an army base. One of the accused, Cheyre's commander at the time, was ordered to be held under house arrest because of his age.

A judge ordered that Cheyre remain in custody, noting that he is accused of "various crimes as the direct author of the interrogations and torture."

Cheyre's lawyer, Jorge Bofill, said in a statement that "we categorically rejected the contents of the accusation, because Juan Emilio Cheyre never took part in the events set out there."

But families of the torture victims welcomed the move.

"Our relatives never killed anyone, they only thought in a different way to them. They are the ones who killed, tortured, abducted," said Marcos Barrantes, a relative of one of the people tortured.

During the Pinochet regime 3,200 Chileans were killed or were abducted and presumed dead, while another 38,000 were tortured, according to official figures. Pinochet died at the age of 91, in 2006.
TORONTO (Reuters) - A plane from Canadian carrier Porter Airlines made an emergency landing at a Pennsylvania airport on Thursday due to an engine problem, but no injuries were reported, an airport official told Reuters.

The plane carrying 27 passengers and four crew members was traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, when the crew was alerted to the issue in one of the plane's two engines, Porter Airlines said in a statement.

The plane performed an engine shutdown in accordance with standard procedure and the flight landed safely, the statement added.

A second aircraft was sent to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in Pennsylvania to bring the passengers to Toronto, the statement added.

(Reporting by Tyler Choi; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
If you're looking to inspire any kids in your life to read more, turn to this motivating story from one savvy teacher and bus driver in Arkansas.

As recently shown in a post on the Arkansas Department of Education Facebook's page, sometimes all it takes to inspire kids to pick up a book is a little clever thinking.

"Special Education teacher Julie Callison of the Drew Central School District decided to create a culture of reading on her daily bus route. 'This year I added a bucket of books on my bus to encourage students to read. The way this works is, when students get on the bus they can get up to three books. After they read those, they can share with students around them, then put them back in the bucket on the way out the door. I have older students reading to younger students, and younger students reading to older students. On Friday afternoons we have a "Special Guest Reader" usually from the back of the bus (high school or middle school student). They pick out a book, sit on the front seat and read it over the speaker to the whole bus. They love this!'" the post explains of Callison's efforts.

Of course, with smartphones distracting around the clock, it can be harder for grown-ups to find time to read, too. Take a page out of Callison's book and consider spending your commuting time with a book if you take a bus or train to work. (You may want to skip the loudspeaker step.)

WATCH: 12 Big Southern Books Everyone Should Actually Read (And Not Just Skim!)

Searching for your next great read? Check out 50 Books from the Past 50 Years Everyone Should Read at Least Once and you should have more than a few ideas.
By David Schwartz

PHOENIX (Reuters) - An Arizona nurse pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to raping a severely disabled woman in a crime that only came to light when the victim unexpectedly gave birth in the long-term care facility where she had been a patient for about two decades.

Nathan Sutherland, 36, wearing an orange jumpsuit and shackled at the wrists and legs, entered his plea during a brief arraignment at the Maricopa County Superior Court. His next court appearance was set for March 19.

Sutherland, a licensed practical nurse who began working at Hacienda HealthCare Skilled Nursing Facility in Phoenix in 2012, has been charged with one count each of sexual assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult. He has been held on $500,000 bail since last month.

Police said they arrested Sutherland on the basis of DNA evidence after the woman, who is in her 20s, went into labor on Dec. 29 at Hacienda HealthCare. Investigators collected DNA samples from all male employees of the facility.

Sutherland's lawyer, Dave Gregan, said after the arraignment he would work to uphold his client's due process rights.

"Mr. Sutherland is entitled to constitutional protection," Gregan told reporters. "Mr. Sutherland, just as you and I are, is entitled to a full defense."

Gregan has previously said prosecutors lack direct evidence of guilt, that the defense would conduct its own DNA tests and that Sutherland had no prior criminal history.

The woman was disabled by seizures during early childhood and has spent most of her life in the nursing facility.

Although she was initially described by authorities as comatose, her parents have said that she is capable of responding to sound and making facial gestures, and she has some ability to move her limbs, head and neck.

"The important thing is that she is a beloved daughter, albeit with significant intellectual disabilities," they said in a letter to the media last month.

Hacienda said its employees were unaware the woman was pregnant before she went into labor, according to police.

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The facility said in a written statement that Sutherland was fired as soon as administrators learned of his arrest, and that he had undergone extensive background checks before being hired.

The baby, a boy who is being cared for by family members, is doing well, police have said.

Hacienda has since retained an Indiana-based company to oversee operations at the facility after Arizona regulators ordered the site placed under independent management.

(Reporting by David Schwartz in Phoenix; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Cynthia Osterman)
By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who swept to power on a wave of optimism in 2015, is set for an ugly reelection campaign this October, judging by exchanges with voters in public town halls this month where he was grilled on topics ranging from immigration to housing affordability. Opinion polls show his center-left Liberals are barely ahead of their rivals, and party insiders privately admit they might lose their majority in the House of Commons, which would crimp the government's ability to govern. "The next election is going to be a referendum on Justin Trudeau...and whether or not people think he has performed," said Ipsos Public Affairs pollster Darrell Bricker. In contrast to more gentle exchanges in previous years, angry citizens slammed Trudeau for bungling the construction of pipelines, breaking promises to respect the right of indigenous groups, ignoring a pledge to balance the budget and allowing too many migrants into Canada. Liberal insiders say as a result of the feedback from the town halls, where attendees can also jot down their concerns on paper, policy tweaks are already being considered. Public unhappiness over illegal immigrants crossing the border from the United States is so great that the party will consider a promise to clamp down further, even though Ottawa considers the matter is under control, said one top Liberal. Widespread complaints about the lack of affordable housing are likely to produce a commitment for more spending, said the Liberal, who declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the situation. WE HANG TRAITORS FOR TREASON The verdict from voters is definitely mixed, judging by Trudeau's experiences as he traveled the country in January taking questions from all-comers, a practice he says helps him break out of what he calls the Ottawa bubble. A woman at a town hall in the province of Saskatchewan in Canada's west, a region where the Liberals are in trouble, accused Trudeau of "working for your globalist partners" to betray Canada. "What do we do with traitors in Canada, Mr. Trudeau? We used to hang them, hang them for treason," the woman told the stunned prime minister after asking him about Moslem sharia law and Saudi Arabian oil imports. In the Quebec town of Saint-Hyacinthe, a man dressed in a yellow vest swore loudly at Trudeau and accused him of selling out the country. Liberals like the town halls on the grounds they demonstrate Trudeau is not afraid to take tough questions. Yet they also admit the exchanges show voters have more urgent concerns than topics such as gender equality, climate change and the aboriginal rights that Trudeau has been pushing hard at home and abroad since he took power in 2015. "We need to focus on things that are of interest to all Canadians and not just some of them," conceded a second Liberal. While Trudeau has emerged as one of the world's leading progressive leaders, at home Canadians are concentrating more on their jobs and taxes, said Bricker. Infrastructure Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, present in the hall at Saint-Hyacinthe as abuse was leveled at Trudeau, conceded, "There is a level of anxiety out there and we need to allow for these discussions to happen." But insiders say regardless of the insults, Trudeau intends to stick to his policy of avoiding public arguments. The Liberals won a surprise victory in 2015 by mounting a massive campaign to register young and aboriginal voters and concede a similar effort will be needed this time. The Liberals have a majority of just 11 in the 338-seat House of Commons and polls show they are only slightly ahead of the main opposition Conservative Party, led by Andrew Scheer. "It's going to be tight...the message to the troops is, there is no magic commercial advert that is going to win this campaign. Don't rely on the prime minister to belt one out of the park during the debates," said a third Liberal. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Alistair Bell)
Brussels (AFP) - Two French journalists on Thursday told a terrorism trial in Brussels that they had "no doubt" the accused Jewish museum killer is the man who imprisoned and tortured them in Syria.

The former hostages came to Brussels to testify against Mehdi Nemmouche, who faces life in prison if convicted of four anti-Semitic murders in the Belgian capital on May 24, 2014.

Nemmouche, a 33-year-old Frenchman, smiled several times as he looked at the journalists during their testimony.

"I have absolutely no doubt about the fact that Mehdi Nemmouche who is present here was my jailer and torturer in Syria under the name of Abu Omar," former hostage Nicolas Henin told the trial.

Henin described Nemmouche as a "sadistic, playful and narcissistic" man.

He said Nemmouche expressed "admiration" for Mohammed Merah in the year after he shot dead a teacher and three children at a Jewish school in the French city of Toulouse in 2012.

Merah, a self-described Al-Qaeda sympathiser, also shot dead three French soldiers nearby three days earlier.

Journalist Didier Francois also said he "had no doubt" Nemmouche was the man who held him hostage.

"I came for three things: to say that we know him, how dangerous this person is and the risk he will repeat the crimes," the 58-year-old Francois told the court.

Francois and Henin as well as fellow French reporters Edouard Elias and Pierre Torres were kidnapped in June 2013 and held hostage by the Islamic State group (IS) in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo until April 2014.

Elias and Torres were not present Thursday, though they have also been listed as witnesses in the case.

Francois alleged that Nemmouche abused him, including hitting him with a club 40 times, while he was held at a hospital turned prison in Aleppo.

He added that the violence and "torture" meted out allegedly by Nemmouche mainly targeted Syrians and Iraqis also held there.

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- Prosecution 'stunt' -

The prosecution and Jewish groups asked the journalists to give testimony against Nemmouche, who had been in Syria between January 2013 and February 2014.

Michele Hirsch, the lawyer for the Jewish groups, said their testimony was "extremely important" to show the judges and jury what motivated the alleged gunman.

It will also show how much his "idol" Merah influenced him, Hirsch added.

Nemmouche's lawyers said the journalists' testimony amounts to a "stunt" and a "trial within a trial" because their kidnapping is the subject of separate proceedings in France.

Also on trial in Brussels is Nacer Bendrer, a 30-year-old Frenchman accused of supplying Nemmouche with the weapons.

Bendrer also faces a life term if convicted of the same charge of "terrorist murder".

Investigators said Nemmouche attacked the museum shortly after returning from Syria, where he had allegedly fought on behalf of jihadist groups.

He allegedly killed an Israeli married couple, a young Belgian employee and a French volunteer.

Six days after the attack, Nemmouche was arrested in the southern French port city of Marseille. Bendrer was arrested in Marseille in December 2014.

The trial is due to end in late February or early March.

Some observers and lawyers hope the trial may yield more detail about Nemmouche's alleged links with other jihadists.

Henin told the court on Thursday that he also recognised among his jailers "Abu Idriss," the alias of the Belgian-Moroccan Najim Laachraoui.

Investigators say Laachraoui made the bombs for the November 13, 2015, attacks that killed 130 people in Paris and wounded hundreds of others.

Laachraoui was one of the bombers who blew themselves up at Brussels airport and a city metro train on March 22, 2016, killing 32 people and wounding hundreds of others.

IS claimed responsibility for both attacks.
By John Irish and Sophie Louet PARIS (Reuters) - France warned its citizens in Chad on Thursday to be extra vigilant after its fighter jets struck a heavily-armed rebel convoy that crossed last week from southern Libya aiming to destabilize President Idriss Deby. French warplanes destroyed about 20 pick-up trucks in a third day of air strikes on Wednesday after Deby asked Paris for support. France sees him as key to a wider regional fight against Islamist militants. "Given the air operations which the French military are carrying out in northeast Chad and to prevent any malicious act against them, French nationals are urged to be more vigilant," the embassy said in a message to its 1,500 citizens in Chad. The strikes, which started on Sunday, come as Chadian rebels have increased their activities in southern Libya since vowing last year to overthrow Deby. The Union of Forces of Resistance (UFR), a rebel Chadian coalition created in 2009 after almost toppling Deby, has said it was behind this week's incursion, which saw some 50 pick-up trucks drive almost unopposed more than 600 km (372.82 miles) into Chadian territory. "Bombings are continuing today. Several dozen vehicles have been destroyed and there are many seriously wounded," a senior UFR official told Reuters, declining to say how many had died. "We will not return to Libya. We will wage war inside Chad." Army spokesman Patrik Steiger said there had been no French air strikes on Thursday and the military was assessing the state and intentions of the convoy. A statement after a Chad government meeting said Deby had informed ministers "the column of mercenaries" had been completely destroyed. Deby has faced several rebellions since seizing power in 1990 in a military coup. International observers have questioned the fairness of elections that have kept him in office since, and last year he pushed through constitutional reforms that could keep him in office until 2033. France intervened in 2008 to stop the UFR toppling Deby, but President Emmanuel Macron has said he wants a new relationship with France's former colonies and the era of propping up leaders is over. However, France considers its former colony as vital in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa and based its 4,500-strong counter-terrorism Operation Barkhane force in the capital N'djamena The incursion, which Chadian troops had initially attempted to stop, underscores how Deby's fight against Islamist militants in the region has strained his military and hit the oil-dependent economy, leading to growing dissatisfaction in one of the world's poorest nations. (Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
Cape Town (AFP) - Much of South Africa's wealth is built on its mines, but the sector is shedding jobs fast -- setting the government a tough task to tackle record national unemployment ahead of this year's election.

At this week's annual Mining Indaba, the world's largest mining conference, in Cape Town the question of how to exploit deposits and create jobs has been one of the talking points among mining firms, investors, trade unions and government figures.

"One thing we must understand about mining is that it is a depleting resource. Mining is not like Coca-Cola where you just mix water and syrup," Mines Minister Gwede Mantashe said as he opened the four-day event.

"In mining, there's a deposit, it is finite and you mine it until the end. You are not going to create jobs in the same plant.

"(But) you can create an environment for growth of foreign investment, and I think we are doing that."

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, a wealthy former trade union leader and mining executive, came to power a year ago vowing to improve the country's investment climate after the scandal-tainted rule of his predecessor Jacob Zuma.

"We will not be able to meaningfully reduce unemployment and poverty without increased investment particularly in... mining," Ramaphosa told the conference.

At their peak in the late 1980s, South Africa's mines employed about 760,000 people, according to government figures, with the number dropping to just over 450,000 last year.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) party could be punished in the May elections as unemployment sits at record highs of near 28 percent.

- New deposits? -

Mantashe optimistically suggested that new deposits and new technology offered hope for miners in mineral-rich South Africa, which has a long history of gold, diamond, platinum, coal and manganese exploration.

"Our hope is that as we discover new deposits, there will be interested investors because when those investors open those new mines then you will absorb jobs that are lost somewhere else," he said.

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"The question of technological change in the industry is a new factor.

"We are not going to create the same type of jobs, the likelihood is that we are going to create new types of jobs.

"The industry... must position itself to be part of change."

The department of mineral resources said 11 new mining licences had been granted last year and those would also contribute to job creation.

Analysts painted a less rosy picture for the sector, which has hemorrhaged jobs due to weakened commodity prices and rising operational and labour costs.

"We believe the key factors are increased mining complexity (depth, quality) and labour union demands," Renaissance Capital's mining analyst Johann Pretorius told AFP.

"South Africa has significant unexploited resources, but the labour is uncompetitively expensive.

"Largely as a result of our expensive labour, we believe our precious metal sector may shrink over the next decade."

- Investment obstacles -

Pretorius added that major blocks on investment included regulatory uncertainty, and security of tenure after Ramaphosa backed forced land redistribution.

The policy of "expropriation without compensation" is aimed at tackling apartheid-era inequality and attracting landless black voters, but has alarmed many foreign investors.

Underlining the challenges, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) announced it would hold a national day of protest on February 13, calling on its 1.6 million members to down tools.

"The strike will be about fighting against the ongoing job losses that are taking place across all the sectors of the economy," the union said.

South Africa has been moving towards integrating automated systems into mine operations -- fuelling fears that new technology will further strip away at workforce numbers.

But John Welborn, CEO of Australia's Resolute Mining company, called on the industry to embrace technology as a creator of jobs.

"I don't believe that it is as big an issue as people imagine," he said.

Resolute has operations in Mali and Ghana where it is building a new fully automated gold mine.

Welborn said the mine would disprove "the idea that we are going to get a robot and no one is going to get a job".

"I am absolutely convinced that technology allows you to interact and employ local workers in higher level management positions and take ultimate control of the mine."
Investors kept an eye on President Trumps State of the Union address for hints on whether the U.S. stock market will be able to maintain the upward trajectory established so far this year or tensions from the past will resurface.

In the speech, the President appealed for greater unity among Americans and vowed to boost the Pentagons budget. He also urged the Congress to rebuild Americas crumbling infrastructure. Hence, it seems sensible to invest in these areas that can make the most of Trumps presidency.

Defense Spending & Aerospace Travel to Increase

Trump expressed interest to rebuild the U.S. military by bumping up Pentagons budget. He also plans to reevaluate military alliances and agreements with foreign nations.

Trump, by the way, did approve two defense-friendly budget bills that helped increase the Pentagons spending power to $700 billion in 2018 and $717 billion in 2019. Trump said that for years, the United States was being treated very unfairly by NATO, but now we have secured a $100 billion dollar increase in defense spending from NATO allies.

Lest we forget, Trump had earlier threatened to trim U.S. military support if its allies didnt raise defense spending. And why not? The United States had accounted for 51.1% of NATOs combined GDP and has contributed more funds to NATO than Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Canada taken together.

Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, in the meantime, chipped in and said that in his State of Union address, President Trump reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to support our troops and to protect American national security interests at home and abroad. Under President Trumps leadership, we are focused on the full implementation of the National Defense Strategy: increasing lethality, strengthening alliances and partnerships, and reforming the way we do business.

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Trump also addressed the recent withdrawal from the nuclear weapons treaty that was signed by President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, prohibiting the development of ground-launched nuclear missiles with ranges of 310 miles to 3,420 miles.

The agreement forced many defense projects to end. But now, America is looking forward to develop a state-of-the-art missile defense system. And its only because Russia repeatedly violated the agreement by building the banned weapon. Trump announced that the United States is officially withdrawing from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, or INF Treaty.

Last but not the least, Trump claimed that American astronauts will go back to space with American rockets.

Trump Calls for a Push on Infrastructure Outlays

Trump in his speech, by the way, has also asked for a bipartisan infrastructure push. He urged both the parties to come together in rebuilding Americas decaying infrastructure. Trump told Congress and government leaders that I know that Congress is eager to pass an infrastructure bill, and I am eager to work with you on legislation to deliver new and important infrastructure investment.

Trump added that increasing infrastructure spending is not an option but a necessity. He had already called for $1.5 trillion over a decade for infrastructure projects during his presidential campaign. The plan was primarily centered on using the $200 billion in federal funds to spur massive infrastructure investments in roads, highways, ports and airports. The comprehensive bill will also address issues related to drinking and waste water system, energy and rural infrastructure, veterans hospitals, to name a few.

Top 5 Gainers

Trumps State of the Union speech focused on increasing defense outlays and rebuilding infrastructure. Given the positives, doubling down on the hottest stocks from such areas seems judicious. We have, thus, chosen five stocks that flaunt a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy).

The Boeing Company BA designs, develops, manufactures, sales, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight, and launch systems and services. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #1. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has climbed 6.6% over the past 60 days. The stocks expected earnings growth for the current year is 20.4%, higher than the Aerospace - Defense industrys expected growth of 10.5%. The company has outperformed the broader industry so far this year (+27.2% vs +17.9%).

Air Industries Group AIRI is an aerospace and defense company. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next-year earnings has risen 9% over the past 60 days. The stocks expected earnings growth for the current year is 81.5%, way higher than the Aerospace - Defense industrys estimated growth of 10.5%. The company has outpaced the broader industry on a year-to-date basis (+51% vs +17.8%).

Northrop Grumman Corporation NOC provides products in the areas of autonomous systems, cyber, space, strikes, and logistics and modernizations. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has moved 9.5% up over the past 60 days. The stocks expected earnings growth for the next quarter is 17.6%, in contrast to the Aerospace - Defense industrys projected decline of 3.5%. The company outperformed the broader S&P 500 so far this year (+13.7% vs +8.8%). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Lowe's Companies, Inc. LOW operate as a home improvement retailer. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next-year earnings has risen 2.5% over the past 60 days. The stocks expected earnings growth for the next quarter is 12.6%, higher than the Building Products - Retail industrys estimated growth of 5.5%. The company has outperformed the broader industry in the past two-year period (+35.8% vs +30.8%).

EMCOR Group, Inc. EME provides electrical and mechanical construction, and facilities services. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has climbed 0.2% over the past 60 days. The stocks expected earnings growth for the current year is 20.2%, higher than the Building Products - Heavy Construction industrys projected growth of 19.3%. The company has outperformed the broader industry so far this year (+10.7% vs +7.1%).

Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?

Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.

With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.

It's not the one you think.

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On Sunday, February 3, 21 Savage was arrested in Atlanta and taken into custody by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a statement, an ICE spokesperson claimed that 21 (real name Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph) is a United Kingdom national who is unlawfully present in the U.S.

Now, 21 has stated via representatives that he was born in the United Kingdom, as the Blast reports and Pitchfork can confirm. A report published by Reuters points to a birth certificate sourced from a London registry office which states he was born in Newham, a borough of London.

The rapper clarified via reps that he immigrated to the United States when he was 7 years old, departed in 2005 to visit the United Kingdom, and returned later that month. 21 claims his legal status expired in 2006 through no fault of his own and applied for a visa in 2017 once he discovered that he required one. The statement continues:

Mr. Abraham-Joseph has three U.S. Citizen children, a lawful permanent resident mother and four siblings that are either US Citizens or lawful permanent residents. He has exceptionally strong ties in the United States, having lived here since he was in the first grade. Because of his length of residence in the United States and his immediate relatives, Mr. Abraham-Joseph is eligible to seek Cancellation of Removal from an Immigration Judge. Mr. Abraham-Joseph was placed into deportation proceedings AFTER his arrest, he was not in deportation proceedings prior to this detention by ICE. DHS has known his address since the filing of a U visa application in 2017. He has never hidden from DHS or any of its agencies. Mr. Abraham-Joseph is not subject to mandatory detention under federal law and is eligible for bond. By statute, bond should be granted by ICE when there is no flight risk or a danger to the community... We are unaware of why ICE apparently targeted Mr. Abraham-Joseph, but we will do everything possible to legally seek his release and pursue his available relief in immigration court.

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At the time of the arrest, ICE claimed in a statement that 21 Savage initially entered the U.S. legally in July 2005, but subsequently failed to depart under the terms of his nonimmigrant visa and he became unlawfully present in the U.S. when his visa expired in July 2006. In addition to being in violation of federal immigration law, [21 Savage] was convicted on felony drug charges in October 2014 in Fulton County, Georgia.

The new statement from 21s representatives reads: Mr. Abraham-Joseph has no criminal convictions or charges under state or federal law and is free to seek relief from removal in immigration court. ICE provided incorrect information to the press when it claimed he had a criminal conviction.

Earlier today, Congressman Hank Johnson from Georgia posted a letter he sent to the immigration judge overseeing 21 Savages case, making a case for the rappers release from detention. He spends his time giving back to the community and supporting and promoting the betterment of our youth, Johnson wrote. He has been an outstanding figure and influence within his family and within Atlanta.

Shortly after the arrest, 21 Savages lawyer Charles H. Kuck released a statement about the arrest, calling it a civil law violation. He noted that the continued detention of [21 Savage] serves no other purpose than to unnecessarily punish him and try to intimidate him into giving up his right to fight to remain in the United States.

Correction: A previous version of this story said 21 Savage arrived the United States at age 7 under an H-4 visa. His representatives have retracted the H-4 visa portion of their statement, simply stating in a revised statement that he arrived at age 7.
Rachel Comey is one designer who believes you can have a runway show whenever and wherever you want  or not. The last time the Brooklyn independent had one was in Los Angeles in June 2018 at the old Bullocks Wilshire department store building, which made the perfect Art Deco foil for her starlet-worthy resort collection of moire silk suiting with marabou feather trim and glam tulle overskirts worn atop jeans.

On Wednesday afternoon, she chose a similarly appropriate location to show fall 2019  Chelseas Marlborough Contemporary art gallery, where Davina Semos large-scale abstract sculptures in bronze, aluminum and plastic echoed the collection, which was punched up with optimistic color.

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In terms of big picture stuff, I was thinking about intergenerational relationships, since on a personal level lately Ive made friends with several people much older than me, which has been very rewarding, Comey said backstage, pausing to greet Sandra Bernhard, who pointed out she was wearing the designers necklace. As we grow as a brand, our customer age range has been diversifying so much.

It was reflected on the runway, where Comeys cast of models was inclusive in age and size in a way that felt seamless. The beauty of her clothing is similarly subtle; its never so specific or attached to a theme that it seems trapped in any one season or time.

Instead, she zeroed in on the pieces that Bernhard, Rashida Jones, Tracee Ellis Ross, Busy Philipps, activist Sarah Sophie Flicker and others have come to rely on her for, including denim (high-waisted, grass-green acid wash jeans looked cool with a matching cropped sweater); statement coats, such as the lush, cinnamon-colored shearling, and knit dressing (a cropped sweater with cutout over the waist, worn with a matching ribbed skirt).

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She also excels at quirky patterns, like on a comics-inspired chatter print jumpsuit; contrasting textures, as seen with a crinkly chartreuse silk balloon sleeve dress worn under a patchwork Fair Isle sweater vest; innovative materials (a red plaid squiggle quilting top was made of fabric developed from recycled water bottles), and arty jewelry (those earrings decorated with fragments of scarf prints were a must).

Shoes, which have been a brand builder for the designer, are being made in Italy instead of Peru for fall, and they did seem elevated in style; with fold-over cuff ankle booties, and T-bar pumps in mixed hues. And they will cost a little more at retail, too, which I think is fine, Comey said. I dont hit a lot of price resistance with my customers.

If anything was missing, it was a bit of that evening sizzle Comey dipped into so adroitly for resort. Aside from a pink-hued paillette shift dress, it wasnt much of a party.

Launch Gallery: Rachel Comey RTW Fall 2019
Photo credit: Haagen-Dazs

From Cosmopolitan

UPDATE: February 7, 2019 at 12:10 p.m.

More than a year and a half after the boozy ice cream line started being sold in Canada, Haagen-Dazs has finally brought the Spirits Collection to the United States. The flavors are slightly different, but they honestly all sound amazing. Here's a run-down of the new line.

There are five traditional pints made with Irish cream, rum, bourbon or stout. The flavors include Irish Cream Brownie, Rum Tres Leches (with chunks of actual tres leches cake!), Bourbon Vanilla Bean Truffle, Stout Chocolate Pretzel Crunch and Bourbon Praline Pecan. There's also a non-dairy option-Amaretto Black Cherry Almond Toffee, which I personally plan to consume ASAP.

The Irish Cream cookie squares round out the collection. They're made with a chocolate cookie and Irish Cream-infused ice cream covered in dark chocolate and come in a three-pack box.

Photo credit: Haagen-Dazs

To note, these products all contain less than 0.5% alcohol, so you won't get drunk on them alone. They do make solid additions to cocktails and ice cream floats, though, so do with that information what you will.

The Spirits Collection is rolling out in grocery stores now and will be widely available by April. Starting March 1, some of the Spirits flavors will be in Haagen-Dazs scoop shop locations, too.

ORIGINAL POST: July 8, 2017 at 12:49 p.m.



While everyone has been busy raving about Prosecco pops and mimosa floats (also delish), Haagen-Dazs Canada casually dropped an entire line of boozy ice cream flavors.

Five alcohol-filled flavors are available at Walmart locations throughout Canada, and they all sound pretty amazing. There's Rum Vanilla Caramel Blondie, Whiskey Chocolate Truffle, Irish Cream Coffee & Biscotti, Vodka Key Lime Pie, and Rum Ginger Cookie.

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While these ice cream pints won't get you drunk on their own (the alcohol content doesn't exceed 1 percent, according to Nestle), there's no reason you can't use 'em in a boozy milkshake. For what it's worth, they're made with 100% Canadian dairy, so you're also supporting Justin Trudeau while indulging. Win win.

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The Spirits collection hasn't been spotted in the States yet, but since it's such a mainstream brand (and people seem to be loving the product), we wouldn't be surprised if Haagen-Dazs launched the flavors here, too.

('You Might Also Like',)
If President Trump elevated the art of trolling people with his State of the Union guests, Democrats are practicing the art of wielding their guests as a rallying cry for policy reform. In an era when every detail is reported on and scrutinized on social media, it makes sense.

Several Democratic lawmakers invited gun violence survivors, gun reform activists, or parents who have lost their children to gunfire as their State of the Union guests on Tuesday. It's a move meant to highlight the issue ahead of Wednesday's House Judiciary Committee hearing on gun violence, the first in eight years, where Aalayah Eastmond, survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, FL, will testify.

The new Democratic majority is energetically taking up the issue, prioritizing a push for a bipartisan universal background checks bill which would close the "gun-show loophole" nationwide, and discussing other legislation like a universal red-flag law, which can keep firearms out of the hands of those who may present a danger.

One of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's guests for the night is Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was killed in the Parkland shooting. He has been an outspoken supporter of universal background checks and other gun reform measures ever since. Another of her guests is Mattie Scott, president of the California Chapters of the Brady Campaign, whose son George was shot and killed in 1996, which has inspired her to advocate for gun violence prevention, specifically among Black and Brown males.

Alexandria Goddard and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici Photo: Courtesy of Rep. Suzanne Bonamici.

Rep. Ted Deutch, whose Florida district includes Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, will host Manuel Oliver, who lost his son Joaquin in the Parkland shooting. Rep. Eric Swalwell of California invited Cameron Kasky, a cofounder of the March for Our Lives movement. Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott's guest is Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow died in the shooting. Pollack has called for stronger school security and allowing school staff to be armed.

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Rep. Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon is hosting Alexandria Goddard, a student advocate for gun violence prevention who was an organizer for the Portland March for Our Lives. Rep. Bonamici's spokesperson said she knows of at least 10 other members of Congress who are bringing gun violence prevention advocates as guests.

"It's a little surreal! When I got the call, I was shocked that it happened," Goddard, a student at Portland State University, told Refinery29. "The next thing I felt was incredible honor that Id been thought of and recognized. I was really excited; I know the Congresswoman had so many young advocates here in Portland that she could have chosen."

Said Rep. Bonamici, "Many of us recognize that with this hearing coming up Wednesday and with the chance that we have now that Democrats are in the majority, we need to offer more than thoughts and prayers."

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher of Texas invited Rhonda Hart, an Army veteran who became involved in gun reform after her daughter Kim was killed in the school shooting in Santa Fe, TX, on May 18, 2018.

Aalayah Eastmond Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP/REX/Shutterstock.

"I met Rhonda last year when she became very involved with Moms Demand Action," Rep. Fletcher told Refinery29. "She has been an inspiration in terms of her resilience and her determination to make a difference."

Rep. Fletcher said she is optimistic that the Senate will be on board with the background checks bill. After all, there's a near consensus around the country. Around 90% of Americans support universal background checks, according to various polls. "This is an area where I've had a lot of contact with constituents. Something like background checks in my district, there is wide agreement and it's not particularly controversial."

Aalayah Eastmond, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas student who is testifying at Wednesday's hearing, is the only Parkland survivor to have addressed Congress. She also testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee during the hearings on Justice Brett Kavanaugh last year.

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Julio Cabrera was never supposed to spend his life inside a bar. Born in Cuba, Cabrera grew up inside his fathers cafe, El Sacrificio, located in a small town just outside the city of Varadero. He remembers furtively stealing sour candies from behind the counter as cantineros (bartenders) rushed by, mixing spirits and serving cocktails. But when Castros revolution forced the cafe to close, his father struggled to find work and Cabrera made a promise to pursue an education instead of drinks.

My dad always told me how difficult it was to start a new life as a bartender, Cabrera says. My parents wanted me to become a doctor or a lawyer or even a dentist. Anything was better than a bartender. In his early twenties, Cabrera worked as an agricultural engineer on remote coffee and citrus plantations across the island. Even today, he finds it hard to forget how alone he felt.

I remember riding a horse through the mountains in Cuba, completely surrounded by trees in the middle of nowhere, he says. I was so unhappy. I needed people, music, more life. It was that day when I decided to tell my dad that someday I would open the same kind of place he had before the revolution.

Now 30 years later, Cabreras first cafe and bar opened in January in Miamis Little Havana, one of the largest Cuban neighborhoods outside of Cuba. Through a partnership with longtime friends, James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein and her restaurateur-husband David Martinez, La Trova  named after a style of music developed in Santiago de Cuba  pays homage to traditional cantinero cocktail culture with multiple bars, a full-service cafe, a ventanita window, and a traditional Cuban bartending school led by Cabrera.

Looking back, El Sacrificio resulted in so much sacrifice for my father, Cabrera says. My dad passed away a couple of years ago, but I know he would be proud of La Trova. Im doing this for him and all of the great cantineros out there. Miami needs this kind of place, too. Its a true Cuban experience.

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Inspired by Cabrera's memories of his late father's restaurant, La Trovas centerpiece is the cantinero school, where aspiring bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts can enroll in themed courses and certification programs. Theres longer, 20-hour courses for those with previous experience, along with casual classes for recreational learners, ranging from international classic cocktails to universal techniques. Different from a traditional bartending school, La Trovas emphasis on cantinero highlights the elegance and hospitality behind creating cocktails.

American bartenders are more about speed and mastering the pour, Cabrera says. Cantinero is concerned with how youre dressed and the way you treat people. Its about creating cocktails with technique and beauty. Its not about how many drinks you can make, but rather the way you make each one.

In the evenings, La Trovas cocktail program features 1950s-inspired Cuban drinks by Cabrera and his business partner and fellow cantinero, Orestes Pajon. Theres the classic daiquiri, the rum-based Presidente, and the Hemingway Special, a drink made for two with rum and grapefruit juice. The cafes sister bar, which doubles as Cabreras classroom in the daytime, celebrates Miami in the 1980s with drinks like the Cosmopolitan and the Grasshopper.

About a year and a half ago, Julio, David, and I went to Cuba together, Bernstein says. We visited the part of Cuba where Trova music comes from, and as we listened to the music and had cocktails, we all sort of understood that this is something we had to bring to Miami. Were bringing together what we experienced there with Miamis own Cuban culture.

As for the food, Bernstein created an all-day menu of shareable bites with Raulito Salgado, the former chef of La Floridita, one of the most iconic restaurants in Havana. Together theyre behind items like Paella Croquetas, Calabaza and Black Garlic Empanadas, Vaca Frita, and Pan con Bistec.

Raul and I have worked together and really learned each others flavors, Bernstein says, who was born and raised in Miami. Part of the menu is dedicated to him and his classic dishes, and the other part is kind of like my whole life of in Miami captured in a croqueta or an empanada. Its putting together all the things Ive seen and done and wrapping them up in Cuban love.

Otherwise, the 5,000-sqaure-foot space includes an outside patio, frequent live music, and a walk-up ventanita-style window named El Sacrificio, in honor of Cabreras late father. In the coming months, the restaurant will add a cigar bar and tables with dominoes, too.

In Cuba, it would be impossible to open this restaurant, Cabrera says. My country that I love so much its not easy. Thats why I decided to move and sacrifice in the same way my dad did. I started a new life when I moved with my family to the U.S. Ive been waiting for this moment for a long time.

La Trova. 971 SW 8th St., Miami. 786-615-4379.
They call Congress the Peoples House, so it is surreal to walk into the House of Representatives in the middle of the government shutdown. The rotunda, normally buzzing with visitors and members taping TV appearances, is empty save a man and his toddler daughter, her delighted squeals ricocheting around the marble interior.

But more than surreal, being here is exciting. When I visit, its been barely two weeks since the most racially diverse and most female group ever was elected to the House. Ive come here to talk to U.S. congressman and civil-rights icon John Lewis. Our topic? Optimism.

Its impossible to condense Lewiss storied civil-rights history, his literal march for equal rights and common decency: from Nashville, Tenn., sit-ins in 1960 to the Selma, Ala., voting-rights campaign in 1965 to more recent good trouble (his famous term) in 2016, a sit-in on the House floor to fight for gun control. What is also incalculable is how much he has inspired the new members of the House, some of whom have burst into tears upon seeing him. He keeps a box of tissues handy in his office.

And Lewiss office is something to behold. Its a visual history lesson, with pictures of him marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; a bust of President John F. Kennedy; photos of him on Wheaties boxes and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama; and, most poignantly, a bale of cotton. Its images that Lewis relies on to tell the civil-rights story, so thats where we begin.

Laura Brown: Sir, tell me about this picture of you on the street.

REP. John Lewis: This is the result of a sit-in at a lunch counter in downtown Nashville in 1960. We were sitting in an orderly, peaceful, nonviolent fashion, yet almost a hundred of us were arrested. I wanted to look fresh  what young people back then called clean, sharp  but I had very little money. So I went to a mens used-clothing store and bought this suit for $5. The vest came with it. If I still had that suit today, I probably could sell it on eBay. But I dont know what happened to it.

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LB: How many times have you been arrested?

JL: During the 60s it was 40. Since Ive been in Congress [he has been representing Georgias Fifth Congressional District since 1987], another five.

LB: When was the most recent?

JL: The last time was [in 2013] when we were trying to get the speaker of the House [John Boehner] to bring forth comprehensive immigration reform. If they had brought up the bill, almost every single Democrat would have voted for it. Enough Republicans would have crossed over and voted [to pass it], and President Obama would have signed it into law.

LB: Do you have anything resembling a typical day? What time do you get up?

JL: I get up very early, this morning at 4 oclock. Since the present person has been in the White House, I dont sleep good at night. I feel like something will happen and I will miss it, so I stay up until 2 or 3. Or I go to bed around midnight and get up at 3 or 4. In the morning I have several meetings, sometimes four, before even walking into the office.

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LB: Where does your physical energy come from? How do you exist on three hours of sleep?

JL: You have to center yourself. Just continue to move on and do what I call Pick em up and put em down. At the height of the march from Selma to Montgomery, as we were walking along, a young guy wrote a little song. He was saying, Pick em up, lay em down, now pick em up and put em down. All the way from Selma. I can never forget that.

LB: The original idea for this interview was to talk about optimism. And now we have even more reason to be optimistic: all these new members  a record number of women  who have come into the halls here.

JL: Its been so inspiring to see such dedicated, smart, gifted young people ready to lead. Before the election I told my colleagues that we were going to win. As I traveled around America I could feel it  that we were going to take control of the House. You have to believe. You have to be hopeful. You have to be optimistic. [It was the] same thing during the civil-rights movement. You may get beaten, arrested, or thrown in jail, but somehow I just believed that in the end it was going to work out and that it was going to be all right.

LB: How did you metabolize, as you call him, the present person in the White House after the election?

JL: The first day or so I couldnt believe what had happened. I had campaigned for Mrs. Clinton in different places in America. I felt down. Even today, in spite of everything, its going to work out. Its going to be OK.

LB: Who was the first new member of Congress youve met? Are they all knocking on your door for advice?

JL: Ive met some amazing, amazing young people. Ilhan Omar, whos representing part of Minnesota, came to America when she was very young. She is from Somalia. She walked into the Capitol, saw me, and said, I read about you when I was in middle school, and started crying. I chatted with her yesterday on the [House] floor. She beamed a sense of hope and optimism, as so many of the young people do.

LB: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the most prominent and outspoken new member of Congress. So many people who have run for office have been too cautious, too calibrated. How does it feel for you to see people just doing it?

JL: It makes me feel good to see people being themselves, just going with the flow, saying what they feel and what

they believe.

LB: We are together on the 20th day of the partial government shutdown. How does that affect your day-to-day?

JL: Well, Im deeply concerned about what is happening to the average person. At the airport in Atlanta or in Washington, D.C., people who work at the TSA and police officers are asking [me about it]. They say things like, Congressman, please do what you can to open the government because I need my job. I need my check. I need to buy food. I need to pay tuition for my children. So thats pain; thats suffering. Theyve been hurting.

LB: Does it ever become overwhelming to be approached by people? Living your life as a person and your life as a symbol?

JL: It doesnt disturb me. Its part of the price you pay. Ill go places here on the Capitol grounds, and people will say, Im going to faint!

LB: Oh, wow! Do you walk around with smelling salts?

JL: We had this lady come in, and she saw me and said, Im gonna faint! And I said, Please, maam, dont faint. Im not a doctor. [laughs] People come here, and they just start crying. But I understand that, I do. In my office in Atlanta we keep a box of tissues for when that happens. Sometimes I cry with them. But seeing people gives me energy.

RELATED: 6 Women Making Sure Workplace Equality Isn't Just for the C-Suite

LB: Who or what makes you weary in this current climate?

JL: Ive met all types of politicians, some good ones and some not so good. But Im still optimistic about the future. You know, during the movement and during my days of growing up in the church, we were singing, Trouble Dont Last Always, and it themed some of the civil-rights movement. It was a song of hope and optimism. Deep in my heart, I do believe we shall overcome. You may beat me, arrest me, throw me in jail, but I believe we shall overcome. I believe we will have a victory.

LB: Everyone sees Democrats vs. Republicans, but you are physically interacting with everyone all the time.

JL: I see people. I will walk down the hall and say, Hello, brother. Hello, young sister. Some people are taken aback. Why should a progressive, so-called liberal Democrat like me be saying that? More than 20 years ago we started taking people to historic sites in Alabama from the civil-rights movement, such as Montgomery, Birmingham, Selma. This year we plan to go back in early March. Well see where Rosa Parks was arrested, where Dr. King lived, the house that was bombed.

LB: Can you even surmise what Dr. King would feel if he were alive today?

JL: I think Dr. King would be pleased to see the number of women and minorities holding office in America and the Congress. But I think he would be disappointed in the violence that still exists in America among young people. And the violence that exists in the world.

LB: What was your family life like when you were growing up?

JL: I grew up in a very large family with six brothers and three sisters and a wonderful mother and father. On my mothers side, I had wonderful grandparents. I never got to know the grandparents on my fathers side.

LB: Having nine siblings gets you into the rabble early.

JL: Yeah, we had to get to the table together. If not, you got left out. Our parents worked so hard. We had been tenant farmers, sharecroppers. In 1944, when I was 4 years old, my dad saved $300 and a man sold him 110 acres of land. We still own the land today in Alabama.

LB: Thats so much money for back then. He must have been so proud.

JL: Good people always say, You know, we need to own something, a piece of the land. On the farm I fell in love with raising chickens. I wanted to be a minister after Santa Claus brought me a Bible and I learned to read it. We would get all our chickens together in the yard, and I used to preach to them. On one occasion I tried to baptize one. When my mother and father wanted to have a chicken for a meal, I would protest. [laughs] But I got over it.

LB: Can we talk about your suit for a second? You are so elegantly put together. Ive noticed this freshness is consistent with you.

JL: I liked to look, you know, combed as I was growing up. I wanted to look like a minister.

LB: Do you have a suit and tie that you put on when you want to communicate something or one that just makes you feel great?

JL: Oh, yes. A few days ago it was the birthday of my fraternity, and our colors are blue, so I dressed in blue. In general, I try not to wear a red tie for obvious reasons. One is the guy down the road.

LB: Where do you keep your Presidential Medal of Freedom?

JL: After I was awarded it by President Obama [in 2011], it was in a case at my home in Atlanta. But about two weeks ago we transferred it to a group who is putting it in a case at the Atlanta airport to tell the story of my life for anyone passing through who wants to hear about it.

RELATED: Legendary Lawyer Gloria Allred Has Been Fighting for Women for 42 Years

LB: Whats the first thing you do when you go home to Atlanta?

JL: Well, I have nine cats. A mother cat adopted us, and she started having kittens. They became an extension of the family. We have doghouses for them to live in outside. I never thought growing up that one day I would be going to the supermarket every two to three weeks to buy cat food. Its not cheap. I have people who go by and feed them when Im not there.

LB: Have you ever tried preaching to the cats?

JL: No, I just tell them not to fight.

LB: In the current climate what does freedom mean to you?

JL: Freedom means everything. People must be free. We must be free to believe, to think. Thats why I have such a problem with this whole idea of a wall. We shouldnt be building walls; we should be building bridges to the rest of the world. As Dr. King said, those of us who live on this planet are going to live together as brothers and sisters. If not, we will perish as fools. When you build a wall, it is saying something about who youre trying to keep out or who youre trying to keep in. When I saw the pictures of these crying kids being kept in cages, it made me cry. How can the country or people allow this to happen?

LB: Whats your No. 1 congressional priority this year?

JL: Do what I can to help save the country. Save America. Save our democracy. Save the Constitution. I tell my colleagues, Dont give up. Dont give in. Be hopeful. Be optimistic. And this too shall pass. I believe that. If you fail to believe that change is going to come, then you get lost in a sea of despair and you become bitter. You cannot let that happen.

Photographed by Jennifer Livingston.

For more stories like this, pick up the March issue of InStyle, available on newsstands, on Amazon, and for digital download Feb. 15.
Photo: AP Images.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has issued an executive order to increase protections for patients in long term care facilities. The announcement comes a day after former nurse Nathan Sutherland pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a 29-year-old woman in an incapacitated state who was under his care at Hacienda Healthcare in Phoenix.

The rape came to light when the woman  who has been in long term care since a near drowning incident when she was three years old  gave birth to a baby boy on December 29th. Hacienda Healthcare Staff allegedly did not know she was pregnant until she began moaning and went into labor. Investigators say that Sutherland's DNA matched a sample taken from the infant, who is being cared for by the woman's relatives.

Sutherland remains jailed on a $500,000 bond.

In the wake of the assault, Hacienda Healthcare's CEO resigned. And on Wednesday, Governor Duce ordered state agencies to review protocols and develop training in order to prevent, recognize the signs and symptoms of, and report the abuse and neglect of patients with disabilities. The report also requires long term care facilities like Hacienda Healthcare to "apply for state licenses and perform background checks on staff who interact with patients."

In a statement introducing the order Ducey said, All Arizonans deserve to be safe  and we have a special responsibility to protect those with disabilities. This executive order provides increased accountability and stricter oversight, ensuring our most vulnerable are safe and protected.

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Air France has unveiled the interiors of its new, fully retrofitted fleet of Airbus A330s, giving travelers a sneak peek into the changes coming to its business class, premium economy, and economy cabins.

The airline will be retrofitting 15 of the aircraft between now and 2020, with each including 36 seats in business, 21 seats in premium economy, and 167 seats in economy.

The aircraft come with completely new seats and new cabin interiors.

When it comes to the business cabin, seats will convert into lie-flat beds measuring 78.7 inches in length and 22.4 inches in width.

A sliding panel between seats helps ensure complete privacy, while ambient lighting and new leather cabin interiors provide a sense of luxury.

Seats are fitted with new 18.5-inch HD touch screens, while a self-service bar is stocked with goodies for passengers.

Related: Air Frances New Lounge Was Designed to Make You Feel Like Youre Already Flying

Business class passengers will also receive amenity kits filled with Clarins beauty products, and services that include complimentary champagne and French candy upon arrival.

The airline will also feature one of the widest seats in premium economy. The seat measures at a width of 19 inches and has a seat pitch (the space between the back of one seat and the back of the next seat) of 40 inches.

The fixed shell seat will recline to 130 degrees and include lumbar support for added comfort. Seat cushions and wider leather armrests have also been added.

Premium economy seats will include a 13.3-inch HD screen and two USB ports in addition to feather pillow, blankets, and amenity kits stocked with travel accessories.

Meanwhile, economy seats include a 118-degree recline, 31 inches of legroom, and a personal power outlet and USB. The airline will equip each seat with audio headsets in addition to increasing the size of tray tables and widening seatback touchscreens to 11.7 inches.

The aircraft will be equipped with inflight Wi-Fi, and passengers will have the option to choose between three passes: a free message pass to send and receive messages, a surf pass to browse the internet and send emails (prices start at about $3.50 for short-haul flights), and a stream pass to stream and download files for about $34.

The refreshed A330s will fly to Accra, Ouagadougou, Houston, Cotonou, Lagos, Niamey, Bengaluru, Delhi, Seattle, Chicago, and Dallas.
Photo credit: Kevin Winter - Getty Images

From Delish

Abby Lee Miller opens up about her cancer struggles in new Dance Moms Resurrection trailer.

Abby, 52, was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare, aggressive type of cancer, in April 2018.

Dance Moms Resurrection premieres in June on Lifetime.

Abby Lee Miller has been though some pretty hard stuff in the last year. But now, she's ready to step back in front of the camera.

In the new trailer for Dance Moms Resurrection, Abby gets real about her struggle with cancer-and she doesn't hold back for her audience or her students.

The trailer opens with a shot of Abby being wheeled into the back of an ambulance on a stretcher. "In an instant, your life changes completely," she says. "I was ready to go back to work and start my life over and now I can't even walk."

That life-changing moment Abby's talking about is her diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is a rare type of cancer that affects the body's blood and immune system. Abby was diagnosed with the cancer in April 2018, after surgery for what doctors thought was a rare spinal infection.

After her diagnosis, Abby had two surgeries, chemotherapy, and had to learn to walk again. In the Dance Moms Resurrection trailer, Abby is seen talking about her chemotherapy and putting on a wig (Abby lost her hair due to chemotherapy treatment).

But you're wrong if you think Abby's hardships could take away her spunk. "I need to get back to teaching and I need to get back to screaming at children," she says in the trailer.

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Abby's also shown rolling into her studio in a wheelchair to see her new students for the first time-and she has some choice words for them right out of the gate. "Theres people that counted me out, thought I was finished, considered the ALDC [Abby Lee Dance Company] dead," she tells them. "Well I fought hard to be here and you have to be a fighter too. You have to fight to get those legs straight, fight to get better feet, you have to fight to be a champion."



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It sounds like Abby is back and more motivated than ever. Dance Moms Resurrection premieres in June on Lifetime-and I, for one, can't freaking wait.

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Rep. Bobby Scott learned of sexual assault allegation against Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax a year ago from the accuser: Aides originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Virginia Democratic Congressman Bobby Scott was made aware of allegations of sexual assault against now-Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax over a year ago by the alleged victim herself, ABC News has learned.

Scott learned of the allegations directly from Dr. Vanessa Tyson, who on Wednesday released a statement detailing the alleged 2004 assault, which took place at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

Fairfax vehemently denies the assault claim.

In a statement given to ABC News on Wednesday, Scott wrote, "Allegations of sexual assault need to be taken seriously. I have known Professor Tyson for approximately a decade and she is a friend. She deserves the opportunity to have her story heard.

PHOTO: Professor Vanessa Tyson is pictured in an undated handout photo. (Obtained by ABC News)

Aides to Scott confirm to ABC News that Tyson first reached out to him in an email on October 20, 2017, expressing that she was "not a fan" of then-candidate for Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax.

In a Nov. 29 email, Tyson expressed her dislike for Fairfax and wrote that she would like to "talk about it," with Congressman Scott.

(MORE: Virginia leadership in turmoil as Attorney General Mark Herring acknowledges wearing 'brown makeup' at a 1980 party)

Aides to Scott maintain that he was not made aware at that point about an alleged sexual assault in 2004 involving Fairfax.

In a text message exchange between Scott and Tyson in December 2017, she informed him that the now-lieutenant governor-elect had a "MeToo allegation," but at the time the congressman did not know that she was the accuser, according to aides.

PHOTO: Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax speaks during an interview in his office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Feb. 2, 2019. (Steve Helber/AP)

In late December 2017 and early January 2018, aides to Scott said he learned that it was Tyson herself who was involved in a "MeToo allegation," concerning Fairfax. She also informed him that she had already told the Washington Post about an alleged incident involving Fairfax and that she had given the Post Scott's name as a character witness.

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When pressed by ABC News, aides said they did not know what the congressman did with that information, but that he told Tyson that he agreed to speak with the Washington Post.

Scott himself was previously accused of sexual harassment by a former aide, who said he touched her inappropriately when she was working in his Washington office in 2013. He denied the claim.

Aides said Scott maintains that Tyson never brought up the allegations in the many years that they have known each other prior to the time period between December 2017 and January 2018.

In a lengthy statement released on earlier on Wednesday, Tyson recounted the alleged incident with Fairfax in detail.

"On the night of Friday, February 1, 2019, I read multiple news accounts indicating that Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax would likely be elevated to Governor as an immediate result of a scandal involving Governor Ralph Northam. This news flooded me with painful memories, bringing back feelings of grief, shame, and anger that stemmed from an incident with Mr. Fairfax that occurred in July 2004 during the Democratic National Convention in Boston," Tyson wrote in a statement released through her legal team.

In her statement, she detailed what she said began as a consensual encounter and "quickly turned into a sexual assault." Tyson went on to write that "After the assault, I suffered from both deep humiliation and shame. I did not speak about it for years, and I (like most survivors) suppressed those memories and emotions as a necessary means to continue my studies, and to pursue my goal of building a successful career as an academic."

ABC News has also obtained a statement of support from a friend of Tyson.

This person spoke with Tyson in October 2017 and does not wish to be identified for fear of harassment and threats.

"Vanessa has always been forthright and matter of fact with me about all things and was no different in regards to this incident," the friend's statement read, "I trust her beyond measure and know how this incident haunted and traumatized her because she told me so and because I know her well and could hear the anguish in her voice. She sounded resigned, yet disgusted, frustrated, and infuriated in a way that I can sadly recognize from personal experience."

ABC News has also reviewed text messages that support this friend's claim that she spoke with Tyson about the incident in October of 2017.

Tyson has hired the legal services of Katz, Marshall and Banks, the same law firm that was retained by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, a California psychology professor who accused Brett Kavanaugh, then-President Trump's nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, of sexual misconduct. Kavanaugh denied the claims and was later confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Fairfax in a statement said that he takes the situation "very seriously."

"Regarding the allegation that has been made against me  while this allegation has been both surprising and hurtful, I also recognize that no one makes charges of this kind lightly, and I take it and this situation very seriously," Fairfax wrote in a statement on Wednesday. "This has been an emotional couple of days for me and my family. And in my remarks on Monday, I think you could hear how emotional dealing with an allegation that I know is not true has been for me."
A former inmate adopted the dog he trained in prison and it changed his life: 'She taught me patience'

A former inmate adopted the dog he trained in prison and it changed his life: 'She taught me patience' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Experts have long acclaimed the benefits of prisoner animal programs for both the inmates and dogs, but sometimes the journeys end in even more of a fairytale than anyone could have been imagined.

Former inmate Jason Bertrand, 36, participated in the Florida Department of Corrections-approved TAILS program, which stands for Teaching Animals and Inmates Life Skills. During his time there, he developed such a bond with his assigned dog, a pit bull mix named Sugar Mama, that the program and facility he was being housed in allowed him to adopt her after she graduated  even though he still had months left in his term.

Sugar Mama, who is now about 4 or 5 years old, altered Bertrand's outlook on life and allowed him to stay out of prison, he told ABC News.

PHOTO: Jason Bertrand, a former inmate who was locked up for more than 15 years, said meeting Sugar Mama through the TAILS program changed his life and kept him from returning to prison. (Craig O'Neal)

Bertrand is a prime example of the program's ability to assimilate inmates back into society while also rehabilitating and finding homes for hard-to-adopt dogs, said Jen Deane, executive director of TAILS and Pit Sisters, a Jacksonville-based organization that takes dogs in need from city shelters, in an interview with ABC News.

(MORE: Prison animal programs are benefitting both inmates and hard-to-adopt dogs in Florida, experts say)

'I had no sense of direction.'

Bertrand had a rough childhood that he says set the stage for a life of crime. His father, a heroin addict, has been in and out of jail since he was 10, and his mother, who was 15 when she had him, abandoned him when he was a kid, he said.

When Bertrand was 16, he was charged with felony battery for breaking another kid's jaw, he said. He was adjudicated as an adult and spent nearly two years in prison, according to the Florida Department of Corrections' online records.

When he was released at 19 years old in August 2001, he went to live with his father, who was still addicted to heroin, he said. His father, however, was soon evicted from his home, and Bertrand  and his sister  had to find a new place to live. Bertrand told ABC News that at the time, he wasn't prepared for the responsibilities of providing for a household.

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"I couldn't pay the bills," he said. "I had no sense of direction. I didn't know what to do. My father did crime his whole life. I just figured I'd go rob a few things."

PHOTO: Jason Bertrand and Sugar Mama had such a strong bond that he was allowed her keep her while still incarcerated, even after she graduated from the TAILS program. (Crystal Bertrand)

Less than five months out of prison, Bertrand committed five burglaries between Dec. 24, 2001, and Dec. 27, 2001. He used a BB gun, which earned him five charges of robbery with a deadly weapon, his criminal records show.

While Bertrand readily admits wrongdoing in the crime spree, he said he was just trying to put a roof over his and his sister's heads.

But Bertrand had already committed a felony in the past. This triggered Florida's prison release re-offender law, which commanded a mandatory minimum of 30 years for each first-degree felony charge, he said. A plea deal allowed him to instead serve a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years for five second-degree felonies concurrently, he said.

(MORE: German shepherd that flunked out of police dog academy for being too friendly gets new job)

The TAILS program was an unexpected surprise

Bertrand was on the tail end of his 15-year sentence when he discovered the program that would forever alter the course of his life.

In 2016, Bertrand was being housed at the Jacksonville Bridge Community Release Center, a halfway house managed by the Florida DOC, when he joined the program. At first, he did it for "selfish reasons."

Getting accepted into the program, which vets both the inmates and dogs before it starts, was a step above on the quality of living "hierarchy" in the facility, he said. While other inmates complained of the dog smell, Bertrand saw it as an opportunity to break up the monotony of his prison sentence. He went into it unaware of the benefits of participating in the program.

"It was kind of one of them things  when you get into something, you get a big surprise that you weren't expecting," he said. "Sugar Mama was my big surprise."

PHOTO: Jason Bertrand, a former inmate who was locked up for more than 15 years, said meeting Sugar Mama through the TAILS program changed his life and kept him from returning to prison. (Craig O'Neal)

"Who doesn't want to have a dog when you've been incarcerated forever?" he added.

He started as a floater and would help around as needed, since there weren't enough dogs to go around, he said. Sugar Mama, a tan pit bull mix weighing about 40 pounds, had been seized from a dog-fighting environment in Palatka, Florida, that left her back broken in three places, Deane said. She entered the program late and had just had surgery when she would meet her future owner.

The two had an "instant bond," Deane said.

"I couldn't imagine somebody doing something to her like that," Bertrand said, adding that she was still "sweet" and "rambunctious" despite being so hurt that she had to be carried everywhere at first.

Displaying emotion is not possible in prison.

For 15 years, Bertrand lived in "a different world" that doesn't allow for "basic" human needs such as displaying emotions or giving a hug for fear that it could be misconstrued as weakness.

The emergence of Sugar Mama in his life changed that.

"I was able to hug her, pet her," he said. "When I took her on walks, I could talk to her."

PHOTO: Sugar Mama, a tan Pit bull mix about 4 or 5 years old, was described by her owner as 'really sweet,' despite the abuse she endured earlier in her life. (Crystal Bertrand)

Bertrand threw himself into his work while participating in the program, saying that he was "trying to be positive" and "do things that were above and beyond."

Deane noticed his work ethic as well, saying Sugar Mama seemed to be his "reason for being."

For the first time, he was responsible for another living thing after a lifetime of having the attitude of "F--- everyone else," he said. He didn't allow himself to think that way for fear of getting kicked out of the program, he said.

Being concerned for a living thing other than himself surprised Bertrand.

"Sugar Mama, for me, was my introduction to what it meant to be human," he said.

The rescue pup also taught him patience and how to communicate effectively.

"When she was crazy because she was raised in a bad environment, such as myself, I had to communicate with her in a way that she could understand," he said. "I couldn't yank her to the side when she pissed me off."

He added, "In prison, that's what you do... Somebody will punch you and take everything you own. You learn to be aggressive back."

Sugar Mama patiently waited for her forever home

When it came to graduation time, Bertrand couldn't bear the thought of parting with the sweet dog he had grown to love. Sugar Mama was set to graduate about four or five months before Bertrand was done serving his sentence in December 2016, so he begged Deane and his supervisors at the facility to let him keep her.

Deane recalled Bertrand coming to her in tears.

"He said, 'Miss Jen, I need to have this dog. She is my life. I will live under a bridge if that means keeping my dog.'"

PHOTO: Jason Bertrand, a former inmate who was locked up for more than 15 years, said meeting Sugar Mama through the TAILS program changed his life and kept him from returning to prison. (Craig O'Neal)

After Deane spoke with the director of the halfway house, they decided together that it was in the best interest of both the inmate and the dog to stay together.

"They made an exception to let her live there until he was released," Deane said. "The day he left, she left, and we were there to see her go."

(MORE: Florida dog has mug shot taken after being turned in to police station with no tags)

'Sugar Mama was vital in my success in the free world.'

Bertrand said that after getting to know Sugar Mama, he saw his old self in her abuser and "wanted to change." The TAILS program was essential in that revelation, and others saw the positive change in him as well, he said.

"Prisons just release you back into society," he said. "Work release programs just give people money. Money doesn't mean success. Money just means you have money."

In Florida, 24.5 percent of inmates who were released in 2014 returned to prison within three years, according to a Florida Department of Corrections report released last year. Bertrand, however, doesn't see himself returning to prison because Sugar Mama wouldn't be taken care of, he said.

Having Sugar Mama in his life has led to a snowball of successes for Bertrand.

"I got out of prison, I met my wife, I had other reasons to stay out of prison," he said.

Now, Bertrand works full-time as an air conditioner installer in Dunedin, Florida. He said his work fulfills him and his decent hourly wage allows him to put his wife, Crystal Bertrand, through dentistry school full-time.

"I'm really good at my job," he said, adding that he relishes in the stability that his family, which also now includes a 13-year-old Jack Russel terrier named Emma, brings him.

PHOTO: Sugar Mama now has a sister, a 13-year-old Jack Russel terrier named Emma. (Crystal Bertrand)

Deane and Bertrand have struck up a kinship after the program. Deane describes Bertrand as an "amazing man" and "one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet," and Bertrand considers Deane a "good friend."

Bertrand also drives to Jacksonville once every three months to give motivational speeches to inmates, Deane said, describing him as "very gifted" at doing so.

"He commands a room like nobody else," she said. "So, I'm very lucky to be working with him."

Sugar Mama, meanwhile, has settled into her role as the "princess" of the house, Bertrand said. She's so spoiled that when she jumps on the couch, she won't sit down until someone puts a blanket down for her, he added.

PHOTO: Sugar Mama is so spoiled that she now refuses to sit on the couch unless someone places a blanket beneath her. (Crystal Bertrand)

Bertrand said adopting Sugar Mama is "what regular convicted criminals lack on their release," calling her "the beginning" of his new life.

"You spend your whole life really amounting to nothing, and all of a sudden, things are going good," he said. "It's a really good feeling."
Does inconspicuous clerks marking on Roger Stone indictment hold deeper clues to Mueller case? originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Special counsel Robert Muellers recent indictment against President Donald Trumps longtime friend and veteran political operative Roger Stone laid out a series of assertions against him but never alleged contact with Russians -- the heart of the Mueller probe.

But hints of those ties may have been hidden in plain sight  in the form of a little-noticed marking on the indictment itself that legal experts believe may suggest more about Stones role in the probe than the actual charges against him.

On the copy of Stones indictment filed to the official docket for his case, a marking from the U.S. district court clerks office reveals it has a related case -- the July 13 indictment against a dozen Russian intelligence officers accused of hacking the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta.

(MORE: Roger Stone, longtime Trump friend, indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller)

PHOTO: Cars drive past the headquarters of the Russian General Staff's Main Intelligence Department (GRU) in Moscow, Dec. 30, 2016. (AFP/Getty Images, FILE)

The seven charges against Stone are for allegedly lying to lawmakers and attempting to intimidate a witness. Legal experts said the assertion that the hacking case is related means the prosecutors consider both cases to be part of a larger story.

The marking indicates prosecutors see a common nucleus of facts in the cases, former federal prosecutor Ken White told ABC News.

Randall Eliason, a former federal prosecutor and lecturer at George Washington University, said prosecutors will link cases if they cover similar ground  whether its facts, issues, parties or evidence -- in part so the cases appear before the same judge as a matter of efficiency, since the judge would presumably already be familiar with the basic facts.

Stone Indictment Cover by on Scribd

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Eliason said its not surprising that Stones case could be related to the Russians since Stone himself is referenced, though never by name, in the Russian case. Then theres the prominent role Wikileaks played in both purported narratives, exemplified by the hack appearing in the first line item in the introduction of Stone's indictment.

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An attorney for Stone declined to comment on the related classification, which was previously reported by Rolling Stone. A spokesperson for the special counsels office declined to comment.

The related case filed in in July laid out charges against 12 Russians whom prosecutors alleged were members of a military intelligence unit known as GRU. The case alleges the GRU officers hacked troves of documents and emails belonging to the Democratic National Committee and then-Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. The Russians allegedly leaked the emails through the anti-secrecy website Wikileaks, which published them online in 2016. Wikileaks has denied that Russia was the source of the hacked documents.

The GRU defendants, all believed to be in Russia, have never answered the charges against them in court and remain beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement.

Stone has acknowledged to ABC News that he is the unnamed person in regular contact with senior members of the presidential campaign of Donald J. Trump, who is described in the related indictment as having been in touch with Guccifer 2.0 -- a fake persona prosecutors say the Russian hackers used. Stone has downplayed the contacts with Guccifer as innocuous and denied he was aware Guccifer was a front for any Russians.

(MORE: Roger Stone says hes the 'US person' mentioned in Mueller indictment)

PHOTO: Federal law enforcement vehicles are seen parked at the home of Roger Stone after his arrest in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jan. 25, 2019. (Dronebase via Reuters, FILE)

The charging documents against Stone allege he lied to Congress about communications with Wikileaks and with the Trump campaign, among other alleged crimes, but the 23-page filling only makes glancing references to the purported Russian hackers, and contains no specific reference to Guccifer 2.0.

(MORE: Roger Stone pleads not guilty to Mueller charges)

Stone pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Because members of the Mueller team have remained silent about their thinking, it is impossible to know for sure why they linked the two cases in their court filings. But experts tell ABC News the decision does offer some clues as to a broader Mueller strategy.

John Cohen, a former Department of Homeland Security official and now an ABC News consultant, said the related designation could be significant because it may underline Muellers continuing interest in teasing out any purported links between Stone and the Russians.

During these types of investigations, its not uncommon to indict a person on charges you have enough evidence to prosecute for and once you amass enough evidence, add those new charges in a superseding indictment, he said.

Shan Wu, another former federal prosecutor who now focuses on white-collar defense, said the designation ups the importance of the voluminous evidence seized by investigators upon Stones arrest. Wu said he too would not be surprised if it signaled more charges against Stone more directly related to his communications with the Russians.

Eliason, however, said it could be a mistake to read too deeply into the markings significance beyond the formal linking of the two cases.

It doesnt mean there isnt something more coming, but I wouldnt infer that, he said. It could be a pretty simple explanation that they [the two cases] share common facts.
Samantha Bee examined President Donald Trumps growing  and worrying  interest in Venezuela, and warned that his administrations actions and personnel decisions hint at not just the Iraq War, but Americas catastrophic actions in Latin America during the Cold War.

On Full Frontal Wednesday, Bee noted how the Trump administration has officially recognized the government of self-declared Venezuelan president, Juan Guaido. Guaido, however, remains caught in a power struggle with Nicolas Maduro, whos been accused of stealing an election and crimes against humanity, and overseeing an economic crisis thats led to mass food shortages. Amidst this unrest, Bee pointed out that Trumps National Security Advisor, John Bolton, was recently spotted with a notepad that read, 5,000 troops to Colombia.

Bolton is openly licking his chops at the thought of getting our hands on Venezuelas oil, Bee said. She then added, Lets see, obsessing about the oil capabilities of a country run by a cruel dictator with a mustache, why does this feel familiar to me? Oh thats right, it reminds me of Iraq. Please dont do another Iraq! The only thing we should consider rebooting from 2003 is Agent Cody Banks.

Even more disconcerting than Bolton, however, is the appointment of notorious diplomat Elliott Abrams as the Special Envoy to Venezuela. Bee delivered a detailed breakdown of Abrams career, which included a stint in the Reagan administration where he backed brutal dictators in Panama and Guatemala, played a key role in the Iran-Contra affair, and effectively aided and covered up genocide all while his official title was Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs.

Despite his record of sewing chaos, Abrams later served under President George W. Bush and his addition to the Trump administration has been portrayed as relatively moderate and conventional. We will never make up for the things our country did in Latin America during the Cold War, Bee said. But the least we can do is not send the same gang of rapacious neocons back there again. Just send Elliott Abrams somewhere else  I hear the Hague is nice this time of year.
Paul Erickson, the GOP operative and longtime boyfriend of criminal Russian national Maria Butina, has been indicted on 11 counts of federal wire fraud and money laundering, for what the U.S. Attorneys office in South Dakota describes as a two-decade scheme to defraud investors and personally enrich Erickson. Each count is punishable by as many as 20 years in prison, meaning the 56-year-old is facing the potential of life behind bars. Erickson appeared in court Wednesday to plead not guilty; according to his attorney, Erickson is free on his personal recognizance, subject to minimal conditions.

These federal charges are not directly related to the conspiracy plot that Butina pleaded guilty to in December 2018, for seeking to establish unofficial lines of communication with Americans having power and influence over U.S. politics for the benefit of the Russian Federation. Erickson is referred to in court documents as U.S. Person 1, and Butinas plea documents describe him as a participant in her conspiracy. Elsewhere, prosecutors have alleged: U.S. Person 1 has aided the defendants [Butinas] charged criminal activity for years. A lawyer for Erickson has insisted: Paul Erickson is a good American. He has done nothing to harm our country and never would. (Rolling Stone published an expose of Butinas scheme to infiltrate the NRA last April, prior to her July arrest.)

The charges brought this week against Erickson relate to three businesses he founded, dating far as back as 1996. Compass Care was purportedly in the business of managing senior-care facilities. Investing with Dignity was a business that Erickson said was designing a wheelchair that allowed people using it to go to the bathroom without being lifted out of the wheelchair. A third, unnamed venture, Erickson allegedly told investors, was developing real estate near the Bakken oil fields of North Dakota. According to the federal indictment, these businesses were all part of the same scheme to defraud investors and personally enrich [the] Defendant.

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According to the indictment, Erickson repeatedly promised his investors high returns at low risk, including offering to personally repay the full amount of the original investment if the deals went south. Instead, Erickson allegedly used the funds to unjustly enrich himself at the expense of people he defrauded. (Erickson has already lost in court on civil charges relating investments in Compass Care. He was reportedly ordered to pay out $190,000 to L. Brent Bozell, another prominent conservative activist, who sued Erickson in 2007.)

Financial transactions included in the indictment offer clues that Erickson may have used some of the cash he allegedly obtained through fraud to benefit Butina. The counts for Money Laundering refer to a transfer of more than $20,000 to American University, where Butina was a graduate student. Erickson has previously suggested joint business venture with Butina, Bridges LLC (which is not named in the indictment) was used to pay her education expenses. The indictment also flags two other unlawful transfers, totaling $9,000, to a payee with the initials M.B.

Erickson attorney Clint Sargent tells Rolling Stone: Mr. Erickson is anxious to let the criminal justice process play out and believes a story different from the governments will emerge. The threat of a lengthy prison sentence, however, could provide a powerful incentive for Erickson to cut a deal with prosecutors. Such a cooperation agreement could include Erickson detailing for the federal government anything he knows about Russian attempts to influence the 2016 presidential election.

Ericksns arrest and indictment mark a fall from grace for a longtime conservative star. Lanky and gregarious, Erickson emerged from the same generation of college Republicans as Grover Norquist, the GOPs anti-tax crusader. He was player in many GOP presidential campaigns, including serving as national political director for Pat Buchanans nationalist 1992 bid. Erickson was also famous for wrangling the Love Hurts media circus for penis amputee John Wayne Bobbitt, and he was the executive producer Red Scorpion, a 1989 B-movie starring Dolph Lundgren.
Photo credit: Tom Williams - Getty Images

From Esquire

WASHINGTON - This is what happened before lunch on Wednesday in the United States House of Representatives, now under new management. Congressman Adam Schiff of California, new chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, announced that his panel would be sending 50 transcripts of testimony given in closed session to that committee by a number of witnesses on the subject of Russian ratfcking in the 2016 presidential election to Robert Mueller. Schiff also announced that the committee's investigation into said ratfcking would be reopened, and that any future witness transcripts would be made available to the public.

Moreover, Schiff stated quite clearly that the revived investigation would pursue evidence of any kind of foreign involvement with this administration* and this president* and, in doing so, took some none-too-subtle whacks at Devin Nunes, the White House lawn ornament who preceded him as chairman of the Intelligence Committee.

During the prior Congress, the Committee began to pursue credible reports of money laundering and financial compromise related to the business interests of President Trump, his family, and his associates. The Presidents actions and posture towards Russia during the campaign, transition, and administration have only heightened fears of foreign financial or other leverage over President Trump and underscore the need to determine whether he or those in his Administration have acted in service of foreign interests since taking office. Unfortunately, these and numerous other avenues of inquiry were not completed during the last Congress.

Low bridge there, Devin.

Photo credit: Tom Williams - Getty Images

Now, in the 116th Congress, the Committees investigation will focus principally on five interconnected lines of inquiry, beginning with these incomplete or unexamined investigative threads:

(1) The scope and scale of the Russian governments operations to influence the U.S. political process, and the U.S. governments response, during and since the 2016 election;

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(2) The extent of any links and/or coordination between the Russian government, or related foreign actors, and individuals associated with Donald Trumps campaign, transition, administration, or business interests, in furtherance of the Russian governments interests;

(3) Whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Donald Trump, his family, his business, or his associates;

(4) Whether President Trump, his family, or his associates are or were at any time at heightened risk of, or vulnerable to, foreign exploitation, inducement, manipulation, pressure, or coercion, or have sought to influence U.S. government policy in service of foreign interests; and

Photo credit: Alex Wong - Getty Images

(5) Whether any actors  foreign or domestic  sought or are seeking to impede, obstruct, and/or mislead authorized investigations into these matters, including those in the Congress.

The Committee may pursue additional lines of inquiry regarding matters that arise from the investigation, and it intends to cooperate with other congressional committees, as needed, on matters of overlapping interest. The Committee also plans to develop legislation and policy reforms to ensure the U.S. government is better positioned to counter future efforts to undermine our political process and national security.

Meanwhile, over at the House Oversight and Reform Committee, where Congressman Elijah Cummings finally has the gavel of his dreams, they held a hearing on House Resolution 1, the massive good government measure aimed at reforming both the mechanics and the ethics of how we elect people in this country. Cummings said:

One of the things that gave me chills when I read it was the 2016 opinion of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, and there was something they said that was chilling...They talked about the legislature down there in North Carolina and this is a quote from the 4th Circuit, these are federal judges, and they said, before proposing this law, [that legislature] requested data on the use by race of certain voting practices. Upon receipt of that race data, the General Assembly enacted laws that restricted voting and registration in five different ways that disproportionately affected African Americans.

They went on to say -- And I didn't say this, the federal court said it! -- the state offered only meager explanations, even though the new restrictions targeted African Americans with almost surgical precision...One year ago today, on my mother's dying bed, a former sharecropper, her last words were, "Do not let them take our votes away from us." She had seen people harmed, beaten, trying to vote. Voting is crucial and I don't care how you look at it, there are efforts to stop people from voting. That's not right! This is not Russia. This is the United States of America. And I will fight to the death so that everyone has a right to vote."

Sharing the committee with Cummings are three of the leading lights of the new freshman class: Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Rashida Tialib of Michigan, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, and the frontal lobes of every conservative in America. The three rookies sat side by side in the first row of the committee, and AOC took the expert witnesses through a kind of thought experiment of all the elements of corruption that have been legitimized since the Supreme Court legalized influence-peddling a while back.

Photo credit: SAUL LOEB - Getty Images

"Let's say I'm a really bad guy," she began. This was a fairly entertaining excursion that had a very sharp point to it. As AOC concluded:

"As we've seen, it's already super-legal for me to be a pretty bad guy, and it's even easier for the president of the United States to be one."

Well, yeah.

Not far from that hearing room, the House Judiciary Committee and its new chair, Jerrold Nadler of New York, played to a packed room on the topic of gun violence and House Resolution No. 8, a measure that would move the country toward universal background checks-a modest goal, but, hell, anything's better than what we have now, which is practically nothing. At the hearing, we were treated to a bravura performance by Matt Gaetz of Florida, one of the House's most reliable buffoons, who gave a vivid demonstration of the kind of misdirection and stalling that can be expected from the House Republicans, who woke up in November to discover they weren't running things any more.

The committee wanted to talk about gun control. Gaetz wanted to talk about...The Wall. And "illegal aliens," and I am not kidding about this, either. After the now de rigueur brandishing of the corpses of murder victims, Gaetz went into orbit.

Time and again, Mr. Chairman, we see circumstances where people illegally come into the possession of firearms. These illegal aliens did not acquire these firearms legally. In fact, Title 18 of the federal code says that it is always unlawful for an illegal alien to have a firearm. So while I appreciate folks from my state of Florida coming here and sharing their advice and their counsel with the House Judiciary Committee, I think the stories of other people who have been impacted by gun violence are relevant to our discourse because they speak to the fact that there are dangerous people who do illegal things. The question is what will ensure that that doesn't cause the massive amount of violence that we've seen in the country.

Photo credit: Chip Somodevilla - Getty Images

I'm encouraged by elements of legislation that have been passed in my home state of Florida that focus on red-flag circumstances, mental health...As I review HR 8, there's nothing in the bill that would've stopped what we've been discussing...I hope we will not adopt this federalization, this deprivation of constitutional rights...and as we hear the stories here, I hope we do not forget the pain and anguish and the sense of loss felt by those all over the country who have been the victims of violence at the hands of illegal aliens. HR 8 would not have stopped many of the circumstances I raised, but a wall, a barrier on the southern border may have and that's what we're fighting for...The greatest driver of violence in the circumstances I cited was not the firearm. It was the fact that we have an immigration system that allows people to come here violently.

There was an uproar at this in the gallery and David Cicilline, Democrat of Rhode Island, asked Nadler if "members of Congress allowed to just make things up in support of specious arguments?" Whereupon Gaetz and ranking member Doug Collins wasted some time declaring themselves victimized by hecklers in the audience. This was pure talk-radio filibustering, and it's going to be a delightful couple of years, for sure.

But the most significant hearing came in front of the House Committee on Natural Resources. There, under the leadership of new chairman Raul Grijalva of Arizona, the committee held the first hearing on the climate crisis to take place in the House for over a decade. This is remarkable enough when you consider all the natural disasters that have occurred in this country since 2009. The featured witnesses were two governors, Democrat Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Republican Charlie Baker of the Commonwealth (God save it!).

Both men brought the straight dope, Cooper having lived through two years of catastrophic flooding, and Baker not only talking about the threat both states share from powerful ocean storms, but also the peril to New England's billion-dollar fishing industry caused by a steadily warming ocean that is, for example, chasing lobsters north. Baker, it should be said, tap-danced vigorously around this issue when he ran for governor. But, now in his second term, he's lived through enough wild weather to be convinced of what's plainly going on.

We understand the science," Baker said, "and we know the impacts are real because we are experiencing them firsthand.

Photo credit: Boston Globe - Getty Images

Cooper was even more graphic.

Scientists have found that climate change makes weather more erratic. It makes storms larger and more powerful and intensifies heavy rainfalls and droughts. North Carolinians unfortunately know this the hard way. Weve weathered two so-called 500-year floods in two years and three in fewer than 20 years. In the Western North Carolina mountains, volatile weather has caused mudslides, damaged infrastructure, cost apple growers valuable crops and forced ski areas to close mid-season, hurting local businesses and putting jobs in jeopardy.

In Central North Carolina, soaring summer temperatures have killed poultry and crops, costing farmers critical income. Fort Bragg and Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, two of the many important military installations were proud to have located in our state, were recently listed at current and future risk for wildfires and recurrent flooding, respectively, in a U.S. Department of Defense report on effects of our changing climate. And the worst damage has been in Eastern North Carolina, which is now more vulnerable than ever to devastating storms and floods.

The Republicans on the committee, with the possible exception of Garrett Graves, who's losing his district in southern Louisiana by the yard, by and large are from the What, Me Worry? school of climate denial, perfect examples of how the Republican Party has booted the legacy of Teddy Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot into the Great Dismal Swamp. (Tom McClintock of California, for example, has been known to pooh-pooh Earth's climate crisis by pointing out that Pluto and the moons of Neptune are warming, too.) But the place is under new management now, and there are signs of life stirring in a lot of different places.

Respond to this post on the Esquire Politics Facebook page here.

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Ginnifer Goodwin is entering the fifth dimension.

The Once Upon a Time alum has joined Jordan Peeles Twilight Zone reboot at CBS All Access as the star of an episode titled Point of Origin. The anthology series installment will also feature James Frain and Zabryna Guevara.

Goodwin is best known for her roles in HBOs Big Love and ABCs Once Upon a Time. Her other credits include the animated film Zootopia, Walk the Line, Killing Kennedy, Mona Lisa Smile, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton, Something Borrowed, Hes Just Not That Into You and A Single Man. She also appeared on stage in the plays The Corn Is Green and Dead End.

Also Read: 'Twilight Zone' Teaser Sends CBS 'Off the Air' During Super Bowl (Video)

In addition to stepping into Rod Serlings role as Twilight Zone narrator, Peele is also serving as executive producer on the reboot.

Previously revealed cast members include Ike Barinholtz, John Cho, Lucinda Dryzek, Taissa Farmiga, Greg Kinnear, Luke Kirby, Sanaa Lathan, Kumail Nanjiani, Adam Scott, Rhea Seehorn, Allison Tolman, Jacob Tremblay, Jefferson White, Jonathan Whitesell, Jessica Williams, DeWanda Wise and Steven Yeun.

The anthology series will launch its first two episodes April 1, with new installments to be made available weekly on Thursdays, beginning April 11, Julie McNamara, executive vice president of original content for CBS All Access, announced during the Television Critics Associations winter press tour Wednesday.

Also Read: Jordan Peele's 'Twilight Zone' Reboot Sets CBS All Access Premiere Date

The Twilight Zone is produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Peeles Monkeypaw Productions and Simon Kinbergs Genre Films. Peele and Kinberg serve as executive producers along with Win Rosenfeld, Audrey Chon, Carol Serling, Rick Berg and Greg Yaitanes.

Rod Serling created the original series, which ran for 80 episodes from 1959 to 1964, and used socially-conscious storytelling to explore the human condition and culture of the times. There have been two prior revivals of the classic series. The first reboot aired for 110 episodes on CBS starting in 1985, and a second version, with Forest Whitaker in Serlings role, ran for 43 episodes on UPN in the early 2000s.

The Twilight Zone premieres April on CBS All Access.

Read original story Ginnifer Goodwin Joins Jordan Peeles Twilight Zone Reboot At TheWrap
The Danish film industry is on a roll this year with berths secured at major festivals besides the Berlinale where Lone Scherfigs The Kindness of Strangers landed the opening slot, just as Susanne Biers Sandra Bullock starrer Bird Box is breaking records on Netflix and first-timer Gustav Mollers The Guilty made the foreign-language Oscar shortlist.

Its a particularly good time because different types of local productions are performing well both at home, where the domestic share of total admissions was a strong 29% in 2018, and in the international arena, which is seeing a new generation of Danish directors coming to the fore.

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Last year there were 26 homegrown titles released in Denmark that sold 3.8 million tickets total, up from 2.5 million tickets in 2017, when the national market share was 20%.

Aside from new works by known names such as Christoffer Boe, whose high-profile crimer The Purity of Vengeance topped the 2018 chart, several pics by up-and-coming Danes scored, including Christian Tafdrups clever comedy A Horrible Woman, his second feature, and high-concept, low-budget thriller The Guilty, which launched last year from Sundance, and is now set for a U.S. remake starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

Sundance this year has just seen the launch of two promising Danish pics, prize-winning journalist-filmmaker Mads Bruggers documentary Cold Case Hammarskjold, which delves into the mysterious 1961 death of U.N. secretary-general Dag Hammarskjold, and of brooding erotic drama Queen of Hearts by soph director May el-Toukhy and toplined by Trine Dyrholm as a high-powered lawyer who seduces her teenage stepson.

Political thriller Sons of Denmark, directed by first-timer Ulaa Salim and depicting the countrys right-wing extremist youths  albeit in a futuristic setting  recently bowed at the Rotterdam Film Festival, where it opened the Tiger Competition section.

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Danish Film Institute director Claus Ladegaard says over the past three or four years hes seen the emergence of a new generation of directors, eight to 10 of whom he thinks are on track to become prominent internationally.

We are in the middle, or maybe near the end of a transition period, that is bringing new Danes to foreign film fame, he says.

As with Bier, who is basically not working in Denmark anymore, several other Danish directors have made Hollywood their homebase. They include Nikolaj Arcel (The Dark Tower) and Nicolas Winding Refn, whose hotly anticipated series debut, Too Old to Die Young, is expected to launch soon on Amazon.

Kindness of Strangers marks Scherfigs first Danish film in years, albeit shot in the English language. The New York-set ensemble drama with a starry cast comprising Tahar Rahim, Zoe Kazan, Andrea Riseborough and Bill Nighy, produced by Malene Blenkov for Denmarks Creative Alliance and Canadas Strada Films, follows four features, including her Oscar-nominated Nick Hornby adaptation An Education, all made by Scherfig in the U.K.

But a big effort is under way in Denmark to provide and maintain the best working environment for directors to remain on their home turf.

Denmarks new right-wing parliament recently approved a film agreement that earmarks 75 million ($84.7 million) in yearly subsidies for Danish movies through 2023 that contains some challenging provisos such as having to maintain its current 29% level of moviegoers drawn to domestic titles.

There has been discussion in Denmark about: why support films for the international market; why not just make local films?, says Petri Kemppinen, head of the Oslo-based Nordisk Film & TV Fund, which backs movies and series from all five Nordic countries.

Kemppinen notes that Denmark is also the only country in the Nordics without an incentive to attract international productions and that could be considered an isolationist stance. However, he points out that film policy in Denmark is under constant discussion, which actually makes for a more vibrant ecosystem than its neighbors.

One of the great strengths of the Danish industry is that its a close-knit community, says Susan Wendt, managing director of sales powerhouse TrustNordisk. The older and newer generations are helping each other.

The country has a great system to foster filmmaking, starting with strong film schools and moving on to the Danish Film Institute and its New Danish Screen scheme that funds low-budget features, documentaries, hybrids, series and cross-media projects. They form young directors and production teams not just money-wise, but also in terms of guidance and know-how, Wendt says. Plus there is a close collaboration between the DFI and broadcasters.

Just as new directors are emerging, so are young companies such as Profile Pictures, producer of Danish rookie Fenar Ahmads hit 2017 thriller Darkland; Snowglobe, which has been working with non-Danish auteurs, but is stepping up production of domestic films, and has Danish doc Western Arabs, directed by Omar Shargawi, in Berlins Panorama section; and Nordisk Film Productions talent development unit, Spring, which produced The Guilty.

The Danish outfit most adept at crossing over between film and TV is Jonas Allen and Peter Boses Miso Film, which made Netflixs first Danish original, The Rain, which bowed last year to positive reviews and was reupped for a second season, and also The Way to Mandalay, a biopic of beloved musician John Mogensen that scored second place in the countrys 2018 box-office chart.

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Chris Brown wants Offset to fight him after the Migos rapper slammed Brown for sharing a 21 Savage meme.

On Sunday, Brown, 29, shared a clip of 21 Savage freestyling with a British accent.

CMON FAM, STOP PLAYING WIT DA MANS DEM, the singer captioned the post referring to 21 Savage who was taken into custody on Sunday by ICE, for allegedly overstaying his 2005 visa.

While Brown, as some fans pointed out, seemed to be defending 21 Savage by telling people to stop making fun of the British-born rapper, Offset, 27, wasnt amused.

Memes aint funny lame, Offset, who released a collaborative album with 21 Savage titled Without Warning in 2017, wrote in the comment section of Browns post on Tuesday.

The comment promptly ignited a feud between the artists as Brown responded with F you lil boy.

Better worry about what u got going and focus on you. All this cap on IG is whats lame, Brown continued.

Yo energy wont like that when I came to the Drake show in LA if u dont get yo hip a hop a hibbet a hibbet to the hip hop and ya dont stop the rockin face ass out my comments.

Sensitive ass n. Call me personally. U want some clout when all u gotta do is pull up. No camera no flexing and all at!!! Brown wrote.

If you a real man fight me. Oh and another thing, suck my d, Brown added.

RELATED: 21 Savages Lawyer Slams His Arrest as Based Upon Incorrect Information and Demands His Release

Offset later responded to Browns message on his Instagram Stories writing, Coke head dont want [smoke emoji].

The post has since been deleted.

Chris Brown and Offset

Offsets defense of 21 Savage comes after his estranged wife Cardi B called out Tomi Lahren on Twitter after the conservative commentator tweeted in response to 21 Savages arrest.

I got one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight ICE agents ready to deport ya, Lahren tweeted in reference to the lyrics of 21 Savages song Bank Account.

Dont make me get my leash, Cardi, 26, responded, referring to a previous tweet where she told Lahren that she would dog walk her.

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In a statement released Tuesday, 21 Savages legal team addressed the claims that the rapper overstayed his visa and the fan speculation that he was targeted due to a recent anti-ICE rap.

Cardi B and Tomi Lahren

Many have speculated as to possible ulterior motives for his arrest and detention, including that he released music five days prior to his arrest by ICE, which included new lyrics condemning the behavior of immigration officials for their detention of children at the border, the rappers legal team alleged in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

RELATED: 21 Savages Lawyers Say Hes a Dreamer and Address If Rapper Was Targeted for Being Critical of ICE

In the song A Lot from his album I Am > I Was, 21 Savage, born Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph raps Been through some things so I cant imagine my kids stuck at the border/ Flint still need water/ People was innocent, couldnt get lawyers.

Mr. Abraham-Joseph was born in the United Kingdom. Mr. Abraham-Joseph arrived legally in the United States at the age of 7, the statement explained.

He remained in the United States until 2005, when he departed for approximately one month to visit the United Kingdom. He returned to the United States under a valid H-4 visa on July 22, 2005.

21 Savage

Mr. Abraham-Joseph has been continuously physically present in the United States for almost 20 years, except for a brief visit abroad. Unfortunately, in 2006 Mr. Abraham-Josephs legal status expired through no fault of his own.

His lawyers argued that he should be considered a Dreamer, the name used to describe children who were brought to this country illegally by their parents and were offered visas under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy.

RELATED: Demi Lovato Deletes Twitter After Sharing 21 Savage Meme, Says Shes Being Attacked About Overdose

His legal team went on to argue 21 Savage has no criminal convictions or charges under state or federal law and is free to seek relief from removal in immigration court.

ICE provided incorrect information to the press when it claimed he had a criminal conviction.

An ICE spokesman previously said 21 Savage was convicted on felony drug charges in October 2014 in Fulton County, Georgia, in a statement to Fox 5 Atlanta.

At this time, 21 Savage is being held without bond. However, by statute, bond should be granted by ICE when there is no flight risk or a danger to the community, according to his lawyers.
Regardless of the military successes against the Islamic State, the terrorist group still poses a grave global and regional threat, and Hungary is ready to keep fighting it, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in Washington.

Addressing a foreign ministers meeting convened by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo focusing on the global coalition against ISIS, Szijjarto said Hungary was aiding the fight against the group on three fronts.

The first front, he said, constituted Hungarys efforts on the battlefield. He noted that Hungary had 200 troops stationed in Iraq carrying out training, advisory and assistance tasks. As the second front, Szijjarto named the help Hungary provides to displaced Middle Eastern Christians in returning to their homelands.

He voiced Hungarys concern that if these communities cannot return to their homelands, the vacuum created by their departure would be filled by ISIS, and then we will really find ourselves in a situation that we clearly have to avoid.

Therefore, Hungary is helping Christians return home by building and rebuilding homes, schools, hospitals and churches in their communities, the minister said.

The third front of the fight against terrorism, Szijjarto said, was stopping ISISs international fighters from returning to Europe in light of the groups defeats. He said ISIS had about 5,000 fighters who had joined the group from Europe.

Therefore, he said, the coalition had to do everything in its power to protect their countries borders in a way that ensures that ISIS militants cannot return to the continent.



MTI Photo: KKM
Nearly 80% of firms in Hungary were affected by some kind of cybersecurity incident in recent months, with successful attacks usually targeted at employees of companies, according to a survey of 50 company and IT heads by professional services firm EY.

According to EY Cybersecurity branch head Mihaly Zala, the security of an organization relies on three components: the employees, the processes, and the technological background.

"The most critical element is the human one," says Zala. "Therefore the most important step is the proper and continuous education of employees, which may increase a companys security level by as much as 80%."

Some 78% of Hungarian companies were affected by a cybersecurity incident in the past 12 months, with attacks mostly directed at data related to users and clients (75%). The second most popular target was financial information and strategic plans, according to the experts asked by EY.

About 28% of respondents said their firm has obsolete security protocols, while approximately 38% said their employees are unaware of methods to prevent leaking crucial information. The greatest obstacles for improving the situation were cited as a lack of commitment from leaders (40%), lack of technological knowledge (35%), and lack of experts (22%).

EY notes that employees are especially prone to leaking sensitive information, as clicking on a phishing e-mail, or even letting a stranger into the companys building, may cause serious damage.

Sometimes, having an IT security strategy for all employees is not enough, argues EY. In many cases, cybercriminals get into a companys system via subcontractors with weaker security systems. EY suggests involving external experts in order to check whether such contractors are maintaining a high enough standard of security.
A collision between two coal trains Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, left three locomotives and four coal cars derailed. Up to 6,000 gallons of diesel is believed to have leaked from the locomotives into the North Platte River at the scene of the crash north of the Guernsey Reservoir. Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality/courtesy
Jake Jarvis can be reached by phone at 304-935-0144, on Twitter at @JakeJarvisWV or by email at jjarvis@statejournal.com.
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BATESVILLE, Miss. (AP)  A man has been accused of abducting his estranged, pregnant wife in Mississippi.

News outlets report 31-year-old Zachary Miller was arrested Tuesday in Arkansas. Authorities say the woman is safe, but learned in the hospital that she had a miscarriage.

The Panola County Sheriff's Office in Mississippi says Miller kidnapped and pistol-whipped the woman at her home in the Longtown area. Sheriff's investigator Tyler Mills tells WREG-TV that the woman's mother called 911 after her daughter texted her a picture of her bloody face.

Investigators say the woman was able to escape and have Miller's father's girlfriend take her to the hospital after Miller made a stop at his father's home.

Mississippi investigators expect Miller to be extradited in several days. It's unclear if he has a lawyer who could comment.
The Home Affairs ministry has rejected Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmos application for citizenship and stripped him of his ability to reside in Australia, where he has lived since 2011. The justification for the rejection of citizenship is that Huang failed the character test. The decision was reportedly made on the recommendation of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), which interviewed the businessman.

In a carefully-staged operation, Huang was informed of the decision while he is out the country and he has been refused re-entry. He owns some $1 billion in corporate investments in Australia, as well substantial private assets, such as his $13 million mansion overlooking Sydney Harbour, where his wife and children are currently living.

The billionaire can challenge the citizenship and residency decision, but an unnamed official rather gloatingly told the Sydney Morning Herald that any legal appeal would take a very long time. Another official said to the Herald that there was no chance that Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton would intervene on Mr Huangs behalf.

The banishment of Huang from Australia represents a major escalation in the steadily developing frenzy over purported Chinese interference and alleged Chinese agents of influence within the countrys political, business and academic establishment. The propaganda campaign is a component of Australias unconditional alignment with the aggressive US-led military confrontation with China over global dominance, which threatens to trigger all-out war between the nuclear-armed states.

It is not accidental that the move against the Chinese billionaire has taken place on the eve of the 2019 Australian election and amid the bitter trade conflicts between the US and China.

Since the anti-China campaign began in August 2016, the media has repeatedly implied that Huang, along with his company, Yuhu Australia Group, are among the chief representatives of the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese government in Australia.

Lurid details have been published about the extent of his donations to both major Australian parties, the Liberal Party and the Labor Party, as well as the $1.8 million he contributed to the establishment of the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). ACRI is headed by former Labor state premier and federal foreign minister Bob Carr.

Between 2012 and 2016, Huang reportedly donated $1.09 million to Labor and $1.2 million to Liberal, including $800,000 ahead of the 2013 federal election. He allegedly organised for other business people of Chinese background to also make substantial donations.

ASIO began raising concerns about Huangs relations with leading political figures in 2015. Ultimately, the media served as the conduit for the accusations of the intelligence agency with a barrage of highly-coloured reports on Chinese influence in August and September 2016.

A joint investigation in June 2017 by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the then Fairfax Medianow owned by Channel 9singled out Huang for attempting to influence Australian foreign policy via his relations with Labor senator Sam Dastyari. Amid a mounting scandal, the Labor leadership pressured Dastyari to resign from parliament in December that year.

As well as Dastyari and Bob Carr, other prominent political figures who have been named in the media as having associations with Huang include NSW politician Ernest Wong, former Liberal trade minister Andrew Robb and former Liberal Prime Minister Tony Abbott. An array of senior figures from both major parties have appeared alongside the Chinese billionaire at fund-raisers and other events, including current Labor leader Bill Shorten, Labor shadow treasurer Chris Bowen and former Liberal foreign minister and powerbroker Julie Bishop.

Sam Dastyari, in an apparent bid to revive his fortunes, agreed to be interviewed by Rupert Murdochs Sydney tabloid, the Daily Telegraph, and effectively accused Huang Xiangmo of attempting to recruit him as an agent. He is featured in a reflective pose on its front page today, with the lurid banner headline Me and China Inc: How Sams dash for Beijing cash led to ruin.

Dastyari told the Telegraph that he believes now that Mr Huang was trying to court both him and the party [Labor], but going through that realisation was brutal and painful. The newspaper devotes an editorial to 35-year-old Dastyari, stating: His recognition of his mistakes suggests a subsequent career outside of politics may be far more successful.

Dastyaris confession could facilitate a wholesale McCarthyite witch hunt of Australian citizens accused of being agents of Chinese influence.

Clive Hamilton, the Green Party member, pro-US ideologue and author of the hysterical 2018 book, Silent Invasion: Chinas influence in Australia, was interviewed by the Telegraph and given his own column in todays edition.

Hamilton does not hide the fact that he wants a purge of political figures he accuses of being agents. He told the Telegraph: [I]f on the basis of ASIO advice Huang Xiangmo has been deemed unfit to be a citizen of Australia, where does that leave the host of current and former politicians who have enjoyed his patronage and cosied up to him.

In his column, Hamilton names former NSW Treasurer Eric Roozendaal and former NSW National Party leader Andrew Stoner, as well as Dastyari, Carr, Robb, Shorten, Bishop and Abbott. Now that Huang has been banned from Australia, those politicians will want to sweep it all under the carpet. But we should hold the blowtorch to their bellies and make them explain themselves, he declares.

As well as a political witch hunt, Huangs banishment may well be the prelude to the first criminal charges laid against Australian citizens under the foreign interference laws that were rammed through parliament by Liberal and Labor in just three days between June 26 and June 28, 2018.

A chilling accompanying article to Dastyaris confession in todays Telegraph states: In Australia, security agencies estimate there could be anything up to 1,000 agents of influence, ranging from actual spies seeking to gain political insight and details of military and energy projects and infrastructure, through to local Chinese community leaders, university students and associations pushing Beijings lines.

The working class needs to be prepared. A torrent of xenophobia against the Chinese community, allegations of Chinese interference and pro-US militarist propaganda is about to be unleashed.

The Socialist Equality Party has consistently warned about the immense threat posed to democratic rights by the anti-China hysteria. At the SEP public meeting held to discuss the foreign interference legislation in July 2018, we explained: These laws are intended to create the legal means for the mass repression of opposition in Australia to the countrys involvement in a military conflict with China, and to serve as a model for similar legislation in the US and other countries, such as New Zealand, Canada and Japan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, we stated: A determined campaign must be undertaken by every opponent of imperialism and war; by every defender of democratic rights; to alert and educate the working class as to the immense dangers that these laws pose to its most fundamental interests.

All those who wish to understand the implications of the hysteria over Chinese influence should watch the reports delivered to the July 15, 2018 meeting: The New Foreign Interference Laws: Moving Towards Dictatorship and War.

SEP Public Meeting: The New Foreign Interference Laws: Moving Towards Dictatorship and War
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued an ultimatum to the Venezuelan government of President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday, demanding that it throw open its borders to a US-orchestrated scheme to deliver humanitarian aid. Washingtons aim is either to provoke a fissure within the countrys armed forces or set the stage for a US-led military intervention.

The Venezuelan people desperately need humanitarian aid, Pompeo tweeted. The US & other countries are trying to help, but #Venezuelas military under Maduros orders is blocking aid with trucks and shipping tankers. The Maduro regime must LET THE AID REACH THE STARVING PEOPLE.

The sudden concern for the starving people of Venezuela comes from a US government that has systematically worked to strangle the Venezuelan economy, imposing a financial blockade in August 2017 and an oil embargo last week. The embargo aims to block all sales to and from the state-owned energy company PDVSA, threatening the country with the loss of its main source of foreign exchange and its ability to import food and medicine.

Washingtons intention is unmistakable. It seeks to starve the Venezuelan population into submission, render the country ungovernable and carry through a regime-change operation to install a right-wing puppet government.

To that end, the US government sponsored a political coup launched on January 23 with Juan Guaidos self-swearing in as interim president, a stunt worked out in advance with the Trump administration. Washington immediately recognized Guaido, an operative of the extreme right, US-funded Voluntad Popular (Popular Will) party, who had been suddenly elevated to the presidency of the opposition-controlled National Assembly on the eve of the coup. The Trump administration at the same time declared the Maduro government illegitimate.

The right-wing governments of Latin America, along with Canada and the major European powers, have followed suit in what amounts to a criminal and predatory scramble for control over Venezuelas oil reserves, the largest of any country on the planet.

Guaido and the Venezuelan right, working in close collaboration with the CIA and the State Department, have launched a noisy public campaign over the aid promised by Washington ($20 million), Canada (US$40 million) and the European Union (US$5 million), demanding the opening of a humanitarian corridor and declaring that supplies are on the verge of arriving in the Colombian border city of Cucuta and must be brought into Venezuela under the right-wing oppositions control, without hindrance.

The main target of this propaganda campaign is the Venezuelan military, which constitutes a key pillar of the Maduro government and has thus far failed to desert it.

The Twitter account of the National Assembly led by Guaido has kept as its lead message: Now is the time, soldier of the fatherland! Are you going to deny humanitarian aid to your mother?

Guaido, meanwhile, tweeted on Wednesday that in the coming hours, we will give the scope and possibilities of the humanitarian aid, to the National Armed Forces I say: let this aid in because it is for your families too.

The Venezuelan militarys reaction to this campaign has been to block the major bridge linking Cucuta in Colombia with Urena in Venezuela, parking a tanker truck and two large containers across the bridges three lanes.

The pretense that truckloads of food and medicine brought to the Colombian-Venezuelan border will reverse the profound economic and social crisis prevailing in Venezuela is absurd. The aid, whenever it may arrive, is a classic Trojan Horse, directed not at alleviating the suffering of the Venezuelan people but at provoking either a military coup or an armed confrontation.

Both the Red Cross and Caritas, the Catholic Church-affiliated aid group, have refused to participate in any operation involving the US humanitarian corridor, citing their principles of neutrality and independence.

The foreign ministers of both Colombia and Brazil, the two countries that border Venezuela where the US has proposed to open up its humanitarian corridors, were in Washington Tuesday for discussions with Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton. The latter appeared at a press conference last week carrying a notepad with the words 5,000 troops to Colombia written on it.

Undoubtedly, the preferred US option is to provoke a social, economic and political crisis in Venezuela of such magnitude that the military changes sides, overthrowing Maduro and lining up behind a US puppet regime. Failing to achieve this outcome, however, as Trump has repeatedly stated, the option of a US military intervention remains on the table.

The US president reiterated his recognition of the legitimate government of Guaido in his State of the Union address Tuesday, to applause from both Republicans and Democrats, whose principal leaders have endorsed the US coup attempt.

The American corporate media, meanwhile, has fallen into line behind Washingtons regime-change operation in the same manner as it did in advance of the US wars in Iraq, Libya and elsewhere. On cue from the State Department, the White House and the CIA, it is broadcasting reports on hunger in Venezuela and casting Maduro as a villain for failing to throw his borders open to the US aid.

Maduro, who heads a bourgeois government that defends private property and the interests of both domestic and foreign finance capital, has appealed to the Pope to mediate between his government and the US-backed right-wing opposition. It has welcomed the intervention of a contact group organized by Uruguay and Mexico, with the participation of Bolivia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and eight members of the European Union (Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden and the UK), which is convening in Montevideo today to seek a peaceful way out of the crisis.

For its part, however, the right-wing opposition led by Guaido, acting on orders from Washington, has rejected any dialogue or negotiated settlement, demanding unconditional regime-change and counting on US military might to achieve it.

Underlying this intransigence is the determination of US imperialism to assert its hegemony over the most oil-rich country in the world and to roll back the influence of China and Russia, which both have extensive economic and military ties with Caracas.

The threat of Venezuela becoming a flashpoint for a major confrontation between the worlds principal nuclear-armed powers is real and growing. The New York Times published an editorial Wednesday generally supporting the overthrow of the Maduro government, but expressing the nervousness that exists within sections of the US ruling establishment over the extremely bellicose policy being pursued against Venezuela.

In part because of the Trump administrations all-in support for regime-change, the crisis has become a dangerous global power struggle, the Times warned. Thats the last thing Venezuelans need.

Citing the ties between Caracas and Moscow and Beijing, the Times states, It is very much in American and Western interests to free Venezuela from such unholy alliances through negotiations between supporters of Mr. Guaido and Mr. Maduro.

And should such negotiations not be forthcoming? Clearly, there is ample reason for concern within ruling layers over another US war for regime-change, given the abject and bloody failure of previous such military adventures in Iraq and Libya to achieve any tangible gains for US imperialist interests. But in the end, the American ruling class as a whole is embarked on a course in Venezuela that can only produce a bloodbath and the imposition of the kind of dictatorship that was brought to power by the CIA and the Pentagon in Chile, Argentina and elsewhere in Latin America in the 1960s and 1970s, combined with the threat of a far wider war.

The working class in the United States, Europe and internationally must reject the humanitarian and democratic pretensions of both Washington and the European powers with contempt and unite with the working class of Venezuela and Latin America as a whole in a struggle against imperialist intervention and capitalism.
As part of an escalating US-led human rights campaign against Beijing, four non-government organisations issued a joint appeal on Monday for the UN Human Rights Council to establish an inquiry into allegations of Chinese repression against the Muslim Uyghur minority in the western province of Xinjiang.

The joint statement contains the litany of accusations that are now routinely listed as fact in the US and international media: that up to a million Turkic Muslims are being arbitrarily detained in political education camps across Xinjiang; that the detainees are subjected to forced political indoctrination, renunciation of their faith, mistreatment, and in some cases torture; and outside the camps, Uyghurs face severe restrictions on the practice of religion, and freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and movement.

The next session of the UN Human Rights Council which begins in late February, is due to consider a report from a review of human rights in China in November 2018, which included allegations of human rights violations in Xinjiang.

The Chinese government has rejected the allegations and insists that its measures are necessary to counter extremists and terrorists associated with Uyghur separatist groups. After initially denying the existence of the detention camps, Beijing, in the face of the escalating propaganda campaign by the US and its allies, now claims that the camps are vocational centres designed to improve the job prospects and living standards of Uyghurs.

While the unsubstantiated allegations of repression in Xinjiang are likely to be inflated, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime is no doubt engaged in the extensive abuse of the basic democratic rights of the Uyghur minority. It has long maintained a vast police state apparatus directed above all against the working class.

The CCP has proven incapable of addressing the genuine grievances of the various ethnic and religious minorities in China. Its promotion of Chinese nationalism based on Han chauvinism is directly responsible for fostering separatist sentiment, whether in Xinjiang, Tibet, or among other minority groups.

However, the current human rights campaign being fanned by Washington and its allies is utterly hypocritical. The Bush administration seized on the 2001 terror attacks by mainly Saudi extremists to wage its bloody war on terror that included the invasion, occupation and devastation of Afghanistan and Iraq, military operations in Yemen, Libya and Syria, CIA detention and torture centres, and a vast build-up of anti-democratic measures in the name of countering terrorism. Indeed, President Bush, in return for Chinas backing for US-led wars, largely turned a blind eye to Chinas growing repression of Uyghur separatist groups.

The US routinely exploits human rights issues to further its own predatory economic and strategic interests. Washington has a long history of backing, and also installing, military dictatorships and autocratic regimes. It ignores or plays down repressive measures in allies such as Saudi Arabia while selectively latching onto human rights abuses to put pressure on chosen targets.

The barrage of propaganda on Chinas repression of Uyghurs is part of the far broader and intensifying US confrontation with Beijing on all fronts, including trade war measures and a military build-up throughout the Indo-Pacific to prepare for war with China. US imperialism is determined to prevent China, now the worlds second largest economy, from challenging its own global dominance.

Last month US Senators Marco Rubio and Bob Menendez reintroduced bipartisan legislation in Congress to pave the way for sanctions against China and Chinese officials involved in abuses in Xinjiang. The Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act would expand the activities of the US State Department, FBI and other intelligence agencies in building the case against Uyghur repression, and proposing US action against China, including targeting Chinese officials in Xinjiang.

The call for a UN fact-finding inquiry is designed to give legitimacy to this propaganda effort. Significantly among the four organizations releasing the joint statement on Monday was the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), which is based in Europe but has close connections with the US state apparatus. The WUC has received significant funding from the National Endowment for Democracy which functions as little more than a front for the CIA and US State Department.

The three other organisations include the Washington-based Human Rights Watch, which has close connections to the US political establishment, Amnesty International and the Geneva-based International Service for Human Rights.

The US has long exploited separatist groups in Tibet and Xinjiang to pressure and undermine the CCP regime in Beijing. In the 1950s and 1960s, the CIA funded, trained and armed Tibetan exiles to carry out guerrilla operations inside Tibet as part of the US strategy for destabilising the Chinese government. While the US rapprochement with China in the 1970s led to a winding back of such overt activities, Washington nevertheless maintained ties with Tibetan and Uyghur exile groups.

The focus of the campaign on Xinjiang, rather than Tibet, which for decades was a cause celebre in US political and cultural circles, is significant. One of the chief targets of the Trump administration is Chinas Belt and Road Initiativea massive infrastructure project involving transport and communication links, ports, and pipelines aimed at integrating China far more closely with Eurasia. Xinjiang in western China is the stepping off point for pipelines to the energy-rich Central Asian republics, as well as rail and road connections through to Europe.

Washington is deeply hostile to the Belt and Road Initiative, which would undermine its own influence and strategic position across the vast Eurasian landmass and potentially draw its European allies into closer ties with China. The transport links and pipelines also lessen Chinas dependence on shipping routes through the Malacca Strait for energy and raw materials imported from Africa and the Middle East. The Pentagon regards the Malacca Strait as one of the key naval choke points that it would use in the event of war with China to mount an economic blockade.

At a more fundamental level, the US, by encouraging and backing separatist groups, has the potential to weaken and even fracture China into a series of subservient nation states. Strategists in Washington are no doubt hoping for a repeat of the events that led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 at the hands of the Stalinist bureaucracy. The Beijing regime is also acutely aware of that precedent and is determined to use all means, including police state repression, to counter the threat.
After being found guilty in December of offences which could have resulted in life imprisonment, the Stansted 15 anti-deportation activists were spared prison sentences yesterday.

The Socialist Equality Party (UK) welcomes this victory and supports the ongoing appeal of the 15 to have their convictions quashed.

The Stansted 15 were found guilty of endangering safety at an airport, following a nine-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court. They were convicted under the 1990 Aviation and Maritime Security Act, which was legislated after the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.

The supporters of the campaign group, End Deportations, were arrested in March 28, 2017 after they breached the perimeter fence at Stansted airport, and chained themselves around a government-chartered Boeing 767 to prevent take-off. Onboard the flight were 57 undocumented migrants from detention centres awaiting forced removal to Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone. Some faced possible torture or death.

As a result of their brave actions, at least two of the refugees have since been granted permission to remain in the UK. Others are still pursuing their claims to stay.

The 15 were originally charged by Essex Police for aggravated trespass, for which there is a maximum sentence of three months in jail. Four months later, they were charged with the far more serious offence of endangering safety at an aerodrome. This move by the Crown Prosecution Service was clearly a politically motivated act.

Hundreds of supporters gathered outside Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday morning, blocking the road and chanting Stansted 15, we are with you. Others brought homemade placards with a wide variety of slogans such as, We are all Stansted 15, Deportation Flights Kill and Prosecute the Home Office for Illegal Deportations.

The crowd cheered as the defendants walked free, after Judge Christopher Morgan gave threeEdward Thacker, Alistair Tamlit and Melanie Stricklandnine-month jail sentences, suspended for 18 months and the other 12 defendants 12-month community orders, with 11 ordered to carry out unpaid work.

Thacker, Tamlit and Strickland had already received suspended sentences for aggravated trespass as the result of a previous protest at Heathrow Airport. Morgan told them that they would not receive immediate jail sentences but had come perilously close to causing a disaster at the airport in pursuit of their cause.

In normal circumstances only a normal custodial sentence would have been justified in this case, but in your case I accept that your intentions were to demonstrate, he said. There is no doubt that you understood that there were safety implications You put at risk the safe operations of the airport and the persons who were there on the night.

The BBC noted that in court Morgan faced arguments from a human rights barrister, Kirsty Brimelow QC, about his duties to balance the question of airport security with the need to protect freedom of speech and assembly.

That the 15 were not jailed is testimony to the widespread support they received nationally and internationally in their quest for freedom, as Strickland previously explained to the WSWS.

Although they could have, the CPS did not bring the case to court as a terrorist crime or call on its specialized counter-terrorism unit to prosecute the case and use specialist barristers for this purpose. Like Morgan, they clearly felt that jailing any of the defendants and blatantly attacking their fundamental democratic rights to protest could be politically explosive.

The 15 are appealing to the Court of Appeal to have their convictions overturned on several grounds. They argued in court that even though they may have technically broken the law, they had good reason as citizens for doing so. The judge instructed the jury to disregard that as a defence.

While avoiding jail sentences, the 15 were still found guilty and now have criminal records over their names, which could affect many aspects of their future lives including their employment prospects.

In their statement after sentencing, the Stansted 15 said, These terror convictions and the ten-week trial that led to them are an injustice that has profound implications for our lives. The convictions will drastically limit our ability to work, travel and take part in everyday life. Yet, people seeking asylum in this country face worse than this: they are placed in destitution and their lives in limbo, by the Home Offices vicious system every single day.

When a country uses draconian terror legislation against people for peaceful protest, snatches others from their homes in dawn raids, incarcerates them without time limit and forces them onto planes in the middle of the night, due to take them to places where their lives might be at risk, something is very seriously wrong. Every single one of us should be very worried about our democracy and our future.

We demand that these convictions are quashed, and that the Government dismantles the vicious, barely legal, immigration system that destroys so many peoples lives.

Amnesty International pointed out that nearly 12,000 of its supporters had sent the Stansted 15 messages of solidarity. It noted, The case of the Stansted 15 follows a trend across Europe of people acting for migrants and refugees who have been harassed, intimidated and criminalized for their acts of solidarity.

UK Director Kate Allen said, The decision not to jail these brave human rights defenders is a relief, but not enough. They should never have faced this very serious terrorism-related charge in the first place. They remain convicted of an offence which simply doesnt fit their actions and this trial could have a dangerous chilling effect on peaceful protest in this country. We hope the court of appeal will swiftly put an end to the distressing ordeal that the Stansted 15 have faced for nearly two years.

The savage treatment and deportation of asylum seekers and refuges continues unabated. Just prior to Morgan announcing the sentence, the End Deportations group tweeted, The judge has indicated that the #Stansted15 will all receive non-custodial sentences! If confirmed, its right that they no longer face prisonbut around the country, thousands of people are still locked up indefinitely in inhumane detention centres.

The group noted, This morning 40 men were flown back to Jamaica from Birmingham Airport on a flight that should not have taken off. According to other reports, 35 men were deported, even though 11 had indefinite leave to remain in the UK, and 12 had lived in Britain for over 19 years. One of those deported lived in the UK for 41 years, having arrived as a four-year-old in 1977. Thirteen had come to the UK as children, with nine arriving in Britain under 10 years of age.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid defended the deportations, claiming that 29 of the men on board the flight were serious foreign criminals. No-one can take such claims at face-value.

The deportations to Jamaica are particularly significant as they demonstrate that the hostile environment towards immigrants and asylum seekersa policy inaugurated by then Home Secretary and now Prime Minister Theresa May in 2013, during her time at the Home Officecontinues.

This was the first charter deportation flight to Jamaica since the Windrush scandal wracked the May government last year, when it emerged that hundreds, perhaps thousands, of immigrants who arrived in the UK from Jamaica and other Commonwealth countries after the Second World War were subjected to illegal deportation. In the process many lost jobs, were split from their families and denied free healthcare and benefitswith some dying as a result of the callous treatment.

Yesterdays mass deportation took place even before the Windrush Lessons Learned review, which Mays government convened as a damage limitation exercise, has even concluded.
The French National Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Monday to approve President Emmanuel Macrons anti-riot law, undermining the right to protest and further expanding police powers.

The law was first announced in January by Prime Minister Edouard Phillippe in response to the yellow vest protests against social inequality. It marks a significant step in the transformation of France into a police state. In line with a similar turn by capitalist governments in Europe and internationallyfrom Hungary, to Brazil, to the United States and elsewherethe French ruling class is responding to the growth of social opposition in the working class over the unprecedented growth of social inequality by expanding its powers of repression.

The bill is to be approved by the Senate, Frances upper house, within a month. It stipulates that:

Police prefects will be able to ban any individual from attending any public protest for a month. All that is required is that the government believe serious reasons exist to think that their behavior constitutes a particularly grave threat to public order.

Anyone banned from protests will be added to a government watch-list. The interior and justice ministers will be authorized to put in place automated monitoring of personal information, in order to ensure the surveillance, at a national level, of those banned from participating in public protests.

Police officers will be empowered, on the say-so of the state prosecutor, to search bags and cars of anyone at a protest or its immediate surroundings. This codifies into law existing practice: police now routinely search cars and bags of yellow vest protesters, searching for any object that they can claim might serve as an improvised weapon.

It will now be an offense to conceal, voluntarily, totally or partially, ones face in order not to be identified in such circumstances as would provide fears of a threat to public order. Wearing a mask at a protest was already punishable with a 1,500 euro fine, but this upper limit will now be increased to a 15,000 euros and one year in prison.

It has been widely noted that police bans on partially concealing ones face could apply to large sunglasses and scarves. It would also include the respiratory masks that some have taken to wearing at yellow vest protests in anticipation of police assaults with tear gas, and head masks to protect demonstrators from being shot in the face and head with rubber bullets and stun grenades.

The bill originally stated that it applied if the person wearing a facial covering did so in order to prepare a criminal act. But this was removed by amendment late last month in the Assembly, after deputies declared it would render the law inapplicable. Instead, the person arrested will now have to prove that they had a legitimate motive to hide their face. Laurence Vichnievsky of the Democratic Movement party, who moved the amendment, said it was needed to reverse the onus of prooffrom the state to the accused.

Those banned from attending protests will be able to appeal to an administrative judge, but lawyers cited in the media have made clear that such appeals are practically impossible for an ordinary citizen to conduct. While the government is directed to provide 48 hours notice to anyone who has been banned from a protest, this does not apply if they are unable to reach the person.

No one believes the absurd claims of the government that these changes are directed at rioters. Interior Minister Christopher Castaner published a Facebook post on Sunday night stating that because of insinuations, approximations and falsehoods, fears and doubts are being bred. The law was aimed at protecting the right to protest, which too often, thugs place in peril.

Castaner referred to the more than 1,200 protesters injured since the beginning of the yellow vest protests 12 weeks ago, but did not add that the majority have been injured by assaults from riot police, who have attacked protesters with batons and tear gas, blown off workers hands with stun grenades, and shot out an eye from more than 20 people with rubber bullets.

In any case, this pretense was dispensed with by government deputy Alice Thourot. She told Le Figaro on January 31 that the French population do not understand why individuals should be found in demonstrations who belong to small groups of the extreme right and the extreme left that we already know, which are constantly guilty of violence. This makes clear that the law is directed ultimately at criminalizing left-wing opposition.

The bill was voted by 392 votes for and 92 against. Those voting against included the Socialist Party (PS), Jean-Luc Melenchons Unsubmissive France, and the neo-fascistic National Rally of Marine Le Pen. All these parties support the build-up of the state against the working class, and voted against the bill only because their votes were not needed to secure its passage.

The fact that Le Pens party, the descendants of the fascist Vichy regime, could present itself as a defender of individual freedom against Macrons law, is further proof that the ability of the extreme-right to win any popular hearing depends upon the right-wing police-state and austerity policies of the supposedly more moderate capitalist parties.

The no votes by Unsubmissive France and the PS are no less cynical. In November 2015, the PS government of Francois Hollande imposed a state of emergency, suspending basic democratic rights and providing police with vast powers, utilizing as a pretext the terror attacks in Paris. Melenchons party supported the imposition of the state of emergency, which was then extended for two years and used repeatedly against workers and student protests.

No faction of the political establishment defends democratic rights. This extends to all the trade union federations, which have organized no opposition to the anti-riot law. The unions, which receive over 90 percent of their funding from the state and employers and perform their assigned role as an industrial police force for the corporations, were explicitly hostile to the yellow vest protests at the outset. Laurent Berger, the head of the CFDT, the largest French union federation, has repeatedly called for tougher government measures against violent protesters.

Having failed to end the protests through state repression, the unions have shifted to appeals to merge the protests with the unions, calling a national day of action on Tuesday, in order to gain control over the protests and strangle them.

The new lawscoming after Macrons recent visit to solidarize himself with Egyptian dictator Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, and his hailing of Vichy head Marechal Petain as a great soldierunderscore the grave dangers confronting the working class in France and internationally. The ruling class, facing a deepening economic breakdown of the capitalist system, responds to the growing movement of workers and young people against war and poverty by building up a police state.
BEIJING, Feb. 7 -- China has started to solicit public opinions on a new industry catalog aimed at encouraging foreign investment as part of the effort to push forward opening-up.

The draft was released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Commerce, on the basis of the combination of two revised documents, one for attracting foreign investment nationwide and the other focused particularly on the less-prosperous central and western regions, northeastern old industrial base and southernmost Hainan Province.

The goal is to include more industries in the catalog, improve the investment structure and prompt stable growth of foreign investment, the NDRC said.

The government hopes to encourage more foreign investment in modern agriculture, advanced manufacturing, high-tech sectors and modern services as well as facilitate the opening-up and international cooperation in lagging areas.

The document is open for public comments until March 2.

China has been unwavering in opening the domestic markets to foreign businesses, with a raft of favorable measures rolled out last year, including allowing easier market access and creating a more fair, transparent and predictable environment.

Thanks to the effort, China bucked the global foreign direct investment slide in 2018 as the largest investment recipient in the world.
Protests have erupted in the Alabama cities of Birmingham and Montgomery following Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshalls declaration Wednesday that a Hoover, Alabama police officer was justified in shooting 21-year-old Emantic Bradford to death on Thanksgiving last year.

The killing occurred just before 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving night at the Riverchase Galleria, a shopping mall in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover. Bradford was shot three times by the officer, whose identity has been withheld by the police and the Attorney Generals office. All three shots hit Bradford from behind.

On Wednesday, Marshall announced that the officer who killed Bradford would not face a trial, and that the killing was justified based upon split-second reasoning on the part of the officer, whom he said had acted in the interest of public safety. He did not specify how, exactly, shooting into a panicked crowd was conducive to public safety; it certainly was not safe for Bradford.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Hoover police immediately hailed the shooting as a victory on the part of the police department, claiming that Bradford had opened fire in the shopping mall and had injured two people. By the next day, they acknowledged that Bradford might not have been the shooter but held fast to their claims that his killing had been warranted because he had a gun. Later, they admitted, with much less fanfare, that Bradford had not been the shooter at all.

Eyewitness accounts have varied wildly since the shooting occurred. After the shooting, several witnesses reported seeing Bradford run away from the scene after the initial shots were fired, only to run back when he realized that his friend, Brian Wilson, was no longer with him. He was trying to check on Wilson, who had been shot, when the Hoover officer fired three shots into him, killing him instantly.

Protests erupted in the days following Bradfords murder. Demonstrators gathered in the Riverchase Galleria, as well as at the home of Hoovers Mayor, Frank Brocato, and the Hoover Police Department. Some demonstrations shut down exits on to and off of the freeway that lead to the Galleria.

Protests spread to Alabamas capital, Montgomery, when Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall recused the Jefferson County District Attorney from the investigation on December 13. Protesters marched in front of Marshalls home several times, being dispersed by law enforcement each time.

On Wednesday, when Marshall announced that he had ruled the shooting justified, protesters marched in front of his office in the state capital. Two women were arrested for disturbing the peace when they returned to the site of the demonstration to collect their belongings after the protest had been dispersed.

Marshalls decision to recuse Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr from the investigation has been an especially sore spot for Bradfords family and others connected to the case. Marshall based his decision upon contradictory claims, saying on one hand that the officer in question is a witness in at least 20 open cases, which might prejudice Carr in his favor, and on the other, that his acquaintance with protest leaders could prejudice him against the officer.

Carr has dismissed the claim that he is biased for or against the officer who shot Bradford. Marshalls contention that he has a personal relationship with protest leader Carlos Chaverst, he says, comes down to a photo of him and Chaverst together, taken on the night Carr was elected as District Attorney; otherwise, he says there is no relationship between the two of them.

In front of Marshalls office on Wednesday, Chaverst unrolled a photo of him standing in a similar pose with Marshall and called upon Marshall to recuse himself based upon photographic evidence of their personal relationship.

Protesters, including Bradfords family, have expressed no intention of stopping the demonstrations. An attorney for Bradfords father wants the name of the officer who killed his son to be released to the public. Emantic Bradford, Sr. has also spoken out against the way Marshalls office has handled the case, from taking it out of DA Carrs hands to releasing the decision to the media before speaking to Bradfords family personally.

My son was a victim, Bradford told AL.com. Whether the case was going the way you thought it was going to go, got some news good or bad, you shouldve told us something before you released it to the media.

Thus far, all involved agencies have circled the wagons around the Hoover Police Department and the officer who killed Bradford. Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis has said that the officer is following procedures for coming back to work. Both he and Mayor Brocato have expressed their support for the officer and have stated that they will not be releasing body camera footage to the public. They deny that footage shows two Hoover officers bumping fists immediately after Bradford was slaina contention that the Bradford family says could easily be disproved by releasing the footage.

Attorney General Marshall, Mayor Brocato, and Chief Derzis have also remained steadfast in their refusal to release the officers name.

If any other individual were investigated by law enforcement and there was no determination a crime was committed, that information wouldn't be public, Marshall told the media on Wednesday. There's no reason for an officer to be treated any differently.

Such simple respect was denied Emantic Bradford. Before his body was even cold, Hoover police confidently asserted that he was the gunman who started the shooting on Thanksgiving nighta claim that they were not nearly as eager to clarify once it became obvious that he was not.
The courage and victory of the initial strike wave of 70,000 workers at 45 maquiladoras in Matamoros, Mexico has inspired new and broader sections of workers to go on strike.

According to government statistics, over the past week 15,000 more workers have launched wildcat strikes in a rebellion against four unions and their companies while the vast majority of workers at the original 45 striking plants have now won their demands. The walkouts now encompass auto parts, electrical, trash collection, supermarket, textile, food processing and other workers. The movement is growing in the direction of a general strike.

The renewed wave of strikes takes place after workers at 41 of the 45 plants organized by the Union of Laborers and Industrial Workers of the Maquiladora Industry (SJOIIM) rebelled against the union and the companies and won a 20 percent wage increase and a 32,000 peso ($US1,700) bonus, or what the workers call their 20 and 32. Based on this initial shot across the bow, workers from another 32 companies have followed suit and have launched their own wildcat strikes.

Significantly, the strikes are taking place even though workers from the Industrial Union of Workers at Maquiladora and Assembly Plants (SITPME) and the Union of Workers in the Maquiladora and Assembly Industry (STIME) did not have a yearly bonus pegged to increases in the minimum wage stipulated in their contract, which was the initial impetus for the first strike wave on January 12. Instead, workers are fighting with a conscious understanding that they deserve more from the corporations that exploit their labor 12 hours a day, 6 days a week for less than a dollar per hour.

The extent of the strike demonstrates the commonality of interests between all sections of workers, regardless of their industry or other secondary traits. It is part of a global resurgence of the class struggle after decades of its suppression by the trade unions and takes place as autoworkers in the US, Canada, Latin America and Europe are engaged in a struggle against plant closures, layoffs and other concessions. Some of the plants on strike include auto parts manufacturers Tridonex, Adient, FisherDynamics, and Tricon.

Like their counterparts at SJOIIM, the workers launched a wildcat strike following a mass meeting on Monday that was organized independently of and in opposition to the trade unions. The SITPME is led by the hated Jesus Mendoza, who shamelessly told strikers on Wednesday that they were lucky because they only paid three percent of their wages to the union. Recognizing the unions collusion with the companies, many workers have raised the elimination of union dues as a key demand of the strike.

The multi-industry work stoppage continues to expand day by day. In the past three days, 500 supermarket workers from Soriana and Chedrauithe second and fourth largest grocery chains in the countryhave walked out. Walmart workers are rumored to join the strike in the coming days.

Meanwhile, hundreds of workers at Coca-Cola, Vakita milk and Blanquita purified water plants are entering the fifth day of their strikes. About 500 drivers from the Coca-Cola plant in Matamoros, the companys second largest bottler in Latin America, denounced the fact that they are often forced to work overtime without pay and are charged for bottles that are broken in transit. We end up losing, not earning money here, workers said. At Vakita milk, some 200,000 liters of dairy products are not being delivered per day as a result of the strike.

The strike has even spread to public service workers. On Wednesday, Matamoros trash collection workers went on strike to demand their own wage increase and bonus. With some 70 workers on strike, 450 tons of trash were collected only through emergency measures implemented by the mayor throughout the day.

At the same time, there are growing calls for workers at the original 45 plants to go back out on strike to defend the 600 workers that were fired as a reprisal for the strike, many of whom were leaders of the factory committees.

The expansion and defense of their gains pits workers against the entire economic and political system of capitalism. The ruling elite is terrified of the scope of the strikes and what they presage: an international resurgence of the class struggle to fight against intolerable levels of inequality, expanding militarization, and attacks against social services.

A new video released by the Tamaulipas state government pleads with workers in other cities not to go on strike. Referring to another city just 80 kilometers from Matamoros, the video states: Reynosa wants to work, Reynosa does not want strikes, Reynosa wants peace.

The state and the companies continue to threaten workers with pulling out of Matamoros and leaving thousands of workers unemployed. Chavira Martinez, the state Secretary of Labor, told reporters: The anticipated [job cuts] are above 5,000 and could even be 20,000, the companies are forecasting cuts within six months on average.

The objective logic of the developments in Matamoros is a general strike, drawing in ever broader sections of the population in a common fight for social equality. As the Socialist Equality Party wrote in its Fifth Congress Resolution:

There are many factorsthe commonality of social interests among broad sections of the working class, the erosion of sectional differences, the racial and ethnic integration of the working class, the impact of Internet-based social mediathat are working toward the coalescence of mass protests. Thus, it is to be expected that the outbreak of serious social protestswhatever the immediate issue or wherever the locationwill rapidly expand and draw millions of workers into active participation in the struggle. Given the historical experience of the working class, the logical outcome of this coalescence of social struggles will be a general strike, which will raise the question of political power.

The threat of plant closures and mass firings in Matamoros can only be defeated by mobilizing the independent strength of the working class. Now more than ever, it is crucial that the Matamoros workers send democratically-elected delegations of workers to other cities to mobilize other sections of the working class.

No confidence can be placed in the pro-capitalist and nationalist trade unions, which will not bat an eye at selling out the workers in order to secure their own privileged positions.

Above all, the growing strike wave must unite with workers across the Americas, including US and Canadian workers who are objectively linked to the Matamoros workers through the economic process of production. We urge workers to attend and support the February 9 demonstration by autoworkers in Detroit, Michigan, which is being held with the perspective of unifying the working class across borders, outside of the trade unions and through the social strength of the working class.
The US military conducted a series of urban warfare exercises in the city of Los Angeles this week. With little in the way of advanced warning, thousands of frightened Los Angeles residents awoke to the sound of low-flying helicopters, gunfire and explosions.

In a statement released by the US Army on Monday, the day the drills began, residents were told they may hear loud noises associated with training including aircraft and weapons simulations. Almost none of the citys more than 4 million residents saw this perfunctory announcement or were otherwise made aware of the impending military operation in the second largest city in the United States.

The Armys statement justified the surprise operation explaining that the army will be enhancing soldier skills by operating in various environments and settings. The local terrain and training facilities in Los Angeles provide the army with unique locations and simulates urban environments the service members may encounter when overseas. There is no replacement for realistic training. Each location selected enables special operations teams and flight crews to maintain maximum readiness and proficiency, validate equipment and exercise standard safety procedures.

The Los Angeles Police Department, which is coordinating with the military, publicly acknowledged the training on Tuesday while the office of Democratic Mayor Eric Garcetti has thus far said nothing about the operation.

Residents in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood shared chilling video on social media Monday night of attack helicopters flying low in formation without lights on. Some also reported that vibrations from nearby aircraft were strong enough to shake walls and household items as if in the midst of an earthquake. One resident interviewed by NBC 4 news reported, People ran out of the store we were at because the store was shaking. Thats how low they were flying. A woman working in a security booth ran out because she thought her booth would fall apart.

Other video posted on social media showed troops descending onto rooftops from helicopters before a series of loud explosions reverberated around the city streets. Portions of those streets were entirely blocked off for the exercise, allowing helicopters to land on main city arteries such as Wilshire Boulevard. Soldiers were subsequently deployed to conduct mock raids on nearby buildings.

In addition to helicopter formations, civilian air traffic observers noted the presence of the US Navys P-8 Poseidon jet which flew for several hours in continuous 15-mile diameter circles above downtown Los Angeles. Operating at 20,000 feet, the plane, designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and shipping interdiction, also contains a vast array of electronic surveillance equipment.

According to Navy specifications, the P-8 is equipped with a powerful high resolution electro-optical turret that can capture high definition video of surface targets and instantly stream footage via satellite feed. The aircraft was reported to have launched from Long Beach Airport, a commercial airport, rather than the nearby Point Mugu or North Island naval air stations.

The military exercises are expected to continue in the Los Angeles, Long Beach and surrounding areas through Saturday. This latest round of surprise operations follow a long line of urban warfare exercises carried out in major American cities beginning under the Obama administration.

These included a training exercise by the US Armys 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment in New York City last April, leading panicked residents to flood 911 emergency phone lines, fearing a repeat of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks as soldiers were observed zip-lining across city skyscrapers.

In 2016, the US Air National Guard staged a mock invasion of the city of Tampa, Florida involving hundreds of soldiers, boats and attack helicopters. A year earlier, more than 1,200 US troops participated in a super drill across nine states in the southern half of the country including California, Utah, Colorado and Texas. This two-month long activity, code-named Jade Helm 15, involved special forces troops adopting civilian clothing and transportation to perform covert military activities and mock assassination raids.

Perhaps the most infamous of these urban warfare drills was the 2013 military occupation of the city of Boston in which more than a million residents were told to shelter in place while machine gun-mounted armored vehicles patrolled the streets supported by an armada of military aircraft. The city of Los Angeles is also no stranger to such activity as thousands of Marines carried out exercises in December 2014 in the middle of the citys downtown area.

Now with the recent activity in Los Angeles, serious questions must once again be raised. Why is the US military conducting training exercises on domestic soil? Are preparations under way to deploy military forces in the event of civil unrest? Why has no politician at the federal, state or municipal level opposed or even question these exercises?

The military exercises are yet another expression of the terminal decline of American democracy. An active campaign is clearly under way to terrorize the American population and prepare it for the imposition of martial law. Moreover, the latest exercise arrives in the midst of a mass upsurge of strikes and working-class protests in the US and internationally.

An ongoing strike of more than 70,000 workers in the city of Matamoros, Mexico near the Texas border broke out at the same time as a strike of more than 30,000 Los Angeles teachers, which even though ultimately strangled by the United Teachers of Los Angeles, garnered the overwhelming support of the citys residents as well as workers across the country.

These and other expressions of social unrest in the United States and internationally undoubtedly prompted US President Donald Trump in his State of the Union address Tuesday to pledge that the United States would never be a socialist country. This followed promises by Trump to declare a state of emergency if funding for a border wall with Mexico is not provided by Congress.

Such measures could easily be utilized by the Trump to openly deploy the military against the civilian population. Trump has already deployed thousands of active duty soldiers to California, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas on an effectively permanent basis under the pretense of securing the US-Mexico border.

Despite claims by the mainstream media that concerns over the domestic use of troops amount to nothing more than conspiracy mongering or a traversal of the outer edges of political paranoia in the words of the New York Times, a legal framework has already been established in anticipation of such an outcome.

In 2002, the US Northern Command was established to oversee military operations within the United States. In May of 2013, the Pentagon announced new rules of engagement allowing military forces operating on American soil to provide support to local law enforcement. The Pentagons announcement further stated that it had the power, in the case of emergency circumstances where prior authorization by the president is impossible and duly constituted local authorities are unable to control the situation, to engage temporarily in activities that are necessary to quell large-scale, unexpected civil disturbances.
Despite the Australian Labor Partys electoral rhetoric about opposing tax cuts to the big end of town, it is offering the countrys banks and largest corporations bigger concessions than those pledged by the increasingly unstable Liberal-National Coalition government.

The Labor Party and its trade union partners are anxiously promising to curb escalating social inequality, fearing an eruption of working class unrest after decades of job destruction, declining real wages and deteriorating social conditions. Labor leader Bill Shorten has repeatedly declared that the super-rich dont pay their fair share of tax, and blamed that for the inadequate funding of schools and hospitals.

In reality, for all their talk of fairness, Labor and the unions are vying to form yet another big business Labor government which will deepen the corporate offensive under the Hawke and Keating Labor governments of 1983 to 1996 and the Rudd and Gillard Labor governments between 2007 and 2013.

Last week, both Labor and the Coalition, which have alternated in governing the country since World War II, unveiled pro-business tax policies for the looming federal election, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison must call by mid-May.

Labor quickly matched a government extension of tax subsidies for small and medium-sized businesses. The change enables businesses with annual turnovers of up to $10 million to instantly write off purchases of up to $25,000. This is a $5,000 extension of the previous $20,000 threshold.

An article in the Australian Financial Review on January 30 highlighted that Labor could go to the election promising greater tax relief for business after the government extended breaks to small business by another $750 million, but stopped short of doing anything for larger corporations.

Labor is promising a bigger tax write-off scheme designed to favour major investment-heavy companies, especially manufacturers, energy generators, oil and gas producers, miners and banks.

Under Labors Australian Investment Guarantee, budgeted to cost $10.3 billion over a decade, all businesses could immediately deduct 20 percent off new assets worth more than $20,000. Machinery, vehicles, plant and equipment, and intangible investments such as patents and copyrights, would be eligible.

According to the Australian Financial Review: Businesses in industries with large-scale investments with long depreciation time frames over several decades would receive the largest cash flow boost. Many power, oil and gas and mining projects are depreciated for tax and accounting purposes for 20 to 30 years.

Labor announced the scheme last year when it feigned opposition to the governments proposed company tax cuts for big businesses. Facing immense public hostility, the government later dropped its plans. Both parties now agree that businesses with turnovers capped at $50 million will have their corporate tax rate slashed from 30 percent to 25 percent by 202021, five years earlier than originally proposed.

In part, Labors scheme is a desperate effort to revive corporate investment, accompanied by other pro-business reforms to boost profits at workers expense.

Annual business investment as a share of Australias economy is languishing near a 25-year low, following the implosion of the mining investment boom, according to Reserve Bank of Australia data. Investment ran at about 12 percent of nominal gross domestic product last year, down a third from a peak above 18 percent in 2012.

Worse is expected to come as global economic growth stalls and the US economic war intensifies against Chinaby far Australian capitalisms biggest export market. Housing prices and retail sales are plummeting and a National Australia Bank business confidence survey last month recorded its steepest monthly fall since the 2008 global financial crisis.

Labor has said it will fund its big business tax breaks by curtailing, to a limited extent, tax handouts to wealthy individuals, such as negative gearing subsidies for landlords, capital gains tax discounts, and cash refunds of franking credits and trusts typically used by rich families.

This refocussing of tax concessions is vehemently opposed by the Murdoch media but has been received sympathetically in other ruling circles. The Business Council of Australia (BCA), which represents the largest companies operating in the country, still advocates cutting the company tax rate to 25 percent for all businesses, particularly its members, but has signalled support for Labors alternative.

If we are incapable of lowering the company tax rate for all companies, lets do something meaningful on investment or depreciation allowances, BCA chief executive Jennifer Westacott wrote in an opinion column in the Australian Financial Review last month.

Last October, Shorten also pledged to extend income tax cuts to the wealthiest layers of society once a Labor government had eliminated the budget deficit. We would like to do more reform on personal income tax but the budget has to be sustainable, he told the Australian.

Shorten indicated Labors readiness to match the Coalition governments seven-year plan, announced in last Mays budget and pushed through parliament in June. This means cuts of $8,350 a year by 202425 for those with household incomes of up to $300,000 a year.

Far from opposing inequality, Labor governments have spearheaded the slashing of corporate and high-income tax rates. The Hawke and Keating governments began the restructuring of Australian capitalism at the direct expense of the working class. Backed by the unions, they reduced the company tax rate more than any other government in Australian historyfrom 49 to 33 percentand cut the top marginal income tax rate from 60 percent to 49 percent.

While signalling its readiness to accept Labors tax plans, the corporate elite is ramping up its insistence that Labor must not flinch from cutting spending on health, education and other social programs in the face of working class demands. A genuine risk is Labor blows too much, an Australian Financial Review article declared on January 24.

Those in ruling circles, including the Labor and union bureaucrats, are well aware that a social explosion has built up, just as it has globallyas seen in the maquiladora workers strike in Mexico, the Yellow Vests protests in France and rising working class struggles from the US to India. As is the case elsewhere, it is likely to erupt outside the control, and in opposition to, the thoroughly corporatised unions.

In Australia, millions of workers are outraged by soaring social inequality, falling real wages, rising rates of casualisation and the ripping up of working conditions. At Decembers Labor Party national conference, Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) secretary Sally McManus invoked the spectre of a tsunami of social unrest. The trade union movement is an early warning sign of the tremors before the waves meet the coast, she warned the gathering.

The ruling class is nervously looking to a Labor government to contain and suppress discontent, while demanding that it impose far deeper attacks on workers amid economic slump and war preparations.
Stanley Hill, the executive director between 1987 and his resignation in disgrace in 1998 of New York Citys District Council 37 (DC 37) of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest municipal workers union in the country, died last month at the age of 82.

While the New York Times published an obituary hailing Hill as a pioneering black labor leader, he will be remembered for his involvement in a massive corruption scandal that saw millions of dollars in dues money funneled into the pockets of wealthy bureaucrats, even as the real wages of the workers they purported to represent were slashed.

DC 37, an umbrella organization, is the largest body in its parent union, AFSCME, with 56 locals comprising 125,000 workers. Its members range from emergency medical technicians to hospital, clerical and social workers, school cafeteria employees and zookeepers, and the holders of many other jobs. During his tenure as chief of DC 37, Hill led no significant struggles. The union has not called a single strike in more than 40 years.

A colorless and mediocre official, Hill began his career as an employee of the citys Department of Social Services in 1959. He rose through the ranks of the union officialdom and was handed the reins of power in DC 37 in 1987 by his predecessor, Victor Gotbaum.

Hill participated in a 1965 strike by the citys welfare workers. Even in that period, the union bureaucrats regularly sold out militant struggles. But by the time Hill rose to the top of the DC 37 hierarchy, the union had engaged in decades of collaboration with Democratic and Republican politicians alike in imposing cutbacks and concessions.

A critical turning point took place in the mid-1970s, when the city of New York came to the brink of bankruptcy. Gotbaum agreed to impose attacks on city workers, accepting the deferral of negotiated pay hikes and the investing of $3 billion in union pension funds to bail out the city and the banks.

DC 37s action was part of the transformation of the unions from organizations that in a previous period had mediated the class struggle into full corporatist adjuncts of big business and the capitalist state. The corruption that grew to pervade DC 37 was, in the final analysis, symptomatic of the unions role in helping to organize the transfer of wealth from the working class to the financial aristocracy.

As executive director of DC 37, Hill drew a six-figure salary that was 10 times that of many of the workers he supposedly represented and which exceeded the salary of the mayor or any other city official.

Brought onto innumerable government boards and having become significant players in both the Democratic and Republican parties, Hill and his fellow top bureaucrats constituted a very privileged upper-middle class layer, whose positions and wealth were directly dependent upon the extraction of concessions and givebacks from the unions members.

Given the ever-widening social polarization in New York City, and the vast fortunes being made on Wall Street, the top echelons of the DC 37 bureaucracy felt themselves compelled to keep up by whatever means necessary.

One local union president devised a scheme for buying turkeys to distribute to union members at Thanksgiving at 20 cents a pound and selling them to other locals at 40 cents, splitting the profits with his fellow bureaucrats. Another billed the union nearly $700,000 in overtime while placing his relatives on the payroll. Millions were embezzled from DC 37 through these and other illicit operations.

This grotesque corruption went hand-in-hand with the suppression of any opposition within the unions membership to the concessions negotiated with the city. Top union bureaucrats organized the rigging of a 1996 contract vote, stuffing ballot boxes to turn the rejection of a sellout agreement into acceptance. This paved the way for a wage freeze during the first two years of the negotiated agreement, along with the introduction of a two-tier wage system.

The Manhattan District Attorneys office indicted a whole layer of union officials for stealing from the union and rigging the contract vote. More than 30 local leaders either pleaded guilty or were convicted on these charges. Hill, who presided over the entire operation, claimed he was unaware of the corruption and was not charged.

When the extent of the corruption within DC 37 under Hill became known through an audit conducted by AFSCME followed by criminal indictments, AFSCME officials leaned on the veteran bureaucrat to retire as part of the attempt to sweep the entire ugly affair under the rug.

During his tenure at DC 37, Hill endorsed Democrats and Republicans alike in the interests of the union tops. He was the New York co-chair for Jesse Jacksons bid for the presidency in 1988, when the Chicago-based preacher tried to use his history in the civil rights movement to keep hope alive in the Democratic Party.

In the mid-1990s, however, Hill abruptly and seamlessly switched allegiance, supporting the reactionary Republican ex-prosecutor Rudolph Giuliani for mayor. It was through his alliance with Giuliani that a program was instituted forcing welfare recipients to do the work of city employees or lose their meager welfare checks. The leadership of Transport Workers Union Local 100, representing 36,000 bus and subway workers, was caught up in a corruption scandal of its own and also agreed to this slave-labor scheme.

As the World Socialist Web Site wrote when the DC 37 corruption scandal was exposed and Hills career as a union bureaucrat came to an abrupt end:

In their internal life, these unions, like their counterparts throughout the AFL-CIO, are among the least democratic and most corrupt institutions that exist in America today. They combine the kind of criminal activities that are associated with the Mafia with the political disenfranchisement of their members by means of vote-rigging, intimidation and outright violence.

The New York union scandal is exposing not merely the corruption of a few individuals, but rather the internal rot of an institution that has been transformed into an instrument of the government and big business. The sharpening social polarization in New York City and throughout American society has made it increasingly difficult to mask the diametrically opposed interests of the union bureaucracy and the working class. The exposure of New Yorks municipal unions makes clear that a struggle against worsening social conditions must take the form of a collision between the workers and so-called labor organizations that long ago ceased to represent their interests.
The city of Dearborn, Michigan last week suppressed an edition of a local historical journal that detailed the promotion of extreme anti-Semitism by auto magnate Henry Ford (1863-1947) in his newspaper the Dearborn Independent during the 1920s. The city also terminated the contract of the articles author, Bill McGraw, who previously had a 31-year career as a writer and editor at Detroits major daily newspapers.

The censored journal describes how, beginning in 1920, Fords newspaper began publication of a series of articles that came to be titled The International Jew, which claimed that a Jewish conspiracy controlled world finance and Bolshevism. McGraws article describes the connections between Fords anti-Semitism and Hitlers National Socialist (Nazi) party, as well as to far-right organizations in the present day.

Mayor John B. Jack OReilly ordered a halt to distribution of the quarterly publication, The Historian,and saw to the removal of McGraw, who was also the journals editor. The printed journals, which had been ready for distribution to their 230 subscribers, were sent back to the printing plant.

OReilly, a Democrat who once served as a staffer to Congressman John Dingell, made no attempt at a legal justification for his grossly anti-democratic action. It was thought that by presenting information from 100 years ago that included hateful messageswithout a compelling reason directly linked to events in Dearborn todaythis edition of The Historian could become a distraction from our continuing messages of inclusion and respect, he said in a statement issued last Friday.

The mayor, with unbounded cynicism, resorted to the political vocabulary used in Democratic Party circles to promote identity politics to justify censorship in the defense of a vicious anti-Semite who founded the auto company that just happens to economically and politically dominate Dearborn, and which remains under the control of the Ford family. His statement employed buzz words such as hateful messages and inclusion and respect, as well as diverse communities and unity and understanding.

Since Henry Ford moved his headquarters to Dearborn a century ago and built there his mammoth River Rouge plantfor a time the worlds largest single industrial complexDearborn has been, in all but name, a company town. Even today, in a city whose population is only 95,000, Ford employs roughly 50,000at its Rouge manufacturing facility, its corporate headquarters, and its Visteon parts maker. Ford is by far the largest property holder and taxpayer.

Organizations that purport to defend Jews against anti-Semitism such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which regularly denounce as anti-Semites public figures who dare to express concern over Israels oppression of the Palestinian populationhave been silent on the city of Dearborns actions, though the local Michigan branch of the ADL mustered a statement requesting that the mayor reconsider the journals suppression. It did not ask for McGraws reinstatement.

Whatever his intentions, Mayor OReillys effort at censorship backfired. A web page posting McGraws article has been visited tens of thousands of times. The article is worth reading.

Marking the 100th anniversary of the first issue of the Dearborn Independent under Fords ownership, the article details how the newspaper served as a platform for vicious slanders against Jewsand how these contributed to the Nazi movement in Germany and to current far-right tendencies. Ford, who himself wrote a weekly column in the paper, used his celebrity, as well as millions of dollars of his own money, to promote both the newspaper and its anti-Semitic writings.

Fords anti-Semitism, as Hitlers, was completely bound up with his anti-communism and fear of socialist revolution. Ford was notorious for using his own private army of gangsters and thugsthe notorious Ford Service Department headed by Harry Bennettto spy on and smash up early efforts to unionize his plants.

In the spring of 1920, the Dearborn Independent launched a series of articles called The International Jew: The Worlds Problem. These articles revived the Czarist Russian forgery known as The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. They were assembled in a book, The International Jew, which sold two million copies and was published in 12 languages.

The Dearborn Independent carried on its attacks on Jews for two years. In part leaning on Fords network of car dealerships, the weekly newspaper reached a circulation of 700,000. In sum, Fords anti-Semitic publishing efforts were, according to McGraw, the most sustained printed attacks on Jews the world had ever seen.

The Dearborn Independent pioneered claims later associated with Hitler that international financial controllersare exclusively Jews, and that Bolshevism was a Jewish creation and conspiracy. McGraw quotes Hitler biographer Thomas Weber: Henry Ford is important for having provided to Hitler confirmation, coming from the very heart of America, of an idea that had been brewing in his mind Henry Ford thus turned into an anti-Semitic icon for Hitler.

In his article, McGraw notes that Hitler kept a portrait of Ford on his wall, that he called Ford his inspiration in a 1931 interview with the Detroit News, and that he praised Ford even within the pages of Mein Kampf, where the automaker was proclaimed the one great man who held out against the alleged Jewish masters of the American trade union movement.

Hitler was not alone among the Nazis. Baldur von Shirach, the leader of the National Socialist youth group, said he became an anti-Semite after reading The International Jew. If Henry Ford said that Jews were to blame, why, naturally we believed him, von Shirach said at the Nuremburg trials. You have no idea what a great influence this book had on the thinking of German youth.

Ford ended his publication of the Dearborn Independent after he was sued for libel by Aaron Sapiro, a Jewish leader of the farm cooperative movement. But it is doubtful that Ford ever renounced his anti-Semitism. In summer 1938, with the German Wehrmacht having marched into Austria, and despite years of deflecting charges he was an anti-Semite, Ford accepted a 75th birthday present from Hitler, McGraw writes. It was the Grand Cross of the Supreme Order of the German Eagle, the highest award the regime bestowed on foreigners.

Fords anti-Semitism remains an inspiration to the far-right. [T]he Internet age has given Fords anti-Semitic literature a powerful new life, McGraw writes. Today, a century after Ford purchased the Dearborn Independent and 72 years after his death, his legacy of hate is stronger than everit flourishes on the websites and forums of white nationalists, racists and others who hate Jews.
This weeks scheduled defamation trial by Australian stage, film and television actor and performer Craig McLachlan against Fairfax Media, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and actress Christie Whelan Browne was postponed indefinitely last month following a directions hearing in the New South Wales Supreme Court.

The four-week defamation case to be heard by Justice Lucy McCallum was due to start on February 4. It would have followed last years defamation trial by Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush against the publishers of Sydneys Daily Telegraph (see: Geoffrey Rushs lawyer slams gutter journalism in Sydney defamation trial).

McLachlan initiated his case in February 2018, after Whelan Browne, and two other actresses, made a series of #MeToo style accusations that he abused, harassed or sexually assaulted them during the 2014 Australian production of The Rocky Horror Show cult musical. McLachlan, who has vigorously denied the allegations, played the lead role of transvestite scientist, Dr Frank N. Furter, in the sexually-charged show.

McLachlans lawyers requested postponement of the defamation trial after the actor was summoned to appear at a Melbourne Magistrates Court on February 8 on ten charges, including eight counts of indecent assault, one attempted indecent assault and a common law assault. The indecent assault charges each carry a maximum penalty of ten years jail.

Victoria Police has provided no other details but the charges are related to The Rocky Horror Show allegations. No explanation has been provided as to why the police took almost 12 months to investigate and lay the charges over events that are alleged to have occurred almost five years ago.

McLachlan has been in the Australian film, television, theatre and music recording industries for over 30 years and is best known for Australian television soaps Neighbours and Home and Away, and other popular dramas, including McLeods Daughters, The Wrong Girl and The Doctor Blake Mysteries.

McLachlans barrister, Stuart Littlemore QC, told NSW Supreme Court Justice McCallum that if the defamation case went ahead it would be like a sneak preview of the prosecution case in the criminal trial, which was not expected to begin for at least 12 months.

Littlemore pointed out that if McLachlan testified in the defamation case, he would have essentially waived his right to silence in the Victorian trial which would not begin until well after the defamation case had been adjudicated and its evidence made public. However, if the actor did not testify in the defamation case he faced a serious miscarriage of justice.

Justice McCallum agreed that the criminal charges against McLachlan placed him on the horns of a dilemma because he faced having to defend himself in two back-to-back trials. She agreed that if the actor gave evidence at his defamation trial it would force him to waive his fundamental right not to give self-incriminating evidenceevidence that could be used by the prosecution in the criminal trial.

Barrister Tom Blackburn, for the ABC and Whelan Browne, argued that the defamation trial should proceed as scheduled. The right to silence is fundamental, he said, but insisted there are other factors that strongly militate against the granting of the stay.

Blackburn said although there was a risk that the jury in the criminal trial might read defamation trial evidence, jurors are robust and could not be wrapped in cotton wool.

Justice McCallum, however, rejected Blackburns argument and ruled in favour of staying the defamation trial until after the Victorian trial was completed.

Protecting McLachlans right not to self-incriminate was paramount, she said. It would be very difficult for the jury in the criminal trial to put out of its mind the verdict reached by the jury in the civil [defamation] trial

Lets not mince words. Mr McLachlan faces the prospect of a custodial sentence, and the liberty of the subject is the most fundamental right, she added.

Justice McCallum also refused an application by lawyers for Whelan Browne and the media organisations for the defamation action to be dismissed if McLachlan was found guilty in the Victorian criminal case.

The media outlets and Whelan Browne are reported to have worked closely with Tracy Spicer, a former radio and television celebrity and a key figure in the local #MeToo campaign and its witch hunting of targeted individuals. She is one of those who will be questioned by McLachlans legal team when the defamation trial begins.

In October 2017, Spicer declared, without providing any verifiable evidence, that there is an industrial level of sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. She was purported to have evidence of sexual misconduct by over 100 Australian actors, media personalities and political figures. Notwithstanding these sensationalist and unsubstantiated claims, McLachlan is the only performer to have been charged since the #MeToo movement reared its head.

Contrary to its claims to be combatting sexual harassment and assault, #MeToo is a socially regressive, right-wing movement that rejects the legal right to presumption of innocence and due process. It insists that allegations made by those claiming to be victims of inappropriate sexual behaviour must be accepted without question and those targeted taken down.

In his attempts to persuade Justice McCallum to rule against the postponement of McLachlans defamation trial, Tom Blackburn said this was necessary because Whelan Brownes reputation was in an intolerable position and she was experiencing stress from ongoing claims and social media abuse that her accusations against McLachlan were false.

Whelan Browne, however, continues to work, appearing last year in several playsincluding Shakespeares Twelfth Night and Oscar Wildes An Ideal Husbandas well as an ABC television series. She has also been the subject of extensive and favourable media articles praising the courage and determination of her #MeToo accusations.

By contrast, McLachlan has not worked since he was targeted by her #MeToo allegations. He was immediately removed from The Rocky Horror Show and The Doctor Blake Mysteries. His role as Dr Blake was written out of last years one-off telemovie production of the crime show. The long-running, high-rating television series has now been shelved by its producers.

As McLachlans lawyers explained in an affidavit presented to the NSW Supreme Court last year, the 53-year-old Gold-Logie winning performer has become reclusive, rarely leaves his home and his acting career effectively destroyed.

Like McLachlan, Geoffrey Rushs career was seriously damaged by the unproven #MeToo allegations. Rush was pressured in late 2017 to stand down as president of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts and has not appeared in any stage production since the #MeToo allegations.

Last year Rushs lawyers told a Federal Court in Sydney that the actor was virtually housebound and on medication and woke up every morning with a terrible sense of dread in the three months following claims made by the Daily Telegraph. He would rarely attend public events and felt that his worth to the theatre and film industry had been irreparably damaged.

McLachlan, Rush and others are victims of the #MeToo movements anti-democratic, lynch-mob methods.

The author also recommends:

Actor Kevin Spacey releases defiant video:

Its never that simple, not in politics and not in life

[28 December 2018]

One year of the #MeToo movement

[19 October 2018]

Craig McLachlan accused as Australian media steps up #MeToo witch-hunt

[22 January 2018]
Last Sunday, El Salvador lived one of its most quiet and dull presidential elections since the end of the 12-year civil war in 1992. All candidates advanced an anti-corruption rhetoric to cover up their support for the same right-wing policies of social austerity and militarization at the behest of the local oligarchy and US imperialism.

The overwhelming victory of Nayib Bukele, the 37-year-old former mayor of the capital, San Salvador, was chiefly an expression of the popular loathing toward the traditional ruling parties and political forces associated with the bloody civil war whose economic and social devastation is still deeply felt todaythe far-right Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) and the ruling guerrilla movement turned bourgeois party, the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN).

Bukele, who ran on the ticket of the Grand Alliance for National Unity (GANA) party, received 53 percent of the votes, enough to avoid a second round. The multi-millionaire businessman, Carlos Calleja, leading the coalition topped by ARENA, received 31.8 percent of the vote, while the former FMLN foreign minister Hugo Martinez won 14.4 percent.

The abstention rate of nearly 50 percent, more than 10 percentage points more than the last presidential elections in 2014 and the highest since the 1990s, reflected the growing political gap between workers, peasants and youth, and the entire ruling elite. In the last five years, the FMLN lost more than 1 million votes, and ARENA three-quarters of a million votes.

The Salvadoran and international media have promoted Bukele for years as a new and cool leader and worked to distance him from the leadership of the FMLN and from ARENA, which was founded by death-squad leader Maj. Robert DAubuisson and ruled the country for two decades.

Back in 2016, Foreign Policy (part of the Washington Post group, owned by Jeff Bezos) listed Bukele as one of 15 top decision-makers in the world for placing street lights, gentrifying downtown El Salvador, and removing a skating ban. On Sunday, the German Deutsche Welle featured Bukeles comment that, The two groups that created the war still want to keep governing, and whats more, theyre corrupt.

Far from an anti-corruption outsider, however, Bukele was expelled from the FMLN as recently as 2017 for slandering the leadership and allegedly violently attacking a local, female official. After failing to register a new party last year, he joined GANA, a recent split-off from ARENA founded by former president, Antonio Saca, whose successful presidential bid in 2004 was financed with millions stolen from Taiwanese donations for the reconstruction of the country after the devastating 2001 earthquakes. Last September, Saca pleaded guilty to embezzling and laundering more than $300 million of public funds during his administration.

Beyond providing a new facade for the same rotten establishment, Bukeles rise reflects the ongoing shift of the Latin American bourgeoisie away from the pink tide governments in the last two decades, of which the FMLN formed a part. This process has been marked by a sharp move to the right and a geopolitical shift behind the drive by US imperialism to reassert its hegemony in the region, particularly against growing Russian and Chinese influence during the last two decades.

Partly due to these pressures, Bukele centered his campaign on the promise of a Commission Against Impunity in El Salvador (CICIES), modeled on the anti-impunity commission in Guatemala, backed by the UN.

Using half-truths such as There will be enough money when nobody steals, Bukele has sought to cover up his refusal to impinge upon the property and billions of profits plundered from Salvadoran workers by foreign and domestic capital. At the same time, Washington has demanded the creation of a CICIES since Guatemala agreed to its own commission (CICIG) in 2006 and Honduras (MACCIH) in 2016.

The US has heavily sponsored such efforts as window dressing for these corrupt, semi-colonial governments and as political tools to pressure local elites to strictly adhere to US financial and geopolitical interests. After the Guatemalan president, Jimmy Morales, pledged his opposition to establishing diplomatic ties with China, for instance, the Trump administration silently tolerated the expulsion of the CICIG last August.

That same month, facing constant financial defaults and a slowing economy, the FMLN government felt compelled to break diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognize Beijing, which committed to a three-year assistance program of $150 million and a donation of 3,000 tons of rice. At the same time, discussions are ongoing about selling the inactive La Union container port to Chinese companies, including permission to build a major free trade zone.

The Trump administration responded by temporarily pulling out its ambassador, Jean Manes, who had previously declared, The expansionist strategy that China has in the region is alarming, not just economically, but also militarily.

Bukele himself has criticized the decision by the FMLN administration to break ties with Taiwan and recognize Beijing as the sole legitimate government of China, promising to review that deal, but we will not necessarily break relations with China.

The administration of the outgoing president, Salvador Sanchez Ceren, has continued to recognize Nicolas Maduro as the president of Venezuela, against the military coup being orchestrated by Washington to hand over power to CIA asset Juan Guaido, who has already congratulated Bukele on his victory. For his part, Bukele has called Maduro and Nicaraguas president Daniel Ortega dictators and indicated that his new party, unlike the FMLN, is not bound to these governments.

However, as the crisis of global capitalism deepensa process accelerated by the US trade and economic war against Chinaand spurs the crisis of bourgeois rule in El Salvador and across the region, fears are growing in the ruling class that new parties based on anti-corruption platforms constitute a very limited palliative.

For instance, the Forbes magazine for Mexico, where the recently-elected president, the anti-corruption demagogue Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, is already facing mass social unrest, wrote on Monday, In the end, the picture of El Salvador and the young Bukele is the same as in the other countries of Latin America with minor nuances  The risk: that these faces that come to oxygenate politics dont fulfill the expectations of change and, on the contrary, end as stained as the traditional parties and politicians.

As soon as Bukele takes office on June 1, he will face an anemic economic growth largely dependent on remittances from migrants living in the US, a growing exodus of migrants seeking to escape widespread poverty and gang violence, and the plans by the Trump administration to rescind the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and deport hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans.

The Foundation for Economic and Social Development (Fusades) reported recently that out of the 91,000 Salvadoran youth entering the job market each year, only 12,400, or 13.6 percent, find a formal job.

The most recent census shows that the average monthly salary in El Salvador is $300, but 64 percent of Salvadoran workers make less than this amount. Oxfam reports that multi-dimensional poverty affects 53 percent of the population. The UK-based charity reported, back in 2014, that 160 Salvadorans owned more than $30 million in assets and collectively controlled the equivalent of 87 percent of the GDP. This inequality, particularly as a result of the boom in the stock markets since, is undoubtedly much higher today.

At the same, the Bukele administration will face higher borrowing rates, a public debt equivalent to 70 percent of GDP and growing pressure by the IMF to implement new, regressive tax policies and social austerity. The percentage of GDP spent on health and education has already fallen below 2009 levels, when the FMLN came to power, while the 2019 budget already allocates $1.8 billion for debt servicing and $1.6 billion in total for health and education.

The most common proposal for El Salvador made in recent months by US-based think tanks is the creation of new tax-free economic zones, perpetuating the place of El Salvador in the global capitalist economy as a cheap-labor platform ruled by a handful of increasingly rich oligarchs. Most Salvadoran exports are currently produced in 17 free-trade zones concentrated in textile maquiladora sweatshops owned by US, Korean and Taiwanese capital.

Amid a growing resurgence of the class struggle and radicalization of workers and youth internationally, the Salvadoran working class can only fight against this super-exploitation and the staggering levels of inequality by extracting the essential lesson of the bloody defeats of the revolutionary struggles following 1979: it can only oppose imperialism by building an authentic socialist and internationalist partya section of the International Committee of the Fourth Internationaland waging an intransigent struggle for its political independence against all pro-capitalist and nationalist parties like the FMLN, the trade unions and their pseudo-left apologists.
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka is holding a series of public meetings to launch the Tamil-language edition of The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century. The book has been published by Kamkaru Mawatha (Workers Path), the publication house of the Sri Lankan SEP. The meetings will be held in Hatton in the central plantation district on February 24 and in Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka on March 1.

Written by David North, chairman of the US SEP and the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site, this book was published in English in mid-2014 and its Sinhala translation released in Sri Lanka in early 2016. The collection of essays is critical in exposing the many lies perpetrated about the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the subsequent degeneration of the Soviet Union.

The importance of the Marxist analysis in Norths book is highlighted by the international eruption of workers struggles against the attacks on social and democratic rights by governments and big business in every country.

The launch of the Tamil version of The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century in Hatton, is particularly significant. The town is located in the centre of Sri Lankas tea plantation industry where the majority of its workforce speaks Tamil. Late last year tens of thousands of plantation workers walked out on strike and held protests to demand increased wages. While these struggles were betrayed by the unions, plantation workers at the Abbotsleigh Estate in Hatton, with the political assistance of the SEP, responded by forming an independent committee to take forward their struggle for better wages, working and living conditions.

Almost a decade after the end of Sri Lankas brutal civil war, the north of the island remains under military occupation. Tamil workers, youth and other oppressed layers have been involved in continuous protests in Jaffna and nearby towns to demand the release of political prisoners and the return of land taken over by the military.

Workers, youth, students and intellectuals seeking to understand the vital lessons of the Russian Revolution for the issues facing the international working class today should attend the forthcoming SEP public meetings and participate in the ensuing discussion on this essential book.

Meeting details

Hatton:

Sunday, February 24, at 10.00 a.m.

Hatton Town Hall

Jaffna:

Friday, March 1, at 4.00 p.m.

Weerasingham Hall

Details on future meetings to be announced.
Seventy-four years after the liberation of Auschwitz, the crimes of the Nazi regime are being downplayed in the German Bundestag (parliament) without triggering any significant protest.

On the morning of January 31, the Bundestag honored the victims of German National Socialism (Nazism) at an annual ceremony. Immediately afterwards, far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) parliamentarian Marc Jongen delivered a fascistic speech in which he downplayed the crimes of the Nazis and derided their victims.This did not evoke any noteworthy opposition, underscoring how far to the right the entire political establishment has moved and the degree to which the right-wing extremists of the AfD now dominate official politics.

Jongen, who gained a doctorate in philosophy under Peter Sloterdijk and is considered the chief ideologue of the AfD, spoke against a motion tabled by the Left Party to establish a central memorial for the victims of the Nazi war of annihilation in Eastern Europe. In addition to millions of soldiers who died, 6 million civilians were killed in Poland alone, 14 million were killed in the Soviet Union, and 3.3 million prisoners of war perished.

Jongen opposed the project on the grounds that it was aimed at artificially inducing the re-traumatisation of every new generation in Germany and that it ignored the German and Eastern European victims of the Stalinist war of extermination, who, he said, were the victims of a no less terrible crime.

Jongen equated the victims of the Nazi war of extermination with the losses that resulted from the Soviet Red Armys offensive, which liberated Europe from Nazi rule. He also depicted the Nazis minutely planned war of annihilation as a response to Stalinist acts of violence, and, in the old tradition of the Nazis, justified it as a preventive war.

Jonger relied explicitly on the right-wing Humboldt University historian Jorg Baberowski, whom he quoted word for word. In 2011, Professor Baberowski wrote, ...without [taking into account] the excesses of the Stalinist dictatorship, it is not at all understandable what National Socialism [Nazism] was an answer to.

Jonger followed this blatant historical falsification with a fascistic tirade. The commemoration of Nazi crimes was used to anchor a deep sense of guilt in Germany for all time, said the AfD speaker. Germany should disappear as a nation, as a country, as a people. It should become a more or less open settlement area for migrants from all over the world, Jongen railed, adopting the formulas of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.

This marked the third time since the beginning of the year that right-wing extremists and neo-Nazis have besmirched the memory of the victims of Nazism, without provoking any outcry in establishment political or media circles. AfD members disrupted a commemoration in the Bavarian state parliament on January 23, and on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Polish right-wing extremists demonstrated on the grounds of the concentration camp, shouting anti-Semitic slogans. Jongen has now transported this ideological filth into the Bundestag.

The political conditions for these fascistic and anti-Semitic displays by right-wing extremists were created by the more traditional bourgeois parties, which tolerate the AfD and adopt its policies. Not a single member of parliament spoke substantively against Jongens apologia for the Nazis and not a single newspaper deemed it necessary to report on, let alone denounce, his hate speech.

This toleration of fascist agitation in the Bundestag is the result of a process that has made right-wing extremist positions politically acceptable. Baberowski has played a central role in the project to rehabilitate the Nazis.

In 2007, Baberowski wrote: Stalin and his generals forced a new type of war on the Wehrmacht [Hitlers army], which no longer spared the civilian population. In February 2014, in an interview published in Der Spiegel, Baberowski defended the Nazi apologist Ernst Nolte, who had triggered the Historians Dispute [Historikerstreit] in the 1980s with his exculpation of the Nazis.

Nolte was wronged, Baberowski said. Historically, he was right. He continued: Hitler was not a psychopath, he was not cruel. He didnt want people talking about the extermination of the Jews at his table.

He also likened shootings in Russia in 1918 to the Holocaust, saying, Basically, it was the same thing: industrial homicide.

In response to Baberowskis justificationof Nazi crimes, the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGPSocialist Equality Party) and its youth organisation, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), issued an open letter to the Humboldt University administration and protested against the falsification of history. In the letter, they pointed out that the rehabilitation of Hitler serves to justify German militarism today:

The attempts to establish a historically false narrative come at a critical point in German history. Such efforts should be seen in the context of recent statements by President Joachim Gauck and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier that it is now time to end decades of military restraint in Germany. The revival of German militarism requires a new interpretation of history that downplays the crimes of the Nazi era.

In 1987, Noltes positions triggered the Historikerstreit, in which many historians opposed Nolte. But in 2014, not a single professor and not a single mainstream newspaper opposed the statement that Hitler was not vicious.

Instead, the SGP and the IYSSE were attacked for criticising Baberowski in Der Spiegel, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the Suddeutsche Zeitung and many other newspapers.

Rejecting an action brought by Baberowski against his critics, the Cologne Higher Regional Court ruled that Baberowski could legitimately be described as a right-wing extremist, a racist and someone who engages in glorifying violence. The professors lawyers then advanced the argument that while Baberowskis speech might be radically right-wing, his research was sound. This frauduent separation of Baberowskis aggressive political agenda and writings from his public declarations was promoted by the political establishment and the Humboldt University administration.

The scholarly statements of Jorg Baberowski are not radically right-wing, said the Social Democratic politician and president of Humboldt University Sabine Kunst in an official statement following Baberowskis defeat in the Cologne Higher Regional Court. At the same time, she threatened critics with criminal proceedings and declared media attacks on Baberowski to be unacceptable.

Jongens speech confirms the critical importance of the struggle that the SGP and the IYSSE have carried out at Humboldt University. It leaves no doubt as to the thrust of Baberowskis falsification of history and, at the same time, demonstrates once again that the right wing can act so brazenly only because nobody in the political establishment or in the academic community opposes it.

This silence extends beyond Germany. There is not a single prominent academic in either Britain or the United States who has publicly attacked Baberowski. It is not that they agree with Baberowski. In fact, this writer can testify to the fact that a number of respected historians have expressed in private conversations their distaste for the work of the Humboldt University professor. But they are not prepared to go on the record and denounce his pro-Nazi apologetics.

The refusal to forcefully oppose Baberowski hasas the rise of the AfD demonstratespolitical consequences. In his valuable study The Anatomy of Fascism, published in 2004, historian Robert O. Paxton called attention to the insidious complicity of a significant stratum of intellectuals with the rise of fascism in Germany and Italy. The hostility of intellectuals to Enlightenment ideals helped create a space for fascist values and made it possible to imagine fascism, he wrote. The present-day silence of academics on pro-Nazi apologetics and refusal to counter historical falsifications has helped create a space for a dangerous fascist revival.

In the book Why Are They Back?, which deals extensively with the disputes at Humboldt University, I have written that the AfD, in contrast to the Nazis, has neither a mass base of support nor combat-ready units like Hitlers SA (Storm Troopers), which recruited its members among uprooted war veterans, socially ruined members of the petty-bourgeoisie, and despairing unemployed workers. The AfDs strength arises exclusively from the support it receives from the political parties, the media, the government and the state apparatus.

The SGP was and remains the only party that opposes this right-wing conspiracy. For this reason, it was referred to as left-wing extremist and listed as an object for surveillance in last years Secret Service annual report, which was prepared in close consultation with the AfD. The building of the SGP is the only basis upon which the right-wing conspiracy can be stopped.
In 2018, tea plantation workers in Sri Lanka launched a powerful strike against tea operators in a rebellion against the pro-management trade union. They launched a rank-and-file action committee, the Abbotsleigh Estate Workers Action Committee, to organize, direct and broaden their struggle. The committee sent the following statement urging workers in the US and Canada to attend the demonstration demonstration demonstration planned for February 9 at 2 pm at GM headquarters in Detroit against job closures and concessions.

* * *

We, the Abbotsleigh Estate Workers Action Committee in Sri Lanka, would like to bring our warm greetings to the demonstration in front of General Motors headquarters in Detroit on February 9, called by the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter and the Steering Committee of the Coalition of Rank-and-File Committees, against plant closings by General Motors.

We are aware that GM is planning to shut five factories in the US and Canada and eliminate nearly 15,000 hourly and salaried workers. We understand that this is a part of a global restructuring of the auto industry, driven by big business for super profits, which will escalate the divide between the haves and the have-nots.

The situation faced by the plantation workers and other sections of the working class here in Sri Lanka is also the result of similar policies of the profit hungry big business trans-national companies and bankers.

As plantation workers in Sri Lanka, we are confronted with brutal policies carried out by employers, with the full backing of their government in power. During the recent wave of strikes by plantation workers here, we had to intervene against the trade unions, which were collaborating with the employers and the government, to bring an international political perspective to the workers movement. We have realized, through our own experience, that this requires an independent organization like the Steering Committee of the Coalition of Rank-and-File Committees to be organized on an international level, cutting across national-state boundaries.

Hence, we consider the actions taken by the steering committee to be a blow not only for the defense of the fundamental rights of the US auto workers, but also on behalf of the international working class as a whole. We follow closely the development of class struggles internationally and prepare ourselves to join them based on a common strategy against social counter-revolution and imperialist war.

With fraternal greetings,

Abbotsleigh Estate Workers Action Committee, Sri Lanka.

* * *

On February 9 at 2 p.m. EST, the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter is co-hosting a demonstration in Detroit to fight plant closings, mass layoffs and concessions. For more information about attending the demonstration, go to wsws.org/auto wsws.org/auto wsws.org/auto and find the event on Facebook .
The event featured remarks by Senior Vice President for Worldwide Operations Dave Clark and other leaders from Amazon Operations discussing their teams and how the Nashville center will grow to innovate for customers around the world.

At the event, Amazon recruiters were also on-hand to talk to students and those interested in learning more about working at Amazon.

The new Operations Center of Excellence will create 5,000 jobs in Nashville, and will serve as the eastern U.S. hub for Amazon's retail operations business.

News4 asked Clark how many of the 5,000 will go to Tennesseans. Clark says he believes it will be a combination of out-of-towners and local workers.

This event was all about introducing ourselves to Nashville, really trying to recruit locally here in Nashville, across Middle Tennessee and the state in general," said Clark.

News4 has learned Amazon is hiring at least 1,000 people between now and the end of 2019 to work at a temporary building while the permanent location called Nashville Yards is under construction.

The jobs will be mostly in the tech field including software developers, but there will also be people needed to work in the fulfillment center and human resources. Clark says the needs will in line with most major corporation. Those positions also range from entry level to upper management.

You can apply for a job with Amazon by going here.
MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) - A man is dead after he allegedly brandished a firearm and threatened deputies outside his home in Murfreesboro.

According to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the home on Breeze Drive just after 9:30 p.m. after receiving a call that an armed man was holding family members hostage.

At one point, there were reportedly three hostages. Two of them were able to leave, but a third person was unable to exit due to medical reasons.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation later identified the suspect as 43-year-old Allon Jones.

Deputies started negotiations with Jones, and after about an hour, Jones exited the home with a firearm. Officers reportedly fired their weapons when Jones exited the home.

Jones was taken to Saint Thomas Rutherford, where he was pronounced dead.

The man is deceased. Our deputies were not harmed," said Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh in a statement.

Residents of the neighborhood were alarmed when they heard what was going on.

"I noticed probably 25 to 50 police cars ... they had SWAT teams with full masks, lights on heads, everything," said neighbor Sheena Greene. "I heard the gunshots go off. It was probably about six or seven gunshots."

The TBI's investigation is ongoing. Their findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for review.

Stay with News4 for updates on this developing story.
Home overturned after Christiana tornado The home of Scott and Angie Walker was overturned during a November 2017 tornado. (WSMV)

MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) - The family of a woman killed in Christiana, TN, when her home was overturned during a tornado has sued to company that built the home.

1 killed, 2 injured after 7 tornadoes hit Middle Tennessee A woman was killed and several others were injured after seven tornadoes hit Middle Tennessee that spawned during severe storms between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Angie Walker, 41, was killed when an EF-2 tornado struck her home on Midland Road near Christiana on the evening of Nov. 6, 2018.

Her husband, Scott Walker, and daughter, Olivia Walker, filed the suit in Rutherford County Circuit Court on Monday against Ralph Baxter Construction, LLC, and Ralph Baxter.

TN homes that should withstand lesser tornadoes are crumbling The National Weather Service and a national building expert are questioning why homes in Tennessee that should withstand lesser tornadoes are 

According to the lawsuit, Baxter Construction built the home at 7812 Midland Rd., in 2017. The lawsuit states that Baxter Construction did not properly embed the anchor bolts into concrete footings of the home. The home was overturned during the tornado.

Murfreesboro Christmas Parade honors woman killed in Christiana tornado The Murfreesboro Christmas parade has grown into a huge holiday tradition. This year brought something special, a powerful tribute to a woman who helped make the parade into what it is today.

The lawsuit also states that Baxter worked directly on the home.

Olivia Walker suffered minor physical injuries and was able to escape the upside-down home, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit claims Scott and Olivia Walker were standing outside the home when they first learned that Angie Walker had died. They both claim in the suit to have suffered devastating emotional harm as the result of her death.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for the injuries and wrongful death of Angie Walker and for the emotional harm to Scott and Olivia Walker.

A News4 I-Team report found that damage from an EF2 tornado should have resulted in roofs torn off houses and broken branches, not overturned homes.

Angie Walker was heavily involved in the Rutherford County community. She was an adjunct professor of psychology at MTSU and was active in the planning of the Murfreesboro Christmas Parade. Scott Walker is President of WGNS Radio in Murfreesboro. She died 10 days before her 42nd birthday.
KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP)  A mayor in southeast Alaska received a 10-day suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty to soliciting prostitution.

Klawock Mayor Lawrence Armour pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge Wednesday in court on Prince of Wales Island, the Ketchikan Daily News reported .

The 36-year-old mayor electronically sent $400 to a woman on New Years Day, asking her to come to his residence for sex, according to court documents. Craig police obtained a copy of their communication on Facebook Messenger.

The person took the money and just kept the money,Ketchikan Di...
Pennsylvania is the 6th-most populous, the 33rd-largest, and the 9th-most densely populated state of the United States. The state covers 46,055 sq mi of which 490 sq mi are inland waters and 749 sq mi are Lake Erie. Several rivers in run through Pennsylvania, the longest of which is the Ohio River.

The Longest Rivers In Pennsylvania

Ohio River

The Ohio River flows for 981 miles from the confluence of Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers in Pittsburgh to its mouth in the Mississippi River in Cairo, Illinois. The river flows through or borders the states of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. It provides water for over three million people while a further 25 million reside in the Ohio River Basin. The Army Corps of Engineers manages more than 25 dams on the Ohio River. Despite its importance, the Ohio River is among the most polluted rivers in the country due to the discharge of raw sewage and agricultural runoff.

Susquehanna River

The Susquehanna River is the 16th largest in the country and the largest rivers located entirely within the United States that flow to the Atlantic. The River and its tributaries drain an area of about 27,510 Sqm. It meanders for 464 miles from its source at the Otsego Lake, New York, to the Chesapeake Bay where it contributes half of the freshwater inflow. The river not only provides household water for thousands of Pennsylvanians but also anchors the recreation and tourism sectors of the state.

The Allegheny River

The Allegheny River meets the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to form the Ohio River. It is the larger of the two tributaries. The Allegheny flows for 325 miles through the states of New York and Pennsylvania. It drains a dissected plateau of about 11,580 sqm. The Allegheny Valley produces fossil fuel particularly natural gas, petroleum, and coal that have contributed significantly to the pollution of the river.

Delaware River

The Delaware River flows for 330 miles from Mt Jefferson, New York to the Delaware Bay. It meanders through the states of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Although it drains a watershed of 14,119 sq mi, the river provides drinking water to over 15 million people including the residents of Philadelphia and New York Cities. The upper and middle sections of the river remain pollution-free and are damned to provide household water, unlike the lower sections. The Delaware River Port Complex with port facilities in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey is the worlds largest freshwater port.

River of the Year

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recognize a river as the River of the Year every year to create awareness on the importance of ecological, historical and recreational resources associated with streams and rivers in the state. When a river is declared the river of the year, it hosts activities throughout the year including clean-up days, paddling trips, and photography contests among many more. The 2019 Pennsylvania river of the year is the Clarion River.
If you are like Wonkette, by the end of Donald Trump's poorly written white supremacist snoozefest last night, you were ready to turn the TV off and forget about ALL OF IT. If you stayed awake for Stacey Abrams's Democratic response, though, you were in for a treat. First of all, it was just the right length. She looked happy and hopeful, and instead of using a haunted hell house as her backdrop like a common Bobby Jindal, she delivered the address in front of a group of nice people who looked like America, much like the Democratic side of the House of Representatives looked like America during the State of the Union.

We mention the scenery, because that's important in opposition responses. What's most remembered about these SOTU responses is usually just how pathetic it all looked, and the words are mostly forgotten. But maybe this time is different.

Let's look at what Abrams actually said, and treat ourselves to how much ass she kicked.

Abrams began by telling a bit of her biography, which is similar to so many others who "went back and forth between lower middle class and working class," as she put it. She said, "Our power and strength as Americans lives in our hard work and our beliefs and more," and that her "family understood firsthand that while success is not guaranteed, we live in a nation where opportunity is possible." She was leading up to a point, and it was also the first time she smacked Donald Trump right in his stupid face:

But we do not succeed alone. In these United States, when times are tough, we can persevere because our friends and neighbors will come for us. Our first responders will come for us. [...]



Just a few weeks ago, I joined volunteers to distribute meals to furloughed federal workers. They waited in line for a box of food, and the sliver of hope since they hadn't received paychecks in weeks. Making livelihoods of our federal workers a pawn for political games is a disgrace. The shutdown was a stunt, engineered by the president of the United States, one that defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people but our values.

In other words, Americans are cool. Americans step up. SO WHY THE FUCK IS THE SO-CALLED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES HURTING AMERICANS?

Trump may not have mentioned his government shutdown in the State of the Union, but Stacey Abrams remembers, and so do millions of other people.

That was the tone of the entire response. Abrams didn't take thinly veiled swipes, because there were no veils at all. She simply spoke in a matter-of-fact way that said, "America, it's time to move on from our failed experiment in letting a criminal orange loser like Donald Trump squat in the White House." (Not her words. That is a Wonkette Funny Fake Quote, like we do.)

In just a few minutes, Abrams hit just about every note, both swiping Trump for what he's not doing, and also proposing things we should be doing. The contrast between that and Trump's million-hour-long speech, where he proposed basically nothing, was remarkable. She hit the White House for sitting on its thumbs while kids are doing active shooter drills and can't afford college, and said we've got to do serious, common sense gun control and deal with the cost of higher education.

Abrams called bullshit on the Republican tax scam, which is not helping people, and concluded that "we owe more to the millions of everyday folks who keep our economy running." Like, for instance, "farmers caught in a trade war." WONDER WHOSE TRADE WAR SHE IS TALKING ABOUT!

One of the best passages of the response was on immigration:

We know bipartisanship could craft a 21st century immigration plan, but this administration chooses to cage children and tear families apart. Compassionate treatment at the border is not the same as open borders. President Reagan understood this.

Very well done Ronald Reagan name-check, Stacey Abrams!

Abrams pointed the blame for why the Affordable Care Act isn't working as well as it used to directly at Republicans, and shared her own experience of falling into debt paying for her father's prostate cancer treatment. Then she talked about other struggles folks are facing with healthcare in this, the richest country in the world:

In this great nation, Americans are skipping blood pressure pills, forced to choose between buying medicine or paying rent. Maternal mortality rates show that mothers, especially black mothers, risk death to give birth. And in 14 states, including my home state, where a majority want it, our leaders refuse to expand Medicaid which could save rural hospitals, save economies and save lives.

Abrams concluded by saying we can face these problems and many, many more, but you can't do it if THE PEOPLE CANNOT VOTE. She knows something about this, doesn't she! She said she "accepts" what happened in her race to be Georgia's governor, but she "cannot accept efforts to undermine our right to vote," calling it the "next battle for our democracy." Because let's be clear -- if everybody got to vote, we wouldn't be in the situation we're in right now. Abrams even swiped at Mitch McConnell, who recently called House Democrats' efforts to make sure all eligible Americans can vote a "power grab." Yeah, Turtlefuck, it is a power grab. BY THE PEOPLE, YOU DICK.

Oh, and Abrams had something to say about racism and reproductive freedom and LGBT equality too, addressing where we've been, where we are now, and where we must now go. She had something to say about ALL OF IT. We were particularly struck by what she said about reproductive freedom, in light of the news the past few weeks:

America achieved a measure of reproductive justice in Roe v. Wade, but we must never forget, it is immoral to allow politicians to harm women and families to advance a political agenda.

And what are terrible evil assholes like Donald Trump doing when they speak of the reality of so-called "late-term abortions" (which is not a medical term and tends to happen in situations so tragic you wouldn't wish them on your worst enemy) and call it the "execution of a baby," as he did in his speech last night? Harming women and families to advance a political agenda.

We're still pissed about that.

Here, watch the video, and then decide in the comments whether Stacey Abrams should be president or vice president or the senator from Georgia. (Should we just appoint her governor-for-life of Virginia, to stop the madness there?) No matter what the answer is, we have not seen the last of this amazing woman.

Stacey Abrams delivers Democratic response to Trump's State of the Union www.youtube.com

[Transcript viaPolitico]



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Late last week the Forest Service issued a prohibition on alcohol on portions of the AuSable, Manistee and Pine National Wild and Scenic Rivers for the upcoming season, but after public outcry has delayed the start until 2020.


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The state of Michigan will reopen to full capacity on Tuesday after more than 9 million vaccines have been administered, and COVID-19 cases have fallen to a one-year low.
Creative ambassadors with a range of disabilities from a Wolverhampton theatre group travelled to Belgium for skills training in performance and live streaming.

The participants, from Mozaic Theatre, part of the City of Wolverhampton Councils City Links group, took part in the five-day event thanks the University of Wolverhamptons work on the Yes We Are In project, an Erasmus+ strategic partnership which helps disabled adults with internet, social media and smartphone skills.

Accompanied by artistic and support staff, ambassadors from theatre groups in Belgium, Finland, Croatia and Northern Ireland met in Brussels to train in creative acting techniques and create their own performances.

They took part in workshops in clowning, physical theatre, mime, imagination and facial expression. The training event finished with a 20-minute performance by each group, and Mozaic Theatre produced a music and mime piece about memories.

All the teams bridged the language gap to work together, and to take away the meaning of each performance. In many cases, the experience was enough to move ambassadors and staff alike to tears.

Wendy Harper, artistic lead for Mozaic Theatre, described the training event as a wonderful experience for our ambassadors; one which left them bursting with pride.

The ambassadors will meet again at training events in Croatia and Finland, before each hosting a final performance in their home theatre which brings in the four other groups with the aid of livestreaming. The in-person training events aim to bring them together as a cohesive and tight-knit group, enabling them to co-create across all cultural and language barriers.

Yes We Are In is funded through the Belgium National Agency and coordinated by organisation GC De Zeyp.

Across Europe, more than 30% of disabled adults  compared with 11% of non-disabled adults - have never used the internet. This project will make participants more familiar with use of smartphones and social media, as well as showing them how to work together using livestreaming. It also puts each theatre group in contact with peers from a range of other countries, and in front of a wider audience.

Notes to Editors:

The project is an example of innovative, multidisciplinary approach, combining topics of lighting design, health, wellbeing, psychology, and built environment.

The partners involved in this project are:

GC De Zeyp (Belgium)

University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom  Faculty of Arts & Arena Theatre

City of Wolverhampton Council  City Links group

Tresnjevka Cultural Centre (Croatia)

ACCAC Global (Finland)

Arts & Disability Forum (ADF) (United Kingdom)

Mediaraven (Belgium)

The four UK ambassadors involved in this project are:

Thomas Goode

Geoffrey White

Sonya Rhodes

Ashley Edmunds

They were accompanied by:

Wendy Harper (artistic lead)

Beverley Ward (support staff)

Kerry Haynes (support staff)

The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
LOGANSPORT, Ind. (WLFI)  A Logansport teen was arrested Monday on preliminary charges relating to the death of a Miami County man earlier this week.

Brayden M. Berkshire, 18, faces charges of reckless homicide (a Level 5 felony) and a Level 6 felony count of obstruction of justice, according to a Miami County Sheriff's Office news release.

The charges stem from the death of Nathan Joe Hopper, 18, who police found dead of a gunshot wound inside his residence in the 3100 block of North Mexico Road in Miami County on Sunday morning, the release stated.

Berkshire, a senior at Logansport High School and a member of the school's varsity volleyball team, was taken into custody without incident Monday evening, the release stated, and she is currently being held at the Miami County Jail on $15,000 bail.

Pending further investigation, police gave no other information at this time.
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UTICA, N.Y. -- Three Utica businesses are facing hefty fines and penalties after an undercover sting on underage selling of alcohol to minors.

The New York State Liquor Authority announced the results of an underage sting operation conducted on February 1, 2019 in Utica.

Investigators and the Utica Police Department, working with underage agents, conducted an underage-drinking sting operation visiting 14 businesses.

In total, the undercover minor was able to purchase alcohol at 3 of the 14 businesses visited.

The locations liquor licenses face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Employees can also be charged or arrested.

The businesses they say were selling to minors:

 ODonnells Pub

715 Varick Street

 Mr. Convenience

1316 Oneida Street

 Lukins

640 Varick Street

The businesses refusing to sell to minors were:

 Varick Bar & Grill

616 Varick Street

 Celtic Harp Restaurant

805 Varick Street

 The Sanctuary

728 Court Street

 Nail Creek Pub

720 Varick Street

 Stewarts

425 Court Street

 City Liquors

1905 Genesee Street

 Oswego Express

5 Oswego Street

 Oneida Square Market

1331 Oneida Street

 Swiftys

257 Genesee Street

 OTB Old School

600 Culver Avenue

 Bengees

300 Columbia Street
HERKIMER  Several bills passed in the state are changing election laws.

The Herkimer County board of elections held an information session Wednesday to discuss those changes. The changing election laws include:

Early voting: establishes a nine-day early voting period, including two full weekends for voters to vote in person. Counties would have to provide a set number of hours over the course of the nine-day period. This law will go into effect for the 2019 general election in November.

Consolidated primaries: combines the state and local primary with the federal (non-presidential) primary. The two primaries will take place in June. This law will go into effect this year. Dates of petitions have not been certified but tentative dates are:

-Party designating petitions: 2/26/19 first day to get signatures, 4/1-4/4/19 dates for filinf petitions.

-Independent petitions: 4/16/19 first day to get signatures, 5/21-5/28/19 dates for filing petitions.

No excuse absentee ballot: The current laws only provide absentee ballots to voters that expects to be absent on election day, or is unable to get to the polls because of physical illness or disability. An amendment to the New York State constitution included in this legislative package would continue expanding accessibility to the polls to allow no excuse absentee voting. This would be a state constitutional amendment. In order to go into effect, it will have to go on the state ballot no earlier than November 2021.

Election day registration (Same day registration): This will allow New Yorkers to register to vote on Election Day. This is also a constitutional amendment and will not be on the ballot until November 2021.

Automatic registration: This will automatically transfer a voters registration when they move within New York State and update their information with the DMV. This law will go into effect 60 days after it is signed into law.

Early registration: This law will allow New York residents that are 16-17 years of age to pre-register to vote. This means upon turning 18, they will already be registered to vote. This law will go into effect January 1, 2020.

LLC Campaign contributions: This will restrict LLC campaign contributions to the same $5,000 aggregate contribution limit that exists for corporations. It would also require the disclosure of all direct and indirect owners of the LLC and that all contributions by an LLC be attributed to each member in proportion to each members ownership interests. The bill will go into effect seven days after being signed into law.

Officials with the board of elections say consolidated primaries is the biggest change in laws.

"It just changed the whole political calendar, so everybody has to start getting petitions signed in February where they used to start in like June," said Democratic commisioner Anthony Fumarola. "So it changes, you know the snow, the weather, there's a big impact there."
CLINTON, N.Y. -- In 2001, anonymous donors created the 'Hamilton College Town-Gown Fund' to foster goodwill and communication between the college and Kirkland and Clinton residents.

Each year, the income earned from the investment of the donations is used to make grants to local organizations. That income amounts to about $70,000.

Among the organizations to benefit from it this year, the john g. Karin Kirkland Town Park, which got $16,000 for new playground equipment.

The Clinton Fire Department, which got $8,000 to buy two complete sets of firefighting gear. And the Clinton Central School District, which gets $7,000 for new equipment for the student fitness center, at the high school.

Hamilton College officials explained that the fund really is the gift that keeps on giving.

So that million dollars is now worth $1.7 million and out of that, we get about $70,000 in income each year we use to make these grants but the stipulation is that it must go to these organizations in the community, so it can't be used for any other purpose and it'll never go away, said Mike Dibraggio, with the college.

The endowed fund has received more than $1 million in gifts since its founding, in 2001.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Gov. Andrew Cuomo is defending New York's new state abortion law after it was criticized by President Donald Trump during Tuesday's State of the Union address.

In an op-ed published Wednesday in The New York Times, the Democratic governor pushed back against Trump's call to ban late-term abortions, saying Trump lied about New York's law in an effort to undermine federally protected abortion rights.

Enacted last month, the state's Reproductive Health Act codifies rights laid out in Roe v. Wade and other abortion rulings. It states that a woman may abort a viable fetus after 24 weeks of pregnancy only if her life or health is at risk.

Trump left out those stipulations when he criticized the law in his speech before Congress, saying it allows abortion "moments" before birth.

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
UTICA, N.Y. -- The man accused of shooting and killing a teenager in Utica was back in court Wednesday to answer to a new, upgraded charge of murder.

However, Jorge Campos is still looking for an attorney to hire.

18-year-old Jorge Campos of Utica 18-year-old Jorge Campos of Utica

Campos already pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in the death of 17-year-old Stefan Medina, who died in August in the Elizabeth Street shooting.

The judge gave him one more week. He's due back in court February 13th.
Snapchat didn't add any users last quarter, but it didn't lose any either. For some companies, that might not be great news; for Snapchat, it's enough to get Wall Street positively ecstatic.

Snap, its parent company, said Tuesday that the messaging app had 186 million daily users in the final three months of 2018, unchanged from the prior quarter and ending a streak of two consecutive quarters of declining users.

The company had said in October that it expected its user numbers to continue declining during the holiday quarter. On a conference call with analysts Tuesday after the report, Snap's interim CFO Lara Sweet said the company is "cautiously optimistic" that daily users will not decline in the first three months of 2019, either.

Debra Aho Williamson, principal analyst with eMarketer, called the surprise leveling off "a positive sign" for the company after a prolonged user decline. Snap stock jumped nearly 20% in after hours trading Tuesday following the earnings report.

While Snapchat's audience growth stalled, the company did manage to squeeze significantly more revenue out of the users it had. Snap's revenue for the holiday quarter hit a record $390 million, up 36% from the same period a year ago and well ahead of what investors had expected.

"In 2018, we focused on building a foundation to scale the business over the long-term by driving sustainable product innovation, scaling our advertising platform, and hiring the leadership team that will help us achieve our future goals," Evan Spiegel, Snap's cofounder and CEO, said in a statement. "We ended the year with user engagement stabilizing."

The earlier dip in users followed a controversial early 2018 redesign of the Snapchat app, which was intended to revive user growth but initially appeared to do the opposite.

The redesign separated content posted by users' friends from content posted by publishers and celebrities, in an effort make Snapchat's confusing interface less confusing. Instead, it set off an outcry.

A Change.org petition asking the company to remove the redesign received more than one million signatures. Prominent users like reality TV star Kylie Jenner and model Chrissy Teigen also publicly took issue with the changes. Snapchat eventually redesigned the redesign after the backlash.

The company has also faced fierce competition from Facebook, which found success in cloning Snapchat's Stories feature on Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook proper. Instagram Stories now has 500 million daily users.

To make matters worse, Snap has seen an exodus of high-profile executives over the past year. The list includes its chief strategy officer, VP of marketing, VP or product, human resources chief, and not one but two chief financial officers.

On the conference call, Spiegel said Snap's senior team is focused on filling the CFO and marketing roles in particular. But he said it's his belief that Snap's leadership team "has really evolved and is ready for the next stage of growth."

"Change is always difficult," Spiegel said on the call. "This past year was no exception."
JCPenney is trying to reinvent itself again. It's getting rid of appliances and most furniture to return its focus to clothing sales.

The company hasn't turned a profit since 2010, and it forecast several more years of losses. New CEO Jill Soltau pledged "quick action" to put JCPenney on the path to profitability.

Going back to basics makes sense: Appliances were a pet project of former CEO Marvin Ellison, who had previously run Home Depot and left last year to take the helm at Lowe's. Appliances are a low-margin business that requires high sales volume to make up for thin profits. But appliances were not a good fit for a company that never had an identity as a home equipment company.

JCPenney said it would stop selling major appliances on February 28 "to better meet customer expectations, improve financial performance and drive profitable growth." It will continue to sell furniture online and in Puerto Rico stores -- but not anywhere else.

The company also announced Wednesday it will redesign its stores. It said it will reduce its massive inventory, which has held JCPenney back from offering new fashion trends -- and saddled the company with debt.

"Optimizing the allocation of store space will enable us to prioritize and focus on the company's legacy strengths in apparel and soft home furnishings, which represent higher margin opportunities," the company said in a statement.

Ellison brought JCPenney into the appliances business, because he believed the company could take advantage of Sears' collapse. But customers shrugged: Washers, dryers, dishwashers, and fridges are not major traffic drivers because shoppers only buy them once in a while, and they're expensive to make. Ellison abruptly left the company in May.

JCPenney's stock fell 2% Wednesday. It has recovered this year after falling below $1 for the first time in the company's 90-year existence in December.

The company is $4 billion in debt with a junk credit rating and a sinking cash hoard. Soltau said the company is considering closing some of JCPenney's remaining 860 stores to cut costs.
In Tuesday night's State of the Union address, President Donald Trump called for the elimination of HIV transmissions in the United States by 2030, raising hope and questions about putting an end to the epidemic.

The initiative aims to reduce new HIV infections by 75% in the next five years and by 90% in the next 10 years, "averting more than 250,000 HIV infections in that span," according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The agency also noted that most HIV infections are now highly concentrated in certain "geographic hot spots" in the United States. For instance, more than 50% of new HIV diagnoses in 2016 and 2017 were in 48 counties, the District of Columbia and San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to the department.

"In recent years we have made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Scientific breakthroughs have brought a once-distant dream within reach," Trump said Tuesday.

"My budget will ask Democrats and Republicans to make the needed commitment to eliminate the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years. Together, we will defeat AIDS in America."

'This is something that has not been done before'

Trump's plan will fund programs in geographic hot spots, data to identify and track the spread of HIV, and the creation of local efforts in targeted areas to expand HIV prevention and treatment.

"What's new about this is the laser focus of multi-agencies synergizing together on those areas," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Wednesday.

"So this is something that has not been done before. We have certainly discussed this type of approach, but this is the first time we've had a multi-agency approach where the individual agencies will be working very closely together," he said.

Previously, the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS set a goal to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. In its report, the United Nations estimated that "new HIV infections have been reduced by 47% since the peak in 1996" worldwide.

"The concept of that is very similar to what we're doing," Fauci said.

"What we're saying is that we know that if we can identify everyone who is HIV infected, getting them on therapy, and dropping the viral load to below detectable levels, we can actually end the epidemic," he said.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the Food and Drug Administration commissioner, tweeted Tuesday that the plan to end the HIV epidemic in America could be "one of the most significant public health initiatives we undertake together."

'Actions speak louder than words'

Many health experts applauded the effort, but some also criticized the White House for cutting funding for HIV/AIDS programs in the past and remained hopeful that the next budget will reflect Trump's new pledge. Millions of dollars were shifted away from HIV/AIDS prevention programs last year.

"President Trump's pledge to end the HIV epidemic within 10 years is encouraging, but it is difficult to reconcile this statement with his administration's systematic assault on the HIV community -- including undermining access to affordable health insurance and HIV drugs; cutting funds for HIV research; and attacking LGBTQ+ people," New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot said in a statement Wednesday.

"In New York City, we have reached a historic low in new HIV diagnoses, guided by Mayor (Bill) de Blasio's Ending the Epidemic plan, a commitment to end the HIV epidemic in New York City by 2020. The plan is grounded in efforts to increase HIV testing, treatment and prevention and to dismantle HIV-related stigma by relying on sound science and community engagement," she said.

"A pathway exists for the President to end the HIV epidemic, but he cannot reach this goal by alienating the very communities most affected by it. Any legitimate plan must begin by righting these wrongs."

Tom Hart, the North America executive director for the ONE Campaign advocacy group, said in a statement Tuesday that the President's new goal turns a "needed spotlight" on AIDS but "actions speak louder than words."

"For the past two years, the Trump administration has proposed drastic cuts to global AIDS programs," said Hart, who has written opinion pieces published by CNN.

"American foreign assistance and global leadership saves lives, lifts people out of poverty, promotes stability, spurs economic growth and brings hope to millions. It also moves us closer to the day in which American foreign assistance is no longer needed," he said in the statement. "We hope President Trump's upcoming budget proposal will reflect these priorities, focus on those who need it most, and fully fund America's global poverty and health programs."

'We are highly confident that the resources ... are sufficient'

Dr. Brett Giroir, assistant secretary for health at the HHS, said Wednesday that he is confident there will be "sufficient resources" in the 2020 budget for the new HIV/AIDS plan.

"We are not able to provide specific budget numbers at this time. ... But we are highly confident that the resources being provided in 2020 are sufficient to support this very aggressive program," Giroir said.

"In my mind, the program has already started. We have been working together for months putting this together," he said. "I've already addressed the American Public Health Association and received tremendous support and collaboration already this morning. So while the proposal will roll out increased resources in 2020, all of our individual agencies are already working on this."

About 1.1 million people in the United States had HIV at the end of 2015, the most recent year for which information is available, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, about 15%, or 1 in 7, did not know they were infected.

Globally, 36.9 million people were living with HIV in 2017, and 21.7 million people were receiving antiretroviral treatment by the end of that year, according to the World Health Organization.

Around the world, there have been some successful efforts to work toward controlling the spread of HIV or human immunodeficiency virus, which weakens a person's immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection.

The United Kingdom has exceeded targets set forth by the United Nations for HIV diagnosis and treatment, proving that efforts to control the epidemic can work. An estimated 92% of the 102,000 people living with HIV in Britain have been diagnosed, according to Public Health England. Of those, 98% are on treatment, and 97% of those on treatment are virally suppressed, meaning HIV is undetectable in their blood.

Those figures make the UK one of the first countries to reach the United Nations' 90-90-90 targets, which urge countries to achieve a 90% success rate in the diagnosis, treatment and viral suppression of HIV, according to the health body.

In the United States, "I think that the commitment of the administration is important and very promising," said Dr. James Curran, dean and professor of epidemiology at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health and co-director of the university's Center for AIDS Research. "Throughout the history of the AIDS epidemic in the United States, political commitment at all levels, including the federal level, has been crucial and central to making progress against AIDS.

Curran, who's not involved in the Trump administration's new initiative, coordinated the AIDS task force at the CDC in 1981 and then led the HIV/AIDS division until 1995.

"We have the opportunity to improve people's lives; actually save their lives from a treatable condition, through which there's still too many deaths; and then reduce transmission to others. In order to do this, we need to have resources which are very well coordinated," he said. "This begins at the federal level with additional resources, but then it has to be translated to the state and county and local levels."
Thor Industries, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells recreational vehicles (RVs), and related parts and accessories in the United States, Canada, and Europe. It offers travel trailers under the Airstream Classic, Globetrotter, International, Flying Cloud, Caravel, Bambi, and Basecamp trade names; Class B motorhomes under the Interstate and Atlas series, and Sequence and Tellaro trade names; and gasoline and diesel Class A and Class C motorhomes under the Four Winds, Freedom Elite, Majestic, Hurricane, Chateau, Windsport, Axis, Vegas, Tuscany, Palazzo, Aria, Quantum, Compass, Gemini, and A.C.E trade names. It also provides conventional travel trailers and fifth wheels under the Montana, Springdale, Hideout, Sprinter, Outback, Laredo, Bullet, Fuzion, Raptor, Passport, Cougar, Coleman, Kodiak, Aspen Trail, Aerolite, Voltage, Cruiser, Volante, Sunset Trail, Zinger, Landmark, Bighorn, Elkridge, Trail Runner, North Trail, Cyclone, Torque, Prowler, Milestone, Shadow Cruiser, Lithium, MPG, Radiance, Sundance, Stryker, Escape, Sportsmen, Connect, Venom, Gold, Durango, Sportster, Stratus, SportTrek, Sonic, Jay Flight, Jay Feather, Eagle, Pinnacle, Talon, Autumn Ridge, Telluride, Highlander, Mesa Ridge, and Open Range trade names; and luxury fifth wheels under the Redwood and DRV Mobile Suites trade names. It offers Class A and Class C motorhomes under the Alante, Precept, Greyhawk, Redhawk, Odyssey, Esteem, Emblem, Insignia, Aspire, Anthem, and Cornerstone trade names. It also provides motorcaravans, caravans, campervans, and urban vehicles under the Buccaneer, Buerstner, Carado, Compass, CrossCamp, Dethleffs, Elddis, Eriba, Etrusco, Hymer, Laika, LMC, Niesmann+Bischoff, Sunlight, and Xplore brands. It offers aluminum extrusion and specialized component products to RV and other manufacturers; and digital products and services for RVs. It provides its products through independent and non-franchise dealers. The company was founded in 1980 and is based in Elkhart, Indiana.

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The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United states and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. The Business Insurance segment offers workers' compensation, commercial automobile and property, general liability, commercial multi-peril, employers' liability, public and product liability, professional indemnity, marine, aviation, onshore and offshore energy, construction, terrorism, personal accident, and kidnap and ransom insurance products. This segment operates through select accounts, which serve small businesses; commercial accounts that serve mid-sized businesses; national accounts, which serve large companies; and national property and other that serve large and mid-sized customers, commercial trucking industry, and agricultural businesses, as well as markets and distributes its products through brokers, wholesale agents, program managers, and specialized retail agents. The Bond & Specialty Insurance segment provides surety, fidelity, management and professional liability, and other property and casualty insurance products through independent agencies and brokers. The Personal Insurance segment offers property and casualty insurance covering personal risks, primarily automobile and homeowners insurance to individuals through independent agencies and brokers. The Travelers Companies, Inc. was founded in 1853 and is based in New York, New York.

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Tidewater Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides offshore marine support and transportation services to the offshore energy industry through the operation of a fleet of marine service vessels worldwide. It provides services in support of offshore oil and natural gas exploration, field development, and production, as well as windfarm development and maintenance, including towing of and anchor handling for mobile offshore drilling units; transporting supplies and personnel necessary to sustain drilling, workover, and production activities; offshore construction, and seismic and subsea support; geotechnical survey support for windfarm construction; and various specialized services, such as pipe and cable laying. The company operates and charters deepwater vessels, including platform supply and anchor handling tug supply vessels for use in transporting supplies and equipment from shore bases to deepwater and intermediate water depth offshore drilling rigs and production platforms; towing-supply vessels for use in intermediate and shallow waters; and crew boats, utility vessels, and offshore tugs to transport personnel and supplies from shore bases to offshore drilling rigs, platforms, and other installations. It also operates offshore tugs for use in tow floating drilling rigs and barges; and assisting in the docking of tankers, as well as in pipe and cable laying, and construction barges. The company serves oil and natural gas exploration, field development, and production companies; mid-sized and smaller independent exploration and production companies; government-owned or government-controlled organizations, and other related companies; drilling contractors; and other companies, such as offshore construction, windfarm development, diving, and well stimulation companies. As of December 31, 2020, it owned or chartered 172 vessels. Tidewater Inc. was incorporated in 1956 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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Raymond James Financial, Inc., a financial holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the underwriting, distribution, trading, and brokerage of equity and debt securities, and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, RJ Bank, and Other segments. The Private Client Group segment provides securities brokerage services, including the sale of equities, mutual funds, fixed income products, and insurance products to their individual clients; and borrowing and lending of securities to and from other broker-dealers, financial institutions, and other counterparties. The Capital Markets segment offers securities brokerage, trading, and research services to institutions with a focus on sale of the United States and Canadian equities and fixed income products; and manages and participates in underwritings, merger and acquisition services, and public finance activities. The Asset Management segment engages in the operations of Eagle, the Eagle Family of Funds, Cougar, the asset management operations of Raymond James & Associates, trust services of Raymond James Trust, and other fee-based asset management programs. The RJ Bank segment provides corporate loans, SBL, tax-exempt loans, and residential loans. The Other segment engages in private equity activities, including various direct and third party private equity investments; and private equity funds. Raymond James Financial, Inc. was founded in 1962 and is based in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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The EstAe Lauder Companies Inc. manufactures and markets skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products. The company offers a range of skin care products, including moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, body care, exfoliators, acne care and oil correctors, facial masks, cleansing devices, and sun care products; and makeup products, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, foundations, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and powders, as well as compacts, brushes, and other makeup tools. It also provides fragrance products in various forms comprising eau de parfum sprays and colognes, as well as lotions, powders, creams, candles, and soaps; and hair care products that include shampoos, conditioners, styling products, treatment, finishing sprays, and hair color products, as well as sells ancillary products and services. The company offers its products under EstAe Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, MAAAC, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Smashbox, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums FrAdAric Malle, GLAMGLOW, By Kilian, BECCA, Too Faced, RODIN olio lusso, FLIRT!, Kiton, and Tom Ford brands. It also holds license arrangements for Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Michael Kors, Ermenegildo Zegna, Dr. Andrew Weil, TOM FORD BEAUTY, AERIN, and Tory Burch brands. The company sells its products through department stores, specialty-multi retailers, upscale perfumeries and pharmacies, and salons and spas; freestanding stores; its own and authorized retailer Websites; third-party online malls; stores in airports and on cruise ships; in-flight and duty-free shops; and self-select outlets. It has operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The EstAe Lauder Companies Inc. has a joint development agreement with Atropos Therapeutics Inc. to discover senomodulators. The company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Well [] set aside more resources for supervision and the problems weve detected. Well intervene firmly and impose sanctions, declared Orpo.

MINISTERS Petteri Orpo (NCP) and Annika Saarikko (Centre) revealed in the Finnish Parliament on Wednesday that the government will propose in its supplementary budget that additional funds be allocated for the supervision of elderly care.

Uusi Suomi wrote about the scarcity of resources allocated for the supervision of elderly care in Finland on Tuesday, revealing that supervising elderly care on a nationwide scale is the responsibility of a single officer at the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira). In addition, supervision is conducted by roughly 20 employees at Regional State Administrative Agencies (AVI).

Saarikko on Wednesday said the supplementary budget draft will support the work of officers at both AVI and Valvira, specifically to ensure they can address shortcomings based not only on complaints but also on independent inspections.

The National Coalition, which is the only party that opposes calls to introduce binding statutory staffing requirements for nursing homes and other elderly services, reiterated yesterday that one binding number cannot be applied to all elderly services.

We have to be very concerned that as the number of elderly people is growing rapidly  the share of over 80-year-olds will double over the next decade, if I remember correctly  how can we make sure that we really have the money to take care of everyone, said Orpo.

Officials at the Ministry of Finance are saying we should make fiscal adjustments of two billion euros, so where exactly is the treasure chest you plan to draw the money for all these good causes?

Also Orpo admitted that more nurses and new guidelines for staffing requirements are necessary, but also reminded that the challenge will be how to determine the requirements.

As is the governments line, we want to fix elderly services, he asserted.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Source: Uusi Suomi
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides instrumentation, digital imaging, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company's Instrumentation segment offers monitoring and control instruments for marine, environmental, industrial, and other applications, as well as electronic test and measurement equipment; and power and communications connectivity devices for distributed instrumentation systems and sensor networks deployed in mission critical and harsh environments. Its Digital Imaging segment provides image sensors and digital cameras for use in industrial, scientific, academic research, and medical applications; and hardware and software for image processing and automatic data collection in industrial, academic research, and medical applications, as well as manufacturing services for micro electro-mechanical systems. This segment also offers light detection and ranging systems; focal plane arrays, sensors, and subsystems; and geospatial software products. The company's Aerospace and Defense Electronics segment provides electronic components and subsystems, as well as communications products, such as defense electronics; environment interconnects; data acquisition and communications equipment for aircraft; components and subsystems for wireless and satellite communications; and general aviation batteries. Its Engineered Systems segment offers systems engineering and integration, technology development, and manufacturing solutions for defense, space, environmental, and energy applications; and designs and manufactures electrochemical energy systems and electronics for military applications. The company markets and sells its products and services through sales forces, third-party distributors, and commissioned sales representatives. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California.

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New Relic, Inc., a software-as-a-service company, provides platform for engineers to plan, build, deploy, and operate software worldwide. It offers a suite of products on its open and extensible cloud-based platform, New Relic One Platform, which enables users to collect, store, and analyze telemetry data flowing through and about their software. The company also provides prebuilt dashboards and visualizations, as well as the ability to search across data types, create customized dashboards, and build applications that can be shared and customized by other users. In addition, it offers customers with software code to add to their applications and infrastructure; open data application performance interfaces, and software development kits, as well as open source connectors and technologies for customers, partners, and third-party developers to extend its platform into their products; cloud-based architecture and big data database; and New Relic Application Performance Monitoring, Mobile, Browser, Synthetics, Infrastructure, and Insights products for analyzing data. Further, the company provides New Relic chart builder, dashboards, and programmability features that allow customers to use connected data to build visuals; New Relic Applied Intelligence to spot abnormal behavior across billions of pieces of data; and New Relic Alerts, which provides a centralized notification system. It sells its products through direct sales organizations, and online and offline sales. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

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In short, these are the main takeaways from the legislative measure: Foreign operators will be able to acquire licences to host online casinos in Sweden,

Sweden has recently had a much-needed update to its gambling laws , a move which might see Finland and other countries consider revamping their own gaming legislation. The Gambling Act 2018 came into force in Sweden on 1 st January 2019, with the Swedish Government hoping it will bring gaming practices into the 21 st century.

an 18% tax will be applied to for-profit gambling (non-profit is still exempt) and the sector will be split into three: non-profit, profit and government-owned. Other measures have been designed to discourage problem gambling, including restrictions on casino promotions.

Legal grey areas challenged

Sweden has also had some blow back against local media companies advertising foreign casino sites, with the Linkoping Administrative Court recently ruling in favour of Lotteriinspektionens injunctions. However, Swedens new gambling laws will allow foreign-owned gambling companies to obtain Swedish licences to operate there. In short, the new laws will cut out the legal grey areas, helping everyone from players to advertisers and operators.

As most will be aware, Finland has some unique gaming laws. Many critics believe it is time for Finland to move away from the state monopoly and allow direct foreign competition into the market. In fairness, when it comes to gambling legislation, authorities have a difficult balancing act to make between supporting business and profit, offering citizens personal freedoms. But what can Finland learn from Sweden?

The new Swedish legislation will restrict cash casino bonuses to first time registration only. Is that something that Finnish players would welcome?

There are other factors to take under consideration: While it might not make all the headlines, Finland and the EU often clash over the state monopoly on gambling. How Finns wager their money may not feel like the EUs biggest concern, but the bloc takes competition law seriously and, in these scenarios, a minor fight can quickly escalate into a serious one.

EU may have reckoning with Finland

Indeed, one reason that the EU has not yet come down hard on Finland is the ironic fact that foreign operators at least have some access to the Finnish market. While the current law prohibits foreign companies from operating and advertising in Finland, it does not prohibit Finns from playing at online casinos hosted outside the country  and they do so in their droves. It is this grey area of the law which most needs addressed, a move that would help operators and players, both local and foreign.

In light of that, there is a dual pressure on Finland to change its current gambling laws. On one hand, you have business, foreign and local entities, who would like to have a slice of the gambling revenue. On the other hand, you have pressure coming from the EU for Finland to open up its gambling market to outside competition. Finlands government may not want to act, but they may have to soon. Swedens new laws are by no means perfect, but they should perhaps encourage Finland to take a look at its own.

HT
GUANGZHOU, Feb. 5 -- Images of U.K. cartoon Peppa Pig have become a hit as Chinese people celebrate the Year of Pig, with images being designed as creative spin-off products, and sold at traditional temple fairs.

In 2018, the cartoon series gained huge popularity among children and parents, as well as millions of social media users. In 2019, the Year of Pig, the Peppa Pig series continues to tap its economic potential.

"Last year, we set a new production record with over 13 million toys of Peppa Pig series and a big share of the orders were booked for 2019, the Year of Pig," said Zheng Donghua, head of Huawang company, an exclusive Peppa Pig toys producer based in the manufacturing city of Dongguan in coastal Guangdong Province.

All plush toys sold on the Chinese market are made in Huawang since the company was given the exclusive license in 2014 to use the image of Peppa Pig.

"The products we prepared for the first season have sold out," Zheng said. "Orders during Spring Festival can hardly be satisfied."

Peppa Pig became one of the most trending topics on social media in January. A heartwarming "What is Peppa Pig?" video, and a promo video of the China-Britain co-production film "Peppa Pig" went viral when it was released online in mid-January.
MPLX LP owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and logistics assets primarily in the United States. It operates in two segments, Logistics and Storage, and Gathering and Processing. The company is involved in the gathering, processing, and transportation of natural gas; gathering, transportation, fractionation, exchange, storage, and marketing of natural gas liquids; transportation, storage, distribution, and marketing of crude oil and refined petroleum products, as well as other hydrocarbon-based products; and sale of residue gas and condensate. Its pipeline network located throughout the United States and Alaska; storage caverns consist of butane, propane, and liquefied petroleum gas storage with locations in Neal in West Virginia, Woodhaven in Michigan, Robinson in Illinois, and Jal in New Mexico; and marine business owns and operates boats and barges, including third-party chartered equipment, as well as a marine repair facility located on the Ohio River. The company also transports light products, heavy oils, crude oil, renewable fuels, chemicals, and feedstocks in the Mid-Continent and Gulf Coast regions. In addition, its refining logistics assets operates 619 tanks with a storage capacity of approximately 56 million barrels; and 32 rail and truck racks, 18 docks, and gasoline blenders. Further, the company operates terminal facilities for the receipt, storage, blending, adultization, handling, and redelivery of refined petroleum products located throughout the continental United States and Alaska. MPLX GP LLC acts as the general partner of MPLX LP. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is based in Findlay, Ohio. MPLX LP is a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation.

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Wall Street analysts have given Invesco China Technology 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 Invesco China Technology ETF 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 Russell 2000 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 Russell 2000 ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.
ION Geophysical Corporation provides data-driven decision-making to offshore energy, and ports, and defense industries worldwide. The company operates through two segments, E&P Technology & Services and Operations Optimization. The E&P Technology & Services segment creates digital data assets and delivers services to help E&P companies improve decision-making and reduce risk. This segment includes two synergistic groups, imaging and reservoir services, and ventures. The company's Imaging and Reservoir Services group provides data processing, imaging, and reservoir services that improve image quality and subsurface insights, helping E&P companies reduce exploration and production risk, evaluate and develop reservoirs, and increase production. Its Imaging and Reservoir Services group develops and applies proprietary processing algorithms through its imaging engine to data owned or licensed by its customers to translate raw data into subsurface images. The Operations Optimization segment develops mission-critical subscription offerings and provides engineering services that enable operational control and optimization offshore. This segment includes the company's Optimization Software & Services and Devices offerings. The company's Optimization Software & Services group provides survey design, command, and control software systems and related services for marine towed streamer and seabed operations. Its Devices offerings group develops intelligent equipment controlled by its software to optimize operations. The company sells its services and products through a direct sales force consisting of employees and international third-party sales representatives. ION Geophysical Corporation was formerly known as Input/Output, Inc. and changed its name to ION Geophysical Corporation in 2007. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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ICICI Bank Limited provides various banking products and financial services in India and internationally. It operates in Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking, Treasury, and Others Banking segments. The company offers savings, salary, pension, current, and other accounts; and fixed, recurring, and security deposits. It also provides home, car, two wheeler, personal, gold, and commercial business loans, as well as loans against securities and other loans; business loans, such as working capital finance, term loans, collateral free loans, loans without financials, finance for importers and exporters, and secured loans for credit card swipes, as well as loans for new entities, and schools and colleges; and credit, debit, prepaid, travel, and corporate cards. In addition, the company offers insurance products; pockets wallet; fixed income products; investment products, such as mutual funds, gold monetization schemes, and initial public offerings, as well as other online investment services; and farmer finance, tractor loans, and micro banking services, as well as other services to agri traders and processors, and agri corporates. Further, it provides portfolio management, trade, foreign exchange, locker, private and NRI banking, and cash management services; family wealth and demat accounts; commercial and investment banking, capital market, custodial, project and technology finance, and institutional banking services, as well as Internet, mobile, and phone banking services. Additionally, the company offers securities investment, broking, trading, and underwriting services; and merchant banking, trusteeship, housing finance, and pension fund management services. As of March 31, 2020, it had a network of 5,324 branches, 15,688 ATMs, 1,638 insta-banking kiosks, 483,538 POS terminals, and 1,791 cash acceptance machines. ICICI Bank Limited was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Mumbai, India.

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General Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company worldwide. The company's Power segment offers heavy-duty and aeroderivative gas turbines for utilities, independent power producers, and industrial applications; maintenance, service, and upgrade solutions to plant assets and their operational lifecycle; steam power technology for fossil and nuclear applications, including boilers, generators, steam turbines, and air quality control systems; and advanced reactor technologies solutions comprising reactors, fuels, and support services for boiling water reactors. This segment also applies the science and systems of power conversion to provide motors, generators, automation, and control equipment; and drives for energy intensive industries, such as marine, oil and gas, mining, rail, metals, test systems, and water. Its Renewable Energy segment provides various solutions for its customers through combining onshore and offshore wind, blades, hydro, storage, solar, and grid solutions, as well as hybrid renewables and digital services offerings. The company's Aviation segment designs and produces commercial and military aircraft engines, integrated engine components, electric power, and mechanical aircraft systems; and provides aftermarket services. Its Healthcare segment develops, manufactures, markets, and services magnetic resonance, computed tomography, molecular imaging, x-ray and high-frequency soundwave systems, clinical monitoring and acute care systems, enterprise digital, artificial intelligence applications, consulting and command center, and complementary software and services; and researches, manufactures, and markets imaging agents. The company's Capital segment offers aviation leasing and financing, and working capital services; financial solutions and underwriting capabilities; and insurance and reinsurance for life and health risks, as well as annuity products. The company was founded in 1878 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Valley National Bancorp operates as the holding company for Valley National Bank that provides various commercial, retail, insurance, and wealth management financial services products. The company operates through Commercial Lending, Consumer Lending, and Investment Management segments. Its deposit products include non-interest bearing, savings, NOW, and money market accounts, as well as time deposits. The company also offers commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, residential mortgage, and automobile loans; loans secured by the cash surrender value of life insurance; home equity loans and lines of credit; and secured and unsecured other consumer loans. In addition, it invests in securities and interest-bearing deposits with other banks; and offers international banking services, such as standby letters of credit, documentary letters of credit and related products, foreign exchange transactions, documentary collections, and foreign wire transfers services, as well as transaction accounts for non-resident aliens. Further, the company provides investment services for individuals and small to medium sized businesses; and trusts and custom -tailored investment strategies for retirement plans. Additionally, it offers trust services, which comprise living and testamentary trusts, investment management, custodial and escrow services, and estate administration primarily to individuals; property and casualty, life, health, and title insurance agency services; and health care equipment lending and other commercial equipment leasing services, as well as holds real estate related investments. Further, the company offers other banking services comprising automated teller machine, telephone and Internet banking, remote deposit capturing, overdraft, drive-in and night deposit, and safe deposit services. It operates 226 retail banking centers located in New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Alabama. The company was founded in 1927 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Melrose Industries PLC engages in the aerospace, automotive, powder metallurgy, air management, and other industrial businesses in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, North America, and internationally. Its Aerospace segment provides airframe and engine structures, and electrical interconnection systems for the aerospace industry in civil airframe and defense platforms. The company's Automotive segment designs, develops, manufactures, and integrates driveline technologies; and epowertrains and intelligent all-wheel drive systems. Its Powder Metallurgy segment offers precision automotive components and components for industrial and consumer applications; metal powder for powder metallurgy; and additive manufacturing parts for prototypes. The company's Nortek Air Management segment manufactures and sells ventilation products for the professional remodeling and replacement, residential new construction, and consumer DIY markets. This segment also manufactures and sells split-system and packaged air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, air handlers, and parts for the residential replacement and new construction markets; and custom designed and engineered products and systems for non-residential applications. Its Other Industrial segment provides turbo generators, transformers, and switchgears; develops and manufactures security, home automation, and access control technologies for the residential and commercial markets; and designs, manufactures, and distributes ergonomic products for use in a various working, learning, and healthcare environments. The company was formerly known as New Melrose Industries PLC and changed its name to Melrose Industries PLC in November 2015. Melrose Industries PLC was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry worldwide. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and offers ProxyEdge, an electronic proxy delivery and voting solution. It also distributes regulatory reports and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions; and provides end-to-end platform for content management, composition, and multi-channel distribution of regulatory, marketing, and transactional information, as well as mutual fund trade processing services. In addition, this segment offers financial reporting document composition and management solutions; SEC disclosure and filing services; registrar, stock transfer, and record-keeping services; customer communication solutions; cloud-based marketing and customer communication tools; customer and account data aggregation and reporting services, as well as creates sales and educational content, including seminars and a library of financial planning topics; and mutual fund trade processing services. The company's Global Technology and Operations segment offers desktop productivity tools, data aggregation, performance reporting, portfolio management, order capture and execution, trade confirmation, margin, cash management, clearance and settlement, asset servicing, reference data management, reconciliations, securities financing and collateral optimization, compliance and regulatory reporting, and accounting. It also provides capital market, wealth management, asset management, and international securities processing solutions; managed services; and customizable advisor Websites, search engine marketing, and electronic and print newsletters. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Lake Success, New York.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, and markets biopharmaceutical products worldwide. The company offers products in hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, and immunology therapeutic classes. Its products include Revlimid, an oral immunomodulatory drug for the treatment of multiple myeloma; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Eliquis, an oral inhibitor indicated for the reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; and Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis, as well as reducing signs and symptoms in pediatric patients with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The company also provides Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia; Yervoy for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma; Abraxane, a solvent-free protein-bound chemotherapy product; mpliciti for the treatment of multiple myeloma; and Reblozyl for the treatment of anemia in adult patients with beta thalassemia. In addition, it offers Onureg for the continued treatment of adult patients with AML; Zeposia to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; Vidaza for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome subtypes; Baraclude, an oral antiviral agent for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B; and Breyanzi, a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma. The company sells products to wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, retailers, hospitals, clinics, and government agencies. It has collaboration agreements with Pfizer, Inc.; Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; Nektar Therapeutics; AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Huyabio; and DarwinHealth, Inc. The company was formerly known as Bristol-Myers Company. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company's personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers. It also offers investment and wealth advisory services; digital investing services; financial services and solutions; and investment management, and trust and custody services to institutional, retail, and high net worth investors. In addition, the company provides life insurance, accident and sickness insurance, and annuity products; creditor and travel insurance to bank customers; and reinsurance solutions. Further, it offers client's debt and equity capital-raising services, as well as loan origination and syndication, balance sheet management, and treasury management; strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and recapitalizations, as well as valuation and fairness opinions; and trade finance, risk mitigation, and other operating services. Additionally, the company provides research and access to markets for institutional, corporate, and retail clients; trading solutions that include debt, foreign exchange, interest rate, credit, equity, securitization and commodities; new product development and origination services, as well as risk management advice and services to hedge against fluctuations; and funding and liquidity management services to its clients. It operates through approximately 1,400 bank branches and 4,800 automated banking machines in Canada and the United States. The company was founded in 1817 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.

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PPG Industries, Inc. manufactures and distributes paints, coatings, and specialty materials worldwide. The company's Performance Coatings segment offers coatings, solvents, adhesives, sealants, sundries, and software for automotive and commercial transport/fleet repair and refurbishing, light industrial coatings, and specialty coatings for signs; and coatings, sealants, transparencies, transparent armor, adhesives, engineered materials, and packaging and chemical management services for commercial, military, regional jet, and general aviation aircraft. It also provides coatings and finishes for the protection of metals and structures, such as metal fabricators, heavy duty maintenance contractors, and manufacturers of ships, bridges, and rail cars; paints, wood stains, and purchased sundries for painting and maintenance contractors, and consumers for decoration and maintenance of residential and commercial building structures; and thermoplastics, pavement marking products, and other technologies for pavement marking. The company's Industrial Coatings segment provides coatings, adhesives and sealants, and metal pretreatments, as well as services and coatings applications for appliances, agricultural and construction equipment, consumer electronics, automotive parts and accessories, building products, kitchenware, and transportation vehicles and other finished products; and on-site coatings services. It also provides coatings for metal cans, closures, plastic tubes, industrial packaging, and promotional and specialty packaging; amorphous precipitated silica for tire, battery separator, and other end-uses; TESLIN substrates for labels, e-passports, drivers' licenses, breathable membranes, and other loyalty and identification cards; and organic light emitting diode materials, displays and lighting lens materials, and optical lenses and color-change products, as well as photochromic dyes. The company was founded in 1883 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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The Coming Psychedelic Boom (Ad)

Warning to all investors: There's a coming boom that might make the CBD craze look like an outdated investment.

Learn More About The Coming Psychedelic Boom Now!
22 hours ago

| June 22nd | 2021 6:10 AM

Gold is Dead? Should You Opt for Gold (Over Crypto) in Your Portfolio?

When meme coins surged earlier this year (remember Dogecoin mania?) it might've been easy to dump everything you owned  stocks, bonds, gold  for crypto. Then digital currencies took a nosedive again. Young retail investors might deem actual coins  including precious metals  all but dead. But you might not want to
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Rogers Communications Inc. operates as a communications and media company in Canada. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The company offers mobile Internet access, wireless voice and enhanced voice, device and accessory financing, wireless home phone, device protection, text messaging, e-mail, global voice and data roaming, bridging landline, machine-to-machine and Internet of Things solutions, and advanced wireless solutions for businesses, as well as device delivery services; and postpaid and prepaid services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands to approximately 10.9 million subscribers. It also provides Internet and WiFi services; smart home monitoring services, such as monitoring, security, automation, energy efficiency, and smart control through a smartphone app. In addition, the company offers local and network TV; on-demand television; cloud-based digital video recorders; voice-activated remote controls, and integrated apps; personal video recorders; linear and time-shifted programming; digital specialty channels; 4K television programming; and televised content on smartphones, tablets, and personal computers, as well as operates Ignite TV and Ignite TV app. Further, it provides residential and small business local telephony services; calling features, such as voicemail, call waiting, and long distance; voice, data networking, Internet protocol, and Ethernet services; private networking, Internet, IP voice, and cloud solutions; optical wave and multi-protocol label switching services; IT and network technologies; and cable access network services. The company also owns Toronto Blue Jays and the Rogers Centre event venue; and operates Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet World, Citytv, OMNI, FX (Canada), FXX (Canada), and OLN television networks, as well as 55 AM and FM radio stations. Rogers Communications Inc. was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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Plains GP Holdings, L.P. owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure in the United States and Canada. It operates through three segments: Transportation, Facilities, and Supply and Logistics. The Transportation segment engages in the transportation of crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs) on pipelines, gathering systems, and trucks. As of December 31, 2020, this segment owned and leased assets comprising 18,370 miles of crude oil and NGL pipelines and gathering systems; 35 million barrels of above-ground tank capacity; and 815 trailers. The Facilities segment engages in the provision of storage, terminalling, and throughput services primarily for crude oil, NGLs, and natural gas; NGL fractionation and isomerization services; and natural gas and condensate processing services. As of December 31, 2020, this segment owned and operated approximately 75 million barrels of crude oil storage capacity; 28 million barrels of NGL storage capacity; 68 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas storage capacity; 26 Bcf of base gas; 5 natural gas processing plants; a condensate processing facility; 8 fractionation plants; 22 crude oil and NGL rail terminals; 5 marine facilities; and 330 miles of pipelines. The Supply and Logistics segment engages in the purchase, logistics, and resale of crude oil and NGL. As of December 31, 2020, this segment owned 16 million barrels of crude oil and NGL linefill; 4 million barrels of crude oil and NGL linefill in pipelines owned by third parties and other inventory; 680 trucks and 840 trailers; and 6,000 crude oil and NGL railcars. The company offers logistics services to producers, refiners, and other customers. PAA GP Holdings LLC operates as a general partner of the company. Plains GP Holdings, L.P. was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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Performance Food Group Company, through its subsidiaries, markets and distributes food and food-related products in the United States. It operates in two segments, Foodservice and Vistar. The company offers a range of frozen foods, including meats, fully prepared appetizers and entrees, fruits, vegetables, and desserts; canned and dry foods; fresh meats; dairy products; beverage products; imported specialties; fresh produce; and candy, snack, and other products, as well as beef, seafood, shortenings and oils, baked goods, salad dressings, teas and cocoas, pork, and others. It also supplies various non-food items, such as paper products comprising pizza boxes, disposable napkins, plates, and cups; tableware that include china and silverware; cookware, which comprise pots, pans, and utensils; restaurant and kitchen equipment and supplies; cigarettes and other tobacco products; and cleaning supplies. In addition, the company offers value-added services related to foodservice distribution, including electronic order-taking, payment, and other Internet based services; various reports and other data, menu planning advice, food safety training, and assistance in inventory control, as well as access to various third-party services designed to add value to its customers' businesses. It serves independent and chain restaurants, schools, business and industry locations, hospitals, vending distributors, office coffee service distributors, retailers, theaters, convenience stores, and hospitality providers, as well as franchises and other institutional customers. The company markets and distributes approximately 200,000 food and food-related products from 109 distribution centers to approximately 200,000 customer locations. Performance Food Group Company was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

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The second ice storm to hit Wisconsin in as many days is likely to be much worse than the first, with officials saying travel could be next to impossible.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday, with the advisory staying in effect in far southeastern Wisconsin until 9 p.m. Thursday.

The only saving grace about this treacherous storm is it most likely won't have an impact on the Wednesday evening commute.

Freezing rain, sleet and snow are expected to start falling in Madison and all of southern Wisconsin Wednesday night, continuing into Thursday and Thursday night.

"Power outages and tree damage are possible due to the ice, and travel could be nearly impossible," the weather advisory said.

The highest ice and snow accumulations are expected along and north of a line from Monroe to Madison to Fond du Lac, with some areas getting up to 2 inches of snow and a third of an inch of ice.

The Madison Streets Division is getting ready for the storm just as it did for Tuesday night's storm.

"Once the storm begins, 32 trucks will be deployed to the salt routes," said Streets Superintendent Charlie Romines.
Edward Richard Bergman, 77, of Stevens Point, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019.

He was born March 8, 1941, in Reedsburg to Edward and Elsbeth Bergman. Ed was one of five children and told great stories of his days growing up on the family farm in Loganville as the baby of the family. He returned to Loganville often to deer hunt with his sons and brother, Evan.

After graduating from Webb High School in Reedsburg in 1959, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served his country from January 1960 until November 1962, spending much of that time in France before being honorably discharged. He was looking forward to an upcoming Honor Flight in May of this year.

Ed married Carolyn Steinke on Sept. 26, 1964. Ed worked as a carpenter and credit manager until the mid 1970s when he started his own business as a home builder. He was well known for building quality homes. Ed was committed to local home building as a charter member of the Golden Sands Home Builders Association, serving as its president in 1993-94. He received the GSHBA Builder of the Year award in 1994. Ed also held a real estate brokers license. After building hundreds of homes in the Stevens Point area, Ed retired in 2005 but continued to work part time designing homes for his son Kurt.
Another project around the lake that sustained damage from the flood is the Section 11 boat landing, a project coordinated by the Town of La Valle. Lake Redstone Protection District Board Member and Town of La Valle Chairman Ray Demaskie said the damage due to the heavy rainfall caused the boat landing to close.

(It) took out the handicap wall on the bottom and tore out a lot of the settlement, Demaskie said, adding there is a large ditch towards the side of the boat landing from wash out. The boat landing remains closed.

Demaskie said the town board has submitted a request to the DNR for review on repairing the boat landing and an application to FEMA for funding requests. Costs to repair the boat landing range between $80,000 to $100,000, he said. He said the town board is also looking at possibly constructing a bridge near the boat landing on West Redstone Drive as a mitigation effort to prevent water from going over the boat landing in future floods. If the project goes forward, Demaskie said it could cost an additional $40,000.

He is hoping to meet with the DNR in March to see if it will help with the project.

Im hoping to have it (the boat landing) open sometime in May, Demaskie said. But the DNR and everybodys got to fall in line to make it work.

Follow Erica Dynes on Twitter @EDynes_CapNews or contact her at 608-393-5346.
A Reedsburg woman received her second citation for drunken driving Feb. 6 just hours after receiving her first.

According to police, Myranda L. Batzler, 27, was arrested at 7:50 p.m. for driving left of the center line in the area of Pine and East Main streets in Reedsburg. She was processed and released for first offense drunken driving and Reedsburg Police released her to a sober driver at about 10 p.m.

At around midnight, Reedsburg police said an officer observed the same vehicle driving the wrong way on South Walnut and Vine streets. South Walnut is a one-way street. Police say they stopped the vehicle and arrested Batzler a second time. She again was processed and released to a sober driver.

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Reedsburg Police Chief Tim Becker said Batzler was issued two separate first-offense drunken citations since she hasnt been convicted of anything yet.

Both cases are scheduled to appear in Reedsburg Municipal Court in March. Becker said if convicted of the first citation, the second citation becomes a second-offense drunken driving charge and will transfer to Sauk County Circuit Court as a criminal offense.
One of Edisons favorite creations, and the one he was the proudest of, was the phonograph. While tinkering with one of his inventions, a device to record telegraph messages onto a paper tape, he accidentally played the tape at a high rate of speed and noticed that the sound coming from the machine sounded like spoken words.

Being fascinated by the possibilities, he experimented using a needle attached to a telephone receiver diaphragm. Edison drew up plans for the device and gave them to his mechanic, John Kruesi, who completed the machine in 30 hours. Utilizing paraffin-coated paper on a cylinder as the recording medium, he placed the needle on the paper and cranked the cylinder. As he spoke into the mouthpiece, the vibrating needle moved up and down, creating indentations in the paper as an up and down groove pattern. When he played it back, he was astonished to hear his own voice speaking back to him from the machine. Those now famous words were, Mary had a little lamb... the first recording ever made. He later used tin foil as the recording medium as it was more durable.
As a Lafayette County Board Supervisor, Ive been involved in planning the Southwest Wisconsin Groundwater and Geology study for over a year. These early results show how crucial the study is. The next phase will involve tests of another set of randomly selected wells this spring. Then the work of tracing the sources and reasons for the contamination will begin. After that, pending recommendations by the researchers and the state Task Force, state legislators and local elected officials should begin creating policy to protect private wells.

In the meantime, concerned citizens can take action:

Test your well now if you are a rural homeowner. In a geologically vulnerable region like ours, annual well testing should be the norm. Please use a University of Wisconsin lab for the tests so that your results can be recorded, without your address or name, and help create an accurate picture of overall well safety.
A Mauston man faces criminal charges after police say he burglarized a home and pointed a gun at a woman.

Matthew Testa, 27, is charged with burglary of a dwelling, possession of a firearm by a felon, theft, pointing firearm at another and two counts of felony bail jumping. He faces up to 15 years imprisonment for the first charge.

According to the criminal complaint:

A Mauston Police officer working Dec. 6, 2014 was dispatched to a Tremont Street house in Mauston after receiving a report of a burglary taking place. Two males were reported on the premise wearing dark clothing who left in an SUV and were travelling on Elm Street.

Upon arriving at the residence, the officer met with the reporting party, an adult female. The female stated she witnessed the individuals taking firearms from a bedroom in the home. She said she argued and fought with the males until the ran from the house.

The officer went upstairs and observed a wooden gun cabinet that had the glass broken out of it, as well as two rifles laying on the bed with multiple other items.

The female stated she asked the individuals what they were doing in her house and one of them, identified as having a tattoo near his eye, pointed a gun at her in reply.
Advocates for a cleaner Lake Decorah say the project to restore the lakes waters is making progress, but still has a long way to go.

Lake Decorah faces challenges related to sedimentation and resulting eutrophication from high concentrations of nutrients in the water and aquatic plant growth.

Dredging is a potential short term strategy to mitigate the problem, but does not address eutrophication at the source. Stopping sedimentation through land use management is the long-term strategy recommended by the DNR.

The Lake Decorah Restoration Project was formed in 2018 to address the lakes water quality with the long-term in mind.

What we want to do is turn this more into a recreation lake, Said Mauston Mayor Brian McGuire. Fishing, ice fishing people used to water ski here.

McGuire said although the project is still in the groundwork stage, a meeting Jan. 23 was attended by about 30 community members.

We want to get rid of the smell, McGuire said. Get it all cleaned out and direct the flow of water to the point where sediment gets deposited in certain areas. And it can be cleaned out.

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Columbus plans to examine the safety of its downtown crosswalks, specifically the four corners intersection, which includes James Street and Ludington Street.

The Committee of the Whole discussed safety measures at its Feb. 5 meeting at city hall.

A resident came in, voicing her displeasure with the pedestrian safety around the crosswalks in the downtown area, said Council President Andy Traxler.

City Administrator Patrick Vander Sanden worked with City Engineer Jason Lietha and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to see what could be done to improve safety at the intersection. They solution they proposed is to adjust traffic lights so pedestrians have more time to cross the street.

There are options here for the installation of an LPI, leading pedestrian interval, which basically gives the pedestrian a little more time when the walk light goes on, Traxler said. It gives them a few more seconds more of a head-start before the light turns.

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Vander Sanden said adjusting the LPI would give motorists more opportunity to see pedestrians sooner. He said the DOT recommended the adjustment and Lietha said its a suitable option before the city looks at signage changes.
Those who pass by the Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce have noticed something amiss lately  the beaver has vanished.

Phil Fritsche, president of the chamber, said the beaver statue that adorned a stump in front of the building was destroyed by carpenter ants.

It was fully infested and irreparably damaged, said Fritsche. The front of the beaver remains and I was hoping to save that part and maybe hang it on a wall.

The beaver was a relatively new citizen of Beaver Dam.

When a pine tree was removed from the chambers yard about seven years ago, the beaver statue was carved out of the remaining stump by a Wisconsin man using a chainsaw.

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Fritsche said since that time, the statue had become a city icon and many people would take selfie photos with the beaver in it.

It was also decorated for different events or seasons, he said.

The chamber is looking to install a permanent fiberglass or concrete beaver statue as a replacement.
The Atlantic cites the work of two Berkeley economists, Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman, who assessed the Warren plan. They noted it would require a significant increase in the enforcement budget for the IRS and a minimum audit rate for households subject to the new levy. Giving further powers to the IRS should raise concerns for all Americans.

There are constitutional questions. The 16th Amendment, allowing a Federal Income Tax states The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration. Its clear the 16th Amendment referred to income, not wealth.

Assets already are taxed in a variety of ways. Property taxes on real estate, capital gains taxes on stock sales, potential taxes when taking money from a retirement plan, and the list goes on.

The Vox story mentioned European countries are abandoning their wealth taxes. The number of countries with such a tax has gone from 12 to four since 1990. The NBC story stated France had 60,000 millionaires leave the country due to the oppressive tax system. Perhaps most scary of all, the Feb. 4 Washington Post story warned Warren wants to impose a 40 percent exit tax on assets exceeding $50 million if someone wants to renounce their citizenship.

It is clear Warren has staked her claim as the class-envy, blame-the-rich-guy, success-is-evil candidate. Her tax plan is untenable, unworkable, bad economic policy and seeks to further divide our nation with more intrusive government. Let us continue to support our current president.

Scott Frostman lives in Baraboo and has roots throughout Wisconsin. He believes anyone can make a difference and can be reached at scfrostman@gmail.com.
The two supervisors believe the ethics complaint was political payback for ending Supervisor Marty Krueger of Reedsburgs 12-year reign as chairman.

Peterson alleged Berlin violated the countys ethics code by claiming mileage reimbursement for meetings she had been driven to by Wenzel.

Berlin said the 50-mile reimbursement she claimed was actually less than the 60-mile round trip she made to and from Wenzels home so that they could carpool. She said she got rides to the evening meetings because she does not like driving at night.

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During Wednesdays hearing, Peterson cited a state law that says board members shall receive mileage for the most usual traveled route to meetings. He argued that detours for the purposes of carpooling were not permissible.

However, Sauk County Corporation Counsel Daniel Olson said the county did not adopt the state laws language into its own ordinance. He said nothing in the countys own rules prohibited what Berlin did.

Berlins attorney, Diane Welsh of Madison, said none of the instructional materials or training that Berlin received as a new supervisor informed her that she could not be reimbursed for miles driven prior to carpooling.
The traditional South American drink gets a showcase of its own in Brooklyn. Photo: Liz Clayman

Drinking yerba mate for the first time requires a bit of mental preparation. Bitter and earthy, the initial sip can be a shock for anyone unfamiliar with the South American beverage. In Argentina especially, the drink is something of a ritual, one that Portenas, a new cafe dedicated to all things mate, aims to bring to Williamsburg. While mate enthusiasts can find the drink in a handful of other restaurants and cafes around the city, Portenas, which opens its doors this Saturday, is New Yorks first bar dedicated to the drink.

Not quite tea, not quite coffee, the caffeinated concoction is more of an infusion that boasts similar energy-boosting benefits. Mate is made by pouring hot water over the dried leaves of the indigenous yerba mate plant; it is then traditionally sipped out of a wooden gourd with a filtered metal straw called a bombilla.

The offerings at Portenas, however, go way beyond this single offering. The menu also features mash-ups of Argentinian and American cultures: South Williamsburg empanadas stuffed with pastrami and pickles, mateccinos, juices infused with yerba mate concentrate in flavors like lemon and passion fruit, and an assortment of yerba mate-laced pastries and baked goods.

The menu is the brainchild of chef Fernanda Tabares, who runs her own restaurant in Buenos Aires, and co-founded Portenas with two other partners: entrepreneur and independent curator Carmen Ferreyra and Gretel Pellegrini, a dentist and Ferreyras wife. (The restaurants name, slang for ladies from the port city of Buenos Aires, is a reference to its three owners.)

Inside, the bright, modern space is all cream hues and greens, and Ferreyra hopes that Portenas will become the Starbucks of yerba mate. First, though, the team had to adapt the beverages intense flavor to American palates. Drinking mate straight is akin to drinking black coffee, says Ferreyra, which led to a natural evolution: Usually, you add sugar, you add milk, you add creamer, so, okay, what if we started adding on other things to mate?

Offerings at Portenas include empanadas and plenty of nontraditional drinks. Liz Clayman. Offerings at Portenas include empanadas and plenty of nontraditional drinks. Liz Clayman.

Tabares tempers the drinks bitterness by incorporating unconventional mix-ins like rose petals and cinnamon, creating four mate blends that range from the delicately citrus-infused (Tropical Breeze) to the coffee-doused (the aptly named Wake Up). One caveat: traditional mate requires you to sit with it, as it cant be taken out. For $12, you get a liter of hot water and a mate blend served in your choice of either a gourd imported from Argentina or a special glass with a built-in straw and strainer. Each water refill mellows out the mate flavor.

Customers in a hurry can grab a mate latte and some baked empanadas, which are available for delivery. Currently, there are four different flavors available, each inspired by a different locale (naturally, the Buenos Aires empanada is filled with beef).

The mate bar also comes with a purpose  Ferreyra and the team hope to hire a staff of predominantly immigrant women, though that goal has been easier said than done so far. We want to empower women, we really want to bring in immigrant women, but we are having a hard time hiring cooks right now, so that will really be our mission, Ferreyra says. Pellegrini adds that theyre expanding their goal to include all minorities, because as Ferreyra jokes, the trio checks all the minority boxes: women, immigrant, gay.

Beyond that, the drink has become emblematic of the womens long-standing friendship. Mate as a tradition in Argentina is something that you share, its an excuse to sit down and talk and spend time with your friends face-to-face, says Ferreyra. Thats something that we wanted to offer here.
As long as unresolved historic injustices continue to fester in the world, there will be a demand for truth commissions.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 7/2/2019 (866 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

As long as unresolved historic injustices continue to fester in the world, there will be a demand for truth commissions.

Unfortunately, there is no end to the need.

Benny Gool / The Associated Press Files Former South African president P. W. Botha shakes hands with South Africas Truth and Reconciliation Commission chairman Desmond Tutu in 1996.

The goal of a truth commission  in some forms also called a truth and reconciliation commission, as it is in Canada  is to hold public hearings to establish the scale and impact of a past injustice, typically involving wide-scale human rights abuses, and make it part of the permanent, unassailable public record. Truth commissions also officially recognize victims and perpetrators in an effort to move beyond the painful past.

Over the past three decades, more than 40 countries have, like Canada,established truth commissions, including Chile, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa and South Korea. The hope has been that restorative justice would provide greater healing than the retributive justice modelled most memorably by the Nuremberg Trials after the Second World War.

There has been a range in the effectiveness of commissions designed to resolve injustices in African and Latin American countries, typically held as those countries made transitions from civil war, colonialism or authoritarian rule.

Most recently, Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Commission addressed historic injustices perpetrated against Canadas Indigenous peoples through forced assimilation and other abuses.

Its effectiveness is still being measured, with a list of 94 calls to actionwaiting to be fully implemented. But Canadas experience appears to have been at least productive enough to inspire Australia and New Zealand to come to terms with their own treatment of Indigenous peoples by exploring similar processes.

Although both countries have a long history to trying to reconcile with native peoples, recent discussions have leaned toward a Canadian-style TRC model.

South Africa set the standard

There had been other truth commissions in the 1980s and early 1990s, including Chiles post-Pinochet reckoning.

But the most recognizable standard became South Africas, when President Nelson Mandela mandated a painful and necessary Truth and Reconciliation Commission to resolve the scornful legacy of apartheid, the racist and repressive policy that had driven the African National Congress, including Mandela, to fight for reform. Their efforts resulted in widespread violence and Mandelas own 27-year imprisonment.

Through South Africas publicly televised TRC proceedings, white perpetrators were required to come face-to-face with the black families they had victimized physically, socially and economically.

There were critics, to be sure, on both sides. Some called it the "Kleenex Commission" for the emotional hearings they saw as going easy on some perpetrators who were granted amnesty after demonstrating public contrition.

Others felt it fell short of its promise  benefiting the new government by legitimizing Mandelas ANC and letting perpetrators off the hook by allowing so many go without punishment, and failing victims who never saw adequate compensation or true justice.

These criticisms were valid, yet the process did succeed in its most fundamental responsibility  it pulled the country safely into a modern, democratic era.

Saving humanity from hell

Dag Hammarskjold, the secretary general of the United Nations through most of the 1950s who faced criticism about the limitations of the UN, once said the UN was "not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell."

Similarly, South Africas Truth and Reconciliation Commission was not designed to take South Africa to some idyllic utopia. After a century of colonialism and apartheid, that would not have been realistic. It was designed to save South Africa, then a nuclear power, from an implosion  one that many feared would trigger a wider international war.

To the extent that the commission saved South Africa from hell, I think it was successful. Is it a low benchmark? Perhaps, but it did its work.

Since then, other truth commissions, whether they have included reconciliation or reparation mandates, have generated varying results.

Some have been used cynically as tools for governments to legitimize themselves by pretending they have dealt with painful history when they have only kicked the can down the road.

In Liberia, where I worked with a team of researchers last summer, the records of that countrys truth and reconciliation commission are not even readily available to the public. That secrecy robs Liberia of what should be the most essential benefit of confronting past injustices: permanent, public memorialization that inoculates the future against the mistakes of the past.

U.S. needs truth commission

On balance, the truth commission stands as an important tool that can and should be used around the world.

Its painfully apparent that the United States needs a national truth commission of some kind to address hundreds of years of injustice suffered by African-Americans. There, centuries of enslavement, state-sponsored racism, denial of civil rights and ongoing economic and social disparity have yet to be addressed.

Like many, I dont hold out hope that a U.S. commission will be established any time soon  especially not under the current administration. But I do think one is inevitable at some point, better sooner than later.

Wherever there is an ugly, unresolved injustice pulling at the fabric of a society, there is an opportunity to haul it out in public and deal with it through a truth commission.

Still, there is not yet any central body or facility that researchers, political leaders or other advocates can turn to for guidance, information and evidence. Such an entity would help them understand and compare how past commissions have worked  or failed to work  and create better outcomes for future commissions.

As the movement to expose, understand and resolve historical injustices grows, it would seem that Canada, a stable democracy with its own sorrowed history and its interest in global human rights, would make an excellent place to establish such a centre.

Bonny Ibhawoh is a professor of history and global human rights at McMaster University.

This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca.
OTTAWA  Pride Winnipeg is hoping to bring the world to the city, announcing Thursday a bid to host an international conference on LGBTTQ* events.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 6/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  Pride Winnipeg is hoping to bring the world to the city, announcing Thursday a bid to host an international conference on LGBTTQ* events.

Pride vice-president Barry Karlenzig said his group wants to highlight Winnipegs strengths by playing host to the 2021 InterPride World Conference.

"Winnipeg is a human rights city," he said. "We still have our problems, but were making real progress."

The InterPride event brings together organizers of parades, rallies and festivals across the world to take stock of what issues to highlight and how to logistically pull off those events  in some countries, under the threat of violence.

Pride Winnipeg has broken ground, Karlenzig said, by have the first two-spirit powwow as part of a Pride festival, as well as one of the first to have a trans march for people who dont have a binary male/female identity.

The festival is also one of the first on the continent to phase out plastic water bottles, which Karlenzig said took public education and awareness. He said the city's Canadian Museum for Human Rights is an asset, with displays about LGBTTQ* history, and spaces for advocates to gather.

Karlenzig said those make a strong case for Winnipeg to host InterPride, which his group believes would bring between 400 and 500 people to the Manitoba capital.

Organizers are working with local tourism authorities to get an application in place for a July deadline. The group will be travelling to Athens in October to make the case for Winnipeg as a host city.

Two years ago, Winnipeg was designated the Canada Pride city for 2020, meaning national organizations (and likely, politicians) will gather in the city that summer.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denied a potentially incendiary allegation that his office told former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould to help SNC-Lavalin avoid a criminal prosecution.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 7/2/2019 (866 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denied a potentially incendiary allegation that his office told former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould to help SNC-Lavalin avoid a criminal prosecution.

The Quebec engineering and construction giant has faced legal trouble over allegations it paid millions of dollars in bribes to get government business in Libya, which would be a crime under Canadian law.

As attorney general, Wilson-Raybould could have become involved in the case against the company by directing federal prosecutors to negotiate a "remediation agreement," a way of holding an organization to account for wrongdoing without a formal finding of guilt.

The Globe and Mail newspaper reported Thursday that SNC-Lavalin repeatedly lobbied Trudeau's aides for a deal and that his office leaned on Wilson-Raybould to make it happen.

The federal director of public prosecutions told SNC-Lavalin in October that negotiating a remediation agreement would be inappropriate in this particular case. Months later, Wilson-Raybould was moved to the veterans affairs post in a January cabinet shuffle, and Montrealer David Lametti took over as attorney general and justice minister.

During a visit to Vaughan, Ont., on Thursday, Trudeau said the allegations in the newspaper story "are false."

"Neither the current nor the previous attorney general was ever directed by me or anyone in my office to take a decision in this matter," he said.

Asked whether he or his office had applied any influence or pressure on the minister, Trudeau repeated they had never directed Wilson-Raybould or Lametti to intervene.

Neither Wilson-Raybould nor SNC-Lavalin has responded to questions from The Canadian Press about the story.

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said the allegations suggest Trudeau demoted his attorney general for defying his orders, and he called on the prime minister to immediately reveal what he knew about the matter.

"Nothing short of full disclosure is acceptable. His carefully crafted and legally vetted answers today fall far short in this regard," Scheer told reporters on Parliament Hill. "If he continues to fail to be transparent with Canadians, Conservatives will make every effort and explore every option to make sure Justin Trudeau and his office are held accountable."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Veterans Affairs Minister Jodie Wilson-Raybould attend a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. The Globe and Mail says former justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould disappointed the Prime Minister's Office by refusing to help SNC-Lavalin avoid a criminal prosecution. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

A senior government official with direct knowledge of the matter said a lawyer did not draft Trudeau's denial of impropriety, but noted Trudeau deliberately said the PMO did not direct the attorney general on the matter. The prime minister wanted to avoid leaving the impression that no one ever discussed the issue, given that SNC-Lavalin was heavily lobbying government officials, the source said.

At no point was there an attempt to influence Wilson-Raybould, added the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the file publicly.

In the extensive conversations with Lametti about his new job, the matter was never mentioned, the source added. During question period in the House of Commons, Lametti also denied engaging in discussions about SNC-Lavalin before his appointment.

Conservative and NDP members pressed the government for details of any conversations that may have taken place on the file in government circles, including between the Prime Minister's Office and the attorney general's office.

Conservative MP Mark Strahl baldly accused the government of firing Wilson-Raybould for failing to follow orders.

Lametti repeatedly said the Prime Minister's Office had not given directives to him or his predecessor on the matter, nor had he or Wilson-Raybould been pressed on the case.

Wilson-Raybould did not rise in the House to answer questions.

The attorney general can give the director of public prosecutions directives on general issues and on individual cases, provided the directives are in writing and published in the Canada Gazette, the federal register.

The fact that such directives must be done publicly would seem to constrain a justice minister from doing anything overtly political.

Analyst Yuri Lynk of Canaccord Genuity said the reputational damage of a looming corruption case could hurt SNC-Lavalin more than a ban on federal contract bidding for up to 10 years  one possible outcome of a conviction if the case heads to trial.

"In my mind, it's worse just to have this hanging over the company's head for another several years. It hurts their reputation," he said. "Their competitors would always be reminding clients that you're dealing with someone with outstanding charges against it in its own country."

 With a file from Christopher Reynolds

 Follow @JimBronskill and @jmbryden on Twitter
SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. - A northern Ontario city is looking for trained workers to fill hundreds of jobs.

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SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. - A northern Ontario city is looking for trained workers to fill hundreds of jobs.

Local officials in Sault Ste. Marie say they've set their eyes on the city of Oshawa, where about 2,600 autoworkers are expected to lose their jobs.

General Motors has announced it will shut down the Oshawa Assembly Plant by the end of the year.

Sault Ste. Marie's deputy chief administrative officer Tom Vair says the city is looking to fill about 300 jobs, about 250 of them with Algoma Steel.

He says they plan to reach out to the GM employees who will be out of work to highlight the benefits of moving to the northern city.

Vair says it is part of an effort to attract young people, skilled workers  and "Saultites"  to a city that is aging.

"The community has recognized it needs to invest in itself," Vair said, adding that the city has hired a labour force co-ordinator as part of its outreach program.

They also have jobs in information technology, finance and a burgeoning film industry through one post-production company that has recently set up shop, Vair said.

"We've heard consistently that some of the employers are starting to run into trouble finding skilled labour," Vair said.

But besides jobs, Vair said he first has to sell prospective workers on Sault Ste. Marie.

"We found a lot of people who don't have an idea of what life would be like in Sault Ste. Marie," he said.

Many have no clue about the size of the city, which has a population of about 73,000 people, he said.

"Some people are new and ask if we have a grocery store," Vair said.

"Well, we've got grocery stores, we've got movie theatres, shopping, a mall."

The cost of living is significantly cheaper in the north, he said. The median price for a house is about $199,000.
MONTREAL - Saputo Inc. reported a third-quarter profit and higher revenue amid what the CEO called industry challenges.

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A Saputo sign is shown at the company's annual general meeting in Laval, Quebec, Tuesday, August 2, 2016. Saputo Inc. says it earned $342.0 million in its latest quarter, up from $337.0 million in the same quarter last year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

MONTREAL - Saputo Inc. reported a third-quarter profit and higher revenue amid what the CEO called industry challenges.

"Again, this quarter, we were met head on with higher warehousing and logistical costs, weak dairy ingredient and cheese markets, working in tandem with an increasingly competitive landscape," said CEO Lino Saputo during a conference call with analysts Thursday.

The company continues with initiatives designed to mitigate such headwinds, he said.

He noted that traditional  or so-called fluid  milk is in decline not only in Canada, but all developed markets as it faces competition from plant-based proteins, among other things.

The company is choosing to get into value-added milks, like lactose-free and protein-enhanced products, as well as sports drinks.

Demand for cheese and other dairy solids is growing around the world, though, he said.

"So, the industry definitely is not dying," Saputo said, though a possible recession and ongoing trade wars could create some volatility.

The company earned $342 million in its third quarter, up from $337 million in the same quarter last year.

The profit amounted to 87 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended Dec. 31, up from 86 cents per diluted share a year earlier.

Revenue for the quarter totalled $3.58 billion, up from $3.02 billion a year earlier, as the company benefited from acquisitions.

On an adjusted basis, Saputo earned 44 cents per diluted share, down from an adjusted profit of 47 cents per diluted share a year earlier.

Analysts on average had expected a profit of 45 cents per share, according Thomson Reuters Eikon.

Saputo also announced the appointment of Martin Gagnon as chief acquisition and strategic development officer, effective April 1. Gagnon joined the company in 2016 as executive vice-president, mergers and acquisitions.

Companies in this story: (TSX:SAP)
ST. LOUIS - An oil leak near St. Louis prompted the closure of parts of two pipelines as crews work to determine the source, company officials and Missouri regulators said Thursday.

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ST. LOUIS - An oil leak near St. Louis prompted the closure of parts of two pipelines as crews work to determine the source, company officials and Missouri regulators said Thursday.

The leak was discovered Wednesday near St. Charles, Mo., about 48 kilometres northwest of St. Louis. TransCanada Corp.'s Keystone pipeline and Enbridge Inc.'s Platte pipeline are among several that run through the area. Crews on Thursday were preparing excavation work to figure out where the leak originated.

"The source of the release has not been fully determined, but it is apparent that it originated at either the TransCanada Keystone pipeline or the Enbridge pipeline; there is no visible release near the other pipelines," Missouri Department of Natural Resources spokesman Brian Quinn said in an email.

TransCanada spokesman Terry Cunha said in a statement that the Keystone pipeline was closed from Steele City, Neb., to Patoka, Ill. Enbridge's Platte pipeline was initially closed from Casper, Wyoming, to Wood River, Illinois. By Thursday, only the section from Salisbury, Mo., to Wood River remained closed, a company spokesman said in an email. Both companies are based in Calgary and have cleanup crews at the site.

Officials don't yet know how much oil leaked, but the DNR's preliminary estimate is 43 barrels, or 6,814 litres. Quinn said the spill was contained to an area of about 372 square metres, and did not reach any waterways, including the Mississippi River, which is about 610 metres away.

A St. Charles County spokeswoman said there did not appear to be any evacuations since the area near the leak is not heavily populated.

The 76-centimetre diameter Keystone line and the 51-centimetre diameter Enbridge line are both buried about 2.4 metres below the surface, Quinn said.

Shares of TransCanada and Enbridge both dropped about one per cent.
In May 2017, Uber announced it had hired a renowned University of Toronto professor to lead a Toronto-based team that develops autonomous car technology. The ride-hailing company also pledged $5 million for the university's brand new Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

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Jim Hinton, an intellectual property lawyer and consultant and a fellow with the Centre for International Governance and Innovation think tank, is shown in a handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO

In May 2017, Uber announced it had hired a renowned University of Toronto professor to lead a Toronto-based team that develops autonomous car technology. The ride-hailing company also pledged $5 million for the university's brand new Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

While the move drew praise from academics, others derided the notion that taxpayers should pay the salary of a professor whose intellectual property would go to a foreign corporation.

"The Canadian government has in fact been funding AI research for over three decades," Jim Balsillie, the former co-CEO of BlackBerry, told The Canadian Press in an email.

"The problem is that it all it went to foreign multinationals who now charge Canada for the use of technology that our taxpayers paid for."

Canada has staked out a prominent place on the frontiers of machine-learning research, with deep-learning pioneers such as Yoshua Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton nurturing talent in Montreal and Toronto. But critics say governments continue to pour cash into research at the expense of commercialization  the process of converting lab work into the next Uber or Google  opening the door to foreign tech giants that have gobbled up hard-won intellectual property on the cheap and licensed it back to local players at steep rates.

"We sell our IP, our ideas, our AI research before it's in the market. If you sell it then, you sell it for as cheap as it could be," said Jim Hinton (no relation to Geoffrey), a Waterloo, Ont.-based intellectual property lawyer and consultant.

Hinton says universities sometimes sign agreements that effectively hand over the fruits of AI research to their tech company partners, turning innovation hubs into branch plants for foreign corporations.

Canada has become a hot spot for big data analytics over the last few years, with Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Adobe and other global heavyweights announcing millions of dollars in investment in AI research hubs in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta.

However, fewer than half of the roughly 100 machine-learning patents developed in Canada between 2007 and 2017 have stayed in Canadian hands, according to a study by the Centre for International Governance and Innovation, a think tank founded by Balsillie. The rest are owned by foreign companies such as Microsoft, IBM and Google.

The wealth that those patents can generate via licensing threatens to drain top AI brains from north of the border.

Ian Gervais, co-founder of Toronto-based Statflo, which mines data from wireless carriers to identify consumer purchasing patterns, says his seven year-old startup has received government grants, but now draws most of its investment from U.S. companies.

"I think more government funding would help us stay here," he said. "When we started getting investment from American companies, we started tweaking what we wanted to do to tailor to ideas that they had," he said.

Martin Basiri, co-founder of the four-year-old Apply Board, which uses algorithms to match students with North American universities that fit their interests, feels differently, insisting businesses should not rely on "free money" from the government.

"The mindset has to change in Canada," he said. Government grants are "the cream on the cake, but you have to make your own business regardless and compete globally."

Balsillie has several solutions in mind.

"You cannot commercialize ideas unless you own them, so the first step is to start generating owned IP that can be commercialized inside high-growth Canadian firms," he said.

One tactic is to create a government-backed IP collective, often known as a sovereign patent fund, which protects publicly funded research and development and monetizes the "innovation assets" it guards. Japan and South Korea have seen some success with this method, according to a study from the Centre for Digital Entrepreneurship and Economic Performance.

The patent fund could accompany a policy shift, already at work in Israel, that attaches strings to government funding to ensure that IP works to the commercial benefit of Canadian companies.

Politicians are aware of the problem.

"The objective with artificial intelligence is not only to do research for the sake of research; its to have applications," Quebec Premier Francois Legault said last month at the launch of an AI lab opened by Japanese auto supply giant Denso Corp.

In 2017, Ottawa launched its $125-million Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, joining the U.S., China and France in adopting a national plan. The government has also announced the creation of five innovation "superclusters", one of which aims to harness AI and robotic technologies to transform the supply chain space.

However, the payoff has yet to materialize.

"I havent seen anything yet to see that the supercluster funding will help generate or retain intellectual property for Canada," Jim Hinton said, stressing the need for a "collective effort" to acquire IP assets from around the globe.

In Hinton's view, the country has yet to prove it can cast off the mantle of a raw intellectual resource economy and fashion marketable products with the virtual stamp, "Made in Canada."
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump pronounced himself eager to work with Congress on a plan to rebuild America's crumbling roads and bridges, but offered no specifics during his State of the Union speech on what kind of deal he would back. The question now is whether lawmakers and the president are finally ready to move beyond complaining about the nation's infrastructure problem and actually do something about it.

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FILE - In this July 2, 2018, file photo, traffic moves on the old Gerald Desmond Bridge next to its replacement bridge under construction in Long Beach, Calif. President Donald Trump pronounced himself eager to work with Congress on a plan to rebuild AmericaAos crumbling roads and bridges, but offered no specifics during his State of the Union speech on what kind of deal he would back. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump pronounced himself eager to work with Congress on a plan to rebuild America's crumbling roads and bridges, but offered no specifics during his State of the Union speech on what kind of deal he would back. The question now is whether lawmakers and the president are finally ready to move beyond complaining about the nation's infrastructure problem and actually do something about it.

History says no.

Lawmakers from both parties are expressing hope about reaching an agreement, but the key will be whether they and the president can figure out how to pay for it. Trump's initial proposal made little progress in the last Congress as Republicans were content to rely on their tax cuts and the strong economy to make their case to voters in the midterm elections. Democratic lawmakers, for their part, considered Trump's plan inadequate and unrealistic.

Now, high-powered interest groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are trying to jumpstart momentum on the issue, and congressional committees in both chambers are scheduling hearings.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, said Trump's leadership will be critical because only he can win over enough Republicans to get a deal done. He added that wherever the money for infrastructure is to come from, it will take Trump's "full and unqualified commitment to give Republicans enough cover to vote for it," Doggett said.

Trump struck a bipartisan tone during his State of the Union address with pleas for action on infrastructure, prescription drug pricing and ending the spread of HIV that seemed aimed at centrist voters.

For now, it looks like lawmakers will have to come up with many of the details.

"The president wants Congress to come together and craft a bipartisan infrastructure package that rebuilds crumbling infrastructure, invests in the projects and industries of tomorrow, and promotes permitting efficiency," said White House spokesman Judd Deere.

Rep. Peter DeFazio, the Democratic chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said he'll work to build a bipartisan deal, and he's not concerned about giving Trump a legislative victory before next year's elections.

"He can't claim all the credit since they had total control for two years and did nothing," DeFazio said of Republicans.

The administration's proposal last year centred on using $200 billion in federal money over 10 years to stimulate $1.5 trillion in total infrastructure spending. The plan was heavily dependent on state and local dollars. But an analysis from the Penn Wharton Budget Model cast doubt on the idea that the proposed federal grants would come anywhere close to generating the extra state and local investments predicted by the administration.

Trump himself didn't sell the plan aggressively and described it initially as a lesser priority than boosting military spending and cutting taxes and regulation. He did not lay out any specific infrastructure proposal Tuesday, but noted the bipartisan appeal of the subject and stressed that he was eager to work with lawmakers. "Both parties should be able to unite for a great rebuilding of America's crumbling infrastructure," he said to applause.

On the same day, Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue laid out what the influential business group could support  and would oppose. Donohue said that paying for infrastructure by rescinding the tax cuts Trump and Republicans passed in 2016 "is a nonstarter for the business community and for many in Congress."

"Pulling back from tax reform to fund infrastructure is one step forward and two steps back. We're not going to do that," he said.

Donohue made a pitch for a "modest increase" in the federal gas tax. He said the tax hasn't increased since 1993 and that raising the gas tax by 25 cents would generate $394 billion over the next decade. The federal tax on gasoline now stands as 18.3 cents per gallon and at 24.3 cents per gallon for diesel fuel.

Donohue said dozens of states have passed higher gas taxes over the years to make infrastructure improvements and that people are willing to pay more for safer roads, lighter traffic and less wear and tear on their vehicles.

"We believe this is the simplest, most commonsense solution out there," Donohue said.

Congress has been reluctant to go that route. Instead, lawmakers have transferred money from the U.S. Treasury's general fund to supplement the Highway Trust Fund, which finances most federal spending for highways and mass transit. The last highway bill provided $70 billion in transfers through Oct. 1, 2020.

Indeed, GOP leaders have been so opposed to increasing the gas tax that they have even sought to undercut state efforts to do so. Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and former Speaker Paul Ryan financially backed an election initiative California last November that would have repealed an increase in fuel taxes and vehicle fees designed to fund $5 billion in transportation projects a year.

While McCarthy and Ryan lost that effort, it's a reminder that lawmakers and political strategists see higher fuel taxes as a potentially valuable weapon during election season.

DeFazio acknowledged that reality Tuesday.

"They are afraid. They're scared. 'My God, if we raise the federal gas tax I might lose my election,'" DeFazio said of many lawmakers' mindset.

____

On Twitter follow Kevin Freking at https://twitter.com/APKFreking
HALIFAX - A clearer picture is emerging of the young man at the centre of the mysterious demise of one of Canada's largest cryptocurrency exchanges.

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Interested parties attend Nova Scotia Supreme Court as Canada's largest cryptocurrency exchange seeks creditor protection in the wake of the sudden death of its founder and chief executive in December and missing cryptocurrency worth roughly $190-million, in Halifax on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. A clearer picture is emerging of the young man at the centre of the mysterious demise of one of Canada's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. Gerald Cotten, a Nova Scotia resident originally from Ontario, was 30 years old when he died suddenly while travelling in India on Dec. 9 -- leaving his virtual company, QuadrigaCX, without access to $180 million in Bitcoins and other digital assets. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

HALIFAX - A clearer picture is emerging of the young man at the centre of the mysterious demise of one of Canada's largest cryptocurrency exchanges.

Gerald Cotten, a Nova Scotia resident originally from Ontario, was 30 years old when he died suddenly while travelling in India on Dec. 9  leaving his virtual company, QuadrigaCX, without access to $180 million in Bitcoins and other digital assets.

His widow, Jennifer Robertson, has said in court documents that Cotten was the only person with access to his laptop, which is thought to contain the digital keys to the so-called cold wallets containing the missing cryptocurrency.

The circumstances surrounding Cotten's death  and the way he conducted his business from the couple's home in Fall River, N.S.  has led to a flurry of speculation and allegations in internet chat rooms, with some former QuadrigaCX users coming forward to raise questions about the $250 million in cash and cryptocurrency owed to 115,000 of them.

Cotten signed his will on Nov. 27, 2018  less than two weeks before he died at a private hospital in Jaipur, the capital and largest city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan.

In an application to probate the will, filed on Dec. 21, 2018, Robertson confirmed that the gross value of Cotten's personal property  all of which was left to her  was $9.6 million. She was granted the right to administer his estate as executor on Jan. 2.

The will specifically states that Robertson was authorized to access his digital assets and "obtain, access, modify, delete and control (his) passwords and other electronic credentials."

Robertson, in an affidavit filed Jan. 31, said she was not involved in the business, and she insisted Cotten  as QuadrigaCX's CEO and sole director  was the only person with access to the private digital keys.

The will includes a few details about Cotten's assets, but those items are limited to a section dealing with property that would have been bequeathed to friends and relatives should Robertson die within 30 days of his death.

The list includes: a large home in Kelowna, B.C.; a property on Nova Scotia's western shore; an undeveloped property in Fall River, N.S.; a 2017 Lexus; an "airplane;" a 2015 Mini Cooper and a 50-foot Jeanneau 51 sailboat.

There was also a plan in place to provide $100,000 to Cotten's in-laws to help them cover the costs of caring for the couple's pet Chihuahuas, Nitro and Gully.

Court documents attached to the will include a statement of death from the J.A. Snow Funeral Home in Halifax, dated Dec. 12, which says Cotten died in Jaipur on Dec. 9. The cause of death is not listed.

In her affidavit, Robertson says she has been subjected to online threats, slanderous comments and speculation about Cotten's death, "including whether he is really dead."

Robertson said Cotten was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 24, about a year after he co-founded QuadrigaCX with his partner Mike Patryn.

She said Cotten died from complications linked to the disease, which disrupts digestion by causing inflammation of the bowels.

Fortis Escorts hospital in Jaipur issued a statement Thursday confirming that Cotten was admitted on Dec. 8, 2018, at 9:45 p.m. and died from a cardiac arrest at 7:26 p.m. the next night, according to CoinDesk, an online publication that tracks the cryptocurrency industry.

Cotten was in septic shock when he was admitted and suffered two cardiac arrests before he died, CoinDesk reported.

Meanwhile, industry critics have come forward to say the QuadrigaCX debacle has proven to be a major embarrassment for Canada's cryptocurrency industry, which includes more than a dozen exchanges across the country.

Some industry insiders have said provincial and federal officials should move quickly to do something about a business that is largely unregulated and has no independent oversight.

The Canadian Securities Administrators, an umbrella organization representing provincial securities regulators, issued a statement Thursday urging Canadians to be cautious when buying crypto-assets through trading platforms.

"As highlighted in recent CSA investor alerts and awareness campaigns over the past year, this means that key investor protections may not be in place," the agency said.

QuadrigaCX and its affiliated companies are registered in British Columbia, but it has no offices, no bank accounts and no employees, aside from a handful of contractors.

The B.C. Securities Commission issued a statement Thursday saying it has been aware of QuadrigaCX's operations since 2017. The agency said QuadrigaCX was not subject to regulation because it did not operate as a marketplace or exchange under B.C. securities laws.

"The BCSC ... (has) been urging investors to exercise caution with regard to crypto-assets," the agency said Thursday.

On Tuesday, the Nova Scotia Supreme Court granted QuadrigaCX protection from its creditors and a 30-day stay of proceedings to given the insolvent company time to find the missing currency and draft a plan to restructure or sell the business.
WASHINGTON - Democrats launched a sweeping plan Thursday to transform the U.S. economy to combat climate change and create thousands of jobs in renewable energy, signalling its likely elevation as a central campaign issue in 2020 despite President Donald Trump's failure to mention climate change in his State of the Union address.

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FILE - In this Jan. 19, 2019, file photo, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, (D-New York) waves to the crowd after speaking at Women's Unity Rally in Lower Manhattan in New York. Democrats including Ocasio-Cortez of New York and veteran Sen. Ed Markey of Mass. are calling for a Green New Deal intended to transform the U.S. economy to combat climate change and create jobs in renewable energy. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)

WASHINGTON - Democrats launched a sweeping plan Thursday to transform the U.S. economy to combat climate change and create thousands of jobs in renewable energy, signalling its likely elevation as a central campaign issue in 2020 despite President Donald Trump's failure to mention climate change in his State of the Union address.

At least six senators running for president or considering White House bids backed the Green New Deal put forth by freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and veteran Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts. The nonbinding resolution calls for a "10-year national mobilization" on the scale of the original New Deal to shift the economy away from fossil fuels such as oil and coal and replace them with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. It sets a goal to meet "100 per cent of the power demand in the United States through clean, renewable and zero-emission energy sources," including nuclear power.

"Our energy future will not be found in the dark of a mine but in the light of the sun," Markey said at a Capitol news conference.

The plan goes far beyond energy to urge national health care coverage and job guarantees, as well as high-quality education and affordable housing. The resolution urges elimination of fossil fuels pollution and greenhouse gas emissions "as much as technologically feasible" in a range of economic sectors and calls for "upgrading all existing buildings in the United States" to be energy-efficient.

FILE - In this Jan. 16, 2019, file photo, Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Democrats including veteran Markey and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York are calling for a Green New Deal intended to transform the U.S. economy to combat climate change and create jobs in renewable energy. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Markey predicted more Democrats would sign on as the plan gets better known and said some Republicans may back it. More than 80 per cent of registered voters supported the concept of a Green New Deal in a December poll by Yale and George Mason universities.

"This is now a voting issue across the country," Markey said. "The green generation has risen up and they are saying they want this issue solved" as one of the top two or three issues in the 2020 election. A coalition of labour, economic justice, racial justice, indigenous, and environmental organizations immediately announced their support.

While setting lofty goals, the plan does not explicitly call for eliminating the use of fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas, a nod to pragmatism that may disappoint some of Ocasio-Cortez's strongest backers.

Even so, the Green New Deal is more ambitious than the Clean Power Plan proposed by former President Barack Obama to impose emissions limits on coal-fired power plants. Trump, who has expressed doubts about climate change, scrapped Obama's plan as a job killer.

While Democrats did not specify a price tag, some Republicans predict it would cost in the trillions of dollars. GOP lawmakers denounced the plan as a radical proposal that would drive the economy off a cliff and lead to a huge tax increase.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., talks with reporters during her weekly news conference, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

"The Green New Deal is a raw deal for the American taxpayer," said Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Barrasso called the plan "a socialist manifesto that lays out a laundry list of government giveaways, including guaranteed food, housing, college and economic security even for those who refuse to work."

Ocasio-Cortez said the plan's scope was its strength, saying "small, incremental policy solutions are not enough" to repel climate change, which she called an "existential threat" to the planet. Far from overreach, the plan addresses a sense of growing frustration by young people and others who "don't feel we're being ambitious enough" to address a potentially cataclysmic danger, she said.

With a whiff of presidential politics and a rock-star freshman in attendance, Democrats drew an unusually large crowd for the Green New Deal unveiling. The outdoor event was attended by more journalists and activists than lawmakers. It was a notable gathering for a proposal that is not a bill, but only guidance for any legislation on climate change Congress develops.

The measure is supported by at least six senators with their eyes on the White House: Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Kamala Harris of California, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.

None of the six attended the news conference, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said hours earlier she hadn't read the proposal. Pelosi did not explicitly endorse it, but welcomed "the enthusiasm" of its backers.

"I welcome the Green New Deal and any other proposals" to address climate change, Pelosi said, adding that she also wants to hear from a new House committee on climate change. Pelosi said the panel will "spearhead Democrats' work" on climate issues.

Ocasio-Cortez said Pelosi invited her to join the climate panel but she declined, saying she wants to focus on the Green New Deal and other committee assignments.

The resolution introduced Thursday marks the first legislative language attached to the Green New Deal, a concept that until now has been loosely defined as a call for action to head off catastrophic climate change and create jobs.

Answering critics who call the plan unrealistic, Ocasio-Cortez said that when President John F. Kennedy wanted to go to the moon by the end of the 1960s, "people said it was impossible." She compared the plan to Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal and Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society.

While focusing on renewable energy, Ocasio-Cortez said the plan would include existing nuclear power plants but block new nuclear plants. Nuclear power does not emit greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming.

Asked how the plan would be paid for, Ocasio-Cortez said it would be "the same way we paid for the original New Deal, World War II, the bank bailouts, tax cuts for the rich and decades of war  with public money appropriated by Congress."

She called the plan an "investment" that would produce more than it costs in new infrastructure, jobs and avoided health care costs.

Associated Press writers Laurie Kellman and Elana Schor contributed to this story.
The chicken perilla-seed pot with grilled pearl onions, bacon, roasted whole garlic, and chicken broth. Photo: Melissa Hom

For one of this decades most successful restaurant groups, Hand Hospitality doesnt have a ton of name recognition. But over the last eight years, theyve opened a series of smash-hit restaurants. Hands first spot, Take31, opened in 2011 and set the stage for other contemporary Korean restaurants like Oiji, Soogil, and JeJu. Her Name Is Han seems to have been perpetually packed since it opened in 2015, though the restaurant group has made its biggest mark through its involvement in the highly-regarded Atoboy and its sister restaurant, Atomix (both of which New York named Best New Restaurants, in 2016 and 2018, respectively). On February 22, Hand will expand once again with o:n, a restaurant where most everything will be cooked table-side.

O:n was originally going to be a jeongol (Korean hot pot) restaurant. The idea was conceived by Her Name Is Hans head chef, NamHyung Woo, whose father runs a restaurant in his hometown of Gurye, South Korea, which is apparently locally known for its hot pot. I think he always has a feeling for that food, says Ka Yee Chan, Hands brand-marketing manager. However, o:n has since shifted toward the broader concept of seasonally-changing dishes prepared table-side. (Perhaps reasonably, as New Yorkers are probably less inclined to eat meat cooked in boiling soup when it feels like boiling soup outside.)

Woo and his team from Han are responsible for the restaurant, which Chan describes as taking a more modern approach to both cooking and design. The space is mostly concrete and wood, with a neutral design meant to keep peoples focus on the food. Tables are outfitted with induction burners, and, in Hands tradition, the physical menu is elaborate, artfully designed, and informative.

The grilled short-rib patty with shepherds purse, glass noodles, and enoki mushrooms. Photo: Melissa Hom

The winter offerings will be centered around jeongol, which is presented as a sort of set meal. After customers have ordered, rice is cooked at their table, three amuse-bouches are served, and then a complimentary dish arrives while the jeongol finishes cooking. There are eight different versions of the latter to try, including one stuffed with mushrooms cooked in a mushroom broth; another with tomato and a kitchen sink of seafood, including blue crab, calamari, and monkfish; chicken with perilla seeds and chicken broth; and bulgogi with burdock and a beef broth. Each comes with a choice of mushroom or vegetable rice, as well as udon, ramen, or rice noodles.

Along with the jeongol, theres a whole slew of appetizers, like a grilled short-rib patty with shepherds purse, and a trio of plates, like a roasted pork chop with oyster sauce. Fans of Hans popular fried chicken will be happy to hear theres a fried jalapeno chicken served with Vietnamese pepper and mayo. The cooking is not, as has been mentioned, meant to be traditional, and some dishes are dappled with French influence. (Chan says this was inspired by the fact that the chefs wife is French.) Take the yakgwa mille-feuille, which gives the French pastry the flavors of the Korean ginger sweet yakgwa, plus chestnut mousse for good measure. As for adult beverages, theres a full bar, which means a modest selection of wine, sake, and soju, as well as a few original cocktails, like the Jasmine, with jasmine-infused gin, honey, lemon, and ginger.

Steamed fish with shiitake mushroom, green pepper, scallion, onion, and egg. Photos: Melissa Hom. Steamed fish with shiitake mushroom, green pepper, scallion, onion, and egg. Photos: Melissa Hom.

The muhsroom pot with a whole bunch of shrooms. Photo: Melissa Hom

The galbi-jjim with egg, pearl onion, button mushrooms, and bacon. Photo: Melissa Hom

O:n, 110 Madison Ave., nr. 32nd St.; 110 Madison Ave.; 917-261-4326

This post was updated after the restaurants opening was delayed to February 22.
MONTREAL - Bombardier Inc. announced a leadership shakeup Thursday, naming a new head of the company's troubled train unit after his predecessor resigned.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 7/2/2019 (866 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MONTREAL - Bombardier Inc. announced a leadership shakeup Thursday, naming a new head of the company's troubled train unit after his predecessor resigned.

Danny Di Perna, 53, has replaced Laurent Troger, 55, who took on the role in December 2015 after 11 years with the company, Bombardier said.

Bombardier Inc. has announced a new head for its troubled train-making segment, naming Danny Di Perna, shown in a handout photo, president of Bombardier Transportation effective immediately.THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Bombardier MANDATORY CREDIT

Di Perna, who will report directly to chief executive Alain Bellemare, joined Bombardier in November to lead its aerostructures and engineering segment after leaving GE Power, where he was vice-president of global sourcing.

Troger, whose total compensation was US$5.15 million in 2017, opted to leave Bombardier, according to spokesman Eric Prudhomme.

The abrupt announcement comes as the Montreal-based company enters the final two years of a five-year turnaround after the plane-and-train maker sold a majority share of its C Series commercial aircraft program to Europe's Airbus in July, turning its focus to higher-yielding business jets as demand for the jetliners gains elevation.

Analyst Cameron Doerksen of National Bank Financial said he was "surprised" by the executive shakeup, given that Di Perna signed on with the company a few months ago. But the change "does not reflect financial challenges," he added in an investor note, as Troger oversaw an expected bump in the margin of earnings before interest and taxes to 8.5 per cent in 2018 from 5.6 per cent 2015.

Over the past decade, delays and repair problems have plagued Bombardier train contracts including Toronto's streetcar and light-rail train orders.

Last Friday, Metrolinx announced it would impose financial penalties on Bombardier after the Montreal-based company delivered only half of a promised six vehicles for Toronto's Eglinton Crosstown LRT by the Friday deadline. Difficulties have hampered the $392-million vehicle order tied to the midtown line now under construction along and underneath Eglinton Avenue, with legal battles leading to a reduced order for 76 cars in 2017, down from a planned 182 cars in 2010.

Last month, three international public transit agencies opted to stop taking trains from the company until it fixes the ones already in service.

Swiss Federal Railways cited doors that dont close properly, putting the brakes on deliveries under its US$1.9-billion contract for 62 trains.

The head of the New York City Transit Authority, Andy Byford  former CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission  halted subway car deliveries more than two weeks ago, citing HVAC software system defects and claiming deja vu over issues with Bombardier trains.

Its gruelling. You have to stay on their case, you have to hold their hands, you have to cajole them, Byford said at a Metropolitan Transportation Authority committee meeting on Jan. 21, citing past problems with springs between the cars and doors that were weeping oil.

Deliveries to New York resumed last week.

We understand the frustration and we own the issue, said Bombardier's Prudhomme said in an email last month. Its not unusual in the industry to have some issues, particularly in the early stages of passenger service.

On Jan. 31, the French National Railway Company announced it would stop train car deliveries, pointing to an unacceptable situation of non-quality with some of the 32 trains it had received, adding that 42 were supposed to have arrived by the start of the year.

Bombardier Transportation remains the company's highest-revenue segment, raking in more than half of the company's US$16.2 billion in revenues in 2017.

Its new president has more than 30 years of industry experience, the company said. Born in Montreal, Di Perna is the first Canadian to head Bombardier Transportation since Pierre Lortie left the company in 2003, said Prudhomme.

"Danny is an exceptional and engaging leader with a proven record of leading complex industrial organizations, said Alain Bellemare in a statement Thursday thanking Troger for his contributions to the company.

Troger, during his three years conducting the train segment, "significantly grew its backlog, optimized its footprint and executed an aggressive production ramp-up," the CEO said.

Paul Sislian succeeds Di Perna as the new head of aerostructures and engineering services after leading the business aircraft team, overseeing Bombardier's push toward higher-yielding business jets.

Nancy Barber takes over at Sislian's old post after 20 years with the company, most recently as a vice-president managing the Global 7500 jetliner and new aircraft studies.

Companies in this story: (TSX:BBD.B)
Everyone needs someone to believe in them  thats the new message from Winnipeg-based musician and childrens entertainer Fred Penner.

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This article was published 6/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Everyone needs someone to believe in them  thats the new message from Winnipeg-based musician and childrens entertainer Fred Penner.

Penners new single, Somebody Believes, was launched this week as part of International Development Week, Feb. 3-9, a time when the relief and development sector celebrates how Canadians help people around the world escape poverty.

Penner, 72, wrote the song three years ago after hearing the story of Edgar Rodriguez, who had been sponsored as a child by World Vision.

"Today hes a very successful man," says Penner, who travelled to Zambia with World Vision 16 years ago.

"He became an accountant, married, is raising a family. And he attributes all of that to the World Vision experience."

During a speech, Rodriguez used the phrase "somebody believed in me," Penner says.

"Im always on the lookout for a good phrase or line that could perhaps become a song," he says. "That just struck a chord with me, literally and figuratively."

Penner went back to his hotel room and, after an hour, wrote the song.

He played it occasionally at concerts, but "it never really had a life. It felt like it needed to go somewhere because the concept is so very important."

That "somewhere" was World Vision.

"I thought, because this song came from a World Vision experience, thats where it needs to be rejuvenated," Penner says.

He contacted World Vision, and the new music video is the result.

Recorded in Winnipeg at Signpost Music, the song features local musicians such as the Bros. Landreth and Alexa Dirks (also known as Begonia).

The video features images of children helped by sponsorship through World Vision.

For Penner, "its a pretty powerful and timely perspective" in the world today, where so many people feel powerless and anxious.

"If we dont give that kind of support to each other, and really act upon it, then whats the point of this journey?" he says.

JUSTIN SAMANSKI-LANGILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Musician Fred Penner recently launched a new single, Somebody Believes, as part of International Development Week.

He hopes the song, which is for both children and adults, will inspire people to "pay it forward" to others.

"Do something, even if youre small," he says, noting that for the price of a cup of coffee, people in Canada can help kids in a country like Zambia pay school fees so they can get an education.

"We have no real understanding of how much we really have, and how we can use our resources to make a difference in peoples lives."

As for Penner himself, the song is his own way to pay it forward.

"Its a little overwhelming to me to know that I have been blessed with this kind of career, and such an enviable life," he says.

Music is also an extension of his spirituality, and his Mennonite background.

"The spirituality that I was raised with was very strong," he says of growing up and going to church in the Winkler area.

"I dont know what I would have done if I had not had music and had that spirituality to hold me."

As for how his spirituality affects his life today, "I have a responsibility for other people in this world," he says. "I am my brothers keeper."

Of his music, he says "much of what Im doing is not coming from me. There is a higher power; I am a vessel. The inspiration comes, and Im prepared to offer it to the world in as many ways as I possibly can."

His latest offering is his new song, Somebody Believes.

Do you appreciate the extensive faith coverage by the Free Press? Become a supporter of the Religion in the News project! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more can help us keep offering trusted coverage of faith in Manitoba. Become a supporter Click here to learn more about the project.

"Edgar was able to rise above poverty and injustice," he says. "All it took was for someone to care, for someone to believe in him."

When he ponders his legacy, he says he hopes he can look back and say he shared the message "we really can do better at being good people in this world, in understanding each other and accepting each other, and being more tolerant and giving to each other."

That, and the importance of believing in others, in Canada and around the world.

"Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in the life of another person," he says.

For more information about International Development Week, visit developmentweek.ca.

jdl562000@yahoo.com


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BEIJING, Feb. 5 -- China's inter-bank payment and settlement system passed a tough test on Lunar New Year's eve as the Chinese zealously snatched lucky money in virtual red envelopes for good fortune.

China UnionPay, a leading payment network, processed inter-bank payment and settlement deals worth 261.7 billion yuan (about 39 billion U.S. dollars) Monday night, the Lunar New Year's eve, up 81.3 percent from the same day of last year, Shanghai Securities News reported Tuesday on its APP.

The average response time for each deal processed by China UnionPay's network was only 220 milliseconds, and no deals failed.

Citing sources with China UnionPay, the newspaper said the country's inter-bank payment system had been "well tested in a reality check."

As authorized by the People's Bank of China, China UnionPay handled only a portion of the country's inter-bank payment and settlement needs during the Spring Festival, which mainly involves the Wechat red packets launched by Tencent and Baidu red packets.

Giving cash in red envelopes (hongbao) is a traditional practice during the Spring Festival and it has been shifting online thanks to the promotion of mobile payment in which people use apps to send, snatch and draw virtual hongbaos on their smartphones.

The digital red envelope race during the Chinese New Year holiday has become a new tradition since Tencent made a splash in 2014 with the hongbao service on its popular instant messaging app WeChat, drawing millions of new users for its mobile payment service.

The race has been particularly fierce this year, as more tech giants lavished lucky money to attract mobile users.

Chinese artificial intelligence giant Baidu, for instance, took the lead this year by preparing a record high of 1.9 billion yuan (281.7 million U.S. dollars) for digital red envelopes after becoming the exclusive red envelope partner of the China Central Television (CCTV) Spring Festival Gala, the most-watched annual show on Chinese New Year eve.

Alibaba continued its game of collecting five blessings to share the lucky money of 500 million yuan, while Weibo prompted users to retweet certain posts to share 100 million yuan. Many firms put 2,019 yuan into red envelopes as the biggest prize.

Tencent also rolled out a specific hongbao service for firms to give red envelopes to their employees in its latest efforts to boost services for corporate customers.

Douyin, a leading Chinese short-video platform, jumped onto the wagon by partnering with the CCTV gala and launching a red envelope game worth 500 million yuan in total, in an effort to encourage users to send short-video new year greetings to expand on its already 500-million-plus monthly active users.

Compared to the everyday needs for inter-bank payment and settlement, the Spring Festival holiday is much more demanding as a larger amount of deals under more diverse trading scenarios need to be processed concurrently, according to sources with China UnionPay.

Apart from red packet deals, online and offline payment concerning dining, transportation, shopping in department stores, currency conversion, cross-border withdrawals and remittance, centralized receiving and payment and other kinds of deals saw a substantial growth during the holiday.

To cope with the demand, China UnionPay said it had established one-for-one real-time communication and response mechanism with key commercial banks and payment institutions and monitored the transaction processing under all sorts of trading scenarios.
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Students in Mrs. Olglesbys fifth grade class at Lakeview Elementary give a message during the schools Kindness Week. Along with the students are Mt. Juliet Police Chief James Hambrick, school board member Chad Karl, District 18 Wilson County Commissioner Lauren Breeze, teacher BrittanyKoehn, Principal Tracey Burge and other school employees.
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Bad Guys Listen Too

Chiefs Concerns

Project Timeline

(TNS)  The ability for the public and media to listen to police scanner activity may come to an end or be drastically altered when Pennsylvania's Luzerne County implements a new 911 radio upgrade.County officials plan to switch from a 20-year-old analog system to a digital one because equipment support for the radio transmitters and receivers that allow emergency responders to exchange messages will end Dec. 31, 2020. The system wont automatically shut down on that date, but replacement parts have become increasingly difficult to find because they are no longer manufactured.This new digital system will provide the option for each police departments to encrypt its radio communication channel so it cant be heard by outside scanners, said county 911 Executive Director Fred Rosencrans.Even if departments keep their channels open, outside users would have to buy more expensive digital-capable scanners to hear them, Rosencrans said.Rosencrans said he wont force the countys 49 police departments to encrypt, saying it should be their decision, but that option will be available to all forces.Many local police officials expressed interest in encryption when 911 started studying the digital conversion possibility several years ago, citing concerns about suspects tracking their activity and location, which could endanger officers or give suspects a heads up to flee, Rosencrans said.Debates about encryption have surfaced across the country as more areas go digital, he said.A lot of police departments want it for officer safety. Lets face it, the bad guys listen to scanners as well, Rosencrans said.Personal information, such as names and dates of birth, also are broadcast over the air when police run traffic stops, he said. Some online sites rebroadcast scanner frequencies, making the information accessible to listeners anywhere, he said.Its not only an officer safety issue but also a privacy issue that has to be considered, Rosencrans said.The county would not encrypt its general 911 law enforcement channel because it is intended to provide general bulletins and information about disasters and other regional emergencies, he said.Under the current plan, fire department channels wont be encrypted because they generally dont broadcast sensitive information, he said.Rosencrans acknowledged scanner listening is a popular pastime for some area residents, and he does not expect many to invest in digital scanners, which cost hundreds of dollars for basic models without the bells and whistles.A lot of people just listen to it to hear whats going on and activity throughout the county, he said.In Plains Township, Police Chief James OMalley sees the opportunity for a compromise.I would keep day-to-day transmissions open, OMalley said. However, I would encrypt sensitive talk groups, like narcotic busts or undercover operations.But OMalley said he sees no overall reason to keep the media or public from hearing what is going on.In Hazleton, Police Chief Jerry Speziale said he sees the benefits of encryption, but also acknowledged that he would need more information on funding and technology before making a decision.I understand why departments decide to encrypt their transmissions because you do have criminals that listen in, said Speziale, adding that lack of interference is another benefit.Already Hazleton takes a silent dispatch approach thanks to computer technology in each officers vehicle.We have tablets that we can respond to calls, he said. The county communications center sends us the calls and we can view them right away.We dont have to say a word, Speziale added. We click a button and sends an alert to the county and the officers on duty that we are responding to a call.Speziale also believes that encryption will work for a while, but that someone will eventually be able to crack the technology and listen in.Its premature to set a firm date for the digital system to be up and running because the project must still be priced and funded, Rosencrans said.County council voted in November to hire Pennsylvania-based MCM Consulting Group for $380,357 to handle the first stage of the radio upgrade. The company will help determine the countys equipment needs, prepare a comprehensive bid seeking interested vendors and identify grants and other possible outside funding.Rosencrans said letters have been sent to all 175 fire, police and EMS agencies in the county informing them the consultant will be scheduling visits to each site to inventory their current radio equipment and discuss their future needs.A public request for proposals or bid specifications should be ready for release April 1. Rosencrans wants to analyze all responses by August so council knows what options will cost. New borrowing may be necessary to fund the project, which has been estimated at $20 million, officials have said.Council has earmarked $1 million in the capital budget to begin the project.
Establish a do not track option for people using online services. In lieu of allowing their search history, social media favorites and online activity to be sold to advertisers, people could opt to pay an unspecified fee to preserve their privacy.

Authorize the FTC to establish privacy and cybersecurity standards and require big companies to report annually on their privacy practices.

Penalize large companies that submit false information in their annual privacy report. Penalties could amount to 4 percent of annual revenue  a number that could run in the billions of dollars for the biggest social media companies. Executives could face jail time up to 20 years.

Require companies to assess their algorithms for accuracy, fairness, bias and discrimination.

(TNS)  Privacy breaches that expose social media profiles, bank accounts, online photos and personal Internet activity have become endemic.Incensed, Oregons senior U.S. senator is pitching jail time and billions in fines for companies or executives who enable such breaches.To Sen. Ron Wyden, the privacy failures are analogous to the corporate fraud and accounting scandals behind the collapse of Enron and WorldCom. So Wyden wants new federal privacy protections analogous to the rules that govern corporate executives conduct.The Democratic lawmaker recently introduced a bill that would give the Federal Trade Commission the authority to establish privacy and cybersecurity standards. The bill would impose levy steep fines  even jail time  for companies and executives who misrepresent their compliance.The point is the Federal Trade Commission on privacy issues thus far has basically been toothless, Wyden said in an interview with. I am trying to recreate this agency for the digital era.The 38-page bills provisions would:What we are essentially advocating is what the big financial services firms have to do under Sarbanes-Oxley, Wyden said.Thats a controversial 2002 law designed to prevent corporate fraud by requiring publicly traded companies to take steps to ensure the accuracy of their financial reports and mandating that top executives take personal responsibility for their veracity.As a member of the Senates minority party during a hyper-partisan era, Wyden faces long odds in getting his bill passed. He introduced the bill last fall and it has made little headway in the intervening months.But hes hoping persistent consumer outrage about privacy violations could give it additional traction, coupled with support from within the tech industry itself.Facebook, Google and other companies that rely on online advertising have resisted limits on how they can use personal data. Neither of those big companies responded to requests for comment on the bill.But others less reliant on Internet advertising, notably Apple, have called for comprehensive digital privacy laws. And in a statement provided by Wydens office, chipmaker Intel endorsed his work on privacy.The bill is a tremendous step towards effective comprehensive U.S. privacy legislation, saidDavid Hoffman, Intels associate general counsel and global privacy officer. Providing more authority and resources to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is a critical foundation for robust privacy protection.The bills eye-popping penalties are reserved for large companies and wouldnt apply to privacy violations themselves. Rather, companies would face the penalties when they submit false statements about their privacy practices.Still, Technology Association of Oregon chief executive Skip Newberry said some of his members have expressed concerns about the very significant penalties. He and other members met with representatives from Wydens office in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday and discussed the bill.My impression from today's meeting is his office is interested in connecting with small and medium-sized tech companies on the Do-Not-Track privacy bill in addition to their on-going conversations with larger tech companies, Newberry wrote in an email. We will be working with their Oregon field office to solicit input from our members.
The president of the New Britain Chamber of Commerce has been placed on administrative leave following a comment he made on social media.
At stop lights or freeway on and off ramps, youve probably seen people holding signs and asking for money. It can be tempting to hand over your spare change, but next time you may want to think twice.
HARTFORD  State Sen. Douglas McCrory grew up in this citys North End, where Albany Avenue is a boundary between inner-city isolation and the promise of higher education, with its accompanying upward mobility.

What residents of both sides of the border had in common was the use of marijuana, said McCrory, a graduate of the nearby University of Hartford in West Hartford. But urban residents of color were too often prosecuted for using the drug, while college students were left alone by law enforcement.

I walk a quarter-mile down the street, I turn right, I go to college, McCrory said Wednesday. I turn left, I go on the Avenue. I grew up on the Avenue. I saw drugs. I saw marijuana. I went to college. I saw more drugs and marijuana than I ever saw in my life.

I aint never seen one person in college get arrested for drugs. Why is that? he said. Why, when I turn left, my friends go to jail and get records and cant get a job, cant get housing because we have a policy thats racist, but my friends on the right get a pass?

At stake is the ability to heal communities, he said.

We need to correct something that has destroyed, I say destroyed families, neighborhoods, communities for years, and now we have the opportunity to do something about it, he said.

If the state, led by Gov. Ned Lamont, who made recreational marijuana an election issue, wants to legalize the cultivation, sale  and taxation  of the drug, McCrory and other lawmakers will demand an accompanying path to clear the records of those who have been caught in the mass incarceration of marijuana users.

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, says the nation never learned the lessons of Prohibition, the period between 1920 and 1933 when alcohol was banned and organized crime expanded into violent empires to quench the publics thirst, at the same time fostering distrust in the government, law enforcement and even the criminal-justice system.

More for you News Medical marijuana considered for opioid withdrawal

Marijuana has become the new target of prohibition.

That whole enforcement apparatus then was turned instead to trying to treat marijuana the way alcohol was unsuccessfully regarded, Looney said, noting that the current proposal would allow adults to grow plants in their homes, while establishing a commercial production and sales system within the state.

We have an opportunity here in Connecticut to correct a wrong, McCrory said, recalling the early 1930s campaign against marijuana use. It continued all the way through the Nixon years ... when he needed a way to stigmatize black people and hippies.

Legislative leaders admit that it is far too early for specifics on whatever cannabis-related legislation may emerge by the June 5 deadline.

But without some process to erase criminal records for possession, legalizing marijuana at a time when retail sales are already luring Connecticut buyers to Massachusetts, could stall in the General Assembly, even while New York tries to fast-track it this year. And with an estimated $70 million to $150 million a year in possible tax revenue from cannabis sales, the stakes could be high.

Brian Essenter, the public outreach coordinator for the state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said hes optimistic that Connecticut can enact full legalization this year, building on the 2012 legislation that made the states medical-cannabis program a national model.

It seems like theres some general support, especially from the Democratic side, but theres some support from Republicans  it doesnt look like theres much, Essenter said. It seems like many at this point are looking for information to be more educated, which is great. I think now they notice that the support is growing very quickly.

State Rep. Vincent J. Candelora, R-North Branford, an opponent of the marijuana legislation, said Wednesday that there are too many possible unforeseen consequences if the state approves retail sales. Lets have a conversation within our behavioral health industry, our schools, with our police force, to give input on a better bill, he said.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT
(TNS)  Imagine visitors flying into San Jose descending from the airport into an underground tunnel, boarding a driverless car or some other contraption and zooming south a couple of miles to Diridon Station, the citys main transit hub.Far-fetched, right? Maybe not.San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said Tuesday he has been in talks with Elon Musks Boring Company about the possibility of creating this kind of underground link between Diridon Station and Mineta San Jose International Airport.The announcement could bring welcome news for tourists, business workers and residents alike, who are often left to hail a cab or ride-share service or wait for a bus. Meanwhile, the Bay Areas other major airports  in Oakland and San Francisco  are connected to BART.For Liccardo, the possibility represents a chance for the station to grow with the city, the mayor told reporters at City Hall.In the coming years, Google is expected to build a massive campus near Diridon, bringing thousands more people, jobs and homes to the area. And the station itself is expected to undergo an overhaul of its own, with BART eventually set to extend downtown and to the station. A half decade ago, the estimated cost for building a traditional rail link between the airport and station came in around $800 million. A tunnel project, Liccardo said, could potentially cost a fraction of that figure.Its not that cost effective, Liccardo said of a traditional rail link. Weve been looking at alternatives.But not everyone is thrilled with the idea of San Jose turning to a company run by Musk, who has been accused of labor violations and opposing unions.Theres a lot of important decisions the city needs to make about Diridon Station and infrastructure and investments, and its really important that when we look at construction of our public works and operation of our public spaces that were working with employers that respect employees, said Jeffrey Buchanan, with the worker-advocacy group Working Partnerships USA.Liccardo said any project would be subject to San Joses prevailing wage rules and that the city wasnt locked into working with Boring.This is going to be open to everybody, the mayor said. What weve been exploring is the technology.While no tunnel is imminent, Liccardo said he hopes to see whats known as a Request for Information, or RFI, go out in the next couple of months to companies such as Boring that might be able to build such a transit system.For two consecutive years, the (airport) has been the fastest-growing airport in the United States, Liccardo wrote in a new memo to the rest of the City Council. City and regional leaders have long sought a means of connecting the airport to the rest of our emerging transit system.Musks company is now testing out an underground tunnel in Southern California. San Jose, Liccardo said, should explore a public-private partnership with Boring or another company to help connect airport passengers to downtown and vice versa.When voters approved Measure A in 2000, Liccardo said, a people mover connecting the airport terminals to Caltrain, VTA Light Rail and BART, all of which will flow through Diridon, was among the most popular project proposals.And Liccardo wants the city to think big, he said.Nobody wants to make this more complex or difficult, he wrote, but if were planning the regions Grand Central Station for the next century, we shouldnt do so wearing blinders to the future.Another regional transportation measure is likely to be on the ballot in the next six years, and the mayor wants city leaders to begin to think about how an airport connection might look ahead of that. Liccardo also envisions the airport becoming a car port in the future for Sharks fans and others attending events downtown, who could then take public transit close to Arena Green and the heart of the city.We want to be sure that were ready to go, Liccardo said.In the same memo, Liccardo also said he wants the city to study ways to connect people to De Anza College, Valley Fair, the Apple headquarters and other places along the West San Carlos-Stevens Creek corridor, as well as the possibility of a transit line along Monterey Road.Liccardo acknowledges that funding for and actual construction of such projects is unlikely to begin anytime soon but said he wants to create a space where new transit concepts can flourish, particularly when it comes to moving people from the airport to downtown.Certainly our city isnt going to get any less crowded, and Gods not creating anymore land, Liccardo said, and so it is likely that if theres going to be a viable connection, its going to be underground.
WESTPORT  The Board of Finance unanimously rejected a request to appropriate $4 million to fund portable classrooms next year, effectively killing the K-6 plan that would have housed all the towns sixth-graders at the elementary schools.

Instead, the finance board voted to appropriate $1 million to fund portable classrooms at Bedford Middle School next year, needed to accomodate the students of Coleytown Middle School which closed due to mold issues last year.

The objective is to reoccupy CMS as soon as we possibly can in a safe way, BOF Chairman Brian Stern said.

He, along with his fellow board members, argued the K-6 plan to lease 14 portables is a distraction of personnel and financial resources away from fixing the defunct Coleytown building.

The amended amount of $1 million for portables at Bedford provides, a timeline thats the fastest possible track to get CMS up and running and the most prudent way and less disruptive way to deal with the interim year, Stern said.

In December, the Board of Education voted on the K-6 plan, and in the months since, it was revealed the portables would cost a projected $2.7 million, which is far more than the BOE expected when it approved the plan.

Additionally, two independent reports suggested the timeline for reoccupying Coleytown could be shorter than the multi-year project the BOE originally thought necessary. A fall 2020 return date to Coleytown is feasible, the reports said.

In light of this new information, the Board of Education voted 4-3 Monday to reaffirm its commitment to the K-6 plan.

However, one member, Elaine Whitney, changed her mind to oppose the plan and said she would prefer to keep all middle school students at Bedford next year because the K-6 plan was proving to complex to execute by next year.

The finance board agreed the K-6 plan was perhaps to complicated for Superintendent Colleen Palmers administration to execute by next fall, especially considering the aggressive timeline needed to acquire the portables by the start of the 2019-20 school year.

It just looked too ambitious, too complex, and too short of time, BOF member Michael Rea said.

Finance board member Nancie Dupier agreed the plans uncertainty level was too high to responsibly allocate $4 million. I believe that with the level of funding requested, we would need a level of confidence that it will deliver the intended outcome within the expected time frame, and I dont feel that I heard enough sitting in this seat to convince me of that, she said.

Residents spoke for and against the $4 million appropriation. Those in favor of the appropriation said the elementary school environment is more educationally and developmentally appropriate for sixth-grade students than a large mega middle school.

Palmer said sixth grade students would thrive more in the K-6 model than at Bedford, noting the K-6 plan is not possible without the square footage afforded by the portables.

There was a very long and involved public discourse around that vote. We talked about the quality of education. We talked about social and emotional factors. We talked about the logistics, what could be done. ... We have a plan, and I would respectfully submit that it would be a failure of leadership to sit back and try to relitigate that plan, resident Matt Grove said.

Parents who spoke against the plan said they did not trust school administration to execute it, given the uncertainties. Many said they wanted the administration to focus on fixing Coleytown instead of spending so much time engineering the K-6 plan.

The financial cost. The aggressive and unrealistic timeline and the educational disruption and challenges associated with moving to the K-6 model combined with the viability of CMS are compelling enough to support the fact that funding portables to pursue the K-6 model is not the best decision for our town. ... What will we do in August if the K-6 model is not ready and we have essentially wasted the towns money on something that either didnt work or didnt work well? parent Liz Heyer said.

The $1 million appropriation request for Bedford portables will now go to the RTM for review.

svaughan@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2638; @SophieCVaughan1
Contributed / Contributed Photo

WESTPORT  An East Hartford man was arrested for alleged drug sales after cops pulled him over.

On Feb. 1 around 5:30 p.m., an officer observed a car driving on Riverside Avenue without a front registration plate. A search of the registration system showed the plate belonged to a different car, police said.
The Curio Cottage Thrift Shop, operated by the Westport Womans Club, will be offering a 50 percent off storewide sale from Feb. 11-16 during its Sweetheart of a Sale leading up to Valentines Day.

The shop offers an ever-changing array of donated glassware, tableware, vases, platters, frames, jewelry, kitchen items and more. It is open weekly on Monday from 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is located adjacent to the Westport Womans Club, 44 Imperial Ave.

The Curio Cottage, opened in 1999, operates year-round and has contributed over $500,000 in support of the philanthropic mission of the Westport Womans Club, which includes direct grants and services to nonprofit organizations and charities throughout Fairfield County.

Interior design firm completes Westport renovation

Leading Stamford-based architecture and interior design firm MKDA, this year celebrating its 60th anniversary, announced the completed renovation of 55 Post Road West in Westport on behalf of joint venture partners Homewood Real Estate and ClearRock Properties.

The renovations transformed the 1971 building which, until 2018 had been occupied by a single tenant, into a multitenant facility.

The owners wanted to reintroduce the asset to the market for a range of tenants looking for a fresh, modern and high-end working environment in one of the best markets in New Yorks northern suburbs, said MKDA Executive Managing Director Julia Lindh. The buildings blend of industrial and high-end features creates a unique Class A opportunity that matches or exceeds similar offerings in Westport.

According to MKDA, interior renovations at the 39,000-swuare-foot, three-floor property include a new lobby, elevators, bathrooms and common corridors. Exterior renovations intended to enhance the buildings distinct architecture and expansive window line include a new entrance, landscaping and parking garage screens.

Supper & Soul dinner set for Feb. 9

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerces Supper & Soul dinner and concert series continues on Feb. 9 with some folk/rock for this Valentines Day date event

The single ticket, multifaceted event entitles participants to enjoy a three-course meal at one of eight downtown restaurants, then see a concert at the Seabury Center and return to any of the same restaurants for happy hour pricing for drinks. The ticket for this event will be $75 per person.

The concert will feature the husband-and-wife led band David Wax Museum, whose sound the New York Times called global crossover music at its best with its mix of folk, rock and Americana. They have played all around the country including the main stage at the Newport Folk Festival.

The restaurants participating in this collaboration includes: 190 Main, Amis, Rothbard, Spotted Horse, Tavern on Main, Jesup Hall, Matsu Sushi and now Wafu, each within two blocks of the Seabury Center on Church Lane.

The dinner seating will take place at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are first bought online through the chamber, then reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis once again through the chamber. Drinks and tips are not included in the price of the ticket.

For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.westportwestonchamber.com/supper.

Fairfield, Westport to host joint Business After Hours

The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and the Westport Chamber of Commerce will host its annual combined February Business After Hours on Feb. 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Westport Inn.

The event is an informal, after-work gathering for chamber members, prospective members and guests. It is an opportunity to network with other business associates and colleagues, exchange ideas, obtain business leads and make professional referrals and friends.

Attendees are encouraged to have their business cards ready to hand out, to expand their local networking base by meeting new people from Westport and Fairfield.

This BAH is a theme-based Happy Valentines Day event, celebrating We Love our Chamber Members. Attendees will enjoy lively discussions, idea sharing and conversations with colleagues, chamber members and their guests. Also included are door prizes (including a complimentary room rental), tours of the Westport Inn, drinks and light appetizers.

Tickers are $25 for chamber members and $50 for nonmembers. Walk-ins will be charged an additional $5.

For ticket reservations or more information, call the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce at 203-255-1011 or register at www. FairfieldCTChamber.com.

Firefighters donate to fallen service members

Westport firefighters recently made a $2,290 donation to the Honor and Remember Organization, whose mission is to recognize the sacrifice of Americas military fallen service members and their families.

The primary symbol of this recognition is the Honor and Remember Flag, which is made for and presented to Gold Star families and is intended to fly continuously as a visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms.

The funds were raised solely from donations made by members of the Westport Fire Department. Gregg Barratt, assistant director of the Honor and Remember CT Chapter, presented the Honor and Sacrifice Flag to the members of the department.
WESTPORT  The Representative Town Meeting upheld the Conservation Commissions decision to approve a 187-unit affordable housing development on Hiawatha Lane, moving the structure further along in the permit process.

But not all residents and members were happy about the decision.

Hiawatha Lane, if this continues, will experience the equivalent of a real estate rape, pillage and plunder, with the wholesale destruction and disappearance of the homes and lives that have been an integral part to the character and quality of life in this community, Carolanne Curry, a resident of Hiawatha Lane Extension and leader of the group Save Old Saugatuck, told the RTM at its Feb. 4 meeting.

The development application, brought by Summit Saugatuck LLC, passed the Flood and Erosion Control Board over the summer and received Conservation Commission approval in the fall.

The RTM took up the case because town ordinance states if 20 electors disagree with a decision by either the flood board or conservation commission, they can appeal the decision to the RTM.

Save Old Saugatuck asked the RTM to reverse the Conservation Commissions decision, but their plea failed, and the RTM upheld the commissions decision by a 25-3-3 vote.

Based on the evidence of record and the expert testimony, we granted a permit with conditions, Conservation Commission Chair Anna Rycenga said of the Oct. 26 decision to approve Summit Saugatucks application.

The commission has a narrow purview upon which to make decisions, Rycenga said, noting it could only legally consider the application in light of the Regulations for the Protection and Preservation of Wetlands and Watercourses of Westport and the Waterway Protection Line Ordinance.

Curry said the Hiawatha Lane neighborhood experiences severe flooding from the Saugatuck River, which has become increasingly worse with climate change. However, Rycenga said the commission was not allowed to consider flooding concerns in making its decision.

Rycenga said the commission asked the flood board to reconsider, but at a meeting on Feb. 6, the flood board reaffirmed its approval.

Curry further argued the commissions decision was premature because the outcome of litigation regarding Summit Saugatucks rejected application for a 1,600-foot-long sewer from Davenport Avenue to the proposed development has not yet been decided.

Curry spoke of Save Old Saugatucks 15-year fight to fend of Summit Development President Felix Charneys efforts to develop the neighborhood. Hiawatha Lane was swampland until the 1920s, when the area was filled to make way for family homes displaced from the construction of the highway through Saugatuck, Curry said.

In the early 2000s, Charney began buying homes in the neighborhood at well-above their market rate, Curry said. The proposed development would demolish 10 single-family homes on Hiawatha Lane and build five separate buildings with a total of 187 units in their place.

It is not lost on the vulnerable of the Save Old Saugatuck community that they face the powerful in money and experts, Curry said.

RTM members who spoke at the meeting largely expressed frustration with the development, but said they did not have the power to overturn the commissions decision given their narrow scope.

As much as I dont like this project, as much as I dont like this procedure and how this has gone forward, the rule of law says that we dont have the jurisdiction or purview to overturn it, Matthew Mandell said.

He suggested the town should fight the development when it appears before the Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 28 because he claims the developers are seeking to exploit the Hiawatha community in the name of profitability.

RTM member Kristin Schneeman also said she would speak out against the development.

Large, dense projects like this in environmentally sensitive coastal areas just seem like exactly the wrong way that we should be going as a town.

svaughan@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2638; @SophieCVaughan1
WESTPORT  Restaurants and eateries around town are inspected by the Westport Weston Healh District about every three months to ensure the health and safety of the food.

Westport News checked-in with health district Chief Sanitarian Jeffrey Andrews to see how town restaurants fared in the December and January inspections.

Five restaurants failed inspections in December or January: Julians Pizza Bar & Kitchen, Jeera Thai Little Kitchen, Viva Zapata, Sherwood Diner and Parker Mansion.

Theres two ways of failing: below an 80 or any critical violations, said Andrews, who has been with the health district for over 20 years.

The health district evaluates restaurants on a 100-point scale based on the state health code, but the department is currently in the process of switching over the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code, which is a pass-fail system and does not use points.

Failing triggers a reinspection, which usually occurs within two weeks of the initial inspection in order to give shops time to fix their mistakes, Andrews said.

When they do have a low score and we go back, they typically do well. They take it seriously, Andrews said, noting each of the restaurants that failed in the last two months passed their reinspection.

The critical mistakes that are common would be temperature control. Temperature is one of the more important aspects of the inspection of food safety, Andrews said.

More Information Westport restaurants with the lowest inspection scores from December and January (score out of 100 points): 1. Julians Pizza Bar & Kitchen (64) 2. Jeera Thai Little Kitchen (73) 3. Viva Zapata (75) 4. Sherwood Diner (79) 5. Parker Mansion (79) 6. Winfield Street Italian Deli (81) 7. A & M Produce Delicatessen (81) 8. New Yama Fuji Sushi (81) 9. Pink Sumo Cafe (82) 10. Tengda Asian Bistro (82) See More Collapse

Points are subtracted for improper temperature if any food reads to be above 41 degrees, Andrews said. For example, if a batch of chili in the refrigerator is 50 degrees, it likely means the restaurant did not cool the food correctly, which can be done by separating the chili into smaller containers or putting it in a sink with ice and cool water, Andrew said.

Bacteria can proliferate and grow if food is improperly cooled, Andrews said, noting this bacteria and the toxins bacteria emits can make people sick.

Julian's Pizza Bar & Kitchen at 1460 Post Road East received the lowest score with 64 points and was docked for fruit flies in the back storage area and other general kitchen cleanliness violations, according to the inspection report.

Fruit flies in the back storage area and other general kitchen cleanliness violations also contributed to Julians low score, according to the inspection.

The Staples High School cafeteria earned a score of 92 and the Westport Library Cafe, Earthplace Cafe and Crate & Barrel were among the establishments to receive a perfect inspection score.

Places that have a less complex menu and simply serve packaged or easy to distribute foods have a lower risk of point devaluation, Andrews said.

A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that food temperature violations contributed to Julian's Pizza Bar & Kitchen's low score. Those were, in fact, not violations.

svaughan@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2638; @SophieCVaughan1
BRIDGEPORT  Three men were arrested with guns and drugs in their car following a chase with police near a homicide scene Tuesday night.

But while the men were spotted near the William Street home where a woman was shot to death, Police Capt. Brian Fitzgerald said at this point it doesnt appear the chase and murder are related.

They were driving in the same areas but at this point we have no evidence that they committed the homicide, Fitzgerald said.

Sujata Lee Edwards, 36, was shot to death Tuesday night in her William Street home after police said the house was shot up by several men. There have been no arrests.

On Wednesday afternoon, 25-year-old Domontae Waters, still coping with wounds from an earlier shooting, was arraigned before Superior Court Judge Tracy Lee Dayton.

This is a very serious and dangerous case, the judge said, ordering Waters held in lieu of $150,000 bond.

On Tuesday night Waters, of Bridgeport; Tyler Marriner, 28, of Bridgeport, and John Gotti Matthews, 23, of Ansonia, were all charged with possession of narcotics, stealing a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, engaging police in a pursuit and reckless driving.

Marriner and Matthews later each posted $100,000 bonds.

Officers were patrolling the citys East Side Tuesday night when a police broadcast went out for a black two-door Audi sedan that had multiple firearms in it, according to police. A short time later, officers spotted the car on Washington Avenue. When they attempted to pull it over, police said, Matthews, later identified as the driver of the Audi, accelerated.

Police said the pursuit led them onto Madison Avenue where Matthews struck the rear of another car at the intersection with Arlington Street. Police said the impact of the crash caused Matthews to veer onto the sidewalk and into a traffic light pole. All three of the men in the car  Waters, Matthews and Marriner  were taken into custody without incident.

Inside the Audi, police said, they found a .38-caliber revolver and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Police said they also seized from the Audi numerous bags containing what they identified as marijuana and opiate pills.

Last May, Waters was shot during an incident on Asylum Street in which Willie Chill Nance was shot to death. Police at the time said they believed Waters was with the man charged with killing Nance, Shardel Dolo Ragin, who is awaiting trial for allegedly killing Nance.

Matthews was arrested in November by Trumbull police following a chase through the mall after an alleged heroin deal.
STAMFORD  The Boston-based artist and activist who installed a massive spoon sculpture last June outside the downtown headquarters of OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma staged a similar protest Thursday outside the Rhode Island main offices of Rhodes Pharmaceuticals, another opioid producer reportedly controlled by Purdues controversial owners.

Domenic Espositos latest demonstration featured another 800-pound spoon. The solid-aluminum figure was stained like the original to represent burnt heroin and engraved with the Rhodes name on its handle.

Espositos new protest comprised part of his Opioid Spoon Project, an initiative that aims to inform the public about the players responsible for the opioid epidemic. Rhodes is owned by members of the Sackler family and ranks among the largest U.S. producers of off-patent, generic opioids, according to the Financial Times.

Sackler family members have come under growing scrutiny in recent weeks, in the wake of hundreds of pages of documents released in a lawsuit by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who alleges that eight Sacklers who sit on the Purdue board fueled the opioid crisis by orchestrating the deceptive and relentless marketing of the companys opioids.

Connecticut filed last December a similar lawsuit, which also named as defendants the same group of Sacklers. Purdue denies the allegations.

Lawsuits dont have an effect on Big Pharma, as they continue to find ways to profit, pay their fines and carry on, making billions, Esposito said in a statement. Rhodes needed to be exposed so the public is aware of the strategic initiatives Big Pharma is willing to carry out to profit from.

A message left Thursday for a Rhodes spokesman were not returned.

With Stamford art-gallery owner Fernando Luis Alvarez, Esposito installed the original 800-pound spoon on June 22 outside Purdues headquarters at 201 Tresser Blvd. Esposito said the stain on the sculpture represented the burnt spoon that his mother would find when his brother relapsed during his battle with opioid addiction.

The novelty of the demonstration drew international attention and took place during a summer marked by several major protests of the companys role in the opioid epidemic.

Alvarez was arrested for his role in the protest, but later allowed to participate in an accelerated-rehabilitation program. He would be cleared of all charges if he avoids contact with Purdue for one year.

He credited Esposito with making the first spoon and embracing the work of his gallery, which has been a locus of the Alvarez-founded Spoon Movement that aims to raise awareness about the opioid crisis.

But he also expressed misgivings about the Rhodes protest  an event that did not result in any arrests, a spokesman for the Coventry, R.I. police department confirmed to Hearst Connecticut Media.

Our movement calls for courageous action, not posing in a public space with a spoon, which is what the act at Rhodes has amounted to, unfortunately, Alvarez said in an email. So this is not a Drop as the movement intends. A Drop requires the spoon to be dropped on private property of the architects of the opioid epidemic. I find today's act to be more of a publicity stunt and an attempt at gaining favor in the art world.

pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott
Getting the good word out about the Nebraska Panhandle has received a boost.

The Nebraska Tourism Commission has awarded a $4,000 grant to the Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition, which serves the Kimball area, to participate in a social media blitz and banner marketing.

Hal Enevoldsen of Potter, president of the western Nebraska coalitions executive committee, said the grant and others like it in the region will be a big boost to our marketing efforts throughout the state and beyond.

The coalition has worked to help tourism grow in recent years, promoting events, attractions, sites and scenery throughout 21 Panhandle counties. It represents restaurants, outfitters, hotels and other entities in an area that includes the Sandhills, Wild West, Trails West and Pine Ridge regions.

In all, the state commission awarded $784,600 in grants through its Community Impact and Tourism Marketing Grant programs. The commission received 81 applications this grant cycle requesting about $1.71 million in funding.

To the east, Sidney/Cheyenne County Tourism received a $25,000 chunk of the cash to promote its Time to Unwind at Exit 59 campaign.

Heather Hogue, Nebraska Tourism Commission grant administrator and deputy director, called the application process one of the most competitive cycles we have experienced in a congratulations letter to the western Nebraska coalition. With that the case, she said most grants awarded were for similar directed marketing efforts that target specific audiences.

A selection committee of grant reviewers from the private and public sectors, including citizens at large, helped in the process.

With the widespread attention of our new (statewide tourism) campaign, being able to help communities, events and organizations across the state affordably capitalize on Nebraskas growing popularity is really exciting, said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commissions executive director. There were many creative grant proposals this year, and Im looking forward to seeing the impact they have on tourism in Nebraska.
(TNS) - Law enforcement officials on the East End in New York are investigating a spate of prank emergency calls that have triggered heavy police responses and are forcing officials to do more to authenticate time-consuming and potentially dangerous incidents.The bogus calls, known as swatting because they often draw a police departments SWAT team and other first responders, have targeted high-profile people such as celebrities, as well as those in the gaming community, a law enforcement source said.Generally they involve a report of a murder, or a kidnapping or both, said Southampton Town Police Chief Steven Skrynecki. These events trigger a significant and serious response.They can also be costly and dangerous.A 2014 case in Long Beach cost the department an estimated $100,000, Police Commissioner Michael Tangney said at the time. Two Nassau County police officers heading to the scene crashed in North Bellmore and sustained neck and back injuries, police said. In Wichita, Kansas, a man was fatally shot by police in December 2017 when he answered the door after his home was swatted based on a prank call placed by an online gamer in Los Angeles.Both of those incidents involved disputes over the video game Call of Duty.Swatting has been especially prevalent on the West Coast, where many celebrities work and live. Miley Cyrus, Sean Combs and Justin Bieber have been victims of prank calls, as have Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood, Ashton Kutcher and Magic Johnson, according to published reports. Recent incidents on the East End have involved a famed hotel and the home of CNN anchor Chris Cuomo.On Nov. 28, someone reported a violent domestic incident at The American Hotel on Main Street in Sag Harbor, according to village police. Four rooms were evacuated, and about 60 emergency responders were on the scene for at least five hours, said hotel and restaurant manager Julian Ramirez.Hotel staff contacted the guests via their cellphones and evacuated the building without any injuries or damage to property, he said.It was like a movie, Ramirez said. Everybody was going outside the door with their hands up.Ramirez said he later heard the emergency call in which a male caller said he had just shot his wife, was holding their two children hostage and planned to kill himself. Sag Harbor police said the report was unfounded.A second incident was reported at 6:40 a.m. Dec. 5 at a business on County Road 39 in Southampton, Skrynecki said, adding that police also found that report was unfounded.Last month, police, including an emergency team, were called to the Southampton home of Chris Cuomo, younger brother of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.Officers descended on the home shortly before 4 a.m. Jan. 26 responding to a possible shooting and hostage situation following a report from a caller who gave their name as Chris, according to a Southampton Village Police report.Southampton Town Police, including its emergency services unit, and New York State Police were also called to the scene. Cuomo and his wife, Cristina, were interviewed after the incident, according to the police report.The report does not make clear whether the couple was home at the time, but it does state that emergency service officers made physical contact with them.The callers claims were unfounded, the report said. No arrests have been made in any of the incidents, and all are under investigation, Skrynecki said.Chris Cuomo did not respond to requests for comment.The hoax caused a spectacle in the usually quiet residential neighborhood, with officers closing nearby streets for several hours. A neighbor who declined to give his name said he saw the flashing police lights early that morning but assumed it was the motorcade of Cuomos older brother.Southampton Village police officials did not respond to multiple requests for comment.This is not a prank. This is a crime, Suffolk County Police Chief Stuart Cameron said of swatting, adding that his department responded to at least five such incidents in 2018.Other law enforcement officials were hesitant to discuss swatting.East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo, whose department responded to the Sag Harbor incident, declined to comment on the departments protocol. Sag Harbor Village straddles East Hampton and Southampton, resulting in a response from both town police departments.Less information is better as far as we are concerned, he said.Callers often use software to hide the origin of the call and sometimes call the police departments directly rather than dialing 911, which can make it more difficult to trace. They often report a location that is viewable by a publicly accessible camera, Skrynecki said.A camera is installed at the American Hotel, which is viewable on the website Hamptons.com.We suspect that somebody is watching to see what the effect was, Skrynecki said.In response to the prank calls, Southampton police will now try to make phone contact with the resident before arriving. Skrynecki said his department will use robotic technology such as drones and search for public cameras to try to determine the authenticity of the report. Another clue that the call is a hoax is if the caller cannot answer basic questions, such as who lives in the home, Cameron said.The Southampton Police Department may not immediately send in an emergency unit or hostage negotiators if a scam is suspected, Skrynecki said.Those placing the prank calls could face charges such as making a terrorist threat or falsely reporting an incident, Cameron said.It should not be taken lightly, he said. We would certainly use every resource to identify and prosecute the person.In 2015, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) sponsored a bill that would have imposed an eight-year prison sentence for swatting and required those convicted to make restitution to local governments. The bill was never brought to the Senate floor for a vote.By Vera Chinese vera.chinese@newsday.com @VeraChineseVera Chinese joined Newsday in 2017 and covers the towns of Southampton, East Hampton and Shelter Island. A Long Island native, she has reported on East End issues for 10 years.2019 NewsdayVisit Newsday at www.newsday.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
AGAWAM, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Middle school students in Agawam were allowed to celebrate their last day of school with ice cream after all. The annual tradition was called into question Wednesday when an email to parents from school administrators said Friendlys would not be able to serve stude
Inside Washington

State of the Democrats

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi may be the official head of the Democratic Party and its fist.

06.02.2019 By Amy Holmes

She successfully strong armed the President of the United States into postponing his State of Union national address until this week. But newly elected New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortiz and her Democratic Socialist comrades are fighting for its heart, and they are ready to spill blood.

Saikat Chakrabarti, Ocasio Cortizs chief of staff, tells Politico magazine that the party is being held hostage by the radical conservatives in the Democratic Party who oppose sweeping socialist transformation. Looking across the battlefield, the fledgling general is uncompromising. Thats who we need to counter.

Justice Democrats, the political organization that recruited and backed the ultra liberal, 29 year old Ocasio Cortiz, promises There is going to be a war within the party. We are going to lean into it.

They may, however, find themselves leaning into a buzzsaw. Reportedly, centrist members of the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus are infuriated that the upstart agitators, led by Ocasio Cortiz, plan to field primary challengers, next year, against their incumbent members.

One House Democrat, demanding anonymity, tells The Hill newspaper What I have recommended to the New York delegation is that you find [Ocasio Cortiz] a primary opponent and make her a one-term congressperson.

Earlier this month, party veteran Representative Emanuel Cleaver fired a warning shot. Im sure Ms. Cortiz means well, but theres almost an outstanding rule: Dont attack your own people. We just dont need sniping in our Democratic Caucus.

Translation: It could get ugly.
(TNS) - When there's a potential tornado threat to Dallas-Fort Worth, outdoor sirens let residents know, but not every Texas city operates the same warning system.The city of Dallas has 162 sirens to warn residents about an imminent weather emergency. Fort Worth has 153. But Austin, Houston and San Antonio have gone a different route.Austin Miller was born in downtown Dallas and grew up in Richardson and Garland, before moving to Houston. While living in the Houston area  first in Sugar Land and later in Cypress  Miller noticed the absence of the sirens he had grown used to in North Texas.Miller wanted to know: Why dont some areas in Texas have outdoor warning sirens? Millers question is part of Curious Texas, an ongoing project from The Dallas Morning News that invites you to join in our reporting process. The idea is simple: You have questions, and our journalists are trained to track down answers.Cities have different reasons for skipping the sirens, but all have one common denominator: Technology makes them unnecessary.In San Antonio, tornado sirens are not a good fit for a community of more than 400 square miles, according to the citys office of emergency management website.The site says the last three tornadoes in San Antonio didnt show up on the areas National Weather Service radar making it all the more difficult to deploy a siren as a warning tool.Instead, the office suggests residents use radio, TV and social media, as well as weather radios to get their alerts.Angel Flores, spokesman for the Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, told the Austin American-Statesman that it would be very expensive to build, develop and operate a community siren warning system. The University of Texas at Austin has its own siren system, but the city itself does not.Along with social media, radio and TV, Austin-area residents can also subscribe to WarnCentralTexas.org to receive emergency alerts.In Houston, where Miller lived before returning to Dallas in 2006, the metropolitan area is too sprawling to have an outdoor siren system, according to Cory Stottlemyer, spokesman for the Houston Office of Emergency Management.Instead of using sirens, Houston  like many other cities  can send mass warnings similar to Amber Alerts to residents. The city's system, Alert Houston, has the capability to geo-target specific areas within the city."This way we're not clogging people's inboxes and phones" if they are not impacted by an emergency, Stottlemyer said.Dallas' sirens aren't just for tornadoes. They can also be activated for weather emergencies such as a severe thunderstorm warning with winds topping 70 mph or reports of hail 1.5 inches in diameter or larger, according to the Dallas Office of Emergency Management.In Fort Worth, sirens can also be used in the event of a chemical spill emergency, a funnel cloud report by a reliable source, or a state or national emergency, according to the citys emergency management office.When sirens go off, those outside should immediately seek shelter in an interior room. Once in a safe location, the Dallas emergency office suggests checking local media for updates, and calling local fire or police only if immediate assistance is needed.In Dallas and Fort Worth, the sirens are typically tested at noon on the first Wednesday of the month, when weather permits.While outdoor sirens serve an important purpose, they can also be an annoyance if they malfunction. In April 2017, Dallas outdoor warning siren system was hacked, causing sirens to blare for almost an hour in the middle of the night.Tell us:What do you wonder about the weather in Texas?You can send us your Curious Texas questions by texting "DMN" to 214-817-3868. Follow the prompts and introduce yourself to us, share your story or questions, and we'll text you with information as we report the story.2019 The Dallas Morning NewsVisit The Dallas Morning News at www.dallasnews.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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GCCS officials say 'concerning social media post was from out of state
Proposed bill would give Kentucky children in foster care a right to see their siblings
New website will give Kentuckians another place to sign up to be organ donors
(TNS)  Leaders at Washington's Thurston Countys 911 dispatch center say the radio system that emergency responders use to talk to dispatchers and each other is outdated and they are asking state lawmakers for the ability to collect more sales tax to pay for a $30 million upgrade.TCOMM 911 handles emergency calls and dispatches first responders in Thurston County with the exception of Washington State Patrol. It also owns and operates the countys public safety radio system.Olympia Fire Chief Gregory Wright told a Senate committee last week that Thurston County crews are using the same radio technology that was around when Wright started his career.The one thing that all fire, EMS and law enforcement officials know is that our communications infrastructure is weak and needs to be replaced. .., he said. Everything else that we do has changed, but were still using old technology.Reception is a problem in crowded areas, in brick, steel or concrete structures, and in hilly areas, Wright said. The 30-year-old analog system also is not compatible with digital systems used by nearby agencies.That was an issue in the response to the 2017 Amtrak train derailment on Interstate 5 . Crews from Thurston and Pierce counties and Joint Base Lewis-McChord all responded but had trouble communicating with each other.[We had] literally three people sitting in one van talking to their dispatchers and then to the other two guys, TCOMM 911 Executive Director Keith Flewelling toldCurrently counties can collect a voter-approved local sales and use tax of 0.1 percent to fund emergency communication systems and facilities. Legislation proposed this year would raise the limit to 0.2 percent.It would be up to county commissioners to put an increase on the ballot and voters to approve or reject it.Thurston County voters approved the 0.1 percent sales tax in 2002, but that isnt enough to cover major capital improvements such as a new radio system, Flewelling said.In 2008, TCOMM 911 officials considered replacing the system for about $42 million but opted instead to make minimum changes to meet requirements set by the Federal Communications Commission for about $3 million.This time, officials are looking to partner with Washington State Patrol to use some of its radio infrastructure.The option to collect more taxes would be available to all counties. At the Senate hearing, a Grays Harbor County commissioner said the increase could help pay for new radio towers there as well.
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GIS - 07 February, 2019: Wetlands have a huge contribution in preserving the habitat of various species and maintaining a resilient ecosystem. We all need to double our efforts for safeguarding wetlands and sensitising the population about its significant advantages in the wake of harsh climatic conditions.

This statement was made by the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Mahen Seeruttun, today at the Rivulet Terre Rouge Estuary Bird Sanctuary, Roche Bois in the context of World Wetlands Day 2019, celebrated each year on the 2nd February. On this occasion, the Minister of Social Integration and Economic Empowerment, Mr Alain Wong and the Acting Director of the National Parks and Conservation Service, Mr K. Ruhomaun, were also present.

In his address, Minister Seeruttun underlined that it is time to assume greater responsibilities towards the protection of the environment adding that Mauritius is already experiencing the negative impacts of climate change. Sudden and frequent floodings as well as unusual temperature rates are signs of how fast our ecosystem is degrading, he cautioned.

Wetlands, he highlighted, are known to absorb excess water and help decrease the frequency of floods while mitigating effects of climate change and reducing impact of natural disasters. Government, he said, is aware of the need to preserving healthy ecosystems and has come up with a number of initiatives which include enhancing forests and national parks through restoration and reforestation programmes and protecting the unique flora and fauna from invasive species.

The Minister pointed out that a mini forest has been developed at Bel-Air State Secondary School with the objective of educating the youth on the role and contribution of forests in the ecosystem. He also spoke of the importance of planting trees across the island and dwelt on the programme embarked by his Ministry with the target of planting 500 000 plants over a period of 5 years.

For his part, Minister Wong underscored that World Wetlands Day marks the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971 which aims at raising global awareness on wetlands. He reiterated the need to keep the planet environmentally sustainable and secured for future generations. The Minister also called on the youth to participate actively in ecological activities and contribute significantly towards a greener and safer ecosystem.
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GIS - 07 February, 2019: A half-day workshop on Blockchain Technology and its impact on Digital Transformation aimed at shedding light on the concept of blockchain and how it can be used across sectors to trigger the digital transformation of Mauritius, was held yesterday afternoon, at the University of Mauritius (UOM) Auditorium, the Core Building, in Ebene.

Organised by the Ministry of Technology, Communication and Innovation in collaboration with the UOM, the themes addressed were: What is blockchain? ; and, How does blockchain technology assist in the digital transformation? The resource person was Mr Bojan Hadzisejdic, Blockchain Expert, Cotrugli Business School, Republic of Croatia.

In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr (Mrs) R. Y. Moorghen, pointed out that the Digital Mauritius 2030 Strategic Plan was launched last year to chart the way forward with the aim to further boost the ICT sector. The plan clearly outlines the major role of emerging technologies like blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and others engines of growth for the sector.

According to Dr Moorghen, over the past few decades a lot of investment has been injected in the digitalisation of public services of Mauritius. However, she indicated, there comes a time where it is necessary to reinforce the layers of trust to be able to have an even higher adoption of ICT in public sector and even higher take up of e-services by citizens.

She recalled that in October 2018, the Ministry of Technology, Communication and Innovation had selected Cotrugli Business School consultants following a procurement exercise with the aim to develop a blockchain strategy for Government.

These consultants have had a number of meetings with various Ministries and departments, the ICT industry associations and other partners so as to take the pulse of ICT activities in the public sector and to devise an approach for tapping on blockchain technology given the robustness of the technology.

Following meetings with different stakeholders, the consultants have prepared a Blockchain Strategy which clearly states that Mauritius is ready for its blockchain journey and that various services could avail of this technology, said Dr Moorghen. The ones that have been prioritised are the issuance of PINs for property, the issuance of Digital birth certificates and the securing of transaction logs on the Info Highway, Mauritiuss national data exchange layer.

The consultants have also proposed the setting up of a national permissioned blockchain which will be open to public and private sectors in a phased manner. This chain, which has been named MoChain, will be a local blockchain and will work on the latest concept which is proof of authority instead of proof of work.
The regions top federal law enforcement official has filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking Philadelphia from becoming home to the nations first supervised drug injection site, even as backers of the idea continue to move forward with their plans.The suit, filed by U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain late Tuesday and made public Wednesday, asks a judge to declare such a facility illegal under federal law. McSwain said that by seeking a ruling before any site opened, he hoped he could deter supporters and avoid more drastic steps such as arrests, prosecutions, or forfeiture proceedings.It is the [Justice] Departments job to promote and enforce the rule of law, not to look the other way, the prosecutor said at a news conference Wednesday at his Center City office. Normalizing the use of deadly drugs like heroin and fentanyl is not the answer to solving the opioid epidemic.Lawyers for Safehouse, the Philadelphia supervised injection site nonprofit, have signaled they have no intention of backing down and believe the law is on their side. Far from normalizing drug use, advocates say, the sites help keep people alive and able to pursue treatment.The gap between the two positions sets the stage for a first-of-its-kind court battle that could end up shaping legal debate over such sites across the United States.Were certainly glad to see that the U.S. Attorneys Office is proceeding on a civil track as opposed to a criminal track, said Ilana Eisenstein, a partner at the international law firm DLA Piper, which is providing free representation for Safehouse. From our perspective at DLA, we are in it for the long haul to defend Safehouse and to advocate for its legal rights to be able to go forward in its lifesaving mission.A handful of other cities, including New York and Seattle, have also inched toward making supervised injection sites a reality as each struggles to combat a drug crisis that has led to thousands of deaths and resisted traditional prevention measures. But with the incorporation of Safehouse, Philadelphia is arguably closest to opening a site.The magnitude of the crisis here  where an estimated 1,100 people died last year, fueling the worst overdose death rate of any major U.S. city  has prompted some city leaders to warm to the idea, citing potential public health benefits. More than a year ago, Philadelphias mayor and district attorney announced they would not stand in the way of allowing a supervised injection site to open, provided it was built and operated with private dollars.(Asked after an unrelated news conference about the lawsuit Wednesday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said: "The United States population does not think the drug war worked, but [former Attorney General] Jeff Sessions does, I guess [Deputy Attorney General Rod] Rosenstein does, and it would appear Donald Trump and Bill McSwain do, too.)Despite opposition from law enforcement officials including McSwain and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a coalition of local advocates, including former Gov. Ed Rendell, has committed to moving forward. Within the last year, the supporters have incorporated the nonprofit, hired an executive director, and launched a fund-raising effort for the $1.8 million they project they will need to operate the facility in its first year.No site has been finalized, but the most likely location is Kensington, the neighborhood that has become both the center and public symbol of the citys opioid epidemic.The lawsuit, assigned to U.S. District Judge Gerald A. McHugh, names both Safehouse and its director, Jen Bowles, as defendants. It stops short of asking for an injunction  a ruling that would specifically prohibit the nonprofit from operating in Philadelphia and carry with it the weight of potential sanctions or possible prison time for those who defied it.Instead, it asks the judge to interpret federal drug laws and draw a conclusion on the legality of supervised injection sites in general.We want to take an incremental, reasonable approach, McSwain said in an interview before Wednesdays announcement. Were not interested in some sort of criminal confrontation or drama or trying to be heavy-handed. We think it serves everyones interests for the federal court to issue a declaration as to whether this proposed site is illegal or not.Still, his remarks at the news conference at times struck an adversarial tone. If you think that youre above the law, youll soon find yourself in court to account for your actions, he said at one point.Safehouse vice president Ronda Goldfein said she welcomed the opportunity to debate the issue before a judge.We are going to present research that supports the notion that supervised consumption saves lives, said Goldfein, who is also the executive director of the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania (and is married to an Inquirer editor, David Lee Preston). I think that the value of having a court decide this is that it gives both sides the opportunity to present the credible evidence and research that has informed their analysis.McSwains lawsuit cites a 1986 federal law  known colloquially as the crack-house statute  that makes it a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison to knowingly open or maintain any place for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, or using controlled substances.Proponents of supervised injection sites argue that the measure, enacted during the crack cocaine epidemic, was never intended to interfere with good-faith efforts to improve public health.McSwain maintains that the law is clear and that if projects like Safehouse are to move forward legally, its backers should first lobby legislators to change it.At his news conference, he touted efforts by his office to respond to the opioid crisis, including its participation in the federal judiciarys Relapse Prevention Court and through criminal prosecutions, like the charges filed Wednesday against nine doctors and other medical personnel accused of running pill mills in Philadelphia and its suburbs.He also questioned research that Safehouses backers say proves supervised injection sites save lives and get more people into treatment  a potential preview of arguments his attorneys may make in court."Safehouse claims that an injection site in Philadelphia would save lives, he said. But are we sure about that?Reading from a 2017 study the city commissioned on supervised injection sites, McSwain noted that report is focused on North Americas longest-running site, in Vancouver. He also pointed out that the citys own researchers had noted it was uncertain about how relevant the Vancouver statistics could be for other communities.Because there are no such sites in the U.S., researchers have relied on data from Canada and Europe.The study commissioned by Philadelphia officials said that within three years of opening its site in 2003, Vancouver saw a 9 percent drop in deaths citywide and a 35 percent drop within 500 meters of the facility.According to the coroners service of British Columbia, overdose death rates rose only slightly or even dropped in the province during the decade after the site opened. It was not until 2013, with the advent of the modern opioid crisis and the fentanyl-laced heroin that followed, that deaths began to rise precipitously.McSwain correlated the rise in deaths with the existence of the site, telling reporters, You look at the raw numbers, you open up an injection site in Vancouver, deaths go up.As he was speaking Wednesday, a small group of protesters gathered in the lobby of McSwains Chestnut Street building, toting a banner that said: Dead People Cant Recover."This is a public health emergency, and this is one of the responses that needs to happen, said David Tomlinson, a harm-reduction advocate who helped organize the demonstration Wednesday. Its not the solution, but its a solution. And the longer they block it, the more people are going to die.Goldfein said Safehouse is not in a position to open a site right away. Still, she said: We have consistently maintained that its a legal activity, so we are not necessarily waiting for the lawsuit to be resolved. Were waiting for other considerations to be in place, like locating appropriate siting and finding funding.McSwain said that should they move forward before McHugh, the judge, has ruled, his office would consider seeking an injunction to stop them.As of late Wednesday the judge had not set a date for a hearing on the suit.
Ma Zhaoxu (front, C), Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, addresses a Security Council meeting on transnational organized crime at sea at the UN headquarters in New York, Feb. 5, 2019. China's UN envoy on Tuesday urged support for "countries concerned" in combating transnational organized crime at sea, pointing out that maritime security remains grim on Africa's west coast. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 5 -- China's UN envoy on Tuesday urged support for "countries concerned" in combating transnational organized crime at sea, pointing out that maritime security remains grim on Africa's west coast.

Ma Zhaoxu, Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, told a Security Council meeting that China supports these countries in "enhancing coordination, formulating joint strategies and mechanisms, cracking down on transnational organized crime at sea, and thereby achieving development and prosperity."

He said that in recent years, while pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden have decreased significantly, the situation of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea on Africa's west coast remains grim, "which has severely affected the economic and social development of coastal states in Africa."

He warned that illegal funds have flown into terrorist organizations, extremist forces, and criminal groups, exacerbating national and regional instability, and threatening international peace and security.

In coping with the situation, the Chinese envoy said the international community should assist the coastal states in capacity building while respecting their sovereignty, adding "this entails efforts to support coastal states in improving their domestic legislation, and establishing and strengthening maritime security forces."

Particularly, Ma pointed out that the international community should engage in the construction, operation, and maintenance of ports and other facilities of the coastal states and support them, "so they are more competent in ship docking, replenishment and maintenance, and be better equipped with more sufficient logistical guarantee."

Moreover, he highlighted the role of regional and subregional organizations and established regional long-term mechanisms in addressing the issue, and stressed the need to mobilize resources and strengthen international cooperation.

Relevant UN agencies, the International Maritime Organization, the Interpol, among others, should provide more assistance to coastal states, he detailed.

"The international community can draw from the success stories and, on the basis of thorough consultations with the coastal states, ... exchange evidence and information and facilitate the investigation, prosecution, and trial of relevant cases with all the necessary conveniences," he added.

In addition, Ma called for increased development assistance to the coastal states, stressing development is the overarching key to solving all problems.

He proposed more assistance to help coastal states root out the causes of poverty and social injustice, speed up economic and social development, and increase anti-terrorism cooperation.

China, Ma said, has carried out escort operations in the coastal waters of Somalia, participated in international cooperation against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and provided assistance to coastal states in strengthening infrastructure and other capacity building.

"China will continue to implement the Beijing Action Plan, which was adopted at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in September last year, thus to strengthen our exchange and cooperation with African ports and support African countries in promoting port informatization," he said.

He further pledged that China will scale up security assistance in Africa and strengthen result-based cooperation in the areas of social governance, peacekeeping, combating piracy and counter terrorism.
SPEED READ:

In his State of the Union, President Trump touted the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill he signed in December.

He did not mention the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, which he also signed that month.

The juvenile justice legislation overhauls how states treat young offenders.

In his State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Trump lauded Republican and Democratic members of Congress for coming together to pass criminal justice reforms. The First Step Act, which was signed by Trump in late December, reduces prison sentences for thousands of nonviolent federal inmates.But another bipartisan measure signed in December, which will make sweeping changes to the nation's juvenile justice system, has received far less attention from the president and members of Congress even though it could impact more people since it also applies to state prisons and local jails.Under the new law, known as the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, states must begin collecting data on racial disparities in the juvenile system -- and develop specific strategies for addressing those inequalities. If they don't, they will risk losing federal funding that helps them collect data on juvenile crime. Currently, all but three states -- Connecticut, Nebraska and Wyoming -- receive such funding."Race and ethnic disparities are a huge part of the problem of mass incarceration, says Melissa Goemann, senior policy counsel for the National Juvenile Justice Network. I think this gives them more of an impetus to develop more rigorous programs to reduce [those] disparities."According to Department of Justice data , black juveniles are three times more likely to be incarcerated than Latinos, and six times more likely to be incarcerated than whites.The law also eases punishments for many juvenile offenders. It prohibits states from holding juveniles for more than seven days on so-called status offenses, such as truancy or running away from home. And it all but eliminates the practice of holding juveniles in adult correctional facilities. (Rural counties that do not currently have juvenile correctional facilities are exempt.)This is a bipartisan bill," Goemann says. "Its one of the few policy areas where there is overwhelming agreement on both sides."Despite the broad support for the measure, the juvenile reform bill had been tied up in Congress for more than a decade as lawmakers quibbled over certain details. When it finally passed the House in December, Democratic Virginia Rep. Bobby Scott called it "the culmination of a multi-year, bipartisan effort to improve our juvenile justice system." Scott, along with Republican Rep. Jason Lewis of Minnesota, was the chief supporter of the bill in the House.This legislation strengthens each of the core protections for children in the juvenile justice system," Scott said in a statement. "It ensures children are treated separately -- both in approach and location -- than adult offenders; it shifts the focus from punishing young people to supporting them through education and programming; and it puts a spotlight on the racial disparities in our juvenile justice system."The new reforms mark something of a pivot for the Trump administration. The president has repeatedly positioned himself as a tough-on-crime leader. In his inaugural address, he vowed to end the "American carnage" that "crime and gangs and drugs" had wreaked in cities across the country. Last year, the Justice Department curtailed its own data collection and monitoring of racial disparities in juvenile justice, according to reporting from the Marshall Institute , a nonprofit news organization covering criminal justice.Nonetheless, Trump has embraced the new measures as effective ways to address racial inequalities in the American justice system. While he did not mention the new juvenile justice law in his State of the Union address this week, he did praise Congress for passing the First Step Act to make changes to adult criminal justice policy.This legislation reformed sentencing laws that have wrongly and disproportionately harmed the African-American community," he said in his address.He heralded the law, which curbs the use of mandatory minimums for drug felonies and reduces the sentences of more than 2,000 current federal inmates, as an important way to give "nonviolent offenders the chance to reenter society as productive, law-abiding citizens."
New York: US President Donald Trump has hit out at Democrats in Congress for launching a blizzard of investigations into his administration and business dealings, saying his political opponents had gone "nuts" and were pursuing a strategy of presidential harassment.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has accused the President of delivering an all-out threat to legislators who are obliged to provide a check and balance on his power.

In his State of the Union address, delivered on Tuesday local time, Trump said: "An economic miracle is taking place and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations.

"If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation."
London: A third Russian agent implicated in the Salisbury poison attack in March last year may have stayed in Britain after aborting his planned exit.

The Russian military intelligence officer  using the false name of Sergey Fedotov  travelled to Britain on the same day as two hit men who tried to assassinate former spy Sergei Skripal.

Fedotov was booked on the same flight back to Moscow as the would-be assassins who posed as tourists. But sources say it is now understood he had checked himself and his baggage off the plane before departure.
Smartphone makers and network carriers are doing their best to hype up 5G as the next big thing, with the first wave of 5G-enabled smartphones due to hit this year.

5G stands for "fifth generation mobile", and it utilises increased allocation of radio spectrum to deliver faster download speeds, ultra-low latency and more capacity; allowing more people to use higher speeds at the same time, limiting congestion. 5G has enormous implications for driverless cars, smart cities and the industrial sector but it will be hitting smartphones first.

5G smartphones are launching in 2019. Credit:Shutterstock.com

Every major handset maker (except Apple) plans to release a 5G-capable smartphone in 2019. However the reality is that 5G hardware is going to be a decidedly first-generation affair, where early adopters of 5G smartphones will have to accept all manner of tradeoffs.

Let's put aside the hype for a moment and look at what a 5G smartphone in 2019 really means for you.
Bill Daley has passed the bar to practice law and cleared security checks to work in the White House. But when he tried to pass the state exam to sell insurance in Illinois as a young man, he faced failure, scandal and embarrassment.First, the youngest son of Mayor Richard J. Daley flunked. And when he passed on his second try, in 1973, the validity of the insurance test later was questioned amid allegations he received inside help.The evidence? An expert handwriting analysis and different inks pointed to two people filling in test answers. And then there was the colorful and damning account of the state employee who had administered the insurance tests and taken them home over the weekend.The worker described being paid a Sunday visit by Robert Wills, a recently fired colleague who took a particular interest in Bill Daley's test. As the two drank beer, Wills noticed that Daley had not answered several questions.Wills, the worker testified, had a request: "I'd like to do a favor for a friend of mine and fill them in."That friend, according to court records, was a close ally of the mayor. Bill Daley, who was not charged with wrongdoing, denied any involvement and kept his insurance license.Today, Daley is campaigning for mayor as a reformer, putting forth several good-government proposals and criticizing an entrenched political culture that he says can breed corruption. He's pitching that message even as opponents say that his father and brother helped foster that very system.Daley's campaign declined to make him available for an interview. "Bill Daley has been vetted multiple times at the highest level of government and has been given a top security clearance," campaign spokesman Peter Cunningham said in a statement. "At a time when Chicago is facing serious issues around crime, taxes, education and the city's future, the Tribune's focus on ancient history is irrelevant."Until now, the 70-year-old Daley always has campaigned for or advised other politicians, including his brother, former Mayor Richard M. Daley. After several flirtations with running for office, Bill Daley has put himself out there for the first time -- and drawn the scrutiny that comes with it.His resume includes accomplishments in the world of business and government; he was commerce secretary for President Bill Clinton and chief of staff for President Barack Obama. But Daley also has been linked to controversies involving his insider status.During a 2006 federal trial on hiring fraud inside the mayor's office, Bill Daley was listed as sponsoring four people on a once-secret clout list of those who were seeking positions and promotions in his brother's City Hall. Many of the people on that list had done political work for the then-mighty Hispanic Democratic Organization, which worked to elect Mayor Daley's political allies and punish his enemies. Later, evidence at a 2009 federal corruption trial linked Bill Daley to the creation and rise of HDO.Beyond Chicago, Daley's name surfaced in the business world as part of a scandal involving JPMorgan Chase and other banks giving coveted jobs to relatives and friends of Chinese government officials. Daley was an executive at JPMorgan.The Wall Street Journal, citing internal bank emails, reported in 2015 that JPMorgan, at Daley's suggestion, hired the son of a Chinese commerce minister even though the son was unqualified for the position.The following year, the bank agreed to pay more than $264 million in sanctions, including a $72 million fine, for "its role in a scheme to corruptly gain advantages in winning bank deals by awarding prestigious jobs to relatives and friends of Chinese government officials," according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Daley was not accused of any wrongdoing.But it's his family's legacy in Chicago that Daley has found himself defending during the campaign. It's the 14th time a Daley has run for mayor in the last 19 elections. Mayoral candidate LaShawn Ford, a state lawmaker, pressed Daley to acknowledge he's benefited from the "family business.""I'm not ashamed of anything about my family, no question about it," Daley said during an endorsement session before the Chicago Tribune editorial board. "I'm very proud of my family. And, I'm proud of what I've done as a person in my life, my professional life and my personal life."The story of Bill Daley finally passing his insurance exam involved political grudges, paybacks and old-fashioned Illinois chicanery. The Tribune pieced together the long-forgotten tale based on interviews, old newspaper stories and court records, including grand jury testimony of the state worker who was accused of fixing the test and another who said he looked on as his friend did it.The Daleys entry into the insurance business began in 1971, when John Daley got his license and went to work for an Evanston company. Mayor Daley steered millions of dollars in city insurance business to the firm, and John Daley received more than $100,000 in commissions. The mayor defended his actions, famously telling his critics, "If I can't help my sons, then they can kiss my ass."Bill Daley first took the state insurance exam in July 1972 but failed. He took the test again in March 1973 and received a passing grade. That summer, Bill and John Daley set up shop as Daley & Daley Insurance in Bridgeport, at the time an Irish neighborhood that had been home to the Daley family for decades.Around that time, then-Gov. Dan Walker was feuding with Mayor Daley after having defeated the party's favored candidate, Paul Simon, in the 1972 Democratic primary. When Walker took office, his aides pulled the Daley brothers' insurance exams and said they discovered irregularities."A clout system for issuing professional licenses cannot and will not be tolerated," Walker told reporters. "Enough is enough. It is perfectly natural for a father to help a son along in business, but not at taxpayers' expense."Ronald Stackler was Walker's assistant director of insurance. "I'd been around Chicago long enough to know this stuff goes on," he said in a recent interview. "The fix was in. It didn't appear to us that they took the exam seriously. It was like they knew they were going to pass."Stackler, now 81 and living in California, said he remembers the controversy well, even all these years later. To this day, he keeps a framed copy of a 1975 Chicago Tribune editorial headlined "Stackler wins, Daley loses" about how Mayor Daley unsuccessfully tried to retaliate against him.For their part, the Daleys said they knew nothing about any alleged improprieties. The accusations, they said, were politically motivated by Walker and others.John Daley told reporters he passed the test. When reporters tried to question Bill Daley, according to news accounts, John cut them off and answered for his younger brother: "It's the same with him; he took the test and passed it." Bill Daley repeated several times, "It's not fair."In March 1974, Republican Cook County State's Attorney Bernard Carey convened a grand jury to investigate insurance department licensing procedures and focused on the Daley brothers' tests. (Carey has since died.)Bill Daley's exam drew attention, in part because his answers were written in two different inks and appeared to have different handwriting.Prosecutors called in experts from the U.S. Department of Treasury's document section to examine the ink and handwriting. They concluded that in addition to Bill Daley's penmanship, there also was writing on the test by Wills, a former feed grain salesman who had landed a job in the state's insurance department in 1969.Daley had left six questions blank which Wills filled in with the correct answers, according to a report from the handwriting experts to Cook County prosecutors. Those included questions on topics about contractual liability, fire liability insurance, and loss payable. In addition, the experts found that Wills changed another of Daley's wrong answers to the correct one. The changes bumped Daley's failing test score of 55 to 75, state records showed.Nicholas Iavarone was the Cook County prosecutor who investigated the test-fixing allegations. Some handwriting was "slanted to the left," and some "slanted to the right and was straight up," Iavarone recalled recently about the test penmanship.Iavarone summoned Wills to appear before the grand jury. Wills told Iavarone that he had no experience in the insurance business before being hired, and suggested that he may have inadvertently misgraded test papers."Now, I wasn't the only one that didn't have no prior insurance experience and I am sure that I am not the only one that put a paper out that the man had failed and he passed it," Wills said.Wills testified that he never changed an answer or filled in the blanks on anyone's test.In June 1974, the grand jury indicted Wills on perjury charges for lying about tampering with Bill Daley's test.Wills' friend and former co-worker, Gordon Casper, was given immunity from prosecution. Casper, who has since died, became the state's key witness and laid out for prosecutors what he said happened in his kitchen late one Sunday morning.Casper had administered the insurance broker's test in Chicago on a Friday in March 1973, and took the exams back to his Springfield apartment. Among those taking the test was Bill Daley. Casper said that Sunday, he received a call from Wills asking if he could stop by. Casper said yes, and testified what happened next.Wills asked to look over Daley's exam, but showed no interest in the tests of the 140 or so other people who also had taken it."So, (Wills) looked at the paper and said, 'Well, several questions (Daley) didn't answer. I'd like to do a favor for a friend of mine and fill them in,' " Casper said under oath.That friend was the late Cecil Partee, then a state senator and a political ally and confidant of Daley's father, Mayor Richard J. Daley.Wills had recently been fired from the insurance department stemming from the test scandal, a point that would prove crucial later on.Wills was talking to Partee about getting another job in state government, Casper said. Wills "more or less promised he'd do what he could do" for Daley's exam, testified Casper.Casper and Wills drank a beer in the kitchen as Wills filled in answers on the test for the next 20 to 35 minutes. Wills later told Partee "it was all taken care of," Casper said.Partee acknowledged to reporters that he got Wills another, higher-paying job in state government a short time later. Partee declined to answer prosecutors' questions at the time.When Wills went to trial later in 1974, the prosecution's first witness was Bill Daley.Prosecutors asked Daley if he left any answers blank on his test. "I don't recall," he replied. When they asked if the handwriting in the disputed answers was his, Daley replied, "It may or may not be. I can't be sure," according to news accounts of his trial testimony. "I'm not an expert. I can't be sure."Wills, who has since died, did not testify. A judge convicted Wills of perjury for lying to the grand jury, and sentenced him to four years of probation.The guilty verdict was thrown out, however. An appeals court noted that Wills told the grand jury he never filled in blanks or changed answers on anyone's exams "while he was employed" with the state's insurance department. That, the court found, was literally true.Wills had been fired and was no longer employed by the state when Daley's test was altered.
You'd be hard pressed to recall a WA campaign event attended by this many living, breathing, interested voters.

While Mr Hastie's campaign team organised the event, these were punters; residents, many retired, who have been worried about resources at their local hospital.

A crowd of about 250 people turned out to meet Health Minister Greg Hunt in Mandurah, along with Andrew Hastie and Zak Kirkup. Credit:Nathan Hondros

Given that, Canning MP Andrew Hastie must've been pleased when 250 people turned out in the middle of hot day to hear Health Minister Greg Hunt deliver $25 million to build a bigger emergency department at Mandurah's Peel Health Campus.

There's safety in numbers, especially if you're running for parliament.

And they weren't there to hear about what politicians and journalists call "issues of the day".

At the press conference before the campaign event, Mr Hunt was pressed about reports the disgruntled former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was supporting an independent candidate's tilt again him in his Victorian seat of Flinders.

He was asked about a decision by the federal government to knock back a request by a prominent Chinese billionaire  and a major Australian political donor  for permanent residency.

Mr Hastie, who is the Chairman of the Parliament's Joint Committee on Security and Intelligence, was asked about the WA Government's controversial deal with Chinese tech giant Huawei (for the record, to say he's not a fan is an understatement).

The voters who came to hear about their hospital might be curious about these issues, but health care is visceral in political terms.
He said concerns relating to conflict of interest were misdirected and did not take into account the role of the group as explained when it was set up. The role of the group was to facilitate information sharing and I believe that this was a positive element of the initiative, he said. Hillam Architects' tower design for Bowman Street/Melville Parade, South Perth. Credit:Artist's impression Notwithstanding that there is no requirement to declare interest, it was absolutely apparent (and statements were made to this effect) the reason as to why presentations were being made. Mr Hillam said the two projects were relevant to the focus of the group and that he referenced and introduced his team before their presentations.

He said the presentations were, if anything a disadvantage from a developer perspective and only given as a courtesy, in the interests of transparency and a matter of principle, though it was our view that it was not helpful providing more information to those who clearly opposed our proposals. He said of 16 group members only two came from the industry and this resulted in useful and healthy debates in which everyones views were very clear. Even as a resident you have an interest; every time somebody speaks they must make reference to their position? Its patently obvious what position everybody has, he said. But the groups problems did not stop there. After the February meeting, parts of the work in progress for the Activity Centre Plan were forwarded to the group so they could give feedback.

Sirona Capital's proposed project at Lyall Street/Labouchere Road, opposite Perth Zoo. Credit:Artist's impression Conflict arose over dwelling numbers, as RobertsDay proposed a big increase in density over previous plans, and conflict remained over heights with the community and developers having fundamentally opposing beliefs. Some residents remain staunchly opposed to unlimited heights, feeling buildings over 25-odd storeys are unnecessary and would hurt the area; developers maintain that fixating on heights is unhelpful and that a well-designed taller, slimmer building can be less intrusive than a shorter one. At the meeting at which they were to discuss the groups feedback to the draft plan, in April 2018, Mayor Sue Doherty joined the group. The City has declined to explain why, but WAtoday has been told the Mayor appeared concerned over the issues described above.

The meeting opened with yet another discussion about group operation and opportunities for improvement and the group was asked to consider its purpose, terms of reference and presentations received on development applications. At what the group didnt know would be its final meeting in June 2018, another proposal was overviewed  Sirona Capitals 42-storey tower opposite Perth Zoo  but this time the overview was given not by a project representative but by a city staffer. Just over a fortnight later at an ordinary council meeting, Cr Irons moved the groups membership be reviewed and Mayor Doherty seconded the motion. The item was debated, and unanimously carried, behind closed doors. Notes from a later councillor briefing said legal advice was received regarding conflict of interest on the group; and the city sought anonymous feedback from group members via a survey, with 14 responses received. The group has not met again since the motion was carried.

Vicki Redden, group member and South Perth resident, said she was told there would be no more meetings for the foreseeable future. This was despite her previous understanding the group would meet every two months and continue until the Activity Centre Plan was signed, sealed and delivered. Sirona's project viewed from eye level. Credit:Artist's impression. The plan remains unresolved. A draft was publicly released in October to such intense backlash that the council resolved to go back, re-consult, re-draft and consider reintroducing height limits.

This latest goalpost shift meant a knockback for Sirona Capitals 42-storey tower proposal, and an inevitable State Administrative Tribunal appeal. The state then slapped down South Perths attempt to backtrack; WA Planning Commission chairman David Caddy ordered the council to go ahead with the draft plan as-is. Sirona Capitals Matthew McNeilly published an opinion piece saying I have voiced my concerns about the lack of planning certainty in South Perth and the councils unpredictable behaviour. Perhaps my public comments have reached Mr Caddys office. Ms Redden said she had been really keen to be part of this group and be a voice for the people who live in the area. We were very disappointed by the way the group was structured and facilitated, and the lack of transparency and depth in the information we were shown, she said.

The community ... thought the precinct plan was being fixed, that there would be certainty and that we wouldnt have to fight every time a development application came through; but this doesnt seem to be the case. After everything South Perth has been through we deserve a good plan and we are still not getting it. Mr Hillam said he thought the group was well organised and a good idea, though there was always potential for improvement, and he was happy to be part of it. My frustration is that theres a suggestion of something being broken about the group, he said. I dont believe [it] was suspended due to any conflict; I think there were other reasons at play. He said the citys previous planning scheme amendment 46 was made on the run, adopted without a proper stress test and [gave] the lawyers a field day and continuing fallout gave city planners an enormous workload and made it difficult for them to progress on all fronts, including this group.
John Bosco College, Harrisdale Senior High School, Harrisdale Primary School and Forrestdale Primary School will be closed on Friday as a precaution. Mr Gale said it was unclear at this stage how the fire started, but investigations would begin on Friday morning. He also said it was "quite likely" an out-building had been damaged in the blaze, but hopefully not totally lost. "The full assessment will start happening tomorrow," he said. There are reports cars and at least one shed in the fire zone may have been destroyed.

Kids begin to arrive at Neerigen Brook Primary. As the situation stands, homes north of Armadale Road and south east of Anstey Road are under threat from the blaze, which started just after 12pm near the intersection of Forrest Road and Tonkin Highway. The bushfire is considered out of control and unpredictable. About 150 Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service firefighters are attending. Aerial support has been sent. Homes, a shopping centre and other businesses have all been evacuated. Evacuation centre set up

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has set up a temporary evacuation centre at Armadale Arena. Speaking from the centre on Thursday night, City of Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones said there was no sense of panic among those at the facility. But Cr Zelones said he had heard unconfirmed reports of a shed lost. "As far as we know they weren't houses, they were sheds or some other out-buildings," he said. "There are still no confirmed losses of houses, but they are under threat." Forrestdale Primary School will be closed on Friday as a precaution, after students were evacuated on Thursday.

The mother of a student who attends the school said she heard water bombers circling when she received a text message from the school telling her the children had been taken to the school's library. Parents waiting at Neerigen Brook Primary School. "We are currently all waiting at Neerigen Brook Primary School," she said earlier on Thursday. "They have told us they have started evacuating and there are buses waiting outside to take the kids here. Some of the parents are pretty upset, but we know the emergency services are doing their best. I feel for the families whose homes are under threat and are also worrying about their kids. "Some of the mums managed to get to the school before the roads closed and they said the kids are pretty scared. For some of the kindy kids, it was their first day at school." The Education Department confirmed that under the instructions of the DFES incident controller, students and staff from Forrestdale Primary School had been evacuated to Neerigen Brook Primary School. The children arrived safely at the school on Thursday afternoon via bus.

People told to flee shopping centre Jared Whitehouse, the owner of the Forrestdale Laundromat, said the shopping complex on Hensbrook Loop had been evacuated about 2.30pm. He said police had told business owners and customers to leave. I just locked up and left. It was very windy, there was a fire along Armadale Road and its now jumped the road across, he said. This is the first time were experiencing a serious fire. Its burning away from where our laundromat is. Mr Whitehouse said he hadnt seen any horse owners start to move their horses when he closed his shop, but knew there were a lot of horses in the zone. Fire moves towards Harrisdale

A fire emergency is threatening lives and homes in Forrestdale. Credit:9 News Perth Nine News Perth reporter Rebecca Johns, who is at the scene, said the fire was roaring towards homes. "This fire just seems to be getting a little bit away from them (firefighters) at the moment," she told 6PR radio. "I'm standing here watching these flames at the moment and they are big, they are at the tops of trees. I'm actually getting wet at the moment from the water bombers. It is quite close to us. The wind is quite strong. It is just heartbreaking to watch, everyone is trying to do what they can to keep this fire at bay." Cutting fences to get horses out

Local Jessica Fynn-Meyer spent the afternoon moving horses. "We picked up five in Forrestdale and took them to one property in Oakford and another property in Roleystone," she said. "They belong to three different owners who couldnt get them out in time. We had to cut fences to get these horses out. "The neighbour on the one side is a farmer and he helped us with the fence. "The horses get really excited and can cause trouble. But the ones today were really well-behaved.
Police believe six Townsville buildings have been looted in the past week after residents fled their homes and businesses as relentless rain drove up flood levels and threatened lives.

Local officers believe without the combination of council tip trucks, army vehicles and specialist rescue teams, the death toll would have been much higher.

About one hundred police officers from south-east Queensland stations landed in the disaster zone on Tuesday and would relieve exhausted local crews.

Inspector Damien Irvine said the fresh officers would be used to patrol Townsville streets and prevent more looting.
Up for debate:

Live legislation tracker

Check out the latest developments on bills pending before state lawmakers in four key topics.
Attempts at Damage Control

Where Do Democrats Go From Here?

Impact on November Elections

Virginia Democrats have thrived in recent years, in large part by touting inclusion when it comes to race and gender. That message is now imperiled by a trio of scandals that have been rocking Richmond.On Wednesday, state Attorney General Mark Herring admitted that he had worn blackface while in college. On Saturday, Herring called for Gov. Ralph Northam to resign over his own blackface controversy -- a photo on his medical school yearbook page of one person in blackface and another dressed as a Ku Klux Klan member. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2004. Fairfax is first in line to be governor, and Herring is second. Regardless of how this still-unfolding drama plays out, the collective problems of the party's top leaders may haunt Democrats in November, when they are hoping to win control of both chambers of the legislature. Republicans hold slim majorities in both the state House and Senate."If all three statewide Democratic officials are under a cloud of scandal like this, I don't see how it doesn't have a demoralizing effect on Democratic voters and an energizing effect on Republicans," says Quentin Kidd, director of the Judy Ford Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University in Virginia.Democrats had been optimistic about their chances to take full control of the state this fall. They need just one Senate seat and two House seats to win control. Virginia has become increasingly blue, with Republicans having lost every statewide election since 2009. In 2017, Virginia Democrats picked up 15 state House seats -- the most in a single year since the 19th century. Looking ahead, a new House redistricting map , which won initial approval from a federal court last month, has the potential to garner the party as many as seven additional seats."If you go back a week, the Democrats were incredibly optimistic about their future in Virginia," says Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington's Center for Leadership and Media Studies in Virginia. "That enthusiasm has just evaporated as Democrats have watched the equivalent of three train wrecks in one week."One of the Democrats' central messages -- that Donald Trump lacks the character to lead the country -- has now been diluted by these scandals, says Farnsworth. "That argument is a much harder one to make when the top three elected Democrats in state government are all facing major scandals."Republicans have been gleefully taking to social media to castigate Democrats for their problems and to accuse them of hypocrisy. In the 2017 race for governor and 2018 race for U.S. Senate, Democratic campaigns painted the GOP candidates as racists, or at least retrograde, for supporting Confederate monuments and taking a hard line on immigration."It certainly takes away their moral authority on a whole host of issues," says Republican consultant Chris LaCivita.Nearly every notable statewide and national Democrat called for Northam to resign over the weekend. The governor initially apologized for being in the picture. The next day, he held a news conference and denied being in the photo but admitted to having worn blackface at an event that same year.Northam is still hoping he can undo the damage. He has considered staying on as governor as an independent and spent part of Wednesday meeting with civil rights leaders. His office circulated a statement from nine of his medical school classmates attesting to his character.We fully believe Gov. Ralph Northam is neither of the individuals in those repugnant costumes, they wrote. We attended classes with the governor. We socialized with him. We knew him very well."Once Fairfax appeared to be the presumptive next governor, he faced questions about an alleged sexual assault. Vanessa Tyson, a professor at Scripps College in Claremont, Calif., has accused Fairfax of forcing her to perform oral sex in 2004 when both were attending the Democratic National Convention. Fairfax described the sexual encounter as consensual.On Wednesday, Tyson released a statement detailing her version of the incident, which she described as "horrific.""What began as consenual kissing quickly turned into a sexual assault," she wrote. "After the assault, I suffered from both deep humiliation and shame."As with Northam's news conference, Fairfax's response has generated its own controversy.Fairfax's initial statement said-- which learned of these accusations in 2017 but did not publish a story because it "could not find anyone who could corroborate either version" -- found "significant red flags and inconsistencies within the allegations." The newspaper said that is not true. Then Fairfax accused The Post of "smearing" him. At a private meeting Monday night, Fairfax reportedly said, "f--k that bitch," in reference to Tyson. That same day, Fairfax hung up on Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, ending a phone conversation meant to clear the air after Fairfax had suggested that Stoney -- a potential rival in the 2021 gubernatorial race -- had leaked Tyson's story.In an uncanny echo of the sexual assault allegations that erupted during Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation hearings, Fairfax has retained the same law firm Kavanaugh used at that time, while Tyson has retained the firm that represented Christine Blasey Ford.Fairfax hasn't faced the same drumbeat of calls for his resignation as Northam. The Virginia Democratic Party said the sexual assault accusation should be "taken with profound gravity" but did not urge him to step down.After Northam and Fairfax, Herring would be next in line to become governor. He had announced a gubernatorial bid before the current controversies emerged, but now his political future is in doubt. Shortly after a tense meeting on Wednesday with the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Herring released a statement admitting that while in college he put on "brown makeup" to attend a party dressed as a rapper."That I have contributed to the pain Virginians have felt this week is the greatest shame I have ever felt," Herring said. "In the days ahead, honest conversations and discussions will make it clear whether I can or should continue to serve as attorney general."If all three statewide officials were to resign, state House Speaker Kirk Cox would become governor. Cox is a Republican, so that is an outcome Democrats will seek to avoid."If all three of them stay in [office], they will be horribly hobbled," says LaCivita, the GOP consultant. "They won't be able to raise money [for downballot candidates], and candidates won't be able to take money from them."It has become seemingly more likely, with Fairfax and Herring now politically damaged, that Northam will tough it out."Northam seems determined to hang on," says Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball, a political newsletter published by the University of Virginia. "His ability to do so is made easier by the problems that Fairfax and Herring are now having."Still, it's anyone's guess who will be governor by the time March rolls around -- let alone during the legislative election season this fall."Its hard to think about events that are nine months ahead in Virginia when things seem to be changing, instead, every nine hours," Kondik says. "This was a crazy story when it just dealt with Northam. Now, the whole Democratic statewide team is damaged."But LaCivita says Republicans can't count on winning simply by pointing out the flaws of Democratic leaders who won't be on the ballot. Nevertheless, the GOP's odds of maintaining power have improved."Republicans were talking about their ability to energize their base," LaCivita says. "In Virginia, this is an off-off year. The only races that are on the ballot are state House and state Senate, so the turnout is extremely low in these races. It was clearly going to be a battle royale, and still will be."LaCivita suggests that Democrats now face a "tough slog." The filing deadline for legislative candidates is March 21.It's possible that some potential Democratic candidates will decide to sit this year out, says Farnsworth, the University of Mary Washington political scientist. Maybe some of their donors will wait another cycle to open their checkbooks.It's also possible -- though it seems unlikely -- that these scandals will largely be forgotten by November.Either way, Virginia Democrats, who began the year with high hopes, now have to find a way to try to regain momentum at a time when the news continues to get worse for them, potentially alienating groups of voters who are mainstays of their base.Amid all the uncertainty about the future of the state's leadership, one thing is clear: "This has been an awful week for Virginia," said Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, a former governor of the state.
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Come join us in the remembrance of Timothy Alvin Hill who passed away Dec. 20, 2020. The Celebration of Life will be held June 26 at Eastside Park Kiwanis Cabin in Washington at 3 p.m.
According to the statement of claim, it was then that an American neighbor told one of the plaintiffs that U.S. diplomats were suffering unexplained symptoms  possibly caused by an attack by a foreign power  and were being evacuated to the United States. The plaintiff, who was suffering the same symptoms, alleges he relayed this information to Canadian Ambassador Patrick Parisot but was told by the embassy to keep it secret and not to share it with colleagues or family members.
She did not say what the audio revealed. Western intelligence officials have said that listening devices planted in the Saudi Consulate by Turkish intelligence captured the Saudi operatives discussing plans to subdue and kill Khashoggi, as well as the journalists terrible last moments  his gasps for air during a physical struggle, then the sound of what was believed to be the electric saw that was used to dismember his body.
The latest attempt to sway the Turkish government has come from Greeces prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, who called this week for the seminary to be reopened during a two-day visit to Turkey. His cordial meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan  despite a long history of conflict between the two nations and worrying recent flare-ups  has raised hopes among Orthodox leadership and members of Turkeys ethnic Greek minority that a resolution to the deadlock over the seminary may finally be at hand.
Travis Sharp, a research fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, estimated that it would cost between $316 million and $365 million if the numbers fluctuate roughly the way they have been since late October. He arrived at the estimate by calculating the daily cost of the active-duty deployment so far, based on the figures the Pentagon has released, and multiplying that by the number of days remaining in the fiscal year.
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The departments newly announced investigation is likely to be of limited consequence. According to Boyds letter, it is being handled by the Office of Professional Responsibility, which explores allegations of employee wrongdoing. The offices findings, at worst, typically result in employees being fired, and they are not usually made public, though Boyd wrote to Sasse that the office would share the results with you at the conclusion of its investigation as appropriate. It is possible, even likely, the investigation could drag on so long that Acosta, already outside the Justice Department, would by then be out of government entirely.
Massimiliano Panarari, who has written a book on Di Maios Five Star Movement, sees the deputy prime ministers recent spectacle as part of an ongoing competition with Salvini to show who is the most anti-French. In the European Parliament, their parties do not belong to the same groups, and they are now vying for the same voters.
One of the few people who visited Bibi during her years in custody, Malook described her as a simple woman, a farm laborer who never learned to read or write and did not have an educated understanding of religion, but who had a brave heart and resilient spirit. She never wept or got angry, he said. Once she told me she had a dream that the doors of the prison all opened up, and that gave her confidence she would be released.
Were going to do our homework first, said House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), whose panel is scheduled to receive testimony from Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross next month. What [Republicans] would do is, they would go out and make headlines a week or two before the hearing and then look for some facts to prove the headlines. Were not doing that.
So now Congressman Adam B. Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so, Trump said on Twitter. Never happened before! Unlimited Presidential Harassment.
Trump has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women and his statements related to race have been criticized on several occasions, including his response to a violent white nationalist rally in Charlottesville in 2017. He has denied both the sexual misconduct allegations and all accusations of racism.
It happens every day, said a Capitol Hill staffer who is not on Schiffs committee. The staffer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, rattled off a number of former Hill aides who had worked as policy experts in past administrations. My understanding is that Schiff was going from the minority to the majority and had to staff up more fully. Its the normal way things operate.
He said he has known Millian for about seven or eight years, since the younger businessman contacted him when he was living in Atlanta. During the campaign, Morgulis said that Millian said he had become close to the Trump campaign, since he knew someone in Trumps group. But Morgulis said he was skeptical that Millian had any influence on Trumps operation.
As we hear the stories and circumstances for those here, I hope we do not forget the pain and anguish and sense of loss felt by those all over the country who have been the victims of violence at the hands of illegal aliens, Gaetz said. H.R. 8 would not have stopped many of the circumstances I raised, but a wall  a barrier on the southern border  may have, and thats what were fighting for.
He was in there for a long time before I got there, and I said, You got to let him out. You better let him out. And they let you out, Trump said, gesturing toward Brunson.
Hes probably the only person in the Hillary world and the Obama world to be in both of them and then move as quickly to Trump, said one Democratic fundraiser who knows Zuberi and spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation. It does make you wonder why he would do that and what he was trying to show.
The episode is the latest in bungled attempts by states to show that huge numbers of noncitizens are registered to vote and have cast ballots in U.S. elections. In North Carolina, legislative leaders said in 2014 that more than 10,000 suspected noncitizens were registered to vote, but state election officials found that number was vastly overstated and determined that only 11 noncitizens voted that fall. In Florida in 2012, a list of 180,000 possible noncitizens ultimately led to the removal of 85 voters from the rolls. Similar claims have been made in Colorado, Indiana and Kansas.
He repeated his condemnation of liberal plans to expand federal health coverage for all Americans or to hire large numbers of new government workers as a solution to unemployment. He also argued for balancing the federal budget, though he did not describe what cuts he would make to federal entitlements like Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security, which are projected to drive deficit spending in the future.
The matter now threatens to overshadow the image Warren has sought to foster of a truth-telling consumer advocate who would campaign for the White House as a champion for the working class. Instead, she is now seeking to combat the portrait of someone who for years was insufficiently sensitive to a long-oppressed minority. The matter also is arising at a time when issues of racial and cultural identity are increasingly sensitive in the Democratic Party.
Several news organizations have examined the same yearbook. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reproduced a photo from it showing a man dressed up like a woman in a low-cut white dress, pearls, a black wig and blackface. The caption refers to a song by the Supremes:  Baby Love, who ever thought Diana Ross would make it to Medical School! CNN reported that a different photo of three men appeared on the page before Northams personal page  with all of the men in blackface and wearing white dresses, white gloves, pearls and wigs. Retired Roanoke doctor Michael Breiner said that he was the one in the photo with blackface presenting himself as Ross. Said Breiner: And do I regret it now? Yeah, because its a different time. This was 35 years ago. An answer fully embraced by enablers.
Yet worries about these migrants often centers on the possibility that they will somehow alter or undermine the American character  that these are destitute people who make life worse for Americans. But these are not tired, poor, huddled masses; some financial means is required to make the long trip the United States. Whether they come in a caravan seeking asylum, by foot across the Sonoran desert to do manual labor, or by airplane on their way to study in U.S. universities or to work in high-tech jobs, they share an energy and motivation that sets them apart from those who dont migrate. That distinguishing characteristic is what academics call self-selection. Its easy to overlook character self-selection when so much of the debate about immigration centers on more conventional indicators of selection, such as education level.
Trump deserves enormous credit for taking the gloves off in the fight against the terrorists. He was absolutely correct when he declared in the State of the Union address, When I took office, ISIS controlled more than 20,000 square miles in Iraq and Syria. Today, we have liberated virtually all of that territory from the grip of these bloodthirsty monsters. But the Islamic State is not defeated. It still has tens of thousands of fighters under arms and, according to one estimate by the Institute for the Study of War, as much as $400 million it smuggled out of Iraq, money that can be used to sustain its movement and plan attacks across the world.
On the other hand, he has demanded apologies from, among others, Hillary Clinton, Warren, bearish forecasters, the fake news media, CNN, ESPN and the cast of Hamilton. He has hailed an apology the New York Times didnt offer him. And he expressed jealousy that ABC apologized to Valerie Jarrett for Roseanne Barrs racist remarks but not for the HORRIBLE statements made and said about me on ABC.
While we must name and resist white supremacy, we can also recall that we are never alone in this work. During the 19th century, there were anti-racist abolitionists  black and white  who worked to subvert and transform a system that considered some people chattel. In the new dawn of Reconstruction, black and white men worked together in statehouses across the South to reimagine democracy. During the 20th centurys movements for labor unions, womens suffrage, and civil, human and environmental rights, fusion coalitions of black, white, brown, Native and Asian worked together to pursue a more perfect union that both acknowledges our original sin and holds on to the hope that we might yet live up to the better angels of our nature. Whenever we ask what repentance means, we dont have to start from scratch. We have a long tradition to draw on, full of examples of what true repentance must look like.
As long as Assad is in power, there will never be peace in Syria. People will always struggle for basic dignity. But someday, his brutal rule will end. And at some future address, survivors of the Syrian holocaust will be celebrated along with their liberators. That address likely wont be in the United States, because we stood by. But we can never say we didnt know. Omar told us.
What about the sophisticated technology systems we need to detect hidden contraband? In October 2017, when I met for the first time with the administrations CBP commissioner, Kevin McAleenan, I asked him: What do you need to secure the border? The number one item on his wish list: more drive-through inspection systems, known as Z-portals. He did not mention Trumps beloved border wall. Currently these inspection systems examine only 18 percent of arriving traffic and cargo. An investment in this kind of technology would help stop the drugs that are killing our kids. Yet the presidents fiscal year 2019 budget request includes only $44 million for Z-portals, even though it would cost $300 million to examine 100 percent of arriving traffic.
Fairfax has also suggested, without evidence, that the emergence of her account is the result of a political conspiracy against him, possibly by a Democratic rival. Does anybody think its any coincidence that on the eve of potentially my being elevated that thats when this smear comes out? he asked reporters on Monday. It was easy to hear the echo of Kavanaugh blaming his predicament on revenge on behalf of the Clintons.
Republicans in Congress spent years doing everything they could to repeal the ACA. If they had gotten their way, millions would have lost their coverage, and tens of millions would have had no protection from insurance company abuses, such as denying coverage due to preexisting conditions or cutting off coverage after patients hit a lifetime cap. Once in power, and after they were unable to repeal the law, President Trump pushed forward an agenda to shred state regulation of insurance companies and allow a single state regulator captured by insurance interests to greenlight sham insurance plans for sale coast to coast. And on Trumps watch, the percentage of Americans lacking coverage has climbed , and the number of families getting covered under the ACA has fallen .
White people designed blackface to keep black people down, to intimidate, mock and stereotype. It began during the 19th century and wasnt about white people honoring the talent of black people by dressing up to look like them. It was about mocking them and depicting them as lazy, stupid and less than fully human. It was a tool of oppression. As a college kid in Virginia during the 1980s, I knew that and so did my classmates. But a whole lot of white people seem to not know that history or understand why blackface is so offensive, whether its practiced by a college student or a new doctor. The turmoil in Virginia  where I have lived most of my adult life, including nine years in Richmond  may do some good if it reminds white people that a river of oppression runs through U.S. history, deep and wide, down to today.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Government signs peace deal with rebels

Central African Republic and 14 rebel groups signed a peace deal Wednesday even as some citizens expressed alarm about the possible suspension of prosecutions after five years of bloody conflict.

The agreement is the eighth since the fighting began in 2013 but the first to emerge from direct talks. The peace deal, negotiated in Sudan and known as the Khartoum Agreement, is said to incorporate representatives of armed groups in the government.

Certain compatriots have thought that the republic has abandoned them. I want to say to you all that I will spare no effort to make Central African Republic our common home, President Faustin-Archange Touadera said at the signing in Bangui.

Yet few appeared to be optimistic about bringing rebels into the government. The fighting has killed thousands, displaced hundreds of thousands and sent two people to the International Criminal Court.

We are shocked because we see our authorities jubilant alongside our executioners, said journalist Yannick Nalimo.

Details of the peace deal have not been publicly released.

 Associated Press

FRANCE

Fire suspect had just ended psychiatric stay

A suspect in the fire that killed 10 people as it devastated a Paris apartment building was hospitalized at least 13 times in the past decade for mental health issues and completed her most recent stay a week ago, the Paris prosecutor said Wednesday.

Prosecutor Remy Heitz said the woman, detained on suspicion of arson, spent nearly two weeks at a psychiatric facility before she was released Jan. 30. She had a clean police record but was involved in three prior judicial procedures, one for setting a fire in a store, Heitz said.

The woman was under evaluation Wednesday in the police psychiatric infirmary. She indicated she was not behind the Tuesday blaze, Heitz said.

The fire at the nine-story building in the posh 16th arrondissement was the deadliest in Paris since 24 died in an 2005 hotel fire near the famed Opera.

 Associated Press

LEBANON

Country's first female security chief installed

Lebanons new interior minister assumed her post Wednesday, becoming her countrys and the Arab worlds first female official in charge of powerful security agencies.

Raya El Hassan said Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri had put his trust in her and given her this big responsibility.

As the first female minister of interior, I have to prove the womans ability to assume an exceptional portfolio, she said at her installment ceremony.

El Hassan, a member of Hariris Future Movement, is one of four women in the new 30-member cabinet  a record for female political representation in Lebanon.

 Associated Press

France decries Italian official's meeting with 'yellow vests': France's Foreign Ministry slammed a meeting between Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio and leaders of France's "yellow vest" anti-government movement, accusing him of undermining relations between the two European neighbors. "This new provocation is not acceptable between neighboring countries and partners in the European Union," a Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a daily briefing. Di Maio, who leads the populist, anti-establishment Five Star Movement, said he had stopped in France and met "yellow vests" leader Christophe Chalencon and candidates on the grass-roots movement's list for European Parliament elections in May.

19 bodies found in clandestine Mexican plots: Authorities in Mexico's Colima state say they have recovered 19 bodies from 11 clandestine gravesites. The state prosecutor's office said the bodies were found on land in Santa Rosa in the Tecoman municipality. Colima Gov. Jose Ignacio Peralta Sanchez told local media that he couldn't rule out finding more bodies. Peralta said Colima has a serious organized-crime problem but it was too early to say which criminal group was responsible.

Death toll rises in Brazil's dam collapse: Authorities in Brazil say the death toll from a dam collapse near the city of Brumadinho has risen to 150. A Minas Gerais state civil defense spokesman said 182 people are still listed as missing. No one has been found alive since Jan. 26, the day after a large reservoir containing mining waste was breached.

Libyan forces claim oil field: Libyan forces from the country's east say they have taken control of the southern Sharara oil field, part of an expansion of Gen. Khalifa Hifter's control over Libya's main revenue generator. Libya is governed by rival authorities in Tripoli and the east.

 From news services
ALABAMA

Court blocks execution of inmate denied imam

Alabama may be violating the religious rights of a Muslim inmate set for execution by refusing to allow an imam at his death, a federal court said Wednesday in blocking the lethal injection.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit granted an indefinite stay for Dominique Ray, 42, a day before he was scheduled to die for the slaying of a teenager more than two decades ago.

A three-judge panel of judges wrote that it was exceedingly loath to substitute our judgment on prison procedures. But, they added that it looks substantially likely to us that Alabama has run afoul of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

The state said it would appeal.

Alabama allows inmates to visit with their spiritual adviser before an execution, and they can have the adviser witness the execution from a room adjoining the execution chamber.

A Christian chaplain who works for the prison typically stays in the execution chamber, but Ray objected and asked for a Muslim cleric to be present.

The state agreed to remove the prison chaplain from the chamber but cited security reasons for why it would not allow an imam in the room.

Ray was convicted in the fatal stabbing of Tiffany Harville, 15, who disappeared from her Selma home in July 1995. Her decomposing body was found in a field a month later.

 Associated Press

MASSACHUSETTS

Court upholds woman's culpability in suicide

A young woman who as a teenager encouraged her boyfriend through dozens of text messages to kill himself is responsible for his suicide, Massachusettss highest court ruled Wednesday in upholding her involuntary manslaughter conviction.

The Supreme Judicial Court said in a unanimous decision in the novel case that Michelle Carters actions caused Conrad Roy III to die in a truck filled with toxic gas in a deserted parking lot nearly five years ago.

After she convinced him to get back into the carbon monoxide filled truck, she did absolutely nothing to help him: she did not call for help or tell him to get out of the truck as she listened to him choke and die, Justice Scott Kafker wrote.

Carters lawyers said in an email they are disappointed in the ruling and will consider appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court, among other legal options. Carter, now 22, was sentenced to 15 months in jail, but has remained free while she pursues her appeals.

Carter and Roy both lived in Massachusetts but met in Florida in 2012 while both were on vacation with their families. Their relationship consisted mainly of texting and other electronic communications. Both teens struggled with depression. Carter had also been treated for anorexia, and Roy had made earlier suicide attempts.

Carter was 17 when Roy, 18, took his own life in Fairhaven, a town on Massachusettss south coast, in July 2014.

 Associated Press

Milwaukee officer killed while serving warrant: A 17-year police veteran was shot and killed as he served a warrant on Milwaukee's south side Wednesday, becoming the city's third officer killed in the line of duty in eight months, officials said. Assistant Milwaukee Police Chief Michael Brunson said the 35-year-old officer, whose name has not been released, was part of a tactical enforcement unit. A 26-year-old Milwaukee man was in custody, Brunson said. He provided no other details.

 Associated Press
Advocates say that such drug sanctuaries could be an important tool in the fight to stem the opioid epidemic. Philadelphia, which has one of the nations most active heroin markets, has seen a high toll from opioid abuse. Supervised injection facilities exist in other countries, and advocates contend they save lives by allowing people to use drugs in sanitary conditions where they are monitored for signs of adverse reaction, rather than overdosing on the street, where help might not be available. Advocates also say safe injection sites curb the spread of HIV and hepatitis C by limiting needle-sharing.
BEIJING, Feb. 6 -- U.S. President Donald Trump delivered his second State of the Union address on Tuesday. The following is an introduction to the annual speech.

The State of the Union Address is an annual message presented by the U.S. president to a joint session of the U.S. Congress, except in the first year of a new president's term.

Since 2011, the address has been given on a Tuesday. It includes a budget message and economic report of the nation, and also allows the president to outline the legislative agenda and national priorities.

The concept of a State of the Union address is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, which states that the president "shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient."

According to the National Archives, George Washington first gave his "annual message" to Congress on Jan. 8, 1790, in the Senate Chamber of Federal Hall in New York City, which was then the temporary seat of government.

The third president, Thomas Jefferson, discontinued the practice of delivering the address in person. Instead, the address was written and then sent to Congress. Jefferson set a precedent that lasted more than 100 years, until President Woodrow Wilson spoke in person to a joint session of Congress in 1913.

For many years, the speech was referred to as "the President's Annual Message to Congress." President Franklin Roosevelt was the first to call his speech the "State of the Union" address, according to the Senate Historical Office, and the term was made official under President Harry Truman.

Every member of Congress can bring one guest to the State of the Union address. The president may invite up to 24 guests with the First Lady in her box. The Speaker of the House may invite up to 24 guests in the Speaker's box. Seating for Congress on the main floor is by a first-in, first-served basis with no reservations. The Cabinet, Supreme Court justices, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and Joint Chiefs have reserved seating.

At least one member of the president's Cabinet is selected to stay behind from the speech each year in case of emergency. The designated survivor goes to a distant, secure and undisclosed location outside Washington while everyone else gathers to listen to the president's address in the Capitol.

The designated survivor must be eligible to be president. However, if a higher-ranking successor in the presidential line of succession survives a potential incident, the person would become president ahead of the designated survivor.
I got it from just about every Virginian I talked to this week about the blackface scandals threatening the governor and attorney general and the sexual assault allegation engulfing the lieutenant governor. They take a hand out of a pocket in the freezing rain to do it. They put down a beer to do it. They shift a kid to the other hip to do it.
The biggest impact Arlington has seen at this point are a couple of economic development partnerships with the state that have been put on hold indefinitely, he said in an email. He declined to divulge specifics but said that one deal was to be considered this week and another was to be announced next week.
Asked whether the effort would falter again, LaHood responded, Try to get a signal from the White House on what theyd be agreeable to. If President Trump is not with you on this, its going to be very difficult to pass in the [Republican] Senate. We have a very short window here. If it doesnt happen this year it wont happen until after the presidential campaign.
Since taking office, Trump has mentioned the gang in 34 tweets, five weekly addresses and 38 political rallies, according to a Post analysis of Factba.se, a website that tracks politicians statements. He hosted an hour-long, live-streamed roundtable discussion on the gang. And he used his first State of the Union address to honor the parents of two teens killed by MS-13, as well as an HSI agent threatened by the gang.
When he arrived at her familys exurban home claiming to be a hitchhiker, her mother refused to let him in. So, Goochland County Sheriff James Agnew said in a news conference at the time, Skinner walked around the home, picked up a concrete landscaping rock from the yard and tried to break down the familys basement door. He had taken three planes and a Greyhound bus, checked in at a Richmond hostel and stopped at Walmart to buy a folding knife and duct tape, Agnew said; he also carried pepper spray.
He said the man told them he had a gun in his vehicle. Levinger said that, fearing the worst, Olaya photographed the license plate when the man returned to the SUV. The friends continued, turning on 4th Street; Levinger said he and the friend were on the sidewalk and Olaya was ahead of them, in the street, attempting to cross to the other side. He said the driver of the SUV appeared to accelerate and veered into the opposite lane as he struck Olaya, and then drove off.
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The suspension of Stamm adds another note of chaos to the uproar engulfing Richmond, where people have gathered around the State Capitol to protest Gov. Ralph Northam (D) after the revelation of a racist photo on his medical-school yearbook page. Stamm was assigned to police those gatherings and was apparently spotted by the anti-fascist group using a bandage to cover a large neck tattoo.
But Hogan cited broad support in public opinion surveys for a post-Labor Day start and said if the Senate bill passed, he would lead an effort to hold a statewide referendum on whether to uphold it. That option was last used in 2012, when Republicans forced public votes on laws legalizing same-sex marriage, in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants and a new congressional map.
Hucker said about 1,200 more school fixtures would fail the stricter standard in his proposed bill, which was co-sponsored by the rest of the all-Democratic council. Montgomery County Public Schools spokesman Derek Turner said it would cost an estimated $2 million to $3 million to address those fixtures, and that the district probably would need additional funds from the county to do the work.
They want their input to shape his decisions. They want someone who can improve the academic outcomes of the citys low-income children. And as Ferebee enters an education system rocked by scandals  one of which cost the previous chancellor his job after a year at the helm  they want someone who can bring leadership stability to a system that sorely needs it.
In one case, a student asked if she could graduate early because her parents were getting divorced. She feared they would remove her from Quaker Valley and, as she put it, make me go to some lame school in one of their original home states. Linda Conlon, the former gifted coordinator now called the secondary academic specialist, said, We loaded her up to meet the credit minimum for graduation, with . . . additional online AP courses. She passed all of them and graduated at the end of her junior year, then moved on to college, safe from the fray.
We have to think about violence as an epidemic as it affects communities and understand the root causes, McDuffie said in an interview. One of the reasons Ive decided to do this and the city needs to invest in it is because the federal government has decided not to.
If you dont want to be bothered by the noise and loud music that might very well accompany college students traveling in groups, it would certainly be best to research family-oriented destinations that are less likely to have spring breakers, or those that have vast areas where you know youll be able to find a secluded spot to enjoy the sun, read a book or enjoy a meal.
For those just tuning in, the culture is again reckoning with the idea that blackface is wrong: Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D) announced Wednesday that hed dressed as rapper Kurtis Blow at a party in 1980, darkening his face with brown makeup and donning a wig as a 19-year-old student at the University of Virginia. Meanwhile, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) denies he appeared in a photo on his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook page showing a student in blackface next to another partygoer in a Klansmans white hood and robe. But he acknowledged that he had once rubbed his skin with dark shoe polish to look like Michael Jackson.
Thats what I hope you admit out loud: that you are so happy hes looking to get back to his old job, and will support that as you can, but hope its also the right time for you to ask him to help you. Is he open to discussing ways to work at a less demanding job while he regains his strength? People want to hear how they can help, not how useless they are.
The big innovation in PEN15 is that Anna and Mayas peers are all played by actual kids, and its remarkable to see how Erskine and Konkle blend so easily among them, without the show becoming a prolonged stunt. As actors and storytellers, the women are fully committed to resurrecting every self-absorbed tic and teardrop of being ordinary 13-year-olds. PEN15 is not a sendup so much as a deeply felt and utterly convincing homage to the girls they used to be. (Watching the series, its surprising to learn that Konkle and Erskine did not actually grow up together; they met as experimental theater majors at NYU.)
Still, theres no trace in her portrayal of Nells humble origins, and the Pygmalion-like aspects of Nell Gwynn are never activated. An early scene, in which the ardent Charles Hart (Quinn Franzen) schools her in the gestural attitudes actors of the time had to inculcate, fails to vividly illuminate the bridge Nell was crossing. For that matter, Swale never opens a window on Nells psyche, so that we can fully empathize with the challenges she undertakes. The play segues from sitcommy scenes on the stage of the Kings Company, headed by the eternally pained Thomas Killigrew (Nigel Gore, in one of the productions most persuasive performances), to strained rom-com interludes between Nell and Charles II.
The onset of their affair fuels both Miller and Man Ray with manic inspiration. He photographs her constantly and insists that she remain nearby while he paints and sculpts. In the afternoons she wanders through the city to take pictures, and each time she prints one of her photos and Man Ray likes it, she grows more confident, feels more like who she has always wanted to be. He takes her to parties where she meets an array of artists, among them Salvador Dali, Tristan Tzara and Jean Cocteau, who casts Miller in a film. One day in the darkroom she accidentally exposes some film, which leads her to discover a new effect. She and Man Ray refine it together and call it solarization, signing their names beneath a print of her face in profile.
When the 76-year-old emerged close to dusk, the home he had spent his life savings to build was on fire. Nearby, a relative, a young man with disabilities, had been shot dead. He took one look at his surroundings and fled on foot, eventually reaching the French-speaking port city of Douala. The military crackdown has caused so much damage, he said, that he now sees no future for a unified Cameroon. If he goes back to his village one day, he wants it to be in Ambazonia.
It is legally difficult for the White House to move money that was appropriated for one purpose and spend it on something else, which is one reason Trump has pushed Congress to authorize construction of the wall. Mulvaney and other White House officials have said for weeks they believe they have ways to do it, but they havent specified how it might work, particularly if they do not declare a national emergency.
Italian Civil Aviation Authority orders closure of Rome airport.

Ciampino airport in Rome has been closed to allow the safe removal of three unexploded bombs dating from world war two, found during maintenance work on the aircraft parking areas.

Bomb disposal experts are currently at work and the airport's closure, ordered by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, is expected to last until at least 18.00 on 7 February.

Flights scheduled to depart from Ciampino will be delayed while flights due to arrive in Ciampino will instead be diverted to Fiumicino, Rome's main international airport.
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Also in Lincoln, explore the citys fascinating chocolate history with historian Ed Zimmer and longtime Russell Stover employee Margaret Lehl. The two share stories about the former Russell Stover factory in the Haymarket.

At Christopher Elbow Chocolates in Kansas City, Mo., viewers can see hand-painted and airbrushed chocolates that often take days to make. Now a premiere chocolatier who creates bonbons and truffles, Christopher Elbow has a degree in restaurant and business management from UNL. During several short segments of the documentary, he discusses the ancient history of chocolate and shares the basics of growing, producing and storing it.

Susie Robison of Tekamah started her love affair with chocolate as a single mother making and selling candles with her kids. Today, shes expanded her business to include a floral shop, boutique, restaurant, bakery and Serendipity Chocolates. Robison describes how she makes all of her chocolates with real cream, real butter and real love.

Cup of Coa is a luxury hot chocolate, made with all natural ingredients. Its produced in Nebraska and hand-packed in Kearney at Baristas Daily Grind. Business owner Jasmin McGinnis explains that she keeps the recipe for the tasty hot chocolate mix under wraps, while her non-coffee drinking customers appreciate it being on the menu.
Area lawmakers on SOTU speech

Republican Congressman Bill Flores, 17th Congressional District: Over the last two years, historic tax reform and regulatory relief have delivered a thriving economy and increased opportunities to empower hardworking American families to flourish. [Tuesday] evening President Trump put forth his priorities to continue to deliver a stronger, more secure and more prosperous America. A prosperous and safe America requires improved border security. We also need to strive to reform our dysfunctional immigration laws, develop a solution for our Dreamer population, improve our nations infrastructure, strengthen our national security and promote free and fair trade.

To achieve these beneficial goals, we must answer the presidents call to put aside the partisanship and come together to work for the common good of our nation  just as we did in the 115th Congress (2017-2018) when we passed over 400 bills that were signed by President Trump, 99 percent of which were bipartisan. I am committed to working with President Trump and my colleagues in Congress to continue improving Americas promise, prosperity and safety for Texas families.
President Donald Trumps State of the Union address was not a great speech  he can no more deliver a great speech than his bargain-basement aides can craft one  but it was greatly revealing. What it showed is how little his views have in common with what used to be known as American conservatism. There was, in fact, almost nothing conservative about it save for his cheap-shot attack on socialism (which he equated with Venezuela rather than, say, Denmark) and his evangelical-pleasing call to ban late-term abortions.

He offered almost no domestic agenda, but much of what he proposed  more infrastructure spending, nationwide paid family leave and lowering prescription drug prices  was ironically straight out of the liberal wish-list. There was not a mention of cutting spending or balancing the budget  once staples of GOP rhetoric. Republicans used to be the party of free trade, but Trump bragged about his imposition of tariffs and asked for authority to impose even more tariffs (a.k.a. taxes). Republicans also used to be the law and order party but in one of the speechs odder lines  if there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation  Trump seemed to equate special counsel Robert S. Mueller III with foreign enemies bent on attacking America. The reality is, of course, quite the opposite: Mueller is defending America from an attack carried out by Russia.
Gary W. Waller passed into the next life after a victory over cancer. He liked classic rock music and loved his Czech heritage.Visitation will be 4:30 to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Bellmead Funeral Home, with memorial services to began at 5:00 p.m.
C.B. served in the Army from December of 1944 to November of 1946 on the 43rd Engineer Construction Battalion. In the Army his battalion helped construct the first airstrip for U.S. planes in Tacata, Japan. He worked for the Waco Independent School District for 32 years and retired as the Custodial Supervisor. C.B. was a jack of all trades and shared that trait with his sons and daughter. Mr. Swanner was a devout Christian with a servant heart, who loved listening to gospel music. C.B. was a devoted member at the Cowboy Church of Ellis County where he served as the senior lay pastor and insisted on greeting people at church every Sunday with his warm welcoming smile. He was a spiritual mentor to many and touched countless lives. Family and church were his life, he was always involved in church and loved the Lord. C.B will be deeply missed and forever remembered by so many.
Waco resident Stefanie Wheat-Johnson said she is all too familiar with managing risks for a child with a weakened immune system. Her son, Ever, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia when he was 3 years old. A year and a half into treatment, Ever is doing well, and is considered low risk, but precautions are needed because of his weak immune system, Wheat-Johnson said.

You dont have the natural abilities in your body to fight something like the measles like a normal child might have, she said. For us, any time the flu goes around or any sort of, especially things that might complicate and turn into infection, we suddenly have to amp up our protocols and how to handle daily life.

Any cancer patient will tell you this. You suddenly rethink a normal visit to the museum or a community event or church.

Wheat-Johnson said learning of the measles case so close to McLennan County raised additional alarms.

She said on some level she understands people who do not get vaccinations, because everyone should be careful and vigilant about what they put in their bodies. However, her family has learned a lot since Ever was diagnosed with cancer. If someone does not trust their doctor enough to follow advise on vaccinations, they should get a new doctor, she said.
Two rock-flavored bands out to expand their fan bases play shows on consecutive nights this week at Common Grounds coffeehouse.

For Cade Foehner, who plays Saturday night, the mission is to transition fans who watched him rise in American Idol from a performer in front of a camera and national audience to a live musician on stage.

The native Texan finished fifth in the 16th season of American Idol, a run that caught the attention of millions of viewers and led to his participation in a 47-city American Idol tour. Foehners ability on guitar, on which he plays a fusion of rock, blues and country, earned him first place in the Texas 10 Under 20 competition at the 2014 Dallas International Guitar Festival.

Hes back touring with his four-piece rock n roll band and Waco comes at the close of a run through Texas. Its kinda like a big thank-you to my state for their support, he said, calling from his home in Shelbyville. Waco was obviously one of the ones we wanted to go to.

Foehners live show introduces fans to his music and playing for more than one song at a time  the format of American Idol  with room for fans to move. Its live music. You can get up and get around, he said.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Latest on the political turmoil in Virginia amid admissions of blackface, accusations of sexual assault (all times local):

2:25 p.m.

The woman whose sexual assault allegations against Virginia's lieutenant governor surfaced this week is speaking publicly about the encounter.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax has repeatedly denied her allegations, saying the encounter was consensual.

Vanessa Tyson issued a statement Wednesday saying Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex in 2004 during the Democratic National Convention in Boston. The Associated Press typically does not identify those who say they were sexually assaulted, but Tyson issued the statement in her name.

Earlier Wednesday, Fairfax issued a statement saying the woman expressed no discomfort at the time, or during the years afterward. He said he first heard about her accusation from a reporter in 2018.

Tyson said she went to Fairfax's hotel room so he could get documents. She said they began consensually kissing but he then forced her into oral sex. She said she couldn't move her head because he was holding down her neck.

Tyson has not responded to messages from The AP seeking comment.

___

12:40 p.m.

The chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus says its members need time to process the revelation that another top state Democrat put on blackface years ago.

Attorney General Mark Herring issued a statement Wednesday saying he wore brown makeup and a wig in 1980 to look like a black rapper during a party as an undergraduate at the University of Virginia.

Del. Lamont Bagby is chairman of the caucus. He says the caucus "needs time" and has a "lot to digest."

Democratic state Del. Delores McQuinn didn't answer directly when asked if Herring should resign. The African-American lawmaker said legislators "are going to govern - that's what our constituents want us to do."

___

12:30 p.m.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax says a woman alleging sexual misconduct never told him she was uncomfortable with what happened during the encounter or in the years after.

Fairfax issued a statement Wednesday reiterating that he had a consensual encounter with the woman 15 years ago. He said he was an unmarried law student at the time.

The Associated Press is not reporting the details of the Fairfax accusation because AP has not been able to corroborate it. The woman making the accusation hasn't returned messages form the AP seeking comment.

Fairfax said the woman expressed no discomfort at the time, or during the years afterward. He said the first he heard about the accusation was when he was approached by a news outlet in 2018 after his inauguration.

Fairfax is next in line for Virginia's highest office if Gov. Ralph Northam steps down over a racist photo scandal.

___

11:35 a.m.

Another top Virginia Democrat has admitted to wearing blackface decades ago. Attorney General Mark Herring issued a statement Wednesday saying he wore brown makeup and a wig in 1980 to look like a black rapper during a party as an undergraduate at the University of Virginia.

The revelation further roils the top levels of Virginia government. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax are already facing controversies, and Herring would be next in line to be governor after those two men.

Many including Herring have urged Northam to resign after the discovery of a photo of someone in blackface on his 1984 medical school yearbook page. Fairfax, next in line to be governor, has been accused of sexual misconduct, which he denies.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump says he expects to be able to announce next week that the U.S. and coalition partners have reclaimed 100 percent of the Islamic State caliphate.

Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. military will be giving him official notice very soon that 100 percent of the territory once held by the IS group has been retaken in Iraq and Syria.

Trump gave remarks at the State Department to foreign ministers and senior officials from a 79-member U.S.-led coalition battling the IS group. In December, Trump announced the withdrawal of 2,000-plus U.S. troops from Syria.

U.S. officials say IS has lost 99.5 percent of its territory and is holding on to fewer than 5 square kilometers (2 square miles) in Syria, or less than 2 square miles, in the villages of the Middle Euphrates River Valley, where the bulk of the fighters are concentrated.
Dozens of people shuffled from booth to booth Thursday morning in Decatur. The folks at Ingalls Harbor were eagerly looking at a wide array of job opportunities at the Second Chance Job Fair.

A number of those who passed through face a unique challenge when hunting for a job: they have a criminal record.

Dozens of employers were on hand at the Second Chance Job Fair in Decatur on Thursday. All of the booths present represented available jobs across the Tennessee Valley. Dozens of employers were on hand at the Second Chance Job Fair in Decatur on Thursday. All of the booths present represented available jobs across the Tennessee Valley.

It was kind of like a shocker at first because I didn't really think that nothing like that existed, said Chris Minor.

Minor is about a month into his parole. He said the Second Chance Job Fair gives him the chance to talk with employers who wont automatically dismiss him for past offenses.

Coming out of prison, I thought people really would give you a chance like they're giving us. So I think it's awesome, said Minor.

Organizers told WAAY 31, this is the first Second Chance Job Fair being hosted in north Alabama. Penny Townson, the vice president of Morgan County Economic Development, said a similar fare in Birmingham inspired it.

She added that an unemployment level below three percent is forcing companies to find creative methods to fill the demand for workers.

Our unemployment hasnt been low enough that youve had to get more creative about where you find that work and we really do now, said Townson.

The job fair is not only aimed at people who have criminal pasts, but also those who are underemployed.

Thats about 10,000 in Morgan County. These are people who are working in jobs,but are capable of doing more and are consistently looking for more work. That's one group we want to make sure were hitting, said Townson.

And Morgan County isnt alone in this effort. On February 27, Madison County will host its own Second Chance Job Fair at the Jaycee Community Building on Airport Road.

Lydia Pennington, the industry relations director for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, said both counties were interested in the idea of such a job fair. They believe working together creates a greater impact.

We both were interested in hosting this type of job fair and it gives a regional approach and also helps with our voice to reach a larger audience, said Pennington.

On Thursday and Friday, there are also seminars hosted at Calhouns Adult Education center to teach skills like resume formatting and navigating an interview. Sessions are held twice a day: from 9 a.m. to noon and the other from 1 p.m. till 4 p.m.

We have to give them tools that they can actually use and then allow them to use them and then we critique that so that they have something to go out and actually use, said Brenda Bryson, an instructor at Alabama Ready to Work.

Meanwhile, Minor remarks that events like the pair of Second Chance Job Fairs are invaluable for someone like him, whos just trying to make a positive impact on the community as part of the workforce.

Probably becoming a truck driver. I already got my CDS and had my CDS for 20 plus years. So I'll probably get back in the trucking industry, said Minor.

To register for the job fair in Huntsville, click here.
As unemployment continues to fall in Morgan and Madison counties, community leaders are lookinf for new ways to bring people into the workforce to fill more available jobs.

From Wednesday through Friday, Calhoun Community College will host a series of job fair preparation seminars ahead of a pair of job fairs this month.

The seminars will be held twice each day: one from 9 a.m. to noon and the other from 1 p.m. till 4 p.m. They focus on key skills like how to navigate a job interview and how to construct your resume and cover letter.

These events are designed for two Second Chance Job Fairs, one in Decatur on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the other in Huntsville on February 27 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

They are geared toward the underemployed and those with criminal backgrounds find work.

Penny Townson, the vice president of Morgan County Economic Development, said there will be about 30 businesses at each job fair.

"Were finding out that the Department of Corrections, the Department of Labor, post-secondary institutions, everyone is really excited to find more people to join our workforce and thats really what this group represents. It's a lot of people who are interested in partnering to make it work," said Townson.

The training seminars will be held at Calhoun's Adult Education rooms at their Huntsville campus at 102 Wynn Drive.
A local man filed a lawsuit in Madison County against the abortion clinic and others he said helped end his girlfriend's pregnancy even though he begged her to keep the baby.

"I'm here for the men who actually want to have their baby," Ryan Magers, who's suing the abortion clinic and others, said.

It's been nearly two years since Magers' girlfriend aborted their baby.

"It was just like my whole world fell apart," Magers said.

Mager's filed a lawsuit in Madison County on Wednesday suing Alabama Women's Center, their employees and the pharmaceutical company who makes the medication used in an abortion.

"I believe every child from conception is a baby and deserves to live," Magers said.

Dalton Johnson owns the Alabama Women's Center and wasn't aware of the lawsuit when we talked to him, but he did offer some insight into abortion procedures.

The suit says the baby was aborted at six weeks. Johnson said at that point in the pregnancy, a woman can choose how she wants to end her pregnancy, either by medication or surgery.

"I just tried to plead with her and plead with her and just talk to her about it and see what I could do, but in the end, there was nothing I could do to change her mind," Magers said.

Even though it's too late for him to stop his girlfriend's abortion, Magers said he wants to give a voice to other would-be dads who find themselves in the same spot.

"Even though there's nothing I can do for the situation I was in, there is something I can do for the future situations for other people," Magers said.

Magers' attorney, Brent Helms, told WAAY 31 he isn't aware of any case in the state like this one, and he thinks the case even has potential to create lasting legal precedent.

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A Cullman doctor is back home after providing medical support during President Trumps State of the Union address.

Scott Warner is a member of the National Disaster Medical Systems Disaster Medical Assistance Team, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Heres more from the press release:

During events such as the State of the Union, medical system personnel along with U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers stand ready to provide advanced life support and basic medical care to everyone attending the event.

The medical system is a federally-administered program that can support communities with medical care, veterinarian care, and mortuary assistance during disasters or public health emergencies. NDMS is among the resources made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). They also work behind the scenes at some of our nations biggest events, often at the request of the Congressional Office of the Attending Physician, the U.S. Capitol Police, or the U.S. Secret Service.

Typically at events like this we see people who have minor cuts or sprains or other non-life threatening injuries or illnesses, explains Ron Miller, director of ASPRs NDMS. However, we also can provide initial life-saving care for more serious injuries or illnesses and stabilize patients for transportation by DC Fire/EMS to a local hospital.

NDMS teams consist of physicians, nurses, paramedics, fatality management professionals, veterinarians, and experienced command and control staff. There are more than 6,000 team members organized into 70 response teams. Providing medical care during emergencies and special events, such as the State of the Union Address, can overwhelm local and state resources. ASPR looks to the expertise within NDMS from across the country to assist in the response.

During the State of the Union Address, the Vice President, First Lady, Cabinet Secretaries, both Houses of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior level government officials come together in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol. The State of the Union Address gives the President the opportunity to report on the condition of our nation and outline his legislative agenda and priorities to Congress and the American people.

As part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ASPRs mission is to save lives and protect Americans from 21st century health security threats. ASPR leads the nations medical and public health preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and public health emergencies. During special security events like the State of the Union Address, ASPR stands ready to serve in case of an emergency. For more information about federal medical response and NDMS, visit https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=c7f2f7e8-9ba7fefb-c7f2c6d7-0cc47adb5650-d147dc980b5e0463&u=http://www.phe.gov/.
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - An Alabama man suspected of killing his estranged wife in Mississippi and abducting their 2-year-old daughter is in custody, and the child is safe.

WLOX-TV reports a Pascagoula judge set bond Wednesday for 27-year-old Joquincy McCord at $1.5 million on charges of murder and felony child abuse.

News outlets report McCord of Prichard surrendered Tuesday to Mobile police. Police in Pascagoula say McCord's estranged wife, 33-year-old Brittany McCord, was fatally shot hours earlier. The child was found safe after McCord surrendered.

During Wednesday's appearance, McCord entered a plea of not guilty in a previous 2017 domestic violence charge but nothing on the new charges. His public defender said McCord most recently worked at Ingalls and asked for leniency for her client because he cares for his elderly mother in Mobile.
Photo: Netflix

In episode six of Russian Doll, Nadia (Natasha Lyonne) tells Alan (Charlie Barnett) that the first video game she developed is based on Tatum ONeal in Paper Moon, but with Nadias hairdo. They call that an Easter egg, Nadia says.

If youre into Easter eggs, youll find that Russian Doll lives up to its multilevel moniker in that respect. Here are just 39 of the hidden images, inside jokes, clever references, and tiny details to keep an eye out for when youre ready for a rebinge of the outstanding Netflix series. Weve even noted the time stamp where each one appears, so you wont be thrown for a (time) loop.

Episode 1, Nothing in This World Is Easy

3:53: Mike receives his first text from Beatrice at Nadias party.

5:22: The first time we see Horse, he has no shoes on, which Nadia will notice in episode three.

5:44: On the bodega counter sits a plastic table tent advertising Yep, the ersatz Yelp platform that Nadia will use to track down Alan in episode four.

6:28: The first time Nadia encounters the Wall Street dweebs at the bodega, she tells them to take a left at Disneyland. She will tell them the same thing in episode eight when shes trying to get Alan to remember her.

8:27: As Nadia sits at her desk working on code, a red-and-black poster on her wall reads, The Legend Ariadne. Ariadne is also the title of episode eight.

10:04: Episode 2s wilting flowers make their first appearance in the background. They look vibrant and healthy.

11:20: Mike hits on Nadia while discussing John Updike  who is, we learn in episode four, the subject of Beatrices dissertation.

12:25: Ruth makes her first appearance. In real life, Natasha Lyonnes godmother is also named Ruth.

15:00: The red scarf that Alan will wear in episode eight makes its first appearance around the neck of Lizzys lady friend.

16:00: The camera follows a couple walking through a doorway at the party; the woman is wearing a red shirt and a ticked-off expression. In episode three, Nadia will encourage John to go home with that chick with the red shirt whos about to get in a fight with her boyfriend.

22:36: Mike references the getaway that Alan and Beatrice are supposed to take when he says into the phone, Call me when you get back into town. He also lies and tells Bea, Im at a work thing.

Episode 2, The Great Escape

3:01: A bodega customer buys a lottery ticket, requesting the numbers 23, 14, 21  no, 22. There are 22 deaths on the show.

4:54: Nadia goes to her code meeting. Three of the four code bros at the meeting are played by the same actors who played the Wall Street dweebs in episode one. (Hat tip to the redditors who spotted that!)

20:38: At Ruths house, the camera pans across a table to reveal several pictures of her with her deceased husbands. The last photo shows her with George Peppard. (Another Reddit catch!) In real life, the actress who plays Ruth (Elizabeth Ashley) was married to Peppard from 1966 to 1972. They also co-starred in 1964s The Carpetbaggers and played husband and wife in 1965s The Third Day.

20:56: Nadia stands in Ruths kitchen eating rotisserie chicken. Nadia will later die from choking on a chicken bone. (Lets also not forget Maxine and her birthday chicken.)

21:00: Ruth offers Nadia some tea  an offer that will later kill Nadia in a gas explosion.

23:53: The ambulance crew is likewise played by the same three actors who played the Wall Street dweebs and the code bros. The ambulance driver notes that his mother loved me very much. That actor also played Bob at the code meeting, who likewise told the others at the meeting as Nadia entered, My mom loves me.

Episode 3, A Warm Body

6:26: John talks to Nadia on the phone while holding  a bag of fast-food chicken.

15:00: We see Alan (whom Nadias not yet met) from afar as he walks through Tompkins Square Park.

19:41: Head down, Alan walks right past Nadia while shes on the phone with John.

22:32: Nadia tells Horse shell just sit and play my crosswords while guarding his shoes. In real life, Natasha Lyonne is a confessed crossword addict.

10:10: Alan tells the old man who lives in his building, There was a woman on the elevator. The old man replies, Women dont like to take the stairs. After dying on them three times, Nadia doesnt like to take the yeshiva stairs.

16:15: Alans Yep page reveals that hes written 175 reviews with a three-star average. He gave Garretts jewelers three stars. He gave one eatery five stars because the shawarma is incredible. A second eatery earned only two stars. I wish they had more shawarma, Alan wrote.

3:34: At the party, Lizzy stands next to the woman Mike will later hook up with (the one who has to catch an early flight to Sweden).

4:55: Nadia mentions Emily of New Moon for the first time. As Screen Rant has noted, in the book, Emily has an aunt named Ruth.

21:45: Nadia tells John he doesnt want to meet Lucy because I could die right in front of her  which she will do in episode seven.

1:45: Nadia pulls her video game off Alans shelf. Its called The Legend Ariadne  the same as the poster in Nadias apartment in episode one.

4:11: Ruth sets out a plate of rugelach for Alan and Ruth. Its the same plate or rugelach that was on her counter the first time Nadia visited her in episode two.

19:22: At the bodega, Nadia buys what appears to be cottage cheese  suggesting she wasnt lying when she told Beatrice she eats it to maintain my figure.

20:49: One of the photos Alan puts in up Nadias bedroom is a picture of Young Nadia and her mom (Chloe Sevigny).

Episode 7, The Way Out

2:13: Theres a framed piece of art on Alans wall that shows the top of a building. Alan originally died by jumping off the top of his building.

5:16: On Maxines kitchen island, the chicken is gone  and Nadias birthday cake, while still there, no longer has writing on it.

11:48: In a flashback, Nadias mom can be seen wearing her Krugerrand.

9:50: At the back of the bodega, theres a sign near the basement steps that reads, Employees Only (and Oatmeal).

15:15: In the Odessa Diners doorway, theres another Yep sign.

18:38: After Alan sends her a pic of Mike cheating, Beatrices texts to Mike include:

Mike I know youre with another woman, but I need you to call me.

Who is this person in this photo?????

Im not mad be decent, call me

This is bullshit and you are bullshit

Pick up the phone

Im such a fucking idiot, of course you fuck around.

Go to hell

Theres a pattern here you might want to consider!

Delete your account

After everything, youre gonna play it like this?

Fuck you!!!!

On second thought, dont call me

Delete my number

Die alone

Your kid hates you and now so do I

19:45: Horse takes Alan over to where his friends are hanging out in Tompkins Square Park. We got one, Horse says  to the person who tried to steal his shoes in episode three.

21:15: When Original Nadia returns to the bodega to meet up with Looping Alan, she buys the condoms that Mike passed on earlier.

28:28: The person who tried to take Horses shoes at the shelter walks besides him in the parade.

All the Deaths in 'Russian Doll'
Photo: Alejandro Garcia/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Fake cancer, fake death, and a fake resume cant stop best-selling writer Dan Mallory (fake name, A.J. Finn) from living to see another book published. As the saying goes, scammers gonna scam.

Today, the authors U.K. publisher confirmed to The Guardian that their plans have not changed in light of the investigation, and another Mallory book remains slated for release in January 2020. The forthcoming novel is set in San Francisco, and involves a story of revenge involving a female thriller writer and an interviewer who learns of a dark past. Definitely, not at all, in any way whatsoever, based on real events.

Before the second books publication was reconfirmed today, HarperCollins previously released a statement in support of Mallory, noting through a spokesperson that Dan was a highly valued editor and the publication of The Woman in the Window  a Sunday Times bestseller  speaks for itself.

A New Yorker investigation revealed earlier this week that Mallory was the publishing worlds very own real-life Talented Mr. Ripley. Mallory, who writes under the pen-name A.J. Finn, lied about everything from his own health (he does not have a brain tumor or a spinal tumor) to his own family members deaths (his mother and brother are alive, despite his previous assertions).

The rights to Mallorys debut novel, The Woman in the Window, were quickly grabbed by Fox 2000. The movie adaptation, starring Amy Adams, Gary Oldman, and Julianne Moore, was shot last year, and the films release has not yet been affected by the scandal. Its still set to hit theaters this fall.
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In recent years, Zimbabwe has been ravaged by drought and flash floods that authorities there have largely blamed on climate change. But conservationists say wetland construction and stream bank cultivation have worsened the problem, posing threats to water management. Columbus Mavhunga reports.
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Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa hosted opposition parties Wednesday at State House and stressed the importance of peace and dialogue over violence. Main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa of the MDC, who maintains he won the July 30 elections, did not attend the event.
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U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres travels to Addis Ababa this week for the African Union Summit. He sat down with VOA U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer ahead of his trip. He told VOA cooperation between the world body and the African Union has substantially improved
HARARE - In Zimbabwe, rights and opposition groups are surviving by using social media to communicate with the masses as state-owned media remain reserved for ruling party officials. During recent anti-government protests, the public received information through social media and now the government wants a law to block such platforms.

After failing last year to get a job, even with an economics degree, 23-year-old Treasure Basopo now spends much of his time blogging. He uses social media to express his disapproval of President Emmerson Mnangagwas government. From a secret location -- fearing he could be assaulted - Basopo was among those who used social media during last months anti-government protests.

Basopo says he is bitter that Harare blocked social media during protests that started after a fuel price increase.

I felt that was the height and summit of the crest of oppression in my own motherland, the death of democracy in Zimbabwe. Remember, we voted for a constitution in 2013 whereby 94.5 percent of the people voted yes, which means people understand the constitution and freedom of expression. The only people who were tweeting and using popular social media networks were people in the diaspora," Basopo said.

Energy Mutodi, Zimbabwes junior information minister, maintains the government made the right move in blocking social media during the recent protests and that the government will do so again if the same situation arises. He blames social media for the violence.

The social media was used by criminals to organize themselves, to go out there to loot shops, to cause mayhem, to terrorize residents. This tells that there is abuse of social media, this is why the government had to really block social media, to block internet and to stop organized crime, organized gatherings that end up in violent demonstrations, violent destruction of property and also disregard for other peoples rights. Not only in Zimbabwe but Africa as a whole, there has been an abuse of social media; people still do not understand what social media really is, Mutodi said.

Without giving a date, Mutodi said Mnangagwas government would soon enact cybercrime laws that criminalize social media use in spreading unnecessary, false, deliberate falsehoods.

Rejoice Ngwenya, a social commentator known for his blog posts, says the government went too far by blocking social media apps for Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp, which authorities said were being used to cause violence.

It took me totally by surprise and I was actually annoyed and irritated that [Mnangagwa] had gone a bit further backwards than [former president Robert] Mugabe. Our government is very nervous and suspicious of social media because they are used to hiding and manipulating information. I believe that the mantra, the narrative of abuse only comes from those who want to hide something. Social media is like a knife, like any other instrument, the person holding it decides what to do. We have social media as an instrument of self-expression. The government cannot go around with a moral ruler to say this is what you should use, the social media, Ngwenya said.

That debate might spill into the courts as Mnangagwas administration prepares the cybercrime law in an effort to gag social media. Already, some citizens have taken the government to court for blocking social media during the protests.

Treasure Basopo says he is not surprised by the plan to gag social media users but he is against it:

Democracy entails that people must be able to express themselves and people must have the freedom of conscience as expressed in the Zimbabwean constitution. That is the only pillar of democracy, people speaking and be heard. In Zimbabwe, the state has never been an agent of good movement of information, Basobo said.

The government says the proposed law is not an obstruction in the flow of information, but it does not want citizens to abuse social media.
The U.S. military's air campaign against al-Shabab in Somalia will not stop the jihadists, a top U.S. general said Thursday as he called on the east African nation's army to take more responsibility in the fight.

The Pentagon is running an ongoing mission in which U.S. forces work with African Union and Somali national security forces to fight the al-Shabab movement.

"At the end of the day, these strikes are not going to defeat al-Shabab," the U.S. military's Africa Command head, Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"The bottom line is the Somalian national army needs to grow, it needs to step up and it needs to take responsibility for their own security," he added.

FILE - U.S. Marine Corps General Thomas Waldhauser FILE - U.S. Marine Corps General Thomas Waldhauser holds a news conference at Camp Lemonnier in Ambouli, Djibouti, April 23, 2017. FILE - U.S. Marine Corps General Thomas Waldhauser holds a news conference at Camp Lemonnier in Ambouli, Djibouti, April 23, 2017.

Since early 2017, the U.S. has increased the number of strikes it conducts, with 35 that year, 47 in 2018 and about 12 so far this year, Waldhauser said.

He added that U.S. strikes were providing the space for local forces to grow.

African Union troops pushed al-Shabab fighters out of Somalia's capital in 2011, and subsequently from other towns and cities.

But the Islamists still hold sway in large parts of the countryside.

They launch regular gun and bomb attacks on government, military and civilian targets in Mogadishu, as well as ambushes on military convoys and outposts.

In one strike last month, Africa Command said it killed 52 Somali militants.

In December, the U.S. military said it had killed 62 al-Shabab militants during six airstrikes in the Horn of Africa nation.
YAOUNDE - The United States has announced it is cutting some security assistance to Cameroon following allegations of human rights violations allegedly committed by the Cameroonian military.

The U.S. decision comes after videos, documented by Amnesty International and that went viral last year, showed Cameroonian security forces shooting and killing civilians, including women with small children strapped to their backs.

Colonel Didier Badjeck, a Cameroonian military spokesperson, criticized the Amnesty report, saying his country's military is professional.

France to Continue Military Cooperation with Cameroon France said on Thursday its defense cooperation with Cameroon was continuing a day after the United States said it was halting some military assistance to the West African country over allegations of human rights violations by its security forces."France is bound by a defense partnership agreement that it conducts according to the international standards," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a daily briefing with reporters. "In accordance with international humanitarian law and France said on Thursday its defense cooperation with Cameroon was continuing a day after the United States said it was halting some military assistance to the West African country over allegations of human rights violations by its security forces."France is bound by a defense partnership agreement that it conducts according to the international standards," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a daily briefing with reporters. "In accordance with international humanitarian law and

Cameroon is a key U.S. security partner. Three-hundred U.S. troops are based in the northern town of Garoua to train and assist the Cameroonian military, including in its fight against extremism in its far northern region.

Officials in Yaounde have not commented on the U.S. move. Coinciding with the decision was a charity effort at a school in Fotokol, on Cameroon's northern border with Nigeria. At the school, students were receiving school equipment and medication from the Rapid Intervention Battalion, an elite corps of the Cameroon army.

Military vehicles are seen in far northern Cameroo Military vehicles are seen in far northern Cameroon, Jan. 17 2019. Military vehicles are seen in far northern Cameroon, Jan. 17 2019.

Teacher welcomes troops

Teacher Epoum Mahaman says the move was encouraging to the children, who have suffered attacks by militant group Boko Haram  such as the burning of schools, kidnapping of teachers and killing of some of their parents and relatives.

He said, "We now have rulers and exercise books that we can give to the kids. We have displaced children who do not have books and who have lots of difficulties. Before now, some teachers were the ones helping to provide books to some. These gifts will encourage us and them to work."

Military colonel Alain Mvogo says the troops were handing out the gifts because the military not only fights wars but also reconciles people and strives for peace.

"Wars are not only won with military might, Mvogo said. Now that we are at the stabilization phase, we think it is very necessary to meet the center of gravity, which is the population."

Fotokol is one of the areas cited last year in the Amnesty report.

Boko Haram blamed

Amnesty said numerous human rights abuses were committed by Cameroon's military in its crackdown on Boko Haram, including the killing of dozens of civilians, torture, and arbitrary mass arrests.

The Nigeria-based Islamist terrorist group has been recruiting fighters in Cameroon, using them as spies and informants in areas it does not know.

Boko Haram, whose name in the Hausa language roughly translates to "Western education is a sin," has attacked mosques and churches on Cameroon's northern border with Nigeria, in addition to schools.

Military behind suffering

Pascal Tantoh is a 31-year-old teacher who fled the fighting between the military and separatist forces in the English-speaking northwest region. He said the U.S. decision to scale back security assistance indicates that America is finally realizing what Cameroon has suffered.

"I told myself that, oh, this is the right time. Let other nations follow suit, Tantoh said. The people have been suffering a lot because of the barbaric action of the military, and we want to believe that the military proves their strength because of this support from foreign bodies. I pray that other nations should follow if that is the ultimate goal for peace to return to our nation. It is very clear, a military solution cannot help the situation that we are going through. I just pray that even the state of Israel, let them come in. We are very very happy and we say kudus to [U.S. President] Donald Trump."

Businessman Victor Enow said he was targeted by Boko Haram terrorists in the northern town of Mora while returning from a business trip to Nigeria. He says the United States should have ensured peace returned to Cameroon before considering if it could withdraw its support.

"If America just leaves like that, what will happen to those citizens who are being killed every day? Enow said. I think they should first of all look at those citizens who are crying day in day out asking them {America} to come to their aid and try to see how they can stop the killing before withdrawing the aid that they give to Cameroon."

U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon Peter Barlerin speaks U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon Peter Barlerin speaks at the inauguration of the center, in Yaounde, Cameroon, Dec. 3, 2018. (M. Kindzeka/VOA) U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon Peter Barlerin speaks at the inauguration of the center, in Yaounde, Cameroon, Dec. 3, 2018. (M. Kindzeka/VOA)

Relations remain good

Peter Henry Barlerin, U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon, met with Cameroon's government spokesperson Rene Emmanuel Sadi after the cut was announced. Barlerin said despite the announced reduction in military aid, relations between the two countries remain good.

"We are not going to stop security cooperation with Cameroon, Barlerin said. We have our differences, Cameroon is a sovereign country and the United States is a sovereign country. Relations between Cameroon and the United states are excellent and long-standing and we aim to continue that relationship."

Besides the U.S., other countries that help Cameroon militarily, and which Cameroon counts on, include Israel, France, Germany and China.

Human rights groups have reported that Cameroonian security forces have targeted civilians in the far north and in the country's unstable southwest and northwest regions, where the military is battling English-speaking separatists fighting to create a breakaway nation called Ambazonia.
The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan said there is reason to be hopeful that the country's transitional government will succeed.

David Shearer said that following the signing of a new peace agreement, conditions have greatly improved from when former Vice President Riek Machar fled Juba in 2016.

South Sudan's opposition leader Riek Machar speaks South Sudan's opposition leader Riek Machar speaks at peace celebrations in the capital Juba, South Sudan, Oct. 31, 2018. South Sudan's opposition leader Riek Machar speaks at peace celebrations in the capital Juba, South Sudan, Oct. 31, 2018.

Shearer said Tuesday that the government has control of more territory, and there's an enormous push by the people of South Sudan for real change.

"And I don't think either side can turn their back on that. And together with the way that the peace negotiations were conducted, it brought both sides together, and they were able to agree on the basic framework for going forward," Shearer said at U.N. headquarters in New York.

Shearer acknowledged "some tricky issues going forward," and said while no agreement is perfect, the U.N. feels it is an agreement "that offers the best chance in a long while for moving South Sudan in the right direction."

Shearer also said that while the U.N. is very mindful of the pitfalls that lie ahead, it is cautiously optimistic both sides are "committed to going down that path. And if that happens, it'll make an enormous change to South Sudan."

FILE - South Sudanese President Salva Kiir attends South Sudan's president Salva Kiir attends a medals awarding ceremony for long serving servicemen of the South Sudan People's Liberation Army in the Bilpam, military headquarters in Juba, South Sudan Jan. 24, 2019. South Sudan's president Salva Kiir attends a medals awarding ceremony for long serving servicemen of the South Sudan People's Liberation Army in the Bilpam, military headquarters in Juba, South Sudan Jan. 24, 2019.

Warring factions and the government of President Salva Kiir signed a new peace agreement in September 2018. Under the agreement, Machar, who led one of the largest rebel groups, expects to return home later this year and take part in the transitional government.

The U.N. mission chief paints an optimistic picture of the current state of security in the country. He said civilian casualties have greatly diminished in recent months.

In the last four months since the signing of the agreement, Shearer said there has been "a very significant decline in casualties as a result of political violence." But he said there's been an uptick in casualties with regard to cattle raiding. Shearer said the numbers are in the low 100s.

Some fighting continues in parts of the Equatoria region in the southern part of the country, but Shearer added the casualties "are in the 2s and 3s, not in the hundreds."

And where peacekeepers patrol, such as around Protection of Civilian sites, Shearer said violence is almost non-existent.

"Very low numbers, in the POCs it's virtually nothing. If there's anything, it will be criminal more than anything else and through the rest of the country, but the peace agreement and cease-fire has largely held," said Shearer.

In this photo taken Jan. 6, 2019, government and o Government and opposition soldiers pose in the government barracks in Kajo Keji town, where 10 opposition soldiers were staying with the government troops in a makeshift soldier swap, in Kajo Keji county, South Sudan, Jan. 6, 2019. Government and opposition soldiers pose in the government barracks in Kajo Keji town, where 10 opposition soldiers were staying with the government troops in a makeshift soldier swap, in Kajo Keji county, South Sudan, Jan. 6, 2019.

Some people have concerns about security when Machar returns to the country. The SPLA-IO leader is expected to come back in May when the pre-transitional government is supposed to wind down to make way for the transitional government of national unity.

Shearer pointed out that a combined, pre-transitional committee, as outlined in the revitalized peace deal, will make decisions about security arrangements.

"We believe that it's in the best interests of the peace agreement that the parties themselves decide how they want to handle those security arrangements. If they can handle them themselves, that is an enormous confidence step to being able to get things moving that does not involve the U.N.," said Shearer.

To date, the U.N. has not been approached by any side regarding security for Machar's return.
UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations' humanitarian chief Thursday called on Yemen's Houthi rebels to give aid workers access to unused grain that could feed nearly 4 million starving people.

The grain is stored in silos near the port city of Hodeida and is at risk of rotting.

"I am deeply concerned that the United Nations has been unable to access the Red Sea Mills in Hodeida since September 2018," Mark Lowcock said in a statement. "Enough grain to feed 3.7 million people for a month has sat unused and possibly spoiling in silos at the mills for more than four months, while nearly 10 million people across the country remain just a step away from famine."

In November, the Saudi-led coalition took back the area where the Red Sea Mills is located in one of its last offensives against the Houthis before talks in Stockholm led to a fragile cease-fire for the Hodeida area. But the Houthis control the access route to the silos, and Lowcock said their forces have refused to let the U.N. cross the frontlines to reach the mills.

The World Food Program had some 51,000 metric tons of wheat stored there.

"I implore all parties, in particular Ansar Allah-affiliated groups, to finalize an agreement and facilitate access to the mills in the coming days," Lowcock said, referring to the Houthis by their formal name.

Last month, two of the silos were hit by rebel mortars. Lowcock said some of the grain was destroyed, probably enough to feed hundreds of thousands of people.

FILE - A pile of grains is seen at a damaged wareh FILE - A pile of grains is seen at a damaged warehouse of Yemen's Red Sea Mills company in the port city of Hodeida, Jan. 22, 2019. FILE - A pile of grains is seen at a damaged warehouse of Yemen's Red Sea Mills company in the port city of Hodeida, Jan. 22, 2019.

"These events are to be deplored," he said.

The U.N. has been working for months to prevent a famine taking hold in the war-torn country. More than 24 million people  80 percent of all Yemenis  need humanitarian assistance. They include nearly 10 million people who are on the brink of famine. Yemen is currently the world's largest humanitarian disaster.

The World Food Program provides assistance to nearly 10 million Yemenis each month and is scaling-up operations to reach 12 million.

Preliminary compromise

Meanwhile, the United Nations said talks continue aboard one of its ships in Hodeida harbor to resolve outstanding issues related to the mutual redeployment of forces away from the city and the opening of humanitarian corridors as called for in the Stockholm agreement.

"A preliminary compromise was agreed, pending further consultation by the parties with their respective leaders," U.N. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Thursday.

Separate discussions being held in the Jordanian capital, Amman, on an exchange of as many as 8,000 prisoners from each side also are continuing.
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U.S. President Donald Trump vowed Thursday to always protect people of faith, and praised their role in American life.

"As president, I will always cherish, honor and protect the believers who uplift our communities and sustain our nation,'' Trump told several hundred people at the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington.

"I will never let you down," Trump told the gathering of faith leaders, members of his Cabinet and top Republican and Democratic lawmakers, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, leader of the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives that has embarked on several investigations of Trump and his administration.

WATCH: Trump Pledges Commitment to Religious Freedom

Two days after calling in his State of the Union address for legislation to end late-term abortions, Trump declared, "We must build a culture that cherishes the dignity and sanctity of innocent human life. All children born and unborn are made in the holy image of God. Every life is sacred, and every soul is a precious gift from heaven."

The U.S. leader said, "When we open our hearts to faith, we fill our hearts with love."

He ended his short speech with his own prayer, saying, "Let us pray for the future of our country. Let us pray for the courage to pursue justice and the wisdom to forge peace."

"Let us pray for a future where every child has a warm, safe and loving home," he said. "Let us come together for the good of our people, for the strength of our families, for the safety of our citizens, for the fulfillment of our deepest hopes and our highest potential."
In his annual State of the Union Address to Congress and the nation Tuesday, President Donald Trump said the state of our union is strong.

But an honest assessment of the current political state of the union appears uncertain and fraying.

In the wake of Trumps speech, members of both U.S. political parties are trying to assess how to move forward under divided government in Washington.

WATCH: Trump's Offer to Democrats: Olive Branch or War

For the president, it was a night of mixed messages. On one hand, there was an open appeal to Democrats to work together.

There is a new opportunity in American politics if only we have the courage together to seize it, Trump told a Joint Session of Congress and those watching on television.

But shortly thereafter, the president issued a warning to Democrats eager to push investigations of the Trump White House.

If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just doesnt work that way.

FILE - President Donald Trump reviews border wall FILE - President Donald Trump reviews border wall prototypes, March 13, 2018, in San Diego. FILE - President Donald Trump reviews border wall prototypes, March 13, 2018, in San Diego.

?Border wall or bust

During the speech, Trump pressed hard for his border wall to fight illegal immigration.

But he also faced strong pushback on the issue from Democrats seated before him, including many women members dressed in white, the new faces of the Trump resistance.

Among them was Washington state Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who spoke with VOA congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson after the speech.

Thirty percent of his base is with him, but 70 percent of Americans still believe that immigration is a good thing for this country, said Jayapal. People do not believe we should have a wall at the southern border.

President Donald Trump after the State of the Unio President Donald Trump after the State of the Union address at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 5, 2019. President Donald Trump after the State of the Union address at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 5, 2019.

?Beyond the border wall

Trump did mention infrastructure improvement, health care and trade as areas where he and Democrats might find some common ground.

That is something that many Americans would welcome, said American University analyst Capri Cafaro via Skype.

It was a speech that gave some hope on issues of bipartisan cooperation. But Cafaro quickly added that many voters would also be skeptical about the two sides actually getting something done. I think they would say, But I have seen enough of how Washington is, so I will believe it when I see it.

Others were critical of the president for pushing bipartisanship in some areas, while also focusing on divisive hot-button issues aimed at mobilizing his base, like stopping illegal immigration, abortion and socialism.

He lapsed into the very partisan and very inflammatory rhetoric that frankly has put us where we are and has marked his presidency as being very much of a divider of our nation, said George Washington University scholar Todd Belt via Skype.

The president seemed especially determined to highlight the border security issue at the expense of many others, according to noted California political analyst Sherry Bebitch Jeffe.

I just thought it was really interesting that so much time was spent on immigration when polls indicate that the issues of most concern to Americans are the economy, health care and education.

Focus on 2020

To many, Trumps focus on immigration was a sure sign that he has the 2020 presidential election on his mind.

His language on the wall sounded like a campaign speech, said Brookings Institution analyst Bill Galston. So, I suspect in the end that the speech will do a lot more to please his core supporters than to attract new ones.

Trumps approval rating remains stuck down near 40 percent. But during the speech, it was clear that Republicans were sticking with the president, rising several times to their feet to cheer him in the House chamber.

But the partisan reactions in the hall also symbolized the divided electorate the president faces as he looks ahead to the presidential campaign next year.

We are highly polarized. He is a populist president appealing to his base. He did a good job, said American University scholar James Thurber on VOAs Plugged In. It was almost like a campaign speech,and this is not going to change America. America is highly polarized out there.

Supporters of President Donald Trump listen to him FILE - Supporters of President Donald Trump listen to him speak during a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. FILE - Supporters of President Donald Trump listen to him speak during a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo.

?Base loyalty

Trump lost ground in the polls in the wake of the recent government shutdown, where he got more of the blame than did congressional Democrats.

And that means catering to his base is more important than ever, said Galston.

The president is in for a rough 2019. He is facing congressional investigations and the Mueller report, and he may have decided that the most important thing in the immediate future is to make sure his base remains firmly attached to him and highly mobilized.

Trump did get a boost in some polls right after the speech, including a CBS instant poll that found 76 percent approved of the presidents performance, while 24 percent disapproved.

But given the complexities of divided government with Democratic control of the House and his overall weak poll support, the president now faces some daunting political challenges as he heads into his own re-election battle next year.
U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out Thursday at congressional investigations of his finances and business dealings spearheaded by newly empowered opposition Democrats in the House of Representatives.

He assailed Congressman Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, whom he said had "found zero Russian collusion" in the 2016 presidential election, but was now "going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so. Never happened before! Unlimited Presidential Harassment."

So now Congressman Adam Schiff announces, after having found zero Russian Collusion, that he is going to be looking at every aspect of my life, both financial and personal, even though there is no reason to be doing so. Never happened before! Unlimited Presidential Harassment....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 7, 2019



"The Dems and their committees are going 'nuts.'" Trump said in a string of pre-dawn Twitter comments.

Trump wrongly claimed that Republican lawmakers never investigated his predecessor, former Democratic President Barack Obama, saying "there would be no time left to run government."

He described the investigation by Schiff's committee as "a continuation of the Witch Hunt," the term he has long used to describe the ongoing probe by special counsel Robert Mueller into Trump campaign links to Russia and whether Trump, as president, obstructed justice by trying to thwart the investigation. Five men in Trump's orbit have been convicted of various offenses in the investigation and a sixth indicted.

"PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT! It should never be allowed to happen again!" the president said.

PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT! It should never be allowed to happen again!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 7, 2019



Trump's vitriol at the new investigations came as a House panel holds a hearing Thursday on the subject of presidential tax returns, an initial step in a process that could lead the Democratic-led panel to examine his tax information.

Trump Calls Widening House Probe 'Presidential Harassment' A U.S. A U.S.

Democrats last month took over as the majority party in the House and are embarking on a number of investigations at the committee level looking into Trump's financial interests and whether they might be driving certain policy decisions.

Tax returns are confidential, but under law the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee has the power to obtain anyone's tax filing.

The issue has lingered since Trump launched his presidential campaign and broke with modern precedent by not voluntarily disclosing his tax information. His opponent, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, released her tax return.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 6, 2019. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 6, 2019.

At a White House event on Wednesday, Trump targeted his criticism at Schiff, a prominent Trump critic, after he announced the new investigation.

"Under what basis would he do that? He has no basis to do that. He's just a political hack. He's trying to build a name for himself," Trump said.

Hours earlier, Schiff declared that the committee would broaden its investigation to go "beyond Russia" and examine whether Trump's concern for his financial interests is driving his decisions and actions as president.

House Panel Votes to Send Russia Transcripts to Mueller In the panel's first act since Democrats took the majority, the House intelligence committee voted Wednesday to send more than 50 interview transcripts from its now-closed Russia investigation to special counsel Robert Mueller.Two Republican members of the panel, Republican Reps. Michael Conaway of Texas and Chris Stewart of Utah, confirmed the outcome of the vote, which took place behind closed doors.The vote came the morning after Trump criticized "ridiculous partisan investigations" in his State of In the panel's first act since Democrats took the majority, the House intelligence committee voted Wednesday to send more than 50 interview transcripts from its now-closed Russia investigation to special counsel Robert Mueller.Two Republican members of the panel, Republican Reps. Michael Conaway of Texas and Chris Stewart of Utah, confirmed the outcome of the vote, which took place behind closed doors.The vote came the morning after Trump criticized "ridiculous partisan investigations" in his State of

The committee's wider mandate will "allow us to investigate any credible allegation that financial interests or other interests are driving decision-making of the president or anyone in the administration," Schiff told reporters. "That pertains to any credible allegations of leverage by the Russians or the Saudis or anyone else."



The California congressman and former federal prosecutor said the committee would continue examining Russia's actions during the 2016 presidential election as well as contacts between Moscow and Trump's campaign team, but now would also scrutinize "whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Donald Trump, his family, his business, or his associates."



The committee, earlier Wednesday, voted to send more than 50 transcripts of interviews from its Russia investigation to Mueller.



When the panel was under Republican control last year, lawmakers of the then-majority party in the House sought to bring their investigation to an end, despite protests from Democrats that it was premature to reach any conclusions.



Abrams: Trump Needs to Tell Truth, Respect 'Diversity That Defines America' In the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, Stacey Abrams said Tuesday that while she is "very disappointed" by the president's approach to the country's problems, she is not wishing for him to fail."But we need him to tell the truth, and to respect his duties and respect the extraordinary diversity that defines America," she said. In the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, Stacey Abrams said Tuesday that while she is "very disappointed" by the president's approach to the country's problems, she is not wishing for him to fail."But we need him to tell the truth, and to respect his duties and respect the extraordinary diversity that defines America," she said.

Trump, during his State of the Union address Tuesday to lawmakers of both chambers, called such inquiries by congressional committees "ridiculous partisan investigations."



In his speech, Trump stated, "If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters Wednesday that Congress would be "delinquent" if it failed to carry out its oversight responsibilities and that Trump "should not bring threats to the floor of the House."
BEIJING, Feb. 6 -- Beijing saw more than 4 million arrivals of overseas tourists in 2018, up 2 percent year on year, the municipal statistics bureau has said.

The United States and Japan were the two major sources of overseas tourists in Beijing, which saw 720,000 visits from Americans and 249,000 from Japanese, according to the bureau.

Continent-wise, Asia was the top source of tourists in Beijing, which saw about 1.7 million visits from countries and regions in Asia last year, up 1.4 percent year on year.

Beijing plans to further promote one-day tours, improve the 144-hour visa-free entry policy, and offer tax refunds to attract more foreign visitors, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development said last year.
South Africa: President's economic interventions a step in the right direction

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies says President Cyril Ramaphosas announcements on measures to expand exports and fix State-owned entities are a step in the right direction.

Davies said the package of interventions the President announced in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) will go a long way in boosting economic growth.

I think the President gave a very comprehensive account and direction of the movement of the economy. The Investment Summit that was held last year was a very good boost and on the basis of that, there has also been a lot of [work done to address] a number of challenges in the economy. [The President] identified that in the medium-term, our growth will have to be focused on high-level evaluated exports

About a third of our total exports go to the African continent and two thirds of that are evaluated products. I think this is the direction we need to be moving in as we have a big boost in confidence that we must use to our advantage, Davies said.

In his speech, the President announced bold plans to focus on significantly expanding the small business incubation programme, given the key role that small businesses play in stimulating economic activity and employment.

Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu welcomed the announcement.

The issue of business incubation is very important. I am happy that the President spoke about it because it is through that process that innovators, start-ups, people who want to start their own businesses and people who have bright ideas can be in an environment where they can get their plans to grow, she said.

With the President dedicating a chunk of his speech to addressing the importance of decidedly fixing Eskom and making bold decisions to ensure that State-owned entities are self-sufficient, Energy Minister Jeff Radebe said it was important to implement energy efficient measures to ensure that South Africa attracts foreign investment.

The President in his State of the Nation Address underlines the important point of how the economy can grow if South Africans work together. From an energy perspective, the line of march is that we need to ensure that the cost of electricity goes down so that we can attract investment into the South African economy, Radebe said.

Before he left the National Assembly, former President Kgalema Motlanthe told journalists after the speech that he was glad President Ramaphosa dwelt on fixing the economy, in his address.

NHI a universal imperative

Meanwhile, the Presidents announcement that the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill is in its final stages and is set to head to Parliament has been welcomed by Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

When I was in Davos with the President [for WEF], this was a central issue. A decision was taken that in September, this matter must be taken to the United Nations high-level meeting to be discussed because the world needs universal health coverage.

This is healthcare coverage where people are treated according to their needs and not in terms of the depth of their pockets, said the Minister.

According to Motsoaledi, the successful roll-out of the NHI will have a domino effect on various economic issues.

It is not only about health, it is about the economy. No country in the world can grow when people are sick and dont have access to adequate treatment.

To drive his point home, Motsoaledi made the example of the Sierra Leone economy, which took a knock after nine months of the Ebola outbreak.

NPA investigative directorate to tackle corruption

Justice Minister Michael Masutha said he was particularly encouraged by the announcement that the NPA will receive its own investigating directorate that will, in the main, deal with corruption cases.

The President has confirmed the investigating directorate at the NPA, which means I have an IOU that I can take to the Finance Minister and say I need money to establish this directorate, which will be focusing on the volume of complex criminal investigations and prosecutions on all forms of corruption, said Masutha.

In making the announcement, the President said the idea of the directorate is borne from the issues emerging from the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State capture and other commissions.

To this end, President Ramaphosa said he and the new National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, who took over the reins at the NPA on February 1, agreed that there is an urgent need to establish the directorate.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2019-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
RTHK: Washington vows no let-up on Islamic State

The United States promised on Wednesday to stay focused on permanently destroying the Islamic State group but asked concerned allies to contribute more, as President Donald Trump boasted that the extremists will soon have lost all their territory in Syria.

Trump addressed officials from more than 70 countries who came to Washington to discuss ways ahead in the battle Islamic State, also known as ISIS, after Trump stunned many of them in December by declaring victory and ordering all 2,000 troops out of Syria.

Speaking at the State Department, Trump said that US-led troops and their Kurdish allies had "liberated virtually all of the territory" from the jihadists who once controlled a vast stretch of Syria and Iraq in a self-styled caliphate.

"It should be formally announced sometime next week that we will have 100 percent of the caliphate," Trump said.

"Remnants -- that's all they have, remnants -- but remnants can be very dangerous," he added.

"Rest assured, we'll do what it takes to defeat every ounce and every last person within the ISIS madness and defend our people from radical Islamic terrorism," he said.

The conference comes amid behind-the-scenes efforts to manage the unintended consequences of the US pullout, including keeping peace between Turkey and Kurdish fighters and finding a solution for hundreds of foreign jihadists jailed in Syria who Washington says should be repatriated by their home countries.

But the one-day event did not immediately produce major announcements and US leaders were partly focused on domestic priorities, with Trump using the occasion to vow a hard line on immigration and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo taking unsubtle digs at previous president Barack Obama.

The conference did not include representatives from Syria Bashar al-Assad or Russia and Iran, which have said they are seeking to defeat the Islamic State group as they shore up his iron-fisted rule.

Opening the conference, Pompeo described Trump's troop pullout as a "tactical change" with extremists increasingly scattered around the world.

"It is not a change in the mission," Pompeo said, adding "our fight will not necessarily always be military-led."

"We are entering an era of decentralized jihad so we must be nimble in our approach as well," he said.

Officials say that the US withdrawal will happen, although at a slower pace than Trump first intended.

The US representative who was in charge of the coalition, Brett McGurk, resigned along with defence secretary Jim Mattis in protest over Trump's decision.

And Trump's own intelligence chief, Dan Coats, warned last week before Congress that the Islamic State group would try to stage a comeback as troops withdraw.

Hoping to avoid the worst outcomes, Pompeo asked US partners to step up intelligence-sharing and to make up a US$350 million shortfall in a fund intended to bring stability to Iraq.

"Now is the time for all of us, not just America, to put our money where our mouth is," Pompeo said.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who were at the forefront of the battle that crushed the Islamic State, have warned that they may no longer be able to guard prisons housing jihadists from France, Britain and other foreign countries after the US withdrawal if Turkey attacks.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who spoke to Trump before the pullout orders, has vowed to crush the Kurdish fighters in Syria, linking them to separatists at home.

Fears of a Turkish incursion have led to ongoing talks on setting up a buffer zone along the Syrian border.

Speaking in Washington, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu pledged that Ankara would work to ensure that the Islamic State group does not rebuild.

"Avoidance of power vacuums that could be exploited by terrorists to undermine Syria's territorial integrity and neighbors' national security will be essential," said Cavusoglu, as quoted by the state-run Anadolu news agency.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali al-Hakim also asked coalition partners to consider "the integrity of Syrian territory to maintain the great victory." (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2019-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.